Essex County, Massachusetts - Chapter 27: Town of Swampscott, 1922

The history of Swampscott until 1852 was merged in the history of Lynn, yet it has, from the earliest days of the settlement, possessed an identity of its own. Its name, like that of Saugus and Nahant. antedates the arrival of the Puritans, and is one of those pleasing survivals of Indian nomenclature that have remained constant through many generations. During almost two and a quarter centuries Swampscott had no separate identity as a township, yet it did possess a local individuality and a name. The origin of the name is given by Waldo Thompson in his ''History of Swampscott" : ''It is composed of two Indian words, a substantive, Ompsk, and an appellative, Musqui, meaning respectively (a standing) rock, and red ; with the local affix 'ut.' Musqui-ompsk-ut means literally "at the red rock," and this by contraction became M'squompskut, and then, the English dropping the initial "m," Squampskut, Swampscot, Swampscott."

The only copy extant of the earliest map of the territory of New England, by William Hack, about 1663, is in the collection at Pilgrim Hall, Plymouth, Massachusetts. On this map the name appears as Swans Gut, a cori-uption of the Indian words that is quite easy to understand where one had but slight acquaintance with the language into which the Apostle Eliot translated the Bible.

Swampscott has ever possessed a picturesque beauty quite its own, which has attracted to it those seeking pleasing home sites rather than those in search of industrial centers. While it is generally conceded that the first tanneiy in the Colony was located in Swampscott, and Thompson records that a brick-yard was established here in 1630, there has been no extension of either industry to survive to the present. The fishing industry, which flourished for many years, has passed away almost entirely, and the entire township may be termed a residential community, where the individual homes, varying from the humble cottage through all gradations to the pretentious and sumptuous residence, is supplemented by extensive hotels known far and wide for their excellence in meeting the requirements of the very extensive summer colony that annually comes to this choice section of the North Shore.

Lest it be assumed that a town having a population of over 8,000 people, with no supporting industries, may be lacking in enterprise and progressiveness, and hence not of healthy growth, we shall present a summary of the inventory of the public property of the town at the present time, as evidence of its thrift and prosperity:

Furthermore, we would call attention to the fact that the attractiveness and accessibility of the tovv^n and its facilities for extending hospitality to the vacation-seeking public causes four thousand to five thousand summer residents aad guests to visit it each year.

came in 1629, and have been considered in the narrative of the settlement of Lynn. While neither Lewis nor Newhall entered into the details of the biography of Francis Ingalls further than to credit him with establishing a tannery in Swampscott and to receiving, with his brother Edmund, 120 acres of land in the division made in 1638, the research of Waldo Thompson presents more details. By his will, dated August 12, 1672, and probated in Boston, November 1, 1672, it is evident that he had a wife, Mary Ingalls, to whom he left all his estate, "movable and Imovable," for her lifetime; a son is also mentioned. After the death of his wife he provides: "Then, after my debts be discharged, and my son Joseph beiknap satisfied for his disbursements, that then what there shall remain unto Elizabeth farman now living in Andover, my will is that she shall have." Francis Ingalls lived near the present junction ot Burrill and New Ocean streets, near by his tannery, which was located on Humphrey's brook. Again reieiTing to Thompson for authority, the house was about sixteen by thirty feet in dimensions, and faced due south, according to the custom of the times, and the tannery was built in 1632. The vats were extant as late as 1825, and the stone chimney of the house and other relics were found when another house was built on the lot in later years. Among other early settlers of Swampscott were Samuel Smith, W. Witter, John Humphrey, W. Clark, Edw. Richards, Lady Deborah Moody, Daniel King, J. Blaney and John Phillips.

