HomeMy WebLinkAbout1888-89-Annual ReportREPORTS
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS
OF THE
TOWN OF LEXINGTON,
FOR THE YEAR 1888-89.
BOSTON :
D. F. JONES & CO., PRINTERS, 81 EXCHANGE STREET.
1889.
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT.
LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS.
FOR 1888 -9 -
SELECTMEN, OVERSEERS OF POOR, SURVEYORS OF HIGHWAYS AND BOARD.
OF HEALTH.
WEBSTER SMITH. ALBERT W. BRYANT. CHARLES Y. WEST..
TOWN CI.ERIC.
LEONARD A. SAVILLE.
TREASURER AND COLLECTOR OF TAXES.
EDWIN S. SPAULDING.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
DR. ROBERT M. LAWRENCE. Term expires 1891.
EDWARD 1'. BLISS. Terni expires in 1990.
ALBERT W. BRYANT. Term expires in 1889.
ASSESSORS.
JOSEPH F. SIMONDS. WALTER WELLINGTON.
HORACE B. DAVIS.
CEMETERY COMMITTEE.
GEORGE H. JACKSON. Term expires 1891.
TIMOTHY H. BOWEN. Term expires 1990.
ABBOTT S. MITCHELL. Term expires 1889.
CONSTABLES.
ABBOTT S. MITCHELL. HENRY E. BISHOP.
AUDITORS.
HILMAN B. SAMPSON. C-ERSHOM SWAN.
BOARD OE TRUSTERS OF CARY LIBRARY CONSI.TS OF THE SELECTMEN,
SCHOOL COM.MITTEE., AND $$TILED CLERGYMEN OF THE TOWN.
TRUFTEIiS OF GAMMELL LF.GACY.
MRS. LUCY M. R. WHITING. MISS LUCY N. BLODGETT.
TRUSTEES OF BRIDGE CHARITABLE FUND.
GEORGE 0. DAVIS. Term expires 1895.
ALBERT W. BI YANT. Term expires 1891.
GEORGE E. MUZZEY. Term expires in 1889. (Treasurer.)
ENGINEERS OF FIRE DEPARTMENT.
WILLIAM B. FOSTER. EDWIN J. B. BOURSE.
WILLARD W A LCOTT.
TREASURER CARY LIBRARY FUNDS.
EDWA RD P. BLISS.
TREASURER CEMETERY FUNDS.
GEORGE H. JACKSON.
REGISTRARS OF VOTERS.
GEORGE 0. SMITFI. Term expires 1891.
GEORGE W. S tMPSON. 'Term expires 1890.
BRADLEY C. WHITCHER. Term expires 1889.
LEONARD A. SAVILLE. (Clerk.)
FENCE VIEWERS.
LEONARD E. BENNINK. GEORGE C. GOODWIN.
JAMES S. MUNROE.
FIELD DRIVERS.
HENRY E. BISHOP. ABBOTT S. MITCHELL.
CHARLES H. FRANKS.
SURVEYORS OF LUMBER.
GEORGE E. MUZZEY. ABBOTT S. MITCHELL.
LIBRARIAN OF CARS LIBRARY.
MISS GRACE S. WELLINGTON.
FIRST ASSISTANT AND ACTING LIBRARIAN.
MISS FLORENCE E. WHITCHER.
SECOND ASSISTANT.
MISS ELMIN&. MUNROE.
LIBRARIAN OF BAST LEXINGTON BRANCH OF CARY LIBRARY.
MISS NELLIE HOLBROOK.
SEXTON.
CHARLES T. WEST.
SUPERINTENDENT OF TOWN SCALES AND PUBLIC WEIGHERS.
LEONARD A. SAVILLE. RUFUS W. HOLBROOK.
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
EVERETT S. LOCKE.
JANITOR OF TOWN HALL.
GEORGE H. THURSTON.
JANITOR OF VILLAGB HALL.
WALTER WELLINGTON.
POLICE OFYICERs.
HENRY E. BISHOP. CHARLES H. FRANKS.
SPECT AL POLICE ( WITHOUT PAY ).
GEORGE FI. THURSTON. WALTER WELLINGTON.
ABBOTT S. MITCHELL.
SUPERINTRNDRNT A'D MATRON AT ALMSHOUSE.
MR. AND MRS. ROBERT H. WHITE.
MEA8URRRS OF WOOD AND BARE.
HORACE B. DAVIS. FRANK V. BUTTERS.
LEONARD A. SAVILLE. RUFUS W. HOLBROOK.
AUGUSTUS CHILDS.
LEXINGTON TOWN RECORDS.
WARRANT FOR A TOWN MEETING
MONDAY, 11MARCA 5, 1888.
ARTICLE 1. To choose a Moderator.
ART. 2. To hear the report of any Committee
that may be ready to report, and act thereon.
ART. 3. To see if the Town will elect one person
who shall be Town Clerk, Treasurer, and Collector
of Taxes, a member of the Board of Assessors, and
clerk of the Board of Selectmen, who shall occupy an
office in the Town Hall, and he present therein during
stated hours, and make an appropriation for said
officer's salary, or act in any manner relating thereto.
ART. 4. To see if the Town will vote to elect five
Selectmen for the ensuing year.
ART. 5. To choose Town Officers for the ensuing
year, including one member of the School Committee
for the term of three years.
ART. 6. To choose one Committee -man for the
term of three years, to fill a vacancy in the Cemetery
Committee.
AR•r. 7. To provide for the support of the Poor
the ensuing year, and grant money for the same.
ART. 8. To provide for the support of the High-
ways the ensuing year, and grant money for the
same.
6
ART. 9. To provide for the support of the Public
Schools the ensuing year, including their several
grades, and grant money for the same.
ART. 10. To provide for the support of the Fire
Department the ensuing year, and grant money for
the same.
ART. 11. To provide for the support of the Street
Lamps the ensuing year, and grant money for the
same.
AnT. 12. To see if the Town will accept the List
of Jurors presented by the Selectmen.
ART. 13. To see if the Town will vote for or
against granting licenses for the sale of intoxicating
liquors, in answer to the following question: " Shall
licenses be granted for the sale of intoxicating liquors
in this town? " The vote on the above question shall
be by ballot, " yes " or " no," and the check-Iist shall
be used as provided by Sect. 5, Chap. 100, of the
Public Statutes.
ART. 14. To see if the Town will make the appro-
priations for Town expenses the ensuing year, as
submitted by the Selectmen, or act in any manner
relating thereto.
ART. 15. To see what measures the Town will
adopt in relation to the Collection of Taxes the ensu-
ing year, or act in any manner relating thereto.
ART. 16. To see if the Town will authorize their
Treasurer, under the direction of the Selectmen, to
borrow money for any necessary purpose in anticipa-
tion 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.
7
ART. 17. To see if the Town will make an ap-
propriation for the proper observance of April 19,
1888.
ARm. 18. To see if the Town will make an appro-
priation to construct sidewalks with concrete or other
materials, where the abutters will pay one half of the
expense thereof.
ART. 19. To see if the Town will cause a new
pipe to be laid from the gas main to the cellar of the
Town Hall building.
AitT. 20. To see if the Town will make an appro-
priation for care and improvement of the Cemetery.
ART. 21. To see if the Town will alter, amend, or
revise the By-laws of the Town, or adopt new By-
laws, or take any action relating thereto.
ART. 22. To see if the 'Town will appoint a Com-
mittee to take into consideration the subject of
Drainage, and appropriate $200 for the expense of
the same, or act in any manner relating thereto.
ART. 23. To see if the Town will authorize the
Selectmen to draw from any unappropriated money
in the treasury for the payment of contingent ex-
penses.
ART. 24. To see if the Town will authorize their
Highway Surveyors to employ a Superintendent of
Streets for the ensuing year.
ART. 25. To see if the Town will vote to improve
the sanitary condition of the lock-up in Town Hall
building, and appropriate money for the same, or act
in any manner relating thereto.
ART. 26. To see if the Town will choose a Com-
mittee to consider the advisibility of the purchase by
8
the Town of the franchise of the Lexington Water
Company and report at the next Town meeting, or
act in any manner relating thereto.
ART. 27. To see if the Town will vote to allow the
« Lexington Club" to occupy the Assessors' room in
Town Hall free of charge.
Action was taken upon the articles in the forego-
ing warrant, as follows:—
ARTICLE 1. Voted, That the polls for the choice
of Moderator be kept open three minutes.
On ballot, with the use of the check -list, Augustus
E. Scott was unanimously elected and was duly
sworn by the CIerk.
ART. 2. Voted, That the printed reports of the
Town officers be considered before the meeting for
action thereon. On motion of Mr. A. W. Locke, it
was voted that so much of the Auditor's report on
page 30, paragraph 3, relating to Appropriations and
Balances, be referred to a committee on By -Laws,
appointed under Art. 21.
Mr. Bryant, of the Selectmen, made a verbal report
that the Board of Health had not called upon the
State Board of Health to view the meadows in East
Lexington, as authorized by Art. 23, of meeting of
March 7, 1887, for the reason that last season being
so wet it was not deemed advisable so to do until a
dryer season, and it was
Voted, That the Board of Health call upon the
State Board of Health to view the premises at the
proper time.
ART. 3. Voted, That the article be indefinitely
postponed.
9
ART. 4. Voted, That the article be indefinitely
postponed.
A RTS. 5 and G. Voted, That these articles be taken
up together, and that we proceed to elect on one
ballot, a Town Clerk, three Selectmen, who shall also
be Surveyors of Highways, Overseers of the Poor,
and Board of Health; three Assessors, one member
of the School Committee for the term of three years;
two Constables, one Cemetery Committee -man for
the term of three years; two Auditors, one Treas-
urer, who shall also be Collector of Taxes, and
that the polls be kept open until quarter -past five
o'clock, P. M.
The Moderator subsequently appointed as tellers
to assist in sorting and counting ballots, Abram B.
Smith, William B. Foster, L. E. Bennink, and G. W.
Sampson, who were duly sworn.
After closing the polls at the time specified, and
counting the ballots, the Moderator announced the
result as follows:—
FOR TOWN CLERK.
George W. Smith .
Leonard A. Saville .
. 346
And Leonard A. Saville was declared elected Town
Clerk for the year ensuing.
FOR SELECTMEN, OVERSEERS OF THE POOR, SURVEYORS OF HIGH-
WAYS, AND BOARD OF HEALTH.
Edwin S. Spaulding . 1
Joseph F. Simonds . 2
Harry W. Davis . 7
Leonard A. Saville . 9
Frederick 0. Vaille . 69
Walter Blodgett
Charles 'T. West
Albert W. Bryant
Webster Smith
•
10
•
•
152
227
235
▪ 328
And Webster Smith, Albert W. Bryant, aLd
Charles T. West were declared elected Selectmen for
the ensuing year.
FOR TREASURER AND COLLECTOR OF TAXES.
George Smith .
Leonard A. Saville
Edwin S. Spaulding
•
1
45
295
And Edwin S. Spaulding was declared elected
Treasurer and Collector of Taxes for the ensuing
year.
FOR ASSF.sSORS.
Walter Blodgett .
Charles T. West .
Nelson W. Jenney
Leonard A. Saville
Walter Wellington
Joseph F. Simonds
Horace B. Davis .
•
1
4
▪ 55
• 125
. 150
. 307
. 319
And Horace B. Davis, Joseph F. Simonds, and
Walter Wellington were declared elected as Assessors
;for the ensuing year.
FOR SCHOOL COMMIT'TEE FOR THREE TEARS.
Laura M. Brigham
Carlton A. Staples
Ellen A. Stone .
Robert M. Lawrence
1
. 2
. 167
. 180
And Robert M. Lawrence was declared elected as
School Committee for the term of three years.
11
FOR CONSTABLE$.
Walter Wellington
Willard Walcott .
John P. Dinan
Daniel P. Mahoney
Henry E. Bishop .
Abbott S. Mitchell
14
. 144
• 1
. 172
. 175
. 186
And Abbott S. Mitchell and Henry E. Bishop were
declared elected as Constables for the ensuing year.
FOR CEMETERY COMMITTEE FOR THREE YEARS.
Luke W. Wright .
George H. Jackson 184
And George H. Jackson was declared elected as
Cemetery man for the term of three years.
161
FOR AuDITORs.
Gershom Swan .
Elliman B. Sampson
. 341
- 342
And Hilman B. Sampson and Gershom Swan were
declared elected as Auditors for the ensuing year.
The following were chosen by nomination: —
FOR FENCE VIEWERS.
Leonard E. Bennink, Frank E. Brown, George C. Goodwin.
FOR FIELD DRIVERS.
Albert A. Tufts, John D. Bacon, Alonzo E. Locke.
FOR SURVEYORS OF LUMBER.
Abbott S. Mitchell, George E. Muzzey.
Voted, That the remaining minor officers be ap_
pointed by the Selectmen.
12
ART. 7. Voted, That the sum of two thousand
dollars ($2,000) be appropriated for the support of
the poor the ensuing year.
AwT. S. Voted, That the sum of four thousand
dollars (4,000) be appropriated for the support of
the highways for the ensuing year.
ART. 9. Voted, That the sum of ten thousand
dollars ($10,000) be appropriated for the support of
the public schools for the ensuing year.
Awr. 10. Voted, That the sum of nine hundred
and fifty dollars ($950) be appropriated for the sup-
port of the fire department the ensuing year.
ART. 11. Voted, That the sum of eighteen hun-
dred dollars ($1,600) be appropriated for the support
of street lamps the ensuing year.
AIT. 12. The List of Jurors as prepared by the
Selectmen and posted according to law, was read, and
the Town voted to strike from the list names of
Thomas J. O'Brine and Willard C. Pierce, they hav-
ing been drawn since the list was posted.
Voted, That Alexander M. Tucker, Elijah A_
Shaw, and George E. Muzzey be excused from serv-
ing on the list of Jurors.
Voted, That the names of Ira F. Burnham, Pat-
rick F. Dacey, Albert B. Smith, Walter Wellington,
and James A. Mitchell be added to the list.
Voted, That the Jury List as amended be accepted
by the Town.
ART. 13. This article was taken up in connection
with Arts. 5 and 6, so that balloting could be made
at the same time. Before the polls were opened the
self -registering ballot box was shown to be empty,
13
and then locked and the key of the bottom box given
to the Constable in attendance. When the register
(which stood at 0 at the beginning of' the balloting)
reached 200 the machinery failed to work until the
box was opened and the machinery fixed, and also
when the register reached 300 it again stopped until
fixed. At the close of the polls the register showed
:306, but on the ballots being counted there were
331, as follows:—
Yes .
No .
129
. 202
Awr. 14. Voted, That the list of appropriations
as submitted by the Selectmen be acted on, item by
item, as follows: —
Support of Poor (see Art. 7)
Highway, 4 • 8
Schools, " " 9
Fire Department, " " 10
Street Lamps, " " 11.
Town Debt .
Constables and Police
•Salaries of Selectmen
Salaries of Assessors
Janitors of Town and Village Halls .
Poe1 and Light, Town and Village Halls
H%drants .
Concrete walks (see Art. 18) .
Town Clerk .
Auditors . .
Ringing Bells .
Printing .
School Committee
Interest . .
Treasurer and Collector .
Registrars of Voters .
•
•
. $2,000
4,000
. 10,000
950
1,800
2,600
2,000
• 800
425
500
400
• 1,640
▪ 600
100
45
70
250
• 300
1,600
• 500
• 100
14
Treasurer of Cary Library
Librarian of Cary Lihray
East Lexington Reading Room
Memorial Day
Abatment of Taxes .
,Discount on Taxes .
Celebration of April 19, 1888 (see Art. 17) .
Care of Common .
Superintendent of Schools .
Enforcement of Liquor Law
50
450
300
125
500
400
200
200
350
200
Voted, That the appropriation for care of Common
be expended by a committed appointed by the " Field
and Garden Club."
Voted, That the Selectmen be instructed to cause
the gas lamp in the rear of the Town Hall building
to be lighted on all nights when the Town Hall is
occupied.
Voted, That the School Committee be authorized
and requested to formulate and submit a plan at the
next town meeting for teaching the industrial arts to
the pupils of our public schools.
Voted, That Mr. William B. Foster be instructed
to confer with the Lexington Water Company in re-
gard to establishing a telephone communication, and
report at the April meeting with recommendations.
Voted, That the lamplighters be requested to re-
port to one of the Selectmen, or some one designated
by the Selectmen, in regard to lighting lamps on
doubtful nights.
Voted, That the sum of thirty-five hundred dollars
($3,:.00) of the appropriations made (in addition to
the sum of two hundred dollars ($200) for celebration
of April 19, 188 , be taken from money now in the
15
treasury, and that the balance be assessed the present
year.
ART. 15. Voted, That all taxes for the current
year be made payable on or before Dec. 1, 1888, 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 all taxes remaining unpaid
at that date be subject to interest at the rate of six
per cent per annum, and that the Collector be in-
structed to collect all taxes before May 1, 1889.
ART. 16. Voted, That the Town authorize their
Treasurer, under the direction of the Selectmen, to
borrow money for any necessary purpose in anticipa-
tion of the collection taxes of the current year, the
same to be paid directly from the proceeds of said
taxes.
Axa. 17. Voted, That the sum of two hundred
dollars ($200) be appropriated for the proper observ-
ance of April 19, 1888, and that the said sum be
taken from any unappropriated money now in the
treasury, and be expended by a committee to be
chosen by the Lexington Historical Society,
ART. 18. Voted, That the sum of six hundred
dollars ($600) be appropriated to construct side-
walks with concrete or other material, where the
abutters will pay one half of the expense thereof.
Voted, That the balance of the last year's appro-
priation, and so much of the appropriation for the
present year as may be required for the purpose, be
expended, at the discretion of the Selectmen, to con-
struct cross -walks.
Aim 19. Voted, That the Selectmen be instructed.
16
to cause a new pipe to be laid from the gas main to
the cellar of the Town Hall building.
ART. 20. Voted, That the matter be referred to
the Cemetery Committee to consider the matter of
improving and care of cemetery, and report at the
next meeting.
