HomeMy WebLinkAbout1887-88-Annual ReportREPORTS
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS
OF THE
TOWN OF LEXINGTON,
FOR THE YEAR 1887-1888.
BOSTON :
W. KELLAWAY, BOOK PRINTER, 30 EXCHANGE STREET.
1888.
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT.
LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS,
FOR 1887-88_
BRLECTMBSR, OVERSEERS OF POOR, AND SURVEYORS OF HIGHWAYS.
WEBSTER SMITH. ALBERT W. BRYANT.
CHARLES T. WEST.
TOWN CLERK.
LEONARD A. SAVILLE.
TREASURER AND COLLECTOR OF TAXES.
EDWIN S. SPAULDING.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
EDWARD P. BLISS, Term expires in 1890.
ALBERT W. BRYANT, Term expires in 1889.
MISS ELLEN A. STONE, Term expires in 1888.
CEMETERY COMMITTEE.
TIMOTHY H. BOWEN, Term expires in 1890.
ABBOTT S. MITCHELL, Terns expires in 1889.
LUKE W. WRIGHT, Term expires in 1888.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CARY LIBRARY CONSISTS OF THE SRLECTMEN,
SCHOOL COMMITTEE, AND SETTLED CLERGYMEN OF THE TOWN.
TRUSTEES OF GAM}IELL LEGACY.
MRS. LUCY M. R. WHITING. MISS LUCY N. BLODGETT.
TRUSTEE OF BRIDGE CHARITABLE FEND.
GEORGE O. DAVIS, Term expires in 1893.
ALBERT W. BRYANT, Term expires in 1891.
GEORGE E. MUZZEY, Term expires in 1889. (Treasurer.)
ENGINEERS OF FIRE DEPARTMENT.
WILLIAM B. FOSTER. EDWIN J. B. NOURSE.
WILLARD WALCOTT.
CONSTABLES.
ABBOTT S. MITCHELL. HENRY E. BISHOP.
LIBRARIAN OF CAItY LIBRARY.
MISS GRACE S. WELLINGTON.
AUDITORS.
HILMAN B. SAMPSON.
GERSHON SWAN.
TREASURER OF CARY LIBRARY FUND.
EDWARD P. BLISS.
TREASURER OF CEMETERY FUNDS.
LUKE W. WRIGHT.
REGISTRARS OF VOTERS.
LEONARD G. BABCOCK, Term expires in 1890. (Resigned, and
GEORGE W. SAMPSON appointed.)
BRADLEY C. WHITCHER, Term expires in 1889.
GEORGE O. SMITH, Term expires in 1888.
LEONARD A. SAVILLE. (Clerk.)
uENCE VIEWERS.
ABBOTT S. MITCHELL. WALTER WELLINGTON.
WILLIAM J. NEVILLE.
HENRY E. BISHOP.
HENRY E. BISHOP.
FIELD DRIVERS.
HORACE B. DAVIS.
POLICE OFFICERS.
CHARLES T. WEST.
DANIEL P. MAHONEY.
SEXTON.
CHARLES T. WEST.
JANITORS OF TOWN AND VILLAGE HALLS.
GEORGE H. THURSTON. WALTER WELLINGTON.
AUCTIONEER.
ABBOTT S. MITCHELL.
MF.ASURERS OF WOOD AND BARIC.
LEONARD A. SAVILLE. FRANK V. BUTTERS.
RUFUS W. HOLBROOK. AUGUSTUS CHILDS.
PUBLIC WEIGHERS AND SUPERINTENDENTS OF TOWN SCALES.
LEONARD A. SAVILLE. RUFUS W. HOLBROOK.
SUPERINTENDENT AND MATRON AT AI.MSHOUS1:.
MR. AND MRS. ROBERT H. WHITE.
SPECIAL POLICEMEN.
GEORGE H. THURSTON. WALTER WELLINGTON.
LEXINGTON TOWN RECORDS,
Fon. mnE YEAR 1887-88.
WARRANT FOR A TOWN MEETING,
MONDAY, MARCH 7, 1887.
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 seventh day of March,
A.D. 1887, at nine o'clock in the forenoon, to act on
the following articles, viz:
ARTICLE 1. To choose a Moderator.
ARm. 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 ensu-
ing year, including one School Committee -man for
the term of three years; also, one for the term of one
year, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of
Benj. F. Brown.
ART. 4. To choose one Committee -man for the
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term of three years, and one Committee -man for two
years, to fill vacancies in the Cemetery Committee.
ART. 5. To provide for the support of the
Poor the ensuing year, and to grant money for
the same.
ART. 6. To provide for the support of the High-
ways, the ensuing year, and to grant money for the
same.
ART. 7. To provide for the support of the Public
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 to 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 presented 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 liq-
uors in this Town?" The vote on the above question
shall be by ballot, "Yes or No," and the check list
shall be used, as provided by Section 5, chap. 100, of
the Public Statutes.
ART. 12. To see if the Town will make the ap-
propriations for Town expenses the ensuing year
as submitted by the Selectmen, or act in any manner
relating thereto.
ART. 13. To see what measures the Town will
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adopt in relation to the collection of Taxes, the en-
suing year, or act in any manner relating thereto.
ART. 14. To see if the Town will authorize its
Treasurer, under the direction of the Selectmen, to
borrow money for any necessary purposes 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. 15. To see if the Town will cause the Pub-
lic Street Lamps to be kept lighted until eleven and
one-half o'clock P.M., on a]1 dark nights, without
regard to the moon.
ART. 16. To see if the Town will make an appro-
priation for the proper observance of April 19, 1887.
ART. 17. To see if the Town will permit Lexing-
ton Savings Bank to continue the occupancy of the
rooms now occupied by said Bank, free of charge.
ART. 18. To see what measures the Town will
adopt in relation to procuring a supply of water for
the buildings of the Poor Farm, and appropriate
money therefor, or act in any manner relating
thereto.
ART. 19. To see if the Town will make an appro-
priation to repair the buildings at the Poor Farm.
ART. 20. To see if the Town will make an
appropriation to construct sidewalks with concrete
or other materia], where the abutters will pay one-
half the expense thereof.
ART. 21. To see if the Town will make an
appropriation for the purpose of draining around
the Common, where necessary.
ART. 22. To see if the Town will authorize the
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Selectmen to draw from any unappropriated money
in the Treasury for the payment of contingent
expenses.
ART. 23. To see if the Town will instruct the
Board of Health to take such measures as they may
deem expedient in regard to the meadows in East
Lexington, now owned and flowed by the Town
of Arlington.
Awr. 24. To see if the Town will abolish the
practice of appraising the property at the Poor Farm,
and adopt measures as recommended by the Select-
men in their report.
ART. 25. To see what measures the Town will
adopt in relation to accepting additional Street
Lamps.
ART. 26. To see if the Town will make an appro-
priation to build a driveway at the house of Stephen
L. Wright.
ART. 27. To see if the Town will cause the idle
teams at the Poor Farm to be used, especially in
winter, to clear the gutters and keep street crossings
in passable condition.
ART. 28. To see if the Town had not better
separate Highway Management and Overseers of
Poor from Selectmen, and choose persons to repair
the same.
ART. 29. To see if the Town will cause concrete
raised crossings to be constructed at points of great
travel.
ART. 30. To see if the Town will cause the gut-
ters on Main and important streets, to be so con-
structed as to carry off water as well as may be.
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ART. 31. To see if the Town will fix salaries of
Selectmen for ensuing year.
ART. 32. To see if the Town will reduce and
fix salaries of School Committee for the year, and
salary of Superintendent.
ART. 33. To see if the Town will increase the
number of Board of Assessors of Taxes, and fix
salary of Assessors.
ART. 34. To see if the Town will, in conformity
with the Statutes, choose Road Commissioners to have
control of Highway department, and elect the same
as Overseers of Poor; they to fix grade of streets
and sidewalks under betterment laws, as adopted by
the Town.
[Articles from 27 to 34 inclusive, are inserted at
request of C. R. Richardson, William Plummer,
C. H. Sherman, H. A. Ring, H. A. Worthley,
D. T. Desmond, and P. F. Dacey.]
The following action was taken by the Town on
the several articles in the foregoing warrant:
ART. T. 1. Voted, That the polls remain open five
minutes for the choice of Moderator. On ballot, with
use of the check list, the whole number of ballots
cast was 22, all for Matthew H. Merriam, who was
declared chosen as Moderator, and who was sworn
by the Clerk to the faithful discharge of his duties
as Moderator of this meeting.
Anm. 2. Voted, That the reports of the Town
Officers as printed, be before the Town for action
during this meeting.
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-Voted, That the matter be laid on the table until
2 o'clock P. M., after which time, during discussions
on the appropriations, explanations were called for
from the different officers, and such portions of the
report were explained.
ARTS. 3 & 4. Voted, That Articles 3 and 4 be
taken up together, and that cinder 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 the Highways, and Board. of
Health; one Town Clerk; three Assessors; one
Treasurer, who shall also be Collector of Taxes; two
Constables; one member of the School Committee
for the term of one year; one Cemetery Committee-
man for the term of three years; one Cemetery
Committee -man for the term of two years; and two
Auditors; and that the polls be kept open until half
past four o'clock P. M.; it was subsequently
Voted, That the polls be kept open until a quarter
to five P. M. After the recess, the Moderator ap-
pointed as Tellers, to assist in sorting and counting
the ballots, Francis E. Ballard, Abram B. Smith,
Leonard E. Bennink, and William B. Foster; and
after their labors had been completed, the Moderator
announced the result of the balloting as follows.
(See list of Town Officers elsewhere.)
Voted, That the Fence Viewers, Field Drivers, and
Surveyors of Lumber be chosen by nomination at
large, and the following persons were so nominated
and chosen:
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For Fence Viewers.—Hammon Reed, B. T. Batch -
eller, and William J. Neville.
For Field Drivers.—Herbert A. Tuttle, Arthur
Jewett, and Fred K. Brown.
For Surveyors of Lumber.—George E. Mnzzey
and Albert S. Mitchell.
Voted, That the remaining minor officers be ap-
pointed by the Selectmen.
ART. 5. Voted, That the sum of two thousand
(2,000) dollars be appropriated for the support of' the
Poor for the ensuing year.
ART. 6. Voted, That the sum of thirty-five hun-
dred (3,500) dollars (in addition to the balance of
$532 unexpended) be appropriated for the repairs of
Highways, Railings and Culverts, for the ensuing
year.
ART. 7. Voted, That the sum of ten thousand
(10,000) dollars (in addition to the unexpended bal-
ance of $87.30) be appropriated for Schools, for in-
struction, fuel, repairs, and incidentals, for the ensuing
year.
ART. 8. Considerable discussion was had in re-
gard to the Fire Department, by engineers and others,
and the town finally
Toted, That the Fire Department consist of forty-
three members.
Voted, That the sum of fifteen (15) dollars per
annum be paid to each member of the Fire Depart-
ment who resides in town day and night, and the
sum of five (5) dollars per annum be paid to those
members who are away from town part of the time.
Voted, That the sum of nine hundred (900) dol -
12
lars (in addition to the balance of $564.79 unex-
pended) be appropriated for the support of the Fire
Department for the ensuing year.
Voted, That the sum of five hundred and seventy
(570) dollars be appropriated for the purchase of new
hose for the Fire Department, the money to be ex-
pended under the direction of the Board of Engi-
neers.
ART. 9. Voted, That the sum of seventeen hun-
dred (1,700) dollars be appropriated for the support
of the Street Lamps for the ensuing year.
ART. 10. The list of Jurors, as prepared and
posted by the Selectmen, was read, and on motion of
the Town Clerk it was
-Toted, That the names of Patrick Ryan and Henry
H. Tyler be stricken from the list, they having been
drawn since the list was posted.
Voted, That two names be substituted to fill the
list, as required by law.
Voted, That the names of Albert N. Tufts and
Willard C. Pierce be added to the list.
Voted, That the List of Jurors as amended, be ac-
cepted by the Town.
ART. 11. Voted, That Article 11 be taken up in
connection with Articles 3 and 4, so that ballots can
be cast on the license question at the same time as
for Town Officers. After closing the polls and count-
ing the ballots cast, the Moderator declared the re-
sult as follows:
66 Yes," One hundred and nine votes, 109
" No," One hundred and seventy-eight votes, . . 178
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ART. 12. The Selectmen submitted an estimate
of the expenses for the ensuing year (in addition to
amounts under Articles 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9) as follows:
For Town Debt, twenty-six hundred dollars, . $2,600.00
For Constables and Police, two thousand dollars, 2,000.00
For Salaries of Selectmen, eight hundred dollars, . 800.00
For Assessors (balance $4.00) four hundred twenty-
five dollars, . . . 425.00
For Janitors, (balance $54.93) four hundred fifty dol-
lars,
For Fuel and Lights for Hall (balance $125.40) four
hundred dollars, . 400.00
For Hydrants, fifteen hundred and forty dollars, . 1,540.00
For Concrete Sidewalks, six hundred dollars, 600.00
For Town Clerk, one hundred dollars, 100.00
For Auditors, forty-five dollars, . 45.00
For Ringing Bells, seventy dollars, . 70.00
For Printing, two hundred and fifty dollars, 250.00
For School Committee, three hundred dollars, 300.00
For Interest, (balance $237.34) seventeen hundred
dollars, . . . . . 1,700.00
For Treasurer and Collector, five hundred dollars ▪ 500.00
For Registrars of Voters, one hundred dollars, . 100.00
For Treasurer of Cary Library, fifty dollars, . 50.00
For Librarian of Cary Library, four hundred dollars, 400.00
For Memorial Day, one hundred dollars, . . 100.00
For State Aid (balance $351) no appropriation, bal-
ance deemed sufficient.
For Abatement of Taxes, five hundred dollars, • 500.00
For Reading Room, E. Lexington, (balance $55) two
hundred and fifty dollars, . .
For Discount on Taxes, three hundred dollars, . 300.00
450.00
250.00
Voted, That the lists as submitted by the Selectmen
be accepted, and that the sums named therein be ap-
propriated for Town expenses for the ensuing year.
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Voted, That the sum of two thousand dollars (2,000)
of the amount appropriated for the payment of the
Town debt, be taken from money in the Treasury.
Voted, That the sums appropriated, except those
taken from money now in the Treasury, be assessed the
present year.
Voted, That the balances remaining to the credit of
the different appropriations, be carried forward to the
credit of the same appropriation, except where the ob-
ject of the grant has been completed.
ART. 13. Voted, That all taxes for the current year
be made payable on or before Dec. 1, 1887, and that a
discount of one-half of one per cent. per month, for all
full months prior to said date, be deducted for prompt
payment, and that on all taxes remaining unpaid at that
date, interest at the rate of six per cent. per annum shall
be added, and that the collector be instructed to collect
all taxes before May 1, 1888.
ART. 14. Voted, That the Town Treasurer, under
the direction of the Selectmen, be authorized to
borrow money for any necessary purpose, in antici-
pation of the collection of taxes the current year,
the same to be repaid directly from the proceeds of
said taxes.
ART. 15. Voted, That the matter be indefinitely
postponed.
ART. 16. Voted, That a sum not exceeding one
hundred (100) dollars be appropriated for the proper
observance of April 19, 1887, the same to be ex-
pended under the direction of an executive committee
to be chosen by the Lexington Historical Society.
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Voted, That the above granted slim be taken from
any unappropriated money now in the Treasury.
Aum. 17. A long discussion occurred in relation
to the subject of this Article. Messrs. Geo. W. Rob-
inson, B. T. Batcheller, and others, advocating the
granting of the rooms rent free, which was opposed
by several gentlemen. A motion that the rent be
fixed at $40.00 per annum was decided not carried,
as was also a motion to fix the rent at $10.00 per
annum, and it was
Voted, That the rental of the rooms occupied by
the bank be fixed at thirty-five (35) dollars per
annum, to take effect from April 1, 1887.
Air. 18. Toted, That the matter be referred to
the Overseers of the Poor, to report at the next
Town meeting.
A.T. 19. Voted, That the sum of three hundred
(300) dollars be appropriated and assessed for the
purpose of making necessary repairs to the buildings.
at the Poor Farm, said money to be expended under
the direction of the Overseers of the Poor.
ART. 20. (Six hundred dollars appropriated. See
action under Art. 12.)
ART. 21. Toted, That the sum of three hundred
and fifty (350) dollars be appropriated for the pur-
pose of draining around the Common where neces-
sary. Said money to be taken from any unexpended
money in the Treasury, and to be expended under
the direction of the Surveyors of Highways.
ART. 22. Voted, That the Selectmen be author-
ized to draw from any unappropriated money in the
Treasury, for the payment of contingent expenses.
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ART. 23. Voted, That the Board of Health of the
Town of Lexington be instructed to call the atten-
tion of the State Board of Health to the matter.
ART. 24. Voted, That the Town dispense with
the practice now in force, in relation to appraising
property at the Town Farm, and adopt measures as
recommended by the Selectmen in their report.
ART. 25. Voted, That the matter be referred to
the Selectmen.
ART. 26. Voted, That the matter be indefinitely
postponed.
ART. 27. Voted, That the matter be indefinitely
postponed.
ART. 28. Voted, That the matter be indefinitely
postponed.
ART. 29. Voted, That the matter be indefinitely
postponed.
ART. 30. Voted, That the matter be indefinitely
postponed.
ART. 31. Voted, That the matter be indefinitely
postponed.
ART. 32. Voted, That the matter be indefinitely
postponed.
ART. 33. Voted, That the matter be indefinitely
postponed.
ART. 34. Voted, That the matter be indefinitely
postponed.
