HomeMy WebLinkAbout1897-Annual ReportREPORTS
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS
OF THE
TOWN OF LEXINGTON
FOR THE YEAR 1897.
BOSTON:
COBURN STATIONERY COMPANY, PRINTERS, 15 SCHOOL STREET.
1898.
LEXINGTON.
LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS
FROM
March, 1897, to March, 1898.
Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor, and Surveyors of Highways.
JOHN F. HUTCHINSON, (Chairman). EDWIN S. SPAULDING, (Clerk).
WILLIAM 11. WHITAKER.
Auditors.
N B. SAMPSON JAMES E. CRONE.
Board of Health.
ARLES M. PARKER Term expires 1898.
ALBERT B. SMITH Term expires 1899.
HENRY C. VALENTINE Term expires 1900.
Water Commissioners.
BRADLEY C. WHITCHER Term expires 1898.
EVERETT S. LOCKE Term expires 1899.
NELSON W. JENNEY Term expires 1900.
Fence Viewers.
CORNELIUS WELLINGTON. GEORGE S. TEAGUE.
CLIFFORD A. CURRIER.
Field Drivers.
RALPH E. LANE. EUGENE D. HENDLEY. WALTER W. ROWSE.
Surveyors of Lumber.
Town Clerk. Board of Trustees of Cary Library.
LEONARD A. SAVILLE. Consists of Selectmen, School Committee, and settled Clergymen of the town.
Treasurer.
GEORGE D. HARRINGTON.
Collector of Taxes.
GEORGE W. SAMPSON.
Assessors.
JOSEPH F. SIMONDS, (Died Sept. 17, 1897). WALTER WELLINGTON.
GEORGE W. SAMPSON, (Clerk.)
ALFRED PIERCE
School Committee.
EDWIN A. BAYLEY (Clerk)
HENRY H. HAMILTON
Cemetery Committee.
ABBOTT S. MITCHELL
EMERY A. MULLIKEN
GEORGE H. JACKSON (Treasurer)
Term expires 1898.
Term expires 1899.
Term expires 1900.
Term expires 1898.
Term expires 1899.
Term expires 1900.
Constables.
WILLIAM B. FOSTER. CHARLES H. FRANKS.
OFFICERS APPOINTED BY THE SELECTMEN:
Engineers of Fire Department and Fire Wards.
WILLARD WALCOTT (Chairman). CHAS. G. KAUFFMANN (Clerk).
THADDEUS L. BRUCE.
Registrars of Voters.
QUINCYFBICKNELL, JR. Term expires 1898.
GEORGE H. CUTTER, - Term expires 1899.
WILLIAM F. CALDWELL Term expires 1900.
LEONARD A. SAVILLE (Clerk).
Trustees of Bridge Charitable Fund.
GEORGE O. DAVIS Term expires 1899
CHARLES T. WEST Term expires 1901.
WALTER WELLINGTON Term expires 1903.
Trustees of Gammell Legacy.
MRs. LUCY M. WHITING. Mies LUCY N. BLODGETT.
Treasurer of Harriet R. Gilmor Fund.
EDWIN S. SPAULDING.
Librarian Cary Library.
MISS FLORENCE E. WHITCHER (Resigned Dec. 1, 1897.)
Assistant.
Miss MARIAN P. KIRKLAND.
5
Librarian East Lexington Branch Cary Library.
Miss NELLIE HOLBROOK.
Treasurer Cary Library Fund.
EDWIN A. BAYLEY.
Treasurer of Cemetery Trust Funds.
GEORGE H. JACKSON.
Town Physician.
HENRY C. VALENTINE, M. D.
Superintendent of Town Scales and Public Weighers.
GEORGE W. SPAULDING. RUFUS W. HOLBROOK.
Weigher of Hay and Grain.
BRADLEY C. WHITCHER.
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
EVERETT S. LOCKE.
Measurers of Wood and Bark.
GEO. W. SPAULDING. FRANK V. BUTTERS. CARLTON A. CHILDS:
Auctioneers.
JOHN F. HUTCHINSON. JONATHAN BIGELOW. ABBOTT S. MITCHELL.
Police Officers.
WILLIAM B. FOSTER. CHARLES H. FRANKS.
Special Police Officers (without pay).
JOHN McINERNEY.
PATRICK F. DACEY.
GEORGE H. THURSTON.
JOHN McLEOD.
GEORGE L. PIERCE.
HARRISON W. MACOMBER.
PETER T. GILOOLEY.
BYRON E. ANDERSON.
CLARENCE H. WILBUR.
FRANKLIN ALDERMAN.
CHARLES F. SMITH.
ABBOTT S. MITCHELL,
PATRICK MAGUIRE..
FRANK HUGHES..
Superintendent and Matron at Almshouse:
MR. AND MRS. ROBERT H. WHITE.
Janitor of Town Hall.
GEORGE H. THURSTON.
Janitor of Village Hall.
• GEORGE L. PIERCE. •
Janitor of Stone Building.
GEORGE D. ESTABROOK.
Inspector of Cattle.
CHARLES M. PARKF,R.
LEXINGTON TOWN RECORDS.
FROM TOWN CLERK'S RECORD.)
WARRANT FOR A TOWN MEETING.
MONDAY, MARCH 1, 1897.
To WILLIAM B. FOSTER, Constable of Lexington, GREETING :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are
hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of the town
of Lexington, qualified by law to vote in town affairs, to assem-
ble at the Town Hall on Monday, the first day of March, A. D.
1897, at 7 o'clock A. M., to act on the following articles, viz :
ART. 1. To choose a moderator to preside at said meeting.
Voted, To proceed to the choice of moderator by ballot,
and that the polls be kept open one minute.
On ballot eleven votes were cast, all for Geo. W. Sampson,
who was declared chosen moderator and was sworn by the
clerk.
ART 2. To choose by ballot the following town officers :
one town clerk, three selectmen, who shall also be overseers of
the poor and surveyors of highways, three assessors, one town
treasurer, one collector of taxes, two auditors, two constables,
all for the term of one year ; one member of the school com-
mittee for the term of three years ; one member of the ceme-
tery committee for the term of three years; one member of the
board of health for the term of three years ; one member of
the board of water commissioners for the term of three years.
ART 3. To see if the town will vote for or against granting
licenses for the sale of intoxicating liquors in answer to the fol-
lowing question : shall licenses be granted for the sale of intox-
icating liquors in this town ?" The vote on the above question
shall be by ballot, "Yes " or " No."
The election officers will receive votes under Articles
2 and 3 on the official ballot prepared by the town clerk.
The polls will be opened as soon as possible after the
organization of the meeting and will be kept open until five
o'clock P. M.
ARTS. 2 and 3. Abram B. Smith and Irving Stone, who
had been appointed by the selectmen as ballot clerks, were
sworn by the moderator, and receipted for a sealed package
said to contain 750 ballots for male voters and 150 ballots
for female voters, also for a copy of check lists for male and
female voters ; the ballot box was shown to be empty and
the key thereof delivered to William B. Foster, the consta-
ble in attendance, and the moderator declared the polls open
and the balloting commenced.
9
Subsequently the moderator appointed Bartlett J. Har-
rington and Albern S. Chatfield deputy ballot clerks, and
H. Luther Sherman, H. A. C. Woodward, George L. Pierce
and Charles F. Nourse, tellers, who were duly sworn by.the
moderator. At 10 o'clock A. M., on consent of the modera-
tor and town clerk, the ballot box was opened and 1'50 bal-
lots taken therefrom and the tellers commenced their
labors. At 1.30 o'clock150 ballots were taken from
the box ; at 3.20 o'clock 100 ballots were taken out,
and at the close of the polls, at 5 o'clock, 79 ballots
were taked out, making 479 in all, which number agreed
with the register on the ballot box and the same num-
ber of names was checked on each voting list used ; on
the female voting list 65 names were checked and that num-
ber of ballots was cast by them for school committee.
After the tellers had completed the counting of ballots
and had tabulated the returns the 'following result was an-
nounced by the moderator :
FOR TOWN CLERK -OHF. YEAR.
Leonard A. Saville
D. H. Collins .
G. D. Harrington
Blanks .
352
1
1
125
And Leonard A, Saville was declared elected for the
ensuing year.
FOR SELECTMEN, OVERSEERS OF THE POOR, AND SURVEYORS
OF HIGHWAYS -ONE YEAR.
Robert P. Clapp 239
John F. Hutchinson 253
10
Edwin S. Spaulding
William H. Whitaker
Bradley C. Whitcher .
R. I. Sherman, C. F. Willey, C. S. Ryan, F. B. Kendall,
one each .
Blanks .
810
261
141
4
229
And Edwin S. Spaulding, William H. Whitaker and
John F. Hutchinson were declared elected.
FOR TOWN TREASURER - ONE YEAR.
George D. Harrington .
Edwin S. Spaulding .
M. McQuade .
Blanks .
And Geo. D. Harrington w as declared elected.
COLLECTOR OF TAXES - ONE YEAR.
George W. Sampson
G. D. Harrington
G. H. Cutter .
Blanks .
And Geo. W. Sampson was declared elected.
ASSESSORS - ONE YEAR.
George W. Sampson
Joseph F. Simonds
Walter Wellington
G. D. Harrington
B. C. Whitcher, Geo. Cutter, one each
Blanks .
235
221
1
22
407
5
3
64
396
384
392
5
2
258
11
And Geo. W. Sampson, Joseph F. Simonds and Walter
Wellington were declared elected.
FOR AUDITORS - ONE YEAR.
James E. Crone
Hilman B. Sampson .
C. F. Willey, G. D. H4rrington, one each
Blanks .
395
383
2
178
And James E. Crone and Hilman B. Sampson were de-
clared elected.
FOR CONSTABLES - ONE YEAR.
William B. Foster
Charles H. Franks
G. H. Cutter, J. Ready, Jr., T. H. Bowen,
M. McQuade, P. Doyle, one each
W. J. Harrington
J. W. Shattuck
Blanks .
W. Ham,
408
376
6
7
2
159
And William B. Foster and Charles H. Franks were
declared elected.
FOR SCHOOL COMMITTEE -THREE YEARS.
Hannah McL. Greeley
Henry H. Hamilton
Blanks .
And Henry H. Hamilton was declared elected.
208
276
12
FOR, BOARD OF HEALTH - THREE YEARS.
Henry C. Valentine .
J. A. Frizelle, Dr. Tilton, G. W. Sampson, F. Alderman,
one each
Blanks .
And Henry C. Valentine was declared elected.
FOR CEMETERY COMMITTEE - THREE YEARS.
Geo. 11. Jackson
E. S. Locke, T. Breslin, M. Fahey, Wm. Chase, one
each
Blanks .
And Geo. H. Jackson was declared elected.
FOR WATER COMMISSIONER - THREE YEARS.
Frank 11. Locke
I. Stone, R. Burke, A. E. Scott, E. S. Locke, F. Alder-
man, one each
Blanks .
And Frank H. Locke was declared elected.
LICENSE.
Yes"
«No"
B anks
And the town voted No License.
423
4
52
402
4
73
380•
5.
94
136,
293•
501
13
All business under the following articles will be acted on
after one o'clock, P. M.
ART. 4. To receive the report of any board of town officers
or of any committee of the town for action thereon.
At 1.10 o'clock, P. M., the moderator called the meeting
to order to act on the remaining articles of the warrant, but
on motion of Mr. A. E. Scott, it was
Voted, To postpone such action for thirty minutes.
At 1.42 o'clock the meeting was called to order, and on
motion of Mr. Scott, amended by L. A. Saville and E. S.
Spaulding, it was
Voted, That after the election of town officers under Arti-
cles 2 and 29 of the warrant and the disposition of Article 3,
the moderator, without entertaining any other motion, shall
declare the meeting adjourned, to meet at this place on
Monday, March 29, 1897, at 7 o'clock P. M., at which time
the remaining articles of the warrant shall be considered.
But this vote shall not prevent the reception without action
thereon of the reports of town officers or committees under
any of said articles or the appointment of committees. An
appropriation for the payment of town debt now due to be
exempt from the above vote.
Voted, That the retiring selectmen, the selectmen elect,
the chairman of the school committee, the chairman of the
board of engineers of the fire department, and fifteen other
citizens to be appointed by the moderator in such manner as
to fairly represent the different sections of the town, shall
constitute a committee who shall consider the remaining
14
articles of the warrant and all reports made at this meeting
under any of said articles, and report at the adjournment of
this meeting what action they consider it advisable for the
town to take thereon, with suitable forms of votes for carry-
ing out their recommendations. They shall also publish in the
Lexington Minute -Man, previous to said adjourned meeting,
the action they intend to recommend on the several Articles.
Subsequently the moderator appointed fifteen gentlemen,
and the committee is as follows :
MEMBERS CHOSEN BY THE TOWN.
John F. Hutchinson, Edwin S. Spaulding, William H.
Whitaker, Selectmen.
Alfred Pierce, Chairman of School Committee.
Willard Walcott, Chairman of Board of Engineers of Fire
Department.
MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE MODERATOR.
William A. Tower,
Daniel G. Tyler,
Francis E. Ballard,
Patrick F. Dacey,
Henry A. C. Woodward,
William B. Foster,
Bradley C. Whitcher,
Robert P. Clapp,
Charles M. Parker,
Roger I. Sherman,
Frank H. Reed,
Bartlett J. Harrington,
Edmund K. Houghton,
John Morton Reed,
Josiah 0. Tilton.
And said committee was duly notified by the town clerk.
15
ART. 5. To see if the town will accept the list of Jurors pre
pared and posted by the Selectmen.
For action see adjourned meeting, March 29, 1897.
ART. 6. To see if the town will make an appropriation for
the proper observance of Memorial Day under the direction of
Post 119, G. A. R.
For action see adjourned meeting, March 29, 1897.
ART. 7. To see if the town will make appropriation for the
proper observance of April 19, 1897, under the direction of a
Committee of the Lexington Historical Society.
For action see adjourned meeting, March 29, 1897.
ART. 8. To provide for the support of the Public Schools
the ensuing year, and grant money for the same.
For action see adjourned meeting, March 29, 1897.
ART. 9. To provide for the support of the poor at the Poor
Farm the ensuing year, and grant money for the same.
For action see adjourned meeting, March 29, 1897.
ART. 10. To provide for the support of outside poor the en-
suing year, and grant money for the same.
For action see adjourned meeting, March 29, 1897.
ART. 11. To provide for the support of the highways the en-
suing year, and grant money for the same.
For action see adjourned meeting, March 29, 1897.
ART. 12. To provide for the support of street lights the en-
suing year, and grant money for the same.
For action see adjourned meeting, March 29, 1897.
ART. 13. To provide for the support of the fire department
the ensuing year, and grant money for' the same.
16
For action see adjourned meeting, March 29, 1897.
ART. 14. To see if the town will make the appropriations
for town expenses the ensuing year, as submitted by the select-
men, or act in any manner relating thereto.
On motion of Mr. E. S. Spaulding it was
Voted, That the sum of six thousand ($6,000) dollars be
appropriated and assessed for the payment of town debt on
a note now due.
ART. 15. To see if the town will authorize their treasurer,
under the direction of the selectmen, to borrow money for any
necessary purpose in anticipation of the collection of taxes the
current year, the same to be repaid directly from the proceeds
of said taxes, or act in any manner relating thereto.
For action see adjourned meeting, March 29, 1897.
ART. 16. To see what measures the town will adopt in rela-
tion to the collection of taxes the ensuing year, or act in any
manner relating thereto.
For action see adjourned meeting, March 29, 1897.
ART. 17. To see if the town will authorize the selectmen to
draw from any unappropriated money in the treasury for the
payment of contingent expenses.
For action see adjourned meeting, March 29, 1897.
ART. 18. To see if the town will make an appropriation to
construct sidewalks with concrete or other materials, where the
abutters will pay one-half the expense thereof.
For action see adjourned meeting, April 5, 1897.
17
ART. 19. To see if the town will vote to accept a convey-
ance of . Hastings Park in accordance with the provisions of a
certain deed of said Hastings Park, recorded in the Middlesex
County Southern District Registry of Deeds, Book 2070, page
258, or act in any manner relating thereto.
For action see adjourned meeting, April 5, 1897.
ART. 20. To see if the town will alter or amend section one
of the by-laws for rules and regulations of the water department
whereby it is provided that no member of the Board of Water
Commissioners shall receive any salary or other compensatfon
for his services, or act in any manner relating thereto.
For action see adjourned meeting, April 5, 1897
ART. 21. To see if the town will authorize the engineers of
the fire department to purchase an additional horse for the fire
department, and appropriate money for the same.
For action see adjourned meeting, April 5, 1897.
ART. 22. To see if the town will authorize the engineers of
the fire department to sell the two hand chemical engines, or
act in any manner relating thereto.
For action see adjourned meeting, April 5, 1897.
ART. 23. To see if the town will abandon Village Hall for
parties, lectures, etc., and turn the entire building over to the
fire department, or act in any manner relating thereto.
For action see adjourned meeting, April 5, 1897.
ART. 24. To hear and act upon the report of the selectmen
on the laying out and accepting of Grant street, from Massachu-
setts avenue, to and including land of Charles H. Harrington,
also of Sherman street, from its junction with Grant street to
Fletcher avenue, on petition of George H. Thurston and others,
or act in any manner relating thereto.
For action see adjourned meeting, April 5, 1897.
18
ART. 25. To hear and act on the report of the Selectmen on
laying out and accepting certain streets at North Lexington,
on the petition of A. S. Chatfield and others, or act in any man-
ner relating thereto.
For action see adjourned meeting, April 5, 1897.
ART. 26. To see if the town will authorize the Selectmen to
make a further contract with the State Highway Commissioners
for the construction of an additional section of the State lligh-
way.
For action see adjourned meeting, April 5, 1897.
ART. 27. To see if the town will vote to place a fire alarm
box on Woburn street, opposite the residence of Thomas J.
Green, and appropriate money for the same.
For action see adjourned meeting, March 29, 1897.
ART. 28. To see if the town will make an appropriation to
remove the ledge on Spring street, near the barn of Mary D.
Jamieson.
For action see adjourned meeting, April 5, 1897.
ART. 29. To choose such other town officers as are usually
chosen by nomination.
Voted, To choose such other town officers as are usually
chosen by nomination and the following persons were nomi-
nated and chosen :
FIELD DRIVERS.
Ralph E. Lane. Eugene D. Hendley. Walter W. Rowse.
FENCE VIEWERS.
Cornelius Wellington. George S. Teague. Clifford A. Currier.
19
SURVEYORS OF LUMBER.
George W. Spaulding. Carlton A. Childs.
Voted, That the remaining minor officers be appointed by
the selectmen.
ART. 4. Mr. J. F. Hutchinson for the selectmen made a
verbal report on the laying out of streets under Articles 24
and 25, and recommended that the business under these ar-
ticles be postponed.
Dr. J. O. Tilton for the committee on sewerage, said that
they were not quite ready to make their report, but that it
would probably be ready to be printed within a few weeks.
Mr. R. P. Clapp made the .following report on the preser-
vation of old Town Records :
LEXINGTON, MARCH 1, 1897.
7o the Town of Lexington:—At its last March meeting,
the Town of Lexington, acting at the instance of the Lex-
ington Historical Society, made an appropriation of $500,
to be expended under the direction of the committee ap-
pointed by the society in copying and printing the early
town records.
On April 14th, the Council of the society appointed a
committee of three to carry out the vote of the town, con-
sisting of the President, Rev. C. A. Staples, and Mr.
George O. Smith. Said committee begs herewith to submit
a report of its doings to the town. Finding many portions
of the records in such a fragile and worn condition that to
handle them even in the most careful manner by a copyist,
would tend to their further injury, and a loss of pieces from
the margins of leaves, the committee decided that a first
essential step was to put the records, if possible, in a better
20
state of preservation. Inquiry at the Document Depart-
ment of the City of Boston, and at the Clerk of Courts office
at Cambridge, disclosed the fact that Mr. F. W. R. Emery,
a book binder at Taunton, Mass., practices a process of
treating ancient records in a way which appears to secure
their preservation for an indefinite time. The committee
was so much pleased with the condition of old documents
and records that had been treated by Mr. Emery's process
in the offices referred to, that they were of the unanimous
opinion that the town appropriation, or so much thereof as
might be necessary, had best be expended in having the
oldest and most worn portions of the records treated in the
manner referred to. The process consists in covering the
leaves with a fine translucent silk, each leaf being placed
between two surfaces of the silk. The surfaces of the leaf
are first made to adhere to the silk covering by means of
some sort of sizing or glue, then the silk covering is treated
to an application of paraffine. The silk covering extends
about an inch beyond the edges of the leaves in every direc-
tion, so that the edges are protected against further injury.
The application of the silk and paraffine interferes in no
appreciable degree with the legibility of the manuscript ;
indeed, the most crumpled and tattered of the early pages of
the records may now be read more easily than before ; and
the more the paraffined sheets are handled and rubbed, the
more transparent the covering becomes. It will be seen
that the paper and ink themselves in each sheet, preserved
in the manner described, are fully protected against contact
with one's fingers or any external source of injury, and ex -
pelts who are familiar with the result of Mr. Emery's work
are of the opinion that records that have been treated by
his process will remain in good condition for five hundred
years. Mr. Emery's work on our Lexington records em-
braces eleven volumes, as follows :
21
1. Records of the inhabitants and freeholders at the
"Farms," i. e. the West Cambridge Precinct, from the
incorporation of the parish here in 1692, to the incorpora-
tion of the town in 1713.
This volume contains also some entries of a miscellaneous
character, including records of action by the Selectmen in
sundry matters from 1713-1718.
2. Records of town meetings, 1713 —1755,
3. Records of town meetings, 1755-1778.
All the records of meetings subsequent to 1778 were
found to be in a very good state of preservation.
4. A volume of miscellaneous records, relating chiefly to
meetings of the Selectmen, but with an occasional record of
a meeting of the inhabitants. The period covered by the
entries in this volume is 1713-1815.
5. The record of births, marriages and deaths. The
mark on the back of this volume indicates that the period
covered is only 1730-1844, but there are a few entries of
a date earlier than 1730, going back even into the 17th
century.
6. A volume of original tax lists, giving year by year,
with a few breaks, from 1744 to 1807, the name of every
person taxed, with the amount of his tax, the portion for
his real estate and that for his personality given separately.
The personal property is classified to a greater or less
extent.
7. A volume like the last, but embracing the years
1808 —1842.
8. The valuation of Lexington by years, from 1780 —
1808, each inhabitant's propert _,being separately assessed.
22
9. A similar valuation for the years 1811-1825.
10. A similar valuation for the years 1826 —1840.
11. A volume with small pages, say three inches by six,
giving the highway taxes for the years 1796— 1827.
The three volumes last mentioned, 9 to 11 inclusive, are
made up of leaves which were found in the form of loose
sheets, and they have not, except in a comparatively small
number of instances, been silk covered, as they are in a
good state of preservation. All have, however, been neatly
and securely bound, forming the volumes described.
Your committee is of the opinion that the value of these
old tax and valuation lists to investigators in the field of
local history, and especially to those seeking to complete
their family records, is not fully appreciated ; and now that
these lists arranged in chronological order, and properly
bound, make the information which they supply easily
available for the first time, it is hoped that they will secure
a useful purpose. The cost of the work thus accomplished
has been a little more than $400. A large element in the
expense is the material used, the silk being made in Switz-
erland on the the order of the American inventor of the
process which this report roughly describes.
In conclusion your committee would say that what has
been done seems to them only a beginning. To reserve
the records in their original form is important and essential ;
but equally important is the printing of them with full index-
es, so that their contents may be brought within easy acquisi-
tion by the public. Other towns have done and are doing
this work of publishing, notably, Plymouth, Concord and
Woburn. The printing should, we think, begin with the
record of births, marriages and deaths. That the matter
23
may proceed on the lines here indicated, the committee
would recommend that the town appropriate at the present
March meeting not less than five hundred dollars ($500)
to be expended under the direction of this committee or
some other committee appointed by the town for the
purpose.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBT. P. CLAPP,
C. A. STAPLES, Committee.
GEO. O. SMITH
Mr. C. G. Kauffmann for the board of fire engineers stated
that they recommended that Village Hall be abandoned for
social purposes and turned over to the fire department, and
said that when the proper time came they intended to ask
for the appointment of a committee to examine the buildings
and report thereon.
While waiting for the result of the balloting, various mat-
ters relating to town affairs were discussed by many gentle-
men, but the moderator ruled that while matters could be
discussed, no motion thereon could be entertained.
After the announcement of the result of balloting under
Articles 2 and 3 as previously recorded, the ballots cast and
the tally sheets and check lists used were sealed up and en-
dorsed by the election officers, as provided by law, and
delivered to the custody of the town clerk, after which the
moderator declared the meeting adjourned until Monday,
March 29, 1897, at 7 o'clock, P.M.
24
ADJOURNED MEETING.
LEXINGTON, March 29, 1897.
Meeting called to order by the moderator at 7.12 o'clock
P. M. moderator_
On motion of Mr. L. A. Saville it was
Voted, That Article 4 be laid on the table.
On motion of Mr. L. A. Saville it was
Voted, That Article 5 be taken up.
ART 5. The list of jurors which had been prepared and
posted by the selectmen, was read by the clerk and on his
motion it was
Voted, That the names of T. K. Fiske and Edward P.
Nichols be stricken from the list, they having been drawn
since the list was posted ; that the name or Chas. P. Morse
be stricken from the list at his own request, and the name
of A. B. Black because of his removal from the town.
Voted, That the list as so amended be accepted by the
town.
Voted, To take recess till 7.30 o'clock P. M.
At 7.30 o'clock P. M. meeting called to order and on
motion it was
Voted, That Article 4 be taken from the table and
be held open for reports during the session, also that
the several reports of town officers as printed be considered
before the meeting for action thereon, when no other busi-
ness was being done.
Mr. R. P. Clapp for the Committee of Twenty read the
following report :
45
REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF TWENTY.
To THE VOTERS OF LEXINGTON :
At the annual March meeting convened on the 1st instant,
a committee of twenty citizens was constituted, with in-
structions to consider the several Articles in the Warrant,
other than Articles 1, 2, 3 and 29, and all reports made
under any of said Articles, and to report at an adjourned
meeting to be held Monday, March 29, 1897, at 7 o'clock
P. M., what action they consider it advisable for the town to
take thereon ; and they were directed to publish their report,
previous to that time, in the Lexington Minute -Man.
This committee was made up as follows :
John F. Hutchinson, Edwin S. Spaulding, William H.
Whitaker, Selectmen.
Alfred Pierce, Chairman School Committee.
Willard Walcott, Board of Engineers of FireyDepart-
ment.
Members appointed by the Moderator :
William A. Tower,
Daniel G. Tyler,
Francis E. Ballard,
Patrick F. Dacey,
H. A. C. Woodward,
William B. Foster,
B. C. Whitcher,
Robert P. Clapp,
Charles M. Parker,
Roger I. Sherman,
Frank H. Reed,
B. J. Harrington,
E. K. Houghton,
John Morton Reed,
Josiah O. Tilton.
26
As such committee we now beg leave to submit a report
of our doings.
The members met on the 6th instant, and organized by the
choice of Robert P. Clapp, chairman, and Edmund K.
Houghton, secretary. Four meetings have been held, with
a good average attendance. Receiving no instructions to
give any public hearing, the committee did not ask the at-
tendance of the public at any meeting. Should a similar
committee be created next year, it would be well to con-
sider whether provision for one or more hearings to all
parties interested might not well be made.
It seems proper, at the outset, to consider briefly the in-
tended scope of the committee's powers and the relation of
its work to that of the town officers and to the function of
the town meeting itself, to the end that the matter may be
clearly apprehended, and the question whether an advisory
body of citizens is helpful or detrimental to a prudent and
careful administration of the town's affairs, may be deter-
mined upon its merits.
To some, the plan has been thought to reflect criticism
upon the capacity of the selectmen, or want of confidence
in their recommendations ; but that it is not so regarded by
themselves, is shown, in the present instance, by 'the fact
that the members of the Board have expressed their ap-
proval and given the committee their hearty co-operation.
The committee undertakes no. dictation, but endeavors
merely to elicit facts, through conferences and discussion,
which might otherwise escape observation, and to present
views which may help the voters to a fuller understanding
of matters that are brought before them for action. It is
by their voice in open town meeting that appropriations
must be voted, and all decisions made ; but to provide in
fuller measure, perhaps, than may be furnished by the pub-
lished town report, circulated only a short time before the
27
meeting, facts which give information or serve as the basis
of discussion, would seem to be in the interest of deliberate
and well -considered action.
Though the warrant this year contains scarce any articles
relating to other than ordinary town business, it happens not
infrequently that subjects are inserted upon request, with
which only an individual is familiar, and which are in the
nature of private interests or claims. In such cases, co-
operation among a few friends of the measure proposed may
secure its adoption, with little knowledge of its merits by
the meeting as a whole. Town government never has been,
and never can be, conducted wisely and economically with -
.rt frequent reference of many matters to committees ; and
it would seem that an investigation conducted by a general
committee, in advance of any action, into a majority of the
articles in the warrant, would be useful in the same way that
good is accomplished by examination at the hands of special
committees chosen in the midst of discussion. We think,
however, that the scope of a general reference may be too
broad. It may be found, in the present case, that some
articles have been referred concerning which the committee
can hardly be expected to make any special inquiry or report.
In fixing the amounts of the several appropriations herein
recommended, we have in each case had regard to the un-
expended balance, if any, remaining to the credit of the
corresponding grant of last year; believing that to keep
account of such balance, and bring it forward each year and
apply it, as a rule, to the same object, will tend to greater
economy than will result if the money be allowed to be used
for contingent expenses. This plan will necessitate a special
contingent grant ; and such grant we favor, believing it well
that the voters should, so far as possible, have their attention
called directly to the amount of these expenses, and be
called upon to vote an assessment therefor.
28
ART. 4. The only report (other than those of town
officers) considered by us under this article is that made con-
cerning the old parish and town records. We recommend,
for expenditure in conformity with provisions of the report,
an appropriation of $500, including the balance of $90 now
standing to the credit of account entitled " Better Preserva-
tion of Town Records." Amount to be assessed, $410.
ART. 5. Concerning the list of jurors, we make no,
recommendation.
ART. 6. For the observance of Memorial Day, including
the decorating of the graves of the soldiers of the Revolu-
tion, we recommend $175. (No unexpended balance.)
ART. 7. For the observance of April 19, 1897, $200..
(No unexpended balance.)
ART. 8. For schools, $18,528.63, including unexpend-
ed balance of $28.63. Amount to be assessed, $18,500..
This appropriation is $500 in excess of that asked for by the
School Committee. Our purpose in recommending the in-
crease is that the town may declare the policy of adding to
the efficiency of the High School. We understand that with
only $18,000, the committee cannot procure the highest
grade of instruction, and we therefore believe it wise to
allow them an additional $500, so that the best interests of
the High School may not suffer for lack of necessary funds.
ARTS. 9 and 10. For support of the poor at the town
farm, $1200. (No unexpended balance). Outside poor,
$2747.11, including the unexpended balance of $747.11...
Amount to be assessed, $2000.
29
ART. 11. For highways, $10,000. (No unexpended
balance). It is estimated by the Selectmen that this sum
will, in addition to keeping the streets in good condition,
provide for macadamizing an additional one-third of a mile
of road.
ART. 12. For street lights, $4438.87, including unex-
pended balance of $188.77. Amount to be assessed, $4,250.
ART. 13. (In this connection see recommendation under
Art. 27 below.) We recommend, as do the Fire Engineers
in their report, a sale of the two old chemicals, the proceeds
to be expended, in their discretion, for such equipment as
the Department needs ; and suggest an appropriation of
$3941.34, including an unexpected balance of $416.53, and
a balance of $24.81 now standing to credit of fire -alarm
maintenance. Amount to:be assessed, $3500. The expen-
ditures last year amounted to $3983.47, in addition to $225.-
19, expended under a special appropriation for " maintaining
fire alarm." We see no reason why the annual cost of main-
taining the fire -alarm system should not be included in the
meneral expense account of the department ; and so we sug-
gest a transfer of said balance of $24.81, and recommend
that the grant for the department be further increased by
the estimated cost of such maintenance. This we have done
in fixing a total of $3941.34.
Your committee at one time voted 9 to 5 to recommend
that the steamer horses be used on the watering carts, the
Department to be credited with a fair amount for the use ;
but on further consideration of the matter became convinced,
both that the saving to be effected would be less than
would at first appear and that it would be insufficient to off-
set the objections pointed out in the Engineer's report. A
minority of the Committee, however, still favors trying the
experiment.
30
ARTS. 14 and 17. Among the items of the estimated
expenses ;.for the year contained in the Selectmen's report,
some are, of course, already covered by the appropriation
recommended above. Following are the recommendation&
of the Committee upon the balance of said items, the same
corresponding, in the main, with those of the report, except
as effected by balances left over from last year.
