Town of Arlington annual report 1878-1883, Part 36

Author: Arlington (Mass.)
Publication date: 1878-1883
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 868


USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1878-1883 > Part 36


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etc., $1,654 08


750 bricks, 7 5.0


8 loads of sand, 8 00


1,669 58


W. A. Peirce, coal, wood, and cement, 159 41


M. W. Sands, 102 loads of clay, $76 50


13,125 bricks, 111 57


188 07


J. H. Roberts, use of engine, boiler, and services of en- gineer,


142 50


Charles Linehan, use of engine and pump, 96 50


S. E. Kimball, amount paid for services of engineer, and for driving pipe, 62 50


Russell & Cotton, for brick- laying, 75 38


David Scanlan, 11 loads of sand,


13 75


W. A. Martin, 1 cask of nails,


3 25


Bridgewater Iron Co., 2 casks of nails, 6 70


Amounts carried forward,


$2,425 64 $1,179 52


.


106


WATER WORKS .- TREASURER'S REPORT.


Amounts brought forward, $2,425 64 $1,179 52


Paid James Pendergast, for labor,


2 00


R. W. Shattuck, for oil and funnel,


6 18


Sylvester Stickney, for iron pipe, etc., 29 88


Thomas Higgins, sharpening tools, 24 55


Hiram Nevons, and three men, services in setting gate to connect the filter and main pipe, 22 00


City of Cambridge, material and labor for connecting filter, W. T. Wood & Co., pointing and drilling pipe,


20 31


1 00


Charles Gott, 2 tires for curb,


3 00


Boston Machine Co., 1 bell- gate, 56 00


F. E. Foster & Co., lumber for roof,


125 42


Wm. H. Wood & Co., matched plank, 289 74


James M. Chase, labor and stock, building roof, etc., 107 32


Burt & Henshaw, paint and oil for roof, 24 07


3,137 11


Amount carried forward,


$4,316 63


WATER WORKS .- TREASURER'S REPORT. 107


Amount brought forward, $4,316 63


Interest on Water Scrip.


Paid 1 year's interest on $220,000 at 6 per cent., $13,200 00


Paid 1 year's interest on 80,000, at 5 per cent., 4,000 00


17,200 00


Amount loaned to town, Feb. 23,


$2,000 00


66 March 29, 2,000 00


4,000 00


1,257 65


Balance of cash on hand, Dec. 31, 1883,


$26,774 28


1


108


WATER WORKS. - TREASURER'S REPORT.


Trial Balance, Water Works Books, Dec. 31, 1883.


DR.


CR.


Town of Arlington,


$301,885 23


Construction,


$305,949 74


Cash,


1,257 65


Interest,


148,043 71


Town Appropriation for Interest,


63,000 00


Water Rates for 1873,


66


66


“ 1874,


66


66


66 1875,


7,600 52


66


66


66 1876,


8,463 59


66


66


66 1877,


8,947 58


66


66


66 1878,


8,857 89


66


66


66 1879,


9,415 60


66 66 66 1880,


9,590 22


66


66


66 1881,


9,568 78


66


66 1882,


10,291 76


6.6


66


66 1883,


10,361 49


66


60


66 1884,


20 63


Running Expenses,


15,647 47


Service Pipes,


266 00


Sundry Receipts,


7,513 51


Stock Materials, Filter,


314 61


12 89


$471,479 18


$471,479 18


ARLINGTON, Dec. 31, 1883.


B. DELMONT LOCKE, Treasurer.


8,035 83


7,913 66


109


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 family, and less than four, one faucet only being used 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 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


3 00


For each additional bath-tub,


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,


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 fam- ily, exclusive of hose and stable, be more than


4 00


25 00


For the first water-closet,


110


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


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 tene- ment 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 purposes 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


For each water-closet in a hotel, 10 00


111


RULES OF WATER WORKS.


PUBLIC BATHS.


$10 00


For one tub in public bath-house,


For each additional bath-tub, 5 00


10 00


For one water-closet in public bath-house,


3 00


For each additional water closet,


STABLES.


Private Stables. For the first horse, $5 00


66


For each additional horse, 4 00


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 00


The rates for stables include water for wash- ing 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


For one cow,


112


RULES OF WATER WORKS.


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 judg- ment, the interests of the town shall require.


