USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1952 > Part 4
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We wish to thank our Superintendent, Philip S. Plummer who has performed his duties so conscientiously.
Respectfully submitted,
RAYMOND A. WHIPPLE LAWRENCE C. FOSTER JOHN T. WALKE
47
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
Several matters of unusual interest have marked the year past as it concerns your Hamilton Public Library.
Mrs. Beatrice B. Holmes, for many years a devoted trustee, and chair- man of the group in recent years, submitted her resignation due to the necessity of moving from Hamilton. Acceptance of the resignation was a matter of deep regret and her fellow trustees and the citizens of the town herewith express their gratitude for her years of splendid service.
Mr. Melvin F. Reid was appointed by the Selectmen to complete her unexpired term. Mr. Reid had previously served as a member of the Book Selection Committee.
A significant milestone in local library history was marked in 1952 by the formation of a group of interested citizens into an organization to be known as Friends of the Library. This volunteer group should prove a vital force for expansion and development of the library's work, and indeed it has already proved to be. Membership, thus far, is as follows: Mrs. Randall Adams, Mrs. Thomas Britton, Mrs. Chalmers Carothers, Mr. Clement Hayes, Mrs. George Huckins, Mrs. Robert Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Alan Kay, Mrs. Edward McGuiness, Mrs. John Neary, Mrs. Morley Piper, Mrs. Frank Pulsifer, Mrs. Carl Ricker, Miss Martha Robinson, Mrs. Wayne Shafer, and Mrs. Percival Whipple. An immediate task confronting the new organization was the orderly transfer of library headquarters in con- nection with the Town Hall rearrangement. This difficult preliminary work was undertaken with enthusiasm, despite the fact that contractor's plans made book removal necessary the week before Christmas. Since that time the Friends of the Library have given invaluable aid in the planning, decoration, and assembling of the new and attractive library quarters. In fact, there is a considerable question as to how this work could have been accomplished without the aid of the new auxiliary group.
The Friends of the Library expect to co-operate with the trustees and librarians in a variety of continuing projects to broaden and enliven the scope of the town's library program. These will include efforts to make the reading rooms more inviting, assistance with book selection, reading classes for children, book displays, and closer co-operation with the schools, to mention a few.
The trustees are deeply grateful for this public spirited display of interest in their department. They are confident that with the exceedingly attractive new Main Library and the recent renovation at the Branch, plus the heartening assistance of the "Friends," the greatest advances in the history of local library service now lie ahead. The trustees also wish to thank Miss Alice M. Cahill and Miss Evelyn Robinson of the State Division of Libraries for their valuable aid during several visits made to Hamilton during the past year.
48
Our veteran librarians, Mrs. Haraden and Mrs. Perley, have rendered their customary faithful and diligent service during 1952, and the trustees are pleased to have this opportunity to make public record of the fact, and to thank them sincerely.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN F. NEARY SARAH H. TRUSSELL MELVIN F. REID
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
To the Trustees of the Public Library:
Herewith is presented the annual report for 1952.
The circulation of books for 1952 was 10,948: at the Main Library 4,510; at the Branch Library 6,438. This represents a decline at the Branch Library of 849 and a gain at the Main Library of 201. This re- presents a loss of 648 as against the circulation of 1951.
Circulation of books divided as follows :
Main Library : Adult fiction 4,749; Juvenile 966, total fiction 5,715; adult non-fiction 613, juvenile 110, total non-fiction 723. Grand total 6,438.
The circulation of periodicals showed a loss of 16 at the Branch Li- brary; a gain of 192 at the Main Library. Circulation at the Branch Library 555, at the Main Library 1,086. Total of 1,641 periodicals.
The total circulation for 1952, books and periodicals, was : Main Libra- ry 5,596 ; Branch Library 6,993, Grand total of 12,589.
Respectfully submitted,
LYDIA L. HARADEN, Librarian.
49
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
To the Citizens of Hamilton:
The following is a report of the Board of Selectmen for the year 1952.
The work of remodeling the first floor of the town was commenced after the community room was vacated by the kindergarten and is now well under way. The contract for doing the work was awarded to the Estate of Donald G. Trussell, the lowest bidder.
The rearrangement and alterations should provide for a more efficient handling of town business. The main library will occupy the old com- munity room which will provide larger and better lighted quarters. The office vacated by the library will be used as the town clerk's office after the changes have been completed. This office, being the only one open regular- ly each day, will be nearest to the main entrance of the building thereby making it more convenient for those having business with the town clerk. It will also provide much needed additional space for the work and records connected with the clerk's office, as well as private interviews when the occasion requires.
