USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1882-1886 > 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 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55
Walter Linwood, Marblehead, .
39 10
ac't of Regan girls, at St. Vincent Asylum, 66 Regan boys at House of Angel Guar- dian,, . 44 34
ac't of Mrs. Butler's son, Andover, Me., 36 64
" P. Farrington, Somerville, 45 75
Patrick Forbes, House of Correction, 8 86
Total,
$439 49
HOME RELIEF.
Paid Aid to children of B. F. Burlington,
$100 00
family of O. H. Abbott, 103 88
66
" E. Felton Sweetser,
104 00
66
" Timothy Regan, 2d,
60 08
" Samuel Emmons, 94 00
" D. E. Shannahan, 38 62
66 " Wm. F. Jones,
20 68
Mrs. Abbie Hawkes,
98 00
66 Lawrence Dennehy,
92 00
Porter Weston,
48 00
F. M. Butler,
25 00
66 Jane Kelly,
24 99
Mary Donally,
16 75
66 Courtney,
4 50
66 H. Thompson,
2 50
Mr. Matthew F. Leslie,
45 50
$973 75 Amount brought forward,
95 25
" Patrick Farrington, .
48 00
113
Amount brought forward,
$973 75
Paid Aid to Mr. Barnard Derby, 21 00
" Geo. P. Cutter,
10 12
" John K. Burditt,
6 00
" Samuel Mayo,
6 00
" Suel Winn,
5 70
MISCELLANEOUS.
$1,022 57
Paid S. K. Hamilton, acc't Abbott & Burlington,
$25 00
H. L. Haskell, acc't of Abbott's arrest, 2 00
C. W. Eaton, acc't of Printing,
2 00
Expense of relieving 138 tramps,
76 45
$105 45
Total outside expense,
$3,195 38 ·
receipts,
626 96
Net outside expense,
$2,568 42
OUTSIDE RECEIPTS.
From V. H. Osborne, acc't of Mary E. Osborne, $169 90
A. G. Sweetser, " S. Bachellor, 24 00
Town of Watertown,
" S. W. Whitney, 89 43
Town of Lexington,
" R. L. Stickney, 52 00
Town of Woburn,
" Annie Martin, 99 61
Town of Lynnfield,
" E. Stafford, 100 51
Town of Melrose,
. A. W. Waitt, 35 25
Town of Saugus,
" J. T. B. Hall, 16 00
Town of Warren,
" J. W. Furbush,
3 00
City of Salem,
" W. H. Batchelder,
4 88
State of Mass.,
" Mrs. J. Higgs, 10 00
State of Mass.,
". Mrs. M. Casey, 6 17
State of Mass.,
" Miss Rose Durgin, 15 50
F. Emmons, Interest on Insane acc't, 71
Total,
$626 96
15
.
.
114
Recapitulation of Expenses.
OUTSIDE.
For Insane Hospital expense, . . $1,210 40
home relief, outside of Almshouse, 1,022 57
persons with settlement here,
.
439 49
66 66 elsewhere, .
417 17
miscellaneous outside expense.
105 45
Total expense, $3,195 38 .
Leaving net outside expense, . $2,568 42
Net outside expense, last year,
. $1,819 29
List of Insane Persons who have received Support at Hospitals in 1882.
Settlement.
Name.
Age.
Place.
Nature.
Mary E. Adams,
.
43| Wakefield, Birth,
Taunton Hospital. Continues.
Sarah Bachellor, .
George W. C. Clark,
.. .
Tax,
Danvers
66.
Hannah C. Flynn,
6
Marriage,
Worcester
Mary E. Osborne,
·
·
Nelson Sweetser,
73
Birth,
66
66
John Wales,
Tax,
Danvers,
Died, April 11, 1882.
115
66
49
.
·
Where Supported.
Remarks.
66
Worcester
:
Inmates of Almshouse during the Year 1882.
Name.
Age.
Birthplace,
Place of Settlement.
Nature of Settle- ment.
When Registered.
Ceased to be Supported,
Remarks.
Sarah Nichols,
75
Wakefield,
Marriage, Tax, Birth,
Nov. 25, 1871 Apl. 27, '78,
Continues,
John Mertins,
·
·
James Regan,
11%
Wakefield,
..
