USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Newton > Town of Newton annual report 1866-1868 > Part 12
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Isaac Hagar, for services as one of the Building Committee, School-house at Auburndale, 50 00
O. S. Stearns, for services as Chairman of School- Committee, to Jan. 24, 1868, 207 00
Solomon Adams, for services as School-Committee, to Jan. 24, 1868, 169 19
Amount carried forward, $3,519 04
47
Amount brought forward, $3,519 04
Geo. E. Allen, for services as School-Committee, to Jan. 24, 1868, 150 00
Horatio F. Allen, for services as School-Committee, to Jan. 24, 1868, 150 00
J. B. Goodrich, for services as Secretary of School- Committee, to Jan. 24, 1868, 150 00
E. J. Young, for services as School-Committee, to Jan. 24, 1868, 98 00
P. H. Steenstra, for services as School-Committee, to June 13, 1867, 31 50
Isaac Hagar, for services as School-Committee, to Jan. 24, 1868, 80 00
John A. Gould, for services as School-Committee, to Jan. 24, 1868, 65 00
Noah S. King, for services as School-Committee, to Jan. 24, 1868, 65 00
E. J. Collins, balance of commissions for col- lecting taxes for the year 1866, 190 00
E. J. Collins, in part of commissions for collect- ing taxes for the year 1867, 950 00
$5,448 54
STATE AID.
Paid Brackett, Theodore L.,
$48 00
Beck, Louis,
40 00
Belcher, William H., 36 00
Babb, George W.,
18 00
Berry, Charles H.,
18 00
Belcher, George W.,
58 50
Boyd, E. A.,
18 00
Boyd, George S.,
18 00
Conner, James,
36 00
Carrigan, Patrick,
82 40
Curtin, John,
36 00
Duran, Thomas, .
57 00
Dewick, William,
18 00
Dean, Calvin C.,
12 00
Doherty, John,
18 00
Doherty, Charles,
18 00
Amount carried forward,
$531 90
48
Amount brought forward,
$531 90
Paid Douglas, John F.,
24 00
Duinean, Thomas,
61 50
Dolan, Thomas,
58 50
Dennis, Samuel,
52 00
Fell, William,
96 00
Foster, John,
48 00
Gorse, Joseph,
84 00
Hayes, James L.,
18 00
Houghton, George,
18 00
Jackson, Thomas L.,
48 00
Kingsbury, Roger S.,
72 00
Kelly, John,
96 00
Littlefield, Elliott,
144 00
Lock, William R.,
18 00
Lawson, H. T.,
72 00
McDaniel, Daniel,
72 00
McMahon, John,
96 00
Mulloney, Matthew,
18 00
McCabe, John,
18 00
Oliver, William'
18 00
Pettee, Albert,
18 00
Pratt, Joseph L.,
104 00
Rogers, William P.,
24 00
Ramsdell Joshua V.,
72 00
Robinson, George S.,
45 40
Richardson, Samuel C.,
45 50
Sanger, Daniel,
96 00
Sweeny, John,
96 00
Spaulding, S. C.,
58 50
Snow, George F.,
18 00
Smith, Charles H.,
72 00
Tibbetts, W. D.,
58 50
Tombs, E. H.,
56 00
Walch, Patrick,
48 00
$2,475 80
BURIAL GROUNDS.
W. H. Phillips, for improvements on East Parish Cemetery, $50 50
49
LIGHTING STREETS.
John Cummings, for care of lamps,
$56 25
J. S. Sherburn,
66
66
208 35
C. H. Hyde, cash paid for care of lamps, 66 66 oil, chimneys, ladder, etc.,
44 78
Robert Carrington, for care of lamps, John Briston, 66
13 75
Newton and Watertown Gas Co., for gas,
878 27
$1,358 55
KENRICK FUND.
Balance in Treasurer's hands, Jan. 1, 1867,
$90 39
Interest received since Jan. 1, 1867, 154 87
Loans paid,
1,000 00
$1,245 26
Amount distributed to the " Industrious Poor of Newton," as per direction of the donor,
200 00
Cash in Treasurer's hands, Jan. 1, 1868, $1,045 26
Amount of investments, Jan. 1, 1868, 3,000 00
$4,045 26
The accounts of the Selectmen and Treasurer are correct, and properly vouched.
Respectfully submitted,
ISAAC HAGAR, OTIS PETTEE, Auditors. GEORGE E. ALLEN,
NEWTON, Feb. 13, 1868.
