USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Melrose > City of Melrose annual report 1893-1895 > Part 8
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ENGINEERS' REPORT.
and contents, $2,217; insurance paid upon buildings and contents, $2,217; loss, partial; cause, incendiary.
Dec. I, box 54; house on Chipman avenue, owned by R. D. McFarland; occupied by Mrs. Freeman; value of build- ing and contents. $3,500; insurance upon building and con- tents, $2,500; loss upon building and contents, $50; insur- ance paid upon building and contents, $50; loss, partial; cause, defective chimney.
Dec. 4, box 43; building on Ingalls place; occupied by A. W. Chesterton; no loss.
Dec. 4, box 43; building on Main street, owned by heirs of Benj. Upham; occupied by Charles Woodward; value of buildings and contents, $1,200; insurance upon buildings and contents, $1,200: loss upon buildings and contents, $900; insurance paid upon buildings and contents, $825; loss partial; cause, unknown.
Dec. 20, box 59; house on Orris street, owned by Bartlett & Everett; occupied by H. S. Patten; value of building and contents, $3,500; insurance upon building and contents, $3,500; loss upon building and contents, $890; insurance paid upon building and contents, $890; loss partial; cause, overturned lamp.
164
ENGINEERS' REPORT.
OFFICERS AND MEMBERS.
ENGINEERS.
A. Wilbur Lynde, Chief. Albon W. Parker, Ist Asst. Samuel Lear, 2d Asst.
FIRE ALARM.
J. M. Holbrook, Superintendent. G. E. Burnham, Assistant.
STEAMER CO. NO. I.
Captain, J. M. Holbrook, Grocer, 27 First st.
Lieutenant, J. W. Emerson, Rubber Worker, 51 Dell ave.
Clerk, A. B. Smith, Carpenter, 21 Essex st.
Hoseman, T. J. Hawkes, Barber, 25 Russell st.
T. B. Stantial, Carpenter, 15 Winthrop st.
A. L. Upham, Laborer, 253 First st.
66 G. E. Burnham, Carpenter, 41 Winthrop st.
C. F. Woodward, Civil Engineer, 39 Upham st.
W. C. Sargeant, Fire Supplies, 362 Washington st.
6. D. H. Woodward, Carpenter, 39 Upham st.
66 C. N. Shute, Clerk, 170 Foster st.
Engineman, J. H. Edwards, Engineer, 31 Waverly place. Stoker, C. F. Edwards, Machinist, 612 Main st.
PERMANENT MEN.
W. S. Armstrong, Driver, at Station. D. T. Stockwell,
165
ENGINEERS' REPORT.
Schedule of Property belonging to the Town in care of Steamer Company No. I.
One Clapp & Jones steam fire-engine, built in 1890; one I-horse hose wagon, built by Abbot & Downing, in 1892; one set double swinging harness, with spiders for hanging the same; one single swinging harness, with spider for same; two iron wheel-guards, one leather guard for suction hose, two spanners for suction, one gong, one valve wrench, two set hose spanners, two wheel wrenches, two socket wrenches, one monkey-wrench, two stuffing-box wrenches, one smoke cap, one hammer, two oil cans, one poker, one shovel, one coupling 4 in. to 21/2 in., two play pipes and rods, six lanterns, 20 feet suction hose, one strainer, two whips, 6 feet 34-hose and nozzle, three extra nozzles, one mud mat, three street blankets, one leather cover for the same, one set lead bars, one hydrant wrench, three collar pads, three 50-lb. weights, six pulleys, 80 feet rope, three bridles, one extra glass gauge, two pair mittens, two play pipes, one Haley nozzle, one Callahan nozzle, two chemical extinguishers and charges for the same, one axe, one bar, one plaster hook, ten rubber coats, seven pair mittens, 20 feet rope, three hydrant wrenches, two hose gates, one jacket on hose for wrenches, one strap, three belts, six pair spanners and belts, seven hose ropes, one canvas cover for wagon, two rubber coats for engineers, one gong, one port- able furnace, one poker, one shaker, two 5-gallon oil cans, two sponges, one box harness soap, one 2-gallon oil can, two pails, one 2-quart oil can, one iron wheel-jack, ten boxes for coal, one shovel, one coalhod, one feather duster, one hand-brush, two brooms, one axe, one water-pot, 1,750 feet 21/2 hose, 100 feet 34 garden hose.
