USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1954 > Part 4
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This Committee considered the possibility of consolidating a few but not all of the independent service departments at this time. It was thought, however, that the principal advantages outlined in this report would not be obtained by such a partial consolidation. Furthermore, it was felt that if a Public Works Department is ever to be formed, the' reorganization could be accomplished more easily within the next few years rather than at some later time when the independent service departments may have expanded considerably with the growth of the town. There are enough opportunities for improvement by the establishment of a Public Works Department to entitle the voters of the town to decide the question by ballot.
50
In the event that the town should vote in 1956 to establish a board of public works, Chapter 101 of the Acts of 1953 also stipulates that the town may, from time to time, by by-law provide that the board shall have additional powers with respect to furnishing of engineering services, the collection and disposal of garbage and refuse, the maintenance and repair of town buildings and property, and the performance of duties of any other boards, departments and offices of the town as may be reasonably related to the duties and responsibilities of a board of public works. This Committee believes that the proposed board should not be required to perform such additional duties for at least a year or two after it is estab- lished.
Respectfully submitted,
The Committee on Public Works Department
W. WHITNEY LUNDGREN, Chairman JOHN A. BICK, JR. LAWRENCE LAMSON PAUL F. PERKINS, JR. G. GORDON LOVE, dissenting
REPORT OF DISSENTING MEMBER
While all members of this Committee are in general agreement that there are certain attractive features in a Public Works type organization, the undersigned dissents from the majority recommendation that such a change is necessary and desirable at this time.
It does not appear that the Town's present size or probable rate of increase in population warrants such change in the immediate future. We are at present receiving good service at reasonable cost and inter- department cooperation exists so that waste and duplication are generally avoided. A Public Works Department would initially increase costs and possible benefits would not be apparent for some time.
It is the opinion of the undersigned that our present basic Town Government form, with its close, direct relationship between the voter and his Town Officials, should be retained as long as our size will permit.
G. GORDON LOVE
51
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton :
The Board of Park Commissioners herewith submit their report for the year ending Dec. 31, 1954.
The playground opened on June 28th and closed Friday, Aug. 28th. Total registration for the season was 297 with a daily average attendance of 90. We feel this average very gratifying considering the inclement weather which prevailed throughout the summer.
The usual main events of the season were carried out and thoroughly enjoyed. The Mother's Club picnic was held on July 6th. In addition to this the children had three other days at the beach.
The Beatrice Ayer Patton fireplace at the Park was used for two cook-outs and also for the closing Weenie roast held on Aug. 25th.
In addition to the regular activities which included Girls' soft ball, Baseball for Boys with out of town competition, Badminton, Croquet, Ping Pong, Checkers and Archery, the children enjoyed a Scavenger Hunt on July 15th and a Field Day on July 27th. Great enthusiasm was also shown in Tennis this year.
On Aug. 25th Mr. Lougee of the Park Board awarded ribbons won during the year for Athletic, Hand work and other Program activities.
The local Legion Post kindly furnished transportation for the annual trip to Canobie Lake.
In addition to the care of Patton Park we maintained Soldiers Green, Manassah Cutler Park, Roosevelt Ave., Park, the Robert Walsh Park at Chebaco Lake, and all school grounds. This was accomplished under the supervision of Mr. James Goodrich.
The new Toilet facilities at Patton Park are ready for use and should prove to be a great asset during the coming season.
We should like to again thank A. P. Gardner Post American Legion for the use of their amplifier system for use at the Skating Rink, also the Town Officials, all other Town Departments, and the citizens of the Town for all their Co-operation in making this past year most successful.
Respectfully submitted,
PHILIP C. HOPKINS RAY M. SANFORD ALBERT P. LOUGEE
Park Commissioners.
52
REPORT OF BUILDING INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen: GENTLEMEN :
As Building Inspector, appointed by you, I herewith wish to submit my report for the year 1954, in accordance with the Protective By-Law of the Town of Hamilton.
