Report of the city of Somerville 1936, Part 6

Author: Somerville (Mass.)
Publication date: 1936
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 438


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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