USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1921 > Part 6
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Per. Total Rec. of App. Rec'd
Brook
19.80
000
000. %
John
33.30
000.
000. %
Green
110.70
8.40
7.5%
Eaton
3.60
3.60
100. %
Pleasant
92.80
000
000. %
Wilson
35.40
000.
000. %
Village
128.10
000.
000. %
Parker
27.30
3.00
10. %
Haven
660.30
251.10
38. %
Washington
70.20
000
000. %
Ash
127.80
16.80
13.1%
Main
319.80
197.40
61.7%
Lowell
13.50
000.
000. %
Linden
76,20
28.80
38. %
High
52,80
000.
000. %
Woburn
500.00
38.40
7. %
Lincoln
161.70
66.30
41. %
Prescott
345.90
78.60
23. %
Prospect
104.00
23.40
23. %
Berkeley
140.70
15.90
11. %
·
84
Street
Est. Rev. 100% Conn.
Est. Rev. of App. Received
Per Total Rev. App. Received
Summer Ave.
100.20
36.60
36. %
Howard .
31.80
13.20
41. %
Kingston
63.00
8.70
14. %
Middlesex
81.00
33.30
41. %
Sanborn
16.20
25.80
42. %
Salem
138.00
9.00
6.5%
Arlington
32.70
3.60
11. %
Washington
38.70
0.00
00. %
Mt. Vernon
72.00
9.00
12.5%
Harnden
51.30
17.40
34. %
Middle
37.50
00.00
00. %
Pratt
20.70
12.00
58. %
Hill Crest
6.60
0.00
00. %
Fremont
23.10
0.00
00. %
High
11.70
0.00
00. %
Union
6.30
0.00
00. %
Perkins
47.40
47.40
100. %
Copeland
77.70
77.70
100. %
$3,924.80
$1,025.40
26. %
The contract was awarded to Mr. John Williams of Dorchester who began work Oct. 11, 1921. Although ostensibly a sewer contract, this contract included also the reconstruction of West St. culvert at the junction of Summer Ave. After the completion of this contract, house connections were made in Prescott St. and Middlesex Ave. so as to al- low the Highway Department to make improvements in these two streets as soon as the underground structures were put in. All the laterals on these two streets were built at least to the side line, and house con- nections were constructed wherever wished for by the property owners.
Copeland and Perkins Aves. were then constructed, and finally the miscellaneous connections were made and Mr. Williams completed his work on Dec. 12, 1921.
While the work of installing connections was in progress, many in- quiries came to the office of the Board of Public Works, from citizens in and about the town, as to when they might be allowed to complete their connection with the sewer. In consequence of these questions the
85
progress of construction of the Bear Hill Station was kept and it be- came evident, that it would not be completed on the date set forth by the Metropolitan Sewer Commission. The position of the Board was indeed embarrassing, for they were unable to obtain a definite answer from the Metropolitan Commission.
On December 7th the Board received a communication from the Metropolitan Sewer Commission, the contents of which stated that they were now able to dispose of the sewage from the Town of Reading, and that their men would proceed to take on the bulkhead at the upper end of the Metropolitan Sewer. A hole of about six inches in diameter was knocked through on Dec. 9th, 9.25 A. M. in the bulkhead, which relieved the ground water, that had leaked into the main interceptor, and it was not until December 24th that the entire bulkhead was removed.
Upon receipt of the letter of Dec. 7th from the Metropolitan Sewer Commission the Board immediately took steps to get the sewer in oper- ation. The first thing found necessary to do, was to knock out a bulk- head which has been placed on the down stream side of the Manhole at the junction of John & Village Streets. In order to do this the entire system had to be pumped dry, due to the ground water having leaked in, with no means of draining off. The Board then obtained permission from the selectmen to have the use of the Fire Apparatus in doing this work. It required some four hours of constant pumping to lower the water enough so that a hole could be punched through, large enough to take care of the general leakage. The following day the entire bulk- head was removed.
