USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1909-1912 > Part 36
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The front part of the building up stairs is arranged for offices for the judge and clerk and for consultation rooms for the lawyers and their clients. At the rear of these offices is the large, airy and nicely arranged courtroom to which entrance may be gained by the public by means of two flights of stairs leading to the northerly side of the building.
In consideration of the proposed renovations of the police station I cannot offer any suggestions in connection with the improvement of the statics and therefore sincerely hope that the article will be favor- able acted upon when brought before the voters.
RECOMENDATIONS.
In view of the gradual increase in the population
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REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
of Southbridge together with the addition of duties for execution by the patrolmen I would recommend that two additional officers be added to the present force. It will be remembered that at the time the telephone system was installed that it was necessary to take one of the patrolmen from a beat to perform the duties at the station and up to date there has been no one ap- pointed to fill the vacancy made by this change.
The other officer asked for is for the purpose of placing two patrolmen on duty day times instead of one as is the case at the present time. The beat over which the day officer has to travel at the present time is far too large for one officer to cover for it leaves one section of the town uncovered for hours while the rounds are being made at the other end. At times when it is necessary for the day officer to investigate complaints, it leaves the town without protection in its business section.
For the aforesaid reasons I would therefore recom- mend that the Honorable Board of Selectmen appoint two additional regular officers for the betterment of the service.
REMARKS.
During the past year the work of the department has been carried on harmoniously with the officers per- forming the duties prescribed for them in a creditable manner which has been the means of increasing the efficiency of the department.
CONCLUSION.
In conclusion it is with great pleasure that I ex- tend, in behalf of the Police Department and myself,
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REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
to the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Alexis Boyer, Jr., James F. Earles and Charles Proulx, our most sincere thanks for their kindly consideration during the past year, and trust that the accomplishments of the department have been such as to repay them for their interest.
To our judicial superiors, Judge Henry J. Clarke and to his accociate clerk, Frederick H. Berger and to Associate Justice John M. Cochran, Town Counsellor Louis O. Rieutord and to Probation Officer Marcus L. Dillaber, we wish to express our gratitude for their kindly attention and co-operation given this depart- ment in the many complex matters brought to our mutual attention.
Respectfully submitted, JESSE F. COOMBS, Chief of Police.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Cemetery Committee
We submit the report of the Superintendent as a part of our own and recommend that the town appro- priate for the ensuing year the sum of seven hundred dollars.
MORRIS MARCY, MICHAEL D. MORRILL, T. JEROME HARRINGTON, ADOLPHE PELOQUIN, CLARENCE E. MORSE, Cemetery Committee.
Superintendent's Report
To the Cemetery Committee:
Cemetery fund invested as follows :-
Amherst Savings Bank,
$1,000 00
Dedham Savings Bank, 1,000 00 Gardner Savings Bank, 992 50
Leicester Savings Bank,
1,000 00
Millbury Savings Bank, 945 00
Natick Five Cents Bank,
1,000 00
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REPORT OF CEMETERY COMMITTEE
North Adams Savings Bank, $ 1,000 00
Leominster Savings Bank, 975 00
Worcester County Institution for Savings,
1,000 00
Southbridge Savings Bank,
1,388 28
Salem Savings Bank,
1,000 00
Springfield Five Cents Savings Bank,
1,000 00
Ware Savings Bank,
1,000 00
Webster Five Cents Savings Bank,
1,014 25
Worcester Mechanics Savings Bank,
1,000 00
Peoples' Savings Bank, Worcester, 1,000 00
Worcester Five Cents Savings Bank,
1,000 00
$17,315 03
Account of Cash
RECEIPTS.
Sale of lots,
$175 00
Perpetual care,
350 00
$525 00
Cemetery Improvements
EXPENDITURES.
Orders drawn,
$1,632 18
RECEIPTS.
Balance to credit of account Feb.
1, 1911,
$102 52
Appropriation,
750 00
Fixing lots,
73 00
Cemetery gates,
488 51
$1,414 03
Account overdrawn,
$218 15
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REPORT OF CEMETERY COMMITTEE
Respectfully submitted, L. W. CURTIS, Superintendent.
The reason this account is overdrawn is because of the closing of account Jan. 1st, instead of Feb. 1st. The interest not payable until Jan 20th.
Playground Committee Report
In presenting this, the second annual report of the Playground committee, we record with pleasure the success of the plans outlined in our last report.
