USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Newburyport > City Officers and the Annual Reports to the City Council of Newburyport 1899 > Part 11
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TOPPAN FUND
To the Honorable Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Newburyport :
GENTLEMEN :- The standing committee of the board of aldermen on the Toppan fund, held in trust by the board of aldermen for the purpose hereinafter stated, herewith present the annual report on the condition of the fund and disposal of the income therefrom.
INVESTMENT
City note at 4 per cent, interest payable annually . $250 00 The income for the year 1899 amounting to the sum of $10
22I
TRUST FUNDS
has been paid by the order of the committee to the board of school committee to be by them awarded to the member of the senior class of the High school showing the greatest proficency in the science of government in accordance with the suggestion of the donor, Robert N. Toppan Esq., in a communication ad- dressed to the principal of the High school, dated Cambridge, Mass., February 17, 1887.
W. G. FISHER. IRVIN BESSE, J. H. BALCH, Jr. Committee
1
Newburyport. December 31, 1899.
TODD FUND
To the Honorable Mayor and City Council of the City of Newburyport :
GENTLEMEN :- The joint standing committee of the city council on the Todd fund, in accordance with the requirements of the rules and regulations adopted for the control of trust funds under the city council, respectfully report the Todd fund of $10,000.00, the bequest of William C. Todd, Esq., is invested in a note of the city of Newburyport at 4 per cent. per annum payable annually to the trustees of the public library, to be by them expended for the benefit of the reading room attached to the public library of the city of Newburyport.
Said income for the year 1899, amounting to $400, has been paid to the trustees of the public library, by order of this committee.
For further information touching the expenditure of said income on the reading room reference may be had to the annual report of the directors of the public library.
IRVIN BESSE, A. J. CASEY, HERBERT PATTEN.
Committee.
Newburyport, December 31, 1899.
222
ANNUAL REPORTS
GREEN FUND
To the Honorable Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Newburyport :
GENTLEMEN :- The standing committee of the board of aldermen, in whose care and custody the Green fund is held in trust for the public library, respectfully present the following report of the condition of the fund and the disposition made of the income therefrom.
INVESTMENT
City note at 4 per cent, interest payable semi-annually ..... $2,000 00
INCOME
Interest payable February $40 00 Interest payable August 40 00
$80 00
By order of the committee the income was paid to the di- rectors of the public library, to be by them expended in the purchase of works on American History, and especially in the collection of histories of New England towns, in accordance with the will of the donor.
For more particular details with reference to the expendi- ture of the income, reference may be had to the annual report of the directors of the public library.
ALDERMAN BECKFORD, ALDERMAN BALCH, ALDERMAN KNIGHT, Committoe.
Newburyport, December 31, 1899.
W. O. MOSELEY FUND
To the Hon. Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Newburyport :
GENTLEMEN :- The committee of the board on the William O. Moseley fund, held in trust by the board of aldermen of the city of Newburyport for the benefit of the public library, would respecfully report the condition of said fund and the disposition they have made thereof.
223
TRUST FUNDS
INVESTMENT
City of Newburyport note dated May 1, 1896, at 4 per cent,
interest payable semi-annually . INCOME
$10,000 00
Interest payable in May, 1899. $200 00 Interest payable in November, 1899. 200 00 $400 00
By order of the committee the above income was paid over to the directors of the public library.
For the application of the income of this fund reference may be had to the annual report of the directors of the public library.
In the expenditure of the income anything for the benefit of the public library would seem to be admissible, the donor of the bequest making no limitations.
E. C. KNIGHT, A. H. BECKFORD, J. H. BALCH, Jr. Committee.
Newburyport, December 31, 1899.
SAWYER FUND
To the Honorable Mayor and City Council of the City of Newburyport :
GENTLEMEN :- The joint standing committee of the city council on Sawyer fund, held in trust by the city for the benefit of the public library , respectfully report said fund invested in a city note, $5,000, bearing interest at the rate of 412 per cent. per annum.
The interest for the year of 1899 has been paid over to the directors of the public library by order of the committee.