ART. 21. Voted, That a committee of three be
appointed by the chair to take into consideration the
matter of changes in the by-laws of the town, and
report at the April meeting ; and the chair ap-
pointed as such committee Robert P. Clapp, Leonard
A. Saville, Leonard E. Bennink. And subsequently
it was
Voted, That Augustus E. Scott be added to that
committee.
ART. 22. Voted, That a committee of five be ap-
pointed by the chair to consider the subject of drain-
age and report at a subsequent meeting, and that the
sum of two hundred dollars ($200) be appropriated
for the expenses of said committee. And the follow-
ing were appointed by the Moderator: Dr. J. C.
Tilton, J. S. Munroe, M. H. Merriam, George 0.
Smith, George 0. Whiting.
ART. 23. Voted, That the Selectmen be author-
ized to draw from any unappropriated money in the
treasury for the payment of contingent expenses.
ART. 24. Voted, That the subject be indefinitely
postponed.
ART. 25. Voted, That the matter be referred to a
committee of three to be appointed by the chair, to
take the subject into consideration and report at the
April meeting with estimates of the cost of the im-
17
provement; and the chairman appointed Gershom
Swan, George E. Muzzey, George H. Thurston.
ART. 26. Voted, That a committee of three be
appointed by the Moderator to consider the advisa-
bility of the purchase by the Town of the franchise of
the Lexington Water Company; also to take into
consideration the feasibility of providing other sources
of supply of water; also to ascertain if at any time
the Water Company has violated its contract with the
Town, and report at the next meeting. And the fol-
lowing were appointed as such committee: F. F.
Raymond, James S. Munroe, E. A. Shaw; to which
committee A. E. Scott was subsequently added by
vote of the Town.
Voted, That one hundred and fifty dollars ($150)
be appropriated for expenses of said committee.
ART. 27. Voted, That the matter be referred to
the Selectmen with full powers.
After the vote for Town Officers, previously re-
corded, was given, the ballots cast and the check -list
used were sealed up and indorsed by the Moderator
and Clerk, such of the newly -elected officers as were
present took the oath of office, and the meeting was
declared dissolved.
A true record.
Attest: LEONARD A. SAVILLE,
Town. Clerk.
18
WARRANT FOR A TOWN MEETING.
MONDAY, JuWE 4, 1888.
ARTICLE 1. To choose a Moderator.
Awr. 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 vote to have more
men in the Fire Department, or act in any manner re-
lating thereto.
ART. fi. To see if the Town will instruct the
School Committee in their appointment of teachers
to fill vacancies to give the graduates of the Lexing-
ington High School the preference.
ART. 6. To see if the Town will change the name
of the Bowditeh School, in North Lexington, to the
Tidd School.
ART. 7. To see if the Town will revoke the vote
passed at the meeting in March, 1887, requiring the
Lexington Savings Bank to pay for the occupancy of
the room in the Selectmen's department in the Town
Hall building.
ART. 8. To see if the Town will instruct the Sur-
veyors of Highways to put a drain -pipe through
under Monument Street between the estates of Mrs.
Henry Mulliken and S. W. IIendley, connecting with
the ditch at the corner of said Mulliken's carpenter's
shop, with catch -basins on each side of said street,
and appropriate money for the same, or act in any
manner relating thereto.
19
ART. 9. To see if the Town will exempt from tax-
ation for a term of years such buildings as may be
erected for manufacturing purposes in East Lexing-
ton by Charles F. Bacon, or act in any manner relat-
ing thereto.
ART. 10. To see what action the Town will take
in relation to a petition of the Woburn Electric Light
Company.
ART. I1. To hear the report of the Selectmen on
laying out an extension of Oakland Street, on petition
of D. W. Muzzey and others.
ART. 12. To hear the report of the Selectmen on
laying out an extension of Forest Street, on petition
of A. C. Washburn and others.
ART. 1 '. To see if the Town will make an ap-
propriation to concrete around the Adams school-
house, or net in any manner relating thereto.
Atm 14. To see if the Town will make an appro-
priation to be used for the removal of snow, or act in,
any manner relating thereto.
Action was taken upon the articles in the foregoing
warrant as follows: —
ARTICLE 1. Voted, That the polls for the choice of"
Moderator be kept open three minutes. On ballot
with the use of the check -list, A. E. Scott had fifteen
votes; Geo. O. Whiting had one vote, and A. E. Scott
was declared chosen as Moderator, and duly sworn.
ART. 2. Mr. Geo. E. Muzzey, for the committee
appointed under Art. �5 of the March meeting to con-
sider the sanitary condition of the lock-up in the base-
ment of the Town Hall building, made a verbal report,
and recommended an appropriation of one hundred
20
and seventy five dollars ($175) to make the needed
improvements, which sum was voted by the Town, to
be taken from any unexpended money in the treas-
ury, and to be expended under the direction of the
same committee.
Mr. F. F. Raymond, for the committee appointed
under Art. 26 of the March meeting in regard to
Water Supply, etc., asked for more time to make their
report, as they wished to examine the condition of
sources in the dry season, and further time was
granted.
Mr. E. P. Bliss, for the School Committee (see vote
under Art. 11 of March meeting, page 188), made a
report. (See Report of Committees, page 168.)
Voted, That the report of the committee be accepted
and its recommendations adopted, and the sum of five
hundred dollars ($500) be appropriated for the ob-
ject.
Mr. R. P. Clapp, for the Committee on Revi-
sion of the By -Laws (see Art. 21, page 190), sub-
mitted a report. (See Report of Committees, page .)
Voted, That the new By -Laws be adopted section
by section, which was done.
Voted, Sections 1 and 3 of Art. 3 of the By -Laws
be repealed.
Voted, That the financial year of the Town begin
Jan. 1 of each year and end Dec. 31 of each year.
Voted, That Mr. R. P. Clapp be a committee to
present the By -Laws as adopted to the Superior Court
for approval, and cause copies to the number of 1,56;1
to be printed and circulated at an expense not exceed-
ing $54, which sum be taken from the treasury.
21
Mr. A. E. Scott called Mr. L. E. Bennink to the
chair, and took the floor, and made a report for the
Committee on Reorganizing the Trustees of the Cary
Library, appointed at the meeting held Oct. 13, 1887.
(See page 172.) Mr. Scott made a clear and detailed
report of the history of the Cary Library from its in-
ception, including its management, donations to the
library, and reasons for making the changes proposed
by the Act of Incorporation, after which Dr. H.
Holmes made some statements in regard to the sub-
ject, and, as the hour was Iate (10.20 P. M.), Mr. A.
W. Bryant moved an adjournment.
Voted, That this meeting stand adjourned to June
11, at 7.30. P. M.
LEXINGTON, June 1I, 1888.
Meeting called to order at time of adjournment,
and Mr. A. W. Bryant moved. to lay the matter of
Report of Committee on Cary Library on the table,
but the Town refused to do so, and discussion on the
report was resumed by Messrs. James R. Reed, R.
P. Clapp, Dr. II. Holmes, E. P. Bliss, and others, who
opposed, and Messrs. M. H. Merriam, Cornelius Wel-
lington, A. E. Scott, and others, in favor. Mr. Web-
ster Smith moved that the matter be indefinitely
postponed and the Committee discharged. which
proposition was fully discussed and a vote taken, and
the Moderator declared it not a vote, which decision
was doubted, and the house polled with the following
result:—
In favor of indefinite postponement
Opposed to "cc
79
82
22
And the Moderator declared the subject indefinitely
postponed and the Committee discharged.
Mr. A. S. Mitchell made a report for the Cemetery
Committee (see Report of Committee, page 270), but
no ac ion was taken.
Mr. A. W. Bryant moved, and the Town
Voted, To adjourn till Tuesday, June 19, at 7.30
P. M.
LrXINOT0N, June 19, 1888.
Meeting as per adjournment. Report of Cemetery
Committee, which was under consideration at time
of adjournment, was taken up.
-Voted, That the sum of two hundred dollars ($200)
be appropriated to carry out the recommendations of
the Cemetery Committee, said sum to be taken from
any unappropriated money in the treasury.
Wm. B. Foster, who was appointed at the meeting
of March 5 to confer with the Lexington Water
Company in regard to establishing a telephone com-
munication with the pumping station and the Town,
made a report. (See Report of Committee, page
271.)
Voted, That the report be accepted and the sum of
one hundred and ten dollars ($110) be appropriated
to carry out the recommendations of the report, said
sum to be taken from any unappropriated money in
the treasury.
Atm 3. The Town Clerk reported that one
vacancy existed in the board of Fence Viewers, and
James S. Munroe was chosen to fill the vacancy.
James E. Crane, John D. Bacon, and Charles Blod-
23
gett were chosen to fill vacancies in the board of
Field Drivers.
Awr. 4. Voted, That the matter be indefinitely
postponed.
An'r.5. Voted, That the matter be indefinitely
postponed.
ART. 6. That the name of the M Bowditch " School
in the North District, be changed to the " Tidd "
School, in honor of the late Mr. Charles Tidd, for
many years a teacher and School Committee -man in
the Town.
ART. 7. Some discussion was had in regard to this
matter by Messrs. G. W. Robinson, Cornelius Wel-
lington, B. T. lacheller, and others, and the Town
finally
Voted, Not to rescind the vote of March, 1857,
which vote was doubted, and the house polled with
the following result: —
In favor of rescinding the vote of March, 1887 40
39
Opposed to "
1< ih 11
And. the Moderator d.ec]ared the vote of March,
1887, rescinded.
Aim. 8. Voted, That the matter be referred to the
Surveyors of Highways, and that they be instructed
to cause the work to be done, and that the sum of
two hundred dollars ($200) be appropriated therefor,
to be taken from any unappropriated money in the
treasury.
ART. 9. That the matter be indefinitely post-
poned.
ART. 10. Some discussion was had upon this
21
matter, in which it was claimed that the Lexington
Gas Light Company, a corporation in which many of
our citizens were interested, should have first chance
to supply the town with electric lights, and Mr. M.
H. Merriam made the following motion, and the
Town
Voted, That if the Lexington Gas Light Company
shall within thirty days from this date give satisfac-
tory assurance to the Selectmen that they will proceed
immediately to establish an electric lighting plant, so
as to furnish electric light to any of the residents who
may require the same, then the consideration of the
petition of the Woburn Electric Light Company shall
be indefinitely postponed; provided, however, that if
they shall fail to so assure the Selectmen, then the
petition of the Woburn Electric Light Company shall
be granted.
ART. 11. The Selectmen made a report on an ex-
tension of Oakland Street (see Reports of Commit-
tees, page ..7-), and the Town
Voted, That the report be accepted, and that the
sum of one hundred and fifty dollars ($14) be ap-
propriated for the cost of the work, to be taken from
any unappropriated money in the treasury.
ART. 12. The Selectmen made a report on an ex-
tension of Forest Street (see Reports of Committees,
page .73), and the Town
Voted, That the report be accepted, and that the
sum of one hundred and fifty dollars ($150) be ap-
propriated for the cost of the work, to be taken from
any unappropriated money in the treasury.
ART. 13. "Voted, That the stun of two hundred
25
dollars ($ '00) be appropriated from money in the
treasury to pay for the work.
Voted, That if the unappropriated money in the
treasury be not sufficient for this and other appropri-
ations made at this meeting, the Selectmen be author-
ized to borrow money therefor in anticipation of the
collection of taxes.
ART. 14. Voted, That the sum of five hundred
dollars ($500) be appropriated for the purpose of re-
moving snow, the money to be taken from the treas-
ury, or raised as provided under Art. 13.
Meeting declared dissolved.
LEONARD A. SAVILLH,
Town Clerk.
WARRANT FOR A TOWN MEETING.
SATURDAY, Sept. 1, 18E8.
ARTICLE 1. To choose a Moderator.
ART. 2. To hear the report of any committee that
may be ready to report, and act thereon.
ART. 3. To see if the Town will assent that the
Corporation of the Cary Library may take and hold,
for the purposes of the formation and maintenance of
a public library in Lexington, the funds and property
now held by the Trustees of Cary Library, which
they have acquired and hold under the terms of the
gifts and bequests of Maria Cary, to be held and
applied by the Corporation in the same manner as if
held by said Trustees, or act in any manner relating
thereto.
ART. 4. To see if the Town will transfer to said
26
Corporation all other funds now held by it, for the
purposes of a public Iibrary, or for the present Cary
Library; also, all the books and pamphlets compris-
ing the present Cary Library, and objects of curiosity
and art, and other property connected therewith, to
be held and applied by the Corporation in the same
manner as if they were held by the Town, or act in
any manner relating thereto.
At;m. 5. To see if the Town will approve or reject
the list of persons, or any part thereof, nominated to
be members of the Corporation of the Cary Library,
or act in any manner relating thereto.
Action was taken on the several articles in the
foregoing warrant as follows: --
ARTICLE 1. -Voted, That the polls be kept open
three minutes, for the choice of a Moderator by ballot.
On ballot, Harry W. Davis was chosen Moderator,
and was sworn by the Clerk.
ART. 2. No committee being ready to report, the
article was passed.
ARTS. 3 and 4. On motion of Mr. George 0.
Whiting, it was
Troted, That 3 and 4 be taken up and considered
together. Discussion was had upon the question con-
tained in the articles named by Rev. C. A. Staples,
George W. Sampson, George O. Whiting, and Albert
W. Bryant, in favor of the Town assenting thereto,
and by William PIumer, James Russell Reed, and
George E. Muzzey, who opposed the transfer to the
Corporation, and it was
Voted, That the Town assents that the Corpora-
tion of the Cary Library may take and hold, for the
21
purposes of the formation and maintenance of a pub-
lic library in Lexington, the funds and property now
held by the Trustees of the Cary Library, which they
have acquired and hold under the terms of the gifts
and bequests of Maria Cary, to be held and applied
by the Corporation in the same manner as if held by
said trustees; and that the Town will, and by this vote
does, transfer to said Corporation all other funds now
held by it, for the purposes of a public library, or for
the present Cary Library; also, the books and pam-
phlets comprising the present library, and objects of
curiosity and art, and other property connected there-
with, to be held and applied by the Corporation in the
same manner as if they were held by the Town. The
vote was by "yea and nay," and was declared by the
Moderator carried in the affirmative, which was
doubted; and the house was polled, and the check-
list was used, with the following result: --
In favor of the transfer . . 140
Opposed to the transfer . 93
AUT. 5. The following ticket was circulated at
the meeting: —
NOMINEES FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE CORPORATION OF THE CARY
LIBRARY.
Francis E. Ballard, Benjamin F. Brown, E. G. Champney,
James E. Crane, Edward E. Cutler, George O. Davis, George H.
Emery, Charles C. Goodwin, Miss Emma C. Hamlin, Rev. P. J.
Kavanagh, Alonzo E. Locke, John F. Maynard, Mrs, Annie W.
Muzzey, Rev. G. G. Nicol's, Charles P. Nunn, Albert S. Parsons,
Miss Gertrude Pierce, George W. Porter, D. D., Miss Lucy Put-
nam, Mrs. Rebecca E. Robinson, Miss F. M. Robinson, Leouard
A. Saville, George D. Smith, J. O. Tilton, M. D., Bev. Thomas
28
Thompson, Alexander M. Tucker, Charles A. Wellington, George
O. Whiting, Bradley C. Whitcher, Mrs. Isla L. Willard, .Frederick
O. Vaille, Mr. L. E. lar.nink.
Moved, That the ticket be voted for in the usual
manner. Mr. R. P. Clapp moved to amend that the
list as printed be approved by the Town; and it was
Voted, That the list of names as printed be ap-
proved by the Town.
Meeting declared dissolved.
LEONARD A. SAVILLE,
Town Clerk.
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN, SURVEY-
ORS OF HIGHWAYS, AND OVERSEERS
OF POOR.
Your Selectmen in offering for your information
and inspection the reports of the officers who have
had charge of the different municipal duties for the
year ending Dec. 31, 18.38, as per vote of the Town,
instead of Jan. 31, 189, as heretofore, making a re-
port of eleven months, feel assured that by repeating
what they published in their last report in regard to
the general condition of the Town, only with more em -
emphasis will convey a correct idea of the Town's
affairs.
The Town has continued prosperous in every man-
ner that is conducive to its welfare, and with a pros-
pective assurance for its continuation,
The Collector and Treasurer's reports show a balance
of nearly $9,000 now on hand, and of this amount are
balances belonging to the schools, poor, police, street
lights, and police appropriations for the completion of
the year, as intended when the appropriations were
made. The amount available for future purposes may
be about $5,000.
The Assessors' report gives the gratifying intelli-
gence that the increase of taxable property the past
year is. $:.11,289, and it is believed from present ap-
pearances that the net gain will be nearly if not quite
30
as large the coming year; also, the reduction of the
rate of taxation to $10.50 per $1,000 is an attractive
feature. The town debt has been reduced $2.t)00.
TOWN TREASURE I
The Treasurer's books and accounts have from time
to time been examined, and found correctly kept, with
vouchers for all payments.
GUIDE BOARDS.
In compliance with the requirements of the law we
herewith state that it has been our endeavor to keep
the guide boards in such repair as to meet the purpose
for which they were intended.
STREET LIGHTS
Some additions to the former number of lamps have
increased the expenses somewhat. The frequency of
the breaking of the glass in the lanterns is not only
expensive but very annoying. Within a few months
the electric light will be introduced in town suffi-
ciently to enable a comparison with the present
method, both in the degree of light given and the dif-
ference in cost.
TOWN BLTILD%NGS.
This subject cannot be passed by as lightly as last
year. The 'Town Hall building and the Village Hall
building will not require much of an outlay. Neither
will the Almshouse buildings. The other buildings are
in fair repair, with the exception of some of the school
buildings. The Adams School building will require
31
new eave-troughs and a few other light repairs. The
High School building leaks very badly, and some
method must be devised to prevent this recurrence
after every rain -storm. All attempts that have been
made by several mechanics have entirely failed.
