USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Andover > Town annual report of Andover 1921-1925 > Part 14
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Amount brought forward
result will be an increase in the rate of an- nual expenditure of a few hundred dollars but a gain in efficiency which it is believed fully justifies the proposed changes.
No reduction in the cost of the department ap- pears possible for the coming year. In order to get for the town a larger return for the money spent, over half of which goes to pay the salaries of the permanent men, it is the intention to enlarge and improve the inspec- tion service which the permanent firemen have been performing to some extent. This has proved valuable in other places and under the proposed new organization it should be pos- sible to make it render an important service to the citizens of Andover in helping to re- move unnecessary fire risks.
Much good work was done during the past year by the permanent men in refitting the pumping engine and doing other similar work in the way of keeping the apparatus and gen- eral equipment in the best possible condition. The adoption of the two-platoon system very much increased the cost of the department, but if work of this kind can be done by the regular men, either for the upkeep of the fire department or for other town departments the citizens will obtain a reasonable return for the money spent.
Hay Scales
Highway Department
$125.00 60000.00
Maintenance $30000.00
New Construction 30000.00
(This sum is the same as was appropriated last
Amount carried forward
$104225.00
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Amount brought forward
$104225.00
year, viz: $30,000 for maintenance and $30,000 for new construction. The new construction contemplated includes Phillips Street, Abbot Street and Essex Street from the railroad cross- ing to Shawsheen Road and Shawsheen Road from Essex Street to Stevens street. The Finance Committee is advised by the Board of Public Works that when Phillips and Abbot Streets are built the program of road construction in the center of the town will be approximately com- pleted and a substantially smaller appropriation will be required next year for new work.)
Interest
14000.00
Insurance
5500.00
.
Fire
$3000.00
Workmen's Compensation
2500.00
Library
3000.00
Memorial Day
550.00
G. A. R.
100.00
Miscellaneous
1200.00
Parks and Playsteads
1200.00
Police Department
11000.00
(This appropriation includes the sum of $600.
for the purchase of an automobile truck for the use of the Police Department. )
Printing and Stationery
2000:00
Public Dump
75.00
Retirement of Veterans
300.00
Retirement of Bonds
15500.00
Sewer
$7000.00
High School
6000.00
Haverhill St. Bridge
2500.00
Schools
103420.00
. (This is the amount that was appropriated last year.)
Amount carried forward
$262070.00
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Amount brought forward
Sewer Department Labor and Power Sinking Fund Soldiers' Relief Spring Grove Cemetery
$262070.00
4000.00
$3000.00
1000.00
1500.00
2500.00
and receipts
from sale of lots
(The Finance Committee is advised by the Ceme- tery Trustees that the sum of fifteen hun- dred dollars and the receipts from the sale of burial lots is required for the upkeep of the Cemetery and one thousand dollars is the sum required for development work.)
State Aid Street Lighting
1000.00
S200.00
(This recommendation is based on the present street lighting installation, viz: 1
300- 60 Watt lights at $17.50 $5250.00
4-100 Watt lights at 28.00 112.00
56-250 Watt lights at 49.50 2772.00
and an additional
10-60 Watt lights at $17.50 175.00
$8309.00
(There is still some question as to the amount of light which should be provided in several sections of the town and the Lighting Com- mittee proposes to make some further experi- ments. The recommendation of last year is repeated, viz: that there should be equality of lighting for all sections of the town when the conditions are generally similar.)
Town Officers
10000.00
(This includes the salaries of the Town Officers in the following amounts: Selectmen, $2500, Town Clerk and Treasurer, $2400, Collector
Amount carried forward
$289270.00
120
Amount brought forward
$289270.00
of Taxes, $1800, Premium on bonds for collector and treasurer, $180, Stenographer, $1040, Auditor, $300, Moderator, $10, Building In- spector, $500, Sealer of weights and measures, $200, Town Counsel, $400, Field driver $25, and expenses of Town Officers, $500.)
Town House
Tree Warden and Moth Work
-
3000.00 $12900.00
(This year Andover is required by the State to spend $4300 for moth work. In addition it is recommended that $1200 be appropriated for repairs and replacements of the equipment used in moth work: this includes $350 for a small power sprayer. The care of trees has cost the town $2400 since January first of this year and $5000 more will be required to repair the dam- age done by the recent storm and carry on the regular work of this department. Last year the Finance Committee suggested the advisability of a closer connection between the Tree Warden and Moth work department and the Board of Public works. The experience of the past year confirms the Finance's Committee opinion that these departments should be consolidated and a bill has been presented to the Legislature call- ing for the abolition of the office of Tree Warden and the placing of the duties of this department with the Board of Public Works; if this bill is passed by the Legislature it will be brought be- fore the voters for action.)
