USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1917 > Part 3
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Said end of Grand Street being S 10°-12' E, a distance of one hundred ninety-four 47-100 ft. (194.47) from the stone bound at the southeast corner of Middlesex Avenue and Grand Street.
The above described street being fifty feet in width and lays on the westerly side of the above described easterly line, the westerly line extending along property of Amanda J. Hunt.
The Plan and Profile hereto attached made by Clarence E. Carter under date of January, 1917, being a part of this description.
We have estimated the cost of building said Town Way as three hundred dollars ($300).
We recommend that when this report is accepted and adopted by the Town and that said way shall thereafter be known as a Public Town Way and called Grand Street.
EDGAR O. DEWEY
EDWIN L. HUTCHINSON
OTIS B. RUGGLES
Selectmen of Reading.
36
On motion of Edgar O. Dewey, it was voted that the report on the laying out of Grand Street be accepted and adopted and that the sum of three hundred dollars ($300) be raised and appropriated to lay out said Grand Street.
Article 37. To hear and act on the report of the Selectmen on the laying out of Hanscom Avenue and see if the Town will raise and appropriate $3,400 for that purpose, or what it will do in relation thereto. (E. C. Hanscom and others.)
REPORT OF SELECTMEN ON LAYING OUT HANSCOM AVENUE
We, the subscribers, Selectmen of Reading, after giv- ing due notice to all parties interested, have laid out for the Town as a Public Town Way described as follows :
Hanscom Avenue, being a certain street in the Town of Reading, Mass., which extends northerly from Lowell Street, at a point between Bancroft Avenue and Winthrop Avenue, and being bounded and described as follows :
The easterly line of said Hanscom Avenue commences at a point on the northerly line of Lowell Street which is N 58°-31'-40" W, a distance of two hundred eighty-one 06-100 ft. (281.06) from the stone bound at the first angle in Lowell Street, west of Bancroft Avenue. Thence the line runs N 23°-54'-30" E, a distance of one hundred five 56-100 ft. (105.56) to a stone bound. Thence on a curve to the left with a radius of two hundred thirty-eight ft. (238.) a dis- tance of one hundred seventeen 73-100 ft. all by land of Edwin O. Hanscom. Thence the line runs N 4º-25'-40" W a distance five hundred sixty-seven 11-100 ft. by land of Edwin O. Hanscom, by land of Annie B. Sias, Lorenzo Dow, Clarence E. Carter, Edwin C. Hanscom and Weston Road. to a stone bound.
The westerly line of said Hanscom Avenue is parallel with and forty feet west of the described easterly line and extends along land of Edwin C. Hanscom, Joseph Galvin. Thomas Maxwell and others and Weston Road.
The lines and grades of said Hanscom Avenue being fully shown on the Plan and Profile hereto attached, made by Clarence E. Carter under date of February, 1916, which is part of this description.
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We recommend that the grade on said avenue be the revised grade as shown on Profile.
We have estimated cost of building said Town Way to Weston Road with revised grade, twelve hundred ten dol- lars ($1,210).
We recommend that when this report is accepted and adopted by the Town that said way shall thereafter be known as a Public Town Way to Weston Road and named Hanscom Avenue.
EDGAR (). DEWEY EDWIN L. HUTCHINSON OTIS B. RUGGLES Selectmen of Reading.
On motion of Edgar O. Dewey, it was voted that the re- port on the laying out of Hanscom Avenue be accepted and adopted, and that the sum of five hundred dollars ($500) be raised and appropriated to lay out said Hanscom Avenue to Weston Road.
Article 38. To see if the Town will fix the compensa- tion of the Sewer Commissioners as per Section 11, Acts of the Legislature of 1909, Chapter 314, and raise and appro- priate a sufficient sum of money therefor, or see what they will do in relation thereto. (Chairman Sewer Board.)
On motion of Charles R. Herrick, it was voted that the Town fix the compensation of the Sewer Commissioners at seventy-five dollars ($75) each per year, and that they raise and appropriate the sum of two hundred twenty-five dollars ($225) for the same.
