USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Middleton > Town annual report of Middleton, MA. 1930 > Part 3
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20 shares preferred $1,996 50
Boston & Albany Railroad Company,
10 shares capital 1,727 50
Consolidated Gas Co. of New York,
10 shares $5 cumulative preferred (no par value) 1,015 45
General Electric Company, 100 shares Special ($10 par value) 1,108 80
United States Steel Corporation,
15 shares 7% cumulative preferred 1,908 75
$7,757 00
74
TRUST FUNDS ACCOUNT
BONDS
Dallas Power & Light Company,
$1,000 par, 1st mtge., G. B. Ser. C 5's, due July 1, 1952 $ 997 50
Duquesne Light Company, $2,000 par 1st mtge. G. B. Ser. A 43s, due April 1, 1967 2,012 80
Hudson & Manhattan Railroad Company, $2,000 par 1st Lien & Rfdg. mtge., Ser. A, 5s, due February 1, 1957 2,039 50
Illinois Central Railroad Co. & Chicago, St. Louis & New Orleans Railroad Company, $1,000 par joint, 1st and Rfdg. mtge., Ser. A 5s, due Decem- ber 1, 1963 1,017 25
Milwaukee Gas Light Company, $2,000 par 1st mtge., G. B. 42s, due March 1,1967 2,015 28
Montreal, City of (Canada) $2,000 par S. F. G. B. 5s, 33 years due May 1, 1954 2,025 05
Province of Ontario, $1,000 par 42s, Debenture Bond due Nov. 1, 1950 1,021 70
$1,000 par 42s, Debenture Bonds due September 1, 1944 1,017 35
Standard Oil Company of New York, $2,000 par 25-yr. Debenture 42s, due December 15, 1951 1,959 00
Western Electric Company, Inc., $1,000 par 20-yr. Coupon G. B. 5s, due April 1, 1944 1,015 85
$15,121 28
75
LIST OF JURORS
MISCELLANEOUS
Oliver Ames, $1,000 par 53% mtge.
Participation Note dated June 15, 1923, due June 15, 1932, extended to June 15, 1982, at 5%, Series No. 29 $1,000 00 Boston Five Cents Savings Bank, 1 Bank Book No. 897558-deposit 2,160 00 Interest in estate of Henry K. Mansfield Indeterminate
$3,160 00
Principal cash balance
3,009 22
$29,047 50
List of Jurors
The following is a list of Jurors prepared by the Select- men in accordance with Chapter 234 of the General Laws:
Allen, Harry A., Manager
Atwood, Justin A., Undertaker
Barnaby, George E., Laborer
Crossman, Leon H., Manager Currier, Charles O., Retired Giles, Wayne A., Salesman Groce, George H., Carpenter Hutchinson, Charles W., Shoeworker Matheson, James W., Painter McGlauflin, Burton, Superintendent Peabody, Arthur M., Superintendent Read, George E., Carpenter Steele, Walter M., Carpenter Tyler, Harley M., Janitor Young, Henry A., Custodian
South Main Street Maple Street Liberty Street No. Main Street South Main Street South Main Street Essex Street North Main Street Maple Street Maple Street South Main Street North Main Street Lake View Ave. North Main Street Mt. Vernon Street
76
PUBLIC LIBRARY ACCOUNT
Flint Public Library
Trustees' Report
Charles L. Flint fund, principal
$5,000 00
Accumulated interest 242 36
$5,242 36
Deposited in banks as follows :
Danvers Savings Bank $ 388 56
Andover Savings Bank 1,000 00
Essex Savings Bank, Lawrence
1,866 96
Broadway Savings Bank, Lawrence 1,116 30
Salem Five Cents Savings Bank
870 54
$5,242 36
Cash on hand, January 1, 1930
$160 34
Received from Naumkeag Trust Co.
