USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1892 > Part 3
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41
REPORT OF SELECTMEN-1891-92.
as a storage for town property, a place which the town has long felt the want of.
HUMPHREY STREET IMPROVEMENT .- Work on the Hum- phrey street (Swamp road) improvement has been carried on as far as the appropriation permitted, and if the expres- sion of satisfaction by all is any criterion, we think the money has been well expended and justifies us in asking a further appropriation that the good work may be continued by our successors. It is in improving all such unsightly avenues as this was that makes our drives more desirable. our safety more assured, health improved, and our pride increased. One great want in connection with this is the need of one or more streets at right angles across the low swampy lands, connecting Humphrey and Orient streets, notably one to come out near the Ocean House. This would not only ac- commodate public travel, but it would eventually be im- proved, as well as converting it into taxable property. These considerations we forcibly present to you, hoping, as you desire the prosperity of Swampscott. you will give them your kind attention.
SEWERAGE .- The question of sewage has long been before us and yet we seem no nearer a solution of it, there being so many minds concerning it, so many plans presented, and so many difficulties to overcome, that we are at a loss what we should recommend in this report. The committee who has this matter in charge has held many meetings, have been in consultation and correspondence with Mr. Herring, the emi- nent engineer. and will present in detail all the facts thus obtained, and suggestions as they present themselves to the committee. We therefore refer you to the report of the com- mittee which will be found elsewhere. We wish to add be- fore closing this subject, that no one is actuated by selfish motives or personal interest, but for the best interests of the town.
42
REPORT OF SELECTMEN-1891-92.
ADDITION TO CEMETERY .- It has long been evident to those who have been conversant of the facts that our facili- ties for the interment of the dead are very inadequate, even for our present needs, and that our rapidly growing popula- tion imperatively calls for an immediate addition to our beau- tiful cemetery. Every one familiar with the land adjoining it knows how difficult and expensive it will be to put it in condition for burial purposes. In accordance with the vote passed at our last annual town meeting instructing the Se- lectmen to make investigations, procure plans and estimates, we have given our best efforts to the attainment of informa- tion needed to present to you for your guidance and under- standing in disposing of it at the approaching annual town meeting. We have caused to be made by Mr. Harris of Lynn (who has had much experience in this branch of en- gineering,) a comprehensive plan accompanied by a digest of the work necessary to carry out his plan, which we ask the voters of Swampscott to consider. This plan and digest is in the hands of the Selectmen and will be laid before the meeting on Monday, March 21, or it can be examined pre- viously by calling on either of the Selectmen. We have ad- vertised for proposals to do the work, and several parties have promised to send them in. All which are received will accompany the plan above mentioned.
Before closing this part of our report we cannot refrain fron making a few of what we consider pertinent remarks. It is a fact that our cemetery is a very beautiful one, and its nearness to several adjoining cities and towns, together with the ridiculous low prices which have been put on them by the vote of the town, makes it desirable for our neighbors to secure the best lots to the detriment of our citizens. It is evident that this low price is very much less than they cost the town originally, but this could reasonably be borne if it applied only to our citizens. If the present plan is adopted the cost of lots hereafter will be very much enhanced, and
43
REPORT OF SELECTMEN-1891-92.
we recommend that all lots sold in the addition should not be for a less price than the cost to the town.
We further recommend that the price of the remaining lots in the present cemetery be increased to a rate commensurate to their cost to the town.
