USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1903 > Part 4
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
During the year we have graded and inproved some six acres of Capron Park, fronting on County street, and extending around to the West end of the Park, as far as the pine grove, and we have planted several elm trees, besides improving the Park, in and about the Casino in various ways. We purchased a line of hose for sprinkling the lawn; a lawn mower: four settees, to be used on the porticoes of the Casino building; an ample lot of laborer's tools, and we built a small portable tool house ; put four tons of coal in the cellar of the Casino, for the purpose oi keeping the building warm enough to defend it from frost. We placed hitching posts in front of the building, also cemented the cellar walls, to prevent water from flowing in when the freshets come.
107
ANNUAL REPORT.
We reiterate what our predecessors stated, to wit: - That, if the town will appropriate a sum of money, much larger than $2,000.00, the work on the Park can be hastened, and the town can eventually save money by it.
We herewith append a statement of our expen- ditures.
CHAS. M. ROBBINS, CHAS. E. BLISS, EDW. CAUFY, Park Commissioners.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
By appropriation, $2,000.00
To lot of tools and care of same, as
per itemized bills on file, .... $ 43.65
To tool house, as per itemized bills on file, 44.00
To J. W. Gifford Co., as per item- ized bills on file, 62.50
To Chas. E. Bliss, as per itemized bills on file, 4.00
To Edward Caufy, as per itemized bills on file, 45.00
To coal, as per itemized bills on file, 28.60
To labor, as per itemized bills on file, 1,146.26
To unpaid bills of 1902, as per
itemized bills on file, . 393.53
108
ANNUAL REPORT.
To various other small bills, as per itemized bills on file. 232.32
Unexpended balance, .1.4
$2,000.00
Examined January 30. 1904. and found correct,
BENJAMIN F. LINDSEY, BYRON R. HILL, FRED L. LeBARON.
Auditors.
Annual Report of the Overseers of the Poor.
The Overseers of the Poor herewith submit their annual report for the year ending December 31, 1903.
March 10 the Board met and arganized by electing B. P. King, Chairman; A. M. Everett, Clerk; and G. B. Fittz, Visitor.
· The saying that "ye have the poor with you always" being true, and the "Problem of the Poor" being un- solved, we commenced to investigate such cases as asked help, and to aid the deserving; also to look after the Farm.
We have aided directly 67 persons, and indirectly many more that were dependent on them. We usually aid from $1.50 to $2.00 per week, giving orders, as we do not have money, the bills being paid by the Town Treasurer.
The number that will need aid is likely to be in- creased, as the wages and habits of many of the working class are such that they do not lay by much money, and when they are sick or out of work, the Town has to help them; and were it not for organized charities a larger appropriation would be needed, as the law says needy persons shall be aided by the towns.
110
ANNUAL REPORT.
Last spring we changed from peddling milk to sell- ing it at the door.
Since the great enlargement of the building a few years ago, the water supply has been gradually failing, and nearly gave out altogether early in the winter. As a permanent supply must be had at once, we thought it best to try by boring through rock for a larger supply. At a depth of 20 feet there is a ledge of rock for a large area.
As we did not succeed in finding water we stopped to see what measures the town will take to provide water for the house and stock.
The weather was unfavorable for raising hay and fodder for the cattle and horses and we were obliged to buy $250.00 worth of hay.
Two large bills for aid to the needy which had been running about 10 months, amounting to nearly $400.00, came in the first of January.
Last year $8.21 was paid for coal, as they burned wood cut from the farm. This year $161.95 was paid for coal used at the almshouse.
These bills amounting to nearly $800.00, together with the weather conditions, have in part contributed to make the overdraw $1,668.88.
As a further offset, there is $426.21 due from cities, towns, and individuals, and for milk.
The present Superintendent will leave in March, but we have engaged a person well recommended; and we hope with good weather conditions to do better.
111
ANNUAL REPORT.
At present there are two paupers in the almshouse. The number of inmates has averaged 2 1-3 for the year. The whole cost of the establishment having usually been put on these, it would make it cost $14.96 per week for each pauper.
