USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Newton > Town of Newton annual report 1879-1880 > Part 15
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large body of the most intelligent literary men and women of the vicinity. The sessions, during portions of four days, were crowded with practical essays upon the various questions relating to the construction, ventilation, management, influence, means of increased usefulness, and possible perils of public libraries, and, as opportunity offered, with vigorous and in- structive discussions. The testimonies of persons connected with the practical workings of these institutions awakened in the minds of intelligent listners a fresh sense, both of their possibilities of usefulness, and their liabilities of becoming a
positive intellectual and moral injury to the community. By the facilities which a carelessly administered library offers for the unlimited reading of light, emasculating, and even deprav- ing literature, it may become a curse to the young people in its vicinity. Extraordinary statements were made by Librarians of the number of novels, of the poorest classes, taken out, week after week, (more than one a day in some instances), and the evil results to be expected from such a misuse, or rather positive abuse, of these free institutions.
Many suggestions were made as to the best measures for correcting this very serious evil, thus perpetuated at the public expense. Charles Francis Adams, jr., proposed to place the axe at the root of the tree, and to provide no works of fiction for the free library. Let those, he urged, who wish for novels purchase them for themselves, as they are obliged to do, if they desire other luxuries. But this radical step would both cut off a large class of readers, who, it is found, are won to the library by works of the imagination, but come gradually, under proper directions, to acquire a taste for more serious, and not less entertaining works, and also would shut out from the library shelves a very large portion of really improving and inspiring literature - the masterpieces of the leading minds of their times. The evil is not beyond correction, although the public character of the institution renders its close supervision somewhat delicate and difficult. There must be a careful sifting of this vast body of the litera-
20
ture of the imagination. Our Library in Newton has never admitted to its shelves the works that have chiefly fallen under the sharp criticism of conscientious educators and guardians of the young. We have not on our list the sensa- tional works of fiction which, in other public libraries, exceed all other books in their circulation. Where the writer of a novel is not known by the Superintendent, Book Committee, or Librarian, especially if a French translation, the work is sub- mitted to a judicious reader before being placed upon the list; particularly is this true in the instance of juvenile books. Much of this important service has been rendered by ladies of our city, who merit the thanks of the community for the performance of this laborous, but very useful task.
Our school teachers can render valuable aid in directing the reading of their pupils. Much interest was awakened by Mr. R. C. Metcalf, Master of the Wells school, Boston, and by Mr. S. S. Green, of the Worcester Public Library, at the late Conference, by their very practical suggestions as to the relation of the public school to the public library. The former showed how successful had been his endeavors, with the aid of the Librarian of the City Library, to direct the reading of his pupils.
One of our earnest city pastors- a member of the School Board - has imposed upon himself the task of calling the attention of our young people, through the columns of the local paper, to the attractive and instructive works that have been, from time to time, added to the Library. Such a service cannot be too highly appreciated.
But, after all, we must press upon parents a responsibility which falls chiefly upon them, as the immediate guardians of their children, of watching over their reading. There is no less occasion, but rather more, for them to consider carefully the character and influence of the books of their children, than that of the companions with whom they associate. The influ- ence of the former is more subtile and permanent, and the con- sequences are often more serious. By family reading a taste
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for works of a higher character can be readily formed and nourished.
We do not shrink, however, from the portion of responsi- bility that falls upon the official management of the institu- tion. By securing as we hope to do, more leisure for the Librarian, she will be enabled to give personal attention and advice to the young people that avail themselves of the op- portunities of the Library. By conspicuous bulletins we now call attention to the fresh works of travel, of history, of sci- ence, and biography, which we are constantly adding to our shelves. It is one of the most encouraging sights to an intel- ligent well-wisher of his race, nearly every evening that it is open, to see the different tables in Edmands Hall surrounded by youths of both sexes, consulting books of reference, or examining with keen pleasure some of the many illustrated volumes with which the Library is now so well supplied.
If the Free Library is indeed becoming, as it is often called, " the People's University," succeeding and supplementing the public school, gathering into it all ages, and every variety of character, one of the great positive defences against the saloon and the gambling hall, and a powerful inspiration to the intelligence and good morals of the community, no painstak- ing or necessary expense should be spared to save it from all its abuses, and to secure to it the highest abilities and most conscientious faithfulness in its administration. We have reason to believe that the Free Library of Newton is largely defended from demoralizing elements, and is continually grow- ing in usefulness and in power for accomplishing good in our community.
