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ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN OF MERRIMAC,
FOR THE
Year Ending January 31,
1899.
TO THE LOCAL MAGAZINE READING PUBLIC Weoffer the reading of all the Monthly Maga- zides published, with privilege of keeping long as you wish, or exchanging at discretion, for about the price of one. Call or send for catalogue, MAGA- ZINE LIBRARY CO., 48 Winter street, Room 41. SWS
Ed 2
A
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Selectmen, Town Officers and School Committee OF
The Town of Merrimac,
FOR THE
Year Ending January 31,
1899.
MERRIMAC, MASS., THIE MERRIMAC BUDGET JOB PRINT, CLIFTON B. HEATH, MANAGER. IS99.
TOWN OFFICERS.
SELECTMEN. R. H. SARGENT, R. S. BAILEY, T. L. GOODWIN.
CLERK. BAILEY SARGENT.
TREASURER. D. J. POORE.
COLLECTOR . JOHN S. CLEMENT.
SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS . G. G. DAVIS.
REGISTRARS OF VOTERS.
JAMES T. LOCKE, BAILEY SARGENT, ARTHUR W. CHASE, F. F. PHILBRICK.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
W. B. KELLEY, Term expires March 1899.
FRANK E. PEASE,
66
66 1900.
F. E. SWEETSIR,
66 1901 .
1
TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY.
JAMES F. PEASE, Term expires March 1899 .
CHARLES W. SAWYER,
66 60
IS99 .
GEORGE O. GOODWIN,
66
1900.
R. S. BAILEY,
66
66
66
1901.
GEORGE G. LARKIN,
66
66 66
1901.
66
1900.
S. A. McCONNELL,
3
TOWN OFFICERS.
ENGINEERS OF FIRE DEPARTMENT. WILLIAM M. CHASE, CHIEF, JOIIN B. THORN, WILLIAM JONAH.
TRUSTEES LOCUST GROVE CEMETERY.
GEORGE G. LARKIN, Term expires March 1899. C. E. ROWELL,
66 1900.
J. A. LANCASTER,
I90I.
FOREST FIRE WARDS.
WILLARD B. KELLEY, WALTER H. SARGENT.
POLICE.
A. McINNIS, A. S. NIXON,
P. J. NEAL.
AUDITOR.
WILLIAM C. RUSSELL.
SURVEYORS OF LUMBER AND MEASURERS OF WOOD AND BARK.
J. J. WOODMAN, B. B. WOOD.
FENCE VIEWERS.
CALVIN B. ROBINSON, WALTER H. SARGENT.
JURY LIST.
List of names to be voted on for Jurors at the Annual Town Meeting to be held Monday, March 6, 1898 :
NAME.
RESIDENCE.
OCCUPATION.
James W. Bailey,
Merrimac st., Carriage Painter.
Richard S. Bailey,
George W. Currier,
William H. Emerson,
D. Warren Gould,
Frank E. Hale, Main st., Carriage Woodworker.
Lawson W. Howe,
Forest st.,
Wheelwright. Farmer.
Charles E. Hoyt,
Birch Meadow, Merrimac st., Carriage Bodymaker.
Charles H. Hughes,
Everett L. Jewell,
Forest st., Carriage Bodymaker.
Willard B. Kelley,
Birch Meadow,
Farmer.
Pine st., Shoemaker.
Albert A. Lewis, Edward C. Little,
Main st.,
Farmer. Wheelwright.
George E. Ricker,
Main st., Carriage Trimmer. Main st., Carriage Trimmer. Pleasant st., Contractor.
- Merchant.
Arthur C. Sargent,
Walter H. Sargent,
Bear Hill, Farmer.
T. Monroe Sargent,
Birch Meadow,
Farmer.
James T. Locke,
Pleasant st.,
J. II. Parker Thornell, James C. Libby,
George F. Kendrick,
Main st.,
Main st., Carriage Trimmer.
Merrimac st., Carriage Trimmer. Main st., Carriage Woodworker. Bear Hill st., Farmer and Jobber. Main st. Harnessmaker.
JURY LIST.
5
George B. Patten, Cyrus D. Trull, John J. Woodman,
Main st.,
Bow Manufacturer.
Farmer.
Farmer.
Charles E. Drew,
Church st.,
Retired.
