USA > New York > Wyoming County > Perry > History of the town of Perry, New York > Part 19
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 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22
The statement having been made that such a system as proposed would cost $75,000 or more, the Trustees gave their pledge that if it could not be constructed for $40,000 they would not undertake the work.
One of the determined opponents of the proposition had carefully prepared a circular letter to the voters, setting forth arguments against the question, and took it to another oppon- ent to read and offer suggestions. The reading was heard by another in the same office, who was supposed to be in opposi- tion, but who was in favor of it, and as soon as possible he told one of the village officials that a strong anti-water works cir- cular would be mailed to every voter so that he would receive it in the morning of the day of the special election. The official immediately took steps to learn where the circular letter was to be printed and through a traveling printer who was at that time working in the place, secured a proof copy of the circular. He then called the Village Trustees together, and with the mat- ter before them they prepared a complete answer in detail to each of the arguments set forth by the opponents. They arrang- ed for having it put in type and printed that night, and while that was being done, they busied themselves during the night in directing envelopes to every voter, so that when he received
309
THE WATER WORKS SYSTEM
the anti circular in the morning mail he would also receive at the same time their reply in detail. That proved to be a splend- id coup and probably saved the day, for the reason that the anti circular was unsigned and its authorship was not known, while the reply was signed by each member of the Board of Trustees and its clerk, creating consternation in the camp of the opponents who had so carefully planned their work in expecta- tion of complete ignorance of it on the part of those in favor of the project.
At the election there were three boxes provided for the ballots, one for taxpayers, one for non-taxpayers, and one for the husbands of women taxpayers. The result showed: Tax- payers for, 124; against, 73. Non-taxpayers for, 42; against, 4. Husbands of women taxpayers for, 19; against, 5. The favor- able majority was 103.
There was a rousing celebration of the victory on the even- ing of the 5th, when firecrackers were set off in large quanti- ties, the Band was brought out, and with music, parade, Roman candles and salutes by the gun squad, the victors gave vent to their enthusiasm and joy.
In its issue of July 10th the Perry Record made the following prophecy in its editorial comment upon the victory :
"We predict that the water works system will prove to be a profitable investment, and when it has been completed and given a fair test our citizens would not be without it for double the cost."
How well that prophecy has been fulfilled, beyond the most sanguine expectations of even its promoters, Perry people know.
The satisfaction with the victory achieved was short-lived, however, as it was soon learned that there was a question of the legality of the election, for the reason that a new election law had taken effect on May 29th, 1895.
310
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
Previous to calling the election, the Board of Trustees had consulted attorneys in Warsaw as to the proper method of pro- cedure and were advised to conduct it under the existing law, apparently unaware of the change effective on May 29th. War- saw, Painted Post, Dundee and Williamsville had voted the same as Perry and were in the same predicament.
Realizing that if the election held was not legal, they would be unable to float any bonds, the Trustees consulted Theo- dore Bacon, Esq., of Rochester, an attorney of extended exper- ience on all such matters, and they were advised by himthat the only safe way was to submit the proposition at another election, according to the provisions of the new law.
Acting upon the advice of Attorney Theodore Bacon. the Board of Trustees called another election to vote upon the proposition, on Friday, Aug. 2d, 1895, without any super- stitious fear of Friday as a day of defeat. Strong arguments in opposition were printed and circulated by those who were against the plan, setting forth figures to show the probable failure of a water works system as a sufficient revenue pro- ducer. Nothwithsanding the persistent antagonism, advocates of the proposition were active in their efforts to maintain the favorable sentiment as shown by the original vote, but as it seemed to be a foregone conclusion that the decision would be ratified, not the same degree of vigor was put forth by those favorable as in the first campaign, nor was there as much effort to get out the vote. Only those voters whose names appeared upon the last assessment roll of the village were permitted to cast their ballots at the Aug. 2d, election, at which there were 189 votes cast, showing 114 affirmative and 70 negative, a ma- jority of 44 in favor of the proposition. There was a quiet ac- ceptance of the decision and the Village Trustees planned to act upon it as rapidly as possible.