66
Nov. 16, '81, Jan. 7, '82,
Apl. 27,'82 Removed. June 22,'82
George W. Wilder,
بن
66
Fred F. Wilder,
.
7
May 23, '82,
Continues.
Annette Mayo,
31
June 23, '82,
Bridget Martin,
50
Unknown,
Unknown, Wakefield,
Marriage, Mother,
Aug. 2, '82,
Aug. 6,'82,
Marty Farrington,
.
9
Mary Farrington,
7
Daniel Farrington, .
6
66
Agnes Farrington, .
¥4
Jennie Farrington, .
3
Eddie Farrington,
.
8m's
James Mayo,
Wakefield,
Aug. 12, '82, Nov.25, 82
Born and died at Almshouse.
Katic Blakeney, .
13
Father,
Aug. 13, '82,
Continues.
John O'Keefe,
85
Unknown,
Unknown,
Unknown,
Aug. 21, '82, Aug.31,'82 Removed.
Rose Durgin,
.
19
Sept. 13, '82, Oct. 7, '82.
66
116
Ellen Farrington,
·
35
Aug. 1, '82,
Sept. 1,'82, Removed.
Jane Noonan,
83
Edith A. Wilder,
1.0
Boston, Holland,
65
·
.
.
.
56
Charles Davis, 87, has received board at the Almshouse during the year, and $3.00 per week has been paid therefor.
ʻ
Almshouse Account .- Monthly .- 1882.
Month. 1882.
Orders.
pairs & fixtures.
Permanent re-
Groceries.
Oysters.
Feed.
Grain and
Tools & Seeds.
Labor.
Farm
House Labor.
Medical.
Stock.
Cost of
Boots.
Clothing,
& Hardware.
Househ'ld Goods
Wheelwright w'k
Blacksmith and
Salary.
Fuel.
Miscellaneous.
Payments.
Receipts.
M'ch & April.
8
36 89F
7 11
22 90| .
7 50
2 84
29 17
9 48
$ 115 89
$ 78 74
May ..
12
30 89
12 38|
11 05
4 68
325 00
3 75
..
June. ..
9
19 85
47 19
18 90
20 66|
18 81
4 20
5 00
35 85
22 49
193 25
103 90
July ..
65 82
45 70
8 48
15 00
3 50
10 56
17 25
10 28
176 59
144 12
August.
9
22 49
24 93
1 00
11 75
1 00
6 33
212 00
18 07/ 11 56
125 00
3 63
437 76
133 75
September .
9 32
50 32
8 50
9 40
3 00
3 50
1 25
3 50
35 00
2 00
125 79|
40 00
October ..
12!
128 14
68 23
54 77
40 95
60
9 38
13 00
15 19
132 20
1 93
464 19
122 80
November ....
5
11 11
5 50
140 00
1 74
4 00
3 90
5 28
60 00
9 CO
240 53
225 00
December ...
11
15 00
99 51
44 95
65 28
28 38
4 00
16 00
7 48
3 97
25 45
310 03
114 13
January, '83.
10
31 02
50
37 50
3 00
13 50
14 20
6 27
105 99
42 52
February, “
15
13 01
67 22
31 40
48 65
3 40
6 00
·
12 83
5 33
181 67
4 89
374 40
48 00
Totals . ..
106
187 11
447 69
238 85
332 95
80 52
170 35 41 30
25 58
557 CO
59 12
104 96
55 23
395 84 149 25 151 30
$2,997 05 $1,108 48
....
7
·
8
.
.
. .
---
117
55 88
452 63
55 52
9 00
Dry Goods and
and repairs.
Meat. Fish and
1
118
DETAILED ALMSHOUSE EXPENSES.
GROCERIES.
Paid James W. Dean,
$32 04
Cutler Brothers,
90 01
A. S. Atherton,
52 52
W. L. Griffin,
30 12
I. Atkinson,
35 70
A. J. Hutchinson,
17 45
W. A. Cutter,
51 90
E. W. Eaton,
59 75
Howard Emerson,
24 27
W. A. Barrett,
34 13
H. L. Day,
19 80
Total,
$447 69
GRAIN AND FEED.