Notwithstanding the State assumed charge of the insane January I, and will send no more bills to the Overseers of the Poor, yet in consideration of the popu- lation having nearly doubled since 1888, and there has been no increase in the appropriation, we recommend that the appropriation remain the same as last year, and then it will be much less than the cost of taking care of the poor in many other towns.
We make this general statement,leaving such further explanation as may be desired, to be made at the meet- ing of the town.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
Dr.
To account of annual appropria-
tion, .$ 5,000.00
To account for medical attendance, 300.00
$5,300.00
Received from town of Foxboro,. . $ 355.25
Received from city of Taunton, .. 15.38
Received from town of Turners Falls, 26.75
Received from town of North
Attleboro, 90.28
112
ANNUAL REPORT.
Received from State for trans-
portation, 1.40
Received from city of Somerville, 127.00
Received from Geo. A. Monroe, 146.00
Received from sale of horse, . ... 70.00
Received from State Aid and burial
of paupers, 157.10
Received from D. H. Smith, re-
funded, 15.00
Received from duplicate bill, .. . . .50
Received from town of Mansfield,
5.50
Received from city of New Bed-
ford,
134.15
Received from Chas. D. Whiting,
25.00
Received from town of Hyde
Park, 8.00
Received from town of Winchen-
den, 35.00
Received from town farm, 300.00
Received from sale of milk, 737.87
Amount overdrawn, 1,664.88
$3,961.06 €
$9,261.06
Cr.
Office Expenses.
Attleboro Steam & Electric Co., $12.42 Attleboro Press, .75
113
ANNUAL REPORT.
Sun Publishing Co., 5.00
Yawman, Erbe & Co.,
8.85
Providence Telephone Co., 29.20
M. F. Ashley, 3.18
E. A. Taylor, .75
Attleboro Savings & Loan Asso- ciation, 55.00
B. P. King, 1.30
G. B. Fittz, 1.25
A. M. Everett, 4.96
$122.66
Insane and Other Hospitals.
Westborough Insane, $ 46.43
Worcester Insane, 272.12
Hospital for Epileptics, 347.44
Hospital Cottages for Children,. . 126.74 .
Taunton Insane,
1,035.15
Medfield Insane, 292.00
Massachusetts School for Feeble
Minded,
126.74
Massachusetts Hospital,
7.14
$2,253.76
Town Farm.
E. A. Briggs,
$764.44
G. H. Snell,
113.13
114
ANNUAL REPORT.
F. E. Luther, 300.00
J. M. Seagraves, 6.75
N. Perry & Co.,
17.02
French & Brownell, 7.92
E. E. King, 12.37
Frank A. Cummings,
I30.00
W. E. Barnes,
100.00
H. E. White,
.35
H. L. Fitts,
196.10
Joseph Breck & Sons Corpo-
ration, I45.62
Peter Henderson & Sons, 17.81
E. H. Frink, 4.75
Providence Telephone Co.,
15.53
$1,831.79
Special State Case.
C. S. Holden, M. D.,
$27.50
J. M. Haywood, M. D., 15.00
$42.50.
Shoes and Clothing.
P. J. Cooney, $24.75
T. E. McCaffrey, 76.53
A. B. Smith, 6.08
Enterprise Shoe Store, 1.25
Jacobs Clothing House,
II.63
115
ANNUAL REPORT.
J. P. Mowry, 4.85
Shartenberg & Robinson, 11.96
$137.05
Burials.
D. H. Smith, $130.00
Levi Monast, 3.00
$133.00
Coal and Wood.
G. L. Adams, $63.95
C. W. Knight, 4.00
Darlington Coal Co., 4.00
Pierce & Carpenter, 23.50
Attleboro Coal Co.,
230.92
$326.37
Medical Attendance.
J. W. Clark, $ 3.3I
J. W. & M. H. Battershall, 207.48
F. O. Mosher, 45.02
F. G. Herrick, 2.98
F. X. Corr, 13.25
F. N. Burnett, 11.92
W. O. Hewitt, .50
F. W. Hayden, 6.95
J. C. Campbell, 8.59
$300.00
116
ANNUAL REPORT.
