USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Carver > Town annual reports of Carver 1887 > Part 1
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ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SELECTMEN
OF THE
TOWN OF CARVER,
FOR THE YEAR ENDING MARCH 3, 1887.
TOGETHER WITH THE REPORTS OF THE
TOWN CLERK AND SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Annual Town Meeting March 28, 1887.
MIDDLEBORO': H. L. THATCHER & CO., STEAM POWER JOB PRINTERS, 1 887.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SELECTMEN
OF THE
TOWN OF CARVER,
FOR THE YEAR ENDING MARCH 3, 1887.
TOGETHER WITH THE REPORTS OF THE
TOWN CLERK AND SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Annual Town Meeting March 28, 1887.
MIDDLEBORO': .
H. L. THATCHER & CO., STEAM POWER JOB PRINTERS, 1887.
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/annualtownreport1887carv
·
REPORT OF SELECTMEN.
Citizens of Carver :-
The Selectmen submit their annual Report of the receipts and expenditures of the town for the past year, with such other facts as may be of interest.
TREASURER'S ACCOUNT.
ANDREW GRIFFITH, Treasurer.
DR.
To cash on hand March 3, 1886, $3,639 48
Rec'd from Geo. B. Fuller, license to ped- dle, 6 00
City of Taunton, aid to Shurtleff fam- ily, 104 00
Geo. H. Ayer, license to peddle, 6 00
Winslow Pratt, labor of Bent girl, 2 50
B. W. Robbins, extra work, Swan hole bridge, I2 00
E. C. Rogers, license to peddle,
6 00
Mrs. A. S. Sparrow, labor of Bent girl, 6 00.
J. B. Williams, board at almshouse, 120 00
J. B. Williams, grass, town farm,
I 00
Susan E. Murdock, loan, 800 00
L. O. Atwood, license to peddle,
6 00
P. McFarlin, trustee Ellis school fund, 200 00
State treasurer, corporation tax,
597 92
4
National Bank tax, 644 45 State aid refunded, 272 00 Chas. Taft, aid re-
funded,
10 00
income Massachu-
setts school fund,
213 16
County treasurer, dividend from
dog licenses, 109 21
N. Baker, rent M. A. Bumpus' house, 4 00
Collection of taxes,
5,331 57
Interest on delinquent taxes, 24 19
Total receipts,
$12, 115 48
CR.
Paid for support of schools
$1,876 25
Support of poor, 1,780 57
Repair of highways,
1,179 41
Repair of bridges, 280 73
Removal of snow, highways, 40 65
Repair of school-houses, 92 85
School books and school-room furnishings, 150 26
State aid, soldiers and families, 261 00
State aid to poor and indigent soldiers, 20 13
Expense new town house, 1,795 19
New road, North Carver, 307 00
Incidental town expenses, 699 36
State tax, 540 00
County tax, 664 20
Susan E. Murdock, loan, 800 00
Cash on hand March 3, 1887, 1,627 88
$12,115 48
5
SCHOOLS.
Receipts and expenditures connected with the schools the past year :
DR.
To balance from 1885, $ 397 82
Appropriations of 1886, 1,200 00
Rec'd from Ellis fund appropriated to Dist. 4, 200 00
Rec'd from dog licenses, 109 21
Rec'd from Mass. school fund,
213 16
CR.
$2, 120 19
Paid approved bills of School Commit-
tee,
$1,876 25
Balance undrawn March 3, 1887, 243 94
$2,120 19
HIGHWAYS.
Receipts and expenditures connected with the repairs of highways the past year :
DR.
To balance from 1885, $ 122 22
Appropriation of 1886,
1,200 00
CR.
Paid surveyor District No. I,
$ 81 60
2,
46 20
3,
72 57
66
4,
75 55
5,
82 31
6,
79 80
7,
39 55
$1,322 22
6
Paid surveyor District No. 8,
77 15
9,
32 03
IO,
220 38
66
II,
106 53
12,
73 44
66
I3,
80 10
14,
40 02
15,
72 18
Total sum expended,
Balance undrawn,
142 81
$1,322 22
Due highway districts as follows : District No. 1,
$ 7 64
2,
18 97
5,
3 32
6,
20 78
66
7,
26 54
8,
I 49
66
IO,
37 74
II,
3 86
66
13:
8 88
66
15:
13 59
$142 81
BRIDGES.
Receipts and expenditures connected with bridges the past year :
DR.
To. appropriation of 1886, $250 00
Rec'd from B. W. Robbins, extra work, 12 00
Deficiency of 1886, 107 45
$369 45
$1, 179 41
7
CR.
Paid expenses new stone bridge, Swan Hole, $254 44
Repairs, stone bridge, Hurd place, 14 04
Repairs, stone bridge near A. Cole's, 10 75
Repairs, bridge at Federal furnace, 1 50
Total expenses, $280 73
Deficiency, 1885,
88 72
$369 45
SNOW.
