USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1903 > Part 7
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13
6
66
1 Mary F. Rosey Edward Dwver
67
Soldier's widow ; boarder
52
1
1
49 Disch'd. Mch. 3 (state) .
8
6
Feb. 7 John F. Gray
55 Discharged Apr. 21
10
4
Mch. 2
Jeremiah Haley
57 Died March 9 (state)
1
1
66
2
Michael Griffin
45 Disch'd Mch. 13 (state) .
1
5
66
27
James A. Hawes
53
Discharged May 31
9
3
66
31
Michael Carroll
42
Discharged July 20; re- admitted Nov. 20; con- tinues .
31 Apr. 12
Peter F. Langford Michael Daley
36 44|
Discharged April 14
2
1 3
27
Discharged June 2; re- admitted June 23; dis- charged Sept. 3; re- admitted Oct. 26; con-
- tinues .
22
69
Continues. Braintree .
admitted Nov. 16; con- tinues .
a week .
131
INMATES OF THE ALMSHOUSE DURING THE YEAR 1903 .- Continued.
Date Ad- mitted.
NAME.
Age.
REMARKS.
Weeks.
Days.
Apr. 21
James C. Callahan .
55
Discharged June 20
8
5
22| Daniel J. O'Connell
55
Died Ang. 24
17
6
May 24
James Gumb
55
Discharged Aug. 18
12
3
Aug. 18
Michael Craven
67 Continues
19
3
19 John Russell .
64! Continues .
19
2
Sept. 4
John Leonard
76 Continues
17
66
15
James C. Lovell
68
Continues
15
3
66
22
William C. Nash
60 Discharged Sept. 29
1
1
66
22
Eliza Russell .
73 Continues
14
3
Oct. 27
Albert Perrigo
52 Continues
9
Nov. 7
Charles Daley .
20 Discharged Nov. 15
1
2
.
14
Catherine Connors
70
Continues; Settle - ment, Boston
6
6
:6
22
John Meara
70
Continues
5
5
66
26
James Maguire
45
Continues
5
1
Dec. 12
Byron W. Loud
59
Continues
2
6
66
19
Michael Coughlan
55
Died Dec. 23 (state)
.
5
1325
0
567 tramps, 1 day each .
81
0
1
Total weeks
1406
0
Less boarders and those having no set,-
tlement in Weym'th
130
4
Town's poor
1275
3 co/
GEORGE L. NEWTON,
BRADFORD HAWES,
ROBERT MCINTOSH,
EDWARD W. HUNT, WALTER L. BATES.
Overseers of the Poor of Weymouth.
·
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS.
To the Board of Selectmen :
GENTLEMEN :- I hereby submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1903 :
The different appropriations have been expended as wisely and economically as possible, the work being completed within the appropriations, and in most cases a balance has been returned to the treasury.
The work on the highways was of the nature of general repairs, all the streets receiving some attention. Taken as a whole, the streets are in good condition, but there are many needed improve- ments that could have been made if a larger appropriation had been available. The present appropriation is expended in many and various ways, some of which are but indirectly concerned in improving the surface of the streets. The cost of this general maintenance confines the work to repairs only and leaves nothing for new construction. Under these conditions, it is very difficult to show any decided improvement in our roads. There are cer- tain of our main thoroughfares which have to sustain an increased amount of traffic each year. As soon as possible these streets should be rebuilt with a more permanent road-bed, as they are too expensive to maintain in their present condition. The policy of paving gutters and building surface drains should be pursued when possible, more street crossings and better sidewalks are among the improvements I would suggest.
STATE ROAD.
