USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1875-1879 > Part 10
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ing fund to provide for the payment of the outstanding scrip issued for the construction of Water Works, and that the sur- plus income, as shown by the Treasurer's account to be in his hands on Dec. 31st of each year, shall be paid over by him to the Trustees at that time.
The advantage gained by the adoption of the measure pro- posed, would, in addition to providing for the sinking fund, show the net income derived from the Works, which otherwise cannot be readily ascertained.
It is also recommended that extensions should be made only when authorized by the Town, either by a meeting called for that purpose, or by limiting the amount which may be ex- pended by the Commissioners in any one year upon approval by the Board of Selectmen, and to be charged to extension account and included in the taxes of the following year, and that no extension shall be made unless the same shall pay six per cent. interest on its cost.
Under authority granted by the Legislature, Chap. 257 of the Acts of 1869, to create a sinking fund for the payment of Water Scrip at maturity, the Town elected Trustees, who con- tinued to hold and manage the sums intrusted to them by the Town, and applied the same to the payment and cancellation of the bonds due in 1875, and considered that their trust had expired with the payment of the same. Reference to the Act does not seem to imply any limitation to the trust, so long as any indebtedness exists, and as it provides for filling any vacan- cies which may occur in its management, the Trustees con- tinue to hold, invest and manage such funds as the action of the Town shall intrust to their care. No funds having been placed in their hands since 1875, no report has been made to the Town.
The uncollected Water Rents to December 31st, amount-
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ing to some seven hundred dollars, are somewhat in excess of last year, and the vote of the Town to enforce the collection has not been complied with. It will become necessary, in relying upon this income for a sinking fund, that the collection of Water Rents shall be promptly made, and the Selectmen recommend that the Commissioners be instructed to have the law promptly enforced by the Collector and Superintendent, who receive their appointment and are responsible only to them for the performance of their duty.
An appropriation of six hundred dollars to meet the de- ficiency is recommended.
SCHOOLS.
DR.
To balance, Dec. 31, 1875 $438 87
payments in 1876. 18,075 50
$18,514 37
CR.
By Massachusetts School Fund $330 58
Dog Fund.
351 13
cash from sale of books.
649 61
sundries 6 90
appropriation. 15,500 00
repairs of High School house.
1,500 00
18,338 22
Overdrawn
$176 15
The overdraft in this department is less in the sum of $262.72 than at the close of the last year, but bills outstanding of $226.22, if paid, and printing of the School Report, hereto-
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fore charged to the School, but included with the Town Report the last year and charged in contingent account, show that the expenditures have equalled the full credit for the year.
The repairs on the High School House have been charged in with other bills, which the Selectmen cannot ascertain, with- out the aid of the Committee, whether the repairs have exceeded the appropriation, or otherwise.
The School Committee will, it is expected, in their report, separate the items of expenditure. The Committee recommend the same appropriation as last year, viz : $15,500.
POOR.
CR.
By balance, Dec. 31, 1875. $203 00
appropriation
6,500 00
reimbursements.
1,789 92
$8,492 92
DR.
To payments in 1876 7,971 70
Undrawn. $521 22
The expenditures in this department, including the orders drawn and not paid, deducting reimbursements for aid supplied to other towns and cities, is $6,346.24, an increase in the ex- penditures over last year of $141.79.
The calls for aid of late have been increasing, and it is probable, unless reviving business shall furnish additional employment to labor, that the expenditures will continue to increase.
The Overseers hope, with the balance to the credit of the account, to meet the expenses for the year with an appropria- tion of $6,500.00, which is recommended.
25 INSANE POOR.
CR.
By balance, Dec. 31, 1875. . $117 89
cash received from Judge Wood .. 14 80
reimbursement for W. D. Sherman .. .
111 50
from Isaac Cooper ... 19 50
appropriation
1,250 00
$1,513 69
DR.
To payments in 1876
1,463 11
Undrawn. $50 58
Six new cases have been admitted to the hospital during the year, and one has been discharged, and one died.