WIDENING OF HUMPHREY STREET. The widening and straightening of Humphrey street from the Lynn line to the Hay Scales has long been in the minds of the citizens, and all concede the importance and even the necessity of its ac- complishment. The width of the street now varies from 38 to 50 feet, and the narrowest places are invariably in locali- ties where width is most desirable. That this improvement will incur a considerable expense is apparent to all, but its advantages will compensate all that and leave a balance to the credit side. It is admitted sooner or later electricity will supercede horses on all street railways. and as this street is too narrow now for even horses as a motive power, it is evident, if we wish accommodations for our rapidly growing community, that this subject deserves deliberate and imme- diate consideration. It does not necessarily follow that in the widening of this thoroughfare it is for the advantage of the Lynn & Boston Horse Railroad Company, but really for the advantage of our own community. The interests of Swampscott have been heretofore well guarded by its officials from any encroachment on its rights, nor do we anticipate any will be allowed by future officers of the town. We wish to promote the convenience, comfort and happiness of all our community without distinction of class or condition in this, (as in all others,) and we can do no better service to you than in thus forcibly bringing the matter before you. You have it largely in your hands to decide what disposition shall be made of it. Nor do we forget that it is for you to decide if electricity shall be substituted for horse power in our streets, and if so, what compensation and conditions shall be imposed therefor. It is also evident that if Hum- phrey street is not widened there will always be a wide-
44
REPORT OF SELECTMEN-1891-92.
spread and successful opposition to running cars by electric- ity in this narrow street.
RAILROAD CROSSING ON BURRILL STREET .- The grade crossing of Burrill street over the tracks of the Boston & Maine R. R. has long been a terror and a constant danger to all who travel over it, as well as a disadvantage to the owners of real estate in Upper Swampscott, and we have used our best endeavors of late to have this danger removed. We have received a petition numerously signed by our citizens calling for a speedy removal of this state of things, which is now in the hands, and waiting the decision of. the Superior Court. The grade of this improvement will be easy, enabling a good drainage to the brook a short distance west of the station. The passage way under the tracks should be fifty feet in width to correspond with the street, with eight feet sidewalks on either side separated from the roadway by a line of iron pillars to support the overhead bridge. Accord- ing to the Statutes the Railroad is required to pay 65 per cent. of all costs, the State 25 per cent leaving for the Town 10 per cent. It will thus be seen this important improve- ment can be accomplished now for a very small cost to us.
STACEY BROOK .- Another important subject we present for your action is the present and past condition of the out- let of Stacey Brook. It has always been a source of obstruc- tion to the free flow of its waters, and is the cause of the fill- ing up of its bed with mud and stagnant water to the detri- ment of health. This is all the result of the action of the sea in storms and its resultant high tides, and can be remedied by building a plank conduit supported by spiles driven into the sand the same as the one constructed at Beach Bluff four years ago, and which has proved so satisfactory in withstand- ing the power of the sea and draining the adjacent territory. In this we have the assurance of the City of Lynn authorities that they will bear equally the expenses of the same, as they always cheerfully have whenever we have made improve- ments there. It is variously estimated to cost from $1000 to
45
REPORT OF SELECTMEN -- 1891-92.
$1500 to carry the structure down to half tide or further, and we recommend an appropriation to carry out the project, sub- ject to a similar appropriation on the part of the City of Lynn.
Let it be remembered that this is the gateway to Swamp- scott on the main thoroughfare through our town, and first impressions are lasting. In making this improvement we please the sight, remove unpleasant odors, and maintain health.
FINANCIAL .- Before closing this report we have thought it best to present in a most brief way a tabular statement of the present debt of the town, the details of which will be verified by reference to the Auditor's Report elsewhere printed.
The gross debt of the town on Feb. 28, 1891 $48,666 66 4,500 00 ·
Borrowed during year
$53,166 66
Notes paid during year
. 10,833 34
Gross debt, Feb. 20, 1892
$42,333 32
It will be seen we have reduced the debt during the pres- ent municipal year in the sum of $6,333.34, leaving the in- debtedness of the town less than 1% of its valuation, which is according to the Assessor's books, $4,893,723.
APPROPRIATIONS .- Agreeable to custom of late years, we present for your acceptance a list of appropriations as pre- sented by the heads of departments for the coming municipal year, which have been prepared with great care, and with due consideration of the needs of their various departments, having in view a just appreciation of economy as well as just needs.
Selectmen's Department .
