USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1874-1975 > 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).
The town has been burdened to a greater extent by tramps than any other town in the county (we having entertained fourteen hundred and two during the past year), owing, in a great degree, to our being so centrally located. Reading being a day's journey for tramps from Boston, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Salem, and other cities, and on the principal thoroughfare of travel both by rail and highway, is made the " halfway house," or stopping-place, for large numbers on their travels to and from those places. What shall we do with the tramps ? is a . question frequently asked in every town ; but one which as yet
21
has failed to receive a satisfactory answer. They are principally made up of laborers, who are also foreigners; though, since the strike at Fall River and other manufacturing places, a considera- ble number of operatives are also on the road. Remunerat v employment would undoubtedly cure this evil.
JAMES REID,
Selectmen, Assessors, and
J. B. LEATHE, J. L. PRATT, Overseers of Poor
Dr.
JAMES A. BANCROFT, Treasurer and Collector, in Account with the TOWN OF READING.
Cr.
To Balance in Treasury, March 2, 1874
.
.
$7,719 96 | By Paying Selectmen's Orders .
.
.
· $30,134 48
Cash Subscription for Watchman . State Aid .
89 50
66 Town Debt
Interest on Debt
.
.
4,487 11 359 00
National Bank Tax
741 02
State Tax
·
.
2,560 00
School Fund .
280 98
County Tax
1,751 80
Hired Money . ·
12,685 91
Interest
24 01
Interest on Taxes .
437 94
Discount on County Tax
17 52
Dividend from Insurance Companies
116 50
Uncollected Taxes for 1874
.
7,961 42
Dog Tax
180 69
J. Heselton's Note .
·
115 00
Taxes after being abated
28 67
Cash, including Balance of Sinking Fund
3,306 40
Cash of the Town of Bradford
26 35
11,684 92
of Abigail P. Beers
52 00
for Tuition
.
.
.
30 00
for Betterments
372 00
66 of H. G. Randall .
8 16
Tax List for Collection .
.
41,106 15
.
.
.
.
$54,280 47
Balance in Treasury of uncollected Taxes for
1873 ·
·
22
JAMES A. BANCROFT, Treasurer and Collector.
READING, March 1, 1875.
$65,965 39
.
14,988 08
Corporation Tax .
.
.
566 69
Insurance ·
.
.
$302 10
.
.
·
66 of Moses Mears .
30 00
$65,965 39
.
1,451 34
AUDITORS' REPORT, FOR YEAR ENDING MARCH 1, 1875.
LIABILITIES.
The town owes notes amounting to .
$67,375 00
Interest computed to March 1, 1875 .
1,163 81
Amount due fire department, estimated at . $1,000 00
Miscellaneous debts
300 00
1,300 00
$69,838 81
AVAILABLE ASSETS.
J. Heselton's note
$115 00
Unpaid taxes
8,263 52
Cash in the hands of the treasurer
3,306 40
11,684 92
Amount of debt above available assets
$58,153 89
SCHEDULE OF TOWN PROPERTY.
Town farm, valued at
$4,000 00
Personal property at almshouse
2,630 77
Cemetery, land and lots
$2,635 83
Hearse, estimated at
150 00
Hearse house
75 00
Eagle fire engine and hose carriage
$700 00
house and cistern
500 00
Hancock fire engine and hose carriage
500 00
Washington fire engine
200 00
house
40 00
Union fire engine
50 00
Hook and ladder carriage, &c.
400 00
house
80 00
Furniture in engine houses, and hose
1,750 00
6,220 00
Amount carried forward,
$15,711 60
$6,630 77
2,860 83
house
2,000 00
$68,538 81
24
Amount brought forward,
$15,711 60
Iron safe in selectmen's office
$50 00
Furniture and library in selectmen's office .
350 00
400 00
Schoolhouses and furniture
$35,000 00
Public library and furniture
2,500 00
Piano in high school, and philosophical apparatus
700 00
38,200 00
Amount due from State for aid furnished soldiers
1,500 00
. $55,811 60
We have examined the accounts of the Selectmen and Treasurer for the year ending March 1, 1875, and find the same correct and properly vouched.
NATHAN P. PRATT,
Auditors. WILLIAM PROCTOR,
W. J. WIGHTMAN,
READING, March 18, 1875.
1
BIRTHS, DEATHS, AND MARRIAGES.
26
BIRTHS REGISTERED IN READING 'IN 1874.
Date.
Names.
Sex.
Names of Parents.
Occupation of Father.
Jan. 18. Lillian Cummings Stone. 28. Herman Chester Skinner.
Feb. 3. Earnest Stanley Richardson 12. Alice Ball Badger. 15. Albert II. Jaquith.
20 Hyllier.
66
66
21. Elizabeth Caroline Pike. 22. Louis H. Leathe. 27. Henry Perley Harnden.
March 2. ('Brien.
9. William McFadden.
66 10. Newell Hubbard Hawes. 66 11. Albert Henry Hollis.
