USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Quincy > Town annual report of Quincy 1877 > Part 4
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7
Smith & Smith,
38 50
McIntyre, Farrington, bal., 113 27
70
Unpaid taxes for 1876, continued.
Brought forward, $7,174 96
Brought forward, $7,388 36
McDonald, Ellen M., I 40
Mellyn, Martin J., 70
Carpenter, A. F., 3 85
Clark, George, Jr.,
9 45
Coburn, J. B. V., I 05
Quigley, Andrew J., I 05
Cross, John, 6 30
Ratigae, Thomas, 70
·
Doyle, Geo. H., I 40
Drew, Mrs. G. M.,
I 40
Shepard John, 7 00
Squantum Land Associates, 92 40
Hanley, C. W., I 40
Haynes, Mrs. Clara F.,
I 40
BOSTON.
Adams, - 5 60
Alléy, Wm. H.,
70
McPhail, Wm. A.,
I 40
Ahlborn, Henry,
4 20
Morrison, John T.,
4 55
Baker, Wm. P.,
218 40
Mortimer, C. C.,
3 40
Barry, Patrick,
14 00
Nason, A. F.,
14 00
Batchelder, Henry L.,
14 00
Page, Caleb,
I 40
Bishop, John O.,
II 20
Pattee, Wm. S.,
2 80
Barham, R. H.,
88 20
Perry, J. B.,
I 05
Bartlett & Elliott,
70
Swan, J. B.,
2 80
Butland, J. M.,
39 20
Taylor, Geo. W.,
8 75
Crowley, Maria E.,
4 90
Taylor, Julia A.,
I 40
Dacy, J. B.,
II 20
Unknown owners,
5 60
Dehon, estate, Wm.,
240 80
Walker, N. B.,
1 40
Dix, Joseph,
69 30
Williams, A. M.,
2 10
Dowling, Wm.,
70
Field, Henry,
4 20
Foye, -
2 10
Albee, John,
70
Gardner, Casilda,
4 20
Barry, Geo. M.,
2 80
Green, Charles A.,
165 20
Billings, Lorenzo L.,
70
Harding, H. B.,
5 60
Breed, Mary Ann,
I 40
Henry, Mrs. Elizabeth N.,
4 20
Burditt, Geo. H.,
I 40
Holden, A. R.,
4 20
Clark, Geo., Jr.,
80 50
Howard,
2 80
Clark, Geo. F.,
24 85
Kennison, Parker,
28 00
Cox, T. W. & J. H.,
3 50
Leonard, Amos M.,
40 60
Cox, Geo. D.,
2 10
McGrail, Peter,
2 10
Dodge, John F.,
I 40
Newhall, Cheever,
19 60
Eaton, John, Jr.,
70
Pierce, Henry, 70
Hurlburt, Cornelia,
5 95
Pingree, Mrs.,
12 60
Carried forward, $7,388 36
Carried forward, $8,542 31
Neponset Grove Associates, 21 00
' Pease, Charles G., 70
Cutter, Sarah E., I 40
Smith, John, 2 80
Smith, Elizabeth G., 7 00
Garbett, Wm. A., I 40
Jackson, Chas. E.,
6 65
Knight, Wm. H.,
I 05
SQUANTUM LAND COMPANY.
BELLEVUE PARK.
71
Unpaid taxes for 1876, continued.
Brought forward, $8,542 31
Poole, Benj., Jr., or by whom owned, 8 40
Porter, Alexander S., 45 50
Preston, John, 183 40
Ripley, A., 70
Ragen, Charles, 70
Shaw, Thomas, 28 00
Simonds, George, 1 40
Souther, Henry, 52 80
Stone, W.m., 14 00
Wild, A. H., 28 70
Williams & Foss, or by whom owned, 25 20 .
Wright, A. W., 46 90
BRAINTREE.
Holbrook, J. H.,
2 80
Hollis, Joel, 1 40
HYDE PARK.
Brown, Roxana,
70
MILTON.
