USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1883/1884-1886/1887 > Part 8
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$1,844 77
BOOK ACCOUNT.
-
Balance to debit of account March 1, 1884, $ 53 18
Expended during the year, - 646 89
Appropriation for this account, 700 0)
$700 07
Debit balance,
-
07
REMARKS.
The Committee made their annual examination of the Library on February 23d, and found the same in its usual good condition, all the books being on the shelves, or accounted for.
A misconception about the Library and Reading Room has got abroad in the community, by reason of the lease of the rooms, which prohibits the purchase of sectarian literature. The prohibition does not prohibit the receipt of donations. So far as our knowledge goes no such donation has ever been rejected, but in order to allay any popular misunderstanding
63
REPORT OF LIBRARY COMMITTEE.
and place ourselves square on the issue, the Committee has by a vote expressed a willingness to accept such kinds of donations.
To defray the expenses for the ensuing year we recommend the appropriation of $1,500.00 and the dog fund of 1884. As in former years, we append herewith the report of our Librarian, which is made a part of our own.
Respectfully submitted by the Library Committee.
C. D. MONROE, Secretary.
Public Library, March 2, 1885.
REPORT OF LIBRARIAN.
No year since the establishment of our Library has more fully illustrated its advantages. As may be seen from the tables of our report, over two thousand more books have been issued than the previous year, and quite a large number more used within the rooms. This increase, doubtless, is due largely to the fact that so many persons have been without employment. But perhaps quite as much may be attributed to the fact that we have had more help for the work, and thus have been able to render more assistance to those desiring aid in their selections. That the real educational possibilities of an institution like this may be in any degree fulfilled, it must be seen that much time and attention need to be bestowed upon those who frequent the Library as students. Also the aid and guidance possible to give to our boys and girls in their selections for home reading, would be, with time at our disposal to use in this way. almost unlimited. The most important work added to the Library the past year is Poole's Index of Periodical Literature. This work, while very useful to us now, would be of much more value with more bound periodical literature. Persons having magazines or reviews that they do not wish to retain, would, by placing them in the Library, give them a value they can not have except within reach of this Index Important United States documents added (the gift of Hon. W. W. Rice) are the tenth census (1880), Agricultural and Manufacturing Statistics, reports upon
66
REPORT OF LIBRARY COMMITTEE.
Cotton Production, and the Newspaper and Periodical Press. Of war reports, the most important is the third volume of the Surgical History of the War. Some idea of the classes of books purchased may be gained by consulting the table under the heading "Classification." As usual in Public Libraries, the demand for works of fiction is greater than for any other. But in this respect our Library bears a favorable comparison with others. The Natural History rooms have had, as usual, a good share of attention. There have been in this department 1231 visitors.
67
REPORT OF LIBRARY COMMITTEE.
GENERAL STATEMENT.
March 1, 1884.
Added from
March 1, 1884,
March 1, 1885.
Withdrawn
from March 1,
March 1, 1885.
Total No. in
the Library
March 1, 1885.
Books in Library, -
9,774
415
9 10180
Pamphlets in Library,
1,183
100
I68
Periodicals (odd numbers) in Library,
261
16
245
Total unbound material, -
1,444
100
184 1,360
ACCESSIONS.
Purchases,
249
Binding of periodicals and pamphlets,
88
Exchange of Mr. Ammidown's histories for other histories 6 Gifts, 72 - -
- - 415
Deduct withdrawals,,
9
406
Add number in Library March 1, 1884, - 9,774
Present number in Library, - 10,180
to
1884, to
68
REPORT OF LIBRARY COMMITTEE.
CLASSIFICATION.
[ACCESSIONS AND CIRCULATION.]
RANK OF CLASSES.
No. added.
No. in the Library.
No. rir- culated.
Per- centage.
