USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Fairfield > This is Fairfield, 1639-1940 > Part 32
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Mill Plain-September 24, 1885
The School children received an invitation from Mrs. Jonathan Sturges this week to visit and walk through her grounds. The teachers were much im- pressed with the nicely cut lawns, the clean walks and the beautiful flower plots, but the children looked with longing eyes on the melon patch, the luscious grapes, and the splendid fruit, which were scattered about in tempting confusion.
PROGRAM MIDDLE DISTRICT SCHOOL March 18, 1886
On Monday night the Town Hall was packed to overflowing by our townspeople who wished to see what the scholars of the Middle District School could do. And it was conceded by all that it was the best entertainment that had been given in Fairfield this winter. Both teachers and scholars deserve much praise and credit for the way that the whole affair passed off. The following is the programme:
Opening Song-"Merry School Days"-School
Opening Piece-Minnie and Nellie Bryant
"I Don't See It"-Song-School
"Over the Hill to the Poor-house"-Recitation- Edith Hayes
"The Chickens"-Recitation
"Mosaics"-Recitation-Ambrose Wilson
"You Never Miss"-Song-Mamie Burr
"Sweet Miss Industry"-Dialogue-Jay Jones and Belle Perry
"The Farm Yard Song"-Recitation-Hattie Turney
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"I Am Dreaming"-Song-School
"Jemima's Novel"-Dialogue
"Red Riding Hood and Mother"-Alice and Emily Jones
"Hunting Tower"-Song-George Hawley and Mamie Burr
Morning, Noon and Night-Three Girls
Pop Corn Dance
"Chiming Bells"-Song-School
"Curfew Must Not Ring Tonight"-Recitation- - Anna Thorpe Mother Goose Illustrated "Chickery, Chickery, Chick"-Song-George
Hawley
"Courtship Under Difficulties"-Dialogue
"When I Was Young"-Dialogue-Hattie Tur- ney and Emily Jones
"Almost School Time"-Recitation-Allie Riker
"The Sergeant's Story"-Recitation-Emile Wyrtzen
"A Bird in the Hand"-Song-Six Girls Closing Piece-Minnie and Nellie Bryant
1897 - Anniversary
Exercises at Greenfield Academy of Surpassing Interest Wednesday, May 18 An event of unusual attractiveness assured Tableaux, Music and Declamations
The anniversary exercises to come off next Wed- nesday at the Greenfield Hill Academy (Dwight School) are anticipated with liveliest interest. The efforts of Principal Cliff and his co-laborers in ar- ranging the program and providing for its success- ful rendering have been most assiduous, and if indi- cations count for anything, will bear fruit replete with gratification. The program is suggestive of a large measure of entertainment for all whose good fortune it may be to be present.
Chorus, "O'er The Waters"-Rowley
The Little Shaking Quakers
Gypsy Chorus from the "Bohemian Girl"-Balfe Musical recitation, "That Waltz of Von Weber- Perry
Miss M. Elva Banks, Miss Elizabeth B. Bradley, Medley, "Sing and Happy Be"-introducing eleven melodies-White. Selected Chorus
Part I
March Chorus, "Come Away to the Daisies"-Bellini
Violin duet, "Prayer and Rondo"-J. Arthur Pease and William E. Sullivan
Chorus, "See The Fair is Just Beginning"-Rim- bault
Piano duet, "The Witches Flight"-Miss Marie E. Hill, Miss Elizabeth B. Bradley
Musical Recitation, "Music on the Rappahan- nock"-Sommerville-Miss Jessie E. Lobdell, Miss Elizabeth B. Bradley
Part II
Physical Culture Class of eighteen girls. a .- Ser- ies work with dumb bells. b .- Chorus work
with the dumb bells. c .- Ling system of move- ments.
Piano trio, "The Bride Elect March"-Sousa-
Miss Bessie Archibald, Miss Elizabeth B. Brad- ley, Miss Marie E. Hill
Singing, "The Bugler"-Pensuti-part song and chorus
Fancy Club Swinging-Miss Benita V. Slocum Declamation, "Song of Dewey's Guns"-J. Ar- thur Pease
Song, "The Stars and Stripes of Old to Wave for Cuba Free"
Declamation, "Pride of Ancestry"-Henry T. Bronson
Singing, "Sir Marmaduke"-Mclaughlin-hu- morous part song and chorus
Chorus, "Flag of the Free"
Tableaux
Physical Culture Class: Georgia Banks, Eleanore Bradley, Bertha Beers, Harriet Hull, Verna M.
