USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1871 > Part 15
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2200 lbs. wrought iron rods.
532 lbs. 2 inch lead pipe.
240 lbs. 1 inch lead pipe. 227 lbs. § inch lead pipe.
21 1 inch lead connections, new. 33 § inch lead connections, new.
200 3 inch lead connections, old. 16 24 inch cast iron sleeves. 3 16 inch cast iron sleeves.
1 12 inch cast iron sleeve.
30 8 inch cast iron sleeves.
23 6 inch cast iron sleeves. 4 5 inch cast iron sleeves.
11 4 inch cast iron sleeves. 1 24 inch bonnet.
6 8 inch bonnets.
16 6 inch bonnets. 5 4 inch bonnets.
1 12 to 8 cast iron taper.
12 8 to 6 cast iron tapers. 1 8 to 4 cast iron taper.
13 6 to 4 cast iron tapers.
3 4 to 2 cast iron tapers.
2 12 inch cast iron quarter turns.
3 8 inch cast iron quarter turns.
5 6 inch cast iron quarter turns.
22 4 inch cast iron quarter turns. 1 2 inch brass quarter turn.
1 6 inch cast iron angle.
7 4 inch cast iron angles.
2 16x6 inch cast iron branches.
5 16x4 inch cast iron branches.
2 12x12 inch four way cast iron branches.
2 12×8 inch four way cast iron branches.
2 8 inch four way cast iron branches.
3 6 inch four way cast iron branches,
10
Main,
18
Market,
Joint.
REPORT OF THE CITY ENGINEER. 181
2 4 inch four way cast iron branches.
2 8x6 inch four way cast iron branches.
7 10x6 inch cast iron branches.
8 10x4 inch cast iron branches. 7 8 inch cast iron branches.
4 12x4 inch cast iron branches.
7 8x6 inch cast iron branches.
19 8x4 inch cast iron branches.
20 6 inch cast iron branches.
20 6x4 inch cast iron branches.
13 4 inch cast iron branches.
1 6 inch cast iron branch, W. A. W. pattern.
5 6x4 inch cast iron branches, W. A. W. pattern.
1 5x4 inch cast iron branch, W. A. W. pattern.
4 4 inch cast iron branches, W. A. W. pattern.
2 12 inch Gates.
3 10 inch Gates.
7 8 inch Gates.
8 6 inch Gates.
10 4 inch Gates.
11 2 inch Ludlow Gates.
6 1 inch Ludlow Gates.
15 & inch Ludlow Gates.
20 2 inch brass nipples long.
29 2 inch brass nipples short.
2 Meter boxes.
12 Gate boxes.
3l cast iron stop boxes and covers.
16 gate box frames-5 covers.
32 heavy gate box covers.
5 small gate box frames and covers.
10 flush hydrant boxes.
5 hydrant box framnes, 23 covers.
5 flush hydrants, new.
2 flush hydrants, old.
3 post hydrants, old.
1 New Haven hydrant.
7 post hydrant boxes, new.
2 post hydrant boxes, old.
16 hydrant bowls.
16 pieces 6 inch cast iron pipe hydrant bowls.
for
2 hydrant elbows with gates.
160 lbs. post hydrant box hoops.
165 lbs. post hydrant box fastenings.
1 1₺ inch meter.
5 1 inch meters.
1 & inch meter.
2 2 inch brass unions.
1 1} inch brass union.
5 14 inch brass unions.
5 1 inch brass unions.
4 & inch brass unions.
2 20 inch tapping bands.
45 16 inch tapping bands.
42 12 inch tapping bands.
65 10 inch tapping bands. 78 8 inch tapping bands.
95 6 inch tapping bands.
84 4 inch tapping bands. 20 3 inch tapping bands. 33 2 inch tapping bands.
119 1bs. back bands.
1134 lbs bolts and nuts for bands. 55 lbs. wrought iron back bands.
22 2 inch plugs.
