USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1874-1875 > Part 1
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org.
REPORTS
OF THE
SELECTMEN OF FAIRHAVEN
ON THE
Financial Affairs of the Town,
AND OF THE-
School Committee,
FOR THE YEAR 1874-5.
NEW BEDFORD : E. ANTHONY & SONS, PRINTERS. 1875.
REPORT
OF THE
SELECTMEN OF FAIRHAVEN
ON THE
FINANCIAL AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN,
For the year 1874-5.
NEW BEDFORD : E. ANTHONY & SONS, PRINTERS. 1875.
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016
https://archive.org/details/annualreportofto 1874fair
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN. .
TOWN OF FAIRHAVEN,
IN ACCOUNT WITH T. DAMON, JR., COLLECTOR.
1874.
To paid State tax,
$2,440.00
County tax,
2,106.97
Town treasurer,
24,340.88
Abatement on taxes for prompt pay, State treasurer, National Bank tax,
2,470.11
Taxes remitted by assessors,
227.33
School district taxes, 1869, paid,
46.89
Treasurer and Collector's salary,
500.00
Taxes refunded,
37.95 355006.
Uncollected taxes for 1874,
1,480.67
66
66
1873,
743.63
66
66
1871,
828.20
66
66
1870,
597.73
66
1869,
541.88
66
1867,
128.03
66
115.40
66
1864,
140.35
.6
1863,
228.11
66
1862,
182.56
66
66
1861,
135.22 $39,418.64
CREDIT.
By uncollected taxes,
$8,065.02
Amount tax bills from assessors,
23,099.10
Taxes assessed since,
12.00
Fairhaven National Bank,
3,960.00
Interest on taxes collected, National Bank tax,
2,431.68
Corporation tax,
642.57
State aid,
700.00 $39,418.64
66
1872,
517.35
66
1868,
189.90
1866,
1865,
89.00
508.27
1,330.48
4
TOWN OF FAIRHAVEN,
IN ACCOUNT WITH T. DAMON, JR., TREASURER.
By amount to balance old account, $36.01
Cash of Nathaniel Bonney, 7.11
Cash of Mrs. A. P. Willcox,
60.00
Proceeds of loan of F. H. Savings Inst., 1,930.00 66 66
965.00
Cash of Mrs. A. P. Willcox,
100.00
Proceeds of loan of F. H. Savings Inst.,
965.00
Proceeds of loan of F. H. Nat. Bank,
1,975.50
Cash of Russell Snow, for license,
8.00
Cash of Seth F. Jenney,
.62
Cash of Nathaniel Bonney,
35.00
Cash of Elisha S. Whiting,
146.02
Cash of Mrs. A. P. Willcox,
77.50
Cash of Wm. H. Whitfield,
.60
Cash of Elisha S. Whiting,
79.28
Cash of Welcome J. Lawton,
71.22
Cash of Gillira Kendrick,
84.00
Proceeds loan of F. H. National Bank,
993.58
Cash of Henry T. Howard,
10.00
Cash of City of Fall River,
160.75
Cash of Town of Nantucket,
113.40
Cash of Town of Acushnet,
20.00
Cash of Town of Marion,
183.00
Proceeds loan of F. H. National Bank,
496.79
Cash of County treasurer, dog fund,
197.55
Cash of State treasurer, school fund,
248.71
Cash of Town of Mattapoisett,
56.59
Cash of Charles F. Stetson,
180.00
Cash of Nathaniel F. Benson,
60.00
Dividends at Fairhaven National Bank,
128.00
Seth A. Mitchell, use of town team,
458.25 +
John M. Hathaway, use of town team,
127.50
Stephen Westgate,
56.50
Henry T. Howard,
15.00
Perry Lapham, labor,
4.25 $10,058.33
Amount from Collector of Taxes,
24,340.88
$34,399.21
To orders drawn on treasurer and paid for account of highways, public schools, sup- port of poor, and incidental expenses, $31,524.90
Balance in treasurer's hands, 2,874.31 $34,399.21
5
1
Repairs of Highways.