66 15. Dempsey.
F.
M. Franklin E. and Ellen B. John and Ellen.
Farmer. Laborer.
Shoe-cutter.
Machinist.
Cabinet-maker.
66
22. Mattie Florence Nute. 24. Etta Morse.
May 4. Ella May Hunt.
66 7. Edward William Geritson. 13. Manning.
M. F.
M. James A. and Harriet M. Solon and Ellen M. Bartholomew and Mary.
F. Hanson B. and Lizzie E. David and Ann.
Laborer.
Lawyer.
Farmer.
Chemist. Teamster.
Cabinet-finisher.
Cabinet-maker.
Cabinet-maker.
Aug.
.€ 20. Mabel Ella Burroughs. 26. William Henry Stock. 30. Arthur Franklin Zappy. 10. Henry Anthony Norwood. 10. Walter Irving Sweetser. 10. Arthur Sheldon Woodman. 17. Ward.
Sept. 66
3. Maggie O. Zildock Doucette.
66 3. Jennie Palmer.
66
4. Percy Raymond Lynn. 10. Susette Caroline Berry. 11. Edith Lillian Broad.
M. F.
James M. P. and Sarah L.P. Andrew J. and Joan E. Daniel W. and Eliza A. Nathaniel W. and Mary E. Thomas H. and Eliza R.
Clerk. Butcher.
Carpenter.
M.
F. John S. and Elmira W. Frank M. and Ann L.
Carpenter. Salesmau.
Shoe-manufacturer.
Mechanic.
66 22. Cecil Clyde Hitchcock.
25. Adam Cunningham.
M. Charles H. and Sarah F. Adam and Mary. = Frank and Addie E.
Painter. Cabinet-maker. Merchant.
Patent-solicitor.
Railroad-conductor.
Stable-keeper. Farmer.
Auctioneer.
29. Mattie May Allen.
31. Geritson.
M.
Milo L. and Martha E. Charles S. and Nancy E.
Clerk. Cabinet-maker.
Number of Births registered . Males
37 Females .
.
. 27
NATIVITY OF PARENTS.
United States
Foreign
Father, 48 16
Mother,
·
. 52
16
M. 6.
John Henry and Carrie A. Herbert A. and Bessey M. Arthur S. and Carrie H.
F. William H. and Carrie A.
M. Phineas H. and Lucy A. S. Benjamin and -
John S. and Abbie.
Salesman. Mechanic. Provision-dealer.
" James and Mary A.
Mechanic.
Laborer.
Merchant. Printer.
23. Charles Franklin Bullard. 28. Daniel Collins.
29. Charles Henry Kelley.
April 17. George Blood. 20. Opal Stearns Landy.
F. Luke R. and Carrie L. Ivory H. and Florence A. 66
66 Thomas H. and Emma. George W. and Mary A. William D. and Mary F. Ezra K. and Mary L.
Farmer.
Surveyor. Counsellor.
Laborer.
June 28. Potter.
30. Hannah Whelton.
July 6. John Francis Hale. 12. James Warren Killam.
M. A. G. R. and Julia H. Josepli W. and Mary S. Benjamin F. and Mary J. Daniel and Ann J.
F. Samuel R. and Ella A.
M. Henry and Ada. John C. and Mary E. John R. and Eliza F.
Organ·pipe maker.
Kirk and Delia E.
Farmer.
66 Sheldon S. and Mary E.
Cabinet-maker.
Agent.
F.
W. W. and Mary. Jeremiah and Catherine. George F. and Augusta A. Alfred W. and Alice A. Felix and Mary.
Laborer. Blacksmith.
16
Druggist. Carpenter.
Nov.
9. Nellie Adelia Richardson. 21. Mary Almira Clement.
66 William and Anna Maria.
F.
M. F.
Carroll D. and Carrie E. John G. and Ariminta J. William and Caroline.
M. Jacob W. and Lydia B.
15. Abiel Chandler Manning. 19. Temple, { Twins. F. William H. and Ruth A.
19. Temple, S
F.
Salesman. Railroad-conductor. Shoe-manufacturer. Organ-builder, Farmer.
F. M. William H. and Alma E. 66 Henry and Emma F.
Patrick and Kate.
Newell B. and Juliet H.
Amos F. and Martha P. Alden and
Charles W. and Emma J. George W. and Mary E.
Engineer. Farmer. Mechanic. Cabinet-maker.
16. George Huse Bancroft.
23. Bancroft. 27. Dennis Foley.
Telegraph line man.
19. GeorgeFranklin McAllister. 20. McGee.
22. Jeremiah Driscoll. 30. Flora Estella Cook. 2. Bertha Eaton Danforth.
19. Harry Cushman Leporte. 3. Florence Ellingwood. 3. Smith.
Tailor.
Everett B. and Emma M.
29. Lewis. 1. Wright.
Dec. 66 11. Arthur Bliss Easterbrooks. 13. Lizzie Bell Maynard.