The annual report of the directors of the public library is referred to for further information touching the disposal of the above income
E. C. KNIGHT, E. M. DOW, J. E. BATCHELDER, Committee.
Newburyport, December 31, 1899.
Annual Report
OF THE
Board of Water Commissioners
29
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Board of Water Commissioners
To the Mayor, the Board of Aldermen and the Common Council of the City of Newburyport :
GENTLEMEN :- The board of water commissioners herewith submit their fourth annual report, together with that of the act- ing superintendent, and the financial report for the year ending November 30, 1899.
Referring to our report of last year, the new standpipe was completed and water turned on to the same the first of December, contracts for the roof were let early in the spring to the Boston Bridge works for the steel, and to A. J. Brooks for the carpenter work, and as soon as their work was completed the whole struc- ture inside and out was given two thorough coats of paint, the old one being used while this work was being done. After this the standpipe was refilled and has been in constant use ever since, giving the best of satisfaction.
The old standpipe was sold and removed and the grounds graded and a new fence built around the lot.
Although the water case is still in the courts and the com- missioners do not know what the city will be called upon to pay for the plant or what the works will have to earn, in response to the general demand for lower rates the board decided to make a reduction.
After considerable discussion the meter rates were cut about 25 per cent and the fixture rates from 12 per cent to 50 per
228
ANNUAL REPORTS
cent, varying according to the fixture. Bills were sent out under the new schedule the first of June and although there had been this large reduction, our income for the six months com- mencing with this date, in comparison with the corresponding six months of last year, only shows a decrease in revenue of about $2,200. This is in part accounted for by the large number of new takers.
The house occupied by the engineer at the pumping station and the coal shed, both being very much out of repair, the com- missioners decided to replace them with new ones.
Designs and specifications were drawn up and contracts made with L. M. Hatch & Son to do the work. Both of these buildings are well under way and when completed will add ma- terially to the appearance and value of the works.
A. A. CRABTREE, -- CHAS. H. SARGENT,
NATHANIEL APPLETON, Commissioners.
RUDOLPH JACOBY, WILLIAM F. RUNNELLS,
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Receipts of the Newburyport Water Works From Dec. 1, 1898 to Nov. 30, 1899.
WATER RATES
From Dec. 1, 1898 to May 30, 1899. $14,535 65
May 30, 1899 to Nov. 30, 1899 14,075 91 $28,611 56
METER RATES
From Dec. 1, 1898 to May 30, 1899. . . . $3,336 15
Less discount 142 14
3,194 OI
From May 30, 1899 to Nov. 30, 1899. . $2,859 68
Less discount 18 92 2,840 76 6,034 77
FROM OTHER SOURCES
City of Newburyport, balance for municipal sprinkling for 1899 40 00
Sundry water receipts. 13 00
53 00
Total water receipts
$34,699 33
OTHER RECEIPTS
From interest
$1,344 90
service pipe construction 214 97
66 general construction . 50 70
66 sale of old standpipe, and labor 112 00
general maintenance 9 00
66 pumping station maintenance
68 00
extension of mains 51 91
66 Rent of mieters 24 00
6 6 plumbing 115 00
1,990 48
$36,689 81
230
ANNUAL REPORTS
Summary of Payments From December 1, 1898 to November 30, 1899.
CONSTRUCTION
General
$ 32 39
Service pipe .
779 68
Pumping station
2,654 81
Hydrant
231 46
New house
178 36
Coal shed
103 63
Gates
26 75
Extention of mains
733 71
New stand pipe .
7,020 61
Meters
73 30
$11,834 70
MAINTENANCE
General
$2,695 94
Pumping station
5,416 18
Service pipe
267 61
Plumbing
108 16
Mains
120 15
Meters
50 17
Hydrants
92 76
Sprinkling pipes
62 36
Gates
26 96
$8,840 29
$20,674 99
Summary
Total receipts 1899
$36,689 81
payments 1899
20,674 99
Excess of receipts for 1899
16,014 82
66 66
1898.
