USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1873-1874 > 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
All of which is respectfully submitted.
CHARLES H. LANG, Chief Engineer.
EDWARD C. NICHOLS, DAVID CROWELL, Assistant T. LITTLEFIELD, Engineers.
CHARLES H. DANFORTH,
CHARLES H. DANFORTH, Clerk.
READING, March 13, 1874.
20
ABATEMENT OF TAXES.
For 1872 and 1873
$688 11
STATE - AID ACCOUNT.
Paid Jules R. Allen
$48 00
Sylvanus Blanchard
162 00
Daniel Berry
48 00
George W. Carleton .
18 00
W. W. Davis
72 00
Moses F. Eaton
80 00
George F. Goodwin .
48 00
Adam Hetler
48 00
L. W. Krook
36 00
C. B. Leathe
168 00
Benjamin McAllister
72 00
William Mears .
72 00
William A. McDonald
40 00
Edwin Manning
54 00
Isaac Monroe .
60 00
Edward E. Nichols
88 00
Henry L. Norris
60 00
O. C. Pinkham .
6 00
Tobias Pinkham
48 00
John E. Robinson
48 00
Charles H. Stevens
48 00
George W. Simes
122 00
S. N. Weston .
88 00
Charles O. Young
96 00
$1630 00
SUMMARY OF EXPENSES AND RECEIPTS.
RECEIPTS.
Received for Schools
(appropriation)
$8500 00
Ordinary Charges
8000 00
Repair of Highways
66
4000 00
Interest
66
·
2000 00
Public Library
66
250 00
Cemetery
66
500 00
Lobby
800 00
Decoration of Soldier's Graves
66
250 00
State Corporation Tax
532 79
Massachusetts School Fund
197 97
Interest on Taxes and Notes
403 12
Dog Licenses
105 57
State Aid
1934 66
State Tax
2880 00
County Tax
1640 72
National Bank Tax
679 82
Overlay on Taxes .
1658 94
·
4400 00
Fire Department
500 00
Removing Public Library
.
·
$39233 59
.
21
EXPENDITURES.
Paid for Schools $9288 38
Incidental School Expenses
939 04
Supplies of Almshouse .
1063 89
Poor out of the Almshouse .
1011 48
to Town Officers
1550 30
for Selectmen's Office .
196 14
to Road Commissioners for Repairs of Highways .
3946 14
Extra Highway Work 1341 27
Building Cisterns .
3223 57
for Land Damages
1360 00
Removing Snow
274 47
Street Lamps
257 91
Miscellaneous
1805 91
to Trustees of Cemetery
1210 85
830 59
Printing
361 50
Fire Department
1611 90
Hose for Fire Department .
1525 95
Account of New Engine House (in part)
1200 00
Night Watchman . 538 00
State Tax
2880 00
County Tax
1640 72
State Aid
1630 00
Abatement of Taxes
688 11
Interest on Town Debt
4192 00
Add balance due Trustees of Cemetery
140 00
$44958 12
* Deduct paid for Hose for Fire Department
$1525 95
*
Account of New Engine House 1200 00
* 66
66 " Cisterns 3223 57
5949 52
$39008 60
Receipts more than expenses
224 99
$39233 59
* Amounts voted at the August and November meetings, and for which no assessment was made; and showing that amounts voted at meetings subsequent to the annual Town meeting, is the cause of the increase of the Town debt.
·
$44818 12
Public Library .
for Decoration of Soldiers' Graves
250 00
22
VALUATION FOR 1873.
Valuation of Real Estate, 1873 -
-
$1,851,695 00
66 Personal " 66
254,879 00
Total for 1873 -
$2,106,574 00
1872 -
2,047,071 00
Gain in 1873 -
$59,503 00
Bank Stock having been taken from the Assessors books-being taxed by the State-reduced the valuation of personal prop- erty the sum of
24292 00
Which, added to the valuation, would make the gain for the year $83795 00
Number of dwelling-houses, May 1, 1873, 598
" polls, 827
" horses, 278
" cows,
271
" oxen, 14
" sheep,
1
66
swine,
88
66
" young stock,
30
CHARLES TWEED, Selectmen NATHAN P. PRATT, of
W. J. WIGHTMAN, Reading.
READING, March 1, 1874.