Littlefield, estate of Samuel, 6 30
Russell & Farrington, 70 00
NEWTON.
Capen, Chas. H., or by whom
owned, 16 80
Ray, Edwin, 21 00
RANDOLPH.
Howard, Edgar, or by whom
owned, 27 30
SAN FRANCISCO.
Pratt, Henry G., 29 40
SOMERVILLE.
Bartlett, J. C.,
4 20
Wilson, Robert, 9 80
Carried forward, $9,167 71
Brought forward,
$9,167 71
WEYMOUTH.
Crotty, Mrs.,
II 20
RESIDENCE UNKNOWN.
Wilbur, Cornelius,
5 60
BRACKETT ESTATE.
Barlow, Ben. C., Wollaston, 2 80
Cheever, Samuel, Manchester, 1 40 Fessenden, Emily, Cambridge, 2 80 Gannett, Joseph H., 2 80
Gannett, H. C., 53 20
Gannett, Howard, 75 60
Keith, Herbert F., 2 80
McDonald, Wm. L., Boston, 2 80
McKay, Mary J., Boston, 1 40
McKay, Susanna T., Wollaston, 70 Whitcomb, Nathaniel W., N.Y.,2 10
POLL TAXES.
Arnold, Albert W., 2 00
Arnold, Charles, 2 00
Anderson, Geo., 2 00
Burrell, Henry T., 2 00
Bisson, Henry F., 2 00
Brown, Edward A., 2 00
Billings, Roger, 2 00
Blaisdell, Chas. A., 2 00
Butterworth, - -- 2 00
Brown, Joshua, 2 00
Baker, Arthur, 2 00
Connors, John, 2 00
Clark, John, 2 00
Cronin, Michael, 2 00
Coffee, John M., 2 00
Coolidge, Wm., 2 00
Collier, Joseph A., 2 00
Costello, John A., 2. 00
Costello, Edward, 2 00
Cleverly, John S., 2 00
Crooker, A. J., 2 00
Carried forward, $9,374 91
72
Unpaid taxes for 1876, continued.
Brought forward,
$9,374 91
Brought forward,
$9,434 91
Callahan, John, Jr.,
2 00
Keenan, John,
2 00
Cronin, Timothy,
2 00
Locke, Chas.,
2.00
Coleman, George,
2 00
Mullany, Bernard,
2 00
Conley, James,
2 00
· Merritt, John,
2 00
Conley, Daniel,
2 00
McGowan, Wm.,
2 00
Edson, Hosea B.,
2 00
McClusky, John,
2 00
Ellis, Francis C., Jr.,
2. 00
Newcomb, Oliver T.,
2 00
Foss, John,
2 00
Newcomb, George H.,
2 00
Faxon, Dexter,
2 00
Packard, George F.,
2 00
Ferrari, Hannibal,
2 00
Packard, Josiah V., Jr.,
2 00
Finn, Dennis,
2 00
Perry, Fred.,
2 00
Graney, Stephen,
2 00
Parrott, Luther,
2 00
Garrity, Lawrence,
2 00
Pratt, Albert G.,
2 00
Grady, John,
2 00
Ryan, Mortimer,
2 00
Gray, Henry F.,
2 00
Ripley, John T.,
2 00
Griffin, James,
2 00
Richards, Charles,
2 00
Griffin, John,
2 00
Russell, John,
2 00
Goodrich, Henry,
2 00
Richards, Augustus,
2 00
Garrity, Patrick, 2d,
2 00
Richardson, L. B.,
2 00
Gardner, John,
2 00
Rogers, Madison,
2 00
Griffin, Geo. W.,
2 00
Spear, Edward A., 2d,
2 00
Gilrain, James,
2 00
Sproule, George,
2 00
Holbrook, Alden H.,
2 00
Tibbetts, George,
2 00
Hartney, John,
2 00
Underwood, Chas. E.,
2 00
Hayden, Chas. H.,
2 00
Whicher, Levi M.,
2 00
Hartney, Thomas W.,
2 00
Woodbury, Chas. E.,
2 00
Haynes, Frank,
2 00
Wales, Samuel,
2 00
Hunt, John T.,
2 00
Weston, Frank W.,
2 00
Jones, David, Jr.,
2 00
Wilson, William,
2 00
Keegan, Edward,
2 00
Walsh, Joseph N.,
2 00
Carried forward,
$9,434 91
$9,494 91
·
CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT.