18,227 20
66
66
1897
8,429 91
66
66
1896
13,964 76
Total excess
$56,636 69
Note, city of Newburyport
$40,000 00
Cash in First National Bank
16,590 26
office 46 43
$56,636 69
-
231
WATER COMMISSIONERS
DETAILED STATEMENT OF PAYMENTS OF NEWBURYPORT WATER WORKS
From Dec. 1, 1898 to Nov. 30, 1899.
GENERAL CONSTRUCTION:
William Holker
$ 5 90
Walworth Mfg. Co.
17 64
Jere W. Doyle .
3 45
George C. Whorf & Co
5 40
$32 39
PUMPING STATION CONSTRUCTION:
Newburyport Iron Foundry
2,600 00
John Lucy
10 00
H. W. Johns Mfg. Co
8 00
George E. Gilchrist
2 98
Walworth Mfg. Co
17 18
Labor
8 75
W. P. Phillips
7 00
Incidentals
90
2,654 81
SERVICE PIPE CONSTRUCTION:
Labor
413 10
John Lucy (labor and team )
265 00
William Holker
I 88
Worcester Rubber Co
60
Boston Lead Mfg. Co
18 10
Chapman Valve Mfg. Co
7 90
Walworth Mfg. Co
4 39
Jere W. Doyle
IO 80
Incidentals. .
II 91
O. F. Hatch, trustee.
5 08
D. A. Trefethen
21 50
Edward Donahoe
3 80
Sumner & Goodwin Co
15 62
HYDRANT CONSTRUCTION :
Labor.
35 18
John Lucy
17 00
Chapman Valve Mfg. Co
24 89
Incidentals
36
B. & M. R. R. Co
2 03
Coffin Valve Co
152 00
231 46
Carried forward
$3,698 30
779 68
232
ANNUAL REPORTS
Brought forward
$3,698 34
NEW HOUSE:
John Ronan
$20 00
J. C. Colman
3 25
Labor
61 85
John E. Bailey
49 00
Herald Co
6 00
News Pub. Co
6 00
M. B. Paige
12 06
E. C. Runnells
5 25
John Lucy.
15 00
178 36
METERS:
National Meter Co
73 30
73 30
COAL SHED:
John Ronan
35 50
Labor
7 88
E. C. Runnells
: 50
M. B. Paige
5 00
John E. Bailey
43 00
Herald Co.
6 00
News Publishing Co
3 75
103 63
GATE CONSTRUCTION:
Chapman Valve Mfg. Co
7 63
O. F. Hatch, trustee
3 20
A. Russell & Son
7 67
Labor
5 25
John Lucy
3 00
26 75
EXTENSION OF MAINS :
Davis & Farnum Mfg. Co
317 66
Boston Lead Mfg. Co
135 76
Labor.
197 61
John Lucy
45 00
Jere W. Doyle.
: 35
Incidentals
4 57
John Ronan
10 00
J. C. Colman
7 50
Boston & Me. R. R. Co.
I 85
Chapman Valve Mfg. Co
II 41
733 71
Carried forward.
$4,814 09
233
WATER COMMISSIONERS
Brought forward.
$4,814 09
NEW STANDPIPE:
Labor.
$200 50
Incidentals
2 22
Percy M. Blake
614 79
Boston Bolt Co
6 84
Lucy B. Hale
7 00
E. Hodge & Co.
4,683 00
Cashman Brothers
221 30
J. A. Greeley & Co
47
Telephone Co.
I 80
Harry Leeming .
3 45
News Publishing Co.
4 50
Boston Bridge Works
6 25
L. M. Hatch & Son
2 52
John Ronan
50 00
J. M. Greenough
3 00
C. J. Parker.
61 55
Jere W. Doyle
7 70
Hermon Staples.
14 30
A. J. Brooks
229 50
T. P. Thomas
29 15
A. Russell & Son
50
H. W. Johns Mfg. Co
77 51
O. F. Hatch, trustee
15 00
F. E. Cutter & Co. 19 00
85 00
E. Perkins Lumber Co.
I 48
Herald Co 7 00
$7,020 61
GENERAL MAINTENANCE:
Philip H. Lunt
$297 91
William H. Lawrence
600 00
Harry S. Noyes
683 34
John Lucy (labor and team)
290 00
Labor.
