USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1904 > Part 7
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 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13
JEROME PAUL JACKSON, Secretary of the Committee.
December 10, 1903.
I16
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Feb. 20
Cemetery Report.
To the Board of Selectmen :
Receipts. Lots Sold.
Three at $50 each .
$150 00
Four at $25 each
.
.
·
100 00
Number of interments .
34
List of Public Property.
Receiving tomb
. $2,000 00
Old tomb
20 00
House .
500 00
Implements
45 00
.
I would recommend that an appropriation be made for gravel and trimming trees.
Respectfully submitted, J. P. M. S. PITMAN, Superintendent Cemetery.
II7
REPORT OF TREE WARDEN
1904]
Report of the Tree Warden.
To the Citizens of the Town of Swampscott :
The fourth year of the duties of the Tree Warden is closed. The work of this department has increased year by year because of new roads accepted by the town containing trees to be cared for, also the increase of the brown tail moth caused by the neglect of private property owners, and the protection of trees against careless drivers of teams.
NUMBER AND KINDS OF TREES ON TOWN ROADS, APRIL 1, 1902.
Elm
214
Ash, White
.
37
Ash, Mountain
.
4
Maple, Rock
340
Maple, Norway
264
Maple, Silverleaf
III
Oak, Red .
51
Oak, English
4
Willow
I 6
Chestnut
23
Larch
·
7
Total
1,068
TREES PLANTED OUT.
Maple, Rock
.
60
Maple, Norway
·
.
.
50
By abutter . .
. .
2
Total
. II2
·
118
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
Feb. 20
Number of trees on roads accepted in 1903 32
NUMBER OF TREES SET OUT IN 1903.
Hampden street .
.
15
Middlesex avenue
II
Norfolk avenue
I7
Burrill street
I J
Maple avenue
7
Farragut road
3
Thomas road
5
Andrew road
5
Beach Bluff
5
Walker road
3
Berkshire street
4
Stetson avenue
20
Columbia street
2
Essex street
2
By abutters
2
Total .
II2
Trees destroyed by horses and paid for by owner or driver, 2 ; killed by gas from sewer trench, 2; old trees removed, 10. Total, 14.
I have avoided planting trees in front of vacant land as they get no protection from the owner. Out of the 112 trees planted out in 1903 not a tree failed to live or make a good growth. Total number of trees on town roads at this time is 1, 198.
Trees pruned, 130; protected by wire, 122; number of loads of loam used, 30.
Tools belonging to the department, 2 shovels, I pick, I ladder.
Work of protecting the trees against the ravages of the brown tail moth and other insects :
Number of trees found infested with nests, 560, an increase of 225 over 1902 ; as many as 315 nests being taken from a single tree. Trees sprayed for distruction of elm beetle, 8. Nests of the webb worm and the gipsy moth were found in many places.
.
·
119
REPORT OF TREE WARDEN.
1904
The work of clearing the large trees is very slow and danger- ous so it is with difficulty we can get young men to do the climb- ing with extra pay. While it can be readily seen there are a larger amount of moth nests on the trees than in 1903, caused by neglect of private property owners, there have been no trees stipped or injured by insects, which shows that trees cleared of nests in early spring will not be defoliated the following season.
As it is very doubtful if the legislature passes any bill this year protecting towns and cities from the ravages of tree destroy- ing insects, I recommend the sum of one hundred dollars be ap- propriated in addition to the amount appropriated last year, also that the work of planting out trees by the road side on suitable roads be continued as in the three preceding years.
In concluding this report, your Tree Warden states that on Blaney street in front of the Thorndike estate are two very large trees situated in the sidewalk so near the fence that they are a great inconvenience to travel on the sidewalk, the snow plow is obliged to leave the sidewalk in passing them, besides keeping the curb stones out of place. The Tree Warden recommends they be removed, that the sum of seventy-five dollars be appro- priated for the purpose of removing them and replacing the curb stones.
All respectfully submitted, GEORGE NEWHALL, Tree Warden.
.