TO THE SELECTMEN OF QUINCY.
Gentlemen, - I most respectfully submit the following re- port : -
The department is under the control of a Chief and five Assistant Engineers.
The buildings of the town connected with the department are as follows : -
Three for hand engine companies ; one for hook and ladder company ; one for hose company ; one for chemical engine company, - all are in good condition, with the exception of the house for No. 2, which needs shingling.
There are three hand engines with hose carriages attached, all having been overhauled and painted the past year, and all being in good condition ; one hook and ladder carriage and equipments ; there are also one four-wheeled hose carriage, new, and one chemical engine, which have been added to the department since my last report.
The steam pump at William Panton's shop is in good condi- tion, and has been ready for use at all times during the past year.
The old four-wheeled hose-carriage, with hose, is in charge of W. M. French Hose Co., and is kept at John Hall's stable. The hose carriage which belonged to No. I is at Patrick McDonald's, in charge of the company of Tiger, No. 2.
HOSE.
There are in the department 4,130 feet of leading hose, con- sisting of 2,850 feet cotton, good ; 500 feet linen, poor ; 300 feet leather, not reliable ; 180 feet rubber, new, for chemical en- gine ; and 300 feet cotton, unserviceable.
10
(73)
74
RESERVOIRS.
One near the Old Stone Church, one near Adams Academy, one at Williams' Corner, one at corner of Water Street and Faxon's Lane, one at High School House, one near the W. M. French Hose House, one at corner of Foster and Washington Streets, one near the church at Point, one near Willard School House, one at corner of Granite and Willard Streets, one near or on land of Charles Curtis, Franklin Street, one at junction of Beal Street and Central Avenue, one on Arlington Street, one on Spofford Street, one on private way east of O. C. & N. R.R., and one at Atlantic, - all in good order.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
Our board would respectfully recommend the purchase of one steam fire engine, 2d class, one medium size chemical fire en- gine for the South and Centre Districts, and that a house be built to accommodate steamer, chemical, hose and hook and ladder in one building ; also the purchasing of a boiler and the erection of a brick building for steam pump, independent of any other, and to be used for fire purposes only ; also the purchase of 500 feet leading hose, and the building of two more reser- voirs, one at the foot of Mount Pleasant, and one near Enos Ricker's, on Faxon's Plain.
The department as now organized consists of, -
Engine-men,
150
Hose-men, 20
Hook and ladder men,
25
Chemical engine-men,
20
Engineers,
6
Whole number,
221
We would recommend the appropriation of the sum of $6,000 for the coming year.
All of which is most respectfully submitted to your honora- ble board, together with a schedule of town property in charge of each company.
E. A. SPEAR,
Chief Engineer.
75
FIRES AND ALARMS IN 1876.
March 8 Barn burned at Wollaston, belonging to a Mr. Jarvis. Alarm given at II P.M., loss $1,000, insured for $ 1,500, - supposed incendiary.
March 12 Almshouse barn, alarm 12.40 A.M., loss $700, - sup- posed incendiary.
Lakin's Mill, alarm 1.30 A.M., loss about $5,000, no insurance, - supposed incendiary.
April
2 J. Ford's house, alarm 4.50 P.M., loss $400, insured.
May
6 False alarm, supposed fire in Old Stone Church.
May
16 Alarm at 4 A.M., house of Maj. W. G. Sheen, - defec- tive flue, - damage $1,500, insured.
May
18 Alarm about IO A.M., accidental burning of tar at Quincy Point, loss slight.
June 16 Alarm 10.45 P.M., fire in basement of building owned by H. H. Faxon ; loss by W. B. Ryan, $125. ; C. F. Pierce, $200 ; and J. H. Veazie, $80, - cause un- known. Discovered by M. Garrity, watchman.
