USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1892 > Part 5
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Roberts Iron Works Co., boiler 955 00
Charles Jacobs & Co., 200 H. P. heater 266 00
Roberts Iron Works Co., uptake
and smoke box 125 00
Amounts carried forward $1,376 00
$8,193 43 1
100
Amounts brought forward . $1,376 00 $8,193 43
John Kelley, cut granite stones and labor on engine founda- tion 185 50 1
Fore River Engine Co., labor and materials for steam plant 38 97
Fore River Engine Co., for cash paid for steam pump, pipes and fittings . 274 63
C. T. Fernald, 6 dinners to Prov- idence engineer 2 00
Providence Steam Engine Co., Greene engine
1,721 74
S. C. Nightingale & Childs, plas- tering boiler and steam pip- ing .
102 35
G. G. Stillman, damper regulator 112 50 Charles A. Schieren & Co., belt- ing 119 65
Braintree Water Department cast iron pipe 21 41
Braintree Water Department cast iron pipe 6 30
William O'Connell engine and boiler foundations and brick work 897 00
J. B. Rhines & Co., bricks for pump foundation 3 00
Fore River Engine Co., pipes, valves, elbows, tees, nipples, cocks, flanges, gackets, oil cups, gauges, water reliefs. Labor on piping engine, boil- er, pump, exhaust heater, inspirator. Setting engine, pumps, dynamos, switch-
.
Amounts curried forward . · $4,861 05
$8,193 43
101
Amounts brought forward .
board, making coal truck, erecting smoke box and up- take, building coal bunkers and shutes, setting platform scales, setting and piping wat- er meter, trenching and laying blowoff and soil pipes, mak- ing and setting oil guards and drip pans, steam heating ap- paratus and putting in same. All water piping, etc., etc.
$4,861 05 $8,193 43
1,797 74
-
$6,658 79
ELECTRIC PLANT. Paid Safety Arc Lamp Hanger Co., 40 safety hangers $60 00
Thomson Houston Co., machine- ry and lamps, etc., as per contract, less goods returned 7,147 57 Heisler Electric Co., incandes- cent lamps and fixtures 384 75
Fore River Engine Co., work on Heisler sockets, deducted from Heisler Electric Co.'s account 3 00
Thomson Houston Co., hoods and pole irons 11 25
$7,606 57
LINE MATERIAL.
Paid Bryant & Co., 1 broom $ 60 .
Baker Hardware Co., paint, oil and brush . Thomson Houston Co., on ac- count, wire, cross arms, insu- lators, etc., 2,500 00
3 50
Amounts carried forward .
$2,504 10
$22,458 79
102
Amounts brought forward . $2,504 10 $22,458 79
Baker Hardware Co., paint, oil,
brushes, etc., 38 92
Baker Hardware Co., oil, paint, solder, etc., 8 87
Fore River Engine Co., iron work and jobbing 101 53
J. B. Rhines & Co., lumber 4 40
Baker Hardware Co., small hard-
ware 5 07
Fore River Engine Co., iron
work, cross arms, ladder, iron
brackets, bolts and nuts, job- bing, etc., 30 84
General Electric Co., wire, insu- lators, etc., 65 75
General Electric Co., lamp
weights, cleats and ties 41 11
Baker Hardware Co., small hard- ware 4 75
Baker Hardware Co., small hard- ware 4 76
Pettengill Andrews Co., wire.
pins, insulators, cleats, etc.,
455 04
Western Electric Co., pins and insulators 1 68
General Electric Co., wire, cross- arms, pins, etc. 254 42
Fore River Engine Co., iron work and jobbing 13 78
$3,535 02
WAGES AND USE OF TEAMS AND HORSES FOR LINE
CONSTRUCTION.
Paid J. J. Delano
$10 00
A. L. Hobart
10 00
A. L. Hobart
46 05
.
Amounts carried forward
$66 05
$25,993 81
103
Amounts brought forward
$66 05
$25,993 81
J. J. Delano
.
28 88
Thos. Missett
28 88
A. L. Hobart
27 67
A. L. Hobart
35 00
J. J. Delano
10 50
Mrs. Griffin, board of line fore- man .
