USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1959 > Part 5
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My deep appreciation goes out to the members of our staff for their faithful cooperation. Mrs. Hughes, Mrs. Clarke and Mrs. Richards have worked cheerfully under the trying physical conditions that sometimes exist at the Branch. I wish to thank Miss Hurley for the many hours of voluntary service she has given both before and after she became a mem- ber of the staff. I join Mrs. Hughes in thanking Miss Judith Noyes and Miss Arlene Rollins for their many hours of voluntary assistance at the Branch.
No Library Report is complete without statistics but behind each of the figures that follow we hope you see services performed, books and people brought together, for that is the purpose for which your Library exists. To draw at random from the file of Memory, one unit of those figures represents Mr. S. with the book on steam engineering that opened the way to a better job for him, another represents Miss J. arms loaded with the books required for her extension course on the Modern Novel ; and still another stands for Mr. D. who found the book on investment companies that made it possible for him to function more intelligently as a Trustee of his church.
Main Library
Branch Library
Adult Fiction
3977
4502
397 (Bookmobile)
688 (Bookmobile)
Adult Non-Fiction
1557
1134
407 (Bookmobile)
360 (Bookmobile)
Juvenile Fiction
2691
4023
604 (Bookmobile)
841 (Bookmobile)
Juvenile Non-Fiction
975
1077
196 (Bookmobile)
378 (Bookmobile)
School Service
2880
Periodicals
1187
648
14871
13651
Total Circulation
28522
Total Acquisitions
925 (including 64 gifts)
63
Main Library
Branch Library
Total
Adult Fiction
183
134
317
Adult Non-Fiction
153
87
240
Juvenile Fiction
93
115
208
Juvenile Non-Fiction
79
81
160
Total
508
417
925
Fines Collected
$145.60
$139.90
$285.50
Respectfully submitted,
LOUISE BROWN
Librarian
64
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, 1959.
Spring cleaning was carried out in the usual manner, roadsides were mowed at different times throughout the summer, guard rails were re- paired and new posts replaced and painted.
Necessary patching and general maintenance work on streets was carried on throughout the year. Chapter 90 maintenance work was car- ried on by seal coating and covered with pea stone on a one mile stretch on Highland Street.
Drainage work, cleaning out storm drains and clearing outlets was done, and new drains added to the system.
The system of cooperation of labor and lending and borrowing of equipment between departments has proven very successful and a saving to the taxpayers.
I extend my sincere appreciation to the citizens of Hamilton and all Town Officials and Departments and the Highway employees that have assisted me in the past year. As in the past, the Highway Department remains cooperative in assisting all town departments wherever possible.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES F. POOLE
Highway Surveyor
65
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The Board of Park Commissioners herein submit their annual report for the year ending December 31, 1959.
The Department continued the maintenance of Manasseh Cutler Park, Soldier's Green, Robert Walsh Park at Chebacco Lake, Patton Park and the grounds at the Manasseh Cutler Elementary School and the High School. This coming year we will add the new Winthrop Elemen- tary School grounds to the list. These Parks and grounds are under the able supervision of Mr. Henry Stelline, Park Superintendent.
The Playground season opened on June 22 and closed on August 28th. Registration was again around 300, with a good daily attendance. The children were under the supervision of the following Instructors : Miss Janet Smerage, Miss Sarah Jane O'Hara, Miss Nancy Garland and Mr. Bruce MacCurrach.
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 beachdays were enjoyed during the season.
For the baseball teams in town the Department maintains four base- ball diamonds, with one more to be added this year at the Winthrop School. This year we purchased one more bleacher and hope to add one more this coming season. This will supply ample seating for both dia- monds at Patton Park.
The skating season drew large crowds to Patton Park with excellent ice for several weeks. The rink has become a favorite spot for all ages during the winter season. The Department again held its annual ice skating carnival for the children of the town.
The 4th of July Holidays were again busy ones at Patton Park, with the annual Community Service Fair and its Bonfire and Fireworks.
The tennis courts were completely resurfaced this past year and repainted. These courts receive tremendous play during the summer months.
The Commissioners wish to express their sincere appreciation to all townspeople and departments who have assisted them during the past vear.
