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Ex Libris HENRY-SILLBALDWIN
Vestigia Nulla Retrorsum
PONTEM FECIT
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REBVILT IN IODAYS OPENED JVLY 18,1921:A.
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THIRTY-FIFTH
ANNUAL REPORTS
OF THE
TOWN OF SWAMPSCOTT,
FOR YEAR ENDING FEB. 28, 1887.
SETTLED
A.D. 1629
INCORPORATED
COTT. A. D. 1852
AS
SWA
LYNN : PRESS OF THOS. P. NICHOLS, I 887 .
THIRTY-FIFTH
ANNUAL REPORTS
OF THE
TOWN OF SWAMPSCOTT,
FOR YEAR ENDING FEB. 28, 1887.
SETTLED A.D. 1629
INCORPORATED
(-)
COTT.A.D. 1852
AS
SWAN
LYNN : PRESS OF THOS. P. NICHOLS, 1 887.
REPORT OF SELECTMEN.
TO THE CITIZENS OF SWAMPSCOTT :
IN presenting this, our Annual Report, we do so with the conviction that our year's efforts will meet the ap- proval of its citizens generally.
While we shall leave largely with the heads of the sev- eral departments a full report of their doings, we cannot forbear giving our views as to a few of the demands which we think we, as a community, need for the welfare of our Town and people, and which, as their guardians, we feel in loyal duty bound to express, leaving to the voters the responsibility of seeing carried out, or rejected, as to them may seem best in their sovereignty to decide.
In all governments, National, State, City, and Town, this is the usual way of bringing before the people sub- jects for their consideration for the public welfare ; and if, in our recommendations we are not sustained, shall feel we have done our duty.
HIGHWAYS.
The first duty of a Town is to see that its highways are kept in good condition, and this may be said of Swamp-
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REPORT OF SELECTMEN.
scott, that in no Town in Essex County can be found better streets and roads than in hers. We have done this at com- parative small outlay, having many perplexing obstacles to contend with in carrying out the desires of our people, the principal one of which is the rocky state of our gravel pits and their great distance from the center of the Town, where the most of the gravel is necessarily used. It is believed no better gravel pit can be found more centrally located, and our first duty on this subject is to recommend what, in our judgment, is the best remedy.
It is well known to all who have taken the leisure to ex- amine into the subject, that we employ at least five men to excavate and throw out the rocks, to get enough gravel to keep in employ three or four teams to draw it where needed, while in addition one team is required to remove the rocks back so they may not be in the way of the exca- vators, which rocks are now of no practical use.
To make these rocks available, it will be necessary to purchase a stone crusher, which can be had for about fifteen hundred dollars, with everything complete to oper- ate it. This would require only two or three men, in place of the six men and team under the present system. Then we have the material at hand for years.
Roads made of crushed rock will last much longer, and we feel the project will give us much better roads at a less cost, and the machine will thus pay for itself in a few years.
While considering the affairs of this department, we would recommend the sale of the " Victor " road machine, which was purchased about three years ago. Although it may be sutitable for leveling sandy roads, the machine is not adapted to our hard and rocky surface, and renders the work more expensive than the same amount of labor would be if performed by hand.
5
REPORT OF SELECTMEN.
CLAIM OF MRS. NEWCOMB.
The Town, the past year, has been obliged to pay damages to Mrs. Minnie E. Newcomb for injuries received from falling on an icy sidewalk, on Rock Avenue, on February 25, 1885. This case we offered to compromise (as did our predecessors), but the sum demanded was much larger than we were willing the Town should pay.
We, therefore, aided by our able counsel, George A. Blaney, Esq., defended the case to the full extent of our powers, and although the Town was defeated, the damages and costs were but little more than one-half the amount for which the plaintiff was willing to compromise.
In view of all the circumstances we feel that the Town is to be congratulated upon the manner in which the case was finally adjusted.
To avoid accidents of this kind the past winter, and for the comfort of our citizens, we advised our efficient Sur- veyor to have sand sprinkled on all the walks in Town, where needed, which advice has been very fully carried out, to the great satisfaction of the whole Town.
