USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Somerville, Mass.; the beautiful city of seven hills, its history and opportunities > Part 3
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largely-traveled thoroughfare. The high school building erected in 1891 had become inadequate for its pupils, and it was deemed best to erect an English High School, and use the old building for a classical or Latin school. The site selected was the crown of Central Hill. The entire square of land, bounded by Highland avenue, the Lowell Railroad, Med ord and Walnut streets, became the property of the city in 1893. The old church acquired by the purchase was allowed to stand until 1895, the city government of that year being inaugurated therein, and the same year the last use of it was for a fair in aid of the Somerville Hospital. In 1893 the English High School was begun, and opened in September, 1895. On Mayor Hodgkins' recommendation, the new Central fire station was erected on the Brastow School lot in 1894, and the same year a fire station was erected on Highland avenue, near Cedar street. In 1895 a steam fire engine house was erected on Broadway, corner of Cross street, a new city stable was erected on the City Farm on Broadway in 1894, and with these in- creased facilities the contract system of collecting ashes and offal was undertaken by the city under greater expense, but the service was far better and much appreciated. In 1895 the Wyatt Pit, an old and dangerous clay pit, was acquired, to be later filled and beautified as a public park.
Hon. Albion A. Perry served as mayor during 1896, 1897, and 1898. His administration marked a great reduction in the debt. Low lands in Wards One and Three were drained, Mystic avenue was constructed, and there were extensions of many sewers. The new Metropolitan water supply was intro- duced ; enlargement of the city hall building by an addition in rear of the old building; abandonment of the engine house, corner of Highland avenue and Walnut street, and fitting the same for the convenience of the Superintendent of Schools, Overseers of the Poor, and our local Grand Army Post. San- born field was purchased and laid out as a public park and playground; subway built at Kent and Sacramento streets under the Fitchburg Railroad; Sanford Hanscom and Martin W. Carr Schoolhouses were erected; a new fire station at Clar- endon Hill was built; the Fellsway from Broadway Park was
WEST SOMERVILLE BRANCH LIBRARY,
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opened, and put Somerville in easy reach of the beautiful Fells state reservation.
Hon. George O. Proctor was mayor in 1899 and 1890. His administration adopted and put into operation a new city charter which abolished the Common Council. School im- provements included the Forster annex, construction of the Albion A. Perry Schoolhouse, and addition to the Highland School building; the completion of the public library addi- tion, that more than doubled the capacity ; many improvements of public streets ; the erection of the solid masonry bridge over the Mystic river, at Boston avenue, the expense being borne jointly by the cities of Somerville, Medford, and Boston, and the Elevated Railroad Company, were features of accomplish- ment. The extending of the arch bridge over Alewife Brook at Broadway, and the widening of the street, a new building for the fire department at Clarendon Hill, and the establishment of a city home and the laying of five miles of sewers were ac- complished.
Hon. Edward Glines served the city as mayor during 1901. 1902, and 1903. The most notable event of this administration was the completion and dedication of Prospect Hill Park (1903), one of the most conspicuous achievements in local his- tory. Four magnificent public buildings, the Clark Bennett and Martha Perry Lowe Schoolhouses, the armory, and the tower on Prospect Hill Park, were constructed. Besides these, a large addition to the Bingham Schoolhouse and a new engine house in Union square were begun. The beauty of the city hall was enhanced by the construction of a porch; the laying out of Prospect Hill Park; extension of Somerville avenue ; the lay- ing out of the little triangular parcel of land at the top of Win- ter Hill, known as the Paul Revere Park; and the construction of the Joseph F. Wilson memorial fountain on Central Hill Park. The construction of the School-street and Sycamore- street bridges, the Thorndike-street subway, and the Welling- ton bridge were appreciated conveniences, and improved the appearance of the city. The paving of Cross street, the then largest area of asphalt paving, and the purchase of the Russell estate met with universal approval. A large amount of street construction ; the purchase of two steam road rollers; miles
SOMERVILLE BATH HOUSE AND BEACH, MYSTIC RIVER
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of sewers constructed; a new steam fire engine added to the fire department. The bacteriological bureau of the health de- partment was established, and a thoroughly equipped labora- tory installed. The coal famine of the winter of 1902-1903 dealt the people of Somerville a hard blow, but the situation in hundreds of cases was greatly relieved by the coal supply which the mayor secured. During Mayor Glines' administra- tion official action was taken on the death of seventeen of our prominent citizens, and also of Queen Victoria, ex-President Harrison, and President Mckinley.
