USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1909 > Part 2
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73
10
5
Railroad Accident.
Dec. 20
Henry C. Gerritson
91
6
14
Broncho-Pneumonia
Dec. 20
Celia A. Dennison.
68
8
7
Pneumonitis.
Dec. 22
Nancy M. Johnson
93
5
16 Arterio-Sclerosis
Dec. 24
Judith A. Marshall
81
3
28 Heart Disease
Dec. 27
Caroline A. Prescott
82
10
10
Bronchitis
Dec. 30
Louise Sleeper
9
27
Bronchitis.
Dec. 30
Helen G. Muise
1
0
0
Pneumonia
Whole number of deaths, 88. Males 44; Females 44. Born in United States, Males 40; Females 40. Foreign born, Males 4; Females 4.
TOWN MEETINGS IN THE YEAR 1909 1
ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION, MARCH 1, 1909.
Reading, Mass., March 1, 1909.
Pursuant to the foregoing warrant and the Constable's return thereon a Town Election was held at the place and time therein specified. The meeting was called to order by the Town Clerk, Millard F. Charles. Prayer was offered by Rev. William H. Parker. The warrant was read by the Town Clerk, also the Constable's return thereon.
The following ballot clerks were duly sworn by the Town Clerk : Chester C. Richardson, Horace E. Eames, Samuel Rounds, Frank E. Gray, Charles E. Mellen.
Art. 1. To choose a Moderator to preside at said meeting.
Proceeded to vote for Moderator. The ballot was duly opened and closed with the following result : Elmer E. Knight received seven votes; William I. Ruggles received four votes. Elmer E. Knight was declared duly elected Moderator. The polls were declared open after the ballot box had been examined and declared empty.
The ballots were duly delivered to the Moderator, who receipted to the Town Clerk for the same. The keys of the ballot box were delivered to the Constable in charge, Herbert G. Stock.
The following tellers were duly sworn by the Moderator : Walter K. Badger, Ralph L. Mears, John F. Sawyer, John Con- nelly, James A. Freeman, Charles H. Stinchfield, Spencer G. Stewart, Henry M. Donegan, Thomas F. Devaney, James A. Waters, Harry E. Smith, John D. Canty.
Voted to close the polls at four o'clock and fifteen minutes P. M. The polls were declared closed at the above-mentioned time. Eleven
22
hundred and twenty-six ballots were declared cast, which agreed with the number on register of ballot box and with names checked on voting lists as having voted, 1114 men and 12 women having voted. The following is the result of the ballot as declared : -
TOWN CLERK
Millard F. Charles, 66 Bancroft ave.
677
Blanks
437
SELECTMEN
Oliver L. Akerley, 65 Woburn st. 614
William W. Atkinson, 20 Ash st. 339
James W. Killam, 16 Arlington st.
631
Frederic D. Merrill, 107 Haven st.
534
George L. Pratt, 71 Salem st.
606
Robert C. Totten, 7 Ash st.
160
Blanks
460
OVERSEERS OF POOR
Oliver L. Akerley, 65 Woburn st. .
581
William W. Atkinson, 20 Ash st.
323
James W. Killam, 16 Arlington st.
6:28
Frederic W. Merrill, 107 Haven st.
517
George L. Pratt, 71 Salem st.
592
Robert C. Totten, 7 Ash st.
159
Blanks
542
ASSESSOR FOR THREE YEARS
Millard F. Charles, 66 Bancroft ave.
637
George E. Horrocks, 25 Pleasant st.
422
Blanks
55
TREASURER
Edgar N. Hunt, 125 Summer ave. .
468
Ward C. Mansfield, 49 Prescott st.
559
Blanks
87
-
V
1
23
COLLECTOR OF TAXES
Merrick A. Stone, 79 Woburn st. . 517
Herbert M. Viall, 42 Bancroft ave. .
564
Blanks
33
BOARD OF HEALTH FOR THREE YEARS
Calvert H. Playdon, 8 Gould st.
891
Blanks
.
