USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1884 > Part 10
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 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33
8
85
45
9
13
Union, Rotary .
47
54
37
21
70
16
4
1
1
251
Crown
2
Gem
.
1
1
2
4
55
139
83
30
85
17
6
1
1
417
.
.
160
1
1
.
964
Crown
5
TABLE D.
LENGTH AND SIZE OF PIPE LAID AND NUMBER OF GATES AND HYDRANTS PUT IN TO NOVEMBER 30, 1884.
12
2 inch.
3 inch.
4 inch.
5 in.
6 inch.
8 inch.
10 inch.
12 inch.
16 in.
18 in 20 in. 24 in. 30 in.
Miles.
Gates. Hyd'ts
Prior to 1864
19,697
2,822
12,674
5,159
1864
4,197
3,744
63
7,166
13,309 1,980
1,056
5.968
12
152
1865
144
8,946
6,259
5,769
3,455
886
2,255
5.248
49
65
1866
982
10,211
1,624
11,266
2,915
273
5.165
42
36
1867
2,564
8,964
2,197
8,402
1,474
1,374
5.39
57
56
1868
2,194.8
3,487 1,540.5
14,585.57
3,206
1,850.5
1,004.16
2,725
8.796
109
45
1870
1,469
365.5
14,745
9,335
3,791.5
5.626
64
29
1871
340
345
19,110
10,052
5,690
627
6.849
80
39
1872
421
226
4,420.25
7,307
2,032
2,656
8,916
13,801
7.534
42
9
1873
5,736.75
9,714
5,691
2,845
11,554
6.731
46
35
1874
3,058.91
6,170
5,948
3,724
8,330
5.157
37
26
1875
562
2,257.25
1,150
3,534
1.421
49
28
1876
1,122.25
140.75
4,819
700
1.284
23
19
1877
349.5
919
1,086.5
3,016
1,029
56
1.222
21
18
1878
211
326
666
2,222
3,197
1.254
11
9
1879
311.25
1,173.25
3,337.25
597
1.026
9
11
1880
972.75
3,997.5
1,812
5,898
1,045.75
2.6
15
22
1881
334
3,927
5,161.5
99
1,711
2.13
28
25
1882
3,603
2,617
13,236
1,722
2,813
2,262
4.82
22
43
1883
150
1,110
11,957
1,982
527
4,346 10,714 7,060
7.17
29
28
1884
161
1,913
8,052
16,255
3,022
1,556
5.863
62
59
Total, 14,411.65 8,276.25 149, 158.76 2,822 122,029.78 96,073.47 14,837.16 41,626.75 55,478 1,980 21,088
Pipe taken up
409
281
15,146
1,335
14,411
2,893
2,058
2,541
1,886
Total in feet, Miles,
2.652
1.51
25.381
.282| 20.382
17.647
2.42
7.402
.375
11,414 7,060 2.16| 1.34
95.694
849
761
REPORT OF WATER COMMISSIONER.
11,414 7,060
103.323 7.757
889
789
40
28
14,002.65 7,995.25 134,012.76 1,487 107,618.78 93,180.47 12,779.16 39,085.75
167
47
35
1869
5,129.6
2,312.25 20,428.53
10,642.53
4,102.97
4.427
7.642
35
53,592|1,980 21,088 10.15 3.993
168
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 39.
REPAIRS.
The cost of repairs of leaks has been very heavy for material used, for damages, the repair of streets, &c. This excess over previous years is very largely accounted for by the increased pressure on street mains. This makes the breaks greater, and by reason of this and the increased pressure itself, deliver a greater quantity of water, washing streets rapidly and more liable to injure private property. A table of the number and cost of leaks for the past and for the last four years follows :
EXPENSE AND AVERAGE COST OF REPAIRING LEAKS IN 1884.
HIGH SERVICE.
LOW SERVICE.
TOTAL.
No.
Cost.
Avge. No.
Cost.
Avge.
No.
Cost.
Avge.
Cement
27
462.30
27.12
78
2,251.73
28.87 219.00
105
2,714.03
25.85
Damages, Cement
20
480.17
24.01
4
22.99
5.75
24
503.16
20.96
Hydrants
3
56.11
18.70
3
26.27
8.76
6
82.38
13.73
Gates
1
13.75
13.75
1
4.16
4.16
2
17.91
8.95
Service
15
71.18
4.74
15
71.18
4.74
51
1,012.33
19.85
101
4,347.33
43.04
152
5,359.66
35.26
-
EXPENSE AND AVERAGE COST OF REPAIRING LEAKS FROM NOVEMBER 30, 1881, TO DECEMBER 1, 1884.
