USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1914 > Part 4
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Aug. 15
Oct.
Oct. 18
REPORT OF SELECTMEN
TO THE CITIZENS OF READING :
. The Selectmen submit herewith their annual report.
HIGHWAYS
It must be apparent to the citizens that the ever in- creasing automobile traffic has inade necessary an improve- ment in the old method of highway construction.
Pleasure cars are continually increasing in number and the heavy type of motor trucks is now commonly used for the transportation of freight. This not only increases the maintenance charges on macadam roads but has worn out many of the gravel roads to such an extent that in a great many places the surface has entirely disappeared and noth- ing but rock remains.
Woburn St., from the railroad crossing to Lowell St., is in poor condition and improvements there should not longer be delayed.
Your board feels that it is not only a duty but it is im- perative that this matter be laid squarely before the citi- zens and under another heading gives its recommendations.
Summer Ave. has been graded with gravel from Oak St. south about 1500 feet. After the completion of this work there was an unusually long drought of 47 days and during that time heavy motor trucks used this highway for the transportation of stone to Main St., where extensive repairs were being made by the Highway Commission. This
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resulted in tearing up the new grading, which left the road in a deplorable condition and caused justifiable criticism.
The Highway Commission was appealed to but nothing could be done. As soon as practical this road was regraded and placed in good condition.
A distance of 800 feet on South St., 1100 feet on Hop- kins St., and 1700 feet on Walnut St., has been graded with gravel.
Haverhill St. has been rebuilt with gravel from Pine St. north 3000 feet, at an average width of 18 feet. This work was performed by vote of the Town.
Another section of Lowell St. has been constructed under the general supervision of the Highway Commission.
Including the appropriation of 1913, there has been ex- pended on this work to date 89000, the Town receiving one- half of this amount from the State under the Small Town Act. It is hoped to receive another allotment next year so as to continue the macadam to the Square.
The County Commissioners gave a hearing upon petition of the citizens praying that $2000 of the County funds be expended on this work. It was ordered that one-third of that amount be used and it is the intention of your board to handle this matter in the warrant.
The old macadam on Prescott St. has been resurfaced and new macadam carried 250 feet west. High St., between Haven St. and Washington St., has been macadamized.
Considerable repair work has been done on Pearl St., Harrison St., from Salem St. to Orange St., Grove St., Lin- den St., Woburn St., Copeland Ave. and several other places.
Prescott St. has been widened but much remains to be done here in the spring.
For the detail of construction work which has been per- formed during the year we respectfully refer you to the re- port of the Superintendent of Streets.
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For the information of the citizens we give below a statement showing the number of miles and type of roads which it is necessary to maintain.
Kind of Road
Length in miles
Average width in feet
Unimproved roads
3
10
Improved roads, graded and drained
45
18
Dirt roads
14%
18
Gravel roads
21
18
Plain macadam
3
16
Bituminous macadam
22
15
Macadam with oil or tar surface coat
7
15
Total number miles of road, 48.
E. H. Crowe was reappointed Superintendent of Streets. He thoroughly understands the various methods of highway construction, and we leave it to the impartial judgment of the townspeople whether or not the streets are in good con- dition considering the amount of money available for their use.
NEW STREETS
Regulations should be adopted in the immediate future setting forth in detail the requirements necessary for new streets before their acceptance is voted upon by the Town. This is not only to safeguard the interests of the Town as a whole, but also those citizens who might purchase land in private ways and erect buildings only to find that they must lose some of their land before recommendation for acceptance for regular town ways would be made.
DUST LAYING
At the beginning of the season this board purchased a Studebaker oil cart with a Kenney power distributor attached, which proved a great success in the economical application of the oil. With the $3000 available for this purpose 53,498 gallons of oil were used, taking care of most of the streets. There is a question whether it would be advisable to continue using the light oils or to apply the
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45 % asphalt oil, which not only acts as a dust layer but also a road preservative. Asphalt oil was used during the season on Summer Ave.
DRAINAGE
The question of drainage is continually presenting vex- atious problems to solve. Where surface water formerly ran without annoyance or complaint now stand residences with well kept grounds. Such changes are continually taking place.
