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225th
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES
OF THE
TOWN OF MEDFIELD,
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING FEBRUARY 1. 1876.
TOGETHER WITH THE
SELECTMEN'S REPORT; TOWN CLERK'S REPORT; REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE AND OTHER STATISTICS.
S. JJ. SPEAR. PRINTER, MEDFIELD.
225TH ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES
OF THE
TOWN OF MEDFIELD,
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING FEBRUARY 1. 1876. 1
TOGETHER WITH THE
SELECTMEN'S REPORT ; TOWN CLERK'S REPORT; REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE AND OTHER STATISTICS.
S. J. SPEAR, PRINTER. MEDFIELD.
TOWN OFFICERS FOR 1875.
Town Clerk. CHARLES C. SEWALL.
Selectmen and Overseers of the Poor.
B. F. SHUMWAY, HAMLET WIGHT, A. B. PARKER. Assessors.
B. F. SHUMWAY, A. B. PARKER, CHARLES HAMANT.
Treasurer.
Collector. Auditor.
ISAAC FISKE. R. A. BATTELLE. CHAS. HAMANT.
Constables.
R. W. SHERMAN.
For Three Years. C. C. SEWALL, J. B. HALE.
H. F. BULLARD, School Committee. For Two Years. J. M. R. EATON, A. M. CRANE.
For One Year.
SAMUEL ELLIS. WM. F. GUILD.
Surveyors of Highways.
H. P. TABOR.
A. B. PARKER.
HAMLET WIGHT, C. H. RUSSELL, J. H. GOULD. WM. F. GUILD.
Fire Wards.
J. H. GOULD, FRANCIS RHODES, CHAS. HAMANT.
Measurer of Wood and Sealer of Weights and Measures. THOMAS L. BARNEY.
Weighers. T. L. BARNEY, R. E. SHERMAN.
Fence Viewers.
T. L. BARNEY, ELIJAH THAYER, HAMLET WIGHT. Police.
E. T. EVERETT, B. WILSON, GEORGE D. HAMANT. WM. P. HEWINS, A. JOHNSON.
Board of Health. DR. J. H. RICHARDSON. J. B. HALE. JAS. M. HEWINS.
CHAS. HAMANT.
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
THE Selectmen of Medfield present the following Report of Receipts and Expenditures from February 1, 1875 to February 1,1876.
RECEIPTS.
Balance in Treasury, February 1, 1875,
$6,256 39
Rec'd balance of Corporation tax for 1876,
210 21
Cash for School book,
75
pears,
2 50
Corporation tax for 1875,
684 60
191 82
State Aid,
345 96
Bank Tax, 1875,
1,044 77
of G. A. R. Post, as rent,
25 00
Taxes for 1871, in full,
61 92
1873, in full,
27 68
1874,
1,268 65
1875,
10,188 00
Rent of Town Hall,
179 75
Stores,
455 19
Interest on Taxes, 1871,
12 47
1872,
10 77
.. 1873,
4 90
66
69 56
1874,
11 66
1872, in full,
31 07
Rec'd Income of State School Fund,
232 48
Interest on Town " . 6
228 99
Dog Licenses, 109 55
Overseers of Poor,
100 00
For Hay sold from Cemetery,
5 00
Butter from Town Farm,
206 58
C'ash received for License,
5 00
Cash received from Overseers,
12 28
$21,983 50
EXPENDITURES.
CARE OF SCHOOL-HOUSES, FUEL, &c.
CENTRE.
Paid E. A. Rhodes, care of house,
25 25
E. B. Codding, "
24 75
L. M. Richards, removing ashes,
2 00
Gould & Stevens for coal,
119 00
J. A. Newell for charcoal.
7 50
E. T. Everett, care of houses,
19 50
$198 00
NORTH.
Paid A. W. Wight, care of house,
$31 15
H. Wight for wood and cutting,
68 25
Mrs. Tobin, cleaning house,
2 02
John Williams, cutting wood,
3 00
Parker's Express for supplies,
98
105 40
SOUTH.
Paid J. R. Smith for wood, Wm. F. Guild, « 13 00
$11 00
G. M. Gilmore, care of house and cutting wood, 23 75
$47 75
7
Paid for exchange in Geographies.
$68 65
J. M. R. Eaton for books, apparatus and obtain- ing teachers, 16 82 I. Fiske's bill for sundries, 19 00
$104 47
Total,
$455 62
TEACHING SCHOOLS.
CENTRE.
Paid Miss E. Emerson, $410 00
J. S. Wardwell, 315 00
" O. B. Young, 44 00
S. J. Woods.
390 00
Mr. W. E. Marshall,
500 00
$1659 00
NORTH.
Paid Miss S. H. Wight,
$400 00
SOUTH.
