USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Merrimac > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Merrimac 1886 > Part 1
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ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Selectmen and School Committee
OF THE
TOWN OF MERRIMAC
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING MARCH 1, 1886.
MERRIMAC, MASS .: PRINTED AT THE BUDGET OFFICE. 1886.
-
ANNUAL REPORT
· OF THE
Selectmen and School Committee
OF THE
TOWN OF MERRIMAC
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING MARCH 1, 1886,
MERRIMAC, MASS. : PRINTED AT THE BUDGET OFFICE. 1886.
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
Support of Schools.
SCHOOLS AT MERRIMAC CENTER. 1
TEACHER'S PAY.
HIGH SCHOOL.
George F. Joyce, Jr., principal, $ 930 25
Helen K. Spofford, assistant, 475 00
$1,405 25
GRAMMAR.
Ellen Gunnison, 425 00
INTERMEDIATE. 1
Carrie M. Evans, 288 75
FIRST PRIMARY.
Frances L. Sherman, 2SS 75
SECOND PRIMARY.
Etta H. Colby, 247 50
PROSPECT STREET FIRST PRIMARY.
Josephine L. Oak, 288 75
PROSPECT STREET SECOND PRIMARY.
Flora E. Fourtin, 247 50
MUSIC.
Stella C. Larkin,
72 00
Martha A. Goodwin, 104 00
Total for Teachers, 176 00
$3,367 50
4
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
INCIDENTALS.
II. M. Fourtin, janitor,
$ 3 50
J. D. Fourtin, 66
139 50
Harry E. Chase, 66
3 00-146 00
A. J. Huntington, wood and coal, 43 89
S. S. Blodgett, coal,
106 19
Sargent & Currier, wood,
4 75
D. S. Bartlett,
3 12-157 95
Heath Brothers, repairs,
20 26
Wm. Jones, 66
4 80
D. E. Wadleigh,
66
95-26 01
W. W. Lydston, supplies,
9 75
S. A. McConnell, 6:
3 80
J. H. Cleary, 66
4 83- 18 38
Total for Schools at the Center, $3,715 84
MERRIMACPORT SCHOOLS.
TEACHER'S PAY.
Chas. S. Davis, Grammar school, $195 00
A. M. Armstrong, 66 66
137 50
Philip Emerson, 66 66
125 00
Minnie C. Currier, Intermediate, 6:
255 75
A. M. Collins, Primary, 66
202 50
M. A. Hughes, 66
45 00
Stella C. Larkin, music,
12 00
Martha A. Goodwin,
20 00
$992 75
INCIDENTALS.
A. M. Collins, janitor,
$16 50
M. A. Hughes,
66
3 00
W. D. Large,
8 50
Lewis Tuckwell,
7.50
Lewis Thompson, 66
14 00
- 49 50
Sargent & Currier, wood,
4 50
A. J. Huntington, coal,
34 86
C. H. Hughes, sawing wood.
2 00-41 36
E. C. Owen, repairs, 6 55
James Whittier,
19 83
N. F. Stevens. ..
1 25
B. F. Parker, ..
2 00
L. E. Todd, cleaning room,
I 50
C. E. Rowell, supplies, 2 90 -- 34 03
Total for schools at Merrimacport. $1.117 64
-
66
5
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
LANDING SCHOOL.
M. A. Hughes, teacher, 66 janitor, II 00
$132 00
D. M. Davis, wood,
$5 25
C. H. Hughes, sawing wood, 2 00
7 25
Sargent & Currier, repairs,
8 43
Charles N. Sargent,
10 00
C. J. Mason,
66
12 88- - 31 31
Total,
$181 56
HIGHLANDS SCHOOL.
Lulu O. Short,
teacher,
$132 00
Annie Jenkins, janitor,
4 00
Frank Jenkins, 66
4 33- - 8 33
W. W. Lydston, sundries, 70 Total, $141 03
BEAR HILL SCHOOL.
Bessie A. Veal, teacher, $350 00
Martha A. Goodwin, music, 21 00
INCIDENTALS.
H. L. Woodman, janitor,
$ 4 40
F. Jenkins,
66
3 00
W. H. Goldsmith,
66
16 50
Mrs. Lundquist, cleaning,
3 00 -- 26 90
A. J. Huntington, fuel, 8 16
E. M. Morse, 66
5 00
W. H. Goldsmith, sawing wood,
1 50- 14 66
F. E. Bartlett, repairs,
2 82
Wm. Jones,
66
2 25
Heath Brothers,
66
40
W. W. Lydston, sundries,
40- 5 87
Total, $418 43
BIRCH MEADOW SCHOOL.
Josephine V. Mason, teacher,
$132 00
66 6: janitor, 12 00
INCIDENTALS.
T. M. Sargent, sawing wood,
$ 1 25
G. W. Hoyt, wood,
2 25
J. W. Colby,
2 25
Sargent & Currier, wood,
7 00 --- 12 75
Wm. Jones, repairs,
I 25
Josephine V. Mason, repairs, I 37 -- 2 62 Total, $159 37
6
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
SCHOOL BOOKS.
