USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1900-1902 > Part 17
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BLACK BASS.
It is very gratifying to record a larger catch of bass than for several years past. The writer himself took four lusty fellows, one after-
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noon in September, with shrimp for bait, about 100 feet from the shore, opposite the residence late of Dea. Geo. R. Morrison. Many other fine bass were taken in other parts of the lake weighing from two to five pounds each. An angler from Malden took away ten bass in five trips.
WHITE PERCH.
The mystery of the white perch is a poser. Two years ago the Committee, by petition of the Selectmen, secured from the State 250 white-perch-spawners which were planted alive in Lake Quanna- powitt. Neither hide nor scale of them has since been seen, dead or alive ; nor is it known that any of their progeny have come to the surface. It is assumed, by some, that they have gone out of the lake, via Saugus River, but no catches of white perch have been re- ported by those who frequent the river for fishing. It must be, therefore, that some unknown and unusual conditions exist, which, doubtless, will pass away, and the much prized and gamey perch be abundant and prolific again.
PERCH, PICKEREL, EELS AND POUT.
Redfin perch, and pickerel, were abundant ; not to forget the eels and ministers which are not to be despised. Towards the close of the season, Mr. Parker, of the Committee, and others, had excep- tionally good luck trolling, many of the pickerel and bass hooked weighing from two to five pounds each. Strings of from 25 to 60 fish were not unusual. A party from Malden brought in a string of 45 pickerel ; and one string of 63 went to Reading.
THE MOST KILLING HOOK.
It is said that certain jealous army officers started the rumor that Gen. Grant was consuming large quantities of whiskey and was drunk at the battle of Shiloh, and the press gave currency to the report. A clergyman, prominent in temperance work, went to President Lincoln telling him what he ought to do about it. Mr. Lincoln heard him patiently, and said : "Yes, I know all about the rumors, and I've been thinking a great deal about it. Now, I want you to do me a great favor, if you will." "Certainly," replied the cleric. "Very well, if you'll find out what brand of whiskey Gen'l Grant buys, and where he gets it, I'll send a barrel to every general in the army." We advise every angler, who wants to succeed at trolling to buy a spoon-hook like the one Mr. Parker uses.
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THE TRUE SPORTSMAN.
It is hard for most anglers to let go a fish when once it is brought to net ; and no fish is too small to be refused. Nevertheless, the value of our local fishing privilege would be enhanced, and a true sportsmanlike spirit cultivated and displayed, if all small fish were returned to the water alive. The prevailing spirit is well set forth in the following lines, by a poet who undoubtedly was an ardent fisherman.
THE LITTLE FISH AND THE FISHER.
"A little fish will grow, If life be spared, a great ; But yet to let him go, And for his growing wait, May not be very wise, As 'tis not sure your bait
Will catch him when of size.
In some things men of sense Prefer the present to the future tense."
La Fontaine.
THE DROUGHT.
The past season has been a remarkably dry one; and although Lake Quannapowitt is now well up to high-water mark, Crystal Lake has receded rapidly from its wonted shores, caused by a lack of rain, and constant pumping for domestic and public supply, till now its surface is ten feet, at least, below the normal level, uncovering many acres of its ancient bed. The fish in this lake undoubtedly have suffered, especially the little ones, because of the drought, and have perished in the uncovered grass where once they throve and found shelter. The area for spawning beds has largely been reduced, and the big fish are now, probably, at their wits' ends to know where to establish their domestic relations. But a fish is intelligent and re- sourceful, as every skilful angler knows, and no great diminution of sport in this lake need be feared. except by order of the Wakefield Water Company. It is known that trout live in this lake, and large numbers of small fry have been seen in the Stoneham Spring Brook which empties into it, and which your Committee have kept well stocked with fry the last three years. Crystal Lake is a mere thimble-
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full of water compared with the great Nashua river supply ; and it may be but a few years when this valuable franchise will become the property of the State, and this beautiful lake, with its emerald setting, the fairest gem in the circle of our Metropolitan parks.
"( NATURE !"
"Give me thy most privy place" Where to see thy smiling face. Find some secret lake or nook, Where to drop the tempting hook.
Where the waters swiftly glide,
Where the speckled beauties hide.
Free from blame or public nod, There I'd wield the iron rod.
" For I'd rather be thy child And pupil, in the forest wild, Than be the king of men elsewhere, And most soverign slave of care."
J. C. HARTSHORNE, Sect'y.
Wakefield, February Ist, 1900.
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Report of the Board of Health.
