USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Newton > Town of Newton annual report 1886 > Part 2
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 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23
Thorough and permanent work should be done upon our streets, but great discrimination is neces- sary to determine the appropriate quality and plan to be adopted. Careful and correct estimates of the cost should be made.
It appears to me that the tendency is towards doing new work too expensively. So much time and money are applied to a small space, that a very large extent of streets greatly needing repairs is neglected.
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
The general average condition of the highways is not kept up to the standard required by the amounts expended.
One serious element of cost which has existed in this department for many years is the beginning of too many different pieces of work at the same time, and without sufficiently definite plans.
It would be far cheaper and give better satisfaction, when a work is begun, to put a sufficient force upon it to carry all the various parts along together. It would be completed in less time, and at much less expense.
There should be a systematic method of book- keeping in this department, with appropriate ledger accounts ; the items to be promptly entered and posted, so that the nature of the work and amounts expended may be easily obtained.
In reference to contract work in this department, my opinion is that the city, with its costly and com- plete equipment, with abundant material adapted and accessible for doing good work, ought, with proper management, to produce a better quality of work, and at a lower figure, than would be probable by contract work.
In the employment of men in the various depart- ments of the city, preference should always be given to citizens.
I call your attention particularly to the fact that
28
THIE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
many of the concrete sidewalks are out of repair, and in some cases dangerous. Public safety requires that the defects be promptly remedied.
CITY ENGINEER.
The work of this Department has been routine in character, yet the demands upon the office have been constant and numerous.
In the laying out and construction of new streets, and improvements likely to become public and to be maintained at the expense of the city, it is desirable that the preliminary steps be carefully taken. The subdividing of properties, and the grade and quality of streets, should be in accordance with carefully pre- pared plans, so that the various conditions and interests may be adjusted advantageously to land-owners and to the City, and the construction., drainage, and main- tenance of the streets reduced to the least necessary cost. I recommend that the City Engineer be author- ized to co-operate with citizens in the selection of plans, and establishment of grades of new streets, so that when completed they may be acceptable to the City.
The cost of this Department for the year 1885 was $6,750.
29
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
POOR DEPARTMENT.
The arrangements for caring for those who are dependent upon the city for whole or partial support are ample and comfortable.
Under the care of the Matron and Warden, the Almshouse and Farm are well conducted.
The number of inmates at present at the Alms- house is 30.
This number is likely to be increased in the winter months.
About the usual amount of outside assistance has been given.
The Board of Overseers direct this beneficent work with discretion and kindly consideration.
The cost of maintaining the Almshouse for the year 1885 was $4,044.41; the cost of aid to poor outside the Almshouse for 1885 was $8,500.15.
To facilitate the work of the farm, two narrow wooden bridges have been built across the tracks of the railroad which runs through it.
The city farm contains about fifty-eight acres, and is located in such close proximity to the new railroad that it seems probable, that, in a few years, the land will be marketable at a price which will make it desirable to seek another location.
It is understood that the Newton Circuit Railroad will be in operation about October next.
30
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
CLAFLIN GUARD.
The new armory recently provided for our military organization was completed and occupied during May last.
The building was thoroughly fitted up, is in. every way well adapted for the purposes of the Company, and is probably one of the best armories in the State.
The cost of the armory was $12,000.
The length of service of the commanding officer has brought our Company to the right of the line in the Regiment. This fact, with the marked abilities of the Captain, and the military qualities of the other members, give a gratifying rank to the organization.
The net cost to the City for the year 1885 was $421.80.
POLICE DEPARTMENT.
This Department, instituted for the protection of life and property, and for the maintenance of good order, has performed effective service.
The present force consists of a Marshal, Sergeant, and sixteen Patrolmen.
As a matter of better protection and public require- ment, I recommend an addition of two Patrolmen the present year.
31
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
The several Police Stations are in neat and con- venient order.
During the year 480 arrests have been made for various causes.
Twelve hundred tramps have been lodged and fed, a number 300 less than the year previous.
