USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1895 > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
Activity in school building has prevailed during the past year. The Bingham and Knapp schools have been enlarged, and the George W. Durell School (named in honor of the beloved senior pastor of the city - the dean of Somerville) has been erected. This building was referred to as the " Kent Street School" one year ago. The new English High School, now in course of rapid completion, crowns our Central Hill, and is a credit to all who have been engaged in its construction. The work of finishing the interior is in progress, and the building will be completed and ready for occupancy in a short time. The School Board, it is understood, does not propose to use it until the beginning of the next school year. Appropriations will be required to fit up manual training rooms and to purchase furniture. This money will soon be required in order that everything may be in readiness for use when wanted. Appropriations will also be required for school accommodations. Time will not permit me to dwell at length upon the recent very practical and interesting annual report of the Superintendent of Schools. Indeed, there is no reason why I should do so, because the press is already discussing its merits. The Superintendent has prepared a school map of the city, whereon is located in circular lines each school district, showing the grammar school centres, the location of every schoolhouse, and the territory it is intended to serve; and additional circles are drawn to show the proper location of all schools to be erected to cover the portions of the city now being built up. The first recommendations are that a
15
B-MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF 1895.
new twelve-room grammar school be built in West Somerville in the vicinity of Holland and Jay streets, and that a four or six-room build- ing be erected on the vacant land adjoining the Prescott School on Myrtle street. The advantage of this location is that these buildings can be heated by the same engine and cared for by the same janitor. This plan was suggested in the report one year ago, but no definite action was taken. The report contains recommendations for erection of other schools, but the two mentioned are deemed to be the most important. It gives me pleasure to state that the cost of each pupil in the average membership has been reduced to $22.90 per annum - seventy-eight cents less than last year, and $1.03 per pupil less than in 1892. The average expenditure on schools account during the past three years has been reduced more than five per cent.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT.
I have annually reviewed at considerable length the work needed to be done upon some of our important thoroughfares, but not as much of it has been undertaken as could be desired, partly by reason of the limited appropriation beyond the cost of maintaining the department. However, extensive repairs have been made on Washington street, from the Fitchburg Railroad to Beacon street; Elm street, from Willow avenue to Cedar street; Medford, from Somerville avenue to railroad crossing ; School street, from Berkeley street to Somerville avenue ; besides Central, Greenville, Gorham, Claremon, Hudson and New Cross streets. Twenty-one streets have been laid out, and sidewalks, at a cost of more than $19,000, laid in twenty-seven streets, covering nearly 16,000 square yards with three and one-tenth miles of edgestones. Two miles of private streets have been laid out and accepted. The length of streets, courts and alleys in the city are : Public streets, 51.94 miles; private streets, 32.80 miles ; total, 84.74 miles.
During the year the new city stable has been built and occupied. It is commodious, and intended to anticipate some of the future needs of this department. Several difficult problems will confront the High- way Committee this year in relation to the best method of placing the principal thoroughfares in good condition. Among these are Somer- ville avenue, from the East Cambridge line to Medford street ; Wash- ington street, from the Boston line to Medford street ; Medford street, from the East Cambridge line to Somerville avenue, which should, in
16
ANNUAL REPORTS.
my opinion, be paved, as it has been literally cut up by excavations for two sewers, two water mains and one gas main, and for these reasons the subsoil is in very bad condition; Mystic avenue, which the County Commissioners have ordered the city to rebuild and grade - the work to be completed during the present year. The following named streets need rebuilding or extensive repairs: Highland ave- nue, from Medford street to Davis square; Webster avenue, from Cambridge line to the Fitchburg Railroad ; Medford street, from Cross to Highland avenue ; and Gilman square to Magoun square, with parts of Pearl, Summer and Beacon streets. I do not know that it will be possible to do all this work within the limits of the year, but the most important part of it can be accomplished, and the work kept in hand until these and other improvements are made. My opinion is that it is of more importance to repair or rebuild some of these old streets rather than at present to build many of the lately accepted streets, although the Highway Committee must judge as to the prior necessity.