Water Dept.
Under the plan adopted at the town meeting in March 1921 the Water Dept. is now operated by a separate business under the Board of Public Works. The estimates for 1922 are as follows:
6750.00
Amount carried forward
$311920.00
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Operation Construction Retirement of Bonds Interest on Bonds Sinking Fund
$20000.00
2000.00
8000.00
4000.00
750.00
34750.00
Total receipts expected
28000.00
6750.00
(Difference to be appropriated by Town and which may be considered payment to the Water department for furnishing water for fire fighting.)
The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the fol- lowing action regarding the articles in the warrant :-
Article 4. To see if the town will approve the recommendation of the Board of Public Works and vote to reconstruct the highway on Main Street from Chapel Avenue to Andover Square with macadam pavement or other road material in accordance with plans and specifications prepared by the State Department of Public Works. (Division of Highways) Also to see if the town will vote that said work of reconstruc- tion be done by contract under the supervision of the Board of Public Works at an expense not to exceed $100,000. Also to see if the town will vote that notes or bonds of the town be issued to raise funds for the payment of work undertaken under this article, payable annually in the years 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926, and 1927, in conformity with chapter 44 of the General Laws.
(Approved .- The condition of Main street is such that im- mediate action is advisable. Much traffic is now directed to School and Bartlet Streets because of the condition of Main Street, and as a result both these streets, built for light vehicle traffic, are wearing fast. The type of traffic passing over Main Street demands construction of the substantial
122
type called for in the above article. Arrangements for the relocating of the street railway tracks, the placing of conduits for underground wiring and the renewal and installation of all necessary sewer, gas and water pipes are matters which must be cared for in connection with the street construction.)
Article 5. To see if the Town will authorize and direct the Board of Public Works to petition the legislature for authority to issue bonds or notes, outside the statutory limit to the amount of $40,000. to be denominated on the face thereof "Andover Water Loan, Act of 1922", said loan to be for the purpose of making necessary changes in and extending the present system of water works in the town of Andover under such terms and conditions as the General Court may provide, on petition of the Board of Public works.
(Approved .- This amount will be needed for extension which should be made in the near future and is approved. It is recommended that only as much of it as required for the most pressing needs be expended this year.)
Article 6. To see if the Town will authorize and direct the Board of Public Works to petition the Legislature for authority to borrow $200,000. outside the statutory limit of indebtedness, by bond issue or otherwise, for the following purposes : To construct and maintain a pipe line, in ac- cordance with plans approved by the State Board of Health, - for the purpose of disposing of the sewage of the Town of Andover, said pipe line to extend from Andover through the City of Lawrence to the Merrimack River, and to authorize the purchase or taking of land in said Andover and Lawrence necessary for said site and to award and pay damages for said purchases or takings. On petition of the Board of Public Works.
(Not approved .- Some improvement in the present methods of handling the sewage of the town is necessary and the ap- proval of the State Dept. of Health must be obtained before any plan can be adopted. This is a problem of much im-
123
portance and further information is needed on several points before any plan can be approved. It is expected that ad- ditional facts will be available before the town meeting so that it may be possible then to advise more definitely.)
Article 7. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of $15,000.00 as its share of the cost in the reconstruction of Main Street by the State, through Shawsheen Village on petition of the Board of Public Works. (Approved.)
Article 8. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of $5,748.08 to pay the balance due on Haverhill Street Sewer on petition of Board of Public Works.
(Approved.)
Article 9. To hear the report of the committee on housing the inmates of the Town Farm and to see if the town will ap- propriate the sum of $10,000. in addition to the $30,000. on hand, received from the sale of the Town Farm property, for the purpose of erecting a new building and other necessary expenses. (Not approved.)