120
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
Feb. 20
REPORT OF THE
Inspector of Animals and Provisions.
To the Board of Selectmen :
There has been one general inspection of cattle and swine this year, with the result that all were found free from disease and well cared for.
The dealers in meats and provisions have all clean, well ventilated stores, and the quality of their stock has been good.
The fruit offered for sale by pedlars should be carefully inspected before purchasing. Two cases came to the notice of the inspector where fruit was offered for sale not considered fit for food. They were forbidden any further sales, under penalty of arrest. Housekeepers are frequently swindled by these parties and when decayed fruit is offered them they should notify the inspector so that the proper steps may be taken to prevent the sale of articles unfit for food.
Respectfully submitted, JAMES T. LYONS,
Inspector of Animals and Provisions.
I2I
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF MILK.
1904
Report of Inspector of Milk.
SWAMPSCOTT, February 5, 1904.
To the Board of Selectmen :
The number of licenses granted for the sale of milk for the season of 1903 and 1904 was 21, for which the sum of ten dollars and fifty cents ($10.50) was received and paid into the town treasury.
· Having had no complaint of impure milk throughout the year, I did not deem it necessary to make any analysis.
Number of licenses granted 2 1
Amount received for licenses
$10 50
Amount paid Treasurer 10 50.
1
J. E. O. NESBITT,
Milk Inspector.
I22
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Feb. 20
Report of Board of Health.
To the Citizens of Swampscott :
The Board of Health hereby presents for your consideration the report of their doings for the years 1903 and 1904.
The first regular meeting was held March 20th, and the Board organized as follows: Dr. Frank B. Stratton, chairman ; Michael Haley, Jasper Stone, and W. B. Adams, clerk.
The health rules and regulations were adopted and posted in different parts of the Town.
HOUSE OFFAL.
The bids for the collection of house offal, ashes and night soil received and opened April 17th, there being five bids for the collection of offal :
Lyons & Mather $750 00
B. T. Getchell
·
1,150 00
M. McDonough .
945 00
Higgins & Co., Lynn
595 00
Wetherbee & Co., Lynn
700 00
The contract was awarded to Higgins & Co. for $595.
ASHES.
M. McDonough
$692 50
B. T. Getchell · 850 00
M. McDonough was awarded the contract for $692.50.
I23
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH.
1904]
NIGHT SOIL.
B. T. Getchell
$75 00
M. McDonough
95 00
Allen S. Rowe .
100 00
Contract awarded B. T. Getchell for $75.
The contract for the care of Fisherman's Beach was awarded to Benj. C. Pedrick for the sum of $10 per week, said work commencing May Ist and lasting until October 24th.
The Board have received and investigated 79 complaints dur- ing the last year, the majority of the complaints being caused by overflowing cesspools. The Board would recommend that all property owners on the line of sewer make a special effort to enter same before the coming summer months, as it would have a great tendency to reduce the number of complaints along this line.
The Board have had reported during the year 36 cases of con- tagious diseases. Out of this number 15 cases were diphtheria (two of which proved fatal) ; 14 cases of scarlet fever; one of typhoid fever, (which proved fatal) ; and six cases of measles.
The Board wishes to call the attention of the voters of the Town to the reimbursement by the State, in the case of Albert Gray, Jr., affected with small-pox, during the months of June and July, 1902. Owing to patient having settlement outside of the State, the Board notified State Board of Charity, who sent down a representative to arrange a settlement with our Board ; agreeing to allow payment on groceries, fuel, physician, medicine and nurse bills, amounting to $553.00. The remaining expenses are to be borne by the Town, as all cities and towns are supposed to maintain a hospital, and in case of non-residence the State allows only for actual expense of that case.
The house No. 7 Minerva street has been advertised for sale, according to vote taken at last Town Meeting, and up to present time have been unable to secure a fair price for the same.
The Board would recommend that the Town appropriate a sum of money to repair road leading to contagious hospital, as the road in present condition would be almost impassable.
124
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Feb. 20
The duties of the Board have been increased during the last year, owing to the incorporation of the sewer system, and have been obliged to appoint a health officer or plumbing inspector.
