USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1957 > Part 5
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Veterans Benefits
$ 900.00
Income Tax 47,102.86
Corporation Tax 22,494.34
Reimbursement a/c publicity owned land
6,319.92
Old Age Tax (meals)
959.38
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise
62,000.00
Licenses and Fines
2,200.00
Special Assessments (moth)
770.45
Protection of Persons and Property
100.00
Health and Sanitation
1,000.00
Charities (other than Federal Grants for dependent children)
5,000.00
Old Age Assistance (other than Federal Grants) 14,000.00
Schools
6,000.00
Libraries
100.00
Public Services (water)
38,000.00
Cemetery
1,000.00
Interest on Taxes and Assessments
300.00
State Assistance for School Construction
11,000.00
Town of Manchester (in lieu of taxes)
864.00
Over-estimates of previous year : County Tax
331.59
Amounts taken from available funds
71,766.11
Tax receipts from 1957 assessments
461,872.88
Gross Receipts
$754,081.53
Anyone who transfers or sells a motor vehicle should apply to the Assessors for an abatement for the balance of the year as promptly as possible, stating the date of such transfer. In many cases this will make it possible to deduct the amount of the rebate when paying the original excise tax itself and would eliminate the need for sending a refund check.
Any veteran entitled to a real estate tax exemption on account of service-connected disability should send his certificate to the Assessors as soon as possible after he receives it from the Veterans Administration.
Again the Board of Assessors wish to bring to your attention the fact that available sites for home construction in our township are becoming scarcer each year. For the past five years the assessed valua- tion of the town has increased on an average of more than five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.) annually. The increased revenue thus afforded has helped to offset mounting costs of government and public services to the extent of about $2.50 on the present tax rate. It is not to be expected that this pace of new revenue can be maintained unless commercial construction can make up for the probable lessening of new residential valuation.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT H. CHITTICK ELMO O. ADAMS
ARTHUR L. BENNETT Assessors
63
REPORT OF THE CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Civil Defense Agency has had a very successful year due largely to the cooperation it has received from the citizens of Hamilton. Space here does not permit enumeration of individuals and their contributions that resulted in the year's gains. I will, therefore, enumerate the gains by departments.
The Auxiliary Police, as has been the case in past years, was the most active department. The men participated in the "North Shore Special Police Revolver League" and Hamilton again won first place in the B division. Considerable time was given to the town at the request of your Police Chief to help and augment the regular police force.
The Radio Department finally received the radio equipment we ordered for emergency communication for the town. This equipment has been placed in strategic places in the town under the care and respon- sibility of accepted radio operators.
The Housing-Feeding Registration and Rehabilitation section of Civil Defense is in operation and has made rapid progress. Staffing of various sections has gone along rapidly and several meetings have clarified the various responsibilities of every phase of this operation and the tie-in each with the other.
Our Air Raid Warden section has been set up and as yet is in the planning stage. We hope to have it in operation soon. Personnel is needed to do this, relying on women as much as possible.
Civil Defense rates all cities and towns by a percentage method. Points are given according to the degree of preparedness and operation. A year ago, Hamilton had a percentage figure of 60%. Due to the increase in interest, participation and organization during the past year, Hamilton's rating is now 83%. Any Municipality with a rating of 80% or over is entitled to share in Federal Surplus Properties.
With the exception of a few miscellaneous plans having to do with the staffing and operation of Civil Defense in emergency, this covers our operation in 1957.
I hope our efforts in the past year meet with the approval of the Board of Selectmen and the citizens of Hamilton and may I again thank you all for your cooperation.
Respectfully submitted, HARVEY E. BARNES Civil Defense Director
64 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 De- partment of the Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year ending December 31, 1957.
Scales : Adjusted Sealed Not Sealed Condemned
Over 10,000 lbs.
2
100 to 5,000 lbs.
8
Under 100 lbs. 24
Weights : Avoirdupois 20
Volumetric Measures :
Liquid Under 1 Gallon 13
Automatic Liquid Measuring Devices : Gasoline 21
Vehicle Tanks 6
Linear Measures : Yardsticks 3
Reweighing Commodities
72
Peddlers :
Checked
Fish
1
Bakery 1
Both with State Licenses
Respectfully submitted,
ERVING O. MAXWELL Sealer
65
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of Hamilton :
The Board of Water Commissioners herewith submit their twenty- second Annual Report of the Water Department.