1881.
1882.
1883.
1884.
No.
Cost.
A'ge.
No.
Cost.
A'ge.
No.
Cost.
A'ge.
No.
Cost.
A'ge.
Cement
96
2.455.85
25.58 13.42
57
1,168.53
20.50 12.71
97 1,761.35 25
18.16 15,36
32
603.45
18.86
Service
26
124.97
4.80
27
266.97 131.50
4.87 10.50
25
121,55
4.86
15
71.18
4.74
Damages
6
1,733.10
288.85
2
21.00
3
255.00
85,00
9 1,971.00
219.00
138
4,528.62
32.82
105 1,588.00
15.12
147 2,521.90
17.16
152 5,359.66
35.26
.
9
1,971.00
9
1,971.00
219.00
Iron .
Iron
16
214.70
21
384.00
105 2,714.03
25.85
Of the leaks during the past year, I think we have had none where the pressure is less than 60 pounds. They have occurred on 76 different streets. The pressure on the low service has been kept to the maximum most of the time, both day and night, not dropping off more than two or three pounds during the
169
REPORT OF WATER COMMISSIONER.
heaviest draft, and has been ten to fifteen, and in some local- ities twenty or twenty-five pounds, higher than formerly. A great deal of the cement pipe has been laid 15 to 20 years, and considering the price of cast iron at the time it was laid, has no doubt paid for itself, and has proved the principal factor in the ability of the city to furnish its citizens with water at a less price than almost any city or town in the country, and has contributed very largely to the growth and prosperity of the city. Many localities have outgrown the original pipes. Great improvements have been made in the making of cast iron pipe in the mean- time, and it is now furnished at a reasonable price and of good quality. The expense of maintenance must be large for some time to come, as the cost of replacing cement pipe is charged to that account, and, in fact, so long as the present and past rapid growth of the city and works continue.
The pipes crossing Mill Brook sewer at Winter, Temple and Franklin streets were laid below the bed of the stream. When the sewer was lowered the pipes were cut off, and after comple- tion were carried through the open arches, openings being cut for the purpose. They were boxed and well protected from freezing.
RAINFALL AT LYNDE BROOK RESERVOIR FOR TEN YEARS ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 1884.
1875
1876
1877
1878
1879
1880
1881
1882
1883
1884 Totals
December
1.66
1.09
2.64
1.26
5.82
3.95
2.32
4.46
1.94
1.76
26.90
January
2.85
2.25
1.79
4.91
1.34
2.99
3.61
3.12
2.24
4.89
29.99
February.
3.62
4.25
.37
3.35
3.00
2.76
4.71
2.87
3.61
5.06
33.60
March
3.10
7.82
7.03
3.89
3.22
2.41
5.46
2.87
1.46
4.91
42.17
April
2.36
2.91
1.99
6.11
3.67
2.75
1.67
1.47
1.60
3.55
28.08
May .
2.44
2.94
1.90
1.36
1.64
1.86
4.43
5.09
4.85
2.94
29.45
June.
3.77
1.55
2.14
4.30
3.06
2.62
4.58
2.35
2.90
2.91
30.18
July
4.92
6.97
3.84
2.77
3.88
8.80
2.88
1.25
2.99
3.73
42.03
August
8.04
1.52
4.04
3.88
5.29
4.07
2.04
.94
1.12
3.59
34.53
September
3.78
3.91
.48
1.20
1.72
2.07
2.50
9.24
1.57
.84
27.31
October
5.78
1.81
8.42
4.16
95
3.85
3.20
2.18
4.97
2.15
37.47
November
4.79
3.88
7.07
6.05
2.37
1.77
3.77
.85
1.51
2.11
34.17
Totals
47.11 40.90
41.71 43.24 35.96 39.90 41.17 36.69 30.76 38.44
395.88
170
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 39.
The rainfall for the year as taken at the Lynde Brook Reservoir has been 38.44 inches, or 1.14 inches less than the average for ten years, and makes the third consecutive dry year.
The street plans showing mains, gates and hydrants have been nearly completed to the present year's work. These will be completed to date early the present winter. It will then be very little work to each year make the necessary additions and cor- rections.