145 14 inch plugs. 90 1 inch plugs.
185 4 inch plugs.
159 ¿ inch stops for bands. 57 ¿ inch stops for bands, old.
13 & inch waste stops.
15 ₺ inch waste stops.
24 ₺ inch waste stops old. 7 hydrant waste stops.
205 ₺ inch thimble couplings for iron pipe. 11 2 inch thimble couplings for iron pipe.
60 2 inch rubber packings for tapping bands.
37 1 inch rubber packings for tapping bands.
206 ₺ inch rubber packings for tapping bands.
72 1} inch brass tees.
266 1 inch brass tees.
78 1 inch combination nipples.
17 4 inch combination nipples.
137 wrought iron bands and bolts for plugging street branches.
50 1bs. solder.
360 lbs. old brass.
700 feet 2×3 inch chestnut lumber.
1527 feet inch chestnut plank. lot old lumber.
100 spruce pickets for reservoir fence.
9 pairs rubber mittens.
3 large tool boxes.
3 small tool boxes.
1 Knowles' rotary pump.
1 Knowles' small steam pump.
1 Knowles' large steam pump.
2 steam boilers.
2 canal barrows.
1 wheel barrow.
29 picks.
67 shovels.
12 iron bars.
3 iron tampers.
5 striking hammers.
3 stone hammers.
10 hand hammers.
1 paving hammer.
1 bit stock and bits.
6 hand saws.
1 saw set.
2 large try squares,
1 small try square.
2 planes.
1 drawing knife.
2 chisels.
2 gouges.
7 hand axes.
4 steel wedges.
400 lbs chains
1 grind stone and frame.
1 oil stone.
4 carpenters horses,
1
182
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 26.
5 steam gauges.
2 cast iron sinks.
1 small stove.
3 large stoves.
1 base burner stove.
1 force pump.
3 screw drivers.
5 dies for cutting packing.
2 gal. iron boilers.
1 copper boiler.
1 tank for testing meters.
15 jack screws.
475 lbs. rosin.
75 lbs. 6 inch nails. 2 hoes.
1 spirit level,
2 desks.
5 window frames.
5 brooms.
3 platforms for laying pipe on.
10 monkey wrenches.
5 pairs long legs rubber boots.
8 brass nipples for flush hydrant tops.
1 canvas tent.
5 lbs. rubber packing cloth.
10 yards enameled cloth.
2 wagons.
1 sleigh.
1 harness.
4 office chairs.
2 hand carts.
20 lbs. hemp parking.
18 lbs. winding twine. 3 bbls. charcoal.
431 lbs. lead.
32 water pails. 1 set pulley blocks and ropes.
168 lbs. steel in drills.
5 iron spoons.
56 cold chisels.
2 ladles.
20 lead sets.
2 furnaces.
6 packing irons.
1 drill stock, clamps and drills for drilling iron pipe.
3 goose necks.
3 large mixing boxes.
3 small mixing boxes.
2 hand sleds.
7 stop wrenches.
11 gate wrenches.
9 hydrant wrenches.
4 wrenches for repairing hydrants.
9 malleable iron adjustable wrenches
1 pair of tongs for repairing hydrant -.
1 boiler for thawing hydrants. 1 truck.
2 coal hods. 25 feet & inch rubber hose. 1 copper pump.
4 oil cans.
7 oilers.
2 powder cans.
6 masons trowels.
38 lanterns.
4 tea kettles.
1 30-gallon kettle.
1 fan blower.
1 platform scales.
1 bench and press for lining service pipe.
1 14 inch cone.
1 8 inch cone.
1 6 inch cone.
2 4 inch cones.
1 3 inch cone.
1 2 inch cone.
5 sets 1 inch cones.
1 set å inch cones.
2 iron vises.
1 pipe vise.
1 wood vise.
1 portable forge.
3 pairs shears.
3 soldering furnaces.
4 soldering irons and small tools.
9 files.
1 chalk line.