Paid Cutler Brothers,
$43 90
A. S. Atherton,
40 60
W. L. Griffin,
17 20
Ira Atkinson,
22 50
A. J. Hutchinson,
13 35
W. A. Cutter,
40 15
E. W. Eaton,
35 13
Howard Emerson,
31 50
W. A. Barrett,
23 60
City of Boston, (offal)
65 02
Total,
$332 95
MEAT, FISH AND OYSTERS.
Paid W. V. Taylor,
$54 73
Taylor and Hanley,
44 96
W. D. Deadman,
110 50
E. Butler,
22 94
Amount carried forward,
$233 13
.
119
Amount brought forward,
$233 13
Paid W. H. Godfrey, 2 07
A. S. Atherton,
2 70
W. A. Cutter,
45
G. E. Donald,
50
Total,
DRY GOODS, CLOTHING, BOOTS AND SHOES.
Paid Chas. H. Patch,
$19 32
. C. O. Anderson,
13 50
John M. Cate,
7 50
E. G. Daland,
3 75
Quannapowitt Clothing House, 3 50
Richard Britton,
6 10
H. G. Travis, .
3 85
Francis Sherin,
1 60
Total,
$59 12
HOUSEHOLD GOODS.
Paid John Purington, carpet, . $35 85
M. Bancroft, sewing machine, . 35 00
S. F. Littlefield, sundries,
15 25
Cutler Brothers, spoons &c.,
6 81
G. E. Donald, table ware, Total,
.
3 90
$96 81
WOOD AND COAL.
Paid James J. Mansfield, coal, $17 25
Wakefield Coal Co., 21 tons coal, 132 00
Total,
$149 25
MEDICAL EXPENSES.
Paid S. W. Abbott, services, . $18 00
J. D. Mai sfield, medicines, 6 33
John R. Mansfield, services, 1 25
Total, $25 58
$238 85
·
120
LABOR EXPENSES.
Paid Charles Currier, 7 months' farm
labor,
$140 00
sundry small bills for help in haying, &c., ·
30 35
for help in housework, .
41 30
Total,
$211 65
TOOLS AND GARDEN SEEDS.
Paid Whittemore Bros., hay-cutters and seeds, $11 05
Cutler Bros., seeds &c., . 45 09
S. F. Littlefield, tools, 4 40
N. H. Dow, stone drag, - 8 00
G. E. Donald, cultivator, plow-
point, &c.,
11 98
Total,
$80 52
HARDWARE AND BLACKSMITH WORK.
Paid Young and Hutchinson, $31 00
S. F. Littlefield,
8 15
G. E. Donald,
4 78
Total,
$43 93
WHEELWRIGHT'S WORK AND REPAIRS.
Paid R. W. Cuff, harness repairs, . $16 20
G. E. Donald, repairs pump, &c., 3 25
Total, $19 45
PERMANENT IMPROVEMENTS AND FIXTURES.
Paid John Purington, new fences, . $16 32
Cutler Brothers, nails &c., 3 53
Alex. Turnbull, repairs, . 7 89
W. J. Moulton, house repairs, .
11 11
Amount carried forward, $ 38 85
121
Amount brought forward, 38 85
Paid James Westgate, lumber,
13 01
Edwards Brothers, ironing sled, 15.00 W. H, Frost, repainting barn and shed, 120 25
Total, .
$187 11
STOCK EXPENSES.
Paid R. B. Wright, one bay mare, . $250 00
" pair oxen, . 150 00
James M. Evans, Durham cow, 75 00
M. C. Evans, Ayrshire cow,
62 00
John W. Jenkins, pig,
16 00
for pasturing heifer .
4 00
Total,
$557 00
SALARY ACCOUNT.
Paid J. C. Rounds, for one month, $29 17
G. E. Donald, for 11 months, 366 67 -
$395 84 Total,
MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES.
