USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1862-1879 > 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.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33
ACTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY
2211 00098 9702
Acton Memorial Library. PORAT
NOLO
1735. % 068
RIAL LIE
974.5
Library No.
A188a
(ral. 1)
Accession No.
4571
Date,
Dec. 31.
1894
GIFT OF Town of actor
REFERENCE BOOK ACTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY ANTON MASSACHUSETTS 01720
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2013
http://archive.org/details/annualreportstow18621879acto
TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT
2/83% OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF ACTON,
FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 1861-62.
ALSO, THE
REPORT OF THE TOWN CLERK,
AND
SELECTMEN'S REPORT,
974
FOR THE YEAR ENDING FEBRUARY 26, 1862.
BOSTON: S. CHISM,-FRANKLIN PRINTING HOUSE, No. 112 CONGRESS STREET. 1862.
R
REPORT.
IN obedience to State law, and in accordance with established usage, the School Committee present their Annual Report.
Our school year opened with very favorable cir- cumstances. A Teachers' Institute, commencing Mon- day, April 8th, and continuing through the week, was an event to us of unusual interest, and highly enjoyed by a large and intelligent company of teach- ers, as well as the citizens generally of this town and vicinity. The town showed their appreciation of the object of the gathering, by offering, in a unanimous vote, the use of their fine Hall, warmed and lighted, for the sittings of the Institute.
A motion was made to appropriate a sum of money to defray necessary expenses, but this was objected to by the friends of education, who pledged them- selves to furnish all the bodily comforts of board, lodg- ing and transportation, which might be needed by the members of the Institute. Proverbially generous and hospitable as are the people of Acton, we never felt more sensibly their liberality than in the present instance ; it was so cheerfully, so gladly rendered, that their kindness was made doubly acceptable and doubly valuable. The Institute was a great success.
4
With the great-hearted and generous Joseph White for presiding officer, aided by Professors Russell, Ten- ney, and Slocum, Rev. Mr. Northrop, Dr. Sharpe, Mr. Philbrick, Rev. Dr. Hamlin, Hon. Henry K. Oliver, and finally by a highly intelligent and apprehensive audience, it could not well be otherwise.
The lectures of Prof. Russell, on elocution and training the voice, were practical and valuable. Those of Professors Tenney and Slocum were spirited and scientific. Mr. Northrop is always earnest and interesting. Dr. Hamlin gave us a full and graphic account of the government and educational system of Turkey, speaking incidentally of the great improve- ments introduced by the missionaries ; these being matters which he had seen, and heard, and felt, his facts and descriptions were highly relished by the great company which gathered there to hear him.
Nothing, however, seemed to wake up the heart of the whole assembly, more than the patriotic and liberty-loving sentiments casually introduced, and especially by Hon. H. K. Oliver, in the closing ad- dress.
Is it not a little remarkable, that, at that very moment, the great rebellion was breaking out in the bombardment and burning of Fort Sumpter? Nor was it a less interesting fact, to this town at least, that in this same hall, where so peacefully we had been, day after day, listening to words of wisdom from the lips of men whom we love and delight to honor - there should be, on Monday, April 15th, a hasty assembling of our brave Co. E, with their strong hearts and ready arms, in answer to the call of the President for men to defend the capital. Their part-
5
ing words, their passage through Baltimore, their reception at Washington, their occupation of the Senate Chamber, and all their doings in the three months' service, are they not all written in our hearts as well as in the chronicles of the day !
This we may safely say; they assembled with alacrity, marched bravely, even through bloody Bal- timore, to the defence of the capital and the govern- ment, performed faithfully every duty, returned in safety, and were received with joy by a great assem- blage of people from all the country.
We write these facts here not merely to make record of them, but to note their influence and signi- ficance.
We are certain the Institute had a very good effect on all our teachers, enlarging their store of knowledge, giving them new ideas, new or improved methods of teaching, and more just and correct impressions of the important work they are called on to perform.
