USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1915-1922 > Part 12
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2
1
Julius Erickson
2
4 O'Brien Bros.
Washington St.
M. H. Howard
1
To Premier
11 Dan Parelonis
St. George Ave.
W. Zaleitus
2
11 E. W. Brewster
Nichols St.
E. W. Brewster
18 Frank E. Carlson
Eliot St.
F. E. Carlson
2
18 Michael Cullinane
Monroe St.
W. M. Douglas
1
19 St. George Church
St. James Ave.
J. F. Flaherty
Church
R. R. Ave.
E. McArthur
1
25 John Feeney
Highland St. 215 Vernon St. Neponset St.
7 Ernest Dawson
Cottage and Pleasant Sts. G. L. Huff Lenox St.
Plimpton Press
7 Plimpton Press
16 August Anderson
Lot 76 Eliot St.
July 3 Stanley Uysocki
H. E. Sanborn
1
13 Fred L. Fisher
P. H. Roberts
1
23 A. A. Appleby
4 David Bengman
Morse St.
23 O. N. Cobb 26 C. H. Prescott
-
LIST OF BUILDING INSPECTIONS FOR 1915.
Date Owners
Location
Builder Ten. Add. Garage Store
Aug. 25
Louis LeClair
17 Nichols St.
J. Bernier
1
25 Peter Paullo
Off Ellis Ave.
Peter Paullo
Sept. 2 Grace Church Parish
Beacon Ave.
James A. Hyatt
1
2 J. N. Daniels
8 Franklin St.
J. E. Lewis
1
And Repairs 1
2 J. N. Daniels
25 Florence Ave
J. N. Daniels
15
John Makie
153 Winslow Ave.
John Makie
Shop
15
F. W. Bird & Son
Lot Paroid Mill
A. A. Appleby
1
And Repairs
15
Elakastis Balutis
Concord Ave.
Julius Erickson 2 )
15
Edmond L. Brigham
19 Wheelock Ave.
U. S. Jones
1
16
James M. Folan
540 Washington St.
Walter Smith & Son
6
3 6 Of'cs
20
O. L. Peabody
20 Everett Ave.
On land of Elma Nelson
1
22 Morris Nomerosky
260 Lenox St.
Not built
15
1
23
Charles U. Brizga
1070 Washington St.
E. Leino
3
1
25
James J. Folan
Casey St.
John Nelson
1
29
Clarence Lee
19 Everett Ave.
P. H. Roberts
1
29
Oliver Small
Bellevue Ave.
Not built
1 And Repairs
Oct. 20
Norwood Real Estate
Broadway
F. F. Parker, Supt
1
Moved, Rep'rs Stone house
Nov. 15 M. H. Howard
Broadway
M. H. Howard
1 Carp. Shop
Dec. 15 Hyalmen Altto
17 Tremont St.
E. Leino
5
15 James M. Folan
542 Washington St.
Walter Smith & Son
3
1 2 Of'cs
15 C. A. Anderson
37 West St.
Francis E. Carlson
2
15 Philip Syba
349 Pleasant St.
J. N. Daniels
22 Oliver McLeod
32 Maple St.
M. H. Howard
29 Francis E. Carlson
Lot 73 Eliot St.
F. E. Carlson
29 J. F. & D. E. Callahan
Washington St.
John McKinnon
1 Shipping room, stable 2
1 Lodge Purpose
200
29 Mrs. Herman Babcock
Washington St.
U. S. Jones
27 Louis Max
Lot 84 Heaton Ave.
Louis Max
Stable
201
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH.
To the Citizens of the Town of Norwood:
The Board of Health submits this report for the year ending December 31, 1915.
During the year there have been 96 deaths exclusive of still- births. The death rate is less than ten to the thousand, as it has been for some years.
There were 113 cases of contagious diseases reported during 1915. The reports for the past eleven years are as follows:
Diptheria
Scarlet Fever
Measles
Typhoid Tuber- Fever culosis
Cerebro Spinal Menin- gitis
TOTAL
1905
16
57
10
2
10
95
1906
3
36
179
5
5
1
229
1907
8
22
7
2
5
1
47
1908
12
18
10
6
9
0
55
1909
23
4
47
20
15
0
109
1910
15
4
53
2
13
1
88
1911
40
5
271
6
9
3
383
1912
12
8
26
1
17
0
72
1913
4
13
43
2
9
0
109
1914
19
18
118
3
14
1
211
1915
28
2
68
3
12
0
113
The care of contagious cases is an important problem. As the town continues to grow the expense for this item will tend to increase some years more than others. The past year the expenditures have been taken up by diphtheria and tubercu-
-
202
losis cases. We recommend $2000 for this item the coming year.
