Report of the city of Somerville 1891, Part 12

Author: Somerville (Mass.)
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Somerville, Mass.
Number of Pages: 448


USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1891 > Part 12


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The work of taking up the old cement-lined pipe, and replacing it with cast-iron, should be continued from year to year. Most satis-


207


REPORT OF THE WATER BOARD.


factory results have already accrued from the substitution, in many of the streets, of the latter for the former, as is evidenced by the decreasing number of breaks. During the present year there have been but thirty-five breaks, as against seventy-one in 1890.


HIGH-WATER SERVICE.


The high-water service, which was put into operation for the first time last year, continues to give complete satisfaction. Until the introduction of this system, residents upon the high lands were subjected to grievous annoyance by the scanty water supply, while their property was in constant peril from fire. In fact, some of the finest residential lands in the city were rendered almost valueless for building purposes in consequence of the lack of water. The high- service has brought permanent relief to the more elevated portions of the city, and largely increased the value of hundreds of building lots. Beautiful and substantial houses are being rapidly erected on the summits of our hills, where are to be found the most eligible and healthful locations for the homes of the people. No intelligent tax- payer will to-day question the wisdom of the expenditure which has been made for the introduction of the high-water service, an invest- ment which, in after years, will yield a considerable revenue to the city.


All of the machinery, structures, and appurtenances of the high- service are in good condition and doing excellent work. Another year's trial of the boiler, pump, and stand-pipe has but confirmed the favorable opinion expressed concerning them by our immediate prede- cessors in office. The pumping plant, as it now exists, is adequate for present needs ; but the consumption of water is constantly increas- ing in our rapidly-growing city, and we believe it will be wise to pur- chase, at an early date, a second boiler, and equip it for service, so that, in case of any mishap to the boiler now in use, water-takers may not be deprived of their supply while repairs are being made. An additional stand-pipe will soon be required for the high-service sys- tem. We would, therefore, recommend that steps be taken towards the purchase of a suitable lot of land for that purpose on the summit of Winter Hill.


208


ANNUAL REPORTS.


PURCHASE OF MYSTIC WATER SUPPLY.


Previous water boards, in their annual reports, have recom- mended that Somerville enter into negotiations with Boston for the purchase of the Mystic water supply and have clearly pointed out the advantages which might be expected to accrue to our city from such a purchase. While we regret that Somerville is not the owner of its own water plant, and should heartily approve any reasonable plan which might be pointed out for the acquisition of a satisfactory and permanent water supply, we do not believe that it would be wise for Somerville to sunder its present relations with Boston and place entire dependence for the future upon a water franchise which Boston would never alienate until convinced that it had become of little value. Boston has not yet solved her own water problem, and if her growth should be as rapid in the future as it has been in the past, not many years will elapse before she will be obliged to incur great expense in making additions to her present supply.


It is, therefore, hardly reasonable to assume that she would part with her control over a fresh-water lake situated within five miles of her borders until she had come to believe that the waters of the lake were deteriorating so rapidly as to render it probable that they would eventually become unfit for domestic use. It is no secret that the location and surroundings of Mystic Lake are such as to raise grave doubts, in the minds of those best informed, as to the possibility of keeping its waters in a condition of reasonable purity. It has already come under the repeated criticism of the highest chemical and sani- tary authorities in the Commonwealth.


Boston, with all her wealth, power, and prestige, has found it a herculean task to keep back the tide of pollution constantly setting towards the lake. It is fed by streams which no human ingenuity or effort has yet succeeded in keeping free from contamination. At its outlet it is menaced by ocean tides. Its water-shed is ob- jectionable, lying as it does in a populous suburban district, where numerous large manufactories are carried on, and is not likely to im- prove as the population increases in density. It is doubtful if any con- siderable improvement in the quality of the water will be brought about by the construction of the so-called Metropolitan sewer. Should it ever become necessary to abandon Mystic Lake as a water


209


REPORT OF THE WATER BOARD.