2 pairs 1} inch pipe tongs.
4 pairs 1} inch pipe tongs.
5 pairs 1 inch pipe tongs.
2 pairs 2 inch pipe tongs.
2 pairs } inch pipe tongs.
2 pairs } inch pipe tongs.
1 No. 1. Stanwood's pipe cutter.
1 No. 1 Foster's pipe cutter.
4 No. 2. Stanwood's pipe cutter.
1 2 inch pipe tap.
1 } inch pipe tap.
5 packed drill stocks and 21 drills,
1 nail hammer.
5 small punches. patterns for pipe, gate and hydrant box frames and covers, branches &c.
lot tools for building hydrants.
128 bbls, cement.
1 handle basket.
2 paving rammers.
1 pair dividers.
1 watering trough.
1 ton coal ..
FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
REPORTS
OF THE
DIRECTORS AND LIBRARIAN.
25
DIRECTORS IN 1872.
TERM EXPIRES.
January 1, 1873
1874
HENRY A. MARSH,
66
1875
NATHANIEL PAINE, C. O. THOMPSON, T. L. NELSON,
W. R. HUNTINGTON,
1876
C. H. MORGAN,
1877
T. E. ST. JOHN, 66
1878
ORGANIZATION FOR THE YEAR 1872.
PRESIDENT, SECRETARY AND TREASURER,
STEPHEN SALISBURY, NATHANIEL PAINE,
COMMITTEE ON LIBRARY,
W. R. HUNTINGTON, C. O. THOMPSON, NATHANIEL PAINE, T. E. ST. JOHN, GEORGE JAQUES.
COMMITTEE ON READING ROOM,
C. A. CHASE, H. A. MARSH, GEO. E. FRANCIS.
COMMITTEE ON THE BUILDING,
C. H. MORGAN, C. B. METCALF, T. L. NELSON.
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE,
STEPHEN SALISBURY, H. A. MARSH, T. L. NELSON.
STEPHEN SALISBURY, GEO. JAQUES, C. B. METCALF,
GEO. E. FRANCIS,
CHARLES A. CHASE,
DIRECTORS REPORT.
To Hon. George F. Verry, Mayor, and the City Council of the City of Worcester :
The Directors of the Free Public Library respectfully present their Twelfth Annual Report :
As the most full account of the condition and operation of this trust may be found in the reports of the Committees of Directors, to whose especial care the different concerns of the Library have been entrusted, and especially in the report of the Librarian, who is led by duty and zeal to pass over the whole ground of the in- terests of the Library, these several reports are presented as a part of this communication. Though it would be tedious and impertinent to repeat the details of statement and important opinions and recommendations, a brief notice of prominent fea- tures in these reports may be useful. The report of Samuel S. Green Esq., of his first year as Librarian, shadows forth the ear- nestness and variety of the labors by which he has increased the number and the satisfaction of visitors, and has given new life and power to the Green Library of consultation, which some have been disposed to regard as dead, because it can move only in the minds of those who carry out its treasures. "In 3814 cases the Librarian has furnished information to seekers or pointed out the sources from which it might be obtained." And it is stated that it is " within the limits of probability, that half as many more persons have helped themselves " from encyclopædias and diction- aries of biography, language and other branches of knowledge, to which free access is given without the intervention of the Li- brarian. These shelves have a completeness that is sought in vain in some larger libraries, and much attention is given to its improvement. Here may be understood the truth of the old
186
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 26.
