USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Newburyport > City Officers and the Annual Reports to the City Council of Newburyport 1928 > Part 6
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6
Dr. Bigelow stated that our work was successful and that we had the approval of the State Board of Health for the construction and operation of a clam treatment plant on a commercial basis.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD W. EATON.
Newburyport, Mass., December 1928.
Board of Health,
City Hall, Newburyport.
Gentlemen:
The following is my annual report as Inspector of Slaughtering from June 1st to Dec. 31 inclusive:
Animals Slaughtered
Cows
9
Calves
79
Pigs
69
Sheep
16
Total
171
154
ANNUAL REPORT
Animals Condemned As Unfit For Food
Cows
2
Calves
3
Pigs
14
Sheep
1
Total
20
Parts Of Animals Condemned
Cows (tuberculosis of head) 1
Diseases Found On Slaughter
Tuberculosis
3
Hog Cholera
13
Abscesses
1
Ruptured Kidneys Adjoining Parts infestered
1
Pneumonia and Emphsema
1
Bruises and Lascerations
1
Respectfully submitted,
F. C. BLAKELY, T. M. D.
Newburyport, Mass., December 1928.
His Honor Mayor A. J. Gillis and City Council.
Gentlemen:
The following is my report as Inspector of Animals for the year 1928:
Barns inspected
61
Animals upon which I have made a physical examination.
Cows
293
Young cattle
75
Bulls
12
Pigs
245
Goats
3
Interstate Shipment of Cattle.
Slaughtered,
Cows
15
155
BOARD OF HEALTH
Calves
30
Dairy Purposes, Cows 12
Dogs quarantined because of having bitten people
13
Dogs released from quarantine after 2 weeks observation
13
Rabies
0
Hog Cholera
225
Disposition of carcasses buried and rendered,
Tuberculosis (slaughtered) 2
Barns inspected for tuberculosis
2
Results-Negative.
Remarks-Although I have quarantined a number of dogs on account of bits I am glad to say this is one of the few cities in this Commonwealth where there has been no cases of rabies this year.
Respectfully submitted,
F. C. BLAKELEY, V. M. D.
Inspector.
Report of City Registrar
Births registered in 1928
Including 17 stillbirths, 6 males, 11 females
Male
Female
January
17
17
February
10
15
March
16
14
April
18
20
May
18
15
June
19
14
July
14
20
August
19
17
September
14
8
October
9
12
November
5
16
December
16
15
-
-
Nativity of Parents
Father
Mother
Newburyport
101
181
U. S. outside of Newburyport
163
95
Armenia
2
2
Canada
15
10
Finland
1
0
Greece
16
15
Ireland
3
6
Italy
1
1
Poland
11
11
175
183
157
CITY REGISTRAR
Phillippines
1
0
Portugal
2
1
Provinces
20
22
Russia
5
4
Scotland
4
2
Sweden
2
2
S. America
1
0
Turkey
6
6
Unknown
4
0
358
358
Births outside of Newburyport parents residing in City 3 males 3
females.
Births in Newburyport parents residing elsewhere 91 46 males 45 Females.