2 00
Pay rolls of linemen in June as per receipts 62 00
Pay rolls of linemen week end- ing July 9th
87 75
Pay rolls of linemen week end- ing July 18th
91 25
Pay rolls of linemen week end- ing July 23rd .
95 50
Pay rolls of linemen week end- ing July 30th .
68 75
Dorick White, board of line fore- man 3 weeks 15 00
Edward Jones 10 00
Pay roll of linemen week ending Aug. 6.
91 50
Pay roll of linemen week ending Aug. 13
79 25
Pay roll of linemen week ending Aug. 20
69 00
Pay roll of linemen week ending Aug. 27 49 50
R. Sherburne, lineman, wages 10 00
Edward Billings, use of horse 2 months
38 00
B. G. Smith, wages for line work
19 00
H. Lund, 66 66 66
6 00
J. Hay, 66 66 66
4 00
J. Hay, 6: 66 .66
5 00
Amounts carried forward · $1,000 48
$25,993 81
-
-
104
Amounts brought forward $1,000 48 $25,993 81
B. G. Smith, wages for line work 17 50
B. G. Smith 66 66 66
66 30 00
J. F. Perry, extra work on lines and wiring station 50 00
H. A. Monk, cash paid for team and removing obstruction from pole 1 50
Bryant & Co., use of wagon 6 75
Pay rolls for September, 1892 104 00 -
$1,210 23
SETTING POLES.
Paid Charles H. Custance . $862 69
Charles H. Custance, setting extra
poles and changing poles 23 95
Charles H. Custance, setting extra poles
6 25
$892 89
POLES.
Paid C. H. Spring, 574 poles
$1,347 65
J. F. Sheppard, 137 poles (bill un- paid. See report) 283 00
$1,630 65
PAINTING POLES.
Paid J. F. Perry, painting poles .
$263 50
Dexter Bros., 5 barrels paint, 1 barrel oil ·
274 13
J. F. Perry, painting poles .
·
25 00
$562 63
TOOLS AND FURNITURE.
Paid Fore River Engine Co., reel car-
riage and oil can $7 33
Priest, Page & Co. Howe scales 76 67
Amounts carried forward
$84 00
$30,290 21
105
Amounts brought forward
$84 00 $30,290 21
Fore River Engine Co., torch, wrenches, tap, etc. 10 40
H. A. Hartley & Co., wire mat and matting 19 00
Jones, McDuffee & Stratton, brack- et lamps
5 36
Nelson H. Brown, clock for station
4 50
Salem & South Danvers Oil Co., 2 oil cabinets
9 50
C. H. McKenney & Co., station lamp fixtures
10 38
Brooks, Baldwin & Robbins, step ladder; files, oil cans, etc. 19 88
Frizell Ladder Co., 2 extension ladders
13 50
C. H. McKenney & Co., work on station lamp fixtures .50
Brooks, Baldwin & Robbins, vise, lantern, pails, etc. .
20 87
Frank E. Fitz Co., steel wheelbar- row
15 00
Steam tube cleaner
14 92
$227 81
FREIGHT EXPRESSAGE AND TEAMING.
Paid Old Colony railroad
$55 27
Old Colony railroad
64 80
Old Colony railroad
1 76
Old Colony railroad
20 80
Old Colony railroad
2 55
Cash paid by T. A. Watson for ex-
press on bundle of wire
50
Old Colony railroad on engine
18 00
Old Colony railroad
22 02
Amounts carried forward · $185 70
$30,518 02
106
Amounts brought forward $185 70 $30,518 02
Fore River Engine Co., cash paid for freight and teaming . 17 89
Old Colony railroad 9 78
A. W. Baker, express bill, May to September 6 00
A. W. Baker, express bill .
1 10
Old Colony railroad ·
60
Fore River Engine Co., cash paid for freight, express and teaming 42 93
$264 00
INSURANCE.
Employer's Liability Co. $50 00
Fire insurance, on material stored
8 50
Fire insurance, on material stored 5 63
1
$64 13
CAR FARES, POSTAGE, TELEGRAMS, STATIONERY.
