USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1919 > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13
Two (2) on Summer Avenue, between Hopkins Street and res- idence of Mr. George Forbes.
Six (6) on South Street, between Main Street and Walnut Street.
Three (3) on Forest Street, West of Main Street.
One (1) on Locust Street, near residence of Mr. Percy Jeffrey. (Municipal Light Board.)
On motion of Frank E. Crafts it was voted that the subject- matter of this article be referred to the Municipal Light Board, with authority to install on the public streets such of said lights as in their judgment are necessary, and to make such changes in existing lights as may be advisable, and that the cost of same be paid from the Depreciation Fund.
On motion of Charles H. Stinchfield, it was voted to adjourn to meet in Security Hall on Monday, March 31, 1919, at 7.45 o'clock P. M.
MILLARD F. CHARLES, Town Clerk.
ADJOURNED TOWN MEETING
SECURITY HALL, MARCH 31, 1919
Pursuant to adjournment, a town meeting was held at time as adjourned, and was called to order by the Moderator, Jesse W. Morton.
Article 25. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of $50, or some other amount, and elect a director for demonstration work in agriculture and home economics, the money to be expended by, and the director to serve in co-operation with the County Agricultural Trustees of the Middlesex County Bureau of Agriculture and Home Economics, under the provisions of Chapter 273, General Acts of 1918, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Selectmen) .
On motion of J. Edward Frost, it was voted that the Selectmen be empowered to appoint a Director for Demonstration Work in Agri-
19
culture and Home Economics and that the Town Accountant be and he is hereby authorized to transfer the sum of $50 from the Excess and Deficiency Fund for the purpose set forth in this article.
Article 27. To see if the Town will accept the gift of $1,000 from Miss Clara C. Pierce for the improvement of Memorial Park, and raise and appropriate an additional sum of $1,000 for the same purpose, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Park Commission- ers).
On motion of Galen A. Parker, it was voted that the Town ac- cept the gift of $1,000 from Miss Clara C. Pierce for the improvement of Memorial Park and that they appropriate a like amount as fol- lows, viz .: $600 to be taken from the Excess and Deficiency Account and $400 from the Reserve Fund from Surplus Overlay and that the Town Accountant be and he hereby is authorized to transfer the above sums from these accounts for the purposes set forth in Ar- ticle 27.
On motion of Galen A. Parker, and as amended by Theodore P. Berle, it was voted that the Town extend a vote of thanks to Miss Clara C. Pierce for her generous gift of $1,000 and that a copy of this vote be suitably transcribed and be presented by the mover, Galen A. Parker.
Article 28. To see if the Town will pay the Call Firemen one hundred ($100.00) dollars per year, and raise and appropriate six hundred and twenty-five dollars ($625.00) for that purpose, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Timothy J. Cullinane and others).
On motion of Timothy J. Cullinane, it was voted that the Call Firemen be paid $100 per year, and it was voted to raise and ap- propriate $625 for that purpose to pay for the increase in their sal- aries.
Article 29. To see if the Town will raise and apropriate the sum of two hundred ($200.00) dollars to purchase suitable water- proof coats for the Call Firemen, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Timothy J. Cullinane and others).
On motion of Edwin L. Hutchinson, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of two hundred ($200.00) dollars for the pur- pose of providing rubber coats for the Call Firemen.
Article 30. To hear and act on the report of the Special Com- mittee on the Consolidation of Town Departments. (Selectmen).
On motion of Carl M. Spencer, it was voted to discharge old com- mittee on Consolidation of Town Departments.
On motion of Carl M. Spencer, it was voted that the Moderator appoint a Special Committee of five to consider the general consoli- dation of Town Officers and Departments, and to report as soon as
20
possible on a temporary arrangement that they might advise and at a later date as to permanent consolidation. That an Auditor be recom- mended to audit all accounts.
The following were appointed as a committee by the Moderator : Carl M. Spencer, Joseph D. Knight, Herbert G. Evans, Fred D. Sperry, Charles H. Stinchfield.
Later, Charles A. Loring was appointed in place of Carl M. Spencer resigned.
On motion of Edwin L. Hutchinson, it was voted that the pro- cedure of the Moderator be sustained in regard to the consideration of the School Appropriation.
It was voted that the Moderator appoint a committee of three to revise the By-Laws of the Town.
Article 31. To see if the Town will instruct the proper officers to petition the General Court for the necessary legislation to con- solidate the Water and Sewer Departments, or what it will do in re- lation thereto. (Charles H. Stinchfield and others).
It was voted to pass over.
