USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1893 > Part 2
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Somerville is unfortunate in having a poor subsoil and no rock material whatever suitable to be used in macadamizing our extensive thoroughfares, and the use of our slate stone on such highways as Broadway, Medford and Washington Streets is not economical road-making. A material more endurable should be used on such streets, and the Highway Committee of last year purchased Salem and Waltham hard-stone to be used in some of its work. The long thoroughfares of the city must receive attention during the present year, and the committee should have ample means to purchase such material for the streets that may require it.
The paving of Somerville Avenue has been accomplished within the appropriation, and many private streets have been improved in consequence of a wise provision in the contract whereby all the material removed therefrom has been saved and used to improve streets which otherwise would have been obliged to wait a long time, and this has been done without any cost to the city.
The Highway Department requires more stable room, and will probably request the City Council for means to provide it.
POLICE DEPARTMENT.
Thirty-nine men, rank and file, compose the present police force. Two vacancies exist, one sergeant and one patrolman having recently resigned. This present number is considered sufficient for another year. The Chief of Police reports that this has been an exceptional year so far as great crimes and disturbances are con- cerned ; but the number of arrests for drunkenness has increased over last year, doubtless owing to the " No Fine Act," enacted by the Legislature of 1891.
The police signal and telephone service has been in operation since September 1, 1888. There are now twenty-eight street
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
boxes. The Chief of Police recommends that four more be added to this number, in order to extend the system into localities which have been built up in late years and afford proper police super- vision of these places. I concur in his recommendation, and suggest that it receive your favorable action. The expense will be $600 ; a small amount compared with the advantages to be derived. I also submit for your consideration one other suggestion of the Chief of Police, which has my hearty concurrence, viz., that, if possible, some provision be made for the retirement of aged and faithful patrolmen who have served for fifteen or twenty years and are unfitted for street duty by reason of age. It seems a hardship to discharge such men, but the best interest of the city and the Department require young and active men, who, in emergency, can bear any exposure to weather and fatigue that may be required of them.
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
The Overseers of the Poor will soon notify the City Council of the difficulty of obtaining suitable quarters in which to provide for the poor who require full support, and will request an additional appropriation for the purpose of hiring a house for their use.
There is no doubt of the legal power of the overseers to hire such quarters at the expense of the city ; but they will not be likely to use that power unless the city refuses to provide adequate accommodations.
PARTIAL SUPPORT (Out-door Relief).
Families aided in 1892
178
Persons aided in 1892
718
NUMBERS FULLY SUPPORTED IN 1892.
In almshouses 15
In private families
16
In Boston hospitals : 18
In Massachusetts School for the Feeble-minded 4
In House of the Angel Guardian
2
Insane persons in private families
5
Insane persons in hospitals
45
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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF 1893.
AT PRESENT.
In various almhouses
11
In private families .
14 (five are children).
In insane asylums
34 (are reimbursed for two).
In private families
5 (insane).
Burials
17
Permits to Tewksbury Almshouse .
8
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Without enumerating the separate pieces of apparatus, the num- ber of men which constitute the fire department, and much valuable information relating to the department that will be submitted in the annual report of the Chief Engineer, I desire to call your attention to the necessity of providing an additional ladder truck, to be located in West Somerville. The only ladder truck now in service. is located in Union Square, remote from the westerly section of the city. That the department is in good condition and efficient is manifest in the fact that although fires have been more numerous than in any previous year, yet in only one case has the fire extended beyond the building in which it originated. The number of alarms has been 112 ; loss by fire, $67,852.
The principal need of the fire department is a chemical engine, to be located on Central Hill, and an increased number of fire alarm boxes, especially in West Somerville. The present fire alarm system does not afford the security which is desired in a city composed so largely of wooden buildings. There are now three circuits stretched over the city. Should one of these break, about one-third of the city would be without the means of giving an alarm. The Chief Engineer earnestly recommends that a ten- circuit repeater be put in service ; then the city can be divided into as many circuits as may be deemed necessary, so that if one box failed to work, the close proximity of another box on another circuit will furnish the means of conveying an alarm. The advantage and security of such a system is obvious and requires no furthur expla- nation. As quite a large number of tall buildings have been, and are now being, built in Somerville, we also need an aerial ladder truck.
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
Many additional alarm boxes are required in order that alarms can be given promptly. But neither of these, a chemical engine, a new repeater, nor additional boxes, can be provided for in the engine-house of Steamer No. One.