For Care of the Common, $200. (No unexpended
balance.)
For Constables and Police, $2000. (No balance.)
For Fuel and Lights for halls, $1024.10, including unex-
pended balance of $24.10. Amount to be assessed $1000.
For Hydrants, 67 at $45 each, $3015, including an unex-
pended balance of $188.75. Amount to be assessed, $2,-
826.25.
For Interest on Town Debt, $2500.
For Insurance, $981.89, including unexpended balance of
$31.89. Amount to be assessed, $950.
For Printing $500, including unexpended balance of
$219.19. Amount to be assessed, $280.81.
For Ringing Bells at East Village, $35.00 ; the committee
recommending the discontinuance of the ringing at the
centre, where the steam whistle is sounded daily.
For Removing Snow, $500. No appropriation last year ;
amount expended, $392.60.
For Watering Streets, $1440.47, including unexpended
balance of $440.47. Amount to be assessed, $1000.
For Contingent Expenses, $2000.
For making good the deficit of $1286.79, shown on page
167 of town report, $1286.79.
For Discount for Prompt Payment of Taxes, $600 ;
abatement of taxes, $500.
For Assessors, $600. (An increase over last year of
$100.)
31
For Auditors, $100.
For Collector, $700.
For Janitors of Halls and Stone Building, $800, including
unexpended balance of $271.45. Amount to be assessed
$528.55.
For Librarians, $1200. (An increase over last year of
$150.)
For Registrrrs of Voters, $100.
For School Committee, $300.
For Selectmen, $1000.
For Treasurer of Cary Library, $50.
For Town Clerk, $300.
For Town Treasuer, $500.
For Board of Health, $300 ; salaries, $150 ; expense,
$150.
The deficiency of $1286.79, above mentioned has arisen
chiefly throngh the lack of a contingent grant, coupled with a
failure, last year, to make any appropriation for any of the
following purposes, viz : Removal of snow ($392.60, ex-
pended) ; Board of Health ($335.05) expended;) Discount
for prompt payment of taxes (amount allowed, $639.14).
We recommend that the sum of $8000 falling due the
current year for interest on the water debt be not assessed,
but that it be paid from the income of the water department.
The committee concurs with the recommendation of the
assessors, (see page 162 of town report) that the amount of
our state and county tax be not raised by taxation, but be
made up of the corporation and bank tax derived by the
town. The receipts from this source for the current year
will probably exceed the state and county tax by about
$1000, which amount, with the several miscellaneous items
of town income, may be made available for contingent ex-
penses.
32
We recommend the passing of the following votes :
(1) That no sum be assessed for the payment of the state
and county taxes, but that the same be paid out of unap-
propriated money in the treasury ; that a separate account be
kept of the moneys accruing to the town as its share of the
corporation and bank tax ; and that the amounts paid for
state and county taxes be charged to said account ; any ex-
cess in the aggerate of the corporation and bank tax above
the disbursements for state and county taxes .be added to the
contingent fund.
(2) That all miscellaneous income received by the treas-
urer during the year, which shall not belong to any particu-
lar account or department, be added to the contingent fund.
ART. 15. We recommend the passing of a vote in the
customary form, authorizing the treasurer, with the approval
of the Selectmen, to borrow, in antipication of the collection
of taxes, sums not exceeding in the aggerate $65,000.
(See page 18.)
ART. 16. We recommend the same vote as that passed
last year, fixing December lst. as the date for payment of
taxes, the usual discount to be allowed on prepayments, and
all taxes not paid on or before that date to be subject to in-
terest at the rate of 6 per cent. per annum.
The appropriation of $700 for tax collector is recommend-
ed upon the understanding that he shall be paid a commis-
sion of one per cent. on the amount collected, as last year.
ART.
17. See under Article 14 above.
ART. 18. An appropriation of $500 is recommended for
construction of sidewalks, of concrete or other materials, in
cases where the abutters shall pay one-half the cost.
33
ART. 19. The condition referred to, under which the
town is asked to accept a conveyance of Hastings Park, is as
follows :
"This tract of land is conveyed upon condition that it
shall always remain open as a public park, and be called
Hastings Park, for the use of the public, under such rules
and regulations as may be made by the grantee, (the town) ,
and upon the further condition that the grantee shall annual-
ly appropriate and use a sufficient sum of money to keep the
same in good condition for a public park."
This provision seems to us a reasonable one, and we re-
commend that the town accept the proposed gift.
ART. 20. The proposition for the town to amend
the by-laws relating to the water department so that mem-
bers of the water board may receive compensation for ser-
vices, is one upon which the committee is about equally
divided and so this article is referred back to the town with-
out any recommendation.
ART. 21. For the purchase of an additional horse for
the fire department, the committee recommends the appro-
priation of $125.
ART. 22. Already covered under Article 13.
ART. 23. We recommend the appointment of a special
committee to investigate and report at an adjourned or
new town meeting what disposition or use should be made
of Village Hall, and whether it is advisable to turn the
building over to the fire department.
ART. 24. The Selectmen report that arrangments have
been made with the Boston and Maine Railroad Company,
whereby Grant street is to be constructed underneath the
railroad, thus avoiding a grade crossing, but that probably
no money will be required in the matter during the present
year. Accordingly, no recommendation is made with refer-
34
ence to this street. For the completion of Sherman street,
however, from Grant street to Fletcher avenue, we recom-
mend an appropriation of $200, in accordance with a report
to be submitted by the Selectmen.
ART. 25. The Selectmen not having yet completed their
examination of the premises, or drawn a report as to laying
out certain streets at North Lexington, we make no recom-
mendation.
ART. 26. We recommend that the Selectmen be author-
ized to contract with the State Highway Commissioners to
build an additional section of said highway in Lexington, of
such length and on such terms as the Selectmen shall ap-
prove.
ART. 27. (In connection with the report of the Fire
Engineers). Instead of the town's directing by vote from
time to time the location of fire alarm boxes in particular
places, we believe it wiser that all additional boxes should
be installed under the supervision of the Fire Engineers,
who best know the needs of the Department as a whole.
We recommend, therefore, that the town do not vote to
place a fire alarm box in the specific place mentioned in this
article (opposite the residence of Thomas J. Green), but
that the sum of $200 be appropriated for new boxes, the
money to be expended, and the locations designated, by
the Fire Engineers.
ART. 28. Having been unable to get any sufficient in-
formation with regard to the subject of this article, we
make no recommendation.
We conclude our report with a summary of the several
amounts which, in our opinion should be assessed for the
current year. It is to be noted carefully that the subjoined
amounts are sums proposed to be assessed, the same varying
in some instances from the amounts appropriated, viz :
35
Old town and parish records
Memorial Day
April 19 .
Schools . .
Poor Farm .
Poor, Outside
Highways .
Street lights .
Fire Department
Common .
Constables and Police
Fuel and Lights .
Hydrants .
Insurance
Printing .
Watering streets .
Ringing bell (East Lex.)
Snow .
Contingent .
Deficit . .
Board of Health
Sidewalks .
Horse for Fire Department
Sherman street .
Fire alarm boxes
Interest .
Town debt
Assessors .
Auditors .
Collector .
Janitors
Librarians
Registrars of Voters
School Committee .
Selectmen •
Treasurer Cary Library
Town Clerk .
Town Treasurer
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
$ 410.00
175.00
200.00
18,500.00
1,200.00
2,000.00
10,000.00
4,250.00
3,500.00
200.00
2,000.00
1,000.00
2,826.25
950.00
280.81
1,000.00
35.00
500.00
2,000.00
1,286.79
300.00
500.00
125.00
200.00
200.00
2,500.00
6,000.00
600.00
100.00
700.00
528.55
1,200.00
100.00
300.00
1,000.00
50.00
300.00
500.00
Total $66,517.40
36
To this add $1000, which the Assessors, under vote
adopted by the town at the time the debt was created,
are required, without further action by the town, to
assess toward the payment of water loan . . $1,000.00
Also assess, for abatement of taxes ($500) and dis-
count on taxes ($600) . $1,100,00
Total, $68,617.40
It seems reasonably certain that the total valuation of
Lexington for this year will be as much as $4,500,000.
Upon this supposition, with the amounts assesssed in ac-
cordance with theabove recommendations, the tax rate for
the current year would be, in round figures, $15.30.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBT. P. CLAPP,
E. S. SPAULDING,
W. H. WHITAKER,
ALFRED PIERCE,
WILLARD WALCOTT,
W. A. TOWER,
DAN'L G. TYLER,
B. J. HARRINGTON,
B. C. WHITCHER,
J. O. TILTON,
ROGER I. SHERMAN,
H. A. C. WOODWARD,
WILLIAM B. FOSTER,
P. F. DACY,
JOHN MORTON REED,
JOHN F. HUTCHINSON,
E. K. HOUGHTON,
FRANK H. REED.
LEXINGTON, March 22, 1897
37
On motion of Mr. Clapp it was
Voted, That the report just read be accepted and that it
be considered before the meeting for action thereon in con-
nection with the several remaining articles of the warrant
beginning with Article 4, said articles to be taken up and
acted upon in such order as the meeting shall direct.
ART. 6. On motion of Mr. Geo. H. Cutter, it was
Voted, That the sum of one hundred and seventy-five
($175) dollars be appropriated and assessed for the proper
observance of Memorial Day, under the direction of the
Quartermaster of Post 119, G. A. R.
ART. 7. On motion of Mr. H. G. Locke it was
Voted, That the sum of two hundred ($200) dollars be ap-
propriated and assessed for the proper observance of April
19, 1897, under the direction of a Committee of the Lexing-
ton Historical Society.
ART. 8. On motion of Mr. E. A. Bayley it was
Voted, That the sum of eighteen thousand five hundred and
twenty-eight and sixty-three one hundredths ($18,528.63)
dollars be appropriated for the support of the Public Schools
for the ensuing year, and that eighteen thousand five hundred
($18,500) dollars of this amount be assessed the present year.
ARTS. 9 and 10. On motion of Mr. R. P. Clapp, these
articles were taken up together.
On motion of Mr. E. S. Spaulding it was
38
Voted, That the sum of twelve hundred ($1200) dollars
be appropriated and assessed for the support of the poor at
the Poor Farm the ensuing year.
Voted, That the sum of two thousand seven hundred and
forty-seven and eleven hundredths ($2,747.11) dollars be ap-
propriated for the support of outside poor the ensuing year,
of which two thousand ($2,000) dollars be assessed the pres-
ent year.
ART. 11. On motion of Mr. W. H. Whitaker it was
Voted, That the sum of ten thousand ($10,000) dollars be
appropriated and assessed for the repairs and improvements
of the highways the ensuing year.
ART. 12. On motion of Mr. R. P. Clapp it was
Voted, That the sum of four thousand four hundred and
thirty-eight and eighty-seven one hundredths ($4,438.87 ) dol-
lars be appropriated for the support of street lights the en-
suing year, of which four thousand two hundred and fifty
($4,250) dollars be assessed the present year.
ARTS. 13 and 27. On motion of Mr. R. P. Clapp these
articles were taken up together.
On motion of Mr. C. G. Kauffmann it was
Voted, That the sum of three thousand nine hundred and
forty-one and thirty-four one hundredths ($3,931.34) dollars
be appropriated for the support of the fire department the
ensuing year, including a balance of four hundred and sixteen
and fifty-three one hundredths ($416.53) dollars standing
to the credit of the fire department and a balance of twenty-
four and eighty-one one hundredths ($24.81) dollars standing
to the credit of the fire alarm maintenance, of which amount
thirty-five hundred ($3500) dollars be assessed the present
year.
39
Voted, That the sum of three hundred ($300) dollars be
r opriated and assessed for additional fire alarm boxes.
On motion of Rev. C. A. Staples it was
Voted, That the locating and putting in of fire alarm boxes
be transferred from the town to the fire engineers and that
the expense of new fire alarm boxes he considered as part of
fire department expenses.
ARTS. 14 and 17. These articles were taken up together
on motion of Mr. R. P. Clapp, who presented the report of
the committee of twenty appointed at session held March 1,
and as the report had been printed in the Lexington Minute -
Man as ordered, the reading thereof was dispensed with and
the several items of the report were taken up separately and
the following appropriations were made :
FOR CARE OF COMMON—Two hundred ($200) dollars to be
assessed.
FOR CONSTABLES AND POLICE — TWO thousand ($2000)
dollars to be assessed.
FOR FUEL AND LIGHTS FOR HALLS AND STONE BUILDING
—Ten hundred and twenty-four and ten one hundredths
($1024.10) dollars, of which one thousand ($1000) dollars be
assessed.
HYDRANTS—This item caused considerable discussion on
-inquiries of Mr. A. S. Mitchell as to who were responsible
for the care and condition of the hydrants, he claiming that
many of them were not in proper order for use. Messrs.
Alderman, Frizelle, Whitcher, Parker, Lewis, Mead, Hutch -
i nson, Janvrin, Clapp and Parsons took part in the discus-
sion and it was finally
40
Voted, That the fire engineers examine the condition of
the hydrants once a month and report to the Water Com-
missioners. The vote was taken by polling the house ; 76
in favor and 51 opposed, and the following appropriation was
made : three thousand and fifteen ($3015) dollars, of which
twenty-eight hundred and twenty-six and twenty-five one
hundredths ($2826.25) dollars be assessed.
FOR INTEREST—Twenty-five hundred ($2500) dollars ap-
propriated and asssessed.
FOR INSURANCE—Nine hundred and eighty-one and eighty-
nine one hundredths ($981.89) dollars appropriated, of which.
nine hundred and fifty ($950) dollars be assessed.
FOR PRINTING—Five hundred ($500) dollars appropriated,.
of which two hundred and eighty and eighty-one one hun-
dreds ($•80.81) dollars be assessed.
FOR RINGING BELLS—East Lexington, thirty-five ($35)
dollars appropriated and assessed.
Voted, That the ringing of the bell at the Centre Village
at noon be discontinued.
FOR REMOVAL OF SNOW—Five hundred ($500) dollars
appropriated and assessed.
FOR WATERING STREETS— Fourteen hundred and forty
and forty-seven one hundredths ($1440.47) dollars appropria-
ted, of which one thousand ($1000) dollars be assessed.
Voted, That one-fourth of the expense of street watering
be assessed on abutters as has been the custom for the past
two years, and that the selectmen be instructed to extend the
watering to the Arlington line.
FOR CONTINGENT EXPENSES—TWO thousand ($2000) dol-
lars appropriated and assessed.
41
FOR MAKING GOOD THE DEFICIENCY SHOWN ON PAGE.
167 OF THE PRINTED TOWN REPORT—Twelve hundred and
eighty-six and seventy-nine one hundredths ($1286.79) dol-
lars appropriated and assessed.
FOR DISCOUNT, FOR PROMPT PAYMENT OF TAXES — SiX.
hundred ($600) dollars appro.priated and assessed.
FOR ABATEMENT OF TAXES— Five hundred ($500) dol-
lars appropriated and assessed.
FOR ASSESSORS—Six hundred ($600) dollars appropri-
ated and assessed.
FOR COLLECTOR OF TAxES—Seven hundred ($700) dol-
lars appropriated and assessed.
The salary of the Collector to be one per cent. of the taxes
collected by him.
Fon AUDITORS .—One hundred ($100) ollars appropri-
ated and assessed.
FOR JANITORS OF HALLS AND STONE BUILDING— Eight
hundred ($800) dollars appopriated, of which five hundred
and twenty-eight and fifty-five one hundredths ($528.55)
dollars be assessed.
FOR LIBRARIANS AND ASSISTANTS — Twelve hundred
($1200) dollars appropriated and assessed.
FOR REGISTRARS OF VOTERS-- One hundred ($100) dol-
lars appropriated and assessed.
FOR SCHOOL COMMITTEE—Three hundred ( 300) dollars
appropriated and assessed.
FOR SELECTMEN—One thousand ($1000) dollars appro-
priated and assessed.
FOR TREASURER OF CARY LIBRARY — Fifty ($50) dollars -
appropriated and asssessed.
FOR TOWN CLERK—Three hundred ($300) dollars appro-
priated and assessed.
42
FOR TOWN TREASURER—After some discussion and in
view of the fact that the bond of the Treasurer had been in-
creased from ten thousand ($10,000) dollars to twenty thou-
sand ($20,000) dollars it was
Voted, That the salary of the Treasurer be fixed at five
hundred and fifty ($550) dollars, which amount was appro-
priated and ordered to be assessed.
FOR BOARD OF HEALTH—Three hundred ($300) dollars
appropriated and assessed. One hundred and fifty ($150)
dollars for services and one hundred and fifty ($150) dollars
for expenses.
ART. 14. On motion of Mr. R. P. Clapp it was
Voted, That the Assessors be requested to deduct from
the amount required to be assessed, an amount equal to the
state and county tax.
Voted, That a separate account be kept of the moneys
accruing to the town as its share of the corporation and bank
tax ; and that the amounts paid for state and county taxes
be charged to said account ; any excess in the aggregate of
the corporation and bank tax above the disbursements for
state and county taxes to be added to the contingent fund.
Voted, That all miscellaneous income received by the
Treasurer during the year which shall not belong to any
particular account or department be added to the contingent
fund.
(For further action see adjourned meeting April 5, 1897.)
ART. 15. On motion of Mr. R. P. Clapp, it was
Voted, That for the purpose of procuring temporary
loans to and for the use of the town of Lexington, in antici-
pation of the taxes of the present municipal year, the town
treasurer is hereby authorized to borrow from time to time,
with the approval of the board of selectmen, a sum or sums
43
not exceeding in the aggregate sixty-five thousand ($65,000)
.dollars, and to execute and deliver the note or notes of the
town therefor, payable within one year from the time the
loan is made, with interest thereon, at a rate not exceeding
five per cent. per annum.
All debts incurred under this vote shall be paid from the
taxes of the present municipal year.
ART. 16. On motion of Mr. L. A. Saville it was
Voted, That all taxes for the current year be made paya-
ble on or before Dec. 1, 1897, and that a discount of one-
half of one per cent. 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 instructed to
collect all taxes before June 1st, 1898.
ART. 17. See action under Article 13.
ART. 4. On motion of Mr. A. S. Mitchell, as amended
by Mr. R. P. Clapp, it was
Voted, That two hundred ($200) dollars be appropriated
for care of cemetery. Seventy-four and twenty-eight hun-
dredths ($74.28) dollars to be taken from state road account
and one hundred twenty-five and seventy-two hundredths
($125.72) dollars to be taken from unexpended tramp ap-
propriation. (For further action see adjourned meeting,
April 5, 1897.
Mr. M. H. Merriam offered a report on sewage, which
had been printed and circulated.
On motion of Mr. A. S. Parsons it was
Voted, That after the reading of the report the meeting
he adjourned to Monday, April 5, 1897, at 7.30 o'clock, P. M.
44
Mr. Merriam read the report of the committee as printed,
after which the moderator declared the meeting adjourned
for one week.
ADJOURNED MEETING.
LEXINGTON, April 5, 1897.
Meeting called to order by the moderator at 7.30 o'clock,
P. M.
On motion of Mr. R. P. Clapp it was
Voted, That the report of the sewerage committee, which,.
was read just before the adjournment, be laid on the table..
ART. 18. On motion of Mr. R. P. Clapp it was
Voted, That the_sum of five hundred ($500) dollars be
appropriated and assessed for constructing sidewalks with
concrete or other materials where the abutters will pay one-
half the expense thereof.
ART. 19. The moderator read from the deed of convey-
ance the terms by which the property known as " Hastings
Park" was conveyed to the Lexington Field and Garden
Club, and on motion of Mr. R. P. Clapp, seconded by Rev.
C. A. Staples it was
Voted, That the selectmen are hereby authorized to
accept, in behalf of the town, a conveyance from the Lex-
ington Field and Garden Club, of a lot of land known as
" Hastings Park," lying at the junction of Massachusetts.
45
Avenue and the Lincoln Road, and being the same lot de-
scribed in deed to said Field and Garden Club, recorded
with Middlesex South District Registry of Deeds, Book
2070, Page 258 ; the deed of conveyance to contain so far
as applicable, substantially the same conditions or restric-
tions as those found in said deed to the Field and Garden
Club.
Voted, That the sum of one hundred and fifty ($150) dol-
lars be appropriated for the care and maintenance of said
park during the current year, the money to be taken from
unexpended balance belonging to the grant for heating of
the town hall.
ART. 4. On motion of Mr. R. P. Clapp Article 4 was
taken up, and on his motion it was
Voted, That the sum of five hundred ($500) dollars be
appropriated for better preservation of town records, of
which the sum of four hundred and ten ($410) dollars be
assessed the present year.
ART. 20. On motion of Mr. R. P. Clapp this article
was laid on the table.
Subsequently it was taken up and the town clerk explained
the views of the commissioners and offered a motion to alter
Section One of the by-laws for rules and regulations of the
Water Department.
Mr. Chas. B. Davis moved, and it was
Voted, That the matter be indefinitely postponed.
ART. 21. On motion of Mr. C. G. Kauffmann it was
c J
46
Loted, That the sum of one hundred and twenty-five
($125) dollars be appropriated and assessed for the purpose
of buying an additional horse for the fire department.
ART. 22. This article caused considerable discussion,.
which was participated in by Messrs. Clapp, Kauffmann,.
Chatfield, Cutter and Alderman, and on motion of Mr. Cor-
nelius Wellington a vote was taken on recommitting the sub-
ject to the fire engineers, to report thereon at a future meet-
ing. The vote was taken by polling the house ; 49 in favor
and 5 opposed, and the article was recommitted.
ART. 23. On motion of Mr. Franklin Alderman, after
some discussion it was
Toted, That the matter be indefinitely postponed, which
vote was doubted by 7 votes, and on polling the house,1:40
voted in favor of postponement and 18 against, and the arti-
cle was indefinitely postponed.
ART. 24. Mr. E. S. Spaulding for the selectmen read
the following report.
<< On petition of George 11. Thurston and others, we here-
by recommend that Sherman street as now laid out from
Grant street to Fletcher ave., be accepted when deeded free
of all incumbrance to the town of Lexington, and that the
sum of two hundred ($200) dollars be appropriated and
assessed for the purpose of grading said street."
JOHN F. HUTCHINSON, Selectmen
E. S. SPAULDING, of
W. H. WHITAKER, Lexington
LEXINGTON, March 27, 1897.
47
And on motion of Mr. R. P. Clapp it was
Voted, That the report of the selectmen be accepted and
that the sum of two hundred ($200) dollars be appropriated
and assessed for the purpose of grading Sherman street.
ART. 25. Mr. J. F. Hutchinson, for the selectmen,
asken for further time to consider the matter, which was
voted.
ART. 26. On motion of Mr. R. P. Clapp it was
Voted, That the selectmen be authorized to contract with
the State highway commissioners, for the construction of an
additional section of the State highway.
ART. 27. See action under Article 13.
ART. 28. On motion of Mr. R. P. Clapp it was
Voted, That the matter be indefinitely postponed.
ART. 14. On motion of Mr. R. P. Clapp it was
Voted, That subject to the vote already adopted under
Article 14, with reference to a deduction of an amount equal.
to the state and county tax, the assessors be requested to
assess the several sums appropriated at the present March
meeting except in so far as the same have been voted to be
taken or transferred from unexpended balances.
ART. 4. On motion of Mr. R. P. Clapp it was
48
Voted, That the assessors are requested not to assess the
sum of ten thousand dollars, or any sum for payment of the
ten water bonds maturing Nov. 1, 1897 ; and that the select-
men are requested to call a special town meeting to be held
before Oct. 1, 1897, for the purpose of authorizing an issue
of $10,000 of bonds under Chapter 160 of the acts of 1896,
to refund said maturing bonds.
On motion of Rev. C. A. Staples it was
Voted, That the unexpended balance of tramp appropria-
tion be used for the same purpose the present year.
On motion of Mr. H. G. Janvrin it was
Voted, That the horses belonging to the fire department
be used for fire purposes only.
The report of the sewerage committee was taken up and
on motion of Mr. A. S. Parsons it was
Voted, That the town petition the Legislature for an act
to provide for the addition of a portion of the town of Lex-
ington to the Metropolitan sewerage system, in accordance
with a draft of such an act submitted by the committee with
their report. (See page 8 of said report.)
' Voted, That the town petition the legislature for an act
to authorize the town of Lexington to construct a system of
sewerage, and to provide for the payment therefor, in accord-
ance with the draft of such an act submitted by the com-
mittee with their report. (See page 11 of said report.)
On motion of Mr. R. P. Clapp it was
49
Voted, That Section 6, on page 12 of the printed report
of the sewerage committee be amended (by substituting
one-fourth for one-third) so as to read, " provided that it
shall not pay less than one-fourth nor more than one-half of
the whole cost."
The sewerage committee were anxious to be discharged
from further duty, but after some discussion, on motion of
Mr. H. G. Janvrin it was
Voted, That the selectmen and the sewerage committee
be authorized to appear before the legislative committee and
aid in securing the passage of the acts recommended by said
sewerage committee.
Meeting declared dissolved.
A true record.
Attest: LEONARD A. SAVILLE, 7own Clerk.
BEQUEST OF MRS. LYDIA M. RUSSELL.
TOWN TREASURER'S OFFICE,
LEXINGTON, Mass., March 30, 1897.
$200.00
Pursuant to a vote of the inhabitants of the town of Lex-
ington, in town meeting assembled on the second day of
November, 1875, the town treasurer hereby acknowledges
the receipt of two hundred dollars ($200.00) from Mrs.
Lydia M. Russell, of Lexington, Mass., the interest of which
50
is to be expended in accordance with said vote and Chapter
225 of the Acts of 1870, upon Lot No. 25, old number,
and No. 217, new number, in the old part of town ceme-
tery near tin!, high school house in said Lexington, in dress-
ing and care of said lot, monuments, walks and avenues
adjacent thereto.
EDWIN S. SPAULDING, Town Treasurer.
LEXINGTON, April 24, 1897.
Received for record.
Recorded on Page 517 of Volume of Town Records, from
1881 to
A true copy.
Attest: LEONARD A. SAVILLE, Lown Cle/k.
BEQUEST OF ESTATE OF IIIRAM PIERCE.
TOWN TREASURER'S OFFICE,
LEXINGTON, MASs., August 2, 1897,
$100.00.
Pursuant to a vote of the inhabitants of the town of Lex-
ington, in town meeting assembled, on the 2nd day of
November, 1875, the town treasurer hereby acknowledges
the receipt of one hundred dollars ($100.00) from the estate
of Hiram Pierce, from Frank D. Pierce, administrator, the
interest of which is to be expended in accordance with said
51
vote and Chapter 225 of the Acts of 1870, upon Lot 253, in
the old part of town cemetery near the high school house in
said Lexington, in dressing and care of said lot, monuments,
walks and avenues adjacent thereto.
GEO. D. HARRINGTON, Town Treasurer.
LEXINGTON, August 2, 1897.
Received for record.
Recorded on page 517 of Volume of Town Records from
1881 to .
A true copy.
Attest : LEONARD A. SAVILLE, Town Clerk.
At a meeting of the selectmen, assessors and town clerk
holden Saturday, September 18, 1897, the following action
was taken
RESOLUTIONS ON TIIE DEATH OF JOSEPH F. SIMONDS.
WHEREAS, The hand of Death has been laid upon our asso-
ciate and fellow citizen, Mr. Joseph F. Simonds, who for
the past thirty-five years has been the chairman of the Board
of Assessors of the town of Lexington, filling that important
duty with signal ability, intelligence and fidelity, and who
has served for many years as chairman of the board of select-
men of the town, discharging all the duties of that still
more important trust, with satisfaction to its citizens on all
occasions ; be it
52
Resolved, That we testify by these resolutions to our high
appreciation of his admirable qualities as a town officer, citi-
zen,:man, and friend, that we rejoice in the fact that his keen,
active mind was unimpaired by the weight of his fourscore
and seven years of life, so rare a qualification of so advanced
an age, and formed the happy blending of the old aphorism,
of " old men for counsel and young men for action," aggress-
ive and firm as he was in action, and wise and able in coun-
sel, and we realize that his death causes another broken link
in the the chain of past and present, and that our associate
embodied in his nature the careful, painstaking, conserva-
tive attributes of the past generation, seasoned and mingled
with the bold, active, progressive character of the present ;
we further testify our respect for the genial, manly and hon-
est side of his life, for his interest in all needed improve-
ments, public and private, for his sense of justice and fair-
ness and willingness to do what in his best judgment was
the right, without fear or favor; and be it further
Resolved, That we remember the family of our associate
in their affliction and tender them our heartiest sympathy ;
that these resolutions be entered on the records of the town
and that a copy be sent to the family of the deceaied.
JOHN F. IIUTCHINSON,
EDWIN S. SPAULDING, Selectmen.
WILLIAM H. WHITAKER,
WALTER WELLINGTON,
GEORGE W. SAMPSON, e Assessors.
LEONARD A. SAVILLE, 7ow,I Clerk.
53
WARRANT FOR A TOWN MEETING.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2nd, 1897.
To WM. B. FOSTER, Constable of Lexington, GREETING :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are
hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of the 'Town
of Lexington, qualified by law to vote in town affairs, to assem-
ble at the Town Hall, on Saturday, the second day of October,
A. D., 1897, at 7.30 o'clock, P. M., to act on the following arti-
cles, viz :
ART. 1. To choose a moderator to preside at said meeting.
Voted, That the polls be kept open three minutes for
choice of moderator.
On ballot 21 ballots were cast, all for Geo. W. Sampson,
who was declared elected as moderator and was sworn by
the clerk.
ART. 2. To choose by ballot a member of the board of water
commissioners to serve until the annual town meeting in the year
1900, to fill the vacancy caused by the refusal of Frank H.
Locke to accept the office. On motion of Mr. J. F. Hutchinson
as amended by Mr. A. S. Parsons, it was
Voted, That the polls be kept open twenty minutes for
choice of a water commissioner, to serve until the annual
meeting in the year 1900, to fill the vacancy caused by Mr.
Frank H. Locke's refusal to accept said office.
54
On ballot, 66 ballots were cast as follows :
Nelson W. Jenney
J. H. Frizelle .
Francis Locke
34
23
9
And Nelson W. Jenney was declared elected as water
commissioner to serve until the annual town meeting in the
year 1900.
ART. 3. To see if the town will alter or amend Section 1
of the by-laws for rules and regulations of the water department,
whereby it is provided that no member of the board of water
commissioners shall receive any salary or other compensation
for his services, or act in any manner relating thereto.
Mr. L. A Saville moved that Section 1 of the by-laws for
rules and regulations of the water department be amended, so
that the water commissioners could be allowed to receive a
salary of one hundred dollars each per year for their services,
and stated that owing to the large amount of property under
their care and custody, and the demands made upon their
time and deliberations, the sum named was but a small
compensation.
Mr. E. A. Bayley seconded the motion, Mr. B. C.
Whitcher favored it ; the motion was opposed by Mr. R. P.
Clapp and Mr. A. S. Parsons, and after some discussion the
motion was declared not carried.
At 7.02 o'clock an alarm of fire was sounded and as the
fire was at Mr. Merriam's factory near the town hall, and on
motion of Mr. E. A. Bayley, it was
Voted, that a recess of 30 minutes be taken by the meeting.
55
ART. 4. To see if the town will vote to issue water bonds for
the sum of ten thousand dollars, for the purpose of extending
the water mains and for putting in a filter at the pumping sta-
tion, or act in any manner relating thereto.
Mr. B. C. Whitcher moved, and it was unanimously
Voted, That the sum of ten thousand dollars is hereby
appropriated for the purpose of purchasing materials, laying
pipes and doing other work necessary for the extension of
the water mains and for supplying water, and putting in a
filter at the pumping station, the same to be borrowed by
the issue of bonds in the aggregate principal sum of ten
thousand dollars of the denomination of one thousand dol-
lars each, bearing interest at the rate of four per cent. per
annum, payable semi-annually at the office of the town treas-
urer, or at any bank in Boston, that the board of selectmen
may designate on the face of the bonds.
That said bonds and interest shall be made payable in
gold coin of the United States, of standard weight and fine-
ness. Said bonds shall be denominated on the face thereof,
Lexington Water Bonds," and shall be signed by the town
treasurer and countersigned by the selectmen or a majority
thereof, and shall be payable as follows ; — One of such
bonds shall be payable on the first day of January, 1899,
and one of such bonds shall be payable on the first day of
January thereafter, until and including January 1, 1908.
Instead of establishing a sinking fund for the payment of
such bonds, the board of assessors shall, without further
vote in the year 1898, and in each year thereafter, assess the
sum of one thousand dollars until said debt shall be extin-
guished, in the same manner as other taxes are assessed
under the provisions of Section 34 of Chapter 11 of the Pub-
lic Statues.
56
ART. 5. To see if the town will vote to issue bonds to the
amount of ten thousand dollars, under the authority and provis-
ions of chapter one hundred and sixty (160) of the Acts of
1896, for the purpose of refunding an equal amount of bonds of
the town, denominated Lexington Water Bonds, which become
due Nov. lst, 1897, or act in any manner relating thereto.
