USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Newton > Town of Newton annual report 1881-1882 > Part 13
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16
At this point, in January, 1868, the late Hon. J. Wiley Edmands, one of the most esteemed and honored of the citi- zens of the town, ever in advance in every good word and work, proffered the sum of $15,000 ; $ 10,000 toward a suitable
13
building, and $5,000 for the purchase of books, providing a like sum were otherwise secured by the succeeding first of March, with certain conditions as to the character and control of the Library. To this sum he afterwards made an additional subscription of $2,000 for the purchase of books and the run- ning expenses of the Library. His offer was an inspiration both to the Board of Trustees holding the property already purchased, and to the citizens generally of the town. Not only was the required amount obtained, but, with the donation of Mr. Edmands, a sufficient sum was contributed to reach the grand total of $65,275.77. Of this amount $36,695.20 were devoted to the building, land and fixtures ; the remainder to books and running expenses. Especially efficient in all this work from its initiation, as chairman of committees and president of the trustees, and also in the raising of the sub- scription to which he was a generous giver, was Mr. George H. Jones, whose sudden death, at the opening of the year 1881, deprived the Library of one of its warmest friends and most intelligent and faithful supervisors. As President of the Board of Trustees during the early efforts to secure sub- scriptions, with Mr. John C. Chaffin and Isaac T. Burr asso- ciated with him, he made a very able report to the public, setting forth the call for a library, its character, and the style of the building requisite for the purpose. From that time until the hour of his death, he never remitted his effective and unflagging efforts in its behalf. Another very active patron was Mr. John C. Chaffin, as modest as he was energetic, for a long time concealing his name from the public as the muni- ficent donor of a large sum at a moment when the work of gathering subscriptions had begun to move heavily. The estimates for the completion of the building had been some- what exceeded. At this juncture Mr. Chaffin, having already subscribed $1,000 through the President of the Board, prof- fered an additional $4,000 upon the condition that his name should not be announced. The name was disclosed at a later date - during the services of dedication - and merits a grate- ful record. Mr. Chaffin was the treasurer of the subscription funds during their collection and the erection of the building, and a very energetic agent in the whole movement. His
14
generous gift at this important crisis awakened much enthusiasm, and the requisite amount to complete the work was soon secured.
The corner stone of the fine granite building was laid by Hon. J. Wiley Edmands with an impressive speech, Aug. 13, 1868; the ground having been broken in the previous June. Mr. Jones presided on the occasion, and Rev. E. J. Young delivered an address. As the building approached completion the subscribers were called together, and a full board of trustees was elected. This first complete organization was composed of George H. Jones, John C. Chaffin, Isaac T. Burr, J. Wiley Edmands, George W. Bacon, John S. Farlow, A. B. Underwood, Joel H. Hills, George S. Bullens, George S. Harwood and Abner I. Benyon.
The purchase of books was commenced at an early period, so that the Library might be opened to the public from the hour of its dedication. The collection of the Newton Library Association had been given, by the vote of its members, to the Trustees, amounting to 1,720 volumes. Individuals sent in 1,242, and nearly five thousand dollars were at once expended for American and imported books, in about an equal proportion of each. There is no more delicate task than to make the first large outlays for a public library. In the purchase of so many volumes at once there is an excellent opportunity to burden the shelves with an amount of heavy literature of little value for popular reading or for reference. The Trustees had the good fortune at this time to be able to command the services of Mr. W. F. Poole, who had been the accomplished Librarian of the Athenæum, Boston ; since well known from his connection with large libraries in Cincinnati and Chicago, as well as for his valuable "Index." Through his assistance, and under the direction of Mr. George W. Bacon - an intelligent merchant, well-read and fond of books, who had been appointed as the first Superintendent, - with the personal supervision of the Trustees themselves, about seven thousand volumes were gathered upon the shelves.