It was then necessary to make an inspection of our sewers. In many cases man-hole covers here and there were raised to grade and leaks were plugged also the cleaning of main lines, where silt and mud had washed in. The department not having any sewer cleaning appar- atus borrowed the same from the Town of Wakefield, and began this work. The Washington Street line was practically plugged due to the fact that an employer of the St. R. R. Co. two years before had taken off the M. H. cover at the junction of Washington and Elliott, in order to drain off the surface water. A great deal of material of course got deposited and distributed along the system.
On further investigation it was found that several pipes were broken along South Main St. from Washington to Ash. The sewer at this point is approximately 13 feet deep, and since the elevation of the ground water is high at this point due to head pressure that the under- drain is working at, it will take considerable more time to fix than it otherwise should, if the underdrain had a free outlet.
At the time of writing, the inspection, cleaning, and fixing of the ' Reading sewer is now going on, with every prospect that it will be in operation during the month of January 1922.
HARRY B. COLLINS, Superintendent.
86
PARK DEPARTMENT
To the Board of Public Works :-
Gentlemen :- The Park Department report is divided into three parts, consisting of first the financial account of the year, second a report which was submitted to the Superintendent by the Park Com- missioners, and thirdly a report of the work done under the Board of Public Works.
Total Appropriation
$1,764.50
Pay Roll
1,249.38
New Tools
28.29
Sharpening Tools
3.65
Express
3.25
Materials
6.50
Repairs to Building & Fence
5.20
Rent for ball park
342.00
Landscape Architects fee
33.33
Total
1,671.60
Balance
$ 92.90
Distribution of Accounts:
1. Memorial Park:
a. Pay roll for Supervised Play $ 600.00
b. Pay roll for care of Park 534.10
c. Landscape Architect's fee 33.33
d. Repairs on building and fence 5.20
e. Cost of new tools
28.39
f. Express 3.25
g. Sharpening tools
2.40
h. Materials used (lime, etc.) 6.50
Total $1,213.02
2. Common and Main St. Parks:
a. Pay roll for care of Parks $ 108.80
b. Sharpening Tools 1.25
Total
$ 110.05
87
3. Leach Park: a. Pay roll for care of Park 6.48
4. Account for Ball Park :
a. Rent 342.00
MEMORIAL PARK.
From January first, 1921, to the time the care of the Park was turned over to the Board of Public Works, there is nothing worthy of note except the annual Community Day, which was held as usual on April nineteenth. This year Community Day was carried out in a somewhat different way from the two previous years. At a preliminary meeting, Mr. E. C. Hanscom made a suggestion to the Park Commission which was eventually carried out. His plan suggested itself as being something new and contemplated the allotment of various work pro- jects to the various organizations in town; that is to say, each organi- zation, such as churches, fraternal organizations, etc., was to have its separate piece of work, and be responsible for same. Practically every organization in town responded to the call of the Park Commission, and were most generous with their cooperation and subsequent work. The results proved that the idea was a good one, and also that in order to rouse proper enthusiasm for such public undertakings it is necessary to have something new each year.
To raise money for the necessary expenses, a third Tag Day was held, with much enthusiasm and good results. Besides this there were received many gifts of money, etc., from interested citizens.
The work accomplished was of a most substantial character. Un- doubtedly the most spectacular undertaking accomplished was the transformation of the Clara Brande lot. We think no one will take offense if we mention the leadership of Henry R. Johnson and his or- ganization of Odd Fellows. who not only did a beautiful job of land- scape work, but have also kept the plot weeded and in order during the past season.
The other principal items of work accomplished were the com- pletion of the stone steps at the south side of the community house, the driveway and turn-around from Salem St. to the community house, work on path from Memorial Entrance to Charles Street, and the im- mense amount of weeding all over the Park. To mention every indi- vidual who was responsible for so much accomplished, would be to mention every individual who took part in the work, and space is not available for this, nor is it necessary, as the work was an unselfish con- tribution for the good of the cause. (The above report was handed in by the Park Commissioners.)