supply, as Spy Pond has already been abandoned, on account of its impurity, then it might be highly advantageous for Somerville to have a subsisting contract with Boston for the continuance of a water sup- ply. We think the time may come when Boston and all her near suburbs will unite their water systems, and, through the instrumental- ity of an impartial commission, take concerted action towards secur- ing a supply from more distant sources than any yet resorted to. Certain it is that the Commonwealth will never permit any one or more of her municipalities to monopolize all the available waters lying near at hand, in derogation of the natural rights of other cities and towns dependent upon the same waters. Some action may yet be taken by the Legislature which will provide for an equitable distribu- tion of the waters lying within a particular district among the cities and towns situated therein. A precedent for such legislation may be found in the recent act establishing the Metropolitan sewer system. Early in the present year an order was adopted by the city council instructing its committee on water, among other things, to consider the expediency of the purchase of the Mystic Water Works. We doubt not that much light will be thrown upon the whole question under discussion by the report of the committee when it appears, and we trust that the labors and investigations of the committee will be of great assistance to future water boards.


CONCLUSION.


It gives the board high satisfaction to be able to say, in conclu- sion, that the performance of its duties during the year has been ren- dered easy and pleasant by the fidelity and zeal manifested by Super- intendent Dennett, Clerk Merrill, Engineer Hayden, and the other officers and employees of the department.


ALBION A. PERRY. GEORGE D. WEMYSS. GEORGE A. KIMBALL.


210


ANNUAL REPORTS.


SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.


To the Somerville Mystic Water Board :-


GENTLEMEN, - I herewith present a detailed report of the work of the Somerville Mystic Water Works performed under my super- vision during the year ending December 31, 1891. An inventory of tools, appliances, and stock on hand is included.


MAINS.


During the year two miles and 4,094 feet of cast-iron pipe have been laid in extending the main lines, and two miles and 870 feet laid in place of the old cement-lined pipe taken out ; and eighty-four gates were set in connection with the same.


There were also laid for the Middlesex Bleachery and Dye Works 1,543 feet of 6 and 8-inch pipe for fire purposes.


Also for I. H. Brown & Co. 26 feet 4-inch pipe.


Also for Fresh Pond Ice Co. 352 feet 6 inch-pipe.


Also for the American Tube Works 7512 feet of 4-inch pipe.


Making a total of five miles and 1,68012 feet laid and relaid for the city and private corporations.


Making a total in the city of sixty-four miles and 2,105 feet.


The breaks on mains numbered thirty-five, and ninety-five feet of pipe were used in their repair.


Of these breaks, twenty-two occurred on 4-inch, twelve on 6-inch, and one on 8-inch.


HYDRANTS.


Thirty six new hydrants have been set on new and old mains.


Sixteen hydrants have had general repairs, such as new valves, bolts. etc.


One hundred and eighty hydrants have been repacked.


All have been painted the past year, oiled, and carefully looked over.


Five hydrants have been taken out and repaired in the shop, and have been reset in other locations.


Making whole number now in the city 441.


211


REPORT OF THE WATER BOARD.


SERVICE-PIPES.


The whole number of services laid the past year was 508.


Length of pipe used, three miles and 312 feet.


Length of trenching for the same, three miles and 1,328 feet.


Average cost of each service, $18.67.


Twenty- one leaks have been repaired on services.


Ten new services have been put in in place of old.


Forty-six services have been cleared of rust, sediment, and fish.


Forty-four cast-iron boxes have been substituted for decayed wooden ones.


Twenty-eight were shut off for repairs on account of leaks inside the premises, and fifteen for non-payment of water rates.


STAND-PIPES.


One new stand-pipe was located on School street, near the cor- ner of Broadway.


One was removed from Pearl street, near Marshall street.


Eighteen were packed and oiled, and all had new connecting hose, new boxes, and other repairs.


DRINKING FOUNTAINS.


The drinking fountains have had the usual repairs ; have been cleaned out several times, etc .; and one on Broadway has had new stop-cock and new waste.


MISCELLANEOUS. .


In the shop of the department 18,871 feet ( equal to three miles and 3,031 feet) of iron service-pipe was lined with cement, and 518 service-pipes cut and fitted.


