USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1939 > Part 15
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1939 THE BUSIEST YEAR IN THE HISTORY OF THE TUFTS LIBRARY
The Trustees of the Tufts Library herewith submit to the Town of Weymouth their report for the year 1939. This is the sixty-first annual report of the Library.
In the year that has just closed the Tufts Library has handled a larger volume of business than in any previous year. Its total circulation of books, 202,172 volumes, is a gain of 3.9%over the previous year. Of this book circulation 45% was from the Main Library, 17% was from the North Weymouth Branch, 28% from the East Weymouth Branch, and 10% through the Deposit and Delivery Stations in the sections of the town that are distant from the library and its branches.
AS SHOWN IN BOOK CIRCULATION
While our total gain for the year was just under 4%, our gain in adult reading of non-fiction was over 8%, showing an increasing demand for the more thoughtful and constructive type of reading. This aspect of the growth of the library becomes more apparent if we consider it over a longer period of time. In the past ten years the circulation of books from the entire library system in recreational reading for adults has gained 34%, while the gain in the read- ing of informational books of biography, travel, history, art, and social conditions has been 123%. The circu- lation of books to children has increased 52% in the ten year period, and the number of persons using the library has increased 69.6%.
IN GROWTH OF CONSTRUCTIVE READING
The ten year period which these figures cover, is a period of economic and social upheaval throughout the world. During these years thoughtful people have read and questioned more deeply than ever before, and the circulation figures of the Tufts Library reflect their interests and needs. Never before has the library, with its resources of knowledge. been so essential a part of the educational life of the community.
IN GROWTH THROUGH THE BRANCHES AND DELIVERY AND DEPOSIT STATIONS
In response to popular demand, the library has increased its hours of service at the Branches. The North Weymouth Branch is now open from 2 to 6 and 7 to 8 P. M., giving an additional hour of service in the afternoon; and the East Weymouth Branch is open from 2 to 8 P. M. with no interruption for a supper hour. Each of these branches has shown a gain in circulation over the previous year: North Weymouth Branch of 7%, and East Weymouth Branch of 8%.
The most outstanding gain has come from the De- posit and Delivery Stations which serve the people who live at a distance from other library facilities. In one vear the gain in these reached 36.7%, in spite of the fact that the trustees were obliged to close the Deposit Station at Nash's Corner because no appropriation was available for its continuance. The rapid growth of these stations is evidence of the need of this more
187
equitable distribution of library service throughout the town, and the trustees of the Tufts Library would be glad to see it restored to the people of Nash's Corner.
IN WORK WITH BOYS AND GIRLS
The work with boys and girls has progressed steadily. Directed reading centered about the interest in the World's Fairs at San Francisco and New York, and gave opportunity for a wide variety of reading interests to be developed. Story hours have been held in the Children's Room and also in the East Wey- mouth Branch.
As always the work of the library with the children is coordinated with the schools, and during 1939 eleven elementary schools had deposits of library books. 1,287 books were sent from the Children's Room in class- room deposits to the schools and these books circulated 9,738 times. The library awarded 606 certificates to children who read and reported on at least five books from an approved list, and 77 honor certificates to boys and girls who reported on twenty books.
LIBRARY SPONSORS STORY HOURS UNDER THE TUFTS LECTURE FUND
This year the trustees of the Tufts Library have sponsored a series of story hours under the Tufts Lec- ture Fund in cooperation with the School Department. Mr. and Mrs. John J. Cronan and Mrs. Margaret Powers of the Boston Public Library system were se- cured as story tellers, and they have visited each of the elementary schools, giving two story hours in each school. The stories are taken from the worth while books for children and are proving an inspiration to better reading. Books come alive to the boys and girls through such interpretations and after each story hour there is eager demand for these books from the library. Not a single copy of the Iliad was left on the library shelves after Mrs. Cronan's telling of the story made it as vital as any modern tale of adventure. This grant from the Tufts Lecture Fund is reaching the entire juvenile population of the town from the third through the eighth grades, and in its interpretation of fine literature for young readers it is truly in accord with the spirit of the bequest of the Tufts family.