SIDEWALKS
It is a well known fact that this Town is urgently in need of sidewalks. Residences have been erected in va- rious parts of the Town within a comparatively short space of time which have materially increased its valuation, and yet the townspeople are obliged to wade through mud during certain seasons of the year to reach their homes. Streets which are the main arteries of travel to populous neighbor- hoods should be equipped with tar concrete sidewalks (esti- mated expense of tar concrete at prevailing prices in 1914, 55 cents per square yard, granolithic $1.25 to $2.00 per square yard) which expense should be borne wholly by the Town. When the abutters pay 50% of the cost it simply means an expense to the Town for sidewalks which benefit a few of its inhabitants. As a rule such sidewalks are laid in the outlying districts. For this reason and also for fear that the vote at the last annual meeting was not properly recorded your board assumed the responsibility in not expending the $500 voted for new sidewalks, and this ques- tion will be brought before the citizens in March for further consideration.
There have been 3019 square yards of old concrete re- paired at an average cost of 35 cents per square yard.
The $100 voted at the last annual meeting to build a sidewalk on the west side of Main St. to the Stoneham line was not expended. This work was not done as it was not possible to reach an agreement with the Engineers of the
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Highway Commission over the crossing of an open ditch. We are in hopes that this matter can be adjusted early in the spring.
STREET SIGNS
Instead of the present method of attaching enamel signs to telephone poles or convenient structures, suitable signs attached to permanent standards made especially for the purpose should be installed on many of the streets when conditions warrant.
GUIDE POSTS
Guide posts or suitable substitutes are maintained at the following locations :
Corner Walnut street and South street.
Walnut street and Summer avenue.
66 Main street and Summer avenue.
Woburn street and Summer avenue.
66 West street and Summer avenue.
West street and Woburn street.
60 Lowell street and Willow street (2).
Lowell street and High street.
66 Lowell street and Middlesex avenue.
Grove street and Franklin street.
Main street and Franklin street.
60 Mill street and Short street.
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Franklin street and Haverhill street.
6€
Charles street and Haverhill street.
66 Haverhill street and Pine street.
Pine street and Salem street.
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Charles street and Pearl street.
66 Charles street and Main street.
Main street and Pearl street.
66 Main street and Salem street.
66 Salem street and Lowell street.
66 Woburn street and Lowell street (2).
Salem street and Harnden street.
66 Main street and Pleasant street.
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Corner Pleasant street and Parker street.
Haven street and Village street.
Haven street and Ash street.
Main street and Ash street.
Middlesex avenue and High street.
Main street on the Common.
Harnden street near Pleasant street.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
The present members of the force were reappointed and have not only rendered efficient service, but they have cooperated with this board so as to assure the enforcement of law and the protection of property.
Traffic regulations are being considered and it is hoped these will be adopted in the near future.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Capt. Frank E. Gray handed in his resignation from the Board of Engineers, owing to his appointment to an import- ant position, which was reluctantly accepted.
Wm. R. Zwicker was appointed to fill the vacancy.
MOTH DEPARTMENT
This department has been handled in an efficient man- ner and to the satisfaction of the State Dept. having super- vision over this work.
Supt. Henry M. Donegan has been reappointed and this Board appreciates the services he has rendered.
BUILDING LAWS
The Building Laws were approved on Oct. 29th and made necessary the appointment of an Inspector and Board of Appeal.
After careful consideration Robert E. Parker was ap- pointed Inspector of Buildings, and we feel that it is fortu- nate that his services are available. Both his education and training have been such as to fit him for this important posi- tion.
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Mahlon E. Brande, James H. Carleton and Joseph S. Temple were appointed members of the Board of Appeal.
Under advice of Counsel this board settled with The Malden & Melrose Gas Light Company for $500 on account of the destruction of twenty-four trees by gas.
The suit of Adelbert E. Batchelder against this Town is still pending and there is nothing to report.
FINANCES
There has been a net decrease of the Town Debt for the fiscal year of $23,400, as follows :
Notes and bonds maturing in 1914
. $32,400 00
Less amounts borrowed :
Municipal Light loans
9,000 00
Net decrease .
