USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Melrose > City of Melrose annual report 1879-1884 > Part 19
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Measurers of Wood and Bark, Weighers of Hay and Coal. SETH E. BENSON. JAMES D. LITTLEFIELD.
Surveyor of Lumber. HENRY A. LEONARD.
Lock-up Keeper. SAMUEL L. WALTON.
Committee on Cemeteries.
GEORGE NEWHALL. DANIEL RUSSELL. JOHN LARRABEE.
Fence Viewers.
DEXTER PRATT. GEORGE P. FULLER.
Field Drivers.
OTIS HOWARD. FRANK GIBBONS. HENRY B. NEWHALL. W. TRUMAN HOWARD.
Sealer of Weights and Measures. ANSEL B. PIERCE.
Police Officers.
A. B. PIERCE. SAMUEL L. WALTON.
H. B. NEWHALL.
CHARLES T. STEVENS.
J. D. LITTLEFIELD. HENRY ROBINSON.
JAMES E. SPEAR. A. J. BODGE.
JOSEPH HOLBROOK. A. WILBUR LYNDE.
AMMI C. CHICK. WILLIAM D. BARTLETT.
CONTENTS.
Pages.
REPORT OF SELECTMEN
REPORT OF THE TOWN CLERK-Proceedings of Town Meetings
Extracts from Records
24
Statistics
29
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Expenses of Public Schools
School Contingent .
Contingent Expenses
.
33 33 35 38 40
Support of Poor
.
Fire Department
43 45
Town Hall
Street Lights
Additional Street Lamps
Wyoming Cemetery
Interest
.
48 48 49
State Aid
50
Melrose Water Fund
51
Drainage, Bridges, and Culverts
51
Armory Rent
52
Sidewalks
52
Crossings and Gutters
53
Military Aid
53
Highways
54
Roller and Scraper
55
First Street
. 55
Hearse
55
Public Library
.
55
46 47 47
Police and Night Watchmen
Town Officers' Salaries
7
12
6
CONTENTS.
REPORT OF THE TOWN TREASURER
56
Statement of the Town Debt
56
Treasurer's Account
58
AUDITORS' REPORT
. 60
REPORT OF FIRE ENGINEERS
61
ASSESSORS' REPORT
62
COLLECTORS' REPORTS
66
REPORT OF WATER COMMISSIONERS
68 72
Report of Superintendent
Water Rates 81 83
REPORT OF THE WATER LOAN SINKING FUND COMMISSIONERS, .
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY TRUSTEES Treasurer's Statement
85
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
91
School Statistics
107
School Regulations
· 109
89
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN.
In accordance with custom, we herewith submit our annual report for the financial year ending December 31st, 1882.
We are able to report balances to the credit of the different appropriations, with the exception of the water account, which has been exceeded by reason of an increased demand for the extension of main and supply pipes, as will more fully appear in the report of the Commissioners.
THE POOR.
In a growing town like our own, not only those who are well provided with this world's goods, are induced by its prosperity to settle, but those who are in search of the best market for their labor, are attracted to it also.
There was an unusual demand for the latter class, from the early spring to the late fall months, when most of the work became completed, and as there were no other departments of industry here to make a corresponding call upon them for their labor during the winter months, the supply became greater than the demand, and many were obliged to wait for better times, until they used up the small amounts they had laid by.
This, taken in connection with the enhanced cost of nearly every necessary of life, has compelled such to apply for aid.
There is an unusual number here, of those who are thus receiv- ing aid, by order of the Boards of the respective places to which the applicants belong. The recurrence of every pinching winter ought to bring its lesson of warning to the improvident, and to those who squander their earnings in the busy season, to prompt them to take more of the fight of winter into the summer months, when by sacrifice and self-denial, they may successfully provide against it, as they would against any other impending danger. The prudent man finds that he makes the best fight in good times. rather than take it at a two-fold pressure in mid-winter, when there
8
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN.
is nothing to do, and so in summer he lays in store what will suffice.