Bronson, Bertha L. Godfrey, Bessie M. Banks, Edith Merwin, Sadie Banks, B. Katie Kealey, Laura A. Lobdell, Lulu B. Banks, Lillian M. Lockwood, Ethel Merwin, Daisy Meeker, Mar- ion Dunham, Florence Connors, Georgia Bulk- ley
Pianists: Mrs. Dunham, Miss Elizabeth B. Brad- ley, Miss Jean A. Stockwell
The Stars and Stripes of Old (Words and Mu- sic specially arranged for the school)
We are a band of freemen And love our native land,
To save it from rebellion We come with heart and hand.
Again we raise undaunted,
As th' Maine's sad tale is told, And rally round our banner, The stars and stripes of old.
Again from the newspapers: - March 11, 1886 Meeting of the Board of School Visitors
The regular meeting of the Board of School Vis- itors was held Saturday afternoon March 6th at the residence of Hon. J. J. Jones of Fairfield. Rev. Mr. Warren of Fairfield, President of the Board and Messrs. Wilson, Jones and Adams were present. Final action was taken upon the question of a series of readers and other books, that had been before the board for some time. By unanimous vote Swin- ton Readers, published by Ivison Blakeman and Taylor Company and the books on Physiology and Hygiene published by the same house, were adopted for use in the schools in town.
A Resolution was also passed unanimously re- quiring that in every case of a child's being attacked by any eruptive disease, the parents be required to procure and send to the school teacher, a certificate from a physician that the disease is in no way con- tagious or else that the child be kept out of school. After transaction of some other minor miscellane- ous business the Board adjourned.
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August 13, 1885-The Fairfield Advertiser -
The "Principalship" of the Fairfield Middle School District was tendered to Mr. James A. Wil- son, but was politely declined, as the salary was deemed insufficient. A Mr. Baldwin from New Canaan has been secured. (See picture section)
August 27, 1885-The School House is being re- paired and the interior cleaned. The walls are to be kalsomined and everything put in first class shape for the opening of the Fall term which takes place on Monday, September 17.
September 17, 1885-There are now about for- ty-five pupils enrolled on the Mill Plain Register. A full school is assured as hardly half are in yet. There are many children scattered here and there in the District who do not attend school long enough to come within the limits of the law and we under- stand that the State Secretary of the Board of Education is to be informed.
In Connecticut many were anxious to get all of the youngsters into school. The Fairfield Ad- vertiser carried reports of the efforts of the Gen- eral Assembly and also of the State Board of Education.
On October 14, 1886, it became law that no child under thirteen could be employed in any mechanical, mercantile or manufacturing estab- lishment. Anyone who employed a youngster who was under age was fined a maximum of $60 for each week he employed such a child. Means of enforcing this act were formulated and estab- lished as well.
The State Board of Education further made it mandatory that all towns furnish sittings and instruction for all unemployed children.
It was the right then as now of every child to receive an education.
The Townspeople soon took up the crusade.
This from the Fairfield Advertiser, May 8, 1884 -
WHY IS IT?
Editor Advertiser-Can any one explain why it is so many children, especially between the ages of 8 and 14, are daily to be seen along the wharves, waterfront and streets during school hours? I dislike a strict compulsory educational law, but something should be done to place these urchins where they will get something beside a street education. Have we any law-if moral suasion will not suffice -- whereby these youngsters can be reached?
A Citizen.
(Perhaps some one who is posted will reply to “A Citizen's" inquiries-ED)
Also from the Fairfield Advertiser, October 14, 1886
Meeting of the Board of School Visitors
The organization meeting of the Board of School Visitors was held in the Town House, Fairfield, on
Saturday, October 9, at 2 p.m. Present-Rev. John Warren, Messrs. C. G. Wilson, Jr., Edmund Hobart and Rev. Charles G. Adams. The Board organized by electing Rev. John Warren, President and Rev. Charles G. Adams, Secretary. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The Secretary was requested to make out a list of the school-books at present authorized for use in the schools of the town. It was voted that the salary of the Secretary be $125. It was voted that the regular meetings of the Board be on Saturday afternoons, and that the Secretary call such meetings when there is any busi- ness to be brought before the Board. The Acting School Visitors of the various Districts were ap- pointed as follows: Middle District, Rev. John E. Bushnell; Southport District, Rev. C. G. Adams; Mill Plain, Holland Hill and Jennings Woods, Mr. Edmund Hobart; Greenfield Hill, Banks North, Banks South and Bulkley's, M. V. B. Dunham, M.D .; North and Toilsome Hill, Rev. John Warren; Burr's, Hoyden's Hill and Deerfield, Mr. C. G. Wil- son, Jr. On motion, the meeting adjourned.