INDUCEMENTS FOR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
In the decadence of the fishing interest in our Town, and the need of employment to those who have been en- gaged in it, as well as to others unemployed, we would suggest to the voters of Swampscott the propriety of the Town considering, at our approaching annual meeting, whether it will vote to exempt from taxation for a term of years all manufacturers who will establish themselves in our Town. We feel this would not be injurious to the in- terests or welfare of the Town, but would be of great benefit to our traders, as well as bringing into market much of our now unimproved real estate, and in this way, or by the adoption of even a more liberal policy, the
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REPORT OF SELECTMEN.
Town would grow and increase in wealth, population, and in general prosperty.
This is, we believe, a subject well worthy of thoughtful consideration.
CULVERT IMPROVEMENTS.
During the year we have had five culverts built and three streets raised. On Beach Bluff Avenue, in addition 1 to laying a new culvert five by four feet, we have raised the avenue three and one-half feet in the lowest part, thus redeeming it from almost constant overflow. This has been met by the abutters on either side filling their lands, thus adding greatly to its appearance, as well as keeping the filling of the avenue from sinking and spreading.
We have also built a new culvert, five by four feet, on Atlantic Avenue, and raised the avenue about two feet, besides building a large and well constructed box drain to the sea. In addition to all this we have raised the avenue in all the low parts.
In order to do this in as economical manner as possible, we judged it best to cut down the hill (opposite Mr. John Shepard's estate), which was lowered nearly five feet, thus giving all the filling necessary for all of the above stated purposes, as well as improving the grade.
We have received the hearty approval of the inhabitants of that section of the Town, and we believe satisfied them that the Town is disposed to do justice to that growing section.
On Pine Street the culvert has been enlarged to five by four feet, and the street raised about three and one-half feet.
This improvement has long been needed and repeatedly called for by citizens in that locality, who seem well pleased with the work done.
We have widened the culvert on New Ocean Street,
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REPORT OF SELECTMEN.
near Pine, to seven feet, and raised it over two feet, which necessitated the raising of the street to correspond.
This improvement was much needed to accommodate the sudden increase of waters from freshets both from Lynn and other sources in our own territories. On Hum- phrey Street the culvert was widened to eight and one-half feet and raised about two feet. This alteration did not call for the raising the grade of the street, as it had been previously raised since the culvert was originally built.
The City of Lynn, through its Mayor, Hon. George D. Hart, has generously paid one-half the expenses of improv- ing the last two culverts and consequent grade.
WATER PIPES.
There has been laid during the past year an addition to our water pipes of nearly 7,500 feet, with sixteen new hy- drants and other necessary attachments, all of which has been done under our personal supervision, and which will distribute the water to many new takers, as well as to give us greater security from fires. Messrs. Goodhue & Birnie, of Springfield, Mass., were awarded the contract, and have performed the work in a thorough and work- manlike manner, and to our entire satisfaction.
CONTRACT WITH MARBLEHEAD WATER CO.
" This agreement made this 27th day of September, A.D., 1886, by and between the Town of Swampscott, a municipal corporation, located in the County of Essex, Massachusetts, and the Marblehead Water Company, a corporation duly established under the laws of the State of Massachusetts,
" Witnesseth, That, whereas the said Town, at a meeting duly called and held on the 25th day of September, A.D., 1886,
" Voted, That the Selectmen be authorized and instructed to make a contract with the Marblehead Water Company, within
8
REPORT OF SELECTMEN.
thirty days, for a supply of water for all purposes, for a term of one year, in accordance with the proposition submitted by said Company, with the privilege of renewing the said contract at the option of said Town, at the expiration of said contract for one or more years, and, provided, that the rates charged by said Marblehead Water Company shall not exceed those of its sched- ule of 1885, and
"Whereas, Said proposal was as follows, viz. :
September 23, 1886.