88
Shortly after the Board of Public Works took office they hired a care-taker to look after the grounds, from the beginning of June until the end of October. That portion used by the children during the sum- mer months for their games was constantly kept mown, raked, and picked up, and also the approaches to the park on Main and Salem Streets.
This last year made the third season of organized playground work. Many interesting events took place during the summer for the children and two public days were held for adults. Speakers were obtained for each, and for the first meeting Mrs. Shepardson, President of the Wom- an's Club, and Miss Bell, supervisor of the girls' department of the playgrounds, spoke on the benefits of organized play. At the second public day the speakers were, Ex. Mayor Charles H. Adams, of Melrose and S. A. Mahoney, Superintendent of playground work at Somerville.
Milk was sold this year for the first time on the grounds, a story telling hour was held three times a week, baskets and hats were made from reeds and raffia, shower baths were enjoyed by the aid of a hose on hot days and many interesting games were played. A picnic was held on the afternoon and evening of August 31st at which time athletic events were run off, folk dancing was enjoyed, food was sold and for- tunes were told. What money was taken in on the grounds will be used to help defray the expenses of the play-ground for another year. All of these activities were under the supervision and direction of the Reading Woman's Club and the Board wishes to thank especially the Woman's Club for their loyal help both in money and personal service, the Public Library for the use of books, the Superintendent of Schools for his ever ready assistance in carrying on the above work, the South Church for loan of apparatus, the Chronicle for its generosity in giving space to the playground notes, and the many persons who added in var- ious ways, the enjoyment of the grounds during the season.
The gate in the dam was closed early in the fall thus flooding the low-lands of the park and providing a fine opportunity for skating when the cold weather came.
Common and Main St. Parks
In regard to the Common and Main St. Parks, it may be said that they were kept constantly mown and raked up during the year. As to the development of the Common the Superintendent would suggest that it remain as it is at present until the time when the Town can afford to develop the Square in general.
HARRY B. COLLINS, Superintendent.
6.0
89
REPORT OF CHIEF OF POLICE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit to your Honorable Board the report of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1921.
Arrests for Year 1921
Total number of arrests 213
Males
201
Females
12
Resident
63
Non-Resident
150
American born
181
Foreign born
32
Adults
186
Minors
27
Causes of Arrest
Allowing minor children to play pool
1
Drunks
59
Non-support
5
Breaking and entering
5
Runaway children
6
Evading car fare
2
Idle and disorderly
1
Tramps
5
Assaults
13
Warrants from out of town officers
4
Capias
1
Delinquent children
1
Insane
1
Desecration of Cemetery
1
Disturbance
2
Keeping and expressing liquor
1
No home
3
Escaped institutions
1
Larceny
12
90
Forgery
1
Manslaughter
1
Violating auto law
69
Driving under influence of liquor
17
Disposition of Cases in Court
X
Fined
99
Released
5
Turned over to parents
6
House of Correction
6
Placed on file
38
Case continued
10
Appealed cases
4
State Hospital, Tewksbury
4
Probation
4
Turned over to out of town officers
7
Held for Grand Jury
3
Discharged
19
Defaults
3
House of Correction suspended
5
Danvers State Hospital
1
Miscellaneous
Cases investigated 133
Dead bodies taken care of
2
Buildings found unlocked and secured 51
Windows found unlocked
· Dogs killed
22
Fire alarm boxes found open
2
Wires found down and reported
5
Accidents reported and investigated
120
Disturbances quelled
8
Defective streets and sidewalks
7
Residents temporarily vacated and police protection requested
25
Search warrants served
5
Street lights reported out
10
Fire put out by police
1
Runaway pony stopped and turned over to owner
1
Children lost and taken home
10
Amount of property reported stolen $4382.10
Amount of property recovered 3541.10 1
Damage to property and restitution made, without court proceeding :-
Collected by Chief of Police $104.90
Paid over to owners whose property was damaged
$104.90
.
