USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Newburyport > City Officers and the Annual Reports to the City Council of Newburyport 1883 > Part 2
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28
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
Fifty-four persons have been supplied with medicine at a cost of $168.15, of which $41.65 will be collected from other cities and from the state.
CITY PHYSICIAN'S REPORT.
The care of the sick residing in the almshouse and throughout . the city at large during the past year has been in the hands of Dr. E. P. Hurd, whose care and attendance upon the sick has been been greatly increased among the out door poor during the year past.
Number of visits to Almshouse. 200
66 poor families 469
Office visits to poor persons. 153
4
Total number
826
against 696 visits during 1882.
DETAILED REPORTS.
FIRST QUARTER-165 families aided.
With cash alone.
15 families
groceries alone.
1
fuel alone
64 66
fuel and cash
29 66
fuel and groceries
53
66
fuel, cash and groceries
2
cash and groceries .
1
66
165
Amount distributed to the above, 37 cords wood, 128 3-8 tons coal, $487.75 in cash, $406.45 in groceries.
SECOND QUARTER-160 families aided.
With cash alone.
19 families
groceries alone
0)
66
fuel alone .57
fuel and cash 27
66
fuel and groceries 55
66
fuel, cash and groceries
. 2
66
66
cash and groceries 0
160
Amount distributed to the above, 29 1-4 cords wood, 101 1-4 ons coal, $508.75 in cash, $449.50 in groceries.
Confinements among the poor
29
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
THIRD QUARTER-119 families aided.
With cash alone
.23 families
groceries alone
3
fuel alone 28 66
fuel and cash. .15 66
66
fuel and groceries 43
66
fuel, cash and groceries
4
cash and groceries
.
I19
Amount distributed to the above 13 9-16 cords wood, 41 1-4 tons coal, $482.25 in cash, $436.25 in groceries.
FOURTH QUARTER-143 families aided.
With cash alone 19 families
groceries alone
2
66
fuel alone 48 66
fuel and cash 22
47
66
fuel, cash and groceries.
4
cash and groceries
1
6 .
143
Amount distributed to the above, 20 3-4 cords wood, 74 3-4 tons coal, $496.25 in cash, $392.75 in groceries.
PRODUCT OF CITY FARM.
The products of the city farm during the last season were 45 tons of hay, 40 bushels onions, 700 bushels potatoes, 75 bushels beets, 40 bushels carrots, 10 bushels turnips, 10 bushels green peas, 8 bushels beans, 600 cabbages,2000 lbs. squashes and a small lot of green corn, string beans, tomatoes and cucumbers. All the labor upon the farm has been performed by the inmates of the house under the direction of Mr. Lyman W. Lord.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES NOYES, ) Overseers F. W. PUTNAM, of the
H. C. PEARSON, Poor.
Newburyport, Nov. 30, 1883.
3
fuel and groceries
30
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
Dexter and Atwood Funds.
To His Honor the Mayor and the City Council of the City of Newburyport:
GENTLEMEN-The board of Overseers of the Poor to whom is intrusted the distribution of the income accruing from these funds, would respectfully report that the income from the Dexter Fund for the year ending December 31, 1883, amounting to $90, has been divided among the three overseers, giving $30 to each.
The income from the Atwood fund, $293.50 has been divided, giving $97.50 to each overseer, and has been distributed according to the will of the donors in the following manner : In wards one and two, the $30 of the Dexter fund still remains in the hands of the overseer of the wards.
In wards three and four, the $30 of the Dexter fund, together with $4 remaining on hand at the close of last year, viz. $34, has been distributed among 10 families in sums from $2 to $4, to the 1 amount of $22, leaving the sum of $12 of this fund in the hands of the overseer of these wards.
In wards five and six, the $30 of this fund, together with $4 re- maining over at the end of last year, viz. $34, has been distributed among 13 families in sums from $2 to $3 each, to the amount of $32, leaving a balance of $2 of this fund in the hands of the over- seer of these wards.