Mr. J. F. Hutchinson moved, and it was
Voted, That the town issue ten bonds of one thousand
dollars each, dated Nov. 1, 1897, payable in twenty years
from date, and bearing interest at the rate of four per cent.
per annum, principal and interest to be paid in gold coin of
the United States, of the present standard of weight and
fineness, to refund an equal amount of the bonds of the town
denominated Lexington Water Bonds, which become due
November 1st, 1897, under the authority of Chapter 160 of
the Acts of 1896.
Voted, that said bonds be sold at private sale under the
direction of the selectmen upon the best terms they can
obtain.
ART. 6. To see if the town will accept the gift of an oil por-
trait of the late Geo. E. Muzzey presented by Rev. Edward G.
Porter.
Mr. J. F. Hutchinson read the following letter from Rev.
Edward G. Porter :
BOSTON, September 30, 1897.
To the Selectmen of Lexington,
GENTLEMEN : - Feeling the importance of preserving the
records and other memorials of every period in our town's
57
history, I have always endeavored to encourage any effort
having for its object the collection of books, documents,
weapons, portraits and other objects that may properly
illustrate the various stages in our municipal progress. It
is a matter of common regret among us that so many of our
founders, our defenders and our chosen leaders have passed
into comparative obscurity, because their contemporaries
neglected to transmit adequate memorials of their services.
We cannot repair the loss created by this neglect of former
generations, but it is in our power to see that the record of
our own time shall be as complete as the welfare of the town
and the claims of posterity will surely demand.
Among our representative citizens who have been thor-
oughly identified with the affairs of the town, few have given
more time or thought or sympathetic devotion to its inter-
ests than the late George E. Muzzey. His death in office
as chairman of the board of selectmen nine months ago
caused a profound feeling of sadness throughout the town,
such as we have seldom seen. The expressions heard every-
where in public and in private, showed the place which Mr.
Muzzey had won in the hearts of the people.
He loved the town as few men loved it. He would make
any sacrifice and bear any burden to promote its prosperity.
His unflagging zeal for its name, its honor, its traditions
and its numerous attractions remind one of the ancient
Hebrew who is said to have had Jerusalem engraven upon
his breastplate. It was, indeed, Mr. Muzzey's chief joy to
serve his fellow townsmen—and strangers, too—in any
capacity and at any time. Such loyalty to the town, such
fidelity in the discharge of every trust, such an unselfish
and patriotic spirit, deserve the tributes which have been
already given in official records. Wishing to supplement
these by a portrait, I submitted an indifferent photograph —
the only one taken in recent years — to Miss Jane Bartlett,
58
•
whose admirable copy of Stewart's Revere hangs in our
library. She has done for us what she could with such
slender material to work from. The likeness is certainly
there upon the canvas, and it reveals fairly well the charac-
ter of the man. I offer it gladly to the town, as a token of
my sincere attachment to its interests of the past, the pres-
ent and the future. As to the place to be assigned such
portraits, I leave the decision to your board, in consultation,
perhaps, with the trustees of the' Cary Library, who, with
you, have assumed their custody. The library room can
offer only provisional shelter for them. Its wall spaces are
needed, or soon will be, for book -stacks ; and the light has
never been favorable for portraits. Whether some of them
can be hung to advantage in the main hall on the second
floor is for you to determine. May we not hope that the
day is not far distant, when Lexington will rejoice in the
possession of a suitable fire -proof building, waiting to
receive the priceless treasures in literature, and in art
which we already have, and which, I am confident, will
steadily increase as the years go by.
I am, Gentlemen, with much respect, yours faithfully,
EDWARD G. PORTER.
And moved the following resolutions :
Resolved, That the town of Lexin`,ton accept with sin-
cere gratitude the gift of an oil portrait, or the late Geo. E •
Muzzey, presented by Rev. Edward G. Porter.
Mr. Muzzey faithfully served his country in the late rebel-
lion, and his native town of Lexington for many years in
various positions of honor and trust, being chairman of the
board of selectmen at the time of his death ; and be it further
59
Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the town
records and a copy sent to Mr. Porter.
And said resolutions were unanimously accepted by the
meeting.
Rev. C. A. Staples asked leave of the meeting to present
the following resolution :
Resolved, By the citizens of Lexington, in town meeting
assembled, that the thanks of the town be presented to Miss
Julia A. Goddard, of Brookline, in grateful acknowledg-
ment of the gift of a portrait of William Dawes, her grand-
father, who with Paul Revere, brought the news to the town
of the coming of the British troops, on the night of April
18, 1775, and that the same be hung in Cary Library oppo-
site that of Paul Revere.
Also that the town clerk is hereby directed to communi-
cate this vote to Miss Goddard.
And gave a brief history of the man ; but as there was no
article in the warrant to cover the acceptance of such a gift,
it was agreed that it should be presented to the town
through the selectmen ; and the selectmen accepted the same
in behalf of the town.
ART. 7. To see if the town will vote to refund to Eliphalet
S. Wetherbee, such sum of money as said town shall determine,
in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 252 of the Acts of
1897, or act in any manner relating thereto.
Mr. G. W. Sampson gave a history of the case and read
the report of a former committee which was appointed to
investigate the case. Mr. H. E. Holt favored the refunding
of taxes overpaid, with interest. Mr. D. F. Hutchinson
opposed refunding, and the matter was discussed by Messrs.
Maynard, Clapp, Prince, Parsons, Wheeler, Lewis, Glass,
B. F. Brown, Whitcher and Bayley, and it was finally
60
Voted, That Mr. Wetherbee be refunded the amount he
has overpaid in taxes, with interest, that a committee of
three be appointed by the chair to examine the town books
and interview and question Mr. Wetherbee, and conduct
any other necessary investigation, and to ascertain the
amount of the note on which he has paid, and to determine
how much Mr. Wetherbee has paid on account of that note
(and his other taxable property) since he came to town, also
to figure what he should have paid on said note of $14,000
(and his other property) for the same time : to determine
whether the town 'wes Mr. Weatherbee or Mr. Weatherbee
owes the town. Said committee to report their findings to
the town with their recommendations.
The above vote was taken by polling the house — 22
" yes," 8 " no. "
The following committee was appointed : Daniel F. Hutch-
inson, Robert P. Clapp, Hosea E. Holt.
ACT. 8. To see if the town will appropriate the sum of six
hundred dollars to replace a shed at the Poor Farm, for the
storage of wagons, carts, tools, etc., or act in any manner relat-
ing thereto.
On motion of Mr. C. M. Parker it was
Voted, That the matter be referred to the selectmen,
with authority to expend such sum of money as may be
necessary to do the work, and that the money be taken from
any unappropriated money in the town treasury.
ART. 9. To see if the town will appoint a committee to wait
upon the officials of the Boston & Maine R. R. Co., in regard to
constructing a street from Massachusetts avenue to Sherman
street.
61
Mr. E. A. Bayley explained the necessity for the people
on Grant and Sherman streets, having something done to
better the access to the main street, and that the R. R. Co.
had promised to do the work, but had done nothing as yet.
And it was
Voted, That the board of selectmen and two other citi-
zens, to he appointed by the chair, be a committee to inter-
view the officials of the railroad and endeavor to have them
do something this Fall.
And the chair appointed as such committee,
John F. Hutchinson, Edwin S. Spaulding, William H.
W hitaker, selectmen ; George F. Mead ; Leonard A. Saville.
Meeting dissolved.
A true record.
Attest : LEONARD A. SAVILLE, Town Clerk.
WARRANT FOR A TOWN MEETING.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1897.
To WILLIAM B. FOSTER, Constable of Lexington, GREETING :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are
hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of the town
of Lexington, qualified by law to vote in State, District and
County affairs, to assemble at the Town Hall, on Tuesday, the
second of November, A. D., 1897, at six o'clock A. M., to cast
their ballots for the following State, District and County offi-
cers, viz :
62
Governor, Lieutenant -Governor, Secretary, Auditor, Treas.
urer and Receiver -General, Attorney -General, Councillor for
Sixth District, Senator for Fifth Middlesex District, Repre-
sentative in the General Court for Thirteenth Middlesex Dis-
trict, County Commissioner for Middlesex County for three
years, County Treasurer for Middlesex County for three years,
Register of Deeds for Southern Middlesex District for three
years.
The election officers will receive votes for the above on the
official ballot prepared by the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
The polls will be opened immediately after the organization
of the meeting and will be kept open until 4 o'clock, P. M., and
as much longer as the meeting may direct, not to extend beyond
sunset. Hereof fail not and make due return of this warrant,
with your doings thereon to the town clerk, on or before the
time of said meeting.
Given under our hands at Lexington, this Seventh day of
October, A. D., 1897.
JOHN F. HUTCHINSON, Selectmen
EDWIN S. SPAULDING, .of
W. H. WHITAKER, Lexington.
(At the above meeting the selectmen request an informal ex-
pression of the voters, as to whether or not a location of tracks
of the Lexington Street Railway shall be granted.
The vote on the above question shall be by ballot, "Yes"
or "No.")
Return of the constable on the foregoing warrant.
63
LEXINGTON, October 27, 1897.
Persuant to the foregoing warrant, I have notified the
inhabitants of the town of Lexington, by posting a duly
attested copy of the warrant in the post offices and other
public places in each village, and by mailing a duly attested
copy of the warrent to every registered voter in the town,
seven days before the time of said meeting.
Attest : WILLIAM B. FOSTER, Constable of Lexington.
A true copy of the warrant and the return of the constable
thereon.
Attest : LEONARD A. SAVILLE, Town Clerk.
LEXINGTON, November 2d, 1897.
Meeting called to order by the town clerk, at 6 o'clock,
A. M., who read the warrant and the return of the constable
thereon. Charles W. Swan and Abram B. Smith were sworn
as ballot clerks, and receipted for a sealed package said to
contain 900 ballots for State election, and Irving Stone and
Bartlett J. Harrington were sworn as deputy ballot clerks.
The ballot box was shown to be empty and the key thereof
was delivered to William B. Foster, the constable in attend-
ance, and the chairman of the selectmen declared the polls
open and the balloting commenced.
At 9.50 A. M., on unanimous consent of the selectmen
and town clerk, 100 ballots were taken from the ballot -box
and the following tellers, who were sworn by the town clerk,
commenced their labors. J. F. Maynard, Byron E. Earle,
B. C. Whitcher, H. A. C. Woodward, P. F. Dacey, G. W.
Spaulding, George L. Pierce, George D. Harrington and
Francis Locke.
64
At 10.30, 100 ballots were taken from the box ; at 11.30,
100 ballots were taken out ; at 1.50, 100 ballots were taken
out ; at 3.15, 100 ballots were taken out ; at 4 o'clock, 63
ballots were taken out ; making 563 in all.
The ballot box showed 566.
Names checked on ballot clerk's list, 563.
Names checked on selectmen's list, 563.
After the completion of tabulating the ballots by the tel-
lers, the chairman of the selectmen gave the result as follows :
FOR GOVERNOR.
John Bascom of Williamston
Thomas C. Brophy of Boston
William Everett of Quincy
George Fred Williams of Dedham
Roger Walcott of Boston
Blanks .
FOR LIEUTENANT -GOVERNOR.
Edward A. Buckland of South Hadley
Christopher T. Callahan of Holyoke
James E. Cotter of Hyde Park
W. Murray Crane of Dalton
Willard O. Wylie of Beverly
Blanks .
FOR SECRETARY.
Addison W. Barr of Worcester
Charles D. Nash of Whitman .
William M. Olin of Boston
Edwin Sawtelle of Brockton
Bernard M. Wolf of Boston
Blanks .
6
2
55
81
400
19
3
83
45
379
11
42
3
85
380
7
31
57
65
FOR TREASURER.
George A. Brown of Lynn
Robert C. Habberly of Hyde Park
Edward P. Shaw of Newburyport
Horace P. Tobey of Wareham
Thomas A. Watson of Braintree
Blanks
FOR AUDITOR.
Joseph Ballam of Boston
Harry Douglas of Great Barrington
John W. Kimball of Fitchburg
Joseph Henry Sheldon of Haverhill
Herbert M. Small of Templeton
Blanks .
FOR ATTORNEY -GENERAL.
Walcott Hamlin of Amherst
William Harrison of Lawrence
Hosea M. Knowlton of New Bedford
William W. McClench of Chicopee
John A. O'Keefe of Lynn
Blanks .
FOR COUNCILLOR -SIXTH DISTRICT.
Elisha H. Shaw of Chelmsford
Blanks .
FOR SENATOR - FIFTH MIDDLESEX DISTRICT.
William V. Hyde of Waltham
Henry Parsons of Marlboro
William Cushing Waite of Medford
Blanks
3
9
374
41
81
55
6
40
373
81
6
57
10
6
376
37
73
61
413
150
92
361
42
68
66
FOR REPRESENTATIVE IN GENERAL COURT - THIRTEENTH
MIDDLESEX DISTRICT.
George F. Mead of Lexington
R. P. Clapp
Samuel Lord
I. Stone
A. S. Parsons
H. Bowen
Dennis Dinah
Blanks
FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER - MIDDLESEX.
372
4
1
1
1
1
1
182
Samuel O. Upham of Waltham 398
Blanks . 165
FOR REGISTER OF DEEDS - MIDDLESEX SOUTHERN DISTRICT.
Edwin O. Childs of Newton 406
Blanks 157
FOR COUNTY TREASURER- MIDDLESEX.
Joseph O. Hayden of Somerville 406
Blanks . 157
After the announcement of the foregoing vote, the ballots
cast and the tally sheets and check lists used, were sealed
and endorsed as required by law, the returns were filled oat
and sealed, after which the meeting was declared dissolved.
(Vote on electric road—" Yes," 369 ; No," 186.)
A true record.
Attest : LEONARD A. SAVILLE, Town Clerk.
67
ARLINGTON, November 12, 1897.
At a meeting of town clerks, comprising the' thirteenth
Middlesex Representative District held at noon this day, it
was found that votes had been cast as follows
George F. Mead of
William H. Nolan
G. W. W. Sears
G. F. Oakman
James S. Monroe
R. P. Clapp
Samuel Lord
I. Stone
A. S. Parsons
H. Bowen
Dennis Dinah
ARLINGTON LEXINGTON
Lexington 499 372
2
1
1
1
4
1
1
1
1
1
871
2
1
1
1
4
1
1
1
1
1
And two certificates of election were filled out tor George
F. Mead of Lexington, signed by B. Delmont Locke, Town
Clerk of Arlington ; Leonard A. Saville, Town Clerk of
Lexington.
A true record.
Attest ; LEONARD A. SAVILLE, Town Clerk.
LEXINGTON, November 17, 1897.
I have this day delivered to George F. Mead of Lexington
a certificate of his election as above recorded.
Attest : LEONARD A. SAVILLE, Town Clerk.
68
LEXINGTON, MASS., Nov. 20, 1897.
On the petition of Alfred Pierce, Leonard A. Saville,
Walter H. Pierce and Robert B. Taber, a majority of the
directors of the Lexington Street Railway Company for a
location of tracks of said company in the town of Lexington,
in the county of Middlesex and commonwealth of Massachu-
setts, with the necessary turnouts, curves, switches and sid-
ings, together with the right of erecting poles and stringing
wires and maintaining the same for operating the cars of
said company by electricity, through certain streets through
said town.
And whereas, a public hearing was given on Thursday,
October 28, 1897, after due notice thereof, by publications
in the Lexington Minute Man, the first publication being
more than fourteen days before said hearing, to wit : on
October 8th, 1897,
It is ordered, That locations as petitioned for be granted,
subject to such conditions and restrictions as may hereafter
be imposed by the selectmen, over the following streets,
provided the selectmen may first order said rail way company
to widen, straighten and grade any of said streets where
they deem necessary, at the expense of said company, viz :
On Reed street, from a point 3600 feet, more or less, from
its junction with Bedford street, westerley side.
On Bedford street, from its junction with Reed street to
Massachusetts avenue, middle of the street. On Massa-
chusetts avenue, from the aforesaid junction to the town
line at Arlington, middle of the street. On Woburn street,
from its junction with Massachusetts avenue to the town line
of Woburn, southerly side, to a point 3500 feet, more or
less from Massachusetts avenue.
Northerly side to the Woburn line.
69
On Maple street, from its junction with Massachusetts
avenue to its junction with Lowell street, westerly side to a
point 700 feet, more or less, thence easterly side.
On Lowell street, from its junction with Maple street to
the intersection with Woburn street, easterly side.
On Muzzey street, from its junction with Massachusetts
avenue to the junction of Forest street, westerly side ; then
on Forest street, from its junction with Muzzey street to its
junction with Waltham street, southerly side, or on Waltham
street, from its junction with Massachusetts avenue to its
junction with Forest street. Middle of the street.
The selectmen reserve the right to determine either or
both of these routes.
On Waltham street, from its junction with Forest street,
to the town line at Waltham, middle of the street, to a point
1500 feet, more or less, from Massachusetts avenue, then
easterly side.
JOHN F, HUTCHINSON, 1 Selectmen
EDWIM S. SPAULDING, } of
WILLIAM H. WHITAKER, j Lexington.
A true copy.
Attest : LEONARD A. SAVILLE, Town Clerk.
70
LEXINGTON, November 20, 1897.
TERMS, RESTRICTIONS AND CONDITIONS UPON WHICH LOCA-
TIONS OF TRACKS OF THE LEXINGTON STREET RAILWAY
COMPANY ARE GRANTED, COPIES OF SAID LOCATIONS
BEING HERETO ANNEXED, VIZ :
SHALL COMPLY WITH ALL LAWS.
SECTION 1. The right to build and operate the railway
is upon the condition that said Company shall comply with
all the laws of the Commonwealth applicable thereto, also
with all the requirements of the by-laws of the Town of
Lexington and the regulations of the Selectmen, both those
now in force, and those that may hereafter be adopted.
ACCEPTANCE OF LOCATION.
SEC. 2. Within thirty days from November 20th, 1897,
said Company shall file in the office of the Town Clerk of
Lexington, a written acceptance of the locations granted,
with an agreement therein to comply with the requirements
hereof.
PLAN TO BE FILED.
SEC. 3. Before beginning the construction of said rail-
way, said Company shall file with the Town Clerk of Lex-
ington, a description and plan of said location, showing in
detail the proposed location of all tracks, sidings, turnouts,
switches and poles, and such alterations in the width and
grading of said streets as may be considered necessary for
said road, and said locations shall be approved or modified
within ten clays, by the Selectmen, in writing, before said
71
work of construction is commenced. All shade trees shall
also be shown on said plan.
SEC. 4. The whole work of construction and the kind
and quality of material used shall be under the direction
and satisfactory to the Selectmen, and approved by them.
RAILS.
SEC. 5. Said Company shall lay and use nine inch tram
or girder rails of weight not less than ninety pounds to the
ard, and sixty feet long. "T" rails weighing not less
thin 56 pounds to the yard may be used where the tracks
are located on side of streets, when satisfactory to the
Selectmen.
TIES.
SEC. 6. The said Company shall use ties not less than
5 1-2 inches face, 5 inches thick, and 6 feet 6 inches long,
of chestnut, or such other material as the Selectmen shall
approve.
STREET WIDENING.
SEc. 7. If, in the opinion of the Selectmen, the wide-
ning, straightening or rebuilding of any street, bridge, or
culvert is rendered necessary by reason of the location or
construction, such widening, straightening or rebuilding
shall be done by the Railway Company and the entire cost
and expense thereof shall be paid by said company.
GRADE.
SEC. 8. All tracks shall be laid under the direction of
the Selectmen, and where they direct, in conformity with
the existing grade of the several streets in which they are
laid. In case a change in the grade of any street or portion
72
thereof shall be deemed necessary by the Selectmen for the
proper laying of said tracks, the expense of making such
chang3 shall be borne by said Company.
SEC. 9. If at any time said town shall lay sewer mains
or other pipes in said streets, or widen said streets, or raise
or lower the grade thereof, -or make any alteration or exca-
vation therein, and it shall be necessary to remove any of
the tracks of said Company, the expense of such removal
and of relaying or relocating said tracks shall be borne by
said company.
SEC. 10. All costs and expenses for or in any way
arising from the construction, maintaining, repairing or
changing the location of said street railway or any part
thereof, or any costs or expenses incurred, or that may be
incurred by said Town of Lexington on account of or in
any way growing out of the construction or operation of
said street railway, shall be paid by said Company.
SEC. 11. All ways shall be left in as good and safe con-
dition as when work was commenced, and the same shall be
satisfactory to the Selectmen.
SEC. 12. Said Company shall not have open the surface
of any one street for the purpose of constructing said tracks,
for a distance of more than 2,500 feet at any one time,
without a written permit from the Selectmen.
SURPLUS MATERIAL.
SEC. 13. All surplus material removed from any of said
streets during the construction of said railway shall be
transported to any part of said town, within one and one-
half miles from place of removal, at the expense of said
Company, and placed wherever required by the Selectmen.
POLES.
SEc. 14. All poles erected by said Company on Massa-
73
chusetts avenue, Lowell street, Muzzey street, Bedford
street, Forest street, on Waltham street to Middle street,
and on Woburn street to Lowell street, on Maple street as
far as the estate of Alvin S. Butterfield, shall be of square
hard pine, and all poles shall be of sufficient strength to
carry any and all wires that may at any time be attached to
them, and shall be kept painted and of such color as the
Selectmen shall determine. All poles shall be placed where
the Selectmen designate, and the location of any of said
poles shall be changed at the expense of said Company
whenever the Selectmen shall deem it necessary for the
public convenience, welfare and safety, and shall so direct
in writing. Cross -bars shall be placed on all the poles
erected by said company.
WIRES.
SEC. 15. Trolley wires, feed wires, and all other wires
shall be of first quality, and of such capacity as the Select-
men from time to time may require ; shall be not less than
twenty feet from the ground, and guard wires shall be
placed over said trolley wires wherever required from time
to time by the Selectmen.
Said Board of Selectmen shall have the right to order
that all wires in said streets shall be placed upon the poles
of said Company, without prejudice however to the right of
said Company to receive reasonable compensation from other
companies for the use of its poles, or arrangements shall be
made by said Company with all other companies now having
wires strung or hereafter having the right to string wires in
said streets whereby they shall he granted the right to use
said Company's poles for their wires ; but no wires belonging
to any other company or person shall be placed upon said
poles without permission first being obtained in writing
from said Selectmen.
74
Any department of said town shall have the exclusive use
of the upper cross -bar and the top of each pole, free of all
charge, for the purpose of placing wires thereon for its own
use. All wires shall be so placed as not to interfere with, or
be in dangerous proximity to, any existing wires belong-
ing to the Town of Lexington, or to any other person or
company, and any change made in the location of existing
wires or poles for the accommodation of any wires or poles
to be set up under this order, shall be made at the expense
of said Lexington Street Railway Company and subject to
the approval of the Selectmen.
Properly insulated copper wire of the best quality,
properly connected and bonded to the rails, shall be laid at
a suitable depth below the street surface to convey all return
electricity.
The construction of said railway and of the electrical
appliances thereof, and the setting them up and the con-
nection of the same shall be done under the direction and
to the satisfaction of an electrical engineer approved by the
Select men.
PAVING.
SEC. H. Said Railway Company shall, at its own ex-
pense, properly pave all the space between the rails and
eighteen inches outside of each rail with first quality new
granite rectangular paving blocks, wherever said track
crosses a street, walk or gutter, wherever said track shall he
laid in the centre of any street, also at all turn -outs and
switches ; when in the centre of the street the entire space
between the rails of the main track and 18 inches beyond
the outside rail of the turn -out or switch shall be properly
paved as aforesaid.
Where said track is not laid in the centre of the street,
the surface of the road -bed and a space eighteen inches out-
75
side each rail shall be filled with macadam satisfactory to
the Selectmen, level with the top of the rails.
Wherever said track passes opposite to the entrance of
any private avenue or driveway, said Company shall plank,
pave or concrete said driveway or avenue, at the option of
the Selectmen.
RUNNING OF CARS AND ROLLING STOCK. -FARES.
SEC. 17. Said Lexington Street Railway Company shall
run all the cars which run on its main line from Arlington
Heights to Lexington Centre on Massachusetts avenue
through to the terminus of the road at North Lexington
during the months of April to October, both inclusive, in
each year, and in the other months of the year shall run cars
as often as every half hour between Arlington line and
Lexington Centre, and as often as every hour between the
Arlington line and North Lexington and between Lexington
Centre and Waltham and Woburn between the hours of h A.
M. and 11 P. M., and shall also run its cars throughout the
year at such times as will accommodate the school children
going to and returning from school. And use good appli-
ances, rolling stock and machinery satisfactory to the Select-
men, and keep the same and all tracks, appliances, turnouts,
paving and property used in connection therewith in first-
class order and repair, and shall charge not exceeding five
cents for each single fare for continuous passage from any
point in Lexington to any other point in Lexington, includ-
ing any transfers necessary to complete the trip ; and school
children shall be carried to and from school on schooldays
for three cents each, cash fare. The Company shall also
furnish tickets for school children, ten rides for twenty-five
cents. -
Said Company shall carry all members of the police and
7G
fire departments free while in the performance of their
duties.
The fare from any point in Lexington to Shaker Glen
shall be five cents, or from Shaker Glen to any point in
Lexington, five cents. The fare from any point in Lex-
ington to any point in Woburn or Waltham shall not exceed
ten cents, and from any point in Woburn or Waltham to
any point in Lexington shall not exceed ten cents.
TRANSFERS.
SEC. 18. The payment of said fare of five cents shall
entitle the passenger paying the same to a transfer provid-
ing for a continuous ride within the limits of the Town of
Lexington upon the cars of any other street railway com-
pany whose tracks may connect with the railway of said
Lexington Street Railway Company.
The payment of a fare of five cents upon the cars of any
street railway within the limits of said Lexington whose
tracks may connect with those of said Lexington Street
Railway Company, shall entitle the passenger paying the
same to a transfer, providing for a continuous ride upon the
cars of said Lexington Street Railway Company within the
limits of said Lexington.
DAMAGES : DEPOSIT $1,000.
SEC. 19. The said Company shall, before beginning
work, deposit the sum of one thousand dollars with the
treasurer of the Town of Lexington, to be applied by said
town, so far as may be necessary, towards the reimburse-
ment of said town for all loss, expense and damage it may
sustain or be liable for by reason of any failure on the part
of said Company or its successors or assigns to keep and
perform all or any part of said restrictions. Any part of
77
said sum not required for such reimbursement, to be paid to
said Company, its successors or assigns, within thirty days
after the railway of said Company has been fully completed
and in actual use to the satisfaction of the Board of Select-
men.
BOND.
SEC. 20. Said Company shall also before beginning work,
execute under seal, and deliver to the Selectmen an agree-
ment in writing, satisfactory in form to said Selectmen, for-
ever holding and saving harmless said town, its officers and
agents, from and against all claims and demands for injury
to person or property, costs, charges and expenses, or com-
pensation for, or on account of, any defect or defects in said
si reets in consequence of said company's failure to keep its
tracks, turn -outs, switches, road -bed or any part thereof in
repair, or in any way resulting from the construction and
operation of said Street Railway Company upon and over
said streets, and to reimburse said town for all loss or
damage at any time sustained by it on account of said defects.
And also that it will save harmless said town and its
officers and agents from all claims or demands for injury to
person or property, costs, charges and expenses growing
out or resulting from the erection, maintenance or use of
said poles or wires on said streets, including the transmission
of electric currents, or escape of the same, and from any
and all loss, cost or damage of every kind which it may at
any time suffer by reason of the erection, maintenance,
operation and use of electric system for motive power.
INSURANCE.
SEc. 21. A bond for $5,000 of a reliable Casualty Com-
pany is also to be given to the Town of Lexington, insuring
78
it against any suit for damages caused by the negligence of
said Company, before any work is commenced.
TREES.
SEC. 22. No tree or shrub shall be cut or trimmed by
said Railway Company except by permission of the Select-
men.
SNOW.
SEC. 23. All snow falling upon the tracks of said Com-
pany shall be removed from the streets or disposed of by
said Company at its expense, in such manner as not to in-
commode public travel, and in such way as shall meet the
approval of the SeleFtmen.
NOT TO AFFECT STATUTES.
SEc. 24. Nothing in these restrictions shall be construed
to in any way affect any Statute or other rights that the
town may now or in the future have in relation to street rail-
ways, their operation and use.
TIME OF COMPLETION.
SEC. 25. The road shall be constructed and in operation
before January 1st, 1899.
LOCATION VOID.
SEC. 26. The whole or any part of this location which
shall not be built upon before January 1st, 1899, shall be
void.
EXTENSION OF TIME.
But the time within which locations have been granted, or
79
any of them, shall be built upon, may be extended by the
Selectmen upon application by said Lexington Street Rail-
way Company prior to January 1, 1899, if the failure to
build upon said locations or any of them prior to said date
_shall not be owing to the fault or neglect of said Company.
REPAIRS MAY BE MADE BY SELECTMEN.
SEC. 27. Should the Railway Company at any time refuse
or neglect to keep its tracks, road -bed, poles, wires, equip-
ments and fixtures, or any of them, in such condition as
fully to meet the requirements of the Statutes of the Com-
monwealth or of these presents, or to observe any of the
terms or requirements herein contained, and such default
(except in case of failure properly to remove or dispose of
snow) should continue in whole or in part for a period of
twenty-four hours after written notice from the Selectmen
specifying the alleged default, the Selectmen may cause the
same to be corrected and made good, charging the expense
thereof to the Railway Company, to be paid by it on or be-
fore the tenth day of the month in and following presenta-
tion of the bill, and any such expenses so incurred may be
recovered of the Railway Company by the town (acting with
the authority of the Selectmen alone) in an action of con-
tract. And where the default consists in failure properly to
remove or dispose of snow, if the same shall not be cor-
rected and made good promptly on demand, the Selectmen
may cause the 'snow to be removed or disposed of, charging
the expense to the Company, the same to be repaid on or be-
fore the tenth day of the following month, with the same
right of recovery on the part of the town as that hereinbe-
fore expressed with regard to recovering other expenses.
NOT TO SELL.
SEC. 28. Said Lexington Street Railway Company shall
80
not sell or lease its railway tracks or Location, nor any part
thereof, nor the rights acquired hereunder, to any person or
corporation without the written consent of the Selectmen.
HEATING OF CARS.
SEC. 29. Said Company shall heat all cars when in use
by them for the transportation of passengers at such times,
by Such means and to such extent as the Selectmen shall
from time to time determine.
NEW HIGHWAY.
SEC. 30. In case the Town of Lexington shall vote to
lay out and construct a highway one hundred feet wide on
or before the next March town meeting, from the Arlington
town line to a point near the center of Lexington, along the
range of hills running through the town, and provided also
an appropriation sufficient for constructing said road is made
by the town before said date, and in case said highway is
built as aforesaid, said Company is to contribute 10 per cent.
but not to exceed ten thousand dollars, towards the expense
of the same, and in consideration of said payment it shall
have the right to lay its tracks, erect poles and wires and
run cars in a reserved space in the middle of said highway.
SURFACE WATER.
SEC. 31. In case the tracks of said Company are laid
from the junction of Massachusetts avenue on Waltham
street, said Company shall build a catch"basin at the north-
westerly corner of Massachusetts avenue and Waltham street
and connect same by pipe to be laid under the track of said
Company in Massachusetts avenue connecting said catch
basin with Vine Brook ; said catch basin and pipe to be of
81
sufficient capacity to carry all surface water from said
streets.
STREET WATERING.
SEC. 32. Said corporation shall as compensation for the
privileges herein granted, and for the use and occupation of
the public streets by the lines of railway operated by it, pay
to the Town of Lexington the sum of five hundred dollars
yearly on account of the expense of watering the streets
upon which locations have been granted to said Company for
a term of five years. Froin and after the expiration of this
term a further sum shall be paid, the increase to be in pro-
portion to the increased mileage watered by the town on the
streets in which the tracks of the Company shall be located
at that time.
DEPOSIT FOR REMOVAL OF SNOW.
SEC. 33. The Selectmen may order the Company to de-
posit with the Treasurer of the Town of Lexington before
December 1, 1898, the sum of one thousand dollars in nego-
tiable securities satisfactory to the Selectmen, or the Select-
men may require a deposit of one thousand dollars cash, to
be applied by the Selectmen so far as may be necessary for
the reimbursement of said town for removing snow in case
said Company does not remove the same to the satisfaction
of the Selectmen.
The interest from time to time accruing on said deposit
shall be paid over to the Railway Company as received.
In case any of said deposit is applied as aforesaid, then
said Company shall forthwith deposit with said treasurer an
amount in cash or securities, at the option of the Selectmen,
as aforesaid, sufficient to make and keep said deposit at one
thousand dollars.