Contemplating the comfort and luxury of the inhabitants of this town at the present time, we cannot refrain from presenting by contrast the apparent meagi*e intimate possessions of what may be termed a man of fair circumstances in this community in the early colonial days. After living over foity years in this settlement, establishing a business and providing for a family, his personal belongings, outside of real estate and business accounts, are summarized in the inventory filed after his death, as follows : "2 coats, 2 pairs of breeches, 1 pair draus, and a leather doublet, and a waistcoat, 1 hat and a pair of stockings, 1 pr. shoes,

4 cushions, a spinning wheel, 2 silver spoons." This inventory is presented only to show something of the changes of 250 years, and to indicate something of the limitations of those times of peril and privation. Yet to such hardy, self-reliant and frugal forebears do some of our most highly-valued families trace their lineage.

As early as 1826 Swampscott was designed as Ward 1, Lynn, and had a population of 123 males and 120 females. After Lynn became a city, in 1850, there was a desire on the part of the people of Swampscott to be set off and incorporated as a town. On May 21, 1852, by act of the Legislature, Swampscott became a town, and the act was signed by Governor George S. Boutwell. This event was celebrated by a procession of which Col. Thomas Alker was marshal; it paraded the streets, with the Salem Brass Band; there was an address by Rev. Jonas B. Clark, and the reading of a poem wi'itten for tiie occasion. In the evening there were fireworks, Dr. J. B. Holden causing a fire balloon to be sent up; there was also a torchlight procession, with illumination and other demonstrations of satisfaction over the fact that Swampscott had passed from the status of a community and had become a town.

The first town meeting in the newly-chartered town of Swampscott was called to order by Waldo Thompson. It was convened in Atlantic Engine Hall on Saturday, the fifth day of June, 1852, and resulted in the election of the following officers :

The first town meeting in the Town Hall was convened March 9, 1861, Eben N. Wardell presiding as moderator, and Rev. Jonas B. Clark opening the meeting with prayer.

Daniel King, a merchant, lived in Swampscott in 1642, and purchased the Humphrey property in 1651. He died May 28, 1672, and the inventory filed after his death totaled £1,528 9s. Captain Ralph King built the house long known as the "old Blaney House" in 1641, and John Blaney was married in 1656 and moved into it. The house, a conspicuous landmark in Swampscott for many generations, was razed only a few years ago. In 1651 it was ordered by the Court that "no person who is not worth two hundred pounds shall wear any gold or silver lace or any silk hose or scarf."

John Phillips settled in Swampscott in 1650, and from him the Phillips Beach section of the town received its name, and through him the long line of Phillips families was established. He died in 1694 and left a widow, Hannah, and two children. John Humphrey and his wife. Lady Susan, embarked from Kings Beach, near Black Will's Cliif, when they left Swampscott for England in 1641.

1832 - Ebenezer Weeks kept a tavern opposite Blaney's Beach. 1846 - The first post office established, Waldo Thompson, postmaster. 1852 - Dr. William R. Lawrence of Boston contributed 150 books and $100 to start a library, 1879 - A post office was opened at Beach Bluff. Thompson, post master. 1879 - A post office was opened at Beach Bluff. 1881 - Street cars of the Lynn & Boston Horse R. R. commenced running, and in 1884 the line was extended to Marblehead. Col. Charles A. Stetson was proprietor of the Astor House in New York City. Honorable Enoch Redington Mudge was proprietor of the St. Charles Hotel in New Orleans in ante-bellum days.

More than passing mention is due John Humphrey (Humfry) for the important part that he took in colonizing this section of New England. He was one of the six original purchasers, from the Plymouth Company, of that tract of land extending from three miles north of the Merrimac to three miles south of the Charles rivers, and westward to the "South Sea." One year later these six gentlemen, namely Sir Henry Rosewell, Sir John Young, Thomas Southcott, John Humphrey, John Endicott and Syman Whetcomb, had associated with themselves Sir Richard Saltonstall, Mr, Isaac Johnson and eighteen others, when the Charter of the Colony of the Massachusetts Bay in New England passed the seals, March 4, 1628-9, which was in the fourth year of the reign of King Charles L

