USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Andover > Town annual report of Andover 1921-1925 > Part 39
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This has not been a prosperous year for industrial communities like Andover. Not only has there been serious lack of employ- ment and consequent loss of wages, but a large number of our citizens have been deprived of substantial income from their investment in local industries, so that the depression has been felt by all. To increase the burden of taxation at this time is to seriously delay the return of industrial prosperity. There need be no parsimony; ample provision has been made in these recommendations to carry on all departments in proper fashion,
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but on the other hand everything possible should be done by the citizens of Andover to cooperate in the nation-wide effort to reduce the burden of taxation. Once more we urge a careful examination and study of the special articles in the warrant in order that the decisions made in regard to them may be wise and prudent.
Included in this report is a table showing the debt situation in Andover over a period of eight years. This tabulation shows the net funded debt, the valuation, the per centum of debt to valua- tion, and the relative place of Andover among other towns in the state of over five thousand population.
Almshouse
$7500.00
An increase of $500 over last year's recommen-
dation is suggested in order that certain needed
alterations and repairs can be made.
Relief out 6000.00
Aiding Mothers with Dependent Children
6000.00
Board of Health 5000.00
This is an increase of $1000 over last year's ap-
propriation and is necessary because of the in- creased cost of caring for Andover's patients at the Middleton Sanatorium.
Brush Fires
1000.00
Election
600.00
The substantial decrease in this item is due to
the fact that we have but one election in Ando- ver this year.
Essex County Hospital
2956.72
Fire Department
29000.00
This increase of $2400 in the Fire Department budget is in the item of wages. It was voted at the last annual meeting to employ a permanent chief, to add two men to the force and make the wage scale $35 per week per man.
G. A. R. 100.00
Hay Scales
125.00
Highways
59000.00
Amount carried forward
$117,282.72
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Amount brought forward
$117,282.72
It is recommended that the town spend $85000 on streets for the year. Of this sum it is under- stood that $45000 will be used for upkeep and snow removal and $40000 for new construction. This is the total sum expended last year. Of the $40000 recommended for new construction, it is recommended that $18000 be spent on Elm street and $8000 on Haverhill street in con- junction with the Massachusetts Dept. of Pub- lic Works as described in a special article in the warrant.
Interest
37500.00
Insurance
6500.00
Library
4500.00
Memorial Day
550.00
Parks
1800.00
A small increase is recommended in this item to cover the cost of moving the bleachers on the playstead.
Police
20000.00
This department was authorized one new of- ficer last year and an increase of wages. The increase of $1750 in this item is to cover the cost of these changes.
Printing
1600.00
Public Dump
150.00
Reserve Fund
3000.00
Retirement of Bonds
68500.00
Retirement of Veterans
300.00
Schools
130280.00
This item has increased $4665 and as in the case of the Fire and Police Departments, the increase is due to advancing wages.
Sewer Department
5000.00
Soldiers' Relief
2000.00
Sealer of Weights
450.00
Amount carried forward
$399,412.72
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Amount brought forward
$399412.72
It has been found necessary to purchase new equipment for this officer in the amount of ap- proximately $200.
Spring Grove Cemetery 6000.00
An additional sum of $800 over what was spent last year is recommended for the use of the Cemetery Trustees in order that another sec- tion of Spring Grove may be prepared for ceme- tery purposes.
State Aid 500.00 11000.00
Street Lighting
Municipal Buildings
5300.00
It is now imperative that certain repair work shall be done at the Town House. This repair work includes painting the upper hall and re- placing much of the piping about the building. An increase of $2300 over last year's item is recommended for this work.
Town Officers
13000.00
An increase of $840 is recommended over the sum appropriated last year. This sum is re- quired for extra work connected with renumber- ing streets and added valuation work.
Tree Warden
9000.00
Moth Work $5000.00
Tree Warden 4000.00
In the judgment of the Finance Committee, the appropriation for moth work can be re- duced at this time. The Town has been ex- ceedingly generous in its appropriation for this department and the moth peril is very greatly decreased. The sum of $5000 is the amount which the state directs Andover to expend. Water Department Maintenance Construction
$31000.00
12000.00
American Legion
1000.00
$488212.72
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The Finance Committee recommends the following action regarding the articles in the warrant: -
Article 4. To see if the Town will authorize the Board of Public
Works to extend the water main from the Pumping Station, Lowell Street, to Etalo Belmessiere's residence and appro- priate the sum of twenty thousand ($20,000) dollars therefor, on petition of W. I. Livingston and others.
(Not approved - This same article appeared in the warrant last year and was rejected by the voters at the annual meeting. The Finance Committee reaffirms the position taken last year and fully described in the last report.)