Dr.
JAMES A. BANCROFT, Treasurer and Collector, in Account with the TOWN OF READING.
Cr.
To Balance in Treasury, March 1st, 1873 Cash of John Batchelder's Executors
.
$6205 93
By Paying Selectmen's orders
. $36130 40
State Aid .
1934 66
Interest
·
4192 00
Corporation Tax
532 79
State Tax
·
2880 00
National Bank Tax
679 82
County Tax .
1640 72
School Fund
197 97
Board of Frank Nichols at State Reform
Hired Money
19258 35
School
13 00
Interest
35 50
Board of Daniel Sullivan at State Reform School .
26 00
Interest on Taxes
367 62
Insurance Dividend .
2 85
$57877 14
Balance in Treasury of-
Uncollected Taxes for 1872 .
· $245 96
" 1873 .
6206 40
S. Harnden's note
.
. 425 00
J. Heselton's note .
115 00
$65597 10
Cash. .
.
.
7719 96
$65597 10
JAMES A. BANCROFT, Treasurer and Collector.
READING, March 2, 1874.
23
·
Dog License .
105 57
Taxes after being abated .
110 35
Jonathan Heselton's note .
.
115 00
Tax List for collection
35479 66
.
12995 02
.
.
.
.
.
727 60
.
Discount on County Tax .
24 60
Town Debt .
546 43
AUDITORS' REPORT,
FOR YEAR ENDING FEB. 28, 1874.
LIABILITIES.
The Town owes notes amounting to .
.
$69677 17
Interest computed to March 1, 1874 ·
1125 79
Amount due Fire Department estimated at 1000 00
200 00
1200 00
$72002 96
AVAILABLE ASSETS.
J. Heselton's note $115 00
S. Harnden's note, balance
. 425 00
Interest on same
15 51
Unpaid taxes
6452 36 ·
Cash in hands of Treasurer
727 60
7735 47
Net amount of Town debt
$64267 49
SCHEDULE OF TOWN PROPERTY.
Town farm, valued at
$4000 00
Personal property at Almshouse
.
.
. 2771 29
$6771 29
Cemetery, land and lots
2635 83
Hearse, estimated worth
200 00
Hearse house . .
75 00
2910 83
Eagle fire engine and hose carriage
700 00
66 66 house and cistern
500 00
Hancock fire engine and hose carriage
500 00
houses .
1300 00
Washington fire engine
200 00
66 66 house
40 00
Union fire engine .
·
50 00
Hook and ladder carriage, etc.
400 00
66
house
80 00
Furniture in engine houses and new hose
1550 00
5320 00
Amount carried forward
$15002 12
.
.
$70802 96
Miscellaneous debts
26
Amount brought forward
.
$15002 12
Iron safe in Selectmen's office
50 00
Furniture in 66
350 00
400 00
School-houses and furniture
33000 00
Public Library and furniture
2500 00
Piano in High School, and philosophical apparatus
700 00
36200 00
Amount due from State for aid furnished soldiers
1700 00
$53302 12
.
We have examined the accounts of the Selectmen and Treasurer for the year ending February 28, 1874, and find the same correct and properly vouched.
HIRAM BARRUS, SOLON BANCROFT, Auditors. ANDREW HOWES,
READING, March 24, 1874.
BIRTHS, DEATHIS, AND MARRIAGES.
28
BIRTHS REGISTERED IN READING IN 1873.
Date.
Names.
Sex.
Names of Parents.
Occupation of Father.
.
Jan.
Lynn,
M.
Andrew J. and Joan F.
66
17, Mabel Florence Richardson, 27. Sidney Manning,
M.
David G. and Susan M. Edwin and Frankie H.
30, Lettie Sabrina Litchfield, 31 Jennie Maria Kidder,
F. 6.
Iliram and Arvesta F. Sarah Kidder,
Feb. 13. B. Paul Clark,
M.