177 02
Atkinson Coal Co
22 00
Fred L. Butman
17 25
A. B. Adams
25 00
N. E. Telephone Co
57 47
William Holker
4 05
News Pub. Co
94 00
Herald Co.
27 80
S. B. M. Hayes
131 25
N. C. Moody
55
.
Carried forward $2,427 64
$11,834 70
30
John Lucy .
234
ANNUAL REPORTS
Brought forward
$2,427 64 $11,834 70
F. E. Davis.
50
L. M. Hatch & Son
3 00
Karl Castlehun
3 30
Incidentals
102 25
A. J. Wilkinson
4 29
J. C. Colman
: 50
Jere Healy
II 50
Green Davis.
2 14
J. M. Greenough
16 00
George E. Gilchrist
4 48
George C. Whorf & Co
I 26
Brewster Bros.
20 00
S. H. Thurlow
3 25
Jere W. Doyle .
8 55
Edward Osgood
I 66
H. J. Menut & Co
2 J5
Gas & Electric Co
5 02
F. E. Smith, P. M
42 40
William A. Carrie & Co
8 00
George H. Pearson
2 90
Walworth Mfg. Co. 24 15
2,695 94
MAINTENANCE OF MAINS:
Labor
$55 42
John Lucy
49 00
William Holker
3 73
J. C. Colman
12 00
120 15
.
GATE MAINTENANCE:
John Lucy
$5 00
Labor.
8 75
A. Russell & Son .
8 49
Chapman Valve Mfg. Co.
4 72
26 96
PLUMBING:
Labor
50 97
John Lucy
25 00
Incidentals
63
F. E. Davis
I 56
News Pub. Co
[ 50
Herald Co.
2 50
Coffin Valve Co
26 00
108 16
Carried forward
$14,785 91
235
WATER COMMISSIONERS
Brought forward $14,785 91
PUMPING STATION MAINTENANCE:
Challenge Tube Cleaner Co $
I IO
Edwin Allen 50 00
William H. Lawrence
75
B. F. Goodrich & Co
8 00
J. B. Moulton
5 00
E. W. Pearson
18 00
E. Hodge & Co
558 67
Green Davis
29 38
E. M. Dart Mfg. Co.
7 67
A. W. Harris Oil Co.
23 48
Bay State Supply Co.
2 40
Henry N. Libby.
4 05
S. H. Thurlow
3 56
J. C. Colman
6 03
S. P. Bray.
160 90
Est. N. Varina
1,104 50
O. F. Hatch, trustee
105 21
A. Russell & Son
14 38
B. & M. R. R. Co
2 52
Knowlton Packing Co.
2 93
Carlock Packing Co.
2 88
J. L. Robertson & Son
90
Hale Knight
4 05
J. M. Greenough.
3 00
Toppan & Wilson
I 09
Jere W. Doyle
3 27
Hinckley Bros. & Co
IO 60
Boston Lead Mfg. Co
13 65
Sumner & Goodwin Co
41 28
N. C. Moody
37
Walworth Mfg. Co.
97
H. M. Briggs
3 00
N. E. Telephone Co.
51 39
George C. Whorf & Co
3 13
L. M. Hatch & Son
123 08
Willianı E. Butler
900 00
W. B. Flint.
324 65
Amos P. Harding
447 20
Patrick Moynihan
367 50
Edw. Perkins Lumber Co
91
Carried forward. $4,417 45
$14,785 91
236
ANNUAL REPORTS
Brought forward.
$4,417 45 $14,785 91
Edward Osgood
7 32
Standard Oil Co
37 97
William Holker
49 IO
J. A. Greely & Co
151 66
American Oil Co
22 70
Frank E. Davis
12 86
Incidentals
42 90
John Lucy (labor and teanı)
119 00
Labor.
555 22
5,416 18
HYDRANT MAINTENANCE:
Labor
42 OI
John Lucy
8 00
Chapman Valve Mfg. Co
25 84
Incidentals
I 45
Hinds & Coon.
2 00
Green Davis.
13 12
William Holker.