We applaud the working man who strives with his might to keep himself and his family from becoming a burden upon others, who spurns everything which tends to break down his manly spirit, sternly rejecting every proffered aid which he feels would, in the least, weaken his reliance upon his own arm. He is always in training, and ready for hard times, though it involves a severer test of manhood than can be known or understood by him who has a more middling start in life,
We are glad to note, that the expenses of the department of Temporary Aid, has decreased in proportion to the abundance of employment, which all have had who were able to work, and which shows that our poor are not generally disposed to be indolent. This sum is less, as compared with that of the previous year, by $1,645.28, which comes within our own limits, while in the depart- ment of outside relief, which includes the insane, the truants by the State, and all who are aided by other towns, and in hospitals for the sick, the expense has been less than the pre- vious year, only $6.26. In groceries, the amount saved has been $671.57 ; fuel, $134.05 ; medical attendance, $162.60; nursing, $121.25 ; rents, $254.60 ; board and clothing $281.80. The whole number of those who have received more or less aid during the year, has been one hundred and six. Of this number twelve have received full support, and eighty-one have been aided temporarily. There are nine in the hospitals for the insane, three of whom reimburse the town, one has wholly, and two in part, the balance remaining in the assets to be collected. Of those temporarily aided, fifty-two have their settlements in this town. The other twenty-nine belong either on the State, or to other towns and cities who have reimbursed this town, or the bills are now due. There have been forty-seven tramps lodged in the lockup for the year. With the prospect that is held out for business, and for the growth of our town, another season, it may be reasonably pre- dicted, that the economy of this department may be so regulated, as to bring the expense within that of the year just closed. A full report of receipts and expenditures may be found elsewhere, as indicated in page of contents.
9
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN.
CROSSINGS AND GUTTERS.
Concrete gutters were made on Upham Street, and crossings have been laid across the following streets : Myrtle and Essex, Dell Avenue, Emerson and Tremont, Greenwood, Youle, Oakland, and Poplar.
DRAINAGE, ETC.
The drains, bridges, and culverts throughout the town are in good condition. We are of the opinion that the unexpended balance belonging to this department will be all that will be required for the ensuing year.
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Is so well managed that we can suggest no improvement. Atten- tion is called to the report of the Engineers.
HIGHWAYS.
Much time and personal attention has been given to this depart- ment by Mr. Joseph F. Boyd. The labor has been performed under the supervision of James Marshall. Early in the season, Myrtle Street was regraded from Foster to Grove Street. Main Street, at the Highlands, was also much improved. Proper atten- tion has been given to the other streets of the town, and repairs made where needed.
The county commissioners have relocated the line of Washington Street, widening and straightening the same near the Malden line. Hon. E. S. Converse, of Malden, has contributed liberally to the improvement of the street and grounds in that vicinity.
ROLLER AND SCRAPER.
In the construction of hard, smooth roads, a heavy roller is indispensable. In accordance with your vote, we purchased a roller, made of iron, which weighs thirty-two hundred pounds. We also purchased a Eureka Road Machine, which has proved it self an economical and efficient assistant in repairing the high ways. The balance of the appropriation was expended for snow ploughs, which were much needed.
10
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN.
SIDEWALKS.
The balance remaining of the appropriation for sidewalks would have been spent for concreting the walks about the Town Hall could we have ascertained earlier that the same would not be required elsewhere. We would recommend the appropriation of this sum for that purpose.
SHADE TREES.
The Melrose Town Improvement Association, during the year, has planted a large number of shade trees on our principal streets. This society has contributed much to the adornment and improvement of our village, in whose increasing beauty and attract- iveness every citizen takes a just pride.
SUITS.
As stated in our last Report, the claim of M. G. Cochran for damages was considered unjust, and was therefore contested. The jury returned a verdict against the town. The amount of judgment has been paid from the contingent appropriation.
HEALTH.
No serious epidemic or contagious disease has come among us during the year. Local nuisances which are too apt to be thought- lessly overlooked have, as usual, required our attention.
