HomeMy WebLinkAbout1886-87-Annual ReportREPORTS
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS
OF THE
TOWN OF LEXINGTON
FOR THE YEAR 1886-87.
BOSTON :
W. KELLAWAY, BOOK PRINTER, 80 EXCHANGE STREET.
1887.
LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS
FOR 1886 -87 -
SELECTMEN ,
888-87_
SELECTMEN, OVERSEERS OF POOR, SURVEYORS OF HIGHWAYS, AND
BOARD OI' ]I1:Ai.TH.
WEBSTER SMITH. ALBERT W. BRYANT.
WALTER BLODGETT.
TOWN CL1 RE.
LEONARD A. SAVILLE.
TREASURER AND COLLECTOR OF TAXES.
CHARLES T. WEST.
ASSESN(1HS.
JOSEPH F. SIMONI)S. WAL'T'ER WELLINGTON.
HORACIE B. DAVIS.
SCHOOL COM M1r'17:E.
ALBERT W. BRYANT, Term expires in 1889.
REV. CARLTON A. STAPLES, Term expires in 1888.
EDWARD P. BLISS, Term expires in 1887.
CEMETERY CHMMITTEal.
DAVID A. TUTTLE, Term expires in 1889. (Declines to serve.)
LUKE W. WRIGHT, Term expires in 1888.
TIMOTHY II. BOW EN, Term expires in 1887.
BOARD OF TIi.USTEES ov CARY LIBRARY, CONSISTS O)' THE SELECTMEN,
SCHOOL COMMITTEE, ANI) SE'T'TLED CLERGYMEN GYMEN OF THE TOWN.
TRUSTE ES OF THE (iAMM ELL LEGACY.
MRS. LUCY M. R. WHITING. MISS LUCY N. BLODGE'T"T.
TRUSTEES OF B]{]DUE CHAR]'TABLE FUND.
ALBERT W. BRYANT, Term expires in 1891.
GEORGE E. MUZZY, Term expires in 1889. (Treasurer.)
GEORGE O. DAVIS, Term expires in 1887.
CONS'1'ABLEN.
WALTER WELLINGTON. HERBERT G. WORTH.
ENGINEEIRS OF FIRE I)EP ARTMENT.
WILLIAM B. FOSTER. E. J. B. NOURSE.
WILLARD WALCOTT.
LIBRARIAN OF CARY LIBRARY.
MISS GRACE S. WELLINGTON.
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TREASURER OF CARY LIBRARY FUND.
EDWARD P. BLISS.
'1'REASURF.It OF CEMETERY TRUST FUNDS.
LUKE W. WRIGHT.
REGISTRARS Ol' VOT1' Rs.
BRADLEY C. WHITCHER, Term expires in 1889.
GEORGE 0. SMITH, Term expires in 1888.
LEONARD G. B ABCOCK, Terin expires in 1887.
LEONARD A. SAVILLE, (Clerk.)
A CDITORS.
• HILMAN B. SAMPSON. GERSIIOM SWAN.
FENCE VIEWERS.
13. F. BATCHELLER. HAMMON REED.
WM. J. NEVILLE.
FIELD DRIVERS -
HENRY A. TURNEl. CHARLES E. MOREY.
CHARLES C. MANN.
SUR VB:YORS OF LUMBER.
ABBOTT S. MITCHELL. GEORGE E. MUZZEY.
PUBLIC WEIGHERS AND SUPERINTENDENTS OF TOWN SMILES.
LEONARD A. SAVILLE. RLTFLTS W. HOLBROOK.
• SEALER. OP' WEIGHTS AND MF SURES.
HENRY R. EARLE.
SEXTON.
CHARLES T. WEST.
JANITOR OF TOWN HALL BUILDING.
GEORGE H. THURSTON.
JANITOR OF VILLAGE -HALL BUILDING.
WALTER WELLINGTON.
POLICE OFFICERS.
DANIEL P. MAHONEY. HENRY E. BISHOP.
APPRAISERS OF PROPERTY AT TOWN FARM.
CHARLES M. PARKER. JOHN D. BACON.
WALTER WELLINGTON.
AUCTIONEER.
ABBOTT S. MITCHELL.
SUPERINTENDENT AND MATRON OF ALMSIHOUSE.
MR. AND MRS. ROBERT H. WHITE.
LAMPLIGHTERS.
JOHN RYAN. J. G. KAUFFMANN.
LEXINGTON TOWN RECORDS,
FOR. THE YEAR 1886-87.
WARRANT FOR A TOWN M1ETING.
TO BE HELD MONDAY, MARCH STH, 1886.
To Walter Wellington, Constable of Lexington, --
Greeting :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachu-
setts, you are hereby required to Notify and warn the
inhabitants of the Town of Lexington, qualified to
vote in Town affairs, to assemble at the Town Hall
on Monday, the eighth day of March, A. D. 1886, at`
nine o'clock in the forenoon, to act on the following
articles, viz:
ARTICLE 1. To choose a. Moderator.
ART. 2. To hear the report of any committee
that may be ready to report, and act thereon.
ART. 3. To choose Town Officers for the ensuing
year, including one School Committee -man for the-
term
heterm 'of three years, and one for the term of one
year, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of
George H. Reed.
ART. 4. To choose one Committee -man for three
years, to fill a vacancy in the Cemetery Committee.
6
ART. 5. To provide for the support of the Poor
the ensuing year, and grant money for the same.
ART. 6. To provide for the repairs of the High-
ways the ensuing year, and grant money for the
same.
ART. 7. To provide for the support of the Pub-
lic Schools the ensuing year, including their several
grades, and grant money for the same.
ART. 8. To provide for the support of the Fire
Department the ensuing year, and grant money for
the same.
ART. 9. To provide for the support of the Street
Lamps the ensuing year, and grant money for the
same.
ART. 10. To see if the Town will accept the List
of Jurors prepared by the Selectmen.
ART. 11. To see if the Town will vote for or
against granting licenses for the sale of intoxicating
liquors, in answer to the following question: " Shall
licenses be granted for the sale of intoxicating
liquors in this Town? " The vote 011 the above
question shall be ,by ballot, "Yes, or No," and the
check list shall be used, as provided by Section 5,
chapter 100 of the Public Statutes.
Awry. 12. To see if the Town will accept the
proposition of Jabez A. Sawyer, public administrator,
to pay o rer and transfer to the Town, to be held by
the Trustees of the Bridge Charitable Fund, 011
certain conditions, the balance of the money and
and property now in his hands, or that may here-
after come into his hands, belonging to the estate
of Elizabeth Bridge Gerry.
7
ART. 13. To see if the Town will make the
appropriations for Town Expenses the ensuing year,
as submitted by Selectmen, or act in any manner
relating thereto.
ART. 14. To determine how money appropriated
at the meeting held November 3d,1885, for improve-
ment of the Common, shall be provided.
ART. 15. To see what measures the Town will
adopt in relation to the Collection of Taxes the
ensuing year, or act in any manner relating thereto.
ART. 16. To see what action the Town will
take in relation to a petition of C. L. Wait and
others, to the County Commissioners, for the laying
out of a New Highway, from near the house of John
Stenson to the Bedford. line.
ART. 17. To see if the Town will make an ap-
propriation for repairs on Village Hall.
AUT. 18. To see if the Town will make an appro-
priation for the purchase of Iron Lamp -posts.
ART. 1.9. To see if the Town will authorize their
Treasurer, under the direction of the Selectmen, to
borrow money for any necessary purpose, in antici-
pation of the collection of taxes the current year;
the same to be paid directly from the proceeds of said
taxes, or act in any manner relating thereto.
ART. 20. To see,if the Town will make an appro-
priation for grading that portion of Waltham Street,
near the house of Stephen L. Wright, as laid out
and ordered by the County Commissioners.
Awr. 21. To see if the Town will make an appro-
priation to pay the installment of the Town Debt
payable the present year.
8
ART. 22. To see if the Town will make an appro-
priation to construct Sidewalks with concrete or other
materials, when the abuttors will pay one-half the
expense thereof.
ART. 23. To see if the Town will rescind the vote
passed April 15th, 1885, whereby the rental of the
Town Hall to towns -people was reduced to $5.00 per
night.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this war-
rant with your doings thereon to the Town Clerk, on
or before the time of said meeting.
Given under our hands at Lexington this eigh-
teenth day of February A.D. 1886.
JOSEPH F. SIMONDS, Selectmen
ROBERT M. LAWRENCE, of
WALTER BLODGETT, Lexington.
Lexington, March 4th, 1886.
Pursuant to the foregoing warrant, I have notified
the inhabitants of the Town of Lexington as therein
directed, by posting a duly attested copy of this war-
rant in the Post -Offices and other public places in
each Village, and by leaving a duly attested copy
with each family in town seven days before the time
of said meeting.
Attest,
WALTER WELLINGTON,
Constable of Lexington.
9
A true copy of the warrant and return of the
Constable thereon.
• Attest,
LEONARD A. SAVILLE,
Town Clerk.
Lexington, March 8, 1886.
In accordance with the foregoing warrant, the
meeting was called to older by the Town Clerk.
The warrant and the return of the Constable thereon
was read, and the business proceeded with the fol-
lowing result:
ART. 1. Voted, That the poll remain open five
minutes for the choice of Moderator. On a ballot,
with the use of the check list, Augustus E. Scott
was elected Moderator by a unanimous vote, and
was sworn to the faithful discharge of his duty by
the Town Clerk.
ART. 2. Voted, That the reports of the Town
Officers as printed be accepted, and be before the
Town for action thereon, at any time during this
meeting.
ARTS. 3 & 4. Voted, That articles 3 and 4 be
taken up together, and that under these articles we
proceed to choose, all on one ballot, the following
officers, namely:
Three Selectmen, who shall also be Overseers of
the Poor, Surveyors of Highways, and Board of
Health; one Town Clerk; three Assessors; one
Treasurer, who shall also be Collector of Taxes ; two
Constables; one School Committee -man for the term
10
of three years; and two Auditors; and that the polls
be kept open until 4 o'clock P.M.
Voted, That Article 11 be taken up in connection
with Articles 3 and 4, so that ballots can be cast on
said Article at the same time as ballots for Town
' Officers.
Voted, That all action except under Articles 3, 4
and 11, be postponed until 1 o'clock P.M.
After the recess, the Moderator appointed as tel-
lers, to assist in sorting and counting the ballots,
Francis E. Ballard, Abram B. Smith, George O.
Smith and Janes A. Mitchell, who were sworn by
the Moderator to the faithful discharge of their
duties. After the polls were closed and the votes
counted, the Moderator declared the result of the
balloting. (Thee list of Town Officers chosen will
be found elsewhere.)
Voted, That the following Town Offiicers be chosen
by nomination from the floor.
Fence Vie.Wers.—B. T. Batcheller, Hammon Reed,
\\Tm. J. Neville.
Field Drivers.----- Henry A. Turner, Charles E.
Morey, Charles C. Mann.
Voted, That the remaining minor Town Officers
be appointed by the Selectmen.
Voted, That all unexpended balances be carried to
a new account, instead of reverting to the contingent
grant.
ART. 5. Toted, That the sum of two thousand
(2,000) dollars be appropriated and assessed for the
support of the Poor for the ensuing year.
ART. 6. Voted, That the sum of three thousand
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(3,000) dollars be appropriated and assessed for
Highways the ensuing year.
Voted, That the Highway Surveyors be instructed
to employ a competent Superintendent to have charge
of the Highways.
AIT. 7. Voted, That the sum of ten thousand
(10,000) dollars be appropriated and assessed for the
support of flu. Public Schools the ensuing year, as
recommended by the School Committe namely:—
For Instruction, Fuel and Care of Roorns, $8,500
For Repairs and Incidentals, 800
For Free Text Books and Supplies, 550
For Apparatus and Incidentals for High School, . 150
$10,000
The Moderator vacated the chair and made some
remarks in relation to the Public Schools, claiming
that more money should be expended on the lower
grades; and that the High School course should be
reduced to three years; and that the Principal of
the High School should be made Superintendent of
all the Schools.
Rev. C. A. Staples indorsed the views of Mr. Scott,
and moved that a Committee of five be appointed by
the Chair to •consider the subject and report to the
Town.
Voted, That a Committee of five be appointed by
the Chair, " To consider the course of study, and the
matter of Superintendent of our Public Schools," and
report at the next meeting; and the Moderator ap-
pointed as such Committee:
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Rev. C. A. Staples; Rev. E. G. Porter; E. P. Bliss;
A. W. Bryant; and Chas. A. Wellington. Subse-
quently, on motion of Mr. Cornelius Wellington, it
was voted,—`that A. E. Seott be added to the above
Committee.
irr. S. Voted, That a Committee of five be ap-
pointed by the Chair to consider the reorganization
of the Fire Department, and report at the next meet-
ing; and the Moderator appointed as such Commit-
tee,—i3. rT Batcheller; J. F. Maynard; F. Alderman;
Amos W. Locke, and Everett, S. Locke.
ART. 9. Voted, That the sum of Eileen hundred
dollars (.1,500) be appropriated and assessed for the
support of the Street Lamps for the ensuing year.
ART. 10. The List of Jurors as prepared by the
Selectmen and posted according to the law was read,
and the Town,— Voted, That the names of George
Munroe and George 0. Smith be stricken from the
List, they having been drawn since the List was
posted.
Voted, That the names of Francis E. Tufts and
Charles A. Wellington be stricken from the List at
their own request.
Voted, That the list as amended be accepted.
ART. 11. After counting the ballots, and after the
polls was closed, the Moderator announced the result
of the vote as follows
" No " One hundred and sixty-two . 162
" Yes " One hundred and twenty-two, 122
ART. 12. The Moderator vacated the chair and
made an explanation of the matter, and presented the
13
following agreement: To the Inhabitants of the Town
of Lexington. --I hereby offer to transfer to you the
personal property held by me as adm. of the estate
of Elizabeth Bridge Gerry, deceased, after deducting
the expenses'of administration, to be held as part of
the "Bridge Charitable Fund" as provided in the
Commonwealth's release of the same,—Chap. 10 of
the Resolves of 1885,—but upon the following condi-
tions, to wit:
First,— That whenever any court of competent
jurisdiction shall adjudge that I am obliged to pay
it, or any part thereof, to any heirs or next of
kin of said deceased, said property shall revert in
me, and the Selectmen shall forthwith order the Trus-
tees of said Fund to restore said property to me.
Second,—That the Town shall defray all expenses
and charges incurred by me in any litigation relating
to said transfer—and wherein the same shall be
called in question.
Third,—That in ease I shall, under any judgment
of Court, be compelled to pay to any said heirs or
next of kin, any suin in excess of the amount trans-
ferred to the Town, the Town shall reimburse to me
any such excess; provided that in no case the sum so
repaid to me, exclusive of the above expenses and
charges, shall not exceed the property transferred with
interest thereon.
Fourth,—That by accepting this offer and the
transfer of said property, the Town shall hold the
14
same on the above conditions, and be bound to the
strict performance thereof.
Respectfully submitted,
JABEZ A. SAWYER,
Public Administrator.
Voted, That the proposition of Jabez A. Sawyer,
Public Administrator, be accepted.
ART. 13. On the motion of Mr. Franklin Alderman
the Town voted,—That further action under this Ar-
ticle be postponed to the adjournment of this meeting,
or to the next Town Meeting, if this meeting is dis-
solved.
ART. 14. Same action taken as under Art. 13.
Ater. 15. Voted, That all taxes for the current
year be made payable on or before Dec. 1st, 1886,
and that a discount of one-half of one per cent per
month for all full months prior to said date be deduct-
ed for prompt payment; and that on all taxes remain-
ing unpaid at that date, interest at the rate of six per
cent per annum shall be added, and that the Collect-
or be instructed to collect all taxes before Feb. 1st,
1887.
ART. 16. Voted, That the Selectmen be instruct-
ed to oppose the laying out of the road as petitioned
for, and that they be authorized to employ Counsel, if
necessary.
ART. 17. Voted, That the sum of two hundred (200)
dollars be appropriated and assessed for the purpose
of making the necessary repairs at Village Hall; and
that the money be expended under the direction of
the Selectmen.
15
ART. 18. Same action as taken under Art. 13.
ART. 19. That the Town authorize the Treasurer,
under the direction of the Selectmen, to borrow money
for any necessary purpose, in anticipation of the
collection of taxes of the current year; the sum to be
repaid directly from the proceeds of said taxes.
ART. 20. Same action as taken under Art. 13.
ART. 21. Same action as taken under Art. 13.
ART. 22. Sante action as taken under Art. 13.
ART. 23. The house was polled on this question,
and 69 voting in favor of rescinding said vote, and
none against. It was declared rescinded.
Voted, That the same scale of prices as adopted
at the meeting of November 4, 1884, for the Town
and Village Halls, be now in force.
Voted, That the Selectmen have the sante discre-
tion in regard to the halls, as they had under said
vote, November 4, 1884.
After the result of the balloting was announced,
and such of the newly elected officers as were pres-
ent had taken the oath of (.Alice, it was
TToted, That this meeting be adjourned to Monday,
April 5, 1886, at 7 o'clock P.M.
Lexington, April 5, 1886.
Meeting called to order by the Moderator at 7.10
o'clock P.M., and owing to the small attendance at.
that time it was
Voted, That the meeting stand adjourned till 7.30
o'clock P.M. After the meeting was called to order,
business proceeded as follows:—
16
ART. 8. The Committee appointed under this
Article, March 8, presented two reports; the Majority
Report being signed by J. F. Maynard for the Com-
mittee, and the Minority being signed by B. T.
Ba.tcheller and E. S. Locke. (See Reports of Com-
mittees.) A moti,m to adopt the Majority Report
was voted down, and the vote was doubted and the
house was polled, 34 voting for and 50 against.
Mr. E. S. Locke then moved that the Minority Report
be accepted, and that the sum of twelve hundred
(1,200) dollars be appropriated for the support of
the Fire Department the ensuing year; and on vote
the motion was declared not carried; the vote was
doubted, and the house was polled, 59 voting in favor
and 79 against.
Mr. Alderman then moved that the sum of eight
hundred (800) dollars be granted.
Voted, That the sum of eight hundred (800) dol-
lars be appropriated and assessed for the support of
the Fire Department the ensuing year.
Voted, To consider the vote whereby the Majority
Report was rejected.
Voted, That the Majority Report be accepted, and
its recommendations adopted.
Voted, That the sale of the Hand Engines be left
in the hands of the Selectmen.
ART. 10. Voted, That the name of Timothy Kin-
neen be added to the List of Jurors; also the name
of Theodore J. Parker be added to bring the List up
to the number required by statute.
ART. 13. The Selectmen submitted an estimate
17
of the amounts required for Town Expenses the
ensuing year, as follows.:
For Town Debt,
For Waltham Street Improvement (Near Concord Ave.)
For Constables and Police,
For Salaries of Selectmen in their various capacities,
For Assessors,
For Janitors of Town and Village Halls,
For Fuel and Lights for Town and Village Halls,
For Hydrants,
For Concrete Sidewalks,
For Town Clerk,
For Auditors,
For Ringing Bells,
For Printing,
For School Committee,
For State Aid, .
For Interest,
For Treasurer and Collector,
For Librarian of Cary Library,
For Memorial Day
For Abatement of Taxes,
For Reading Room at E. Lexington,
For Insurance on Public Building and contents,
years,
For Discount on Taxes,
For Repairs of Bridges and Culverts,
•
five
For the Purchase and Repairs of Chemical Engines, .
$2,700.00
500.00
2,000.00
800.00
425.00
500.00
500.00
1,480.00
500.00
100.00
45.00
70.00
200.00
300.00
300.00
2,200.00
500.00
400.00
100.00
500.00
250.00
1,190.00
300.00
150.00
750.00
$16,910.00
Voted, That the foregoing amounts be appropriated
for the expenses of the ensuing year, and that the
same be assessed this year.
Voted, That the same number of Police Officers be
employed as now, and that the Selectmen be em-
nowered to ernnlnv P,mmmetPnt. nnlir�
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ART. 14. Mr. Amos W. Locke moved that the
Committee be discharged, and that the Article be
indefinitely postponed. The Moderator ruled that
the first part of the motion was out of order, a.nd the
second part, relating to indefinite postponement, was
discussed by Rev. C. A. Staples and Mr. A. W.
Locke. A motion of Mr. P. J. Dailey, to postpone
to the next Town Meeting, was voted down, and a
motion to increase the. Committee to twelve was de-
clared out of order, and the Town finally
Voted, That the sum of fifteen hundred (1 500)
dollars be assessed the present year, to carry out
the improvements.
ART. 18. Voted, That the Selectmen be em-
powered to take from the Contingent Fund money
to procure Iron Lamp -posts as actually needed.
ART. 20. Voted, That the Selectmen be author-
ized to proceed with the work. (See Art. 13.)