ALBERT P. LOUGEE, Chairman GEORGE H. RICKER RAY M. SANFORD
66
REPORT OF THE ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
GENTLEMEN :
I herewith submit my report as Electrical Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1959.
A total of 221 permits have been issued covering the installation of wiring and appliances as follows :
Commercial new buildings
3
Commercial old buildings
1
Dwellings, new construction
38
Temporary wiring, fairs, carnivals, etc.
2
Temporary services
17
New Services (replacements)
38
Oil Burners
43
Gas Burners
6
Electric Ranges
13
Electric Clothes Dryers
15
Domestic Water Heaters
9
Electric Dish Washers
2
Disposals (Garbage)
1
Additions and Repairs
52
Buildings Condemned due to fire
1
Electric Signs
1
Refrigeration (Commercial)
1
Air Conditioners (Commercial)
2
Gasoline Pumps
1
Electric Kilns
1
Swimming Pools
2
Elevators
1
Cancelled Permits
2
Inspection made on above
421
Advisory calls made
39
Calls for service locations
42
Work completed
185
I wish to express my appreciation for the cooperation of the Board of Selectmen, Town Clerk, Mr. Frank Dever and his successor, Mr. John Lang of the Merrimack Essex Electric Company, Fred Varney, Electrical Inspector of Wenham, Electrical Contractors and all the citizens I have come in contact with during the performance of my duties.
Respectfully submitted,
ALBERT L. HAM
Inspector of Wires
:
67
HAMILTON-WENHAM REGIONAL DISTRICT SCHOOL COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT
To the Citizens of Hamilton and Wenham:
The first step in the formation of a Regional School District is to organize and establish the region in accordance with the terms of the Agreement. Therefore, on July 1, 1959, following the Town meeting of June 9th approving the Agreement, the Regional District School Com- mittee met to organize and has been meeting regularly on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. In addition, of course, there have been many special meetings.
Significant progress has been made in establishing a firm foundation on which to build a regional school, both literally and figuratively. The committee's prime job this fall was to set up an organization, establish the rules, set up target dates for the program, determine the initial edu- cational requirements for the school (a continuing study), investigate sites, select an architect, secure competent educational advice and leader- ship, name the school district, select a seal and work out initial budgets.
Accordingly then, the following has been done :
A. The Regional School District was named "The Hamilton- Wenham Regional School District," an appropriate seal de- signed by Miss Jean Austin was selected, and by-laws were established.
B. On August 12th, the committee elected Dr. John H. Lawson, Superintendent of the schools in the Town of Hamilton to be Superintendent of the Regional High School District. Dr. Law- son is eminently qualified for the position. He has experience in new building construction, an excellent educational back- ground, and an excellent teacher-administrator background, progressing up the line from a teacher and a teacher-coach to principal and superintendent in various school systems. The decision to elect Dr. Lawson Superintendent of the Region was probably the most important and far reaching decision made in the year just past.
C. Although the Regional School by-laws do not call for any stand- ing committees, the use of sub-committees, composed of Regional School District Committee members and citizens of the Town of Hamilton and Wenham, is definitely a policy of the Region, particularly when important issues are involved. Three impor- tant subcommittees were established : An Architect Selection Committee; a Committee on Site; and an Educational Speci- fications Committee.
68
The Educational Specifications Committee, with Mr. Charles F. Ter- rell of the District as Chairman, and with the Rev. John H. Snow, Mr. Russell G. Cameron, Mrs. Richard C. Taylor, Mr. Roy Lane of Hamilton and Mr. Robert N. Secord, Mr. Charles W. Davis, Mr. John W. Page and Miss Hazel Bullis of Wenham as members, was asked to study and develop an educational philosophy, and further to recommend the cur- riculum required to meet the educational needs in the Towns of Hamilton and Wenham. The report of this committee will be ready some time about the first of January.
In addition to the Educational Specifications Committee, another group with Mr. James E. Hall of the District as Chairman, and composed of Mr. Bruce H. Anderson, Mrs. Vincent W. Jones, Mr. Edward J. Splaine of Wenham. Mrs. Harold W. Regan, Jr., Mr. Richard Wills and Mr. Henry J. Gourdeau of Hamilton was formed and given the job of helping to select a competent architect. This group screened many candi- dates for the architect's job and presented a series of recommendations to the regional committee. The end result of this was that the firm of Kilham, Hopkins, Greeley and Brodie was selected to develop the plans for the regional school.
