USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Melrose > City of Melrose annual report 1862-1879 > Part 34
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 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50
The Russell hose carriage in the care of Russell Hose Co., No. 1, is located in the old engine house on Main street, near the town hall, and is in good order, having been repaired and painted in June last. The house is in good repair.
The Wyoming hose carriage, in the care of Wyoming Hose Co., No. 2, is located in the Masonic building on the corner of Main street and Wyoming avenue. In accordance with the action of the town at the meeting in March last, rooms were fitted up on the first floor of the Masonic building, entrance on Main street, and in May last the apparatus was removed from the basement of the same building to these rooms, the accommodations being vastly better than in the old quarters. This carriage and house is in good repair.
The Highland hose carriage, in the care of Highland Hose Co., No. 3, is located in its house on Franklin street, at the Highlands. This carriage is in need of repairs and painting. The house is in good repair externally, but needs a small outlay inside. In Feb- ruary last, a sled and reel, for the transportation of hose in the winter season, was built and placed in this house.
The Endeavor hand engine is located in the house with the Russell hose carriage. In August last this engine was repaired and put in good working order, in which condition it is at the present time. The hose jumper belonging to this engine is used during the winter by the Russell Hose Co., being placed upon runners for that purpose.
52
REPORT OF FIRE ENGINEERS.
HOSE.
The amount of hose in the department is about the same as last year, being 2,100 feet, 600 feet of which is rubber-lined linen hose, new two years ago, the remainder being leather. A considerable portion of this leather hose is unfit to stand much pressure, and we strongly recommend the purchase of more hose to supply the need. The hose is apportioned to the different sections of the town as follows :
In care of Russell Hose Co., 800 feet. Wyoming and Highland companies, 650 feet each. There is also in the Russell hose house 250 feet of leather hose unserviceable. 100 feet of condemned hose has been sold during the past year.
APPROPRIATION.
. Owing to the limited means at our disposal during the past year, it has been impossible to make improvements in the care of hose, etc., which we believe to be necessary, or, in fact, to do more than keep the department up to its ordinary standard of efficiency. And while we fully appreciate the necessity for the economical expendi- ture of money, we believe it to be no economy to allow the efficiency of the department to deteriorate from its present high standard.
We therefore recommend the appropriation of the sum of $3,000 for the purchase of hose, and the expenses of the department for this year.
Respectfully submitted,
A. E. WORTHEN, J. A. THOMAS, R. W. CHANDLER, Engineers Melrose Fire Department.
REPORT OF ASSESSORS.
Total number of inhabitants, as reported,
4,101
Total number of children be-
tween 5 and 15 years of age, 718
Total number of polls taxed,
1,121
Amount of tax on polls, .
$2,242 00
" tax on real and personal estate, . .
52,440 56
$54,682 56
Amount of appropriations,
$48,107 00
" County tax,
2,093 03
66 " State
3,570 00
66 " overlay,
.
912 53 - $54,682 56
-
Total value of real estate, $3,743,844 00
" " " personal " 451,400 00
Rate of taxation, $12.50 for $1,000.
Number of dwellings and buildings for business purposes, 1,037.
Number of horses, 222 ; number of cows, 131 ; number of acres of land taxed, 2,700.
54
REPORT OF ASSESSORS.
The following abatements have been allowed, to date, for the year 1877 :
George W. Chipman,
$16 25
George M. Dennis,
106 25
John O. Norris,
7 50
Sidney Buttrick,
6 25
Mrs. Zylphia Butler,
15 63
Mrs. J. H. Higgins,
1 25
Henry Brown,
6 25
Heirs of George Emerson,
32 50
Dexter Bryant,
12 50
Mrs. Mary G. Vinton,
8 75
A. V. Lynde,
7 50
Estate of John Hurley,
12 50
C. H. Walker,
12 50
R. Philpot,
3 13
Mrs. A. P. Lynde,
8 75
Caroline W. Clincard,
6 25
Estate of Levi Miles,
6 25
Mrs. G. C. Jacobs,
6 25
Mrs. C. F. White, .
