USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1874-1877 > Part 17
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Fencing.
An appropriation of $300 was made for fencing. This appro- priation will be ample for the next year, as only $89.96 has been expended.
Brown's Brook and Great Meadows.
Surveys and plans have been made which show that Brown's brook can be turned into Slocum's pond for a much smaller sum than the $5,000 which was appropriated. Owing to the lateness of the season when the Commissioners fixed upon a plan and were ready to begin the work, it was thought advisable to defer it till next year. When this brook is turned, as proposed, the Great Meadows will be entirely under the control of the town and can be prepared for use as a storage reservoir at small expense which can be paid out of the appropriation for the brook, if the town will so direct. This is recommended.
Filter.
The Commissioners, hearing many complaints about the quality of the water, and learning that some persons were relinquishing its use, early in the spring put a screen just below the surface of the water, where it enters the well-house in such a manner that the supply for the town should be taken through this screen in- stead of from the bottom of the reservoir, as had been the case up to this time. This was followed by some improvement in the quality of the water, but not a satisfactory one. The various methods of filtering were then investigated. It was found that any method of artificial filtering would be too expensive for this town. A deposit of coarse gravel, suitable for a natural filter, was
7
65
REPORT OF WATER COMMISSIONERS.
FILTER discovered on the north-easterly border of the reservoir, extending a few hundred feet. At this place a filtering gallery was constructed 135 feet in length, and 12 feet in width. The earth was excavated to the depth of 12 feet. The ends were walled up with stone. Stone walls four feet in height were built on the sides and on these was sprung a semi-circular brick arch eight inches thick. From the easterly end of the gallery and in the di- rection of the main supply pipe, below RESERVOIR. GATE HOUSE Diagram of Filter and Connections. A.W.W. the gate house, there extends for about 600 feet a conduit, consisting of a brick arch 20 inch span, sprung upon a scow bottom. From the end of the conduit BRICK CONDUIT an iron pipe 12 inches in diameter ex- tends to the main supply pipe with which it will be connected as soon as the res- ervoir is filled so as to fill the filter and wash it out. The water running through the filter now is clear and colorless. The excavation and filling for the filter were done under the direction of Mr. S. E. Kimball, Superintendent of Highways. The Commissioners desire to express their satisfaction with the energy and efficiency with which the work was con- WELL HOUSE ducted. The filtering gallery is a sub- stantial piece of masonry which, it is QGATE hoped, will be permanently serviceable to the town. A natural filter, situated as this is, by the side of an artificial reser- IRON PIPE voir, may in time become clogged. Most filters are situated by the side of natural bodies of water, generally running streams, the spring freshets in which are supposed to wash away the sediment and to prevent clogging. This condition can be imitated to a cer- tain extent, in our case, by keeping the waste gate open whenever the water is running over the waste weir. Should clogging ever 5
66
REPORT OF WATER COMMISSIONERS.
occur it would not be difficult to remove the sediment and renew the filter.
The amount of water supplied by the filter is many times greater than what the town is using for domestic purposes. Supplying fil- tered water for irrigation is an experiment. There are no data from which to ascertain the quantity required. The time and manner of using water for irrigation make it necessary-where there is no reservoir of filtered water, to have a constant supply equal to the greatest amount used at any time, that is, that the fil- ter should give for each hour of the twenty-four a quantity equal to the greatest amount used in any hour. This the present filter will undoubtedly do for ten months of the year and probably for the other two. If at any time it should fail to do so, an ample supply for the future can be procured easily and for a small outlay, as the conduit leading from the filter is large enough to carry all the water which our present water-shed will supply and the filter is so arranged that its capacity can be increased so as to filter it all. Though the expense of such an increase of the works would have been small the Commissioners did not feel warranted in in- curring it till it should be shown to be necessary. 1
Taxation.
A bill for taxes on all the property which the town of Arlington holds for water purposes within the limits of the town of Lexing- · ton having been received in August, the Commissioners applied to the Assessors of Lexington for an abatement of the tax, which said Assessors declined to grant. Application was then made to the County Commissioners for the abatement. This action was approved by the town at the November meeting, and the Water Commissioners were authorized to take all legal proceedings neces- sary to test the validity or legality of the assessment of the tax. The County Commissioners appointed a hearing in the case for December 23d. At that time they adjourned till the ground should be free from snow, and thus 'the matter rests at present.
