USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1952 > Part 5
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11
1
15
Brush, Chebacco Rd., Gordon College.
1
21
Rubbish, Linden St., Town of Hamilton. Automobile.
31
24
Chimney, Main St., Edward MacGregor.
Sept.
3
21
Building, Off Main St., Dr. John G. Corcoran.
Oct.
25
Rescue cat, Cutler Rd.
13
12
Motor. Bridge St., T. B. Austin.
24
23
Grass-Brush, Bridge St., George A. Harrigan.
30
21
Grass-Brush, Chestnut St., Clifton A. Sibley.
Nov.
2
31
Grass-Brush, Asbury St., Mrs. G. S. Patton.
6
25
Grass-Brush, Cutler Rd., F. R. Appleton.
2 00
25
Grass-Brush, Cutler Rd., F. R. Appleton.
17
32
Building, Highland St., Sumner Pingree.
18
24
Chimney, Main St., F. P. Sears.
21
16
Auto, Essex St.,
Dec. 18
16
Dump, Essex St., Carmelite College.
26
16
Chimney, Miles River Rd., Richard Storey.
We express our appreciation to all who may have assisted the Fire Department during the past year.
Respectfully submitted.
A. MERRILL CUMMINGS, Chief RUDOLPH H. HARADEN HAROLD G. DODD
Engineers.
29
23
Grass, Off Main St., Myopia Hunt Club.
15
21
25
Grass-Brush, Cutler Rd., F. R. Appleton.
61
REPORT OF THE HIGHWAY SURVEYOR
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
I herewith submit my report of the Highway Department of the year ending December 31, 1952.
Necessary patching and maintenance work was carried on throughout the year. Several streets were oiled to protect the surface from breaking-up.
Sections of Bridge and Highland Streets were sealed under Chapter 90 Maintenance work. Progress was continued on draining, grading and oiling gravel roads. Catch basins were cleaned and guard rails repaired and painted.
Forest Street was shaped up and oiled the entire length. More work is to be done on this street the coming year.
Sidewalks were shaped up and surfaced on Rust, Pleasant and Elliott Streets.
I wish at this time to stress the need of the Town purchasing a side- walk snow plow. Up until last year the sidewalks in the South Hamilton area were plowed by a horse-drawn plow. No horses are available in town for this type of work. With the new schoolhouse on Asbury Street, it is more urgent than ever that the sidewalk be freed of snow for the safety of the children walking to and from school.
I extend my sincere appreciation to the citizens of Hamilton and all town officials and departments that have assisted me during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES F. POOLE, Highway Surveyor.
LELAND DODGE THOMPSON
December 31, 1896 January 17, 1952
63
LELAND DODGE THOMPSON
Hamilton lost an outstanding citizen and exemplary public official in the untimely death of Leland Dodge Thompson on January 17, 1952. Fifty-six years old at the time of his death, he had served the town faith- fully for the last sixteen consecutive years as Highway Surveyor. Scrupul- ous and conscientious in his duties, insisting on a dollar's value for every dollar of the taxpayers' money expended, he developed the roads of Hamil- ton to the point where they were "second to none" in the state. Because of his knowledge and experience he was considered an authority on road maintenance and construction, and his advice on such matters was frequent- ly sought by officials of other communities. In an unprecedented action, a year before his death, he was granted tenure of office by the voters, an indication of the regard in which he and his work were held by his fellow citizens.
"Lee," as he was known to his legion of friends, was born in Wenham, son of Orrin P. and Minnie (Trask) Thompson, but came to Hamilton at an early age and was always considered a lifelong resident of this commu- nity. He served his country in the Army Field Artillery during World War I, and rose to the rank of sergeant. Always eager to serve Hamilton in every way possible, he gave unstintingly of his time and talents in a great number of civic enterprises. He assisted in carrying out WPA pro- jects during the depression years; served as Assistant Civilian Defense Director and assumed the arduous responsibility of the Report Center dur- ing World War II; had recently resumed the duties of Assistant Civil De- fense Director in the current emergency. He was a lieutenant in the local Fire Department, a member of Augustus Peabody Gardner Post 194, American Legion, a member of John T. Heard Lodge A. F. & A. M., of Ipswich, to mention a few of his interests and affiliations.
"Lee" will be especially remembered for his kindly, generous nature, his pleasant and sunny disposition. He will be greatly missed in the life and work of Hamilton.
64
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS
The Board of Water Commissioners herewith submit their Annual Report for the year ending December 31, 1952.