I have issued ninety-four (94) permits as follows : New Dwellings 40
Garages
21
Additions 26
Remodelling 2
Poultry Houses 2
Storage Shed 1
Toilet Structure 1
Greenhouse 1 (Total 94)
Three of the above permits were referred to the Appeal Board for their consideration and approval.
At this time may I express my appreciation to all those who have assisted me with my new duties, and for the full-hearted cooperation of the applicants.
Respectfully yours.
FRANK W. BUZZELL, Building Inspector
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The Cemetery Commissioners submit herewith their annual report for the year ending December 31, 1954.
Thirty-two interments were cared for by the Superintendent.
Twelve family size lots and six single graves were sold.
Eight Perpetual care Endowments were received.
Because of the requests we have received to build four grave lots this project will be started in 1955 and a sum of money will be asked to be transferred at the annual Town Meeting from the Cemetery Sale of Lots and Graves Fund.
The cooperation we have received from all the Town departments is greatly appreciated.
We thank our Superintendent, Philip S. Plummer, who has performed his duties so conscientiously.
Respectfully submitted,
RAYMOND A. WHIPPLE, Chairman LAWRENCE C. FOSTER JOHN T. WALKE
53
FINAL REPORT OF THE SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The School Building Committee wishes to report the completion of the project entrusted to it at the Special Town Meeting of November 13, 1950. The Manasseh Cutler School and additional facilities at the High School, including the Memorial Gymnasium, have been in use since Decem- ber 1952, and have proved, on the whole, satisfactory. The additional work entrusted to us at the Annual Town Meeting of 1954 has been ac- complished. The School Building Assistance Commission has processed the application for reimbursements and payments have been received by the Town.
We wish to take this opportunity to express our thanks to the Super- intendent of Schools, Mr. Douglas A. Chandler. His patient and assiduous help has been invaluable throughout our association with him. We also wish to express our great appreciation of the splendid work done by Mrs. Alfred Edmondson on the preparation of the request for reimbursement. It was a trying task very well done. Our thanks also go to the Town Clerk, Mr. Francis H. Whipple, and to the Town Treasurer, Mr. Walfred B. Sellman, for their assistance on this project, and to all the Town officials for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
FINLAY D. MACDONALD, Chairman RUTH DONALDSON, Secretary STANDISH BRADFORD FORRESTER A. CLARK G. GORDON LOVE
School Building Committee.
54
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The Librarian's report for 1954 indicates a healthy over-all increase of approximately 3,000 in book circulation for the town's libraries. Much credit for this increase must be attributed to the cooperation of the Librar- ian. Mrs. Fred H. Brown, and the Friends of the Library in supplying and delivering to the schools of the town carefully selected volumes for supplementary reading. This involves for those concerned a considerable voluntary effort, but has been undertaken to bring to the attention of pupils and teachers the resources of the library and to stimulate outside reading. Because of the work involved, it is doubtful if such a program can be continued indefinitely, and it is therefore hoped by the Trustees that the school faculty will urge upon the young people the importance and benefits of using the library facilities and developing regular library habits.
The Trustees and townspeople alike have been concerned over the recent illness of our much-beloved veteran Librarian, Mrs. Alvin L. Per- ley. It is a pleasure to report that Mrs. Perley is improving steadily and may soon be able to resume her duties at the Branch Library. In the interim, Mrs. Richard L. Wiggin has been substituting very capably, and the Trustees are grateful for her assistance.
During 1954, the Branch Library in South Hamilton was thoroughly renovated, and public reaction has been gratifying. The room was re- . painted in cheerful colors and shelving was rearranged for increased space and convenience. Here, again, the work of the Friends of the Library in moving and returning the books to the shelves was noteworthy, and represented a saving in expense to the town. It might be added with reference to the Branch Library, because it is no longer a secret, that the need for increased Post Office space in South Hamilton poses a serious problem for the town. Out library space is currently under consideration in this regard, and although no decisions have yet been made, it is con- ceivable that a difficult library housing situation may arise shortly. Your Trustees are studying ways to meet such an eventuality, should it arise.
