USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Melrose > City of Melrose annual report 1920 > Part 6
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MELROSE COMMON
We still adhere to our original plan to do away with this spot as a playground and make of it instead a public garden and as such it will, we believe, benefit that whole section and the city itself; there are wonderful possibilities for a public garden there, and know it would be appreciated by all and used more in that capacity than it is as a playground. and we believe that there is a lot of opposition to a play- ground in that locality and naturally would be in any section so thickly settled in such close proximity to the noise that is a natural part of any kind of play. We have kept this place trimmed and look- ing well this year, but have not encouraged the playground idea at all.
HORACE MAN PARK
This part of the area has been well kept up as a restful park and garden and am sure has given pleasure and rest to those who have used it, and also it has been a pleasant sight to the many who pass it going to and from the Wyoming Station, and shows on a small scale just what a public garden would be like were we able to make our Common into one.
LINCOLN PLAYGROUND
Nothing was done on this playground in the way of improvement or addition. We kept it cleaned up and there was some use made of it as a baseball grounds, but no regular games were played. The most
1
100
CITY OF MELROSE
that can be said of this area is that it is a big addition to the Lincoln School yard, and is far enough along to show what a splendid recrea- tion place this will be when we can get it finished with a better en- trance from Pleasant Street and the apparatus that is needed.
ELL POND PARK
It is the same story every year on this area. There is so much that could be done if we only could afford it, but that stumbling block, if, in this case an unsurmountable barrier when you consider that to carry out the original plans of this commission you would have to have at least $16,000 it rather takes your breath, and yet some time it will be accomplished. It is too well adapted for the purpose originally planned to lay idle many years. Could a more suitable spot be found for an athletic field than north of the Boulevard, easy of access from all parts of the city and far enough away so that it could annoy none ? But this would cost in the vicinity of $12,000. Then comes Crystal Street that must some time be put in shape to the Knoll and from the Knoll along the north side of the pond and to the West to Tre- mont Street. When one stops and thinks what could be done for not such an impossible sum of money around that pond, it makes one wish that he could pass the hat around in some millionaires' club and then make of this pond and surroundings the most perfect beauty spot in any city in the world, and it could be done and will be some- time, carrying out the original plans of the Park Commission as set forth in our earlier reports.
ELL POND EMBANKMENT
This part of our park system has been carried along almost to com- pletion and we hope to complete this work during the next few months, which means to finish loaming and planting on the ice house property, constructing a new dam at the outlet of the pond, raising the water about a foot, building a hood over dam and carrying lower walk along to the dam, with steps up over and onto the ice house plot; also car- rying the fence along to the westerly end, and last finish the walk out to West Emerson Street, making a path that will be inviting and plainly marking this entrance to this area. We believe when this is done we can safely say one part of our work is finished and it will certainly be such an improvement that no one who visits this spot will begrudge the money we have spent. This, of course, is the most conspicuous part of the whole system and should be completed. We hope to be able to do this work during the coming season.
101
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
SEWALL WOODS PARK
This will some time be a beautiful spot. It is far from unsightly now, but of course it is rough and needs a lot of work; also planting of new trees. There is a lot of new building going on the westward and a lot more planned, and we cannot delay too long finishing this work which will make a very beautiful spot. If we can only finish one place each year and maintain it all as we go along; that is, not let any place go back, some time Melrose will be the most attractive city around Boston.
BATHHOUSE AND BEACH SITE
This place was used some during the last summer for bathing, but only about twenty per cent. of the bathers as in former years when we had a bathhouse. After demolishing the old bathhouse on account of its condition, we used tents from the 14th of July to the 31st of August, and it was not so very popular and are wondering just what should be done this coming summer. It is too bad we can't have some sort of a bathhouse. It is badly needed and with the impetus hockey is giving winter sports this year it would seem that some time soon we should be thinking of a building to take care of the summer bathing and the winter sports on the ice, similarly to our plans of a year ago. Let us hope so and soon.
