USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Newton > Town of Newton annual report 1875-1877 > Part 14
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The Library committee in selecting books for purchase have endeavored to distribute the fund appropriated therefor, so as to give each department a share of the new publications in proportion to the demand made upon it. The prevailing depression in the publishing trade has limited their selections somewhat, and they have thus been able to provide more liberally of dupli- cates than heretofore.
In a season of the former activity of the book trade, the appropriation at the disposal of this committee would not enable them to give a fair share of the new publications to each department. It is to be regretted that they have not been able to make some additions to our library of standard and illustrated works, ency- clopædias, dictionaries and other works of reference. These publications are necessarily expensive, but they have a far more permanent value for general use, in
26
proportion to their cost, than a large part of the books usually bought. I venture to suggest for the consider- ation of your Board, whether it would not be well in the future to set apart a sum annually for supplying the reference library. Our foreign purchases have been suspended, owing to the more pressing need of our funds for American publications. I hope to be able to forward an order next season, that will secure many desirable books at lower rates than our markets will furnish them.
The percentage of fiction given out in public libraries has given rise to a degree of distrust of the real value of these institutions to the community. It seems to be expected by a large class of intelligent persons that the · general reader will instinctively seek an instructive class of books. That he does not do so is apt to be considered more a reflection on the character or management of the library than on the judgment of the reader. As this rule of percentage varies little among public libraries, including the largest and most complete, it is evident that some other cause must be indicated, other than the composition or conduct of them. While it is clear that the largest class of readers use the library simply as a source of entertainment, it is a settled conviction among librarians, that a liberal provision for this demand will surely result in forming a habit of reading, that leads a majority of this class of readers to an acquaintance with higher grades of reading and study when the appetite for fiction is sur- feited. While it is still an open question whether it is wise to supply public libraries with every class of fictitious literature, the past policy of this library in excluding the works of certain authors, of whom Mrs.
27
Southworth may be considered a type, is continued. The works of Mrs. Holmes, Stevens, and others, that were formerly added to the library, are nearly worn out through incessant activity and will not probably be replaced. I would also say in this connection, after our readers are supplied with a more perfect cata- logue, and the librarians have improved every oppor- tunity that offers to guide and assist juvenile applicants for books, there still remains an important duty for parents to observe in assisting the younger members of their families to select books from the public library. A little oversight and judicious management in this matter will often lead a young reader from excessive novel reading to equally interesting works of travel, history, biography, etc.
The matter of publishing a new catalogue of the library is one which should immediately engage your attention. Our present supply is very nearly ex- hausted, and before this work can be properly accom- plished we shall be unable to supply the demands of our readers. The present catalogue contains 7,700 volumes, and the balance of the 12,000 now on hand have been published at various times in a series of author's bulletins. This series has recently been re- published as one bulletin, and forms an appendix to the main catalogue. This provision for finding books is very meagre and unsatisfactory, and implies numberless applications to the librarians for assistance that would otherwise be afforded by a good catalogue. This state of things cannot be otherwise regarded than as a serious check to the use of the library.
To furnish the reader with as many clues as possible, by means of full entries of titles, cross-references and
28
classification by subjects, to the books or facts he may wish to obtain, and also to instruct him by means of notes inserted in the text as to the character and scope of certain books whose titles are ambiguous or indefinite, is to add in a large degree to the practical usefulness of the library.
The catalogues recently published by the Quincy and Boston Public Libraries, illustrate the newer features of catalogue work, the practical value of which must be evident to all who examine them. I would not recom- mend engaging in this work until sufficient means are insured for its fulfilment in accordance with the best models extant. The time and expense involved will certainly be large compared with other items of library expenditure, but a portion of this expense will probably be saved by the publication of the new index to period- ical literature promised by the "American Library Association," if we are content to wait until that is published.