The Trustees are grateful to the members of the Book Selection Com- mittee, and cannot overemphasize their dependence upon, and appreciation of the work of the Friends of the Library. Not only has this group, under the sponsorship of the P.T.A., helped to increase book circulation, and contributed to the work of Branch Library improvement, but members have worked on library displays, story-telling hours, and the current pro- ject of preparing essential shelf lists for both libraries. Members of this group to whom the Trustees wish to extend their thanks are Mrs. Alan Kay, Mrs. Thomas J. Britton, Mrs. Richard C. Taylor, Mrs. William M. Foley, Mrs. Leonard R. Heurlin, Mrs. Edward W. McGuinness, Mrs. Leonard J. Franson, and Mrs. John F. Neary.
55
May we add a final word of appreciation for the splendid cooperation of the Librarians, Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Perley, and Mrs. Wiggin. Mrs. Brown, in assuming the duties handled over so many years by our former Librarian, Mrs. Lydia Haraden, has made it clear that the town is very fortunate to have her services.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN F. NEARY SARAH H. TRUSSELL MELVIN F. REED
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
To the Trustees of the Public Library:
Herewith is presented the Annual Report for 1954.
During the year the Library acquired 600 new volumes, of which 405 were distributed to the Main Library and 195 to the Branch. Circu- lation of books has increased at the Main, but an exact comparison is not possible due to the period the library was closed in 1953. The Branch, however, has had a light loss in circulation.
The Librarian wishes to thank the P.T.A. and the Friends of the Library who jointly inaugurated a program of distributing books to the classes of both the Elementary School and the High School. It is hoped that this program will stimulate the interest of both teachers and pupils in what the Library has to offer.
A detailed summary of the circulation records is attached.
Main Library
Adult fiction
2109
Adult non-fiction
935
Adult periodicals
697
Total Adult
3741
Juvenile fiction
2611
Juvenile non-fiction
524
Juvenile periodicals
42
Total Juvenile
3177
Total Main
6918
Branch Library
Adult fiction
3835
Adult non-fiction
665
Adult periodicals
540
Total Adult
5040
Juvenile fiction
1079
Juvenile non-fiction
133
Total Juvenile
1212
Total Branch
6252
Total Library Circulation
13,170
Respectfully submitted, LOUISE BROWN, Librarian
56
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The Assessors are pleased to submit their annual report for the calendar year ending December 31, 1954.
In order that you may visualize at a glance how our town is growing we are showing directly below comparative figures as of January 1, for the past four (4) years :
1951 1952
1953
1954
Total Valuation $6,605,585. $6,903,155. $7,377,925.
$8,014,920.
Number of Buildings 1,100
1,156
1,231 1,351
Number of Polls Assessed 950
1,023
1.085 1.178
It is not anticipated that the ensuing year (1955) will show the same relative percentage of increase.
DETAILED REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1954
Value of Buildings
$5,923,650.00 1,468,190.00
Value of Land
Total Value Real Estate
Value of Personal Estate
$7,391,840.00 623,080.00
Total Valuation
$8,014,920.00
Tax Rate $42.00 per Thousand.
