USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1877 > Part 9
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66 66
511 Katie Shea,
63 |Salem, Unknown, - Ireland,
81 51 43
33 ! Lowell,
Sept. 1, '77
66
527 Geo. L. Palmer, 528 Margaret Welch,
63
- Unknown,
Nov. 6, '77
- Unknown,
May 3, '77
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
105
CITY ALMSHOUSE DEPARTMENT.
Monthly Accounts.
No. of Paupers.
Total Expenditures.
Total Receipts.
Receipts above Expenditures.
Net Cost.
1876.
December,
59
$1,110 07
$178 00
$932 07
1877.
January,.
61
462 09
205 46
256 63
February,
66
467 21
351 40
115 81
March,
68
1,412 44
255 52
1,156 92
April,
48
1,034 03
163 75
870 28
May,
52
771 55
199 86
571 69
June,
45
696 09
460 00
236 09
July,
45
444 05
548 76
$104 71
August,
51
754 81
275 24
479 57
September,
52
484 72
245 03
.
239 69
October,
55
408 06
52 90
355 16
November,
56
1,001 96
224 00
777 96
$9,047 08
$3,159 92
$104 71
$5,991 87
Amount Expended, Amount of Receipts,
$9,047 08 3,159 92
Net Expenses,
$5,887 16
..
8
106
CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 32.
CITY SCAVENGER DEPARTMENT.
The accounts of the Scavenger Department have, as usual, been kept separate from those of the Farm during the year, and the annexed table will show the monthly expenditures and receipts, and the net cost for the year.
It will be found in the schedule of the estate, that the swine house and horse stable connected with it are set down in the valuation, as heretofore, at ten thousand dollars, and the personal property at seven thousand, four hundred and forty- six dollars.
The cost of this division of our department has been reduced, and during the past year was $2,452.19. In 1876 it was $5,334.19. This has been largely due to better management in the mode of collection of the offal in the city, as the depot on Union St. has been discontinued and the collectors drive directly to the Farm and unload. The plan of hiring drivers using their own horses, and residing in the city, has been given up, and others who reside at the farm, are employed. The horses formerly used in teaming the offal there from the depository of the collectors, are now also employed on the collection routes, and the men employed in the work, now being under the immediate supervision of the Superintendent of the Farm, a more satisfactory result has been obtained, and with careful management, we hope, in the coming year, to do. still better.
In view of the general misunderstanding prevailing, that all the expenditure of money at the Farm is for the maintenance of paupers, because that it has heretofore all been made under one appropriation, we respectfully suggest that in future, such appropriations be divided ; giving the amount necessary for the maintenance of the City Farm Pauper Department, and a separate appropriation for the Scavenger Department, as it is self evident that there is no good reason why they should be connected, and it would very much facilitate the proper understanding concerning the expenses incurred in such work, by those paying their taxes to support it.
It is difficult to comprehend, why the Overseers of the Poor
107
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
should be expected to employ men and horses to perambulate the city streets and gather swill, and dispose of the same for more than sufficient to cover the expenses, any more than that the Highway Department should clean and sweep the streets, and sell the sweepings for more than the cost of the labor. But both are essential to high sanitary condition, as well as necessary expenses, and we would suggest, in order to reduce the latter, that the proper enforcement of the City Ordinance, in regard to the carrying of offal through the streets, would prevent the taking of it by private parties, from the localities where it is most easily obtained, as well as of the best quality, and leaving the city teams to collect their leavings in the outlying districts; thus putting us to all the cost of a full collection, and giving but a partial return for the expenses necessarily incurred.
108
CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 32.
CITY SCAVENGER DEPARTMENT.
Monthly Accounts.
Amount Expended.
Amount of Receipts.
Receipts above Expenditures.
Net Cost.
1876
December.
$607 13
$504 94
$102 19
1877.
January.
667 00
1,110 33
$443 33
. .
February
604 55
216 10
388 45
March
539 78
252 31
287 47
April
495 19
206 95
289 24
May ..
496 62
164 26
332 36
June.
395 21
141 40
253 81
July.
671 85
84 85
587 00
August.
388 67
100 30
288 37
September
353 55
111 70
241 85
October.
408 06
52 90
355 16
November.
390 15
819 53
429 38
$6,017 76
$3,765 57
$872 71
$3,124 90
Amount Expended, Amount of Receipts,
$6,017.76
3.765.57
$2,252.19
Salary of Superintendent,
200.00
Net Cost, .
$2,452.19
... .