For two years or more the attention of the City Council has been called to the necessity of enlarging the engine-house for these purposes. Plans and estimates have been prepared with this object in view, and have been referred to various committees of former City Councils, but no action has been taken. My opinion is that the steamer-house should not be enlarged on its present site. If the subject is to receive the attention it deserves, and which will soon be imperatively demanded by the circumstances of the case, it should be considered with a view to the removal of the engine- house to some other location. The Brastow school-house lot will afford ample room for a building of the size required for the steamer, a chemical engine, a repeater, and the necessary batteries, and will not cost much more than the amount required to put the present house in the proper condition.
The corner lot on Central Hill Park thus vacated will afford an admirable site for a building, the need of which is beginning to be seriously felt, viz., a new City Hall. It is well to consider this subject during the present year. While the present hall may answer the purpose of the Board of Aldermen and the Common Council, it is becoming too crowded for the business transacted there. The safe room is too small for the books, papers and material, invaluable in themselves, now stored there. The fire- proof storage room is over-crowded, and it may be doubted whether any portion of the building is fireproof. Our records are altogether too valuable to risk, and I sincerely trust that you will consider this subject with a view to obtain a new and more modern and convenient building at an early day.
FUEL AND STREET LIGHTS.
A new contract, covering a period of five years from October 1, 1892, has been made with the Somerville Electric Light Company, whereby all the lights are to burn every night and all night. The arc lights are to be of 1,200 candle power, and the
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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF 1893.
price will be $120 per year for each light until the number shall reach four hundred, when the price shall be $115 per light during the continuance of the contract. During the year the City Council ordered new arc lights to be placed at points indicated by the Com- mittee on Fuel and Street Lights. Of this number 115 have been placed in the positions ordered.
Arc lights in use one year ago
158
Incandescent lights in use one year ago
356
Arc lights added during the year
115
Incandescents added during the year
10
Incandescents removed (discontinued )
144
Whole number now in use
498
Oil lamps
3
Arc lights
273
Incandescents
222
Total
498
In view of the large number of lights already located, and others to be placed in the positions ordered, I am of the opinion that the number cannot be increased to any great extent during the present year, owing to the large appropriation that will be required to maintain this department. I recommend that the City Council scrutinize closely every new proposed location, and that great care be exercised in this direction. While I am strongly in favor of abundant light, I do not think it prudent to increase the appropria- tion to such an amount as will prevent the accomplishment of other desirable objects, or beyond a due proportion to the amounts re- quired by other important departments.
SCHOOLS.
At the final meeting of the Somerville School Board of 1892, the Superintendent of Schools, Mr. C. E. Meleney, presented his annual report. A summary of statistics given therein is as follows :
Children between five and fifteen
7,191
Increase over 1891
391
Whole number of pupils registered
9,120
.
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
Number present in December, High School
549
Grammar schools
3,816
Primary schools
3,291
Total
7,656
Whole number of teachers
186
Besides the usual statistics, the report gave a brief review of the year's legislation and the work of the schools. The crowded condition of the primary and grammar schools of the East Somer- ville district will be relieved when the Edgerly School is completed. The request of last year for a new school in Ward Four and an addition to the Bingham School in Ward Three should be consid- ered this year. Recommendations are made for the improvement of the ventilation in the High School and many of the old buildings ; for the painting of the interiors of the buildings and their decora- tion ; for the enlargement of the course of study in the grammar schools in the line of literature and history ; for vacation schools ; for legislation by the State for the establishment of parental schools for neglected children; for the organization of more ungraded classes ; for a reduction of the size of classes and the appointment of more teachers ; for the establishment of a training school for teachers. Some of these recommendations have not been consid- ered by the School Board ; but are presented to you at this time in advance of the publication of the annual report.
I commend to your favorable consideration the subject of providing school-house accommodations for the children living south of the Fitchburg Railroad.
HIGH SCHOOL.
I am satisfied that the duty of providing adequate accommoda- tions for the High School cannot longer be postponed without detri- ment to the school. A year's experience with the School Board, and frequent interviews with other persons from various sections of the city, together with a careful personal investigation of the subject, convinces me that three opinions, widely different, are held by the citizens. One class desires that the city should follow the example
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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF 1893.