113


AUDITOR'S REPORT


AUDITORS' REPORT.


THE undersigned hereby certify that they have audited the books and accounts of B. DELMONT LOCKE, as Treasurer and Collector of the Town of Arlington, also as Treasurer for the Arlington Water Works, for the year 1883, and find the same correct, with vouchers for all payments, and the balances of cash as stated by him.


DAVID P. GREEN, Auditors A. WILLARD DAMON, S


ARLINGTON, Jan. 12, 1884.


ANNUAL REPORT


OF THE


CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE ARLINGTON FIRE


DEPARTMENT.


To the Selectmen of Arlington:


GENTLEMEN, -In accordance with the rules of my depart- ment, I respectfully submit the following report for the year ending Dec. 31, 1883.


MEMBERSHIP.


The membership consists of thirty-seven men as follows :


One Chief Engineer, two assistants, twelve men to each Hose-carriage, and ten to Hook-and-Ladder Truck. Three men have been added since my last report.


Assistant Engineer, William S. Gibson, has passed away, and Matthew Rowe, 2d, has been appointed to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. Gibson.


Wm. Penn Hose-house is now in good condition. A bell has been placed in the tower, also a drum for the reeling of hose. With the exception of the above, there has been no expense.


115


REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER.


The new hose-house, No. 2, is now occupied by the com- pany ; and, when completed, there will be no cause for further expense.


FIRES AND ALARMS.


The department has answered eighteen alarms, a part of which are as follows :


May 6, at mill of Samuel A. Fowle, corner Mystic and Summer Streets ; loss, $19,000 ; insurance, $11,000; cause, unknown. In answer to my call for assistance, a steamer and hose company from Medford, Steamer No. 4 of Cam- bridge, and hand engine and hose from Belmont, responded and performed noble work.


Aug. 18, house of Patrick Donnelley on Mt. Vernon Street ; insurance, $2,250 ; loss, $100 ; cause, struck by light- ning.


Aug 18, unoccupied house owned by P. McCue ; insur- ance, $800 ; loss, $1200 ; cause, unknown. At this fire, no as- sistance could be rendered from lack of water.


Sept. 27, shed of John Fillebrown, on Warren Street, with sash and mats for hot-beds ; loss, $450; no insurance ; cause, incendiary.


Oct. 20, stable and coal-shed, owned by Arlington Gas- light Company, on Mystic Street ; loss, $100 ; no insurance ; cause, spontaneous combustion of coal.


The above are the principal fires for the year.


HOSE.


The hose of the department is in good condition. A lot of old leather hose has been sold, and four hundred feet of new purchased.


116


REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER.


INCREASED FACILITIES.


In connection with this, I merely call your attention to the unusually long distances some of the hydrants are apart, but make no suggestions at this time.


APPROPRIATION.


I would recommend an appropriation of $2,500 for ex- penses for the ensuing year.


In conclusion, allow me to thank your board, also the en- gineers and firemen of the department, for the generous sup- port given.


Respectfully submitted,


CHARLES GOTT, Chief Engineer.


117


ARLINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY.


REPORT


OF THE


TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.


As long ago as 1880, the Trustees announced in their Report that enlarged accommodations for the Library would soon be required, and recommended the establishment of a read- ing-room. The necessity of more room for our book- cases has now become urgent. They are already so crowded together that much embarassment is caused, when it often becomes necessary for two persons to deliver books from the same alcove; and the introduction of more book-cases in our present quarters will be attended with serious inconve- nience.


At the same time the very great desirability of a reading- room, as a means of increasing the usefulness of the Library, and of promoting the moral and social welfare of the com- munity, has been recognized by a large body of our most intelligent and influential citizens. The town, always prompt and generous in its regard to the interests of the Library, at the March meeting of 1882, referred the question to a committee composed of the Trustees and the Selectmen, who, at the next March meeting (1883), recommended, as the most available additional space, the annexation of the room occupied by the post-office. The removal of the post-office from so central a point, however, was a matter for serious consideration ; and the town no doubt acted wisely


*


118


ARLINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY.


in once more appointing the Trustees and Selectmen a com- mittee to reconsider the question. We have since given to it careful study, and expect to be able, at the next meeting, to present a plan for the enlargement of our quarters and the establishment of a reading-room which shall recommend itself to the favor of the town.