Joseph W. Nichols,
Forest st., Carriage Woodworker. Adams st.,
Blacksmith.
John Sheehan, Ralph H. Sargent, John J. Minahan,
Main st.,
Ice Dealer.
Lincoln st., Blacksmith.
A. Wesley Colby,
Merrimac st., Carriage Trimmer.
Arthur W. Chase,
Merrimac st.,
Manufacturer.
Charles N. Sargent,
Merrimac st.,
Farmer.
Lorenzo B. Blaisdell,
Merrimac st.,
Farmer.
Nathan J. Spofford,
Hadley, Main st.,
Merrimac st., Car'ge Woodworker.
1
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT.
BIRTHS.
Number of births returned,
38
Males, 19
Females,
19
Fathers, native born, 25
23
Father and mother both native born,
20
66
foreign " IO
MARRIAGES.
Number of marriages recorded,
22
First marriage of groom, bride,
IS
19
Grooms native born,
19
Brides
17
Average age of groom, 1.66 bride,
29 years.
23 years.
Mothers,
66
7
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT.
DEATHS.
Number of deaths returned,
35
Males, II
Females, 24
Average age, 46 years, 4 days.
Oldest person, 92 years, 7 months, 4 days.
Under 5 years,
II
Males, native born,
IO
Females, "
19
Of native parentage,
2I
foreign 66
7
mixed 66
7
DOGS.
Number of dogs licensed, 87
Males, S2 1 Females, 5.
BAILEY SARGENT, Town Clerk.
School Report.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
FRANK E. PEASE, chairman, Term expires Murch *1900 WILLARD B. KELLEY, 60 1 899
FRED E. SWEETSIR, secretary,
1901
TEACHERS.
C. C. FERGUSON, Principal High School
L. FRANCES TUCKER,
ANNIE LEE KNIGHT,
SYDNA E. PRITCHARD, }
LUCY A. CRAWFORD,
Centre First Grammar
JESSIE L. HOLMES,
JESSIE L. HOLMES,
EMMA PEARSON,
Middle Street Second Grammar
MABELLE M. WILKINS,
EMMA PEARSON, -
Centre Third Grammar
ETHEL T. BARTLETT,
MARY HI. HEAD,
Centre Fourth Grammar
ANNIE R. HUNTER,
Prospect Street Intermediate
L. PEARL FRENCII,
ETTA H. COLBY, Centre First Primary CARRIE M. EVANS, Prospect Street Second Primary LOUISE C. BRACKETT, Middle Street Second Primary IDA M. BLAISDELL, Merrimacport Grammar HATTIE A. BAXTER, Merrimacport Primary and Intermediate ABBIE L. CLEMENT, Bear Hill Teacher of Music
LIZZIE B. SMITH,
MRS. S. E. PRICE,
Teacher of Drawing
ELLEN E. DOLE,
MRS. JENNIE C. LANE, S Substitutes
TRUANT OFFICERS.
CHARLES P. BAKER JOHN SARGENT
Resignation March 1899.
First Assistant High School Second Assistant High School
MERRIMAC HIGH SCHOOL.
GRADUATES, 1898.
ALICE ESTHER SHEEHAN, MABEL NICHOLS BROWN, SARAH BLANCHE CUNNINGHAM, WILLIAM HOWARD CHURCHILL, FLORENCE GERTRUDE FINN, CHARLES AMOS HOWE,
RENA FIELD MORSE,
ETHEL JAMES PIKE,
ALICE CARLTON SARGENT,
ELLEN BARTLETT GUNNISON,
CHARLOTTE EVELYN GASSETT, ALICE MABEL GRAY, ' SARAH SARGENT LITTLE, MURRAY FLETCHER LUCE, FLORENCE EMILY MURPHY, IRMA THORNE SARGENT,
Classical Course Scientific Course Scientific Course Scientific Course Scientific Course Scientific Course Scientific Course Scientific Course Scientific Course English Course English Course English Course English Course English Course English Course English Course
COURSE OF STUDY FOR HIGH SCHOOL.
COLLEGE PREPARATORY COURSE.
5 Latin Lessons.
4 Algebra.
4 English Comp.
5 English History.
5 Caesar.
5 Geometry.
3 Rhetoric.
4 Greek Lessons.
4 Vergil.
5 French.
3 English Lit.
5 Anabasis.
4 Cicero.
4 French.
3 English Lit.
4 Anabasis.
3 Geometry.
FIRST YEAR.