The Superintendent is happy to bear testimony to the faithfulness and courtesy with which the Librarian and her assistants have administered the internal details of the Libra- ry, and the cheerfulness and ability with which they have met the constant demands upon their skill and patience.
I would also speak of the ready attention which the Com-
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mittee upon Public Property of the City Council has given to any calls that have been made for repairs or improvements in the Library building.
I have the honor, gentlemen, with sentiments of sincere respect, to submit to you the above details of the conduct of the Free Library for the past year.
BRADFORD K. PEIRCE. Superintendent.
APPENDIX.
A.
RECEIPTS.
1879.
1878.
1877.
Dec. 31.
Municipal Appropriation
$7,000.00
$7,500.00
$6,000.00
Fines, Bulletins, Catalogues, etc.
286.08
327.98
322.09
Cash on hand at last report .
32.76
7.96
1,337.61
$7,318.84
$7,835.94
$7,659.70
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B.
EXPENDITURES.
· 1879.
1878.
1877.
Salaries
82,601.60
82,698.26
$2,480.58
Reading Room
302.65
370.20
367.82
Incidentals
203.49
225.87
353.39
Repairs
59.39
23.28
211.10
Furniture and Fixtures
111.98
741.08
41.04
Printing and Advertising
59.51
59.83
33.60
Binding
215.05
322.78
290.09
Books
2,518.52
2,013.80
1,378.90
Light and Fuel
674.85
760.55
684.55
Agency and Express
377.07
310.78
304.35
Blanks and Stationery
115.17
130.18
177.88
Postage account
13.37
13.64
37.42
Total Expenditures
87,252.65
$7,670.25
$6,360.72
Balance with City Treasurer $36.21
at the Library
29.98
Total balance
66.19
165.69
1,298.98
$7,318.84
$7,835.94
$7,659.70
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C.
CIRCULATION.
1879.
1878.
1877.
Number of days the Library was open . of holidays the Library was closed
307
308
256
6
5
5
of other week days the Library was closed
·
.
52
of volumes delivered for home use
77,437
81,030
68,023
Average daily use
252
263
265
Largest daily use, Feb. 24
515
678
576
Smallest daily use, May 30
23
32
5
Number of books lost, and not paid for
1
11
10
of books worn-out and withdrawn
117
168
65
of volumes re-covered
11,481
13,276
12,279
of volumes bound .
482
544
298
of names registered during the year .
849
938
682
Total number of names registered .
8,624
7,775
6,837
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D.
ACCESSIONS.
1879.
1878.
1877.
Increase by purchase .
1,453
982
869
by gift .
173
130
111
by binding pamphlets
1
48
10
by binding periodicals
62
55
82
Number of missing volumes
restored since last
report
2
3
Total accessions for the year .
1,691
1,218
1,072
Number of volumes missing or withdrawn since last report
118
179
75
Actual increase .
1,573
1,039
997
Number of volumes in the Library as last reported
. 13, 975 12, 936 11, 939
Total number of volumes in the Library
. 15, 548 13, 975 12, 936
Increase of pamphlets by purchase .
4
17
5
by gift .
15
103
23
Accessions for the year
19
120
28
Number of pamphlets as last reported .
65
61
64
84
181
92
Number of pamphlets bound since last report
2
116
31
of pamphlets on hand
82
65
61
of newspapers subscribed for .
36
34
34
of newspapers given .
11
12
9
of magazines subscribed for
30
24
20
of magazines given
2
1
1
Total number received .
79
71
64
27
E.
CLASSIFICATION, GROWTH, SIZE, AND USE.
Vols. added during the
year.
Total num-
ber of vols.
Vols. issued
during the
year.
1879. 1878.
1877.
Literature.
Prose fiction and juvenile read-
ing .
381
4,087 50, 583
65.3
67.36
71.38
Essays, poetry, and drama
213
1,901
6,335
8.2
8.41
8.27
Literary periodicals
92
1,085
2,148
2.7
2.01
1.91
Foreign literature
-
438
298
.4
.40
.39
History.
Geography and travels .
134
1,418
6,258
8.2
7.43
6.95
Biography
160
1,403
3,796
4.9
4.27
3.68
History
170
1.454
3,380
4.3
4.13
3.02
Arts and Sciences.