The Board received four applications for the position, and after due consideration appointed Mr. Martin E. Nies, who, according to all reports of those connected with the duties of said inspector speak very highly of the manner in which he has performed his duties during his term. In connection with this report find said report of health officer or inspector.
We desire to call your attention to the necessity of adopting certain statutes, in order to facilitate the work placed in our hands.
We recommend also your consideration of facilities for public baths, so that our citizens can again enjoy this pleasure without restriction.
We would also recommend placing property No. 7 Minerva street in the hands of real estate agents, who could dispose of said property more advantageously.
FRANK B. STRATTON, MICHAEL HALEY, JASPER H. STONE, Board of Health.
W. B. ADAMS, Clerk.
Report of Inspector of Plumbing.
To the Board of Health, Swampscott, Mass. :
GENTLEMEN,-In submitting my first report as Health Officer and Inspector of Plumbing, I desire to express my appreciation of your confidence and co-operation in working out the detail of a department the duties and responsibiliteit which are not generally understood. The advent of sewerage charges your Board with greater, varied and more important duties than here- tofore, while the responsibiliteith reference to the health of our townspeople will require at your hands the most careful consideration.
125
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH.
1904]
It is an established fact that wherever common sewerage exists decomposition and putrification of organic matter flowing therein take place, causing the generation of noxious gases as a final result, hence the absolute necessity that all plumbing and ventila- tion installed should be gas and water tight. All sanitary experts are of opinion and agree that the proper installation of the plumbing in our habitations is the most important feature in a perfect sewerage system, because it enters the dwelling and comes in direct contact with the lives and health of our people.
The general tendency of legislation on this subject, indicates in the near future a uniform statute governing the State. It has been my aim, in following the rules of your Board, to so regulate the installation of sanitary fixtures, on lines of sewer, as to cause the least possible outlay to the property owner, yet keeping in view and adhering to certain well defined principles governing sanitation, the application of which being absolutely necessary to ensure safe house drainage. In conclusion, permit me to express my thanks due Mr. Haley of your Board for his kindly assistance in many ways, also to the clerk and Board of Sewer Commis- sioners, and in particular to Chairman A. R. Bunting to whom I am greatly indebted for the generous aid rendered, in providing books, plans, and valuable counsel and advice.
I append a record of work to date :
Permits for plumbing issued 93
Plumbing installations tested, inspected and approved, 76
License certificates issued to Master Plumbers . 18
License certificates issued to Journeymen Plumbers .
Certificates of inspection issued 76
23
Complaints investigated (violation of rules)
I2
Master Plumber's license
I
Fees collected
$2.00
Number of inspections and investigations 476
Respectfully submitted,
MARTIN E. NIES, Inspector of Plumbing.
SWAMPSCOTT, Feb. 26, 1904.
[26
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Feb. 20
REPORT OF Sealer of Weights and Measures.
The following is the report of the Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year ending February 19, 1904 :
Total number of balances and platform scales tested from
April 1, 1903, to February 19, 1904 63
Number of weights tested
Number of measures tested
·
123
Number of measures condemned
8
Number of balances condemned
4
Total number of milk jars tested
2,641
Total number of milk jars condemned
238 ·
Total amount received, $17.79 for the above, which I turned over to the Town Treasurer, for which I received a receipt.
The standard embraces the following :
One avoirdupois balances, fifty pounds.
One set avoirdupois weights, sixteen divisions ; drachms, one, two divisions; ounces, one-quarter, one-half, one, two, four, eight ; pounds, one, two, four, five, ten, twenty, twenty-five, fifty.
One set of liquid measures of six dimensions : One gill, one- half pint, one pint, one quart, two quarts, one gallon.
One set of dry measures, five divisions : One quart, two quarts, one-half peck, one peck, one-half bushel.
One yard measure, ten fifty-pound weights : One balance for testing small weights, one steel stamp, 1904 ; one hammer, two drills, one bitstock, one breast drill, one tripod, one tin tube, ten graduating glasses.
