USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1936 > Part 6
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.48
200,000.00
Mar. 30, 1936
Dec. 15, 1936
.55
250,000.00
Mar. 30, 1936
Dec. 30, 1936
.55
250,000.00
.
Mar. 30, 1936
Feb. 1, 1937
.55
200,000.00
Mar. 30, 1936
Mar. 1, 1937
.55
300,000.00
May 22, 1936
Jan. 15, 1937
.50
200,000.00
May 22, 1936
Feb. 15, 1937
.50
200,000.00
May 22, 1936
Mar. 15, 1937
.50
100,000.00
June 29, 1936
Dec. 18, 1936
.38
50,000.00
June 29, 1936
Apr. 1, 1937
.42
125,000.00
June 29, 1936
May 3, 1937
.42
125,000.00
July 31, 1936
July 15, 1937
.75
200,000.00
Aug. 24, 1936
Aug. 2, 1937
.75
100,000.00
Aug. 24, 1936
Aug. 16, 1937
.75
100,000.00
Sept. 16, 1936
Sept. 1, 1937
.75
150,000.00
Sept. 25, 1936
Sept. 24, 1937
.75
100,000.00
Sept. 30, 1936
Sept. 30, 1937
.75
125,000.00
Dec. 24, 1936
Nov. 1, 1937
.75
75,000.00
Dec. 24, 1936
Dec. 1, 1937
.75
50,000.00
3,700,000.00
5,650,000.00
Paid in 1936
3,500,000.00
Balance to 1937
2,150,000.00
115
TREASURER AND COLLECTOR OF TAXES
TAX TITLE LOANS
Balance from 1935
$310,326.23
Dated
Due
Rate %
Jan. 14, 1936
Jan. 14, 1937
21/2
Amount $40,000.00
July 7, 1936
July 7, 1937
1
110,000.00
Nov. 2, 1936
Nov. 2, 1937
1
75,000.00
Nov. 12, 1936
Nov. 20, 1937
1
8,000.00
Nov. 30, 1936
Nov. 30, 1937
1
40,000.00
Dec. 22, 1936
Dec. 22, 1937
1
115,000.00
388,000.00
698,326.23
Paid in 1936
263,432.48
Balance to 1937
$434,893.75
116
ANNUAL REPORTS
The funded debt December 31, 1936, was $3,934,000.00 classified as follows :
Within limit fixed by law
Total
Lowell Street Bridge at 31/2 per cent
$13,000.00
Sewer at 31/2 per cent
3,000.00
Sewer at 4 per cent
8,000.00
Sewer at 414 per cent
7,000.00
Highways at 4 per cent
80,000.00
Highways at 41/2 per cent
185,000.00
Public Buildings at 41/2 per cent
4,000.00
City Hall Addition at 41/4 per cent
49,000.00
Schoolhouse at 4 per cent
273,000.00
High School at 31/2 per cent
250,000.00
High School at 4 per cent
432,000.00
Southern Junior High at 31/2 per cent
39,000.00
Southern Junior High at 4 per cent
331,000.00
Western Junior High at 31/2 per cent
55,000.00
Western Junior High at 4 per cent
210,000.00
Municipal Garage at 43/4 per cent
32,000.00
Fire Department Equipment at 434 per cent ....
15,000.00
School at 134 per cent
145,000.00
-$2,131,000.00
Outside limit
P. W. A. Water Mains at 31/2 per cent.
$29,000.00
P. W. A. Sewer at 33/4 per cent
30,000.00
P. W. A. Highways at 31/2 per cent
124,000.00
P. W. A. School at 31/2 per cent.
279,000.00
Northern Traffic Route at 41/2 per cent
150,000.00
Elementary School at 41/2 per cent.
65,000.00
Police Station at 51/4 per cent
165,000.00
Municipal Relief at 13/4 per cent
200,000.00
Municipal Relief at 2 per cent
400,000.00
Municipal Relief at 21/4 per cent
135,000.00
Municipal Relief at 234 per cent
78,000.00
Municipal Relief at 31/2 per cent
148,000.00
1,803,000.00
$3,934,000.00
117
TREASURER AND COLLECTOR OF TAXES
YEARLY BOND MATURITIES WITH INTERES .