6 25
Mrs. Nancy Wilson,
20 63
Charles E. Damon,
1 25
E. Fuller,
1 25
Aaron Green .
12 50
Mary A. O'Riley,
6 25
Asa Thayer, ·
2 00
J. S. Austin, .
5 31
J. C. Williams,
2 00
Catherine Collins,
2 08
Thos. C. Morgan,
1 25
Alden Parker,
2 37
Estate of Hiram Mclaughlin,
15 63
Mrs. S. S. Twombly,
6 25
Heirs of Jeremiah Martin,
100 00
John T. Bowen,
2 00
Mrs. Hiram Whitney,
17 00
Chas. P. Lynde,
7 50
Amount carried forward,
$487 68
55
REPORT OF ASSESSORS.
Amount brought forward,
$487 68
Hiram Whittington,
12 50
C. D. Bothamby,
2 00
Orestes Jefferson,
2 00
Uriah Huntley,
2 00
Mrs. Sarah and Miss Louisa Lynde,
12 50
Mrs. H. G. Wills, .
15 63
$534 41
Respectfully submitted,
J. R. JONES,
Assessors
J. C. CURRIER,
C. T. STEVENS,
of Melrose.
March 1st, 1878.
REPORT OF THE TOWN TREASURER.
Cash in the treasury, March 5, 1877
$1,119 74 Total receipts for the year 112,357 11
$113,476 85
Total disbursements for the year
109,500 25
Cash in the treasury March 8, 1878
$3,976 60
TEMPORARY LOANS.
Paid notes of previous year to Richardson, Hill & Co. $13,000 00
Borrowed in anticipation of taxes during the year 49,000 00
Of this amount has been paid . ·
$29,000 00
NOTES OUTSTANDING.
Nov. 21, 1877. C. A. Sweet, Boston, 6 mos. $5,000 00
Dec. 15, " John Pickering & Moseley, Boston,
6 mos. 5,000 00
Jan. 1, 1878. John Pickering & Moseley, Boston, 6 mos.
5,000 00
Jan. 18, 1878. Brown, Riley & Co., Boston, 6 mos. 5,000 00
$20,000 00
PERMANENT LOANS.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, due Oct. 15, 1878, , interest 6 per cent. $5,000 00
R. G. Shedd, trustee, due Dec. 1, 1880, interest 7 per cent.
25,000 00
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, due Oct. 15, 1883, interest 6 per cent.
5,000 00
Lowell Institution for Savings, due Sept. 7, 1885, interest 6 per cent.
20,000 00
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, due Oct. 15, 1888, interest 6 per cent. 5,000 00
$60,000 00
Since last report there has been paid note to Mary Dix $4,400 00
-
57
REPORT OF THE TOWN TREASURER.
STATEMENT OF THE TOWN DEBT.
BONDS.
Melrose Water Fund, 1st issue, due July 1, 1890 . $100,000 00
66 2d " " Oct. 1, 1892 . 50,000 00
Town Hall Bonds, due Oct. 1, 1892
. 65,000 00
$215,000 00
Permanent loans
60,000 00
Temporary "
20,000 00
$295,000 00
Due the Melrose Water Fund (Sinking Fund of 1873) 3,635 00
$298,635 00
AVAILABLE ASSETS.
Due from State on account of State Aid,
1877 .
$867 00
Bills due on poor account
647 31
Uncollected taxes, estimated . . 22,000 00
Cash in treasury
. 3,976 60
$27,490 91
Net debt more than assets available
. $271,144 09
Respectfully submitted.
E. & O. excepted.
GEO. NEWHALL, Treasurer.
MELROSE, March, 9, 1878. 8
58
REPORT OF THE TOWN TREASURER.
DR.
GEORGE NEWHALL, TREASURER,
Cash in Treasury, March 5, 1878
$1,119 74
RECEIPTS.
From State Treasurer-
On account of School Fund
$192 89
" State Aid .
