USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Randolph > Randolph town reports 1852-1874 > Part 26
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64
W. Il. Labaree, supplies to W. F. Kidder,
3 00
Moses French, wood, 66
5 50
$45 00
Canton.
Paid Geo. W. Kehr, board of Christiana Sloan,
$4 00
Henry D. Holbrook supplies at Sam'l Cheesman Jr's, for board of David Morse, 5 00
$9 00
Abington.
Paid A. N. Heale, supplies to Gardner Leavitt,
$4 00
Susannah Hollis, work for
1 50
A. C. Kimball digging grave of Mrs.
66
1 25
Win. Shed, sexton
50
R. Houghton, coffin &c.,
66
6 50
J. M. Penniman, board of Orcutt family,
11 50
I. D. Page, supplies to Aaron Leavitt,
6 00
A. Mayhew, supplies to Robert Erskin,
12 00
$43 25
Stoughton.
Paid A. G. Swain, supplies to Lewis Holbrook, $925
Moses French, wood to 66 6 13
Ralph Houghton, coffin &c., to Mrs D. L. Burrill, 7 00
J. Dunton, digging grave, 1 25
E. A. Allen, med. attendance Seth Goldthwaite's
4 00
$27 63
21
North Bridgewater.
Paid Joseph Jones, wood to Geo. Harris, $2 13
J. D. Page, goods to 66 7 00
E. A. Allen, medical attendance to do. 4 50
T. E. Wood, to Relief Warren, 5 25
$18 88
Weymouth.
Paid B. Nightingale, board of Alvira A. Ryan, $24 00
Middleboro'.
Paid Seth Mann, wood to Lemuel Raymond, $6 00
Norton.
Paid D. Faxon, supplies to Oliver W. Vinton, $115 91
R. Houghton, coffin and robe for Mrs. Vinton, 6 50
J. A. Blood, digging grave for Mrs. Vinton, 1 25
$123 66
Roxbury.
Paid Moses French, wood to Elias Miller,
$2 50
Samuel Baker, supplies 66
12 00
$14 50
Total,
311 92
STATE PAUPERS.
Paid E. R. Payne, board and care of William Heath in sickness, $30 00 J. N. Foster, board and care of Mrs. Grant, 13 00
R. Houghton, coffin and robe for “ 5 00
Paid R. Houghton, coffin and robe for child of Joseph Tarbet, 6 50
Wm. Shed, sexton for do.
50
I. D. Page, goods to Joseph Tarbet. 4 00
E. Mann, 3d, “
1 00
Hiram Wales, coal to «
7 75
Seth Mann,2d, supplies " 66
25
$20 00
Paid R. Houghton, coffin and robe Mrs. Wm. Brady, 7 50
A. C. Kimball, digging grave. « 2 00
$9 50
Paid John Long, tickets for paupers to Bridgewater, 1 65 T. H. Brodrick, 165 lodgings, 164 meals for travellers, 50 00
Total,
$129 15
FUNERAL EXPENSES.
Paid Ezekiel French, attending 81 funerals, $81 00
Moses French, 66 6 6 00
John A. Blood, 16 66
16 00
Walter Cartwright, for 2 hearse harnesses,
43 00
Total,
$146 00
23
LAW EXPENSES.
Paid Ellis Ames, legal advice, $3 00
advice, service, and expenses, in pauper case against Town of Norton, now pending, 60 39
A. B. Berry, service and costs, same case, 20 00
H. B. Alden, Jr., paid sheriff fees, 3 15
Total,
$86.54
MILITARY.
Paid Members of Military Company, $351 00
Trustees S. S. Fund, rent of Armory, to Aug.
58 31
Joli Long, rent of Armory, to Feb. 50 00
Total,
$459 09
('This is chiefly refunded by the State. )
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Engines.
Paid Proprietors of Fire King Engine, for engine, $821 00
" Aquarius
497 50
" Relief
398 00
" Independence " 4 .
700 00
Appraisers of first three engines,
17 00
Drawing engine from North Bridgewater,
4 00
$2437 50
24
Repairs, 1859 -- 60.