Tax on Real Estate
$310.457.28
Tax on Personal Estate
26,169.36
Tax on Polls. 1178 at $2.00
2.356.00
Total Taxes Assessed
$338,982.64
1954 RECAPITULATION
EXPENDITURES
Appropriations to be raised by taxation $482,771.99
State Tax and Assessments :
State Parks and Reservations
1,036.58
State Audit of Municipal Accounts
764.25
County Tax and Assessments :
County Tax
18,219.30
Tuberculosis Hospital
5.469.72
Overlay for the current year
10,347.73
Gross amount to be raised
$518,609.57
ESTIMATED RECEIPTS AND AVAILABLE FUNDS
Veterans' Benefits
$1,000.00
Income Tax
35,084.16
Corporation Tax
23,394.34
57
Reimbursement a /c Publicly owned land
5,853.76
Old Age Tax (meals) 1,040.05
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise Tax
34,000.00
Licenses
2.000.00
Special Assessments (moth)
911.30
Protection of Persons and Property
50.00
Health and Sanitation
500.00
Charities (other than Federal Grants for dependent children)
2,500.00
Old Age Assistance (other than Federal grants)
18,000.00
Schools
8,400.00
Public Service Enterprises (water)
25,000.00
Cemetery (Trust funds and sale of lots)
900.00
Interest on taxes and assessments
300.00
Over Estimates of previous years :
County Tax
438.40
Tuberculosis Hospital
254.92
Amount taken from available funds
20,000.00
Tax Receipts from 1954 Assessments
338,982.64
Gross Receipts
$518,609.57
LIVE STOCK ASSESSED
Horses and Ponies
104
Cows (milch)
201
Bulls-Oxen-Heifers 139
Yearlings
38
Sheep
50
Fowl
50
NUMBER OF PERSONS AND CORPORATIONS ASSESSED
Real Estate only 1,262
Personal Estate only 259
Real and Personal Estate 87
LAND AND BUILDINGS ASSESSED
Acres of land 6.694
Buildings 1,351
The Assessors will be glad to meet, by appointment, any tax payer who may wish to confer with them relative to the assessment on their property. Our records are available for inspection by any citizen of the town who may wish to obtain information relative to the operation of this department.
This office should be advised of the sale or tranfer of a motor vehicle in order that the excise tax may be adjusted.
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT H. CHITTICK ELMO O. ADAMS ARTHUR L. BENNETT Board of Assessors.
58
REPORT OF THE TOWN TREASURER
To the Citizens of the Town 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 Dec. 31, 1954.
TREASURER CASH
Receipts
Payments
$391,224.90 177,204.12
$214,020.78
Cash
Beverly Trust Co.
$4,780.04 194,611.30 5,366.65
Merchants National
Day Trust Co.
9,262.79
$214,020.78
I wish to take this opportunity to convey my sincere thanks to not only the town officials, but also to 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
Outstanding
Abate- ments
Year
Tax
Jan. 1, 1954
Refunds Rescinded
Collected
Abate- ments
Trans- ferred to Tax Title
Un- collected
1953 Real Estate
$10,393 91
$2 00
$10,127 11 760 20
$268 80 68 25
None
None None
1953
Motor Excise
4,273 63
1953
Ex. Commitments in 1954
3,289 25
449 20
2 00
6,308 22
1,706 25
None
1954 Commitments
1954
Real Estate
$310,474 08
471 45
. . .
$294,486 27
7.534 80
67 20
8,857 26
1954 Personal Property
26,169 36
1 69
24,673 11
354 90
1,143 04
1954
Moth
911 30
7 15
910 25
8 20
1954
Polls
2,356 00
4 00
4 00
1,992 00
372 00
None
1954
Motor Excise
44,514 39
830 93
2 15
37,991 34
3,708 80
3,647 33
1954
Water Rates Balance
2,669 45
Liens
1954
Water Rates Commitments 29,534 97
48 20
93 00
29,015 73
239 59
2,908 30
1954
Water Services Balance
264 30
1954
Services Commitments
1,169 20
22 17
1,281 67
174 00
1954 Cemetery Balance
148 50
1954 Cemetery Commitment
483 00
467 00
5 00
159 50
1954
Water Liens
93 00
Liens Registry charge
3 00
47 10
48 90
Respectfully submitted, BERTHA L. CROWELL, Town Collector.
1953 Personal Property
828 45
None
60
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, 1954.
