USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1887 > Part 11
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
70 Ireland.
April 27, '87. May 1, '87.
Sept. 27, '87. Nov. 9, '87. Sept. 30, '87. Continues.
PERIOD OF SUPPORT.
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
| Registered Number.
NAME.
AGE.
BIRTHPLACE.
BEGAN.
ENDED.
Remarks.
CITY FARM AND ALMSHOUSE.
Total Expenditures.
Total Receipts.
Net Expenses.
Erection and Equipment of New Buildings and Repairs.
December, 1887,
$2,152 87
$780 51
$1,372 36
$899 95
January, 1888,
2,468 59
602 15
1,866 44
86 06
February,
1,403 14
659 58
743 56
8 44
March,
1,531 11
582 43
948 68
102 61
Aprll,
1,975 39
772 75
1,202 64
823 50
May.
1,255 94
695 28
560 66
200 65
June,
2,400 61
749 02
1,651 59
162 87
July,
2,373 29
749 09
1,624 20
91 75
August,
1,972 65
736 96
1,235 69
70 80
September,
2,594 95
718 85
1,876 10
416 29
October,
1,854 07
739 51
1,114 56
46 86
November,
1,922 44
815 91
1,106 53
130 94
$23,905 05
$8,602 04
$15,303 01
$3,140 72
Expenditures for maintenance of Almshouse, $23,905 05
Erection and equipment of New Buildings and Repairs, 3,140 72
Total expenditures,
$27,045 77
The resources have been :-
Appropriation,
$18,000 00
2,439 04
Farm receipts,
8,602 04
Total resources, Total expenditures,
27,045 77
Unexpended balance,
$1,995 31
1372 John Boyle,
13 Worcester.
Oct. 14, '87.
Continues.
1375 Ambrose Brunelle,
57 Canada.
Oct 20, '87.
1376 Louis Santon,
19 Worcester.
Oct. 22, '87. Nov. 1, '87.
1377 Corn. Jas. O'Connor,
32 Worcester.
Oct. 24, '87.
Continues.
1378 Dennis Toner,
68 Ireland.
Oct. 25, '87. Nov. 9, '87.
1380 James Burton,
32 Lee.
Nov. 4, '87.
Continues.
1381 John Kennira,
70 Ireland.
Nov.
8,'87.
1382 Peter Finnegan,
2 Worcester.
Nov.
9,'87.
1383 Bridget Finnegan, jr. 5m Worcester.
Nov. 9, '87.
66
1384 Patrick Dyer,
72 Ireland.
Nov. 14, '87.
1385 Mary Flagg,
72 Holden.
Nov. 22, '87.
1387 James O'Neil,
41 Unknown.
Nov. 28, '87.
1388 Owen Hagan,
60 Ireland.
Nov. 29, '87.
185
PERIOD OF SUPPORT.
$29,041 08
186
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 42.
CITY SCAVENGER DEPARTMENT.
Of the needs of the Scavenger Department you are already informed, as it is a subject daily passing under the nostrils of nearly every citizen, and this Board, although charged with its management, are not alone responsible for its necessities.
An examination on your part will show that all that is appro- priated for its maintenance is utilized to its utmost capacity and that nothing more can be done by this Board, unless we are fur- nished with further equipment. We therefore leave the matter in your hands, trusting that your wisdom may devise a way by which you will yourselves be satisfied, and the ire of our citizens appeased in their increasing demands on us for more efficient service.
The utilization of the offal after collection has long since passed beyond the line of experiment, and has repeatedly been demonstrated as a success.
This year has not differed materially from former ones. It is true we have lost many swine from cholera, but the price of pork has been reasonably good and the amount of dressing furnished for the land is no small item, and, all things considered we have probably done as well as in former years.
The whole subject is shown in detail in the tables annexed, and we respectfully request that you give it your attention.
SCAVENGER DEPARTMENT.
Total Expenditures.
Total Receipts.
Net Expenses.
December, 1886 .
