USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1885 > Part 11
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No. of
Deaths.
per 1,000.
Deaths.
per 1,000.
12
32
25
35
11
14
15
27
16
00
11
482
16
148
27
55
10
42
20
52
14
69
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18
.
In 1885.
·
per 1,000.
Rate
per 1,000.
. No. of
Rate
per 1,000.
No. of
Rate
.
201
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH.
TABLE SHOWING THE FIVE PRINCIPAL CAUSES OF DEATH IN SOMERVILLE IN 1885, WITH THE NUMBER AND RATE IN EACH DISTRICT.
CONSUMP- TION.
PNEUMONIA.
HEART DISEASE.
DIPHTHE- RIA.
MARASMUS.
DISTRICTS.
No. of
Deaths.
No. per
No. of
Deaths.
No. per
No. of
Deaths.
No. per
1,000 of pop.
No. of
Deaths.
No. per
1,000 of pop.
No. of
Deaths.
No. per
1,000 of pop.
I.
33
6.04
29
5.31
4
0.73
12
2.20
1.10
JI.
9
1.69
or on
0.94
6
1.13
2
0.41
III.
10
4.84
2.42
0.97
1
0.48
IV.
9
2.45
10
2.73
2
0.55
4
1.09
1.61
V.
15
2.62
15
2.62
4
0.70
1
0.17
VI.
4.74
00 H
2.55
2.23
1
1.28
-
IX.
1.80
5
3.00
2.40
X.
1
1.36
Total .
97
3.23
82
2.73
29
0.97
28
0.93
22
0.73
TABLE OF SCARLET-FEVER, DIPHTHERIA, AND TYPHOID-FEVER IN EACH DISTRICT IN 1885.
SCARLET-FEVER.
DIPHTHERIA.
TYPHOID-FEVER.
DISTRICTS.
reported.
Deaths.
Cases per
1,000 of pop.
Deaths per
1,000 of pop.
reported.
Deaths.
Cases per
1,000 of pop.
Deaths per
1,000 of pop.
Cases
reported.
Deaths.
Cases per
Deaths per
1,000 of pop.
I.
31
2
5.67
0.37
28
12
5.12
2.20
10
3
1.83
0.55
II.
14
1
2 63
0.19
S
2
1.50
0.41
00
1
1.50
0.19
III.
18
2
8.70
0.97
co
1
1.45
0.48
1
-
0.48
IV.
35
2
9.54
0.55
6
1
1.64
1.09
5
3
1.36
0.82
V.
40
1
6.98
0.17
17
1
2.97
0.17
1
1
0.17
0.17
VI.
13
-
10.27
21
4
16.59
3.16
1
1
-
VII.
23
5
7.34
1.60
11
1
3.51
1 28
5
1.60
0.64
VIII.
7.51
6
6.44
1.07
IX.
3S
1
22.81
6
3.60
2
-
1.20
X.
7
1
9.55
1.36
3
4.09
2
-
2.72
Total
226
14
7.54
0.47
110
28
3.67
0.93
41
11
1.37
0.37
1
-
4
3.16
VII.
1000 000000
5.36
1
1.07
VIII.
1
-
2.72
-
-
-
1
7.51
12
0.79
-
291
0.35
1.60
3.16
41 -11
Cases
Cases
1,000 of pop.
-100
1.33
1,000 of pop.
1,000 of pop.
RATES PER THOUSAND OF POPULATION OF CASES OF SCARLET-FEVER, DIPHTHERIA, AND TYPHOID-FEVER REPORTED, AND OF DEATHS FROM THE SAME, IN THE LAST SEVEN YEARS.
1879.
1880.
1881.
1882.
1883.
1884.
1885.
Average for Seven Years.
DISTRICTS.
Scarlet-Fever.
Diphtheria.
Typhoid-
Fever.
Scarlet-Fever.
Diphtheria.
Typhoid-
Scarlet-Fever.
Diphtheria.
Typhoid-
Scarlet-Fever.
Diphtheria.
Typhoid-
Scarlet-Fever.
Diphtheria.