The present number at the hospital is eleven, and outside aid is allowed in one instance. A portion of the expense is reimbursed to the Town; but the expenditures the present year, unless the number is reduced, will require an appropria- tion of two thousand dollars, which the Overseers recommend.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
CR.
By appropriation.
$3,500 00
DR.
To overdrawn balance, Dec. 31, 1875 $1,246 41
payments in 1876
2,016 02
3,262 43
Undrawn 4
$237 57
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The expenditures in this department have been less than for several years. The Engineers report the department in good condition, with no large outlay required. An appropria- tion of $2,200.00 will be needed to meet the current expenses, and is recommended.
ABATEMENTS.
CR.
By balance, Dec. 31, 1875. $656 95
overlay .. 1,019 99
$1,676 94
DR.
To payments in 1876
650 10
Undrawn
$1,026 84
VINE HILL CEMETERY.
CR.
By balance account Dec. 31, 1875. $40 54
Amount received from sale lots. 498 85
Appropriation.
200 00
$739 39
DR.
To amount expended in 1876
689 86
Undrawn. $49 53
A large sum has been expended the past year in grading new avenues, and in the completion of avenues partially worked,
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and has been principally provided for by revenue from the sale of lots.
No outlay is contemplated the present year, except so far as to keep the grounds in good condition, which will be provided for from sale of lots.
No appropriation is recommended.
BURIAL HILL.
CR.
By appropriation
$250 00
DR.
To balance Dec. 31, 1875
$8 67
Expended in 1876
197 69
206 36
Undrawn. $43 64
An appropriation of $125.00 is recommended.
COLLECTOR OF TAXES.
CR.
By undrawn balance
$454 59
Appropriation. 450 00
$904 59
DR.
To paid Lemuel Bradford, collector
450 00
Undrawn. $454 59
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ASSESSORS.
CR.
By undrawn balance Dec. 31, 1875.
$421 91
Appropriation
700 00
$1,121 91
DR.
To payments in 1876
831 20
Undrawn
$290 71
WATCH AND POLICE.
DR.
The expenditures in 1876
$1,361 08
CR
By balance Dec. 31, 1875 $20 17
Appropriation
1,225 00
1,245 17
Overdrawn
$115 91
LIGHTING STREETS AND TOWN HOUSE.
CR.
By appropriation .
$1,350 00
DR.
To overdrawn balance.
$235 44
Payments in 1876. .
1,107 71
1,343 15
Undrawn $6 85
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HERRING MONEY.
CR.
By dividend from Old Colony National Bank. . . .. $266 66
DR.
To balance Dec. 31, 1875 $6 21
Payments in 1876. 230 80
237 01
Undrawn $29 65
FRESH BROOK.
Balance Dec. 31, 1875.
$66 72
Dec. 25, by cash from sale brook 8 00
Undrawn
$74 72
TRAINING GREEN FUND.
Balance Dec. 31, 1875
$462 83
By interest received, 1876
23 40
Undrawn.
$486 23
DUXBURY & COHASSET RAILROAD SINKING
FUND.
CR.
By appropriation
$1,500 00
DR. .
To payments in 1876 1,500 00
30
SEXTON.
CR.
By appropriation
$125 00
DR.
To payments in 1876
125 00
TREASURER.
CR.
By appropriation.
$500 00
DR.
To payments in 1876
500 00
WIDOWS.
CR.
By undrawn balance
$23 01
Dividend Old Colony National Bank. 133 33
DR.
To payments in 1876.
156 00
$0 34
GUIDE BOARDS.
The guide boards of the Town are reported in good con- dition.
$156 34
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APPROPRIATIONS.
The following appropriations for the current year are re- commended :
Poor ... $6,500 00
Town debt 6,000 00
Roads and bridges 4,200 00
Insane poor
2,000 00
Schools
15,500 00
Fire department
2,200 00
Contingent
3,000 00
Watch and police .
1,400 00
Lighting streets and Town House.