ART. 21. See action under Art. 13.
ART. 22. Voted, That so much of the balance of
the appropriation as is not used for sidewalks, be
used for cross -walks, where the abuttors or others
will pay one-half of the expense, as approved by the
Selectmen.
ART. 2. The Committee appointed in relation to
the supervision a.nd course of study in our public
Schools made a report. (See Reports of Committees.)
And the Town Voted, That the Report be accepted,
and its recommendations adopted; andthe sum of
three hundred (300) dollars be appropriated and as-
sessed to meet the requirements of the Report.
Voted, That a Committee be appointed by the
19
Chair to attend the hearings before the Legislative
Committee on Water Supply—on the petition of the
City of Boston to take the waters of the Shawsheen
River-- and protect the interests of the Town. And
the Moderator appointed as such Committee: George
W. Robinson, M. H. Merriam and Walter Blodgett.
After which, the meeting was declared dissolved.
A true copy.
Attest,
LEONARD A. SAVILLE,
Town Clerk.
WARRANT FOR A TOWN MEETING,
To I3E HELI) APRIL 26TH, 1886.
To Walter Wellington, Constable of Lexington,—
Greeting
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachu-
setts, you are hereby required to notify and warn the
inhabitants of the Town of Lexington, qualified by
law to vote in Town affairs, to assemble at the Town
Hall, on Monday, the 26th day of April, 1886, at
7.30 o'clock, P.I., to act on the following Articles,
viz:
ART. 1. To choose a Moderator.
ART. 2. To hear the report of any Committee
that may be ready to report, and act thereon.
ART. 3. To fill vacancies in Town Offices, if any
exist.
ART. 4. To see if the Town will make an appro-
priation to improve Waltham Street, from Main to
Middle Streets, in accordance with the order of the
20
County Commissioners, or act in any manner relating
thereto.
ART. 5. To see if the Town will authorize the
Selectmen to expend the money appropriated to build
the new streets off Bloomfield Street, as petitioned
for by J. L. Norris and others; or act in any man-
ner relating thereto.
ART. 6. To see if the Town will authorize the
Selectmen to borrow the sum of five thousand (5,000)
dollars, towards defraying the expenses of the Town,
instead of assessing' that amount the present year;
or act in any manner relating thereto.
ART. 7. To see if the Town will reconsider so
much of the vote passed at the last Town Meeting,
whereby it was voted to buy a Chemical Engine, and
use the amount appropriated for that purpose in pur-
chasing more Fire Hose; or act in any manner relat-
ing thereto.
ART. 8. To see if the 'Down will choose a Com-
mittee to carry out the recommendations of a report
accepted at the last Town Meeting in relation to the
Fire Department; or act in any manner relating
thereto.
ART. 9. To see if the Town will instruct the
Selectmen to sink or remove the " boulder," now in
the northwest -corner of the Common, in order that a
more suitable and appropriate one may be erected
thereon.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this war-
rant with your doing thereon to the Town Clerk, on
or before the time of said Meeting.
21
Given under our hands at Lexington, this tenth day
of April, A.D. 1886.
WEBSTER SMITH, Selectmen
ALBERT W. BRYANT, of
WALTER BLODGETT, Lexington.
Lexington, April 24, 1886.
Pursuant to the foregoing warrant, I have notified
the inhabitants of the Town of Lexington as therein
directed, by posting a duly attested copy of this war-
rant in the Post -Offices and other public places in
each Village, and by leaving a duly attested copy
with each family in town seven days before the time
of said meeting.
Attest,
WALTER WELLINGTON,
Constable of Lexington.
A true copy of the warrant and return of the
Constable thereon.
Attest,
LEONARD A. SAVILLE,
Town Clerk.
Lexington, April 26, 1886.
The meeting called by the foregoing warrant was
rapped to order by the Town Clerk at the time speci-
fied, the warrant and return of the Constable thereon
was read, and the business of the meeting proceeded
as follows:
22
ART. 1. Voted, That the polls be kept open five
minutes for the choice of Moderator. On a ballot
with the use of the check -list, Augustus E. Scott was
chosen Moderator.
ART. 2. No Committee ready to report.
ART. 3. Voted, That we proceed to fill a vacan-
cy on the Cemetery Committee, caused by the refusal
of Loring S. Pierce to serve, by nomination. Mr.
Walter Wellington and Mr. Franklin Alderman were
chosen, but both declined to serve, and Mr. David A.
Tuttle was chosen to fill the vacancy. Leonard E.
Bennink and Frank D. Brown were chosen to fill
vacancies on the board of Field Drivers.
ART. 4. Mr. W. Smith, Chairman of the Select-
men, made an explanation of the matter, stating that
it was ,necessary for the Town to pay the awards and
expenses, and that later the Town would be paid
$1,000 by the County.
Voted, That the suis of eighteen hundred (1800)
dollars be appropriated for improvements on Wal-
tham street, as ordered by the County Commissioners,
one thousand (1,000) dollars to be borrowed in antici-
pation of the taxes of the current year, and that eight
hundred (800) dollars be assessed the present year.
ART. 5. Voted, That the Selectmen be authorized
to expend the money as appropriated, to build said
streets.
ART. 6. The Town refused to instruct the Select-
men to borrow said money.
AIT. 7. Voted, That the matter be indefinitely
postponed.
ART. 8. Voted, That the Selectmen be instructed
23
to carry out the reeominodations of the Committee on
the Fire Department as accepted at the last Town
meeting.
ART. 9. After some discussion on this Article, it
was voted that the matter be indefinitely postponed.
Meeting declared dissolved.
A true record.
Attest,
LEONARD A. SAVILLE,
Town Clerk.
WARRANT FOR A TOWN MEETING.
To BE HELD MONDAY, SEPT. 27, 1886.
To Walter Wellington, Constable of Lexington,—
Greeting:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachu-
setts, you are hereby required to notify and warn the
inhabitants of the Town of Lexington, qualified by
law to vote in Town affairs, to assemble at the Town
Hall on Monday, the twe:_ty-seventh day of Septem-
ber, 1886, at 7-30 o'clock P.M., to act on the follow-
ing Articles, viz:
ART. 1. To choose a Moderator.
ART. 2. To hear the report of any Committee that
may be ready to report, and act thereon.
ART. 3. To see if the Town will accept the pro-
vision of Chapter 169 of the Statutes of the year
1869, and Chapter 382 of the Statutes of the year
1871, and any act or acts in amendment thereof, in
24
relation to the assessments of betterments in laying
out and constructing Town ways.
ART. 4. To see if the Town will accept the pro-
visions of Chapter 50 of the Public Statutes, and
any act or acts in amendment thereof; in relation to
the assessment of betterments, in laying out and
constructing sidewalks.
ART. 5. To see if the Town will authorize the
Selectmen to remove the School House, in the north-
east school district, to such location as the School
Committee shall consider best for the convenience of
the inhabitants of that district; or act in any manner
relating thereto.
ART. 6. To see if the Town will prohibit the
riding of bicycles or tricycles on the sidewalks in
Town, under such penalty as the Town may affix.
ART. 7. To see if the Town will grant money
for cases for books, for the branch of the Cary
Library and Reading Room at East Lexington.
ART. 8. To see if the Town will rescind so
much of the vote passed March 2nd, 1874, relating
to the width of all Town -ways hereafter laid out, by
substituting not less than 40 feet instead of 50 feet.
ART. 9. To see if the Town will rescind all votes
passed Nov. 3rd, 1885, in relation to the Report of
the Selectmen in laying out Town -ways on the
petition of John L. Norris and others; or act in any
manner relating thereto.
ART. 10: To hear the Report of the Selectmen
on the re -location and laying out of Town -ways near
Bloomfield Street, on the petition of John L. Norris
and fifty-four others; and act thereon.
25
ART. 11. To see if the Town will authorize. the
Selectmen to draw from any unappropriated money
in the Treasury, for the payment of contingent
expenses.
ART. 12. To see if the Town will make an ap-
propriation to pay the expenses of the Fire Depart-
ment., from February 1st, 1886, to the time of the
reorganization.
Hereof fail not, andsnake due return of this war-
rant with your doings thereon to the Town Clerk, on
or before the time of said meeting.
Given under our hands at Lexington this ninth
day of September, A.D. 1886.
WEBSTER SMITH, Selectmen
ALBERT W. BRYANT, of
WALTER BLODGETT. Lexington.
Lexington, September 24th, 1886.
Pursuant to the foregoing warrant, I have notified
the inhabitants of the Town of Lexington, as therein
directed, by posting a copy of this warrant, duly
attested, in the Post Offices and other public places
in each Village, and by leaving a duly attested copy
with each family in Town, seven days before the
time of said meeting.
Attest,
WALTER WELLINGTON,
• Constable of Lexington.
26
A. true copy of the warrant and return of the
Constable thereon.
Attest,
LEONARD A. SAVILLE,
Town Clerk.
Lexington, September 27th, 1886.
In accordance with the foregoing warrant, the
Town Clerk called the meeting to order, at the time
specified, and read the warrant and the return of the
Constable thereon; and the business of the meeting
proceeded as follows :
ART. 1. Voted, That a Moderator be chosen by
ballot.
Voted, That the poll remain open five minutes for
choice of Moderator. On ballot, 22 votes were cast;
one for J. F. Turner, and 21 for A. E. Scott, who
was declared elected, and was sworn by the Clerk.
ART. 2. Mr. Staples, for the Committee on Im-
proviung the Common, made a report (see Reports of
Committees), and the Town Voted,—That the report
of the Committee be accepted and its recommenda-
tion be adopted, and that the sum granted ($225.00)
be expended by the same Committee.
ART. 3. Mr. Webster Smith moved to accept the
Acts, etc., and Dr. H. Holmes and Mr. J. L. Norris
wanted the Statute in relation to Betterments read,
and the first ten sections of Chapter 51 of the Public
Statutes was read by the Clerk.
Voted, That the Town accept' the Acts in relation
to the assessment of Betterments, in laying out and
constructing Town ways.
27
Vote doubted, and the house polled with the fol-
lowing result: in favor of acceptance 28. opposed 8.
ART. 4. On the motion of Mr. C. M. Parker, it
was
Voted, That the provisions of Chapter 50 of the
Public Statutes, relating to the assessment of better-
ments in laying out and constructing Sidewalks, be
accepted by the Town.
ART. 5. Rev. Mr. Staples moved that a Commit-
tee be appointed to consider the subject and report
at another meeting. Considerable discussion ensued;
but it was finally
Voted, That a Committee of three be appointed by
the Chair to retire and report the names of six gentle-
men, one from each School district, with instructions
to consider the distribution of pupils in our several.
school -houses, and report with recommendations at
the next Town meeting.
The Chair appointed C. M. Parker, Rev. C. A.
Staples and M. H. Meriam; who subsequently re-
ported the Committee of six as follows: Centre dis-
trict, E. P. Bliss; East district, George Munroe;
North district, F. E. Ballard ; West district, Geo. W.
Berry; South district, Abram B. Smith; East Lex-
ington district, J. F. Maynard.
ART. 6. A motion of B. T. Batcheller, to indefi-
nitely postpone the matter, was voted down. Rev.
G. W. Porter, not being a voter, was given leave to
address the meeting, and he advocated restricting
such machines from being used on the sidewalks.
Mr. A. L. Parsons moved to strike out the word
tricycles. Voted, That the riding of bicycles on the
28
sidewalks be prohibited, and that the Selectmen be
required to post notices of such prohibition.
ART. 7. Voted, That the sum of twenty-five (25)
dollars be appropriated for the purpose of placing
book -cases in the Reading Room at East Lexington,
and that the said sum be taken from any unappro-
priated money in the treasury.
ART. 8. Voted, That the matter be indefinitely
postponed. Vote doubted, and house polled with
the following result: in favor 3; opposed 8.
Mr. Smith moved the adoption of the Article.
Dr. H. Holmes and Mr. J. L. Norris opposed, and
Mr. C. M. Parker and Mr. A. W. Bryant favored the
adoption of the Article. Voted,—That the Town re-
scind so much of the vote passed March 2d, 1874,
by substituting not less than 40 feet, instead of not
less than 50 feet in width for all Town ways here-
after laid out.
ART. 9. Voted, That the Town rescind all votes
passed Nov. 3d, 1885, in regard to laying out Town
ways on the petition of John L. Norris, and as re-
ported upon by the Selectmen. Vote doubted, and
house polled with the following result: in favor of
rescinding said votes 19; opposed 0.
ART. 10. Mr. A. W. Bryant, for the Selectmen,
made a report. (See Reports of Committees.) Mr.
J. L. Norris moved to amend the Report by substi-
tuting 50 feet in place of 40 feet, as the width of
Mount Vernon Street. Mr. W. Smith and Mr. A.
W. Bryant objected, and Mr. Norris and Mr. C. R.
Richardson favored the substitution, and the Town
finally, after further. discussion,
29
Toted, That the report of the Selectmen be ac-
cepted, and its recommendations adopted.
Voted, That the extra two hundred, in addition to
the amount assessed the present year, ($600) be
taken from any unappropriated money in the treas-
ury.
Voted, That the Selectmen be instructed to con-
struct said streets as soon as possible.
ART. 11. Toted, That the Selectmen be author-
ized to draw from any unappropriated money in the
treasury for contingent expenses.
ART. 12. Voted, That the sum of one hundred
(100) dollars be appropriated for the expenses of
the Fire Department from Feb. 1, 1886, to the time
of the reorganization of said Department, as author-
ized by vote April 5, 1886, and that the sum be taken
from any unappropriated money in the treasury.
Meeting dissolved.
A true record.
Attest,
LEONARD A. SAYILLE,
Town Clerk;.
WARRANT FOR A TOWN MEETING,
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2D, 1886.
To Walter Wellington, Constable of Lexington,—
Greeting:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachu-
setts, you are hereby required to notify and warn the
inhabitants of the Town of Lexington, qualified by
30
law to vote in Town affairs, to assemble at the Town
Hall on Tuesday, the second day of November, A.D.
1886, at 2 o'clock P.M., to act on the following Ar-
ticles, viz:
ART. 1. To choose a Moderator.
ART. 2. To hear the report of any committee
that may be ready to report, and act thereon.
ART. 3. To see what measures the Town will
adopt in relation to procuring a supply of water for
the buildings at the Poor Farm, and appropriate
money therefor, or act in any manner relating there-
to.
ART. 4. To see if the Town will make an
additional appropriation for the expenses of the High-
way Department.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this war-
rant to the Town Clerk, on or before the time of
said meeting.
Given under our hands at Lexington this four-
teenth day of October A.D. 1886.
WEBSTER SMITH,
ALBERT W. BRYANT,
WALTER BLODGETT.
Selectmen
of
Lexington.
Lexington, October 28, 1886.
In accordance with the foregoing warrant, I have
notified the inhabitants of the Town of Lexington
as therein directed, by posting a duly attested copy of
this warrant in the Post Offices and other public
places in each Village, and by leaving a duly attested
31
copy with each family in the Town, seven days
before the time of said meeting.
Attest,
WALTER WELLINGTON,
Constable of Lexington.
A true copy of the warrant and the l'eturn of the
Constable th.:Areon.
Attest,
LEONARD A. SAVILLE,
Town Clerk.
Lexington, Nov. 2, 1886.
The meeting for Town business as per foregoing
warrant, was called to order by the Town Clerk,
who read the 'warrant and return of the Constable
thereon, and under
ART. 1. James Gould was nominated and chosen
as Moderator.
ART. 2. Mr. Geo. W. Berry for the Committee,
"To consider the distribution of pupils in our several
school -houses, and report with recommendations,"
made a Report (see Reports of Committees), and it
was accepted.
Voted, That the Report be accepted and the Com-
mittee be discharged.
ART. 3. Voted, That the consideration of the
matter be left to the next Town Meeting.
ART. 4. Voted, That an additional appropriation
of five hundred (500) dollars be granted for the
highways.
32
Voted, That the above sum be taken from any
unappropriated money in the treasury.
Meeting declared dissolved.
A true record.
Attest,
LEONARD A. SAVILLE,
Town Clerk.
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN, BOARD OF
HEALTH, SURVEYORS OF HIGHWAYS
AND OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
IN compliance with the annual requisition, the
Selectmen and other Town officers herewith present
their reports, giving an account so .much in detail of
their duties and expenses incurred that a knowledge
may be had sufficient to understand the results ob-
tained.
We believe it can be truthfully asserted, that the
Town has reasons for congratulation, at this the close
of another financial year, for the progress in improve-
ments and the general prosperity, as is shown by the
erecting of many dwelling houses, and more in pro-
cess of building, and others in contemplation. Also,
that no disturbing elements have appeared to mar
the harmony, or create a division in thought or
action; but a universal desire to act for the interest
and welfare of the whole Town, irrespective of local-
ity, has been manifested.
Of the several matters to which your attention is
directed, we mention, first, the rise of 30 per cent. in
the rate of taxation, the past year. As a high rate of
taxation has an injurious effect in many directions,
and is sure to retard the growth of a Town; it may
then be well for us to consider the causes, and en-
34
deavor to obviate, as much as possible, its con-
tinuance.
Some of the reasons for the high rate of taxation
the past year no longer exist, their demands having
been answered.
We feel assured that, with a careful economy put
in practice—not one however that would be preju-
dicial to the Town's interest,—a much lower rate
would be realized.
However much we may wish to see improvements
taking place, it is a question, if it would not be
policy to hold in check some of our ambitious
desires, for a time at least, and not attempt to ac-
complish so much as to make taxation burdensome.
It will be seen by the following specific appropria-
tions, that the Town has not withheld a helping hand,
but has generously responded to the requests made:
Improvement of the Common, $1,725.00
Improvement of Waltham street, 1,300.00
Building new streets near Bloomfield street, 800.00
Repairs of Village Hall, 250.00
High school Building, 775.00
Purchasing Chemical Rugine, 750.00
Insuring Town Buildings, 1,190.00
$6,790.00
making an amount nearly one-fifth of the entire
appropriation for the year of 1886.
Perhaps it may be thought unnecessary to offer
such extended remarks upon this subject, but believ-
ing, as we do, that its importance is so great that it
demands something more than a passing allusion, we
give it this extended mention.
36
$1,500 was appropriated to meet the expenses, and
$1,532.92 has been expended; the excess of expenses,
$32.92, above the appropriation, was for repairing
lamps broken by those who had more viciousness
than good sense.
POLICE RFPORT OF EAST LEXINGTON.
The number of arrests for the year ending Febuary
1, 1887, was 16. For larceny, 5; drunkenness, 4;
assault and battery, 3; embezzlement, 1; unlawful
shooting birds, 1; bastardy, 1; non-support of wife,
1. Stolen property recovered, $150; assisted home,
4; one alarm of fire has been given, and three dis-
turbances quelled. The police of Arlington have
been assisted in making an arrest, and an officer from
Nashua, N. H., in making one.
POLICE REPORT OF LEXINGTON CENTRE.
The whole number of arrests for the year, was 19.
The causes are as follows: For drunkenness, 4;
assault and battery, 3; assault and battery and threats
of bodily harm, 2; assault and battery and dis-
turbing the peace, 1; disorderly conduct on public
conveyance, 1; larceny, 1, disturbing the peace, 1;
breaking out of lock-up, 1; breaking into lock-up, 1;
tramps, 1; breaking and entering and larceny, 1;
vagrancy, 1; cases investigated but not prosecuted,
13. Assisted nine to their homes, and attended two
inquests and one autopsy. Property reported stolen,
$710.00; property reported and recovered, $590.00;
36
$1,500 was appropriated to meet the expenses, and
$1,532.92 has been expended; the excess of expenses,
$32.92, above the appropriation, was for repairing
lamps broken by those who had more viciousness
than good sense.
POLICE RFPORT OF EAST LEXINGTON.
The number of arrests for the year ending Febuary
1, 1887, was 16. For larceny, 5; drunkenness, 4;
assault and battery, 3; embezzlement, 1; unlawful
shooting birds, 1; bastardy, 1; non-support of wife,
1. Stolen property recovered, $150; assisted home,
4; one alarm of fire has been given, and three dis-
turbances quelled. The police of Arlington have
been assisted in making an arrest, and an officer from
Nashua, N. H., in making one.
POLICE REPORT OF LEXINGTON CENTRE.
The whole number of arrests for the year, was 19.
The causes are as follows: For drunkenness, 4;
assault and battery, 3; assault and battery and threats
of bodily harm, 2; assault and battery and dis-
turbing the peace, 1; disorderly conduct on public
conveyance, 1; larceny, 1, disturbing the peace, 1;
breaking out of lock-up, 1; breaking into lock-up, 1;
tramps, 1; breaking and entering and larceny, 1;
vagrancy, 1; cases investigated but not prosecuted,
13. Assisted nine to their homes, and attended two
inquests and one autopsy. Property reported stolen,
$710.00; property reported and recovered, $590.00;
37
property lost, found and returned $225.00. Number
of tramps put up for the year, 139. Amount of costs
and fines, $72.16. Whole number of arrests in Town
for the year, 35.