MICHAEL HALEY,
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
.
159
Number of weights condemned
7
.
·
I27
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON STREET LIGHTS.
1904]
Report of Committee on Street Lights.
To the Citizens of Swampscott :
Your committee in charge of this department would say there is nothing of any importance to report at this time.
We are running upon the upper and lower circuits one hun- dred and twelve arc lights, with fifty-six incandescents. Our lighting system seems to be giving general satisfaction, the police reporting from time to time those that burn out and become blank.
Electricity is subject at times to many mysterious pranks, and a street lamp that has swung high and gone through the past win- ter without causing some trouble to the company and an incon- venience to the citizens has indeed been a perfect piece of mechanism.
During the year there have been 44 lamps reported by the police as being out at various times for a longer or shorter period but a very few, however, for the entire night (seven only) and considering the weather and at times the almost impossibility of being able to notify the company when a lamp went wrong, we think the service satisfactory. Our present contract will expire on July 24, 1905, and your committee would suggest to the citizens that this matter should be given consideration at the Annual Town Meeting, March, 1905.
The total appropriation for street lights for the year was $8,287 ; we have overrun this amount, $150. The expenditure gradually increases year by year and your committee recommend an appropriation for the current year of $8,700.
E. A. FARNHAM, J. R. MERRITT, F. L. BONNEY, M. L. QUINN, F. J. LINNEHAN.
Committee.
I28
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Feb. 20
Report of Library Trustees.
To the Citizens of Swampscott :
The Town Library contains 8888 volumes.
Four hundred and thirty-four books, including 18 bound mag- azines, have been added.
Twenty-five books have been replaced, and 358 rebound.
Five books have been destroyed on account of contagious diseases.
Books presented include The Tradition of the Old Weaver's Clock, from Mr. John Albree, and The Rise and Progress of the Standard Oil Company, from Harper Bros.
Respectfully submitted,
ELIZABETH J. HADLEY, FRANK F. STANLEY, FRANK E. INGALLS.
February, 1904.
129
REPORT OF WATER COMMISSIONERS.
1904]
Report of Water Commissioners.
To the Citizens of the Town of Swampscott :
The Water Board herewith respectfully submits its sixth annual report :
Although the year just closed has not been as busy a one in this department as the few preceding, still there has been consid- able accomplished which tends to the ultimate efficiency of the Town's water service.
The work of the season began on Grant road, where a number of new dwellings had been built. We extended the six (6) inch main from Ellis road through Farragut, Grant and Walker roads to Devens road. This was done in early June.
By vote of the Town at its annual meeting of 1903, five hun- dred dollars ($500) was appropriated to lay an eight inch (8) main in Thomas road from Burrill street to Elmwood road. This work was commenced June 19 and completed June 26 at a cost of $561.86.
At a special town meeting, held July 22d, one thousand dollars ($1,000) was appropriated to extend the pipe in Walker road to the house of Frank H. Bradford, a distance of six hundred and eighty (680) feet. This was done in the middle part of August at a cost to the Town of $679.95.
Pursuing the policy of former years in regard to the old cement pipe, we decided after the summer travel was over to replace the six inch (6) main in Burrill street with cast-iron. This work was begun October 26 and finished November 13, a distance of twenty-four hundred (2,400) feet, the cost being $1,743.63. On November 16th we commenced work on Atlan- tic avenue and replaced fifteen hundred and seventy-five (1,575)
I30
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[ Feb. 20
feet of the eight inch (8) cement with ten (10) inch cast-iron pipe, bringing the new pipe as far as the residence of John Shepard on November 27th, at a total cost of $1,813.43.
Having completed the work planned for the year, Farragut road being torn up for the laying of the sewer, we thought the time was opportune to remove the two (2) inch pipe which was inadequate for this street of twenty or more dwellings. Some blasting was necessary here, owing to the shallowness with which the two (2) inch pipe was laid by the Marblehead Com- pany, but we managed, however, to finish the work before the ground froze for the winter.