Paid D. H. Walker, per town vote, $24 00
John Quigley, manure, . 31 88
Geo, E. Donald, expenses of re- moval, 16 00
John G. Morrill, ice,
15 12
Chas. Currier, railway fare, 8 00
for fertilizers,
12 06
Newspaper subscriptions, P. O. box-rent, &c., . 11 76
W. G. Skinner, burial of child, 7 00
for killing hogs, 3 00 ·
for paints and oil,
1 60
Amount carried forward, $130 42
122
Amount brought forward,
$130 42
for attendance on sick cow, 1 00
for various . repairs, tobacco, snuff, &c., . Total, .
19 88
$151 30
Total Almshouse expense, .
. $2,997 05
DETAILED ALMSHOUSE RECEIPTS.
.
From J. C. Rounds, (on old account ) ,
$10 86
D. P. Mason, acc't of J. M. Hawkes,
19 50
Chas. H. Davis, " Charles Davis, George E. Donald, Superintendent, account of sale of one pair of oxen,
150 00
66
66 horse,
75 00
cow,
25 00
66
66 66
calf,
2 00
66
66 of 13 swine,
145 70
milk,
20 67
66
66
66
fowls,
15 50
66
offal,
2 45
66
hay-cutter,
5 00
66.
vegetables,,
18 15
66
66
apples,
1 50
66
66
sled,
10 00
66
labor,
12 50
Total, .
$1,108 48
66
66 66
heifer,
25 00
452 65
66
66
eggs,
117 00
123
ALMSHOUSE INVENTORY, MARCH 1, 1883.
One Morgan horse,
$250 00
Two cows at $80 each,
160 00
Three cows at $65 each,
195 00
One heifer,
20 00
Three swine, .
65 00
Fowls,
.
30 00
$720 00
Hay, grain and feed,
198 00
Manure, 18 cords,
144 00
Coal, 8 tons,
57 00
Wood, 9 cords,
63 00
Carriages and harnesses,
426 25
Farming tools,
189 00
Household goods,
439 63
Provisions,
104 40
Total,
$2,341 28
INMATES OF ALMSHOUSE, MARCH 1, 1883.
Age.
Sarah Nichols,
84 years.
John Mertins,
65
James Noonan,
.
83
Annette Mayo,
31
Kate Blackeney,
14
Charles Davis,
.
.
87 (board repaid. )
.
ALMSHOUSE EXPENSE. COMPARATIVE-1881 AND 1882.
PAYMENTS.
1881.
1882.
INCREASE.
DECREASE.
REMARKS.
For Permanent Improvements,
$337 21
$187 11
$150 10 170 66
Although this statement
Hay, Grain and Feed,
503 61
332 95
Provisions,
544 89
686 54
$141 65
Labor,
185 37
211 65
26 28
Stock purchased,
17 00
557 00
540 00
Manure and Fertilizers. Household Goods,
18 79
104 96
86 17
Hardware, Blacksmithing and Repairs,
61 79
55 23
6 56
Tools and Seeds,
64 06
80 52
16 46
2 51
Salary,
350 00
395 84
45 84
Fuel,
128 37
149 25
20 88
Dry Goods, Clothing, Boots, &c.,
58 78
59 12
34
to very nearly that ex-
Burial Expenses,
7 50
7 00
50
Lumber,
29 00
33
28 67
tent, -or, exactly,
Miscellaneous,
57 75
100 03
12 28
$518.89.
Receipts, from Board and Sales,
.
$2,397 54 1,060 12
$2,997 05
$958 51
$359 00
1,108 48
Net, .
.
$1,337 42= $1,888 57 =
$551 15 Net Increase in 1882.
124
Medicines and Attendance,
28 09
25 58
shows a net increase of Almshouse Expense, in 1882, of $551.15, it will be noticed that the Inven- tory of 1883 is increased
.
·
5 33
43 94
38 61
125
OVERSEERS' FINAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
Whole expense on Almshouse account, . $2,997 05
Less, paid for permanent fixtures, $187 11
Less, also, cash paid Treasurer, 1,108 48 $1,295 59
$1,701 46
Add Inventory of March 1, 1882,
1,822 39
$3,523 85
Deduct Inventory of March 1, 1883,
2,341 28
LEAVING.
Net cost of Poor at Almshouse, . $1,182 57
.6 Outside Relief,
· 2,568 42
Total net cost of Support of the Poor,
$3,750 99
ALMSHOUSE INMATES.