Natural science and industrial
arts .
199
1,240
3,798
4.9
4.67
3.28
Political and social science
31
783
300
4
.40
.22
Theology
73
689
36
.5
.79
.50
*Reference Library
120
1,050
173
.2
.08
-
Accessions for the year
1,573
Number of volumes in the Li-
brary
15,548
Circulation for the year
77,437
Per cent of Circulation.
*Represents books loaned for home use by special permission.
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F.
Appropriations for Catalogue $1.000.00
EXPENDITURES ON CATALOGUE.
Salary Marie L. Clapp $275.00
Paid for catalogue cards 5.74
Rand, Avery, & Co., printing and binding 672.50
$953.24
Balance with Treasurer
46.76
$1,000.00
City of Newton.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF
THE CHIEF ENGINEER
OF THE
NEWTON FIRE DEPARTMENT,
For the Year ending December 31, 1879.
E
LIBERTY AND
UNION
FOUNDED
88.A CITY1873
N
M
ON
ORA
BOSTON:
T. W. RIPLEY, PRINTER, 138 CONGRESS STREET.
1880.
REPORT.
To the Honorable, the Mayor, and Board of Aldermen :-
IN accordance with the requirements of the ordinance, I beg leave to submit my first Annual Report of the condition of the Fire Department of this city, for the year ending December 31, 1879.
I have embodied, in this Report, all matters pertaining to the department, together with a list of officers and members, salaries paid, inventory of property, location of Fire Alarm stations, hydrants and reservoirs, account of fires, alarms, losses, and insurance on same, so far as could be ascertained, with such other items as may be of interest to your honorable body, and to the citizens of Newton.
The department, the past year, has shown itself competent to meet any and all emergencies to which it has been called upon to respond. With a large increase of incendiary fires, the losses are less than for many preceding years, due, in a great measure, to the prompt and efficient service of this department.
With the large territory to which the department is called upon to afford protection, the liability to total loss in the distant sections is very great, and for which this depart- ment is no way responsible. Lack of water facilities, or, if any, so far removed as to necessitate long lines of hose and decreased pressure, together with the distant location of fire and alarm stations, requires the most energetic efforts on the part of the Fire Department, with but small hopes of suc- cess. With the extension of the water mains, additional hydrants, and Fire Alarm stations, the department will be enabled to render more efficient service in these localities.
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It is very necessary that the full working force of the de- partment be kept up. Days and weeks may pass, and their services not be required, still it is imperative that the depart- ment be " Always Ready."
It will be for the interest of the City Council, and the citizens generally, that all proper means be furnished to keep the department up to its present standard.
Large sums of money are invested in apparatus and equip- ments, and in keeping the several stations where they are located, in order. It should be a matter of personal interest, to the tax-payers and the citizens, to visit the several sta- tions, that they may see how their money is invested, at. the same time encourage the members by their presence, and show them that their services are appreciated.
The several stations where permanent men are located, will be open each day (Sunday excepted), from 10 A.M. until 10 P.M. ; during these hours visitors will always be welcomed, and every courtesy consistent with the service will be shown them.
INCENDIARY FIRES.
The frequency of fires of undoubted incendiary origin, the past year, is a matter of grave importance. That many of these fires can be traced to over-insurance, there seems no question, so long as the premiums are promptly paid ; the matter of insurance is neglected, and only brought to notice through the investigations of fire department officials in ascertaining the cause of fires. While the promptness of the department is proverbial, still, every care and precaution should be exercised to guard against fire.
LOSSES AND INSURANCE.
For fires, losses, and insurance, which will be found to compare favorably with previous years, I refer you to the printed table of the same.
MANUAL FORCE.
The manual force of the department consists of a Chief Engineer, one Assistant Engineer, one Secretary, one Fire Alarm Operator, forty-five members of engine companies,
5
including Engineers and Drivers ; thirteen members of Hook- and-Ladder Company, twenty-four members of Hose Com- panies, making a total of eighty-six men.
APPARATUS.
The apparatus of the department consists of three steam fire engines, -two built by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company of Manchester, N. H., one by Hunneman & Co. of Boston ; seven four-wheeled hose-carriages, -four built by Hunneman & Co., two built by the Amoskeag Manufac- turing Co., one built in Philadelphia, -the hose carriages carrying five thousand feet of hose; one Hook-and-Ladder Truck, built by Bulkley & Merritt, New York.