In June of last year, as you probably know, the Metropolitan Water Board attached a meter to our main line on Nahant street, in Lynn, and we, having had some curiosity to know, in order that the townspeople might be informed how much water was being used in Swampscott at present, made written request for figures for the preceding six months; in answer, we got the following reply which, if taken up in conjunction with our agree- ment with them (a copy of which appears in the town report of 1899), makes interesting reading :
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
METROPOLITAN WATER AND SEWERAGE BOARD.
(Copy.)
BOSTON MASS., January 25th, 1904.
MR. WILLIAM H. BATES, Chairman Water Board Swampscott, Mass.
DEAR SIR :- In reply to your inquiry as to the quantity of water used in the Town of Swampscott since the Venturi meters have been in use, I send the following statement :
131
REPORT OF WATER COMMISSIONERS.
1904]
Daily Average Gallons.
July
713,100
August
715,100
September
592,500
October
457,100
November
347,500
December
338,600
I can not inform you as to what the water would have cost if paid for by the quantity used, as no rate has ever been established. The total assessment paid by the Metropolitan District for the past year was equivalent to about $50 per million gallons supplied. The consumption in Swampscott, I estimate at about 480,000 gallons per day, so that if the assessment had been levied in proportion to the quantity used, your assessment would have been about $8,760.
It is very evident that the consumption in Swampscott is much larger than is necessary, and I advise you to institute measures to prevent unnecessary waste of water.
Yours very truly DEXTER BRACKETT, Engineer, Distribution Dept.
During the year we have had five breaks in the old cement ined pipes, and it is very evident that its life has already passed. Ve still have 14,444 feet of it in our streets, and it is our inten- ion the coming year to remove still more in Atlantic and Beach Bluff avenues, where it has bothered us most.
In view of the foregoing, it seems to us impossible to make ny reduction in our water rates at present (unless our cash alance is augmented by something more than our regular eceipts), as much as we would like to do so, looking at it from personal standpoint as well as from that of many citizens of le Town; and we ask you as Water Commissioners to allow le present schedule to remain until such time as we can com-
I32
TOWN DOCUMENTS. [Feb. 20
plete the much needed improvements now under way; we believe that a reduction can then be made which will be a sub- stantial one.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM H. BATES, CHARLES S. HASKELL, SAMUEL M. KEHOE,
Water Commissioners.
Cost of Construction, Including Hydrants and Gates.
Atlantic avenue (replacing cement), $1,813 43
Burrill street (replacing cement) .
1,743 63
Grant and Walker roads 1,005 39
Farragut road
747 II
Walker road .
679 95
Thomas road .
561 86
Mostyn street .
102 87
Ellis road
81 00
Jeffries street
64 68
$6,799 9 Jan. 1, 1904 $180,779 2
Hydrants were located as follows :
Thomas, corner Elmwood roads
I
Grant road . ·
I
Walker road
2
Total length of main and distributing pipes, 108,046} fee or 20 4% miles.
Total number hydrants I2I
Total number gates 266
Number of services added during 1903, 59
Total number of water takers 1,114
.
.
Value of Swampscott Water Plant,
I33
REPORT OF WATER COMMISSIONERS.
1904]
Replacing and Extension of Pipes.
Cast-iron pipe was laid in the following streets and avenues :
Burrill street (replacing cement) .
2,400 feet of 6-inch pipe.
Atlantic avenue (replacing cement)
1,575
Grant & Walker road . ·
997
Farragut road (2-inch removed)
730 66 66
Walker road
Thomas road
679 468 225 I56 66 66
2 16
66
Jeffries street
96 ««
4 6 66
Gates were located as follows :
Atlantic avenue
3 10-inch gates.
I 8 4
66
I
I
2 6 “
I
2 6 “
Walker road
2 6 “ 66
Corner Claremont terrace and Burrill street
I 6 “
Corner Rock avenue and Burrill street
I 6 "
I 6 "
I
Jeffries street . .