of more wealthy and populous cities, and erect an English High School, or Manual Training School, which would probably cost, ready for occupancy, $175,000. Another class desires the present plan to be pursued for a longer period, some on the basis of public economy, others of allowing the pupils more freedom in the open air, and more time for study outside the walls of an ill-ventilated school-room. Another, and it seems to me the larger class, prefers the enlargement of the present school-house by the addition of wings, or extending the building upon the westerly side. The latter plan would largely increase the present capacity of the school, present a more pleasing architectural effect, and could be accom- plished by an expenditure of one-half the cost of the erection of a new building. As the population increases and the reconstructed building becomes too small for the number of pupils, a smaller building for the classical pupils can be erected in close proximity. I commend this subject to your early and serious consideration. In my opinion, whichever course is pursued, whether in enlarging the the present building or erecting a new one, it will be necessary for the city to obtain possession of the property of the Unitarian parish. It is generally conceded that this property should be owned by the city. The parish has adopted plans for the erection of a brick building in the rear of the church for the various uses of the parish, to be about ninety feet wide, and extending forty-five feet from the rear of the church edifice. This building will be of brick, and so placed as to cover nearly all the land now unoccupied. The erection of this building will cut off light from the Public Library and the High School, will so fill the area that it will be crowded and unsightly, and seriously affect the question of the location of new public buildings, which must, in the nature of things, soon confront the City Council. The Committee on Public Grounds has had several interviews with the members of the Parish Committee, and I am informed that the work of building the proposed wing was postponed until spring, to await the action of this City Council. It was the unanimous desire of the Council of 1892 to purchase this property, but the financial condition of the city in the latter part of the year prevented decisive action. The enlargement of the building will add permanency to its occupation by the church, the property will enhance in value beyond our ability to purchase, and,
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
in all probability, no such opportunity of obtaining it will ever again occur. I trust you will regard this subject seriously, and take immediate measures to purchase the property, if it can be obtained at a reasonable price. It is said that " official foresight is the truest economy." I believe the truth of this saying will be proved in the purchase of this land.
I should be false to my own instincts, and heedless of the claims of those who sleep in soldiers' graves, if I failed, in this connection, to call your attention to a recommendation contained in last year's inaugural address. A year's study of this subject has convinced me that the most suitable soldiers' memorial the city can erect is a public memorial hall. The special committee of the last City Council appointed to consider this subject reported the advisability of uniting such memorial with a new City Hall. Such could be done ; but I have reached the conclusion it would better conform to its character, and the uses to be made of it, if connected as an educational factor with the Public Library. I believe that the new City Hall should be erected at the corner of Highland Avenue and Walnut Street, and be used exclusively for public business. Then the great knoll, on which the present City Hall now stands, could be reduced to true grade on the lines of School Street and Highland Avenue, and an admirable site obtained for the Memorial Hall and Public Library combined. The library building is already crowded, and an enlargement will soon be required. Several times during the past year such a hall as is proposed has been imperatively demanded. There is no building in the city of sufficient size to accommodate the increasing crowds who desire to attend the grad- uation exercises of the High and Grammar schools. A public hall of this character was needed on the 17th of June, and upon the occasions of the Somerville Hospital and Grand Army Fairs. It could be brought into use on many public occasions, and it will obviate the necessity of adding one to the High School building.
Is the plan too comprehensive, or does it involve too much ex- pense? If we are to adopt a far-reaching, comprehensive policy in regard to highways and thoroughfares, why not apply the same principle to public buildings? It is better for the city and all its interests that some general plan of construction be laid out. It can be adopted or not, as circumstances may demand. It is not expected
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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF 1893.
that it can be accomplished in a year or two; but when public spirit is aroused as to the present condition and the future need, it is likely to discuss, and continue to discuss, until the best solution of such problems is reached. Somerville has more than a name to live. In my opinion, her future welfare depends largely upon the treatment of the great problem of highways and public buildings.
POWDER HOUSE PARK.
In May last the City Council voted to accept the munificent gift of 68,357 feet of land, including the site of the Powder House, from the heirs of the late Nathan Tufts, and to purchase in addition 129,497 square feet at 15 cents per foot, amounting to $19,424.55 [the donors also giving the land within the limits of Liberty Avenue]. The sum of $25,000 was appropriated for the purchase of land and the construction of the 'park in accordance with the plans of the City Engineer. The money has been borrowed on funded debt account, and is being expended under the direction of the Committee on Public Grounds.
Recently a tablet bearing a patriotic inscription has been placed upon the tower by the Massachusetts Society, Sons of Revolution. When the laying out of the park is completed, I trust the City Council will, by some simple and appropriate ceremonies, dedicate this priceless relic to the sacred memory of the brave and patriotic sires of the American Revolution, who laid in sacrifice and blood the foundation upon which the structure of our nation rests, and by such act transmit it to posterity as a precious memorial of all that is grand and heroic in our early history.
SEMI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
On the 17th of June last, in accordance with a plan devised by the Citizens' Association, of which Hon. Charles S. Lincoln was chairman, the fiftieth anniversary of the incorporation of Somer- ville was celebrated. The occasion is of too recent occurrence to require much comment at this time. I doubt if the event will ever be forgotten by those who participated in it. It was a day in which intense and almost insufferable heat struggled for the mastery, only to be overcome by tempest and storm. The gaily-decorated city
1
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
was thronged with spectators, and hundreds of former citizens returned to engage in the festivities of the day. The occasion was favored with the presence of His Excellency Governor Russell and members of his staff, members and ex-members of Congress, mayors of cities, and other men distinguished in various walks of life. During the furious tempest in the afternoon, just at the close of the parade, many lives were in danger, but, providentially, only a few persons were injured. The literary exercises intended for the afternoon were held in the afternoon of the following day in an immense tent erected on Central Hill Park, where the largest audience ever assembled in the city listened to an eloquent and admirable historical address delivered by Hon. George A. Bruce, ex-Mayor of Somerville.
