USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1902 > Part 3
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
APPROPRIATIONS.
The Selectmen respectfully submit the following estimates of appropriations for the ensuing year :
Highway Department,
$3,000.00
Poor department,
2,700.00
Sewer maintenance,
1,800.00
Fire department,
600.00
Fire alarm maintenance,
150.00
Hydrant service,
2,150.00
Police department,
500.00
Town Hall,
900.00
Street Lights,
1,550.00
Salaries,
2,400.00
Debt and interest,
8,000.00
$23,750.00
JOHN H. HOWLAND,
CHARLES F. HOWARD, W. P. WINSOR, Selectmen of Fairhaven.
·
75
FAIRHAVEN, MASS., FEB. 24, 1903.
We hereby certify that we have examined the accounts of the Tax Collector, Treasurer, Seleetmen, Overseers of the Poor, and School Committee of the Town of Fairhaven, for the year ending February 7th, 1903, and believe them correct.
ANDERSON W. KELLEY, ', Auditors, GEORGE B. LUTHER,
LIST OF JURORS FOR 1903.
Albert C. Akin, James M. Allen, Jr., Albert J. Barney, Edward E. Baker, James E. Baker, William H. Bates, Lyman C. Bauldry, Ernest E. Benton, Allen R. Bingham, Alexander F. Bliss, Ansel F. Blossom, Henry P. Crowell, Robert Campbell, George H. Carpenter, George H. Chase, James A. Corson, Joshua H. Delano, Daniel W. Deane, Frank L. Davis, Walter H. Day,
Charles F. Dillingham, Eben J. Dillingham, Lemuel D. Eldred, Isaac P. Francis, Ebenezer G. Grinnell, Isaiah Gurney, Henry T. Gifford,
Moulder. Boat builder. Stone mason. Marketman. Trader. Moulder. Clerk. Tacker.
Foreman.
Painter.
Grocer. Moulder. Pairpoint Mfg. Co. Lumber surveyor. Machinist. Teamster. Boat builder. Farmer. Drill hardener. Carpenter. Machinist. Teamster. Artist. Real estate. Farmer. Wheelwright. Shipwright.
77
Cyrus D. Hunt, George I .. Hiller. Clifton A. Hacker, Matthew H. Howard, Walter II. Judd,
George G. Lawton,
Elbridge G. Morton, Jr.,
Edward B. Mackie, Edward Manchester, Jr., George A. Matthewson,
John F. Mitchell, Joseph C. Omey,
Nathaniel Pope,
Augustus F. Perry,
Alton B. Paull,
Joseph B. Peck,
Jeremiah H. Pease, Lewis O. Pardee,
Andrew J. Shooks,
Roger Sherman, Moses S. Stone, James F. Tripp, Job C. Tripp, James P. Terry,
Manufacturer. Farmer. Electrician. Teamster. Manufacturer.
Blacksmith. Machinist.
Clerk.
Teamster.
Cigars. Superintendent. Carpenter. Accountant.
Retired.
Musician.
Clerk.
Cooper.
Mason.
Painter.
Farmer.
Farmer.
Caulker.
Coal and insurance. Farmer.
REPORT
OF THE
Sewer Commissioners.
REPORT OF THE SEWER COMMISSIONERS
FOR THE YEAR ENDING FEBRUARY 16, 1903.
During the past year extension has been made to the Shone system from Spring street north in Green street ; thence east in Christian street ; thence north in Mulberry street, a total distance of 1,134 feet. And to the Southwest gravity sewer from Green street east in Farmfield lane ; thence south in Laurel street, a total distance of 782 feet.
There have been 50 connections made with the sewers dur- ing the past year, making a total of 369 to date.
The sewers and pumping machinery are in their usual good condition at present. Fortunately the expense for re- pairs has been light, as that has enabled us to keep within the appropriation for maintenance, notwithstanding the high cost of fuel the past year.
At the last Annual Town Meeting the Sewer Commis- sioners were instructed to investigate and report on a sewer system for Oxford Village. They herewith submit the re- sult of their investigations with recommendations.
