Report of the city of Somerville 1884, Part 13

Author: Somerville (Mass.)
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Somerville, Mass.
Number of Pages: 364


USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1884 > Part 13


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2


1


51


Offensive odor in and about dwell- ings .


6


4


3


12


25641181 1 1


5


112


1


4


1


13


Stable and stable-premises filthy and offensive .


6 7


on surface .


11


181411 1 4 1


22111 2


1


2


4


1


4


14


4


12


185


Water-closet defective


1


1


1


1


6


1


-


-


2


13


insufficiently sup-


1


2


2


3


8


1


-


19


not properly venti- lated .


1


1


-


1


-


-


-


I


1


water


2


2


6


offensive


11


4


1


37


not trapped


1


1


Wooden waste-pipes and drains .


257


125


47


132


195


58


71


22


44


5


956


1


-


1


1


1


111 1 1


38


Opening in drain-pipe in cellar


1


1


Premises filthy .


13


2


2


2


7


57


leaking


1


1


2


1


10


66


offensive .


46


26


4


15


13


11


5


129


School-room crowded


1


1


Slops emptied in gutter on roof of house .


1


Slops thrown on surface


13


-


35


Soil-pipe not ventilated .


-


-


-


1


2


defective .


-


1


8


not trapped .


37


28


6


38


114312 1 1 4 3 2


1


11I


1


17


Stagnant water in house-cellar


4


1


15


Waste-pipe clogged


1


1


1 1


211311 2 1


1


8


1


2


2


1


-


5


4


overflowing


1


V.


VI.


VII. VIII.


IX.


X.


Total.


Population


1


1


26


not trapped


1


1


3


Privy-vault full 66


not properly


con-


structed


101 -


4


-


-


-


15


plied with water


not supplied


with


1 3 1312


111 1 1


2


1 1912 9 2


1


11


29


31


1


1


2


42


1


2


1


1


2


224


ANNUAL REPORTS.


APPROPRIATION FOR HEALTH DEPARTMENT, AND EXPENDI- TURES THEREFROM, 1884.


Appropriation . $3,500 00


Less transfer to school-house incidentals


account 400 00


$3,100 00


Receipts : -


for unpaid bill of 1883 .


265 67


" fees for permits to keep swine and goats and collect grease 306 00


571 67


Total credit


.


$3,671 67


Expenditures : -


for inspector's salary . $500 00


" collecting ashes . 2,570 59


" fumigating 340 50


" disinfectants .


42 05


" oil of peppermint .


16 50


" burying dead animals


40 50


" books, stationery, printing and post-


age . 47 25


" abating nuisances .


17 00


" serving notices in other cities . 2 36


" carriage-hire .


27 00


" rent of post-office box .


4 00


" repairing air-meter, etc. 2 80


Total debit


3,610 55


Balance unexpended


$61 12


GEORGE A. KIMBALL. GEO. C. SKILTON. THOS. M. DURELL, M.D.


INDEX


TO THE REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH.


PAGE


Ashes


. 212


Dangerous diseases .


. 217


Death-rate, 1884 (at end of mortality table) .


. 216


Deaths


. 215


Diphtheria


. 217


Districts


. 219


Expenses .


. 224


Goats


212


Grease


. 212


House-offal


. 212


Map .


217A, 217B


Membership


. 209


Night-soil


. 213


Nuisances


. 209


Organization


. 209


Permits .


. 212


Scarlet-fever


217


School-buildings


. 213


Sewers


. 213


Stagnant water in streets .


. 211


Swine


. 212


Typhoid-fever


. 217


TABLES.


PAGE


Diphtheria in 1884, Inspector's Report · Mortality in Somerville, 1884 .


217A, 217B


. 215


rates of, in districts, 1874 to 1884


. 220


Nuisances abated, 1884 . .


. . 210


" in districts, 1884


. 223


Principal causes of death, in districts, 1884


Scarlet-fever, diphtheria, and typhoid-fever, 1884 .


. 218


deaths, 1877 to 1884


. 218


66


66


66


in districts, 1884 .


. 221


66 66


66


in last 7 years . 222


.


. 221


66


REPORT OF THE CITY PHYSICIAN.


CITY OF SOMERVILLE.


IN BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN, Jan. 28, 1885. Referred to the committee on printing, to be printed in the annual reports. Sent down for concurrence.


CHARLES E. GILMAN, Clerk.


Concurred in.


IN COMMON COUNCIL, Jan. 28, 1885. DOUGLAS FRAZAR, Clerk.