In wards one and two the $97.50 of the Atwood fund, with the balance of last year, $60.99, makes $158.49 ; of this amount $84.20 has been distributed among 34 families in sums from $1 to $10 each, leaving $74.29 of this fund in the overseer's hands.
In wards three and four the $97.50 of the Atwood fund, together with the amount left on hand at the close of last year, $129.95, makes $227.45 ; $46.00 of this amount has been distributed among 15 families in sums from $2 to $6 each, leaving $181.45 of this fund in the hands of the overseers of these wards, Jan. 1, 1884.
In wards five and six the $97.50 of this fund, with the balance of $72.50 on hand January 1, 1883, making $170, $139.50 of which has been distributed among 34 families, from $2.50 to $5 each, leaving a balance of $30.50 in the hands of the overseer of these wards, Jan. 1, 1884.
31
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
At the close of the year there remained in the overseers' hands :
Dexter
Atwood
Fund.
Fund.
Wards 1 and 2
$30.00
$74.29
3 and 4.
12.00
181.45
5 and 6.
2.00
30.50
The individual names of the recipients of these funds, are on file in the office of the Overseers of the Poor, subject to inspection.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES NOYES, )
Overseers F. W. PUTNAM, of the
H. C. PEARSON. 1 Poor.
Newburyport, Dec. 31 1883.
REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS
OF THE
PUBLIC LIBRARY 1
1883
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
IN BOARD OF DIRECTORS, NOV. 26, 1883.
ORDERED, That the report of the directors be signed and transmitted to the city council, agreeably to the requirements of Section 5th of the Ordinance concerning the public library.
H. A. TENNEY, Secretary.
TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY-1884.
WILLIAM A. JOHNSON, STEPHEN PEABODY, GEORGE W. ADLE, JOHN S. FROST, THOMAS H. DAVIS, ORRIN J. GURNEY. MELVILLE T. WADLIN,
MAYOR.
ALDERMEN.
DIRECTORS OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
WILLIAM A. JOHNSON, MAYOR,
ex-officio ..
HENRY Z. WHITTIER, President of Common Council
EDWARD S. MOSELEY, Trustee of Building Fund
SAMUEL J. SPALDING, 66
DANIEL T. FISKE. 66
66
66
66
OLIVER B. MERRILL, EDWARD P HURD,
Term of office expires, 1884
66
1885
JAMES PARTON,
66
1886
JOHN J. CURRIER,
66
66 1887
WILLIAM H. HUSE,
66
66
66
1888
BENJAMIN HALE,
66
66
66
1889
LAWRENCE B. CUSHING,
66
66
1890
.
TRUSTEES OF THE PEABODY FUND.
EDWARD S. MOSELEY, EBEN F. STONE,
WILLIAM H. SWASEY
DANIEL T. FISKE,
JOHN J. CURRIER.
LIBRARIAN, HIRAM A. TENNEY.
ASSISTANT LIBRARIAN, EFFIE A. TENNEY.
SUPERINTENDENT OF READING ROOM MARTHA P. LUNT.
66
ORGANIZATION
OF THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY, FOR 1884.
President, WILLIAM A. JOHNSON.
Librarian and Secretary, H. A. TENNEY.
Assistant Librarian, EFFIE A. TENNEY.
Superintendent of the Reading Room, Miss MARTHA P. LUNT.
Committee on Library,
SAMUEL J. SPALDING, BENJAMIN HALE, JAMES PARTON.
Committee on Librarian,
EDWARD P. HURD, JOHN J. CURRIER, LAWRENCE B. CUSHING.
Committee on Library Room.
EDWARD S. MOSELEY, SAMUEL J. SPALDING, DANIEL T. FISKE.
Committee on Reading Room,
EDWARD S. MOSELEY, OLIVER B. MERRILL, WILLIAM H. HUSE.