Receipts and expenditures connected with the removal of snow from the highways the past year :
DR.
Balance from 1885,
ȘIO 54
Appropriation of 1886,
75 00
CR.
Paid surveyor District No. I,
$ 75
66
2,
7 96
3,
5 25
4,
8 61
5,
5 95
66
8,
4 98
2 22
II,
3 50
I 43
Total expenses,
$40 65
Balance unexpended,
44 89
$85 54
IO,
15,
$85 54
8
REPAIR OF SCHOOL-HOUSES.
Receipts and expenditures connected with the repair of the school-houses the past year :
DR.
To balance from 1885,
140 19
Appropriation of 1886.
100 00
$240 19
CR.
Paid, repairs District No. 1,
$17 48
2,
2 00
3,
9 55
4,
32 13
..
5,
30 93
66
8.
76
Total expenses,
$ 92 85
Balance unexpended,
$147 34
$240 19
SCHOOL-BOOKS, &c.
Receipts and expenditures connected with school-books and school-room furnishings :
DR.
To appropriation of 1886,
$150 00
Deficiency of 1886,
19 84
$169 84
CR.
Paid approved bills of School Commit-
tee,
$150 26
Deficiency of 1885. 19 58
$169 84
9
POOR.
Receipts and expenditures connected with the support of poor the past year.
DR.
To balance from 1885, $ 452 11
Appropriation of 1886,
1,100 00
J. B. Williams, board,
I20 00
City of Taunton,
104 00
Labor of paupers,
8 50
Rent of Bump house,
4 00
Aid to C. Taft,
10 00
Grass sold, town farm,
I 00
$1,799 61
CR.
Paid provisions, almshouse,
$423 37
Matron services and assistance,
234 10
Medical attendance,
34 75
Wood bill,
52 70
Clothing and shoes,
26 29
Total expense in almshouse,
$771 2I
Repairs of almshouse,
93 38
$864 59
Expense outside the Almshouse :
Paid aid to-
Asa Wrightington and daughter,
$ 27 49
Mary and C. Wrightington,
105 10
Adeline Shurtleff and family, 114 00
John Thomas,
42 75
B. H. Savery,
54 00
Charles Robery,
214 00
Mary Kilroy,
60 00
10
Martha Bumpus,
38 98
Mrs. A. B. Tornrose,
44 II
Barney Lucas.
36 00
S J. Ham,
49 77
Isaiah Atwood,
63 00
William Pratt,
30 13
Charles Taft,
33 65
Sick tramp,
3 00
Total outside aid,
$915 98
Total expense of poor,
$1,780 57
Balance unexpended,
19 04
$1,799 61
STATE AID.
Receipts and disbursements connected with State Aid to soldiers and families, Chap. 301, Laws 1879, the past year :
DR.
Due from the State,
$307 00
CR.
Paid Daniel Dunham,
$36 00
William W. Pearson,
36 00
Benj. F. Fuller,
48 00
Howard K. Swift,
45 00
Abby H. Eddy,
48 00
Caroline W. Pratt,
48 00
Total disbursements,
$261 00
Paid previous to March 3, 1886,
46 00
$307 00
POOR AND INDIGENT SOLDIERS.
Receipts and disbursements under Chap. 252, Laws 1879, the past year :
II
DR.
Due from the State,
$10 06
Drawn from incidental account,
I0 07
$20 13
CR.
Paid Samuel J. Ham, $20 13
INCIDENTAL TOWN EXPENSES.
Receipts and expenses connected with the incidental expense account the past year :
DR.
To balance from 1885,
$164 26
Appropriation of 1886,
400 00
Pedler's licenses,
24 00
Corporation tax,
597 92
National Bank tax,
644 45
Interest on taxes,
24 19
Loan,
800 00
$2,654 82
Deficiency, 1886,
48 74
$2,703 56
CR.
Paid A. Griffith, treas. and collector,
com. 1885, $139 36
Printing, postage and stationery,
8 00
Andrew Griffith, Selectman and Over- seer of Poor, 1885, 60 00
Albert T. Shurtleff, do., same,
21 50
Nelson Sherman, do., same,
29 00
Albert T. Shurtleff, town clerk, 1885,
35 00
Postage and express, 2 88
Nelson Sherman, returning deaths, 2 00
Flora M. Shurtleff, one of school com- mittee, 24 00
I2
Irene A. Bent, same, 29 50
Gustavus Atwood, same, 19 50
J. W. Atwood, repairing washouts, 6 70
H. L. Thatcher & Co., printing town reports. 29 87
Surveyor's books, 56
Collector's book, I 50
A. H. Soule, } exp. surveying town line, 50
H. L. Thatcher & Co., printing school report, 15 75
William B. Chandler, constable, 1885, 8 00
Andrew Griffith, assessor, 1886, 20 00
Albert T. Shurtleff, same, 20 00
S. C. C. Finney, same, 20 00
S. B. Briggs, constable, 1885, 8 50
Copying valuation book, 7 00
Various men, fighting fire in woods, 17 IO
Repairs on guide boards, 73 25
N. H. Washburn, tax sale refunded, 43 13
A. Lincoln, stocking Sampson's pond with herring, 9 00
J. Erville Vaughan, truant officer 2 yrs., 10 00 J. W. Atwood, returning deaths, 1886, 2 50
Fine and cost, case Commonwealth vs. Carver, 16 76
D. E. Damon, legal services, same, 5 00
For book for recording marriages, 3 50
Interest on money borrowed, 10 00
Actual incidental town expenses, $699 36
State tax,
540 00
County tax,
664 20
Loan,
800 00
$2,703 56
I3
TOWN HOUSE.
