USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1881 > Part 28
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29
The number of accidents admitted was 81.
REMAINING NOVEMBER 30TH, 1881.
Males,
9 Females,
3
Total, 12.
Medical,
4
Surgical,
8
Paying,
1
Free,
11
RESIDENCE.
Worcester,
223
Other towns in Massachusetts,
19
Other states,.
4
Total,
246
BIRTHPLACE.
Males.
Females.
Total.
Massachusetts,
43
16
59
Other New England States,
15
7
22
Other states,
6
8
14
Total Americans,
95
Ireland,
66
30
96
England,
6
7
13
British Provinces,
8
9
17
Other countries,
20
5
25
-
Total Foreigners,
151
CITY HOSPITAL.
OCCUPATION.
MALES.
FEMALES.
Laborers,
73
Domestics,
41
Minors,
23
Housekeepers,
30
Mechanics,
8
Minors,
4
Railroad employes,
6
Operatives,
4
Shoemakers,
7
Nurse,
1
Carpenters,
4
Dressmaker,
1
Weavers,
3
Seamstress,
1
Hostlers,
3
-
Stonecutters,
3
82
Bakers,
1
3
Moulders,
5
Pedlers,
3
Painters,
2
Blacksmiths,
2
Clerks,
2
Operatives,
2
Teamster,
1
Woodworker,
1
Stonemason,
1
Jeweler,
1
Barber,
1
Saloon Keeper,
1
Book Agent.
1
Gas Fitter,
1
Sausage Manufacturer,
1
Physician,
1
Brewer,
1
Rag Picker,
1
Bar Tender,
1
Butcher,
1
Farmer,
1
164
CIVIL CONDITION.
MALES.
FEMALES.
Single,
106
Single,
36
Married,
48
Married,
32
Widowers,
10
Widows,
14
164
82
ADMISSION REFUSED.
Venereal Disease,
3 Epilepsy,
1
Asthma,
2 Dyspepsia,
1
Disease of Ankle Joint,
1 Phthisis,
2
Erysipelas,
2 Alcoholism,
2
Pregnancy,
2
Ulcer of Cornea,
2
Scrotal Hernia,
1
Chronic Rheumatism,
2
Curvature of Spine,
1 Old Age,
1
Hemiplegia,
1 Ulcer of Leg,
2
Thecal Abscess,
1 Debility,
4
Cirrhosis of Liver,
1
-
32
29
431
-
The following Tables give a summary of cases treated and results from December 1, 1880, to December 1, 1881.
MEDICAL.
DISEASES.
In Hosp. Dec. 1, 1880.
ADMITTED.
DISCHARGED.
Males.
Females.
Total.
Well.
| Much relieved.
Relieved.
Not relieved.
| Not treated.
Died.
Total.
In Hosp. Dec. 1, 1881.
GENERAL DISEASES :
Typhoid Fever
2
15
2
17
13
3
16
1
Febricula .
1
2
2
4
1
2
1
4
Intermittent Fever
6
.
6
4
1
1
6
Phthisis
1
4
2
6
1
3
1
1
6
. .
Rheumatism, acute
4
4
8
2
2
4
.
.
12
14
6
1
4
1
12
Phlebitis ..
1
Opium Poisoning
1
·
.
.
.
1
1
Anaemia
1
1
1
1
1
·
1
1
NERVOUS SYSTEM :
Neuralgia.
1
1
1
1
·
·
.
Sciatica
Alcoholism
6
6
3
1
2
6
Opium Eating.
1
2
3
1
1
1
3
·
Sunstroke
2
2
1
1
·
1
1
Cephalalgia .
1
.
1
1
·
FAUCES & THORACIC VISCERA :
Pharyngitis.
2
.
·
2
2
.
.
.
.
.
.
Bronchitis .
5
3
8
5
1
1
.
.
1
8
.
.
Rheumatism, chronic .
1
1
. ·
·
1
1
Cerebro-Spinal Mengitis.
1
.
.
.
·
.
Inanition .
1
Unknown.
1
.
.
1
1
.
1
1
1
.
.
.
Epilepsy .
1
1
1
1 1
1
Kleptomania
1
1
·
1
1
Debility
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Insanity
2
. ·
.