The Department responded to 62 alarms during the year. The amount of hose laid: 3/4"-3150 feet; 11/2"-500 feet. The amount of water used from booster tanks was 4600 gallons. 150 feet of 21/2" house and 3 11/2" fog nozzles were purchased.
We feel the 1929 G.M.C Truck should be replaced by a Ford F 750 152 H.P. with a 50 ft. power aerial ladder. The ladder can be set for use in two minutes by one man. This truck would have a 500 gallon booster tank and pump. Also carry hose. the lighting unit, inhalator and other equipment.
ALARMS FOR 1954
Date
Dist. No.
Nature Location Owner
Jan. 13
23
Auto, Meyer Road
15
31
Chimney, Gifford, Vernon Pollard
17
31
Cottage, Asbury Grove, J. H. Brown
18
23
Rubbish, Main Street, Est. Donald Trussell
22
3-3-3
Building, Porter Street, Wenham
Feb.
1
21
Oil Burner, Railroad Avenue, Myron Clark
8
21
Rescue a cat
20
24
Grass. Gardner Street, W. W. Bancroft Inhalator
21
3-3-3
Grass, Walnut Road, Wenham
24
31
Grass & Brush, Off Asbury Street, Shaw McKean
27
23
Rescue a dog, Main Street
Mar. 6
21
Grass, Maple Street, George Thibodeault
7
14
Grass, Essex Street, John Mann
10
21
Grass, Maple Street, Raymond Mailhoit
10
41
Grass, Leigh Road, J. H. Brondle
16
31
Chimney, Washington Avenue, Edward Hopping, Jr.
19
13
Grass & Brush, Knowlton Street, Carrie Dodge
21
24
Grass, Gardner Street, F. P. Sears, Jr.
22
12
Hay, Bridge Street, Forrester Clark
24
23
Grass & Brush, Meyer Road, J. E. Hall
26
31
Grass & Brush, Arthur Ave., Fred Little
26
25 Grass & Brush, Cutler Road, Est. Col. Colby
26
14 Grass & Brush, Echo Cove Road, Est. Father Sullivan
28
31 Grass, Topsfield Road, Mabel Cole
24
31
Inhalator
29
21
Tree, Cummings Street, Town of Hamilton
20
31
61
April 3
21
Grass & Brush, Walnut Road, Ralph Porter
3
23
Inhalator
4
21 Grass, Bay Road, Pearl Berrett
5
12 Inhalator
12
31 Grass & Brush, Moynihan Road, Gladys Mann
13
31 Truck, Arthur Ave., Town of Hamilton
14
34
Brush, Highland Street, Frederick Winthrop False
May
1
41
Auto, Highland Street
1
13
Leak in Gasoline Tank, Essex Street. Bartlett Gardens
9
21
House, Park Street, Ralston Pickering
24
23
Pumped out cellar, Bay Road
June
4
23
Oil Burner, Bay Road, Percival Whipple
15
41
Oil Burner, 15 Leigh Road, Wenham
18
14
Hay, Essex Street, Harlan Clock
July 31
21
Rescue a cat
Aug. 6
32
Brush, Off Highland Street, Sumner Pingree
7
21
Wires shorted in Trees, Cummings Street, Town
31
31
Cottage, Asbury Grove Corporation
31
24
Chimney, Bay Road, Charles Dodge
Sept. 10
23
Inhalator
13
21
Rescue a dog, Hamilton Avenue
27
21
Auto, Hamilton Avenue Inhalator
21
31
Dump, Off Bridge Street, Mrs. Wallace Knowlton Auto, Topsfield Road
24
21
Rubbish, Pine Street, Clifton Sibley
26
31
Chimney, Mudge Avenue. C. H. Cormier
Nov. 13
34
Brush, Goodhue Street, D. W. Hawkins
18
41
House, Lake Drive, Earl Gadbois
19
23
Gas Stove, Bay Road, F. H. Burr
24
24
Chimney, Sagamore Street, Clifford Roberts
We express our appreciation to all departments and to others 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.
