USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1884 > Part 3
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No improvements have been added to the Cemetery the past year, as the appropriation was not sufficient to warrant any being made. I would hereby recommend the placing a six-foot picket fence in place of stone wall in rear of the Cemetery, and the gravelling of a portion of the avenues, as they will all require it in a few years. Also, that some system may be adopted by which the graves of those placed in the Town Lots may be found. Would also recommend the enlargement of Town Tomb.
The total expenditure for the past year has been $189.90. Sold one lot, $25.00. During the year there have been 31 deaths.
J. S. BROWN, Superintendent. ·
SURVEYOR'S REPORT.
Account of Gravel used on Streets and Sidewalks.
Humphrey Street 595 loads.
Orient Street 714
Blaney, Rose, Highland and Redington Streets 183
Humphrey and Burrill Street Corner 15
Pine Street
25
Salem Street .
15
Essex Street .
448
Essex Street Bridge
30
Danvers Street .
13
Marshall Street 10
Burrill Street
24
Monument
80
Beach Avenue
66
Salem Street .
181
Swamp Road
282
Marshall Street
19
Beach Roads .
44
Monument, inside
75
Essex Street 100
Cherry Street
13
Beach Avenue 18
2950
R. HARRIS, Surveyor.
REPORT OF SOLDIERS' MONUMENT COMMITTEE.
TO THE CITIZENS OF SWAMPSCOTT :
It gives your committee great pleasure to submit for your inspection and approval, this report of their doings as servants of the Town.
March 20th, 1882, the Town placed at our disposal without restriction, the sum of three thousand dollars, ap- propriated for the erection of a monument in memory of the brave men who lost their lives in defense of the nation.
After long and persistent labor, the committee succeeded in obtaining a deed of the land on which the monument now stands, with the following restrictions, viz. : - the lot to be used for no purpose other than a Soldiers' Monument ; the lot to be curbed with a proper curbing, and kept in a good and proper condition by the Town ; and in view of the last-named restriction, we would recommend that the Town take favorable action on the article in the Warrant, asking for an appropriation of fifty dollars to keep the lot in a good and proper condition.
Your committee inspected and had under consideration several plans from monument builders, and finally adopted the plans drawn by R. F. Carter, of Ryegate, Vt., and, by so doing, consider that they did a wise thing, and saved the Town from $500 to $800.
The contract for the bronze was awarded to Bubier & Co., they being at least $300 less than any contractor.
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REPORT ON SOLDIERS' MONUMENT.
The curbing was furnished by Scott Bros., and, although when first set was not satisfactory, after being altered was considered as good a job as could be done, taking into con- sideration the shape and grade of the lot.
Your committee, from the first, endeavored to keep with- in the appropriation, and at the same time build a monu- ment that would be an honor to the Town, and please the majority of our people. We are proud to say that we think we have filled the three requirements of the bill. The total cost of the monument, as it now stands, including filling, sodding and curbing, is $2,943.10, leaving a bal- ance of $56.90.
We would recommend that the appropriation for the curbstone department this year be made large enough to authorize the Selectmen to have the sidewalk enclosed by a proper curbstone.
Hoping that this report will meet with general approba- tion, your committee will take this opportunity to thank the citizens of the Town for placing them in so important and honorable a position.
WM. G. EARP, W. H. COLLINS, CHARLES ROWELL, IVORY EMMONS, M. E. PORTER,
Monument Committee.
NEW SCHOOL HOUSE.
TO THE SELECTMEN OF SWAMPSCOTT :
The Committee appointed at the last annual Town meeting to procure a location, and cause to be erected a suitable school building, for the use of the Upper Swamp- scott school district, in accordance with a vote passed at said meeting, have attended to that duty and herewith pre- sent a report of their doings.
Having examined several locations, with a view to their expense and availability, your Committee unanimously concluded that the present site was the most available, and centrally located for our purpose. They therefore con- cluded a purchase with the agent of the Burrill heirs, by which they obtained the lot of land on Essex Street, oppo- site Burrill Street, measuring one hundred feet on Essex Street, and having a depth of two hundred and fifteen feet, for which one thousand dollars was paid.
After advertising for proposals your Committee con- tracted with Mr. Ivory Emmons, - he being the lowest bidder,-to furnish materials and erect and finish the pres- ent building, ready for occupancy, for the sum of twenty- nine hundred and. seventy-five dollars. Your Committee have given the matter their personal supervision, and as a result, herewith present to the Town a neat and commo- dious two-story school building, measuring 35 by 42 feet on the ground, thoroughly finished, inside and out, contain- ing two school rooms, each 31 by 32 feet, well lighted and
5I
REPORT ON NEW SCHOOL HOUSE.
ventilated, and capable of accommodating sixty scholars each, and all has been done within the appropriation.
Appropriation · $4,000 00
Cost of land $1,000 00
Paid Dean Peabody examining titles . 10 00
Paid Lynn Item advertising for proposals . 5 00
Paid Lynn Bee for same 3 00
Cost of building 2,975 00
$3,993 00
Balance $7 00
All of which is respectfully submitted.