Scrip and Interest.
The amount of Water Scrip issued up to the time of the annual town meeting was $200,000. Since then there has been issued the amount of $10,000 and the Treasurer has sold it at a premium as is shown by his report.
.
67
REPORT OF WATER COMMISSIONERS.
There remains the amount of $18,000 of the appropriations made this year. How soon this will be needed it is impossible to say at present The estimated income to be received from water rates for 1877 is $8,400. This not being sufficient to pay the run- ning expenses and to meet the interest on Water Scrip, an appro- priation will be needed to supply the deficiency. The sum required can be better estimated at the time of the next annual town meet- ing when a recommendation will be made.
Uses for which water is supplied as reported by the Registrar :-
Families supplied,
320
Stores and shops supplied
14
Private stables
35
Livery stables
2
Horse railroad stable "
1
Steam railroad depot "
1
Hand hose
66
132
Hotels
66
2
Churches and societies supplied
5
Town House
..
1
School houses
3
Hose houses
66
2
Private fountains
66
3
Irrigation
66
43
Cemetery
1
Savings Bank building
16
1
Stone crusher
1
Hydrants
66
96
Stock and tools on hand as reported by the Superintendent :-
4 wrenches.
70 feet 4-inch cement lined pipe.
Two 8-inch branches.
1 hydrant jacket.
barrel patent cement.
22 picks.
26 shovels.
60 pounds Manilla rope.
140 pounds 4-inch cast iron pipe.
12 yards rubber cloth.
4 hydrant caps.
7 hydrant valves.
Lot of lumber not measured.
R. L. HODGDON, GEORGE HILL, JOHN FILLEBROWN,
Water : Commissioners.
ARLINGTON, Dec. 30, 1876.
WATER WORKS .- TREASURER'S REPORT.
Receipts.
Balance of cash on hand Dec. 31, 1875, $869 43 Amount received during the year 1876, viz. :-
For water rates for 1874, $349 50
" water rates for 1875, 1,561 87
" water rates for 1876, $7,358 39
From town for use of street
hydrants for 1876,
1,000 00
8,358 39
78 42
For water rates for 1877,
10,348 18
Amount received of Faneuil Hall National Bank, interest on deposits, 53 23
Amount received of town, interest on loan of $2,000, 23 05
Amount received of seven persons for let- ting on water which was cut off for non- payment of rates, 14 00
Amount received for cement sold,
30
Amount received of Sandy Bolles,
10 00
Amount received of D. Cahlane, for rent of "Slocum Mill," 1,800 00
Amount received of town ( July 3), loan of April 8, 2,000 00
Amount received of town to settle claims for land damages, etc., 32,687 86
Amount received of town on account of ap- propriations for laying pipes in Teel and Henderson Streets and Lewis Ave- nue and Franklin Street, and for fenc- ing, 2,000 00
Amount carried forward,
$49,806 05
69
WATER WORKS .- TREASURER'S REPORT.
Amount brought forward, $49,806 05
Amount received of town, appropriation for interest on Water Scrip,
6,000 00
$55,806 05
Expenditures.
CONSTRUCTION ACCOUNT.
Paid R. W. Shattuck & Co.'s
bills, for 11 services,
$242 00
for 34 services,
544 00
for extra on services, 24 60
$810 60
R. W. Shattuck & Co., sundries,
254 94
W. C. Currier's bill on account law suits,
60 50
David Hall, bill of fencing,
11 21
Edward Storer, bill of fencing,
78 75
E. P. Cutler & Co., iron pipe,
1,073 20
Davis & Farnum Manuf'g Co., iron pipe, 68 60
J. W. Peirce, teaming pipe,
43 99
Taylor & Little, surveying,
57 00
Chas. D. Elliot, surveys relating to "Slocum Mill," 81 56
For labor digging,
250 12
Taylor & Little, location of water pipe, 5 00
H. J. Wells, legal services,
20 00
J. H. Hardy, legal services,
26 00
C. H. Taylor, surveying,
56 75
Labor of men and horses on brook around reservoir, 327 00
W. H. Richardson, blacksmith work,brook around reservoir, 5 00
N. Garmon, stone work, brook around reservoir, 18 00
$3,248 22
Amount carried forward,
$3,248 22
70
WATER WORKS .- TREASURER'S REPORT.