1
First of the year, 8
Close of the year,
6
Largest number, 14
Smallest number,
6
Average number,
8 (nearly).
Cost per week, per inmate,
$2 92-100
Last year,
$3 22-100
Tramps received at Lock-up,
137
Cost of Tramps, for the year,
$76 45
126
ALMSHOUSE AFFAIRS.
At the commencement of the year the Overseers deemed it advisable to make a change in the management of the Almshouse and Town Farm, which change was effected on the first day of April, 1882,-subjecting the Overseers to somewhat severe criticism.
It is hoped that the year's results, under capable and im- proved management, have demonstrated the wisdom of the change.
Under the careful and intelligent supervision of Mr. and Mrs. George E. Donald, the house and farm arrangements have been carried forward with equal promptness and suc- cess ; and the Overseers are able to announce that their ser- vices have been secured for the coming year.
During the year just closed the Barn and adjoining Shed have been repaired and repainted ; thirty-five rods of plain and picket fences and forty rods of stone wall have been built and relaid ; land, heretofore quite unproductive and deemed valueless for crops, has been cultivated or prepared for cultivation, and the general appearance of the farm in many respects improved.
It is understood that a larger hay-crop has this year been secured than during any previous year, and the cultivation of some of the highest, dryest and poorest land on the farm, ('n spite of the exceptionally dry summer, ) has produced, with improved methods of culture, specimens scarcely ex- celled by any others exhibited.
An examination of the figures in this report will show that the four cows on the Farm have furnished all the milk re- quired for Almshouse use, during the year, and have supplied for sale a quantity sufficient to secure the sum of four hun- dred and fifty-two 65-100 dollars.
This income is believed to be somewhat above the average, and worthy of remark.
It is believed also that, at the close of no former year has
127
the Town Farm been seen in better condition, or with so promising indications of increased future income and im- provement.
It is probable, however, that a continuance of improved methods during several successive years will be required to bring about its best possible results ; and it is hoped that the good work there commenced may be allowed to reach a suc- cessful termination.
Were the existing system of procuring the needed supplies of provisions for use at the Almshouse, abandoned, and were the Superintendent at liberty to make his purchases at such places and in such quantities as he deemed proper, it is con- fidently believed it would result in a material reduction in the annual cost of those supplies ; and the Overseers recom- mend that such authority be given to said Superintendent.
On the sixteenth day of August last, Kate Blakeney, a girl of 14 years (a daughter of T. B. Blakeney, who served on the quota of this town and thus gained a settlement here) , was committed to our care by order of the Judge of the Municipal Court in Boston. She was taken to our Alms- house, and still remains there, as no suitable opportunity has offered for placing her in a near, respectable family. She is a bright, capable girl, and the Overseers are desirous of procuring for her a good and permanent home.
As was the case in the year 1881, a child was born and died in the Almshouse in 1882.
The death of J. M. Hawkes also occurred there on the 14th of April, 1882.
Otherwise, general health has marked the passage of the year.
Henry H. Corey and wife are now in Monson, Mass., awaiting removal, and receiving aid from the Overseers of Monson at our expense ; the condition of Mrs. Corey being given as an obstacle to their removal to our Almshouse. His settlement is a military one.
128
Inasmuch as the termination of the Almshouse year shows a gain in the stock on hand, (as compared with previous years,) of two hundred and fifty dollars; an increased Inventory, in addition, of two hundred and fifty dollars ; a reduced cost, per inmate, of thirty cents per week, with the farm and its buildings in excellent condition ;- the Overseers cheerfully award the credit for this satisfactory showing (where it apparently belongs) to the careful and experienced management of those now in charge of the establishment.
The unexpected death of the Chairman of this Board. in July, while it deprived us of his pleasant companionship, valuable counsel and ready assistance, deprived the town, also, of a cautious, experienced and faithful public servant.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN S. EATON, 3 Overseers of HIRAM EATON, the Poor.
129
SELECTMEN'S REPORT
The Selectmen respectfully present the following report of various matters in their department of the public service, for the municipal year ending April 1, 1883.
CONCRETE WORK.