Typhoid-
Scarlet-Fever.
Diphtheria.
Typhoid-
Scarlet-Fever.
Diphtheria.
Typhoid-
Scarlet-Fever.
Diphtheria.
Typhoid- Fever.
) Cases ¿ Deaths .
.
7.92 1.40
2.33 0.93
1.16 0.23
2.42 0.88
3.08 0.44
8.75 3.54
9.58 0.42
7.17 2.79
1.91 0.38
3.25 0.57
4.98 0.96
11.35 0.55
5.76 1.26 1.26 0.18
5.67 0.37
5.12 2.20
1.83 0.55
4.24 0.37
5.01 1.75
3.44 0.40
II.
§ Cases Deaths .
8.83
3.10
0.41
1.35
6.08 0.68
0.90 0.45
2.35 0.21
4.27 0.62
0.42 0.21
2.04 0.20
0.80 0.40
3.53 0.20
4.32 0.98
0.98
2.40
1.11 0.37
1.66 0.19
2.63 0.19
1.50 0.41
1.50 0.19
0.09
0.47
0.21
III.
( Cases Deaths .
8.63
0.61
0.58 0.58
8.72 1.74
0.58
1.65
11.01
2.75 0.55
3.69
7.90 3.16
0.53 0.53
3.04
6.58 1.52
1.01
10.90 0.95
4.76 0.48
8.70 0.97
1.45 0.48
0.48
5.45 0.45
1.82
0.15
IV.
( Cases ¿ Deaths .
7.99
1.77 0.69
0.69 0.35
2.29 0.33
0.62
6.83 1.86
2.48 0.93
1.78 0.59
3.56 0.59
1.78 0.30
0.29
5.42 0.29
1.71 0.57
8.86 -
2.15 0.27
0.54 0.54
9.54 0.55
1.64 1.09
1.36 0.82
4.44 0.26
3.37 0.73
0.51
V.
6 Cases ¿ Deaths .
6.88 0.67
7.33 2.00
2.93
3.77 1.05
1.26 0.21
1.98 0.40
0.79 -
1.90 0.38
8.54 2.28
0.95 0.19
7.67 1.46
1.64 0.73
2.58
3.43 0.52
1.20 0.34
6.98 0.17
2.97 0.17
0.17 0.17
3.55 0.25
5.05 1.09
0.25
VI.
( Cases Deaths .
5.03
3.02
0.95
5.69 1.90
0.95 -
8.09 2.70
-
1.72
0.86
13.22
6.61 1.65
3.31 0.83
26.44 1.56
12.44 4.67
-
10.27
0.79
10.14
0.87 0.12
VII.
( Cases ¿ Deaths .
6.09 0.81
8.94 0.81
0.41 0.41
1.53 0.38
5.36 0.38
1.15 0.77
6.18 0.73
0.36 0.36
1.39
0.35
3.68 0.67
5.34 1.67
0.33
10.06
0.63
7.34 1.60
3.51 1.28
1.60 0.64
4.55 0.50
1.05
0.30
VIII.
S Cases Deaths .
8.19
10.91 4.09
4.09
1.29
3.86
1.29
13.41 3.66
2.44
10.50
3.37
7.86
17.95 1.06
3.17
2.11 1.06
7.51
7.51
6.44 1.07
5.71 0.17
1.18
0.84
IX.
( Cases / Deaths .
.
4.58
0.76
2.88
2.16
0.72
1.37
1.37
-
2.51
6.28 2.51
0.63 0.63
7.09
3.55
1.18 .0.59
22.81
3.60
1.20 -
5.26
3.57 0.75
0.85 0.38
X.
( Cases ¿ Deaths . .
1.74 1.74
3.48 3.48
-
3.27
6.55
1.64
4.65 1.55
1.55
7.42
4.45
2.85
10.74
1.34
9.55 1.36
4.09
2.72
4.95 0.43
3.66 0.65
0.65
City,
S Cases Deaths .