It will be seen by the above reports that thirteen
persons were assisted home. As their names are
withheld, it may be presumed that they were so
grateful for the assistance given, that suitable
acknowledgment was made at the time.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
The Buildings belonging to the Town, are in what
may be called a fair condition. The Almshouse needs
shingling, and perhaps some other slight repairs.
The School Buildings will need the usual ordinary re-
pairs. Village -Hall Building has received a new floor,
the walls have been stained, and the ceiling papered;
which adds much to its appearance. The Town Hall
Building has not required so much of an expenditure
as in previous years. Much comment has been made
to us of injustice, by the discrimination made between
the two tenants occupying a portion of the building,
one paying rent annually, the other paying nothing.
This matter will probably come before the Town at
the annual meeting, for the purpose of obtaining some
definite expression.
RE -ORGANIZATION OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Instead of making an appropriation for the sup-
port of the Fire Department at the last annual
meeting, the subject was referred to a Committee of
five, with instructions to report at the next meeting.
38
At a Town meeting held April 6, the Committee
submitted the following recommendations, which were
accepted:
1st. That the Hand Fire Engines be sold.
2nd. That a Chemical Engine be purchased, to
be located at East Lexington.
3rd. That the Fire Department consist of forty-
three men, distributed as follows: one company of
twenty men to be located at Lexington, to have
charge of the Chemical Engine and Hose Carriage;
one company of twenty men to be located at East
Lexington, to have charge of the Chemical Engine
(should the Town vote to procure one), and the
Hose Carriage and Hook -and -Ladder Truck, and
three Engineers; the present companies to be dis-
banded, as soon as the proposed companies are
organized and ready to take their places.
4th. That the Committee to appraise the Poor
Fa.rrn property make an appraisal of the Fire Depart-
ment property, and report at the annual meeting.
5th. That the Engineers print in their annual
report the names of all persons connected with the
Fire Department.
Gth. That the Town appropriate and assess five
hundred and fifty dollars for the purchase of a Vil-
lage Chemical Engine, and two hundred dollars for
repairing the Chemical Engine now owned by the
Town; and that the money received from the sale of
the hand engines be paid into the treasury of the
Town.
7th. That the sum of eight hundred dollars be
39
appropriated and assessed for the support of the Fire
Department the ensuing year.
Voted, That the Selectmen be instructed to re-
organize the Fire Department.
Chapter 113 of the Acts of the Legislature of
1886, reads as follows: " The Selectmen shall annu-
ally, in April, appoint for the Fire Department as
many Engineers as they may think expedient, for the
term of one year, from the first day of May following,
and until others are appointed in their stead."
In reorganizing the Fire Department, it will be
observed that we were to be guided by the instruc-
tions of the Town and the Act of the Legislature.
It was found that the Rules and Regulations for
the government of the Fire Department, accepted by
the Town March 1st, 1858, could, with some slight
changes, be made applicable for the government
after the reorganization. Our plan for reorganiza-
tion was :
1st. To appoint three engineers; which we did,
by re -appointing the three former ones.
2nd. To change the phraseology of the Rules
and Regulations that had been in use, so as to meet
the requirements in future.
3rd. To call a meeting of the Hancock, Adams
and Wentworth companies, and submit to each com-
pany the rules and regulations as amended; and then,
if possible, select from the members of each company
those whose business kept them in Town all, or most
of the time, for members of the new companies.
4th. To disband the Hook and Ladder company,
40
and remove the property to the Hancock Engine
Building, as the buildings in that part of the Town
were larger, more compact, and more exposed; also
horses, when needed, were near by, and quickly pro-
cured.
While perfecting these, greatly to our surprise and
regret, notices from the several companies were re-
ceived informing us of their disbandment. This
unexpected movement not only changed our inten-
tions, but left the Town without any Fire Depart-
ment. The thanks of the Town are due to several
former firemen, who came forward and signified their
willingness to hold themselves in readiness to aid
and assist in case of necessity.
The reduction from 85 members, the former num-
ber, to 43, the present number, created some ill
feeling; which, to say the least, was uncalled for.
After some delay, which the disbandment of the
companies and the resignation of the Engineers
caused, we succeeded in reorganizing the Depart-
ment substantially as instructed by the Town.
One particular change which was deemed advis-
able, was to have the firemen's year of service com-
mence the first of April, instead of February, as
heretofore. The reasons for this change were, that
the Town usually makes the appropriation for the
support of the Department, and fixes the compen-
sation of the members, at the annual Meeting, so that
a month's time is given in which members for the
ensuing year can be selected. Again, as the en-
gineers' term of office does not by law expire until
41
the first of May, they, being in office in April, can
assist in arrangments for the ensuing year.
In selecting members for the Fire Companies, as
before stated, we endeavored to get those, if possible,
whose business retained them in Town, and then pay
such compensation as would be an inducement for
them to remain in service and perfect themselves in
the use and working of a chemical engine, and also
the management of the hydrants and the handling of
fire hose. We therefore fixed the compensation for
each member, for the year ending April 1st, 1887,
at fifteen dollars.
The Report of the Engineers furnishes a list of
names of the entire Department; also a description
of the property in their charge.
BOARD OF HEALTH.
The attention of this Board has been called
during the year, in several instances, to suppress
nuisances, caused by depositing swill and slaughter-
house offal in exposed places, emitting noxious and
offensive odors, which were deemed detrimental to
the public health. In most of these cases, a notice
sent to the offending parties was sufficient to abate
the nuisance; and in others, we have been compelled
to regularly serve a notice by the proper officer, with
directions to suppress the nuisance at once,— all of
which have been complied with.
The need of a system of drainage in both villages
is each year becoming more apparent, and in the
near future something should be done in this direc-
42
tion. Although we have escaped contagious diseases,
that is, there has been no epidemic, the present bad
system, or rather lack of drainage, invites their
presence among us.
We have had several isolated cases of diphtheria
and scarlet fever reported during the year; but by
prompt action of physicians and parties interested,
have succeeded in confining them to their original
localities.
We desire at this time to call the attention of the
Town to what may, ere long, become a dangerous
nuisance. There is, in the easterly part of the Town,
a tract of meadow -land of about 150 acres, which
is owned by the Town of Arlington, and used for a
storage reservoir for surplus water. The land is
kept flowed until the water is wanted for use, which
is usually in the Spring, or early in the Summer.
The situation of the land is such, that in drawing the
water off there will and must enough remain to
hardly cover the surface of the ground, and the
effect of the sun's rays upon the decomposing
vegetable matter is such, that reasonable apprehen-
sions are that a foundation is being laid that will,
perhaps in the near future, burst forth in some fear-
ful epidemic. We are of the opinion, that it is a
case which the State Board of Health should be
requested to examine.
HIGHWAYS.
On account of the unfavorable weather the pre-
ceding Winter, the roads throughout the Town
(amounting to nearly seventy miles) were very
43
needful of repairs; and added to this, three of the
largest culverts had been partially carried away by
the freshets in the Spring, and had to be replaced by
new and larger ones. To accomplish this, with the
means at our command, was the problem to be
solved.
We commenced work on the 12th day of April,
with eleven men and four horses, and with the
exception of the month of July and rainy days, kept
constantly at work until the 28th day of October.
During this time we put in passable repair nearly
every road in Town; put in six new culverts, three
of which were of 4 1-2 feet capacity, and repaired
the railing where necessary.
To accomplish this, we found the road -machine a
powerful, and we might say almost indispensable,
auxiliary to the faithful and efficient work of the
men in our employ, working over the entire distance
with the machine at least fifteen times, or scraping a
distance of nearly one thousand miles; and we also
thoroughly graded more than half a mile of Main
street, and were intending to do more in that direc-
tion, but for the unfavorable reponses to our invita-
tion for contracts to build the new streets laid out
and accepted by the Town.
We thought the best interests of the Town would
be subserved by stopping work in that direction,
and putting all of our available force to build the
streets. Subsequent results proved the wisdom of
the decision.
All of this work, with the exception of the new
streets, was accomplished at an expense to the Town
44
of $3,450.54. Only fifty dollars ($50) of this amount
are included for the work of the superintendent of
the Poor Farm.
CULVERTS.
The draining and improving of the ground and the
building of new streets, whereby the water is pre-
cipitated more rapidly into the gutters and streams,
renders the building of new, and the enlargement of
old culverts imperative. To accomplish this, no
inconsiderable expense will have to be incurred.
We would recommend that the appropriations for
roads, culverts and railings be included in one appro-
priation, all being for the same object, and expended
by the same department.
We would recommend that the sum of $3,500
be appropriated for this purpose; not including the
draining around the Common, which is absolutely
necessary since its improvement.
NEW STREETS.
The building of the streets now known as Eustis
and Mount Vernon Streets and Highland Avenue,
has been so beset with hindrances that work was
unavoidably delayed. Our not commencing work
at an earlier date, seemed undoubtedly, to those
unacquainted with the facts, as intentional on our
part. This was made manifest by the censure and
criticism so frequently bestowed. Now in order to
correct any false impressions, we will give as brief a
statement as possible of the causes which made the
45
delay beyond our control. At a Town meeting held
November 3, 1885, the Report of the Selectmen laying
out these streets was made and accepted, and $600
appropriated to carry out the design of the Report.
By this vote it will be seen, that $600 was appro-
priated; but no measures were taken to furnish the
money; neither were any persons authorized or
instructed to build the streets. At a Town meeting
held December 3, 1885, it was Vo. ted•,—" That the
sum of six hundred dollars be appropriated to build
the new streets off Bloomfield Street." Voted,—
" That the town authorize the Treasurer, under the
direction of the Selectmen, to borrow the above sum
in anticipation of the taxes of 1886, the same to be
paid directly from the proceeds of said taxes." It
will now be seen that provision was made to obtain
the money; but no person or persons authorized to
build the streets, or expend the money. No further
action was taken until April 26, 1886, then the
Selectmen were authorized to build the streets.
The law requires that stone monuments shall be
placed at the corners and angles of public streets, to
designate the boundary lines; also, a plan giving the
length and width of the street and the distances
between the monuments, shall be made and lodged
in the office of the Town Clerk. As no survey or
measurements had previously been taken, an Engin-
eer was employed to do this preliminary part of the
work. After the completion of the survey and plan,
we were confident that the appropriation was insuffi-
cient to build the streets as recommended; we there-
fore solicited proposals for building what is now
46
known as Eustis Street and Mount Vernon Street,
so far as dwellings had been built; but as the lowest
proposal for making this portion of the streets was
$1,400, and as our means were only $600, we con-
cluded to build that portion of Highland Avenue
contemplated in the Report, and a part of Mount
Vernon Street, as far as would give a passage out
for those who had built and were residing on that
street. Our intention was again checked, by ascer-
taining the fact, that the Report of the Selectmen
which the Town had accepted did not include the
distance which the petitioners contemplated and
desired. Then our only alternative was to bring the
subject before the Town again, and have the vote of
accepting these streets rescinded, and another report
made correcting the mistakes; also, to ask for an
additional appropriation, sufficient to meet the
costs.
At a Town meeting held September 27, 1886, a
Report was presented, giving the width and length
and the proposed names for the several streets, which
was accepted and adopted; also, $200 additional was
appropriated. The Selectmen were instructed to
proceed and build these streets, as soon as possible
after the Town Treasurer had received the sum of
$400. Proposals were again solicited for building the
three streets as designated in the Report. Again we
were doomed to disappointment; as the lowest estimate
was $1,700, and our means only $1,200. It was then
evident that the only course to pursue was to stop
work on the Town roads, and employ the Town
teams and as much help as could conveniently work,
47
and hasten the completion of the streets before the
cold weather might prevent.
October 28th, fourteen men and four horses com-
menced work, and continued, only when prevented
by stormy weather, and succeeded in finishing High-
land Avenue, nearly finishing Eustis Street, also
Mount Vernon Street; except a portion of the ledge
and the grading after the ledge is removed. It is
estimated, the cost to complete the work unfinished
will be about $200. The amount expended thus far,
is $920.24. The course adopted to build these streets
will be a saving of about $600 less than the lowest
proposal. Perhaps it may be thought unnecessary
for giving so detailed an account of the causes that
have tended to prevent the building of these streets
at an earlier date; but when conscious that we were
using our best endeavors, we felt that we were un-
justly accused of neglect. It is now hoped that, at
the completion of the portion unfinished, it may be
said, that " All is well that ends well."
An order from the County Commissioners, order-
ing the building anew • a portion, and widening the
remainder, of that part of Waltham Street situated
between Concord Avenue and Waltham Town line,
was received in the latter part of the year 1885.
The demands of the order has been complied with,
at an expense of $806.43, which amount was pro-
vided as follows: $265 received from the County,
$500 by an appropriation, and $41.43 from the
Highway appropriation.
An order was also received from the Commis-
sioners, requesting the widening of Waltham Street
48
between Main and Middle Streets, awarding as
damages to the abuttors $1,845; which sum has been
paid from $1,000 received from the County, and the
balance from an appropriation.
While the improvements upon the Common were
being made by the Committee in charge, it became
apparent that, by removing a large tree standing at
the junction of Hancock and Bedford Streets, and
changing the road -bed of Bedford Street, opposite
the Common, a two -fold improvement would be
realized; by improving both the appearance of the
Common and Bedford street. By the request of
the Committee, and other citizens, the request was
granted, and the alteration made, at an expense of
$35.00, which was taken from the Highway appro-
priation.
ALMSHOUSE AND POOR DEPARTMENT.
One of the first duties devolving upon the Overseers
is, to obtain a Superintendent and Matron for the
Almshouse; and we were very fortunate in securing
again the services of Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. White
for this responsible position, at the same salary as
last year. We also appointed Mr. White foreman
of the Highway Department, so far as to take charge
of the men while at work on the roads, and to
receive for this additional labor $50.00. This ar-
rangement could be made without detriment to the
Poor Department, as the number of inmates was
greatly reduced from previous years; also their
physical condition was such as not to require con-
stant care or supervision.
49
It may be thought that the Highway Department
would gain by this arrangement at the expense of the
Farm. This. idea may be true to a certain extent.
The Highway Department has received the benefit of
Mr. White's services for only $50.00, whereas the
Overseers, to supply the help to perform the work on
the Farm which Mr. White would have accomplished,
paid upwards of $200. In this respect the Poor De-
partment loses in proportion to the gain to the High-
way Department; but then it should be taken into
account, that the connection between the two depart-
ments, by reason of the highway property being kept
at the Poor Farm, is such, that if one department does
gain at the expense of the other and no injustice be
done, it matters little, as the whole belongs to the
Town; therefore to make a minute division would be
of little importance.
The number of inmates at the commencement of
the year was 8; admitted during the year, 4'; present
number, 7. A reasonable degree of health has been
enjoyed, although some of them are well advanced in
years. One death has occurred, that of Mr. Joel
Reed, aged 74 years. It has been our endeavor, by
frequent personal attention, to have them well and
comfortably cared for. We also consider it our duty
to publicly say, that Mr. and Mrs. White have at all
times throughout the year, cheerfully rendered con-
stant care and assistance whenever necessary. Dr.
Howland Holmes received the appointment as Town
Physician for the year ending April 1st, 1887, at a.
salary of $50.
The productiveness of the Farm continues, as is
50
shown by the large quantity of hay secured, together
with vegetables more than sufficient for the use of
the family.
The purchase of a mowing machine supplies a
Iong-felt want, the land now being adapted to its use,
and has materially aided in harvesting the hay crop.
During the winter months, and at other times when
the horses were at leisure, large quantities of manure
have been purchased at a nominal cost, and brought
to the Farm for future use. It is necessary in our
judgment that the buildings, especially the house and
barn, be shingled as soon as possible. We therefore
recommend an appropriation be made for that pur-
pose at the annual meeting. The deprivation expe-
rienced by an insufficient supply of water for domes-
tic and other purposes for a longer or shorter time
for several years past, is a matter of sufficient impor-
tance to demand immediate attention. The methods
that have been considered for furnishing a supply are,
either from the Lexington Water Company, or by a
wind -mill placed on the Farm. If the former method
is approved, the Town would be subject to the dicta-
tion of the Water Company; if the latter, then the
Town could manage the supply without interference.
The cost is supposed to be about the same in both
methods.
The amount paid for support of poor, $2,939 13
Less received from income of farm, i38 76
Less outside expenses, 759 06
Less outside aid refunded, 79 63
Amount of appropriation 2,000 00
Cost of support at Almshouse in cash, 1,643 31
51
Number of weeks' board furnished, including the
Superintendent's family, 572; cost per week in cash,
$2.87 1-3. There are unpaid demands due the Town
amounting to $92.63.
Outstanding demands for 1885, amounting to about
$140, have been paid, and are included in the expen-
ses of this year.
An appropriation of $2,000 is recommended for
the support of the department the ensuing year.
The almshouse and highway property has been for
several years past, by order of the Town, annually ap-
praised, and the appraisal published in the Town Re-
ports. The value or importance of the information
derived by having the property annually appraised at
a cost of about $20, appears to us- to be of no partic-
ular use or benefit whatever. If a record book was
procured, and at the commencement of the Superin-
tendent's time of service an inventory of the prop-
erty was made and each article recorded, then, at the
close of the year, a re-examination could again be
made, and if articles were missing, an explanation, if
necessary could be given. This plan, if adopted,
would be an important aid, when a change in the
Board of the Overseers or of Superintendent occurs,
as the new officers or Superintendent would have by
the record indisputable evidence of what belonged to
the Town. We offer this suggestion, because we
have witnessed what seems to us to be a useless
practice.
52
Respectfully submitted by
WEBSTER SMITH,
ALBERT W. BRYANT,
WALTER BLODGETT,
Selectmen, Board of Health, Surveyors of Highways
and Overseers of Poor.
LEXINGTON, Jan. 31, 1887.
53
TAX COLLECTOR'S REPORT..
TAXES FOR 1884.
Amount uncollected Feb. 1, 1886, .
Amount collected,
Amount abated, . .
TAXES FOR 1885.
$36 92
19 23
17 69
$36 92 $36 92
Amount uncollected Feb. 1, 1886, . $4,229 38
Amount collected, . $3,622 88
Amount abated, 122 74
Amount uncollected, 483 76
$4,229 38 $4,229 38
TAXES FOR 1886.
Tax list, $42,054 57
Supplementary list, 422 00
Female list, 1 00
Amount collected, $36,243 75
Amount abated, 428 87
Amount allowed for prompt payment, 380 32
Amount uncollected, 5,424 63
$42,477 57 $42,477 57
CHARLES T. WEST, Tax Collector.
LEXINGTON,, Jan. 31, 1887.
54
TOWN TREASURER'S REPORT.
RECEIPTS. PAYMENTS.
Cash on hand February 1, 1886, $1,053 26
Schools account, 287 56 $10,200 26
Removing snow, . 95 98
Highway account, 806 00 3,470 10
Pauper account, . 538 76 2,182 07
Outside Poor account, . . 79 63 757 06
State Aid account, 304 00 321 00
Registrars of Voters, 100 00
Town and Village Halls (fuel and lights), 392 35
Treasurer and Collector, 500 00
Contingent account, 3,216 34 1,818 79
Street lights, 1,532 92
Constables and Police, 1,968 00
Auditors' account, 45 00
Cary Library Librarian, 400 00
Gammell's Legacy, . • 35 00 22 37
Dog money, 531 37 531 37
Printing account, 210 54
Interest account, 238 16 2,287 03
Reading Room, East Lexington, 25 00 220 00
Culvert account, 257 00
Janitors (Town and Village Halls), 470 03
Hydrants account, 1,488 00
Insurance account, 1,190 40
Fire Department, 196 69 431 90
Taxes for 1884, 19 23
Cemetery account, 309 00 252 80
Taxes for 1885, 3,622 88
Amount carried forward, $11,262 88 $31,144 97
55
Amount brought forward, $11,262 88 $31,144 97
Temporary Loans, .. 13,000 00 15,000 00
Cemetery Trust Funds, 200 00
Assessors' account, 426 75
Waltham St. (between Main and Middle
streets), 1,000 00 1,845 00
Chemical Engine, 705 29
Ringing Bells, 70 00
Town Debt, 2,700 00
State Fax, 2,355 00
County Tag, 1,415 86
Town Clerk, 100 00
Common Improvement, . . 225 00 1,718 49
Memorial Day, . . 105 80
Highway Railings, 29 44
Selectmen, etc , 50 00 850 00
School Committee, 300 00
School Superintendent, 210 00
Treasurer of Cary Library, . . . 50 00
Taxes for 1886, 36,243 75
Sidewalk account, 298 88 829 17
Waltham Street (near Concord Avenue), 265 00 806 43
New Streets (near Bloomfield Street), 600 00 920 24
Vill!ge Hall repairs, 246 82
Cash on hand Jan. 31, 1887, . . 1,316 25
$63,145 51 $63,145 51
CHARLES T. WEST, Town Treasurer.