The most logical place for the outfall of a sewer system in this part of the town is at the river shore in a line with the extension of Cooke street.
Unfortunately the shallow water, lack of current and generally prevailing winds would make this likely to develop into a nuisance unless the sewage were treated in some manner before flowing overboard.
General testimony to this effect was not wanting, and at the suggestion of the State Board of Health, the Commis- sioners had floats placed in the river west of the end of Cooke street at varying distances from shore, and with
82
various conditions of wind and tide, and it was found that they went ashore in all cases inside one-half an hour.
This was only evident from the fact that sewage from New Bedford drifts onto the marsh in this location in such quan- tities as to create a nuisance at certain periods. It would seem to the Commissioners that Septic tank treatment with after treatment in contact beds, if necessary, would be the most desirable and the most economical. Several munici- palities are using Septic tanks with good satisfaction, and if covered, they are inoffensive even in the neighborhood of dwellings.
In view of the fact that the sewage needs treatment, it would seem better not to make any provision for carrying surface water ; roof and cellar water ought to be admitted for flushing purposes as well as for convenience of users. On this basis a 12-inch pipe in Cooke street west of, and 10- inch pipe in Cherry street and the low part of Lafayette street, with an 8-inch pipe throughout the remainder of the system would be ample, as the grades are all high, except where indicated.
The system as laid out, contemplates the drainage of Cooke, North, Oxford (west of Main), Lafayette, West, Cherry and Main streets. (Main street from Lafayette street north as far as desirable toward the cemetery.) A depth of six feet or more is obtainable in most cases.
It is deemed advisable to lay iron pipes across the marsh particularly, as there must be valves controlling the Septic tanks and filter beds.
The town should acquire the ownership of a strip of land in the line of Cooke street, 40 feet wide, for a distance of 300 feet, and 75 feet wide from thence to the shore. This would give an opportunity to extend Cooke street 250 feet westerly and run a street at right angles to it at that point. Then would come the Septic tanks, say two of them, 30 feet
83
long by 10 feet wide, extending lengthwise of a line parallel to the side line of Cooke street, with an opportunity of duplicating the same on the other side of the street when necessary. Between the tanks and the river contact beds could be installed if necessary.
A sea wall should be built at the river shore. The marsh land should be filled in line of the sewer pipe to a depth of 3 feet and width of 10 feet to prevent freezing.
The estimated cost of installation of this system would be seventy-five hundred dollars ($7,500), and maintenance would be $150 to $200 per year.
We recommend the installation of this sewage system and at an early date as the necessity for the same is obvious, and the cost not prohibitive.
E. G. PAULL, Z. W. DODGE, GEO. T. THATCHER, Sewer Commissioners.
REPORT
OF THE
BOARD OF HEALTH.
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH.
To the Citizens of Fairhaven, the Board of Health respect- fully submits its annual report for the year 1902.
The Board organized in March, 1902, with the choice of Charles P. Maxfield as chairman, JJoseph B. Peck as secre- tary, and Dr. Wm. H. Thayer as medical inspector.
There has been reported to the Board during the last twelve months, ninety cases of contagious and infectious diseases, namely :
5 typhoid fever, 17 scarlet fever, 65 measles, 3 diphtheria,
Showing an increase in number of seventy-four cases in comparison with last year.
There were thirteen complaints of nuisances, which upon notice were promptly abated.
During the past year there have been inspected, as the law directs, 16] slaughtered animals, namely :
154 hogs, 5 cows, 2 calves.
Mr. E. G. Grinnell inspected at the general inspection the following animals, namely :
384 cows, 70 young cattle, 65 swine.
A second inspection was made by the Cattle Inspector
88
later in the year, on account of the existence of "Foot and Mouth Disease" in this state. There were no cases found within our jurisdiction.
The Board would recommend that the town license some responsible person to collect the swill and garbage at least twice a week, from the residences of those who make appli- cation to him, he to furnish water-tight cans for the removal of same.
No license was granted to any person or place where the Jews could slaughter under the license of others; would recommend the same conditions continue.