.4
109
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
The total expenses at the Farm, including both the Pauper and Scavenger Departments, all hired labor, improvements to the buildings, and salary of Superintendent and Matron, have been $15,383 88.
And the Resources have been
Appropriation,
$11,200 00
Revenue,
6,031 65
Total Receipts,
$17,231 65
Unexpended Balance,
$1,847 77
TRUANT SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
This Department, as has been heretofore stated, is entirely distinct from the Pauper Department, and is located at the Almshouse only because the Overseers of the Poor are also the Truant Commissioners, and for the greater facilities found there for its most economical management. Boys alone are sentenced there, and only for truancy, as it has not been thought wise to associate those guilty of truancy from school alone, with other classes of juvenile offenders; and its contin- ued success is evidence of the wisdom of such action. An appropriation is annually made by the City Council for its maintenance.
The number of boys there at this time is eight, which has also been the average number during the year.
The monthly accounts for the year are shown in the annexed table, and an appraisal of the property belonging to the school, shows it to be at the present time #258.25.
During the greater part of the year, the school has been under the care of a new teacher, who has kept it up to its well established standard, and shown commendable skill in its discipline and general good management.
A report on the school will be made by the Superintendent of Public Schools of the city, who is an ex officio member of this Board, and chairman of the sub-committee on the school.
.
110
CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 32.
The expenditures and receipts have been as follows :-
Amount paid for Board,
$1,100 77
Instruction and Supervision,
532 68
Clothing and other expenses,
172 32
Total Expenditures,
$1,805 77
Received for Boys' Labor,
43 00
Resources - Appropriation,
$2,000 00
Unexpended Balance,
194 23
111
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
TRUANT SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
Monthly Account.
No. of Pupils.
Cost of Board.
Clothing and other Expenses.
Teaching and Supervision.
Value of Boys Labor.
1876.
December.
5
$72 25
$6 20
$41 67
$2 00
1877.
January
72 25
11 67
2 00
February
71 20
41 67
2 00
March
82 25
49 33
41 67
2 00
April.
61 00
18 25
44 00
3 00
May.
5,00
June
11
113 94
11 99
46 00
12 00
July
11
132 96
46 00
5 00
August
11
132 96
3 15
46 00
5 00
September
11
96 78
28 75
46 00
3 00
October
8
72 96
25 37
46 00
2 00
November.
8
100 00
14 88
46 00
$1,100 77
$172 32
$532 68
$43 00
Cost of Board,
$1,100 77
Clothing and other Expenses,
172 32
Teaching and Supervision,
532 68
Total,
$1,805 77
Appropriation,
$2,000 00
Expenditures,
ยท
1,805 77
Unexpended balance,
$194 23
Value of boys' labor,.
43 00
Average expense per capita,
220 12
5588 9 5 5 8 8 9
92 22
14 40
46 00
112
CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 32.
1
A Report from the City Physician has also been presented, showing the amount of service rendered by him in connection with this Board, to have been above the yearly average.
He has been prompt when wanted, faithful in the discharge of duties, giving general satisfaction to those whom he has been called upon to attend, and we desire to express our thanks for his courteous consideration in all our official relations.
All of which is Respectfully submitted.
GEORGE W. GALE, Clerk.
CHARLES B. PRATT, W. ANSEL WASHBURN, ALBERT P. MARBLE, GEORGE W. GALE,
JAMES DRAPER, GEORGE GEER, CALVIN L. HARTSHORN,
CHARLES F. RUGG, WALTER HENRY,
Overseers of the Poor of the City of Worcester.
113
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
BILL OF FARE AT CITY ALMSHOUSE.
SUNDAY.
Breakfast .- Coffee, sugar, milk, bread and fried pork or ham.
Dinner .- Baked beans, and brown bread.
Supper .- Tea, sugar, milk, bread, butter and doughnuts, pie or gingerbread.
MONDAY.
Breakfast .- Coffee, sugar, milk, bread, and baked beans.
Dinner .- Soup and bread, or fresh meat and potatoes.
Supper .- Indian hasty pudding, or bread and milk.
TUESDAY.
Breakfast .- Coffee, sugar, milk, bread and hashed meat.
Dinner .- Boiled beef with pork, vegetables and bread.
Supper .- Chocolate or tea, with sugar, milk and bread.
WEDNESDAY.
Breakfast .- Coffee, sugar, milk, bread and fried pork or ham.
Dinner .- Fresh or salt fish, potatoes and bread.
Supper .- Bean porridge, or bread and butter.
THURSDAY.
