Norwood annual report 1908-1911, Part 3

Author: Norwood (Mass.)
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 1402


USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1908-1911 > Part 3


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High street was graveled from Prospect street to Fulton street ; Vernon street at the junction of Prospect street ; Casey street at the westerly end; and the sidewalks on the north and south sides of Pine street, and on the west side of Prospect street from Railroad avenue to Pine street were graveled at an expense of $324.82. Cost per load $1.26.


Pleasant street from house of Mr. J. E. Hartshorne to house of Mr. John Oldham was graveled at an expense of $51.90. Cost per load, $1.522.


On Mylod street, the old location was somewhat changed by being widened and straightened. The work done by the Highway Department last year extended from Washington street to land of Mr. Charles Bird. All walls were removed and placed on the new location, 244 feet of rail fence was built, two new catch basins were built and connected with eight inch pipe. The culvert at the land of Mr. T. Dyer was lengthened and two


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new iron grates placed to receive the water when the sidewalk is constructed. This section is not finished. The sidewalks are formed ready to receive the gravel as far as the house of Mr. Daniel Dyer. There still remains a cut on the hill past land of Mr. George H. Morse for about 100 feet, abutting property to be graded and the street graveled.


The cost of the work done was $1,919.22. The cost dur- ing the year for filling the depressions in the street, caused by rain, and the laying of water and gas pipe was $86.25.


SIDEWALKS.


A new sidewalk was built on the north side of Chapel street, extending from Walpole street to Winslow avenue, and on the south side at land of Mr. H. Plimpton, the old concrete was broken up and portions of it used as a foundation where practical. This work was finished with a coat of screened gravel. The cost for construction was $181.93, cost per load for gravel $1.32.


Railroad avenue on the north side was graveled from F. A. Fales & Co. to Pleasant street. This sidewalk was raked the entire length as the gravel was of a stony nature. The cost of this work, spread and stone carted, was $237.28. Cost per load $2.00.


The sidewalks on Munroe street on the west side, and on Washington street, at land of Dr. Norton, abutting the concrete, was repaired with loam at an expense of $18.15. Cost per load $1.85.


Savin avenue on the east and west sides was graveled at an expense of $157.60. Cost per load $1.36.


The above work was called for as the sidewalks were level with the gutters. Washington street from Winter street to land of Dr. I. S. Fogg was graveled, and at the junction of Winter street the sidewalk was raised, and retained with loam on prop- erty of Mr. Williamson, also the sidewalk on the north side of Winter street to land of Dr. L. H. Plimpton was regraded and graveled at an expense of $12.06.


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The sidewalks on the north side of Hoyle street at the junc- tion of Winslow avenue ; Winslow avenue on the west side from Walnut avenue for about 100 feet; Washington street on the west side from Chapel street to land of Mr. F. Boyden and Chapel street, on the south side from Washington street for about 75 feet was resurfaced with gravel at an expense of $119.89. Cost per load $1.33.


Lenox street on the east side from Cross street to Hillside street, was graveled and gutters shaped at an expense of $199.91. Cost per load $1.402.


Cross street on the east side, from Pleasant street to Nepon- set street was reshaped and graveled at an expense of $123.81.


Nahatan street at the house of Mr. Greenwood the ledge was removed and sidewalk shaped at an expense of $26.00.


OPEN DRAINS.


The drain running southerly through land of Chas. E. Pond estate from Railroad avenue and easterly to Washington street was cleaned at an expense of $222.00.


The drain running easterly from Walpole street through the Hoyle estate to Washington street and southerly to the rear of the Norwood Press was cleaned and widened at an expense of $24.00.


The drain running easterly from Walpole street and con- necting with the system of drainage constructed by Mr. James Berwick was cleaned at an expense of $18.00.


The drain running easterly through land of Patrick Fahy and Chas. Pond estates to School street and connecting drains from Nahatan street and Fulton street, thence in a south-easterly direction to Washington street were cleaned and widened at an expense of $28.00.


