USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1915 > Part 8
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WATERING AND OILING
Owing to the continued use of oil, the water cart was used very little. 50,273 gallons of oil were used for dust laying, at an average cost of 5 cents per gallon, covering approximately 350,000 square yards of road surface.
SNOW REMOVAL
The snow the past season caused very little inconven- ience. This department had to use a large amount of sand on account of the icy conditions.
RECOMMENDATIONS
I would again recommend the purchase of a portable stone crusher ; also, if there is no immediate prospect of the construction of a sewer that the Square and Main Street to Washington Street be put in first class shape. Other recom- mendations I will leave to your Honorable Board whom I think know the conditions as well as I do.
In conclusion, I would refer you to the Town Account- ants' report for itemized account. I also desire at this time to thank your Honorable Board for their very kind and helpful advice and suggestions.
Respectfully submitted,
E. H. CROWE, Supt. of Streets.
REPORT OF CHIEF OF POLICE
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN OF READING :
GENTLEMEN-I herewith submit the report of the Police Department for the year ended December 31, 1915.
ARRESTS FOR THE YEAR 1915
Total number of arrests
112
Males
.
106
Females
6
Residents .
54
Non-residents
58
American born .
86
Foreign born
26
Adults .
82
Minors
.
.
30
CAUSES OF ARREST
Assault
5
Attempted larceny
1
Attempt to break and enter
1
Bastardy
2
Breaking and entering
6
Breaking street lamps
4
Capias .
3
Carrying revolver
1
Disturbance on car
1
Drunks
43
Escaped from institution
1
Evading car fares
3
Having in possession unsealed scales
1
169
170
Insane
4
Keeping and exposing liquor
1
Larceny
4
Marring dwelling
2
Neglected child
1
Non-support
2
Not having light on motor cycle
1
Not having light on vehicle
3
Operating motor cycle without license
1
Rape
2
Suspicious characters
2
Tramps
2
Truants
1
Violating auto laws
10
Violating pure food laws
4
112
DISPOSITION OF CASES
Committed to Danvers Insane Hospital
5
Committed to House of Correction .
13
Committed to State Board
1
Committed to State Farm
2
Committed to Training School
1
Discharged
1
Fined
23
Fined and appealed
2
Held for grand jury
1
Placed on file
21
Probation
8
Released .
20
Returned to Concord Reformatory
1
Returned to Industrial School
1
Sentenced to House of Correction (suspended)
3
Sentenced to Industrial School (suspended)
1
Sentenced to Lyman School (suspended)
1
Turned over to out of town officers .
7
112
171
MISCELLANEOUS
Accidents reported .
16
Buildings found unsecured
199
Cases investigated .
135
Dead bodies cared for
5
Defects in sidewalk
4
Disturbances quelled
2
Dogs killed
24
Horses found cast
8
Lanterns placed in dangerous places
4
Lights reported out .
6
Raids
1
Search warrants served
3
Vacant houses given special protection
42
Amount of property reported stolen
$580 00
Fines imposed and appealed
65 00
Fines imposed and awarded state
50 00
Fines cancelled
40 00
Fines collected from 1914
49 00
Total fines received .
192 00
Fines due from 1915
82 00
LIST OF PROPERTY IN CUSTODY OF DEPARTMENT
Two roll top desks
$20 00
One table .
5 00
Five chairs
6 00
Fourteen hemlets
35 00
Thirty badges .
30 00
Six pairs handcuffs
20 00
Eight belts
15 00
Three pairs twisters .
3 00
Twelve clubs
10 00
Two stop watches
14 00
One dark lantern
1 50
·
477 00
Amount of property recovered
265 00
Fines imposed .
172
One watchman's clock
$5 00
Six lockers
.
30 00
One shot gun
10 00
Four revolvers
15 00
Four automatic pistols
52 00
Four holsters
6 00
One auto trap .