634 00
66
" Armory Rent 943 40
" Corporation Tax
1,116 35
Bank Tax 485 69
From various sources-
On account of School Fund
$35 15
66 " Poor Fund 449 58
66 " Contingent Fund 6 00
66
66 " Fire Department 6 65
66
66 " Franklin street 17 60
From County Treasurer, dog tax, 1877
437 47
66 A Lane, Supt., on account of Water Fund . 8,989 42
" Merrimack Mutual Fire Ins. Co., dividends on policies
184 64
For lots, graves, etc., in Wyoming Cemetery
630 00
" use of Town Hall .
613 94
From A. B. Pierce, Collector, Taxes
1,852 97
for 1876
14,395 73.
66
“ 1877 32,365 63
Received on Treasurer's notes 49,000 00
108,469 80
$113,476 85
-
3,372 33
514 98
.
REPORT OF THE TOWN TREASURER.
IN ACCOUNT WITH THE TOWN OF MELROSE. CR.
By paid on orders, as follows :-
School Fund
. $12,712 07
School Contingent
1,919 82
Poor Fund
4,962 21
Contingent Fund
1,193 07
Cemetery Fund
400 58
Police
220 63
Town Officers
1,713 11
Highways
2,667 73
State Aid
956 00
Town Hall
1,141 90
Street Lights
1,322 95
Fire Department
2,296 43
Water Fund .
2,541 27
Additional Street Lamps
157 49
Insurance
266 25
Drainage
71 14
Franklin Street
312 93
Decoration Day
200 00
Forest Street
400 00
Counsel Fees
542 33
Armory Rent
600 00
Dyer Dam Case
608 10
By paid interest coupons on Water Bonds
$9,000 00
J. D. Wilde, Treasurer Joint Water Boards
850 00
interest on notes and Town Hall Bonds
9,495 11
orders Trustees Public Library
848 75
State Tax
3,570 00
County Tax
2,093 03
66 Corporation Tax (overpaid)
18 25
66 Committee's order, Centre School House
19 10
Treasurer's notes
46,400 00
$72,294 24
March 8, 1878. By cash in Treasury
3,976 60
$113,476 85
We have examined in detail the orders and vouchers of the Treasurer's account for the financial year ending March 1, 1878, and find the same correct.
JOHN R. NORTON, FRANK E. ORCUTT, ) Auditors.
MELROSE, March 8, 1878.
59
$37,206 01
REPORT OF THE BOARD
OF
WATER COMMISSIONERS
OF THE
TOWN OF MELROSE,
FOR THE
FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING FEB. 28, 1878.
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD.
· JOSEPH D. WILDE. W. IRVING ELLIS. J. R. SIMONDS.
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS.
In compliance with an Act of the Legislature approved April 2nd, 1870, we respectfully submit this our Eighth Annual Report, together with a detailed report of our Superintendent.
Notwithstanding the continued depression in business, and contrary to our expectations, we are glad to state that the receipts show a small increase.
The water rates the past year, exclusive of town appropriation, amount to $8,850.45.
CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES.
It is with pleasure that we are able to report that there are no claims outstanding against the town for damages for taking the pond, and water rights, or land adjacent thereto.
The last lawsuit of this character was that of Philander Ames against the towns of Malden, Melrose and Medford, which resulted in a verdict in favor of the towns.
With this suit, ended a long and vexatious litigation, and we are now able to give the cost of our valuable franchise.
The whole amount paid out for expenses of suits, damages and costs in the several years, has been as follows :-
Franchise .
$133 33
Land damage in 1872,
$200 00
66
1873,
· 1,800 00
66
1874,
. 23,979 58
66
66
1875,
, 6,550 00
66
1876,
700 00
66
66
1877,
850 00
34,079 58
$34,212 91
This account has been closed, as will be seen by the report of the Treasurer of Joint Water Boards.
1
·
·
64
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS.
Your Commissioners recommend appropriations for the coming year as follows :-
For hydrants, school-houses, town hall, engine-
houses, etc. .
. $2,000 00
For maintenance
1,000 00
WATER TAKERS.
Whole number of water takers per register, 1878,
910
Families
840
Apothecaries .
2
Aquariums
2
Armory .
1
Barber shop .
1
Boarding-houses
2
Bake-houses .