I
Fiction, -
59
1053
8721
51.6
2
Juvenile Works,
24
727
3698
21.88
3 History,
18
924
695
4.11
4 Biography,
28
867
641
3.79
5
Travels and Description,
16
576
782
4.62
6
Poetry and Drama,
13
463
297
1 75
7
Scientific and Educational,
18
555
310
1.83
8
Literary and Æsthetical,
16
753
404
2.39
9
Religious and Philosophical, 23
372
185
1.09
IO
Complete Works,
-
255
92
.54
20°
315
26I
1.61
12
Bound Periodicals,
50
703
428
2.53
13
Agricultural Works,
3
I26
83
.49
14
Law Documents, [reserved]
2
161
.00
I5
Mass. Public Documents,
8
304
IO
.05
16
U. S. Public Documents,
28
568
IO
.05
I7
French Books,
14
39
249
1.47
R.
Reserved Section, [issued by special permit]
47
427
35
.20
D.
Duplicates, -
I3
285
00
.00
A.L. Ammidown Library,
6
707
00
.00
406
10,180 16,901
100.00
-
RANK OF MONTHS.
USE IN LIBRARY. 1883 1884
HOME USE.
1883 1884
I March, - - 240 249
I March, - 1649 1619
Miscellaneous Works,
-
-
69
REPORM OF LIBRARY COMMITTEE.
2 April,
275 280
2 April,
I30I
I360
3 May,
- 225
298
3 May,
1104
1367
4 June,
200 275
4 June,
1055
1189
5 July,
360
395
5 July,
966
I297
6 August,
205
204
6 August, - 1158
1295
7 September,
207
289
7 September, - 1038
I203
8 October, -
260
344
8 October,
1105
1258
9 November, 307
265
9 November, -
1 1.42
I27I
10 December,
242
320
IO December,
1321
1546
II January, -
275
342
II January, - 1420
1861
12 February,
309
403
12 February,
1480
1635
Total, -
3,105
3,659
Total, - 14.739 16,901
CIRCULATION.
From March 1, 1884, to March 1, 1885.
AGGREGATE
Total number of volumes consulted at the library, 3,659
Total number taken for home use, 16,90I -
Total circulation of books, - 20,560
USE OF LIBRARY WITHIN THE ROOM.
Largest use on any day, Feb. 26, 38
Smallest use on any day, - July 15, I 12
Average use per day, - -
ISSUED FOR HOME USE.
Largest number issued any day, Feb. 28, 151
Smallest number issued any day, - Jan. 1, 16
Average issue per day, -
56
70
REPORT OF LIBRARY COMMITTEE.
NUMBER WHO HAVE TAKEN BOOKS FROM THE LIBRARY.
Accounts open from the beginning, 3,244
Accounts cancelled from the beginning, 1,720
Accounts opened the past year, 217 -
Accounts now open,
1,524
DONORS AND GIFTS.
-
Albee, Linus C.,
-
-
I
Ammidown, E. H.,
-
2
Angell, George T.,
..
-
I
Bartholomew, A. J.,
-
I
Boston Public Library, -
-
-
5
Bowker, R. R., N. Y., -
-
I
Brookline Public Library,
- -
I
Chapin, F. H.,
-
5
Clemence, Mrs. Fidelia,
-
-
4
Cole, R. H., -
-
I
Commonwealth,
4
I
Concord Public Library,
I
Dean, Frank H.,
I
Handsworth, England, Public Library , -
I
Hartford Library Association,
-
2
Fall River Public Library, -
I
Jillson, Hon. Clark, -
2
Leicester Academy, Trustees of.
I
Leicester Public Library, - .
I
Lovell, J. W. & Co., N. Y.,
I
Massachusetts Infant Asylum,
I
Morris, Andrew J., -
16
15
Number carried forward,
- 30 40
Books. Pamphlets.
71
Number brought forward, -
30
40 2
Phillips, E. M., -
-
-
I
Providence Public Library,
I
Rice, Hon. W. W.,
31
12
Rockport, Massachusetts, Public Library, Rogers, Mrs. Anne B.,
I
Rothersham, England, Public Library, -
-
I
San Francisco Public Library,
I
Sampson, Davenport & Co .. Boston, -
-
I
Smithsonion Institution,
3
I
Southbridge Town Officers, - -
-
6
2
Swansea, England, Public Library,
I
Whitaker, Geo. M.,
35
Worcester Free Institute,
I
Worcester Public Library, -
-
I
72 100
GIFTS TO READING ROOM.