For the prevention and restriction of disease, we have adopted such measures as are of recognized efficacy.
The following Regulations, from the General Statutes, chap. 26, sec. 5, were adopted by the Board, December 13, 1882, and are here published for the information of all citizens : -
The Board shall make such regulations as it judges necessary for the public health and safety. Whoever violates such regulations shall forfeit a sum not exceeding One Hundred Dollars.
Whereas the diseases designated as small pox, scarlet fever, diptheria and typhus fever are contagious and dangerous to the public health, and have been and may easily be contracted at funerals, from dead bodies, or apart- ments which have been infected by such diseases. It it therefore
11
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN.
Ordered, that from and after this date no public funerals shall be held over the remains of any person having died from small pox, scarlet fever, diphtheria or typhus fever, without the written permit of the Board of Health, and under such regulations as shall effectually prevent the spread of either of said diseases.
Ordered further that the remains of persons dying of either of said diseases shall be at once placed in a tight or sealed coffin and shall not thereafter be exposed to view, or disturbed, except for burial.
Ordered, that any householder in whose dwelling a case of small pox, scarlet fever, diphtheria or typhus fever may occur, shall notify the Board of Health, within twenty-four hours of its occurrence. Any physician who may be called to any of the above-named cases, will report the same at once to the Board of Health.
CONCLUSION.
Our population is steadily increasing ; the large manufacturing enterprise recently established in town will aid in this direction, increasing also our material wealth.
A large number of dwellings have been erected during the year ; more are in process of construction ; an active demand exists for homes for people in moderate circumstances. We welcome the stranger within our borders, and point to our public schools, churches, water-works, town hall, public library, concrete walks and crossings, streets, natural scenery, etc. ; these are for all- enjoyed alike by rich and poor. The finances of the town are in excellent condition.
Respectfully submitted,
DANIEL NORTON, JR. HENRY G. FIELDS. JOSEPH F. BOYD.
REPORT OF THE TOWN CLERK.
PROCEEDINGS OF TOWN MEETINGS.
ANNUAL MEETING, MARCH 6, 1882. 12 M.
ARTICLE 1 OF THE WARRANT. To choose a Moderator. Levi S. Gould unanimously chosen.
ART. 2. To bring in votes for Selectmen, Clerk, Treasurer, Collector, Assessors, and other officers ; votes for School Com- mittee to be on a separate ballot.
Voted, That the officers elected by ballot this day, shall consist of three Selectmen, who shall also be Overseers of the Poor and Highway Surveyors, one Clerk, one Treasurer, one Tax Collector, three Assessors, one Water Commissioner for three years, one Water Loan Sinking Fund Commissioner for three years, five Library Trustees, three Auditors, two Constables, and two School Committee for three years, and one for one year.
Voted, That the polls be closed at 5.15 P. M. That when this meeting adjourns it be to 7.30 o'clock this evening, and that no other article be taken up for the transaction of town business until that time.
OFFICERS ELECTED.
Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor, and Highway Surveyors - Daniel Norton, Jr., Henry G. Fields, Joseph F. Boyd. Town Clerk - John Larrabee. Town Treasurer - George Newhall. Collector of Taxes- Jonathan C. Howes. Assessors - George C. Stantial, James C. Currier, Dexter Pratt. Water Commissioner for Three Years - W. Irving Ellis. Water Loan Sinking Fund Commissioner for Three Years - John W. Farwell. Auditors- John R. Norton, Frank E. Orcutt, Ernest Mendum. Constables- Ansel B. Pierce, Joseph Holbrook. Trustees of the Public Library - Frederic Kidder, Elbridge H. Goss, Charles C. Barry, Hannah Lynde, Addie A. Nichols. School Committee - Julius S. Clark, Arethusa K. Miller, for Three Years ; Martha A. Adams, for One Year.
13
REPORT OF THE TOWN CLERK.
ADJOURNED MEETING, MARCH 6, 1882. 7.30 P. M.
