USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Melrose > City of Melrose annual report 1919 > Part 6
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. .
. .
18
3
November . .
. .
. .
6
1
1
. .
. .
. .
. .
. .
..
. .
. .
. .
·
15
2
December ..
.
. .
.
. .
. .
. .
·
. .
. .
. .
.
.
. .
. .
. .
Totals. ....
13
3
48
3
3
. . ·
.
65
. .
·
1
. .
13
00
. . .
·
·
·
1170
16
. .
.
. .
. .
2
April ...
.
. .
3
1
. .
1
.
1
1
. .
. .
. .
18
.
9
. .
·
·
3
1
2
1
3
3
1
1
11
1 2
9
2
15
4
3
~
1
32
. .
February . . .
6
1
1
=
1
3
15
1
11
2
1
2
1
4
. .
. .
.
4
0
2
September. .
1
15
3
. .
Cough
1
1
1
1
11
16
Table III
CASES AND DEATHS OF CERTAIN DISEASES EACH YEAR FOR TEN YEARS
This table includes all cases (with their deaths) irrespective of whether cases were transported into the city from elsewhere or wer contracted outside of the city; also all deaths of Melrose cases dying out of town.
Tuberculosis
Diphtheria
Scarlet
Fever
Typhoid
Fever
Measles
Whooping
Cough
Smallpox
Ophthalmia
Neonatorum
Poliomyelitis
Pulmonary
and
Miliary
Meningeal
Other
Forms
Cases
Deaths
Cases
Deaths
Cases
Deaths
Cases
Deaths
Cases
Deaths
Cases
Deaths
Cases
Deaths
Cases
Death
Cases
Deaths
Cases
Deaths
Cases
Deaths
1910.
41
3
32
14
1
18 129
.
·
1
39
·
1
·
.
·
·
.
A
3
22
13
1
2
1
. .
1913
86
3
69
3
or
2
29
1
·
.
1
1
1915. .
41
1
62
2
15
1916.
14
1
11
1
14
1
11
1917 . .
85
4
42
. .
1
1
2
1918
24
2
20
1
3
50
10
. .
13
3
48
3
3
·
11
.. . 65
. .
00 16
· · 1
. .
. .
23 13
0
·
1
·
1919.
20
36
1
6
. .
2
2
1912.
18
1
17
. .
9
1
381
1
94 31
1
.
·
·
. .
15
11
1
3
·
. .
1914.
1
16
. .
. .
107
4
·
·
17
3 16
. .
. .
15 22 ão
13 12
1
3
.
1
. .
10
. .
. .
3
290
6
. .
·
. . 2
·
·
·
10
. . ·
·
..
:
1911.
.
15
10
.
. .
17
2
71
.
7
2
46
. .
1
. .
1
. .
. .
27
17
3
. .
·
2
3
1
.
15
10
.
5
7
1
12
2
. 3
. 2
1
1
. 1
476
1
Years
2
:
97
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSION
LINCOLN SCHOOL PLAYGROUND
Since the splendid gift to the city of the land to be used for the Lincoln School Playground, by the Hon. Charles M. Cox, the Board of Park Commissioners has been preparing for its development. Engaging the services of Mr. Edward P. Adams, this tract of land containing 78,000 square feet, was surveyed and subgraded. It is now in condition to receive top dressing and then will be ready for the apparatus necessary for its complete development. It will be necessary for the Commission to expend a further sum of approximately $2,500 for this top dressing and an additional $500 for apparatus.
It is the intention of the Commission to immediately lay out a diamond for the base ball enthusiasts. It is further necessary to install a fountain bubbler at an expense of $200, and the necessary connection with the water main at an expense of $100.
The Commission has suggested that when these further improvements and additions are made, the Lincoln School Playground will not only be a benefit to the locality, but owing to its location will not be in any way annoying to residents in the vicinity.
MESSENGER'S MEADOW
This tract of land, also donated by Hon. Charles M. Cox, has been subject to comparatively little development during the year for lack of appropriation. However, the Commission has maintained the field in a usable condition; has filled in the unsightly pool which had become stagnant; has constructed two new tennis courts and provided a temporary base ball field. The tennis courts have been open all day and in constant use until very late in the Fall. This being the only open space in this part of the city, many of our citizens have made use of the attractive features of the Park. During the year, the Commission plans to install one more tennis court; build a permanent diamond for base ball; rebuild and repair the present courts and to install a basket ball court and other playground apparatus. The estimated expense involved in this apparatus will be approximately $1,700.