The force has been diligent in prosecuting vio- lators of the law. The aid rendered the Department by his Honor, the Standing Justice of the Police Court, is hereby acknowledged. ,
It will be my determination, as in the past, to faithfully perform my duty, and to maintain the ex- cellent reputation of Newton for temperance and obedience to law.
The cost of the Department for the year 1885 was $19,498.17.
CONCLUSION.
I have reviewed, in a general way, the condition and work of the several departments. A more detailed statement you will obtain from the several reports of city officers which should soon be furnished you. Let us now address ourselves to the important duties we have been delegated to perform, with a just apprecia- tion of our responsibility. and of our accountability as public servants.
CITY OF NEWTON.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
CHIEF OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
OF THE
CITY OF NEWTON
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING DEC. 31, 1886.
WITH A STATEMENT OF THE FIRES AND ALARMS; ALSO, LOSSES AND INSURANCE DURING THE YEAR.
W
LIBERTY
AND UNION
FOUNDED1
O.INC
8.A CITY 1873
YCC
ONA
PORATI
newton : PRESS OF THE NEWTON JOURNAL. 1887.
CITY OF NEWTON.
IN THE BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN, Jan. 17, 1887. Accepted and sent down.
I. F. KINGSBURY, Clerk. IN COMMON COUNCIL, Jan. 17, 1887. Accepted in concurrence.
ALBERT S. GLOVER, Clerk.
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF FIRE DEPARTMENT.
FIRE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, OFFICE CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT, CITY HALL, Dec. 31, 1886. To the Honorable the Mayor and City Council of the City of Newton :
GENTLEMEN -I have the honor herewith to submit to you the Annual Report of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1886, the same being my eighth, and the twelfth of the present system.
I am pleased to report that no serious fires have occurred, the promptness of the department, when called, resulting in their extinguishment or control to the buildings in which they originated.
During the year 37 buildings were damaged by fire as follows :
1
Totally destroyed
5
Partially damaged
. 13
Slightly do.
. 19
For loss, insurance, &c., upon buildings and contents see appendix
The department has answered to the following calls :
First alarms
. 41
Second
. 3
Stills .
. 19
Telephone ·
7
Special out of city
.
1
Total
. 71
36
In response to the above calls the department has ren- dered the following service :
Hose used .
29,150 ft.
Ladders used
1,314 ft.
Miles travelled 707
Duration of service
313 hrs.
MANUAL FORCE.
The manual force of the department is made up of the following officers, employees and members at call :
OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES.
Chief of Dept. and Supt. Fire Alarm . 1
Asst. Chief, in charge of fire alarm .
1
Engineers in charge of steam fire engine 2
Engineer in charge of chemical and reserve steam fire engine 1 .
Drivers
5
CALL FORCE.
Foremen of companies ·
8
Assistant Foremen of companies
·
8
Firemen
.
2
Truckmen
. 10
Hosemen
. 34
Total
. 62
Grand total .
.
. 72
APPARATUS IN SERVICE.
Steam fire engines 2
· Hose reels
.
. 7
·
Chemical engine .
. 1
.
37
Truck
.
1 3
Coal tenders
.
IN RESERVE.
Steam fire engine (complete) 1
Hose reel £ .
·
1
IN CHARGE OF CHIEF AND ASST. CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT.
Buggies
. 2
Sleighs
2
Wagon
1
VALUE OF DEPARTMENT PROPERTY.
Buildings and land . $86,000
Apparatus, horses and furniture 28,000
Fire alarm telegraph . 24,000 .
Total . $138,000
The apparatus has been maintained in perfect working order.
The City Council and Joint Standing Committee on Fire Department have authorized the following purchases and repairs :
One 50 gallon, double-tank improved champion chemical engine.
1,200 feet new hose.
1,500 feet old hose re-lined.
One pair horses.
Repair of No. 5 reel.
CHEMICAL ENGINE.