The health of the town the past year has been very satisfactory, the number of contagious diseases showing a marked decrease over that of last year. The formaldehyde regenerator purchased by the board, for the fumigation of diphtheria, scarlet fever, (and small-pox should it appear) has worked to the entire satisfaction of the board, and the families in whose homes it has been operated. All cases of diphtheria and scarlet fever the past year have been, and will in the future, be thoroughly fumigated by a member of this board, which we hope will minimize the chances of spreading said diseases.
We have turned our attention to the purification of Lake Quanna- powitt, and have caused notices to be served on several parties di- recting them to discontinue emptying sewerage into the lake. All the notices were acted upon promptly, and the drains were cut off, cesspools being put in to take care of the sewage. This work will be continued by the board as soon as the weather permits.
We have granted seven renewed plumber's licenses, and one mas- ter plumber's, 127 plumbing permits, and thirty-eight school permits.
There were 128 deaths not including still births, of which there were five.
The Hathaway fire left a bad condition of affairs which demanded the attention of this board. There were a number of dead horses in the ruins, which the regular dead-horse dealers refused to remove. The condition of the carcasses compelled the immediate attention of this board and they were properly disposed of.
The work this board is called upon to do is rapidly increasing, and until a proper system of sewerage is provided, it will continue.
A health department cart for the proper disposal of swill, would be a great benefit and relief to all, and we hope the time is not far distant when the town will take action on this matter.
The ditch which runs from Main street to Lake street caused con- siderable trouble in the early part of the year, and complaints were numerous in regard to flooded land and cellars. This board set
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men at work and had the ditch thoroughly cleaned out, and there have been no more complaints.
The board would urge that better care be taken with privies. Ashes or dry loam should be used freely. Swill should not be dumped into vaults. These simple precautions help to keep down disease and odor.
Cases of contagious diseases must alwaws be reported to the Board of Health by families not employing the services of a physician.
The physicians have reported the following cases of contagious diseases : Diphtheria, 14; scarlet fever, 11; measles, 103 ; typhoid fever, 16. Complaints investigated, 173; nuisances abated, 15 ; cesspools located, 26 ; applications investigated for boarding small children, 7.
The board would most earnestly solicit the co-operation of all in the carrying on of its work in the prevention of filth and contagious diseases.
JOSEPH W. HEATH, M. D., Chairman. WM. H. McCAUSLAND, Health Officer. AUGUSTUS D. JENKINS, Secretary.
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Report of the Inspector of Plumbing.
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF HEALTH, TOWN OF WAKEFIELD.
Gentlemen :- I respectfully submit to you the following report of duty performed since Dec. 31, 1898.
I have made 136 inspections, tested and found free from leakage all work required, and left the same in a satisfactory condition. I have made several visits otherwise, in the performance of my duty.
There have been several violations of the ordinance, placed in the hands of your board. The work, with those exceptions, has been to the standard of last year. I wish to thank the secretary and other members of the board, also the craft, for their kind co-operation.
Most respectfully submitted,
GREENLEAF S. TUKEY,
Wakefield, Jan. 1, 1900.
Inspector of Plumbing.
ANNUAL REPORT
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
BEEBE TOWN LIBRARY.
1899 -- 1900.
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ORGANIZATION OF TRUSTEES.
Chairman
Treasurer
Secretary
A. H. Thayer Thomas J. Skinner . Richard Dutton
STANDING COMMITTEES.
LIBRARY.
Richard Dutton, Mrs. Emma F. Howland,
Chas. F. Mansfield.
FINANCE.
Peter S. Roberts, W. W. Taft,
Chas. F. Mansfield.
BOOKS.
Harry Foster, Maitland P. Foster, Peter S. Roberts,
William W. Taft, Chas. F. Mansfield, Mrs. Emma F. Howland.
READING ROOM.
Maitland P. Foster, Charles N. Winship,
Ashton H. Thayer,
Richard Dutton.
CATALOGUE.
Mrs. Emma F. Howland, Maitland P. Foster, Harry Foster.
Librarian Janitor of Reading Room Purchasing agent for Library
Harriet A. Shepard Rufus F. Draper Harry Foster
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TRUSTEES' REPORT.
TO THE CITIZENS OF WAKEFIELD :
The Board of Trustees of the Beebe Town Library and the Public Reading Room herewith submits its annual report and respectfully asks thoughtful consideration of its work and of the demands of the Library.
BUILDING. A library building is now generally acknowledged to be one of the urgent needs of the town. Until it shall be provided however, every effort should be made to increase the efficiency and attractiveness of the present quarters. The library is far from ex- erting its broadest influence even under existing conditions.