1
1
1
--
-
2
8
CITY HOSPITAL.
MEDICAL .- Continued.
DISEASES.
In Hosp. Dec. 1, 1881.
ADMITTED.
DISCHARGED.
Males.
Females.
Total.
Well.
Much relieved
| Relieved.
| Not relieved.
| Not treated.
Died.
Total.
In Hosp. Dec. 1, 1881.
Pleuritis.
2
2
1
1
·
·
.
2
Hæmoptysis .
1
1
.
1
.
Pneumonia.
2
3
1
4
1
1
1
3
1
Tonsillitis
2
.
1
1
.
.
·
.
.
ABDOMINAL VISCERA :
Dyspepsia .
1
1
1
4
1
1
1
4
Ascites
Constipation .
1
1
1
Pelvic Peritonitis.
Cirrhosis of Liver.
1
1
.
.
1
Diarrhea
4
1
5
3
1
1
5
Gastritis
1
1
1
1
.
DISEASES OF WOMEN :
Endometritis .
Laceration Cervix Uteri.
1
1
2
2
2
Hysteria .
2
2
1
1
1
2
Infanticide. .
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Premature Confinement ..
1
1
1
2
2
Caruncula Urethralis .
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
Vesico-Vaginal Fistula . Pelvic Cellulitis
1
1
1
·
SKIN DISEASES :
Herpes
1
·
·
Eczema
1
1
1
1
Ivy Poisoning.
1
1
1
·
.
1
Total Medical
9
77
64
141
54
22 33
5| 7
16
137
4
.
1
1
1
1
1
Nephritis
1
1
1
11
.
.
.
1
Bright's Disease
4
1
1
1
1
1
1
.
1
1
1
.
1
1
Ovarian Dropsy
Metritis
2
2
1
Puerperal Septicæmia
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
Cancer of Uterus .
3
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
·
.
1
1
.
1
1
1
Hypertrophy of Heart .
1
.
2
2
2
.
Valvular disease of heart
1
1
1
Enteritis.
1
1
.
1
Vaginismus.
1
Retroflexion of Uterus Ovaritis
1
.
1
.
2
2
1
1
1
-
.
433
434
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 36.
SURGICAL.
DISEASES.
In Hosp. Dec. 1, 1880.
ADMITTED.
DISCHARGED.
| Much relieved
Relieved.
Not relieved.
| Not treated.
Died.
Total.
In Hosp. Dec. 1, 1881.
Ulcer of Cornea.
1
1
1
·
1
1
Prolapsus Ani
1
·
1
1
1
Naevus .
1
1
1
·
1
1
Cancer of Breast
2
2
1
1
·2
·
Lupus
Orchitis
2
2
1
1
2
.
Fistulo in Ano .
1
1
1 6
3
3
6
Synovitis
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
.
Palmar Abscess
1
1
·
.
1
1
1
Abscess of Ankle
1
1
1
1
1
·
Malposition of Testicle
1
1
1
1
1
·
11
2
· .
Necrosis of Finger
1
2
2
1
1
1
. .
INJURIES :
Injury to Head. .
4
1
5
3
1
1
5
.
·
Con. of Spine, multiple inj's ..
1
·
.
·
.
1
1
1
1
1
1
8
Pistol-shot Wound
2
2
2
1
1
·
Injury to Perineum
1
.
1
1
1
.
.
Injury to Wrist
1
.
1
1
1
.
Crushed Foot .
3
3
1
1
2
1
Gunshot wound of Neck .
1
1
1
.
.
Comp. frac. and dislocation of Elbow Joint
1
1
1
.
·
1
·
Railroad Accidents
2
2
1
.
.
1
2
·
Crushed Fingers .
4
4
2
2
.
4
·
Injury to Hip and Knee.
1
1
.
1
1
.
1
Tumor of Nose
1
1
1
.
1
1
Abscess of Face.
1
1
1
Ulcer of Leg .
4
2
Tumor of Mammary Gland.
Necrosis of Bones of Foot. .
1
1
I
1
.
Disease of Tarsal Bones.
1
·
1
·
Bunion
· .
Ulcerated Stump
1
.
.
Polypus of Nose .