Since John Humphi-ey was active from the beginning of this organization, which acquired the corporate name of the Governor and Company of the Massachusetts Bay in New England ; to him should be given credit - in part at least - for securing a charter which sets forth such fundamentals of free government as are contained in the section here quoted :

And our will and pleasure is. And we do hereby for us, our heirs and successors, ordain and grant. That from henceforth forever, there shall be one Governor, one Deputy Governor, and eighteen assistants of the same Company, to be from time to time constituted, elected and chosen out of the freemen of said Company, for the time being, in such manner and form as hereafter in these presents is expressed. Which said officers shall apply themselves to take care for the best disposing and ordering of the general business and affairs of, for and concerning the said lands and premises hereby mentioned to be granted, and the plantation thereof, and the Government to the people there.

This Charter permitted the removal of the seat of Government to the New World, and was one of the foundation stones in the structure of Liberty and Freedom.

At the election of officers, which occurred October 20, 1629, Mr. John Winthrop, Sir Richard Saltonstall, Mr. Isaac Johnson and Mr. John Humphrey were nominated for governor. "By a general vote and full consent of this Court," Mr. John Winthrop was chosen governor, and in the same manner Mr. John Humphrey was chosen deputy governor for

On the 23d of March, 1630, the last court of the Governor and Company to be held on the other side of the water was convened in the cabin of the "Arabella" (the vessel that was to convey Governor Winthrop) while the fleet lay at anchor at Southampton before departure. As it was decided that John Humphrey was to remain in England, he was discharged of his deputyship, and Thomas Dudley was chosen to fill his place. It appears that John Humphrey was then made treasurer, and he remained very active in the management of the company.

In the spring of 1630, eleven vessels, having on board about 1700 persons, sailed from Southampton to the new colony. Salem was the chief objective point, and from there the passengers scattered through Salem, Saugus, Charlestown and Boston, where settlements had been made, and commenced new settlements in Roxbury, Dorchester, Watertown and Medford.

John Humphrey was a native of Dorchester in Dorsetshire, England. He was a lawyer, and a man of considerable wealth and of good reputation. Governor Winthrop characterizes him as "a gentleman of special parts of learning and activity, and a Godly man." By local historians he is variously designated as ''Mr.," "Esquire," "Honorable," "Colonel," "Sergeant Major General" and "Assistant Governor." He served as associate justice and was a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company. He is mentioned as "one of our earliest and most efficient benefactors," and as one of the most influential in promoting the settlement of the colony, securing colonists, obtaining many donations and procuring some ministers. Evidently, he was mterested m ships and in trading with the colonies, for it is recorded that on the 2d of November, 1632, a vessel, of which John Humphrey was part owner, was wrecked off Cape Charles and twelve men were drowned.

John Humphrey's investment in the colony was quite material. It was agreed that each member of the company was to receive 200 acres of land for each £50 invested in the enterprise. In the allotment of land he received a grant of 500 acres in 1633 in the present town of Swampscott. Later his land holdings were increased, until it is said that he owned 1,300 acres of land between Sagamore Hill and the Forest river. He was also granted 500 acres of land in the present town of Lynnfield, where his holdings gave the name to Humphrey's pond. In Marblehead he owned much land, three hundred acres of which was the tract that Salem wished to give for the establishment of the proposed college, afterwards named Harvard College. That was near the present site of the Tedesco Club. John Humphrey was one of the original committee appointed to establish the college. November 7, 1632, the court "referred to Mr. Turner, Peter Palfrey and Roger Conant to set out a proportion of land in Saugus for John Humphrey, Esqr." This land was laid out at Swampscott.