Orders in favor of John M. Hathaway for payment to
John M. Hathaway,
$90.50
Seth Alden,
15.00
Frederick Hammond,
.60
M. Whitfield,
6.50
Simpson Jenney,
6.00
Henry Jenney,
2.00
Samuel Hathaway,
10.25
Wm. Mackie,
23.00
W. J. Lawton,
88.78
Town Team,
100.00
Chas. D. Sherman,
9.60
Chas. D. Sherman, Jr.,
7.00
Luther Dickens,
5.00
Henry Hammond,
12.25
Frank Paine,
12.00
Alvan Paine,
1.10
Alvan Paine, Jr.,
1.50
Wm. Conley,
2.00
E. Mott,
2.00
Wm. Studley,
6.00
Thomas Nye,
24.00
George Swain,
34.75
Edw. West,
5.00
Stephen Townsend,
4.00
David Howe,
35.40
Eben Tripp,
21.00
Andrew Jenney,
12.40
Wm. Eldredge,
1.50
Alonzo Stone,
7.25
Fred. Lawton,
24.50
Town Team,
27.50
Charles Stetson,
4.50
David Howe,
8.00
Chas. Sherman,
12.00
Jos. Silva,
12.00
Jos. Manuel,
12.00
Manuel Rose,
9.30
Town Farm Team,
4.25
Wm. Mackie,
3.00
E. Reed,
1.00
City New Bedford,
3.00
James L. Butman,
2.55
Geo. Swain,
6.37
Samuel Hathaway,
12.25
.
Blacksmith's bill,
6.00
Cardoza Domingo,
7.00
Opening Drain,
12.00
$713.60
Orders drawn in favor of Henry T. Howard for payment to
Chas. F. Blossom,
$35.00
John Gelatt,
19.00
Alfred Jenney,
10.00
Joseph King,
8.00
Alonzo Stone,
8.00
Reuben W. Austin,
26.70
Joseph B. Taber,
11.40
Paul K. Hathaway,
6.00
Chas. A. Stevens,
4.00
And. W. Spooner,
8.00
Enoch D. Staples,
3.00
Nelson H. Stevens,
13.00
Edwin J. Howard,
45.20
Joseph Hammond,
6.00
Seth Delano,
28.30
Samuel White,
2.10
O. Moulton,
5.70
Charles F. Jenney,
7.50
Job H. Willcox,
6.00
Arthur Hammond,
7.00
Wm. Jenney,
10.30
Joseph Wright,
12.00
Dennis Parker,
6.00
Joseph W. Jenney,
8.00
Town Team,
15.00
Seth Alden,
10.00
S. Skiff,
4.00
John F. Howard,
2.00
Henry T. Howard,
64.45
Henry Jenney,
9.00
John Gelatt, Jr.,
18.40
Rufus Jenney,
11.00
Alfred Jenney,
5.00
Henry T. Howard,
37.50
Henry Hammond,
7.00
Malcolm M'Lane,
5.00
Reuben Marshall,
4.00
Edwin J. Howard,
31.20
Chas. F. Blossom,
29.70
Seth Delano,
28.20
John F. Howard,
2.00
Joseph King,
8.00
64
7
Reuben Austin,
12.70
Seth Alden,
5.00
Nelson H. Stevens,
18.50
Job Willcox, Peleg Drew,
1.00
George W. King,
4.90
$644.75
Orders drawn in favor of Seth A. Mitchell for payment to
George W. King,
$16.11
John Wood,
9.50
Manuel Rose,
26.70
James Davis,
5.90
Thomas Clark,
42.74
Malcolm M'Lane,
55.75
Thomas Taber,
15.20
Reuben W. Austin,
3,75
Calvin Hackett,
17.50
Seth Alden,
13.00
Thos. Wrightington,
29.10
Reuben P. Reed,
18.00
Albert Barney,
29.10
David Howe,
39.30
Jona. Cowen,
3.00
John Tinkham,
5.40
T. C. Rockwell,
5.70
John Howard,
60.00
Hervey Wadsworth,
4.47
E. P. Tripp,
9.80
Edwin Jenney,
14.00
Stephen Townsend,
4.00
James H. Tripp,
8.60
John M. Howland,
.65
Samuel Briggs,
14.00
Lewis Long,
33.34
George Robinson,
.70
George H. Taber,
18.97
George Jones,
.60
Alfred Delano,
6.55
Manuel Morandin,
2.00
James M'Donald,
5.00
Thomas Nye,
6.60
And. Jenney,
4.00
Everett Stetson,
21.85
Kelley S. Eldredge,
2.18
P. Hutchins,
2.25
Marshall Briggs,
12.72
Boston and F. H. Iron Works,
7.68
15.00
8
Wm. C. Ford,
16.00
James Durfee,
1.00
George F. Drew,
1.20
City New Bedford,
1.00
R. Fish,
28.21
C. D. Hunt,
16.61
Joseph Taber,
.90
O. F. Hitch,
.65
D. Rounseville,
1.00
B. Dunn,
2.00
Walter F. Howland,
1.00
Oliver Willcox,
12.00
D. W. Kendrick,
6.38
S. G. Gidley,
.90
Aaron Savory,
1.50
Abner Howard,
12.00
James Dall,
2.67
Chas. H. Tripp,
8.20
Town Team,
325.75
S. A. Mitchell.
167.60
$1,182.28
Order drawn in favor of S. A. Mitchell, Special Appropriation Mulberry Street.
