USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Lincoln > Town Report on Lincoln 1915-1919 > Part 25
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Sect. 6. Parents, within forty days after the birth of a child, and every householder, within forty days after the birth of a child in his house, shall cause notice thereof to be given to the clerk of the City or Town, in which such child is born.
Sect. 8. A parent, keeper, superintendent or other person who is required by Section 6 to give or cause to be given notice of a birth or death, who neglects so to do for ten days after the time limited therefor, shall forfeit not more than five dollars for such offence.
Perley James and Fannie Etta Moore Michael and Amelia Marganella Patrick F. and Margaret M. Cahill Frederick A. and Emily S. Sawyer
39
Marriages Registered
Date of Marriage
July 15, 1918
-
Herbert Francis Higgins Audry Frances Brennan
July 20, 1918
2
Marguerite Elizabeth Nutting
July 29, 1918
S
Harry Russ Laura Addie Garlick
Aug. 21, 1918
Percy Chandler Chipman Beatrice Lillian Davis
Aug. 28, 1918
1
John Moran Cochran Wilson Ida Bigelow Eldredge
Warren Augustus Rice Ruth Hulda Davis
Phillips Bradley Rebecca Pickering
Residence
West Roxbury Lincoln
Lincoln Waltham
Lincoln Dorchester
Portland, Me. Lincoln Spring Hill, N. S. Lincoln
Lincoln Waltham
Lincoln Salem, Mass.
Oct. 5, 1918
Nov. 18, 1918
Marriages Registered
Warren Adlington Sherman
40
Deaths Registered
Age
Date of Death
Name
Y.
M. D.
Dec. 2, 1917
Stillborn Mason
0
0
0
Jan. 12, 1918
Alice Killegrew Dee
66
-
-
Feb. 9, 1918
Augusta Plumer Russ
78
3
6
Mar.
7, 1918
Abigail Prescott (Baker) Smith
94
5
24
Mar. 13, 1918
N. John Haines, Jr.
69
10
1
April 2, 1918
Ermengarde de Vermandois Bosley
1
Mar. 11, 1918
Mary E. White
46
4
29
April 6, 1918
Celia M. Doherty
35
9
6
May 27, 1918
George Loring Chapin
58
4
15
June 21, 1918
Samuel Francis Page
61
4 10
June
22, 1918
Abijah G. Jones
89
8 9
Aug. 13, 1918
Lulu Cook
4
-
29
Aug. 15, 1918
Mary Boyce
65
7 15
Sept. 15, 1918
Mary E. Curry
49
6
15
Sept. 17, 1918
Martin Hays
55
2
Oct.
17, 1918
George Minot Baker
92
5
23
Nov. 15, 1918
John Francis Neville
42
8 23
Dec. 12, 1918
Ann Bannon
63
11
12
Dec. 20, 1918
Frederick B. Pearson
9
2
6
Dec.
22, 1918
Julius E. Eveleth
78
5 19
41
Loyal to Home and Country Trusting in God MEN OF LINCOLN WHO HAVE GONE TO WAR
Bamforth, Ralph'
Rocks, Charles L ..
Anderson, Bertram J.“
Rocks, Frederick A.
Bradley, Phillips‹
Rooney, Martin J.
Brooks, George W.
Ryan, James T.+
Browning, George C,
Ryan, Edward H.
Crowell, Wendell D.
Higginson, A. Henry/
Connair, John J/
Moynihan, Jeremiah J.
*Cunnert, Charles,
Lunt, Byron
Cobb, Veranus,
Coan, Martin.
Hutton, Hubert Y!
Danner, John ‹
Dougherty, Matthew F/
Davis, Edward Russell/
Boyce, W. James‹
Eldredge, Arthur S. Jr.
Fleming, Irving R ..
Wetherbee, Charles E.
Weir, Robert J. W., Jr. ,
Farnsworth, Murray'
Hilliard, William M. Boyce, Edward F!
