USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1892-1894 > Part 5
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Balance of cash on hand, Dec: 31, 1892, 2,877 80
$25,309 29
WATER WORKS - TREASURER'S REPORT.
103
Trial Balance, Water Works Books, Dec. 31, 1892. DR. CR.
Town of Arlington,
$306,535 23
Construction,
$310,599 74
Interest,
294,144 83
Town appropriation for interest,
Water Rates, 1873,
8,035 83
66 66
1874,
7,913 66
66
66 1875,
7,600 52
66
1876,
8,463 59
1877,
8,947 58
66
1878,
8,857 89
66
1879,
9,415 60
66
1880,
9,590 22
66 1881,
9,568 78
66
66 1883,
10,361 49
66
60
1884,
9,832 09
66
1885,
10,187 30
66
60 1886,
11,172 42
66 66 1887,
11,845 03
66 66
1888,
12,417 96
66
1889,
12,870 89
66
1890,
13,475 50
66 1891,
15,493 11
1892,
16,432 27
Service pipes,
3,974 85
Stock materials,
877 97
Water Investigation Stock,
208 73
Sundry receipts,
8,704 77
Running expenses, Cash,
28,189 57
2,877 80
$640,873 49
$640,873 49
B. DELMONT LOCKE, Treasurer.
ARLINGTON, Dec. 31, 1892.
112,860 00
66
66 1882,
10,291 76
104
RULES OF WATER WORKS.
Extracts from Rules of Water Works.
SECT. 15. The following rates shall be charged annually for the use of water, namely :
DWELLLING HOUSES.
Occupied by one family, for the first faucet, $6 00
For each additional faucet, to be used by the same family, 2 00
Where a house is occupied by more than one family, one faucet only being used for all, for each family, 4 00
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,
8 00
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, 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 board- ers, 10 00
Each additional bath-tub or water-closet, 3 00
105
RULES OF WATER WORKS.
STORES, OCCUPIED AS OFFICE, SHOP OR SIMILAR PURPOSE. First faucet, $6 to $20 00
For each additional faucet, 2 50
For water-closet or urinal, 6 00
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, $6 to $25 00
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
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, 3 00
66
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 00
The rates for stables include water for washing carriages without hose ; when hose is used, $3.00 additional.
106
RULES OF WATER WORKS.
HOSE.
For hose of not over three-eighths inch orifice, used for washing windows, sprinkling streets, and watering gardens (and the use of the same shall be limited to two hours 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
BUILDING PURPOSES.
For each cask of lime or cement, 6 cents.
ORNAMENTAL FOUNTAINS.
Ordinarily used three hours a day for a period of not more than four months a year : For a jet of 1-16 of an inch,
$3 00
66
1-8 5 00
66 1-4 8 00
To be cut off at discretion of the Superintendent.
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.
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 of the Arlington Water Works, for the year 1892, and find the same correct, with vouchers for all payments, and the balances of cash as stated by him.
FRANK W. HODGDON, Auditors. CLARENCE T. PARSONS,
ARLINGTON, Jan. 27, 1893.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
CHIEF OF POLICE.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
GENTLEMEN - I have the honor to present my Annual Report of the Police Department for the year ending Dec. 31,1892.
Whole number of arrests, 81. Males, 72; females 9.
Causes of Arrest.
Assault,
12
Attempt with dangerous weapon,
1
Attempt to rescue prisoner,
1
Dipsomania,
1
Disturbing the peace,
6
Disorderly conduct on the street,
7
Disorderly conduct on the cars,
3
Drunkenness,
37
Insane,
2
Larceny,
2
Liquor nuisance,
2
Malicious mischief,
2
Playing game on Lord's day,
2
Stubborn child,
1
Violating town by-law,
2
REPORT OF CHIEF OF POLICE.
109
Miscellaneous Business.
Accidents reported,
20
Buildings found open,
41
Cases investigated,
45
Dead bodies found,
2
Defective water pipes reported,
4
Defective sidewalks or streets,
8
Dogs killed,
12
Defective wires reported,
15
Lanterns hung in dangerous places,
7
Lost children restored,
3
Obstructions in streets,
9
Stray horses and cattle cared for,
7
Lodgers.
