USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Lincoln > Town Report on Lincoln 1910-1915 > Part 37
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1.46
February,
5,150,500
89
25
25,400
3,870
2,710
186
32,166
5.12
March,
5,069,500
89
25
23,490
3,501
60
40
27,091
2.55
April,
5,891,500
88
25
26,683
3,437
100
192
30,412
5.50
May,
6,123,500
88
25
24,928
3,613
230
28,771
2.50
June,
10,318,000
98
24
39,649
4,784
168
44,601
1.73
July,
7,133,500
99
25
30,280
3,640
107
34,027
1.71
August,
7,771,000
95
25
30,568
4,167
53
34,788
4.17
September,
6,967,000
94
25
29,535
4,120
233
33,888
October,
6,823,000
92
25
31,849
3,574
362
35,785
1.65
November,
4,655,000
90
25
23,129
3,248
500
190
27,067
1.30
December,
4,795,000
91
25
24,421
3,970
2,855
190
31,436
2.15
76,757,500
93
25
339,344
46,223
8,668
2,024
396,259
29.84
121
122
RECEIPTS FOR THE YEAR
Domestic,
$6,672 23
Hydrants,
1,830 00
Public Buildings,
75 50
Highway Department,
22 00
Cemetery Commissioner,
20 00
Total Domestic Rate,
$8,619 73
Meters
Boston & Maine R. R. Company, $1,022 27
Water Troughs,
472 49
Centre School,
94 50
Other Meter Rates,
1,098 50
Total Meter Rates,
$2,687 76
Interest,
23 66
Sundries,
12 60
Balance from 1913,
14 87
Total Receipts,
$11,358 62
Payments
Expense,
$55 00
Fuel,
1,288 70
Salaries,
1,484 87
Interest,
3,135 00
Repairs and Renewals :-
Account Reservoir,
$4 25
Service Pipes,
188 44
Pipe System,
182 83
Pump Station,
520 99
123
Construction :-
Ex. of Pipes,
$29 55
Account Service Pipes, Bonds,
194 48
2,000 00
Sinking Fund,
2,173 37
Total,
$11,257 48
Balance on hand, January 1, 1915,
101 14
Uncollected,
2,078 07
124
WATER
Payments
James T. Laird, Services as Superintendent
and Engineer, $960 00
James T. Laird, Services as Collector, 175 00
James T. Laird, Labor of Horse and Truck, 58 90
William S. Johnson, Services for Engineering, 26 00
National Express Co., Express, 3 14
Boston & Maine R. R., Freight,
4 67
Edison Electric Light Co., Light,
9 10
M. L. Snelling, Coal,
1,241 20
Thomas Groom & Co., Printing,
5 50
First National Bank, Coupons due March 1, 1914, 857 50
John F. Farrar & Son, Labor of Men, 69 75
Frank H. Cunningham, Labor of Men,
217 95
Frank H. Cunningham, Pumping,
109 87
James E. Baker, 1} Cords of Wood,
7 50
A. P. Peterson, Plants, 6 00
R. B. Laird, Making out Water Bills, 15 00
Isaac N. MacRae, Labor and Supplies,
35 86
Daniel MacAskill, Labor and Supplies,
14 40
M. H. Doherty, Auto Hire and Teaming Freight, 28 15 Martin M. Sherman, Mowing Reservoir Grounds, 2 00 W. C. Peirce, Rent of land from July, 1914 to July, 1915, 5 00
Hodge Boiler Works, Labor of Men and Carfares, 11 97
P. J. Whelan, Mason Work, 18 45
1
125
Martin Sherman, Labor, $8 25
Cemetery Commissioners, 2 Cords Pine Wood, 10 00
C. S. Smith, 1& Cords Wood, 8 75
C. S. Smith, Piling used in Pond, 5 00
Thomas E. Coburn, Labor, 3 00
Sinking Fund Commissioners, Sinking Fund, 2,173 37 Joseph S. Hart, M. D., Services as Water Commissioner, 75 00
William H. Sherman, Services as Water Com- missioner, 75 00
George L. Chapin, Services as Water Com- missioner, 75 00
Roger Sherman, Moving Ashes, 4 76
William H. Sherman, 44 Cords Pine Wood,
21 25
Eagle Oil and Supply Co., Supplies,
121 04
Henry R. Worthington, Supplies,
27 00
Union Water Meter Co., Supplies,
41 96
Deane Steam Pump Co., Supplies,
23 47
