USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1894 > Part 2
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private teams. But the principal reason for the enlargement rests in the request of the Board of Health that the ashes of the city be col- lected by the Highway Department. The work can be done by this department more economically and to the entire satisfaction of the people. It is also expected that this department will soon be called upon to provide stable room for the more efficient collection of city offal.
Arrangements for all this additional work have been provided for in the plans which were presented by the highway committee last summer. Owing to the stringent money market at that time the plans were not carried into effect.
On thoroughfares bearing the heavy travel, the wisest economy requires that only the best material be used. It is a waste of money to use Somerville blue-stone, and the Highway Committee of this year will do well to consider this suggestion. Our main streets should be built to wear, and only the hardest material that can be obtained is suitable for this purpose. Pearl street and Medford street from Cross to Central streets are in need of immediate repairs, and should be so built. This year the West End Street Railway will relay their tracks on Highland avenue from Central street to Davis square. This portion of the avenue needs immediate repairs, and as the relaying of the tracks will necessitate more or less change of grade, I think the oppor- tunity of making a first-class road-bed with hard stone surface should be improved. The experience in paving during the last two years has been so successful as to lead me to recommend that the paving of Somerville avenue from Park street to the junction of Elm street should be undertaken this year, and as much of it completed as our finances will admit. This will provide a fine drive through Somerville to the Cambridge line, and by continuing through Elm street, as I have pre- viously indicated, will furnish a first-class highway through West Somer- ville to the top of Clarendon Hill. These suggestions, if carried into effect, will prove of great benefit to our city. I suggest that one or two picked men be detailed to look after and repair immediately, under the direction of the Superintendent of Streets, any defects which may exist in our principal streets. This plan has been successfully carried out in Newton and other cities.
I cannot close this portion of my address without bearing witness to the great ability and faithfulness of the late chairman of the high-
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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF 1894.
way committee, Ex-Alderman William L. Barber. In his connection with this department he has manifested traits of character, a genius for hard work, and a capacity for carrying forward large enterprises to successful completion, which entitle him to the respect and confi- dence of all the citizens, as well as to those who have been associated with him in his difficult work.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The department consists of two steam fire engine companies, four hose companies, one ladder company, and a new steamer for reserve, which has been obtained during the last year by purchase and exchange of an old steamer worn out in service. The number of fire alarms during the year 1893 was 92 bell and 18 still alarms. The loss by fire, as near as can be ascertained, was $31,569.35, as against $67,852, a decrease of $36,282.65, or 53} per cent. The insurance on this property was $125,950. At each alarm the fire has been confined to the building in which it originated, and in no case has the building been destroyed. The department is in excellent condition.
During the past year the needs of the department have been con- sidered. A lot of land near the corner of Cedar street and Highland avenue has been purchased for the uses of a ladder truck when a building shall be erected to receive it. Several orders relating to the erection of a building, and one sketch of a proposed building are in the files of papers referred to this City Council, and will soon come before you for consideration. One is to erect a central fire station, at an estimated cost of $20,000, on the West Somerville lot. The other is to erect the same building on the Brastow Schoolhouse lot. That a central fire station is needed there can be no doubt. The exigencies of the department require room as soon as it can be obtained. Early last year it was proposed to enlarge the present Steamer One house, but the project was not regarded with favor. Three city councils have declined to take action on the subject of enlargement.
I referred to this matter one year ago at considerable length, and favored the erection of the central fire station on the Brastow School- house location. Another year of careful consideration of the subject has confirmed rather than changed the views I then expressed. I think that for all the purposes required of such a station this location is superior to any other mentioned. In all respects it has advantages.
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
If the station is erected upon this site, it will furnish headquarters for the fire department and a central location for the chemical engine and fire-alarm system. In that event, a smaller and less expensive build- ing can be erected for the ladder truck in West Somerville. I believe that public sentiment is in accord with this recommendation, and I submit the subject to your careful consideration.
The Superintendent of Electric Lines and Lights recommends that a wagon be procured for carrying tools and materials necessary for repairing breaks, or for general work on fire-alarm and police wires, and for dispatch in reaching places of accident. Owing to the large increase of electric wires by electric lighting, West End Street Railway trolley and numerous telephone and telegraph lines, the liability of broken wires and the danger to the public incurred thereby is greatly increased. This wagon should be kept at the headquarters of the fire- alarm system. He also suggests that a striker be put on Clarendon Hill, at the Lincoln Schoolhouse, to notify the children in that part of the city of " no school " and for fire-alarm purposes.
