USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Quincy > Town annual report of Quincy 1881 > Part 6
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The Trustees have no reason to suppose that the sug- gestion thus thrown out ever came to the knowledge of the Crane family, or in any way influenced their action. On the contrary, we are well aware that it did not. Neverthe- less the want thus expressed has been supplied more quickly than the most sanguine ventured to hope, and in a way pe- culiarly grateful, because wholly unsolicited. Coming also from the family of one who had for many years ceased to be personally identified with the town, the building now in process of erection cannot but serve as a visible reminder of the strong hold which Quincy, in common with all other New England towns, sometimes retains on the feelings of those who have gone out from her. It is also a fact worthy of mention, that, of the four towns into which the original Braintree has been subdivided, - Braintree, Ran- dolph and Holbrook being the other three, - Quincy, the
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old " North precinct," where the church was first gathered, was the last to be supplied with a public library building. To the Thayer Library in Braintree, the Holbrook Library in Holbrook, and the Turner Library in Randolph, is now added the Thomas Crane Library in Quincy.
Should nothing unforeseen occur, the Crane Memorial Hall will be completed, and ready for acceptance from its donors, sometime during the coming autumn. The town will, of course, make the necessary arrangements for its formal ac- ceptance, and its dedication to the purposes for which it is designed.
During the year 1880, the Library was open 307 days, and the whole number of books borrowed from it was 50,644; being practically the same as the number (50,466) borrowed during the previous year. The number of names registered is 4730, an increase of 320 over the number registered a year ago. The total expenses of the Library, as per Treas- urer's balance-sheet herewith submitted, were $2,718 45.
The usual analysis of books circulated is inserted as a mat- ter of record, though it does not vary greatly from year to year. It will be observed, however, that, so far as any change at all takes place, there is a steady tendency to the increased circulation of books relating to history, biography, travels, the arts and sciences, religion, education, medicine and poetry. Taken together, these constituted 16.7 per cent of the entire circulation in 1880, as compared with 13.4 per cent in 1877. Undoubtedly, with care, and assistance in the proper selection of reading matter, this percentage might be very largely increased. This, however, would re- quire an amount of personal attendance at the Librarian's desk, and an acquaintance with individual borrowers, espe- cially of the younger class, which none of the present Board of Trustees are in a position to give. £ It would, in fact, ab-
126
sorb the whole time and thought of whoever undertook to do it properly. On the other hand, such a personal service on the part of any one capable and willing to render it, would add immensely to the value of the Library as an educational influence. It would render it in fact, what it is in theory, the complement of our now widely known public schools ; thus perfecting our system of general education. A great deal of progress in this way is now being made by a course of experiments going on at Worcester and in Boston, -the school authorities and those in charge of the public libraries in those places co-operating in them. In Quincy, however, we have not as yet either the means or the organization necessary to enable us to take our part effectively in further- ing this work. In due time, however, we will undoubtedly share in its fruits.
The division of reading matter under its several heads has been as follows during the last four years :
Fiction,
vols.
1880. 24.255
1879. 23,909
22,241
24,546
Juvenile Fiction,
11,164
12,812
12,264
10,041
Periodicals.
5,457
5,048
4,154
3,786
History,
2,323
2,153
1,722
1,778
General Literature,
1,517
1,205
1,385
1,237
Biography,
1,758
1.697
1,175
1,365
Travels,
L
1,446
1,454
1,296
1,160
Arts and Sciences,
..
1,483
1.197
1,286
1.145
Poetry,
es
827
574
608
555
Religious,
re
280
286
250
158
Medic'land Educat'l "
134
131
93
68
1878.
1877.
The Library has during the year been the recipient of one most valuable gift, essential to the later history of events in Quincy, - a complete set from the beginning of the " Quincy
127
Patriot," believed to be the only one in existence. It was presented by the late Rev. Fred'k A. Whitney shortly before his death, and was acknowledged by a special vote of thanks in the records of the Trustees, a copy of which was forward- ed to the donor. In addition to this gift, 62 volumes and 31 pamphlets were received from various other friends of the Library. One hundred and twenty-four (124) volumes, worn out in circulation, have been replaced ; and 220 new ones have been added to the Library. Four hundred and forty (440) volumes were rebound. Some 200 ad- ditional volumes were, at the close of the library year (De- cember 31), worn out, and required to be replaced.
Eighteen (18) copies of the catalogue, and 18 of the sup- plement to it were sold during the year. The proceeds were credited to the catalogue fund.