The Children's Librarian has made class room visits and given short talks to the boys and girls in the fol- lowing schools:
VISITS TO SCHOOLS
Junior High School Annex Adams School - Grades 4 & 5 Bicknell School - Grades 3 & 4 Humphrey School - Grade 5 Hunt School - Grades 4 & 5 Jefferson School - Grades 4 & 5 Nevin School - Grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Pond School - Grades 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Shaw School - Grades 7 & 8 Immaculate Conception School - Grade 6
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COMMUNITY AND PROFESSIONAL PARTICIPATION
The Children's Librarian and the Librarian of the East Weymouth Branch have each spoken on children's reading before groups of parents and teachers in the town, and the librarian and several of the assistants have attended and participated in library conferences.
Again this year the library has cooperated with the school department by welcoming one of the seniors in the business course at the High School for a week of practice work.
LIBRARY MAINTENANCE
A few repairs have been necessary on the library building, new chairs were purchased for the North Weymouth Branch, and a little additional shelving was installed at the East Weymouth Branch. The principle item of maintenance for the year was the installation of an oil burner in the furnace at the main library. This is giving a much cleaner and more even heat than was possible with the use of coal.
A BEQUEST TO THE EAST WEYMOUTH BRANCH
During the year the library received notice that a bequest of $700.00 had been left to the East Weymouth Branch of the Tufts Library by Alida M. Denton of Weymouth in memory of her grandfather, Zechariah L. Bicknell, who was the first president of the Board of Trustees of the Tufts Library. The income from this bequest, when it shall become available, will be used for the purchase of books for the East Weymouth Branch and will be greatly appreciated.
GIFTS OF BOOKS
The library has also been the recipient of many gifts of books during 1939. These are accepted with great appreciation and the trustees wish to express their thanks to the donors. Further acknowledgement is made in a list annended to this report.
LOANS OF EXHIBITS
On another page is listed the exhibits which have been generously loaned during the year, and for which the trustees extend their thanks. Exhibits are one means of bringing new interests to the children and correlating these interests with books.
To those friends of the library who have shared with us the beauty of their gardens we are most grate- ful. Flowers in the library are appreciated both by the library staff and by the borrowers.
IN MEMORIAM
In March 1939, the Rev. John B. Holland, senior member of the Board of Trustees, left us for the larger life beyond. He had been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Tufts Library for forty-one years. Father Holland has his own place in the hearts of all who knew his generous, kindly. beneficient spirit. His interest in and service to the library has been constant. His life radiated good will and unselfish service, and his memory will live in the hearts of the people. It is with sorrow that we record his passing.
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THE LIBRARY IN A WAR TORN WORLD
In 1939 the clouds of another war have spread over half the world. There are lands where people may not read what they choose, where they may not seek for truth, but must accept only what is given them. This is a "blackout" in the realm of the spirit, and we in America, who hold precious our heritage of freedom, must keep light and open the road for all seekers of truth. The libraries of our country, with their treasures of stored knowledge, may be beacon lights in the con- fusion and chaos of this "blackout" of freedom in thinking. It is our task and our purpose to make available to our own people the books that may aid them to clearer thinking and freer, fuller living.
Respectfully submitted,
CLARANCE P. WHITTLE, President.
By order and in behalf of the Trustees.
-
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DONORS OF BOOKS TO TUFTS LIBRARY, 1939
Adams, Philip
17 Books to North Weymouth Branch
Allen, Thomas
American National Fox Breeders' Association
American Petroleum Institute
Andre, Mrs. Ralph
1 Book to East Weymouth Branch 7 Books 1 Book to East Weymouth Branch
Baha'i Publishing Company
Boyle, Audrey
11 Books to East Weymouth Branch
Breskin & Charlton Publishing Company
Carleton, Mrs. Adelaide
2 Books to East Weymouth Branch
Clements, Mr. & Mrs. Colin
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
2 Books
Cormack, Muriel
Dearborn Publishing Company
2 Books
Drown, Francis N.