MILTON D. PORTER, JOHN E. DAME, DANIEL MARSHALL, FRANK O. ELLIS, IVORY EMMONS,
Committee.
SWAMPSCOTT, Nov. 1, 1883.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON STEAM FIRE ENGINE.
AT the adjourned meeting held on the seventh day of April last, the following vote was passed :- " That a com- mittee of five be appointed by the Chair to purchase a Steam Fire Engine and necessary apparatus, and provide a suitable building for the same; and that the Treasurer be authorized, under the direction of the Selectmen, to hire a sum of money, not exceeding five thousand dollars, for the payment of the same, and give the note of the Town for a time not exceeding one year."
Under authority of this vote, your Committee present the following report :-
It being necessary for us to gain all the information pos- sible, which would be of service to the Town in regard to the different fire engines in use, their probable cost, and adaptability to the wants of the Town, your Committee, by invitations of the builders of fire engines, through their agents, visited several places to witness the trial of their machines.
At Boston Highlands, one of Hunneman & Co.'s second class single engines was tested with good result; but the trial was not as satisfactory as would have been the case had it drafted the water, instead of taking it from a hydrant at a pressure of some fifty pounds.
By invitation of Mr. R. Dennie, representing the Silsby Manufacturing Company, of Seneca Falls, N. Y., your Committee visited the towns of Marblehead, Wakefield,
53
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON STEAM FIRE ENGINE.
Milbury, and the City of Somerville, to witness the trial of their machines. The exhibitions were satisfactory, and in some respects exceeded our expectations.
At the Manchester Locomotive Works (N. H.), your Committee saw engines in the different stages of construc- tion, and also witnessed the working of one of their ma- chines at the canal, which also did most excellent work.
At East Weymouth, a new Button engine was tested, and in some respects did all the builders claimed for it.
Our inquiries were extended to other places where the different kinds of machines are used, from which we ob- tained most valuable information, and which was of great assistance to us in reaching our decision.
Upon a careful consideration of the whole matter, keep- ing in view the cost, the weight, the style and construc- tion, the liability to get out of order, and its ability to perform long and continued service, your Committee were of the unanimous opinion that the Silsby Engine was best adapted to the wants of the Town, and accordingly a con- tract was made with the Silsby Manufacturing Company of Seneca Falls, N. Y., for one of their "First Class, Fourth Size Engines, to be delivered, at their expense, upon the conditions that if not perfectly satisfactory to the Committee in every respect, the same to be removed free of expense to the Town."
The machine arrived within the time specified in the contract, and arrangements were made for the trial. The fire departments of the several places visited gave us valu- able information in regard to the matter, and no trouble was spared that would in any way assist us in the perform- ance of our duty.
In consideration of the courtesies extended to us, invita- tions were sent out to representatives of the fire depart- ments of the several places visited, and to the City Gov- ernment of Lynn to be present at the trial, which took place on the afternoon of September 26. At the close of
1
54 REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON STEAM FIRE ENGINE.
the trial, a collation was provided in the Town Hall, the parties expressing themselves as highly pleased with the working of the machine, and congratulating the Town up- on the first step toward the formation of a first-class de- partment. The several tests arranged for the trial were performed in a manner perfectly satisfactory to your Com- mittee, and, by a unanimous vote, the same was accepted, and the bill approved in accordance with the terms of the contract.
The small amount of hose on hand made it necessary for a further supply, and one thousand feet was purchased of the American Fire Hose Co. of Chelsea.
The new school house at the head of Burrill Street hav- ing been completed, and there being no further use for the one opposite the Cemetery, we found that, with a small expenditure, it could be made suitable for an engine house. A permit was obtained from the Selectmen, and the build- ing moved to the Town Lot on New Ocean Street.
Being unable to procure a suitable lot of land more cen- trally located, and after carefully considering the best interests of the Town from various standpoints, your Com- mittee were unanimous in their conclusions to locate the house upon the lot on New Ocean Street, near the old engine house (removed from the beach by direction of the Town), to this locality.
It being a well-known fact that fire engines generate steam much more rapidly while in motion, the distance from the more central portion of the Town may be regard- ed as of little importance, and was so considered by your Committee.
Respectfully submitted,
G. A. CROSMAN, J. A. KNOWLTON, JOHN STANLEY, IVORY EMMONS, D. HOLMAN MILLETT,
Committee.
TOWN WARRANT.
ESSEX, ss.
TO EITHER OF THE CONSTABLES OF THE TOWN OF SWAMPSCOTT, GREETING.
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are hereby directed to notify the inhabitants of the Town of Swamp- scott, qualified to vote in Town affairs, to meet at the TOWN HALL in said Swampscott, SATURDAY, the FIFTEENTH day of MARCH current, at NINE o'clock, A.M., then and there to act on the following articles :-
ARTICLE 1. To choose a Moderator by ballot to preside at said meeting.
