USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1951 > Part 5
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Contracts were let for our new Pumping Station Equipment-Build- ing and Laying of main to School Street. We expect completion of this project in April.
We wish to thank the residents of the Town of Hamilton and all the Town Departments for their co-operation during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE A. HARRIGAN RICHARD H. SMITH FREDERICK P. GOODHUE
Board of Water Commissioners.
63
REPORT OF THE WATER SUPERINTENDENT
To the Board of Water Commissioners,
GENTLEMEN :
I herewith submit my report of the activities of the Water Department for the year 1951.
Owing to the number of new homes constructed in the past year the department has been exceedingly busy installing new house services, sixty- eight of which were installed this year making a total of eight hundred and fifteen services. In comparison, ten years ago the department in- stalled twenty-seven services making a total of three hundred and twelve.
The total amount of water pumped in 1941 was 23,950,000 gallons and average daily consumption was 65,343 gallons.
The largest amount of water pumped in a month in 1951 was in November when the total was 4,020,000 gallons.
Total gallons pumped in 1951 40,692,000 gallons
Total gallons purchased from Essex 6,528,700 gallons
Total gallons consumed in 1951 47,220,700 gallons 129,372 gallons
Daily average consumption
I wish to urge all householders to be extremely careful of leaking water faucets and flush toilets. Water costs money. Do not waste it.
The following tables gives some reasons for high water meter readings.
Leaks through opening of Waste per quarter
1/4 in. 1,200,000 gal. 675,000 gal. 3/16 in. 1/8 in. 1/16 in. 75,000 gal.
300,000 gal.
1/32 in. 19,000 gal.
at 60 lbs. pressure.
The use of Calgon has been continued as in the past years. Water samples have been taken and sent to the State Department of Sanitation for analysis as required. Hydrants have been flushed and checked through- out the system. When necessary meters have been taken out repaired and placed back in service.
I wish to express my appreciation to the Water Commissioners and other towns officials who have assisted me in any way.
Respectfully submitted,
RAYMOND A. WHIPPLE, Superintendent.
64
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton :
We submit, herewith, a report for the year ending December 31, 1951.
Routine collections of both rubbish and garbage were maintained with satisfactory results. The Board requests that householders keep the garbage free of rubbish and the rubbish free of garbage.
The Board attended a meeting in Salem with reference to the fluorida- tion of the Town water supply. We believe that this program will be of great benefit to the community and we urge its acceptance at the Annual Town Meeting.
The following communicable diseases were reported during the year :
Chicken Pox
2 Measles 2
Mumps
4 Dog Bite
The Dental Clinic has been continued under the direction of Dr. John King, assisted by Miss Florence Stobbart, School Nurse, with very satis- factory results. A report of the Dental Clinic follows this report of your Board of Health.
We wish to take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to the late Leland D. Thompson, Surveyor of Highways, for his splendid assistance and friendly advice so often extended to this Board.
Respectfully submitted, EVERETT F. HALEY
EDWARD A. DEWITT LAWRENCE R. STONE
65
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON THE FORMATION OF A UNION HEALTH DEPARTMENT
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton :
This committee was appointed last year to investigate and study the provisions of Chapter 662 of the Acts of 1949 relative to the formation of union health departments and to recommend whether or not Hamilton should join with other towns to form such a union.
Under the Act municipalities having a population of less than 35,000 which have not voluntarily joined a health union by 1959 will be included in such a union by the state department of public health, unless they pro- vide certain minimum health services. |Neighboring towns now have no plans to form a health union. The matter is being investigated in some towns, however, and this committee has planned a meeting with representa- tives of such towns.
LBecause of the limited information now available, this committee thinks that it is not now advisable for it to make any recommendation as to the desirability of Hamilton joining with other towns to form a health union. It suggests, however, that its authority be continued for another year.
Respectfully submitted.
HAROLD A. DALEY, Chairman DR. ALBERT R. LARCHEZ PAUL F. PERKINS, JR. SAMUEL TYACK DR. S. A. WILSON
66
REPORT OF THE DENTAL CLINIC
To the Hamilton Board of Health :
GENTLEMEN :
I herewith submit my report of the Hamilton Dental Clinic for the year 1951.
Amalgram fillings
412
Cement fillings
61
Cement linings
34
Zinc Oxide linings
12
Cleanings
119
Extractions :
Temporary teeth
32
Permanent teeth
2
Novocaine injections
48
X-rays
23
Flourine treatments
20
Root canal treatments
21
Examinations
63
During 1951 work was done on 173 children with a total of 662 visits to my office.