The Improved No. 4 Champion Chemical Engine, which was purchased of the Fire Extinguisher Manufacturing Com- pany, of Chicago, and placed in service at No. 2 Engine Sta-
38
tion, June 25, this year, has proved an extremely valuable piece of apparatus and a decided acquisition to the depart- ment.
The following record of its work from July to December 31 is herewith submitted :
Fires and alarms attended . . 26
Fires extinguished by chemical, unaided .
4 Fires at which effective service was ren- dered . . 13
The claims made for this style of apparatus have, I trust, been satisfactorily shown to those of our citizens who may have witnessed its work, and still better results may be expected in the year to come. No claim is advanced that this engine will extinguish conflagrations, but the prompt- ness with which it can be placed in service prevents fires which otherwise would result in serious injury and excessive water damage, and will assist very materially in reducing the losses to a minimum.
HORSES.
The general condition of the department horses, with the exception of Reel horses 1 and 3 and the off horse at- tached to Chemical A is excellent. The horses referred to are no longer fit for the service and should be replaced with new ones at an early day.
Your attention is respectfully called to the report of the department veterinarian herewith annexed.
HOSE.
All of the companies, with the exceptions of 5 and 6, have full complements of reliable hose. The companies re- ferred to have in service the last of the old leather hose, none of which will withstand a pressure exceeding 60 pounds,
39
and should be immediately replaced with new hose. I would recommend that 1,500 feet of white Anchor rubber hose be purchased and apportioned to these companies. For statement of amount of hose on hand, condition and where distributed, see appendix.
STATIONS.
All of the stations are in general good repair, and no large outlay will be required.
No. One Station-The front doors should be widened, and the Police Station removed from the building.
No. Two Station-The coving and gutters require re- pairs, and some system of drainage other than that now in use should be adopted.
No. Three Station will require no expenditures, being in excellent repair.
No. 1 Truck Station should be provided with new front doors.
Stations Five, Six and Seven are in good repair.
Stations One, Two, Three and No. 1 truck will require new floors in the apparatus rooms in 1888.
WATER SERVICE.
The same careful supervision by the Superintendent of Water Works of this department continues, everything per- taining to the same being at all times in readiness for imme- diate use. Twenty-seven new hydrants have been added during the year, making a total of four hundred and seventy- one.
I would suggest that the main on River street be extended from Pine street to Lexington street for fire pro- tection to a large property which is now deprived of water facilities. I would also suggest the connecting of the
40
Grove and Washington street mains, as in case of breaks the territory bounded by the river on three sides at Lower Falls is entirely cut off.
Additional hydrants are necessary in the following streets :
Pearl and School streets.
Emerson, between Pearl and Boyd streets.
Bacon and Pearl streets.
Walnut Park and Washington streets.
Carlton, 410 West Centre street.
Washington and Adams streets.
Park, opposite Elmwood street.
Eldredge and Elmwood streets. Newtonville avenue and Centre street.
Bennington and Centre streets.
Centre, between Franklin and Bellevue streets.
Centre, opposite Fairmount avenue.
Waverly avenue, between Franklin and Sargent streets. Kenilworth street and Waverly avenue.
Ivanhoe, between Montrose and Kenilworth streets.
Montrose, between Ivanhoe and Waverly avenue.
Crafts, 500 feet from Washington street.
Crafts, between Linwood avenue and Watertown street. Crafts and Walnut streets.
Linwood avenue and Walnut street.
Prescott, between Lowell and Central avenue.
Cabot and Walnut streets.
Walnut and Russell place.
Bowers and Harvard streets. Lowell, 500 feet north of Washington street.
Brooks avenue and Washington street.
Watertown, 300 feet west of Cross street.
Waltham, 400 feet south of Derby street.
41
Webster, between Waltham and Cherry streets. Washington, 400 feet east of Davis street. Alpine, 500 feet west of Mount Vernon street. Woodland avenue, 300 feet west of Washington street. Fern and Central avenue.
Maple and Auburn.
Auburn, between Lexington and Melrose streets. Melrose, between Seaverns and Auburn streets. Walcott and Lexington streets. Washington street, opposite entrance Cottage Hospital. Concord, 300 feet west of Washington street.
