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L
STRENGTH
A CITY 1872.
IV.
MERV
STABLIS
FOUNDED 1842
THEIDINAW
-
CITY OF SOMERVILLE
ANNUAL REPORTS.
1885.
GIVES
N
A
FREED
SOMER
VILLE
FOUN
NAL
AL
D 1842
MUNICI
EL
A CITY 1872. STRENGT
ESTABLISH
BOSTON: FRANKLIN PRESS : RAND, AVERY, AND COMPANY. 1886.
CITY GOVERNMENT AND OFFICERS FOR 1885.
MAYOR. MARK F. BURNS. Residence, 95 Perkins Street ; office, City Hall.
ALDERMEN. HIRAM D. SMITH, President.
NATHAN A. FITCH
MOSES G. STEELE
. . . Rush Street.
WARD TWO.
SAMUEL G. A. TWYCROSS
FRANKLIN R. PERRY .
· .
. Warren Avenue.
. Pleasant Avenue.
WARD THREE.
HIRAM D. SMITH
DANIEL C. STILLSON
Cross Street.
Tennyson Street.
WARD FOUR.
IRVING L. RUSSELL
. Broadway.
ALBERT M. ROBINSON
.
.
. Belmont Street. .
CLERK OF BOARD OF ALDERMEN.
CHARLES E. GILMAN.
WARD ONE.
. Franklin Street.
.
.
4
ANNUAL REPORTS.
COMMON COUNCIL. HERBERT C. HALL, President.
WARD ONE.
FRANK A. TITUS
ELBRIDGE G. PARK
JOHN MANNING .
· Medford Street.
NATHAN H. REED
. Florence Street.
WARD TWO.
DANA W. BENNETT
SAMUEL W. HOLT
CHARLES A. WOODBERRY
NEWELL F. CASWELL .
.
.
Washington Street.
. Berkeley Street.
Union Square.
WARD THREE.
JOHN F. KENNARD
HARRISON ALDRICH
ALBERTO P. CLARK
EDWARD O'BRIEN
. Lowell Street.
WARD FOUR.
HERBERT C. HALL
ISRAEL C. EARLE
BERNARD W. LAWRENCE
WALTER C. MENTZER .
. Summer Street.
. Irving Street.
. Holland Strect.
. Hall Street.
CLERK OF COMMON COUNCIL.
DOUGLAS FRAZAR.
JOINT STANDING COMMITTEES FOR 1885.
ACCOUNTS. - Aldermen Twycross, Robinson ; Councilmen Park, Aldrich, Woodberry.
BURIAL-GROUNDS. - Aldermen Perry, Stillson ; Councilmen Ken- nard, Reed, Lawrence.
CITY ENGINEERING. - Aldermen Russell, Steele ; Councilmen Titus, Kennard, Mentzer.
Flint Street. .
· Arlington Street.
.
Washington Street. ·
. Howe Street.
. , Gilman Street.
. Main Street.
5
CITY GOVERNMENT AND OFFICERS FOR 1885.
CLAIMS, - His Honor the Mayor, ex officio; Alderman Fitch ; the President of the Council, ex officio; Councilmen Woodberry, Clark.
FINANCE. - His Honor the Mayor, ex officio; Aldermen Smith, Twycross ; the President of the Council, ex officio; Councilmen Park, Bennett, Earle, Clark.
FIRE DEPARTMENT. - Aldermen Robinson, Perry ; Councilmen Holt, Kennard, Mentzer.
FUEL AND STREET-LIGHTS. - Aldermen Steele, Robinson ; Coun- cilmen Woodberry, Aldrich, Reed.
HIGHWAYS. - Aldermen Smith, Russell ; Councilmen Holt, Man- ning, O'Brien.
LEGISLATIVE MATTERS. - His Honor the Mayor, ex officio; Alderman Robinson ; the President of the Council, ex officio; Councilmen Titus, Bennett.
ORDINANCES. - Aldermen Fitch, Twycross ; Councilmen Park, Bennett, Mentzer.
PRINTING. - Aldermen Stillson, Steele ; Councilmen Aldrich, Earle, Caswell.
PUBLIC PROPERTY. - Aldermen Perry, Stillson ; Councilmen Titus, Caswell, Lawrence.
SOLDIERS' RELIEF. - Aldermen Fitch, Russell; Councilmen Manning, Earle, Clark.
WATER. - Aldermen Steele, Robinson; the President of the Council ; Councilmen Reed, O'Brien.