Builders Iron Foundry, Supplies,
12 94
S. H. Davis Co., Supplies,
1 04
Walworth Mfg. Co., Supplies,
75 67
Davis & Farnum Co., Supplies,
14 32
National Meter Co., Supplies, Meters and Repairs, 75 01
Chadwick Boston Lead Co., Supplies,
13 52
Westinghouse Air Brake Co., Air Compressor,
60 00
Chapman Valve Mfg. Co., Supplies,
17 55
Gurlock Packing Co., Supplies, 5 32
D. M. Dillon Steam Boiler Works, 1 set Grates, 78 11
Waltham Coal Co., Supplies,
9 50
Boston Coupling Co., Supplies,
1 20
International Steam Pump Co., Supplies,
40 00
Lincoln Press, Supplies, 2 25
Jas. L. Chapin & Son, Supplies,
4 84
Wadsworth Howland Co., Supplies, 5 65
Boston Steam Pump and Repair Co., Supplies,
6 90
126
Town Treasurer, Coupons, Due May 1st,
$87 50
66
June 1st,
602 50
66
66
Sept. 1st,
857 50
66
Dec. 1st,
602 50
66
66
Nov. 1st,
87 50
66
66
Water Works Bond, Due Sept., 1st,
500 00
60
Water Works Bond, Due Sept., 1st,
500 00
Town Treasurer, Payment Coupons, $40.00 and Bond $1,000.00, Series 1914,
1,040 00
Total,
$11,257 48
Water Report PROFIT AND LOSS Eleven months ending December 31, 1914.
Dr.
Cr.
To Expense,
$55 00
By water,
$13,385 56
Fuel,
1,385 10
Salaries,
1,484 87
Interest,
3,111 34
Repairs and Renewals,
896 51
Net gain for year,
6,452 74
$13,385 56
$13,385 56 127
ASSETS.
LIABILITIES.
Construction,
$181,848 61
$81,000 00
Cash,
101 14
127,001 82
Fuel on Hand,
214 00
Sinking Fund,
23,760 00
Water Bills,
2,078 07
$208,001 82
Bonds outstanding, Surplus,
$208,001 82
128
1
WATER WORKS DEPARTMENT
OUTSTANDING WATER BONDS
Issue of 1897, due 1917,
$10,000 00
Issue of 1900, due 1930,
23,000 00
Issue of 1902, due 1932,
9,000 00
Issue of 1903, due 1933,
5,000 00
Issue of 1904, due 1934,
5,000 00
Issue of 1906, due 1936,
14,000 00
Issue of 1907, due 1937,
4,000 00
Issue of 1907, due each year,
6,500 00
Issue of 1911, due each year,
4,500 00
$81,000 00
WATER RECEIPTS
Domestic,
$8,619 73
Meters,
2,687 76
Uncollected,
2,078 07
$13,385 56
129
REPORT OF CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
The usual routine of work necessary to the respectable appearance of the grounds has been attended to. As the removal of debris that naturally accumulates during the fall and winter months goes to make up the larger part of the work, little permanent improvement is established as it must be repeated from year to year. While the cleaning process is indispensable something more is needed to materially change for the better the general appearance of the cemetery. A single item of much importance and to which attention should be called is the removal of trees lacking in natural beauty and detrimental to the growth and development of more desirable ones. It is hoped that the holders of private lots may take this view of the matter as there are still a few remaining. The most serious handicap in the past and one that confronted all alike, has been the lack of available water. To bring it from outside the grounds or from the small water hole within, meant little water and much labor. This fact alone precluded the using of any considerable amount, and discouraged all attempts at floral decoration. If we wish to create a general interest in the beautifying of our cemetery by the grading and seeding of lots and the growing of ornamental shrubs and flowers we should not withhold this most important element.