Andrew Spooner,
$13.36
Alexander Tripp,
6.75
Paul K. Hathaway,
3.60
Peleg R. Drew,
3.15
Boston and Fairhaven Iron Works,
1.80
George H. Taber,
2.03
Thomas Taber,
4.00
John Howard,
6.80
Wm. C. Ford,
2.75
Everett Stetson,
3.50
Lewis Long,
8.26
Abner Howard,
3.00
Town Team,
65.00
S. A. Mitchell,
26.00
$150.00
Order drawn in favor of S. A. Mitchell, repairing N. B. Bridge.
Aaron Savory,
$1.68
R. A. Dunham,
1.00
Town Team,
× 8.00
John M. Howland,
.36
D. J. Lewis,
.61
David Howe,
1.00
Eben Tripp.
1.80
9
Roland Fish, Hervey Wadsworth, James Butman, S. A. Mitchell, stone, S. A. Mitchell,
2.10
1.87
.70
5.25
5.80
30.17
CREDIT.
By Appropriation,
$2,500.00
By Special Appropriation,
150.00
Balance charged Incidental account,
70.80
$2,720.80
Support of Public Schools.
TEACHERS' SALARIES.
H. M. Howland, (in 1873)
$32.00
A. L. Stevens,
230.50
Ellen H. Akin,
161.00
D. P. Rand,
280.00
M. E. Fairchild,
232.00
Addie E. Burke,
252.00
Noah Sherman,
340.00
M. A. Fairfield,
248.00
A. F. Sears,
306.00
S. R. Allen,
252.00
E. S. Dunham,
189.00
L. Brydon,
113.75
A. H. Delano,
312.50
Vincent Moses,
487.50
A. M. Bancroft,
135.00
D. A. Caldwell,
625.00
4,196.25
REPAIRS OF HIGH SCHOOL-HOUSE.
A. D. Bourne,
$241.08
W. S. Guild,
53.27
C. Maxfield,
53.90
Ripley & Tripp,
55.78
8,0
D. K. Hathaway,
69.20
Alexander Tripp,
358.05
W. Butman,
.70
27.5
William C. Ford,
2.70
834.68
REPAIRS OF "PINK " SCHOOL-HOUSE.
Martin Wheeler, moving,
$130.00
A. D. Bourne,
71.42
David Howe,
45.50
Abner Howard,
60.15
307.07
56.5
49712
B
$2,720.80
10
NEW SCHOOL-HOUSE, NASKATUCKET.
B. Taber, W. P. Sullings, and J. Cowen, $28.00
Purrington & Taber,
51.88 79.88
CARE, FUEL, AND SUPPLIES.
S. Skiff, preparing fuel,
$7.60
S. B. Hathaway, care,
8.75
Mrs. Willcox, supplies,
2.04
William McDonald, cleaning,
6.00
D. Sullivan, labor and care,
22.40
Charles G. Sherman, labor,
11.52
Samuel Dall, care,
2.00
Emeline Reed, cleaning,
2.78
P. Hutchins, labor and care,
31.80
Marion Skiff, care and cleaning,
17.75
A. E. Delano, care,
14.75
Charles Blossom, care,
10.50
George H. Taber, Jr., care,
21.00
S. R. Woodlin, care,
15.00
C. B. Clark, care,
6.45
W. S. Guild, labor,
9.78
H. D. Burke, care,
23.20
S. Hutchinson, supplies,
32.52
George King, supplies,
1.57
H. J. Taylor, supplies,
10.60
James I. Church, supplies,
.38
C. H. Morton, supplies in 1873, -
11.49
D. K. Hathaway, labor,
6.29
John W. Lawton, labor and care,
112.28
I. F. Terry, rent,
15.00
R. A. Dunham & Co., school committee,
3.00
O. F. Hitch, supplies,
10.96
George Jones, labor,
3.25
Alfred Nye, supplies,
1.75
F. Williams, supplies,
1.26
James A. Severance, cleaning.
9.80
Thomas Clark, care,
6.00
Herbert Sullings, care,
13.25
John F. Alden, repairs,
37.48
Marshall Briggs, repairs,
16.50
James Paull, labor,
18.00
William S. Butman,
.75
David West,
2.89
Fairhaven Coal Co.,
245.33
William Benson, charcoal,
41.16
James S. Hill, repairing piano,
2.50
11
J. Nichols, surveyor,
2.00
N. S. Taber, supplies and labor,
60.67
F. A. Sowle, supplies,
1.70
H. J. Taylor, supplies,
7.85
Seth Delano, wood,
15.87
John M. Howland, supplies,
1.42
R. Fish, supplies,
12.24
C. M. Pierce, supplies,
4.00
D. W. Dean, wood,
6.00
David Howe,
.80
James D. Vaughn, supplies,
.75
Rufus B. Jenney, labor,
4.00
Levi M. Keene, care,
7.80
942.43
Balance unexpended.
