USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Melrose > City of Melrose annual report 1913 > Part 5
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1900
12,715
3,237
3,650
$7,582,525
$4,398,150
$11,980,675
$797,690
$12,778,365
$18.00
$199,837.41
$9,431.01
$6,645.00
$11,857.11
$9,540.04
12,781
14,559
3,334
4,235
8,020,150
5,845,800
13,865,950
1,463,745
15,329,695
18.00
227,044.58
12,077.04
5,922.31
18,600.00
15,272.57
5,488.01
284,404.51
1905
1906
16,118
3,503
4,515
9,164,225
5,757,450
14,921,675
1,975,950
16,897,625
20.40
276,517.13
15,496.52
11,634.39
*4,076.16.
*1,323.37
*16.75.79
*102.00 }
*19.75 )
*19.75 )
*Charles River Basin. incl. State Highway Tax.
Year
Report of the Chief of Police
January 31, 1914.
To the Honorable Oliver B. Munroe, Mayor, and the Members of the Board of Aldermen of the City of Melrose,
Gentlemen :- In compliance with the Chapter 33 of the Ordinances of this City I respectfully submit the following report of the Police Department for the year 1913: Appropriation :
Salaries and Wages.
$17,383.00
Transfer from Equipment and re- pairs.
100.00
Aldermanic Order
75.00
17,558.00
Expenditures
17,547.88
Balance
10.12
Appropriation :
Horses and Care of Same
$425.00
Expenditures
403.30
$21.70
Balance
$21.70
Appropriation :
Other Expenses
$300.00
Expenditures
299.17
Balance. .83
Appropriation :
Equipment and Repairs
400.00
Expenditures
255.93
Transfer to Salaries and Wages
100.00
Balance 44.07
Offences for which complaints have been made in Court. .. 181
70
CITY OF MELROSE
Miscellaneous Report.
Accidents reported . 5
Arrests for out of town officers
3
Articles found and returned to owners
1
Automobiles stopped and warned
49
Board of Health notices served .
12
Boys throwing stones in streets warned .
21
Boys playing ball in streets warned.
25
Buildings and houses specially protected
15
Cases and complaints investigated.
150
Cats disposed of.
3
Defects in streets reported.
25
Defects in sidewalks reported
20
Disturbances suppressed
18
Dogs killed .
1
Doors and windows found unlocked and secured. 65
Electric and elephone wires burning trees.
3
Electric and telephone wi es reported down
14
Fire alarms attended by officers
43
Fire alarms given by officers .
2
Fires extinguished without giving an alarm
4
Gas leaks reported .
1
Horses found roaming and taken care of .
2
Houses found vacant .
3
Incandescent lights reported out
184
Insane committed.
6
Investigation of jurymen
81
Lost children found and returned home
5
Letters delivered for City Clerk
1,484
Leaks in water pipes reported. .
19
Lanterns hung in dangerous places
38
Lights found burning and extinguished. 2
81
Notices delivered for Police of other cities and towns. . 46
6
Runaway horses stopped .
2
Street signs reported down
2
Summonses served . 40
Miscellaneous notices delivered.
Obstructions removed from streets . 29
Persons assisted home
71
POLICE REPORT
Special messages delivered by Patrolmen 14
Stray horses found in streets. 3
Stray dogs brought to Station 2
Trees reported down. 4
Value of property recovered and returned $562.00
Duty calls by officers from boxes (Jan. 1, 1913 to Jan. 1, 1914) 33,373
Telephone calls from boxes (Jan. 1, 1913 to Jan. 1, 1914) 3,231
Wagon calls from boxes (Jan. 1, 1913 to Jan. 1, 1914) 56
Ambulance calls from boxes (Jan. 1, 1913 to Jan. 1, 1913) 2
Wagon calls other than from patrol boxes. 96
Ambulance calls other than from patrol boxes 142
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE E. KERR, Chief of Police.