For the abatement of mosquitoes, burial of dead animals, in- spection of dairies both in and out of town, inspection of barber shops and laundries, also dealers in food products, this Board wishes to point out the necessity for much work being done and requests for this item the coming year $400.
For garbage collection, plumbing inspection, salaries of the Board, secretary's salary and slaughtering inspection, the Board asks $1800, making a total of $4200.
The Board plans for the coming year a program of co-opera- tion with the Division of Hygiene, State Department of Health.
The officers of the past year were as follows: William P. Nickerson, chairman of the Board; Dr. G. W. Derrick, clerk and health officer; Leon D. Verrill, agent; John A. Shannon, inspector of plumbing; Dr. J. J. Mulvehill, inspector of slaugh- tering.
It is planned to issue early in the year a new outline of rules and regulations of the Board of Health revised up-to-date; as it is now more than fifteen years since any changes have been made, and conditions are vastly different, necessitating more definite and additional rules.
Respectfully submitted,
Signed WILLIAM P. NICKERSON, Chairman, GEORGE W. DERRICK, M. D., Clerk, JOHN A. SHANNON.
203
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY FOR 1915.
The growth of the library is clearly demonstrated in the steady increase in circulation, the new year commencing with 4,869 volumes, a daily average of 187. February was a record- breaking month, the average daily issue being 194 volumes. March circulation of 5,055 was the largest in the history of the Library, twice during the month the daily issue exceeding 300 volumes. In fact each month's circulation has exceeded that of the corresponding month of the previous year. During the three summer months even 2,713 more volumes were issued than during those months of the year previous.
During May there was a decided increase in the number of new borrowers, especially among the children, forty-seven new cards being issued, for the most part in the Balch School district, from which district there was also a decided increase in pat- ronage during the summer months. The total number of new borrowers for the year amounted to nearly 500.
The Library and schools are in closer co-operation than ever. Books are sent to the Balch School every alternate month for distribution. A request from the Civic Association to send books to its new centre on Wilson street was granted, the call being for books suitable for boys and girls and to be used in the reading-room only.
The Library has also been asked and has agreed to receive and distribute books in Italian and English to borrowers in the Balch district. These books are loaned to the Library by the Free Public Library Commission of Massachusetts. The li-
204
brarian was instructed to attend the second lecture given by an Italian to the Italians under the auspices of the Civic Associa- tion and to distribute said books.
A new mahogany charging desk has been placed in the Li- brary, also an additional revolving book-case and a case for index of borrowers' cards.
The Quarterly Bulletin has been regularly issued.
Respectfully submitted,
DR. I. S. FOGG, Chairman, MARIA E. COLBURN, Secretary, WILLIAM T. WHEDON, WALTER BLAIR, GEORGE W. CUSHING, AGNES CURTIN,
Trustees.
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT.
To the Board of Trustees:
The following is a report of the Morrill Memorial Library:
The Library has been open for delivery and return of books every week day, except holidays, making in all 304 days.
Circulation.
Total issue .
54,024 volumes
Average daily issue .
178 volumes
Largest issue, March 27.
327 volumes
Smallest issue, December 23 76 volumes
Per Cent. of Circulation.
Class
Adult
Juvenile
Fiction . 84.7
76.9
General Works 1.1
Philosophy
.9 .1 .
Religion .4 .3
205
Sociology (including Fairy tales) 2.
9.2
Philology .
.1
.1
Natural Science
.9
1.6
Useful Arts
1.2
1.4
Fine Arts .
1.2
2.2
Literature.
2.
1.9
History
1.6
2.8
Travel
2.
2.1
Biography
1.9
1.4
Of Total Circulation.
Adult .
55 per cent. 45 per cent.
Juvenile.
Registration.
Number of names registered Jan. 1, 1915,
3,784
Number of new borrowers, 524
Number of names withdrawn,
62
Net gain, 462
Number of names registered Jan. 1, 1916,
4,246
Respectfully submitted,
JANE A. HEWETT,
January 1, 1916.
Librarian.
.
206
REPORT OF TOWN COUNSEL FOR YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1915.
Selectmen of the Town of Norwood, Mass.
Frank G. Allen, Chairman.
Dear Sirs :- I beg to submit my seventh annual report as counsel for the Town covering the year 1915 as follows:
The most important single fact to be recorded is the going into administrative operation of the new Town government act, viz: Chapter 197 of the Acts of 1914 through the election at the annual meeting held January 18, 1915, of the new town officials including yourselves, created under it.
