USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Palmer > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Palmer, Massachusetts 1913 > Part 3
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Opening graves,
183.50
Foundations,
157.57
52
Trimming graves,
18.00
All others, 2.00 361.07
Salary of Secretary, (appropriation for salaries) 150.00
$2,126.32
BILLS RECEIVABLE.
George H. Damon, lot, 1909 $8.00
William Mason, single grave,
1.00 $9.00
George H. Damon, opening grave,
3.00
William Mason, opening grave,
3.00
Harry Bond, care, 1909, 3.00
2.00
C. A. Smith, care,
1.00
Mrs. Ida L. Milligan, care,
2.00
E. C. Buffington, care,
2.00
F. M. Angell, care,
2.00
Jenet L. Collis, care,
2.00
A. S. Geer, care,
3.00
John Lawler and Sons, foundations, 12.16
W. E. Lawler, foundation,
3.50 38.66 47.66
$2,173.98
PAYMENTS.
Salary of Secretary, (appropriation salaries)
$150.00
Printing, stationary and postage,
15.32
Supplies,
91.94
Labor,
1100.86
Teams,
54.16
Equipment and repairs,
40.35
Fertilizer,
36.50
All others,
43.75
1382.38
George E .. Clough, cash for lots sold,
289.00
Balance, cash in treasury,
304.94
Charles S. Ruggles, care,
53
$2126.32
Due for lots,
9.00
Due for labor,
38.66
47.66
$2,173.98
Perpetual Care Fund.
Amount
Present Condition.
Louisa Waid,
$200.00
$233.83
John A. Squier,
100.00
103.32
Waterman Fuller, .
200.00
222.28
John and Lucy Smith,
200.00
208.25
John H. Haynes,
200.00
220.83
W. A. Breckenridge,
200.00
204.33
Laura E. Child,
500.00
517.17
Henry Scism,
100.00
104.32
Jane A. Gibson,
100.00
106.61
Calista E. Hendricks,
100.00
105.69
Keyes Foster,
100.00
103.39
James W. Snow,
100.00
104.11
. A. W. Green,
200.00
206.25
Pliney Cooley,
50.00
51.29
H. G. Loomis,
200.00
216.96
Maria Lawrence,
500.00
526.75
William Holbrook,
200.00
201.78
Torrey Fund,
100.00
104.90
E. B. Gates,
50.00
51.99
Franklin Blanchard,
100.00
103.32
Minnie K. Bennett,
200.00
206.78
Mary A. Shaw,
100.00
102.32
Amos O. Allen,
100.00
103.97
Harriet Coolidge,
200.00
213.96
Mrs. L. W. Brown,
200.00
221.02
Eliza J. Kenerson,
200.00
208.05
William Merriam,
200.00
211.63
Mary Redding,
50.00
51.00
D. S. David,
200.00
208.89
A. M. Andrews,
200.00
209.00
54
Marshall Andrews,
200.00
215.00
Enos Calkins,
100.00
104.00
S. C. Rogers,
200.00
214.00
Willard G. Kenerson,
100.00
103.00
Maria B. Chapman,
200.00
212.00
Maria B. Chapman, (Barker.) 100.00
104.00
Julia H. Henry,
100.00
103.00
Isaac King,
150.00
155.00
Abel H. Calkins,
100.00
103.00
E. C. Sexton,
100.00
103.00
Henry A. Moore,
100.00
103.00
J. S. Koster,
100.00
103.00
Melissa Hall,
150.00
154.00
Jeremiah Long,
1000.00
1020.00
Mary J. Plympton,
100.00
102.00
Clymena P. Fuller,
150.00
154.00
Abigail T. Nichols,
50.00
51.00
Mary Hastings,
100.00
103.00
Orrin B. Smith,
200.00
205.00
O. B. Smith, (T. B. Smith lot.) 100.00
103.00
Laura P. Green,
100.00
103.00
J. H. Kenerson,
100.00
102.00
William Harvey,
150.00
154.00