Article 5. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of $12,000. to make necessary changes in the Water System as recommended by the Fire Underwriters. Said changes to be made on Highland Road, Morton St., Summer St., Abbot St., Pine St., and a new 6-inch main on Pasho St., and the connecting up of several dead ends, on petition of the Board of Public Works.
(Approved -This article calls for the expenditure of $12,000 to be spent in the improvement of our water system. The Board of Public Works has made a complete survey of the water system and will recommend from year to year the necessary changes and extensions which appear advisable.) Article 6. To see if the Town will vote to build a main sewer on Pasho St. a distance of 772 ft. and also on Haverhill St. a distance of 750 ft. and appropriate the sum of $5,000 therefor, and assess betterments upon the estates benefited by said extensions. Said work to be done under the direction of the Board of Public Works, on petition of said board.
(Approved - These additions to the sewer system should be made at this time. The line on Pasho street will serve a new residence section in the center of the Town, and the recommendation to lay the Haverhill street addition is made in view of the intention to rebuild this street this year as suggested in Article 8.)
Article 7. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of $18,000 to rebuild Elm St. from the North Andover line to a point at or near Whittier St. Said work to be done only with the understanding that the State assumes the remainder of the
89
cost. Also to see if the Town will indemnify the Common- wealth of Massachusetts against any and all claims for land, grade and drainage damages which may be caused by or result from the laying out and construction of State Highway on Elm St. in Andover, and will authorize the Board of Select- men to sign an indemnity agreement therefor in behalf of the Town, or take any other action in respect thereto, on petition of the Board of Public Works.
(Approved.)
Article 8. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of $8,000 to rebuild Haverhill Street from a point near the Boston & Maine underpass to the North Andover line. Said work to be done only under the condition that the State and County each appropriate a like sum for said work, on petition of the Board of Public Works.
(Approved - The Finance Committee recommends the adoption of Articles 7 and 8. A cement road has been laid in North Andover to the Andover line on Elm street and the proposed construction as set forth in Article 7 would extend the cement road to the vicinity of Whittier street. The proposed construction on Haverhill street will make possible a good thoroughfare from Lowell through Shawsheen Village to the Salem Turnpike and Haverhill. The arrange- ments to do this work in conjunction with the State and County are altogether to the advantage of the Town of Andover.)
Article 9. - To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of $5000 together with the unexpended balance appropriated last year under Article 19, for the purpose of making im- provements on and in connection with the Playstead. Said improvements to be carried out in accordance with plans drawn by Philip W. Foster, landscape architect, on petition of the Board of Public Works.
(Last year the Finance Committee recommended that the Board of Public Works make a careful and comprehensive study of the Playstead. The Board has done this and as a result of this study recommends that the town begin at once the work of developing this property for larger recreation purposes.
90
This article places before the citizens the Playstead propo- sition. The Finance Committee does not pass on the advisa- bility of this development according to the plan cited in the article or according to any other plan. We do, however, recommend that whatever policy the town adopts shall be based on a full and complete understanding of the entire problem and its possibilities, and a description of this policy should include an estimate of prospective total costs and maintenance charges. If the Town decides to develop this plot for playground purposes according to this or some other plan a sum of not less than $15000 should be the initial expenditure for necessary drainage and grading.)
Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $4299.01, the same being the amount returned to the Town under the provisions of Chapter 480 of the Acts of 1924, "An act providing for the return to the Cities and Towns of certain surplus funds collected to provide suitable recognition of those residents of Massachusetts who served in the Army and Navy of the United States during the war with Germany," for the purpose of playground develop- ment, on petition of Ralph T. Berry and others.
(Approved - It is the understanding of the Finance Com- mittee that part of this sum will be used to purchase parcels of land adjoining the playstead.)
Article 11. To see if the town will appropriate the sum of $1500 for the purpose of maintaining the swimming area at Pomp's Pond, on petition of John F. O'Connell and others.
(Approved - A large number of people are availing them- selves of the facilities of this swimming area at Pomp's Pond and it is very desirable that the opportunity for this recrea- tion be continued.)
Article 12. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of: $500 to be used by the Trustees of the Memorial Hall Library in preparing plans for an addition to the present building, on petition of Trustees of Memorial Hall Library.
(Approved - The facilities at the Memorial Hall Library are today, and have been for some years, entirely inadequate. The Finance Committee recommends that the sum of $500 be appropriated for the use of the Library Trustees in order
91
that the situation in regard to the building may be examined and described.)