223
CONSTABLES
Herbert G. Stock, 8 Ash st. 785
John Stock, Belmont st. .
540
J. Winthrop Sias, 67A Salem st. 416
Blanks
487
WATER COMMISSIONER FOR THREE YEARS
Harry P. Bosson, 53 Prescott st.
. 416
George A. Shackford, 118 Ash st ..
600
Blanks 98
MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD FOR THREE YEARS
George L. Flint, 42 Highland st.
525
John F. Turner, 147 Woburn st.
507
Blanks 82
TRUSTEES LAUREL HILL CEMETERY FOR THREE YEARS
Alfred W. Danforth, 25 Woburn st.
583
J. Woodward Manning, 128 High st.
770
George E. Pierce, 72 Prescott st. 517
Blanks 357
TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY FOR THREE YEARS
Henry C. Parker, 40 Chute st. 824
Grace L. Twombly, 35 Highland st. .
820
Blanks
584
SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR THREE YEARS
Edwin L. Hutchinson, 6 Grove st. .
576
Charles A. Loring, 129 Summer ave. · · .
648
.
·
24
Ansel S. Richards, 201 Summer ave.
550
Blanks
778
AUDITORS
Arthur W. Bancroft, 45 West st. . 741
Edward F. Parker, Jr., 3 Salem st. 804
Carl M. Spencer, 33 Bancroft ave. .
728
Herbert A. Tibbetts, 121 High st. .
270
Blanks
799
TREE WARDEN
William Welch Davis, 94 Orange st. 291
Guy A. Hubbard, 255 Main st.
687
Blanks . · 137
Shall licenses be granted for the sale of intoxicating liquors ?
Yes
. 186
No
746
Shall the Town accept the provisions of Chapter 476, of the Acts of 1908, entitled " An Act relative to vacations of members of the Police Department " ?
Yes 410
No
170
Blanks
534
Shall the Town accept the provisions of Section 5, Chapter 209, of the Acts of 1908, entitled " An Act to provide for the pro- tection of forest or sprout lands from fire " ?
Yes
553
No
56
Blanks
505
The votes were counted in open Town Meeting and the result declared by the Moderator. Then the votes were sealed and delivered to the Town Clerk; whereupon it was voted to adjourn.
A true copy, attest : MILLARD F. CHARLES,
Town Clerk.
25
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING, MARCH 1, 1909.
READING, MARCH 1, 1909.
Pursuant to the foregoing warrant and the Constable's return thereon, a Town Meeting was held at the place and time therein specified. The meeting was called to order by the Town Clerk, Millard F. Charles. The warrant was partially read, whereupon a motion was made and it was voted to dispense with further reading of the warrant except the Constable's return.
Article 1. To choose a Moderator to preside at said meeting.
Art. 1. Proceeded to the Election of a Moderator. Willie E. Twombly and James W. Killam were appointed a committee to check and receive and count the votes cast. They reported as follows: Whole number of ballots cast, 174; George L. Flint had 107; Elmer E. Knight had 67. George L. Flint was declared elected Moderator.
Art. 2. To hear and act on the reports of the Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor, Assessors, Treasurer, Collector of Taxes, School Committee, Water Commissioners, Municipal Light Board, Engineers of Fire Department, Trustees of the Cemetery, Trustees of the Public Library, Auditors, Board of Health, Finance Com- mittee, Tree Warden and Special Committees.
Art. 2. Voted to lay on the table.
Art. 3. To choose all other Town Officers, and to determine what instructions they will give the Town Officers.
Art. 3. Voted that the Selectmen act as Fence Viewers. Voted that the Selectmen be instructed to appoint an Inspector of Wires in accordance with Chapter 122, Section 18, of the Revised Laws.
Voted that the Collector be instructed to collect all taxes (so far as possible) on or before October 1, and upon all taxes unpaid at that time to add interest at six per cent. per annum from said date until paid, and also to collect all taxes unpaid Jan. 1, forthwith, by process of law, unless delinquents procure an order from the Selectmen releasing them from immediate payment.