Paid Hunneman & Co. work on Aquarius, $33 36
G. M. Lovering, steward of " to May 1, '60, 15 00 S. C. Yeaton, to Roxbury as to repair of Relief. 2 50
W. Cartwright, work on Fire King Engine, . 4 32
$55 18
Pay of Members.
Paid Members of Fire King Engine Co., 3,50 each, $112 00
66 Aquarius 66 66 66
158 00
66 Relief 66 66
147 00
$417 00
Repairs, &c., 1860 -- 61.
FIRE KING ENGINE.
Paid Corthell & Co., 8 pairs Oil suits, $11 00
Wm. Campbell, new springs, &c., 10 63
Thos. Fardy, repairs and hooks and key for house, 4 00
W. Cole, Jr., freight of hose, 3 25
W. Cartwright, belts, straps, and washers, 7 60
For 2 brass guard lanterns, 5 00
Hunneman & Co., reparing hose and coupling,
8 94
Shelton & Cheever, packing and repairs of pistons, 3 50
J. W. Ingell,' pail, wash dish; tin cups, tumblers and repairs, 3 55
Hiram Wales, coal,
3 62
Steward's bill, from May 1, '60, to Feb. 1, '61,
32 62
Lawrence White, oil, alcohol, &c.,
3 83
N. A. Tolman, 2 lamps and oil,
2 84
B. Dickerman, Jr., alcohol, sponge, &c.,
1 69
Mead & Taylor, oil and tallow, 5 01
R. W. Turner, hammer, nails, and candles, 1 43
A. K. Weeks, glass and setting, 1 50
$110 01
25
INDEPENDENCE.
Paid Corthell & Co., 12 pairs oil suits, 16 50
Sandwich Glass Co , 2 guard lanterns, 5 00
W Campbell, repairing brakes, springs, &c.,
12 38
Shelton & Cheever, 8 hose belts, 8 00
repairing hose and coupling, 4 00
J. W. Ingell, pail, cups, water pot, 2 lanterns and repairing, 3 71
W. Cartwright, leather and straps, 1 75
Mead & Taylor, tallow, 5 25
Linus Belcher, stock and labor,
1 90
Lawrence White, labor on engine,
2 00
Ralph Houghton, 66 6 00
66
books and stationery,
1 50
pail and broom,
50
lock and keys,
2 50
66
lantern, and irons for flag staff,
1 75
66
cash paid for labor, 85
A. A. Payne, labor on Engine, and wood, 16 22 do. 2 78
11 76
Hunneman & Co., painting and repairs on engine,
161 41
Eph'm Mann, carting engine to and from Boston, 5 00 66 taking engine to fires 3 times, 3 00
4 ft. of wood, 3 00
$276 76
AQUARIUS.
Paid Corthell & Co., 12 pairs oil suits,
$16 50
W. H. Sargent, steward to Oct. 1, 1860,
14 50
W. L. White, to Jan. 1, 1861, 12 00
Charles Foster, setting glass,
1 00
P. McMahon, stone for engine house,
1 25
Hiram Wales, coal,
3 62
Simeon White, wood,
2 50
Hunneman & Co., repair of hose,
5 75
Ephi'm Mann, carting engine to Boston &c.,
7 00
J. A. Blood, taking engine to fire,
1 00
$65 12
4
R. W. Turner, oil, fluid, soap, nails, jug, &c.,
26
RELIEF. .
Paid Corthell & Co., 10 pairs oil suits, $13 75
Ezra Whitcomb, steward,
8 41 IP
6:
fluid and coal, 1 42
66 horse hire,
1 00
Thomas West, fluid,
16
repairs,
34
Eph'ın Whitcomb, rent ot land,
50
E. W. Lincoln, oil,
1 60
Wm. Campbell, repairing hose carriage,
3 00
$30 18
INCIDENTAL.
Paid T. West. record books,
95
5 50
Shelton & Cheever, engine badges, 400 Books, rules and regulations,
10 00
$16 45
Total,
$3408 20 Pa
REMITTANCES, ABATEMENTS, AND DISCOUNT
ON TAXES.