2
Book-bindery .
1
Churches
6
Dining-saloons
2
Engine and hose-houses
4
Fish markets .
2
Green-houses .
7 265
Hand hose
2
Livery and boarding stables
4
Manufactories
5
Ornamental fountains
15
Public drinking fountains
5
Public ornamental fountains
2
Railroad depot
1
School-houses
7
Stores and shops
11
Truck and cart stables
13
Private stables
38
Number water-takers, 1877,
890
Increase over 1877
20
Henneries
Halls
7
65
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS.
RECEIPTS FOR WATER.
Amount received each year for water rates exclusively,
1870-71 received
. $3,909 29
1872 66
. 5,141 84
1873
6,133 88
1874
66
· 7,202 31
1875
. 7,882 85
1876
8,788 93
1877
66
· 8,850 45
Estimated income for 1878,
8,800 00
CONSTRUCTION ACCOUNT.
Cost of Water Works to Jan 1, 1877, as per
last report
$172,618 24
Expended this year as follows :
Boston Machine Co., hydrant
$40 25
Thomas Cunningham, pipe
195 00
Dalton & Ingersoll, plumbing material
34 00
Thomas McCoubry, sharpening tools
16 25
J. C. Howes, material and labor 40 27
S. E. Benson, cement
14 20
Summers & Hunt, plumbing stock
25 75
Bill for trenching
235 00
E. N. Sargent, boxes
20 40
$621 12
DAMAGES AND SUITS.
Paid J. D. Wilde, Treasurer of Joint Water Boards . $850 00
$1,471 12
Cost of Water Works, Jan 1, 1878
$174,089 36
9°
.
1
66
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS.
MAINTENANCE ACCOUNT, 1877.
Thos. McCoubry, sharpening tools $13 70
New England News Co., ledger 1 50
Malden Commissioners, pipe
18 62
S. E. Benson, cement
10 13
James Worthen, sundries .
8 41
Geo. W. Bartlett, use of team
15 00
Babb & Stephens, printing
26 25
C. W. Badger, lead and oil
11 30
Joseph Edwards, painting
2 00
S. M. Spencer, stencil
7 00
Walter R. Phillips, printing
1 75
L. F. Hinckley, brush
1 00
Dalton & Ingersoll, plumbing material 39 07
Thomas Cunningham, pipe
111 28
Addison Lane, salary as Supt. .
900 00
I. C. Weeks, lumber
5 15
Edward Alden, damage to horse
32 00
J. C. Howes, material and labor Henry Barron, expressing
10 75
M. C. Warren hardware
6 38
Bills for service pipe
475 84
John Larrabee, services
10 00
C. W. Polk, cloth
1 16
Addison Lane, expense
10 25
J. P. Deering, lumber
48
J. D. Wilde, services as Commissioner
50 00
W. I. Ellis,
50 00
J. R. Simonds,
50 00
$1,920 15
51 13
67
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS.
Maintenance account brought forward . $1,920 15 1877. INTEREST ACCOUNT.
April 1, Coupons on $50,000 bonds, . .. $1,500 00
July 1, “ 100,000 60 . 3,000 00 .
Oct. 1, 66 “ 50,000
1,500 00
1878.
Jan. 1,
" 100,000 66
: . 3,000 00
9,000 00
$10,920 15
RECEIPTS.
Received from town for use of water . . $2,000 00
66
" maintenance . 1,500 00
" of Malden, for care of
gate-house and repairs 266 13
66
" Joint Water Boards
25 00
.
66 for service pipe
429 21
" stock sold
33 85
66 " notices .
60
" shutting off (penalty)
2 00
on account of water rates, 1877 . 4,595 71
66 66
1878 . 3,636,92
Total
-$12,489 42
Expended as shown
. 10,920 15
To credit of sinking fund . . $1,569 27 Of this amount there has been expended for construction 1,471 12
Balance in hands of Treasurer .
$98 15 Furniture, stock and tools on hand, Jan. 1, 1878 :-
Office furniture .
$200 00
Tools of all kinds
250 00
Stock
374 32
$824 32
.
.