Cominittee on Finance and Accounts, HENRY Z. WHITTIER, JOHN J. CURRIER, BENJAMIN HALE.
Committee on Bradbury Fund,
JOHN J. CURRIER, LAWRENCE B. CUSHING, H. Z. WHITTIER.
5
DIRECTORS' REPORT.
The directors of the public library of Newburyport have the honor of presenting to the city council their twenty-eighth annual report.
During the year just closing the library has contin- ued its beneficent work among us, with the increased facilities afforded by our new and beautiful reading room and the additional space given us in the other portions of the Simpson Annex. More than six hun- dred volumes have been added to our alcoves, some of which are of great value and difficult to procure. We have been able to complete our sets of several leading periodicals, such as Harper's Monthly, Black- wood's Magazine and the Gentleman's Magazine. These periodicals contain a great deal of the most in- teresting part of the social and literary history of the last century and a half. We trust to complete other sets of important periodicals as opportunity occurs.
In the reports of our librarian and treasurer, which are herewith transmitted, will be found the details of the additions to the library during the year, and sev- eral interesting statements concerning its present con- dition, which need not be here repeated. On refer- ence to these documents it will be seen that the li-
40
PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORTS.
brary now contains more than twenty-two thousand volumes, and that all the funds and endowments which the library owes to private and public munificence have yielded their just proportion to its increase. Only four books have been lost during the year. The intentions of our honored donors have been carried out, and each fund has accomplished the purpose for which it was instituted.
The year 1882, which witnessed the completion of the Simpson Annex and the establishment in per- petuity of the Todd endowment, was the most bril- liant one in the existence of the library. If on the present occasion we have nothing to record which can compare with the striking events of last year, we can report a healthy growth of the institution in all its parts, a considerable extension of its usefulness and an increase in the favor with which it is regarded both at home and abroad. During the present year it has been visited by a larger number of strangers than ever before, and some of them have given warm expres- sions of their approval in the public press.
We acknowledge with gratitude the gift to the li- brary of the fine portrait of Daniel Webster, executed and presented by the distinguished artist, Mr. Thomas B. Lawson. There is a peculiar propriety in this dona- tion, since the ancestors of the statesman's mother lived in our neighborhood, where the remains of their home- stead can still be discerned. It was from this vicinity that the family migrated to the wilderness of New Hampshire at the head waters of the Merrimac, where, as Mr. Webster once wrote, the smoke of his father's log cabin "ascended nearer to the north star than that
41
PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORTS.
of any other of his majesty's New England subjects."
Arrangements have recently been completed for opening the library during one evening in each week, for the accommodation of those who cannot conven- iently visit the building in the day-time. Hereafter, until otherwise ordered, the library will be open on Friday evenings from 7 to 9 o'clock.
We respectfully commend the public library to the continued care of the city government, and ask for it a renewal of the appropriations to which it owes its efficiency as a means of public instruction. We commend it also to that patriotic liberality of our fel- low citizens which originally created the library, and has constantly enlarged it.
WILLIAM A. JOHNSON, WILLARD J. HALE, EDWARD S. MOSELEY, SAMUEL J. SPALDING, DANIEL T. FISKE, HENRY M. CROSS,
DIRECTORS
OF THE
OLIVER B. MERRILL, EDWARD P. HURD, JAMES PARTON,
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
JOHN JAMES CURRIER,
WILLIAM H. HUSE, BENJAMIN HALE.
1
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT.
To the Committee on Library :
GENTLEMEN :- The close of another year again brings the accustomed duty required by the rules and regulations of the library of preparing and present- ing to your body a detailed and circumstantial state- ment of its condition and increase for the year.
In accordance therewith, therefore, I have to state that the same general characteristics in regard to the condition of the library now prevail as have been re- ported in former years, viz: that the usage which the books have received at the hands of the borrowers, has, with but few exceptions, been of a satisfactory character. As a consequence, therefore, the condition of the library has suffered no material detriment from that source during the past year.