The 1888 records show us that
On motion of Mr. Adams, it was voted that the following sums be appropriated for teachers' sal- aries in the several districts throughout the town for the ensuing year :
Southport Grammar $700
Primary 500
Fairfield Primary 400
Grammar 700
Mill Plain Grammar 700
Primary 450
Greenfield Grammar 700
(Primary added part of the time)
Bulkley's Primary
350
Holland Hill-Intermediate
400
Burr's Primary
350
Jenning's Woods-Intermediate
400
North-Intermediate 400
Hoyden's Hill Primary
315
Banks North Primary
315
Banks South Primary
315
Deerfield
315
Stratfield
315
$7,625
$2,500 additional was appropriated for inciden- tal expenses.
The year of 1888 marked a milestone in the history of the Towns' public schools for this was the year when the Consolidation of Schools was recommended by the Board of School Visitors. That report is included here.
Consolidation of Schools
Report of the School Board-October 1, 1888
At the last annual Town Meeting, the Town hav- ing voted in favor of consolidating the School Dis- tricts, and elected School Visitors, but no School Committee, the question of the proper School au- thority at once confronted the Board of School
163
Visitors. The consolidated system, according to the manifest purpose of the law went into instant effect, but no provision was made for the School Commit- tee, the law was evidently defective in offering no guide to proper action. It was supposed that the Board of School Visitors would constitute the Town Committee and with a change of name the office would be continuous, but this was not found to be the case.
The Board of Selectmen and the Board of School Visitors took the advice of the Town Counsel and found that neither the letter of the law, nor definite precedent, nor Court decision furnished any guide. The advice of the Town Counsel was therefore the least friction and the nearest approach possible to the intent of the law, would be attained by letting matters move quietly with interference in any par- ticular not absolutely required with the ordinary current of affairs, until the terms of the district Committee had expired; that in time for the prep- aration for the following school year, the town be requested to make provision for the necessary School Committee pro tem and such other matters as are requisite for the proper opening and continuance of the public schools of the Town and that the Town then fix the number to constitute the School Com- mittee, and that for the present year, the schools should be administered under that system.
This advice was accordingly adopted and for the last School year, the schools while normally under the consolidated system were administered under the district system. The District Committees and the Board of School Visitors co-operated harmoni- ously in the necessary administration of affairs avoiding all questions, upon which the legal right of school visitors or committees to act might be questioned postponing all questions that could be postponed to the time when the school committee properly elected could act.
The schools were regularly visited and the con- tacts made by the district committees faithfully car- ried out, and stated meetings were held by the Board monthly at the same time as the meetings of the Selectmen, that all questions that might arise under the anomalous condition might be met and answered in the best way. And that the method was efficacious the best proof is that no jars or discord arose out of the difficult position in which all were placed, and the Secretary desires to express on be- half of the Board its hearty thanks and appreciation of the ever ready co-operation of the various dis- trict committees without exception with them in the difficult position in which both were placed.
As a consequence of his state of affairs all action of the Board were of a purely volative character, and no matters of moment were acted on at the regular meetings.
At the meeting, way of action was taken request- ing of the Town counsel to give his formal opinion of what should be done next and the Selectmen were requested to call a Town Meeting to act on that opinion. Said meeting being called for June 7, 1888.
At the said meeting held June 7, 1888 the remain- ing members of the Board of School Visitors were
authorized to act as Town Committee until the annual election in October and to transact all busi- ness necessary for the opening and maintaining of the schools engaging teachers, etc.
The Board accordingly proceeded by the ex- amination of teachers and consultation with those interested by having children at school in the re- spective districts, and prepared a schedule of esti- mates for expenses for the forthcoming year which after being submitted to the Selectmen and amend- ed by them was submitted to a Town Meeting called for that purpose which further amended the pro- posed amount and voted an appropriation of $7,625 for teachers' salaries ($7,847-1887, 1888) and for an outside limit on incidentals including payments of joint district charges and all matters connected with the schools (not hitherto included in the school appropriations) of $2,500, a total of $10,175 amount expended last year for these objects, being $10,417.19.
With the warrant to guide, the school buildings were inspected and the necessary repairs and clean- ing ordered. The teachers were engaged and the schools were duly opened in September.
A second inspection was made in connection with the visit required by law at the beginning of the term which showed that repairs had been well done, though some matters not before noted needed atten- tion. The schools opened in good condition, and with the number of scholars enrolled in the differ- ent schools aggregating 391 and the largest num- ber in attendance on a single day amounting to 366.