Joshua and Hannah C. Lambertus W. and Sophia F. Cabinet maker.
F. Felix and Mary,
Carpenter.
M. Chase T. and
F. Oliver S. and Martha A. William F. and Adaline M. 66
Journalist.
March 14, Frank B. Wight, {
Twins,
April .6
6, Arthur Kimball Heselton, 9, Wilfred Hawes,
66
Richmond and Lizzie M. Jabez S. and Marietta,
William II. and Sarah A.
66
20, Hawes,
66
= Daniel C. and Phebe A. Newell and Juliet H.
Merehant.
28, Joseph Harrington,
May 66
1. William John Milliken,
2, Chester Cole Kingman,
66
Melvin and Augusta E.
=
9. Laura M. Littlefield, 13, May Louise Temple,
Joseph S. and Lucia M.
66
David U. and El za L.
66
Warren K. and Annie M.
66
Thomas A. and Esther A.
June 1,
Evans, White,
66
Walter H. and Laura M.
Cierk.
66
5, Blanche Gleason Perkins, 6, Lilla Beard,
66
66
9, Mary L. Hewes,
66 Moses and Emma, W. Wallace and Susar M.
Civil Engineer.
66
23, John F. Messer, 23, Freddie Messer,
Twins. 66
Charles and Emily A.
66
30, Grace Fields Burnham,
F.
Charles C. and Georgiana C. Sherebiah S. and Arsanah,
66
11, Porter,
M. F. M.
Alb. rt J. and Sarah J. Richard B. and Josephine A.
F.
Thomas R. and Abbie S. John P. and Clara J.
Organ pipe maker.
Sept. .. 66
5, Louisa Florence Lloyd,
Alfred H. and Luella R.
Mechanie.
66
12, William Stanwood Phillips, 14, Edith Louise Swain,
F.
William M. and Mary R. Charles H. and Emma M. Edward and Crissie C.
Carpenter. Shoe cutter. Clerk.
66 19,
18, Blanche Edwina Robinson, La Ciair,
Merchant. Shoe Cutter.
M. Joseph B. and Augusta A.
Paper agent.
Oct.
23, Charles Almond Frost, 27, Caroline Elizabeth Hill, 9, Amie Warner Dean,
F. 66
George W. and Maria F. David C. and Maria A. Charles D. and E. Josephine, Ira C. and Ellen M. Horace A. and Ellura J.
Cabinet maker.
Auctioneer.
Tallow chandler.
Clerk.
Nov.
28, Marion Edna Parker, 3, Edith Wakefield, 7, Franky R. A. Brown,
66 M. F. 66
Charles and Mary A. James R. A. and Lizzie,
Storckeeper.
66
11, Gertie Louise Friend,
Twins,
William D. and Emma A. Robert C. and Mary A. Frank H. and Sarah J.
Farmer. Blacksmith. Organ builder.
Dee.
28, John William Austin, 28, Walter Justin Austin, 17, Frederiek Clinton Emerson, 22, Freddie Parker,
Twins,
Oliver W. and Abby E. Albert F. and Mary A.
Machinist. Farmer. Cabinet maker. Teacher. Salesman.
66 Franeis H. and Augusta T. Clerk.
--
Whole number of Births in Reading in 1873
71
Males ·
31 Females
40
NATIVITY OF PARENTS.
United States Foreign .
. .
Father, 52 9 Mother, 66
·
9
66
19, Walter Lambertus Brook, 27, Addie Doucette, 27, Stone,
28, Stella Adams,
March 4, Ethel May Durgin,
M. 66 Ephraim and Helen,
Carpenter, Cabinet maker. Merebant. Painter.
Machinist.
Merehant ..
William J. and Ellen,
Turner. Cabinet maker.
Clerk.
F.
H. Walter and Ella H. John
Elmer H. and Susan F.
Tallow ehandler.
66
19, Ardeel Palmer Temple,
Merchant. Moulder. Mechanie. Teamste r.
Laborer.
July
8, Edward Spaulding Webber, (See June 6th.)
M.
Simon and Judith,
Mechanic. Carpenter. Farmer. Bookkeeper.