CITY OF SOMERVILLE.


To his Honor the Mayor and the City Council.


GENTLEMEN, - I respectfully present my third annual report as city physician.


I have made, during the year, 2,987 visits ; of these 403 were sur- gical. Sixty-one visits were made to persons at the police-station. I have, in accordance with the law, viewed the bodies, and given certifi- cates of the probable cause of death, of twenty-four persons who died unattended by any physician. I have examined fourteen persons sup- posed to be insane, and have given certificates in five cases. I have vaccinated one hundred and six persons at my office and elsewhere. Ninety-six persons had teeth extracted at my office.


I have, in compliance with the city ordinances, examined 11 appli- cants for the police force, at the request of the chief of police, and forwarded certificates of such examinations to the mayor.


In closing this report, I desire respectfully to express my approba- tion of the proposed change in the poor-department recommended by the mayor in his inaugural address. With a suitable inspector, who could be found at all times, a great deal of real suffering amongst the sick poor could, I believe, be relieved.


Respectfully submitted.


THOMAS M. DURELL, M.D.,


City Physician.


SOMERVILLE, Jan. 22, 1885.


REPORT


OF THE


TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.


CITY OF SOMERVILLE.


IN BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN, Jan. 20, 1885. Referred to the committee on printing, to be printed in the annual reports. Sent down for concurrence.


CHARLES E. GILMAN, Clerk.


Concurred in.


IN COMMON COUNCIL, Jan. 20, 1885.


DOUGLAS FRAZAR, Clerk.


REPORT.


OF THE


TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.


To the City Council of Somerville.


THE extensive use made of the Public Library during the past year fully attests that its importance is duly appreciated by our fellow- citizens, and furnishes a good reason for its continued maintenance. Since its establishment in the city, 13,500 persons have availed them- selves of the advantages which it has offered to our reading popula- tion ; and every year evinces an increasing interest in its support. The report of the librarian is appended hereto, and is referred to as containing a more detailed statement of the work carried on for the year now ending, as well as for its suggestion of its wants in the future.


The expenditures incurred will undoubtedly appear in the city treas- urer's report, from which information on that subject will readily be obtained, and needs not repetition here. It will be obvious to one who will consider the number of persons who have taken books from the library, and the immense amount of reading-matter that has been required to meet the actual demands of its patrons, that the annual appropriations heretofore made have been too meagre, rather than too large. Considering, however, the insufficient accom- modations heretofore provided for the proper disposition and arrange- ment of the books already on hand, the amounts received have, in a certain measure, served the purpose.


With a population probably exceeding thirty thousand, increasing with a rapidity almost without parallel in this Commonwealth, it has been apparent to the present board, as well as those for several years past, that in order to furnish to our fellow-citizens the advantages which their wants from the necessity of the case require, justifies


234


ANNUAL REPORTS.


them in the belief that the erection of a new building for the pur- pose could not longer be delayed. A visit to our present limited quarters, however brief, will satisfy the most sceptical on that point. The subject has for several years been placed before the city council by our predecessors, and the wants of this important department urgently pressed. Much care and time have been given by the com- mittees on public property for several years, and the wants we speak of recognized by them. The failure heretofore to provide the in- creased accommodation, which, in our judgment, the circumstances demanded, we are glad to say did not arise from any disinclination of the city council to meet the demand, or from a want of interest in this important work, but doubtless from a desire to deal with the question in its various bearings, and to arrive at the best practical re- sults. Without further reference to the many conferences and dis- cussions which have been held by the several committees with the trustees, it may be safe to say that the action finally taken has been wise, and largely due to the delays incident to the causes now dis- closed ; and we are confident in the conviction that the citizens of Somerville will cordially concur, and fully appreciate this most impor- tant work. It ought to be added, that much encouragement has been received in this movement from many of our leading citizens, includ- ing our heavier tax-payers.


THE PUBLIC-LIBRARY BUILDING.


The plan of the library was the work of George F. Loring, Esq., an accomplished architect of this city ; and it is but just to him that we should here bear our testimony to the entire devotion he has given to the performance of his part of the work, and to the uniform courtesy which has ever marked his conduct. The plan was adopted by the committee on public property, after many protracted conferences between them and this board. Other plans were also presented, and their merits fully discussed. A desire to make the most judicious use of the money granted by the city council actuated the course of the committee, as well as the trustees : at the same time, they hoped to present a structure attractive to the eye, to provide a convenient and ample provision for the preservation and distribution of books, and to render the various uses of the library more accessible to the public. Several plans that had heretofore been presented for enlarging the library-room now occupied in the City Hall were discarded, with


235


REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.


almost entire unanimity, as insufficient, and as based on erroneous ideas of economy.