Article 39. To see if the Town will raise and appro- priate the sum of $500 to extend the present sidewalk on the north side of Salem Street, from below Winter Street to the corner of Pine Street, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Charles Holden and others.)
On motion of Edgar O. Dewey, it was voted to pass over Article 39.
Article 40. To see if the Town will raise and appro- priate a sum of money to install a fire alarm box and a
38
hydrant at the corner of Salem Street and Libbey Avenue, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Arthur A. Gilmet and others.)
On motion of Edgar O. Dewey, it was voted to pass over Article 40.
Article 41. To see if the Town will adopt the Building Laws, as revised by the committee appointed at the last annual meeting, or what they will do in relation thereto. (Building Inspector.)
On motion of Robert E. Parker, it was voted to pass over Article 41.
Article 42. To see if the Town will raise and appro- priate $3,500 to make up the deficit caused by the purchase of the so-called "Parker Tavern," or what it will do in rela- tion thereto. (Town Counsel.)
On motion of John H. Sheldon, that the sum of twenty- five hundred dollars be raised and appropriated, and the sum of one thousand dollars be appropriated from the Excess and Deficiency Account for the purpose of making up the deficit caused by the payment of the purchase price for the property known as the "Parker Tavern, " and that the Town Accountant be and hereby is authorized and directed to transfer from the Excess and Deficiency Account the sum of one thousand dollars ($1,000) for the purpose of meeting the appropriation herein noted. This motion was not voted.
Art. 3. On motion of Lewis M. Bancroft, it was voted to accept reports of all Town Officers and Committees as printed.
Art. 5. On motion of Carl M. Spencer, to reconsider Art. 5, in relation to the appropriation for Education, On vote the motion was lost.
On motion of Edwin L. Hutchinson, it was voted to ad- journ sine die.
MILLARD F. CHARLES, Town Clerk.
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CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION PRIMARY, APRIL 3, 1917
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION DELEGATES-DELEGATES AT LARGE
Charles Francis Adams, Concord
389
George W. Anderson, Brookline
179
William G. Andrews, Somerville
95
Albert S. Apsey, Cambridge
244
Charles J. Barton, Melrose
259
John L. Bates, Brookline
375
Addison P. Beardsley, Boston
46
William H. Brooks, Holyoke
207
Walter A. Buir, Boston
90
Harvey S. Chase, Brookline
124
Charles F. Choate, Jr., Southborough
28-
Charles W. Clifford, New Bedford
183
George W. Coleman, Boston
185
Louis A. Coolidge, Milton
309
John W. Cummings, Fall River Edwin U. Curtis, Boston
295
Samuel R. Cutler, Revere .
53
Arthur W. DeGoosh, Boston
23
Daniel E. Denny, Worcester
33
Daniel R. Donovan, Springfield
45
George H. Doty, Waltham
96
Hugh P. Doysdale, North_Adams
29
Frank E. Dunbar, Lowell
204
Samuel J. Elder, Winchester
352
Wilmot R. Evans, Jr., Everett
165
Eugene N. Foss, Boston
158
Harry A. Garfield, Williamstown
102
Ralph W. Gloag, Boston
9
Gurden W. Gordon, Springfield
49
Matthew Hale, Boston
178
Arthur D. Hill, Boston
157
Walter S. Hutchins, Greenfield
69
Patrick H. Jennings, Boston
73
Lewis J. Johnson, Cambridge
96
Abbott Lawrence Lowell, Cambridge
281
224
40
Nathan Matthews, Boston .
232
James P. Moriarty, Boston .
76
Joseph O. Pelletier, Boston
140
Joshua Quincy, Boston
241
Clarence W. Rowley, Boston John Weaver Sherman, Boston
26
James A. Stiles, Gardner
39
Moorfield Storey, Lincoln
154
Charles B. Strecker, Boston
80
Wendell Phillips Thore, Boston
24
Whitfield L. Tuck, Winchester
64
Joseph Walker, Brookline .