1,200 00
Duxbury & Cohasset Railroad sinking fund
1,500 00
Burial hill.
125 00
Sexton. 125 00
Assessors 400 00
Treasurer
500 00
Collector of taxes
445 41
New roads
600 00
DEFICIENCIES.
Widening Main street
400 00
Water works
600 00
$46,695 41
The revenue not otherwise appropriated is as follows :
Corporation tax
$3,500 00
National Bank tax 2,500 00
Miscellaneous 500 00
6,500 00
$40,195 41
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Leaving the sum of forty thousand one hundred and ninety-five and 10 dollars, which it is recommended to be raised by taxation for the expenses of the current year, being less in the sum of $6,704.59 than was appropriated the last year, and less in the sum of $5,204.59, taking into account the reduction in corpora- tion and bank taxes.
WILLIAM H. NELSON, HENRY WHITING, DAVID CLARK, of Plymouth.
Selectmen
LEMUEL BRADFORD, C. B. STODDARD,
Plymouth, February 10, 1877.
REPORTS.
WATER COMMISSIONERS.
-
The Water Commissioners respectfully present their report for the year ending January 1, 1877 :
At the close of the year 1875, it was the opinion of the Commissioners that very little outlay for extension of water pipe would be required for the succeeding year, and the over- draft of the Water Works' account, Jan. 1, 1876, amounting to $2,252.48, was provided for at the annual meeting in March, 1876, by an appropriation of one thousand dollars, leaving the balance to be met by the receipts from water rents during the year.
The deficiency, Jan. 1, 1877, after crediting the Works with the amount of $700.00, uncollected water rents, reported by the
5
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Collector as good, appears to be $534.70, and but for the outlay for extensions of water pipe, amounting to $1,215.43, the ac- count would have shown a balance in favor of the Works.
It cannot be expected, in a population as extended as Plymouth, that any year will close without an application from some portion not favored with a supply of pure water, and the expediency of the outlay being brought before the Commis- sioners. It has been the general policy of the Board, since its organization, to require a guarantee that the income from ex- tensions shall amount to six per cent. on the cost of laying pipe of suitable size for the supply for domestic uses ; and whenever extensions have been made without the assurance of an income equal to such percentage, the approval of the Town has usually been first obtained. If expenditures in new localities could be anticipated before the annual town meeting, the vote of the Town could be taken, and, if approved, appropriations could be made, and a yearly overdraft be avoided. As the yearly outlay cannot always be estimated, the proposition of the Selectmen and Commissioners, in their reports for the year ending Jan. 1, 1875, is a reasonable one.
It was then recommended that only the interest on scrip and expenses of general management and repairs should be charged to the Water Works, and that all extensions should be provided for by direct appropriation, thus allowing the surplus income from water rents to be appropriated to a sinking fund and applied to the payment of the bonds as they become due. This recommendation was approved by the Commissioners, with the additional recommendation that the Selectmen be authorized to borrow money in advance of appropriation when they agree with the Commissioners that an extension should be made not previously provided for.
During the year the greatest outlay, aside from ordinary
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expenses, has been for the extension on South street, the resi- dents in that locality moving unitedly in their application, thus insuring an income largely in excess of the required percentage. Previous to the report of Mr. Herschell, the Civil Engineer . employed by the Commissioners in 1875, application from this section had been declined, the reason assigned being the impos- sibility of furnishing a supply at so great an elevation with the present head of water. By taking levels from the highest point on South street given in his report, it was found that, by trenching to a depth of nine feet from the highest part of the street, there would be a head of water of six feet when the reservoir was at the lowest point reached during the year, a pressure which gives a supply equal to that on Mayflower street. The cost of this work is $685.71.
Six-inch pipe was laid in Oak street in anticipation of a main of this size being required at no distant day, to extend from the ten-inch main on Summer street, through Oak and Samoset streets, connecting with the eight-inch main on Court street. This pipe, when laid, will afford an increased supply of water to the north part of the town, and whenever, from any cause, water is shut off from Russell street, and from that part of Court street between Samoset street and Court square, the inconvenience that portion of the town is now liable to will be avoided.