91
Amounts of Fines Imposed by the Court
33 at $5.00 each $165.00
33 at $10.00 each 330.00
10 at $15.00 each 150.00
4 at $20.00 each
80.00
6 at $25.00 each
150.00
10 at $50.00 each
500.00
1 at $75.00 each
75.00
1 at $100.00 each 100.00
Total
$1550.00
Conclusion
I desire at this time to thank the Honorable Board of Selectmen, the Judges and Clerks of our Court, our local press and all others who assisted in any way in promoting the welfare of this department, also all members of the force for what they have done.
Respectfully yours,
JEREMIAH CULLINANE, Chief of Police.
Reading, January 1, 1922.
92
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF WIRES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :
I respectfully submit, herewith, my annual report as Inspector of Wires for the year ending December 31, 1921.
Interior Wiring for Light, Heat and Power
Number of new buildings wired 23
Number of old buildings wired 59
Number of buildings re-wired or in which additional wiring has been installed 99
Number of inspection notices received
152
Number of inspections made 247
The new buildings wired were 17 dwellings, 4 garages, 1 store and 1 office
Number of lamp sockets and receptacles connected to new wiring .. 1883
Number of ranges 6
Number of heaters 26
Number of motors
19
H. P. of motors 371/2
A majority of the owners of property in the business section of the town have had the necessary changes made in the interior wiring in order to satisfy the insurance requirements.
The use of Radio Signaling Apparatus is becoming quite general and I desife to again call attention to the fact that the installation of this apparatus should be in accordance with Rule 86 of the National Electrical Code, 1920 edition, and should be inspected before being used. Particular attention should be given to grounding, insulating and pro- tection of the supply system from high potential surges.
The Inspector will be glad to advise any one in connection with Radio installation.
93
Overhead Wires in the Public Streets
The recent severe sleet storm caused extensive damage to all overhead wires, many being broken, and others being stretched almost to the breaking point. It will be several months before all of the wires which have been damaged can be replaced with new.
Approximately 70 poles were broken by the excessive strain and many others were weakened so that it will be necessary to renew them. Prac- tically all of the broken poles have been replaced with new ones and the work of transferring the wires to the new poles has not yet been completed.
We are very fortunate in not having had any serious accidents on account of the storm.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR G. SIAS, Inspector of Wires.
Reading, Mass., Jan. 14, 1922.
94
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE ALARM
To the Board of Fire Engineers:
There have been installed this year four new boxes as follows: Main Street, near Cross Box 53
Box 226 Lowell Street School House
Prospect Street School House
Box 27
Chestnut Street School House Box 228
I have added new cross arms and wire and have made general repairs. The Fire Alarm was in good working order until the day of the storm, when everything was put out of commission. In six days I had all but six boxes working; at the end of two days more all were working temporarily; in three weeks everything was working in good order.
The boxes have all got to be painted and cemented this year, works cleaned and oiled.
At this time I wish to thank Manager Sias for what he did in helping me out of my trouble and others who reported breaks, etc.
Respectfully submitted,
L. T. EAMES, Superintendent of Fire Alarm.
95
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING
To the Honorable Board of Health:
The following is submitted as the annual report of the Plumbing In- spector for the year ending, December 31, 1921.
Number of permits granted 76
Water Closets installed 71
Lavatories installed 62
Bath tubs installed 63
Sinks installed 65
Wash Tubs installed
47
Total number of fixtures installed 308
There are only three houses connected with the sewer to date. A large number of connections are laid up to the houses. By spring the majority of houses, in the center of the town, will be connected with the sewer.
Respectfully submitted,
DAVID TAGGART, Plumbing Inspector.