Mr. Webster Smith, Chairman of the Selectmen,
made a statement in regard to the petition of certain
Cities and Towns for leave to take the waters of the
Shawsheen river; which petition is now before the
Committee on Water supply of the Legislature for
17
a hearing, and offered the following resolutions,
which were adopted by the Town:
Whereas, the cities of Boston, Chelsea, Somerville,
and the Town of Everett, have petitioned. the Legis-
lature for authority to take the waters of the Shaw -
sheen, whose source is within our limits, and one
hundred rods wide, of land along the stream; there-
fore
.resolved, We believe the granting of said petition
to be unjust in principle, unequitable in law, and
subversive of the interests of the Town.
Resolved, That we, the inhabitants of Lexington,
in Town Meeting assembled, do earnestly protest
against the granting of said. petition.
Resolved, That the Senator and Representative
from this district be instructed to use all honorable
means for its defeat.
Resolved, That the Town Clerk be instructed to
forward a copy of these Resolutions to our Senator
and Representative.
After announcing the result of the balloting as
recorded under Acts 3, 4 and 11, and after swearing
such of the newly elected officers as were present,
the Moderator declared the Meeting dissolved.
The ballots cast and the check -list used, were
sealed and endorsed in open meeting by the Modera-
tor and Town Clerk, as required by Statute.
WARRANT FOR A TOWN MEETING,
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1887.
ARTICLE 1. To choose a Moderator.
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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 appropriate the
sum of five thousand dollars, to pay a Note to the
Trustees of the Cary Library, due February 28,
1887, or authorize the Treasurer, under the direction
of the Selectmen, to renew said Note at a rate of
interest not exceeding four per cent. per annum, or
act in any manner relating to the same.
Ayr. 5. To see if the Town will make an
appropriation for the services and expenses of the
Superintendent of the Schools.
ART. G. To see what action the Town will take
in regard to making an index of the Town Records.
ART. 7. To see if the Town will rescind so much
of the action of the last Town Meeting as fixed the
pay of the Firemen.
ART. 8. To see if the Town will rescind the vote
passed June 26, 1883, accepting the report of the
Selectmen, extending Oakland Street two hundred
and fifty feet; and also so much of the report
extending Oakland Street, passed April 9, 1883, as
lies north of a stone bound, standing near an angle
in said street.
ART. 9. To hear and act upon the Report of the
Selectmen, re -locating Oakland Street, north of a stone
bound now standing at an angle on said Oakland
Street; on the petition of David W. Muzzey and
Edward P. Bliss.
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The following action was taken by the Town on
the several articles in the foregoing warrant:
ARTICLE 1. Voted, That the poll for the choice
of Moderator be kept open three minutes. On ballot
with the use of the check list, 16 votes were cast,
George W. Sampson having 11, and A. E. Scott 5;
and George W. Sampson was declared chosen as
Moderator, and was sworn by the clerk.
ART. 2. Rev. C. A. Staples, for the Committee
on the Improvement of the Common, made a final
report (see Reports of Committees, page 263) ; and
on motion of J. Buckley, Jr., it was
Voted, That the Report of the Committee be
accepted, and that its recommendations be adopted.
($150 appropriated and assessed.)
Mr. Webster Smith, chairman of the Selectmen,
moved, and it was
Voted, That the sum of four hundred (400) dol-
lars be appropriated from money now in the Treas-
ury, to supply the Poor Farm and the buildings
thereon with water.
Voted, That a committee of three be chosen to ex-
pend said money.
Voted, That the Selectmen be such committee.
ART. 3. Voted, To proceed to the election of a
Constable in place of S. W. Hendley, chosen at the
March meeting, who refuses to qualify.
Voted, That the polls remain open five minutes for
choice of Constable. On ballot by check list, sixteen
votes were cast, as follows:
Henry E. Bishop, ten votes, (10).
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Dan Mahoney, two votes, (2).
Daniel P. Mahoney, two votes, (2).
George H. Brown, two votes, (2) .
And Henry E. Bishop was declared chosen as Con-
stable. The following persons were chosen by nom-
ination at large to serve as Fence Viewers: Abbott S.
Mitchell and Walter Wellington. The following per-
sons were chosen to serve as Field Drivers: Henry
E. Bishop, Charles T. West, H. B. Davis.
ART. 4. After some discussion in regard to the
matter by Rev. C. A. Staples, Mr. Webster Smith,
Geo. E. Muzzey, and others, it was
Voted, That the Selectmen be instructed to renew
said note at the rate of interest of 6 per cent. per
annum.
ART. 5. Toted, That the sum of three hundred
and fifty dollars be appropriated and assessed for
the salary and expenses of the Superintendent of the
Public Schools for the year ensuing.
ART. 6. The Town CIerk stated the reasons for
making an index of the Town Records, from the com-
mencement in 1713 to the present time, and the plan
was endorsed by Messrs. M. H. Merriam and A. W.
Bryant, and it was
-Voted, That the sum of three hundred dollars be
appropriated, to be taken from unexpended money in
the Treasury, to pay for the indexing of the Town
Records, and that the money be expended under the
direction of the Selectmen.
ART. 7. On motion of Mr. J. F. Maynard, it was
Voted, That the action of the last Town meeting,
fixing the pay of the Firemen, be rescinded. An ef-
21
fort was then made to establish the sum to be paid
for service as firemen, but a point of order was raised
by Mr. A. E. Scott that no such action could be
taken under the Article as worded, and the point of
order was sustained by the Chair; and after some
debate, on motion of Mr. Scott, it was
Voted, That the vote to rescind the vote fixing the
pay of the Firemen, be reconsidered.
ART. 8. Considerable discussion was had upon
this Article, Mr. M. H. Merriam insisting that the
Town should take action upon that part of the Arti-
cle which relates to that portion of Oakland Street
already built, to which Mr. George S. Jackson, one
of the abuttors thereon, has made objection to any
change in that portion of the street; and the Select-
men, in view of such objection, make no report upon
that portion of said street, and it was finally, after
much debate,
Toted, That the Article be divided.
Voted, That the Town rescind the vote passed
June 26, 1883, accepting the report of the Selectmen
extending Oakland Street 250 feet.
Voted, That action on the report extending Oak-
land Street, passed April 9, 1883, be indefinitely post-
poned.
ART. 9. The Selectmen made a report changing
the location of Oakland Street opposite the house of
Mr. E. P. Bliss, (see Reports of Committees page,)
and the Town
Voted, That the report of the Selectmen on that
portion of Oakland Street, near the house of E. P.
Bliss, be accepted and adopted.
Meeting dissolved.
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WARRANT FOR A TOWN MEETING.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1887.
ARTICLE 1. To choose a Moderator.
ART. 2. To see if the Town will accept the
proposition of William A. Tower to the Selectmen,
in regard to purchasing a site for a Public Library
Building, or act in any manner relating thereto.
ART. 3. To see if the Town will adopt any meas-
ures relative to reorganizing or increasing the num-
ber of the Trustees of the Cary Library, or act in
any manner relating thereto.
Awr. 4. To see if the Town will remove the
Watering Trough now standing near the Common,
to some other location, or act in any manner relating
thereto.
The following action was taken by the Town on
the several articles in the foregoing warrant:
ARTICLE 1. On motion of Mr. L. E. Bennink, it
was
Voted, That we proceed to choose a Moderator by
ballot, and that the polls be kept open until quarter
past seven o'clock. On ballot, it was found that 19
votes had been cast, as follows:
For Augustus E. Scott, seventeen (17) ;
For John L. Norris, two (2) ;
and Augustus E. Scott was declared chosen as
Moderator, and was sworn to the faithful perform-
ance of his duties by the Clerk.
23
ART. 2. Mr. A. W. Bryant, of the Selectmen,.
read the following:
Bos mo OoT. 13, 1887..
To the Selectmen of Lexington, Mass.:
"GENTLEMEN In common with other citizens,
" it has for some time seemed to me important that
" our Town should have a building which would be a
" safe and convenient depository for the valuable
" `Cary Library,' and a structure ornamental to the
" Town. In accordance with this sentiment, I desire
" to make the following proposition:
"If the Town will give the estate on the corner
" of Main and Clark Streets, owned by Mr. Phillips,
" say about one hundred feet on Main Street, and
" running back on Clark Street not less than two
" hundred feet, with the buildings thereon, and the
" lot of land on which Mr. Saville's store stands, say
" fifty feet on. Main Street, and running back not
"less than two hundred feet; provided that the pro-
perty can be purchased by a committee selected by
" the Town at a price which in their opinion is
" reasonable, to be used as a site for a Library
" Building, the store above the foundation to be
" removed from the premises, and full possession
" given me of the entire lot, including the buildings
" on the Philips lot, on or before the first day of
" April next, I will erect on the site, during the ensu-
" ing year, a Library Building of brick with stone trirn-
"mings, which shall have accommodations sufficiently
" ample for not less than twenty thousand volumes,
" also Reading, Trustees', and Librarians' rooms, the
24
"plans for which shall be submitted to a Committee
" chosen by the Town for approval, and be satis-
" factory to a majority of said Committee.
Respectfully,
WILLIAM A. TOWER.
Mr. Cornelius Wellington moved, and the Town
unanimously
Voted.., That the Town accept the offer of Col.
William A. Tower, on the conditions named in his
communication, and that a Committee of five be
appointed by the Chair• to purchase the site required,
or such other site as may be satisfactory to Mr.
Tower, at a price not to exceed twelve thousand
dollars, and to eo-operate with him in the erection of
the building.
The above vote was received with great applause,
and Rev. C. A. Staples after a few pertinent remarks,
read the following:
Cary Farm, Lexington, Mass.,
October 13, 1887.
Rev. C. A. Staples
"DEAR SIR,— As chairman of the Trustees of
" Cary Library, I feel that I must make to you some
"expression of my personal and profoundly grateful
" appreciation of Mr. Tower's noble offer. In this
" connection also, let me , express the desire and
" intention of the heirs of the Cary Estate to still
▪ further benefit the Town, by a formal presentations,
• through yon, at the meeting to -night, of a site for
25
" the new building to contain the Library founded by
" my mother, the site to be chosen by a Committee
" selected for the purpose, not to exceed in value ten
" thousand dollars, and subject to the approval of
" Mr. Tower. Hoping this may find acceptance with
"those who have the interests of the Town at heart,
I remain
Very truly yours,
ALICE BUTLER CARY.
The communication was received with great ap-
plause and cheers, and when quiet had been restored,
Rev. C. A. Staples read the following resolution,
which was adopted without a dissenting voice:
" We, the legal voters of Lexington, in Town Meet-
ing assembled, hereby place upon record our sense of
the munificent offer of Col. William A. Tower, our
fellow -citizen, to present a spacious, elegant, and
substantial building to the Town for " Cary Library,"
and hereby tender him our sincere thanks for the
generous and noble purpose.
" We would also express our acknowledgment to
the heirs of the Cary Estate for their generous pro-
posal to donate a site for the Library Building, to be
selected by a Committee of the Town acting in con-
nection with Col. Tower. And we heartily rejoice
that thus a name, endeared to Lexington by deeds
that have greatly benefitted her people, will have
another claim upon the grateful remembrance of
posterity."
The Town Clerk is directed to spread this minute
26
upon the records, and transmit a copy of the same
to Col. Tower and Miss Alice B. Cary.
The Moderator appointed as the Committee called
for in the foregoing vote, and mentioned in the com-
munications of Col. Tower and Miss Cary, the follow-
ing: Rev. Carlton A. Staples, Dr. Robert M. Law-
rence, Mr. Matthew H. Merriam, Charles A. Well-
ington and Leonard A. Saville. Mr. Merriam moved
to add the name of IIon. Augustus E. Scott, which
was voted by the Town.
Rev. C. A. Staples moved, and the Town
Voted, That the Coinmittee appointed to co-oper-
ate in the erection of the Library Building, be
instructed to place, at the expense of the Town, in
some position within the building, such a tablet as
the architect of the Library Building may deem
suitable, with the following inscription, viz:
" This Library was founded in the year 1868, by
Mrs. Maria Hastings Cary, widow of William Harris
Cary, born in Lexington March 1, 1801; died in
Brooklyn, N.Y., Oct. 31, 1881, out of regard for her
native place, and wishing to promote its welfare by
diffusing knowledge among its inhabitants.
" The grounds upon which it stands were donated
to the Town by the heirs of the Cary Estate in
grateful and loving remembrance.
" The building itself was erected in the year 1888,
by the munificence of Col. William A. Tower, .from
s he desire that the Town 'may be benefitted by his
having lived in it.'
" This tablet is placed here by order of the Town,
27
as some expression of gratitude for these noble gifts,
and the hope that they must greatly benefit its
people."
ART. 3. The Moderator vacated the chair, and
made an explanation of the reasons for desiring a
change in Trustees of the Cary Library, and the
Town
Voted, That a Committee of three be appointed by
the Chairman to take into consideration the reorgan-
izing, or increasing the number, of the Trustees of
the Cary Library, and report at the March meeting.
The following were appointed as such Committee :
Geo. O. Davis, Geo. E. Muzzey, William H. Munroe.
On motion of Mr. Cornelius Wellington, it was
Voted, That Augustus E. Scott be added to the
Committee.
ART. 4. Mr. Cornelius Wellington moved, that
the watering -trough, now standing at the junction of
Main and Monument Streets, be removed to the side
of Main Street, opposite Muzzey Street. Some dis-
cussion ensued, and finally, on motion of Mr. L. E.
Bennink, it was
Voted, That the matter be indefinitely postponed.
Meeting dissolved.
WARRANT FOR A TOWN MEETING,
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1887.
ARTICLE 1. To choose a Moderator.
ART. 2. To hear the Report of any Committee
that may be ready to report, and act thereon.
28
ART. 3. To see if the Town will accept from Dr.
Parker Renison the gift of a piece of land for the
purpose of improving Main Street, opposite the es-
tate of the late Charles Nunn, or act in any manner
relating thereto.
ART. 4. To see if the Town will make an addi-
tional appropriation for Highway expenses.
ART. 5. To see if the Town will accept the Re-
port of the Selectmen in laying out a town -way, upon
the petition of Edwin S. Spaulding and others.
ART. 6. To see if the Town will accept the water
hydrant Located on Mt. Vernon Street.
ART. 7. To see if the Town will make an appro-
priation to renew the insurance on the Town Hall
and contents, which expires in November, 1887.
The following action was taken by the Town on
the several Articles in the foregoing warrant:
ARTICLE 1. Mr. L. E. Bennink moved, that
Augustus E. Scott be chosen Moderator by acclama-
tion, and it was so voted.
ART. 2. No committee being ready to report, the
Article was passed over.
ART. 3. Voted, That the Town accept the gift of
a piece of land from Dr. Renison, for the purpose of
improving Main Street opposite the house of the late
Charles Nunn; also that the Town Clerk inform Dr.
Renison that the Town appreciates his generous offer,
and accepts the same with pleasure.
ART. 4. Mr. Webster Smith made a statement
that if the weather continues pleasant and open, that
29
more money could be expended on the Highways
with profit, and the Town
Voted, That the sum of five hundred (500) dollars
be appropriated for Highways, to be taken from any
unexpended money in the Treasury.
ART. 5. The Selectmen of the Town of Lexing-
ton, having complied with the requirements of the
law in relation to notifying the owners of land over
which we were petitioned to lay out a Town -way,
upon the petition of Edwin S. Spaulding and others,
have laid out a Town -way as follows:
Beginning at a monument on the southerly side of
Main Street, at land of the heirs of John Blodgett
and heirs of P. P. Pierce, thence through said heirs'
land in a westerly direction 450 feet to a stone mon-
ument at the corner of Tower Street, so called, the
said Town -way to be 50 feet in width. Our recom-
mendation for the acceptance of this Town -way are
as follows: As the said way is already laid out 50
feet in width, and substantially graded with ample
side -walks, so that no expense to the Town will be
required; also whenever the owners of the land
through which said Town -way passes release all in-
terest or claim for damages, then the way thenceafter
become a Town -way. And. your Selectmen respect-
fully report said Town -way to the Town for its ac-
ceptance.
WEBSTER SMITH, Selectmen
ALBERT W. BRYANT, of
CHARLES T. WEST, Lexington.
Lexington, November 8, 1887.
30
Voted, That the foregoing report be accepted.
ART. 6. Voted, That the Selectmen be instructed
to accept and pay for said hydrant on Mt. Vernon
Street, on condition that, when, in the judgment of
those whose duty it is to locate hydrants, they shall
deem it for the best interests of the Town that said
hydrant be removed to some other locality on said
street, it shall be removed, and the expenses of said
removal shall be borne by the Water Company.
ART. 7. Voted, That the sum of nine hundred and
twenty-five (925) dollars be appropriated for the pur-
pose of renewing the insurance on the Town Hall
and contents, and that the money be taken from
funds in the Treasury, if there should be sufficient;
if not, that the Treasurer be authorized to borrow the
money in anticipation of the taxes for the ensuing
year, to be paid directly from the proceeds of said
taxes.
Meeting for Town business declared dissolved.
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN, SUR-
VEYORS OF IIIGHWAYS, AND
OVERSEERS OF POOR.
Ix the issuing of the Annual Town Report for the
year ending January 31, 1888, your Selectmen feel
assured that the necessity for any extended remarks
in regard.to the prosperity of the Town is not needed;
for the unexampled activity that has been manifested
by the erection of a larger number of costly dwellings
than ever before in one year, also the very many im-
provements in grading, ornamenting and beautifying
in various ways, as tastes or inclination has prompted,
and to which also can be added a future bright with
promise, are sufficient proof.
A net gain of nearly one hundred thousand dollars
has been added to the taxable property; a reduction
in the rate of taxation from $14.00 per thousand to
$11.50 per thousand, and a continuation of the de-
crease of the Town debt, that has been steadily pur-
sued for the past decade, from $59,SU0 to $36,750;
and furthermore, with the Treasury well supplied
with means to meet the financial demands as they
may be presented; in short, with every department of
the Town's affairs in a sound and satisfactory condi-
tion: all this it would seem might satisfy the wishes
of the most exacting.
