USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynnfield > Town of Lynnfield, Essex County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, annual report 1911-1920 > Part 12
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CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
The Town celebrated its one hundredth anniversary as a Town on June 17th, under ideal conditions. The celebration was an unparalleled event in the Town's history and is covered by detailed report of the committee in charge under a separate heading.
STATE HIGHWAY
SUMMER STREET
The work started in 1913 of resurfacing Main street, under direction of the Massachusetts Highway Commission has been continued along Summer street during the past year. An
25
allotment of one thousand ($1000) dollars from the state, to- gether with the one thousand dollars ($1000) raised in Article 26, has enabled us to extend this work from the Boston and Maine Station to the residence of A. E. Sprague. The work was somewhat facilitated by the large amount of filling left by the City of Lynn in laying their pipe line to the Ipswich river. Later on, however, the surface of the street was badly cut up by their trucks in hauling pipe over it. Under their contract the City should make good this damage.
SALEM STREET-Straightening and Relocating
At a conference held recently, with the Essex County ' Commissioners, they presented a plan of Salem street from the Wakefield line to Lawrence's corner, showing changes proposed to straighten and improve conditions on several dan- gerous corners.
They stated that in their opinion several of the corners are dangerous to public safety, and in order to improve condi- tions they are about to issue a decree requiring changes to be made in accordance with the above mentioned plan. This work of straightening and relocating must be done jointly by the County and Town before any State Aid can be obtained.
It is proposed to carry this work over three years. For the present year they will contribute $2500, provided the Town will contribute a like amount, which will be paid over to the Town as soon as the sum of $5000 has been spent with their approval. After the work of relocation has been completed, the Commissioners assure us they will help us to secure State Aid toward resurfacing the street.
We believe this to be a very important undertaking and feel that the Town should make an effort to comply with the request of the Commissioners.
SUNTAUG PARK Lynnfield vs. Peabody
The verdict of the Superior Court, handed down February 7, 1914, whereby the Town of Lynnfieldl was awarded $10,009.58 for damage caused by Peabody's taking water of
(
26
Suntaug Lake was set aside by the Supreme Court in November 1914, on questions of law. It, however, decided that Lynnfield is entitled to three separate damages.
1st. For loss of rights and privileges from taking of water of Suntaug Lake.
2nd. For loss of land under the water of the Lake amount- ing to approximately six acres.
3d. Damage which may accrue by using Suntaug Lake as a storage basin.
STREET LAMPS ON CHESTNUT & LOWELL STREETS
Under Article 36 an appropriation of $150 was made for plac- ing electric street lights on Chestnut and Lowell streets, which at the present rate of $13,50 per lamp would provide for eleven lamps. The present five-year contract with the Town of Read- ing provides that there shall be installed one 40-Watt lamp for every four hundred feet of line installed, or equivalent, which left only two ways of installation. Either join on the North Reading circuit and place all the lamps but two on Lowell street, or join on the present system at C. J. Bolton's residence, which would leave only five lights on Lowell street. An ex- pression of opinion from residents on Lowell street, favored the latter plan which was adopted.
After contract was awarded further delay was experienced from the Telephone Company, which held up permit for use of their poles on Lowell street.
FOREST WARDEN'S DEPARTMENT
The department was at first under the direction of Thomas Coughlin, who resigned in September. Andrew Mansfield, Jr., was appointed to fill the vacancy.
The extremely dry weather experienced in October made the work of this department unusually hard, as was shown during the fire about Robin Rock.
The money expended by the department far exceeded the appropriation allotted for this work, requiring an additional
27
appropriation of five hundred dollars ($500) at the December meeting.
On account of the resignation of Andrew Mansfield, Jr., we have appointed Oscar E. Phillips as forest warden for 1915.
CHARITY
At the present time there are no permanent paupers on the town. There have, however, been a few cases where tem- porary relief has been necessary and this has been granted. One case in particular is requiring considerable aid at the present time. Numerous attempts have been made by other cities and towns to thrust paupers upon us, but in nearly every case we have been able to disprove their claims.