Whole number of lodgers,
294
Males,
289
Females,
5
Adults,
282
Minors,
12
White,
293
Colored,
1
American,
150
Canadian,
4
Australian,
1
English,
20
German,
1
French,
1
Irish,
94
Italian,
1
Nova Scotians,
S
Scotch,
12
Swedish,
1
Russian,
1
110
REPORT OF CHIEF OF POLICE.
The force consists of chief and five patrolmen. In my report of last year I asked for two more men, one for day and one for night duty, as I wished to divide the route at the lower part of the town, as it is so large one man cannot cover all the streets as they should be. But the town voted to appoint only one man for day duty. In April, Garret J. Cody was appointed a regular officer, and went on duty April 11th.
I recommend that one of the patrolmen be appointed as sergeant, to have the same route and duties that the night patrolman stationed at the centre now has, as the other patrolmen are obliged to report to him when they come in, thus having an officer of higher rank in charge for them to report to. The effect, I think, would be an improvement.
Of the 37 arrests for drunkenness 25 of them were re- leased without being taken to court. The effect of the (so-called) « new drunk law " has not been to decrease the number of cases of drunkenness, but does, to a certain ex- tent, decrease the amount of fines paid to the court.
Several warrants have been taken out to search for liquors, but in only two cases was anything found. When- ever we have found evidence enough to convict, we have prosecuted. I think it safe to say that there was never a time when less liquor was sold in the town than during the past year.
In closing my report I wish to thank the Board of Select- men for their assistance to me the past year, and the entire force for the prompt discharge of their duties.
I am respectfully,
EUGENE MEAD, Chief of Police.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE ARLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT.
To the Hon. Board of Selectmen;
GENTLEMEN - I herewith submit my Annual Report of the Fire Department for the past year.
The fire loss for the year has been very light, and although the Department has answered seventeen calls, but three of these have been of any importance.
The calls have been as follows :
January 6th. Alarm 11.05 P. M., Box 45. Fire, J. W. Brine's house and shed. Damage slight.
January 19th. Alarm 10.35 P. M., Box 25. Fire, Wm. T. Wood Ice Tool Manufactory. Damage slight.
March 15th. Alarm 11.45 A. M., Box 36. Fire, build- ing owned by J. A. Merrifield. Damage slight.
March 30th. Alarm 12.30 P. M., Box 61. Fire, brush near Hawley house. No damage.
April 3d. Alarm 2 A. M., Box 21. Fire, Rope Factory owned and operated by Mrs. P. J. Dale. Total loss.
April 3d. Alarm 9.55 A. M., Box 21. Needless alarm for the rope walk.
April 7th. Alarm 4.40 P. M., Box 52. Fire, grass in rear Crescent hill. No damage.
April 7th. Alarm 7.12 P. M., Box 37. Fire, house of Wm. Thorpe. Damage slight.
112
REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER.
April 7th. Alarm 7.30 P. M., Box 54. Brush fire near Lexington line. No damage.
April 18th. Alarm 1.25 P. M., Box 28. Fire, grass on Wm. J. Niles' estate. No damage.
April 27th. Alarm 9.55 A. M., Box 24. Fire, outbuild- ing of Terrence Owens. Damage slight.
May 25th. Alarm 10.47 A. M., Box 39. Fire, bakery building occupied by N. J. Hardy. Damage slight.
May 25th. Alarm 3.56 P. M., Box 36. Fire, freight shed on Water street. Damage slight.
July 25th. Alarm 4.05 P. M., Box 35. Fire, house on Gray estate occupied by H. H. Homer.
September 27th. Alarm 6.50 P. M., Box 41. Fire, house occupied by Patrick Rowe. Damage slight.
October 31st. Alarm 9.50 A. M., Box 21. Fire, house owned by David Scanlan. Slight damage.
November 22d. Alarm 8.15 P. M., Box 26. Fire, greenhouse owned by Wm. Scannell. Slight damage.
MEMBERSHIP.
The membership of the Department is in the same con- dition as last year. We still find it hard to fill vacancies with new members who are in town through the day.
The Firemen's Relief Association is still prospering, hav- ing received donations of fifty dollars each from the Wm. T. Wood Ice Tool Manufactory and the John P. Squire Corporation.