Paid T. A. Watson, fares $3 60
T. A. Watson, telegrams 1 35
T. A. Watson, postage and sta- tionery 1 30
Fore River Engine Co., telephone mes- sages, cash paid 1 45
7 70
Total, including only ·bill not paid (J. F. Sheppard & Sons', for poles, $283)
$30,853 85
Stock on hand as per schedule
692 47
Cost of plant
$30,161 38
107
We the undersigned have examined the foregoing account of Thomas A. Watson, chairman of the Electric Lighting Plant Committee and find the same correct and properly vouched.
DANIEL POTTER, L. W. MORRISON, Auditors,
CHARLES G. SHEPPARD,
Feb. 8, 1893.
108
STOCK ON HAND.
To be credited to construction account.
9 arc lamps at $48 $432 00
16 incandescent lamps at $1 25 . 20 00
8 lamp sockets at $1 50 12 00
7 incandescent street fixtures at $2 25
15 75
õ arc lamp hoods and pole irons at $7 35 00
16 arc globes at 75c.
12 00
100 lbs. No. 6 line wire at 17c.
17 00
400 ft. galvanized § steel cable
6 00
200 ft. galvanized 1% hoisting cable
7 50
100 lbs. guy wire at 4c.
4 00
400 D. G. insulators, glass at 3c.
12 00
200 galvanized iron pole steps at 4c.
8 00
250 7in. by § lag screws at 3c. 7 50
70 7in. bolts at 6c.
4 20
5 lbs. rubber tape at 40c.
2 00
50 lbs. nails .
1 00
50 pole brackets at 1}c.
63
50 4-pin cross arms at 28c.
14 00
18 duplex pins at 4c.
72
6 short pine cross arms at 30c.
1 80
14 locust pins
17
50 porcelain circuit breakers at 1}c.
75
40 porcelain cleats at 12c.
70
1 arc lamp outrigger
12 00
100 cross arm braces at Sc. .
8 00
15 guard irons at 10c.
1 50
15 gallons of paint at 90c.
13 50
5 gallons linseed oil at 45c ...
2 25
18 poles at $2 25
40 50
Total
$692 47
109
REPORT OF THE MANAGER OF THE BRAINTREE ELECTRIC LIGHT DEPARTMENT.
The town's electric light plant was put into permanent op- eration Oct. 15, 1892, and since that day it has been run on all nights not well lighted by the moon from dark until 12.15 o'clock. 1
Full details of the construction will be found in the report of the building committee.
There are in use seventy-five 1200 candle power arc lamps . and, including the eight that light the station, eighty 25 c. p. incandescent lamps (equal to twenty-two arcs). Total number of lamps in arcs or equivalent, ninety-seven.
OPERATING EXPENSES
For three and one-half months from Oct. 15 to Feb. 1, 1893 :
Wages of engineer and fireman .
$539 14
Coal .
290 22
Oil and waste 57 89
Water (from town water supply)
23 80
Carbons
103 00
Alteration on furnace (should have been charged to construction)
15 35
Small supplies 2 57
Insurance on boiler ($100 for three
years) .
9 52
Insurance on station and apparatus ($156.09 per year)
44 60
Amount carried forward
$1,086 09
110
Amount brought forward
$1,086 09
Less for coal, oil, waste and carbons on hand Feb. 1 . 83 27
Total for running 97 arcs three and
one-half months . $1,002 82
Per arc light per year, at this rate 35 45
The above figures do not include interest or depreciation. Allowing five hundred dollars for depreciation and twelve hun- dred dollars (4 per cent. on $30,000) for interest will add to the above cost per light per year seventeen dollars and fifty-three cents ($17.53) making the total cost including everything fifty- two dollars and ninety-eight cents ($52.98).
The average price per year paid by twenty-five other cities and towns in Massachusetts for the same size arc lamps run on the same time schedule as given in the last report of the Gas Commissioners is seventy-eight dollars and fifty-six cents, ($78.56).
This is a difference in favor of our town of twenty-five dollars and fifty-eight ($25.58) per light per year which multi- plied by the total number of lights (97) gives a total yearly saving of $2,481.26.
Without allowing anything for the average saving per light that must result from increase in the size of the plant for addi- tional street lights and for house lighting, this saving alone would pay for the cost of the plant in less than twelve years.