While adding new books to the Library, we have endeav- ored to increase the usefulness of those it already contains. We are indebted to the volunteer services of friends for a manuscript Class Catalogue of works of History, Travel, and Geography, which should have been acknowledged a year ago ; for a short Reference List of Greek History, lately pre- pared, and another of Roman History, which will be ready early in the year. These will be found very useful in show- ing the student, at a glance, whatever the Library affords on any of the subjects mentioned. To the same end, a Card Catalogue of all the books added since the Catalogue-Supple- ment of 1881 was issued, is now in preparation.


The editor of the Advocate, who continues kindly to pub- lish our lists of new books, has also consented to print in his columns weekly Library Notes, descriptive of the most note- worthy additions to our shelves. Nor must we neglect to mention a matter of especial interest to our fellow-citizens at the Heights, viz. : the establishment there, through the courtesy of the post-master, Mr. Bailey, of a station for the weekly delivery of books.


Our indebtedness to Mr. Parker for complete files of the Advocate, at the end of each year, has heretofore been acknowledged. We are also under obligations to the editor of the Middlesex Townsman for a copy of his paper added weekly to our waiting-room files. Lastly, we have to thank the Trustees of the Ames Free Library of North Easton for a copy of their admirable catalogue.


J. T. TROWBRIDGE, For the Trustees.


ARLINGTON, Dec. 31, 1883.


119


ARLINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY.


LIBRARIAN'S STATEMENT.


Number of volumes in the Library, July, 1883 8,565


66 " magazines taken by the Library . 8


66 " books added in 1883 . ·


543


66 " books loaned 26,199


66 " magazines loaned 677


Largest number of books and magazines delivered in one day 273


Number not returned to the Library, from July, 1882, to July, 1883 . ·


0


Registration of book-borrowers during the year 243


Whole number of registered book-borrowers 2,090


Fines paid to the Town Treasurer, in 1883 . $86 00


LIZZIE J. NEWTON,


ARLINGTON, DEC. 31, 1883.


Librarian.


SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.


To the Town of Arlington :


The School Committee submit their annual report :-


The exhaustive report of the year 1882 placed before the town complete prudential details in regard to the school- houses. Certain recommendations were made for changes and improvements, which were accepted, and the necessary appropriation was made to cover the cost. In the Russell School-house, the hall in the third story has been divided into two rooms ; and an entry and stairway have been con- structed, conforming to the arrangement on the other side of the building. This change leaves one unoccupied room in readiness for the additional school likely to be established during the year. The rooms in the upper story of the Locke School-house were also put in condition for use ; and one of them was at once occupied by a new school, rendered necessary by the crowded condition of the other schools in the Cutter District. The Cutter School-house has been painted. Repairs incident to the constant use of the build- ings have also been made.


The expense attending these changes has been consider- able, but it has been incurred upon careful estimate and with due economy. The town is referred to the report of the Town Treasurer for the particulars of expenditure.


The Committee have in mind but two substantial subjects


121


SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.


calling for extra appropriation. The Crosby School-house requires thorough interior repairs, such as new flooring and painting. The estimated cost of this is five hundred dollars.


Then an equal sum will be necessary to furnish means for warming the High School-rooms. The usual discomfort from cold, and from time to time the consequent dismissal of the school, have marked the experience of this, as of many a former year. The furnace is nearly worn out, and, in replac- ing it, it has been considered that a more favorable arrange- ment might be made. The present furnace stands in a school-room in the lower story. The cellar, dug as it was out of a ledge of rock, occupies about half of the ground extent of the building, and itself contains a brick water- cistern now in disuse. By removing the cistern, placing the furnace in the cellar, and extending its conductors to the proper points, it is believed that comparative comfort may be secured. Absolute comfort can come only with a new house.


The graded system on which comment is made in the re_ port from year to year, still exists and works most favorably in the Russell School, where through the convenience of a large building it can be completely applied. In the Cutter School it has reasonable success, but is not a little hindered by the necessity of doubling classes in a single room and of occupy- ing two buildings. In the Locke School-house, two rooms are used for two of the grades from the Cutter District, which are therefore separated from their fellows in the Cut- ter Building, and are deprived in their work of the advan- tage of close relation and constant supervision, which are secured where all the grades are assembled in one house. The only remedy is one not likely soon to be applied, -that of duplicating the Russell School-house in the Cutter District.