The object of this Association is to assist members in case of sickness or accident, each member receiving five dollars per week while unable to work.
FIRE ALARM.
Would report the Fire Alarm in good condition, having had no trouble throughout the year of any importance. It has proved itself thus far to be a valuable auxiliary to the Department, and to the town.
No new boxes have been added this year.
113
REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER.
BUILDINGS AND APPARATUS.
The buildings are in the same condition as last reported, no money having been expended on them during the year.
In regard to building occupied by Chemical 5, would say it will be necessary to provide some heating apparatus for same, as the present means of heating the building are not sufficient to keep the pipes from freezing.
-
No repairs have been made on any of the apparatus dur- ing the year.
Five hundred feet of new hose have been purchased, same having been paid for out of the general appropriation.
Four hundred feet of hose have been condemned.
Your attention was called last year to the necessity of a greater number of hydrants, but no action has been taken as yet. I would again urge the necessity of placing a four- way post hydrant near the town house.
APPROPRIATIONS.
I would recommend an appropriation of $4000 to meet the expenses of the coming year; also that the unexpended sum now remaining in the treasury be applied to some heat- ing apparatus for the Chemical Engine House.
In closing I wish to express my thanks to your honorable Board, to my Engineers, and to the members of the Depart- ment.
Respectfully submitted.
CHARLES GOTT, Chief Fire Department.
8
REPORT
OF THE
TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
To the Town of Arlington :
It is with profound regret that the Trustees have to state the death of their chairman, Dr. Richard L. Hodgdon, which occurred January 30. 1893. In many ways Dr. Hodgdon was a leader in this community but with none of the town's interests was he longer or more closely identified than with the library. By virtue of his profession he became a mem- ber of the Board of Trustees when he first came to West Cambridge in 1853. After the death of Dr. Timothy Wel- lington, who was Secretary of the Board from the institution of the library in 1835, Dr. Hodgdon was chosen Secretary and continued in that office till 1883. When the Board of Trustees became elective in 1878 he was chosen a member and held the position uninterruptedly by successive re-elec- tions until his death. Since 1889 he has been Chairman of the Board. Dr. Hodgdon was thus officially connected with the library for nearly forty years. Of him it may be truly said - to use his own words in regard to Dr. Learned - that " during his whole life, in addition to the performance of the duties of an exacting profession, he was active in pro- moting many good causes, especially that of education." He looked upon the library as a kindred institution to the
115
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY.
schools, and steadily urged upon his fellow-citizens its claims to their support. It is gratifying to reflect that he lived to see the institution for which he had labored reach the prosperity which the past year has brought to it.
The completion of the new building marks so important a point in the career of the library that the present seems an especially fitting time to set down some of the facts in its: history. This cannot be better done than in the words of. the late Chairman at the dedicatory exercises in November ...
On that occasion Dr. Hodgdon spoke as follows :
On entering this new home for the library it may not be inappropriate for one who has been officially connected with it for inore than half the years of its existence, to recount briefly something of its progress. The details may be dry but I trust they will not be wholly without interest to its friends. In 1807, shortly after Menotomy (or the northwest precinct of Cambridge), was incorporated as the town of West Cambridge, there was formed the West Cambridge Social Library. This was a cor- poration in which each member held a share and paid an annual assessment. The library was kept at the house of some member, from which the books were circulated among the subscribers. It contained his- tories, biographies, books of travels and such works as Pilgrim's Progress, Paradise Lost and Scott's novels. Mention is made of this library to indi_ cate the taste of the people at that time and because that library continued till after ours was established and finally became a part of ours. In 1835 Dr. Ebenezer Learned, a physician of Hopkinton, N. H., left to the town $100 by a clause in his will.