The Department laid 1,800 feet 6" Century pipe under the Extension of Mains program on Forest Street. Also, five new hydrants were set for fire protection.
With sixty-eight (68) new house services added to our system we now have a total of 1,430 services. Having one of the driest summers on record, we pumped a maximum gallonage from our wells and bought some from Essex.
The new reservoir is completed except for loaming and seeding. 5,000 feet of big 10" Century pipe was laid on Asbury Street to the location of the Patton Well. The well has been installed with the pumphouse due for completion on May 1st.
We wish to thank the residents of the Town of Hamilton and all the Town Departments for their co-operation during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, GORDON L. THOMPSON, Chairman GEORGE A. HARRIGAN RICHARD H. SMITH Water Commissioners
66
REPORT OF THE DENTAL CLINIC
To the Board of Health :
GENTLEMEN :
I herewith submit my report of the Dental Clinic for 1957.
Amalgam fillings 445
Cement fillings 31
Copper cement fillings
Temporary fillings
68
Zinc - oxide - eugenol and cement 24
Cement linings
10
Treatments
9
Extractions (permanent )
4
Extractions (temporary)
20
Novocains
38
Cleanings
89
Examinations
2
X-rays .
4
Certificates
80
Total number of hours
2182
Total number of operations
749
It has been my aim and the aim of every dentist to preserve teeth, par- ticularly the six year molars which are permanent teeth and the keystone teeth of the dental arch. As you can see by the above report, during the year of 1957, I had to extract four six year molars. That does not seem at first glance to be a lot, but when you consider that if the teeth had been seen by a dentist earlier, they might have been saved. The children who lost these molars were seven and eight years old.
Let me urge all parents whether they take advantage of the clinic or not to send their children to the dentist early.
Sincerely, JOHN KING, D. M. D.
67
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of Hamilton:
We submit herewith our report for the year ending December 31, 1957.
The activities of the Board of Health continue to increase with the growth of the Town. We have attended to many problems coming to our attention affecting the health of individuals and the community. The in- spection of sewage disposal systems continues to be an important function for the protection of the health of all. The collection and disposal of garbage and rubbish has been carried on in a very satisfactory manner.
The Board provided a "third-shot polio" clinic for children between the ages of 1-15 years. Primarily this clinic was for third shots for those having previously received two shots but many were given first and second shots. The Board provided flu immunization for town employees performing work deemed to be essential in cases of emergency.
The Dental Clinic has continued under the supervision of Dr. John King, assisted by Miss Florence Stobbart, School Nurse. A special report on the Dental Clinic by Dr. King may be found elsewhere in the Town Re- port. We greatly appreciate the services rendered by Miss Stobbart.
The following is a list of communicable diseases reported to the Board of Health during the year :
Scarlet Fever 8 Mumps 14
German Measles 6
Infectious Meningitis 1
Chicken Pox 10
Measles 18
Dog-Bite
3
Roseola 1
We express our appreciation to all who have assisted us during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
EVERETT F. HALEY
LAWRENCE LAMSON
WILLIAM F. MACKENZIE Board of Health
68
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, 1957.
Total Arrests
37
Male
33
Female
. 4
CLASSIFICATION OF CRIMES
Allowing gambling on premises 1 Lewd and Lascivious 1 Attempted Extortion 1 Allowing improper person to operate a motor vehicle 1
Carrying a gun without a permit 1
Disturbing the peace
1
Driving to endanger 10
Drunkenness
9
Failing to stop at stop sign . 4
Extortion
1
Operating after right
sus-
Operating under influence
4
pendend
1
Operating without license
1
DISPOSITION OF CASES
Filed 3 Probation 3
Fined
22
Sentenced
4
Not Guilty 1 Released (Drunk) 4
SUMMONS SERVED
For local department
9
For out of town police
58
AUTOMOBILE REGULATIONS
Accident reports filed 59
Automobile transfers 264
Licenses revoked by Registrar 37
Registrations revoked by Registrar 9
69
MISCELLANEOUS
Accidents investigated 43
Ambulane runs to hospital and physicians 164
Assistance to out of town police 97
Dangerous wires reported
19
Dog complaints investigated 54
Street lights reported out 217
Street obstructions reported 27
I again express my appreciation to the Beverly Police Department for its continued co-operation in handling calls for our two-way cruiser radio. The local telephone operators have continued their splendid co-operation and service far beyond the scope of their duty which is greatly appreciated. I extend my appreciation to all townspeople and others who have assisted this Department during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD FREDERICK, Chief of Police
70
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF WIRES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
GENTLEMEN :
I herewith submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1957.
