USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1878-1883 > Part 11
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Charles Gott, sharpening tools and blacksmith work, 11 30
Brooks, Rushton & Co., ex- press on cement, 80
Boston & Lowell Railroad Co., freight on hydrant, &c., 2 06
Highway Department, gravel and labor, 2 00
W. C. Currier, horse hire, 1 00
Amounts carried forward, $1,084 04 $561 73
-
1 100
WATER WORKS .- TREASURER'S REPORT.
Amounts brought forward, $1,084 04 $561 73
Paid Sylvester Stickney, bills, as follows : Shutting off and let- ting on water, $18 75
Repairing hydrants,
leaks in main
pipes, repairing
gate boxes and
services,and other
work for water works,
206 41
Labor of men,
153 24
100 lbs. white lead,
8 50
25 lbs. old lead,
1 48
255 ft. of pipe at 12
cents, used for A.
W. Trow's ser- vice,
30 60
1 hard wood box,
75
1 snow shovel,
75
1 gate box,
1 00
1 lantern globe,
15
2 bu. charcoal,
55
6 lbs. sleeve,
1 00
4 ft. cement pipe,
40
3 nipples and 1 union,
95
Extra on pipe, stop and corporations,
16 24
Salt,
62
4 lbs. solder,
90
Kerosene oil and can,
2 11
Amounts carried forward, $444 40 $1,084 04
$561 73
WATER WORKS .- TREASURER'S REPORT. 101
Amounts brought forward, $444 40 $1,084 04 $561 73
Less credit 19 ser-
vice boxes, $23 75 1 peck cement, 50 Removing grav- el, 50
276 lbs. gate boxes, 6 90
31 65
412 75
1,496 79
Interest on Water Scrip.
Paid one year's interest on $220,000 at 6 per cent., $13,200 00 one year's interest on $80,000,at 5 per cent., 4,000 00
17,200 00
Amount loaned to town, Jan. 27th, 1,500 00
66 66
66 Feb. 4th, 1,000 00
66 66 66 July 25th, 1,000 00
66 66 66 " 28th, 1,000 00
4,500 00
Balance of cash on hand, Dec. 31, 1879, 742 94
$24,501 46
102
WATER WORKS .- TREASURER'S REPORT.
Trial Balance, Water Works Books, Dec. 31, 1879.
DR.
Town of Arlington,
$304,210 77
Construction,
$304,826 30
Cash,
742 94
Interest,
79,861 81
Town appropriation for interest,
30,000 00
Water rates. for 1873,
8,035 83
" 1874,
7,913 66
“ 1875,
7,600 52
66
“ 1876,
8,463 59
66
“ 1877,
8,947 58
66
“ 1878,
8,857 89
" 1879,
9,415 60
" 1880,
77 00
Running Expenses,
11,383 97
Sundry Receipts,
3,461 76
Stock Materials,
169 18
$396,984 20 $396,984 20
ARLINGTON, Dec. 31, 1879.
B. DELMONT LOCKE, Treasurer.
103
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 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 fam- ily, 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 fam- ilies, and but one faucet is used by all, for each family, 3 50
Where a house is occupied by more than one fam- ily, 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 private family, exclu- sive of hose and stable, be more than, 25 00
104
RULES OF WATER WORKS.
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
1 STORES, OFFICES, WAREHOUSES, ETC., NOT INCLUDING MANUFACTORIES OR WORKSHOPS.
First faucet, $5 00
When two or more tenants are supplied from the same faucet, each, 4 00
Water-closet used by occupants of one tenement only, 5 00
When used by occupants of more than one tene- ment, 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 purposes not included in any other clas- sification, and not requiring more than an or- · dinary 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
For each water-closet in a hotel, 10 00
105
RULES OF WATER WORKS.
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
For each additional horse, 4 00
For one cow, 2 00
66 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,
2 00
Provided, that in no case shall any stable be charged less than $5.
The rates for stables include water for washing carriages without 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
STEAM BOILERS.