Stable, one set double work harness, two flag collars, three horses (weight 1,350 lbs.), two currycombs, four brushes, one stal hook, one pitchfork, one shovel, two
166
ENGINEERS' REPORT.
brooms, two halters, two pails, two tubs, one box salt, one box Dole's powders, one can grease, two cans harness oil, one pair clippers, six horse-blankets, five stall ropes, three feed boxes, two scrapers, four bedsteads with mattresses and bedding for the same, one bureau, twelve chairs, one table, three curtains, one 4-light chandelier, two flue cleaners, one thimble setter, two chamois skins, one mop, one scrub brush, one step-ladder, one coal wagon, one canvas cover for the same, one jack, six baskets, six straps for snow- plough, one flag, two mane brushes, one dung-fork, one double pung, one set of rules and regulations with frame.
HOSE COMPANY NO. 2.
Captain, J. R. Gibbons, Building Mover, 121 Trenton st. Lieutenant, R. Gibbons, Jr., Carpenter, 121 Trenton st. Clerk, E. B. Stantial, Miller, 415 Main st.
Steward, H. W. Simpson, Rubber Worker, Lynde st. Hoseman, A. Armington, Rubber Worker, 38 Foster st.
W. F. Phipps, Landlord, 10 Foster st.
P. Buchanan, Coachman, Lynde st.
W. M. Cotting, Laborer.
66 C. B. Thompson, Carpenter, Lynde st.
J. R. Hamlin, Farmer, 244 Main st.
Schedule of Property belonging to Town in care of Hose Company No. 2.
One hose carriage, one hose sled, 1,250 feet hose, good; 100 feet, damaged; 50 feet garden hose, with nozzle; six hose lines, two pipes, three pairs of spanners and belts, three hydrant wrenches, one monkey wrench, one axe, four lanterns, two hydrant gates, ten pairs of mittens, ten rubber coats, one table, ten chairs, one stove and funnel, one twelve-foot ladder, one broom, one brush, one duster.
167
ENGINEERS' REPORT.
HOSE COMPANY NO. 3.
Captain, Frank Storey, Painter, 2 Ashburton pl.
Lieutenant, Theron Porter, Carpenter, 135 Franklin st. Clerk, Albert E. Day, Clerk, 45 Ashland st.
Hoseman, Leveret D. Newhall, Shoemaker, 40 Belmont st.
Charles H. Fuller, Gate Tender, 53 Sargent st.
66 Arthur Storey, Machinist, 907 Main st.
Huestis E. Adams, Carpenter, 135 Franklin st.
66 Frank E. Morton, Carpenter, 53 Greenwood st.
John C. Black, Wheelright, 54 Greenwood st.
Jos. H. Hebblethwaite, Plumber, 29 Greenwood st.
Schedule of Property belonging to Town in care of Hose Company No. 3.
One two-wheel hose carriage, one hose sled, 900 feet good hose, 300 feet damaged hose, ten rubber coats, three lanterns, two hydrant gates, two wrenches, six pairs of spanners and belts, three pipes, two shut-off nozzles, nine pairs of mittens, one axe, one pinch bar, one carriage jack, one breast plate, forty feet of garden hose, one broom, twelve lamps and four- teen brackets, two stoves and funnel, ten chairs, five settees, one table, one bracket, one snow shovel, one coal shovel, nine hose ropes, one 5-gallon oil can, one 1/2-gallon oil can, one chandelier, one duster, eleven curtains, one hose trough.
HOSE COMPANY NO. 4.
Captain, A. J. Burnett, Plumber, Waverly ave.
Clerk, E. M. Caldwell, Agent, No. 9 Sixth st.
Steward, Charles J. Critchett, Clerk, No. 340 Grove st. Hoseman, John Reed, Diamond Cutter, 186 Foster st.