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
It gives me pleasure to state that the Board of Overseers of the Poor fully realize the unusual demand which may be made upon them during the present winter, and are cognizant of the true condition and wants of any who have made known their distress. It also affords gratification to state that owing to the general character of our citi- zens, and the continuance of active business in the city, the number of unemployed is not nearly as large, proportionately, as in many other cities. Still, doubtless, it is a fact that an unusual number may require assistance before the winter is over. Should such be the case, I am sure the good people of our city will not murmur if the amount expended in public benefaction is larger than usual. The citizens of Somerville have never begrudged any amount, judiciously expended, to aid deserving applicants, and now, in addition to the means pro- vided by the city, the citizens are reorganizing charitable societies, and forming Associated Charities to carry forward private benevolent agencies designed to prevent pauperism and suffering.
The number partially supported during the past year was 1,091, an increase of 168 over 1892 ; number fully supported 117, an in- crease of 11 over 1892, five of this increase being in the number
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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF 1894.
of insane. The total expenditure of this department last year was $17,800.51, an increase of $785.21 over the previous year. The num- ber fully supported at the present time is 75, an increase of 10 over one year ago. Four of these are children.
At its last regular meeting the Board of Overseers voted unani- mously to recommend to the City Council the purchase of a suitable site for the erection of a City Almshouse, in view of the fact that they have not been able to hire a house in accordance with authority given by last year's City Council, and inasmuch as available land of sufficient area can be better procured at the present time.
I respectfully ask your consideration of this action of the Board of Overseers.
SOMERVILLE HOSPITAL.
Although this is a private and in no sense a public institution sup- ported by the city, it is one in which Somerville may well feel an honorable pride. Its completion engaged the last labors of the Hon. Charles G. Pope, my predecessor in the mayoralty, who departed this life on the 24th day of April last. He lived long enough to witness its completion, after long and faithful labor in perfecting its organization. It was dedicated on May 17, 1893, and was immediately occupied. Though the need of such an institution has long been recognized, yet such was not fully understood until the hospital had demonstrated it by its humane and noble work. Having no endowment or stated income, it relies for support principally upon the contributions of our benevolent citizens. Owing to the fact that it receives and maintains many who might otherwise be a charge upon the city, I trust the citizens will not be heedless to its calls for financial aid.
POLICE DEPARTMENT.
No changes have occurred in this department during the year. The comparative freedom from crime which we have enjoyed is due in a large degree to the efficiency of the police force. The de- partment is well conducted and can be relied upon for a faithful discharge of duty.
Owing to the large number of new streets, which necessitates longer routes, I think the force should be increased by the appoint- ment of three additional patrolmen. I recommend this action after frequent interviews with the Chief in relation to the efficiency of
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
the force. I concur in his recommendation that the signal system be extended to provide for two more circuits and three additional boxes, and that a matron to take care of female prisoners be appointed.
I renew in another form a recommendation made one year ago, in regard to retiring aged and faithful patrolmen, who have served fifteen or twenty years, and are unfitted for street duty by reason of age. Authority for this action must be granted by statute, and I recommend that the Mayor be authorized to petition the Legislature for the enactment of a law which shall confer this power upon the City Council.
NATHAN TUFTS PARK.
During the year two loans of $5,000 each have been made for the purpose of completing this park, and the amount of $10,000 has been expended under the direction of the Committee on Public Grounds. Enough has been accomplished to comply with the terms of the deed of gift, and as soon as the weather will permit the necessary landscape gardening will be undertaken, lawns and walks laid out, trees and shrubbery set out, and it is hoped that all necessary work will be finished in season to dedicate the park on the Fourth of July next, when, as I understand, our patriotic resi- dents of West Somerville propose to outdo the splendid celebration of the day last year. Truly, such an occasion should appeal to the patriotism of the entire city and afford a fine opportunity for its display.
It will be necessary, and at an early day, to appropriate a sufficient sum for the completion of the park.
STREET BOUNDS AND CITY SURVEY.
I respectfully call your attention to the last annual report of the City Engineer, in which he submits the necessity of placing stone monuments or bounds at street intersections for the purpose of permanently establishing street lines and affording an indestructi- ble record of their location. I will not quote at length the para- graph to which I refer, but will recommend that the sum of $500 be appropriated for that purpose. I also call your attention to his reference to the necessity of completing the city survey, found on
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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF 1894.
page 7 of this report, and approve his request for an appropriation of $500 to defray the expense. No appropriation for this purpose has been made since 1883.
, SOMERVILLE MYSTIC WATER BOARD.
In January last, the President of this Board, Albion A. Perry, Esq., whose term of service was about to expire, declined a reap- pointment, and the city was thus deprived of his valuable services. Mr. William F. Hall was appointed for the full term of three years. The following is a brief synopsis of the work of the Board during the past year : -
Length of mains extended 8,031 feet
Length of mains relaid 16,305 feet
making over 4 6-10 miles pipe put in.