311
THE WATER WORKS SYSTEM
Attorney Bacon gave his opinion that there was no ques- tion of the legality of the second election and advised the Board of Trustees to proceed with their plans in accordance with the authority given to them by the favorable majority vote. Act- ing upon the advice, the Board went ahead with their prepara- tions and soon advertised for sealed proposals for construction of the system, to be submitted on Sept. 10th, 1895, not later than 7 o'clock p. m. Bids were asked for the supply of pipe for water mains, as follows: 408 feet 12 inch; 7,180 feet 10 inch; 1,800 feet 8 inch ; 24,984 feet 6 inch; 10,176 feet 4 inch ; also for 80 hydrants ; 93 gate valves and boxes ; brick pumping station ; 2 boilers ; 2 pumps, each of one million gallon capacity ; one steel stand-pipe 75 feet high and 15 feet in diameter.
In response to the calls for proposals, about 30 representa- tives were present to submit their bids for material. The orig- inal plans called for 7 1-4 miles of water mains, which it was de- cided at this time to increase to 9 miles, in order to give fire protection to a greater territory. After considering the several bids and the merit of the material offered, the Board decided to accept the bids of the Chattanooga Cast Iron Pipe and Foundry Co. for water mains, and to install Ross valves and Ludlow hydrants, and an order was placed for the water mains, that pipe might be shipped to allow prompt beginning of the work.
The bond issue of $40,000 authorized was awarded to W. E. R. Smith of New York City at a premium of $1212.00 and with his acceptance came instructions to have the bonds printed. His registered letter of acceptance was received in a morning mail, but satisfaction was soon changed to consterna- tion when shortly after noon of the same day the Village Trustees received a telegram from the bond buyer, as follows:
"Taxpayers will contest legality of election. Bonds not acceptable at any price. Letter follows."
The letter of explanation which followed and was received
312
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
the next day, contained an enclosure of a letter written to the bond buyer by active opponents of the proposition and signed by two of them. It stated that taxpayers would contest the legality of the election and the threat accounted for the cancel- lation by the bond buyer, who naturally did not care to make the investment with the prospect of becoming a defendant in a law suit in consequence.
It made the outlook gloomy for the Trustees and the friends of the proposition. After two elections had been held. in each of which there was a good margin in favor of the mat- ter, it looked as though it was the purpose of the opponents to override the decision of the voters. if possible. The Trustees immediately held a conference, at which a few of their friends were present to discuss the situation and exchange opinions. With the expectation that the matter had been settled by the votes of the people and there would be no further embarrass- ing opposition, the Trustees had ordered pipe for the mains to the amount of $15,000 worth, which was probably on the way. A few gleams of humor lighted the gloom of the gathering when it was suggested that if the worst came the pipe might be used by Trustees Toan and Carmichael for draining their farms, as it appeared that the Trustees were individually as well as col- lectively liable for the amount, and those two could thus help the others out of the predicament, as the others had no way to use the pipe. It was better to smile than to weep, notwithstand- ing the seriousness of the situation.
After discussion and general agreement it was decided to send the Village President T. H. Bussey to New York to con- fer with Mr. Smith, the bond buyer, and see if he could not get a reconsideration of the cancellation after fully explaining the two elections and the assurances given to the Trustees by Attor- ney Bacon. If not, he was authorized to sell the bonds else-
313
THE WATER WORKS SYSTEM
where, if possible, as the Trustees decided not to be scared out of the fight.
On the second day after his departure, during which time it can be understood that the Trustees were on the anxious seat. a telegram was received from Mr. Bussey, asking: "Shall I sell bonds at par, buyer to take all chances? Answer quick." The Trustees immediately called another conference, to which a few friends and workers were asked, for an exchange of opinions and decision. After discussing the matter in all of its bearings, the clerk asked each one present, separately, "What do you advise ?" Each one replied : "Sell." Before they had adjourned, Mr. Bussey became so anxious in waiting for a re- ply that he called by telephone from New York to learn what was the decision. He was told to go ahead and sell, which he succeeded in doing to the firm of Benwell & Everett at par.