200
David I. Walsh, Fitchburg
186
Robert M. Washburn, Worcester
87
Sherman L. Whipple, Brookline
254
Lombard Williams, Dedham
37
George H. Wrenn, Springfield
83
DELEGATES FOR 18TH MIDDLESEX REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT
Henry L. Andrews, Woburn
60
Fred M. Cook, Reading
232
Ira B. Forbes, Stoneham
38
Samuel Highley, Woburn
24
Charles P. Howard, Reading
467
Samuel W. Mendum, Woburn
64
Arthur N. Newhall, Stoneham
97
Edward J. Wall, Woburn
27
Whole number of ballots cast, 593.
Voted to adjourn.
MILLARD F. CHARLES, Town Clerk.
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
SECURITY HALL, READING, MASS., May 1, 1917.
Pursuant to the foregoing warrant and the Constable's return thereon, a meeting was held at the time and place therein mentioned, and was called to order by the presiding election officer, Edgar O. Dewey. The warrant was read
48
41
and prayer offered by Rev. Harry E. Hurd. The ballot box was opened and examined and found to be empty and the ballots delivered to the presiding election officer. The keys to ballot box were delivered to Constable in charge, William E. Swain.
The following ballot clerks and tellers were duly sworn by the Town Clerk, Millard F. Charles : Samuel Rounds, Walter F. Cook, Frank C. Rowean, Lemuel W. Allen, Percy L. Horrocks, Richard N. B. Wilson, Chester C. Richardson, Bernard W. Conefy, Bartholomew J. Lehan, James A. Free- man, George M. Hutchinson, Bernard T. Granfield.
The polls were declared open at 5.45 o'clock A. M.
The polls were duly closed at 4.30 o'clock p. M., with the following result : whole number of votes cast, 759; total names checked, 759; total number of ballots counted, 759. The ballot box registered 762, an incorrect number.
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION DELEGATES-DELEGATES AT LARGE
Charles Francis Adams, Concord
543
George W. Anderson, Brookline
313
Albert S. Apsey, Cambridge
413
Charles J. Barton, Melrose
. 450
John L. Bates, Brookline
507
William H. Brooks, Holyoke
375
Walter A. Buir, Boston
166
Charles F. Choate, Jr., Southborough
422
Charles W. Clifford, New Bedford
349
George W. Coleman, Boston
298
Louis A. Coolidge, Boston .
· 452
John W. Cummings, Fall River
405
Edwin U. Curtis, Boston
461
Daniel R. Donovan, Springfield
. 162
Frank E. Dunbar, Lowell
359
Samuel J. Elder, Winchester
517
Wilmot R. Evans, Jr., Everett
294
Eugene N. Foss, Boston
271
Matthew Hale, Boston
290
Arthur D. Hill, Boston
254
Patrick H. Jennings, Boston
142
.
42
Abbott Lawrence Lowell, Cambridge
417
Nathan Matthews, Boston .
362
James T. Moriarty, Boston
141
Joseph P. Pelletier, Boston
222
Joshua Quincy, Boston 299 374
Moorfield Storey, Lincoln
Charles B. Strecker, Boston
132
Joseph Walker, Brookline .
317
David I. Walsh, Fitchburg 287
Sherman L. Whipple, Brookline 343
192
George H. Reynolds, Springfield Blanks 1615
DELEGATES FIFTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Chester W. Clark, Wilmington 542
John W. Daley, Lowell 155
Edward Fisher, Westwood 313
Hamlet S. Greenwood, Lowell 289
James Wilson Grimes, Reading
601
H. Harding Hale, Hudson . 238
342
Blanks .
55+
DELEGATES EIGHTEENTH MIDDLESEX DISTRICT
Samuel Highley, Woburn 194
Charles P. Howard, Reading
629
Arthur N. Newhall, Stoneham
404
Edward J. Wall. Woburn
112
Blanks .
179
The ballots were counted and declared in open town meeting and sealed and delivered to the Town Clerk, where- upon the meeting was adjourned without date.