Date Due
Principal
Interest
Total
1937
$373,000.00
$113,958.75
$486,958.75
1938
352,000.00
99,772.50
451,772.50
1939
350,000.00
86,182.50
436,182.50
1940
298,000.00
72,667.50
370,667.50
1941
276,000.00
61,475.00
337,475.00
1942
246,000.00
51,137.50
297,137.50
1943
193,000.00
41,985.00
234,985.00
1944
165,000.00
34,516.25
199,516.25
1945
150,000.00
27,891.25
177,891.25
1946
148,000.00
21,791.25
169,791.25
1947
140,000.00
15,801.25
155,801.25
1948
75,000.00
10,510.00
85,510.00
1949
64,000.00
7,612.50
71,612.50
1950
61,000.00
5,172.50
66,172.50
1951
22,000.00
2,837.50
24,837.50
1952
18,000.00
2,110.00
20,110.00
1953
16,000.00
1,500.00
17,500.00
1954
16,000.00
937.50
16,937.50
1955
1,000.00
375.00
1,375.00
1956
1,000.00
337.50
1,337.50
1957
1,000.00
300.00
1,300.00
1958
1,000.00
262.50
1,262.50
1959
1,000.00
225.00
1,225.00
1960
1,000.00
187.50
1,187.50
1961
1,000.00
150.00
1,150.00
1962
1,000.00
112.50
1,112.50
1963
1,000.00
75.00
1,075.00
1964
1,000.00
37.50
1,037.50
$2,973,000.00
$659,921.25 $3,632,921.25
MUNICIPAL RELIEF LOANS
Year Due
Total
1937
Principal $176,000.00
Interest $21,687.50 16.875.00
192,875.00
1939
102,000.00
12,062.50
114,062.50
1940
76,000.00
9,840.00
85,840.00
1941
76,000.00
8,332.50
84,332.50
1942
74,000.00
6,825.00
80,825.00
1943
74,000.00
5,358.50
79,358.50
1944
74,000.00
3,890.00
77,890.00
1945
74,000.00
2,422.50
76,422.50
1946
59,000.00
955.00
59,955.00
$961,000.00
$82,248.50 $1,049,248.50
$197,687.50
1938
176,000.00
118
BOND INTEREST DUE IN 1937
January
April $227.50
July
October $210.00
Total
Lowell Street Bridge
Water Mains
$507.50
$507.50
1,015.00
Sewer
562.50
361.25
562.50
242.50
1,728.75
Highway
3,770.00
4,162.50
3,770.00
3,600.00
15,302.50
Public Buildings
90.00
90.00
180.00
Schoolhouse
2,100.00
3,360.00
1,800.00
3,040.00
10,300.00
City Hall Addition
1,041.25
1,041.25
2,082.50
High School
13,015.00
13,015.00
26,030.00
Northern Traffic Route
3,375.00
3,375.00
6,750.00
Southern Junior High
6,620.00
682.50
6,620.00
630.00
14,552.50
Western Junior High
5,162.50
5,092.50
10,255.00
Elementary
1,462.50
1,462.50
2,925.00
Garage
760.00
712.50
1,472.50
Police Station
4,331.25
3,937.50
8,268.75
Fire Department Equipment
356.25
356.25
School
6,151.25
6,151.25
12,302.50
1
$37,907.50
$20,191.25
$37,166.25
$18,693.75
$113,958.75
...
...
..
..
..
ANNUAL REPORTS
$437.50
BONDS DUE IN 1937
January
April $1,000.00
July
October
Total
Lowell Street Bridge
Water Mains
$3,000.00
$1,000.00 . 3,000.00
Sewer
6,000.00 25,000.00
2,000.00 36,000.00
$5,000.00
66,000.00
Public Buildings
4,000.00
4,000.00
Schoolhouse
$15,000.00
16,000.00
12,000.00
43,000.0.