Giles, Thomas T./
Goodno, Ralph H‹
Pope, Reginald/
Bamforth, Charles/
Shea, James J .-
Martin, Thomas B./
Doten, Wallace V.,
Sargent, Francis B./
Collins, Joseph / Shea, Joseph J.
* Died of Disease. + Killed in Action.
Rider, Harry,
Russell, George H.
Lahay, John B/
Seeckts, Albert
Delory, James.
Snelling, Howard ‘
Snelling, Samuel W .-
Snelling, Harry Courtney'
Wheeler, Ruth Alden
Stevens, Harold R/ Blodgett, Dr. Stephen H .- Tarbell, George G/ Loring, Dr. Robert G./
Foster, Percival H.
Farquhar, Robert- +Giles, John F ..
Hart, Dr. Joseph S.
Briggs, Richard, Jr./ Kenna, John F! Jensen, Alexander/
*Marston, Wilder E. Nash, Rev. Norman B.
Robus, William C.
42
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN
The Selectmen present the following report for the fiscal year ending December 31st, 1918.
The Board was organized by the choice of Charles S. Smith, Chairman, and R. D. Donaldson, Secretary.
On the previous page you will find an up-to-date record of the men of Lincoln who are in the Volunteer Service of the United States ; have been in the Draft; or in some other ser- vice directly connected with the war. A panel was erected, without expense to the Town, in the center of the Town with these names upon it.
Now that the war is over these men will be returning at intervals and we think that some suitable exercises should be held sometime during the year in recognition of the services that they have performed and also as a testimonial of what they have done, and expressing not only the gratitude of the people for these things, but also that so many will have re- turned; and also as a memorial to those who have given their lives for the cause. The committee appointed is as follows :
Selectmen : Charles DeNormandie, C. Lee Todd, Edward E. Bradley, Donald Gordon, H. E. Warner, Thomas N. Cod- man, J. J. Kelliher, Lorenzo E. Brooks, Arthur S. Eldredge.
A committee has been appointed to suggest a permanent memorial or tablet, to be erected in some convenient and suit-
43
able place, to the men who served in this war. The Public Safety Committee of the Town were asked by the State or- ganization to have such a committee appointed. The com- mittee appointed is as follows :
Selectmen : Hugh Codman, Frederick A. Bosley, Russell G. Crook, Thomas L. Giles.
The Town has been called upon to subscribe a certain quota to the Liberty Loans which have been floated during the year Up to date the Town has subscribed to the various Liberty Loans as follows :
In the First and Second Liberty Loans subscriptions were taken in connection with the towns of Concord and Lexington so that Lincoln's contribution cannot be separated ;
In the Third Liberty Loan Lincoln's alloted quota was $125,600 and the subscriptions amounted to $170,800.
In the Fourth Liberty Loan the alloted quota was $251,200 and subscriptions amounted to $309,350.
This has shown the patriotism and loyalty of the citizens in a most impressive way.
The Town has, besides this, contributed liberally to the various war charities; the amounts thus contributed are as follows :
In June, 1917, collections were taken in the Churches of the Town amounting to $901.51;
In June, 1918, there was contributed to the Red Cross War Fund $2,835.08;
In November, 1918, there was contributed to the United War Work Fund $5,392.45.
44
The following table gives the appropriations made by the Town during the year 1918, and the appropriations recom- mended by the Board to be made at the next Annual Meeting :
Appropriations for 1918
The Selectmen recommend the following appro- priations for the ensuing year
For Schools,
$11,500.00
$11,500.00
Transportation for children,
4,500.00
4,500.00
Support of Poor,
500.00
500.00
Highways and Bridges,
11,000.00
11,000.00
Library, the Dog Tax and
500.00
500.00
Interest,
500.00
500.00
Cemeteries (from Cemetery Fund)
500.00
500.00
Board of Health,
200.00
200.00
Tree Warden,
500.00
500.00
Suppression of Gypsy and Brown Tail Moths,
2,000.00
2,000.00
Miscellaneous Expenses,
5,000.00
5,000.00
Hydrant and other Water Service,
2,400.00
2,400.00
Waltham Hospital Free Bed,
250.00
250.00
Street Lamps,
1,600.00
1,600.00
Fire Department,
200.00
200.00
Payment of Schoolhouse Bonds,
3,000.00
1,814.34
Interest, Schoolhouse Bonds,
840.00
660.00
Payment of Water Bonds (to be taken from Water Works Income)
1,000.00
1,000.00
Water Works Sinking Fund (to be taken from Water Works Income)
1,500.00
1,500.00
45
Appointments
The following appointments have been made during the year :
Sealer of Weights and Measures, Matthew H. Doherty.