MILLARD F. CHARLES, Town Clerk.
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
SECURITY HALL, READING., MASS., June 25, 1917. Article 1. To determine what instructions be givet the Town Officers.
William Odlin, Andover
43
On motion of Horace G. Wadlin, it was voted to adopt the following resolution :
"Whereas, the United States is now at war for the preservation of liberty and the advancement of human rights in the progress of the world, and all of us are called upon to share the burdens of the conflict and to promote its objects until finally permanent peace shall be established upon the foundations of individual freedom and inter- national unity, now therefore,
"The citizens of Reading in town meeting assembled hereby record their appreciation of the patriotism, loyalty and public spirit of Otis B. Ruggles, one of our Selectmen, in volunteering for service in France, and that of other men of Reading, who as named elsewhere,* have enlisted or who may hereafter enlist, under the call for volunteers in army and navy or in hospital and ambulance service.
"The promptness, self-sacrifice and courage shown by such enlistments merit our highest praise. The men of Reading have in the past never been backward in respond- ing to the call of the nation in the time of need, and in this present hour of trial the quick response of so many upholds the ancient traditions and heartens us with the assurance that as with the fathers, so with us, they are not unmindful of the sacred principles of liberty and justice, nor found wanting in the struggle to maintain them. Not only do we record our appreciation for what these, our representatives, are doing in our behalf, but to them and their families we pledge our unfailing support by all means within our power that the burden of their absence may be lighthened, their efforts strengthened and their sacrifice not be made in vain. Our hopes, our prayers go with them that what they seek to do may be accomplished, and under God's blessing they may return to share in the satisfaction of assured victory and the reward of duty well performed."
* See Roll of Honor
Article 1. On motion of Edgar O. Dewey, it was voted that the Tax Collector is hereby instructed to sell all prop-
44
erty that has been taken by the Town for taxes on which the time limit for redemption has expired.
Article 2. To hear and act on the report of the Finance Committee relative to their investigation of the Electric Light plant.
Article 2. On motion of Mahlon E. Brande, it was voted to lay this article on the table.
Article 3. To see if the Town will raise and appro- priate, or otherwise provide, the sum of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) for the support of schools in Read- ing for the year 1917, in addition to the amount already appropriated for the same purpose, or what it will do in relation thereto.
On motion of Walter S. Parker, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) for the support of schools in the year 1917, in addition to the amount already appropriated for the purpose.
Article 4. To see if the Town will raise and appro- priate, or otherwise provide, the sum of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) to repair the Mineral Street bridge over the Boston & Maine R. R., or what it will do in relation thereto.
On motion of Edgar O. Dewey, it was voted to lay this article on the table.
Article 5. To see if the Town will raise and appro- priate, or otherwise provide, the sum of seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) to reimburse the Municipal Light Department for the amount paid for expert services of engineer for in- vestigation, or what it will do in relation thereto.
On motion of George L. Flint, it was voted that the Town Accountant be and hereby is authorized to transfer the sum of seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) from the Excess and Deficiency Account for the purpose of reimbursing the Municipal Light Department for the amount paid by them for expert services of the engineer for investigation of the plant.
Article 6. To see if the Town will raise and appro- priate, or otherwise provide, two hundred ten dollars ($210)
45
for the Fire Department, in addition to the amount already appropriated for that department, or what they will do in relation thereto.
On motion of Edgar O. Dewey, it was voted that the Town Accountant be and hereby is authorized to transfer the sum of two hundred ten dollars ($210) from the Excess and Deficiency Account to the Fire Department appropria- tion.
Article 7. To see if the Town will raise and appro- priate, or otherwise provide, five hundred dollars ($500) for the care of the Laurel Hill Cemetery in addition to the amount already appropriated for that purpose, or what it will do in relation thereto.
Article 7. On motion of Galen A. Parker, it was voted that the Town Accountant be and hereby is authorized to transfer the sum of three hundred seventy-five dollars ($375) from the Surplus Overlay Account to the Cemetery Depart- ment.