(The Finance committee recommends that the town shall provide proper housing facilities for the poor at a cost not to exceed $30,000. and if possible an existing building be se- cured which can be adequately fitted to serve the needs of the town for an almshouse at a cost not to exceed $20000. These limitations are recommended because there is much uncertainty as to what the future needs may be. The tend- ency today is to take care of the poor, as far as possible in ways other than the in old-time type of almshouse. It is be- lieved that reasonable provision can be made for the present needs, with opportunity for a small increase in numbers, within the expenditures recommended. One of the arguments advanced for selling the old property was that it would per- mit taking care of the unfortunate under simpler and more economical conditions. It is therefore undesirable to now re-establish a large institution of this kind. If a new build-
124
ing is erected it should be so designed that moderate exten- sions could be made readily and at a reasonable cost, thus putting the town in a position to meet such future needs as might develop.)
Article 10. To see if the town will appropriate the sum of Three Thousand Dollars ($3000) to purchase the property in Whittier Court adjacent to the Playstead, known as the Cunningham property, and consisting of approximately one (1) acre of land with the buildings thereon, on petition of Frederic S. Boutwell and others.
(Approved.)
Article 11. To see if the town will authorize the Selectmen and the School Committee to serve as a joint committee to select a suitable lot of land for municipal or town purposes in the district known as Shawsheen Village. If land that may be selected cannot be acquired by purchase, to authorize the Selectmen on behalf of the town to exercise the right of taking by eminent domain, awarding damages for land that may be taken, and making a report of their action at a special town meeting to be called not later than April 15, 1922, with a recommendation for an appropriation to cover the award and for such further action as may be necessary. (This article does not require action on the part of the Finance Committee.)
Article 12. To hear and act upon the report of the War Memorial Committee.
(The recommendation of the War Memorial Committee for further investigation under the condition of the original motion is approved. )
Article 13. To see if the town will for the purpose of providing a suitable headquarters for a post of the American Legion approve the leasing of a building or part of a building which shall be under the direction and control of such post subject
125
to such regulations as the town may adopt, and to see if the town will appropriate for the current year, the sum of not more than $1500 therefor, as provided for in G. L. Ch. 40, Sec. 9, on petition of the War Memorial Committee. (Approved.)
Article 17. That the name of the Town of Andover and the year of its incorporation be engraved into the Pilgrim Memo- rial Monument at Provincetown and to appropriate a sum of One Hundred and Fifty dollars ($150) for the same. (Approved.)
SUMMARY
Department appropriations recommended
$311920.00
Special appropriations recommended
28898.00
$340818.00
State Tax (estimated)
$32000.00
County Tax (estimated)
20000.00
52000.00
$392818.00
RESOURCES
Cash $ 5000.00
Corporation and Bank tax (estimated)
ยท 28000.00
State Aid
700.00
Outside relief
1200.00
Sundries
2000.00
From State for Schools
7500.00
Income Tax
20000.00
64400.00
$328418.00
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VALUATION
1921
1922 (est.)
Personal
1920 $ 2042541.00
$ 2309395.00
$ 2309395.00
Real Estate
8044225.00
8638965.00
9438975.00
$10086766.00
$10948360.00
$11748370.00
Computation of tax rate using these figures.
$328418 $11748370
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY A. BODWELL, Chairman
GEORGE ABBOT
GEORGE L. AVERILL
JOHN H. CAMPION
E. V. FRENCH
C. W. HOLLAND
JOHN C. ANGUS, Secretary
Finance Committee
127
$28.00 -
TRUSTEES OF MEMORIAL HALL LIBRARY
E. KENDALL JENKINS
ALFRED E. STEARNS
FREDERIC S. BOUTWELL
CHARLES U. BELL
BURTON S. FLAGG NATHAN C. HAMBLIN
FREDERICK A. WILSON
President E. KENDALL JENKINS
Secretary and Treasurer
FREDERIC S. BOUTWELL
Librarian EDNA A. BROWN
Assistants
JULIA E. TWICHELL EDITH DONALD
AGATHA WADE
In Charge of Ballardvale Branch MARTHA D. BYINGTON Janitor ARCHIBALD MACLAREN
128
MEMORIAL HALL LIBRARY
FORTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The trustees of the Memorial Hall Library submit herewith their annual report to the town for the year 1921.
A statement of the work done by the library will be found in the report of the librarian which follows. We urge every citizen carefully to examine it. We desire especially to commend the service rendered by Miss Brown as librarian.
The trustees are glad to co-operate with the schools in the education of our children and young people, and to be the means not only of furnishing entertainment and interest to the older residents of the town but of reminding them that education is never finished and that there is always something more to be learned. They urge every citizen to take out and read more books.