The people generally, too, were interested, and their minds and hearts more thoroughly enlisted in the cause of common school education than ever. Nor was the call made on their liberality without its good influence. We all found it simple truth that it is more blessed to give than to receive. The only complaint we heard was that there were no more to entertain and the time so short.
Then what are we to learn from this loud call our country makes to us for defenders in this day of her sore trial ? Surely this: That the young men from our common schools must mainly supply this great demand ; that they not only make the best soldiers the country ever saw, but can do anything else
6
they set themselves about. We learn, too, that while we live on the same continent with barbarians and barbarian institutions, we must be prepared to defend the cause of liberty, not with argument merely, but with strong arms, clear heads, and brave hearts. It was a remark frequently made by Mr. Woodbury, that " a good school had a great deal of the military about it." So we think; and that our military, from the 15th of April to the present hour, is the grand result of the common school. We fully believe the world never saw an army rising so suddenly from the common business of life, in which promptness of action, quick apprehension, and ready obedience and an ability to do anything and everything, were more notably displayed than in the great army of young men who have left our homes and our schools to fight the battles of liberty.
The first public work of the committee after organ- ization and attending the daily sittings of the Insti- tute, was the permission given to our nine young lady teachers to commence their schools without the formalities of another examination. We had a life- long acquaintance with them all, save one; knew well of all their former success in teaching ; had seen them constant in their attendance at the Institute, and deeply interested in all the exercises ; for these reasons we had great faith in their willingness and ability to perform successfully the great work com- mitted to them.
We considered it very fortunate that every one of them could teach music so far as required to render the exercises of the school-room cheerful, orderly, and
7
lively. We are happy to say, that in our frequent visits to the various schools, we found our best hopes and highest wishes fully realized.
The teachers were earnest, devoted and faithful ; scholars generally attentive, diligent and obedient. With such a state success is certain.
During the winter term three of our nine teachers were new men. Two of them were [from Tufts Col- lege and one a graduate of Dartmouth. The remain- ing six were the same as last year. The schools were all visited by the committee at least every two weeks in the spring and fall terms; in the winter term some of the'm still more frequently. In all our visits we en- deavored to serve the best interests of the school by encouraging and supporting the teachers in all their arduous labors as well as by exciting the scholars to make a great effort to do well their part, both in their studies and their behavior.
We will present as briefly as may be our view of the several schools.
WEST SCHOOLS.
ALDEN FULLER, EsQ., Local Committee.
The primary department was taught by Miss. C. E. Mayhew, spring, fall and winter terms. She is well known to you as a faithful and successful teacher ; constantly improving in her methods of teaching and power of governing her school. At the close of the fall term she was made the recipient of a very pretty present, showing the mutual good will existing in the school. Her winter term exceeded in order and im-
8
provement any former effort. During the final exami- nation we began to note the various classes a "good, etc.," but finally found that we must write them all "good" or "very good," which we were right glad to do.
The higher department in the spring and fall terms was in the care of Miss Sophia S. Harris. In view of the cause of the failure of that excellent teacher, the gentle Miss Hersey, last year, we were fully de- termined, that so far as in us lay, there should be a teacher in this school who would not easily be broken down in her government or her health.
Miss Harris, while she is an excellent teacher, is able to govern any school we have. Her success in this effort was very good. During the spring term the old spirit of disobedience appeared very often; was met by gentle words and kind admonitions ; these failing, more earnest means were resorted to with very positive good effect. The fall term was a per- fect success. The order, interest and improvement of the whole school was very satisfactory. The last day showed the work of the term in a very pleasant manner. Among the exercises deserving particular notice were those of the first grammar class, physi- ology and the various compositions, especially the valedictory. The whole affair finally closed with the presentation to the teacher of some valuable and ap- propriate presents by the scholars, tokens of their kind regards and warm good wishes.