The drain running easterly from Lenox street (at the Plimp- ton Press) and connecting with the drain from Clark swamp, was cleaned and widened at an expense of $6.00.


The drain running southerly from Railroad avenue through


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Clark swamp to Cross street, and connecting drain from N. Y., N. H. & H. Railroad, were cleaned and widened where neces- sary, at an expense of $16.00.


The drain running south-easterly from the junction of Nich- ols and Vernon streets, through land of John E. Smith, was cleaned at an expense of $4.00.


The drain running easterly from Washington street to the Morrill Ink Works, through land formerly owned by Winslow Morse, and the connecting drain that runs south-easterly from the Robbins estate, was cleaned at an expense of $8.00.


The drain running northerly through land of the John Page estate, was cleaned at an expense of $4.00.


The drain running from Washington street from the rear of Village Hall, was cleaned at an expense of $1.II.


The drain running from Washington street at Village Hall, through land of John E. Smith, was widened and a solid wall about three feet in height, laid in Portland cement, was built from the culvert at Washington street to Central street. The drain was covered from the old location to the Village Hall line, and the bottom was concreted with six inches of cement and gravel. This was called for on account of the force of water under- mining the wall. The expense of this work was $248.76.


CULVERTS.


On Nahatan street the culvert which receives the water from Railroad avenue and adjoining street, was changed from the old location (under the Guy block) to the land of John P. Curran. This culvert was always a source of trouble and expense, and by the change the abrupt bend was obviated by constructing the culvert straight. At the junction of the Guy and Curran estates we extended the pipe in the rear of the Guy Block about 78 feet.


In constructing this work 168 feet of 20 inch, and 26 feet of 5 inch pipes were used. The cost for this work was $349.90.


On Davis avenue a portion of the six inch pipe which takes


C


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the water from Mr. Paul Klingbeil's cellar was excavated and repaired with 6 feet of 6 inch pipe; this was necessary for us to do, as in building Davis avenue we had to extend the drain across the street. The cost for this work was $6.72.


On Winslow avenue 38 feet of 8 inch pipe was laid con- necting with a system of drainings constructed by Melvin G. Smith which was obstructed by the filling of abutting property. The cost of this work was $22.08.


The culverts on Maple street, at junction of Cottage street, Cottage street at the junction of Nichols street, Bullard street at the junction of Vernon street, and Vernon street at the junction of Nichols street were cleaned at an expense of $10.22.


On Chapel street the culvert at the entrance to the drive of Mr. Thos. A. Houllahan was cleaned, and the outlet to the catch basin at the junction of Chapel and Washington streets was repaired at an expense of $4.00.


The culvert on Winter street abutting the cemetery, and the culvert abutting land of Mr. E. B. Webber were cleaned and partly rebuilt at an expense of $12.00.


The culvert on Washington street near the Balch school was repaired and cleaned at an expense of $3.34.


On Vernon street at the junction of Beech street the culvert was repaired at an expense of $4.00.


CATCH BASINS.


On Railroad avenue at the junction of Market street the old wooden frame was taken up and replaced with an iron frame and grate, the basin was partly rebuilt, and a trap connected to the inlet. Also the 12 inch pipe at the rear of F. A. Fales & Co. was repaired, with 4 feet of pipe replaced and covered with gravel to protect it, at an expense of $29.19.


At the junction of Broadway and Guild street the catch basin (which is of stone) was repaired with brick at an expense of $9.82.


A new grate and frame was placed on Railroad avenue,


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abutting house of Mr. E. F. Roby. The grate was placed over the culvert which had to be rebuilt to conform to the frame. The expense of this work was $15.37.


On. Washington street a new iron grate and frame was placed on the catch basin at the east side, at the junction of Vernon street, at an expense of $13.50.


On Munroe street a new iron grate and frame was placed at the east side on the catch basin abutting land of Mr. Patrick Hogan at an expense of $13.50.