Aug. 14, Richard Haven Nichols,
66
George A. and Ellen I.
Commis'on merchant.
M.
66 Henry and Mary H.
William and Mary H.
Carpenter. 66
60
9, Elmore Colby Temple, 12, Perey Thomas, 18, Ira C. Gray, Jr.,
66
20, Charles William Parker,
M.
F. 66
William H. and Ruth A. Hiram G. and Eliza, Galen A. and Edna S.
Farmer.
66
12, Almira Eveline Totten, 18, 26, Symmes, Sidelinger ,
66 M. 66
F.
66 Thomas A. and Sarah A. Walter S. and Belle M. .Jonathan and Fannie E.
66
30, Ethel Gertrude Temple, 30, Annie Augusta Dewey,
·
.
52
66
66
25, Mabel Temple,
27, Belle Galbraith Randall,
11, Grace Maria Friend,
Nathaniel E. and Caroline G. Farmer.
M.
Custom House. Merchant.
28, Grace Viola Baneroft,
26. Abbie Sarah Todd,
27, Marion Louise Warren, 3, Marion Aliee Parker,
66
Railroad conductor. Shoe cutter. Farmer.
13. Arthur James Davis,
M.
Edward B. and Helen L.
Clerk. Cabinet maker. Cabinet manufacturer. Stabler.
Bank eashier.
Engineer. Mechanic.
14, Albert O. Wight, §
M.
11, Willfred Abner Bancroft,
20, Frank Osear Channell,
7, Willie Earnest Brown, 9, Graham,
17, Grace Appleton Beecher,
26.
15, Marion Perkins Copeland,
28, Graee Badger Parker.
F.
29
DEATHS REGISTERED IN READING IN 1873.
Date.
Names.
Names of Parents or Husband.
Cause.
Y. M. 1)
Jan. 24, George E. Symmes,
3
Frank II. and Sarah J. 2 Joshua and Hannah C.
Feb. 15, B. Paul Clark,
66 17, George E. Pitman,
25
5 17
March 2, Charles Randall,
35
9 11 Hiram and Maria, Jabez and Mary E.
April 9, Hawes,
71
9 11 Aaron and Jerusha,
Apoplexy.
66
16, Nathaniel Batchelder, 20, Hawes,
87
14 Nathaniel and
Newell B. and Juliet,
Stillborn. White swelling. General paralysis.
May
$6 30, Henry Baker, 13, Asahel Porter, 17, Harriet N. Pinkham,
44 72
6 Joseph D. and Eliza, Asahel and Elizabeth,
58 Aaron and Jerusha (McIntire)
Chronic dysentery.
16
26, Michael Daley,
45
72 Samuel and Mary,
70 10 11 Ephraim and Dorcas,
73
3 20 Thomas and Judith,
Consumption.
2
6 5 Ira C. and Ellen M. 10 Joshua and Abigail,
Paralysis.
58
4 24 Jarmel and Mary (Clapp),
Accidental.
66 20, Louis V. Charlebois,
45 4 29
Consumptton.
17 8 Levi and Lucretia,
Phthisis.
Aug.
21, Frank D. Piersons, 26. J. Marston Woodbridge, 6, Laura M. Littlefield, 7, Thomas S. Symonds, 11, Arthur J. Norris, 20, Abby J. Heselton,
46 1
3 James T. and Catherine,
Cholera infantum.
27
25 Jonathan and Abigail V. 2 Charles and Emily A.
Consumption. Marasmus.
Sept. 66
4, Ada E. Potter,
1
9 21 Hanson B. and Elizabeth E. 2 28
Diarrhea.
66
13, Lizzie C. Eames,
23
7 1 Jacob and Rachel U.
Typhoid fever.
66
19, Thomas C. Day,
52 9 2 Benjamin and Mary B.
Epilepsy.
Oct. 2, Freddie Messer, 66 3, Ada Ste ens, 13, Selina Cheney,
78
6 30 Elias and Susan (Hatch),
Old age.
