USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Newton > Town of Newton annual report 1887 > 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 | Part 24 | Part 25
The evening school has been well attended. The truant officer has rendered satisfactory service, and through his efforts truancy has decreased. During the year three truants were sent to the Lawrence Industrial School for a term of two years each.
I again recommend that the names by which the schoolhouses are known be placed upon the build- ings.
The appropriation for the schools for the year 1886 was . $112,065 00
There was received from the dog tax 2,081 23
Making a total of
. $114,146 23
25
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
The expenses were as follows :-
Superintendent and teachers
$84,795 60
Secretary
300 00
Janitors
5,906 04
Evening school . 632 98
Conveyance of pupils .
785 00
Fuel
5,515 79
Incidentals, including text book and
furniture .
15,452 89
Total
$113,388 30
NEWTON FREE LIBRARY.
This excellent institution, founded for the educa- tion and improvement of the people, was at its commencement an individual undertaking, and was maintained by private subscription. In the year 1875, the land, building, and books, of an estimated value of $15,000, were given to the city by generous and prominent citizens, active always in promoting its best interests. There had previously been ex- pended about $20,000 for current expenses. Since then the Library has been managed by trustees selected by the city for their qualifications for the trust.
The number of books in the Library is 25,090, being an increase in the year 1886 of 1,779 and an increase of 14,087 volumes since it was acquired by
26
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
the city. The circulation has increased from 57,249 volumes in 1875 to 90,213 in 1886. Of the circula- tion during the past year, 42,137 volumes were delivered at the Library, and 48,076 volumes were distributed by the daily delivery, as follows :-
Newtonville . . 11,394
Newton Centre
. 10,482
Auburndale .
· . 6,873
Newton Highlands
. 6,616
West Newton
· . 4,752
Upper Falls .
. 4,471
Lower Falls
· 2,743
Nonantum
389
Oak Hill, ( since Oct. 7,)
356
The total number of names registered for the purpose of taking books from the Library is 5,240.
The appropriation for the Library for the year 1886 was $8,500. The amount expended was $8,499.97.
There was also received from the
Spear Fund
$ 70 00
Jewett Fund
315 00
Read Fund
397 00
Upon the recommendation of the trustees for an enlargement of the building, plans were prepared and approved by the city, and work was begun in August last. It will be ready for occupancy early in the spring. The amount of the contract for the improvements is $23,000. The addition is equal in
27
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
size to the present building, and, when completed, the library will have ample space for the book shelves, and the delivery of the books, a large and well ventilated reading room, a fine general room, and a well lighted and quiet room for reference and study. The usefulness of the library as an auxiliary to the schools is well appreciated by teachers and pupils. By comparison with others it is safe to say that the Newton Free Library will be one of the best ar- ranged and most complete in the state.
The Athenæum at West Newton is also a free library and contains 4,500 volumes and has a cir- culation of 10,000 volumes. A convenient and well lighted reading room is connected with the library, which is frequented by a large number of readers. The amount contributed by the city towards its main- tenance in 1886, was $400.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT.
The importance of this large department, the attention and carefulness required in its management and the expenditures necessary to maintain it, may be inferred from the extent of streets to be cared for.
There are 108 miles of accepted streets to be kept in safe condition and convenient for travel at all seasons of the year. There are also about 29 miles of unaccepted streets which receive partial care.
It would be good policy if arrangements could be made by the city and the abuttors to make the
28
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
unaccepted streets of proper width and put them in suitable order for acceptance. The land on such streets would be increased in value. and made at- tractive and available for building purposes, and the streets would be cared for by the city. The gain in taxable property thus made would reimburse the city for any outlay it might make.
There are 42 miles of concrete sidewalks. During the past year & of a mile was laid and 34 miles repaired.
The department is remarkably well equipped with all necessary appliances and abundant material for doing work thoroughly and economically.
The appropriation for the highway department, including receipts for work done, for the year 1886, was $125,872.52.
The amount expended was $126,192.53.