Through the late Mr. Joseph Wyckoff of Kalamazoo, Mich., the Trustees had learned of the consolidation of the Kalamazoo Electric Light Co. and the Street Railway Co., which gave them an opportunity to buy two boilers in first-class condition for the pumping plant at a saving of $800, but by the time they got their difficulties untangled the boilers had been sold. With the loss of over $1200 premium on the bonds and the $800 above referred to, and with the legal and other expenses they were obliged to incur in overcoming the opposition the total amount- ed to about $3,000.
The contract for construction of the system was let to W. B. Wilson of Buffalo, who began work with a good sized force of men, a few over 50, on Wednesday, Oct. 9th, 1895. Land had been purchased of Mrs. Laura Saxton on the shore of the lake, for the pumping station, and a site above on the hill, of Samuel Sharp, for the stand-pipe. The pumping plant called for a brick building 38x44 feet, to accommodate two 80-horse boilers and two Worthington pumps, each of one million gal-
314
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
lon capacity each 24 hours, thus making a duplicate system. Mr. Wilson engaged local people to do teaming, furnish mater- ial and supplies and do other work, to the extent that was pos- sible, and for the foreign laborers that were engaged to do the trenching he secured the Heath blacksmith shop (standing on the present site of the Episcopal Church) for their living quar- ters. At the beginning of the second week he added 28 men to his force of trench diggers and made rapid progress with the work. On Oct. 30th, just 21 days after the work was begun, he had a considerable part of the trenching done, pipe laid and the back-filling completed on several of the streets, and nearly all of the brick work was completed at that time on the pump station.
The rumor had gained circulation that it was the intention of opponents of the water system to serve an injunction upon the Village Trustees when they attempted to lay the pipe from the pumping station into the lake and thus prevent operation of the system. The Trustees apparently paid no attention to the story, keeping their plans to themselves, and when they were ready to proceed with that part of the work they laid the "in- take" pipe on Sunday, Nov. 3d, 1895, and thus prevented ser- vice of any injunction, which could not be done on that day. All of their arrangements had been so carefully guarded that the work was carried out without a hitch.
A submarine diver had been engaged to assist in the work, and he made an examination of the best location for the source of supply. The specifications called for the location of the in- take pipe 26 feet below the surface of the lake, and in examin- ing the conditions the diver reported three springs not far apart, bubbling from the bottom of the lake. To reach them he found that measurements showed that it would require 60 feet more of pipe than specified, but it was decided advisable to provide for it. By doing so the mouth of the intake pipe came
315
THE WATER WORKS SYSTEM
about four feet to the left of the largest spring and near to the other two.
A locomotive belonging to the B.R. & P. Railroad furnished power by cable attachment for the operation of a plow with which the diver dug a trench two feet deep in the bottom of the lake in two hours' time. When completed, the 12-inch pipe was ready, jointed in two lengths, and carried out on barrel floats and lowered to place. In this manner 312 feet of pipe was laid in the lake and connection from the end to the pump station made afterward, the total distance being over 400 feet. At the mouth of the pipe was attached a 900 pound casting cov- ered with a strainer. The lake at that time was five feet below high water mark.
On Nov. 13th all the pipe laying and back-filling was com- pleted, except on Main and Water streets and from the pump station to the Assembly grounds. Rock on Water street required so much blasting that Supt. MeKay was delayed in connect- ing the line on Water and Main streets beyond the time he ex- pected to have it completed.
On many of the streets, people had connections made with their residences in order to have use of the water as soon as it was turned into the mains, and the early indications showed popular interest and gave promise of success.
At 1:50 o'clock p. m. on Jan. 1st, 1896, blasts from the steam whistle at the pump station gave the signal that water was being pumped into the mains and at the end of two hours it was decided to make a test of the system. Hose connections were made with the hydrant at the corner of Main street and Borden avenue and a pressure of 40 pounds was shown. Sev- eral leaks developed, as was expected might be the case, and attention was given to repairing them during the following week.
316
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
The standpipe having arrived, work on its erection began on Jan. Sth. On the same day another test was made of the system, the pressure being raised to 80 pounds. Under this pressure only six leaks were discovered, which was considered a remarkable showing. These were soon repaired and the sys- tem was in operation, with pumping direct into the mains until the erection of the standpipe was completed, which was within a short time afterward.