As the building of the road is a matter of considerable interest to the public, the following information may prove interesting :-
The proposed road begins at a point on Washington Street, near its junction with Broad Street, and extending in a southerly direction via Washington and Main Streets for about 13 miles, to a point nearly opposite the residence of Nathaniel Ells. The Wash-
133
ington Street section will be of macadam construction, varying in width from 15 to 20 feet, making a total of 3,800 feet, or nearly & of a mile. The section of this road opposite the village cem- etery will be drained by a 12 inch tile drain. The thickness of the road after rolling will be 6 inches in the center and 4 inches on the sides. The approximate number of tons of broken stone is 2,150. The section on Main Street will be constructed of gravel, which will be 6 inches thick after rolling. The bridge at Mill River is to be replaced by one made of cement concrete, the Highway Commissioners to furnish the cement and steel rods at the nearest railroad station. All angles in the road will be lo- cated by stone bounds, necessary drains, water courses, and fences will be placed where needed. The following are the ap- proximate quantities of the work to be done :-
1,050 cubic yards of excavation, at $.50.
870 cubic yards of borrow, at $.50.
10 cubic yards of ledge, at $2.00.
7 cubic yards Portland cement, concrete masonry, at $8.00.
7,250 square yards shaping surface, broken stone, at $.30.
2,150 tons broken stone, in place, at $1.40.
1,456 feet of 12 inch vitrified clay pipe, at $.70.
24 lineal feet 8 inch vitrified clay pipe, at $.45.
36 lineal feet 12 inch water pipe, at $1.75.
1,950 lineal feet fencing, used as guard rail, at $.25.
35 stone bounds, to be delivered and set, at $1.50.
4 catch basins, frames and grate furnished, at $25.00.
2,100 cubic yards of gravel, at $.85. Total amount of contract, $7,781.50.
The first contract submitted to the town, some of the prices were unsatisfactory and at a hearing held the Commissioners granted an increase, which on the different items amounted to $594. 50. These are very fair prices, and do not think the Town will lose any money on the work if intelligently handled. The varying local conditions and the different character of the work will require much study. To get the most economical results the labor must be selected from those who have not only the ability, but the willingness to do an honest day's work. If these require- ments are complied with there is no reason why the Town cannot have 13 miles of road paid for, and maintained by the State, the
134
work being done by the citizens of the Town. On the other hand, when let out to a private contractor, the work is performed by the cheapest labor the contractor can procure, which may not be citizens of the town in which the work is done, and who have no interest in the welfare of the community. In order to build this road economically, a good outfit must be obtained, and the Town must expend some money for this purpose before the work commences, the estimated amount about $2,000. The principal expenditures will be for stone crusher, bins, platform scales, tools, tool boxes and sundries including house for portable engine. This is a liberal estimate for a new modern up-to-date plant, which will do the work for this road, and after its completion, the Town will have a good plant for its own use, and be ready for the next section of road that the State contemplates building, a continua- tion of the present road to the Abington Line.
STONE CRUSHER.
The stone crusher erected in Ward 3 was put in operation early in the year and a short section of Washington street was resur- faced with the stone. The plant was given a good test, and I have no hesitancy in saying that I do not think it advisable to put it in complete repair.
PORTABLE ENGINE.
The portable engine purchased by the Town has proven itself satisfactory in every respect. It was used on the stone crusher for the steam drills while removing ledge on Pleasant street and furnished power for filling silo at the Almshouse.
REMOVAL OF SNOW.
During the year there has been but one exceptionally heavy storm, which occurred February 16th. It was necessary to cart some of the snow away after the storm. The usual amount has been reserved for snow this year, and it is hoped that it will prove sufficient.
HIGHWAY APPROPRIATIONS.
The special Highway appropriations are as follows :
Holbrook Road .- The street was resurfaced with gra. al and sidewalks built.
135
Summer Street. - This street received a good coat of gravel ; in working road to its proper width had to remove a large quan- tity of heavy stones, which had been left there when water pipe was laid. Encountered some ledge, which required blasting.