The pumping station at New Worcester has been discontinued, the boilers sold and the pumps are in the hands of the makers for sale. The pipes and special castings taken up and all proper- ty belonging to the city removed from the premises. The build- ing was hardly worth removing and was left for the owner of the land, Mr. Coes. The premises have been cleared and graded to his satisfaction. As soon as it can be done the Holden and Leicester Reservoirs should be connected with the Commissioner's office by telephone. For the better control of the supply this should be done the coming year.
The department is very much in need of a barn, additional store-room and a better place for blacksmith shop and pipe lining room. The lot fronting on School street would be an excellent place for a building suitable for the use of the Department. During the past year, with its many and varied duties, the Com- missioner has found no idle time on his hands. The days being only too short for the work to be done.
The value of the stock and tools on hand is $38,924.14, a good stock of 4", 6", 8" and 12" pipe, and special castings is on hand.
Number of bills rendered City Treasurer for collection, 1826, amounting to $23,368.71 ; 283 bills, amounting to $3,807.89, re- main uncollected Nov. 30, 1884. Amount of abatements $291.29.
Financial statement for the year ending Nov. 30, 1884.
CONSTRUCTION.
Appropriation, Revenue,
$35,000 00
23,460 78
Total,
$58,460 78
171
REPORT OF WATER COMMISSIONER.
EXPENDED.
For Salaries and clerk hire,
$2,309 99
Labor,
14,689 32
" Meters and repairs of same,
11,567 36
" Gates, valves and hydrants,
3,863 68
Iron pipes,
16,619 14
66
Castings,
444 05
Horse hire,
72 50
Transportation,
79 14
Travelling expenses,
67 02
Lead and lead pipe,
1,361 92
Powder, exploders, &c.,
532 99
Iron, steel and tools,
161 82
Pipe, fittings, &c.,
2,863 37
Cement pipe, &c.,
59 65
Paints, oil, &c.,
11 12
Telephone, stationery, stamps, &c.,
35 03
Trucking, freight and express,
629 88
Lumber and carpenter work,
45 72
Rubber goods and cordage,
29 26
66 Fire clay,
13 05
Paving,
16 25
Coal,
15 37
Suction hose and repairs of pumps,
87 31
Damages,
4 00
Plumbing,
14 44
Amount,
$55,593 38
Balance unexpended, transferred to Sinking Fund. 2,867 40
LAKE VIEW.
Appropriation,
$17,500 00
EXPENDED.
For Labor,
$4,939 58
Pipe,
8,775 30
Castings,
659 17
Hydrants and Gates,
762 10
Lead,
466 66
Trucking,
209 80
Transportation,
74 06
Total, Balance unexpended,
$15,886 67
1,613 33
172
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 39.
NEW SUPPLY.
Balance unexpended Nov. 30, 1883,
$27,331 39
100,000 00
Appropriation, Revenue,
864 86
Total,
$128,196 25
EXPENDED.
For Labor,
$5,592 32
Teaming and Trucking,
2,021 20
Iron pipe,
4,901 99
Tools, &c.,
21 50
Transportation,
427 70
Clerical work,
33 75
Castings, &c.,
218 10
Gates and hydrants,
1,001 28
66 Engineering,
1,680 40
" Horse hire,
115 50
Paving,
240 28
Pipe and labor,
74 54
Blacksmithing,
44 46
Lumber and carpenter work,
453 02
66
Sand and cement,
230 45
Grass seed,
32 16
float gauge and screens,
$104 90
Insurance and taxes,
14 34
Paints, oils, &c.,
37 59
Examining titles, fees, &c.,
20 11
Use of pump,
30 00
Damages personal injury,
50 00
Land and land damages,
22,895 00
Total,
$40,240 59
Balance unexpended,
87,955 66
MAINTENANCE.
For Labor,
$15,917 71
Salaries,
1,400 48
66 Clerical labor,
741 00
Canvassing,
532 50
Care of reservoir,
99 99
66 Meters and repairs,
1,031 71
Engineering,
88 58
Hardware and tools and repairs of same,
228 79
Iron pipe and freight,
3,890 26
66 Castings,
1,070 15
173
REPORT OF WATER COMMISSIONER.
For Blacksmithing,
122 30
Lumber and carpenter work,
329 41
66 Rubber goods, 31 57
:6 Lantern globes, oil, &c.,
135 44
66 Coal and wood,
45 36
Gas,
27 17
66 Printing and advertising,
244 24 .