City Hall Addition
7,000.00
7,000.00
High School
61,000.00
61,000.00
Northern Traffic Route
50,000.00
50,000.00
Southern Junior High
3,000.00
24,000.00
27,000.00
Western Junior High
4,000.00
15,000.00
19,000.00
Elementary
7,000.00
7,000.00
Garage
2,000.00
...
...
2,000.00
Police Station
15,000.00
15,000.00
Fire Department Equipment
15,000.00
15,000.00
School
............
....
..
.......... ..
45,000.00
$32,000.00
$70,000.00
$175,000.00
$96,000.00
$373,000.00
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
TREASURER AND COLLECTOR OF TAXES
119
.....
......
8,000.00
Highway
........ ..
45,000.00
MUNICIPAL RELIEF BONDS
Jan. 1
Mar. 1
Apr. 1 $20,000.00 6,091.25
June 1
Bonds .....
Interest
$2,250.00
$2,275.00
$315.00
July 1 $23,000.00 2,250.00
Sept. 1 $65,000.00 2,275.00
Oct. 1 $59,000.00 5,916.25
Dec. 1 $9,000.00 315.00
Total $176,000.00 21,687.50
$2,250.00
$2,275.00
$26,091.25
$315.00
$25,250.00
$67,275.00
$64,916.25
$9,315.00
$197,687.50
120
ANNUAL REPORTS
121
PUBLIC LIBRARY
REPORT OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
To the Honorable, the Mayor, and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville :
Gentlemen :
The Sixty-fourth Annual Report of the Trustees of the Public Library is herewith respectfully submitted; being the report of the Librarian and tables of statistics of operation.
Very respectfully, THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES,
JOHN D. KELLEY, President.
122
ANNUAL REPORTS
PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Term Expires January 1, 1938
John D. Kelley, President
Rev. David V. FitzGerald, Vice-President
(resigned May 8, 1936)
William H. McKenna, Vice-President
(elected Sept. 16, 1936)
1937
William H. Barber (resigned Jan. 11, 1936)
1937
Alfred C. Walton
1937
Mrs. J. Helen Clough
1937
John J. Griffin
1938
Charles L. Doherty
1938
Mrs. Anna C. McBrearty
1939
Mrs. Kathryn E. Hueber
1939
COMMITTEES
On Administration
The President, Messrs. McKenna, Walton, and Mrs. Clough
On Books and Cataloging
The President, Messrs. Griffin, Doherty, Mrs. Hueber, and Mrs. McBrearty
On Buildings and Property The President and the Vice-President
Secretary of the Board GEORGE H. EVANS
1939
123
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ORGANIZATION OF LIBRARY AND STAFF PERSONNEL
December 31, 1936
CENTRAL LIBRARY
Established 1872. Highland Avenue and Walnut Street
GRADED SERVICE GEORGE H. EVANS, Librarian NELLIE M. WHIPPLE, Assistant Librarian VIVIAN J. MORSE, Executive Assistant
Division Heads and Special Positions
CORA B. EAMES, Reference Librarian and Second Assistant
MABEL E. BUNKER, Chief Cataloger
DOROTHY E. KENNEDY, Supervisor of Periodicals and Binding MARY B. BARTLETT, Supervisor of Schools and Deposits .