·
I
4 "
18
6 "
66
Ellis road
Mostyn street
Orient street near Little's entrance
Corner Thomas road and Burrill street Thomas road
66
66
Corner Farragut road and Ellis road . Corner Thomas road and Farragut road Grant road
66
Corner New Ocean street and Burrill street Burrill street
I34
TOWN DOCUMENTS. [Feb. 20
Financial Statement for the Year Ending February 29, 1904,
RECEIPTS.
Cash on hand March 1, 1903
$5,806 57
Received for water
19,517 21
Received for services
712 02
Received from Town, account
Walker road ·
·
679 95
Received from Town, account
Thomas road
561 86
Sale of boiler (W. T. Walke)
100 00
Sale of sand chamber (R. R. Sher- man & Co.) 60 00
Sale of old pipe (H. S. Tuttle).
25 00
Sale of pipe (Philbrick and Pope),
29 18
Rent of land for signs
31 50
Land rent (S. D. Wood)
15 00
Land rent (J. E. Melzard)
25 00
Land rent (Highway Department) .
18 75
Sale of wood (Highway Department), 9 00
Interest on deposits
105 46
$27,696 50
Expenses.
Construction account
$9,788 42
Maintenance account
6,339 69
Repairs . ·
1,127 70
General expense
519 49
Legal expense
410 00
Interest on bonds
4,655 00
Sinking Fund,
2,800 00
Balance in hands of Town Treasurer,
2,056 20
1
Inventory of stock, Jan. 1, 1904
$27,696 50 $2,634 59
135
REPORT OF WATER COMMISSIONERS.
1904]
Report of the Trustees of the Sinking Fund.
As trustees of the Sinking Fund and in compliance with Chapter 293 of the Acts of 1898, we submit the following report :
Amount of fund as per report of
$15,517 OI 1903 .
RECEIPTS.
Interest received from the following banks :
Mechanics Savings (Worcester) $40 12
Peoples' Savings (Worcester) 41 20
Institution for Savings (Newbury-
port) . Salem Savings
37 92
36 37
Cape Cod Five Cents Savings (Har- wich) 36 30
Commonwealth Savings (Lynn)
17 50
Lynn Institution for Savings
4 37
Marblehead Savings
4 87
Salem Five Cents Savings
23 74
$242 39
Interest on $10,000, 33 per cent., Swampscott Water Bonds due
August 1, 1903 .
$175 00
Due February 1, 1904
175 00
350 00
Reserved for Sinking Fund as pro- vided by law, 2 per cent. on $140,000 bonds (1903-1904) ·
2,800 00
Total
$18,909 40
I36
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Feb. 20
INVESTMENTS.
Ten $1,000, 3} per cent., Swamp- scott Water Bonds $10,000 00
On deposit in the following banks : Mechanics Savings (Worcester)
1,043 47
Peoples Savings
1,071 30
Institution for Savings (Newbury-
port) .
1,112 20
Cape Cod Five Cents Savings (Har- wich) 1,064 85
Salem Savings
1,067 10
Salem Five Cents Savings
1,023 74
Lynn Institution for Savings .
504 37
Commonwealth Savings (Lynn)
1,017 50
Marblehead Savings
654 87
Natick Five Cents Savings
350 00
Total
$18,909 40
WILLIAM H. BATES, CHARLES S. HASKELL, SAMUEL M. KEHOE,
Trustees.
137
REPORT OF SEWER COMMISSIONERS.
1904]
SECOND ANNUAL
Report of Sewer Commissioners.
MARCH I, 1904.
The Board of Sewer Commissioners of the Town of Swamp- scott respectfully submit the following report of construction on the Sewerage System at Swampscott. This report is the second , annual report of the Sewer Board.
Organization and Officers.
The Board organized for the year with A. R. Bunting, Chair- man, and H. B. Sprague, Clerk.
The clerical work of the Board has been greatly increased on account of the assessments, and George T. Till was chosen as permanent clerk and has acted in that capacity since May I, 1903. The sewerage system being so far constructed on November 16, 1903, that it was necessary to have an engi- neer at the station, the Sewer Commissioners after careful consideration, appointed Melvin N. Jones as engineer to
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.