ART. 3. To bring in their votes in answer to the question, " Shall license be granted for the sale of intoxicating liquors in this town ?" Form of ballots ; to be " YES " or " No."
Votes cast, "YES," nine. "No," one hundred and twenty- five.
ART. 4. To choose all necessary Town officers.
OFFICERS ELECTED.
Measurers of Wood and Bark, Weighers of Hay and Coal- Seth E. Benson, James D. Littlefield. Surveyor of Lumber - Henry A. Leonard. Committee on Cemeteries - George Newhall, Daniel Russell, John Larrabee. Field Drivers - Otis Howard, H. B. Newhall, Frank Gibbons, Samuel Lear, W. Truman Howard. Fence Viewers - Dexter Pratt, George P. Fuller. Sealer of Weights and Measures -A. B. Pierce.
ART. 5. To authorize the Town Treasurer to borrow money for the purpose of meeting the demands of the Town, with the approval of the Selectmen.
Voted, unanimously, That the Town Treasurer be authorized to borrow money for the purpose of meeting the demands of the Town, with the approval of the Selectmen.
ART. 6. To raise money for Schools.
Voted, That the sum of thirteen thousand five hundred dollars be raised for the support of the schools. .
ART. 7. To raise money for school contingent expenses.
Voted, To raise seventeen hundred dollars for school contingent expenses.
ART. 8. To raise money for highways.
Voted, To raise three thousand five hundred dollars for the highways.
ART. 9. To raise money for sidewalks.
Voted, To raise one thousand dollars for sidewalks ; said sum to be expended for concrete walks, under direction of the Select- men, according to provisions of laws accepted by the Town, relat- ing to sidewalks, by which abuttors pay one-half the expense, and that the Selectmen be instructed to connect the concrete walks already laid, so far as the interests of the Town will in their judg-
14
REPORT OF THE TOWN CLERK.
ment be best subserved by their doing so, and assess the abuttors therefor, if necessary.
ART. 10. To raise money for crossings and gutters.
Voted, To raise five hundred dollars for concrete crossings and gutters.
ART. 11. To raise money for the support of the poor.
Voted, To raise four thousand five hundred dollars for the sup- port of the poor.
ART. 12. To raise money for the fire department.
Voted, To raise two thousand dollars for the expenses of the fire department.
ART. 13. To raise money for lighting and care of street lamps.
Voted, To raise one thousand dollars for the lighting and care of street lamps, including also keeping the same in repair.
ART. 14. To raise money for additional street lamps.
Voted, To raise one hundred dollars for the purchase of five additional street lamps.
ART. 15. To raise money to pay Watchmen and Policemen Voted, To raise one thousand dollars to pay Police and Night Watchmen.
ART. 16. To raise money for Contingent Expenses.
Voted, To raise nine hundred dollars for contingent expenses.
ART. 17. To raise money to pay interest on the Town debt.
Voted, To raise six thousand two hundred dollars for interest on the Town debt.
ART. 18. To raise money for the reduction of the Town debt.
Voted, To raise two thousand and fifty-seven dollars and fifty- five cents, for the reduction of the Town debt.
Voted, That the sum of two thousand nine hundred and forty- two dollars and forty-five cents received during the past year, as Bank and Corporation Tax, be appropriated for the same purpose.
ART. 19. To raise money for the Public Library.
Voted, To raise and appropriate five hundred dollars and the dog tax, for the support of the Public Library.
ART. 20. To raise money for water, maintenance and use of same.
Voted, To raise for the use of water, hydrants, etc., two thou- sand dollars ; for maintenance, fifteen hundred dollars.
15
REPORT OF THE TOWN CLERK.
ART. 21. To raise money for salaries of Town officers, and fix the compensation of all officers and committees elected or ap- pointed by the Town.