I find it very difficult to make any close estimates of the cost of preparing a catalogue of this library. The results of conference with several experts in this matter enables me to present the following as the lowest estimate that should be made for this work. As the library, at the time of publication, would contain at least 13,000 volumes, I should say its catalogue would comprise five hundred pages in double columns, large octavo, and would require at least twenty months to prepare and print an edition. The expense of prepara- tion would be at least fifteen hundred dollars, and the bill for printing a thousand copies would be about twenty-five hundred dollars, including binding. I am confident it would require at least four thousand dollars
29
to publish this work in a manner that shall be creditable to the Library, and the community that sustains it. A large portion of the labor incurred in this preparation will be saved for the use of future catalogues, and for the cur- rent use of the Library, in the card catalogue thereby secured. This feature of library conveniences is well worth having by itself, and we have not yet been able to prepare one. By constantly adding to it the cards representing the accessions as they come in, we shall have at all times one complete catalogue of the library. I cannot leave this subject without repeating an old adage, which I am sure will apply in this case with great force, that "whatever is worth doing at all, is worth DOING well."
We are indebted to the Boston Public Library for a series of " Notes on English History," prepared and printed by them on broadsides. These we have num- bered in accordance with our catalogue, and placed them · in covers on the library table for the convenience of readers. As we have but recently put these in condition for public use, I am not able to report any increase in the demand for historical reading thereby gained. The great value of these notes to the general reader will certainly be conceded by all who use them.
The registration of persons to whom Library cards are issued now numbers 6,155, an increase of 1,201 since last report. As this list began six years ago, it will be found that a considerable number of the names and residences there recorded need revision, owing to the changes constantly occurring from death and removals. As our only clue to borrowers lies in this register, and as we depend on it in replacing lost cards, it is of the first importance that it be kept reasonably correct.
30
The rule requiring borrowers to give notice of a change of residence has not been generally observed. I would recommend that your Board apply to the City Government for the services of a member of the police force to assist in the matter of verifying the residence of such persons on this register as are not known to the library management.
There is also a regulation that provides that "any book retained one week beyond the time prescribed, shall be sent for by the librarian and the expense of obtaining shall be paid by the person who borrowed it." Our experience has been that the expense so incurred will not as a rule be paid by the delinquent, even if the privileges of the Library are thereby forfeited.
In order to avoid the expense of sending special messengers to various parts of the city for books so detained, I would suggest the co-operation of the police be secured, as in the matter already mentioned. The necessity for such services will not often occur, and books so secured can be left at the nearest agency, thus accomplishing the purpose with the least time and trouble. The City of Boston has always accorded to its public library the assistance of the police, to any extent that its interests required, with advantage to that institution.
The committee on the building have during the past season completed a commodious and well furnished room for the special use of the librarian. This has been accomplished without in any degree marring the general appearance of the Library hall, and supplies conveniences for the registration of books and catalogue work that has long been needed.
The revised rules and regulations, lately adopted by
#
31
your board, have been published and are now being distributed among our readers. I am confident that the changes therein made will prove beneficial to the interests of the Library, and an ultimate benefit to all who use it.
The Reading-room continues without change since last report. There are now on file twenty daily, six- teen weekly, and five monthly papers, representing all sections of the country ; also, eighteen magazines and a variety of pamphlets. We are also indebted to the Rev. B. K. Pierce for one weekly paper and other periodicals. .
The attendance has been increasing steadily through- out the year, and has never been so large as now. I am confident that the daily attendance will average 125 persons for the past season.
I cannot close this report without expressing my hearty appreciation of the faithful attention to the inter- ests of the library, manifested at all times, by the libra- , rian and her assistant. The successful results shown in this report, can be in a great measure directly traced to the efficiency and zeal, which they have brought to bear upon their work, and justly entitles them to your com- mendation, as well as the approval of the community they have so well served.
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERICK JACKSON, Superintendent.
APPENDIX "A."