Your attention will be called by an article in the war-
rant for the annual town meeting in relation to better
accommodations for the four schools in the Hancock
School building. Our attention was specially called
to this building by the School Committee during the
past year, and in viewing the school -rooms, partic-
ularly the two in the rear part of the building, it is
apparent even to a casual observer that the very dim
light given by the few windows resembles twilight
a considerable portion of the time given to school ex-
ercise, which must be injurious to the eyesight of the
scholars. The sanitary arrangements are so con-
structed as to be not Qnly defective but so offensive
that it is a question of no doubt but what the health
of one hundred and seventy-five children is to say the
least endangered.
BOARD OF HEALTH.
A large reduction in the number of contagious
diseases was reported to the Board of Health, as
compared with the previous year. In 1Si,7, 30 cases
of scarlet -fever and 2 of diphtheria were reported.
In 1888, only 5 cases of scarlet -fever, : l of diphtheria,
and 5 of typhoid fever were reported. There have
•
been numerous calls to suppress nuisances arising
from house and slaughter -house offal, also privies and
sink drains, all of which were readily stopped. In
32
this connection we will announce that an important
report is expected to be made at the annual meeting
by a committee chosen some time since to examine
and report upon the subject of Sewerage, which is a
matter that must be met at no distant day.
POLICE.
The following report shows the doings of the
police for the past eleven months:
To THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN, Lexington :
Gentlemen, — The following is a report of the police service for
the year ending Dec. 31, 1888:—
Tramp lodgers . 304
Disturbances quelled .
Persons assisted home . . 8
Cases investigated not prosecuted .
Warrants to search for liquors served
Liquors seized and condemned, gallons
Complaints made and prosecuted
Class. d as follows:—
Malicious
ollows:—
Malicious mischief .
Keeping liquor for sale .
Violating by-law •
Keeping dog contrary to law
Cruelty to animals .
Larceny
Assault and battery .
Disturbing the peace
Drunkenness .
6
11
s
7
31
1
1
1
1
•L
8
9
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY E. BISHOP.
The above report is inexplicit, inasmuch as it does
not give the final disposition of any of the cases
enumerated. The Town, Dec. 3,1885, instructed the
33
Selectmen by vote to employ additional police officers,
and pay $2.50 per day; since that time two officers
have been employed. Thirty-seven dollars and fifty
cents was expended for additional police for the
Fourth of July, which made the cost for police
service the past year $1,862.75. Much comment
has been made to the Selectmen in regard to this
expenditure, but the matter is one for the Town
to consider, as we are only obeying instructions.
It can be seen by this statement that the cost for
police service is nearly one fifth of that for the eleven
schools in town, nearly one half of that for repairs
of highways, and more than that for the support of
the almshouse, or the street lights, or fire department.
MAIN STREET.
A notice has been received from the County Com-
missioners ordering the straightening and widening
of Main Street, in more or less places, from ArIing-
ton town line to the Common; also, a plan is furnished
showing the bounds on both sides of the street, so
that every owner of an estate on that street now can
know to a certainty his exact boundary lines. The
awards made for damages are about $4,240; of this
amount the county pays $3,000. The Town is ordered
to remove all fences and build the road, as the order
designates, within two years from Jan. 1, 1889. The
carrying through to completion of this order will
require the expenditure of quite a large amount. The
character of the work to be done is so variable in
many places that the cost can only be estimated with
34
much uncertainty. An estimate will probably be sub-
mitted at the annual meeting and an appropriation
asked for.
As the Selectmen have been subjected to censure as
well as criticism in regard to this matter, we here
state how far we were implicated. It originated in
our endeavoring to maintain and defend what we be-
lieved to be an infringement of a public right, and in
the absence of any record of a boundary line on
Main Street, the only alternative was an appeal to the
County Commissioners to fix the bounds of the prem-
ises we were defending. At this junction of the
proceedings, citizens from other parts of the Town, as
well as the Commissioners, thought as there was not
a record of a single bound of the entire length of
Main Street that the present was an opportune time
to have one established, therefore a petition was got-
ten up not by the Selectmen but by other citizens,
requesting the straightening and widening. The
Selectmen took no part, except to look for the Town's
interest, in their official capacity.
ALMSHOUSE.
This branch of our duties has caused us but little
anxiety, from the fact that Mr. and Mrs. White have
shown throughout the year a disposition to care not
only for the property intrusted to their charge but
also for the inmates in the house, who seem to be
happy and contented. One death has occurred dur-
ing the past year. The whole number of inmates for
the year was 14, present number 5; all of which are
aged and require constant care.
35
All of the personal property in the house and on
the premises was found, upon personal examination,
to be well protected and in good condition. A much-
needed improvement, in a sanitary point, around the
house has been completed, by digging a large cess-
pool at some distance from the building, with drain-
pipe to connect. Improvements by ditching and
otherwise, on the land, have been made.
The farm has- yielded a satisfactory return, the
principal product being hay; but vegetables sufficient
for the family use are raised, with a surplus of some
kinds. The amount sold from the farm was $513.74.
OUTS I FDE AID.
Thirty-one have received more or less aid, as their
circumstances required. Of this number, several
were chargeable either to some town or the State,
who will reimburse the expense. One extreme ease
of sickness of a State pauper cost nearly $300, of
which the Town will lose about $100, by reason of
the State refusing to reimburse to the full amount.
Several attempts to fasten a settlement of those who -
were receiving assistance in other places have been
pressed, but as yet in every case were unsuccessful.
The amount paid for support of poor
Less reeeive•.l from income of farm .
Amount paid for outside aid
Less outside aid refunded
Appropriation .
Cost of support at the ▪ Almshouse .
Number of week's board furnished, includ-
ing Superintendent's family, 473; cost
per week in Bash .
82,576 Sri
513 74
956 40
204 00
2,000 00
1,105 92
2 321
36
A balance of $141.38 remains in the treasury.
An appropriation of $2,000 is recommended for the
support of this department the ensuing year.
PROPERTY BELONGING TO PAUPER DEPARTMENT
JAN. 1, 1889.
Contents of Wash room . $8 00
:[ Pantry . 25 00
.c Room No. 1 . 65 00
SS "" " 2 75 00
,i SS 1000
10 00
<< " " 5 . 1500
LC " " 6 35 00
ac " " 7 . 1500
<< " Li 8. 25 00
iL LI. Li 9 . 20 00
<< " " 1015 00
Li "1L . . 15 00
64 " "12 . 12 00
•i L: it13 . . . 16 000
[L {i . 1500
« ' 'S 15 . 88 00
66 SS '' 16 . • 17 00
61 �S l7 20 00
« SS 1000
Front Hall . . . . 6 00
4 oil barrels, $4 ; f bbl. molasses, $10 ; pork and hams,
$27 . . . 41 00
50 bush. potatoes, $40 ; 100 bush. roots, $25 ; 2f bbls.
vinegar, $20 . . . . .
3 bbls. cider, $17; 1 cider -press, $8; 35 bbls. apples,
{S 3
" 4
"14
SS
" 20
$35 .
Contents of milk cellar, $15 ; 3 pork barrels, 83 •
Jars, cans, boiler, and storm windows .
Amount carried forward
85 00
▪ 60 00
18 00
. 10 00
. 8652 00
Amount brolght forward $652 00
Contents of Lock-up, $12 ; 200 cabbages, $8; 1 mowing
machine, $40 60 00
2 cultivators, $7 ; 2 ploughs, 18 ; 75 fowls, $66.25 81 25
Grindstone, $10 ; bench and vise, $7 ; 3 hogs, $56 ;
horse cart, $25 . . . 98 00
25 cords manure,4$175 ; 10 tons coal, $75 ; wood in
shed, $18 . . . 268 00
Saws and axes, 12 ; carryall, $25 ; express wagon, 160 ;
sled, $50 . . . . . • 137 00
Cart, hammers, and jack, $11.50; horse -rake, $10; hay
wagon, $25 . . . . . 46 50
Manure wagon, $35 ; wheelbarrow, $3 ; 13 tons hay,
$260 . . • . . 298 00
2 cows, 1100 ; 1 horse, $150 ; 4 tons rowen, $64 ; grain
chest, $5 . . . . . . 319 00
Blankets, halter, and surcingle, 12.50 ; forks, rakes, and
ladders, 15 . . 7 50
Double harnesses and chains, $20 ; express har-
ness, $30 . . . . . 50 00
Light harness, 16 ; grain, meal, etc., $5 ; tools, etc., in
shop -room, $ 5 . . . . . . 16 00
Set double reins, $4 ; manure forks, hoes, and tools, $5 ;
barrels, tubs, etc., $2 . . 11 00
Pung, $6 ; buffalo robe, $8 . 14 00
$2,058 25
HIGHWAYS.
The Highways have received that care and attention
that their importance demands; repairs where most
needed were of course attended to first; and if all
that was desired was not accomplished, it must not
be attributed to neglect, for the teams were kept con-
stantly at work when the weather permitted; also,
extra help was employed when it could be done to
advantage. The past season has been an exceptional
33
one, in consequence of the unusual amount of stormy
weather, which prevented continuous work.
The difficulty in procuring suitable material for
repairs is an expensive hindrance, as much of the
gravel is hauled a long distance, which enhances the
cost; 1,7:)1 loads of gravel were purchased at a cost
of $179,15. The portion of Main Street that is in
East Lexington has received but little attention, for
the reason that the alterations in the road -bed in
many places as ordered by the Commissioners would
make any expenditure nearly useless.
All the property belonging to this department is in
good condition.
The labor in the extension of Oakland Street, and
also Forest Street, was done by the town teams. A
balance of $1().18 remains in the treasury.
In regard to an appropriation for repairs of high-
ways the ensuing year, we recommend that, as an
order has been given from the County Commissioners
for widening and straightening Main Street, that the
work be done in connection with the repairs of high-
ways, and the sum of $7,000 be appropriated, ---
$J,0U0 taken from any unappropriated in the treas-
ury, and $4,000 assessed the present year.
39
PROPERTY BELONGING TO HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT,
JAN. 1, 1889.
3 Carts, $150; drag, evener, and whi®tree, 57 . . $157 00
Tool rhea;, drills, and hammers, $12 ; 3 snow -ploughs, $45 57 00
Shovels, hoes, rakes, etc., 512 ; 1 road machine, $1140 . 152 00
1 Road wagon, $20 ; 1 plough, $5 ; 4 horses, $800 ;
28 bushels of oats, $14 . .
Blankets, hames, halters, snrcingles .
Harnesses, collars, bridles, lines, etc.
3 Cart saddles, $45; grain chest, tools, ete.
839 00
20 00
• 90 00
▪ 52 00
1,367 00
Respectfully submitted,
WEBSTER SMITH,
ALBERT W. BRYANT,
CHARLES T. WEST.
,4elec[men, Surveyors of Highways, Overseers
of Poor, and Board of Health.
LEXINGTON, Dec. 31, 1888.
40
TAX COLLECTOR'S REPORT.
TAXES, 1887.
Amount uncollected, Feb. 1, 1888
eolleeted
abated .
uncollected .
. $4,337 04
122 04
. ▪ 252 13
TAXES, I888.
Tax list .
Supplementary .
Amount collected
Li allowed for discount
sc
abated . .
uncollected .
LEXINGTON, Jan. 1, IS89.
$4,711 21
$26,050 00
419 13
798 06
8,640 35
$35,907 54
. $4,711 21
$4,711 21
$35,877 54
30 00
$35,907 54
E. S. SPAULDING, Tax Collector.
41 42
Amount brought forward . $20,400 09
Fire Department 831 57
TOWN TREASURER'S REPORT. State Aid . . 277 00
Printing 212 50
Librarian 422 66
Registrars of Voters 100 00
RECEIPTS. Cary Library . 646 47
Cash on hand Feb. 1, 1888 . . $2,846 05 Superintendent of Schools 315 00
Highways . 388 29 Auditor's . 45 00
Contingent . 5,334 49 Fuel and Lights for Town and Village Halls 518 51
Pauper . 513 74 Interest . . 1,902 33
Dog Tax Money 641 82 Hydrants 1,600 00
Interest . . 180 00 Janitors Town and Village Halls 458 34
Taxes, 1887 . . • . 4,837 04 Removing Snow 91 81
Temporary Loans•8,000 00 Ringing Sells 70 00
Cemetery . . . 300 23 East Lexington Reading Room 236 59
Outside Aid . 204 00 Cemetery . . 260 07
Fire Department 5 00 Nineteenth April Celebration 198 96
Taxes, 1888 . 26,050 00 Temporary Loans . 8,000 00
Schools • 35 00 Decoration Day 123 85
State Aid . 323 00 Assessors . . . . 425 00
Cemetery Trust Funds 100 00 Enforcement Liquor Law 28 00
Concrete Walks . 136 73 Gammen Legacy . . 35 97
Cary Library . • . 4 65 Improvement of Lock-up 139 07
Gammen Legacy 35 00 Concrete Walks 627 01
Total $48,y35 04 Concreting around Adams School -house 198 50
Culverts on Monument Street 123 39
Cemetery Improvement . 202 24
EXPENDITURES. Oakland Street Extension 145 82
Schools . •$9,086 58 Selectmen, etc. 800 00
Highways . • . . 4,219 11 State Tax . 3,532 50
Contingent ••963 20 County Tax . . 1,982 21
Street Lights . 1,537 14 Town Debt . 2,600 00
Constable and Police 1,718 00 Forist Street . 151 45
School Committee . . 300 00 Care of Common . 231 75
Pauper . . 1,619 66 Collector and Treasurer 400 00
Outside Aid . . 956 40 Town Clerk . . . 91 67
Amount carried forward . . $20,400 09
Amount carried forward . . $48,425 73
43 44
Amount brought forward . . $48,425 73
Treasurer Cary Library . 50 00
Industrial Teaching 79 98
Cash on band, Jan. 1, 1889 379 33
Total . . $ 18,935 04
H;. 8. SPAULDiNG, Town Treasurer.
L.EX[NoTON, Jan 1, 1889.
STATEMENT OF TOWN DEBT.
JAN. 1, 1889,
DATE. TO WHOM. 'WHEN DUE. AMOUNT. INTEREST.
Sept. 1, 1885, State Treasurer, Dec. 1, 1889, $2,600 4 pr. et.
EL Lc a cc cc 1890, 2,600 1,
u u 41 16 cc 1891, 2,600 +`
« cc cc cc cc 1892, 2,600 66
IL 61 11 a 46 1893, 2,600 it
66 41 11 14 LC 1894, 2,600
zc is cc cc 1895, ,r 2,600 14
1887.
Feb. 28, Treasurer Cary Library, Feb. 28, 1892, 5,000, 6 pr. et.
1883.
Mar. 31, cc "c cc Mar. 31, 1893, 6,000, 6
1881.
Apr. 8, Treasurer Bridge Fund, Demand, 2,000, 6
1874.
July 23, Gammell Legacy, Trust Fund, 500, 7
Cemetery Trust Fund, 2,550, 6
Total . $34,250 00
E. S. SPAULDING, Town Treasurer.
45
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMITTEE.
The Committee having used the sum of two hun-
dred dollars appropriated by the Town in the general
improvement of the. Cemetery, such as improving the
entrances, grading the avenues, and repairing the
fences surrounding the Cemetery, and other general
work as deemed by them necessary, have found this
amount insufficient to complete the plans in as desir-
able a manner as contemplated. We would recom-
mend the appropriation of two hundred dollars for
the ensuing year with which to carry on the work.
We would also call the attention of the Town to the
fact of the surface water from Main and Bloomfield
streets being turned into the Cemetery at the lower
entrance, thereby doing great damage to the drive-
way and lots, aside from the matter of using the
Cemetery for a drainage repository, and ask for a
careful consideration of the subject for the improve-
ment thereof.
Respectfully submitted.
G. H. JACKSON.
ABBOT S. MITCHELL.
T. HIBBARD BOWEN.
46
REPORT OF TREASURER FOR THE TRUSTEES
OF CEMETERY TRUST FUND,
Total amount of fund Jan. 1, 1889
$2,450.00
Unex-
pended
Receipts. Payment*. 13aIanee&
Balance unexpended Jan. 1, 1888 $46.31
John Winning, Heirs, lot 47 4L 18.00
Eli:ib Brown . " 27 " 9.00
Isaac B. Smith . " 69 " 6.60
Mrs. O. A. Dodge " 30 " 6.00
Nathan Fessenden " 73 " 9.00
Cljalles Hudson . " 16 " 9.00
Marshall II. Locke '° 37 " 6.00
Mrs. A. l3uttrirk . " 105 " 12.00
Aimira R. Chandler " 92 " 6.00
Adeline R. Parker " 152 " 6.60
John P. Reed . 66 4 " 6.00
Phillip Russell . °4 48 i4 6.00
J. B. Simonds, lot, Old Cemetery, 24.00
Mary Wells Merrill, lot Old Cemetery, 6.00
Caira Robbins, Cemetery, East Lexington, 18.00
Balance unexpended Jan. 1, 1889 . .
14.05
6.70
6.05
4.30
6.90
10.10
6.05
6.70
6.10
6.00
5.55
5 95
26.75
4.40
17.88
281.33
$414.31 $414.31
40.77
25.41
9.42
20.15
22.12
21,73
9.23
44.34
5.51
5.50
1.45
2.0.5
17.63
15.45
45.97
GEO. H. JACKSON, Treasurer.
47
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT.
BIRTHS.
Whole number of births in 1888, forty-one (41). Males, twenty-
six (26). Females, fifteen (15). Parents native born, seventeen
(17). Parents foreign born, twelve (12). Parents one native
and one foreign born, twelve (12).
MARRIAGES.
Number of marriages registered in Lexington for the year 1888,
27. Males native born, 19. Males foreign born, eight (8).
Females native born, 20. Females foreign born, seven (7).
DATE.
NAMES.
1888.
Jan. 11 .
Jan. 18 .
Feb. 7 .
Feb. 12 .
Feb. 14 .
March 7
April 17
Charles 8 Bruce . .
Clara E. George . .
Frederick M. Williams
Minnie C. Thayer . .
Edward W. Leighton .
Martha M. Nourse .
John 0. Smyers
Ida McGee
•
'Campbell N. Tupper . .
Susie A. Berry . . .
Eugene Jose .