32
Notwithstanding the above gratifying portrayal,
there are some suggestions made in some of the fol-
lowing Reports that require more or less thought,
and to which your attention is called. It is not a
wonder that in raising the sum of $35,000 by taxa-
tion, and distributing it into the many avenues that
are opened by meeting the current expenses of a year,
that a diversity of opinions would be heard in the
form of criticisms. All this is well if the criticisms
are not actuated by selfish motives, rather than
the public good.
TOWN TREASURER.
In compliance with the vote of the Town, the
Treasurer's Books and Accounts have received quar-
terly examinations, and have been properly kept, with
vouchers for all expenditures.
GUIDE BOARDS.
The law requires the Selectmen to make an annual
report of the condition of the Guide Boards in Town.
In conforming to this requirement it will be a repeti-
tion of what is usually said, that is, that repairs have
been made where necessary, and the damage com-
mitted was about the same as in previous years.
STREET LIGHTS.
The increasing number of Street Lights will re-
quire a larger appropriation. The breaking of the
33
glass in the lanterns is so frequent an occurrence that
the cost for repairs the past year was nearly $30.00.
TOWN BUILDINGS.
The Town Buildings have received such attention
as their demands required. At the present time there
seems to be only a small expenditure required to keep
them in order.
BOARD OF REALM.
The past year has proved to be an exceptional one
in regard to the many cases reported. to the Board.
Between 30 or 40 reports have been received, of this
number 30 were Scarlet Fever. Our experience con-
firms the theory as put forth by the medical frater-
nity and the State Board of Health, which is, that
no conclusive cause can be assigned for its preva-
lence. In nearly every instance where a case has
been reported and we have examined the premises,
cleanliness in and around the buildings appeared to be
the rule, rather than the exception; therefore, the
causes and preventives of Scarlet Fever must remain
unanswered until " doctors agree." Two cases of
Typhoid Fever were reported, one of which occurred
in a building that had previously been reported as
containing a nuisance, which nuisance, by an order
of notice from the Board, had been abated. The
other case was contracted outside the Town limits.
A willingness has, in every instance, been manifested
to heed advice, and unite with the Board in such
efforts as were deemed advisable.
34
POLICE.
The reports of the Police Officers show their
duties to have been as follows:
Whole number of arrests, 36. For drunkenness,
13; assault and battery, 7; disturbing the peace, 4;
fornication, 2; insanity, 1; liquor seizures, 2; larceny,
2; assault with intent to rob, 1; simple assault, 1;
vagrancy, 1; forgery, 1; peddling fruit without a
license, 1; 3 disturbances quelled; 5 assisted home;
6 cases investigated but not prosecuted. Amount of
fines imposed, $159.31; amount of fines paid, $144.26.
Property reported lost and recovered, $37.00. Tramps
lodged during the year, 167.
It will be observed by the above report, that there
has been one more arrest the past year than the one
previous, and of the arrests, 13 were for drunkenness,
an increase of 7 since the last report. It does not
necessarily follow that this increase is attributable to
liquor -selling in Town; for the railway employees on
the trains can testify to what passes under their
observation almost daily. In this connection we will
allude to two petitions that have been received, call-
ing our attention to violations of the law in regard
to liquor -selling in Town. One of the petitions con-
tained this statement, " that every citizen in Town
knew that liquor was sold," and not in a single
instance has a petitioner, when asked to confirm this
statement, but replied, " such was the report."
The Selectmen gave instructions, before receiving
the petitions, to the Police Officers, to watch, and
35
detect if possible, any and all who were violating the
law, and in securing evidence be careful and select
that which was reliable, so that conviction would
ensue.
ALMSHOUSE.
Very little need be said in regard to the Alms-
house, as its management has been under the super-
vision of Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. White, who have
maintained their previous satisfactory record. The
inmates have that sympathy and care that their
unfortunate condition has required.
The number of inmates during the year was 11,
present number 7; these are all aged, but are able to
attend to their wants, with but two exceptions, one
being bedridden, the other insane. No deaths have
occurred, and but a small amount of sickness.
The property, in doors and out, was found by
personal inspection to have been well cared for and
used with discretion.
The judicious improvements made upon the land
are fully shown by the increased products. All the
buildings being newly shingled and otherwise re-
paired the past year, only a small expenditure will be
necessary for some time.
An appropriation was made at the annual meeting
for the purpose of furnishing a constant supply of
water, a deprivation experienced for many years; the
past season was so wet that it not only furnished a
supply, but rendered it impracticable to dig a well,
with any assurance of securing a continuous supply.
36
OUTSIDE Ain.
The aid solicited outside the Almshouse proves to
be a constant and increasing source of care, the fre-
quency of appeals for assistance, not always worthy,
requires not only discrimination, but the closest
investigation. The many intricate questions that are
involved in proving or maintaining a settlement,
make a demand for much time and research.
The amount paid for support of poor,
Less received from income of farm,
Amount paid for outside aid,
Less outside aid refunded,
Appropriations,
Cost of support at the Almshouse
. . $2,473.20
766.00
761.11
60.01
2,000.00
1,216.09
Number of weeks' board furnished, including Super-
intendent's family, 476; cost per week in cash,
$2.55 1-2. A balance of $82.80 remains in the
Treasury.
An appropriation of $2,000 is recommended fbr
the support of the department the ensuing year.
SCHEDULE OP PROPERTY AT THE ALMSHOUSE,
FEBRUARY 1, 1888.
1 mowing machine, $40 ; 3 scythes & snaths, $1.50, $41.50
2 ploughs, $8 ; 2 cultivators, $7, 15 00
38 fowls, $28.50 ; grindstone, $10 ; lot of barrels, $1, 39.50
1 bench and vise, $7 ; 2 hogs, $28.00, 35 00
30 cords of manure, $210; 1 horse cart, $25, . . 235.00
. 37
1 grain chest and grain, $6 ; lot of tools, $8, . . .
2 chains, $2 ; forks, shovels, hoes and old iron, $8,
1 set of double harness, $20 ; set of lead reins, $2, .
1 express harness, $40 ; 1 light harness, $9, . .
12 tons hay, $240 ; ropes and bags, $2, . . . .
2 blankets, $4 ; forks and rakes, $2,
14.00
10.00
22.00
49.00
242.00
6 00
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 ; wheelbar-
row, $3, 73 00
1 double -runner sled, $50 ; set of eveners, $5, . .
4 whiftletree chains, $4 ; harrow and chain, $2, . .
1 hay wagon, $25 ; manure wagon, $40, . . . .
1 wheeljack, $1.50 ; cart harness, $10, . . . .
14 cords of wood, $48 ; stoves in lockup, $4, . .
8 tons coal, $56 ; wood in shed, $15 ; saws and axes,
$2,
Contents of wash -room,
Contents of Room No. 1,
Contents of Room No. 2,
Contents of Room No. 3,
Contents of Room No. 4,
Contents of Room No. 5,
Contents of Room No. 6,
Contents of Rooin No. 7,
Contents of Room No. 8,
Contents of Room No. 9,
Contents of Room No. 10,
Contents of Room No. 11,
Contents of Room No. 12,
Contents of Room No. 13,
Contents of Room No. 14,
Contents of Room No. 15,
Contents of Room No. 16,
55.00
6.00
65.00
11.50
52.00
73 00
8 00
65 00
77 00
10 00
10 00
15 00
38.00
12 00
30 00
25 00
15 00
10 00
1200
tri 00
18 00
8 00
18 00
38
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 ; Lower Hall, mat-
ting, $7, 22 00
Contents of crockery closet, $10; contents of pan-
try, $35, 45 00
70 bushels potatoes, $56 ; 20 bbls. apples, $50, . . 106.00
Lot of vegetables, $15 ; screens and flour bbls., $5, 20.00
3 bbls. cider, $15 ; 1 bbl. vinegar, $6, 21.00
200 lbs. salt pork, $20 ; 120 lbs. hams and shoul-
ders, $15, 35 00
25 galls. oil, $2.50 ; 3 oil bbls., 3 pork bbls., $7.50,
3 casks, $2 ; 24 jars preserves, $6 ; 3 dozen jars, $3,
4 galls. pickles, $1 ; 20 lbs. lard, $2,
6 stone jars, $3; wash boiler, storm windows, $8, .
HIGHWAYS.
10.00
11.00
3 00
11.00
$2,082.50
The work performed on the roads the past season
has been greater than previous years, by the pur-
chase of another horse, and the employment of more
men. In making repairs, those of the greatest neces-
sity were attended to first. Owing to the large
territory which our roads contain, there must be
occasional inconveniences experienced before all can
be put in order. Every rod of the roads in Town
has received more or less repairs, as was needed.
An appropriation of $350 was made for the pur-
pose of draining around the Common. The plan at
first that appeared most feasible, was, upon examina-
tion, found to be utterly impracticable; but by redue-
39
ing the grade on Bedford Street and other places,
near the Common, a much better and surer method
would be obtained. This could be done far more
economically by connecting the work of' draining
with the highway repairing; for while reducing the
several grades, the material thus obtained could be
advantageously used in grading other streets. In
carrying out this plan, a division of the expense for
the amount of work performed could not be defin-
itely apportioned. Consequently, the appropriation
for the Drainage was transferred to the appropriation
for Highways.
The Expenditures of the Department for the year
were, $4,363.80.
The Receipts were, appropriations, $3,500.00 ;
balance from last year, $532.67; appropriation for
Drainage, X350.00, transferred to Highways; leaving
an unexpended balance of $18.87.
The property of the Highway Department has
been examined, and found to be in a satisfactory
condition. A schedule of the same is herewith
connected.
PROPERTY BELONGING TO THE HIGHWAY DEPART-
MENT, JANUARY 31, 1888.
1 road machine, $140 ; 3 snow plows, $35, . $175.00
1 evener, whiffletrees, and drag, 5.00
3 carts, $150 ; wagon, $20 ; 24 shovels, $12 . 182.00
12 picks, $6; hoes, rakes, and forks, $5, . . 11.00
1 tool chest, stone hammers, and drills, . 16.00
Amount carried forward,
$389.00
40
Amount brought forward,
3 chain harnesses and Names, *12,
Collars, bridles, and reins,
1 express harness, $10; set of double harness, $55,
4 blankets, $15 ; powder can and fuse, $2.75, .
1 grain cheat, wrenches, pails and can, feed bags,
4 horses, $800 ; 8 bushels grain, $5,
1 plow, $8 ; 2 bush scythes, $2; 4 iron bars, $4,
4 stall blankets, $6; 3 cart saddles, $30, .
Respectfully submitted,
$389.00
12.00
15.00
65.00
17.75
6.00
805.00
14.00
36.00
$1,359.75
WEBSTER SMITH.
ALBERT W. BRYAN T.
CHARLES T. WEST.
Selectmen, Board of Health, Surveyors of Highways
and Overseers of Poor.
Lexington, January 31, 1888.
41
TAX COLLECTOR'S REPORT.
TAXES FOR 1886.
Amount uncollected Feb. I, 1887. .
Amount collected, $476 63
Amount abated by Assessors,
TAXES FOR 1886.
Amount uncollected Feb. 1, 1887,
Amount collected,
Amount abated by Assessors,
7 13
8483 76
$483 76 $483 76
84,866 88
558 25
85,424 63
TAXES FOR 1887.
Tax list,
Amount collected, 830,721 34
Amount abated, 73 78
Amount allowed for prompt payment, 377 35
Amount uncollected, 4,711 21
$5,424 63
$5,424 63
$35,883 68
835,883 68 835,883 68
E. S. SPAULDING, Tax Collector.
Laxixerox, Jan. 31, 1888.
42
TOWN TREASURER'S REPORT.
RECEIPTS.
Cash on hand, February 1, 1887,
Schools,
Highways,
State Aid,
Cemetery,
Pauper,
Fire Department, . .
County Treasurer, Dog Money,
Gammell Legacy, .
Interest, .
Taxes for 1885, .
Taxes for 1886, .
Taxes for 1887, .
Temporary Loans,
Contingent, . .
Reading Room, E. Lexington,
Concrete Walks, . .
EXPENDITURES.
Salop's,
Highways,
State Aid,
Printing,
Gemetery,
Librarian,
$1,316
233
350
324
331
826
22
488
35
283
476
4,866
80,721
8,500
6,304
11
240
25
14
00
00
00
00
64
70
00
68
63
38
34
00
72
92
46
855,331 86
▪ 810,250 02
▪ 4,363 80
327 00
274 40
260 51
400 00
Amount carried forward, . 815,875 73
43
Amount brought forward, .
Fuel and Light for Town and Village Halla,
School Superintendent, .
Street Lights, .
Reading Room, E. Lexington,
Registrars of Voters,
Selectmen, .
Paupers,
Fire Department, .
Outside Aid, .
Cary Library, Dog Money,
Gammell Legacy .
Interest, .
Auditors, .
Janitors, Town and Village Hall, .
Special Grant for 19th April,
Constable and Police,
Removing Snow, .
Temporary Loans, .
Fire Hose, . .
Ringing Bells,
New Streets, near Bloomfield Street,
Hydrants, .
Contingent, .
Assessors, .
School Committee,
Decoration Day,
Extension of Oakland Street,
Care of Common,
Treasurer and Collector,
Town Debt,
State Tax, .
County Tax,
Concrete Walks,
Town Clerk, .
Treasurer Cary Library,
Amount curried forward,
$15,875 73
372 30
835 00
1,672 79
306 92
100 00
800 00
1,982 09
858 29
761 11
488 70
56 99
2,019 67
45 00
475 04
100 00
1,920 50
42 29
8,500 00
570 00
70 00
150 70
1,519 30
2,958 62
425 00
300 00
105 75
200 00
162 98
600 00
2,600 00
3,532 50
1,651 8.4
615 91
100 00
50 00
$52,325 02
44
Amount brought forward, .
Repairing Buildings at Poor Farm,
Draining around Common, . .
Cash on hand, Jan. 31, 1888,
• $52,32a 02
310 79
350 00
2,346 05
$55,331 86
E. S. SPAULDING, Town Treasurer.
LExmorox, Jan. 31, 1888.
STATEMENT OF TOWN DEBT.
JANUARY 31, 1888.
DATE. TO WHOM. WHEN DUE. AMOUNT. INTEREST.
Sept. 1, 1885, State Treasurer, Dec. 1, 1888, $2,600 4 pr. et.
" 1889, 2,600 "
1890, 2,600
1891, 2,600
1892, 2,600
1893, 2,600
1894, 2,600
1895, 2,600
:L
.1
.4
41
:L
c1
1887.
Feb. 28, Treasurer Cary Library, Feb. 28, 1892, 5,000, 6 pr. et.
1883.
Mar. 31, Treasurer Cary Library, Mar. 31, 1893, 6,000, 6 pr. ct.
Apr. 8, 1881, Treasurer Bridge Fund, Demand, 2,000, 6 pr. et.
July 23, 1874, Gammell Legacy, Trust Fund, 500, 7 pr. et.
Cemetery Trust Fund, 2,450, 6 pr. et.
Total, $36,750 00
E. S. SPAULDING, Town Treasurer.
46
REPORT OF TREASURER FOR THE
TRUSTEES OF CEMETERY
TRUST FUND.
Total amount of fund Jau. 1, 1888,
Balance unexpended, Jan. 1, 1887, .
John Winning, Heirs, Lot 47, .
Eliab Brown, << 27, . -
Isaac B. Smith,
Mrs. O. A. Dodge, " 30,
Nathan Fessenden, " 73,
Charles Hudson,
Marshall H. Locke,
Mrs. A. Buttriek, " I05,
Almira Chandler, 92,
Adline R. Parker,
• 69,
▪ 16,
44 37,
John P. Reed,
Phillip Russell,
Cairn Robbins, Cemetery E. Lexington,
J. B. Simonds Lot, Old Cemetery, .
Mary Wells Merrell, " " . .
Balance unexpended Jan. 1, 1888, . .
$2,450 00
RECEIPT$. PAYMENTS.
$274 31
18 00 $17 00
9 00 800
6 00 4 50
6 00 3 00
9 00 6 00
9 00 7 00
6 00 5 00
12 00 7 00
6 00 5 00
6 00 5 00
6 00 5 00
6 00 4 00
18 00 56 50
24 00 16 00
6 00 500
267 31
$421 31 $421 31
L. W. WRIGHT, Treasurer.
47
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT.
BIRTHS.
Whole number of births in 1887, 44. Males, 28 ; Femmes, 16 ;
Parents native born, 17 ; Parents foreign born, 14 ; Parents native
and foreign born, 13.
MARRIAGES.
Number of marriages registered in Lexington for the year 1887,
33. Males native born, 25 ; males foreign born, 8 ; females
native born, 19 ; females foreign born, 14.
DATIC.
NAMES.
RESIDENCES.
1887.
January 1, . . James A. King,
Ellen McGinty, . .
January 6, . . Christopher Johnson,
Alice Castello,
January 13, Holmes Hinkley,
Susan H. Stearns,
February 23,
Herbert Ainsworth Tuttle, .
Annie Richardson Wilkins, .
February 23, . William M. Cameron,
Annie Ledrew,
April 11,
May 4, . . Fred C. Saville,
May 21, .
May 21,. .
Legington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Boston.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Woburn.
Lexington.
Florian D. Record, . . . . Salem.
Kate T. Moakley, . . . Lexington.
Lexington.
May Agnes Meleney, . . Lexington.
Wallace F. Hendley, . . Lexington.
Cordelia E. Cochran, . . . Lexington.