LE%INaTOx Jan. 31, 1887.
56
STATEMENT OF TOWN DEBT.
JANUARY 31, 1887.
DATE. TO WHOM. WHEN DUE. AMOUNT. INTEREST.
Sept. 1, 1885, State Treasurer, Dec. 1, 1887, $2,600 4 pr. et.
L6 cc cc cc cc 1888, 2,600 "
LC cc cc 1889, 2,600 "
cc cc cc cc cc 1890, 2,600
" " " " " 1891, 2,600
" " " " " 1892, 2,600
cc cc cc <c Lc 1893, 2,600
16
`L '' " " 1894, 2,600 "
« cc if it cc 1895, 2,600
1871.
Feb. 28, Treasurer Cary Library, Feb. 28, 1878, 5,000, 6 pr. ct.
1883.
Mar. 31, Treasurer Cary Library, Mar. 31, 1893, 6,000, 6 pi ct.
Apr. 8, 1881, Treasurer Bridge Fund, Demand, 2,000, 6 pr. ct.
July 23, 1874, Gammell Legacy, Trust Fund, 500, 7 pr. ct.
Cemetery Trust Fund, 2,450, 6 pr. et.
Total, $39,350 50
CHARLES T. WEST, Town Treasurer.
57
REPORT OF TREASURER FOR THE
TRUSTEES OF CEMETERY
TRUST FUND.
Total amount of funds January 31, 1887, . $2,450 00
$,2450 00
RECEIPTS. PAYMENTS
Balance of income on hand January 1, 1886, $260 08
Heirs of John Winning, Lot 47, . . . • 18 00 $16 00
Estate of I. B. Smith, " 69, 6 00 4 50
Eliab Brown, " 29, 9 00 8 00
Mrs. 0. A. Dodge, " 30, . 6 00 4 00
Nathan Fessenden, " 73, 9 00 6 00
Almira Chandler, " 92, 6 00 5 00
Marshall H. Locke, " 37, 6 00 5 00
Charles Hudson Estate, " 16, . . . 9 00 7 00
J. B. Simonds et. al. (old cemetery), . . 24 00 37 77
Mrs. A. Buttrick, Lot 105, 12 00 8 00
Adline R. Parker, " 152, 6 00 5 00
Caira Robbins Estate, (East Lexington) , . 18 00 13 00
Mary Wells Merrill (old cemetery) . . . 6 00 4 00
John P. Reed, Lot 4, 3 00 3 00
Phillip Russell, " 48, 2 50
Total balance of income unexpended Jan-
uary 1, 1887, . . $274 31
$400 58 $400 58
L. W. WRIGHT, Treasurer.
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT.
BIRTHS.
le number of births in 1886, 43. Males, 25 : Females, 18.
Witt 42'•;..Colored, 1. Parents native born, 15 ; Parents foreign
• born, 1154e:rents native and foreign born, 12.
• MARRIAGES.
Marriages registered in Lexington for the year 1886: Whole
number,',,,26 ; males native born, 15 ; males foreign born, 11 ;
females native born, 13 ; females foreign born, 13.
w
DATE.
NAMES.
RESIDENCES.
1886.
February 19, .
February 21, .
February 28, .
March 7, .
March 13, . .
April 3, .
April 17,
May 4, .
June 3, .
David McKenzie,
Emma McPhee,
James 0. Swinehamer, .
Julia E. Woolsey, .
Bartley J. Mulloy, .
Annie E. Conelly, .
John Francis McKearney,
Bridget J. McIntosh, .
Warren IL Sherburne,
Mary E. Rigby,
Robert A. Denham, .
Annie Laura Merry, .
Charles F. M. Fisher,
Lillian E. Fitch,
Hartwell I. Bryant, .
Margariete Hilton, .
Eugene D. Buckley, .
Katie Regan,.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Auburndale.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Ipswich.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Cambridge.
Lexington.
Boston.
59
DATE.
NAMES.
RESIDENCES.
1886.
June 3, .
June 3, .
July 17,
July 28,
August 7, .
September 15, .
September 16, .
October 7, .
October 14,
October 19, .
October 27, .
October 28, .
November 9, .
November 17, .
William H. Davis, .
Mabel A. Kirkland, .
Bernard McEnroe,
Mary M. Collins,
Frank E. Fiske,
Stella M. Butcher, . .
John T. McNamara,
Rose A. Berry,
John H. Curran,
Lizzie B. Cameron, .
Arthur H. Jewett, .
Abbie P. Holbrook, .
Amos Dalrymple, .
Ellen Haley,
John E. Burke,
Julia A. Moakley, .
Frank W. Hodgdon,
Grace Herbert Plumer,
Fred K. Brown,
Sylvia B. Reed,
John Edgar Garmon,
Ida May Knight, .
Robert Parker Clapp,
Mary Lizzie Saunders,
William E. Denham,
Melissa A. Beals, .
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.'
Lexington.
Lincoln.
Lincoln.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Cambridgeport.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Burlington.
Lexington.
Stoneham.
Lexington.
Arlington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Cambridge.
Lexington.
Lexington.
John M. Ryan, Lexington.
Rosa A. Reynolds, . . . Lexington.
60
DATE.
NAMES.
RESIDENCES.
December 2, .
December 20, .
December 24, .
Henry Webber,
Nellie F. Sherman,
Granville Garland,
Mary Elizabeth Duncan,
John Rose,
Mary Dalrymple,
Lexington.
Lexington.
Woburn.
Woburn.
Lexington.
Burlington,
61
DEATHS.
Recorded in Lexington, from Jan. 1, 1886, to Jan. 1, 1887.
DATE.
1886.
Jan.
Feb.
II
II
it
Mar.
April
CC
May
II
June
July
Aug.
a
II
it
SC
Q
Sept.
11
41
''
Oct.
I/
Nov.
II
Dec.
II
[I
N
II
4
14
4
7
20
24
26
23
24
9
16
23
6
9
14
22
25
30
7
I0
13
19
21
29
30
7
14
17
23
23
28
12
18
28
6
15
29
2
8
15
15
19
21
22
NAME.
AGE.
DISEASE.
oi
.
`4
Mary J. McLachlan
36
Puperal fever.....
Francis Wynian..
96
9
3
Old age..........
Eliza Stimson
73
8
....
Paralysis..
John Peters
79
3
....
Liver disease.....
Lucy P. Turner
82
6
25
Paralysis..
Edmund G. Flanders
50
4
....
Consumption......
George H. Savage
4
........
Diptheria .
Bridget Burke
46
....
Cancer
Levi K. Wetherbee.....
52
4
....
Pneumonia.
Emeline A. Munroe....
52
1
....
Apoplexy -
Mary E. Brown
45
7
....
Typhoid pneum'a.
Laura A. Dailey
2
10
....
Cong. of lungs....
John Bender
75
.
...
Drowning
William Hourty
15
7
....
R. R. injury
Edith Alley.
33
8
Consumption.
Charles Robinson.
84
.
17
Paralysis
James E. Foster
78
11
9
Old age.. •
John Stimson
81
9
11
Old age
Larkin Ilarrington.....
60
3
21
Paralysis.
Mildred Robinson
1
25
Convulsions
Jane J. Willard.
88
5
11
Old age
Charles Johnson..
•
1
15
Diarr cea .
Margaret Johnson
27
........
Phthisis
Mary E. Buckley..
30
10
24
Consumption
Frank S. White.
17
8
....
Tuberculosis
Patrick Glynn
60
........
Fracture of skull..
Michael Canerney
35
........
Heart disease.....
Lucy C. Nash.
83
9
21
Dis. of h'rt & I'vr.
Oran Nash
84
6
6
Heart disease.....
Hannah H. Jackson
80
8
..
Old age
Arthur T. Hammond........
9
16
Hydrocephalas
Mary E. Buffum
24
2
22
Phthisis pul
William Kelley, Jr....
..
........
Stillborn
Dennis Manley.
60
.
.
Pneumonia..
Amos Angier.
a8
10
10
Old age.
Lucy W. Say..
85
11
17
Pneumonia .
Stella M. Patch
38
7
22
Gangrene .
Ida Martin..
7
16
Pneumonia..
Frank N. Merriam
23
........
Phthisis
Joel Reed.
74
....
...
Huemiplegia
Isaac Madill...
84
........
Old age.
A. Jean Peckham.
54
9
....
Con. and h'rt dis
Hannah Jane Evens....
50
2
....
Cancer
Mary A. Meade.
32
........
Lock jaw.
BIRTHPLACE.
Nova Scotia.
Lexington.
Salem.
Prussia.
Medford.
Bradford, Vt.
Jamaica Plains.
Ireland.
Ludlow, Vt.
Boston.
Boston.
Turner, Me.
Germany.
Arlington.
Dorchester.
Lexington.
Boston.
Ludlow, Vt.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Boston.
Lexington.
Ireland.
Lexington.
Waltham.
Ireland.
Ireland.
Weymouth.
Weymouth.
Salem.
Lexington.
Melrose.
Lexington.
Ireland.
Lexington.
New Lon., Conn.
Boston.
Lexington.
Charlestown.
Lexington.
Scotland.
Belchertown .
Oldtown, Me.
Ireland.
Whole number of deaths, 44
Number of Males, 24
Females, 20
—44
Native born, 35
Foreign born, ..... 9
—44
Number over 60 years of age,. 19
" under 10 4( 7
ACCOUNT OF TOWN HISTORIES AND HISTORIES OF
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
Number of Town Histories on hand Jan. 31, 1886, . 138
Number sold during the year,. 1
Number exchanged for other books, 3
4
Number on hand Jan. 31, 1887, 134
including 16 bound copies, and 23 copies in sheets in hands of
Lee, & Shepard, Boston.
Number of History of the Centennial Celebration on
hand Jan. 31, 1887, 190
Donated during the year, 2
Number on hand Jan. 31, 1887,
DOGS.
Licensed in Lexington, from Dec. 1, 1885, to Dec. 1, 1886.
Whole number licensed,
Males, 227
Females, 28
188
255
255
Amount paid County Treasurer to June 1, 1886, $232 20
Amount paid County Treasurer to Dec. 1, 1886, 310 80
$543 00
LIST OF JURORS FOR 1886 ACCEPTED BY THE TOWN,
March 8, and April 5, 1886.
John D. Bacon,
Francis E. Ballard,
Frank V. Butters,
William B. Foster,
John F. Hutchinson,
George H. Jackson,
Timothy Kinneen,
Amos W. Locke,
Everett S. Locke,
William Litchfield,*
Matthew H. Merriam,
Patrick Mitchell,
George E. Muzzey,
Charles Putnam,
Theodore J. Parker,
John Morton Reed,
Moses H. Roberts,
Patrick Ryan,
Josiah H. Reed,*
Abram B. Smith,
Gershom Swan,
George T. Smith,
Elijah A. Shaw,
Edwin S. Spaulding,
David A. Tuttle,
Henry H. Tyler,
George O. Wellington,
John IL Willard.
*Drawn since list was accepted.
Respectfully submitted,
LEONARD A. SAVILLE, Town Clerk.
63
FIRE ENGINEER'S REPORT.
The Engineers respectfully submit the following
Report for the year ending January 31st, 1887:
FIRES.
May —, House of G. H. Cutter, on Hancock Ave-
nue. Responded to by Wentworth Chemical and
the Hose wagon. The fire was extinguished with
but little damage to the house and a small loss to the
contents. Cause, overheating furnace.
June 20th, House of Wm. Haley, in the meadows
off Middle Street. Responded to by the Adams Co.,
with the Hand engine. House destroyed. Saved
adjoining building. Cause, defective chimney.
September 20th, Barn of Mrs. Garmon, on Main
Street, East Lexington. Responded to by the entire
Department. Chemical engine and the Hydrants
doing good work. Barn destroyed. House con-
nected with itburned partly, and the house of Mrs.
Buttrick, adjoining the Garmon estate, caught fire
from the barn, but was saved with a small loss.
Cause, defective flue.
November 20th, House of Webster Smith on Con-
cord Turnpike was destroyed, the contents being
64
mostly saved by the neighbors. Night of a dense
fog. No alarm given. Cause, incendiary.
January 1st, Pumping Station of the Lexington
Water Co. Responded to by Hancock Co., saving
a part of the building, the boilers and pump, and
many valuable Tools, which, if destroyed, would
have been unfortunate for the Town, as to water for
fires and domestic use.
In conformity with the vote passed by the Town,
at a meeting held on March 8th, we present the
names of the members of the Department.
Wm. B. Foster,
E. J. B. Nourse,
Willard Walcott,
•
•
Chief Engineer.
Clerk Engineer.
. Assistant Engineer.
HANCOCK CHEMICAL ENGINE AND HOSE COMPANY.
D. A. Dow, Foreman.
R. W. Britton, . . First Assistant Foreman.
H. A. Turner, . Second Assistant Foreman.
W. P. Bowman, . . Clerk.
W. T. Ham, . Steward.
G. N. Gurney.
A. J. Moulton.
A. McDonald.
F. H. Kneeland.
J. T. Scott.
R. A. Dunham.
John Tholden.
C. C. Mann.
C. F. Smith.
H. C. Bartlett.
W. H. Davis.
C. M. Tupper.
W. F. Ham.
T. L. Bruce.
Henry Jackson.
65
ADAMS CHEMICAL ENGINE AND HOSE COMPANY.
D. C. Smith. Foreman.
J. F. Maynard, . . . . First Assistant Foreman.
J. B. Stevens, . . Second Assistant Foreman.
W. F. Waite, . . . Clerk,.
J. R. Taft, . . Steward.
W. A. Fletcher.
A. F. Wilkins.
C. E. Harrington.
Frank Nye.
C. H. Butterfield.
Geo. Flint.
W. H. H. Laws.
J. H. Frizzell.
A. S. Butterfield.
C. G. Kaufman.
Three Engineers and thirty-five men,—five men
less than the Town voted; for reason for which we
refer you to the Selectmen's Report.
The appropriation has been expended by three dif-
ferent boards of officers : the Engineers who resigned
in April; the. Selectmen; and the present Board.
How much of the appropriation had been expended
by the two boards we were unable to ascertain, until
the close of the financial year.
Under the new organization, the Selectmen raised
the pay to $15.00 for 10 months, and it was necessary
to purchase new badges for the Hancock Company,
and a supply of chemicals for two engines.
Consider the circumstances, when comparing the
expenditures with the appropriations.
Expenditures, $431.90
Pay due the Department, for services to Feb. 1, 533.34
Appropriations
Excess,
$965.24
$900.00
$65.24
66
H. G. Worth, on leaving Town, resigned from the
Board of Engineers, Sept. 5th.
It has been demonstrated that the Hydrants are a
success in subduing fires; and that they may protect
more property, we recommend the purchase of a
thousand feet of cotton hose.
The Companies have been full to the number or-
ganized by the Selectmen. The property has been
appraised by the Appraisers of the Poor Farm.
We take this opportunity to thank the Citizens
who have endeavored to assist the Department; and
the officers and members of the Department, for their
promptness, and efficiency in the performance of their
duty.
WM. B. FOSTER, 1 Engineers
E. J. B. IOURSE, }- of
WILLARD WALCOTT, J Lexington.
67
APPRAISAL OF PROPERTY OF THE
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Under charge of the Engineers.
1 chemical engine $425 00
1 wagon and fixtures 225 00
1 hook and ladder truck 350 00
Chemicals 15 00
Furniture, etc. 36 00
1 chemical engine (East Lexington) 425 00
1 hose carriage 175 00
Cotton hose 500 00
2 ladders 8 00
Furniture, etc 23 00
Chemicals 12 00
2 wheeljacks, hook and ropes 9 00
2 engines, hose carriages and hose 400 00
WALTER WELLINGTON,
JOHN D. BACON,
C. M. PARKER,
LEXINGTON, Jan. 31, 1887.
$2,604 00
_ppraisers.
68
ASSESSORS' REPORT.
Valuation May 1, 1886.
RESIDENT. NON-RESIDENT. TOTAL.
Real Estate, $2,054,458 $212,782 $2,267,240
Personal Estate 560,169 62,632 622,801
$2,890,041
Gain in Real Estate, $18,991 ; Loss in Personal, $9,410 ; Net
gain, $9,581.
Amount of Taxes committed to Collector :—
State Tax, $2,355 00
County Tax, . 1,415 86
Town Grants, 37,660 00
Overlayings, . . . . . . 623 71
-$42,054 57
Rate of Taxation per Thousand, $14 00
Number of Polls, 797
" Dwelling Houses, 541
4G Horses, 515
" Cows, 1,234
‘g Swine, 239
Poli Taxes, $1,594 00
Resident Real Estate Tax, 28,762 41
Non -Resident Real Estate Tax, . . 2,978 94
Resident Personal State Tax, . . 7,842 37
Non -Resident Personal State Tax, 876 85
$42,054 57
69
Total number of acres of land taxed,
Total number of tax payers,
Number of persons taxed on property,
Number of persons paying poll tax only,
Property exempt from Taxation :—
Town property,
Church property,
JOSEPH F. SIMONDS,
WALTER WELLINGTON,
HORACE B. DAVIS,
9,931
1,132
692
440
$107,450 00
52,200 00
Assessors
of
Lexington.
70
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE
CARY LIBRARY.
THE whole number of books in the library is
10,797. The number added during the year was 799,
of which about one-quarter was given, including 104
volumes from the library of the late Charles O. Whit-
more of Boston, and a complete set of the Pennsyl-
vania Magazine from William H. Whitmore.
Books have also been received from Albert W.
Paine of Bangor, and George B. Emery of Gorham,
Me., Clinton ,Viles, Robert C. Winthrop, Thomas
H. Perkins, Samuel A. Green and W. H. Whitmore
of Boston; Mrs. John L. Sibley of Cambridge; E. O.
Jameson of Millis; the Concord Committee, and
from George E. Muzzey, F. P. Adams, Leonard
Downing, Otis Munroe, Walter Faxon, George
Stackpole, Miss Mary Stevens and Edward G.
Porter.
Mr. George W. Robinson has again given $50 for
the book fund, and we have received $25 from the
estate of the late Caira Robbins of East Lexington.
By far the most valuable gift of the year was the
large and beautiful oil painting by William Hammer
of Denmark, presented, in an elegant frame, to the
Trustees of the library for the benefit of the Town.
The subject is a collection of choice flowers and
71
fruit, displayed in an open terraced garden, with a
park visible in the distance. The style and general
treatment recall the celebrated picture known as
" The Home of the Bees," by the same artist.
There being no room for so large a picture in the
present library quarters, it has been hung with suit-
able drapery in the large hall above, where it has
attracted much attention and favorable comment from
our citizens, who feel a just pride in having a work
of such merit and beauty adorn the Hall of our
public gatherings.
Through the efforts of a large Committee of the
Lexington Historical Society, Henry Sandham's
painting of " The Dawn of Liberty " was obtained by
purchase at about the same time, and hung in the
Hall back of the platform. These two admirable
works of art will inevitably have an educating and
refining influence upon the audiences assembling
there; and it is hoped that the Town may receive
further gifts of a similar character.
The Trustees earnestly solicit portraits of those
who have been identified with Lexington at any
period of her history, and they are happy to• say that
several have been already promised.
From the Elizabeth Bridge (Whitcomb) Gerry
estate, the Town receives, besides an addition to the
Bridge Charitable Fund, a few interesting specimens
of old silver — a tankard, a sugar bowl, a cream
pitcher, three dessert spoons, and a dozen teaspoons.
These have been placed in one of our relic cases, at
the request of General Samuel J. Bridge, who has
kindly interested himself in the charitable disposition
72
of this small property of his kinsman for the benefit
of Lexington, where so many of the Bridges formerly
lived, and where several of their old homesteads are
still standing.
Other gifts during the year have been, a framed
photograph of the Hancock mansion in Boston, from
Miss Josephine Kimball; an engraved portrait, framed,
of the late John Langdon Sibley, the distinguished
librarian of Harvard College, from his widow; and
three photographic views of Lexington, Va., from
Miss Evelyn Stoddard.
The Trustees have regretted that the valuable ser-
vices of Miss Wellington, the librarian, have been
withdrawn by illness during the entire year. Miss
Whitcher has taken the position, and maintained it to
the satisfaction of all.
To facilitate the reaching of books on the upper
shelves, convenient platforms to stand upon have
been constructed.
The Custodian of the Lexington Historical Society
has added a small and convenient relic case for the
reception of interesting objects, such as are rapidly
becoming the property of this young and vigorous
Society.