The three and one-half months that this statement covers comprises the longest nights in the year and consequently the cost of coal and carbons has been much greater than it will aver- age during the rest of the year.
The regulators of the dynamos show that four or five more are lights or their equivalent in incandescents can be added to those at present in use without over loading. The additional cost of operating these lights will be scarcely perceptible and had they been in operation during the period covered by this report the present cost per arc light per year would be reduced about one dollar and twenty-five cents.
111
The lamps and all materials except part of the line wire needed to connect them into service are on hand in the sur- plus left from the construction account and an appropriation of $125 for the wire and for labor will be sufficient to increase our plant to this extent, if the new locations are not more than four hundred or five hundred feet away from the present wires.
When all the lamps at present in use are burning, indicator cards taken from the engine show that it is developing sixty-five horse power. As the engine can easily develop one hundred horse power and the boiler one hundred and twenty-five, there is a sur- plus steam power in the present plant amply sufficient to run fifty more arc lamps or their equivalent in incandescents.
A schedule of the operating materials on hand and another of the tools used in connection with the plant are annexed.
THOMAS A. WATSON, Manager.
MATERIAL ON HAND.
To be credited to operating account.
2,000 12 inch carbons
$19 00
3,000 7 inch carbons
16 50
50 lbs. waste
6 00
Oil (estimated)
34 17
2 tons of coal
7 60
$83 27
112
SCHEDULE OF SMALL TOOLS BELONGING TO ELECTRIC LIGHT DEPARTMENT.
18 foot extension ladder, 30 foot extension ladder, 10 foot step ladder, 4 monkey wrenches, 10 fork wrenches, 1 Stillson wrench, 6 files, 1 hand axe, 2 saws, 1 hammer, 2 bit stocks, 5 bits, 1 chisel, 100 feet of rope, 4 paint brushes, 2 oil cabinets, 1 oil filter, 9 fire pails, 50 feet fire hose, 2 brass oil lamps, 1 oil lantern, 2 3-gallon oil cans, 6 brass oilers, 1 coal truck, 1 steel ash barrow, 6 fire tools, 2 shovels, 1 vise and bench, 1 dust pan, 2 brushes, 2 mops, 2 pails, 1 pair of climbers, 30 feet of matting, 1 wire mat, 1 gaso- line torch, 1 reel carriage, 1 wagon platform, fixtures for 8 incan- descent station lamps, 1 wrench, 1 testing magneto and cords.
TOWN OF BRAINTREE.
WATER DEPARTMENT.
REPORT
FROM
JAN. 1, 1892, TO DEC. 31, 1892.
ORGANIZATION.
Board of Water Commissioners.
JAMES T. STEVENS, T. H. DEARING, JOHN V. SCOLLARD.
Superintendent.
WILLIAM E. MAYBURY.
Engineer. JOHN W. MULCAHY.
Collector. JOHN V. SCOLLARD,
115
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS.
The Board of Water Commissioners respectfully presents to the citizens of Braintree its sixth annual report which cannot but prove interesting as being the report of the first full year, that the water system has been operated by the town. We believe that the exhibit of the year as shown by the increase in takers, and the general satisfaction among the consumers, as to rates and the quality of water furnished, is ample justification for the action of the town in owning and controlling the system of supply.
SALE OF BONDS.
As ordered by vote of the town during 1891, the board held twenty bonds of the denomination of $1000 each, for the purpose of paying the damages to the mill owners on the Monatiquot River, when these cases would be definitely settled by the courts. As it was considered that during May last, the condition of the money market was favorable to the disposal of these bonds a sale was affected to the Third National Bank of Boston at a premium of four per cent. As these bonds were issued under an act of the Legislature of 1891, in which it was stipulated for what purposes the proceeds of their sale should be expended, it was .thought necessary to have an enabling act passed by the Legislature, so that the proceeds of the sale of twenty bonds could be applied to the payment of liabilities incurred under the act of 1885.
Legislation to this effect was secured from the General Court of 1892. The amount received for the bonds was placed on de- posit in the State National Bank of Boston, and ou Nov. 21st the
116
mill cases being finally determined by the courts, a payment of $20,000 was made to E. C. Bumpus, Esq., counsel for the mill owners, in full settlement of our share of the judgment against the three towns. Randolph and Holbrook paid each a like amount at the same time.