High and Summer streets.
Pettee and High streets.
Chestnut, 800 feet north of Boylston street. Chestnut street and railroad bridge.
Elliott street and railway bridge. Erie avenue and Woodward street.
Bowdoin and Lincoln streets. Lake and Hyde avenues. Centre, between Walnut and Boylston streets. Hartford and Lincoln streets. Walnut and Lincoln streets. Hammond and Kingsbury streets. Willow, between Centre and Station streets. Beacon, between Centre and Station streets. Centre street, opposite Clinton place. Beacon street, 100 feet west of Centre street. Centre, between Pelham and Beacon streets. Homer, between Morton and Cedar streets. Ward, opposite Sumner street. Ward street, 300 feet west of Grant avenue. Centre and Rice streets.
Centre and Pleasant streets.
42
APPROPRIATION.
The appropriation for the maintenance of this depart- ment for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1886, as author- ized by the City Council, was $26,000, and the expenditures were as follows:
Salaries
$15,665 46
Hay, grain and shoeing
3,031 63
Chemical engine and supplies.
2,114 38
Hose
1,200 00
Coal and wood
863 73
Fire alarm maintenance
762 87
Gas
364 49
Repairs to apparatus
286 62
Veterinary and medicine
252 65
Water tax for stations
201 00
Laundry
185 82
Incidentals as per books of auditor
1,830 77
RECOMMENDATIONS.
I would renew the recommendations of previous years for permanent drivers for Reels One, Three, Five, Six and Seven. It is neither economy, nor good judgment, to longer countenance this drawback to the promptness and efficiency of the department
I would suggest that the alterations and maintenance of the several stations be placed under the control of the Joint Standing Committee on Fire Department as the proper cus- todians, and that the expenditures for such work be charged to the general appropriation for this department. With this arrangement necessary repairs and alterations can be more intelligently carried out, and the actual expense of the de- partment more correctly shown.
43
The proper discipline and appearance of the department employees requires that they should be uniformed, and I would ask that the same be adopted at an early day.
I would recommend the substituting of incandescent lights for gas in the " Apparatus Rooms" at Stations One, Two, Three and One Truck. Under the present arrange- ment these rooms are very imperfectly lighted.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.
I desire to express to His Honor, the Mayor, and to the Chairman, Alderman George Pettee, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Fire Department, a deep sense of gratitude for the earnest and hearty co-operation tendered me in my official position.
To Assistant Chief Walter B. Randlett my sincere acknowledgments are tendered for the faithful and conscien- tious discharge of the duties pertaining to the position and the perfect confidence reposed in the present incumbent.
To the officers and members of the force I have only words of commendations for their manly and straightfor- ward attention to duty.
Also to the several heads of departments and their assistants for courtesies tendered.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY L. BIXBY, Chief of Department.
1
FIRE ALARM TELEGRAPH.
The Fire Alarm Telegraph in charge of the Assistant Chief has rendered prompt and effective service throughout the year, and the operator is deserving of special commen dation for his attention to its exacting duties. The labors in this department have increased two-fold the past year, and
44
the introduction of electric light and power circuits will greatly add to its responsibilities.
The dangers attending this innovation for light and power have already been demonstrated throughout the country in the added destruction of property by fire and loss of life directly chargeable to this powerful but danger- ous element.
Forty-one first alarms, three second alarms, one special call and eight hundred and thirteen test and school signals have been correctly sent out.
Upon recommendation of the Joint Standing Com- mittee five additional signal stations for 1887 will be pur- chased and located as follows :
Vernon and Eldredge streets.
Centre and Elmwood streets.
Washington Park.
Margin street and B. & A. Railway.
Centre, between Pelham and Beacon streets.
During the year three new signal stations were placed in circuit, as follows :
224-Nonantum Worsted Mills.
54-Opposite Cottage Hospital.
333-Office Superintendent Schools, for school signals.