Finally, the Site Committee headed by District Committee members Mr. James E. Hall of Hamilton and Mr. A. W. Dodge of Wenham and made up of Mr. Everett C. Haley, Mr. Jackson Garfield, Mr. James D'Arcy of Hamilton and Mr. Louis Dodge of Wenham has been studying land areas in the town that might be suitable for a High School. This committee, however, has not completed its work because it felt that site was of such importance that it would be best if its selection were co- ordinated with the work of the architect. Therefore, since the architect's selection took a longer time than we had anticipated, there is little to report on this important item at this time, except to say that several sites of varying quality are under consideration.
In the course of the last six months, the committee, besides its regu- larly scheduled meeting, has met at various times with the Finance and Advisory Board of both towns, the Selectmen of both towns and the Planning Board of both towns. In addition, members have visited and consulted with other Regional Schools, hiked over the sites under con- sideration and had meetings with the School Building Assistance Com- mission in Boston. It is the committee's intent to keep the two communi- ties informed through just such meetings as we have indicated above but also through the various local papers. At such time as issues of real significance are decided, public hearings will be held to enable all who desire to participate insofar as they can in the development of your Regional School. We urge all citizens to take an active interest in the Regional School as the program develops in order that the best interests of our communities may be served.
In summary, we can state that, in our first six months of operating, we have established a base from which we can proceed satisfactorily toward the opening of a Regional High School by September 1962, there- by eliminating the possibility of double sessions in the Hamilton High
69
School and providing High School facilities for Wenham students who, after the entering class of September 1960, have no place to go for their High School education.
Respectfully submitted, HAMILTON-WENHAM REGIONAL DISTRICT SCHOOL COMMITTEE
MAYNARD L. DIAMOND(W) Chairman JAMES E. HALL (H), Vice Chairman A. WINSLOW DODGE (W) JOE Y. JACKSON (H), Treasurer RICHARD PRESTON (II) CHARLES F. TERRELL (W), Secretary
HAMILTON-WENHAM REGIONAL DISTRICT SCHOOL COMMITTEE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR 1959
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS
Cash at beginning of period
None
Receipts :
Hamilton
$4,777.42
Wenham
2,872.58
Total cash available
$7,650.00
Cash disbursements :
Salaries (clerical and administrative)
$1,041.90
Office supplies
134.49
Legal Service
527.44
Miscellaneous disbursements
30.00
Total disbursements
1,733.83
Cash available at end of period, December 31, 1959
$5,916.17
Accrued liabilities : Employee Withholding Tax
$ 46.20
Amounts due vendors
...
Cash in bank at end of period, December 31, 1959
$5,962.37
70
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of Hamilton:
The Board herewith submits its twenty-fourth annual report of the Water Department.
The total commitments for the year were $47,415.12.
The Department during the year continued to lay water mains under the Extension of Mains program. Approximately 2100 feet of 6" x 8" pipe was laid on Essex and Gardner Streets and Village Lane. The 8" pipe laid on Essex Street tied in the existing dead ends.
Further testing for water was made in the Idlewood Lake area and a greater producing location has been found. It has been requested by the State Board of Health and our engineers that this location be used. The engineers are of the opinion it will pump 750,000 gallons a day.
In 1959 our water consumption showed an increase of approximately 25% over 1958, and no water was purchased from Essex during the year. Also, during 1959 111,369,900 gallons were used versus 83,996,350 gal- lons in 1958.
The system now has a total of 1506 services which is an increase of 43 over the previous year.
Again we wish to thank the residents of the Town of Hamilton and all the Town Departments for their cooperation during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD H. SMITH, Chairman GEORGE A. HARRIGAN GORDON L. THOMPSON Water Commissioners.
. .
. ..
71
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The Board of Selectmen met and organized on March 16, 1959. Lawrence Lamson was elected chairman for the year 1959-1960. Wil- liam F. Mackenzie was elected chairman of the Board of Health. Law- rence R. Stone was elected chairman of the Board of Public Welfare. Francis H. Whipple was appointed Clerk.