I have issued 157 permits covering the installation of wiring and appliances as follows :
Municipal new building 1
Commercial new building
2
Commercial old building 1
Dwellings, new construction
23
Temporary wiring, fairs, carnivals, etc.
4
Temporary Services
8
New Services (replacements)
22
Gasoline pumps
1
Oil Burners
45
Gas Burners
11
Electric Ranges
20
Electric clothes dryers
12
Domestic water heaters
8
Heat pumps
1
Dish washers
6
Disposals (garbage)
6
Grills (commercial)
1
Additions and repairs
36
Electric Signs
3
Inspections made on the above
341
Violations ordered corrected
12
Complaints investigated
2
Advisory calls made
16
Calls for service locations
11
Investigations-work being done without permits 2
Oil Burners inspected for Fire Dept. 48
Wiring in Dwellings condemned as fire hazards being completely rewired 2
I wish to express my appreciation for the cooperation of The Board of Selectmen, Town Clerk, Fire and Police Chiefs, Mr. Frank Dever of the Power Company and the Electrical Contractors and all citizens I have come in contact with during the performance of my duties.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS M. ROBINSON,
Inspector of Wires
71
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The Park Board herein submits their annual report for the year ending Dec. 31, 1957.
The Playground season opened on June 24th and closed on Aug. 21. Registration was over 300 with a daily average attendance of about 100. The children were under the supervision of the following Instructors :- Mr. Gelean Campbell, Miss Marjorie Ricker, Mrs. Gerald Colwell and Miss Janet Smerage.
The regular daily program included both individual and team ac- tivities for the Intermediate and Senior groups as well as a daily hand- work period for the younger boys and girls. Special events were held each week and several picnics at the fireplace which are always enjoyed greatly by the children. Several beach days were enjoyed with the Canobie Lake Trip closing the season. We wish to thank the Mother's Club for their very helpful assistance with our activities.
The Department continued the maintenance of Manassah Cutler Park, Soldier's Green, the Robert Walsh Park at Chebacco Lake, Patton Park and the grounds at the Elementary and High Schools.
For the many baseball teams in town the Department maintains four baseball diamonds. These along with the various parks are under the care and supervision of Mr. Henry Stelline, Park Superintendent.
This year we purchased one bleacher for the baseball diamond and hope to add another this year.
The skating season again drew large crowds to Patton Park and it was a good skating year with several weeks of excellent ice. As in the past the Burning of the Greens took place on Jan. 7th and enjoyed by many.
The annual Community Service Fair was expanded into a four day event and took place at Patton Park during the 4th of July Holiday. It was very successful with thousands of people enjoying the Bonfire & Fireworks.
During the dry season the bottom of the pond was scraped and levelled off to insure a safer and better skating surface.
We wish to thank all Departments for their cooperation and es- pecially the Highway Dept. for their very able assistance.
Respectfully submitted,
PHILIP C. HOPKINS ALBERT P. LOUGEE RAY M. SANFORD Park Commissioners
We would like to take this opportunity to express our thanks to Mr. Philip C. Hopkins for his twelve years of faithful service to the Town as Park Commissioner.
Signed MR. RAY. M. SANFORD
MR. ALBERT P. LOUGEE
72
REPORT OF THE HAMILTON SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE
(For the Construction of Addition No. 2 to the Manasseh Cutler School) To the Citizens of Hamilton:
During 1957 School Building Committee Number One (for the con- struction of addition No. 2 to the Manasseh Cutler School) met only three times. These meetings were called for the purpose of approving the pur- chase of necessary equipment items and for the overseeing of needed minor adjustments and the completion of the entire project to the satisfaction of the Committee. The Committee is pleased to report that the added classrooms at the Manasseh Cutler School are finally completed and equipped, and are serving their purpose well.
Final reports for Addition No. 2 are being processed and upon their completion will be forwarded to the State Building Assistance Com- mission offices for approval. In anticipation of the receipt of these final reports the State Building Assistance Commission has already made two preliminary reimbursements to the Town of $2,505.01 each or a total of $5,010.02.
It will be remembered that at the time the first unit of two classrooms was voted by the Town there was considerable doubt that the Town would be eligible for State Assistance, due to the original procedures used. The Committee is happy to report that assistance from the State Building Assistance Commission has apparently been approved for Addition No. 1 (the original unit of two classrooms). The Town of Hamilton is scheduled for two payments of $2,730.19 each or a total reimbursement of $5,460.38 in 1958 on the original unit of two classrooms.