The circumstances of death of one School Visitor, the removal of two others and the occupation of a fourth place the burden of the work upon two mem- bers of the Board. It would have been better had the Town filled up the Committee at its meeting in June. But the remaining members have put forth all their efforts to have the schools opened and conducted in the best manner possible. The real test of the work- ing of the consolidated system will be this present year, and it will rest with the new committee to put it in full operation.
This much has already been found that working through a single central Board a great saving can be effected in many ways not possible for a number of small purchasers. And this is true within the smallest way of reflecting upon the administration of the district committee, save with marked endorse- ment of the economy and care in administration dis- played by them, none the less, while the Committee asked of the Town an appropriation of about $300 less than expenses last year they are satisfied that if the method now begun, be continued by the incom- ing committee the incidentals can be kept evidently within the amount. The heaviest expenses of repairs and improvements have been incurred and knowl- edge has been gained to a certain extent of that which will follow. The actual amount saved cannot, of course, be yet determined but that a decided saving will be gained under a wise administration is sure.
Chas. G. Adams Secretary Board School Visitors School Committee Pro tem
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There being no objections the report was adopt- ed as read.
It is interesting to realize that at this point in the schools' history there was a total of 391 children on the rolls of all of the schools com- bined and that the largest attendance on any one day was 366. There was an examination given for teachers and $7625 was the total appropri- ated for the Schools' teachers while the entire school budget amounted to $10,175. The six School Visitors were Charles P. Adams, Benja- min B. Brothwell, Edmond Hobart, Michael B. Lacey, Dr. W. H. Donaldson and Dr. Martin V. B. Dunham. The amounts to be spent in each district above and beyond the teachers' salaries was:
Fairfield District or Middle $450
250
Mill Plain
500
Southport
75
Hulls Farms
125
Banks South
125
Banks North
150
Burrs
200
Greenfield Hill
125
Deerfield
100
Hoydens Hill
100
Stratfield
75
Holland Hill
150
Jennings Woods
100
Bulkley's
125
Those small amounts would buy the tin dip- per, fuel, cleaning, repairs, a pitch pipe, slate pencils, water pail, broom, feather duster, books, chalk, etc. $200 extra was appropriated later for the intermediate department of the Southport School for the balance of the Fall and Winter terms. Some of the bills for incidentals read like this:
For Greenfield School
Debtor W. H. Banks
3 Wash Basins $1.15
1 Stove cover .50
1 Floor brush 4.00
.10
Soap
.20
2 Water pails
.70
1 Box Envelopes
.50
2 Door springs .90
1 Feather duster
2.90
1 Broom
.40
Other bills from other sources read:
1 Tarr's Geography 1.20
2 Singing Books @ .33 .66
1/2 Ton of Coal
2.45
*
4 Large pitch pipes @ .50
2.00
for Fairfield Greenfield Southport Wilson's Mills
6 Small pitch pipes @ .10 ... .60
for Banks North Plattsville Wilson's Mills Stratfield Mill Plain (they were to get 2)
The wood for the year at Banks North would cost $16 and the custodian received $2 each month for his services. Often the teacher was also assigned this task and she received her $2 at the end of the month. As one reads the records one can't help but wonder what they used for supplies for month after month the bills would show the teachers' salaries being paid regularly and perhaps a bill or two for supplies of only $.45 or $.66 being presented.
The Curriculum for this period resembled closely that of the earlier schools with Reading, Writing and Arithmetic being drilled in ever harder. There was some Geography and History and Health Study pursued as well.
The rewards for high achievement or perfect attendance are worth mentioning and of genuine interest. Little cards with good advice, or valu- able mottos were awarded to children who com- pleted a task with clarity and precision. A fa- vorite of mine entitled "Weeds and Flowers" is included in the picture section of this book.
A little glass dish or a sewing basket, or a booklet might also be given for a similar task.
This little poetic memento was found in a scrap book.
Now oh my pupils kind and dear I must be gone and leave here May you whenever this you see Oh dear young friends remember me. Greenfield Hill, Oct. 11 A.D. 1845 Henry Morgan In (In standing for instructor)
During the winter these children went skating on a nearby pond-perhaps across the street as was the case over at Jennings Woods School ac- cording to Mr. Homer Sturges who attended that school and who had just had his 86th birthday when he told me, or on Burr's Pond at the Dwight School. The teacher always rang the bell a minute or two early to allow everyone to get his skates off and to be in his place in ample time for the afternoon session according to my Dad.
In the Fall and Spring months Duck on the Rock, Cross Tag, Puss in the Corner, I'm on Danny's Land, Blind Man's Bluff and Old Blood
165
North District
Bon Ami .16
Gold Dust
Tom were favorites in every School Yard.