Report of the City Physician
January 31, 1914.
To the Honorable Mayor and Board of Aldermen, City of Melrose, Mass.
Gentlemen :- I send you herewith the eighth annual report of the City Physician for the year ending December 31, 1913.
Visits made for the Charity Department:
At the City Home 24
To the patients in their homes
198
222
Office calls . 202
Visits made for the Health Department:
At hospitals . 12
To patients in their homes 78
Visits of inspection and consultation
170
250
Office treatment for pupils of the public schools 90
Office calls for Public Works Department. 9
Visits for Police Department. 16
Vaccinations. 46
Examination by order of Mayor 3
Respectfully, CLARENCE P. HOLDEN,
City Physician.
Report of the Park Commission
To the Honorable, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Melrose.
Gentlemen :-
The Board of Park Commissioners presents herewith its fourth annual report. You will find in the following pages a detailed account of the appropriations and expenditures for the maintenance of existing parks and park areas, the expendi- tures incident to the maintenance of the Ell Pond bath house, and also the account in connection with the purchase of land and buildings known as the Benson Ice House property and the Boston Ice Co.
Expenditures and appropriations in different park accounts:
Appropriations.
Total Appropriations
$1,800.00
Divided as follows:
Parks, General Administration:
Salaries and Wages
$50.00
Other Expenses .
100.00
Parks and Gardens:
Salaries and Wages.
$650.00
Improvements and Additions.
200.00
Other Expenses
175.00
Playgrounds:
Salaries and Wages
50.00
Improvements and Additions
150.00
Other Expenses
25.00
Bathhouses and Beaches:
Salaries and Wages
350.00
Improvements and Additions
25.00
Other Expenses
25.00
$1,800.00
74
CITY OF MELROSE
Parks, General Administration, Salaries and Wages: Appropriation $50.00
Expended, Salary of Clerk to Jan. 1914. 50.00
Parks, General Administration, Other Expenses: Appropriation $100.00
Expended, Postage $13.57
Free Press . 4.25
17.82
$82.18
Bills Accrued, amount-
ing to. 79.42
Balance. $2.76
Parks and Gardens, Salaries and Wages:
Appropriation.
$650.00
Transfer from Acquiring
of Land . 47.25
Transfer from Various
Accounts 68.66
$765.91
Expended :
Caretaker
$400.00
Police .
62.40
Payrolls
156.35
$618.75
$147.16
Bills Accrued against this Account to April, 1914
$135.00
Balance $12.16
Parks and Gardens, Improvements and Additions: Appropriation. $200.00
Expended, C. L. Hoffman & Son, loam . . . $198.50
Transfer to P. & G., Sal-
aries and Wages. 1.50
$200.00
Parks and Gardens, Other Expenses: Appropriation $175.00
75
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSION
Transfer from P. & G.,
other Expenses. 40.50
$215.50
Expended
$215.50
Playgrounds, Salaries and Wages:
Appropriation.
$50.00
Cash returned
.90
$50.90
Expended :
Caretaker
$16.50
Police.
15.30
Transferred to P. & G. . 19.10
$50.90
Playgrounds, Improvements and Additions: Appropriation
$150.00
Credit.
5.99
$155.99
Expended
$155.99
Playgrounds, Other Expenses:
Appropriation
$25.00
Expended .
25.00
Bath Houses and Beaches, Salaries and Wages: Appropriation
$350.00
Expended :
Caretakers
$329.86
Tranferred to P. & G ... . 20.14 $350.00
Bath Houses and Beaches, Improvements and Additions: Appropriation $25.00
Expended 25.00
Bath Houses and Beaches, Other Expenses: Appropriation $25.00
Expended 25.00
76
CITY OF MELROSE
ELL POND PARK DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNTS
Ell Pond Park and Grading, North and South Sides: Balance $695.65
Expended :
Perry & Marston $7.48
Deering Lumber Co. 14.49
Pay Rolls . 297.93 $319.90
$375.75
Purchase of Land, Benson's Ice House Property & Boston Ice Co., Land:
Appropriation
$9,000.00
Expended :
Benson's Ice House Property $6,926.98
Boston Ice Co., Land
2,039.78
Recording Deeds . 3.35
Transferred to Sinking Fund.