64
27
DEATHS REGISTERED IN READING IN 1874.
Date.
Names.
Age.
Names of Parents or Husband.
Cause.
Y .; M .- D.
Jan. 12 Charles K. Turner.
19|11 9 Naaman II. and Joanna A.
Feb. 24. Michael Barrett.
22
3 24 Patrick and Hannah.
66 28. |Walter J. Austin.
3 Oliver W. and Ella A.
Mar. 28. Mary J. Damon.
47 Elias and Esther.
April 7. Albert Henry Hollis.
29. Amariah Blood.
54
25 Phineas and Ruhamah.
Heart-disease.
3 4 3 Albert F. and Martha.
Scarlet-fever.
82 3 Jonathan and Hitty.
Old age.
17. Floretta Pierce.
18
11 .John and Agnes. Harry Ilunton.
32 11 2 James A. Bancroft.
Puerperal peritonitis.
13. Percy T. Thomas.
8
Charles D. and E. Josephine. Silas and
Ulceration of bowels.
July 7. George W. Greene. 17. Putnam Emerson. 66 22. Alfred Nichols.
66 30 James Butler.
72 5 Peter and Mehitable.
44
11 19 Daniel and Mary. 3 6 James A. and Harriet M.
Erysipelas.
66
22. Eben D. Symonds.
Old age.
Sept. 1. Pamela Barnard.
11. Albert H. Jaquith.
66 15. Mary E. Babb.
26
6 27 Phineas H. and Lucy A. S. Henry D. Babb.
Consumption. Consumption.
66
17 Louis H. Leathe.
Dysentery.
66 20 Rebecca Parker.
83
6 26 William H. and Alma E. Aaron Parker.
Old age. Old age.
Oct. 6 Sylvanus Blanchard. 10. Nettie B. Taylor.
53 9 1 6 .John and Betsey. 3.22 Charles and Emma H. 1 4 Napoleon and Adele.
Pneumonia.
24. Armine H. Lambert.
74
1.26 Benjamin Kendall.
Pneumonia.
29 Mary E. Wright.
39 7 28 Rufus B. Wright.
Consumption.
Nov. 6. Samuel Holbrook. 66 6. Daisy Gowing.
224 Ames and Emma G.
Dropsy. Cancer.
66 14. Nancy Bittle.
18. Caroline L. Hatch. 49
34
8
8 Samuel and Harriet.
Dec.
10. Harriet N. Gray.
77 11|17
17
17 Daniel and Fanny. Joseph B. Wilbur.
Lung-fever. Consumption. Apoplexy.
Whole number of Deaths registered in 1874 . Males
20
Females .
22
NATIVITY.
.
·
·
.
.
· .
.
42
None.
May 7. George H. Converse. 8. Hitty Gowing. 8 Martha E. Wright.
15|11 3 Rufus B. and Mary E.
Consumption.
18. Adaline A. Hunton. 18. Harriet M. Bancroft.
61
Consumption.
June 66 27. Silas Richardson.
45
46 4 26 Phineas and Clarissa.
83 3.10 Daniel and Lucy.
Old age.
49 2 John and Annah.
Embolism of heart.
Typhoid-dysentery.
Diabetes.
Aug. 13 D. Myron Damon. 66
22. George II. Bancroft.
88 85
6 Thomas and Mary.
Dysentery.
27. Anna Haag.
74 8 9
71 10 10 Joseph and Lois.
Diabetes.
66 8. Betsey Weston.
79 9 Isaac Weston.
85 8 7 Daniel and Elizabeth.
7 W. H. Hatch.
Apoplexy. Paralysis.
25. Kate A. Parker.
66
22. Elizabeth Wilbur. 46
42
.
.
United States Foreign .
17. James S. Leathe.
53 5.26 James and Mary.
Accidental. Consumption.
Consumption. Inanition.
1 Amos F. and Martha P.
Consumption.
Scarlet-fever.
21 Kate F. Dooling.
Cholera infantum.
25. Nancy W. Kendall.
MARRIAGES REGISTERED IN 1874.
Date.
Name of Groom and Bride. Age.
Residence.
Occupation of Groom.
Place of Birth.
Names of Parents.
By Whom Married.
Jan. 14.
21.
Harland P. Pratt.
27
Reading.
Necktie-eutter.
Reading. Woburn.
N. Irene Richardson.
27
Reading.
Feb. 4.
Oscar Foote.
49
Reading.
Tallow-manufactur'r.
Fairfield, Vt. England.
Mary Chase.
42 23
Boston.
Laborer.
Nova Scotia. England.
Mar. 4.
James A. Day.
23
Reading.
Salesman.
Reading. Lynnfield.
Delia A. Bryant.
24
Lynnfield.
Watchmaker.
Kennebunk, Me. Malden.
Mary A. Cox.
21
Malden.
28
Reading.
Wheelwright.
Barrington, R.I.
22
Reading.
33
Reading.
Shoe-dealer.
Nova Scotia.