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN.
(STANDING COMMITTEES.)
ELECTIONS. - Aldermen Russell, Fitch.
ENROLLED ORDINANCES. - Aldermen Smith, Perry.
LICENSES. - Aldermen Russell, Perry.
POLICE. - His Honor the Mayor, ex officio; Aldermen Fitch, Twycross.
SEWERS. - Aldermen Twycross, Fitch, Stillson.
STATE AID. - Aldermen Steele, Russell, Smith, Perry.
(SPECIAL COMMITTEE.)
BUILDING PERMITS. - Aldermen Smith, Robinson.
6
ANNUAL REPORTS.
STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL.
ELECTIONS AND RETURNS. - Councilmen Caswell, Holt, O'Brien. ENROLLED ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS. - Councilmen Man- ning, Clark, Lawrence.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
MARK F. BURNS, Mayor, Chairman, ex officio. HERBERT C. HALL, President of the Common Council, ex officio. (Term, three years. )
WARD ONE.
JOHN H. BUTLER (elected 1884) .
HENRY M. MOORE (elected 1882)
HORACE C. WHITE, M.D. (elected 1883)
.
Pearl Street.
Myrtle Street.
. Pinckney Street.
WARD TWO.
Rev. GEORGE W. DURELL (elected 1882)
Mrs. CORNELIA B. SKINNER (elected 1883)
CHARLES I. SHEPARD (elected 1884)
. Summer Street.
High Street.
. High Street.
WARD THREE.
NORMAN W. BINGHAM (elected 1882)
Q. E. DICKERMAN (elected 1883) .
WILLIAM P. HILL (elected 1884)
. School Street.
. Central Street.
. Sycamore Street.
WARD FOUR.
MARTIN W. CARR (elected 1884) .
Craigie Street.
Professor BENJAMIN G. BROWN (elected 1882) . Professors' Row.
H. P. MAKECHNIE, M.D. (elected 1883) . Elm Street.
Superintendent and Secretary, J. H. DAVIS, Myrtle Street.
PRINCIPAL ASSESSORS.
(Term, three years. )
STILLMAN H. LIBBY (elected 1883), Chairman, Elm Street.
GEORGE W. HADLEY (elected 1885) . Perkins Street.
BENJAMIN F. THOMPSON (elected 1884) .
. Summit Avenue.
7
CITY GOVERNMENT AND OFFICERS FOR 1885.
ASSISTANT ASSESSORS.
(Term, one year.)
GEORGE W. BARTLETT, Ward One
WILLIAM A. FLAHERTY, Ward Two
REUBEN A. MELVIN, Ward Three . .
SAMUEL T. RICHARDS, Ward Four
. Mt. Vernon Street.
. Union Square.
. Bonair Street.
. Summer Street.
BOARD OF HEALTH. (Term, Physician, three years; other members, two years.)
GEORGE A. KIMBALL (appointed 1885), Chairman. Office, City Hall.
GEORGE C. SKILTON (appointed 1884) . . Walnut Street.
THOMAS M. DURELL, M.D. (appointed 1885), Bow Street. Clerk, GEORGE I. VINCENT . Office, City Hall.
Inspector, WILLIAM H. BRINE
. 40 Houghton Street.
COMMISSIONERS OF THE SINKING-FUNDS.
(Term, three years.)
NATHAN TUFTS (elected 1883)
, Summer Street. .
HENRY F. WOODS (elected 1885) . ·
·
Sycamore Street.
EZRA D. CONANT (elected 1884) .
.
, Pearl Street.
Treasurer, AARON SARGENT, Broadway.
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
MARK F. BURNS, Mayor, Chairman, ex officio. HERBERT C. HALL, President Common Council.
(Term, three years. )
THOMAS CUNNINGHAM (elected 1884) Oak Street. GEORGE W. WASHBURNE (elected 1883 for unexpired term) Lincoln Street. .
EDWARD GLINES (elected 1885) .
. Highland Avenue.
8
ANNUAL REPORTS.
SOMERVILLE MYSTIC WATER BOARD. (Term, one year.)
J. ORLIN HAYDEN, President Hill Building, Union Square.
WALTER S. BARNES
. Highland Avenue.
CHARLES H. BROWN
Sycamore Street.
JOHN M. WOODS .
School Street.
MILO CRANE
. Rush Street.
Superintendent of Water- Works, NATHANIEL DENNETT.
Office, Prospect Street, cor. Somerville Avenue.
TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY. (Term, three years. )
GEORGE A. BRUCE (elected 1884 for unex- pired term) Highland Avenue. ·
WILLIAM E. WELD (elected 1884)
Harvard Street. .
WILLIAM VEAZIE (elected 1884)
·
£
Walnut Street.
WILLIAM H. BRINE (elected 1883)
Highland Avenue.
SANFORD HANSCOM, M.D. (elected 1885 for unexpired term) · Webster Street.
CHARLES S. LINCOLN (elected 1885)
Laurel Street. .
CHARLES G. POPE (elected 1885) ,
Franklin Street. ·
J. HENRY FLITNER (elected 1883) Day Street.
CHRISTOPHER E. RYMES (elected 1885) .
·
Summer Street.
Librarian, HARRIET A. ADAMS. Assistant Librarian, LIZZIE A. STEVENS.
CITY CLERK AND CLERK OF BOARD OF ALDERMEN. CHARLES E. GILMAN. Office, City Hall.
CITY TREASURER AND COLLECTOR OF TAXES. JOHN F. COLE. Office, City Hall.
CITY MESSENGER.
JAIRUS MANN. Office, City Hall.
9
CITY GOVERNMENT AND OFFICERS FOR 1885.
CITY SOLICITOR.
SAMUEL C. DARLING. Office, 18 Rogers Building, Boston.
CITY AUDITOR. DOUGLAS FRAZAR. Office, City Hall.
CITY ENGINEER. GEORGE A. KIMBALL. Office, City Hall.
SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS. FRANK G. WILLIAMS, Albion Street. Office, City Hall.
CHIEF OF POLICE. MELVILLE C. PARKHURST, Police Station, Bow Street.
CHIEF OF FIRE DEPARTMENT. JAMES R. HOPKINS. Office, Engine House, Highland Avenue.
INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS. ELIJAH WALKER, Pleasant Avenue.
CITY PHYSICIAN. THOMAS M. DURELL, M.D., 14 Bow Street.
CLERK OF ASSESSORS AND COMMITTEES. GEORGE I. VINCENT. Office, City Hall.
ASSISTANT CLERK OF ASSESSORS AND COMMITTEES.
WILLIAM P. MITCHELL. Office, City Hall.
10
ANNUAL REPORTS.
CONSTABLES.
JAIRUS MANN.
ROBERT R. PERRY.
HORACE B. RUNEY.
CHARLES C. FOLSOM.
EDWARD MCGARR.
WM. H. BRINE (Houghton St. ). WILLIAM D. HAYDEN.
SAMUEL R. DOW.
JOSEPH J. GILES.
GEORGE CULLIS.
FIELD-DRIVERS. J
CHARLES C. FOLSOM.
JOHN E. FULLER.
JUDSON W. OLIVER.
GEORGE H. CARLETON.
HERBERT H. MILLER. EDD. F. FALES. GEORGE W. BEAN.
FENCE-VIEWERS.
DAVID A. SANBORN. CHARLES D. ELLIOT.
POUND-KEEPER. CHARLES A. SMALL.
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. NOAH HARDING, Sycamore Street.
SURVEYOR OF WOOD, BARK, AND LUMBER. SAMUEL T. LITTLEFIELD.
SURVEYOR OF STONE, BRICK, AND PLASTER WORK. ALFRED M. SIBLEY.
SURVEYOR OF MECHANICS' WORK. CHARLES D. ELLIOT.
11
CITY GOVERNMENT AND OFFICERS FOR 1885.
PUBLIC WEIGHER. J. C. COUSINS.
UNDERTAKERS.
HORACE B. RUNEY. A. L. SANBORN. PATRICK RAFFERTY.
WILLIAM A. FLAHERTY. P. H. RAFFERTY. HORACE D. RUNEY.
E. H. MARSH. THOMAS J. BARKER.
POLICE DEPARTMENT.
M. C. PARKHURST, Chief.
R. R. PERRY, Captain.
S. R. Dow, Sergeant.
C. C. FOLSOM, Sergeant.
EDWARD MCGARR, Sergeant.
C. C. CAVANAGH.
P. W. SKINNER.
JOHN E. FULLER.
S. A. BROWN.
A. L. STAPLES,
JOHN HAFFORD.
J. W. OLIVER.
IVAN LAIGHTON.
GEORGE W. BEAN.
M. H. KINSLEY,
GEORGE L. SMITH.
G. A. BODGE.
EDWARD M. CARTER.
DENNIS KELLY.