1
The pressing problem in the library is the need of more room. Before long the present building must be enlarged or a new one built better fitted for modern library methods. The town must keep this in mind.
There may soon be need of a branch in Shawsheen village, although the present building is not difficult of access from there. A much larger sum could well be spent for books.
Finally we commend the library to the town as one of the most important departments of our public service. It is not an experiment. For fifty years it has been a blessing and an honor to the town.
Respectfully submitted,
E. KENDALL JENKINS, Chairman CHARLES U. BELL ALFRED E. STEARNS NATHAN C. HAMBLIN BURTON S. FLAGG
FREDERICK A. WILSON FREDERIC S. BOUTWELL
129
TRUSTEES OF MEMORIAL HALL LIBRARY In account with the Town of Andover, Mass.
RECEIPTS
Balance from last year
$2434.58
Town Appropriation
3000.00
Dog Tax
323.52
Income from Investments
3308.01
Fines
237.42
Gifts for Books and Periodicals
127.18
Cash paid for lost books
6.98
Sale of paper
9.00
Total
$9446.69
EXPENDITURES
Salaries
$4571.35
Lighting and Heating
698.19
Periodicals
247.65
Bookbinding
400.35
Books
1061.57
Insurance
46.87
Office Expenses
114.23
Sundry Items
263.73
Cash on hand
2042.75
Total
$9446.69
130
Classification of Income and Expenditures for the Year 1921
INCOME
Maint.
Book $827.64
Cornell $345.50
Total $3308.01
-
Income from Investments
$2134.87
Appropriation
3000.00
3000.00
Dog Tax
323.52
323.52
Fines
237.42
237.42
Cash for lost books
6.98
6.98
Gifts
7.18
120.00
127.18
Sale of paper
9.00
9.00
Total
$5711.99
$954.62
$345.50
$7012.11
EXPENDITURES
Salaries
$4463.01
$108.34
$4571.35
Lighting and Heating
543.03
155.16
698.19
Periodicals
247.65
247.65
Book-binding
400.35
400.35
Books
1061.57
1061.57
Insurance
46.87
46.87
Office Expenses
114.23
114.23
Sundry Items
237.95
25.78
263.73
Total
$6053.09
$1061.57
$289.28
$7403.94
Unexpended balances
56.22
Deficits
341.10
106.95
391.83
1
Condition of Funds and Unexpended Income, Jan. 1922
Funds
Income
Maintenance Fund
$46600.00
$ 358.37*
Book Funds
17400.00
957.05
Cornell Fund (Per.) |
5000.00
407.63
Cornell Fund (Pur.)
4257.14
730.35
Special Funds
306.09
Deficit in Inc. in Maintenance Fund
358.37
Total Funds
$73257.14
Total cash on hand
$2042.75
$2401.12
* Deficit.
131
INVESTMENTS
Bangor & Aroostook R. R. 4s
Boston Elevated Ry. Co. 4s
Boston Elevated Ry. Co., 412s
9962.50
Montreal Tramways Co., 5s Michigan State Tel. Co., 5s Boston & Albany Equip. Trust 412s
2981.10
Boston & Maine R. R. 4s
Pacific Tel. & Tel. Co., 5s
American Tel. & Tel. Co., stock 4 shares
Mortgage on Real Estate
Savings Banks Principal Cash
2000.00 1000.00 571.50 4000.00 15657.14 141.15
Total
$73257.14
We certify that we have examined and found correct the above statements as of January 16, 1922, whereby all securities held against the several funds have been examined and the income accruing from same accounted for.
All disbursements are supported by receipts in proper form and the cash has been verified and found correct.
BURTON S. FLAGG CHARLES U. BELL
January 31, 1922
Finance Committee
132
$11000.00 10000.00 1000.00
Chicago Railways Co., 5s
9962.50
4981.25
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
JANUARY 11, 1922.
To the Trustees of the Memorial Hall Library:
GENTLEMEN:
I herewith submit the report of the library for the twelve months ending December 31, 1921.
During 1920, which was a most successful year in the history of the library, and which in itself showed a big increase in use, the circulation of books was 44,398. During the twelve months just ended, the people of Andover have borrowed for home use the large number of 51,113 volumes, an increase over 1920 of 6715 books. Considering that the town population is but 8268, this use is extraordinary and forms a remarkable record. It shows what a vital part of the community life the Memorial Hall Library has become.