Paid C. Stevens, Collector, 1858, discount allowed, 34 5.
66 ‹: " remittances 25 5
John Adams, 66 1860,
998 2:
Discount on $16,637.50, at 6 per cent. . 1,373.35, at 4 " "
54 9
Abatements, 55 4
Total, 1168 7
27
TOWN OFFICERS.
Paid E. Beal, Auditor, 1860,
$10 00
T. West.
8 00
Oramel White, School Committee, 1859-60,
13 50
Isaac Tower,
68
9 00
A. L. Cushing,
66
16 50
Ezekiel French, services as Constable,
6 00
H. B. Alden, Jr., as Selectman, Overseer of the Poor, and Assessor, 150 00
Jacob Whitcomb, do., do., do.
150 00
Seth Mann. 2d, do., do.,
do. 150 00
Total, 513 00
INCIDENTAL.
Paid S. P. Brown, printing Town and School reports, 1860, 165 00
S. P. Brown, advertising, blanks, tax bills, &c., 52 00
3 census books, 12 00
Little & Brown, 2 vol. Metcalf's reports, 7 50
C. K. Darling, valuation books and stationery, 14 08
3 21
E. Moulton, door for " pound," Insurance to R. W. Turner, and Seth Mann, 2d, school houses, 21 13
E. Moulton, preparing armory, 4 63
F. Townsend, school books to indigent children, 7 71
Samuel Baker, « 66
92
Ezekiel French, 1 day distributing envelopes,
1 50
S. Mann, 2d, proof reading for Auditors, 1860, 3 00
T. H. Brodrick, care of hall, and ringing bell for town meeting, 5 00
T. H. Brodrick, repairing pump and platform, at alms house, 3 00
T. H. Brodrick, barn by vote of town, 176 00
68 labor and team work on barn cellar, 17 00
Eph'm Mann, team work at 8 00
24
Paid P. McMahon, stone for barn cellar, 19 25
Porter & Loud, shingles for lock up, 21 25
O. Jones, carting = 66 6
load lumber, 4 25
T. H. Brodrick, 4 days shingling lock up, 7 00
J. T. Jordan and aids, as watch, July 3d and 4th,
20 00
H. C. Alden, aid to Auditors, and distriburing town reports, 1859 -- 60, 8 00
6 50
H. C. Alden, distributing acts and resolves, 66 .. to Boston for moneys, and with election returns 4 00
H. C. Alden, fare and time to Titicut, 2 45
Charles Estabrook, entertainment for appraisers of engines, 2 50
Charles Estabrook, 7 meals and lodging 6 travellers,
3 00
66 2 for 50
66 sundry dinners for Auditors,
School Committee, and one Selectman, from March 6th, to April 10th, 1860, 6 50
Total, $607 48
RECAPITULATION.
Page 4. Expended for Schools, $4100 31
7. Furniture and Repairs of School Houses, 557 11
9. Highways, 1668 75
15. Paupers in Alıns House,
596 39
16. Do. out of "
1294 68
20. Do. of other towns, 311 92
21. State Paupers,
129 15
22. Funerals,
146 00
23. Law Case and Advice,
86 54
23. Military,
459 31
23. Fire Department,
3408 20
26. Abatements, Remittances, and Discount on Taxes, 1168 70
27. Town Officers, 513 00
27. Incidentals, 607 48
Total,
$15,047 54
60
29
On account of the change of time adopted by the town last Spring for holding its annual meeting, the whole expenses of schools for the year are not embraced in the preceding state- ment, as the schools are not yet closed. The Committee, how- ever, have furnished us with a statement of the bills which are now due and unpaid, and of those which will be due at the close of the school year. They are presented here to give a view of the whole expenses belonging to the year, viz :
SCHOOL EXPENSES.
District No. 1.
Ann M. Thayer, for teaching 12 weeks,
$72 00
Care of school house, 10 50
$82 50
District No. 2.