Weigher of Coal, Hay and Grain and other Commodities, Elmer A. Rollins.
Inspector of Animals, Martin M. Welch.
Special Police, Lorenzo E. Brooks, Herbert G. Farrar, John F. Farrar, C. S. Wheeler, Isaac Langille.
Forest Warden, John J. Kelliher.
Ballot Clerks and Tellers at State and Annual Election, James W. Lennon, Thomas L. Giles, Herbert G. Farrar, Thomas J. Dee, Charles E. Clark.
Janitor of Public Buildings and Caretaker of Public Grounds, Edward Bannon.
Early in the year Mr. Charles S. Wheeler, who had been Town Treasurer for more than 30 years, resigned on account of ill health. The Selectmen, after conference with Mr. Wheeler, appointed Mr. C. Lee Todd treasurer in his place and at the Annual Election in March Mr. Todd was duly elected by the Town. Mr. Todd has made a most efficient Town Treasurer as he has for many years been efficient treasurer of the various trust funds of the Town, and we hope that the citizens will re-elect him to this position for the ensu- ing year:
At the last Annual Meeting the Town voted to sell the old schoolhouse in the center of the Town at public auction. This sale was held soon after the meeting and the building was disposed of to the highest bidder for $300. Since the sale the building has been razed and only the foundation still re- mains on the ground. The Town, of course, still retains title to the ground on which the old schoolhouse stood.
46
The schoolhouse in the south part of the Town is not at present being used continuously for school purposes. It is, however, probable that it will be expedient and economical to have this building used for the purpose for which it was con- structed. Before this can be done it will be necessary to have some much needed improvements and repairs made, especially in connection with the heating. It is probable that it will be expedient to have an appropriation made for the same at the Annual Meeting.
All the other public buildings in the Town are in reasonably good condition and no extensive alterations or repairs will be necessary during the coming year.
Finances
The Selectmen are glad to report that the financial con- dition of the Town is satisfactory and we believe it is possible to keep it permanently in this condition, provided the income now being received, and which we believe the Town clearly and equitably entitled to, can be continued, with reference particularly to the distribution of the Income Tax on all in- tangibles now collected by the State. It will, however, re- quire constant watchfulness in order to be able to keep the amount of distribution as much as it has been in the past, as every year bills are introduced in the Legislature to reduce the amount of this payment and divert it to other municipalities or, in its entirety, to the State Treasury. If legislation, such as is proposed, should ever be passed there would be an im- mediate advance in the tax rate of the Town of Lincoln, which would make the holders of real estate feel the burden of taxation by a very largely increased tax on real estate and tangible personal property. It is probable that instead of a $10 or $12 tax rate on $1,000, which we have had for many years, the rate would be increased to $25 or $30 per $1,000.
The chairman of your Board, who has been in the Senate for the last two years, has used every possible effort with
47
others, and successfully so far, to keep the distribution of the Income Tax as was originally voted, but the pressure is very great to have it otherwise.
The appropriation to be made this year of $1,814.34 will probably be the last appropriation necessary for the payment on the schoolhouse bonds, which issue was originally $55,000.