MELROSE
For a very long time Melrose has been called a Spotless Town. Just what that gets a city or its people to be called that is more than any- one can explain, but if Melrose or any other city can be called a city of beautiful spots, one can readily see what that means by driving or walking around and viewing same, your commission would rather get these few spots in shape so that Melrose would or could rejoice over the later name than to guess how much she was entitled to the former. Anyone and everyone likes to see the name of their city in the papers-no matter if we cannot always believe the papers. Of the vast number of Melrose readers of the daily papers we venture to say that almost one hundred per cent. of them were proud to see in the past few weeks the clippings concerning our Hockey Rink and the games, and of course we were all proud of our boys. We call them our boys for while they were defending the Honor of Melrose against all
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CITY OF MELROSE
comers in this hockey, the most spirited games that one can witness, they were our Melrose boys, and you could not help feel an ownership in them and be proud of them and believe that all such recreation is a wonderful thing for them and hope that we shall be able to help still more in a building near this rink, a permanent and attractive one, and this drives our thoughts back to the proposed bathhouse, to build both for the summer sports as well as winter. We don't want to seem to be pushing our ideas along too fast, but hope sincerely that in bringing up this matter that if it don't get just the results we are urging it may draw from some one a plan that we can afford to put through, then we would have our blood quickened very often by what we would read and hear of our city with beautiful spots. Let us be known by something more than that best hockey team-proud as we are of that. Let them say Melrose is the cleanest and most beautiful city anywhere and best of all let us look at it ourselves.
If there is anything different or better than your commission plans to bring in new people, to put up new homes, to make our city grow and increase our revenue by new taxable property, we don't know what it is. The only other thing that could possibly give us this increased revenue-we hate to think of it-for it is manufacturing plants, and we don't want them with us, no matter how well they look elsewhere or how much good they may do us where they are.
We urgently request that we be granted the appropriations asked" for in our communication to His Honor the Mayor.
Respectfully submitted,
R. A. PERKINS, H. N. VAUGHN, A. F. EVERS, ADDISON L. WINSHIP, GEORGE J. FOSTER,
Board of Park Commissioners
103
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
REPORT OF TREASURER OF PINE BANKS PARK 1920
Receipts :
Balance from 1919
$538.96
City of Malden
2,000.00
City of Melrose
2,000.00
Interest
25.70
$4,564.66
Wages of employees
$2,748.65
Stable expense
261.50
Hardware and plumbing
88.38
Telephone
38.00
Bulbs and seeds
83.93
Insurance
39.21
Cities-Malden and Melrose
21.76
Teaming and blacksmith
26,00
Repairing building.
250.84
Jordan Lumber Co
23.40
Expense of Zoo, feed, etc
326.55
Expenses (minor)
55.31
3,963.49
Balance
$601.17
WM. D. SERRAT, Treasurer
Report of the Board of Survey
To His Honor the Mayor and the Honorable The Board of Aldermen, Melrose, Massachusetts.
The Board of Survey has held several meetings during the past year. Tracts of land that are being developed or are likely to be de- veloped in the near future have been inspected. Tentative plans for certain street extensions in connection with the possible laying out of new building sections have been discussed.
The Griswold Land Company has had several interviews with the Board in connection with the development on the east side of Main Street at the Wakefield Line. After modifying their original plans by adopting certain changes which the Board suggested, plans and profiles of Griswold Road, Hawley Road and Damon and Hawes Avenues were submitted for approval. In connection with this petition a public hearing was given at the Public Works Office. City Hall, Dec. 27, 1920. Final action upon this matter is still pending.
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES
Appropriation $50.00
Expended :
Advertising 5.28
Balance
$46.72
1
E. COPELAND LANG, Chairman WM. N. FOLSOM D. E. WATERHOUSE
GEO. O. W. SERVIS, Clerk
Board of Survey
Brown Tail and Gypsy Moth
January 31, 1921
Honorable Angier L. Goodwin, Mayor, City of Melrose:
In accordance with the provisions of Chapter I, Section 53 of the City Charter, I hereby submit the Annual Report of the Moth Division.
The insect pest condition throughout the entire city shows a slight improvement regarding the cost of suppression because of the scarcity of the Browntail Moth, thus eliminating very largely, the great ex- pense of climbing, to the extreme top, every city tree in Melrose.
The Gypsy Moth is still on the job and shows no disposition to quit, a slight increase being noticed this year.
The Leopard Moth, our worst pest because the most difficult to figlit, is doing a lot of damage to most of the street trees as well as those on private estates; individual owners making little or no effort to destroy this terrible borer.
The imported Elm Leaf Beetle is on the increase as it seems to be becoming acclimated after twenty-five years' association with our Melrose elms. It will be good policy to band the elms again this year, the bands having been removed for two years past, thus giving the covered spaces a good chance to breathe and heal.
The Tent Caterpillar was not much in evidence during the year 1920 and it is not supposed that we will be troubled much with this pest this year.
Complaints are constant regarding low-hanging, over-hanging and dead-hanging branches, which are complained of as being dangerous to the public safety. Much trimming of dead, interfering and useless branches should be undertaken at once, as soon as the leaves shoot.