As a whole, in view of the severe and constant use to which it has been subjected, -every volume in it, it must be remem- bered, being regularly borrowed, on an average, five times in each year, - the Library can be reported as only in fair con- dition. When removed to its new quarters it will probably require considerable renewals.
There are no bills whatever outstanding and unpaid. The total balance of the funds of 1880 in the hands of the Treas- urer on January 31, 1880, was $310.05. Of this amount, $285.40 had been accumulated from fines and the sale of the catalogue, and in accordance with the established policy of the trustees, as explained in their previous reports (Town Report, February 1, 1878, p. 89), is set aside as a reserved fund for always keeping up the catalogue, without the town being asked to make any special appropriation therefor. Deducting this amount from the balance on hand, the sur- plus in the treasury, after payment of all bills, was, at the close of the year, $24.55. The dog-tax for 1880 has since
128
been received, and will appear as usual in the report for the year closing January 31, 1882.
In view of the unusual expenditures which will necessarily be incurred in removing the Library to the Crane Memorial Hall during the coming year, an appropriation of $2500 is asked for; $2000 of which will be required to meet the regular and ordinary expenses of the Library, and $500 such as are exceptional, but necessary. The trustees would fur- ther recommend that the sum of $823.90, derived from the sale of the buildings, &c., on the late Woodward estate, now in the town treasury, as appears by the Selectmen's report, instead of being merged in the unexpended balances of the year, be placed as a special fund in the hands of the Selectmen and Trustees, as a joint committee, to be used in grading, laying out, fencing and suitably ornamenting the site of the new building.
The receipts and expenditures of the past year are set forth in the accompanying report of the Treasurer.
CHARLES F. ADAMS, JR., HENRY BARKER,
H. A. KEITH,
L. W. ANDERSON, WILLIAM S. PATTEE, C. A. . FOSTER,
Trustees.
ACCOUNT OF THE TREASURER OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY FOR 1880.
Balance in treasury February 1, 1880, $44 41 Received of Town Treasurer, as per ap-
propriation, 2,200 00
Amount carried forward, $2,244 41
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Amount brought forward, $2,244 41
Received of Town Treasurer, as per
Dog Tax Fund, 1879, 642 18
Received from sale of Fines and Cata- logues, 131 15
Received from sale of Merchandise,
10 76
--
$3028 50
Disbursements.
For Books,
$601 84
Services,
1110 08
" Printing,
104 25
Binding,
149 35
" Gas,
112 50
" Fuel,
74 21
Postage,
5 43
"
Expressage,
10 20
Insurance,
50 00
Rent,
450 00
ce Street sprinkling,
18 00
Ice,
15 00
" Sundries,
17 59
Balance, including Catalogue fund, 310 05 - -$3028 50
Balance in treasury February 1, 1881, $310 05
Received from Town Treasurer as per
Dog Tax Fund, 1880, 628 04
CATALOGUE FUND.
To balance on hand, as per last report, $154 30 sale of catalogues and fines paid to Jan. 31, 1880, 131 15
$285 45
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Cash on hand, Jan. 31, 1880, as per
balance sheet, $310 05
Catalogue Fund as above, 285 40
Cash balance of Library Funds for
1880. Jan. 31, $24 55
HENRY BARKER, Treasurer.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
In the Year One Thousand Eight Hundred and Eighty.
AN ACT TO INCORPORATE THE TRUSTEES OF THE THOMAS CRANE PUBLIC LIBRARY OF THE TOWN OF QUINCY.
Be it anacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows :
SECTION 1. The trustees of the public library of the town of Quincy for the time being are hereby made a corporation by the name of the Trustees of the Thomas Crane Public. Library of the town of Quincy, and said trustees and their successors in office shall continue a body corporate for the purposes hereinafter set forth, with all the powers and priv- ileges. and subject to all the duties, restrictions, and liabil- ities in the general laws relating to such corporations.
SECT. 2. Said corporation shall have authority to take and hold real and personal estate to an amount not exceed- ing one hundred thousand dollars, which may be given, granted, conveyed, bequeathed or devised to it, and accept- ed by the trustees for the benefit of the public library of said town of Quincy, or for any purpose connected there-
131
with ; provided that both the principal and income thereof shall be appropriated according to the terms of the donation, devise or bequest under the direction of said corporation.