66 F. A. Gould, Blacksmith, No. 352 Foster st.
66 Sterling Jones, Clerk, No. 197 First st.
168
ENGINEERS' REPORT.
Hoseman, Dennis Carlin, Laborer, No. 170 Third st.
W. H. Carney, Teamster, No. 327 Foster st.
H. P. Ingalls, Merchant, No. 209 Foster st.
E. McKinnon, Clerk, No. 159 Third st.
J. W. Hunnewell, Carpenter, No. 33 Meridian st.
66 Geo. Upton, Clerk, Foster st.
Schedule of Property belonging to the town in care of Hose 4.
One 4-wheel hose-carriage and runners, 650 feet hose, twenty-ene chairs, one table, one stove, six rubber coats, four lamps, two oil cans, two shovels, one broom, nine pairs mittens, two hydrant gates, one pipe and nozzle, four hose ropes, one pair spanners, two hydrant wrenches, one axe, one monkey wrench, one carriage jack, one water pail, one feather duster.
HOOK AND LADDER NO. I.
Captain, Joseph Edwards, Wheelwright, 690 Main st. Lieutenant, D. O. Parker, Butcher, 93 Lynde st. Clerk, D. W. Wiswell, Painter, 181 Upham st. Steward, W. A. Lynde, Farmer, 529 Lebanon st. Laddermen, C. S. Gordon, Silversmith, 21 Winthrop st.
66 T. B. Johnson, Carpenter, 57 Rowe st.
W. H. Stewart, Carpenter, 36 Albion st.
J. Tyzzer, Blacksmith, 425 Main st.
66 F. H. Tyzzer, Painter, 425 Main st.
66 W. C. Johnson, Carpenter, 138 Grove st.
66 R. Whidden, Expressman, 500 Main st,
66 J. E. Richardson, Druggist, 508 Main st.
Harry S. Robertson, Painter, 174 Linwood ave Daniel Gibson, Janitor, 121 Myrtle st.
169
ENGINEERS' REPORT.
Schedule of Property belonging to the town in care of Hook and Ladder No. I.
One 2-horse hook and ladder truck, one set of double har- ness and two collar pads, 228 feet ladders, fifteen rubber coats, twelve lanterns, three bars, one door opener, two gongs, five forks, eight axes, eight dogs, two crotch poles, two pole hooks, one chain hook, two hammers, two dozen belts, one jack, twenty pair mittens, two fire extinguishers, three wrenches, one ladder footer, four plaster hooks, one whiffletree and breast-plate, fifty-feet garden hose, two water buckets, one 5-gallon oil can, six brooms, six straps, two shovels, one sponge, one chamois skin, two boxes of chem- icals, ten settees, one table, four cuspadors, two sets blocks, 100-feet rope, two curtains, one feather duster, two squilgees. Schedule of Property in care of Superintendent of Fire-Alarm.
Sixty-one cells, one 5-circuit repeater in glass case, one 5-circuit switchboard, three tower-strikers and bells, one outside gong, one house gong, one tapper, twenty-two alarm boxes, one school box, four galvanometers, 19 miles of wire, eighteen key boxes with chain and keys attached, nine fuse boxes, three lightning arresters.
Supplies and Tools.
Quarter-mile line, 100 feet guy wire, 25 ft. of office wire, 5 ft. box wire, 24 ft. fuse wire, twenty-four glass tubes, nine glass insulators, four rubber hooks, thirty ag screws, six washers, half package tape, one iron corner bracket, six wooden pins, six wooden brackets, seven Ts, nine cross- arms, one iron ridge-bracket, 150 lbs. vitrol, 70 standard zinc, 17 coppers. 16 jars, two fuse boxes, one test glass, one vise and strap, one pair climbers, two pair lineman's cutters, two wrenches, one bit, one chisel, two hand-lines, one rope for tackle, three sponges, one dust-pan, one brush, one
170
ENGINEERS' REPORT.
broom, one mop-handle, one scrubbing-brush, four pails, one bottle watch oil, one lantern, one soapstone sink, one water- ing pot, one box lightning arresters, one tapper lightning- arrester, 100 set screws for zincs, twelve binding posts, one wood back for box, one sieve, one cake sapolio, one package soapine, one paint-brush, 50 ft. inside wire.
