USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1877 > Part 9
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
The educational problem is still in process. Its complete solu- tion has baffled the skill of the wisest hitherto. It is not claimed, therefore, that our general system of public instruction is perfect, but it is the best that the wisdom of the past and of the present has been able to devise ; and it must be conceded that it possesses much to commend it to confidence and regard. Any individual, whatever may be his social position, if he will avail himself of the means of education provided for him at public cost, may become qualified to perform any of the ordinary duties of life, and to main- tain an honorable independence. The schools are sending forth annually multitudes of young men and women, with qualifications that fit them to fill with acceptance and honor places of trust and emolument, and with characters that adorn social life and bless the communities in which they dwell.
Respectfully submitted.
DECEMBER 29, 1877.
J. H. DAVIS, Superintendent of Public Schools.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SOMERVILLE MYSTIC WATER BOARD,
1877.
CITY OF SOMERVILLE.
IN BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN, Feb 26, 1878.
Report accepted, and referred to the Committee on Printing, with in- structions to cause the same to be printed in the Annual Report, and sent down for concurrence.
CHARLES E. GILMAN, Clerk.
Concurred in.
IN COMMON COUNCIL, Feb. 27, 1878.
SOLOMON DAVIS, Clerk.
CITY OF SOMERVILLE.
IN WATER BOARD, February 1, 1878.
To the City Council of the City of Somerville :
The Somerville Mystic Water Board herewith respectfully submit their report for the year 1877.
At the commencement of the preceding year, certain portions of the city were much in need of additional facilities for their protec- tion against fire.
This fact had long been known to the members of the Board, and their particular attention was early called to it, by frequent complaints and the earnest solicitations of our citizens for better protection.
The frequent and fearful conflagrations in other sections, and the imminent danger to their property, from want of equal facilities afforded to other localities in the city, less densely populated and less liable to conflagration, were some of the reasons urged upon us for immediate action.
With the assistance of Mr. Hopkins, the Chief Engineer of the Fire Department, who cheerfully co-operated with us in the whole matter, we ascertained the particular wants of the different locali- ties and the remedies therefor.
First as to Winter Hill.
The supply of water for this locality was furnished by a six-inch pipe from an eight-inch sub-main at Temple Street, and extended from that point to or near the house formerly occupied by S. A. Carleton, Esq. ; at this point a four-inch pipe was substituted, which then crossing Broadway, was continued up the hill to a point near Central Street, thence again crossing Broadway it continued on the northerly side thereof, beyond the crown of the hill to a dead end. The smallness of this pipe and the irregularity of its course ren- dered the supply of water wholly inadequate to the requirements in
154
case of fire, or to the wants of consumers for domestic purposes. To meet the requirements, an eight-inch pipe properly gated was connected with the twenty-four inch main, at Marshall Street, and continued to the crown of the hill at Central Street, there connect- ing with the sub-main of the same capacity. Nine Holyoke hydrants were also set in connection with this pipe, for use in case of fire. The old pipe was so connected with service pipe, on a portion of its northerly line, that it was deemed advisable, as a matter of econ- omy, to let it remain ; it was, however, connected at Central Street with the new pipe to give the water free circulation.
East Somerville also required very considerable water improve- ments to afford it proper protection from fires, and to furnish its citizens with pure water.
This portion of the city was furnished almost wholly with pipes but four inches in diameter, totally inadequate to meet the neces- sary requirements, and which, in those streets where improvements were made, we found to be nearly past service, and in any event would require renewal in a very short time.
To remedy these evils we deemed it indispensably necessary that from twelve to fifteen Holyoke hydrants should be set, and an eight- inch pipe connecting with the thirty-inch main, at the corner of Pearl and Cross Streets, should be laid through Pearl to Mount Vernon Street, there connecting with the sub-main.
Also that another eight-inch pipe connecting with the said main, at the corner of Pearl and Myrtle Streets, should be laid through Myrtle to Perkins Street, through Perkins to Lincoln, and through Lincoln Street from Perkins to Broadway, there connecting with the sub-main. To accomplish these desirable results it was neces- sary that additional funds should be furnished by the city.
The matter was at once laid before his Honor the Mayor, and upon his approval of the project, and his assurance that the need- ful supply of money should be forthcoming, the work was com- menced and carried to completion. Upon investigation we found the reservoirs in East Somerville could afford but a limited supply of water in case of fire ; we therefore connected the same with the water mains, and with suitable gates we are enabled to obtain any supply that may be required.