Walter H. Park, Lexington.
Lowell.
Margarette Madden,
DATE.
1887.
June 8, . . .
June 15,
June 22,
June 22, . .
July 20, . . .
August 14, .
August 16, .
August 17, .
August 17, . .
August 25, . .
September 7, ,
September 14, .
September 14, .
September 22, .
NAMES.
Nathaniel Nunn,
Stella Louise Chase, .
Henlock Ford Price,
Mary Ellen Archibald, .
Peter T. Gillooly,
Nellie E. Gilbert, .
William B. Mullen,
Sarah Ryan,
John A. Patterson,
Catherine Donohue,
James O'Connell,
Bridget Devine, .
Erastus J. Cummings,
Minnie J. Wright, .
Harry S. Buswell, .
Fannie W. Lincoln, .
RESIDENCES.
Lexington.
Nantucket.
Parsboro, N. S.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Westfield, Vt.
Cambridgeport.
Lexington.
Boston.
Boston.
Cambridgeport.
Lexington.
. Arlington.
Arlington.
Stoneham.
Stoneham.
James Bernard Carnernay, . . Lexington.
Ellen Theresa Connor, . . . Waltham.
Frederic C. Jones,
Ella R. Howe,
Thomas Purcell,
Annie Lieannan,
Timothy H. O'Connor,
Annie M. Burke,
Charles J. Ray,
Nora McDonald,
Lexington.
Lexington.
Arlington.
Somerville.
. Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
George .H. Streeter, .
Alice A. Wright,
Boston.
Lexington.
49
DATE.
NAMES.
RESIDENCES.
1887.
October 12,
October 17,
October 29,
November 1,
November 12, .
November 16, .
November 17, .
November 19, .
November 23, .
December 22,
Charles Hall Pitts,
Meta Telfair Wilson,
Enoch Anson More,
Caroline Augusta Bacon,
John D. Bacon,
Clementina H. Flanders,
Frederick W. Brothers, .
Josephine H. Scott, . ,
James A. Wilson, .
Maggie Chambers, ,
James C. Wetmore,
Catherine E. Berry,
Alonzo Everett Locke,
Alice Hastings Butters,
Michael Ahern, Jr., .
Nellie Cavanagh,
John B. Thomas,
Francis S. Gookin,
Arthur Lewis Bryant,
Mary Alice Clarkson, .
•
•
•
•
•
•
Baltimore, Md.
Lexington.
Denver, Col.
Lexington.
Lex ington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Arlington.
Lexington.
Boston.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Cheyenne, Wyo.
Lexington.
Lexington.
West Medford.
50
DEATHS.
Recorded in Lexington, from Jan. 1, 1887, to Jan. 1, 1888.
DATE.
,far.
July
AGE.
NAME.ti
.
DISEASE.
BIRTHPLACE.
1887.
y
X
A
Ian. 8
Augasta H. Winter
51
- ....
Consumption
Framingham.
24
Henry 11. Brigham.
68
6 ....
Hepatis ......
Boston.
' 24
Albert Richardson,.
Hammond
69
8 •
Die.of head $h'rt
Wobnrn.
" 27
.... 3
Marasmus
Lexington.
..........
Charles A. Head,..,
'ab. 7
1
9 18
Pneumonia
Lexington.
6 James King
8 Fannie Keefe
40
6 ....
. •
Peretonitls.
Insanity.....,•....
Lexington.•'
Ireland.
17
Charles H. Nye
33
9 17
Phthisis put
Boston.
18
Jane M. Bruce
5t
1 26
Insanity ......• • • •
Nova Scotia.
p 23
Marg S. Houghton
41
11 .,.•
Pneumonia
Bedford.
Ipril 26
Esther 81. Webber
40
a ----
Cancer of spine..
Lexington.
day 28
Frederick O.Brown
33
9 ....
Phthief a
Lexington.
lune 2
William Monahan
9 18
Tuberculosis......
Boeton.
' 13
Nichola Locke
77
S 24
Paralysis ........
I.exinput.
•' 15
Henry S. Pane.........
3 ....
Imperfect nu'tlon
Lexington.
' 22
George Munroe
65
3 29
Heart disease....
Lexington.
d. 22
Patrick Fitzpatrick
79
3 5
Ohl age ...... .....
Ireland.
1
Suean L. Burnham
78
1 5
Itright's dis
Glnneester.
" 2
Ralph 13urbang....... ... .
50
........
Sunstroke
Unknown.
5
Catherine Gorman
55
•
Dysentery
Ireland.
• 25
Asa Cottrell
61
7 8
Hepatic cancer....
Freehold, N. J.
28
Mary Ham
........
Dya.&13ri ht's die
Cornwall, Fang.
Lug. 10
Mic[mei O'Brien
73
.,.. ,...
Hemiplegia
Ireland.
' 11
Mxlerlck McKinnon..,... 36
........
Unknown
Canada.
" 10
F. W. A. Rankin.......... 80
•.•.... •
Dysentery
Germany.
" 19
Ly�tia Kenleton 81
8 9
Dropsy .....
Unknown.
" 29
Michael Montague.........
6 14
Cliolerainfanturn.
Lexington.
' 20
Sarah A. Mitchell•. 02
9 ....
Tumor .
Chester, Vt.
" 21
Lucy B. Spaulding 87
11 10
Pary'1 le old age..
Chelmsford.
" 23
Jeremiah Crowley 64
•0 • • • •
Heart disease
Ireland.
Michael Buckley 1
....
Cholera infantum•
Lexington.
Sept. 39
Sarah II. Harlington 77
....
Diffuse sclerosis.,
Newbaryport.
?ct. 10
Ann Jones 79
7 .
Paralysis
Salem.
" 14
Alonzo Murton............ 7
0 23
Scarlet fever...,,,
Lexington.
dor. 2
..8
Mary Whalen............ 68
Loring S. Pierce.......... 70
........
8 7
DM age
Heartdisease
Ireland.
Lexington.
25
Elides Seaverns...... ..... 60
.... , ...
Old age
Luningburg, Vt
Dec. 5
Samuel Wheelwright..... 80
• ••
Eel. o1 p'tate gl'eL
B081011.
'• 8
Timothy Donovan..,..... 1
7 18
Pneumonia.
Lexington.
• 20
Jennie $• Crowe.......... 28
5 ....
Nova Scotia.
•'20
Andrew Coyle. ...... •.... 07
........I Apoplexy
Ireland.
Whole number of deaths 41
Number of Males
Number of Females
26
15
—41
Native born 28
Foreign born 13
—41
Number over 60 years of age 20
Number under 10 years of age 9
ACCOUNT OF TOWN HISTORES AND HISTORIES OF
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
Number of Town Histories on hand Jan. 31, 1887, . . . 134
Number sold during the year, 4
Number donated during the year, 1
5
Number on hand Jan. 31, 1888, 129
including 16 bound copies, and 23 copies in sheets in hands of
Lee & Shepard, Boston.
Number of Histories of the Centennial Celebration, on
hand Jan. 31, 1887,
Number sold and donated during the year,
Number on hard Jan. 31, 1888,
188
2
186
DOGS.
Licensed in Lexington, from Dec. 1, 1886, to Dee. 1, 1887.
Whole number licensed, 297
Males,
Females,
250
47
297
Amount returned County Treasurer, June 4, 1887, $262 80
Amount returned County Treasurer, Dec. 7, 1887, 412 80
$675 60
LIST OF JURORS ACCEPTED BY THE TOWN,
March 7, 1887.
Franklin Alderman, I Albert N. Tufts,*
John D. Bacon, I Charles Putnam,
Francis E. Ballard, Theodore J. Parker,
Frank V. Butters,* John Morton Reed,*
William B. Foster, Moses H. Roberts,
John F. Hutchinson, Abram B. Smith,*
George H. Jackson,* George T. Smith,
Timothy Kinneen,* Gershom Swan,*
Amos W. Locke," Elijah A. Shaw,
Everett S. Locke, Edwin S. Spaulding,*
Matthew H. Merriam, 1 David A. Tuttle,*
George E. Money, George G. Wellington,
William J. Neville, John H. Willard,*
Thomas J. O'Brien, 1 Willard C. Pierce.
*Drawn from March 7, 1887, to Feb. 15, 1888.
Respectfully submitted,
LEONARD A. SAVILLE, Toum Clerk.
52
FIRE ENGINEERS' REPORT.
The Engineers respectfully submit the following
Report for the year ending January 3lst, 1888:
FIRES.
The Department has been called out seven times,
as follows:
April 12. Grass near J. J. Comley.
April 13. Brush on land of A. E. Scott.
April 19. False alarm, midnight.
April 27. House of Mrs. E. B. Lane.
May 4. Barn owned by H. D. Esterbrook, occu-
pied by John Preeper, destroyed.
June 19. Woods owned by Geo. Monroe and
others, on Lowell and Woburn Streets.
June 29. Alarm caused by bonfire near Bloom-
field Street.
APPARATUS.
At the Hancock House, hose wagon carrying
twelve hundred feet cotton hose and six charges of
chemicals. Ladder truck with ladders, fire hooks,
etc. Chemical engine carrying six charges of. chem-
icals.
At the Adams House, hose carriage, nine hundred
feet cotton hose. Chemical engine carrying six
charges of chemicals.
53
All the Apparatus is in good condition. One
thousand feet of cotton hose and two pipes, were
purchased with the special appropriation.
A plan showing the location of the hydrants has
been placed in the Hancock House.
LL BE YE READY I "
We think it would be wise for the Town to
instruct the Selectmen to confer with the water com-
pany in regard to having a man at the Pumping
Station night and day, and that a telephone commu-
nication be maintained between the Town and the
Pumping Station, that in case of a fire in either
village, the alarm will be sounded in both villages
and at the Pumping Station at the same time, that
the whole Department may be called out at the same
time, and know just what is wanted, and the location
of the fire, that the man at the Pumping Station
may give the pump -pressure which is necessary as a
fire protection in many parts of the Town.
. Harmony and good discipline have been maintained
throughout the Department.
WM. B. FOSTER, Engineers
E. J. B. NOUKSE, of.
WILLARD WALCOTT, Lexington.
54
ASSESSORS' REPORT.
Valuation May 1, 1888.
RESIDENT. NON-RF.SIDENT. TOTAL.
Real Estate, $2,144,192 $208,838 $2,353,030•
Personal Estate, 573,156 62,482 635,638
$2,988,668
Gain in Real Estate, $85,790; Gain in Personal Estate, $12,837;
Net Gain, 898,627.
Amount of Tax List committed to Collector:
County Tax,
State Tax,
Town Grants,
Overlayings,
Rate of Taxation per Thousand,
Number of Polls,
$1,651
4,532
30,650
149
84
50
00
34
885,983 68
L4 Dwelling Houses,
L4
LL
is
Lc
Poll Taxes,
Horses,
Cows,
Swine,
Sheep,
Other Neat Cattle,
Resident Real Estate Tax, .
Non -Resident Real Estate Tax,
Resident Personal State Tax,
Non -Resident Personal State Tax,
$11 50
807
559
502
1,172
252
16
104
$1,614 00
24,658 21
2,401 63
6,591 29
718 55
$35,983 68
55
Total number of acres of land taxed,
Total number of tax -payers,
Number of persons taxed on property,
Number of persons taxed for poll only,
Property exempt from taxation:
Town Property,
Church property,
9,981
1,155
703
452_•
$107,450 00
52,200 00
JOSEPH F. SIMONDS, Assessors
WALTER WELLINGTON, of
HORACE B. DAVIS, Lexington.
56
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE
CARY LIBRARY.
Tux whole number of volumes in the library on
the first day of January, 1888, by actual count, was
11,142. During the past year 410 volumes have been
.added,— 44 by gift, and the remainder by purchase.
Tlie gifts have come from the following persons and
institutions, viz: Dr. R. M. Lawrence, W. I3. Whit-
more, Hon. J. V. Fletcher, Rev. E. G. Potter, Charles
Hale, Nathan Fessenden, Miss H. R. White, Mrs. A.
Kimball, Miss Ella A. Baker, Miss Josephine May,
Mrs. Ellen A. Stone, the bequest of the late Miss
Caira Robbins, Trustees of Phillips Academy, Trus-
tees of Ames Free Library, Sawyer Free Library,
and the Maverick National Bank,— besides the usual
donations from the State and National governments.
Of these gifts 21 volumes are for use in the East
Lexington Branch. Among the most valuable acces-
sions to the library made during the past year, are
the Annual Town of Lexington Reports, covering
nearly the entire period since they were first printed.
Between 1829 and 1840 the series is imperfect, but
from that date down to 1887 it is complete, except-
ing the School Committee report for 1845 — the first
one printed by the Town. This is now difficult, if not
impossible, to procure. These documents have been
bound by the Trustees, making five handsome vol-
57
umes, and are placed among books of reference, not
to be taken from the library. Thns we have pre-
served in permanent form a vast amount of knowl-
edge relating to our municipal affairs. For these
valuable gifts the library is indebted to Mr. Nathan
Fessenden, who had preserved copies of the Town
Reports down to the present time. The two earliest,
printed on single sheets were given by Mrs. Ellen A.
Stone.
The library is indebted to Miss Alice B. Cary for
the gift of a large and beautiful mantel clock, with side
figures in bronze, formerly belonging to her father,
and a fine Venetian Megalethoscope for showing pic-
tures, with the table on which it stands, and fifty-six
pictures of cities, buildings and scenery in Europe,—
all selected and purchased by her mother while trav-
elling abroad. These valuable gifts are an additional
memorial of a family whose generous interest in the
welfare of the Town we have had many occasions to
acknowledge. The YY oman's Journal has been re-
ceived for the use of the reading room, and Harper's
Weekly for the East Lexington branch; the latter,
a gift from Miss Josephine May. Mr. George W.
Robinson has not failed to make his annual donation
of money.
The entire circulation of books during the year
amounts to 20,901, of which 2,951 were through the
East Lexington branch. These were taken out by
411 persons, representing that number of families or
individuals, and requiring the keeping of 411 sepa-
rate accounts.
On the tables of the reading room are found 25
58
different magazines and papers, representing many
departments of literature, science and industrial art,
and furnishing instruction and amusement to a vari-
ety of tastes. This is one of the most popular and
useful features of the library. Many of the school
children and young people are constant visitors for
the purpose of reading the magazines and consulting
books of reference in connection with their studies,
At the East Lexington room there has been a daily
attendance of 18, and an average evening attendance
of 6. The tables in this branch are to be supplied in
future with a daily paper and several additional mag-
azines of an attractive character. A small balance
remains on hand from last year's appropriation, and
we think no better use can be made of this, and an
additional twenty-five dollars, than by increasing the
magazines and papers of that reading room. The
children and young people, and the men and women,
who are drawn to it by the attraction of good reading,
are morally certain to be helped by its influence, and
made better citizens.
Cary Library is filling a larger place every year in
the interest and the affection of our people. It was
never so tench sought and used as to -day. It must
be regarded as one of the chief educational factors
of the Town. Each year witnesses the addition to
its shelves of from five to seven hundred volumes of
carefully selected books. Ultimately, its stores muet
become very large and valuable,
It is an important matter that the books should be
guarded from careless usage, and from loss; that the
rich treasures in every department of knowledge
59
which it contains, should be temptingly displayed
before the people, and made easily accessible to all
wishing to avail themselves of its privileges -- in
short, that the utmost care should be taken to extend
its usefulness, and give it the largest possible influ-
ence among our people. This has been very seriously
considered by the Trustees during the last year,
How shall the books be made most available? Flow
shall people seeking the library for definite informa-
tion readily find that which can best help them?
To effect this end, a card catalogue has been made
of the entire library, sueh as is now used in all im-
portant libraries in this country. Small cards have
been prepared, containing the name of each book
and its author; and additional cards of every author
whose books are in the library. These cards are
arranged alphabetically and placed in the drawers of
small cabinets, and fastened in their places by rods.
When new books are added, similar cards are made
and put in their proper places. Thus the cards in
the cabinets will always represent a perfect catalogue
of the library, both in authors and books, which no
other catalogue can ever do, where constant addi-
tions are being made. With this arrangement, if
any book or author is asked for, it can be ascertained
at once whether such a book is in the library. Be-
sides, there is no danger now of duplicating books.
• Under the former system it was difficult to avoid it;
after searching for half an hour, one might not be
able to tell whether a given book were in the library
or not. Frequent and serious mistakes were made.
All this trouble and confusion are now avoided, and
60
the books have become much more available for the
use of readers.
This card catalogue, as arranged in the cabinets,
is simply a great dictionary of the authors and books,
made on precisely the same plan as any dictionary.
It is open for the consultation of all who use the
library. Anyone desiring a certain book and know-
ing the title, or the author may learn for himself,
without asking the Librarian, whether it is found there.
When a new catalogue is printed, and one must be
soon, we have only to put into type the names
already on those cards. And in connection with
this work of cataloguing, the library has been re-
classified and re -arranged. The books are now
placed under 33 divisions, instead of Id, in the old
system. Each division representing a special depart-
ment of knowledge is indicated by a special letter or
combination of letters. Thus Fiction, Fine Arts,
Useful Arts, Manufactures, Government, Law, Med-
icine, Philosophy, etc., have each their special Letters,
indicating the character of the book. Works upon
the same subject stand together on the shelves.
The books are arranged according to subjects, and
not according to size, as formerly. Everything relat-
ing to Botany, Zoology, Music, Geography, Travel,
etc., is placed together. If one wishes to see what
the library contains relating to the late Civil War,
he can see it all at a glance --or relating to the Fine
Arts, to Sociology, to Genealogy, or to Religion.