Statement of receipts and expenditures made by the Treasurer of the late Newton Free Library Corporation, dated March 14, 1876 :
RECEIPTS,
October 1, 1875.
By balance on hand, .
. $4,494 52
" cash received for Fines, 147 64
" Interest received on Notes, .
83 53
" cash received for Catalogues and Bulle-
tins,
31 06
66 66
Old Books,
15 50
66
66
Papers,
4 00
66
66
Sundries,
5 72
$4,781 97
EXPENDITURES.
March 14, 1876.
To cash paid on Salary account,
$840 44
66
Book
413 51
66
" Printing and Advertising account,
174 12
66
" Lighting account,
173 70
Agency 66
103 12
66
66
Incidental 66
101 09
Reading-room
68 33
66
Binding
38 60
Fuel
25 20
Building 66
24 94
66
" City Treasurer of Newton,
2,818 92
$4,781 97
APPENDIX "B."
Statement of receipts and expenditures from March 14 to December 31, 1876 :
RECEIPTS,
March 14, 1876.
Cash received from Newton Free Library
Corporation, $2,818 92
66
City of Newton,
3,500 00
66
Fines,
262 16
66
66
Catalogues and Bulle- tins,
56 90
66
66
Old Papers,
7 75
66
66
Damages on Books,
4 75
66
66
Sundries, 88
$6,651 36
EXPENDITURES,
December 31, 1876.
Payments on Salary account,
$2,067 37
66
Book 66
712 26
66 Building 66
497 87
66 Light 66
456 60
66
Incidental "
332 29
66 Printing and Advertising ac- count,
317 00
66
Reading-room account,
289 73
66 Agency 66
230 21
66 Fuel 66
198 75
66
Binding 66
116 96
Stationery and Postage ac- count,
94 71
Cash balance in City Treasury, $1,296 70 66 66 Library, . 40 91
1,337 61
.
66
Total cash balance, $6,651 36
3
APPENDIX "C."
Statement of expenses from January 1, to December 31, 1876 :
Payments on Salary account, . $2,314 85
66 Book 66
893 98
66 Building 66
497 87
66 Light 66
456 60
66
Incidental “
371 01
66 Printing and Advertising ac- count,
369 12
66
Reading-room account,
335 93
Agency 66
280 08
66 Fuel 66
223 95
66
Binding 66
139 81
66
Stationery and Postage ac-
count,
99 53
$5,982 73 Total expenses,
REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER
OF THE
NEWTON FIRE DEPARTMENT,
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DEC. 31, 1876.
W'
E
ERTY AND UNION
LIB
FOUNDED 163
9.A CITY1873.
NO
N
R
BOSTON : GEO. L. KEYES, PRINTER, 166 CONGRESS, COR. FRANKLIN STREET. 1877.
REPORT OF THE CHIEF ENGINEER.
To His Honor the Mayor, and City Council of Newton :
I herewith present, in accordance with Ordinance No. 16, my Third Annual Report of the Newton Fire Department. It will be found to contain a statement of its condition, with a roll of its members, list of fires, amount of loss, with insurance as near as could be ascertained, fire alarm telegraph and boxes, reservoirs, hydrants, etc .; also, a list of the property belonging to the city, in charge of the different companies in each ward.
ORGANIZATION.
The organization for the past year has been the same as in 1875, viz. :
Chief, six Engineers and Clerk, 8
Three Steam Fire Engine Companies with Hose Carriage
and Tender Wagon, 15 men each, 45
One Hook and Ladder Company, 14
Two Hose Companies, 6 men each, 12
Two Hand Engine Companies, 46 men each, 92
Making a total of officers and men, 171
The pay of the Hosemen on the Steamer, Hose, and Hook and Ladder Companies has been ($40) forty dollars per annum. I would recommend an advance in the pay to at least ($40) forty dollars more, making
4
REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER
it ($80) eighty dollars per annum. My reasons for asking more pay for the Hosemen are that we have an excellently drilled Department, always ready and prompt to respond to any alarm that is given; and in order to keep good men and have a first class Fire Department the men must be paid as an appreciation of the work they do. I would recommend the dis- banding of the two Hand Engine Companies in Wards 4 and 5, and the purchasing of two new Hose Carriages and horses, the companies to consist of six men each ; the Hosemen to receive the same compensation as above suggested.