Latin proverb, that to know where you may find any thing is in- deed the greatest part of learning. Those who resort to this hall have been encouraged to think that they were doing the right thing by their respect for persons of all occupations whom they have met here. And they who have made an unaccustomed effort to bene- fit themselves by special study, as well as more practiced stu- dents, have rejoiced in the cheerful guidance of the Librarian, as he has led them to the hidden springs of wisdom. The common remark that a good librarian is the best catalogue, indicates but a part of his value. The personal aid of a man of learning, and ready sympathy with seekers for knowledge is always desirable and appreciated, and in no place more so than in a library for the va- rious population of an industrious city. As the current of events soon submerges the most prominent men of their time, and the places that knew and depended on them will soon know them 110 more, it is well that the documents of this institution, that com- bines as its objects intellectual improvement and enjoyment, and moral and religious culture, with aid in the advancement of ma- terial wealth, should refresh the knowledge of the changing in- habitants of this city in regard to their great benefactor. In 1860 Dr. John Green, the beloved physician, consummated his gift of 7500 volumes of well selected works to the city, and re- served the right of making additions which he nobly used in more rare and costly selections, until his death on Oct. 17, 1865. He bequeathed $30,000 to be held by the city as a fund and invest- ed, of which one-fourth of the income was to be annually added to the fund, and three-fourths of it was to be used for the pur- chase of books to make a part of the Green Library, which was to be kept at the expense of the city as a free public library for consultation and not for circulation. He added a bequest of 30 shares of bank stock, receivable after the decease of persons to whose use they were first devoted, and this property was to be in- vested to accumulate until it reached the value of $20,000, when it will constitute the Librarian Fund, and he gave other bequests for the increase of the Green Library Fund to take effect after the termination of the lives of beneficiaries. The addition of one-fourth of the income to the Green Library Fund has the ad- vantage of a perceptible enlargement of the temporary income, to meet the needs of the city, while the future accumulation of
187
FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
that fund has been shown in the 8th report of this Board, to promise a larger provision for a library, than has ever existed. The three-fourthis of income applied to the increase of the Green Library makes a substantial addition. But the use of the books is not the only advantage derived from it. This Library stands as a noble beacon to guide the improving course of the circulating department, which is adapted to the wishes of the larger portion of the citizens. Many circulating libraries have been established, which were sustained and useful until their collection became worn and they were left to decay and die in disuse. But while the Green Library shall shine more and more as an example, it will not be expected that the circulating department will be suf- fered to decay by the government and people of our city. To this active division of the Library the balance of the liberal appro- priations of the city has been devoted, after payment of salaries and incidental expenses. Arrangements have been made for circula- tion under necesary precautions, of works of rarity and high value for mechanical uses and other objects of knowledge, requir- ing the opportunity of study in the shop or at home. The num- ber of volumes given out in the eleven months ending with Nov. 30th, when it is required that the yearly account shall end, is 62,954, and the number of persons who have begun to use the Library in the same period is 2019; when in the twelve months of the year 1870 the number of new takers was 1654. The Li- brarian gives monthly statistics of the use of the circulating department which will be examined with interest. They show, as might be expected, that in the season wlien vegetation slum- bers, and the action of animal life is obstructed and diminished, the minds of our people are roused to increased activity in the use of this institution.
Free public libraries have sometimes been commended under the name of charities, as if they were provided chiefly for those who have a limited ability to purchase books. " As well might the glorious sun be called a charity, because it shines on the cottage as well as the palace, and often gives to the humble dwelling the most perfect illumination. In the pressure of the multiplicity of books, a free public library has become more than a luxury. It is a necessity. The unlimited use of money cannot en- sure to a private citizen a library so valuable for all occasions, as
188
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 26.
is a public library selected by the combined action of intelligent citizens from the various occupations of a growing city, and ad- ministered by a librarian who has the learning and disposition to make it most free and effective. The rapid increase of a library is not an unmixed good. It appears by the report of Dec. 1, 1871, that the Library of Congress contained 286,846 volumes. Of the additions of the last year, 8551 volumes were obtained by purchase, and 5640 by claim on all books to which copyright is secured, and the librarian is a learned, able and devoted officer. But one of our distinguished citizens who knows that library well, has recently stated in his journal, that most of these books are very valuable, but a portion of them is trashy and worthless, and he recommends that the librarian should provide the room that is desired, by getting rid of all the trash in the libra- ry by selling it, or burning it or giving it away. He adds, put out of it all the worthless things, and it will still be the largest and in many respects the most valuable library in the country. But to what human hand shall be entrusted the task to separate the tares from the wheat ? Oris it more safe to let both grow together until the harvest, when the reapers are the angels. In the rota- tion of public appointments, one reformer may cast out the dead languages, and his successor with less scruple may send after them the old English masters.