34
92 76
SERVICE PIPE MAINTENANCE:
Labor.
131 08
John Lucy
136 00
Incidentals
53
267 61
STREET SPRINKLING PIPES:
Labor.
26 25
John Lucy
8 00
E. M. Dart Mfg. Co ..
6 22
Chapman Valve Mfg. Co.
21 89
62 36
MAINTENANCE OF METERS:
John Lucy
20 00
Labor
13 12
National Meter Co.
4 60
Neptune Meter Co.
1 00
O. F. Hatch, trustee.
7 20
F. E. Davis
3 00
Incidentals.
I 25
50 17
Total
$20,674 99
HARRY S. NOYES, Treasurer
237
WATER COMMISSIONERS
TRIAL BALANCE NOV. 30, 1899.
DR.
CR.
Land
$15,559 II
Pond improvement.
30,353 78
Standpipe construction
15,820 25
Hydrant
231 46
Coal shed
103 63
New house 66
178 36
Pumping sta'n
4,451 70
Gate
63 27
Service pipe 66
5,100 47
General
791 31
Extension of mains.
3,332 61
General maintenance.
15,441 30
Service pipe maintenance
1,2II 04
Main
1,068 57
Meters
56 42
St. stand-pipe
62 36
Gate
66
32 05
Hydrant
485 38
Pumping Station
23,811 13
Reservoir.
66 42
Meters
796 25
City of Newburyport
40,000 00
First National Bank.
16,590 26
Cash
46 43
Water rates
$135,952 57
Meter
26,376 64
Sundry water receipts
3,277 07
Plumbing
I42 24
Public buildings
3,142 50
Fire service.
3,480 00
Interest
3,205 04
Rent of meters
77 50
$175,653 56
$175,653 56
238
ANNUAL REPORTS
Newburyport, Mass., Jan. 1, 1900. To the Board of Water Commissioners of the City of New- buryport :
GENTLEMEN :- I have examined the books of the treasurer of the Newburyport Water Works from December 1, 1898, to November 30, 1899, inclusive, and find them correct and properly vouched.
I submit a trial balance of the accounts taken November 30, IS99, also a statement showing the receipts and expenditures in aggregates for the year ending November 30, 1899.
I find cash deposited in First National bank Newburyport $16,590 26 Cash in office. 46 43
Very respectfully,
WILLIAM H. WELCH, City Auditor.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT
GENTLEMEN :- The fourth report of the superintendent for that part of 1899 extending from June Ist to November Ist, the period covered by the present incumbent is hereby presented.
CONSUMPTION OF WATER
Total gallons pumped, 214, 166,253. By months :
December, 1898
16,102,815
January, 1899 16,345,202
February 15,430,869
March
16,375,816 April
16,555,633
May
18,674,344 - June.
21, 103,304
July .
21,563,832
August 20, 138,018
September
18,099,009
October
17,355,62I
November
16,421,790
· Average per day .
586,638
Coal used for the year
804,044 1bs
6 66 per day . 2,203
Number of new services for the year .
100 Total number of services to date. 2,68 I
number of applications to date .3,29I
1
ofz
ANNUAL REPORTS
PUMPING STATION
Extensive improvements have been carried out at the station as well as on the surrounding grounds. The bank on the river side of the road above station has been cleaned up, graded and the roadway put in first class shape. A substantial fence has been built to protect what has always been a dangerous driveway. A brick coal shed containing storage for 250 tons coal, two large store rooms, toilet room and office for engineer has been con- tracted for and the building is near completion. A new dwelling for the engineer is in process of construction and will be finished early in the spring. This will allow the removal of the present delapitated structure and the further beautifying of the grounds.
The most important improvements were the installing of a new set of pumps that replaced the old original pumps which became useless with the increased duty caused by the higher stand pipe. A contract was made with the Newburyport Iron Foundry to duplicate the engines that have done about all the pumping for the past twelve years. These pumps are of the steeple compound fly wheel type having two cylinders 10 inches diameter and two 20 inches diameter with a common stroke of 12 inches. Pump cylinders direct connected each 10" by 12." These pumps have shown good economy and remarkable wear- ing qualities, and while not showing the high duty of more modern pumps the board concluded, when all conditions were considered, it was far better to have duplicate engines rather than make the extensive changes called for by such improved pump- ing machinery.