14 00
Two telephone boxes
30 00
One bulletin board
6 00
One stretcher
7 00
Four traffic signs
40 00
Six lanterns
5 00
$379 50
ROSTER
CHIEF William E. Swain
PATROLMEN
Jeremiah Cullinane Oscar H. Lowe
George C. Stock
SPECIALS
Ardine M. Allen
William C. McKinley
Willard A. Bancroft
William J. Murphy
Samuel Brown
Thomas M. Palmer
William C. Cram
William Quillen
Edward H. Crowe
Joseph Shaw
Clement Gleason
James W. Sias
Jesse N. Hutchinson
John Stock
William Kidder
William F. Welch
William H. Killam
David J. Whelton
173
CONCLUSION
At this time I wish to thank the Honorable Board of Selectmen, the judges and officers of our district court and all others who have assisted in promoting the welfare of the Town of Reading. The relation of the Board and this de- partment has been very harmonious this year.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM E. SWAIN, Chief of Police.
Reading, Jan. 1, 1916.
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
TO THE CITIZENS :
Number of contagious diseases reported
117
Diphtheria .
18
No deaths
Scarlet Fever
12
One death
Measles
76
Tuberculosis
9
Ophthalmia Neonatorum
.
1
Typhoid Fever
11
117
Whole number deaths from all causes, exclusive of
still births
81
Males .
40
Females
41
Still birth
1
Number of deaths under 1 year
7
4
Number of deaths over 1 year and under 10
1
Number of deaths over 10 years and under 45
4
4
Number of deaths over 45 years and under 75 Number of deaths over 75 years and under 85 Number of deaths over 85 years and under 90 Number of deaths over 90 years and under 93
19
18
6
11
2
·)
1
·)
40
41
E. M. HALLIGAN, M. D.
G. L. FLINT
C. H. PLAYDON
Board of Health.
174
·
.
.
.
Five deaths:
·
.
Male
Female
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING
TO THE BOARD OF HEALTH :
GENTLEMEN-The work of the Plumbing Department for the year ending Dec. 31, 1915, was as follows :
Permits granted .
97
New fixtures set . .
403
Closets
86
Lavatories
84
Bath tubs
69
Sinks
·
81
Wash trays
. 83
Respectfully submitted,
DAVID TAGGART, Inspector of Plumbing.
175
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF FIRE ENGINEERS
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN :
GENTLEMEN-The annual report of the Board of Fire Engineers is herewith presented, giving the record of alarms that have been received during the year ending December 31, 1915, together with such information as we believe may be of interest to the Town.
MANUAL FORCE
The Department consists of a Chief Engineer, two Assistant Engineers, two permanent men and twenty-eight call men.
APPARATUS
Combination A has now been in service over two years and still continues to give the best of service.
FIRE ALARM
A converter should be added whereby the town current can be used for charging the battery.
FINANCES
Our financial transactions are all embodied in the report of the Town Accountant, to which we refer you for any information in that line.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, we wish to extend to your Honorable Board and to the Finance Committee our thanks for the courtesies and cooperation we have received during the year. We wish to compliment the officers and members of the de- partment on the prompt and efficient manner in which they have performed their duties. We also wish to express our thanks to the Bay State Street Railway Company for the
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use of current, to the Chief of Police for services rendered by his department at fires, and to the employes of the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for the prompt and efficient service rendered in receiving alarms by tele- phone.
RECORD OF ALARMS FOR THE YEAR ENDING DEC. 31, 1915
Month
Bell
Still
Telephone
Total
January
0
9
0
0
February
0
1
0
1
March
25
2
35
62
April
6
3
8
17
May
3
1
3
7
June
0
1
0
1
July
2
0
3
5
August
2
1
2
5
September
5
1
4
10
October
3
0
3
6
November
5
2
3
10
December
2
0
1
3
Totals
53
12
62
127
Loss by fire
$10,492 75
Insurance paid
$7,024 75
Uninsured .
$3,443 00
Miles
Travelled
Hours
Duty
Feet 23
Inch Hose
Feet
Ladder
Gallons
Chemical
Chemical
Covers
Spread
Combination A 244.8
62
14,700
300
726
2,450
2
Ladder 1
38.8
26
297
3
4
Hose 1
60.0
42
6,050
21
4
Hose 2
71.9
36
4,350
9
4
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Feet
Hose
O. O. ORDWAY, Chief
W. R. ZWICKER, Sec'y
LUKE MCKENNEY, Asst. Board of Fire Engineers.