In carrying out the idea of supervised play, we centered our efforts and energy on the Central street grounds and feel that our work accomplished good re- sults both in the moral and physical health of the child- ren entrusted to our care.
Miss Margaret G. Butler was appointed supervisor and her report explains the work undertaken and ac- complished. D. W. McNichol was in charge of the athletics and the other teachers were: Jennie Gilbert, May Simpson, Louise Corbin, Bertha Foley, Cora Gatineau and Irene Gough. They all deserve praise for the efforts made and results accomplished.
We are lacking a regulation size ball field and also grounds for the separation of sexes. We feel that some of the apparatus while necessary for a boys' play- ground is unfit and undesirable for the use of girls.
We hope for supervised grounds at School street next year and carry on this work and to purchase addi- tional apparatus we recommend an appropriation of $1,500.00.
We acknowledge the receipt of a pair of high jump standards, the gift of Albert Lavallee. We also desire
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REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON PLAYGROUND
to thank the many citizens who gave assistance and en- couragement to our work.
Respectfully submitted.
H. S. CHENEY, F. E. CORBIN, P. H. HEBERT, A. J. THIBAULT, F. A. WALD, J. A. WHITTAKER.
To the Members of the Playground Committee:
GENTLEMEN :
In compliance with your request I submit to you this, the first report of the supervised work of the Southbridge playground.
Monday afternoon, July 17 at 1.30 o'clock the Central street ground was opened with two hundred seventy-five children present, a director and five teach- ers. The Central street ground is particularly well adapted for playground work.
The apparatus was inspected and a few new pieces added, of which, the sand boxes were the most popular with the younger children.
There was a daily average attendance of three hun- dred children. Of that number very few were injured and the conduct of the children as a rule was excellent.
The afternoon period for supervised play opened at 1.30 and closed at 5.30, five days each week, from 8 until 12 in the morning and from 6.30 until 8 in the evening the ground was in charge of the caretaker.
228
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON PLAYGROUND
The afternoon period of four hours was divided into half hour periods, the boys and girls being placed in groups according to age, forming three groups of girls and three of boys. Each group had periods for active games, passive games, folk dancing, swings, teeters, industrial work, races and saluting the flag. Attendance was voluntary as was also participation in the games and work.
The first efforts were directed toward teaching of games as it was discovered that the children knew how to play very few out-door games. The games taught were :- Farmer in the Dell; Soldier Boy; Muffin Man; Jolly is the Miller; Three Deep; Baste the Bear; Frog in in the Sea; Did You See My Sheep; Itisket Itasket. There were quiet games and puzzles, also ball games, baseball, basket ball and playground ball, ring toss and quoits.
Folk dances taught were :- Greeting, Meeting, Clapp, Clapp, Bow; Russian Tea Pot; German Klap Dance; Swiss May Dance; How d'ye do My Partner: I See You.
Stories were told and read from the best books and were eagerly listened to by the children.
Two hundred girls were instructed in industrial work, one hundred boys in chair caning and basketry.
Articles made of raffia were :- twine bags, shopping bags, dolls' hats, table mats, napkin rings, picture frames, needle books, blotters, button boxes of reed, fern and flower baskets, brush broom holders, table mats of yarn, holders and face cloths of paper, dolls' furniture.
229
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON PLAYGROUND
Each department has its own use in shaping the character of the child. The industrial work appeals to the home interest of the child; calisthenics develope the child physically; folk dancing cultivates the ryth- mic impulse and adds grace to the movements; active games satisfy the desire for fun and teaches fair play : races and baseball foster the I will spirit, basket ball developes the team spirit, story telling creates ideals and love for good literature.
On the whole, the playground teaches loyalty, fairness, the proper spirit of sportmanship and demo- cracy. It developes a spirit of obedience and fair play.
The special days were: Doll's day, Mother's day and Citizen's day. On Doll's day the children were treated to graphophone selections through the kindness of Mr. Herbert Dresser. The work of the children was on exhibition at the ground the above named days; also the work was exhibited at Sturbridge Fair, where a gratuity of three dollars was given for the exhibit.
Recommendations for next year are: a playground at the Globe, supervised and equipped; extension of present courses of work with the addition of simple elementary sewing.
New apparatus needed are: Slides, baby swings, low teeters, maypoles and poles for drills.
Improvements are :- baseball field to be leveled. back-stop built and tennis court laid out.