Lucy M. Fuller . .
James F. Russell . .
Mary Lavinia Smith .
RESIDENCES.
Lexington.
W re utham.
Boston.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington,
Portland, Me.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
48
DATE.
1888.
April 18 . {
April 24 {
May 31 . .
June 7 .
June 13 . . {
June 27 . .
July18 . .
Aug. 8 . .
Aug. 8 . .
Aug. 19 .
•
{
Sept. 25•{
Sept. 26 . {
Oct 3 . .
Oct. 9 . {
NAMES.
RESIDENCES.
William M. Horsch
Antoinette -J. Comley
Martin Welch .
Annie Murphy .
Timothy J. Leary
Bridget A. Flynn
Thomas Churchill
Mary Dunn . .
Fred C. Earle .
Caroline B. Hall
Walter M. Brown .
Emma R. Couitean
J. Alonzo Moulton
Joste M. Harvey .
John W. Shattuck .
Jessie A. Whidden
John L. Morrill .
Mary H. Freeman .
Charles H. Kenison
Etta A. Childs . .
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Franklin F. Raymond
Gertrude C. Eager .
George W. Peckham .
Lizzie Helen Holt . .
Clifton P. Ashley .
Alice S. Norris , .
William A. Lister
Charlotte M. Amy
Newburyport.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Concord.
Lexington.
Worcester.
Lexington.
N. Chichester, N. H.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Cambridge.
Lexington.
Waterville, Me.
Augusta, Me.
Lexington.
Boston.
Lexington.
Amherst.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Boston.
Lexington.
49
DATE.
1888.
Oct. 23 .
Nov. 14 .
Nov. 28 .
Nov. 29
Dec. 5
Dec. 7
num.
RESIDINC m8.
Robert MacPhee . . . Lexington.
Irene MacPbee . . . . Arlington.
Horace M. Howard Lexington.
Lucy A. Jones . . South Acton.
John Connors . . Quincy.
Nellie O'Connor . Lexington.
Thomas Montague . . Lexington.
Ellen Flynn Lexington.
Richard D. Dinah . . Lexington.
Jane M. Legoff . . . Boston.
Thomas Burke . . . . Lexington.
Margaret O'Halloran . . Lexington.
4
50
DEATHS.
Recorded in Lexington, from Jan. 1, 1888, to Jan. 1, 1889.
DATz.
1888.
Jan. 2
2
al 7
• 11
" 14
• 16
" 22
27
Feb. 4
' 4
" 16
• 16
" 21
22
Mar. 7
10
" 13
April 28
May 4
21
,. 24
• 28
July 20
If if 30
Aug. 4
a
Sept. 21
.t 22
21
• 25
Oct. 11
12
81
Nov. 16
Dec. 8
57
. 14
• 15 Mary B. Saville
' 17 Jams T. P. were
" 23 Lydia Bad lock
.. 30 Nancy Tucker
Natal.
AOY.
DnIEAPE.
Mary J. Forsyth
wary A. Martin
Rhoda F. Wadsworth
Martha B. Hudeoo
William }Iartwell..._,
Christopher 8. Maaoo
Margaret Hinehey
Mary D. Paul
Abby P. Jewett
61a rthe L. Knox .... ,
Elisabeth A. Moakley
Butterfield
Alice 10. Fitzpatrick
Serah Zllpha Downer
Eliza B. Pierce
O'Connor
Elizabeth N. Goddard.,...
John Keane
John J. Reardon
Henry .Teanneret
Jobn D. peters,..
�--. Turner
Sarah H. Marden
Ellen Logan
Annie C. Kavanagh.
Margaret Hay
Nathan Feasenden
Frank J. McCarthy
Edward L. McNamara
William B. Wood
Edward J. McMahan
Luke W. Wright
George T. Smith
Lizzie Mee lary
Charlotte Brown
Annie Louise Blice.....
Lizzie V. Ballard
Oeorglenna 31, Winship
Chorine Hutehlt)on
ld cry .4. Garnmell
Dora C. Headley
Hughes
Mamie E. Dodge
Earnest A. Rltehings
22 1 8
31 6 11
79 6 27
91 . 2
76 7 23
61 ....
40 6 ....
29 6 ....
6 4
'
17 8 20
2
lb 25
20 6 12
68 ........
67 7 ....
55
20 4 17
3 ....
16 3 ....
•70 ..6.• .26
56
26 ....
59 2 ....
80
20 .7..82
29 10 7
68 1 20
23 2 21
68
61 16
32 2 18
79 6 8
37 ....
61 10
31 16
74 4 ...
06 10 ....
68 ........
16 11 28
1 7 22
88 7 10
63 4 ...
98 E 5
74 , 9 ....
B*nTEULACR.
Coneumpiton Cambridge.
Pneumonia.. Charlestown.
Cerebral H.emoreo Antrim. N. H.
Jaundice Shrewsbury.
Bright's DiseaseBedford.
U1eer of StomachMeredith, N. H.
Cardiac DiseaseIreland.
Phthieie Madleon, Me.
Heart Dieeeee Lexington.
Pneumonia Doreheater.
Cerebro S'1 Mtai'g'e Lexington.
Premature Birth.... Lexington.•'
Mang. ScarlatinaLexington.
Consumption Charlestown.
Chronic HepatitisLexington.
Premature BirthLexington.
Carcinumn, lnt'et'e Lexington.
Cancer of Stomach Ireland.
ConsumptionLexington.
Croup New Jereey.
Tuberculosis Lexington.
Stillborn.... Lexington.
Paralytic ShockTemple, N. H.
Heart Disease. • • Ireland.
Phtblaia.
Pulmonary HemScotland.
Gangrene of Bow's Lexington.
Consumption Lexington.
Injury to Sp'l Cord Lexington.
Dyesentry......... Gardner.
Phthisis Lexington.
Apoplectic Shock., Ashby.
StrletuteofPylorus Brookfield, Vt.
Bright's Disease.. Brooklyn, N.Y.
Bright's Disease.. Wetberell'd,Vt.
Consumption St. Louie, Mo.
Typ. PnenmouiaTyyngsboro,
Pyaemia Charlestown.
Heart Diseasel.ond'd'y, N. H.
Hepatic Arlington.
Phtblaie..... New Bedford.
Stillborn. Lexington.
Hemorrhage Somerville.
Pnuemonle Lexington.
Old AgeCohaeeet.
Bright's & H't Die. Brooklyn, 24.7.
Old Age Concord.
ConeumptlonWolf boro,N.H
51
Whole Number of Deaths . • 48
Number of Males . 20
Number of Females . 28
—48
Native born . 44
Foreign born . • 4
—48
Number over 60 years of age . 18
Number under 10 years of age . 7
ACCOUNT OF TOWN HISTORIES AND HISTORIES OF
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
Number of Town Histories on hand, Jan. 1, 1888
Number sold during the year . ,
Exchange for copy of History of Wilton, N. H,
. 129
3
• 1
4
Number on hand, Jan. 1, 1889 . 125
neluding those in hands of Lee & Shepard, Boston, consisting of
16 bound copies and 23 unbound copies.
Number of histories of the Centennial celebration on hand Jan.
1, 1888, 186. None sold or donated during the year.
DOGS.
Licensed in Lexington from Dec. 1, 1887, to Dec. 1, 1888.
Whole number licensed . . . 288
Number of Males . . . 250
Number of Females . 38
Amount returned to County Treasurer, June 1, 1888 . $295 20
" " Dec. 1, 1888 . 837 20
$632 40
52
JURORS.
List of Jurors aeoepted by the Town, March 5, 1888.
Franklin Alderman,
John D. Bacon,
Francis E. Ballard,
Walter Blodgett,
Ira F. Burnham,
Patrick F. Dacey,
John T. Dernar,
George B. Dennett,"
William B. Foster,
Franklin A. Fletcher,
George G. Fuller,
John F. Hutchinson,
Nelson W. Jenney,
Arthur H. Jewett,
Everett S. Locke,
Herbert G. Locke,
Matthew H. Merriam,
James A. Mitchell,
William J. Neville,*
Charles Putnam,
Theodore J. Parker,
Moses H. Roberts,
George T. Smith,
Albert B. Smith,
Albert F. Spaulding,
Cornelius Wellington,
George O. Wellington,
Walter Wellington,
William H. Whitaker,
Charles F. Winship.
Respectfully submitted,
LEONARD A. SAVILLE,
Towna Clerk.
+ Drawn Nov, 2, 1888, for Civil Term Superior Court at East Cambridge.
53
FIRE ENGINEER'S REPORT.
The Engineers respectfully submit the following
report for the year ending Dec. 31, 1888:—
The
888:—The department has been called out six times, as
follows: —
FEB. 8, 3 P. M. •-- House and barn owned by Wm.
McDonald, entirely- destroyed; cause unknown. De-
partment present.
APRIL 30, 6 P. M. - House owned by C. A. Staples,
damage to roof; cause, defective chimney. Depart-
ment present.
APitIL 30, 8.30 P. M. —Brush on land of Franklin
Patch, alarming the entire department.
MAY 6, 9.30 P. M. -- Barn owned by B. F. Holt,
entirely destroyed; cause, supposed from brooders.
No alarm.
JULY 7. —Stable of E. J. B. Nourse, damage to
roof; cause, supposed a spark from the chimney.
Department present.
Nov. 23, 3.50 A. M. - House, barn, and piggery
owned by Owen McDonnell. First alarm on the
telephone system, which was completed this month,
alarming the pumping station and the entire fire de-
partment. Part of the house saved, barn andout-
buildings destroyed; cause unknown. Department
present.
The recent great •increase in losses of life and:
54
property by fire has induced the Legislature to give
considerable consideration to the matter, and many
new laws have been passed this year. Chapter 199
of the Acts of 1888 requires the Board of Engineers
to make strict inquiries as to the cause of all fires,
amount of loss, etc., and to prosecute all cases where
it appears to have been the result of design, etc.
Neglecting to comply with any of the requirements of
this act they shall be fined not less than $25 nor
more than $200. Chapter 426 requires all public
buildings, school -houses, factories, hotels, etc., to be
provided with suitable fire -escapes, and above second
story with fire pails, etc.
• Chapter 220.—Whoever violates any rule or regu-
lation established by a Board of Engineers under
Sect. 35, etc., shall forfeit a sum not exceeding $20
for each offence. Chapter 310 makes it imperative
that the fire department be supplied, before Nov.
1, 1888, with a life-saving apparatus consisting of,
first, a gun, or other suitable device, etc.; second,
a chute, socalled, made of suitable material ren-
dered uninflammable, having a flexible ladder at-
tached thereto, etc.; third, a life net or jumping net,
etc. These pieces of apparatus are to be kept ready
for immediate use, and a sufficient number of firemen
practised, etc. Any Town violating the provisions
of this act shall be subject to a line of not less than
$50 nor more than $500.
A private line of telephone connecting the pump-
ing station with Lexington Centre and the East
Village has seen established, to be maintained from
the first day of November, 1888, to the first day of
55
November, 1889, to he used by the town officers
according to the notices posted at each instrument.
To give an alarm of fire call on either of the follow-
ing named persons or places: Walcott's stable tele-
phone, Willard Walcott, engineer; E. J. B. Nourse,
engineer; W. F. Ham, church bell; T. L. Bruce,
telephone; East Village post -office telephone; Au-
gustus Childs, church bell; Wm. B. Foster, engineer.
The department needs the recognition and influence
of our citizens.
Young men of good character are needed to fill its
ranks and enhance its personnel. Let the employ-
ers allow them the time required for duty, and aid
rather than prevent them in joining the company.
Encourage ambition, that all who have the ability may
hope knot selfishly) that the highest office in the de-
partment is open to them. When a vacancy occurs
in the Board of Engineers fill it by selecting men
from the companies. Meet with engineers at the
Hancock House the last Thursday evening in every
month, where they will be pleased to see the citizens
and exchange ideas for the good of the department.
By a vote of the engineers only men who are in town
a large part of the time will be approved by them as
firemen. The number of men — forty-three — allowed
by the Town, if all are present, is none too many to
man the five pieces of apparatus. Under these cir-
cumstances, we recommend that the number be in-
creased to at least fifty men.
WM. B. FOSTER,
E. J. B. NOURSE,
WILLARD WALCOTT,
Engineers of Fire Department.
56
ASSESSORS' REPORT.
VALUATION Mav 1, 1888,
RESIDENT. NON-RESIDENT. TOTAL.
Real Estate, $2,255,951 8203,895 82,459,822
Personal Estate, 619,143 180,992 800,185
-- 83,259,957
Gain in real estate, $106,792; in personal estate, 8164,497;
net gain, 8271,289.
AMOUNT OF Tax LIST COMMITTED TO COLLECTOR.
County Tax 81,982 21
State Tax 3,532 50
Town Grants 80,280 00
Overlayings 82 88
--- 835,877 54
Rate of Taxation per Thousand 810 50
Number of Polls 824
Dwelling -houses .. 576
'° Horses 510
cc Cows 1,244
cc
iL
Swine
Other Neat Cattle
245
97
Poll Taxes $1,648 00
Resident Real Estate Tax 23,687 24
Non -Resident Real Estate Tax .. . 2,140 89
Resident Personal Estate Tax . . 6,501 00
Non -Resident Personal Estate Tax 1,900 41
--- 835,877 54
57
Total number of acres of land taxed 9,931
Total number of tax -payers 1,183
Number of person taxed on property 715
467
Number of persons taxed for poll only
PROPERTY EXFMPr FROM TAXATION.
Church property .
Town property
. . . . . . . . 865,600
128,400
ASSETS.
School -houses 822,950
Public Library 8,000
Public Buildings 50,000
Public Grounds 6,000
Cemeteries 3,000
Other Real Estate 6,500
Fire Apparatus 4 000
Trust Funds 15,950
Statuary in Memorial Hall 12,000
$128,400
JOSEPH F. SIMONDS,
WALTER WELLINGTON,
HORACE B. DAVIS,
Assessors of Lexington.
58
REPORT OF CARY LIBRARY,
FOR THE YEAR ENDING JAN. 1, 1889.
The whole number of volumes in the library at this
date is 11,728, of which 585 were added during the
last year, -1O by gift and 482 by purchase. The
increase has not been as large as in some former
years, partly because greater care has been exercised
in the selection of books, and partly because the
preparation for publishing a new catalogue has re-
quired a considerable outlay and curtailed the means
at our disposal for purchasing. The cost of re-
binding books and of binding volumes of the maga-
zines taken for the reading tables has been a serious
item of expense, and must always be. But bound
volumes of the magazines are among the most valu-
able books in the library, and are largely circulated
among its patrons. We have complete sets of only a
few of the leading magazines, and if those which are
incomplete could be filled ont it would be a great
accession to the valuable reading which it contains.
Taken in connection with Poole's Index of periodical
literature, which gives in alphabetical order every
subject treated in the magazines, there would be in
these volumes a library wherein the latest information
upon all subjects is readily found, given by the ablest
writers.
Our donations during the year have come from the
59
following persons, iz.: • George T. Angell, A. S.
Parsons, James Parker, W. H. Whitmore, Dr. R. M.
Lawrence, Dr. S. A. Green, J. B. Henry, W. H.
Baldwin, V. C. Tufts, Ames Free Library, Mrs.
Peter Harvey, and Miss E. A. Stone. Some of these
gifts are valuable and worthy of a place upon our
shelves, but it must be confessed that not unfre-
quently people send to the library worthless books,
which are an incumbrance to themselves and can be.
of no use in the library. When the library was first
opened there was a laudable desire to increase the
number of volumes, and many of our people gave
from their own stores very liberally; but the mere
adding of volumes without regard to their usefulness
is not desirable, and while books that people care to
read will always be gratefully received, those which
are likely never to be called for should be disposed of
in some other way. There are many volumes in our
library which are not worth the room they occupy,
they are only so much dead wood lumbering up the
shelves. What to do with the great number of pub-
lications of the State and national governments sent
to us, books which no one reads or refers to, is a
matter of serious embarrassment. Mr. G. W. Samp-
son has generously donated to the library eight
volumes of St. Nicholas, unbound, being the earliest.
numbers of that magazine, and very difficult, if not
impossible, to procure. If he was aware of their
value in the market, probably not less than four dol-
lars a volume, he must be credited with a large degree
of liberality. From the Woman's Suffrage League
of this town the Woman's Journal has been re -
60
ceived during the year, both for the library here and
the branch at East Lexington. Mr. W. H. Whit-
more, of Boston, has also sent us the Pennsylvania
Magazine of History and Biography. Thirty papers
and magazines are taken for the reading tables, in-
cluding one daily paper, the Boston Transcript, and
much use is made of them by large numbers of read-
ers. Six magazines and papers are taken at the East
Lexington branch, including The Minute Man, given
by Mr. A. Childs, and the daily Transcript.
The whole number of books drawn from the library
during the year amounts to 25,705, an increase of
4,604 over the previous year. Of this number, 3,822
were taken out through the East Lexington branch.
There were 3,256 volumes used in the library for ref-
erence, chiefly by the scholars of the public schools,
and the members of our study clubs. It is a matter
for congratulation that the scholars of the High and
Grammar Schools make larger use of the library each
year in connection with their studies. No subject
comes up in these schools for investigation where the
library does not afford valuable assistance, which they
are learning to appreciate more and more. The latest
books of reference in all departments of knowledge
are provided, and every opportunity afforded for ob-
taining accurate information.
It is gratifying, also, to be able to state that the
books are seldom misused, and that but one volume
out of the whole number in the library has been lost
during the year. This was a book sent to the bind-
ery to be rebound, where it was destroyed by fire.