26
Voted that the Board of Selectmen have full power to settle the case of Grace Ticknor vs. the Town of Reading, in the case of alleged injuries on sidewalk on the North Side of Harnden st., next the Common near Salem st.
Art. 3. Voted to lay on the table.
Art. 4. To determine how much money the Town will raise and appropriate for Schools, Incidental School Expenses, Repairs of Highways, Bridges and Sidewalks, Sprinkling Streets, Removing Snow and Ice, Concrete Sidewalks and Edgestones (provided abutters pay one-half), Fire Department, Police Department, Moth Department, Forest Warden, Support of Poor, Salaries of Town Officers, State and Military Aid, Soldiers' Relief, Printing, Abate- ment of Taxes, Town Buildings, Cemetery, Public Library, Memo- rial Day, Board of Health, Care of Old South Clock, Interest Account, Care and Improvement of Common, Mayall Park and Elm Park, Election Expenses, Concrete Work, Miscellaneous Expenses, Tree Warden and Rent of Playground.
Art. 4.
Voted to raise and appropriate for General School Ex- penses . . $30,000 00
Voted to raise and appropriate for Incidental School Ex- penses . 5,000 00
Voted to raise and appropriate for Highways, Bridges and Sidewalks 4,000 00 Voted to raise and appropriate for Sprinkling Highways 450 00
Voted that the amount necessary for Removing Snow and Ice be taken from the regular appropriation for Highways, Bridges and Sidewalks.
Voted that the amount necessary for Concrete Edge- stones and Sidewalks (provided abutters pay one- half) be taken from the regular appropriation for Highways, Bridges and Sidewalks.
Voted to raise and appropriate for the Fire Department 5,500 00 Voted to raise and appropriate for the Police Department 3,800 00
27
Voted to raise and appropriate for the Moth Department 2,096 00 Voted to raise and appropriate for the Forest Fire Warden · 150 00
Voted to raise and appropriate for Support of Poor 3,000 00 Voted to raise and appropriate for Salaries of Town Officers . 3,500 00
Voted to raise and appropriate for State and Military Aid 2,500 00 ·
Voted to raise and appropriate for Soldiers' Aid 1,000 00
Voted to raise and appropriate for Printing . 700 00 Voted to raise and appropriate for Abatement of Taxes 800 00
Voted to raise and appropriate for Town Building 500 00
Voted to raise and appropriate for Care of the Cemetery 1,100 00
Voted to raise and appropriate for the Public Library . 1,000 00 (and appropriate the proceeds of the dog tax).
Voted to raise and appropriate for Memorial Day . 175 00
(to be expended by Post 194, G. A. R.).
Voted to raise and appropriate for the Board of Health 600 00
Voted to appropriate fifty dollars from the Miscellaneous Expenses for the care of the Old South Clock 50 00
Voted to raise and appropriate for Interest Account
1,000 00
Voted to raise and appropriate for Care of the Common, Mayall and Elm Parks 125 00
Voted to raise and appropriate for Election Expenses 300 00
Voted that the amount of money necessary for Concrete Work be appropriated from amount raised and appropriated for Highways, Bridges and Sidewalks. Voted to raise and appropriate for Miscellaneous Ex- penses 1,000 00
Voted to raise and appropriate for Rent of Playground . 342 00
Voted to raise and appropriate for Tree Warden for General Work 150 00
for the Elm Beetle . .
200 00
28
Art. 4. Voted to lay on the table.
Art. 5. To see what sum the Town will raise and appropriate, with the receipts of the Municipal Light and Power Department for the year 1909, for maintenance, operation, repairs, and new construction of said plant, and for payment of Bonds, Interest and Depreciation due by said plant during this year, or what they will do in relation thereto.
Art. 5. Voted to lay on the table.
Art. 6. To see if the Town will authorize the Municipal Light Board to charge the street lighting to the Town at cost per kilowatt, or what they will do in relation thereto.
Art. 6. Voted to authorize the Municipal Light Board to charge the Town of Reading for lights used on its streets per kilowatt at actual cost.