J. D. WILDE, Treasurer, in account with MALDEN, MELROSE, AND MEDFORD WATER BOARDS.
1877.
DR.
1877.
CR.
Feb. 7. Cash paid J. C. Burdakin
·
Stone, Huse & Co.
1 25
Mar. 13.
" Samuel Robinson
5 00
June 5.
$6 Melrose Water Board
25 00
Nov. 23.
Chas. E. Parsons
80 00
Dec. 27.
66
E. O. Holmes
·
.
27.
D. S. Richardson
200 00
·
27.
E. R. Hoar
·
27.
Artemus Barrett
150 00
27.
B. F. Hayes, services
656 50
27.
B. F. Hayes, costs
·
27.
Balance of costs in establishing high-water mark .
130 96
1878. Jan. 12.
Cash paid A. F. & N. N. Sargent
12 00
" Stamps and stationery
2 14
Balance paid Town of Malden . 16
Medford
200 00
-
·
·
750 00
" 26.
" Medford
·
·
·
26.
66 " Malden
·
750 00
26.
" Melrose
100 00
"E & O. excepted."
Respectfully submitted,
J. D. WILDE, Treasurer M., M. & M. Water Boards.
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS.
68
$2,528 93
$2,528 93
Feb.
Balance on hand
·
$178 93
$6 00
Dec. 24.
Town of Melrose
750 00
35 00
650 00
175 08
200 00
JANUARY 18, 1878.
69
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT.
MELROSE WATER COMMISSIONERS :
Gentlemen,-I herewith submit to you the following report for the year ending March 1, 1878 :-
16-INCH MAIN.
In January of this year a leak was discovered in the main pipe on Wyoming avenue, near Ravine road. The flow of water caused considerable trouble in digging down to the pipe. The leak was found to be in two joints ; fortunately both were on top of the pipe, so that by carefully corking them with thin sheet lead they were stopped without shutting off the water
STREET MAINS.
The Street Mains have not been extended since last report. Twelve leaks have occurred, all of which have been repaired at a small expense.
THE POND.
As in years past the Pond has afforded an abundant supply of water of the same excellent quality. It will be seen by the follow- ing record that the water was at high-water mark and overflowing at the waste way March 15th. The lowest point reached was Sept. 30, when it was thirty-three inches below high-water mark.
1
70
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS.
RECORD.
Rise and Fall of the Pond in 1877-78.
1877.
Feb. 28.
The Pond was 15 inches below high-water mark.
March 10. 4} inches below high-water mark.
15. At high-water mark and continued full until June 1st.
June
3. 1 inch below high-water.
66
20. 3 inches " 66 66
66
30. 7
July 10. 10
66 66
.
66 20. 13
66 30. 15 20
30. 21 66
25 66 66 Sept. 10. 20. 28 66 66 30. 33 66
Oct. 10.
28
66
60
66
66
66
30.
30
66
66
66 . Nov. 10. 26 66 66 20 25
66
30. 12
66
66
66
66
66
Dec. 10. 7
20.
63
66
30.
7
66
1878.
Jan.
10. 4
15. Pond full and running over, and continues running over at the present time, Feb. 28.
HYDRANTS,
One new hydrant has been placed on Porter street, opposite School street, and another moved from Franklin to Vinton street. Two have been supplied with new valves ; all have been examined, painted and oiled, and are now in good condition. Whole number of hydrants at present date, eighty-one.
SERVICE PIPE.
Number of new services added the past year, thirty-two.
66
Aug. 10. 20. 19
66
66
66
The lowest point.
66
20. 29
66
66
66
71
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS.
Amount of pipe laid since last report-
From main pipe to street line
910 ft.
street line to cellar line
. 1,116 "
2,026 ft.
There has also been laid-
14 inch enamelled pipe
387 ft.
1
66 66 66
.
· 638 “
1,025 ft.
Total .
3,051 ft.
STOCK AND TOOLS.
Estimated value of stock on hand
$374 32
Tools of all kinds
250 00
.
$624 32
Respectfully submitted.
ADDISON LANE, . Superintendent.