In short, the library is now classified and arranged
upon a rational and scientific basis, and were the
books carried to a new building and placed upon
61
different shelves, no change in the arrangement of
them would be necessary. In all this work of re-
classifying and re -arranging, the Trustees have been
governed by the results of the experience of the
large libraries of the State. They have availed
themselves of the methods found to be most service-
able in preserving the books, and making them most
available to the readers.
In the new plan of registering and discharging
books, they have had the same end in view, and
they are prepared to say that it proves a most effi-
cient one. It may appear less simple and easy, but
it guards the books more carefully, and holds those
who use them to a stricter accountability. A great
public library, free as the air and sunlight to all,
rich in precious treasures gathered from every land
and every people, and constantly increasing its
stores, must be girded around by stringent rules,
and watched over with untiring care. Those for
whom this fountain of sweet and refreshing waters
is provided, are deeply concerned in having it kept
pure, and made a source of ever enlarging and
elevating life.
In the faith that the same generous provision for
its maintenance, which the Town has always cheer-
fully granted, will be continued, we commend the
interests of Cary Library to the people's fostering
care.
On behalf of the Trustees,
C. A. STAPLES.
62
CARY LIBRARY.
Treasurer's Report for 1887-88.
The Treasurer of the Cary Library debits himself
as follows:
Note of Town of Lexington, dated April
1, 1883
Note of Town of Lexington, dated Feb
28, 1887
Deposit Book, Lexington Savings Bank,
Cash on band, Feb. 1, 1887......... .
" received, Dog Tax
Donation from George W.
Robinson
Interest on Town Notes,
'� Interest on deposit in
Savings Bank
Interest
Fines
Withdrawn from Savings
Bank
Balance of Caira Robbins'
Legacy
Ellen A. Stone, for Caira
Robbins' Fund
11
L1
L1
..
64
11
11
$6,000 00
5,000 00
490 00
322 99
488 70
50 00
660 00
88 72
9 66
18 00
300 00
11 92
13 08
813,404 00
63 61
And credits himself as follows:
Payments for Books and Cataloguing
Town Notes
Deposit in Lexington Savings Bank. ,
Caira Robbins Fund
Cash on hand
1,598 24
11,000 00
529 65
51 50
224 61
613,404 00
EDWARD P. BLISS, Treasurer.
LExTfN Tox, Jan, 31, 1888.
•
BRIDGE CHARITABLE FUND.
The following Report is respectfully submitted:
RECEIPTS.
Jan. 31, 1887. Balance on hand per last
Report, $2,273 16
Jan. 31, 1888. Interest received, . . 135 13
Total receipts, $2,408 29
EXPENDITURES.
Jan. 31, 1888. Aid to sundry persons, as
per conditions of the
Trust,
$97 77
Balance on hand, 82,310 52
Jan. 31, 1888. Amount Permanent Fund, $2,284 99
Amount available " 25 53
Balance on hand, $2,310 52
G -EO. E. MUZZEY, Treasurer.
LExm rox, Jan. 31, 1888.
AUDITORS' REPORT.
SCHOOLS.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1887, $10,000 00
State School Fund, 181 14
W. J. Ham, 11 00
East Lexington Reading Room, . . . 35 00
H. A. Fiske, School Supplies returned, . 6 00
$10,233 14
Excess of expenditure over receipts, 16 88
Amount expended,
E FENDITURES.
HIGH SCHOOL.
J. N. Ham, instructor, $1,500 00
Helen A. Fiske, instructor, 750 00
Henry H. Bowen, janitor, 80 00
Henry H. Bowen, cutting wood, . . 2 00
W. A. Pierce, coal, 183 25
Wm. J. Neville, wood, 12 50
E. S. Locke, plumbing, repairing furnace,
etc , 11 55
Lexington Gas Light Co., 8 34
Lexington Water Co., 20 00
Thomas Hall, chemical apparatus and re-
pairing apparatus, 27 68
Lyman Lawrence, hardware, 5 67
Amount carried forward, $2,600 99
$10,250 02
2
Amount brought forward, $2,600 99
Mrs. Desmond, cleaning, 6 00
Margaret Reardon, cleaning, . 6 00
C. H. Sherman, labor, 14 80
Geo. E. Muzzey, outside windows and
lumber, 32 68
L. A. Saville, soap, brush, broom, . 4 37
F. L. Jewell, putting on outside windows, 1 00
ADAMS SCHOOL.
Edith O. Rowe, instruction,
Carrie F. Fiske,
Hiram Pierce, janitor,
W. A. Pierce, coal,
Lexington Water Co.,
Geo. Flint, painting and glazing
Wm. J. Neville, wood,
Hiram Pierce, cutting wood, and labor,
Bridget Manley, cleaning,
C. W. Stanley. 1 furnace and repairing,
Otis Harrington, grading,
James H. Phillips, labor and hardware,
Wm. Keefe, cleaning vault,
Gershon' Swan, whitewashing,
R. W. Holbrook, broom,
Otis Harrington, setting posts,
HANCOCK
SCHOOL.
$650 00
450 00
74 99
150 00
16 80
52 87
13 25
9 20
8 00
115 24
21 88
34 45
3 00
4 00
40
4 50
Hattie D. Hall, instruction, 8650 00
Nellie H. Parker, instruction, . . 200 00
Dora M. Morrill, instruction, 62 50
W. W. Baker, janitor, 95 00
W. W. Baker, repairing, 5 85
Amount carried forward, 81,013 35
82,665/84
$1,608 58
3
Amount brought forward,
Ellen B. Lane, instruction,
Ellen E. Harrington, instruction,
Amelia M. Mulliken, instruction,
Lexington Water Co.,
H. B. Davis, repairs,
T. K. Fiske, painting,
W. J. Neville, 2 cords wood, . . .
E. T. Locke, furnace, plumbing and re-
pairs,
W. A. Pierce, coal,
C. A. Butters & Co., flour, brush, and
duster,
Lyman Lawrence, feather duster, .
Mrs. Desmond, cleaning,
Margaret Reardon, Cleaning, . . .
M. O'Brien, labor, and cutting wood,
Geo. H. Thurston, janitor,
F. L. Jewell, labor,
E. A. Mulliken, Iabor,
FRANKLIN SCHOOL.
Maria A. Butterfield, instruction, .
Annie Breen, instruction,
Mary Keohan, instruction,
Geo. 0. Wellington, janitor, .
H. B. Davis, examining desks and repairs,
E. S. Locke, lining and repairing,
Bridget Manley, cleaning,
W. A. Pierce, 2 tons coal,
Otis Harrington, cleaning well, .
L. A. Saville, door mat,
HOWARD SCHOOL.
Nellie H. Parker, instruction, .
Carrie L. Knight, instruction, .
Amount carried forward,
$1,013 35
437 50
200 00
400 00
30 60
9 00
40 05
12 50
176 45
121 25
2 75
2 00
6 20
6 20
15 50
5 00
60
4 00
$2,482 95
$225 00
170 00
22 50
30 00
4 00
7 95
5 00
12 00
3 50
1 25
— $481 20
$200 00
160 00
$360 00
4
Amount brought forward, $360 00
M. A. Butterfield, instruction, 22 50
Wm. Ferguson, janitor, 83 00
Will. Ferguson, labor, 50
— Scanlon, janitor, 6 00
Peter Ferguson, cleaning, grading, cut-
ting wood,
W. A. Pierce, coal,
Wm. J. Neville, wood,
H. B. Davis, setting post, repairing lock,
etc -
Bridget Manley, cleaning,
E. S. Locke, repairing stove, etc.,
C. W. Stanley, repairing,
Nathan Fessenden, cleaning vault,
L. A. Saville, broom,
COMMON TO ALL SCHOOLS.
Cowperthwaite & Co., books and station-
ery,
Interstate Publishing Co., books,
Thompson, Brown & Co., books,
Houghton, Mifflin & Co., books,
Ginn & Co., books,
Warren P. Adams, books,
D. C. Heath & Co., books and maps,
D. Appleton & Co., books,
A. C. Stocking, books,
Silver, Rogers & Co., books and maps,
Willard Small, books,
Harper Bros., books,
Wm. Ware & Co., books,
Adams, Putnam & Co., books, . .
Harrison & Hume, books,
E. P. Bliss, stationery,
Geo. S. Perry, books and stationery,
3 50
25 75
13 25
7 25
4 00
6 61
11 40
2 00
35
$28 55
19 31
34 14
7 14
15 29
4 40
15 87
26 78
66 45
79 94
11 15
2 10
11 45
52 65
6 00
1 40
107 79
Amount carried forward, $490 41
$496 11
Amount brought forward, $490 41
Charles H. Whiting, stationery, 7 53
L. E. Cowles & Co., stationery, . . . 6 75
Van Antwerp, Bragg & Co. Cyclopedia, . 12 15
M. R. Warren, stationery, 14 40
Adams & Ingraham, books and stationery, 361 34
E. O. Fiske & Co., map, 7 50
A. G. Whitcomb, school furniture, 6 00
J. L. Hammett, charts, 3 00
Boston School Supply Co., pointers, . 1 93
�. N. Ham, Agent Purchasing School
Supplies, 50 00
J. N. Ham, rubber stamp, 2 00
H. C. Kendall, diploma, 2 00
C. S. Parker, printing, 9 00
Rockwell & Churchill, printing, 5 50
Ephraim Cutter, Jr., teaching music, . 400 00
Nourse & Co., moving pianos and ex-
pressage, 12 45
M. A. Butterfield, mirror, 1 00
E. B. Rose & Son, wood, 12 00
M. H. Roberts, wood, 5 50
Geo. E. Muzzey, lumber, 40 50
James H. Phillips, carpenter work, 7 80
A. W. Bryant, school expenses, . 5 60
Ellen A. Stone, cash paid travelling ex-
penses, 13 40
J. H. Prescott, lock, keys and shelves, 2 75
-- $1,480 51
BOWDITCH SCHOOL.
Emma E. Wright, instruction, .
Chas. Burrill, Janitor,
Chas. Burrill, cutting wood,
Wm. J. Neville, wood,
W. A. Pierce, coal,
C. W. Stanley, repairing stove, pump, etc
Amount carried forward,
$450 00
29 25
2 00
13 25
12 00
12 15
$518 65
6
Amount brought forward, $518 65
M. M. Nourse, cleaning, 4 00
H. B. Davis, repairs, 5 45
Gershom Swan, whitewashing, . . 2 00
Otis Harrington, cleaning well, . . 3 50
F. L. Jewell, repairing seats, . . 50
E. 8. Locke, broom, 35
WARREN SCHOOL.
L. K. Eaton, instruction, $200 00
Dora M. Morrill, instruction, 225 00
L. K. Eaton, janitress, 14 25
Dora M. Morrill, janitress, 25 00
W. J. Neville, wood, 6 25
E. S. Locke, repairing, pump, etc., 8 88
Lyman Lawrence, axe, 1 00
W. A. Pierce, 2 tons coal, 12 00
Bridget Henebey, cleaning, 5 00
H. B. Davis, repairs, 2 00
L. A. Saville, floor brush, 1 Q0
SUMMARY.
High School, $2,665 84
Adams School, 1,608 58
Hancock School, 2,482 95
Franklin School, 481 20
Howard School, 496 11
Common to all schools, 1,480 51
Bowditch School, 534 45
Warren School, 600 88
$534 45
$500 38
$10,250 02
REPAIRING BUILDINGS AT POOR FARM.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1887, . .
Excess of expenditures over receipts, .
$300 00
10 79
$310 79
EXPENDITURES.
Geo. E. Muzzey, lumber, $210 29
John McKinnon, labor, 100 50
SUPPORT OF THE POOR.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1887,
Webster Smith, 1 cow,
R. H. White, produce farm, . .
State Treasurer, allowed for burial, . .
State Treasurer, allowed for state paupers,
Highway department, board of horses, .
$310 79
$2,000 00
54 58
402 41
10 00
60 01
299 00
$2,826 00
Amount expended in connection with
house and farm, $1,982 09
Amount expended for outside poor, 761 11
Balance unexpended, 82 80
$2,826 00
EXPENDITURES.
B. C. Whitcher, grain,
R. H. White, cervices,
R. H, White, fish, manure, car fare, mak-
ing clothes, etc ,
T. L. Russell, crackers,
Wm. H. Smith, clothing, boots and shoes,
A.. T. Spaulding, clothing, boots and
shoes,
Wm. A. Martin, ploughing, .
John W. Griffin, wheelwrighting, .
Wm. Denham, smithing,
Wm. Ham, smithing,
H. P. Webber, smithing,
Amount carried forward,
$217 15
500 04
135 65
12 00
55 93
51 90
15 00
19 45
3 55
11 08
23 97
$1,045 72
Amount brought forward,
Geo. M. Litchfield, ice,
Gershom Swan, mason work, . .
W. A. Pierce, coal,
Augustus Childs, groceries,
L. A. Saville, dog license and groceries,
R. W. Holbrook, groceries,
Boston Branch Grocery, groceries,
C. A. Butters & Co., groceries,
Geo. H. Jackson, provisions, . .
C. H. Lowe, provisions,
Lyman Lawrence, repairing harnesses,
etc ,
Wm. J. Neville, wood,
Howland Holmes, medical attendance,
J. Donovan, labor,
Frank Reynolds, labor,
M. D. Holt, 1 cow,
Geo. E. Muzzey, lumber,
W. G. Townsend, 1 cow,
Geo. Tyler, plow point,
Ames Plow Co., plow point, . . .
E. S. Locke, repairing pump, pails, etc,
Boston & Lowell R. R. Co., freight, .
C. H. Thompson & Co., seeds,
J. Q. A. Chandler, gravel,
E. L. McNamara, labor,
11. W. Smith, butter,
OUTSIDE POOR.
Aid furnished Thomas Lahey, . .
Mrs. Estabrook, .
Charles Hutchinson,
George B. Haggett,.
R. McKinnon, - .
$1,045 72
24 68
12 60
77 38
57 28
110 45
29 18
49 19
79 28
83 70
34 53
19 03
-91. 50
50 00
77 00
17 50
44 50
4 51
48 50
50
1 50
11 26
25
5 90
2 00
1 15
:1 00
$86 14
25 50
49 00•
176 31
15 38
�lmaunt carried forward, $352 33
$1,982 09
9
Amount brought forward, $$52 38
Aid furnished Mrs. R. McKinnon, . 44 63
Mrs. Hutchinson, 3 63
Mrs. Doyle, 57 49
E. Winship, 71 47
Winship family, . 24 00
A. A. Nourse, . 81 04
Martha Nourse, 5 00
Mrs. Logan, 84 50
M. O'Brien, 5 00
Catherine Conway, . 6 06
Bernard Harrington, 4 00
B. Reardon, 3 00
Mary Smith, 8 00
Outside poor,. 10 96
L.
.L
.c
.L
HIGHWAYS.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1887,
Appropriated from cash in Treasury,
Appropriated from Grant "Draining
around Common,"
Excess of expenditure over receipts, .
EXPENDITURES.
B. O. Whitcher, grain,
Ames Plow Co., tools,
Wm. Denham, wheelwrighting and smith-
ing,
H. P. Webber, smithing,
J. A. Russell, smithing.
Wm. Ham, smithing,
John D. Willis, 1 bay horse, .
Amount carried forward,
$3,500 00
500 00
$761 11
350 00
13 80
$4,363 80
$278 24
7 66
77 85
26 68
26 75
57 11
200 00
$674 29
10
Amount brought forward, $674 29
Geo. E. Muzzey, lumber, 112 65
Bigelow & Dowse, doz. rakes, . . . 5 00
H. L. Alderman, attendance on horse, . 10 00
J. H. Reed, repairing culvert on Lowell st., 2 00
J. S. Munroe, atone drag, 5 00
J. Chisholm, repairing harnesses, . . 13 45
Lyman Lawrence, repairing harnesses,
and hardware, 4 84
A. H. Kimball, casting for road scraper, 1 50
H. B. Davis, posts, repairing fence, etc., 11 85
John W. Griffin, wheelwrighting, . . 17 70
T. W. Morey, wheelwrighting, . . 7 00
Otis Harrington, laying stone, . . . 3 00
Dodge, Healey & Co., crowbars, . . 2 49
L. A. Saville, powder, fuse, etc., . 4 66
A. M. Bates, blankets, 10 00
Thomas Hollis, horse powders, . 4 50
C. H. Thompson, plow point, . 1 00
J. T. Scott., painting and lettering, 3 00
E. W. Glass, teaming, 32 50
J. Q. A. Chandler, stone, 70
E. L. McNamara, labor on drain, . 27 00
J. M. Johnson, gravel, 48 60
Webster Smith, superintendent highways, 200 00
R. H. White, labor on highway, . . . 50 00
H. L. Simonds, chain, 2 52
E. S. Locke, lantern, 1 75
John B. Taft, sprinkling highway, . . 2 50
Overseers of the Poor, board of horses, . 299 00
P. Kelleher, labor, 263 00
J. McCann, " 245 45
P. Reardon, " 230 98
J. Donovan, '° 286 05
J. Shea, " 243 26
M. Manley, " 186 39
Thomas Welsh, ' 231 45
Amount carried forward, $3,245 08
11
Amount brought forward,
M. Megan, labor
J. Clifford,
J. Clifford, Jr.,
D. O'Connell,
J. Vaughn,
J. Ryan,
J. Reardon,
C. McEnroe, ° .
F. Reynolds, • L
LL
LL
LL
LL
LL
LL
$3,245 08
222 26
141 63
90 99
192 07
244 57
93 20
110 25
21 50
2 25
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1887, . .
Boston & Lowell R. R. Co., use o£ hose, .
Wm. Ham, hose sold,
H. P. Webber, old hose,
Uncalled for payments on Hancock No. 6
pay roll,
Amount expended,
Balance unexpended,
EXPENDITURES.