The work of the present year has been performed by Mr. George H. Nichols, of Stoneham, in an apparently satisfac- tory manner, and in accordance with the terms of his contract.
The appropriation of One Thousand dollars, authorized to be expended "where owners of the estates would assume one-half of the expense and in laying street crossings," has been expended as follows :
For 4015 yards of sidewalks,
· $1,505 66
455 2-3 yards of crossings,
227 86
cost of measurement,
10 00
Total,
$1,743 52
Repaid by owners of estates, .
750 22
Cost to the town,
$993 30
In this connection the Selectmen desire to call attention to some of the difficulties they experience in the performance of this work.
1st .- In the terms of the vote, which seems to indicate (and is so understood, ) that ALL who may desire sidewalks put in against their several estates, are first to receive atten- 17
C
130
tion, reserving the balance, (if any,) to be devoted to street crossings.
2nd .- That the vote makes no provision for the construc- tion of street gutters, which are much needed in various localities and which, it is believed, might be thus constructed . more cheaply and durably than by other methods.
3d .- In the prevailing practice of delaying application for work desired until the season's work is nearly finished.
It will be seen that the Selectmen are thus debarred from the construction of gutters of this description, and can make no estimate of the amount of money, (if any,) available for laying street crossings, until nearly the end of the season.
They therefore respectfully suggest to the town the pro- priety of hereafter appropriating, annually, a certain speci- fied sum, for the construction of sidewalks, (one-half to be repaid,) and another specified sum for street crossings and gutters.
And it is very important, also, that applications should be presented before the commencement of the work, each year, -in writing,-and agreeing to pay one-half the cost of the same.
The following sums have been paid to the Selectmen and deposited with the Treasurer, during the current year :
By Levi B. Eaton, Main St.,
$46 22
Nath'l Cowdrey, .. . 6 6 00
Mrs. H. N. Flint, 66
103 50
N. J. Bartlett,
9 19
B. T. Parker, 66 9 75
S. O. Richardson, 66
26 25
D. & J. Perkins,
8 44
D. G. Walton, Mechanic St.,
18 63
Water St.,
25 31
John Lemman, Richardson St.,
6 25
Amount carried forward,
$259 54
131
Amount brought forward,
$259 54
By A. W. Chapman, Lincoln St.,
29 56
Edward F. Lee, W. Chestnut St.,
11 74
Wm. N. Tyler, Auburn St.,
6 94
A. C. Perkins, Avon St.,
10 50
W. S. Greenough, Avon St.,
32 25
D. H. Darling, Avon St,
45 25
Francis Williams, Albion St.,
23 25
Lucius Beebe, cor. Albion St.,
53 34
L. F. Linnell, Yale Avenue,
17 63
A. L. Marshall, «
17 63
Geo. W. Aborn, “
24 38
6.6
Park St.,
7 00
C. A. M. Taber, 66 .66
8.12
N. M. & V. Eaton, .. . 66
9 94
G. H. Pierce, 66.
8 25
C. T. Harrington,
8 81
James H. Carter, 66
30 94
David Perkins, Salem St.,
11 44
Mrs. S. Brown,
66
6 38
Franklin Poole,
66
10 06
Heirs of A. Evans,
7. 03
J. B. Sweetser, 66
6 44
Miss C. N. Evans,
9 38
Geo. W. Evans, 66
17 63
H. B. Evans,
10 94
J. S. Eaton, 66.
12 06
Heirs of E. Eaton, 66
12 66
First Parish, near Church St.,
41 13
Total,
$750 22
132
CONCRETE STREET CROSSINGS.
Concrete street crossings have been constructed during the year on Salem street ; on Main near Salem street; on Main from Avon street easterly ; on Lake Avenue ; on Com- mon street; on Water street; two crossings on Railroad street, and on the public approaches to the Town Hall Building.
JOHNSON PUMPS.
In compliance with the instructions of the town, the Select- men have purchased fifty pumps, with hose attachment, in perfect order and duly stamped and numbered, and have caused them to be distributed in the several wards of the town, as per its vote.
Having thus complied with their instructions, they have transferred to the Fire Engineers the future care and control of said pumps, in accordance with the Statute, which places all apparatus for fire purposes within the control of said Engineers.