MELROSE, Feb. 28, 1878.
.
72
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS.
TOTAL AMOUNT AND LOCATION OF DISTRIBUTION PIPES TO THE PRESENT TIME.
STREETS.
FEET OF. PIPE.
Hydrants.
6-inch.
4-inch.
2-inch.
Eleventh
Third
Main .
3784
478
8
2
Green
2700
3
1
Franklin
31553
436
5
2
1
Trenton
1233
1331₺
1
3
2
Melrose
23393
1
1
Ashland
1475
2
Tremont
3180
2
4
Perkins
236
Baxter
484
1
1
Florence
1340₺
1
3
Maple and Poplar
2265₺
2
1
4
Youle
9983
342
1
1
Otis
780
1
1
Linden Place
898₺
2
Laurel
1142
193
2
2
1
2
Herbert
220
1582
1
Waverley Place
6903
1
1
3
5
1
Vine
691
1
Essex
1437
4
2
Willow
Short and Main
470₺
723
1
1
1
Porter
2514}
3
1
School
495
Albion
222
Pleasant.
.
1125
Winter
241
1
Charles
335
1
.
.
1
287
255
4
1
2
Greenwood
324
Emerson
3977
5
Oakland
1161
286
457
Hurd
768
Berwick
12263
1
West Grove
2873
Foster
14702
1
Myrtle and Lake Avenue
3170
3
Winthrop
695}
663
Reading Hill
1
1
1
Vinton .
3483₺
4-inch.
2-inch.
GATES.
6-inch.
1
1
Cedar Park .
Cottage
73
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS.
TOTAL AMOUNT AND LOCATION OF DISTRIBUTION PIPES TO THE PRESENT TIME. - (Continued.)
STREETS.
FEET OF PIPE.
GATES.
6-inch.
4-inch.
2-inch.
6-inch.
4-inch.
2-inch.
Bellevue Avenue
100
.
2
2
Stevens Place
216
Lebanon
2750
2
1
Grove
1366
1
Walnut
187₺
Lynde and Linwood
2960
3
1
Summer
701
2
1
East Wyoming Avenue
1076
West
66
Chestnut .
572
Mt. Vernon
394
Auburn
372
Winthrop Place
520
Belmont
376
High .
Prospect
1026
1
1
Essex and L Avenue
1082
Elm
Howard
272
550
3
2
East
534
Washington
760
2
1
1
Seventh
288
Wastes 27 x 24
51
80 Plugs
80
East Grove Street .
1865
16
2
1
East Emerson Street
743₺
10
1
Totals
17,115
60,217
7,577
81
11
63
6
1
1
1
1
1
Avon
422
1
1057
1
1
1
Upham and Dell
3488
Irving .
387
Emerson Place
251
1
10
Upham
3283
.
1
1
3
376
Hydrants.
1
74
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS.
WATER RATES.
DWELLING-HOUSES.
Per Year.
Occupied by one family, for the first faucet
$6 00
For each additional faucet to be used by the same family, 2 00
When a house is occupied by more than one family and less than four, one faucet only being used by all, for each family 5 00
When a house is occupied by four or more families and but one faucet is used for all, for each family 4 00
Where a house is occupied by more than one family, the highest rates will be charged for each family having water carried into their part of the house.
For the first water-closet 5 00
For each additional water-closet 3 00
For hopper water-closet
8 00
For first bath-tub .
5 00
For each additional bath-tub .
3 00
Provided that no private house shall pay more than $25 per year.
BOARDING-HOUSES.
For the first faucet . $10 00
For each additional faucet
.
2 00
For water-closet or bath-tub when used for boarders · 10 00
Other charges as above.
Where two faucets are used, one for hot and one for cold water, both emptying into one vessel, but one charge will be made for both.
STORES.
Occupied as office, shop, or similar purpose .
$6 00 to 20 00 For each additional faucet 2 50
.
For water-closet or urinal · 6 00
1
75
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS.
· STABLES.
For first horse
$5 00
For each additional horse
3 00
For first cow
2 00
For each additional cow,
1 00
FOR LIVERY, CLUB, AND BOARDING STABLES.