$23,400 00
Town debt Dec. 31, 1913
$366,800 00
Town debt Dec. 31, 1914 343,400 00
Net decrease . $23,400 00
We will be compelled to raise by taxation for notes and bonds this year $16,500, a decrease of $1,225 over 1913.
Maturing in 1914 $32,400 00 Less amounts paid :
By Water Dept. . . $3,000 00
By M. L. Dept. . 9,000 00
From available Rev. .
2,200 00
From Grouard Est. Income 475 00
$14,675 00
$17,725 00
Maturing in 1915
$30,200 00
Less amounts paid :
By Water Dept. . $3,000 00
By M. L. Dept. .
9,500 00
From available Rev.
.
1,200 00
$13,700 00
$16,500 00
Decrease
· $1,225 00
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It may be of interest to know that the last note of $3,000 on the Highland School matured this year.
Larger appropriations in many departments are asked for, in order to maintain their proper efficiency, and while we are desirous of having as low a tax rate as possible, at the same time we believe that the rate, with a fair and equitable valuation, should be large enough to give to the departments the amounts necessary for their proper admin- istration. The good reputation of a town depends to a great extent upon its ability to protect its persons and property, the conservation of its public health, the education of its children, its highways and sidewalks, and its municipal in- dustries.
We would recommend that the Town create a reserve fund, as provided by Chapter 645 of the Acts of 1913, to provide for extraordinary or unforseen expenditures. An article for its creation will be found in the Annual Warrant.
RECOMMENDATIONS
That Woburn St. be macadamized [from the railroad crossing to Lowell St. Estimated expense, $3000.
That Summer Ave. be macadamized from Mineral St. to Prescott St. Estimated expense $3500.
That Haven St. be rebuilt from Main St. to John St. Estimated expense $1400.
That the gravel grading on Haverhill St. be continued. Expense $1000.
That $2,666.66 be raised and appropriated for continu- ing the work of macadamizing Lowell St., provided the State appropriates a like amount.
That new concrete sidewalks be built on Prescott St., from Arlington St. west about 900 feet; on Woburn St. fron Odd Fellows' Hall to Lowell St .; on Harnden St. from property of Oliver W. Austin to Salem St. Estimated ex- pense, $1500.
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The work of rebuilding the highways referred to above should be done as soon as practical after sewers are disposed of.
CONCLUSION
It has been the policy of this board to keep in close touch with the various State Boards and Commissions and to conduct the business of the office promptly.
It is realized that improvements are always in order, and there are yet many things which remain to be accom- plished.
The friendly criticisms and valued advice of many citi- zens have been and are appreciated.
The co-operation and courtesy of the different boards of the Town are hereby acknowledged, and to the employes of the Town for the interest in their work this board also acknowledges its appreciation.
OTIS B. RUGGLES EDWIN L. HUTCHINSON EDGAR O. DEWEY Selectmen of Reading.
REPORT OF THE OVERSEERS OF THE POOR
TO THE CITIZENS OF READING :
The Overseers submit herewith their report :
Assistance rendered the outside poor is practically the same as last year. More attention should be given and an improvement shown in the investigation of the surroundings and condition of all persons requiring aid in order that the duties pertaining to this important matter can be properly performed. This question is being considered by your Board.
There are six inmates at the Town Home. Two persons have been admitted and there were two deaths.
The home has been equipped with new shades in nearly all rooms. Electric lights have been installed in four rooms, thus making the entire house so lighted. A vacuum cleaner has been added to the equipment and one additional radiator put in.
The repairs which were made to the heating plant last year under a special appropriation have proved a success not only in a saving of fuel but also in its being possible to heat the home properly.
Services are being held Sunday afternoons by repre- sentatives from the different denominations and everything consistent is done for the care and well being of the inmates.
L. A. Deming was reappointed Superintendent. Both the Superintendent and Mrs. Deming have had several years' experience in institutions and are well fitted for the duties connected with this work.
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Under Chap. 763, Acts of 1913, aid has been rendered 13 mothers with dependent children under 14 years, there having been five cases discontinued.