Ivison, Blakeman & Taylor,
$16 37
C. H. Whiting,
46 92
Wm. Ware & Co.,
124 6S
Cowperthwaite & Co.,
IOS 00
Thompson, Brown & Co.,
29 06
Harrison Hume,
14 90
W. P. Adams,
22 83
D. Appleton & Co.,
IO 97
Ginn & Co.,
7 50
D. G. Heath & Co.,
II 38
Carl Schoenhof,
IO 04
Houghton, Mifflin & Co.,
7 44
C. W. Hager,
I 25
G. F. Joyce, jr.,
I SO
Wm. Chase,
I SO
J. L. Hammett,
school supplies,
46 67
F. H. True,
66
90
Henry H. Story,
66
66
I IO
Ward & Gay,
66
9 00
G. F. King & Merrill,
II 35
G. F. Joyce, jr.,
66
7 90
J. A. Hale,
66
19 20
C. A. King,
5 87
C. A. King, printing,
II 50
113 49
Total expense of Schools,
$6,262 30
Regular appropriation,
$5,500 00
Special
66
300 00
Income Mass. school fund,
174 67
Dog fund,
175 94
Received for tuitions,
83 25
books sold,
16 67
Overdrawn,
II 77
$6,262 30
66
$414 94
SELECTMEN'S REPORT. 7
Support of Poor.
Paid Town of Amesbury as follows :
Board and clothes for Eliza Patten,
$109 00
Two-fifths support of McCabe children, 72 30
$ISI 30
Support of Family of W. O. Gray.
H. Maria Gray, board of two children,
150 48
Calvin Sargent, one child, 96 00
Lydia Goodwin, 66
Mrs. Gray, 88 00
Mrs. L. J. Lewis, 66 20 00
354 48
Support of Maria Sargent.
Blaisdell & Huntington, fuel, 29 62
Support of R. S. Patten.
Blaisdell & Huntington, fuel, 42 31
J. H. Cleary, supplies, 76 61
R. A. Sargent, bill of 1884, 1 25
120 17
Support of M. Burke.
Blaisdell & Huntington, fuel,
26 28
Dr. HI. G. Leslie, consultation, 6 00
C. E. Rowell, supplies, .
56 64
Dr. H. J. Cushing, expenses, 8 05
96 97
Sargent & Currier, supplies to Timothy Sullivan, 5 46
R. R. Sorenson,
66
9 19
J. D. Pike, 66 66
I 25
Danvers Lunatic Hospital, support of A. R. Lawson, 169 63 66 61 M. Riley, 172 52
15 90
Worcester Asylum, 66 A. C. Hoyt, 192 64
Mary Pressy, house rent, Smith Quimby, 48 00
City of Newburyport, supplies to Caroline Sargent, 33 75 City of Newton, J. O'Brien, 4 00
City of Boston, aid to Henrietta Baxter, 2 58
R. A. Sargent, supplies to J. Parker's child, 1 50 C. N. Crandall family, 75
A. P. Chaples, board of Ann M. Waining, 10,00 II. P. Davis, expense of committing John Reardon to Danvers Hospital, 12 00
W. W. Lydston, stove for lock-up, $ 7 50
J. H. Cleary, supplies to I 43
J. B. Heath,
47
9 40
534 79
S
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
Dr. H. J. Cushing, town physician, $30 00
246 98
.
Total for Poor, $1,580 21
Deduct
Due from state for state paupers,
15 90
Net expense, $1,564 31
Appropriation,
15,00 00
Overdrawn,
64 31
1
Highway Account.
District No. I. Sewell P. Jackman, Surveyor.
Expended by surveyor in ordinary repairs,
$546 25 $546 25 Apportionment, 550 00
Unused balance, 3 75
Sargent & Currier, tile and lumber,
129 07
D. E. Wadleigh, sharpening tools, 5 90
W. A. Manufacturing Co., lumber for bridge, 3 60
Moses Sargent, paving stone,
3 00
W. B. Chapman, 'setting grates, etc., 21 83
17 36
J. E. Currier, brick grate, etc., 5 40
10 00
G. G. Larkin, plank crossings, 66 grading and wall, Pleasant street,
25 00
A. Lawson, building sidewalk, Pine street,
33 70
J. L. Blaisdell, grading cemetery road, 38 50
S. P. Jackman, 66 Church avenue, 330 80
631 66
REMOVING SNOW.
W. H. Blodgett, bill 1884, 30 60
S. P. Jackman, 75 20
L. E. Bancroft, bill 1884,
14 90
120 70
District No. 2. J. L. Blaisdell, Surveyor.
Expended by surveyor in repairs, Apportionment,
3,50 00
Unused balance.
46 44
Sargent & Currier, tile. 4 05
I 00
5 05
REMOVING SNOW.
J. L. Blaisdell.
112 32
T. E. Connor, labor.
303 56
303 56
S. P. Jackman, “
Woodland street, 7 50
Marshall Brothers, laying tile, etc.,
$1,564 31
SELECTMEN'S REPORT. 9
District No. 3. Christopher Sargent, Surveyor.
Expended by surveyor in repairs,
$251 58 $251 58
Apportionment, ,
250 00
Overdrawn,
I 58
Sargent & Currier, lumber and tile,
19 50
A. Heath,' labor,
5 70
25 20
REMOVING SNOW.
Christopher. Sargent,
28 50 .
A. Heath, 3 50
32
District No. 4. Calvin Sargent, Surveyor.