Receipts and expenditures connected with building the town house :
DR.
To appropriation of 1886, $2,000 00
CR.
Paid Isaac S. Burgess, contractor, wood
work, $1,350 00
William C. Richards, contractor, stone work, 240 00
E. E. Atwood, town lot, I 00
S. F. McFarlin, surveying, I 00
W. H. Southworth, plan and specifica- tions, 21 00
W. S. Danforth, recording deed, 65
George Soule, furniture, 42 00
J. & G. E. Doane, stoves, pipe, &c., 28 69
William Savery, settees,
7 50
I. C. Bent, painting, repairing same, 6 45
J. A. Southworth, wood-box, spittoons, &c., 4 55
Bulletin board,
I 00
P. Jane Barrows, cleaning,
2 00
P. W. Bump, moving town property. I 25
Ellis Foundry Co., brooms and dust pan, 1 25
B. W. Robbins, grading and services, 48 50
J. W. Atwood, grading and services, 33 35
Marcus Atwood, services, 5 00
Total expense,
$1,795 19
Balance unexpended,
204 81
$2,000 00
I4
NEW ROADS.
Receipts and expenditures connected with building new roads the past year :
DR.
To appropriation of 1886, $300 00
Deficiency, 1886, 7 00
$307 00
CR.
Paid B. C. Churchill, contractor, roads,
North Carver, $307 00
COLLECTOR'S ACCOUNT.
ANDREW GRIFFITH, Collector.
DR.
To uncollected taxes of 1879, March 3,
1886,
CR. $82 29
By taxes nncollected March 3, 1887, $82 29
DR.
To uncollected taxes of 1884, March 3,
1886, $27 07
CR.
By taxes collected in 1886,
23 07
By taxes uncollected March 3, 1887,
4 00
DR.
$27 07
To uncollected taxes of 1885, March 3, 1886, $669 20
CR.
By taxes collected in 1886,
$616 37
15
By Herbert M. Coombs' tax 1885, abat- ed, 2 00
By Stillman Pratt's tax 1885, abated, 2 00
By Jesse Douglass's tax, 1885, abat- ed, 2 00
By William H. Taylor's tax 1885, abat- ed, 2 00
By taxes uncollected March 3, 1887,
44 83
$669 20
DR.
To amount tax bills of 1886, $5,512 23
CR.
By taxes collected in 1886, $4,692 13
By William B. Atwood's tax abated, 2 00
By Wilson Griffith's heirs, tax abated, 35
By taxes uncollected March 3, 1887, 817 75
$5,512 23
TOWN ASSETS.
Cash in treasury March 3, 1887,
$1,627 88
Due from State, aid paid soldiers and families,
317 06
Due from Taunton, aid to Shurtleff fam- ily, 100 00
Due from Pratt school fund about
100 00
Uncollected taxes bills of 1879,
82 29
6 6
1884,
4 00
66
1885,
44 83
1886, 817 75
Total assets,
$3,093 81
I6
LIABILITIES.
A. Griffith, treas. and coll. com. unpaid 1886, $173 58
Printing, postage and stationery, 9 37
A. Griffith, selectman and overseer of poor, and expenses, 74 07
A. T. Shurtleff, do., same,
22 00
S. C. C. Finney, do., same, 38 89
A. T. Shurtleff, town clerk, 35 00
Postage and express, 3 09
Highway appropriation undrawn, 142 81
Estimated school bills unpaid, 350 00
Clearing highways from snow, est., 50 00
Tax sale due on demand, 33 02
Estimated bills for poor unsettled,
150 00
All other demands against the town, est., 150 00
Estimated liabilities,
$1,231 83
Balance in favor of the town, 1,86I 98
$3,093 81
ASSESSORS' STATISTICS, 1886.