An important subject which should receive your early attention is the question of how to reach that portion of Somerville south of the Fitchburg Railroad and west of Park street -the portion known as the "George W. Durell School district." The subject of reaching it by an overhead foot-bridge and by a subway was considered by the Highway Committee last year, but no definite result was recorded. The assessed valuation of real estate in that section is $571,800. It is a section cut off in a large measure from communication with the westerly part of the city. When the new schoolhouse was built, it was for the stated purpose of preventing the scholars from crossing the track at Kent street, but while the children living on the south side are not obliged to cross, the order has been reversed, and the children from the north side who are obliged to attend the new school are forced to cross, and naturally take the shortest path - across the track at Kent street. It seems to me that the subject of building a road-bridge in Kent street should receive your early and favorable consideration.
SEWERS.
The City Engineer has forwarded to me a communication of too great a length to be inserted in this address, in relation to the sewer system of the city and its needs. It will be presented to the City Council at an early day. Two miles of sewers have been built during
17
B-MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF 1895.
the past year at a cost of $15,901.20. The total length of the system is 58.59 miles, and the total cost has been $785,000.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The manual force of this department, when complete, consists of 102 men, including the acting laddermen on Ladder No. 2, who have not as yet received full appointment, it having been thought best that they should serve a short probationary term. Total permanent men, 22; call men, 80. Nine vacancies now exist in the call force. Eight permanent men were added to the force last year. The importance of a sufficient number of permanent men employed, in order that no piece of apparatus will go to a fire without a nucleus of men to put it in immediate operation, cannot be denied, and should receive the attention of the City Council. One hundred and eight bell alarms and 23 still alarms have been given during the year. The total loss by fire has been $79,144.00 ; insurance on the property amounted to $144,944.00.
All the recommendations in relation to this department contained in the inaugural address of 1894 have been carried into effect, viz. : The erection of a central fire station on the Brastow Schoolhouse lot ; of a hook and ladder house on Highland avenue ; the purchase of a site of a steamer station in Ward One ; the purchase of a chemi- cal engine, additional equipments for the new houses and the exten- sion of the fire-alarm system, have been carried into effect. In no year has the Fire Department been provided with. such buildings and appliances. It affords me pleasure to have the Chief Engineer say that "the central fire station is in every way equal to that owned by any city in the State, and one in which any citizen can take pride." Prominent citizens have expressed gratification that it is a building erected with the idea "that Somerville has a future."
The Chief Engineer calls attention to the fact that owing to the increasing number of tall buildings and apartment houses, it may soon be necessary to procure an aerial ladder truck. Room for this, as well as the relief engine, is provided for in the new central fire station. He recommends that a building be erected on the lot of land purchased for that purpose on Broadway, opposite Franklin street, to furnish room for a steam fire engine, wagon and other appa- ratus. He states that it is needed there, as the gravity water pressure is not maintained when several streams are taken from hydrants.
18
1 ANNUAL REPORTS.
Steam is necessary to furnish effective streams. The department is in effective condition.
POLICE DEPARTMENT.
That this department is admirably conducted may be inferred from the immunity from crime during another year. The faithful and efficient service rendered by the Chief in the execution of the re- sponsible duties of his office has been of great assistance to me. My recommendation of last year for the appointment of three additional patrolmen, and a matron to take exclusive care of female prisoners, was confirmed by the City Council, as that to provide additional boxes and circuits: The force numbers forty-two men, rank and file.
The Chief is of the opinion that a reserve force of six or eight men should be established under the laws, the men to be under pay only when employed. Such a force is needed from which to detail men to take the place of regular men when absent from duty. The usual number of men could thus be kept on duty, and no route or section would be neglected. He wishes to establish a system of keeping a good reserve of the regular men, who, when not on the streets, will be at the station at night or other time of the day for fire and other emergency calls. To carry this into effect, he would need the rooms now occupied by the Somerville Light Infantry. I favor this suggestion. The military company is in need of better accommodations. The Adjutant-General has reduced the rental of the rooms to $300 per annum for this reason. I recommend that an effort be made to find more suitable quarters for the company. Our citizens look upon the company with commendable pride. It is our only active military organization, and should be provided with more adequate accommodations. The ambulance has been placed in the police department, and already 90 calls have been made for its service.