The Report of the Committee on the Library, consisting of Rev. David Weston, C. B. Metcalf, Esq., Rev. William R. Hun- tington, Prof. Charles O. Thompson, and Nathaniel Paine, Esq., does not indicate the liberality and caution with which they have performed the important duty of selecting books and presenting them, with others proposed by other directors and takers of books, and largely by the Librarian, for purchase by sanction of the Board. In their care the books are distributed to the de- partment in which they are expected to be most useful. The en- couragement and facilities that have been given to those who use the Library, to ask for books suited to their taste and needs have resulted in a decided improvement of the collection and a general satisfaction of all such demands.
The Committee on the Reading Room, Charles A. Chase, Esq., Dr. George E. Francis, and Henry A. Marsh, Esq., by their chair- man, Mr. Chase, present a satisfactory report of the operations
189
FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
of the periodical department in the past year. It has been car- ried on with liberality in harmony with the generosity of citizens who established it by voluntary contributions, and by the watch- fulness of the Committee and their attention to the wishes of the numerous visitors, the supply has been fairly proportioned to the very active demand and the character of the publications is con- stantly improved.
The Report of Nathaniel Paine Esq., Treasurer of the Reading Room Fund, shows the safe investment of that fund and the faithful appropriation of the very satisfactory income.
Hon. E. B. Stoddard, Chairman, reports for the Committee on the Building, consisting of himself and George W. Russell Esq., and Charles H. Morgan Esq. The large and judicious expendi- ture for repairs and improvement has been rewarded by greater gratification of the eye and the taste, and an increase of comfort and convenience, that have had much effect in making the Libra- ry attractive and useful. The Committee express the hope that no great expense will be required for a long time for any outside repairs. When the building was erected it was thought to be large for its object, and no claim was made for greater size, nor for the opportunity of extension, which might then have been ob- tained at a moderate cost. That the growth of the city and the increased use of the books, and their necessary multipli- cation, have dwarfed the accommodations, is a less evil than an unfrequented repository of unvalued volumes could be. It is the duty of the directors, as it has been their endeavor in time past, to exercise such economy in regard to the building and all the concerns of the Library, that it may be considered a cheap as well as a valuable and honorable institution of the city. By the continuance of this cautious management the necessity of a larger building may be postponed.
The Committee on Finance, Hon. E. B. Stoddard, Stephen Salis- bury, and Henry A. Marsh Esq., by their chairman, Mr. Stoddard, have reported in two several accounts. To this Committee is en- trusted by the founder the oversight and reinvestment of the Green Library Fund, deposited in the custody of the Treasurer of the city. Twice in the last year the Committee have made thorough examinations of the accounts of George W. Wheeler, Esq., City Treasurer, concerning this fund, and they were verified and the
190
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 26.
securities for investment were found in the City Treasury. The portion of the yearly income of this fund applicable to the pur- - chase of books was $1972.76, an amount sufficient to obtain many desirable books.
The annual appropriations of the city have been liberal and progressive with the increased use of the Library. The books obtained from this source are placed in the circulating depart- ment. On consultation with Mr. Green, the Librarian, he esti- mates that of the
Balance of appropriation in the City Treasury, -
The expenditures necessary until the receipt of the next appropriation, will be for salaries and the care of building, $1850.00 1100.00 - $2950.00
$4556.02 -
For other expenses exclusive of books.
Leaving for books for first half of this year, $1606.02
This is a larger sum than has usually been expended for books in a half year but it has become necessary, because in the two last years the purchases have been restricted and small on ac- count of the large cost of improvement of the building. Many valuable books are now wanted.