28.89
$9,000.00
Improvement of Land (Benson's Ice House Property).
Appropriation .
$2,500.00
Received from Sale of Old Buildings
105.00
Transfer from Parks and Gardens, Salaries and Wages. 31.01
$2,636.01
Expended . $2,416.89
$219.12
Bill Accrued, Hoffman's Contract 15 per cent. reserved. $216.85
$2.27
77
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSION
Ell Pond Park.
The Commission has made some progress in accordance with the original plans for the development of this park. To that end, granite steps have been laid on the westerly side of the knoll from the driveway to the crest. Numerous swings have been put in position and also the concrete foundation and floor for the proposed overlook at the top of the knoll. Grading, in accordance with the original plans, has been continuing.
Band Concerts.
During the season just closed, two band concerts have been given under the direction of the Metropolitan Park Commission. These concerts were largely attended and it was demonstrated that this is an ideal spot for such enter- tainment. Being quiet and easy of access, and well removed from disturbing noises.
Plans are sufficiently well advanced so that the Com- mission feels safe in assuming that four or more concerts will be given during the coming season.
In this connection it is recommended that an appropria- tion be made so that a temporary bridge, at least, may be placed over the stream so that access may be had directly from Crystal Street to the park.
Ell Pond Bath House.
The fourth season for the use of the Ell Pond Bath House under the supervision of the Board of Park Commissioners, has again demonstrated the value of this department to the citizens, in the fact that this year the facilities have been used by 10,057 people, divided as follows; women and girls, 1,234; men and boys, 8,823.
These figures show the appreciation of the citizens, and it is hoped that appropriations may be made in the future, so that a more suitable and commodious bathhouse may be erected in place of the inconvenient structure now used. The proposed new bathhouse should have all the modern conven-
78
CITY OF MELROSE
iences. It is necessary, also, that to secure the greatest ad- vantage from the location, appropriation be made for electric lights and the installation of water at this section of the park.
It is with the greatest satisfaction that the Commission reports that this season has been without an accident of any sort, and the Commission desires to give credit to the atten- dants for the care exercised, and to especially commend Mr. Martin Allison for rescue work on August 21st.
Development on Site of Benson Icehouses, Main Street (now to be known as Ell Pond Embankment).
In the report of last year, the contemplated improve- ments on the Benson Icehouse property on Main Street were fully described. By reference to the financial report on the preceeding pages, it will be seen that this property has been acquired and the improvements made as far as possible. The Commission was able to secure filling for grading, and with the construction of the solid masonry, with steps leading to the water level and cement boat landing, an esplanade has been made that will provide recreation space for the citizens.
Few realized the attractiveness of this spot until the unsightly icehouses had been removed. It is contemplated by the Commission, to further beautify this area by the planting of trees and shrubs. The contract for complete masonry was awarded to C. L. Hoffman & Son.
Common, Sewalls Woods and Other Areas.
From the appropriation made for the care and main- tenance of existing parks has been expended sufficient to keep in order the above-mentioned areas. New settees of a substantial make have been purchased and distributed about the various portions of the city. Effort has been made to minimize the noise and annoyance to abuttors on the common where a playground is established.
The supervision of the attendants and police has brought about a better result than in previous years in this regard, and it is the purpose of the Commission to continue along these lines in the coming year.
79
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSION
At Sewalls Woods Park a strip of 100 feet long, bordering on the streets, has been thoroughly cleared, and this work will continue the next season until the entire area has been cleared of underbrush.
School Gardens.
Under the vote of last year, a certain area of the park property was set apart for school gardens, which was done in response to a request from the Women's Club and placed under the supervision of Mrs. Julian C. Woodman. The space allotted was used by the school children this year.