The expenditures for 1886 in detail were follows :-
Highway general repairs $75,905 66
Widening and reconstruction 21,220 97
Drains and culverts 14,785 33
Sidewalks and crossings
10,000 00
Gravel land
1,255 57
Land damages
1,525 00
Curbing
1,500 00
Some of the larger items of expenditure charged to highway general repairs are :-
Removing snow from the sidewalks $6,238 73
Cleaning gutters, amounting to . 6,752 05
Picking stones from the roads .
1,151 21
29
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
The watering of the streets, charged to miscella- neous expenses, has cost $4,595.54; for water $1,714.29, for labor $2,881.25.
The city purchased 13 acres of land on Murray street containing an extensive ledge, to supply stone for the roads; the stone crusher will be removed from Homer street to the ledge. The land owned by the city on Homer street should be graded and put in suitable condition for sale.
The subway recently constructed under the tracks of the Boston and Albany R. R. Co. at Auburndale furnishes a needed improvement, facilitating the travel to the station and intercourse between the residents on either side of the track. It will encour- age building upon the vacant land of streets adjoin- ing the station.
The subway and drainage of the streets near the station cost $9,000; the citizens of Auburndale contributed $2,000; the Boston & Albany R. R. Co. $3,000, and the city paid the balance $4,000.
For the new foot-bridge across Charles River at Lower Falls the town of Wellesley contributed $230; the city paid $350.
This thoroughfare across the river ought to be laid out as a public way to be maintained jointly by Wellesley and Newton.
The cost to the city on account of damages by the freshet in February of last year, was $10,000, but in comparison to the destruction of the property, the injury to individuals, and loss of life in other places,
30
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
we have reason to be thankful for our good fortune. The work of repairing the streets and replacing the bridges and culverts washed away has been done in a substantial manner and with a view to guard against a like occurrence.
There has been a large amount of work done in widening and reconstruction in the following named streets :-
Ward, Kenrick, Bellevue, Watertown, Summit, Na- hanton, Circuit Avenue, Washington ( at lower Falls), Park, Boylston, Newtonville Square, New- tonville Avenue, Waverly Avenue, Eldridge street drain, Cheesecake brook and Mt. Vernon street drain, besides many other less expensive improve- ments.
Many of the streets are not in the good condition they should be: the necessary repairing and redress- ing of the streets is to a considerable extent neglected in consequence of the great attention paid to new work.
I earnestly recommend that the streets we have be thoroughly and systematically repaired early in the year, before any new work is begun; it is essential to their economical and satisfactory maintenance.
The item of labor is a large portion of the cost of this department and in the employment of men an unmistakable preference should be given to our own citizens.
The appropriation for the year for this department is a large one, and with skilful management will result in a marked improvement in the condition of our roads.
31
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
WATER DEPARTMENT.
The benefit of a public system of water-works to supply the community with pure water, its good effects upon the health of the people, and its influ- ence upon the growth of the place, are obvious to all ; the contrast between such a system and the use of the well with constant danger of contamination of the water and frequent difficulties in drawing it, is very great.
For the purpose of securing an additional water supply, artesian wells were driven in the land adjoin- ing the pumping station, and connected with the pump well. The result has been thus far satisfac- tory, securing an added supply of about 300,000 gallons daily.
The average daily use of water in 1886 was 690,000 gallons.
298 services were added during the year, making a total of 3432.
The number of hydrants is 471.
There were laid in 1886, 22,354 feet of water main, making a total of 77 16-100 miles.
There has been more main laid and a much larger number of services put in during the past year, than in any previous year since the establishment of the water-works.
The receipts of the Water Department for water rates for 1886 were $56,075.17, of which the city paid $12,891.29.
32
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
The expenditures for 1886 were for Maintenance, $12,886.57.
Interest on Water Bonds, $54,380.00.
Sinking-fund for Water Debt, $18,000.00.
The amount of Water Bonds issued to date, $1,- 031,000.00.
The deficit in the water rates to pay the cost of maintenance and interest on the bonds in 1886 was $10,878.70.
The pumping station, reservoir, filter-basin and pipe yard are in excellent condition.