ENGINEERS.
The several engines are in charge of skilled mechanics, and all repairs the past year have been made by their respect- ive engineers.
DRIVERS.
The drivers permanently employed are thoroughly compe- tent and reliable. No accident of any kind has occurred to either horses or apparatus, while in their charge, and the wisdom for the continuance in the service of such employees cannot be questioned.
UNIFORM.
For the better appearance, and increased efficiency of the permanent force, I would recommend that they be uni- formed.
PERMANENT DRIVERS.
The necessity of having permanent drivers for the hose carriages, and particularly those attached to the engines, is obvious.
The engines leave their houses immediately on receiving an alarm, while the hose carriages are delayed until a mem- ber comes in from the street. In case of day fires, this has proved a serious drawback. To obviate this, and for the increased efficiency to be gained, I would recommend the appointing of permanent drivers for Hose Carriages 1, 2, 3, and 4.
6
CALL MEMBERS.
The call members, those who do duty only in response to an alarm, have, as a rule, rendered a fair service the past year. But, as these members are employed in various capaci- ties, and are scattered throughout the city, the service must of a necessity prove unreliable. Instances have occurred where employers have objected to their men leaving work in response to an alarm ; situations, even, have been endan- gered from these causes, all of which tend to seriously cripple our working force during business hours.
Good men for this especial service are imperative, none other should be accepted.
FIRE ALARM TELEGRAPH.
This important auxiliary to the Fire Department, under the management of G. W. Ulmer, as operator, has performed its duties with unvarying regularity, and to it's efficiency is due in a great measure the successful work of the depart- ment.
THE OPERATOR.
The operator in charge, although paid but a nominal sum, has devoted his whole time to the service. The result has been, that this branch of the department has never been in such complete working order since its introduction.
Our wires, as located, traverse streets thickly lined with trees, which prove fruitful sources of trouble in stormy weather ; all disarrangement of the lines, either day or night, necessitates immediate attention and repairs. During the tornado of last July, the wires were seriously damaged and disarranged, requiring the most diligent and persistent ef- forts, until a late hour, before all parts of the city were again connected.
The liability of the city, in case of accident, resulting from defective poles, or broken wires, cannot be questioned. That this most important branch of the service may be kept up, I would recommend that the operator be paid a reason- able sum, and required to devote his whole time to its interest.
7
ADDITIONAL FIRE ALARM STATIONS.
With an area of seventeen and one-half square miles of territory, our twenty-two (22) Fire Alarm stations are en- tirely inadequate to its proper protection. More stations are needed, and should receive the early attention of the City Council.
Additional striking apparatus is needed in Ward Four (4) at Newton Lower Falls. I would recommend the placing of a steam whistle upon one of the mills at that place, and connecting the same with the Fire Alarm. This can be done at a less expense than a bell and fixtures, and I am satisfied will prove as satisfactory. I would recommend that the poles, used for the fire alarm wires, be painted, as a matter of preservation. I would also recommend that the Signal Stations, and, when placed on poles, the poles also, be painted red, that they may be more readily located in case of fire.
HYDRANTS.
The Hydrant service, so far as it has been extended, has proved an invaluable aid. In many sections, however, the lack of water-mains, and, in others, the scarcity of hydrants, still demands the service of all our present apparatus.
STAND-PIPES.
The attaching of Stand-pipes to the hydrants, for the use of the watering-carts, has proved a hindrance to the fire ser- vice. I would recommend their immediate removal.
RESERVOIRS.
The Reservoirs which still remain in good repair should be retained, particularly those in Wards One and Seven. I would suggest the advisability of said reservoirs being con- nected with the street mains, through a four-inch supply, with a shut-off-gate, so located as to be easily accessible in case of need : with this for a supply, two or more engines can be concentrated at these points.
8
HOSE.
The department has in use, at the present time, twelve thousand nine hundred feet of hose, -nine thousand nine hundred and fifty feet of leather, two thousand nine hun- dred and fifty feet of cotton hose (rubber-lined). Of the leather hose, twenty-six hundred feet is unfit for severe ser- vice, and should be replaced with new hose at the earliest opportunity.