Mary J. Wright for teaching 12 weeks, $60 00
Mary Wild, .6
48 00
Lewis Holbrook, care of school house,
4 00
$$112 00
District No. 3.
Rachel Thayer, for teaching 12 weeks, . $60 00
Mary J. White, 48 00
Harriet W. Arnold, for care of room (36 w.). 8 50
Henrietta Sawin, .. 66 8 50
Western Mann, for making fires, . 4 11
Nathan White, wood and sawing, 4 94
Mrs. Hollis, washing room,.
1 00
$135 05
District No. 4.
Maria Poole, for teaching 12 weeks,
$72 00
Celinda Belcher, 66
48 00
Care of rooms and fires, about.
10 00
$130 00
District. No. 5.
C. Rebecca Veazie, for teaching 12 weeks,
$60 00
Care of rooms and fires, ..
10 00
$70 00
30
District No. 6.
Isadora Arnold, for teaching 12 weeks, $72 00
Ella O. Tower, ..
48 00
Care of rooms, 13 00
Isoac Tower, for wood and sawing, shavings, &c., .... 7 31
$140 31
District No. 7.
Emilie J. Pratt, for teaching 12 weeks,
$66 00
Care of house, about,. 6 00
$72 00
District No. 8.
Edmund Cottle, for teaching 12 weeks,
$150 00
Hattie A. Belcher,
60 00
Sarah Shankland,
..
78 00
H. Maria Roel,
60 00
Hannah F. Thayer,
94
... 42 00
Care of house,-
30 00
$420 00
District No. 9. (High School.)
T. F. Currier, for teaching 12 weeks,
$250 00
M. W. Lincoln,
60 00
Henry Paine, care of house,.
12 00
$322 00
Miss Blake, for teaching 12 weeks, other schools, ....
$$78 00
Mary H. French,
48 00
John Gill, care of fires,.
6 00
$132 00
District No. 10.
Laura A. Odell, for teaching 12 weeks, Janette F. Odell,
$72 00
48 00
Jennie B. Spear,
66
48 00
Care of house and fires,
24 00
$192 00
Total, $1807 86
.
31
FURNITURE AND REPAIRS OF SCHOOL HOUSES.
T. E. Wortman, work on stove pipe, Dis. No. 1, . $1 50
stove pipe and labor, " 2, 13 27
Hiram Belcher. rent of school room, .. 2 30 00 T. E. Wortman, lining stoves, pipe and labor, Dis. No. 3, 6 80 Linus Belcher, 28 ft. boards, 56
T. B. Howard, moving seats, fixing pump, lock and win- dow, Dis. No. 3,.
3 95 Nathan White, repairing pump, cart'g gravel, brooms and pail, Dis. No. 3,. 2 25
T. E. Wortman, lining stove, and labor on pipe and stove, Dis. No. 4,.
3 75
Linus Belcher, boards, nails and labor, Dis. No. 6, . . I. Tower, pickets, nails, boards, washing rooms, and small items, Dis. No. 6, . 8 40
3 97
T. E. Wortman, brushes, lining stove, pipe and labor, Dis. No. 6,
3 50
T'. E. Wortman, stove pipe and labor, Dis. No. 7,. 1 37
pails, brushes, brooms. stove pipe, labor, &c.' Dis. No. 8,. 14 79
Francis Townsend-bill about. 9 00
Linus Belcher, labor and stock, at Dis. No. 8, .. 7 86
W. O. Haskell, desks, chairs and settees, 36 55
T. E. Wortman, stove pipe and linings, stove pipe, bell, brooms, lining,
9 ..
7 91
Linus Belcher, lumber, labor, nails, &c., .. ..
17 63
E. M. Koel, 3 thermometers, duster, match boxes and
glass, Dis. No. 10,.
3 23 -- $188 66
FOR STETSON SCHOOL ROOM.