Marriages Registered 1928
January
4
February
8
March
3
April
9
May
6
June
15
July
12
August
9
September
19
October
13
November
11
December
2
111
Nativity of Contracting Parties
Bride
Groom
Newburyport
30
43
U. S. Outside of Newburyport
65
57
Armenia
1
0
Australia
1
0
Austria
1
0
Canada
5
4
England
0
2
158
ANNUAL REPORT
Greece
1
0
Ireland
1
1
Norway
1
0
Poland
1
0
Provinces
1
3
Russia
2
0
Sweden
1
1
-
111
111
Deaths in Newburyport
Including 17 stillbirths, 6 males, 11 females
Male
Female
January
11
14
February
4
10
March
17
15
April
7
7
May
13
12
June
11
8
July
9
7
August
7
8
September
8
13
October
11
6
November
11
8
December
10
11
-
-
119
119
Non resident deaths in City
39
Residents of City dying elsewhere
20
Non residents buried in City
58
DEATHS, WITH PRINCIPAL CAUSE AND AGE PERIODS EXCLUSIVE, OF STILL BIRTHS
65-69 70-74 75-79 80-84 85-89 90 94 95 up Total
Cause
1 yr. 1-4 5-9 10-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64
1
2
12
1
M
1 2
1
1
Accidental
1
F
15
1
3
5
3
1
1
1
M
1
1
2
4
3
6
2
19
F
32
1
1
2
1
5
9
2
6 3 00
1
1
3
1 30
System
F
1
1
2
3
1
9
Disease of
F
Kidneys
12
Pneumonia
M
15
all Forms
F
1
3
M
1
Tuberculosis
F
12
1
1
2
1
4
1
1
Nervous
M
1
1
1
1
3
3
3 2
1 1
1 17
System
F
1
16
2
1
1
1
2
1
2
M
4
1
All Others
1
1
1
2
2
F
6
Total
12
1 3 . 1
3
3
1
4
G
6
7
8 12
24
34
31
28 17
11
7
2 221
3
5
6 2
1
1
1
3
M
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
2
2
2
1
3
2
2 2
2
1
1
1
Pulmonary
1
1
10
1
4
1
1
Cancer
M
Circulatory
4
1
14
2
1
REPORT OF CITY SOLICITOR
December 18, 1928.
City Council,
Gentlemen:
In compliance with provision therefor laid down in the Municipal Ordin- ance pertaining to the office of City Solicitor, I have to submit herewith a statement of the work carried on by the Law Department during the year 1928.
The first court case to come under my supervision was that of Police Officer Edward K. Gove vs. City of Newburyport. This was the result of a writ of mandamus issued against the Mayor, ordering Officer Gove back to work. Mayor Gillis relieved Officer Gove from regular duty on account of the fact that he had not been confirmed by the City Council in 1927, having been appointed a regular by the then Mayor Oscar H. Nelson. This case was tried in the Supreme Court and the single justice ordered the writ to issue and the officer returned to the regular forc.e
During the Fall sitting of the Superior Court in Newburyport, three suits in which the City was the party defendant, were on the trial list. These cases were Harry D. Stillman vs. City of Newburyport, action of tort, ad damnum $25,000; William C. Moore vs. City of Newburyport, ad damnum $500; Yvonne Larrivee vs. City of Newburyport, ad damnum $2,000. The Stillman case was the only one to be reached on the trial list. The City Solicitor defended the City in this case which lasted for several days, re- sulting in a verdict for the City. The William C. Moore case is one for sal- ary for services claimed to have been given to the School Committee in a superintendency capacity. The Larrivee case is one in which the plaintiff claimed she slipped and fell on an obstruction on Pleasant Street near number 47.
161
CITY SOLICITOR
Inspector of Buildings vs. Joseph Roy. This was a bill in equity which the result of a writ of mandamus being issued ordering Roy to live up to the provisions of our Interim Zoning Ordinance. The case was referred to a Master and a hearing was held in the local District Court after the original hearing which was held in the Equity Session in Salem. Before the final order was made in this case, Roy built a dwelling house, or rather applied for permission to build a dwelling house on his property, and the Court decided in his favor. The bill in equity prayed for the removal of a garage which he Roy, had erected without complying to the provisions laid down in our Interim Zoning Ordinance.
Emery N. Marshall vs. Edward A. Bass, et al, City Council of the City of Newburyport. This case was a petition for a writ of certiorari against Edward A. Bass, Joseph F. Ford, Timothy R. Leary, Harold F. MacWilliams, William Peebles and Edward G. Perkins as members of the City Council. These members of the Council voted to grant the petition of Andrew J. Gillis to store, keep and sell gasoline at the corner of State and High Streets. The plaintiff claimed that the vote was contrary to the provisions laid down in the Ad Interim Zoning Ordinance. The petition asked that this vote be expunged from the records of the Council. This case required the attendance of the City Solicitor in the Supreme Court at Boston five days. The final decision was against the above-mentioned members of the Council, the single justice of the Supreme Court who heard the case, deciding that the writ of certiorari should issue and the vote of the council be expunged from the records.