Mrs. Mary A. Staples was appointed matron, and her calls have been promptly made. She is kind to the female prisoners, and faith- ful in the discharge of her duties.
There are some patrolmen-two or three in number - who should be provided with some light work, or retired. Their places on the street could be taken by men in the reserve force, should it be established. With this exception the force will compare favorably with any of its numbers in the State.
19
B- MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF 1895.
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
During the early part of the year the Board of Overseers of the Poor were actively engaged, owing to the general depression of busi- ness, and consequent hard times. Many men were out of employ- ment and required some assistance. The Board has aided 1,188 per- sons, representing 268 families, an increase of 294 persons and 30 families, compared with 1893.
There are now 56 insane patients in the State lunatic hospitals and private families, and 27 sane persons are being supported in out- of-town almshouses and private families.
The finances of the Board have been well managed, the net ex- penses of the department being about $17,000.
The Board at its last meeting expressed the earnest desire that something may be done at the beginning of the present year in re- gard to providing a suitable house for the unfortunate poor. If an almshouse were ready for occupancy to-day, there are nearly 50 per- sons who would be admitted at once. The hope of the overseers to obtain an almshouse has been long deferred. Year after year a similar request has been made, but nothing of a definite nature has been accomplished. To my mind there is an element of pathos in the attitude of these successive Boards. They have pleaded for the poor. Some one has said, " The recommendation for an almshouse in Somer- ville is a safe one to make." These overseers are business men identified with the interests of Somerville. They have had experience in the care of the poor. Personally, I have no doubt that the present system of boarding out the poor is much the cheaper method. But is it the wisest and most humane method ? Is it best for the good name of Somerville? Before making a formal recommendation upon this subject, I suggest that the overseers be authorized to hire a house for the proper accommodation of those needing full support, if a suit- able one can be found in the city.
During the year many persons have been aided with money, cloth- ing and work, and others kept from pauperism and city relief by the Board of Associated Charities, organized a little more than a year ago. This body dispenses in a practical and effective manner the private contributions of the charitable. It receives no appropriation from the city, but labors in harmony with all organizations for the relief of the indigent.
20
ANNUAL REPORTS.
SOMERVILLE MYSTIC WATER BOARD.
This Board has been actively employed during the year in the regular work of the department, and in relaying with cast-iron pipe nearly five miles of streets, replacing old cement pipe of sizes ranging from two to eight inches. The length of pipe extended is about two and one-fourth miles. The net increase of hydrants set has been 61, or nearly twice the net increase for 1893, and 361 service pipes have been put in, the total length being 7,890 feet.
The new regulations relative to services, which were adopted by the Board early in 1894, provide for the laying of the pipes to the street line only, thus causing a decrease in number of feet laid from that of previous years.
The work of principal importance has been the relaying with cast- iron pipe of Somerville avenue, from Central street to Elm street, about 1,720 feet ; Elm street, from Somerville avenue to Willow ave- nue, about 2,800 feet; Highland avenue, from Walnut street to Central street, about 2,900 feet; Summer street, from Preston street to Cherry street, extending the same to Willow avenue, about 5,000 feet; Marshall street, from Broadway to Pearl street, about 1,675 feet. There has also been laid new pipe in Wallace, Irving, Orchard, Craigie streets and Linden avenue, over 1,000 feet each ; and a large number of streets requiring an average of 500 feet each.
ELECTRIC LIGHTS AND LINES.
The Superintendent reports that during the year 30 arc and 21 incandescent lights have been added, and 22 incandescent lights have been discontinued. The number of arc lights added the year before was 41, or 11 more than the number added last year. There are now in use 348 arc, 209 incandescent, and three oil lamps.
The fire alarm has been transferred to the central fire station, the entire upper story being devoted to electrical apartments. A large battery room, capable of holding 1,000 jars, provides for the future growth of the city, and prevents the past crowded condition of the room.