Certain matters which have received somewhat of public notice have engaged the attention of the Committee. The


122


SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.


course of study for the Grammar and Primary Schools, which has been in use since the graded system was introduced, has come before the Committee for re-examination. The course was prepared with great care by skilful teachers, at the time in charge of the schools, and in the main it has well served its purpose. It may now, after the test of years, admit of modification. The sub-committee having the matter in charge held conference with the teachers in full meeting, and requested that, after giving close observation, they should report severally upon any inequality, strain, or other difficulty which seemed to them to exist. The reason for this reference to the teachers must be apparent, for the knowledge of meth- ods of instruction belongs to their profession in study and practice. The Committee, while they might be able to dis- criminate between different methods, would hesitate to pre- pare a system of studies in all its minute details.


Connected with the graded system is a difficulty which every year brings annoyance and disappointment. Of course it is understood that the schools are so graded that in each grade the pupil is required to complete the assigned work in a year, as the condition of his promotion to the next grade. It is intended, in the course of study, that the work shall be such as can be accomplished by the average pupil who attends school and who studies with reasonable constancy and diligence. The test of promotion has hitherto been, mainly, by a written examination at the end of the school year, in which the pupil must have given a certain percentage of correct answers. Common experience has shown that this is no reliable criterion ; for even if there be no copying from another's work, or other dishonesty, the indifferent will sometimes succeed and the meritorious pupil fail.


The object of the examination is to ascertain what pupils are prepared for the advanced work. If the pupils are unfitted, then new work will be a constant trouble to them


123


SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.


and the whole school will suffer by the excessive claim on the teacher's time by the incompetent, to the detriment of the normal work of the school.


It is not unlikely that the Committee will determine that, setting aside the final examination, or taking it only partly into account, the work, and conduct of the pupil for the en- tire year will be reviewed ; and regularity of attendance, faithful study, and obedience to rule will be regarded among the qualifications for promotion.


The Committee have in some instances felt compelled to deny promotion. Where this has been for sheer delinquency, the course has been clear. The duty has been painful in meri- torious cases, where the disqualification has been apparent. The aim has been to secure thoroughness in one grade, as a preparation for gaining the full advantages of the succeeding. This purpose the pupil never, and the parents not always, can appreciate. Experience has again and again shown that a repetition of study for a second year in the same grade has established a basis for success in the remainder of school- life. The Committee have been fully aware of the disap- pointment which ensues, but have desired to act conscien- tiously for the best interests of the child. After a second year, promotion is not denied on the ground of incompe- tency, except in cases of persistent absenteeism and culp- able neglect of study.


Promptitude in attendance on the part of pupils has been commendable. Complaints have come to the Committee, from the Cutter School, of frequent absence through the inconsiderate indulgence of parents. It should be borne in mind that irregularity of attendance not only interferes with the proper education of the pupil and his hope of promo- tion, but embarasses the teacher and unfavorably affects the school. The support of parents in school discipline is a fac- tor too often overlooked.


124


SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.


During the year, several teachers have resigned. Mr. Charles M. Clay accepted the appointment of Master of the Roxbury High School. His four years' service as Master of the Cotting High School was marked by energy, intense in- dustry, skill in organization, admirable method and disci- pline. At no time in the history of the school has it stood above the standard established by him. His pupils have, without exception, successfully passed the ordeal of admis- sion, where they have entered the higher institutions of learning. In his place, the committee have appointed Mr. A. G. Fisher, formerly of the Marlboro' High School. Miss Sarah A. Hamlin, first assistant in the High School, was ap- pointed female principal of the Dean Academy in Franklin, and thereupon resigned her position here. Much endeared to her pupils, she greatly contributed by her character, scholar- ship, and excellent instruction to the success of the school. Miss Marie Elliott, formerly of the Beverly High School, and a graduate of Wellesley College, was appointed to the vacancy.


Mr. Leonard L. Conant, after a year's service as Mas- ter of the Cutter Grammar School, in which he evinced fine qualities of education, aptitude for teaching, and the faculty of giving impression by gentlemanly bearing and character, resigned, and has since accepted an appointment as Superin- tendent of Schools at the West. Mr. N. T. Soule was ap- pointed his successor.