MYRTLE NICHOLSON, Desk Chief
RUTH HOLMES, Assistant Cataloger
MILDRED A. BOWLEY, Reference Assistant
ALICE H. BOYD, Children's Librarian
Senior Assistants
RUTH M. NOURBOURN
G. ELINOR SMITH
SOPHIE MARGOLIS R. VIVIAN SMITH
MARY M. NOONAN KATHLEEN MARTIN MARGARET M. O'NEILL
Junior Assistan's
CATHERINE COTTER
EMMA MERLINI
GERTRUDE F. CONNOLLY MARJORIE L. HOLT FRANCES M. HAYES
Ungraded Service Attendants on Part Time
JOSEPH RUTTLE
MARY CULLINANE
RICHARD M. LOMBARD ALICE LEBLANC
124
ANNUAL REPORTS
WEST SOMERVILLE BRANCH
Established 1909. 40 College Avenue
Graded Service
ESTHER M. MAYHEW, Branch Librarian DOROTHY H. TERRY, First Assistant
BEATRICE M. KENNY, Children's Librarian
ELIZABETH CORBIN, Senior Assistant MARION E. SMITH, Senior Assistant BARBARA C. NILES, Junior Assistant
Ungraded Service Attendants on Part Time
MARGARET C. FITZGERALD GEORGE HESHION MARGARET B. SCANLAN
EAST SOMERVILLE BRANCH
Established 1912. Broadway and Illinois Avenue
Graded Service
ELSIE K. WELLS, Branch Librarian KATHRYN KENNY, First Assistant GERTRUDE REYNOLDS, Children's Librarian ELEANOR LLOY, Senior Assistant
Ungraded Service Attendants on Part Time
NELLIE M. EGAN
MARY CULLINANE
ELIZABETH FLYNN ALICE LEBLANC
UNION SQUARE BRANCH
Established 1912. 50 Bow Street
Graded Service ALICE G. WORTHEN, Branch Librarian KATHLEEN O. CARNES, First Assistant WINIFRED P. DYKE, Children's Librarian
Ungraded Service Attendants on Part Time
PAULINE E. MAGWOOD KATHARINE J. WHITE
125
PUBLIC LIBRARY
WINTER HILL STATION Established 1929. 424 Broadway
Graded Service RUTH EATON DALY, Assistant-in-Charge
Ungraded Service Attendants on Part Time
ELIZABETH FLYNN MARY CULLINANE
126
ANNUAL REPORTS
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
To the Board of Trustees :
The Annual Report of the Librarian to the Trustees of the Somerville Public Library being a part of the sixty-fourth Annual Report of the Library for the year 1936, is herewith submitted. It is concerned with the details of administration, the present condition, and the problems of the Library.
Specific statements of the record of the year, setting forth in statistical form the use and condition of the Library, will be found in the appendices. A brief analysis of the more sig- nificant figures should be of interest.
In our report for 1935 we forecast for 1936 a reduction of our book stock from the wear and tear of use, and from ob- solescence, of not less than 8,500 volumes, the replacement of which at the 1935 average cost, $1.63, would require the ex- penditure of $13,855. The estimate was too conservative. The actual loss was 9,655 volumes, which at the same rate would have cost $15,738 to replace. With the funds at our disposal we were actually able to buy 5,040 volumes, and even with a considerable number of gifts and recoveries the Library is smaller than last year by 4,138 books. The shrinkage of our book stock during the last four years of deficient book funds totals 15,768 volumes, in themselves a respectable working library. Under such conditions it would be logical to expect a decline in the use of the Library. It became evident the year after the book shrinkage set in. The figures are as follows :
LOSS IN HOME LOANS
1934
87,970
1935
153,170
1936
44,334
Total loss
285,474
If we consider these figures from the point of view of the needs of the individual reader we shall see how they have been personally affected. In the latest period of normal library support which ended with 1932 each one of our registered borrowers read an average of a little more than 33 books a year. Curtailment of book service caused a drop to an average of 24 books read in 1936, and a loss of nearly 3,000 registered borrowers from our maximum registration.
127
PUBLIC LIBRARY
In a city of 100,000 population the annual expenditure of $15,000, or fifteen cents per capita, will suffice to maintain the level of the book stock, but will not provide for growth.
People in general do home reading of library books for three reasons. More than three quarters read fiction and the lighter forms of non-fiction for recreation and for occupation of leisure. A much smaller, but still important group, seek information about a myriad of everyday interests; how to decorate the home, how to identify a postage stamp, the prin- ciples of social etiquette, how to write a scenario, the con- struction and operation of engines, and so on without end. And finally the student group, in school and out, make more or less intensive surveys of subjects of study.