The higher school in winter was taught by Mr. A. C. Fish, of Wisconsin. He came here with the best recommendations, and proved by his success that he well deserved them. His government was efficient, his motto being, "Do right," thus appealing at once
9
to the better feelings of the entire school. He had, too, a motto for daily work and universal application, "I paddle my own canoe;" thus teaching by the re- frain of the old song, self-reliance, the necessity of a continual effort with every one to do his own work in order to strengthen his own hands, and to make vigorous, clear, and capable, his own mind. The full success of this manner of teaching was seen in every day's work by those visiting the school during term time, and some of the best results were shown to the great company assembled in Robinson's Hall, at the close of school. These exercises were all good, and the large audience were well pleased with the school, and with the teacher especially. Where every effort is successful, it is a delicate matter to specify.
Among the declamations, we were most pleased with that of young Holman. The singing showed good taste, both in selection and execution. The In- dependent, read by Miss Huggins and Miss Whitney, containing the compositions of the school, displayed earnest thinking and good writing.
An interesting performance was the public notice of those who had not been absent or tardy, or who were for other reasons scholars of merit, by the giving to each a beautiful book, presented by the teacher. The exercises were pleasantly closed by some eloquent and appropriate remarks by the teacher, and a part- ing song by the school.
2
10
SOUTH SCHOOLS.
EMERSON F. FULLER, Local Committee.
The Primary School for the year was taught by Miss L. C. Faulkner. She is one of our very best teachers. Those who wish to know her real worth must see her, as we have, moving around in her school, a guardian angel; ever faithful and always correct in all her teachings, giving her heart and soul for the good of the school, and so becoming life and soul to them all. Her effort has been a daily success in each of the three terms. It was always pleasant, when wearied or discouraged, to drop into this school; it makes life look all fresh again.
The examination at the close of the fall term was a great day with the school and the crowd of inter- ested visitors who filled the school-room. The lessons in arithmetic and geography, and the reading and spelling, were excellent; the speaking and singing select and well done.
The winter term, however, was the crowning effort. The order, progress, and general character of the school, was all that we could ask.
At the examination every effort was successful. The reading, recitations in geography, arithmetic, and grammar, would have been called good any- where; while the speaking and singing showed good taste, correct teaching, and long and patient practice.
The higher school was placed in care of Miss M. C. Harris. She is well known in town as a teacher, having had charge of five of our schools, and has made teaching a business for some years. It is no mean praise to say that Miss H. was able to keep the
11
school up to the high rank at which it has stood un- der former teachers.
The school is large, and numbers among its mem- bers many excellent scholars, who are striving to fit themselves for stations of usefulness in future life. Such scholars have a happy influence on their associ- ates, giving tone and character to all around them. This school, like every other in town, partook largely of the spirit of the times. Marching and running, military exercise and martial music banished entirely the bat and ball and every other boyish play. We were glad to see more training of muscle, strengthen- ing of bone, connected with our schools ; for on health and strength, and good development of body, depend in a great degree all our mental power and usefulness. When the true and proper use of bodily exercise is better understood and practised, then we may confi- dently look for the perfection of health and vigor, both of body and mind.
The examination was a pleasant affair. The read- ing, exercises in arithmetic and grammar, and the recitation in history, were all very good. Speaking of select pieces, and the singing, showed skill, taste, ยท and tenderness, especially in allusion to those "not lost, but gone before."
The higher department, in winter, was placed in charge of Mr. F. C. Nash, of Tufts College. We were well pleased with this young man, and were always happy to witness his energy, spirit, and kindness, in school, as well as the loving, obedient, and respectful manner of all the larger portion of the scholars. This teacher labored faithfully and perseveringly, not mere- ly during school hours, but at all times where he could
12
aid in the progress and increase the interest of his pupils in the business before them; holding weekly meetings for spelling, speaking, reading, and correct- ing compositions, etc.
The examination was an honest display of the exact state of the school. While there was an abundance of blundering among the smaller scholars, the larger divisions appeared remarkably well. Classes in read- ing, grammar, and philosophy, merit distinct and ap- proving notice. Some of the declamations were good. The compositions read by the writers were short and pithy, full of good thoughts, well expressed and evi- dently original, speaking clearly and earnestly on sub- jects in which the writers were personally interested.