Within the past few years, most of the large cities and towns have adopted the cotton (rubber-lined) hose ; their experience having demonstrated that the many good quali- ties which it combines, such as strength, lightness, dura- bility and cleanliness, recommends this grade of hose as the most economical to purchase.
The experience of this department with this hose, covers a period of nearly three years ; during that time it has given the best of satisfaction, but one piece having proved defect- ive under a severe pressure.
Nothing tends to demoralize the earnest efforts of the department so much as the bursting of hose at a critical moment. For this reason alone, the best hose to purchase is that which meets the requirements of our service in all emergencies. Hose that fails at a pressure of one hundred pounds will not meet the wants of this department. The testing of hose below that standard, will invariably prove costly experiments in cases of urgent need.
The further purchase of twenty-six hundred feet of hose will be necessary to meet the requirements of the depart- ment for the coming year.
CHEMICAL ENGINES.
The experience of the town in Chemical Engines was such, that for many years they have been considered of little practical utility. The many improvements, however, which have been made in these engines, and the wonderful success which they are meeting with, in all the large cities and towns, throughout the United States, most certainly com-
9
mend them as one of the most important adjuncts to a Fire Department. From personal observations in departments where these engines are used, and the wonderful celerity with which they can be placed in service, cannot but suggest the advisability of their adoption in this city.
Fires have occurred the past year, out of water limits, where, for the lack of one of these engines, the buildings have proved a total loss ; in other cases, serious loss has resulted from water, which could have been avoided, had a Chemical Engine been available. I would suggest the advis- ability of purchasing a double tank engine of the above description, and the placing of the same in the house now occupied by Hose Four (4), and the return of that apparatus to Auburndale. With the placing of one of these engines in service, a portion of the new hose called for can be dis- pensed with.
HOUSES.
The several houses of the department were carefully in- spected by the Committee on Public Property, and long- needed repairs and alterations were, upon their recommen- dation, authorized by the City Council. The stalls in the house of Engine Two were changed to face the apparatus ; the sleeping accommodations in this house are not what they should be. I would respectfully call the attention of the City Council to the changes required at this house, as recom- mended by my predecessors in this office. The stalls in the house of Hook-and-Ladder No. One should be changed to face the apparatus, as now arranged in the other houses, excepting the house of Engine One, where this change is necessary, but impracticable, owing to a portion of the building being occu- pied by the police. I would recommend that the police be provided for in some other locality, and this building devoted to the requirements of the fire service. With the exception of the house of Engine Three, which will require a small outlay for painting, the buildings are in excellent repair.
While recognizing the necessity for strict economy in the expenditures of this department, still the apparatus and equipments must not be allowed to deteriorate ; neither should necessary improvements be neglected.
.
-
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NEWTON FIREMEN'S RELIEF ASSOCIATION.
This Association was organized August 2, 1879, for the purpose of affording relief to such members of the Fire De- partment as may be injured in health or limb while in the discharge of their duties as firemen.
The amount of funds now in the possession of the Asso- ciation is $312.00.
But one member of the Association has been a recipient of aid the past year ; foreman S. E. Wetherbee of Hook-and- Ladder No. One, from sickness, caused by exposure at the Rowe Street fire in May, was granted five months' relief.
It is hoped that our citizens will encourage the members of the department, and help them place this Association on a firm basis financially, with such donations, no matter how small, as they may feel disposed to give. The compensation received from the city is small; the members in moderate circumstances, with the liability to accident or sickness fre- quent, -in either case resulting in extra hardship to a de- serving class of men.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.
I desire to express my personal acknowledgments to His Honor the Mayor, for his uniform courtesy and interest manifested at all times, in matters pertaining to this de- partment.
To the Honorable City Council, for the prompt attention given to all measures recommended for the benefit of the department.
To the Joint Standing Committee, Aldermen Barnes and Keith, Councilmen Kimball, Ellison, and Barton, for their cordial support and endorsement.
To Assistant Engineer Bemis my thanks are due for his earnest efforts and hearty co-operation, and to the officers and members of the several companies for the promptness and zeal displayed in the performance of their several duties.
To City Marshal Hinds, and his officers, for prompt attend- ance, and valuable services.
To the Superintendent of Streets.
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To the Superintendent of Water Works. To the City Clerk, who, as Secretary to the Board, has rendered valuable assistance.
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