"Graduate of Yale"
Hawes, Martha J. Estate of
King, Faith
46 Books to East Weymouth Branch 2 Books to East Weymouth Branch
Kneeland, M. D.
Loeffler, Ruth
Mail & Express Publishing Company
Mearkle, Mrs. A. L.
Power, Michael
Sladen, Ruth
Small & Hanson
1 Book to Children's Room
Smithsonian Institution
2 Books
Taylor, Mrs. Charles
United States Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
United States Department of Agriculture
United States Government
United States Government Printing Office
Weymouth, Town of 1 Book to Main Library
Weymouth, Town of 1 Book to East Weymouth Branch
Weymouth. Town of 1 Book to North Weymouth Branch
Wheaton, Mrs. Luella 54 Books to East Weymouth Branch
Women's Christian Temperance Union 7 Books to Main Library
Women's Christian Temperance Union 7 Books to East Weymouth Branch
EXHIBITS LOANED TO THE TUFTS LIBRARY DURING 1939
Outdoor Exhibit -
Loaned by The Boy Scouts of Weymouth Heights
Handcraft Exhibit
Loaned by The Camp Fire Girls of Weymouth and Braintree
Drawing of the Shakespeare Theater
and scenes from several plays, also work books - Loaned by Shaw School, Grade 8.
Drawings of book covers and posters -
Loaned by The Sacred Heart School, Grade 8.
Handwork Exhibit - Loaned by The Playgrounds of Weymouth.
Soap Sculpture Loaned by Proctor & Gamble
Indian Relics from Maine - Loaned by Miss Sheila Gross
Two dolls made from directions found in a Tufts Library book - Loaned by Miss Heloise Pike
3 Books
Anonymous
Anonymous
2 Books
2 Books to East Weymouth Branch 6 Books
3 Books
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APPENDIX A Circulation by Classes from Tufts Library and Branches
Main
North Weymouth
East Weymouth
1
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Adult
Juvenile
Total
General Works
227
22
249
15
2
17
17
17
Philosophy
706
19
725
48
2
50
114
5
119
Religion
362
167
529
21
90
111
66
145
211
Social Sciences
1,470
3,664
5,134
155
1,939
2,094
261
2,639
2,900
Language
169
27
196
2
12
14
38
3
41
Natural Sciences
879
939
1,818
69
224
293
139
330
469
Useful Arts
2,376
1,370
3,746
224
543
767
433
898
1,331
Fine Arts
2,631
2,449
5,080
300
828
1,128
294
972
1,266
Literature
1,504
582
2,086
277
142
419
636
183
819
History
1,142
715
1,857
258
167
425
333
317
650
Travel
1,881
1,158
3.039
703
479
1,182
863
609
1,472
Biography
2,149
747
2,896
565
220
785
,255
340
1,595
Periodicals
4,486
533
5,019
2,162
455
2,617
3,435
587
4,022
Pamphlets
248
17
265
Fiction
44,105
13,277
57,382
17,897
6,464
24,361
33,387
8,648
42,035
Total
64,335
25,686
90,021
22,696
11,567
34,263
41,271
15,676
56,947
Number of Volumes Distributed through the Fogg Delivery Station 1,299
Number of Volumes Distributed through the schools 9,738
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APPENDIX A Circulation by Classes from Tufts Library and Branches (continued)
Weymouth Heights
Lovell's Corner
*Nash's Corner
Grand Total
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Adult
Juvenile
Total
General Works
3
9
12
1
1
263
33
296
Philosophy
32
32
18
18
918
26
944
Religion
14
21
35
1
14
15
1
1
465
437
902
Social Sciences
56
745
801
31
672
703
13
13
1,973
9,672
11,645
Language
210
43
253
Natural Sciences
32
154
186
14
201
215
1
24
25
1,134
1,872
3,006
Useful Arts
77
140
217
39
181
220
9
10
19
3,158
3,142
6,300
Fine Arts
80
344
424
49
382
431
1
16
17
3,355
4,991
8,346
Literature
143
57
200
35
82
117
1
4
5
2,596
1,050
3,646
History
47
223
270
7
100
107
5
4
9
1,792
1,526
3,318
Travel