The City of Melrose needs a new spraying machine in order to properly spray the trees; spraying being considered the most efficacious means of combating leaf-eating insects. All our spraying apparatus is old and worn and only in the way. All equipment suffers because of age, lack of proper housing, and the convenience of decent care and repair.
The Oyster Scale is making itself felt among the orchards of the city and deserves the attention of everyone in any way interested in fruit. This small insect is so prolific that from a few scattered scales we soon have a general infestation.
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CITY OF MELROSE
The following is the financial statement:
Appropriation Brown Tail and Gypsy Moth
$1,750.00
Refund (Burke)
32.85
$1,782.85
Expended
$1,778.29
Balance
$4.56
Appropriation Private Work
$350.00
Expended
311.12
Balance
$38.88
Appropriation Other Insect Pests
$1,000.00
Expended
992.15
Balance
$7.85
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN J. MCCULLOUGH,
Local Superintendent
7
Report of Public Library Trustees
To His Honor, Mayor Angier L. Goodwin, and the Honorable Board of Aldermen :
Gentlemen :-
The Trustees of the Melrose Public Library submit the following report for the year 1920, being the twentieth annual report to the City Government and the fiftieth since the establishment of the library.
It was with much regret that the Board of Trustees accepted, on account of failing health, the resignation of Miss Carrie M. Worthen, who for forty-eight years had been the devoted librarian of the Mel- rose Public Library. It is the hope of the Trustees that the Legisla- ture will authorize the City Government to grant a pension to Miss Worthen, in recognition of her long and faithful term of service. A short leave of absence was granted Miss Worthen, at the expiration of which a new librarian was chosen.
The selection of a new librarian might well have been considered a difficult problem had it not been for the fact that Miss Elsie M. Hatch had for eight years served so efficiently as assistant librarian that the Trustees, by a unanimous vote, appointed Miss Hatch as librarian.
The resignation of Miss Alice G. Worthen, assistant librarian, was received and accepted to take effect October the first, 1920.
Miss Dorothy Kohl of Melrose Highlands, who is at present in the children's room at the Public Library in Waterbury, Connecticut, has been appointed assistant librarian and will assume her new duties at the Melrose Public Library on February first, 1921.
It is extremely gratifying to the Trustees to be able to report that the circulation of the main library and the branches has increased materially over the preceding year, proving that the people of Mel- rose are embracing the privileges which the library affords.
The opening of the, library on Sundays has been much appre- ciated as shown by the ever increasing attendance.
To relieve confusion at the main desk in the library it was thought advisable to receive and distribute the juvenile books from the chil- dren's room and a clerk was placed in charge of this work with most satisfactory results.
A gift of five etchings by celebrated artists has been made to the library from the estate of Mrs. Jane N. Grew.
108
CITY OF MELROSE
The library is at present laboring under a serious difficulty regard- ing the Highlands Branch. In the summer of 1918 this branch was re- moved at the request of the School Committee from a room in the Whittier School to a basement room of the Franklin School at an ex- pense to the City of upwards of $650.00, expended chiefly for repairs and equipment in the Franklin schoolroom and it was understood that the branch was settled there for at least five years, but now the School Committee find that they need this room and have requested the Trustees to remove the branch. As no new quarters are available the Trustees are confronted by a serious problem. About 1,200 people use the Highlands Branch and the circulation in 1920 was 24,057. It seems therefore, out of the question for the library to abandon the service which the Highlands Branch is rendering to our citizens. The only practical solution seems to be for the City to secure permanent quar- ters for the branch and your attention is called to the need in the hope that something of the kind will be done to prevent the recur- rence of a situation which each time will become more serious.
Your attention is called to the accompanying report of the li- brarian.
PAUL STERLING, Chairman MARY C. BARTON, Secretary NEIL A. DRIVER FRANK W. CAMPBELL CHARLES E. FRENCH CLARA G. MULDOON
Trustees
Report of the Librarian
To the Trustees of the Melrose Public Library :---
It is with some difficulty that the present librarian reports to you for the work of the year just passed, and if I may, I will give it to you from the viewpoint gained from the charging desk.
The circulation of books and magazines has been about as usual, with a slight gain in the reading of non-fiction. The past year has shown an increased interest in vocational work, and the calls for books on industries and business methods have been numerous. Books on American history and Americanization have also been in much demand both from the stacks and the children's room.
The lists of new books posted in the reception hall have helped the people to keep in touch with the books as they are added. There is a constant call for late bulletins.