7.26 0.64
4.79 1.15
0.64 0.13
1.72 0.24
4.32 0.76
1.56 0.28
0.95 0.04
5.88 1.71
2.69 0.30
1.42 0.15
6.24 1.89
0.29 1.38 2.93 5.44 0.21 | 1.08
1.88 0.45
8.21 0.26
3.64 0.69
1.18 0.26
7.54 0.47
3.67 0.93
0.37
4.32 0.23
4.82 1.16
0.33
-
-
-
-
-
-
4.55
2.29
-
-
-
-
0.63
0.95
-
-
-
0.83
7.30 2.08
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0.69
-
-
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1.37
1.49
1
1.00
2.39
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2.74
-
-
-
16.59 3.16
8.78 0.49
3.21
5.55
0.70
8.06
2.85
1.17
3.50 1.17
1.31 0.65
7.42 2.96
-
-
-
Fever.
Fever.
Fever.
Fever.
Fever.
Fever.
3.11
0.76
-
-
1.91
-
6.36
1.13
0.62
4.93 1.23
1.10
-
-
0.99
-
-
0.73
-
-
-
-
6.87 2.29
2.15
202
ANNUAL REPORTS.
2.91
1.54
1.64
0.69
0.87
16.32 7.73
I.
-
3.14 0.31
203
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH.
NUISANCES ABATED IN EACH DISTRICT IN 1885.
DISTRICT.
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII. VIII.
IX.
X. Total.
Population .
5,464 5,332 2,067 3,667 5,732 1,266 3,132
932
1,666 734 29,992
Cellar damp
15
10
3
1
6
3
4
2
2
45
Cesspool defective
1
offensive
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
4
Connections of drainage-pipes defective .
2
10
4
8
9
4
3
2
1
46
Drainage defective
23
10
1
4
9
3
S
7
2
69
66
emptying on surface .
7
3
3
2
2
2
5
3
1
1 11
20
Drain-pipe clogged
-
-
-
1
1
4
14
1
1
S
4
2
1
37
Hennery offensive
1
1
-
1 1 1
4
Manure exposed and offensive
5
1
1
2
1
1
Offal on land
13
3
1
1
3
1
1
23
Offensive odor dwellings .
in and about
5
4
211 2 1
4
4
4
1
1
1
26
Opening in drain-pipe in cellar, Premises filthy
19
3
3
1
2
4
01 2
6
11
Privy-vault defective
full
20
-
L-
2
11
1
11
1
60
offensive
31
36
8
23
23
19
5
1
12
1
175
Sink leaking
-
-
1
2 112311 1 3 1
1233141 2 3 3 4
1
1
14
Stable and stable-premises filthy and offensive
1
1
1
I
1
1
1
2
-
2
5
66
not trapped
43
12
S
21
9
19
119 1 9 1
1411 1 4 1
8
166
Water-closet defective .
1
-
3
1
-
2
1 1
3 3
22
66
not properly venti- lated .
2
I
66
offensive
7
11
11
9
1
1
Wooden waste-pipes and drains,
4
Total
229
182
45
80
125
90
81
80
52
27
991
66
emptying in cellar
6
4
-
3
4
4
1
2
1
25
not ventilated
2
4
1
Hens kept in cellar
1
1
-
-
-
1
-
-
-
1
Slaughter-house filthy and offen- sive .
1
Slops thrown on surface
4
1
-
4
Stagnant water in house-cellar .
4
1
16
3
5
5
10
3
-
31
Waste-pipe clogged .
defective
3
-
2
2
-
1
8
1
53131182 6 5 3 3 6
1
2
4
2
3 1311 1
1211
3
2
12
Well-water polluted by drainage,
1
1
-
1
-
1
2
S
overflowing
-
S
1
1 HIHIIH 1
20
No house-drainage facilities .
1
1
1
1
2
5
-
3
1
1
-
16
in stable-cellar . on surface
1
-
4
1
32111111131 3 2 1 1 1 3
1
4
-
S
insufficiently sup- plied with water,
2
1
3
-
33
defective
204
ANNUAL REPORTS.
APPROPRIATION FOR HEALTH-DEPARTMENT, AND EXPENDI- TURES THEREFROM, 1885.