66 Trucking, express and telegrams,
643 28
Stationery, charts, stamps, &c.,
263 56
Rent of telephone,
74 00
Pipe, sand and cement,
226 64
Damages by breaks,
1,971 00
66
" pumping,
5,789 15
66
" blasting,
23 16
Harnesses, blankets and repairs,
78 10
66
Hay, grain and straw,
434 59
66
Taxes in Leicester,
84 68
66 Holden,
244 97
Horse hire,
228 75
Abatements,
237 27
Gates, hydrants and repairs of same,
626 04
66 Packing and cordage,
95 47
Pipe and fittings,
309 55
Brushes, brooms, &c.,
2 75
66
Paints and oils,
45 06
Plumbing,
33 25
Traveling expenses,
157 21
Wagons and repairs,
283 95
Repair of boiler,
162 10
Transportation,
10 70
Furniture,
25 00
Paving,
102 63
Gravel,
75 00
Lawn seed,
36 30
Insurance,
11 00
Legal fees,
109 00
" Brick and mason work,
15 75
Iron signs,
25 86
Refreshments,
10 00
" Clipping horse,
2 00
" Cleaning gauge, &c.,
11 64
Total (paid from water rates), $38,386 06
In concluding, the Commissioner can but thank each one of the Committee for their kindness, forbearance and cordial co-op- eration in the manifold duties of his new and untried position.
174
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 39.
I must also thank the Water Registrar for assistance in all mat- ters pertaining to the many details of the Department. To his clerk the Commissioner is under especial obligations, and will say her services are invaluable to the city.
Respectfully submitted.
LUCIAN A. TAYLOR, Water Commissioner.
WORCESTER, December 17, 1884.
REPORT
OF THE
WATER REGISTRAR.
To the Joint Standing Committee on Water :
GENTLEMEN :- In compliance with the requirements of Section 8 of the Ordinance relating to Water, I herewith submit my first Annual Report.
Four hundred and sixty-five applications for water were re- ceived during the year, and turned over to the Commissioner.
Bills for water have been rendered to the City Treasurer for collection, as follows :
For Metered Water 10,721 . . . amounting to $92,514 31
Annual Rates · 1,985
19,107 89
Total, 12,706 $111,622 20
The amount of revenue received from water rates for the financial year was $107,515.27.
The amount of uncollected bills in the hands of the City Treas- urer, December 1st, 1884, was $11,650.05.
The amount appropriated from Water Rates to Sinking Funds was $44,256.77.
The water was shut off from the premises of six (6) takers on account of non-payment of bills. Five settled and the water was turned on ; one remains shut off.
176
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 39.
During the year the sum of $4,075.31 has been deducted from the amount charged for water rates and metered water, owing to changes from annual to metered rates, adjustment of bills of water takers, special contracts, and by votes of the Committee.
The quantity of measured water furnished during the twelve months ending September 30th, 1884, inclusive of water used for street watering, waste and leakage, was as follows :
From October, 1883, to April, 1884 . . 230,866,777
" April, 1884, to October, 1884 . . 249,637,550
Total,
480,504,327
METERS.
During the year there have been placed upon the works four hundred and sixty-five (465) meters, making at the present time five thousand six hundred and thirty-eight (5,638) in use.
My predecessor had for several years, in his Annual Report, recommended the establishment of a minimum rate. Early in the year the City Council passed an order establishing such rate at four dollars per year, payable two dollars in April and October of each year. This order went into effect on our October bills. Very little complaint has been made ; most of our citizens ex- press the opinion that the sum is low enough.
The wisdom of adopting this rule, I think, will be apparent to every one who is in the least familiar with the subject. I am of the opinion, that, in the near future, you will find it necessary to charge a minimum rate for all families over two in number, covered by one meter.
REVENUE.
The revenue for the past year does not show as marked an in- crease as I had reason to expect at the beginning of the year.