To J. H. FARWELL, EsQ., Chairman Selectmen of Town of Swampscott :
Dear Sir,-In answer to your request for what terms the Marblehead Water Company would supply water to the Town of Swampscott, I am authorized to say, in behalf of the Com- pany, that they will furnish water for fire purposes and sprinkling streets, on Town line of pipe already laid, free of charge, pro- viding, that the Company shall have the use of said pipes for domestic service and the right to connect with them to make further extension. They will further agree to lay service pipe to the line of the sidewalk without charge for material, and to keep in repair the Town pipe.
Yours truly, W. C. McCLALLAN."
"Now, therefore, in pursuance of said vote and proposal, the Marblehead Water Company agrees to furnish to said Town for one year, from the Ist day of October, 1886, on the Town's line of pipe already laid, water free of charge for fire purposes and sprinkling streets.
"And said Company further agrees to furnish during the term of this contract, the said Town and its inhabitants water for all other purposes, at rates not exceeding those charged in its sched- ule for the year 1885, a copy whereof is hereto annexed marked, 'A,' and made a part of this contract.
" Said Company further agrees to lay service pipe to the line of sidewalk without charge for material, and agrees to keep in repair the Town's pipes.
9
REPORT OF SELECTMEN.
" The said Town agrees that the said Company shall have the right to use, during the continuance of this contract, the pipes already laid by said Town, and the right to connect with them to make further extensions.
" The said Company agrees to hold the Town harmless from all damages which may be suffered by reason of any defect in the highways caused by the construction, repair, or operation of the said Company's works, or the pipes laid in the streets of said Town, and any extension thereof.
" Nothing herein contained shall be construed so as to impose any obligation upon said Town to pay for the water which may be furnished by said Company to or used by its inhabitants, for their private supplies, or for any expense for labor done, or ma- terial furnished by it under this contract, in laying service pipe for the accommodation of such inhabitants, but such Company shall collect its compensation therefor, from such individual takers, at its own expense.
" This contract may be renewed for one year or more at the option of said Town.
"In witness whereof, on 'the day and date first above men- tioned, the Town of Swampscott has caused its corporate seal to be hereto affixed, and these presents to be executed in its name and behalf, by its Selectmen, and the Marblehead Water Com- pany has caused these presents to be executed in its name and behalf, and its corporate seal hereto affixed by its President, Thomas Appleton.
MARBLEHEAD WATER COMPANY,
[SEAL]
By THOMAS APPLETON, President.
TOWN OF SWAMPSCOTT,
[SEAL ]
By J. H. FARWELL, EDWARD H. THOMAS, J. R. WIDGER, Selectmen." Its
The question of a water supply for domestic and fire purposes is one of the most important subjects that we, as a
2
1
IO
REPORT OF SELECTMEN.
Town, have to consider and to which we invite the careful and serious consideration of our citizens.
POLICE.
Good order has been very generally maintained in our Town during the past year, through the vigilance of our police force, under the guidance of our judicious chief, Seth C. Kendrick.
RECEIVING TOMB.
In accordance with the instructions of the Town, such parts of the new receiving tomb as were imperfect and defective have been rebuilt. Anxious to secure the best results, we made inquiries of Superintendents of Cemeter- ies, mechanics, and builders, and, acting under their ad- vice, caused the construction of a flat roof, which has been built in a thorough and workmanlike manner, at a total cost of $392.26.
CONCRETE SIDEWALKS.
At the last annual meeting the sum of $1,000 was ap- propriated for the purpose of laying concrete sidewalks, the Town paying one-half of the cost of same where abutters have curbstones set.
Mr. Hiram Hook, of Lynn, contracted to perform this work at 38 cents per square yard. We have laid 1,355 yards.
Late in the season we received an application for a quantity of this work but did not deem it prudent to have the work done, owing to the liability of damage from the approaching cold weather,
II
REPORT OF SELECTMEN.
Would recommend the same inducements be granted to our citizens the coming year.
The accompanying reports will inform you of the work performed in the several departments, the past year, to- gether with their recommendations.
Respectfully submitted,
J. H. FARWELL, Selectmen of EDWARD H. THOMAS, J. R. WIDGER, 5 Swampscott.
REPORT OF THE SURVEYOR OF HIGHWAYS.