June 25 Alarm II P.M., house on Cross Street, owned by a Mr. 'Riordan, $1,200 damage, insured for $500, - cause unknown.
July 8 Alarm 10.45 P.M., house of a Mr. McGowen, W. Quincy, damage $200, insured.
July
II Alarm 12.45 A.M., house of a Mr. Bemis at Wollas- ton, destroyed, loss $6,000, insured for $4,000, - supposed incendiary.
July 30 Alarm 9.45 P.M., barn on old Fenno place burned, loss $200, not insured, - supposed incendiary.
Aug. IO Alarm at 2 A.M., Willard House burned, loss $2,500,- supposed incendiary.
Aug. II Alarm 12.45 A.M., shed and house belonging to Patrick Brannon on Quincy Ave., loss $300, insured $150, Aug. 21 Alarm about 4 A.M., house, barn, and outbuildings belonging to the Newcomb family on Adams Street, loss $7000, insured $2200, - cause unknown.
Aug. 28 Alarm 10.45, house owned by Patrick McDonald, corner of Sea and Brackett Streets, loss trifling, - cause unknown.
76
Oct.
3 Alarm 4.15 A.M., barn, slaughter-house, and other buildings, property of Henry Glidden, loss $4,500, insured $2,500, - cause unknown.
Oct.
8 Alarm about I A.M., barn on Mill Street, owned by H. H. Faxon, occupied by Alex. Vining, loss $800, insured, - supposed incendiary.
Oct.
9 Fire discovered and extinguished by M. Garrity, in Tirrell & Sons' blacksmith shop, no alarm, loss tri- fling,- accidental.
Oct.
26 Alarm 12.15 A.M., barn belonging to John Ballou, W. Quincy, loss $500, insured, - cause unknown.
Nov. 20 Fire at N. Quincy about II P.M., house and barn owned by Hannah F. Billings, destroyed, loss $5,000, insured, - no alarm in centre of town. Steamer 20 Boston fire department was on the ground, but was unable to save the property, - cause unknown.
Dec. 16 Alarm at 5 P.M., burning of Carl Ditmar's dry- house, North Quincy, loss $500, no insurance, - accidental.
Jan. 17,'77 Alarm 11.45 A.M., house occupied by F. W. French near railroad station, loss $150, insured $100, - cause unknown.
SCHEDULE OF PROPERTY BELONGING TO THE TOWN, ATTACHED TO THE DEPARTMENT.
Tiger, No. 2. One engine and two hose carriages, 600 feet leading hose, I fire bell and rope, 10 spanner belts, 12 spanners, 4 lanterns, 2 wrenches, I jack, 2 stoves, 5 tables, I ladder, I fol- lower wrench, 8 settees, 8 chairs, 4 benches, 2 boilers, 6 lamps, 2 fire-hats, 3 rubber-coats, I pair rubber boots, I shovel, 28 mugs, 40 bowls, 70 plates, 60 spoons, I pitcher, I feather duster.
Granite, No. 3. One engine and hose carriage, 650 feet hose, 9 belts, 18 spanners, 3 rubber coats, I pair rubber boots, 6 lamps, 2 stoves, I table, 4 benches, 60 spoons, 30 bowls, 2 boilers, I broom, I shovel, I watering-pot, 2 fire-hats, I jack, I duster, I oil-can, 2 tubs, 2 ladders.
Vulture, No. 4. One engine and hose carriage, 550 feet duck hose, 250 feet linen hose, 3 stoves, I coal-hod, I shovel, I table,
77
8 settees, 18 chairs, 8 lamps, I oil-can, I jack, 2 water-pails, 3 lanterns, I feather duster, I axe, I broom, 12 cuspadores, I set tools for engine, 4 tables, 6 horses, I watering-pot, I pair rubber boots, 3 rubber coats, 2 pairs rubber pants, 5 suction-hose belts, 6 spanner belts, 4 leading-hose belts, 8 spanners, 2 jugs, 3 sponges, 2 chamois skins, 20 bowls, 40 mugs, 90 spoons, 2 fire- hats.