Value of personal estate,
$168.575 00
Value of real estate,
413,155 00
Total Valuation,
$581,730 00
Raised by taxation :-
$5,512 23
Rate of taxation per $1,000,
$8 70
Poll tax,
2 00
Number polls taxed,
225
Horses taxed,
I42
Cows taxed,
16I
Neat cattle other than cows,
6I
17
Shotes taxed,
40
Sheep taxed,
26
Mules taxed,
5
Dwellings taxed,
257
Acres of land taxed,
19.875
Number of tax-payers,
494
Number of persons paying tax on property,
439
Number of persons paying poll only,
55
Value of buildings taxed,
$153,710
Value of land taxed,
$259,445
APPROPRIATIONS, 1887.
The following sums are recommended to meet current expenses the year ensuing :
Support of schools,
$1,200 00
Support of poor,
1,400 00
Repair of highways,
1,200 00
Repair of bridges,
200 00
Repair of school-houses,
50 00
School-books, etc.,
150 00
Town incidentals,
550 00
Repair of almshouse,
200 00
New roads,
No estimate.
The corporation and bank tax will probably yield about $1,000.
18
SCHOOLS.
There is a balance of $243 94 undrawn in this account, with the expense of five schools yet to meet. Owing to the death of the trustee of the Pratt fund, the income has not been received. but as soon as another trustee is ap- pointed. it will undoubtedly be available to pay bills con- tracted by the committee.
HIGHWAYS.
In this account a balance of $142 81 is undrawn, a part of which has been expended, but the bills have not been presented.
BRIDGES.
In this account there is a deficiency of $107 45, occa- sioned by the large expense of the Swan Hole bridge. To meet this deficiency and keep the bridges in repair the coming year $200 will be required.
SNOW.
No appropriation is called for in this account. The sum unexpended, $44 89, it is thought will meet the ex- penses of removing snow the past winter.
REPAIR OF SCHOOL-HOUSES.
An appropriation of $50, together with the unexpended balance, $147 34, of last year, is thought ample to keep the school-houses in repair.
SCHOOL-BOOKS, &c.
This account stands overdrawn $19 84. An appropria- tion of $150, same as last year, is thought ample.
19
POOR.
The net cost of the poor to the town is $1,534 07, an excess of rising $200 over last year. This is mainly due to sickness and increasing infirmity. The net cost of supporting six at the almshouse, excluding cost of repairs, is $2 24 per week. Including the repairs, it will be $2 88 per week. The expense of the Robery family is large, and judging from present appearances, is more likely to increase than diminish. Owing to the large number of crippled and infirm inmates at the almshouse, it was found necessary to finish another room and make other repairs. Still it seems necessary to do considerable more the com- ing year. The window frames are badly decayed, the house needs re-shingling and new floors in some rooms. It is thought advisable to make a specific appropriation instead of placing it in the poor account as heretofore. We call for $200 for repairs and $1,400 for maintenance.
TOWN INCIDENTALS.
There is a deficiency of $48 74 in this account. To meet this and the expenses of the ensuing year, we rec- ommend an appropriation of $550.
NEW ROADS.
There is a small deficiency in this account. Should new roads be laid out, as now seems likely to be the case, another appropriation must be made.
NEW TOWN HOUSE.
Ten years ago the subject of building a town house was agitated and recommended by the selectmen, but not brought before the town for action. To-day that ideal town house exists in fact. Wise counsel, mutual conces- sions, and placing the matter of building in the hands of a committee competent and desirous of carrying out the
20
votes of the inhabitants to the letter, have been the means of accomplishing this much desired object, and in a satis- factory manner. Of the $2,000 appropriated, $1,795 19 only was required to erect the building and furnish the same.
In review, our financial condition may be summed up about as follows : We have $1,627 88 cash in the treas- ury. Assets over liabilities, $1,861, or about one-half the sum of last year. This decrease, of course, is mainly due to the working up of $1, 300 of last year's surplus into the town house. The cheering fact presents us that, not- withstanding our town has lost two-thirds of its manufac- turing industry in the past seven years, the valuation re- mains nearly the same, and without any marking up. So we mourn not as those without hope, but live in the faith that those five hundred acres of cranberry bog in town still float us upon the great sea of human existence.
Respectfully submitted,
ANDREW GRIFFITH,
Selectmen
ALBERT T. SHURTLEFF, of
SETH C. C. FINNEY, Carver.
2I
TOWN MEETING.
Contents of Warrant for town meeting to be held at the town house on Monday, the 28th day of March, 1887, at one o'clock p. m.
Art. I .- To choose a moderator to preside in said meet- ing.
Art. 2 .- To choose all necessary town officers for the year ensuing.
Art. 3 .- To determine the manner of repairing the high- ways and decide the compensation of labor thereon.
Art. 4 .- To raise and appropriate such sums of money as may be necessary to defray town charges the ensuing year.
Art. 5 .- To decide when taxes shall become due, and whether any interest shall be charged after a certain date.
Art. 6 .- To see what pay the town will vote the treas- urer and collector and other town officers.