CHARLES P. MAXFIELD, JOSEPH B. PECK, DR. WM. H. THAYER, M. D.
THE MILLICENT LIBRARY FAIRHAVEN MASSACHUSETTS 1902
-
1
THE MILLICENT LIBRARY
THE MILLICENT LIBRARY FAIRHAVEN, MASS.
ANNUAL REPORT .
1902
PUBLISHED BY THE TOWN
1903
OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES OF THE MILLICENT LIBRARY 1893-1903
President
HENRY H. ROGERS 1893-
Vice Presidents
WALTER P. WINSOR
1893-94
GEORGE H. TABER
1895-96
GEORGE H. TRIPP
. 1897-98
THOMAS A. TRIPP . 1899-00
JAMES L. GILLINGHAM
1901-02
JOB C. TRIPP
1903-
Treasurers
JAMES L. GILLINGHAM
1893-94
MRS. LIZZIE F. NYE
1895-96
WALTER P. WINSOR .
. 1897-
Secretaries
THOMAS A. TRIPP
1893-94
MISS ELLEN H. AKIN
1895-96
MRS. SARAH C. ANTHONY
. 1897-98
MRS. LIZZIE F. NYE
1899-00
DON C. STEVENS
. 1901
DREW B. HALL
1901-
3
Standing Committees 1903-4
Book Committee -
H. H. Rogers, President, J. C. Tripp, Vice President, Mrs. Anthony, Miss Akin, G. H. Tripp.
Finance Committee -
W. P. Winsor, Treasurer, Mrs. Nye, J. L. Gillingham, W. E. Benjamin, E. L. Besse.
House Committee-
T. A. Tripp, Mrs. Broughton, Mrs. Winsor, C. W. White, Jr., G. W. Stevens.
Trustees
Miss Ellen H. Akin
1893-
Edmund Anthony, Jr.
1902
Mrs. Sarah C. Anthony
1893-
William E. Benjamin
1893-
Edward L. Besse
1893-
Mrs. Cara R. Broughton
1893-
James L. Gillingham
1 893-
Mrs. Lizzie F. Nye
1893-
Henry H. Rogers
1893-
Don C. Stevens
1893-01
George W. Stevens
1893-
George H. Taber
I893-01
George H. Tripp
·
1893-
Job C. Tripp
1902-
Thomas A. Tripp .
1893-
Charles W. White, Jr.
1902-
Mrs. Mary G. Winsor
1893-
Walter P. Winsor
1893-
4
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING DEC. 31, 1902
To the Board of Trustees :
I have the honor and pleasure of presenting my second report covering the year 1902.
Growth in Volumes
The additions of the year number b811 volumes, "748 by purchase, 38 by gift, and 25 by binding periodicals; making the accession number of the last volume 17,580. During the year 149 volumes were withdrawn leaving a net increase of 662, which added to "15,998 the actual number in the library on Dec. 31, 1901, makes the present total 16,660.
Registration
From the opening of the library Feb. 1, 1893 to Jan. 1, 1902, 4019 persons had received reader's cards, and 90 more were issued up to May I ; a total of 4109 names in 9 years and 3 months. May I a new registration went into effect and during that month 855 cards were issued. Despite the great diminution of cards outstanding the circulation was the same as in the previous May; going to prove what had been suspected, that nine hundred or a thousand card holders do nearly all the borrowing.
The total re-registration in the eight months to December 31 was ₫1346; adult residents of Fairhaven 877, of school age 264, residents of New Bedford 99, and of other places 106: nearly one person in every three in Fairhaven is a borrower registered since May first.
Loan Department
The books loaned from the library were 2286 more than those of 1901 ; considerable fluctuations in monthly loans above and below the average leaving this small gain. The yearly average for the last five years is 44,662. The total issue for 1902 was 345,555 volumes; an average of 4124.8+per day : March as usual holds the lead for monthly circulation with 4615, while June has but 3204; the largest day was March 22, 235; the smallest July 4, 35. Of the days of the week, Saturday averages the largest issue, Monday the next, with Sunday a close third; even exceeding Monday through several months.