$1,928 72
$40 00
$1,888 72
January, 1887
1,162 90
47 00
1,115 90
February
778 35
42 CO
736 35
March .
1,223 55
40 00
1,183 55
April
1,186 84
361 92
824 92
May
1,039 91
40 00
999 91
June
778 35
40 00
738 35
July
1,168 31
40 00
1,128 31
August
915 05
40 00
875 05
September
1,187 81
789 42
398 39
October
918 10
78 01
840 09
November
1,469 77
90 00
1,379 77
$13,757 66
$1,648 35
$12,109 31
187
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
The resources have been :-
Appropriations by City Council, $9,000 00
3,109 31
Receipts from Department, 1,648 35
Total resources,
Total expenditures,
$13,757 66 13,757 66
TRUANT-SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
Appended is a list of the monthly expenditures for the main- tenance of the school. For further statistics, as well as for all other information relative to its presnt condition, you are respectfully referred to the report of the Superintendent of Schools and the sub-committee of the board.
Monthly Account.
Cost of Teaching.
Cost of Board.
Cost of Clothing, etc.
Total Cost of Maintenance.
December, 1887,
$ 25 00
$ 224 14
$ 249 14
January, 1888,
25 00
195 86
220 86
February,
25 00
125 14
150 14
March,
25 00
146 57
171 57
April,
25 00
178 29
203 29
May,
25 00
209 57
234 57
June,
25 00
228 86
253 86
July,
25 00
208 29
233 29
August,
25 00
191 14
$ 4 00
220 14
September,
25 00
154 29
38 68
217 97
October,
25 00
180 86
205 86
November,
25 00
245 57
183 89
454 46
$300 00
$2,288 58
$226 57
$ 2,815 15
Cost of Teaching and Supervision,
$ 300 00
Cost of Board,
2,288 58
Cost of Clothing, etc.,
226 57
Total Cost,
$2,815 15
Appropriation,
$3,200 00
Expenditures,
2,815 15
Unexpended balance,
$384 85
Average cost per pupil,
$234 60
188
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 42.
The report of the City Physician, containing an account of all matters connected with the Pauper Department which fall un- der his charge, will be found annexed.
All of which is respectfully submitted,
GEORGE W. GALE, Clerk.
SAMUEL WINSLOW, Mayor. W. ANSEL WASHBURN, City Marshal. ALBERT P. MARBLE, Supt. of Schools. CHARLES B. PRATT,
JAMES B. McMAHON, ALZIRUS BROWN, DENIS C. LEONARD, ORAN A. KELLEY, OSCAR F. RAWSON,
Overseers of the Poor of the City of Worcester. Worcester, November 30th, 1887.
REPORT OF THE CITY PHYSICIAN.
To His Honor the Mayor,
And Gentlemen of the City Council :-
GENTLEMEN :- The City Physician submits the following report for the year ending November 30, 1887.
OUT-DOOR POOR.
Number of orders for medical attendance,
165
Number of visits made,
416
Number of office visits,
252
668
Number of births,
7
Number of deaths,
16
Sick paupers moved to the City Hospital,
16
Sick paupers moved to the Almshouse,
5
Sick paupers moved to the State Almshouse,
3
Sick paupers moved to the Town Almshouses,
2
CITY ALMSHOUSE.
Number of visits made,
58
Cases of sickness treated,
144
Number of deaths,
12
Number of births,
1
Visits to the Police Station,
74
Examinations for Civil Service,
36
Examinations for State Aid,
20
Public vaccinations,
622
Number of pauper insane examined,
59
Committed to Insane Asylums,
46
Sent to the Almshouse,
2
Sentenced to the House of Correction,
3
Returned to their friends,
8
190
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 42.
There has been no unusual sickness among the poor, during the past year, and no epidemic of contagious disease. The inmates of the Almshouse have also been exempt from most of the acute diseases, and the deaths that have occurred among the adults have been, with but one exception, from chronic disease.