The substantial and beautiful building, fully equipped for the commencement of its benign mission, was formally dedi- cated on the afternoon of June 17, 1870. The Chairman of
15
the Trustees, Mr. George H. Jones, in a short address, intro- duced His Excellency, William Claflin, at that time Governor of the State, and then and since a resident of the town, as the presiding officer of the occasion. After the devotional exer- cises, the Governor made a very happy congratulatory speech. Mr. Jones, for the Trustees, made a full financial statement of the expenses of building, furnishing and books, and then formally presented the Library through the Chairman of the Selectmen, as now opened for the benefit of the citizens of the whole town. The money for the enterprise, thus far, had been largely raised within the limits of the village familiarly known as Newton Corner, but in accordance with one of the conditions of the large gift of Mr. Edmands, and with the hearty concurrence of all the subscribers, its benefits were to be bestowed equally upon every portion of the town. When, on March 24, 1871, the first act of incorporation was taken out for the Library, its relation to all the citizens of Newton was legally recognized. Rev. Dr. Wellman delivered an able and instructive discourse at the dedication.
Early measures were taken to secure a weekly distribution and return of books in all the villages composing the present municipality. The privileges of the new institution began at once to be improved. While at first its Reading Room could not be so generally used, its books, in a remarkable number, were called for in every portion of the town, and in every succeeding year the circulation improved, both in the quantity and the quality of the literature called for. By generous subscriptions, in which the Trustees led their , fellow-citizens, the running expenses of the Library were met, and constant accessions were made to the contents of the shelves. A voluntary association for library purposes in Newton Centre dissolved and forwarded their books, as a gift, to the Free Library.
When, in 1874, Newton assumed a city government, the question began to be discussed as to the expediency of formally presenting this valuable property to the civic author- ities, and of making it, thereafter, a purely city institution. A new legislative act was necessary to enable the Trustees to convey their trust to the Government of the City. This
16
was obtained and signed by Gov. Alexander H. Rice, also a native of Newton, Feb. 28, 1876. The Trustees of the Library, through J. Wiley Edmands, J. S. Farlow and E. W. Converse, as a committee, made a formal offer of Newton Free Library to the city, on the condition, according to the Act of the Legislature, that it should be forever maintained as a Free Public Library. The offer was accepted upon the conditions tendered, and under the Mayoralty of Hon. Alden Speare, on Mar. 16, 1876, the transfer occurred in the Library Hall, which properly bears the name of the largest donor among its founders - Edmands' Hall. Mr. Edmands was at the time chairman of the Board of Trustees. He made a remarkably impressive address, as he delivered the title deeds of the property, and the keys of the building, to the Mayor of the City. At this time the Library had been in full operation for four years. The catalogue of books on its shelves had reached the number of 11,287. In the previous five months the circulation had attained the large number of 32,298. Its Reading Room was amply supplied with newspapers and magazines, and it had accumulated many valuable works of reference. Mayor Speare responded in an appropriate and appreciative speech, and was followed by interesting remarks from Ex-Mayor Hyde, from the chair- man of the School Committee, B. K. Peirce, from Hon. J. S. Farlow in reminiscences of the preliminary movements and active agents in the establishment of the Library, and a hearty communication from Mr. Geo. H. Jones, who was unable to be present.
The new Board of Trustees was organized by the appoint- ment, on the part of the City Council, of William W. Keith and William W. Goodrich, and from the citizens at large, J. Wiley Edmands, John S. Farlow, Bradford K. Peirce, Julius L. Clarke, and James F. C. Hyde. Mr. Edmands remained as president of the Board until his sudden and deeply lamented death, Jan. 31, 1877. He was succeeded in this office by Mr. George H. Jones, than whom no citizen of Newton, from the first suggestion of a Free Library to the hour of his death, felt a more lively solicitude in its behalf, sought more diligently its progress and usefulness, secured
17
larger gifts, or watched over its interests with greater zeal. Through his courteous offices the large bequest of $5,000 was received from the estate of the late Mrs. David B. Jewett, forming an art fund, to be increased, in time, by the additional gift of the same amount. From the same source, also, came the fine copy of Raphael's Transfiguration, from the original in the Palace of the Vatican, at Rome. Mr. Jones' equally sudden death, so soon after that of Mr. Edmands, was a sad blow to the Library, as well as a great loss to the city.