SECT. 3. The trustees of said Thomas Crane Public Li- brary shall be six in number. The present trustees shall continue in office for the terms for which they were elected trustees of the public library by the inhabitants of said town. At the next annual town meeting the said inhabitants shall elect by ballot two trustees of said Thomas Crane Public Library, who shall hold office for the term of three years and until their successors are chosen. And thereafter, annually, there shall be elected in the same manner two trustees for a like period of three years. Whenever a va- cancy shall occur in said board of trustees by death, resig- nation, or otherwise, the remaining trustees shall fill such vacancy by the election of a new member; and the trustee so chosen shall act until the next annual town meeting, when his successor shall be elected for the unexpired term by the said inhabitants by ballot.
SECT. 4. The members of said board shall orgranize and provide by means of by-laws, for the choice of officers, and shall have power to make such rules and regulations relating to such public library, and to fix and enforce penalties for the violations of such rules and regulations, as they may deem expedient ; provided that the same shall not be incon- sistent with the provisions of this act, and shall be subject at all times to such limitations, restrictions and amendments as the inhabitants of said town may direct.
SECT. 5. The said trustees shall have the general care and control of the public library and the grounds upon which the same is now or may hereafter be located in said Quincy, together with the buildings and rooms containing the same, and also of the expenditures of the moneys ap-
132
propriated therefor by said town. And said town is hereby authorized to make such appropriations to the same extent that cities and towns are authorized by law to make appro- priations for like purposes. Said trustees may appoint a librarian, with such assistants as they may think expedient, and may remove the same and fix their compensation ; pro- vided that the total expenditures shall not exceed the amounts appropriated by the said town, and other moneys which they may be authorized to expend.
SECT. 6. The inhabitants of said town shall have power to pass such ordinances not inconsistent herewith, or repugnant to the other laws of the Commonwealth, as to the duties and authority of said board, as they may from time to time deem expedient.
SECT. 7. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
REPORT OF THE MANAGERS OF ADAMS ACADEMY.
The Managers of Adams Academy submit the following Report : -
Believing that the year's work can best be told by the Master of the school, it is given herewith :
To the HON. C. F. ADAMS, and other Managers of Adams Academy :
The undersigned respectfully reports :
Little has occurred at the school during the past year wherewith to trouble your board, or the citizens generally. In accordance with the plan embodied in the Manager's last re- port, I submitted the names of the Quincy boys in the order of success, as shown by examinations and recitations up to the first of May, 1880. There were fourteen in all. The Su- pervisors reported $700 available for scholarships. Four had the tuition fee of $75 paid by their parents. The above sum paid for nine, and $25 toward the expenses of the tenth. The same number-fourteen-are at present in attendance from Quincy. The examinations which would chiefly determine their rank are now in progress.
The graduating class also consisted of fourteen. All ap- plied at Harvard College in June. Tirelve were admitted then, and one at a second trial in September. One boy, formerly a resident of Quincy - William Dall Turner- entered with especial credit. In the course of the year, two boys from Quincy were withdrawn ; one in consequence of
134
my advice, his scholarship being below the standard ; the other, greatly against my will, to go into business. Of those from a distance, one left about a month before the end of the year, and one had been withdrawn at my request for a very serious disturbance of good order in the boarding house.
Our public days were celebrated as usual ; the " Found- ers' Day" by athlethic sports, 30th October, 1879; decla- mation for the Adams' gold medal, 3d April, 1880; final exercises, and distribution of prizes, 29th June, 1880.
Our four classes, and the division of some into two parts in several studies, proved to be too many for our force of four teachers. I therefore determined to engage a fifth, and congratulate the managers and the town on having added to our staff, Josiah Quincy, Jr., a graduate with great honor of the Academy in 1876, and of Harvard College in 1880. Every citizen of Quincy must feel this is a new pledge that the school is a town institution.
We have begun the year with increased numbers, better heart, and, as far as appears now, excellent prospects for a very creditable appearance with both our classes at Harvard.
I find the expenses from all sources about exactly tally with the income, -the difference not being twenty-five dol- lars either way.
With constant and sincere respect,
WILLIAM EVERETT.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
CHAS. H. PORTER,
for the Managers.
WARRANT FOR ANNUAL MEETING,
MARCH 1, 1880.
NORFOLK, SS. To either of the Constables of the Town of Quincy, in said County, GREETING :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of the town of Quincy qualified to vote in town affairs, to meet at the TOWN HALL in said Quincy, on MONDAY, the first day of March next, at eight o'clock in the forenoon, to act on the following articles ; viz., -
ARTICLE 1. - To choose a Moderator.