Labor Performed by the Fire Department Men and Horses on the Highways.
Watering streets, man and two horses, 110 days. Widening Main street, man and two horses, 514 days. Clearing snow from sidewalks, man and horse, 5 days.
APPROPRIATION.
We recommend the appropriation of ($7,500) seventy-five hundred dollars for ensuing year.
CONCLUSION.
We take this method to tender our thanks to your honor . able board for the interest you have taken to promote the efficiency of the department, and for your kindness during the past year.
Also to the police department for their promptness in the discharge of their duties in connection with the fire depart- ment; and last, but not least, to the officers and members of the department, for the faithful and energetic manner in which they have responded to every alarm, and the satis- factory results which have followed their efforts to prove themselves worthy of the confidence of our citizens.
Yours with respect,
A. WILBUR LYNDE, ALBON W. PARKER, SAMUEL LEAR,
Board of Engineers.
REPORT
OF THE
BOARD OF HEALTH
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1893.
MELROSE : DUNTON & POTTER, PRINTERS, REPORTER OFFICE. 1894.
Report of the Board of Health.
The fourth annual report of the board of health is here- with presented. The membership of the board has not changed during the past year. Its labors increase annually with the growth of the town. More than one hundred and fifty nuisances and complaints have received attention from the board, and more than a hundred letters have been writ- ten. If our first summons to the abatement of a nuisance would suffice, as one might suppose, our labors would be very simple, but the call must often be changed to a demand, and sometimes the demand to a threat, before the work is done.
The sources of nuisance or complaint have most frequently been neglected cesspools and offensive privies, but also imperfect traps, or total absence of them, and defective sink drains. These nuisances have in a large number of cases been so obvious and so offensive, that it really needed only the slightest vision to see the trouble, and only the slightest sense of common decency to remedy it without any appeal to the board.
A large number of the complaints that come to us are from tenants, who having vainly appealed to the irlandlords, are driven at last to call upon the board for relief from nuisances long endured. The requirements of the board in these cases, whether verbal or written, but always respectful, have usually been promptly complied with, and in a com- mendable spirit, but in more than one such case, the land- lords, men of means and influence, have refused our
I74
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH.
courteous request to abate the nuisance, and have even persisted in refusal till dragged to the duty by our threat of resort to the court. In only one instance has obstinate refusal compelled us to bring the offender to trial, when the result was short and decisive.
Early in the past year, the board, in view of the urgent need of some changes in the former rules and regulations, instituted a new code of rules, which supplied numerous de- ficiencies, and made clear some points previously obscure. These new rules were published in both our newspapers, and have been circulated as widely as practicable.
The prevalence of contagious diseases has been contin- uous, and at times quite extensive. Scarlet fever has pre- vailed every month of the year, and measles was at one time a serious detriment to the schools at the Highlands. Our efforts to check the spread of these diseases have been faith- fully seconded by the attending physicians, who have promptly reported their sick, and the warning cards have been promptly put up. The only drawback to successful notifications of danger, has been where families have not employed any physician, and so seem to have concluded that no notice to the board of health was necessary; as if in their case the disease would not spread! We have been sorely tempted to apply the legal fine for so dangerous reck- lessness.
The former method of return to school by children re- cently recovered from contagious diseases, has been by per- mits given by the board, based upon the attending physi- cian's certificate of recovery. But that method having often proved troublesome to parents, a more direct plan is now employed, of permits, based as above, but issued by the chief of police, as agent of the board of health; so that the same officer, who by order of the board, removes the card, also issues the permit to return to school.
175
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH.
One mode of rapidly spreading contagious diseases may prevail in our schools, from the fact that the lead pencils have heretofore been used promiscously. A pupil may attend school while on the verge of an attack of scarlet fever, or as some have done, may actually be taken violently ill in school. The pencil he has been using, and touched repeatedly to his lips and tongue, has gone into the general pile, to be used by another pupil to-morrow, or perhaps the same day. The board has suggested to the superintendent of schools to change all that, and he very cordially assented, and has contrived an ingenious plan by which each pupil now has his own pencil.