Groceries and Provisions.
W. M. Brown, $121.98
John Daly, . 106.00
Keniston & Co., 996.50
C. S. Atwell & Co., 28.00
Hebron Store,
45.00
Geo. A. Monroe,
339.II
H. F. Bliss,
98.00
East Side Grocery,
48.00
Dix & Taylor,
185.75
Nerney & Co.,
38.00
Arnold & Main,
12.00
Geo. L. Bates, 16.00
Union Market,
14.16
L. Z. Carpenter,
72.00
Seneca Cole, 162.23
John Wright, 3.00
J. Mercier,
77.02
A. E. Peck, 62.97
W. N. Goff, 5.00
$2,430.72
Cities and Towns.
North Attleboro, $213.78
Boston, 54.87
Fall River,
36.65
Rehoboth,
215.23
Newton,
9.96
117
ANNUAL REPORT.
Central Falls, 20.00
Lowell, 2.00
Fitchburg, 46.00
New Bedford, 64.00
F. Mackintosh, 23.00
Cora Brennan,
8.00
$693.49
Rents.
Horton & Bicknell, $ 84.00
B. B. Dean, 192.00
Geo. W. Livsey, Agt., 88.00
Annie Malley, .. 84.00
C. L. Watson, 49.50
$497.50
Salaries.
B. P. King, $ 79.18
G. B. Fittz, 200.00
A. M. Everett, 83.33
J. V. Curran,
18.75
$381.26
Transportation.
B. P. King, $ 1.50
G. B. Fittz, 31.80
118
ANNUAL REPORT.
A. M. Everett, 4.05
H. B. Shaw, 4.00
$41.35
Miscellaneous Aid.
B. P. King, $ 1.25
G. B. Fittz, 39.75
S. R. Briggs, 3.00
J. B. Gerould,
16.50
C. E. Wilbur, 5.60
J. V. Curran, 1.40
Briggs Hotel, 1.00
Sundries,
I.II
$ 69.61
$9,261.06
Examined January 30, 1904, and found correct,
BENJAMIN F. LINDSEY,
BYRON R. HILL,
FRED L. LeBARON,
Auditors.
Almshouse Superintendent's Account.
Dr.
Cash on hand January 1, 1903, . . $ 76.25 Cash received for milk, 512.99
Cash received for cows and calf,
192.00
119
ANNUAL REPORT.
Cash received for produce, 6.25
Cash received for board, 88.00
Cash received for old iron, .25
Cash advanced by F. E. Luther,
Superintendent,
47.14
Cr.
$922.88
Cash paid Town Treasurer, $300.00
Cash paid for labor, . 300.00
Cash paid for milk and bottles, . .
51.40
Cash paid for groceries, 101.78
Cash paid for cow, 60.00
Cash paid for pigs,
13.00
Cash paid for coal,
10.44
Cash paid for plow and wheel-
barrow, 9.95
Cash paid for oil, 15.00
Miscellaneous,
61.31
$922.88
Almshouse Account.
Dr.
To cash on hand Jan. 1, 1903, . $ 76.25
Inventory Jan. 1, 1903, 2,418.75
Town Treasurer, 1,831.79
Coal and supplies, 258.70
Supplies bought by Superintend- ent,
922.88
$5,508.37
120
ANNUAL REPORT.
Cr.
By inventory Jan. 1, 1904, $2,416.75
Milk sold, 1,250.86
Due for milk, 73.12
Cows sold,
192.00
Miscellaneous,
94.65 /
Cost of maintainance,
1,480.99
$5,508.37 GEORGE B. FITTS, ALBERT M. EVERETT, Overseers of the Poor.
MINORITY REPORT,
To the Citizens of Attleboro :
Finding myself unable to fully agree with the report presented by the majority of the Board of Overseers of the Poor, I feel obliged to make a minority report.
The financial statement presented agrees with the Town Treasurer's books and I accept them as presented. I do not agree with the statement accompanying the figures, as there is no explanation or reasons given to fully account for the excessive overdraft.