April 25.
29.
20
Reading.
May 13.
June 3.
=
3
24.
July 6.
=
12.
20.
Aug. 1.
25 18
Boston. Billerica.
30
Reading.
Plasterer.
24 Reading.
30
Salem, N.H. Reading. Andover.
Clergyman.
Farmer.
20 Andover.
21 Reading.
Carpenter.
Reading. Lexington. Boston. Nova Scotia. South Reading. Middleboro'. Windham, N.H. Georgetown. Reading. Reading. Reading.
Joseph W. and Saralı E. George and Mary. Sylvester and Mary S. J L and Amy L. Robert and Clarissa. Nathaniel and Elizabeth. Isaac and Mary. Moses F. and Lydia C. Oliver A. and Sophia B.
Rev. A. A. Miner, } Boston. § Rev. Wm. A. Thompson.
Rev. William Barrows.
10.
Joseph H. Brown. Alice Robinson.
18
Reading.
Rev. E. B Fairchild.
16.
Henry B. Day.
25. Allen G. Peck. Sarah A. Tewksbury. Severin Doucette.
24 23
Reading.
Moulder.
Ireland. Reading. Reading. Lynnfield.
Rev. D. B. Scott.
Rev. John N. Short.
Rev. William Barrows.
Rev. Oscar F. Safford.
Rev. E. B. Fairchild.
30
Reading.
Cabinet-ınaker.
Wilmington. Lyndeborough, N.H. South Boston. Newbury, Vt. Canada East.
Cyrus and Orissa. Alfred and Paulina. Henry E. and Mary G. Francis and Jane. Michael and Mary. Edward and Elmira.
Rev. W. H. Fitzpatrick.
Rev. A. S. Gardiner. Rev. Charles R. Bliss.
Rev. J. L. Whittemore.
Rev. William Barrows.
Rev. Wm. A. Thompson.
66
29.
Naney Holt. John H. Eaton. Clara A. Swain.
18 Reading.
Hotel-keeper.
Lowell. Lowell.
Varus and Nancy.
Clarence A. Stearns. Annie M. Gammon.
27
Reading. Rochester, N.H.
James and Mary. Benjamin F.and Harriet N. Pearson and Nancy. Ira and Sally.
Rev. A. S. Gardiner.
Rev. John N. Short.
Rev. W. P. Tilden. { Boston. Rev. M. F. Flatlev, l Wakefield. Rev. Thos. J. Greenwood.
29 Reading.
Farmer.
Lynnfield.
21 18
Malden. Reading.
40
Boston.
Clerk.
30
Boston. Reading.
Mechanie.
Charlestown. Surrey, N.H. Charlestown. Reading.
Tailor.
22
Reading.
22 Reading.
Harness-maker.
19
Reading.
Mason.
1.
6. Elias J. Whittemore. Clara Bartley.
28 22
George A. Shattuck.
27.
Ann Catherine Ragen. Edward F. Brooks. Mary Lizzie Penney. Alfred G. Carter. Sarah L. D. Wellman. Franklin I. Weleh. Lizzie E Dunbar. Warren Norton. Louisa J. Benton. George A. Sargent. Josephine Nichols. Charles W. Norris. Hattie O. Jaquith. Jolın Henry Webb. Mary Ella Dunbar. Patrick MeCall. Margaret Daley. Edward E. Foster. Ella M. Richardson. Robert Burgess. Mary D. Sweet.
30
26 Reading.
28 22
Stoneham. Malden.
.
Reading.
Boston.
29 Lynnfield.
Rubber-cutter.
Malden.
Newbury, Vt.
Chaffin and Jane (Varnum). William H. and Matilda. James H. and Aliee. James M. and Maria A. Jonathan and Sarah P. James W. and Mehitable. Levi and Mary Ann. James B. and Hannah R. Cyrus and Sarah A. Thomas and Mary M. Daniel and Joanna. William and Elizabeth A. Jackson and Susan M. Nath'l W. C. and Susanna. Thomas F. and Sophia A. John A. and Cyrene E. Henry E. and Mary G. William and Elizabeth S. Abijah and Rebecca. Thomas and Rebecca. Edwin P. and Lucinda A. Lewis and Mary.
Rev. W. H. Hatch.
Lynn.
25
Reading.
20
-
Sept. 1.
Oct. 1.
Christian E. Rahr. Emma I. Barbour. Charles Hayward Giffin. Maria L'H. Gardiner.
32 17
Reading. Reading.
39 21
New York City. Reading.
35 Wilton, N.H.
Clergyman.
Baker.
Germany.
Reading.
Mechanic.
Reading.
North Reading.
Shoemaker.
Canada.
Stoneham.
Reading.
Reading.
Clerk.
South Andover.
Benjamin F. and Harriet. George and Betsey. Paul and Matilda. William and Betsey Ann. James D. and Rebecca W John and Nancy. Nelson and Experience. J. R. and Betsey.
Rev. Charles R. Bliss.