E. F. FALES.
GEORGE H. CARLETON.
J. F. JOHNSON.
H. H. MILLER.
E. A. CARTER.
M. C. PARKHURST, Lock-up Keeper.
MEETINGS.
BOARD OF ALDERMEN.
Second and fourth Wednesday evenings of each month.
COMMON COUNCIL. Thursday evenings following the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE. Last Monday evening of each month.
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
OF HON. MARK F. BURNS,
DELIVERED JAN. 5, 1885.
GENTLEMEN OF THE CITY COUNCIL, - Having been selected by our fellow-citizens from among so many able and intelligent men to transact the business of this young and growing city for the ensuing year, it seems proper to make acknowledgment to them for the honor they have conferred upon us, and to resolve to so conduct ourselves, and the important affairs intrusted to our keep- ing, as to prove to them that their confidence has not been mis- placed. In accordance with the provisions of our city charter, and following the usual custom, it becomes my duty to inform you briefly of the condition, at present, of the various departments, and to suggest such measures as my experience and judgment indicate should be adopted. It will be your privilege to consider the rec- ommendations ; and if in your judgment their adoption would result in benefit to the city you will accept them, but if in your opinion their adoption would be injurious to its best interests it will be your duty to reject them.
I submit the following statement, prepared by the city treasurer from the records in his office, of the financial condition of the city at the close of the fiscal year, Dec. 31, 1884.
The funded debt is as follows : -
City debt
$1,250,000
Water debt
335,000
Total
$1,585,000
Less sinking-funds
507,633
Leaves net funded debt
·
$1,077,367
16
ANNUAL REPORTS.
The unfunded liabilities are for temporary loans $175,000, and this amount is exceeded by uncollected taxes, assessments and other assets by $9,278, leaving the net debt of the city $1,068,089.
The net debt of the city one year ago, according to the treas- urer's report, was $1,101,094, showing that the net indebtedness of the city has been reduced the past year $33,005. The following table will show the annual reduction in the net debt since 1876, when the city debt was largest : -
1877
$34,446
1878
44,196
1879
72,345
1880
23,971
1881
50,333
1882
94,169
1883
74,172
1884
33,005
It will be noticed that the reduction of the net debt last year was about $40,000 less than the average of the three preceding years. This is owing to the fact that the city council, in the annual appropriations or the tax levy, made no provision for the cost of the two new schoolhouses, the library building, or the purchase of text-books ; the members deeming it more wise to use the sur- plus, nearly $46,000, then on hand, than to increase the rate of taxation. The surplus now on hand is less than $10,000, or about enough to complete the library building, the contract for which has already been awarded. This year, to fulfil the requirements of the law, the debt must be reduced about $70,000 ; and this amount, together with the amount necessary for current expenses, must be raised by taxation.
The real estate in the city was valued last year at $22,587,700, the personal property at $1,743,400 ; total, $24,331,100. It was taxed $16.60 on each $1,000, and together with 7,427 polls as- sessed, made $418,750.26, the amount of the tax levy.
Bonds to the amount of $473,500 came due in 1884; and their payment was provided for by the issue of $74,500 in bonds bearing five per cent interest, which were all taken by the commissioners of the sinking-funds, and $399,000 in bonds bearing four per cent interest, which were sold on the market. The fact that these four per cent bonds brought a premium of $3,710.70 proves that Som-
17
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
erville credit is good. The reduction in the rate of interest on these bonds will save the city annually nearly $10,000.
HIGHWAYS.
The highway department cost the city the past year $35,500.
Owing to the expenditure of the principal part of the appropria- tion during the past few years upon new work, the older streets and principal thoroughfares have been somewhat neglected, and some of them are sadly in need of repairs. The city is rapidly growing, and it is probable that petitions for the acceptance and building of many streets will be presented during the year; and while the building of such streets would be a public benefit, still it would, without doubt, be unwise to accept many more streets until those already accepted have been built, and existing streets put in good condition. It is likely that under the present circumstances, having so many calls for money in the other departments, the city council will not deem it proper to appropriate a sufficient amount of money for this department to accomplish all that is desired, and the members may feel obliged to postpone some improvements. It is generally understood that the grade of Linwood Street will be raised, and the street put in good condition ; thereby increasing the value of property in that vicinity, and affording great satisfaction not only to our own citizens, but to the travelling public generally. Washington Street, another of our principal thoroughfares, should be attended to as soon as possible. Without mentioning any other streets where money should be used for the same purpose, I will say that, in my opinion, a liberal portion of the appropriation we shall be able to make this year should be used in repairs.