The various town officers under our jurisdiction requiring appoint- ment were re-appointed.
Mr. Erving O. Maxwell, who so ably served the town as Sealer of Weights and Measures for so many years passed away during his term of office. Mr. George Dixon was appointed to fill the vacancy.
Thomas A. Sargent was appointed a member of the Board of Regis- trars of Voters to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Jessie Cunningham. Due to the resignation of Paul F. Perkins, Jr., a vacancy existed in the Planning Board. At a joint meeting of the Selectmen and the Planning Board members, W. Whitney Lundgren was elected to fill this vacancy. Costas Caraganis was appointed a member of the Board of Appeals for a three year term.
The Board has held its regular weekly meetings every Monday eve- ning and numerous special meetings throughout the year whenever necessary. The Board has been represented at State House Hearings on proposed legislation, attended conferences and meetings with state, county, and municipal officials on matters pertinent to the town.
The annual aerial spraying for mosquito control was carried out after the Board received approval and assurance from the State Board of Health that the program would have no injurious effects on the inhabi- tants of the town. This program was carried out in three stages. Reports indicate that the program was very effective in most parts of town. We recommend that this project be carried out again this coming year.
The Board vigorously opposed the proposal of the Merrimac Essex Electric Company to run high-tension wires through the town. The Board attended all the hearings on this subject held in Essex, Hamilton, and Ipswich. The matter is now before the Department of Public Utili- ties for consideration.
Under our annual Chapter 90 Construction program, the second section of School Street was completed and work commenced on Bridge Street. Present plans provide for the rebuilding of Walnut Road under this program after the completion of Bridge Street from Miles River Road to Woodbury Street. It is recommended that this program be con- tinued the coming year with the town appropriating $3,500 as its share of the cost.
72
The Board recommends that the sum of $1,000.00 in matching funds be appropriated for Chapter 90 maintenance. This will enable Hamilton to maintain these roads at a portion of the total maintenance expense.
As voted at the Annual Town Meeting, a new Police Cruiser- Ambulance was purchased for the Police Department from Ipswich Motor Company, the lowest bidder.
In addition to the usual maintenance of the Town Hall building, the two ends were scraped and painted. We recommend that the rear and final portion of this project be done this year along with necessary interior maintenance.
We recommend that the sliding doors on the Health Department building be replaced with overhead doors. The present sliding doors are in poor condition and should be replaced to protect valuable town equipment.
The front of the Town Hall was landscaped with new shrubs and has received much favorable comment.
The coal-fired heating system at the Town Hall is old and anti- quated. Parts for the system are hard to find or impossible to purchase. It is recommended that an oil burner be installed this coming year.
New street and traffic signs were erected and street lights installed where needed.
Street numbering of new homes has been brought up-to-date.
The sum of $1,000 for brook clearance voted in past years will not be asked for this year as this program will be carried out by available Board of Health employees.
As voted at the Special Town Meeting in June and by authorization of the State Legislature, the Board of Selectmen took the Depot Square property by eminent domain for town purposes, on January 7, 1960. A sum of $14,999.00 was awarded to the owner for damages. Due to legal technicalities there was considerable delay in acquiring this property. The Board attended many meetings with the Department of Public Utilities and Boston and Maine Railroad, and was successful in having the town relieved of being required to maintain a waiting room. It is planned that the triangle of the now town-owned Depot Square will be kept open for parking and eliminating traffic congestion. The Board will have an Article in the 1960 Town Warrant asking that a committee be appointed to make recommendations as to the future use or disposition of the Depot Building.
Several hearings have been held by the Board during the year, some on petitions to the Board for various permits, others on complaints to the Board. These hearings give interested persons an opportunity to express their views and in most cases brings out facts that are helpful to the Board in reaching a decision.
73
The Board has again this year as in the past, diligently continued its program and studies of the problems of the Town both present and long range. With the continuing growth of our town, we must be con- stantly studying our operations and expenditures to insure we are oper- ating in the most efficient and businesslike manner, to continue to be progressive, give the taxpayer the most for his tax dollar and yet not find ourselves with a progressively high tax rate.