The following report from the Commission Superin- tendent explains the work.
We began work on the School Gardens on June sixteenth, 1913, on Ell Pond Boulevard. Staked out all the gardens in the morning and in the afternoon only two girls came, one planted a vegetable garden and the other a flower garden. Real work began on Saturday, the twenty-first, and all gardens were planted in a week, with two rows of corn, Black Mexican and Yellow Bantam; and two rows of dwarf beans, yellow and green, beets, turnips, parsnips, carrots, cucumbers, summer squash and tomatoes.
Considering the lateness of the planting everything came out remarkably well and the results were beyond expectation. All the children carried home more beans and squash than they could eat. In fact, they carried home a good supply of everything but corn. The peat in the soil burned the plants and the corn was a failure, yet not wholly so as each child had about two dozen ears from extra corn I planted myself and divided equally.
A large plot of cucumbers was planted for all, but the blight reached us as it did everybody and we only raised six.,
We also planted extra beans which were divided and sold, the proceeds going towards a day at the beach for all the members.
There were twenty-four gardens in all. Three boys in one family losing their gardens on account of poor attendance, otherwise the attendance was good, many only being absent
80
CITY OF MELROSE
once or twice during the summer and one boy never missed a day.
The interest never flagged and the three girls kept in line with the boys and made a good showing. It was hard to choose the prize winners as all the gardens were free from weeds and all paths kept clean.
Our first frost came unusually early on September twenty- second, so we harvested that week. Then wet weather set in so our cleaning up was not as complete as I would liked to have had it.
Considering dry soil, continued dry weather, that there was no depth to the soil and the fact of our late planting, the year was a successful one especially as we worked with children of the poorer class, who found something to occupy their minds and kept them off the streets.
ETHEL W. BITTNER, Instructor.
The habits of industry, thrift, promptness and regularity acquired and the practical knowledge gained by the children attest the value of this work. "At all times and in all ages gardens have been amongst the objects of the greatest interest to mankind, and the gardeners' art has contributed to the delight of all men in their time."
ANNIE L. WOODMAN, Chairman of School Garden Committee, Melrose Woman's Club.
Ball Field.
For several years there has been a great demand and pressure brought to bear upon the Park Commission for the establishment of an enclosed ball fie.ld The Commission recognizes the desire of the citizens, and has endeavored to carry out that desire on the area bounded by Tremont Street and the Boulevard. In order to accomplish to any fair degree the desired result, it will be necessary to expend at least $6,000. For two years the Commission has made plain this fact, and it is hoped that early action may be taken by the Honorable Board of Aldermen.
81
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSION
The Common.
The same explanation as expressed regarding the enclosed ball field might apply to this Common. This magnificent area is capable of producing a park and garden that would be a delight to the eye and a great benefit to the whole city. All that has been possible to do with the limited appropriation has been to care for the trees and lawns in the most casual manner. To accomplish what has been planned by the Commission, at least $3,000 should be expended this year.
Playgrounds.
The Commission, as outlined in its first annual report, recommends the needs of playgrounds in various sections of the city. Careful investigation and study of other cities has demonstrated plainly to the Commission that the establish- ment of a playground or a series of playgrounds throughout the city, would be entirely ineffective unless proper attendants and instructors were provided. The experience of many cities has been, that it is better to have no playgrounds than to have them without such supervision. This, of course, would entail more expenses than have been possible from the appropriation made for the park department. It is hoped that this matter may also receive the attention of the Board of Aldermen, it being embodied in the original recommendation of the Park Commission.
Contemplated Improvements and Recommendations.
The Commission recommends the continuation of the inprovements in accordance with plans, for the entire area around Ell Pond Park. The Ell Pond embankment shows the possibilities and the great advantage that would accrue if extended northerly, so that it will encircle the bay at the north end of Ell Pond as previously mentioned in the para- graph on Ell Pond Park.