Our reference work, as usual has been heavy, especially with the school. Reserve collections were made for high school classes, and the debating teams made good use of the reference room and bound magazines. Subjects of all kinds were looked up, the most frequent calls being for information along social and industrial lines. There is an increasing use of the reading room for just quiet reading of the magazines.
The branches did their usual good work. All except one made sub- stantial gains in théir circulation over the preceding year, showing that they were really needed by the people who live at some distance from the library.
In June there was provision made for a special assistant for the children's room, and Miss Miriam Simpson was put there. The result fully justified the experiment. The children are much happier having their own assistant, the children's room is better cared for, the work at the central desk is more satisfactory and the order of the whole library is improved. Miss Simpson seemed especially adapted to chil- dren's work, and when she found it necessary to leave us the last of December, the library lost a faithful and valuable employee. In the near future, I hope to be able to find a way to conduct a story hour for the children's room.
The daughters of the late Colonel Hesseltine, a long time resident of Melrose, very kindly gave their father's library (between three and
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CITY OF MELROSE
four hundred volumes) to the Melrose Library, as a memorial to Col. Hesseltine. The books will be appropriately marked with a book- plate bearing Col. Hesseltine's name, and kept all together on shelves provided for them. This gift makes a valuable addition to our library.
For the past three months the force has been very limited, mak- ing the work somewhat unsatisfactory. Too much cannot be said in appreciation of the patience of the public, the faithfulness of the high school girls who are assisting, and their willingness to do everything possible. We are looking forward with anticipation to the coming of Miss Kohl to join our staff, and we see no reason why the coming year should not see splendid things done for the library and its patrons.
ELSIE M. HATCH
Librarian
STATISTICS
Main Library
Adult
40,610
Juvenile
13,424
Total
54,034
2934% Non-fiction
701/4% Fiction
243/4% Juvenile
Highlands Branch
Adult
15,460
Juvenile
8,597
Total
24,057
11% Non-fiction
89% Fiction
36% Juvenile
Wyoming Branch
Adult
9,432
Juvenile
4,917
Total
14,349
28% Non-fiction
72% Fiction
35% Juvenile
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REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
East Side Branch
Adult
4,501
Juvenile
2,125
Total
6,626
33% Non-fiction
67% Fiction
Ward 7 Branch
Adult
4,179
Juvenile
1,724
Total
5,903
39% Non-fiction
61% Fiction
29% Juvenile
Whole circulation for Main Library and Branches. 104,969
Number of volumes in library at beginning of year 24,413
Number of volumes added by purchase 1,641
Number of volumes added by gift.
87
Number of volumes added by binding.
23
26,164
Report of Treasurer of Special Funds, Melrose Public Library, for year ending December 31, 1920:
William Emerson Barrett Fund
January 1, 1920-by balance
$153.63
January 1, 1921-by interest
6.97
December 31, 1920-to balance
$160.60
$160.60
$160.60
Horatio Nelson Perkins Fund
January 1, 1920-by balance
$712.90
January 1, 1921-by interest
32.40
December 31, 1920-to balance
$745.30
$745.30
$745.30
112
CITY OF MELROSE
William Bailey Fund
January 1, 1920-by balance
$3,081.59
November 1, 1920-by interest
80.94
January 1, 1921-by dividends.
50.79
December 31, 1920-to balance
$3,213.32
$3,213.32 $3,213.32
Catalogue Fund
January 1, 1920-by balance
$471.76
December 31, 1920-by deposits
480,68
December 31, 1920-by dividends
18.37
January 30, 1920-to books purchased.
$177.98
February 24, 1920-to postal cards
15.00
September 20, 1920-to Peerless Supply Co. for binders
176.56
September 20, 1920-To Melrose Free Press for reports
24.00
December 31, 1920-to balance
577.27
$370.81
$970.81
Duplicate Library Fund
January 1, 1920-by balance
$40.41
December 1, 1920-by deposits
27.80
January 1, 1921-by dividend
.17
October 9, 1920-to books purchased
$53.72
January 1, 1921-to balance
14.66
$68.38
$68.38-
CHARLES E. FRENCH
Treasurer ..
Report of Agent for Soldiers' Relief
To His Honor, the Mayor, and the Honorable Board of Aldermen, Melrose, Mass.
Gentlemen :---
I herewith submit the report for the State Aid, Soldiers' Relief and Burial Departments for 1920.