One No. 4 Bell Striker, placed upon No. 6 Hose Station. Four sets coils for open circuits.
The present system consists of sixty miles of aerial wire placed upon 843 poles and divided into four circuits, upon which there are fifty-five signal stations and eight tower bells. The constant extending of the circuits, together with additional signal stations, have already taxed the present system beyond the limit requisite to its reliabil- ity. I would suggest a careful consideration of the present and future needs of this branch of the service, with a
45
recommendation that a new ten-circuit repeater be provided for 1888.
The following is a summary of outside labor performed :
New poles set 29
Old poles set 10
Poles moved and reset 20
Old poles taken down
18
New wire strung, No. 9 iron
2 miles.
New wire strung, No. 12 copper 1 mile.
New wire strung, No. 14 iron, police line
3 1.2 miles.
New wire strung, No. 12 iron, police line 1 mile.
Old wire taken down, No. 9 iron
2 miles.
TELEPHONE DEPARTMENT.
This department has been maintained with but slight additions. The Police Circuit has been extended to the Highlands and Newton Upper Falls.
The Fire Department Circuit is too heavily taxed to render effective service, but with the transfer of the Water Department to a separate circuit it is hoped to improve the service.
This system comprises sixteen miles of wire for Fire Department use, nine miles for Police and four miles for Water Department (not in use), with a total of twenty-two stations.
HENRY L. BIXBY, Superintendent.
WALTER B. RANDLETT,
Operator.
46
BUILDING DEPARTMENT.
Two hundred and nine buildings have been erected or enlarged during the year, of which one hundred and ninety- three were of wood, and sixteen of stone and brick.
These buildings are classed as follows :
Dwellings
· 175
Stables
· 17
Stores
4
Railway stations
3
Chapels
2
Shops .
2
Electric Light Stations
1
Storehouse
1
Public Library
1
Schools
1
Conservatory
1
Boathouse
·
1
and located as follows :
Ward One
· 18
Ward Two
· 49
Ward Three
·
41
Ward Four
29
Ward Five
. 26
Ward Six
36
Ward Seven
10
The approximate value of the above buildings is esti- mated at eight hundred thousand ($800,000) dollars.
HENRY L. BIXBY,
Inspector.
.
·
.
.
·
·
·
.
47
REPORT OF VETERINARIAN.
Newton, December 31, 1886.
To Henry L. Bixby, Chief of Fire Department :
SIR: I have the pleasure to transmit to you my report in regard to the health and condition of the horses of the department during the past twelve months.
The animals have in the main been free from any of the serious ailments common to them. There will, among such a number of horses, always be one or more that will show the effects of age or of their general condition, rend- ering them less fitted for their work or perhaps making them totally unfit for efficient service.
I would in this report repeat the recommendation made a year ago that a new horse be procured for Hose No. 1, as the present horse is old and is wind-broken, rendering effi- cient service from him difficult and almost a hardship.
The Hose horse at No. 3 Station had better be retired as aged and at the same time not reliable unless carefully driven.
The pair belonging to the Chemical Engine had to be broken up in the summer, as the off horse had become so affected with a chronic form of disease as to render him fit only for slow work. The horse now in his place, while faith- ful and honest, is neither fitted for the place nor a mate for the near horse. I would therefore suggest that the easiest way out of the matter would be the purchase of a new pair and the retention of the old horse for the hose carriage.
The general sanitary condition of the stables is good.
I have made during the year forty-nine (49) weekly and thirty-five (35) extra visits.
The cases attended to have been :
Colic 2 Corns 2
·
48
Lymphangitis
2
·
Quarter cracks
2
Shoeing
2
Respectfully submitted, MADISON BUNKER, Department Veterinarian.
LIST OF SALARIES PAID TO OFFICIALS, EM- PLOYEES AND MEMBERS.
Chief of Department, per year
$1,500 00
Assistant Chief, per year 1,000 00
EMPLOYEES.
Two engineers of engines, per year, each $950 00
One engineer in charge of Chemical A, per year 950 00
Four drivers, per year, each 750 00
One driver, per year, each
600 00
CALL MEMBERS.