Also repairs on gates and hydrants were made, and gate-boxes made and fitted.


The cost of the water works to date is $537,515.18.


Details of the expenditures on the construction, maintenance, and service account may be found in the report of the city treasurer.


In closing this report the superintendent would take this oppor- tunity to acknowledge the uniform kindness and courtesy received


212


ANNUAL REPORTS.


by him from the Water Board, and for their hearty support and cooperation in the work of the department, which has been of great importance the past year.


Respectfully, NATHANIEL DENNETT.


APPENDIX TO SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.


STOCK. AVAILABLE FOR FUTURE USE JANUARY 1, 1892.


Cast-iron pipe


$3,270 00


Special castings


1,745 12


Gates and hydrants


.


992 00


Service-pipe and materials


500 00


Sundry materials


466 00


Total


$6,973 12


TOOLS AND FURNITURE.


Special patterns


$1,390 69


Tools and machinery


1,283 00


Tools for water services


424 28


Stable department


1,675 00


Office furniture


475 00


Pumping station furniture


179 00


$5,426 97


213


REPORT OF THE WATER BOARD.


During the year the works have been extended by mains laid in the following streets :-


STREET.


FROM.


To.


LENGTH IN FEET.


DIAMETER IN INCHES.


Adrian St.


Angle in street


Westerly


256


6


Albion St. .


Cedar St.


Southeasterly


1,440


6


Arthur St.


Bonair St. .


Southwesterly


31


6


Bennett St.


Prospect St.


Southeasterly


439


6


Bradley St. .


Pipe laid in 1890


Near Veazie St.


169


6


Calvin St.


Washington St.


Southwesterly


248


6


Conwell St.


Francis St.


Southwesterly


71


-2


Delaware St.


Angle in street


Northeasterly


79


2


Dell St.


Angle in street


Southeasterly


6


6


Elliot St.


Park St.


Southeasterly


207


8


Elm St.


Jacob St.


Southwesterly


57


10


Elston St.


Elm St.


Summer St.


424


S


Francesca Ave.


Pipe laid in 1890


Southeasterly


451


8


Francis St.


Porter St.


Conwell St.


205


8


Giles Pl.


Walnut St.


Northwesterly


176


2


(Tlen St. .


Tufts St.


Northeasterly


342


6


Gould Ave.


Porter St.


Southeasterly


161


2


Greene St.


Laurel St.


Southeasterly


198


6


Grove St.


Winslow Ave.


Southwesterly


125


S


Hancock St.


Elm St. .


Northeasterly


412


6


High St.


Opp. C. H. North


Prospect Hill Ave.


150


6


Holt Ct.


S. Wyatt St.


Westerly


160


2


Howard St.


Willow Ave.


Northwesterly


260


6


Jacob St.


Elm St. .


North westerly


162


8


Knapp St.


School St.


Northwesterly


394


4


Knowlton St. .


Tufts St.


Northerly .


340


6


Lee St.


Medford St.


Southwesterly


12


8


Lowell St.


245 ft. southwest


Southwesterly


464


6


Medford St.


Central St.


Southeasterly


75


8


Melrose St.


Mystic Ave.


Northeasterly


791


6


Miner St.


Ames St.


South westerly


36


6


Moreland St.


Heath St.


Southeasterly


240


10


Morrison St.


Willow Ave.


Rogers Ave.


433


10


Mt. Vernon


Ave.


Heath St.


Northeasterly


176


S


North St.


Pipe laid in 1890


Northeasterly


859


6


Park Pl.


Angle in place


Northeasterly


195


2


Porter St.


Highland Ave.


.


Southwesterly


38


6


Roberts St.


Lawrence St. .


Northwesterly


107


2


Rogers Ave.


Morrison Ave.


Northeasterly


554


6


Runey Pl.


Runey St. . .


Northeasterly


195


6


Sumner St.


Driveway to city stable


Southeasterly


99


2


Thurston St.


Pipe laid in 1890


Northeasterly


35


6


Trull St.


Medford St.


Southwesterly


302


S


.


.


Hudson St.


Near Benton Ave.


Northwesterly to


angle in street .