The School Building Committee is most grateful to the Superinten- dent of Schools and his secretary for their excellent and untiring efforts in its behalf. The Committee also expresses its sincere appreciation to all townspeople and officials who have assisted it in its duties.
Respectfully submitted,
ALLAN MacCURRACH, Chairman FREDERICK J. CALDWELL GEORGE C. CUTLER RICHARD M. EMERY HENRY J. GOURDEAU JOHN H. LAWSON
JOHN F. NEARY MORLEY L. PIPER
73
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL BUILDING NEEDS COMMITTEE
Hamilton School Building Committee To the Citizens of Hamilton:
The School Building Needs Committee herewith submits a report of its activities for the year 1957.
Upon the recommendations of the Committee, the Town took two very important steps towards a remedy for our acute classroom shortage during this past year.
The first step was finally approved at a Special Town Meeting on September 9, 1957 with the purchase of 16 acres of the Anderson Prop- erty and the appropriation of funds for planning the construction of a twelve room elementary school building. This work is well advanced and it is expected that, with the approval of the Town, construction can be started on or about June 1, 1958. The Building Needs Committee respectfully requests the consideration of all in support of this recom- mended project.
The second step was also taken at this same Special Town Meeting. The Town Moderator was authorized to appoint a committee of three to be known as a Regional District Planning Committee. The purpose of this Committee is to explore the possibility of Hamilton participating in a regional high school program with other neighboring towns. Today's space needs at the elementary level will become a problem at the secondary level in the near future. This makes the newly appointed Regional Dis- trict Planning Committee a very important one. Its task will not be easy, its problems complex. The School Building Needs Committee is making every effort to cooperate with the School Committee and the Regional District Planning Committee in order to provide our children with the best educational facilities possible. Our schools will be as good as we make them or as poor as we permit them to be. It is only through your continued support and cooperation that we will be able to offer our youngsters the best possible education.
The School Building Needs Committee wishes to thank all who have assisted in making its investigations and is extremely grateful that its recommendations to date have met with the approval of the townspeople.
Respectfully submitted,
ALLAN MacCURRACH, Chairman
FREDERICK J. CALDWELL
GEORGE C. CUTLER
RICHARD M. EMERY HENRY J. GOURDEAU
JOHN H. LAWSON
JOHN F. NEARY
MORLEY L. PIPER
Hamilton School Building Needs Committee
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 De- partment for the year ending Dec. 31, 1957.
Receipts Payments
$1,477,627.28 1,219,175.69
$258,451.59
$238,709.80
Beverly Trust Co. Merchants National Cash
4,490.14
15,251.65
$258,451.59
The time has now come for me to relinquish my duties as Treasurer of the Town of Hamilton. Such a thing is not easy to do, but there are com- pelling reasons why it must be done. I am leaving with genuine regret and wish to take this opportunity to thank the voters of Hamilton for their faith in me these many years.
Respecfully submitted, WALFRED B. SELLMAN
Town Treasurer.
1957 TOWN COLLECTOR'S REPORT In Account with the Town of Hamilton
Year Tax
Outstanding Jan. 1, 1957
Abate- ments Refunds Rescinded Collected
Abate- ments
Trans- fered to Tax Title
Un- collected
1955 Real Estate
$708 54
$ 708 54
None
1955
Moth
3 20
3 20
None
1956 Real Estate
8,051 11
7,897 37
$102 14
$51 60
None
1956
Personal
867 96
12 90
820 66
60 20
None
1956
Water Liens
70 50
70 50
None
1956
Motor Excise
7,874 52
1956
M. Ex. Com'itments 1957 11,812 89
639 39
4 54
17,606 07
2,725 27
None
1957 Commitments
1957
Real Estate
428,000 88 1,099 20
409,959 51
11,870 40
158 40
7,111 77
1957
Personal
30,898 80
4 80
26,678 12
2,617 72
1,607 76
1957
Moth
770 45
770 45
None
1957
Polls
2,988 00
4 00
2,524 00
462 00
6 00
1957
Motor Excise
71,481 05 1,527 12
60,007 06
5,814 96
7,186 15
1957
Water Rates Bal.
4,427 83
Liens
1957
Water Rates Com'itments 50,984 70
42 10
38,437 06
412 90
846 30
15,758 37
1957
Water Services Bal.