AIM. The methods to be pursued in perfecting a library system have been admirably summed up by F. M. Crunden, of the St. Louis Public Library.
"Every effort should be made to keep the institution before the public, to enlist all elements in its support, to induce all classes to use it. Its facilities for furnishing information should be so abun- dant that the student will come from far to seek its aid : its rooms should be so attractive and its supply of books so ample that the rich cannot do better than use it ; and its cordial welcome and freedom from oppressive forms should be such as to dispel the poor man's doubt, distrust and mingled pride and diffidence, and make him feel that the library is his and his children's and their heirs forever."
SCHOOL AND LIBRARY. To further the interests of both school and library a personal letter was sent to all teachers in Wakefield, inviting them to avail themselves of special privileges. While several of the teachers have heartily co-operated with the library, the response was not as general as had been anticipated. It is hoped that teachers will, as they acquaint themselves with the library, make demand on all its resources. Teachers can more effectually bring their pupils into close touch with the library than either parents or librarian.
BOOKS. Careful attention has been given throughout the year to
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the purchase of books which shall appeal to all good tastes. With a small appropriation this has been an exceedingly difficult task, but the increasing call for the latest additions would seem to indicate public approval. This demand is probably partially due to the month- ly bulletins, which have been printed for free distribution, and which have proved very satisfactory both in the homes and in the library.
BOOKS WORN OUT. The board has found that a great many books have been withdrawn from circulation because of their ragged and dilapidated condition. The continual call for these books makes it advisable to replace them and to this end many volumes have been purchased, and many more should be replaced the coming year.
DONATIONS. The trustees take pleasure in publicly announcing donations from Mr. Junius Beebe, S. W. Abbott, M. D., Mr. J. S. ' Bonney, Mr. Dean Dudley, Mr. E. F. Pratt, the City of Chelsea and the City of Malden.
CATALOGUE. The complexity of the catalogue arising from the supplement and the many yearly and monthly bulletins demands re- lief. The introduction of the card catalogue would seem the most practical and economical method of meeting this condition. With supplement and bulletins once indexed, all future additions could be catalogued immediately and at trifling expense. The original cata- logue could be indexed as opportunity presented itself.
CHILDREN'S CATALOGUE. The Educational Association through a committee is preparing a catalogue of one hundred books in the library which are adapted to pupils in the higher grades of the grammar schools. This catalogue will be placed in the hands of the teachers. The influence which may thus be exerted in early life, toward wholesome and regular habits of reading cannot be over-estimated.
PAPER COVERS. The removal of paper covers from books in cir- culation has been under consideration. While the great majority of the libraries today do not use paper covers, the advisability of removing them in this library is an open question among the mem- bers of the board.
REFERENCE BOOKS. The use of the reference books in the libra- ry is noteworthy. Some one hundred volumes have been in constant circulation in the various schools. Over seventy volumes have been placed on the shelves in the reading room.
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LIBRARIAN'S REPORT. For interesting and instructive statistics re- garding the library, attention is respectfully called to the Librarian's Report on page 72.
PUBLIC READING ROOM.
The condition in the reading room has been one of continual im- provement. Whatever has been expended to make the room more attractive, has been amply justified by the increased and more careful use of its privileges.
VENTILATION. Through the assistance of the selectmen the venti- lation has been improved, and can probably be further improved at small cost.
ORDER. Complaints arising from noisy disturbances are now ex- ceedingly uncommon. This has been accomplished in great part by closing the north entrance. In few libraries would it be considered possible to maintain a public reading room which should not be un- der the care of a constant attendant. It is to the credit of the patrons, and especially the younger ones, that such a reading room can be maintained in this town. A serious obstacle to the pleasant and convenient use of the room, is the closing of the door from the main vestibule whenever the hall is let.
RACKS. Labelled racks for the magazines and papers, and a bulle- tin board have been added. As the librarian now receives the maga- zines daily, readers can be assured of finding publications as soon as issued.
REFERENCE BOOKS. As previously stated such reference books as the library has afforded have been placed on the shelves in the reading room. The rapidly increasing use, without abuse, of these works, clearly demonstrates the need of a carefully selected set of books for ready reference, which shall be accessible at all times.