Article 32. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Munici- pal Light Board to install incandescent street lights on South Street, between Main and Walnut Streets, and how much money they will raise and appropriate, or otherwise provide therefor, or what they will do in relation thereto. (David Weston and others).
On motion of Frank E. Crafts, it was voted that the subject- matter of this article be referred to the Municipal Light Board.
Article 33. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of $500 to continue the building of the sidewalk on North Main Street, from Irving Street northerly along land of Charles I. Nesmith and others, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Rolland L. Perry and others).
On motion of Rolland L. Perry, it was voted to raise and appro- priate five hundred dollars to continue the building of the sidewalk on Main Street, from Irving Street northerly, along land of Charles I. Nesmith and others.
Article 34. To hear and act on the report of the Selectmen on the laying out of Ridge Road, and see how much money the Town will raise and appropriate to lay out said road, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Charles W. Jenks and others).
On motion of J. Edward Frost, it was voted that no action be taken by the Town on the subject-matter contained in this article.
On motion of Lewis M. Bancroft, it was voted to take Article 3 from the table.
21
It was moved by Carl M. Spencer, that the Water Department Commissioners be instructed to put in force a proposed new schedule in water rates which will increase the receipts of the Department by about $3,000 this year and $8,000 in succeeding years, or approxi- mately 30 per cent. Twenty-seven voted yes and 49 voted no, there- fore it was declared not a vote.
Article 2. It was voted to take from the table.
On motion of Lewis M. Bancroft, it was voted to accept reports of Town Officers as printed, and also the Finance Committee's report.
Article 3. On motion of Lewis M. Bancroft, it was voted to take Article 3 from the table.
On motion of Theodore P. Berle, it was voted that the Selectmen be instructed to notify the Police Department to rigidly enforce the automobile laws.
Voted to adjourn sine die.
MILLARD F. CHARLES, Town Clerk.
1
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING SECURITY HALL, JUNE 9, 1919
Pursuant to a warrant a town meeting was held in Security Hall on Monday evening, June 9, 1919, at 7.45 o'clock. The Moderator, Jesse W. Morton, called the meeting to order.
Article 1. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of fourteen hundred ($1,400) dollars for clerical assistance for the Board of Assessors and the Board of Selectmen for the balance of the current year. (Committee on Consolidation of Town Depts.).
On motion of Charles A. Loring, it was voted to raise and ap- propriate the sum of $450 for clerical assistance for the Board of Assessors for the balance of the current year and $700 for the Board of Selectmen for balance of the current year for clerical as- sistance.
Article 2. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of six hundred seventy-nine dollars ($679.00) to equip the Robinson Combination Fire Truck with pneumatic tires, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Selectmen).
On motion of J. Edward Frost, it was voted that the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $679 to equip the Robinson Combi- nation Fire Truck with pneumatic tires.
Article 3. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate or oth- erwise provide the sum of one thousand six hundred eighty-seven
22
dollars ($1,687.00) for the purpose of remodelling the John Street School House for the use of the Highway Department, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Selectmen).
On motion of William S. Kinsley, it was voted to raise and ap- propriate the sum of $1,687 for the purpose of remodelling the John Street School House for the use of the Highway Department.
Article 4. To see if the Town will authorize the Sewer Commis- sioners to construct additional sewers in certain streets within the Town. (Sewer Commissioners) .
On motion of John W. Owen, it was voted that the Sewer Com- missioners be, and they hereby are, authorized to construct sewers in streets and parts thereof, in addition to the sewers which said Com- missioners have heretofore been authorized to construct, in accord- ance with plans drawn by F. A. Barbour and adopted by the Town, such additional sewers to be constructed as far as possible in the following streets, namely:
Linden St., manhole to Woburn St.
High St., Haven to Woburn St.
Woburn, High to Sanborn St.
Sanborn St., Woburn to Lowell St. Salem St., Harrison to Harnden St. Harnden St., Salem St. to Reading Sq.
Middle St., Pleasant St. to Union St. Union St., Middle St. to Harnden St. John St., Salem St. to Pleasant St. Berkeley St., Woburn St. to King St. Summer Ave., Woburn St. to King St. Prescott St., Perkins Ave. west.
Howard St., Hillcrest Road to West St. Hillcrest Road, Howard St. to Prescott St.
Washington St., Lincoln St. to Prescott St. Lincoln St., Prescott St. to Woburn St. Woburn St., Lincoln St. to Pratt St. Temple St., Woburn St. to Summer Ave. Minot St., Washington St. to Park Ave. Warren Ave., Maple St. to Minot St.