No responsibility for its 1oss,jtherefore, rests upon the
61
librarians or patrons of the library; that nearly 30,000
volumes have been drawn from the library' or used in
the room during the year without a single book be-
ing lost from. this number. shows conclusively that
there has been due care exercised for their preserva-
tion by those in charge. A careful examination was
made, as usual, in August, of the books on the
shelves, and the result compared with the list of books
in the- library, to learn if any were missing. The
work was done by persons employed for the purpose,
and their report was satisfactory. During a part of
the year Miss E. A. Baker has been employed in pre-
paring the card catalogue for printing, by copying
upon the cards from the catalogue of the Nevens Pub-
lic Library, of Methuen, a brief analysis of the princi-
pal books found in that library which are also in ours,
and in making such analysis of those volumes in ours
which are not in that. The great advantage of this
will be that, when a new catalogue is printed, it can
be seen at once, on consulting it, what a hook con-
tains, thus greatly assisting those who are seeking
definite information, and adding much to the value of
the library. Miss Baker has completed this work in
the most thorough manner, after devoting much time
to its accomplishment in a painstaking spirit. The
old catalogue of the library is now comparatively
useless; probably more than two thousand volumes
have been added since it was printed. These are
found only in the card catalogue, which always cor-
rectly represents the books in the library, as new
cards are added whenever additional books are put
in. There is urgent demand for a new catalogue to
62
be printed from the cards. It would be a great con-
venience to the people using the library, and it ought
not to be much longer delayed; but the cost would
be so heavy, probably not less than $1,000 for five
hundred copies, that the Trustees have hesitated to
call upon the Town for the needed appropriation. The
work of preparing it thus far has been paid for out
of tunds at their disposal; but it would require many
years of saving from the present income to meet so
large an expenditure. In printing former cata-
logues the Town has assumed the entire expense,
and given one copy to each family using the library
without charge. This is the only way in which a new
one can be printed at present without seriously crip-
pling
rip-
pling the growth of the library.
The constantly increasing use of the library by the
steadily increasing population of the Town will soon
require some changes in its management. It would
be well to have it open every evening in the week in-
stead of three evenings, and also to have it opened
for two hours in the morning, like the Concord
Library, instead of afternoons and evenings only.
If these changes were made it would involve the
additional expense of an assistant for the librarian
for the whole time,— an expense which will cer-
tainly have to be met at no distant time in one form
or another. The librarian at present receives a salary
of $400, with $50 additional for assistance on Satur-
day afternoons and evenings. She asks for more
assistance in the work of drawing and returning
books. Would it not be the best way to secure it by
employing an assistant for a portion of the afternoons
63
and evenings, and so have the library opened every
day from 2 o'clock till 9 P. M.? This would involve
an additional expenditure of $200 a year, paying the
assistant $250, the full salary given the librarian up to
three years ago. Such a change would relieve the
librarian from overwork, and secure the increased
usefulness of the library. This matter should be
carefully considered, and such action taken as will
promote the continued prosperity of this noble insti-
tution. As the term for which the librarian was ap-
pointed does not expire until April, the Trustees will
offer no recommendation until the subject has been
fully investigated, and they have a definite plan to lay
before the Town.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
On behalf of the Trustees,
C. A. STAPLES.
64
A STATEMENT FROM THE TRUSTEES OF
CARY LIBRARY.
A statement from the Trnstees of Cary Library
respecting their duties and responsibilities in view of
the demands made by the Cary Library Corporation
may justly be required by the people of Lexington.
The purposes of trusteeship under the letters of
Mrs. Maria Cary were to secure not merely the safe
and permanent custody of the funds and a wise se-
lection of books, but a perpetual hold on the affection
and good -will of all the people towards the library,,
which, by her peculiarly devised allotment of Trustees,
she clearly meant to be the people's institution. We
refer to the unchallenged annual reports of the Trus-
tees and the condition of the library for a testimonial
to the efficiency of management up to the present
time. Frequently have the Trustees discussed the
probabilities that changes would some time become
advisable, and apparently there has always been a
disposition to work together harmoniously to that
end. Except the two members who signed the peti-
tion to the Legislature last winter, no other of the
eleven Trustees knew that such a radical step was
to be taken. Regardless of that, if the change had
seemed to them advisable they would have heartily
and cheerfully co-operated. As soon as the charac-
ter of the charter of the corporation and its effect on
the good -will of the people seemed open to grave
doubts, they could not promptly consent. When it
was learned that nearly every one of the eight per-
65
sons petitioning themselves to be incorporated had
given library management only the briefest consider-
ation, and some of them none at all, there was the
stronger reason for conservatism on the part of the
Trustees. It will be renumbered that the matter
thus conceived was hurriedly carried to the Legis-
lature more for the irrelevant object of securing by
eminent domain a piece of' land for the new library
building than to adopt the best possible change in
management. The committee previously appointed
by the Town took less than a day to consider the new
plan; and a general investigation into its merits be-
gan only after it had passed the Legislature, when it
was urged that because it had passed it should
straightway be adopted by the Town. Its promoters
undoubtedly supposed they were acting agreeably to
the disposition of the people. The magnitude and
force of disapproval were a surprise to them; and
had theyanticipated it. and known what all have
since learned, that this form of corporation for the
exclusive control of town libraries supported largely
by grants of money raised by taxation has been
disappointing in other places, they would probably
have framed a plan of better promise. The vote of
disapproval passed by the Town in the first meeting
after the passage of the act was not accepted as final,
and it was determined that it should be brought be-
fore the Town again. An embarrassing impediment to
consideration and amendment was the natural desire
of all citizens to express their gratitude to our fellow -
citizen who has generously offered to provide a
beautiful library building; and his adherence to the
corporation won the votes of many who declared that
66
otherwise they should have voted against the aecept-
anee of the charter unamended.
At the special September meeting the Town voted
to transfer the library to the corporation, with a
strong dissenting vote, and the refusal of many citi-
zens present to vote, because of their antipathy to
sharing in an issue involving so much personal feel-
ing. With affairs in this state, unexpectedly the whole
responsibility devolved upon the Trustees. The mis-
chief of the hasty and premature origin of the cor-
poration became then apparent, for the legal status
of the Library had been only cursorily considered.
After the September meeting, for the first time, all
the letters of Mrs. Maria Cary relating to the trust
were submitted to the most competent legal authority,
and the Trustees learned that the Legislature had ex-
ceeded its authority in granting the corporation the
right to violate the terms of trusteeship. If the mat-
ter shall be carried to the Supreme Court, the same
documents will have to be submitted that were re-
ferred to Mr. William G. Russell. The decision of
the Court will be final; but such is Mr. Russell's rep-
utation that we can only presume the judgment of
the Court .will coincide with his. His opinion, given
impartially and after long investigation, is, that the
Legislature cannot take away from the Trustees the
rights and duties as created by the trust, and that the
Act of Incorporation only authorizes them to make
the transfer in accordance with the provisions of the
Aet. The Trustees find, therefore, though they may
lawfully discharge themselves of their trust in the
manner proposed, yet they alone are brought face to
face with the responsibility of disposing of the library
67
and its funds. The majority vote in the town meet-
ing, under these circumstances, having no legal force,
it is to be esteemed only as an expression of the
opinion or wish of one hundred and forty-two citizens
out of more than twice that number of voters present
at the meeting. Certainly weightshould be allowed
to it; but to what extent can the Trustees rely on it
for vindication if, in acting contrary to their own judg-
ment, they allow our library to become such an object
of perpetual contention in our Town as it has been in
other places where the same kind of corporation has
been tried? Supposing, in a regular town meeting,
it was voted by a strong majority to turn the library
over to a sectarian or educational institution, should
the Trustees heed the plea that what the Town had
voted they should perform, regardless of their own
judgment? But the vote would have a potency par-
alleled in the present instance. Unlike matters of
public policy and economy that come before a yearly
tribunal of voters, the Cary Library once transferred
unconditionally to an independent corporation is irre-
coverable to the Town.
Our library is dependent upon a financial support
by the Town aggregating four times that derived
from the trust funds. During the corning year it is
proposed to ask the Town Iargely to increase its ap-
propriations, and in the new library building the
yearly expense to the Town will be close to $3,000.
It has been $1,750 this year. If the library hold
the same relations to the Town that it has under the
trusteeship, judging from the past liberality of the
Town, we do not hesitate to predict that all the
money required will be unanimously granted. Iiow
68
will it be if independent Trustees, none of whom are
appointed by or accountable to the Town, ask for
large appropriations? We can answer only by re-
ferring to the troubles that have befallen libraries
similarly managed in towns where the people are
just as public-spirited and intelligent as ours. Not
theories as to how things might be, but actual ex-
periences are the instructions the Cary Library Trus-
tees have heeded.
It is with regret that we dissent from the opinions
of Mr. William A. Tower, who is about to benefit
the Town and the library so munificently. We
wish to record our appreciation of his good -will to
Lexington, and our sincere wish that a disposal of
the Cary Library and a form of management consist-
ent with the terms of trusteeship and the character
of our people may soon be agreed upon which will
be entirely acceptable to him.
The Trustees have at no time been opposed to in-
corporation and an enlarged and representative form
of management. We desire to respect the terms of
trusteeship and to retain the good -will of all the
people towards the library, believing that thus only
will future donations and appropriations come freely
to us from a generous and public-spirited people, and
believing also that the mission of such an institution
as the founder devised is sadly contracted when it
ceases to command the undivided responsibility of the
whole body of citizens, and their pleasure in joint and
equal ownership. EDWARD P. BLISS, Secretary.
Amended and adopted by the Trustees of Cary Library, Jan.
21, 1889.
4.9
CARY LIBRARY.
TREASURER'S REPORT FOR 18b8-89.
The Treasurer of Cary Library debits himself as
follows: --
Feb. 1, 1888.
Cash on hand . .
Cash receiver], Dog Tax
. Tnterest on Town Notes
Caira Robbins Legacy
Fines .
Interest on Caira Robbins Fund
" by Savings Bank . .
" Book Purchasing Fund
Lexington Savings Bank Book . .
Caira Rol thins Fund .
Gift from George W. Rohbinson for Book Purchasing
Fond . . • .
Note Town of Lexington, dated April 1, 1883 .
Note Town of Lexington, dated Feb. 28, 1887 .
8221 61
641 82
660 00
4 65
25 00
1 27
26 77
12 50
529 65
51 50
1,000 00
6,000 00
5,000 00
814,177 77
And credits himself as follows: —
Payments for books and cataloguing . 1,356 23
Cash on hand Dec. 31, 1888 . 195 20
To balance Town Notes . . 11,000 00
" '6 Lexinuton Savings Bank 556 42
'° °6 Caira Robbins Fund . . 57 42
°' '° Book Purchasing Fund - . 1,01.2 50
814,177 77
EDWARD P. BLISS, Treasurer.
Dzc. 31, 1888.
70
A PROTEST.
The foregoing statement, purporting to be a state-
ment from the Trustees of the Cary Library, is so
misleading in many of the particulars which are
alluded to, that, in justice to the citizens of the Town,
a more succinct and explicit explanation should be
made.
The statement as given says, "amended and adopted
by the Trustees of Cary Library, Jan. 21, 1889. The
Trustees were requested by Mr. Bliss to meet, Jan.
21, for the purpose of considering a supposed plan
for a compromise with the Cary Library Corporation,
and the assurance was given that no vote would be
taken that evening, so as to secure the attendance of
members who had hitherto absented themselves from
the regular monthly meetings, after special notices
had been given them of the necessity of their attend-
ance.
At the meeting, Jan. 21, six members were pres-
ent; no organization was made, the president being
absent, therefore in an informal manner Mr. Bliss
submitted a paper, it being an outline, which he sup-
posed would be offered for consideration by the Cor-
poration.
Mr. Bliss read a statement which was designed as
an explanation for the delay that had been occasioned
by a portion of the Trustees. After two of those
who were present had left the room, it is understood
that a vote was taken by the four retraining to print
7[
the statement in the Annual Town Report, after it
had been manipulated and shorn of some of its rough
edges.
This statement was never authorized at any reg-
ular monthly meeting of the Trustees, neither at
any special meeting called in accordance with the by-
laws of the Cary Library. Its emanation therefore
was uncalled for, and was surreptitiouly introduced
before six of the Trustees, called together in an in-
formal manner, and for another purpose, so chat,
instead of being the voice of the Trustees of the Cary
Library it is only that of four members.
In regard to the act granting the Cary Library
Corporation, it should he remembered that, Oct. ]3,
1e87, the Town chose two committees,— — one to co-
operate with the Town in the erection of the build-
ing and the procurement of the site, the other
committee to consider the advisability of reorganiz-
ing and increasing the number of Trustees of the
Cary Library. Neither committee received any in-
structions to report to the Town, and were therefore
at perfect liberty to carry out their own convictions.
The first -named committee were met with a re-
fusal to sell the estate desired; the other committee
ascertained the only way to reorganize and increase
the number of Trustees was by an act of incorpora-
tion. Both committees, after mature deliberation,
decided that in order to carry out the vote of the
Town, unanimously expressed, it was necessary to
petition the Legislature for an act that would secure
the two wished -for objects. The delay occasioned
by the committees in considering the exigencies which
72
had arisen necessitated immediate action, as the time
for presenting petitions had nearly passed, only two
days remaining.
After receiving the signatures of the two donors
and others, the petition was presented and referred
to the proper committee. Public notice was given
of a hearing; two lawyers and others were present,
and made such remarks as they chose. The hearing
was continued, and another opportunity given for
further expression. The matter was held in abey-
ance by the legislative committee, although unani-
mous in their opinion, thus affording the remonstrants
an opportunity to be heard, if desired. Finally, the
bill was reported, passed both branches of the Legis-
lature without a dissenting vote, and received the
approval of the Governor May 15. From the time
of the presentation of the petition to that of the ap-
proval by the Governor, three months had inter-
vened, — a sufficient length of time to dispel the
charge of hasty legislation.
It is asserted in the statement that only two of the
petitioners " had given library management only the
briefest consideration," whereas, fonr of the petition-
ers have had more experience with its management
than that of all the other Trustees combined.
An allusion is made to a vote passed after the pas-
sage of the act; this vote was unimportant and of
little significance, as it simply discharged a commit-
tee who had performed their mission, and laid their
report on the table.
At a special September meeting, the Town voted,
after a full and free discussion for and against; to
73
transfer the property of Cary Library to the Cary
Library Corporation, 142 in the affirmative and 92 in
the negative, being a majority of 56.
Subsequently the opinion of Mr. Wm. G. Russell, a
lawyer of unquestionable ability. was sought, and ob-
tained at an expense of $250, and what does he say?
He questions the right of the Legislature to pass acts
of this description, but does not pronounce this act
illegal; he has adoubt in regard to the legality of the
vote passed to transfer the property to the Corpora-
tion; he has no doubt, however, but that the Trustees
have a legal right to make the transfer, and he has
also said, « That the act was just what was wanted
and needed, and be could not see why objection was
made."
Why, then, after obtaining this legal opinion at so
much cost, is the expressed will of the Town set at
naught simply because individual opinion becomes a
usurpation against the power that placed them in the
position they occupy, and thereby by perversity ob-
struct the will of the majority?
An atternpt is made in the statement to show the
probable expense of the library in the future. The
Town Treasurer's report will show that in 1888 the
following appropriations were made: $50 for Treas-
urer of Cary Library, $45U for Librarian and assist-
ant, $300 for East Lexington Reading Room, now a
branch of Cary Library. Two dollars per week has
recently been allowed by the Selectmen for additional
assistance to the librarian.
« The Trustees find, therefore, though they may
lawfully discharge themselves of their trust in the
74
manner proposed, etc.," yet they arrogate to them-
selves an authority which controverts the expressed
will of the Town, and, under the plea of the great
responsibility, set at naught the opinion of Mr.
Russell.
Your attention is called to the following extract:
" The Cary Library once transferred unconditionally
to an independent corporation is irrecoverable to the
Town."
Not so: a proper number of citizens or the Town
itself can at any time appeal to the Legislature for an
amendment or for the revocation of the Act.
If the opinion of Mr. Russell is correct, the Town
has now no voice or rights in the present manage-
ment of Cary Library: the entire control is vested
in the Board of Trustees; but in the new corpora-
tion the Town would have a controlling interest, in-
asmuch as the selection of all the members, except
the corporators, would be by the Town's approval.
In the preceding page, from which this extract is
taken, are suppositions so imaginary as to be prepos-
terous and not worthy of consideration. Much more
might be said with truthfulness in regard to the at-
tempt to make the statement appear as an expression
of the Board of Trustees, when four have signified
by their signatures their willingness to transfer the
property unconditionally.
This counter statement is made by request.
A. W. BRYANT.
75
BRIDGE CHARITABLE FUND.
The following Report is respectfully submitted:—
RECEIPTS.
,l an. 31, 1888. Balance onhand as per last
Report . . . 82,310 52
.Jan. 1, 1889. Received from Gerry Estate
Fund . • . 1,493 87
Interest Received . . 190 58
Total Receipts .
EXPENDITURES.
. $3,994 97
Jan. 1, 1889. Aid to sundry persons, as
per conditions of the
the Trust
107 40
Ballance on hand . 83,887 57
Jan. 1, 1889. Amount of Permanent Fund $3,862 79
Amount of Available Fund 24 78
Balance on hand 83,887 57
GEORGE E. MUZZEY, Treasurer.
LEXINGTON', Jan. al, 1889.
76
AUDITOR'S REPORT.
SCHOOLS.
HECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1888 $10,000 00
From East Lexington Reading Room grant . . 35 00
$10,035 00
Amount expended $9,086 58
Balance unexpended 948 42
810,035 00
EXPENDITURES.
HIGH SCHOOL.
J. N. Ham, instruetor . . .
Helen A. Fiske, instructor
Henry H. Bowen, janitor
Lexington Gas Dight Company
Lexington Water Company
W. A. Pierce, coal
William J. Neville, wood
J. E. Bell, blackboarding
Lyman Lawrence, hardware
Charles S. Parker, printing
E. S. Locke, plumbing, duster, furuace
repairing
L. A. Saville, putty, glass, and soap
11. B. Davis, repairs
John A. Fratus, repairing clock
P. Reardon, cleaning
Mrs. Desmond, cleaning
F. L. Jewell, Getting glass and putting on
windows
C. A. Butters & Co., lamp chimney .
$1,350 00
675 00
72 00
6 70
20 00
147 50
13 00
10 08
67
9 50
22 00
3 06
5 25
25
6 00
6 00
2 00
10
$:,349 11
77
ADAMS SCHOOL.