A new eight-circuit repeater has been put in, with two bell cir- cuits combined. The circuits have been increased from three to seven, thus affording a better protection to the city. Formerly, if a break occurred, one third of the city was left unprotected until the
21
B-MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF 1895.
trouble on the line could be remedied ; now, by arrangement of boxes and lessening of territory covered by each circuit, but a small portion is left unprotected during a break or trouble on the line.
A bell of 3,000 pounds has been placed on the new central fire station; also one on Hook and Ladder No. 2, Highland avenue. Five new alarm boxes have been put in circuit during the year. The fire alarm is one of the best in the State. New boxes are needed in the isolated parts of the city, and a striker to take the place of the bell formerly on the Unitarian Church, now placed on Hook and Ladder No. 2. Either the old or the new High School would be a good location for such a striker. A horse and wagon for use in re- pairing breaks, conveying material, and dispatch in reaching trouble on the line, is much needed. There is ample room for this team at the central fire station.
SUGGESTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
In view of the reports of the departments to which I have referred, I recommend to your careful consideration and favorable action : -
1. The request of the School Board for the erection of a twelve- room grammar schoolhouse in West Somerville, on Holland street, near Simpson avenue; the erection of a four or six-room building in connection with the Prescott School; an appropriation of $3,500 for fitting up the manual training school in the English High School; an appropriation for furnishing the English High School. This school will, in addition, require $7,500 for teachers' salaries, and $4,000 for equipment of books and apparatus. As considerable time will be required to manufacture the furniture, it seems desirable that this appropriation should be made as soon as possible.
2. The recommendation of the Superintendent of the Fire Department for the erection of a steamer house on the land on Broadway, purchased for that purpose.
3. The appointment of a special committee to take immediate action to secure for Somerville some of the advantages to be derived from the boulevard proposed by the Metropolitan Park Commission. Both the City Solicitor and Mayor have been endeavoring to secure some consideration of the claims of this city, but an active com- mittee is needed to assist in this work.
22
ANNUAL REPORTS.
4. The organization of a reserve force in the Police Department, and providing another armory for the Somerville Light Infantry. I also recommend that the room occupied by Justice Story in the court building be put in better condition.
5. The paving of Medford street, from the Cambridge line to Somerville avenue, and such action with reference to other streets in that locality as shall commend itself to your good judgment.
6. That an additional appropriation of $3,000 be made to com- plete the $6,000 required to furnish necessary stacks for books in the Public Library, in order that this work may be completed at an early day, and that arrangements be made as soon as possible to provide room that will be imperatively demanded when the stacks are com- pleted. My views on this subject were fully set forth one year ago. I am in hearty sympathy with the project, and at no far distant day I hope to recommend a definite plan with reference to its execution in accordance with the desires of the trustees and the people.
7. The Board of Health will require more money in consequence of the additional work to be performed in the maintenance of a stable. The old city stable has been placed in care of this Board, and the public may be assured that the removal of ashes and offal will be conducted promptly and in a satisfactory manner. The recommendation of the Board of Health of 1892 will be included in the new order of things, and Wyatt's pit will be used as a dumping ground.
NEW CITY HALL.
The views stated in my address one year ago in relation to this subject have undergone no change, and I do not know that I could express them in stronger language, although the condition of affairs is worse to-day than it was at that time. Nothing that I said that day was received with so many manifestations of approval. When- ever the building shall be erected it should be provided for by money borrowed on a long loan. Our $12 limit does not provide more than enough to meet our current expenses, and the basis of our borrowing capacity does not afford us much more than is needed for the improve- ments carried into effect on funded debt account. It has been so every year and will so continue. The Legislature has always mani- fested a willingness to permit cities to borrow on long time, beyond
23
B- MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF 1895.
the debt limit, for much needed public improvements. We could not have paved Somerville avenue in one year by any other method.