Art. 7 .- To see if the town will accept the report of the selectmen.
Art. 8 .- To see if the town will instruct the treasurer to borrow money under the direction of the selectmen if found necessary in anticipation of taxes the ensuing year.
Art. 9 .- To see if the town will vote to make the yards of field drivers town pounds, provided they also be chosen pound keepers.
Art. 10 .- To see if the town will vote to accept the road widened and straightened by the selectmen upon the peti- tion of Marcus Atwood and others, choose a building committee, and appropriate money for same.
Art. II. To bring in their votes by ballot "Yes," or "No," upon the question, Shall license be granted in this town for the sale of intoxicating liquors ?
22
Art. 12. To see if the town will vote to reimburse C. W. Crafts the expenses of a smash-up on the highway. (by request. )
Art. 13 .- To see if the town will vote to pay a bounty for the destruction of foxes and hawks. (Petition of W. W. Pearson and others.)
Art. 14 .-- To see if the town will vote to request the County Commissioners to establish a truant school. (By request of school committee. )
Art. 15 .- To see if the town will vote to repair the almshouse and appropriate money for the same.
Art. 16 .- To see if the town will vote to discontinue the road that leads from the main highway to the Lot Shurtleff place.
ANDREW GRIFFITH, Selectmen
ALBERT T. SHURTLEFF, of
SETH C. C. FINNEY, Carver.
Report of the Town Clerk FOR THE YEAR 1886.
MARRIAGES REGISTERED IN CARVER FOR THE YEAR 1886.
I886.
Jany. 31. Stephen Dexter Atwood of Carver, and Lydia Clark Morse, of Wareham.
Sept. II. Ansel C. Wilbur and Mary R. Weston, both of Middleborough.
Sept. 19. Frank B. Freeman of Plymouth, and Rhoda R. Crapo of Carver.
Oct. 2. Charles Ephraim Bell and Sarah Erwin, both of Carver.
Nov. 19. Edward C. Shaw and Nellie Watson Cobb, both of Carver.
Nov. 21. George I. Johnson and Phebe Annie Cook, both of Carver.
Nov. 21. Herbert Edwin Richards of Carver, and Villie Ozier of Gloucester.
Nov. 24. Nathan Henry Washburn and Mary E. Com- stock, both of Carver.
Nov. 27. Samuel Dexter Washburn and Cora Bradford McFarlin, both of Carver.
Dec. 26. Henry Freeman Shaw of Carver, and Eunice Ida Smith, of Middleborough.
Dec. 27. Abner L. Chase of Harwich, and Mrs. Nellie E. Rickard of Carver.
24
BIRTHS REGISTERED IN CARVER FOR THE YEAR 1886.
DATE OF BIRTH.
NAME.
PARENTS.
Jany. 5,
William Irving Pearson,
William W. and Nancy M.
Mch. 17,
Frank Russell Rickard,
Joseph B. and Abby J.
April 8.
Helen Cushman Ryder,
Thomas M. and Rosa A.
Apr. 22,
Harry Carlton Fuller,
James F. and Alberta C.
May 5,
Horace Edgar Stringer,
Andrew and Hezediah.
May 8,
Grace Roberts Gammons,
Henry H. and Dora F.
July I, Granville Lawton Atwood,
July 4,
Zelma Tillson,
John S. and Susan M. Chester F. and Clara B.
Aug. 22,
Lee Auger,
Zenas and Adele.
Oct. 25,
Etta Southworth,
Thomas M. and Lucy A.
Nov. 16,
Lester Woodworth Swift,
Nehemiah G. and Sarah J.
Dec. 2,
Merton Lewis Simmons,
Henry O. and Anna L.
Dec. 12,
Maude Mildred Thomas,
Frank and Mildred M.
Dec. 23,
Lincoln (male),
Alfred F. and Mary A.
Dec. 25,
Philip Stanley Cole.
Theron M. and Annie H.
DEATHS REGISTERED IN CARVER FOR THE YEAR 1886.
DATE OF DEATH.
AGE.
CAUSE OF DEATH.
NAMES OF PARENTS.
Y.
M. D.
1886.
Elisha Murdock,
56
IO
22
Pneumonia,
Jany. 14,
Martha McFarlin,
85
28
Old Age,
Thompson and Lucy. Bartlett and Joanna Morton. Zebedee and Ruth.
Mch. 15,
Job Cole Chandler,
82
2
20
Paralysis,
Mch. 20,
Frederick Cobb,
65
2
Paralysis,
Frederick and Lucy. Lemuel N. and Betsey A.
Apr. 3,
Leslie Earl Crocker,
II
I
Dentition,
Apr.
7,
Clara J. Richards,
38
IO
II
Dentition,
July
4,
Charles D. Parsons,
68
Paralysis,
July
5,
Harriet N. Atwood,
58
4
21
Dropsy,
Aug. 20,
Charles Ryder,
82
IO
Dropsy,
Thomas and Hannah.