Public notice of the location of the pumps has been previ- ously given, by the Selectmen, and it is understood that the Fire Engineers will report their location annually.
NEW STREETS AND STREET IMPROVEMENTS.
The new street, from Railroad street, easterly to the Lake, has been constructed under the superintendence of Mr. S. H. Gowing, at an expense of $144.39.
The appropriation of $500 authorized by the town for the improvement of Melvin street, has been expended under the superintendence of Mr. N. H. Dow.
. $494.92 of the $500 which was authorized for the improve- ment of Richardson street, has been expended in said im- provement.
A new culvert has been constructed under Mechanic street at an expense of $238.30.
A sand-catcher has been constructed at the corner of Cres- cent and Eaton streets, at an expense of $18.00
133
PUBLIC PARK.
The sum of $300 which was appropriated by the town for improving the Park, together with the sum of $32 75-100, ( the sum realized from the sale of grass) has been expended thereon, under the direction of the Surveyor for the Centre District.
RESERVOIR APPROPRIATION.
The sum of $350, which was authorized to be expended in the construction of a Reservoir, at the corner of Orchard and Summer streets, it will be seen remains unexpended, as the probable early introduction of water throughout the cen- tral portions of the town, seemed to render its construction an unnecessary expense.
TAX COLLECTORS' BOOKS.
In compliance with instructions contained in a vote of the town at its annual meeting, the Selectmen have requested the several tax collectors of the past twenty years to forward to them such Tax Books as were in their possession, (the accounts therein having been fully completed ).
In response to this request, Tax Books for the years 1867- '72 have been received from C. W. Eaton, Esq., and Books for the years 1876-'8, have been received from Hon. Richard Britton.
It is understood that there is a question with the Collec- tors as to the propriety of requiring them to give up these Books, upon completion, as the Town has desired ; it being claimed that they constitute the Collector's vouchers for the faithful performance of his trust, and, therefore, should not be placed in other hands.
It is certainly desirable that they should be readily acces- sible for reference, a result apparently impossible while in the hands of the Collectors.
134
PERAMBULATION OF TOWN LINES.
The boundary lines between Wakefield and the town of Reading were perambulated by a majority of the Selectmen of the respective towns, on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 1882.
The boundary lines between Wakefield and the town of Stoneham were also perambulated by a majority of the Selectmen of the respective towns, on Monday, Oct. 9, 1882.
The several bound-stones and stakes were found in their proper positions, and certificates of this service were duly signed, in duplicate, as by law required, and were deposited with the Clerks of the towns above named.
GUIDE-BOARDS.
As far as the Selectmen have any information, guide- boards and street-signs, throughout the town, are in good condition.
TOWN HALL BUILDING.
The appropriation of five hundred dollars, which was au- thorized to be expended by the Selectmen in improving the walls and ceiling of the Town Hall, has been thus expended, resulting in a very perceptible improvement thereof, and one which appears to be generally satisfactory.
An additional chandelier, above the platform, has also materially increased the lighting facilities of the Hall.
By reason of unfaithful or unskillful work originally per- formed upon the roof of this building, costly repairs have been required, and these, together with the needed repairs of the walls of the ; Main Hall, previous to repainting, and other improvements, have carried the cost of this depart- ment beyond the limit fixed by the town.
The State Inspector of Public Buildings, after a recent thorough examination of this building, pronounced its facili- ties for rapid and safe exit already above the average of sim- ilar structures in the State; and, with the construction of
135
the new passage at the north, (as ordered by the Inspector, ) with doors opening outwardly, and a similar arrangement of doors at the southern entrance, it is believed that no addi- tional exits will be required.
No action has been instituted by the Selectmen with refer- ence to the construction of an exit at the rear of this build- ing, as authorized by the town, for the reason that there seemed to be general doubt as to its necessity.
The use of this building for many purposes not contem- plated in its original construction, has been attended with many inconveniences and some dangers and disfigurements ; and, in view of a recent, narrowly-averted conflagration, it is suggested that, hereafter, a special watchman should be em- ployed (and paid) by the Managers of such entertainments held therein, (Fairs, especially,) as the Selectmen may deem unusually dangerous.
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.