The map published by Alonzo Lev/is in 1829 shows the westerlyboundary of this farm to have commenced at a point a little east of Red Rock, and to have crossed the easterly part of Sagamore hill near the present junction of Lewis and Ocean streets, and to have continued in a straight line across the present Eastern avenue to a point near the Fay estate. Sagamore Hill included all the bluff along the shore from the present site of Washington street to near the Swampscott line, for the elevation is the same at the junction of Ocean and Lewis streets as at Ocean and Nahant streets. It is so shown on the old maps. This would include the easterly part of Sagamore Hill in the Humphrey farm, and would well conform to the record that in 1636 John Humphrey built a wind-mill on the easterly shoulder (one historian says "knob") of Sagamore Hill. Where else should he have built it, except on the highest accessible part of his farm? The name Windmill Hill then given to the location has passed out of general use.

John Humphrey married Lady Susan, daughter of Thomas Clinton, third Earl of Lincoln. Rev. Mr. Whiting refers to her family as the highest among the English nobility. It is evident that the family of the Earl of Lincoln was greatly interested in the, new colony.

Of the four vessels of the fleet that conveyed Governor Winthrop to Salem, the "Arabella" was the one on which he took passage. This ship was formerly the "Eagle," and was renamed the "Arabella" in honor of Arabella, the daughter of the E^rl of Lincoln. Lady Arabella accompanied Governor Winthrop on this voyage to join her husband, Isaac Johnson, who had preceded her to this country. This is undoubtedly the Johnson to whom John Humphrey referred in a letter to Governor Winthrop as "my dearest brother." Lady Arabella died about a month after her arrival at Salem.

Isaac Johnson, brother-in-law of John Humphrey, was a man of wealth, who owned property in four counties in England. He established his home in this country near the present site of Boston City Hall.

In the transfers of property it is shown that the major part of Mr. Humphrey's Swampscott farm was purchased by Lady Deborah Moody in 1641. Lady Moody arrived in Salem in 1640 and had 400 acres of land granted to her in Salem soon after her arrival. She retained her connection with the Salem church, but lived in Lyim (Swampscott). She paid £1100 for the Swampscott property. She incurred the displeasure of the church by "maintaining that the baptism of infants was unwarranted and sinful." For this reason she was obliged to leave the colony, and she went to Long Island, where she became a woman of great influence in the Dutch colony. Her son, Sir Henry Moody, sold about 400 acres of the farm in Swampscott in 1651 to Daniel King. For him King's beach and King's street are named. The property remained in the King family for many years, and finally passed by foreclosure of mortgage into the hands of Robert Bronsden of Boston. The mortgage bore date of February 24, 1693.

Robert Bronsden, on September 27, 1700, transferred 120 acres of the property including the house in question, to John Burrill, Sr., who hved on Boston street. The property remained in the Burriil family until 1797. John Burill, Sr., never lived in the Humphrey house, but on his death bed, in 1703, he gave the property to his son, Hon. Ebenezer Burriil. From 1703 until 1761 Ebenezer lived in the Humphrey house, and his son, Samuel, lived there until his death in 1797. In 1798 the property was sold to Robert Hooper of Marblehead. It passed to his daughter, the widow of Hon. William Reed, in 1842, and subsequently it was purchased by Hon. Enoch Redington Mudge. (The above upon investigation of Miss Ellen Mudge Burriil). The map published by Alonzo Lewis in 1829 gives the names of the original owners (with date) of the houses in Lynn and also of subsequent ovvOiers. That map indicates the location of the Humphrey house with the date of 1634, and beneath the name of John Humphrey, 1634, is the name Lady Moody, 1640. [1641 it should be.] It also gives some of the bounds of the Humphrey farm.

There is also a relic of the past in Swampscott that tradition has associated with the name of John Humphrey and his wife, Lady Susan. That relic is the Humphrey house, whose history has been searched thoroughly, until it appears that there is no reasonable doubt that the house, which for generations stood near the present intersection of Elmwood road and Monument avenue, is the one built by or for John Humphrey in the period 1634-37, and referred to by Governor Winthrop in his margin notes and "thumb-nail" sketch on a map sent by him to England previous to Nov. 20, 1637, and possibly at an earlier period. A copy of that map i$ reproduced in this work, and the notes have been authenticated by eminent authorities on such matters in this State as in the handwriting of Governor Winthrop. This map, with other evidence presented, should forever disprove the contention that the Humphrey home was on Nahant street, Lynn, rather than in Swampscott. In 1891, this historic house was moved from its original location to 99 Paradise road, where it now stands. It has been acquired by the Swampscott Historical Society, recently formed and incorporated, and is in a fair state of preservation, as is shown by the cut.