The past year has been an extremely active one for the Board of Water Commissioners and the Superintendent of the Water Department. With the installation of ninety services and the completion of the new pumping station off School Street which is working out very well and capable of pumping two hundred eight thousand gallons every twenty-four hours. The present outlook is that both the old and the new station will have to be used.
The treatment of the water by fluorine has not been installed as yet, as the Board is studying the situation both in regard to the type of equip- ment and the type of chemical to be used. It is a very controversial ques- tion.
We have installed a large amount of main line pipe this year and with this plan continuing each year, it will soon cover the town.
We wish to thank the residents of the Town of Hamilton and all the Town Departments for their cooperation during the past year.
GEORGE A. HARRIGAN
RICHARD H. SMITH
FREDERICK P. GOODHUE Board of Water Commissioners.
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 1952.
The large amount of new building in the town has made the past year the busiest in the history of the department. The building trend at pres- ent points to another very active year for 1953.
The personnel of the Water Department have installed 1,835 feet of 8" cast iron pipe on Essex Street as well as two Ludlow hydrants : 568 feet of 6" Keasbury-Matherson pipe and one R. D. Wood hydrant were installed on Margaret Road; 5 6" main connections were made involving tapping sleeves and valves as follows: Main Street at Ortins Road, Bridge Street
65
at the Cutler Estate, Norman Road at Crescent Road, Main Street at Mar- garet Road and Moynihan Road at Woodside Road.
The Department received ninety applications for new water services all of which have been installed making a total of 905 services in town. An increase in services as in the past year has stepped up the consumption of water which the figures indicate.
1952
Total Gallons Pumped
Old Station
34,077,000
Total Gallons Pumped
New Station 27.304,700
Total Gallons consumed in 1952
61,381.700
Daily Average Consumption
168,169 gallons
1951
Total Gallons Pumped
40,692,000
Total Gallons Purchased from Essex
6.528,700
Total Gallons Consumed in 1951
47,220,700
Daily Average Consumption
129,372 gallons
The new station located off School Street was put in active service on June 22. 1952. Since the start of the operation of this station it has pumped 27,304,700 gallons. This station, equipped with a deep well pump, is now doing practically all the pumping with the old Station taking up the slack during the warm months.
Hydrants have been inspected and repaired when found necessary. One hydrant has been relocated at the end of the line on Essex Street due to the widening of the street.
Water meters have been read quarterly, repaired and replaced when necessary.
Water samples have been taken and sent to the Department of Public Health for Bacterial and Chemical analysis as per their schedule.
In closing I wish to thank the Board of Water Commissioners for their advice and cooperation, also the Tree Department for their assistance in removing snow from hydrants and the Highway Department for labor and trucks which have eased the burden of the work for us. As in the past the Water Department remains cooperative in assisting all Town De- partments whenever possible.
Respectfully submitted, RAYMOND A. WHIPPLE, Superintendent.
Water Department
66
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
To the Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit my report of the activities of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1952.
Male
Total Arrests 54 Female 1
CLASSIFICATION OF CRIMES
Assault
2 Driving to Endanger 3
Drunkenness
15
Operating after suspension 3
Larceny
5 Causing property damage 3
Stubborn Child
Fornication
4
1 Allowing improper person to operate motor vehicle 1
Lewd and Lascivious 2
Failing to stop on signal 1
Harboring a dog
1
Speeding
1
Trespassing
1 Operating without registration 1
Attempted larceny
2 No insurance
1
Operating without license
4
DISPOSITION OF CASES
Fined
27 Probation 8
Sentenced
Released (drunk) 13
ARRESTS BY OFFICERS
Frederick, Chief
46 Wentworth 2
Jackson 3 Sargent 2
Charles 2
SUMMONS SERVED
For local department 32 For out of town police 41
AUTOMOBILE REGULATIONS
29
Registrations revoked by Registrar
Automobile transfers 148
MISCELLANEOUS
Ambulance runs to hospitals and physicians
112
Licenses revoked by Registrar
Dangerous wires reported 14
Street lights reported out 59
67
Street obstructions reported 8 Accidents investigated 37
Assistance to out of town police 52
The new cruiser-ambulance works very satisfactory and has proved its worth many times during the year. The new elementary school on Asbury Street will require considerable attention, especially while children are en- tering and leaving school. Traffic lines have been painted in the street and warning signs erected in an attempt to warn motorists of hazardous condi- tions.