The closing performance was the presentation to the teacher of a heavy gold pencil, by Miss Minerva Shattuck, in behalf of the school. It was a tasteful and significant gift, speaking clearly of the thought- ful love of the school for a kind and faithful teacher.
NORTH SCHOOL.
JAMES KEYES, JR., Local Committee.
Mr. Keyes placed Miss M. J. Harris in this school for the spring and fall terms. She is a teacher of good experience, has always been successful in her schools, both in her government and instruction. This is a small school, and one in which it is difficult to maintain that life and spirit so absolutely neces- sary to great success. There were some very prom- ising scholars in school, and for the comfort of the teacher and the good of the school, we were very glad
13
there were. The teacher's work is sufficiently diffi- cult and trying with good material; without it, no one can know a teacher's discouragement and anxiety but by making the experiment. Miss H. labored constantly, faithfully, and with good success; for, as we have often had occasion to say, success in school is the result of labor, persistent and well-directed labor. Our great regret in connection with this school was, that there were no more partakers of its benefits.
The winter school was taught by Mr. Peck, the teacher of last year. He is everything in school but just master ; pleasant and polite in his manner ; clear, methodical, and correct in all his teachings, his success would have been great and certain but for this one defect. We believe it was not because he did not possess the power of government, but that he did not fully realize the necessity for using it. There are many good scholars in this district, and while they must have been annoyed by the easy state of things around them, performed their parts exceedingly well. The class in the higher arithmetic and in grammar made good progress. The compositions were well written and well read.
SOUTH-EAST SCHOOL. .
WILLIAM A. WILDE, Committee.
Miss Nellie J. Fletcher, of this district, was em- ployed to teach this school. Her success in her efforts last year gave promise of a good school this season.
14
The school always appeared well when visited; was quiet, orderly, and studious. Under the gentle but effective rule of this teacher, everything seemed to move on day by day smoothly and happily. There was no dash or display, but a steady and regular effort to accomplish the true mission of the school. The order, improvement, and general character of the school were very commendable. The examination was well attended by parents and others, and gave, at a glance, the pleasant result of a happy school. We noticed especially the reading and grammar, the singing and compositions. In both these last exer- cises, one who had suddenly left them, with the dew of his childhood yet fresh upon him, was tenderly remembered.
The winter term was commenced by Mr. Wiggin, a graduate of Dartmouth. We were well pleased with his manner of managing a school, with the thor- oughness and precision of his instructions, and we think it is equally true that the school all hold him in high esteem for his efforts among them. We had the most pleasant anticipations of his entire success. Indeed we expected this school would stand far higher than ever, and equal if not exceed the best in town. But in week the teacher vanished, and the school came to a sudden and untimely end.
CENTRE SCHOOLS.
The higher department of the spring and fall terms was placed in care of Miss S. A. Dole. She is well and favorably known as a teacher in this district. She entered the school with spirit and hope; pursued
15
her course earnestly and faithfully; and though she did not give perfect satisfaction to every one, deserves much praise for her long-continued labor and well- directed efforts in her school.
The final examination was very pleasant, showing good improvement in all the various studies pursued during the term; satisfying the large company of visitors that this had been a happy and prosperous school.
The Primary School was taught by Miss Clara Wetherbee during the year.
She has the very desirable power of maintaining order among her little folks, and at the same time keeping wide awake their interest in the real business before them. This faculty of pleasant government and its good results were the most notable features of the school.
The examination at the close of the fall term was largely attended by parents and friends, who wit- nessed the performances of the school with great in- terest and hearty approval.
The winter term was a happy repetition of her former efforts. The same cheerful energy, patient labor, and constant effort, which gave character to the summer terms, were here seen every day. Good order and general improvement were quite commend- able. We notice in particular the grammar class, the recitations and the singing. The greatest satisfaction was felt and expressed by visitors most deeply inter- ested in the school.