For each boiler in use not over twelve hours a day, for each horse power, 6 00
106
AUDITORS' REPORT.
BUILDING PURPOSES.
For each cask of lime or cement,
6 cents.
HYDRANTS.
Hydrants set by the town at the rate of $28 each, allow- ing 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 foregoing tariff may be varied by the Water Commissioners, whenever in particular cases, in their judgment, the interests of the town shall require.
AUDITORS' REPORT.
The undersigned hereby certify that they have audited the books and accounts of B. DELMONT LOCKE, as Treas- urer and Collector, for the year 1879 ; also as Treasurer for the Arlington Water Works for the same year, and find the same correct, with vouchers for all the payments, and the balance of cash to be as stated by him.
ABEL R. PROCTOR, REUBEN W. HOPKINS,
Auditors.
ARLINGTON, Jan. 29, 1880.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Chief Engineer of the Arlington Fire Department.
To the Selectmen of Arlington :
GENTLEMEN-I herewith submit my Second Annual Report of the Fire Department of this town.
FIRES AND ALARMS.
The department has been called out eleven times during the past year. For six fires in town, three out of town and two false alarms.
The fires in town were as follows : April 24th, house of H. T. Elder, on Crescent Hill. Loss $3,000. Insurance $2,200. Cause of fire unknown.
April 27th, barn of John P. Squire, on Lake Street. The department performed good service at this fire in saving the house connected with the barn. Loss $2,500, no insurance. Cause of fire unknown.
108
REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER.
May 25th, house of F. E. Fowle, at the junction of Ar- lington Avenue and Broadway. The prompt response of the department prevented a serious conflagration. Loss $200. Insurance $2,800. Miss Haley, who occupied the store, suffered a loss of $250, on which there was no insurance. Cause of fire unknown.
Aug. 15th, barn of Wm. H. Richardson, on Brattle Street, to which Hose 2 promptly responded, and did good service in saving adjoining buildings. Loss $200. No insurance. Cause of fire unknown.
Aug. 20th, building belonging to the Estate of Albert Winn, Jr. , situated on Arlington Avenue, and occupied by F. A. Fessenden. Loss on building $65. Insurance $1,000. There was a loss on the stock of Mr. Fessenden of $600, with an insurance of $1,000. At this fire the department did well in saving the building. Cause of fire unknown.
Sept. 17th, house of A. Abendroth at Arlington Heights. Loss $3,000. Insurance $2,500. Cause of fire unknown.
MEMBERSHIP.
The membership is the same as that of last year. The pay was reduced ten dollars per man, to conform to the re- duction in the appropriation, which caused some dissatisfac- tion, and the loss of some members.
We find it difficult to fill the companies with such men as we would like.
It has been our sad duty to convey to its last resting place the remains of one of the oldest and best men in the department. I refer to our late foreman Edward B. Moore.
HOSE.
The Hose of the department is in no better condition than last year, and I would call your particular attention to the same. I would recommend the purchase of some new Hose this year.
109
REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER.
1
DEPARTMENT BUILDINGS.
The hose houses are in much the same condition as last year, a few necessary repairs have been made.
I would again call your attention to the unprotected condi- tion of the property in the outskirts of the town:
APPROPRIATIONS.
I would recommend an appropriation of two thousand dollars ($2,000) to meet the expenses of the ensuing year, and am satisfied it is the smallest sum necessary to maintain the department and keep it in good working order.
PERSONAL RECOGNITION.
In closing I desire to express my sincere thanks to my assistants for the able and cheerful manner in which they have assisted me in the discharge of duty.
The members of the department I shall ever remember with feelings of gratitude for their promptness in answering to the calls of fire, and also in obeying the orders of their Chief.
To the Police and the Superintendent of Streets I extend my thanks for many favors.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES GOTT, Chief Engineer.
REPORT
OF THE
TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
The whole number of books in the Library is, 6,530.
The number of books given out during the year 1879 is, 26,724.