The 63 examinations were done for the children and no charge was made for same.
79 children received their Dental Certificates during the year, and while this number is smaller than in other years, it is easily accounted for. When the Clinic was started in 1941 the enrollment in the first six grades was about 180. Now it is more than twice that number.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN KING, D.M.D.
67
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
To the Citizens of Hamilton :
We submit herewith a report of the Welfare Department for the year ending December 31, 1951.
The expenditures for general relief during 1951 showed a decrease of approximately $2600 in comparison to 1950. This was principally due to a decrease in medical costs and the transfer of cases to other categories of assistance.
Expenditures for Aid to Dependent Children during 1951 were in- creased by approximately $2600 over 1950. This was principally due to dependent families with several children moving into town.
Old Age Assistance payments increased by approximately $7,000 over 1950, due to a cost-of-living increase during the year-an increase in the number of recipients, and increased medical expenses.
Legislation enacted during the year which becomes effective on Jan- uary 1, 1952 increases the minimum amount of old age assistance and other income that a recipient shall receive to $55 per month for a person living in a family group and to $75 per month for a person living alone. Based upon our present case load, this will result in an increase of $3,000 in our expenditures for 1952. This legislation also provides that a lien must be taken on all property in which an old age assistance recipient has an interest, with provisions for recovery by the town of assistance granted after January 1, 1952.
A new category of assistance was created by the 1951 Legislature known as "Disability Assistance." As the title implies, this category is for permanently and totally disabled persons. Seventy-five percent of the assistance granted under this category is reimbursed by the Federal Government and the State, the remainder being the town's share of the cost.
During the year Robert H. Kirby completed his on-the-job training program and is now eligible to take the examination for welfare work. Francis H. Whipple, welfare agent for several years, has continued to carry on the work on a part time basis.
The following figures show the expenditures, reimbursements and net cost to the town for each category during the year :
68
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
Expenditures
Reimbursements
By Town $44.199.92
Federal Government .. $21.324.00
State 16.574.35
Meals Tax 681.79
Towns and Cities
624.79
Individuals
157.00
Net Cost to Town
4,837.99
$44,199.92
$44,199.92
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
Expenditures
Reimbursements
By Town
$4,244.13
Federal Government $1.691.57
State
1,215.28
Individuals
53.80
Net Cost to Town
583.48
$4,244.13
$4,244.13
GENERAL RELIEF
Expenditures
Reimbursements
By Town
$7,349.78
State
$148.85
Towns and Cities
571.60
Individuals
190.00
Net Cost to Town
6,439.33
$7,349.78
$7,349.78
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE
Expenditures
$730.75
Due from Federal
Government & State
$548.06
Net Cost to Town 182.69
$730.75
$730.75
We express our sincere appreciation to all who have assisted us in any way during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD A. DEWITT
EVERETT F. HALEY LAWRENCE R. STONE Board of Public Welfare.
By Town
69
PROGRESS REPORT OF SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton :
At a special Town Meeting held November 19, 1951, additional funds in the amount of $150,000 were voted to enable completion of the school building program as planned in spite of sharply rising costs.
Contracts were forthwith awarded to the low bidders on the separate projects : elementary school to Farina Construction Company, Inc .; high school alterations and additions to Knut Swanson, Inc .; high school heat- ing plant to Francis H. Maroney. The bids on waterproofing, however, were rejected because the great range of bids received gave rise to the opinion on the part of the Committee that the specifications as written left too much room for doubt. Accordingly, these specifications were am- plified and re-advertised, and at this writing it expected that the contract will soon be awarded.
Much thought was given to the choice of a clerk of the works, and this position, so important to the Town's investment, was given to Joseph F. McComiskey of Beverly.
Work on both schools was begun before the end of November, and in spite of the unpropitious time of year. has progressed favorably. Much depends on the weather of late winter and early spring, still more on the continued availability of materials and labor, yet it is believed that a good beginning has been made.
Your Committee is well aware that many hazards can arise as work progresses, but looks forward with reasonable optimism to satisfactory com- pletion of the schools by September.
Respectfully submitted,
FINLAY D. MACDONALD, Chairman STANDISH BRADFORD FORRESTER A. CLARK RUTH F. DONALDSON G. GORDON LOVE
School Building Committee.