HEALTH AND SANITATION
Dr. Franklin W. Freeman was appointed special health officer last year, but due to the highly sanitary conditions prevalent about town, very little work was required of him.
The past year has been an eventful one in the Town's history and in this we have endeavored to serve its best interests.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN, A. P. Mansfield. Sec'y.
28
Report of Assessors
TO THE CITIZENS OF THE TOWN OF LYNNFIELD :
At the first meeting of the Board of Assessors, held on March 30, 1914, it organized with Charles J. Bolton, Chairman, Albert P. Mansfield, Secretary, and George Hatch.
Commencing April 1 a complete canvass of the town was made in search of personal property and changes in real estate. At the same time notices advising people of the pro- visions of the statutes relative to the returns to be made to the Assessors were posted at the following places :
Main Street .
Barn, Thomas E. Cox Barn, W. E. Wilkinson
Barn, Warren Newhall Store, George M. Roundy
Lowell Street
Barn, George MacGregor
Barn, Charles L. Berry
Summer Street
Boston & Maine R. R. station
Walnut Street
Gerry's cider mill
Waiting Room, corner Salem and Walnut
Salem Street
E. M. Frazier's store -
Chemical Engine House, No. 2
The work of canvassing completed, there came a lapse till May 15, when all returns were supposed to be in, then followed the work of making the valuation list.
One has only to glance at the following table to see why the tax rate increased to $16.50 last year.
29
Estimate for Tax Rate for 1914 APPROPRIATIONS
TOWN MEETING, DECEMBER 18, 1913
Moth assessment
$507 20
Schools
.
1,225 00
Highways
.
.
200 00
Town expense ·
.
500 00
TOWN MEETING, MARCH 9, 1914
Highways
. $2,500 00
Schools
· 5,800 00
Town expense
3,500 00 ·
Street lighting
1,350 00
Cemeteries £
'100 00
Fire Department
500 00
Tree Warden
50 00
Elm Tree Beetle
250 00
Summer street
1,000 00
Electric light on Main street
13 50
Centennial celebration
200 00
Powell sidewalk on Main street
150 00
Branch library
100 00
Street lights on Lowell street .
150 00
Memorial Day
100 00
- $15,763150
MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSE
State tax 1914
. $2,362 50
County tax 1914 .
1,537 52
Note on Salem street school house . 1,000 00
Note on Suntaug Park .
1,500 00
·
6,400 02
Total levy
$24,595 72
Overlay 3 %
1 737 87
·
.
>
$25,333 59
1
$2,432 20
30
Estimates for Credits of 1914
Bank tax
$60 00
Corporation tax (business )
250 00
Street railway tax 860 00
Corporation tax (public service)
60 00
350 Polls at $2.00 each
700 00
License fees (innholders and club)
1,875 00
$3,805 00
Net levy $21,528 59 Valuation of April assessments estimated at time of estab- lishing tax rate $1,314,360. Tax rate chosen $16.50.
TABLE OF AGGREGATES FOR APRIL ASSESSMENTS
Number of residents assessed on property 500
Number of non-residents assessed on property 195
Total number of persons assessed on property
695
Number of polls assessed 353
Value of assessed personal estate $121,639 00
Value of assessed real estate . 1,192,721 00
Total valuation of April assessments
$1,314,360 00
Tax rate per $1000
$16 50
Tax on personal estate . $2,007 27
" " real estate
. 19,679 76
" " polls
706 00
'Total tax
$22,393 03
Number of horses assessed
159
" cows assessed
.
265
" neat cattle assessed
12
66 " swine assessed
70
" dwelling houses assessed 403
" acres of land assessed 6087 1-4
66 " fowl assessed 2679
.