1,364


8


of Summer St. .


101


4


+


133


4


77


6


214


ANNUAL REPORTS.


STREET.


FROM.


To.


LENGTH IN FEET.


DIAMETER IN INCHES.


Vinal St.


Richardson St.


Northeasterly


185


2


Warren Ave.


Bow St.


Northeasterly


40


8


.


Warwick St.


Pipe laid in 1887


Southeasterly


229


6


Washington St. .


E. side Beacon St.


W.side BeaconSt.


49


6


Wesley St.


170 ft.n.e.PearlSt.


Northeasterly


5


6


Wesley Pk.


Summer St.


Northeasterly


8


6


Wigglesworth St.


Pearl St.


Northeasterly


234


6


Winslow Ave.


Grove St.


Northwesterly


149


6


Waldo St.


Hudson St.


Southwesterly


221


6


TOTAL


14,380


STREETS RELAID.


STREET.


FROM.


To


LENGTH IN FEET.


DIAMETER IN INCHES.


Bow St. .


Union Sq.


Summer St.


652


8


Cedar St.


Elm St.


Highland Ave.


1,760


12


Franklin Ave.


Washington St. .


Northerly


10


6


Franklin St.


Washington St. .


Northeasterly


42


8


High St.


Boston St.


Opp. C. H. North


364


6


Ivaloo St.


Beacon St.


Harrison St. .


406


6


Joy St.


Washington St. .


Southwesterly


24


6


Laurel St.


Somerville Ave. .


Summer St.


991


6


Linwood St.


Connection with


Washington St. .


24


6


Medford St.


Somerville Ave.


Cambridge line


9


8


Mondamin Ct.


Ivaloo St.


Northwesterly


305


4


Myrtle St ..


Washington St.


Northerly .


8


8


Prescott St.


Summer St.


Highland Ave.


1,104


8


Professors' Row .


Packard Ave.


Southeasterly


1,091


8


Prospect St.


Bennett St.


Southwesterly


18


6


Shawmut St.


Washington St. .


North westerly


9


6


Summer St.


Bow St. .


Northwesterly


175


10


Tufts St.


Washington St. .


Northwesterly


78


6


Walnut St.


Bow St. .


Northeasterly


L


264


12


Washington St. .


Myrtle St.


Medford St.


700


18


792


20


TOTAL


10,842


42


6


1,735


14


24


6


51


6


3


6


52


10


100


14


6


6


5


4


9


8


215


REPORT OF THE WATER BOARD.


The following table shows hydrants set in 1891 : -


STREET.


LOCATION.


SERVICE.


KIND.


Adrian Street


220 feet south of Joseph Street


Low.


Holyoke.


Albion Street


421 feet southeast of Cedar Street


Low.


Boston Machine.


Bennett Street .


150 feet east of Prospect Street


Low.


Coffin.


Boston Street


Corner High Street


High.


Holyoke.


Cedar Street


289 feet north of Elm Street


Low.


Holyoke.


Cedar Street


90 feet north of Sartwell Avenue


Low.


Holyoke.


Cedar Street


50 feet north of Hall Street


Low.


Holyoke.


Dell Street


275 feet west of Glen Street


Low.


Holyoke.


Elm Street


Opposite Jacob Street


Low.


Holyoke.


Elliot Street


Corner Park Street


Low.


Holyoke.


Francesca Avenue .


305 feet southeast of Elm Street


Low.


Holyoke.


Fresh Pond Ice Co.


In yard


Low.


Holyoke.


Green Street


200 feet south of Summer Street


High.


Holyoke.


Highland Avenue


Corner Grove Street .


Low.


Holyoke.


High Street .


300 feet west of Boston Street


High.


Chapman.


Hudson Street .


292 feet southeast of Lowell Street


Low.


Chapman.


Hudson Street .


At angle in street


Low.


Chapman.


+Linwood Street


385 feet southeast of Washington Street


Low.


Holyoke. Coffin.


tLinwood Street Lowell Street


227 feet northwest of Poplar Street .


Low.


Holyoke.


Medford Street


98 feet .north of Fitchburg R. R. .