Suggestions are :- that the playgrounds, under the supervision of the caretakers, be used as parks on Sun- days, a day when the mothers particularly could enjoy
230
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON PLAYGROUND
the outing. An occasional band concert given at the grounds would add to the enjoyment of the people.
"He who helps a boy become a strong and good man-makes a contribution of the first order to the welfare of society."
Respectfully yours,
MARGARET G. BUTLER.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Sewer Commissioners
The Sewer Commissioners are endeavoring this year as well as past years, to give to the voters of the town a full account of their doings.
Again the board has followed the policy of em- ploying its own help, for the efficiency of the work done by our town labor for the past two years has proven to the board that not only do the town laborers derive a benefit from the money expended, but also the town and the abutters, in the lower rates of assess- ments obtained thereby.
The board asked for no appropriations for sewers to be built this year, but built sewers in the sections which were, in our opinion, the most needed, and from the sewer assessment money on hand. We first com- pleted the section on Chapin street unfinished last year, and built 267 feet at a cost of $643.07. We then built 234 feet on upper Main street at a cost of $606.65. As Hamilton street was to be paved, the board decided to build this sewer before the paving begun, and so we went to work and built from River
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REPORT OF SEWER COMMISSIONERS
street up Oliver street on to Hamilton street as far as Mr. C. W. Hill's driveway.
A sewer was constructed on Maple street under the supervision of our engineer. The cost of which, by agreement was paid by the abutters and the town; the town paying the regular assessment rate of one third the cost, which amounted to $55.94.
The last work of the board was the construction of sewers on Cisco and Morris streets. We spent $3,692.30 on 2208 feet of sewer on these two streets, but as you will see by our engineer's report the rock excavation on these streets was great, and again the efficiency of our overseeing and town labor was greatly shown.
The 3674 feet of sewers built this year increased the mileage to 12.64 miles of sewers. There are con- nected with this mileage 714 buildings, including the manufacturing establishments, schools and public build- ings . These buildings empty into the sewers 1583 sinks, 1743 closets, 419 baths, 407 bowls, 56 urinals, 39 wash trays, 1 air pump, 7 rain leaders and 1 refrigerator.
For item of expenses we refer you to the Auditor's accounts, and transfers from Sewer assessments collect- ed by Town Treasurer to balance account are also shown in the auditors accounts.
The work contemplated by the Board for next year, can be done as last year, from Sewer assessement money on hand, hence we do not ask any appropriation for new work.
For the Sewer Contingent we are asking $1,000.00, for we contemplate building a store-house and shed, to be erected on Filter bed grounds.
233
REPORT OF SEWER COMMISSIONERS
Assessments on Main street, from Coombs to Fos- ter, were levied February 7, 1911, as follows :- Appropriation,
$1,000 00
Total cost of sewer,
$1,854 17
One-third paid by the town, $618 05
Two-thirds cost to be paid by the abutters, $1,236 12
"Total number of assessable feet, 2,117.2
Rate per lineal foot front, $0.5830
Assessments on River, Pleasant, Walcott and Plimpton streets were levied May 8, 1911, as follows :- Appropriation, $3,800 00
Total cost of sewer, $3,494 79
One third paid by the town, $1,164 93
Two thirds cost to be paid by the abutters,
$2,329 86
Number of assessable feet, 2,993.9
Rate per lineal foot front,
$0.77821
Respectfully submitted, H. U. BAIL, JAMES PRENDERGAST. W. J. LAMOUREUX.
Board of Sewer Commissioners, Southbridge, Mass. GENTLEMEN :
Herewith I submit a report of the Sewer construc- tion during the year 1911, under my direction as repre- sentative of your Board.
The work was in charge of G. E. F. Lamoureux as foreman.
The first work was the continuation of the Chapin street line to Williams street, which was not completed
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REPORT OF SEWER COMMISSIONERS
last year. A large part of this 267 feet was in ledge. The average cut was 6.2 feet.
Main street from Pine westerly was a connecting link 234 feet long and was built because of the new buildings constructed along the line. Excavation was mostly ledge and the average depth of sewer pipe is 6.3 feet.
Oliver and Hamilton streets were constructed to take care of the houses on Hamilton street westerly of Oliver street before the laying of the brick pavement on Hamilton street. Hard-pan was the material en- countered on Oliver street and clay hard-pan on nearly all of Hamilton street. Total length of line is 795 feet and the average depth is 7.0 feet.