407 26
Essex Savings Bank 50 00
Broadway Savings Bank 93 30
H. H. Bradstreet 526 55
$1,237 45
Bills paid to January 1, 1931 :
Edith L. Fletcher, librarian $320 80
Edith L. Fletcher, postage, express, etc. 13 63
W. R. Godfrey, services 81 50
W. R. Godfrey, supplies
1 10
Electricity 23 80
Topsfield Historical Society 1 33
DeWolfe & Fiske Co., books 291 01
Gaylord Brothers, cards, etc. 3 65
Herman Goldberger, magazines 74 25
H. R. Huntting Co. supplies 5 88
77
PUBLIC LIBRARY ACCOUNT
Insurance, G. P. Pope
7 50
Quincy Mutual Fire Insurance
28 18
Holyoke Insurance Co.
41 66
Insurance, C. R. Tapley
22 46
Walter M. Steele, labor
75
Danvers Water Board
13 00
A. A. Pembroke, flowers
2 50
R. W. Ropes, fertilizer
6 40
Willard Battery Exchange
1 50
F. J. Barnard & Co., book binders 18 72
F. W. Wendell & Son, coal
165 50
C. W. Hutchinson, labor
30 00
Total bills paid
$1,155 12
Cash on hand per check book
82 33
$1,237 45
Note-Cash on hand per bank statement
$86 85
Uncancelled check No. 15
4 52
Balance per check book
$82 33
MAURICE E. TYLER, Treasurer.
Librarian's Report
During 1930, Flint Public Library has been open to the public, every Tuesday evening, also Saturday afternoon and evening, except on the evening of July 26, when the Tercen- tenary was celebrated by the townspeople, and the holidays February 22, April 9, and November 11.
This past year the total circulation of books was 9,173, which exceeded that of 1929 by 509. The number of non-fic- tion books loaned was 875, as compared to 855 in 1929,
78
PUBLIC LIBRARY ACCOUNT
On the reading table the past year have been the follow- ing magazines : (* show a gift to the library) American, American Girl, Atlantic, Boys' Life, Century-Forum, Child Life, Good Housekeeping, Harper's, House and Garden, Popu- lar Science, St. Nicholas, Scribner's, World's Work, American Boy, Woman's Home Companion, *National Republic, *Amer- ican Legion, *Columbia, *Our Dumb Animals *Christian Science Journal, *Essex Farmer and Housekeeper, *Specialty Salesman, * In One Magazine, Life, Outook, *Christian Science Sentinel, and *New England Poultryman.
At the Grammar School graduation in June, the library was much pleased to award book certificates to ten pupils of Grade 7, and to eleven pupils of Grade 8. Those in Grade 7, receiving certificates were, Ernetta Foss and Mary Sullivan for ten books each; and the following for five books each : Marjorie Robinson, Frances Whittredge, Dorothy Somers, Leon- ard Campbell, James Lord, Sidney Rollins, Hannah Martin and Anne Byko. Those of Grade 8, having read five books each were Ruby Daigle, Leo Fournier, James Ogden, Luella Fuller, Charles Woods, Anita Wiseman, Allan Wennerberg, Bruno Thibeault, Philip Webber, Helen Caverly and Alice Nichols. The books read by these pupils were from the ap- proved State Reading List, issued by the Division of Libraries of the State Board of Education.
During the last part of the year, a picture exhibit, "From Maine to Virginia," was at the library for nearly a month. These fine pictures were loaned by the Woman's Educaional Association of Boston.
This past year a bequest of $2,500 has been left to the library, the interest of which is specified to be used for the purchase of books, and to be known as the "Mary Emerson Fund."
79
PUBLIC LIBRARY ACCOUNT
Further items concerning the library will be found in the statistics following.
The librarian wishes to thank the trustees for their loyal support and interest in the general management of the library during the past year.
Annual Statistics
Volumes in library, January 1, 1930
9,586
Volumes added by purchase
79
Volumes added by gift
18
Total number of volumes added
92
Volumes in library, January 1, 1931
9,683
Total circulation of books, year ending Jan. 1, 1931
9,173
Magazines loaned during the year
405
Circulation of non-fiction books during 1930
875
Largest monthly circulation, March and August 935
Smallest monthly circulation, October
614
Average monthly circulation
764
New borrowers registered
70
Number of books rebound
74
Number at reading table during year
1,589
Largest number at reading table, March 187
Smallest number at reading table, July
87
Average number at reading table, per month
132
Collected on books kept overtime or damaged
$39.11
Respectfully submitted,
EDITH L. FLECTHER,
Librarian.