31
DECEMBER ASSESSMENTS
Value of real estate assessed . $6,688 00
Value of personal estate assessed ·
1,530 00
Total valuation assessed
$8,218 00
Tax on real estate
$110 36
Tax on personal estate
25 25
1 ABATEMENT TAXES
1912 amount
$77 66
1913 amount
97 61
1914 amount
154 48
.
BOARD OF ASSESSORS,
Albert P. Mansfield, Secy.
32
/
Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures
Number of platform scales over 5000 lbs. sealed 3
under 7
computing scales sealed 2
All other scales sealed
22
Number of weights sealed 63
66 66 dry measures sealed 5
66
liquid measures sealed 22
66 automatic pumps sealed 4
6,
66 scales condemned B
EXPENSE ACCOUNT
Paid for transportation
$11 15
1 Die 64
$11 79
Received in fees $8.33.
The work as planned out by the State Commissioner will require more time and more working kit. The Office does not now pay the Sealer enough for his time, and without doubt, the Sealer for the coming year will demand more pay.
OSCAR E. PHILLIPS,
Sealer.
33
Report of Cemetery Commis- sioners
TO THE CITIZENS OF LYNNFIELD :
During the past year the Commissioners have kept the cemeteries in as good condition as possible, considering the irreg- ular manner in which many of the lots have been cared for.
We earnestly wish that the owners of lots would take more interest in caring for them, to the end that the general appearance of our cemeteries may be improved. In Forest Hill Cemetery an effort has been made, by thoroughly cutting and clearing up the brush in the unoccupied parts, to locate the boundary stakes of the avenues and lots.
This has proved to be almost a failure; as many of the stakes have become lost or decayed. It appears to be neces- sary in this cemetery to run out the lines anew and establish more permanent boundaries. It is very important that bound- aries of lots and avenues be kept in accordance with the plans. of the cemetery.
TAPLEY TOMB
Hon. David Hewes, a native of Lynnfield and now a resi- dent of Orange, Cal., sent the sum of $100 to the Cemetery Commissioners to be expended in improving the Tapley Tomb lot at the corner of Chestnut and Lowell streets. As the wall surrounding the lot was very much out of repair, the Commis- sioners decided to relay the wall where needed and put a three- inch cement cap on top. This was done under the direction of Mr. J. W. Perkins.
34
Expenditure was made as follows :
Paid Mr. Muse, mason labor $39 00
Chester S. Patten, labor and lumber 32 29
Perkins & Bancroft, cement and lime 23 00 66
66 sundries 3 45
Franklin W. Freeman, teaming 5 75
66 Daniel J. McCarthy, sand
1 40
'Total
$104 89
The $4.89 which was overdrawn was advanced by a friend.
It has been suggested that something be done in Willow Cemetery during the coming year in the way of planting suit- able trees or shrubs which certainly would add greatly to the beauty of the spot.
During the past year five lots have been sold in Willow Cemetery and one in Forest Hill Cemetery.
We would suggest an appropriation of $100 and the unex- pended balance now on hand for the maintenance of our ceme- teries during the coming year.
HARLAN B. PEABODY, SETH H. RUSSELL, J. W. PERKINS.
Cemetery Commissioners.
35
Report of Highway Surveyor
TO THE CITIZENS OF THE TOWN OF LYNNFIELD :
At the Annual Town Meeting, held March 9, 1914, the sum of $2500 was voted for Highways, together with the Excise Tax of $680.76, making a total of $3180.76 to be expended for general maintenance and street oiling.
Under Article 18, the sum of $1000 was voted, for the repair of Summer street, provided that the Mass. Highway Commissioners would contribute a like amount. A joint con- tract was later signed by the Selectmen and the Mass. Highway Commissioners, providing for the expenditure of $2000, for resurfacing Summer street, between the B. & M. R. R. and Pillings Pond. Work to be done by the Highway Department. Owing to a previous contract of the City of Lynn, giving them the privilege of opening up Summer street for laying of water pipes, the work was somewhat delayed, but was completed in a satisfactory manner December 4.