·
178
FIRE PREVENTION
At the annual town meeting Reading voted to enter the Metropolitan Fire Prevention District. With the coop- eration of the citizens the conditions in many places have greatly improved. All complaints have been investi- gated and in many cases suggestions have been made to lessen the danger of fire.
Following is a list of permits issued from March 16 to December 31, 1915 :
Fire out of door permits 320
Inflammable fluid permits .
68
Fireworks and firecracker permits
2
Motor cycle permits
2
There have been 489 inspections of buildings made.
O. O. ORDWAY, Chief.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE ALARM
TO THE BOARD OF FIRE ENGINEERS :
6 GENTLEMEN-I herewith submit the following report : 4
During the year the following changes have been made :
Box 36 has been moved from the corner of Bancroft Avenue and Locust Street to North Main Street, corner of Ridge Road.
Box 612 has been located at the corner of Bancroft Avenue and Locust Street. The following boxes have been placed in school houses :
Box 221-Union Street School, Union Street.
Box 223-Center School, Lowell and Salem Streets.
Box 224-High School, Sanborn and Linden Streets.
Box 225-Highland School, Middlesex Avenue.
Transmitter wheels have been purchased so an alarm by telephone from the other school houses can be sounded from the Central Fire Station. They are the following numbers :
226-Lowell Street School, Lowell and Hartshorn Streets.
227-Prospect Street School, Prospect and Woburn Streets.
228-Chestnut Hill School, Hopkins Street.
Much of the old line has been rebult but there still remains some line that should be replaced by new this year. Insulation in trees has been given attention and as a whole the system is in good shape.
I recommend a charging set for the fire alarm battery whereby the town power can be used for charging the stor- age battery. The power of the Street Railway Company which is now used does not give satisfactory results and in time means ruining the elements of the battery.
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180
NUMBER AND LOCATION OF BOXES -Test 11.45 A. M. and 5.45 P. M. 121-Main and Haven.
122-Haven and Gould. 13-Ash and Avon.
14-Hill Crest Road and Oak.
15-Summer Avenue and Walnut.
16-South Main and South.
17-Prescott near Arlington.
18-Park Avenue and Minot.
19-Walnut and Curtis. 2-Recall.
21-Summer Avenue and Temple.
212-West and Howard.
22 -- No session of school, 7.40 A. M. and 12.30 p. M.
221-Union Street School. (Private.)
223-Center School. ( Private.)
· 224-High School. (Private.)
225-Highland School. (Private.)
226-Lowell Street School. (Private.)
227-Prospect Street School. ( Private.) 228-Chestnut Hill School. . (Private.) 23-Woburn and Temple. 231-West beyond Willow. 24-Mineral and Hancock.
25-Prospect near King.
26- Hose 2 House, Woburn Street.
27-Summer Avenue near Prescott.
28-West beyond Oak. 29-West and King. 3-Followed by a box number, second alarm.
31-Lowell beyond Grove.
32-Franklin near Golf Links.
33-Lowell, Grand and Gould Avenue.
34-Grove and Forest.
35-North Main and Locust.
36-North Main and Ridge Road.
181
37-North Main, near Hose 3 House.
38-North Main and Forest.
39 -- North Main and Franklin. 4-Police call.
41-Village and Green.
412-Car barns, Willow Road.
42-Haven and John.
43-Salem and John.
44-Salem and Pearl.
45-Salem and Belmont.
46-Charles and Pearl.
47-Charles and Haverhill.
48-Pine near Salem. 5-Calls Ladder.
51-Main, Washington and Ash.
55-Reading Rubber Mills. ( Private.) 6-C. H. Bangs Co. (Private.) 61-Lowell near Sanborn.
612-Bancroft Avenue and Locust.
63-Woburn and Sanborn.
64-Central Fire Station.
65-Middlesex and Bancroft Avenues.
67 -- Middlesex Avenue and High.
69-Mt. Vernon, opposite Chute. 8-Out of Town.
10-Brush Fire Signal.
INSTRUCTIONS
To GIVE AN ALARM: Open door of box, pull down the hook once and LET GO. Remain at the box to direct firemen to fire.
To GIVE AN ALARM BY TELEPHONE : Say to telephone operator, "Fire Department Emergency." Give fireman exact location of fire, street and street number and name of person calling.