Ammidown, E. H., " American Protectionist " and "Commer- cial Bulletin."
Corbin, W. W., " Southbridge Herald."
Gray, Henry C., " Chelsea Record."
Hayward, Rev. S., "Le Republican." Nichols and Johnson, "Webster Eagle."
Paige, C. A., " New York Weekly Tribune." Seventh Day Adventist Society, "Signs of the Times." Whitaker, Geo. M., "Southbridge Journal," for file.
.
REPORT OF LIBRARY COMMITTEE.
Newton, Massachusetts, Public Library,
I
72
REPORT OF LIBRARY COMMITTEE.
GIFTS TO MUSEUM.
Ammidown, Lucius E. Specimen of quartrose conglomerate, cemented by iron ; found at the brick yard back of Dresser hill.
Buell, Miss Jennie. A fan made of wood, cut by Capt. Jere- miah Pressey, of N. Y. City.
Chandler, Master Walter. Two pieces of Chinese money ; one, value. five cents ; the other, one cent. .
Cole, R. H. Fifteen deeds, bearing dates from 1793-1825.
Stevens, Charles. A piece of Cuban money, value, five cents ; a horse shoe, over which wood has grown ; a piece of flint from the field where the massacre was, near Fort Kearney, in Nebraska; a peice of marble, from an old palace in Genoa, Italy ; quartz from Montevideo, Uruguay, S. A., picked up the day Gen. Lopaz entered Montevideo.
Cole, R H. Two deeds ; one dated 1763, conveying land in Charlton from Henry Morse to John Dresser ; the other dated 1782, conveying land in Dudley from Edward Davis to Josiah Hovey.
FINANCIAL.
RECEIPTS.
Fines,
$47 96
Cards,
8 38
Catalogues,
-
22 35
Damaged Book.
50
Waste Paper,
12
D. Baker, of Charlton, taking books six months, I 50
$80 81
73
REPORT OF LIBRARY COMMITTEE.
EXPENDITURES.
Express and freight, $II 53
Postage, 7 56
Stationery and extra papers and magazines, 6 12
Mucilage, rubber bands, and muslin for repairing books, -
2 63
Alcohol, insect powder, and benzine, for museum, I 00
Gas-lighters, twine, basket, disinfectant, 2 05
Labor and repairs, - 5 04
Charcoal, saw, brooms and brushes,
4 80
Cleaning, -
24 43
Work on numerical catalogue, -
6 00
A. H. Barrett and others, for care of rooms and fires, 50 00
J. Smith and M. Kelley, for work at desk and museum, -
50 00
$171 16
A. JEANNETTE COMINS
Librarian.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
FIRE ENGINEERS
REPORT.
The Board of Engineers have the honor of presenting for your consideration their annual report, giving the condition of the department for the year ending. February 28, 1885, and reviewing its workings the past year. We also consider it our duty to point out its defects, and to recommend such measures as we deem necessary to improve its efficiency.
MANUAL FORCE.
The manual force consists of a chief and four assistant engineers, two steamer companies of fifteen men each, two hook and ladder companies of ten men each, also eleven horses subject to the call of the department. The morale of the department never was better; the promptness of which all orders have been obeyed, and the good feeling existing through- out the entire department, are facts of which we feel justly proud, and feel that they will compare favorably with any similar department in the state.
BUILDINGS.
It has been the intention of the board to put a concrete floor in No. I house this spring, as soon as the weather will permit ; also a cement floor in Hook and Ladder room No. I, as we have sufficient funds saved from former appropriations for doing the work.
The house at Globe Village is in the same condition as at the
78
REPORT OF FIRE ENGINEERS.
time of my last report, and in our judgment needs radical treatment.
WATER SUPPLY.
We feel that we ought again to call the attention of the voters of the town to our recommendations of last year in regard to the water supply in the new village, and earnestly recommend that the town appropriate a sufficient sum (in connection with the Water Supply Company) as will insure the laying of the pipe as recommended in our last report. We think it would give better satisfaction, and we know it would be far more efficient than to put the money into cisterns.