The surplus gravel remaining on Summer street, after the installation of the water main, was removed at the expense of the City of Lynn. Much of this material was used by the High- way Department in laying out and repairing sidewalks at no expense to the Town of Lynnfield.
Through the courtesy of the Town of Peabody, we ob- tained the use of an excellent steam roller for this work on very reasonable terms.
Under Article 19, calling for an extension of sidewalk on on Chestnut street, it was voted that the sidewalk be extended on the east side of the street, to the line of Frank Hart and II. T. Parker; work to be done under the direction of the High- way Surveyor. Money to be taken from regular Highway funds. The building of this sidewalk proved to be a matter of considerable expense some $400 being expended before the work was completed.
36
Under Article 23, calling for an extension of sidewalk on Main street, near the home of Enoch G. Russell, $150 was voted from Highway funds. The work was completed, however, for $146.66.
Under Article 37, the sum of $150 was voted for the ex- tension of sidewalk on Main street near the land of George Hatch and others. Money to be assessed in tax levy of 1914. Work to be down under the direction of William E. Roundy. $146.32 was used under this article, remainder of money turned into Highway account. Contract was made with the Standard Oil Co. for oiling of streets, as shown in financial statement.
Under this contract the sum of $1286.11 was expended. A refund of $42.24 was received from J. B. Pierce for oiling outside of town limits.
Payments were received during the past year from the Mass. State Highway Commission as follows-Refund on sup- plies furnished Steam Roller in 1913, $12.27. Refund on Turn- pike work of 1913, $18.25. Refund on Main street work of 1913, $100.
$100 is also due the Town from Highway Commission on Summer street contract of 1914.
In grading and making general repairs during the past year it has been found impossible, with the funds available, to cover all' of our highways in a really thorough manner. I think, however, that our streets compare very well with those of other small towns in the State.
It is. to be hoped that the town will continue to raise a sum of money yearly to be reserved for joint work with the State Highway Commission. as excellent results have been ob- tained during the past two years under this arrangement.
I would suggest for the coming year an appropriation of $2200 and the unexpended balance, for general highway main- tenance with an additional $1200 for street oiling.
FRANK NEWHALL,
Surveyor.
37
Report of Library Trustees
At the main library during the past year, about the usual amount of patronage has been received, although we have been unable from lack of funds to supply many new books called for. Owing to the change in making up the town's financial year from Feb. 1 to Dec. 31, the Dog Tax money voted by the town. was not received in time to apply to accounts of 1914.
As the payment of the Librarian's salary is drawn from this fund, we have shown the accounts as unpaid Dec. 31. Since the making up of the financial statement we have received notice of the receipt of the Dog Tax, amounting to $134.78.
The Librarian reports 228 borrowers at the main library and a total output of books for the year of 3008 volumes. Col- lected for fines (overtime on books) $9.40.
Magazines on file at the reading room as follows : World's Work, Current Opinion, Sunset, St. Nicholas, Woman's Home Companion and Ladies' Home Journal.
Through the efforts of members of the Civic League at Lynnfield Centre, a fine Flag Staff has been placed above the cupola of the Library building and with the Stars and Stripes flying in the breeze it certainly gives an air of importance to the building.
The branch library located at the South School building has been equipped with two dozen substantial oak chairs and three oak library tables, new tungsten lights have been installed and the room begins to look like a real library. Mrs. Pike who has been in charge of the room has loaned the library several book- cases which were much needed for the accommodation of books and magazines. It has been suggested that the private fund, mounting to about $60, which was raised by contribution for
38
the benefit of the branch library, and is now held by Mrs. Pike, be used for the purchase of bookcases, etc.
For the maintenance of the Public Library for the year of 1915, we would ask the appropriation of the Dog Tax refunded by the County, and the sum of $100 with an additional appro- priation of $100 for maintenance of branch library.
