USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1953 > Part 3
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Respectfully submitted,
RAYMOND A. WHIPPLE LAWRENCE C. FOSTER JOHN T. WALKE
36
LYDIA HARADEN
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The close of 1953 is like the passing of an era to your Trustees of the Public Library, as well as to many of the town's citizens, marking, as it does, the resignation of our librarian, Mrs. Lydia Haraden, after more than thirty-four years of devoted service. Mrs. Haraden's resignation was re- quired under terms of the state retirement regulations, and the trustees received it with regret. They join with the townpeople in expressing sincere gratitude for her long and faithful service and wishing her many years of happy retirement.
Hamilton is fortunate in her successor, Mrs. Fred H. Brown of Wen- ham, who brings a splendid background of library experience to her new position. Mrs. Brown is a graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, her native state, here she received her first library training at Ohio State University. This was supplemented with library work at New Lexington, Ohio, and with a library training course at University of Michigan. She has already taken up her duties at the Main Library in the Town Hall.
Reaction throughout the year to the newly located and completely re- furnished Main Library has been enthusiastic on the part of the citizens,
37
and has resulted in greater use of its facilities, notably among the young people. This has been a source of much satisfaction to the trustees and to the Friends of the Library, a civic-minded group organized in 1952, who were in large part responsible for the results. The Friends of the Library are now centering their attention on the Branch Library at South Hamilton, and under the leadership of Mrs. Alan Kay have been engaged in a careful "weeding" job for several months, under the supervision of Miss Alice M. Cahill and Miss Evelyn Robinson of the State Division of Libraries, to whom the trustees wish to express their thanks. A concerted effort to make the Branch room more attractive and useful will be made during 1954 by the trustees with the assistance of our veteran librarian, Mrs. Alvin Perley.
The trustees appreciate the work of the Book Selection Committee, headed by Melvin Reid, assisted by Mrs. B. Grant Dodd, Mrs. Halsey De- Wolfe Howe, Mrs. Frank Pulsifer, and Clement F. Hayes. They also wish to express their gratitude for the splendid cooperation of Mrs. Haraden and Mrs. Perley as well as to all those who have shown themselves true Friends of the Library.
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 1953.
The Circulation of books for the year was 9112 books; at the Main Library 3106; at the Branch Library 6006.
Circulation of fiction, at the Branch Library, Adults 4400; juvenile 998. At the Main Library, Adults 1164, juvenile 1167. Non-fiction, at the Branch Library, Adults 519, Juvenile 89. At the Main Library, Adults 603, Juvenile 172. Circulation at Branch Library was 432 less than in 1952. At the Main Library a loss of 1404 due to the fact that the library was moved to other quarters and we were closed for four months.
Magazine circulation. Main Library 537; at the Branch Library 566. Total 1103.
Total Books and Magazines. Main Library 3643; at the Branch Li- brary 6572. Total 10,215.
Respectfully submitted,
LYDIA L. HARADEN, Librarian.
38
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 hereby submit my annual report of the Treasury Depart- ment for the year ending December 31, 1953.
TREASURER'S CASH
Receipts
Payments
$388.053.30 210,849.18
$177,204.12
Beverly Trust Co.
$124,512.37
Merchants National
5,366.65
Day Trust Co.
42,609.92
Cash
4,715.18
$177,204.12
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 during 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, 1953
Refunds
Abate- ments Rescinded
Collected
Abate- ments $112 10 411 73
Trans- ferred to Tax Title
Un- collected
1952 Real Estate
$9.713 29
$38 00
9,506 19
$133 00
None
1952 Personal Property
1,178 80
767 07
None
1952
Motor Excise
978 67
1952
Ex. Committed in 1953
2,052 45
184 58
2,947 71
267 99
None
1953 Commitments
1953
Real Estate
$283,635 03
$951 31
$267,579 88
$6.398 35
$214 20
$10,393 91
1953
Personal Property
26,334 42
3 10
24,658 57
850 50
828 45
1953
Moth
846 60
801 30
None
1953
Polls
2,170 00
2 00
$4.00
1,812 00
364 00
45 30
1953
Motor Excise
33,050 76
777 80
27,256 43
2,298 50
4,273 63
1953
Water Rates Balance
2,484 64
23,248 56
73 10
2,669 45
1953
Water Services Bal.
388 76
1953
Services Commitments
2,276 39
14 00
2,413 85
1 00
264 30
1953
Cemetery Balance
139 25
1953
Cemetery Commitments
489 00
9 00
455 00
33 75
148 50
1953 Rates Commitments
23.479 87
26 60
Respectfuly submitted, BERTHA L. CROWELL, Town Collector.