Art. 5. Voted to take up this article.
Art. 5. Voted that ten thousand five hundred dollars be raised and appropriated for street lighting during the year 1909, and this amount, together with the receipts of the Municipal Light and Power Department for the year 1909, be appropriated for main- tenance, operation, repairs, and new construction of said plant, and for payment of bonds, interest; and that three thousand three hundred and seventy-three dollars be appropriated from the receipts of the plant for depreciation of said plant for the fiscal year 1909.
Voted that Articles 7 and 8 be considered together.
Art. 7. To see if the Town will authorize the Municipal Light Board to extend its lines to the Town of Lynnfield, or what they will do in relation thereto.
Art. 8. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of twenty-five hundred dollars ($2,500) to extend the lines of the Municipal Light and Power Department to the Town of Lynnfield, or what they will do in relation thereto.
Art. 7 and 8. Voted that the Municipal Light Board be authorized to extend their lines into the Town of Lynnfield, pro- vided advantageous contracts can be made for the use of the light,
29
and that to cover the expense of said extension, the Treasurer be authorized to borrow under the direction of the Selectmen a sum not exceeding ($2,500), and to issue the notes of the Town therefor bearing interest at a rate not exceeding four per cent.
By vote 101 voted Yes and none No, and it was declared a unanimous vote.
Art. 9. To see if the Town will authorize the Municipal Light Board to install a forty (40) candle-power series incandescent lamp opposite No. 15 Sanborn street, and how much money they will raise and appropriate for that purpose, or what they will do in relation thereto.
Art. 9. Voted to authorize the Municipal Light Board to install a forty candle-power series incandescent lamp opposite No. 15 Sanborn street, and that amount necessary be taken from regular Municipal Light appropriation.
Art. 10. To see if the Town will authorize the Municipal Light Board to install a street light at the corner of Chute and Mt. Vernon streets, and how much money they will raise and appro- priate for that purpose, or what they will do in relation thereto.
Art. 10. Voted to authorize the Municipal Light Board to install a forty candle-power incandescent lamp at the corner of Chute and Mt. Vernon streets, and that the amount of money necessary be taken from regular Municipal Light appropriation.
Art. 11. To see if the Town will authorize the Municipal Light Board to install a street light on Kingston street, midway between Middlesex avenue and Mt. Vernon street.
Art. 11. Voted to authorize the Municipal Light Board to install two forty candle-power incandescent lamps on Kingston street, and that the amount of money necessary be taken from Municipal Light appropriation.
Art. 12. To see what instructions the Town will give the Municipal Light Board in regard to the insurance at the lighting plant, or what action they will take in regard to same.
Art. 12. Voted to indefinitely postpone.
30
Art. 13. To determine how much money the Town will raise and appropriate for service pipes, hydrant rental, water for drinking fountains, water for street sprinkling, interest on water loan and maintenance of water works, or what they will do in relation thereto.
Art. 13. Voted that the Town raise and appropriate five thousand and forty dollars for hydrant rentals, five hundred dollars for water for street sprinkling, three hundred dollars for water for drinking fountains, a total of five thousand eight hundred and forty dollars ($5,840), and that the above-named sums, together with the receipts for water, be appropriated for interest on the water loans, maintenance of water works and service pipes, and that one thousand dollars be paid to the Town Treasurer to be used in part payment of the water bonds.
Art. 14. To see if the Town will authorize the Water Com- missioners to lay a water main in Haven street, between Main and Parker streets, or what they will do in relation thereto.
Art. 14. Voted that the Water Commissioners be authorized to lay a water main on Haven street between Main and Parker streets, and that eight hundred and sixty dollars ($860) be raised and appropriated for that purpose.
Art. 15. To see if the Town will authorize the Board of Water Commissioners to extend the water main on South street in order to connect with the water main on West street, and provide suitable hydrants for the protection of property in that section against fire, and how much money they will raise and appropriate for that purpose, or what they will do in relation thereto.
