USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1873 > Part 19
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To His Honor the Mayor, I am under great obligations for his wise counsels and timely suggestions, and his ever ready hand has at all times been extended in our behalf, and has done much toward what success we have attained. To the heads of the
249
REPORT OF CITY MARSHAL.
several departments, I am under obligations, and especially to Thomas Gates, the Street Commissioner, who has done much in assisting this department.
Also to Hon. Hartley Williams, the Judge of the Central District Court, and the able and genial Clerk of the same, Theo. S. Johnson, Esq., who has ever been ready, by day or by night, to render this department such services and counsels as are so often needed in a business like this.
To Assistant Marshals McFarland and Dyson, and Captains Atkinson and Hall, I tender my sincere thanks ; for their very able assistance and wise judgments have made great burdens comparatively light, and many a duty that would have been irk- some, has been made pleasant. They are the right men in the right place.
Officer Churchill, who has been detailed as detective officer during the year, has met with flattering success, and has been the means of restoring a large amount of stolen property, and in several instances before the parties were aware that they had been the losers.
To the rank and file of this department, I owe more than words can express, for their honest and earnest endeavors, their cheerful compliance with every order, and the general interest they have shown in their work.
Perhaps I am more keenly alive to the sentiments here ex- pressed, than may usually be the case ; but when I consider that I too have performed these duties, and in fact side by side with many who now comprise this department, I think I can fully realize any exertions made in the right direction, and appreciate favors which have been so generously given.
In discharging the duties devolving upon me as City Marshal, I have endeavored to faithfully and impartially enforce the laws and ordinances, that each and all might receive the benefits of the same, and to have no one accuse me of favoritism or par- tiality. All of which is respectfully submitted.
W. ANSEL WASHBURN,
City Marshal.
٧
THE TWENTIETH ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
COMMISSIONERS OF HOPE CEMETERY,
IN THE CITY OF WORCESTER, FOR THE YEAR 1873.
To the Hon. Edward L. Davis, Mayor, and the City Council of the City of Worcester :
The Commissioners of Hope Cemetery respectfully present their twentieth annual report.
During the past year much labor has been directed to general improvements, and to the embellishment of the Cemetery. Under the careful superintendence of our associates, Mr. Albert Curtis and Mr. William Bush, the main avenues have been repaired and in many cases regraded, unsightly eminences have been reduced, trees have been cut and pruned where occasion required ; and more attention has been paid to keeping the grounds in a condi- tion of order long desired, but never so satisfactorily accomplished.
The natural beauty of the Cemetery is more evident, now that much that was necessarily neglected in the large area of fifty-two acres has been carefully improved. More than one-half of this territory is already occupied, and the rough features of a new cemetery are giving way to a beautiful garden of the dead, where an increased attention to embellishment on the part of the Commissioners, seems to occasion corresponding activity in the same direction on the part of individual proprietors.
33
252
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 28.
The Statute authorizing the election of a board of five Com- missioners for the management of Hope Cemetery, purchased by the City. in 1852, and prescribing the duties of the board and the manner of their election, was passed by the General Court, in April, 1854. During this long period but nine persons have served as Commissioners, and one of our number, our respected Chairman, Mr. Tolman, will complete his twenty years of service in June of the present year, in the whole of which time, as the record shows, he has filled the office of Secretary or Chairman of the board. Mr. Curtis has been a member of the Commission nineteen years, and for the whole of that period has gratuitously acted as Superintendent of the Cemetery, and has made the details of management and improvement the object of his daily thought.
The certainty that the area of the Rural Cemetery at the north end of the city can not be increased, and the growing attractiveness and beauty of this Cemetery has caused the sale of a larger number of high priced lots in the past year than ever before. The whole number of lots sold in 1873 was 152, for which $3,590 has been received. In the last annual report the Chairman, Mr. Tolman, compiled a very interesting and valuable table, showing the number of lots sold annually since the open- ing of the Cemetery in 1852, together with the amounts received from such sales. From this table we learn that the total number of lots sold to the date of this report has been 1,506, for which $25,146 has been paid into the City Treasury. The Commis- sioners have always desired to offer lots at prices which shall allow all citizens an opportunity of choosing a location in accord- ance with their tastes and circumstances. With the progress of time and the embellishment of the Cemetery, certain portions of the grounds have become more valuable in the estimation of the public, and have been held at an increased price ; but the general purpose entertained from the first, of affording to all a last rest- ing place, has not been lost sight of, and desirable lots are still offered at a very low price.