HORSES.
We feel it our duty to say a few words in regard to horses. We do not say it in a spirit of censure, on the contrary we feel that to those who furnish horses for the department that we are under many obligations for the kind and courteous manner in which all of our demands have been complied with.
During the past season the parties who furnish horses had business requiring them to be out of town, or to be too far away to be of any use in case of an alarm, in which case the board of engineers are powerless to protect the property of the citizens of the town.
We feel that this is the weakest point in our line, and judging from the past if the voters of the town are half as liberal in their appropriations before a disaster as they are with their criticisms after, we shall be able to remedy the defect. Many towns are considering the plan of owning their fire horses and working them on the highway. I visited one town this winter where the plan had been adopted and was giving entire satisfaction.
ALARM.
The telephone service did not give satisfaction, and has been discontinued. One of the greatest needs of the department is a good, reliable fire alarm service, and I recommend that we
79
REPORT OF FIRE ENGINEERS.
profit by the experience of other towns and put in the telegraph fire alarm which we know to be reliable.
A liberal policy in the management of the fire department we believe to be the true one, as it is always better to be prepared for an emergency than to follow a serious fire by extensive preparations to prevent another. While the board believe it their duty to administer the trust reposed in them economically, they are of the opinion that efficiency is the first consideration. They believe that in this view they will be upheld by the voters of the town. This view we think is one of true economy. A non-efficient fire department would be costly at any price. We have aimed to give to the citizens of Southbridge an efficient fire department, and we think we have in a measure succeeded in doing so.
FIREMAN'S RELIEF FUND.
We wish to speak of the value of this fund and to commend it to public favor. Its object is to help firemen over the rough places when incapacitated from their usual work by injuries received, or sickness resulting from exposure while on duty.
To all who have aided us in our work we desire to tender our thanks.
Respectfully submitted,
CALVIN CLAFLIN, Chief Engineer.
一
ROLL CALL FOR 1884-5.
ENGINEERS.
Calvin Claflin, Chief.
A. H. Cozzens, Ist Asst. and Clerk. B. Stone, 2d Asst.
· J. W. Robinson, 3d Asst. M. Egan, 4th Asst.
STEAMER COMPANY NO. I.
John S. Williams, Foreman.
David A. Reeves, Assistant Foreman. Chas. P. Phipps, Clerk. Joseph Fallows, Engineer. F. C. Cady, Assistant Engineer. George Bartlett, Fireman.
James M. Marble, Eugene Comstock, W. S. Felton, A. E. Morton, Joseph Bebo, A. E. Buell, Robert Moore, J. E. Williams ; E. L. Gay and H. C. Pellett, substitutes.
HOOK AND LADDER COMPANY NO. I.
George V. Moulton, Foreman.
M. L. Dillaber, Assistant. Foreman. J. W. Boak, Clerk. E. A. Brown, A. M. Higgins, Charles Stone, L. Duquette, P. Duquette, A. Clark, R. T. Herron ; Thomas Curley, substitute.
82
REPORT OF FIRE ENGINEERS.
STEAMER COMPANY NO. 2.
A. L. McComber, Foreman.
Luke Reilly, Assistant Foreman. John C. Barnes, Clerk Andrew Simpson, Engineer. Geo. Simpson, Asst. Engineer. James Ryan, Fireman.
Fred Fiske, Geo. W. Upham, Geo. H. Thayer, Thos. Burnes, Moses Marchesault, James Holden, William Bartlett, John Parker, Frank Seveary.
HOOK AND LADDER COMPANY NO. 2.
John Splaine, Foreman.
John J. Ryan, Assistant Foreman. Edward Hogan, Clerk.
Thos. Ryan, Michael Breen, John Cuddihy, William Kennedy, Thomas Shea, Patrick Ward, Edward Splaine.
LIST OF FIRES.
March 20. Albert Belknap's house. Partial loss. Full department out three hours. Cause unknown.
May 19. A. Deslaurier's building. Full department out two and one-quarter hours. Cause: Spark from neighboring chimney. Damage, $300.
June 8. Brush on Goodell farm. Department not out.