40
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of Hamilton:
The Board of Water Commissioners herewith submit its eighteenth annual report of the activities of the Water Department.
Under the extension of mains program the Department has laid ap- proximately one thousand one hundred eighteen feet of six inch water main on Margaret and Linden Streets during the past year.
We have had several requests from residents expressing their desire for town water. Our intentions are to extend the mains to their areas in the near future. During the past several years the Town has appro- priated $5.000 for extensions of mains. With the high cost of pipe and necessary fittings we are only able to extend the mains a short distance each year.
With the consumption of 65,000,000 gallons of water the past year and a daily consumption of 400,000 per day during the dry months, we are aware that in view of the rapid growth of the system, which was 17% in 1953, we are fast reaching the time when an additional supply will be necessary.
During the year we purchased a new 34 ton Ford truck, equipped with a service master all purpose body especially adapted to the needs of the department. With the addition of this piece of equipment and our Dodge truck, the transportation facilities of meter readers and materials to various locations are much improved. The Park Department have had the use of the Dodge to transport mowers and material when not urgently needed by us.
A three inch diaphragm suction pump was purchased during the past year. This piece of equipment has proven very valuable to the Department in several instances. It has also been used by other town departments to combat water difficulty when the occasion required.
We express our appreciation for the assistance and cooperation rend- ered us during the past year by the Clerk, Superintendent. other town offi- cials, and the citizens of Hamilton.
Respectfully submitted.
RICHARD H. SMITH, Chairman GEORGE A. HARRIGAN GORDON L. THOMPSON
Board of Water Commissioners.
41
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 1953.
The Department has experienced another busy year due to the con- tinued new building and extension of mains.
The personnel of the department laid 668 feet of 6 inch Keasbey & Mattison pipe on Margaret Road, installed 2 Ludlow hydrants and 7 six inch gate valves. This line feeds into the pipe on Homestead Circle which was laid by the developer and accepted by the Town. 450 feet of six inch K and M pipe was laid on Linden Street, the connection being made at Lois Street and extending toward Highland Street. It was necessary to lay 380 feet of 2 inch pipe in the sidewalk on Railroad Avenue and Bay Road to service a new business block.
A six inch connection was made on Highland Street at the entrance to Asbury Grove Association to supply the Grove with water for domestic use and fire protection. The expense of this installation, except within the confines of the street bounds, was met by the Asbury Grove Association. The Department is now supplying in the Grove thirty-four summer and six permanent services as well as three hydrants.
One hundred and fifty-one applications for house services were re- ceived during the year, all of which have been installed making a total of 1056 services.
The records kept at the Pumping Station show that a total of 65,606,100 gal. were pumped during the year.
1953
Total Gallons Pumped Total Gallons Pumped
Old Station 21,544,000 New Station 44,062,100
65,606,100
Daily Average Consumption
179,469 gallons
1952
Total Gallons Pumped
61,381,700
Daily Average Consumption 168,169 gallons
The Fire Hydrants have been inspected and repairs effected where needed. One hydrant has been relocated at the corner of Asbury Street and Porter Lane.
Water meters have been read quarterly, repaired and replaced when necessary.
42
Water samples have been taken every two weeks and sent to the De- partment of Public Health for bacterial analysis. A test for chemical analysis is made twice a year.
In closing I wish to thank the Board of Water Commissioners for their advice and cooperation, also all other town Departments that have rendered their assistance.
Respectfully submitted,
RAYMOND A. WHIPPLE, Superintendent, Water Department.
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, 1953.
Necessary patching and maintenance work was carried on throughout the year. Several streets were oiled to keep the surface from breaking up.
Bridge Street was sealed under Chapter 90 Maintenance work. Pro- gress was continued on grading and oiling gravel roads. Catch basins were cleaned and guard rails repaired and painted.
Sidewalks were sloped up and surfaced on Hamilton, Railroad, and Lorenzo Avenues, also Mill Street and Linden Street Extension.
The tractor purchased by authority of the Annual Town Meeting proved its value throughout the year, being used as a bulldozer by the Highway and Water Departments during the summer months, and a side- walk plow in winter.
I extend my sincere appreciation to the citizens of Hamilton and all town officials and departments that have assisted me during the past year. especially the Tree Warden and the Water Department's assistance to me during snow storms. As in the past the Highway Department remains cooperative in assisting all Town Departments whenever possible.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES F. POOLE,
Highway Surveyor.