2
.
2
.
.
Cancer of Stomach .
1
1
·
1
.
3
1
1
3
.
.
Injury to Hand
3
.
1
1
1
. .
Injury to Back
1
.
.
Bruises .
6
2
8
5
1
I
1
.
Concussion of Brain
1
1
.
Frozen Feet .
2
2
2
2
.
.
1
1
Ulcer of Foot
Males.
Females.
Total.
Well.
Ophthalmia .
1
.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
Scalp Wound.
.
.
1
·
.
1
1
. ·
435
CITY HOSPITAL.
SURGICAL .- Continued.
DISEASES.
In Hosp. Dec. 1, 1880,
Males.
Females.
Total.
Well.
| Much relieved
Relieved.
| Not relieved.
| Not treated.
Died.
Total.
In Hosp. Dec. 1, 1881.
Fracture of a Tarsal Bone. . Lacerated Perineum. .
1
. .
1
1
·
·
.
1
1
·
Comp. Fracture of Patella .. Fracture of Tibia and Fibula. Sprains .
1
1
5
6
4
1
1
6
Comp. Fracture of Skull
1
1
1
1
1
1
·
1
1
1
.
1
1
Fracture of Ribs .
2
1
3
1
1
2
1
Fracture of Femur
1
2
2
1
1
2
.
·
.
Burn .
3
1
4
2
.
2
2
Fracture of Fibula
2
2
2
Fracture of Tibia .
3
3
3
.
2
3
2
Crushed Arm
1
1
1
1
2
.
Comp. & Com. Frac. of Skull.
2
2
1
1
1
1
.
Crushed Hand and Arm
1
1
1
1
.
Fracture of Humerus .
1
1
1
1
1
.
Dislocation of Clavicle
1
1
1
1
.
Fracture of Clavicle .
1
.
·
Injury to Face .
1
1
1
1
Multiple Injuries
1
1
1
9
96
27
123
56
23
22
0
8
6
115
8
9
77
64
141
54
22 33
5
7
16
137
4
18
173
91
264
110
45 55
5 15
22
252
. 12
.
1
1
1
1
2
·
1
1
·
1
.
Stab in Neck
·
Disloca'n of Ulna and Radius. Dislocation of Shoulder and fracture of Lower Jaw.
Injury to foot .
1
1
Frac. of Ulma and Bruises.
1
1
1
1
Comp. frac. of Tibia & Fibula Impacted fracture of Femur .
2
2
2
1
1
2
·
Injury to Knee
4
1
5
1
.
1
.
Injury to Eye
2
2
1
2
.
Curvature of Spine .
1
1
·
.
.
1
1
1
·
.
Respectfully submitted.
J. BARTLETT RICH,
Supt. and Resident Physician.
WORCESTER, Dec. 1, 1881.
·
1
1
·
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
.
1
·
·
1
1
2
3
.
Total Surgical
ADMITTED.
DISCHARGED.
1
REPORT
OF THE
COMMISSIONER OF HIGHWAYS.
To His Honor the Mayor and Gentlemen of the City Council :
In compliance with the requirements of the City Ordinances, I hereby submit my second annual report of the highway depart- ment, for the financial year ending November 30th, 1881, with a statement in detail of the expenditures and earnings, also a schedule of the property belonging to the Department, and other information, so as to give a plain statement of the money ex- pended.
BLOCK PAVING.
Appropriation,
Expended,
$12,000 00 8,595 49
Balance unexpended, $3,404 51
The order for paving Union street from the northerly termi- nus of the paving as now laid to Central street has been executed, and the cost of the material and labor is as follows. Also the order for paving a portion of Washington Square, and the cost of the same.
UNION STREET. 1
Union street,
$5,331 03
WASHINGTON SQUARE.
Washington square,
3,039 11
FRONT STREET.
Carting paving blocks,
225 35
Total for block paving,
$8,595 49
438
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 36. CURB STONE, GUTTER AND CROSSWALKS.
The following amount of work has been done at the expense of the City :
Amount of new curb set, 8,800.2 lineal feet " curb reset, 1,123.2
Total number of feet set, 9,923.4
Amount of new gutter paving, 4,017.9 square yards.