In case negotiable securities are deposited as aforesaid,
82.
and it is necessary to sell the same for the reimbursement of
said town as aforesaid, said town may sell the same without
notice, either at public or private sale.
JOHN F. HUTCHINSON,
EDWIN S. SPAULDING,
W. H. WHITAKER,
Selectmen of Lexington,
Filed with Town Clerk December 20, 1897.
Attest : LEONARD A. SAVILLE, ?own Clerk
LEXINGTON, December 2, 1897.
On the petition of Alfred Pierce, et al., a majority of tho
directors of the Lexington Street Railway Company, for a
location of track of said Company in the Town of Lexing-
ton, in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, with the necessary turn -outs, curves,
switches and sidings, together with the right of erecting
poles and stringing wires and maintaining the same for oper-
ating the cars of said Company by electricity through cer-
tain streets through said town :
AND WHEREAS, a public hearin, was given on Thursday,
October 28th, 1897, after due notice thereof by publications
in the Lexington Minute Man, the fiat publication being
more than fourteen days before said hearing, to wit, on
October 8, 1897.
IT Is ORDERED, That locations as petitioned for be
granted, subject to such conditions and restrictions as may
be hereafter imposed by the Selectmen, over the following
streets, provided the Selectmen may first order said Railway
Company to widen, straighten and grade any of said streets
where they deem it necessary, at the expense of said Com-
pany, viz :
On Muzzey street from its junction with Massachusetts
avenue to the junction of Forest street, westerly side, then
83
on Forest street from its junction with Muzzey street to its
junction with Waltham street, southerly side, and on Wal-
tham street from its junction with Massachusetts avenue to
its junction with Forest street, middle of the street.
JOHN F. HUTCHINSON,
E. S. SPAULDING,
Selectmen of Lexington.
Filed with Town Clerk Dec. 2, 1897.
Attest : LEONARD A. SAVILLE, ?own Clerk.
LEXINGTON, MASS., December 20, 1897.
7o the Selectmen of the gown of Lexington.
GENTLEMEN. —The Directors of the Lexington Street Rail-
way Company hereby accept for said Company the locations
for tracks in the streets of said town granted to said Com-
pany by said Selectmen by order dated November 20, 1897,
and by supplementary order dated and passed December 2,
1897, with the necessary turn -outs, curves, switches and
sidings, together with the right of erecting poles and string-
ing wires and maintaining the same for operating the cars
of said Company by electricity, and agree to comply with
the requirements thereof as expressed in a writing signed
by said Selectmen and dated December 20, 1897.
ALFRED PIERCE,
L. A. SAVILLE,
O. M. GOVE,
WALTER H. PEIRCE,
CHARLES CUMMINGS,
ROBT. B. TABER,
CHARLES E. DRESSER,
Directors of the Lexington Street Railway Co.
Filed with Town Clerk of Lexington, December 20, 1897..
Attest : LEONARD A. SAVILLE, Town Clerk.
84
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN, OVERSEERS OF
THE POOR, AND SURVEYORS OF HIGHWAYS.
The Selectmen respectfully submit the following report
for the year ending December 31, 1897 :
For statement of the town's debt and all other matters
concerning its finances, we respectfully refer you to the
treasurer's report.
Each year seems to be a more important one in the his-
tory of our town, and each year brings new problems to
solve. The past year has been no exception to the rule.
Our town seems likely to have in the near future all modern
improvements. During the ensuing year sewers may be
placed in our streets and electric cars may be running
through a portion of the town. All this tends to make
more work for our town officials.
Elsewhere may be found a full rep )rt of the Water Com-
missioners, Board of Health, Chief of Police, School Com-
mittee, Assessors, Town Treasurer, Tax Collector, Fire
Department, and other town officials' reports.
TOWN MEETINGS.
The Town Clerk has prepared full records of all town
meetings, and the same will be printed in this report, also
the franchise and conditions in relation to the Lexington
Street Railway Company.
We recommend the following appropriations for the next
financial year, in addition to the balances now standing to
the credit of the several accounts, as per auditors' report :
85
ESTIMATES FOR 1897.
Abatement of taxes,
Assessors,
April 19th celebration,
Auditors,
Care of Common,
Collector of taxes,
Constable and police,
Discount for prompt payment of taxes,
Fire department,
Fuel and lights of hall and Stone building,
Highways,
Hydrants, 75 at $45 each,
Interest on town debt,
Janitors of hall and Stone building,
Librarians,
Memorial Day, and decorating graves Revolution-
ary soldiers,
Outside poor,
Payment of town debt,
Poor,
Printing,
Registrars of voters,
Ringing bells,
Schools,
School committee,
Selectmen,
Snow,
Street lighting,
Treasurer of Cary Library,
Town Clerk,
Town treasurer,
Watering streets,
Watering troughs,
Trimming trees,
$600.00
700.00
200.00
100.00
200.00
700.00
2,200.00
600.00
3,450.00
1,000.00
10,000.00
3,475.00
2,500.00
800.00
1,050.00
175.00
3,500.00
6,000.00
1,500.00
400.00
100.00
35.00
17,000.00
300.00
1,000.00
600.00
4,500.00
50.00
300.00
600.00
1,700.00
50.00
200.00
$65,585.00
86
POLICE DEPARTMENT.
The report of our police, and the excellent manner in
which this department has been managed, speaks for itself.
We now have two regular police, Messrs. Foster and
Franks, and Messrs. John McInerney and George L. Pierce
as specials, with regular police uniform. We have a large
corps of special police, who have seldom been called upon
to act in their capacity.
ALMSHOUSE.
We have paid this institution various visits during the
past year. At the regular annual visit we found everything
in the usual good order, with four inmates. Mr. and Mrs.
R. H. White continue in charge of the institution and its
inmates, to the satisfaction of all.
A new shed has recently been completed for the storage
of carts, wagons, etc.
There has been an increase in the expenses for the outside
poor during the past year.
SCHEDULE OF PROPERTY BELONGING TO THE
PAUPER DEPARTMENT.
Augers,
Barrels,
Baskets,
Bench and vise,
$2.50
4.00
3.00
7.00
Amount carried forwara, $16.50
87
Amount brought forward,
Blankets,
Boxes,
Buffalo robe,
Cabbages,
Canned goods,
Cart harness,
Carryall,
Chains.
Chain harness,
Cows (2),
Coal,
Collar,
Contents of Lock-up,
Contents of pantry and closet,
Cultivator,
Democrat wagon,
Double sled,
Drills,
Express harness,
Express wagon,
Fire extinguishers,
Fowls (125),
Furniture in house,
Grain,
Grain chest,
Grindstones,
Halters and surcingles,
Harrows,
Hay (18 tons),
Hay (Rowen) 3 1-2 tons,
Hay tedder,
Hay wagon -1 horse,
Hay wagon -2 horse,
Horse (1),
Amount carried forward,
$16.50
4.50
3.00
20.00
16.00
10.00
15.00
50.00
6.00
5.00
80.00
65.00
3.75
20.00
45.00
3.00
25.00
35.00
1.50
15.00
35.00
20.00
100.00
450.00
5.00
5.00
4.00
4.00
10.00
306.00
42.00
10.00
35.00
40.00
150.00
*1,655.25
Amount brought forward,
Horse cover,
Horse rake,
Hose Pipe,
Iron bars, hooks and shovel,
Manure (32 cords),
Manure wagon,
Measures,
Molasses,
Mowing machines,
Oil,
Pails,
Plough (new),
Ploughs (3),
Pork,
Potatoes,
Pung,
Rackets (6),
Rakes, forks and ladders,
Reins (set double),
Roots,
Ropes,
Sailcloth,
Salt,
Scythes,
Sled,
Stake chains,
Swine (3),
Tip cart,
Vinegar,
Wheelbarrow,
Wheel harrow,
Wheeljack and whiflietree,
Wood,
Wrenches and hammers,
88
$1,655.25
2.50
10.00
5.00
10.00
192.00
145.00
1.00
8.00
40.00
3.00
2.00
12.00
18.00
18.00
50.00
5.00
4.00
7.00
3.50
25.00
1.00
5.00
1.25
5.00
40.00
3.00
13.00
38.00
10.00
1.00
20.00
8.50
75.00
3.00
$2,440.00
89
HIGHWAYS.
About $10,000 has been paid to our laboring men during
the past season for work upon the roads, including the State
road, thus giving employment for a long season to many of
our tax payers. We believe the same has been a great help
not only to the town and the people employed, but to our
merchants as well.
The heavy spring, summer and fall rains caused consider-
able damage to the roads and gutters. We have made exten-
sive improvements near the Arlington line on Westminster
avenue, also on Woburn and Bedford streets. We have mac-
adamized Massachusetts avenue from Post Office block to the
vicinity of the Baptist Church. Waltham street has received
a covering of crushed stone in several places. The cold
weather setting in we were unable to finish this work.
Forest street has been rebuilt between Muzzey and Clark
streets. Pleasant and Revere streets and Massachusetts
Avenue at its westerly end near Concord Hill have also
received extensive improvements.
SCHEDULE OF PROPERTY BELONGING TO THE
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT.
Belts,
Blankets,
Carts (3 double),
Carts (2 single),
Chains,
Collars (7),
Crusher, engine and scales,
Drags,
Amount carried forward,
$100.00
45.00
360.00
70.00
25.00
28.00
2,900.00
5.00
$3,533.00
Amount brought forward,
Evener and whiffletree,
Feed bags,
Fly netting,
Grain chest and grain,
HaltOrs and surcingles,
Harness,
Harness (double -3 sets),
0 Horses (7),
Oil can and powder,
Pails and lanterns,
Pipe,
Ploughs (3),
Pulleys and rope,
Road machines,
Saddles and harness
Sidewalk ploughs,
Steam roller,
Stone hammers (10),
Street roller,
Tools,
Tool chest,
Wagon,
Watering carts,
Wrench (large),
(3),
90
SEWERS.
$3,533.00
4.00
4.50
14.00
13.00
7.00
8.00
135.00
900.00
3.50
12.00
25.00
40.00
20.00
20.00
40.00
`'200.00
'2,900.00
35.00
150.00
80.00
10.00
14.00
500.00
2.00
88,670.00
The committee have held a few meetings during the past
year. Before this town report reaches our voters, some
definite action may be taken by the town.
At this writing the committee are considering calling a
special town meeting to see if the town will accept the Act
of the Legislature. It seems apparent to us that we should
91
adopt a system of sewerage in the near future. We now
have the opportunity of entering the Metropolitan system,
and it seems to us this opportunity should not be lost. We
have not overlooked the laying of sewer pipes in our streets
when granting a franchise to the Lexington Street Railway
Co. See copy of franchise in Town Clerk's report.
STATE ROAD.
We made a contract with the State Highway Commis-
sioners last spring to complete another section of the State
road on Middle street. We have also made application to
the commissioners for a contract to complete the link be-
tween the present terminus of the State road and the Lincoln
line, and the same has been granted, so that work may be
begun there as soon as the season will permit. We have
also made application to the commissioners to make Bedford
street a State road from the Common to the Bedford line.
We deem it of great advantage to secure all the contracts
for State roads possible, as the State not only practically
pays the cost of building the roads but will probably keep
them in repair for years to come, thus benefiting our labor-
ing people and giving all those who have occasion to use said
roads, whether by carriage or bicycle, the benefit of mac-
adamized roads.
At the present time the only suitable material for building
roads in our town is crushed stone ; the first cost seems to
us expensive, yet it is the only lasting material to be had,
and if the town continues to build macadamized roauls as we
believe is necessary and most economical for the town, larger
appropriations will be imperative. During the year 1897 we
have expended $11,000, or $137 per mile. The town of
Arlington expended $883 per mile ; Belmont $480 per mile,
and Winchester $571 per mile. The roads of Lexington
are not up to the standard of these towns mention NI, for the
92
obvious reason just stated, and the Selectmen are constantly
reminded of this fact, and the continuous cry reaches our
ears, " what is the matter with Lexington roads ? " To
this we would say, when you take into consideration the
fact that Lexington has spent during the year about $137
per mile, and our neighboring towns from $480 to $883 per
mile, it seems in our minds to be a satisfactory answer to the
question. If we have better roads we must have money in
proportion to other towns. Furthermore, the proportion
that the highway expenditure bears to the total amount of
expenditures in Lexington should be much higher in Lexing-
ton, with more than double the mileage of road, than the
other towns mentioned. But is that proportion higher? As a
matter of fact it is not so high. In Lexington we expend
13 per cent. of our total expenditures for highways ; in
Belmont, 16 per cent. ; in Winchester, 17 per cent. ; in
Arlington, 18 per cent. In the matter of macadamized
roads, we are like Oliver Twist, we " sigh for more."
We must face the question squarely—shall Lexington go
forward, or backward? Shall we have our smaller neigh-
bors for a guide, and patch up our dirt roads here and there,
or shall we macadamize them ? We should expend, with our
large milage, at least 25 per cent. of our total expenditures
for highways alone.
STREET LAMPS.
A few incandescent lights have been added during the
past year ; otherwise our street lights remain about the same.
Each citizen will confer a favor if he will notify Mr. L. A.
Saville at the town hall when lights are found not burning,
and the same will be attended to at once.
TOWN HALL.
Very little money has been spent here during the past
93
year. All the marble statuary in the library has been
cleaned by Messrs. Bowker, Torrey & Company. The roof
of the building has received some repairs, new slates being
added where necessary, as the roof leaked in several places.
WATERING STREETS.
We have placed in the conditions of the Lexington Street
Railway Company that they shall pay to the town $500 per
annum for the next five years. After that they shall pay a
larger sum in proportion to the streets sprinkled, that the
tracks of said company may occupy.
LEXINGTON STREET RAILWAY COMPANY.
We have carried out the wishes of a large majority of our
voters in relation to granting a franchise to the Lexington
Street Railway Company. We feel it our duty to abide by
the large vote of our citizens in favor of the road. We
have therefore granted the privilege of laying tracks in our
streets to the above company, and we believe we have done
so on a business basis for the town, and on such terms and
conditions as will meet the approval of our tax payers. Full
particulars are printed in the Town Clerk's report.
SCHOOL HOUSES.
At the request of the School Committee, several of our
unused school houses have received some repairs, the Frank-
lin building having been re -shingled.
JOHN F. HUTCHINSON,
EDWIN S. SPAULDING,
WILLIAM H. WHITAKER,
Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor, and
Surveyors of Highways.
LEXINGTON, December 31, 1897.
1
94
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
GENTLEMEN. -I herewith submit the annual report of the
work done by the department for the year ending December
31, 1897 :
Total number of arrests,
Males,
Females,
Residents,
Non-residents,
Terms of imprisonment, 5 years, 2 months.
" " probation, 6 " 11 u
Amount of fines paid, $143.33.
Total number of tramps lodged at station,
American born,
Foreign born,
Married,
Single,
CAUSES OF ARREST.
Arson,
Assault,
Cheating,
Cruelty to animals,
Drunkenness,
common,
Disturbance,
1 Evading car fare,
5 Insane,
2 Larceny,
4 Malicious mischief,
37 Suspicion,
2 Tramps,
1 Trespass,
68
65
3
33
35
1,837
1,005
832
24
1,813
1
3
5
1
1
2
3
95
DISPOSITION OF CASES.
Committed to asylum for insane,
44
« house of correction,
jail,
« reformatory prison,
Delivered to out of town officers,
Discharged,
Fined,
Paying costs,
Probation,
Placed on file,
Waiting trial Superior Court,
MISCELLANEOUS WORK.
2
4
9
3
1
21
1
18
1
1
Cases investigated not prosecuted, 81
Conveyed to hospital, 1
" state almshouse, 2
Disturbances suppressed, 8
Dogs killed, 7
Lanterns hung in dangerous places, 11
Stray animals cared for, 3
Street lights reported out, 149
Street obstructions removed, 21
Few people realize the amount of time we are on duty day
and night, calls from all parts of the town, investigating cases;
preparing evidence; going six miles to obtain warrants or
attend court ; patrol duty requires so much time that it is im-
possible to do the work satisfactory, and a larger police force
will be absolutely necessary in the near future. Under the
present system we are trying to protect all parts of the town,
and request the citizens to give notice as soon as possible of any
police business of importance.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM B. FOSTER,
Chief of Police.
96
FIRE ENGINEERS'
LEXINGTON,
7o the Selectmen of Lexington :
The board of engineers submits the following report for
the year ending December 31, 1397 :
Number of alarms during the year, twenty-five, as follows :
Jan. 16. Barn owned by J. Kelly, Bedford street.
March 18. House owned by F. Hewes, North Lexington.
March 30. Building on Rifle Range, Woburn street.
Oct. 2. Merriam's Factory.
REPORT.
Mass., Jan. 1, 1898.
Oct. 16.
Oct. 29.
Nov. 13.
Jackson's stable.
Barn owned by C. Junge, Lowell street.
House owned by H. Bacon, Sylvia street, and
eighteen forest fires.
We must again call the attention of the citizens to the
large number of brush fires, many of which could be avoided,
if greater care was exercised by the owners. These fires are
on the increase, and add considerably to the cost of the de-
partment.
The matter of making a change in the East Lexington en-
gine house should receive the immediate attention of the
town. We feel that this has been delayed too long already,
there being great danger of some one in the employ of the
town, loosing his life, or being seriously injured. We there-
fore insist that investigation be made at once.
We are in need of more hose. A number of lengths of
our hose is poor and cannot be relied upon to stand water
97
pressure ; we therefore recommend the purchase of 500 feet
of jacket hose.
Our fire alarm system is in a very unsatisfactory condition,
and we are satisfied that this branch of the fire service can
be very much improved. We have been informed by the
Lexington Gas Light Co., that they will not again assume
the responsibility of keeping the lines in working order, but
will provide steam for the whistle, and look after the battery
only. It will thus require the employment of a competent
person to look after the lines, which will of course increase
the expense of maintaining the fire alarm. It seems to us
that a better way would be to transfer the whistle to the
pumping station, where steam is kept up day and night by
the town water department, and by exchanging the six-inch
whistle on the electric station, and the one now in use on the
pumping station for a larger one, say eight inches, which
could be heard all over town. Then the amount pard the
Lexington Gas Light Co. could be applied towards paying a
man to look after the whole system. This we earnestly
recommend being convinced that much better results will be
obtained.
We again urge the sale of the old hand chemical engines,
which are of no use to the town and do not improve by
neglect due to their being out of commission.
We were unable to place them in the outlying districts,
for want of proper accommodations for storage, and the in-
disposition of citizens to assume the care and responsibility
of the same.
We recommend that the sum of $3,825, be appropriated
for the current expenses of the department, and $350, for
maintaining the fire alarm ; also $300, for additional hose.
The excess of expenditures over the appropriation, is due
to extraordinary expenses, which we could neither foresee,
nor guard against, and would not have appeared, had we
t
98
asked for a sum for emergencies ; but a desire to keep down
the tax rate, induced us to omit that item, hoping that it
might not be needed.
WILLARD WALCOTT,
CHAS. G. KAUFFMANN,
T. L. BRUCE,
Engineers of Fire Department.
99
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH.
7b the Citizens of Lexington :
The Board of Health submits herewith its annual report
for 1897 :
During the year, complaints have been received from
cattle owners, to the effect that droves of diseased cattle
have been driven over the road, thereby exposing their
animals to contagion. Leaving aside the question of whether
or not any contagion exists, we felt that at least it was fair
to take the Cattle Commissioners at their own word, and
consider the cattle as contagious, accordingly we added a
regulation forbidding the passage of diseased cattle through
our streets, and appointed agents to carry out our regulation.
Some trouble resulted the first time we enforced this order
—we never had occasion to enforce it a second time.
We submit herewith the record of contagious diseases for
the year 1897 :
Measles,
Typhoid fever,
Diphtheria,
Scarlet fever,
45
3
4
3
Total, 55
This is a gain of 17 over last year, but exclusive of mea-
sles is a loss of 4 in the more serious contagious diseases.
We still recommend that the town adopt suitable plumbing
regulations and once more urge the town to consider well the
grave peril to which we are subjected by the lack of proper
sewerage.
100
We reprint our regulations wit!i necessary changes :
Regulations of the Board of Health of the town of Lexington,
Mass., in accordance with the provisions of the Public
Statutes, 80, Sec. 18 and 19.
1. The attention of physicians is respectfully called to
the necessity of promptly reporting all contagious diseases,
according to law, occurring in their practice in Lexington.
2. The Board of Health have full control of all fumiga-
tions of contagious diseases, but when deemed advisable by
them the board may delegate the attending physician to
fumigate a house, room or rooms, after a proper limit of time
has elapsed ; but the physician shall in all such cases report
to the board the date of such fumigation immediately.
The expense of such fumigation shall be borne by the person
himself, or herself, in accordance with Public Statutes, 80,
Sec. 83.
3. Cesspools may be cleaned by the odorless cart upon
application to the Board of Health, or to any member there-
of, either verbally or in writing, and shall be cleaned in the
same order of precedence as regards time in which the request
shall be made.
The price for cleaning a vault or cesspool will be two
(2) dollars per load, or any part thereof, and shall be paid
to the driver of the odorless cart within thirty (30) days
from the time of the removal of the contents of said vault or
cesspool, or any part thereof.
No application for cleaning a cesspool or vault can be
made to the driver, but in all cases must be glade to the
board, or to any member thereof, as above provided.
4. The Board of Health may at any time cause each
101
householder .to suitably arch and brick the cesspool or cess-
pools on the premises, and provide an iron cover with suit-
able ventilating equipments, subject to the inspection and
approval of the Board of Health ; or may at any time order
any householder to dig a cesspool on the premises owned by
said householder, subject to the approval and inspection of
the Board of Health.
5. The teaming of swill, offal, or other offensive matter
over the roads of the town, except in tight or odorless carts,
is hereby prohibited.
6. These regulations are made as provided by law, but
the Board of Health may alter, amend, change, repeal or add
to them at their discretion, and nothing herein shall be con-
strued to prevent the making or enforcing of any other regu-
lations as provided by statute or by any act of this board.
Special regulation.
Until otherwise ordered, all persons are prohibited from
driving, or causing to be driven, any diseased cattle within
the limits or upon any of the streets of the town of
Lexington from other towns or cities, under penalty of
arrest.
Respectfully submitted,
A. BRADFORD SMITH,
HENRY C. VALENTINE, M. D.,
CHARLES M. PARKER,
Board of Health of the Town of Lexington.
102
CEMETERY COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
Your committee submit for your consideration, their re-
port of matter pertaining to the condition and needs re-
garding the Cemetery ground. At the commencement of
the year there were 41 lots available for burial purposes not
sold ; since then four have been taken at the appraisal ($150)
and $115 has been paid in. There is also $305 due by per-
sons some of whom have paid in part. We would call the
attention of the town to their delinquents in settling for
their lots as most of it has been due long before the present
committee came into power. We would also call the at-
tention of the town to the mutilization of the flags which
are placed over the soldiers' graves. While we think some
of it may have been done by the wind, we cannot but think
most of it was done by mischievous persons. At the old
cemetery but four of the flags are wholly intact. Since the
renumbering of the lots a good many of the owners have
had the changed number put upon theirs, and we think it
would be well to have the rest of them rightly marked.
We would recommend that a fence be put up against the
land of Mr. Tufts and Mr. Bowen, as the present barbed
wire one is neither ornamental nor suitable protection. If
these recommendations are agreed to, we would ask for an
appropriation of $250 for that and the general care of the
grounds.
ABBOTT S. MITCHELL,
EMERY A. MULLIKEN,
GEO. H. JACKSON,
Cemetery Committee.
103
REPORT OF TREASURER OF CEIVIETERY TRUST
FUND.
Total amount of fund. Dec. 31, 1897,
Lots.
Balance unexpended,
John Winning heirs,
Mrs. O. A. Dodge,
Marshall Locke,
Nichols Locke,
J. B. Smith,
Mrs. Butterick,
Nathan Fessenden,
Edwin Reed,
Charles Hudson,
Eliah Brown,
Otis Wentworth,
A. R. Parker,
J. P. Reed,
Phillip Russell,
Almira L. Chandler,
Lucy Gammell,
Gorman Bigelow,
Sarah C. Smith,
Henry P. Webber,
Burbank and Jacobs,
Priscilla S. Locke,
F. F. Raymond,
Clinton Viles,
Mrs. A. J. Chapman,
Stiles and Newhall,
Mrs. E. Wellington,
47
30
3
69
105
73
9
16
27
178
157
4
48
92
34
5 and 6
65
17
62
57
1
7 and 8
Amounts carried forward,
*6,200.00
Receipts. Payments.
*548.79
15.00 810.35
5.00 5.60
5.00 6.85
5.00 7.85
5.00 5.00
10.00 12.85
7.50 4.60
5.00 4.00
7.50 6.85
7.50 6.85
5.00 4.00
5.00 5.00
5.00 6 25
5.00 4.00
5.00 5.00
15.00 7.85
10.00 8.60
5.00 4.00
15.00 9.85
2.50 '2.00
5.00 3.00
5.00 4.00
5.00 4.00
10.00 6.90
5.00 4.00
7.50 9.45
8731.29 8158.70
104
Lots.
Amount brought forward,
Mrs. H. M. W. Bridge, 23
Warren Durren,
C. H. Adair, 180
Mrs. Hannah E. Brown, 101
Mrs. Charlotte Gleason, 86
Charles Stratton Estate,
Alonzo Goddard,
Josiah Smith,
Sarah S. Flagg,
Ilarriet Gilmore, 89
Mrs. Pierson and Hall, 187
Hiriam Peirce, 253
Mrs. F. M. Thayer,
J. N. Russell,
Caroline Harrington, Old Cemetery,
Mrs. Mary M. Merrill,
J. B. Simonds,
Caira E. Robbins, E. Lexington,
Balance unexpended,
Receipts.
8731.29
3.75
10.00
5.00
5.00
5.00
5.00
10.00
10.00
3.75
10.00
5.00
2.08
10.00
7.50
5.00
5.00
20.00
15.00
Payments.
8158.70
4.00
11.60
4.00
4.00
4.00
4.00
8.68
6.00
4.00
5.00
4.60
1.00
8.00
7.60
13.00
5.00
19.50
14.25
*868.37 *286.93
581.44
*868.37
GEO. H. JACKSON,
Treasurer.
105
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF CARY LIBRARY.
On the first of January, 1898, the library contained 17,-
118 volumes, including those in the East Lexington branch,
of which 480 volumes have been added during the year.
The entire circulation for the year amounts to 32,222 vol-
umes, of which 6,021 were through, or from, the East
Lexington branch. The different classes of books repre-
sented in the circulation are as follows, viz : works of fiction,
18,702 ; books of reference, 4,250 ; history, 1,468 ; biog-
raphy, 1,323 ; language and literature, 1,073 ; periodicals,
1,270 ; travels, 929 ; philosophy and religion, 627, poetry,
580 ; science, 490 ; unbound magazines, 423 ; arts, useful,
390 ; arts, fine, 357 ; government and social science, 340.
Thus, fifty-nine per cent. of the circulation were works of
fiction, which is considerably below that of many public
libraries.
Seven hundred and one different families are represented
in the use of the library, of which seventy-three have been
added during the year ; ninety of the families are of East
Lexington and are served through that branch. Ninety per-
sons have had the use of the library who were temporary
residents of the town. 5,472 volumes have been repaired,
and 35 new catalogues have been given out. The reading
tables are supplied with thirty-seven magazines and one daily
and one weekly newspaper, besides the II'heelman's Bulletin
and Good Roads, sent to the library as gifts.
Thirteen magazines are supplied in the East Lexington
branch and three papers have been contributed by friends.
The average daily attendance of readers at the library for
the last two weeks by actual count, has been 82 ; at the
branch during the year it has been twelve.
Ip
106
In the visitors' book have been recorded 850 names of
persons from thirty-two States and the District of Columbia ;
from England, Hawaiian Islands and Nova Scotia.
Fines collected during the year amount to $69.89, of which
$23.89 was used for incidental expenses and the balance paid
to the treasurer. At the annual examination of the library
no books were missing not accounted for ; but there are
eleven volumes charged on the record book which we have
been unable to recover, probably lost, or carried away by
persons leaving town. It would seem that any honorable
person would willingly replace a book accidently destroyed,
or pay for it. But these persons have taken no notice of
requests repeatedly sent them to have the books returned.
Of course, they are debarred from further use of the library.
Some of these books have been out a long time and will
probably never be recovered, but others are charged to those
well known and able to pay for them. We have their sig-
natures to the cards when they received them, so there can
be no reasonable doubt of the fact.
During the year, a Juvenile Department of the library
has been arranged which contains about 1,800 volumes and
which is to be steadily increased by the best children's books
issued from the press. It is thought desirable to allow the
boys and girls free access to these books under the oversight
of the librarians. This has proved an additional attraction
to the children and has stimulated their interest in reading.
It is a pleasure to acknowledge the bequest of the late
Mr. Benjamin Wellington, a native of Lexington, who left
$2,000 by will to the trustees of Cary Library for the
benefit of the East Lexington branch ; $1,000 to be expen-
ded for books, and $1,000 to be held in trust and only the
income used for the same object. The first thousand dollars
has been received from the executor, and is being used in
the purchase of books as provided in the will ; the second
107
thousand will be paid over as soon as some additional real
estate in Kansas can be sold to advantage.
The trustees believe that the library should be open every
afternoon and evening in the week, except Sunday, instead
of being open as now, every afternoon and every other
evening. Their plan is to have it opened at 2 P. M., and
closed at 8, except on Saturday, when it should not be closed
until 9 o'clock. This would involve four hours additional
service per week of the librarians during the year, and an
.additional expense for salaries of $100. We believe this
would be amply justified by an increased use of the library
and its larger benefit in many ways to the town. We
accordingly recommend that the appropriation for the sala-
ries of librarians for the year be $1,300 instead of $1,200,
that this change may be made.
The resignation of Miss Florence E. Whitcher as librarian
to accept a similar position in the public library of Manches-
ter, N. H., was reluctantly accepted after she had declined to
withdraw it. Her long and faithful service and her uniform
courtesy to the patrons of the library and readiness to ren-
der them any assistance in her power, have endeared her to
the people of the town. To her new and higher position
she carries the best wishes of all for her success and happi-
ness. Miss Marion P. Kirkland, the first assistant, was
appointed temporary librarian, and, with Miss Muzzey and
Miss McKinnon as assistants, is discharging the office with
earnestness and fidelity.
In behalf of the trustees,
Respectfully submitted,
C. A. STAPLES,
Chairman.
!1
108
REPORT OF THE TREASURER OF CARY LIBRARY_
JANUARY 1, 1898.
Dr.
To cash on hand Jan. 1, 1897, $ 110.36
" notes of Town of Lexington, 11,000.00
" one year's interest on same, 660.00
ac amount received from dog tax, 521.55
cc deposit book No. 1522, Lexington Savings
Bank, 1,000.00
45.50
cc one year's interest on same,
deposit, Beals fund, Lexington Savings
Bank, 1,000.00
one year's interest on same, 45.50
deposit, Caira Robbins fond, Lexington
Savings Bank, 96.83
one year's interest on same, 4.38
amount received on account of bequest
of Benjamin Wellington to the East
Lexington Branch, 1,000.00
amount received from fines, 44.00
''
44
"
Cr.
By amount expended for books, including
$287.61 from the Benjamin Wellington
bequest, $
" amount expended for binding,
« " periodicals,
" services and labor,
842.46
246.77
179.20
130.90
Amount carried forward, $1,399.33
$15,528.12
109
Amount brought forward, $1,399.33
By amount expended for supplies, printing
and incidentals, 39.84
" amount expended for expressage, 8.20
notes of Town of Lexington, 11,000.00
amount on deposit in Lexington Savings
Bank, 2,192.21
balance of Benjamin Wellington bequest, 712.39
cash on hand Jan. 1, 1898, 176.15
815,528.12
it
CG
EDWIN A. BAYLEY,
Treasurer.
HARRIET R. GILMORE FUND.
Permanent fund invested in town note,
Accumulated interest deposit Lexington
Savings Bank,
*500.00
94.86
E. S. SPAULDING,
Treasurer.
110
BRIDGE AND BEALS FUND REPORT, DEC. 31, 1897.
DR.
Jan. 1, 1897, Bridge fund (permanent),
Interest received,
Jan. 1, 1897, Beals fund,
Interest received,
Jan. 1, 1897, Bridge fund (available),
Interest received,
Payment of loan,
*2,878.64
35.17.
*2,120.14
125.14
*2,082.27
314.70
500.00
*2,913.81
$2,245.28
*2,896.97
CR.
Dec. 31, 1897, Bridge fund (permanent).
Town note, *2,000.00
Deposit in savings bank, 913.81
*2,913.81
BEALS FUND.
Dec. 31, 1897, Paid as per conditions of
trust,
Town note,
Deposit in savings bank,
893.00
2,000.00
152.28
*2,245.25
BRIDGE FUND (AVAILABLE).