POOLE'S INDEX. Feeling a great need for an index to magazine literature, Prin. Charles H. Howe, Supt. of Schools U. G. Wheeler, Mr. Chester N. Greenough and the following teachers, Miss Helen W. Poor, Miss Clara W. Barnes, Miss Emilie F. Emerson, Miss Jessie D. Pierson, Mrs Virginia E. Kimball, Miss Grace W. Carleton, Mr. C. F. Mckinney, Jr., and Mr. H. S. Allen have prepared and kept in order for the library a card catalogue of the more import- ant magazine articles, as a temporary substitute for Poole's Index.
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Recognizing with them the value of such an index to the general public the board has lately purchased and .placed in the reading room, Poole's Index to Periodical Literature.
DISPOSAL OF MAGAZINES. Such of the old magazines as have seemed to the Book Committee of not sufficient value for binding, have been distributed to the following institutions : Wakefield Home for Aged Women ; Wakefield Poor Farm, Danvers Insane Asylum.
COLLEGE MAGAZINES. The public is indebted to the following graduates for their respective college papers which have been on file in the reading room for the first time : Mr. Chester N. Greenough, Theodore Eaton, Esq., Mr. Andrew D. Fuller, Miss Edith V. Buzzell, Mr. S. Alex. Dearborn, Mr. J. J. Butler, Mr. Edward Sliney, Mr. A. Leon Cutler, and Mr. Samuel Abbott.
LOANS. The Woman's Education Association of Boston kindly loaned the Instructive Views of London which were appreciated by manv last September. A collection of photographs of well-known au- thors has been offered to the library and will soon be on exhibition.
APPROPRIATIONS. The small sum standing to the credit of the li- brary account will be exhausted by bills already incurred but not rendered. The board would respectfully suggest that the usual appropriations be made, which are $500.00 and the dog tax for the library and $175.00 for the reading room. To card-catalogue the supplement and the many bulletins, to replace many worn-out books, and to make several minor but necessary improvements, the board would suggest that $350.00 additional be appropriated.
To the local papers and to all others who have in any way inter- ested themselves in the work of the library, the trustees would ex- press grateful appreciation.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD DUTTON, Secretary.
February 1,|1900.
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PERIODICALS IN PUBLIC READING ROOM.
Amateur Photographer
American Architect American Field Arena
Atlantic Monthly Bird
Carpentry and Building Century
Cosmopolitan
Current Literature
Forest and Stream
Forum Frank Leslie's
Good Housekeeping
Great Round World
Harper's Bazar Harper's Monthly Harper's Round Table Harper's Weekly Irish World
Judge Ladies' Home Journal Leslie's Weekly Life Lippincott Literary World McClure Metal Worker
Munsey National Magazine National Tribune New England
North American Review N. Y. Weekly Tribune Outing Outlook
Pall Mall Popular Science Monthly Public Opinion
Puck
Recreation
Review of Reviews St. Nicholas Scientific American
Scribner's Self Culture Shooting and Fishing Strand Success
Youth's Companion
Boston Daily Herald
Boston Daily and Sunday Journal Boston Sunday Globe Wakefield Citizen and Banner Harvard Graduates Magazine Yale Alumni Weekly Technology Review Smith College Monthly Dartmouth Weekly Boston University Beacon
Boston College Stylus College Athlete Worcester Academy Weekly Tufts Weekly
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LIBRARIAN'S REPORT.
Number of volumes in the Library, February 1, 1899, · 13,139 Added by purchase during the year . 220
to replace worn out volumes 102
" donations . 62
Magazines bound from the reading room 39
13,562
Volumes worn out during the year . · 101
Total number of volumes in the Library, Feb. 1, 1900, 13,461
Donations from
United States . 14
State of Massachusetts 18
Junius Beebe, Esq. 23
S. W. Abbott .
Dean Dudley, Esq.
2
J. S. Bonney, Esq.
I
E. F. Pratt, Esq.
I
City of Chelsea
I
City of Malden
I
-
62
Persons having signed application cards for receiving books during 1899 436
Number of books delivered from the Library from Feb. 1, 1899, to Feb. 1900 26.785
Books delivered during March, 1899
2,938
Largest number delivered in one day
354
Number of volumes replaced during the year . 102
Number of volumes rebound during the year, including .. magazines bound from the reading room . I77
HARRIET A. SHEPARD), Librarian
Wakefield, February 1, 1900.
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Report of the Milk Inspector.
TO THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN :
During the year forty-nine samples of milk have been taken for analysis from the stores, dairies, and wagons. The average percent- age of total milk solids of these was thirteen and four one hundredths (13.04) per cent. , which is fair, the standard being twelve (12) per cent. from April to September and thirteen (13) per cent. the re- mainder of the year.