Other localities also were very much in need of hydrants of the above description, and we accordingly had them properly supplied.
Among other places rendered safer by these improvements are
155
Loring Street, Union Square, and Prospect Street. the last of which, we are happy to say, has been instrumental in saving from the flames the glass factory and its valuable contents.
Frequent complaints were made to us during the preceding winter of frozen water pipes. In one instance, parties in Mt. Vernon Street informed us that they had, on that account, been deprived of water for a continuous period of seven weeks Upon investigation, we found the main in said street so near the surface (in one instance within one foot) that we were obliged to lower it to the extent in length of 365 feet, to protect it and the service pipes from the frost. This occasioned a large outlay, as the whole distance was through a solid ledge. Complaints to the same effect were also made in Morrison Street. We ascertained that in that street, for a distance of more than 1,500 feet, the main was within eighteen inches of the surface. We were therefore under the necessity of lowering said main to protect it from the frost for a distance of more than 400 feet.
The balance of the street was filled in and graded by the city, for the same purpose. In other streets of the city, to an extent of more than 3,500 feet, the mains are laid from one to three and one half feet only below the surface, for the particulars of which we refer you to the superintendent's report.
We would here remark that the water is not forced above the first story of the houses on Winter Hill, and on other high lands, and that there is much dissatisfaction on this account. We are informed that certain of our citizens have consulted with the Boston Water Board. for the purpose of procuring the erection of a stand-pipe on Winter Hill, the advantage of which we fully appreciate, and to which we believe they are entitled by the terms of our contract with the Charlestown Mystic Water Board.
The Boston Water Board have as yet taken no steps to modify the old contract, or to enter into a new one. This has not been the fault of this Board. It is proposed to press the matter urgently upon their consideration, and it is hoped that more equitable terms will be conceded to our city before the close of the present year.
We suggest the expediency of printing. for the accommodation of the public, the contract above referred to.
The care, custody, and control of the fire hydrants having been placed in the hands of the Fire Department, we would respectfully call your attention to the necessity which exists for an appropriation
156
for said department, to keep the same in repair, and to purchase such other hydrants as they may deem necessary.
The total length of distribution pipe laid in the streets of the city of Somerville to Dec. 31, 1877, is 45 miles 158.9 feet, of which 3,116.5 feet was abandoned or removed during the year last past, leaving in actual use, 44 miles 2,322.4 feet ; number of stop gates set, 364 ; number of hydrants set, 270 ; of which 1 mile 767 feet of pipe, 24 stop gates, and 32 post hydrants have been laid and set during the year 1877.
There have been laid during the year, 158 new service pipes. Total length of pipe used, 6,939 feet. Total length of trenching, 7,176 feet.
The average cost of each service pipe is $18.14. Water is now supplied 3,245 dwelling-houses, 4,572 families, 106 shops and stores, 25 manufactories, 518 stables, and nearly all the public buildings ; being an increase of 154 dwelling-houses, 154 families, 1 manufactory, and 4 stables during the year 1877.
It is perhaps superfluous for us to state to the City Council that the stable connected with the department, at the time we assumed the duties of office, was sadly out of repair. As a question of strict economy, and also as a matter of absolute necessity to the proper discharge of the duties of the Board, we deemed it our duty to repair and reconstruct the stable on Prospect Street. As you well know, it was unfit for the stabling of horses, insufficient for the storage of hay ; and for want of suitable conveniences its gran- ary was open to the depredations of thieves. We have made such improvements only as the exigencies of the case demanded. We have now an excellent cellar under the whole stable, which furnishes suitable storage for manufactured pipe, etc. We have ample con- veniences for horses. We have convenient and secure receptacles for grain, and a commodious loft for hay. We have a well-arranged workshop for the manufacture of water-pipe, and another for lining the same, and we also have a convenient tool-room, and room for storage of cement and sand. The raising of the buildings. the fill- ing and grading of the yard, have also afforded us the much-needed facilities for draining the premises. The old police building has, at small expense, been converted into an office for the superintend- ent, to the great convenience of the public. It also affords a safe storage room for service material, and a repair shop for hydrants, etc., and a convenience for plumbing. The office, repair shop, ser-
157
vice room, yard, and the entire department premises are kept in excellent condition, and we cheerfully accord to Mr. Nathaniel Dennett, the superintendent, our testimony to his efficiency and fidelity in the discharge of his arduous duties, which require his attention at all hours, day and night.