The most positive and conclusive evidence of the location of John Humphrey's home in Swampscott is shown in a map of the Massachusetts Bay Colony found in the British Museum, London, and reproduced herewith.

A section of this map was published by Rev. George Anson Jackson in 1904 in his little book, 'The Ladye Susan." This map is believed to have been drawn by Thomas Graves, surveyor, about 1634, and many reference marks and margin notes in the handwriting of Governor Winthrop. While most of the representations of houses in the clusters representing settlements are without detail, there are certain "thumb- nail" sketches, about one-sixth or one-fourth the size of a postage stamp, that show some distinguishing marks of detail. Under one of these sketches, representing a house with the door in the center, windows on either side and a chimney in the center, appears the letter "B." In the margin in Gov. Winthrop's handwriting appears the note: "B. Mr. Humphrey's feiTne house at Saugus." The location of the Humphrey house, as shown on this map, is near the easterly end of King's (Humphrey's) beach, Swampscott, exactly as given in Alonzo Lewis' "History of Lynn." It also corresponds to the location of the Humphrey house as shown on the map published by Mr. Lewis in 1829.

This map is a complete confirmation of both the tradition and the recorded history that John Humphrey, on arriving in the Colony, "went to reside on his farm at Swampscott, which had been laid out by order of the court." An examination of this old map under a magnifying glass shows that while a very few of the houses indicated are sketched as "half houses," the Humphrey house is shown as a house complete, with door and chimney in the center. In these essential details the sketch corresponds to the main details of the house under consideration. The reasonable inference is that the Humphrey house was the most pretentious in the Colony at the time. This would be fully in keeping with the wealth and position of John Humphrey, and would indicate that he had provided a home in keeping with the tastes and social standing of his wife. Lady Susan, who, like her sister Arabella, had "come from a paradise of plenty and pleasure which she enjoyed in the family of a noble earldom into a wilderness of want."

What can be more reasonable than the supposition that Mr. Humphrey had caused this house to be built for the reception of himself and wife even before they arrived here? The land had been granted to him in 1633, he was apparently engaged in trade with the Colonies in: ships that he owned at least in part, he had been made an assistant to the governor before he arrived here, and had the wealth and official connection to accomplish all this. Admitting the evidence of the VVinthrop map, which has been accepted as authentic, we have next to consider the date at which the notes and sketches were made. Newbury was made a town May 6, 1635, and Dedham September 8, 1636. Neither of these towns are shown on this map. Agawam was settled in 1633, and the name changed to Ipswich, August 5, 1634. On this map it appears as a cluster of three houses (one a half house) , some Indian wigwams nearby, and under the name of Agawam. Newtown was named Cambridge, September 8, 1634. It appears as Newtown on this map. Weymouth, so named September 1, 1635, appears under the old name Wessagusans. Lynn, which received its present name November 20, 1637, appears as Saugus, which was the original name. The fish weir on the Saugus river which was authorized in 1633 is indicated on the map. Mr. Craddock's farmhouse at Medford is sketched as a "half house." The loca- tion of Ten Hills farm, Governor Winthrop's farm, is shown, as is the windmill and the fort at Boston. A veiy careful study of the map and a careful consideration of the points above mentioned, as well as others, lead us to conclude that the map was marked and the margin notes written by Governor Winthrop in the summer of 1634, and that the map was then sent to England. While there are letters on record from Robert Ryce of England, asking Governor Winthrop to send him a map, there is nothing to connect those letters with this map, so far as we can ascertain. Even if this map was sent in response to those letters, it would prove that the John Humphrey house was standing in 1637 ; we are therefore quite satisfied that it was built four years earlier, or in 1634, which was in the fifth year of the settlement of Lynn.