$4,000 00
Highway Department .
5,500 00
School Department .
11,000 00
46
REPORT OF SELECTMEN -- 1891-92.
Health Department
1,200 00
Poor Department
2,500 00
Fire Department
2,500 00
Police Department
2,300 00
Street Light Department
6,200 00
Sidewalk Department
1,000 00
Curbstone and Concrete Department
700 00
Cemetery Department
400 00
Town Hall (and receipts)
400 00
Library (dog taxes receipts)
400 00
Humphrey Street Improvement
2,000 00
Street Crossings
350 00
Catch Basins and Gutters
400 00
Memorial Day .
50 00
Care Monument Lot
25 00
Water Rates
350 00
Soldiers and Sailors
200 00
Care of Beaches
300 00
For any further exhibit of our work during the past year, we refer you to the various department reports to be found printed in this Annual Report for 1891-1892.
CONCLUSION .- We have in the foregoing pages given a presumably reasonable view of town matters, not assuming they are infallible but with the aim of bringing them before you for your consideration and probable action ; and in this we do not expect to escape criticism, and in a degree even censure, but after a careful scrutiny we can but feel you will acquit us of any personal interest therein other than to faith- fully perform our manifold duties to our constituents.
AARON R. BUNTING, Selectmen JOHN H. FARWELL, of
ARTHUR C. WIDGER, Swampscott.
.
.
.
.
REPORT OF ENGINEERS. 1891-1892.
TO THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN :
The engineers herewith present their annual report for the year ending February 28, 1892.
LOCATION OF APPARATUS.
Steamer, ladder-truck, hose wagon and hose-reel at new engine house on New Ocean street; hose-reel and hose at Jacob Cooper's, Beach Bluff ; hose-reel and hose at D. P. Stimpson's, Redington street; hose-reel and hose at Lynn & Boston Railroad stable on Essex street ; hose-reel and hose at Highland Hall, Mountain Park; hose and fittings at John Washburn's stable, Humphrey street.
Horses when needed are furnished by the Lynn & Boston Railroad Co., as heretofore.
LOCATION OF BOXES.
During the year past new boxes have been added and the old ones re-numbered. Their locations are as follows :
Box 3. Cor. Essex and Danvers sts.
4. Boston & Maine flag-station, Burrill st.
5. Engine house, New Ocean st.
6. Opposite C. P. Jeffers', Humphrey st.
7. Cor. Hillside ave. and Cherry st.
8. Roy st., Mountain Park.
9. Cor. Humphrey st. and Forrest ave.
12. Allen Rowe's, Humphrey st.
13. Hotel Preston, Atlantic ave.
14. Cor. Orient st. and Lincoln House ave.
15. Opposite Washburn's stable, Orient st.
16. John Jefferies, Orient st.
17. Cor. Highland and King sts.
48
REPORT OF ENGINEERS-1891-92.
FIRES AND ALARMS.
April 7. Box 15. Fire at Thomas Pedrick's, caused by kettle of fat boiling over. No damage.
May 27. Box 15. Fire at William Seger's house, Orient court, caused by boys burning rubbish. Damage, $75.
July 13. Box 4. Fire at Boston & Maine depot.
July 17. Box 4. Fire at Boston & Maine depot.
July 17. Responded to a call for assistance from Chief Engineer Downing of Lynn.
July 20. Box 6. C. P. Jeffers'. No damage.
Sept. 18. Box 15. T. O. Philbrick, cause oil stove. No damage.
Oct. 3. Box 6. George E. Emmon's, cause gas jet. Dam- age, $150.
Oct. 3. Still alarm. Ellis stable. No damage.
Nov. 3. Box 6. Fire at Nickerson house, cause tar ket- tle. No damage.
Nov. 28. Responded to a call for assistance from Lynn.
Dec. 1. Box 8. Fire at Wood's house, Mountain Park. Damage. $75.
Dec. 10. Box 13. Call through telephone, fire in Mar- blehead.