222 73
1957
Water Serv. Com'itments
1,304 00
1,237 34
1 00
288 39
1957
Water Liens
846 30
6 00
714 45
137 85
1957
Cemetery Bal.
88 00
1957
Cemetery Commitment
460 00
3 00
454 00
15 00
82 00
Respectfully submitted, BERTHA L. CROWELL, Town Collector
76
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
Hamilton is fast nearing a crossroads in the conduct of its library if that library is to serve adequately the demonstrated needs of our town's citizens and students.
Last year's over-all record breaking circulation total has been resoundingly surpassed, by approximately one third during the past year. Circulation on each library day, in both the Main and Branch Libraries has averaged an unprecedented 106, imposing something of a strain upon library personnel and facilities. This is the kind of library interest that we heartily welcome, of course, and that we strive to foster and develop, but it does pose a problem for Hamilton.
The answer, unfortunately, is not merely a matter of additional space and expanded staff. Our problem, as the Trustees have been in- dicating for a number of years, is one of separated facilities, of divided resources in two libraries whose functions are uneconomic and practically impossible to integrate. In short, we need now, more acutely than ever, a unified central library, open six days a week, and providing, among other things, a well-equipped student reference section.
At the last Annual Town Meeting your Trustees were granted an appropriation to analyze and make recommendations regarding the li- brary needs of Hamilton. With professional assistance, the Trustees have made such a study and expect to have in your hands before the 1958 meeting a report on these matters, with a recommendation for action at the meeting itself.
Many groups and individuals have lent invaluable assistance in the operation of your library and the very successful results this year are in considerable part due to their contributions. It should be re- membered that this help was offered freely and voluntarily by these public-spirited citizens. Mrs. Eugene A. Oster, Jr., has conducted a popular Story Hour at the Branch Library and Miss Gabriella Hurley carried on a similar class this summer at the Main Library. On their own initiative a "Friends of the Beginning Reader" group undertook fund- raising enterprises to supply children's books for the Branch. Mrs. Wilfred G. Hill and Mrs. Andrew H. Henery, with card parties, and Mrs. William O. Hamlin with a penny auction acquired funds sufficient to supply thirty-six (36) children's books to the library. Mrs. Neil MacLaren made a personal gift of ten valuable garden books to the library. Others who have contributed generously in voluntary service during the past year are Mrs. Daniel Hughes and Mrs. Richard Rulon, and among the young ladies of Hamilton who have been exceedingly helpful are the Misses Donna Smerage, Sandra Graham, Nancy Hall, Joan Caraganis and Diane Leach.
To all these civic-minded citizens the Library Trustees are sincerely grateful. We also take this opportunity to express our pride in the work of our dedicated Librarian, Mrs. Fred H. Brown, and our capable Assis- tant Librarian, Mrs. Richard L. Wiggin, both of whom received their official certification from the Commonwealth this year.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN F. NEARY, Chairman SARAH H. TRUSSELL JANICE PULSIFER Library Trustees
78
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
To the Trustees of the Public Library:
The Librarian herewith submits her report for the year 1957. The total circulation of 22,636 was distributed as follows :
Main Library
Branch Library
Schools
Adult Fiction
3215
3732
66
Non-fiction
1658
848
Periodicals
1615
722
66
Totals
6488
5302
Juv. Fiction
3085
3782
66
Non-fiction
1153
767
"
Periodicals
59
4297
4549
2000
Total
10785
9851
2000
Average daily circulation
103
108
Days open
103
91
New cards issued
314
299
Accession Record : 818 volumes
Main Library
Branch Library
Adult Fiction
152
132
Non-fiction
96
68
Juv.
Fiction
105
126
Non-fiction
49
41
Reference
49 V. (2 sets encyclopedias )
Total
402
416
The re-cataloging project undertaken at both the Main Library and the Branch Library has been completed.
The Librarian wishes to add her thanks to that of the Trustees for the many hours of voluntary assistance so thoughtfully and generously offered by the people of Hamilton.
Respectfully submitted,
LOUISE BROWN, Librarian
Total
79
WARRANT FOR THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING 1958
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, qualified to vote in election and Town affairs, to meet in the HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM in said Town on Monday, the third day of March, nineteen hundred and fifty-eight (March 3, 1958) at eight o'clock in the evening (8:00 P.M.) then and there to act on the following articles, viz.
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