Amount brought forward, $3,248 22
Paid Claims for damages, etc., as fol- .lows, viz. :- O. M. & C. F. Winship, land damage, $2,250 00
John A. Russell, land damage,
823 65
Wm. H. Slocum, land damage and mill, 9,411 07
John H. Blodgett, land damage, 10,900 51
Henry H. Tyler, land damage,
461 43
Lucy Gammell, land damage,
132 00
Ellen A. Stone, executrix, land damage, 550 00
Nathaniel Peirce, land damage,
400 00
Luke C. Childs, land damage,
237 50
Heirs of Eben and Nabby Peirce, land damage, 393 75
Orrin C. Harrington, land dam- age, 56 25
L. C. Redfield, administrator, A. W. Bryant and H. K.Osborn, land damage,
500 00
Jeremiah Russell, land damage,
100 00.
Heirs of Charles A. Crane, land damage, 125 00
John A. P. Peirce, land damage, 150 00
Lewis P. Bartlett, 66
175 00 ·
Daniel Cahlane, damage,
950 00
O. S. Knapp; legal services, Slo- cum Mill, etc., 250 00
C. B. Stevens, Register, record- ing deeds, 11 45
Charles D. Elliot, surveys and
witness fees in Reed case, 43 89
John H. Hardy, legal services in sundry cases, 92 00
Benjamin F. Thomas, legal ser- vices in mill suits, 2,537 55
Amounts carried forward,
$30,551 05
$3,248 32
1
71
WATER WORKS .- TREASURER'S REPORT.
Amounts brought forward, $30,551 05
$3,248 22
Paid John H. Hardy, legal services in mill suits, etc., 831 60
F. W. Bacon, witness fees in mill suits, 275 00
George H. Bishop, witness fees in mill suits, 190 00
Clemens Herschel, witness fees in mill suits, 283 75
George A. Kimball, witness fees in mill suits, 213 50
Charles R. McLean, witness fees in mill suits, 50 00
Edward Storer, witness fees in mill suits, 22 20
Jesse Bacon, witness fees in mill suits, 19 20
Alfred Brooks, witness fees in mill suits, 19 20
John H. Hardy, paid witness fees in mill suits, 139 10
J. H. Hartwell, paid witness fees in mill suits, 37 20
John Fillebrown, paid witness fees in mill suits, 15 00
George Hill, paid witness fees in mill suits, 16 06
William Esterbrook, expense in mill suits, 25 00
1
32,687 86
Running Expenses.
Paid R. W. Shattuck & Co., sundries, $840 90
j. W. Peirce, labor, 4 00
T. C. Shean, damage by break in pipe, James A. Mitchell, services at Slocum Mill,
6 00
12 00
Amounts carried forward,
$862 90
$35,936 08
72
WATER WORKS. - TREASURER'S REPORT.
Amounts brought forward, $862 90 $35,936 08
Paid C. F. Alderman, services at Slo- cum Mill, 3 00
Premium of insurance on Slocum Mill, 50 00
Edward Storer, repairs at Slocum Mill, etc., 54 45
N. Garmon, repairs at Slocum Mill, 114 50
Shedd & Sawyer, plan of Slocum Mill, 2 00
Town of Malden, 8-inch pipe,
7 00
Chapman Valve Manuf'g Co., for repairs, 5 63
Boston Machine Co., for repairs,
8 25
Nathaniel Garmon, cutting brush at meadows, 80 00
National Meter Co., 1 meter,
25 25
George D. Tufts, painting hy- drants, 21 00
D. F. Jones & Co., printing, 22 50
C. S. Parker, printing,
2 25
Winn's Express, expressing,
40
Church's Express,
80
J. H. Hardy, legal services,
3 00
R. L. Hodgdon, paid for labor setting stone posts, etc., 16 50
Labor of men and horses on fil- tering gallery, 1,863 87
Labor laying pipe for filtering gallery, 66 00
Davis & Farnum Manuf'g Co.,
iron pipe for filtering gallery, 492 61
Day, Collins & Co., drain pipe for filtering gallery, 8 25
Freight on cement for filtering gallery, 7 50
Amounts carried forward,
$3,717 66
$35,936 08
73
WATER WORKS .- TREASURER'S REPORT.