The library building is located on Highland Avenue, on a lot of land belonging to the city, lying between the City Hall and the Uni- tarian church, on a line with the high school: and the exterior has been completed at an expense of about thirteen thousand dollars ; W. L. Clark & Co. of Somerville being the contractors for the mason- work, and F. C. Fuller of Somerville for the carpenter-work. Speci- fications for heating by steam, and inside finish, have been made ; and an immediate completion of the entire work is urged. To give our fellow-citizens a more detailed account, we invite attention to the following particulars, furnished by the architect.


DESCRIPTION.


The foundations for the new public library were started in July last, and the exterior is now complete. The building covers an area of about 3,650 square feet, of which one-half is carried up two stories in height. The first story, and possibly one room in second story, will immediately be devoted to library purposes ; and the re- maining part can, no doubt, be utilized for city offices, till otherwise needed; and the basement will furnish ample room for storage. The building is to be warmed by steam, - the first story by indirect, and the second story by direct, radiation. The subject of light and ventilation has been carefully studied, every room being well equipped in both points. The cases in the book-room and reference-room will contain thirty-five thousand volumes ; and the rooms on second floor, when needed, can accommodate some thousand more. The height of book-room is about seventeen feet, and admits very high cases ; but, as planned to meet the present requirements, half that height suf- fices. Should the future demand more book-room, the height of the cases can be raised ; and the book-room is so planned, that, if any enlargement is found necessary, an extension of indefinite length, westerly, and towards School Street, can be readily made, at small expense, without injuriously affecting its symmetry, or interfering with the rest of the structure or its present arrangements. The building is so constructed that moisture from the exterior is not likely to pass through the vaulted walls, and the danger from fire is guarded against by using slow-burning or mill-construction floors. The exte- rior of building is of face-brick, with Rockport granite underpinning ;


236


ANNUAL REPORTS.


Longmeadow freestone sills, belts, and trimmings ; copper gutters, conductors, tips, ridges, and finials; and the roof is slated with Brown- ville slates. The exposed situation demanded as simple a roof as possible, easy to keep in repair, and without any unnecessary breaks or dormer-windows, etc. On entering the vestibule and hall, on the left is the reference-room, on the right is the trustees' room. Far- ther on, and on the left, separating the reference-room and delivery- room, is the stairway to the second floor. At the end of the hall, and opposite the entrance, is the delivery-desk, which is so located as to avoid unwholesome draughts from opening doors. From the cen- tral aisle in book-room, the attendants can easily overlook both the reference, delivery, and reading rooms, through the arched open- ings. Adjoining the delivery-room is the reading-room, a circular apartment on the north side of the building, opposite the entrance. It has those most desirable points of north light, quiet location, and a fine and extensive view. In the second story, over the reading and delivery rooms, is a spacious room which can be made at any time readily available, or it may be put to an immediate use for patent reports and other public documents less frequently called for. It is proposed that the floor of vestibule, hall, and lavatory shall be of marble, with borders, bases, and plinths of the same material ; all other floors, of birch with cherry borders : and the finish of oak and cherry, with high panelled wainscotings, mantels, bookcases, and furniture of the same material, and in the principal rooms ornamental fireplaces. The ceilings of book-room and trustees' room, and rooms of second floor, are to be of plaster with cornices, coves, and stucco-work ; all the other ceilings are to be of wood, showing the exposed chamfered floor-joists and moulded panels between, and stucco cornices below. The wood floors are to be oiled and shel- lacked, and the ceilings and walls decorated with plain tints and mar- gins in oil-colors. Places are reserved for tablets, which can be used for memorial purposes as shall be deemed appropriate. The trustees feel confident the building which has now been erected win for many years furnish the accommodations which have so long been needed, and, as such, commend it to the candid consideration of their fellow- citizens. If more has been expended than was at first contemplated, a desire to give to the city a structure at once substantial and commo- dious, with a due regard to architectural effect and to the future wants, is the only plea they have to offer.