66 " gutter paving relaid,
789.5
" new crosswalk paving,
667.9 66
66
" crosswalk paving relaid,
134.1
66
" new brick paving,
67.7 66
..
" brick paving relaid,
110.1
66
Total amount of paving laid, 5,780.2
Amount of flagstone, new,
948.6 lineal feet.
66
relaid,
86.1
66
Total amount of flagstone laid, 1,034.7
Number of street corners, new,
14
66
reset,
12
Total number of corners set, 26
The location and cost of the above work are as follows :
ALLEN STREET.
North side from Main to Mt. Pleasant street,
$447 44
AUSTIN STREET.
South side from Queen street westerly,
821 22
COLUMBIA STREET.
South side, from Water street to Blake street, and on the north side,
from Blake street to Arlington street,
1,369 59
CATHARINE STREET.
North side, from Westminster westerly,
68 57
CHATHAM STREET.
South side, from Main street westerly,
110 52
EXCHANGE STREET.
North side, from Union street to the Worcester & Nashua Railroad, and on the south side from the railroad to Summer street, 532 85
-
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF HIGHWAYS.
439
FOSTER STREET.
North side, from Main street to Waldo street,
$190 27
HARRISON STREET.
North side, from Water street to Providence street, 1,284 01
JACKSON STREET.
North side, from Main street to the Norwich & Worcester Railroad, 1,142 38
LANCASTER STREET.
West side, from Highland to Dix street,
755 80
MOUNT PLEASANT STREET.
East side, from Allen street to Benefit street,
345 54
PROVIDENCE STREET.
East side, from Harrison street to Waverly street,
875 87
SPRUCE STREET.
Both sides, from Green to Washington street,
1,245 10
TEMPLE STREET-SOUTH SIDE.
768 67
WILLIAM STREET-NORTH SIDE.
From West street to Fruit street,
405 15
WESTMINSTER STREET-WEST SIDE.
From Catharine street to Harrington avenue,
295 93
CROSSWALKS.
Main street at Oread street,
$34 83
Main street at Allen street,
40 23
Green street at Spruce street,
17 08
Waldo street,
23 31
Elm street,
98 86
Summer street,
216 78
Lincoln square,
192 06
King street,
92 51
Mulberry street,
125 28
Pleasant street at West street,
57 07
Pleasant street at South Russell street,
99 86
Lagrange street,
20 73
Main street at Freeland street,
95 37
From Green street to Millbrook sewer,
440
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 36.
Main street at Kilby street,
Labor, relaying gutters and resetting curbstone on sun- dry streets,
$122 64
Labor patching sundry walks,
113 94
Repairing gravel walks,
332 95
$569 53
Engineering,
79 96
Total expense,
$12,515 18
Appropriation for curbstone, gutter and crosswalks,
10,000 00
Excess of expenditure,
$2,515 18
MAINTENANCE.
The expenses for repairing streets, bridges, street cleaning, breaking roads and McAdamizing are as follows :
Repairs on bridges,
$151 15
Street cleaning,
5,243 17
Snow and ice,
4,386 10
$9,780 42
Total for common repairs,
Apricot
street,
$33 30
Grove
street,
$254 55
Bailey
51 15
Garden
66
38 02
Brooks
74 75
Grafton
64 80
Burncoat
66
29 50
Grand
30 50
Belmont
135 60
Harvard
1 65
Bloss m
66
22 41
Harrington
court,
9 40
Bloomingdale
66
77 50
Holden
street,
4 50
Beaver
66
151 74
Hanover
66
19 60
Cambridge
200 30
Henchman
66
55 75
Canterbury
66
28 50
Kingsbury
15 00
Chandler
32 60
Kendall
346 72
Central
48 45
Leicester
66
137 90
College
44 96
Larch
66
11 22
Claremont
66
1 90
Lincoln
square,
20 50
East Worcester
66
31 00
Lafayette
27 80
Elizabeth
6 47
Main
450 27
Fowler
66
73
Millbury
66
743 30
Forest
33 30
May
66
126 35
Front
66
40 70
Mountain
66
32 50
Franklin
28 50
Mower
60
45 €
Fruit
10 50
Market
60
8 55
Greenwood
66
85 50
Manchester
101 20
Green
lane,
6 00 Mechanic
60
7 40
1 20
Lee
street,
20 00
East Central
48 30
Lincoln
324 55
Channing
57 60
June
34 20
Catharine
$18,299 04
$92 81
441
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF HIGHWAYS.