7
27 50
129 65
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
BY vote of the Town, the Selectmen are required to give an estimate of the probable wants of the Town for the ensu- ing year ; and, in compliance with that vote, we present this estimate of the current fiscal expenses, for the consideration of the Town, And in presenting the same, we wish to be understood that it is only to provide for the several items named in the schedule, and to say that any additional appro- priations authorized, must be provided for by special grant, or added to the Town Debt. The building of School-houses, the purchase of a Steam Fire-Engine, and Alarm-Bell, the widening of Walnut Street, the drainage of Washington Street at Newton Corner, and the purchase of land for the purpose of erecting a building for the Steam Fire-Engine, and a stable for keeping a suitable number of horses for the use of the steamer and for highway purposes, at Newton Corner, for which no appropriations were made, have considerably increased the debt of the Town during the past year. The Selectmen have no control over these expenses, as they are all ordered by votes of the Town. We have frequently called the attention of the people to these matters, and have recom- mended the most rigid economy in all our affairs, - at least until our debt, increased by the expenses of the late war, shall have been reduced. Very much of our future growth de-
51
pends upon the rate of taxation and the amount of the Town debt ; and while we favor all necessary expense for our pres- ent wants, we caution against making too liberal provisions for the future. The amount estimated for interest the current year ($14,000 00) is sufficient, we think, to admonish all that our debt is already too large. The debt of the Town, over and above the cash assets, is $220,778.00, being an increase since last year of $69,842.00. The value of the Town prop- erty is estimated at 275,096.00, being a surplus over our debt of $54,318.00. But as this property cannot be dispensed with, it still leaves our indebtedness $220,778.00, to be pro- vided for at some time.
ESTIMATE OF EXPENSES.
Interest $14,000 00
Schools . 44,000 00
Incidentals for Schools
6,000 00
Fire Department 5,000 00
Almshouse Expenses
2,600 00
Poor out of Almshouse
1,000 00
Repairs on Almshouse
700 00
Highways, Culverts, and Railings . 20,000 00
Bridges
400 00
Salaries
6,000 00
Printing 1,500 00
Insurance 1,000 00
Incidental Expenses 1,500 00
Special Police 1,300 00
Lighting Streets
3,000 00
New Engine-House and Barn
. 12,000 00
$120,000 00
52
The Town Assessment for 1867 was $153,990.88 ; Cor- poration Tax returned by State Treasurer, $15,094 53; making an aggregate of $169,085.41. The amount ex- pended, and not included in the grant of March, 1867, was as follows : For New School-houses, $61,500.00 ; Steam Fire- Engine, $3,770.00 ; Fire Alarm Bell, $600.00; expense on Walnut Street, $3,820.00; Drainage at Newton Corner, $1,791.00 ; Lighting Streets, $1,358.00; Land at Newton Corner, for Engine-house, $2,500.00 ; plans for new Town Hall, $500.00 ; plans for Centre School-house and Upper Falls School-house, adopted by the Town, but rejected or not used by the Building Committees, $850.00; making a total for these items of $76,589.00.
SCHOOLS.
The appropriation called for by the School-Committee for the support of our various Public Schools, is $44,000.00, and for Incidentals for Schools, the further sum of $6,000.00 ; each item showing an increase over last year's appropriation, which is the natural consequence of the increase of our schools from year to year. If there be any one expenditure in which prodigality may be justified, it is in furnishing good school accommodations for the education of our children ; and certainly no one can charge the Town with neglect in making all suitable provisions for this object. In all sections of the Town good buildings are provided, and the old school-houses are being replaced by those more com-
53
modious and more modern in their construction. During the past year, three new school-houses have been commenced and are nearly finished : one at Oak Hill, one at Lower Falls, and one at Newton Centre. We understand the residents at Newton Centre have contributed a large sum, in addition to the Town grant, for the purpose of beautifying the exterior of the building in that locality, - a fact which speaks well for their enterprise and public spirit in school affairs.