Dec. 31, 1897, Paid for interest, *2.75
Deposit in savings bank, 500.00
Paid as per conditions of
trust, 342.00
Mortgage note, 1,400.00
Deposit in savings bank, 652.22
82,896.97
CHARLES T. WEST,
Treasurer for the Trustees.
111
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT.
BIRTHS.
Whole number of births recorded for 1897, 82. Males, 38.
Females, 44. Parents native born, 33. Parents foreign born,
33. Parents one native born and one foreign born, 16.
MARRIAGES.
umber of marriages registered in Lexington for the year
1897, 31. Males, native born, 20. Males, foreign born, 11.
Females, native born, 18. Females, foreign born, 13.
DATE.
NAMES.
RESIDENCES.
1897.
Jan. 5 . .
Jan. 13 . .
Jan. 22 . .
Jan. 31 .
Feb. 3 .
Feb. 9 .
March 3
March 16
March 24
{
{
{
{
{
Bradley Anson Putney .
Lydia A. (Walker) Livermore
John J. Moriarty
Hannah Keefe
Ralph Edgar Lane
Vera Perin
Clarence E. Sprague
Pearle Curtis
Ernest G. Kauffmann
Lillian F. Clark
Albert W. Barrows .
Eva L. Grant
John F. Hutchinson .
Maria A. Butterfield
Leander Wood
Agnes Tracey
Charles H. Harrington _
Annie Laurie Fiske .
•
•
BellowsFallsVt
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Roxbury.
Lynn.
Skowhegan, Me
Lexington.
Easton.
Lexington.
Bangor, Me.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington
Lexington
112
DATE.
NAMES.
RESIDENCES.
1897.
April 5 .
April 21
April 21 .
June 2 .
June 19
July 21
July 21. {
July 22 .
August 18 .
August 24 .
Sept. 1 . j
Sept. 6 . .
Sept. 29 .
Sept. 30. .
Lewis J. Norton Suffield, Conn.
Jennie M. Snow Lexington.
John J. Roach Lexington.
Dora (White) Hughes Concord.
Hugh J. Maguire Lexington.
Sarah J. Neville Bedford.
Charles R. Johnson
Martha Hunt
Andrew G. E. Pewtherer
Susan Forsyeth
Edgar L. Hinman
Alice Julia Hamlin
Daniel Anthony
Emma K. Yeo
Philip A. Nelles
Emily S. F. McDonald
Herbert Fowle
Mary Adams Mudgett
Patrick Cronin
Margaret J. Regan
Chalfant Edwin Bivins .
Carolyn H. Hardy . .
James Barnes Hilton
Nellie Mae Holt
•
Patrick J. Moakley . .
Annie M. Hatfield . .
Matthew H. S. Howse .
Ruth H. Bateman . .
Lexington.
Framingham.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lincoln, Neb.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
So. Boston.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Philadelphia.
Lexington.
Cambridge.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
. E. Weymouth.
. ,Lexington.
113
DATE.
NAMES.
RES I DENC ES.
1897.
Oct. 18 .
Oct. 20 .
Oct. 20 .
Nov. 1 .
Nov. 4 .
Dec. 9 .
Dec. 14 .
Dec. 22 . .
{
{
{
{
{
{
{
James J. Barry
Nellie R. White
Clarence H. Cutler
Sarah Ann Evans
Thomas H. Breslin
Nellie T. McNamara
John Swainson Harrison
Louise Merritt
Walter Keith Shaw . .
Mary Groom Hutchins .
•
•
•
•
John D. Johnson
Catherine F. McDonald
Loring Ellsworth Pierce
Annie McManus
Charles Henry Cox . .
Jennie L. Peaslee . .
Arlington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
West Acton.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Savannah, Ga.
St. John, N. B.
Lexington.
Concord.
Lexington.
Boston.
Lexington.
Middleboro.
Haverhill.
Haverhill.
OJ
H
BIRTHPLACE.
114
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BIRTHPLACE.
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BIRTHPLACE.
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DISEASES.
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117 118
DOGS.
Whole number licensed from December 1, 1896, to December
1, 1897, 254.
Males, 228. Females, 26.
Amount returned to county treasurer, June, 1897, $151.20
44 " "44 Dec. 1897,
JURORS.
384.00
$535.20
List of jurors accepted by the town at adjourned meeting,
March 29, 1897.
John D. Bacon. Harrison W. Macomber.
Francis E. Ballard. George S. Norris.
Quincy Bicknell, Jr. Frank Peabody.
Francis M. Cobb. Charles M. Parker.
Edward E. Cutler. Goorge L. Pierce.
William H. Davis. *Theodore W. Park.
John P. Dailey. Willard C. Pierce.
John E. Garmon. Charles F. Pierce.
Peter T. Gillooley. George H. Roberts.
Rufus W. Holbrook. Charles M. Rogers.
George D. Harrington. Leonard A. Saville.
Bartlett J. Harrington. George W. Sampson.
Nelson W. Jenney. Abram B. Smith.
Stillman D. Kendall. Albert B. Smith.
John Kinneen. *Herbert V. Smith.
Lyman Lawrence. Edwin S. Spaulding.
Everett S. Locke. George W. Spaulding.
William Litchfield. Irving Stone.
Matthew H. Merriam. George F. Teague.
Howard M. Munroe. George O. Wellington.
*Loring W. Muzzey. Charles A. Wellington.
John F. Maynard. George W. Wright.
* Drawn since list was accepted.
Respectfully submitted,
LEONARD A. SAVILLE.
Town Clerk.
TOWN HISTORIES AND HISTORIES OF CENTENNIAL
CELEBRATION.
Number of copies of town history sold in 1897, 9
Exchanged for History of Bridgewater, 1
The above disposes of all copies which are for sale.
There have been for many years 22 copies in sheets in the
hands of Lee and Shepard the publishers, and on ordering them
bound up, they returned word that they had disposed of them,
but no statement as yet has been received from them.
LEONARD A. SAVILLE,
2 own Clerk.
119
ASSESSORS' REPORT.
In our last annual report we took occasion to congratulate
the citizens of Lexington on the reduction of the tax rate,
from $18 per thousand to $15.30 per thousand, and we take
occasion again to congratulate the town upon the still further
reduction from the rate of $15.30 to $15 per thousand in
1897.
The board however, is of the opinion that in all proba-
bility there will be no reduction of the tax rate in 1898,
notwithstanding the fact that the gain in real estate will
probably increase, by the addition of new buildings. We
ba3e this opinion on the fact that if the policy of this board
is adopted by the board for 1898, there will be a general re-
duction of the values of old buildings. This matter has
been discussed by your assessors during the past year, and
indeed many reductions of this kind were made in 1897,
and we are strongly inclined to the idea that the reduction
on old buildings will more than balance the gain in valua-
tion resulting from the erection of new houses. Citizens
must be prepared to meet this obstacle to a lower tax rate,
for it is done in the interest of fairness and justice.
Again the taking of an amount equal to the State and
County tax from the bank and corporation tax, which has
so materially reduced our tax rate, has its attendant disad-
vantages. It has made the treasury poorer by nearly
$14,000 in the last two years, and the effect is being felt in
the matter of balances on the wrong side of the ledger,
accounts overrun, etc. Understand, we are still most
strongly of the opinion expressed on page 163 of our re-
port for 1896, that the deduction from the bank and cor-
120
poration tax of an amount equal to the State and County
tax is an admirable provision, enabling the town as it does to
make its own tax rate, but we simply call the attention of
the town to the fact that a municipality like an individual is
subject to the same general laws of finance, and that the
less we collect the less we have to spend. All this in the
long run, means a larger expenditure for the various grants
to be appropriated and assessed, and a consequent increase,
or at best, a stand -still in the tax rate.
The whole matter balances itself in the long run, but a
low rate during the present depression in business, is more
to be desired now than in a few years to come, when some
relief in the present stringency will make it easier to pay
our taxes at a higher rate, or when, for various causes, the
demand for real estate will make that legitimate gain which
makes a lower one. Notwithstanding the fact that real
estate will probably not show any gain for 1898, we think
we can hold our own on personal estate. In 1897 we made
a net gain of nearly $87,000 on personal estate, mostly
from taxes on money, income, investments, or what in the
common parlance of assessors, are termed " intangible valua-
tions." We have endeavored to stein the tide, and finally
succeeded in showing the largest personal valuation since
1891. This will undoubtedly continue. Lexington is not,
and we trust never will be, a " tax -dodger's paradise," and
we urge all tax -payers to comply with the law and file their
schedules with the assessors that they may not in any way
consider themselves aggrieved by their tax on personal
estate, resting assured that if they do not give us the in-
formation, we shall supply it according to our best judgment,
and assess accordingly.
In accordance with the provisions of Chapter 111, of the
Resolves of 1896, a commission has been appointed by the
Governor to inquire into the expediency of revising and
121
amending the laws of the Commonwealth, relating to taxa-
tion. This commission, composed of a judge, a business
man, a farmer, a workingman, .and a student of political
economy, uses this significant language in their report. " A
commission charred with the task of scrutinizing with
minute care the laws on taxation, of attentively considering
all details, of removing doubts and inconsistencies, of sys-
tematizing and perfecting the machinery, would have been
composed mainly of tax officials and members pf the bar."
Among the witnesses called were assessors from eight cities
and thirteen towns. The Association of Massachusetts
Assessors, of which one of your board is a member, will be
largely in evidence at the legislative hearings at the State
House this winter and spring, and the Lexington Assessors
will be as fully represented as their time will permit. This
board, in fact, have a number of suggestions of their own
which will probably be presented through the Assessors
Association referred to above.
Fellow -citizens of Lexington, it must seem strange to you
all, to see an assessors' report signed without the name of
Joseph F. Simonds. For 37 years, 35 of which were con •
-
secutive, he has been a member of this board, most of the
time as chairman. Add to his full and general knowledge
of assessments and valuations, and the laws bearing thereon,
his further official experience as a selectman, and you find a
man well-nigh invaluable. His failing health was plainly
manifest to his associates during the past two years, and
many times he has lamented the absence of his usual
activities, but his faculties and judgment remained to the
end of life. Even in a business report like the foregoing,
the undersigned beg your indulgence, while we make this
timely, well-deserved reference to the high character, integ-
rity and ability of Joseph Frederick Simonds.
Following are the usual statistics :
Real estate,
Personal estate,
122
Resident Owners. Non -Resident Owners.
*3,278,835 $806,784
443,383 36,715
Total valuation,
Gain on real estate over 1896,
Gain on personal estate over 1896,
Total gain in valuation over 1896,
Total.
*4,085,619
480,098
$4,565,717
*167,848
86,926
254,774
Amount bf tax list committed to the collector for 1897 :
Town grants assessed,
State tax for 1897,
County tax for 1897,
Overlay,
*69,767.40
2,852.50
3,860.16
860.35
*77,340.41
Therefore the amount actually committed to the collector
is $77,340.41 less $6,712.66-470,627.75.
$15 on *4,565,717, gives
Taken from bank and corporation tax
1071 polls at *2.00,
Number of horses
Number of cows
Neat cattle, other than cows
Fowls
671
999
45
2,110
*68,485.75
6,712.66
2,142.00
$77,340.41
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER WELLINGTON,
GEORGE W. SAMPSON,
Assessor cf Lexington.
123
REPORT OF THE TAX COLLECTOR.
7o the Citizens of Lexington:
I herewith submit my report as collector of taxes for the
current year :
1895 TAXES.
Amount uncollected January 1st, 1897,
Additional,
Total,
Collected in 1897,
Abated by the Assessors,
1896 TAXES. -
*2,062.12
272.39
Amount uncollected January 1st, 1897,
Collected in 1897, 17,308.02
Abated by the Assessors, 427.72
*2,303.84
30.67
*2,334.51
$2,334.51
$22,394.34
17,735.74
Amount uncollected January 1st, 1898, $4,658.60
1897 TAXES.
State and county tax and town grants including
overlayings, $77,340.41
Deduction from bank and corporation tax, 6,712.66
Amount committed to the collector July 1st, 1897, $70,627.75
Supplementary taxes, 108.33
Total tax committed, $70,736.08
124
Collected in 1897,
Amount allowed as discount for
prompt payment,
Abated by the Assessors,
*44,435.46
664,86
209.46
Amount uncollected January lst, 1898,
STREET WATERING TAXES.
1895.
Amount uncollected January 1st, 1897,
Collected in 1897,
1896.
$45,309,78
$25,426.30
*71.31
71.31
Amount uncollected January 1st, 1897, *309.09
Collected in 1897, 240.00
Amount uncollected January lst, 1898, $69.09
1897.
Street watering taxes assessed for 1897, $426.71
Collected in 1897, 109.64
Amount uncollected January lst, 1898, *317.07
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE W. SAMPSON,
lax Collector.
LEXINGTON, December 31st, 1897.
125
REPORT OF WATER COMMISSIONERS FOR THE
YEAR 1897.
In accordance with Section 4 of the by-laws of the Rules
and Regulations of the Water Department, we hereby re-
port as follows :
Amount due for water rates, services,
etc., Jan. 1, 1897, as per town re-
port for 1896, page 109, $3,049.76
The earnings of the Water Department for the
year 1897 have been as follows :
Water rates from Jan. to April, $2,010.56
Hydrants, 753.75
Services, 28.32
Water rates from April to July,
Hydrants,
Street watering,
Services,
Explosives sold Highway Department,
Water rates from July to Oct., (includ-
ing lawn hose, season of 1897),
Hydrants,
Street watering,
Services,
Explosives and oil sold,
Water rates from Oct. to Jan., 1898,
Hydrants,
Street watering,
$2,177.41
765.00
318.60
71.69
13.70
$2,704.83
765.00
376.02
7.11
2.05
$2,144.14
765.00
113.34
$2,792.63
$3,346.40
$3,855.01
Amounts carried forward, $3,022.48_$13,043.80
126
Amounts brought forward,
State Highway use of steam boiler,
Services,
Amount collected and paid over to
treasurer, in 1897,
Rebates allowed in 1897,
Amount due Jan. 1, 1898,
There has also been credited
by town treasurer Nov. 1, 1897,
premiums received on refunding
date of Nov. 1, 1897.
town
$3,022.48$ 13,043.80
27.13
22.93
$3,072.54
*16,116.34
$12,785.19
8.75
$12,793.94
$3,322.40
to the Water Department
the sum of $818.70, being
bonds for 20 years, under
PAYMENTS.
Interest on bonds,
New construction, supplies, etc.,
Extension of Street Mains have been as follows :
CHANDLER STREET.
124 feet 4 -inch pipe,
Fittings,
Labor,
Total cost per foot, 46 cents.
MAPLE STREET.
636 feet 4 -inch pipe,
Fittings,
Explosives, etc.,
Labor,
Total cost per foot, 62* cents.
$8,360.00
11,648.62
$31.00
1.00
25.50
*159.00
.45
18.65
`18.75
$20,008.62
$57.50
*396.85
127
WARREN STREET.
207 feet 4 -inch pipe,
Fittings,
Hydrant,
Explosives, etc.,
Labor,
Total cost per foot, $2.40.
MT. VERNON STREET.
108 feet 4 -inch pipe,
1 plug,
Labor,
Total cost per foot, 41+ cents.
LOCUST AVENUE.
80 feet 4 -inch pipe,
1 plug,
Labor,
Total cost per foot, 43+ cents.
ADAMS STREET.
280 feet 6 -inch pipe,
Fittings,
Labor,
Total cost per foot, 512 cents.
BEDFORD STREET.
6780 feet 6 -inch pipe,
4 hydrants,
Fittings,
Explosives,
Labo r,
Total cost per foot, 62 cents.
$51.75
4.50
25.00
35.00
380.00
$27.00
.45
17.28
$20.00
.45
14.50
$98.00
4.56
45.75
$2,383.00
100.00
22.00
56.00
1,666.75
$496.25
128
In addition to the foregoing street work there has been
much work done at the station in cleaning out the wells and
putting on new roofs with steel girders to support the same.
The spring located on the land formerly of W. S. Seaverns
has been deepened, enlarged and laid up with stone and
cement, and connected with well No. 2 by a 6 -inch pipe
compelling the water from the spring, estimated at from
35,000 to 40,000 gallons daily, to be delivered directly into
the wells without being mixed with the water of Vine Brook
as formerly, the cost of which has been as follows :
$44.73 SPRING.
682 feet 6 -inch pipe, $238.70
1 6x4 reducer, 4.00
1 «T,» 4.00
Labor, 93.50
*34.95
$148.31
$4,227.75
L. P. Hawes, engineer,
Explosives,
$340.20
19.59
*359.79
8.00
$367.79
WELLS, ETC.
Cleaning out and roofing wells, laying drainpipe and other
labor around station and grounds, $269.34.
FILTER.
At the town meeting held Oct. 2, 1897, the town voted to
issue bonds to the amount of $10,000, payable $1,000
yearly, for the purpose of purchasing material for extension
of water mains and for the purpose of establishing a filter
plant at the station. Said bonds were sold by the Select-
129
men according to the terms of the vote and yielded a
premium of $309.50, which was credited to the Water
Department, Jan. 1, 1898.
At the same meeting, a vacancy, which existed on the
board of commissioners (caused by the refusal of Frank H.
Locke, who was chosen in March, 1897, for three years, to
qualify), was filled by the election of Nelson W. Jenney, to
hold office until the March meeting in 1900.
The board now being complete, the matter of establishing
a filter, which had been the subject of investigation by the
other members during the summer, was resumed by the full
board, and much time and deliberation were given to the
examination of claims of various companies, which were
finally reduced to two, viz : The Loomis -Manning Filter
Co. of Philadelphia, and the Continental Filter Co. of New
York, both of which corporations placed trial filters here to
enable us to see the practical workings of their systems. It
was thought best however, before deciding which to adopt,
to visit New York city where many machines of the capacity
suitable for our plant were in operation ; consequently we
spent one day with the representatives of each of said com-
panies, in New York, by whom we were cordially received
and conducted around to see the operation of their machines.
While the results of our investigation showed that either
system seemed satisfactory we finally decided on the one of
the Loomis -Manning Co., whose price we considered the
most favorable for the town. A contract was entered into
by which the plant was to be put in, and completed in Jan.
1898, at a cost of $4,850, the town to furnish the building
to put it in, which was built by C. W. Swan on contract at
a cost of $870 ; we to furnish the foundation ready for the
building 17x27 inside measurements, slated roof, giving
capacity for 2 double bone black filters and leaving room
to add another double one at some future time.
130
The work is progressing very satisfactorily and as the
company have no plant in New England, ours is to be a
model one, and by the time this report is issued will he com-
plete, when water takers and others interested are invited to
visit and examine the plant, which will be found to he in-
teresting. instructive and entertaining.
Other expenditures have been classified as follows
Interest on bonds,
New portable boiler,
Map of streets showing location of pipes, etc.,
Tools and repairs on same,
Connecting new services (21),
Explosives,
Repairs at Grassland Dam,
« on Pleasant St. and Pelham Road,
Pipe and fittings (deducting amount
used on new Construction ),
STATION EXPENSES.
Fuel,
Oil for machinery,
Pay of engineer,
Repairs on old boiler,
Insurance on boilers, 3 years,
Light,
Telephone service,
Labor and sundry repairs about station
and grounds,
SALARIES.
T. L. Bruce, superintendent and engineer,
L. A. Saville, clerk and registrar,
$939.08
78.03
525.13
64.98
100.00
93.77
73.05
*8,360.00
245.71
83.40
103.02
403.91
158.09
5.68
37.79
1,057.05
52.21
*1,926.25
*720.00
500.00
*1,220.00
131
OFFICE EXPENSES.
Printing, stamps, stationery, etc., $82.63
*97.12
8184.50
*20,008.62
STABLE EXPENSES.
Hay, grain, repairs, etc.,
NEW FILTER PLANT.
Expenses of commissioners to New York,
Labor on foundation, etc.,
Making total expenditures (including
new construction above recorded),
$46.00
138.50
There has been purchased a portable boiler for use by this
department, with the understanding that the Highway De-
partment may have the use of same at a reasonable • compen-
sation to pay for repairs, etc.
We have had made a map of the streets, showing location
and size of pipes, hydrants, gates, etc., which will be useful
in the future.
Seven hydrants were added in 1897, making the whole
number now in use, 73.
Twenty-one new services have been added in 1897, and
more would have been connected on Bedford street, if the
ground had kept open a short time longer.
The plan of building another stand -pipe in the East Village
district has been considered by us and it is probable that we
shall erect one there this season, so that in case of fire, or it
becomes necessary to shut off the lower part of the town,
owing to any accident, their service will not be affected:
The books of the town treasurer show that we have over-
drawn our account to the amount of $251.64 ; thin needs a
little explanation. The new issue of bonds authorized Oct.
2, were dated Jan. 1, 1898, and as we were anxious to close
up our work on Bedford street, we approved bills in Decem-
132
ber which were paid by the treasurer, for the above excess,
knowing that on Jan. 1, the proceeds of the bonds would be
credited to our department.
We would suggestthat it is worthy of consideration by
the town to determine if it would not be better to run the
Water Department on an independent and separate basis.
We have the following supplies on hand that have been
paid for in 1897 :
5 tons coal..
69 lengths or 728 feet 4 -inch pipe.
178 " " 2136 " 6•
4 6 -inch tees.
5'4 "
43 service boxes.
400 pounds lead.
125 " explosives.
together with tools purchased in addition to those reported
last year.
Another matter to which we desire to call attention is the
question of salary or compensation for the rneinbers of our
board. At the last two town meetings an article has been in
the warrant bearing upon this subject, but has been turned
down rather unceremoniously. If it is understood that all
boards are to give their services gratuitously we are willing
to accept the situation, but to single out this particular board,
whose duties and responsibilities are as great as most others,
and for a department that is more than self-supporting,
seems to us wrong and unjust. Not a. dozen persons have
voted on the matter, and the same article will appear in the
warrant until the matter is decided, either one way or the
other, by a full vote.
BRADLEY C. WHITCEIER,
EVERETT S. LOCKE,
NELSON W. JENNEY,
Board of Water Commissioners.
(( {G
133
TOWN TREASURER'S REPORT.
RECEIPTS.
Cash on hand Jan. 1, 1897,
Taxes, 1893-94,
1895,
" 1896,
" 1897,
Schools,
Fire Department,
Highways,
Support of Poor,
Outside aid,
State Highway,
Contingent,
Watering streets,
Water Department,
Temporary loans,
Interest,
Cemetery,
Corporation tax,
Bank tax,
Sidewalks,
Street lights,
Gamniell Legacy,
State aid,
Cemetery trust funds,
Town debt,
County Treas., dog tax,
$11,805.27
154.44
2,062.12
17,308.02
44,435.46
4.80
54.00
1,429.43
923.26
245.91
4,908.50
858.50
420.95
13,603.89
60,000.00
801.91
115.00
7,071.26
907.25
178.10
16.00
35.00
359.00
300.00
10,000.00
521.55
$178,519.62
es
134
EXPENDITURES.
Schools,
Fire Department,
Highways,
Support of poor,
Outside aid,
State Highway,
Contingent,
Watering streets,
Police Department,
Water Department,
Collector of taxes,
Board of Health,
Town Clerk,
Town Treasurer,
School Committee,
Enforcement of liquor law,
Care Hastings Park,
Sewerage Committee,
Preserving town records,
Librarians,
Fuel and lights,
Temporary loans,
Interest,
Cemetery,
State Treasurer State Tax,
County " County "
New shed, Almshouse,
Sidewalks,
Street lights,
Tramps,
Memorial Day,
April 19th,
Insurance,
Amount carried forward,
$18,266.66
5,093.54
12,630.57
2,470.79
3,410.98
5,176.59
2,431.72
1,687.57
2,219.18
20,008.62
680.00
228.40
300.00
412.50
300.00
2.00
203.94
483.56
72.97
1,214.82
975.92
55,000.00
3,253.95
345.07
2,852.50
3,860.16
519.88
1,099.64
4,411.15
207.10
175.00
180.45
985.00
*151,160.23
135
Amount brought forward,
Ringing bells,
Gammell Legacy,
Janitors,
Assessors,
Removal of snow,
Printing,
State aid,
Treasurer Cary Library,
Auditors,
Selectmen.
Care of common,
Hydrants,
Town debt,
Registrars of voters,
Water troughs,
E. A. Bayley, treasurer, dog tax,
Cash on hand Jan. 1, 1898,
*151,160.23
35.00
26.05
800.00
600.00
326.61
353.60
366.00
50.00
100.00
1,000.00
145.92
2,283.75
17,000.00
100.00
12.50
521.55
3,638.41
-----*178,519.62
GEO. D. HARRINGTON,
Town Treasurer.
e
136
STATEMENT OF TOWN DEBT.
REGISTERED WATER LOAN.
DATE. TO WHOM PAYABLE. WHEN DUE.
Nov. 1, 1895, Provident Institution for Sav-
ings. Nov. 1, 1898, $10,000.00 4 per ct.
Provident Institution for Sav-
ings, Nov. 1, 1899, 10,000.00
Provident Institution for Sav-
ings, Nov. 1, 1900, 10,000.00
" Provident Institution for Sav-
ings, Nov. 1, 1901, 10,000.00
Provident Institution for Sav-
ings, Nov. 1, 1902, 10,000.00
Provident Institution for Sav-
ings, Nov. 1, 1903, 10,000.00
Provident Institution for Sav-
ings, Nov. 1, 1904, 10,000.00
Provident Institution for Sav-
ings, . Nov. 1, 1905, 10,000.00
" Provident Institution for Sav-
ings, Nov. 1, 1906, 10,000.00
Provident Institution for Sav-
ings, Nov. 1, 1907, 10,000.00
Provident Institution for Sav-
ings, Nov. 1, 1908, 10,000.00
Provident Institution for Sav-
ings, Nov. 1, 1909, 10,000.00
Charlestown Five Cents Sav-
ings Bank, Nov. 1, 1910, 10,000.00
LG
LG
44
(G
"
44
CC
L(
AMOUNT. INTEREST.
(G
(L
fG
Amount carried forward, *130,000.00
CC
CC
"
(f
"
137
Amount brought forward, $130,000.00
Nov. 1, 1895, Charlestown Five Cents Sav-
ings Bank, Nov. 1, 1911, 10.000.00 4 per et.
Charlestown Five Cents Sav-
ings Bank, Nov. 1, 1912, 10,000.00
Charlestown Five Cents Sav-
ings Bank, Nov. 1, 1913, 10,000.00
Charlestown Five Cents Sav-
ings Bank, Nov. 1, 1914, 10,000.00
Lexington Savings Bank,
Nov. 1, 1915, 10,000.00
1896, Brown Bros. & Co.,
Nov. 1, 1916, 8,000.00
E. A. Strong, Nov. 1, 1916, 2,000.00
1897, Provident Institution for Sav-
ings, Nov. 1, 1917, 10,000.00
CC
CC
CC
CC
CC
$200,000.00
EXTENSION WATER MAIN LOAN.
July 1, 1896, Coupon bonds, July 1, 1898,
«C4 " 1899,
CC CC
CC
1900,
1901,
1902,
1903,
1904,
1905,
1906,
$1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
$9,000.00
CC
CC
4 per ct.
HANCOCK SCHOOLHOUSE LOAN.
Feb. 23, 1891, State Mass., Feb. 23, 1898, $6,000.00 31 per ct.
Apr. 20, 1891, " Apr. 20, 1900, 6,000.00
Amount carried forward, $12,000.00
CC
138
Amount brought forward, $12,000.00
June 1, 1891, State Mass., June 1, 1901, 6,000.00 3t per et.
June 11, 1892, June 11, 1899, 2,500.00 3k
$20,500.00
TRUST FUNDS.
Feb. 28, 1892, 'Cary Library, Feb. 28, 1897, $5,000.00 6 per ct.
Mch. 31, 1883, Mch. 31, 1893, 6,000.00
Apr. 8, 1891, Bridge Fund, demand, 2,000.00
Jan. '22, 1892, Beals " 2,000.00
Apr. 12, 1894, Gilmor " " 500.00 5
Dec. 31, 1897, Cemetery Trust Funds, 6,500.00 "
July 23, 1874, Gammell Legacy, 500.00 7
*22,500.00
CC
CC
TEMPORARY LOANS.
May 19, 1897, Estabrook & Co.,
Feb. 21, 1898, $5,000.00 3* per ct.
June 23,.1897, Estabrook & Co.,
Mch. 23, 1898, 10,000.00
Oct. 21, 1897, Lexington Savings Bank,
Apr. 21, 1898, 10,000.00
Oct. 28, 1897, Estabrook & Co.,
June 28, 1898, 10,000.00
1IECAPITULATION.
Registered Water Loan,
Extension Water Main Loan,
Hancock Schoolhouse Loan,
Trust Funds Loan,
Temporary Loan,
GEO. D.
$35,000.00
371.
3
$200,000.00
9,000.00
'20,500.00
22,500.00
35,000.00
$287,000.00
HARRINGTON,
Town Treasurer.
TAX STATISTICS OV TOWN OF L1XINGTON.
139
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CO
RATE OF TAX.
0
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.T. .0..T.....M. '00. .0 00121240000
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VALUATION.
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tiff W�,N� CCo0000,4,,m x000cc-��M tCti0,A~4
........1,-...-iNNNNN NNCV Ny VN,;c, mmTT4
NUMBER OF
POLLS.
72
..ri,.. I[i .col'JO•..:zD=acDtC-[-.NCM-CN-N ,.., C,,,-[ ...GC.i...i .0
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ON
140
AUDITORS' REPORT.
SCHOOLS.
RECEIPTS.
Balance unexpended,
Appropriated and assessed for 1897,
Town of Natick for books,
Amount expended, •
Balance unexpended,
EXPENDITURES.
HIGH SCHOOL.
Everett P. Carey,
J. I. Buck,
May B. Goodwin,
Antoinette J. Banister,
Nellie L. Hill,
Edith Redman,
Elizabeth R. Osborn,
Ziegler Electric Co.,
apparatus, ,
E. P. Carey, chemicals,
Whitall, Tatum & Co., chemicals,
J. W. Staniford & Co., test tubes,
L. E. Knott Apparatus Co., forceps,
instruction,
CC
philosophical
828.63
18,500.00
4.80
818,533.43
818,266.66
266.77
818,533.43
8600.00
720.00
390.00
260.00
300.00
200.00
121.50
4.41
.70
8.45
3.53
.90
Amount carried forward, 82,609.49
141
Amount brought forward,
Bailey Bros., painting,
J. W. Shattuck, glazing,
John Ready, removing snow and ashes,
W. C. Brown, teaming,
H. F. Miller & Sons Piano Co.,
carting piano,
B. W. Patten, tuning piano,
Frank P. Reynolds, wood and sawing,
Peirce & Winn Co., coal,
Lexington Gas Light Co., gas,
Water Department, water,
R. H. Burke, plumbing,
E. S. Locke, Gt
A. C. Washburn, carpenter work,
DeVeau Bros, " «
Chas. W. Swan, mason work,
Cyrus Martin, cleaning cesspool.
John A. Fratus, repairing clocks,
John McLeod, flag, •
Wm. E. Denham, sharpening lawn
T. W. Ripley, printing,
A. F. Dinsmore, lettering diplomas,
John McLeod, varnishing and oiling
floors,
G. W. Spaulding, weighing fees, and
sundries,
Masury, Young & Co., nodusto,
Lyman Lawrence & Son, hardware,
F. L. Cobb & Son, soap, varnish, etc.,
W. L. Burrill, enamel cloth and
shades,
Lexington Lumber Co., lumber,
Frank G. Fletcher, heating apparatus,
Lexington Construction Co., electric work,
$2,609.49
2.50
1.72
4.00
3.40
21.00
2.00
14.13
221.99
3.42
15.00
55.39
36.60
18.18
7.33
38.55
2.00
3.50
2.55
mower, 1.25
5.00
4.00
4.00 •
7.85
52.30
25.78
19.26
14.46
1.17
9.45
11.00
Amount carried forward, $3,218.27
Amount carried forwara',
A. M. Leland, stationery,
Allyn & Bacon, books,
American Book Co., «
E. E. Babb & Co.,
D. C. Heath & Co.,
Ginn & Co.,
142
$3,218.27
3.50
11.62
28.42
7.96
12.00
42.38
$3,324.15•
HANCOCK SCHOOL."