The Commissioners recommend laying, the present year, a part of this pipe, to extend from Summer street and connect with the six-inch already laid, the distance being one thousand feet, as application has been made by parties building on this street, near the Summer street intersection. The estimated cost of the work, based on the actual cost of the same size pipe laid during last year, is $725.00.
It is desirable to secure a constant flow through the pipe
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in all cases, and avoid as much as possible still water at end of pipe, as in a winter of unusual severity no reasonable depth of trench prevents freezing. There are a few cases where an interval could be filled at small expense, as from Emerald street to pipe on Commercial street ; on Mayflower, to pipe on Rob- inson street. This pipe should be four inches, and extend through Robinson street to the six-inch pipe on Pleasant street, and, in case of a fire in this locality, would give a supply much needed. The total cost for labor and materials for this work would be about $330.00.
The report of the Superintendent, which is herewith an- nexed, gives the cost for repairs, $42.75, mainly on the service pipe, which cannot be considered a great outlay on nearly twenty-one miles of pipe.
The amount of uncollected water rents is larger than is desirable, and is mainly due to yielding to requests of delin- quents for a little more time, and, as is usual in postponements, a more convenient time seldom appears. Unless the regula- tions are hereafter strictly enforced, the inconvenience now experienced by a delay in payment will increase to a great evil. Shutting off of water for non-payment should not be consid- ered an arbitrary proceeding, as an agreement with the Town to this effect is assented to by every person whenever water is taken upon their premises.
Less complaint has been made by water takers on high ground of a short supply, than the previous year, the accumula- tion of water in the reservoir during the Spring not being reduced to any considerable extent until June. The greatest height was on May 1st, and on June 1st it had fallen but four inches. From June 1st to July 1st, the water fell two feet eleven inches, the water at the pond being three feet seven inches higher, indicating a consumption during the twenty-four
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hours of about 200,000 gallons, the calculation being based on the estimated delivery of the main pipe, as given by Mr. Her- schel in his report. There was evidently a commendable economy exercised by water takers during the dry period, and, together with the discretion of the manager of the street sprinkler, much inconvenience was saved residents on high ground. It is desirable that the same consideration be shown in the future, and that parties drawing from the low service refrain from all uses not strictly legitimate.
EXPENDED DURING THE YEAR ENDING
JANUARY 1, 1877.
DR.
For salary of Superintendent. $500 00
salary of Collector of water rates ...
150 00
cement
194 20
wrought iron shell for pipe.
390 84
enamelled pipe
64 28
gates ..
73 95
covers and frames to gate boxes
50 29
stop-cocks.
34 51
service pipe and plumbing
163 87
labor, trenching, lining and laying
pipe. . . 1,136 90
railroad freight on materials. 73 57
trucking and carriage hire. 169 37
carpenter's bill on fence and faucet boxes ....
31 35
Amount carried forward. . $3,033 13
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Amount brought forward $3,033 13
For lumber and cedar posts.
65.53
shop rent ... 50 00
water bill blanks 18 30
tools, blacksmith bills and duck 31 21
sundry bills.
12 28
$3,210 45
Interest on scrip .
5,430 00
Total expenditures for the year
8,640 45
Overdraft, Jan. 1, 1876.
2,252 48
$10,892 93
CR.
By amount collected for water rents, labor
and materials.
$8,658 23
appropriation. 1,000 00
uncollected water rents
700 00
10,358 23
Deficiency, Jan. 1, 1877. $534 70
Of the amount expended-
The extension on Centennial street was. $185 09
Commercial street. 38 70
Lothrop place
65 45
Oak street.
209 37
South street.
635 71
Allen court.
31 11
Total $1,215 43
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IMPROVEMENTS.