70
REPORT OF COMMITTEE APPOINTED TO ERECT ROAD MARKERS
By authority of a vote of the Town at the 1951 annual meeting, a Committee consisting of Lawrence Lamson, Philip C. Hopkins and John H. Ostrom was appointed to erect the French Memorial Road Markers which were given to the town through the 40 et 8 of the American Legion by Avranches and LeHarve, France, commemorating the late General George S. Patton, Jr., of Hamilton and his famed Third United States Army for liberating those French cities during World War II.
The committee engaged Edward MacGregor, local contractor, for the sum of $50, the amount appropriated by the town for the purpose, to erect the Markers on the stone columns at the Main Street entrance to Patton Memorial Park. Mrs. Patton, the General's widow, had the area graded and planted with shrubs, and on April 15, 1951, a public ceremony was held at the Park to dedicate the Markers.
At this ceremony, the French Consul to Boston, Albert Chambon, and the Fourth Armored Division Associates, which the General formerly com- manded, plus many high-ranking military officers, took active parts, as did Augustus Peabody Gardner Post 194 American Legion. Essex Voiture 633, 40 et 8, the Board of Selectmen and the Reverend Halsey DeWolfe Howe, Pastor of Christ Church, Hamilton.
Respectfully submitted, LAWRENCE LAMSON, Chairman PHILIP C. HOPKINS JOHN H. OSTROM
71
REPORT ON THE ELMS AND THE DUTCH ELM DISEASE IN HAMILTON, MASSACHUSETTS
By Charles O. Baird, Forester
This report was prepared at the request of Mr. Rudolph H. Haraden, Tree Warden and Moth Superintendent for the town of Hamilton, upon the recommendation of the Finance Committee. Primarily, it is intended to provide the town authorities with information which may be of value in planning and carrying out a program for reducing the threat of the Dutch elm disease to the elms of property value in Hamilton. Also, it is hoped that from the report the townspeople may gain a better understand- ing of the serious nature of this disease and of the problems involved in protecting the healthy elms. The elm census, which is the basis of this report, was made by Mr. Haraden and the writer. Recommendations which we have made herein are based both on the findings of research agencies and on the experiences of other towns in which the Dutch elm disease has been prevalent for several years.
The Dutch elm disease may be described briefly as a fungus (minute plant) which clogs and poisons the water-conducting vessels in the sapwood of elm trees and which usually results in death to an infected tree. It was first discovered in the United States in 1930, having been brought to this country from Europe on burl elm logs imported for the furniture veneer trade. This fungus is carried principally by a small beetle, commonly known as the elm bark beetle (not to be confused with the elm leaf beetle) . This beetle breeds under the bark of dead and dying elm wood and feeds on the tender bark of healthy elms. While feeding, it may innoculate a healthy elm with the spores of the Dutch elm fungus picked up from a diseased elm. The difficulty in combating this disease lies largely in the fact that present practical control measures are indirect, i.e., control of the carrier beetle rather than of the fungus itself.
The most recent report from the Shade Tree Laboratories at the Uni- versity of Massachusetts shows that 247 towns in 11 counties in Massachu- setts have had elm positively identified as having been infected with the Dutch elm disease, which was first discovered in this state in 1941. Of these 247 towns, only 53 were reported as being without new infections in 1951. This fact is significant because it indicates the nature of the Dutch elm disease. Based on the record, the odds are great that if the disease once gets into a town, it will continue to kill elms for several years unless it is brought under control by artificial measures.
According to the aforementioned report from the Shade Tree Labora-
72
tories, no samples from infected elms have been received from within the town of Hamilton. This fact, however, should not be regarded as conclu- sive evidence that the elms in your town are free of this disease, because the official report is based only on those trees from which samples have been received and diagnosed as positively infected. However, observations during the course of our survey lead to the conclusion that the elms in Hamilton are not at the present time endangered by an extensive outbreak of the disease. provided adequate protective measures are undertaken im- mediately. The need for these is intensified by the fact that the adjoining towns of Essex. Ipswich. and Wenham had elms stricken with the Dutch elm disease in 1951.
ELM CENSUS
The results of the elm census are given in tabular form on the next page. In making the census, all elms. public and private. which were located within 500 feet of town roads were counted. Approximately 30 miles of streets were covered. Elms within the state highway right-of-way on Main Street were not counted because the town has no jurisdiction over them.