L. T. EAMES, Supt. of Fire Alarm.
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF WIRES
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN :
GENTLEMEN-I respectfully submit herewith the annual report of the Inspector of Wires for the year ending December 31, 1915.
INTERIOR WIRING FOR LIGHT AND POWER
Number of buildings in process of construction which
have been wired for light or power
32
Number of old buildings wired 46
Number of buildings which have been re-wired, or in which additional wiring has been installed
40
Total number of inspection notices received from electrical contractors
119
Total number of inspections made
243
.
SUMMARY FOR FIVE YEARS
1911
1912
1913
1914
1915
Total
New buildings wired
45
43
47
58
32
225
Old buildings wired
34
46
46
62
46
234
Re-wiring and additional wiring
58
14
51
48
40
211
Inspection notices received
137
103
144
153
119
656
Inspections made
103
121
173
225
243
865
OVERHEAD WIRES IN THE PUBLIC STREETS
The work of renewing defective poles and wires has been continued during the past year, but it has not been possible to complete all work in this connection which should be done. Arrangements have been made between the Municipal Light Board, the New England Telephone
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183
and Telegraph Company and the Bay State Street Railway Company, covering the re-building of the pole lines on Haven Street, between Main and High Streets; Washington Street, between Main and Village Streets; West Street, between Oak Street and the Woburn line; Summer Avenue, between Main and Woburn Streets; Minot Street and Mid- dlesex Avenue. The changes, as proposed, will result in the removal from the public streets of ninety-two (92) poles, and it is also planned to replace with new wire much of the old wire on the above streets. Undoubtedly similar work on other streets will be laid out during the coming year-to the end that the pole and wire systems may be put in as good condition as possible.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR G. SIAS, Inspector of Wires.
Reading, Mass., Jan. 13, 1916.
REPORT OF BUILDING INSPECTOR
THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN, READING, MASS. :
GENTLEMEN-I respectfully submit herewith the annual report of the Inspector of Buildings for the year ending December 31, 1915.
Number of permits issued for the erection of new buildings . 35
Estimated value of the same $110,750
Number of permits issued for the alteration of existing buildings . 19
Estimated value of the same 12,350
There were reported in process of construction on Jan. 1, 1915, four houses of estimated value 20,000
Total value of construction . $143,100
It has been evident from time to time that the building code of the Town is deficient in some respects as it does not properly provide for many of the cases which arise and if strictly enforced would work a hardship in others. I would therefore recommend for your consideration the appoint- ment of a committee to revise these laws.
I have kept a record of the points which have arisen in this respect and would be glad to submit them to such a committee with certain recommendations which would, I believe, make toward a more useful as well as effective building code.
I find in particular that a few slight changes in the building laws would bring Reading into a classification as regards fire insurance rates such as to lower the rates on all
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185
property in town. It may be readily seen, therefore, that an early change in this respect is advisable.
I have been greatly assisted during the past year by the general desire of the owners and builders to cooperate with me on all questions of the building code and trust that such relations will continue.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT E. PARKER, Inspector of Buildings.
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN :
I submit my report as Sealer of Weights and Measures for the balance of the year 1915, from September 1st to December 31st, as follows :
Adjusted Sealed Non-Sealed Condemned
No. of scales over 5000 1bs.
0
0
0
0
No. of scales under 5,000 1bs.
1
1
1
0
No. of scales, small
0
0
0
0
No. of scales, spring balance
0
4
0
0
No. of scales, computing
1
1
0
0
No. of scales faulty
0
0
0
1
2
6
1 Sealed
Condemned
No. of oil measuring pumps
.
1
1
1
0
No. of baskets
.
.
0
0
1
0
No. of liquid measures .
0
0
12
1
1
1
14
1
No. Tests
Correct
Under
Over
Charcoal
S
8
0
0
Coke
4
4
0
0
Coal in bags
10
8
1
1
Coal in wagons
3
3
0
0
Grain and feed
2
2
0
0
Butter, prints
2
2
0
0
Butter, tub
1
1
0
0
Coffee
2
2
0
0
Potatoes, sweet .
3
3
0
0
Sugar
.
1- 1
0
0
.
.
.
.
.