,Expended by surveyor in repairs,
IIO IO
IIO IO
Apportionment,
150 00
Unused balance,
39 90
REMOVING SNOW.
Calvin Sargent,
So
Essex Merrimac Bridge.
Paid County of Essex, 1
$6,254 15
Selectmen, expense on hearing,
16 28
S. P. Jackman, services,
5 00
6,275 43
Land Damages on Church Avenue.
Wm. Rowell's heirs,
20 00
Francis Sargent,
25 00
J. D. Fourtin,
20 00
--
65 00
George Tyler. repairs on road machine,
10 00
S. P. Jackman, 66 66
IO 32
W. A. Mfg. Co., 66
66
1 00
W. H. Colby, 66
C. E. Little's hack, 6 00
27 32
Paid Albert Sargent for gravel pit at Merrimacport,
40 00
Total expense of Highways and Bridges,
8,546 97
$1,800 00
Appropriation, 66 for land damages, 65 00
Received on Town Treasurer's note, money hired
to pay award on Essex Merrimac bridge, 6,489 00
Overdrawn, 192 97
$8,546 97
The working of Church avenue at an expense of $330.80, for which no appropriation was made, will explain the overdraft in this department.
1
10
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
Fire Department.
Paid Niagara Engine Company, $ 305 83
D. E. Wadleigh, repairs,
3 75-$309 58
Agile Engine Company,
475 00
T. H. O'Neil, repairs,
7 15
J. Whittier, 66
I 75
A. Parker, 66
3 04
Blaisdell & Huntington, fuel, 2 25- 489 19
Win. P. Sargent Hook and Ladder Company,
182 54
Merrimac Steam Fire Engine Company,
189 17
J. E. Barbeau, steward, 49 06
Engineer and fireman, 1884, 83 30
Boston & Maine R. R. Co., freight, 7 20
M. P. Sargent, qualifying engineers,
1 00
Sargent & Currier, fuel,
19 10
Blaisdell & Huntington, “
70 16
W. A. Lyceum, storage of Eagle engine,
13 00
W. A. Axle Co., rent of land,
100 00
D. M. Means, painting hose carriage,
60 00
J. H. Murphy, work on 66
4 50
Manchester Locomotive Co., repairs,
2 85
C. A. King, printing,
9 25
J. H. Cleary, supplies,
5 40
A. S. Jackson, 66
20 40-
445 22
R. R. Sorenson, Fire District bill,
13 63
Sargent & Currier,
66
S 75
S. S. Blodgett, 66 66
7 05
Heath Brothers, 66 66
II I
- . 40 58
WORK AT ENGINE HOUSE.
John A. Heath,
2 00
Sargent & Currier,
41 IO
Wm. Jones,
80 20
W. H. Underhill,
IS 75
W. H. Blodgett,
70 03
J. Doyle,
2 So
Moses Sargent,
20 00
W. W. Lydston,
12 29
M. S. Gibbs,
44 71
LeBosquet Brothers,
27 64
O. W. Larkin,
5 25
J. E. Currier,
50
Magee Furnace Co.,
6 38
Patrick McKenna,
6 00
D. E. Wadleigh,
1 15- 338 80
Total,
$1,995 08
11
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
Regular appropriation,
$1000 00
Special
300 00
Authorized by Statute,
100 00
Received for Old Eagle engine,
30 00
66
Old hose,
53 94
66
Fire tax,
42 58
Unpexended balance last year,
68 63
Overdrawn,
399 .93
-
$1995 08
RESERVOIR AT MERRIMACPORT.
Paid J. C. Wigginton, labor,
$ 230 40
W. B. Titcomb, 66 139 25
Sargent & Currier, brick and lumber,
147 17
Wm. Chase & Sons, pipe,
64 80
Powow Hill Water Co., hydrant,
33 00
S. S. Blodgett, cement,
66 80
G. W. Wiggin, tile.
3 50
O. W. Larkin,
70
Boston & Maine R. R. Co., freight,
5 49
Swampscott Machine Co., cover,
8 50
W. H. Colby, bills paid,
5 29
W. H. Blodgett, hauling engine,
5 00
$709 90
Appropriation,
$500 00
Overdrawn,
209 90
$709 90
Public Library.
Regular appropriation,
$500 00
Special 66 (Goodwin fund),
120 00
$620 00
Paid D. J. Poore, Treasurer,
620 00
State Aid.
Harriet C. Flanders,
$48 00
Wm. F. Martins,
72 00
Hannah P. Tozier,
48 00
Rebecca Kennet,
48 00
George F. Bailey,
36 00
Mary E. G. Gay,
48 00
John Jenkins,
36 00
Jesse Flanders,
32 00
John Clement,
8 00
$376 00
$1595 15
12
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
Miscellaneous Account.
EXPENSES ON SARGENT HALL.
W. W. Lydston, repairs,
$ IO 25
Wm. Jones, 66
10 05
J. H. Cleary, supplies,
4 60
S. S. Blodgett, coal,
5 55
Wm. Winslow, charcoal,
3 60
Moses Sargent, stone,
I 00
J. Lawton, cleaning cellar,
2 00
R. A. Sargent, janitor,
59 50
$96 55
STREET LAMPS.