169.95
$6.530.26
CREDIT.
Town appropriation,
$6,000.00
Cash received from sale of lot,
84.00
Cash received from dog fund,
197.55
Cash received from school fund,
248.71
$6,530.26
Support of Poor.
Orders drawn for Alms-House,
$1,863.65
Orders drawn for out doors relief,
2,430.37 $4,294.02
CREDIT.
Town Appropriation,
$2,000.00
Cash of N. Bonney,
7.11
Cash of N. Bonney, rent,
35.00
Cash of E. S. Whiting,
146.02
Cash of E. S. Whiting,
79.28
Cash of W. J. Lawton,
71.22
Cash of H. T. Howard, rent,
10.00
Cash of City of Fall River,
160.75
Cash of Nantucket,
113.40
Cash of Acushnet,
20.00
Cash of Marion,
183.00
Cash of Mattapoisett,
56.59
Cash of C. F. Stetson,
180.00
Cash of John Howard,
6.80
Cash of P. Lapham,
4.25
$6,360.31
12
Cash of N. S. Benson,
60.00
Received from farm sales,
$496.49
Less expended by Keeper,
407.81
88.68
$3,222.10
Balance to Incidental account,
1,071.92 $4,294.02
Farm Products.
18 tons English hay,
3 tons fresh hay,
4 tons salt hay,
1 ton corn fodder,
1} tons straw,
165 bushels potatoes,
60 bushels corn,
18 bushels rye,
12 bushels oats,
133 bushels onions,
18 bushels carrots.
537 bushels turnips,
33 hens,
100 tons dressing,
30 tons fish guano,
3079 pounds pork,
1500 pounds beef,
3 calves,
8393 quarts milk,
Sundries $109.
Incidental Expenses.
State aid,
$704.00
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
William Jeffers.
$22.10
George Clark, (Engineer 1873)
42.25
J. C. Sherman,
14.21
Gifford & Allen,
3.60
J. G. Morse, Engineer,
188.77
Purrington & Taber,
10.71
William Mann,
19.37
L. Cole,
.62
William H. Hoeg,
19.62
S. Weed,
1.75
O. F. Hitch,
3.72
A. Savory,
8.17
C. Harris,
3.00
Ira Gerrish,
7.00
J. M. Allen, fire-ward 1872,
5.00
Boston & Fairhaven Iron Works,
13.62
Edgar Taber,
1.60
B. Taber,
1.20
H. W. Richmond,
2.38
L. Brownell,
10.00
J. L. Butman,
20.00
N. S. Taber,
7.60
Engine No. 3,
195.17
13
Engine No. 5, Hooks and ladders,
314.17 30.00
Fire-wards,
50.00
995.63
Expenses of horse department,
1,178.79
SALARIES.
I. Fairchild, school com., 1872, '73, and '74, $100.00
I. Fairchild, health committee, 2.00
C. H. Morton, school committee, 1873 and '74, 75.80 Isaac Terry, school committee, and supplies, 79.39
George H. Tripp, committee on accounts, 2.00
G. H. Taber, selectman, overseer of Poor, and assessor, 260.00
Seth Alden, assessor,
40.00
Job A. T. Eddy, assessor,
90.00
T. S. Butman, special police, constable, care of lock-up,
99.55
W. J. Lawton, overseer of Poor, and selectman, 30.00
D. J. Lewis, overseer of Poor, and selectman, 1873-4, 80.00
858.74
Interest paid on notes and coupons on bonds, Bonds paid,
2,000.00
Amount paid for school books,
298.70
NEW SCHOOL-HOUSE.
S. Skiff, wall,
$25.72
Jonathan Cowen,
7.88
33.60
SUNDRY INCIDENTALS.