That there is a gradual increase in the demands upon this Department cannot be denied ; it is but reasonable to ·expect it as our town is growing rapidly in population. I fail, however, to recall any emergency that has arisen
121
ANNUAL REPORT.
during the past year that could account for the large increase of expenses. We must look in another direction for some of the reasons.
As early as it was possible after the organization of the Board last year, a much-talked-of plan of one of the members of the Board was brought forward for action, and without much delay the only source of revenue, the milk route, was sacrificed, and up-to-date farming was to take its place. No effort was made to sell the route when there were two or three men ready to buy, if they had only known it was for sale, for $100.00 or more. Ar- rangements were at once perfected whereby the milk was to be sold at the Farm, thereby cutting down the revenue about one-half.
The net revenue from that source in 1902 was $1,563.00, this year, 1903, $1,323.98, a difference of $239.00. Five-hundred dollars of this amount was re- ceived the first three months of the year before a change was made, and if the route had been continued the twelve months instead of three, allowing for shrinkage, it would be about $1,800.00-a loss of $476.02.
The farming project caused a needless outlay of $163.43 and was a failure. The method of getting at it interfered with plans already laid, to the extent of a loss. of a crop of fodder for the cattle. That called for the purchase of a substitute to the tune of $196.00 for hay, making a total expense of $835.45, which, taken from the overdraft of $1,664.88, leaves $829.43. I believe if the milk business could have been increased instead of being
122
ANNUAL REPORT.
crippled, we would have in the near future made the place nearly self-sustaining.
It is easy to see that some plan must be arranged to produce an income of some sort to help out with the expenses and it is hoped that some rational method may be introduced whereby something may be raised on the Farm, as hay, fodder, etc., to keep the stock if nothing more.
We have hired a new man, Mr. Nelson Hagar, of Upton, Mass., who has had experience in farming as well as in handling cattle. Mr. Luther and wife, who have cared for the Farm and Almshouse for twelve years, leave us this year and go to a home of their own not far away, where it is hoped success and comfort await them. That they have been faithful stewards these many years, is of itself evident from the length of continuous service.
The Town Farm, notwithstanding its cost, has proved itself to be a necessity. It is liable any day to be needed in excess of its value.
Beginning with the first of the year, the new law, whereby the State takes charge of the insane, becomes operative. That relieves the department of that part of the usual expense. I hope that the town will not in con- sidering its appropriations cut this department because of that fact, but will give us the regular amount, $5,000.00, which I recommend appropriated.
The doctors who attend the town poor do not receive a proper compensation. The appropriation of $300.00 is the same as when the population was many hundreds
123
ANNUAL REPORT.
less. I would recommend an increase this year to $500.00, making a total of $5,500.00 for the Pauper De- partment. This town would be the gainer if the custom of having a Town Physician were adopted. Please think it over.
There is one more matter of which I wish to speak. The question of procuring a supply of water for the Town Farm has become very evident. The well gave out entirely, early in the winter, and all through the coldest weather water had to be brought from Dodge- ville to supply both the house and barn. To meet the needs, as the majority report refers to, it was decided to bore a well, but thus far without success. We desire to present the inatter to the voters at the annual Town Meeting and ask for instructions as to what shall be done further in the matter. In the meantime, water has returned to the old well, but whether to last or not, time can only settle.
And now in closing I wish to say that I believe public business should be open to the people and I have presented the matters in hand plainly and openly.
Respectfully submitted,
BENJ. P. KING, Chairman.
Attleboro, Mass., February 1, 1904.
Report of the Trustees of the Public Library.
The Trustees of the Library have again the pleasure of reporting a continuance of the phenomenal use and appreciation of the Library by the public.
Despite the cramped and inconvenient accommo- dations furnished, the number who freqent the library for study, and reading purposes is constantly increasing, and the circulation of books in the homes of the people is gratifyingly large.
And yet it is apparent to all who give the subject thought, that people will not continue to endure incon- veniences and annoyances when making use of the Library for purposes of study.