Starting in the basement and extending up into the clerk's office will be a new vault with fireproof storage space in both the basement and office sections. Such storage space is greatly needed for the safe keeping of town records, and should be sufficient for many years to come.
The present office space occupied by the town clerk will be given a fresh coat of paint and will be available for other town departments requiring office space.
The Selectmen's office will be enlarged by the removal of closets so as to accomodate many more persons and will be used by the Selectmen as a regular meeting room and for holding hearings. Its use will also be avail- able to any other town board for holding hearings or meeting with a number of people. The facilities for hearings by the Selectmen in the past have not been satisfactory due to lack of space and proper equipment.
Chapter 90 roadwork was continued on Essex. Street with another sub- stantial section being widened and resurfaced with hot-top. This brought to nearer completion this much traveled road which now serves as a part of Route 128.
The Board participated in the dedication ceremonies of the new Memor- ial Gymnasium at the High School and the new Elementary School on Asbury Street. We extend our congratulations and sincere thanks to the School Building Committee for the splendid job in carrying out the wishes of the townspeople. Promptly on acceptance of the buildings for the town they were turned over to the custody of the School Committee.
By a vote of the town at the annual meeting, the Selectmen were authorized to purchase a new Cruiser-Ambulance for the Police Department. Several types of motor vehicles were inspected and it was decided that a car of the so-called "suburban type" would be most suitable. Bids were called for, and a Ford "Ranch Wagon" was purchased from the Ipswich
50
Motor Company who submitted the lowest of five bids. The old car was turned in to apply toward the purchase price.
During the year the Board attended various hearings at the State House on matters pertaining to the interest of the town. Strenuous objection was offered to the increase of the compulsory automobile insurance rates.
With the school construction underway, it became necessary for the Selectmen and the Treasurer to borrow the $750,000.00 voted for construc- tion of a new elementary school and additions to the existing high school building. Realizing that a fraction of one percent would reflect a sub- stantial difference in the amount of interest to be paid over a period of 19 years, we enlisted the services of Mr. John H. Perkins to advise us of what would seem to be the most opportune time to sell the bonds. Upon advice of Mr. Perkins, the loan was advertised and the bonds sold on February 1st at 1.6% interest. As time went on it was proven that the opportune time was selected as many municipal bonds were sold at 2% interest. This appar- ently insignificant difference in interest rate, and with the probability of no premium being paid, would result in an additional cost to the town of approximately $40,000. over the 19 year period. We extend to Mr. Perkins our sincere thanks and appreciation for the service he rendered to us and to the townspeople of Hamilton.
We call your attention to the time and place that the Town Meeting and Election will be held in 1953. On Monday, March 2nd at 7:30 in the evening the Town Meeting will be held in the High School Auditorium. On Tuesday, March 10th the Election of Town Officers will be held in the High School Auditorium. The polls will open at 8 A.M. and will close at 8 P.M. This change of the time of opening the polls was adopted as a part of the by-laws at the annual town meeting in 1952.
We express our sincere appreciation to all townspeople and all town officials who have assisted us during the year.
Respectfully submitted, LAWRENCE R. STONE EDWARD A. DEWITT EVERETT F. HALEY Board of Selectmen.
51
REPORT OF THE TOWN TREASURER
To the. Citizens of Hamilton :
Greetings :
In accordance with the provisions of Chapter 41, Section 35, of the General Laws, I herewith submit my annual report of the Treasury De- partment for the year ending December 31, 1952.
TREASURER'S CASH
Receipts
Payments
$1,436,717.63 1,225,868.45
$210,849.18
Cash
$4,488.32
Beverly Trust Co.
191,690.71
Merchant's National
8,502.94
Day Trust Co.
6,167.21
$210,849.18
I wish to take this opportunity to convey my sincere thanks to not only the town officials, but also the many persons who have assisted me dur- ing the past year.
Respectfully submitted, WALFRED B. SELLMAN, Town Treasurer.