The circulation per capita was 12.2, population being 3750, and the circulation per active card holder about 645; during May 855 persons registered and borrowed 3506 volumes.
a Appendix I. b Appendix 2. c Appendix 3. d Appendix 4.
2 Appendix 5. 3 Appendix 7. 4 The library is open for both reading and circulation of
books from 9 a. m. to 9 p. m. every day in the year, Sundays and holidays included 5 3567 by census of 1900. 6 The figures are so large despite the fact that all books, including the latest novels and the current magazines, are loaned to each borrower for full two weeks; and those drawn by teachers and schools for one month.
5
The four months of May, June, July, and August, during which the Atlas Tack Co. moved into its new building, "increased the number of its employees, and re-organized them in day and night crews, show successive decreases of b8 to 600 volumes from the circulation of the corresponding months of 1901; and December has been affected by the unusually prosperous Christmas season. The tack company is the only very large manufacturing establishment in the town, and the effects of an increase or decrease in its work is very quickly and directly traced in a corresponding decrease or increase in the library's circulation.
Decrease in Fiction
The percentage of fiction, including both adult and juvenile, in 1900 was "73.2, in 1901 70.4, and in 1902 60 2; 57.6% being the average since the re-registration in May. This decrease may be ascribed, in part to greater use by the schools of collateral reading especially during the fall, and to the formation of a juvenile department; and in part to library rotation, to the completion of the non-fiction catalogue, to better service at the loan desk, and more visibly to the issue to all readers on re-registering of the limited card, to which they had formerly been entitled but for which few had ever called. In November 1901, the institution of the reserve system necessitated a change from one reader's card good for two books to two cards (one unlimited, the second limited to non-fiction) each good for one book, but the second was not given unless asked for; there was an imme- diate decrease in the use of fiction of 2%, due to the prompting of the limited card tangibly ready for use. May I, the two cards formerly permissive were put into the hands of every reader: the result was most marked. In April the percentage of fiction was 163.95 (not high), in May it was 55.97, a drop of 8% ; of which 5.7% went to periodicals.
The periodical circulation in this library is unusually large despite the full allowance of two weeks for each loan. All magazines of which including duplicate copies there is a good 2supply are for circulation, except one copy of each current number. In 1900 the periodical issue was "II.3% of the total circulation ; in 1901 13.7, and in 1902 18; for May to December 1902, 21. If the reading of current magazines is to be classed as reading of fiction, allowances must be made in the above figures for fiction. The combined percentage of fiction and periodicals was in 1900, 84.5, in 1901, 84.1, and in 1902 78.2. So that, even if it is contended that magazine reading is fiction reading, which can hardly be maintained, there has been in the last year a decrease of 6% in the combination of the two : that in fiction alone being '10%.
" There were 491 names on the pay-roll in August last, against 155 in August, 1901.
Appendix 5, « Appendix 6. d Appendix 7. 2 Appendix 8.
6
Children's Room
Perhaps the greatest improvement of the year is the beginning of more personal, intimate work with readers, especially with children. The public, it seems, must feel satisfaction in being able to find at nearly all hours, some attendant free from the duties of the loan desk, and ready to assist in any search. The children certainly do, as shown by personal friendliness and greatly increased use of the library. In December 1901, 76 approved juvenile books were drawn, in November 1902, 724, an increase of 950 percent., and their use of the main collection, of which there are no separate figures, must have increased 500 percent. The work with children includes, besides the direction of their individual reading along healthy lines, their education in the use of indexes, tables of contents, reference-books, and the card catalogues. Gratifying improve- ment is already noticeable, both in the quality of their general reading and in their ability to gather material on a definite subject from the catalogues, stacks, and reference-books.
Charging System
The system of charging was changed during the spring to that commonly known as the Newark. A pocket was pasted in, and a book- card typewritten for, every volume in the library ; cards of to colors being used for the 10 classes. The date stamped on the reader's card and on the book when drawn is that of the day due. Both the drawing and the return of books are thus much facilitated, and the reader's card during the reading of a volume finds security in the book-pocket.