Alden L. Fletcher,
60.00
61.60
Carrie A. Kurtz,
100.00
104.00
Ralph Green,
200.00
213.00
Minerva R. Olds,
100.00
102.00
Meriva L. Capen,
100.00
103.00
Otis C. Lyon,
100.00
102.00
Hitchcock-Graves,
100.00
102.00
Minerva M. Gates,
200.00
205.00
Rogers-Paine,
100.00
102.00
Elizabeth D. Moore,
100.00
103.00
Mary E. Bailey,
100.00
102.00
M. M. Rogers,
100.00
102.00
Nellie S. Hooker,
75.00
76.75
55
Ethan Warriner,
100.00
100.00
Lizzie E. Fletcher,
100.00
100.00
Andrew Pinney,
100.00
131.19
Frank F. Marcy,
500.00
500.00
Thomas McDougall,
100.00
100.00
Sarah J. Winter,
200.00
200.00
Charles B. Fiske,
200.00
200.00
Minnie B. Converse,
500.00
500.00
$12,135.00
$12,617.03
Gain in Perpetual Care Fund
1500.00
Cemetery Commissioners Interest Fund
January 1, 1913,
188.22
Gain
13.56
Present condition
201.78
INVENTORY OF PROPERTY IN CEMETERIES.
Toolhouse, Oak Knoll, Palmer,
$75.00
Toolhouse, Four Corners,
50.00
Tools,
50.00
Unsold lots at market price Four Corners,
169 at
$8.00
1,352.00
Oak Knoll.
1 at
60.00
$60.00
7 at
50.00
350.00
2 at
40.00
80.00
14 at
30.00
420.00
69 at
24.00
1656.00
24 at
25.00
600.00
17 at
20.00
340.00
3 at
10.00
30.00
1 tract not laid out estimated
to contain 75 lots at 24.00
1,800.00
5,336.00
$6,863.00
DAVID L. BODFISH, LEWIS R. HOLDEN, SAMUEL M. PHILLIPS, Cemetery Commissioners.
Report of Overseers of the Poor
OVERSEERS OF POOR.
In addition to the receipts for sale of produce at the town farm as paid to the Treasurer, the sum of $210.80 has been received and paid out by the warden for inciden- tal expenses. The following tables will give a detailed account of the receipts and expenditures at farm.
RECEIPTS.
For sale of
Butter,
$335.24
Eggs,
32.06
Cows,
80.00
Hides,
9.62
Potatoes,
122.25
Hogs,
35.00
Stock,
19.00
Bull,
25.00
Poultry,
10.90
Vegetables,
12.50
Rags,
3.45
Calves,
98.00
From
Estate of P. McKelligot,
18.50
Board of Chas. Shaw,
14.00
Board of William Taft,
180.00
$995.52
EXPENDITURES.
George E. Clough, Treas.
774.72
Labor in house,
86.42
Sow and pigs, 40.00
57
Calves,
30.00
Sewing Machine Repairs,
6.90
Rubber Sheet,
2.00
Household Utensils,
7.87
Inmates cash to attend Palmer Fair,
3.00
Barber Service,
670
Supplies,
35.71
Carfares,
2.20
$995.52
Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures
For the Year ending February 15, 1914.
This department has tested, sealed, corrected, or con- demned the following :
Adjusted Sealed Con'd.
Platform scales weighing over 5,000 lbs.
15 1
Platform scales weighing under 5,000 lbs.
1 118
1
Computing scales,
1 41
All other,
1 115
3
Self measuring pumps for oil, etc.,
42
Weights, 1 844
12
Liquid, measures,
225
1
Milk bottles,
31
Linear measures, Total, 4 1,475
32
6
Special inspection of scales.
30
Reweighing of coal,
20
Receipts of office,
$95.03
Expense of office,
11.11
Balance paid Town Treasurer,
$83.92
EDWARD P. BROWN, Sealer of Weights and Measures.
February, 16, 1914.