MELROSE COMMON
In accordance with the original plan of the Commission, as outlined in its First Annual Report in 1911, the Board proposed at some date to make of the Melrose Common a public garden with many of the attractive features contained in public gardens in other large cities, and exemplified to some extent in our own Horace Mann Park. Owing to the improve- ments in this section of the city, we believe that the time has now arrived to begin this development. It is the intention of the Commission, as .
98
CITY OF MELROSE
soon as the necessary appropriation may be made, to remove the play- grounds from the Common and to engage a landscape architect to lay out and design a garden that will not only be beneficial to this locality, but will be a beauty spot of the whole city. The rapid development of the East Side will be further aided by this plan, and we confidently look for the support of all residents of this locality to bring about this proposed improvement.
ELL POND ENBANKMENT AND THE SO-CALLED ICE-HOUSE PROPERTY
It is almost unnecessary to call attention to the change and decided improvement in this park where the ice house once stood. Under the supervision of Mr. Edward P. Adams, the land has been graded, walks laid out, shrubbery planted and a sustaining wall built across the water frontage. The work already completed shows what may be accomplished by further appropriations for complete development of this area. To bring this about it is necessary to erect a dam to regulate the flow from the pond, and excavation and stone work will also be necessary. To do this and to build a hood, allowing for continuation of walk and approach to the main area, to complete iron fence, etc., will involve appropriation of $2,500. With this, the Commission feels that the develpoment of this area will be practically completed.
HORACE MANN PARK
No changes have been made in this park during the year, the Com- mission having devoted its work to the maintenance of what has now become a most attractive spot in the Wyoming district.
ELL POND PARK ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT
Once more we have occasion to refer to the long contemplated athletic field. Here is an area owned by the city and splendidly adapted for athletic purposes, and, up to date, owing to lack of appropriations, the Commission has been unable to develop it.
Notwithstanding the vote passed by the citizens giving right to annex a portion of the park property, it has been impossible to carry out the expressed desire. The Commission earnestly hopes that this year may make some progress in the development. To make headway it will be necessary to provide a sum of at least $12,000 with the intention of carrying out the original plans.
In connection with this improvement is the development of Ell Pond Park south of the boulevard. Excavations are contemplated,
99
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSION
using the loam thus obtained to cover the dump of ashes both on this area and on the proposed athletic field. Installing of the tennis courts and grading could be done at an approximate cost of $1,500.
The reforestation of the area of Ell Pond Park, the removal of dead and dying trees, the substitution of evergreen in many places for the present growth, would involve an expense of approximately $1,000. Further grading of the Crystal Street frontage, sowing of seeds and building of walks, would involve an expenditure of $1,000. It has been proposed by citizens that in the planting of the new trees on the knoll at Ell Pond and in this area, trees to the number of thirty-five would well be designated as memorials to the thirty-five boys of the city who gave up their lives in the great war.
SEWALL WOODS PARK
This wonderfully attractive area of nine acres has had no special work done upon it during the year. The Commission has only continued the clearing of the underbrush and the maintenance of existing conditions.
ELL POND BATH HOUSE
This department is easily the most popular of all the departments under the control of the Park Commission. As in previous years, the Commission has arranged for life guards and instructors; this year the work being cared for by Messrs. John Pendleton, Percy Wannamaker and E. D. G. Patterson. During the year 10,928 of our citizens have availed themselves of the privileges afforded, being an average of about 138 per day. Owing to the extreme care used by the supervisors, no fatalities have occurred. The Commission notes with pleasure, however that on July 12th, by his careful watchfulness, Mr. Wannamaker saved two boys from drowning. On July 21st, Mr. Pendleton rescued a young girl who had been down twice. On August 2d Mr. Pendleton also rescued another girl. August 9th, Mr. Wannamaker saved the life of a young child who had ventured out too far from the shore.
The locality of the bathhouse is ideal. The house, however, has been condemned and in the interest of health and sanitation and to further beautify and utilize this bathing beach in the heart of the city, the Com- mission has decided to tear down the present structure and to look to our Honorable Mayor and Board of Aldermen for appropriations to erect a new house suitable for summer and winter use. There is no question in the minds of the Commission but that twice the number would avail themselves of the bathing facilities under proper conditions and attractive surroundings. Furthermore, the great advantage of having a pond of the size of Ell Pond in the center of the city, gives opportunity for the development of winter sports, which until now have been only partially
100
CITY OF MELROSE
developed. It is the purpose of the Commission to erect a house of concrete or frame and stucco construction sufficiently large to contain lockers, lavatories and all the equipment of an up-to-date bathhouse, and to further provide lounging rooms containing fireplaces for the use of persons engaged in the winter sports. To construct such a house, the Commission estimates an appropriation necessary of $25,000.