Appropriation . . $3,500 00
Receipts for permits to keep swine and
goats, and to collect grease . 271 00
Credits for sundry bills approved but not called for
3 50
Total credit . $3,774 50
Expenditures : -
for inspector's salary $976 00
" collecting ashes . 2,066 79
" fumigating : -
paid Wm. H. Brine, $24 00 )
P. W. Skinner, 86 00 121 28
for sulphur, 11 28 J
" disinfectants . 3 50
" oil of peppermint 33 18
" vaccine virus . 89 80
" care of varioloid case
70 00
" burying dead animals
58 00
" books, stationery, printing, and post-
age
118 40
" abating nuisances .
78 98
" serving notices in other cities . 8 88
" carriage-hire .
23 00
" rent of post-office box
4 00
" fumigating-case, etc.
3 25
Total debit .
3,655 06
Balance unexpended
$119 44
GEORGE A. KIMBALL. GEO. C. SKILTON. THOS. M. DURELL, M.D.
INDEX
TO THE REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH.
PAGE
Ashes .
192
Cleaning streets
191
Dangerous disease»
196
Death-rate, 1885 (at end of mortality table)
195
Deaths
194
Diphtheria .
196
Districts
199
Expenses
204
Goats .
191
Grease
191
House-offal
192
Map .
19SA
Membership
189
Night-soil .
192
Nuisances
189
Organization
189
Permits
191
Population
199
Scarlet-fever
. 196
School-buildings
193
Sewers
193
Stagnant water in streets .
191
Swine
191
Typhoid-fever
196
Varioloid
197
TABLES.
PAGE
Diphtheria in 1885, inspector's report
197A, 197B
Mortality in Somerville, 1885
194
rates of, in districts, 1874 to 1885
200
Nuisances abated, 1885 in districts, 1SS5 .
203
Principal causes of death, in districts, 1885
Scarlet-fever, diphtheria, and typhoid-fever, 1885
66
66
66
deaths, 1877 to 1885 . · 198
. 201
..
. .
66
in districts, 1SS5 ..
in last 7 years, 202
.
190
201
198
66
66
REPORT
OF THE
CITY PHYSICIAN.
CITY OF SOMERVILLE.
IN BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN, Jan. 20, 1886. 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, 1886.
DOUGLAS FRAZAR, Clerk.
CITY OF SOMERVILLE.
To his Honor the Mayor, and the City Council.
GENTLEMEN, - I respectfully present my fourth annual report as city physician.
I have made during the year 2,404 visits : of these 397 were surgical, and 59 were made to persons at the police-station. I have, in accordance with the law, viewed the bodies, and given certificates of the probable cause of death, of 21 persons who died unattended by any physician. I have examined 15 persons sup- posed to be insane, and have given certificates in 7 cases. I have vaccinated 2,300 persons free of expense. Forty-one persons had teeth extracted at my office.
I have, in compliance with the city ordinances. examined five applicants for the police force.
Respectfully submitted.
JAN. 19, 1886.
THOS. M. DURELL, M.D. City Physician.
REPORT
OF THE
TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
CITY OF SOMERVILLE.
IN BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN, Jan. 12, 1886. 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. 12, 1886.
DOUGLAS FRAZAR, Clerk.
CITY OF SOMERVILLE.
To the City Council of Somerville.
IN rendering their report, the trustees beg leave first to con- gratulate their fellow-citizens upon the completion and dedication of the new Public Library on Highland Avenue. They desire also to express their thanks to the City Government for their hearty co-operation in bringing about this important event. They also desire to express their personal satisfaction in the increased facili- ties which have been furnished them in the performance of the important duties of their office, and the fresh impulse which they are calculated to awake.
The erection of the public-library building is the conspicuous event of the year now closing, if not, indeed, an event which may mark an important era in the history of our city. The want that has so long been evident has been freely and generously supplied. In their report of 1884, the trustees gave a detailed description of the building, then in the process of erection ; and they have but to add that the important work is now complete, and they are pleased to say that they are now in possession of a building, finely located, richly and appropriately equipped, with appointments far more commodious and elegant than they had dared to anticipate.