Binding
368 volumes have been bound or repaired at a cost of $173.10. This covers little more than the rebinding of recent and popular books; several hundred older ones will soon need attention.
Card Catalogues
The revision and completion of the non-fiction card catalogue under- way last January was practically completed on February 20, with the three months engagement of the extra trained cataloguer; there remain only more careful cross references between allied subjects. The double catalogue of authors and titles of fiction has been thoroughly revised ; cards for books worn out and rejected, were withdrawn, and many rearranged to bring them into correct alphabetic order,
7
Shelf-List
The shelf-list is the library record of volumes as they would stand on the shelves if all were in the building; by it invoices are taken, losses discovered, and more constantly it is referred to in assigning numbers to new books. Ours was begun 10 years ago on sheets, blank lines being left for the insertion of new volumes as they should be added; additions often came in unforeseen places, so that the shelf-list sheets were much interlined and the entries badly out of order. The duplicate partial card catalogues provided an excellent foundation for a card shelf-list which can never grow disarranged. 8500 cards from the duplicate catalogues were corrected for Cutter numbers by the sheet shelf-list, and 5900 were written entirely new; the work occupying all available time from March to the first of October.
Bulletins
Lists of new books with annotations, generally original, have been published weekly in the Star and half a dozen proofs on colored cover papers struck off for posters ; the type has been held from week to week, rearranged, and from it printed every other month eight-page bulletins. Reading lists have been printed in the Star or as small folders; one, Some good books on gardening, and a second, A few books on boats, have been reprinted in the bulletin. Two others on Thanksgiving, and Christmas, of 65 and 150 titles respectively, have been issued in 3x5 inch form, as the first of a series on topics of yearly recurring interest.
Reserves
Some 60 books have been on the reserve list during the year, and over 800 notices sent to various readers ; all but a dozen being for late novels. I know of no other library which reserves fiction and makes no charge for the postal notice, and but few which reserve any book till it is several months old.
Library Rotation
Of the use of the rotation case, careful figures were kept from November 1901, to June. The results were published in full in an article in the Library Journal for November last. From four collections averaging 157 volumes each, 35, 65, 58 and 49 per cent. respectively were taken for home reading, aggregating 322 volumes; about 112 per cent. of the entire circulation for the period covered. During the same time the fiction read decreased 61/2 per cent. largely through the influence of the case. This is distinctly encouraging in showing that many people care for serious reading if it is as easily obtainable as fiction and one-tenth as much advertised.
8
Inter-Library Loans
Our readers have enjoyed the use of several works we do not possess by the courtesy of the General Theological library, the Boston public, and the New Bedford free public libraries. The latter particularly has been generous in honoring our readers' cards when accompanied by a numbered and dated introduction.
Library Art Club Photographs
Two exhibits of photographs, of Venice, and of Switzerland, have aroused considerable interest during the fall, and given the public much pleasure.
Library Service
The service has been bettered by a re-arrangement of hours which shortens the length of the successive periods during which one person bears the brunt of the wearying loan desk work. The help of a page to replace volumes on the shelves, has freed the time and energy of the assistants for other service. A children's room and reference work with the schools are adding much to the value of the library for the young people of the town. The change in the charging system has both decreased the time the reader must wait, and provided a convenient receptacle for his card.
On October 23, Miss Frances H. Fuller began work as "library hostess and children's librarian." Miss Fuller is a graduate of Vassar College, has taken the full two years course at the New York State Library School, and as New York city secretary of the "National plant, flower and fruit guild," had for several years a personal acquaintance with the work of the college and social settlements there.
On November 1, after 11 years of faithful and efficient work, Miss Abby H. Nye tendered her resignation to take effect December 1.
And on January 3, 1903, Mrs. Flora H. Leighton was elected to the staff to have charge in particular of the circulation department and adult reading. Mrs. Leighton formerly resided in Fairhaven and knows its people well, and has been on the staff of the City Library, Springfield, since June 1902, after taking with credit its apprentice course.