Laura A. Colbath, instruction,
Katharine L. Hartley, «
Edith G. Keene,
Nettie E. Moody,
Emma E. Wright,
Gertrude Pierce,
Sara R. Skerry,
Jennie F. Blodgett,
Addie M. Hyde,
Ellen B. Lane;
Edith Redman,
Mary C. Worden,
Elizabeth R. Osborn,
Sadie W. Jenkins,
Grace A. Spaulding,
Adelaide Spencer,
Mary M. Robinson,
Minnie A. Brooks,
John McLeod, janitor,
Emma E. Wright, care of children,
Willard Walcott, transportation of
pupils,
C. H. Franks, truant officer,
John McLeod, varnishing and oiling
floors, repairing flag, etc.,
[L
(L
Cf
U
44
(C
4{
G{
Cl
Amount carried forward,
$678.00
224.00
435.00
380.50
500.00
499.00
410.00
452.00
410.00
51.00
108.00
42.75
40.00
45.00
51.00
120.00
48.00
42.50
799:76
80.00
2,406.25
17.51
90.37
$7,930.64
143
Amount brought forward,
W. C. Brown, teaming,
Ivory Whitten, removing snow,
J. W. Shattuck, painting and glazing,
H. C. Valentine, professional services,
R. H. Burke, stock and labor on
furnace,
James S. Munroe, labor of men,
A. C. Washburn, carpenter work,
DeVeau Bros., carpenter work,
E. W. Glass, grading,
Wm. E. Denham, smithing,
Chas. W. Swan, mason work,
Geo. H. Underhill, repairing heating
apparatus,
D. F. Tripp, concreting,
Nourse & Co., express,
American Express Co., express,
G. W. Spaulding, weighing fees and
sundries,
Peirce & Winn Co., coal,
Frank P. Reynolds, wood,
Lexington Gas Light Co., gas,
Water Department, water,
F. L. Cobb & Son, soap and flower pot,
Edward Wood, flowers and labor,
Lyman Lawrence & Son, hardware,
W. L. Burrill, shades and rollers,
John A. Fratus, clock,
Frank G. Fletcher, heating apparatus,
A. M. Tucker, dry goods,
Chandler Adjustable Chair & Desk
Co., desks,
Albany Perforated Wrapping Paper
Co., paper,
Amount carried forward,
*7,930.64
26.90
2.00
3.78
18.00
28.90
48.21
23.98
3.33
21.00
2.50
3.93.
71.20
240.12
10.70
.30
47.31
790.25
32:33
24.38
56.25
12.17
4.75
11.00
7.50
1.00
55.80
8.03
151.20
13.17
*9,650.63
Amount brought forwara',
H. E. Holt, music readers,
Ginn & Co., books,
E. E. Babb & Co., books and
J. L. Hammett Co., °G
D. C. Heath & Co.,
The Morse Co.,
Kasson & Co.,
Henry W. Poor,
New England Publishing Co.,
144
$9,650.63
2.13
41.05
stationery, 12.63
46.20
books, 29.05
2.26
6, 3.00
3.15
6.00
ADAMS SCHOOL.
Jessie G. Prescott, instruction,
Fannie F. Ingram,
Carrie F. Fiske,
M. Eleanor Tower,
Florence L. Elliott,
Ruth E. Gould,
A. B. Smith, janitor,
Everett S. Locke, plumbing,
Chas. O. Wentworth, mason work,
Wm. C. Brown, teaming,
Jessie G. Prescott, ribbon for diplomas
and sharpening knives,
Christie E. Pierce, repairing flag,
James H. Phillips, carpenter work,
R. E. Cosgrove, removing ashes,
W. F. Fletcher, cleaning,.
B. W. Patten, tuning piano,
R. W. Holbrook, weighing coal,
James H. Phillips, laying floors,
Water Department, water,
Peirce & Winn Co., coal,
Amount carried forward,
$635.00
500.00
500.00
369.63
22.50
16.00
152.00
12.29
20.50
7.85
6.20
1.25
10.14
4.75
7.20
2.00
3.75
248.40
15.00
148.65
$2,683.11
*9,796.10
145
Amount brought forward,
Francis Locke, heater,
Geo. Z. Hamblen, flag and painting
staff,
A. M. Leland, piano stool,
F. B. Fletcher, manure,
Carlton A. Childs, brush, dustpan,
brooms, etc.,
A. B. Smith, telephone,
American Express Co., express,
W. L. Burrill, shades and rollers,
Greenough, Adams & Cushing, stationery,
Kasson & Palmer, books and periodicals,
Henry W. Poor,
Ginn & Co.,
T. H. Castor & Co.,
New England Publishing Co., periodicals,
GL
TIDD SCHOOL.
Charlotte Holmes, instruction,
Dora M. Morrill, [[
W. H. Kelly, janitor,
Charlotte Holmes, care of:children,
W. H. Kelly, removing snow, extra
labor, etc.,
Wm. C. Brown, teaming,
E. S. Locke, stove pipes, etc.,
Estate of Geo. E. Muzzey, lumber,
L. Lawrence & Son, thermometer,
Peirce & Winn Co., coal,
Daniel A. Gorman, wood,
11. E. Holt, music books,
*2,683.11
300.00
i
11.00
4.00
1.00
'2.90
.35
.30
13.23
.75
6.00
3.15
3.67
18.63
5.00
$240.00
178.00
31.00
28.00
36.74
.50
4.08
9.51
.25
12.54
29.25
2.12
$3,053.09
146
COMMON TO ALL SCHOOLS.
Alice M. Holt, musical instruction and
music, $358.90
Elizabeth J. Hilles, drawing instruc-
tion and travelling expenses, 297.84
M. S. W. Jefferson, superintendent, 30.00
H. H. Hamilton, expenses procuring teachers, 24.16
Alfred Pierce, " " " 10.20
Edwin A. Bayley, " " CC 12.70
John F. Tufts, enumerating scholars, 1 5.00
A. F. Dinsmore, lettering diplomas, 1.60
H. A Davis, Jr., & Co., printing reports, 15.29
John D. Bacon, weighing coal, 4.00
R. 11. Burke, plumbing, 10.60
W. C. Brown, teaming, 14.20
J. W. Shattuck, painting, 9.17
E. S. Locke, plumbing, 9.44.
Coburn Stationery Co., printing and sta-
tioner), 6.50
Nourse & Co., express, 7.98
American Express Co., expresA, .80
Wm. G. Hartwell, wood, 7.50
Houghton & Dutton, gas burners, 4.28
R. H. White & Co., " 3.70
Geo. H. Underhill, heating apparatus, 18.83
Oak Hall Clothing Co., belts, .60
A. M. Tucker, ribbon and gloves, 4.59
Mineral Tablet Ink Co., ink tablets, 2.50
Esterbrook Steel Pen Mfg. Co., pens, 4.70
Carter, Rice & Co., paper, 5.00
J. L. Hammett Co., books and stationery, 136.57
Greenough, Adams & Cushing, books and
stationery, 75.57
E. E. Babb &Co., books and stationery, 72.40
$571.99 Amount carried forward, *1,164.62
147
Amount brought forward,
The Morse Co., books,
Ginn & Co., {(
D. C. Heath & Co.,
Leach, Shewell & Sanborn,
Harper & Bros.,
Maynard, Merrill & Co.,
American Book Co.,
Houghton, Mifflin & Co.,
Educational Publishing Co.,
Werner School Book Co.,
Boston School Supply Co.,
Allyn & Bacon,
H. E. Holt, music readers,
Williams & Rogers, stationery,
The Sparrell Print,
J. S. Wesby & Sons,
American Humane Education Society,
periodicals,
Elizabeth J. Ililles, drawing materials,
Geo. S. Perry & Co., " 44
J. I. Buck, sundries,
''
6G
CC
''
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CC
CC
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SUMMARY.
High School,
Hancock School,
Adams School,
Tidd School,
Common to all Schools,
*1,164.62
33.00
83.49
27.28
11.80
13.45
2.16
48.24
33.58
4.59
4.00
.95
.58
5.00
19.18
7.25
2.08
1.44
9.63
40.60
8.41
$1,521.33
$3,324.15
9,796.10
3,053.09
571.99
1,521.33
$18,266.66
148
WATER DEPARTMENT.
RECEIPTS.
Balance unexpended,
Transferred from play ground,
Income from water rates,
Premium on bonds,
Excess of expenditures over receipts,
EXPENDITURES.
L. A. Saville, registrar and clerk,
T. L. Bruce, superintendent,
C. H. Bruce, engineer,
Chas. Fine,
J. S. Munroe,
Raffael di Nardo,
John Savage,
N. Cardin i,
Thomas Welch,
M. Callinan,
John H. Brown,
Italian No. 1,
Italians No. 8 & 10,
Patrick Sheen,
A. S. Ferry,
John Leary,
Dennis Reardon,
Chas. E. Wheeler,
John Barrett,
John McKenzie,
John Ryan,
Joseph O'Connor,
labor of
(C (G
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men,
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$500.00
720.00
896.62
2,596.76
23.54
40.19
4.25
1.19
1.75
9.82
20.72
5.25
18.50
3.45
28.00
20.08
38.08
9.75
21.58
41.08
34.33
17.24
Amount tarried forward, $5,052.18
$6,068.09
85.00
12,785.19
818.70
251.64
*20,008.62
149
Amount brought forward,
John B. McManus, labor,
Wm. H. Kelly,
Andrew Pewtherer, "
Timothy J. Leary,
Chas. B. Downer, foreman,
W. H, Whitaker, men and teams,
W. C. Brown, teaming,
Dennis Mador,
F. C. Saville,
Willard Walcott, horse hire,
Roberts Iron Works Co, repairing boilers,
M. A. Pero, smithing,
Nourse & Co., express,
American Express Co., express,
R. H. Burke, plumbing,
E. S. Locke, putting service pipes,
J. T. McNamara, stone work,
P. F. Dacey, mason work,
Chas. W. Swan, "
W. E. Denham, smithing,
Scott & Tobin, varnishing wagon,
DeVeau Bros., carpenter work,
John McKinnon, "
Frank P. Cutter, surveying,
Louis E. Hawes, civil engineering,
E. W. Glass, teaming,
E. B. McLalan, smithing,
M. E. Williams, repairing roof,
Boston & Maine R. R. Co., protecting
tracks while laying pipes,
Boston & Maine R. R. Co., freight,
Hartford Steam Boiler & Inspecting Co.,
insurance,
Interest on bonds,
Amount carriedforward,
$b,052.18
32.83
22.50
3.00
19.25
17.50
122.24
3.85
20.50
2.50
29.75
17.95
16.85
24.90
3.10
5.50
199.54
4.38
44.40
24.95
65.76
10.00
3.70
44.70
83.40
19.89
6.20
2.50
3.00
4.90
498.00
100.00
8,360.00
$14,869.72
150
Amount brought forward, $14,869.72
Expenses of Water Board to New York, 46.00
Colby & Bayley, legal services, filter
contract, 7.50
Lexington Gas Light Co., light at pump-
ing station, 80.12
New England Telephone & Telegraph
Co., 73.05
C. A. Childs, lanterns, oil, etc., 4.43
Coburn Stationery Co., stationery, 9.40
L. Lawrence & Son, hardware, 25.81
Knowlton Packing Co., gauge glasses, 1.02
B. C. Whitcher, grain, 90.71
Braman Dow & Co., valves, pipe, flanges,
repairs, etc., 46.96
Geo. C. Goodwin & Co., chemicals, 2.10
Chas. A. Jenkins, gaskets, oil and packing, 34.05
Frank P. Reynolds, wood, 5.00
Peirce & Winn Co., coal, 1,074.21
Eagle Oil & Supply Co., paper cutter,
oil and polish, 46.33
A. J. Morse & Son, corporation cocks, 55.80
R. W. Holbrook, lanterns, 1.00
Davis & Farnum Mfg. Co., pipe and
steam fittings, 36.81
The W. II. Gallison Co., steam fittings, 25.50
Boston Lead Mfg. Co., lead, 235.88
Walworth Mfg. Co., piper cutter wheels, .78
Ludlow Valve Co., rubber rings and
valves, 30.20
Builders Iron Foundry, pipe, 326.95
M. J. Drummond & Co., " 2,014.72
Berry & Ferguson, drain pipe, 54.40
Lexington Construction Co., electric
apparatus, 5.63
Amount carried forward, *19,204.08
151
Amount brought forward, $19,204.08
Geo. H. Sampson, explosives, 59.75
Lexington Lumber Co., lumber and drain
pipe, 108.59
L. A. Saville, stationery, stamps, etc., 48.63
L. M. Ham & Co., iron beams, 35.28
Boston Woven Hose & Rubber Co., hose, 28.00
Perrin, Seamans & Co., copper wire,
picks and shovels, 95.96
Hays Mfg. Co., service boxes, 35.00
Bates Machine Co., boiler and fittings, 210.21
Chapman Valve Mfg. Co., valve, 1.08
Geo. F. Blake Mfg. Co., steam fittings, .40
Ingersoll -Sergeant Drill Co., explosives, 118.68
Chas. A. Claflin, oil and repairs, 27.76
Geo. Z. Hamblen, pump fittings, 5.00
Geo. W. Spaulding, oil, sulphur, etc., 30.20
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
RECEIPTS.
Balance unexpended,
Unexpended balance maintaining fire alarm 1896,
C' " fire alarm boxes,
Appropriated and assessed,
for fire alarm boxes,
" new horse,
44
''
''
''
L. 11. Brockway, horse sold,
Excess of expenditure over receipts,
$20,008.62
$416.53
24.81
4.68
3,500.00
300.00
125.00
54.00
668.52
$5,093.54
152
EXPENDITURES.
Willard 'Walcott, engineer,
Chas. G. Kauffmann, "
Geo. J. McClure, engineer steamer,
T. L. Bruce, 'C "
John DeVeau, fireman,
(G
J. W. Milbury, assistant on "
James E. Shelvey, driver
W. J. Harrington, " chemical,
Geo. L. Pierce, driver and steward hose 1,
Chas. 13. Downer, driver hose 2,
Pay roll, chemical and hose 1,
hook and ladder 1,
" hose 2,
" chemical 2,
Chas. G. Kauffmann, extra services and -
clerk of board,
James McKenzie, extra services,
James II. Phillips, "
G. A. Simonds,
Wm. F. Ham,
Nourse & Co., express,
Dennis Mador, teaming,
Williard Walcott, use of horses,
Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection &
Insurance Co., insurance,
L. G. Babcock, test signal:for fire alarm,
R. II. Burke, plumbing,
Robert T. House, veterinary:dentist,
Lexington Gas Light Co., maintaining
fire alarm,
E. B. McLalan, smithing,
Wm. E. Denham, "
CCrepairs on steamer truck,
M. A. Pero, smithing,
(L
''
''
CC
Amount carried forward,
$50.00
50.00
75.00
125.00
113.15
30.00
540.00
540.00
87.08
15.00
316.60
250.00
239.21
137.34
25.00
60.00
35.00
4.00
2.00
7.41
1.00
242.89
50.00
35.00
15.66
10.00
150.00
34.75
42.25
51.40
'91.15
$3,425.89
153
Amount brought forward, $3,425.89
C. S. Parker & Son, printing, 6.00
C. A. Mandelborg, repairing chemical, 4.00
John Chisholm, blanket, dusters and re-
pairing harness, 14.60
J. W. Milbury, repairing ladder truck, 25.00
James H. Phillips, repairing fire alarm, 15.00
carpenter work, 6.04
A. C. Washburn, " " 18.00
De Veau Bros., 8.26
Wm. A. Haskell, extension of fire alarm, 150.91
repairing fire alarm, 7.85
Lexington Construction Co., repairing
fire alarm, 9.10
New England Gamewell Co., repairing
fire alarm, 7.94
New England Gamewell Co., fire alarm
boxes, 150.00
Lexington Gas Light Co., gas, 96.14
E. S. Locke, hot water heater, 113.00
lanterns, tank, key tags, etc., 8.85
Frank A. Walker, harness hanger, 6.50
Pettingell, Andrews Co., chemicals, 73.33
E. & F. King Co., chemicals, 2.52
W. F. Low, oil, 5.40
F. G. Fletcher, fuel savers, 2.50
Peirce & Winn Co., coal, 107.30
B. C. Whitcher, hay and grain, 369.48
Lexington Gas Light Co., gas brackets
and labor, 4.50
Geo. Z. Hamblen, duck, cotton hose, ete., 14.80
C. A. Childs, shovel, broom, lanterns, oil,
etc., 13.97
Chas. A. Jenkins, polish, 3.00
Water Department, water, 35.25
Amount carried forward, $4,705.13
151
Amount brought forward,
L. H. Brockway, bay horse,
(( '' C{
C. A. Butters & Co., grain,
H. A. Perham, horse medicine,
Lyman Lawrence & Son, hardware,
Roberts Iron Works Co., oil fender,
L. G. Babcock, horse medicine,
Lexington Lumber Co., lumber,
G. W. Spaulding, oil, rakes, liniment, etc.,
CONTINGENT.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1897,
Rent of Town Hall,
" Village Hall,
" Masonic Hall,
" Stone Building,
Balance of corporation tax,
Court fees,
Income from town scales,
J. F. Hutchinson, auctioneer's license,
A. S. Mitchell,
Jona. Bigelow,
L. H. Bigelow,
State of Massachusetts, burial of Albert Shipley,
"
CC
CC
"
$4,705.13
115.00
151.00
55.76
1.00
16.36
12.50
4.30
1.49
31.00
Tax titles redeemed,
Town histories sold,
Amount expended,
Balance unexpended,
" " Amos Robinson,
$5,093.54
$2,000.00
153.00
42.00
50.00
23.00
120.25
243.38
67.84
2.00
2.00
2.00
2.00
35.00
15.00
65.03
36.00
$2,858.50
$2,431.72
426.78
$2,858.50
155
EXPENDITURES.
Coburn Stationery Co., stationery,
F. W. Barry Beale & Co., "
" and ear fares,
Geo. D. Harrington,
Thomas Groom & Co.,
Aaron R. Gay & Co.,
W. A. Carrie & Co.,
H. A. Perham,
A. E. Martell & Co.,
C. S. Parker & Son,
Fred. C. Jones,
L. A. Saville, stationery and books
office use,
L. G. Babcock, stamped envelopes,
C. A. Childs, envelopes and postage
stamps,
Max Galanty, feather duster,
F. L. Cobb & Son, pails, broom, matches,
candles, etc.,
G. W. Spaulding, grass seed, cuspidors,
material for repairs on
town scales,
R. W. Holbrook, pump, tubing, oil,
hoes, etc.,
Lexington Lumber Co.,
Lyman Lawrence & Son,
Mrs. Reynolds, pens,
J. W. Cook, tree protectors,
Water Department, water,
C. H. Rankin, matting,
Webster, Cook & Co., desks,
Lexington Flag Pole Co., pole and
for town hall,
M. D. Jones & Co., "S. A. R." markers,
cc
GG
CC
G(
for
flag
*12.80
5.40
20.75
2.15
3.90
20.00
1.88
27.50 •
19.00
2.70
61.05
13.50
32.30
3.00
3.77
2.86
9.52
11.37
18.53
10.64
.36
82.90
78.25
26.48
30.00
50.00
5.00
Amount carried forward, $555.61
t
156
Amount brought forward, $555.61
W. A. Haskell, electric lights, Village
Hall and Cary Library, 20.68
W. L. Burrill, shade and roller, 1.25
C. F. Willey, meals for election officers, 17.50
C. 1I. Franks, " « « 10.00
Dr. J. 0. Tilton, professional services, 5.00
Dr. H. C. Valentine, town physician, 75 00
returning 38 births, 9.50
Dr. J. 0. Tilton, c' 40 << 10.00
Chas. T. West, " 40 deaths, 10.00
L. A. Saville, returns births, marriages
and deaths, 54.85
G. W. Sampson, collector, tax titles, 387.06
Middlesex Registry of Deeds, recording
deeds, 88.14
C. H. Franks, collecting dog licenses, 11.80
Barbara McKinnon, substitute librarian, 6.00
Florence H. Kauffmann, " « 6.75
A. L. Conn, stenographer and copying, 13.50
E. J. Brandon, copying, .50
Ethel M. Cox, 10.00
Chas. T. West, burial expense, Wm.
Plumer, 35.00
City of Waltham, police services, 7.50
Chas. M. Parker, cattle inspector, 100.00
Geo. H. Thurston, sundries, 7.65
Wm. B. Foster, distributing town reports
and warrants, 22.00
Wm. B. Foster, court expenses, 6.84
Thos. G. Whiting, distributing town
reports, 6.00
C. A. Childs, ringing bell at East Lex-
ington, 35.00
Amount carried forward, $1,513.13
157
Amount brought forward, $1,513.13
R. K. Carpenter, lettering historical
stones, 12.25
Peter T. Gillooly, painting street signs, 32.25
R. H. Burke, materials and plumbing at
town hall, 58.15
E. S. Locke, nozzle and cock for drinking
fountain, 2.75
D. A. Tuttle, carpenter work town farm,
etc., 27.43
A. C. Washburn, carpenter work Cary
Library, etc., 59.87
DeVeau Bros., carpenter work, 40.74
James H. Phillips, glazing, screen for
library, etc., 11.51
C. M. Tupper, mason work, 5.00
P. F. Dacey, (( (( 2.62
Bailey Bros., painting, 11.92
J. W. Shattuck, " 1.82
C. H. Harrington, glazing, .55
New England Telegraph and Telephone
Co., telephone, 114.48
J. H. Frizelle, sharpening lawn mower, 1.20
Timothy Shea, mowing lawn, 6.00
Benj. Gleason, trimming trees, 21.75
D. F. Tripp, concreting, 25.18
R. E. Cosgrove, removing ashes, 3.50
C. S. Parker & Son, printing, 131.47
P. B. Murphy, printing, 2.00
A. W. Brownell, " and ledger, 10.25
John D. Bacon, weighing coal, 3.00
Dennis Mador, teaming, 1.00
M. E. Williams, repairing roof of town
hall, 29.88
Amount carried forward, $2,129.70
158
Amount brought forward,
DeVeau Bros., shingling Franklin school
house,
Bowker Torrey & Co., cleaning statuary,
A. B. Black, shoeing sled and plow,
Boston Spar Co., repairing flagstaff,
R. M. Yale, mending flag,
C. E. Pierce, (( ((
Geo. D. Estabrook, express and cleaning
at Stone building,
Lexington Construction Co., electric
work,
Willard Walcott, horse hire,
American Express Co., express,
Nourse & Co., express,
W. A. Haskell, extra labor on street lights,
Frank HarloW, ((
Manuel Alfred, labor,
Pay roll of election officers,
(( (( {( ((
$2,129.70
STATE HIGHWAY.
RECEIPTS.
State of Massachusetts,
Excess of expenditures over receipts,
EXPENDITURES.
Michael Powers, stone to crusher,
J. M. Smith, (( (( ((
Amount carried forward,
107.78
17.76
8.75
36.58
3.75
1.00
10.95
1.25
21.50
7.75
8.20
3.00
3.00
1.75
69.00
$46.20
153.40
$199.60
$2,431.72
$4,908.50
268.09
$5,176.59
159
Amount brought forward,
W. H. Davis, stone to crusher,
Wm. Sandison,
Thos. G. Whiting, "
John D. Gaffney,
Wm. J. Kelly,
D. W. Richards,
James Dalrymple,
W. H. Whitaker,
E. W. Glass,
A. J. Bevington,
L. C. Sturtevant,
Joseph Evans,
Lexington Lumber Co., lumber,
W. A. Morrison, oil and belting,
R. P. Hoagland, " paint,
A. W. Chesterton & Co., packing,
Osgood & Co., weigh books,
Geo. H. Sampson, explosives,
Austin Ford & Son, flag stones,
Good Roads Machinery Co., jaw plates
and repairs to crusher,
S. C. Nightingale & Childs, jaw plates
and steel bearings,
Geo. W. Barr, pipe and fittings,
Francis Locke, pipe, valve and labor,
C. A. Butters, oil, pails, etc.,
Lyman Lawrence & Son, hardware,
Roberts Iron Works Co., safety plugs,
E. S. Locke, materials and labor,
Water Department, water,
F. B. Fletcher, watering,
Daniel Gorman, man and team,
John McKay, carpenter work,
John McKinnon, " LL
LL
LL
LL
LL
LL
LL
LL
LL
LL
LL
LL
LL
LL
LL
L(
LL
LL
LL
LL
LL
LL
4.1
LL
LL
LL
Amount carried forward,
*199.60
18:53
28.20
11:36
22.40
2.00
88.16
27.30
21.40
9.40
74.50
73.60
27.28
73.59
147.15
5.92
20.40
2.50
31.29
7.25
95.50
40.60
24.35
12.16
4.25
3.25
1.75
5.92
42.52
5.00
3.50
18.75
10.32
$1,159.70
160
Amount brought forward,
C. M. Tupper, stone work,
B. J. Harrington & Co., stone work,
Peirce & Winn Co., coal,
John H. Brown, engineer at crusher,
E. B. Worthen, weigher at crusher,
M. Logan, labor,
N. McAulay, LL
Hugh McGillivary,
T. Yeo,
James Condon,
Dennis Reardon,
P. J. Corbett,
Frank A. Fogg,
M. Devany,
C. S. McEnroe,
James H. Phillips,
Pay roll,
LL
$1,159.70
134.47
378.43
81.75
188.08
2.34
1.75
6.00
30.00
24.50
14.00
28.00
28.00
28.00
28.00
6.50
4.75
3,032.32
BOARD OF HEALTH.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1897, for
services,
Appropriated and assessed for 1897, for
expen ses,
Amount expended,
Balance unexpended,
*228.40
71.60
*5,176.59
$150.00
150.00
$300.00
$300.00
A. B. Smith, services,
H. C. Valentine, «
Chas. M. Parker, «
A. E. Bragdon, clerical
G. W. Sampson, «
C. H. Franks, services as constable,
A. B. Smith, horse hire,
American Express Co., express,
H. C. Valentine, disinfectant and horse
hire,
Eli Lilly & Co., formaldehyde generators,
Odorless Excavating Co., 4 barrels,
R. H. Burke, repairing pump,
161
EXPENDITURES.
work,
850.00
50.00
50.00
2.50
25.00
10.75
.50
.65
8.50
8.00
20.00
2.50
CARE OF HASTINGS PARK.
RECEIPTS.
Transferred from heating town hall grant
by vote of town,
Excess of expenditures over receipts,
EXPENDITURES.
James S. Munroe, labor of rnen and
teams, grading, seeding, etc.,
Belmont Hill Nurseries, trees,
AUDITORS.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1897,
8138.61
65.33
8228.40
8150.00
53.94
8203.94
8203.94
Geo. D. Harrington,
Hilman B. Sampson,
162
EXPENDITURES.
SIDEWALKS.
RECEIPTS.
Balance unexpended,
Appropriated and assessed for 1897,
Geo. B. Dennett,
J. P. Prince,
C. A. Currier,
E. C. P. Milne,
Geo. B. Grant,
Hammon Reed,
A. E. Locke,
Excess of expenditures over receipts,
Geo. H. Lowe,
D. F. Tripp,
W. H. Whitaker,
EXPENDITURES.
850.00
• 50.00
811.55
1,079.39
8.70
COLLECTOR OF TAXES.
RECEIPTS.
8100.00
86.63
500.00
18.66
43.54
15 23
27.65
20.83
15.23
36.96
414.91
81,099.64
81,099.64
Appropriated and assessed for 1897, 8700.00
Amount expended, 8680.00
8100.00 Balance unexpended,
8700.00
20.00
163
SEWERAGE COMMITTEE.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1896,
Amount expended,
Balance unexpended,
EXPENDITURES.
Geo. H. Cutter, services,
C. G. Kauffmann, services,
Susie W. Mnzzey, envelopes, stamps and
mailing reports,
A. F. West, typewriting,
Geo. H. Walker & Co., plans,
J. W. Pitman & Son, printing reports,
McClintock & Woodfall, civil engineering,
*483.56
16.44
*6.75
3.00
16.75
4.71
52.00
50.35
350.00
PRESERVING TOWN RECORDS.
RECEIPTS.
Balance unexpended 1896 appropriated,
Appropriated and assessed for 1897,
Amount expended,
Balance unexpended,
EXPENDITURES.
*72.97
427.03
*500.00
8500.00
*483.56
*90.00
410.00
*500.00
*500.00
N. A. Sparhawk, stationery, fares and
copying, *72.97
164
ENFORCEMENT OF LIQUOR LAW.
RECEIPTS.
Balance unexpended,
Amount expended,
Balance unexpended,
EXPENDITURES.
Chester Hutchinson,
TEMPORARY LOAN.
Balance outstanding,
Borrowed April 15, 1897,
April 28, 1897,
May 22, 1897,
June 23, 1897,
Oct. 21, 1897,
Oct. 28, 1897,
G(
LL
Amount paid,
Balance outstanding,
Paid March 15, 1897,
<< April 15, 1897,
<< July 18, 1897,
<< Oct. 21, 1897,
Oct. 28, 1897,
RECEIPTS.
EXPENDITURES.
*2.00
176.51
*178.51
*178.51
82.00
*30,000.000
20,000.00
5,000.00
5,000.00
10,000.00
10,000.00
10,000.00
890,000.00
*55,000.00
35,000.00
*90,000.00
85,000.00
15,000.00
20,000.00
10,000.00
5,000.00
*55,000.00
165
GAMMELL LEGACY.
ILECEIPTS.
Interest for 1897,
Amount expended,
Balance unexpended,
EXPENDITURES.
L. G. Babcock,
Geo. W. Spaulding,
CARY LIBRARY.
RECEIPTS.
Received of county treasurer, dog tax,
EXPENDITURES.
Paid to treasurer Cary Library,
PRINTING.
RECEIPTS.
Unexpended balance 1896 appropriated,
Appropriated and assessed for 1897,
Amount expended,
Balance unexpended,
EXPENDITURES.
166
TRAMPS.
RECEIPTS.
*35.00 Unexpended balance 1896,
*26.05 Excess of expenditures over receipts,
8.95
*8.75
17.30
*353.60
146.40
Coburn Stationery Co., *308.50
C. S. Parker & Son, 45.10
*35.00
*26.05
*521.55
*521.55
*219.19
280.81
*500.00
*500.00
*353.60
EXPENDITURES.
Transferred to Cemetery grant by vote
of town,
C. H. Franks, meals,
Geo. H. Thurston, care,
TOWN DEBT.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1897,
(G GL GL
to pay water
bond,
Estabrook & Co., *10,000 Town of Lex-
ington 4 per cent. water bonds,
EXPENDITURES.
Note, State of Massachusetts, Hancock
School,
Paid *11,000 Town of Lexington 4 per
cent. water bonds,
*125.72
104.10
103.00
*6,000.00
11,000.00
*312.26
20.56
*332.82
*332.82
*6,000.00
1,000.00
10,000.00
*17,000.00
*17,000.00
167
BANK AND CORPORATION TAX.
RECEIPTS.
State of Masachusetts, corporation tax,
CC CC CC bank tax,
Amount expended,
Balance unexpended,
EXPENDITURE.
*7,071.26
907.25
*7,978.51
*6,712.66
1,265.85
*7,978.51
Deducted by assessors an amount equal to
State and county tax 1897, *6,712.66
TREASURER CARY LIBRARY.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1897, *50.00
EXPENDITURE.
Edwin A. Bayley, treasurer, *50.00
HYDRANTS.
RECEIPTS.
Balance unexpended 1896 appropriated, *188.75
Appropriated and assessed for 1897, 2,826.25
*3,015.00
Amount expended, *2,283.75
Balance unexpended, 731.25
--- *3,015.00
EXPENDITURE.
Water Department, *2,283.75
168
TOWN TREASURER
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1897, *550.00
Amount expended, *412.50
Balance unexpended, 137.50
*550.00
EXPENDITURE.
Geo. D. Harrington, *412.50
TOWN CLERK.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1897, *300.00
EXPENDITURE.
Leonard A. Saville, *300.00
STATE TAX.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1897, *2,852,50
EXPENDITURE.
Paid State treasurer, *2,852.50
COUNTY TAX.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1897, *3,860.16
EXPENDITURE.
Paid county treasurer, *3,860.16
169
CONSTABLES AND POLICE.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1897,
Excess of expenditures over receipts,
EXPENDITURES.
Wm. B. Foster, services,
Chas. II. Franks, services,
John McInerney, special services,
Geo. L. Pierce, " "
C. II. Wilbur,
James H. McKenna, "
Chas. II. Franks, extra
City of Waltham, " police services,
Pay roll, April 19th,
" July 4th,
C. S. Parker & Son, printing,
Willard Walcott, carriage hire,
C. H. Franks, "
New England Telephone and Telegraph
Co.,
John P. Lovell Arms Co., badges,
Samuel O. Aborn, helmets,
Oak Hall Clothing Co., helmets and
S. M. Spencer & Son, badges,
F. L. Cobb & Son, broom,
R. W. Ilolbrook, water pails,
E. S. Locke, dust pan,
C. H. Franks, meals for prisoners,
Wm. B. Foster, " " "
LL
LL
LL
$912.50
908.50
40.50
61.25
'2.00
2.57
2.00
11.52
26.25
57.50
2.25
1.50
9.50
125.15
1.50
10.50
belt, 5.25
9.00
.50
.48
.20
19.25
9.51
$2,000.00
219.18
*2,219.18
*2,219.18
170
JANITORS.
RECEIPTS.