Levi Haskins, watching,
$1.00
E. Anthony & Sons, printing and advertising,
141.50
Fessenden & Baker, printing and advertising,
75.00
Oliver Prescott, advice,
13.00
Aaron Savory, labor on pound,
6.47
Jesse Nichols, surveyor,
3.00
Joseph S. Tillinghast, insurance,
100.00
S. Hutchinson, stationery,
241.00
Collins & Allen, blank book,
14.00
Purrington & Taber, on pound,
5.00
Phoenix Hall Association,
98.00
Amos T. Pierce, care of clock,
25.00
Welcome J. Lawton, guide-posts,
1.25
W. N. Alden, watching,
6.00
D. J. Lewis, travelling expenses,
8.14
George H. Taber, copying tax-book,
20.00
Purrington & Taber, painting New Bedford Bridge,
49.08
4,116.00
21107
4
10850
14
0244
J. A. T. Eddy, copying tax-book, 35.00
J. A. T. Eddy, assessing bank tax, 13.20
Geo. H. Taber, assessing bank tax, 1873 & '74, 25.60 Tucker Damon, Jr., collecting bank tax, 1873 and 1874, 25.60
T. M. Stetson, advice, 3.00
N. S. Taber, sealer of weights and measures.
7.68
T. Damon, Jr., recording births and deaths, 44.05
R. W. Paine, allowed moving wall, in part, 14.95
Expenses town clerk's office, 18.65
LIGHTING STREETS.
George Reeves,
$151.15
F. P. Sherman,
54.00
S. S. Swift & Co.,
13.10
James I. Church,
5.80
O. F. Hitch,
4.20
N. P. Fish & Co ..
15.22
W. T. Butman,
.50
Weston Howland,
5.96
249.93
Balance of highway account,
70.80
Balance of poor account,
1,071.92
T. Damon, Jr., salary,
500.00
1,642.72
$12,834.69
CREDIT.
Appropriation,
$8,000.00
Received sale of school books,
237.50
License,
8.00
Map,
.62
W. H. Whitfield,
.60
State aid,
700.00
Dividend, National Bank,
128.80
Corporation tax,
642.57
Use of town team,
657.25
10,375.34
Excess over appropriations,
$2,459.35
Town Debt.
Bonds,
$41,000.00
Pease District,
5,000.00
Fairhaven Institution for Savings,
7,000.00
Notes to Individuals,
4,900.00
Fairhaven National Bank,
500.00
Outstanding bills,
1,000.00 $59,400.00
C
707.50
88377
777.67
15
DEDUCTIONS.
Due from City of Taunton,
$172.06
Due from City of Fall River,
36.00
Due from City of New Bedford, 97.50
Due from Town of Marion,
36.00
Due from Town of Nantucket,
24.00
Due from Town of Falmouth,
45.50
Due from State Aid,
704.00
Stock in Fairhaven National Bank,
1,840.00
Value of Town horses,
650.00
Wagons, harness and hay,
165.00
Amount Expended on New Bedford Bridge.
Amount to December 1, 1872,
$545.68
Lighting,
108.00
Labor and painting,
97.30
Supplies,
31.28
$782.26
School Book Agency.
Balance on hand February 15, 1874,
$93.41
Books on hand February 15, 1874,
205.67
Books purchased during the year,
422.56
Advance on books sold,
43.24
$764.88
CREDIT.
Books on hand February 15, 1875,
$195.78
Cash paid Town Treasurer,
335.50
Cash paid by Agent,
19.54
Books furnished Schools,
57.10
Books furnished Scholars,
27.81
Agent's commission,
43.24
Cash on hand,
85.91
$764.88
GEORGE H. TABER, DANIEL J. LEWIS, Selectmen. WELCOME J. LAWTON,
FAIRHAVEN, Feb. 22, 1875. The undersigned have examined the foregoing accounts and believe them to be correct.
I. F. TERRY, }
Committee on O. F. HITCH, Accounts.
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF FAIRHAVEN,
For the year 1874-5.
NEW BEDFORD : E. ANTHONY & SONS, PRINTERS. 1875.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
During the past year we have made some material changes in the arrangement of our schools. One school we have discontinued, and two have been reorganized. Among the teachers, an unusual number of changes have occurred. The summing up of the year's labor demon- strates that the changes have increased the effectiveness of the schools. The attendance at the village schools during the Winter term was very materially affected by the prev- alence of sickness among the scholars, yet the average for the year is very good. At the High school the whole at- tendance has increased each term, which is opposite to the reports heretofore given, and speaks well for the school.
We will now briefly review all the schools except the High and Grammar schools, the changes in which demand for them particular notice.
POINT SCHOOL,
Always considered a difficult school, has under the charge of Miss Sears attained an effectiveness satisfactory to the committee. Miss Sears has given proof of her excellent qualifications as a teacher.
NORTH FAIRHAVEN SCHOOL.
The Spring and Summer terms were taught in a satis- factory manner by Miss Addie Stevens. The Winter term was taught by Mr. George H. Tripp in a manner creditable to himself and satisfactory to all. We will here state that the building occupied by this school was moved from its former site to its present location on the Town
1
Farm, in accordance with a vote of the town, for the pur- pose of relieving the Point school, which was then in a crowded condition. In the assignment of the scholars heretofore attending the Point school, your committee aimed to act with entire impartiality, and although there has been some complaint in this particular, we believe that most parties directly interested are content with the course taken, and that our citizens approve the change as the only feasible means of relief.