A generous and public spirited citizen has volunteered to aid the Commission in the construction of the shelter and band stand on the knoll, also to assist in securing more band conecrts during the coming summer. To supplement this
82
CITY OF MELROSE
munificent offer the Commission recommend the appropria- tion of at least $6,000 to provide for the establishment of lights and the installation of water, durable seats, and also the continuation of the walk along the entire border of the Pond.
The further improvement of the park system is urged as rapidly as the city's finances will permit, and the Com- mission renews the recommendation made March 13, 1913, which was as follows:
Hon. Oliver B. Munroe, Mayor, Melrose, Mass. Dear Sir :-
The completion of the Park system, as outlined by the Commission, especially Ell Pond Park, the Athletic Field and the grading of the icehouse property on Main Street, will require large expenditures, which within the $12 limit or borrowed on short time serial notes, would place a heavy burden upon the tax-payers.
At a meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners held March 6th, it was voted to respectfully recommend to your Honor and the Honorable Board of Aldermen, the desirability of the passage of an act that would enable the City to issue bonds for park purposes, outside the debt limit.
Very truly yours, CLARENCE T. FERNALD,
Chairman.
For the care and maintenance of the existing park domain, the following budget is submitted.
Parks, General Administration:
Salaries and Wages
$50.00
Other Expenses 100.00
Parks and Gardens:
Salaries and Wages
$650.00
Improvements and Additions 400.00
Other Expenses . 175.00
83
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSION
Playgrounds:
Salaries and Wages .
$50.00
Improvements and Additions
250.00
Other Expenses.
25.00
Bathhouses and Beaches:
Salaries and Wages
$350.00
Improvements and Additions
25.00
Other Expenses .
25.00
$2,100.00
Respectfully submitted,
CLARENCE T. FERNALD, Chairman.
ADDISON L. WINSHIP,
GEORGE J. FOSTER,
ROBERT A. PERKINS,
HARRY N. VAUGHN.
Melrose, Dec. 31, 1913.
84
CITY OF MELROSE
NINTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF PINE BANKS PARK, MALDEN-MELROSE, 1913.
It is very gratifying for the Trustees to report that the Park was never in a more satisfactory condition than during the past year.
While the ravages of the Gypsy and Brown Tailed Moths have left an ineffaceable mark upon the wooded growth, many of the best trees having been destroyed, yet there still remain very many fine specimens, and the new growth in a few years will have repaired the loss and restored the Park to its original thickly-wooded condition. In order that this may be accomplished, the Trustees are sparing neither time nor expense in keeping the Park free from these moth pests.
The Trustees, being desirous of beautifying the ap- proaches, and having aided the Trustees of Forestdale Cem- etery in improving its abutting property, have joined with the Trustees of Wyoming Cemetery in the improvement of Sylvan Street.
The property at the corner of Main and Sylvan Streets being low, has been somewhat unsightly and unavailable for playground purposes, and the Trustees have, therefore, per- mitted the City of Melrose to deposit ashes, which will in time raise this land to the level of the adjoining section and com- plete the area devoted to athletic sports.
Each year the Trustees have sought to improve the Park by beginning some special feature that will add to its attrac- tiveness. To this end work has already begun upon a sunken garden which will occupy a small section of the land adjacent to Main Street, and abutting upon the Forestdale Cemetery. Formerly this has been filled with a wild growth and was unattractive. The plan now being worked out will convert it into a plot that will harmonize with the other cultivated areas.
85
PINE BANKS PARK
If the number of visitors to the Park may be regarded as any criterion as to its popularity, or as a measure of the service it is rendering the public in supplying not only animal and bird life, but an attractive field and forest area, then this year may be considered its most successful, as the attendance has exceeded any other.