In addition to the art fund, Mayor Speare, while in office, by the donation of $1,000, created a special fund for the gradual gathering of a collection of standard works in illustration of the manufacturing and mechanical trades. Last year, the death of a well-known citizen - Mr. Charles A. Reed - secured the bequest of a fund to the city, from the income of which, six hundred dollars are to be devoted to the purchase of books for the Free Library. Thus in the earliest years of the institution the generous gifts of our citizens give ample evidence of the general appreciation of the important service it is rendering, and a pleasant prophecy of the larger benefactions which are to follow.
The various departments of the Library are now fully improved. Its Reading Room never lacks inmates, and is freely visited by citizens from all the wards. Its works of reference are in constant demand. Its Art department is one of the best patronized of its facilities. The increasing cultivation of our people, and especially the interest taken at this time in the different branches of art, will strain to the utmost all our resources to meet the demand upon our collections.
There are now nearly 20,000 volumes in the Library. Last year there were delivered at the homes of its patrons 85,701 volumes. The limits of shelving, provided when the Library was constructed, were reached two years since, and about one- half as much additional room was secured. We have still space for the natural growth of a year or two, when a fresh enlargement will be required.
2
18
The Library was never working with greater facility. We hear no complaints. The Librarian, whose acquaintance with its contents goes back to its opening, only becomes more valuable in her resources as the years roll on, and embodies in herself the most serviceable catalogue of the treasures of our shelves. She is well supported by her lady assistants. The inviting condition of the grounds and halls, and the general quiet about the building, are to be very considerably attributed to the gentlemanly and diligent janitor, who is never absent from his post, except during a very short annual vacation.
We close the year with a grateful sense of having accom- plished some good service in behalf of our city, in the work of general education and cultivation, and in the comforting assurance that the Newton Free Library retains its hold upon the confidence and support of our citizens, who will continue to enlarge its means of usefulness as the years flow on.
Respectfully submitted,
BRADFORD K. PEIRCE.
19
APPENDIX.
A.
RECEIPTS.
1882.
1881.
1880.
Dec. 31.
Municipal appropriation
$8,000 00
$7,500 00 '333 91
$7,500 00
Fines, bulletins, etc.
309 54
289 41
Cash on hand at last report
18 83
17 28
29 98
$8,328 37
$7,851 19
$7,819 39
B.
EXPENDITURES.
1882.
1881.
1880.
Dec. 31.
Salaries
$3,410 00
$3,006 24
$3,027 20
Reading-room
391 25
404 27
377 13
Incidentals
209 73
240 76
180 89
Repairs
46 35
99 18
190 23
Furniture and fixtures
45 30
86 63
35 25
Printing and advertising
35 00
105 77
53 00
Binding
265 90
279 93
264 18
Books
1,911 29
1,758 82
2,311 64
Light and fuel
675 88
742 15
587 84
Distributing agencies and express
1,141 66
977 27
520 99
Blanks and stationery
128 41
119 74
158 08
Postage account
18 46
6 79
25 61
Total expenditures .
$8,279 23
$7,827 55
$7,732 04
Bal. with City Treasurer, $ 07
at the Library
49 07
Total balance
49 14
23 64
87 35
$8,328 37
$7,851 19
$7,819 39
.
20
C.
CIRCULATION.
1882.
1881.
1880.
Number of days the Library was open . ·
305
306
307
of holidays the Library was closed . . of other week-days the Library was closed, .