I express my sincere appreciation to my officers, town officials and townspeople for any assistance rendered this department during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD FREDERICK, Chief of Police.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON THE FORMATION OF A UNION HEALTH DEPARTMENT
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
This committee was appointed in 1951 to investigate and study the provisions of Chapter 662 of the Acts of 1949 relative to the formation of union health department 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 provide certain minimum health services.
This committee thinks that it is not desirable at this time for Hamil- ton to join with other towns to form a health union. It suggests, how- ever, that a committee be continued indefinitely to keep informed of develop- ments and to report to the town if and when it may become desirable for Hamilton to join such a health union.
Respectfully submitted, HAROLD A. DALEY. Chairman DR. ALBERT A. LARCHEZ PAUL F. PERKINS, JR. SAMUEL TYACK DR. S. A. WILSON
68
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
GENTLEMEN :
I have the honor to submit to you the Annual Report of the Depart- ment of the Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year ending December 31, 1952.
Adjusted Sealed Not Sealed Condemned
Scales :
Over 10,000 lbs. 5,000 to 10,000 lbs. 1
2
2
100 to 5,000 lbs. 1 Under 100 lbs. 3
25 1
Weights : Each 19
Capacity : Liquid 1 gallon or under 36
Automatic Measuring Devices
Meter Gasoline 1" inlet or less Oil-Grease
20
3
Vehicle Tanks :
Meters more than 1"
4
Linear Measures :
Yard sticks
2
Respectfully submitted,
ERVING O. MAXWELL, Sealer.
69
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
To the Citizens of Hamilton:
I herewith submit a report of the Tree and Moth Departments for the year 1952.
The work of suppressing the various bugs and diseases that attack shade trees has been carried on by spraying and trimming out dead wood. Three trees were found to be infected with dutch elm disease, and as required by law, were removed and burned. Tests are being made on nine other elm trees suspected of being so infected.
Brush and undergrowth has been cut along the sides of various streets ; dead and dangerous trees have been removed. The hurricane in July caused considerable damage to the trees in town, resulting in the removal of many stubbs and stumps as well as extensive trimming. The power saw purchased by authority of the annual town meeting proved its value in cleaning up after the hurricane as well as in the removal of several trees.
I express my sincere appreciation to the Highway Department for valu- able assistance in cleaning up after the hurricane and at other times throughout the year, and to all others who have assisted this Department during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
RUDOLPH H. HARADEN, Tree Warden.
70
PROGRESS REPORT OF SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
At the time of our last report to the town, work had been begun on the New Elementary School and the addition to the High School, and the contract for waterproofing the existing High School was about to be awarded. The award was made to A. Belanger and Sons, of Cambridge, and it is with satisfaction that we report the complete success of their work. The building and remodeling projects are substantially completed. Dedica- tion exercises were held at the Memorial Gymnasium and at the New Elementary School on December 7, 1952, and elementary classes were moved into the new building just before the Christmas holidays.
Your committee regrets that, due to the pressing need for space, it was not advisable to wait until completion of all work before using the new school facilities. Many small things are still to be finished or cor- rected, and the preparation of papers for the School Building Assistance reimbursement must be accomplished as soon as all work is done and all bills are paid.
We feel that the New Elementary School should have a name, and after due consideration recommend that it be called the Manasseh Cutler School. Manasseh Cutler was distinguished in his time not only as a minister, but as a physician, lawyer. and leader in public affairs. He was among the forefront of those who brought about the establishment of Hamlton as an independent town, and was nationally important for his activity in opening up the Northwest Territory to settlement by veterans of the Revolutionary War. It seems fitting that the largest building project yet undertaken by the town should bear his name.
Respectfully submitted, FINLAY D. MACDONALD, Chairman STANDISH BRADFORD FORRESTER A. CLARK RUTH F. DONALDSON, Secretary G. GORDON LOVE School Building Committee.
NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, TOWN OF HAMILTON, MASSACHUSETTS
Front View
Rear View
CONSTRUCTED 1952
Farina Construction Co., Inc. Anderson-Nichols & Co.
General Contractor Architects
BUILDING COMMITTEE
Finlay D. MacDonald G. Gordon Love
Forrester A. Clark Ruth F. Donaldson
Standish Bradford
72
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
The functions of the board were administered by the officers and mem- bers elected on April 2nd, 1951 until the organization meeting held April 7th, 1952, when the following officers and members were electd to serve for the ensuing year :
M. Keith Lander, Chairman Richard W. Johnson, Clerk Francis C. Moynihan
Arthur E. Morrow Henry J. Gourdeau
In addition to its regular monthly meetings, seven special meetings or hearings were held in connection with applications for subdivision of land and other matters on planning. The Board also attended the regional meet- ing of the State Planning Board held in Gloucester during the summer and had representation at the meeting of Town Officials sponsored by the Fin- ance Committee of the Town of Hamilton in December.