At the annual Summer inspection, the cleaning of
the shelves and books was entrusted to Mr. Thurs-
ton, whose work was thoroughly well done.
The card catalogue system, now generally used in
all larger libraries, waits to be adopted by us. In
the hope that a fire -proof building, and one that shall
be worthy of our library and of the Town, may ere
long be provided for ns by some generous friend or
73
friends, we have postponed action upon so important
a matter as the introduction of the card -catalogue
system. Meanwhile, a supplementary bulletin of
books added since 1885, will doubtless be printed
for the use of our citizens.
The Visitors' Book shows that over 600 strangers
have recorded their names during the year, repre-
senting most of the states and territories of our
country, besides Europe, Asia and Africa. This is
nearly twice as many as we heve ever had before
since the book was kept, and it shows that our Town
is rapidly becoming a favorite resort, not only for
schools and visitors from neighboring towns, but for
intelligent travellers from distant parts, who come as
pilgrims to our shrine of liberty.
The Report of the East Lexington branch is fur-
nished by Miss Dana, in behalf of the Committee of
ladies appointed by the Town. The average day
attendance at the reading room in the school -house
has been 13. The average evening attendance has
been 4. The total number of Cary library books
exchanged by Miss Holbrook during the year, has
been 3,408. The average weekly exchange of books
was about 70. The amount paid for the librarian's
services to Jan. 31, 1887, was $206.63; for cleaning,
etc., $3.75; for stationery, 80 cents; for oil, etc.,
X5.80. Cash on hand Jan. 31, 1887, $1.75; total,
$218.73
EDWARD G. PORTER,
for the Trustees.
LEXINGTON, Feb. 1, 1887.
74
CARY LIBRARY.
Treasurer's Report for 1886-87.
The Treasurer of the Cary Library debits himself
as follows :--
Note of Town of Lexington, dated Feb.
28, 1871... $5,000 00
Note of Town of Lexington, dated Mar.
31, 1883. 6,000 00
Deposit Book, Lexington Savings Bank, 706 48
Cash on hand, Feb. 1, 1886.... 81 91
" received, Dog Tax 531 37
« 44 Legacy of Caira Robbins25 00
46 G6 Donation from George W.
Robinson 50 00
4 44 Interest on Town Notes660 00
34 45
Fines 26 93
46
Deposits in Lex.
Sax. Bank...
$13,116 14
And credits himself with—
Payments for Books $929 50
On account of Expenses 122 72
By Town Notes 11,000 00
By Deposit in Lexington Savings Bank740 93
By Cash on hand 322 99
$13,116 14
EDWARD P. BLISS, Treasurer.
LEXINGTON, Jan 31, 1887.
75
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE
GAMMELL LEGACY.
WE the Trustees of the Gammell Legacy, have
had our aid called into requisition but seldom during
the past year; although we have to record the death,
after a short illness, of Mr. Joel Reed, one who had
been a resident of our Almshouse for some years,
always having proved himself a quiet, helpful per-
son.
The Superintendent and Matron seem to be in
every way capable of attending to the numerous
wants of those committed to their charge, and have
been very kind in their suggestions to us, regarding
their needs and comfort.
We have disbursed the Fund committed to us,
according to our best judgment.
Amount in Treasury, January lst, 1886, . . . $77 01
One year's Interest on Fund, 35 00
$112 01
Amount Expended, $22 37
Balance on hand, 89 64
Respectfully submitted,
LUCY M. WHITING,
LUCY N. BLODGETT.
76
APPRAISAL OF PROPERTY AT THE
POOR FARM.
In charge of the Overseers qf the Poor.
1 mowing machine, $40 ; 3 scythes and snaths, $1.50, . $41 50
2 ploughs, $8 ; 2 cultivators, $7 ; seed corn, .50, . . . 15 50
25 fowls, $18.75 ; grindstone, $10 ; tub and barrels, $1.00 29 75
1 bench and vise, $7 ; 15 shoates, $30 ; 2 hogs, $28, . 65 00
30 cords manure, $210 ; 1 cart, $25, . . . . . . . 235 00
1 grain -chest and grain, $6 ; lot of tools, $8, . . . . 14 00
2 chains, $2 ; forks, shovels and hoes, $5 ; lot of old iron, $3, 10 00
1 set double harness, $20 ; set of lead reins, $2, . 22 00
1 express harness, $40 ; 1 light harness, $9, . . 49 00
16 tons hay, $300 ; ropes, $1 ; hags and seed, $1, 302 00
2 blankets and broom, $4 ; forks and rakes, $1.50, . . 5 50
1 carriage, $25 ; collar and bridle, $3 ; ladders, $3, . . 31 00
1 chain harness, $4 ; blanket and halter, $2, . . . 6 00
1 horse, $140 ; 2 cows, $110 ; pung, $10, . . . . 260 00
1 express wagon, $60 ; horse rake, $10 ; wheelbarrow, $3, 73 00
1 double -runner sled, $50 ; set of eveners, $5, . . 55 00
4 whiffletree chains, $4 ; harrow and chain, $2, 6 00
1 hay wagon, $30 ; manure wagon, $60, . . 90 00
1 wheeljack, $1.50 ; cart saddle, $10, 11 50
14 cords of wood, $62 ; stoves in lock-up, $2, . . . 64 00
8 tons coal, $56 ; wood in shed, $10 ; saws and axes, $2.50, 68 50
Contents of wash -room, 8 00
Contents of Room No. 1, 65 00
Contents of Room No. 2, 77 00
Contents of Room No. 3, 10 00
Contents of Room No. 4, 10 00
Amouut carried forward, 80,000 00
77
Amount brought forward, $000 00
Contents of Room No. 5, 15 00
Contents of Room No. 6, .. 38 00
Contents of Room No. 7, 12 00
Contents of Room No. 8, 30 00
Contents of Room No. 9, 25 00
Contents of Room No. 10, 15 00
Contents of Room No. 11, 10 00
Contents of Room No. 12, 12 00
Contents of Room No. 13, 16 00
Contents of Room No. 14, 18 00
Contents of Room No. 15, 8 00
Contents of Room No. 16, 18 00
Contents of Room No. 17, 20 00
Contents of Room No. 18, 30 00
Contents of Room No. 19, 10 00
Contents of Room No. 20, 10 00
Upper Back Hall, contents, 15 00
Lower Hall, matting, 7 00
Contents of crockery closet, 10 00
Contents of pantry, 35 00
110 bushels potatoes, $60 ; 6 bbls. apples, $9, . . 69 00
Lot of vegetables, $15 ; screens and flour barrels, $5, . 20 00
4 bbls. cider, $20 ; 20 galls. vinegar, $3, 23 00
200 lbs. salt pork, $20 ; 120 lbs. hams and shoulders, $12, 32 00
25 galls. oil, $2.75 ; 3 oil bbls., $4.50 ; 3 pork bbls., $3, 10 25
20 galls. molasses, $10 ; 3 casks, $2, 12 00
40 2 -quart jars, preserves, $10 ; 3 dozen- jars, $3.50, . 13 50
4 galls. pickles, .50 ; 20 lbs. lard, $1.80, 2 30
Butter, $1.25 ; 6 stone jars, $3.60, 4 85
Wash boiler, coal hod and storm windows, 9 00
$2,174 15
Your Committee were much pleased with the gen-
eral appearance of all the property at the almshouse,
the house and all within it was neat and clean, and in
good order. The inmates seemed contented, and
78
looked as if they were well cared for. We believe
Mrs. White deserves and is entitled to praise for the
interest she has manifested both for the care of the
household property and the welfare of the inmates.
WALTER WELLINGTON,
JOHN D. BACON, Appraisers.
C. M. PARKER,
LEXINGTON, Jan. 28, 1887.
79
APPRAISAL OF PROPERTY AT THE
POOR FARM.
In charge of the Surveyors of Highways.
1 road scraper, $140 ; 3 snow ploughs, $35.... , . _ $175 00
1 evener, whiflletrees, and drag 5 00
3 carts, $135 ; wagon, $20 ; 23 shovels, $12 167 00
12 picks, $6 ; hpes, rakes and forks, $5 11 00
1 tool chest, stone hammers and drills 16 00
3 chain harnesses and Names, $12; collars, bridles and
reins, $15 27 00
1 express harness, $10 ; set double harness, $55 65 00
2 blankets, $8 ; powder can and fuse, $2.75 10 75
1 grain chest, wrench, pail and can, $5 ; feed bags, 50c5 50 •
3 horses, $550 ; 8 bushels grain, $10 560 00
1 plough and 2 bush scythes, $10 ; iron bars, $2 12 00
3 blankets and halters, $6 ; 3 cart saddles, $33 39 00
$1,093 25
WALTER WELLINGTON,
JOHN D. BACON, Appraisers.
C. M. PARKER,
LEXINGTON, Jan. 28, 1887.
80
BRIDGE CHARITABLE FUND.
The following Report is respectfully submitted:
RECEIFTS.
Jan. 30, 1886. Balance on hand per last
Report $2,205 14
Jan. 30, 1887. Received from interest 130 27
Total receipts $2,335 41
EXPENDITURES.
Aid to sundry persons, as per conditions of
the Trust
Jan. 30, 1887. Balance on hand .
$62 25
$2,273 16
Jan. 30, 1887. Amount Permanent Fund $2,133 53
Amount available for
charitable purposes . . 39 63
Total $2,273 16
GEO. E. MUZZEY, Treasurer.
LEXINGTON, Jan. 31, 1887.
AUDITORS' REPORT.
SCHOOLS.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1886, $10,000 00
State School Fund,. . 180 15
F. R. Adams, tuition, . . 28 66
Moses Rowe, tuition, 3 75
F. E. Ham, tuition, . . . 25 00
E. S. Locke, 2 stoves, 15 00
East Lexington reading room, fuel, . 35 00
EXPENDITURES.
Amount expended, $10,200 26
Balance unexpended, . 87 30
EXPENDITURES.
HIGH SCHOOL.
J. N. Ham, instructor, $1,500 00
Helen A. Fiske, instructor, 750 00
Whitcher & Muzzey, lumber, 96 75
Lyman Lawrence, hardware, 23 25
Lexington Water Co., . . 17 00
Lexington Gas Light Co., 18 78
Gershom Swan, mason work, . 12 00
U. S. & Canada Express, 3 90
E. S. Locke, repairing furnace, plumbing,
etc., 9 88
Amount carried forward, $2,431 56
$10,287 56
$10,287 56
2
Amount brought forward,
L. A. Saville, paints, oil, etc., . . .
Wm. A. Kandal, holland shades, cushions, .
Miss Kate Whitman, finishing diplomas,
Thomas Hall, chemicals and apparatus,
C. S. Parker, printing,
W. C. Brown, removing piano and express,
Cushing & Bliss, 10 2-3 yards drilling, .
E. B. Rose & Son, wood,
Wm. J. Neville, wood,.
W. A. Pierce, coal,
H. H. Bowen, cutting wood,
H. H. Bowen, janitor,
J. H. Ingalls, tuning piano,
Harrison & Hume, books,
A. H. Andrews & Co., blackboard material,
J. N. Ham, repairing piano, setting glass,
etc.,
Helen A. Fiske, paid for printing, .
Bessie Desmond, cleaning,
Hannah Canfield, cleaning,
Kate Reardon, cleaning,
Mary Shea, cleaning,
HANCOCK SCHOOL.
$2,431 56
4 07
16 10
3 00
158 89
9 00
9 00
5 33
6 00
11 00
103 00
2 00
64 00
2 00
38 50
21 80
14 00
3 25
4 00
2 00
1 00
1 00
$2,910 50
Hattie D. Hall, instruction, $625 00
Ellen B. Lane, instruction, 500 00
Ellen E. Harrington, instruction, 400 00
Amelia. M. Mulliken, instruction, . 400 00
W. W. Baker, janitor, 75 00
W. W. Baker, work on windows and doors, 5 75
E. A. Mulliken, labor and gravel, 9 50
Gershom Swan, mason work, 16 45
Lexington Water Co., . 28 10
C. A. Butters & Co., floor brush, . 2 50
Amount carried forward, $2,062 30
3
Amount brought forward, $2,062 30
Wm. A. Kandal, 6 green shades, . . 10 50
J. N. Ham, supplies, 68
H. 13. Davis, repairing desk and windows, 2 95
Wm. J. Neville, wood, 21 18
E. B. Rose & Son, wood, 6 00
E. S. Locke, plumbing, repairing furnace,
etc., 30 95
John McKinnon, carpenter work, 47 85
T. K. Fiske, painting 15 00
W. A. Pierce, coal, 103 00
M. A. O'Brien, cutting wood, 6 63
John A. Fratus, clock, 6 00
L. A. Saville, oil, brush and glass, . 2 88
Hannah Canfield, cleaning, . 3 00
Kate Reardon, cleaning, 2 60
Mary Shea, cleaning, 3 80
Bessie Desmond, cleaning, 3 80
ADAMS SCHOOL.
Annie D. Hall, instruction, . . $325 00
Carrie F. Fiske, instruction, . . . . 450 00
Edith O. Rowe, instruction, 300 00
J. G. Kauffman, janitor, 38 50
Hiram Pierce, janitor, 37 50
Hiram Pierce, repairing windows, etc., . 2 85
Lexington Water Co., . . . . . . 16 80
Wm. Locke, repairing pump, setting glass,
etc., 3 30
J. A. Merrifield, feather duster, . . . . 1 50
John Lynch, repairing doors, windows, etc., 4 70
J. H. Ingalls, tuning and repairing piano, . 5 00
E. S. Locke, repairing furnace, pipe, etc., . 41 80
H. B. Davis, repairing table, windows, etc. 3 75
Gershom Swan, mason work, . . . . 9 00
Amount carried forward, $1,239 70
'2,329 12
4
Amount brought forward, $1,239 70
T. K. Fiske, painting and glazing, • . 28 75
W. A. Pierce, coal, . . .. ▪ 128 75
R. W. Holbrook, broom, brush, etc , 1 92
Wrn. O'Keefe, cleaning vault and removing
ashes, 7 00
Bridget Manley, cleaning 8 00
COMMON TO ALL SCHOOLS.
M. R. Warren, ink and stationery, . $26 50
Boston School Supply Co., books, . • 42 98
Thompson, Brown & Co., books, . 66 07
Knight, Adams & Co.,books and stationery, 107 03
J. L. Hammett, stationery, 16 90
Cowperthwait & Co., books 135 85
Clark & Maynard, books, 43 15
Warren P. Adams, books, 4 34
Ginn & Co., books, 33 75
C. H. Woodman & Co., stationery, 8 25
F. M. Ambrose, books, 3 00
A. C. Stocking, books, 7 47
D. Appleton & Co., books, 56 47
Wm. Ware & Co., books, 76 47
Mutual News Co., books, 1 31
Willard Small, books, 24 28
Houghton, Mifflin & Co., books, 33 62
Harrison & Hume, books, . . 18 00
Prang Educational Co., books, . . 17 35
Lee & Shepard, books, 18 00
C. H. Whiting, books and stationery, 71 99
Leach, Showell & Sanborn, books, 2 40
M. F. Rogers, books, 5 00
Silver, Rogers & Co., books, 8 92
Adams & Ingraham, stationery, . 7 39
A. G. Whitcomb, school furniture, 61 20
Amount carried forward, $897 69
$1,414 12
5
Amount brought forward, $897 69
Rockwell & Churchill, stationery and print-
ing, 35 50
Rand, Avery & Co., printing, 7 50
Geo. F. King & Merrill, 24 38
Harper Brothers, books, 3 78
Carter & Karrick, paper, 2 50
Ephraim Cutter, Jr., teaching music, 400 00
Grace S. Wellington, school book agent, 25 00
Nourse & Co., express, 3 35
American Express Co., express 1 55
E. P. Bliss, paid express, 60
Cushman Brothers & Co., shades, 3 69
Willard Walcott, horse hire, 39 '25
George E. Muzzey, 1 40
HOWARD SCHOOL.
Gertrude Pierce, instruction, $200 00
Nellie H. Parker, instruction, . . 200 00
W. W. Ferguson, janitor, 20 00
Peter Ferguson, janitor, 20 00
Peter Ferguson, labor and grading, . 2 00
W. W. Ferguson, cutting wood and repair-
ing stove, 1 83
W. A. Pierce, coal, 24 55
E. S. Locke, repairing pump and stove, 11 51
E. B. Rose & Son, wood, 6 00
Wm. J. Neville, wood, 6 50
John A. Fratus, repairing clock, . 2 00
Bridget Manley, cleaning, 3 00
H. B. Davis, repairing fence, window and
door, 5 00
T. K. Fiske, painting, . . 78 80
Gershom Swan, mason work, 13 25
C. A. Butters & Co., broom, 35
$1,446 19
$594 79
6
FRANKLIN SCHOOL.
Maria A. Butterfield, instruction, $400 00
Geo. 0. Wellington, janitor, 30 00
J. A. Merrifield, brush and dipper, . . 53
Wm. Locke, removing windows, . 2 00
E. S. Locke, labor, 3 25
J. E. Bell, blackboard, 13 90
Mr. Daly, labor and cutting wood, . 2 50
Mrs. Daly, cleaning, 4 00
Wm. J. Neville, wood, 6 50
H. B. Davis, repairing windows and table 4 75
W. A. Pierce, coal, 10 30
Augustus Childs, broom, 37
BOWDITCH SCHOOL.
Emma E. Wright, instruction, $450 00
G. A. Nourse, janitor, 15 00
Charles Burrili, janitor, 6 00
Cyrus Martin, wood, . 11 50
H. B. Davis, repairing windows, glass, etc., 4 15
E. S. Locke, stove pipe, dust pan, etc., 7 13
E. B. Rose & Son, wood, 6 00
Win. J. Neville, wood, 6 50
George Nourse, cutting wood, 3 00
Charles F. Nourse, cutting wood, 1 00
Mrs. Nourse, cleaning, 3 00
W. A. Pierce, coal, . . 10 30
Fred. Larcom, janitor, 9 00
C. W. Stanley, repairing stove and pump, 2 00
WARREN SCHOOL.
L. K. Eaton, instruction, .
E. B. Eaton, janitor,
. $400 00
30 00
Amount carried forward, $430 00
$478 10
$534 58
7
Amount brought forward, $430 00
E. S. Locke, repairing stove, pump, etc . 16 06
E. B. Rose & Son, wood, . 6 00
Wm. J. Neville, wood, . . .. 6 50
H. B. Davis, repairing windows, blind, etc. 8 25
W. A. Pierce, coal, 10 30
Charles W. Dane, cutting wood, . 1 50
Gershom Swan, mason work . . 9 75
Mrs. Lennon, cleaning, 4 50
SUMMARY.
High School, $2,910 50
Hancock School, 2,329 12
Adams School, . . 1,414 12
Common to all schools, 1,446 19
Howard School, 594 79
Franklin School, 478 10
Bowditch School, 534 58
Warren School, 492 86
SUPPORT OF THE POOR.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1886, .
R. H. White, sale of potatoes, apples, hay,
chickens, milk, pigs, vegetables,
Highway department, board of horses,
C. A. Butters & Co., eggs, . .
$2,000 00
$492 86
$10,200 26
303 16
234 00
1 60
$2,538 76
OUTSIDE POOR.
RECEIPTS.
F. Alderman, Guardian of T. Lahey, . . 79 63
$2,618 39
8
Amount brought forward,
Excess of expenditure over receipts,
Amount expended in connection with house
and farm,
Amount expended for outside poor,
EXPENDITURES.
George H. Jackson, provisions, . $133 91
L. A. Saville, groceries, 79 59
Whitcher & Muzzey, grain, . . 43 85
B. C. Whitcher, grain, 134 22
John J. McNamara, drilling and blasting, 14 25
Thomas Dana & Co., barrel molasses, . 19 19
Boston & Lowell R. R. freight, . 50
Bigelow & Dowse, tools, 12 78
Boston Branch Grocery, groceries, . 55 47
Capen, Sprague & Co., oil, . . 14 99
R. W. Holbrook, groceries, . . . . 97 40
Wm. H. Smith, clothing, dry goods, etc., . 54 96
C. A. Butters & Co., groceries, . . 95 13
Timothy Kinneen, 16 bushels potatoes, 12 80
Ames Plow Co., mower, 45 00
John P. Squire & Co., lard, 6 16
Cyrus Martin, labor, . . 27 50
U. S. & Canada Express, 25
W. Denham, wheelwrighting and smithing, 12 75
A. F. Spaulding, boots, shoes and clothing, 99 90
Frank Reynolds, labor, 68 25
J. Donovan, labor, 85 25
Wm. J. Neville, wood, 4 50
E. T. Adams, fish, 2 34
Nourse's Express, 3 25
Amount carried forward, $1,124 19
$2,618 39
320 74
$2,939 13
$2,182 07
757 06
$2,939 13
9
Amount brought forward, $1,124 19
H. P. Webber, smithing, 15 86
Wm. Ham, smithing, 3 82
C. H. Lowe, provisions, 76 65
E. S. Locke, repairing stoves, tin ware, etc., 13 70
E. T. Adams, fish and clothing, . . . 10 73
Lyman Lawrence, repairing harness, ete., 14 49
Wm. T. Ham, painting and varnishing
carryall, 6 00
W. A. Pierce, coal, 78 30
J. Chisholm, repairing harness, . . . 1 50
John A. Fratus, pair spectacles, . . . 75
Dennis McNamara, labor, 21 62
Charles T. West, burial expenses J. Reed, 25 00
Augustus Childs, groceries, 62 73
George E. Muzzey, lumber and sash, 5 19
Howland Holmes, medical attendance, 50 00
Willard Walcott, use of carriage, . 50
R. H. White, services, 500 04
R. H. White, fish, horse rake, manure,
plants, 171 00
OUTSIDE POOR.