STATE AID
Civil War
$2,346.00
World War
160.00
Military Aid
380.00
SOLDIERS' RELIEF
Cash Orders
$2,111.00
Rent
120.00
Medical Attendance
89.85
Medicine
73.40
Fuel
765.76
Taxi for widow
1.00
$3,161.01
Other expenses
66.39
Respectfully submitted,
MARY A. KENAH
Agent
..
Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures
To His Honor, the Mayor, and the Board of Aldermen, City of Melrose, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I have the honor to submit to you the Annual Report of the, Weights and Measures Department, for the year ending December 31, 1920.
SCALES ADJUSTED
Adjusted Sealed Non-Sealed Condemned
Platform, over 5,000 lbs
7
Platform, under 5,000 lbs
3
43
5
1
Counter Scale
2
74
0
Spring Balance
4
67
5
Computing Scales (platform) .
4
29
Computing Scales (hanging) ..
1
2
Prescription Scales
5
Weights (Averdupois)
437
Dry Measures
3
Liquid Measures
4
40
1
Oil Measuring Pumps
3
32
Molasses Measuring Pumps
4
Yard Measures
27
-
-
-
Total
23
770
5
7
Trial Weighing and Measurements on Wagons and in Stores
Tested
Correct
Under
Over
Coal in wagons
14
3
5
6
Coal in paper bags
70
70
Ice
5
3
2
Flour
138
138
Butter
52
52
115
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Dry commodities
170
170
Bread
264
264
Gasolene and and oil
40
40
Confectionery
20
20
Meats
2
2
Fruit and vegetables
360
351
4
2
Grain and feed
10
10
Milk
4
4
--
Total
1149
1127
12
10
Inspections Made in Stores and Wagons
Hawkers and peddlers
S
Stores
67
Junk dealers
10
Ice wagons
5
Coal certificates
14
Total
104
Fees received for sealing and adjusting
$58.15
License fees collected
70.00
Total paid to City Treasurer
$128.15
Respectfully submitted. FREDERICK G. STOREY
Sealer of Weights and Measures
-
Twenty-First Annual Report
OF THE
Public Works Department
LIO
ROSE
.
CHARLESTOWN 1629 POND FEILDE 1638
· MALDEN ·
NORTH END
1649.
1850.
00
ORE
GEO. O. W. SERVIS Engineer and Superintendent
CITY OF MELROSE MASSACHUSETTS 1920
OS
CIPLOREDI
1628
118
CITY OF MELROSE
ORGANIZATION
1920
Mayor HON. CHARLES H. ADAMS
Engineer and Superintendent GEORGE O. W. SERVIS
EMMA L. LEIGHTON, AMY F. BARRY, Stenographer Clerk
BLANCHE E. NICKERSON, WILLIAM H. MARTIN,
Asst. Stenographer Bookkeeper
PATRICK G. DECOURCY, Timekeeper
Assistant in Charge of Water Division JAMES McTIERNAN
Assistant in Charge of Highways, Sewers and Drains WALTER J. LORD
Engineering Division CHARLES F. WOODWARD Assistant
ALBERT J. WAGHORNE WILLARD THOMPSON JOHN F. RAND RICHARD T. RICKER
Report of Public Works Department
To His Honor, the Mayor, and the Board of Aldermen. Gentlemen : -
I submit the following report of the Public Works Department for the year 1920.
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
This Department has the general care of all public highways (streets, sidewalks, trees), construction of new streets and sidewalks, street lighting, street sprinkling, street cleaning, collection of ashes, streets signs and house numbering, and all work connected with the sewer, surface drainage and water system, all engineering work re- lating to the above and Wyoming Cemetery, care of City Hall and Memorial Building, and the placing of insurance on city property.
PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE
Contracts have been made for tar concrete and granolithic side- walks, edgestones, sodding, Main Street improvement. Minimum rate and excess water bills and summonses have been made and delivered. Sewer connections, water services, and individual sidewalks have been estimated and billed. Estimates have been made for the Board of Aldermen and committees as requested. Sidewalk assessments, sewer assessments and apportionments, betterment assessments and street watering assessments have been made.
All engagements of the City Auditorium and Memorial Building have been booked and bills rendered, and insurance placed on all city property. One hundred and sixty-three permits have been given to open and occupy streets.
SALARIES AND WAGES
Appropriation
$4,125.00
Expended
Salary, Engr. and Supt. Public Works $2,625.00
Clerical Services, General Office 1,231.08 $3,856.08
Balance
$268.92:
120
CITY OF MELROSE
OTHER EXPENSES
Appropriation
$900.00
Less Transfer to City Hall
200.00
$700.00
Collection by Treasurer
3.10
$703.10
Expended
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