Breakfast .- Coffee, sugar, milk, bread and hashed fish. Dinner .- Boiled beef and pork, with potatoes, and bread. Supper .- Chocolate or tea, with sugar, milk, and bread.
FRIDAY.
Breakfast .- Coffee, sugar, milk, bread, hashed meat or fish. Dinner .- Salt fish, potatoes and bread.
Supper .- Chocolate or tea, with sugar, milk, bread and butter.
SATURDAY.
Breakfast .- Coffee, sugar, milk, bread, and hashed fish. Dinner .- Soup and bread. Supper .- Bread and butter, tea, with sugar and milk.
At a regular meeting of the Board of Overseers of the Poor of the City of Worcester, held at the City Almshouse, Jan. 12th, 1862, the above Bill of Fare was adopted by unanimous vote.
REVISED CITY CHARTER.
IN RELATION TO
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
SECTION 23. The Board of Overseers of the Poor in the City of Worcester, shall con_ sist of nine members, residents of said city. The Mayor, Superintendent of Public Schools and the City Marshal shall be ex-efficio members of the Board. The Mayor shall be ex-officio president of the Board. The City Council shall elect, by joint ballot, six persons to be members of said Board of Overseers, two to be elected in the month of December in each year, and to hold their offices for the term of three years from the third Monday of January then next ensuing, and until others shall be elected and qualified in their places. But no more than one of the six members. so to be elected, shall be eligible for any one ward of said city. Vacancies occurring in the Board may be filled by joint ballot of the City Council, at any time, the member so elected to hold office for only the unexpired term of the member who has ceased to hold office. The City Council shall also have power, at any time, for cause, to remove either of said overseers from office. The Board shall be organized, annually, on the third Monday of January.
Said overseers shall perform the duties of the Overseers of the Poor, of the Directors of the Almshouse, and of the Truant Commissioners in the City of Worcester, as required by the statutes of the Commonwealth, and subject to the ordinances of the City of Worcester, and there shall be elected no other officers for the performance of said duties in said city.
CITY ORDINANCES.
CHAPTER XXXII.
IN RELATION TO THE BOARD OF
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
SECTION 1. The overseers to elect a clerk, who shall be sworn, and be general agent of said overseers. 2. Duties of clerk defined. 3. Shall make annual return to the Secretary of the Commonwealth. 4. What said clerk may be directed to do by overseers. 5. Clerk to give bond to be approved by the Mayor and Aldermen. 6. Overseers to keep a set of books. 7. All books, records, reports, papers and property belonging to said overseers, may be examined by the Board of Aldermen. 8 Time of meeting. 9. Reports to be furnished to the City Clerk. 10. Full report to be submitted to the City Council in the month of January.
SECTION 1. The Overseers of the Poor shall elect a clerk who may, or may not, be one of their own number. He shall be sworn to the faithful discharge of all his duties as such clerk, shall keep a fair and intelligible record of all the doings of the Overseers of the Poor, as required by an order of the City Council, and make the entries in books provided therefor, of all facts relating to any aid or assistance granted or refused by said Overseers. As general agent of said Overseers, in collecting information on all matters within their jurisdiction, and as the general disbursing agent, in giving aid and assistance, he shall be governed in the performance of his several duties by such rules and regulations as may be prescribed for his conduct by said Overseers, or by any order or orders passed from time to time by the City Council, directing the performance of either general or specific duties of said clerk.
SECT. 2. It shall be the duty of said clerk to keep an accurate account of all moneys received and expended by him, on account of the poor, specifying what amount is due to the city from other towns and cities, and from the Commonwealth, and how much the city is indebted to other towns and cities, on account of this department ; which books and records above specified, at the expiration_of his term of office, shall be delivered to the City Clerk for the use of said city.
SECT. 3. It shall be the duty of said clerk to make out and prepare for the Over- seers of the Poor, the annual returns and statistics required by law to be made to the Secretary of the Commonwealth ; and also, generally, to perform such other duties relating to this department of the public service, as the said overseers may, from time to time, require of him.
SECT. 4. Said Clerk shall, whenever directed by the Overseers of the Poor, ascer- tain, as far as possible, the facts and circumstances in regard to the settlement of any person in whose settlement the City may have an interest, and his travelling expenses.
116
CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 32.
in the course of such investigation, shall be paid by the city. It shall be his duty to preserve an intelligible record of all facts and evidences so discovered by him, and hand over the same to his successor.
SECT. 5. Said Clerk shall, before entering upon his office, give bond, with sufficient surety, to be approved by the Mayor and Aldermen, faithfully to account for and pay over all moneys belonging to the city that may come into his hands.