Latin Lessons.
Algebra.
English Comp.
Greek History.
Latin Lessons.
Algebra.
English Comp.
Roman History.
SECOND YEAR.
Caesar.
Caesar.
Geometry.
Geometry .
Rhetoric.
Greek Lessons.
THIRD YEAR.
Vergil.
Vergil.
French.
French.
English Lit.
English Lit.
Anabasis.
Anabasis.
FOURTH YEAR.
Cicero.
Cicero.
French.
French.
English Lit.
English Lit.
Homer.
Homer.
Geom. and Algebra.
Algebra.
CLASSICAL COURSE is like College Preparatory in first year ; has Physics and Zoology in the second in place of Greek; in the third Chemistry and Astronomy, and in the fourth Geology and Physical Geography.
Rhetoric.
Greek Lessons.
II
HIGH SCHOOL COURSE OF STUDY.
SCIENTIFIC COURSE.
5 Civics.
4 Algebra.
Algebra.
English Comp. English Comp.
Greek History. Roman History.
SECOND YEAR.
French History.
Geometry.
Rhetoric.
Rhetoric.
Physics.
Zoology.
THIRD YEAR.
Geology, Phys. Geog. Phys. Geography.
Chemistry.
Astronomy.
French.
French.
English Lit.
English Lit.
FOURTH YEAR.
French.
French.
English Lit.
English Lit.
3 Geometry.
Geometry and Alg.
Algebra.
3 Physics.
Physics, Chemistry.
Chemistry.
4 Arithmetic.
FIRST YEAR.
Bookkeeping.
Botany. Algebra.
4 English Comp. 5 English Hirtory.
+ French History.
5 Geometry.
3 Rhetoric. 5 Physics.
4 Geology.
5 Chemistry.
5 French. 3 English Lit.
5 French.
3 English Lit.
Solid Geometry.
Solid Geometry.
Gen'l History. Geometry.
ENGLISH COURSE, (3 years). First two years like Scientific course. The last year has instead of French, the review Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry of the fourth year Scientific,
Twenty=third Annual Report.
The school committee respectfully submit the following report for the year 1898-9.
Population of the town, census of 1895, 2301
Number of schools in town, I 2
Number of teachers employed including special teachers, 16
Number of different teachers employed
including special teachers and substitutes, 22
Number of children in town, May 1, 1898, between the ages of 5 and 15 years, as per census, 394
Increased from last year, 35
Whole number of different pupils enrolled during the year, 445
Number of children in town, May 1, 1898, between the ages of 7 and 14 years,
as per census, 305
Average membership for the year,
391
attendance 352
Per cent of attendance, 94!
66 66 IS98,
95
13
SCHOOL REPORT.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
Appropriation by the town, $ 8,750 00
Appropriation for Supt., 350 00
Appropriation for High School Furniture, 400 00
Appropriation for Conveyance of Pupils, 500 00
Rec'd from Mass., school fund,
294 43
Rec'd from Dog Tax, 138 08
Rec'd for Books, Supplies, etc., 40 82
$ 10,473 33
Expended for teachers,
$ 7,120 24
Conveyance of Pupils,
475 00
Care of buildings,
612 35
Books and supplies,
532 78
Sundries,
250 47
Repairs,
158 09
Fuel,
417 35
Furniture, etc., for High school room,
335 38
Unexpended,
571 67
$ 10,473 33
The High school will close March 24. All the others will close March 17.
SCHOOL BUILDINGS.
Very few repairs have been made the past year, but more extensive repairs will be needed the coming year. It seems to us unneccessary to add to what was said last year in regard to the high school building, as what was true then is true in a greater measure to-day.
14
SCHOOL REPORT.
The lower building at the Port is not needed for school purposes, nor has it been used for that purpose for several years. It is fast going to ruin for want of repairs which we did not feel justified in making with the money appropriated for school purposes. We recommend that the selectmen be authorized to sell it and thus save the expense of keeping it in repair, and insuring a building that is not needed by the town.
DISTRICT SUPERVISION.
Merrimac appropriated last year. $350 for the purpose of uniting with West Newbury, Salisbury and Newbury, or with any two of said towns for the purpose of employing a superin- tendent of schools, but West Newbury was the only one of the towns named that voted to form a district, and a satisfactory arrangement could not be made without having a special town meeting called and asking for another appropriation which we did not deem advisable. We have therefore had no superin- tendent the past year.