Voted, That the Town Officers be paid the same salaries as last year, viz. :-
Selectmen, who shall also be Overseers of the Poor and Sur- veyors of Highways, $200 each ; Chairman of Overseers of Poor, $50 additional. Town Clerk, $175. Town Treasurer, $500. Assessors, $150 each. Auditors, $15 each. Water Commission- ers, $50 each. School Committee, $50 each; Chairman of the Committee, $25 additional. Cemetery Committee, $25 each. Sealer of Weights and Measures, $10.
Voted, That the Collector be paid as compensation for his ser- vices for collecting resident, poll, and property taxes, and non- resident property taxes, one-half of one per cent., and on simple poll taxes, five per cent. on the amount collected and paid to the Treasurer.
Voted, To raise two thousand two hundred and fifty dollars for the purpose of paying salaries.
ART. 22. To raise money for Drainage, Bridges, and Culverts.
Voted, To raise five hundred dollars for drainage, bridges, and culverts.
ART. 23. To raise money for deficiencies in accounts for the past year, and for all other necessary expenses for the ensuing year.
Voted, To raise for deficiencies the following sums :- Military Aid, 1880 and 1881, $795.63 ; Town Hall, $470.57; Water (cost of construction, 1881) $1,150.98 ; Poor Fund, $1.624.08 ; total, $4,041.26.
ART. 24. To determine the method by which the taxes for the year shall be collected.
Voted, That all taxes be made payable on or before October 1, 1882, and that interest be added upon all taxes remaining unpaid after that date, at the rate of six per centum per annum. That all property on which the taxes remain unpaid on June 1, 1883, be sold by the Collector, in accordance with the provisions of law.
ART. 25. To see if the Town will perfect the drainage of Otis Street, by a continuation of the drain pipe which runs through the
16
REPORT OF THE TOWN CLERK.
premises of D. L. Taylor, or by any other plan which may be deemed advisable, and raise money for the same, on petition of R. F. Maxwell and others.
Voted, That the Selectmen take such action as they shall deem right for the proper drainage of Otis Street, and that eight hun- dred dollars be raised for that purpose.
ART. 26. To see if the Town will accept and adopt a design for a Town Seal.
Voted, That Mr. T. C. Fielding, Rev. A. G. Bale, A. G. Whit- man, William Bogle, and E. H. Goss be a committee to consider the matter of providing a design for a Town Seal.
ART. 27. To see if the Town will anthorize their Selectmen to purchase a heavy roller and an improved road scraper, and raise money for the same.
Voted, To raise five hundred dollars for the purchase of an improved road scraper and a heavy roller.
ART. 28. To see if the Town will authorize their Selectmen to petition the County Commissioners to widen and straighten Wash- ington Street, near Malden line.
Voted, That the Selectmen be authorized to take all necessary action to secure the alteration of Washington Street, near the Mal- den line, in accordance with a plan now prepared by E. S. Con- verse, or otherwise, as they may deem most expedient.
ART. 29. To hear and act on the reports of committees, and for the transaction of any other business which may legally come before this meeting.
The committee appointed to settle with A. B. Pierce, Collector of Taxes for 1877, submitted their final report.
Voted to accept.
Voted, That the Board of Assessors be a committee to settle with the Collector of Taxes for the year 1880.
Voted, That the unexpended balances from last year be added to the appropriations for this year and credited to the several de- partments.
The committee appointed to confer with the School Committee upon the matter of providing additional school accommodations submitted their report.
Voted, To accept the same, and that the Selectmen and School
17
REPORT OF THE TOWN CLERK.
Committee be a committee to select one or more pieces of land, make arrangements for the purchase, bond the same if necessary, and report at the next Town meeting.
Voted, That a committee of three be appointed to consider the subject of the election of a Superintendent of the Public Schools, and report at the next Town meeting.
Committee appointed - F. S. Hesseltine, Royal P. Barry, Ann M. Kunhardt.
The committee appointed to confer with Messrs. Littlefield and McIntyre reported. Report accepted ; committee discharged.
Voted, That a committee of five, consisting of the Chief Engin- eer, one other Engineer of the Fire Department, the Chairman of of the Board of Selectmen, and two other citizens, be appointed to take into consideration the purchase of a steam fire engine, and report at the next Town meeting.