Merrill & Patten, oil and freight,
$21 63
T. H. Patten, four faucets,
2 80
Wm. Jones, repairs,
75
John Damrell, supplies,
3 10
Sargent & Currier,
30
John H. Cleary,
I 2S
R. R. Sorenson,
20 03
C. E. Rowell,
6 S4
A. M. Colby,
5 40
C. C. Morse & Son, printing town reports, 66 order book,
7 00
C. H. Whiting, record books,
4 75
C. A. King, printing,
40 50
F. W. Barry, stationery,
90
T. Groom & Co., Assessors books,
2 00
T. II. Hoyt, census of scholars,
15 00
66 writing agreements and consultations,
7 00
Dr. W. H. Gerrish, birth returns,
2 75
Dr. II. J. Cushing, 66
8 50
Dr. J. A. Douglas, 66
I 25
J. B. Heath, return of deaths,
3 75
G. W. Veal, mowing lower cemetery, 4 00
W. W. Lydston, repairs on watering.trough, 3 72
J. C. Wigginton, moving soil at engine house, 5 86
S. J. True, for crape at F. E. Hall's funeral, SS
Post 114, G. A. R., for Memorial Day.
75 00
L. E. Bancroft, burying horse, 1
3 00
Little's Express, sundries, 17 30
Bailey Sargent, postage paid, 3 24
E. N. Sargent, lock for tomb, I 60
$273 96
-
62 13
65 96
13
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
G. A. Titcomb, award for hogs taken, 35 00
Dr. W. H. Gerrish, autopsy and appraiser, 9 00
G. G. Davis, appraiser,
1 00
E. D. Grant, 66
I 00
-
46 00
Total,
$478 64
Appropriation,
$600 00
Memorial Day appropriation,
75 00
$675 00
Unused balance,
196 36
$478 64
Town Officers.
E. M. Morse, selectman, assessor and overseer of poor, $200 00
Wm. H. Colby, 66 66
125 00
J. E. Currier, 66 66
66
125 00
M. Perry Sargent, school committee,
55 00
T. H. Hoyt,
50 00
Dr. J. W. Hobart, 66 66
50 00
Bailey Sargent, town clerk,
59 60
66 66 constable, warning meetings,
12 00
66 treasurer and collector,
300 34
F. C. Delano,. registrar of voters,
30 00
Alex. Smart, 66 66
30 00
John S. Clement, 66 66
30 00
Bailey Sargent, 66 66
30 00
$1,096 94
Appropriation,
$1,000 00
Overdrawn,
96 94
$1,096 94
Police.
John B. Heath,
$ 53 33
Philip J. Neal, S. P. Jackman, Henry P. Davis,
30 00
85 00
76 00
$244 33
.
14
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
Financial Statement.
The town is indebted as follows :
On loan of June 2, 1883,
$ 6,000 00
Sept. 3, 1884, 4,500 00
66 Jan. 5, 1885, 3,650 00
66
June 9, 1885, 6,300 00
66 Dec. 26, 1885,
8,000 00
Interest accrued,
209 83
Outstanding demands, estimated,
1,000 00
$29,659 83
CR
Due from State, for State Aid,
$ 432 00
66 66 State paupers,
15 90
Sinking Funds,
1,156 00
Uncollected taxes,
6,935 66
8,539 56
Debt March 1, 1886,
$21,120 27
Debt reported March 1, 1885,
$18,044-07
Add award and interest on Essex Merrimac bridge,
6,254 15
Actual debt March 1, 1885,
$24,298 22
Decrease of debt,
3,177 95
$21,120 27
The loan of June 2, 1883, is the balance of loan to refund town of Amesbury bonds, and is pay- able in sums of $1,000 yearly, $6,000 at 4 per ct.
The loan of Sept. 3, 1884, was for the purchase of a steam fire engine,
4,500 at 4 per ct.
The loan of Jan. 3, 1885, was for providing a place for the steamer, 3,650 at 4 per ct.
The loan of June 9, 1885, was for payment of award on Essex Merrimac bridge, 6,300 at 4 per ct.
The loan of Dec. 26, 1885, was to refund old town of Amesbury note, 8,000 at 3 1-2 per ct.
-
15
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
Note and Interest Account.
Paid Bailey Sargent, Treas., overdraft, $ 74 31 Merrimac Savings Bank, notes and interest, 5,651 99 66 66 Fire District note and interest, 1,371 07
Note of Town Treas., loan of June 2, 1883, 1,000 00 Int. on T. Treas.' notes, 66 260 00 66 66 Sept. 2, 1884, 180 00 66 66 June 9, 1885, 126 00
Town of Amesbury, I year's interest, 480 00
balance of joint indebt- edness of Merrimac and Amesbury, 8,000 00 Commissioners of Sinking Funds, 1,156 00 - $18,299 37 934 41
Discount on taxes,
ABATEMENTS.
Collector's list, 1880,
$ 8/97
66 66
1881,
66 05
66
66 1882,
87 39
66 66 1883,
94 72
66
66
1884,
100 57
66.
66 1885
70 42
428 12
$19,661 90
E. M. MORSE, WM. H. COLBY, of
JOHN E. CURRIER, Merrimac.
REPORT OF THE Commissioners of Sinking Funds, February 2, 1886.