Amounts brought forward, $3,717 66 $35,936 08 Paid Cook, Rymes and Co., picks and handles for filtering gallery, 50 00
R. M. Johnson, use of pump and labor for filtering gallery, 6 00
C. H. Taylor, surveying for filter- ing gallery, 20 00
R. W. Shattuck & Co., sundries for filtering gallery, 173 28
David Allen, stone work for filter- ing gallery, 97 50
Jesse Bacon, mason work for fil- tering gallery, 1,064 41
F. E. Foster & Co., lumber for filtering gallery, 42 33
James M. Chase, lumber and labor for filtering gallery, 166 14
Edward Storer, screen for filter- ing gallery, 6 00
J. W. Peirce, sundries for filter- ing gallery, 27 00
W. H. Richardson, blacksmith work for filtering gallery, 15 92
George D. Tufts, lead for filter- ing gallery, 4 32
5,390 56
Interest on Water Scrip.
Paid interest on Water Scrip, $12,600 00
Less amount received for interest ac-
crued at the dates of sales of $24,000 of Water Scrip, 280 33
12,319 67
27 60
Paid expenses on claim for abatement of taxes, R. W. Shattuck & Co., for repairing leaks in main pipe, charged to George H. Norman, Loaned to town ( April 8), 2,000 00
42 00
Balance of cash on hand Dec. 30, 1876, 90 14
$55,806 05
74
WATER WORKS .- TREASURER'S REPORT.
Trial Balance, Water Works Books, Dec. 30. 1816.
Da
Ca $210,965 89
Town of Arlington,
Construction.
8211,524 26
George H. Norman,
42 00
Cash.
90 14
Interest,
35.353 68
Town appropriation for interest,
9.000 00
Water rates for 1873,
8.035 83
1874,
7.891 66
1875,
7.581 02
.. " 1876.
8.393 89
" 1877.
78 42
Running expenses,
6,960 07
Sundry receipts,
2.051 04
Taxes,
27 60
$253,997 75 $253,997 75
ARLINGTON, Dec. 30, 1876.
B. DELMONT LOCKE, Treasurer.
75
RULES OF WATER WORKS.
Sections 15 and 16 of Rules of Water Works.
SECT. 15. The following rates shall be charged annually for the use of the water, namely :--
DWELLING HOUSES.
Occupied by one family, for the first faucet, $5 00
For each additional faucet to be used by the same family, 2 00
Where a house is occupied by more than one family, and
less than four, one faucet only being used for all, for each family, 4 00
Where a house is occupied by four or more families, and but one faucet is used by all, for each family. 3 50
Where a house is occupied by more than one family, the highest rates will be charged for each family having the water carried into their part of the house.
For the first bath-tub, 5 00
For each additional bath-tub. 3 00
For the first water-closet, 5 00
For each additional water-closet,
3 00
For hopper water-closets, special rates will be made.
Where bath-tubs or water-closets are used by more than one family, for each family, 4 00
Where two faucets are used, one for hot and one for cold water, and both emptying into one basin, but one charge will be made for both ; provided, that in no case shall the charge for the use of water by a pri- vate family, exclusive of hose and stable. be more than
25 00
BOARDING HOUSES.
For the first faucet, $10 00
Each additional faucet, 2 00
Water-closet or bath-tub, when used by boarders, 10 00
Each additional bath-tub or water-closet,
3 00
STORES. OFFICES, WAREHOUSES, ETC., NOT INCLUDING MANU -
FACTORIES OR WORKSHOPS.