·
96
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
There were forty-eight (48) contagious cases reported to this Board during the year 1921:
Chicken pox
5
Diphtheria
4
Measles
7
Scarlet Fever
24
Pulmonary Tuberculosis
6
Typhoid Fever
1
Anterior Poleomyelitis
1
Number of deaths
70
Male
28
Female
42
2 were over 90 years of age
12 were between 80 and 90
15 were between 70 and 80
8 were between 60 and 70
10 were between 50 and 60
6 were between 40 and 50
1 was between
30 and 40
4 were between 20 and 30
2 were between
10 and 20
2 were between
1 and 5
3 were under
1 year
5 still births.
E. M. HALLIGAN, M. D.,
C. H. PLAYDON, C. F. ATKINSON,
Board of Health.
97
REPORT OF BOARD OF ASSESSORS, 1921
Valuation of Real Estate:
Buildings, excluding land
$5,760,850.00
Land, excluding buildings 2,507,785.00
Total Real Estate
$8,268,635.00
Personal Estate, excluding resident bank stock
$1,202,353.00
Resident bank stock
31,300.00
Total Personal Estate
$1,233,653.00
Total Real and Personal Estate assessed Apr. 1, '21
$9,502,288.00
Building increase over 1920
145,990.00
Land increase over 1920
17,220.00
Personal increase over 1920
142,633.00
Total gain on Personal and Real Estate
305,843.00
Tax on Real Estate
$305,939.19
Tax on Personal Estate
45,647.00
Tax on Polls
9,930.00
Tax on Real Estate for Moth
1,306.00
Total tax April 1, 1921 $362,822.19
Personal Estate assessed December, 1921 $ 8,034.00
Real Estate assessed December, 1921
3,525.00
Polls, 7 @ $5.00
35.00
Tax assessed as supplementary on Real Estate Dec. '21
130.42
Tax assessed as supplementary on Personal Dec. '21 Total Personal Estate assessed 1921 $1,241,687.00
297.29
Total Real Estate assessed 1921
8,272,160.00
Total Real and Personal Estate assessed in year '21
$9,513,847.00
98
State Highway Tax, 1921
$ 1,628.96
State Tax, 1921
23,520.00
Special State Tax, 1921
1,108.80
County Tax, 1921
12,539.61
Special County Tax, 1921
899.17
Sewerage Tax, 1921
9,934.06
Sewerage Sinking Fund, 1921
7,000.00
Auditing Municipal Account Tax, 1921
370.61
Municipal Lighting Plant Tax, 1921
76.16
Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway Tax, 1921
221.40
Fire Prevention Tax, 1921
76.72
War Bonus Tax, 1986 Polls @ $3.00
5,958.00
Total State and County Tax
$ 63,333.49
Total 1920
51,185.88
Excess over 1920
$ 12,147.61
Balance from commitment for Town purposes
$ 298,182.70
Estimated receipts
50,857.50
Total
$ 349,040.20
Overlay for 1921
3,752.13
Amount appropriated for Town purposes
$ 345,288.07
Tax rate for 1921, $37.00 per M.
Number of persons assessed on property April 1, 1921 2,982
407
Additional assessed in December
23
Additional polls
7
Total assessed on property in 1921
3,005
Total assessed on polls in 1921
413
Total number separate assessments
3,418
Polls assessed in 1921
1,993
Polls assessed in 1920
1,909
Increase in polls
84
Number of horses
157
Number of Cows
258
Number of sheep
0
Number of neat cattle
55
Number of swine
71
Number of fowl 10,443
Number of dwellings
1,896
Number of new buildings
15
Number of acres of land
5,751
Population of 1920
7,424
Number assessed for poll only
99
Assessors' Report on the Survey of Land Under the Block System
We have now completed 54 plans which contain 2,538 separate lots. The financial account is as follows:
Balance from 1920 $382.83
Appropriation for 1921 200.00
Total
$582.83
Expended for one new plan 378.00
Balance $204.83
MILLARD F. CHARLES, GEORGE E. HORROCKS,
Board of Assessors.