I think the pay of the Engineers is too small, and that there should be an increase of their pay to what it was in 1874-5.
FIRES AND ALARMS, 1876.
Date.
Box. Location. Loss. Insurance. $1,500
Jan. 2. 24. Fuller's barn in Crafts street,
2.
24. Second alarm.
3. 24. Still alarm for same fire.
7. 4. Patrick Fleming's house, Auburndale,
3,500 $2,200
13. 15. Boyd's sheds in Morse's field,
800
500
Feb. 14.
5. Fire in Grantville.
14. 5. Third alarm signal given.
March 7.
12.
Haley's cottage on Kenrick street,
1,000
1,000
15. 23.
Brush burning.
16. 15.
Dr. Bartlett's barn, 66 66
7,500
4,500
April 12. 15. John Cavanaugh's house,
1,000
12. 15. Second alarm.
14. .5. E. J. Collins' house, Lower Falls,
200
19.
7. Turnbull's house, Highlands, 4,000
4,000
20. 62. Railroad bridge, Upper Falls,
1,200
17. 15
20. 6. To same fire.
19,20%
5
OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Date. Box. April 26. 4. Fire in Weston.
29. 13. Stanley's barn, $550
May 1. 22. Fire in Watertown.
31. 4. Small shanty, 50
June 11. 13. False alarm.
16. 73. Carload of wood at Newton Centre, 230
27. 15. E. D. Hull's house and barn,
4,000 $4,500
27. 12. Same fire.
July 4. 35.
Fire alarm.
7. 15. Fire in Watertown.
14. 15. Cate's barn struck by lightning,
50
1,000
25. 15. Carload of hay at B. & A. R. R.,
200
Aug. 3. 15. Tuttle's house, Jefferson street,
300
4,500
3. 15. Second alarm.
13. 73. Sullivan's barn,
900
26. 35. Mague's barn,
2,500
2,000
26. 32. Second alarm.
26.
31. Maynard's barn, Crafts street, 66
800
500
26. 23. 23. Second alarm.
26.
16. 15. Fire in Watertown.
21. 15. Warner's barn, Park street,
500
500
Oct. 3. 35. Small fire in dwelling-house.
3.
23.
Small stable on Bowers street,
800
500
4. 15.
M. H. Sargent's house, Park street,
25
4,000
6. 24. Slocumb's house, Watertown street,
300
800
13. 35. Barn, Cherry street,
1,500
1,000
15. 24.
M. Pillow's house,
1,800
1,600
17. 24. Murphy's house, Dalby street,
1,500
1,000
17. 24. Second alarm.
Nov.
4. 73. Colby's house on Pelham street,
25
6. 73. Mrs. Garey's house, Pelham street, 6,000
8,500
6. 73. Second alarm.
6.
73. Fowle's barn on Homer street,
800
800
9.
14. Orphan's Home, Hovey street, Bell alarm for fire out of town.
100
7,000
9.
11. 22. False alarm in Watertown.
300
500
25.
31. Shop on Waltham street,
500
10
20. 15. Warner's barn, Park street,
Location.
Loss. Insurance.
Sept.
6
REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER
Date.
Box.
Location.
Loss. Insurance.
Nov. 25. 22. Fire in Watertown.
Dec. 6. 73. Dudley's stable, Beacon street,
$10,000 $8,500
6. 73. Second alarm.
10. 23. Fire in Watertown.
10. 22. Same fire.
10.
14. Fire in Needham.
APPARATUS.