In our last annual report we recommended the erection of a new engine house of more modern pattern and better cal- culated for the accommodation of the fire department than the building then occupied. Plans were submitted at the meeting, the recommendations were adopted, and a generous appropriation of $4500 was given to a building committee for its erection. That the new house has stimulated an ac- tivity in the company is very manifest. With attractions that have been added the members assemble at the rooms in much larger numbers than heretofore.
The Engineers recommend nothing new this year.
Respectfully submitted,
CHAS. K. ROBERTS, Board
GEO. P. CAHOON,
DAVID H. PRATT,
Engineers. of
Report of Superintendent of Streets. 1891-1892.
TO THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN :
Stone, gravel and crush stone used on streets as follows :
Name of street.
No. loads gravel. No. loads stone and Crush stone.
Atlantic avenue
694
208
Burrill street
13
2
Boynton street
11
17
Beach Bluff avenue
42
Columbia street .
.
92
Cherry street
51
12
Essex street
478
125
50
Humphrey street
384
367
293
Hillside avenue
7
Highland street .
15
King street
·
·
7
2
New Ocean street
107
32
Orient street
91
17
Pine street
15
2
Phillips street
.
12
Salem street
108
52
Redington street ·
54
7
Thomas Road
3
Engine House on New Ocean
12
55
10
Stone, gravel and crushed stone used on sidewalks as follows :
Name of street.
No. loads gravel. No. loads stone and crush stone.
Atlantic avenue
·
16
3
Blaney street
18
2
Beach avenue
50
Cherry street .
· 194
Essex street .
98
8
.
.
.
·
·
50
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS-1891-92.
Name of street.
No. loads gravel. No. loads stone and crush stone.
Humphrey street
46
New Ocean street
.
6
Orient street
·
67
Pine street
64
Rock avenue
.
20
Rockland street .
.
7
Rose street
2
Redington street
39
Salem street
100
50
Thomas road
6
Gutter scrapings removed from the following streets as follows :
Name of street.
No. loads.
Atlantic avenue
17
Burrill street
121
Boynton street
9
Beach avenue
22
Columbia street
51
Claremont terrace
4
Essex street
27
Hillside avenue
44
Humphrey street
138
Highland street
2
King street
10
New Ocean street
.
7
.Orient street
165
Pine street
53
Phillips street
7
Redington street
5
Rockland street
5
Rose street
7
Rock avenue
7
Thomas road
.
5
.
.
.
.
·
.
.
.
·
57
Blaney street
,
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS-1891-92. 51
Gutter scrapings used as follows :
Name of street.
No. loads.
Marshall street sidewalk
9
Orient street sidewalk
. 67
Pine street schoolhouse
· 103
Stephen Newcomb
48
Cherry street sidewalk
65
Mr. Henderson (in exchange for ashes)
· 27
Wm. Stone
. 35
Swamp road and Humphrey street improvement . 359
HUMPHREY STREET IMPROVEMENT .- Removed and used 1,360 loads of stone and gravel, and 359 loads of gutter scrapings, used.
HUMPHREY STREET SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT :- Removed from Beach avenue and used 85 loads of filling, and 295 loads of gravel used.
BEACH BLUFF AVENUE SIDEWALK :- Used 116 loads of gravel and removed 85 loads of filling.
BOYNTON STREET SIDEWALK :- Removed 24 loads of loam and used 15 loads gravel and 10 loads stone.
Gravel removed and sand used for crossings on streets as fol- lows :
Name of street.
No. loads gravel. No. loads sand.
Humphrey street
5 3
Burrill street
5 2
Sand and stone used for paving streets as follows :
Name of street.
No. loads stone. No. loads sand.
Beach avenue
35
31
Burrill street
7 3
Sand used for sanding sidewalks, 55 loads.
·
.
.
.
·
.
52
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS-1891-92.
TOWN PROPERTY.
26 picks .