Number of services put in 372
Number of feet of pipe . 13,432 (over 2 1-2 miles)
Number of hydrants set 54
Number of hydrants removed 21
Net increase in hydrants
33
making total number now in city, 568
of which 26 are private hydrants.
A large district has been relaid with iron pipe in West Somer- ville, and Washington street from Medford street to Union square has also been relaid, together with many smaller streets. A new boiler has been erected at the pumping station, and scales have also been put in there for weighing coal, pipe, etc. The Board empha- sizes the necessity of relaying a large portion of the cement pipe now in the city as a matter of economy, and this should be done the coming year, in their opinion.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
During the year a change in the office of superintendent has been made. Mr. C. E. Meleney has resigned and Mr. Gordon A. Southworth has succeeded him in that office. The latter needs no introduction to the citizens of Somerville. Occupying for twenty years the post of Principal of the Prescott School, he has become
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
well known to us all. He brings to his office ripe experience as a teacher, business methods, and a devotion to his calling which will be beneficial to our public schools. The City Council of last year provided ways and means for the erection of an English High School, purchased the property of the Unitarian Society. to afford ample room for its location, and have made a contract for the erection of the building. The enlargement of the Bingham School is in progress and will be completed within four months, and an appropriation has been made for the erection of a schoolhouse on Kent street to accommodate children living south of the Fitchburg Railroad. The land for this purpose was purchased and plans of a building adopted, but owing to the fact that the English High School appropriation was inadequate to cover the contract for the erection of the building, it was decided late in the year to transfer a sufficient sum from the Kent Street School appropriation, with the understanding that the amount thus taken, and enough more to complete that building, should be appropriated as soon as possible this year. I therefore recommend that such action be taken at once, in order that this schoolhouse may be built early in the season, in accordance with the plans already adopted.
At the final meeting of the School Board, held December 26, a report containing several recommendations was adopted. These will soon be presented to the City Council in the report of the Committee on Additional School Accommodation. In order to anticipate in point of time, I will here give you a brief statement of the principal recommendations : -
1. The erection of a four-room building for primary schools in the northeasterly part of Ward One, on Broadway, between Mt. Vernon street and Benedict avenue, or on the vacant land adjoining the Prescott School on Myrtle street.
2. If the Webster School had not been burned, there would have been no demand for additional school accommodations in Ward Two in 1894. Instead of rebuilding that schoolhouse it is proposed to enlarge the Knapp School by the addition of four rooms, which will provide adequate room for the scholars of both schools.
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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF 1894.
3. The enlargement by the addition of eight rooms to the Burns School in Ward Four. This will relieve the overcrowded condition of four schools in that ward. The Burns School is about midway between the Morse and Highland Schools, in the centre of a growing district. It furnishes (in the opinion of the superin- tendent) just the needed nucleus for another grammar school centre, and its enlargement will relieve the Highland and Lincoln on one hand, and the Morse on the other. I commit these recommenda- tions of the Superintendent of Schools to your careful considera- tion.
The average cost of education for each scholar in the public schools during 1893 was $23.68, a decrease of 25 cents per scholar compared with the previous year.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
During the year two changes have taken place in this depart- ment, caused by the declination of Mr. J. Frank Wellington to accept another appointment, and the resignation of Mr. Charles H. Crane, consequent upon his election to represent the city in the General Court. Both these gentlemen have served the city faithfully in a department which requires ability and patience, and devotion to the best interests of the city. The vacancies were filled by the appointment of T. M. Durell, M. D., and Ex-Alderman A. T. Nickerson.
The Board has under consideration the problem of the proper disposition to be made of the city garbage, upon which it will report at a future date.
CITY HALL.