Hook and Ladder, No. I. One carriage, 6 hooks, 9 ladders, 3 Johnson pumps, 12 buckets, 2 axes, 3 forks, 2 guy ropes, I jack, 3 rubber coats, 26 chairs, 12 setters, 12 lamps and fixtures, 2 stoves, 2 shovels, 2 tables.
W. M. French Hose, No. I. Two (2) four-wheeled carriages, 1,050 feet cotton hose, 250 feet linen hose, 4 Johnson pumps, 3 rubber coats, I cook stove and furniture, I cylinder stove, I walnut table, 2 axes, I pipe, 3 lanterns, 6 lamps, 2 jacks, 15 spanners, 9 spanner-belts, 2 chamois skins, I watering-pot, I water-pail, I wrench, I oil-can, 21 chairs, I sponge, I squillgee, I old hose carriage, 600 feet hose, I pipe, I spanner, I crotch, 2 spanner belts, I pair rubber boots.
L. W. Lovell, No. I, Wollaston Heights. One chemical engine with 180 feet hose, I Stewart stove, I coal-hod, I tea- kettle, I wash-dish, I table, 4 chairs, I pair scales, I wrench, 5 curtains, I cask soda, I carboy vitriol, 3 lamps, 3 cuspadores, 2 chamois skins, I feather duster, I oil-can, 2 tin-dippers, I water-pail, I broom, I shovel, 2 sponges, I jack, I thermom- eter.
One steam pump at William Panton's shop.
E. A. SPEAR, Chief Engineer.
MOUNT WOLLASTON CEMETERY.
THE BOARD OF MANAGERS of the Mount Wollaston Cemetery respectfully submit their Third Annual Report, as required by the By-Laws.
SALE AND CARE OF LOTS.
The sum of one hundred and fifty [$150 00] dollars has been received for fifteen lots sold, and two hundred and twenty-five [$225 00] dollars for grading the same.
The sum of three hundred and seventy-four dollars and twenty-five cents [$374 25] has been collected for labor, and care of lots, and for manure furnished for same, which, with the $225 00 on new lots, makes a total of $599 25 collected on account of labor on lots.
NON-RESIDENT ASSESSMENT.
The amount received from the above assessment, authorized by vote of the town, is $98 oo. The justice of the small annual assessment of $2 00 per lot is admitted by all non-residents, as far as can be ascertained, but not yet so fully responded to as it should be, or as it may be in future, even by those who are able to pay. There is a class of non-residents who are unknown to your Board, and of whom no trace can now be found. There are others who are unable to pay, and others who are entirely devoid of any interest in the improvement of the Cemetery. On the other hand, there is a class of interested non-resident owners, who will cheerfully pay the assessment, and it should be the aim of the Secretary to place as many in this class as possible. No lots are now sold to non-residents, yet as any resident of the town can buy a lot, he may by removal from town become a non-resident, and thus the number of such owners will slowly increase, therefore the more need of holding as many as possible to some annual contribution for the general
(78)
79
improvement of the Cemetery. In accordance with the vote passed, this assessment will be an annual one, for such a sum as the Board of Managers shall direct.
REPAIR FUND.
Article II of the By-Laws of the Cemetery bears the above title, and is as follows : -
ART. II. Proprietors of lots in the Cemetery shall, upon payment to the Secretary of any sum of money, have the income thereof, not exceeding six per cent per annum of the principal sum, appropriated and annually expended in the repair of their respective lots, according to the terms of trust expressed in Deed, Form No. I, hereto annexed.
The Secretary shall, upon receipt of the above money, as above provided and of the proper deed of trust duly executed by the proprietor, furnish such proprietor with the certificate accompanying said Form No. I.