None of the books have been sent to the binder to be rebound. Whatever injury they may have received incident to their constant use, has been repaired at the library and the expense for re-binding thereby avoided.
A careful examination of the library by a person employed by the committee for that purpose, has been made, and a report of the result will be placed in your
44
PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORTS.
hands. Four books were found to be missing from the shelves, and it may be presumed that they are lost. It should be regarded as a source of congratu- lation that the number of lost books should be so small, especially so as in this case, where the value of such, may be deemed as of a mere trifling importance.
Sixty volumes of worn out books have been dis- carded, and thirty new ones have been obtained to supply in part their places on the shelves. The dis- carded volumes were almost exclusively of the class of popular fiction.
Six hundred and seventy-three (673) volumes have been added to the library during the year, and from the following sources, viz:
Peabody fund,
-
341 volumes.
Sawyer ..
-
-
94
66
Bradbury "
-
-
21
66
Frothingham
-
- -
23
Todd
-
-
52 66
S. A. Green,
-
.
17
66
Donations,
125
66
The number reported last year as having a perma- nent location on the shelves, was 21,466 volumes. Deducting thirty volumes from the number added, which were substituted for the same number dis- carded, and adding the balance to the whole number reported last year, will show that the library now con- tains 22,109 volumes.
Following a year of such affluence of generous feeling and substantial endowments as the library re- ceived in 1882, and was duly set forth in the report of last year, the record of this year may appear some- what deficient in interest, when compared with the
45
PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORTS.
important results which gave to the one that preceded it its chief zest. But in relation to the practical work of the library for the year that has just closed, it may be said that no diminution of that appreciative inter- est on the part of the community which has hitherto accompanied the progress of the library, in the circula- tion of its books, has been manifest. It has, as usual pursued the even tenor of its way-imparting its ac- customed usefulness unobtrusively and benignly, as the rain-cloud dispenses its gentle shower, or the way- side spring yields its grateful draught. The names of 380 new applicants for the privileges of the library during the year, have been recorded.
Important additions have been made to the refer- ence department of the library. A set of the Bibli- otheca Sacra has been placed on the shelves, and the incomplete sets of Harper's Monthly Magazine, Blackwood's Magazine, The Gentleman's Magazine, and the Popular Science Monthly with the supple- ments thereto, have all been supplied with the needed volumes, and each of those periodicals are now com- plete to date. Excepting the two last named period- icals, the sets were all completed from the Peabody fund. This department is yearly growing in impor- tance, as its advantages become better understood, and even now, its actual requirements demand no less attention than that of the circulating department. Its present supply of needed authorities falls far short of the current demand. With the use of Poole's new Index to Periodical Literature, covering, as that work does, in its references, so large a field of literary, and other topics pertaining to thought, and the active
6
46
PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORTS.
affairs of life, it is much to be regretted that this de- partment should be deficient of any of the important works to which that excellent guide directs the at- tention.
It frequently happens that after a carefully selected list of authorities has been drawn from the Index, to which it is desired to refer, it is found that only a few, and in some cases not any, of the books wanted be- longs to the library. Such occurrences are annoying and vexatious, and if the means were at hand to do it, the directors could serve the public in no better way than by supplying the entire list of periodicals and reviews to which Poole's Index makes reference. As it is, however, the sets of periodicals which have been filled, and the supply of a copy of the general index above referred to, affords largely enhanced accommo- dations, over what has previously existed, for students or others who are seeking full information upon topics of interest.
It will be observed, that the name of a new fund appears for the first time among the sources from which the accessions of the year have been obtained- the S. A. Green fund. This is a bequest made by the late Miss Sarah A. Green, and the amount is $2,000.