NEW BOSTON SCHOOL.
This school during the past year has been under the charge of Mr. N. Sherman, and though it has not been the privilege of your committee to visit this as often as other schools, yet judging from such facts as have come to their notice they are satisfied that Mr. Sherman has discharged his duties in a faithful and able manner.
NASKATUCKET SCHOOL.
The discipline and general standing of this school is good. Miss Dunham's method of teaching demonstrates the advantage of Normal training. In the care of the building and the prevention of injury to the furniture of the school, Miss D. deserves commendation. She has shown a zeal in this particular which many of our teachers would do well to imitate.
SCONTICUT NECK SCHOOL.
A very decided improvement has been made in this school during the past year. Miss Akin has shown excel- lent tact and ability in the performance of her duties.
THE NORTH PRIMARY
Continues under the charge of Miss Allen, and is, as heretofore, a good school.
5
SOUTH PRIMARY,
Has been taught during the past year by Miss Addie Burk, with her usual success.
CENTRE PRIMARY.
In consequence of changes in other schools, and the transfer of scholars from the Pease district, this has dur- ing the past year been a large and difficult school. Miss Fairchild deserves special mention for the happy manner in which she has met and overcome the difficulties attend- ing the charge of the little ones that compose the school.
HIGH SCHOOL.
Your Committee, at the close of last year, were in some doubt as to the course to be pursued in regard to this school. It was apparent that the school was not making an adequate return for the money expended for its support. The difficulty was apparent but the remedy was not so certain. Difficulties such as not exceeding to any extent the usual appropriations for schools, the adaptability of the school buildings and others of like character arose to limit any change we might contemplate, so that the com- mittee had to consider what was expedient rather than what was best. To state the matter briefly, we were maintaining the High School with an average attendance of only about fifty, and in a building calculated for one hundred scholars, at the same time maintaining the Gram- mar School at an expense exceeding the High School and with only the same average attendance. The Grammar School was in excellent standing, but did not carry the scholars far enough to become the principal school. Nei- ther was the Grammar School building as well calculated for a large school and more advanced scholars as the High School building. Again, to advance the Grammar School would withdraw from the attendance at the High School,
6
lessen the general interest in the school, and cause a falling away from its already reduced standard. The lowering of the standard of schools in a community whose future well- being will be so vitally affected by the character and in- telligence of the scholars of to-day, is a matter which cannot be too carefully guarded against. This last con- sideration was perhaps the strongest motive to the change the committee finally decided upon, viz., to send from the Grammar to the High School one class in addition to that which would have passed to the High School, and to have a five years course at the High School instead of a four years course as heretofore, and to combine the Interme- diate with the balance of the Grammar School. By this change the High School has been made to cover the most important part of the time devoted to the education of children, and it will give them a chance of an uninterrup- ted course of five years under the same teacher, the value of which cannot be overestimated, and it will be apparent that our chance of retaining our teachers is better than before, as we have more money to expend upon the High School.
The Spring term of this school we will pass over briefly. It failed to realize the anticipations of the committee in some particulars. The unfortunate condition of things during the closing weeks of this term overshadowed every- thing by its evil influence, but as the trouble and its cause is with the past, we will not awaken discussion by attempt- ing an explanation of a matter upon which there is so much difference of opinion. It is sufficient to say that some good work was done, and in some studies there was a decided improvement over last year.
The Summer and Winter terms were taught by Mr. D. A. Caldwell as principal, with Misses Delano and Bancroft as assistants. During this time there has been a steady improvement in discipline and advancement in the studies. Each teacher has labored earnestly and faithfully, and the
7
result is highly satisfactory. The discipline of this school has for some years past been lax ; the committee are much pleased with the radical change in this particular. We feel satisfied if we shall be so fortunate as to retain the services of our present teachers another year, that the school will attain a standing and effectiveness unequalled it its past.
It will perhaps be well to mention that during the past year we have caused the High school building to be put in thorough repair, and made some material alterations, that the lower rooms might be available as class rooms. We have now in the village this one building well calcu- lated for school purposes.
GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
We have already stated that the present Grannar school is composed of the third class of the Grammar school of last year combined with the Intermedial school. During the year this school has been under the charge of Miss D. P. Rand as principal and Mrs. M. A. Fairfield assistant. The attendance at this school the past year has reached as high as ninety-two scholars ; it will from this fact be ap- parent that this is a very difficult school, and taking into consideration the restiveness of children at the age of those that compose it, we know that the teachers have had no easy task. Their work has been thoroughly and faith- fully performed, and the result indicates their abilities as teachers. Few ladies would succeed as principal of a school numbering so many scholars, and Miss Rand may well feel gratified that she has succeeded in maintaining the excellent standing which this school attained under its former principal.