Article 8. To see what amount the Town will raise, appropriate or otherwise provide for the care and improve- ment of the Common and Public Parks, in addition to the amount already appropriated, or see what it will do in rela- tion thereto.
On motion of Carl M. Spencer, it was voted that the Town Accountant be hereby instructed to transfer the sum of three hundred fifty dollars ($350) from the Surplus Over- lay Account for the care and improvement of the Common and Public Parks, and that the further sum of one hundred fifty dollars ($150) received for the sale of buildings on Memorial Park and the proceeds of sale of grass, etc., be appropriated, to be expended under the direction of the Park Commissioners for the improvement of the Memorial Park or for the purchase of equipment therefor.
Article 9. To see what instructions the Town will give the Selectmen or Overseers of the Poor in regard to the situation arising from the taking by the Town for non-pay- ment of taxes the property on West Street, formerly owned by Florence Wiberg.
46
On motion of Harry P. Bosson, it was voted to indefin- itely postpone this article.
Article 10. To see if the Town will raise and appro- priate or otherwise provide five hundred dollars ($500) for the Poor Department in addition to the amount already papropriated for that department, or what it will do in re- lation thereto.
On motion of Edgar O). Dewey, it was voted to indefin- itely postpone this article.
Article 11. To see if the Town will raise and appro- priate or otherwise provide the sum of six hundred dollars ($600) for the purpose of Garden Inspection, or what it will do in relation thereto.
On motion of Charles A. Loring, it was voted that the sum of six hundred dollars ($600) be appropriated for Gar- den Inspection during the current year, under the pro- visions of Chapter 471, Acts of 1911, and the Town Account- ant be and he is hereby authorized for the purpose of pro- viding for the appropriation herein voted, to transfer four hundred dollars ($400) from the Excess and Deficiency Ac- count, and two hundred dollars ($200) from the Overlay Account, provided the Commonwealth will reimburse the Town for such appropriation to the extent of four hundred dollars.
Article 12. To see if the Town will raise and appro- priate, or otherwise provide, the sum of twelve hundred dollars ($1,200) for the purpose of constructing sewer con- nections from the main drain and the common sewer to private estates situated on Main and Lowell Streets, from Woburn Street to Washington Street, so that the said con- nections may be installed within the street before perma- nent service is laid on said streets; the cost of said con- nections to be charged at actual cost to the abutters when the estates are connected with the main drain and sewer.
Article 12. On motion of Horace G. Wadlin, it was voted to lay the article on the table.
It was voted to adjourn, to meet in this place, Security Hall, on Monday, July 9, 1917, at seven forty-five P. M.
MILLARD F. CHARLES, Town Clerk.
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ADJOURNED TOWN MEETING OF JUNE 25, 1917
Pursuant to adjournment, a town meeting was held in Security Hall at time mentioned and was called to order by the Moderator, Jesse W. Morton.
Article 4. On motion of Edgar O. Dewey, it was voted to take this article from the table.
On motion of Edgar O. Dewey, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2500) to repair Mineral Street Bridge over the Boston & Maine Railroad.
Voted to adjourn temporarily till warrant calling for town meeting to be held at this date, July 9, 1917, was read. Warrant was read and meeting opened.
Article 1. On motion of Edwin L. Hutchinson, it was voted to lay this article on the table.
On motion of Edgar O. Dewey, it was voted to adjourn until meeting of June 25, 1917, as adjourned to this date, be completed.
Meeting of June 25, 1917, was reopened and the follow- ing business transacted :
Article 2. On motion of Edwin L. Hutchinson, it was voted to take this article from the table.
William S. Dennison made a report in favor of adopting the provisions of this article and Mahlon E. Brande made a minority report against the adoption, after much discussion ' and several preliminary votes on the recommendations of O. W. Whiting, engineer, taken as the opinion of the voters present.
It was voted additions and improvements be made to the Municipal Lighting Plant by the Municipal Light Board under the direction and supervision of C. W. Whiting, M. E., substantially as recommended in Mr. Whiting's report and approved by the Finance Committee.