A statement issued and published by the Board of Water Commissioners, dated Nov. 16, 1896, less than a year after in- stallation, showed that 136 connections had been made with the system, giving an annual income of $1,312.15. The statement showed a bond issue at the first sale of $40,000, as had been pledged, but a second sale of $3,000 in bonds to cover the loss that had been ineurred by reason of the opposition previously referred to. An itemized statement was made of all receipts and expenditures and in connection with the statement the Commissioners called attention to the fact while other Boards of Water Commissioners commonly paid their clerk from $800 to $1500 per year for services, their work had been done with- out compensation by their elerk, C. M. Smith. The statement was signed by the existing board, viz: C. H. Toan, President ; W. D. Page. Geo. B. Tallman, Frederick H. Cole and S. Albert Hatch, Commissioners.
The growth of the business was rapid from the beginning, as the value of the system was soon demonstrated, both as a means of adequate fire protection and of its convenience to householders.
The income met the interest on the bonds and provided a surplus, from which in 1910 an addition was made to the pump station, a new pump and condenser were installed at a total cost of over $10.000. Beside this, in 1915 it provided for the retirement of $13.000 of the original water bonds.
317
THE WATER WORKS SYSTEM
As far back as April 13, 1875, there had been some agita- tion in favor of fire protection, and during that period it was proposed to lay water mains on Main street, but nothing defin- ite materialized until the time referred to in the opening of this chapter.
.
CHAPTER XXI
Successful Campaign for Sewer System Gave Village City Conven- iences and Largely Increased Revenues from Municipal Water Works-Legal Contest Won by Village.
Early in 1900, sentiment in favor of a sewer system for the village having developed to some extent, a bill was introduced in the State Legislature in response to a petition from the Vil- lage Board of Trustees, putting the streets and highways of the village under their supervision and providing that the village might bond itself for a sewer system under the General Law.
Engineer W. J. White of Buffalo visited Perry on April 12th in response to a request from the Trustees and looked over the situation for the purpose of giving them information in re- gard to the matter. He met with them in the evening and after discussion of the matter it was decided to get out dodgers invit- ing the people to have an informal election at the Fire Depart- ment building on Tuesday, April 17th, from 10 o'clock a. m. to 3 p. m., to learn the sentiment regarding the question. Among other information, the dodgers specifically stated that
"This election will be entirely informal and merely that we may learn how the taxpayers feel in regard to the question of a sewer system. If the vote should be favorable, the Trus- tees will then proceed according to the provisions of the law and follow the expressed wishes of the taxpayers. Plans will be prepared, and if approved by the State Board of Health, the exact cost of a system will be ascertained and the question be submitted for a decisive vote."
This action started animated discussion and aroused oppo- sition, statements being made that a system. would cost any- where from $75,000 to $200,000. The move was made by the
ยท
319
VILLAGE SEWER SYSTEM
Trustees because the village had doubled in population within ten years, during which time cess pools had been put in by some residents, while others had been permitted to connect with the surface sewers by the Boards of Health. Those condi- tions, together with the growth of the village made the sanitary situation unfavorable and in the minds of many required cor- rective measures.
Notwithstanding the plain and specific language of the dodger referred to, it was misinterpreted by some people, who apparently did not understand that the election was entirely informal and thought that their vote was to make a decision. The vote resulted in 77 affirmative and 102 negative.
As the matter became better understood, sentiment in fa- vor of the proposition grew as a result of discussion, and En- gineer Charles C. Hopkins of the firm of Knight & Hopkins of Rome, N. Y., came to Perry on June 1st at the request of the Trustees. After looking over the situation carefully he was engaged by the Trustees to make a survey of the corporation and a map for a proposed system, to be submitted to the State Board of Health for its approval.
On June 27th, Dr. S. Case Jones, a State Commissioner of Health, visited Perry and accompanied by the local Board of Health he made an inspection of the conditions. The fact that householders had been permitted to connect with the surface sewers and that the outlet running through the village was used to a considerable extent he declared to be a menace to public health; that the proper method would be to provide a sanitary sewer system, otherwise it would be necessary for the State Board of Health to take action in the matter. He reported such findings to the Health Department as a result of his visit.
The map and plans made by Knight & Hopkins were com- pleted in the Fall of 1900 and on Nov. 15th were sent to the State Board of Health for approval.