The school-house at the Lower Falls has been completed within the appropriation made by the Town, and was dedi- cated a few weeks since. A large number of our towns- people were present, and several from other towns, all of whom were pleased with the location and architectural design of the building. Every school-house which we dedicate, is not only a means of fitting the children who shall enter it for higher happiness and usefulness in their individual spheres of action, but a new ornament to our Town, a new instrument for the intellectual and social elevation of our community, and a fresh safeguard to republican liberty. We cannot overestimate the power of the public schools ; they are the most powerful means of both developing and disciplining the minds of the generations as they pass along ; pruning them here, directing them there, and stimulating them everywhere. They are the glory of New England ; the basis of its great prosperity, and the source of its influence upon the industry, the legislation, and the thought of the people. But it is not our purpose or privilege to enter much into detail concerning the influence
54
of our educational system. We have an able and watchful School-Committee, to whom all our educational interests are confided, and to whom we are to look for a detailed state- ment of the condition and discipline of all our schools. The whole amount paid for school purposes during the past year, is $106,909.20. The Town has now thirty-six schools, and employs forty-eight teachers, whose aggregate salaries amount to $40,300.00. If this sum is not sufficient to com- pensate all liberally for their services, it should be increased, so that all may enter upon their work cheerfully, feeling that their efforts to faithfully discharge their duties are appre- ciated by the Committee and the Town. The Report of the School-Committee will accompany this Report in its distri- bution, and will show the condition and wants of all our schools, and such suggestions as they may think proper to make. Should the Town vote to enlarge the High School- house, and provide further accommodation for schools at the Upper Falls and at West Newton, an appropriation must be made to cover the expense, which will be not less than $70,000.00
HIGHWAYS.
With regard to the system of repairing the highways, which has been in operation for the past two years, we think all must admit its convenience and ultimate economy, although the amount expended appears to be much larger than before its adoption. But it must be borne in mind, that highway incidentals and new roads are all included under one
55
head. For instance, the widening and grading of Walnut Street might very properly be called a new road. This much- needed improvement has been done during the past year. This street, as is well known, leads from Washington Street to the Cemetery, and is much travelled now, and will be more and more for years to come. The Cemetery is becom- ing a place of much interest and frequent resort to many of our citizens. Improvements are progressing there from year to year, to make the last resting-place of our departed friends as attractive as possible. There, also, stands that noble Mon- ument, erected by the voluntary contributions of our people, which should be often visited, to keep ever fresh in our memories the patriotic services rendered, and the great sacri- fices made, by our martyred soldiers.
Another large outlay has been made at Newton Corner for the drainage of Washington Street. This has all been done by the Superintendent, under the direction of the Selectmen. The Town instructed the Selectmen to do this work before the Committee on Drainage was appointed. That committee will make their report at the March meeting. These large improvements, and various smaller ones, have all been done by the Town teams and men, and the highways have been kept in good repair by the same means.
Another advantage, growing out of the new system, is the breaking out of roads, and the clearing of the sidewalks of snow by the use of the snow-plough. Nothing, we think, gives more general satisfaction to our people than the appear- ance of the snow-plough in each village immediately after the storm is over. The Town has now six valuable horses ; also
56
carts, harnesses, ploughs, scrapers, snow-ploughs, and all the necessary implements for the building and repairing of our highways. And although there may be some who do not feel quite satisfied with the working of the system at present, we think a longer trial will convince all of the wisdom of the change.
There are incidental expenses connected with the repairing and building of our highways, under the present mode, which cannot be avoided ; for instance, we have lost two valuable horses the past year by sickness, which have been replaced by others. As accidents of this and other kinds are liable to happen at any time, to weaken our highway force, and as the highways cannot be neglected without danger to life and pro- perty, the Selectmen, in the absence of instructions, have taken the responsibility of keeping the force good. The whole expense of our highways during the past year, includ- ing incidentals and new roads, has been $19,747.08. This amount was expended as follows : Building wall on Greenwood Street, $165.00 ; Land for Gravel, $736.52 ; Gravel and Land Damage on Highland Street, $162.50 ; Bridges, $288.53; Re- moving Snow, $616.00; Highway Teams, $3,046.72; Grading and Repairing Walnut Street, $3,820.00 ; Building Culvert at Newton Corner, $1,791.00,-leaving the ordinary Repairs and Improvements $9,120.81.
The estimate made for this year is intended to cover the ordinary repairs and the purchase of horses and other things which may be needed for highway purposes, the widening
57
and grading of Moore Street, and the building of Saratoga Street at Newton Corner, the building of Cary Street at New- tonville, and the street laid out over the land of T. H. Carter, Esq., and the one running by the house of Dr. Renton, at Auburndale.