PUBLIC LIBRARY TRUSTEES, E. Harry Gerry, Sec'y.
39
Report of Park Commissioners
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN :
Gentlemen : - I most respectfully submit the Annual Re- port of the Treasurer of the Park Commissioners for the year ending December 31, 1914.
RECEIPTS
Cash on hand Feb. 1, 1914
$136 41
Interest added .
2 30
Total cash
$138 71
EXPENDITURES
H. P. Moulton, paint, stock and labor $17 00 1
Wm. Hayes labor . 51 50 ·
Total payments $68 50
Dec. 31, 1914, balance unexpended
$70 21 Deposited in Security Trust Co., Lynu, Mass. Book No. 1863.
M. F. DONOVAN.
40
Report of Fire Department
TO THE CITIZENS OF THE TOWN OF LYNNFIELD :
The past year has not been a very strenuous one for the Fire Department. There have been several calls where build- ingt have been endangered by woodland fires. There was one fire that looked serious at first, but quick work saved the build- ing and the damage done was comparatively small.
Our greatest difficulty is in getting to the fires promptly. It is almost impossible at the present time to obtain horses for either department and valuable time is frequently lost on this account.
It seems that it is time that the citizens awoke to the situ- ation and provided better protection for their homes.
I recommend that the Town appropriate the sum of $500 for the use of the Fire Department for the ensuing year.
The financial statement for the year ending Dec. 31, 1914, is shown in the report of the Town Accountant.
W. F. GERRY, Chief.
41
Report of Centennial Committee 1
TO THE CITIZENS OF THE TOWN OF LYNNFIELD :
At the annual town meeting held March 10, 1913, it was voted that a committee of nine be appointed to consider and make preliminary arrangements for a Centennial Celebration in 1914 of the Incorporation of Lynnfield as a Township. In accordance with that vote this committee was appointed and at the annual town meeting, held on March 9, 1914, the town voted to hold the Centennial Celebration on June 17, 1914, and left the matter in charge of this committee. At that meeting an appropriation of two hundred dollars was made to be used 011 account of expenses incurred in connection with the celebration.
On April 4, 1914, the general committee met and organ- ized. Sub-committees were appointed consisting of over one hundred men and women of Lynnfield. Numerous committee meetings were held up to the time of the Celebration. One of the first questions that your committee was called upon to de- cide was the question of whether the Celebration should be held in both parts of the town or at Lynnfield Centre, and in order to ascertain the opinion of those living at South Lynn- field a canvas was made and it was practically the unanimous opinion of the residents of that part of the town that all the exercises should be held at Lynnfield Centre, special transpor- tation being assured by means of motor cars, etc.
Much time, labor and thought was required of the various committees to make and carry out the plans for the Celebration and its great success was due to their untiring efforts, sup
42
ported by the townspeople in general. Everyone seemed ready and willing to do all they could in order that we might have a fitting celebration and there can be no doubt of the success of their efforts.
On Sunday, the Fourteenth of June, appropriate and im- pressive services were held at the Centre Congregational church, the Second Congregational church at South Lynnfield, and the Old Meeting House on the Common. As it was the two hundredth anniversary of the erection of the Old Meeting House, said to be the second oldest building for religious wor- ship in the Commonwealth, these exercises had a two-fold sig- nificance. Former pastors of both parishes and pastors from Lynn and Wakefield assisted the Rev. Gaius J. Slosser of the Centre Congregational church and the Rev. Robert Haskins of the Second Congregational church at South Lynnfield in con- ducting the services held in the morning, afternoon and even- ing.
With perfect weather conditions, all the public buildings and many private residences beautifully decorated with flags and bunting, the great day of celebration was ushered in by the ringing of bells at sunrise. In the forenoon a military and civic parade of nearly a mile in length, passed through the principal streets, headed by a flag bearer dressed as an Indian, with members of the Grand Army of the Republic, Wakefield and Saugus Camps of Sons of Veterans, Wakefield High School Cadets, and many historical, educational and civic floats, teams and automobiles, all beautifully and appropriately decorated. The people of Lynnfield and the hundreds of visitors had the pleasure of seeing a parade never before equalled in the town.