Low.


Chapman.


Medford Street


70 feet south of Fitchburg R. R. .


Low.


Chapman.


Medford Street


30 feet north of Ward Street


Low.


Holyoke.


Medford Street


91 feet south of Ward Street


Low.


Holyoke.


Medford Street


93.5 feet northwest of Warren Street


Low.


Holyoke.


Medford Street


17 feet southeast of Warren Street


Low.


Holyoke.


Medford Street


80 feet southeast of Grand Junction R. R. At Harrison Street


Low.


Boston.


North Street


190 feet northeast of City Bound No. 17


Low.


Holyoke.


Prescott Street


.


326 feet southwest of Highland Avenue


High.


Holyoke.


*Prescott Street


582 feet southwest of Highland Avenue 257 feet northeast of Summer Street


High.


Holyoke.


Professors' Row


.


140 feet west of College Avenue .


Low.


Holyoke.


*Professors' Row .


300 feet west of College Avenue .


Low.


Holyoke.


Rogers Avenue


300 feet north of Morrison Avenue


Low.


Coffin.


Washington Street


Near Franklin Avenue .


Low.


Holyoke.


Laurel Street


8 feet north of Park Place


High.


Bigelow.


Melrose Street .


665.5 feet southwest of Summer Street . 600 feet north of Mystic Avenue


High.


Low.


Bigelow.


Low.


Holyoke.


Mondamin Court


High.


Holyoke.


Prescott Street .


* Boston Machine replaced by Holyoke.


1 Reset in new location.


216


ANNUAL REPORTS.


The following table shows gates set in 1891 :-


GATES.


STREET.


2//


3/1


4/


6//


8//


10//


12//


14//


18//


20//


Albion


American Tube Works .


Arthur


Bennett


Bow


Calvin


Cedar .


2


Elliot .


Elston


Francis


1


Fresh Pond Ice Company . Giles Place .


1


Glen


Gould Avenue.


1 1


Hancock


1


1


Hadley


1


Holt Court


Hudson


ʹ


1


Ivaloo


ʹ


1


Jacob


1


Joy


1


Knapp


2


Knowlton


1


ʹ


Laurel


3


Lee


1


Linwood


1


Lowell


1


Medford .


1


1


ʹ


Melrose .


1


Middlesex Bleachery


1


Miner


Mondamin Court


Morrison


1


Mt. Vernon Avenue


1


1


2


Professors' Row


Roberts


111


111


ʻ


Sumner


1


Tufts


ʼ


Trull


Vinal .


Warren Avenue


1


Waldo


1


1


Washington


Wigglesworth


1


ʹ


Winslow Avenue .


1


1


-


Total


5


1


7


27


18


5


4


4


1


4


HYDRANTS DISCONTINUED.


One on High street.


One on Highland avenue, corner Grove street.


One on Medford street, near railroad crossing.


One on Tufts street, near Washington street.


-


2


-


-


1


-


-


1


1


1


2


1


1


Greene


1


1


North Packi'g and Prov'n Co. Prescott .


1


3


1


ʹ


Rogers Avenue


Runey Place


Summer


1


1 1111


ʻ


1


1


3


Medford .


4


11.


-


1


1


217


REPORT OF THE WATER BOARD.


ENGINEER OF PUMPING STATION'S REPORT.


HIGH-SERVICE PUMPING STATION, SOMERVILLE, Dec. 31, 1891.


To the Somerville Mystic Water Board :-


GENTLEMEN, - Below please find statement of the work per- formed by the high-service pump from January 1st to December 31st, inclusive, 1891 : -


Number of days on which pump was run


365


Total pumping time in hours 1,825


Average pumping time per day in hours


4


Average number of strokes per minute 30


Number of tons coal consumed


193


Total gallons of water pumped, allowing one per cent. for loss of head . 122,717,000


Average steam pressure


55


Average back-water pressure


38


Respectfully submitted,


SIDNEY E. HAYDEN.


REPORT


OF THE


OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.


CITY OF SOMERVILLE.


IN BOARD OF ALDERMEN, January 27, 1892. Referred to the committee on printing, to be printed in the annual reports. Sent down for concurrence.