RECEIVED from Town Treasurer, (the same being 8 per cent. of the indebtedness, for which the fund was established,) $1,156 00
DEPOSITED in Merrimac Savings Bank, in accordance with the provisions of the statute regulating the invest- ment of Sinking Funds, $1,156 00
JAMES D. PIKE, H. O. DELANO, WM. H. HASKELL,
{ commissioners.
Selectmen
16
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
Treasurer's and Collector's Account.
BAILEY SARGENT, Treasurer and Collector, in account with the Town of Merrimac : 1885. DR.
March I To uncollected taxes, - $5,660 95
April I Hired of Merrimac Savings Bank, 1,000 00
2I Rec'd of G. W. Bartlett, peddler's license, 8 00
May 4 Hired of Merrimac Savings Bank, 2,000 00
6 Rec'd of State Treas., acct. of state paupers, 3 00
1
June I Hired of Merrimac Savings Bank, 1,500 00
9 Rec'd of Ford & Skinner, for Treas.' note, 6,489 00
27 Hired of Merrimac Savings Bank, 1,000 00
29 Rec'd of School Committee, for tuitions, 45 00
29 66
66 books,
14 59
Aug., I 66
J. F. Pease, for loam, engine house lot, 9 00
Oct. 17
66
W. H. Blodgett, for Old Eagle engine, 30 00
Nov. 21 66
School Committee, for tuitions, 27 50
Dec., IO
66
State Treas., corp. tax,
$502 77
IO
66
66 66 bank tax,
229 52
IO
66 66 State aid, 349 50
1,081 79
26
66
66 66 for Treas.' note,
8,000 00
28 1886.
Jan. I3
66
County Treas., dog money,
175 94
27
6'6
Income Mass. School Fund,
174 67
Feb.
3
66
School Committee, for tuitions,
10 00
3
66 66 66 " books,
2 08
S
66
66
66 " tuitions,
75
8
66 Amesbury, bank and corp. taxes,
53 93
8
66
R. R. Sorenson, loam E. H. lot, 2 00
8
66
C. F. Wilder, 66 66
4 00
II
66
E. B. Moser, grass from Pound lot,
50
II
66 First Nat. Bk., I y'r's rent, $275 00
66
R. A. Sargent, 66 225 00
66 G. E. Ricker, 66 250 00
II
66 R. A. Sargent, rent for
/
Sargent Hall, 62 50
812 50
66
66
A. S. Jackson, for old hose, 53 94
II
17
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
Fire District tax.
$IIO 69
Tax list for 1885,
Re-assessments,
Interest on taxes,
$24,752 56 17 67 98 97
24,869 20
-$53,140 03
CR.
By paid State tax,
$ 1,035 00
66
Bank tax,
1,783 06
66
County tax,
1,326 87
6: Selectmen's orders,
41,572 27
By Uncollected taxes, 1881,
$ 32 76
66
1882,
255 36
66
66
1883,
1,047 27
66
66
1884,
1,439 20
68
66
1885,
4,161 07
6,935 66
Cash on hand, .
487 17
$53,140 03
Sargent Hall.
REPORT OF THE JANITOR.
During the past year Sargent Hall has been opened thirty-two times, and for the following purposes :
Political meetings and caucuses,
8
Town meetings,
4
Lectures,
6
Miscellaneous,
.
14- 32
Received for use of hall, $62.50.
Police Report.
Number of arrests for assault, I
66
66 drunkenness, 7
66
66 drunkenness and disturbing the peace, 2
66
66 disturbing the peace, I- II
I
66
Tramps taken care of
59
66 Times called, 116
Liquor seizures,
JOHN B. HEATH, S. P. JACKMAN, H. P. DAVIS, P. J. NEAL,
Police.
18
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
Cemetery Account.
Report of the Superintendent of the Old Cemetery.
JOHN B. HEATH in account with the Merrimac Burial Ground.
1885.
DR.
Feb. I Deposited in Merrimac Savings Bank,
$ 244 84
Aug. 31 Sale of Lot No. 145,
10 00
Sept. 18 66 125;
10 00
Oct. 21 Interest, II 00
$275 84
CR.
July
I. Mowing yard,
8 00
Repairs on fence,
I 42
Oct. 21 Deposited in Savings Bank,
255 84
Care of yard,
3 50
Cash on hand,
7 08
$275 84
JOHN B. HEATH, Agent.
LOCUST GROVE CEMETERY.
Report of the Trustees. DR.
1885.
March I Balance on hand,
$682 71
Received by sale of lots, 40 00
$722 71
CR.
March 6 Paid expenses to Newton,
5 00
May 19 C. H. Hale, setting trees and shrubs, 310 00
June 18 C. A. King, printing, 6 00
26 Mr. Colcord, labor, 2 00
July 2
J. L. Blaisdell, 66
14 00
4
Wm. G. Nichols, plan,
50 00
21
Henry Ross, trees and shrubs,
301 00
Aug. 17 Mr. Colcord, labor,
3 So
Oct. 20 S. P. Jackman, 66
9 00
Nov. 2 J. M. Wood, 66
12 00
Feb.
IO Cash on hand, 9 91
$722 71
J. A. LANCASTER, 1. B. LITTLE, C. E. ROWELL,
{ Trustees.
Merrimac, Feb. 1, 1886.
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY
OF THE TOWN OF MERRIMAC.