TOWN COLLECTOR'S REPORT In Account with the Town of Hamilton
Year Tax
Outstanding Jan. 1, 1952
A bate- ments Refunds Rescinded
Collected
Abate- ments
Trans- ferred to Tax Title
Un- collected
1951
Real Estate
$14,753 11
$3 80
$14,709 41
$47 50
None
1951 Personal Property
1,937 85
1,831 45
106 40
None
1951 Motor Excise
1,946 72
1951
Ex. Committed in 1952
1,002 63
110 96
$35 14
2,025 91
1,069 54
None
1953 Commitments
1952
Real Estate
$238,505 67
$411 68
$76 00
$224,070 26
$5,149 99
$60 80
$9,713 29
1952 Personal Property
23,508 32
1 20
22,102 72
228 00
1,178 80
1952 Polls
2,046 00
1,680 00
366 00
None
1952
Motor Excise
28,241 55
812 35
25,618 04
2,457 19
978 67
1952
Water Rates Balances
1,910 33
1952
Rates Commitments
19,873 72
36 10
19,277 01
58 50
2,484 64
1952 Water Services Bal.
193 52
1952 Services Commitments
1,642 29
1,445 05
2 00
388 76
1952
Cemetery Balance
84 25
1952
Cemetery Commitment
472 00
417 00
139 25
Respectfully submitted, BERTHIA L. CROWELL, Town Collector
53
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, 1952.
The expenditures for General Relief during 1952 showed a decrease of approximately $3500. in comparison to 1951, and $6100. in comparison to 1950. The reduction in 1952 was principally due to the transfer of cases to other categories where state and federal assistance is received.
Expenditures in Old Age Assistance were increased by approximately $3200. over 1951, and $10,200. over 1950. The 1952 increase was prin- cipally due to legislation enacted in 1951 which became effective January 1, 1952 increasing the minimum monthly payments.
Aid to Dependent Children payments decreased by approximately $2,000 over 1951. and approximately $400. over 1950. The decrease in comparison to 1951 expenditures was due to the closing of cases with sev- eral children because of removal from town.
No comparison of Disability Assistance payments can be made due to this category being in operation for only a few months of 1951. Total payments for 1952 amounted to $4382 for a very few cases. This type of assistance will on the average show a higher cost per case because of the medical needs and care required by a disabled person.
The State and Federal Government participate in the cost of assistance rendered under the categories of Old Age Assistance, Aid to Dependent Children and Disability Assistance.
In compliance with changes in the old age assistance law, a lien has been taken on all property in which an old age assistance recipient had an interest. Such liens provide for recovery for assistance granted.
The following figures show the expenditures, reimbursements and net cost to the town for each category during the year.
54
GENERAL RELIEF
Expenditures
Reimbursements
By Town
$3,846.42
State
$144.00
Towns & Cities 1,002.40
Individuals
25.00
Net Cost to Town
2.675.02
$3,846.42
$3,846.42
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
Expenditures
Reimbursements
By Town
$47,418.61
Federal Government .. $19,200.95
State
18,271.69
Meals Tax 1,487.22
Towns & Cities
874.86
Individuals
135.97
Net Cost to Town
7,447.92
$47,418.61
$47,418.61
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
Expenditures
Reimbursements
By Town
$2,194.40
Federal Government .. $968.85
State
347.84
Net Cost to Town 877.71
$2,194.40
$2,194.40
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE
Expenditures
Reimbursements
By Town
$4.382.00
Federal Government .. $1,125.00
State 1,518.32
Net Cost to Town 1,738.68
$4,382.00
$4,382.00
We express our appreciation to all who have assisted us in any manner during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD A. DEWITT EVERETT F. HALEY LAWRENCE R. STONE Board of Public Welfare ..
ɔ̃ɔ̃
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, 1952.
Routine collections of rubbish and garbage were maintained with sa- tisfactory results. The Board again requests that householders cooperate with the collectors and keep the garbage free of rubbish and the rubbish free of garbage.
At the request of several home owners whose cellars were being flooded with water in the spring of the year, the Board requested a survey to be made by the Division of Inland Waterways of the Department of Public Works to ascertain if dredging of Miles River would help to drain its water- shed. After careful consideration of all factors concerned, we were in- formed that any benefits to be derived from such an undertaking would be negligible and at a very high cost, estimated to be $20,000 per mile.
Upon the suggestion of the State Department of Public Health, the Board promulgated rules and regulations relative to the installation of private sewage disposal units. Your cooperation is requested in complying with these regulations. Information relative to this matter may be had by calling at the town hall.
Measles 72 Scarlet Fever 3
Mumps 12 Chicken Pox 2
The Dental Clinic has been continued under the direction of Dr. John King, assisted by Miss Florence Stobbart, School Nurse, with satisfactory results. A report of the Clinic by Dr. King will be found elsewhere in the town report.
We take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to Charles F. Poole, Highway Surveyor, for his fine cooperation, and to all others who have assisted us during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
EVERETT F. HALEY
LAWRENCE R. STONE EDWARD A. DEWITT
Board of Health.