Sept. 4,
Gertrude Wright,
8
7
I2
Spinal Meningitis,
Oct.
3,
Ralph Shaw,
I
13
Diarrhæa,
Oct. 12,
Granville L. Atwood,
3
II
Whooping Cough,
John S. and Susan M.
Oct. 29,
Allen Burgess,
51
Nov. 28,
Harrison G. Cole,
69
2
29
Stricture,
Hezekiah and Jane.
Summary for 1886 : Marriages, 11; births, 15; deaths, 16.
No. of dogs licensed, 63.
ALBERT T. SHURTLEFF, Town Clerk.
25
Thomas Cobb,
78
8 General Prostration,
Aug. 25,
Norman Lee Shaw,
IO
9
Gastric Fever,
Luther and Abigail Atwood.
Frederick W. and Annie E.
May 17,
Arthur and Betsey Bennett.
Benjamin and Azubah.
Ira B. and Mary B.
Eugene E. and Cordelia F.
Typhoid Fever,
Isaiah and Betsey.
Jany. 28,
NAME.
Report of the School Committee.
Citizens of Carver :- In accordance with the expressed wish of the town by vote at the last annual meeting, your Committee on Public Schools would submit their report for the past year at this time, that the same may be in- cluded in the same publication with the other town offic- ers ; and in order to include each term of school for all the districts, have been obliged to extend the time from March Ist, as per vote of the town, to March IIth, which is the date at which schools No. 4 and 8 closed; and there- fore it will oblige your committee to transmit a hurried copy for publication. Believing that a report embracing all the terms for the year will give a much better satisfac- tion than a partial one, and that the voters may under- stand better what the schools may require for another year, we accept the disadvantage and will endeavor to fill the obligation incumbent on us. With the above introduc- tory remarks, we will give you the financial exhibit of the town for the past year :
DR.
Money appropriated for use of schools the past year : Raised by taxation,
$1,200 00
Received from State school fund,
213 16
Ellis fund,
200 00
dog tax,
109 21
Balance due on last year's acct.,
41 82
Total of appropriation,
$1,764 19
Overdrawn in 1887,
120 56
Total,
$1,884 75
27
CR.
The expenditures for the past year have been as follows :
DISTRICT No. I. (Green.)
Teacher's wages, Grammar school,
$240 00
66 Primary school, 210 00
DISTRICT No. 2. (Pope's Point.)
Teacher's wages,
210 00
DISTRICT No. 3. (Centre.)
Teacher's wages,
225 50
DISTRICT No. 4. (Furnace Village.
Teacher's wages, Grammar school, 240 00
Primary school, 190 00
DISTRICT No. 5. (Wenham.)
Teacher's wages,
214 50
DISTRICT No. 8. (South.)
Teacher's wages,
240 00
Expenses of fuel,
95 75
cleaning school-rooms,
9 00
Total of expenses paid,
It is estimated that there is due from the Pratt fund on the past year's accounts, one hundred dollars.
TEXT-BOOKS AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES.
DR.
Appropriation of 1886,
$150 00
Deficiency of 1886,
19 84
CR.
Paid for supplies the past year,
$150 26
Deficiency of 1885,
19 58
$169 84
As the selectmen have attended to the ordinary repairs of the school-houses the past year, we will refer you to their report.
$1,884 75
$169 84
28
ROLL OF HONOR.
Names of scholars neither absent nor tardy during the specified term :
School No. I, Grammar. Vesta B. Shaw, Teacher.
FIRST TERM.
Lottie F. King, Evelyn F. Robbins. SECOND TERM.
Leah M. Whitehead,
Nannie S. King, Hiram L. Reckard.
School No. 1, Primary. Carrie E. Soule, Teacher. FIRST TERM.
Francelia B. Dunham, Elliott Fuller,
Nellie W. Sherman,
Lloyd C. Robbins,
Emma A. Sparrow, Allie L. Sparrow,
Embert Eames, Elias Auger.
SECOND TERM.
Mabel D. Shurtleff, Percy Shurtleff. School No. 2, Myra A. Shaw, Teacher. FIRST TERM.
Lottie F. Atwood,
Frankie F. Weston,
Mabel W. Holmes, A. Lester Washburn,
Flora M. Atwood.
SECOND TERM.
Mabel W. Holmes, Abbie E. Holmes,
Emma F. Richards, W. Harry Cassidy,
L. Everett Thomas. THIRD TERM. Mabel W. Holmes. School No. 3, Flora M. Shurtleff, Teacher. FIRST TERM.
Helen B. Shaw, Lucy T. Shurtleff, Carrie W. Shaw, Lucy W. Shaw.
29
SECOND TERM. Lucy T. Shurtleff. THIRD TERM.