To the Board of Selectmen of Merrimac :
GENTLEMEN : With the present closes the tenth year of useful- ness of the Merrimac Public Library, and with the exception of the usual wear, we would report the Library in its usual good condition.
The principal work of the year has been the completion of the catalogue which was prepared for publication during the preceeding year. We are obliged to report that the sales have been much more limited than was expected from the universal clamor for a new work of this kind. It is an obvious fact that many of those who patronize the Library to the greatest extent, thereby receiving the greatest advan- tages free of expense, do not appreciate these advantages enough to aid and encourage the work by purchasing one of its catalogues. After having made a liberal expenditure for this purpose, and preparing an extremely useful book, it was hoped every family would consider it inexpensive and purchase a copy. We still live in that hope and invite the patronage of all our citizens in thus reimbursing our treas- ury. Inasmuch as the catalogues are paid for, every sale now means more reading matter for the shelves of the Library.
We have protected and added to the appearance of the Library by placing wire guards in front of the shelves.
Since the first of February, 1885, the rooms of the Library have been opened 98 times, and 11,743 books have been delivered as follows :
20
PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORT.
In February, 1212; March, 1205; April, 1102; May, 1021; June, 792 ; July, 885; August, 539; September, 898; October, 1251; Novem- ber, 897; December, 690; January, 1251. The largest number de- livered in one day was 221, while the daily average was 120.
We are pleased to report there are no books unaccounted for, and no books have been lost during the twelve months. There have been " added in 1885, forty-two books; thirty-two of these were added by purchase, while ten were donated. / We are indebted for these dona- tions, to Dr. James R. Nichols, for two volumes of Encyclopedia Brittanica ; Dr. A. F. Pattee, one volume, The Percuteur; Hon. Eben F. Stone, six volumes, Public Documents, and to the Lynn Public Li- brary for one volume. All of these have been gratefully acknowl- edged.
Owing to the disappointment arising from the small sale of cata- logues, only a few books have been added by purchase.
The conduct of some of the younger patrons while in the room is not just what should be observed in a well regulated Library, still we are glad to report progress in this direction. The size of our room continues inadequate, and we feel in duty bound to continue our prayer for more room, hoping that at no distant day the important adjunct of a modern Library, a quiet reading-room, may be a reality.
During the year the amount drawn from the Goodwin Fund has been repaid with interest, from an extra appropriation. 1
The needs of the Library continue as pressing as ever, the usual appropriation being barely sufficient to meet our yearly wants, there- fore, we respectfully recommend for the succeeding year the same ap- propriation as formerly.
Respectfully Submitted,
E. M. MORSE, S. S. BLODGETT, J. B. JUDKINS, GEORGE ADAMS, DANIEL J. POORE, DR. JAMES R. NICHOLS, GEORGE O. GOODWIN,
Board of Trustees.
D. J. POORE, Secretary.
Merrimac, Feb. 16, 1886.
1
PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORT.
TREASURER'S REPORT
1 For the Year Ending March 1st, 1886.
D. J. POORE, Treasurer, in account with Merrimac Public Library.
DR.
To balance from previous year,
$12 23
Received from Catalogues,
20 50
Interest on Goodwin fund,
18 85
66
Town appropriation,
500 00
60
66 66
(extra), 120 00
Fines,
33 59
$705 17
CR.
By paid for Catalogues,
$207 40
66
Books and Magazines,
47 89
66
Binding books, 51 00
Librarian,
175 00
66 Printing,
13 80
66 Expressage,
6 15
66
Furniture,
48 50
66 Compiling Accession Book,
24 90
66 Sundry supplies,
13 54
Refunding Goodwin Fund,
116.39
Cash on hand,
60
$705 17
Respectfully Submitted,
21
D. J. POORE, Treasurer.
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
Statistics from Valuation Book.
1884.
1885.
Valuation of Real Estate;
$761,230 00
$775,870 00
66
Personal Estate,
376,774 00
390,085 00
1
$1,138,004 00
$1,165,955 00
Gain in 1885,
27,951 00
Number of polls, 711.
Rate on polls, $2.00.
Rate of taxation, $18.50 per $1,000.
Total tax assessed,
$22,992 16
Non-resident Bank valuation,
95,160 00
Tax on same,
1,760 46
Number of acres of land assessed, 5, 112.2
1884.
1885.
Number of Dwellings,
446
455
66
Horses,
249
250
66
Cows,
199
193
66
Sheep,
20
3I
Swine,
-
71
66
Neat cattle, other than cows,
71
23
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
Schedule of Public Property.
Sargent Hall,
$20,000 00
School Houses,
21,000 00
Public Library,
2,500 00
Fire Apparatus, including Fire Dist. property, 11,000 00
Cemeteries, Hearse and House, 2,700 00
Town Landings,
300 00
Town Pound,
50 00
Town Standards,
150 00
Law Reports,
350 00
$58,050 00
ARTICLES IN WARRANT FOR ANNUAL MEETING, MONDAY, MARCH 1, 1886, AT TEN O'CLOCK A. M.
Art. I. To choose a Moderator to preside at said meeting.
Art. 2. To choose a Town Clerk.
Art. 3. To choose Selectmen, Assessors and Overseers of the Poor.
Art. 4. To choose a Treasurer and Collector of Taxes, and fix the compensation for collection.