TO THE CITIZENS OF SWAMPSCOTT :
NUMBER OF LOADS OF GRAVEL AND STONE USED ON THE HIGHWAYS.
Atlantic Avenue 228
Salem Street . 73
Humphrey Street . 1880
Essex Street
503
Orient Street .
100
Burrill Street
29
Railroad Avenue
27
Highland Street
15
Rockland Street
25
Beach Avenue .
25
Columbia Street
38
Boynton Street
15
3077
NUMBER OF LOADS OF GRAVEL AND STONE USED ON SIDEWALKS.
Humphrey Street .
466
Orient Street .
50
Burrill Street
72
21
Pine Street .
98 Redington Street .
13
REPORT OF SURVEYOR OF HIGHWAYS.
King Street 36
Pine Street I2
Redington Street 6
Highland Street IO
Blaney Street 5
Columbia Street IO
667
Loads of gutter scrapings removed 450
NUMBER OF LOADS OF FILLING AT BEACH BLUFF IMPROVEMENT.
Number of loads removed . . 6000
Number of loads gravel and stone used 600
PINE STREET IMPROVEMENT.
Number of loads used . 967
NEW OCEAN STREET IMPROVEMENT.
Number of loads used . 529
BUILDING ESSEX STREET SIDEWALK.
Number of loads of stone and gravel used . 787
JAMES P. M. S. PITMAN, Surveyor.
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH.
TO THE CITIZENS OF SWAMPSCOTT :
THE Board of Health respectfully submit the fol- lowing report for the past year.
During the year the Board have been called upon to in- vestigate seventy-eight complaints of nuisances, and have received eight official notices of contagious diseases, two of which were fatal.
The same method of collecting swill, as adopted last year, has been continued, but numerous complaints have been made of the inefficient manner in which the work has been done by the collectors, and, although the present system is an improvement over past years, we think the work would be done in a more satisfactory manner if the collectors were paid a small sum, in addition to the waste collected, but the amount appropriated has been insufficient to warrant such expenditure.
Several instances have occurred of parties neglecting to properly cleanse their vaults and cesspools during the warm season, and such cases have received proper atten- tion from the Board.
There has been one death less from contagious diseases than last year, and the general health of the Town has been good.
J. I. ADAMS, Board W. H. COLLINS,
C. E. HARRIS, 1 of Health.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF CEMETERY.
TO THE CITIZENS OF SWAMPSCOTT :
No improvements have been made, except the re- pairs on the new tomb, which has been put in thorough repair, and is safe and free from leakage.
A piece of cement wall, in the rear of Mr. Nesbitt's lot, has been relaid, at an expense of $26.49.
The cement wall around the Cemetery is in a very shaky condition, and I hereby recommend that a sum not exceeding $100 be appropriated for repairing said wall.
Seventy-five dollars was appropriated for graveling ave- nues, but the appropriation was so small I was obliged to omit that. It is a much needed improvement, and I would, therefore, recommend that a special appropriation of $75 be made for that purpose the ensuing year.
Number of lots sold for the year, sixteen, at $25 each. Number of interments for the year, 26.
Expenditures for the year, $219.29.
J. S. BROWN, Supt.
REPORT OF ENGINEERS.
TO THE CITIZENS OF SWAMPSCOTT :
THE Engineers herewith present their annual report for the year ending February 28, 1887.
The organization of the department consists of one chief and two assistant engineers, and a company of seventeen men, including engineer and fireman of steamer.
APPARATUS.
The apparatus consists of a steam fire engine, hose car- riage, supply wagon, and two thousand feet of cotton hose, all in good condition. There are two hundred feet of hose, pipe, and wrench at Washburn's stable, on Orient Street. One horse ladder truck, with eight ladders, four pikepoles, four axes, crowbars, and ropes ; twenty rubber coats and eight lanterns ; one set double harnesses for steamer, and two single harnesses for wagon and ladder truck ; one hydrant pump.
We have continued the arrangements with the Lynn & Boston Horse Railroad Co. for horses at all times when their services are needed for the department.