Rev. A. S. Gardiner.
Rev. Justin K. Richardson.
Rev. M. F. Flatley.
Rev. Wm. A. Thompson. Rev. Wm. A. Thompson.
Rev. E. B. Fairchild.
Rev. W. H. Hatch.
Rev. Wm. A. Thompson.
25.
Jewell Hovey Eaton.
Gertrude Maria Gleason.
26.
Walter A. Emerson. Ella M. Francis.
Dec. 1.
James O. McCorison. Ada O. Copeland.
22 23
Reading. North Reading. -
Cordwainer.
North Reading.
Norway, Me.
Clerk.
East Boston.
Reading.
Rev. Wm. A. Thompson.
..
23.
24.
.
21 20
Reading.
Cabinet-maker.
Reading.
28.
22 Reading.
18 Reading.
29
Boston.
Clockmaker.
30.
David Weston. Mary A. Hopkins.
26 Reading.
62
Reading.
42
Woburn.
Whole number of Marriages registered in 1874
NATIVITY OF PERSONS MARRIED.
Males.
Females. 36
United States Foreign
.
.
.
.
·
.
.
.
August and Sine. Joseph and Isabella. Charles H. and Eliza. Abraham S. and C. F. Tristram and Dorothy. Theodore H and Joan. Frederick and Margaret. James and Rose.
Groton.
24 24 23
32 31
Reading. Reading. Reading. Reading. North Reading. Stoneham. Stoneham.
22 19 22 Brookline, N.II.
Nov. 4.
27. Napoleon Morin. Cora A. Wheeler. Walter F. Cook. Lizzie A. Burrill.
5.
David H. Nichols.
42
Reading. Reading.
Mechanic.
Groton. North Reading. Reading.
Farmer.
Reading.
East Boston.
Clerk.
Bath, Me.
Reading.
Rev. W. H. Hatch.
5.
Daniel W. McIntire.
Elizabeth E. Morse.
.
7.
Benjamin F. Newell. L. Maria Lovejoy. Rodney H. Gleason. Julia R. Emerson. Charles A. Pitman. Annie P. Weston. Charles S. Gerritson. Nancy Emma Parker.
23
Reading.
Cabinet-maker.
Reading. Reading.
Exeter, N.H.
Woburn.
Rev. Wm. A. Thompson.
Rev. E. B. Fairchild.
Rev. William H. Willcox.
31.
Hiel J. Nelson.
Hannah E. Pearsons.
21
Reading.
50 23
24
North Reading. Reading.
21 Reading.
23 Reading.
23 Bath, Me.
18 22
North Reading. Reading.
23 Reading.
20
Reading.
Reading.
Druggist.
Reading. Boston.
Reading.
Farmer.
Sutton, N.H.
Woburn.
.
·
. 39
32
7
3
United States Officer.|
Clerk.
Denmark. Wakefield. New York. Greenport, N.Y. Boston.
8. William Libbey. Caroline F. Lunt.
14. John G. Smitlı. Mary E. Sullivan. 15. Wilmot K. Pratt. Sarah P. Flint.
Elizabeth B. Day.
Rev. William H. Willcox.
Rev. James K. Ewer.
Rev. William H. Willcox.
Rev. James K. Ewer.
Ebenezer and Sarah. Edward S. and Eliza. John A. and Arabella S. Antonio J. and Desire. James F. and Mary A. Elbridge and Ruth B. William C. and Jane. Alonzo and Lydia. Benj. F. and Elizabeth U. Daniel B and Mary A. Edward S. and Eliza. Henry A. and Emily P. Eben M. and Mary L. William M. and Abra A. Henry C. and Maria. Warren and Emily J. James and Rebecca B. Joseph B. and Mary J. Jonathan and Sally. William B. and Eliza M.
Cabinet-maker.
·
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
BOARD OF ENGINEERS
OF THE
READING FIRE DEPARTMENT
FOR
1874-75.