Dr. Learned was a native of Medford, a graduate of Harvard college, and in his early life was a teacher in Menotomy. During his whole life, in ad- dition to the performance of the duties of an exacting profession, he was active in promoting many good causes, especially that of education. The selectmen, ministers and physicians purchased the books as directed by Dr. Learned's will, established the library and then by common consent acted as trustees till, at a later date, the town elected trustees. In 1836 the West Cambridge Sewing Circle gave $60 to increase the fund left by Dr. Learned on condition that all members of the circle should have a right to the library granted them. This right was granted on the condition of the payment annually of a mere nominal sum. In 1837 the first appropria- tion by the town was made for the library wlien the town voted to appro- priate $30 annnally for the increase of the juvenile library. The trustees at once voted that each family in town should have the right to take books from the library while the appropriation was continued; so in 1837 West Cambridge had a free public library open to every one of its people. I can find no record of such an institution in any town in Massachusetts at that time. West Cambridge then has the honor of being the first town in the
116
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Commonwealth to have a free town library. In 1843 the Social Library "became a part of the Juvenile Library and the town voted that " the books purchased with the money furnished by the State and town for District school libraries be placed in the Juvenile Library." In 1858 the library received a donation of the books of the West Cambridge Agricultural Asso- ·ciation. On the change of the name of the town the library in 1867 took the new name. In 1872 the town voted that the library be hereafter called the Arlington Public Library, leaving the same trustees in charge of it. In 1878 it was thought wise to have an elective board of trustees and the library was put under the charge of a board of three trustees. Recently the town has voted to add three trustees so that after this year the number will be six. In 1860 the appropriation for the library was made $100 and soon after $200. Since that time the town has increased the appropriation to a sum which has supported the library liberally. In 1870 the proceeds of the dog tax were voted for the first time to the library. That has been done an- nually since. The citizens have always shown a lively interest in it. Every appropriation recommended by the trustees has been made by the town.
Under this liberal treatment by the town the library has increased so that it comes into its new home with between 12,000 and 13,000 volumes of books carefully selected. The first trustees at their first meeting, November 30, 1835, voted that the books selected for the library be such as were directed by the will of the donor, the same not being of a sectarian character. This vote still controls the trustees, who have always had, in the performance of their duty, the intelligent aid of the librarians, all of whom have been earnest and active friends of the library from the first to the present excellent librarian, Miss Lizzie J. Newton, who has for twenty years done us faithful service. Until now the library has been like a wan- derer without a home. The first two librarians kept it at their homes; Mr. Jonathan Dexter in his house which is the three story house next to the railroad on the south side of Arlington avenue, Miss Esterbrook in the old Adams house which stood at the corner of Mystic street and Arlington avenue. In 1842 it was moved into the vestry of the First Congregational church. When the Town House was completed it was moved into that and remained there until it had outgrown any room which was available. In 1884 it was placed in the hall in Swan's block. At this time there occurred an important event in its history. The earnest desire of many good citi- zens was gratified by the establishment of a free public reading room, an institution which, in any community, exerts a potent influence for temper- ance and morality. Now the library comes to a permanent home, and this spacious and elegant apartment is Arlington's free public reading room.
The library has received many gifts of money and books. The first was a joint contribution of books by Hon. James Russell and Dr. Timothy Wel- lington, one an honored and trusted lawyer, the other an honored and be- loved physician. Among others who have made donations are Mr. Charles Griffiths, Capt. George Lee and Mr. J. M. Hollingsworth. Four bequests have been left to the town for the library, which I will mention in order. In 1853 Dr. Timothy Wellington, who had been clerk of the trustees from the beginning, left a legacy of one hundred dollars, the same sum left by the founder. This was invested and the income is spent annually for the
117
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY.
purchase of books. These sums may not seem large to us of to-day, but when the time and the circumstances are considered they appear noble gifts of noble men. In 1875 the town received $10,000 under the will of Mr. Natlian Pratt who for many years had been a prominent citizen. He gave the same sum to the Cotting High school, a kindred institution. In 1889 a bequest of $5000 was made to the library by the will of Deacon Henry Mott, a much respected citizen, who had been honored from time to time with nearly every office in the gift of the town. The fourth legacy is this fine building. Mrs. Maria C. Robbins, of Brooklyn, N. Y., a native of this town, has built it and presented it to the town as a memorial to her hus- band, Mr. Eli Robbins, also a native of this town, who became a prosperous merchant in a distant city. This magnificent building says more for Mrs. Robbins than any words of mine can express. It will stand not only as a memorial to her husband but as a monument to her generous nature which prompted the gift. It is complete in all its appointments and of a style of architecture which appeals to no passing fancy but which will command the admiration of future ages as it does that of all good judges to-day.