July 2. Old wooden mill of Hamilton Woolen Company, at Westville. Full department out. Cause, lightning. Damage, light.
August 9. Mill, brick and wood. Mrs. Harriet Tyler, of
.
83
REPORT OF FIRE ENGINEERS.
Providence, owner. Full department out three hours. Cause, thought to be incendiary. Loss, $90,000.
A. H. COZZENS, Clerk.
-
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SELECTMEN.
REPORT.
HIGHWAYS.
We congratulate the town upon the excellent condition of alt our roads and streets during the year, though it must be borne in mind that no heavy rains or freshets have visited us to wash out and damage our highways, as has often been the case. At the annual town meeting a deficiency of $95.54 was reported against this account, and the sum of $3,000.00 was appropriated. This being overdrawn by necessary and unexpected repairs, the town was asked, at the meeting in November, for an additional appropriation of $800.00 to pay outstanding bills, and to provide for emergencies during the winter.
A complaint from C. S. Edmonds of damage to his land, made it necessary to construct a drain on South Marcy street, from Main street to the brook, which created an expense of upwards of $200.co, thus showing one of the unexpected calls upon this account. Deducting the deficiency above named the available funds for repairs of highways for the year have been $3,704.46. A balance to the credit of this account of $187.92 makes the cost of repairs of our highways $506.04 less than for the previous year.
We have no fault to find with the manner in which the
88
REPORT OF SELECTMEN.
Highway Surveyor has performed his duties, but we hold to the same opinion we have entertained heretofore, that as the Select- men are mainly responsible for the conduct of town business, and to them only are complaints made concerning any defects in repairs of highways, the board of Selectmen should be elected Highway Surveyors, who would then have control of, and be responsible for, the management of the highways.
SPECIAL HIGHWAY REPAIRS.
At the annual town meeting an appropriation of $500.00 was granted for special repairs of the highway near and east of the house of C. Abbot. The Selectmen employed the Highway Surveyor to perform this work, which was done to general satisfaction, including railing the same, leaving a balance to credit of this account of eighty-four cents.
NEW TOWN WAY NEAR NATHAN MCKINSTRY'S.
The town at the annual meeting made an appropriation of $200.00 to complete this work. This was done under the supervision of the Highway Surveyor, and we believe to the satisfaction and accommodation of the public, and a balance of $17.00 remains to the credit of this account.
BARTLETT STREET.
This was a way petitioned for and running a short distance north from Mill street, between the Marcy and Bartlett estates, for which the town applied the sum of $ 100.00. The work was completed at a cost of $63.00, leaving a balance of $37.00 to credit of this account.
89
REPORT ON SELECTMEN.
BRIDGES.
Early in the season, it was found necessary to make some- what extensive repairs on the iron bridge across Main street, which was thoroughly done at a cost of $187.00; $21.86 of which was for freight on plank. The Pleasant street bridge, over Mckinstry brook, has also been repaired in a substantial manner at an expense of $83.89.
Mill street bridge has been widened and thoroughly repaired at a cost of $94.12.
Elm street bridge was found to be in dangerous condition, and unsafe stringers were replaced by new ones, and the whole put in safe repair at an expense of $24,12.
The whole cost of repairs on bridges amounts to $389.71, leaving a balance to credit of this account of $82.14.
CONTINGENT.
This account has been heavily drawn upon by the settlement of C. A. Dresser's award for damages on Dresser street exten- sion, $378.42 (see report in another place), and the neccessary expense in carrying out of the vote of the town in relation to Central brook nuisance, and procuring plans and estimates for a proposed sewer (mentioned in another place), amounting to upwards of $ 100.00.
For proper balances of this account see the report of auditors.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
We have only words of commendation for the excellent and economical management of this indispensable department.
From chief to subordinate we are confident that entire harmony and discipline prevails. Referring to the auditors report it will be seen that a balance of $605. 24 remains to the credit of this account.
90
REPORT OF SELECTMEN.
STREET LIGHTS.