With a shore line of three and one-half miles and well protected beaches, it has always been a favorite spot for fishermen, and the town has been noted for this industry from the time of the Pilgrims down to the present. Undoubtedly, the earliest settlers of Massachusetts Bay colony came to what is now Fisherman's Beach in their small vessels to obtain much-needed supplies of food. Records of the town show that all through the colonial days, and even after' the Revolutionary War, this was the principal fishing port of New England. At one time there were more than 30 schooners, locally known as "jiggers," hailing from Swampscott. Residents of the town still living remember when ox carts were driven from all parts of New England and even from Canada to Swampscott, for the purpose of obtaining supplies of fish. These carts were loaded with geese, eggs, butter, cheese and produce, by the inland farmers, who disposed of their articles to the fishermen when Swampscott was reached. Here a return load of fish would be obtained. Jeremiah L. Horton, now eighty-seven years of age, states that he has seen piles of frozen cod resembling cord wood in the yard on Humpkrey street where is now located the Swampscott Club. As the demand for fish became greater, warranting the use of large vessels, the Swampscott fishing fleet gradually disappeared, and today the industry is conducted on a small scale by the use of motor boats and dories.

The Swampscott dory is noted throughout the world as a type of small boat which especially meets the requirements of fishennen. It is so constructed that it is very seaworthy, and yet can be readily handled and drawn up on the beach. On account of its shape, it can be stowed in nests on larger vessels, and for this reason has played an important part in the fishing industry of New England. Mr. Horton, who has fished in Massachusetts bay since he was 13 years of age, states that the first dories were built by a man named Andrews. The distinction of designing this type of craft belongs to Mr. Theophilus Brackett of this town.

It may not be generally known that the Beach road, which follows King's Beach from the Lynn line, through Humphrey street and Puritan road, is the oldest highway in the country. Most New England coast towns have their stories of shipwi-ecks and tragedies of the sea. In January, 1857, a terrible storm drove the bark Tedesco on the rocks near the Ocean House. The ship was destroyed and her entire crew of 12 men were drowned, the bodies of six being recovered and buried together in the Swampscott cemeteiy. Up to the middle of the last century the population of Swampscott was made up largely of fishermen and fanners, but with the advent of better means of transportation, it gradually took on the character of a residential town and a delightful summer resort. Situated on Nahant bay, which tourists have likened to the Bay of Naples, the scenery is most attractive. As one leaves the shore, beautiful fields and woods appear before the eye.

Swampscott is fortunate in that three main roads of the North Shore pass through the town. The outer road, or boulevard, which follows the shore closely and extends through Humphrey and Orient streets' and Atlantic avenue to Marblehead or Salem, affords the most charming and varied scenery; while Paradise or State road, located more centrally in the town, is a direct route to points on the coast and the northern part of New England. The westerly highway lies in Essex street, which is the old county road and is still much used, particularly for commercial traffic. There are more than 30 miles of modem roads in the town, which, combined with the many beaches, attract hundreds of visitors in the summer season.

One of the earliest hotels was the Ocean House, which formerly stood on Galloupe's Point. This was demolished, and later the New Ocean House, which now extends the entire length of Whale's Beach, was erected. This popular hotel has expanded until it is now one of the largest and best equipped summer hotels on the New England coast. It has become a favorite resort for people from all parts of the United States and foreig-n countries. Many professional societies hold their annual meetings here. Hotel Preston, near the Marblehead boundary, is also an establishment enjoying a wide reputation for superior service. There are a number of well-appointed retail shops, located for the most part on Humphrey street. The population of the town in 1852 was about 1000, while the last census, taken in 1920, shows a total of 8101. The town is supplied with excellent water of the metropolitan system, and is considered a very healthy locality.