Dry measures,
Report of Milk Inspector
For The Year Ending February, 15, 1914. Number of places where milk is
produced, kept or sold, 83
Special inspection of milk wagons and places where milk is produced, kept or sold,
90
Number of milk licenses issued, 49
Number of oleomargarine licenses issued,
9
Fees received for the milk licenses,
$24.50
Fees received for the oleomargarine licenses, 4.50
Paid Town Treasurer,
$29.00
Expense, $11.04
EDWARD P. BROWN, Milk Inspector.
February, 16, 1914.
Report of Board of License Commissioners
To the Voters of the Town of Palmer :
The Board of License Commissioners organized March 20, 1913, and elected John W. Fay, Chairman, and Horace R. Paine, Clerk. At this meeting it was voted to place the fee for a fourth class (wholesale) license at eight hundred ($800) dollars, Innholders' fee at five ($5.00) dollars and all others to remain the same as last year.
The number of applications received were as fol- lows :- thirteen, first class; three, 4th class; five, 6th class; and six, 4th class with the 1st class.
The Board met later and granted seven 1st class ; five 4th class: and five 6th class licenses.
During the year the Board has granted seventeen Common Victualler's and fifteen Sunday Licenses; also, six Innholder's Licenses.
The expenses of this Board for the year amount to ten ($10.00) dollars.
The Board has held seven meetings and has in- spected each place where a license has been granted.
JOHN W. FAY, HORACE R. PAINE, HARRY HALEY.
Board of License Commissioners of Palmer.
Young Men's Library Association
Report of the Librarian for the Year Ending March 1, 1914.
To the Members of the Young Men's Libray As- sociation :
INTRODUCTION. I herewith submit my third annual report as Librarian of your associa- tion. In this report, I shall discuss briefly several practi- cal problems that confront your association, suggest how they ought to be met, and outline my ideas relative to the future policy of your library. Because of the changed opinions and conditions, library administration must change. These I shall discuss as much as possible, in à report of such narrow confines as this.
DEMOCRATIZATION. Conditions have changed. The days of democracy have come. Public libraries are supported by and for the people, and the people are becoming thoroughly cognizant of their rights of ownership and the privileges they should enjoy. Consequently, they rightfully demand these things :- 1). They demand the elimination of a system of administra- tion that entails a large amount of detail and time on the part of both patrons and library assistants. Such a sys- tem annoys them as a barrier and a needless expense. All the system necessary is one that will insure the safety of the entrusted property and the accuracy of statistics that are actually helpful, as-contents of library, addi- tions and withdrawals, daily circulation, receipts and ex- penditures, total number of borrowers, and a few other minor ones.
62
(2). The open-shelf is demanded. The object of open-access "is to make the library a real live workshop, to which everyone can gain admission with the greatest possible ease." The users desire freedom in looking over the books and in making their choice. Today the average American refuses to countenance in any public building, supposed to be open for his use, a sign reading "Keep Out". Our old system of the counter was, in reality, this,
(3). A longer time limit on borrowed books and the privilege of taking more books at one time, except the library must restrict because of its inability to furnish a selection of books in demand otherwise, are urged. The allowance of two or more books and the privilege of keeping them for a month, except those limited to seven days, give marked satisfaction. Should not the reader have a wider selection, if he desires? Why not read two books at a time, if he likes? Why compel him to take a non-fiction to act as a deterrent against the evils of a fiction book?
(4). The abolishment of the guarantor system for adult applicants is demanded. This removes a large barrier between the public and the library. The few additional books lost during the year amount to a mere trifle compared with increased amount of satisfaction and growth which comes to the borrower and the library.
(5). Rules should not be so stringent that they can not be set aside, when occasion demands. When a busy man, who has never used your library before, comes in for a book that he wants, and wants immediately, wis- dom would dictate that he ought to have it, even though rules have to be set aside.