DEDICATION.
The ceremony of the dedication of the public-library building occurred on the evening of Sept. 29, at the Unitarian Church on Highland Avenue, at which his Honor the Mayor, Mark F. Burns, presided.
The principal address was delivered by Mr. Justin Winsor, librarian of Harvard College, who was selected as the orator of the occasion. Short addresses were afterwards made by Rev. George
214
ANNUAL REPORTS.
W. Durell, Rev. John S. Thomson, and Hon. George A. Bruce. The exercises were of a most interesting character, and were wit- nessed by a large and attentive audience, among whom were many prominent citizens of this and neighboring cities.
The address of Mr. Winsor was received with much favor. Aside from its literary merits, it is not too much to say that it contained much interesting information, and throughout furnished instructive and valuable suggestions of a practical character. The author has kindly presented the trustees with a manuscript copy of his address, which is herewith presented as an important supple- ment to this report.
The distribution of books among the patrons of the library was necessarily suspended from June till September. Several causes contributed to this result. The removal of books from the old to the new quarters, the adjustment and adaptation of the new shelving to the old catalogue, requiring much labor and care, and the many incidental wants which were to be provided, not readily foreseen in the final completion of the building, rendered an earlier time for actual occupancy and work impracticable. According to the last report of the librarian, the whole number of books on hand was 11,863. Additional purchases have since been made by the trus- tees, increasing the number to 12,134. In making the recent pur- chases, great care has been exercised to ascertain and supply defects in the various classes, especially relating to standard works. With this view, catalogues of other libraries have been examined, bookstores visited, books and literatures studied, and standard authorities consulted ; and the result has been, that valuable acqui- sitions have been made in history, biography, travels, political economy, geography, fiction, and books of reference. It has also been our purpose to consider the wishes of readers who make their wants known through the librarian or otherwise. At the same time, our purpose has been to maintain a theory sound in principle, upon which the wishes of readers should be met, and keep in mind the true functions of a public library.
It cannot be said that our library is yet complete. The annual process of examination of its condition and wants must still be carried on. Old books must be replaced ; new publications are constantly pouring in. A larger reading population must be pro- vided for, and new wants be supplied. Yet the collection may be regarded as a good one, as a whole. In it may be found valuable
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY. 215
works upon almost every variety of topics, and a very few. if any, of a worthless character : and as such we can commend it to the public.
The number of books taken out during the year now closing was 65,450, and the number used in the rooms, 642. This shows a less number than 1884, when it appeared to have been 72.591. This can be accounted for by the suspension of issuing books from June till September, consequent on the transfer of the books from the old to the new building.
Of the books taken out the percentage is as follows : -
Fiction, including juvenile 70
Essays and periodicals
14
History and travels 10
Biography
4
Science and poetry
2
It is noticeable that here. as with public libraries generally, fic- tion constitutes the bulk of literature sought for by readers. Much has been and may be written upon this tendency, and the ques- tion is by no means easily settled. The fact cannot. however, be ignored, that the demand has become quite universal, and is to be treated as a problem to be solved by experience ; and this board can only promise to deal with the matter as best they may. with a view to the best practicable solution. With the incipient formation of taste for reading, the trustees can have but little to do. Par- ents and teachers must here take a part in the work. and exert their influence in accordance with the views they may hold.
The trustees, in entering upon the work of their offices for the coming year, feel it incumbent on them to make their annual appeal for the means by which the institution under their charge is to be maintained. Thus far our library has been supported mainly by the public treasury. Donations have been rare and small. While other cities and towns in the Commonwealth have been favored in their public bequests, our main and almost sole reliance has been the appropriations of the city council.