Edith L. Barrows,
Lucy W. Shaw,
Helen B. Shaw,
Lucy T. Shurtleff, Lillie M. Vaughan, Carrie Shaw.
School No. 4, Grammar. Nannie A. Griffith, Teacher.
FIRST TERM.
Emma Larrabee, M. Elvira Briggs,
Theresia A. Tornrose, Fanny S. Dunham, Mabel M. McFarlin. SECOND TERM.
Emma Larrabee, Theresia A. Tornrose,
M. Elvira Briggs, Mabel M. McFarlin.
THIRD TERM.
Ida M. Tillson, Emma Larrabee.
School No. 4, Primary. Geo. W. Dempsey, Teacher. FIRST TERM.
Sarah Larrabee, E. Bernice Briggs.
Third Term. Alberta M. McFarlin, Teacher.
Sarah Larrabee, E. Bernice Briggs, Eddie Swift.
School No. 5. Sadie F. Atwood, Teacher. FIRST TERM.
Eva M. Pearson, Lulu R. Robbins,
Grace I. Robbins. SECOND TERM.
Mattie P. Lucas, Lulu R. Robbins,
Edna M. Lucas, Grace I. Robbins,
Eleanor E. Lucas.
30
THIRD TERM. Lulu R. Robbins. School No. 8, Charles L. Bates, Teacher. FIRST TERM.
Mercy B. Griffith, Ephraim L. Griffith,
Jennie G. Washburn,
Orville K. Griffith,
Emma F. Manter,
Bartlett Murdock,
Grace A. Washburn, Charles E. Ryder,
Clayton McFarlin.
SECOND TERM.
Ephraim L. Griffith, James S. Hudson.
THIRD TERM.
Ephraim L. Griffith, Clayton McFarlin, Orville K. Griffith.
The register of District No. I, Grammar School, shows no tardy marks for the two last terms, something unusual and creditable.
1
SCHOOL STATISTICS.
SCHOOLS.
Terms.
Teachers.
No. Weeks.
Wages per Month.
Visitors, including Vis-
No. Pupils to Term.
Average Membership
Average Attendance
No. between 8 and 14.
No. under 5 years.
No. over 15 years.
between 8 and 14 yrs. No. attending 20 weeks
Avge. Membership for
Avge. Attendance for
Year, each District.
Avge- Membership for
Avge. Attendance for
No. Pupils Enrolled.
Cost per Scholar.
I
Vesta B. Shaw,
II
32
55
15
13.9
12.3
IO
2
No.I, Gram.
2
=
9
32
II
20
19.6
17.3
14
2
Carrie E. Soule, :
II
28
38
26
25.2
23.9
15
I
N
N
00
20. ]
17.4
No. I, Prim.
Myra A. Shaw,
II
28
6
14
11.3
10.5
4
No. 2,
HW
Flora M. Shurtleff,
9
30
7
23
22.3
20.8
11
1
3
8
20.2
18.4
No. 3,
14
32
13
22
18.9
17.3
13
1
5
7
32
24
2I
20
17.3
12
4
148.3
131.4
199 $9.47
No.4, Gram.
IO
32
32
26
22
21.8
20.I
13
I
No.4, Prim.
Geo. W. Dempsey, Alberta McFarlin,
IO
24 26
27
19.9
17.3
N
IO
12
28
21
17.8
13.8
17
I
No. 5,
066
30
19
1
18.6
15.8
16
Charles L. Bates,
32
9
25
24.3
22.4
16
3
No. 8,
66
IO
32
8
22
20.9
17.7
18
-
3
-
13
21.7
18.9
IO
32
5
20
19.9
16.2
1 7
WN HW NHWNHWNHWN
Nannie A. Griffith,
IO
32
19 5
25
19.8
18.1
15
2
14
19.7
17.9
16
25
23.6
20.8
15
3
6
18.5
1.63
17
13.6
11.5
N
000
Sadie F. Atwood,
00
22
18.4
15.8
16
O
18.3
15.6
:
00
00
3
15
12.3
11.6
7
+
12
10.9
10.6
6
28
27
14
13.2
10.5
IO
9
28
20
15
14.5
NHWNHW
IO
32
7
23
21.4
19.5
16
3
9
17.8
16.2
IO
28
33
24
19.7
16.5
14.8
15
17
15.7
IO
IO
COW J HW
its of Committee.
per Term.
per Term.
year in Town.
year in Town.
Year, each District.
2
32
GENERAL REMARKS.