The salaries are necessarily a large part of the cost of a pub- lic library ; such laborious, faithful and acceptable services as those which Mrs. Emma S. Phillips, Miss Sarah F. Earle, and Miss Jessie E. Tyler, have rendered for several years, deserve the compensation which they have received. Work that is well done seldom appears to be difficult, and there is always competition to keep down the price of such occupations. But the Directors have been guided by regard to the interests of the Library not less than by justice to the deserving. The interests of a well qualified librarian, like those of a skillful mechanic and a supe- rior man of general business, will take care of themselves ; and a public library that is subject to the claims of the intelligent citizens of Worcester, cannot afford to with-hold a fair equivalent for the learning and talent that are required in the duties of the Librarian.
It will be observed that the account of the Green Library Fund states the payment of a tax on bank stock, which constituted one
191
FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
fourth part of the fund given by Dr. Green. This unprecedented exaction is contrary to the policy of exemption from taxation of funds of " literary, charitable, benevolent and scientific institu- tions," that is sanctioned by the previous legislation of Massa- chusetts, and is permitted to continue as to other kinds of prop- erty, and it is opposed to the increasing generosity towards such institutions that prevails through our nation at this time. This tax was required by a law passed with little opportunity for ex- amination, in the later busy days of the last session of the legis- ture. As a preventive of escape from taxation it gathered into its net all the shares of banks. The reason alleged for bringing the bank stock of these institutions under the operation of this law, is the apprehension that the Trustees might allow the treas- ury of this trust to be a cover to save the pockets of private citi- zens ; a supposition not more astonishing, as an insult to those who are selected as trustees of public institutions, than as an ab- surdity, because if it existed, there could be no escape from the disgrace and the severe legal penalty of such a transaction. The Directors have no disposition to resist or to question the authori- ty of the legislature and therefore the tax was paid according to the letter of the law. But they could not neglect their duty to endeavor to protect the trust committed to them. They therefore presented to the legislature at its present session, a respectful pe- tition, that bank stock, like other property of this Library, and other similar institutions, may be exempted from taxation, and that the money paid into the State Treasury as a tax, may be re- funded ; and strong confidence is entertained that this petition will be granted, as it is supported by the general approbation of the people, and by the example of the earliest legislation of Massachusetts. In the year 1636, eight years after the first set- tlement of the colony, amid the alienations of a religious contro- versy, and in the beginning of the war with the Pequod Indians, the General Court agreed " to give £400," equal to a year's rate of the whole colony, payable in instalments, "towards a school or college." Then as now, we find education the favored object of the bounty and care of the government and the people.
The Directors of the Free Public Library, by
STEPHEN SALISBURY, President.
WORCESTER, JAN 16, 1872.
26
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN OF THE FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
To Hon. Stephen Salisbury, President of the Board of Direc- tors of the Free Public Library.
In conformity with our rules and regulations, I herewith trans- mit my first " annual report on the condition of the library. " As the financial year of the city of Worcester now closes November 30th, instead as hitherto, December 31st, it has been thought advisable that all the statistics of the library, as presented in this report, should be made to show the condition of the library for the eleven months, only, from January 1, to December 1.
Much hard work has been done by all the executive officers of the library during these months, and, in consequence, greater order in its arrangements and more efficiency in its manage- ment are apparent, and an increased confidence in the useful- ness of the institution is felt by its users.
USE OF THE CIRCULATING DEPARTMENT.
62,954 volumes have been given out to holders of cards since January 1. Were the number of volumes given out in Decem- ber added to this total it would appear that almost exactly the same number was issued in 1871 as in 1870.
This is remarkable when it is remembered that during the cold months at the beginning of the present year very few additions were made to the circulating department, the expenditures on the building had been necessarily so large, and also when we bear in mind that much care has been taken lately to add to the col- lections, in so far as practicable, only books of a high character. The method now in use with us for recording the issue of books
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