Summit Street .- The entire length of this street was in such condition that no apparent improvement would have been notice- able if the money appropriated had been distributed over its entire surface. The money was therefore expended between Keith Street and Granite Street. Built catch-basin near residence of James Condrick and laid pipe across the road. Constructed side- walk on south side between Keith and Granite Streets. In order to grade the street properly blasting was necessary before resur- facing with gravel. Considering the amount of money appropri- ated, a very creditable showing was made. The street needs improvements from the point where the work stops to Webb Street.
Pleasant Street .- The ledge on Pleasant Street was removed. Two steam drills were employed, steam being furnished by the portable boiler owned by the Town, work being completed in July.
WARD ONE.
All the streets received general attention, gutters and streets being cleaned when needed and such repairs made as deemed necessary. The most important were as follows :
North Street near Pearl Street, resurfaced with gravel.
Church Street from North Street to Commercial Street, grav- eled in places.
River Street where most needed, between Bridge Street and. end.
Sea Street from North Street to Athens Street on easterly side. Gravel or cinder sidewalks built on the following streets :
Lincoln Street, short piece near North Street ; slight repairs on Athens and Pearl Streets ; Neck Street, near Bridge Street ; Lovell Street in sections ; North Street from Sea Street to Rob- bin's Hill, another section from Norton Street to Church Street ; Sea Street resurfaced where needed; Bridge Street from Sea Street wear residence of J. Holbrook ; Church and Commercial Streets, from Old North Church to Ward 3 line, graveled under appropriation available from Tufts Fund. Rebuilt wall and re-
1
136
graded sidewalk near residence of David Ford. Paved gutter with cobble stones on Shaw Street. This will prevent the wash- outs to which the street has been liable. Also paved gutter on Sea Street, near Estate of E. S. Beals, widening the street at this point. The importance of paving gutters can hardly be over-esti- mated, a single wash-out being sometimes more expensive than their entire cost. Rebuilt catch basin between Pearl and Bridge Streets, furnishing new cover and frame. The road machine was used on the streets where it could be worked to an advantage.
WARD TWO.
The most important work in this ward is as follows :-
Broad Street .- Resurfaced different portions with gravel from Commercial Street to Ward 3 line.
Commercial Street .- From Cottage Street to Station Avenue, gravelled and rolled.
Madison Street .- Section gravelled nearly opposite Dizer's Shoe Shop.
Putnam Street .- From Broad Street to Chard Street.
Laurel Street .- Shaped with road machine and rolled with steam roller. This street should receive a good covering of gravel, as it is used very much by heavy teams, to avoid hill at Central Square.
The road machine was used on the following streets :-
Maple, Chard, Middle, Commercial, Hawthorne, Charles, Lake, Broad and High Streets. The above roads received other slight repairs.
Broad Street .- Paved gutter and raised curb from point oppo- site. the Postoffice to Shawmut Street on the southerly side, and from the catch basin on north side to the store of W. P. Den- broeder; also paved a portion of Shawmut Street, near Wash- burn Street.
These sections of the above streets have always washed badly during heavy rains, which I believe the paving has remedied.
Sidewalks-bave been built and repaired as follows :-
Broad Street .- From Middle Street to Ward Two line. Putnam Street-From Broad Street to Chard Street. Lafayette Avenue .- Short section.
Madison Street .- Entire length.
137
Commercial Street .- From Commercial Square to Reed's Crossing.
Pleasant Street .- From Water Street to point opposite Daniel Reidy's.
Water Street .- From Pleasant Street to School Street.
Broad Street .- New sidewalk built on street widening taken from land owned by Edwin Clapp, and catch basin constructed.
Lake Street .- In very poor condition and needs a general re- building. Some special appropriation should be made for this street, as the repairs are too extensive to be paid out of the regular appropriation.
WARD THREE.
The drains and gutters have received careful attention. The road machine was used on the streets where possible. The prin- cipal repairs were as follows :-
Washington Street .- This road was resurfaced between Rich mond and Broad Streets with crushed stone; relaid gutter on east side from Prospect Street to Richmond Street, as recom- mended in last year's report. East of Main Street across what is known as Sunken Hole, excavated to a depth of 10 inches ; filled with large stone and covered with gravel. Neglected por- tion of street between Main and Broad Streets, as it is to be re- built the coming year as a State highway.