The trustees deemed it advisable not to close the Library for inspection until the summer vacation. Hence we are unable to report the number of volumes missing.
Amount of fines paid to the Town Treasurer, $57.
The increase of the circulation of books shows a deepen- ing interest in our Public Library, and I do not feel that I can add anything to what was said in our report of last year towards its welfare.
We ask that the same amount as given last year be appro- priated for the support of the Library for the ensuing year.
JOHN H. HARDY,
For the Trustees.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
To the Town of Arlington :
The combined reports of the sub-committees are presented as the Annual Report of the School Committee. They suf- ficiently show the progress and state of the different schools.
The committee is large enough to admit of a distribution of duties among its members. Still this does not limit their interest in the general management of all the schools. At the meetings of the committee, always fully attended, the condition of the schools is reviewed, and each member be- comes well informed upon all essential matters pertaining to them.
There has been more than the usual number of resigna- tions and election of teachers. Indeed, in few towns have the teachers continued longer in service than in this town. The school system tends to make their work simple, clear and well defined, and so long as their compensation has been a reasonable requital of their labor, they have been content to remain. It is due to them to say that their long service has not tended to bring them into fixed and unprogressive habits of teaching, but their intelligence and interest in their calling have prompted them to observe improvements in method, and to take the lead in suggesting their adoption. The'schools are the scene of lively and useful work.
Among the resignations are to be included Miss Sarah F. Packard of the Second Russell Primary, whose unsurpassed
112
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
qualities as a primary teacher, manifested in her ten years' service, have endeared her to children and parents. Then Miss Evelyn J. Locke of the Cutter Grammar, whom the committee had hoped to keep out of the sight of those who were able to offer better inducements, at least until the time when the town could afford to pay a salary commensurate with her merits, accepted to our great loss and regret, an appointment in the City of Cambridge. Finally, Miss Sarah F. Gibbs, long in the same department, marked as a most diligent and pains-taking teacher, resigned to look for a sit- uation securing larger remuneration.
In the discussion of educational topics at large in the community, two departments are especially brought into question, viz. : high and primary schools. The former have been brought face to face with the economical test, in such manner as not only to make material change probable, but their very existence in the future problematical. The com- mittee have been satisfied to avail themselves of such light as the discussion has thrown upon the character of instruc- tion, and to leave the graver results to be considered when the danger shall be more imminent. The inquiry into pri- mary instruction has reference solely to method, and asks how shall the young mind be directed in its earliest steps in learning how to learn. Our primaries are fortunately not so full as to place the teachers in a crowd of little ones where attention to each would be impossible. The teacher is ex- pected to read, visit and know by observation whatever has been discovered as the best means of bringing into earliest action the faculties which are to be developed all through school life. So far as it appears, the primary teachers, each in her own way, have so applied their knowledge as to re- lease the children from their old drudgery, to teach them to read by word, and to relieve them by change of pastime and some light occupation. Not that this is a new method with the teachers, for it is one in effect which their intelligence long ago brought about.
113
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
The instruction in singing has improved from year to year, for the reason that Mr. Marshall has been enabled through his long experience to apply his teaching in a pro- gressive and systematic way, as his pupils advance from class to class. The skill and diligence of the Instructor in Music entitle him to the highest commendation.
The committee, under the law, appointed three truant of- ficers. Truancy has not prevailed to any great extent at any time. It has been necessary for the benefit of example to bring two or three cases before the magistrate, and in these it was found that probation would serve the turn in- stead of penalty.
The committee ask the continued favor of the town in support of the public schools.
WM. E. PARMENTER, Chairman, For the School. Committee.
Cotting High School.
At the close of the school in July, Mr. Geo. F. Chace declined a re-election as Master and has received an appoint- ment in the Academy at Taunton. Miss Harriet J. Wil- liams, the First Assistant, resigned, having been appointed Instructor in Latin at Smith College in Northampton.
Mr. Charles M. Clay was elected Master, and Miss Sarah A. Hamlin, First Assistant.