80
TAX COLLECTOR'S REPORT
Tax Collector's Account
1928
Balance uncollected January 1, 1930
$45 10
Collected, personal, real estate and moth $43 10
Poll taxes 2 00
$45 10
Abatement, personal and real estate
Interest received and paid to Town Treasurer
1929
Balance uncollected January 1, 1930
$18,313 46
Collected, personal, real estate and moth $18,088 75
Poll tax collected 12 00
Abatement, personal, real estate and poll
14 05
Uncollected real estate and personal 166 66
Uncollected poll tax 32 00
$18,313 46
Interest received and paid to Town Treasurer
766 99
Receipts 1929 tax sales 84 96
1930
Tax levy
$53,750 03
Collected, personal and real estate
$26,024 52
Abatements, personal and real estate
165 79
Collected polls 656 00
Uncollected polls
78 00
Uncollected, personal and real estate
26,777 02
Collected moth
25 35
Uncollected moth
23 35
$53,750 03
Interest received and paid to Town Treasurer 30 14
81
TAX COLLECTOR'S REPORT
1929 Motor Vehicle Excise Tax
Balance uncollected January 1, 1930
$1,521 75
Collected
$1,107 76
Abatements
72 85
Uncollected
341 14
Interest
$1,521 75 32 24
1930 Motor Vehicle Excise Tax
Tax levy
$3,294 33
Collected
$1,899 48
Abatements
135 02
Uncollected
1,259 83
$3,294 33
Interest received and paid to Town Treasurer 2 15
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY A. YOUNG,
Tax Collector.
82
ELECTRIC LIGHT COMMISSION REPORT
Electric Light Commissioners' Report
It is with pleasure that your Electric Light Commission herewith submit the report of the Middleton Electric Light Department for the year ending December 31, 1930.
In rendering this report, our aim has been to supply in as concise form as possible, information of public interest per- taining to the activities of this Department. We have tried, first and foremost, to effect a clear understanding for the en- lightenment of our citizens.
The results shown from plant operations are quite satis- factory. During the year we have increased the number of customers eighteen percent and have built approximately five miles of line construction to supply new customers.
The following set up as taken from the Manager's report may be of interest :
Plant valuation December 31, 1930 $29,696.19
Increase in plant valuation, 1930 15,183.00
Number of customers December 31, 1930 360
Increase in customers, 1930 56
Total No. 6 wire in service, miles approximately 66.5
Total No. 00 wire in service, miles approximately 6.5
Reduction of line losses and leakage 7%
Amount saved by reduction of line losses $781.59
Number of poles in service 764
Middleton labor used $2,340.00
All of the new contsruction work except the three phase line on and along Boston Street has been paid for from Depart- ment fund. The three phase line connecting the sub-station to the Boston Street power line was built under the super- vision of this Department and at a saving of $1,051.00. Local help was used as much as possible.
83
ELECTRIC LIGHT COMMISSION REPORT
Owing to this new construction, the rebuilding of the present distribution lines was temporarily suspended, but was actively renewed during the remainder of the year. This re- quired an expenditure of a considerable amount of money which was available from this Department's fund.
Continuity of service is dependent on line and pole main- tenance. It should be realized that it is impossible for an electric lighting company to gurantee a non-interrupted ser- vice. All electrical equipment exposed to the elements is subject to breakdowns which are beyond the control of any company. A distribution system properly maintained will reduce power interruption to a minimum and make possible a most effective and efficient service.
During the year primary lines have been extended to over- come line losses and voltage drops. Twenty-two additional transformers have been placed in service to supplement trans- former capacity or replace those found to be overloaded. Line leakage has been much reduced by the trimming of trees.
In accordance with the contract with the Eastern Massa- chusetts Electric Company for electric light and power services the new source of power supply was availabe for use on Sep- tember 21, 1930 and the contract is effective from that date.
On April 3, 1930 a second agreement was made with the Eastern Massachusetts Electric Company which supplements the original agreement and which made possible a power rate to the Boston Blacking Company.