Aid furnished Charles Hutchinson, . . $77 01
George B. Haggett, 171 16
Mrs. Doyle, 11 50
Joanna Doyle, 29 99
Mrs. Gilman, 7 45
Lt Tramps, 59
Mr. Logan and family, 43 75
Mrs. Logan, 45 50
Thomas Logan, . . . 14 00
" James Logan, 27 00
" B. Reardon, 10 38
Amount carried forward, $438 33
$2,182 07
10
Amount brought forward, $438 33
Aid furnished Mrs. Estabrook, . 2 33
CG Catherine Conway, . 6 40
'C Wm. Ahearn, 6 50
GL Mary McMahon, . 64 00
'G Thomas Lahey, 178 80
64 Mrs. F. Winship, . . 25 00
Burial expenses George H. Savage, . 13 00
A. W. Bryant, aid furnished sundry persons, 6 70
Willard Walcott, use of team, . . 16 00
STREET LIGHTS.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1886,
Excess of expenditure over receipts,
$757 06
. . $1,500 00
32 92
$1,532 93
EXPENDITURES.
Lexington Gas Light Co , $824 00
John Ryan, lighting, 333 75
J. G. Kauffman, lighting and repairs, 351 35
T. G. Whiting, care of lights, 8 25
H. L. Norris, care of lights, 7 30
L. A. Saville, glass, 8 27
$1,532 92
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1866, $300 00
---- $300 00
EXPENDITURES.
A. W. Bryant, $100 00
E. P. Bliss, 100 00
C. A. Staples, 66 66
B. F. Brown, 33 34
$300 00
11
HIGHWAYS.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1886, . $3,000 00
Unexpended balance from 1885, . 196 77
From contingent grant, 500 00
" New streets near Bloomfield st.," 138 00
Culvert account, 168 00
$4,002 77
Amount expended, $3,470 10
Balance unexpended, 532 67
---- $4,002 77
EXPENDITURES.
B. C. Whitcher, grain, $211 42
Whitcher & Muzzey, grain and lumber, 35 27
Wm. E. Denham, cart, smithing, 95 57
Wm. Ham, smithing, 64 74
Webster Smith, services as superintendent 200 00
Willard Walcott, horse hire, 8 50
J. Chisholm, double harness, blanket and
repairs, 72 00
Pauper account, board of horses, 234 00
J. Q. A. Chandler, gravel, 22 50
H. P. Webber, smithing, 18 43
H. L. Alderman, medical attendance on
horses, 6 00
Lyman Lawrence, harness repairing, 14 21
L. A. Saville, tools, etc., . 5 08
B. Reardon, cutting trees, 1 75
John D. Willis, balance on horses, 100 00
Nourse & Co.'s Express, 75
P. Garrigan, cutting trees, 1 75
John D. Shippee, grading, and moving
tree, 35 00
Amount carried forward, $1,126 97
12
Amount brought forward, $1,126 97
J. A. Russell, smithing, 12 25
C. A. Butters & Co., grain and powder, 2 05
A. H. Kimball, plank and plate for scraper, 11 00
C. Wellington, use of horse, 20 00
C. H. Thompson & Co., standard, 3 00
W. H. Bustin, horse collar, 6 50
R. H. White, services, 50 00
P. Kelleher, labor, 253 00
J. McCann, " 224 88
P. Reardon, " 215 76
J. Donovan, " 186 99
J. Ryan, " 194 69
J. Shea, " 222 22
M. Manley, ° ` 220 95
J. Welsh, '° 220 63
M. Megan, Ca 22.1 39
J. Clifford, " 224 19
G. A. Page, " 12 75
C. McEnroe, 24 50
C. Ryan, 14 00
J. Clifford, Jr., IL 1 50
Dennis Manley, " 88
CONTINGENT GRANT.
RECEIPTS.
Unexpended balance from 1885, . ▪ $880 93
Geo. H. Thurston, use of hall, . ▪ 88 00
Lexington Gas Co., error on bill, 17
State Treasurer, corporation tax, • 2,152 92
State Treasurer, national bank tax, . . . 810 52
C. A. Noyes, abated tax, 5 37
Miss Adair, use of Selectmen's Room, 8 00
Masonic lodge, Rent, . . . . . 50 00
A. S. Mitchell, auctioneer's license, . 2 00
Amount carried forward, $3,997 91.
$3,470 10
13
Amount brought forward, $3,997 91
Gs. A. Bailey, oleomargarine tax, 50
C. C. Mann, tax, . . 50
W. H. Smith, " 50
A. P. Smith, " . . 50
D. A. Tuttle, post, 1 50
Walter Wellington, use of Village Hall, 45 00
L. A. Saville, income from town scales, 47 06
L. A. Saville, town history sold, . . 3 80
Amount expended, .
Balance unexpended,
EXPENDITURES.
. $1,818 79
. 2,278 48
John A. Fratus, repairing clock, .
Chas. T. West, services with auditors, .
Chas. T. West, returning deaths, and at-
tending funerals,
Chas. T. West, stamps, car fare, book,
stationery,
C. J. Peters & Son, seal,
Gershom Swan, appraising Poor Farm,
F. L. Jewell, setting glass,
Wm. Denham, repairing snow -plow, etc.,
Lexington Water Co., water for troughs,
Walter Blodgett, stamps,
Geo. Simonds, labor on hay scales, . .
Davis & Farnum M'f'g
and grate,
E. S. Locke, pipe, labor,
J. H. Fitch, surveying,
Fairbanks, Brown & Co
scales,
Co., lamp posts
etc.,
., repairs on hay
Geo. E. Muzzey, lumber for hay scales,
Whittaker & Glay, teaming stone post, .
Amount carried forward,
$3 50
5 00
45 50
32 95
72
3 00
1 75
3 75
60 00
1 00
8 75
107 10
5 75
18 00
30 50
20 04
. 30 25
$377 56
$4,097 27
$4,097 27
•
14
Amount brought forward, $377 56
John Ryan, burying horse, 3 00
John Hanscom, cleaning fire engines, 2 60
H. R. Earle, gas fitting for Town Hall, 25 62
Common Improvement appropriation, . 225 00
C. A. Wellington, reflector, 5 00
Geo. B. Dennett, bolting tree, etc., 3 55
Wm. Tucker, mowing in old cemetery, 6 00
Danl. Pratt's son, repairing clock, . . 24 00
D. F. Tripp, concreting front Town Hall, 72 00
D. P. Mahoney, comforter, and feeding
tramps, 6 37
John McKinnon, labor and stock Cary
library, 41 40
E. H. Tarbett, tubing and shade for light, 6 50
John McKinnon, repairing windows, . . 2 50
S. C. Small, platform, desk, etc., . 20 98
J. A. Merrifield, solder and pipe, . . . 50
"New streets near Bloomfield street," ap-
propriation, 200 00
East Lexington Reading Room appropria-
tion, 25 00
Highway department appropriation, 500 00
Fire department appropriation, . . . . 100 00
Henry R. Earle, setting posts and repairing, 3 25
Howland Holmes, medical examination and
returning births, 4 75
L. A. Saville, returning marriages and
deaths, 32 20
L. A. Saville, halyards for the flag, etc., 15 45
L. A. Saville, oil, mop, etc , 16 04
J. 0. Tilton, returning births, . . 6 50
C. M. Parker, appraising poor farm and bre
department, . .. 5 00
John D. Bacon, appraising poor farm and
fire department, 5 00
Amount carried forward, $1,735 77
15
Amount brought forward, $1,735 77
Walter Wellington, appraising poor farm
and fire department, 5 00
J. K. Fiske, setting glass, 5 90
George H. Thurson, sundries for hall, . 4 90
D. A. Tuttle, labor and stock, 4 00
C. K. Darling, valuation book, 10 50
Western Union Telegraph Co., . . 1 28
E. S. Locke, pipe and plumbing, 13 68
D. W. Muzzey, refreshments, 10 00
Mourse & Co's. Express, 25
H. B. Davis, labor and key, 2 75
A. W. Mitchell, stamp, 4 50
C. W. Stanley, repairing furnace, etc., . 2 45
Walter Wellington, charcoal, hod and clean-
ing, 14 35
A. W. Bryant, stationery and express, . 3 46
STATE AID.
RECEIPTS .
Unexpended balance from 1885, . $68 00
State Treasurer, 304 00
Appropriated and assessed for 1886, . 300 00
Amount expended, $321 00
Balance unexpended, 351 00
EXPENDITURES.
Thomas Burke, $72 00
G. A. Page, 57 00
E. R. Earle, 48 00
Lydia Kinnaston, 48 00
Ursula M. Ballard, 48 00
Elizabeth McGresh, . 48 00
$1,818 79
$672 00
$672 00
$321 00
16
AUDITORS.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1886, $45 00
Gershom Swan
EXPENDITURES.
Hilman B. Sampson,
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1886,
From Contingent Grant,
Amount expended, .
Balance unexpended,
$22 50
22 50
8800 00
100 00
$335 21
564 79
EXPENDITIIRES.
Warren A. Pierce, coal and wood, 811 37
Lexington Water Co , 11 19
Boston Dye Wood Co., vitriol, 2 67
S. S. Sleeper & Co., soda, . 8 78
Lexington Gas Light Co., . 15 71
Peter Daly, steward, 11 00
Nourse & Co's Express, 3 70
C. G. Kauffman, steward, 5 38
Henry R. Earle, engineer, 6 00
E. S. Locke, engineer, 6 67
G. L. Pierce, engineer, 6 00
A. W. Mitchell, badge, . . 5 25
J. Chisholm, duster, . . . . 2 50
E. E. Rice & Co., soda and acid, 44 55
Amount carried forward, 8140 77
$45 00
845 00
$900 00
$900 00
17
Amount brought forward, $140 77
Boston Woven Hose Co., washers, 80
R. W. Britton, services, 7 50
R. W. Britton, care of engine, . . 1 50
C. Harrington, 11 00
Wm. O. Keefe, use of horse to fire, . 3 00
Willard Walcott, use of horse to fire, . 17 00
James A. Mitchell, services, 1 75
Augustus Childs, oil, pitcher and soap, . 3 64
Scraunage Bros. & Cook, repairing hose, 2 10
E. S. Locke, repairing stoves and lock, 1 98
L. A. Saville, oil and turpentine, . 39
B. Harrington, services, 1 25
Boston Branch Grocery, brush, . . 60
Wm. P. Bowman, book, ink and key, 1 30
B. Harrington, use of horse, 3 00
Wrn. B. Foster, stationery and oil, . 2 72
J. Hollover, barrel charcoal, 1 20
G. L. Pierce, whitewashing, 1 00
Robert Britton, Steward Wentworth, 9 75
Pay Roll No. 17, 55 86
cc 18, 21 76
64 19, 31 74
20, 13 60
STATE TAX.
Paid State Treasurer, $2,355 00
COUNTY TAX.
Paid County Treasurer, $1,415 86
TOWN DEBT.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1886, . . $2,700 00
$335 21
$2,355 00
$1,415 86
$2,700 00
18
EXPEND'? URE.
Paid State Treasurer, $2,700 00
$2,700 00
NEW STREETS NEAR BLOOMFIELD STREET.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1886, . $600 00
Levi Prosser, 200 00
J. L. Norris, 200 00
From Contingent Grant, 200 00
$1,200 00
Amount expended,
Balance unexpended,
EXPENDITURES.
$920 24
279 76
P. Kelleher, labor, $45 50
J. McCann. " 42 44
P. Reardon, ‘. 44 19
J. Ryan, 44 44 19
J. Donovan, ,. 44 63
J. Shea, ., 44 19
M. Manley, ‘• ... 44 19
J. Welsh, 44 .... 52 06
M. Megan, i, 42 44
J. Clitlord, 64 44 19
P. Mulvey,. 44 15 38
Highway department, 138 00
C. McEnroe, labor, 73 50
J. Dinah, " 29 63
D. Connell, 44 ..... 24 75
E. McNamara," . .. 6 00
Webster Smith, Superintendent, 100 00
Amount carriedforward, 3835 28
31,200 00
19
Amount brought forward, $835 28
C. A. Butters & Co., powder and fuse, 1 35
J. S. Munroe, stone drag, 6 00
L. A. Saville, powder and nails, . . . 1 66
J. D. Shippee, estimates and car fare, . 10 12
Nourse & Co.'s Express, plow points, . 1 30
George E. Muzzey, lumber and drain pipes, 39 13
J. H. Fitch, surveying, 10 00
C. H. Thompson & Co., plow point, 1 00
Bigelow & Dowse, tools, 14 40
INTEREST.
RECEIPTS.
$920 24
Unexpended balance from 1885, . . . . $86 21
.Appropriated and assessed for 1886, 2,200 00
Interest on taxes overdue, 152 10
Commonwealth Bank, 86 06
$2,524 37
Amount expended, ..
Balance unexpended, .
$2,287 03
237 34
$2,524 37
EXPENDITURES.
Cary Library, (Treasurer) $660 00
Treasurer Bridge Fund, . 120 00
State Treasurer, 1,331 53
Gammell Legacy, 35 00
Treasurer Cemetery Trust Fund, . . 140 50
IMPROVEMENT OF COMMON.
RECEIPTS.
$2,287 03
Appropriated and assessed for 1886, . . $1,500 00
From contingent grant, 225 00
$1,725 00
20
Amount expended, $1,718 49
Balance unexpended, . 6 51
$1,725 00
EXPENDITURES.
John D. Shippee, .. $1,209 81
Geo. E. Muzzey, pine stakes, 1 50
H. A. C. Woodward, loam, . . . 13 50
George A. Vickery, loam, 15 00
Benj. Gleason, loam, 15 00
Otis Wentworth, loam 109 39
Moses Joy, Jr., labor, 6 00
McNamara Bros., foundation for hay
scales, 28 25
Schlegel & Fottler, grass seed, 27 50
Jacob W. Manning, on account, 14 00
Aspinwall & Lincoln, surveying and super-
intending, 133 25
C. A. Staples, expressage on trees, 2 25
J. S. Munroe, man and horse, 4 50
John Buckley, labor, 5 50
Darius Dow, trimming trees, 9 00
Henry R. Earle, trimming trees, 12 00
Bradley Fertilizer Co., fertilizers, 30 85
Whittaker & Glass, teaming and manure, 42 78
J. M. Ellis, lowering boulder, . . 12 00
L. A. Saville, paid for labor, etc., . . 20 41
J. K. Fiske, lettering tablet, 3 00
Chelmsford Foundry Co., ornamental signs, 3 00
CEMETERY.
RECEIPTS.
Unexpended balance from 1885, . $125 11
Sale of lots, 309 00
$1,718 49
$434 11
Amount expended,
Balance unexpended,
21
EXPENDITURES.
$252 80
181 31
$434 11
E. S. Locke, hydrant and labor, . . . $11 50
George B. Dennett, lumber and labor, . . 42 05
D. F. Tripp, concreting, 2 92
T. K. Fiske, painting, . 18 00
Lexington Water Co , 15 00
George E. Muzzey, lumber, 39 98
T. H. Bowen, labor, 52 50
L. W. Wright, services, 10 00
C. T. West, superintendent, 25 00
30 90
4 95
C. T. West, commission sale lots,.
C. T. West, paid for lumber, etc.,
$252 80
FUEL AND LIGHTS FOR TOWN AND VILLAGE
HALLS.
RECEIPTS.
Unexpended balance from 1885, . . . $17 75
Appropriated and assessed for 1886, . 500 00
$517 75
Amount expended,
Balance unexpended,
EXPENDITURES.
Lexington Gas Light Co., ..
Warren A. Pierce, coal, .
Robert Fawcett, charcoal, .
$392 35
125 40
$517 75
. . . . $259 20
126 15
7 00
$392 35
22
REPAIRS OF BRIDGES AND CULVERTS.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1886, $150 00
Excess of expenditure over receipts, 107 00
$257 00
EXPENDITURES.
Highway Department, $168 00
Whitcher & Muzzey, lumber, 4 35
Waldo Brothers, drain pipe, 23 75
David W. Lewis, drain pipe, 19 00
Davis Farnum Manufacturing Co., grate, 5 13
Boston & Lowell R. R., freight, . 1 15
P. Geoghan, labor, 3 94
J. Donovan, labor, 1 75
P. Kelleher, labor, 3 94
J. T. McNamara, labor, 25 99
MEMORIAL DAY.
RECEIPTS.
Unexpended balance from 1885, . . . $4 95
Appropriated and assessed for 1886, . 100 00
Excess of expenditure over receipts, . 85
Quintette Club,
L. G. Babcock,
Allen's Band,
EXPENDITURES.
PRINTING.
RECEIPTS.
$21 60
29 20
55 00
$257 00
$105 80
$105 80
Appropriated and assessed for 1886, . . $200 00
Excess of expenditure over receipts, . . 10 54
$210 54
23
EXPENDITURES.
Alfred Mudge & Son, town reports, . . $157 17
C. S. Parker, printing, 48 12
R. M. Pulsifer, 5 25
TREASURER AND COLLECTOR.
RECEIPTS.
Unexpended balance from 1885, . . $100 00
Appropriated and assessed for 1886, . . 500 00
$210 54
$600 00
Amount expended, $500 00
Balance unexpended, 100 00
$600 00
EXPENDITURES.
Chas. T. West, for 1884, $100 00
Chas. T. West, for 1886, 400 00
$500 00
SELECTMEN IN THEIR VARIOUS CAPACITIES.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1886, . . $800 00
Received from Highway account, . . . 50 00
EXPENDITURES.
Webster Smith, $300 00
A. W. Bryant, 300 00
Walter Blodgett, 250 00
$850 00
$850 00
24
TREASURER CARY LIBRARY.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and asssessed for 1886, . . $50 00
EXPENDITURES.
E. P. Bliss, 50 00
HIGHWAY RAILINGS.
RECEIPTS.
Unexpended balance from 1885, . $20 95
Excess of expenditures over receipts, 8 49
EXPENDITURES.
George E. Muzzey, lumber, . . • . $19 94
H. B. Davis, labor and stock, ▪ . 9 50
RINGING BELLS.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1886, . ▪ $70 00
Wm. F. Ham,
Aug. Childs,
EXPENDITURES.
$35 00
35 00
$50 00
$50 00
$29 44
$29 44
$70 00
$70 00
25
JANITORS TOWN AND VILLAGE HALLS.
RECEIPTS.
Unexpended balance from 1885, $24 96
Appropriated and assessed for 1886, . . 500 00
Amount expended, $470 03
Balance unexpended, 54 93
EXPENDITURES.
Geo. H. Thurston, $425 03
Walter Wellington, 45 00
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1886, . . $300 00
Amount expended,
Balance unexpended,
EXPENDITURES.
$210 00
90 00
J. N. Ham, Superintendent, $210 00
REPAIRS ON VILLAGE HALL.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1886, . . $250 00
$524 96
$524 96
$470 03
$300 00
$300 00
$210 00
$250 00
26
Amount expended, $246 82
Balance unexpended, 3 18
EXPENDITURES.
Henry Bearse, papering ceiling, . $27 00
Baxter Bros., labor, 3 00
D. A. Tuttle, lumber and labor, . 19 10
George Flint, painting and coloring, 55 42
Wm. H. Wood & Co., lumber, . 140 30
Gershom Swan, mason work, 2 00
CONSTABLES AND POLICE.
RECEIPTS.
$250 00
$246 82
Unexpended balance from 1885, . . . . $1,622 59
Appropriated and assessed for 1886, 2,000 00
$3,622 59
Amount expended, $1,968 00
Balance unexpended, . . 1,654 59
$3,622 59
EXPENDITURES.
Walter Wellington, warning town meeting
and circulating reports, . . $62 00
Henry E. Bishop, 912 50
D. P. Mahoney, 725 00
Albert M. Davis, 165 00
H. G. Worth, 88 50
John Hanscom, 5 00
Patrick Dacy, 5 00
George H. Thurston, 5 00
1,968 00
27
HYDRANTS.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1886,
Excess of expenditure over receipts,
Lexington Water Co., .