ENGINEER'S REPORT.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and the Citizens of Reading : -
IN submitting our Annual Report, we congratulate you on your escape from the ravages of fire during the past year. There have been but four alarms since our last Report. Three of these · were from brush-fires, and were all extinguished without the aid of the engines. The fourth alarm was occasioned by the burning of a new dwelling-house in the town of Wakefield, near the head of the lake. The Hook and Ladder Company, and Engine Company No. 4, responded to this alarm, and rendered efficient service. We consider the department in good condi- tion both in men and material, and, should occasion require, would be found equal to any, and second to no department of equal numbers. The force of the department is as follows : one engine, with hose-carriage attached, located on Woburn Street, with a company of forty men; one engine with two hose-carriages attached, located on Union Street, with a com- pany of sixty men; one hook-and-ladder truck, located on Middle Street, with a company of sixteen men. In addition, we have one small tub-engine, with hose-carriage attached, located on Ash Street, with a company of juvenile volunteers ; and one tub-engine (the old Union No. 1), which is in charge of S. A. Parker, Esq., at his mill on Pearl Street. Total number of men in the department, including the Board of Engineers, one hundred and twenty-one. The amount of leading hose is about two thousand feet, and is all in good condition. The hook- and-ladder carriage has been newly painted during the past year, and the Eagle Engine has received a coat of varnish. The house containing the hook-and-ladder truck is somewhat the
3
34
·
worse for wear; and we hope, at no distant day, to see a more commodious building erected for the use of the company. The water-supply has been increased the past year, by the building of a cistern at the corner of Parker and John Streets, capable of holding about eighteen thousand gallons. The engine house on Woburn Street, which was in process of construction at the close of last year, has been completed, and is now occupied by Hancock Engine Company No. 2. The building is two stories in height, substantially built, and is a credit to the town, and an ornament to the neighborhood in which it is located. The annual parade and inspection of the department took place on the 30th of September, and was witnessed by a large concourse of citizens of our own and surrounding towns ; and general satisfaction was expressed at the appearance of the men, and their efficiency in handling their apparatus. We believe the annual parade is beneficial to the department, and recommend the appropriation of one hundred dollars for that purpose the ensuing year.
The expenses of the department for the past year have been as follows : -
Paid Jona Frost, for rent of land for Washington engine- house for 1872-73, two years . $4 00
C. C. Cummings, for services as steward of Eagle Engine Company . 60 00
W. H. Baker, for repairs on engines in 1873 2 75
E. B. Eames, for repairs on hook and ladder in 1873 2 00 William Vermill, for care of hook and ladder truck 5 00
Charles A. Case, for drawing engine to fire
1 00
Arthur S. Richardson, for services as steward of Han- cock Engine Company to May 1, 1874 24 00
Charles H. Danforth, for services as Engineer 17 00
expenses to Lowell ·
3 50
Samuel Brown, for lettering coats for Fire Department, 1873 1 50
W. H. Chandler, for blank certificates of membership 5 50
N. W. Broad, for repairs on Eagle engine-house . 43 54
for troughs for oiling hose 18 40 ·
Smith and Lovett for coal cover and frame . ·
8 00
C. C. Cummings, for oiling hose .
8 00
J. C. Cook, setting glass and painting on Eagle
. engine-house . · 4 05
Amount carried forward,
$208 24
35
Amount brought forward, $208 24
Paid C. K. Littlefield, for oiling hose · 4 00
Members of Fire Department for the year ending May 1, 1874 . 1,200 32
Belt and Leather Stuffing Company, for oil for hose 90 13
David Crowell, for services as engineer
12 00
66 for expenses to Lowell . 3 00 ·
66 66 for clearing snow, and other labor 6 00
M. H. Garfield, for repairs and painting hook and lad- der carriage ·
68 75
66 66 for varnishing Eagle Engine 40 25
66 66 66 for lettering coats for Washington En- gine Company . 1 00
Packard and Burrill, for dusters
1 50
J. Hunneman, for varnish for hose 1 50
C. H. Danforth, for fireman's annual parade 100 00
G. W. Atkinson, for oil, sponge, and sundries 3 36
Samuel Brown, for labor on engine and ladders 11 00
Noyes Carleton, for labor on engines, 1873 .
1 25
C. H. Lang, for oil, keys, and express charges 5 15
E. E. Smith, for services as steward of Hancock En- gine Company to Feb. 1, . 35 00
for repairs of belt and clothing 1 00
H. F. Parker, for coal for Hancock and Eagle Engine Companies 8 75
John C. Stone, for platform to well, corner of Main and Summer Streets 15 00 W. M. Phillips, for platform to well on West Street, and at Engine House No. 2 . 17 52 Belt and Leather Stuffing Company, for hose oiler and tester 65 00
Alfred Hale and Company, for rubber coats 10 00 . Parker and Stone, for refreshments and nails. 4 88 John A Blunt, for ice-chisel, and repair of tools . 11 57 ·
G. W. Atkinson, for broom, oil, and chimneys 1 25
HI. E. Cox, for wood for Eagle Engine Company 1 00
Charles H. Lang, for services as chief engineer 25 00 ·
E. C. Nichols, for services as engineer 12 00
T. Littlefield, for services as engineer .
.
12 00
Hunneman and Company, for repairing hose 4 63
Appropriation unexpended . .
17 95
Appropriation
2,000 00
$2,000 00
1,982 05
.
36
There have been extensive improvements and repairs made the past year, which have caused us to use nearly all of the appropri- ation ; and, in view of the fact of every thing in the department being now in good repair and condition, we think, with the practice of economy, the expenses can be reduced the ensu- ing year three hundred dollars. We therefore recommend the appropriation of seventeen hundred ($1,700) dollars for the expenses of the department the ensuing year.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
CHARLES H. LANG, Chief Engineer.
E. C. NICHOLS,
D. CROWELL,
C. H. DANFORTH,
Assistants.
H. E. COX,
CHAS. H. DANFORTH, Clerk.