Last spring, in consequence of the threatened invasion of cholera, we instituted a thorough inspection, by a special police officer, of the entire central part of the village. He inspected carefully every yard, and whenever any clearing up was found necessary, he left in the hands of the resident a plainly printed notice, specifying the work to be done, and the time within which it must be done, usually five days.
This course of inspection was faithfully performed, and we believe much good was done by it, often cutting short a nuisance which would soon have become serious. This work of spring inspection has been done now for two years, and the influence has been so salutary, that it may become necessary to establish it as a permanent line of sanitary action.
Quite too much indifference has been shown as to allow- ing children, and even adults, in houses containing con- tagious diseases, to associate freely with other persons, and even to attend public assemblies. No board of health can follow up and detect all these unlawful acts, but any informa- tion of such offences furnished to the board, will result in prompt steps towards protecting the community.
I76
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH.
The passage by the last legislature of Act 477, "relative to the licensing of plumbers, and the supervision of plumb- ing," has received the required attention from us. In com- pliance with Sec. 3 of said act, requiring the board of health to appoint the third member of the board of examiners of plumbers, we appointed to that position Mr. Edmond L. Grundy, a gentleman well versed in both the science and practice of house sanitation and plumbing. In accordance with the requirement of Sec. 5, that the board appoint an inspector of plumbing, we appointed the same gentleman to this office, which is in fact a dependency of the former position. Sec. 6 of said act, requiring that "each town . . . shall ... prescribe rules and regulations" regarding plumb- ing and sewage, we presented to the town at the meeting held Nov. 23d, a set of rules and regulations carefully compiled from those of neighboring towns and cities. These were ordered printed, and still await the action of the town.
During the past year the contagious diseases reported were in number and character as follows:
Scarlet. Diph. Measels. Typhoid. Total.
January, II. 4.
I. I6
February,
5 . I.
8. 14
March,
3. I 15. I . 20
April,
9. II. 20
May,
IO.
2 3. 15
June,
IO. I. 5 . I6
July, 9. 2. I. I2 August, I. I 2. 4
September, 12. I I3
October, IO. I IO 2 23
November, 8. 2. 28 I. 39
December, 5 . 8 .
I3
Totals, 93 . . .. . 15 . . .92.
·
5 205
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH.
I77
This far surpasses the record of any previous year, but the mortality of the town for the year 1893 has been very low, as is shown by the following table :
Phthisis,
I9
Syphilis,
I
Pneumonia, .
17
Liver disease,
.
2
Diseases of heart,
I2
Shock, .
.
I
Still born,
I3
Asphyxia,
Cerebral hemorrhage, .
IO
Anaemia,
Cholera infantum,
8
Cystitis, .
I
Marasmus,
.
8
Disease of kidneys,
I
Old age,
8
Tumor of abdomen,
I
Bright's disease,
6
Tumor of brain, .
I
Scarlet fever,
5
Appendicitis,
.
I
Paralysis,
4
Convulsions,
.
I
Meningitis,
4
Uraemia, .
I
Diphtheria,
3
Abscess of larynx,
.
I
Cancer,
3
Cyanosis,
.
I
Diabetes,
2
Protracted labor, .
I
Dropsy,
Stoppage of bowels, 2
I
Diarrhoea,
3
Peritonitis,
I
Suicides,
2
Bronchitis,
I
Malignant sore throat,
I
Asthma,
2
Post partum hemorrhage,
I
Eclampsia,
I
Total,
I60
Peritoneal tuberculosis, I
A classification of the diseases gives these results :
Diseases of lungs, 42
Diseases of kidneys, IO
brain, 18
throat, 6
bowels, I6
heart, I4
liver, 2 Injuries and accidents, 8
The mortality of 1892 was 168, and that of 1893 is less than last year's, though our population is more than 1,000 larger. This gives a rate of less than fifteen a 1,000 per year, which is an unusually favorable record, justifying our rank well up among the very first of the most healthful towns of the state.