Ilon. Leonard B. Chandler served as mayor in 1901 and 1905. llis administration was one of progress, and showed a balance on the right side of the municipal ledger. Two of the . most important problems which the administration handled in a satisfactory manner were the enlargement of the high school accommodations and the construction of bridges over the Bos- ton & Lowell Railroad tracks. The construction of the George O. Proctor Schoolhouse, the erection of the Union-square en- gine house (provided for in 1903), the conversion of the dwell- ing house corner of Broadway and North street into a conta- gious disease hospital, and the securing from the State Legis- lature of an amendment to the city charter so that the mayor and president of the board of aldermen become ex-officiis members of the school committee, the setting out of 2,000 trees, increasing the borrowing capacity of the city by $50,000, the macadamizing of several streets, and the construction of sidewalks are among the many accomplishments of a satisfac- tory term of office.
Hon. Charles A. Grimmons served as mayor in 1906, 1907, and 1908. This administration was marked by satisfactory progress and many notable improvements begun and completed. The material prosperity and growth of the city was remark- able. The taxable property increased $4,011,800. The policy of the government was "full value to the city for every dollar expended," and that policy proved economical. The increased voting population required two new voting precincts in Wards Five and Seven. The contagious disease hospital was com- pleted in 1906. Fifteen rooms were added to the Latin High School, and substantial additions were made to the Hanscom
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and the Brown Schoolhouses. An incinerator for the burning of rubbish was constructed. A bathhouse was built on the banks of Mystic river, and met with great public favor. The artistic branch public library at West Somerville, the generous gift of Andrew Carnegie to the city, was commenced. Storage vaults were built in city hall. The armory on Highland avenue was taken over by the state, and the city was reimbursed for its cost and relieved of further expense on account of it. The erection of a monument in commemoration of the volunteers in the Civil War was arranged for. Mystic avenue was taken by the state and thoroughly constructed, with car tracks, mak- ing a new line from the Elevated railroad terminal at Sullivan square, Charlestown, to Stoneham, through the Middlesex Fells Reservation. The acquirement of the ledge property in West Somerville and the filling of the same was a most impor- tant improvement. Plans were definitely decided upon for the abolition of grade crossings. Mayor Grimmons recommended and secured the design for the soldiers' monument, and through his invitation the Massachusetts Grand Lodge of Masons assisted him in the exercises incident to the laying of the corner-stone. During Mayor Grimmons' administration two great calamities occurred, the San Francisco earthquake and the Chelsea (Mass.) fire. Somerville responded nobly to the call of the mayor on each occasion, $5,388.12 being raised for San Francisco and $5,099.65 for Chelsea.
Hon. John M. Woods was mayor in 1909 and 1910. Dur- ing his administration the dedication of the West Somerville branch of the public library, the gift of Andrew Carnegie, and the dedication of the soldiers' monument on historic Central Hill were important events. For the first time the city was honored by an official visit by the President of the United States, Hon. William Howard Taft, who, with Governor Eben S. Draper, Lieutenant-Governor Louis A. Frothingham, and Congressman Samuel. W. McCall, were special guests of the city. The bridge and approaches over the Fitchburg and Grand Junction tracks at Somerville avenue were completed. The Boston & Maine Railroad appropriated $15,000 and Som- erville $17,500 for the Lowell-street bridge over the railroad. The re-building of Highland avenue with a concrete base, with
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a combination of crushed stone and tarvia top, marked a new era in street building, and gave to the city the finest street in the commonwealth. New sanitaries and shelters were built on Broadway and Lincoln Parks. An addition was made to the contagious hospital, and a tuberculosis hospital constructed. A new auto-chemical truck was purchased. The Mystic- avenue bridge over the Boston & Maine tracks was completed and opened to travel. On recommendation of Mayor Woods, there was put into operation an industrial and vocational school. Additional land was provided for six schoolhouses, and land was taken for a new schoolhouse in West Somerville. Negotiations were commenced for acquiring a large tract of land along Alewife brook for an athletic field and playgrounds. The playgrounds of the city were put under the supervision of the school committee.