It is also provided that the Secretary shall keep a complete record of all such payments, and shall pay the money to the Town Treasurer, who shall keep a separate account of the same under the following section : "The moneys so received by the Town Treasurer shall constitute and be kept a separate Fund, to be designated and known as 'The Repair Fund of Lots in Mount Wollaston Cemetery.'"
For the first time we have to report a deposit under the above By-Law, and the beginning of a Special Fund, as is therein proposed. It is believed that the many and obvious advantages of this method of providing for the care of lots have not yet been fully appreciated, or even kept in mind, and this extended notice may serve to bring the same to the atten- tion and examination of owners of lots.
A SUGGESTION.
As it adds very much to the general appearance of the Cem- etery to have lots graded and reclaimed from their original rough state, it would be a mutual benefit, as well as a personal satisfaction, if all owners of lots, who can do so, would improve their lots in this manner. Your board take the liberty to make the suggestion, as it is more evident every year that many lots are held by persons who, more from indifference than inability, make no improvements, and from whom an expenditure of small amount would add greatly to the beauty of the grounds.
·
8c
NEW LOTS.
By the method referred to in the report of last year, of lay- ing out lots, and preparing a part of the grounds before lying waste, there are now forty lots, graded and ready for sale, with suitable paths for access. The entire cost of the labor on the same, having been paid for, will be reimbursed to the town when the lots are sold.
APPROPRIATION.
An appropriation of $1,000, being the sum voted for several years, is recommended for the general care and improvement of the grounds, also for setting out trees, which it may be thought advisable to do to a greater extent than has usually been done.
FINANCIAL.
Cash on hand Feb. 1, 1876, $219 73
Appropriation for 1876, 1,000 00
Collected for lots sold, 150 00
labor on lots,
599 25
from non-resident owners, 98 00
for hay sold, 60 00
66 " unpaid bills of 1875, 57 00
$2,183 98
Expended, as appears by the Selectmen's account,
1,946 35
Balance of cash to new account,
$237 63
Balance due from owners of lots for labor :
Unpaid bills of 1873,
16 00
1874,
69 00
1875, 71 50
1876, 67 50
$224 00
REPAIR FUND.
Amount deposited for one lot,* $100 00
Respectfully submitted, JOHN Q. A. FIELD, Chairman. GEORGE L. GILL, Secretary.
* The income only to be used.
PUBLIC LIBRARY OF QUINCY.
THE TRUSTEES of the Public Library ask leave to offer their Sixth Annual Report relative to the progress and to the pres- ent condition of that institution.
During the year 1876, the Library was open 303 days, it being closed only on Sundays and the legal or general holidays. The whole number of volumes borrowed was 42,968, being the largest number in any year, with one exception (1872), since the Library was opened. As in previous years the largest number borrowed in any one month was in March (4,715), and the smallest num- ber was in July (2,557). On the 12th of February, 455 volumes were issued, being the greatest number in any one day ; while the smallest number was 32, on the 4th of April. The use made of the Library in the different seasons of the year is very unequal. No less than 16,374 volumes, or 39 per cent of the whole, were borrowed during the four winter months, November-February, of 1875-6, and only 11, 166, or 26 per cent of the whole, during the four summer months, May-August. This fact has an important bearing on the question of summer and winter library hours. During the year, 322 new volumes and 178 pamphlets were added to the Library. Of these, 78 volumes were presented. In addition to the above, 220 volumes, worn out by use, were replaced, and 280 volumes were bound.
Of the works borrowed, 73 per cent of the whole were fiction, as compared with 76 per cent during the previous year, and 81 per cent during the year before that. The circulation of peri- odical literature has amounted to 7 per cent, as compared with 5 per cent during the previous year ; and that of juvenile books to 6 per cent. Of works of the more solid class, the circulation was 15 per cent of the whole, divided somewhat as follows : biography, 2.4 per cent ; travels, 2.2 per cent ; history, 3 per cent ; books relating to the arts and sciences, 2.3 per cent ; and
(81)
II
82.
others in like proportion. These percentages do not differ mate- rially from those of last year. Each one per cent represents a circulation of about 430 volumes.