The apparatus consists of three Steamers, with Hose Carriage and Tender Wagon to each; one Hook and Ladder Truck ; two Hand Engines, with Hose Carriage ; and two Hose Carriages in Wards 2 and 4.
Since my last report the Hand Engine spoken of has been sold, as per order of the Committee on Fire De- partment.
The Heater in No. 3's house is a failure, and I would recommend a new one of the same make as in Steamer 1's house, the cost of which is about $160.
All the apparatus connected with the Fire Depart- ment is in good working order, but I would recommend the purchase of a new Hook and Ladder Truck in place of the one we now have, as the present one is too small to carry a sufficient supply of ladders. The truck is too short to carry ladders of sufficient length, as there have been a number of high buildings erected since the pre- sent one was purchased.
HOSE.
There are about 10,000 feet of Hose now owned by the city and distributed among the different companies. There is about 2,000 feet unfit for use, and I would recommend the purchase of 1,000 feet for Steamer 1, Ward 7; 500 feet for Hose 4, Ward 2; 500 feet for
7
OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Mechanic 4, Ward 5; and 500 feet for Steamer 3, Ward 6. Two thousand feet of new hose were bought last year, and about the same amount condemned, and I should think with the addition of 2,500 feet of new hose, purchased and distributed as above suggested, that there would be enough for the next year. It is neces- sary as well as economical to have a plenty of hose, in order to have it kept dry, oiled, and in good order, which is impossible to do unless we have enough for a change.
RESERVOIRS.
There has been no great alteration or expense on the reservoirs the past year, as in view of the water being introduced it was not thought necessary to make any alterations. The whole number of reservoirs is twenty- six.
HYDRANTS.
There are at this time two hundred and fifty-five hydrants set, and two to be set, making in all two hundred and fifty-seven, located as follows:
WARD 1.
North side of Bellevue street, about 40 feet west of Centre street.
North 66
North 66 66 about 495 feet 66
30 feet east of Maple
South
Boyd street, west corner of Jewett street.
North Church " about 40 feet east of Maple place.
East Hovey " " 20 feet north of Washington street.
East Jewett "
" 50 feet north of
North
Newtonville avenue, west corner of Oak street.
North
about 130 feet east of Howard st.
8
REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER
North side of Pearl street, west corner of Jewett street.
North 66
66 66 66 Waban 66
West
66
Richardson street, north of Common street Church.
North 66
66 about 555 feet west of Centre st.
West 66 School 66
66 15 feet north of Waban st.
Waban park, West end.
Walnut " East end.
South side of Washington street, about 400 feet west of Walnut park. South 66 66
at Bacon street.
WARD 2.
West side of Adams street, about 120 feet north of Catholic Church.
West
66
66 405 feet 66 Clinton street.
West 66
66 66 20 feet south of Watertown street.
North Powers
675 feet east of Walnut street. at Chandler street.
East 66
66 66 about 465 feet north of Chandler street.
East 66
66 south corner of California street.
West 66
Brooks place, about 600 feet north of Washington st.
North 66 Cabot street, about 745 feet east of Walnut street.
West
Central avenue, about 15 feet north of Washington st.
West 66 66 north corner of Turner street.
West 66
66 about 15 feet north of Prescott street. 66
South Court street, about 550 feet east of Central avenue. Southwest side of Crafts street, about 25 feet west of Linwood ave. West side of Crafts street, at California street.
East 66 Cross street, about 25 feet north of Washington street.
East 66 Howard street, north corner of Washington park.
North Highland avenue, west corner of Walnut street.
North 6.
about 470 feet west of Walnut st.
North 66
66 66 near residence of Rev. J. Worcester.
North 66
66
66 east corner of angle in street.
West 66 Lowell street, about 45 feet west of Walnut street. West 66 66 66 south corner of Edinboro' street.
West 66
66 about 35 feet north of Washington st.