(6). The present-day readers demand fiction. Many libraries have fought against this demand with all of their energy. They believe it their duty to raise the standard of fiction reading. This is a worthy ambition and a real duty they owe their patrons. Nevertheless, the policy of buying only the best in fiction is turning
63
many cultivated people from the public to the pro- prietary libraries. They wish to get the books that are being read and discussed. The selection of novels only because of their educational, literary, and moral value will do this very thing. No matter what the aims of public libraries are supposed to be, all kinds of tastes and powers of appreciation have to be considered. Novels of all kinds by writers of repute should be furnished with discretion to the public. If so, the destruction of conventional morality or the distribution of inferior literature need not be feared.
(7). The public demands longer hours of service. They certainly are entitled to it here. We ought to open earlier and close later. Five hours a day is altogether too short a time.
(8). They demand cheerfulness and courtesy upon the part of library attendants. A librarian needs to know his books, his patrons and their tastes; he must be a "good mixer", sympathetic, charitable, and interested. The greatest asset of any library is the right librarian.
THE LIBRARY AND THE COMMUNITY.
"The town that has a good, healthy, well-stocked library, with a growing number of readers, is a good town to locate in, to stay in, to do business in. It is a good place for the manufacturer. It will provide him with an in- telligent class of workmen, and is likely to see that he is allowed to do business without molestation. It will pro- vide that intelligent appreciation of the goods he manu- factures which leads to increased consumption. Books and libraries have spread intelligence. The spread of in- telligence has multiplied books and libraries. The action and reaction produce a perpetual motion-forward. Libra- ries have widened their usefulness, not only by furnish- ing books to read, but also by creating readers for their books. A library without readers is not a library, but only a collection of books. A library whose use does not
64
increase more rapidly than its books is growing one-sided. In the twentieth century the functions of the library are multiplying rapidly. It should rightly be the people's post-graduate school. It should not only furnish the books, but tell the people which to read and how to read them."
The public library is "the great, persistent, continuous means of education through life. The school gives the foundation. The public library rounds it out and com- pletes the circle of activity. The school gives the begin- ning and the public library tells you that there is no end. The school deals in generalities, and the public library deals in specialties. The public library is the supplement of the schools and the people can no more avoid it than the children can avoid school. If it is necessary to have a compulsory education law, I am almost ready for a law to compel adults to use the library. Public libraries should be scattered through the community as much as schools. You say that the child must not be required to walk too far to school. The same condition is true of our public libraries."
No one desires to live in a town or city where there are no schools, no churches; neither does anyone wish to live where there is no library. These three-church, school, library-are an indispensable trinity of institutions to any community.
The obligations resting upon the library and the communtiy are closely related. Both have them. The community owes it to itself to have a library. When it has established it, it has thereby caused certain responsi- bilities to devolve upon itself. Politics of a partizan na- ture should never enter into the selection of the trustees or directors or library assistants. The public should realize that the library, along with the schools, is not concerned with the externals of life, but with the perman- ent matters of citizenship and character. It owes it, then, the right kind of direction-the best obtainable.
65
The community owes the library a reasonable financial support; that is, "an amount, not extravagantly dispro- portioned to the entire city budget, which a thoroughly competent librarian can spend wisely."
The community, individually and collectively, owes the library open-mindedness, patience, and a better under- standing of its work and needs. This is particularly true of those individuals and institutions that are potent in civic life and in moulding public opinion. Whatever benefits the library, as a result of this co-operation, benefits the community. Whatever benefits the commun- ity, benefits the library.
"The public library helps the community which sup- ports it by doubling in value the education the child re- ceives at school and supplying the means for a life-long continuance of the education. It is a storehouse of in- formation for all classes."
I have endeavored by the use of quotations, together with other material, to set before you, and through you before the citizens of this town, the need-vital and in- dispensable-, the function-meeting the public demands as well as attempting to elevate them-, and the neces- sary support-moral and financial-of the library within our midst. This I deem necessary in view of the fact that we must ask for more money.