56
REPORT OF THE CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
Your local Civil Defense Agency is confronted with the same danger which besets allied organizations on a state and national level : general pub- lic apathy. This situation can be understood but not condoned. The seem- ing lack of real danger which two years of "cold" war tends to indicate (intensely "hot" as it may be for our valiant men in Korea) is difficult to combat. It is, of course, quite as impossible as ever to project the world situation. There is a chance that before long we may have less war. There is just as strong a possibility that we may have more war. As long as this latter contingency exists, we cannot and we must not relax our vigilance on the home defense front. That is the credo of your Hamilton Defense Agency, and we continue to do all in our power to implement this conviction.
During the year past, your Committee has fully complied with all re- quests of the Federal and the State Civil Defense organizations. Law- rence Lamson has been appointed Deputy Director, succeeding the late Leland D. Thompson. A summary of activities in various units of our Agency follows.
Communications: In the event of trouble, Communications (which includes air raid warnings, fire signals, radio dispatching, manning of the Report Centre) will play a vital part. During the past two years, in this phase of our work, we have been compelled to depend upon our neighbors, Wenham and Beverly. Officials in both municipalities have been most co- operative. At present, we receive all our Alerts from Beverly. Like most small towns, there isn't any municipal department in our town which is available twenty-four hours daily.
We can now reveal with pleasure, the presence of a radio station in town-Station W.I.L.QQ, owned and operated by Charles E. Gagnon, 10 North Street. Mr. Gagnon was recently discharged from the United States Navy where he served as a radio operator. He is in the process of building a mobile unit to use in conjunction with his station, and has agreed to ac- cept appointment as Communications Officer. With his knowledge and enthusiasm, our needs in this department should be well taken care of. Mrs. Donald Donaldson, who has done so well with so little, will have charge of activities in the Report Centre and is prepared to take over, with her group, for twenty-four hour duty the instant that facility becomes necessary.
Protection: Mr. Lamson will continue to be responsible for the Pro- tection Department, which includes Police, Fire, and Air Raid Wardens. The activities of the Auxiliary Police continue under the leadership of Marshall Gero. These citizens have been most helpful in assisting with surveys and in special duty assignments. They rendered excellent service during the Test Alert held during the year. They are active members of the North Shore Pistol Target League which covers fifteen municipalities
57
on the North Shore. We have encouraged their efforts by purchasing some of their necessary equipment.
Air Raid Wardens: The Town is divided into five areas, each one headed by a Deputy Warden who is responsible for the wardens in his dis- trict, as follows :
South Hamilton Area
West Hamilton
Hovey Humphrey Cecil Killam
East Hamilton
Herman Tremblay
Hamilton Centre (from Harrigan's to Cutler Road) Alonzo Walker
Hamilton Centre (Cutler Road to the Ipswich Line) Roger Dunn
These deputies have approximately 125 wardens. Three of the depu- ties served in the same capacities during the last war. On the one occasion wardens called upon for a Test Alert, their response and performance of duty was highly satisfactory. Fire Department members are taking a spe- cial course of instruction.
Medical Aid: Mrs. Julia Smerage has taken over the duties of Admin- istrative Assistant under the direction of Dr. Henry F. Larchez. During the year, several of our members took the Instructors Course in First Aid held in Beverly. Three of our members qualified as instructors and two of these, Mrs. Woodman and Mrs. Cann, are now conducting a class at the Community House. The third member, Mr. Edwin Sanford, is confining his activities to instructing Boy Scouts, at present. I feel that emphasiz- ing the importance of First Aid whatever the situation cannot be overdone. In everyday life, accidents are continually happening, and many a life as we all know, has been saved by those who have taken the First Aid Course. During the early part of July a blood-typing program was carried out at the Community House, and 650 of our residents responded.
Welfare: Welfare activities include evacuation, housing, feeding and clothing. Having in mind from the start that our town would probably be used as a Reception Area, that is, to feed and house displaced persons while en route to areas farther inland, we have conducted a survey of all public-private buildings, schools, churches and halls which could be used as auxiliary hospitals or emergency housing quarters. This resulted in the following list:
Town Hall Community House Legion Headquarters Lamson School High School
New Elementary School
St. Paul's Church Christ Episcopal Church
Methodist Church Congregational Church
Bahai Centre Carmelite Jr. Seminary
Subsequently, the Lamson, new Elementary, High School, and the Carmelite Seminary were designated as emergency improvised hospitals in the event of necessity. Bed capacity is over 1000 and seating capacity 2500. Designated as shelters were the Community House, Town Hall, and Legion Headquarters. The churches would be opened for mass shelter and emerg- ency housing and feeding.