ART 2. - To choose Town Officers.
ART. 3. - To act upon the reports of Auditors of Accounts, Selectmen and School Committee.
ART. 4. - To determine the method of repairing the highways the ensuing year.
ART. 5. - To determine how the town lands shall be improved during the ensuing year.
ART. 6. - To revise the Jury List.
ART. 7. - To hear and act on the report of the Selectmen upon Guide-boards.
ART. - 8. To see if the town will appropriate the sum of two hun- dred dollars for repairing and decorating soldiers' graves, the same to be expended und erdirection of Post 38 of Grand Army of Re- public.
ART. 9. - To see what compensation the town will allow the Engineers, Members and Stewards of the Fire Department for their services the past year.
ART. 10. - To see if the town will purchase a new Hook and Ladder Truck, as a substitute for the one now located on Canal street.
136
ART. 11. - To see if the town will purchase a Chemical Engine. and locate the same at North Quincy.
ART. 12. - To see what action the town will take with reference to the extension of the line of Water-pipes.
ART. 13. - To see if the town will purchase 1500 feet of Fire- hose.
ART. 14. - To see if the town will cause a reservoir to be con- structed at the junction of Billings street and Contest avenue.
ART. 15. - To see if the town will construct a reservoir. to be self-filling. at or near the junction of Union and Main streets. and that the sum of one hundred and seventy-five dollars be appro- priated therefor.
ART. 16. - To see if the town will pay the members of the L. W. Lovell Chemical Engine Company for services rendered during the year 1877.
ART. 17. - To see if the town will instruct the Selectmen not to issue any licenses for the sale of intoxicating liquors as a bev- erage during the ensuing year.
ART. 18. - To see if the town will authorize the Selectmen to call all special town meetings in the evening at 7 1-2 o'clock.
ART. 19. - To see if the town will grant the free use of the town hall for free lectures.
ART. 20. - To see if the town will appropriate money for the. purpose of publishing the records of town meetings of 1873 to 1878, inelusive.
ART. 21. - To see if the town will purchase of Henry H. Faxon about 3800 square feet of land adjoining the town-house lot.
ART. 22. - To see if the town will cause a copy of C. F. Adams. Jr.'s. address upon educational topics to be distributed to each family in town. and appropriate such a sum of money as may be necessary to pay the expense of the same.
ART. 23. - To see what action the town will take on the propo- sition of the family of the late Thomas Crane in relation to erect- ing a memorial building for use as a Public Library. and to see whether the town will purchase and grade a suitable piece of ground as a site for the same.
ART. 24. - To see if the town will build a new almshouse. and appropriate money therefor.
137
ART. 25. - To see if the town will accept the report of the Selectmen laying out Arnold street from Washington to South streets, and appropriate money therefor.
ART. 26. - To see if the town will accept the report of the Selectmen laying out a street from Bridge street to a public way leading from Hancock to Adams street ..
ART. 27 .- To see if the town will accept the report of the Selectmen laying out Belmont street from Beals street to Lincoln avenue, and Lincoln avenue from Belmont street to Highland avenue. and appropriate money therefor.
ART. 28. - To see if the town will construct a sidewalk on south side of Billings street. and appropriate money therefor.
ART. 29. - To see if the town will construct a sidewalk on Brooks street beginning at junction of Highland avenue. and ap- propriate money therefor.
ART. 30. - To see if the town will lay a drain down Faxon avenue from Hancock street.
ART. 31. - To see if the town will regrade Washington street, commencing nearly opposite South street. to Thomas' Hall. and rebuild retaining wall upon lands owned by John Federhen and .J. L. Whiton, and appropriate the sum of four hundred and fifty dol- lars therefor. the money to be expended under the direction of Surveyor of Highways.
ART. 32. - To see if the town will construct and accept as a town way. the causeway from Squantum street to Beach avenue in Squantum. and appropriate money therefor.
ART. 33. - To see if the town will repair Squantum causeway, and appropriate money therefor.
ART. 34. - To see if the town will appropriate money to con- tinue the causeway on Sea street. between Quincy's woods and lands belonging to Josiah Babcock and others, and widen Sea street, and build a retaining wall at the place known as the Bit.
ART. 35. - To see if the town will contract with some respon- sible person to keep the highways in repair the ensuing year.
ART. 36. - To see if the town will accept the provisions of chap- ter 158 of Acts of 1871. entitled ·· An act to provide for the elec- tion of Road Commissioner."