320
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
The matter then rested until the Spring of 1901. The plans for the sewer system having been approved by the State in the meantime, a petition was signed by the required number of taxpayers and presented to the Village Board of Trustees, re- questing submission of the proposition to a vote.
In response to this petition a call dated April 3d was pub- lished for a special election to be held on April 19th, to vote upon a proposition for a sewer system to cover the corporation (excepting the lake district) at a miniminn expense of $40,000 and a maximum expense of $54,000. The Trustees were: T. H. Bussey, President ; J. C. Lillibridge, A. L. Aime, C. H. Toan and C. W. Rudd. The clerk was O. N. Bolton.
In a statement published at the time of the call for the elec- tion, the Trustees pledged themselves not to construct the sys- tem unless it could be done inside of the estimated maximum cost, and to give people an apportunity to get any further infor- mation and enlightment upon the question they had Engineer Hopkins present at a public meeting on the evening of the 18th. to answer any questions that might be asked and to have the matter fully explained.
At the election held on the following day there were 250 votes cast, resulting as follows; Yes, 146; no, 103; blank,1; a majority of 43 in favor of the proposition.
A notice to contractors was published in the next issue of the local papers, calling for bids to be submitted up to noon of May 6th, for construction of the system. At a special meeting of the Trustees on that day, sealed bids were received, as fol- lows :
Miller & Franklin, Buffalo, $56,900.00.
Thomas Holahan, Rochester, $43,433.82. Coryell Construction Co., Williamsport, Pa., $51,481.11. Troy Public Works Co., Utica, $49,000.00.
321
VILLAGE SEWER SYSTEM
W. H. Cookman, Niagara Falls, $46.657.07. D. M. Rosser, Kingston, Pa., $51,140.00.
After considering the matter for a few days and investi- gating the merits of the bidders, the Trustees let the contract to Richard W. Sherman of Utica, N. Y., who represented the Troy Public Works Co. Mr. Sherman was at that time Mayor of the city of Utica, brother of Vice-President James Sherman.
As Mr. Sherman was not the lowest bidder, there was nat- urally criticism of their award, but time developed the wisdom of their choice. Mr. Holahan asked questions regarding the specifications which showed that he was not familiar with such work and it was learned that he had never constructed a sewer system complete, his experience at that time being limited to small contract work in Rochester. While Mr. Cookman was found to be experienced and reliable, his financial position at that time was found to be insufficient to stand losses that might be incurred by extraordinary or unforseen conditions that some- times arise in the prosecution of such work. Mr. Sherman was found to be experienced and with ample financial standing to meet any losses without abandoning the work. For those reasons the Trustees made the award to Mr. Sherman and left the jus- tice and wisdom of their action to be determined by the out- come.
Work on the system began on May 31st, with the expecta- tion of its completion by November 1st. There was a good sized force of laborers at the outset, which soon was increased to 200 men.
Bids for the sale of bonds for the construction of the sys- tem were advertised to be received not later than June 6th, 'when ten firms were represented and there was spirited bid- ding for the issue. They were sold to M. A. Stein of New York at his bid of 101.24 for 312% bonds, the premium amounting to
322
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
$669.00. The sale at that price was considered unprecedented, nothing having ever been known to approach that figure in the State outside of the cities, and it was a testimonialof the stand- ing of this community. In this connection it may be worthy of note that the Trustees at no time had any superstition, as the vote on the sewer proposition was held on a Friday, the con- traet for construction was signed on Friday, work was begun on Friday, and the bonds were sold on Friday.
On the 14th of June a strike was instituted among the workmen, said to have been caused by agitators in the group of about 40 Italians who came from Mt. Morris to work in trench- ing. They were engaged for a ten-hour day at $1.50 and struck for an eight-hour day at the same wage, or $1.75 for a ten-hour day. Operations were suspended and Sheriff Sanford was sum- moned to prevent any violence. The instigators of the strike were discharged and left town, as did also a group who came from Albany to work on the job, leaving only about 100 men to continue the work. The strike lasted only about a day, but it was some time before the contractor was able to secure the full force desired, and he was obliged to increase the wages in order to hold the men.
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.