We have caused, the past year, a map drawn by the city engi- neer, in accordance with the terms of our contract, with the Charlestown Mystic Water Board, of location of all the pipes, hydrants, stop gates, etc., connected with the Somerville Mystic Water Works, within the city. Our thanks are due Mr. George A. Kimball, our city engineer, for the zeal and efficiency displayed by him in the discharge of his duties connected with this depart- ment.
We also cheerfully accord to the police force our thanks for their vigilance and promptitude in reporting cases of leakage, thereby saving the city in many instances from serious loss.
We also tender to the commissioners, registrar, and superintend- ent of the Charlestown Mystic Water Works our thanks for favors rendered.
The construction account of the Mystic Water Works may be stated as follows : -
Value Dec. 31, 1876
. $327,457 33
Added during year 1877
13 845 74
Total .
. $341,303 07
For further information respecting the condition of the Mystic Water Works we respectfully refer the City Council to the reports of the city engineer and the superintendent, herewith submitted.
C. G. ROWELL. EDWIN S. CONANT. A. R. COOLIDGE. EDWARD FOOTE. L. W. JONES.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
To the Somerville Mystic Water Board :
GENTLEMEN : - The Annual Report of the Superintendent of the Somerville Mystic Water Works is respectfully submitted, compris- ing a statement of all work performed under my direction from Feb. 16 to Dec. 31, 1877.
Accompanying this report will be found an inventory of the stock, furniture, and tools belonging to the Water Works, and a statement showing location of hydrants.
WATER PIPE LAID, GATES AND HYDRANTS SET IN 1877.
PIPE LAID.
GATES SET.
Hydrant Pipe.
STREET.
Feet.
Feet.
Feet.
12-in.
Feet. 8-in
Feet. 6-in.
Feet. 4-in.
8-in.
6-in. 4-in.
6-in.
4-in.
Adams, near Medford .
1
· ·
12
Arlington, at Lincoln-
1
Berkeley, at School .
Broadway, at Marshall
72
1,870
3
.
1
1
. .
9
Columbus Ave., a 6-in pipe westerly to a dead end
84
Cutter
Davis Square, at watering-trough
1
14
Everett, at Webster Ave.
Florence, at Pearl
30
1
15
Foster, at Tennyson
1
10
Franklin, at Arlington and Pearl
3
.
30
Glen, at Pearl
Lincoln, from Broa iway to Perkins Linwood, at Poplar .
614
2
.
1
9
1
1
1
14
10
Myrtle, from Perkins to Pearl . . * Pearl, from Mt. Vernon to Myrtle Pearl, from Franklin to Cross .
1,090
3
2
20
20
Perkins, from Lincoln to Myrtle
313
24
12
1
Summit Ave., westerly from a dead end Sycamore, at Broadway
161
2
1
12
Union Square, at Bonner and Warren Avenues
2
.
.
1
10
Webster Ave., at Glass House
1
.
.
Total
72
5,092
685
198
12
5
7
32 198
197
* Cubic yards of ledge.
.
.
3
40
Pinckney, at Pearl
Rush, at Pearl
458
2
2
11
10
747
2
1
10
10
Loring, from Somerville Av to a dead end . Mt. Pleasant, 400 feet from Broadway Munroe, easterly from a dead end .
312
1
. .
235
25
1
7
1
8
1
1
| Hydrants set.
1
* Broadway Central, to Marshall Central, at Broadway .
.
32
Walnut, at Bonair
10
1
159
There has been great complaint of roily water the past year from the people living on Allen, Linden and Merriam Streets. The pipes on these streets have dead ends, and are fed from the six- inch main on Somerville Avenue. There are about 148 water takers on this large section, and only three hydrants, while the controlling gates are on Somerville Avenue, about 2,000 feet distant. If a fire should occur here when the water was shut off on account of accident or burst of pipe, the consequences would be disastrous in the extreme. I would, therefore, recommend two additional hydrants in this section, and the laying of a six-inch pipe on Charlestown Street a distance of 400 feet, to connect with these dead ends, and the changing of the stop gates on Somerville Avenue so as to make three sections.
I would call the attention of the Board to the condition of the water pipes in the following streets, where they are not more than three to three and one half feet below the surface of the ground :
In Moore Street, for a distance of 30 feet, they are one foot under the surface. In Vine Street 450 feet, Nevada Street 330 feet, Hanson Street 325 feet, Kent Court 158 feet, and Warren Avenue 250 feet, making a total of 1,413 feet, they are from two and one half to three feet below the surface.