Foremen of companies, per year, each $110 00
Assistant foremen of companies, per year, each 105 00
Hose and truckmen . 100 00
Firemen
·
100 00
·
49
JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Alderman George Pettee, Chairman. Alderman Samuel L. Powers.
Councilman W. B. Atherton. Councilman Frank Edmands.
Councilman Andrew J. Fiske.
OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT.
Henry L. Bixby, Chief of Department. Walter B. Randlett, Assistant Chief of Department.
APPENDIX.
ROSTER OF COMPANIES.
No. I Engine.
. STATION .- WASHINGTON, OPP. NONANTUM STREET.
FIRST-CLASS DOUBLE HUNNEMAN ENGINE.
Badge.
NAME.
RANK.
AGE.
RESIDENCE.
OCCUPATION.
15
F. D. Graves .
Foreman at call,
29
Carleton street.
16
C. W. H. Boulton .
Assistant, 66
33
Fayette street.
17
R. J. Morrisey . .
Hoseman,
66
38
Centre street.
7
John McCammon. .
Hoseman,
31
Richardson street.
14
E. W. Lyons .
Hoseman, 66
30
Centre street.
6
J. F. Horrigan .
Hoseman,
66
26
Washington street.
11
Walter Pingree.
Hoseman,
66
2×
At Station.
5
A. Carley .
Hoseman,
66
21
At Station.
4
H. C. Lindley
Hoseman,
41
At Station.
EMPLOYEES.
2
F. E. Judkins .
Engineer
42
12
John Deery .
Driver .
29
At Station. At Station.
Permanent. Permanent.
Chemical A. and Hose 2.
STATION .- WASHINGTON STREET, OPP. LINCOLN PARK.
Badge.
NAME.
RANK.
AGE.
RESIDENCE.
OCCUPATION.
21
G. H. Haynes .
Foreman at call,
51
66
41
Webster Park. Webster street.
26
J. Q. A. Hawkes .
Hoseman,
60
Webster street.
24
W. H. Nichols .
Hoseman,
41
Waltham street.
20
J. Cummings
Hoseman,
66
28
Washington street. At Station.
28
P. E. Ellis.
Hoseman,
27
19
G. K. Stacy
Hoseman,
24
At Station.
29
R. J. Riley
Hoseman,
66
26
At Station.
22
C. M. Kebbe .
Hosemnan,
33
Henshaw street.
EMPLOYEES.
R. S. Cummings . .
36
17 18
C. L. Berry. .
37
At Station. At Station.
Permanent. Permanent.
.
66
Printer. Carpenter. Carpenter. Merchant. Plumber. Blacksmith. Carpenter. Painter. Painter.
23
F. H. Humphrey . .
Assistant,
· Carpenter. Merchant. Painter. Carpenter. Janitor. Carpenter. Carpenter. Carpenter. Carpenter.
Engineer . Driver .
52
No. 3 Engine.
STATION .- WILLOW STREET.
SECOND-CLASS DOUBLE AMOSKEAG ENGINE.
Badge.
NAME.
RANK.
AGE.
RESIDENCE.
OCCUPATION
35
A. I. English .
Foreman at call,
39
Centre street.
41
S. F. Chadbourne .
Assistant, 66
37
Willow street.
42
C. B. Geary
Hoseman,
66
39
Lyman street.
33
D. McDonald .
Hoseman.
37
Centre street.
44
C. J. Polly . .
Hoseman, 66
29
Lyman street.
36
C. E. Thompson .
Hoseman, ..
27
At Station.
46
J. McMahon .
Hosenian,
66
29
Station street.
37
W. B. Polly
Hoseman,
21
At Station.
73
C. A. Peck .
Fireman,
28
At Station.
Carpenter. Carpenter. Carpenter. Carpenter. Carpenter. Carpenter. Blacksmith. Clerk. Painter.
32
A. D. Colby
Engineer
54
43
A. C. Jewett
Driver .
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.