Edith D. Rowe, instruction
Carrie F. Fiske, "
Nellie L. Saunders, 66
Hiram Pierce, janitor
W. A. Pierce, coal
Lexington Tater Company
C. W. Stanley, repairing tin roof .
J. H. Phillips, carpenter work and stock,
E. S. Locke, repairing furnace
Bridget Manley. cleaning
William Keefe, els ening vault .
R. W. Holbrook, brooms
$438 75
405 00
129 38
67 51
147 50
16 80
10 78
5 80
11 90
8 00
2 00
1 20
$7,244 62
HANCOCK SCHOOL
Hattie D. Kali, instruction $585 00
Ellen B. Lane 450 00
Nellie H. Parker 380 00
Amelia M. Mulliken, instruction 380 00
Grace A. Lovejoy 105 00
W. W. Baker, janitor . 90 00
W. W. Baker, repairing 20 37
Wm. J. Neville, woori 22 55
J. H. Ingalls, tuning and repairing piano 3 50
W. A. Pierce, coal 154 50
M. O'Brien, cutting wood, cleaning yard
and vaults 29 25
Lexington Water Company 31 20
J. E. Bell, blackl'oarding 22 03
T. Ryan, removing ashes 2 00
Lyman Lawrence 45
D. F. Tripp, concreting 62 35
E. S. Locke, repairing stoves, etc. 8 91
L. A. Saville, brush, broom, soap . 2 48
H. B. Davis, repairs 16 75
John A. Fratus, repairing clock . 1 00
Amouui carried forward . .
$2,367 34
Amount brought forward
Bridget Manley, cleaning
Mri. P. Reardon
Mrs. Desmond °'
George E. Muzzey, lumber
78
WARREN SCHOOL
Dora M. Morrill, instruction . .
Dora M. Morrill, janitress
W. A. Pierce, coal
Geo. E. M uzzey,lurnber
Philo Clapp, pump
Lyman Lawrence, hardware . -
E. S, Locke, Tepairing stovepipe .
L, A. Saville, brush and broom
W. J. Neville, wood
Bridget Manley, cleaning
Mrs. D. Harrington, cleaning . . .
Gershorn Swan, whitewashing and repair-
ing
H. B. Davis, repairing and putting on
windows
HOWARD SCHOOL.
Maria A. Butterfield, instruction .
Walter Stratton, janitor
Walter Stratton, cleaning vaults and
cutting wood
W. E. Ricker, janitor
E. B Rose & Son, kindling wood .
W. A. Pierce, coal
Philo Clapp, pump
E. S. Locke. grate and lining . .
L. A. Saville, duster, nails, and mat
Wm. J. Neville, wood
Bridget Manley, cleaning
Gershom Swan, whitewashing and mason
work
H. B. Davis, repairing seats, etc.
$2,867 34
2 00
8 00
8 00
1 17
---- $2,386 51
$405 00
45 00
20 30
96
19 85
55
8 83
1 35
6 50
4 00
2 50
8 75
7 50
$405 00
29 00
4 75
7 00
6 00
20 30
20 40
8 45
3 94
7 67
4 00
5 50
10 00
$531 09
8532 01
7)
FRANKLIN SCHOOL.
Annie Breen, instruction
Annie F. Comey, instruction . .
George O. Wellington, janitor . .
George Q. Wellington, cutting and put-
ting on windows
riilliam J. Neville, wood
George E. Muzzey, lumber
W. A. Pierce, coal
E. S. Locke, repairing stoves, and hard-
ware
Willard Walcott, carrying teachers
13ridget Manley, cleaning
R. Turner Bryant, labor
H. B. Davis, repairing
Gershon] Swan, mason work
TIDI7 SCHOOL.
Emrna E. Wright, instruction
Charles Burrill, janitor
Charles Burrill, cutting wood
William Ballard, janitor
John F. Ballard, cutting wood
William J. Neville, wood
H. B. Davis, repairing window-, setting
glass
George E. Muzzey, lumber
W. A. Pierce, coal
E. B. Rose & Son, kindling wood . .
E. S. Locke, repairing pump, hardware,
keys
L. A. Saville, glass and putty .
John A. Fratiis, repairing clock . .
Gershom Swan, whitewashing. repairing,
and plastering
$200 00
160 00
27 00
6 35
6 50
30 00
12 30
4 03
38 25
5 00
8 05
.3 50
5 50
$405 00
15 00
1 00
12 00
2 00
13 81
10 50
4 14
12 80
6 00
1020
39
1 50
80
Cr)MMON TO ALL SCI[.00LS.
E. Cutter, Jr., teaching music . . .
Wi'lard Walcott, earriage hire . . . .
Helen A. Fiske, purchasing school sup-
plies
Nourse & Co., moving piano and ex-
pressage
A. W. Bryant, stationery, postage, and
expressage
J. L. Hammett. table
James H. Phillips, carpenter work
Thi.rp & Adams Manufacturing Com-
pany, books and stationery .
Adams, Putnam & Co
Leach, Shewell & Sanborn, books and
stationery
$506 48 Ginn & Co., books and stationery . .
George S. Perry, stationery and books,
Thomas Hall, chemicals and apparatus,
J. W. Cotton, cyclostyle
Keeler & Co., furniture
Silver, Bartlett & Co., maps . .
Eastern Educational Bureau, maps
E. B. Rose & Son, wood
Joseph Dane, cleaning wells and vaults,
George E. Muzzey, lumber
A. W. Bryant, sundries for schools .
7 00
------ $500 84
High School
Adams
Hancock
Warren
Howard
Franklin
Tidd
1L
11
11
L1
11
S1FM a'iA ItY.
Common to alI schools
$550 00
10 00
50 00
9 15
4 16
6 00
39 02
371 70
8 75
12 39
44 93
18 15
1.2 28
12 00
5 40
5 00
15 00
12 00
15 00
9 39
25 60
$2,349 11
1,244 62
2,886 51
531'09
532 01
506 48
'500 84
1,035 92
51,035 92
$9,086 58
81
SUPPORT OF THE POOR.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1888 .
R. H. White, produce, farm
Highway department. bo::rd of horses
State Treasurer, allowed for small -pox
case
Amount expended in connection with
house and farm
$2,000 00
225 74
288 00
201 00
$1,619 66
Amount expended for outside poor 956 40
Balance unexpended 141 68
---- 82,717 74
$2,717 74
EXPENDITURES.
R, H. White, :c►'rvices
R. H. White, fish, manure, crackers,
making cider, repairing tools, etc. .
13. C. Whitener, grain
E. S. Locke, repairs, stove, lead pipe,
lantern, etc.
L. A, Saville, tools and groceries
C. A. Butters & Co.,
C. C. Munn & Co.,'
E. !. Lur.ke, plumbing
R. W. Holbrook, gioeeries
A. Childs, groceries
Fred C. Saville, provisions
George H. Jackson, provisions
C. 11. Lowe, provisions
John P. Squires & Co., lard
J. G. Reed, curing hams
John W. Griffin, wheelwrighting
George W. Simmons & Co., clothing
Frank Reynolds, labor
J. Donovan, labor
P. Logan. labor
1.
11
Amount carried forward
8458 37
91 74
179 05
24 02
76 95
76 77
66 69
7 67
69 61
47 02
20 rib
1 68
87 58
4 08
2 25
7 75
24 00
22 25
68 110
37 75
81,374 :1
•
82
Amount brought ,forward
Wm. Elam, smithing
H. P. Webber, smithing
A. F. Spaulding. boots, shoes and clothing,
Warren A. Pierce, coal and drain -pipe
Lyman Lawrence. repairing harness
George E. Muzzey, lumber
C. Royce, dry goods
Wm. H. Smith, dry goods
T. L. Russell, crackers
H. H. Harding, shoes
Gersbom Swan, whitewashing .
T. K. Fiske, painting
Howland Holmes, medical services
George M. Litchfield, ice
OUTSIDE POOR.
Aid furnished Alhert Nourse
Mrs. Logan
Chas. Hutchinson
Mary Smith
E. Winship
Mrs. Doyle
•' Child of Jenny Crewe .
George B. Haggett .
George H. Gordon
Mrs. Esterbrook
Catherine Conway
M. McDonald . .
Edward McMahon
13. Reardon
Mrs. Gilman
Mrs. Crowley
Mrs. Buckley
Tramps
E. Holway
Nellie Fogg
C. Goodwin & Co., medicines,
LL
41
14
16
c.
61
11
14
61
,L
~ LL
Paid Geo.
1, A. W. Bryant, expenses outside poor,
$1.,374 11
3 37
14 75
10 35
91 95
7 57
8 95
14 29
12 35
4 80
2 00
2 25
16 50
50 00
11 42
•
826 09
49 50
60 33
8 00
59 70
53 28
53 12
169 92
294 00
15 00
5 84
18 00
9 00
16 69
8 63
18 88
19 88
1 00
26 14
15 00
29 74
3 76
$1,619 66
8956 40
83
HIGHWAYS.
REM Iprs.
Appropriated and assessed for 1888 . .
Wm. F. Jones, 1 horse
D. F. Tripp, use of Town teams .
From grant culverts, Monument Street .
LL Oakland Street .
Forest Street .
LL
LL
Amount expended
Balance unexpended
J. Donovan, labor
J. McCann,
M. Manley,
M. Megan,
John Vaughn,
B. Reardon,
Wm. McDonald
M. Henchey,
J. Dalrymple,
J. Clifford, Jr.
T. Churchill,
C. MoEnroe,
P. Kelleher,
F. Reynolds,
Owen Flynn,
J. Leary,
Wm. Noonan,
P. Logan,
E. Allston,
John Preper,
P. Garrigan,
B. C. Whitcher, grain
,L
LL
LL •
EXPENDITCRE$.
Amount carried forward
$4,000 00
110 00
10 50
31 82
142 97
93 00
$4,219 11
169 18
$337 45
271 51
254 78
274 43
269 76
130 89
104 57
65 76
194 39
281 44
20 12
2 25
20 99
2 25
57 75
169 92
93 20
16 25
37 57
2 80
3 50
358 88
$2,969 96
$4,388 29
$4,388 29
84
Amount brought forward $2,969 96
J. Q. A. Chandler. gravel 63 80
C. A. Butters, Ai 34 85
Benj. Hadley, 81 00
Geo. E. Muzzey, lumber 63 95
Wm. E. Denham, repairing scraper, and
smithing 48 40
H. P. Webber, snnithing 11 00
Wm.Iiam.. 55 38
John A. Russell, LL 30 90
C. H. Thompson & Co., mould board
and plough points 7 00
John W. Griffin, wheelwrighting 16 80
Joseph Skin,ier, stone drag 5 00
R. 11. White, services 50 00
L. A. Saville, nails and oil 08
Otis Barrington. stone work 9 00
Webster Smith, services 200 00
H. 13. Davis. repairing railings 44 80
J. Chisholm, repairing harnesses . . 10 15
A. Childs, two lanterns 1 50
Bigelow & Dowse, piek handles 2 00
J. D. Willis, bay horse 225 00
Lyman Lawrenar, repairing harnesses 5 49
Support of Poor, for board of horses 288 00
REMOVING SNOW.
RECEEFTS.
Appropriated from cash in the Treasury, $500 00
J. Donov'n,
C. McF nroe,
F. Reynolds,
J. McCann,
M. hfanhV,
P. Garrigan,
labor
•
L,
EXPENDITURES.
$12 00
4 50
3 00
2 25
3 00
2 25
.zimount carried forward $27 00
$4,219 11
$500 00
Amount brought forward
J. Vaughn, lallor
T. McDoi ald,
P. Logan,
J. Clifford. Jr.,
F. Pe•ti•rs,
Megan.
T. Kinneen,
Cyrus. Martin,
Francis McGuire,
T. J. O'Brien,
B. W. Richard G,
Li
Li
it
[L
iL
LL
.1
4L
85
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
RECKIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1888 .
Boston & Lowell R. R. use of hose .
•
Amount expended
Balance unexpended
827 00
2 25
75
2 25
5 -25
1 50
2 40
17 40
5 00
7 50
12 20
8 31
8950 00
5 00
8831 57
123 43
EXPENDITURES.
Pay Roll Hancock Engine Co., 1886, $2 66
"L 'L Hancock Chemical Co., 1887-8 . 227 50
G6 " Adams Chemical Co., 1887-8 255 82
Lexington Water Company 16 00
E. E. Rice & Co., vitriol and soda 16 25
Willard 0. Pierce, ase of horse . 3 00
J. Hinman, soda bottles . , . 7 50
John R. Taft, putting on lock . 1 50
Lexington Gas Light Company 6 04
W, A. Pierce coil 27 63
W. T. Ham. steward "Hancock" 60 00
C. W. Stanley, labor and stock 12 23
William B. Foster, stationery, charcoal,
and labor 4 85
Amount carried forward .
$639 98
Amount brought forward
William B. Foster, engineer
Willard Walcott, iL
86
E. J. B. Nourse, , . .
L. A. Saville, wheel jack and broom
E. S. Locke, stove funnel and hardware
Harry Chandler, services
Thomas Trefry & Co., chair
A. W. Mitchell, badges
George E. Muzzey, lumber
A. J. Wilkinson & Co., polish and cotton
waste
891 81 A. Childs, oils, shovel, and brushes .
Lyman Lawrence, duster and hardware
W. L. Choate, soldering
Nourse & Co., expressage
J. Chisholm, chamois
J. W. Wheeler & Co., oil cover
8955 00 H. P. Webber, smithing
Willard Walcott, use of horses
8955 00
STREET LIGHTS.
$639 98
25 00
25 00
25 00
1 85
21 62
11 25
3 75
9 33
1 90
1 25
6 93
3 90
25
6 75
1 00
3 00
4 75
89 00
8831 57
EECBXPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1888 81,800 00
Amount expended $1,537 14
Balance unexpended 262 86
$1,800 00
I XPENDITURES
Lexington Gas Light Company $748 00
John Ryan, lighting 416 60
J. G. Kauffman, care of lights 323 80
Albert L. Norris, " LL 19 95
C. R. Hamlin. " LL 7 35
Thomas Whiting, 5 10
E. S. Locke, repairing lanterns . . . 1 20
F. L. Jewell, setting glass, repairing
lamps, painting 15 14
81,537 14
87
CONTINGENT GRANT.
RECEIPTS.
Rent Masonic Hall
4' Town
" Village "
A. S. Mitchell, auctioneer's license
Corporation tax from State Treasurer .
National Bank tax " •
Timothy Kinneen, Treasurer, for repairs,
George B. Grant, street lamp . . .
L. A. Saville, income from hay scales
41 sale of Town Histories
•
•
Amount expended
Balance unexpended
EXPENDITURES.
E. S. Locke, pipe, plumbing, drinking
fountain, stove, kahor, etc.
Elmina Munroe, assistant librarian .
A. W. Bryant, express Town and School
Reports
A. W. Bryant, stationery, express, post-
age, and car fare
WnM. E. Denham, repairing lamp -post
and chairs
H. E, Bishop, circulating Town Reports,
John A. Fratus, repairing clock
D. P. Mahoney, feeding tramps .
Lexington Water Company .
R. M. Yale & Co., repairing flag . .
H. R. Earle, putting in gas -pipe service,
H. R. Earle, setting posts for street lan-
terns
Amount carried forward . .
$t00 00
204 00
40 00
2 00
3,986 19
903 35
12 00
8 00
67 55
11 40
-- $5,334 49
$963 20
4,371 29
$5,334 49
$102 95 '
8 00
2 92
10 75
2 25
8 50
2 50
1 25
80 00
2 00
31 84
12 75
$265 21
88
Amount brought forward . . . $265 21
Massachusetts House, entertaining County
Comtnissioners
Massachusetts House, entertaining Town
officers 15 00
John Cody, cleaning cesspool . 6 00
pa
►inn 12 50
Francis Locke, entertaining County Com-
misioners
John P. Lovell, police badges and weap-
ons 15 05
Fred W. Barry, stationery 1 35
Wm. Tucker, labor old cemetery 12 00
Wm. Reed, 204 boundary stones . . . 51 00
Boston & Lowell R. R. Company, freight
on stones 10 50
Philp Clapp, repairing pump at East Lex-
ington
Boston Branch Grocery 8 53
L. A. Saville, oil, wick. soap, and rope
for flag -staff 18 69
H. B. Davis, repairing doors . . . 4 B5
Charles T. West, postage, attending fune-
rals, returning deaths 41 00
T. K. Fiske, setting glass Town Hall 5 00
George H. Thurston, extra labor about
Town Hall 8
i8
E. S. Spaulding, services with auditors, 5 00
Chas. W. Simonds, printing . . . . [i 25
Howland Holmes, returning 10 births . 2 50
J. 0. Tilton •' 26 " . . 6 50
Thomas Cosgrove, on account of military
service 83 00
F. L. Jewell, repairing street lanterns, 5 36
Walter Wellington, charcoal, oil, etc. . 7 32
G. J. F. Bryant, examining Town House, 10 96
Nourse & Co., express 5 50
9 00
15 00
8 45
Amount carried forward . . $580 10
Amount brought forward . . . $580 10
A. W. Mitchell, stumps . . 1 25
Webster Smith. paid on account Mary
Grady 1 00
New England 'frust Co., check book . 1 25
Daniel Packard, settlement on account
defect in highway 15 00
Standard Cancelling and iiallot Box Co.,
repairing ballot box 2 25
Russell & Putnam, legal opinion on Cary
Library 250 00
James S. Munroe, repairing damages
caused by stoppage of culvert . . 23 56
Willard Walcott, carriage hire . . . 10 25
A. S. Mitchell, notifying dog owners . 12 50
H. L. Alderman. examining cow, sus-
pected cast or farcy
J. Q. A. Chandler, gravel
J. 'Vaughn, labor
C. Vaughn,
D. Dinah,
Wm. Noonan,
Robert J. Elliott,
Matthew Gately,
4.6
:.
64.
4c
4 00
1 35
13 12
1 75
9 62
17 07 .