For such students, rooms that are comfortable, con- venient, and quiet are a necessity and should be provided, and failing this, the highest purposes of the Library are not attained.
Besides, as the Librarian states in her report, unless increased accommodations are furnished, the purchase of new books must soon cease, for utter lack of shelf room upon which to place them.
This brings us to the subject that has been upper-
125
ANNUAL REPORT.
most in the minds of the Trustees during the past year, the immediate necessity of a new library building.
As was stated in the last annual report, and as is well known to all, through the munificence of Mr. J. L. Sweet, a large and valuable lot was given to the town as a site for a library building.
It was soon apparent that the raising of the neces- sary building fund would devolve upon the Trustees, and efforts were early made for its accomplishment. Cir- cular appeals were sent to every tax payer soliciting contributions, but the responses were dissapointing.
So, early in January, a public meeting was held in Watson's Hall, called by the Trustees for the purpose of conferring with all citizens interested, and to hear such suggestions and advice as might be offered.
This meeting, though small in numbers, was rich in enthusiasm and before it was adjourned pledges for more than $12,000.00 were made for the erection of a building to cost $50.000.00. This meeting thus deter- mined the manner in which the Trustees must proceed.
Up to this time a doubt had existed as to the best course to pursue. An appeal to Mr. Carnegie seemed distasteful and in a sense humiliating to many; the method of asking the town to appropriate the necessary amount, would take away the opportunity for generous giving, and would prevent much praiseworthy interest and enthusiasm in the project; and, though the building if erected as the result of direct taxation would be a source of pride to all, yet it would lack that particularly
126
ANNUAL REPORT.
gratifying feeling that would come, not only to those who freely gave for its erection, but would be shared by the generation that is to follow us.
A second public meeting was held in Armory Hall, at which additional pledges were made, and responses. from appeals circulated in the various shops in town were received, and in this way the cause was fairly launched by the friends of the Library.
Since these meeting were held, the Trustees have endeavored by personal interviews and in other ways to secure additions to the fund.
As the year closes, they can report that pledges to the amount of $32,500.00 have been received for the erection of a $50,000.00 building, and more than $2,000.00 have been paid to the Treasurer and placed on deposit where it is drawing interest.
Besides the efforts thus described, the Trustees have considered and practically decided upon the plans for the interior of such a building as the Library requires. Other libraries have been visited, and consultations held with architects, and with men who have made a thorough study of the modern library building.
The Trustees appreciate the task given to them by their fellow citizens, and they are bound to see it ful- filled. Certainly no official board of the town was ever intrusted with a more noble and worthy project.
The present generation realizes the necessity that exists for a building, and are prepared to fully appreciate it when it is secured, while the coming generations will
127
ANNUAL REPORT.
ever hold in grateful regard the generosity and public spirit of their fathers, that prompted its erection.
Public necessity demands a more suitable home for the Library and civic pride will ensure its provision.
In the next annual report the Trustees intend to be able to state that the necessary funds have been secured, plans for the building adopted, and its erection begun. Let every good citizen aid in accomplishing this object.
The accompanying report of the Librarian is well worthy of being read and considered by all.
The manner of the expenditure of the money appro- priated by the town for the maintenance of the Library during the year 1903 is given in the following summary, and a like amount, namely, $2,750.00, is advised as the appropriation for the ensuing year.
The item of $5.61 paid to the Water Department for service in the North Main street house was inadver- tently placed here, but in the future such bills will be paid from the income derived for the rental of the estate.
Financial Report.
Dr.
Amount of appropriation, $2,750.00
Cr. $2,750.00
Salaries, Librarian and assistants, $1,280.57
Purchase of new books, 572.80 Rent, 336.00
12S
ANNUAL REPORT.
Re-binding books,
159.40
Gas,
98.99
Magazines,
88.00
Supplies,
68.17
Printing.
56.85
Newspapers,
33.75
Insurance,
31.20
Repairs,
18.66
Water Department, North Main
street house,
5.61
$2.750.00.