ADVERTISING. The modern library is aggressive. It has established a means of making itself known to the public, a means of advertising. Sys- tematic publicity must be employed, in order that every- one in the community be informed that the library pro- vides for him. The advertising should not be boastful; it should be modest. If this sort of advertising is in- dulged in, it is not objectional or unbecoming. If a library is ready to do good work in a town, it ought to let the people know it. The public, without advertising, may find it out in time; but, if so, it will require a long
66
period of time. Why not shorten this time? Why not give your institution an opportunity to be run at its maximum efficiency ?
What means of advertising can be used? Use the local press. State your facilities; print lists of new books therein; keep the library before the reading public.
Inform the industrial workers of our town concer !!- ing our library. Have printed slips placed in their pay- envelopes from time to time which will call their atten- tion to the library and what it offers them. Place placards where they will be seen-in stores, factories, and public places.
Use your schools. Children are the best advertisers. They will spread the knowledge about your "wares" that you desire spread. The "library habit" acquired in youth will stick, and thereby your future library prob- lem of securing readers will take care of itself.
Make out special lists. Many people do not know that you have material especially suited to their needs.
Ask educational and literary societies for their year- ly programs. Look up all the information that you can find on these subjects; classify it; then send the names of the books and the number of the pages to them.
Encourage worthy organizations to meet in your re- ference room. Their co-operation and moral support are necessary.
Give your patrons the understanding that you wel- come suggestions. Get them to suggest books. When these are purchased, inform them. Let them know that you will endeavor to get any information that is "get- able". Arrange with large libraries to send you special books for loaning.
The last and best means is not to disappoint your customer when he comes. After you have secured him, do not disappoint him upon his first approach. He wont come back; neither "can you come back." You have
67
lost your hold. You have not advertised honestly.
OUR OWN WORK. I have endeavored to place before you the ideals, the ambitions, the actual work, and the means employed which are essential to make the library of any progressive town or city a live institution. You can compare ours with these. Many of these ideas are being put into execution; many of these motives are actuating us in our work. We have not gone far along this road of progressiveness, yet we are on the right road.
Our extension work is along these lines and has proven highly satisfactory. First, we began it in the village schools. This was started over a year ago. The total circulation in these schools up to March 1, 1914, was; Three Rivers 1,036; Thorndike, 868; Bondsville. 253; Total, 2,157.
The branch libraries in the villages were started in September. Forty books were placed in Three Rivers, Thorndike, and Bondsville. This number proved in- adequate at once and more were demanded. In fact, the call for books has proved more than we could meet with the money at our disposal; the success of these branches has far exceeded our expectations. If we are to con- tinue this work, we must have more money. Our ex .. periment this year has established, without any doubt, the need of the branches. The question, then, resolves itself as follows :- "Shall the Town of Palmer treat all of its inhabitants fairly in the matter of library facilities ? If not, why not?" It is not up to our association to de- mand this. All we can, and will, do is to show, by actual experimentation, that the need exists, and further that we can meet that need if given more money. The further action necessary must come from the town. Those in- terested in having their needs supplied must take active measures to secure more money. Plainly, it is a duty incumbent upon the town to meet this need and demand -silent, perhaps, as yet; still, real.
68
The circulation in these branches has been :- Three Rivers, 3,954; Thorndike, 1,610; Bondsville, 1,500; Total, 7,064. The number of books that the branches have had to circulate has been :- Three Rivers, 350; Thorndike, 79; Bondsville. 110; Total, 539. Each book has averaged circulating thirteen times.
TOTAL CIRCULATION. Our total circulation for the year is the largest within the history of our institution. It is as follows :- School, 2,157; Branch, 7,064; Main, 27,733; Total, 36,954. The circulation for the past ten years has been as follows :- 1904-05, 17,076; 1905-06, 17,075, 1906-07, 16,116;/1907-08, 16,851;‘ 1908-09, 17,131; 1909-10, 17,057, 1910-11, 18,016 , 1911-12, 20,044 ; 1912-13, 26,007; 1913-14, 36,954.