EXTRAVAGANCE IN THE USE OF WATER.
During the past summer it has been found necessary to give serious attention to the reckless use of water through garden hose. This is an evil which we think the people, having a thor- ough understanding of its effect, will co-operate with this Board in remedying. A waste is never a benefit ; and when we under- stand that more than a certain amount of water is a positive injury to a lawn or a garden, and that this profuse flow of water is a means of running up the expenses of our pumping station for fuel and labor, it will be seen that in this case it is a two-fold injury. This enormous waste also exhausts the gal- lery supply and leaves us liable to serious consequences in case of fire.
On July 28 there were pumped from the gallery 958,203 gal- lons. We feel safe in saying that for a system of the size, this record of consumption, unless in case of fire or leakage is entirely without precedent. Immediately the Board issued restriction notices which had the wholesome effect of materially lowering our pumping record. We should mention in this connection that the out put of the gallery has far exceeded all estimates as to its capacity. During the time that this great amount was being con- sumed, we were obliged to run the pump night and day to keep up the supply, thereby entailing needless expense.
While we have no doubt of the present gallery being ade- quate, under proper regulations, to meet the supply for some years to come, we propose during the coming summer to lay a pipe from the gallery directly into Little Pond. Our idea in doing this would be to provide against any possible emergency, such as a fire taking place while the gallery is low. This con- nection can be made for a small amount of money, and of course the gate would not be opened except in case of fire.
-
117
In justice to the taxpayers and prudent consumers, we feel that during the coming summer there should be a strict enforce- ment of the rules, so that wasteful takers may learn a lesson in the economy of water.
PURITY OF OUR SOURCE OF SUPPLY.
The water we supply has an excellent reputation for purity and wholesomeness and we hope that no pains will be spared to maintain this highly satisfactory condition.
Knowing that certain nuisances existed on the borders of Little. Pond, the Board made a personal inspection of all the premises in question. We found a great many things offensive to an ordinarily sensitive taste. We requested the abutters to remedy these evils, and in simple justice to them we must say that without exception they acceded to our request although it entailed considerable expense upon them. Of course the law would uphold us in our demands upon them, but their good feel- ing and ready acquiescence in the matter rendered any arbi- trary proceeding unnecessary.
In order to obtain control of the shores of Little Pond and ensure cleanliness upon them, we desire the assistance of the town in developing a plan, which this Board has been considering for some time.
We believe that a strip of land of a width of sixty or seventy. feet around the entire edge of the pond should be secured either by purchase or by filling in, so that this Board could have com- plete control of the access to the pond. We believe that this could be done at a very reasonable cost, and we ask the citizens to vote in favor of an article placed in the annual warrant asking for money and authority to employ an engineer, so that the pro- ject may be presented to the town in the most feasible method.
The most serious menace to the purity of our water is the burial place located upon the borders of the pond, known as Lakeview Cemetery. We are positive that the closing of this as a place of future interment is an absolute necessity, and that no argument is needed to convince anybody familiar with the locality that decisive action is necessary.
.
118
We ask the town to vote to instruct the Board of Health to take immediate action, so that no more bodies will be buried in this cemetery.
EXTENSION OF MAINS.
As we had extended the system eight miles during 1891, we supposed at the beginning of the present year that no extensions would be called for during this season, consequently we asked for no appropriation for this purpose. However, as the season progressed we became of the opinion that it was necessary to extend to a few streets where we were assured the revenue would be self-sustaining. We therefore asked the town at a special meeting in October, to appropriate $2,000 for the pur- pose; an account of the expenditure of which will be found in the financial report.
We think that it would be wise for the town to place the sum of $3,000 at the disposal of this Board for the purpose of extension. Of course, this sum may not be needed, but it must be apparent that in a growing town like ours we are liable to be called upon to supply houses built upon streets newly laid out. In these cases some funds should be at the disposal of the Com missioners, so that special town meetings would not be necessary for the purpose.
SUPERINTENDENCY.