W. O. Haskell, settees,.
$13 50
desks, chairs, settees, &c 295 05
Isaac Jackson, lumber, .. 22 88
J. B. Thayer, labor and stoek, 36 45 -- $367 85
Total. $556 51
An old bill of 1859-60 is outstanding for chairs and settees for
High School, East Randolph, due to J. L. Ross, $41 24
$507 76
Services of School Committee, as voted by Town,
200 00
Total due for schools, .. " furniture, repairs,
$1,807 86
567 75
School Committec, 200 00
$2,575 61
In addition to the prceeding, there are outstanding claims chargeable to other departments amounting to about $700.
This includes bills of the Assessors for taking the State valua- tion which will be presented to the town for approval according to the vote passed last Spring, " as to bills of Selectmen, &c."
There is money in the Treasury sufficient to pay all bills to March 1st, 1861, and leave a surplus.
10 .. 12 37
32
TOWN DEBT.
By reference to the statements of the Treasurer it will be seen that the town debt March 1st, 1860, was $17,599 12 and including all claims to March 1st, 1861, will then be 16,564 23
Being a diminution in the debt of $1034 89 and this, although rising $2400, has been paid during the year for the four engines, agreeable to a vote of the town. Since the Treasurer completed his statement,it has been ascertained that the Engineers have authorised an expenditure of $200, which with some other small bills, will vary the result about $300, making the debt about $16,900, and the decrease from last year, about $700, when all bills to March 1st, are paid.
SCHOOLS.
The Committee do not at this time make any report in print but it is understood will do so when the schools for the year are closed, soon after March 1st. They will make at the annual meeting suggestions as to the wants of the department.
The appropriation made in 1860, for repairs, furniture, &c., for school houses, was $500. The exenditures by the School Committee, owing to the changes required for Stetson school, ex- ceeded considerably that sum. 'There remains unpaid of this class of bills, $567 75 to pay which a vote of the town is desired. They are included in the Treasurer's statement of es- timate of unpaid bills.
Your Selectmen declined to give orders for this amount until authorized by vote, as they thought the town designed that all payments should be governed by the appropriations. The principle will be assented to as good, in all town matters, and it will doubtless be advantageous, if persistently pursued.
33
Since the foregoing was printed, the Superintending School Committee have requested the Selectmen to state that $6000 will be needed to carry on the Town Schools, aside from what may be appropriated for the use of the Stetson School, and that $900 will be needed for repairs, to be applied as follows :
Dis. No. 1. for painting school house, about
$60 00
.6
2, " fence and out-houses, 40 00
.: 6: 3, " fence and cellar for fuel, " 50 00
4,
" painting school house and building out-houses, about 100 00
"
5, painting school house, about 50 00
16 66 6, cellar and out-houses, 70 00
66
7, " fence,
10 00
9, " repairs on house, fence and out- houses, about 150 00
10, " repairs and painting fence, 20 00
For stovės and school furniture in several of the
Districts, particularly in District No. 1,
350 00
$900 00
PAUPERS.
Aid has been given in such cases as was required, yet the expenditures are proportionately less than last year. It is said by Overseers of the Poor in some towns, that their alms houses are made self sustaining. There is no way for our town to profit in that direction, unless by an increase of the town lands, or by employing the inmates upon the highways. There are those there who might be profitably employed.
LAW CASE.
It will be seen by the report that the sum of $86 54 has been expended mostly in a suit against the town of Norton com- menced a year since, for recovery of expenses incurred in aiding O. W. Vinton and family as paupers. Amount now due some over $300. It is a question of settlement.
The case has gone up to the Supreme Court for decision .- The expenses of suit have terminated.
5
34
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The Selectmen were instructed to sell the two engine houses in the North part of the town. The town took action. at an ad- journed meeting, which rendered the use of one neccessary. About the same time, some of the citizens organized an inde- pendent company, to be attached to the Norfolk engine, which was repaired by them. The other house became neccessary for their use, so that both houses are now as heretofore owned by the town.
An appraisment was made of the engines Fire King, Aquarius and Relief by agreement between the proprietors and the Select- men as authorized by the town, and the engines have been trans- ferred by the proprietors to the town on payment of the amounts previously given in this report. As required by us on account of the measures adopted by the town, as to a fire department, engineers were appointed who have performed their duties and presented a report, embodying such suggestions as they deemed neccessary and proper. It will be found printed herewith. For the wants of the department for the coming year, reference is made to that report.