The boilers have both been retubed and thoroughly repaired and should last a number of years without further outlay. I would suggest they be fitted with pop safety valves in place of the antequated lever valves. While not absolutely necessary with a careful engineer, pop valves are recommended by the insurance company.
STAND PIPE
The stand pipe has been completed, and as it now stands it has no equal in the state as regards quality and appearance. The old stand pipe, which could not be given away last year, has been sold for $106 and removed. The old foundation rock- some two hundred tons were taken to the station for foundation
241
WATER COMMISSIONERS
of coal shed and dwelling. The grounds have been graded and surrounded with an ornamental steel fence.
MAIN
But one extention has been made-750 feet of 6 inch main on Summit Place.
HYDRANTS
Eight new hydrants were located as follows :
High street, middle road. High street, corner Plumer avenue. Summit Place. Two on Hill street. Two on Parker street. One on Chestnut street.
Two old hydrants were replaced,-Liberty street and Fair street. These were all of the latest pattern, with full 6 inch connections and two hose and one steamer outlet.
FIRE ALARM AND TELEPHONE
The fire alarm and telephone services have been extensively rebuilt and are now in excellent shape. The main office, super- intendent's office and station are now on an independent line, and the residence of the superintendent has been connected with the general service.
CHAS. H. SARGENT, Supt.
3
Annual Report
OF THE
Directors of the Public Library
PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS, 1 December 18, 1899. ١
VOTED, That the secretary be instructed to sign the names of the directors, and to transmit to the city council the accompanying report and papers.
THOMAS HUSE, ARTHUR P. BROWN, EDWARD S. MOSELEY, ELISHA P. DODGE, LAWRENCE B. CUSHING, MOSES BROWN, RUDOLPH JACOBY, WILLIAM R. JOHNSON, NATHAN N. WITHINGTON, ALBERT W. HITCHCOCK, WILLIAM C. COFFIN.
TRUSTEES OF THE LIBRARY-1899
THOMAS HUSE, MAYOR. ALDERMEN : At Large-ANDREW J. CASEY EBEN C. KNIGHT, IRVIN BESSE, ARTHUR WITHINGTON, JAMES F. CARENS, WM. G. FISHER, ALBERT H. BECKFORD.
DIRECTORS OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
THOMAS HUSE, Mayor Ex-officio
ARTHUR P. BROWN, President of Common Council
*EDWARD S. MOSELEY, Trustee of building fund 66 66
ELISHA P. DODGE, 66
LAWRENCE B. CUSHING, 66 66
66 66
RUDOLPH JACOBY, term of office expires. 1900
WILLIAM R. JOHNSON, term of office expires. 1901
NATHAN N. WITHINGTON, term of office expires 1902
GEORGE W. BROWN, 66
66
1903
ALBERT W. HITCHCOCK, 66
66 ٠٠
1904
WILLIAM C. COFFIN,
66
1905 ETHEL PARTON, 66
1906
TRUSTEES OF PEABODY FUND
*EDWARD S. MOSELEY, JOHN J. CURRIER,
SAMUEL C. BEANE, CHARLES W. MOSELEY,
LAWRENCE B. CUSHING.
LIBRARIAN. JOHN D. PARSONS ASSISTANT LIBRARIAN EFFIE A. TENNEY EXTRA ASSISTANT. E. S. THURSTON
SUPERINTENDENT OF READING ROOM MARTHA P. LUNT JANITOR DEXTER W. NUTTING
*Died April 25.
Report of the Librarian
-
To the Board of Directors :
GENTLEMEN :- This is the 44th annual report of the condi- tion of the publc library, and for the year ending November 30, 1899.
One year ago there were in stock 33,222 volumes. During the past 12 months 30 books have been withdrawn being beyond repair, 15 of which were replaced. The total number of addi- tions were 847 volumes, leaving as the number on the above mentioned date 34,039.