Maple St., Centre Ave. to Warren Ave.
Main St., Park Ave. to Ash St. Park Ave., Main St. to end.
Middlesex Ave., Deering St. to Kingston St.
Kingston St., Middlesex Aye. to Mt. Vernon St.
Mt. Vernon St., Bancroft Ave. to Linden St. Linden St., manhole to Woburn St.
Article 5. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate or oth- erwise provide, a sum not to exceed forty thousand dollars ($40,000)
23
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 pay- able in accordance with the provisions of Section 7, Chapter 314 of the Acts of 1909, and acts in amendment thereof or in addition there- to, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Sewer Commissioners).
On motion of John W. Owen, it was voted to lay this article on the table.
Article 6. To see if the Town will authorize the Sewer Com- missioners to construct drains connecting estates with the main drains laid in streets. (Sewer Commissioners).
On motion of John W. Owen, it was voted that the Sewer Com- missioners be, and they hereby are, authorized to construct drains connecting estates with main drains constructed in streets within the town.
Article 7. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate or oth- erwise provide, a sum not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) for the purpose of paying for any art of such drains and will author- ize 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 Chapter 49 of the Revised Laws so that the whole loan shall be paid in not more than three years, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Sewer Commissioners).
Voted that the sum of five thousand ($5,000.00) dollars be raised and appropriated for the purpose of paying for the construction of drains connecting estates with the main sewer drains laid in the streets of the town, and that the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, be, and he hereby is, authorized to borrow said amount and to issue bonds or notes of the town therefor, said bonds or notes to be payable in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 49 of the Revised Laws, so that the whole loan shall be paid in not more than three years from the date of the first bond or note issued. Eighty- six voted yes and none voted no.
Article 8. To hear and act upon the report of the Special Com- mittee on Revision of the By-laws of the Town. (B. W. Smith).
The committee on By-Laws, by its chairman, Benjamin W. Smith, made a report on certain amendments to the By-Laws.
On motion of William S. Kinsley, it was voted to accept report and lay this article on the table.
Article 9. To see if the Town will authorize the Moderator to appoint a committee of three to investigate the advisability of open-
24
ing up the brooks and natural water sources flowing from Reading into Lake Quannapowitt. (Selectmen).
On motion of William S. Kinsley, it was voted that the Town authorize the Moderator to appoint a committee of three to investi- gate the advisability of opening up the brooks and natural water sources flowing from Reading into Lake Quannapowitt.
Article 8. On motion of Edwin L. Hutchinson, it was voted to take Article 8 from the table.
On motion of Edwin L. Hutchinson, it was voted that the By- Laws recommended by the Committee be printed in THE READING CHRONICLE.
It was voted to lay Article 8 on the table.
Article 10. To see if the Town will appoint a committee to se- cure plans and estimates as to the cost of a municipal garage, and storage building to be erected on the Pleasant Street lot, and to see if the Town will raise and appropriate or otherwise provide the sum of three hundred dollars ($300.00) for the use of said committee, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Planning Board).
On motion of Chester J. Wallace, it was voted that the Moderator appoint a committee of five to secure plans and estimate for a Mu- nicipal Garage and Storage Building to be erected on the Pleasant Street lot and report at the next town meeting, and that the sum of $150.00 be raised and appropriated or otherwise provided for the use of said Committee.
Article 11. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for the purchase of a one- ton Ford Chassis for Hose 2, and installing a small heater with fire- proof wall in the house, or what it will do in relation thereto. (H. W. Hunt and others).
On motion H. W. Hunt, it was voted that the sum of $1,000 be raised and appropriated for the purpose of a Ford or other Chassis for Hose House No. 2 Woburn Street, and for the purpose of install- ing a small heater with fireproof room for same.
Article 12. To see if the Town will lay a water pipe on South Street, with proper gates and hydrants from opposite the house of Edson A. Porter, south and east on said street about 820 feet, and how much money it will raise and appropriate or otherwise provide to pay the cost of same, or what it will do in relation thereto. (J. E. Alger and others).
On motion of Walter S. Parker, it was voted to raise and appro- priate the sum of $1,500 to lay a water main with proper gates and hydrants on South Street, from opposite the house of Edson A. Por- ter, south and east on said street about 820. feet.
25
Article 13. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) for teachers' salaries in addition to sums already appropriated for maintenance of the Public Schools for the year 1919, or what it will do in relation thereto. (School Committee).