To Norwood thus comes the distinction of inaugurating, at least in New England, a policy of unified and concentrated town government recognized to be sound in theory and which, judging fairly from results already ascertained, it is confidently expected and desired will prove increasingly efficient and adaptable in practice to the growing and complex needs and legislative re- quirements of the municipality. The transition from the old boards and officials to the new was accomplished without any legal difficulties or delays and the spirit as well as letter of the new act seems to have been obeyed.
My observation and experience with the various officials and departments under the new act and the operation of it but confirm my faith in the essential benefits which it offers and war- rant no suggestions of any immediate perfecting or remedial legislative amendments.
If out of the experience of the current year changes or addi- tions to the act should appear necessary or desirable the legis- lature for 1917 could be petitioned for such purposes, but I
207
recommend that no legislation be sought this year. Perhaps I should add that no proposals for further legislation have come to my notice and that it is doubtful if any petition or legisla- ยท tion, not of an emergency character, would be admitted this year after January 15th, 1916.
Because of the changes in the form and administration of town government resulting from the putting into effect of the new act and the going in of new officials with new duties my de- partment has had the past year activities greater and more varied than in any other single year since the office was created. About two hundred and fifty personal conferences and four hundred telephone conferences of varying length were held with the several town boards and officials and with State and County officials, as well as with others interested or helpful in the Town's business. About two hundred letters were written; advice given on a great number of matters; written opinions furnished whenever requested; hearings before legislative committees, County Commissioners, the Public Service Com- mission as well as local boards were attended. Cases were tried in the District, Superior and Supreme Judicial Courts as the same were reached; views were taken and many papers of various sorts, including articles for the annual and special town meeting warrants and motions under same, were prepared, as appears in more detail in the sub-divisions which follow as supplementary to this report.
The more important matters to which special reference should be made are the following:
Smith vs. Gillooly, et al.
Laura H. Smith, owner of land through which Harding road, a new town way, was laid out in 1914, petitioned the Supreme Court for a writ of prohibition against the Selectmen and Super- intendent Conley, forbidding them from entering to construct said way and from assessing betterments, claiming that the street was not legally laid out and accepted and anticipating
-
208
the entry upon her land to construct the way to be followed by the assessment of betterments. The case was first heard by a single justice who on motion dismissed the petition as to Mr. Conley for want of jurisdiction, and on hearing dismissed as to the Selectmen on agreed facts; but at the request of the peti- tioner reported the case to the full bench. The case was sub- mitted to the full bench in November after both parties had filed briefs and were heard in oral argument. A decision is ex- pected shortly and if favorable to the Town the existing legal obstacle to building the street will be removed; while if favorable to the petitioner, the town must proceed anew to lay out and accept the street before it can be built.
New Washington Street-Parallel Highway.
The Town acting under Article 7 in the warrant for the special town meeting held February 25th, 1915, authorized and directed the Selectmen to adjust and settle or compromise, if in their judgment such could be effected on a reasonable and satis- factory basis, the claims against the town for land damages and by the town for betterments assessed growing out of the laying out and construction of the new highway paralleling Washington street under a decree of the County Commis- sioners. The Forbes, Fales and Bird claims were at the time in the hands of attorneys. Negotiations were carried on by me under your instruction which resulted in an adjustment with each of these parties which was satisfactory to them and to yourselves, viz: as to Forbes and Fales (John M. Maguire, an attorney for Gov. Forbes, having succeeded to this claim) by an exchange of releases; namely from these parties to the Town for land damages on the one side and from the Town to these parties for the betterments assessed and an assumption by the Town of such better mentson the other side; as to Bird by the payment of $610 to cover the loss of a well on the land taken and by mutual releases of claims for damages and betterments and the assumption of such betterments by the Town. As to the Fales
209
and Page takings, the adjustments were made direct by you in an equally satisfactory manner, certain papers to carry out the agreements reached being prepared or passed upon by me. The results thus secured, following friendly negotiations, in my. opinion amply justified the action taken and protracted and expensive prospective litigation was thus avoided. The item to be included in the cost of this new highway and the appor- tionment of such cost between the Town and Railroad Company and the manner of its payment appear to have been agreed upon and the settlement of this phase of the matter should be satis- factorily concluded this year through the office of the Town Accountant. Negotiations with the County Commissioners also have proceeded satisfactorily. Such attention was given to these latter matters as was required of me.
Neponset River Bridge Apportionment of Cost and Location Rights of Street Railway Co.