It is with some diffidence that we address you on mat- ters pertaining to education at this time, but being in an official capacity where it is necessary for us to report on the condition of the schools and their needs and require- ments, we will offer a few thoughts and suggestions in relation to the same, which we think may be of interest to the town, and which we hope may tend to increase the interest of her citizens in its common schools. Your money has been expended the past year, as in former years, in maintaining eight schools for an equal length of time - thirty weeks each - and your committee would assume that in their judgment they have expended the same as judiciously as under the existing circumstances it was possible for them to do. They are well satisfied with their efforts, and believe the schools generally are making rapid advancement. There is thoroughness and system, and we have had a board of teachers the past year who, with a single exception, are well qualified for the positions they occupy, and who, with their privileges, have done good work ; four of whom the town has become so famil- iar with already from their long term of service in this capacity in this town that they need no introduction and no words of recommendation from us. We would refrain from speaking of them personally, although they deserve an honorable mention at the hands of your committee, fearing such comparison, as is too often the case in such an effort, might be an injustice to the person whom it should be our duty to favor. From the above we would not have you infer that we are perfectly satisfied in all particulars with the efforts of our teachers. That they are liable to err and are human, as ourselves, we must ac- knowledge. There is not one but what has pleasantly re- ceived suggestions for improvements from the committee,
33
and readily adopted-the same, and have apparently exert- ed their utmost ability for success.
STUDIES.
Physiology and hygiene, which, prior to the present law making instructions in the same obligatory, had be- come almost obsolete in the town, are now being taught in all the schools, and books have been procured in accord with the law.
Book-keeping has received an earnest attention in Dis- trict No. 8 during the past year, and in several other dis- tricts. Drawing books have been introduced, and show some commendable results.
All the schools have shown an earnest endeavor to excel in the usual branches during the past year, writing, grammar, geography, mathematics, history, &c., receiv- ing an appropriate attention and showing great progress.
TEXT-BOOKS.
The books furnished by the town for schools are ac- counted for by the teachers of the respective schools in an account book for the purpose. Each pupil is charged with the books he uses and credited on return of same.
REPAIRS.
By a vote of the town two years ago the repair of school- houses was placed in the care of your selectmen, and by authority of said vote they have continued their jurisdic- tion over the same for the past year, to the pleasure of your school committee. The appropriation for same has been mainly expended on the ordinary outside repair of houses, including shingling of one side of roof of No. 4, Grammar school building, and also of one side of roof of No. 5. From a lack of appropriation they were obliged
34
to limit their repairs to actual necessities, and the inside of rooms has not received the attention which they should. Perhaps no room is free from some defect which needs the laying-out of some expense to continue the healthfulness and convenience of the room. It is desirable to improve the inside appearance of the North Primary school-room, which we think requires a thorough renovation. It is also desirable to refurnish with new and modern furniture. The ceilings of rooms used for the Grammar school of same place and School No. 3 should receive some atten- tion. No. 4 Primary school needs and should have at once new blackboard accommodations. Believing this room unsuitable and inconvenient for the purposes for which it is used, and thinking that the town will at an early day provide more suitable accommodations for said Primary school, we would not advocate a large outlay on this room. No. 8 requires some attention in the repair of seats and blackboards. We believe it to be for the best interest of the town, and especially so for the schools, that the rooms for instruction be kept in good repair, neat, and in order, and that it will preserve the interest of all con- nected with it; neither do we believe that the town really desires the least outlay possible in the repairs and furnish- ings made on and in the school-houses, to the detriment of the looks, convenience and healthfulness of the same. We will ask that a liberal appropriation be made for above purposes.
SICKNESS.
Sickness has prevented attendance to a considerable extent in a number of the schools. The second term of the South Primary was broken up entire for two weeks by disease.
.
35
ABSENTEEISM.
Citizens, it is in your power to make the schools a suc- cess. Your individual efforts are necessary, and with them applied in the right direction, you may see what you desire to see. Absenteeism is the bane of our common schools. With it no school is a success, while a teacher may labor doubly hard, their efforts are not crowned. Do not blame your teachers or your committee for what you yourselves are doing. You are laying the foundation on which they act, neither have they the power to act on a different. We have gathered from the registers of the schools some statistics which we wish you to ponder upon and then tell us if you can who is to blame for the large discount in the average of attendance from the whole num- ber, and how it is, when the statutes of Massachusetts declare that you shall give every child between the ages of eight and fourteen years at least twenty weeks of school- ing, that, not with our thirty weeks, sixty per cent. of said children receive the twenty weeks as provided, and that with a penalty hanging over your heads. Is there any- thing that will break this lethargy? Law will not do it, although it may assist. It is with yourselves. You must feel the importance and the necessity of the work. Your children must be in their places and your neighbor's child- ren must be in theirs. Allow your child one day to vacate the school on a frivolous excuse, and you have opened the way for more days, and that your child is away will create an uneasiness on the part of others who may, on similar excuses receive the black stroke on the register and be reduced to the same tendency as yours. In submit- ting this report, will pledge to the town our most earnest co-operation in the promotion of its educational interests.
GUSTAVUS ATWOOD, FLORA M. SHURTLEFF, School
IRENE A. BENT, Committee.
Carver, March 14, 1887.
4
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