Article 1. On motion of A. Newell Howes, to instruct Electric Light Commissioners to reduce the price of elec- tricity for lighting one cent per K. H. on Jan. 1, 1918,
48
within the limits of the Town of Reading providing that profits show 4% on investment, the accounting to be accord- ing to the recommendation of Expert Engineer and Account- ant, Mr. Whiting. The price for heat to remain as now, and the schedule for power to be adjusted as recommended by Mr. Whiting. On vote, motion was lost.
Meeting of June 25, 1917, as adjourned to this date, July 9, was then adjourned sine die.
Meeting of July 9. 1917, was reopened and the following business was transacted :
Article 1. To determine what instructions be given Town Officers.
On motion of Edwin L. Hutchinson, it was voted to lay this article on the table.
Article 2. To see if the Town will authorize the Sewer Commissioners to increase the number of streets to have sewers laid in this year so that advantage may be taken of prices in present contracts. (Sewer Commissioners.)
On motion of Arthur H. Jewett, it was voted to lay this article on the table.
Article 3. To see if the Town will raise and appro- priate a sum not to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) for the purpose of paying for any portion of the cost of installing such additional sewers, in accordance with plans as drawn by F. A. Barbour and adopted by the Town, and will authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow said sum, and to issue therefor bonds or notes of the Town, such bonds or notes to be payable in accordance with the provisions of Sec. 7, Chapter 314, of the Acts of 1909, so that the whole loan shall be paid in not more than thirty years from the date of the first bond or note issued, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Sewer Commissioners.)
On motion of Charles A. Loring, it was voted to lay this article on the table.
Article 4. To see if the Town will raise and appro- priate, or otherwise provide. the sum of fifty-five thousand
49
dollars ($55,000) for the purpose of carrying out the recon- mendations of the Finance Committee, for the re-equip- ment of the Electric Light plant, or what it will do in rela- tion thereto. (Municipal Light Board.)
Article 4. On motion of George L. Flint, it was voted that for the purpose of meeting the expense of making improvements in the Municipal Light Plant, there be appropriated the sum of fifty-five thousand dollars ($55,000) and that the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, be and hereby is authorized to borrow said sum and to issue bonds or notes of the town therefor, said bonds or notes to be payable in accordance with the provisions of Section 14, Chapter 719, Acts of 1913, so that the whole loan shall be paid in not more than twenty years from the date of the first bond or note issued, or at such earlier dates as the Treasurer and Selectmen may determine. The rate of interest on bonds or notes herein authorized shall not exceed five per cent. per annum, payable semi-annually. Eighteen voted yes and three voted no.
Article 5. To see if the Town will raise and appro- priate or otherwise provide the sum of $50 for the purpose of printing one thousand copies of the Town By-Laws, or what it will do in relation thereto.
On motion of Edgar O. Dewey, it was voted that for the purpose of printing one thousand copies of the By-Laws there be appropriated from the Excess and Overlay Account fifty dollars.
On motion of Edgar O. Dewey, it was voted to adjourn sine die.
MILLARD F. CHARLES, Town Olerk.
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
SECURITY HALL, READING, MASS., July 30, 1917.
Pursuant to the warrant and Constable's return thereof, a town meeting was held and was called to order by the Moderator, Jesse W. Morton. The warrant was partly read
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by the Town Clerk when it was moved by Edgar O. Dewey that further reading of the warrant be dispensed with, except the Constable's return, and it was so voted. The Constable's return was then read.
Article 1. To determine what instructions be given Town Officers.
On motion of John H. Sheldon, it was voted that the Municipal Light Board be authorized to pay for printing the report of the engineer, O. W. Whiting, the sum of one hun- dred twenty-five dollars.
Article 1. On motion of Edgar O. Dewey, it was voted to lay this article on the table.
Article 2. To see if the Town will authorize the Sewer Commissioners to increase the number of streets to have sewers laid in this year so that advantage may be taken of prices in present contracts. (Sewer Commissioners. )
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