This is owing to the following reasons : 1st. By vote of the Committee the Registrar was authorized to make special con- tracts with six of our largest consumers, at a reduction of 33} per cent. from their former rates; 2nd. We have a large num-
177
REPORT OF WATER REGISTRAR.
ber of tenements assessed by rate ; owing to the general depres- sion in business, these have been vacant three months or more, and by our rules were entitled to an abatement for the time vacant. 3d. From the same cause, most of our manufacturing establishments have been running with much less than their usual complement of hands, and very many of them on short time, con- sequently using much less metered water, thereby reducing our revenue from that source. 4th. By vote of the Committee a reduction of 33} per cent. from former rates was made to parties using city water for sprinkling streets. This, with a season of frequent showers, has caused a falling off in the use of water for the above named purpose, from 16,577,100 gallons used last year to 12,019,500 gallons used this year, thereby reducing our revenue from this source alone $1,284.53.
HAND HOSE.
I desire to call the Committee's attention to the frequent com- plaints made at this office, caused by the use of hand hose for washing windows and sidewalks, particularly on Main and Front streets. In most cases this work is performed by boys, regard- less of the rights of passers, who are liable to get a thorough sprinkling, and frequently wet feet, from the perfect flood of water running over the walk. This is very annoying, particularly to ladies, who, by their employment, are obliged to be out be- tween the hours of seven and eight A. M. I would respectfully suggest a change in the rule, allowing the use of hand hose not later than seven, A. M., from April 1st to November 1st. This, I think, will do away with the cause for complaint.
STAND PIPES.
It has been the custom of the Water department to allow stand pipes, erected by individuals and corporations on their premises, to be connected with the city water pipes, to be used in case of fire only, without any expense to the individual or corporation, for water so used. Instances have come to my knowledge during the past year where this privilege has been constantly abused ;
178
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 39.
parties having such stand pipes attach long lines of hose to them and sprinkle streets about their premises. Some rule should be adopted to stop this abuse.
COLLECTION OF WATER BILLS.
While the collection of bills does not belong to this depart- ment, still in a measure it is responsible for the same, for if bills are not paid in thirty days after notice from the Treasurer that the bills are in his hands ready for payment, this department is required to send an additional notice to delinquents, to the effect that if the bills are not paid in five days the water will be shut off. This rule, if strictly enforced, often operates unjustly to some parties ; for instance, where, as in some cases, four parties are on the same supply pipe, three pay, and the fourth neglects to do so,-under our present rule, all are shut off until such time as the delinquent sees fit to pay his bill. Under this rule, it seems to me, that we are liable to do an unjustice to some citizens, who are willing and prompt to pay their bills. I find that in almost every other city and town having water works, that if bills are not paid in thirty days interest is charged, and at such a high rate that it insures prompt payment of water bills. I simply throw out these suggestions for the consideration of the Committee, not being prepared to recommend any particular change.
CANVASS OF THE WATER TAKERS OF THE CITY.
On assuming the office of Water Registrar, I was informed by my predecessor (Mr. Brown) that no complete canvass of the water takers of the city had been taken for the past ten years, and that he had contemplated recommending to the Committee that one be made the present year, as the department had no means of know- ing the number of persons using city water. Acting upon the suggestion of Mr. Brown, I recommended to the Committee that a canvass be made. Early in March, by vote of the Committee, authority was given this department to cause such canvass to be made. Work was commenced immediately, and completed in June.
179
REPORT OF WATER REGISTRAR.
As a result of the canvass we find that there are 5,264 dwell- ings, 11,570 families, and 51,298 persons using city water.
We found a large number of places that had not been assessed for several years. We also found places where the pipe had been tapped behind the meter. I am of the opinion that a can- vass should be made every year, and that a suitable person be employed by this department to do the work, being fully con- vinced that his salary would be saved many times over.
PLUMBERS.
During the first part of the year I called the attention of the Committee to the Ordinance in relation to Plumbers. I am of the opinion that so long as we are without an ordinance compel- ling all plumbers doing business in the city to be licensed, just so long we shall have defective plumbing, thereby causing waste of water, and a never-ending amount of trouble to the depart- ment.
While the regular plumbers seem disposed to make correct re- turns to this office, we have a large class of persons in our com- munity somewhat acquainted with plumbing, who are ready to do any kind of work that may be wanted, and conceal the same from the water department. By changing the form of plumbers' returns, I have somewhat improved the condition of things, still it is far from satisfactory.
REMARKS.
I have found during the past year that most people, however unreasonable when they visit the office with complaints, are finally disposed to listen to reason and accept the explanation for their cause of complaint. The friction between the department and water takers has been much less than I had anticipated.
Respectfully submitted.
GEORGE E. BATCHELDER,
Water Registrar.
٨
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
COMMISSION
OF
PUBLIC GROUNDS.