An advantageous contract has been made for 600 tons of water main to be delivered in April.
The Water Board has managed the department with commendable discretion and enterprise.
The sum of $1500 has been appropriated for put- ting in a small boiler and heating apparatus at the pumping station, to heat the station and the dwelling house of the engineer and fireman. It is designed as a saving in the amount of fuel consumed, and to heat the premises independent of the boiler used in pump- ing.
I remind you again of the necessity of a high service supply for Chestnut Hill, Beacon Street Hill, and Institute Hill, which are now insufficiently sup- plied by the reservoir. Such provision is greatly needed for this extensive and growing district.
I am pleased to state that in accordance with my recommendation, the general use of meters has been provided for by a recent ordinance as follows:
33
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
" The Board shall attach a meter to all services supplying other fixtures than faucets, also to fixtures supplying only faucets where more than three are used. The Board shall also furnish meters to all water takers who desire to use them, regardless of the fixtures supplied.
All meters hereafter set shall be furnished, main- tained and renewed at the cost of the City; and the Board shall charge an annual rental therefor, provided, nevertheless, that any meter injured through the negligence of a water taker, or by frost, shall be repaired at his expense."
It is desirable to extend the water main from Grove Street to Lower Falls, that locality being now dependent on the Washington Street main, and in the event of a breakage would be without water. The distance is about 1,700 feet, and I am informed that the income for such extension would be equal to 5 per-cent. per annum on the cost.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
This department was never more thoroughly or- ganized or in better working condition. The strict attention and great care exercised by the Chief is seconded by a corps of capable firemen, and the record of the department for promptness and effi- ciency is excellent.
The Fire Alarm Telegraph, under the supervision
34
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
of the Assistant Chief, has given entire satisfaction. It is a most essential part of any Fire Department and it is important that it should receive regular and intelligent care.
There are about 60 miles of wire, in four circuits, suspended upon 843 poles. The circuits are so extensive that a break in the wire would deprive a large territory of the means of giving an alarm in case of fire. This should be remedied by providing for double the number of circuits.
The stations are in general good repair, and no large outlay will be needed.
There are a few improvements required, such as widening the doors at station No. 1, and new doors at the Truck Station.
There will be need of 1,500 feet of new hose, which will make a total of 10,000 feet in service. Five additional fire alarm boxes have been recom- mended.
It will be necessary to exchange three horses, which have become unfit for fire service.
The chemical engine purchased last year has given great satisfaction, and in every respect has proved to be a valuable fire extinguishing apparatus. The Chief will recommend that the permanent mem- bers of the department be uniformed. I concur with the recommendation.
A petition has been received from citizens of Wards 1 and 2 requesting that a tower striker be placed in Nonantum to enable them to obtain the
35
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
fire alarms and the School signals. The request is a reasonable one and should be granted.
The estimated value of the property used by this department is as follows:
Buildings and land . $86,000 00
Apparatus and furniture . . 28,000 00
Fire alarm telegraph
. 24,000 00
Total $138,000 00
The number of fire alarms responded to was 63.
The loss resulting from these fires was as follows: Loss on buildings . . $13,171 07
Insurance paid
12,331 52
Loss on contents
·
9,001 75
Insurance paid 7,385 25
Total insurance at risk . 153,855 00
Loss over insurance paid
· 2,467 00
.
The appropriation for this department for the year 1886 was $26,000.00; the amount expended was $26,759.42.
POLICE DEPARTMENT,
This department has rendered effective service in the preservation of order and the enforcement of the law.
The ordinance in relation to the Police Depart- ment has recently been changed so as to provide for the office of Captain. It now consists of a City Marshal, a Captain, a Sergeant, and seventeen Pa-
36
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
trolmen. The large extent of territory to be pro- tected requires additional force, and an appropriation has been made for two more patrolmen.
Improvements have been made in some of the stations and all of them are now in safe condition. The number of arrests made in the year 1886 was 528; the number of tramps who applied for lodging and food was 1,199.