Home loans are very fluid. Circulation is as sensitive as the magnetic needle, and as significant. It fluctuates with the flow of new books. If the flow is steady, adequate, and of ac- ceptable type, the reading public shows its approval and ap- preciation by large use. Shrinkage of such a flow is immedi- ately reflected by declining use. But this decline in use, while regrettable, is of secondary importance, because its very sensi- tiveness to change quickly brings readers back with restoration of normal conditions. The serious damage is in the permanent impairment of the book stock by a series of years during which depletions exceed additions.
By deprivation of a sustaining supply of new books, and by the resulting discouragement of readers, we have now turned the calendar of library progress back to a pre-war period. There has been no evasion nor concealment of these significant facts and figures. They are published in the printed annual reports of the city where all may read them.
The curtailment of book service to school children has been severely felt. In an attempt to compensate as far as possible we tried the experiment this year of purchasing 350 volumes of the Woolworth books. Among the mass of mediocre titles some excellent ones were found. Thereby we were able this fall to furnish small allotments to the second and third grade children, deprived of them last year. The period during which they were in use before the end of the year was too short to reflect any significant results, but the experiment appears promising. It is already apparent that some proportion of this type of book will have its place. At a per volume cost of nine
128
ANNUAL REPORTS
cents each, and a life of one year, the plan is economically sound. More children can be supplied, and each year they will have the use of clean copies. Another plan of compensa- tion, that of story telling by the Supervisor of this Division, has been continued throughout the year in both public and Parochial schools to the delight and approval of both pupils and teachers.
We were slightly more fortunate this year in the matter of binding appropriation. After two years of deprivation we were allowed nearly half of the former normal. With it we were able to put into permanent bindings a selected number of the more important books.
During the nearly twenty years incumbency of the present Librarian repeated attempts have been made to secure a rep- resentative manuscript of our Somerville poet, and former Librarian, Sam Walter Foss. Until this year efforts have been futile, because they have become collectors' items, and are closely held. We are now happy to be the recipient of a gift from William Preble Jones, a well known citizen of this city and a personal friend of Mr. Foss, of an autographed manu- script of the poem, "Chrismus' All the Year", published by the Somerville Journal in its issue of December 23, 1904.
Visitors to the Central Library will be pleased to see an oil portrait of our late Trustee and benefactor, J. Frank Well- ington, hung in Wellington hall. It was painted by Charlotte Lamson, his neice, and presented by Horatio W. Lamson, his nephew. Mr. Wellington's family and his friends are unani- mous in pronouncing it authentic and lifelike.
The personnel of the Board of Trustees has incurred an unusual number of changes. Retired : by expiration of term, William H. Dolben; by resignation, William L. Barber, and Rev. David V. Fitzgerald. Appointed : Mrs. J. Helen Clough, Mrs. Kathryn E. Hueber. Mr. Barber resigned upon the ex- piration of a term of service of thirty years, a major interest of his life. Both Mr. Dolben and Father Fitzgerald had con- tributed long and value:l services. All were tendered special testimonials of appreciation.
Staff changes during the year have continued to be few. Two promotions in due course under the provisions of the Scheme of Service were those of Ruth Holmes to the position
129
PUBLIC LIBRARY
of Assistant Cataloger, to which she had previously been an understudy, and Mrs. Mary B. Bartlett from the position of School Librarian to the newly established position of Super- visor of the Division of Schools and Deposits.
Resignations were accepted from Mrs. Margaret M. Bowser, Ruth M. Woodman, and Margaret Heshion. Frances M. Hayes, Gertrude F. Connolly, and Marjorie L. Holt were appointed. We were particularly fortunate in securing for all these ap- pointments persons technically trained for the special work for which they were appointed.
A word as to the ratio of employment turnover may be pertinent and enlightening. Prior to the economic depression of 1929 the average staff turnover was eight per year. With: the sharp reversal of economic conditions employees clung to their positions, and the average turnover dropped to less than three per year.
There was an unprecedented amount of staff illness dur- ing the year. Not only was the amount excessive and far beyond any reasonable expectation based upon previous ex- perience, but the most extended and disabling illnesses affected key positions. Coping with this situation has amply justified our long established policy of one or more understudies for every essential position entailing specialized knowledge and experience. There were trained assistants ready to step into the positions affected. The Librarian congratulates them upon their ready efficiency.