APPROPRIATIONS.
As to appropriations for what has heretofore come under the head of general or other town expenses, your Selectmen suggest that in their opinion it is desirable to raise the same amount as last year, $9000, unless some unusual outlay 's voted to be made. If it should not all be needed for the expenditures of the year, the balance will so much reduce the town debt. Then if ex- traordinary outlay should have to be made in some future year, the debt might be increased again, instead of raising too large a sum in one year to meet that ontlay. Even taxes from year to year seem most satisfactory.
35
VALUATION STATISTICS.
A summary of statistics as they existed May 1, 1860, which were required of your assessors, by the State authorities, is here- with presented. To those authorities they were given in detail.
No. of male polls taxed,
1468
.. " not taxed, nor supported by Town, 49
66 66 " supported by the Town, 6
" Dwelling houses,
929
66 " Shops within and adjoining dwelling houses,
142
" Other shops,
54
" Warehouses and Stores,
5 1
66 " Tanneries,
.. " Barns,
387
" Steam mills,
2
" Boot factories,
21
66 " Shoe
7
" Boot and shoe factories,
5
" Carriage
]
" Blacksmith and tin ware shops,
5
" all other works and buildings, between $20 and $100 in value, 87
66
" all other works and buildings, over $100 in value, 14
Amount of every persons stock in trade, $270,040 00
68 " Money at interest, more than interest is paid for,
6: " Money on hand including deposits in bank,
11,450 00
16 Stock held in Bank and Insurance Co's, 567,090 00 Shares in toll bridges, canals, Railroads, 1026. Value of the same, 108,448 00
66 " any other incorporated company, 20. Value of the same, 5,448 00
Ounces of Plate of all kinds exceeding $20 in value, 1,425
Acres of land annually tilled excluding orchards tilled, 346 7-8
of Orcharding of all kinds of fruit, 58}
of Upland mowi'g, excludi'g orchardi'g mow'd, 1209 7-8
Tons of Hay, the yearly produce of the same, 1101 7-8
286,455 00
: 36
Acres of Orcharding mowed, 472 523
Tons of Hay, the yearly produce of the same,
Acres of fresh Meadow mowed, 521 1-8
Tons of Hay, the annual produce of the same, 2663 Acres of Pasture land, excluding orcharding pastured,2640 3-8 " Woodland exclusive of pasture land inclosed, 5263 Cords of Wood per arre, 54 Acres of unimproved land,
166 1-8 37
66
66 land uniniprovable,
66 6. owned by any town or other proprietary, 264
66 66
used for roads, 200
66
covered with water, 154
Whole number of acres of land in town, from actual
survey, 11,435
No of Horses, 337
" Oxen four years old and upwards,
. 40
" Cows three " 341
" Steers and heifers one year old and upwards, 39
66 " Sheep six months old and upwards, 2
" Swine, "" .. 373
Value of all other ratable estate, $8,100 00
Amount of Personal estate doomed, 2,250 00
LIQUOR AGENCY.
Benjamin Dickerman Jr., Agent, in Account with the Town, from March 8th, 1860, to Feb. 13th; 1861.
Dr. To Cash received from sale of Liquor,
$1475 56
Cr. By Cash paid for Liquor,
$1212 96
" Salary to Feb. 1st, 11 months,
137 50
" Cash on hand to be paid Treasurer,
125 10
$1475 56
Agency in account with the Town.
Dr. To Liquor on hand March 8th, 1861,
$237 09
" Cash paid for Liquor,
1212 96
" Salary of agent 11 months,
137 50
" Balance being profits,
100 06
$1687 54
Cr. By sales of Liquor,
$1475 56
" Liquor on hand Feb. 13th, 1861,
211 98
$1687 54
HORATIO B. ALDEN, JR., JACOB WHITCOMB, SETH MANN, 2D ..