Mr. M. C. French, who has been connected with us in the ' capacity of superintendent of the plant, tendered his resignation to this board during the past year; since Dec. 1, we have been conducting the works without a superintendent.
It may be proper to say here that after the close of the year, as we issue this report, we have selected Mr. William E. Maybury to fill the position. Mr. Maybury's recommendations were of the highest order, and we feel confident of the wisdom of his selection. It should be said that Mr. French, the retiring superintendent was a painstaking, conscientious and efficient official, and we regretted his departure.
-
119
REPAIRS ON PIPE LINE.
We have had during the past year seven joint leaks on mains which were repaired at a cost of $15.03.
HYDRANTS.
During the coming year a large number of hydrants, set by the Water Co., on the original construction, should be thoroughly overhauled and repaired. As Mr. Maybury, our new superinten- dent, is a first class machinist, this can be done without great cost. We would recommend the economy of using a better grade of hydrants in the future.
DRINKING FOUNTAINS.
The town, at a special town meeting, instructed this Board to investigate the cost of placing three drinking fountains, one in each village. We find that the cost of a suitable fountain, in- cluding setting, would be $250.
If the town wishes to erect these fountains it should appro- priate the sum of $750.
SALE OF PIPE AND BOILER.
The boiler at Great Pond pumping station was sold during the year, to Stewart & Co., of Worcester, Mass. The 10 and 12-inch pipe, and the large special castings, were also sold to the city of Boston. There was necessarily a large shrinkage in the value of these articles, but every means was taken to dispose of this stock advantageously, and we believe that the terms were as favorable as possible under the circumstances.
The brick station and chimney still remains at Great Pond, and should be sold when a favorable opportunity presents itself.
IMPROVED FACILITIES FOR BUSINESS.
It must be evident to any person having business with the board, that in the present quarters, it is impossible to transact business in the systematic manner which should characterize the public affairs of a progressive town.
1
120
We are of the opinion that the Selectmen's room, in which we transact business is not fitted up in a manner to properly conduct the business of this department. .
We would suggest that a separate office be fitted up for our use, or that the Selectmen's room, which is amply large be railed off so that a spectator having no business with the Board, would be prevented from having access to the town safe. This would also be the means of allowing people having business with the Board to obtain a hearing with more deliberation than is now possible.
STABLE.
The Board fitted up one of the sheds in rear of the Town Hall for a stable at a cost of $77.52, thereby saving rent and inconvenience.
SINKING FUND.
The condition of this fund can be seen by reference to the report of the treasurer.
Although the money invested in savings banks is absolutely secure, and draws 4 per cent interest annually, we have been of the opinion that an investment in first-class mortgages, or municipal or railroad bonds would be more satisfactory for various reasons.
The trustees are awaiting a favorable opportunity to make such an investment. During the past year the savings bank books which have always been in possession of the different treasurers of the fund, were examined by the trustees, and it was found that technically the deposits have never been made in strict conformity with the statutes creating the funds. In order that there should be a uniformity in the manner of deposits, and that no misunderstanding would exist, we instructed the treasu- rer to deposit all money belonging to the Sinking Fund in the name of the Board of Trustees of Water Loan Sinking Fund, Town of Braintree. We also instructed the treasurer to have all bonds, the property of the funds registered in the name of the Board of Trustees.
Appended will be found detailed and itemized reports of
1
121
the department, under its different heads, all of which is very respectfully submitted.
JAMES T. STEVENS, T. H. DEARING, JOHN V. SCOLLARD, Board of Water Commissioners.
FINANCIAL REPORT.
SERVICE CONSTRUCTION.
Paid labor as per pay roll
$754 52
Gilchrist & Taylor, material
63 66
Chadwick lead works, material
125 51
Sumner & Goodwin, material
327 89
F. A. Bates, labor and stock 81 96
G. H. Arnold, stock
10 46
Woodsum's Express Co., express-
ing
29 65
Chapman Valve Co., stock
·
55 36
O. C. R. R. Co., freight
24 64
George Woodman Co., material
394 94
William Allen, blasting
21 34
Walworth Manufacturing Co.,
stock
12 30
Waldo Bros. supplies,
1 00
M. Q. Tupper & Co., sundries .
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