-
STREET-LIGHTS.
There are three hundred and seventy-six gas and sixty-seven naphtha lamps used in lighting the streets. The care and main- tenance of the same, and the lighting of the streets, cost the city a little over $7,000 the past year, or about $1,000 less than it did eight years ago.
It seems to be the opinion of the people generally, as it is mine, that we can make an improvement in the management of this de- partment. I doubt the wisdom of carrying on this business under the contract system, as at present ; if this is the cheapest way, it
18
ANNUAL REPORTS.
gives the least satisfaction. The work should be done under the direction of the committee on street-lights, with the aid of a super- intendent and a more liberal appropriation.
I recommend that an ordinance be enacted providing for the ap- pointment of a superintendent of street-lights and school-buildings, whose duty it shall be to take charge of the street-lights under the direction of the committee, - see that the lamps are properly cared for and lighted, and put out at night according to directions ; he should have the care of the school-buildings, and, under the direc- tion of the committee on public property, oversee the repairs and alterations of the same, and direct and instruct the janitors in the discharge of their duties. I believe that many of the difficulties in heating and ventilating the school-buildings might be overcome by energetic and intelligent action on the part of the janitors. It seems to me that the services of an active, competent man, who would devote his whole time to the duties of the position, might be employed to advantage in these departments, the result of which would be a saving to the city.
SEWERS.
As it is not likely that any expensive sewers will be called for during the coming year, it is probable that the expenses of this department will be considerably reduced. Two and three-bun- dredths miles of new sewers were built in 1884, and three-tenths of a mile rebuilt, the total cost of which was $22,220. About $14,400 of this amount. was paid by the owners of the property drained. We have in all thirty-six and one-half miles of sewers in our system, all of which have been built since 1867, at a cost to the city and to the property-owners of over $638,000, beside over $25,000 expended for maintenance. These facts show that on the whole, the city is well drained, and that it is doubtful, if, under the circumstances, it would be wise to devote as much money to this purpose as has been used during the past few years. The department paid in 1883 $1,662.56, and in 1884 $1,714.70, for cleaning and dredging at Craigie Bridge. In the opinion of the Cambridge authorities, this work must be done each year ; if so, it will be a large expense, and if possible some way should be provided by which the sewer may be extended or changed to pre- vent the deposit.
19
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
SCHOOLS.
It is hoped that the board of education will be able to devise some means to lessen the expenses, without impairing the efficiency, of our schools. Their support cost the city last year $106,473.57. We have twenty school-buildings in the city, and one hundred and two schools, in charge of one hundred and fifteen teachers, - eight male, and one hundred and seven female.
Number of scholars in attendance in January last 4,753
Number of scholars in attendance in December . 4,984
Whole number registered during year .
6,014
Average daily attendance
4,537
The city is rapidly growing ; over two hundred new dwelling- houses having been built during the past year, and the number of persons between five and fifteen years of age having increased five hundred and fifty-four. To provide for the constantly increas- ing number of scholars, two new school-buildings, each containing four schoolrooms, have been erected during the past season ; one on the city's land on Tufts Street, at a cost of about $13,250, and one on School Street, which cost, together with the land, about $15,250. It is probable that this city council will be called upon to build another during the coming season, in the vicinity of Cedar Street, to relieve the schools in that neighborhood. If one is built, it should be made large enough to not only provide for the present needs, but for future necessities. The danger in a grow- ing community is that the school-buildings will be made too small ; they should be double the capacity required at present, or built in such a way that their capacity may be doubled at some future time, as was done in the case of the Edgerly Schoolhouse. All school-buildings containing over two schoolrooms should be built of brick, as brick buildings are not only more substantial and orna- mental, but are the most economical in the end.
FIRE-DEPARTMENT.
The apparatus in active service in the fire-department consists of one steam fire-engine, five hose-carriages, and one hook-and- ladder truck; and, in addition to these, one relief-steamer, one hook-and-ladder truck, and one relief hose-carriage. All are in
20
ANNUAL REPORTS.
first-class condition. We have 5,550 feet of good, serviceable cotton hose. The manual force consists of sixty-one men, dis- tributed as follows : -
1 engine company 12 men
1 hook-and-ladder company
4 hose companies
15 “
32 “
1 chief of department.
1 assistant engineer.
The force is large enough to handle properly the apparatus that is now in active service.