The Overseers of the Poor will ask you for an appropriation to furnish additional accommodations for the insane at the City Farm during the coming year. The subject is not new, and the buildings have already been enlarged several times. The City will be obliged to support a portion of their insane paupers at the State Asylums, unless more room is provided for them at the Almshouse. The City Physician would also urge the imperative need of hospital accommodations at the Almshouse.
The ambulance has been refitted, and a covered sleigh equip- ped for winter work. The permanent police drivers, as a rule, answer ambulance calls, and the service is consequently much improved. This service would be still more efficient, should the police stables be built during the coming year.
Names of persons who have died at the City Almshouse during the year 1887 :-
Thomas Crowley,
68 years,
Debility. Old age.
Ellen Coffee,
83 years,
James Curtis,
55 years,
Pneumonia.
John J. Doyle,
60 years,
Paralysis.
Annie Henry,
66 years,
Bright's disease.
William Carroll,
7 years,
Meningitis.
Dennis Doyle,
53 years,
Insanity. Insanity.
Rosilda Hebert,
35 years,
Maria Thompson,
60 years,
Consumption.
Julia Coffee,
28 years,
Consumption.
John Coffee,
4 months,
Meningitis.
Albert Webber,
51 years,
Consumption.
Births at Almshouse during the year :-
Rosilda Little, Angust 13, 1887.
191
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
Names of paupers who have died under the care of the City Physician during the year :-
Name.
Cause of death.
Settlement.
Ellen Doyle,
Heart disease.
Worcester. Worcester.
Patrick Fitzgerald,
Consumption,
Ann Fergerson,
Not known,
John Snyder,
Consumption,
Worcester. Worcester. Worcester.
John Flynn,
Consumption,
Michael Fury,
Not known,
State.
Kate Flaherty,
Consumption,
State.
Delia Sawyer,
Consumption,
Worcester.
Martin McCarthy,
Consumption,
State.
Ellen Flynn,
Consumption,
State.
Mary Brennan,
Consumption,
State,
Henry McBoyle,
Consumption,
Worcester.
Josephine Norton,
Tubercular Meningitis,
Lenox.
Francis McKinery, Thomas D. Gould, John Cragan,
Disease of liver,
Worcester.
Bright's disease,
Worcester.
Consumption,
Hopkinton.
Respectfully submitted,
LEMUEL F. WOODWARD, M. D.,
City Physician.
1
REPORT
OF THE
FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR 1887.
OFFICE OF CHIEF ENGINEER OF FIRE DEPT., WORCESTER, January 11, 1888.
To His Honor the Mayor, and the Honorable City Council.
GENTLEMEN :- Pursuant to the provisions of the ordinance defining the duties of the Chief Engineer, I have the honor to present my fifteenth annual report.
It gives in brief the work of the Fire Department for the past year, its present condition and recommendations for maintaining its efficiency, which I trust will receive your early and favorable consideration. Incorporated in the report is a list of all the members of the Department, of the causes of all alarms and fires as far as known, with a schedule of the losses and insurance.
MANUAL FORCE.
The total number of men in the Department to-day is 152 ; no increase since the last report. The only death in the Depart- ment during the year was that of Sabin S. Flagg, of Alert Hose, No. 1. By many, his death was attributed to injuries received at a fire in Hall's Front-street block, but it was clearly established that it was due to apoplexy. He had been a member of the Department for over seven years, was a willing and efficient worker, a reliable man, and a good fireman-one of the kind who was not to be had for the asking at any time.
193
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
As a rule, the members of the Department have been faithful and efficient, willing to do the work assigned them, prompt in responding to calls for duty, day or night ; prompted to do their work by a determination that the Department shall retain its reputation for efficiency, and a desire to make it more efficient whenever and wherever possible.
APPARATUS.