Much labor has been expended towards making that part of the grounds set apart for free burials more attractive. For situ- ation it has much to recommend it, but the Commissioners realize
253
HOPE CEMETERY.
the necessity of a systematic arrangement of paths and ap- proaches, and recognize their sacred duty still further to protect and embellish the last resting place of those whose relatives and friends are unable to provide for them.
The total receipts in the year 1873, including cash on deposit, have been $7,605.50, and the expenditures have been $3,154.58, leaving an unexpended balance of $4,450.92 for the requirements of the coming year, which is deemed amply sufficient for all demands.
From the establishment of the Commission until the year 1862 the receipts from all sources were paid into the City Treasury, and small sums were appropriated annually, for the clearing and improvement of the grounds. It appeared on the settlement of accounts at that time that the receipts had been fully equal to the first expenditure of the city for the purchase of land and for all expenses in its care and management. With the sanction of the City Council the account was then closed, and a new account was opened by the City Treasurer with the Commissioners, giving them credit for the balance then on hand. Since that time no appropriation has been made, all expenditures having been met from current receipts, except that in the year 1872 an appropria- tion of $5,000 was made by the City government "for the pur- pose of building a Tomb and improving and beautifying the grounds." The cost of the Tomb was $4,330.37, leaving a balance of $669.63. This latter sum was afterwards, in Decem- ber of the same year, added to the sinking fund, so that the cost of the Tomb alone was expended for the Cemetery. The time, labor, superintendence of work and personal expenses of the Commissioners, from the date of the creation of the Board, have been gratuitously given.
The work of removing remains from a portion of Pine Meadow Burying Ground to this Cemetery, commenced in 1872, has now been completed in a manner satisfactory to all interested. It will be remembered that the removal was demanded by the sale of a part of the Pine Meadow Burying Ground to the Boston & Albany Railroad Corporation, which territory it was found im- possible properly to protect and secure. The same tender regard for the feelings and wishes of those interested as relatives and
254
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 28.
friends was manifested in performing this duty, by the Hon. D. Waldo Lincoln, under whose superintendence, as in 1866, this work has been accomplished. The number of lots occupied by this removal has been eighty-one, for which $1,176 has been received. For the land thus purchased the Railroad Company have contracted to pay the city $39,415, in any event, or $44,118 in case Foster street shall be extended to Summer street within one year after the occupation of the Foster street depot and the tracks of the Boston and Albany Railroad on that location shall have been discontinued.
The plans of the Cemetery, three in number, which, from con- stant use since the laying out of the grounds, have become inac- curate and much defaced, have been replaced by four new plans, accurately made and tastefully executed, by Mr. Alfred Lovell, a pupil of the Free Institute, who verified his drawings by careful surveys. The plans show all the lots laid out in the Cemetery, designated by a number, and are accompanied by an index which gives the name of each owner of a lot corresponding to the num- ber on the plan. The Commissioners consider themselves fortu- nate in having secured these maps at a reasonable price, and take pleasure in noting this evidence of the thorough and systematic instruction imparted at the Free Institute. One of these plans may be seen at the office of the City Treasurer, and has been highly praised by engineers.
Particular care has been given to an improvement of the grade of Pine and Larch Avenues, and to clearing and ornamenting the land on River Avenue, upon which thirty new lots have been prepared. The land in the rear of the Reception Tomb has been divided into lots, some of them the most desirable in the Ceme- tery. Several depressions in the western part of the grounds, near the entrance, have been filled, adding much to the attrac- tions of that locality.
The Tomb, which was completed in 1872, has proved in all respects satisfactory. It is so constructed that in case it shall prove inadequate to the demands made upon it, an addition of equal capacity may be made at any future time, without disturb- ing the present structure or injuring the architectural design of
255
HOPE CEMETERY.
the front and entrance. The plan contemplated the erection of a second Tomb, adjoining the one now completed, and the de- tailed drawings are preserved for use when required.
The experience of this Board in carrying out the removal and transfer of remains from cemeteries, which could not be properly protected by the civil authorities from intrusion, has convinced them, that, with a proper regard to the wishes of friends, such removal may be effected without giving rise to the objections which might be anticipated.
A detailed statement of the receipts and expenditures for the year 1873 accompanies this report. The Commissioners have again to acknowledge the valuable and efficient aid they have received from the City Treasurer, Wm. S. Barton, Esq., in the sale of lots during the past year.