The Committee appointed by the Town in 1866, to take the whole subject of repairing our highways into consideration, reported that the Selectmen be authorized to purchase a stone-crushing machine, if, in their judgment, they deemed it expedient. We have not thought it expedient to purchase such a machine at present, as it would very much increase our highway expenses, without a corresponding benefit. If, however, the Town think otherwise, they had better so in- struct their Selectmen. A Mr. Wattress has lately built a crushing machine. The Selectmen, with Mr. Rand, one of the Committee of 1866, witnessed the working of this machine, which was quite satisfactory, although some alterations were suggested. The price of the crusher is $1,050.00. This does not, of course, include the steam-engine, boiler, belts, pumps, and other things necessary for running the machine, nor build- ing to protect it: the whole would probably cost not less than $3,000.00.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
In consequence of the addition of a Steam Fire-Engine to our other apparatus for the extinguishment of fires, quite a large sum has been added to the estimate for the expense of
8
58
the Department. It is difficult to estimate what the expense will be, as we cannot tell how many men will be required to handle the steamer. We shall doubtless have to employ one man all the time as an engineer, and have several others under some pay who can be relied upon in case of fire. A considerable quantity of new hose will be required for the use of the steamer. The engine is all completed ; and the Select- men, with the committee associated with them in the pur- chase, were present at the trial of the engine, which was entirely satisfactory, and they accepted the same for the Town, and it is now in the shop of the builders, Messrs. Hunneman & Co., insured under their policy, and will remain there, unless otherwise ordered by the Town, until the new brick engine-house, which is to be built at Newton Corner, is ready to receive it
The expense of the Department largely exceeded the esti- mate made last year, on account of the purchase of a Steam Fire-Engine and land for a building for the same, which was not contemplated when the estimate was made. The affairs of this Department are economically managed, and the engines and apparatus are in good condition. Some of the engines are without companies at present, but the engineers and stewards take good care of them ; so that, in case of fire, they can be readily put in operation by the citizens. This Department is sustained at a considerable expense to the Town. Still it could not safely be dispensed with. We recommend, when the new steamer arrives, to take the place of the hand-engines at Newton Corner, that one of these
59
engines be located at the North Village. The whole amount paid for this Department the past year is $9,593.28: of this amount, $3,770.00 was for the Steam Fire-Engine ; $2,500.00 for land for new engine-house at Newton Corner ; $603.24 for bell and tower on engine-house at West Newton ; leaving the ordinary expense, $2,720.04. We think $5,000.00, in addition to the sum required to build the engine-house spoken of, will be sufficient for this Department.
ALMSHOUSE EXPENSES.
The estimate made for Almshouse expenses and poor out of Almshouse, we think, will cover these items. But it is impossible for us to do more than to judge by com- parison of the expense of previous years for this pur- pose. Newton was among the first towns settled in Massa- chusetts, her history dating back to the year 1639, then under the name of " Newtown." By an act of the General Court, it received its present name Dec. 8, 1691. Many of the descendants of the early settlers claim aid or support from the Town. Sometimes these claims run back three or four generations, they having, for some cause, failed to gain any other settlement, or their ancestors for them. The inves- tigation of these cases renders the office of Overseer of the Poor one of considerable importance and great responsibility. Probably not one half the claims made by other towns and cities against this Town for support of paupers are allowed by the Overseers. Were they allowed, without the most
.
60
careful investigation, sometimes requiring months in their examination, our expense would be double what it now is for the support of the poor.
It is not infrequent that we have very pressing appeals for assistance from those who have no settlement in the Town, sometimes by parties who have been overtaken by sickness, accident, or death in their families, when it would be cruel to deny them and send them empty away, and more cruel, per- haps, to send whole families to the State Almshouse, feeling assured that a little assistance, to help them along through a cold winter, would be a great charity to them, and would but slightly increase our expense for the poor out of Almshouse ; and feeling, also, that our course would commend itself to those who have intrusted us with this important duty, we render aid rather than allow any who make their causes known to suffer.
With regard to the general management of the Almshouse, and the care taken of the inmates, we have the same good report to make as heretofore. Although the Warden has filled the position of Superintendent of our Highways during the past year, his duties at the Almshouse and Farm have not been neglected ; and we have made arrangements with him to remain in the same position another year, at a salary of $1,000.00. The Selectmen deem it proper to say, that their views and wishes, as Overseers of the Poor and of Highway Surveyors, have been faithfully carried out by the Warden, Mr. Ware, and that the manner in which he has discharged
61
his duty during the past year has been no less gratifying to the Board than advantageous to the Town. We think that, with the same economical management as heretofore, the sum named in the estimate ($3,600.00) will be sufficient to cover these two items. The whole expense for maintaining the poor, in and out of Almshouse, during the past year, was $3,799.00. The average number of inmates at the Almshouse, during the past year, was 231 ; persons aided out of the house, 50 ; travellers assisted to two meals each and a night's lodging, 445. The estimate for repairs on Almshouse this year is chiefly for painting and shingling the building.