There are obvious causes which conduce to this condition of things. We are comparatively a new municipality, with a new and somewhat shifting population. The interest which a long and continuous residence tends to create is here notably wanting. If our city were more isolated, and less suburban, the interest of its
216
ANNUAL REPORTS.
people would undoubtedly be more concentrated, and its pride more local. The greater part of its citizens make the city little more than a sleeping-place, and expend the energies of their wak- ing hours in the limits of the neighboring city. It has often been said that Somerville does not abound in men of wealth. We may not be conspicuous in that respect, yet it is certain that we have a large and rapidly increasing population, who exhibit no small degree of thrift and an increasing public spirit ; and evidence is not wanting in particular instances showing an awakening interest in this department.
Let us hope that the erection of the public library may mark an era in its history, when the interest already awakened may culmi- nate in some substantial contribution. The expenses for the ensu- ing year will necessarily be some larger than heretofore. The care and heating of the building will be the main causes ; naturally, however, it will be felt, that, with the increased facilities which have been furnished to render this department serviceable to the public, the wants of the library in respect to its literature must also be carefully provided for.
The trustees have entire confidence that the citizens of Somer- ville are both willing and able to provide abundant means to make our public library worthy of the cause for which it was established. And they will deem it their duty and pleasure to apply the means which may be placed at their disposal in such a way as to render the charge imposed upon them useful in its administration and salutary in its influence.
CHAS. S. LINCOLN, Chairman, WM. H. BRINE,
J. H. FLITNER,
GEO. A. BRUCE,
Trustees.
JAMES E. WHITAKER,
WM. E. WELD, SANFORD HANSCOM,
CHRISTOPHER E. RYMES, CHAS. G. POPE,
DECEMBER, 1885.
217
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT.
WE have delivered, during the past year, 65,450 books for home use ; and for study in the building 642 have been used.
The books were called in by the middle of June, preparatory to removal to the new building, and none issued until September. The largest number given out in any month was 7,740, delivered in March ; and the largest on any one day was 666, on March 14.
The per cent of circulation, as in all libraries, is largest for fiction. Essays (including drama) and periodicals come next ; history and travel next; with poetry, science, and the industrial arts less.
The last year's work may be regarded as the most important in the history of our library, as we now have a beautiful and con- venient building for library purposes. The universal satisfaction expressed in our new building, and the favorable comparisons between it and some of more costly appointments, seem to show the wisdom of those who have projected and carried out the impor- tant undertaking.
We were unavoidably hurried into our new building before it was quite ready for us, and consequently there was unexpected delay in delivering books again. This being the first time for the twelve years of its existence that the library had been closed for more than a day or two at a time, people did not know how to accommodate themselves to such a state of things ; and the remark was universal, "How did we ever get along before there was a public library ?"
We take great pleasure in assisting those who constantly come to us for information on special subjects, and only ask a due amount of time to cull from our limited resources the wished-for knowledge.
The work of a librarian is so various that we are not surprised at any question or inquiry (we have even been consulted as to the rights of tenants) ; and though often quite uncertain whether our search will be rewarded with success, we are sure to find something
218
ANNUAL REPORTS.
else quite as good, which will be useful in another direction. Here, especially, one finds memory an indispensable auxiliary, while the ability to think quickly is particularly desirable.
The schools depend more and more upon our reference books to accomplish their work ; and, while our high school is constantly using our library as if it were an "annex " to their own building, we find the younger students of the grammar schools, encouraged by their teachers, looking up biography in cyclopædias and gazet- teers. In one instance a class of children of nine years of age were eagerly reading every sketch of the life of Longfellow that we could furnish.
We have in our midst a large number of literary and other societies : these find our books convenient for reference ; and while one will want to decide some disputed question by inquiry here, his opponent comes to the same source to verify his statement. Another, after looking in vain for the title of some book in the catalogue, finds. upon inquiry, that he has mistaken the very name of the book he was looking for.
People like that the books they have recommended and asked for should be ready while they are needed, but do not always con- sider that they must first be selected, and then wait the approval of the board at their next meeting, before they can be entered in the library ; and, as this is generally but once in a month, it some- times looks like delay.
As evidence that the books of the library are carefully handled and appreciated, hardly a fine has been assessed during the year for pencil-marking or other injury. 1.576 postal cards have been written and sent for books overdue during the year, and two are missing. 6,081 books have been covered and repaired, and three given.