I feel there are few libraries, small or large, which have in their assistants so much common sense, good taste, earnestness, and knowledge, both general and "technical.
Respectfully submitted,
DREW B. HALL,
13 Jan. 1903
Librarian.
a Appendix 9.
APPENDIX 1 Net Yearly Growth 1893-1902
Feb .- Dec. 1893
1894
1895
1896
1897
Vols. at beginning Vols. added Vols. withdrawn Net growth
7.345
9,001
10, 109
10.909
11, 82I
1,691 35
1,129
846 46
966
917 78
1,656
1, 108
Soo
912
839
Net total
9,00 I
10, 109
10,909
11, 821
12,660
1898
1899
1900
190I
1902
Vols. at beginning
12,660
13,576
14,428
15,200
15,998
Vols. added Vols. withdrawn
1,062 14.6
1,016 164
90I 129
896 98
8II
149
Net growth
916
852
772
798
662
Net total
13,576
14,428
15,200
15,998
16,660
For 10 years 1893-1902
Accessioned .
17,580 volumes.
Withdrawn
920
Net, December 31, 1902
16,660
9
.
.
21
54
10
APPENDIX 2
The 811 volumes added in 1902 are divided among the various classes as follows; because one work occupies several volumes often, and because of duplication, the number of works is smaller than of volumes.
Volumes
New Works
Volumes added to juvenile collection ; included in total of " Volumes."
Encyclopedias and magazines,
23
9
Philosophy and ethics,
II
II
Religion,
18
17
3
Political economy, education and folklore,
55
43
14
Language and grammar,
7
6
Natural sciences,
52
39
16
Useful arts,
47
42
3
Fine arts,
47
40
3
Literature,
102
64
30
Travel and history, and collected biography,
III
SI
39
Individual biography,
41
37
4
Fiction,
297
224
96
Totals,
SII
613
*208
* So large a percent. of the whole, because of the beginning of a juvenile collection and of work with the schools.
APPENDIX 3 Gross and Net Increase 1902
GAIN
Loss
By purchase,
748
By withdrawal, 144
By gift,
38
By lost and replaced,
I
By binding periodicals,
25
By loss, due to removal of readers,
4
Gross gain,
811
149
Loss deducted,
149
Net gain,
662
11
Gifts
From the United States government, 13; from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 10; from W. J. Rolfe, 12; miscellaneous, 3; Total, 38.
APPENDIX 4
Re-Registration by District, May-December, 1902
Adults
Public School Pupils
Fairhaven,
Oxford,
I27
54
Center, (south of Huttlestone ave. and west of Summer st.),
673
180
East, (the outlying territory),
77
877
30 264
New Bedford,
99
Mattapoisett,
13
Marion,
7
Acushnet,
12
Miscellaneous,
74
Totals,
1,082
264
Grand total,
1,346
APPENDIX 5 Circulation by Months, 1893-1902
These are figures of actual "outgo," and differ somewhat from the figures of Classified Circulation which were based till 1902 on volumes returned ; compare totals of Appendix 6.
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
April
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Total
1893
3855
4663
390I
3454
3085
3343
3504
3394
3282
3444
4199
40,124
1894
4830
4831
5295
4493
3818
3859
3829
3846
3757
4095
4212
4433
51,298
1895
5016
4713
5396
4529
3931
3577
3833
3702
3640
3599
4º39
3905
49,680
1896
4425
4392
4682
384I
3557
3527
3523
3704
3546
3605
3626
3605
46,033
1897
4384
4324
4586
3875
3723
3435
3535
3502
3286
3380
3359
3405
45,294
1898
409I
4068
3908
3607
3396
3230
3498
3394
3230
3612
3678
3772
43,484
1899
4255
3998
4377
3551
3222
3020
3566
3485
3364
324I
3436
3483
42,998
1900
4350
4414
4628
4006
3539
3460
36.42
3402
3530
3760
3.574
3688
45,993
1901
4º73
3843
4359
3773
35 14
3260
3567
3793
3679
3757
3802
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.