7
6
6
of volumes delivered for home use
85,701 280.9
85,333 278.8
27133
Largest daily use, Feb. 25, and
March 18, 1882; Feb. 19, 1881; Feb. 24, 1880 .
536
526
657
Dec. 26, 1881 ; Feb. 3, 1880.
164
8
48
Number of books lost and not paid for
5
2
17
of books worn out and withdrawn
44
51 835 16,453
112
of notices to delinquents,
643
974
of volumes re-covered
12,295
11,517
of volumes bound .
556
577
500
of names registered during the year
1,254
631
902
Total number of names registered,
11,411
10,157
9,526
1
1
83,393
Average daily use .
Smallest daily use, April 27, 1882 ;
21
D.
ACCESSIONS.
1882.
1881.
1880.
Increase by purchase
1,084
994 164
1,256
by gift
54
270
by binding pamphlets
5
S
by binding periodicals
69
79
60
Number of missing volumes re- stored since last report
-
-
-
Total accessions for the year,
1,207
1,242
1,594
Number of volumes missing or withdrawn since last report .
49
53
129
Actual increase
1,158
1,189
1,465
Number of volumes in the Library as last reported .
18,202
17,013
15,548
Total number of volumes in the Library
19,360
18,202
17,013
Number of pamphlets bound since last report .
15
49
Number of newspapers subscribed for
41
39
40
of newspapers given
20
20
15
of magazines subscribed for
32
31
30
of magazines given®
4
3
3
Total number received
97
93
SS
-
22
E.
CLASSIFICATION, GROWTH, SIZE AND USE.
Vols. added
during the
Total Num-
ber of Vols.
Vols. issued
during the
Year.
1882.
1881.
1880.
LITERATURE.
Prose, fiction and juvenile reading
220
4,598
58,563 5,488
68.3 6.4
69.1 6.9
69.5
Essays, poetry and drama,
173
2,399
6.S
Literary periodicals
77
1,288
2,450 392
2.85 .5
.34
.4
HISTORY.
Geography and travels
111
1,74S
6,401
7.5
7.23
7.0
Biography .
138
1,836
3,403
3.97
3.94
4.3
History
86
1,777
3,396
3.96
4.08
4.0
ARTS AND SCIENCES.
Natural science and indus- trial arts
164
1,738
4,636
5.4
5.04
4.8
Political and social science,
55
966
371
.4
.4
.4
Theology
59
909
452
.52
.34
.4
Reference library
117
1,647
149
.2
.13
2
Accessions for the year,
1,207
Number of volumes in the Library
19,360
Circulation for the year,
85,701
2.5
2.2
Foreign literature
7
454
PER CENT OF CIRCULATION.
Year.
23
F.
Received for Catalogues sold in 1882
$29 50
Paid City Treasurer
$29 50
G.
ESTIMATED EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR ENDING DEC. 31, 1883.
Salaries
$3,600
Reading-room
400
Incidentals
225
Repairs .
100
Furniture and fixtures
70
Printing and advertising (including bulletin)
150
Binding
280
Books
2,200
Light and fuel
700
Distributing agencies and express
1,250
Blanks and stationery
130
Postage account
20
$9,125
Probable amount of fines
$300 00
Cash on hand
49 07
Required appropriation
.
8,775 93
9,125
CITY OF NEWTON.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
CHIEF OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
OF THE
CITY OF NEWTON,
FOR THE
Year ending December 31, 1882.
WITH A STATEMENT OF THE FIRES AND ALARMS, ALSO LOSSES AND INSURANCE, DURING THE YEAR.
ERTY AND UNIO LIBE
FOUNDED 1630.
3.
CITY 18
& A
NONANTUM.
CORPORATE
ATOY
BOSTON : FRANKLIN PRESS: RAND, AVERY, & COMPANY. 1883.
REPORT.
FIRE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, OFFICE OF CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT, CITY HALL, WEST NEWTON, MASS., Dec. 31, 1882.
To His Honor the Mayor, and City Council.