JOHN E. SANBORN, M. D. FRANK L. WASHBURN. JOHN DIKE, M. D.
I
Accident,
4
Gall stones,
.
.
I
.
.
12
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSIONERS.
Immediately after the election in March, 1893, the park commissioners organized with George T. Brown, chairman, Maurice G. Cochrane, treasurer and C. H. Adams, secretary.
The expenditures in detail are shown in the auditor's report.
During the year marked improvements have been made on Melrose common, where a large amount of grading has · been done, and an unsightly mud hole changed into a pretty pond, a permanent ornament to the common.
It was a matter of doubt whether the springs would furnish water ample to maintain the pond, but the past season has demonstrated that even a larger pond than the present one may be maintained, and it is expected that in the future work on that fine public property, it will be enlarged.
It is especially desired by the residents in that part of Melrose, that a system of walks, around and through the common, shall be laid out and built, but the meagre ap- propriation at the disposal of the commissioners has pre- vented any action along that line.
The common should be graded, a system of walks main- tained, and great numbers of trees of many varieties should be set out and carefully cared for. Nothing will add so much to the common and make attractive that beautiful section of the town as trees. We especially recommend to the real estate owners and residents the importance of set- ting out trees in great numbers along the streets and in all open places.
179
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSIONERS.
The completion of the Sewall's Wood road has made accessible that beautiful wood, and the commissioners have expended a small sum in clearing out the brush that had accumulated the past few years. As it is to be maintained as nearly as possible in its present wild condition it needs only a moderate amount of work and expenditure each year. It ought to be kept cleared up, paths marked out, the road improved, and seats placed at convenient resting places through it. Whenever the adjacent land shall be built up, a system of sidewalks around it will naturally follow. Thousands visited it during the past season, and it must become a famous and popular breathing place as the town grows.
The large vase in front of the Town Hall has been kept filled and cared for during the summer season. It is to be regretted that the land back of this handsome public build- ing, everyway suited for a beautiful lawn, has been made the storing place for all sorts of supplies and machinery, and carts, and made a general dumping ground for dead trees and wood. No good reason exists why that ground should not be as well cared for, and graded, as the beautiful lawn in front.
At Norrisville, two fountains and small public squares have been cared for and improved. The growth and beauty of that section warrants a reasonable expenditure there, and it is hoped that an ample supply of water will allow the con- stant use of these fountains, and many others throughout the town.
Melrose is beautifully and fortunately situated as regards open breathing places of great value.
Pine Banks park is one of the most attractive in New England, and the munificence of the Hon. E. S. Converse, in opening the beautiful spot to the people of Melrose is always appreciated.
180
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSIONERS.
The common, extending over several acres, in the centre of a beautiful and growing section, the gift of the late Hon. D. W. Gooch, will be appreciated in the years to come, as a larger and better common than any other suburban town possesses.
Sewall's wood stands unrivalled in beauty, a monument to the distinguished citizen whose name it bears, and a tribute to the donor, Mrs. E. S. Cabot.
The Metropolitan park system will preserve and care for the famous Middlesex Fells, extending all along the line of the woods in Melrose from the Fells to the Highlands.
Although the Highlands has easy access to Sewall's wood, that beautiful section of Melrose would be still further bene- fitted by securing a spot of high land, easy accessible, as a public play ground or resting place. Such a place would be a great attraction.
Public play grounds must be secured and protected, as the rapid growth of Melrose is fast covering with handsome residences the grounds heretofore open for that purpose.
But the imperative need of the town is trees. Trees with- out number. Trees of every kind and everywhere. Many years ago thoughtful citizens set out trees in great numbers along the principal streets. It is a matter of exceeding regret that during the past season more than one hundred great trees have been destroyed on Main street and their places taken by poles and wires.
The Melrose improvement society for many years did a grand work in setting out trees and beautifying the town, but that society has retired from the field and turned the work over to the park commissioners. The town itself must direct further work. Trees should be set out on all our streets, new trees taking the place of trees that have fallen out. New streets must be looked after. We especially urge all citizens and real estate owners to take an
18I
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