In behalf and by order of the Commissioners,
STEPHEN SALISBURY, Jr., Secretary.
WORCESTER, January 26, 1874.
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES.
Report of Receipts and Expenditures for Hope Cemetery, in the year 1873.
1873.
RECEIPTS.
Jan. 1. Cash on deposit,
$3,560 81
6. for wood sold,
13 20
July 3.
66 66 66 112 44 66
66 23. Boston & Albany R. R., 81 lots sold, 1,176 00
Oct. 3. Cash for wood sold,
48 50
3. 66 grading lots,
53 25
Dec. 3. 66 wood sold, 45 30
3. grading lots, 66 13 25
31.
66 71 lots sold in 1873,
2,414 00
31.
66
66 interest on deposit, 168 75
-- $7,605 50
EXPENDITURES.
Dec. 2. '72, Paid for superintendence, J. Cruik- shanks,
$ 15 82
Dec. 21. Paid for labor on grounds,
49 60
March 6, '73. "
66 repairing lock, 1 25
April 28. 66 making 4 plans, Alfred Lovell, 150 00
May 1.
31. 66
labor on grounds,
283 01
June 14. 66 66 surveying, Alfred Lovell,
4 80
66 18. 66 Worcester Water Works,
17 50
66 30.
labor on grounds,
358 10
Aug. 1.
5. 66 stone work, Mann & Bigelow,
200 72
66
29. 66 " Grass seed, &c., J. D. Lovell, 8 62
Sept. 1.
66
labor on grounds,
286 00 45
66
5. 66
printing, E. R. Fiske,
4 00
Oct.
4.
4.
66 66 moving building, L. B. Stone, 15 00
66
23. 66
labor on grounds, 376 00
Nov. 3.
16
3.
3.
66 labor on grounds, 382 00
66
22.
66 lawn mower, Ames Plow Co., 12 00
28.
J. D. Lovell's bill, 2 90
66
labor on grounds, 311 00
66
4.
twine,
66 36 68
66 Concrete paving, M. O. Connor, 78 00 66
work on Tomb, 2 00
.
66 printing reports, C. Hamilton, 20 54
257
HOPE CEMETERY.
Dec. 3. Paid for labor on grounds,
256 00
3.
66 filing saws,
40
3.
66 measuring wood,
60
3. Triscott's bill,
1 00
3. 66 U. Stone's bill,
6 00
66 3. J. C. White & Co.'s bill,
2 25
66 3. 66 for stamp for marking tools,
1 00
66
23. " labor on grounds,
114 99
66
23. expenses of Bushnell & Fordis, 2 00
66
31. Cash unexpended on hand, 154 35
$3,154 58
Jan. 26, "74. Balance on deposit at interest,
4,450 92
-$7,605 50
STEPHEN SALISBURY, JR.,
Secretary of Commissioners of Hope Cemetery.
THE CITY HOSPITAL.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES, 1872-'73.
Alderman-H. H. CHAMBERLIN,
(L. J. KNOWLES, Terms Expire 1873. Councilmen r J. S. ROGERS,
At Large-DR. F. H. KELLEY, President, Term Expires 1876. STEPHEN SALISBURY, JR., Secretary, Term Expires 1876. DR. JOSEPH SARGENT, Term Expires 1874. ALBERT CURTIS, Term Expires 1875.
MEDICAL STAFF, 1872-'73.
Consulting Physicians.
Joseph Sargent, M. D. F. H. Kelley, M. D. B. D. Eastman, M. D.
Visiting Physicians.
Rufus Woodward, M. D. J. Marcus Rice, M. D. Albert Wood, M. D.
George A. Bates, M. D.
Oramel Martin, M. D.
Emerson Warner, M. D.
Henry Clarke, M. D.
George E. Francis, M. D.
Joseph N. Bates, M. D.
John O. Marble, M. D.
Thomas H. Gage, M. D.
Leonard Wheeler, M. D.
Resident and Admitting Physician. Leonard Wheeler, M. D.
34
REPORT.
· To Hon. Clark Jillson, Mayor, and the City Council of the City of Worcester :
THE Trustees of the City Hospital respectfully present their third annual report :
The history of the Hospital has been presented in former re- ports, but as its present location in the Bigelow mansion on Front Street is soon to be changed for that of the Jaques Home- stead on Wellington street, it may not be amiss to state that this hospital, in its present location, was arranged and opened for the care of patients Oct. 23, 1871, and that the first patient was re- ceived on the 26th of the same month. Last year the number of patients treated was 160. This year the number of patients has been 169,-and since the opening 338 have been received.