Art. 15. Voted to refer to Water Commissioners for further investigation, and to report at an adjourned Town Meeting.
Art. 16. To authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow during the municipal year beginning January 1, in anticipation of the collection of taxes for said year, such sums of money as may be necessary for the current expenses of the Town, but not exceeding the total tax levy for said year,
31
giving the notes of the Town therefor, payable within one year from the dates thereof. All debts incurred under authority of this vote shall be paid from the taxes of the present municipal year.
Art. 16. Voted that the Treasurer be and hereby is authorized, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, to borrow during the municipal year beginning January 1, 1909, in anticipation of the collection of taxes, the sum of one hundred thousand dollars (such sums of money as may be necessary for the current expenses of the Town, but not exceeding the total tax levy for said year), giving the notes of the Town therefor, payable within one year of the date thereof. All debts incurred under the authority of this vote shall be paid from the taxes of the present municipal year.
Voted to adjourn until Monday evening at 7.45 o'clock, March 8, 1909.
MILLARD F. CHARLES, Town Clerk.
ADJOURNED TOWN MEETING, MARCH 8, 1909.
Pursuant to adjournment March 1, 1909, a Town Meeting was held and called to order by the Moderator, George L. Flint.
Art. 3. Voted to take from the table.
Art. 3. Voted that Asa Parker, Herbert G. Stock and Willard A. Bancroft serve the Town as Field Drivers for the year ensuing.
Voted that William C. Smith act as Pound Keeper for the ensuing year.
Voted that the Selectmen be authorized to appoint Measurers of Wood and Bark and Weighers of Coal and Hay, etc.
Voted that Ora L. Milbury, Wendell Bancroft, Joseph W. Killam, Warren M. Whitehouse, Samuel Brown, William R. Zwicker, Burton K. Symonds, Edward B. Eames and George L. Flint serve as Surveyors of Lumber for the ensuing year.
32
Voted that the Board of Selectmen have full power to settle the case of Fred Field vs. the Town of Reading in a suit for damages.
Art. 3. Voted to lay on the table.
Art. 35. Voted to take up.
Art. 35. To see what instructions the Town will give the Board of Selectmen in relation to filling vacancies on the Finance Committee of the five members whose terms expire this year.
Voted that the Selectmen be instructed not to appoint any member of a department or town officer in filling vacancies which may occur in the Finance Committee.
Art. 3. Voted to take from the table.
Art. 3. Voted that the Selectmen be instructed not to appoint any member of a department or town officer in filling any vacancy or vacancies which may occur in the Finance Committee.
Art. 3. Voted to lay on the table.
Art. 17. To determine the compensation of the Collector.
Art. 17. Voted that the compensation of the Collector shall be one-half of one per cent. on collections and postage expended in collecting the same.
Art. 18. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of fifty dollars ($50) for the purpose of furnishing electricity for lighting Grand Army Hall on Haven street, or what they will do in relation thereto.
Art. 18. Voted that fifty dollars be appropriated to furnish electricity for Grand Army Hall from amount raised and appropri- ated for Miscellaneous Expenses.
Art. 19. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of three thousand eight hundred and thirty-five dollars to meet the interest on School House Notes and Bonds.
Art. 19. Voted to raise and appropriate for Interest on School House Bonds and Notes three thousand eight hundred and thirty- five dollars ($3,835).
33
Art. 20. To see what action the Town will take to meet the payment of the High School House Lot Note for two thousand dollars due April 21, 1909.
Art. 20. Voted to raise and appropriate to pay High School House Lot Note for two thousand dollars ($2,000).
Art. 21. To see what action the Town will take to meet the payment on the High School House Note for three thousand dollars due August 1, 1909.
Art. 21. Voted to raise and appropriate to pay Highland School House Bond Note for three thousand dollars ($3,000).
Art. 22. To see what action the Town will take to meet the payment of the High School House Note for five thousand dollars due November 1, 1909.
Art. 22. Voted to raise and appropriate to pay High School House Note for five thousand dollars ($5,000).