On Pleasant street a frame and grate was placed on the culvert with an outlet in the pasture of Mr. H. Atwood. This culvert was rebuilt to receive the frame. The cost for this work was $14.61.


On Chapel street a new catch basin was built on the north side and the outlet connected with the system of drainage con- structed by Mr. James Berwick. This was called for, as the water concentrated from the east and west sides of the street with no outlet. The cost of this work was $83.88.


CLEANING CATCH BASINS.


The cost for cleaning catch basins and the removal of all material was $200.90.


CARE OF CATCH BASINS IN STORMS.


The care of catch basins and streets during storms was $53.60.


RAKING, SCRAPING AND CLEANING GUTTERS.


The cost of raking, scraping and care of the gutters during the year was $1,415.11.


The material obtained from this work (which was of proper quality) was used for the following purposes : For filling and grading the new Engine House on Market street and grading and filling at the Winslow School on Chapel street. The ma- terial from the gutters in the Hawes neighborhood were carted to the estate of Dr. Emerson, at his expense.


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The cost for grading and filling at the Engine House was $356.79. The cost for filling at the Winslow School was $60.42. The cost for carting material to the Dr. Emerson es- tate was $43.42, which makes a total of $460.63, and stands to the credit of the Highway Department.


MOWING GRASS AND BUSHES.


The cost for mowing the grass and bushes during the year was $94.00.


BRIDGES AND FENCES.


The bridge on Short street was repaired at an expense of $2.00.


The bridge on Morse street was repaired at an expense of $4.12.


The bridge on Cross street was repaired at an expense of $6.16.


The fence on Walpole street, at the Winslow estate, and the fence in the rear of Mr. O'Brien's on Walnut avenue was rebuilt at an expense of $37.02. This fence borders on the drain which runs from Walpole street and receives water from adjoining streets, and in establishing the new course, the force of the water gradually undermined the fence.


PAVING.


The driveways at Dr. L. H. Plimpton's were repaired at an expense of $15.35. On Pleasant street, at the junction of Cross street, on the south side of the hill, was paved for 496 feet, at an expense of $254.20. (Cost per yard, $1.12 1-2).


The cost for paving driveways and repairs at curbing on Washington street and Day street to conform to the finished grade of the concrete walks was $151.43.


On Cottage street, on the south side, a section was paved from the drive of Dr. Crane's to the paved gutter already completed, at an expense of $71.54. Cost per yd. $1.35. As the street was low at this locality, it was graded to conform to the gutter, which increases the cost of paving.


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Chapel street, on the south side, was paved from the junction of Washington street to land of Mr. Tibbetts, at an ex- pense of $118.94. Cost per yd. $1.12.


CONCRETE.


The expense for preparing the sidewalks on Day street, Broadway, Guild street and Washington street to receive the concrete was $1,380.73. The expense for excavating, filling and grading the lawns was $1,233.92. The cost per sq. yd. for concrete, not including the edgestone, was $1.49 3-4. The cost per linear ft. for edgestone was 60 cents. This work re- quired a large amount of filling of porous nature to receive the concrete. Last year we were fortunate in obtaining cinders from the Norwood Press, but as the supply looks meagre, the foundation will have to be supplied from other sources. Our work last year required 614 tons of cinders.


The cement walks are more expensive to construct than our old method of tar concrete, but as they are considered per- manent, will be cheaper in the end, and give better satisfaction to the general public, I recommend that all future sidewalks be constructed of granolithic.


REMARKS.


In regard to Washington street and adjoining streets in the center of the town, so far as any extensive repairs are concerned, I think would be folly to undertake at this time.


I have endeavored to carry out the instructions given me by your Honorable Board in regard to the repairs on such streets that will be excavated for sewerage.


I have kept the most notable depressions repaired ; there remain some of our main streets that in order to remove all depressions would require re-surfacing the entire length, and to use gravel for such purpose would be of no avail, as most of the streets have a stone foundation and the cups and depressions are solidly formed and would require to be picked up with a steam roller and re-surfaced with stone in order to get a smooth and level surface.