All of the apparatus is in good working order, although some of it will need attention in the near future. During the year one new combination wagon has been built for Hose Co. No. 4. It carries 96 feet of ladders, and 700 feet of leading hose. Its weight is 2,450 pounds. Steamer No. 4 has been thoroughly repaired, and six new pony chemical extinguishers have been added. Four more chemical extinguishers should be purchased this year, and a new wagon should be built for use in place of the reel now used by Hose No. 2, Grafton street, as that has been in regular use for thirty years. It was built by Albert Tolman in 1857, and was rebuilt in 1876. If it is to be kept in service it will need extensive repairs, and, in my opinion, it is not economy to expend the money which would be necessary for these repairs, but that it should be used in part payment for a new wagon. I wish also to again remind you that another Hays Truck, with an 85-foot ladder, is necessary to reach the upper stories of some of the large blocks recently erected in the centre of the city, where telephone and electric light wires make the handling of the old-styled ladders very difficult.
HOUSES.
During the year but very little has been done to the houses aside from the ordinary repairs. The Prescott-street house has been painted both inside and out, and a new floor has been laid in the house of Steamer No. 2. I wish to call your attention to the quarters for the Company at Quinsigamond. The School Depart- ment intimated, but has not made a demand for the room we now occupy, which is not desirable for the accommodation of a Fire Company. New quarters must be secured, as it would be unwise
194
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 42.
and improvident not to maintain a piece of apparatus and men to manage it in that section. The house occupied by Hose No. 5 is cramped and inconvenient, and at the earliest possible moment that Company should be given accommodations in keeping with its wants. If a new police building is erected on Waldo street this year, I would suggest the expediency of having it so planned that it will furnish accommodations for Hose Company No. 4, as that Company has waited long and patiently for such facilities as will put it on the same footing for efficiency as the remainder of the Department. The trouble with the house on Exchange street has been partially overcome by stationing a man at the house permanently.
It is impossible to enlarge either the house occupied by Hose Company No. 4, or Hose Company No. 5, and the only way to secure relief is by the erection of new buildings.
WATER.
The efficiency of the Water Service has been materially in. creased by the extension of the High Service through Main street from Front street to Lincoln square. Seven four-way hydrants have been connected with this service, which will make the future use of steamers unnecessary in the territory which these hydrants cover. I would recommend that in the very near future, branch pipes connected with the High Service, be laid in Highland, Har- vard, Chestnut, Pleasant, Crown as far as Chatham, and New- bury streets, as the water pressure in Harvard and Chestnut streets is not sufficient for effective fire service if any amount of water is necessary. Among those responsible for the manage- ment of the Fire Department, the delay in answering the request for the extension of the Water Service in Foster street is a cause of great uneasiness. The risk of a serious fire in that vicinity, I believe to be greater than in any other section of the City. The buildings there are extensive and valuable. The business carried on in them is such that their contents are of a very combustible character, and there is no water main in Foster street, or hy- drant service below Union street. Manchester street is so nar- row that with a fire well under way in the large buildings be-
195
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
tween Foster and Manchester streets, or in the lumber sheds on the North side of Manchester street, that a supply of water would have to be drawn from Mechanic and Union streets. I have repeatedly called attention to this section, and feel it to be my duty to again urge the necessity of giving this recommenda- tion early attention before there is a serious fire in the neighbor- hood to emphasize my recommendation of former years.
FIRE PATROL.
The relations between the Fire Patrol and this Department con- tinue harmonious, as they always have been. The Patrol retains its excellent and well deserved reputation for efficiency and is everywhere recognized as an important branch of the service.
HORSES.
The horses have been exchanged the past year, which has put this branch of the service in good condition, but it is probable that other changes will be necessary in the year to come.
HOSE.
During the past year 2,000 feet of leading hose has been pur- chased and I recommend the purchase of 2,400 feet additional this year.
FIRES AND INSURANCE.
It is with no small degree of pride that I call attention to the record of the Department for the past year, although there have been more alarms and more fires than in any previous year, the losses are smaller than in any year for several years. The number of fires increases every year, a natural result in a growing city, and the fact that during the past year the losses have been com- paratively small is a matter for general congratulation ; our ex- emption from serious conflagation is largly attributable to the promptness of men in answering alarms, and their intelligent action when on duty, supplemented with the facilities for giving alarms which have been materially increased in the last few years.