Art. 5. To choose one School Committee for three years.
Art. 6. To choose two Trustees of the Public Library for three years.
Art. 7. To choose one Trustee of the Cemetery for three years. .
Art. 8. To choose one Commissioner of Sinking Funds for three years. Art. 9. To see if the town will accept the Jury List as revised by the Selectmen.
Art. 10. To choose Constables.
Art. II. To choose Highway Surveyors.
Art. 12. To choose Surveyors of Lumber and Measurers of Wood and Bark.
Art. 13. To choose Fence Viewers and Field Drivers, and all other necessary town officers.
Art. 14. To bring in their votes by ballot-Yes or No-on the question : " Shall licenses be granted for the sale of intoxicating liquors in this town ? "
Art. 15. On petition of J. D. Pike and others, "To see if the town will appropriate the sum of seventy-five dollars, to be expended under the direction of Post 114, G. A. R., for the proper observance of Me- morial Day, May 30, 1886."
Art. 16. On petition of R. S. Bailey and others, "To see if the town will vote to purchase a Hose Carriage for the Merrimacport En- gine," also, "To see if they will vote to appropriate two hundred dol- lars for the same."
Art. 17. On petition of Calvin Sargent and others, "To see if the town will vote to make the necessary repairs on the Birch Meadow School House, so called, and .make appropriation therefor."
Art. 18. On petition of H. H. Story' and others, "To see if the town will authorize the selectmen to put a railing on the roof of Sar- gent Hall to prevent snow slides."
Art. 19. To see what sum of money the town will vote to raise to defray the necessary expenses and charges of the town for the ensuing year, and make appropriations for the same.
Art. 20. To see if the town will authorize their Treasurer, under the direction of the selectmen, to hire money in anticipation of taxes.
Art. 21. To see what discount, if any, the town will allow for the prompt payment of taxes, and to fix the time for payment of taxes ; also, to see what interest, if any, the town will charge on taxes remain- ing unpaid after the time fixed for the payment thereof.
Art. 22. To see if the town will vote to restrain neat cattle and horse kind from running at large.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE TOWN OF MERRIMAC,
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING MARCH 1, 1886.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
M. PERRY SARGENT, Term expires ISS6
JOHN W. HOBART,
66 ISS7
THOMAS H. HOYT, 66 . ISSS
TEACHERS 1885-6.
HIGH SCHOOL.
GEORGE F. JOYCE, JR., Principal.
HELEN K. SPOFFORD, Assistant.
MERRIMAC-CENTER.
Grammar, ELLEN GUNNISON.
Intermediate, CARRIE M. EVANS.
First Primary, FRANCES L. SHERMAN.
Second Primary, ETTA H. COLBY. .
PROSPECT STREET.
First Primary, JOSEPHINE L. OAK.
Second Primary, FLORA E. FOURTIN:
MERRIMACPORT-GRAMMAR.
*CHARLES S. DAVIS, *A. M. ARMSTRONG,
PHILIP EMERSON.
Intermediate, MINNIE C. CURRIER.
Primary, *ANNIE M. COLLINS. LANDING. MARTHA A. HUGHES.
HIGIILANDS.
LULU O. SHORT. / BEAR HILL.
BESSIE A. VEAL.
BIRCH MEADOW. JOSEPIIINE V. MASON.
MUSIC.
*STELLA C. LARKIN.
MARTHA A. GOODWIN.
*Resigned.
2
REPORT.
In accordance with a time-honored custom, and in compliance with the laws of the Commonwealth the Committee would respect- fully submit the following report :
The year just closed has witnessed a fair amount of prosperity in most of our schools; good order has generally prevailed, still there are some parents who do not sufficiently encourage their children to perform their school duties and thus enable the teacher to ac- complish the best results.
A new code of Truancy By-Laws, adopted by the Town and properly enforced, would do much toward correcting the evils or absenteeism, and materially lessen the labors of the teacher.
Order is said to be Heaven's first law, and in no place is good order more necessary than in the school room. The labors of faith- _ ful teachers are necessarily severe; the training of the young' to - walk in wisdom's ways is by no means an easy task. The conscientious teacher is not satisfied with simply staying in the school room six hours a day and hearing a certain number of lessons, but often spends hours out of the school room in labor for the school, and frequently labors on, amid many discouragements and adverse influences, to elevate the pupil's mind and lead him in the path of virtue and honesty. If the parents would only co-operate with the teacher far grander results would be obtained. But, alas! too often the home
3
4
SCHOOL REPORT.
influences are not favorable to honesty or morality, and the teacher becomes discouraged with the results. To such we can only say, in the language of the poet,
"Act well thy part; it shall succeed In thine or in another's day, 1 And if denied the Victor's meed Thou shall not miss the toiler's pay."
HIGH SCHOOL.
There has been nothing of special interest in the High school dur- ing the year, except at the close of the summer term, when three scholars graduated with honor to themselves. It has been the aim of · the Committee to keep the school fully up to its former standard, and it is hoped that the time is near at hand when the advice given by Prof. Prince of the State Board will be fully carried out and none but High school scholars be admitted to the High school.
GRAMMAR SCHOOLS.
The Grammar school is in many respects of more importance than 1 any other, for while we should encourage all who can to take the full High school course, it cannot be denied that the great majority of scholars finish their school life with Grammar school studies, and but a very few graduate from the High school, as is shown by our record of graduates.