An exceedingly interesting and useful course of lectures on emergency and hygiene has been deliv- ered by Dr. R. P. Loring to the officers of the department. The information gained will be of great service to the patrolmen in rendering imme- diate and efficient aid to the sick or injured persons who may require their assistance.
The official courtesy extended by His Honor, Judge Park, standing Justice of the Police Court, and his manifest interest in the efficiency of the department and the welfare of the officers are grate- fully acknowledged.
It shall be my endeavor, as in the past, faithfully to execute the laws of the Commonwealth and the ordinances of the city.
The appropriation for this department for the year 1886 was $21,594.00; the amount expended, $21,591.46.
STREET LIGHTS.
During the past year, 56 street lamps have been added, making a total of 1,298. Of these, 783 are
37
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
lighted with gas and 515 with oil. The gas lamps cost $17.75 each per year; the oil lamps cost $10.50 per year. The appropriation for this department for the year 1886 was $21,750.00; the amount expended was $22,113.97. The contract with the Newton & Watertown Gas Light Co. expires May 14, 1887. It provides that lights shall be furnished from sunset until midnight twenty nights in each month, to wit: -the twenty nights least lighted by the moon, and upon cloudy and stormy nights whether there is moonlight or not, as the City Marshal shall deter- mine. Either the lamps should be lighted every night regardless of the moon or greater care taken that they are lighted whenever needed. The terms of the contract require that the lamps be extin- guished at 12 o'clock at night. They should be kept burning much later. The wishes of our citi- zens for well-lighted streets and the safety it gives to travellers will approve of keeping the lights burn- ing from sunset to sunrise. The increase of cost ought not to be large, as the only additional expense would be for the gas consumed, and with the modern facilities, appliances, and moderate price of material for its manufacture, it can be profitably furnished at a low figure.
During the year the Newton Electric Light and Power Company was licensed to do business in Newton, and was given a writing granting and designating the streets and locations for poles and wires. The company has put in its plant and I
38
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
understand that it is ready to make contracts. From inquiry and observation it will be found that electric lights are in general use, and that many of the towns and cities in this vicinity are lighting some portion of their streets with electricity, and with satisfactory results. It would be an advantage if the various squares and some of the principal streets in our city were lighted by this system. I recommend that the Council Chambers at City Hall be lighted by the incandescent system of electric lights. It would prove an agreeable light, the purity of the air would not be impaired and the excessive and troublesome heat arising from the large number of gas burners avoided. There is no occasion for and ought not to be any antagonism between the two companies now furnishing artificial light in this city. The fran- chises which they have are valuable, and it is hoped that the business of selling light may prove profitable to both, and at the same time the public may be benefited by having a better light than formerly and at considerable less cost.
PUBLIC PROPERTY.
The condition of the public buildings has been much improved during the past year and generally they are in good order. There are, however, several of the schoolhouses which will need repainting and some other repairs.
39
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
Improved sanitary arrangements are much needed at the Bigelow schoolhouse, and new heating ap- paratus is required at the enginehouse at Newton Centre.
During the year 1886 the interior and exterior of the Underwood schoolhouse were repainted and the sanitary arrangements, ventilation, and heating thor- oughly reconstructed, at an expense of $4,100. The hose-house in Ward 5 was repaired, and an addition made which effectually corrects the defective drain- age which has existed for several years, and provides the needed room for the highway horses. The cost of these improvements was $1,800.
The Hyde and Jackson schoolhouses have been improved so as to provide better light in the school- rooms, at an expense of $900.
The Pierce, Mason, and Adams schoolhouses have been repainted.
The area of the High School lot has been increased by the purchase of about 30,000 feet of land, making it now a very fine and ample school lot.
The first section of the new High School building, now in process of construction, will be a handsome and convenient building, costing $45,000. It will be ready for occupancy at the begining of the next school year.
The addition being made to the Public Library will be completed by March 1st, and the old part will be materially improved by the introduction of steam heating and better ventilation; the cost of the improvements is $23,000.
40
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
In the engine and police stations many sanitary and other improvements long needed for the comfort of the occupants have been completed.