43
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Inhabitants of the Town of Hamilton:
The following report covers the activities of the Board of Health for the calendar year ending 31 December, 1953:
The Board of Health was reorganized on Monday evening, 16 March, 1954. At that time, Arthur M. Knight was unanimously elected Chair- man, with Lawrence R. Stone and Everett F. Haley members of the Board.
During the year, routine rubbish collections were maintained with very good results. The Board wishes that it could say the same for the garbage collections. The garbage collection was put out on "bids" during the month of December and the contract was awarded to the lowest bidder; namely, Michael Tauraso of Salem. Due to Mr. Tauraso's inability to maintain prompt and efficient service, the Board cancelled his contract and took up the next lowest bidder. At the time of this writing, the garbage collections are being made by Mr. Nicholas Papanickolas of Peabody, a hog raiser. It is the opinion of the Board that Mr. Papanickolas will render good service to the Town.
The Board has drawn up a Schedule Card listing the dates of rubbish collection in various parts of the Town and on the reverse side there is a Town Department Directory.
During the past year, the Board has amended the Rules and Regula- tions relative to Sewage Disposal installations ; copies of these changes may be had upon application to the Town Clerk.
The Board has met many times during the year for the purpose of inspecting proposed building sites and to determine the fitness of the area for sewage disposal and drainage from a standpoint of Public Health. The Board has arranged for a FREE X-Ray Survey of the Town. This Survey will take place at the Community House during the week of March 21, 1954. All inhabitants of the Town, over fifteen years of age, are eligible. At a recent meeting with a representative of the Massachusetts Department of Public Works, Division of Waterways, it was requested that they cause a preliminary survey of the Miles River for the purpose of reporting to this Board the feasibility of dredging, in order to cause the flow of water toward the Ipswich River, which in turn should lower the water table along the route of the river.
The Dental Clinic. under the direction of Dr. John King, assisted by Miss Florence Stobbart, School Nurse, has maintained the same high type of professional service to the children of the first six grades. The Board, at this time, feels that due to the increased school population, Dr. King can- not get around to each child a sufficient number of times, in many cases, to finish the needed work and issue a certificate. The Board feels that the Clinic should be restricted to the first three grades, in order to guarantee the issuance of the highest number of dental certificates possible. Dr. King's report of the activities of the Dental Clinic may be found elsewhere in the Town Report.
44
The following is a list of diseases recorded during the past year :
Measles 4 Mumps 4
Scarlet Fever 1 Chicken Pox 2
The Board wishes to express its thanks to Mr. Charles F. Poole, High- way Surveyor, for his fine co-operation and also wishes to express its thanks to Mr. Francis Whipple, Clerk of the Board of Health, and all other persons who have assisted us during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR M. KNIGHT EVERETT F. HALEY LAWRENCE R. STONE Board of Health.
45
REPORT OF THE CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY
To the. Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
Your Civil Defense Agency has been comparatively inactive during 1953, a situation that has likewise existed on state and national levels, despite the fact that executives in high office have inveighed against it. Public apathy persists, and your agency finds it difficult to combat. A local example concerns our attempts to organize Red Cross first aid courses. More than one opportunity for public participation in such valuable in- struction was provided during the year, and duly publicized. Each time it was impossible to interest enough candidates to warrant the undertaking.
However, our organizational apparatus remains intact, and can be counted on in emergency. We have maintained close relations with the state's Civil Defense headquarters, and your Director has attended the re- gional conferences. The only personnel change during the past year occured in the Medical Aid Division. We accepted with regret the resignation of the director, Dr. Henry F. Larchez, which was made necessary by pressure of business. Dr. Albert R. Larchez has very kindly agreed to assume these duties.
Your Director has been gratified that the police car radio provided by the Agency has proved itself a distinct civic asset during the past year, in addition to being available should defense emergency arise. For example, police and fire officials of the town were high in praise of the service rend- ered by the radio on the occasion of the Flying Horse Farm fire.
Another division of your Civil Defense Agency which has proved it- self of great value to the town in 1953 is the Auxiliary Police units, oper- ating under the energetic leadership of Marshall D. Gero. The twenty men enrolled have been equipped at no expense to the town. They have rendered splendid assistance in connection with the following: Friday evening protective service at Community House movies, horse and dog shows, air raid drills, traffic duty. ambulance assistance, church fairs, fires, auto accidents, police work, Fourth of July and Halloween. Almost four hours were given to the town by these public-spirited citizens. Your Agen- cy is deeply grateful for this contribution, and feels sure that the citizenry shares this gratitude.