Commercial Street .- Regraded and rolled from Webb Street to Ward 1 line.
The following sidewalks were repaired :
Granite Street south of Prospect Street.
Prospect Street from Washington Street to Granite Street.
Commercial Street from railroad station to railroad crossing near Webb Street.
Front Street opposite Village Cemetery.
It is to be hoped that after the State completes the section on Washington Street that this road may be continued to the Brain- tree line, making a great and needed improvement on Academy Hill.
Broad Street from, Washington Street to Phillips Street should be resurfaced with crushed stone.
138
WARD FOUR.
The principal work was done on Pleasant Street, which was resurfaced where most needed, the heaviest work being done near Park avenue; also constructed cinder sidewalks from Ward 2 line to Washington Street.
Washington Street, used road machine from Middle Street to Ward 3 line.
Built cinder walks from Pleasant Street to residence of H. D. Tisdale.
Summer Street between West street and Ward 3 line there were a number of ledges which impeded and made travel danger- oụs. Removed by blasting and patched with gravel.
Mill Street. - Repaired sidewalks.
Main Street .- As it is expected that this road will be accepted as a State highway, have made as few repairs as possible. The sidewalks also need resurfacing, but as the stone crusher will fur- nish superior material, thought it wise to wait until stone dust was available.
Middle Street .- Removed stones laid bare by travel, patched with gravel.
WARD FIVE.
The work has been distributed over the different streets in the ward. I will not attempt to enumerate all the little jobs. The streets, gutters and drains were carefully cleaned from time to time. Used the road machine where possible. This ward is handicapped by having to haul its gravel so far, there being no suitable material in the ward, all coming from gravel pits near Nash's Corner, Ward 4.
The principal work was as follows :--
Pleasant and Pond Streets from Columbian Square to South Weymouth Railroad Station resurfaced with gravel and thorough- ly rolled. These streets are subjected to the heaviest travel in the ward.
Union Street .- Scraped with road machine and gravelled where most needed from Bates Avenue to Rockland line. This street is a very important thoroughfare and it should be rebuilt in a thorough manner from Bates Avenue to Rockland. The sub-soil on this street is of such a nature, that it holds the water during the wet weather. With a portable stone crusher, suitable stone
139
would no doubt be found near this street, saving the excessive haul of gravel as at present.
Columbian Street .- From Pleasant Street to Main Street.
Pleasant Street .- From Park Street to Park Avenue, and Bates Avenue are among the streets which will require attention soon.
FENCES AND RAILINGS.
Built and repaired the rails on the following streets :-
Broad Street
500 feet
Commercial Street
94 feet
Washington Street
100 feet
The following is a schedule of property in charge of the depart- ment :-
AT ALMSHOUSE ON ESSEX STREET.
1 steam roller (good condition).
1 steam roller wheel (extra).
1 Studebaker street sprinkler (good condition).
1 Champion road machine.
1 portable engine and boiler.
5 gallons engine oil.
¿ pound Dixon's graphite.
2 2-inch Globe valves.
1 2-inch check valve.
2 fusible plugs.
1 18-inch monkey wrench. ‘
1 18-inch Stilson wrench.
1 shovel.
1 rake.
1 hoe.
1 lantern.
1 6-foot revolving screen for stone crusher (new).
Stone crusher and bin on Washington Street.
Stone crusher in poor condition.
Bin for crushed stone on East Street.
The foremen in the different wards have the following property in their possession :-
WARD ONE.
4 snow plows, 1 gutter plow, 5 shovels, 4 lanterns, 7 picks, 11 handles, 1 stone hammer, 4 screens, 2 grub hoes, 2 stone forks, 1 hand hammer, 1 rake.
140
WARD Two.