The free use of water on a private estate is considered absolutely essential to its attractive appearance. Why not equally so on public grounds? A start has already been made the past season by the laying of nearly (500) five hundred feet of pipe. A further extension the coming year of approximately (1,000) one thousand feet
130
would complete the circuit and bring the water within convenient reach of nearly every lot holder. By so doing we remove the one obstacle now in the way of green turf and thrifty shrubbery.
Under existing conditions should a comparison be made with the cemeteries in other towns of the wealth and standing of Lincoln it is a known fact that our own would be found wanting.
Our public buildings are a credit to the town. Our cemetery can be made to harmonize. As a permanent improvement in addition to the extension of water more trees and a few beds of ornamental shrubs should be planted.
If the good of the future is considered the matter becomes highly important.
The clipping of the hedge around the triangular cemetery has been passed over for several years, as the use of the money in other parts seemed more desirable. It should now be attended to within the near future.
The above items are especially referred to as being a matter of additional expense for the coming year. That less general care should be given the cemetery in order to make the changes suggested seems hardly advisable. as they are all improvements of a permanent character.
Accepting this point of view, an increase in the town's appropriation becomes unavoidable.
The sum of ($500) five hundred dollars for use the coming year is respectfully requested.
Referring to the matter of deeds from the town to holders of lots in the cemetery, such may be had at any time by giving due notice to the Cemetery Commissioners.
Respectfully submitted,
JULIUS E. EVELETH, GEORGE L. CHAPIN, ROGER SHERMAN, Cemetery Commissioners.
131
.
THE TOWN TREASURER IN ACCOUNT WITH THE LINCOLN CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
Received of Fitchburg R. R. Co., dividends
$10 00
" American Sugar Refining Co., dividends 28 00
Union Pacific R. R. Co., dividends 30 00
for One-half Cemetery lot 7 50
" Wood sold
10 00
Total
$85 50
Deposited in Middlesex Institution for Savings 85 50
The following is a list of Securities of the Lincoln Cemetery Com- missioners :--
Four Shares American Sugar Refining Co., preferred stock.
Three Shares Union Pacific R. R. Co., preferred stock.
Two Shares Fitchburg R. R. Co., preferred stock.
Also the following funds for the care of lots in cemetery, all of which are deposited in the Middlesex Institution for Savings :-- Orilla J. Flint Fund, $300.00, interest accrued $37 82
Samuel Hartwell Fund, $300.00, interest accrued 37 82
John H. Pierce Fund, $500.00, interest accrued
57 52
Maria L. Thompson Fund, $500.00, interest accrued
62 86
Annie A. Ray Fund, $300.00, interest accrued Also
37 82
.
General Fund deposited in Middlesex Institution for Savings amounting to
519 24
(Signed )
CHARLES S. WHEELER, Town Treasurer.
E. & O. E.
132
TREE WARDEN'S REPORT
The Tree Warden submits to the town his report for the year 1914.
During the past year the work has been carried on as formerly, cutting the brush and removing the dead limbs from the trees along the highways. We also cut down a number of dead trees. The trees on all the highways were sprayed, going over some of them the second time with very good results. Elms, maples and other trees have had a beautiful foliage this year and looked far better than they have for many years.