During the entire day a splendid display of antiques and relics was exhibited in the Public Library building, the various articles having been loaned to the committee in charge by the townspeople. It was indeed a surprise to all to find such a large and valuable' collection within the town and it is hoped that a permanent historical society will soon be organized in order that these interesting and valuable antiques and relics may be preserved for future use.
43
In the afternoon the Common was the center of attraction, with sports of various kinds, a band concert by the Lynn Cadet Band, refreshments and souvenirs on sale from booths erected for that purpose, and with the thousands present it hardly seemed possible that one was within the quiet and peaceful contines of our good old town.
At 4 p. m. the school children of Lynnfield gathered on the common, and headed by the band marched to the Town Hall where anecdotes of Lynnfield and historical stories were related.
As the town hall building was not large enough to accom- modate those desiring to attend the banquet, your committee arranged to have a large tent pitched in the rear of the Town Hall, and at 6 p. m. nearly four hundred people sat down to dinner, many prominent guests as well as former residents of Lynnfield attending.
Following the dinner there were addresses by Mayor George C. Newhall of Lynn, Congressman Michael F. Phelan of our Congressional District, Hon. Nathan Mortimer Hawkes of Lynn, Henry P. Emerson, Superintendent of Schools of Buffalo, N. Y., and Eugene Putnam, who spoke for Hon. David Hewes of Orange, California. Mr. Hawkes, Mr. Emerson and Mr. Hewes having been born in Lynnfield.
During the evening musical selections were given by the Lynnfield Centre Singing Society. Following the entertain- ment there was dancing in the Town Hall until midnight.
In addition to the appropriation made by the Town your Committee received two donations as appears in the financial statement following, Hon. David Hewes contributing two hun- dred dollars and James F. Ingraham, Jr., a former resident and Selectman of Lynnfield, fifty dollars.
The following is a statement of receipts and disbursements by your committee.
---
1
44
RECEIPTS
1914
Mar. 12 June 10
Appropriated by Town . $200 00
W. E. Gilson, sale of souvenirs . 68 25
15 Check from David Hewes,don't'n 200 00
15
W. E. Gilson, sale of souvenirs .
72 00
17 W. E. Gilson, 66 100 00
66
19 W. E. Gilson, 66 66
20 80
66
19 E. D. Roundy, sale of refreshm'ts 256 40
66
19 Check from J. F. Ingraham, Jr., donation 50 00
66
20
A. P. Mansfield, parking autos . 2 50
66
20
C. J. Bolton. permits 10 00
.6
20 W. E. Gilson, sale of souvenirs . 20 80
66
20
J.W. Perkins,sale banquet tickets 351 00
· · Oct. 6 Miss Gerry, sale of souvenirs 2 30
66
6
E. D. Roundy, sales of souvenirs 1 90
Dec. 29 Total
DISBURSEMENTS
1914
June 5
10
Whitehead & Hoag, souvenirs . $113 85 E. W. Lundahl, decorations 15 00
66
16
Mastern & Wells Co., supplies 6 00
66
20
George M. Roundy, refreshments 38 42
66
A. F. Watkins, auto hire 50 00 William Sparks, " 10 00
..
66
W. E. Peabody, services 3 00
..
Sidney Eaton, services 2 00
66
66 Harry Abbott, 1 50
66
66
J. L. Cudworth, refreshments 10 90
66
66
William Walden, music 6 00
66
.6
R. George Restall, prizes 4 29
66
66 Sage Bros., incidentals 4 50
66
66
N.E. Decorating Co., decorations 3 00
66
66
E. W. Lundahl, decorations 6 85
.66
6.
J. W. Perkins, incidentals 8 35
Carried forward
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