The completion by the County Commissioners of the new concrete bridge over the Neponset River at the Canton line and of the changes of the street approaches to the bridge called for an apportionment of the cost by the County Commissioners and the determination of the rights of the street railways com- panies to locations on the new bridge and their obligations, if any, to contribute to such cost. The street railway companies undertook to re-establish themselves on the bridge and to unite their tracks at the Norwood-Canton town line without the sanc- tion of the Norwood town authorities so far as Norwood was concerned, and before the bridge was accepted and duly opened for travel by the County Commissioners and before any effort was made to come to an understanding as to what the location should be and what part of the expense the street railway companies or either of them should bear. It is to be remem- bered that the Norwood, Canton and Sharon Street Railway Company operates in Norwood to the Canton line which crosses the new bridge where it joins the tracks of the Blue Hill Street
210
Railway Company operating in Canton. Under advice and prompted solely by your desire and duty to protect the interests of the Town and its citizens, you blocked the attempt of the street railroads to take locations and lay tracks on the bridge and use it until the bridge was accepted, and until it was as- certained what the railroads might properly and legally do and until the rights of the Town were secured. The solution of the situation having been found the bridge was opened and the tracks laid and travel resumed. In due time the County Commissioners apportioned the expense, placing a fair share of it upon the street railway companies in accordance with your claim and request, and dividing the balance of the expense on a satisfactory basis between the Towns of Norwood and Canton.
In these proceedings my Department was frequently con- sulted, the bridge inspected, the County Commissioners inter- viewed, the street railway company officials and engineer for the County Commissioner conferred with, the right to assess a portion of the cost on the street railway companies studied; facts in preparation for hearings ascertained, hearing before the County Commissioners attended and evidence submitted. It is gratifying that the contention of my Department supported by Chairman Allen that the street railways companies could be legally assessed a part of the cost of the bridge and regarded as a novel proportion was finally accepted and acted upon by the County Commissioners.
John Boabdallah vs. Norwood.
John Boabdallah petitioned the Superior Court in 1913 for a jury to assess the damages sustained by him in the taking of a right of way through his land for sewer purposes as formerly reported. A trial was necessary as all offers of settlement which the Sewer Commissioners felt justified in making were rejected. The case was reached at the May term and tried and the petitioner was awarded the sum of $388.80 which in- cluded interest from the date of the taking. This sum was
211
somewhat more than the amount which Town offered in settle- ment, but considerably less than any sum which it was suggested by counsel for the petitioner would accept by way of settle- ment. In due course execution issued and was satisfied by the payment of $439.42, which included in addition to the verdict and interest the sum of $49.91 taxable costs. Such time and effort as were required for the preparation and trial of the case and its final disposition were given by my department.
Walpole Street-Street Watering Obligations of the Norfolk and Bristol Street Railway Company.
In past years the Norfolk and Bristol Street Railway Com- pany and its predecessors failed to comply with the requirements of the original location grant to water its track location on Wal- pole street and ignored the attempts made to secure compliance with this requirement. Under your instruction, my depart- ment took up this matter actively early in the spring and after much effort, particularly on the part of Manager Bingham, a conference was arranged for May 4th, 1915, between the offi- cials of the Company and yourselves, which I attended. This conference resulted in an understanding being reached by which the Town, in lieu of the street being watered by the Company, applied at the expense of the Company a coating of oil as a more effective means of laying the dust. This proved a satisfactory solution of the existing conditions and while no understanding was reached as to future watering or application of oil yet it is probable that some satisfactory agreement will be reached or the rights of the Town to enforce the franchise will be tested by court proceedings. In the correspondence with the attor- neys for the Company which preceded and followed the con- ference referred to above and in the drafting of necessary papers my department was active.
Norfolk and Bristol Street Railway Co. Fare Increase.
In the early part of the year the Norfolk and Bristol Street
212
Railway Company notified the Public Service Commission of the State of a proposed increase in fares which so far as it affected Norwood called for a six cent fare in place of a five cent fare then existing. The Public Service Commission or- dered the increase suspended pending a hearing. Under your instruction, I attended the hearing given and made a protest against the increase in view of the provisions of the original location grant to the Norfolk Southern Street Railway Com- pany, predecessor in title to the Norfolk and Bristol Street Rail- way Company, that the rate of fare for one continuous ride within the limits of Norwood should not exceed five cents, and supported also .the modification secured largely through the efforts of the Norwood Board of Trade of the increase so that it did not increase workmen's fares within certain hours when ten ride tickets were purchased and used. The Public Service Commission granted the increase requested, having ruled that the fare limitation in the original location grant could not control the independent rate making power now vested in it.