Hon. Charles A. Burns served the city as mayor during 1911, and has been inaugurated as the mayor for 1912. He has proved in the year past to be progressive, earnest, and effi- cient. During the year 1911 his administration had under con- struction a new schoolhouse in West Somerville. Abolished the grade crossing on Webster avenue and Newton street ; ex- tended the Somerville bathing beach on Mystic river, and com- pleted the "Somerville field" for outdoor recreation. Estab- lished a branch public library reading room in East Somerville and at Union square; constructed more miles of permanent sidewalks than in any previous year of our history. Thus far during the year 1912 it has been arranged and planned to build a new main library on Central Hill, at the corner of High- land avenue and Walnut street, the new building to cost $125,000, and Andrew Carnegie has generously promised to furnish $80,000 of the amount. The present library building is to be fitted for city offices. An industrial school for girls has been established, and is meeting with great success. Many other matters of interest have received attention and are likely of fruition before the present administration adjourns without date.
While the administrations of some mayors seemed to have more than their share of public improvements, it is nevertheless pleasing to record the fact that every mayor of our city ably,
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courageously, and faithfully served the public interest. There were years of large expenditures for sewers, streets, sidewalks, buildings, parks, etc., and then years when rigid economy and good management were absolutely necessary to equalize mat- ters and maintain an annual equitable tax rate. The large ex- penditures under some administrations were necessary for the accomplishment of great and beneficial improvements, but the debt incurred had to be met, and several of our worthy mayors are entitled to the plaudit, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant," for having reduced, within reasonable limits, the city debt.
In matters financial no city enjoys a better credit, and in every period of financial depresssion our bonds have been ac- cepted at a premium. The property of the city yearly in- creases in value, and permits liberal appropriations for all our municipal needs.
Forty years practically covers Somerville's history as a city. From a town population of about 16,000 it has grown to about 80,000. The valuation, then $29,000,000, has increased to $67,000,000. Somerville has outstripped any Eastern city, except Boston, in growth of population. It has been a sub- stantial growth, and has yet opportunity for a much larger number of people. Forty years ago there was $800,000 worth of public property. To-day there is $5,500,000 worth. Then there was spent for schools $70,000; now $400,000. There were 3,000 pupils in the schools; now there are 13,000. The public library was opened with 2,300 volumes, and now has 118,000. Practically without parks forty years ago, we have now sixty acres of such land, several as playing grounds, yet marking in enduring form historic spots of interest to all Americans.
MUNICIPAL ORGANIZATION
CHAPTER III.
Mayor-Aldermen -Assessors-Board of Health - Police Depart- ment-StreetDepartment-Fire Department-PublicLibrary - Water and Other Departments-What They Do for the Good of Property Owners and Residents.
The civic organization of a city in a large degree reflects the character and establishes the reputation of the place. Through such organization is conceived and worked out all things necessary for the convenience, health, comfort, and pro- tection of its people.
Somerville is especially favored with skilled officials, well- defined rules of conduct, and wisely enforces all rules, ordi- nances, and laws, giving entire satisfaction to all good citizens within its borders.
MAYOR.
The Mayor, elected annually by the voters, has the right to recommend to the legislative board, has supervision of the departments, veto power of orders passed by the Aldermen, and the power of appointment of all city officials, except those elected by the Board of Aldermen. The city since its establish- ment has had for mayor men of probity, honor, far-seeing. earnest, honest, aggressive, fearless, who served well the public interests, and our present Mayor, Hon. Charles A. Burns, is no exception to the list of distinguished and able men who have served as our chief magistrate. Fred E. Warren is a most efficient secretary to the Mayor.
BOARD OF ALDERMEN.
The Board of Aldermen consists of twenty-one men, three from each of the seven wards of the city. One from each of the wards is annually elected by all the voters and two elected by the voters of the ward. The board annually elects a presi- dent to preside over its deliberations. The board meets twice
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each month, unless called in special session by the Mayor or its president, and receives communications and recommenda- tions from other city officials, petitions, makes appropriations, confirms or rejects appointments, and is truly representative of the people. It has control of all municipal expenses, except those of the Health Department, Public Library, and School Department.