Pay Roll Hancock Chemical Co.,
Adams Chemical Co., .
" Engine Co.,
L° No. 17, . . . . .
No. 18,
Willard Walcott, Engineer,
E. J. B. Nonrse, L
Wm. B. Foster, LL
LL
LL
Amount carried forward,
$900 00
5 00
5 00
8 14
$4,363 80
4 50
$922 64
$858 29
64 35
$922 64
$283 50
213 00
59 91
10 12
8 16
11 50
20 00
20 00
$626 19
12
Amount brought forward, $626 19
H. G. Worth, engineer, 5 56
J. R. Taft, Steward Adams, 20 83
Lexington Water Co., 10 00
John Ryan, services, 2 66
James Tatray, services, 8 75
W. T. Ham, steward-iL' Hancock," . 50 00
John Hanscom, steward and fireman, . 28 35
Lexington Gas Co., 15 37
W. A. Pierce, coal, Hancock, . 2. 25
W. A. Pierce, coal, Adams, 12 50
Wm. Ham, repairing engine, 2 00
A. L. Scott & Son, painting, . 20 00
E. 1+. Rice & Co., acid, 4 02
B. Harrington, drawing engine, 3 00
J. T. Scott, painting and lettering, . . 5 00
Wm. B. Foster, material for hydrants, . 6 90
W. E. Denham, smithing, 8 75
A. Childs, oil, chimneys, etc.,. 2 96
Geo. E. Mnzzey, lumber, . 45
John W. Griffin, wheelwrighting, . 1 25
Andrew J. Morse & Son, connecting
nozzle, 1 50
-- $858 29
CONTINGENT GRANT.
RECEIPTS,
Rent Town Hall, .
Rent Village Hall,
Rent Masonic Hall,
Ssle engines,
J. W. Sands, auctioneer's license,
A. S. Mitchell, auctioneer's license,
T. Daly, post,
State Treasurer, bank tax,
•
Amount carried forward,
$228 00
45 00
100 00
500 00
2 00
2 00
2 00
1,043 41
$1,922 41
13
Amount brought forward,
State Treasurer, corporation tax, .
From estate of E. Gerry,
L. A. Saville, sale Town histories,
L. A. Saville, income from hay scales,
Amount expended, . .
Balance unexpended,
EXPENDITURES.
Geo. E. Muzzey, Treasurer Bridge Fund,
received from estate Elizabeth
Gerry,
B. F. Brown & Son, insurance, . . .
Chelmsford Foundry Co., lamp post and
castings,
John P. Lovell, police supplies, . . .
E. G. Porter, hanging picture in Town
Hall,
Geo. H. Bailey, painting Cary Library,
)f. F. Whitten & Co., halyards, , .
Geo. IT. Hall, lighting defects in highway,
Geo. B. Dennett, hanging gate at ceme-
tery,
Lexington Water Co.,
Mrs. Ahearn, cleaning Town Hall, . •
Fred W. Berry, books and stationery, -
Hammond Reed, moving tree on Wal-
tham Street,
N. E. Trust Co., check book, . . . .
A. L. Scott & Son, painting signs and
lamp post, ..... .
Chas. T. West, services with Auditors, .
Amount carried forward,
$1,922 41
3,020 43
1,290 10
16 10
55 68
$6,304 72
$2,958 62
3,346 10
$1,290 10
885 00
59 13
8 75
20 00
12 95
2 00
3 00
1 00
100 00
1 80
2 05
3 00
1 25
8 14
5 00
$2,403 17
$6,304 72
14
Amount brought forward,
Chas. T. West, services on account burial
Ralph Bubang,
Chas. T. West, postage and car fare,
Chas. T. West, attending funerals and
returning deaths, . . . .
E. S. Locke, plumbing, smoke pipes, re-
pairing, etc.,
Mrs. M. Barry, cleaning,
A. S. Mitchell, keys Station House, .
A. S. Mitchell, notifying dog owners and
collecting dog tax,
Elmina Munroe. Assistant Librarian, .
D. McDonald, repairing windows Town
Hall,
A. J. Wilkinson & Co., hardware,
Charles H. Sherman, fitting locks, .
Chas. W. Simonds, stationery, . . . .
H. B. Davis, repairing signs and bridges,
and at Village Hall,
Mrs. A. E. Wellington, storage of engine,
Chas. K. Darling, books,
Nourse & Co., express,
T. K. Fiske, painting Hancock engine
house,
J. R. Taft, painting Adams engine house,
Young, Caldwell & Odiorne, repairing
flag staff,
Gershom Swan, whitewashing lock-up,
Wm. G. Harris, mattresses,
C. H. Robinson & Co., blankets,
Willard Walcott, horse hire, . .
J. S. Munroe, 2 bushels grass seed,
Jones, McDuffle & Stratton, Iamps and
shades, Village Hall,
Massachusetts House, refreshments, .
Amount carried forward,
$2,403 17
16 00
3 94
33 25
26 95
1 80
1 00
17 00
31 00
8 70
10 72
1 00
24 65
9 65
5 00
6 45
7 85
45 00
8 00
73 00
4 50
2 50
4 50
11 00
6 25
39 42
18 00
$2,814 30
15
Amount brought forward, $2,814 30
L. A. Saville, postage, stationery, pails,
etc , 16 33
L. A. Saville, registering births, mar-
riages and deaths, 33 05
Thomas Cosgrove, additional to State Aid
Oct. 1887, 30 00
H. Holmes, returning births, . . . 2 50
J. O. Tilton, returning births and medical
attendance,
H. P. Webber, book for chandelier, .
Boston & Lowell R.. R. Co., freight, .
A. W. Bryant, expenses, postage and sta-
tionery, 3 10
Henry R. Earle, setting lamp post, . 3 00
Webster Smith, services before Legisla-
tive Committee on water supply, . 15 00
Geo. H. Thurston, feeding tramps and
repairs, 5 12
D. A. Tuttle, labor, 1 25
Walter Wellington, hardware, and repair-
ing furnace, 13 27
Massachusetts House, entertaining County
Commissioners, 12 00
8 25
75
70
$2,958 62
STREET LIGHTS.
REOEIP'rS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1887, . $1,700 00
Amount expended, $1,672 79
Balance unexpended, 27 21
$1,700 00
EXPENDITURES.
J. G. Kauffman, lighting and repairs,
John Ryan, lighting,
Amount carried forward,
$340 25
456 15
$796 40
Amount brought forward,
Lexington Gas Light Co.,
16
H. L. Norris, care of lights, .
T. G. Whiting, care of lights, .
C. W. Stanley, repairing street Iamps,
F. L. Jewell,
H. B. Davis,
L. A. Saville, oil, chimneys and glass,
$796 40
816 00
22 65
15 40
4 15
1 70
1 50
14 99
$1,672 70
CARY LIBRARY.
RECEIPTS.
County Treasurer, dog tax, $488 70
EXPENDITURE.
Treasurer Cary Library, $488 70
$488 70
$488 70
CONSTABLES AND POLICE.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1887, . $2,000 00
Amount expended, $1,920 50
Balance unexpended, 79 50
---- $2,000 00
EXPENDITURES.
Henry E. Bishop, Police,
Henry E. Bishop, circulating Town War-
rant,
D. P. Mahoney, police,
J. A. Mitchell, police duty July 4 and 5,
E. L. McNamara, " " 4 and 5,
P. F. Dacey, °' " 4 and 5,
Amount carried forward,
$912 50
12 00
912 50
5 00
5 00
5 00
$1,852 00
17
Amount brought forward,
Geo. H. Thurston, police duty, 4 and 5,
E. J. B. Nourse, " " 4 and 5,
Walter Wellington, circulating Town Re-
ports and summoning Jurymen,
A. S. Mitchell, police duty, notifying
Town, summoning Jurymen, . .
ASSESSORS.
RECEIPT$.
Appropriated and assessed for 1887, . .
Amount expended,
EXPENDITURES.
J. F. Simonds,
H. B. Davis,
Walter Wellington,
W. Walloott, carriage hire,
$1,852 00
5 00
5 00
23 00
35 50
$170 00
120 00
120 00
15 00
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1887, .
A. W. Bryant,
E. P. Bliss,
EXPENDITURES.
Ellen A. Stone,
MEMORIAL DAY.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1887, .
Excess of expenditure over receipts, .
$100 00
100 00
100 00
$1,920 50
$425 00
$425 00
$425 00
$300 00
$300 00
$100 00
5 75
$105 75
18
EXPENDITITRES.
Geo. G. Meade Post,
Allen's Band,
L. G. Babcock, flowers,
$20 00
55 00
30 75
IMPROVEMENT OF THE COMMON.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated from cash in Treasury, .
EXPE4DrrTRES.
J. S. Munroe, labor and ashes, - •
L. A. Saville, labor,
Ames Plow Co., lawn mower and edging
knife,
$121 50
28 23
13 25
TREASURER AND COLLECTOR.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1887, .
Excess of expenditure over receipts,
ExPExn1TUaEs.
C. T. West, balance due 1885, .
C. T. West, balance due 1886, . _
E. S. Spaulding,
$105 75
$225 00
$162 98
$500 00
100 00
$600 00
$100 00
100 00
400 00
OAKLAND STREET EXTENSION.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated,
$600 00
$200 00
EXPENDITURES.
E. P. Bliss, building and grading, . . . 1200 00
19
READING ROOM AT EAST LEXINGTON.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1887, .
Bequest of Caira Robbins,
Excess of expenditure over receipts, .
EXPENDITURES.
Ellen Dana,
School Committee, fuel,
E. P. Bliss, Treasurer Cary Library, be-
quest Caira Robbins,
EXPENDITURES.
F. H. Lippincott & Co., lounge,
Fruit and medicine,
Bailey & Rankin, carpets,
$250 00 Boston Branch Grocery,
11 92 Christmas dinner, . . . . .
45 00 C. A. Butters & Co., oranges, etc.,
$306 92 P. C. Royce, curtains,
$260 00
35 00
11 92
$306 92
SELECTMEN IN THEIR VARIOUS CAPACITIES.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1887, .
EXPENDITURES.
Webster Smith, $250 00
Chas. T. West, 250 00
A. W. Bryant, 300 00
GAMMELL LEGACY.
Interest Trust Fund,
Balance from 1886,
Amount expended,
Balance unexpended,
RECEIPTS.
$35 00
89 94
$800 00
$800 00
$124 94
$56 99
67 95
$124 9.4
INTEREST.
RECEIPTS.
$5 86
11 50
16 88
81
14 90
1 04
6 00
Appropriated and assessed for 1887, . $1,700 00
On deposit, 111 34
On overdue taxes, 172 34
Excess of expenditures over receipts, . 35 99
State Treasurer,
EXPENDITURES,
Treasurer Cary Library,
Treasurer Cemetery Trust Fund,
Treasurer Bridge Fund,
Treasurer Gemmell Legacy,
$56 99
$2,019 67
$1,057 67
660 00
147 00
120 00
35 00
$2,019 67
JANITORS TOWN AND VILLAGE HALLS.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1887, . $450 00
Excess of expenditures over receipts, . 25 04
EXPENDITIIRES.
Geo. H. Thurston, Janitor Town Hall, .
Walter Wellington, Janitor Village Hall,
$475 04
$425 04
50 00
$47f 04
21
REMOVING SNOW.
EXPENDITIIRES.
22
STATE TAX.
Paid State Treasurer, 33,532 50
J. Donovan, $11 62
COUNTY TAX.
J. Reynolds, 6 37
A. N. Tufts, 19 50 Paid County Treasurer, . . . $1,651 84
C. McEnroe, . . . 1 50
Peter Parks, 3 30
DRAINING AROUND THE COMMON.
CELEBRATION 19th APRIL.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated from cash in Treasury, . . $100 00
EXPENDITURES.
Geo. O. Whiting, Treasurer, . . . . $100 00
NEW HOSE.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1887, .
EXPENDITURES.
W. A. Turner,
TOWN DEBT.
RECEIPTS.
$42 29
$100 00
$100 00
$570 00
3570 00
Appropriated and assessed for 1887, . . $600 00
Appropriated from cash in Treasury, . . 2,000 00
$2,600 00
EXPENDITURES.
State Treasurer, $2,600 00
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated from cash in Treasury, . . $350 00
EXPENDITURES.
Highway Surveyors, $350 00
CONCRETE SIDEWALKS.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1887, $600 00
Lyman Lawrence, 30 00
Mrs. E. B. Lane, 36 89
H. G. O. Bowers, 16 35
Mrs. Grace A. Sampson, 12 22
N. W. Jenney, 2 15
Jenner & Brown 16 80
Hammon Reed, 32 34
C. F. Smith, 5 20
E. S. Locke, 16 71
E. A. Stone, 21 91
E. J. Cogswell, 12 84
L. W. Wright, 37 05
Amount expended. 8615 91
Balance unexpended, 224 55
$840 46
$840 46
23
EXPENDITURES.
D. F. Tripp, concreting, $615 91 -
TOWN CLERK.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1887, .
L. A. Saville,
EXPENDITURES.
TREASURER OF CARY LIBRARY. $381 00
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1887, . . $50 00 FUEL AND LIGHTS FOR TOWN AND VILLAGE HALLS.
$100 00
$100 00
24
EXPENDITURES.
C. A. Butters do Co., gravel and oil hbl. $5 95
Bailey Bros., painting hearse house, 25 00
Lexington Water Co., 15 00
N. A. Martin, grading, 65 56
Chelmsford Foundry Co., post, 4 40
C. T. West, Commission State lots, 33 10
C. T. West, Superintendent, . . 10 00
T. H. Bowen, labor, 71 50
T. H. Bowen, Committee, 10 00
L. W. Wright, " 10 00
A. S. Mitchell, 10 00
Amount expended, $260 51
Balance unexpended, 70 49
EXPENDITURES. RECEWT$.
E. P. Bliss, $50 00 Appropriated and assessed for 1887, . $400 00
LIBRARIAN CARY LIBRARY.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1887, . $400 00
EXPENDITURES.
Grace S. Wellington, $400 00
CEMETERY.
RECEIPTS.
Sale of lots, $331 00
Amount expended, . . . . $372 30
Balance unexpended, 27 70
Lexington Gas Light Co.,
W. A. Pierce, coal,
John Hanahan, charcoal,
EXPENDITURES.
$240 30
125 00
7 00
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1887, . .
$400 00
$372 30
8350 00
25
Amount expended, $335 00
Balance unexpended, 15 00
$350 00
EXPENDITURE.
J. N. Ham, $335 00
REGISTRARS OF VOTERS.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1887, . .
EXPENDITURES.
L. G. Babcock, $25 00
L. A. Saville, 25 00
Geo. O. Smith, 25 00
B. C. Whitcher, 25 00
RINGING BELLS.
RECEIPTS.
E. McNamara, labor,
26
EXPENDITURES.
Wm. E. Denham, smithing, . . .
Geo. 11. Sampson, powder and fuse, .
HYDRANTS.
RECEIPTS.
$131 75
5 85
13 10
$150 70
Appropriated and assessed for 1887, $1,540 00
$100 00 Amount expended, $1,519 30
Balance unexpended, 20 70
$1,540 00
$100 00
Appropriated and assessed for 1887, . $70 00
Wm. Ilam,
Aug. Childs,
EXPENDITURES
$35 00
35 00
$70 00
NEW STREET, NEAR BLOOMFIELD STREET.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated from cash in treasury, . $200 00
EXPENDITURES.
Lexington Water Company, 81,519 30
State of MMlassachusetts,
STATE AID.
RECEIPTS.
Excess of expenditure over receipts, .
G. A. Page,
Thomas Burke,
Emily Earle,
EXPENDITURES.
Ursula M. Bullard,
Eliza McCreesh,
Thomas Cosgrove,
Lydia Kinnaston,
Annie McCarty,
$324 00
3 00
$327 00
$58 00
80 00
48 00
48 00
48 00
33 00
28 00
4 00
$327 00
27
PRINTING.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1887, . .
Excess of expenditure over receipts, . .
EXPENDITURES.
William Kellaway, town report, . .
Rockwell and Churchill. printing, .
C. S. Parker, printing,
AUDITORS.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1887, . .
H. B. Sampson,
Gershom Swan,
EXPENDITURES.
28
Amount brought forward,
Support of the Poor,
Highways,
Fire Department,
$250 00 Contingent,
24 40 County Treasurer, Dog tax,
Reading Room at East Lexington,
Gammell Legacy,
Interest,
Concrete Sidewalks,
Cemetery,
$274 40 State Aid,
Temporary Loan,
Taxes of 1885,
Taxes of 1886,
Taxes of 1887,
$190 40
12 30
71 70
TEMPORARY LOANS.
Borrowed of State Treasurer,
$274 40
845 00
$22 50
22 50
$45 00
$8,500 00
Paid, October 26, 1887, 2,500 00
Paid, July 25, 1887, 3,000 00
Paid, September 2, 1887, 3,000 00
$8,500 00
RECAPITULATION.
CA$ir RECEIPT$.
Cash on hand Feb. 1, 1887, $1,316 25
State School Fund, and sundry receipts, 233 14
Amount carried forward, $1,549 39
CASH EXPENDITURES.