There are numerous small claims pending against the City but none of them seem to be very pressing. The City Solicitor has had the usual number of claims to settle on advice of the committee on General Government. At the request of the Mayor, I attended several hearings at the State House in the interest of the chlorinating plant at Plum Island; also hearings before the Secretary of the Civil Service Commission at the State House.
Revision of Municipal Ordinances and printing of new Municipal Regis- ter. I have already made a partial report of progress in this regard. The work is only half completed and a new appropriation will be needed to com- plete the work as it should be done. The last edition of the Municipal Reg- istrar was published in 1900. Numerous state laws applicable to the City and new ordinances have been passed since that time and should be all in one book. Since this work has now been started, it should be continued until completed.
The City Solicitor has been called upon by the Police Department for assistance in prosecuting liquor cases on different occasions; and also in other instances where counsel is needed for the prosecution in matters in the city is interested.
162
ANNUAL REPORT
Our Ad Interim Zoning Ordinance is causing a great deal of controversy and I would recommend either a new zoning ordinance or the abolishment of it entirely. From research work concerning zoning ordinances in other cities, I have come to the conclusion that the one in effect in our city does not fit our needs. If a new ordinance relative to zoning is contemplated, it is my contention that a committee be appointed and appropriation made therefor for investigation and professional assistance.
Respectfully submitted,
T. FRANCIS KELLEHER,
City Solicitor,
REPORT OF TREE SUPERINTENDENT
January 7th, 1929.
To the Honorable Mayor and members of the Municipal Council.
Gentlemen:
In accordance with the provisions of the city ordinances I respectfully submit herewith my report as moth superintendent for the year 1928.
The Gypsy Moth infestation has been general throughout the entire city. The infestation has been 50% heavier in 1928 than in 1927, and about five acres of woodland have been stripped in the Artichoke district on the Plummer Spring Road.
A very thorough campaign was made for brown-tail moths. Most webs were found on fruit trees on private property. All webs were destroyed by fire.
The method of suppressing Gypsy Moths has been practically the same as in previous years namely, crosoting nests and following with arsenate of lead spraying.
This department has taken care of all street trees and also those on public property. Trees on private property have been attendd to when neglected by owners.
The public in general has given satisfactory co-operation in all moth work.
Respectfully submitted.
PATRICK F. HARTNETT,
Supt. of Moth Removal.
164
ANNUAL REPORT
January 7th, 1929.
To His Honor the Mayor and the members of the Municipal Council.
Gentlemen:
In accordance with the provisions of the City Ordinances I herewith submit my report as Tree Warden for the year 1928.
During the past year 22 trees were removed from streets, 70 silver Maples were planted.
Trees in all sections of the city were trimmed and dead wood removed, cavity and bolting work has been done in many places. strenghtening the trees and adding to their beauty.
At this time allow me to express my grateful appreciation to the public in general and the City Officials in particular for the co-operation given this department.
Respectfully submitted,
PATRICK F. HARTNETT,
Tree Warden.
January 7th, 1929.
To the Honorable Mayor and Members of the Municipal Council.
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report as Superintendent of Parks for the year 1928.
The following improvements were made:
Central Park.
Re-turfing the Baseball diamond.
Erected 827 linear feet of chain-link fencing.
Erected new screens in front of bleachers and painted bleachers. Renovated the entire playground buildings ..
South-end Playgrounds-Cleaned and reconditioned. City Parks-Cleaned and reconditioned.
Owing to the lack of a sufficient appropriation a program of improve- ment could not be inaugurated.
165
TREE SUPERINTENDENT
Through the generosity of the Civic League the Central Park play- ground was equipped with modern playground equipment which proved very popular. Wish to thank the Civic League and its officials for the great interest manifested and for their very generous gift.
Respectfully submitted,
PATRICK F. HARTNETT,
Supt. of Parks and Playgrounds
Annual Report of the Water Department
ANNUAL REPORT OF WATER DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Mayor and City Council, .