The higher department of the winter school was placed in care of L. Conant, Jr., the efficient teacher of last year. We have had occasion to say many
16
good things of this teacher, and could say still more, were any words of ours needful to inform the town of the manifold labors and abundant success of this our highly favored citizen. His history is written in something better and more enduring than a school report - in the minds and hearts of grateful pupils and thankful parents.
For these many years he has done in our schools important and enduring labor. The government and instruction in this school were of the most correct, energetic, and efficient character. No error or mis- take, however slight, was suffered to pass without due notice by the teacher. He went on the great fact, that all scholars, the moment they enter the school expect to be governed, and if need be, punished; they expect, too, to be required to do their whole duty in regard to study as well as behavior. Even good scholars need looking after. Franklin says, " The eye of the master doth more work than both his hands." This is a general fact, and as applicable to the school- room as to the workshop or the farm. The teacher who fails to understand the demands of the times in regard to the maintenance of vigorous discipline, will find that he is rapidly losing the love and respect of his school and community, while all he will gain will be their pity or their contempt.
We introduce here, for the benefit of those who do not visit the schools, the work of a single day and of every day in Mr. Conant's school.
DAILY ORDER OF EXERCISES IN THE CENTRE SCHOOL, WINTER TERM.
Reading in Testament, two verses read by each scholar. Second Class in Written Arithmetic.
17
Second Class in Reading and Spelling. Third Class in Reading and Spelling. RECESS. Fourth Class in Reading and Spelling. Class in History of United States.
Class in Elements of Grammar and Analysis. First Class in Grammar.
Second Class in Analysis and Parsing.
AFTERNOON.
First Class in Analysis. First Class in Reading and Spelling. Second Class in Primary Geography. First Class in Primary Geography. Class in Grammar School Geography. RECESS. Class in Algebra. Class in Primary Arithmetic. Second Class in Mental Arithmetic. First Class in Mental Arithmetic. Third Class in Written Arithmetic. First Class in Written Arithmetic.
(This recitation was usually heard after school hours.)
It will be seen in a moment that here is work to be done which could be accomplished only by the most systematic and persistent application. Every- thing from morning till night went on like clock- work. No sooner was one class retiring from recita- tions, than the next would be seen advancing lightly and actively to take their places. There was no aim- less talk, but every word of the teacher went straight to the point. In reading, errors of pronunciation, accent, or inflection, were instantly and sharply cor- rected. Errors in grammar were not overlooked; double negatives, disagreement of the verb with its nominative, and the use of "done" for did, received especial attention.
3
18
The examination, though it happened on a most inclement day, called out as many visitors as the house would hold. The whole company were highly gratified by the thoroughness with which everything was done. Every class and every scholar appeared before us, all striving in real earnest to do their best ; and we are glad to say they all did well and most of them very well. Good progress was made in all the studies pursued ; in reading, spelling, and grammar, the improvement was most marked and satisfactory. The school, take it altogether, was one of unusual excellence, and teacher and scholars merited and received the highest commendation.
The scholars themselves got up some pretty songs and some very appropriate declamations, which gave a pleasant variety to the examination ; but the main labor of the teacher-and it was very great-was spent on the common and useful branches of an every day education.
EAST SCHOOL.
JAMES E. BILLINGS, Local Committee.
Miss Susan A. Davis has had the charge of this school for some years. She has established a character for faithfulness, energy, and enduring patience, of the most desirable order. Few teachers are so generally loved and trusted both by parents and scholars.
When a teacher is seen every day performing her important duties with an abiding feeling of responsi- bility, not to her employers merely, but to the higher
19
powers as well, every one bestows on her their respect and confidence. A teacher having this manifest ap- proval of the people and of her own heart, is in a condition which enables her to do great service in her school, both to mind and body, morals and man- ners of her pupils.
This work was done, and well done, by this teacher. The whole course of the school, and especially the fall examination, showed excellent progress in study and development of mind, which were very pleasing to a large company of visitors.
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.