. . 81,480 00
• . 8 00
$1,488 00
EXPENDITURES.
. 81,488 00
81,488 00
READING ROOM AT EAST LEXINGTON.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1886, $250 00
From Contingent Grant, 25 00
Amount expended, 8220 00
Balance unexpended, 55 00
EXPENDITURES.
Miss Ellen Dana, 8185 00
School Account, fuel, 35 00
ASSESSORS.
RECEIPTS.
Unexpended balance from 1885, . . . . $5 75
Appropriated and assessed for 1886, . . 42b 00
Amount expended, 8426 75
Balance unexpended, 4 00
8275 00
$275 00
$220 00
8430 75
M.gfl 75
28
EXPENDIrURES .
J. F. Simonds, $170 00
*Walter Wellington, . . • 120 00
H. B. Davis, 120 00
Charles K. Darling, book, 6 75
Willard Walcott, horse hire, . . . • 10 00
CONCRETE SIDEWALKS.
itECEIPTs.
Unexpended balance from 1885, . . • $12 44
Appropriated and assessed for 1886, • 500 00
H. Pierce, 16 06
S. Harrington, 88 40
Dr. H. Holmes, 3 15
Dr. George 13. Rice, 17 15
Susan R. Hall, 69 55
George H. Jackson, 10 69
L. S. Pierce, 17 55
Mrs. H. A. Wellington, 16 74
A. W. Phillips, . . . 21 78
C. T. West, 16 02
W. Walcott, 21 79
Excess of expenditure over receipts,
EXPENDITURE.
D. F. Tripp, concreting, $829 17
$426 75
$811 32
$17 85
$829 17
$829 17
29
WALTRAM STREET IMPROVEMENT NEAR CONCORD
AVENUE.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1886, . $500 00
From County Treasurer, 265 00
Excess of expenditures over receipts,
$765 00
• . 41 43
----- $806 43
EXPENDITURES.
Stephen L. Wright, land damage, . . $150 00
B. McCarty, land damage, 115 00
L. A. Saville, powder, 75
Whittaker & Glass, labor, 197 00
Geo. Bender, ,, 21 75
W. M. Kelly, 18 93
M. Norton, << • 31 50
Arthur Evans, ii • 31 50
J. Reardon, " 30 00
J. Clifford, ••30 00
Dan'l. Sinskey, " 16 50
J. Ready, ii 28 50
J. Kelly, 4, 25 50
W. Kelly, 44 . . 25 50
Alvin Daly, Li 23 25
E. Wright, 23 25
P. D. Callahan, ci 9 00
T. Shea, " 9 00
D. McNamara, ii 15 00
Edward McNamara, 4 50
$806 43
30
REMOVING SNOW
RECEIPTS.
Unexpended balance from 1885, . $212 50
Amount expended, $95 98
Balance unexpended, 116 52
EXPENDITURES.
J. Donovan, $30 62
John Ryan, 22 50
Thos. Welsh, 1 75
Arthur H. Jewett, 4 35
T. Kinneen, . . 12 60
Frank Reynolds, 17 42
C. McEnroe, 6 00
J. Clifford, 37
J. Clifford, Jr., 37
TOWN CLERK.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1886, . . $100 00
EXPENDITURE.
L. A. Saville, $100 00
$212 50
$95 98
$100 00
$100 00
IMPROVEMENT ON WALTHAM STREET, FROM
MAIN TO MIDDLE STREET.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated, $1,000 00
Appropriated and assessed for 1886, 800 00
From County Treasurer, 1,000 00
$2,800 00
31
Amount expended, . . . $1,845 00
Balance unexpended, 955 00
$2,800 00
EXPENDITURES.
Orlando Tompkins, land damage, . . $1.5 00
C. F. Smith, "• 200 00
Howland Holmes, '6 150 00
Mrs. E. Wetherbee, " 100 00
C. R. Richardson, " . . 100 00
Isaac Huffmaster, " 400 00
Nichols Locke, " . . . 400 00
Hammon Reed, " . . 150 00
Heirs of Thos. Gould, " 40 00
George H. Thurston, " • 50 00
Geo. W. Robinson, "• 140 00
E. G. Porter, ' 4 . . 100 00
GAMMELL LEGACY.
RECEIPTS.
Balance from 1885, . .
Interest from Town of Lexington,
Amount expended, .
Balance unexpended,
$77 01
35 00
$22 37
89 64
EXPENDITURES.
C. H. Lowe, provisions, $8 20
G. H. Jackson, " 4 17
Trustees, sundries, 10 00
TEMPORARY LOAN.
Borrowed of State Treasurer, . . . . $13,000 00
$1,845 00
$112 01
$112 01
$22 37
$13,000 00
32
Paid July 28, 1886, $2,000 00
Paid September 30, 1886; 2,000 00
Paid October 18, 1886, 2,500 00
Paid December 27, 1886, 3,000 00
Paid January 18, 1887, 3,000 00
Paid February 2, 1887, 2,500 00
$15,000 00
INSURANCE ON PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND
CONTENTS FOR FIVE YEARS.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1886, • $1,190 00
Excess of expenditure over receipts, . . 40
$1,190 40
EXPENDITURES.
George W. Taylor . . $1,190 40
$1,190 40
PURCHASE AND REPAIRS OF CHEMICAL ENGINES.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and asseseed for 1886, . . $750 00
Amount expended, .
Balance unexpended,
$750 00
. $705 29
44 71
----- $750 00
EXPENDITURES.
J. Hinman, one engine and equipments, • $450 00
repairing engine, . . .. . 200 00
" hose, soda, acid, etc., '29 00
C. A. Twitchell, badges, 20 00
E. J. B. Nourse, globes and badges, . 2 05
A. J. Wilkinson & Co., emery cloth and
waste, . . . . . . 4 24
$705 29
33
REGISTRARS OF VOTERS.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1886, . . $100 00
EXPENDITURES.
B. C. Whitcher, $25 00
L. G. Babcock, 25 00
L. A. Saville, 25 00
George O. Smith, 25 00
LIBRARIAN OF CARY LIBRARY.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1886, . . $400 00
EXPENDITURES.
Grace S. Wellington, $400 00
CARY LIBRARY.
RECEIPTS.
. . . . $531 37
County Treasurer, dog tax,
EXPENDITURE.
Treasury Cary Library, $531 37
$100 00
$100 00
$400 00
$400 00
$531 37
$531 37
34
CEMETERY TRUST FUNDS.
Receipts, $200 00
RECAPITULATION.
CASH RECEIPTS.
Cash on hand Feb. 1, 1886, . . . . $1,053 26
State School Fund, and sundry receipts, 287 56
Support of the Poor, . . . . . . . 618 39
Highways, 806 00
Contingent, 3,216 34
State Aid, 304 00
Fire Department, 100 00
New Streets near Bloomfield, . . 600 00
Interest, 238 16
Improvement of Common, 225 00
Cemetery, 309 00
Reading Room at East Lexington, . 25 00
Selectmen, 50 00
Concrete Sidewalks, 298 88
Waltham Street, near Concord Avenue, 265 00
Waltham Street, from Main to Middle Sts., 1,000 00
Gamwell Legacy, . 35 00
Temporary Loan, . . 13,000 00
County Treasurer, Dog Tay., 531 37
Cemetery Trust Funds, 200 00
Taxes of 1884, 19 23
" 1885, 3,622 88
44 " 1886, . .. 36,243 75
CASH EXPENI)ITCRES.
Schools, $10,200 26
Support of Poor, 2,939 13
' Amount carried foam- $13,139 39
$200 00
$63,048 82
35
Amount brought forward, $13,139 39
Street Lights, 1,532 92
School Committee, 300 00
Highways, 3,470 10
Contingent, 1,818 79
State Aid, 321 00
Auditors, 45 00
Fire Department, 335 21
State Tax, 2,355 00
County Tax, 1,415 86
Town Debt, 2,700 00
New Streets near Bloomfield, 920 24
Interest, . .. . . • 2,287 03
Improvement of Common, 1,718 49
Cemetery, 252 80
Fuel and Lights Town and Village Halls, • 392 35
Repairs of Bridges and Culverts, 257 00
Memorial Day, 105 80
Printing, 210 54
Treasurer and Collector, 500 00
Selectmen, 850 00
Treasurer of Cary Library, 50 00
Highway Railings, 29 44
Ringing Bells, 70 00
Janitors of Town and Village Halls, • 470 03
Superintendent of Schools, 210 00
Repairs on Village Hall, 246 82
Constable and Police, 1,968 00
Hydrants, 1,488 00
Reading Room at East Lexington, ▪ 220 00
Assessors, . . . . , 426 75
Concrete Sidewalks, 829 17
Waltham Street, near Concord Avenue, 806 43
Removing Snow, 95 98
Town Clerk 100 00
Waltham Street, Main to Middle streets, • 1,845 00
Gammell Legacy, 22 37
Amount carried forward, $43,805 51
36
Amount brought forward, $43,805 51
Temporary Loans, 15,000 00
Insurance, 1,190 40
Chemical Engine, . . 705 29
Cary Library, Dog Tax, 531 37
Librarian Cary Library, 404 00
Registrars, 100 00
Balance, 1,316 25
$63,048 82
GERSHOM SWAN, Auditors.
HILMAN B. SAMPSON,
LEXINGTON, Feb. 1, 1887.
REPORTS
OP THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
AND SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
OF THE
TOWN OF LEXINGTON,
FOR THE YEAR 1886-87.
BOSTON :
W. KELLAWAY, BOOK PRINTER, 30 EXCHANGE STREET.
1887.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
To the Inhabitants of Lexington:
AT a Town meeting held April 5th, 1886, it was
voted, on the recommendation of the Committee chosen
at a previous meeting, to appoint the Principal of the
High School, superintendent of the schools of the
Town. Mr. Ham accepted the appointment; and, in
addition to his duties as principal of that school, has
given much attention to a general supervision of the
other schools. The results have been favorable in
bringing the schools under a more clearly defined
system of instruction, and in securing attention to
matters of the highest importance in public school
education. The teachers have shown a commend-
able desire to co-operate with the Superintendent in
the use of improved methods, and a willingness to
be guided by his advice in all matters pertaining to
the advancement of the schools. We are satisfied
that this change was a judicious one, and we may ex-
pect a decided improvement in the character of our
schools should this plan continue to work as well in
the time to come as it has in the few months since it
was established. Nor do we find that it has inter-
fered materially with the work of the High School.
The instruction given there has been as thorough and
the progress of the schools as satisfactory as in pre-
4
vious years. It may fairly be questioned if anything
has thus far been lost to the High School by this
arrangement, and we feel quite certain that it will
bring our lower schools into closer relations with the
High School, and in the end prove a decided advan-
tage to all.
During the year there has been no change in the
teachers of our schools, except that in the Adams
Grammar, where Miss Edith 0. Rowe has taken the
place made vacant by the resignation of Miss Annie
D. Hall. Miss Rowe is a graduate of the Salem
Normal School, and brings to her work here several
years' experience in teaching at Gloucester and other
places. The success which has attended her thus far
in her new position gives the Committee no reason to
regret the appointment. The Franklin School taught
by Miss Butterfield has increased so much in num-
bers during this year that it now ranks as the largest
of our ungraded schools. The salary should be cer-
tainly equal to that paid in others, and we recommend
that it be advanced to $450.
The school -houses of the Town are in a fairly good
condition. Little has been required in the way of
repairs, except in painting, whitewashing, cleaning
and the usual work upon furnaces, stoves and win-
dows. In the Hancock School -house it was found
necessary to change all the desks and seats in three
rooms, in order to relieve the overcrowding of the
sub -grammar room; and to avoid the danger of acci-
dent in case of fire, a circular stairway was changed
to a straight one, securing better light in the entry,
5
and larger accommodation for children's outer gar-
ments.
The Hancock School -house contains nearly one
hundred and sixty pupils, and the constant increase
in the population of the centre village must soon ren-
der it inadequate for the accommodation of the pupils.
This house is one of the oldest and poorest of our
school buildings. One of the rooms is now so
crowded as to make it almost impossible to give the
children sufficient breathing space, or secure proper
ventilation. It would be a matter of sound policy to
take steps at once to secure a new site with ample
grounds for a school -house of five or six rooms, to ac-
commodate at least two hundred and fifty pupils.
Such a building, substantial, convenient and attrac-
tive, will soon be urgently needed. We are per-
suaded that its erection cannot long be delayed with-
out serious injury to the educational interests of the
Town. When we remember that one of the first
considerations with people in selecting a place of
residence is the appearance of the school -houses and
the character of the schools, and when we consider
what an influence large, airy, pleasant school -rooms
must have on the health, the disposition and the
moral welfare of the children who spend so many
years in them, we must see that neglect and indiffer-
ence regarding these matters is a. ruinous policy for
a town. Let the school -houses be as bright in their
surroundings, as neat .and comfortable in their fur-
nishings, and as beautiful in their external appearance
as the homes and the meeting -houses of the people.
Ugly, barn -like buildings, dirty, cheerless rooms,
6
small, untidy yards, and outhouses better fitted for
swine than for the pure, modest children which we
send to our schools, have a degrading and demoral-
izing influence upon character, and come back to us
in coarse manners and brutish lives. What the Town
saves in money, it loses ten times over in the taste,
refinement and elevation of its people. Its best in-
vestment for future growth in numbers and wealth
lies in a generous expenditure for the best school-
houses and the best teachers.
We have been led to think seriously in this con,
nection of the influence upon the children of Hancock
School, incident to so large a number being thrown
together in a small yard, and the moral danger be-
setting the close association of boys and girls result-
ing from it. And we hereby recommend that water -
closets for the girls be placed in the basement of the
school --house, where there is ample room and where
convenience and privacy may be best secured. In
this recommendation we are only expressing the de-
sire of every thoughtful father and mother, that their
children shall be guarded from all moral exposure, as
far as possible, in their school -life. To secure this is
made the duty of your Committee by the law of the
State. This improvement can be accomplished, as
we are assured by a competent mechanic, for a sum
not exceeding $200. We think that similar arrange-
ments, so far as they are practicable, should be made
at all the school -houses.
We wish to emphasize the strong word of the
Superintendent in his report regarding absenteeism
in our schools. The law obliges the parent or guar-
dian to keep his children, between the ages of eight
and fourteen, in the public school for twenty weeks
in the year, and the School Committee is made respon-
sible for the enforcement of the law. They are re-
quired to see that every child receives this amount
of schooling, and in case the parent or guardian does
not comply with the law, to cause a warrant to be
issued against the person so offending and bring him
before the Court, where he is liable to a fine of twenty
dollars for each offence. Your Committee have been
very reluctant to proceed to this extremity in such
cases; but there are some parents so remiss in this
matter, and the injury being inflicted upon our schools
and upon the Town is so great, that they feel con-
strained to resort to legal measures for a remedy.
After repeated notification from the teacher and the
truant officer, and after due warning from the Com-
mittee, if parents still persist in violating the law, we
see nothing else to be done but to appeal to the Court
for the good of the school and the good of the child.
We are happy to state, however, that the number
who are thus disregarding the law, allowing their
children to retard the advancement of others and
grow up in ignorance, is not large, and we earnestly
hope that all such parents may be led to see the error
of their ways, and conform their conduct to the law
of the State.
The primary object of our public schools is to pre-
pare the children to earn an honest living, and to be-
come virtuous and worthy citizens. To this end, we
have endeavored to make the course of study as sim-
ple and practical as possible. The correct use of the
8
English language in speech and writing, the ability
to frame common business -forms, to keep accurate
accounts, and perform such examples in the funda-
mental rules of arithmetic as will be most needful,
a knowledge of places and things most nearly asso-
ciated with their life, and a taste for the best reading
in poetry and prose, are matters of the first import-
ance in the education of our children. They should
be thoroughly learned; and, if possible, no pupil al-
lowed to leave one school until he has attained to
some degree of proficiency in them. This aim should
be kept steadily in view at the beginning and through
all the course. Good reading, correct spelling, facil-
ity and ease in writing, some knowledge of the laws
of health, of the history of our country, the geogra-
phy of the world and of the primary elements of
arithmetic, constitute the essential things of a good
education. What we want to attain, more than any-
thing, besides is thoughtfulness, accuracy and readi-
ness in all matters needful for those who have a
living to earn and the duties of citizenship to perform.
Mere knowledge of text -books will ne ver secure a
good education. It is to be gained only by the
patient drill of wide-awake, inspiring teachers, always
striving to improve their methods and improve them-
selves. Only through the daily contact of children
with an active and progressive mind, ever -reaching
out after larger knowledge and higher excellence, the
best results in education are attained. The presence
of this spirit in the teacher lifts his work out of the
dull routine it so often is and makes it a grand in-
spirationand success.
9
We cannot close this Report without calling atten-
tion to another matter of fundamental importance in
a system of public education. We mean, good man-
ners and good morals. The law establishing our
schools makes special mention of the necessity of
good morals as one of the chief reasons for their ex-
istence. The inculcation of principles of truthful-
ness, of honesty, of temperance, of purity, of respect
for the laws and love of country, were regarded by the
founders of our school system as an essential part of
public school instruction. Our schools were not es-
tablished merely to impart useful knowledge and train
the intellect, but also to plant and cherish the prin-
ciples of right living. Alas, that this object should
have been so constantly overlooked, or crowded out
of sight, by the ambition for mere text -book knowl-
edge and intellectual smartness! How much the
present looseness in regard to moral obligations is
the fruit of this grave mistake, it is impossible to
tell. But we are certain that there has been a wide
departure in this respect from one of the great pur-
poses for which our schools were established, — the
training of an order -loving and virtuous people. The
churches and Sunday schools alone cannot accom-
plish it. The work must be made fundamental and
universal by being taken up and carried on in the
public schools. It is no teaching of theology that
we recommend, or of sectarian religion; but an earn-
est and faithful application of the great principles of
moral obligation to the conduct of life. Every child
needs to be taught truthfulness, honesty, purity, tem-
perance and self-control, quite as much as he needs to
10
be taught the common branches of learning, if his
life is not to be a burden to the State. It is earnest-
ly hoped that there may be such instruction and such
an influence in our schools, from the lowest to the
highest, as to mould these young lives into habits of
obedience to law, and respect for all things just and
true. Good manners and good morals are essential
to a good manhood and womanhood, and we are sat-
isfied that much can be accomplished for them in the
public schools if parents, teachers and committee
work together in their behalf.
We recommend an appropriation of $10,000 for
the support of the Schools during the ensuing year,
which we think will be ample to cover all necessary
expenditures.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
C. A. STAPLES,
ALBERT W. BRYANT, Committee.
EDWARD P. BLISS,
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT,
To the School Committee of Lexington:
GENTLEMEN, I have the honor to submit to you
the first annual Report of the Superintendent of
Schools.
On entering upon the duties of my office, I made
it my first object to ascertain the condition of our
schools, so that I might proceed intelligently to the
task of advising and improvement. I have found
much excellent work being done, and an earnest de-
sire on the part of the teachers to receive helpful
suggestions. I felt that extensive and radical
changes, at the outset, would be unwise, as well as
uncalled for, and more likely to lead to confusion
than to the regular and healthful advancement of the
schools.
Permit me here to suggest that improvements
under any system or methods, even with the best
aids, will of necessity be slow, and the results cor-
respondingly limited; especially is this true on the
introduction of methods which must be assimilated
before they can be best exemplified in their operation.
But the fact that methods seem somewhat tardy in
yielding their best results should not discourage their
persistent application. Upon every method, how-
ever, the teacher must engraft her own individuality,
12
enthusiasm, and forceful energy, in order to win any
reasonable measure of success. On this principle we
have set ourselves to work.
Without neglecting any grade, especial attention
has been given to the lowest grades. Beyond all
controversy, it is there that fundamental improve-
ments in educational work should be inaugurated,
and should be carried systematically through all the
grades. Spasmodic and isolated attempts to reach a
higher standard will never prove satisfactory, and
will quite likely lead to flashy and superficial results.
During the first four years of the pupil's school -
life, reading is of paramount importance. From the
day the child begins to read, naturalness of expres-
sion needs to be cultivated as constantly and care-
fully as distinctness of enunciation. Such means
should be employed as will overcome, not only the
diffidence of the pupil, and encourage entire freedom
in talking, but even remove all disinclination to talk.
Believing it wiser to profit by the experience of
others than to waste months, perhaps years, in ex-
periment, careful study was bestowed upon some
of the best methods employed in other places.
It is believed that a method has been adopted
which will commend itself by its naturalness and the
results which may be attained by it. In connection
with the reading, in all the grades regular and sys-
tematic drill in vocal exercises is being practised.