The appended tabulations are submitted as a part of this report.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE H. EVANS, Librarian.
APPENDIX A Statistics of Use and Growth Circulation
Central
West
East
Union
Winter Hill
Schools
Total
Volumes circulated, adult
113,188
63,683
41,663
31,832
12,028
262,394
Volumes circulated, juvenile ..
31,177
17,840
23,771
21,014
9,494
77,441
180,737
Total circulation (A. L. A. rules)
144,365
81,523
65,434
52,846
21,522
77,441
443,131
Accessions
Central
West
East
Union
Winter Hill
Total
Volumes in Library, Dec. 31, 1935
90,301
19,202
9,363
9,046
2,531
130,443
Volumes Added
3,308
666
627
668
138
5,407
Volumes transferred to ..
25
4
3
2
0
34
Volumes restored
91
8
7
4
0
110
Total additions
3,424
678
637
674
138
5,551
Volumes withdrawn
1,839
1,319
958
497
334
4,947
Volumes transferred from
26
0
3
5
0
34
Volumes lost
767
1,828
930
1,176
7
4,708
Total reductions
2,632
3,147
1,891
1,678
341
9,689
Net gain
792
0
0
0
0
U
Net loss
0
2,469
1,254
1,004
203
4,138
Volumes in Library, Dec.
91,093
16,733
8,109
8,042
2,328
126,305
Registration
Central
West
East
Union
Winter Hill
Total
Registered Borrowers, Dec. 31, 1935
7,729
5,607
2,717
2,750
1,027
19,830
Expirations in 1936
4,094
2,899
1,428
1,360
505
10,286
Registrations in 1936
3,669
2,641
1,306
1,436
519
9,571
Registered Borrowers, Dec. 31, 1936
7,304
5,349
2,595
2,826
1,041
19,115
130
ANNUAL REPORTS
31, 1936
...
131
PUBLIC LIBRARY
APPENDIX B
American Library Association Form for Uniform Statistics
City: Somerville County: Middlesex State: Massachusetts
Name of library: The Public Library of the City of Somerville
Date of founding: 1872
Report for fiscal year ending: December 31, 1936
Name of librarian: George Hill Evans
Population served (1930 U. S. census) 103,908
Governmental unit of support and service: City
Terms of use: Free for lending; free for reference
303
Hours of opening (Central library)
72
Total number of agencies (including Central library) Consisting of: Central library 1
272
Branches in library buildings
2
Branches in rented quarters ..
1
Branches in municipal building 1 Stations 267
USE
Number of volumes of adult non-fiction lent for home use. Number of volumes of adult fiction lent for home use 191,158
71,236
Number of books for children lent for home use
180,737
Total number of volumes lent for home use
443,131
Circulation: Per capita, 4; per registered borrower, 23; per library employee, 10,305.
Period of loan for majority of adult book stock: 14 days Number of inter-library loans: volumes borrowed from other libraries, 156; volumes lent to other libraries, 110. Number of pictures lent for home use: 1,298.
Number of reference questions answered: (Central library) 11,883.
REGISTRATION
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Total number of registered borrowers
11,237
7,878
19,115
Number of borrowers registered during year Registration period: 2 years.
5,574
3,997
9,571
Per cent of population registered as bor- rowers: 18%.
BOOK STOCK
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Number of volumes at beginning of year ....
104,166
26,277
130,443
Number of volumes added and restored dur- ing year
3,218
2,299
5,517
Number of volumes transferred during year
32
2
34
107,416
28,578
135,994
Number of volumes withdrawn and lost during year
4,928
4,727
9,655
Number of volumes transferred during year
30
4
34
Total
102,458
23,847
126,305
Total
Number of days open during year (Central library)
132
ANNUAL REPORTS
Total number of reference volumes in- cluded in above: 6,908
Number of volumes: per capita, 1.21; per registered borrower, 6.60.