For first horse
$5 00
For each additional horse 3 00
The above includes water for washing carriages.
Where hose is used, $5 additional.
TRUCK AND CART STABLES.
For first horse
$5 00
For each additional horse, 2 00
The above includes water for washing carriages.
HOSE.
For sprinkling streets, washing windows, and similar uses, $3 00 When several desire to use the same hydrant for water- ing streets or watering gardens, see Superintendent.
HOTELS.
For each bed for boarders and lodgers, . $3 00
BATHS.
For public baths, and for each bath in any hotel $10 00
For water-closet in public bath-houses 10 00 ·
STEAM-ENGINES.
For each stationary steam-engine working not over twelve
hours a day, for each horse-power, $6 00
BUILDING PURPOSES.
For every cask of lime or cement used
$0 05
76
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS.
ORNAMENTAL FOUNTAINS.
Ordinarily used three hours a day for a period of not more than four months a year.
For a jet of one-sixteenth of an inch $3 00
For a jet of one-eighth of an inch . 5 00
For a jet of one-quarter of an inch 8 00
To be cut off at the discretion of the Superintendent.
MANUFACTORIES.
And for all purposes not enumerated in the foregoing rates, special contract to be made with the Water Board.
This schedule of prices was printed in a circular and distributed among the citizens, with this additional note : -
All parties wishing Spot Pond water introduced into their build- ings will be required to sign an application for the same; a book for that purpose may be found at the Town Clerk's office.
JOSEPH D. WILDE, r W. IRVING ELLIS,
J. R. SIMONDS,
Water Commissioners.
SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TRUSTEES
OF THE
MELROSE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
REPORT.
The Trustees of the Public Library respectfully present their Seventh Annual Report.
The year has been one of unusual activity in this department, doubtless occasioned to some extent by the continued dulness of trade, and consequent increase of leisure time for reading.
We may congratulate ourselves upon this tendency of the people to increase the fund of their information, and in view of the lim- ited number of volumes as compared with the increase of patron- age, we may also congratulate the town upon the wisdom shown in establishing the Library.
It cannot fail to be of marked advantage to its patrons even if we conclude, without special thought, that a majority of readers seek for light literature. The whole quantity included under that term cannot possibly supply the demand, and we are forced to the conclusion upon examination, that our readers comprise, in good part, those seeking courses of reading that will be of durable ser- vice, and those that desire the better class of literature.
The Trustees have endeavored to conserve the interests of the town in their selections, and, though they have purchased many vol- umes exclusively for the young, they have intended by their selections from this class of literature, to instill a love for something better, and have aimed at the exclusion of books that would dwarf the minds, or injure the morals of any of our readers.
In all large collections there are books, considered indispensable, the true worth of which can be best appreciated only by mature minds ; to the young their true character cannot be explained ; and to insure this class from the injury which may result from in- discriminate reading, is a matter deserving of attention.
We are persuaded that much which has been said against free libraries is said in ignorance of the actual statistics of the circula- tion of good literature in intelligent communities. Judgment is commonly rendered from the statistics of cities where every novel,
80
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
good, bad or indifferent, finds a place upon the shelves in order to make the library complete. We have no such aim, and are not warranted in spending our small appropriation without discrimina- ting, to some extent, in favor of books of permanent value.
In order to make our library a blessing to the homes of Melrose, there must be much discrimination shown by the readers. If it were not for the fact that we feel, morally, under bonds not to increase the number of societies and organiza- tions in Melrose, we would encourage the formation of a Reading Club, such as was organized in Boston, a year or more ago. Put in shape for Melrose, the plan might be as follows : A number of gentlemen and ladies meet at the library and agree to take a specified course in English Literature, or a course in His- tory and Science combined. Lists of the books most serviceable for information would cheerfully be furnished to applicants and the Secretary of the Society would keep a copy of the lists for refer- ence. Once a year only, in the fall, a full meeting would be held, notes compared, and the results of the year's reading ascertained and discussed. New lists would then be handed in for another year's reading, compared and left in the hands of the Secretary.
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.