The interest from this fund has been available during the year and has been expended in accord- ance with the terms of the bequest, viz: for the pur- chase of books relating to American history-town histories and kindred subjects. From this fund a set of "The Bouton Papers," relating to the early his- tory of the province, the state and towns of New Hampshire, has been purchased and placed on the
47
PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORTS.
shelves. This fund is undoubtedly destined to be- come of an incalculable importance to the library, as from it will be obtained eventually a large and rare collection of works, cognate in character, relating to American general and local history, such as probably can nowhere else be found.
It was announced in the report of last year, that an alcove had been especially set apart and devoted ex- clusively to the reception of books, papers, &c., such as had an antiquarian or historical interest, and would assist in enlarging and elucidating the history of any period or incident connected with the progress of our city and its immediate vicinity. At the same time a call was made upon those who held possession of such papers and documents to contribute them to the library for that purpose. It is gratifying to be able to state, that the call has been responded to in many instances, and that a considerable number of documents and other articles having a similar relation have been received. It is hoped that a renewed solicitation will not fall un- heeded, as it will render the compilation of a more full and complete history of our city, at some future day, a comparatively easy task, if an abundance of such material as is now solicited, can be placed where access to it may easily be had.
To Miss Rebecca Moody the library is indebted for a copy of "The War Between the United States and Mexico," folio edition, illustrated with colored plates, by Carl Nebel, with a description of each battle by George W. Kendall.
The library also is indebted to Thomas B. Lawson, Esq., of Lowell, and a native of this city, whose rep-
48
PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORTS.
utation as an artist is well and widely known, for a veritably life-like portrait in oil of Daniel Webster. The portrait is copied from one for which the great statesman sat to Mr. Lawson, in 1844, while secretary of state. The artist presents it to the li- brary as a memorial gift, denoting his affection for his birthplace. It occupies a panel by the side of Miss Stuart's Washington, and with that picture affords a striking and impressive ornament to the new room of the library.
A glass show-case, mounted upon a pedestal has been procured by the trustees of the building fund, and will occupy a position in the library room, for the purpose of protecting, while exposing to view, such books, papers, or other rare and valuable objects as may from time to time be obtained.
A catalogue of the additions during the year has been prepared and will accompany this report.
H. A. TENNEY,
Public Library, November 26, 1883.
49
PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORTS.
The Peabody Fund.
One of the conditions which Mr. George Peabody attached to his generous donation of fifteen thousand dollars for the benefit of the public library of the city which was given by him in token of his pleasant remembrance of Newbury- port, was the requirement, that an annual statement should be published of the condition of the fund.
In conformity therewith, the treasurer, in behalf of the trustees, desires to make known, that the principal remains in the Institution for Savings, where it was originally deposited and from whence it can be withdrawn only upon the written order of a majority of the board.
At the termination of last year a balance remained on hand unexpended of one hundred forty 70-100 dollars.
The income during the present year has been six hundred and seventy-five dollars, making an aggregate of eight hundred and fifteen 71-100 dollars, all of which the exception of one hundred and fifty-seven 69-100 dollars remaining on hand and on deposit in the Mechanicks National bank, has been paid out in adding three hundred and forty-one standard books to the library.
It is proper here to state that, the accounts of the treasurer, who has held the trust since he received it from Mr. Peabody, now more than sixteen years ago, have been regularly examined and audited.
EDWARD S. MOSELEY, Treasurer. EDWARD S. MOSELEY, 1 EBEN F. STONE, WILLIAM H. SWASEY, TRUSTEES.
DANIEL T. FISKE, JOHN J. CURRIER,
50
PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORTS.
The Building Fund.
TO THE DIRECTORS OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY :
The excess of five thousand dollars which remained over and above the purchase and expense of preparation of the library building, on its presenta- tion to the city, was placed by the subscribers to the gift in the hands of three trustees, to whom was given the authority to fill any vacancy which might arise in their number.
In recognition of the donation, the city council enacted that the persons thus elected and their successors should be permanent directors of the li- brary.