Art. 23. To see what action the Town will take to meet the payment on High School House Note for one thousand dollars due December 3, 1909.
Art. 23. Voted to raise and appropriate to pay High School House Note for one thousand dollars ($1,000).
Art. 24. To see what action the Town will take to meet the payment of the High School House Note for one thousand dollars due December 21, 1909.
Art. 24. Voted to raise and appropriate to pay High School House Lot Note for one thousand dollars ($1,000).
Art. 25. To see if the Town will purchase land for a play- ground, and how much money they will raise and appropriate or otherwise provide for that purpose, or what they will do in relation thereto.
Art. 25. Voted to indefinitely postpone.
Art. 26. To see if the Town will authorize the Board of Selectmen to concrete the sidewalk on the north side of Woburn street, from Temple street running easterly to the present concrete,
34
and how much money they will raise and appropriate for that pur- pose, or what they will do in relation thereto.
Art. 26. Voted to instruct the Selectmen to concrete the side- walk on the north side of Woburn street from Temple street, run- ning easterly to the present concrete, provided abutters pay one- half, and the amount necessary in addition be taken from appropria- tion for Highways, Bridges and Sidewalks.
Art. 27. To see if the Town will authorize the Board of Select- men to build a sidewalk on the westerly side of Belmont street, and how much money they will raise and appropriate for that purpose, or what they will do in relation thereto.
Art. 27. Voted that the Selectmen be instructed to build a sidewalk on the westerly side of Belmont street, and that the amount necessary be taken from the regular appropriation for Highways, Bridges and Sidewalks.
Art. 28. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars for the purpose of properly draining Pleasant street, from its junction with Main to Parker street, or what they will do in relation thereto.
Art. 28. Voted to refer to Selectmen with instructions to investigate in regard to the subject matter of this Article.
Art. 29. To see if the Town will vote to purchase one thou- sand feet of fire hose, and how much money they will. raise and appropriate for that purpose, or what they will do in relation thereto.
Art 29. Voted to raise and appropriate to purchase one thou- sand feet of fire hose, $600.
Art. 30. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars to lay a floor in the room which is occupied by Hook and Ladder No. 1, or what they will do in relation thereto.
Art. 30. Voted to raise and appropriate to lay a floor in Hook and Ladder Room, Town Building, $150.
Art. 31. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the
.
35
sum of twelve hundred dollars for the purpose of laying out and preparing a portion of the new land in Laurel Hill Cemetery for burial purposes, or what they will do in relation thereto.
Art. 31. Voted to raise and appropriate for laying out new lots in Laurel Hill Cemetery, $1,200.
Art. 32. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) to purchase the Bank Building and land at the corner of Main and Pleasant streets, now owned by the estate of the late William Proctor, to be used by the Town for town offices, or for any other public purpose, at a price not exceeding ninety-seven hundred dollars ($9,700), the assessed valuation of said property ; and to repair and make such alterations and additions to said building as in such manner the Town shall deem meet, or do anything else in relation thereto.
Art. 32. Voted to indefinitely postpone.
Art. 33. To see if the Town will vote to furnish creosote free to citizens of the Town to paint gypsy moth nests, or what they will do in relation thereto.
Art. 33. Voted that the Town furnish creosote free to citizens of the Town to paint gypsy moth nests.
Art. 34. To hear and act on the report of the Selectmen in relation to guide posts, and to determine if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of fifty dollars for the repair of the same.
List of Guide Posts read by the Town Clerk.
Voted to accept report of Selectmen, and that fifty dollars be appropriated from amount raised and appropriated for Miscellaneous Expenses to keep Guide Boards and Posts in repair.
Art. 3. Voted to take from the table.
Art. 3. Voted that the Overseers of the Poor be instructed to further investigate in regard to combining in care of the poor with the towns of North Reading and Wilmington.
Art. 3. Voted to lay on the table.
Art. 4. Voted to take from the table.
36
Art. 4. Voted that the Trustees of the Cemetery be instructed to pay to the Town Treasurer all money received for sale of lots.
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