SECT. 6. Said Overseers shall cause a set of books to be kept, wherein shall be entered in a neat and methodical style, all information in regard to such needy persons as shall have been aided under the direction of said Overseers, that is required by the general laws of this Common wealth, and also all further information in regard to every individual case of relief given, asked for or refused, as may be of importance to the City of Worcester or the Commonwealth to preserve, stating the amount and kind of aid given, and the reasons for giving such aid, or of refusing the same ; such informa- tion to be so arranged as to be readily referred to upon the books.
SECT. 7. All books, records, reports, papers and property, belonging to said Over- seers, may at any time be examined by the Board of Aldermen, or any person or committee which said Board of Aldermen or the City Council shall direct or appoint to inspect and examine the same.
SECT. 8. Said Overseers shall meet on the first Friday evening of each month, for the transaction of the general business of the Board, and at such other times as they may from time to time order or direct at any regular meeting, or at any time when called to meet by order of the Mayor.
SECT. 9. Said Overseers shall, on the second Monday of January, April, July and October, furnish the City Clerk, to be presented to the City Council at their next meeting thereafter, a brief and condensed report of all their doings, receipts and expenditures during the three months ending upon the last day of the month preced- ing, showing in a succinct manner, in such form and classification as they shall deen expedient, their receipts and expenditures, and the number and description of the persons relieved, without naming the same, and in what manner.
SECT. 10. During the month of January, in each year, said Overseers shall submit to the City Council a full report of all their doings, receipts and expenditures for the year ending with the last day of the December preceding, containing under some convenient classification, the facts comprised in the four preceding quarterly reports, together with such information and suggestions as they shall deem it expedient to present to the City Council, or shall be requested to furnish by an order of the Board of Aldermen or City Council, and they shall, whenever requested by the Board of Aldermen or City Council, communicate such information as may be desired by either.
1
BY-LAWS
OF
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR
OF THE CITY OF WORCESTER.
SECTION 1. The Mayor shall be Chairman, and as such shall exercise the rights and perform the duties of the presiding officer of the Board, governed by parliamentary law ; and in his absence the Board shall appoint a chairman pro tem. For transaction of business, five members shall constitute a quorum.
SECT. 2. At the first meeting of the Board in January, when the new members take their seats, and before the transaction of any other business, they shall be quali- fied, according to law, by taking the oath of office, which shall be administered by the Chairman. The Board shall then choose a Clerk, as prescribed by the City Ordinance, who shall perform such duties as shall be prescribed by said City Ordinances and the rules of this Board: he shall keep a full and impartial'record of all meetings of this Board, and full accounts of all expenditures of the department, and an intelligible record of all persons aided, either temporarily or permanently, recording all facts in connection with each case that may come to his knowledge by reasonable inquiry and investigation, and reporting all new cases at the next succeeding meeting.
SECT. 3. There shall be appointed at this first meeting of the Board by the Chair, four standing committees, of three members each; one on finance, one on the farm, one on relief, and one on truant school.
SECT. 4. The Finance committee shall examine all bills, and if found correct, shall audit the same. .
SECT. 5. The Committee on the Farm shall have charge of the farm and the inmates of the Institution. Under the direction of the Board they shall make, advise, or order all purchases and supplies for the same, and examine and approve all bills contracted therefor. They shall visit the institution monthly, and make to the Board at each monthly meeting a report of the condition of the same.
SECT. 6. The Committee on Relief shall direct no aid to be allowed, unless the case has been fully examined, and a proper record made of all the facts connected therewith. In cases of doubt [as to settlement] they shall examine with the Clerk all new appli- cants for relief, who, if found entitled thereto, shall then receive temporary aid. The Committee shall examine all bills for aid authorized by the Clerk, and shall audit the same if found correct.
SECT. 7. The committee on the School shall have control of all matters relating to
118
CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 32.
the interests of the Truant School. They shall furnish the requisite books and appar- atus ; employ the teacher, and in cases of difficulty, decide questions of discipline.
SECT. 8. The regular meetings of the Board shall be held in the Aldermen's room on the first Friday of each month, and the Chairman may call special meetings when ever it may be necessary.
SECT. 9. These By-Laws may be altered or amended at any regular meeting of the Board, provided the alteration has been proposed at a previous regular meeting, and the subject laid over one month.
February 8, 1867. Adopted by unanimous vote of Board.
GEORGE W. GALE, Clerk.
RULES RELATING TO MANAGEMENT OF THE ALMSHOUSE AND FARM.