66
16, Lizzie N. Rahr, 23, Carrie M. Sherman,
32
7 5 Christian Rahr,
7
9 John P. and Mary A.
10
3 Joshua and Almira, Lewis and Mary,
Consumption.
Nov. 8, Henry L. Norris, 9, Thomas H. Sweetser.
70
1
6 3 Moses and Emma,
Consumption of bowels.
66 13, George Swan,
66
18, Nancy Wakefield,
69
Bright's disease.
Heart disease.
Enlargement of liver.
Apoplexy.
29, Freddie l'arker,
7
Thomas A. and Sarah A.
Mal. development.
Whole number of Deaths in Reading in 1873 Males
52
Females . .
·
.
·
19
United States Foreign
·
.
·
·
47 5
.
.
.
.
Old age. Fever.
10
2 James and Sarah, 5
Consumption.
66 5, Lilla Beard,
3
9 Charles and Emily A.
Hydrocephalas.
62 7 30 Sumner Cheney,
Dysentery. Consumption.
29, Albert J. Mears,
Marasmus.
33 11 19 19 Ezra and Nancy,
Cancer.
12, Mary L. Hewes,
66 11 9 Timothy and Mary, 79 27 Caleb Wakefield,
General paralysis. Paralysis.
Dec. 6. Lois Leathers, 66 6, Abbie Finnegan, 18, Henry H. Damon, 25, Nancy C. Murray,
43 40| 7
5 1 Samuel and Sophia (Stacy), John and Polly (Gilpin), Etson and Mary A. Ivory Murray,
Dysentery.
66
24, Mary D. Buxton,
73 23
6 Joseph and Patience (Damon), 4 14 Franklin and Sarah,
Consumption.
27, Willie F. Fletcher, 29. Mary Dean, 2, Frank C. Bancroft,
69 7
3 Augustus and Mary,
Consumption, Effects of a fall.
28, Samuel Poor,
Consumption of blood. Apoplexy.
June 3, Franklin Buck, 8, Charles Cogswell, July 29, Annie A. Gray, 8, Thomas E. Prescott, 9, Lydia B. Lewis,
Inflammation of brain.
59
Chronic brain disease.
16, Rose Carley,
82
5 13 Dudley and Sarah,
Gangrene of foot. Cholera infantum.
2 27 Elmer H. and Francis, Obed
Diabetes.
23, John F. Messer,
90 7 James and Hannah (Willey),
66
33
NATIVITY.
. .
Age.
Cerebro spinal mening's Consumption.
11, William Parker,
19, Sylvester Harnden,
MARRIAGES REGISTERED IN READING IN 1873.
Date.
Name of Groom and Bride.
Age.
Residence.
Occupation of Groom.
Place of Birth.
Names of Parents.
By whom Married.
Jan. 1,
Ardenne Parker,
Frances A. Sto:t,
23
Reading,
9,
Charles F. Sanborn,
28
Webster, N. H.
Mechanic,
Salisbury, N. H.
John B. and Eunice,
Rev. Ira G. Ridlon.
9,
Alfred B. Ridlon,
26
Reading,
Carpenter,
Durham, Me.
Reading,
George W. and Mary M.
18,
Henry Stock,
17
Reading,
Cabinet maker,
Germany,
John C. and Eliza,
Caroline Klous,
40
Reading,
Mechanic,
Reading,
Daniel and Lavina,
4,
Howard P. Nichols,
24
Wakefield,
Salesman,
Stoneham,
John C. and Sarah A.
20,
John Henry Stone,
24
Reading,
Reading,
Cyrenus C. and Rebecca,
April 2,
Charles H. McIntire,
28
.Reading,
No. Reading,
May 7,
John F. Cook,
29
Reading,
Greenwich, Ct.
30,
Charles K. Turner,
19
Woburn,
Woburn, Bridgton, Me.
20,
Horace F. Proctor,
23
Reading,
25
Reading,
No. Berwick, Me.
" 25,
24
Reading,
24
Reading,
Hopkinton,
July 2,
Warren M. Phipps, Lucy J. Pratt,
21
Hopkinton,
Reading,
W. H. Fitzpatrick (Priest).
3,
Dani- 1 McGee,
23
Reading,
21
Reading,
Cumberland, Me.