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In the case of the depressions in the streets I have used gravel and, in a short time, the same depressions are there.


I would advocate the use of No. 2 stone for such repairs, but as the stone crusher was not in commission last year, I could not obtain them.


I would recommend for the ensuing year, that enough stone be crushed for such repairs on the highways and sidewalks, as the stone dust is the only material which gives satisfaction in the repair of our sidewalks.


I recommend that an appropriation be made to change the locality of the drain which runs easterly across School street, through the cellar of Mr. Albert Dupee, and southerly across Nahatan street, to main drain recently constructed through land of Mr. John Curran. The change would require the building of two catch basins, and possibly three. This drain is a source of expense, as all kinds of material are brought down in the open drain through the Pond estate, clogs the pipe and floods the neighboring cellars. By constructing a catch basin with trap concreted would obviate the trouble.


I recommend that a catch basin be constructed on Washing- ton street in the neighborhood of the Balch School, to obviate the continual blocking of the culvert under the street, caused from the same source which causes the trouble on Nahatan street.


I recommend that an appropriation be made for two catch basins, one on the side, and one on the south side of Walnut avenue, at the junction of Washington street, and also an edge stone placed on the south corner of Walnut avenue.


I recommend that as our large culverts (which require to be planked) within the location of the highways, are in want of repairs, that instead of replanking, we construct a concrete arch in place of the old structure, as it will do away with all future repairs.


As I have stated, our main streets have been kept in a fair condition for travel. Last year repairs were made on some of the outlying streets by the Highway Department, and there are a few which should receive attention the coming year.


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Washington street, from land of George H. Morse to the line, should be resurfaced, as the projecting stones are very prominent. The County road (in the Hawes neighborhood) should be repaired in various places. We find it expensive in making repairs in this location as we can obtain no gravel nearer than the pit owned by Mr. F. L. Fisher on Morse street, causing a cartage of quite a distance.


Our sidewalks, I cannot say, are up to the standard, for the reason that it has been our method in repairs to resurface with a gravel which will compact readily, and consequently (in an open winter) on account of the action of the frost, makes them very disagreeable for public travel, and they will continue to be so, unless our present method of repairs is changed.


I would recommend that all corporations and private indi- viduals, that open new streets, which eventually come under the control of the town, be compelled to place a subgrade of small stone on the location of the sidewalk, within three inches of the finished grade, and not less than six inches in depth. Our side- walks now built would have to be excavated to receive a bed of stone, as I stated in my report of 1905.


Our surface drainage, I consider in excellent condition, with the exception of a few old culverts, which will be obviated in time.


I trust your Honorable Board will consider the above recom- mendations and cause to be inserted in the Warrant of the An- nual Town Meeting, an appropriation for such of the above recommendations as your Honorable Board deems expedient.


ยท Respectfully Submitted,


FRED H. HARTSHORNE,


Superintendent of Streets.


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LIABILITIES OF THE TOWN OF NORWOOD.


Water bonds at 4 per cent., $64,000 00


Less sinking fund, 32,279 79


$31,720 21


. PUMPING STATION EXTENSION LOAN.


Note due Dec. 1, 1908, at 3 1-2 per ct., $1,000 00 1909, at 3 1-2 per ct., 1,000 00 1910, at 3 1-2 per ct., 1,000 00 $3,000 00


ADDITIONAL WATER SUPPLY LOAN.


Note due Dec. 1, 19OS, at 3 1-2 per ct., $1,000 00 : 1909, at 3 1-2 per ct., 1,000 00 1910, at 3 1-2 per ct., 600 00 - $2,600 00


WATER SERVICE EXTENSION LOAN.