The trustees by their treasurer in accordance with the terms of the trust, which requires an annual report to be made to their associate directors, would respectfully represent to them, that the original five thousand dollars was deposited in the Institution for Savings in Newburyport, where it has ever since remained, subject to withdrawal only upon the written order of all the members of the trust, with authority to expend the interest, or if in their judgment expedient, the principal, in necessary repairs or desirable improve- ments on the building.
At the close of the last annual report the hope was expressed that, not- withstanding the large expenses incident to the removal of the mastic and the substitution of pressed brick on the exterior of the library building the prin- cipal of five thousand dollars would not be encroached upon. That expecta- tion has been realized and there remains on hand at the present time, beside the payment of bills for ordinary repairs, the sum of forty-six dollars to the credit of the income of the fund.
EDWARD S. MOSELEY, Treasurer. EDWARD S. MOSELEY, SAMUEL J. SPALDING, TRUSTEES. DANIEL T. FISKE.
Newburyport, Dec. 3, 1883.
51
PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORTS.
Todd Fund.
Balance from last year,
$265.24
Other receipts,
377.50
Total receipts, -
$642.74
Expenses for newspapers and periodicals,
345.81
Balance to new account,
, $286.83
Now that the balance is large enough to provide for the payment of all pub- lications in advance the list of those taken might be increased to the amount of $25.00. S. J. SPALDING, Treasurer.
52
PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORTS.
Receipts and Expenditures.
Appropriation,
$1,500 00
CREDITS.
From town of Newbury
$100 00
Dog licenses 451 02
Librarian for fines.
16 28- 567 30
$2,067 30
EXPENDITURES.
H. A. Tenney, librarian's salary and incidentals, $1,014 25
Miss M. P. Lunt, superintendent of reading room. 293 33
George E. Donnell, janitor
225 00
William H. Huse & Co., printing
159 25
M. C. Teel & Son, printing
9 25
Edward A. Hale, binding books
117 33
Robert Burlen, 6. 66
32 50
Estes & Lauriat. 66 66
9 00
Gillett & Co., express
16 65
Plumer & Fogg,
3 20
Lovett's express, expressing.
40
E. S. Thurston, examining library
20 00
William E. Chase, insurance.
56 25
William H. Brewster, Jr., insurance
112 50
Eben Rolfe, repairing portfolio
3 00
Newburyport Water Co., use of water
70 00
David Buckley, labor at library ..
6 45
Charles R. Sargent, gas piping and other labor.
187 59
$2,335,95
Balance overdrawn
268 65
$2,067 30
The above account examined by
JOHN J. CURRIER, Committee WILLARD J. HALE,
BENJAMIN HALE, Accounts.
53
PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORTS.
Sawyer Fund.
1883. RECEIPTS.
By balance from last year's account. $ 9 00
Jan. 3. Interest on city note. 112 50
July 5.
112 50
$234.09
EXPENDITURES.
For books purchased
$223 88
Unexpended amount ...
Loaned to Green fund $7 79
On hand ... 2 42-10 21
234 09
Bradbury Fund.
-
1883.
RECEIPTS.
By unexpended balance last year $ 92
April 27. Interest at Savings Institution 20 00
Oct. 25. 66 25 00
$45 92
EXPENDITURES.
For books purchased $45 41
Unexpended
51
$45 92
Frothingham Fund.
1883. RECEIPTS.
Unexpended balance from last year $ 10
Feb. 20. By interest on city note ..
40 00
$40 10
EXPENDITURES.
For purchase of books
$40 00
Unexpended
10
$40 10
54
PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORTS.
Sarah A. Green Fund.
1388. RECEIPTS.
$40 00
Aug. 17, Received interest on city note
Overdrawn
7 79
$47 79
EXPENDITURES.
For purchase of books :
$37 78
The above several accounts examined and approved,
JOHN J. CURRIER, ) Committee BENJAMIN HALE, on
WILLARD J. HALE, Finance.
55
PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORTS.
Donations to the Library-1883.
BOOKS.
Bayley, R. A. 4 New Jersey State Library 3
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