In Spring Street 300 feet, Wallace Street 250 feet, Concord Avenue 150 feet, Dane Court 450 feet, Allen Street 400 feet, Lin- den Street 400 feet, Village Street 300 feet, and Springfield Street 200 feet, they are from three to three and one half feet below the surface.
I would call your special attention to Mt. Pleasant Street, no less than four bursts of pipe having occurred on this street during the past year, and the pipes when uncovered having been found to be in a perishing condition. I would recommend the laying of a new pipe on this street as soon as the season will permit.
In answer to the inquiries of your Board respecting the merits of wrought-iron and cement pipe, examination and experience con- vince me that this pipe is safe under a much greater pressure than that in our works, when faithfully made, and laid where it will not be disturbed ; it is less expensive and in other respects better than cast-iron pipe, as it does not impart any impurity to the water, and is wholly free from liability to become useless by filling up with accretions. With the recent improvements, no form of pipe affords greater facilities for tapping and for the connection of service pipes.
160
On referring to my record of leaks and their causes, I find that in many cases they are caused by the imperfect manner of making the pipe, and in others by using too much sand with the cement, as cement has the peculiar property of protecting the iron from oxida dation. There can be no question that wrought-iron pipes must be carefully riveted and of first-class material and workmanship, so as to prevent buckling or opening of the seams in handling or under pressure. They must also be properly coated, and lined in so per- fect a manner that the cement will firmly adhere to the iron shell and be thoroughly compressed and formed.
The pipes are coated externally and internally with what is known as the " Smith Coal Pitch Varnish," which is distilled from coal tar until the naphtha is entirely removed and the material deodorized. The pitch is then carefully heated to a temperature of about 300 degrees, in a tank suitable to receive the pipes to be coated, made under the direction of the president of your Board, in which the pipes are immersed and allowed to remain until they attain the same temperature.
Some of these wrought-iron pipes in siphons are subjected to great pressure, as in the supply main of Virginia City, Nevada, leading water from Marlette Lake. This main is 112 inches in diameter and 37,100 feet in length, and crosses a deep valley between the lake on one mountain and Virginia City on another. The inlet where the pipe receives the water of the lake is 2,098 feet above the lowest depression of the pipe in the valley, where it passes under the Virginia and Truckee Railroad, and the delivery end is 1,528 feet above the same depression. A portion of the pipe is subjected to a steady static strain of 750 pounds to the square inch. The thickness of this pipe-shell varies according to the pressure it is required to sustain. For instance, the iron used by this city is 14 to 20 Stubbs gauge, standing a pressure of 200 to 330 pounds to the square inch, while the average pressure in our city is 55 pounds to the square inch.
It is only just to state, in recognition of the merits of this pipe, now generally acknowledged, that by its construction, oxidation and tuberculation are rendered impossible, and that consequently the pipe is imperishable.
I would call the attention of the Board to the necessity of set- ting more stop gates, so that the water may be shut off from any given point without cutting off the supply from an extensive terri-
161
tory, as pipes are always liable to accident from sewer excavations and overflows, quicksands, floods, and other causes that cannot be foreseen when the pipes are laid. When new hydrants are to be attached, or it is necessary to make large pipe connections or repairs, the water must be shut off, and the necessity of short sec- tions is apparent at such times ; for in a city like Somerville, depen- dent on its pipes for water and protection against fire, it is absolutely necessary that the supply be maintained, and the result may be disastrous if it fails even for one hour.
The buildings used in connection with the department are in good condition. The one known as the old town stable has been raised three feet. and a cellar constructed for the storage of pipes so as to keep them at an even temperature, and the floor over the stable has been raised about three feet.
The pipe shop has been moved to the front, which gives sufficient light, and makes it more convenient for the making of pipe. A new floor has been laid in the lining room, the machine for lining the pipes has been repaired and improved, a room constructed for the storage of cement, and one for keeping the tools belonging to the works. Three stalls have been put in the stable, the accommo- dations have been made more ample, good ventilation has been secured, and a large chamber constructed for the storage of hay and grain. The shed extending across the yard has been raised four feet, and a brick wall four and one half feet high has been constructed. The yard has been graded and brought to a level with the street.