INSURANCE.
The amount paid for Insurance during the past year largely exceeded the estimate made to cover that item, in consequence of the building of three school-houses, for which no provision was made in the estimate. We doubt the wisdom of paying large sums annually for In- surance ; but, as we brought this subject before the Town at the March Meeting in 1862, and the expression was in favor of insuring the Town's property, the Selectmen feel that they have no discretion in the matter, and therefore continue to insure all our public buildings. The amount paid for the past three years is a little over $3,300.00.
There are other matters which we might allude to in this Report, which we shall omit, as they are sufficiently stated under their appropriate heads in the Auditors' Report, to
62
which we refer for a minute detail of all our expenses. If, however, what we have said upon general matters shall have the effect to call the attention of the tax-payers to a close examination of all our expenditures, we shall have accomplished our purpose.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
THOMAS RICE, JR.,
F. A. COLLINS, Selectmen
D. C. SANGER,
ORRIN WHIPPLE, of Newton.
J. F. C. HYDE,
NEWTON, Feb. 13, 1868.
CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT.
FEB, 1, 1867. The Fire Department of Newton had six hand-engines, well furnished with apparatus, and in good working order. No. 1 at Lower Falls ; No. 3 at West New- ton ; No. 4 at Upper Falls ; Empire and Nonantum at Newton Corner ; and No. 6 at the Centre. All have organ- ized companies, with the single exception of No. 6 at the Centre.
May 1. The two companies at the Corner disbanded, since which time there has been no organized department in that village ; and there will be no re-organization until the new steamer is brought into service, when additional cisterns will be needed, to furnish a full supply of water.
The introduction of steam into the Fire Department of Newton, constitutes an era in this department, and we trust it will prove a most satisfactory arrangement, so that the town will have no cause to regret the investment. It will certainly do away with some annoying features invariably attending the working of the hand-engines.
The promptness with which the citizens of the Corner have come to the rescue, and voluntarily worked the engines at several fires, since the disbanding of the companies, is de- serving of great credit, and for which they have the thanks of the Engineers.
Nos. 1, 3, and 4, have well-organized companies, and have rendered efficient service throughout the year. We commend the promptness and alacrity with which they have responded to the various calls, and the willing and valuable services they rendered in saving the property of our citizens.
64
The most valuable services were rendered at Lower Falls ; and the citizens of that village feel under great obligations to the Department for their services at four several fires during the year. Much property was saved through the promptness with which the firemen responded to the alarm.
In closing, we desire to earnestly call attention to the lack of water in the different sections of the Town, and to express the hope that prompt and efficient action will be taken by the Town to remedy the deficiency. We would also recommend that the Town furnish hose that may be attached to the force- pumps in the different mills in town where such pumps are situated.
SUMMARY
No. 1 was at 8 fires, and worked at 6. No.4«"6 " 66 66
4. No. 3 " " 11 66 7.
No. 3 also out eight times when it did not reach the fire.
GEO. PETTEE,
Chief Engineer of Fire Department.
NEWTON, Feb. 13, 1868.
REGISTRAR'S REPORT FOR 1867.
THE following statistics of Births, Intentions of Marriage, Mar- riages, and Deaths, in Newton, prepared by the Clerk, are for the year 1867 ; beginning with Jan. 1st, and ending with Dec. 31st :
BIRTHS.
Whole number for the year,
Males . 114
Females 111
225
Of American parents . 122
Of Irish parents . 84
Of English parents 10
Of other foreign parents 9
225
More than year previous . . . 2
Colored, included in the above, 1
IN THE VILLAGES.
Newton Corner 48
West Newton .
39
Newton Centre 38
Upper Falls 31
Newtonville 24
Auburndale 17
North Village
13
Lower Falls 11
Oak Hill 4
225
There were 26 others recorded, mostly those who were born in other places, and had removed into Newton, previous to the time of taking the registration; including three children of Missionaries, residents now of Newton, born in Turkey. These would be likely to have no record, if not recorded in Newton.
There were Twins in two instances during the year.
The least number of births in any one month was 13, in December ; and the greatest number was 24, in October; and the same in November.
INTENTIONS OF MARRIAGE.
The whole number of couples who received certificates was . 110 In which both parties belonged to Newton 57
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