During the busiest months of the year, it has been necessary to have extra assistance, in order to leave the librarian free to answer questions and to attend to people who come for help in looking up topics. The satisfaction of the public with this arrangement is evident. They no longer feel obliged to preface a request with an apology for interrupting an obviously busy person. It is also a satisfaction to the librarian to be at liberty to leave the loan-desk, to be able to give full attention to ref- erence work, and not to be obliged to cram into each mo- ment more than could possibly be done. It is to this wise arrange- ment of the Trustees in affording the librarian more assistance that much of the increased use of the library can be attributed.
Though the present circulation of books is large, there may still be people who do not realize how free from red tape is the library administration nor how liberal its rules. Any child of ten may have a card-if we had a children's room with space for both children and books, a card would be given to any child
133
capable of writing his name. For children under fourteen, we ask for the signature of both parent and teacher. Having com- plied with this slight formality, the child is at liberty to take one book at a time and to exchange it at will. It is quite a custom in Andover for a child to celebrate his tenth birthday by obtaining a library card, and on several occasions, the neces- sary blank has been placed among the birthday gifts. All children over fourteen may borrow two books at a time, pro- vided that only one is a story. Grown people may take as many books as they wish, but only one may be a seven-day book. With the exception of these one-week books, any book may be renewed, even indefinitely, if it has not been asked for by others.
There has been little improvement in the cost of books. They are yet extremely expensive, and the library is trying the ex- periment of buying fiction and juveniles in reinforced bindings, thus increasing the durability of the books and prolonging the time of use before being rebound. Fortunately, it has proved easier this past year to obtain the books needed by different study clubs, and we have not experienced the trying delays and disappointments which were our fate during 1920. This has been a source of satisfaction to both the librarian and the club members. Every effort is made to obtain books wanted, which are not on our shelves, and we are indebted to the Boston Public Library and to the Haverhill Public Library for loans.
Among the gifts of 1921 are two which should receive especial mention; one from the estate of Mrs. Abbie M. Smart, who left to the library about fifty books, among them handsomely bound sets of Scott and Dickens. By the will of Charlotte Helen Abbott, the library received all her books. Among them was a valuable genealogical dictionary, and several genealogies, which are a distinct asset to our collection. It is pleasant to know that in her will, Miss Abbott defined this bequest as an appreciation of the unfailing courtesy and kindness shown her during many years by the Trustees and the library staff.
The library has also received a gift of $100 through the will of Ellen Cabot of Brookline. There are minor gifts of books and money from summer visitors who take this way of expressing thanks for the library privileges granted to them. It is not
134
1
uncommon for these visitors to express regret at leaving a town where they have found an unusual generosity extended by the local library. We also appreciate the thoughtful kindness of one gentleman who has twice taken the trouble to purchase in town on the day of its issue and bring to us, a book of especial interest and importance. Another constant user presents at intervals a sum of money to be spent in the purchase of interest- ing novels, and yet another always remembers the book fund with a five-dollar bill at Christmas.
The Smith and Dove Company are presenting to the reading- room a subscription to the "Textile World", which will be as much appreciated by the workers in that line as is the "India Rubber World," provided by the Tyer Rubber Company. Through the kindness of the Massachusetts Library Commission, the library has shared yet further in the distribution of books no longer needed in army camps, and we obtained a number of valuable works on automobiles, chemistry, business manuals of several types, and a set on foreign trade, all of which have inter- ested the young men of the town.
The use of the library by the schools has been extensive. Both the town and parochial schools appeal to it constantly for help and for books to be used in classrooms. We have loaned books to both Phillips and Abbot Academies. The usual set of lectures on the use of reference books was given to the sophomore class in the Punchard High School with uncommonly satisfac- tory results. It is always a revelation to these young people to find what a storehouse of knowledge the library is, and also a surprise to know the pleasure of using books intelligently.
The November ice-storm robbed us of our magnificent horse- chestnut which had been the pride and beauty of Andover Square for many years. It is a loss which can never be replaced. With the many laments over its going came one comment which affords food for thought. One person remarked that now the tree was gone, the library stood fully revealed, and she, for one, realized for the first time in what ridiculously small quarters so important a part of Andover's educational system was trying to serve the community. Small as it may seem outside, it is even smaller inside. Crowded shelves and narrow aisles cramp
135
its use. The children, who ought to have a room of their own, with the space and freedom and attention which are their due, are confined to one corner of the reading-room, where they often sit on the floor for lack of seats.
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