Old Blood Tom intrigued me and when I asked how that was played I learned that it went like this.
Everyone would stand up on a large rock but the one who was "it". Then in unison, those on the rock would say-"Who is around my house this dark night?"
The answer would come from the one who was "it". Old Blood Tom he chanted.
They would then ask-"What do you want?" He would say-"A Sheep".
The Rock standing group would reply "take the poorest, leave the best, never come to trouble the rest".
Whereupon everyone would run off the rock and "Old Blood Tom" would try to increase his strength by catching one or two or more of the runners.
In Duck on the Rock, stone fences were hunted over and over for a special round stone. Each lad had his own stone which he treasured to and from school every day. The "duck" was a block of wood which also had come from someone's home. They had 3 tries with their special stone to knock the "duck" off the larger stone.
There were other rhymes which were also fa- vorites. One which was always bound to intrigue everyone upon hearing it for the first time is repeated here. This is an "answer after me" type jingle.
Leader-Went up 1 pair of stairs
Friend-Just like me
Leader-Went up 2 pairs of stairs
Friend-Just like me
Leader-Went up 3 pairs of stairs Friend-Just like me
Leader-Went up 4 pairs of stairs
Friend-Just like me
Leader-Went up 5 pairs of stairs Friend-Just like me
Leader-Went up 6 pairs of stairs Friend-Just like me
Leader-Wentup 7 pairs of stairs Friend-Just like me
Leader-Looked out the window
Friend-Just like me
Leader-Saw a monkey
Friend-Just like me
Leader-I 1 him
Friend- I 2 him
Leader-I 3 him
Friend-I 4 him
Leader-I 5 him
Friend-I 6 him
Leader-I 7 him
Friend-I 8 him Leader-How did he taste?
"Horn Away" was a favorite game in the win- ter on the ice. One member would go across the pond dragging his skate to make a line while the others would skate as hard as they could to get across the line before getting caught.
"Run Sheep Run" was still another. A captain was chosen and then 6 or 8 players would run off and hide. The captain would then start out to find them, but the players would all try to get back to den without being caught. When every- one was in or caught, the game would start over.
In 1895 the Census for the Several Districts of youngsters between the ages of 4 and 16 years of age was:
Southport
210
Middle
201
Mill Plain
119
Stratfield
55
Holland Hill
50
Bulkley's
39
Jennings' Woods
34
North
29
Burr's
29
Banks South
23
Greenfield Hill
22
Banks North 17
East Long Lots
17
(a joint district with Westport)
Deerfield
14
Hoyden's Hill
7
866
The Town School Committee Meetings were held at 2 o'clock on Saturday afternoons now and the available written minutes of the Com- mittee start in 1895.
It was voted that year to purchase a new stove for the Deerfield School and also to adopt Rand and McNally Geographies for use in the Public Schools. These were to be exchanged by the Pub- lishers for Swintons (which were currently used) free of cost to the pupils.
Mr. B. F. Pease, Jr. appeared before the Board and requested the privilege of using Griffin G. S. Algebra in a class of beginners in the Grammar Department of the Southport School.
Then too during this same year "An Old New England Town" was adopted for the School Libraries and ordered purchased first of all with "any money raised for Library Purposes".
Teachers' monthly bills were not to be ap- proved unless they were sent to the Secretary of
166
the Town School Committee accompanied by the average monthly attendance of the pupils.
The registrations and average attendance at the several schools in January 1896 were:
Average Attendance
Southport
Registration 126
93
Middle
114
90
Mill Plain
84
68
Stratfield
31
21
Holland Hill
26
19
Bulkley's
15
11
Jennings Woods
18
9
North
18
12
Burrs
11
7
Banks South
14
9
Greenfield
75
51
Banks North
12
10
Deerfield
18
12
Hoyden's Hill
9
7
On motion on June 1, 1896, it was voted to hold the "annual examination of teachers at the Middle District Schoolhouse June 29 at 9:30 a.m. and that certificates would be issued for five years to all successful candidates". A successful candidate was one who reached or surpassed an average of 75% on the written examination.
The East Long Lots district mentioned was a joint district and the Schoolhouse stood on the north side of Hulls Farms Road just west of Sturges Highway. Both towns supported this school although today we would say that the building stood in Westport. In 1896 it was de- cided to abolish all joint districts and the Fair- field children who were in this district were to be transported to the Greenfield Centre School. Dr. M. V. B. Dunham, member of the School Committee was assigned the task of making the necessary arrangements and he contracted with someone for carriage hire of the children for $1.50 per week.
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