Alvan and Jane P. Richard and Mary C.
Rev. Asa Bullard.
Aug. 4,
25
Reading,
Teacher,
Dublin, N. H.
20,
30 23
Reading,
Sept. 8,
23 Randolph, Vt.
22
Reading,
20
Reading,
Shoe manufacturer,
Woburn, Wilmington,
William and Lucy W. Daniel and - Jason and Caroline M. Elbridge and Abby S.
Rev. Wm. A. Thompson.
9,
Howard M. Sturdivant, Clara J. Waldron, Franklin E. Bullard, Ellen B. Baldwin, Francis A. Morse. Sarah W. Richardson, Alfred W. Danforth, Alice A. Eaton,
26
Boston,
30
Reading,
Farmer,
Lynnfield,
Joseph and ()livia, Alfred and Susan,' Thaddeus and Serena, Abner and Abby,
Rev. Wm. A. Thompson.
Rev. -. Hale.
29 Reading,
Druggist,
Reading, Amherst, N. H.
Samuel C. and Lavina K. William and Mary, Eugene and Eliza A. Horace and Eliza M. Elbridge and Abby S. Edward and Eliza J. David N. and Abby, David and Eliza, Patrick and Ann, Francis and Jane,
Rev. Henry Dorr. Rev. C. S. Rogers.
June 10,
21
Boston,
Mechanic,
Wilmington,
Boston,
Rev. Wm. A. Thompson.
22
Reading,
Teamster,
Canada,
Canada,
Rev. Luther D. Hill.
24,
Ann J. McCall,
29
Boston,
Salesman,
Dover, N. H. Holden,
Alexander and Lavina, James D. and Rebecca W. Adam and Sarah, Naaman H. and Joanna A. Zebediah and Olive,
Rev. Luther D. Hill.
30
Reading,
Shoe manufacturer,
Nova Scotia,
Phebe A. Hetler,
19
Reading,
Mason,
Hattie A. Tweed,
22
Reading,
Carpenter,
Malden,
Tinman,
Newburyport,
Theresa A. Hitchings, Frederick E. DeJean, Laura A. Littlefield, Charles E. Harnden, Carrie E. Safford,
21
Reading,
30
Norway, Me.
Mail carrier,
Waterford, Me. Salenı,
Hezekiah and Mary,
Rev. John N. Short.
Carrie A. Cummings,
23
Reading,
Cabinet maker,
Germany,
John and Mary,
William H. and Maria M.
Ada Beard,
25
Reading,
Feb. 1,
Henry Hock,
20
Reading,
Germany,
W. Spencer and Eliza J. Joshua H. and Adaline S. John and Rebecca,
Rev. E. A. Whittier.
21
Reading,
Merchant,
Reading,
Andover,
Webster, N. H.
Rev. William Barrows.
Jane E. Colby,
24
Salisbury, N. H.
Ira G. and Mary M.
Mary Agnes Goodwin,
18
Reading,
Rev. Luther D. Hill.
Reading,
Lorens and Kate,
Rev. C. F. H. Feck.
Rev. J. J. Jones.
Andover,
Horace and Caroline E.
Sarah M. Lewis,
Rev. William H. Willcox.
Rebecca H. Nelson,
Rev. Henry-S. Kelsey.
Rev. E. B. Fairchild.
Box maker,
Boston,
Jason W. Richardson, Mary C. Harnden,
Sept. 18, ] Charles L. Nichols, Sarah A. Putnam, Oct. 1 Edward B. Young, Ella L. Bird,
32 24
Boston,
24
Westfield, Reading, Waltham, Reading,
Harness maker,
Wilmington, No. Reading, Reading, Chelmsford, Reading, Charlestown, Waltham,
Newton, Gardiner, Me. West Gardiner, Me. Danvers, Boxborough, Manchester, N. H. Wakefield, Bridgewater, N. H. Reading, Searsport, Me. Lincolnville, Me. No. Reading, Reading, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Everett E. and Sarah, Henry and Lizzie, Edward and Harriet E. - and Sarah H. Elbridge and Ruth B. Asa M. and Mary W. Charles and Sarah B. Nathan and Serena H. Joseph C. and Lucy W. - and Mary A. Ebenezer and Isabel, David T. and Tryphena, Dennis P. and Elizabeth, Andrew and -
Joseph and Abigail, Reuben and Clarissa E. Benjamin and Theodate S. John H. and Margaret, Amos and Mary, James and Sarah, Joseph B. and Catherine A. Benjamin and Sarah E.