I am pleased to have this opportunity to express our appreciation publicly to all who have assisted us during the past year, and I trust that all Civil Defense personnel will continue to hold themselves in readiness for any eventuality.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN H. PERKINS, Director.
46
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, 1953.
Th Department responded to 68 alarms during the year.
The amount of hose laid : 3/4"-5050 feet; 11/2"-600 feet; 21/2"- 3800 feet.
The amount of water used from booster tanks was 11,700 gals. 400 feet of 21/2" hose was purchased during the year.
ALARMS FOR 1953
Date
Dist. No.
Nature Location Owner
Jan. 30
41
House, Highland Street, Eileen Mortenson
30
Lightening Unit, Ipswich
31
21
Grass, Asbury Street, Christ Church
31
16
Chimney, Woodbury Street, Helen Frick Ipswich
1
21
Inhalator Call
2
21
Oil Burner, Union Street, Merrill J. Smallwood Building, Appleton Street, Gordon Plummer
14
31
Chimney, Boston Avenue, Maynard MacGregor Grass, Main Street, Richard Smith
Mar.
1
14
Chimney, Bridge Street, E. W. Henderson
2
25
Grass-Fence, Cutler Road, S. A. Spaulding
2
23
Rubbish, Rock Maple Avenue, George Dawe House, Main Street, Benjamin Pearse
6
21 Grass-Brush Willow Street, Dr. Albert Larchez 12 Grass-Brush, Woodbury Street, J. F. Cleveland 21 Dump, Railroad Avenue, Mrs. Wm. Lee
9
23
Grass, Bay Road, Jackson Shinkle
9
21
Rubbish, Willow Street, P. J. Hansbury
11
24
Grass, Sagamore Farm Road, E. H. Porter
12
21
Grass, Willow Street, Dr. Albert Larchez Grass, Bridge Street, Mrs. Emma Rice House, Highland Street, Theodore Johnson
18
41
22
21
Grass, Asbury Street, W. R. Herrick
23
31
Grass, Asbury Street, Frank Maione
23
41
Grass, Highland Street, Lester Holmes
Apr.
1
41
House, Perkins Avenue, Arthur S. Purdy
4
23
Grass, Bay Road, Charles Rice
10
24 Grass, Gardner Street, Dr. John Corcoran
12
21 Grass, Asbury Street, Mrs. Walter Cullen
Feb. 2
3-3-3
9
12
28
23
ɔ̃
23
7
12
23
47
23
17
Grass, Forest Street, R. Smithson
29
21 Brush, Linden Street, T. A. Moynihan
May 10
24 Grass-Autos, Off Bay Road, Benjamin Pearse
24
24 Grass, Off Bay Road, D. F. Cutler
24
13 Grass, Essex Street, Bartlett Gardens
27
24
Grass-Brush, Sagamore Street, H. C. Hatfield Tree, Bay Road, Lee Mann
13
31
Dump, Off Asbury Street, Frank Maione
13
14
Dump, Sagamore Road, Harland Clock
21
17
Drowning, Chebbaco Lake
22
12
Brush, Knowlton Street
Aug. 18
21
Auto, Railroad Avenue, James Hay
23
24
Auto, Off Bay Road
25
32
Brush, Off Winthrop Street, Glen Senior
26
32
Brush, Highland Street, Sumner Pingree
29
21
Grass-Rubbish, Asbury Street, F. MacDonald Chimney, Essex Street, Paul Lebenbawn, Jr.
Sept. 1
8
15
Grass, Essex Street, C. H. Newlin
11
12
Grass, Off Moulton Street, Forrester Clark
13
25
Grass, Cutler Road, Col. Colby Inhalator Call
23
23
Chimney, Bridge Street, G. H. Barney
Oct.
2
21
Grass, Off Walnut Road, Everett Haley
6
21
Rubbish, Union Street, W. H. Estes
16
24
Grass, Bay Road, John Hartnett
Nov.
4
21
Rubbish, Maple Street, Edward Pulsifer
4
32
Barn, Highland Street, Sumner Pingree
5
31
Rubbish, Garfield Avenue, Fred Morris Grass-Brush, Wenham
Dec. 15
24
Grass-Brush, Bay Road, John Neary False
25
41
26
21
Grass, Walnut Road, Martha Pierce
26
21
Oil Burner, Park Street, John Szaryc
27
21
Grass, Chestnut Street, Richard Johnson
27
24
Grass, Off Bay Road, Col. Porter
30
32
Barn, Winthrop Street, Glen Senior
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
Fire Engineers.