Under the terms of this agreement the Eastern Massachu- setts Electric Company agreed to build a power line from South Main Street to South Middleton to supply the Boston Blacking Company. It was agreed that this power line was to be built according to plans and specifications provided by this Department, and the cost of construction was not to ex- ceed the stipulated sum. The total cost of this power line
84
ELECTRIC LIGHT COMMISSION REPORT
was arranged to be paid from the earnings of the Boston Blacking Company.
A contract was made with the Boston Blacking Company for electric light and power service. This contract became effective September 21, 1930. The duration of this contract was for a period of ten years.
An agreement was made with approximately twenty-five petitioners located on River Street and the Griswold Develop- ment for electrical service. This agreement was for a period of five years. According to this agreement the signers are to a pay guarantee irrespective of the earnings.
House lighting lines were extended along Peabody Street, Debush Avenue, North Main Street,'Haswell Park and Forrest Street to supply new customers.
Several joint agreements were made during the year with the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company. These agreements were made for new and existing pole lines which reduces by one-half the cost of maintenance.
Wiring requirements and inspection should be of much interest to the citizens of Middleton.
It is suggested by this department that a competent wir- ing inspector be appointed, who will rigidly enforce the re- quirements of the National Electrical Code for the protection of life and property as well as prevent the unlawful use of the department's service.
We are confident that our citizens fully appreciate that their continued good will and loyal support of this, their en- terprise, will insure good service and lower rates in the future.
We are grateful for the loyal support of the citizens upon which the success of a municipal public utility is so depend- ent, the good will of the customers served, and the co-operation of all at interest, each to the other, the need of this becomes
85
ELECTRIC LIGHT COMMISSION REPORT
more necessary as the department expands and grows and the problems become more complex.
In conclusion may we suggest a more universal use of electricity,-whether your problems are HEAT, COLD, LIGHT or POWER. Why not "DO IT ELECTRICALLY?"
Respectfully submitted,
ARCHIBALD L. JONES RICHARD B. FLOYD OTTO CURRIER
Board of Electric Lighting Comissioners.
Highway Department Report
The following are the amounts spent in the various kinds of work on our streets :
Dragging
$359 87
Scraping
775 80
Graveling
8,212 18
Drainage
314 45
Brush
117 63
Patching (gravel)
445 25
Patching (bitumnous)
635 87
Surface Treatment (oil)
586 83
Surface treatment (tar)
2,302 12
Total
$8,750 00
This also includes the special appropriation of $2,000 for gravel on five streets.
East street has been completed to Maple. Due to unfore- seen difficulties we ran over our appropriation and had to ask
86
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT REPORT
the town for $500 more. With State and County aid making the total cost to complete $13,500.
A new fence has been built on Central Street and other fences repaired. There are a number of bad and dangerous places on our highways that should have new fencing in the near future.
A new tar sidewalk has been built in front of the Library making a fine improvement in the center of the town.
The Ipswich river bridge on Peabody Street has been re- planked and put in good shape for sometime to come.
The usual snow removal work has been done consisting of plowing our streets and sanding same of the icy places. This department needs another truck plow to take care of our back streets. The tractor plow is too slow to take care of the needs of our present day traffic but would make an excellent piece of reserve equipment for a heavy storm.
The Town truck has worked every day there has been any work by the Highway department.
The truck has worked approximately 246 days with a maintainance cost for this year of $221.40 for gasoline ; $66.80 for oil and $186.26 for repairs, a total of $474.46. If this truck had been hired, exclusive of driver, it would have cost, at the rate of $6.00 per day, $1,476.00. The truck has saved the town about $1,000 this year and as much if not more in 1929.
The truck is two years old and more or less worn. It would seem good business to trade for a new one in 1931.
Again I would express thanks to the townspeople and to the Massachusetts Department of Public Works for the fine co-operation they have given me this past year.
Respectfully submitted,
J. RAY OSBORNE,
Highway Surveyor.
87
POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT
Police Department Report
Report of Chief
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen : The Chief of Police submits herewith to your Board a report for the year ending December 31, 1930, to- gether with recommendations as to the more important re- quirements of the department for the ensuing year.