GEORGE I. VINCENT, Clerk.


Concurred in.


IN COMMON COUNCIL, January 27, 1892. CHARLES S. ROBERTSON, Clerk.


BOARD OF OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.


HON. CHARLES G. POPE, Chairman, ex officio.


NATHAN H. REED


Ward One.


EDWARD B. WEST


Ward Two.


DANIEL C. STILLSON


Ward Three.


CHARLES G. BRETT, President


Ward Four.


COMMITTEES :


On Investigation and Relief MR. BRETT AND MR. WEST.


On Finance MR. STILLSON AND MR. REED.


CHARLES C. FOLSOM, General Agent.


FRANK W. KAAN, Secretary.


ALVAH B. DEARBORN, M. D., City Physician. Office : Police Building, Bow Street.


CITY OF SOMERVILLE.


OFFICE OF THE OVERSEERS OF THE POOR, Jan. 20, 1892. To the Honorable the City Council :-


GENTLEMEN, - In accordance with the requirements of the city ordinances, the overseers of the poor herewith respectfully submit their seventh annual report under Chapter 6 of the Acts of 1885.


For information in reference to the receipts and expenditures of this department for the year, we would refer to the tabulated state- ments prepared by the general agent and the secretary. A careful supervision of these expenditures has been maintained by the board . throughout the year, and we are pleased to report that they have been kept within the appropriation, while at the same time no injustice has been done those dependent upon this department for aid.


It gives us pleasure at this time to express our satisfaction with the faithful and efficient manner in which the general agent and the secretary have performed their respective duties.


CHARLES G. POPE, Chairman. CHARLES G. BRETT, President. NATHAN H. REED. EDWARD B. WEST. DANIEL C. STILLSON.


223


REPORT OF THE OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.


TABLE No. I.


PARTIAL SUPPORT (OUT-DOOR RELIEF).


Families aided . 225


Persons aided


. 748


TABLE No. 2.


FULL SUPPORT.


In almshouses . 8


" private families


14


" Boston hospitals


10


" Massachusetts School for the Feeble-minded


4


" House of the Angel Guardian


2


Insane persons in private families


5


66 " hospitals


42


TABLE No. 3. GROSS EXPENDITURES.


1885. $16,430 32


1886. $14,341 83


1887. $13,430 89


1888. . $13,375 98


1889. $14,610 92


1890. $15,261 14


1891. $15,980 49


TABLE No. 4. EXPENDITURES FOR THE YEAR 1891.


Rent.


Board.


Groceries.


Towns and Cities.


Public Institutions.


Boots and Shoes.


Dry Goods.


Burials.


Salaries.


Fuel.


Sundries.


Totals Monthly Pay rolls.


January .


$81 86


$207 53


$227 31


$777 59


$1,501 70


$8 25


$1 75


$35 00


$120 83


$277 60


$17 30


$3,256 72


February


75 00


56 00


210 05


622 54


March


75 86


194 55


276 58


312 17


951 35


4 25


10 00


120 84


84 02


31 90


2,061 52


April


75 57


44 79


130 50


146 39


668 14


27 75


14 75


25 00


120 83


25 50


1,279 22


May


83 86


63 11


168 16


8 00


40 50


120 83


17 56


29 38


531 40


June


93 57


205 86


85 55


968 42


16 00


3 60


10 00


120 84


95 96


1,599 80


July


124 86


45 68


136 77


372 55


3 83


-


45 00


120 83


23 61


1,476 13


August


80 86


65 40


220 72


30 00


538 25


September


80 57


180 21


96 00


13 53


1,141 23


1,691 54


October .


82 86


91 54


85 96


45 71


489 73


2 50


20 00


120 83


14 30


953 43


November


82 57


81 93


198 00


12 75


20 00


120 83


94 06


51 79


661 93


December


130 86


241 39


150 50


504 85


48 00


9 75


14 61


-


120 84


70 71


16 50


1,308 01


Totals


$1,068 30


$1,477 99


$1,986 10


$2,202 79


$6,383 40


$111 05


$41 46


$230 50


$1,450 00


$637 09


$391 81


$15,980 49


.