All aid rendered is subject to the approval of the State Board of Charity, from which Board we have received val- ued advice, and we hereby acknowledge our appreciation for the courtesy extended by its Superintendent, Supervisor and visitors.
For the financial statement of this department we would respectfully refer you to the report of the Town Accountant.
OTIS B. RUGGLES EDWIN L. HUTCHINSON EDGAR O. DEWEY
Overseers of the Poor.
TREASURER'S REPORT
TO THE CITIZENS OF THE TOWN OF READING :
This has been an exceptional year in the Treasury department. The indebtedness acquired has been the small- est of any year since 1909. Aside from notes issued in anticipation of revenue for the current year, I have issued bonds for the Municipal Light Department in accordance with the vote passed at a special town meeting held Sept. 14, 1914, to the amount of $8000.00. These bear interest at 4 1-2% per annum and are payable $500.00 each year 1915 to 1930, inclusive.
With the exception of about two months immediately following the outbreak of the European War interest rates have ruled lower than for the year 1913.
Notes to the amount of $132,000.00 have been issued during the year in anticipation of revenue. $75,000.00 of this amount has been paid and the balance of $57,000.00 is due and payable in 1915.
The average daily balance of the Temporary Loans for the year was $83,997.26 and the average rate of interest paid was 3.77% .
Yours respectfully,
WARD C. MANSFIELD, Treasurer.
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TREASURER'S REPORT, TOWN OF READING DEO. 31, 1914
WATER DEPARTMENT
DR.
1914
Jan. 1 To cash balance from Dec. 31, 1913 . $1,375 23 To cash deposits by Water Commissioners 27,053 62
To interest
Total
70 71
$28,499 56
CR.
By payments as per vouchers $28,487 25 Dec. 31 By balance cash on hand 12 31
Total
$28,499 56
WARD O. MANSFIELD, Treasurer.
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TREASURER'S REPORT, TOWN OF READING DEC. 31, 1914
MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD
DR.
1914 Jan. 1 To cash balance from Dec. 31, 1913 . $19,272 33 To cash deposits by Municipal Light Board 71,771 40 228 70
To interest
Total
·
$91,272 43
CR.
By payments as per vouchers $89,739 58 Dec. 31 By balance cash on hand 1,532 85
Total
$91,272 43
WARD O. MANSFIELD, Treasurer.
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TREASURER'S REPORT, CEMETERY BEQUEST FUND DEC. 31, 1914
DR.
1914
Jan. 1 To cash balance from Dec. 31, 1913 $942 72
To cash payment of bonds 2,000 00
To cash, sundry bequests 765 00
To interest
768 42
Total
$4,476 14
CR.
By payments care of lots $705 50 By investments 3,000 00
Dec. 31 By balance cash on deposit Mechanics Savings Bank 770 64
Total
$4,476 14
WARD C. MANSFIELD, Treasurer.
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TREASURER'S REPORT, PUBLIC LIBRARY BEQUEST DEC. 31, 1914
DR.
1914
Jan. 1 To cash balance from Dec. 31, 1913 .
$271 49
To interest
10 94
$282 43 Total
CR.
Dec. 31 By balance cash on deposit Mechanics Savings Bank $282 43
WARD C. MANSFIELD, Treasurer.
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TREASURER'S REPORT, GEORGE F. BUOK BEQUEST FUND
DR.
1914 Oct. 2 To cash .
$200 00
CR.
Dec. 31 By balance cash on deposit Mechanics Savings Bank $200 00
WARD O. MANSFIELD, Treasurer.
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DR.
TREASURER'S REPORT
1914
Jan 1.
To cash balance from Dec. 31, 1913
$7,335 80
H. M. Viall, Collector, Tax 1909
$90 00
H. M. Viall, Collector, Tax 1911 ..
966 94
H. M. Viall, Collector, Tax 1912.
10,334 44
H. M. Viall, Collector, Tax 1913.
31,753 82
97,868 60
H. M. Viall, Collector, Tax 1914. H. M. Viall, Collector, Excise Tax
2,774 38
H. M. Viall, Collector, Interest on Taxes
2,224 02
H. M. Viall, Collector, Property Taken
275 45
H. M. Viall, Collector, Certificate of Taxes
14 00
H. M. Viall, Collector, return postage
2 25
H. M. Viall, Collector, Taxes paid after abatement ..
7 84
Commonwealth of Mass., Lowell St. macadam
4,350 00
Commonwealth of Mass., Moth Department.