At an adjourned meeting of the Town, held in April, 1876, it was voted :- "That the Water Commissioners be instructed to make inquiries with reference to the improvement of the present Water Works by securing additional head." In con- formity to these instructions, and acting upon the conclusions arrived at by Clemens Herschel, Civil Engineer, as given in his valuable report of Sept. 1, 1875, on the condition of the Plymouth Works, the Commissioners have consulted and corresponded with parties familiar with the system of supplying water by pumping. All appear to be of the opinion that pumping into a reservoir has advantages above the system of direct pressure, or the use of a stand-pipe, thus coinciding with the opinion expressed by Mr. Herschel.
The high land west of the " Plymouth Mills," and also the hill belonging to Mr. I. N. Stoddard, are near the Town and but a short distance from the main pipe. The highest of these is forty-seven feet above the level of the pond, as given by the survey, and forty-nine feet above the level of last November, and either would be a suitable location. A large reservoir would not be required, one of 450,000 gallons capacity would be of sufficient size for our Town. Estimated cost, $3,200.00.
The expediency of raising the embankment of the reservoir now in use has been considered, and it is found that to in- crease the height six feet and properly puddle and line the slopes would cost but little less than a new reservoir of the size required, and the expenditure would not give the desired head of water, as only fifteen feet above the usual water level could be obtained. If pumping should be decided upon, the present reservoir should be filled to its capacity, and held as storage for use in a possible emergency of other supply being cut off
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by any unforseen accident. Estimated cost to raise grade, $2,700.00.
Of the steam pumps manufactured the testimonials are in favor of the Worthington pump, as most serviceable, durable and economical in running. Mr. D. W. Johnson, Jr., of Salem, the agent has, in reply to inquiries of the Commissioners, given a very intelligent statement showing the cost of pump, boiler and engine, set and ready for operating, expense for fuel and description of machinery, which will be useful to those who may hereafter have in charge any improvement of the Works. The cost of a steam pump, set and ready for starting, capable of raising 30,000 gallons of water sixty feet high, will not exceed $6,000.00, and, as the average daily con- sumption of water during the year will not exceed 200,000 gallons for some years to come, a larger pump would not be re- quired. The quantity of coal necessary for lifting 200,000 gal- lons sixty feet high, by a Worthington steam pump, is two hundred and thirty-five pounds, which, at seven dollars per ton, would amount to the small sum of ninety-two cents.
The cost of a high pressure steam pump of the same ca- pacity will not exceed $3,000.00, but will burn nearly three times as much coal.
A building 26 X 31 and 14 feet stud would be ample, and if a story be added and finished it could be occupied by the engineer, who would then be ready to start the pump at a mo- ment's notice.
The Commissioners are unable to present any plan for running a pump by water. Could an arrangement be made with any one of the manufactories on the Town Brook, the cost of fuel would be saved, but the relying upon the hours of run- ning of any factory would prove at times a great inconvenience, and machinery could not be kept in as good condition as in a dry and warm room.
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ESTIMATED COST OF WORTHINGTON STEAM PUMP - Set and ready for operating, capacity 30,000 gallons per hour, raised 60 feet high $6,000 00
Chimney . 130 00
Land for building
100 00
Building, one story finished for tenement 1,600 00
$7,830 00
FOR NEW RESERVOIR 135 Feet Long, 75 Feet at Water Line. Cost for-
Land . $200 00
3208 cubic yards earth excavation,@ 20 cts. 641 60
461 cubic yards clay @ $1.25 per yard ... 575 25
563 square yards puddling at bottom, 12 feet thick'. 422 25
720 square yards puddling slopes 360 00
1162 square yards gravel over clay 174 30
720 square yards paving on slopes.
288 00
832 square yards sodding embankment .. . 166 40
450 feet fencing 112 50
75 days superintending 225 00
3,165 30
$10,995 30
600 feet of pipe from pump to reservoir 600 00
$11,595 30 The yearly expense of running the steam pump is estimated at $500.00 for engineer, and $325.00 for fuel.
C. O. CHURCHILL, Water S. H. DOTEN, Commissioners.
BENJAMIN HARVEY,
Plymouth, February 15, 1877.