These exercises can hardly fail to improve the read-
ing .in a marked degree, if pursued with diligence
and constancy. Should a detailed statement of the
work outlined in the subject of reading, and the
13
reasons in full upon which the method is based be
set forth, too much of the space allotted me would be
consumed by it.
Supplementary to reading, Language Exercises
have been made a prominent feature. By language
exercises, is meant such instruction in the English
language as will enable the attentive pupil, orally and
in writing, to express what he knows, fluently and
correctly. For the accomplishment of this end, a
special course in language, distinct from that in the
printed Course of Study, has been prepared with
great care, and after much study of the subject.
This language course is divided into about twenty-
five exercises, each of which will require many les-
sons. The course is so planned and arranged that it
naturally expands, if expansion becomes necessary,
to suit the needs of the higher classes, and may easily
be developed into a study of grammar. No one will
deny that, when a pupil leaves school at the age of
fifteen or sixteen years, he should have acquired the
ability to express his thoughts upon any subject with
which he has any familiarity with exactness and with
ease. He should also possess a thorough knowl-
edge of common business -forms, and of letter -writ-
ing. In order to meet this demand, as stated, special
language work has been introduced into the school-
work.
The subject of penmanship has also received spec-
ial attention, and it is urgently recommended that
writing with pen and ink be begun in the Fourth
Grade, and that the desks in the rooms occupied by
that grade be supplied with ink -wells.
14
While particular effort is being made to improve
Reading, Language and Writing, other branches
have not been slighted. Grammar and Geography
have received such consideration as seemed judicious
at this time. It may reasonably be questioned whether,
under the best instruction and the most favorable cir-
cumstances, a text -book in technical grammar should
be used before the last two years in the Grammar
School. Before that period, correct English ought to
be taught through the medium of much careful drill
in language exercises. In truth, if all our Grammar
School pupils were certain to attend the High School,
scientific grammar could be profitably deferred till
that school were reached.
You will observe that the plans thus far formulated
have looked above all to greater thoroughness and
a broader scope in elementary work. And, indeed,
the scope of the work can hardly be said to be broad-
er, unless language work may not heretofore have
been aimed at.
Preliminary to what was sought in securing greater
efficiency, a course of study for all grades below the
High Schoolwas prepared, and has been adopted and
printed. As the time I am able to devote to other
schools than my own is limited, this course was much
amplified that the teachers might have specific re-
quirements always at hand.
Though in the equipment of the various schools for
larger usefulness, sensible progress has been made,
yet, for some time to come, there will be opportunity
for enlargement in this direction. A cheap table is
needed wherever primary pupils are assembled.
15
Around this table the children are gathered for in-
struction in Numbers and Busy work. For primary
grades, there is also need of more supplementary
readers. No educator of prominence, no educator
who has studiously examined the subject of reading
as it should be taught in these grades, will be found
to deny that reading is best taught, and a familiarity
with and knowledge of words most easily and quickly
learned, and that, too, with evident pleasure, by
means of properly graded supplementary lessons. As
the schools of Lexington have not hitherto been
furnished with these needful supplies, the demand. for
them now should not appear as extraordinary and
unwarranted. Should any one care to verify this state-
ment, it is only necessary that he should visit corres-
ponding grades in other towns where commendable
school -work is being performed, to become assured
that we can still wisely add to the appliances of our
school -rooms. As soon as practicable, certain refer-
ence books should be afforded the Grammar Grades
as aids to thorough work, and incentives to the
acquisition of useful earning.
During the year, the schools below the High School
have been supplied with several copies of a "Pri-
mary History of the United States," or " Graded
Elementary Books in Natural History," or " Grand-
father's Chair," or " The Wonder -book," or " Ten
Boys on the Road from Long Ago to Now."
When completed in one school, they will be. trans -
(erred to another. In this way, a few books may be
made to do a large amount of service, and a greater
variety of the best literature is brought within the
16
reach and use of all. These books afford much inter-
esting and instructive information, and act as a stim-
ulus to broader acquisitions. They also supply most
excellent models of literary composition, and serve to
create and foster a taste for the best reading. Other
books, similar in character to those named, can
very properly and profitably be placed at the dis-
posal of the teachers.
It is to be hoped that in the near future, a closer
relation will be established between the Public Li-
brary and the Public Schools. With the funds now
at the command of the trustees, it may not be easy
to designate what feasible change can be effected.
Whatever arrangement might be devised, should, if
possible, be subject to definite limitations, and should
discourage discursive reading, which so impairs
mental vigor and discipline, and may very justly be
denominated mental dissipation.
The manner in which the study of History should
be conducted has not yet been discussed. All,
doubtless, will concede that any practical method
likely to lead to improvement will be cordially wel-
comed, as an aid to instruction in this branch. Ap-
parently an easy subject to teach, it is, in fact, one of
the most difficult. Enthusiasm and a comprehensive
grasp of the subject on the part- of the teacher are of
inestimable value, and will awaken some interest even
in the most indifferent pupil; but these desirable
qualif cations come far short of attaining the end
sought. Nor, on the other hand, will the most ap-
proved method, independent of the attributes men-
tioned above, accomplish satisfactory results. Nor
17
should we, by any means, ascribe the defective work
in History, which may be observed in nearly every
school in the State, as entirely due to faulty methods.
It would be difficult to find a text -book on U. S.
History adequate to the subject and to the minds
of those for whom it was intended. Notwithstand-
ing the obstacles impeding the undertaking, the en-
deavor will be made, as soon as may be advisable, to
devise and put in operation some well -digested
scheme for historical study, hoping that it may yield
richer returns for the labor expended.
For a long time the singing in our schools has
been regularly taught under the direction of a special
instructor. It may be positively affirmed that, in this
particular, they will favorably compare with schools
where much more time is devoted to musical instruc-
tion. Strangers who visit our schools are surprised
to find our pupils so competent in this study. Of the
music in the High School, I believe it may be safely
asserted, that there are few High Schools in Massa-
chusetts where greater interest and proficiency are
manifested. The new piano which was obtained, has,
if possible, enhanced the enthusiasm of the scholars,
and has also been of marked assistance beyond the
limits of the school.
Through the generous liberality of some of our
citizens, we expect to be able shortly to purchase a
new piano for the Adams School. I am sure that, if
those who give of their means for purposes of en-
lightenment and culture, could witness the gladness
and zeal which their gifts stimulate, they would feel
amply repaid for the cost to themselves.
18
Since September Teachers' Meetings have been
frequently held. Unless something special may per-
mit it, the meetings will be held once each month.
They afford opportunity for a free interchange of
ideas on any topic pertaining to school -work, meth-
ods observed in schools visited are reported, papers
on special subjects by different teachers are read and
discussed, difficulties in school -work are reported,
and remedies, if' possible, suggested; in short, what-
ever may be of benefit in our mutual endeavors is
brought forward. Sometimes these are grade meet-
ings, that is, teachers of the same grade assemble for
consultation; and then some particular work belong-
ing to that grade is considered. There has always
been a full attendance at these meetings, and so long
as definite work is assigned for consideration, they
cannot lack in fruitful results.
The customary oral public examinations have this
year been omitted. Whenever such examinations
have been intended, from four to six weeks have been
spent in each school making ready for them. Such
a test determines chiefly how much the pupils can
hold in memory; in truth, it becomes a memoriter ex-
ercise. They cannot be regarded as philosophical in
principle, nor as leading to trustworthy conclusions.
From the manner in which they are of necessity con-
ducted, teachers are forced to abandon the true path
of education in preparation for them. They also in-
duce a harmful anxiety and excitement on the part of
the pupil. Such examinations are a legacy of the
past, when the philosophy of education was little
studied and less understood, and were designed to
19
take the place of inadequate supervision. In place
of the former method, it would seem well to designate
a week in January and one in June, or in June alone,
during which parents and friends shall be invited to
visit the schools, and allow the regular studies to go
on. Such an arrangement will present much more
reliable evidence of the real work of the schools than
the one that has so long obtained. Those whose
duty it is to supervise, do not need other examina-
tions than those they make by frequent visits to the
schools.
Complaints have come from every school, that
there is great irregularity of attendance on the part
of some pupils. Scarcely any evil incident to school-
work is more injurious in effect than this evil. The
absent pupil, unless an unusually industrious and apt
student, will very perceptibly lose interest in his
studies, and will need frequent spurring and constant
oversight to keep him in moderate line with his
class. The extra time expended on such pupils, is just
so much taken from the rest of the class, and deprives
them of instruction which perfect justice would -not
refuse. And further, the waiting class also loses
that zest and earnestness which characterize the
diligent and painstaking scholar. Moreover, the
prevalence of absences and tardiness in any school,
not only disturbs progress and systematic effort, but
also tends to demoralize the school. It will inevita-
bly, unless restricted to necessary cases, extend
throughout the whole school, and an occasional
absence will be treated very lightly by parents and
pupils. In certain instances that have come to my
20
knowledge, this would seem already to be a fact.
Yet, the unavoidable result engendered by frequent
non-attendance, is its pernicious influence upon the
pupil himself. It fosters, if it does not beget, habits
of idleness and indolence, indifference to commend-
able pursuits, lack of self-respect, and such other
vices as make worse than worthless citizens.
It is incredible that any parent or guardian would
willingly countenance, much less encourage, any of
these enumerated evils. Still, by permitting pupils
to remain away from school, except in cases of sick-
ness or absolute necessity, parents do provide the op-
portunity for the growth of these evils, without the
least intention that it should be so, and even with a
fervent desire and strong determination that elevating
and ennobling habits shall be cultivated.
This point has been dwelt upon more at length, be-
cause it is a point wherein parents can be of material
assistance. I am confident that parents would wil-
lingly and gladly promote the welfare of our schools,
and I earnestly urge that they add their endeavors to
ours in securing constancy of attendance on the part
of their children.
It is now nine months since I was directed to as-
sume the labor of school supervision. I undertook
t.hc duties of Superintendent with reluctance, yet
with the desire and determination to render useful
service to the educational interests of the Town, if
it lay in my power. This extra labor has to be taken
up after six hours of exacting work in my own school;
consequently, the task is not seldom irksome and
exhaustive. As has already been suggested, much
21
time and study have been bestowed on improved
practical methods of instruction, on acquainting my-
self more thoroughly as to what are the best methods,
and why. Whatever changes in this line were re-
solved on must, if possible, commend themselves to
the intelligence of those who were to be guided by
them. I have had no " crotchets, pedantries, humors,
favoritisms, nor prejudices " to gratify, but have con-
stantly had an eye single to the purpose which I was
appointed to promote, and I have everywhere found
equally unselfish devotion to their duties on the part
of the teachers. Permit me to express my grateful
acknowledgments to Teachers and Committee for
their cheerful and cordial co-operation in our mutual
endeavors. Our efforts have been characterized by
the utmost good feeling and harmony. We are also
deeply indebted to the excellent spirit displayed
throughout the Town, sustaining and encouraging
us amid our numerous difficulties.
Even with my present knowledge of our schools,
it would be impossible to discriminate justly in at-
tempting to draw up a fair estimate of the work
done in each. There are so many factors and cir-
cumstances { governing such an estimate, that it is
not expedient to make the trial, especially where so
much good is being performed. The teacher's in-
fluence is so direct and far-reaching that none can
fail to be very sensibly impressed with the import-
ance of her position and the weighty responsibility
resting upon her. To feel that one's efforts may
determine the future good or ill of a child, is a con-
sideration which must nerve the conscientious
22
teacher to strong, self-sacrificing exertion. No capa-
ble teacher will rest content until she has brought
her school to the highest point of efficiency that means,
methods, and hearty endeavor may achieve.
Very respectfully submitted,
J. N. HAM,
Superintendent of Schools.
As the course of study for the High School has
been somewhat changed during the year, it is here re-
printed.
HIGH SCHOOL. — CLASSICAL COURSE.
FOURTH CLASS.
Latin Grammar and Reader . 40 weeks
Algebra . 40 4 6
Physics . . . 40
*Arithmetic ; *English Composition ; *English Authors.
THIRD CLASS.
Caesar . ▪ 40 weeks
Geometry • 40
Chemistry 40 61.
*Arithmetic ; *English Composition ; *English Authors.
Pupils preparing for college will take Greek in place of
Chemistry:
JUNIOR CLASS.
Cicero . . . , . 40 weeks
History . 40
English Literature . . . . 40 6
*One recitation each week in each of the objects marked with an
asterisk. Four recitations weekly in each of the other subjects.
23
*Arithmetic ; *English Grammar ; *English Authors.
Pupils preparing for college will take Greek in place of English
Literature.
SENIOR CLASS.
Virgil . 40 weeks
English Literature . • 40 G
French . . 40 ' •
In place of French, pupils may elect Rhetoric and Composition
for twenty weeks, and Civil Government for twenty weeks.
*Arithmetic ; *Rhetoric ; *English Authors.
Pupils preparing for college will take Greek in place of English
Literature.
HIGH SCHOOL. — ENGLISH COURSE.
FOURTH CLASS.
Algebra . . . • 40 weeks
Physics . . • 40 «
English Literature with written work, twenty weeks 1 40
Cc
Bookkeeping, twenty weeks . • .
*Arithmetic ; *English Composition ; *English Authors.
THIRD CLASS.
Geometry . . . 40 weeks
Chemistry . . . . 40 t"
Modern English Authors . . . 40 4G
*Arithmetic ; *English Composition ; *English Authors.
JUNIOR CLASS.
History . • 40 weeks
Geology, twenty weeks
40 'L
Botany, twenty weeks
English Literature . 40 4
*Arithmetic ; *English Grammar ; *English Authors.
*One recitation each week in each of the subjects marked with an
asterisk. Four recitations weekly in each of the other subjects.
24
SENIOR CLASS.
English Literature . 40 weeks
Rhetoric and Composition, twenty weeks
40
Civil Government, twenty weeks
French . 40 <<
*Arithmetic ; *English Authors.
ROLL OF _HONOR.
Scholars not absent.
HIGH SCHOOL.
FOR THE YEAR.—Cora F. Peters, Willard D. Brown.
FOR TWO TERMS.—Ida M. Butters, Edward P. Merriam, Howard
M. Monroe, Norman W. Smith, George Carleton Worthen.
Not absent nor tardy.
Fon TWO TERMS.—Alice G. Ballard, Gertrude F. Currier, Alice
M. Hunt, M. Fannie Kauffmann, Julia M. Maynard, Florence N.
Wing, Chas. W. Berry, Frank P. Cutter, Edward B. Eaton, John
Hinehey, Herbert L. Norris, John B. Ryan.
Not absent nor tardy.
ADAMS GRAMMAR.
FOR A YEAR.—Cora Ball.
FOR A TERM.—Miner Smith, John Stone, Herbert Lowe.
ADAMS PRIMARY.
FOR A TERM.—Chas. P. Stone, J. Edward White, Emily E.
Stone.
Not absent.
HANCOCK FIRST GRAMMAR.
FOR A TRRM.—Nellie Bacon, Alice Hunt, Jessie Whiting, Peter
Kinneen, John Peters, Luther Sherman, Arthur Stone, Carleton
Shaw, Lizzie Corcoran.
*One recitation each week in each of the subjects markedwith an
asterisk. Four recitations weekly in each of the other subjects.
25
Not absent.
HANCOCK SECOND GRAMMAR.
FOR THE YEAR.—Anna Brown, Mary Hunt, Nellie Hunt, Otis
Jackson, 'Albert Peters, Fred Lord, Herbert Jackson.
FOR A TERM.—Maggie Hinchey, Annie Humphrey, Fanny Riley,
Maggie Reardon, Alice P. Goodwin, Rosie Morse, Theodora Rob-
inson, Grace Whiting, Harry Cutter, Arthur Fletcher, Eugene
Nourse, Charles Rogers, Arthur Simonds.
Not absent nor tardy.
HANCOCK FIRST PRIMARY.
FOR THE YEAR.—George Arthur Barrett, Wallace Humphrey,
Willie Barrett.
FOR A TERM.—William A. Jackson, Ellis W. Tower, Herbert
Richardson, Lizzie Riley, Lilia May Vickery, Katie Griffin.
Not absent nor tardy.
HANCOCK SECOND PRIMARY.
FOR A TERM.—Willie W. Barrett, Ruby E. Haggett, Fred H.
Rogers, Fannie M. Tower, Arthur Sherman.
Not absent.
BOWDITCH SCHOOL.
FOR A YEAR.—Mabel M. Paine.
Not absent nor tardy.
HOWARD SCHOOL.
FOR THE YEAR.—Daniel Crowley.
FOR A TERM.—Minnie Crowley, Nellie Crowley.
Not absent nor tardy.
WARREN SCHOOL.
FOR A TERM.—Florence H. Caddis.
FRANKLIN SCHOOL.
Fox A. TERM. Annie Lawrence.
TABULAR VIEW OF SCHOOLS, ETC.
SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS.
High
Hancock First Grammar
Hancock Second Grammar
Hancock First Primary .
Hancock Second Primary
Adams Grammar
Adams Primary
Bowditch
Franklin
Howard
Warren
Music Teacher
J. N. Ham
H. A. Fiske
Hattie D. Hall
Ellen B. Lane
Ellen E. Harrington
Amelia M. Mulliken
Edith 0. Rowe
Carrie F. Fiske
Emma E. Wright
Maria A. Butterfield.
Nellie H. Parker
L K Eaton
E Cutter, Jr.
Whole
Number
of Pupils
57
51
68
51
61
54
56
58
40
31
29
All
Average Average Per cent
Member- attend- ofattend-
ship ance ance
41 40.6 .99
34.6 32.3 .93
47 44.7 .959
31.4 29.5 .937
37.9 33.1 .873
36.9 34.1 .924
36.1 33 .914
31.7 30.2 .952
31.7 30.2 .952
21.5 19.4 90
20.2 15.5 76.8
the pu- pils.
CONTENTS.
PAGE
List of Town Officers for 1886-87, 3
Lexington Town Records, for the Year 1886-87 5
Warrant for a Town Meeting, March 8th 18865
Warrant for a Town Meeting, April 26th 188619
Warrant for a Town Meeting, Sept. 27th 188623
Warrant for a Town Meeting, Nov. 2d 188929
Selectmen's Report 33
Guide Boards 35
Street Lights 35
Police Report of East Lexington 36
Police Report of Lexington Centre 36
Public Buildings 37
Re -organization of Fire Department 37
Board of Health .... 41
Highways 42
Culverts 44
New Streets 44
Almshouse and Poor Department 48
Tax Collector's Report 53
Town Treasurer's Report 54
Statement of Town Debt 56
Report of Treasurer for the Trustees of the Cemetery Trust Fund57
Town Clerk's Report 58
Birthsand Marriages 58
Deaths 61
Sale of Town Histories..... .... 61
Dogs....... 61
List of Jurors 61
Fire Engineers' Report 63
Appraisal of Property of Fire Department 67
Assessors' Report.... 68
Cary Library—Trustees' Report 70
Cary Library—Treasurer's Report.. 74
Gammell Legacy 75
11
PAGE
Appraisal of Property at Poor Farm in Charge of Overseers 76
Appraisal of Property at Poor Farm in Charge of Surveyors .. 79
Bridge Charitable Fund... S0
Auditors' Report.—Schools 1
High School 1
Hancock School........ 2
Adams School 3
Common to all Schools 4
Howard School 5
Franklin School 6
Bowditch School 6
Warren School 6
Summary 7
Support of the Poor 7
Outside Poor... 7
Street Lights. 10
School Committee 10
Highways. - . 11
Contingent Grant 12
State Aid 15
Auditors ... 16
Fire Department 16
State Tax... 17
County Tax 17
Town Debt 17
New Streets near Bloomfield Street 18
Interest 19
Improvement of Common 19
Cemetery 20
Fuel and Lights for Town and Village Halls 21
Repairs of Bridges and Culverts... ... 22
Memorial Day 22
Printing 22
Treasurer and Collector 23
Selectmen in their Various Capacities... ... 23
Treasurer of Cary Library 24
Highway Railings. 24
Ringing Bells 24
Janitors Town and Village Halls 25
Superintendent of Schools 25
Repairs on Village Halls. S5
Constales and Police 26
Hydrants 27
Reading Room at East Lexington 27
Assessors. 27
111
PAGE
Auditors' Report—continued.
Concrete Sidewalks 28
Waltham Street Improvement . 29
Removing Snow 30
Town Clerk 30
Improvement on Waltham Street. 30
Gammell Legacy. 31
Temporary Loan 31
Insurance on Public Buildings and Contents 32
Purchase and Repairs of Chemical Engines 32
Registrars of Voters 33
Librarian of Cary Library 33
Cary Library 33
Cemetery Trust Funds 34
Recapitulation ... 34
APPENDIX.
Report of the School Committee .... 1
Superintendent's Report 11
High School—Classical Course 22
High School—English Course 23
Roll of Honor 24
Tabular View of Schools, Etc 26