Morris, Cisco and Chestnut streets was the largest and hardest work of the year. Material encountered was mostly ledge and large boulders and on Morris street we had water nearly the whole length of the line, All joints on this part were wrapped with cotton cloth and every effort made to prevent leakage of ground water. Iron pipe encased in concrete was laid below the brook near the Mr. Letcher's residence. The total length of these lines is 2208.7 feet and the average depth of sewer is 6.2 feet.
There were fifty-nine applications for sewer con- nections during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN A. WHITTAKER,
Engineer.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
HIGHWAY SURVEYOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Citizens and Taxpayers of this Town.
GENTLEMEN:
In presenting my second annual report I wish to thank my superiors, the Selectmen for their cordial and harmonious support and co-operation during the two years I have held the office of Highway Surveyor of this town, also, do sincerely thank all others for their liberal gifts of fillings and other generous acts to the town, I also give due prominence to the faithful em- ployees who worked for me, remembering the Scriptual injunction, "The laborer is worthy of his hire."
I appreciated their willing efforts through heat, cold storms, in earnest and pleasant co-operation as a unit with me to obtain the best results with the town's money.
The work in my department was cleaning, repair- ing and building streets, in and on the outskirts of the town, cleaning, installing and repairing catch-basins, repairing and building bridges and railings, building parts of sidewalks and new ones, the above was done under my careful superversion.
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REPORT OF HIGHWAY SURVEYOR
Highways
The amount appropriated for highways in 1911 was $8,000.00, of which I still have on hand a balance of $606.44.
The preliminary work in my department was cleaning all streets in the center of the town, and scraping all country roads. At the time the Selectmen purchased the stone crusher for the town, I offered the Selectmen to place the crusher on my farm on Pleasant street and I would give free of charge all the stones the town needed for one year. Drilling and blasting out stone was $2.50 per sq. yd., then the product was too large for the crusher, necessitating a much larger item of cost. I removed the crusher to my farm in June, 1911. All stones crushed there since that date were used in my department on Main, Union, Cross and Elm streets, also a large amount on granolithic side- walks.
Main street was macadamized on one side from the Bank building to Oak Ridge cemetery, the crushed stones were put on one foot deep. The material exca- vated on Main street before applying the crushed stones was used by me on Main, Pine, South and Williams streets. I removed the old filthy worn-out material from a portion of Elm street, replacing it with crushed stones. The change from mud to macadam pleased travelers from Eastford road so much, they now want that road macadamized from that strip on Elm street to the Connecticut line.
Union and Cross streets were macadamized, these streets needed many feet of filling before I could apply
237
REPORT OF HIGHWAY SURVEYOR
the crushed stones. This filling and also that used on Mill street was given free of charge by the Hamilton Woolen Co., through the courtesy of their superinten- dent, Mr. Charles W. Hill, they also supplied men to load the material, thus saving the town a large sum in the cost of improving these streets.
I paved with vitrified brick, River street bridge, a length of ninety six feet (96) and the south ap- proach to bridge forty feet (40) on a seven-inch cement foundation out of the highway appropriation, I also paved with vitrified brick the switch of the Consoli- dated R. R. Co's freight tracks on River street out of highway appropriation, the Railway Co. to reimburse the town for the paving at same price as contractors received for brick paving on Hamilton street, six hun- dred and twenty nine ($629.00) dollars was earned the town on this job alone by my department.
From four corners of West and South streets. South street was graveled to Plimpton's bank. Would say it is imperatively needed to continue the same to the Westville bridge the present year.
A word about the town's stone crusher, which was in charge of an experienced licensed engineer, has run practically without any breakage. With proper care it will last the town many years. The steam roller was inspected by state inspector J. B. De Shazo, whose verdict was that it was in the cleanest and best condition of any roller examined by him this year.
River street should be macadamized from Ryan's store to Hamilton street, and the macadam finished the present year on Main street to the railroad bridge.
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REPORT OF HIGHWAY SURVEYOR
While the crusher is at its present location the macadamizing can be done at a low cost.
Pine, Marcy and Edwards, steep hilly streets, wash badly after heavy showers and rains, causing heavy expense to keep them in a safe condition for traveling. It should, in my opinion be a wise policy for the town to macadamize them the present year as the extra cost to keep them in a safe condition would be more than saved in a short time, to say nothing of the safety of the public and improved appearance.