Elms classified as shade trees were placed in one of the three follow- ing categories : (1) Priority spraying and pruning ; (2) General spraying and pruning ; and (3) Removal. Also, each elm was classified as to owner- ship (public or private) and as to size (over 10 inches or under 10 inches in diameter at breast height). While these classifications do not result in the requirements or exact locations of individual trees being given, we be- lieve they are of sufficient detail to show the overall condition and to en- able more accurate cost estimates to be made for the necessary Dutch elm disease control work. In this survey. each street was considered a unit, and complete figures are given by streets. Elms not of value as shade trees. i.e .. woodland elms located adjacent to town roads, were estimated and are shown separately. Figures shown for these trees are approximations.
Under the arbitrary counting restrictions, the census showed that there are approximately 2100 elms of value as shade trees in Hamilton, exclusive of the elms located on the state highway right-of-way. Of this total, appro- ximately 550 are public trees and 1550 private. Of the public elms, appro- ximately two-thirds are large trees, i.e., over 10 inches in diameter at breast height. The census further showed that there are now 4 public elms which. because of their physical condition, are now, or will soon become menaces to public travel and are likely breeding places for the elm bark beetle -- carrier of the Dutch elm disease. In addition, there are 20 private elms which may contribute toward the increase in bark beetle population. All of these trees have been recommended for removal. Finally, the census showed that there are approximately 175 public elms of such outstanding beauty, location, and apparent physical vigor as to justify every reasonable effort to protect them from the Dutch elm disease and the attacks of the elm leaf beetle. We recommend that these trees, whose street locations and size class are shown in the table, receive priority in spraying and prun- ing.
ELM CENSUS - HAMILTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY, 1952
Total*
Private Recommended for Removal Public
Public
Public Treest Recommended for Priority Spray- ing & Pruning
Woodland Elms Located within 300 Feet of Street Elms
Location
No. Elms
over 10"
under 10"
over 10"
under 10''
over 10"
under 10"
over 10"
under 10"
over 10"
under 10"
over 10"
under 10"
Total
Arlington St.
1
2
171
1
1
2
46
19
84
20
169
15
5
20
15
35
50
Bridge St.
131
32
2
60
37
131
16
1
17
100
100
Chebacco Rd.
11
5
2
4
11
Chestnut St.
5
(1)1
1
14
21
14
21
100
5
7
12
13
25
40
Essex St.
163
30
16
53
64
163
11
4
15
13
20
33
Gardner St.
41
14
4
19
4
41
2
1
3
10
50
60
Goodhue St.
25
2
2
6
8
9
23
2
2
Hamilton Cem.
16
Highland St.
303
3
1
4
110
22
120
47
299
31
6
37
50
200
250
Home St.
2
Linden St.
6
(3)8
2
10
1
1
152
202
659
1
5
80
100
180
Maple St.
20
1
-1
12
20
1
1
1
18
5
24
Moulton St.
61
19
18
15
9
61
3
5
8
25
150
175
Orchard St.
10
8
2
10
Railroad Ave.
14
14
14
Sagamore St.
56
13
13
22
8
56
5
3
8
40
100
140
School St.
-1
1
5
4
10
1
1
2
Walnut Rd.
38
1
1
5
2
14
17
33
2
2
15
15
Willow St.
6
46
19
40
21
126
11
8
19
30
100
Winthrop St.
126
16
10
44
19
89
3
3
6
13
15
Totals
2108
4
(4)17
3
24
376
157
1047
504
2084
127
18
175
295
885
1180
*Less Woodland Elms. ( ) Topped Trees. #Does not include Elms on State Highway Right-of-Way.
Also included under Elms recommended for General Spraying and Pruning.
1
1
Arthur Ave.
2
2
5
Cutler Rd.
101
14
2
16
11
2
16
2
2
于
2
6
#Main St.
669
Miles River Rd.
24
2
3
2
7
1
1
2
Union St.
10
6
6
20
20
Woodbury St.
89
Recommended for General Spraying & Pruning Private
Total
Total
Total
Asbury St.
1
1
74
In addition to the some 2100 elms classified as shade trees. the census showed that there are roughly 1200 woodland elnis so located as to jeopard- ize street elms should the disease become rampant in the future. This fact is significant because it may make the problem of controlling the Dutch elm disease much more difficult. due to the possibility of innumerable breed- ing places becoming available in such areas.