City of Newburyport.
Gentlemen:
The Board of Water Commissioners herewith present their thirty-third annual report for the year ending December 15th, 1928.
As usual during 1928 we have continued to extend, increase and improve the water system.
The following is a list of work accomplished in addition to regular routine.
The small mains in Butler, California and Tremont Streets have been replaced with six inch, cast iron pipe, and new hydrants set on each street, giving additional fire protection to these localities. The service papes in these streets were also relaid.
The two inch pipe in White's Court which had been giving trouble for some time has been completely relaid as well as all the service pipes.
Four hydrants have been broken by automobiles during the year. We were able to collect damages on two of these, but the other two were broken during the night time by unknown drivers.
The following give detailed figures of pipes laid during the year.
New Mains laid:
Rawson Avenue
6 in pipe 264 ft
Columbus Avenue 2 66 116 "
Dawes Street 2 6 161 "6 in
170
ANNUAL REPORT
Mains relaid:
California Street
6 "
66
312 “
Butler Street
6 “
472 "6 in
Tremont Street
6 “
294 "
White's Court
2 "
217 " 6 in
Alter Court
2
47 “
Four new fire hydrants have been installed.
Forty-three new service pipes have been laid requiring 1,756 feet of pipe.
Eighty-eight service pipes have been relaid requiring 2,168 ft. 6 in. of pipe.
There have been six leaks in main pipes and twenty-three in service pipes during the year.
Our activities this year were somewhat less than usual due to the fact that when the books were closed for 1927 there was a $4,000.00 payment on Bonds due the City, this being provided for necessarily reduced our budget for 1928.
The following are the pumping records for the year.
Main Station
Artichoke Station
December 1927
41,356,025 gallons
20,525,900 gallons
January 1928
41,875,750
29,711,800
February
39,592,750
23,772,400
March
41,397,750
66
18,765,700
66
April
38,965,625
14,956,600
66
May
40,159,725
19,149,200
66
June
38,470,375
66
26,097,400
August
43,043,625
66
23,802,800
September
39,990,000
22,066,700
October
40,705,250
21,681,800
November
39,823,200
23,344,000
Daily average Main Station
1,330,912
66
Daily average Artichoke Station
706,637
Pounds of coal used at Main Station
1,042,684
Daily average
2,903
K. W. H. electricity used at Artichoke Station
151,030
Daily average
412.6
66
July
41,733,925
14,375,100
66
The fire which occured in August practically destroying our Office and · Work Shop caused a large amount of extra work and caused many unavoid-
171
WATER DEPARTMENT
able delays. While the actual loss by fire was not great the loss by water and dirt, and the expenses of two movings were considerable, and the in- crease in the amounts expended for General and Meter Maintenance are directly traceable to this cause.
Insurance to the amount of $1,327.22 was collected and was sufficient to cover our losses.
The report of the Treasurer, which is attached, will give the financial figures for the year.
Respectfully submitted,
H. B. TRASK, F. D. MASTERSON, W. B. FLINT, CHAS. F. A. HALL, ERNEST FOSS.
172
ANNUAL REPORT
Receipts for 1928
Water Rates
$54,915.05
Meter Rates
11,453.52
Sundry Water Receipts
237.50
City, Fire Service
3,500.00
City, Public Buildings
1,500.00
Total receipts from water
71,606.07
Other Receipts
Service Pipe Construction
591.80
Extension of Mains
416.45
Meters
15.00
General Maintenance
85.51
General Maintenance, Fire Insurance
1,327.22
Pumping Station Maintenance, Main
76.00
Service Pipe Maintenance
180.63
Main Pipe, Maintenance
22.00
Artichoke River Maintenance
10.00
Hydrant Maintenance
182.72
Interest
62.02
2,969.35
Total receipts
74,575.42
Expenditures for 1928
City of Cit yof Newburyport, Bonds
$28,000.00
City of Newburyport, Interest
5,147.50
33,147.50
Real Estate
35.87
Construction
Service Pipe Construction
2,592.41
Service Pipe Construction, Newbury
205.88
Extension of Mains
510.76
Hydrant Construction
380.72
Gate Construction
37.57
Meters
30.00
3,757.34
.