On motion of Walter S. Parker, it was voted to raise and appro- priate the sum of $1,500 for teachers' salaries in addition to the amount already appropriated for maintenance of the public schools for the year 1919.
It was voted to adjourn to Monday evening, June 16, 1919, to meet in New Town Office Building, Room 19, at 7.45 o'clock.
MILLARD F. CHARLES, Town Clerk.
ADJOURNED TOWN MEETING TOWN OFFICE BUILDING, JUNE 16, 1919
A town meeting was held and called to order by the Moderator at New Town Office Building, Room 19.
After some discussion, a motion was made and carried to adjourn sine die.
MILLARD F. CHARLES, Town Clerk.
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
TOWN OFFICE BUILDING, ROOM 19, JULY 21, 1919
A town meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Jesse W. Morton.
Article 1. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate, or oth- erwise provide, 'a sum not to exceed $40,000.00 for the purpose of paying the cost of installing any portion of the additional sewers au- thorized by vote under Article 3 of the warrant for the Special Town Meeting held June 9, 1919, and will authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow said sum and to issue there- for 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, and in Acts in amendment therefor or in addition thereto, or what it will do in relation thereto.
Voted to lay this article on the table.
Article 2. To see if the Town will authorize the Town Account- ant to transfer from the Excess and Deficiency Fund the sum of
26
$400 for the purpose of increasing the pay of the regular Police Force fifty cents per day from the 1st of July, 1919, or what it will do in relation thereto.
On motion of J. Edward Frost, it was voted that the Town As- countant be authorized to transfer from the Excess and Deficiency Account $400 to the Police Department for the purpose of increasing the pay of the regular Police Force fifty cents per day from the 1st of July, 1919.
Article 4. To determine what instructions be given the Town Officers.
On motion of Charles H. Stinchfield, it was voted to instruct the Selectmen to sell the Hose House on Hopkins Street, and Hose House with lot on Main Street, at a price not less than the appraised value.
Article 1. Voted to take this article from the table.
On motion of John W. Owen, that the Town issue bonds for Sew- er Extensions to an amount of $40,000,-vote was not carried, as it required a two-thirds vote in favor. Twenty-six voted yes. Nine- teen voted no.
Voted to adjourn sine die.
MILLARD F. CHARLES, Town Clerk.
The Moderator appointed the following as a Committee to in- vestigate cleaning out the brooks and streams flowing into Lake Quannapowitt: William S. Kinsley, chairman, John W. Owens, Frank F. Strout.
As a Committee on plans for a Municipal Garage: The Plan- ning Board, Chester J. Wallace, Raymond B. Temple, Leone F. Quimby, Henry Q. Millett, Clarence C. White.
STATE ELECTION, NOV. 4, 1919
The following is a result of the ballot for State and County Officers :
GOVERNOR
Calvin Coolidge, Northampton 1104
Charles B. Ernst, Worcester 2
William A. King, Springfield 1
Richard H. Long, Framingham
273
Ingvar Paulsen, Boston
3
Blanks 16
27
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Charles J. Brandt, Brockton 14
Channing H. Cox, Boston 1082
H. Edward Gordon, Boston 9
John F. J. Herbert, Worcester 253
6
Patrick Mulligan, Boston Blanks
35
SECRETARY
Harry W. Bowman, Boston 19
James Hayes, Plymouth 5
Albert P. Langtry, Springfield 1095
Charles H. McGlue, Lynn 206
5
Blanks
69
TREASURER
Fred J. Burrell, Medford 909
David Craig, Milford
4
Charles D. Fletcher, Somerville 5
Louis Marcus, Boston
5
Chandler M. Wood, Winchester Blanks 66
410
AUDITOR
Arthur J. B. Cartier, Fall River 239
Alonzo B. Cook, Boston 1055
Oscar Kinsalas, Springfield 3
Walter P. J. Skahan, Springfield 3
14
Blanks
85
ATTORNEY-GENERAL
J. Weston Allen, Newton 1080
Morris I. Becker, Chelsea 5
Joseph A. Conry, Boston 214
Conrad W. Crooker, Melrose 30
William R. Henry, Lynn
6
Blanks
64
COUNCILLOR, SIXTH DISTRICT
James G. Harris, Medford 1143
Blanks
256
SENATOR, SEVENTH MIDDLESEX DISTRICT
Charles H. Burns, Lynn 226
Gardner W. Pearson, Lowell 1062
E. B. Eames, Reading 2
Blanks 102
Herbert H. Thompson, Haverhill
Henry J. D. Small, Boston
28
REPRESENTATIVES IN GENERAL COURT, EIGHTEENTH MIDDLESEX DISTRICT
George L. Flint, Reading 320
.