133 33
Commonwealth of Mass., Corporation Tax
25 88
Commonwealth of Mass., temporary aid.
166 74
Temporary loans.
128,961 84
Water Department, bond payments
3,000 00
Municipal Light Board, note payments.
4,000 00
School Department, tuition, No. Reading .
1,766 25
School Dept., Commonwealth of Mass. and others.
210 00
School Department, sundry items .
122 19
Grouard Estate, rents
416 70
Public Library, dog tax, fines, etc.
755 22
Cemetery Department, labor, etc.
708 50
Cemetery account, sale of lots and graves
960 00
Cemetery account, interest .
174 56
Highway Department, sundry items
459 47
Moth Department, private work.
873 60
Fire Department, material sold, telephone tolls, etc.
99 81
Forest Warden Department, telephone tolls, etc ....
22 26
Tree Warden Department, Malden Gas Light Co.
500 00
Tree Warden Department, sundry items
19 00
Poor Department, City of Somerville
159 77
Poor Department, Town of Methuen
104 97
Poor Department, Town of Norfolk
128 25
Poor Department, temporary Aid.
102 00
Town Home, sale of produce, telephone tolls, etc.
589 49
Interest, National Bank deposits.
345 94
Overseers of the Poor, salary refund
25 00
Temporary Aid, Chap. 763, Acts 1913
2,012 00
Board of Health, sundry payments.
221 38
Licenses and permits .
107 00
Police Department, court fines
108 00
Sealer of Weights and Measures
25 52
Rent of Playground
20 00
Miscellaneous expense - Maryland Casualty Co.
49 74
Sundry account.
2,700 00
Total receipts
$300,736 15
Total cash
$308,071 95
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TOWN OF READING, DEC. 31, 1914 OR.
1914
By payment as per vouchers $304,683 93 Dec. 31. By balance cash on hand. 3,388 02
$308,071 95 Total
WARD U. MANSFIELD, Treasurer.
SALEM CONFLAGRATION
On Thursday, June 25, 1914, messages were flashed over the wires in Eastern Massachusetts that a terrible conflagra- tion was raging in the City of Salem. The flames made such rapid progress that it soon became evident that the local fire department could not cope with such a tremendous mass of flames. Other messages were flashed across the wires to the neighboring cities and towns asking for assistance, and in all cases a ready response was made. Fire fighting ap- paratus was hastily sent out from all localities where it could be spared.
Chief Ordway, with 13 men from the Reading Fire De- partment, started immediately for the scene of disaster with Reading's Triple Combination Fire Truck and did valiant work in the subduing of the flames, pumping steadily for 10 1-2 hours, and arriving home at 7 o'clock A. M. on Friday morning, the 26th.
Later in the day the Board of Selectmen received a mes- sage from Gov. Walsh that the citizens of Salem were in great need of assistance, as thousands of men, women and children were homeless and without the meagre comforts of life. Chairman Ruggles ordered circulars printed and dis- tributed about the Town calling for a meeting of the citizens in Lyceum Hall on Monday evening, June 29, to see what action could be taken to assist in the relief of the sufferers. This was well attended. Otis B. Ruggles was elected Chair- man of the Relief Committee, Edgar O. Dewey, Secretary, and Ward C. Mansfield, Treasurer. Many pledges were made at this meeting and nearly a score of committees were appointed to solicit funds for the relief of Salem sufferers,
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and as Reading is never in the background at such times as these her people responded liberally. Many barrels of clothing were collected and sent to the sufferers and contri- butions were received in amounts varying from a few cents to $350, and in all cases where the name and address of the giver was known a receipt was forwarded by the Treasurer.
On July 10 a check for $1,500 was mailed to Gardner M. Lane of Boston, Treasurer of the Relief Fund, and later a check for $53.58 was sent to his successor, J. H. Gifford, Treasurer, Salem, Mass.
WARD O. MANSFIELD, Treasurer.
