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It is a fact well attested by the many records that have been handed down to us that the four towns which assumed the care of the northerly half of the bridge made a division of the same, so that each town assumed a certain specified portion to keep in repair, and although there is no record of any such action, we are of the opinion that the commissioners representing these four towns must at that time have agreed as to the proportional part of said northerly half of the bridge that each town should care for. It is worthy of note at this time that some years after, Medford and Reading appointed committees to search the records for some evidence of such division, and Woburn inhabitants declared, in town meeting assembled, that what they had formerly done towards the repairing of Mistick bridge was only an act of charity to Medford.
That a division was recognized by the several towns interested, and also by the County Court, is made evident by the records of that Court.
June 18, 1672. ‘Malden, Medford and Woburn enjoined to repair Mistick bridge, before the Oct. term of Court on penalty of 100 pounds for default.’
Oct. 17, 1672. ‘Charlestown reported that their part of the bridge was done, and Woburn that they had taken effectual order for doing their part of the work.’
Sept. 6, 1687. ‘The Court being informed that Mistick bridge is defective, order that it be forthwith repaired, and that there be rails on each side where they are wanted; by those towns that have been formerly enjoined to do the same, the towns concerned are Charlestown, Medford, Malden, Reading and Woburn, whose Selectmen are ordered to take effectual care and order for repairing the same, Charlestown to appoint the times of meeting for surveying and completing the said work, and to make returns.’
Jan. 20, 1692-3. ‘The Court order the Selectmen of Woburn, Malden and Reading be summoned to appear at the next adjournment of this Court, to answer to presentments for defects in their parts of Mistick bridge.’
Medford, MA. 1900.
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