FIRES AND ALARMS.
April 22. False alarm at Farms.
May 27. The department responded to call at Salem Farms at Ware's ice houses.
17
REPORT OF ENGINEERS.
There have been three other fires extinguished without alarm, caused by children playing with matches, and sparks from stove igniting clothing.
The Town has forty-eight hydrants, located on the main streets, from upper Swampscott to Beach Bluff, all in good repair.
The Board would recommend that the Town instruct the Engineers to have two hydrants placed in the water pipe on Beach Avenue, also two hydrants on Pine Street, and that appropriations for the same be made.
NATH'L GALEUCIA, IVORY EMMONS, Engineers. JAMES E. PHILLIPS,
3
REPORT OF CHIEF OF POLICE.
TO THE CITIZENS OF SWAMPSCOTT :
Whole number of arrests 19
Assault
5
Drunkenness
IO
2
Larceny .
Vagrancy
2
19
DISPOSED OF AS FOLLOWS.
Fined and paid . 7
Committed for non-payment of fines 4
Discharged
S
-
19
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.
Accidents reported 4
Assisted other officers . 4
Buildings found open and secured . . 2I
Complaints investigated .
52
Disturbances suppressed . 16
Dogs killed 4
Fires extinguished without alarm 2
Intoxicated persons taken home. 15
Injured and sick persons assisted
8
Lights furnished for dangerous places 2
19
REPORT OF CHIEF OF POLICE.
Lights extinguished in buildings I Lost children restored . 2 Stray teams put up I Street obstructions removed 6 Search warrants for stolen goods served I
SETH C. KENDRICK, Chief of Police.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON FIRE ALARMS.
TO THE CITIZENS OF SWAMPSCOTT :
THE Committee appointed at the last March meet- ing to put up the New Fire Alarm have attended to their duties. After a careful examination of the George M. Stevens' system, we purchased five boxes of his manu- facture, making seven in all, with the two Pierce & Jones boxes that we had. They are located as follows : Box Three, at Boston & Maine flag station ; Box Four, at en- gine house ; Box Five, at C. P. Jeffries' drug store ; Box Six, opposite Seth C. Kendrick's ; Box Seven, at William D. McFoot's ; Box Eight, at Abner Hayford's ; Box Nine, at Allen Rowe's. We have tested the alarm every week, and it has given good satisfaction.
J. H. FARWELL, IVORY EMMONS, NATH'L G. GALEUCIA, EDWARD H. THOMAS, JAMES E. PHILLIPS, J. R. WIDGER,
Committee
Fire Alarms.
REPORT OF MILK INSPECTOR.
TO THE CITIZENS OF SWAMPSCOTT :
I HEREWITH present the Third Annual Report of Milk Inspector, for the Town of Swampscott, for the year ending February 28, 1887 :
Amount received for licenses $11 00
Amount paid into Town Treasury . $11 00
It has been my endeavor to attend to the duty of Milk Inspector with fairness to licensees and justice to the public, and, so far as my observation has been, I feel that it has been the endeavor of licensees to furnish their customers a reliable quality of milk, for the reason that there has been no complaint from the consumers of same. I would here most respectfully extend the request of my predecessor in office, and request all to " Notify the Milk Inspector " whenever they have cause to suspect an inferior quality of milk is being put upon the market.
CHARLES E. HARRIS, Milk Inspector.
REPORT OF TOWN CLERK.
BIRTHS RECORDED.
Males, 29 ; Females, 22 ; Total, 51.
Nativity of Fathers. - Massachusetts, 29; Maine, 4; New Hampshire, 2 ; Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, I each ; Ireland, 6; England, 2; Nova Scotia, 2 ; France and Norway, I each.
Nativity of Mothers. - Massachusetts, 27; Maine, 2 ; New Hampshire, 2; Connecticut, Vermont, North Caro- lina, New Brunswick, Cape Breton, Canada, Nova Scotia, I each; Ireland, 10; England, 2; Norway, I.
Fathers born in Swampscott, II ; Mothers, 5.