Article 13. To see if the Town will vote to purchase the plot of ground on Andover Street, Ballard Vale, used last summer as a playground, and owned by Mrs. H. D. Rockwell, of North Andover, the same to be made a permanent public playground, and appropriate a sum of money therefor, on petition of Roy M. Haynes and others.
(Approved - With the recommendation that $500 be ap- appropriated for this purpose.)
SUMMARY
Department expenditure recommended
$488212.00
Special expenditure recommended
49799.01
State and County Taxes (estimated)
50000.00
Total Receipts (estimated)
$588011.01
150000.00
Net
$438011.01
VALUATION
1924 $16,908000.00
1925 (est.) $17000000.00
Computation of tax rate for 1925, using these figures
$438011.01
=$25.76
$17000000.00
Tax rate 1924, $27.70.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY A. BODWELL, Chairman
GEORGE L. AVERILL IRVING SOUTHWORTH WILLIAM C. CROWLEY GEORGE H. WINSLOW CHESTER W. HOLLAND JOHN C. ANGUS, Secretary Finance Committee
92
DEPARTMENT APPROPRIATION AND EXPENDITURE FOR 1924 AND RECOMMENDATION FOR 1925
Department
Appro- priated 1924
Expended 1924
Recom- mended
In- crease
De- crease
Almshouse
$7000
$7045.83
$7500
$500
Relief Out
6000
5467.11
6000
Aiding Mothers
7000
5617.13
6000
1000
Board of Health
4000
3995.44
5000
1000
Brush Fires
1000
1274.35
1000
Elections
2200
1844.22
600
1600
Essex Hospital
2883
2882.06
2957
Fire Dept.
26600
26551.13
29000
2400
G. A. R.
100
100
100
Hay Scales
125
104.25
125
Highways
80000
85523.91
*59000
*21000
Interest
41600
39171.09
37500
4100
Insurance
6500
5160.45
6500
Library
4500
4251.00
4500
Memorial Day
550
550
550
Parks
1500
1477.34
1800
300
Police
18250
18643.61
20000
1750
Printing
1500
1436.50
1600
100
Public Dump
150
75.00
150
Reserve Fund
3000
3000
Retirement of Bonds
62500
62500.00
68500
6000
Retirement of Veteran
300
300.00
300
Sewer Dept.
6000
8889.48
5000
1000
Soldiers' Relief
2000
1303.53
2000
Sealer of Weights
250
250.00
450
200
Spring Grove
5200
7199.90
6000
800
State Aid
500
288.00
500
Street Lighting
11000
10787.13
11000
Town House
3000
2975.58
5300
2300
Town Officers
12160
12150.05
13000
840
Tree Warden
10000
MOTH 5992.81 TREE 3987.27
TREE 4000
Water Dept.
Maintenance
33500
33492.17
31000
2500
Construction
15000
17564.81
12000
3000
American Legion
1000
999.93
1000
Totals
$503383
$505330.81
$488212
$20855
$35200
Schools
126515
126459.81
130280
4665
MOTH 5000
1000
*26000 is recommended for Highways, under a special article.
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DEBT OF THE TOWN OF ANDOVER IN RELATION TO VALUATION 1917-1924 INCLUSIVE
Net Funded Debt
Valuation*
% of Debt to Valuation
Rank in Statet
1917
325284.99
7817260. 00
4.2
11
1918
291110.71
8017700.00
3.6
16
1919
258094.35
8487400.00
3.
24
1920
269803.51
10090066.00
2.6
29
1921
262124.72
10978620.00
2.4
31
1922
371584.99
11968320.00
3.1
36
1923
732316.00
14824470.00
4.9
x
1924.
707000.00
16809242.00
4.2
x
* Does not include property owned by the town.
ยก Among towns of 5000 inhabitants or over.
x Figure not available.
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TRUSTEES OF MEMORIAL HALL LIBRARY
E. KENDALL JENKINS FREDERIC S. BOUTWELL
ALFRED E. STEARNS
BURTON S. FLAGG
NATHAN C. HAMBLIN FREDERICK A. WILSON
PHILIP F. RIPLEY
President E. KENDALL JENKINS
Secretary and Treasurer FREDERIC S. BOUTWELL
Librarian EDNA A. BROWN
JULIA E. TWICHELL Assistants
EDITH DONALD
In Charge of Ballardvale Branch MARTHA D. BYINGTON
Janitor ARCHIBALD MACLAREN
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REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF MEMORIAL HALL LIBRARY
Usefulness is the measure of efficiency in any library. Circula- tion is the best test. An unusually high per cent - forty-four per cent - of Andover's membership are card holders in the Memo- rial Library, which is constantly changing its adjustments to meet the changing conditions of modern life.