.
186
-
1
Adjusted Re-sealed
.
187
Beans
4
4
0
0
Pork and lard
.
2
2
0
0
48 46
1
1
No. inspections in stores
.
.
6
No. hawkers and pedlars' wagons
.
·
4
No. milk wagons
2
No. ice wagons
5
No. coal certificates
3
No. junk dealers
4
24
No. of cases in court
1
No. of cases fined
0
No. of cases defaulted
1
Money received from sealing, $3.91.
Respectfully submitted,
C. E. MELLEN Sealer Weights and Measures.
REPORT OF FOREST WARDEN
READING, MASS., January 26, 1916.
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN :
I submit the following report of the Forest Warden for the year ending December 31, 1915 :
Number of applications for permits to have fires in the the open (all of which were granted), 319.
Number of calls from observation tower (all of which were promptly investigated and reports sent back to tower), 115.
This department answered 53 calls for grass and brush fires, the largest number in any one year in its history.
I have investigated all fires and sent reports of the same to the State Forester.
In conclusion, I wish to thank the Chief of the Fire De- partment, also the two permanent men, Mr. Hugh Eames and Mr. William O'Brien, for courtesies extended this de- partment during the past year.
H. E. MCINTIRE, Forest Warden.
188
1
REPORT OF CEMETERY TRUSTEES
READING, MASS., January 22, 1916.
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN AND CITIZENS OF READING :
The Trustees of the Cemetery submit the following report :
Our efforts during the past year have been to keep the Cemetery in the very best of condition, that our citizens, when visiting it, can look upon it as a beautiful resting place for their departed loved ones, and can take their friends to it with a feeling of pride.
We again wish to call your attention to the improve- ment made last year in removing the ledge in the rear of the Old South Church. It was argued by some that we could never convert that place into a nice, green lawn which would be a credit both to the Cemetery and to the Town, and I trust that those who were skeptical will visit the place and judge for themselves.
This year we have made another improvement there, by exchange of lands with the Old South Society, which was a great benefit to both and added much to the beauty in that location.
We again appeal to all the citizens to put their lots in perpetual care. Any information in regard to that will be cheerfully given by the Superintendent.
Under the report of the Town Accountant you will find our financial report.
We recommend twelve hundred dollars ($1200) for gen- eral maintenance the coming year.
Very respectfully,
A. W. DANFORTH, Supt. and Sec'y. For the Trustees.
189
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
READING, MASS., Dec., 1915.
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN :
I wish at this time to submit my report as Inspector of Animals for the year 1915.
While the animal inspection of each and every dairy, stable, and individual animal was not carried out this year on account of the prevalence of Foot and Mouth Disease in many sections, a strict lookout for any and all cases of contagious diseases has been kept and thoroughly investi- gated where cases were reported or suspected. At the pres- ent time I have just received word to proceed with the annual inspection which will be done at once.
While the number of animals in town is not as large as a few years ago, the duties called upon to be performed by the Inspector at the time of inspection and other and all times are greatly increased. Some twenty-seven questions are asked and answered about each stable, this to be made in duplicate. Next the certificate of health on the animals which is to be given or left at the place where animals are kept and a duplicate kept by the Inspector. If more than one stable is upon the same premises the work is doubled. Besides the clerical part a careful inspection of each indi- vidual animal has to be made.
If any improvements in the opinion of the Inspector should be made he suggests same and at the end of a short time makes another visit to see if such changes are made, and if satisfactory the sheet is O. K.
When one see's the Inspector upon his tour of inspec- tion they may think it easy or a matter of red tape, but I
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can and others ought to see considerable improvement in the general condition of the stock and stables where most of our milk supply in town is raised. They are trying to raise a clean, wholesome product at a living price and are generally ready to do anything within their means, as improvements, etc., when asked properly.
The Department of Animal Industry is doing consider- able work upon the line of immunizing hogs against Hog Cholera, which has been one of the great drawbacks to the hog industry of the whole country. The work was instituted under the regime of Commissioner Walker and has been carried on to quite an extent by Commissioner Howard this year. The U. S. Bureau have done much along this line and it is hoped that soon Hog Cholera will be wiped out as clean in this country as Foot and Mouth Disease is at present.