Miss Mary E. Stiles, of the Cutter Sub-Grammar, whom . the committee, in last year's report, mentioned with special and well-deserved commendation, resigned upon receiving a desirable position in the Cambridge schools. Her selection for that place was a recognition of her merit. Miss Cora B. Ambrose was appointed to this vacancy.


The crowded condition of the Cutter Primary made it necessary to establish an additional school, which was placed


125


SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.


in the Locke School-house. Miss Margaret E. Collins was appointed its teacher.


The Committee have not found it necessary to particularize in regard to the schools. They feel that they may commend them to the approval of the town as, in the main, in a highly favorable condition ; and this is due to the faithful and pains- taking labor of the teachers having them in charge.


The undersigned, after three years' absence from the Com- mittee, was called, in consequence of a much regretted va- cancy, to resume, temporarily, a position he had formerly for a long time held. That vacancy, by good fortune, is to be filled by its former occupant. The present chairman has been able to see, during the few months he has been in service, how wisely and faithfully the Committee have discharged their trust during the last three years. He now dissolves his connection with the committee, finally and forever.


WM. E. PARMENTER,


ARLINGTON, Dec. 31, 1883.


Chairman.


126


TABULAR STATEMENT OF ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOLS.


FIRST TERM.


SECOND TERM.


THIRD TERM.


YEAR.


Whole No.


Av'ge Attend


Whole | Av'ge No. JAttend


Whole No.


A'vge


Av'ge Attend Attend


[ Charles M. Clay


) 1st and 2d Terms | 3d Term


4.4


36


43


38


46


43


39


į Miss Marie Elliott


( Miss Eliza A. Simmons ) Horace A. Freeman .


36


32


34


28


28


26


29


Miss Olive M. Hobart .


11


37


32


29


50


46


37


Miss Caroline C. Turner


32


30


30


28


43


40


33


4tli


1st division .


Miss Addie E. Flanders


48


45


48


43


34


31


40


5th


2d


Miss Georgie M. Tupper


32


26


30


28


33


29


28


Miss Louisa R. Warren


32


29


30


27


33


28


28


6th


2d


Miss Ella F. Carpenter


33


30


32


28


32


29


29


Miss Louise E. Schoular


36


32


37


34


46


40


35


2d Class


Miss E. J. D. Kennard


45


39


47


39


49


41


40


3d


.


.


.


51


41


69


59


54


42


47


CROSBY PRIMARY-1st Class


Miss Mary E. Scanlan


38


33


38


36


40


34


34


2d Class


Miss Annie C. Snelling


33


25


44


36


43


32


31


CUTTER GRAMMAR


.


Leonard L. Conant } 1st and 2d Terms N. T. Soule 5 3d Term


50


13


49


36


35


31


37


Ist and 2d or 3d Classes


$ Miss Mary E. Stiles .


42


36


31


38


32


33


5th Class


.


Miss Mary L. Peirce .


52


47


49


44


49


43


Mrs. Mary E. Thompson


41


33


40


34


39


33


33


3d Class


Miss Elizabeth DeBlois


50


38


63


48


55


48


45


Miss M. B. Farrington


34


30


47


41


35


32


34


Leonard B. Marshall, Instructor in Music .


819


705


846


729


875


756


718


.


2d Class


.


3d


66


.


Miss Anna Pillsbury .


49


43


47


42


44


39


41


5th


.


·


6th


1st


·


·


.


Miss Eve R. Fessenden


.


.


.


·


Miss Cora B. Ambrose


S


49


37


6th


66


.


.


.


6th


.


Miss Margaret E. Collins


.


CUTTER PRIMARY-Ist and 2d ·


·


·


.


.


SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.


SCHOOLS.


TEACHERS.


COTTING HIGH .


.


.


.


.


.


.


.


.


RUSSELL PRIMARY-1st Class


.


.


.


.


3d and 4th, or 5th Classes .


Miss Mary L. Peirce .


·


45


LOCKE PRIMARY


A. G. Fisher


¿ Miss Sarah A. Hamlin


RUSSELL GRAMMAR-1st Class


.


LIST OF JURORS OF THE TOWN OF ARLINGTON.


REVISED BY THE SELECTMEN, JAN. 17, 1884.


John F. Allen,


George H. Lancaster,


William H. Allen,




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