John F. Holloran, Jr., Woburn 142
Samuel W. Mendum, Woburn 876
1093
Walter S. Parker, Reading Blanks 367
COUNTY COMMISSIONER, MIDDLESEX COUNTY
Erson B. Barlow, Lowell
1057
Charles J. Barton, Melrose
234
Blanks 108
ASSOCIATE COMMISSIONERS, MIDDLESEX COUNTY
Frederic P. Barnes, Newton 1086
H. Harding Hale, Hudson 909
Blanks 803
DISTRICT ATTORNEY, NORTHERN DISTRICT
William E. Russell, Cambridge 236
Nathan A. Tufts, Waltham 1083
Blanks 80
1
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
"Shall the Rearrangement of the Constitution of the Com- monwealth, submitted by the Constitutional Convention, be ap- proved and ratified?" Yes
741
No
135
Blanks 523
"Shall an act passed by the General Court in the year nine- teen hundred and nineteen, entitled 'An Act relative to the es- tablishment and maintenance of continuation schools and courses of instruction for employed minors', be accepted?" Yes
747
No
107
Blanks 445
.
"Shall Chapter 116, General Acts of 1919, approved by the General Court without division, which provides that deposits in savings banks and savings departments of trust companies may . be placed on interest once a month and not oftener; that divi- dends on such deposits may be declared semi-annually and not oftener, and that interest shall not be paid on any such deposits withdrawn between dividend days, be approved?"
Yes 686
No
288
Blanks 425
29
"Shall the Representatives from this district be instructed to vote for legislation to regulate and license the manufacture and sale of beverages containing not over four per cent of al- cohol by weight and to define same to be non-intoxicating?" Yes 614
No
620
Blanks 165
The ballots were counted in open town meeting, were sealed and delivered to the Town Clerk, whereupon it was voted to adjourn.
MILLARD F. CHARLES, Town Clerk.
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING NOVEMBER 5, 1919 ROOM 19, TOWN OFFICE BUILDING
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Jesse W. Morton.
Article 1. To see if the Town will authorize the Town Account- ant to transfer the sum of $800 (eight hundred dollars) from the Excess and Deficiency Account to the Welcome Home Appropriation, to meet in part the expenses for entertaining, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Selectmen.)
On motion of J. Edward Frost, it was voted that the Town Ac- countant be, and he is authorized, to transfer the sum of $800 from the Excess and Deficiency Account to the Welcome Home Appropria- tion for the purpose as set forth for entertaining the Service Men.
Article 2. To see what instructions the Town will give its Town Officers. (Selectmen.)
On motion of Theodore P. Berle, it was voted to lay this article on the table.
Article 3. To see if the Town will vote to raise the pay of the permanent Firemen, commencing November 1, 1919, to $4.00 per day, and the Chief of the Fire Department to $4.50 per day, and authorize the Town Accountant to transfer the sum of one hundred fifty-six dollars ($156.00) from the Surplus Overlay Account to meet the ex- pense of the above raise, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Se- lectmen.)
On motion of J. Edward Frost, it was voted that the Town Ac- countant be, and he is authorized, to transfer the sum of $156 from the Surplus Overlay Account to the Fire Department Appropriation
30
for the purpose of establishing the pay of the Permanent Firemen at $4.00 per day and of the Chief of the Fire Department at $4.50 per day.
Article 4. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of five thousand ($5,000) dollars for the purpose of paying for any portion of the cost of constructing sewers as authorized by vote of the Town, in accordance with plans drawn by F. A. Barbour and adopted by the Town, and will authorize the Treasurer, with the ap- proval 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 ac- cordance with the provisions of Section 7 of Chapter 14 of the Acts of 1909, with amendments thereof and additions thereto, so that the whole loan shall be paid in not more than (30) thirty years from the date of the first bond or note issued. (Sewer Commissioners.)
On motion of John W. Owen, it was voted that there be raised and appropriated the sum of five thousand dollars ($5,000) for the purpose of paying for any cost of constructing sewers. as authorized by the vote of the Town, in accordance with plans drawn by F. A. Barbour, and adopted by the Town, and that the Treasurer be and hereby is authorized and directed, 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, Chap. 314 of the Acts of 1909, with amendments thereof and additions thereto, so that the whole loan shall be paid in not more than thirty years from the date of the first bond or note issued and at such dates and in such amounts as the Treasurer and Selectmen may determine. Thirty voted yes, and none voted no.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.