Mulberry
street,
$22 70
Salisbury
street,
$191 20
Mooreland
66
12 10
Southbridge
193 55
Madison
66
44 00
Shrewsbury
613 86
Milton
66
13 35
School
66
38 80
Newton
66
: 61
Spring
66
46 50
Prescott
66
189 98
Snyder
66
35 80
Providence
66
179 52
Sundry streets,
Temple
street,
91 10
Paxton
34 50
Thomas
21 65
Park
avenue,
14 25
Taylor
30 10
Pleasant
street,
153 08
Union
106 75
Piedmont
66
36 30
Vernon
36 75
Pattison
12 30
West Boylston
412 00
Plymouth
66
18 35
Washington
square,
42 13
Quinsigamond avenue,
365 70
Wellington
street,
9 80
Sever
street,
20 10
Winter
90 23
Summer
187 55
William
3 20
Shelby
66
9 50
Webster
66
49 64
Salem
7 75
Woodland
48 30
$8,518 62
MCADAM.
Following is a list of streets of which the whole or a portion have been McAdamized the present year, and the cost of the same.
Austin
street,
$587 62
Prescott
street,
. $104 22
Elm
66
519 20
Park
313 70
Green
1,325 02
Pearl
69 95
Grove
1,230 87
Foster
352 55
Lincoln
66
230 88
Southbridge
66
858 73
Main
66
531 13
Salisbury
66
924 12
Mechanic
466 21
Trumbull
66
188 49
Pleasant
66
278 70
Waldo
66
189 90
Total for McAdamizing,
$8,17] 29
Total for maintenance,
$26,470 33
EXPENDITURES.
Salary of Commissioner,
$1,600 00
Labor as per pay roll,
31,902 06
·66 66 hired teams,
3,195 20
66
66
breaking roads,
91 97
66 sundry persons,
198 70
Lumber,
457 36
Hay and grain,
2,939 38
9,415 4-10 lineal feet curbstone,
3,758 06
1,206 lineal feet flagstone,
723 60
318,289 bricks, including freights,
3,895 45
503 tons cobbles,
486 10
8,115 tons crushing stone,
3,506 37
750 71
Plantation
56 40
442
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 36.
Paving,
$3,309 01
3,550 9-10 yards paving blocks,
5,681 44
Tools and repairs,
1,362 36
Shoeing,
364 89
Stone and gravel,
530 92
Live stock,
1,332 00
Rolling stock,
933 54
Stone crusher and building,
1,774 59
Engineering,
500 05
Advertising, writing, printing and stationery,
396 08
Coal,
230 25
Oil, soap, grease, &c.,
42 76
Fuel and lights at stables,
60 01
Horse medicines, &c., at stables,
20 50
Insurance on stables,
20 00
Cement,
2 40
Maintaining water troughs,
28 00
Traveling expenses, telegraphing and hacking,
85 44
Damages allowed for injury to persons and property,
4,485 51
Total expenditures,
$73,914 00
RECEIPTS AND EARNINGS.
APPROPRIATIONS.
Highways,
$30,000 00
Curbstone, gutter and crosswalks,
10,000 00
Block paving, .
12,000 00
Transfers,
5,237 50
$57,237 50
EARNINGS.
There have been laid 105 brick sidewalks and drives, for private parties, amounting to, $6,953 20
For labor and material furnished City Hall,
$21 90
School Department,
90 60
Sewer Department,
4 00
Worcester Water Works,
204 42
Sundry persons,
3,317 05
$3,637 97
443
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF HIGHWAYS.
STREET CONSTRUCTION.
Water and Vernon streets,
$360 00
Lake street,
739 18
Mill street,
1,997 87
Claremont street,
291 18
Grosvenor street,
174 97
Hospital street,
219 58
Park avenue,
1,981 10
$5,763 88
Total receipts and earnings,
$73,592 55
REVENUE.
Collections, 1881.