This report by no means covers the entire duties of the Board of Selectmen nor its complete activities during the year. It is a summary of accomplishments and recommendations which should be of the most interest to the voters.
In conclusion, we would like to thank the people of Hamilton for the privilege of again having served as your Selectmen. We have made every effort to solve your problems in a fair and satisfactory manner. Your patience and understanding have been most appreciated.
In addition, we take this opportunity to thank all appointees of the Board of Selectmen and other town departments and the town em- ployees for the splendid cooperation they have given the Board during the year. It is only working as a team that a growing community such as ours can best be served.
Respectfully submitted, LAWRENCE LAMSON WILLIAM F. MACKENZIE LAWRENCE R. STONE Board of Selectmen.
74
REPORT OF THE TOWN TREASURER
To the Citizens of Hamilton:
I herewith submit my report as Treasurer of the Town of Hamilton for the year ending December 31, 1959.
Balance January 1, 1959 :
Checking Acct. Beverly Trust Co. $ 188,154.65
Checking Acct. Merchants National 138,601.65 198,582.00
Invested in Treasury Bills
Cash on Hand in Office
3.96 $ 525,342.26
Receipts during the year
1,220,768.67
Total Balance on Hand and Receipts
$1,746,110.93
Payments during the year
1,473,684.04
Balance December 31, 1959
$ 272,426.89
Checking Acct. Beverly Trust Co.
$ 131,582.03
Checking Acct. Merchants National
36,376.93
Invested Time Deposit Acct.
100,000.00
Cash on Hand
4,448.73
Protested Check on Hand
19.20
$ 272,426.89
As has been the case for the previous two years, it became necessary during the month of May to borrow money in anticipation of revenue in order to meet town expenses until sufficient revenue had been received by the payment of taxes. The loan of $100,000. was obtained from the Beverly Trust Company at an interest rate of 1.875%, the lowest of several bids received. This note became due on November 14th, but was paid on November 1st as funds were available, and which resulted in a refund by the Beverly Trust Company of $50. which had the effect of reducing the actual interest paid for the loan. It would seem that where we have $40,000 school bonds, plus interest, to be paid on February 1st, it will be necessary to make temporary loans of this nature for several years to come unless we are able to build up our Excess and Deficiency Account to a sizeable amount.
As in 1958, I was able to invest bond issue money in short term Treasury Bills, and a "Time Deposit" in the Beverly Trust Company which resulted in several hundred dollars interest being received by the town. This interest was credited to our Excess and Deficiency Account and increased the amount of our surplus revenue accordingly.
75
I again extend my appreciation to Mr. Coy and Mr. Clark of the Merchants National Bank of Boston, and Mr. Corning of the Beverly Trust Company for their sincere interest in the financial welfare of the Town of Hamilton. Although no money was borrowed during the year under a bond issue, these men have continued their interest and service to the Town in temporary loans and assistance in purchase of treasury bills and making time deposits. I express my sincere appreciation to all town officials and employees, and all townspeople who have assisted me in my duties during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, EVERETT F. HALEY
Town Treasurer.
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
I herewith submit a report of the Tree and Moth Departments for the year 1959.
There were 84 maple trees planted on various streets in town.
Brush and undergrowth has been cut and burned on most every street. We had 41 elm trees with Dutch Elm Disease last year. These were cut down and burned as required by law. All elm trees were sprayed three times for the elm bark beetle the carrier of the Dutch Elm Disease.
I wish to thank all Departments for their valuable assistance during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
RUDOLPH H. HARADEN Tree Warden.
76
REPORT OF THE CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Regardless of the fact that Civil Defense was curtailed on the State Level, we in Hamilton continued to build our organization in 1959.
The Welfare branch, under the able direction of Bernard Cullen and his assistant Mrs. Standish Bradford continued to recruit and train personnel. Many persons were able to attend various training sessions and received valuable information. At present Mr. Cullen is in need of volunteers to fill out the full complement of trained personnel required to cover all phases of Wefare work.
Our Radio section has been taken over by Mr. William O. Hamlin. The men have a weekly training program and tie in with the Sector training program. This proved its worth when we were called on to assist the Town of Wenham when they had a case of a child lost in Wen- ham swamp. We are interested in signing up any person who has radio knowledge.
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