Note due Dec. 1, 1912, at 3 1-2 per ct., 1,500 00


1913, at 3 1-2 per ct., 2,200 00


$3,700 00


E. J. SHATTUCK SCHOOL LOAN.


Note due Dec. 15, 1908, at 3 1-2 per ct., $2,600 00 1909, at 3 1-2 per ct., 2,600 00


Amount carried forward, $5,200 00


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Amount brought forward, $5,200 00


1910, at 3 1-2 per ct., 2,600 00


IgII, at 3 1-2 per ct., 2,600 00 1912, at 3 1-2 per ct.,


2,600 00


1913, at 3 1-2 per ct., 2,000 00


1914, at 3 1-2 per ct., 2,000 00


1915, at 3 1-2 per ct., 2,000 00


1916, at 3 1-2 per ct., 2,000 00


-- $21,000 00


ELECTRIC LIGHT LOAN.


Note due Dec. 1, 1908, at 4 per cent., $2,500 00


1909, at 4 per cent., 2,500 00


1910, at 4 per cent., 2,500 00


19II, at 4 per cent., 2,500 00


1912, at 4 per cent., 2,500 00


1913, at 4 per cent.,


2,500 00


1914, at 4 per cent.,


2,500 00


1915, at 4 per cent.,


2,500 00


1916, at 4 per cent., 2,500 00


1917, at 4 per cent.,


2,500 00


$25,000 00


ELECTRIC LIGHT LOAN - CONTINUED.


Note due Dec. 1, 1918, at 4 1-2 per ct., $2,500 00


1919, at 4 1-2 per ct., 2,500 00


1920, at 4 1-2 per ct., 2,500 00


1921, at 4 1-2 per ct., 2,500 00


1922, at 4 1-2 per ct., 2,500 00


1923, at 4 1-2 per ct., 2,500 00


1924, at 4 1-2 per ct.,


2,500 00


1925, at 4 1-2 per ct., 2,500 00


1926, at 4 1-2 per ct., 2,500 00


1927, at 4 1-2 per ct.,


2,500 00


$25,000 00


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ELECTRIC LIGHT EXTENSION.


Note due Dec. 16, 1908, at 4 1-2 per ct., $2,000 00


1909, at 4 1-2 per ct., 2,000 00


1910, at 4 1-2 per ct., 2,000 00


$6,000 00


-


CHAPEL STREET SCHOOL LOAN.


Note due Dec. 1, 1908, at 4 per cent., $2,000 00


1909, at 4 per cent., 2,000 00


1910, at 4 per cent., 2,000 00


191I, at 4 per cent., 2,000 00


1912, at 4 per cent.,


2,000 00


1913, at 4 per cent.,


2,000 00


1914, at 4 per cent.,


2,000 00


1915, at 4 per cent.,


2,000 00


1916, at 4 per cent.,


2,000 00


1917, at 4 per cent.,


2,000 00


1918, at 4 per cent.,


2,000 00


1919, at 4 per cent.,


2,000 00


1920, at 4 per cent.,


2,000 00


1921, at 4 per cent.,


2,000 00


1922, at 4 per cent.,


2,000 00


1923, at 4 per cent.,


2,000 00


1924, at 4 per cent.,


2,000 00


1925, at 4 per cent.,


2,000 00


1926, at 4 per cent.,


2,000 00


-$38,000 00


FIRE HOUSE LOAN.


Note due Dec. 1, 1908, at 4 per cent., $2,000 00


1909, at 4 per cent.,


2,000 00


1910, at 4 per cent.,


2,000 00


19II, at 4 per cent.,


2,000 00


1912, at 4 per cent.,


2,000 00


1913, at 4 per cent.,


2,000 00


-- $12,000 00


7I


WINSLOW SCHOOL LAND.


Note due Dec. 1, 1908, at 4 per cent., $1,500 00 1909, at 4 per cent., 2,000 00 1910, at 4 per cent., 1,850 00 $5,350 00


WINSLOW SCHOOL GRADING.


Note due Dec. 31,


$1,650 00 -


$1,650 00


Note due 31, Salaries Sewer Commis- sioners, $900 00


$900 00


Note due 31, Municipal Light Dept., $1,062 50


$1,062 50 $80,000 00


Sewer Bonds at 4 per cent.,


$256 982 71


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REPORT OF CHIEF OF POLICE.