First faucet. $5 00
When two or more tenants are supplied from the same faucet. each 4 00
76
RULES OF WATER WORKS.
Water-closet used by occupants of one tenement only, $5 00 When used by occupants of more than one tenement, for each tenant, 4 00
For each additional faucet or water-closet, half of above rates will be charged.
MARKETS, SALOONS, RESTAURANTS, WORKSHOPS.
For markets, saloons, restaurants, workshops, or for pur- poses not included in any other classification, and not requiring more than an ordinary supply of water $5 to $25
HOTELS.
For each bed for boarders and lodgers, $3 00
For each bath-tub in a hotel, 10 00
10,00
For each water-closet in a hotel,
PUBLIC BATHS.
For one tub in public bath-house,
$10 00
For each additional bath-tub,
5 00
For one water-closet in public bath-house,
10 00
For each additional water closet,
3 00
STABLES.
Private Stables. For the first horse,
$5 00
66
For each additional horse, 4 00
For one cow, 2 00
For each additional cow,
1 00
Livery, club and boarding stables. For each horse,
3 00
Car and omnibus stables. For each horse,
2 00
Truck and cart stables. For each horse,
Provided, that in no case shall any stable be charged less than $5.
2 00
The rates for stables include water for washing carriages with- out hose.
HOSE.
For hose of not over three-eighths inch orifice, used for washing windows, sprinkling streets (and the use of the same shall be limited to one hour per day), not less than $3 00
77
AUDITOR'S REPORT.
STEAM BOILERS.
For each boiler in use not over twelve hours a day, for each horse power, $6 00
BUILDING PURPOSES.
For each cask of lime or cement, 6 cents.
HYDRANTS.
Hydrants set by the town at the rate of $28.00 each, allowing one hydrant to each 200 inhabitants.
SECT. 16. When water is required for purposes which are not specified in the foregoing tariff, the rates shall be fixed by the Board of Water Commissioners ; and the rates fixed in the fore- going tariff may be varied by the Water Commissioners, when- ever in particular cases, in their judgment, the interests of the town shall require.
AUDITOR'S REPORT.
The undersigned have this day examined the books and accounts of B. DELMONT LOCKE, the Treasurer and Collector, for the year 1876, and find the same to be correctly kept, with vouchers for all the payments, and the balance of cash to be as stated by him.
CHARLES O. GAGE, ABEL R. PROCTOR, Auditors. G. M. MORSE,
ARLINGTON, Feb. 1, 1877.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Chief Engineer of the Arlington Fire Department,
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DEC. 31, 1876.
Selectmen of Arlington,
GENTLEMEN,-I herewith submit my Third Annual Report, giv- ing a detailed statement of the present condition of the Fire Department, also offering recommendations for immediate and fu- ture needs.
Fires and Alarms.
There have been sixteen bell alarms for fire the past year, some of which have been for fires in adjoining towns, to which this De- partment has responded and rendered valuable assistance.
Loss from fires in Arlington, $4,375 00 Insurance, 6,500 00
Two fires have occurred, one on Charlestown and one on Hen- derson Streets, for which no alarms have been sounded, the result of no night-watch and no system of fire-alarm, and I would earn- estly recommend that the matter of fire-alarm be considered, and some action taken by the town, tending to the introduction of an efficient system whereby the Department may receive timely notice of the existence of fire, and I'will here state that a telegraphic system may be erected on Arlington Avenue, from Park Avenue to Henderson Street, which would cover the most densely settled portion of the town and could at any time be extended, with the necessary boxes and strikers, for $2,000, which in my judgment would save its cost each year. If bells are put up they should be
79
REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER.
of sufficient size to be heard from one hose house to the other ; but by a telegraphic system you may use the church and school bells. Something should be done to remedy the delay now expe- rienced in sounding an alarm of fire.
Membership.