173
WATER DEPARTMENT
Maintenance
Pumping Station Mte., Main
17,557.13
Pumping Station Artichoke
4,617.82
General Maintenance
7,447.42
Hydrant Maintenance
857.40
Gate Maintenance
156.04
Reservoir Maintenance
150.65
Meters Maintenance
253.50
Service Pipe Maintenance
2,677.23
Main Pipe Maintenance
2,783.84
Artichoke River Maintenance
92.25
Filter Bed Maintenance
327.29
Sundry Water Receipts
4.00
Frog Pond System
102.55
37,027.12
Total Expenditures
73,967.83
Summary
Cash on hand December 17th, 1927
680.74
Received during the year
74,575.42
75,256.16
Expended during the year
73,967.83
Balance December 15th, 1928
1,288.33
Trial Balance
December 15th, 1928
Assets
Liabilities
Real Estate and Property Account
502,327.47
Distribution System
173,254.85
Pumping Station Equipment and Filters
93,936.16
Cash
1,288.33
Uncollected water rates
7,116.93
Commitments
7,116.93
Bond Account
117,000.00
Profit and Loss Surplus
653,806.81
777,923.74
777,923.74
HAROLD S. NOYES,
Treasurer.
Annual Report of the Directors of the Public Library
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Trustees, the Mayor and City Council
DIRECTORS, 1928
Andrew J. Gillis, Mayor ex-officio
Edward A. Bass, President of City Council ex-officio
Lawrence B. Cushing, Trustee of Building Fund ex-officio
Alex. G. Perkins, Trustee of Building Fund ex-officio
Peter B. Lawton, Trustee of Building Fund
ex-officio
Laurence B. Johnson, term expires
1928
James E. Whitney, term expires
1929
William C. Coffin, term expires
1930
Dr. T. R. Healy, term expires
1931
Arthur P. Brown, term expires
1932
Rev. George W. Hilton
resigned
Jacob W. Shoul 1933
Mrs. Ella D. Nutter
1934
*Resigned
TRUSTEES OF PEABODY FUND
Lawrence B. Cushing, Rev. Laurence Hayward, B. P. P. Moseley, John D. Parson , George W. Richardson
Librarian John D. Parsons
Superintendent of Reading Room Wilhelmina Plumer
178
ANNUAL REPORT
Children's Librarian Eliz. J. Merrill Assistant Librarians, Elizabeth P. Thurston, Helen M. MacIntosh, Ruth Arrall, Yvonne Chatigny, Louise Marshall, Alice W. Toppan (ass't. in Reading Room), Mrs. Cora M. Milvin (extra). Janitor
Frank H. Plumer
REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS
To the Mayor and City Council:
Gentlemen:
Your attention is called to the accompanying report of the Librarian and other officers of this Library to the Board. As fully covering the sub- ject of Public Library matters, we endorse the same and forward it to your honorable body, as the annual report of the Directors of the Public Library. Newburyport, December 1928.
Respectfully submitted,
A. J. GILLIS, E. A. BASS,
L. B. CUSHING,
A. G. PERKINS,
P. I. LAWTON,
L. B. JOHNSON,
J. E. WHITNEY, W. C. COFFIN,
T. R. HEALEY,
A. P. BROWN,
J. W. SHOUL, MRS. E. D. NUTTER,
E
Directors.
179
PUBLIC LIBRARY
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
To the Board of Directors:
In submitting this, the 73rd annual report of the librarian, it may be stated that at the close of the last municipal year the number of books recorded as owned by this institution was 63,118. During the present year there has been added by purchase 1398 volumes, 422 have been donated, 353 canceled as unfit for further use, a total addition of 1467, making the numb- er at present 64,585.
Books taken from the library, for home reading, during the year just closed amount to 64,932, the largest number in its history. The library was closed for 16 days last Winter, during installation of a new heating plant, but this loss in general circulation has been more than offset by the books taken from the Children's department, which opened in April last.