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Nor- wood :-


Gentlemen :- I herewith submit the report of the Police Department, from February I, 1907, to January 31, 1908. incl. :


Number of arrests 229 : Female 10, male 219.


The offenses were as follows : Drunkenness 76, disturbance of the peace 46, larceny 13, delinquents 3, insane 2, assault 20, breaking and entering 4, liquor nuisance 19, trespass 2, milk not of good standard I, adulterated milk I, search warrants 3, violation of town by-laws 9, bastardy I, carrying concealed weapons 2, disturbance on public conveyance Io, vagrants 4, violation of Lord's day 39, violation school law I, violation game law 2, violation food law 2, short measure I, track walk- ing II, sale of intoxicating liquors 2, attempt breaking and entering I, truant I, escape truant I, ringing false alarm of fire 2, evading car fare 4. Total 280. Number of tramps 42.


Received for fines, $1,321 from the District Court; of the 19 cases of liquor nuisances, 13 not guilty, five guilty, I plead nolo. The 76 cases of drunkenness, 24 released without arraignment, 26 on file, 7 on probation. The balance of the 280 complaints, 19 were found not guilty, making a total of 32 not guilty.


I received my appointment and was sworn in as Chief of Police on November 30, 1907. I took charge of the department December 2, 1907. I found the department consisted of three regular patrolmen, seven special police officers. I also found two constables who had been given police badges and were wearing the uniform and being used as police officers without legal authority to do so. I found the officers not fully equipped


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with the necessary implements to perform their work, also the department at police station had but three chairs and a table as furnishings. The telephone had another party on the line. I found no book of record as to the bills being paid or contracted, no time book showing the number of hours of work done by the special police officers or con- stables. The record book of reports had only been made up to February 15, 1907. I found that the regular officers had received extra pay for their services as police officers by placing it as expenses in warrants which were returned to court and taken from the fines and fees that belong to the town.


I found that the lockup contained two steel cage cells, one cement cell, one large room used usually for tramps, and one room on second floor used as a living room by the keeper of the lockup. This place has not proper ventilation or sani- tary arrangements. These conditions are no fault of the keeper. I found the main streets were frequented by a large number of persons who had formed a habit of loafing and loitering about them in groups to the annoyance and incon- venience of the merchants and many citizens. I also found upon investigation of reports made to me that there has been a very partial enforcement of the liquor laws. I suspect no less than fifteen places now selling intoxicating liquors il- legally.


I desire to call your attention to the present condition of the police station. There is but one room and that is a back room, and parties in front can easily hear all conversa- tions. We are also bothered with cockroaches which we are fighting to get rid of. With your approval I purchased desk, chairs, books and things necessary for this department. I now have a one-party telephone line. I have also ordered a blue-colored lamp, with words Police Station for the outside of the station. I recommended the constables appointment as special police officers, which your Honorable Board has


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granted them. I have ordered about five hundred feet of wire and a red globe so that we can connect a light with the telephone. The red light to be placed in the street so that it can be seen from Guild street, on Washington street or from the rise in Washington street just above George street. My officers or I may be out doing duty and still can be reached by telephone. I also call your attention to the fact that as the police station and lockup are now in separate build- ings, the work of our keeper is restricted to the care of that building and prisoners, also we are heating and lighting two places instead of one. If both places were combined a regular police officer could do duty (if building was on Wash- ington street between R. R. avenue and Guild street) and still do all the work that is now performed by the keeper of lockup. If this were not done by a regular police officer, the keeper would be able to answer telephone calls and ready to respond in case of any emergency, making his services much more valuable than can possibly be under present conditions.


I would recommend that the regular patrolmen, after one year's service, receive two dollars and fifty cents per day. At the present time the pay of two of the regular patrolmen is less than that of a common laborer.




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