Meanwhile, with the single exception of the wealthy town of Brookline, Quincy now has the largest Public Library by far in Norfolk County, circulating nearly twice as many books as any other, except the one mentioned. According to the recent State census the population of the town is 9,155. It would, therefore, appear that during the last year the library, for its legitimate current expenses, cost 38 cents per head of the population, in return for which it circulated 47 volumes to each inhabitant, the circulation of each volume costing the town 8 cents.
The librarian, Miss Mary I. Brooks, resigned her position, for reasons connected with her health, on the Ist of September last. During the year of her connection with the Library, she had accomplished a great deal towards its reorganization, and had succeeded in placing it on a footing which can be easily and economically maintained. Her resignation was a subject of much regret to the Trustees.
For reasons connected with the finances of the institution, which will hereinafter be referred to, no successor to Miss Brooks, in the position of librarian, has been appointed. Miss Bumpus, the assistant librarian, has attended to the duties, so far as they are connected with the routine of the library, while the other and more complicated work connected with the catalogue, &c., has been allowed to run into arrears. For reasons which will be presently stated, the Trustees do not propose to appoint a new librarian at present.
In their last annual report, the Trustees stated that the defi- ciency then existing in the catalogue fund, "amounting to some $700," occasioned by borrowing from it to meet the unexpected cost of preparing the present library building for use, would be "met out of the next [this] year's dog-tax." This has been done, and the catalogue is now wholly paid for. During the year, 79 copies of it were sold, and 14 were given away to other libraries, generally in exchange.
The town, at its annual meeting in March last, appropriated $3,200 for the support of the Library during the year, - that
83
being the amount asked for by the Trustees. When the esti- mate of $3,200 was made, and that sum appropriated, it was supposed that the financial year for the Library would close on the 3Ist of December, as had been the practice up to that time. At the meeting, however, at which the appropriation was made, a system of town by-laws was adopted, under the first section of which the 3Ist of January was prescribed to all town officers as the date for closing the financial year. In order to comply with this rule, it was neccessary for the Trustees to make the finan- cial year of the Library thirteen, instead of twelve, months. Upon consideration, they did not feel themselves at liberty, even under these circumstances, either to exceed their appro- priation or to disregard the by-law of the town, and accordingly it was decided to cut off all but absolutely necessary expenses, and, by rigid economy, to make an appropriation for twelve months suffice for thirteen. When, therefore, the librarian resigned, the position was not filled, the cost of lighting was reduced, new books were purchased only very sparingly, and the work of renewing and binding volumes, wholly or par- tially worn out, was temporarily suspended. By these means the deficiency was made good, and the close of the year of thir- teen months leaves the institution with not a single bill of any description outstanding against it. Meanwhile it cannot be claimed that the Library is in as good a condition as it was a
' year ago. The economy it has been necessary to practice has not permitted the necessary wear and tear of the books to be made good, - much less the new books which should belong to the Library to be added to it. At the beginning of the present library year (January Ist), an examination showed that about 700 volumes were wholly worn out, and needed to be replaced ; some 300 required to be bound ; while 500 new books and duplicates would not more than suffice to keep the institution equal to the demands made upon it. This, however, would call for a larger appropriation than the Trustees would be willing to ask for, or the town, probably, inclined to grant. An appropria- tion of $3,000 it is believed will suffice to make good the defi- ciencies occasioned by the excessive economies practiced dur- ing the last year, and to prevent the Library from running further
:
34
into arrears of books. An arrangement has been effected, under which the work of cataloguing can be temporarily kept up with- out the necessity of filling the position of librarian. The econo- my thus effected will enable the Trustees to purchase a reasona- ble number of new publications, for which a considerable demand is made. An appropriation of $3,000 is, therefore, asked for.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.