IN compliance with Ordinance 8, section 5, I herewith sub- mit my Fourth and the Eighth Annual Report of the Fire Department for the year ending Dec. 31, 1882. Under their several heads will be found a detailed statement of the man- ual force and apparatus, a record of fires and cause of same, showing the loss, insurance, and insurance paid so far as possible, together with a roster of the department, and such other information as may be of interest to your honorable body and the citizens of Newton.
MANUAL FORCE.
The manual force remains the same as in 1881, and num- bers 79 officers and men as follows : -
PERMANENT FORCE.
1 Chief of Department.
1 fire-alarm operator.
3 engineers of engines.
3 drivers of engines.
1 driver of truck. Total, 9.
CALL FORCE.
1 Assistant Chief of Department.
8 foremen of companies.
4
4 assistant foremen.
8 clerks.
3 firemen of engines.
9 truckmen.
37 hosemen.
Total, 70.
The above force is entitled to special commendation for their gentlemanly deportment and strict attention to duty.
APPARATUS.
The apparatus in service consists of -
3 steam fire-engines (complete).
7 four-wheel hose-reels.
1 two-horse truck.
3 coal-tenders attached to Engines 1, 2, and 3.
5 pungs.
1 Concord buggy, 1 cutter, for Chief of Department.
1 wagon and pung for Fire-Alarm Department.
1 truck platform on runners.
PRESENT CONDITION OF APPARATUS.
No. 1 Engine is in complete order. During the year a new frame was required, caused by the breaking of the old one. Other necessary repairs were also completed at an ex- pense of $327.60
The reel attached to this engine should be painted, also fitted with a set of brakes.
No. 2 Engine is in complete order. The running gear and frame require varnishing. The reel attached to this engine requires very general repairs and painting, having been in service since 1871.
No. 3 Engine requires general repairs and painting.
No. 1 Truck requires a heavier set of rear wheels ; other- wise in good repair.
No. 4 Reel in complete order.
No. 5 Reel requires set of brakes; otherwise in good repair. No. 6 Reel requires new set of wheels and general repairs. No. 7 Reel in good repair, but small outlay being necessary. A new wagon will be required for the Fire-Alarm Depart-
5
ment. The one now in use is not adapted to the service ; neither will it warrant extended repairs.
The spare reel formerly used by Companies 1, 4, and 5, having been condemned, was, by authority of the City Coun- cil, ordered sold, and the proceeds devoted towards the pur- chase of a horse for No. 1 Engine.
HORSES.
Seventeen horses are permanently employed in this depart- ment, all of which are in good condition, with the exception of the pair attached to No. 3 Engine, which will have to be exchanged.
During the month of June a serious epidemic broke out among the horses in Nos. 1 and 2 Stables, also extending to the street department, resulting in the death of some of the horses. The disease was termed " acute influenza " by the veterinaries in charge, aggravated by defective drainage and insufficient ventilation. The expense attending the sick- ness resulted in an unexpected levy upon the appropriation of $764.
HOSE.
There is a total of 11,000 feet of hose in service as fol- lows : -
6,050 fifty feet of leather, 4,950 feet of cotton (rubber- lined). The leather hose in service is unreliable more or less, being condemned at every fire. In consequence of this, and no new hose having been purchased during the year, leaves the department short of its actual requirements.
No portion of the equipment is of more importance than good reliable hose. To this end the necessary quantity and quality should be kept intact, that we may at all times be prepared for emergencies. 2,000 feet will be necessary for 1883.
FIRE STATIONS.
NO. 1 STATION
Requires new floors in stable, and changing of stalls to face the apparatus. I would urgently renew my recom- mendations of previous years, that the safety of the em-
6
ployees as well as apparatus demands the removal of the present police-station, or additions to the present building.
NO. 2 STATION
Is in excellent repair.
NO. 3 STATION
Will require painting of hallway and bunk-rooms; also carpeting for the latter.