9 50
9 63
90
Amount brought forward $1,311 50
D. P. Mahoney, police 350 00
P. F. Dacey 5 00
John Dinah 5 00
Geo 11 Thurston 5 00
E. J. B. Nourse 5 00
Wm. B. Foster 5 00
A. S. Mitchell 7 50
A. S. Mitchell, notifjing Town 24 00
PRINTING.
REOEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1888 .
Amount expended
Balance unexpended
EXPENDITURES.
$1,718 00
$250 00
5212 90
37 10
$250 00
Wm. Kellaway, Town Report $164 40
Parsons & Co., printing 5 00
$963 20 Chas. W. Simonds, printing 18 50
C. S. Parker 20 50
F. A. Searle 4 50
CONSTABLES AND POLICE.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1888 . $2,000 00
Amount expended $1,718 00
Balance unexpended 282 00
$2,000 00
EXPENDITURES.
H. E. Bishop, police $837 50
H. E. Bishop, serving warrants 24 00
C. H. Franks, police • 450 00
Amount carried forward $1,311 50
CARE OF THE COMMON.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1888 .
Excess of expenditure over receipts .
EXPENDITURES.
$31 75
James S. Munroe, labor and fertilizers . $231 75
$212 90
$200 00
$231 75
91
92
JANI'T'ORS OF TOWN AND VILL SGE HALL.
CEMETERY. RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1888 . $500 00
RECEIPTS. Amount expended $158 34
Sale of lots $230 00 Balance unexpended 41 66
Single grave 3 00 -- $500 00
Frorn George O. Smith 4 30
Childs 4 50 EXPENDITURES.
Mrs. George Munroe 2 15 George II. Thurston 8408 34
Charles Robinson 2 35 Walter Wellington 50 00
sundry parties (paid to C. T-- -- $458 34
West, superintendent) 50 93
J. Savage 3 00 AUJ)ITORS.
$300 23
RtiCFr?TS.
Amount expended $260 07 Appropriated and assessed for 1888 . $45 00
Balance unexpended 40 16
EXPENDITURES.
Otis Harrington, setting stone post . $3 01
C. Ryan, breaking out roads . . . 2 50
Edward Wood, planting flowers (Win-
ning lot) 8 00
Charles T. West, superintendent 25 00
Charles T, West, sundries 7 50
L. A. Saville, tools, grass -seed, etc. . 20 94
Joseph W. Grigg, stone posts and let-
tering 4 80
Joseph Breck & Son, tools 8 40
E. S. Locke, watering -pot 1 25
T. H. Bowen, labor 58 00
William Noonan, " 5 68
P. Doyle, 10 50
M. Montague, " 19 50
R. J. Elliott, °r 85 50
$300 23
$260 07
ExpFNDITITRES.
Gershom Swan $22 50
Hilman B. Sampson 22 50
TREASURER CARY LIBRARY.
51500
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1888 . . 550 00
E. P. Bliss
EXPENDITURES.
STATE AID.
$50 00
RECEIPTS.
State Treasurer $323 00
Amount expended $277 00
Balance unexpended 46 00
-- $323 00
113
94
LIBRARIAN CARY LIBRARY.
EXPENDITURES.
"Phomas Burke 649 00 RECEIPTS.
Emily R. Earle 44 00 Appropriated and assessed for 1888
Eliza McCreesh 44 00 Amount expended $422 66
G. A. Page 55 00 Balance unexpended 27 84
Thomas Uosgrove 33 00
Abigail T. Richardson 32 00 EXPENDITURES.
Ursul:1 M. Bullard 8 00 Florence E. Whitcher $300 00
Annie T. Canty 12 00
827 r 00 Rlmina Munroe 56 00
--Grace S. Wellington 66 66
IMPROVEMENT OF CEMETERY.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated from cash in Treasury
EXPENDITURES.
Wm. II. Whitaker, labor $163 40
Geo. E. Mu :zey, lumber 9 66
Lyman Lawrence, wire fencing . . 14 1S
Lexington Water Company 15 00
$200 00
8202 24
SELECTMEN IN THEIR VARIOUS CAPACITIES.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated from cash in the Treasury . $840 00
EXPENDITURES.
A. W. Bryant $300 00
Webster Smith 250 00
Chas. T. West 250 00
$800 00
TOWN CLERK.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1888
Amount expended
Balance unexpended
L. A. Saville
EXPENDITURE.
191 67
8 33
REGISTRARS OF VOTERS.
RECEIPTS.
$450 00
$450 00
$422 66
$100 00
$100 00
$91 67
Appropriated from cash in the Treasury, $100 00
George O. Smith
L. A. Saville
B. C. Whitcher
L. G. Babcock
G. W. Sampson
EXPENDITURES.
625 00
25 00
25 00
1975
5 25
$100 00
95
RINGING BELLS.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1888 .
EXPENDITURES
William Ham
835 CO
Augustus Childs 35 00
CONCRETE SIDEWALKS.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1888
Isaac IIuffmaster
Mrs. Wetherbee
J. E. Crone . . . . . . .
K. M. Gilmore
•
8600 00
25 75
26 02
31 17
53 79
90
EXPENDITURES.
870 00 E. P. Bliss, Treasurer Cary Library .
State Treasurer
George E. Muzzey, Treasurer Bridge
Fund
George H..)ackson, Treasurer Cemetery
Trust Fund
$70 00 A. W. Neweil, Treasurer Lexington Sav-
ings Bank
Theodore Sob wamb
Gain well Legacy
8660 00
832 00.
120 00
147 00
58 33
50 00
35 00
$1,902 33
IMPROVEMENT OF THE LOCKUP.
RECEIPTS.
$786 73 Appropriated from cash in the Tr 3asury. .
Amount expended 627 01
Balance unexpended 109 72
8736 73
EXPENDITURES.
E. G. Locke, plumbing $102 49
EXPENDITURES.
L. M. II1wn, smithing 4 96
D. F. Tripp, concreting $621 01 Geo. E. Muzzey, lumber, lime and cement, 7 35
E. W. Glass 6 00 Gershom Swan, mason work . . 12 77
8627 01 C. H. Sherman, carpenter wort. . 3 00
Freeman K. Kingman, bedding . $ 50
INTEREST.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1888 . .
E. S. Spaulding, on overdue taxes of 1887,
New England Trust Company . .
$1,600 00
110 00
70 00
$1,780 00
Excess of expenditure over receipts 122 33
$1,902 33
TEMPORARY LOANS.
Borrowed of Thomas Schwamb, March
24, 1888
Paid Aug. 24, 1888
Borrowed of Lexington Savings Bank,
May 21, 1888
Paid Sept. 21, 1888
$3,000 00
$5,000 CO
5175 00
$139 07
$3,000 00
$5,000 00
97
FUEL AND LIGHTS FOR TOWN AND VILLAGE HALLS.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1888 . . $400 00
Excess of expenditures over receipts . $118 51
Robert Fawcett, charcoal
EXPENDITURES.
Lexington Gas Light Company
W. A. Pierce, coal
HYDRANTS.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1888.
Amount expended
Balance unexpended
EXPENDITURES.
Lexington Water Company
$7 00
295 91
215 60
1518 51
$518 51
$1,640 00
$1,600 00
40 00
$1,640 00
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1888 .
A. W. Bryant
E 1' Bliss
EXPENDITURES.
R. M. Lawrence
Interest 'Trust Fund
Balance from 1887
GAMMELL LEGACY.
RECEIPTS.
$100 00
100 00
100 00
$1,600 00
$300 00
$300 00
835 00
67 95
8102 95
Amount expended
Balance unexpended
98
EXPENDITURES,
835 97
66 18
$102 95
L. A. Saville $12 23
Geo. C. Goodwin & Co 1 46
L. M. Whiting 22 28
CELEBRATION OF THE 19TH OF APRIL.
$35 97
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated from cash in the Treasury, $200 00
EXPENDITURES.
Paid by Geo. O. Whiting, for oration,
lecture. piano, decorating Mass. House,
printing, Willard House Drum Corps,
W. Walcott, etc 8173 96
Wm. B. Foster, cartridges, primer, swab, 13 25
Nourse & Co., expressage 50
Geo. H. Sampson, powder 11 25
ASSESSORS -
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and asse¢sed for 1888 . .
EXPENDITURES.
3. F. Simonds
H. B. Davis
Walter Wellington
Willard Walcott, horse hire
$175 00
120 00
120 00
10 00
ENFORCEMENT OF THE LIQUOR LAW.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1888 .
6198 96
8125 00
$425 00
$200 00
100
Amount expended $28 00
Balance unexpended 172 00
• $200 00 OAKLAND STREET.
EXPENDITURES.
RECEIPTS.
Robert P. Clapp $28 00 Appropriated from cash in the Treasury,
READING ROOM AT EAST LEXINGTON.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1888 .
Amount expended $236 59
Balance unexpended 63 41
EXPENDITURES
Nellie Holbrook, Librarian $162 00
Ellen Dana, " 36 19
School grant, fuel 35 00
R. W. Holbrook, oil, soap, lamp . . 3 40
FOREST STREET.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated from cash in the Treasury .
EXPENDITURES.
Highway Department, labor $93 00
Wm. Whitaker, °° 35 00
C. A. Butters, gravel 23 45
TOWN DEBT.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated from cash hi the Treasury .
EXPENDITURE.
State 'Treasurer, note Sept. 1, 1885, paid
Dec. 1, 1888 .
$300 00
$300 00
$236 59
$150 00
$151 45
$2,600 00
$2,600 00
EXPENDITURES.
Highway Department, labor $142 97
Geo. H. Sampson, forcite 2 85
CULVERTS ON MONUMENT STREET.
RECEIPTS,
Appropriated from cash in the Treasury,
EXPENDITURES.
Geo. E. JM fuzaey, drain -pipe $65 06
J. McDonald, labor 14 87
Davis & Farnum Mfg. Co., grates 11 64
Highway Department, labor 31 82
MEMORIAL DAY.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1888 .
Amount expended $123 85
Balance expended 1 15
EXPENDITURES.
L. G. Babcock, Sowers $37 10
Masten & Wella, flags 5 15
Geo. G. Meade Post 81 60
$150 00
1145 82
$200 00
$123 39
$125 00
$125 00
$123 85
101
CONCRE TING AROUND ADAMS SCHOOL -HOUSE.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated from cash in the Treasury-, $200 00
EXPENDITURES.
D. F. Tripp, concreting 8188 50
Otis Iiarrington, labor 10 00
$198 50
CARY LIBRARY.
RECEIPTS.
Bequest Caira Robbins $4 65
County Treasurer, dog tax 641 82
5646 47
E. P. Bliss, Treasurer
Paid State Treasurer
Paid County Treasurer
EXPEN n IT U RE.
STATE TAX.
•
COUNTY TAX.
INDUSTRIAL ARTS IN SCHOOLS.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1888 .
A mount expend( d $79 98
Balance uncxpknded 420 02
EXPENDITURES.
Mrs. L. M. Whiting, instruction . .
$646 47
$3,532 50
$1,982 21
102
TREASURER AND COLLECTOR.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1888 .
Amount expended $400 00
Balance unexpended 100 00
EXPEN DI'TURF .
$500 00
8500 00
E. S. Spaulding . . $400 00
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1888 . $350 00
Amount expended $315 00
Balance unexpended 35 00
EXPEN DITURE.
5350 00
J. N. Ham, superintendent 5315 00
CEMETERY TRUST FUNDS.
RECEIPTS.
From heirs of Nichols Locke . ► . •
RECAPITULATION.
CASH RECEIPTS.
Cash on hand Feb. 1888 $2,346 05
Schools 35 00
Support of Poor 711 74
$500 00 Highways 388 29
Fire Department 5 00
Contingent 5,334 49
$500 00 Cemetery 300 23
Amount o+rried f,rward . . $9,l26 80
379 98
$100 00
103
Amount brought forward $9,126 80
State Md 323 00
Concrete Sidewalks 136 73
Interest 180 00
Tein porn ry Ioan $8,000 00
Gammell Legacy 35 00
Dog tat 641 82
Bequest, Caira Robbins 4 65
Cemetery Trust Fund 100 00
Taxes of' 1887 4,337 04
Taxes of 1888 26,050 00
$48,935 04
CASH EXPENDITURES.
Schools
Support of poor (house and farm)
Outside poor
Highways
Removing snow .
Fire Department
Street lights
Contingent
Constable and police
Printing
Care of Common
Cemetery
Janitors Town and Village halls
Auditors
Treasurer of Cary Library
State Aid
Improvement of Cemetery
Selectmen
Librarian Cary Library
Town Clerk
Registrars of voters
Ringing bells
Concreting sidewalks
89,086
1,619
956
9,219
91
831
1,537
963
1,718
212
231
260
458
45
50
277
202
800
422
91
100
70
627
58
66
40
11
81
57
14
20
00
90
75
07
34
00
00
00
24
00
66
67
00
00
01
Amount carried forward . . 824,872 11
104
Amount brought forward 824,872 11
Interest 1,902 31
Improvement in lock-up 139 07
Tempos ary loan 8,000 00
Fuel and fights, Town and Village halls, 518 51
Hydrants 1,600 00
School Committee 300 00
Gammell Legacy 35 97
Celebration 19th April 198 96
Assessors 425 00
Enforcement Liquor Law 28 00
Reading Room, East Lexington 236 59
Forest Street . 151 45
Town debt 2,600 00
Oakland Street 145 82
Culverts on Monument Street 123 39
Memorial Day 123 85
Concreting around Adams School -house, 198 50
Cary Library 646 47
State tax 3,532 50
County tax 1,982 21
Industrial Arts in Schools 79 98
Treasurer and Collector 400 00
Superintendent of Schools 315 00
Balance 379 33
---$48,935 04
GERSHOM SWAN, Atadiic,rs.
IIILMAN B. SAMPSON, 1
LEXINGTo:r, Jan. 1, 1889.
NOTE. — At the March meeting, the snm of 13,500 of the appropriations
then made was to be taken from cash in the treasury. 110 special account
was stated, but the Auditors in their report have taken the liberty of se-
lecting three, viz.: the Town Debt, Board of Registrars, and Selectmen,
whose united appropriations amount to 88,500, and whose expenditures
are a like sum.
REPORTS
OF tH E.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
ANI)
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
(w THE
TOWN OF LEXINGTON,
FOUR. THE YEAR 1888--1889.
BOSTON:
1l. F. JONES & CO., PRINTERS, S1 EXCHANGE STREET.
1889.
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
The School Committee report the condition of the,
schools to be uniformly good, and the membership
larger than ever before. The total number of pupils
at the close of the year is 407. The average cost
per pupil, including school supplies, has been $25.30
for the year. We still think the employment of a
superintendent is of special advantage, and we see the
result in the continual improvement in the quality of
the teachers' work. In the matter of discipline, we
urge that parents endeavor to co-operate more closely
with the teachers. Corporal punishment is only rarely
resorted to, and the teacher has to use such moral,
influence and such an appeal to the pride of the pupils
as she is most capable of; and in some cases, where boys
are obdurate and worse than mischievous, without an
effectual support from the parents the scholar and
the school both suffer. We regret that during the
year some boys have been guilty of misdemeanors, a
persistence in which will make it necessary to employ
the rigor of the law. Parents are urged to take note
of their children's attendance at school. For every
absence the scholar is required to bring a note of ex-
cuse from the parent. In some sections of the Town
the bad conduct and profanity on the streets going
to and from school call for notice. The worst cases
of misdemeanor have been those of American born
children. Neither teachers nor Committee can do
police duty: the parents must look to this. We re-
iterate our request made in the last report, that
parents become acquainted with the teachers and the
condition of the schools by visitation. The schools
are open to visitors at all hours.
The number of pupils in a room should not be so
large that thorough work is impossible. In the
Adams school -house there are too many scholars
for two teachers. The Grammar school should be
divided, some scholars taken from the Primary school,
and a new school formed. The room now occupied
by the East Lexington Branch of the Cary Library
must be taken for school purposes, and we recom-
mend that another reading -room be provided at once.
In the Hancock school -house there are fifty-six little
children in one room; it is the Primary grade, where
each child needs the constant attention of the teacher.
SVe have employed an extra teacher in that room with
advantage, but the confusion is serious, and it is not
healthy for so many children to be confined in such
small space. Another room outside the school -house
must be temporarily provided and a new Primary
school formed,
The Town appropriated $500 for the Committee
to use at discretion in experimental lessons in
sewing. We began with two classes in the
Hancock School, and one class each in the Tidd
and Warren schools, the teacher giving one hour a
week to each class. Afterwards, by request of many
parents, classes were formed in the Howard and
Adams schools. Every girl except those in the high-
est class is required to sew. We have been fortunate
in a teacher, and we believe the sewing Blass does
not retard progress in regular school work, and that
so far the experiment has been a success. As sewing
was not begun until the full, the balance of the appro-
priation will carry us far into next year. so that only
$250 need be appropriated for this purpose during the
next financial year. There is reason to expect that
instruction in cooking will soon be provided by pri-
ate enterprise• for the older girls. This will not be
in connection with the schools. We hope systematic
mechanical training will soon be furnished to the
boys.
Depending ori the popular ' determination that
public schools must be made in all respects the best
possible schools, we call attention to the condition of
the Hancock school -house. It is old, uninviting,
badly ventilated, poorly lighted, without proper con-
veniences for well-bred children, and is far inferior to
what it ought to be. A new, large, modern school-
house ought to be built. We refer the question of
expense to the Town. We suggest that it should be
large enough to accommodate all scholars from any
part of the town who may claim the advantages of a
graded school. During the past year more than
twenty scholars have been sent from the Hancock
school to district schools, much to the disappointment
of their parents, solely because that school -house is
too small. The attendance there is ten per cent
larger this year than last, and on account of the new
families moving here recently it will be more crowded
next year. The evils to children of bad air and bad
6
light we need not dwell on. We hope the Town
will appoint a committee to report further on this
matter at an early date. .As two additional school-
rooms must be furnished, and two more teachers ap-
pointed, we need an increase of $1.,50:1 in the appro-
priation. So large a sum may not be required in the
following year, We ask that $11,500 be provided
for the support of the schools.