.


.


-


-


120 83


20 44


120 84


59 16


36 55


25 00


120 83


93 14


5 97


-


225


REPORT OF THE OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.


TABLE NO. 5.


REIMBURSEMENTS.


Commonwealth of Massachusetts


$995 39


Cities and towns


871 64


Guardians and relatives


305 96


$2,172 99


TABLE NO. 6.


RECAPITULATION.


Appropriation


$14,000 00


Reimbursements


2,172 99


Total receipts


$16,172 99 .


Total expenditures


15,980 49


Balance .


$192 50


REPORT


OF THE


BOARD OF HEALTH.


CITY OF SOMERVILLE.


IN BOARD OF ALDERMEN, March 9, 1892. Referred to the committee on printing, to be printed in the annual reports. Sent down for concurrence.


GEORGE I. VINCENT, Clerk.


Concurred in.


IN COMMON COUNCIL, March 10, 1892. CHARLES S. ROBERTSON, Clerk.


CITY OF SOMERVILLE.


OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH, CITY HALL, February 29, 1892.


To the Honorable the Mayor and the City Council :-


GENTLEMEN,- We respectfully submit the following as the fourteenth annual report of the Board of Health, in which is pre- sented a statement, tabulated and otherwise, of the sanitary condition of the city and the business of the board for the year ending December 31, 1891 : -


MEMBERSHIP.


The membership of the board has remained the same as in 1890. January 28, J. Frank Wellington was reappointed by the mayor and aldermen for a term of two years.


ORGANIZATION.


February 2, officers were elected as follows :-


Chairman, J. FRANK WELLINGTON. Clerk, WILLIAM P. MITCHELL. * Inspector, CALEB A. PAGE.


NUISANCES.


A record of nuisances abated during the year, in compliance with notices issued by the board or under the board's direction, is pre-


*Title changed to Agent June 12.


230


ANNUAL REPORTS.


sented in the following table, under the heads of the months when the complaints were made : -


NUISANCES ABATED IN THE YEAR 1891.


January.


February.


March.


April.


May.


June.


July.


August.


September.


October.


November.


December.


Total.


Cellar damp


Cesspool offensive


Cesspool overflowing


Connections of drainage pipes de- fective


1


2


3


1


2


5


2


1


2


4


1


27


Drainage defective


1


3


2


4


-


1


-


14


Drainage emptying into cellar


1


2


1


1


2


-


1


8


Drainage emptying on surface


1


3


8


Drainage not ventilated


11


Drain-pipe defective


1


1


1


T


5


1


1


1


1


2


1


1


3


Manure exposed and offensive


1


6


4


3


2


1


21


Offensive odor in and about dwel- lings


1


2


2


4


5 1


6


1


28


Pigs kept without license


1


1


2


1


1


2


2


1


3


Premises filthy


1


1


4


2


1


1


1


1


3


Privy-vault defective


6


1


2


3


4


2


2


2


98


Privy-vault offensive


4


12


15


11


16


11


22 97


6


6


3


113


Removal of bodies of animals


burned at fires


Rubbish in cellar


Sewer-gas in house


Slops thrown on surface


Stable infected with glanders


1


1


1


I


1


2


3


7,


1


1


1


1


9


Waste-pipe not trapped


1


3


1


5


1


1


4


8


2


4


2


30


Water-closet insufficiently supplied with water


1


2


5


-


6


?


17


Water-closet offensive


1


2


1


3


11


Total


55


10


55


64


43


70


54


86


64


28


31


11


571


-


-


-


-


-


1


1


2


13


Drying straw on sidewalk


Hennery offensive


Hens kept in cellar


Offal on land


3


2


2


1


1


8


2


Premises untidy


1


-


1


1


1


1


1


1


1


2


1


1


1


1


1


1


1


1


4


Stable and stable premises filthy and offensive


1


2


Stagnant water in house cellar


Stagnant water on surface .


Waste-pipe defective


1


3


1


01 2


-


4


2


1


Water-closet defective




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