Paid Miss E. F. Crocker,
$160 00
J. C. Whiting,
88 00
$248 00
Total,
$2307 00
To Balance due Schools on settlement, Jan. 31, 1875,
$750 82
Appropriations,
2000 00
Dog Licenses,
109 55
State Fund,
232 48
Schcol Fund,
228 99
$3321 84
Expended for schools, 1875,
2762 62
Balance due for Schools, Feb. 1, 1876, $559 22
8
REPAIRS OF SCHOOL-HOUSES.
CENTRE.
Paid L. Babcock for stock and labor, $7 17
Parker's Express for sundries, 7 25
A. A. Gilbert, repairing lightning rod, 3 00
C. T. Frost, repairing pump,
4 30
C. T. Frost for new pump,
18 50
H. P. Bruce for stock and labor,
5 25
Mead & Mason,
37 90
S. R. Maker.
1 00
D. Hoisington,
48 37
School Committee,
32 73
$165 47
NORTH.
Paid C. T. Frost for pump,
$13 50
C. T. Frost for repairs,
4 98
H. P. Bruce,
35 05
School Committee for repairs,
21 00
D. Hoisington for funnel,
1 75
Parker's Express for sundries,
98
J. G. Wight, stock and labor,
27 35
H. H. Wight, window curtains,
1 00
$105 61
Paid Insurance on South school-house,
22 60
Total for repairs,
$293 68
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Paid JJohnson Bros. for refreshments for engine company, 80
Parker's Express, $9 00
Fred M. Smith for 30 engine men, 60 00
E. T. Everett, care of engine and supplies, 15 52 Ladders, 25 28
Couplings, 1 00
9
Paid Cushman & Baker for repairs on engine, Hunneman & Co. balance of bill, 78 90
50
$191 00
TOWN OFFICERS.
Paid B. F. Shumway for services as Selectman, Assessor and Overseer of Poor, $123 00
Hamlet Wight for services as Selectman and Over- seer of Poor, 50 00
A. B. Parker for services as Selectman, Assessor and Overseer of Poor, 100 00
J. M. R. Eaton for services on School Committee, 65 00
C. Hamant for services as Assessor, 1875, 52 00
C. Hamant for services as Auditor, 2 years, 5 00
$395 00
EXPENSES OF TOWN HOUSE.
Paid Mead & Mason for repairs.
$40 60
Cushman & Baker,
1 25
S. Johnson, setting glass,
2 25
J. E. Barney for chimney tops,
51 48
D. Hoisington,
3 37
S. Johnson, care of house,
76 05
Gould & Stevens for coal,
36 45
Parker's Express,
6 13
$217 58
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Cash paid Trustees, balance of appropriation,
$494 00
PAUPERS OUT OF ALMSHOUSE.
Paid B. J. Babcock for funeral expenses of children of G. M. Gilmore. $31 65
State Lunatic Asylum for board of J. W. Coltman, 183 16
10
Paid for Coal for G. M. Gilmore, 3 00
Dr. Richardson, medical attendance on family of G. M. Gilmore, 40 00 Aid for Mrs. T. Hunt, 15 00
$272 81
ABATEMENT OF TAXES.
Paid abatement of taxes, 1871,
$12 00
1872,
17 73
1874, 26 75
1875,
27 07
$83 55
NOTES AND INTEREST.
Paid Notes,
$4,389 08
Interest,
1,893 76
ROADS AND BRIDGES.
Paid H. P. Tabor, clearing roads of snow, $49 60
A. B. Parker, ،؟ 22 90
Joel Morse, repairs on Orchard Street, 8 00
Joseph Bailey, "
.. .
22 20
C. Russell for grading 66
76 00
Wm. F. Guild, clearing roads of snow,
20 30
H. Wight, 66
64 25
C. Russell,
66
16 20
J. H. Gould, 66 40 20
491 89
Selectmen for work on Pine Street,
George Morey for covering stones for culvert, 16 50
H. N. Clark for lumber for bridge. 26 33
H. P. Tabor for plank for bridge, 4 96
$859 33
11
HIGHWAY SURVEYORS.
Paid A. B. Parker,
$210 00
Wm. F. Guild,
200 00
J. H. Gould,
188 35
H. P. Tabor,
202 33
H. Wight,
208 59
C. H. Russell,
208 10
$1217 37
STATE AID.
Paid Mary A. Howard,
$96 00
Mary A. Kingsbury,
48 00
Mary Knapp,
40 00
Eliza Hardy.
44 00
$228 00
.
INCIDENTAL EXPENSES.
4
Paid C. Hamant, care of School Fund two years, $10 00
66 collecting taxes in full, 1872, 15 42
bal. corporation tax, 5 00
B. J. Babcock, returning deaths, 4 50
for coffin rests, 5 00
S. J. Spear, printing Town Reports, Order book, &c., 73 00 Com. on Town House, bal. due for rebuilding, 429 96
Geo. H. Ellis, printing 500 copies " Dedication of Town Hall," 340 00
Geo. H. Ellis, printing Tax bills. 4 25
Parker's Express,
9 00
C. T. Frost. repairing pump,
1 75
Tolman & Russell, for hearse,
575 00
Freight on hearse.