20
30
17
Brush, Off Forest Street, Theodore Maione
4
21
Grass, Off Linden Street, Est. T. A. Moynihan
5
13
23
June 2
48
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, 1953.
Adjusted Sealed Not Sealed Condemned
Scales :
Over 10,000 lbs.
2
100 to 5,000 lbs. Under 100
26
Weights :
Avoirdupois
19
Apothecary
10
Volumetric Measures :
Liquid Under 1 Gallon
12
Automatic Liquid
Measuring Devices :
Gasoline
1 27
Oil-Grease
1
3
Vehicle Tank Meters
4
1
Trial Weighings and Measurements of Commodities Sold or Put Up For Sale
Total Number Number Tested
Correct
Under
Over
Commodities
Bread
22
15
5
2
Butter
11
11
Oleo
11
11
Dry Commodities
44
Drink & Vegetables
38
2
5
31
Potatoes
32
29
1
2
Sugar
22
11
11
5
1
Respectfully submitted,
ERVING O. MAXWELL, Sealer.
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 1953.
Pursuant to a vote of the Annual Town Meeting an official Town Bul- letin Board was erected on the fire house lot at the corner of Willow Street and Railroad Avenue. This bulletin board will be used for posting voting lists, town warrants, specimen ballots and other official town postings.
The rearrangements and alterations of office space in the town hall were completed during the year. The new quarters of the main library are very attractive and well suited for library purposes. The new office occupied by the town clerk provides much needed room for the keeping of records and conducting the business of the office. The new vault provides for a fire- proof storage in the basement and a vault on the first floor for active use. The shelving and equipment in the vault is not completely installed due to lack of sufficient money. An appropriation will be asked for at the 1954 annual town meeting for the purchase of the needed equipment.
Due to the annual town meeting voting to change the name of Main Street to Bay Road, the Board of Selectmen deemed it necessary to change the street signs. Various types of signs were inspected in order to choose a sign that would be considered suitable in appearance and easily read. A sign with black letters on a while background was chosen as the most suit- able, a sufficient number purchased to cover the needs of the entire road and interesecting ways. Most of these signs have been erected by the highway department and have met with very favorable comment. The Board plans to purchase more of this type of sign the coming years to be erected where needed on other streets. It is hoped that by adding a few each year all the street signs in town will be of this design and will be uniform.
At the request of several citizens, the Board inquired of the Post Office the possibility of door to door mail delivery service in town. In cooperation with the Post Office Department the Board made a survey to obtain the desire of the patrons of each postoffice. The results of this survey showed that a majority of the patrons favored door to door mail delivery service. This information was transmitted to the Post Office Department, but the decision of the Post Office Department has not been received up to this time.
Chapter 90 Highway Construction work was continued on Essex Street during the year which completed resurfacing to the intersection of Saga- more Street. It is planned to continue this work in 1954 with an appro- priation of $875.00 by the town to finish the resurfacing to the Hamilton- Essex Line.
During the year it became necessary for the Treasurer and the Select- men to borrow $50,000 in anticipation of revenue. Through the efforts of Mr. John H. Perkins we were able to negotiate the loan at a very low in- terest rate with the Day Trust Co. Although having retired as a Select- man of Hamilton, Mr. Perkins has the interest of Hamilton at heart and is always willing to assist in any way possible.
50
Each member of the Board expresses his sincere appreciation to all townspeople and all town officials who have assisted the Board during the year.
Respectfully submitted, EVERETT F. HALEY LAWRENCE R. STONE ARTHUR M. KNIGHT
Board of Selectmen.
REPORT OF THE HAMILTON PLANNING BOARD ON THE ADOPTION OF A PROTECTIVE BY-LAW
Ever since the summer of 1946 the citizens of Hamilton have shown considerable interest in the adoption of a protective or zoning by-law. Several unsuccessful attempts have been made to have such a by-law adopted. The closeness of the vote in 1953, when the protective by-law was placed on the ballot, indicates a strong, favorable trend for its adoption. The Plan- ning Board has been urged to afford the citizens of Hamilton another op- portunity to consider this matter. A compelling argument in favor of its adoption is that all towns North or West of Boston within a twenty mile radius of the city have zoning by-laws. Although Hamilton is slightly outside this radius the construction of Route 128 has made Hamilton easily accessible by car as well as by train. If Hamiltonians desire to guide the future growth and development of their town they must adopt this protec- tive by-law now.
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