196
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 42.
The prompt use of the fire alarm is an important element in reducing the amount of loss, and the people have learned that it is better to call the Department out a dozen times for small fires than to allow one to gain such headway before giving an alarm that serious loss is inevitable.
The number of fires during the year was : box alarms 106, telephone 8, still 128, total 245. The loss was $54,450.41, and the insurance $856,785.00.
Considering the nature of the buildings in this city the record is one which is especially pleasing to those intrusted with the management of the Fire Department.
EXPENDITURES.
The cost of maintenance was $57,859.33; this includes six hundred dollars worth of covers, for use in Fire Patrol. Revenue $2,859.33; leaving an unexpended balance of $1,628.04, the de- tails of which will appear in the Auditor's statement.
FIRE ALARM TELEGRAPH.
The Fire Alarm was never in better condition than at present. It has given general satisfaction all through the year. The alarms having been accurately given and the system having always been in condition for use. The need of its extension year by year is apparent to all who keep track of the growth of the city. Seven boxes have been added during the year and I recommend that eight more be purchased the present year. The introduction of the Police Telegraph and the care of the telephones in the different departments make necessary the employment of an extra man, whose compensation has to be paid out of the Fire Depart- ment appropriation. While this work and its maintenance, the Fire Alarm Telegraph, can be more efficiently and economically done under the same direction, it seems to me only reasonable that a plan should be devised by which each department benefited should pay its share of the expense.
THE RELIEF ASSOCIATION.
The generous response to the appeal for funds for the Fire- men's Relief Association in connection with the firemen's ball
197
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
last month was especially pleasing to all the members of the Fire Department, who accept it as evidence that the work of the firemen is appreciated beyond the compensation which the mem- bers receive for their individual services, as such it is accepted with gratitude ; so all who assisted in making the contribution to the Relief fund so generous, whether through the purchase of tickets for the ball or individual contribution, the members of the Department return their cordial thanks.
CONCLUSION.
The present efficiency of the department and the interest which the individual members take in their work, is in a large meas- ure due to the recognition which their efforts receive, particular- ly from the members of the City government. The requests of the Department have always received friendly consideration from the members of the City Council and the Committee. These are especially charged with the interests of the Department, and have been as efficient in their efforts to promote harmony and secure success as have been the members of the Department. The Police service at fires has been excellent. The Water Department officials have been prompt in rendering aid, and it is my pleasure to again thank all who have in any way contributed to our success, for their courtesy and co-operation.
Most respectfully submitted.
S. E. COMBS,
Chief of Department.
14
THE CITY HOSPITAL.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES, 1887.
Alderman-E. B. CRANE,
S C. F. MANN,
Terms expire 1888.
Councilmen JAMES EARLY,
At Large-STEPHEN SALISBURY,
Term expires 1888.
DR. THOMAS H. GAGE,
66 1889.
DR. ALBERT WOOD,
66
66 1890.
ALBERT CURTIS,
1891.
ORGANIZATION.
President-ALBERT CURTIS. Secretary-STEPHEN SALISBURY.
Auditors- S E. B. CRANE. C. F. MANN.
Superintendent and Resident Physician.
DR. CHARLES A. PEABODY.
Board of Commissioners of the Jaques Fund and other Funds of the City Hospital.
CHARLES B. PRATT, ALBERT CURTIS, BENJAMIN WALKER, 66
Term expires 1888.
66 1889.
1890.
200
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 42. MEDICAL STAFF, 1887.
Consulting Physicians and Surgeons.
Oramel Martin, M. D. J. Marcus Rice, M. D. John G. Park, M. D. Visiting Staff.
Physicians.
John O. Marble, M. D.
Leonard Wheeler, M. D.
J. Bartlett Rich, M. D. Wesley Davis, M. D.
Oculist and Aurist.
Surgeons.
Emerson Warner, M. D. George E. Francis, M. D. Oliver S. Everett, M. D. S. B. Woodward, M. D.
Assistant Oculist and Aurist.