Rev. John N. Short.
€
23, John Atkins, Julia A. Brann,
24 Reading,
26
Wakefi ld,
Mechanic,
Expressman,
Nov. 6,
30, Eugene Berry, Sarah J. Bessie, Henry D. Babb,
19 22
Lynn, Reading, Wakefield,
25
62 Reading,
40
Reading,
29
Searsport, Me ..
26
Reading,
26,
Adelbert C. McIntire,
24
Readi. g,
Painter,
Almira E. Bancroft,
23
Reading,
Dec. 31,
James E. Bennett, Sarah E. Hartshorn, 31
28
Reading.
Photographer,
Reading,
Whole number of Marriages Registered in 1873 . . 31
NATIVITY OF PERSONS MARRIED.
Males.
Females.
28
28
United States ,
Foreign . .
3
3
Rev. J. W. Kingsbury.
Rev. -. Hill.
Rev. J. J. Miller.
15
22,
Arthur C. Copeland, Mary Ida Cook, Charles C. Crosby, Ann Lizzie Crafts,
19 35
34
29 Milwaukee, Wis.
R. R. Agent,
Rev. A. S. Gardiner.
Rev. Wm. A. Thompson. Rev. John N. Short.
12,
24,
Mary E. Young, Moses Morse, Augusta M. Weston, William M. Merithew, Elizabeth A. Barrows,
Farmer,
Farmer,
Rev. Wm. A. Thompson. Rev. William H. Willcox. Rev. Wm. A. Thompson.
Rev. A. S. Gardiner.
Reading,
Butcher,
22 | Reading, 25 No. Reading, Reading,
Teacher, Organ builder,
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
PUBLIC LIBRARY
OF THE
TOWN OF READING FOR 1873-74.
REPORT.
The general interest in the Library continues, the num- per of our patrons steadily increases, and we think that our citizens now consider it a necessity. As intimated in our last Report, the School Committee having represented to the Town that the whole of the High School building was needed for school purposes, the Town in April last, instructed the Trus- tees to procure new quarters for the Library. After looking over the various rooms that were offered, the Trustees decided that, for general convenience and central location, the hall over Mr. C. W. Perkins's shop on Woburn Street, near Main Street, was the most desirable for the purposes of the Library, and made an arrangement with Mr. Perkins to fit the room for the purpose by putting in gas, heating apparatus, etc., and leased it at an annual rental of one hundred and fifty dollars, includ- ing fuel and lighting.
They consider this sum very reasonable for the amount of room and location, and the new premises appear to give general satisfaction to the public. As it was necessary to have the shelving, etc., fitted to the new room, and other changes made, it was not ready for occupancy till July 7th.
The books and other property of the Library were moved to the new location during the summer vacation, and system- atically arranged. The Library was reopened to the public August 7th.
Early in the year, the Trustees received with regret the resignation of Miss Mattie H. Appleton, who had faithfully served as Librarian from the establishment of the Library, a period of more than five years.
4
TRUSTEES' REPORT.
We take pleasure in testifying to her rare tact and efficiency, and her unvarying courtesy and obliging manner of performing the various duties devolving upon her in this position, and we think the patrons of the Library will fully endorse us in this testimony.
Miss Appleton consented to remain till after the annual exam- ination and removal. The Trustees were fortunately able to secure the services of Miss Alice B. Temple as Librarian, who proves a worthy successor to Miss Appleton, and the Library is now in every way in a flourishing condition.
From the report of the Librarian, July 26, 1873, we submit the following abstract :
At the opening of the Library after the examination, August 7th, 1872, the whole number of volumes was 2,908, of which 402 volumes were duplicates.