These schools have had a very prosperous year. There has been a large amount of labor judiciously performed both by the teachers and scholars, and the result has been quite satisfactory to the committee.
During the past two years the course of instruction in this grade has been made more practical than formerly.
At the close of the summer term Mr. Davis, very much to the re- gret of the Committee, parents and friends of the school, had a "higher
.
5
SCHOOL REPORT.
call," and accepted the position of principal of the High school at Turners Falls, for which he was well qualified.
The injury sustained by a school in the loss of a faithful teacher, thoroughly familiar with all the little details of his position and the temperament and ability of his scholars, is seldom overestimated, and frequent changes are sure to work harm in any school.
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOLS.
Such good progress has been made, both in discipline and in the studies, that we take pleasure in reporting these schools in better condition than they have been for several years.
PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
There has been much good work done in this department during the year. The teachers have labored faithfully and deserve far more encouragement from the parents than they receive.
In every pursuit in life it is very important to start right, and as the child commences school life in the Primary grade it is very essential that his first steps should be properly guided, for the training he receives here will manifest itself, either for good or evil, all through his school days.
MIXED SCHOOLS.
These schools have been more prosperous than usual during the past year. Good. order has prevailed, and as a result good progress has been made in the studies. A mixed school has far less advantages than a graded one, and it is only by greater exertions by both teacher and scholar that it can successfully compete with the graded school. The first class in the Bear Hill school has done this. In a written examination prepared by the Committee the average of the class in all the studies was over ninety per cent, which is a good record for any school.
-
6
1
SCHOOL REPORT.
MUSIC.
Music has been taught in all the schools, except the Landing, Birch Meadow and Highlands. During the summer vacation Miss Larkin resigned, and her place was filled by Mrs. Martha A. Goodwin of Salisbury, Mass., who has served to the satisfaction of the Com- mittee.
SCHOOL HOUSES.
Most of the school houses are in good condition. The Bear Hill school house, however, needs a new floor and some other repairs inside, and that at Birch Meadow, in its present condition, is no . credit to the town. More school room will soon be required at the Center, as the Primary schools are already full.
M. PERRY SARGENT,
Chairman School Committee of Merrimac.
7
SCHOOL REPORT.
1
MERRIMAC HIGH SCHOOL,
GRADUATES 1885.
Vouloir c'est pouvoir.
EDITH I. GALE,
LULU A: CATE,
GEORGE L. BATCHELDER.
8
SCHOOL REPORT.
TABLE No. 1.
STATISTICS OF SUMMER TERM.
SCHOOLS.
Number of
Days in term.
Number of
Scholars.
Average
Number of
Scholars.
Average
attendance.
Number of
Times Late.
No. of scholars
over 15 years. No. of scholars
under 5 years.
Number of
Visitors.
Teacher's
wages
per month.
Merrimac High (Principal)
60
46
42.5
39.8
26
37
-
5
$94 74
66 (Assistant)
50 00
Grammar,
.
66
Intermediate, .
60
35
34.2
33.3
7
28
35 00
Central Higher Primary,
60
60
43
42
37
37
25
30 00
Plains Higher Primary,
60
37
34.5
33.3
7
66
Lower
6
60
51
47
45
42
1
16
30 00
Merrimacport Grammar,
60
22
20
18.5
6
10
5
60 00
66
Intermediate,
60
29
29
20
76
12
31 00
Bear Hill, .
60
39
36.3
32
7
12
40 00
Landing,
60
11
10.5
10
34
Highlands,
60
15
14
12.25
6
1
B
18
22 00
Birch Meadow,
60
10
8
7.5
-
1
-
39
22 00
TABLE No. 2.
STATISTICS OF WINTER TERM.
SCHOOLS.
Number of
Number of
Scholars.
Average
Number of
Scholars.
Average
attendance.
Number of
Times Late.
No. of scholars
over 15 years.
No. of scholars
under 5 years.
Number of
Teacher's
wages
per month.
Merrimac High (Principal) 66
130
54
48.5
47
44
32
-
21
$100. $50 00
66
Grammar,
.
66
Intermediate, .
105
31
26.5
25.5
17
1
29
35 00
Central Higher Primary,
105
105
40
36
31
18
60
30 00
Plains
Higher Primary,
105
19
45.4
43.4
41
1
38
35 00
66
Lower
105
40
33
29
81
1
24
30 00
Merrimacport Granimar,
105
27
26.5
24
112
1
13
50 00
66
Intermediate,
105
23
34
33.2
26.5
21
1
2.2
40 00
Landing,
60
12
12
10.5
47
11
1
2
17
22 00
Birch Meadow,
60
13
11
9
12
-
-
14
22 00
66
Primary,
60
42
34
30
123
14
30 00
.
·
Highlands,
·
·
60
13
10.56
10
17.3 32
302
33
30 00
Primary,
105
38
35
Bear Hill,
105
.
105
35
38
36
16
3
18
50 00
66
Lower 66
6
50 00
60
31
30.16
29.75
12
2 10
Visitors.
.
(Assistant)
Days in term.
35 00
Lower
66
31 00
70
17
11
22 00
20
22 00
35 00
14 35 00
1
ל
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