During the past year the only equipment purchased was two raincoats and three traffic harnesses.
The department is in great need of new uniforms. There are times during the year when six uniformed men are needed at one time.
I would also request that serious consideration be given to the purchase of a motor vehicle. As it is now, we pay each year in car hire enough to purchase one.
There are now 300 summer camps, making the summer population approximately 3,000 people. This with the in- crease in motor traffic requires more police protection. I again recommend a permanent officer. This could be done by com- bining several of the smaller positions under one head, thus keeping the cost with in reason.
WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT
Total number of arrests 29
Residents arrested 4
Non-residents 25
Prosecuted for the following crimes :
Driving under the influence of liquor 8
Driving without a license 2
88
POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT
Drunk 12
Driving so as to endanger
2
Adultery
2
Trespassing around Middleton Pond
1
Illegal manufacturing and keeping
1
Violation of probation
1
Disposition of Cases :
Pending in Superior Court
1
Fined
13
Committed to jail
1
Suspended sentence
2
Drunks fined
8
Drunks released
4
Males
26
Females
3
Miscellaneous Work :
Complaints received and investigated
368
Auto accidents
47
Autos transferred
38
Autos found and returned
3
Auto licenses revoked
10
Dogs lost
10
Dogs found
19
Dogs returned to owner
12
Dogs killed and buried
14
Dogs reported hit by autos
12
Patients returned to State Hospital
5
Patients committed to hospital (male)
1
Suicides
1
Police at court
(days) 108
Police with medical examiner
(hours) 6
89
POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT
Writs served 86
Placing lanterns at dangerous places
10
Posting liquor notices
1
Raids
5
Liquor seized (gallons) 150
Sick and disabed or stranded persons assisted 7
Traffic duty (approximately ) (hours) 700
Police protection for Middleton and Swan ponds for the Town of Danvers (hours) 1,400
Police at inns on holidays
(hours) 100
Police at public dances
(hours) 200
Buildings found open
20
Disturbances suppressed
19
Fires extinguished without alarm
9
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM H. YOUNG,
Chief of Police.
90
SEALER'S REPORT
Sealer of Weights and Measures Report For Year Ending December 30, 1930
Scales:
Adjusted
Sealed
Condemned
Platform, over 5,000 lbs.
2
2
-
Platform, under 5,000
2
11
1
Counter, over 100
1
-
Counter, under 100
1
7
Beam, over 100
1
Spring, over 100
3
Spring, under 100
2
12
-
Computing, under 100 "
1
4
Weights:
Avoirdupois
72
Measures:
Liquid
48
Fuel Baskets
1
Yard Stick
1
Automatic Liquid Measuring Devices:
Gasoline Pumps
12
32
-
Kerosene Pumps
2
-
20
197
1
Sealing Fees Collected, $32.18
Respectfully submitted,
HERBERT A. SPAULDING, Sealer of Weights and Measures.
-
-
-
-
-
91
ASSESSORS' REPORT
Board of Assessors' Report
In spite of a very inactive year of building, Middleton has maintained a satisfactory increase in its assessed valuation. On April 1, 1930, the total valuation, real estate and personal was $1,843,750, an increase of $73,183 over 1929. At the present time there are 966 persons or corporations assessed on property in Middleton, and the number of buildings classified as permanent residences are now 355.
The tax rate in 1930 of $28.60, while considerably higher than in the previous year, cannot be considered as excessive. The total amount of money to be raised in 1930 was $71,060.54, which was an increase of over $10,000 over 1929. This, to- gether with the fact that there was consderable smaller amount of estimated receipts which could be deducted from the amount necessary to raise by taxation in 1930 than in 1929, was re- sponsible for the higher tax rate. It is well to bear in mind that the tax rate is not set by the assessors, but by the voters of the Town in voting appropriations. The duties of the assess- ors consist merely of dividing the amounts to be raised by taxation in a fair and equitable manner among property own- ers, as provided by law.