Births in January, 4; February, 3; March, I ; April, 3; May, 4: June, 5; July, 6; August, 2; September, IO; October, I; November, 9; December, 3.
MARRIAGES RECORDED, 24.
In January, I; March, I; May, I; June, 5 ; July, 3 ; August, 2; September, 2; October, 7; November, 2 ; December, I.
Oldest couple, 66 and 43 ; youngest, 20 and 19.
Grooms born in Swampscott, 6; brides, 3.
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REPORT OF TOWN CLERK. .
Nativity of Grooms. - Massachusetts, 20; New Hamp- shire, I; Maine, I; England, I; Ireland, 2.
Nativity of Brides. - Massachusetts, 15 ; Ireland, 4 ; New York, I; New Hampshire, I ; Cape Breton, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, I each.
Occupation of Grooms .- Laborer, 4; clerk, 3; shoe- maker, 3; mariner, plumber, grocer, musician, janitor, printer, inside man, shoe cutter, milkman, driver, railroad man, leather sorter, fisherman, blacksmith, machinist, I each.
Married by George A. Jackson, 3; Wm. H. Rogers, 3; C. N. Smith, I; Eugene F. J. Eagan, Lynn, 2; Frank L. Norton, Lynn, 3; J. C. Harrington, Lynn, 2 ; Albert W. Moore, A. Sanderson, Jno. T. Whelan, Benj. A. Ward, Henry Hinckley, A. A. Williams, of Lynn, I each ; James B. Troy, V. A. Lewis, D. B. Poland, Geo. A. Crawford, of Boston, I each; Charles W. Biddle, of Cambridge, I.
DEATHS.
Males, 16; Females, 24 ; Total, 40.
In January, 3; February, 2; March, 6; April, 4; May, 4; June, 4; July, 7; August, 2; September, 2 ; October, 3 ; November, 3.
Under 5 years, II ; 5 to 10, 1 ; 10 to 20, 3; 20 to 30, 6 ; 30 to 40, 6 ; 40 to 50, 1 ; 50 to 60, 2 ; 60 to 70, 6 ; 70' to 80, 1 ; 80 to 90, 3.
Causes. - Consumption, 12 ; pneumonia, 3 ; cholera in- fantum, 3 ; disease of liver, 3 ; hemorrhage, 2 ; drowning, 2 ; still born, 2; cancer, 2 ; paralysis, disease of kidney, heart disease, disease of stomach, diphtheria, convulsions, laryngitis, scarlet fever, scrofula, want of proper care, old age, I each.
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REPORT OF TOWN CLERK.
Sixty years and upwards .- Mary C. Harding, 61 ; Daniel E. Lombard, 62; Elizabeth Giland, 83; George B. Hussey, 65; Nancy E. Wardwell, 64; Armenius C. Newhall, 68; Sarah Howes, 87; Thankful Higgins, 88; George P. Thomas, 68; Hannah Johnson, 70.
DOGS LICENSED.
Males, III; Females, 20; Total, 13I.
GEORGE T. TILL, Town Clerk.
REPORT OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES.
TO THE CITIZENS OF SWAMPSCOTT :
THE nineteenth year of our Town Library is now finished.
The Library contains 4807 volumes for general circula- tion, 207 volumes having been added this year ; in addition to these there are 248 books of reference. We wish to ac- knowledge the receipt of twelve volumes from the State and United States governments ; also, from Mr. Waldo Thompson his History of Swampscott. Our Representa- tive, Hon. H. B. Lovering has kindly sent us the Report of the U. S. Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries for 1884, in two volumes. These are finely illustrated, and we think our citizens would find in them much interesting and valuable information in regard to the fishing industry.
The circulation of the library for the past year has been 14,935 volumes.
Twenty-two dollars and fifty cents has been received for fines and cards.
The Library has been open every Saturday, from 2 to 9 P.M. ; Wednesdays, 4 to 9 P.M. ; Winter months, 4 to 8 P.M.
A complete Catalogue of the books in the Library has not been issued since 1876. Believing that a new and better classified one was much needed, we last year solic- ited and obtained an appropriation for the work. We an-
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