CITY CLERK.
The City Clerk, Frederic W. Cook, also acts as clerk of the Board of Aldermen, and is a member of the Registrars of Voters. He has a finely-equipped office at city hall, with cour- teous and active assistants. His department issues all licenses and permits, records births, marriages, and deaths, enrolls voters and prepares the list of the same, besides performing all duties consistent with his office as clerk of the Board of Aldermen.
CITY MESSENGER.
Jairus Mann was appointed as city messenger in 1812, and held the position continuously, every mayor having made him his first appointee until 1900, after which he was unanimously elected by the Board of Aldermen. He died a few months pre- vious to the issue of this book. His position brought him in contact with every city official since the date of his first appoint- ment, and his genial manner, courteous aid, and faithful service won for him the respect and good will of all who knew him. The duties of city messenger are indicated by the title of the office. The present messenger is Fred E. Hanley.
CITY AUDITOR.
The auditor's department, while clerical in character, keeps the accounts of the city and a record of all appropriations and bills. This is an ably conducted department, under the direc- tion of Clarence T. Bruce.
CITY TREASURER.
City Treasurer Joseph S. Pike, who is also collector of taxes, heads one of the most important departments of the city. The records of this office show $5,500,000 of public property,
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GILMAN SQUARE
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a net funded debt of about $1,500,000, real estate and persona! valuation of $67,392,566, and 22,414 polls at $? cach. Tax rate, $19.10 on $1,000 of valuation.
The total cash disbursement now amounts annually to about $2,625,000. The appropriations the present year were as follows :-
GENERAL GOVERNMENT -- Board of Aldermen, Clerk of Committees, Executive Department, Assessors' Department, City Clerk's Department, Law Department, City Messenger's Department, Engineering Department, Public Buildings De- partment, and Election Expenses, $74212.
PROTECTION OF LIFE AND PROPERTY-Police Department. $99,200; Fire Department, $98,300; Military, rifle range ex- penses, $300; Weights and Measures Department, $2,400; Electrical Department, $8,750.
FORESTRY-Extermination of insect pests and care of trees. $6,250.
HEALTH-Health Department, $9,800; Inspection of Animals and Provisions, $1,250; Inspection of Milk and Vine- gar, $1,200; Inspection of School Children, $1,550; Vital Sta- tistics, $2,250; Contagious and Tuberculosis Hospitals, $15,500.
SANITATION-Sewer Maintenance, $13,100; Refuse Dis- posal, $73,900; Street Cleaning. $23,000.
HIGHWAYS-Highway Maintenance. $32,000; Sidewalk Maintenance, $4,000; Street Sprinkling, $31,000; Street Light- ing. $54,500.
CHARITIES-Support of Poor, $25,000; Somerville Hos- pital, for caring for the sick poor, $5,000.
SOLDIERS' BENEFITS-Relief, military aid, state aid, burials, $40,650.
EDUCATION-School Contingent, $32,000; Maintenance School Buildings, $64,000; School Teachers' Salaries, $303,500.
LIBRARIES-Central Library and all of its branches, $38,050.
RECREATION-Parks and Playgrounds, Bathhouse, and Memorial Day, $15,825.
UNCLASSIFIED-Municipal Documents and Contingent Fund, $2,000.
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MUNICIPAL INDEBTEDNESS-Interest, $80,000; Reduction of Funded Debt, $166,000.
WATER WORKS-Metropolitan Water Assessment and all other expenses in connection with the Water Department. $166,640.
The city pays a county tax of $59,591, and state taxes, in- cluding State Tax, Metropolitan Sewer Assessment, Grade Crossing and Bridge Assessment, $202,970.
CITY SOLICITOR.
Frank W. Kaan, Esq., is city solicitor. His department takes care of all the legal business of the city, is called to fur- nish legal opinions to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, con- ducts suits when necessary in behalf of the city, and defends the city in all claims or suits for damages.
OUR PUBLIC LIBRARY.