During the year, six applications for subdivision of land were considered and after due consideration and the necessary public hearings, all of them were approved subject to fulfillment of Town rules and regulations. They are as follows :
Forrester Clark, Private development on Sagamore Farm Road.
Mary Kaitz, "Hamilton Acres" development between Highland and Asbury Streets.
Arthur W. Day, Land development off Asbury Street.
George A. Harrigan, Oak Grove section of Miles River development.
Mrs. Rogers & Mr. Bruce, Development of Porter property off Asbury Street.
George A. Harrigan, Homestead Circle section of Miles River develop- ment.
The Board is very appreciative of the assistance given by the Board of Health, the Surveyor of Highways and the Board of Water Commissioners, whose co-operation is necessary for the approval of these subdivisions. The Board is also very grateful to Mr. Bradford, our Town Counsel, who spent much time advising us on legal matters pertaining to subdivision control.
After operating under the present rules and regulations for subdivision control during the past few years, the Board feels that the application and enforcement of these rules and regulations has done much to improve the layout of subdivisions and has saved the taxpayers money by having the proponents of subdivisions install roads, drainage, and services. However, the Board feels that the Town is still unprotected against the possibility of crowded and shoddy developments which would be detrimental and a haz- ard in any neighborhood. This Board and great many people from various sections of the Town with whom the problem has been discussed feel that the inhabitants should be protected against this hazard in the same way that
73
all of our neighboring communities are, by the adoption of a protective zon- ing by-law.
This Board felt that it would be lax in its duties if it did not give the people of Hamilton another opportunity to adopt such a protective by-law. With this in mind the Board has drafted a proposed zoning by-law for the consideration of the voters at the next Annual Town meeting.
After due notice, a public hearing will be held prior to the Town meet- ing for a general discussion of this proposed by-law.
A bill has been introduced before the State Legislature by Senator Philip A. Graham for an act authorizing the submission to the voters of the Town at the next annual meeting the question: "SHALL ZONING BY-LAWS BE ADOPTED IN THIS TOWN, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FINAL REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD ON FILE WITH THE TOWN CLERK ?"
It was with great regret that the Board accepted the resignation of its clerk Richard W. Johnson during November.
Respectfully submitted,
M. KEITH LANDER, Chairman HENRY J. GOURDEAU, Clerk FRANCIS C. MOYNIHAN ARTHUR E. MORROW GEORGE C. CUTLER, JR.
74
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS
To the. Taxpayers of the Town of Hamilton:
There is submitted herewith the Assessors annual report for the calen- dar year 1952.
It will be noted that the total valuation and the number of building increased for the year under review, as we predicted in our previous annual report, and it is certain that the figures for the current year will show an- other substantial increase. Tentative computations for the year 1953 shows the towns total valuation to be well in excess of $7,000,000.
The comparative figures for the past four (4) years are as follows :
Total Valuation
Number of Buildings
1949 $6,038,280. 1,010
1950 $6,323,100. 1,059
1951 $6,605,585. 1,100
1952 $6,903,155. 1,156
The number of Poll Taxes assessed for 1952 was 1,023 as compared with 950 the previous year. In connection with a poll tax assessed to a person serving in the armed forces of the United States, the assessors will abate such tax upon receipt of a letter, that he is so serving, either from the person taxed or from his parents, wife or other person eligible to furn- ish such information. A person over 65 years of age may claim exemption from the payment of a poll tax by filling a prescribed form which may be obtained at our office.
No basic changes in the general tax laws were enacted during 1952.
Annual report of the Assessors for the year ending December 31, 1952.
Value of buildings
Value of land
$4,923,550.00 1,360,165.00
Total value of Real Estate
Total value of Personal Estate
Total valuation
$6,903,155.00
Tax rate $38.00 per thousand.