The Grammar school building, which is now occupied by the Grammar and Centre Primary schools, will need, if we are to continue to use it for a school-house, a con-
8
siderable outlay for repairs and painting. The Grammar school-room ought to be reseated, as the present seats are very poor and of a style discarded in most towns, and un- less the town should decide to build a new house, which would undoubtedly be cheapest in the end, your commit- tee will ask an appropriation for the aforenamed repairs and alterations.
APPROPRIATION.
Under this head we shall aim to remove some misap- prehensions generally entertained by our citizens. The appropriation called for by the committee hitherto has been for salaries of teachers, care of buildings, and fuel. For the incidental expenses we have relied upon the gen- eral incidental fund. But it appears that the incidental fund, so called, is applied to the payment of the interest on the town debt and that part of the principal which becomes due annually, and other matters of a like positive character which should be met by a special and exact ap- propriation, so that in the town report the selectmen have withheld from the school account the benefit of a part of this incidental fund, and have charged school incidentals against the appropriation for teachers, care and fuel, thus obtaining a false balance, and making it appear that the committee have exceeded the appropriation, while the con- trary is true. Your committee will this year ask for an appropriation for the incidental expenses of the schools. We shall then be certain that the money needed for school purposes is actually appropriated, and that the town may not, as in years past, hire money to meet this ex- pense.
The great element of strength in a community is educa- tion, for every man's knowledge or ignorance is felt by others, either directly or indirectly. It is from good schools that we expect that education which is to furnish
9
the requisite basis of healthy strength. Therefore it be- hooves every community to take a lively interest in all public appliances for the steady mental improvement of the coming generation, and make it manifest in some form.
Good school-houses, well furnished, comfortably warmed and ventilated, are strong adjuncts in framing good schools. Attentive committee, who are willing to leave their own business unaccomplished, and spend their time in looking after the interests of other people's children, can doubtless contribute much to the prosperity of the public schools. Efficient and experienced teachers, labor- ing earnestly and faithfully, may, by long continued well doing, achieve a certain degree of success. But after all, it is the voice of the community that settles the question of the success of our public schools. If the community gives its support to the educational arrangements in its limits, they will surely succeed. But if it withhold its confidence, then the best school accommodations, the most efficient and attentive committee, the most learned and devoted teachers, employing the most perfect system of instruction, cannot make satisfactory schools. A school cannot be constructed, put together, adjusted, set a-going, and be expected to perfectly accomplish its work, without further attention. Every school has a personality, a life, that must be ministered to. There can be no true success in a school, without earnest enthusiasm on the part of teachers and scholars. This alone can lift off the dead mechanism and formality of school labor. For the infus- ion of this zeal, schools rely almost entirely upon the en- couragement extended to them by the community. And this valuable encouragement may be extended in different ways, by the citizens bestowing directly upon teachers and scholars that sympathy which they have a right to ex- pect and claim from friends and parents. And in no way can that sympathy be more acceptably or profitably mani- fested, than by an occasional visit to the schools while at
10
their regular work. Scholars and teachers alike receive a new impulse from such attentions, though they be very short. Did parents manifest as much interest in the mental and physical welfare of their children, as in their own pleasure and profit, these visits would be far more frequent. But if the requirements of business will not allow even this, the citizens can at least exercise a care to speak as well and encouragingly of the schools as is possi- ble. And almost every school must necessarily have some good points worthy of praise. Yet every one knows that the objectionable and disagreeable occurrences in public establishments are circulated much quicker, far wider, and with more embellishments than the agrecable and excel- lent ones. Therefore be slow to listen to, and still slower to circulate, anything to the disparagement of your schools or teachers, until fully satisfied that there is a wrong to be righted, remembering that the dissatisfaction of parents invariably renders children doubly troublesome and hard to control at school. What the life of our schools craves, is the full interest of this community, plainly manifested. It is better that this be shown because somebody is pleased than some one is displeased, but even the latter may be of final benefit. Perhaps such an interest ought sometimes to be encouraged, for it often leads to more careful obser- vations, from which may spring a wider and more lasting interest. Besides, it may not be altogether desirable that all men should speak well of public servants and their management of any public service. We believe the sen- timent of this community towards our schools is at present very cordial, and we trust that nothing may occur to change it. And we ask each citizen, whether he has many or no children in the public schools, to do all he consist- ently can, by word and deed, to keep this sentiment healthy and strong ; to manifest it in all suitable ways, on all proper occasions ; and to refrain from everything which will in the least degree mar its influence.
11
The annexed statement and tables, to which attention is invited, exhibit all necessary details.