The law regarding district supervision has been changed during the past year so that a town may authorize their school committee to arrange such union for the employment of a superintendent as seems to them advantageous, subject, how- ever to the approval of the state board of education ; and any district so formed by committees so authorized and with such approval have the same validity as if formed by direct vote of the town. We have caused an article to be inserted in the warrant for our annual meeting in March to see what action Merrimac will take in regard to this question. Only five per cent of the children in the public schools of the state are now without the watchful care of a superintendent. A policy that has extended in a voluntary way to 95 per cent of the children of the state, bears impressive witness to the value which the. public puts upon it. We earnestly hope, for the welfare of
.15
SCHOOL REPORT.
the schools that our town will express itself as favorable to a union, and we recommend an appropriation of $350 for the employment of a district superintendent.
HIGH SCHOOL.
The High school has continued to make the same mark- ed progress as last year. The course of study has been revised to meet the requirements of the colleges, technical schools and normal schools, until today, as may be seen by the report of the principal; pupils may enter Brown Univer- sity, and undoubtedly others, on the certificate of the princi- pal, without examination.
New seats and desks have been put into the High school room and other much-needed improvements have been made, such as painting the ceiling and walls, etc., and the altera- tions are fully appreciated by teachers and pupils , but we feel that the day is not far distant when a new school build- ing will be an imperative need, if indeed it is not so at the present time. We call your attention to the report of the principal appended hereto.
PENMANSHIP.
During the year we have introduced the "Normal Re- view System of Vertical Writing" into the schools, and the good results obtained warrants a continuance of the system .
COURSE OF STUDY.
During the year we have revised the course of study for all grades, following for the greater part, the course prepared under the direction of the State Board of Education. We do not publish in our report on account of the expense of print- ing, but any citizen desiring a copy may procure the same by applying to the school authorities. Our thanks are due to the teachers for valuable aid rendered us in the revision of the course.
16
SCHOOL TREPORT.
TEACHERS.
At the close of the school year in June all of the teachers were re-elected. Owing to the fact that some of them de- clined to accept the positions for another year we were obliged to obtain three new teachers before the beginning of the school year in September. Miss Sydna E. Pritchard of Brockton, Mass., a graduate of Wellesley College and of Bridgewater Normal School was elected to fill the vacancy in the High school. Miss Holmes, was transferred from grade VII to grades VIII and IN. Miss Pearson was transferred from grade VI to grade VII and VIII; Miss Ethel T. Bartlett of Medford, Mass. was elected to grade VI and Miss L. Pearl French of Kingston, N. H. to grade IV. In October, Miss Pearson resigned to accept a position in the Haverhill schools and she was succeeded by Miss Mabelle M. Wilkins of Notch, Me.
GRADING.
Until the past year, grades VIII and IX have been to- gether in one room in the Centre building, but at the begin- ning of the school year in September, the number of pupils in grade VIII was so large and the seating capacity of that room so limited that it was necessary to make other arrange- ments. We therefore divided grade VIII, sending a part of it to Middle street with grade VII, the rest of it remaining with grade IX at the Centre building .
TEACHERS' MEETINGS.
These meetings have been held during the year under the auspices of the Merrimac Teachers' Association as here- tofore. These meetings have been addressed by Mr. Frank A. Hill and Mr. Walter Sargent of the State Board of Edu- cation, Miss Hicks of Bridgewater State Normal School,
SCHOOL REPORT. 17
Mr. A. E. Winship, editor of the American Teacher, and others. The usual meetings under the direction of the special teachers have been continued as in the past.
CONCLUSION.
For other matters relating to the schools, we refer to the reports of the principal of the High school, and the teachers of music and drawing, which are appended to this report.
After the most careful consideration we recommend that appropriations be made as follows :
For a District Superintendent, $ 350 00
Conveyance of pupils, 475 00
General school purposes,
8,650 00
FRANK E. PEASE, ) W. B. KELLEY, School F. E. SWEETSIR, Committee.
-
1
IS
SCHOOL REPORT.
REPORT OF PRINCIPAL OF HIGH SCHOOL.