Tax on Real Estate
238,781.17
Tax on Personal Estate
23,538.72 2,046.00
Tax on Polls-1,023 at $2.00
Total taxes assessed
$264,365.89
$6,283,715.00 619,440.00
75
1952 RECAPITULATION
Appropriations to be raised by taxation
$352,263.00
Appropriations to be taken from Availble funds
13,700.00
State Tax and Assessment :
State Parks and Reservations
618.34
State Audit of Municipal Accounts
426.34
County Tax and Assessments :
County Tax
19,290.50
Tuberculosis Hospital
5,868.39
Overlay of Current Year
10,282.64
Gross amount to be raised
$402,449.21
ESTIMATED RECEIPTS AND AVAILABLE FUNDS
Veterans Benefits
1,200.00
Income Tax
23,630.37
Corporation Taxes
14,394.34
Reimbursement account of publicly owned land
5,439.28
Old Age Tax (Meals)
681.79
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise Tax
25,700.00
Licenses
1,500.00
Special Assessments (Moth)
800.00
Protection of Persons and Property
50.00
Health and Sanitation
600.00
Charities. (Other than Federal Grants for dependent children)
2,800.00
Old Age Assistance (other than Federal grants)
17,300.00
Schools
8,600.00
Public Service Enterprises (water)
18,700.00
Cemetery (other trust funds and sale of lots)
900.00
Interest on taxes and assessments
300.00
Over Estimates of Previous Years :
County Tax
772.35
Tuberculosis Hospital Assessment
940.34
State Parks and Reservations
74.85
Amount taken from available Funds
13,700.00
Tax Receipts from 1952 assessments
264,365.89
Gross Receipts
$402,449.21
76
LIVE STOCK ASSESSED
Horses and Ponies
112
Cows (milch) 164
Bulls-Oxen-Heifers
83
Yearlings
38
Sheep
51
Fowl
350
NUMBER OF PERSONS AND CORPORATIONS ASSESSED
Real Sstate only 945
Personal Estate only 313
Person and Real Estate 161
LAND AND DWELLING HOUSES ASSESSED
Acres of Land 6483
Dwelling Houses 1156
The Board of Assessors do not have an established time for holding meetings or hearings, but will be pleased to meet any taxpayer by appoint- ment.
Respectfully submitted,
JESSE S. MANN
ROBERT H. CHITTICK
ELMO O. ADAMS
Board of Assessors.
WARRANT FOR THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
ESSEX, ss. To the Constable of the. Town of Hamilton:
GREETINGS :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are hereby directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Hamilton, quali- fied to vote in election and Town affairs, to meet in the HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM in said Town on Monday, the second day of March, nine- teen hundred and fifty-three (March 2, 1953), at seven-thirty o'clock in the evening (7:30 P.M.) then and there to act on the following articles, viz.
Article 1. To bring your ballots for :
Moderator for one year. Town Clerk for one year.
Three Selectmen for one year.
Treasurer for one year. Tax Collector for one year.
One Assessor for three years.
One Tree Warden for one year.
One Highway Surveyor for one year.
One member of the School Committee for three years.
One Library Trustee for three years.
One Library Trustee for one year (vacancy).
One Water Commissioner for three years.
One Water Commissioner for two years (vacancy).
One Cemetery Commissioner for three years.
One Park Commissioner for three years.
One member of the Planning Board for five years.
One member of the Planning Board for two years (vacancy).
And vote on the following question :
"Shall zoning by-laws be adopted in this town, in accordance with the final report of the planning board on file with the town clerk ?"
YES
NO
The above named officers and question to be voted for on one ballot on Tuesday, the tenth day of March, 1953 (March 10, 1953) in the HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM. The polls will be opened at 8:00 o'clock A.M. and will close at 8:00 o'clock P.M.
78
Article 2. To choose and appoint all other Town Officers in such manner as the Town may determine.
Article 3. To hear the reports of the Town Officers and of the Fin- ance and Advisory Committee and all other committees and take any action thereon or relative thereto.
Article 4. To raise and appropriate money for Schools, Highways, and all other Town expenses and determine the manner of expending the same.
Article 5. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for Chapter 90 Maintenance, or take any action thereon or relative thereto.
Article 6. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for Chapter 90 Construction on Essex Street, or take any action thereon or relative thereto.
Article 7. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for the purchase of a Tractor with equipment for use primarily as a sidewalk snow plow, or take any action thereon or relative thereto.
Article 8. To see if the Town will vote to purchase and install a radio in the police cruiser for police and civil defense purposes, and raise and appropriate a sum of money therefor, or take any action thereon or relative thereto.
Article 9. To see if the Town will vote to authorize and approve the Selectmen erecting an Official Town Bulletin Board on the Engine House Lot at the corner of Railroad Avenue and Willow Street, and raise and appropriate a sum of money therefor, or take any action thereon or relative thereto.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.