A collection of pamphlets, relating to the early history of Som- erville, have been sent by friends of the library.
HARRIET A. ADAMS, Librarian.
SOMERVILLE, Dec. 21, 1885.
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY. 219
FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF CITY TREASURER.
Balance from 1884 .
$25 00
Appropriation
2,500 00
Dog licenses .
1,402 04
Fines
150 29
Catalogues
37 17
$4,116 50
Salaries .
. $1,298 30
Books
. 1,742 89
Printing .
217 60
Binding .
52 36
Covers .
20 16
Newspapers
6 00
Stamps .
8 80
Insurance
21 60
Furniture
54 00
Gas-fixtures
10 85
Stationery
5 50
Water
1 60
Gas
3 96
Fuel
130 48
Expressing
33 65
Labor
66 50
Incidentals
39 65
$3,713 90
Balance to 1886
402 60
$4,116 50
For the trustees.
C. S. LINCOLN,
President.
220
ANNUAL REPORTS.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE SOMERVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY, 1886.
CHARLES S. LINCOLN, President. J. H. FLITNER, Secretary.
TRUSTEES.
C. E. RYMES,
W. H. BRINE,
G. A. BRUCE, J. E. WHITAKER.
W. E. WELD, C. G. POPE, S. HANSCOM,
On Building and Grounds. - Messrs. RYMES, HANSCOM, BRUCE. On Administration. - FLITNER, BRINE, WHITAKER.
Books and Catalogues. - BRUCE, RYMES, POPE.
Finance. - BRINE, WELD, POPE.
Librarian. - H. A. ADAMS. Assistants. - LIZZIE STEVENS, LOTTIE HOPKINS.
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY. 221
DEDICATORY SERVICES OF SOMERVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY, SEPT. 29, 1885.
ORDER OF EXERCISES.
INVOCATION, BY REV. J. W. HAMILTON.
OVERTURE, "PECHE MIGNON " . . ORCHESTRA.
Langey.
TRANSFER OF THE KEYS OF THE BUILDING TO THE MAYOR, BY ALDER- MAN F. R. PERRY, CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC PROPERTY.
ACCEPTANCE BY HON. MARK F. BURNS, MAYOR, AND TRANSFER TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE LIBRARY.
ACCEPTANCE BY CHARLES S. LINCOLN, ESQ., PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
SELECTION FROM "CARMEN . .
Bizet. ORCHESTRA.
ADDRESS BY JUSTIN WINSOR, ESQ., LIBRARIAN OF HARVARD COLLEGE.
POLONAISE
Beiseig.
. ORCHESTRA. (Violin, clarinet, cornet, and flute solos by Messrs. Whidden, Mason, Casey, and Johnson.)
REMARKS BY REV. J. S. THOMPSON, REV. G. W. DURELL, HON. GEORGE A. BRUCE.
MARCH, "PANAMA"
.
MUSIC : Edmands Orchestra.
Ritz. ORCHESTRAA.
222
ANNUAL REPORTS.
ADDRESS OF MR. JUSTIN WINSOR,
DELIVERED AT THE DEDICATION OF SOMERVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY, SEPT. 29, 1885, AT THE UNITARIAN CHURCH.
ONE evening in October. 1631. Gov. Winthrop left his house at the Ten Hills for a stroll in the woods. Darkness coming on, he lost his way; and somewhere in the region where your pleasant streets now run, he was glad to find a deserted Indian cabin, near which. he spent the night. walking by the fire which he had kin- dled, and singing psalms to pass away the hours. Whatever of literature was embalmed in those words of the psalmist. floating upon the still air of the midnight two hundred and fifty-four years ago. it is the earliest record which we have of the forms of letters. disputing with the sounds of nature and wild men, possession of the spot where we now are.
Eight or ten years later. the two hundred and sixty works which that butcher's son, John Harvard, had left to found the library of the neighboring university, were carried over your territory. from his home in Charlestown. to the little college at Cambridge. -- the first collection of books which might be called a library that your soil, even transiently, ever knew.
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