ART. 37. - To see if the town will ratify and confirm deeds
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given by Selectmen of the town reconveying land sold for the non- payment of taxes.
ART. 38. - To see if the town will authorize the Selectmen to appoint such number of Police Officers as they may deem expedi- ent, and appropriate money for that purpose.
ART. 39. - To raise money to defray the necessary expenses of the town the ensuing year.
ART. 40. - To hear and act upon the report of any committee, and choose any committee the town may think proper.
Hereof fail not, but make return of this warrant, with your doings thereon, unto the Town Clerk, on or before the day and time appointed for said meeting.
Given under our hands, at Quincy, this twentieth day of February, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and eighty.
JOHN CHAMBERLIN, WILLIAM N. EATON, CHAS. H. PORTER, Selectmen of Quincy.
OFFICER'S RETURN.
NORFOLK, SS.
FEBRUARY, 21, 1880.
Pursuant to the within warrant, I have notified the in- habitants of the town of Quincy herein described, to meet at the time and place and for the purposes within mentioned, by posting up attested copies of this warrant at ten or more public places in said town nine days before the time set for said meeting ; and I have likewise caused the substance of said warrant to be published in the " Quincy Patriot," a public newspaper printed in said town.
WASHINGTON M. FRENCH, Constable of Quincy.
A true copy.
Attest : GEORGE L. GILL, Town Clerk.
139
RECORD OF ANNUAL MEETING, 1880.
The Annual Meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Quincy was held, pursuant to the foregoing warrant, on Monday, March 1, 1880.
Chose John Quincy Adams, Moderator.
Voted, That after the election of town officers under Ar- ticle 2 of the warrant, the Moderator, without entertaining any other motion, shall declare this meeting adjourned to meet at this place on Monday, March 22, 1880, at one o'clock P.M., at which time the remaining articles of the warrant shall be considered.
Voted, That the Moderator of this meeting, with the re- tiring Selectmen, the Selectmen elect, and fifteen citizens to be appointed by the Moderator, three of whom shall be in- habitants of the South District, three of the Centre District, three of the West District, two of the North District, two of Wollaston, and two of Quincy Point, shall consider the remaining articles in the warrant, and the report of the Committee on Water Supply and Sewerage, and report at the ·adjournment of this meeting what action they consider it advisable for the town to take thereon, with suitable form of votes for carrying out their recommendations.
Voted, To proceed to vote for Town Clerk, Town Treas- urer, three Selectmen and Assessors, two School Committee for three years, two Managers of Adams Academy for three years, two Trustees of the Public Library for three years, two Managers of Mount Wollaston Cemetery for two years, one Commissioner of the Sinking Fund for three years, and fourteen Constables, all on one ballot.
Voted, To close the polls at 4 o'clock and 5 minutes P.M.
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The result of the voting was declared by the Moderator to be the election of the following officers ; viz., -
George L. Gill for Town Clerk; and the oath of office was administered to him by the Moderator.
Horace B. Spear for Town Treasurer.
William A. Hodges, William N. Eaton and Charles H. Porter for Selectmen and Assessors.
Alfred Sampson and Jason G. Witham for School Com- mittee for three years.
Josiah P. Quincy and Edward Norton for Managers of Adams Academy for three years.
HI. A. Keith and Henry Barker for Trustees of the Pub- lic Library for three years.
George L. Baxter and Joseph H. Vogel for Managers of the Mount Wollaston Cemetery for two years.
Abner B. Packard for Commissioner of the Sinking Fund for three years.
John L. Maxim, Washington M. French, J. Warren Hay- den. James E. Maxim, N. B. Furnald, Leone C. Badger, Michael Walsh, William C. Seelye, E. H. Richardson, Edward A. Spear. George H. Locke, George B. Pray, William Parker and Alonzo Glines for Constables.
The following is the number of votes cast for the several candidates for Town Officers, as declared by the Moderator:
Town Clerk. Votes.
George L. Gill, 1339
Town Treasurer.
Horace B. Spear, 1335
Selectmen and, Assessors.
William N. Eaton, 777
William A. Hodges, 721
Charles H. Porter,
715
Votes.
Ensign S. Fellows, 546
Edmund B. Taylor, 541
Herbert M. Federhen, 519
John Chamberlin, 100
Scattering.
3
School Committee for 3 years.
Alfred Sampson,
1335
Jason G. Witham,
1029
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