With respect to the data given in the table, attention should be called to the fact that the method employed in making the census does not guaran- tee the accuracy of counting down to the last tree. However, for the pur- pose intended, the accuracy is believed to be adequate. Also. the survey was made when the trees were leafless, at which time it is of course more difficult to determine the vigor and condition of a tree than when the leaves are present. Hence the figures shown may have to be adjusted slightly with the reappearance of the leaves in the spring.
GENERAL PROTECTIVE MEASURES
There are at present four methods of fighting the Dutch elm disease on which scientists and practical tree men are in general agreement. These are : (1) Spraying with a high concentrate of DDT before the leaves appear (April 15 to May 15) and again in mid-summer (July 1 to July 15) with a lower concentrate (because of danger to foliage) of DDT to kill the bark beetles when they emerge and begin to feed in the crotches of the twigs. DDT properly applied and in sufficient amounts is reported to be effective against the elm bark beetle for from 2 to 3 months. There are usually two broods of bark beetles each year.
(?) Removal of dead and dying elms to prevent their being used for breeding purposes by the bark beetles. Removed trees should be burned immediately to destroy the bark. If stumps are left in the ground, the bark should be removed below the ground level and burned. An alterna- tive to removing dead and dying elms is to keep such trees covered with sufficient amounts of DDT to kill any bark beetles emerging from under the bark.
(3) Pruning dead and dying branches from otherwise healthy elms.
(4) Feeding of the elms by various methods of fertilization. It is believed that a healthy, vigorous tree will be able to ward off attacks from insects and diseases more readily than a declining one.
HOPE FROM RESEARCH
A new chemical treatment has been found very effective experimental- ly in preventing the Dutch elm fungus from infecting seedling elms by the Connectitcut Agricultural Experiment Station. While this agency will not recommend this treatment for practical use yet, it feels that this new treatment offers more hope for controlling the Dutch elm disease than any- thing yet discovered. If this chemical compound proves effective after more testing, it will provide the first direct control measure against this disease.
75
SPRAYING WITH DDT
Research by various state and federal agencies has shown conclusively that DDT, properly applied and in sufficient amounts, is very effective in controlling the Dutch elm disease by preventing bark beetle feeding on healthy elms. The question then arises as to why do towns which have been spraying their elms with DDT continue to have large numbers of elms stricken with this disease? The answer is that insufficient amounts of DDT are applied per tree to provide the greatest degree of control possible. Most research agencies recommend that from 3 to 5 pounds of actual DDT be applied per tree for the dormant spray. In dollars this would mean an expenditure of from $5 to $10 per elm for one year's pro- tection. It is obvious that such heavy doseages, even though greater con- trol will be obtained from their application, are financially out of reach for most towns. Research has further shown that, within limits, protection increases with increasing amounts of DDT applied per tree. Consequent- ly, each town must determine how much money it can justifiably spend on spraying its elms, and in that way determine how much DDT can be applied per tree. Even if only half a pound can be put on. some control will be obtained.
We recommend that a minimum of one pound of DDT be applied dur- ing the dormant spray to those elms of exceptional value-priority elms. Half this amount should be applied during the foliage application. If the remaining public and private elms cannot receive this much material, they should be sprayed with lighter dosages.
If a DDT emulsion concentrate containing a known amount of DDT by weight is mixed with a known amount of water, the resulting mixture will contain a known amount of DDT per gallon. Thus the operator of the mist blower will know exactly what the delivery rate, in pounds of DDT, is. Care should be exercised in spraying with heavy concentrations of DDT. Certain plants, such as Japanese red maple and barberry, are particularly susceptible to DDT burn. Also, high concentrations of DDT may have harmful effects on birds.
SPRAYING, REMOVING, AND PRUNING COSTS
As will be concluded from the above, the cost of spraying elms with DDT is largely dependent upon the amount of material applied per tree. Other variables of importance are type of spraying equipment employed and whether municipal or private crews do the work. The town of Hamil- ton owns a mist blower and town employees do the spraying. These facts should keep the cost of spraying at a minimum.
The cost of removing elm trees depends upon many variables, as does spraying. The figure of $100 has often been cited as the cost of removing the average elm from a city street by a private contractor. A large tree, located near buildings, may cost several times this much, whereas smaller trees located in the open may cost only a few dollars.
Pruning dead branches from elms requires the services of skilled and experienced climbers. Consequently, the cost of such work may well be
76
one of the big items in the control program. Generally. pruning is charged for on a per hour basis and may be as much as $2.00 or $3.00 per man hour when done by a private contractor.
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