The Sinking Fund Commissioners have not been able to purchase any of the outstanding bonds at par, therefore, they have kept the money which has been heretofore appropriated for the payment of said bonds, namely, $15,000, on interest and the accumulated interest on this sum reduces the appro- priation to be made this year to the amount named above.
It is believed by the commissioners that if they are not able to purchase the outstanding bonds at par or better that this money should remain on interest and the interest will take care of the maturing coupons and that it will not be necessary to appropriate money hereafter either for the payment of the bonds or for the interest on the same.
The outstanding bonded indebtedness on account of the Water Works is, as reported by the Treasurer, $67,000.00. There is, however, a sinking fund of $24,000.00 which leaves a net indebtedness on January 1st on account of the Water Works of $43,000.00. The Treasurer reported cash in the Water Works treasury of $3,756.22 and uncollected water rates of $3,379.00, or a total available cash for the Water Works treasury of $7,135.22.
The Selectmen recommend that such part as is available of the above should be transferred to the General Treasury to reimburse the treasury for funds advanced to the Water Works a few years since and reported by the Treasurer, with- out interest as of January 1st, as $4,787.51. Apparently the finances of the Water Board are in better condition than at any time heretofore reported to the Town.
The Treasurer reports cash in the treasury January 1st of $11,701.58 and on January 1st there were uncollected taxes of $3,420.39, or a total of available cash of $15,121.97.
48
There is, therefore, available cash in all departments, ex- cept in the Cemetery Department, in the hands of the Treas- urer a total of $22,257.19.
Support of the Poor
Mother's Aid has been continued as during the previous year and also aid, as reported, to Andrew Kilfoy.
Fire Department
The Fire Department has been conducted during the year as heretofore. For a more detailed report, reference is made to the Report of the Fire Engineer.
Tree Warden
During the year, Mr. John J. Kelliher, who has been Tree Warden for a number of years and also acted as constable for the Town, received an appointment in a neighboring town on the police force at a salary much in excess of that which he had been receiving from the Town of Lincoln. The Select- men did not think, under the circumstances, that it was for the best that Mr. Kelliher should be taken away. They, there- fore, made arrangements with him, which they believe to be in the best interest of the Town, so that he will receive for his various services to the Town $100 per month.
Not only has Mr. Kelliher been a good man as tree warden, but his services have been invaluable in connection with spe- cial police and detective work. We think also that some other departments can avail themselves of the services of Mr. Kel- liher to advantage without increasing his salary or compen- sation in connection with the same, and we herewith suggest that the schoolhouse department might have Mr. Kelliher for truant officer without additional compensation; and that the cemetery commissioners could have his services for part of the time without additional compensation.
49
We appreciate that these suggestions are along the lines that would be suggested by a Town Manager, but we believe that they are pertinent in the interest of efficiency and economy.
'Highways
The highways during the year have been under the charge of the same superintendent as in former years, Mr. William H. Sherman, and reference is made to his report for further infomation.
In June, 1918. the Selectmen received a notice from the County. Commissioners, copy of which is on another page of this report. In accordance with this notice a hearing was had by the Commissioners at the Fitchburg Railroad Station on Monday, July 29th, 1918, at ten o'clock in the forenoon.
On August 2nd, 1918, the Selectmen received the letter which follows, together with the opinion of the engineer :
East Cambridge, August 2, 1918.
Charles S. Smith, Esq.,
Lincoln, Mass.
DEAR SIR:
With regard to the road matters on which we held a hear- ing last Monday, we enclose a copy of a report of Mr. Pills- bury, Division Engineer of the Highway Commission, which has been forwarded to us. Very likely you have a copy of this report.
We are inclined to follow these recommendations so far as we may do so in urging the town to continue the work of re- pairs as outlined by Mr. Pillsbury during the balance of the year.
We are also ordering our engineering department to make complete surveys of the two roads, so that this information
50
will be at hand in case it is finally determined to carry on more extensive improvements when times are more favorable. The engineers in going over the road will observe carefully the conditions and may be able to make suggestions which will help in the meantime.