One year ago I referred to this subject, and the general im- provement of the Central Hill Park, and stated that the need of a new City Hall was beginning to be seriously felt. I was well aware of the inconvenience of transacting public business in such a building, but when outlining a plan for buildings on that public ground, I thought that the plan might be gradually consummated in a period of a few years. Now I believe that a new City Hall is imperatively demanded, and I do not hesitate to request your early and favorable consideration with a view to your speedy action
(3)
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
in procuring plans and estimates of the cost of such a building as the urgent necessities of the case demand. The present structure was erected in 1852. For twenty years it was used as a High School, afterwards as a Town House, and in 1872, upon the organi- zation of the City Government, became the City Hall, and has been used as such ever since. The building that was sufficient for city purposes in 1872 is entirely inadequate for such uses now. A city of 50,000 inhabitants has grown up around it, and it is no longer suited for the centre of the city's official and business activ- ities. Every department is pressed for room. The Board of Asses- sors, having frequent hearings and employing in summer an extra number of clerks, requiring much floor room, has no access to its office excepting through the room of the Clerk of Committees, who himself is in need of room. There is no office room whatever for the Superintendent of Streets, Electric Lines and Lights, or Health Department. The City Engineer says of his office accommoda- tions : " It has long been evident that the facilities for properly arranging plans, note-books, etc., in the department are entirely inadequate to its needs. The office is small and poorly arranged for the number of men employed, and it is even necessary to locate some of the office help in another part of the City Hall, beyond the control of the engineer. The present arrangement for filing plans is so small, and the books and plans are so crowded, that it is only with extreme care that plans can be used without injury. The safe for plans and note-books is small, and its construction is such that if the building were destroyed by fire, the contents, if not entirely destroyed, would be of very little value. The loss of note-books and plans would be a severe one, and it would be impossible to replace them at any cost. The records of location and depths of sewer and water mains, the plans of highway locations, the surveys of streets, lands, and buildings, levels and grades for highways, and land plans of which no other copies can now be obtained, all would be destroyed."
The same difficulty is experienced in nearly every department. There is not a room available for conversation and interviews. All business must be transacted in public rooms or hallways. The sanitary arrangements are entirely inadequate. There is but one retiring-room in the building, and that of a character excelled in
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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF 1894.
almost every private dwelling having any claim to respectability. At the last meeting of 1893, a special committee appointed some months before to consider the advisability of providing more room in City Hall, and reporting a plan, after having had but few meet- ings with an interval of some months, submitted a recommendation that a wooden addition be built upon the School street end. Only a few months before the obnoxious wooden horse-sheds had been removed, as much on account of their dangerous proximity to the building as for any other cause, and now it is seriously proposed to add what might prove a tinder-box to this old building already considered unsafe in case of fire. I do not believe it wise policy to increase accommodations in that way or in any other, except in the erection of a new hall which shall fully answer the purposes for which it shall be erected and prove a source of pride to our citizens. In these days schoolhouses and public buildings are planned for the purpose of enlargement in the event of over- crowding, but any expenditure upon this building would, in my opinion, be money thrown away. Any wise business man or corporation plans buildings, mills and factories with some reference to future growth of business. It is an exercise of good judgment, in my opinion, for a city to provide building accommo- dations beyond the pressing needs of the present hour.
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
During the year Miss Adams, who had been librarian from its organization, more than twenty years ago, resigned her position, and was succeeded by Mr. John S. Hayes, who had for fifteen years been Principal of the Forster School. He entered upon his active duties on the first day of July last. Under the direction of the trustees he has commenced preparations for the entire re- organization of the library, which will provide for a complete classification of the books and require considerable more room, especially for shelving, books in stack, a suitable room for the reference library, a room for students and others who use the library for study and research, and a room for the proper care of relics of the past.
When the building was completed it was large enough for the library as it then existed, but the increase in population has de-
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
manded an increased number of books, and books require room. Common prudence would suggest an addition to the stack room, with space for at least 60,000 volumes. The present delivery space is too small for the large numbers that come to the library for books. The reading-room should occupy much more space. These and other reasons suggest the need of more room. The subject is now being discussed in the local papers, "not with an idea of finding out how pressing present needs may most easily be met, but with a compre- hensive view of the probable needs of the next generation, and with a purpose of doing work now so that it will not have to be done all over again a dozen years from now." This language so nearly expresses the spirit of the recommendations made one year ago, and which another year has convinced me to be correct, that I quote it with pleasure as indicative of the trend of public opinion toward the true and natural solution of the great problem of improvement in the public buildings.
The location of the English High School will prevent any possibility of enlargement of the Public Library eastward. The only suitable method of obtaining additional room is to erect a building westward toward School street. I believe that the City Hall should be erected further eastward, and a building for the use of the Public Library erected, joining the present library building and connected with it. This new building could serve as a public Memorial Hall and Public Library combined. The new building could be of the same general style of architecture and present a pleasing effect. The lower story could be utilized as a stack room and for other purposes of the library, and the present building fitted up, as the trustees suggest, for reading rooms, reference library, and rooms in which the student or investigator could pursue his researches without confusion or interruption.
This plan for the improvement of Central Hill is feasible, and can be carried out. There are two ways of accomplishing it. One is to erect a new building each year from appropriations made on the funded debt account, to be paid for within a period of ten years ; the other is to follow the course pursued by Lowell and other cities which have felt the need of great public improvements - city halls, public library buildings, high schools, memorial halls and parks. Lowell, for instance, has just completed some of the finest public
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