A contributing feature of this popularity no doubt is the "Zoo," which, while at first a pretentious name, is fast be- coming so in fact. Many visitors have come, no doubt at- tracted by a desire to see the birds and animals, and have re- turned for another visit because they found here what they had not previously appreciated, a small area possessing the wildness of the primeval forest and the cultivated acres of a gentleman's private estate, and with it all, the former denizens of this woodland,-the squirrel, fox, rabbit, and deer, the latter as graceful and beautiful as any of its wild ancestors and as tame as a domestic animal. No other place within the territory of Greater Boston, which well may boast of what is attractive in field, forest and lake, can much excel this Park of our two cities.
The log cabin still retains its populrity as an afternoon and evening rendezvous for church societies and social clubs. Many have used its unique privileges and have enjoyed this gathering place in the pines. This cabin may be engaged by societies or individual groups by applying to the super- intendent.
The labor of Mr. George H. Cray, the Superintendent, has largely contributed to the satisfactory results which have been recorded. We find in him a faithful and efficient official.
The Trustees recognize the great service which the State authorities, through Mr. F. W. Rane, State Forester, have rendered, especially in the loan of apparatus for the extermi- nation of the moths.
For the past two years the Cities of Malden and Melrose have each contributed fifteen hundred dollars toward the maintenance of the Park, and under this arrangement the Trustees have paid for the expense of keeping the grounds free from the ravages of the Gypsy and Brown Tailed Moths. The Trustees, however, are obliged to ask that the sum of
85
CITY OF MELROSE
sixteen hundred dollars be appropriated by each city for the coming year, owing to the per diem increase in wages and the necessary purchase of a horse, this sum being required for the proper care of this beautiful domain, which is increasing in public value.
HARRY E. CONVERSE MAYOR OLIVER B. MUNROE MAYOR CHARLES SCHUMAKER. EDWARD E. BABB, CHARLES M. COX, WILLIAM D. SERRAT, GEORGE LOUIS RICHARDS,
Trustees.
87
PINE BANKS PARK
REPORT OF THE TREASURER OF PINE BANKS PARK FOR THE YEAR 1913.
Receipts.
Balance from 1912
$19.53
Received from City of Malden $1,500.00
Received from City of Melrose
1,500.00
Received from City of Melrose, et al, sale gravel 200.00
Received interest from Bank .
19.29
Received sale wood $18, Log Cabin
Rentals $14.50, Licenses $10, B.R.S. Co. Rebate $1.00. 43.50
$3,262.79
$3,282.32
Expenditures.
Wages of Employees.
$2,343.42
Miscellaneous Expenses
774.68
Balances
164.22
3,282.32
Annual Report of the Trustees of the Melrose Public Library
To His Honor, the Mayor, Oliver B. Munroe, and the Honor- able Board of Aldermen.
Gentlemen :-
The Trustees of the Melrose Public Library present their report for the year 1913, being the thirteenth annual report to the City, and forty-third since the establishment of the Library.
The librarian's report gives the number of books added by purchase during 1913 as 904, 168 novels have been transferred from the Duplicate Collection, 48 volumes of magazines have been bound, and 22 books of various character, mostly fiction, have been worn out, and not replaced, making the number on the shelves January 1, 1914, 17,039. In this number are included books rebound 669 and those replaced, 363.
63,261 books have been issued. A large circulation is not always the measure of the usefulness of a library, but it is a quite certain indication of the appreciation of library privi- leges by a community.
Some fixed standard by which library work could be measured and compared would be beneficial, but in the absence of such authority, consensus of expert opinion as given in the Library Journal would require three times as many books circulated as the number of inhabitants. Meas- ured by this standard our Library with 63,000 volumes issued in a population of 16,000 is well in advance of requirements.
Attention is called to the fact that the large number of reference books used is not included in these figures, and the value placed upon this department is given in the following quotation. "In its reference department is found the highest utility of a public library, and its greatest efficiency in devel- oping the mental power, and advancing the industrial and commercial interests of the Community." Reference work implies study, research, educational influence. This may not
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