MELROSE
In the past two decades there has been a steadily increasing move- ment of population into the suburbs. Professional men, business men, and the higher type of well paid mechanics, are represented in this move- ment which is founded upon a desire to make their residence in attractive communities. There has been a noticeable acceleration of this movement in the past few years as a result of conditions growing out of the war.
That the people of Melrose appreciate what this movement of popula- tion may mean to a progressive and attractive community is clearly indicated in the practical plans which have been carried out or formulated for increasing the attractiveness of Melrose as a residential city. In the public improvements which have been completed during the past ten years there is evidence of systematic and comprehensive planning. In every case where possible, beauty of aspect has received as careful con- sideration as that bestowed upon the more practical requirements asso- ciated with use.
As a result of the general application of this forward looking policy, the position of Melrose as a residential community has been firmly estab- lished. It is an understanding of these various phases of city planning that has inspired the members of the Board of Park Commissioners during past years. It has been their purpose to derive full advantage from the natural beauty of the city and its surroundings. The plans of the Com- mission, splendidly supported by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, have been based upon an appreciation of the value of a well balanced scheme of park and playground development as a means of enhancing the physical attractiveness of the city. Of greater importance has been their understanding of the value of parks and open spaces as a factor in pro- moting the health of the community.
Parks are no longer regarded as merely ornamental features in a city plan. Every dollar invested in the development of parks and playgrounds will draw dividends in the increased health and happiness of the people. Recreation is now recognized as being absolutely essential to good citizen- ship. None question its value in promoting community health. Nor do we now regard healthful recreation and play as the sole privilege of youth, but as something in which both young and old may find a part. As a result of enlightened opinion the playground has become an integral and important part of the school system of every progressive community.
Entirely apart from their aesthetic value, the development of compre_
101
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSION
hensive park system has a value which can be measured in terms of dollars and cents. There is no question as to the enhancement of the value of all of the real estate in the neighborhood of a well laid out and attractive park. Many instances might be cited which show astonishingly large increases in valuation of property which has been wholly due to the estab- lishment of parks and boulevards. Several years ago the city of Minneapolis laid out a park in a hitherto neglected section of the city. Within the next six years the increase in valuations in that district represented one thousand per cent.
In carrying out a progressive policy of park development, the citizens of Melrose have made the anticipation of future needs a fundamental feature of its program. The time to acquire land for park and playground development is before growth in population and consequent increase in land value may make their acquisition impossible.
To summarize the foregoing detailed suggestions, the Board makes the following recommendations for maintenance for 1920:
Parks, General Administration:
Salaries and wages.
$100. 00
Other expenses.
150. 00
Lighting lamps in parks
360. 00
$610. 00
Parks and Gardens:
Salaries and wages.
$2,500. 00
Improvements
250. 00
Other expenses.
750.00 $3,500. 00
Playgrounds:
Salaries and wages (includes winter and summer
sports) .
$1,000. 00
Improvements
100.00
Other expenses .
400. 00 $1,500. 00
Bathhouses and Beaches:
Salaries and wages
$750. 00
Improvements.
150. 00
Other expenses
300. 00 $1,200. 00
Messenger's Meadows
$1,500, 00
$8,310. 00
In addition to this the specific recommendations are covered in the articles relating to specific areas in the previous pages.
The Board desires to express its appreciation of the supervision
102
CITY OF MELROSE
of the playground in Messenger's Meadow by Dorothy Sherburne and Wilson Turner; at Ell Pond by Eleanor L. Pierce and Margaret Holbrook; at Melrose Common by Margaret Pearson and Marjorie Pendleton; and also to the caretaker of all the parks, W. A. Dows. It has become plainly apparent to the Commission that in order to maintain and supervise the parks and recreation ground for 1920, it will be necessary to arrange for the services of a general supervisor.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT A. PERKINS, Chairman ADDISON L. WINSHIP, HARRY N. VAUGHN, ANDREW F. EVERS, GEORGE J. FOSTER,
Board of Park Commissioners of Melrose
Report of the Board of Survey
To His Honor the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen, Melrose, Mass. Gentlemen :-
In accordance with the City Ordinances the report of the Board of Survey is hereby submitted.