To the liberality of the City Council this hospital is again in- debted for ample means to carry on its healing mission, and from all departments of the municipal government, as well as from in- dividual citizens, it has constantly received gratuitous aid. The favorable criticism passed upon the administration of this public charity, has been gratifying to all connected with it.
To the twelve visiting physicians, who have taken charge of the patients during the past year, without remuneration, the thanks of the city government and of the citizens is most justly due ; and it should be borne in mind that the service thus ren- dered is no slight tax upon their time. Two physicians visit the hospital daily and advise for each patient. The term of service for each two of the visiting physicians is two months during the year.
At the time of writing the last annual report, the extent of the munificent benefaction of the late George Jaques, Esq. was known,
261
CITY HOSPITAL.
but as his will was at that time disputed, no account was given of its provisions. During the month of April, of this year, the con- troversy was settled. Mr. Jaques' will was signed May 29, 1872. After disposing of $15,000 in individual legacies, Mr. Jaques leaves $1,000 to the Worcester Children's Friend Society. He then declares his purposes in regard to the City Hospital in the following language :
"I have been convinced, for some time, that the city of Wor- cester, containing within it as it does, so many elements of prosperity, thrift and rapid growth, has no greater want to be supplied than that of a well endowed and properly managed general Hospital, which can minister to the comforts of the sick and unfortunate among the poorer classes of the city's population, by furnishing that care, nursing, and medical skill which otherwise they never would receive. I have already given evidence of my conviction upon this point, by the gift recently made to the City for that object ; but at the same time I realize how little that alone can do towards the proper and full accom- plishment of the work, or even to such a degree as to render it of any permanent and real value to those for whose comfort and well- being it is designed. In making disposition of the balance of my property, situated as I am with no relatives likely to survive me nearer than cousins, with whom I have never been on terms of intimacy, and many of whom are comparative strangers to me, I have thought I could not be the instrument of more good to my fellow men, or serve a better purpose with said balance of my estate, than by contributing still more to the object above named. Therefore, all the rest, residue and remainder of my es- tate, real, personal, or mixed, not herein otherwise disposed of, of which I may die seized and possessed, or to which I may in any way be entitled at the time of my decease, whatever the same may be, wherever it may be or be situated, or however it may be known, designated or described, I give, devise and bequeath unto the City of Worcester, in trust, however, to be by the city applied to the sole and particular use and benefit of the Institution recently established and known as the Worcester City Hospital, and to no use or purpose other than that whatsoever. While I would not wish to give any particular direction to the bequest, nor incur the risk of defeating the purpose I have in view in making it, by imposing any limita- tion or condition as to the manner of its use, still I should prefer to see it set apart as a separate fund, and the income thereof only applied to the support and maintenance of said Hospital, if such a course shall commend itself to the wisdom of those having it in charge."
262
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 28.
Thus it may be seen how munificently Mr. Jaques endowed this charity, without limitation or condition, and with no pro- vision for connecting his name with the object of his bounty. Let it be the duty of those who administer his bequest, to provide such proper memorial of his liberality as shall serve to make his name and example familiar to citizens of Worcester in coming time.
The City Council have erected a suitable monument, of Aber- deen granite, to the memory of Mr. Jaques, upon the lot in the Rural Cemetery belonging to him. The design was selected by the Executors of the will of Mr. Jaques, and consists of a plain cylindrical shaft, surmounted by an urn, and is 18 feet in height. It bears the simple inscription :
GEORGE JAQUES. BORN FEBRUARY 18, 1816. DIED AUG. 24, 1872.
During the past year a bequest has been left to the Hospital by the late J. B. Shaw, Esq., but the amount thereof, contingent upon a certain life interest, has not yet been realized.
Hon. Isaac Davis presented to the City Hospital $1,000 in the month of July, which sum is to accumulate until it becomes $2,000, after which time, with certain restrictions, "the income is to be applied to the support of poor and destitute persons who are admitted to the Hospital and are unable to pay their ex- penses while there." This gift will aid the trustees in a measure to remedy an evil often brought to notice by the resident physi- cian. Numerous instances have occurred of destitute and deserv- ing persons, not resident in Worcester, who have been suddenly taken ill while in the city. If they are treated here gratuitously, a return must be made to their place of residence, and they are liable to be removed and to be treated as objects of public charity at home, after being thus considered here. When a suffi- cient general fund is obtained, such worthy cases as seek admis- sion can be received without regard to their residence.
The Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and other Hos- pitals have long adopted what is called a system of Free Beds, giving the right to the use of a bed in the Hospital for one year
263
CITY HOSPITAL.
or for life to those persons who shall pay a certain sum. There are many citizens who would be glad to contribute to this Hospital, and who have expressed their willingness to aid in this way to its support, while several corporations are desirous thus to provide for those in their employ who may be injured and disabled. Those having a right to a free bed are entitled to present patients for the use of such beds, who, if proper subjects for treatment, will be cared for without further expense. It is thought that some of the neighboring towns would embrace such an opportunity to provide the best medical treatment for some of their poorer citi- zens. The trustees have been prevented from presenting this subject solely from want of accommodation, but they hope during the coming year, to be able to provide opportunities for the treat- ment of a much larger number of patients.
Early in the month of June, all objections to the use of the real estate of the late Mr. Jaques having been removed, a com- mittee of the trustees was appointed to consider the subject of re- moval of the Hospital from its present location to the dwelling house lately occupied by Mr. Jaques, and by him bequeathed to the city. The President, Dr. Kelley, in behalf of this committee, reported favorably. He said :
" The Committee have visited the Jaques Homestead, and have made personal inspection of every part of the house. It will be remembered that the house is pleasantly located, at the northeast corner of the Jaques estate on Wellington street, and on the most elevated portion of the lot, which contains nearly seven acres of choice land in a high state of culti- vation, and is surrounded by a great variety of forest trees, many of them of rare species, and that most of them were planted by the hand of our late associate and benefactor, whose taste and love of trees was so marked a feature in his character. The garden is filled with the finest fruit trees. The house contains twelve rooms besides three finished attic rooms. It is in good re- pair, has an excellent light and airy cellar under the entire build- ing, and has a piazza upon three sides. It is thought that the house will comfortably accommodate from 16 to 18 patients, and furnish a dispensary, bath room and other accommodations, as am- ple as those in the present location on Front Street. The quiet and healthfulness of the situation are in marked contrast to the location now occupied, and the changes necessary to be made in the house, together with furnishing a supply of water, gas and
264
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 28.
providing proper sewerage, would require no large expenditure. Should the city fail to build permanent Hospital buildings on the land donated by Mr. Jaques, or fail to provide accommodations upon a more desirable site, it is thought the Jaques mansion, with the addition of a wooden pavilion, of an inexpensive character, whenever it might be needed, would offer sufficient facilities for the present."
By the terms of Mr. Jaques' will, possession of the Homestead estate was given after the lapse of certain limited occupation, and authority having been obtained by order of the City Council in September, as soon after as was possible the work of repair with reference to immediate occupation by the hospital was begun. The trustees intend to move the Hospital to the new location as soon as the preparations are completed.
The trustees submit the following report in detail of the ex- penses and receipts incurred in maintaining and conducting the City Hospital during the year :
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriation, 1873,
$7,923 36
Rent,
875 00
Board of paying Patients,
577 60
Sale of Grass,
5 00
$9,380 96
EXPENDITURES.
Salaries and Pay Roll,
$2,556 29
Groceries and Provisions.
2,464 31
Carpets, Bedding and Table Linen, &c.,
168 98
Repairs,
86 08
Coal and Wood,
295 47
Surgical Instruments,
106 22
Medicines,
414 81
Gas,
174 20
Rent,
500 00
Crockery and Tinware, &c.,
112 03
Stationery, &c.,
32 50
Printing,
71 35
Furniture,
207 50
Balance unexpended, 1873,
2,191 22
$9,380 96
265
CITY HOSPITAL.
The sum expended in repairing the Jaques Homestead for im- mediate use by the City for a Hospital, will, when completed, together with the cost of furniture and bedding required by the change of location and enlarged accommodation, amount to about four thousand (4,000) dollars. The general expenses of the hos- pital for the current year will not probably exceed those of the year 1873. The trustees, therefore, referring to the above state- ment, would respectfully ask for an appropriation of fourteen thousand (14,000) dollars, less the balance credited to the City Hospital account in the statement of the Finance Committee of December 12th, instant.
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