The number of books withdrawn for home use was 38,996. This is a decrease from 42,634 of the year previous, the high water mark in circulation.
It has frequently been noted in public libraries that periods of commercial or trade depression are invariably accompanied by an increase in the circulation of library books, a fact illus- trated in this report of five years ago. A decrease from no other apparent reason, may on the same principle be attributed to returning prosperity or that one has less idle time on his hands.
The library was opened for the delivery of books 306 days, all save Sundays and legal holidays, and the average daily circu- lation was 127.5 ranging from 338 down to 56.
Fiction as usual, is largely in excess of all other classes, 79 per cent. This is some 2 per cent higher than it was last year, and is about the average of public libraries in general. Included in this is juvenile literature, which is largely drawn on.
There are 6,983 registered borrowers, beside 44 high school
ANNUAL REPORTS
pupils have student cards and IS5 special cards are held by 37 public school teachers.
The work of reclassifiying and making a card catalogue for the library, which has been in progress for the past three years is now accomplished, so far as employing any extra help is con- cerned. While much remains to be done, it is not of a character which calls for special hurry, but is more in the nature of per- fecting the system, and making available or bringing to the at- tention of those interested books which have never before been of use, by reason of not having been catalogued or even placed on the shelves.
As an illustration effort is being made in the department devoted to New England to bring together books whose especial value is their local associations. Thus a file of Newburyport directories from the first issue in IS49 furnishes valuable bio- graphical data, and municipal history is brought out more vividly by a collection of annual reports. Books bearing a Newburyport imprint are numerous, showing what an important publishing centre the town was 100 years ago, and pains have been taken to specify books whose authors were natives or resi- dents of Newburyport. This is work which need not and well could could not be done in haste, but the scheme can be grad- ually perfected. The same is being applied to the publications of the state, which are now extensive and contain much valuable matter. The annual reports form a dozen huge octavo volumes, and constant reference is made to them.
The catalogue is of additional value as showing wherein the library is weak and in what direction it could be strengthened, thereby being of great assistance in making up lists of books to be purchased.
Its total cost, including the reclassification of the library and the laborious handling and rehandling of the books has been $2,654.90, for which $3,650 was appropriated in four annual installments. The larger part of the expense has been paid out for services, about $2, 100, while the balance was for cabinets, stock and miscellaneous material.
The magnitude of the undertaking can only be fully appre- ciated by those who have a technical knowledge of such work. If it had only been the preparation of a new catalogue it would
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have been comparatively simple, but here we had a library of over 30,000 volumes, which had been growing for 50 years, and which had never been classified in a scientific or modern manner. In fact it is not an exaggeration to say that it was classified on no system at all. It is not a classification in the general ac- cepted meaning of the term to group an alcove of books simply as historical works and where that alcove. is filled to start a second in some other section of the library, then a third and so on, neither can those books be said to be catalogued when it is necessary to search a printed catalogue twenty years old and a score of supplements, compiled on various systems in order to test the capabilities of the library. Today if one is looking over a collection of historical books on the shelves he will find them all of one family-the general history of England for instance. When all the general histories of that country have been passed by he will find before him the special histories or those limited to periods, as the Anglo-Saxon, Norman, Plantagenet, Lancaster and York, Tudor, Stuart, Hanoverian and Victorian, next the histories according to geographical divisions, as those dealing solely with the city of London. All the works of that class are gathered here and are not scattered through the library. Where England is exhausted in passing along the shelves, the books are still historical but there is a co-ordination-Germany likewise arranged, France, Italy and Spain, the whole being parts of a grater unite, viz : Europe. It is the same with America, Asia, etc., not only with the history, but with the geography and description. So in the division of a natural science. As that subject treated of generally is exhausted its sections come along in order-mathematics, further sub-divided into arithmetic, al- gebra, etc., next the natural sequence to mathematics, astronomy and so through physics, chemistry, geology and up to zoology. Where the number of books is doubled, this arrangement will not be changed. Every new book to be printed has its exact place waiting for it. It is like adding one more to a file of men. If he is to go to the middle of the line the others simply push along a step.
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