READING, March 15, 1875.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
PUBLIC LIBRARY
OF THE
TOWN OF READING
FOR
1874-75.
٦
REPORT.
Report of the Trustees of the Public Library of the Town of Reading, for 1874-75.
AT the annual town meeting, April 6, 1874, Messrs. F. H. Knight and Stephen Foster were re-elected trustees for three years. The terms of Messrs. E. Appleton and F. O. Dewey expire with the present year, necessitating an election at the approaching town meeting to fill the vacancies.
The condition of the Library is exhibited by the following abstract of the Report of the Librarian : -
Library re-opened Aug. 6, 1873, with volumes
3,179
Donations during the year,
E. Appleton, 2
Anna E. Appleton
13
Henry Deadman
3
State of Massachusetts
18 ·
Seventh Day Adventist Tract Society
2
Other sources
22
60
Added by purchase
253
3,492
Deduct worn out volumes
50
Volumes in library
.
3,442
Duplicates included
387
Number of volumes missing .
1
Number of books taken out
15,834
Increase over 1873
1,163
Number of persons using library
1,148
-
40
The financial transactions pertaining to the Library for the year stand as follows : -
Received from town treasurer, appropriation 66
$750 00
Dog tax, 1873 105 57
Librarian, fines, &c. ·
56 00
$911 57
Paid for books
$351 97
for binding
118 90
for printing catalogues
85 00
for printing cards
6 00
salary of librarian
112 25
insurance .
43 75
rent .
150 00
ventilators
9 00
express
25
balance due treasurer, 1873-74
10 44
Balance on hand
24 01
$911 57
Supplementary catalogues have been printed during the year, and can be obtained of the librarian, Miss Alice B. Temple.
The expenses for re-binding books have been greater than for the previous year. It is suggested that parents require their children to exercise due care in using the books while in their possession. More careful usage of the books we have will enable the trustees to purchase a greater number of new ones.
We would respectfully recommend that the town appropriate for the ensuing year a hundred and fifty dollars for rent of room, and five hundred dollars for library purposes ; the last amount being one hundred dollars less than the amount raised last year. Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD APPLETON, F. O. DEWEY, HIRAM BARRUS, WILLIAM PROCTOR, STEPHEN FOSTER, FRANCIS H. KNIGHT, J
Trustees.
READING, March 16, 1875.
.
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMITTEE.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
Paid for labor in the cemetery $297 45
Expense of finishing and pointing wall on Main St. 156 50
$453 95
Drawn from the town appropriations
$390 75
Received from sale of lots
51 00
Received from sale of cement
2 07
443 82
Balance due the committee 10 13
F. O. DEWEY,
F. H. KNIGHT,
G. C. GLEASON,
Committee.
W. S. RICHARDSON,
T. B. PRATT,
S. BANCROFT,
READING, March, 1975.
REPORT OF TRUSTEES ON SINKING FUND.
Amount assessed as per vote of the town $2,337 00
collected
1,883 00
uncollected
$454 00
paid on town debt
994 46
deposited in Reading Savings Bank
888 54
$2,337 00
JAMES REID,
JAMES A. BANCROFT, NATHAN P. PRATT,
Trustees.
WILLIAM PROCTOR, W. J. WIGHTMAN,
REPORT OF ROAD COMMISSIONERS.
THE undersigned, road commissioners of the town of Read- ing, would respectfully submit the following Report : -
The appropriation made at the last annual town meeting for the repair of highways was much smaller than for two years previous ; yet we think the condition of the highways gen- erally have been improved. The larger part of the money appropriated has been expended on streets outside of the vil- lage. After a thorough examination of the hill on Main Street, near the residence of Mr. W. M. Knight, we thought that it would be for the interest of the town to have the grade of the same reduced. We have, therefore, reduced the grade, and placed a part of the expense to account of extra highway work, as we did not think it right to take the whole amount from the sum raised for repairs of highways.
The citizens in the south part of the town have generously contributed toward building a sidewalk on Main Street, which has been graded as far as the residence of Mr. Jerome Parker. We would recommend the town to raise the sum of three hundred dollars, for the purpose of extending the same as far as the railroad.
We have repaired the old guide-boards, and have put up several new ones. We have also put up at the corners of the most prominent streets the names of the several streets, as a matter of public convenience.
For expenditures see Selectmen's Account.
We would recommend the following appropriations for the ensuing year : -
Repair of highways
$3,500 00
For flagstones
500 00
For reducing hill on Federal Street
200 00
For building Summer Street as per order of county commissioners
1,200 00
JAMES A. BANCROFT,
CHARLES A. WESTON, HENRY S. LACLAIR, . }
Road Commissioners.
READING, March 1, 1875.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF READING
FOR
1874-775.
REPORT.