Committee appointed - F. E. Howe, J. R. Simonds, Daniel Norton, Jr., Nathl. P. Jones, Nathan D. Blake.
Report on Guide Boards accepted.
Voted, To adjourn sine die.
APPROPRIATIONS, 1882.
March 6.
Schools, support of .
$13,500 00
School contingent expenses
1,700 00
Highways
3,500 00
Crossings and gutters
500 00
Sidewalks
1,000 00
Poor, support of
4,500 00
Fire Department
2,000 00
Street Lights .
1,000 00
Additional Street Lamps .
100 00
Police and Night Watchmen
1,000 00
Contingent expenses
900 00
Interest on Town Debt
6,200 00
Reduction of 6 6
2,057 55
Public Library ·
Dog Tax and 500 00
2,000 00
Salaries, Town Officers
2,250 00
500 00
Drainage, Bridges, and Culverts Deficiencies in Accounts
4,041 26
Drainage of Otis Street
800 00
Roller and Seraper
500 00
$50,048 81
Water, use of maintenance .
1,500 00
18
REPORT OF THE TOWN CLERK.
September 25.
Land for School House, Highlands . $1,000 00 66 66 Corner Grove and
Myrtle Streets . 2,500 00
School Building, cor. Grove and Myrtle Sts. 6,500 00 November 15.
Enforcement Liquor Laws
300 00
First Street
300 00
Perkins "
100 00
Leeds “
150 00
December 5.
School Building and Grounds, Cor. Myrtle
and Grove Streets 2,000 00
MEETING, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1882, 7.30 P. M. ,
ARTICLE 1. To choose a Moderator. Levi S. Gould unani- mously chosen.
ART. 2. To hear and act upon the report of the Committee appointed to select one or more pieces of land for school buildings. Report accepted.
Voted, That the Town Treasurer be authorized to borrow one thousand dollars for the purchase of a lot of land, as a site for a school house, in that portion of the town known as the Highlands.
Voted, That the Town Treasurer be authorized to borrow the sum of two thousand five hundred dollars, for the purchase of a lot of land, and the filling and grading of the same, as a site for a school house, at the N. E. corner of Myrtle and Grove Streets.
ART. 3. To see if the Town will build a school house, and authorize their Treasurer to borrow money to pay for the same.
Voted, That the Town Treasurer be authorized to borrow the sum of six thousand five hundred dollars, for the erection of a school house on lot of land at the N. E. corner of Myrtle and Grove Streets.
Voted. That Daniel Norton, Jr., Julius S. Clark, W. Irving Ellis, John O. Norris, and Dexter Pratt be a building committee to erect said school house.
ART. 4. To see if the Town will authorize the Selectmen to enforce the laws which regulate the sale of intoxicating liquors,
REPORT OF THE TOWN CLERK. 19
and appropriate or borrow money to pay the expense of the same.
Voted, That this article be laid over until the November meeting.
ART. 5. To see if the Town will accept streets, as laid out by the Selectmen over Home Association Lands (so-called), and bor- row money for the building of the same. Indefinitely postponed.
ART. 6. To see if the Town will accept a street as laid out by the Selectmen, leading from Main Street, easterly, from the junc- tion of Main and Foster Streets to Lebanon Street, and borrow money for the building of the same.
Voted, that the street as laid out be accepted.
Voted. To adjourn sine die.
MEETING, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7 1882, 7 A. M.
ARTICLE 1. To bring in their votes to the Selectmen for a Representative in the Forty-eighth Congress from the Sixth Con- gressional District, and for State and County Officers.
Polls were closed at 4.45 P. M.
Vote, as declared in open Town meeting, was as follows :
For Governor.
Robert R. Bishop of Newton
Votes. 442
Benjamin F. Butler of Lowell
305
Charles Almy of New Bedford
9
John Robson of Melrose .
1
For Lieutenant-Governor.
Oliver Ames of Easton 494
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