If, in the present year, the same care and attention are paid to the buildings needing renovation, that have been given the past year, it is safe to say that our public buildings will be in far more satisfactory condition than for years previous.
The appropriation for this department, exclusive of new buildings, for the year 1886 was $14,000.00; the amount expended was $14,216.41.
POOR DEPARTMENT.
The duty of caring for those whose destitution requires aid from the city calls for the exercise of good judgment and careful consideration. These duties have been performed faithfully and well by the Board of Overseers and the Almoner.
The Almshouse is in good condition, well arranged and heated by steam; the rooms are neatly kept; and plenty of wholesome food is provided for the occupants.
The number of inmates at present is 21, a less number than usual, most of them being feeble and advanced in years.
There has been during the past year a small decrease in the demands upon the department, which is a good indication of increased opportunity for employment.
1
41
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
The appropriation for maintaining the Almshouse and assisting the outside poor for the year 1886 was $12,000.00; the amount expended was $11,038.58.
There was paid into the treasury the sum of $1,922.20, being the proceeds of sales from the farm.
The City Farm, being located near the railroad station, at Waban, a locality so available and attrac- tive for building purposes, is too valuable to be re- tained for its present use.
A much smaller tract of land with the necessary buildings in some inexpensive location would serve equally well. The city would benefit not only by the cash received from the sale of the property over the cost of a new plant, but would also be benefited by its removal, from the more rapid development of the district, and the consequent increase of taxable property.
ASSESSORS' DEPARTMENT.
Recent legislation upon the duties of Assessors. Chap. 298, Acts of 1884:
SECT. 19 Provides that the assessors of taxes of each city shall, on or before the fifteenth day of July in each year, cause street lists of the several voting precincts in such city to be compiled and printed in pamphlet form for public distribution. Said compila- tion shall be by precincts separately, not exceeding fifty copies for each, arranged so as to show under the number of the house, or if there is no number,
42
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
then under such other definite description of the lo- cation of the dwelling place as will enable it to be readily ascertained, the names of all persons resident in each dwelling, and assessed for poll taxes. The said assessors shall send such number of copies thereof as may be required by the Board of Regis- trars of voters to the clerk of said Board.
Chapter 106, Acts of 1885, requires the assessors to enumerate and return the number of neat cattle and swine.
Chapter 271, Acts of 1885, An Act to regulate the Assessment and Registration of Voters provides that:
SECT. 1. In the months of May and June of each year, the assessors or assistant assessors of taxes shall visit each dwelling house or building in their respective cities or towns, and make a true list of all male persons twenty years of age and upwards liable to be assessed for a poll tax, returned to them by the owners or occupants of said dwelling houses or build- ings as residing therein, together with their occupa- tion and age, as near as may be, and residence on the first day of May of the preceding year; and shall also furnish the original list or a certified copy thereof to the registrars of voters of their respective cities and towns from time to time, before the fif- teenth day of July ensuing; and all assessors and collectors of taxes shall furnish any information in their possession necessary to aid the registrars and assistant registrars in the discharge of their respec- tive duties.
43
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
Chapter 68, Acts of 1886, calls for further duties relative to the assessment of women.
It is plain that these new requirements have largely increased the work of the assessors, which cannot be actively entered upon till May 1st. Moreover, the street lists, involving lengthy details, must be ready for the printers the latter part of June, to enable compliance with the law, which requires their publi- cation by the fifteenth of July.
The lists for the registrars of voters to be furnished by the fifteenth of July require a large amount of clerical work within a given time.
It is evident that some changes are necessary in the usual methods of the department to meet the requirements of law, as the street lists and the lists for the registrars of voters were not furnished last year till October. To remedy this, the assistant assessors could be called upon for more service than now rendered. Practically, there is no limit to their per diem employment, but care should be taken that persons are elected as assistant assessors who can be relied upon to devote such time as may be necessary to the work.
I bespeak for the gentlemen who now constitute the Board that confidence which is justly due them, as the duties imposed upon them are of grave im- portance and affect so directly the revenues of the city.
The term of service in the Assessors' department, rendered to the town and city of Newton by the
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.