17
24
18
21
Leaky Refrigerator
20
23
Brush, Meyer Road, R. L. Vassar
18
24
Pumped out cellar, Moulton Street
Oct. 4
21
5
12
62
REPORT OF HAMILTON PLANNING BOARD
The Protective or Zoning By-Law adopted by the Town of Hamilton in 1954 has been in effect for approximately one year. This is a very short time in which to test the serviceability of a new law, and is usually the most difficult period of administration. The administration of the Protective By-Law has been ably carried out by the Building Inspector and the mem- bers of the Board of Appeals. On behalf of the citizens of Hamilton, the Planning Board thanks those who have so unselfishly and successfully per- formed the difficult task of interpreting and enforcing this new By-Law.
The purpose of the By-Law is to promote the health, safety, welfare and convenience of the inhabitants of Hamilton by dividing the Town into Districts and regulating the use and construction of buildings in order to encourage the most appropriate use of land in the Town. In order that this purpose may conform to the desires of the majority of the Hamilton residents, the Planning Board welcomes their written or oral suggestions on future changes and improvements that might be made in this By-Law.
During the past year, the Planning Board has worked on numerous and varied subdivision problems. The Board is pleased to report a grow- ing tendency in the town to landscape new developments and to increase the size of the lots used for building purposes from the minimum lot size of 10,000 square feet to 20,000 square feet or more than an acre. The continuation of these trends will help to preserve the country atmosphere which makes Hamilton such an attractive town.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR E. MORROW, Chairman GEORGE C. CUTLER, JR., Clerk HENRY J. GOURDEAU M. KEITH LANDER FRANCIS C. MOYNIHAN
63
REPORT OF THE HIGHWAY SURVEYOR
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
I herewith submit my report of the Highway Department for the year ending December 31, 1954.
Necessary patching and maintenance work was carried on throughout the year. Several streets were oiled to protect the surface from breaking up. Progress was continued on draining, grading, and oiling gravel roads. Catch basins were cleaned and guard rails repaired and painted. Chap- ter 90 Maintenance Work was carried over to next spring, at which time a drainage system is to be installed on Bridge Street.
The Sidewalk program was carried on continuing on Lois Street ex- tension, Naples and Savoy Roads.
The Ford Truck purchased by authority of the annual town meeting proved its value throughout the year.
The system of cooperation of labor and the lending and borrowing of equipment between all departments has proven very successful and a saving to the tax payer.
I extend my sincere appreciation to the citizens of Hamilton and all town officials and departments, also the highway employees that have as- sisted me in the past year.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES F. POOLE Highway Surveyor
64
REPORT OF THE CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
Your Civil Defense Agency, except for the valued, voluntary activities of its Auxiliary Police unit, has continued in its stand-by character during 1954. There has been no cause for our Agency to swing into action, for which we are all deeply grateful. This does not mean, of course, that we have not been ready. Our Civil Defense organization remains intact, for any responsibilities that could conceivably confront the town.
At recent regional meetings which your Director has attended, and as indicated in the daily press, a structural change in the Civil Defense operations would appear to be imminent. Federal authorities have under consideration plans whereby the national government, through the states, would take over complete responsibility for the direction of Civil Defense activities, even on the local level. Until such time, your town's agency will continue to function as it has in the past.
Your director, and presumably all the citizens of the town, are very grateful for the tireless efforts of Hamilton's Auxiliary Police under the leadership of Marshall D. Gero. Their civic contribution has been notable. During and after the 1954 hurricanes, they rendered splendid service in cooperation with town and state authorities. Their voluntary assistance in minimizing traffic hazards on the occasions of the weekly movie has meant a great deal to Hamilton parents, and their assistance at football games and other public meeting places has merited praise.
The Civil Defense Agency wishes to express its special thanks to Donald F. Cutler, Jr., for his generous assistance to the Auxiliary Police, in furnishing quarters and a rifle range to its members.
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