The automobile excise tax on 546 cars registered in Mid- dleton amounted to about $3,300, a slight decrease over 1929. This money goes into the Town treasury, and is used to lower the tax rate.
Number of polls assessed
368
horses
35
COWS
310
swine
332
acres
8,363
fowl
3,423
Respectfully submitted,
MAURICE E. TYLER
ROGER F. CLAPP
WILLIAM W. RICHARDSON
Assessors of Middleton.
ANNUAL REPORTS
OF THE
School Committee
Superintendent of Schools AND
Yearly Statistics
OF THE
Grammar School
OF THE
Town of Middleton
FOR THE
Year Ending December 31, 1930
95
SCHOOL REPORT
School Department Report
School Committee
ARTHUR E. CURTIS WAYNE A. GILES ETHEL M. STEWART
Term expires 1931 Term expires 1933 Term expires 1932
STEPHEN G. BEAN, Superintendent of Schools DR. ANDREW NICHOLS, School Physician MRS. M. E. ROUNDY, School Nurse WILLIAM H. YOUNG, Attendance Officer
TEACHING STAFF
MISS C. ALICE MANNING, Principal, Grade 7 and 8 MISS MARGARET M. BERRY, Grades 5 and 6 MISS FANNIE C. HINKLEY, Grades 3 and 4 MISS MADELYN LAWRENCE, Grades 2 and 3 MISS EVANGLINE DONOVAN, Grade 1 MISS CAROLINE LITTLFIELD, Coach Teacher
MRS. H. JANE MARTIN, Sewing Supervisor MRS. GENIE F. KIMBALL, Music Supervisor MISS HELEN FARLEY, Drawing Supervisor ELI RICHARDSON, Janitor
NO SCHOOL SIGNAL
Two Rounds on Fire Whistle at 7.45 A. M.
96
SCHOOL REPORT
Superintendent's Report
To the School Committee of Middleton :
Madam and Gentlemen :
Herewith is submitted my seventh Annual Report as Super- intendent of Schools for the town. Since the year has been devoid of any spectacular events or changes, this report will be brief.
GENERAL RESUME
As has been the case for several years past, the greatest point of congestion has been in the fifth and sixth grades. Relief for this condition was secured by the creation of an In- dividual Opportunity Class in which were placed those chil- dren who had shown the greatest need of individual or small group training. In this class were also placed those pupils who are three or more grades retarded and who most need this individual instruction. A fairly large percentage of the mem- bership of this class were from the fifth and sixth grades. They are pupils who for various reasons had not been doing passable work in two or more major subjects.
Manual training has been broadened in its scope so as to include some of the grades lower than we had been giving this training heretofore. Our previous practice was to start this type of training in the fifth grade. This year it has been done in the third and fourth grades, and even in the second. Work in raffia and worsted and some mat weaving together with very elementary sloyd have been done in these grades. This is training preliminary to the 'regular sloyd, wood working and sewing given in the higher grades.
Hygienic conditions in the building are, in general, ex- cellent. Heating and ventilation are satisfactory, and the light- ing is unusually good for a building as old as the Center School. Naturally the rooms in the new addition are better in all of
97
SCHOOL REPORT
these respect except, perhaps, lighting. The light in the older rooms is very good indeed. Toilet facilities are also very good, and here the ventilation is unusually satisfactory. The loca- tion of these facilities is paricularly convenient.
Education in thrift through the medium of a stamp sys- tem of banking continues to function successfully ; very suc- cessfully indeed for these days of depresson and unemployment. It is to be hoped that this training will carry over into the years when there are no teachers at hand to encourage this old fashioned but very necessary habit. It is a habit and nothing more. The pity is that it is not a more popular and general habit with the nation as a whole. The need of thrift is a hard lesson often taught by adversity only, and adversity is a stern and cruel teacher.
Health activities have followed their usual successful course under the usual efficient oversight of Mrs. Roundy, the School Nurse. The usual clinics and examinations have been conducted and the follow up work faithfully performed, so that the school children actually get better health supervision than they do in the average home. Conditions are often dis- covered in the school examination which were wholly unsus- pected, or if known were wholly neglected at home. This has been particularly true of eye and ear defects.
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