100
REPORT OF CHIEF OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :- I herewith submit the annual report of the Fire De- partment giving a record of the alarms received during the year end- ing December 31, 1921 and such other information as I believe may be of interest to the Town.
Manual Force
The Department consists of five (5) permanent men (including the Chief) and twenty-five (25) callmen.
Apparatus
The apparatus consists of one (1) Triple Combination, one (1) Double Tank Combination and Hose Truck, one (1) Combination Service Ladder Truck and one (1) Motor Hose Truck.
The Triple Combination is a Knox Machine which has been in ser- vice eight years. The Double Tank Combination and Hose Truck and the Combination Service Ladder Truck are Robinson machines and have been in service five years. The Motor Hose Truck is a One Ton Ford Truck equipped with a wagon body by the permanent members of the department two years ago.
All of the machines have required quite expensive repairs during the year and the pump on Combination A must be overhauled at once as it leaks very badly.
Finances
My financial transactions are all embodied in the report of the Town Accountant to which I refer you for any information in that line.
Recommendations
I recommend the purchase of one thousand feet of 2 1-2 inch hose as I have not enough for a change for both machines at the Central Station. I also recommend a punch register for Hose No. 2 Station and two Gas Masks for this company. I further recommend Fire Hel- mets for the entire department.
Fire Prevention
I have issued 585 permits for fires in the open this year. Inspec- tions have been made by the permanent members and myself at fre- quent intervals. Where conditions warrant, I called them to the at- tention of the persons concerned and in most cases my recommendations were carried out.
101
Record of Alarms
Telephone
Bell
January
6
4
February
1
March
17
5
April
7
10
May
8
6
June
8
6
July
4
3
August
3
4
September
6
3
October
9
November
7
2 01 4
December
5
3
Total
80
51
Number of miles traveled
654
Number of feet 2 1-2 inch hose laid
17,650
Number of feet 1 1-2 inch hose laid
500
Number of feet chemical hose used
2,650
Number of feet ladders raised
728
Numbers gallons chemicals used
1,573
Number of covers spread
7
Number of gallons gasoline used
585
Number of gallons oil used
17
Value of property in danger
$122,080.00
Insurance thereon
55,943.50
Loss thereto
16,244.75
Insurance paid thereon
14,796.89
Uninsured loss
1,547.86
Conclusion
In conclusion, I wish to extend to your Honorable Board and to the Town Accountant and Treasurer, and Finance Committee, my thanks for the courtesies and co-operation I have received during the year. I wish to compliment the officers and members of the Department on the prompt and efficient manner in which they have performed their duties. I also wish to express my thanks to the Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway Company for the use of current, to the Police Department for services rendered at fires and to the employees of the New England Tele- phone and Telegraph Company for the prompt and efficient service ren- dered in receiving alarms by telephone.
Respectfully submitted,
0. 0. ORDWAY,
Chief Fire Department.
.
. .
-
-
102
REPORT OF FOREST WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :- I herewith submit the following report of the Forest Warden for the year ending December 31, 1921.
Number of calls answered for grass and brush fires 34
Number of calls answered from Lookout Station 9
All fires have been investigated and reports of same sent to the State Forest Fire Warden.
The Ford Truck used by this department continues to give good service and is used to very good advantage in making repairs to the Fire Alarm wires.
I posted fire warnings at or near all wood lots as in past years.
I appointed Henry M. Donegan, 11 Federal St., Deputy Forest War- den.
In conclusion, I wish to thank all who have assisted this department in any way during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
O. O. ORDWAY, Forest Warden.
103
REPORT OF BUILDING INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :-
Gentlemen :- I herewith submit the following report for the year 1921.
There has been quite an increase in building this last year over the three previous years, which is very encouraging.
The approximate cost of new building amounts to $130,000.00. This consists of residences, public and private garages.
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