Schools,
Repairing Buildings at Poor Farm,
Support of the Poor,
Highways,
$1,549
826
350
22
6,304
488
11
35
283
240
381
324
8,500
476
4,866
30,721
39
00
00
64
72
70
92
00
68
46
00
00
00
63
38
34
$55,331 86
$10,250 02
310 79
2,743 20
4,363 80
Fire Department, 858 29
Contingent, 2,958 62
Street Lights, 1,672 79
Cary Library, Dog tax, 488 70
Constable and Police, . 1,920 50
Assessors, 425 00
School Committee, 300 00
Memorial Day, 105 75
Improvement of the Common, 162 98
Treasurer and Collector, 600 00
Oakland Extension, 200 00
Reading Room at East Lexington, . 306 92
Selectmen, 800 00
Gammell Legacy, 56 99
Amount carried forward, $28,524 35
29
Amount brought forward, $28,524 35
Interest, 2,019 67
Janitors Town and Village Halls, . 475 04
Removing Snow, 42 29
19th of April Celebration. 100 00
New Hose, 570 00
Town Debt, 2,600 00
State Tax, 3,532 50
County Tax, 1,651 84
Draining around Common 350 00
Concrete Sidewalks 615 9 t
Towm Clerk 100 00
Treasurer Cary Library, 50 00
Librarian Cary Library, 400 00
Cemetery, 260 51
Fuel and Light, Town and Village Halls,. 372 30
Superintendent of Schools, 835 00
Registrars, 100 00
Ringing Bells, 70 00
New Street near Bloomfield Street, 150 70
Hydrants. 1,519 30
State Aid, . . . . . 327 00
Printirg, 274 40
Auditors, 45 00
Temporary loan. 8,500 00
Balance, 2,346 05
$55,331 86
GERSHOM SWAN, Auditors.
HILMAN B SAMPSON,
LZxIWG•rox,• February 1, 1888.
NOTE.
The Auditors find it impossible, from the Treas-
urer's books, to . give to the Town so clear a state-
ment of the various accounts as they desire, and is
30
probably expected of them, from the fact that in the
manner in which they are, and have been kept in
former years, there is a confusion, if we may so call
it, caused principally by balances, certain appropria-
tions, etc., which the books do not always show.
Now, while there is no doubt that the books have
been honestly and correctly kept, we think there
should be a change in the methods employed, for the
benefit and convenience of the Treasurer, as well as
for the whole Town; and would recommend the
following:
Let the Town Treasurer, on February lst, 1888,
credit to Contingent account all money actually on
hand; also the amount of uncollected Taxes. Then
when the appropriations are made for the current
year, open an account for every such appropriation,
and credit it with the amount; and whenever such
appropriation is made from money in the Treasury,
let the Selectmen give the Treasurer an order, prop-
erly approved, to transfer from Contingent Account
to credit of the account for which it is made; and in
NO case allow the Treasurer to pay from any
account a sum in excess of the amount to the credit
of such. account. But if in the judgment of the
Selectmen it is necessary to expend on any account
'more than is to the credit of such account, let the
Selectmen be authorized by a voteof the Town to
direct the Treasurer, by a duty approved order, to
transfer from the Contingent Account, or some other
account which has an unexpended balance to its
credit, such a sum as they may consider necessary.
31
If this method, or one similar in character, is
adopted, and strictly adhered to, the books will show
at all times the amount available for any particular
purpose, as well as the total available funds of the
Town.
(fERSHOM SWAN,
Ii1LMAN B. SAMPSON, } Auditors.
REPORTS
OP' £1111
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
AND SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
OF THE
TOWN OF LEXINGTON,
FOR THE YEAR 1887-1888.
BOSTON:
W. KELLAWAY, BOOK PRINTER, 30 EXCHANGE STREET,
1888.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
To the Inhabitants of Lexington:
During the past year your School Committee have
felt that some recent experiments in our school sys-
tem should be allowed to work out their results
without interruption, consequently few changes have
been made, and these only with a view to assist
improvements already initiated.
We are convinced that it was a wise measure on
the part of the Town to recommend the appointment
of a Superintendent of Schools, and we consider
ourselves fortunate in the intelligent interest Mr.
Ham has brought to his duties. Ile has succeeded
in further grading the work, and in enlightening the
teachers in improved methods of instruction. His
frequent visits to schools have been supplemented by
teachers' meetings, conducted by himself, which
have done much in calling critical attention to spe-
cial branches of instruction, and in securing uniform-
ity of work. There has resulted a spirit in their
profession helpful to the teachers themselves.
The quietness and regularity with which our
schools are carried on with superintendent and
teachers specially trained, and text -books supplied
at public expense, is the reason perhaps for a
4
seeming decline of parental attention to schools;
this is unfortunate and should be remedied. Com-
paratively few parents have visited our schools
during the past year. Formerly they were attracted
at stated times by public examinations which are now
omitted because generally considered to be mislead-
ing displays and unprofitable disturbances of school
work. The best examinations of schools comes from
witnessing daily not exceptional work. It is desira-
ble that all interested in education, and especially
parents, should visit schools often, and expect to
observe only the work appointed for the hour. From
such active expression of interest would spring a
knowledge enabling parents intelligently to consider
changes that the Committee make or recommend to
the Town. Your Committee and teachers desire
suggestions and approval, and respect censure if
arising from intelligent personal observation. Fre-
quently pupils, under misinformed home influence,
adopt a course of conduct hurtful to themselves and
the discipline of the school. Let every parent know
by visitation the atmosphere of the school -rooms,
the sanitary condition of the building, the manner of
recitations, the deportmentof pupils, the degree of
courtesy prevailing between teacher and scholars,
and the earnestness of t -he teacher. He will appre-
ciate the necessity of regular attendance; and there
will result fewer absences with the approval of par-
ents, and an added stimulus to the children. The
need of cordial relations between school and parental
authorities is most important in the case of that large
proportion of children whose school -life ends in the
u
lower grades. Within a few years the character of
our population has entirely changed in some dis-
tricts; children of foreign parentage are almost
exclusively the pupils of three of our four district
schools. It is of the utmost importance that these
parents should set a clue value upon public schools,
and that their children should remain in school as
long as possible enjoying their tasks and progress.
Education at public expense finds its weightiest ar-
gument in the necessity to the state of intelligent
citizens. Our schools should be designed for such
mental drill and development as shall bring to the
employments of life an intelligence which shall be-
come a source of continuous enlightenment; and the
adaptation of our prescribed courses of instruction to
the needs of all conditions of people may profitably
be always an open question.
Last summer every applicant for adnnission to the
High School from district schools was found unqual-
ified. Teachers in these schools have too great va-
riety of classes, and the schools do not furnish ad-
vantages equal to those of the center. Hence
your Committee have had to consider whether some
schools ought not be closed and the scholars brought
at public expense to enlarged quarters in the Ilan -
cock and Adams school -houses; or whether they
should be continued only as surbordinate to the Gram-
mar Schools, and the peculiar needs of the pupils
specially provided for. We have advised all scholars
in the district schools proposing to enter the High
School to qualify themselves by taking the last year
in the Grammar Schools. The question of closing
6
district schools altogether is further prompted by
these considerations: the difficulty in inducing the
best teachers to assume charge of them, the embar-
rassment in finding suitable boarding places in the
neighborhood, and the small salaries we pay. We
have learned of the favorable experiences of other
towns in bringing together children from the remote
sections. Within a few years a new building in place
of the Hancock School -house will be a sanitary ne-
cessity. The Adams School -house now accommo-
dates two schools; it has rooms for three. Consoli-
dated graded schools in two large and convenient
buildings ought not to cost as much as all our schools
do at present, and something might remain to meet
the expense of conveyance. Then with a superior corps
of teachers in carefully graded schools, with systema-
tized instruction, all our children could gain much in
an educational way. The Committee call the attention
of the Town to this matter, not because we recom-
mend immediate measures, but that when the im-
perative time shall come public opinion may be
actuated by thoughtful conviction. For this reason
we urge that schools should be visited.
We have found the sum of ten thousand dollars
granted by the Town for the maintenance of public
schools liberal and sufficient, and we recommend that
the same sum be appropriated for the ensuing year.
ALBERT W. BRYANT,
ELLEN A. STONE,
EDWARD P. BLISS,
School Committee.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF
SCHOOLS.
To the Schaal Committee, Lexington, 1fass.:
I have the honor to submit to you, as required, my
Second Annual Report as Superintendent of Schools.
SOME COMMENTS ON SCHOOL -WORK.
During the past year the endeavor has been made
to advance the character of the work done in our
schools. It may be affirmed, I hope, that the en-
deavor put forth in this direction has not been un-
availing, and that better and more fruitful results
have been reached than heretofore. Still, what has
been gained is below what can be gained and consid-
erably less, in some instances, than, perhaps, might
have reasonably been expected. I would not ascribe
any shortcomings to indifference nor lack of effort on
the part of anyone concerned; but rather to misdi-
rected effort, a misunderstanding and misapplication
of the methods, means and conditions necessary to
insure the most desirable ends.
Teachers, it may be, fall too readily into a monot-
onous and dreary routine, reducing to formulas every-
thing susceptible of such reduction, until the spirit
that should animate and invigorate their work be -
8
comes buried in forms staled and out of use. I do
not say that this is the case in any of our schools. I
think it is not; and it is to be hoped that no one has
been dangerously near such a condition. Yet, since
such strides have been made, in recent years, in im-
proved methods of education, and since our Town
has bestowed comparatively slight attention on the
study of these methods and their successful applica-
tion, it cannot be otherwise than that we are lagging
in the onward movement.
No teacher will presume on such attainments in his
profession that he is unable to improve. The teachers
that have achieved greatest excellence, usually are
most conscious of the incompleteness of their profes-
sional acquirements, and so express themselves. Said
Kant, the celebrated philosopher, " I regard the
teacher's profession as more difficult than any other
to master." The difficulties referred to are not those
commonly counted as such. Kant's remark had in
view a proper distinction between education and in-
struction, and the acquisition of information. He
would require the teacher to know something of the
laws of the mind, psychology, so that he may draw
out and strengthen the pupil's intellectual faculties.
He would demand that the teacher should be able, by
the employment of scientific methods, to send his
pupils out into the world possessed of the ability to
think and investigate with some degree of logical se-
quence.
Now, some persons are " natural " teachers, because
through their own struggles to win an education,
they have Iearned in some measure, how to assist
9
others in their studies. Those who regard the stor-
ing up of facts alone, there information, as an educa-
tive process, never become successful teachers. Such
instructors train the memory chiefly, to the detriment
of the other powers of the mind. Those who taught
us to examine independently, and to reflect upon our
observations, are the teachers to whom we refer in
later years as having been especially helpful to us.
It would become a lawyer, quite as well, to con-
clude his professional education on his admission to
the bar, as for a teacher to consider his professional
education complete when he has finished a Normal
School course. Success, in either instance, will de-
pend largely upon the persistency with which addi-
tional skill is sought, and the path pursued in seek-
ing it.
So much space has been devoted to what may be
termed professional needs, since it seemed unwise to
ignore such radical means as are necessary to hasten
and effect positive improvement in school -work. It
would surely be hard for a teacher to give too much
attention to the mastery of his profession. There
has never been any complaint from any quarter that
such an instance has ever been discovered.
While considering this matter it may not be amiss,
by way of caution, to direct attention to a very mis-
leading, and sometimes mischievous practice, followed
more or less by a certain class of teachers to be found
in many towns and cities. It is the practice of intro-
ducing each day, or frequently, into the midst of
what should be systematic work, some new, strange
and fanciful, or unrelated topics, objects, or subjects of
10
inquiry. Children are too easily diverted, and may
enjoy diversion. But mere diversion is very profit-
less in propagating the true work of education. We
grant that school -work should be made as attractive
and interesting as possible, providing, at the san-ie
time, it be educative and instructive. The frequent
use of the diversions cited are the petty makeshifts
of incompetent and slothful teachers, who occasion-
ally win an undeserved name for superiority.
The mind, in its development and in its intel-
lectual operations, is governed by well-known laws.
It is the duty of every teacher to understand such
of these laws as bear upon his work. To undertake
to crowd into the pupil's mind a mass of undigested
and dissociated facts or statements, and to denomi-
nate the process education, is worthy of the man
who, when he offered his house for sale, carried a
brick in his pocket as a specimen; or of that patient,
who, because he found a proper amount of medicine
curative, concluded that a large quantity would
prove proportionally beneficial. It is very much like
giving a stone when bread is asked.
READING.
In striving to promote the efficiency of school-
work, Reading has received most attention. The
ability of the pupil to grasp readily the thought
placed before him on the printed page, is an essential
factor in his progress. If he is obliged to struggle
with every sentence, except the very short ones,
before they give up their meaning to him, his health-
11
ful and hearty interest hi his studies, and his rapid
advancement are greatly obstructed.
From the first day the child enters school, its
pathway is made pleasant and inviting. The reading
exercises are of a nature designed to furnish enjoyment,
as well as instruction. Freedom from any feeling
of restraint, and naturalness of expression, are cul-
tivated, and, to a measurable extent, obtained,
though a difference in these particulars will be noted
in different classes of the same grade.
The following method in Reading has been
adopted for beginners: Some twenty-five words,
which can be represented by objects held in the
hand, are selected. The teacher uses these objects
to secure the attention and win the confidence of
the children; and, in describing the objects, seeks
to draw out voluntary expressions, always in full
sentences. The personal pronouns, a few verbs,
and adjectives, are taught in this way. The object
is to make the children talk. When they have
gained confidence to talk with ease and fluency,
and to ask questions,—which requires a week or
two weeks,— their expressions are written upon the
blackboard in script. The sentences are made very
simple at first, by using "1 have," or "1 see," with
each word represented by the objects. As soon as
the characters become intelligible, which results from
constant repetition, after a few days, the onward
steps are easy and attractive. New words are added
each day, until, at the end of five months, the child-
ren have learned from two hundred to three hundred
words, which they can read at sight in easy com-
12
bination. In particular are they required to read
with natural expression and without hesitation.
To attain proficiency in reading, requires much
activity and enthusiasm on the part of the teacher.
She must enter heartily into the work, imparting
spirit and zest to the exercise.
Rapid and accurate work should be the rule in
reading and in numbers, in fact, in every exercise
except writing and drawing. Pupils acquire the
habit of thinking rapidly or slowly, according as
they are trained. They will prove quite as accurate
thinkers, if their menta] processes are quick, as they
will, if these processes are allowed to become slug-
gish. Rapid thought demands keen attention and
activity of mind, invaluable habits. To foster such
habits, the teacher must, of course, set the example,
be ever alert, and awakening the minds about her.
Anything short of this example will betray itself in
the character of her school.
It is certain, that by stimulating and cultivating
the habits indicated, most excellent results will foI-
low, in reacting, in numbers, or in language. It is
not, however, by fitful, but by constant application
of a method, or principle, that the quality of the
work done is to be raised. There must be no relaps-
ing. It may be added, that the only assurance of the
faithful and proper application of any method in
education, rests in the teacher's comprehension of
the reasons underlying its use.
LANGUAGE.
The ability to describe objects orally, or in writ-
13
ing, in an orderly way and in language intelligible
and precise, is a thing as rare as it is valuable. The
lack of this ability is not in children alone, but it is
painfully apparent in many adults. Serious misun-
derstandings often arise from defective and badly
worded descriptions of things. The remedy for this
defect lies in uniting a proper exercise of the per-
ceptive faculties with judicious language -training.
It should be begun early, and continued until accu-
rate observation of things becomes a habit, and rea-
sonably exact and fluent expression is secured.
The difficulties in the way of devising a perfectly
satisfactory plan for instruction in Language, have
not yet been removed by those whose opportunities
for testing methods have far exceeded ours. There
is practical agreement as to the objects ainTed at.
The easiest, most direct, and most natural road is
still to be laid. out.
Some of the obstacles barring the way are the fol-
lowing: To what extent shall the merely mechanical
building of sentences be incorporated in a scheme of
language -work in order to obtain correctness; to
what extent this process is to be blended with oral
and written exercises, in order to secure correctness
and fluency, is but another step in the solution of the
problem; how far, as the work advances, the attempt
to discriminate in the proper use of many common
words, such as, learn and teach, little and small, great
and big, almost and nearly, vacant and empty, ete.,
will be sure to occasion consideration; and, lastly, to
what extent technical grammar may be judiciously
introduced into the language work of the higher Prim -
14
ary and lower Grammar grades, all combine to yield
enough uncertainty regarding any purposed scheme
of instruction in this branch of school -work.
Because the problem presents some embarrass-
ments, affords no excuse for neglecting its solution.
A plan for training in language in all the grades has
been placed before the teachers for their guidance.
Doubtless its operation will suggest the direction in
which it may be advantageously modified. The im-
provement in language -work during the past year
has been apparent. Still much remains to be done.
GEOGRAPHY.
Radical changes in the study of Geography have
been instituted. The basis of our present method is
physical geography. With beginners the subject, at
first, is taught very broadly. A proper sequence
should be strictly observed. For instance, the out-
line of a continent is followed by a careful study of
its relief, which leads to river systems, climate, soil,
productions, etc. The differentiation of the human
race depends chiefly upon natural physical distinc-
tions. Hence the importance to the child in the stud-
ies of his maturer years, that his early training in
this branch should be systematic and philosophical.
It is to be understood, however, that the pupils are
not encumbered with the reasons for the methods
pursued.
I do not question that these changes will become
instrumental, if carried out, in turning what to many
has been a dismal task, into a positive enjoyment.
15
Certainly, nothing could be more ill-advised than to
set beginners in geography to conning lessons from
the text -book. The instruction, at first, and for a
long time, should be oral, assisted by maps, globes,
the surrounding country, and any objective aids.
Above all other means of perception, children learn
through the eyes; and through the eyes they should
be introduced to the pleasures of geography. The
teacher, with little ingenuity, is afforded so good an
opportunity to make this subject real, it would seem
that no child could find it uninviting. One can scarcely
name a study better adapted to give healthful stimu-
lus to the greedy imagination of childhood. And it
is through this imagination, rightly guided, that some
of the best attainments in geography and history are
to be derived.
Good work in geography has already been begun,
which is yielding the returns anticipated. The teach-
ers have been greatly aided and encouraged by the
beautiful wall -maps so wisely provided by the Com-
mittee.