Annual Report
OF THE
TOWN OF READING
SELECTMEN'S OFFICE, Reading, Jan. 1, 1915.
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN :
The undersigned herewith presents the annual state- ment of the receipts and expenditures of the Town of Read- ing for the financial year ending December 31, 1914, together with such other information relating to the fiscal interests of the Town as may be of general interest. The last part of this report is devoted to an exhibit of the receipts and pay- ments of the Town, arranged and classified as prescribed by the Bureau of Statistics, Schedule A, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1914.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN H. SHELDON,
Town Accountant.
REPORT OF TOWN ACCOUNTANT FOR FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING DEC. 31, 1914
RECEIPTS FROM ALL SOURCES DURING YEAR
Municipal Light Department . $72,000 10
Water Department 27,124 33
General Accounts
316,505 51
Cash on hand beginning of year :
Municipal Light
19,272 33
Water Department .
1,375 23
General Cash
7,335 80
PAYMENTS FOR YEAR
Municipal Light Department .
$89,739 58
Water Department .
28,487 25
General Accounts
320,453 29
Cash on hand Dec. 31, 1914 :
Municipal Light Department
1,532 85
Water Department .
12 31
General Cash
3,388 02
$443,613 30
$443,613 30
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TOWN DEBT
The total indebtedness of the Town Jan. 1, 1914
$366,800 00
This has been increased during the year by the issue of bonds and notes as follows :
Municipal Light Bonds . 9,000 00
$375,800 00
There has been a decrease by the payment of the following bonds and notes as follows :
Water Bonds .
$8,000 00
Municipal Light
9,000 00
Highland School Building
3,000 00
High School Building
5,000 00
Lowell Street School Building .
1,000 00
School Deficiency Loan
2,700 00
Grouard Estate Loan
1,000 00
Auto Chemical Truck
1,500 00
Cemetery and Library Bequests
1,200 00
32,400 00
Totalindebtedness Dec. 31, 1914
$343,400 00
SUMMARY OF TOWN DEBT
1913 $366,800 00
1914
$343,400 00
DECREASE $23,400 00
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The following is a statement of the total debt of the Town, with rate of interest thereon :
MUNICIPAL LIGHT LOANS
RATE OF INT.
WHEN DUE
AMOUNT
TOTAL
4 and # 1-2%
1915
$9,500 00
4 and 4 1-2%
1916
9,500 00
4 and 4 1-2%
1917
9,500 00
4 and 4 1-2%
1918
9,500 00
4 and 4 1-2%
1919
9,500 00
4 and 4 1-2%
1920
9,500 00
4 and 4 1-2%
1921
9,500 00
4 and 4 1-2%
1922
7,500 00
4 and 4 1-2%
1923
5,500 00
4 and 4 1-2%
1924
5,500 00
4 1-2%
1925
3,500 00
4 1-2%
1926
2,500 00
4 1-2%
1927
2,500 00
4 1-2%
1928
2,500 00
4 1-2%
1929
2,500 00
4 1-2%
1930
2,500 00
4 1-2%
1931
2,000 00
4 1-2%
1932
2.000 00
4 1-2%
1933
1,000 00 $106,000 00
HIGHLAND SCHOOL HOUSE
RATE OF INT.
WHEN DUE
AMOUNT
TOTAL
4%
1915
$3,000 00
$3,000 00
97
HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING
RATE OF INT.
WHEN DUE
AMOUNT
TOTAL
3 1-2 and 4%
1915
$5,000 00
3 1-2 and 4%
1916
5,000 00
3 1-2 and 4%
1917
4,000 00
3 1-2%
1918
4,000 00
31-2%
1919
4,000 00
31-2%
1920
4,000 00
3 1-2%
1921
4,000 00
3 1-2%
1922
4,000 00
3 1-2%
1923
4,000 00
3 1-2%
1924
4,000 00
3 1-2%
1925
4,000 00
$46,000 00
LOWELL STREET SCHOOL BUILDING
RATE OF INT.
WHEN DUE
AMOUNT
TOTAL
4%
1915
$1,000 00
4%
1916
1,000 00
$2,000 00
88 WATER LOANS
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