Unexpended balance 1896 appropriated,
Appropriated and assessed for 1897,
Geo. H. Thurston,
Geo. D. Estabrook,
Geo. L. Pierce,
EXPENDITURES.
HIGIIWAYS.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1897,
Alice B. Cary, crushed stone,
N. IE Merriam,
Est. of Lewis Hunt,
A. E. Scott,
F. C. Childs,
B. A. Putney,
J. O. Tilton,
Geo. O. Whiting,
B. H. Heald,
Lyman Lawrence, loam,
E. M. Milliken,
H. A. C. Woodward,
LL
LL
LL
"
LL
LL
LL
LL
LL
LL
LL
LL
Joseph Spaulding, stone bounds,
Walworth Mfg. Co., amount refunded,
Lexington Lumber Co., "
Amount carried forward,
*271.45
528.55
$800.00
$600.00
125.00
75.00
--- $800.00
$10,000.00
1,039.21
25.00
25.25
18.40
21.38
7.48
18.80
9.93
1.09
5.00
28.00
2.00
1.20
.41
3.28
$11,206.43
171
Amount brought forward,
Geo. S. Jackson, concreting gutter,
Emily C. P. Milne, use of steam drill,
Alice B. Cary, use of steam roller,
Excess of expenditures over receipts,
EXPENDITURES.
B. C. Whitcher, grain, $369.82
Peirce & Winn Co., wood and coal, 333.84
Frank P. Reynolds, " " posts, 25.87
Mark W. Cross & Co., harness, 2.50
John Chisholm, harness, 118.35
Welch & Hall, horse, 130.00
0. A. Kelly & Co., horse, 133.50
Est. Geo. E. Muzzey, lumber, lime and
cement, 19.01
Lexington Lumber Co., lumber, 82.51
F. E. Ham, drag plank, 6.12
N. Chisholm, ladder, 1.50
Lyman Lawrence & Son, hardware, 38.30
Ames Plow Co., tools, 22.36
Braman Dow & Co., valves, asbestos, etc., 15.22
W. H. Gallison & Co., pipe, etc., 8.56
Geo. H. Sampson, explosives, 2.15
Water Department, explosives, 13.70
« water, 10.50
Davis & Farnum, Mfg. Co., grates, 34.56
Ingersoll -Sergeant Drill Co., saner pump, 1.00
W. A. Morrison, oil, belt, clamps,
screens, etc., 105.24
Henry C. Hunt, belt, 3.36
Bay State Belting Co., belt lacings, 1.20
Amount carriedforward, $1,479.17
$11,206.43
6.00
73.00
144.00
1,201.14
$12,630.57
172
Amount brought forward,
A. W. Chesterton & Co., packing,
Dennis McNamara, hammer handles,
J. H. Houghton, bolts and driving pins,
Union Snow Plow & Wagon Co., snow
plow,
H. A. Perham, medicine,
F. L. Cobb & Son, oil, broom, etc.,
G. W. Spaulding, oil, nails, etc.,
C. A. Butters & Co., oil and grain,
C. A. Childs, oil,
Osgood & Co., weigh books,
Walworth Mfg. Co., valves,
R. W. Holbrook, shovels, picks, etc.,
Overseers of the Poor, board of horses,
Wm. Sandison, stone to crusher,
J. Crowley, «
E. W. Glass,
W. H. Whitaker, "
L. C. Sturtevant, "
Wm. H. Davis, 'C «
J. M. Smith,
Thos. G. Whiting, " {L
John D. Gaffney, " cc
F. P. Kendall, (C
M. Carroll, cc
D. W. Richards, « «
Abram B. Smith, "
D. A. Gorman, '4
G. F. Tewksbury, "
Michael Powers, "
Alice B. Cary, "
C. O'Leary, gravel,
Robert Gaffney, ca
Timothy Kinneen, "
Amount carried forward,
$1,479.17
1.20
1.50
10.65
40.00
11.35
5.67
15.32
28.02
.10
2.50
.99
31.38
350 00
27.80
2.60
41.25
34.60
27.62
16.40
109.28
23.86
29.72
163.52
16.99
54.80
29.30
20.36
111.45
5.10
434.68
5.40
3.60
185.20
$3,321.38
173
Amount brought forward,
Wm. Dacey, gravel,
R. H. White, superintendent,
John H. Brown, engineer,
W. H. Tibbetts, " steam roller,
F. G. Brown, engineer,
Edwin B. Worthen, weigher at crusher,
John O'Neil, labor,
Edward O'Connor,
Thomas Burke,
N. Shea,
Geo. Davis,
H. McGillivary,
J. Moriarty,
T. Farrington,
Geo. A. Simonds,
Wm. F. IIam,
Joseph Seaver,
M. Cody,
John Barrett,
John B. McManus,
James Montague,
Albert F. Farmer,
G. Huot,
Moses E. Colby,
P. Hayes,
D. Archibald,
A. L. Gray,
James Dalrymple,
Pay rolls,
W. H. Whitaker, labor of men and teams,
E. W. Glass, " « " «
Dennis Mador, teaming,
W. C. Brown, "
James S. Munroe, cleaning gutters,
CC
CC
CC
CC
CC
lG
CC
CC
CG
CC
CC
CG
CC
CC
CC
CC
*3,321.38
9.30
75.00
154.20
27.00
42.00
81.00
1.50
8.75
7.00
21.62
27.00
42 00
5.25
13.12
31.94
14.88
14.00
35.00
24.50
42.00
31.50
2.00
25.75
23.63
5.25
25.00
9.00
8.75
7,244.48
359.52
10.92
9.50
3.75
12.32
Amount carried forward, *11,769.81
174
Amount brought forward, *11,769.81
Dennis Hinchey, cleaning culvert, 1.00
Geo. W. Jones, walks, 5.00
Dennis Dinah, removing trees, 2.67
Chas. M. Glass, lighting lanterns, 1.00
Cornelius Ryan, teaming, 3.75
Wm. E. Denham, smithing, 273.61
H. P. Griffin, CC 13.25
M. A. Pero, 29.15
E. B. McLalan, 81.89
John A. Russell, 32.60
S. H. Broughall, 9.80
J. W. Milbury, 38.25
Tupper, Leary & Co., stone work, 81.00
C. M. Tupper, CC CC 28.00
B. J. Harrington, stone work and explosives, 20.00
P. F. Dacey, mason work, .70
DeVeau Bros., carpenter work, 6.00
John McKay, " CC 7.25
James H. Phillips, building fence, 14.55
John McKinnon, CC " 19.95
E. S. Locke, repairing pump, trough, etc., 12.64
Chas. A. Claflin, repairing crusher
engine, etc., 72.43
Roberts Iron Works Co., repairing steam roller, 47.10
Thomas W. Morey, repairing water cart, 5.50
H. L. Alderman, veterinary services, 28.00
F. P. Kendall, rent of land for crusher, 25.00
Boston & Maine R. R. Co., freight, .67
SUPPORT OF TIIE POOR.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1897,
Produce, town farm,
*12,630.57
*1,200.00
471.03
Amount cal ried forward, *1,671.03
175
Amount brought foiwara,
Sale of cow,
J. F. Turner, hay,
Recd. from City of Boston,
Board of highway horses,
Excess of expenditures over receipts,
EXPENDITURES.
Wm. W. Ferguson, crackers and cheese,
Peirce & Winn Co., coal and lime,
B. C. Whitcher, grain,
F. L. Cobb & Son, groceries,
R. W. Holbrook,
C. A. Butters & Co.,
C. A. Childs,
Geo. W. Spaulding,
Geo. H. Jackson, provisions,
C(
(C
C. H. Lowe & Co.,
Wm. F. Glenn,
Glenn & Howard,
Hilton & Nimmo, butter,
Lexington Ice Co., ice,
Water Department, water,
11. A. Perham, medicine,
L. G. Babcock,
H. C. Valentine,
W. J. Neville, wood,
Frank P. Reynolds, wood,
Lexington Lumber Co., lumber,
Robert H. White, fish, pig, manure,
scraps, etc.,
P. F. Litchfield, cow,
(G
LL
Amount carried forward,
$14.97
98.47
196.68
126.02
92.89
61.75
48.33
38.63
87.33
78.05
22.48
24.79
6.60
14.17
38.00
29.85
15.95
11.00
41.25
5.00
2.25
143.00
45.50
$1,242.96
$1,671.03
42.50
18.73
41.00
350.00
347.53
$2,470,79
176
Amount brought forward,
E. Ham & Co., black horse,
F. C. Jones, periodicals, papers, shoes,
etc.,
A. M. Tucker, dry goods,
A. McArthur & Co., mattresses,
Lyman Lawrence & Son, hardware,
E. S. Locke, tinware and plumbing,
Robert II. White, services,
Jeremiah Donovan, labor,
Chas. Watt, labor,
Pay roll,
Chas. Rooke, upholstering sofa,
Mrs. J. Mercer, nursing,
J. W. Milbury, wheelwrighting,
S. H. Broughall, smithing,
M. A. Pero, 44
H. P. Griffin,
Bailey Bros , painting,
W. L. Burrill, seating chairs,
P. F. Dacey, mason work,
John McKinnon, carpenter work,
DeVeau Bros.,
John Chisholm, repairing harness,
Fiske Bros., shoes,
H. L. Alderman, veterinary services,
New England Telephone & Telegraph Co.,
Massachusetts Ploughman, subscription,
OUTSIDE AID.
RECEIPZS.
Balance unexpended 1896 appropriated,
Appropriated and assessed for 1897,
*1,242.96
162.00
39.15
12.02
10.25
9.02
43.05
550.10
14.25
11.25
242.69
10.00
10.00
9.25
1.55
1.50
15.02
10.20
.70
22.94
17.49
6.00
12.40
.90
12.00
.10
4.00
$2,470.79
$747.11
2,000.00
Amount carried forward, $2,747.11
177
Amount brought forward,
Refunded by East Bridgewater,
Excess of expenditures over receipts,
EXPENDITURES.
Aid furnished John McAvin,
John Gately,
Richard Streeter,
James King,
Samuel K. Head,
James Emery,
Ernest Kidston and Thomas
J. Hurley,
Eugene F. McDonald,
Geo. B. Haggett,
David Ray, Jr.,
Quincy Dean,
Daniel O'Leary,
Timothy Shea,
Elijah Holdway,
Michael 11. Barry,
John P. Dinah,
Danl. Donovan,
John P. Reimer,
Patrick J. Kelleher,
L. N. McMann,
Thomas Leahy,
Dustan Martin,
John Wilson,
Hammond children,
Children of E. McDonald,
''
6(
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(L
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"
LG
LG
''
"
(L
L(
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"
''
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44
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GG
CC
$209.03
117.20
69.18
169.88
52.75
120.00
•
40.00
70.40
146.00
169.46
176.00
169.43
74.29
52.00
84.50
16.29
2.02
14.00
40.66
37.00
123.96
60.00
80.88
183.25
90.00
Amount carried forward, $2,368.18
$2,747.11
245.91
417.96
$3,410.98
178
Amount brought forward, $2,368.18
Aid furnished Katherine and Annie Har-
grove,
Mrs. Gilman,
CC
Ct
''
it
''
LG
"
CC
GG
(G
'' (G
[L
GL
CC
GG
Estabrook,
" Fitzpatrick,
Shea,
Tatra,
Blake,
LG
Annie A. Brown,
Margaret Crowley,
Mary A. Donovan,
Martha M. Leighton,
Lucy M. Johnson,
Agnes B. O'Connell,
Ellen King,
[( Sundry parties,
W. D. Brown, burial expenses, Ephraim
McDonald, 20.00
City of Boston, burial expenses, Thomas
O'Brien, 10.00
City of Boston, burial expenses, Nellie
Estabrook, 30.00
Taking tramp to State Farm, 3.58
H. C. Valentine, medical services, 10.00
112.31
15.75
50.44
96.00
6.17
31.30
90.00
14.00
407.00
61.50
16.00
6.86
33.43
20.00
8.46
NEW SHED AT ALMSHOUSE.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated from treasury,
Amount expended,
Balance unexpended,
$600.00
$519.88
80.12
$3,410.98
$600.00
179
EXPENDITURES.
John McKinnon, carpenter work as per
contract, $495.00
C. M. Tupper, stone work, 13.50
C. Watt, labor, • 3.50
G. Huot, " 5.25
C. S. McEnroe, labor, 2.63
LIBRARIANS.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1897,
Excess of expenditures over receipts,
EXPENDITURES.
Florence E. Whitcher,
Marian P. Kirkland,
Nellie P. Ilolbrook,
Helen E. Muzzey,
Barbara McKinnon,
STREET LIGHTS.
RECEIPTS.
Unexpended balance 1896 appropriated,
Appropriated and assessed for 1897,
W. W. Rowse, 2 street lamps,
Amount expended,
Balance unexpended,
$519.88
$1,200.00
14.82
$1,214.82
$412.50
311.66
300.00
170.66
20.00 '
$1,214.82
$188.87
4,250.00
16.00
$4,454.87
$4,411.15
43.72
$4,454.87
180
E XPENDITURE.
Lexington Gas Light Co., $4,411.15
WATERING STREETS.
RECEIPTS.
Unexpended balance 1896 appropriated,
Appropriated and assessed for 1897,
G. W. Sampson, tax collected,
Amount expended,
Balance unexpended,
Water Department,
E. W. Glass,
F. B. Fletcher,
EXPENDITURES.
STATE AID.
RECEIPTS.
Balance unexpended,
State of Massachusetts,
Excess of expenditure over receipts,
Michuel Cavanaugh,
Thomas Cosgrove,
Thomas Burke,
Hannibal C. Kilgour,
Louisa Edwards,
Abigail T. Richardson,
Alonzo Leavitt,
Margaret Crowley,
EXPENDITURES.
$440.47
1,000.00
420.95
$1,861.42
$1,687.57
173.85
$1,861.42
$782.07
507.00
398,50
$1,637.57
$72.00
72.00
48.00
48.03
48.00
48.00
18.00
12.00
$2.00
359.00
5.00
$366.00
$366.00
181
NINETEENTH OF APRIL.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1897,
Amount expended,
Balance unexpended,
EXPENDITURES.
DeVeau Bros., putting up and removing
band stand,
J. A. Cummings Printing Co., printing,
Lexington Drum Corps,
Salem Cadet Band,
C. F. Carter, music,
C. F. Willey, meals for band,
182
CEMETERY TRUST FUNDS.
RECEIPTS.
$200.00 Mrs. Lydia M. Russell, $200.00
$180.45 Estate of Hiram Pierce, 100.00
19.55
$8.00
11.00
25.00
110.25
9.70
16.50
REGISTRARS OF VOTERS.
RECEIPTS.
$200.00 $300.00
This amount is incorporated in a new note to treasurer of
Cemetery Trust Funds, amounting to $6,500.00.
$180.45
Appropriated and assessed for 1897, $100.00
EXPENDITURES.
L. A. Saville,,
Geo. H. Cutter,
W. F. Caldwell,
Quincy Bicknell, Jr.,
$25.00
25.00
25.00
25.00
$100.00
CARE OF COMMON.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1897,
Amount expended,
Balance unexpended,
EXPENDITURES.
James S. Munroe, labor of men and
material,
Geo. W. Spaulding, grass seed,
REMOVAL OF SNOW.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1897,
Amount expended,
Balance unexpended,
$145.92
54.08
$141.29
4.63
$326.61
173.39
$200.00
$200.00
$145.92
$500.00
$500.00
James Dalrymple,
Cornelius Ryan,
James Keefe,
M. Manley,
C. Watt,
C. S. McEuroe,
F. B. Fletcher,
Geo. W. Jameson,
11. J. McGuire,
Frank A. Whitman,
T. Kinneen,
Chas. M. Parker.
Pay rolls,
L. A. Saville, collector
G. W. Sampson,
(C
CC
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183
EXPENDITURES.
TAXES.
RECEIPTS.
taxes 1893-1894,
1895,
1896,
1897,
CC
"
G(
SELECTMEN.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1897,
EXPENDITURES.
John F. Hutchinson,
Edwin S. Spaulding,
W. H. Whitaker,
$2.70
18.60
6.40
5.60
8.00
6.00
19.93
2.40
4.40
2.00
20.80
10.00
219.78
184
FUEL AND LIGHTS FOR PUBLIC HALLS.
RECEIPTS.
Balance unexpended 1896 appropriated,
Appropriated and assessed for 1897,
Amount expended,
Balance unexpended,
EXPENDITURES.
Lexington Gas Light Co.,
Peirce & Winn Co., coal,
John Halloran, charcoal,
$326.61 W. 11. Whitaker, wood,
$154.44 _
2,062.12
17,308.02
44,435.46
$63,960.04
$1,000.00
$325.00
350.00
325.00
$1,000.00
WATERING TROUGH.
RECEIPTS.
EXPENDITURE.
CEMETERY.
RECEIPTS.
Balance unexpended,
Water Department,
Amount transferred from State Highway,
" " tramps account,
Mrs. Geo. J. McClure, lot 483,
Geo. W. Jameson, " 458,
F. W. Coburn, " 149,
Excess of expenditures over receipts,
$975.92
48.18
$681.51
270.66
19.25
4.50
$21.10
1,000.00
$1,024.10
$1,024.10
$975.92
$12.50
$12.50
$74.28
125.72
30.00
40.00
45.00
30.07
$345.07
185
EXPENDITURES.
Water Department,
E. A. Mulliken, labor,
Geo. H. Jackson, services,
Frank P. Cutter, surveying,
R. K. Carpenter, work on John Parker
monument,
INTEREST.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1897,
Fourth National Bank, Boston,
First National Bank, Arlington,
G. W. Sampson, collector, interest on
L. A. Saville, 44
Amount expended,
Balance unexpended,
taxes,
EXPENDITURES.
State of Massachusetts,
Estabrook & Co.,
Lexington Savings Bank,
Cary Libary,
Gilmor Fund,
Bridge Fund,
Beals Fund,
Gammell Legacy,
Cemetery Trust Funds,
$15.00
'238.37
5.75
82.20
3.75
*345.07
*2,500.00
181.53
11.08
577.57
31.73
*3,301.91
*3,253.95
47.96
*3,301.91
$802.50
884.37
262.50
660.00
50.00
120.00
120.00
35.00
319.58
$3,253.95
186
INSURANCE.
RECEIPTS.
Balance unexpended 1896 appropriated,
Appropriated and assessed for 1897,
Excess of expenditures over appropriation,
EXPENDITURES.
J. F. Hutchinson, town hall, library and
school furniture,
L. A. Saville, town hall,
Geo. W. Sampson, statuary and marble
tablets,
Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and
Insurance Co., steam roller,
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1897,
EXPENDITURES.
H. H. Hamilton,
Alfred Pierce,
Edwin A. Bayley,
ASSESSORS.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1897,
*665.00
120.00
150.00
50.00
*100.00
100.00
100.00
$31.89
950.00
3.11
$985.00
*985.00
*300.00
*300.00
*600.00
187
EXPENDITURES.
Joseph F. Simonds,
Walter Wellington,
(eo. W. Sampson,
8175.00
175.00
250.00
8600.00
MEMORIAL DAY.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1897, 8175.00
EXPENDITURE.
J. N. Morse, Quartermaster, Post 119,
G. A. R., 8175.00
GRADING SHERMAN STREET.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1897, 8200.00
NO EXPENDITURES.
DEFICIENCIES 1896.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed to cover de-
ficiency in town assets shown in
treasurers' report for 1896,
81,286.79
RINGING BELLS.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1897, 835.00
EXPENDITURE.
Wm. F. Ham, 835.00
188
RECAPITULATION.
CASH RECEIPTS.
Cash on hand January 1, 1897, 811,805.27
Schools, 4.80
Water Department, 13,603.89
Fire Department, 54.00
Contingent, 858.50
State Highway, 4,908.50
Sidewalks, 178.10
Temporary Loans, 60,000.00
Gammell Legacy, 35.00
Cary Library, 521.55
Town debt, 10,000.00
Bank and Corporation Tax, 7,978.51
Highways, 1,429.43
Support of the Poor, 923.26
Outside Aid, 245.91
Street Light, 16.00
Watering streets, 420.95
State Aid, 359.00
Taxes, 63,960.04
Cemetery, 115.00
Interest, 801.91
Cemetery Trust Funds, 300.00
8178,519.62
CASH EXPENDITURES.
Insurance, *985.00
School Committee, 300.00
Assessors, 600.00
Memorial Day, 175.00
Ringing bells, 35.00
Amount carried forward, 82,095.00
189
Amount brought forward,
Registrars of voters,
Care of Common,
Schools,
Water Department,
Fire
Contingent,
State Highway,
Board of Health,
Care of Hastings Park,
Auditors,
Sidewalks,
Collector of taxes,
Sewerage Committee,
Preserving Town Records,
Enforcement of Liquor Law,
Temporary Loans,
Gamrnell Legacy,
Cary Library,
Printing,
Tramps,
Town debt,
County tax,
Treasurer Cary Library,
Ilydrants,
Town Treasurer,
Town Clerk,
State Tax,
Constables and Police,
Janitors,
Highways,
Support of the Poor,
Outside Aid,
New Shed at Almshouse,
Librarians,
Amount carried forward,
$2,095.00
100.00
145.92
18,266.66
20,008.62
5,093.54
2,431.72
5,176.59
228.40
203.94
100.00
1,099.64
680.00
483.56
72.97
2.00
55,000.00
26.05
521.55
353.60
207.10
17,000.00
3,860.16
50.00
2,283.75
412.50
300.00
2,852.50
2,219.18
800.00
12,630.57
2,470.79
3,410.98
519.88
1,214.82
$162,321.99
190
Amount brought forward,
Street lights,
Watering streets,
State Aid,
Nineteenth of April,
Removal of snow,
Selectmen,
Fuel and lights for public halls,
Watering trough,
Cemetery,
Interest,
Cash on hand January 1, 1898,
$162,321.99
4,411.15
1,687.57
366.00
180.45
326.61.
1,000.00
975.92
12.50
345.07
3,253.95
3,638.41
8178,519.62
HILMAN B. SAMPSON,
JAMES E. CRONE,
Auditors.
REPORTS
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
AND
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
OF THE
TOWN OF LEXINGTON
FOR THE YEAR 1897.
BOSTON:
COBURN STATIONERY COMPANY, PRINTERS, 15 SCHOOL STREET.
1898.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE -1897.
ALFRED PIERCE, Chairman, - - Term expires March, 1898.
EDWIN A. BAYLEY, Secretary, - " r 1899.
HENRY H. HAMILTON, - - - - « l{ " 1900.
J. I. Bucx, Superintendent of Schools and Principal of High
School. Residence, Forest Street, Lexington.
Regular meetings of the Committee are held on the First and
Third Tuesday evenings of each month, at Cary Hall. All bills
should be sent to the Committee before the first Tuesday of each
month.
TRUANT OFFICERS.
CHARLES H. FRANKS.
WILLIAM B. FOSTER.
SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR 1898.
Washington's Birthday, Holiday.
Winter Term closes Friday, April 15th.
Spring Term opens Tuesday, April 26th.
June 17th, Holiday.
Spring Term (High School), closes Wednesday, June 22d.
Public Graduating Exercises of the High School in the Town
Hall, Wednesday evening, June 22d, at 7.45 o'clock.
Spring Term (other schools), closes Thursday, June 23d.
Public Graduating Exercises of Grammar Schools, in Hancock
Hall, Thursday afternoon, June 23d, at 2.45 o'clock.
Fall Term opens Tuesday, September 6th.
Thanksgiving Recess, from Wednesday noon, November 23d,
until Tuesday, November 29th.
Fall Term closes Friday, December 23d.
Winter Term opens Tuesday, January 3d, 1899.
197
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
January 1st, 1898.
7o the Citizens of Lexington:
How many of our citizens read the Annual School Re-
ports? We hope that the number includes at least every
parent who has a child in our public schools.
We submit our report for the past year with some degree
of satisfaction,—not that everything is as we wish,—but be-
cause we know that the year has witnessed a transformation
for the better, in the spirit and methods of our whole school
system. The feeling of dissatisfaction, which had been in-
creasii�g for the past two years, and which culminated in the
vote of the town last March, has, we believe, given place to
one of confidence ; while the Committee early discovered some
of the causes from which this feeling arose, we thought it
wise to move slowly, and avoid, if possible, any open rup-
ture. The outcome we, feel has justified our course.
From the retirement of the former Superintendent, on
January 31st, 1897, until the election of Mr. Buck, in June,
the duties of the position were discharged by the Committee.
The teachers cooperated most heartily with us and we be-
lieve that the schools suffered in no respect during the in-
terim.
•Although the administration of Mr. Buck has been in op-
eration only four months, the effect is already felt in every
school -room in the town ; this is particularly noticeable in
the increased spirit of cooperation and helpfulness between
superintendent and teachers, without which no school system
can be truly successful.
198
The comparative enrollment of teachers and pupils at the
beginning of the school years 1896 and 1897, is as follows :
1896. 1896. 1897. 1897.
High School,
Hancock School,
Adams School,
Tidd School,
Teachers. Pupils.
3 54
9 355
4 94
1 24
Teachers. Pupils.
4 53
9 381
4 111
1 30
Totals 17 527 18 575
The percentage of increase of pupils for the various schools
is : Hancock School, 7 per cent., Adams School, 18 per cent.,
Tidd School, 25 per cent.
The increase of 26 pupils at the Hancock School aggra-
vated its already over -crowded condition still further, giving
five teachers more than 40 pupils each, and two more than 50.
To meet the emergency, the ' ' cooking room," so-called, on
the third floor, was fitted up for an overflow from grades III.
and IV., and Mrs. Grace A. Spaulding,—well known for
her previous excellent work in our schools,—was secured as
the teacher for the new room, thus making ten schools in
daily session, in this building, and every available school-
room occupied.
This condition of affairs naturally leads up to the question :
What shall be done to provide more room? Several answers
are suggested.
First. To re -open the Scotland school house for primary
grades, as was done in the case of the Tidd School in 1896.
Second. To build a new school building near the Hancock
School for primary grades ; or
Third. To build a new High School building sufficiently
large to accommodate, say, the four upper grades from the
Hancock School, besides the High School pupils.
Any one of these plans might furnish the desired relief,
199
but inasmuch as a new High School building is now needed,
and will be absolutely required within a few years, the last
plan would doubtless be the most satisfactory and economi-
cal for the town.
UNIFORM COURSES OF STUDY.
A town which supports its schools so willingly and gener-
ously as Lexington, has the right to expect and require that
its school system shall provide definite, thorough, and sys-
tematic courses of study, affording the pupils a broad and
sound foundation upon which each may build, as circumstan-
ces, or natural aptitude, may dictate. The best results can
be secured only through the adoption of uniform courses of
study in the various classes of the same grade, closely con-
necting with and preparatory for the work of the next higher
grade. Our teachers appreciate the advantages of such a
system, and would welcome its early adoption, for few of
them have the opportunity to know very definitely, what work
the pupils entering their grade have done, or in what they
,are expected to prepare them, for the next grade above. Such
indefiniteness of aim is a serious loss. Why it has continued
so long, is due to several causes, but we are glad to say that
Mr. Buck has the preparation of such a course in hand, which
will be adopted as soon as possible.
THE HIGH SCHOOL.
The Committee is pleased to report a most satisfactory
condition of affairs at the High School. If there is any cause
for complaint, as far as the teachers, methods and instruction
are concerned, the Committee has not heard of it. In our
report of last year we suggested a revision in the courses of
study, which has since been done with great benefit, we be -
200
lieve, to the work of the school, and with the corps of teach-
ers in charge, no citizen need hesitate to have his child co►n-
plete his High School course at home. We might praise the
careful and thorough work of each teacher separately, but we
deem it unnecessary, and experience in this line renders us
somewhat cautious. It is sufficient to say that we believe
each teacher has the confidence and respect of each of his or
her pupils. The courses of study and daily schedule of
classes will be found with the report of the Superintendent
and we desire to call particular attention to Mr. Buck's re-
port, not only because it is the first since he began his work
here, but also for his ideas upon the marking system and the
system of promotion there outlined.
We wish we could report that the condition of the building,
itself, is as satisfactory as the instruction, but we cannot ;
while paint, varnish and whitewash have added something to
its interior appearance, the heating and ventilation are very
unsatisfactory, and in the near future some radical improve-
ment must be voluntarily made, or the State inspectors will
demand it. They have already inspected the building and
suggested some immediate changes. The building is in no
respect in keeping with either the needs or pride of the town,
and the quicker it is replaced by a suitable one, the better it
will be for all school interests.
THE HANCOCK SCHOOL.
This building is in excellent condition. The concreting,
mentioned in our last report has been done, and adds greatly
to the appearance and convenience of the premises ; we re-
gret to say that there have been some acts of vandalism, such
as cutting and scratching the furniture, but as the parents
are required to make good any such damage, the building is
comparatively free from it.
201
THE ADAMS SCHOOL.
This building, while superior to the High School in most
respects, is much inferior in point of light and ventilation ;
the size and location of the windows are such that the effect
can be scarcely less than ruinous to the eyesight of some of
the pupils. The Committee thinks this fault can be remedied
by putting in large windows in the westerly walls of all of
the rooms, and we expect to make this change during the
coming summer vacation.
The lack of suitable ventilation for this building demands
immediate attention. It has been inspected by the state au-
thorities, and some adequate relief must he devised, as its
present condition is very unsatisfactory.
Inasmuch as the ventilation of both this and the High
School building would involve considerable expense, we shall
doubtless. ask the town for a special appropriation for this
purpose, and as all recognize the fact that suitable ventilation
is an absolute essential, we feel sure that the town will wil-
lingly appropriate the necessary amount. The Committee
finds that Mr. A. B. Smith, the janitor of this building, is
interested in all that advances the comfort and convenience
of the teachers and the pupils, and his cooperation in the
changes made and proposed has been of much assistance to the
Committee.
TIDD SCHOOL.
This school shows the largest percentage of increase in at-
tendance of any in town. The building is in fair condition,
although something is needed in the line of interior decora-
tion in order to make it as attractive as it should be. The
teacher is conducting her work earnestly and enthusiastically,
'202
and we have no doubt she will repeat in this school the suc-
cess she attained in the Warren School, where she taught
some time ago.
TEACHERS.
There has been more than the usualchanging of teachers dur-
ing the past year, and as there are many applicants for every
vacancy, the selection of teachers necessitates both time and
inquiry ; in this connection the town may be interested to
know that fully 50 applicants were considered for the position
of Principal and Superintendent, while the filling of the other
vacancies easily increased that number to 100. We are glad
to say that we believe all our teachers are doing their best to
further the interests of our schools, and we urge the parents
to make an especial effort to visit the schools, and. become
acquainted with the teachers, for we are thoroughly convinced
that the meeting of parents with teachers is the most success-
ful solution of many troublesome questions which often result
in friction and dissatisfaction more or less serious.
MISS CATHERINE L. HARTLEY.
The death of Miss Hartley, in December, in the Franklin
County Hospital, at Greenfield, Mass., where she had been
a patient sufferer for several months, caused feelings of sin-
cere sorrow among her former pupils and her many warns
personal friends in Lexington.
Miss Hartley was elected teacher of grade V., Hancock
School, November 28th, 1893. She was twice promoted,
and as the teacher of history in our departmental system,
achieved marked success. She was concientious and enthusi-
astic, possessing the true teaching faculty, together with a per-
203
conal interest in her pupils. May the memory of her faith-
ful and efficient service in our schools long be cherished !
PROMOTION.
• We are convinced that the system of promotion, which has
been in use in our schools for some years, is open to criticism
both as to methods and results ; a recent canvass of our teach-
ers, who have had the opportunity of observing it from actual
practice, disclosed the rather startling fact that not one ap-
proved of its effect upon either pupils or teachers. , All
agreed that some system of promotion was necessary—but
that the present one was inequitable to the pupils, and unduly
fatiguing to the teacher.
The Committee was highly pleased to learn that Mr. Buck
had been using a system for several years which presents,
we believe, a more desirable scheme, and which will be in-
troduced into our schools, as circumstances will permit. A
brief outline of this system will be found in the Superintend-
ant's report.
BARGE PUPILS.
Complaints reached the Committee that the barge privileges
were being misused by many pupils who reside within a
reasonable walking distance of school. These pupils would
walk home' to their dinners at noon, but would crowd into
the barges at morning and night.
The Committte took the position that pupils who reside
near enough to school so that they choose to walk home to
their dinners, were not entitled to ride at morning and at
night, if, by so doing, they over -crowded the barges, and we
found that two of the barges were carrying 36 to 38 pupils,
when a reasonable load was 25.
204
After carefully considering distances and ages, we made
the rule that no pupil over 8 years of age, residing as near
the Hancock School as the junction of Massachusetts avenue,
with School street, and as near as the house of Mr. F. F.
Phelps, on Woburn street, (a short distance beyond Utica
street), should ride in the barge; this arrangement we be-
lieved would be fair to all, as the distances are about the
same as that which the children living on Mt. Vernon street
have to walk. This arrangement is of course subject to ex-
ceptions where the circumstances warrant.