Swampscott has a fully motorized fire department, efficient police protection, postal delivery; and, in fact, most of the advantages usually found only in large cities. Educational facilities are exceptional, there being five modem school buildings, with 52 teachers. At the recent annual town meeting, the sum of $131,000 was appropriated for educational purposes for the current year (1921). There are six churches, representing various denominations, and many fraternal and social organizations. The Tedesco Club, Neighborhood Club, Masonic Club, Swampscott Club, Catholic Club and the Woman's Club afford an opportunity for citizens to meet socially. Recently a co-operative bank has been opened in the tovim.

Among the many prominent residents may be mentioned the name of Prof. Elihu Thomson, a founder of the General Electric Company, president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for the second time, and a man of worldwide scientific reputation. His residence is located on Monument avenue, and the residence of Andrew W. Preston, president of the United Fruit Company, whose wonderful foresight has brought this company to be recognized as the greatest industrial orgarxization in the West Indies and Central America. His beautiful home. The Arches, on Atlantic avenue, is one of the finest on the North Shore.

[Abednego Ramsdell, the picturesque figure of Lynn in the Concord fight, resided in Swampscott near the junction of Cherry and Essex streets. Hearing of the Paul Revere alarm, while shooting birds at the shore, he returned home, seized his equipment and a little food and (according to tradition) ran to Concord and arrived in season to take part in the fight, and there paid the supreme sacrifice upon the altar of liberty. He was buried in the Eastern burial ground.]

From the days of the Revolution down to the World War, Swampscott has always furnished her full quota of soldiers and sailors. Even though the town was small during the period of the Civil War, Swampscott sent out more than 200 men to preserve the Union. In the World War 512 men and women answered the call to the colors, many serving at home and abroad with distinction.

A memorial shaft has been erected in Monument square for those who gave their lives in the Civil War, and a boulder and bronze tablet were dedicated on November 11, 1920, to the heroic dead of the World War.

We now draw upon certain town statistics, for the purpose of indicating the steady development in the growth of the town's material concerns :

Building Inspector John T. Lee reported to the board of selectmen that 154 building permits were issued during the year 1921, with estimated cost of construction of $474,275. Of this amount, $361,000 represented the cost of 46 dwellings. The permits for erection of garages called for an expenditure of $35,000.

Assessors' property report. Valuation of the town of Swampscott, April 1, 1921. Table of aggregate of polls, property and taxes assessed April 1, 1921:

The subjoined tabulation, interesting for the comparisons it affords, gives valuation of real and personal property by five-year periods from 1880 onwards, along with the tax rates. The figures for 1921 are also appended :

Assessors - Edward A. Maxfield, chairman, term expires 1923; Oscar G. Poor, term expires 1922; Clarence B. Humphrey, secretary; term expires 1924.

Water and Sewerage Commissioners - George D. R. Durkee, chairman, term expires 1922; Harold G. Enholm, term expires 1923; Charles E. Hodgdon, term expires 1924.

Park Commissioners - James T. Lyons, chairm.an, term expires 1922; Stuart P. Ellis, secretary, term expires 1923; Archibald Miller, term expires 1924.

School Committee - Rev. Edward Tillotson, chairman, term expires 1923; Rev. John Vannevar, term expires 1922; Mabel E. Hardy, term expires 1924.

Trustees of Public Library - * Frank F. Stanley; fElihu Thompson, term expires 1922; Louise C. Stanley, term expires 1923; F. Keeler Rice, term expiies 1924.

Overseers of the Poor - Joseph F. Crowell, chairman, term expires 1922; Harry E. Cahoon, term expires 1923; Edmund Russell, secretary, term expires 1924.

Commissioners of Trust Funds - Henry B. Sprague, term expires 1922; George H. Lucey, term expires 1922; Granville Ingalls, term expires 1922.