A book shall be kept by the Superintendent, in which shall be recorded the date and character of all business transactions relating to, or in behalf of, the Institution.
A full record of the products of the Farm shall be kept in detail, and of all purchases and sales, whether made by the Superintendent or others.
Worcester, December 7, 1866. Adopted by unanimous vote of the Board.
GEORGE W. GALE, Clerk.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
TO BE OBSERVED AT THE
ALMSHOUSE AND FARM,
IN THE CITY OF WORCESTER.
1st. The whole establishment shall be under the general supervision of the Board of Overseers of the Poor.
2d. The immediate direction of the Institution shall be under the supervision of a Superintendent and Matron.
3d. It shall be the duty of the Superintendent and Matron to see that the inmates labor in such a way, and at such times, as they may direct, and that no one shall be permitted to lead an idle life.
4th. The Superintendent shall see that the industrious and deserving are rewarded, and the idle and dissolute are punished.
5th. It shall be the duty of the Superintendent to make a monthly report to the Board of Overseers at their monthly meetings, of any information he may be pos- sessed of felating to the interests of the Institution.
6th. No person shall be allowed to visit the Institution on the Sabbath, without a permit from some member of the Board of Overseers, or the Superintendent.
7th. No person shall be allowed to converse or have intercourse with any prisoner sent to the Institution by the Police, or any other Court, without permission of the Superintendent, or some member of the Board of Overseers.
8th. It shall be the duty of the Superintendent to see that all sentences imposed upon persons sent by any Court, are strictly enforced.
9th. The Superintendent and Matron shall in no instance whatever, leave the Institution at the same time, without permission from some member of the Commit-
120
CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 32.
tee on the Farm, and not then until some suitable person shall be obtained by them to take charge of the Institution during their absence.
10th. The Superintendent is expressly directed to prohibit all persons from bringing or drinking Ardent Spirits upon the premises, without direction of the attending physician.
11th. 1t shall be the duty of the Superintendent and Matron to see that all the inmates of the Institution bathe as often as once a week, unless otherwise directed by the attending physician.
12th. No Pauper shall leave the Almshouse without permission from the Super- intendent.
13th. The Superintendent is hereby directed to report to the Board of Overseers, any inmate who shall refuse to comply with the foregoing regulations relating to their discipline and government.
WORCESTER, February 8, 1867. Adopted by unanimous vote of the Board.
GEORGE W. GALE, Clerk.
REGULATIONS
FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE
TRUANT SCHOOL OF THE CITY OF WORCESTER.
SECTION I.
ARTICLE 1. The School shall be under the general direction of the Committee on the Truant School, which shall be appointed by the Mayor, from the Board of Over- seers of the Poor.
SECTION II.
ARTICLE 1. The Superintendent of the Almshouse shall keep a separate book of accounts for the Truant School, in which he shall credit all appropriations for its support, and all the labor of the boys at a price fixed by the Board of Overseers of the Poor, and he shall charge against the school all the expenses incurred for its support, including the cost of the clothing and the board of the boys, and the salary and board of the teacher.
ART. 2. It shall be the duty of the Superintendent to aid the teacher to secure prompt attendance in the School, ready obedience, good deportment and faithfulness to study.
SECTION III.
ARTICLE 1. It shall be the duty of the teacher of the Truant School to keep a register of attendance, in which shall be noted the date, cause and length of, and authority for, every case of tardiness or absence from the school. The teacher shall also keep a faithful record of the deportment of each scholar, with the reason for, nature and extent of every punishment inflicted, either personally or by the Super- intendent.
ART. 2. The teacher shall make a quarterly report of the above and other matters pertaining to the interests of the school, to the Board of Overseers of the Poor, at their meeting next succeeding the close of the quarter.
ART. 3. The teacher shall labor to inspire the pupils with self-respect, and to this end, shall insist on cleanliness of person; and shall strive to inculcate principles of morality and justice.
ART. 4. The teacher shall assemble them every Sunday forenoon, and spend au hour with them in the reading and study of the New Testament, but shall strictly abstain from all sectarian comment.
ART. 5. Vacations of two weeks each, in the Spring, Summer, Autumn and 9
122
CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 32.
Winter may be allowed, at a time fixed by the Committee. And the regular exercises of the school may be omitted on Saturdays.
ART. 6. It shall be the duty of the Teacher to assemble and meet the pupils at other times than the hours of school, and especially on Saturdays and Sundays, that she may acquaint herself with their character and needs, in order thereby the better to effect their reform.
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