These figures indicate the marked increase in circula- tion that is taking place every year. The per cent. of in- crease this year over the circulation of last year is 42.1%. This is a large per cent., especially in view of the fact that last year we increased it 29.75 per cent.
In spite of the fact that we have opened six exten- sion centers, the circulation at our main library has not decreased, but increased. Last year, it was 26,007; this year, 27,733, an increase of 1,726. During the past month, a particularly inclement one, our main library has averaged sending out over one-hundred books per day. The work has become so heavy that a permanent assistant is needed to help out Miss Robinson. This must be done, if our extension work is to be properly super- vised. Miss Robinson ought to have time to pay an oc- casional visit to the branches and the schools to take care of the many needs. What has been done, I have done. I have neither the time nor knowledge to do it properly.
I wish to particularly mention the good work and in- terest of our branch librarians. They have added the personal touch of interest to their work, which alone
69
makes it affective. Mr. Upham of Three Rivers has had the Welfare Worker, Miss Fletcher, of the Palmer Mill, take charge there. They have put in a lot of time and have had more books; consequently, they have had a larger circulation. We owe the branch librarians, a special vote of appreciation for their work of heart as well as of hand.
An enlargement of any business means an increase in running expenses. We must expect an increase in our running expenses.
APPROPRIATION. There has been an increase in the amount asked from the town for library support on two or three occasions. The appropria- tion has jumped from $1000. to $2000., and, in accordance with our estimates for this year, we should have not less than $3000. This is a large increase; yet a careful study of our enlarged circulation will account for this. If it does not, if we can not prove the wisdom of this increase, if we can not prove the crying need of it, we do not want it. It is simply a business proposition. Shall we meet the demand by increasing our facilities, or shall we re- fuse to meet, and thereby kill, it? If we meet it, our business will thrive and increase; if we do not meet it, it will wither and decrease. Any man with business sense will not hesitate one moment in rendering his judgment. He can, not, can he? Argument is not necessary. The case is clear.
Although I can present you with no absolutely definite information, I can assure you that our associa- tion will some day fall heir to some $40,000 or $50,000, the same to come to us through the will of the late Andrew Pinney. If nothing prevents this legacy from becoming ours, this will afford a yearly income of about $2,000. When we receive this, we hope to relieve the town, in part, of the financial support of our institution.
70
CONCLUSION. Surely our association has every rea- son to wish to thrive. Surely it is doing a fine work in this town. Surely it has a good prospect of some day being well endowed financially for an institution of our size. Therefore, let every member of this association "get busy" in furthering the work and interests of the association. Let there be no laggards. Greater facilities, greater opportunities, greater work- these shall be our desires; this shall be our motto.
STATISTICS. Circulation.
Main Library-Fiction,
23,542
-Non-fiction, 4,191
27,733
Branch Libraries-Three Rivers,
3,954
-Thorndike, 1,610
-Bondsville,
1,500
7,064
School Libraries-Three Rivers,
1,036
-Thorndike, 868
*_ Bondsville,
253
2,157
Total,
$36,954
Last Year,
26,007
Increase,
10,947
Books on hand March 1, 1913,
9,179
Purchased,
730
Donated,
11
Books on Hand March 1, 1914,
9,920
Number of papers and magazines supplied, 49
*This school has had books the shortest period of time.
Respectfully submitted, CLIFTON H. HOBSON, Librarian.
Report of the Treasurer
Receipts.
Cash on hand March 1, 1913,
$9.68
Town of Palmer,
2,000.00
Membership,
5.00
Fines, cards, etc.,
150.25
$2,164.93
DISBURSEMENTS.
Miss Robinson, attendant,
420.00
Assistants,
84.40
Janitor,
156.00
Books and Magazines,
767.88
Freight and cartage,
14.29
Repairs,
75.04
Supplies,
201.53
Lights,
90.13
Miscellaneous expenses,
16.00
Cataloguing,
92.00
Branch Library expenses,
138.00
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