Yours very truly, ALFRED L. CUTTING,
Chairman.
P. S .- We will inform the petitioners of the substance of this action.
REPORT OF MR. PILLSBURY, DIVISION ENGINEER OF THE HIGHWAY COMMISSION
FITCHBURG TURNPIKE
From the Weston line to the Concord line the entire length is 3.35 miles as measured by an odometer. This has the ap- pearance of being a gravel road, possibly macadam at some places, and has been covered from time to time with Tarvia "B" with more or less patching. This year it has not yet been treated with Tarvia "B" but is now being patched. It is at places too narrow. At many places the crown is too steep. There are some very bad curves not far from the Weston line. The traffic is such that this type of surface will not carry it satisfactorily, the traffic being too heavy for anything but a stone road.
WALDEN ROAD
This road branches off the Fitchburg Turnpike about 1.05 miles from the Weston line and runs to the Concord line, thence continuing as Walden road in Concord. From the Concord line toward Concord we improved this with asphalt macadam, the Town, County and State working together. This road, together with the Fitchburg Pike to the Weston line, is the Waltham route to Concord, and considered as one road, is more important and has heavier traffic than the Fitch- burg Pike beyond its junction with Walden Road.
51
The continuation of Walden Road is about the same as the Fitchburg Pike except that at some places it is worse and others better, as far as the surface is concerned.
RECOMMENDATIONS
It appears to me that what should be done this year is to continue the repairs as they are now being made, viz: patch the depressions, smoothing the rough places and surface treat- ing with Tarvia "B" with the addition of some steam roller work at the worst places. This of course is but temporary and the patching and maintenance should continue to be kept up during the season.
A survey should also be made of both roads at this time, so that a complete study can be made, with the idea of improv- ing the alignment at the bad curves, the grades and the widths, at such time as may be desired.
In order to care for the traffic properly, this road should be reconstructed with a first-class asphaltic or tar macadam, with proper foundations and suitable drainage, but this would cost $30,000 a mile or more, and I do not believe under the pres- ent conditions and cost of work it should be done at this time. When it is taken up, if done in sections of a mile or more a year on the line of Walden Road thence over the Fitchburg Pike to the Weston line, it would not be long before there would be a first class road and the expense would not be noticed greatly. The Fitchburg Pike from the Walden Road to the Weston line would not have the traffic that this road has, in my judgment, and a less expensive surface would answer for that portion.
I believe the County engineers could make the survey.
I have talked with Mr. Smith and Mr. Kendall and told them that I thought of recommending as above. It seemed to meet with their views and they have both asked for a copy
52
of the above, as there is to be a County hearing on these roads within a very few days.
(Signed) F. C. PILLSBURY, Division Engineer.
The Selectmen think it is fair to assume that, notwith- standing what has taken place with respect to this highway, it will be advisable, provided the State and County co-operate, to have part, at least, of this line re-built. It is impossible to state whether conditions the coming year will be such as to make it advisable or not, but whenever conditions are again normal it is probable that it will be necessary to expend a con- siderable sum in connection with this re-building. Unless the Selectmen receive some additional information with respect to this matter before the Annual Meeting of the Town they will not recommend any special appropriation in connection with the same.
It is not in a spirit of self complacency or with the idea that improvement cannot be made that we offer the follow- ing. Great improvements and more efficiency can be ob- tained in the conduct of the Town's business if the various departments would co-operate more and compare notes oftener with the Selectmen with a view to the greatest efficiency and economy.
The Selectmen, in conclusion, cannot do better than to re- peat what was in the last Annual Report in connection with the conduct of the business of the Town, that they believe "that most of the business of the Town has been conducted in an economical and, in the main, in a business-like manner ; that the results obtained for the money expended have been as good or better than has been the case in previous years."
The citizens have all of the necessities and most of the lux- uries that any community has; the tax rate has been low ; the health of the people has been good-the epidemic of influenza has been quite general throughout the town, but very few per-
53
sons have been affected seriously. The general conditions under which we live compare favorably with those of any community similarly situated.