6
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SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
To the Water Commissioners of Town of Plymouth:
GENTLEMEN : - In compliance with the rules of the Water Commissioners, I respectfully submit my Third annual report for the year ending, Dec. 31, 1876 :
The whole length of distributing pipe laid during the year is 3,492 feet, at a cost of $727.66, exclusive of pipe and materials.
Four hundred and five feet 1-inch enamelled iron pipe ,re- laid on I. & E. Morton's wharf, at a cost of $11.94.
One hundred and fifteen feet of 1-inch enamelled iron pipe laid on Allen Court, from South street, at a cost of $9.88.
Two hundred and ten feet 3-inch cement pipe laid on Lothrop place, from Lothrop street, at a cost of $40.30.
Four hundred and seventy-three feet 3-inch cement pipe laid on Centennial street, from Court street, at a cost of $112.33.
Three hundred and nineteen feet of 6-inch cement pipe laid on Oak street, from Davis street, at a cost of $81.20.
One thousand eight hundred and thirty-five feet of 3-inch cement pipe laid on South street, from the house of Charles Clark up to the land of E. F. Sherman, at a cost of $439.09.
One hundred and thirty-five feet of cement pipe laid on Commercial street, from Union street, at a cost of $33.12; of this 99 feet is 2-inch, and 36 feet 3-inch. Fifty feet of the 2-inch was old pipe, all that was good of the 111 feet taken up on South street, between the houses of Joseph Taylor and Charles Clark.
The number of service pipes inserted during the year is 46 ; length of pipe, 422 feet. The cost of pipe, $76.18; the
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cost of trenching for the same, $43.65. Total cost of service pipes, $151.62.
The cost of repairs on the main, distributing and service pipes, was $42.75.
Whole number of leaks was 21; defective pipe, 16; fish, 1; joints, 3; stop, 1.
Of the leaks that have occurred, in service pipe, 13; in 2-inch pipe, 5; in 4-inch pipe, 3.
Five new gates have been established this year at a cost of $31.25, without including the gates ; one 3-inch on Court street, at junction of Centennial street, one 6-inch on Davis street, at junction of Oak street, one 2-inch on Jackson place at junction of North street, one 4-inch on Pleasant street near South Green street, one 2-inch on South street at junction of Pleasant street.
Thirty-two service and two gate boxes have been taken out and replaced by new ones, at a cost of $39.00.
The fence around reservoir has been repaired and cut down to make it of uniform height, at a cost of $49.52; also, 118 feet of fence north of reservoir, on the line of E. B. Holmes' land, has been put up at a cost of $34.05.
There has been added to water takers this year, 44 families ; 11 water closets, 3 bathing tubs, 5 stables, 1 barbers' and 1 cigar shop.
The whole amount expended for labor during the year is $1,136.90.
The amount received for labor during the year is $159.71.
All stop-cocks and gates have had the attention and care of former years paid them.
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MAIN AND DISTRIBUTION PIPES LAID TO DEC. 31, 1876.
Twenty inch
51 feet.
Cone
5 feet. 18,226 feet.
Ten inch
Eight inch.
4,051 feet.
Six inch
4,303 feet. 29,992 feet.
Four inch
Three inch.
3,837 feet.
Two inch 26,429 feet.
Two inch, iron
1,380 feet.
One inch enamelled iron
520 feet.
Seven-eighth inch, iron
1,037 feet.
Six-eighth inch, lead
185 feet.
Total 90,016 feet.
The number of service pipes attached to to the main and distribution pipe are 967, the street length being 19,340 feet, making with the main and distribution pipe a total of 20 0 miles.
STOCK ON HAND.
Twenty-one feet of 10-inch pipe, lined.
Twenty feet of 8 inch pipe.
Twenty-eight feet of 6-inch pipe.
Ninety-five feet of 4-inch pipe.
Seventy-seven feet of 3-inch pipe.
Forty-two feet of 2-inch pipe, all lined.
Nineteen feet of 1-inch enamelled iron pipe.
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