From corner of Hamilton street to the Bank build- ing, Main street, I believe, should be improved the present year, in whatever manner the voters decide.
EASTFORD ROAD.
I deem it advisable the town accept the offer of Mr. Frank Morse, on that road, as published in the Worcester Telegram, at a date long prior to this, viz: "That he would give and haul stones to crusher within a radius of one-half mile, all stones needed by crusher, free of charge to the town." If the said Mr. Morse makes good his offer, I think the crusher should be moved out there and a strip of maca- dam put in on that road the present year.
WOODSTOCK ROAD.
Much heavy teaming has been done over this road the past two years. Owing to its steep grade, narrow- ness and springs at the higher points, there is no chance to drain and the water must flow the whole length to the base of the first hill to the bridge over the brook. In my opinion, the only way to put this road in proper
239
REPORT OF HIGHWAY SURVEYOR
condition, permanently for all time, is to telford both hills to house of the late Ira Vinton, viz :- dig out en- tirely the present old road, which should be widened deep enough to allow a base foundation of large cobble stones, that will let water percolate through them from the springs higher up, a second course of smaller stones in spaces on top of the first course, all well rolled with steam roller and a layer of gravel for a top finish. The material excavated from both town farm hills be placed at the base of the first hill over the bridge, shortening and improving the steep hill at the west of the bridge, thus, "killing two birds with one stone." A special appropriation of one thousand dollars ($1,000) which I deem sufficient for the job as described herein is im- peratively needed the present year.
For widening Main street in front of the M. E. Church four hundred dollars was appropriated. the street was widened and a concrete wall was built on Main street in front of the house owned by the Hamil- ton Woolen Co. and at present occupied by Mrs. Sharpe.
Seven hundred dollars was appropriated to widen Oakes avenue from Main street to the Jackson place. I put in two catch-basins at the foot of Oakes avenue and Main street. On reaching the Jackson place in the work of widening the Avenue I had used four hun- dred dollars, the work was continued and the Avenue was widened the whole length from Main to South street, including the two above mentioned catch-basins All was done within the appropriation of seven hun- dred dollars.
On Plimpton street extension we began work late
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REPORT OF HIGHWAY SURVEYOR
We worked until January 1912. This street is nearly finished and will make one of finest streets in South- bridge with the best grades of any others.
Two catch-basins were put in at the foot of Cross street also two installed on Oakes avenue. On account of the many hard showers all catch-basins were cleaned four times at a cost of one hundred and twenty-five ($125) dollars.
Bridges
Fifteen hundred dollars was appropriated for bridges, to build or repair as I thought necessary. A new concrete bridge twenty-two (22) feet long over Mckinstry brook at Mill street was put in this year. It was necessary to take out one abutment and widen out bridge six feet, thus making the bridge the whole width of the street and placing cement sidewalks on both sides.
Some new planks were put on Pleasant street bridge this year. This bridge should be lengthened and I recommend that a bridge similar to the one on Mill street be placed here.
New planking was placed this year on the Me- chanic street bridge and also on bridge in front of the American Optical Co.
The two bridges in front of the Sandersdale print works were repaired this year. We need two new ones there the present year, of whatever kind. as des- cribed for Pleasant street, as the voters decide. A few of our smaller bridges need some repairs the present year. In my judgement it would be a sound policy of
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REPORT OF HIGHWAY SURVEYOR
finance for the town to replace all small bridges need- ing repairs with concrete ones lasting a life-time without any repairs, whereas the present wood bridges demand more or less of an outlay every year for repairs. I suggest this for the voters attention, leaving it for them to decide, personally I favor the concrete.
Sidewalk Repairs
Of the appropriation of $2,000 for sidewalk re- pairs that were appropriated, I still have a balance of $41.63.
On account of raising grade on Mill street a new sidewalk had to be built. This sidewalk was built with a cement gutter from the Hamilton Woolen Co.'s new block to River street. A new strip of sidewalk was laid on Main street, and on Union street near the store of J. B. Demers, also a new strip laid and curb- ing reset under the R. R. bridge on Main street. A new sidewalk was also laid from the American Optical Co.'s plant to Crystal street.
A sidewalk was laid from Mechanic street bridge to Brochu street, also a cross walk. Two new strips on Worcester street were built.
On Everett street from the residence of the late George K. Dresser to the corner of Oak ridge ceme- tery, a new sidewalk was built and the curbing reset.
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