THE ELECTRIC RAILWAY.
By the terms of the franchise of the Lexington Street Rail-
way, provision was made for the carrying of school children
at half fare ; just what effect this will have upon the school
department it is impossible to state until after the road is in
operation.
If cars are run on Waltham and Woburn Streets, and to
and from North Lexington at times which will accommodate
the school children, it seems probable that two barges might
be sufficient for the conveyance of the children whose homes
would not be tributary to the electrics. This would mean
the doing away with the other two barges.
With warm cars in cold weather and a conductor to look
after the children while passengers, there would be a distinct
gain over the barge system, and as the cost of conveyance by
barge is about 10 cents per day per child, there would be
apparently a saving in expense of one-half on the number
carried. On the other hand the danger from accident would
be greater with electrics than with the barges, and if, as it is
rumored, the line to Waltham should not be built and the
line to Woburn should go by the way of Maple street, there
would be little, if any, advantage or saving for the school
department.
205
GRADUATING EXERCISES.
The Commiteee is pleased to note the interest indicated by
the large attendance at the High School graduating exercises,
but we wish to contrast this with the apparent lack of inter-
est in the graduating exercises of the Grammar School, as in-
dicated by the small attendance. Last June the size of the
audience was inexcusably small ; such a lack of interest is
very discouraging to both teachers and pupils. Grammar
School diplomas are now presented at graduation, as an in-
centive to all Grammar School pupils to fully complete the
course, since it was found that quite a number usually drop
out during the last two years.
We bespeak for these exercises hereafter, both the interest
and the presence of at least all parents who have children in
our Grammar Schools.
COLOR -GUARDS.
During the past year instruction in military drill has been
adopted as a part of our school course, and our pupil~, by
permission of the Governor, may bear arms in public parade ;
funds have been raised, and the High School Color Guard
will hereafter appear in uniform and under arms. This ar-
rangement we believe will furnish the necessary inspiration
to secure better drill in the Grammar Schools, for the mem-
bers of the High School Guard will be formed of the best
drilled members of the Grammar School Guards; and in this
connection the Committee wishes to acknowledge the assist-
ance given by James W. Smith, Sergeant Major of the High
School Guard.
MUSIC, DRAWING, AND PENMANSHIP.
A Vertical System of Penmanship was introduced into
the schools during the fall term, and while vertical penman -
206
ship seems to have become a " school fad," nevertheless the
results of its use have shown a marked improvement in legi-
bility and neatness.
The Committee this year has requested the teachers of
Music and Drawing to make individual reports of their de-
partments, which will be found following the Superintendent's
report. The teacher of Drawing has, for several years, had
four days a month in our schools. After considering_ the in-
crease in the number of pupils, and the opening of new
schools, the Committee decided that she should be given more
time, and an arrangement has been made by which she is in
our schools six days each month, instead of four. This, we
believe, will be of great benefit to the work of her depart-
ment.
APPROPRIATION FOR 1898.
The amount appropriated for the support of schools for
1897 was $18,500. This amount, with an unexpended bal-
ance from 1896, of $28.63, and the amount received from the
sale of books, $4.80, made the total amount available for
schools for the year, $18,533.43, of which amount there has
been expended the sum of $18,266.66, leaving $266.77 un-
expended. Your Committee is gratified that it has been able
to live within its income and to accomplish what it aimed to,
namely : to improve the condition of our school system. By
reason of the increase in the number of teachers and the re-
pairs and alterations contemplated, your committee feels
warranted in asking for an appropriation of $18,500, the
same amount which you appropriated last year.
Respectfully submitted,
ALFRED PIERCE,
HENRY H. HAMILTON,
EDWIN A. BAYLEY,
School Committee.
207
TWELFTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SUPERIN-
TENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
To the School Committee of Lexington:
GENTLEMEN. -My acquaintance with the Lexington
schools has been too short to allow me to enter fully into
details in this report. I am glad, however, to avail myself
of this opportunity of calling the attention of the parents
to some of our aims and methods. If the parents can be
brought into closer sympathy and touch with the schools, a
healthier and more rapid advance will be possible. For this
reason I have enlarged upon certain subjects more than I
otherwise might have done, in the hope of securing more of
such sympathy and cooperation.
Two THEORIES OF EDliCATION.
The old school of psychology used to consider a human
being as made up of three separate parts—the intellectual,
the moral, and the physical. Of late years, however, it has
come to be recognized that (whatever may be the case with
the adult) the growing child, at least, cannot be thus tri-
sected. One part of his nature cannot be trained inde-
pendently of the rest ; intellectual development directly
affects moral, while physical environment reacts on both.
The training of the entire being-" the whole boy "—must
go on together.
The schools seek to be character builders ; but character
is merely the sum total of one's habits, and habits the re-
sultant of one's thoughts and deeds. The work of the
208
school, therefore, is to see that right choices are made and
right acts performed, until as a result of frequent repetitions
the right choice comes to be made without hesitation or con-
scious thought. With this end in view the entire school
environment—every act performed, every motive appealed
to—should be such that the pupil's moral and physical
growth shall not be checked, but shall receive a positive im-
pulse in the right direction. " The entire school life," says
the official program of the French schools, " must be made
an apprenticeship in right living."
But habits are not the result of didactic instruction, of
maxims, not even of advice and admonition. These things
make no lasting impression on childhood and youth. Every
parent will recognize the force of Radestock's remark :
Children are not to be taught by maxims, which continually
slip from their memory. Whatever we believe they must
imperatively do, we should strengthen them in doing by
unwearied practice, whenever opportunity offers, and, if
possible, create opportunities therefor." Locke speaks to
the same effect. We must expect nothing from precau-
tionary maxims, though they be deeply impressed on the
mind, beyond the point at which practice has changed them
into firm habits."
THE MARKING SYSTEM.
Now it is unfortunately true that many of the present
conditions of school life are survivals from the time when it
was considered the only duty of the school to provide for
the child's intellectual development. Some of these con-
ditions are to -day seen to be detrimental to his development
as a moral being. One such survival from the past, which
it seems to me has become more of a hindrance than a help,
is the present marking system. The amount of time con-
209
sumedin attending to this has become greater than can be
spared without detriment to the more necessary work of the
school ; moreover the nervous strain imposed upon the
teacher by this added responsibility unfits her for doing the
best work of which she is capable.
So far as possible a teacher should be free to devote her
undivided attention to the teaching of her class ; she should
not be expected at the same time to make mental estimates
of the value of each pupil's recitation. No teacher can do
her best as a teacher, if she is required at the same time to
act as a judge. Yet so heavily does this responsibility bear
upon our teachers that some of them feel obliged day by day
to form and record their judgments of the " value" of nearly
every recitation made by each individual pupil, in order that
a just report may be rendered at the end of the month. A
large amount of nervous energy is thus rendered unavailable
for the actual preparation and teaching of the lessons. All
energy thus diverted into other channels is taken from the
effective force of the teacher ; the school is thereby weak-
ened, and the children are deprived of that which it is their
right to receive.
AN APPEAL TO Low MOTIVES.
Another argument against the marking system is, that it
appeals to emulation as a motive or incentive to action on
the part of the pupil, and seeks the cooperation of the
parents in enforcing its appeal. It is not at all strange,
therefore, that the pernicious effects of this system extend
beyond the teachers to the pupils and parents, until, to a
certain degree, the pupil's ''standing" has come to be re-
garded as the chief end of all effort at school.
This is an unfortunate condition of things. Selfish emu-
lation is a low motive rather than a high one, and no argu-
ment is needed to show that it leads to a lower rather than a
210
higher plane of life, and exercises a bad rather than a good
influence on moral development. Its evil effect when em-
ployed as a motive force in education has long been recog-
nized. It was one of the chief points of attack in Horace
Mann's crusade against the evils prevalent in the schools of
his day, and some of his strongest utterances were directed
against it. In our use of the marking system to -day, how-
ever, we are still appealing to emulation as the chief motive
force in the conduct of our schools.
COOPERATION BETWEEN PARENTS AND TEACHERS.
But there is one advantage which the marking system
possesses, in theory at least, that has not yet been men-
tioned. The reports are supposed to serve as a means of
communication between teachers and parents, whereby
parents can be kept informed of their children's progress
and be able to cooperate more intelligently with the teacher
for the best good of the child. If this purpose could be
realized, it would do much to justify the retention of the
system, in spite of its many undesirable features. But such
is not the case. I am in a position to know something of
the painstaking care with which the teachers endeavor to de-
cide fairly in the case of every pupil's rank ; and yet, to my
positive knowledge, it is too commonly the case that parents
consider the marks unjust. I apprehend that there are more
misunderstandings to -day between teachers and parents than
there would be if no report cards were sent out. if any
slight good is accomplished in,some few cases, it seems to
be more than counterbalanced by misunderstandings that
arise solely as the result of the reports, and would not other-
wise exist.
A return from the complicated, artificial system now in
use to a more simple and direct method is desirable. In the
211
time now occupied in making out and copying the reports it
would be possible for the teachers to write personal letters
t:) those parents whose cooperation seemed for any reason
to be especially needed. These letters could be written
whenever there seemed to be need of calling the parent's
attention to the child's work or deportment. In many cases
teachers would find time also for personal interviews with
parents at just the time when their cooperation would be
most helpful. Every teacher appreciates the advantage of
a personal acquaintance with the parents of her pupils. The
parent frequently knows something about the child that the
teacher could never discover unaided ; a word, in such a
case, may prevent serious mistakes. Such cooperation on
the part of parents is of inestimable value to the teacher,
and consequently to the child. At present the great obstacle
in the way of a closer acquaintance between teacher and
parent is lack of time on the part of the teacher. If a
modification of the present report system can be made,
whereby time can be saved from the mechanical work of
record keeping and devoted to a closer cooperation between
the parents and the teachers, it cannot fail to increase the
effectiveness of the school and to promote the higher welfare
of 'the children.
GRADING AND _ROMOTION.
In one important respect the schools in small towns and
villages differ radically from those in the best city systems.
In the schools of nearly all the towns and about one-half of
the cities in this country, the classes are separated by an
interval of at least a 'year, whereas in the best city schools
the interval is but ten or twelve weeks. This discrepancy,
slight as it at first appears, leads to results which are of
great import. The matter is worthy of our attention, be-
cause of its close application to our own schools.
212
The difference in advancement between the best and the
poorest pupils in the same class cannot be less than the in-
terval between two consecutive classes ; hence there are
within each class pupils of widely different degrees of ad-
vancement—the best and the poorest in the same class being
separated by an interval of at least a year. On account of
this disparity between the two extremes, it becomes im-
possible to adapt the instruction to all ; as a result it is cus-
tomary to adapt it to what is called the " average of the
class,"—that is, to those pupils who are midway between the
extremes. But such instruction is without interest to the
best pupils, because it is too easy for them ; while at the
same time it is too difficult for the least advanced. It is for
this reason that schools with long intervals between classes
have been called " stiflers of talent." They compel the
brightest pupils to " mark time" with the less advanced, but
nevertheless they discourage the slower pupils by expecting
of them more work than they can possibly do. Dr. W. T.
Harris pronounces this the greatest evil at present existing
in the organization of the schools of the United States, and
considers it one of the most serious defects in American
school supervision that this state of things is allowed to con-
tinue.
This evil can always be avoided in cities, and in towns
where pupils are concentrated into large buildings. I know
of no reason why the principle ?°of short interval grading
should not be applied to the Lexington schools. The change
could easily be effected, and with the natural growth of the
town the conditions will become more and more favorable to
it.
The actual working_ of this system is thus described by
Dr. Harris.
"Even when pupils are well classified at the beginning of
the year, differences begin to develop from the first day,
213
and, after two or three months of good instruction, a large
interval has developed between the advancement of the slow
ones and that of the bright ones. Classification in a school
is never absolute. No two pupils are of exactly the same
degree of progress. From this it is evident that there
should be frequent reclassification. There should be pro-
motions of a few of the best ones from below into the class
above, and a few promotions from the best of that class to
the next beyond. After such promotion has been made
through all or a portion of the classes of a school from the
lowest, each class will find itself composed of fair, average,
and poor scholars, together with a few of the best from the
next lower class in place of the few that each has lost by
promotion. New hope will come to those pupils who were
before the poorest in the class, and there will be new stimu-
lus given to the best pupils, who have been promoted to a
higher class, for they will have to work earnestly to attain
and hold a good rank in the new class. But the quick and
bright ones thus promoted will gradually work their way
toward the top of the class again. The slow ones in the
class may be passed by successive platoons of bright ones
introduced into the class from below, but they will pick up
new courage on every occasion when they find themselves
brought to the top of the class by the process of transferring
the bright ones who had begun to lead them into too fast a
pace. This sifting -up process, as here described, corrects
the disease known as ' lock -step' in the graded schools.
The sifting should take place as often as there develops a
decided difference in degree of advancement between the
best and poorest pupils of a class. In practice this is found
to occur once in two or three months."
In the past it has been customary in Lexington to devote
each school room to the work of a certain grade, and to keep
a class in a certain room as long as it was occupied with the
214
work of that grade. As a result of this arrangement there
has been in each room each year an interval of a little over
a month during which about one-third of the seats in that
room were vacant. For example, the " rapid promotion "
class in the fifth grade usually completes the work of the
room about the middle of January, and is then moved into
the sixth grade room. But the division which is to take its
place does not finish the work of the fourth grade until the
middle of February. During this time the seats left by the
out -going class remain unoccupied.
It is apparent that this system of promotion becomes im-
possible when the upper grades become crowded. A few
weeks after the opening of the school year last September,
the advanced division in the seventh grade completed its
work in that grade and, according to the system, should
have been moved into the eighth grade room ; but this was
found to be an utter impossibility, since that room was
already filled to its utmost capacity. A change of plan be-
came necessary. The various classes were, therefore,
allowed to remain in the same rooms in which they had been
placed in September, but continued in their work as if they
had been moved on to the next room. By this arrangement
the advancement of the pupils was not checked ; but,
obviously, the efforts of the teachers were not so econom-
ically applied as they might otherwise have been, because
two divisions had to be taught separately which were doing
practically the same work and might have been taught as
one, if space had allowed of their being seated in the same
room.
It seems clear that this arrangement should not continue.
There should be a rearrangement of classes. Large classes
should be divided into divisions containing pupils who are
nearly alike in advancement and ability, and those pupils
who are doing the same work should sit in the same room
215
and recite together. This will probably necessitate the
changing of a few dozen pupils from room to room. But
such changes of room will in no wise affect the pupil's prog-
ress or his standing in the school.
Hereafter, at least until more room is secured for the
upper grammar grades, it will be necessary to grade pupils
according to ability, without regard to the room they are to
occupy, and then seat them in the various rooms in such way
that they may be taught most efficiently, at the least expen-
diture of time and money.
I trust this explanation may serve to prevent any misunder-
standing that might otherwise arise on account of any
changes which may be made in the seating of pupils.
PRIMARY GRADING.
In our primary grades the children have already been
classified into small groups, each composed of from ten to
fifteen pupils of about the same degree of advancement. As
soon as a child shows his ability to do more and better work
than his fellows he is immediately placed in the next higher
group. Some children will, therefore, remain longer than
others in one group ; but all will eventually be advanced
and no one put back into a lower grade or made to repeat a
whole year's work over which he has just been hurried at too
rapid a pace in order to keep the class together." This is
a matter of great moment, since the discouragement incident
to repeating an entire year's work is one of the most serious
obstacles that a slow pupil encounters. It is believed that
much harm is done to many pupils by the constant fear of
non -promotion which hangs over them. It is a serious charge
which is often made against the schools, that they discourage
the very pupils who are in especial need of encouragement
and kindly assistance. Such a condition of things should
216
not be allowed to exist, so lona as remedies for it are
available, as they seem to be in this case.
COURSE OF STUDY.
Considerable progress has been made toward a uniform
course of study for the grades. The High school course
may be found on a subsequent page. It is in some respects
tentative, but embodies in general the plan under which the
school is now conducted.
In the grades below the High school the course in arithme-
tic has been systematized by the adoption of a uniform series
of text -books throughout all the grades, in place of the four
different series formerly in use. The series chosen is
arranged in eight books, one for each grade above the first.
These books serve to indicate to the teacher the work each
grade is expected to accomplish, and for the present supply
the lack of a printed course of study in this subject.
The work in reading has been hampered by the lack of
fresh, suitable reading matter in sufficient quantities. A
partial supply has been obtained and is now in use. In
selecting this it seemed best to. procure books that are of
themselves worth reading, instead of readers of the ordinary
type, composed of selections from miscellaneous sources,
and possessing no literary unity or informational value.
A full course of study for all the grades will soon be
completed, and will be printed, for the use of the teachers
and the inspection of any who are interested in it.
In conclusion I wish to extend my thanks to the teachers
and the members of the School Committee for the earnest
support which they have given me ; and to express my
appreciation of the cordial and sympathetic attitude of the
people of Lexington towards those who are responsible for
the conduct of their schools. I solicit a continuance of this
spirit, and shall be at all times grateful to any one who will
217
take the trouble to bring to my notice any criticism, ques-
tion, or suggestion which directly or indirectly pertains to
the welfare of the children under our charge.
Respectfully submitted,
J. I. BUCK,
Superintendent.
Jan. 1, 1898.
REPORT OF THE TEACHER OF MUSIC.
LEXINGTON, Jan. 1, 1898.
To MR. J. L BUCK, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS :
In this, the beginning of the fifth year of my labors, I
sun glad to say that in many of the schools there is quite a
gain in the quality of the work. This is especially noticeable
in rooms where the teachers have been through our summer
school course, or have given special study to the subject.
We have had a number of new teachers this year, which
disturbs the special music teacher's work in a greater degree,
perhaps, than any other.
Our method, although simple, is quite unlike that in use
in many other places, so that it takes some time to learn how
to teach it, even if the teacher has some previous knowledge
of the subject. From our standpoint, the teaching of music
in public schools is not a mere teaching of certain songs and
exercises, but an application of educational principles to the
whole subject. A fine teacher of other branches can get
splendid results in music when she knows just how to teach
it ; so to lose a good teacher is a thing to be deplored.
218
We began our work as if music had never been taught in
our schools, and we have been able to establish a grading
which our teachers find to be fully equal. to, and even a gain
of one or two years over, the work in some other towns or
cities. The teachers have been responsive, and I have not
met with any opposition.
I have asked for 110 more supplies than I thought neces-
sary for the good of the schools, and the committee has
granted them cheerfully.
The High School has been encouraged to make a demon-
stration of its work, by giving a concert each year. Any
profit was to be devoted to the purchase of a new piano, of
which the school stands in need. Although I have devoted
both time, money and labor to the purpose, the fund grows
slowly.
The object of my work has been to develop a love of the
subject on the part of the pupils, so that they will desire to
pursue it even further, and become valued acquisitions to
the home circle, or a broader sphere.
Respectfully yours,
ALICE M. HOLT.
REPORT OF THE TEACHER OF DRAWING.
JANUARY 1, 1898.
To MR. J. I. BUCK, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS :
The work of the past year in drawing has been such as to
enable me to report progress. The exhibition of the draw-
ing given in June was one which did credit both to teachers
and pupils, and being more largely attended by the parents
219
than those of former times, we believe that the people are
being' more attracted and interested, which is certainly an
encouragement to the efforts of teachers and pupils.
In the grammar and primary grades the work is planned
in general accord with the State course. This fall, nature
Viand color have been studied. As yet we have done but
little with the brush, but as the spring approaches and with
-it the material for color study increases, we hope to use the
brush more extensively ; for by its use the pupil expresses
himself more freely and re a dily ; however we believe the
Pencil should not be put wholly aside. In the grammar
grades we have devoted much time this fall to free hand
drawing (pictorial drawing), and I do not hesitate to say
that our pictorial drawing has reached a standard of which
many schools might justly feel proud. Sketches are required
of the pupils as homework, with results which show closer
observation and greater freedom of expression. During the
remaining months the time will chiefly be given to mechan-
ical and decorative drawing.
The subject of drawing had better be called ' ° Art Educa-
tion," for it does not consist of drawing only. We endeavor
to give the child a knowledge of the various styles of
architecture and ornament, studying photographs in this
connection, also writing essays. The study of the repro-
ductions of some of the famous paintings of noted artists is
one which will claire our attention shortly.
In the High School we have two classes. Drawing is
compulsory during the first year. Light and shade in pencil
and pen and ink are studied in addition to advanced
mechanical drawing and design.
A new feature in the High School this year is an additional
class, which is optional, for the pupils of the second year,
who desire to study water -color.
I extend my sincere thanks to the School Committee and
220
Superintendent for their thoughtful consideration of what-
ever advances "the drawing" in the school.
Respectfully,
ELIZABETH J. HILLES.
REPORT OF TRUANT OFFICER.
JANUARY 1, 1898.
To THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS :
DEAR SIR :—Thirty-seven pupils of the Hancock School
have been reported absent by their teachers. Each case has
been investigated and reported to the respective teachers and
the pupils returned to school as soon as possible. The fol-
lowing reasons have been found for the pupils being absent :
Eleven were playing truant ; nine sick ; twelve were kept
at home by their parents to work or for some other reason ; five
had not clothing suitable to attend school ; three were fur-
nished clothing by friends ; in the other two cases the
parents were able to provide suitable clothing. In any case
where children have not suitable clothing to attend school
and their parents are not able to provide clothing for them,
if they will let me know I will see that they are provided
for.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES H. FRANKS,
Truant Officer..
221
ROLL OF HONOR.
Neither Absent nor Tardy for Four Years, Six Months.
Class.
Effie Benjamin . . . XIII
Three Years, Four Months.
Class.
William Roger Greeley XIII
Clifford W. Pierce . X
Elizabeth R. Smith . . VI
Percy D. Glenn
(tardy once) .
Three Years.
Class.
Griswold Tyng . . . IX Chester Merrifield
(Adams)
Two Years, Four Months.
Class.
Orrin C. Pierce (Adams) VII
John J. Buckley . . . VI
Margaret Wiswell
Walworth Tyng .
Two Years, Three Months.
Class.
Mabel Emma Macomber IX
Two Years.
Class.
Edna D. Locke (Adams) VI
One Year, Four Months.
Vernon W. Smith
Alice A. Roberts .
Arthur A. Gorman
Ernest A. Fessenden
(Adams) . . •
Edith Magill . .
Class.
. X
. VIII
. VI
VI
V
Class.
VI
Class.
VIII
Class.
X
VII
Class.
Walter Kilgour (Adams) III
Wallace E. Miller (Adams) III
Hattie M. Dane (Adams) IV
Bernice Glenn . . IV
Theresa Gorman (Tidd) III
222
One Year, Three Months.
Chester W. Doe . .
Class.
. IV George E. Merrifield
(Adams)
Francis S. Fobes .
Alice G. Locke .
E. Corinne Locke .
Maud Benjamin .
Marjory Houghton
Bertha Hutchinson
Beth Smith
George Washburne
Charles Emerson Fox
One Year.
Class.
XI
XI
X
IX
VI
VI
VI
VI
V
Class.
Josephine E. DeVeau .
May M. Gleason . . .
Marion Jewett (Adams)
Mary Kelley (Tidd) .
Richard Streeter (Adams)
Helen Woodward . . .
Emma Gorman (Tidd) .
Annie Kelley (Tidd) .
Nine Months.
Class.
Mildred E. Davis . . . V Paul Franks
Eight Months.
Class.
Francis C. Com . . V Annie M. Preeper
Clarence Marsh . .
Bertha Whitaker . .
James F. McCarthy .
Ada E. Woodworth .
Six Months.
Class.
. XI
XI
. VIII
. V
John McDonald .
Ellsworth Comley
Frank E. Slack .
VI
Class.
. IV
Class.
V
Ernest Nichols .
Emma Bowers .
Allen Smith . .
Walter C. Ballard
Jessie T. Brown .
J. Chester Hutchinson
Donald Batchelder
(Adams) VIII
Charles M. Glass . • VIII
John Hughes • • VIII
Alice A. Roberts VIII
Edith Barker . . . VI
Catherine Carroll VI
Ethel Clark . . . . VI
Edward Dacey . . . VI
Ethel C. Kilgour (Adams) VI
Wm. LeR. Jackson
(Adams) VI
Charles W. Spencer
(Adams) . . . VI
Katherine Buckley . V
Clara A. Dane (Adams) V
Ruth E. Darling (Adams) V
Charles O. DeVeau . . V
Abbie L. Fletcher (Adams) V
Carrie Higgins . .
Annie Gillis . . .
'223
Four Months.
Class.
• XIII
. XII
X
IX
IX
IX
V
II
Theresa McKearney II
Francis O'Leary . . II
Olive M. Streeter (Adams) II
Class
Eloise Butterfield I
Leslie M. Brown . I
Marion DeVeau . . . I
Elizabeth A. Flynn (Adams) I
Kelsey G. Reed . I
Mary Rose I
Beulah B. Locke (Adams)
Mary C. McKearney
Mabel McLalen . .
Agnes Packard . .
Edith R. Reynolds (Adams)
Isabella M. Spencer
(Adams) .
Kate Vaughan
Louis H. Baker
Marion E. Doe
May H. E. Gorman
MacGregor Hamilton
Katharine Harrington
George E. McNamara
Katharine Reardon .
Margaret T. Ryan .
Sally I. Sherburne .
Edith M. Sturtevant
Louisa Flynn (Adams)
Florence MacKinnon
Ray Bird
Lawrence Carroll .
Wendell W. Fessenden
(Adams)
V
V
V
V
V
V
IV
IV
IV
IV
IV
IV
IV
IV
IV
IV
III
III
II
II
II
COURSE OF STUDY, LEXINGTON HIGH SCHOOL.
224
U
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Composition, 80
English Literature, 40
Etymology, 80
Greek and Roman History, t120
Algebra, f200
Physical Geography, 60
Botany, 60
Bookkeeping and Commercial
Arithmetic, 120
Caesar and composition, ' 200 Caesar and composition, 200 as hi Latin course, 120
Greek, 200 English composition, 40 English { additional, 80
History: England to 1688, 120 English Literature, 80 History : France, 8C
English composition, 40 History: England to 1688, 120 England to 1688, 12C
Geometry, 120 Geometry, 120 Geometry, 12C
French, 120 French, 12(
Option, 4(
Virgil, 160 Virgil, 160 English Literature, 8(
Greek, 160 English Literature, 80 Rhetoric, 4(
English Literature, 80 Rhetoric, 40 History --as in Latin course. 12(
Rhetoric, 40 History: England since 1688 and French, 12(
History: English since 1688 and America, with civil govern't., 120 Physic', 16(
America, with civil govern't. 120 Physics, 160 Astronomy, 6(
Options, 100 Astronomy—descriptive, 60 Algebra, 2(
Algebra, 20 Geometry, 4(
Geometry, 40 Options, 4(
Cicero and composition, 160 Cicero and composition, 160 English Literature, 8(
Greek, 120 r nglish Literature, 80 History of English Language, 41
English Literature, 80 Chemistry, 160 Chemistry, 161
$Options. 320 Options, 280 Options, 401
LATIN -SCIENTIFIC.
Latin, 200
English composition, 80
English Literature, 40
Greek and Roman History, f120
Algebra, 1200
Physical Geography, 60
Botany, 60
CLASSICAL.
Latin, "200
English composition, 80
English Literature, 40
Greek and Roman History, 1120
Algebra, t200
Physical Geography, 60
Botany, 60
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*Recess 10.15 A. M.
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*Opening Exercises 8
225
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Chemistry III.
Same continued.
Virgil III.
Chemistry III.
Same continued.
Virgil III.
Chemistry III.
Virgil III.
Chemistry III.
Same continued.
Virgil III.
MISS REDMAN.
Virgil IV.
Solid Geometry IV.
Algebra I.
Plane Geometry II.
Etymology I.
Virgil IV.
Greek and Roman Hist. I
tAlgebra I.
Bookkeeping I.
Plane Geometry II.
Virgil IV.
Latin Composition IV.
Algebra I. -
Solid Geometry IV.
Solid Geometry IV.
tGreek and Rom. Hist. 1.
Algebra I.
Etymology I.
Bookkeeping I.
Virgil IV.
Music.
Greek and Roman Hist. I
Latin Composition II.
Plane Geometry II.
Algebra I.
MISS BANISTER.
English Literature I.
English History II.
French II.
French III.
Rhetoric III.
Literature I.
French IV.
French II.
English Literature IV.
English Literature III.
Essays.
English History II.
English Composition II.
French III.
English Literature I.
Essays.
French IV.
French II.
English Literature IV.
English Literature M.
English Literature II.
Music.
English History II.
English Literature I.
French III.
Essays
MR. BUCK.
Latin I.
Ca'sar II.
Physical Geography I.
History III—IV.
Supervision.
Greek.
Latin I,
Caisar II
Physical Geography I.
Supervision.
Advanced Geometry III.
Greek.
8.15 Latin I.
8.55 Ca'sar II.
9.35 Supervision.
10.25 History III—IV.
11.05 Supervision.
11.45 Greek.
8.15 Latin I.
8.55 Caesar II.
9 35 Physical Geography I.
10.25 Supervision.
11.05 Advanced Geometry III.
11.45 Gre k.
8.15 !Latin I.
8.55 Music
9.35 Advanced Algebra III.
10.25 History III—IV.
11.05 Supervision.
11.45 Greek.
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227
CONTENTS.
ist of Town Officers, 1897-8 .
Lexington Town Records
Warrant for a Town Meeting, March 1, 1897
Adjourned Meeting, March 29, 1897
Adjourned Meeting, April 5, 1897
Bequest of Mrs. Lydia M. Russell
Bequest of Estate of Hiram Pierce
Resolutions on the death of Joseph F. Simonds
Warrant for a Town Meeting, Oct. 2, 1897
Warrant for a Town Meeting, Nov. 2, 1897
Lexington Street Railway, Terms, Restrictions,
Conditions, etc.
Report of the Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor and
Surveyors of Highways
Town Meetings .
Estimates for 1897
Police Department
Almshouse
Schedule of Pauper Department Property
Highways
Schedule of highway Department Property
Sewers .
State Road
Street Lamps
Town Hall
Watering Streets
Lexington Street Railway Company
School Houses .
PAGE.
3
7
7
24
44
49
50
51
53
61
70
84
84
85
86
86
86
89
89
90
91
92
92
93
93
93
0
228
Report of the Chief of Police
Fire Engineers' Report .
Report of the Board of Health
Cemetery Committee's Report .
Report of Treasurer of Cemetery Trust Fund
Report of the Trustees of Cary Library
Report of the Treasurer of Cary Library
Harriet R. Gilmore Fund
Bridge and Beals Fund Report .
Town Clerk's Report
Births
Marriages
Deaths .
Dogs
Jurors
Town Histories and histories or Centennial
Celebration
Assessors' Report
Report of the Tax Collector
Report of the Water Commissioners
Town Treasurer's Report
Tax Statistics
Auditor's Report
Schools .
High School
Hancock School
Adams School
Tidd School
Common to all Schools
Summary
Water Department
Fire Department
Contingent
State Highways
Board of Health
Care of Hastings Park
PAGE.
94
96
99
102
103
105
108
109
110
111
111
111
114
117
117
118
119
123
125-
133
139
140
140
140
142
144
145
146
147
148
151
154
158
160
161
229
Auditors' Report.—Continued.
Auditors .
Sidewalks
Collector of Taxes
Sewerage Committee
Preserving Town Records
Enforcement of Liquor Law
Temporary Loan .
Gammen Legacy .
Cary Library
Printing .
Tramps .
Town Debt
Bank and Corporation Tax
Treasurer Cary Library
Hydrants .
Town Treasurer
Town Clerk
State Tax .
County Tax
Constables and Police
Janitors .
Highways
Support of the Poor
Outside Aid
New Shed at Almshouse
Librarians
Street Lights
Watering Streets
State Aid .
Nineteenth of April
Registrars of Voters
Cemetery Trust Funds
Care of Common .
Removal of Snow
Taxes
Selectmen
•
PAGE.
161
162
162
163
163
164
164
165
165
165
166
166
167
167
167
168
168
168
168
169
170
170
174
176
178
179
179
180
180
181 ore
181
182
182
182
183
183
230
Auditor's Report.—Continued.
Fuel and Lights for Public Halls
Watering Trough
Cemetery .
Interest .
Insurance
School Committee
Assessors .
Memorial Day .
Grading Sherman Street
Deficiencies 1896
Ringing Bells
Recapitulation
School Reports
School Committee, Superintendent, etc.
Truant Officers .
School Calendar for 1898
Report of the School Committee
Report of the Superintendent .
Report of the Teacher of Music
Report of the Teacher of Drawing
Report of the Truant Officer .
Roll of Honor .
Course of Study Lexington High School
Lexington High School Programme
Tubular View .
PAGE.
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184
184
185
186
186
186
187
187
187
187
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207
217
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221
224
225
226