Selectmen of Randolph.
37
The following statistics are appended as convenient for occasional reference :
School children in town, between 5 and 15 years of age, May 1,1860 :
East Randolph, 291
North 66 427
Centre 528
Populaton of town, 1860 :- E. Randolph, E. of railroad, 1419 Centre (South of Mill stream, including Warren street ) 2433
North (North of Mill stream, excluding Warren street) 1912
Total 5,764
Population in 1850-4,638. In 1855-5,538.
Increase first 5 years-900. Increase secoud 5 years-226.
Total increase in 10 years-1,126.
REPORT OF THE ENGINEERS OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Selectmen of Randolph, Gentlemen :-
We present you with a report of the action of the board and the condition and wants of the Department.
In accordance with the vote of the town, we have purchased an engine for the North part of the town, for $700. It had been used in a neighboring town for a few years, and considering its reputation and the hose and other articles included in the purchase, we believe it was a good bargain. It has since been painted and put in complete repair, with the name of Indepen- dence No. 2.'; It is in the charge of Capt. Ephraim Mann, with a company of 40 members. We reccommend that an ap- propriation be made for the purpose of building a house and hall, suitable for this company.
AQUARIUS, No. 1.
After the appraisal of the engines, there was some delay in completing the contract on the part of the proprietors of the
38
Aquarius engine. This is supposed to have arisen from the belief on their part that it was appraised too low, compared with others, which the town had recently repaired. The Aquari- us required thorough repairs and painting, and under those cir- cumstances we thought it due the company and citizens of that section of the town, that it should be put in the best condition. As soon as the engine was conveyed to the town, it was sent away for that purpose. The engine is in charge of Capt. Win. H. Warren, with a company of 50 members.
RELIEF, No. 4.
This engine is in the care of Capt. A. J. Bonney, with 39 men. It has had but few repairs the past year, and is in good condition.
The good order in which the engine and apparatus has been kept in comparison with the expense incured, deserves commen- da ion.
FIRE KING, No. 5.
Capt. H. C. Alden, with a company of 50 men. This en- gine has had a set of springs put in, and other repairs. The company have also put in a set of brakes and extension braces. The engine was never in a better condition for service. The house is too small and not convenient for the purpose for which it is used.
ALARMS.
Since the first of May, there have been in the town, fires as follows :-
Aug. 8. A Barn on High st., owned by Wm. Thayer .- Loss, $250. Insurance, $100. Cause-lightning.
Aug. 17. Manufactory on Main st., owned by A. W. Whit- · comb. Loss trifling. Cause-accidental.
39
Sept. 10. Barn on Centre st., ou ned by Moses Whitcomb. Loss, $550. Insurance, $350. Cause-incendiary.
Dec. 4. House on Main st., owned by Moses Ford. Loss, $300. No Insurance. Cause-incendiary.
Dec. 22. Barn on Main st., owned by Abel & Warren Bel- cher. Loss. $400. Insurance, $150. Cause-incendiary.
The Independence and Fire King companies have been to South Braintree, and the Relief to East Stoughton and North Bridgewater.
Three of the above fires and several in the woods, causing much trouble and damage, are believed to have been the work of incendiaries. It is hoped that firemen whose duty it is to hasten to, and extinguish fires when set, will also make every effort in their power, to bring to justice those persons who are guilty of such acts.
The expenditures under the supervision of the Engineers amount to $498 52. The balance of the appropriation is $301 48-Repairs ordered on Aquarius, will probably amount to $200-There will therefore remain about $100 unexpended.
We would recommend, that the town appropriate the same amount, in addition to the pay of the men, as they did last year, and that a part of it be expended in building reservoirs in those. sections of the town where there is not an adequate supply of water for the use of the engines, in the event of a large fire.
It has not been easy in the short time the department has been in existence, to effect so great a change in management, as it is hoped will eventually be produced. The statutes give the complete supervision of the engines and other property belong- to the Fire Department, together with the expense of the care and repairs of the same to the Officers of that department.
Respectfully submitted,
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.