249
188
437
38
124
162
20
16
36
3,754
2,574
6,328
Biography
282
83
365
51
56
107
3
5
8
4,305
1,451
5,756
Periodicals
385
172
557
120
61
181
10,588
1,808
12,396
Pamphlets
12
3
15
2
2
262
20
282
Fiction
6,521
2,111
8,632
3,414
2,178
5,592
618
134
752
105,942
32,812 138,754
Total
7,934
4,251
12,185
3,820
4,051
7,871
659
226
885
140,715
61,457 202,172
*Discontinued March 1939
193
1
1
2
APPENDIX B
REGISTRATIONS
Number of borrowers registered December 31, 1938
8,378
Number of new registrations in 1939:
Tufts Library
Adult
362
Juvenile
212
574
North Weymouth Branch
Adult
148
Juvenile
125
273
East Weymouth Branch
Adult
169
Juvenile
145
314
Weymouth Heights Station
Adult
13
Juvenile
40
53
*Nash's Corner Station
Adult
11
Juvenile
10
21
Lovell's Corner Station
Adult
44
Juvenile
56
100
1,335
9,713
Number of registrations which expired in 1939
827
Number of registrations void thru death or removal from town
162
989
Number of borrowers registered December 31, 1939
8.724
*Discontinued March 1939
194
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION FORM OF STATISTICS
For the Year Ending December 31, 1939
Population served (Census of 1930)
20,882
Assessed valuation of the Town
$47,145,201.00
Total number of agencies, consisting of
Main Library
1
Branches
2
Deposit Stations
3
Delivery Station
1
Schools
12
Number of days open during the year
302
Total valuation of library property
$104,600.00
Number of volumes at beginning of year
53,594
Number of volumes added by purchase
2,505
Number of volumes added by gift
205
Number of volumes added by binding
3
Number of volumes lost or withdrawn
1,234
Number of volumes at end of year
55,073
Number of volumes of fiction lent
138,754
Total number of volumes lent
202,172
Number of borrowers registered
8,724
Number of new borrowers registered in 1939
1,335
Number of periodicals received
104 titles; 171 copies
Receipts from
Payments for
Town appropriation
$24,323.00
Books & periodicals
$ 3,977.16
Endowment funds
790.93
Binding
992.52
Salaries, Library service, Janitor service
14,403.92
Heat
349.14
Light
476.50
Rent (Branches)
1,856.97
Other expenses
2,849.98
Unexpended balance
207.74
$25,113.93
$25,113.93
195
THE FINANCIAL REPORT OF THE TUFTS LIBRARY FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1939
Salaries and Wages:
Librarian and Assistants Janitor
$10,399.65 1,632.00
$12,031.65
Books and Periodicals
3,261.44
Service to Stations
481.47
Binding Books
992.52
Fuel
349.14
Light
361.60
Maintenance of Building
980.41
Other Expenses :
Convention Expenses
32.10
Telephone, printing, supplies, etc.
763.36
795.46
North Weymouth Branch :
Librarians
$ 974.85
Rent
660.00
Books and Periodicals
342.86
Maintenance of Building
378.38
Light
52.48
Transportation of Books
51.00
Sundries
6.00
2,465.57
East Weymouth Branch :
Librarians
$ 1,181.42
Janitor
216.00
Rent
1,020.00
Books and Periodicals
372.86
Light
62.42
Maintenance of Building
278.28
Transportation of Books
51.00
Sundries
4.95
3,186.93
Total Expended
$24,906.19
Balance to Treasury
207.74
Total
$25,113.93
Appropriation, March 6, 1939
$24,323.00
Income from other sources:
Tufts Fund - Books
56.25
Tufts Fund - Reading Room
56.25
Joseph E. Trask Fund
291.60
Augustus J. Richards Fund
116.87
Susannah Hunt Stetson Fund
62.50
Tirrell Donation
25.00
Francis Flint Forsythe Fund
25.00
Arthur E. Pratt Fund
75.00
Charles Henry Pratt Fund
12.50
William H. Pratt Fund
69.96
Total
$25,113.93
December 31, 1939
EMERSON R. DIZER, Town Accountant.