Sidewalk assessment,
$7,118 89
Street construction,
5,763 88
Labor and material,
4,022 33
$16,905 10
Uncollected bills, December 1st, 1881.
Sidewalk assessments, Sundry bills,
$1,875 39
219 30
$2,094 69
PERSONAL PROPERTY.
Live stock,
$4,025 00
Rolling stock,
4,275 00
Lumber,
235 00
Stone, brick, &c.,
412 00
Total of personal property, $8,947 00
The past season has been favorable for out-door work, and no serious loss by accident or otherways has happened to this de- partment. The growth of the city the past year has been greater than in any year of its history, and consequently the wear to the streets has been correspondingly greater. That our city is growing rapidly is shown by the number of dwelling houses, stores and shops erected, numbering, as estimated by good judges, at between four and five hundred within the past year. This together with the great revival in business, causes an im- mense amount of travel upon our streets, and when the weather
414
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 36.
is wet or when freezing or thawing take place, are in an almost impassable condition. To remedy this condition of the streets and put them in durable and thorough repair, has been the aim and study of this Department.
Investigations have been made to see what other cities and towns are doing in way of improvements, and we find that Mc- Adamizing is the order of the day. The cities of Hartford and New Haven are doing this on a large scale. Hartford in par- ticular devotes almost her entire appropriation in this way, and has not got a single mile of paving. With 150 miles of streets, one-half is already McAdamized. They have four stone crushers, two of which are in operation the year around, the others are used when necessary or when a break down occurs. New Haven also has four stone crushers. The material used is what is called trap-rock, and is of volcanic origin. They have to draw this rock from two to four miles. It may be a more durable stone than we have with us, but we have the same kind of stone that are used in many other places, and can obtain all that are needed for fifty cents per ton delivered at the crusher.
In my annual report of last year, I recommended the adoption of this plan, and the committee of the Department readily thought favorable of giving it a trial. A stone crusher was pur- chased, also an engine and boiler, a building was erected and an elevation made so as to make it convenient to place a cart under to catch the material without falling to the ground. This all told cost the Department some fifteen hundred dollars.
Some two-and-one-half miles of streets have been McAdamized, and as a general thing has given satisfaction. The cost of this two-and-one-half miles has been not far from $8,000, or a little over $3,000 per mile, put on to a depth of eight inches and at a width of twenty-four feet. To pave the streets with block pav- ing costs not less than $2.00 per square yard, or about $28,000 per mile, twenty-four feet in width. This shows about the rela- tive cost of the different roads. It is the common custom on heavy travelled streets to McAdamize at least sixteen or eighteen inches in depth, and have the lower portion filled with coarse stones or stones of less value which need not pass through the crusher. This gives a permanent foundation, and in the long run
445
REPORT OF'COMMISSIONER OF HIGHWAYS.
better satisfaction. But I would not recommend it done on streets of light travel. On our hilly streets I would have them McAdamized for the following reasons :
1st. It is the cheapest in the long run.
2d. It makes a smooth, even surface to travel over.
3d. It makes but little noise and is much better for horses feet.
4th. A horse can draw a load with greater ease, and much more of it.
5th. Much less material will be carried into the catch basins, and consequently lessen the cost of cleaning them out.
6th. Much time is saved in passing from one point to another.
7th. It is a pleasure to ride over a good smooth road.
For these reasons and many others which might be given, I would recommend a liberal appropriation for McAdamizing. I would not have the community suppose that these roads will take care of themselves,-like any other road they will want vigilant and constant care. A stitch in time will always repay with good interest. I would recommend for this work $30,000, so that at least ten miles of our streets may be put in suitable condition for. travel.
BLOCK PAVING.
There are certain streets which I would recommend to have paved, and I will name them in the order in which I think the public demand them. Front street, Washington square, Grafton street to the east side of the Bloomingdale road, and should be paved to the foot of Providence street, the remainder of Union street, and Lincoln square. But I think the latter could be McAdamized so as to give very good satisfaction. Something should be done to Manchester street, but I hardly know what to recommend. It should be a wider and better street than it is now. There are many other streets which time will develop, that will need paving, but I have mentioned enough for the year to come. $25,000 at least, or even $30,000, would be well spent in this work.