There were the usual exercises by the graduating class , and a new class was admitted upon examination.
The fifteenth year since the establishment of the school has just expired. The school, well organized by able hands in the beginning, as to its studies and methods, has, in the main, throughout its existence, given the best results of skilful management. It has been fortunate in its teachers, and with rare exceptions, in the excellence of its discipline, 8
114
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
and in harmony in its work. In proof of this we can re- gard the practical tests of its graduates, some in the college ordeal, others in the profession of teachers, and all perhaps in the indications of character, intelligence and promise.
During the last half year the school has undergone care- ful revision. Such alterations in the building as its poor condition would admit of, have been made, tending to cleanli- ness and comfort. The chemical room has been rearranged and supplied with necessary apparatus and articles for ex- periment, and provision has been made for aids in other scientific studies, especially in the furnishing of models il- lustrating physiology. Reference books have been pur- chased in good number and with proper selection.
The most material change affects the course of study. Heretofore, Latin has been a required study for at least one year. By the addition of branches from time to time the number of required studies had become burdensome, for a three years' course. The change contemplates for the completion of the full curriculum, a term of four years ; three years, as before, entitling a pupil to a certificate of graduation, and the fourth year, being optional, affording a post-graduate course. In this way, Latin has been made an elective study, to be pursued by those who take it for a longer time than under the former requirement, while for those who prefer a more strictly English course, a proper branch has been substituted. By this arrangement the stud- ies followed contemporaneously by any pupil, are not more than three, and those which had brought excessive work are prolonged into the post-graduate year. The change has permitted a better arrangement, particularly in the depart- ments of science and of English and American literature. The classical course necessarily remains the same, as this must be guided by the requirements for admission to col- lege.
The committee believe that at no time in its history, has the High School been in better hands, or in more favorable
115
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
condition than it now is; and they feel assured that it has never before stood higher in the public estimation and con- fidence.
WM. E. PARMENTER, For the Sub-Committee.
Russell Grammar School.
(First, Second and Third Grades.)
Within little more than a year's time, the first grade has been under the supervision of three different teachers. Mr. Grover left at the close of the fall term of 1878 ; Mr. Dun- bar succeeded him in January following, and had only fair- ly got the school into good running order again, when he was taken sick ; it was then thought that he would soon re- cover, and Mr. Wardwell of Boston was engaged in April, as a substitute. Nearly a year has passed, and Mr. Dunbar is still unable to attend to school duties. During this time, Mr. Wardwell has proved to be an able and efficient teach- er, fully meeting the expectations of the committee.
The second grade is still under the excellent management of Miss Hobart, and the average attendance is about the same as last year.
Miss Gould still continues as teacher of the third grade, and although her responsibility is increased by the larger attendance, her duties are performed in a satisfactory man- ner.
CHAS. E. GOODWIN, For the Sub-Committee.
Russell Grammar School.
(Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Grades.)
The fourth class is still under the charge of Miss Pills- bury.
116
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
At the beginning of the school year, the fifth class was so large (78), that it was found necessary to divide it, and portable desks were purchased and placed in the hall, which has proved a very good school-room. The desks can easily be moved, and the hall used entire as formerly. This class as divided is taught by Miss Flanders and Miss Tupper.
The sixth grade, which consists of two classes, is taught , by Miss Warren and Miss Carpenter.
We believe these grades are under the charge of compe- tent and efficient teachers.
J. S. CROSBY,
For the Sub-Committee.
Russell Primary Schools.
As regards the condition of these schools, your committee feel that it is one of general excellence. Considering the extreme youth of the pupils, any report relating to scholar- ship or advancement in learning, can hardly be expected. The system of teaching is largely a matter of discipline in a mild form, an affectionate manner, and preparatory training. The method of " object teaching "-as taught in a small way in these schools-cannot be too highly commended, af- fording as it does a pleasant and healthful task, at the same time stimulating the young mind and preparing it for practi- cal use.