The purpose and use of a public library have for many years


237


REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.


engaged the public mind, with a constantly increasing interest. To be convinced of this, one has only to cast a look to the cities and towns of the Commonwealth, and witness the structures that have been recently erected, and the vast amount of reading-matter that has been accumulated. A well-assorted public library, wisely used, is a most important factor in the education of the people, especially of our youths, in whose interest it is more especially established ; and in the discharge of their duty, especially in the selection of reading- matter, trustees of libraries have no light responsibility. They are, in a measure, to recognize the various tastes and wants that must exist in a population engaged in the multitudinous pursuits of life. At the same time, they must exercise extreme solicitude in ministering to the wants of the various classes of readers ; and amid myriads of books, which are constantly accumulating, they have no small work to accomplish. The field of literature is vast ; and no branch can be or ought to be excluded, when the interest, tastes, and wants of the community are to be consulted. With a limited amount of money at our command, the task becomes the more difficult, and requires a more careful discrimination. Much help can be acquired by con- sulting catalogues of other well-known libraries, especially where books which may not have reached standard character are sought. Patrons can supplement the work of the trustees by sending in the names of publications they may require, not found in the catalogue.


THE USES AND ABUSES OF LIBRARIES.


Much has been written and said of the usefulness of public libraries in promoting the education of the masses. This will undoubtedly depend largely upon the character of the selection of books, and the manner in which they are read. The reader himself must make his own choice, wisely or unwisely ; and his choice will very largely depend upon the character of the source from which he may seek advice in making his determination. The experience of scholars and authors without limit may be readily consulted. The opinions of many distin- guished authors may be sought with great profit. Some have already become familiar as household words. None are entitled to greater weight than the following rules of Emerson : -


1. Never read a book that is not a year old.


2. Never read any thing but famous books.


3. Never read a book, but what you like.


Lord Bacon's classification of books is well known, -some "to


238


ANNUAL REPORTS.


be tasted, some to be swallowed, and some to be chewed and digested."


Our space will not allow this interesting subject to be treated here at any great length, but a reference to a few authors may not be out of place. A recent publication, entitled "The Book Lover : A Guide to the Best Reading," by James Baldwin, Ph.D., contains many valu- able suggestions in reference to the selection of books, to the forma- tion of correct habits, and the adoption of a useful course of reading. It would be of paramount importance to our youths, if they would reap the greatest possible advantage from libraries, that they should as early as possible adopt some rules for their guidance. In doing this, it is hardly now necessary for us to say that they should use every accessible means to render such rules wholesome and judicious.


Much advantage might be gained if the aid of our public-school system could be invoked, and a little space given to this important branch of study. If some well-prepared manual could be placed in the hands of our school-teachers, adapted to the various grades or classes which they have in charge, a good beginning might be made in this direction. Reading might be suggested in connection with various branches of study, and made profitable. Teachers could aid their pupils in the selection of books, the formation of good habits of reading, and in the elevation of the taste.


The good results of such a course may be incalculable in the char- acter of the rising population. A youth who, at the time of his graduation, has acquired good methods and habits of reading, has in a measure prepared himself for a broader and more rational means of enjoying life, and opened to himself a wider field of culture and usefulness. "Books are the food of youth ; the delight of old age ; the ornament of prosperity ; the refuge and comfort of adversity ; a delight at home, and no hinderance abroad " ( Cicero).


CHAS. S. LINCOLN, President, -


C. E. RYMES,


THOS. J. BUFFUM,


WM. VEAZIE,


WM. H. BRINE,


Trustees.


J. H. FLITNER,


WM. E. WELD,


MARK F. BURNS,


GEO. A. BRUCE,


SOMERVILLE, Dec. 30, 1884.


239


REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.


LIBRARIAN'S REPORT.


OUR library now contains 11,197 books. Of this number, 722 have been purchased during the past year. 72,591 books have been deliv- ered, and two lost. A large number of our juvenile publications have been discarded, thoroughly worn out, and some replaced. Several pamphlets, two books, and one newspaper have been given us.


Registration has increased, and 960 new names have been entered since the beginning of the year.


The library has been open 306 days, and has averaged over two hundred books delivered per day. The largest delivery on any day was 667. Our reading-table has been well patronized, and the con- sultation of books of reference is on the increase.


We have given out of fiction and juveniles, sixty-six per cent ; of history and travel, nine per cent ; biography, four per cent ; science, poetry, drama, periodicals, twenty-one per cent. We have not had any too much room for the needful accessions of our current literature ; and I have recommended that early numbers of some of our maga- zines should be procured, that the valuable book of reference, " Poole's Index," might be used as it should be. Sometimes, when we are looking up a subject, we find references there which are directly to the point ; but the early numbers of the magazines referred to are wanting. We have complete sets of only four magazines. We have not many books of genealogy, or histories of the towns and cities of our own Commonwealth. Probably these now will be gradually sup- plied. Our library has not a very large collection of pamphlets ; and, though these are seldom called for, I have found within the past few months that it was very convenient to have access to some that were not so very old. One of these was ex-Mayor Furber's Historical Address, which it is now almost impossible to obtain. If families in town would send us pamphlets, though they seem of no value, they might prove so to us. Every season people come for information with regard to the early history of Somerville ; and the two books by Drake, " History of Middlesex County," and " Historic Fields and


240


ANNUAL REPORTS.