The amount granted the committee for use in this department in 1884 was $22,000.
POLICE.
Our police force, considering its size, is very efficient. It con- sists of a chief, captain, three sergeants, and sixteen patrolmen.
The appropriation last year was $22,500.
THE POOR.
The overseers were granted $15,000 the past year, and they have given relief to about six hundred persons. While we have no reason to suppose that any thing but the most commendable care has been exercised in the management of this department, and every measure of economy adopted, still it is evident, that, with the constantly increasing demands upon our charity, an increased amount must be expended, and increased labor performed by the overseers. In view of these facts, I suggest for your consideration the plan of enacting an ordinance providing for the appointment of a superintendent of the poor department, whose duty it should be, under the direction of the overseers, to look up the settlements of those to whom relief is extended, keep the records, keep the stores and deliver the goods, and be on duty at all times ready to give immediate assistance when necessary, and to devote his whole time and attention to the business. It would seem that the expen- diture is large enough, and the business important enough, to war- rant the adoption of such a plan.
HEALTH.
The sanitary condition of the city has been greatly improved during the past few years, as is evidenced by a reduced rate of
21
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
mortality, the cause of which may be traced to our extended sys- tem of sewers and intelligent action on the part .of the board of health. While at present the city is remarkably free from conta- gious diseases, it is possible that we may be visited in the near future by the one most dreaded of all, the cholera. It seems to be the opinion of our most learned physicians that we cannot hope to escape it. This being the case, unusual care and activity is expected from the board of health, and every facility should be afforded them, and the necessary funds furnished them to carry out any measures intended to protect the public health. The sanitary condition of every dwelling should be examined by a competent person, and all defects remedied ; sewers should be ventilated, and all decomposing animal and vegetable matter removed at once, and the streets kept clean.
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
The appropriation in 1884 was $1,500, and the amount re- ceived from dog licenses $1,307.75, making in all $2,807.75. This amount was expended for salaries and in making valuable additions to the circulating and reference books. To show how well the institution has been patronized during the past year, I give the following statistics : -
Whole number of books in library
11,197
Number issued during the year .
72,591
Largest issue in one month (March) .
7,381
Largest issue in one day (March 15)
667
Daily average
237
Number of books purchased during year
722
Never since the public library was established have our citizens received the full benefit from the institution, on account of the fact that the room occupied by it has been too small to allow of its being properly managed. It has been impossible to suitably clas- sify the books, there has been no reading-room, and the people have not been able to examine the reference books with any degree of comfort. Owing to the unfavorable condition of our finances, and the great demand upon our resources, we have been unable until quite recently to provide any better accommodations. Early in the past year the trustees, all interested in the welfare of our muni- cipality, decided to ask the city council to build a new library
22
ANNUAL REPORTS.
building upon the land owned by the city on Central Hill, feeling that the time had come when the city could afford it. A petition was presented to the city council making the request, which was favorably acted upon, and resulted in the erection of a new build- ing upon the city's land near the City Hall, which, when completed, will cost about $26,000. It will be an elegant building and a substantial addition to our public property, of which the citizens may well be proud. Its management and growth will require an increased appropriation ; but it must be remembered that it is a part of our educational system, which should be supported as lib- erally as the public schools.
CITY HALL.
On completion of the library-building the room now occupied for the library in the City Hall will be vacated, and it is very much needed for the use of the city officers. I recommend that it be utilized in part by the building of large fire-proof vaults for the use of the assessors and treasurer, using the vault now occupied by the treasurer to increase the accomodations in. the city clerk's office. Many valuable books and documents are now kept in wooden bookcases, in danger of loss by fire ; and, as they could not be replaced, they should be put into a fire-proof safe as soon as possible, thereby fulfilling the requirements of the law.
CENTRAL-HILL IMPROVEMENT.
The amount devoted to this purpose in 1884 was $1,000. A part of this appropriation has been used by direction of the city council, in beginning the erection of a battery near the High Schoolhouse, the guns of which have been donated by the Govern- ment of the United States, and the object of which, in part, is to mark the spot where earthworks were thrown up and occupied by our troops in the beginning of the Revolutionary war, but more particularly to serve as a monument to the memory of those patriotic citizens who offered their lives to their country in the great civil war, that the Union might be preserved. It is hoped the work will be speedily completed ; and, with the memorial tab- lets that are to be placed in the library-building, it will, to some extent at least, show our appreciation of the matchless services of the noble and patriotic men to whom the nation is under the most
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