The Department consists of thirty-six members (three less than ' last year), comprising a Chief and four Assistant Engineers ; two Hose Companies of twelve men each ; one Hook and Ladder Company of seven men, the Hook and Ladder Company having been reduced from ten to seven men. The Department so far as membership is concerned is in an excellent condition, being con- stituted of some of our leading young , men, many of whom have seen several years' service in this and other departments, and upon the sounding of an alarm of fire report for duty with commendable promptness.
Hydrants.
At the commencement of the year I conferred with the Water Board with regard to fire hydrants and the care of the same, which duty they have attended to and by their prompt action the hy- drants have been kept in good condition, and in case of breakage have been promptly repaired or replaced, and in no case have the hydrants failed to furnish the requisite amount of water the past year. There is no doubt but that the hydrant now in use in this town is superior to any other style of hydrant, and I would earn- estly recommend that a larger number be located in order to fur- nish better facilities for the extinguishment of fires and save the use of long lines of hose.
Department Hose.
The time has arrived when a purchase of Hose is indispensable, the present supply being in the following condition : One thou- sand feet good ; seven hundred poor ; five hundred worthless, and I would recommend the purchase of one thousand feet of new hose, and from personal investigation I am satisfied that cotton hose, rubber lined, is best adapted to the requirements of this town, as they require less attention, will not mildew, need no oiling, are cheaper and have proved to outwear the best leather hose that can at present be obtained. The town purchased in 1872 one thou- sand feet of leather hose of a Boston maker, that has proved
80
REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER.
good, to which I have referred ; about five hundred feet of leather hose of another maker at the same time, that has been a constant bill of expense ; in 1873 five hundred feet of plain linen hose that is now nearly worthless, some of which has been condemned. I hope the matter of fire hose will receive your immediate attention.
Department Buildings.
The Engine Houses need some repairs. The house occupied by Hose Three and the Hook and Ladder Truck needs to have the roof and lower floor repaired ; new frames in lower windows ; some painting should also be done. The house occupied by Hose Two and Hand Engine, is in poor condition. There being no cel- lar or underpinning, the frost has free access, causing water and gas to freeze, necessitating the replacement of pipes each year, also making it impossible to keep the apparatus in good order, and if the Adams School House is not to be used for school pur- pose, I would suggest that it would make a good house with which to replace the one now occupied by Hose and Engine and would furnish ample accommodations.
Personal Recognition.
Before closing my report, I would acknowledge the many favors received at the hands of the Selectmen, Water Board and Chief of Police, and for their co-operation they will please accept my sincere thanks. To the Engineers and members of the Arlington Depart- ment, I desire to express my obligations for the ready manner in which they have assisted me in discharge of duty, which obliga- tion will ever be remembered with gratitude. To Chief Engineer Raymond of the Cambridge Fire Department, Chief Hopkins of the Somerville Department, Chief Hill of the Medford Depart- ment and to the companies in their Departments, my acknowledg- ments are due for valuable assistance rendered at fires in Arling- ton the past year.
Respectfully submitted, ALFRED HOBBS, Chief Engineer.
REPORT
OF THE
TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
The Library now enjoys the income of the generous legacy left it by the late Nathan Pratt, Esq. This, with the appropriation annually made by the town, will enable the Trustees hereafter to make valuable additions of books each year. An unusual yet necessary expense was incurred last year. An accurate and most excellent catalogue has been prepared and published. The credit of this work-the difficulty and labor of which few can appreciate -is due mainly to the skill and industry of the librarian, Miss Newton. Its typographical excellence also deserves notice. It is believed that this catalogue will prove satisfactory to all who use the books.
The Trustees hope that the day is not very distant when a good reading room can be added to the Library.
The number of books in the Library is 5,500.
The number given out during the year is 20,557.
The number not returned is 14.
The amount paid to the Town Treasurer for fines, is $69.00.
D. R. CADY, For the Standing Committee.
ARLINGTON, Jan. 29, 1877.
6
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
The School Committee beg leave to report :-
The schools during the year have been carried on with regular- ity and with a good degree of success. The plan of placing each school under the special care of a sub-committee, which is respon- sible for its condition, and which reports each month to the board, has been more fully carried out. To the reports of these sub- committees the attention of the town is called for various details in relation to the schools.
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