Beginning with the new year a registration of borrowers went into effect the old one dating from 1919, and at present 3958 cards have been issued for books to be taken from the main delivery room of the building. During the year more than a thousand books have been sent away to the binderies for necessary repairs, and this in addition to the many hundred which have been put into presentable condition and fit for continued use here in the building. This matter of keeping books which we already own, and in many cases have for years is annually becoming a more serious problem, because of the expense involved. This must be met, somehow, or else these books must go to the dump. Many of them are exceedingly valu- able for many reasons, and nearly all of them should be retained. Of course some have to be discarded as impossible to be repaired, not worth the time and effort involved, but in all cases the best judgment of the librarian is used. The writer has seen the cost of this work, per volume, advanced, three fold with the passing of the years.
BUYING NEW BOOKS
And this naturally leads to another plaint or suggestion on my part- the state of the funds for the proper keeping up of the library. It should be remembered that the manner of the expenditure of the incomes of bequests left for the benefit of this library is almost entirely in the hands of the trustees, not of the board of directors. The trustees, according to the terms of establishment as originally made comprise the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, or presumably their successors, which in this case is the City Council. A generation or so ago that board made a ruling whereby all be- quests not specifically stating that "the income of this fund shall be used for the purchase of books," was transferred to the revenue of the city, and
180
ANNUAL REPORT
credited to the income account of the library. In other words eight funds with an income of something over $1700, are combined with the revenue acruing from taxation and other sources and applied to the general admin- istrative purposes of the library. If one or two of these incomes were transferred to the book accounts, it would help solve the question, which is now becoming more imperative than ever, with the Children's Depart- ment and the South End branch to attend to and continue to build up.
Not a single cent is expended by this library from general taxation, for the purchase of books. All comes from the incomes of donations. I do not know of any other city in this State where such a condition obtains for the support of and additions to its book stock. In all of them, with possibly one or two exceptions, this upkeep calls for a large portion of the public funds. As a further reason I might add, the increased cost of books. Twenty years ago the publishers' announced price of new books of fiction averaged $1.50. Libraries were given a discount of one-third. Today these same books are published at from $2.00 to $2.50, and public libraries receive a reduction of 10 per cent. The book we bought then for $1.00 now costs use from $1.80 to $2.25. For books of so-called "permanent value" the increase is more marked. We rarely purchase one for less than $4.50, and, standard biographies and other books, in particular run up to $10.00 or more, with the same discount. So we are thus seriously handicapped.
On August 1 Miss Helen P. Tilton, Superintendent of the Reading Room, resigned and retired from library work. Her withdrawal is a distinct loss to this institution. For 23 years she served in the position with credit, and in addition acted unofficially as School and as Reference librarian, in a most satisfactory manner.
BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS
Materially a large sum of money had been expended on the library building within the past year. Owing to the generous but much needed special city appropriation of a year ago, the old heating system, which had done service for nearly 50 years, was discarded and an entirely new plant put in. At the same time the intake of cold air through the window frames or the loss of heat from the building was obviated, as far as possible by fitting each with metal listing. A new steel ceiling has been up in the delivery room, the building has been thoroughly cleaned on the interior, there has been some painting and general renovating done and the artificial lighting has been improved. All this cost about $7,400.00, to which was added the unexpended income of the Building Fund, some $500.00. By strict economy this committee had increased its unexpended balance, the result of several years saving to something over $1,500.00, but several needs
181
PUBLIC LIBRARY
for necessary repairs upon the building, which it should be remembered is about 150 years old, had first to be attended to. I understand that the Building Fund trustees have in comtemplation or have already started other improvements, which will be carried out as their funds will permit.
. SOUTH END BRANCH
The South End Reading Room Association having deeded to the city it- building and real estate, and turned over all the personal property as held by it, in accordance with the original agreement, it is now a part of and a branch of this library. The building itself is in a good state of re- pair and could not be duplicated, it is said for $10,000 or more. The invested funds, for its support, amount to $10,500.00, making an annual income of about $500.00. Some considerable changes will have to be made in bringing this branch in touch with, and according to the system of the main library, but nothing of material change.
CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT
As is well known a children's department of this library had been a desideratum for many years. Frequently ways and means were discussed by this board and others interested, but the financial problem, the cost of establishing and properly furnishing, to say nothing of the annual cost of maintenance, invariably intervened. Today the children's department of the library is a fact accomplished.
Seven or eight years since, the Woman's Club of this city became es- pecially interested, and offered a substantial contribution towards carrying out the plan, but it was insufficient. However, not discouraged, but strong in the belief that it was bound to eventuate, a sum of money was placed on deposit, added to year by year, and held for this purpose. In the Summer of 1927 a special committee was appointed to investigate and report. Director Hylton stated that undoubtedly he could interest the Rotary Club, of which he was a member in the project. It is enough to say that the Rotary at once showed its sympathy with the undertaking, voted to make it one of its major efforts of the year, and at once pledged to contribute the generous sum of $1200. The Building trustees of theh library agreed to make fitting the one room of the building available and suitable-the former directors' room, then in service of the School Department, and so
182
ANNUAL REPORT
it was voted by the board to proceed. The total contributions were as follows:
The Rotary Club
$1,200.00
The Woman's Club
500.00
Public Library Building Fund
468.26
Y. M. C. A. Men's Club
97.00
Katherine P. Moseley
100.00
J. F. Brown
50.00
F. S. Moseley
50.00
Unitarian Woman's Club
25.00
All others
24.50
.
$2,515.26 4.76
This sum was sufficient for the renovation of the room (carpenter, paint, electrician bills, etc.) providing new and suitable furniture for child- ren, attendant's desk, and has paid for 362 new books, besides the salary of the supervisor for a large portion of the year.
Of course hereafter, no contributed funds being left, this latter will be an additional charge upon the general expenses of the library, but we are assured, as well as could be, officially, and by many interested, that there would be no difficulty in the future, as far as this was concerned, if the children's department proved itself a success.
To meet added requirements Miss Elizabeth J. Merrill, late of the Brookline library, was added to the staff, charged with the responsibility of immediately supervising this new department. The numerous details of preparing for opening were intrusted to her, and all her work has been most satisfactory. During the eight months of operation, dating from April 1, the entire circulation from this room has been 18,877 volumes. There are registered 1284 borrowers, from the 3rd to the 9th grades of the public schools, besides little tots, younger than these have all the privileges of the room, and can take away books if so authorized by a parent. There are at present about 1,200 books in the department, constantly increasing. During these eight months 748 new books have been added, 617 by purchase, while 131 were gifts. From the special funds donated, before it was exhaustd, 362 of the books were purchased. -
Those outside the library, who are best informed of the workings of the project, and of course we on the inside, consider this new department of the library a complete success.
183
PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOOKS ADDED TO LIBRARY, AND SOURCES
Number as last reported
63,118
Added from:
Peabody Fund
186
Sweetser Fund
66
Spring Fund
143
Sawyer Fund
202
Todd Fund
154
Haskell Fund
34
W. H. P. Dodge Fund
49
Frothingham Fund
22
Green Fund
7
Williams Fund
44
Colby Fund
7
Foster Fund
9
Currier Fund
9
N. D. Dodge Fund
28
Special Fund
438
Donated
422
Cancelled and withdrawn
353
Net gain
1,467
Number at end of year
64,585
CONCLUSION
In conclusion I have only room to add a word of commendation for all the members of the staff of this library a splendid group, loyal in every way, always ready to give their best efforts and to work for the good of this institution.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN D. PARSONS,
Librarian.
1,398
19
-
NEWBURYPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY
PUBLIC
PORT
YP
-
NEWE
........ ..
..
.....
.. .. ... . ......
. ........
..... . ...
1854
FOUNDED
FOUNDED 1854
Received
ref.
=
from this room Not to be taken For Reference
MalA 1928
3 2128 00338 630 8
NEWBURYPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY
LIBRARY
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.