196
$19,253.69
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON TOWN HALL HEATING
The committee appointed to make recommendations for correcting the heating system in the Town Hall hereby submits its report. Weymouth heating contractors were invited to submit bids for the work proposed. The contract was awarded to Charles Crehan for the additional radiation.
Radiation was added in the offices of the Town Clerk and Town Ac- countant by the installation in each room of a recirculating heating unit. A radiator was installed in the Selectmen's room and one in the Appropria- tion Committee room. Steam traps were inspected and repaired.
The committee feels that the additional radiation will provide ample heat for the most severe weather.
LESLIE CLOUGH EDWARD C. POTTLE DANIEL P. SULLIVAN CORNELIUS SKINNER RALPH P. BURRELL
REPORT OF TOWN ENGINEER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Weymouth,
Gentlemen :-
My thirty-third annual report is submitted herewith.
Continuing the work of previous years at the Registry of Deeds, Registry of Probate, and Land Court, and including surveys, etc. the 65 Assessors sheets are being revised and corrected to Jan. 1, 1940; also several tracings due to wear are being replaced.
During the past year the Assessors adopted a block system of assessment and the town was divided into approximately 648 blocks, and the different lots or parcels of land in each block numbered.
In 1939 there were added to the maps 90 new dwellings, 182 other new buildings; 229 additions or outside alterations; and 135 buildings were removed. The only municipal building was an addition to the Nevin School.
This was an increase in building of about 19% over 1938 and ap- proximately 14% over 1937. The removals were practically the same as in 1938.
The legal documents copied at the Registry of Deeds during 1939 total 1119, and those copied at the Land Court number 123.
While the above shows that 1242 documents were recorded, there are undoubtedly others, and also plans which should have been placed on record and I would again urge the importance of promptly recording any legal document which affects the ownership of property. The recording of plans is especially valuable as the shape and size of the land is thus apparent to anyone.
Stone bounds were set on various streets in the town but this work should be materially increased so that the lines of the streets shall not become indefinite or lost.
Major items of surveying or engineering in 1939 are listed as follows :- Many street lines and some street grades were given for owners of abutting
197
land; surveys made and lines and grades for drains given on many streets; surveys made, profiles taken, and lines and grades given for curb and side- walk construction; lines and grades given for walls built; surveying done, plans made, staking done, or grades given, at the Bicknell School, and at the Pratt School, at Weston Park, and Beals Park, at the Stella L. Tirrell playground, at Webb Park, Great Hill Park, and at Legion Field; staking, grades, measurements and estimates at the Nevin School; plans of takings made; survey, staking and making of an easement plan for drainage pur- poses; and various other routine or incidental work.
I extend my thanks to your Board, to all other town officials, and to many citizens for the continuance of the courtesy which has always been shown throughout the town to me and to my assistants.
Respectfuly submitted,
RUSSELL H. WHITING, Civil Engineer.
January 22, 1940.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
The Welfare Agent in charge of Aid to Dependent Children respectfully submits the following report for the year ending December 31, 1939.
Total applications received
20
Applications approved and assistance granted
17
Applications refused
3
Total number of families on December 31, 1939
67
Total number of children on December 31, 1939
188
Total expenditures on Aid to Dependent Children
$50,062
Reimbursement from Federal Government 8,626
Reimbursement from Commonwealth
27,271
Cost to town
$14,165
Respectfuly submitted, THOMAS P. DELAHUNT, Agent Board of Public Welfare.
January 22, 1940.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
As Agent of the Board of Public Welfare I respectfully submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1939.
It is with a deep sense of gratification that this department for the second consecutive year shows a decided decrease in the money expended for Temporary Relief, a reduction of approximately $19,000 over the 1938 expenditure. In 1938, the first year under the new set up (the consolidation
198
of the three departments under one head), there was a decrease of approx- imately $27,000 over the previous year. Thus, in our second year, we find that welfare has in two years decreased $47,000.