Cemetery By-Laws Amendments.
One of the accomplishments of the year was the adoption by the Town of amendments to the cemetery by-laws drafted by my department which substituted the Selectmen for the Ceme- tery Commissioners and placed the administrative rights and duties and supervision upon the General Manager. This action was taken upon your initiative and is in keeping with the spirit and purpose of the new act to gather under a single head kindred and readily grouped departmental activities.
Aside from the Smith petition referred to above, no suits known to my department have been brought against the Town during the year and none are pending. Furthermore, no claims against the Town exist which threaten litigation and are known to me. This is a most enviable record when the size and acti- vities of the Town are considered.
In the performance of the duties required of my department
213
the uniform kindness and consideration extended to me by all the town officials are gratefully acknowledged; and in the numerous matters with which you have had to deal and as to which you have sought my advice and assistance you have displayed a confidence and a patience which are much appre- ciated.
Respectfully submitted, JAMES A. HALLORAN, Town Counsel.
214
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
To the Selectmen of Norwood, Mass.
I herewith present my report for the year ending December 31, 1915.
Have sealed 11 platform scales of over 5000 pounds capacity and 77 platform scales under 5000 pounds, 4 platform scales non-sealed, 29 computing scales and 134 other scales and 9 were condemned; 271 weights, 9 dry measures, 108 liquid measures, 9 being condemned; 39 lineal measures, 8 being con- demned; 6 measuring machines, 14 measuring pumps, one being condemned; 13 metric weights, 4 being condemned; 14 apothe- cary weights, 8 being condemned; 48 paper cartons in various shapes from one-half pint to one quart capacity.
All grocery stores have been inspected and found satisfactory with the exception of eight packages of sugar which were found to be about four ounces under weight and which were required to be refilled. Of ten loads of coal weighed, one-half were found to be slightly overweight.
An office has been equipped in the lock-up building and all condemned weights and measures are stored in such office. The value of the Department's equipment is $169. Regular office hours are now maintained from one to five P. M. on Fri- days, and as the licenses for hawkers and peddlers have been transferred from the Police Department to the Weights and Measures Department by the new act, a considerable amount of business is expected for the ensuing year. The total ex- penditures this year have been $332.94 and the total receipts $104.60. This makes an actual expense of $228.34.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY N. KING,
Sealer.
215
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
ORGANIZATION, 1915.
School Committee.
George H. Smith, 193 Walpole street, term expires January, 1916.
Cornelius M. Callahan, 23 Railroad avenue, term expires January, 1916.
Harriet W. Lane, 296 Walpole street, term expires January, 1917.
Ralph E. Bullard, 92 Walpole street, term expires January, 1917.
Alfred N. Amborse, 12 Vernon street, term expires January, 1918.
Sarah N. Bigelow, 219 Winter street, term expires January, 1918.
George H. Smith, Chairman.
Mary D. Taylor, Clerk.
Standing Committees.
School books and supplies-Mr. Smith, Mr. Callahan, Mrs. Bigelow.
Finance, accounts and claims-Mr. Callahan, Mr. Ambrose, Mr. Bullard.
Janitors, schoolhouses and grounds-Mr. Ambrose, Mr. Smith, Mrs. Lane.
Fuel-Mr. Bullard, Mr. Callahan, Mr. Ambrose.
216
Committee Meetings.
The regular monthly meeting of the School Committee is held at the School Committee rooms, Municipal Building, at 8 p. m. on the first Thursday of each month.
Superintendent of Schools.
Austin H. Fittz, 361 Walpole street.
Telephone number, Norwood 434-W.
The office of the Superintendent is at the Municipal Build- ing. His office is open from 8 a. m. until 11.45 a. m. and from 1.15 p. m. until 5 p. m. on school days; and from 8 a. m. until 11.45 a. m. on Saturdays.
Telephone number, Norwood 133.
217
SCHOOL CALENDAR.
1915-1916.
Winter Term.
First half: Tuesday January 4, to Friday, February 18. Second half: Monday, February 28, to Friday, April 21.
Spring Term.
Monday, May 1, to Friday, June 23.
Fall Term.
Wednesday, September 6, to Friday, December 22.
1916-1917. Winter Term.
First half: Tuesday, January 2, to Friday, February, 16. Second half: Monday, February 26, to Friday, April 20.
Holidays.
October 12, Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday, Good Friday, April 19, May 30, June 17.
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