The greatest variation in quality was found in the milk obtained at stores and markets, restuarants etc. This is due to pouring the milk from cans without first carefully mixing the cream with the rest of the milk. The milk being sold in successive portions, the first customer may get a milk yielding fifteen or sixteen ( 15-16) per cent. of solids, owing to the undue proportion of cream, while the person buying the last part from the cans may get milk of nine or ten (9-10) per cent., which is practically skimmed milk.
Keepers of some of these stands have been several times cautioned concerning their responsibility for the quality of milk sold. It is feared, however, that there will have to be a victim before there is marked improvement in this direction.
There have been issued sixty-six (66) licenses to peddle milk and five registrations as booths, stands and market places, making a total of sixty-six (66) licenses and seventy-three registrations.
The cost of maintaining the inspection of milk for the year has been, including the salary of the inspector, (which is $100), one hundred and seventeen dollars and forty-seven cents.
The income from licenses has been thirty-seven dollars and fifty cents, from fines imposed by the court for the sale of milk not of standard quality, one hundred and fifty dollars.
The net result of maintaining the inspection of milk for the year has been a gain to the town of seventy dollars and three cents over all expenses, including salary.
Respectfully.
JOSIAH S. BONNEY, Inspector of Milk.
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ENGINEERS' REPORT.
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN.
Gentlemen : - The annual report of the Board of Fire Engineers is herewith presented, giving the details of the force of the depart- ment and apparatus, also an inventory of the property of the town in our charge, location of hydrants, records of fires which have occurred during the year ending January 31, 1900, amounts of losses and in- surance of property as near as could be ascertained.
APPARATUS AND MEN.
The total force of the Department is forty-nine, divided as follows : Three engineers.
Lucius Beebe Steamer, Engineer, E. I. Purrington.
Steamer Hose 1, Captain A. D. Jenkins ; lieutenant, Fred F. An- derson : Wm. Tyzzer, driver, and eight men.
Hook and Ladder Truck, Captain, Henry Stoddard : lieutenant, Albert Smith : driver, G. W. Hutchinson, and twelve men.
J. H. Carter Hose 1, Captain, Thos. McMahan ; lieutenant, Henry Fay, and eight men.
Volunteer Hose No. 2, Captain, Albert D. Cate ; lieutenant, Chas. H. Pope, and eight men.
Hose 3, Greenwood, Captain, Thos. Ringer ; lieutenant, C. Classen, volunteer members.
Hose 4, Montrose, Captain, Wm. Buxton ; lieutenant, Wm. Moses. volunteer members.
Greenwood and Montrose are volunteer companies and have dur- ing the past year rendered valuable services to the town. There is also a jumper at the Poor Farm, which is manned by residents when needed.
APPARATUS.
The several pieces of apparatus are in first class condition with the exception of the Carter Hose jumper, which piece of apparatus is wholly unfit for the purpose. We are in hopes that before long
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the town will give them something more modern. We have had the Hook and Ladder Truck touched up and varnished at a small expense, which, we believe, will save painting for several years.
ACCIDENTS.
While trying to pull the hose wagon out of the Montrose engine house at the time of the fire Ex-captain Thos. Gould was so severely burned about the hands that he was unable to resume work for sev- eral weeks.
HOSE.
We have during the year purchased 1500 feet of cotton hose, un- der the guarantee of four years' wear, and 400 lbs. water pressure. Five hundred feet of this was by vote of the town, and 1000 feet by approval of your board made necessary by the burning of 800 feet at the Montrose engine house and 600 feet at the Mechanic street fire. All the hose has been tested and 1050 feet repaired. The to- tal amount of hose in the department is 6450 feet-4700 feet in good condition, 950 feet not reliable, and 800 feet condemned.
HORSES.
During the past year the fire department horses have responded to thirty-four alarms and have earned $506.63 on the highways. In addition to this, one of the permanent men and two horses were en- gaged ten days on clearing away the ruins of the engine house. The cost of maintainance is somewhat larger than last year on account of the increase in prices of grain, etc. We are glad to report them in fist class condition, and ready for immediate use.
FIRE ALARM.
This very important branch of the service has received two severe blows during the past year. In addition to the usual amount of changes, repairs, etc., incidental to every fire alarm system, we were confronted by the damage caused by the falling of the Rattan factory chimney, which carried with it the operating machine and whistle, and when dug from under tons of bricks and mortar, they were ap- parently beyond repair. Again, at the burning of the Central Fire Station, we also lost a large amount of the fire alarm property. After the first damage, feeling assurred that the citizens would approve of the immediate replacement of the parts destroyed, we entered into a
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