The saving this year (1939) was accomplished despite the fact that at times the number of Weymouth people employed on WPA was about one half the number of Weymouth people employed in 1938, necessitating and resulting in an increase in our rolls.
I feel that this low expenditure, the lowest since 1932, is due to several factors, the most important of which is the close cooperation between our department and the Board of Public Welfare.
In closing I wish to thank my fellow workers in the department for their loyalty and cooperation without which it would have been exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish our common aim.
Also, may I express my deepest gratitude to your honorable Board for their cooperative spirit and favors shown by you to my department.
THOMAS P. DELAHUNT, Agent, Board of Public Welfare.
January 22, 1940.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
The Supervisor of the Bureau of Old Age Assistance respectfully submits the following report for the year ending December 31, 1939.
Total applications received
185
Applications approved and assistance granted
149
Applications refused
36
Total number of Old Age Assistance cases on December 31, 1939
577
Total expenditures on Old Age Assistance
$205,677
Reimbursement from Federal Government
88,329
Reimbursement from Commonwealth
73,941
Reimbursement from other cities and towns
2,816
Refunds from individuals
104
Cost to town
$40,487
Respectfuly submitted,
THOMAS P. DELAHUNT, Supervisor, Bureau of Old. Age Assistance.
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ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
WATER DEPARTMENT
WESS
SET 1622
LABORARE EST INCER
MASSACHUSETTS
·1635 . Y
·1635
E
WEYMOUTH, MASS. 1939
.W
REPORT OF WATER COMMISSIONERS
The Board organized with the election of Ralph P. Burrell as Chairman and George E. Curtin, Clerk.
A further reduction in water rates was made. Effective on all meter readings after April 1, 1939, the rate per 100 cubic feet was established at 25 cents, with a minimum charge of $1.50 per quarter.
Sydney C. Beane was appointed Superintendent, assuming the duties of that position July 1, 1939.
On account of the failure of the town to appropriate additional funds for the taking of land bordering the pond, but one small parcel was acquired during the year.
After unsuccessful efforts to adjust with Thomas H. Hannaford the matter of payment for work done outside his contract in building the filtration plant, and on the advice of the Town Counsel, the suit was de- fended before George W. Arbuckle, who was appointed by the court to sit as auditor. A verdict of $12,337.37 plus interest was awarded the plaintiff on his claim of $16,567.97 plus interest.
Work at the filtration plant and water supply area was continued, the rip-rap wall at the intake completed, clearing of the water shed of brush resumed and some low areas filled under the W. P. A. program.
Board of Water Commissioners
RALPH P. BURRELL, Chairman GEORGE E. CURTIN, Clerk GEORGE W. PERRY BASIL S. WARREN SANDY ROULSTON
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT
To the Board of Water Commissioners :
The following tables and summaries, covering in detail the work of the department for the year ending December 31, 1939 are respectfully submitted :
SYDNEY C. BEANE, Superintendent.
SUMMARY OF STATISTICS Year Ending December 31, 1939
In form recommended by New England Waterworks Association Weymouth Waterworks, Weymouth, Mass.
Population 1932: Winter 20,000, Summer 24,000.
Date of construction : 1885.
By whom owned: Town of Weymouth.
Source of supply : Weymouth Great Pond.
Mode of supply: Pumping to reservoir and gravity.
Capacity of reservoirs : 2,120,000 gallons.
203
PUMPING STATISTICS
1. Pumping Machinery :
LOW LIFT
No. 1 De Laval Single Stage Pump, 10 H. P. G. E. Motor. No. 2 De Laval Single Stage Pump, 10 H. P. G. E. Motor.
No. 3 De Laval Single Stage Pump, 15 H. P. G. E. Motor.
HIGH LIFT
No. 4 De Laval Single Stage Pump, 60 H. P. G. E. Motor. No. 5 De Laval Single Stage Pump, 75 H. P. G. E. Motor. No. 6 De Laval Single Stage Pump, 100 H. P. G. E. Motor. No. 7 Allis-Chalmers Single Stage Pump, 70 H. P. G. E. Motor (Reserve Station).
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