To the Chairman of the School Committee :
The past year has been a notable one for the High school. It has been the first year that we have had grad- uates fitted for such technical schools as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Worcester Polytechnic Insti- tute. Moreover last June one of our graduates passed his examinations for entrance to Worcester Polytechnic Institute so creditably that he commended by the registrar of that institution.
This will be the first year also that the school will have graduated students fitted for college as there has not been until within four years a college preparatory course here. That this is a course sufficient to meet the requirements of most New England colleges is shown by the fact that Brown University, the third largest college in New England, after examining our course of study, has regarded it satisfactory and for the coming year will receive our graduates without examination on certificate of the principal. As the require- ments of Brown are somewhat harder than those of most New England colleges it is reasonable to suppose that others such as Amherst, Williams, etc., will, when asked, grant . our graduates the same privilege. Parents therefore may feel reasonably sure that if their children complete satisfact-
19
SCHOOL REPORT.
orily the right courses here they will have no difficulty in entering such colleges or other institutions as they may wish.
Despite the improvement in our present courses of study over preceding years some changes may still be made to better adapt them to the needs of our pupils. More English should be required while the Greek and Roman History may as well be completed in the first year leaving more time later in the course for other work. This change would not only . enable us to better meet the college requirements but would give opportunity for a broader culture to those whose school days must end with the completion of this course.
The present year has been made notable also by the increase in the number of graduates attending school else- where. Of the eleven doing post graduate work at the pre- sent time, two are in college, five in normal schools, four in business and professional schools and two are continuing their work in the High School. Throughout the school there is a marked increase in the number of those who plan to pursue after graduation some definite course of study. This ten- dency on the part of our young people to look forward to a broader and more complete education is one of the most satis- factory evidences we have of an increased interest in the work of our school.
Respectfully submitted,
C. C. FERGUSON.
20
SCHOOL REPORT.
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC.
To the School Committee of Merrimac :
I report with pleasure, an increase of interest, and better results in a shorter space of time, than ever before during my work in the schools of Merrimac.
I now consider the schools musically graded, and I here thank my teachers for their efficient aid to that end.
The American Musical System has been placed in Grade VII since beginning the Fall term, and is satisfactory in its results, as far as demonstrated.
I would recommend the same time given to daily musi- cal practice in the High school as in the other grades, for this reason, I can then give more time in the High, to music in its relation to art and the higher branches. Ruskin tells us that "Art is frozen Music."
In conclusion, I thank the committee for their co-oper- ation with me in my work.
Respectfully,
ELIZABETH B. SMITHI.
Merrimac, Mass., January 30, 1899.
SCHOOL SIGNALS.
2 blasts repeated twice, ! ! ! ! ! ! , at 7.30 a. m., no forenoon session.
Same signal at 12.45 p. m., no afternoon session.
Same signal at 11.30 a. m., one session,
2I
SCHOOL REPORT.
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING.
To the School Committee of Merrimac :
The work in Drawing has been carried on in the same manner as last year and is growing more satisfactory each month.
After visiting schools in Boston and other cities and learn- ing what the pupils accomplish under much more favorable circumstances, I am pleased with the results obtained in Merrimac.
The schools need models, casts and pictures which I feel sure will be furnished as soon as possible.
Through this report I wish to thank the committee, teach- ers and pupils for their interest and support in this line of work.
Respectfully submitted,
MRS. S. EVANNAH PRICE.
REPORT OF TRUANT OFFICER.
To the School Committee of Merrimac :
I would respectfully submit the following report for the year ending January 31, 1899.
Number of visits made,
14
Truants taken to school, 7
Respectfully, C. P. BAKER.
ANNUAL REPORT OF
THE BOARD OF ENGINEERS,
MERRIMAC FIRE DEPARTMENT.
MERRIMAC, MASS., FEB. Ist, 1899.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Merrimac :
The Board of Engineers of the Merrimac Fire Depart- ment place before you their report of the year ending on the above date.
The Fire Apparatus consists of one Steam Fire Engine, one two-horse Hose Wagon, one Hand Engine, one IIand Hose Reel, one two-horse Hook and Ladder Truck, Five Chemical Extinguishers, three pair Horse Blankets, one Siamese Shut Off Coupling, 1,900 feet Double Jacket Cot- ton Hose, 14 years old (but in good condition,) 1,750 feet of Callahan Best Double Jacket Cotton Hose which has been in the Department a little over one year, together with Ladders, Axes, Bars, Life Net, Life Line Gun, Water Pails, Shovels, etc., etc.