MISCELLANEOUS STOCK
Number of newspapers currently received: Titles, 13; duplicate copies, 21
Number of periodicals, exclusive of news- papers, currently received: Titles, 227; duplicate copies, 246
PERSONNEL
Number of employees in terms of full-time equivalent: library service, 43; janitor service, 6; total, 49
Number of individuals on payroll: library service, 48; janitor service, 6; total, 54
133
PUBLIC LIBRARY
FINANCE
Assessed valuation of city: $115,688,600. True cash value.
Rate of tax levy for library purposes: 7/10 of a mill.
Receipts :
Local Taxation :
Library Department
$66,624.00
Fines included in above. ...
$1,948.35
Dog licenses included in
4,504.40
Public Buildings Department ..
14,438.00
$81,062.00
Invested Funds :
Income, current year
571.93
Balance, previous year
1,719.01
2,290.94
Total
$83,352.94
Payments:
Library Department:
Librarians' Salaries
$52,967.71
Books (including $766.17 from funds)
6,655.25
Periodicals (including $16.75 from funds)
957.02
Binding (including $10.00 from funds)
2,251.78
Supplies, stationery, printing
1,644.22
Telephone, postage, freight, express
1,800.07
Furniture equipment
804.33
Other items
108.57
67,359.61
Public Buildings Department:
Salaries, janitors, building force
8,749.05
Cleaning supplies and equipment
186.67
Repairs, minor alterations, furniture
564.18
Rent
600.00
Heat, light, water
4,091.45
Other items
26.99
14,218.34
Total Operating Expenses
$81,577.95
Transfers to other departments:
From Public Buildings Department
21.10
Unexpended Balances:
Library Department, Appropriation
57.31
Library Department, Invested Funds
1,498.02
Public Buildings Department
198.56
1,753.89
Grand Total
$83,352.94
Operating Expenses: per capita
$0.785
per registered borrower
4.26
above
134
ANNUAL REPORTS
SOMERVILLE WATER WORKS
SOMERVILLE, MIDDLESEX CO., MASSACHUSETTS Settled, when part of Charlestown 1630 (Home of Colonial Governor John Winthrop) Incorporated a Town, 1842 Established a City, 1872
Location: Somerville City Hall (near center of the city), in 234 miles northerly from State House, in Boston. Greatest extent of the City north and south about 4.2 miles. Greatest extent of the City east and west about 2.1 miles. Elevation Highland Avenue at City Hall 105 feet above mean low water. Highest building elevation in the city 145 feet. Lowest building elevation in the city 13 feet. Area of City, including land and water, about 4.22 square miles. Land, 2,461.50 acres; water and marsh 238.50 acres. Population, 1920 census, 93,033 Population, State census 1935, 100,773 Entire population on line of pipe and supplied with water.
Water works owned by City of Somerville. Construction commenced in 1868. Source of supply: Metropolitan system, taking water of the Nashua River at Clinton, Mass. Range of pressure on street mains: Low service 35 to 65 pounds; High service 45 to 100 pounds.
Mayor HON. LESLIE E. KNOX
Water Commissioner TIMOTHY F. HARRINGTON
135
WATER COMMISSIONER
Office of the Water Department City Hall, Highland Ave., corner School St.
Department Building and Yard Cedar Street, near Broadway
ADMINISTRATION OF WATER WORKS VESTED AS BELOW
1861-1871 SOMERVILLE MYSTIC WATER COMMITTEE (5) Acts 1868; Chap. 202
1872-1890 SOMERVILLE MYSTIC WATER BOARD (5) Acts 1871; Chap. 182
1891-1897 SOMERVILLE MYSTIC WATER BOARD (3) Acts 1890; Chapt 218
1898-1899 BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS (3) Acts 1898; Chap. 33
WATER COMMISSIONER (1) 1900- Acts 1899; Chap. 240
136
ANNUAL REPORTS
REPORT OF WATER COMMISSIONER
OFFICE OF THE WATER COMMISSIONER
January 3, 1937.
To His Honor, The Mayor, and the
Board of Aldermen :
I present herewith my report for the year ending December 31, 1936, this being the Sixty-second Annual Report of the Water Department and my first as Water Commissioner :
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