To the Honorable CITY COUNCIL :
The " Report of their acts and doings, of the condition of the Public Grounds and Shade-Trees thereon, and in said Streets and Highways, and an account of Receipts and Expenditures for the same," for the official year ending with the 30th day of November ultimo, is herewith respectfully submitted by the COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS, in compliance with the 21st Section of the Municipal Charter :-
CITY OF WORCESTER
In account with Dr .:
COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS,
To Appropriation : A. D. 1884,
$7,000 00
Revenue :
By sale of Grass from Elm Park,
50 00
$7,050 00
Cr. : Expended-
For Grading and other labor,
$2,856 08
Hire of men and teams,
104 60
Plants, trees, and setting out,
1,243 29
182
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 39.
For Manure and loam,
619 54
Grass and other seed,
54 95
Printing, advertising, &c.,
59 53
Hardware, tools, and repairs,
229 91
Stamps and stationery,
6 55
Wall Stone,
459 37
Tree-guards and wire plant-guards,
555 76
Lumber and carpentry,
344 29
Flag-staff, carting, and setting,
108 37
Settees and repairs (Common and Elm Park),
160 75
Raising wooden bridge, as per contract,
100 00
Fountain, alterations, and repairs,
61 54
Trellises for tool-house,
24 00
Measurements by Eng. Dep't,
12 23
Pump on Common, and renovation of same,
13 30
Travelling expenses (Legis. Hearings),
9 00
" Woods and Forests," subscription to,
3 75
Official Transcript of " Act "-Sec'y of State,
75
Blacksmith,
17 59
$7,045 15
Savings-for Sinking Fund,
$4 85
In the Inaugural Address of Mayor P. Emory Aldrich, Jan- uary 6, A. D. 1862, occurs the following passage :
" Among the papers referred to the present Board of Aldermen, I find the following order introduced to the notice of your immediate predecessors, and was by them referred to you :
' That the Mayor be instructed to apply to the Legislature for the necessary powers for the appointment of a Board of Commissioners, who shall have charge of the Shade-Trees and Public Grounds of the City, and whose mode of election and term of office shall be similar to the Commissioners of Hope Cemetery.'
" I commend this subject to your favorable consideration. There certainly is nothing in the external appearance of our City, during the spring, sum- mer and autumn months, which adds more to its attractiveness than the great variety and beauty of the trees which border our streets and fill and' beautify the public and private grounds of the City. These should be pre- served and their lines extended, and this should be done upon some well considered plan, dictated by sound judgment and good taste, and can un- doubtedly be much better accomplished by a permanent board, selected from
183
PUBLIC GROUNDS.
the citizens at large, than by committees appointed every year from the City Council, and at no greater expense."
The advice of His Honor was heeded and an Act in accord- ance with the order, thus endorsed, met the sanction of the Gen- eral Court and the then Governor-Andrew. Its acceptance by the people was exacted as a pre-requisite to its validity ; and of receiving that it well nigh failed. It was submitted at the polls on the day of the Annual State Election, Tuesday, November 4th, A. D. 1862, at which date considerable interest was mani- fested in local politics because of the very dubious military prospect and situation.
" Inter arma silent leges."
Perhaps so : but, at any rate, Shade-Trees have rarely at- tracted much attention, flagrante bello, save in the exceptional instance, or poetical license, of Birnam Wood. The people were thinking of Fair Oaks, or Seven Pines; and bestowed little thought or care upon the Elms or Maples nearer home. It is also more than likely that no one took the precaution to supply ballots. Whatsoever the cause, but Four Hundred and Fifty-One votes were cast upon the article in the warrant, as stated :-
" To give in their votes by Yes,- or No,- upon the question of accepting an Act passed by the last Legislature of this Commonwealth, entitled, 'An Act relating to Commissioners on Shade-Trees and Public Grounds, in the City of Worcester.'"
WARDS.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7 53
8
Yes,
41
54
23
41
42-254
No,
4
4
25
157
2
3
2-197
The Act, having been accepted, was immediately put in force. It subsequently became a part of the City Charter, being incor- porated in that instrument upon its Revision, A. D. 1866.
A Roll of the COMMISSIONERS who have filled the office since its creation to this period of its probable approaching extinction, is inserted here for future information and convenient reference.
13
1
184
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 39.
The list will be found to comprise many names that should live in the grateful remembrance of their fellow-citizens :-
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.