58
Transportation : Listings of all municipal motor vehicles and equip- ment and privately owned motor vehicles and equipment show that there are :
63 station wagons 115 trucks
75 trailers
5 tank trucks
21 tractors and harvesters
3 bulldozers
The above have been compiled from the registration list at Registry of Motor Vehicles.
In conclusion, may I point out to all who have indicated an interest in our work, that our dependence upon your loyalty and co-operation is complete. It is possible, although we pray otherwise, that our group could be called upon for the most vital activity in the entire history of our town. I am deeply grateful to you all, to the members of my Advisory Council in particular, and to the many town officials who have assisted me, especially in covering regional meetings on occasions when I was unable to attend.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN H. PERKINS, Director.
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 1952.
Amalgam fillings
351
Cement fillings
20
Copper Cement fillings
25
Cement linings
24
Extractions
Permanent teeth
Temporary teeth
42
Novocaine injections
54
X-rays
14
Cleanings
128
Root treatments
10
Fluorine treatments
4
The children made 665 visits to my office, but only 67 received certi- ficates.
Much more time than the present six hours a week is needed in order to reach every child.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN KING, D.M.D.
59
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Engineers of the Fire Department herewith submit their report for the year ending December 31, 1952.
The Department responded to 63 alarms during the year. The amount of hose laid : 3/4"-6800 ft .; 11%"-1550 ft. ; 21/2-2400 ft. The amount of water used from booster tanks was 21,350 gals.
300 ft. of 21%" hose and 200 ft. of 11%" hose was purchased during the year.
A Homelite lighting unit was added to the department's equipment. Alarms for 1952 :
Date
Dist. No.
Nature Location Owner
Jan. 26
31
Rubbish, Washington Ave., W. H. Cutter.
Feb. 12
31 Wood & Hay, Off Asbury St., Town of Hamilton.
13
25
Grass, Cutler Rd., Sidney Smith.
15
21
Grass, Willow St., Dr. Albert Larchez.
15
13
Barn, Essex St., C. H. Newlin.
16
21
Grass, Rust St., Randall Adams.
16
31 Grass, Asbury St., A. L. Jordan.
16
13
Debris, Essex St., C. H. Newlin. Auto, Main St.
28
41
House, Lake Drive, Henry Gardiner.
Mar. 13
31
Building, Lincoln Ave., Lester Stanley.
16
29
3-3-3
25 Grass-Brush, Cutler Rd., Sidney Smith. Building, Topsfield.
Apr.
ry
32 Grass, Highland St., Mrs. G. S. Patton.
9
24
Grass, Main St., Mrs. George Safford.
10
23
Grass, Bridge St., S. C. Peek.
10
12
Grass, Bridge St., Richard H. Smith.
12
23
Grass, Main St., Paul Pilcher.
19
21
Grass, Maple St., Q. A. S. McKean.
17
23
Grass, Main St., New England Land Co.
19
24
Grass, Gardner St., T. F. Moseley.
21
24
Grass, Main St., John Hartnett.
22
34
Truck, Highland St., Railway Express.
June 6
21
Rubbish, Linden St., Town of Hamilton. Grass-Brush, Forest St.
16
17
18
15
Grass-Brush, Chebacco Rd., Gordon College.
19
21
House, Walnut Road, Ralph Porter.
20
15
Grass-Brush, Chebacco Rd., Gordon College.
21
15 Grass-Brush, Chebacco Rd., Gordon College.
21
31 Grass-Brush, Topsfield Rd., Asbury Grove Corp.
22
21
60
21
15
Grass-Brush, Chebacco Rd., Gordon College.
26
23
Rescue Cat, Bridge St.
26
25
False
26
15
Grass-Brush, Chebacco Rd., Gordon College.
July
6
32
Hay, Winthrop St., Sumner Pingree.
7
31 Grass-Brush, Boston Ave., P. J. Hansbury.
14
Grass-Brush, Echo Cove Rd., Stanley Berry.
12
31
Rescue cat, Western Ave.
23
12
Grass-Brush, School St., Phillip Graham.
24
23
Shavings, Off Main St., George Harrigan.
25
23
Shavings, Off Main St., George Harrigan.
27
23
Fallen tree, Norman Rd.
29
23
Grass, Off Main St., Myopia Hunt Club.
Aug.
1
31
Hot Wire, Asbury Grove, Asbury Grove Corp.
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