WRITING.
Penmanship has received much more attention this
year than heretofore, and marked improvement is
to be noted. In teaching reading, the word is the
unit. In teaching penmanship, the letter is the unit.
The reason is evident. The child must concen-
trate his attention on one idea. A few, simple, easily
defined principles enable the pupil to master the for-
mation of each letter, when the letters are taken in
16
proper order; and, shortly, he is able to combine
them into words. Were I to offer any criticism, I
should remark, that there is liability of the teacher's
being too ambitious in hastening on the systematic
and thorough drill upon the letters. The order in
which the letters shall be taken up and and the time
devoted to drill upon each letter, or set of letters, has
been marked out and should be adhered to, unless
conclusive reasons can be assigned for any deviation.
OTITER, WORST.
In the Grammar Schools, Arithmetic is being so
well taught that no suggestions have been made
further than those made in the course of study.
The study of technical Grammar has been confined
to the First and Second Grammar classes. The use
of correct language, as may be inferred, is not omitted
till so late a period, but commences with the child's
entrance into the school, so that, we believe, the true
object for which Grammar is studied is more ade-
quately subserved now than when four years, with-
out previous language -exercises, were allotted to
technical Grammar.
The study of History is being greatly simplified
and furthered by the introduction of Primary Histories
for supplementary reading, into some of the lower
grades. Before its regular study is entered upon, an
interesting acquaintance has been formed with a few,
at least, of the great men and events of our country ;
and, besides, the subject has been so handled that the
pupil has imbibed no dislike for the study.
17
Considering the multifarious duties of the Gram-
mar school teachers, including a large amount of
written work to be inspected, the standing at which
those schools are maintained is to be commended. I
do not, in thus speaking of the Grammar schools,
presume to place there in contrast or comparison
with any other school, or schools. Other teachers
might, with equal propriety, be commended.
Drawing and Music have not been given so much
time as their importance would justify, but chiefly
such time as could be spared from other pressing
and manifold duties. Music, having been taught for
several years under the direction of an instructor,
stands much ahead of Drawing in the quality of the
work accomplished.
ADIS To SCHOOL WORK.
The schools below the High School have, since
the beginning of the year, been provided with many
needful aids. These appliances have been urgently
called for, because every school was almost desti-
tute of all ordinary means of instruction beyond the
text -books in the hands of the pupils. It is needless
to state that these aids are procured only by the
expenditure of money. Yet the money so expended
has been wisely bestowed. As the maps and refer-
ence books will last several years, the average cost
for each year is trifling.
As the financial ability of the Committee will
permit., it will be very fitting and helpful to increase
the furniture of the schools, thereby contributing to
18
their broader usefulness. It is quite as imperative
that a school -room should be well equipped, as that
a carpenter's shop should be properly supplied with
the tools of his trade. Limitations in either case
will contract the scope of possible work, as well as
induce imperfect results.
The interest evinced by others, which the supply-
ing of maps, books, etc., demonstrates, dignifies his
own importance in the eyes of each pupil. He
thinks himself worthy of better endeavor, because
others judge him worthy of better helps to his
efforts. The best you can do for the school children
will not be undervalued. Girls and boys are very
keen in estimating the regard in which they are held,
and also gratefully value considerations that are to
benefit them. It is not easy to do too much for
them in the line of school accessories.
PROMOTIONS.
Permit me to suggest that there is need of more
careful discrimination in the promotion of pupils
from grade to grade. Manifestly, it is unreasonable
to expect that all pupils in a class are equally pre-
pared to advance, pa.rtienlar ly when there has been a
great difference in regularity of attendance.
It is wrong every way, in theory and in practice,
to advance pupils, especially in the lower grades,
until they are qualified for higher work. Above all
does the pupil himself suffer. Besides the extreme
liability to create a distaste for study, on account of
bringing his mind in contact with work beyond his
19
grasp, which inclines him to shirk at every opportu-
nity, it is a fruitful source of disastrous mental
habits, A pupil so placed is always laboring at
disadvantage, and with no sufficiently clear percep-
tion of what is required of him.
Because of the manner in which the pupils in our
schools have, for the most part, been promoted, we
find them in many of the grades a year or two
younger than the children of corresponding grades
in schools in which promotions are granted, after,
and only after, prescribed work has been well done.
No one will surely claim for our pupils such surpass-
ing capacity as this disparity in years in the co-or-
dinate grades would seem to imply.
It is a grave error to conclude that it is a fine
achievement for a boy to complete the course of
study and leave school at a comparatively early age.
Parents are too often, it is to be regretted, unwisely
proud of the imaginary attainments of their children,
fancying that the children have early won what east
themselves toil and trouble when long past the age
at which the children are supposed to have sur-
mounted all obstacles in their way. The pathway
has, in many respects, been improved; but strength
of mind is a growth; and time is an important ele-
ment in that growth. Give the child ample time to
develop, and, if he is not promoted every year, it
will, ultimately and immediately, accrue to his
benefit.
ATTENDANCE.
It is gratifying to note that the attendance, during
20
the current year, has improved. Last year showed
an improvement in this particular over the preced-
ing year. For the year ending Jan. 31, '86, the
percentage of attendance in Lexington was .70-38.
That year, our Town ranked 45 among the 54 towns
and cities of Middlesex Co. For the year ending
Jan 31, '87, the percentage of attendance was .74-57;
Lexington ranking 40 in the County. For the same
period, Concord exhibits a per cent of .88; Arlington,
of .85; Bedford, of .82; Winchester, of .89; Belmont,
of .84, while Waltham shows a percentage of .94. I
am unable to state what percentage of attendance we
have reached during the year just expiring.
These figures are quoted to prove that the Com-
mittee in previous years have not been amiss in call-
ing the attention of parents to the desirability of
securing punctuality on the part of their children.
It makes much difference what habits a boy or girl
forms during school -life. If, at its close, they take
with them into the activities of the world well settled
habits of promptitude, perseverance, application, and
industry, they will have acquired whatever else of
good was possible to be obtained, and will be cer-
tain to become no burden on society.
Many, most instances of tardiness have been ascer-
tained to be wholly inexcusable. This fact needs no
comment, declaring in itself that this evil may be
remedied.
Teachers are expected to bring their schools up
to a certain standard of excellence. The patrons of
the school expect this; the School Committee demand
it. How can the required standard be attained
21
unless the pupils shall be present whenever possible?
Absence and tardiness, moreover, stimulate indolence,
and a distaste for study. In truth, they draw many
evils in their train. Is it unfair or unreasonable, that
the teacher should urge that she shall be accorded
every favorable condition to promote the welfare of her
school? It is as harmful in its way for pupils to be
absent from school as for men to be absent from their
business. Concerning the absence and tardiness of
pupils, I am induced to believe this,— that the injury
wrought thereby, not being felt by the parents,
escapes the serious consideration of many. Were it
otherwise, this remonstrance would be pointless, not
to say unbecoming.
SCHOOL BUILDINGS.
It will be pardoned me, I trust, for directing atten-
tion to what is so often an unpopular subject,— any
extraordinary expenditure of money. School -houses
should not only be adapted to the requirements of
health and convenience, but should, within and with-
out, be made pleasing in appearance. The Adams
School -house is the best in Town. It would cost a
comparatively small sum to make its yard much more
attractive than it now is. Assuredly, no one can de-
rive much satisfaction from its present condition. It
may be objected that whatever might be done in the
way of adorning the premises would be destroyed.
Experience goes to disprove this opinion. School
children will hold cheap whatever is intended to be
22
made so; and will rate highly all liberal outlay in
their behalf.
It would seem that the Town must shortly consider
the propriety of giving the Hancock School more
commodious and healthful quarters. The quarters it
has so long occupied are ill-suited to school purposes.
A new building, with more rooms, would render bet-
ter classification of pupils possible and, consequently,
insure greater efficiency in all grades.
I do not intend a lengthy discussion of this matter.
In the discharge of my duties, it is incumbent upon
me to make such suggestions and recommendations as
are feasible and practicable; and that a Town or City
should give its schools as good as it can justly afford,
would not appear an unwarrantable assumption.
CONCLUSION.
I have not undertaken to portray in glowing and
delusive colors the quality and character of the work
which is being performed in our schools. Those School
Reports that depict only marvelous excellences and
point out trivial faults merely, or such conditions
as, rightly viewed, are not faults, usually come from
towns where the worst schools are to be sought, if at
all. I have made a plain statement of what is being
done, and, in a general way, of the manner in which
the character of our work may be elevated. With
scarcely an exception, the success of no teacher is
commented upon. The work required of teachers is so
unequal, and the circumstances controlling that work
so various, that just comment would be almost im-
possible, not to say invidious.
23
I may, however, state that the school -work has
been carried on with the utmost harmony and unan-
imity of all directly engaged in it. The teachers have
desired to know what was required of them, and have
sought to fulfil all expectations. On my part, I have
tried to be sufficiently emphatic and precise in my
recommendations.
I would fain tender my heartiest thanks to all, par-
ents, committee, and teachers, who have co-operated
with me in a pleasant but difficult task, prosecuted
under no inconsiderable disadvantages.
Very respectfully submitted,
J. N. HAM,
Superintendent of Schools.
HIGH SCHOOL.— CLASSICAL COURSE.
FOURTH CLASS.
Latin Grammar and Reader
Algebra .
Physics .
40 weeks
▪ 40 °L
40 °1
*Arithmetic ; *English Composition ; *English Authors.
THIRD CLASS.
Caesar .
Geometry
Chemistry .
40 weeks
40 64
40 "
*Arithmetic; 'English Composition; *English Authors.
Pupils preparing for college will take Greek in place of
Chemistry.
*One recitation each week in each of the subjects marked with an
asterisk. Four recitations weekly in each of the other subjects.
24
JUNIOR CLASS.
'Cicero . 40 weeks
History . 40 1
English Literature . 40
*Arithmetic; *English Grammar; *English Authors.
Pupils preparing for college will take Greek in place of English
Literature.
SENIOR CLASS.
Virgil .
English Literature .
French .
40 weeks
40
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 .
Physics . . • 40
English Literature with written work, twenty weeks
Bookkeeping, twenty weeks . .
*Arithmetic ; *English Composition ; *English Authors.
40 weeks
11
40
THIRD CLASS.
Geometry
Chemistry .
Modern English Authors
[c
40 weeks
40 °1
40 44
*Arithmetic; *English Composition; *English Authors.
*One recitation each week in each of the subjects marked wish an
asterisk. Four recitations weekly in each of the other subjects.
25
JUNIOR CLASS.
History . .
Geology, twenty weeks 1
Botany, twenty weeks
English Literature . .
'Arithmetic i *English Grammar ; *English Authors.
SENIOR CLAM.
English Literature .
Rhetoric and Composition, twenty weeks
Civil Government, twenty weeks .
French .
•Arithmetic; *English Authors.
40 weeks
40
40
LL
11
40 weeks
40
40
ROLL OF HONOR.
HIGH SCHOOL.
Neither absent nor tardy.
FOR THE YEAR.—Martha E. Childs, Minnie P. Crowley, Alice
M. Hunt, Chas. W. Berry, L. Ellsworth Pierce.
Fon THE HALF YEAR.—Alice G. Ballard, Gertrude F. Currier,
Mary A. Fiske, Grace E. Goodwin, Julia M. Maynard, Jessie B.
Whiting, Florence N. Wing, Joseph H. Fiske, Geo. L. Harring-
ton, Richard Hinehey, Edw. P. Merriam, Carlton A. Shaw.
Not absent.
FOR THE HALF YEAR.— Peter J. Kineen, Michael J. Manley.
HANCOCK GRA3ra1AR, FIRST AND SECOND GRAVES.
Neither absent nor tardy.
FOR THE YEAR.— Arthur D. Stone.
"One recitatzen each week in each of the subjects marked with an
asterisk. Four recitatious weekly in each of the other subjects.
26
FOR THE HALF YEAR.— Sarah A. Brown, Mary D. Hunt, Nellie
Bacon, Ellen Callahan, Lizzie Corcoran, Alice S. Harrington,
Kate Layne, Sadie M. Morse, Nell H. White, Seth P. Bachelder,
Albert G. Berry, Frederick T. Lord.
HANCOCK GRAMMAR, THIRD AND FOURTH GRADES.
Neither absent nor tardy.
Fox THE HALF YEAR.—Annie Brown, Mary D. Hunt, Alice
Goodwin, Mary E. Manley, Rosie Morse, Lizzie Riley, Maude
Robinson, Theodora M. Robinson, Lilla Vickery, Wni. Hunt,
Alberto Jackson, G. Otis Jackson, Frederick T. Lord, .Albert
Peters, Wallace Humphrey.
HANCOCK. PRIMARY, FOURTH AND FIFTH GRADES.
Neither absent nor tardy.
FOR THE HALF YEAR.—LiIla Vickery, Elden Griffin, Wallace
Humphrey, Herbert Richardson, Eddie Robinson, Fred. H. Rogers.
Not absent.
FOR THE HALF YEAR. -- Katie Griffin.
HANCOCK PRIMARY, FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD GRADES.
Neither absent nor tardy.
FOR THE HALF YEAR.— Fred. H. Rogers, Timmie Leary.
ADAMS GRAMMAR.
Neither absent nor tardy.
FOR THE YEAR.— Mabel Brown, Herbert Lowe, Miner; Smith,
Chas. Spaulding.
Fon THE HALF YEAR.— Cora Ball, Alice Fletcher, LuralHa1l,
Nellie White, Chas. O'Hara, Chas. Stone, John Stone.
ADAMS PRIMARY.
Neither absent nor tardy.
FOR THE HALF YEAR.-- Eva G. Lowe.
27
Not absent.
FOR THE HALF YEAR.—Annie Lawrence, Emily E. Stone,
Frank W. Pierce.
BOWDITCH.
Neither absent nor tardy.
FOR THE HALE YEAR.— Essie Duey, Mabel M. Paine, Con-
stance Willard, Wm. H. Ballard, Chas. Burrell, Howard Dal-
rymple.
FRANKLIN.
Neither absent nor tardy.
FOR THE HALF YEAR.— Elwood Jameson, Herman Fuller.
Not absent.
FOR THE HALF YEAR. --Julia Carroll, Mary Carroll.
HOWARD.
Neither absent nor tardy.
FOR THE YEAR.— Ellen Crowley.
Not absent.
Fon THE HALF YEAR.—Daisy Currier, Thos. Mansfield.
WARREN.
Not absent.
FOR THE HALF YEAR.— Nellie McCaffrey.
28
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CONTENTS.
PAGE.
List of Town Officers for 1887-88, . 3
Lexington Town Records far 1887-88, . . 5
Warrant for a Town Meeting, March 7th, 1887, 5
Warrant for a Town Meeting, May 2d, 1887, . 17
Warrant for a Town Meeting, Oct. 18th, 1887, . 22
Warrant for a Town Meeting, Nov. 8th, 1887, . 27
Selectmen's Report, . . 31
Town Treasurer, 32
Guide Boards, . . 32
Street Lights, . 32
Town Buildings, 88
Board of Health, 33
Police, 34
Almshouse, . 35
Outside Aid, . . 36
Property at Almshouse, February 1st, 1888, . 36
Highways, . . . . 38
Highway Department Property, . 89
Tax Collector's Report, . . , 41
Town Treasurer's Report, 42
Statement of Town Debt, . 45
Report of Treasurer Cemetery Trust Fund, 46
Town Clerk's Report . 47
Firths and Marriages . 47
Deaths . • . 50
Sale of Town Histories . 51
Dogs . 51
List of Jurors . 5i
Fire Engineers' Report . . 52
Assessors' Report . . • 54
Cary Library—Trustees' Report 56
Cary Library ---Treasurer's Report 62
Bridge Charitable Fund . 84
Auditors' Report—Schools . 1
High School . 1
30
Auditors' Report.—continued.
Adams School . 2
Hancock School 2
Franklin School 3
Howard. School . 3
Common to all Schools 4
Bowditeh School 5
Warren School g
Summary . . . . 6
Repairing Buildings at Poor Farm 6
Support of the Poor 7
Outside Poor . 8
Highways 9
Fire Department, 11
Contingent Grant, 12
Street Lights, 15
Cary Library, 16
Constables and Police, 16
Assessors, . 17
School Coin mittee, . 17
Memorial Day, 17
improvement of the Common, . 18
Treasurer and Collector, . 18
Oakland -Street Extension, 18
Reading Room at East Lexington, . 19
Selectmen in their Various Capacities, 19
Gemmell Legacy, 19
Interest, . . 20
Janitors Town and Village Balls, 20
Removing Snow, . 21
Celebrating 19th April, 21
New Rose, 21
Town Debt, 21
State Tax, 22
County Tax, . 22
Draining around the Common, 22
Concrete Sidewalks, - 22
Town Clerk, . . . 23
Treasurer of Cary Library, . 23
Librarian Cary Library, . - 23
Cemetery, . . . 23
Fuel and Lights for Town and Village Halls, 24
Superintendent of Schools, . 24
4
31
Auditors' Report. ---continued.
Registrars of Voters, 25
Ringing Bells, . 25
New Street near Bloomfe]d Street, , 25
Hydrants, 26
State Aid, 28
Printing, . 27
Auditors, . 27
Temporary Loans, 27
Recapitulation, 27
APPENDIX.
Report of the School Committee, 1
Superintendent's Report, 7
Some Comments on School Work, 7
Reading, 10
Language, 12
Geography, 14
Writing, . 15
Other Work, 16
Aids to School Work, 17
Promotions, 18
Attendance, 10
School Buildings, 21
Conclusion, 22
High School— Classical Course 28
ligh School—English Course, 24
Roll of Honor, 25
Tabular View of Schools, etc., 28