446
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 36.
COMMON REPAIRS.
With one hundred and fifty miles of public and some sixty miles of private streets, it will require a much larger appropria- tion than has been given in the past, and a fact of which perhaps the public are not generally aware is, that the city is responsible for accidents which may happen in the private as well as in the public streets, if caused by defects in the streets.
The main roads from the city to the neighboring towns should be put in far better condition than at present, and a large out- lay should be made in this direction. The common roads should also be repaired much more than is possible with past appropria- tions. I do not want to be thought extravagant in my recom- mendations, but I do want to see better roads, and I believe it is true economy for the public to have them; not only does it facilitate general business, but it gives us an air of thrift and enterprise, which we certainly cannot have in the present condi- tion of things. I would recommend in round numbers the sum of $35,000 for common repairs and cleaning streets.
CURBSTONE AND GUTTERS.
With the rapid growth of the city, constant calls are made for better sidewalks, and it would seem to me, that where the individ- uals are willing to pay for walks, the city should be willing to put in the curbstone and gutter, so that the walking public may be well accommodated. Besides this, it will save a large amount in common repairs, especially on hilly streets, by way of wash- ing out gutters in heavy rains, and filling catch-basins for the sewer department to clean out at heavy cost. I would there- fore recommend the sum of $20,000 for this work.
STREET CONSTRUCTION.
There are many streets which call for more width and a nearer level grade, in order to better facilitate the business public. There are also some streets which have never been worked to their full width, and in consequence the abutters have taken possession of a portion of the public highway. Stone bounds
447
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF HIGHWAYS.
should be set on all our public streets, so that cases of this kind could not occur. Summer, Beaver, Manchester and Union streets are among those that call for more width and a better grade. That there is need for these changes there is no doubt, but they cannot be made without heavy outlay.
In regard to the widening of Park avenue, I have some doubts whether public necessity or convenience require it, especially when heavy expenditures are to be incurred, as in the vicinity of New Worcester. It would seem to me more desirable to have the money that it would cost, laid out in beautifying and im- proving the streets in general.
I cannot close this report without calling to the notice of the City Government, the very dangerous condition to public travel, caused by the railroad bridges over Southbridge street. One man in the prime of life (that had a family of wife and four children), was killed this season, and accidents of a serious nature often occur. Some action to remedy this condition of things should be immediately taken.
Respectfully submitted. JOS. S. PERRY,
Commissioner of Highways.
30
REPORT
OF THE
BOARD OF HEALTH.
To His Honor the Mayor and Gentlemen of the City Council :
The year just closed, has been one of health and prosperity to the city. And your Board again record with satisfaction, that since our last annual report, no epidemic or infectious disease has visited us, although they have been prevalent in many cities and towns in New England. Malaria, which has now returned to the New England States after an absence of nearly a century, has scarcely touched our borders. The appearance of two or three isolated cases, is the only evidence that we have had it at all. And these were confined to one small district, on the bor- ders of the South Worcester or Carpet Mill Pond. This district, made up of poor houses, with an imperfect water supply, and with very defective drainage, has on the one side a pond filled with decaying vegetable matter, and on the other a large burial ground, conditions admirably fitted both by nature and art, to render it a focus in which this most pernicious source of disease could make its first start. If fever and ague has really been developed there, and time will soon show the fact, the united efforts of the city authorities, and of this Board, must at once be put in force, to render it more healthy and salubrious. In these times, when sanitary science is engaging the attention of all governments, and Boards of Health in our cities, nothing could be more discreditable to us, than to allow a malarial focus to become established in our midst, if by any possible means we could render it pure and safe.
450
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 36.
The disposal of dust, ashes, sweepings and the contents of the catch basins, is now partly under the direction of the High- way Commissioner, and partly under the care of nobody. The drivers of the job wagons take the liberty to dump it where it is most convenient for them. The material is in part good for filling, and in part it is filthy and full of unwholesome matter. If the whole disposal of these accumulations was placed under the direction of this Board, a large part could be usefully used in filling up unhealthy places, or ponds of stagnant water, and the rest, not fit for such purposes, could be disposed of in some other way, and not be allowed to become a nuisance to any neighborhood.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.