It is supplementing the work of the public school system. The young people are using its facilities as never before and it is rapidly becoming one of the most important educational forces in Andover.
The one best available source for the young voter to get a clearer comprehension of his civic duties is here.
Books have been over-done, like all good things, - and under- done. Selection is vital. The tested results of our reading, as shown in our conduct, are greater usefulness to the community, more faithfulness in our tasks, more tolerance of differing views, a happier life and more agreeable people with whom to live. The proof of the reading is in the doing, whether we have read two or two thousand books.
When freedom of speech and freedom of thought, when liberty and democracy seem at times in jeopardy, we need the best books to feed our youth.
The Trustees ask for Andover youth the best that the town can give. The present facilities are cramped. Enlarging op- portunities cannot be assumed. The town is the sufferer. More Andover citizens are informally discussing the library facilities than ever before. The children are crowding in beyond accommo- dations and require more ample quarters.
Public opinion in the town is being aroused to the situation.
Shall the basement be arranged for enlarged accommodation?
96
Shall an addition be erected at the north?
Shall two wings be added to the main building?
Shall the third story be removed and the art gallery thereby be made more available for those who wish its use? Today the long and steep stair climb prevents its use to any considerable extent.
The Librarian well senses the situation and with clearness and vision outlines it in the appended report.
When Goethe, that prince of German Literature, was dying, his last words were, "Open the shutters and let in more light!"
Our past history is but a call for further light. We seek further light today. The citizens of Andover are awake to the situation. Steps must be at once taken to confer with the State Commission whose members have wide knowledge of library buildings. Careful study must be made of local conditions and future prospects.
More ample facilities are imperative. Enlargement is a pressing need.
What will the town do?
E. KENDALL JENKINS, Chairman REV. FREDERICK A. WILSON FREDERIC S. BOUTWELL NATHAN C. HAMBLIN PHILIP F. RIPLEY ALFRED E. STEARNS BURTON S. FLAGG
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TRUSTEES OF MEMORIAL HALL LIBRARY In Account with the Town of Andover, Mass.
-
RECEIPTS
Balance from last year
$2348.58
Town Appropriation
4500.00
Dog Tax
495.66
Income from Investments
3366.50
Fines
267.12
Gifts
645.81
Repaid for lost books
17.25
Total
$11640.92
EXPENDITURES
Salaries
$5261.32
Lighting and Heating
836.26
Periodicals
340.65
Book-binding
370.70
New fence and repairs on old one
261.57
Repairs on building
342.64
Repairs on furniture
93.02
Insurance
77.73
Books
759.91
Office Expenses
110.49
Supplies and sundry items
269.31
Investment - Book Fund
600.00
Cash on hand
2317.32
Total
$11640.92
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Classification of Income and Expenditures for the Year 1924
INCOME
Income from Investments
Maint. $2136.48
Books $874.52
Cornell $355.50
Total $3366.50
Appropriation
4500.00
4500.00
Dog Tax
495.66
495.66
Fines
267.12
267.12
Cash paid for lost books
17.25
17.25
Gifts for books
45.81
45.81
$7399.26
$937.58
$355.50
$8692.34
EXPENDITURES
Salaries
$5138.95
$122.37
$5261.32
Lighting and Heating
724.26
112.00
836.26
Periodicals
340.65
340.65
Bookbinding
370.70
370.70
Repairs on Library Property
697.23
697.23
Office Expenses
110.49
110.49
Insurance
77.73
77.73
Books
759.91
759.91
Supplies and sundry items
269.31
269.31
$7729.32
$759.91
$234.37
$8723.60
Unexpended balances
177.67
121.13
Deficits
$330.06
$31.26
Funds and Unexpended Income January 1925
Maintenance Fund
Funds $46600.00
$699.75
Book Funds
18000.00
1223.63
Cornell Fund (Permanent)
5000.00
408.50
Cornell Fund (Purchase)
4617.39
1030.35
Special Funds and cash
354.59
Total
$74217.39
$3017.07
Deficit in Maintenance Income
699.75
$2317.32
Income
SECURITIES
Bangor & Aroostook R.R., 4s
$11000.00
Boston Elevated Ry. Co., 4s
10000.00
Boston Elevated Ry. Co., 412s
1000.00
Chicago Railways Co., 5s
9962.50
Montreal Tramways Co., 5s
9962.50
Southern Cal. Edison Co, 5s and 512s
7939.85
Boston & Maine R.R., 4s
2000.00
Pacific Tel. & Tel. Co. 5s
1000.00
New Eng. Tel. & Tel. Co. 5s
989.00
Louisville Gas & Electric Co., 5s
915.00
Dayton Power & Light Co., 5s
940.00
Utah Power & Light Co., 6s
1030.00
Am. Tel. & Tel. Co., 4 shares
571.50
Savings Banks
16617.39
Principal Cash
289.65
$74217.39
FREDERIC S. BOUTWELL
Treasurer
February 2, 1925
This certifies that we have examined and found correct the securities above listed and the income accruing therefrom.