The year commenced with a deficiency of $278.88, which deducted from $ 1500.00 appropriated, left but $1221.12 available funds,
The expenses have been increased by additional lamps, and the account is overdrawn to the amount of $251.54. There are now outstanding orders unpaid amounting to $ 166.42, besides one outstanding bill of Mutual Gas Light Co., $48.00, making it necessary to raise the amount of $495.96 to cover deficiency.
SIDEWALKS.
This account began the year with a deficiency of $29.86, which deducted from the appropriation, left but $270.14 avail- able for repairs of sidewalks.
The money has been judiciously applied, the walks put in good repair and a balance of $28.23 remains to credit of side- walk account.
A new sidewalk, by vote of the town, has been constructed on the west side of Chapin street, from Main to Dresser street, for which an appropriation of $500.00 was made. Also on the east side, from Main street to the rear of Memorial block, for which the town appropriated $50.00, making in all $550.00. The whole cost of construction amounts to $1,01942. The assessments which have been collected and paid to the town treasurer, added to the appropriation, amounts to $905.50, leaving a balance against this account of $112.92.
Two outstanding assessments, paid since the close of the year, amounting to $ 154.22, leave a balance to credit of this account of $40.30.
We desire to call attention to the condition of some of the sidewalk work performed by out of town parties two or three years since, which we consider very improperly done, and must soon need thorough repairs. We hope the town will grant the appropriation recommended for sidewalk work.
91
REPORT OF SELECTMEM.
BOARD OF REGISTRARS.
Under the provisions of the acts of 1884, chapter 298, three citizens were appointed within the legal time; one for three years, one for two years, and one for one year, who, together with the town clerk, constitute under the provisions of said acts a legal board of Registrars of Voters.
The compensation of said board, to the amount of $137.50, was drawn from account of salaries of town officers.
This act did not become a law until May 29, 1884, and hence was not provided for by appropriation at the annual meeting.
We appointed S. K. Edwards for three years ; John M. Cheney for two years ; and Geo. A. Dresser for one year.
SEWER.
It will be remembered that at the annual town meeting the Selectmen were instructed to procure the advisory services of two practical sanitary engineers to advise with regard to the " brook nuisance on Main and Central streets."
Acting under this instruction the board employed Messrs. Fisher, of Providence, R. I., and Ellis, of Springfield, gentlemen of undoubted ability, who, after a thorough examination of the " brook " and its tributaries, advised in an elaborate report the construction of a brick main drain or sewer, of sufficient capacity to accommodate the flow of water at all times in said brook, and provide drainage for Main and Chapin streets, and houses along the line of the brook.
The board having full confidence in the recommendations of the engineers, procured a survey, plans and estimates of cost of construction of a sewer ample for the requirements ; issued legal notices to owners of land and parties interested, and reported the same to the town at a legal meeting held August 4. The report, however, after being debated thoroughly, was rejected.
On the 8th of August a petition signed by leading citzens and land owners, was laid before the board praying that a main drain
92
REPORT OF SELECTMEN.
or common sewer might be " laid out in such a manner as shall abate the nuisance caused by the brook that runs through the Center Village." Proceeding in a legal manner the board reported substantially the same plans and estimates as at the former meeting, to a legal meeting held October 13, but the town refused to accept the report of the Selectmen.
The board, however, still hold to the opinion that the plan reported by them to the town, would be the most effective means of abating a nuisance that is becoming more and more obnoxious.
It is due to the necessary expense attending the carrying out the vote of the town in relation to the foregoing, that the con- tingent account is so largely overdrawn.
DRESSER STREET EXTENSION.
This account was not settled at the close of last year for the reason that Mr. C. A. Dresser refused to accept the offer of $250.00 for land taken for this street. A threatened suit at law was avoided by an agreement between the town and Mr. Dresser to leave the matter to the judgment of three disinterested men. Such men were chosen, who were approved by the court, who on the 13th day of May viewed the street in question and listened to testimony relating to the same; and later reported to the court an award to Mr. Dresser of $500.00 and relief from costs.
The judgment of the referees, together with the costs, amount to $589 44. This absorbs the sum of $211.02 which remained to this account unexpended, together with $378.42 from the contingent appropriation.
PERAMBULATION OF TOWN LINES.
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