NO. 1 TRUCK STATION.
Bunk-rooms require carpeting and painting.
NOS. 5 AND 6 STATIONS
Require painting inside and out ; also repairs to front and stall doors at latter station.
NO. 7 STATION,
In good repair, will require but small outlay.
FIRE-ALARM TELEGRAPH.
This important aid to the department has failed to render that efficient service demanded of it. These interruptions are attributed in part to frequent contact with the numerous telephone-wires throughout the city, and will in all proba- bility continue until the present fire-alarm circuits are placed over and above all foreign wires. Arrangements made with the telephone company gives the city the use of the top and top arm of their poles for fire and telephone lines owned by the city. The importance of this department demands con- stant attention day and night.
In accordance with authority granted by the City Council, upon recommendations from this department, five new signal- stations were placed in circuit in the following localities : -
Box 28. Walnut and California Streets.
Box 312. Police Headquarters, City Hall.
Box 63. Mechanic and Elliott Streets.
Box 75. Cypress and Paul Streets.
Box 82. Waverly Avenue and Kenrick Street.
Giving a total of 46 stations.
7
The constant growth of the city in the erection of new buildings calls for additional stations in the localities enumer- ated under the head of " Recommendations."
Necessary repairs are required on all of the circuits.
By authority of the City Council, the telephone-line owned by the city was extended from Upper Falls to Auburndale, connecting all parts of the city, having fourteen stations, and greatly facilitating the business of the several departments.
HYDRANT SERVICE.
The constant extension of this service has greatly facili- tated the labors of this department. Agreeable to recom- mendations from this office, twelve new hydrants were placed in the following streets : -
Boyd Street and Emerson Place.
Pearl, between Gardner and Jewett Streets.
Washington Park and Walnut Street.
Washington and Beach Streets.
Otis, between Walnut and Murray Streets.
Mount Vernon Street, 500 feet E. Hillside Avenue.
Chestnut Street, 300 feet N. Otis Street.
Cherry and Washington Streets.
Junction Washington, Watertown, and Chestnut Streets (four way).
Washington Street, opposite Woodland Park Hotel.
Station Street and Railroad Crossing.
Franklin Street, between Centre Street and Kenrick Park.
In addition to the above, seventeen hydrants were placed upon new mains as follows : -
Centre and Converse Streets.
Converse, 800 feet W. Centre.Street.
Chaffin, 400 feet W. Centre Street.
Clinton, 500 feet W. Adams Street.
Crescent Avenue, 400 feet N. Auburn Street.
Auburndale Avenue, 400 feet W. River Street.
Auburndale Avenue, 1,000 feet E. Rowe Street.
Cook and Winchester Streets.
Beacon and Walnut Streets.
Beacon, 300 feet E. Walnut Street.
8
Summer, 500 feet W. Gibbs Street. Institution Avenue, 500 feet S. Chase Street. Lake Avenue, 500 feet E. Hyde Street. Warren Street, 500 feet S. Glen Avenue. Hunnewell Avenue and Hunnewell Park. Kenrick Street and Magnolia Avenue. Pembroke Street, 100 feet S. Durant Street.
VISITORS.
That the department stands well in the estimation of our citizens, is shown in their frequent visits to the several sta- tions, accompanied in many cases by their families, where the mysteries of swing-harnesses, sliding-poles, trained horses, automatic door and gas attachments prove novelties they never tire of witnessing. That the good record of the de- partment has extended outside our borders is evidenced in the list of visitors registered at the several stations from all sections of the country. These visits have proved of benefit to the department as well as to the citizens, and are deserv- ing of encouragement. To this end I would extend a cordial invitation to all interested in the service to visit the stations, where they will be received with courtesy, and all matters of interest pertaining to the department cheerfully explained by the employees in charge.
Visiting hours from 10 A.M. till 10 P.M.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
The necessity for the immediate increase of the permanent force for the following reasons : -
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.