The winter was rather severe and there was some complaints of winter killing both above and below the ground which has especially affected apple trees, and many large as well as young trees have died from injury to the roots. The Gypsy moth problem is still a serious one on account of the large acreage of uncared for woodland. While we can control these insects on our roadside trees and in orchards by using proper methods at the right time, such as creosoting nests and spraying with arsenate of lead, it is extremely difficult in our woodland owing to the small amount of money that any owner can afford to expend on this work. During the past year the work of the natural enemies of the Gypsy moth, including the imported parasites, the Calosoma beetle and the wilt disease has served to reduce the number of the insects in badly infested localities, and it is hoped that when these enemies of the moth have become established in large numbers over the entire infested territory the insect will be much less destructive than it is at present. Until such time
133
however, the most effective hand or mechanical methods of fighting this pest should be continued.
The browntail moth infestation is very light this year which is due largely to a fungous disease which attacks the caterpillars in the spring. Like all diseases of this nature the benefit derived from it is regulated largely by favorable or unfavorable weather conditions. This fungus sometimes works on the small caterpillars in the fall and in some instances it is found in the winter webs.
The spraying for the elm leaf beetle was very effective this year and the results attained were very encouraging. We shall have the beetle with us for some years to come, so it is necessary to have the elms sprayed thoroughly and as early as possible.
The apple tree tent caterpillars were very abundant last summer. The eggs are laid in bands around small twigs of cherry, wild cherry and apple trees in July covered with a brown gum which hardens, and they hatch the following spring; the caterpillars spin a web or tent in a fork of a limb and go out from this to feed in the morning returning to the web at night. Fruit trees sprayed with arsenate of lead just after the blossoms fall are by this protected from the caterpillars. Another good remedy when they are small is to drop a few drops of creosote with a brush in the web. The creosote spreads all over the web and it is sure death to little caterpillars. Another forest pest is the forest tent caterpillar. Its
life is very similar to that of the common tent caterpillar although it does not spin a web of any kind, this insect is a forest pest although it attacks both shade and orchard trees. It is generally held in check by natural enemies in form of parasites and diseases, but if serious outbreaks occur the insect may be controlled by spraying with arsenate of lead.
134
The total expenditure of this department this year was $3,750.98; $3,365.07 for moth work and $385.91 for tree work, there has been $1,640.90 paid the Town Treasurer on account of private work leaving a net cost of $2,110.08
I recommend that $2,500.00 be appropriated this year; $2,000.00 for moth work and $500.00 for tree work.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN J. KELLIHER, Tree Warden.
-
135
FOREST WARDEN'S REPORT
To the Board of Selectmen :-
Gentlemen :--
In compliance with your request for a brief report. The Town has been very fortunate in late years in not having any serious fires to contend with, but this year we have had our share. There were six fires which were started by the carelessness of hunters, which took considerable time and labor to extinguish owing to the dry season, we had one especially bad fire started Oct. 12 (the first after the law was off of pheasants) which burned over a hundred acres of woodland and endangered a number of buildings in the north part of the town. I desire at this time to thank the deputy Forest Wardens, the superintendent of roads and men of his department, men of the moth department and all other citizens who assisted for the prompt and efficient work they done.
The Deputy Forest Wardens are as follows :- I. N. MacRea, Sumner Smith, James E. Baker, Herbert G. Farrar, Charles S. Wheeler, Thomas J. Dee, Herman Wheeler and Andrew J. Dougherty.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN J. KELLIHER,
Forest Warden.
136
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS
February 12, 1915.
To the Town of Lincoln :-
The Committee on Claims makes the following report :
On the 9th of November, 1913, the town voted "that the Committee on Claims be authorized and requested to exercise its own discretion in settling with the parish the matter relating to the common and schoolhouse land." Acting under this vote the committee has endeavored to reach an adjustment with the parish.
Under date of February 17th, 1914, Mr. Hodges addressed to the committee a letter which in substance proposed that the town should release to the parish the land lying westerly and northerly from the Bedford Road, excepting therefrom the parcel to which title in the town was registered under the Land Court's decision, and that the parish should release to the town the land lying easterly and southerly of the middle line, and that as a part of the mutual releases it should be agreed that the parish, and its successors, should maintain substantially as hitherto the tract released to it and use the same for parochial purposes only, and the town should maintain in like manner the tract released to it and use it for civil purposes only, and that the town might continue its use of the parcel quit claimed for the purpose of reaching the land excepted in its release to the parish.