Seven snow plows, 1 gutter plow, 1 road plow, 1 hoe, 4 stone forks, 3 picks, 3 handles, 5 screens, 2 grub hoes, 1 tree trimmer, 8 shovels, 2 rakes, 3 lanterns.
WARD THREE.
Six snow plows, 1 gutter plow, 2 screens, 2 stone hammers, 1 paving rammer, 1 stone fork, 2 crow bars, 1 grub hoe, 6 picks, 4 pick handles, 1 street broom, 6 wheelbarrows, 6 shovels, 2 post- hole scoops, 2 hoes, 50 feet 3-4 hose, 800 feet hard-pine lumber.
WARD FOUR.
Five snow plows, 3 screens, 5 picks, 4 handles, 3 lanterns, 10 feet 12-inch drain pipe, 1 shovel, 1 crow bar.
WARD FIVE.
Five snow plows, 1 gutter plow, 4 gravel screens, 2 post-hole scoops, 4 stone forks, 2 hoes, 2 grub hoes, 3 picks, 3 handles.
At the close, I desire to thank the Board of Selectmen for their kindness and ready co-operation; also the employees for their advice, assistance and zeal in serving the interests of the Town. Respectfully submitted, IVERS M. LOW, Superintendent.
OLD HOME WEEK, JULY 26-AUGUST 1, 1903.
At the suggestion of the Editor of the East Weymouth Tran- script, an article was inserted in the warrant for the annual meet- ing held in March, 1903, which resulted in an appropriation of two hundred dollars, to be expended under the direction of the Wey- mouth Historical Society, in the observance by the town, of Old Home Week.
The society accepted the trust imposed upon it with diffidence, but with a determination to do its utmost to make the week a memorable one. A committee of its membership, consisting of Walter L. Bates, Martin E. Hawes, John J. Loud, Herbert A. Newton and Henry B. Reed, representing the different villages of the town, was chosen to attend to the details of the celebration.
The committee had no precedents to follow and the experiences of no previous celebration of the kind, in Weymouth, to tell them what to attempt, or what to avoid, in their efforts to make enjoy- able this first "welcome home" of our honored town to her absent children. It seemed to them that an inspiring public gathering, at some central place accessible to all our citizens, with popular addresses, singing by the children of the public schools and a con- cert by a military band, would be most appropriate for an official program, and a celebration of this character held upon the grounds of the Weymouth High School, on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 29, was largely attended.
But it was very early made clear to the committee that a town composed of so many detached villages could not conveniently make one public meeting answer for all, and they believed that the several villages, the churches and patriotic and social organ- izations could be depended upon, if the idea was wisely presented to them, to carry out, each in its own way, the social and kindly suggestions inherent in the idea of Old Home Week. They therefore issued calls for special meetings in each precinct, and the public-spirited residents of each locality eventually organized themselves, appointed their own committees, solicited subscrip-
142
tions and in friendly emulation strove to outdo each other in the appropriateness, extent and popular features of their programs.
If we enumerate the crowded audiences at the Old North and Baptist churches upon the afternoon and evening of Sunday, July 26, the popular gatherings at East Weymouth on Monday, at North Weymouth on Tuesday, at Weymouth on Thursday, at South Weymouth on Saturday, and the celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Weymouth High School with the Reunion of its Alumni on Friday, we have simply named the more conspicu- ous features of the week. Hundreds of former residents came back, as invited guests, to the scenes of their childhood, for one or another of these occasions, and many a heart was made glad by the presence of friends long absent and sadly missed.
It may be justly claimed therefore that the town's appropriation of two hundred dollars, of which there remains an unexpended balance, resulted, directly and indirectly, in a continuous succes- sion of festivities, lasting the entire week, at an expense, to pri- vate contributors of about one thousand dollars in money and of many times that amount in the unselfish labors of public-spirited citizens.