THE promotions made in all the schools last fall, generally relieved the pressure of numbers in many of the lower classes. The new curriculum has met with gratifying success; but, in order to receive the full benefit of the same, promotions from class to class will need to be made oftener: this is necessary to enable the pupil to graduate from the high school at the proper age. The new course in the high school is highly satis- factory, and meets not only the approval of teachers, but the wants of pupils. The exercises in Lyceum Hall, at the high- school graduation in June last, indicated the practical tendency of the course, and also the warm co-operation of the principal in carrying out the theory of the committee, - to make of our high school a primary one for citizenship. All the schools below, are, almost without exception, laboring to the same end; and, with the correction of some evils which exist, we see no reason why Reading should not hold a high rank in the State, so far as her schools are concerned. We would suggest, as one means to this end, that, instead of thirty-six weeks' schooling, the terms be increased to secure thirty-eight weeks in all.
We abandon the plan of previous years, of giving individual reports, and limit ourselves to general statements. Nothing has occurred, other than general causes, to disturb the usual work of our schools. The severe weather and the measles have com- bined to lower the average attendance, and consequently impair the usefulness of the schools during the winter.
Having nothing to condemn on the part of the teachers, we content ourselves with warm commendation of their efforts.
The schoolhouses are in fair condition, - as good as can be
46
expected, till the poorer ones are replaced by new buildings. In a short time, the village will require a commodious structure for the accommodation of the grammar and lower schools. With the privilege of double sessions, in case of emergency, the pupils can be convened for a year or two longer.
The furnaces in the high school building should be over- hauled during the summer vacation.
In May last, the board voted to call Miss Wood's school the First Grammar, and Miss Knights's school the Second Grammar ; and these have been the official designations of those schools since the close of the school-year in June last.
A doubt having been raised as to the legality of the vote of the town last April, in reducing the number of the committee, we are satisfied that a vacancy has existed all the year in our Board; and, in order that the matter may be properly adjusted, we would recommend that the Board consist of the full number of six. The terms of three of our members expire with this year : therefore if our recommendation is heeded, as we trust it will be, the town must choose four members on the Board for the ensuing year, - two for three years, one for two years, and one for one year. The only members of the present Board re- maining are Mr. Barrus and Mr. Parker. In case the town should see fit to continue the number of the Board at six, we heartily commend the plan of apportioning the schools among the members : each member would then have two or three ' schools to attend to, and could visit them often enough to be thoroughly familiar with the work.
Unless the town authorizes the Board to appoint a superin- tendent, the above course seems the only one by which our schools can be visited as often as they should be.
By the time a member has spread himself over thirteen schools, his visits become so thin as to amount to but little.
If the Board is to be reduced, a superintendent is absolutely essential.
The generous action of the town at the last annual meeting enabled the committee to pay to the various teachers salaries more nearly adequate to the services rendered than heretofore.
It gives us great pleasure to report that we have carefully
47
applied the appropriation, and have over $1,200 unexpended, as will be seen by following statement : -
Amount expended for teachers, care
of rooms, and fuel
$10,541 15
Appropriation .
$11,000 00
School fund .
280 98
Received for tuition
30 00
11,310 98
Amount unexpended
$769 83
Appropriation for incidental school
expenses
$1,500 00
Expended
$1,025 12
Unexpended
474 88
1,500 00 $1,500 00
The total appropriation for schools last year was $12,500.
We recommend for the support of the schools the coming year an appropriation of $10,000 and the unexpended balance of $769.83; for incidental expenses an appropriation of $525.12 and the unexpended balance of $474.88.
These recommendations call for new appropriations, $2,000 less than those made last year.
The graduating exercises of the high school took place in Lyceum Hall, June 12, 1874, when diplomas were presented by Mr. Bancroft of the Board to the following graduates : -
MARION E. ANDREW. OSCAR PERLEY FOOTE.
NELLIE BANCROFT.
SADIE R. LINDSAY.
A. EVELYN BARROWS.
WILLIAM F. NICHOLS.
KATE L. BROWN.
CORA M. PRESCOTT.
SADIE L. DEWEY.
MARY L. STINCHFIELD.
CHARLES P. FOOTE.
LUCY WHEELOCK.
ELLA M. MELENDY.
LIZZIE E. WILKINS.
A beautiful original class pocm, entitled the " Snow Angel, " was recited by Miss Lucy Wheelock; while the sparkling wit of Miss Andrew in the Class Prophecy won generous applause.
The name of Mary L. Stinchfield must be added to the
48
increasing list of able valedictorians of the alumni, and her effort be classed among the most satisfactory.
In the Report for 1868, the name of Julia F. Weston was accidentally omitted from the list of graduates for the previous year.
Respectfully submitted.
CARROLL D. WRIGHT, } HIRAM BARRUS, WM. J. WIGHTMAN, WALTER S. PARKER, SOLON BANCROFT,
Committee.
READING, March 16, 1875.
Separata-
hexcalentar 7000 Roads 3000
Sumer St
1200
Time Defiendenet+7000
Cemetery 300 Interest 4400
Décoration
1000
Jun Expenses 8000 =
2840
28.7
:
:
-
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.