The Siamese Shut Off Coupling spoken of above is a new addition to our Department. This coupling enables the fireman to take a line of hose up or down a ladder, in or out of a building without water coming from the hose and also without causing the Steamer to stop working. It gives us
23
ENGINEERS' REPORT.
two lines of hose to work with instead of one. We consider this a very useful article and will help us a great deal in doing our work.
We have just finished an out-house connected with the Central Engine House, for the accommodation of the mem- bers. This has been very much. needed ever since the Engine House has been in its present location.
There have been no repairs on the Steam Fire Engine this year and at the last trial it worked satisfactorily.
Our Fire Alarm system caused us some trouble at one time last fall. We had an expert from Haverhill look the wires all over and he gave it a thorough over-hauling and at the present time it is in excellent shape.
There have been a number of changes in the location of the Alarm Boxes during the year. Box number 23 has been changed from the house occupied by Oscar Wentworth to the residence of John E. Currier. Box number 24 has been removed from the house formerly occupied by Alex. Oxley to the residence of Frank E. Pease. Both of these boxes are outside and can be used at any time. Box number 16 has been removed from the stable of Isaac Pendergast.
March 14, 1898 at 10.15 p. m. an alarm was rung in from box number 25 located at the residence of Mr. N. F. Stevens for a fire at the upper end of Pine street, in an unoc- cupied barn connected with the dwelling house vacated a short time before by Mr. Charles Carter. The drivers of some of the apparatus were at Merrimacport so the depart- ment did not make very quick time, however, only the barn was destroyed. The property is owned by the children of Mr. George S. Prescott, Mr. Elbridge Morse, trustee. It was valued at $Soo with an insurance of $1,000; the loss was placed at about $300. The cause of the fire is unknown. "All out" blew at II'o'clock p. m.
24
ENGINEERS' REPORT.
May 21, IS9S at 3.30 p. m. an alarm was blown from the Power House of the H., M. and A. Street Railway com- pany for a fire in the woods on what is known as "the new road to Newton." It burnt over about two acres of land which is owned partly by Mr. John E. Currier and Mrs. Lizzie Jordan. The damage was nearly $25; cause un- known. The fire was extinguished by a gang of men before the firemen arrived.
July IS, 1898, at 12 o'clock noon, an alarm was sounded from Box No. 13 for a fire in the barn connected to the resi- dence of Mr. John Donahue, a member of the H. and L. Co. The Department made unusually good time in responding to this fire and soon had it under control, thereby saving the house and the lower part of the barn.' The fire was supposed to have been caused by a young son of Mr. Donahue, playing in the barn with matches. The loft of the barn having cou- siderable hay in it, the fire burned quickly and quite fierce, so much so that Mr. Donahue's son was entirely shut off from getting out of the barn and so was burned to death, his re- mains being recovered in the hay afterwards. The property was owned by the Merrimac Savings Bank and the loss was $250 which was fully covered by insurance.
September 2. IS98, at 8 o'clock p. m., we were called to the residence of Mr. Joseph Hosford, his house having been struck by lightning, the fire being extinguished by some neighbors before the arrival of the firemen ; however they had 1000 feet of hose laid and were ready to work if needed. The roof was set on fire and burned through in several places also setting fire to a number of garments hung in the attic. The loss was about $50, fully covered by insurance.
October 7, IS98, at 3.50 a. m., the department was called to a fire at a saw mill situated in the Oaks. The mill was entirely destroyed the loss being $1000. No insurance.
25
ENGINEERS' REPORT.
The mill was owned by Roscoe Morrill, who thinks he has good reason to believe it was set on fire.
October 13, 1898 at 9.15 p. m. another alarm was sounded which proved to be a false one. The apparatus soon responded and proceeded up Main street a short distance and when fully satisfied that the alarm was false they return- ed to the engine house and were dismissed.
The voters of Merrimac will readily call to mind a vote taken the first of the year wherby the town was to pay fire- men $15 per year instead of $io as heretofore; that means an extra amount of $325 to be added to the Fire Department appropriation. You will notice we have a very small unex- pended balance from $1,500, so that cannot be reduced with- out injuring the Department, if the engineers are expected to keep within their means.
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