ART. 2. To choose a Town Clerk for one year. To choose a Board of Selectmen for one year.
To choose a Town Treasurer for one year. To choose one Assessor for three years.
To choose a Collector of Taxes for one year.
To choose one or more Surveyors of Highways for one year.
To choose one School Committee for three years. To choose one School Committee for two years.
To choose one Overseer of the Poor for three years. To choose a Board of Health for one year.
To choose three members of the Auditing Committee for one year.
To choose three Fence Viewers for one year.
To choose all necessary Constables, Field Drivers and Pound Keepers for one year. All to be chosen on one ballot.
ART. 3. Shall licenses be granted for the Sale of Intoxicating Liquors in this Town? Yes, or No. By ballot.
56
TOWN WARRANT.
ART. 4. To hear and act upon the Reports of the Auditors, the Selectmen, the School Committee, the Trustees of the Library, the Surveyor of Highways, the Chief Engineer of the Fire De- partment, the Superintendent of the Cemetery, and any other Committee previously chosen.
ART. 5. To raise such sums of money as may be necessary to defray Town expenses for the ensuing year, and make appro- priations therefor.
ART. 6. To see what amount of bonds will be required of the Town Treasurer for the current year.
ART. 7. To see if the Town will authorize the Treasurer to hire money under the direction of the Selectmen, to pay Town in- debtedness.
ART. 8. To see if the Town will authorize the Treasurer to hire money under the direction of the Selectmen, in anticipation of the taxes to be assessed and collected.
ART. 9. To see what amount of bonds will be required of the Collector for the collection of taxes for the ensuing year.
ART. 10. To see what compensation the Town will allow the Collector for the collection of taxes for the ensuing year.
ART. 11. To see if the Town will authorize the Collector of Taxes the current year to use any or all means for the collection of taxes that may be lawfully used by the Town Treasurer when acting as Collector.
ART. 12. To see what action the Town will take in regard to taxes, and what rate of discount, if any, will be allowed for the prompt payment before a certain date.
ART. 13. To see what action the Town will take in relation to change of By-Laws, or addition to the same.
ART. 14. To see in what manner the Town will appropriate the money received for the Licensing of Dogs.
ART. 15. To see if the Town will accept the List of Jurors pre- pared by the Selectmen.
ART. 16. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of Four Hundred Dollars in addition to the amount appropriated last year for the purpose of building a new Receiving Tomb in the Swamp- scott Cemetery.
ART. 17. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money to furnish and set Curbstones, provided abutters will pay one-half of the expense.
ART. 18. To see what action the Town will take toward pur- chasing the necessary appliances to make our Steam Fire Engine and Fire Department available for quick service.
57
TOWN WARRANT.
ART. 19. To see what action the Town will take relative to a Fire Aların.
ART. 20. To see what action the Town will take relative to a Water Supply, or to ascertain what prospect there is for water for our people during the coming summer, as petitioned for by S. M. Shattuck and others.
ART. 21. To see if the Town will pay the City of Boston, the sum of Twenty-six and 5 Dollars, for aid rendered Wm. Bur- rows in the year 1871.
ART. 22. To see what compensation the Town will make the Fire Department, the current year, and grant money for the same.
ART. 23. To see if the Town will build a Sidewalk from the estate of John Jeffries to the junction of Orient and Humphrey Sts., and grant money for the same, agreeable to the petition of S. H. Wardwell and others.
ART. 24. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of One Thousand (1000) Dollars, for the purpose of prosecuting the illegal sale of liquor, agreeable to the petition of Frank O. Ellis and others.
ART. 25. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of Fifty Dollars ($50) yearly, for the purpose of keeping the Soldiers' Mon- ument grounds, in a good and proper condition, agreeably to the petition of S. M. Shattuck and others.
ART. 26. To see if the Town will extend the Water Pipe from Redington St. to Rockland St., or take any action relative to wa- ter pipes, and appropriate money for the same.
ART. 27. To see what action the Town will take in regard to moving the Steam Fire Engine and Building, from New Ocean St. to some more central location, agreeable to the petition of F. C. Thing and others.
ART. 28. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of Fifty Dollars, to defray the expense of Decorating the Soldiers' Mon- ument and also the Graves of Soldiers and Sailors, buried in the Swampscott Cemetery. The same to be done under the direction of Gen. Bates' Post 118, G. A. R., agreeable to the petition of J. R. Merritt and others.
And you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting attested copies of the same at the Town Hall, Depot, Post Office, and three other public and conspicuous places in the Town, seven days at least before the day appointed for said meeting.
8
58
TOWN WARRANT.
Given under our hands, this third day of March, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and eighty-four.
ISAAC H. ANDREWS, A. R. BUNTING, JOHN STANLEY,
Selectmen of Swampscott.
A true copy. Attest :
JAMES WHEELER, Constable.
Baldwin Collection Does Not Circulate
SWAMPSCOTT PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1996 00132 2983
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