The financial affairs of the Town are in excellent condition. All of which is respectfully submitted.
CHARLES S. SMITH, JOHN F. FARRAR, ROBERT D. DONALDSON, Selectmen of Lincoln.
NOTICE OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
MIDDLESEX, SS.
At a meeting of the County Commissioners for the County of Middlesex, at Cambridge, in said County, on the first Tuesday of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and eighteen, to wit, by adjournment at said Cambridge on the twenty-fifth day of June A. D. 1918.
On the foregoing petition, Ordered, that the Sheriff of said County, or his Deputy give notice to all persons and cor- porations interested therein, that said Commissioners will meet for the purpose of viewing the premises and hearing the parties at the Lincoln Station, Fitchburg R. R., on Monday the twenty-ninth day of July, A. D. 1918, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, by serving the Clerk of the town of Lincoln, with a copy of said petition and of this order thereon, thirty days at least before said view, and by publishing the same in the Concord Enterprise and Waltham Daily Free Press Tribune, newspapers printed at said Concord and Waltham, three weeks successively, the last publication to be fourteen days at least
.
54
before said view, and also by posting the same in two public places in the said town of Lincoln, fourteen days before said view; and that he make return of his doings herein, to said Commissioners, at the time and place fixed for said view and hearing.
WM. C. DILLINGHAM,
Clerk.
Copy of petition and order thereon,
Attest,
WM. C. DILLINGHAM, Clerk.
Concord, Massachusetts, June 13, 1918.
TO THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY COMMISSIONERS :
Respectfully represent the undersigned that the main road in the Southerly part of Lincoln which continues into Concord through Nine Acre Corner, and is sometimes called the Fitch- burg Turnpike, from Lee's Bridge at the Concord and Lin- coln line; Easterly through the Southerly part of Lincoln to the town line between Weston and Lincoln, there joining the road known as the North Road in Weston, is in need of alter- ation and specific repairs.
Also respectfully represent the undersigned that the road in Lincoln which is a continuation of Walden Street in Con- cord, said road in Concord running via the easterly end of Lake Walden; from the Concord and Lincoln town line Southerly through the Town of Lincoln, crossing the Fitch- burg Railroad at Bakers Bridge and continuing to South Lin- coln where it joins the South Road in Lincoln, sometimes called the Fitchburg Turnpike; is in need of alteration and specific repairs.
Location of said highways more specifically shown in red on map attached to the original petition.
55
Wherefore we pray that you alter and make specific re- pairs on said highways.
F. C. DUMAINE and eighteen others.
A true Copy of petition and order thereon.
Attest,
GEORGE F. LESLIE, Deputy Sheriff.
56
AUDITOR'S REPORT
I have examined the Treasurer's Report, also the securi- ties of the town, held by the Treasurer, the securities of the town, held by the treasurer of the Sinking Fund, and exam- ined all vouchers held by same. I find all correct.
Following is an account of the money paid by the Treas- urer on the Selectmen's approval.
JAMES W. LENNON, Auditor.
57
SCHOOLS
Payments
Teachers' Pay Roll for 1918,
$5,324.47
Martin Sherman, Driving School Barge,
114.00
Herman T. Wheeler, Driving School Barge, 222.00
Thomas J. Dee, Driving School Barge,
681.00
Doherty's Barge, Carrying Children,
2,207. 50
Town of Concord, Tuitions of Pupils,
3,304.42
City of Waltham, Tuition of Pupils,
211.25
Mass. Teachers' Deduction Association,
86.53
Boston & Maine R. R., School Tickets,
620.64
New Eng. Tel. & Tel. Co., Telephone Service
47.31
National Express Co., Express,
17.51
Boston & Maine R. R., Freight,
8.10
Doherty's Garage, Automobile Service,
13.75
M. H. Doherty, Truant Officer,
20.00
Miss Hester Foster, Substitute Teacher,
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