ALBERT W. BRYANT,
ROBERT M. LAWRENCE,
EDWARD P. BLISS.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
To the School Committee of Lexington :
I have the honor to submit the following Report: —
During the current year the work of the Schools
has been carried forward, for the most part, with de-
cided improvement in important particulars, some of
which will receive special mention.
\\re have, I think, in the main, a corps of teachers
as sincerely devoted to their profession and as desir-
ous of meeting and answering all the demands of
their positions as can be found anywhere. It is, as-
suredly, greatly to their credit and indicative of their
energy and zeal that, under the disadvantages inci-
dent upon a lack of systematic grading and of separa-
tion of classes, our schools are able to reach and
sustain so high a degree of proficiency and excel-
lence.
It was much to be regretted that the Adams School
should lose the efficient services of Miss Edith O.
Rowe, and especially so at that time in the year when
pupils are entering upon new subjects of study,
Miss Annie Breen's resignation also deprived us of
the services of a successful and promising teacher.
The positions vacated have been filled by Miss Nellie
L. Saunders and Miss Annie F. Corney respectively,
who have each brought several years' experience to
the discharge of their duties.
8
The Lower Primary of the Hancock School being
much too large for one person to undertake the work
unaided a teacher, who had made special prepara-
tion for that grade has been employed with very
sensible benefit. However, since both teachers have
been obliged to occupy the same room and conduct
exercises in it at the same time, it must be manifest
that they have labored under much discouragement.
It is urgent that this state of affairs should be reme-
died as soon as practicable.
ADDITIONAL, SCI-JOOI. ACCOMMODATIONS.
The Hancock School building can hardly be re-
garded as furnishing suitable accommodations for the
pupils belonging there. One proof of this fact has
been incidentally noted. Further, two rooms are
overcrowded, and two are insufficiently lighted a
portion of the day. The rooms are badly ventilated.
The consequence is that the health of the pupils may
be very seriously impaired by the sanitary condition
of the building. Studious inquiry would scarcely
discover any subject of more vital importance to our
boys and girls, or one demanding speedier action.
It may be wisely conjectured that our citizens will
ere long give effect to measures looking to a remedy
for the evils enumerated. It would seem that this
end may be attained; it ought to be attained, and as
quickly as judicious action will permit. The proud
distinction which this Town bears among all other -
towns should not be diminished nor obscured by
any lack of well -directed effort on our part to enlarge -
its merited honors.
9
Indications strongly compel the conclusion that
Lexington is to preserve and is even to increase the
steady and substantial growth of the past three or
four years. Among the means of attracting desirable
residents, what would avail more than a suitable
Grammar School building? Great credit is dne our
citizens for the interest which they evince in our
public schools. Their just pride and reasonable sat-
isfaction would not certainly be lessened, were their
children provided with appropriate and healthful
quarters at school.
I most respectfully commend this matter to your
serious consideration, urging, if I may properly do
so, that some steps may be shortly taken in the direc-
tion pointed out.
LANGUAGE.
The work which is being done in Language, or in
writing and speaking the English language cor-
rectly, has been advanced considerably beyond the
limits of last year's work. In all the schools, most
pupils of ten years and over write very commendable
letters, and some do excellently in this particular.
Instead of monosyllabic answers to questions, the
habit of full and clear statement is becoming a matter
of course. This habit is materially assisted by the
adoption of the topical plan of recitation in place of
the old method. This plan tends to make pupils
think and reason about the subjects they are studying,
instead of attempting to memorize an undigested
mass of facts and waste matter, indiscriminately.
10
WRITING.
Though improvement in writing is shown, still re-
sults exhibit the obvious fact that penmanship is left
too much to take care of itself. Mare thorough and
systematic drill in the lower grades is imperative.
Bad habits in penmanship acquired there are quite
sure to display themselves in his writing throughout
the child's school -life.
No more certain proof of the adage, eras the twig
is bent the tree inclines," can be adduced than the
effect of had training, or rather, want of training, in
penmanship during his first years at school, upon the
handwriting of the adult. Sustained and persever-
ing endeavor to improve in this direction, as in every
other, is the prime requisite. Careful attention to
this subject has been urged, and special means will,
as soon as possible, be adopted to remove some of
the causes of defective writing.
DRAWING.
Whenever feasible, drawing in the schools should
receive the attention it merits. It could not be made
more subordinate than it now is.
This art is worthy of cultivation on many accounts.
There is a close relation between habit of body and
habit of mind; correct and accurate representation of
form must promote mental accuracy; therefore, a
study of exactness of form and contact with things
possessing just proportions must tend to correct con-
duct. This consideration alone is sufficient to award
art instruction a prominent place in each grade.
11
HISTORY AND GE OG 1 APHY.
Marked improvement in the method of teaching
history may be observed in one school. The aiin
should be to give those studying it a broader and
more comprehensive understanding of the meaning
of history. Such an understanding can be compassed
only by establishing, if possible, in the pupil's mind
the principle, or purpose, which is being wrought
out, whether in civil affairs, or in the movements of
armies. This scheme is not so difficult as it may
appear. It does require that the teacher should
know more of history than is contained in the text-
book. Besides the obvious superiority of the plan
in itself, from the outset the pupil begins to perceive
the relative importance of events, —not by any means
an insignificant matter.
In geography, the work has been pushed forward in
the line indicated in last year's report.
SEWING.
The introduction of sewing; into various schools on
the petition of several prominent citizens is meeting
with the success that a measure so useful in its na-
ture would warrant..
The girls and teacher work in admirable harmony,
and the character of the instruction given is intended
to be of the most practical sort. So far as introduced,
one hour each week is allotted to sewing in each
school.
12
CLASSIFICATION.
I would suggest that it seems needful to adopt a
definite rule for the promotion of pupils from one
grade to another. The teachers unanimously express
the wish that such a rule may be laid down. The
interests of the schools demand a departure from
the existing practice, and justice to all would hardly
require that a pupil frequently absent should be
ready for promotion at the same time with one of
equal ability who had been a constant attendant..
It is reasonable to infer that the pupil, when found
disqualified to advance, would be the gainer in nearly
every instance if assigned to his proper grade. Were
all concerned as eager and earnest that the pupil's
school -work should be diligently performed as that
the pupil should be moved forward one grade, this
question would be solved as soon as proposed. It will
doubtless be conceded that an unwise sentiment in
this matter often controls, -- better, usurps the faculty
of judgment. The only consideration that should ob-
tain in the discussion of"this paint, is the pupil's great-
est good. True, with the best intentions and after stud-
ied examination of details, those whose duty it is to
place pupils in grades suited to their capacity and
progress may err in some instances. Nevertheless,
careful discrimination should be exercised in advanc-
ing pupils from grade to grade.
DISCIPLINE.
Good .discipline in a school implies inuch more
than freedom from all unavoidable noise such as
13
arises from careless movements, occasional laughter
or whispering. Good discipline may, in a broad
sense, be said to be effected when pupils are atten-
tively directing their minds and energies to the work
appointed for the session. When, under a competent
teacher, this condition has been reached, very little
time and opportunity will remain for idleness and
frivolity.
To determine exactly how good discipline may,
under all circumstances, be secured, is impossible.
The ability to achieve good order and satisfactory
work rests in the teacher, for the most part. Excep-
tion must be made to cover the case of constitution-
ally vicious and malicious pupils. Occasionally, one
or more pupils of this description may be found in
any school. Their presence there, besides being a
positive evil in itself, often furnishes serious trouble,
and is likely to contaminate the school so afflicted
and largely impair its usefulness. It sometimes
becomes the duty of the School Committee to make
such a disposal of a bad boy as will rightly conduce
to his moral and intellectual training, and, at the
same time, purify the moral atmosphere of the school
by removing him from it.
Aside from the management of the positively bad,
who are very few in any community, and not seldom
are entirely wanting, certain qualities are essential to
successful discipline. Strong will -power and a clear
sense of justice are essential to successful school
management. Justice, too, must be administered
impartially and unflinchingly, but coolly, and after
mature deliberation. No rules, or very few, should
14
be laid down. When children have attended a well -
ordered school for four or five years, they have ac-
quired measurably correct notions of what constitutes
proper behavior in school. Caution or reproof suited
to the offence is, thereafter, sufficiently severe treat-
ment for nearly every case.
I believe, too, that a teacher will gain in the es-
teem of his pupils by acknowledging and endeavor-
ing to atone, if so much should be just, for evident
faults or errors of his own. He must preserve his
reputation for sincerity and honesty of purpose.
When these attributes are imperilled, mere pride must
be set at naught.
The instances where corporal punishment may be
advantageously resorted to are believed to be very
few. This form of punishment is quite as likely to
stimulate as to allay evil tendencies. Rarely, it may
be employed with beneficent results; not, however,
indiscriminately, nor with similar results for similar
offences. It cannot be asserted that the quality
of the discipline in any school is in inverse ratio
to the number of cases of corporal punishment
recorded; yet, it may be affirmed that discipline is
almost certain to improve as these cases become less
frequent.
One of the most potent aids to the attainment of
good discipline is the manifest purpose of the teacher
to work for his school. He must shirk no needed
labor. A slothful teacher will have slothful and idle
pupils about him. They will like him without re-
specting him. A lazy boy cannot nourish his Iaziness
in a busy school under an enterprising, progressive
instructor.
15
Too much notice may be taken of trivial misde-
meanors, which are sure to crop out. Adults are
constantly committing, at least, trifling faults of con-
duct; boys and girls may do so. Such misdemeanors
should not be sedulously watched and strictly repri-
manded, unless they are becoming dangerous elements
of disorder. in all things the teacher should be firm,
confident, and restrained.
Parents have it within their power to aid very sen-
sibly in establishing proper, healthful discipline in
school. Mothers who have two or more children to
care for at home must very keenly realize the diffi-
culties to be overborne in managing and teaching
forty or fifty children for five hours each day. There-
fore, the interested and anxious zeal of the mothers,
impartially and justly administered, would prove an
invaluable auxiliary to any devoted teacher. All
such teachers will welcome thoughtful suggestions,
even when the way for their serviceable application
may not be immediately apparent.
CONCLUSION.
Among all the elements entering into the properly
educated capabilities of the child, the power and will
to apply himself, and rigid persistence in any task or
worthy object until that object is accomplished, are
prime factors in a useful, well -ordered manhood or
womanhood. 'These are the qualities which are to
win, as in the past they have won, all any man is cap-
able of gaining for himself or for others.
These qualities should be stimulated and strength -
16
ened in every pupil. If possible, make each one feel
it is his chief obligation to himself never willingly to
give up a right undertaking; that he should prosecute
every worthy enterprise to the end; that he should
never permit himself to be overmastered by obstacles.
I speak emphatically on these points because they
seem, in the nature of things, to call for forcible utter-
ance. The pupils in our schools are not distinctively
lacking in the virtues named—by no means. Yet the
emphatic expression and more emphatic exemplifica-
tion of these virtues on the part of teachers cannot be
too earnestly commended. Children are too easily
discouraged by trifling hindrances, when, it is very
certain, a little pluck and perseverance would often
establish them as masters of the situation.
I wish to thank you, gentlemen, and all who have
co-operated with me, for the unreserved assistance
and judicious suggestions which have been so readily
accorded.
Respectfully submitted,
3. N. HAM,
Superfntentle+it of Schools.
17
ROLL OF HONOR.
'a IGH SCHOOL.
Not absent nor tardy for two terms.
Charles W. Berry, Carlton A. Shaw, Paul Capron, Arthur D.
Stone, Roscoe J. Ham, L. Ellsworth Pierce, Richard Hinckley.
Not absent far two terms.
Peter Kinneen.
HANCOCK GRAMMAR, FIRST AND SECOND GRADES.
Not absent nor tardy for two terms.
Mary D. Hunt, Gertrude MaoPhee.
Not absent nor tardy for one term.
Arthur Stone, Alice P. Goodwin, May S. Harrington, William
Hunt, Hattie L. Baker, George Otis Jackson, Lizzie Riley, Homer
B. Locke. Maude Robinson, F.tiwnrd C. Stone, Grace Whiting,
Louisa. M. Wooster, Charles Walcott, Anna Blown, John M. Lane,
Harry N. Cutter, Fred T. Lord.
HANCOCK GRAMMAR, SECOND AND THIRD GRADES.
Yob nosent for two terms.
Arthur Sherman.
Not absent for one term.
Charles llnne, Uerhert Richard.•on. Edward Robinson, Alberto
Jackson, Arthur Sherman. Edward Stone, Annie Muzzey, Hattie
Bilker, Miriam Garfield, May Harrington, Marion Woodward,
Lizzie Riley, Lids Vickery.
HANCOCK YRIMARY, FIRST AND SECOND GRADES.
Not absent nor tardy for one term.
Arthur Sherman, James McCann, Elden Griffin, (Trace Griffin,
Louis Crone, Fannie Tower.
18
HANCOCK PRIMARY, TRIRD, FOURTH, AND FIFTH GRADES.
Not absent nor tardy for one term.
Orton Robinson, Harry Griffin, Timothy Leary.
Not absent for one term.
Mary Reef e.
ADAMS GRAMMAR.
Not absent nor tardy for two terms.
Miner Smith, Cora Ball.
Not absent nor tardy for one term.
Nellie Stanley, Charles O'Hara, Grace Leavitt, Byron Russell,
Herbert Lowe, Lydia Blanchard, Florence Kauffman.
ADAMS PRIMARY.
Not absent nor tardy for one term.
Earl Blanchard.
TIDD SCHOOL.
Not absent nor tardy for two terms.
Essie Dacey.
Nod absent nor tardy for one terns.
Hattie Fiske, Walter Ballard, Bertha L. Wright, Frank Hol-
land.
FRANKLIN.
Not absent nor tardy for two terms.
Mary Carroll, Julia Carroll.
Not absent nor tardy for one term.
Letitia Carroll, Charles Layne, John Layne, Joseph Carroll.
]9 20
HOWARD.
Not absent nnr tardy for one term.
Jerry Crowley, Nellie Currier.
WARR1 N.
Not absent nor tardy for Poo terms.
Willie O'Brien, Harry Seaverns.
Not absent nor tardy for one terra.
May O'Brien, Herman Fuller, Hartford Hitehings.
TABULAR VIEIV OF SCHOOLS.
o� —.
▪ CV Ci ?i C. 4▪ '1 tl N aD
Cr]a
w ca m m m m m
x� r - ,4 ti r as -. .
; 4 N ccv , eO a
C0 c a 04 w
6; 4 w
3 a e+ co d. n m
� a r • ccvv w - ▪ m .- w
® v=
c a a p u: vo - -. a ao eq +-
I E.CLIE RB.
0
ma
•
•
Hattie D. Hall
Hancock Grammer, First and Second Grades
Ellen B. Lane
Nellie H. Parker .
Hancock Grammar, Third and Fourth Grades
Hancock Primary, First and Second Grades
04
`0
c
Adams Grammar
Carrie F. Fiske
Emma E. Wright .
Marla A. Butterfield
Dora M. 14lorrell
Adams Primary
CONTENTS.
List of Town Officers for 1888-89
Lexington Town Records for 1888-89
Warrant for aTown Meeting, March
Warrant far a Town Meeting, June
Warrant for a Town Meeting, Sept.
Selectmen's Report . ,
Town Treasurer
Guide Boards
Street Lights •
Town Buildings
Board of i l eaith
Police
Main Street
Almshouse ,
Outside Aid
Properly at Almshouse, Jan. 1, 1889
Highways
Highway Department Property
Tax Collector's Report
Town Treasurer's Report ,
Statement of Town Debt
Report of Cemetery Committee .
Report of Treasurer Cemetery Trust Fund
Town Clerk's Report
Births and Marriages .
Deaths .
Sale of Town Histories .
Dogs
List of Jurors
Fire Engineers' Report
Assessors' Report
Cary Library --Trustees' Report
Cary Library —Statement from Trustees
Cary Library — Treasurer's Report ,
Cary Library — A Protest . ,
Bridge Charitable Fund
PAGE
3
5
5, 1888, 5
4, 1888, 18
1, 1888, 25
29
3o
30
30
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
• 39
• 40
• 41
• 44
45
• 46
•47
47
50
51
51
52
53
56
58
64
69
70
75
•
22
Auditors' Report — Treasurer of Cary Library
Schools .
High School .
Adams School
Hancock School
Howard School
Warren School
Tidd School
Franklin Sehool
Common to all Schools
Summary
Support of the Poor
Outside Poor .
Highways
Removing Snow
Fire Department
Street Lights .
Contingent Grant .
Constables and Police
Care of the Common
Printing
Cemetery
Auditors
Cary Library . . .
Janitors Town and Village Halls .
Improvement of Cemetery
Selectmen in their Various Capacities .
Registrars of Voters
Town Clerk . .
Librarian Cary Library
Interest ,
Concrete Sidewalks
Ringing Bells ,
Temporary Loans .
Improvement of the Lock-up
School Committee .
Gammell Legacy . . . . . .
Fuel and Lights for Town and Village Halls,
Hydrants
Assessors
Celebrating 19th April . ,
Enforcement of the Liquor Law
PAGE
23
76
76
77
77
78
78
79
79
80
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
89
90
90
91
92
92
92
93
93
94
94
94
95
95
95
96
96
97
97
97
97
98
98
98
23
PAU_
Auditors' Report. — Continued.
Forest Street . . 9'J
Reading Room at East• Lexington 99
Town Debt . 99
Memorial Day 100
Oakland Street . . . 100
Culverts on Monument Street 100
Industrial Arts in Schools . 101
Concreting around Adams Schoolhouse 101
State Tax . 101
County Tax . 101
State Aid , 101
Recapitulation 102
Superintendent of Schools 102
Treasurer and Collector 102
Cemetery Trust Funds . 102
APPENDIX.
Report of the School Committee 3
Superintendent's Report . . . 7
Additional Accommodations 8
Language 9
Drawing 10
Writing . 10
History and Geography 11
Sewing . 11
Classification . • 12
Discipline . • 12
Conclusion • 14
Roll of Honor . 17
Tabular View of School▪ s, etc. . 20