Respectfully submitted,
E. S. HORTON, Chairman ; C. S. HOLDEN, Secretary ; LOUIS J. LAMB.
C. H. WHEELER,
M. E. ROWE,
WM. P. KELLY,
ALICE M. WALES,
IRENE T. HILL, ELEANOR S. CARPENTER, Trustees of the Public Library.
129
ANNUAL REPORT.
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN.
To the President and Board of Trustees of the Attle- boro Free Public Library :
I present the following report for the year ending December 31, 1903.
Book Account.
Additions :
Books in the library January 1, 1903, 8,002
Added by purchase, 512
By gift, . I6
Public documents, 42
Bound magazines, 34
Bound newspapers,
4
Total additions, 608
8,610
Withdrawals :
As unfit for further use 125, of which 56 were replaced, leaving an actual withdrawal of 69
Lost through circulation,
2
Lost from the shelves,
7
Total withdrawals, 78
Total number of volumes now in library, 8,532
T 5
130
ANNUAL REPORT.
Binding.
Number of books rebound, 478
Volumes of magazines bound, 34
Volumes of "Daily Sun," 4
Circulation.
Periodicals, bound and unbound, 1,268
Philosophy, 215
Religion, 318
Sociology,
373
Language, II
Science, I,II4
Useful arts, 250
Fine arts, 358
Literature, 1.468
History, 1,106
Travels,
1,279
Biography,
1,022
Fiction,
. 34.426
Total circulation, 43.208
The Library has been open 306 days with an average daily circulation of 141.
Statistics.
Total circulation on school cards, 16,109
Circulation for rural schools. 2,179
Largest daily circulation, 346
131
ANNUAL REPORT.
Smallest daily circulation, 45
Largest weekly circulation, 1,138
Smallest weekly circulation, 387
Largest monthly circulation, 4,359
Smallest monthly circulation, 2,239
Total number of cards registered, 5,77I
New cards issued, 5II
Reading room open 41 Sundays with a total attend-
ance of, 1,24I
Average, 29
Number of postals sent for books overdue, 345
That the circulation has not quite equaled that of 1902 is not surprising when we remember the almost phenomenal increase of that year. This increase was due largely to an effort made to encourage a more general use of the library by the school children.
As was mentioned in our last report, the response to our efforts was much greater than we anticipated, and we are not surprised that as the novelty wore off, a number of our juvenile readers lost some of their enthus- iasm. This in a measure accounts for the difference in circulation.
In fact another such increase could scarcely have been met by the library force under existing conditions. With our present housing there is no place for an extra assistant to work, and indeed the Librarian herself often has difficulty to find a corner in which to carry on her work.
While the circulation lacks a few hundred of what
132
ANNUAL REPORT.
it was last year. we see no decrease in the daily work, and each day the value of that work is growing.
There is a constant demand for information : pupils spend more and more time with the reference books and often it requires the time of one person the greater part of the afternoon. to supervise and direct this work.
The difficulty of carrying on such work in a room filled to overflowing with children just released from, school. and bubbling over with spirits. is obvious.
The number of juvenile books has been considerably increased. We find in purchasing books for the children. that a good supply of duplicates of old and well known stories is an absolute necessity.
A tableful of new bocks has not the attraction for the child that it has for the adult. He will pass it by with a casual glance and go straight to the shelves for an old favorite.
One day a small boy brought a book to the desk which we happened to know he had read several times. Upon being asked why he did not take one he had not read. he replied. "why I know this one is good, and I don't know about the others."
Every department receives a share of patronage and particularly the reading room. For the coming year we have added to our already large list of magazines The Scientific American Builder's Magazine. The Musical Courier. The House Beautiful. Life. and Judge. We have also added one Chicago. one New York and one Wash- ington daily paper.
133
ANNUAL REPORT.
The usual number of new books have been added both for circulation and reference.
The question of shelving the books to be purchased the coming year is a question yet to be solved.
In closing I wish to thank my assistants for their faithful and conscientious help, and the Trustees for continued interest and co-operation in the work.
Respectfully submitted,
LETITIA S. ALLEN, Librarian.
Annual Report of the Board of Health.
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.