John S. Hayes, once our librarian, declared: "It cannot be disputed that to a very large degree a public library is the focus-point of the intelligence of a community. Of course the value must depend upon the character of its contents and the methods employed to bring it into touch with all classes of people. A public library is not meant for those of exceptional culture only, nor must it merely meet the uncultured taste of those whose lack of experience would make them satisfied with works of a weak if not vicious character. It is for the steady, if necessary, the slow uplifting of those who need, in every sta- tion in life, that enlightenment of mind which will make them appreciate the ennobling resources of mental culture, refine- ment, and ambition." This indicates the solid foundation upon which our library has been built.
From its commencement the Somerville Public Library has been under the direction and within the control of men of education and refinement. Edgar E. Edgerly took the earliest and most active interest in its establishment, and a committee as early as 1869 took measures to secure its establishment. The citizens in town meeting November 17, 1871, adopted the suggestions and plans of the committee. As the town was
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then about entering into a city form of government, it remained for the city council, October 21, 1872, to elect a board of trus- tees consisting of nine members. The trustees organized No- vember 14, and elected Isaac Pitman librarian. The library opened for the delivery of books to the public May 1, 1823, in a small room on the lower floor of the city hall. It had a list of 2,384 volumes, and of that number 715 volumes were con-
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tributed by thirty-six public-spirited citizens. From that time until the present, the library has been sustained by yearly ap- propriations and the receipts from dog licenses.
The present library building was erected in 1884-1885, and since that time has been improved and enlarged. A few months before the issue of this book, the city secured from An- drew Carnegie a promise of $80,000, and will add to that amount $45,000, for a new building to be erected at the corner
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of Highland avenue and Walnut street, quite near the location of the present library building. Upon the completion of this new building, the present building will be devoted to the use of city departments requiring increased accommodations. There has been erected through the generosity of Andrew Car- negie a branch library building at West Somerville. This building is ornamental and splendidly equipped. Branch read- ing rooms have been opened in every important centre of the city. The interest taken in the library since its beginning and the use made of it may be indicated by the last published figures, which show 117,674 volumes (in main and branch li- braries), with a total circulation of 489,363.
The present splendid condition of the library is due to the energy of Sam Walter Foss, who was elected librarian to suc- ceed John S. Hayes in 1898, and who continued in the position until his death February 26, 1911. Mr. Foss was a man of sweet and gentle nature and pleasing ways. As a poet, as a public librarian, and through his unselfish, kindly, and winning personality, he had a host of friends. His several books of songs and ballads have been widely read and greatly enjoyed. His writings as a newspaper man and as an author have cheered the despondent, brought faith to those who had lost trist and confidence, amused the many who have read his wit, and aroused his earnest readers to the duty of doing something helpful. Through his readings, writing, and services as libra- rian, he became one of the best and most widely known citi- zens of Somerville. Under his masterly supervision the library grew to be the second in New England in point of circulation. It had been his constant endeavor to place the books of the library in reach of everybody. He inaugurated the plan of allowing the public free access to the book stacks, in order that they might select the books desired. Many of his novel and useful methods of library administration have been copied by a large number of New England and other libraries. Our library so ably administered by him is to-day a monument to his energy, ability, and devotion.
The present librarian is Drew B. Hall, and under his direc- tion the library will retain its present rank and prestige. The
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trustees, men of prominence and high business standing, serve without pay, and are entitled to the thanks of all citizens who are in any way interested in the library. The board of trustees includes: Thomas M. Durell, M. D. (chairman), J. Frank Wel- lington, Frederick W. Parker, William L. Barber, Rev. Charles L. Noyes, Rev. Frederick W. Hamilton, Charles M. Ambrose, George Whiting, and William H. Dolben.
BOARD OF ASSESSORS.
The present members of the Board of Assessors are: George W. Perkins (chairman), Nathan H. Reed, Winsor L. Snow, Harry Van Iderstine, and George E. Elliott (secretary ). This is a most important branch of our municipal organization, and sets a value upon every piece of real estate and all per- sonal property subject under state laws to taxation. Upon the estimate furnished for meeting expenses of all municipal re- quirements, they annually fix the tax rate. That this board has escaped factious opposition in all the years of our city life is sufficient evidence that the men selected for this important arm of the public service have been well versed in values, and impartial and fair in their treatment of those who pay taxes.
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