Mrs. Robbins was aided in carrying out her plans by one to whom the town is greatly indebted, Mr. Winfield Robbins, a gentleman of education and culture, who has given to the building of this library the benefit of his time, good taste and good judgment to a degree known by few. It is now my pleasant duty to mention the last gift to the library. Mr. Elbridge Farmer, a wealthy citizen, by birth an Arlington man, has made a liberal endow- ment by creating tlie Elbridge Farmer fund of $50,000 to be held by trustees who shall invest it and pay over the income to the trustees of the library for its support. By this generous act Mr. Farmer has set an ex_ ample worthy of imitation by all public spirited citizens. It is hoped that many will follow it and enroll themselves among the benefactors of the library, so that it may more fully serve the purpose of its founder, to " pro- mote useful knowledge, and the Christian virtues among the citizens of the town."
The new building was completed during the summer and was accepted by the town with suitable resolutions Septem- ber 29th. The town then voted that the public library should be named the Robbins Library of Arlington. At a subsequent meeting the number of trustees was fixed at six. The formal services of dedication took place November 29th with the following order of exercises.
118
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY.
ORDER OF EXERCISES.
ROBBINS LIBRARY. AT 3 P.M.
1. PRAYER,
REV. CHARLES H. WATSON.
2. ADDRESS [BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE DAY, HON. JOHN Q. A. BRACKETT.
3. REMARKS ON PRESENTATION OF BUILDING,
MR. WINFIELD S. DURGIN, Chairman of Board of Selectmen.
4. REMARKS ON RECEIVING KEYS OF THE BUILDING, DR. RICHARD L. HODGDON, Chairman of Board of Trustees of the Robbins Library.
5. ADDRESS, HON. JOHN D. LONG, of Hingham.
6. CONCLUDING PRAYER,
REV. IRVING C. TOMLINSON.
FIRST PARISH CHURCH.
AT 7.30 P.M.
1. MUSIC, "Angel of Peace," Keller.
CHORUS UNDER DIRECTION OF MR. F. L. DIMAN.
2. OPENING REMARKS,
HON. JOHN Q. A. BRACKETT.
3. MUSIC, " The Sky Lark," CHORUS.
J. Barnby.
4. ADDRESS, MR. THEODORE F. DWIGHT, Librarian of the Boston Public Library.
5. MUSIC, "To Thee, O Country," J. Eichberg.
CHORUS.
6. CLOSING HYMN,
CHORUS AND AUDIENCE.
7. BENEDICTION,
REV. FREDERIC GILL.
119
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Beside the generous gift of the endowment fund the library is indebted to Mr. Farmer for valuable portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Robbins and of their two children. Those of Mr. and Mrs. Robbins are by Mr. H. W. Berthrong, and have been placed in the catalogue room.
Another interesting gift is the portrait of the founder of the library, Dr. Learned. This is a present from his daughters and has been placed in the book room, over the delivery desk.
Apart from the changes consequent upon removal to the new building, there have been no occurrences of special im- portance. The library was closed at Swans' Hall October 20th. Except for the serious disadvantage of being on the second story, the hall has given fairly good accommodation to the library, although it would have been outgrown before many years. The books and other property were at once moved, and the library was regularly opened for the de- livery of books November 9th.
The reading room at the Heights still meets with favor. The delivery of books twice a week has been continued dur- ing the year, and is of evident convenience to the people of that part of the town.
The removal of the library took place so near the end of the year that it is not yet time to speak of its practical working in its new and permanent home, except to say that experience so far is wholly encouraging, and the Trustees be- lieve that the building will be found well adapted for use in the present and in the future. The town may now, more than ever, feel a pride in its library. It should be our endeavor that its support and administration should not be unworthy of its beautiful surroundings or of the generous spirit of its benefactors-the living and the dead.
For the Trustees.
JAMES P. PARMENTER,
JANUARY, 1893.
Secretary.
LIBRARIAN'S STATEMENT.
Number of volumes in the Library, July, 1892 12,183
66 " publications taken (weekly and monthly ) 32
66 " daily papers
3
" books added from Jan. 1, 1892, to Jan. 1,1893 397
66 " books loaned 33,269
" magazines loaned 624
Largest number of books and magazines delivered in one day 383
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