In the old police building, which was set apart by the City Coun- cil for the use of this department, an office has been fitted up which has been of great convenience to our citizens for leaving orders, and for transient business. A room has been fitted up for the keeping of all service material for the department, also a large room in the rear has been arranged as a work-shop for service work, and for repairs of hydrants and stop-gates, which were for- merly sent to South Boston. With the appliances now at our command, all plumbing and repairing of stop-gates, service pipe, and hydrants are done in our own shop, thus saving a large expense to the department.
11
162
HYDRANTS.
Thirty-two new post hydrants have been set, 64 have been re- packed in the boxes, 38 have had new standard bolts, 6 have had new tops, 8 have had new caps on outlets, 36 have had new chains to caps, 33 hydrants have been taken out, had new valves and gas- kets and been reset, 14 have had the rods shortened so as to open to their full capacity, 4 have had new rods, edgestones have been set in front of eight to prevent accident from teams, 7 have been raised up and brought to present grade, and all have been carefully examined, oiled, painted, and are now in good order.
MOVED AND RESET ON ACCOUNT OF BEING IN THE MIDDLE OF STREET CROSSINGS.
Somerville Avenue and Laurel Street .
.
1
Broadway and Walnut Street
1
Highland Avenue and Medford Street
1
Perkins, near Florence Street
1
Total . . .
4
DISCONTINUED.
Corner Medford and Central Streets .
1
On Pearl, near Rush Street
.
1
On Broadway. Flush .
·
4
On Pearl Street, "
2
Total .
8
We are using the Pattee and Perkins pattern, which gives us the least trouble and works to the entire satisfaction of the chief engi- neer of the fire department, who under proper authority has the locating of all hydrants.
I would recommend to him and to the Water Board that, as fast as the flush hydrants get out of order, they be replaced with post hydrants.
SERVICES.
The whole number of services laid for families and for other pur- poses during the year was 158.
Total length of pipe used .
. 6,939 feet.
Length of trenching . . 7,176 feet.
163
Service pipes taken up and relaid
3
Service pipes lowered on account of laying new mains, on Pearl Street
28
Perkins Street
4
Myrtle Street
4
Lincoln Street
12
Broadway
1
Morrison Street
3
Mt. Vernon Street
4
-
Total .
60
Average cost of each service pipe, $18.14.
DRINKING FOUNTAINS.
One large stone fountain has been set in Davis Square by the Committee on Highways and connected by us with a supply pipe, overflow, and six-inch Holyoke hydrant, at an expense of $187.54, making the number now in use 6, located as follows : -
Union Square
2
Highland Avenue, cor. of Walnut Street
1
Medford, cor. School Street
1
Davis Square
1
Broadway, opp. Park
1
STAND-PIPES FOR WATERING STREETS.
One has been set on Beacon Street, opposite Cooney Street, at an expense of $45 ; four have had new valves, eight have had new conducting hose, one on the corner of Broadway and Walnut Street has been discontinued, making the whole number now in use 15, located as follows : -
Washington, corner Boston Street
1
Washington, corner of Myrtle Street .
1
Washington, near Union Square
1
Summer, near Laurel Street
1
Summer, near Elm Street .
1
Somerville Avenue, near Poplar Street
1
Somerville Avenue, near Cambridge line
1
Broadway, near Franklin Street
1
School Street, near Somerville Avenue
1
4
.
164
Spring Street, near Somerville Avenue Beacon Street, near Cooney Street Pinckney Street, near Pearl Street
Pearl Street, near Cross Street .
Thurston Street, near Broadway
1
1
STOP-GATES.
Twenty stop-gates have been set on new mains, 8 have been dug up and repaired, 22 gate-boxes have been replaced by new ones, 18 have been lengthened and brought to present grade, 116 have been repacked, and 6 four-inch gates have been discontinued, owing to the laying of larger mains ; five have been set on old mains, shortening 5 large sections to about one half their former length and breadth, and are located as follows : -
Broadway, junction of George Street . 1
Linwood, junction of Poplar Street 1 ·
Arlington, junction of Lincoln Street . Berkeley, junction of School Street
1
.
.
1
Everett, junction of Webster Avenue .
1
MAINS.
The whole number of feet of mains laid and relaid is 7,831, of which 665 feet were laid through ledge ; 97 leaks were repaired, of . which 47 were on main and 50 on service pipes. Of those on main pipes, 21 were caused by defective pipe, 4 by picks, 4 by settling of earth, and 18 by rust holes.
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.