The celebration, in my opinion, has been beneficial in various ways. It awakened a latent public spirit, and called to the atten- tion of others some of the advantages of Somerville as a place of residence.
I recommend that the proceedings of the celebration, including the oration of Mr. Bruce, be printed and distributed under the direction of the Committee on Printing.
In this connection I desire to tender my thanks, officially and personally, to our militia company, the Somerville Light Infantry, for the excellent manner in which it has performed all duties of volunteer escort, and for the honor it has secured for itself and the city in the prizes it has taken in competitive exercises.
WARD TWO IMPROVEMENT.
I desire to call your attention to the representations of the Ward Two Improvement Association, and their petition for an improve- ment of the lands in the vicinity of Wyatt's pit and the Sanborn field. A hearing upon this petition was had before the City Council in convention last autumn, and much valuable information was presented. Strong arguments were made regarding the necessity which exists for some action of the City Council in regard to this territory.
In accordance with the provisions of Chapter 342, Acts and Resolves of 1892, the Metropolitan Park Commission of the
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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF 1893.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, consisting of Charles Francis Adams of Quincy, Chairman, Philip A. Chase of Lynn, William B. De Las Casas of Malden, was appointed to consider and report upon the subject of ample open spaces for the use of the public in the towns and cities in the vicinity of Boston. Together with all the cities and towns in the neighborhood of Boston, Somerville is interested in the work of this commission, which will make its report early in the coming session of the Legislature. The matter of providing local play-grounds and ample breathing spaces is one in which Somerville, as a rapidly growing community, is deeply interested, and also it seems important to the welfare of our city that something should be done towards improving the shores of the Mystic River in a way which would make that stream an element of attractiveness for the communities bordering it.
I respectfully recommend to the City Council the petitioning of the Legislature for the establishment of a metropolitan park system for the cities and towns in the neighborhood of Boston.
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
I commend to your favorable consideration an appeal from the trustees of the Public Library for an increased appropriation. The demand for books increases beyond the proportionate increase in population. The Library is used by people of all classes and conditions, and is a means of education which we should not suffer to be too limited in its extent.
GRADE CROSSINGS.
It is the earnest wish of the citizens-in which I heartily concur -that speedy efforts be made by all lawful means for the abolition of the dangerous grade crossings of the Fitchburg Railroad in Somer- ville, especially that at Somerville Avenue. A petition for the appointment of a commission to act upon this matter is now before the court. I trust the City Council will be fully convinced of the necessity of some immediate action. I also hope you will co-oper- ate heartily with Medford, Malden, Everett and Charlestown for the
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
removal of the grade crossings on Main Street, Charlestown, and and at the East Somerville station of the Boston & Maine Railroad, in order to prevent the intolerable delay in reaching this city by those avenues. It is a matter that affects the welfare of Somer- ville.
Your attention may soon be called to the subject of rapid transit, which in some definite form may be presented, and your co-opera- tion requested. Should such be the case, I request that you carefully examine the subject in all its bearings relating to our city, and unite with our representatives in securing wise legislation to accomplish this greatly desired result.
GENTLEMEN OF THE CITY COUNCIL :-
There are other subjects of greater or less importance which it was my desire to refer to in this address, but I have already tres- passed upon your time. Nearly all these matters have been referred to you by the last City Council, and will be found in the files of your committees. I trust they will receive your early consideration and action. I desire to impress upon you the advantage of dispos- ing of these subjects at an early date, before the pressure of this year's new business demands your time. It will be my endeavor to assist you as much as possible in all matters that may be presented for your consideration. I cordially welcome you, on this first :secular day of the new year, to fellowship and comradeship in the government of the city. May this bright and delightful day, with its New Year's greetings, be an auspicious omen of all that are to follow. May the kindly feeling which is now apparent continue throughout the year. From this day you may be called upon to sacrifice personal and private inclinations and interests in order to promote the public good.
You are now the servants of the city, and your business is to legislate for the best interest of Somerville. It will be no unusual event, if, in the discharge of your highest trust, temptation in one form or another may assail you and urge you to step aside from the stern path of rectitude and public duty. Resist, I beseech you, every such inclination. Be true to your oath of obligation, to your- selves, and to the city you are to serve. Then, when you lay aside
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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF 1893.
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