LEWIS S. DIXON, M. D. DAVID HARROWER, M. D.
Pathologist. SAMUEL B. WOODWARD, M. D. House Officers.
RAY W. GREENE. F. A. WILMARTH.
ORGANIZATION.
President-EMERSON WARNER, M. D. Secretary-CHARLES A. PEABODY, M. D. J. MARCUS RICE, M. D. Committee on Conference E. WARNER, M. D. W. DAVIS, M. D. LEONARD WHEELER, M. D.
Committee on Reports J. O. MARBLE, M. D. J. B. RICH, M. D. J. MARCUS RICE, M. D.
Committee on Examination GEO. E. FRANCIS, M. D. O. H. EVERETT, M. D.
Superintendent of Nurses.
MRS. C. H. PIKE.
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES.
To His Honor the Mayor, and the Honorable City Council :-
The Trustees of the City Hospital herewith present their Seventeenth Annual Report for the year ending Nov. 30, 1887.
It is only necessary to compare the number of patients treated during each of the last seven years, in order to appreciate fully the rapidly increasing demands made upon this charity.
In 1881, the number treated was,
264
" 1882,
306
" 1883,
393
" 1884,
66 66
383
" 1885, 66 468
" 1886, 66
540
" 1887, 66 66 66
845
During the year just closed, the daily average number of patients treated was 30.72 of males and 17.96 of females. The present capacity of the Hospital is for 35 males and 15 females in the public wards, and for 14 males and 5 females in the private wards; making in all 69 beds. Owing to the want of sleeping-rooms in other parts of the building, some of the private wards have of necessity been occupied by the nurses. The highest number of patients at any one time in the Hospital was 61. From the above figures it will be seen that the female ward has been over-crowded nearly all the time. Thirty females have been refused admission solely for lack of room. It is evident, therefore, that some provision must be made in the near future for a new ward for females.
The Memorial Hospital which will soon be opened for the re- ception of patients, and which is intended for the present to ac- commodate only women and children, may relieve, in a measure,
202
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 42.
this over-crowded condition of the female ward. But if another year shows the remarkable increase in the number of patients that the past year has shown, most certainly a new ward will be imperatively demanded.
THE MATERNITY WARD.
The legacy of $25,000, the gift of Mrs. Helen C. Knowles, having become available early in the year, the Trustees voted, as stated in their last report, to make use of this bequest for lying- in purposes-and to erect at once a suitable maternity ward.
Dr. Peabody was instructed to prepare plans for this ward, which should combine such an arrangement of rooms, such meth- ods of ventilation, heating and drainage as the most advanced thought in this department of medical practice could suggest. The plans presented by Dr. Peabody were submitted to several experts in hospital construction in other large cities, for criticism, and his plans were most cordially approved. The Trustees, there- fore, adopted these plans, and employed Barker & Nourse, Archi- tects, to prepare designs for the exterior building, for working plans and for specifications.
Several conferences were held with the architects, at which Mr. Chas. H. Peck, Superintendent of Public Buildings, was present, and the final plans and specifications were completed and adopted. The contract for the building was given to Buck- ley & Elliot for the sum of $13,100. This did not include the cost of the heating apparatus and plumbing, which is estimated to be $1,900. In addition there will be the expense of furnish- ing, which probably will be about $1,000 ; making the whole cost of the ward for occupancy $16,000, leaving an unexpended balance of the Knowles bequest, the income of which can be used towards defraying the current expenses of this department of the City Hospital.
The ward has a capacity of 17 beds, it is situated far enough from the other buildings to be free from all deleterious influences which might arise from its being connected with a general hos- pital; it is admirably adapted in all its appointments to the
203
CITY HOSPITAL.
object for which it was erected, and its use is to be limited strictly to lying-in purposes.
The City is to be congratulated that through the wise benefi- cence of that philanthropic lady, Mrs. Knowles, it has been able to make such excellent provisions for the care and comfort of that unfortunate class of women for whom this charity was established.
THE ADDITIONS TO THE KITCHEN WING.
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.