The local press was generous in giving its columns in advance to every helpful suggestion and in reporting faithfully all that was done, while the great Boston dailies outdid themselves in the at- tention they paid to the occurrences of the week at Weymouth. To the files of any of these papers reference can be had for the thousand details which cannot be itemized here. To mention any of these as especially deserving to be remembered would be to do injustice to many others.
THE WEYMOUTH HISTORICAL SOCIETY, JOHN J. LOUD, President. REV. WILLIAM HYDE, Secretary.
143
REPORT OF COMMITTEE FOR REPAIRS ON STEAMER 1.
By vote of the town to make repairs on Steamer 1, the commit- tee have attended to their duty and have put the same in first- class condition in regard to both efficiency and capacity. The town appropriated $1,500, of which we expended $1,493.57, leaving a balance of $6.43.
Yours respectfully, J. R. WALSH, F. H. HALL, J. O. HOLLIS, Secretary.
January 8, 1904.
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS.
I have visited places where cattle are kept twice this year on account of the prevalence of foot-and-mouth disease, and we found no cases of that disease in town. Have found five cases of tuberculosis and three cases of glanders in horses. There were in town December 1st, 713 head of cattle, young stock included, which I considered in fairly good condition then.
Yours respectfully, J. WILBUR LOUD.
East Weymouth, February 1, 1904.
-
144
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE HIGH SCHOOL SINKING FUND.
The Commissioners of the High School Sinking Fund respect- fully submit the following report :
The Board was organized for the year by choice of Augustus J. Richards as Chairman and Gustavus M. Pratt as Clerk.
The balance to the credit of this fund January 1, 1903, was $19,566.70.
We have received from the Town this year $5,000, the appropriation of 1902; also $5,000, the appropriation for 1903. These amounts, with $782.77 interest received on fund already invested, has been invested, as per report of the Treasurer found elsewhere in this report, making the total amount of this fund to January 1, 1904, $30,349.47.
AUGUSTUS J. RICHARDS, GUSTAVUS M. PRATT, FRANK H. TORREY.
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF LICENSED SLAUGHTER HOUSES.
To the Hon. Board of Selectmen of the Town of Weymouth.
GENTLEMEN :- I herewith submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1903.
I have visited all houses having licenses as often as required and have inspected every animal killed. The houses are all kept clean and free from odor of any kind.
Everything is disposed of in the best possible manner and all have conformed strictly to the law and their license.
NUMBER INSPECTED :-
Swine, 461.
Calves, 86. . .
Cattle, 24.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE B. BAYLEY, Inspector.
ASSESSOR'S REPORT.
The undersigned, Assessors of the town of Weymouth, here- with present a statement of their work for the year ending December 31, 1903. We have assessed upon the polls and estates of all persons and corporations liable to taxation in the town the sum of $163,858.63, and have committed the same to Willard J. Dunbar, Esq., the duly elected Collector of Taxes, with our warrant in due form of law for collection and payment, in accordance with the vote of the town, viz. :
Town grant
$144,238 00
State tax
.
5,825 00
County tax
5,277 29
Non-resident bank tax 1
1,827 87
Street railway tax
2,767 56
State highway tax
95 89
Metropolitan Park tax
595 62
Overlayings
147 43
Supplementary Commitment
$163,858 59
Town grant, 1903
$144,238 127,250
Town grant, 1902
.
.
Increase ·
$16,988-1313% %
Tax rate, 1903, on $1,000
22 10
Tax rate, 1902, on $1,000
20 50
Increase
.
$1 60- 7% %
1
.
3,083 93
.
146
VALUATION AND POLLS.
WARD.
Number of Polls
Assessed for Poll
Tax only.
Valuation of Per-
sonal Property
Assessed.
Valuation of Real
Estate Assessed,
Total Value of
sonal Property
Value of Property
Exempt
Taxation.
Total Valuation.
Amount of Re-
mittances and Abatements.
1
492
$180,078
$1,274,229
$1,454,307
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