· $19.50
25 shovels
12.50
4 bars
. 3.00
10 lanterns
3.50
6 street hose .
3.00
4 hammers
4.00
5 rakes .
1.50
2 snow plows
30.00
1 road machine
200.00
3 mattocks
6.00
2 wheel barrows
4.00
.
6 stone points
1.25
10 drills .
2.56
2 steel frost wedges
5.10
33 pounds shims and wedges
.56
Gravel screen .
7.00
Tool box
5.00
.
JAMES P. M. S. PITMAN,
Superintendent of Streets.
Report of Superintendent of Cemetery. 1891 -- 1892.
TO THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN :
During the past year but few improvements have been made. The house has been painted at a cost of $15 and the avenues have been straightened. I would recommend that the house be re-shingled, and the fence in the rear of the Cemetery repaired.
No. of Lots sold, 7, at $25 each. No. of Interments, 29. No. in Receiving Tomb, 8. Expenditures for the year. $298.04.
J. S. BROWN, Supt.
POLICE REPORT FOR 1891-92.
TO THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN :
Whole number of arrests
14
Drunkenness
3
Larceny
1
Profane and indecent language
4
For assault
2
For keeping unlicensed dog
1
False pretence
1
Insane
2
14
Disposed of as follows :-
Committed to House of Correction for non-payment of fines 3
Fined and paid
4
Put on probation
3
Under bond to keep the peace
1
Discharged
1
Insane Asylum
2
Stray children found and returned home
·
3 14
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.
Accidents reported
7
Assisted other officers
9
Buildings found open and secured .
11
Complaints investigated .
92
Disturbances suppressed .
6
Dogs killed
5
Fires extinguished without alarm
2
Intoxicated persons taken home belonging inSwamp- scott 3
Intoxicated persons left at Swampscott depot, non- residents
9
Injured and sick persons assisted
2
Lights furnished for dangerous places
14
Street obstructions removed
11
.
·
.
.
.
-
55
REPORT OF POLICE-1891-92.
Stray teams put up
2
Stray children put up
3
POLICE IMPLEMENTS.
Helmets
8
Badges
14
Whistles .
10
Pairs handcuffs
8
Twisters
7
Lantern
1
Revolvers
5
Billies
12
Buttons
VALUATION.
Helmets .
$15 00
Handcuffs and twisters
26 00
Revolvers and badges
55 00
Billies and whistles .
15 50
Lantern and buttons
3 50
Gun
.
20 00
Total
$135 00
REIMBURSED TO POLICE SERVICES, 1891-92.
Dr. Lodge estate
$6 00
H. S. Tuttle
1 75
Wardwell Bros.
2 50
Lady's aid
1 00
Private party
1 00
Swampscott Yacht Club
1 25
John Shepard .
2 00
Murray Club
2 00
Yacht and Social Clubs
2 00
Essex County .
5 00
Police Court .
15 00
Total
$39 50
9
Respectfully submitted,
WALLACE WRIGHT, Chief of Police.
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH.
1891-1892.
TO THE CITIZENS OF SWAMPSCOTT :
We, the Board of Health, beg leave to submit the follow- ing report :
There has been considerable accomplished in relation to sanitary work, by disposing of the overflow pipes leading to the beaches, and there remains considerable more to be done in that direction.
In relation to the Boston dumpage coming in on our beaches, we will refer to the Selectmen's Report ; although we have endeavored to remove it as fast as it has collected.
In relation to the collecting of offal, we have had very little complaint, yet there is room for improvement in that direction.
We have had a number of signs put up along the beaches, requesting the citizens not to deposit rubbish thereon, and with a few exceptions they have complied with our request. Some of the citizens have made the suggestion that the town provide some means for the collecting of ashes, and other rubbish that may collect on their premises ; we think the suggestion a good one, and recommend that the citizens take some action at our next annual town meeting.
We have had but four cases of contagious diseases, re- ported this last year, which we think is remarkable.