North 66 Newtonville avenue, about 20 feet east of Howard st. North 66 66 66 530 feet east of Walnut st.
North 66
66 40 feet 66 66
South 66
Otis street, about 25 feet west of Walnut street.
East 66
Bridge 66
9
OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
South side of Otis street, east corner of Murray street.
West 66 Walker street, about 20 feet north of Washington st.
66 West 66 66 66 475 feet 66 East Walnut 66 340 feet south of Cabot street.
66
West 66
66 66 north corner of Washington 66
West 66 66 66 about 540 feet north of Washington st.
West 66 66
66 66 330 feet south of Crafts street.
North Washington street, about 25 feet west of Howard st.
South 66
25 feet 66 Crafts 66 West end of Washington park, about 500 feet east of Walnut street. North side of Watertown street, about 310 feet west of Walnut " South
66 66 40 feet east of Crafts 66
WARD 3.
North side of Auburn street, west corner of Washington street. North 66
66 about 30 feet east of Crescent street.
West 66 Chestnut st., about 105 feet south of Washington st.
East 66 Elm street, about 40 feet north of Washington street.
West 66 Highland street, about 25 feet south of Washington st. East 66 66 66 at Hunter street.
North 66
66 about 25 feet west of Chestnut street.
North 66 Hillside avenue, about 20 feet east of
North 66 Margin street, at Putnam street.
North 66 Mt. Vernon street, east corner of Hillside avenue.
66
opp. residence of W. H. Stewart.
North 66 North 66 Otis street, east corner of Hillside avenue.
North 66
66 opposite residence of W. F. Davenport.
East 66 Perkins street, south corner of Lander street.
North 66 River " east 66 Henshaw street.
North 66
66 at Elm street.
Northeast side of River street, about 100 feet northwest of Franklin School.
Northeast side of River street, at Pine street.
North side of Temple 66 west corner of Highland street.
North " 66
66 west 66 Putnam 66
North 66 66 66
at 66 Prospect 66 West Waltham
north Washington street.
Northwest side of Waltham st., opposite residence of A. B. Potter. Northwest " about 25 feet north of Derby street.
6
10
REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER
Northwest side of Waltham street, north corner of Pleasant street.
Northwest 66 near corner of Crafts street. North side of Washington street, west corner of Lucas avenue.
North
66
66
66
about 130 feet east of Davis court.
North
66
66
66
66
200 feet west of Greenwood
avenue.
North side of Watertown street, about 260 feet east of Davis avenue.
North 66
66 66 25 feet west of Cross street.
North 66
Webster street, west corner of Waltham street.
North 66 66 66 east 66 Cherry street.
North 66
66 66 east 66 Maple street.
North 66
66 66 east 66 Webster park.
North 66
66 park, North end.
North
66
Winthrop street, about 25 feet west of Putnam street.
North 66
66
66 west corner of Shaw street.
WARD 4.
Northeast side of Ash street, west corner of Melrose street.
North side of Ash street, west corner of Seaverns street.
Northeast side of Ash street, about 250 feet south of the park. South side of Auburn street, about 50 feet west of Greenwood st. South 66 66 66
North 66
66 66 30 feet 66 Washington ave.
North 66 Auburndale avenue, about 540 feet west of Rowe st.
North 66
Beacon street, about 1180 feet east of Washington st.
North 66 66 66 at gateway of E. J. Collins.
Northwest side of Central street, about 340 feet west of Fern street. Northwest 66
66 east corner of Woodward avenue.
Northwest 66 66 about 515 feet east of Woodward avenue.
Northwest side of Charles street, at angle in street.
Northeast 66 66
near Riverside R. R. station.
West side of Grove st., north corner of Washington st., Lower Falls. West 66 66 opposite J. F. Wright's house.
West 66 66 north corner of cemetery, Lower Falls.
West 66 66 north Cornell street.
West 66 66 south 66 Pine Grove avenue.
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