TABLE I.
SCHOOLS.
North Fairhaven, Spring term, Addie L. Stevens,
$28.00 3
mos.
Summer
Addie L. Stevens,
28.00
3
Winter
George H. Tripp, 40.00 3
34.00
34 66
Summer
Amanda F. Sears,
34.00 3
66
Winter 66 Amanda F. Sears,
34.00
2ą
Naskatucket,
Spring Elizabeth S. Dunham, 28.00
Summer
Elizabeth S. Dunham, 28.00
2₺
Winter
Elizabeth S. Dunham, 28.00
3}
New Boston,
Spring 66 Noah Sherman,
40.00
2₺
66
Summer
Noah Sherman,
40.00
31 4
66
Winter
Noah Sherman,
40.00
22
Sconticut Neck,
Spring
Ellen H. Akin,
28.00
3
66
Summer
Ellen H. Akin,
28.00
23
66
Winter
Ellen H. Akin,
28.00
34
66
Centre Primary,
Spring
Mary E. Fairchild,
32.00
34
66
Summer
Mary E. Fairchild,
32.00
3
66
Winter 66 Mary E. Fairchild,
32.00 2₫
North Primary,
Spring 66 Sarah R. Allen,
28.00
34
66
Winter
. . Sarah R. Allen,
28.00
2ª
South Primary,
Spring 66 Addie E. Burk,
28.00
34
66
Winter 66 Addie E. Burk,
28.00
24
Grammar School, Spring
Summer
66
Deborah P. Rand,
50.00
3
Winter
66
Deborah P. Rand,
50.00
34
66
Do. Assistant,
Spring 66 Mrs. M. A. Fairfield,
32.00
34
Summer
Mrs. M. A. Fairfield,
32.00
3
Winter
66 Mrs. M. A. Fairfield,
32.00 3}
High School,
Spring
Vincent Moses,
150.00
34
Summer
David A. Caldwell,
120.00
3
66
Winter
David A. Caldwell,
120.00
34
Do. Assistant,
Spring
Annie H. Delano,
50.00
34
66
Summer
Annie H. Delano,
50.00
3
66
Winter
Annie H. Delano,
60.00
34
Do. Assistant,
Spring
66 Miss L. P. Bryden,
35.00
34
Summer
66 Anna M. Bancroft,
45.00
3
Winter
66 Anna M. Bancroft,
60.00
3}
66
Sarah R. Allen,
28.00
3
Summer
Addie E. Burk,
28.00
3
Deborah P. Rand,
40.00
34
66
Oxford Village,
Spring Amanda F. Sears,
66
3
66
66
Summer
12
TABLE II.
SPRING.
SUMMER.
WINTER.
Attendance between
| Attendance under 5.
Attendance over 15.
| Whole attendance.
Average attendance.
Attendance between 5 and 15.
Attendance under 5.
| Attendance over 15.
| Whole attendance.
Average attendance.
Attendance between 5 and 15.
Attendance under 5.
| Attendance over 15.
Whole attendance.
Average attendance.
North Fairhaven,.
23
0 0 23 18
38
0 1 39 28.2
31
0 3 34 26.29
Oxford Village,.
52
0 0 52 45
36
0 0 36 29
36
0 0,36 29
Naskatucket, .
25
0 1 26,20.7
28
0 1 29 26.6
25
2 2 27 22.24
New Boston,.
37
0 1 38,29
37
0 1 38 30
32
0 3 35 24
Sconticut Neck,
17
2
2 21 15.19
22
0 1 23 13.6
16
1 9 26 18.26
Centre Primary,
48
2
0 50 49
57
0 0,57 43
47
0 0,47 39
South Primary,
46
0 0,46 36.9
51
0 0 51 39.5
42
0 0 42 33.2
North Primary,.
39
o
0 39 30.45
41
0 041 33.3
38
0 0 38 27.35
Grammar School,
89
0 3 92 71 --
87
0 289 76
81
0 2 83 67
High School,.
53
0'44 97 78
53
0 45 98 88
55
0 44.99 85
Whole number of children between 5 and 15, ........ .. 441.
From the foregoing tables it will be seen that the High and Grammar schools have been in session nine and one half months, and all others nine months, except the New Boston school, which was in session eight and one half months.
The following is a statement of the receipts and expend- itures for the past year :
Amount raised for school purposes,
$6,000.00
Received from State,
248.75
Received from County,
197.55
Received from Town of Acushnet,
84.93
Total,
$6,531.23
Expended for teachers' salaries, care and fuel, 5,777.58
Balance unexpended,
753.65
ISAAC FAIRCHILD, Chairman. CHARLES H. MORTON, Secretary.
89
SCHOOLS.
5 and 15.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.