It cost the U. S. Bureau for the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in 1902 and 1908 over $600,000, and the 1915 and 1916 loss was much greater. These figures do not in- clude what each state paid or what was lost to each individ- ual through quarantine, loss of business, etc. These are only two of the things which act as drawbacks to the live- stock interests and which your Inspector has to be on the lookout for.
The list of contagious diseases which are classed for our inspection are Glanders, Farscey, Mange, Texas Fever, Con- tagious Pleura Pneumonia, Tuberculosis, Foot and Mouth Disease, Kinderpest, Hog Cholera, Rabies, Sheep Scab, Actinomicosis, Anthrax or Anthacoid Disease, so you will see that your Inspector is likely to want to see the whole animal family.
Yours very truly,
C. H. PLAYDON, M. D. V.
REPORT OF PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Trustees of the Public Library submit the follow- ing report :
ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD
The Trustees organized at the beginning of the year, by the choice of Mr. Wadlin as Chairman and of Mr. Mans- field as Secretary.
EXPENSES OF THE LIBRARY
The receipts for the year were :
Appropriation, direct tax
$2,325 00
Proceeds of dog tax
662 95
Receipts from fines, sales, etc. .
84 00
$3,071 95
EXPENDED
Salaries (librarian, assistant and care-
taker)
$540 34
Books
.
.
487 51
Periodicals
79 73
Binding
53 95
Fuel
106 58
Care of heater
60 00
Lighting
27 54
Printing
50 70
*Rent
1,057 01
Minor supplies and expenses
18 55
$2,481 91
Balance unexpended
$590 04
*This item includes taxes for 1915, $229.60; and taxes of 1914 (paid during present year) $227.41, both paid as part rent.
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193
The appropriation for the year included the sum of $500 on account of the replacement of library material lost in the fire of 1911, and in effect offsets money received from insurance which has been covered into the Treasury. Inasmuch as the erection of a new building is under consid- eration it has been thought best not to expend this at present, which accounts for the considerable sum unex- pended at the close of the year. This unexpended balance of course returns to the treasury, and a similar amount will eventually be asked for by the Board. But it is not asked for in the appropriation requested for the coming year, as its expenditure will be deferred until the new building is completed.
PROPOSED NEW BUILDING
As reported upon fully during the year, a gift under the usual conditions has been promised to the Town by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, of $15,000 to provide a building (exclusive of site) complete ready for occupancy, and the preliminaries have been arranged up to the point of preparation of building plans, which are now in progress under the direction of Adden & Parker, Architects. The Town has provided a site (on the Grouard lot with provision also for the acquisition eventually of the Brown lot) and it is our intention to advertise for proposals for erecting the building, as soon as the plans and specifications are com- pleted.
ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY
At the close of the year 1914 the library contained 8,807 volumes, to which have been added by purchase during the year, 318; and by gift 44. The number of books worn out during the year and not yet replaced is 47. The number in the library at the close of the present year is therefore 9,122.
USE OF THE LIBRARY
The circulation for the year (books taken out for home use) was 25,668; the largest number circulated in any sin- gle month being 2,754, in March, and the smallest number
194
in any month being 1,702, in September. The librarian reports :
"The number of new borrowers registered during the year was 352. The circulation was 2,800 more than in 1914, this being a gain of a fraction over eight per cent. Some increase of circulation would naturally come with the growth of the Town, but this year it was caused in part by the story-hour for children. Upon the Saturday mornings in January, February and March, stories were told to chil- dren at the library. This work was in charge of a Commit- tee of the Reading Woman's Club, co-operating with the librarian and assistant librarian. The stories were told by Reading school teachers and other friends of the Commit- tee, who all kindly gave their services. The groups of chil- dren varied in number from 33 to 87, and came from the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth grades, each child in these grades having opportunity to attend at least three. This story-telling not only entertained the children and encouraged their reading of good books, but extended the knowledge of the library among the children and their parents, some of whom had not used it before." The libra- rian also reports the gift to the library of a complete set of the New York Independent, from Mrs. Amanda Muzzy ; and acknowledges the loan of a set of photographs of Rome, from the Woman's Educational Association, of Massachu- setts, which were placed on public exhibition in the library for five weeks.
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