The expenditures in this department are now paid by the Town Treasurer and all bills are audited by the Town Auditors.
BURTON S. FLAGG PHILIP F. RIPLEY
Finance Committee
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REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
To the Trustees of the Memorial Hall Library:
GENTLEMEN :
I herewith submit the report of the library for the twelve months ending December 31, 1924.
During the year we have issued for home use 50,367 books, an increase of 3,178 over the number borrowed in 1923. This increase was almost wholly at the main library, that at Ballard- vale being only 59 volumes. These statistics of circulation are interesting, since they show the largest use of books, with the exception of one year, in the history of the library. During 1921, we circulated 51,113 volumes. That was a year of rather unusual conditions, due to post-war adjustments, and the use of the library during the twelve months just past has been more normal and represents a steady growth which is not likely to fall back to any great extent. More and more our library is taking its place as an educational institution, supplementing the schools and often providing older people with their only means of furthering an education which stopped prematurely. For this reason we welcome especially the boys and men who form a large and earnest proportion of our readers.
The registration during the year has been large, 503 new borrowers having been added to our list. The number of cards actually in use is 3,623, which is 44% of our population. This is considerably above the average record for a town, 30% being generally accepted as a satisfactory use of the library. Our list of borrowers is carefully revised at the close of each year, so that it is not padded but represents the number of people who actually use our library.
We have as usual to acknowledge valuable gifts from various townspeople. It is a great help to have an interesting biography
101
or a good story passed on to others. Not only does it give enjoy- ment to persons whom the giver never knew, but it sets free just that much money for the purchase of more books. And a library can no more succeed without new books than any business can be conducted without fresh stock.
At Ballardvale, a group of young girls composing the Sewana Club held a sale and gave to the branch library the amount realized, with the request that it be spent for girls' books. Thirty- three volumes were bought and have been much appreciated by the girls of the village.
This year we have purchased rather extensively and with apparent success from bargain booklists. In this way we have picked up a number of valuable books published at prices other- wise beyond our means.
The repairing of the iron fence and the erection of a new section on the portion of the wall toward Essex Street has given great satisfaction. It is probable that no improvement to the building or grounds has ever met with such universal and out- spoken approval.
One of the solid satisfactions of library work is that done with the schools. Each year it seems as though no more could be done, and each year more is done. The splendid use made of the library by the school children, and particularly by the Punchard pupils, gives genuine pleasure to the library staff. The customary lectures to the sophomores on the use of reference books, met this fall, with more than the usual whole-hearted enthusiasm. The boys especially, were so interested that it was difficult to induce them to go back to school at the end of a too-short hour. The librarian has been asked if these lectures may not be heard by people past school age. There is no objection whatever, if any such wish to breakfast early and come to the library at eight, which is the only hour available.
Scarcely a day passes during term time when messengers or notes do not appear for books wanted in some school-room. The parochial school and the two academies are included among those who turn to the Memorial Hall Library for books or help. This year, practically every book on the use and observance of Christ- mas was out of the library by the fifth of December. We could not fill the requests for Christmas plays.
102
There is an important point in which your librarian feels that the library fails to meet a legitimate demand, and that is in the work with the Normal School students. Andover girls who are day scholars in Salem and Lowell are unable, because of their home residence, to use the school library for their assigned read- ing. It is a matter of plain mortification to have a long list of books presented us and to be able to furnish but a few. To help these students as we should like, and as they have a right to expect, we must have, not only many more of the newer educa- tional and scientific books, but space for them to be shelved.
The celebration this fall of Good-Book Week for Children took the form of reading for the State certificates awarded by the Massachusetts Board of Education. They issued a selected list of books, covering grades from the fourth to the eighth. Any child reading five approved books and submitting in writing a brief review of the five, was awarded a certificate, signed by the librarian, the Commissioner of Education and the Director of the Public Library Commission. Interest in the contest ran high and teachers reported such enthusiasm, that the time for winning the certificates, originally planned for November, had to be extended through the year, simply because there were not enough books for the children who wanted to read them. To date, seventy-one certificates have been issued, but the children are so interested that they are to keep on and see whether they can secure two or more certificates.
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