Rules and Regulations relating to the preparation of plans to be submitted to the Board of Survey for approval were formulated and adopted. Copies of the Legislative Act establishing the Board of Survey, the Rules and Regulations, and Petitions to be submitted to the Board by applicant, were printed for distribution.
On account of the post war conditions, no new land development was begun during the year, and no plans were submitted to the Board for its approval.
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES
Appropriation.
$50. 00
Expended :
Letter book and postage
$3.63
Record book.
3. 50
Letter heads
4.50
Envelopes .
3.25
Copies of Legislative Act.
12.00
Copies of Rules and Regulations
12.00
Petition blanks
4.00
42. 88
Balance
$7.12
E. COPELAND LANG WM. E. WATERHOUSE WILLIAM N. FOLSOM
Board of Survey
GEORGE O. W. SERVIS Clerk
Brown Tail and Gypsy Moth
To the Honorable Mayor and Board of Aldermen, City of Melrose. Gentlemen :-
In accordance with the provisions of Chapter 1, Section 33 of the City Charter I herewith submit the annual report of the Moth Department for the year ending December 31st, 1919.
Appropriation.
$1,500. 00
Appropriations
For Brown Tail and Gypsy Moth Work. $1,500. 00
For other Insect Pests 1,000. 00
For work on Private Estates 500. 00
There has been Expended
For Brown Tail and Gypsy Moth Work.
$1,490. 00
For other Insect Pests. 999. 15
For work on Private Estates 335. 34
The Brown Tail Moth is being held in check very largely by imported parasites.
The Gypsy Moth shows an increase of about 25% in Melrose as well as through the entire infested area in Massachusetts. "Normally the Gypsy Moths should be wasting away this year", the State Forester says, "Our greatest aid in the Gypsy Moth control has been the far-reaching development of the wilt disease, which has been a veritable cholera among these insects, sweeping them off by the millions. It is now problematical just what the results will be next year, following a season like the present. We must expect occasional setbacks, hoewever. This seems to be one of nature's laws .- It is impossible for the officials in charge of this work to satisfactorily do the work unless they have the necessary spraying ma- chinery, labor, and arsenate of lead, to get results."
We will need new spraying machines or pumps; those we own having been in use for fifteen years are practically worn out. The entire equip- ment for moth work is in bad shape because of age, lack of proper housing and convenience for decent care. The present quarters are equally open to the sunshine and the rain.
The San Jose scale is growing so rapidly that it deserves the careful study and attention of every one interested in even the slightest degree in orcharding. It is so small as to be almost microscopic and for that reason is extremely difficult to detect when it first appears, but from a few scattered scales in the orchard, so prolific is it, we soon have general infestation with dead and dying trees and general damage resulting.
It therefore behooves every orchardist to be sure that he receives into his orchard only such trees as have been fumigated with hydrocyanic
105
BROWN TAIL AND GYPSY MOTH REPORT
acid gas or bear the stamp of inspection of some competent official and also, as the insect may be carried from orchard to orchard on the feet of birds, to make a careful inspection of his trees.
The leopard moth is still creating havoc among our young maples and our older trees as is evidenced by the numerous limbs that fall and litter our streets.
The elm leaf beetle (imported) was very active last year and succeeded in defoliating a few of our beautiful elms because of lack of help we could not spray them in time to prevent.
On account of the increased cost of labor and material and the purchase of needed supplies an additional appropriation will be required of one thousand dollars over that of last year.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN J. MCCULLOUGH, Local Superintendent
Report of Public Library Trustees
To His Honor, Mayor Charles H. Adams, and the Honorable Board of Aldermen.
Gentlemen :-
The Trustees of the Melrose Public Library submit the following report for the year 1919, being the nineteenth annual report to the City Government and the forty-ninth since the establishment of the Library.
It was with much regret that the resignation of Mrs. Claude L. Allen was received. To fill the vacancy Mrs. John F. Muldoon was appointed.
The statistics included in the report of the Librarian show that the library is fulfilling its purpose, and the result is very gratifying to the Trustees and to the Librarians of the main and branch libraries. It is evident that the citizens of Melrose appreciate and demand a Public Library service that is considerably above the average.