This proposition in its general terms was acceptable to the committee and some oral negotiations followed, but it appearing that portions of the existing schoolhouse
137
building stand upon land which apparently belongs to the parish, the committee requested that the parish in some terms give to the town the right to maintain the present building upon its present site as long as the town continues to require it for municipal purposes, but to this suggestion the parish was unwilling to accede. The committee's position is stated in the letter hereto appended and marked "1."
The building is now used for the fire apparatus of the town, and if it is abandoned, another building must be constructed for the same purpose either upon this land or upon other land to be acquired by the town. The committee therefore obtained from Mr. Donaldson estimates as to the probable cost of cutting off those portions of the building which stand upon land apparently belonging to the parish, and refitting the building for the purposes of an engine house. Mr. Donaldson replied that to cut off the portions referred to and make good what was left of the building would cost about $500, and that to repair it, shingle the roof, and fit it for the proper care and storage of the fire apparatus would cost $1,000, making in all a total of $1,500. Thus repaired the basement of the building could be used for the storage of the tree warden's supplies and perhaps other portions for other public purposes.
On the other hand Mr. Donaldson estimated that the cost of a new building fitted for such purposes would cost about $6,500, in addition to the cost of a piece of land if the town abandons the present site. The question therefore was presented to the committee whether it would advise the town to throw away a good building and incur an expense varying from $6,500 to $10,000 for the purpose of replacing it, or whether the parish, whose members are also citizens of the town, would permit the town to continue the use of the very small amount of land in question.
138
Mr. Chapin, provided the building was removed, offered to buy the land adjudged to the town at the rate of $10,000 an acre, which would yield the town according to Mr. Chapin's letter hereto appended and marked "2" $523.41. This proposition was not acceptable to the committee as the cost of moving the building would probably exceed this sum, and the removal would necessitate the cutting down of valuable trees. The committee wrote Mr. Chapin the letter of June 3, 1914, annexed and marked "3," and received the reply annexed and marked "4." The chairman of the committee then orally offered to buy the land in question at the rate of $20,000 an acre, and in case the town refused to ratify his action, to make the payment out of his own pocket and present the land to the town, but this proposition was not accepted. Finally on Septem- ber 28th the committee through its chairman made the proposal contained in the letter hereto annexed and marked "5." To this the answer was made of which a copy is annexed marked "6." The correspondence was concluded by the letter hereto annexed marked "7."
The land still in dispute is of the most trifling value, and it would be of no use whatever to the parish if the building were taken down, as it would only add a few feet to a common already sufficiently large. On the other hand the expense to the town of erecting a new building, or altering the present one, would be quite large at a time when economy in all matters is most important.
The committee do not feel like abandoning the rights of the town, and therefore submits the question to the town for its action. In the judgment of the committee it is most unreasonable that the parish should refuse either to let or to sell the few feet of land which are now involved, and it cannot account for the action of the parish except on personal grounds. Throughout the
139
entire discussion no other reason for the refusal of the parish has been suggested.
If the town desires to retain the building and to avoid the expense which is involved in its removal, we recommend that the town pass a vote directing the selectmen to acquire by purchase or by eminent domain all the land on which the schoolhouse now stands, which is not now the property of the town, together with all rights of way or other rights which are necessary to its proper use as a building to hold the fire apparatus and other property of the town, and for such other municipal purposes as it can be fitted for. We are sure that the cost of this proceeding will be far less than any further continuance of the discussion between the parish and the town.
MOORFIELD STOREY, JULIUS E. EVELETH, CHARLES S. WHEELER.
140
May 12, 1914.