JOHN I. ADAMS, Board EDWIN F. WILEY, of Health.
JOSEPH W. GLASS, )
57
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH-1891-92.
HEALTH REGULATIONS OF THE TOWN OF SWAMPSCOTT.
The following Regulations have been adopted by the Board of Health .
SECTION 1. The owner, agent or occupant, having care of any tene- ment used as a dwelling-house, shall furnish the same with sufficient drain, under ground, to carry off the waste water; and also with a suit- able privy, sufficient for the accommodation of all who may use it.
SECT. 2. All vaults or privies shall be so constructed that the inside of the same shall be at least two feet distant from the line of every ad- joining lot or street. and the same shall be kept tight; nor shall the con- tents of any vault be allowed to accumulate within twelve inches of the even surface of the ground, or otherwise become offensive.
SECT. 3. All waste water shall be conveyed through sufficient drains, under ground, to a common sewer, or to such reservoir, sunk under ground, as shall be approved by the Board of Health, and no person shall suffer any waste or stagnant water to remain in any cellar, or upon any lot or vacant ground, by such person owned or occupied.
SECT. 4. Whenever, upon due examination, it shall appear to the Board of Health that the number of persons occupying any tenement or building in the town is so great as to be the cause of nuisance or sickness, or the source of filth; or that any tenement or building is not furnished with vaults constructed according to the provisions of the regulations, or with sufficient privies, or drains underground for waste water, or from any cause has become unfit for habitation, they will thereupon issue their notice in writing to such persons, or any of them, requiring them to remove and quit such tenement or building within such time as they shall deem reasonable.
SECT. 5. No person shall throw or put into any public place, or pond, or running stream, or body of water, or in any other place where the Board of Health may deem it a nuisance, any dead animal, dirt or rub- bish whatsoever, nor shall any person throw into or upon any flats or tide water within the jurisdiction of the town, any dead animal, filth or offensive matter.
SECT. 6. No person shall erect or maintain, within the limits of the town, any building or structure used for a slaughter house, or for the manufacture or refining of kerosene oil or soap, the trying out of lard, the business of tallow chandler, or the tanning, dressing or coloring of leather or skins, or any other noxious or offensive trade, or exercise or carry on such trade, business or employment, without a license from the Board of Health, defining the place for the same, and any such license may at any time be revoked.
58
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH-1891-92.
SECT. 7. No person shall collect any house offal or night soil within limits of the town without a license from the Board of Healthi.
SECT. S. No person shall bring into the town for sale any deceased, putrid, stale or unwholesome meat, vegetables or provisions.
SECT. 9. No person shall burn, boil or decompose in the town any bones or other refuse parts of meat, cattle or other animal, without a license from the Board of Health.
SECT. 10. No person shall keep any swine within the limits of the town without a license from the Board of Health.
SECT. 11. Any person sick with the small-pox, scarlet fever, diphtheria or membraneous croup, together will all persons in attend- ance upon him, will be subject to the control of the Board; and no per- son shall enter or leave a house wherein any person is or has been sick with the disease, or in any way come in contact with the inmates of such house, except by permission of the Board.
SECT. 12. All persons are warned not to approach a house or the sur- rounding premises whereupon is displayed either a healthı card, a red flag by day or a red light by night.
SECT. 13. When a householder knows that a person within his family is taken sick of small-pox, scarlet fever, measles, diphtheria, mem- braneous croup, typhoid fever, or ony otlier disease, dangerous to the public health, he shall immediately give notice thereof to the Board of Health.
SECT. 14. When a physician knows that any person whom he is called to visit is infected with small-pox, scarlet fever, measles, diptheria, membraneous croup, typhoid fever, or any other disease dan- gerous to the public healthi, he shall immediately give notice thereof to the Board of Health.
SECT. 15. No child from any family or house infected with scarlet fever, measles, diptheria, small-pox or membraneous croup shall be per- mitted to attend school without a permit from the Board of Health.
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