Attention is called to the steadily increasing percentage of no-fiction read by our citizens. The general average of the library and branches is now 2712%. At one of the branches it is as high as 41%. The number of persons using the library is now 7,837, the number of cards added in 1919 being 2,154, exclusive of special cards.
This year a collection of music was purchased under the directio of Mr. Grant Drake and will soon be upon the shelves. The gift to the city by Mr. Slayton of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Organ will greatly stimulate the interest of students and lovers of music. This recently installed department of the library is intended to anticipate their needs.
The growth of the branches has been very satisfactory as the following figures will indicate.
1918
1919
Highlands Branch .
19,508
23,223
Wyoming Branch
6,486
11,532
Ward Seven Branch.
4,207
6,208
East Side Branch
5,121
6,213
This extension of service has been greatly appreciated by those of our citizens who reside at some distance from the main library.
The Trustees have often been perplexed during the past year in regard to the appropriations and how to be able to carry on the excellent work so efficiently accomplished by those employed in the library and its branches.
The very great increase in the cost of books and binding has been a problem to meet, and with the greatly increased circulation, much more money will have to be expended the coming year. The increased cost of maintaining the library must, of necessity, mean a considerably larger appropriation, and the Board of Trustees begs to submit herewith the requirements of the library for the year 1920.
107
LIBRARY REPORT
Your attention is also called to the accompanying report of the Librarian.
Respectfully,
PAUL STERLING, Chairman MARY C. BARTON, Secretary CHARLES E. FRENCH FRANK W. CAMPBELL CLARA G. MULDOON NEIL A. DIVVER
Trustees
Report of the Librarian
To the Trustees of the Melrose Public Library :-
I beg to report as follows on the work of the Library for the year 1919.
Cataloguing .- The work connected with the purchasing, checking of bills, the various operations of cataloguing, affixing of labels, pockets, etc., requires much time and attention. Duplicate sets of cards are made for books purchased for the Highland Branch. After the school hours, all available time is given to helplng the young people.
Charging Desk .- The great increasing work of the charging desk has been seriously crippled by the continual change of the High School assistants. The young students have found it more lucrative to obtain employment elsewhere. Our girls, who have given reliable and efficient service, have asked for an increase of wages, which amounts to 18 cents per hour. Unless this is granted, it will be impossible to fill their places, as there are no available candidates. An imperative need is the installa- tion of a special charging desk with desk clerk for the children. The circulation from the Main Library has been 56,737 volumes.
Hours the Same .- The working hours of the library have remained the same. The Librarian and assistants work 42 hours each, with the privilege of one night off. The High School assistants work 21 hours.
Reference and Reading Room .- The work of assisting patrons in · securing desired information has taken much time of both assistant librarians. At present this duty devolves on the Assistant Librarian and Desk Assistant. I think in the near future it will be necessary to add a Reference and School Librarian to our staff. Increased use of the Reading Room has been noted since the instruction in the use of the reference books has been given by the Assistant Librarian. In the beginning of the year, various complaints were made of the disorderly conduct of the young people. This has been remedied by the kindness of Chief Kerr in sending an officer during the night hours.
Sunday Opening .- The Sunday opening is fully proving its value by the increased number of people who are taking advantage of it. Much reference and school work is done. Many of the patrons are those who do not frequent the library during the week. The average attendance is 40.
School Work .- The value of co-operative work with the schools cannot be over-estimated. The library is the one permanent educational factor in the individual's life. For this reason it is necessary for us to carefully co-operate with the schools, that the pupils may early learn of the Library's resources. Each year different classes are sent to the library for instruction in reference works, classification and the arrange- ment of books. More of the required books of the High School reading list should be added to the library. These books have been carefully selected, in order that the young students may have an incentive for reading a more desirable type of literature.
Music Library .- We are indebted to the assistance of Mr. Grant Drake for a very excellent selection of music which will form a nucleus of.
109
LIBRARY REPORT
our musical collection. It was hoped that it would be ready for circulation during the current year, but labor conditions at the bindery prevented this. The collection has now been received and will be shelved shortly.
Branches .- The branches with the exception of the Highlands draw practically all their books from the Main Library, and although new books are constantly being purchased, they are not sufficient to meet the demand. Roughly estimated, there are about 2,500 books at the branches. This in some ways is a hardship for the Main Library, as many times, the special book desired is at one of the four branches and it requires time before the book may become available. Although left to the discretion of the branch librarian when she shall choose her new lot of booksit averages once a month. The cost of expressing the books depends ont the location of the branch.
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