INCREASE.
VOLS.
Added since, by donation from Mercantile Library of
New York
1
Chas. Reiche & Co.
1
7th-Day Adventist Tract Society .
1
Edward Appleton
4
Hon. N. P. Banks
7
F. O. Dewey, Esq.
115
Mrs. M. Willis
1
State of Massachusetts
5
Lotan Parker
7
Anna E. Appleton
.
2
Total donations to July, 1873
144
We have added by purchase
185
Making total increase for the year 329
5
TRUSTEES' REPORT.
DECREASE.
Worn out
1871
8
66
1872
7
66
1873
16
Not Returned 1870
1
66
66
1871
2
Burned
2
Duplicates Exchanged .
22
Total decrease since commencement
58
Number Volumes, July 26, 1873 .
3,179
of which are duplicates
384
Actual number in circulation
2,795
CIRCULATION.
Cards issued .
1,254
Increase over 1872
144
Volumes taken out
14,671
Increase over 1872
1,461
of which circulation are Works of Fiction
8,984
Increase over 1872
1,368
Juveniles
3,687
Increase over 1872
630
All other subjects
2,000
Decrease from 1872
537
Retained at Examination
7
Since returned
5
Missing July 26th
2
Fines incurred
$81.50
66 paid
69.43
due
12.07
Books re-bound since last examination 166
We have subscribed for the " Scientific American " and " Lit- erary World." Our thanks are due to the publishers of Reading Chronicle for files, also Boston Public Library for Report and
6
TRUSTEES' REPORT.
Bulletins, Mercantile Library of New York, Holton Library of Brighton, Public Libraries of Manchester, N. H., Wakefield, Woburn, Medford, and Quincy, for Reports ; and to the various individuals who have donated us books. We think especial mention should be made of the generosity of F. O. Dewey, Esq., who has given us a complete set of "Littell's Living Age," one hundred and fifteen volumes in all, which we consider a very valuable addition to our Library. Since August, 1873, we have received donations from Miss Anna E. Appleton, 2 vols. ; Seventh Day Adventist Tract Society, 1 vol. ; Henry Deadman, 3 vols.
EXPENSE OF FITTING UP NEW ROOMS.
D. Creasy, carpenter work
. $133.32
J. Reid & Co., curtains
6.38
M. Hanley, chairs .
9.00
M. H. Garfield, sign
2.25
H. D. Babb, teaming
6.00
Cummings Express
1.90
Total
. $158.85
We have received the back numbers of the " Reading Chron- icle," which we wanted very much to complete our files, from Miss Addie Weston, Miss Alberto Smith, and Mr. William H. Bancroft, for which they will accept our thanks. For other works needed to complete sets, and list of missing books, see last year's report.
During the past year, the New England Numismatic and Archæological Society have commenced the publication in num- bers, of a work entitled " The Early Coins of America, and the Laws Governing their Issue, the first patterns of the U. S. Mint, etc." As the edition is limited to but about two hundred copies, it will be likely to soon become rare, and as it deals with its subject in an historical as well as descriptive manner, your Secretary has taken the liberty to donate it to the Library ; six numbers are thus far published.
7
TRUSTEES' REPORT.
To continue the usefulness of the Library, the Trustees re- commend the usual appropriation by the Town of five hundred dollars, and also the sum of two hundred dollars for rent, fuel, and contingent expenses.
The Trustees expect to issue the coming season a supplemen- tary catalogue, which will be sold with the catalogue already published. We hope to increase the number of our donations the coming year.
The Trustees learn with regret that some of the younger patrons do not exercise the care of the books that they should while they are in their possession, and some of the books are found to be needlessly damaged by tearing, and leaves being lost, etc. As it impossible, when books are returned, for the Librarian to specially examine each book, owing to the number waiting to be served, we shall be obliged, if more care is not used, to adopt a rule in force in several Public Libraries, of charging the damage to the person to whom the book is charged when the damage is discovered, which we dislike to do; and we hope that this hint will be sufficient, and that every one will " use all books carefully."
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.