George Clarendon Hodges, Esq.,
31 Milk Street, Boston.
Dear Mr. Hodges:
In order that there may be no mistake as to the position of the Committee on Claims, let me repeat what I said to you in conversation the other day.
The Committee is content to settle the existing controversy by letting the town take the title to all the land on the right hand side of the Bedford Road to be used for municipal purposes, and to let the Parish take title to the land on the other side to be used only for parochial purposes, provided that the Town is given title to all the land on which the present school- house building stands with a right of way from the Bedford Road to the building.
This gives the Parish all that it claims save the small strip of land worth a very few dollars upon which the wing of the present building is placed. Should the title to this be released by the town, and the wing be removed, the present building would become worthless. The injury to it entailed by the removal of the wing and the expense of repairing it would very probably exceed the value of the building. As the members of the Parish are like the rest of us citizens of Lincoln interested in its welfare it seems to me impossible that they should object to letting their fellow-townsmen have the benefit of land, probably not worth at the outside more than $50, rather than destroy a building which belongs to us all. I trust the Parish will see that the offer which I make is entirely reasonable, and that it will be accepted.
Very truly yours, MOORFIELD STOREY, For Committee on Claims.
141
"2"
Lincoln, Mass., June 2, 1914.
Moorfield Storey, Esq., Chairman,
Committee on Claims.
Dear Mr. Storey :
In reply to yours of yesterday. The lot of land awarded to the town is 40 x 57 feet.
If I have had it figured correctly the town will receive $523.41 if my offer is accepted.
Yours truly,
GEORGE L. CHAPIN.
1
"3"
June 3, 1914.
George L. Chapin, Esq.,
Lincoln, Mass.
Dear Mr. Chapin:
Should you feel like making an offer for the land and the building as well as for the land alone? I do not know what the building is worth, but maybe you might find it useful for some purpose, or you might find a customer for it. I make this suggestion without prejudice because I do not know what the committee or the town might think of it, but if you feel like making such a proposition it might perhaps simplify matters.
Yours truly,
M. STOREY.
142
"4"
Lincoln, Mass., June 5, 1914.
Moorfield Storey, Esq.
Dear Mr. Storey :
In reply to yours of the 3rd inst. in regard to making an offer for the old schoolhouse.
It had not occurred to me to make any offer for the building as I had no use for it, nor can I now see how I could make any use of it without a large expenditure of money.
The building is not adapted to any use that I should put it to. Thanking you for the suggestion.
Yours truly,
GEORGE L. CHAPIN.
"5"
September 28, 1914.
George Clarendon Hodges, Esq.,
31 Milk Street, Boston.
Dear Sir:
I have delayed making any formal offer for the settlement of this matter until I could ascertain exactly what the powers are of the Committee on Claims in regard to this matter.
I have now ascertained that the matter is confined to our discretion, and I therefore make this offer to the Parish.
I am content to authorize the execution of such deeds as you proposed in your letter which would vest in the Parish the land on the left hand side of the road going toward Bedford, and in the town the land on the right hand side of the road, the Parish to use its land only for
143
parochial purposes, and the town to use its land only for municipal purposes, with the rights of way which were, I think, suggested in your letter, provided that the Parish will sell to the town so much of the land on which the present schoolhouse building stands as does not now belong to the town, or will lease the land to the town for such time as the town desires to retain the building upon the present site, together with the right of access from the road to the building over the Parish land.
There seems to be some question as to exactly how much land belonging to the Parish now is involved, but the figures that you gave me yesterday represent, I think, the maximum amount as 581 square feet, and you have calculated the amount to be about $266 as I understand, and as I think your figures show. If the Parish will sell the land to the town for this amount, I am willing to have the settlement carried through, and I will advance the money and take my chance of having it repaid by the town.
If the Parish prefers to lease the land on the terms that I have suggested, I think $10 a year would be an ample rent. Of course I cannot agree to pay that during the life of the building, but should be obliged to submit the proposition to the town in order to get authority from it to make this agreement of land.
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