The first class in this Department is still in charge of Miss Schouler, who has so ably filled the position for sever- al years. In the second class a change was made at the close of the summer term, caused by the resignation of Miss Packard, after ten years of meritorious service in our schools. The vacancy was filled by the appointment of Miss Morrill, with whose management the committee have reason to be pleased. The third class remains in charge of Miss Fessenden. Probably there is no school in town re- quiring more care and earnestness, and causing so much anxiety on the part of the teacher. We feel that there' can
117
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
be no higher praise awarded, than to say that it is carefully and zealously managed. The average attendance during the past year has been good; but few cases of absence on ac- count of sickness.
Much complaint is made of the habit which some of the children have of " loitering on the way," while returning to their homes after dismissal from school. The liability to accident, the uncertainty as to their whereabouts, and the influence which such a habit must have on well-disposed children, are matters that should interest all parents and guardians, and it is hoped they will give proper attention to them.
M. MORTON,
For the Sub-Committee.
Crosby Primary Schools.
The two grades in these schools remain under the same instructors as during the year 1879, viz. : Miss M. F. Scan- lan and Miss Annie C. Snelling. Miss Scanlan continues in charge of the older scholars, and still retains the confi- dence of the committee. . A large percentage of the first class under her charge were promoted at the commencement of the fall term to a higher grade and are well maintaining their position.
Parents are always anxious when the time for promotion arrives, that their children should take their places with others in a higher grade. The teacher finds it almost im- possible to comply with the wishes of the parents, unless their children attend the school regularly and punctually every school-day, and no parent or scholar should expect promotion unless the scholar is duly qualified. The com- mittee are prompted to these remarks by matters happening at the opening of the fall term.
118
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
Miss Snelling, having had charge of the second primary, has given entire satisfaction, and the committee consider her faithful and efficient.
In instructing primarians, the daily need of patience and perseverance becomes apparent. The tender age of the scholar requires more than ordinary care as they enter and retire from the school-room, especially in cold and stormy weather.
The attendance at these schools during the year has been a trifle below the average of the former year, but so far during the winter term the per cent. of attendance has been larger than that of last year, and but very little unusual sickness has prevailed among the children.
During the summer vacation, the committee found it necessary to make certain repairs on the school-house and out-buildings. One of the furnaces having become unfit for further use, a new one was substituted, the school-rooms, entries and cellar thoroughly whitewashed and cleansed, and such carpenter's work and painting, as was deemed ad- visable, done. The committee also found upon examination that the water from the roof was working its way into the cellar, causing dampness to arise therefrom, and in order to avoid this difficulty, the underpinning of the house was re- paired and quite an amount of gravel deposited around the building, altering the grade and directing the water away from the house, thereby making it more comfortable and healthful.
D. F. JONES,
For the Sub-Committee.
Cutter Schools.
At the beginning of the fall term Mr. Clay was promoted to the Cotting High School. Mr. H. A. Freeman of Prov- incetown was appointed as his successor.
After a long and faithful service, one of our best teachers,
119
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
Miss Evelyn J. Locke, resigned, to take charge of one of the Cambridge schools. The vacancy has been filled by Miss Mary E. Stiles, of Cambridge.
Miss DeBlois and Mrs. Thompson continue to give satis- faction.
HENRY SWAN,
For the Sub-Committee.
Locke Primary Schools.
The schools in the Locke Building, at Arlington Heights, are progressing well under the efficient care and instruction of Miss Mary L. Peirce and Miss Millie B. Farrington. The latter lady was appointed at the beginning of the pres- ent term to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Miss Louise M. Farrington on account of ill health, and has proved, it is understood, a teacher very satisfactory to both parents and children.
Miss Peirce is a teacher of long experience and excellent abilities, who was appointed during the summer vacation, to take the place of Miss Sarah F. Gibbs, and is considered by the committee a decided acquisition to the town's roll of teachers.
FRANCIS V. B. KERN,
For the Sub-Committee.
120
TABULAR STATEMENT OF ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOLS.
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