Mansions," contain all there is to offer. An interesting history of Somerville, well illustrated, will, I hope, some time be forthcoming.


The liberality of our city government has provided us with a beau- tiful building. May our citizens show their appreciation of it by bestowing for an art-room some choice paintings, or beautiful statuary, which all who looked upon would enjoy ! The room in the second story over the reading-room will make an excellent one for such a purpose. There, too, would appropriately hang the portraits of the successive presidents of our library committee, and also those of the benefactors to our library, who in the distant future will surely make themselves known.


HARRIET A. ADAMS, Librarian.


REPORT


OF THE


COMMITTEE ON HIGHWAYS.


CITY OF SOMERVILLE.


IN BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN, Jan. 3, 1885. Report accepted and referred to the next city council, to be printed in the annual reports. Sent down for concurrence.


CHARLES E. GILMAN, Clerk.


Concurred in.


IN COMMON COUNCIL, Jan. 3, 1885. DOUGLAS FRAZAR, Clerk.


REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON HIGHWAYS.


IN COMMITTEE ON HIGHWAYS, Jan. 3, 1885. To the City Council of Somerville.


GENTLEMEN, - The following is the final report of the committee on highways for the year 1884 : -


HIGHWAYS ACCOUNT.


CREDIT.


Appropriation


$32,000 00


add transfers from : -


Public property account . 2,077 76


Sidewalks account . . 1,400 00


$35,477 76


Receipts and Credits : -


For labor and materials furnished in 1883, the bills for which remained un- collected Jan. 1, 1884, as stated in our last annual report . · $209 31 .


labor and materials furnished in 1881, the bill for which remained uncol- lected Jan. 1, 1884 27 00


rent of dwellings at City


Farm . . $136 00


less repairs and water-


rates .


14 29


121 71


gravel sold from Wakefield


gravel-land .


$115 20


less taxes on said land .


27 97


87 23


Amounts carried forward .


·


·


$445 25


$35,477 76


244


ANNUAL REPORTS.


Amounts brought forward . $445 25 $35,477 76


excess of charges for mate- rials over the cost :.-


crushed stone . 515 61


Holland Street ledge-stone,


323 68


sand


112 58


edge-stones and paving- stock .


32 44


iron and hardware . 1 15


985 46


less excess of cost over charges for : -


gravel (including pay- ment for gravel used in 1881) ·


134 88


lime and cement (depre- ciation) 95


135 83


net excess of charges 849 63


gross earnings of city teams at $1.50 per day for each horse . 7,330 13


less cost of maintenance, as hereinafter specified, 6,175 58


1,154 55


collecting ashes (received


credit from Health De-


partment account) . 2,570 59


less cost of same . 2,554 28


net credit (being the excess of the estimated cost for December over the actual cost) . 16 31


2,465 74


Value of materials on hand Jan. 1, 1884


705 63


Value of personal property on hand Jan. 1, 1884 8,224 75


Total credit $46,873 88


245


REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON HIGHWAYS.


DEBIT.


Expenditures : -


For laying out and constructing Evergreen Avenue from Thurston Street to Sycamore Street . $5,046 59


construction of Evergreen Avenue from School Street to Thurston Street . 489 50


laying out and partial construction of Glen Street from Oliver Street to Tufts Street 102 48 laying out of Little Washington Street (advertising and recording release) 11 30


laying out and construction of Pleasant Avenue


170 94


laying out of Summit Avenue from Walnut Street


to Vinal Avenue (land damages, advertising and recording release) 1,117 00


gravelling Austin Street


80 69


street-crossings


596 71


street-signs


28 13


danger-signs


10 96


repairs of Broadway and Main Street, from Syca- more Street to Medford line, necessitated by the laying of horse-railroad tracks 141 05


repairs of streets and paving of gutters in connec- tion with the setting of edge-stones : -


Appleton Street, repairs .


538 84


paving 521 58


Church Street, repairs


295 18


66 paving 567 60


Pleasant Avenue, paving . 502 36


Summer Street, paving (near Laurel), 87 76


2,513 32


For ordinary repairs of streets : -




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