I believe that the only thing lacking in the public spirit of the citizens of Somerville is the determination to develop and exhibit itself. It must have some centre of attraction. In my opinion it must grow up around this hill and centre here. This is the centre. From the organization of the town and for many years it was the religious centre, here, in this very house. For 42 years it has been the centre of advanced public school education. Since the organization of the city it has been the centre of civil government. Our Public Library is here. The memorials of patriotism should be here. Here, on this very summit, -the Shiloh of the town, - we shall yet witness the development of what is grand and inspiring, and patriotic in the public spirit of Somerville. I commend this subject to your careful consideration.
Gentlemen of the City Council :-
I have claimed your attention longer than I intended, but not longer than a cursory glance at the affairs of our city seems to demand. Much has been omitted, which, perhaps, to your minds, may be re- garded of equal, if not superior, importance to the topics I have re- ferred to. They will commend themselves to you as you go forward in the duties which we have now sworn to perform. We came here as citizens, we shall go out public servants. The citizens have entrusted the welfare of the city to our watchful care and conscien- tious votes, and we have accepted the trust. Let none of us disap- point any who have placed confidence in us. I look forward with great hope, and at the same time, deep solicitude. Many problems yet unsolved in the public mind await our judicious action. The tendency is always strong to legislate along the lines of ward limits. Naturally we are glad to do pleasant things for the benefit of neighbors and friends, but now that we have subscribed to the oath of office, we are expected to act for the best interest of the entire city. The welfare of the city is the welfare of all the wards. The city is greater than the wards. The city is not made up of, but is divided into wards. The greater includes the less. The city is the unit. Somerville claims us now. Somerville, with its teeming population, with all its great and multiplied interests, Somerville - its good name,
24
ANNUAL REPORTS.
its reputation, its municipal honor - demands all that is best in us. We will sink all personal and local considerations, and labor, doing with our might what our hands find to do, early and late, in the storms of misunderstanding and prejudice, if they befall us, as well as in the pleasant sunlight of appreciated service, remembering that " whosoever will be the chiefest shall be servant of all."
C
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
DELIVERED BY
HON. ALBION A. PERRY,
JANUARY 6, 1896.
GENTLEMEN OF THE CITY COUNCIL :-
Conformably to a time-honored custom, and in compliance with the provisions of the city charter, we have assembled at the begin- ning of a new municipal year to subscribe to our several oaths of office, and organize for the discharge of important public duties, which, by the suffrages of our fellow-citizens, we have been chosen to perform. On your behalf, not less than my own, I desire to.record my grateful acknowledgment of the honor conferred upon us in thus committing to our care the material interests of our beloved city. May it be our conscientious endeavor to prove ourselves worthy of the confidence reposed in us. This we can only do by an intelligent, honest, and painstaking course of official action, which shall conduce to the prosperity of Somerville and the well-being of all her people.
To-day one of the ablest and most high-minded of our mayors, Hon. William H. Hodgkins, leaves the official position which, during the last four years, has been graced by his presence, and exalted by his wisdom and fidelity. He has given freely of his time and abili- ties to promote the welfare of our city, sacrificing personal interests, and even impairing his health, that he might leave no public duty unperformed. As he retires to the ranks of private citizenship let us tender to him warmest assurance of our appreciation of his distin- guished service in behalf of the city.
2
ANNUAL REPORTS.
At present it would be almost presumptuous on my part to enter into an exhaustive discussion of the condition and needs of Somer- ville. The intimate knowledge of details, which alone would make such a discussion interesting to the people and serviceable to you, can only be acquired by patient study and careful investigation. No time has yet been afforded me for such research. I shall, therefore, devote the greater part of this address to a general consideration of the policy which, in my judgment, ought to be pursued in the man- agement of some of the more important departments of the city's affairs. If I direct your attention to existing imperfections, or make pointed suggestions as to reforms, please bear in mind that this is done in no captious spirit. Somerville does not need the services either of a censor or an apologist. Her standing among sister cities is high and honorable. Even in those particulars where greatest advancement can be made, she occupies no inferior position. I shall urge radical improvements in several branches of her service, not for the reason that she is now lagging in the rear, - this I do not believe, - but because I desire to see her marching proudly at the front, a leader and guide for other cities of the Commonwealth. Believing that greater clearness of statement will be thus attained, I shall follow the usual custom and group my remarks under specific titles.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.