11 30
Fire and Police badges,
7 40
R. A. Battelle, collecting taxes, 1874. 100 00
Cushman & Baker, runners for hearse, 25 00
5 27
Walpole Tax.
W. F. Abell. care of Town clock, 25 00
12
Paid Medway Tax, 6 02
Waldo Colburn. Esq., on account of suit brought against B. H. & E. R. R., by Centre School District, 89 00
E. A. Wheeler, freight and express, 5 46
John Kingsbury, mowing cemetery,
20 00
B. F. Shumway, perambulating Town lines,
7 50
Jas. Hewins, Esq. for legal advice, 3 00
H. P. Bruce, maintaining watering place, 3 00
State Tax,
1200 00
H. Wight, perambulating Town lines,
7 50
Cost of Court in relation to Pine Street,
23 52
I. Fiske for stationery,
24 38
Bennet Wilson, services as police officer,
8 00
II. Hamant, hay from cemetery,
5 00
$3049 23
ALMSHOUSE.
Amount paid by Treasurer, as follows :
Paid B. J. Babcock for bread,
$40 15
Gould & Stevens for grain,
282 80
Wm. Adams, salary in full for the year ending March 31, 1875,
450 00
Gould & Stevens for coal,
48 08
Overseers for groceries,
96 50
Johnson Bros. for merchandise,
11 71
Wm. Adams, salary in part,
375 00
E. A. Wheeler for ice,
15 00
Cushman & Baker for repairs,
11 65
C. T. Frost for pump,
19 50
A. B. Parker for shorts,
48 51
T. L. Barney for merchandise,
132 68
J. H. Richardson for medical attendance,
11 00
F. D. Hamant, balance on cows,
80 00
D. Hoisington, bill of sundries,
3 95
I. Fiske, merchandise,
166 44
$1792 97
13
RECAPITULATION.
Paid Town Officers,
$395 00
Abatement of Taxes,
83 55
Teaching Schools,
2,307 00
Care of, and Fuel for School-houses,
455 62
Repairs of School-houses,
293 68
Public Library,
494 00
Notes,
4,389 08
Interest,
1,893 76
Roads and Bridges,
859 33
Highways,
1,217 37
Expenses of Town House,
217 58
Fire Department,
191 00
Incidental expenses,
3,049 23
State Aid,
228 00
Almshouse Department,
1,792 97
Paupers out of Almshouse,
272 81
$18,139 98
RESOURCES.
Balance in Treasury, Feb. 1, 1876,
$3,848 49
Due from Taxes, 1874,
8 00
1875,
1,447 44
" for State Aid,
240 00
$5,543 93
LIABILITIES.
Due on Notes to individuals,
15,068 20
Due Wm. Adams, balance of salary to Feb. 1, 1876, 125 00
$15,193 20
Liabilities exceed resources, $9,649 27
.
14
I have examined the foregoing accounts and find them correct and accompanied by the proper vouchers.
CHARLES HAMANT, Auditor.
MEDFIELD, FEB. 1, 1876.
REMARKS.
It is with pleasure, in presenting the 225th Annual Report, that we congratulate the Town upon its increasing prosperity. Never in the memory of the present Board, or possibly since the settlement of the town, have the citizens exhibited so much pub- lie spirit or expended so much for private buildings. Let the town be liberal in its provisions and its future prosperity is assured.
ROADS.
Owing to the heavy rains last Spring, Orchard Street was badly washed, requiring the sum of $106.00 to repair it safe for public travel. There was a complaint entered, against the town, upon the bad condition of Pine St. At a meeting the Town voted $500.00 to be expended under the direction of the Selectmen. There was $491.89 expended, and we have satisfied the Court that the road is of suitable width and in fair condition for the amount of travel.
In accordance with the instruction of the Town we recommend the sum of Eleven Thousand and Five Hundred Dollars for the current expenses of the ensuing year, to be appropriated as follows :
For repairing Town ways, Highways and Bridges, $1.200 00
Pauper Expenses,
1,000 00
Support of Schools, 2.000 00
General expenses,
1,500 00
Debt of the Town.
2,000 00
Interest on same.
1.600 00
State Tax. (estimated.)
1,200 00
County Tax. ..
1.000 00
$11.500 00
15
In conformity to law, we report that all the Guide Boards, stand- ing at the date of last report, have been supported on the high- ways.
All of which is respectfully submitted,
B. F. SHUMWAY, HAMLET WIGHT, A. B. PARKER. Selectmen of Medfield.
MEDFIELD, FEB. 1, 1876.
REPORT OF THE OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
INVENTORY OF PERSONAL PROPERTY AT THE ALMSHOUSE, FEB. 1, 1876.
9 Cows, $500.00 ; 2 Horses, 200.00, 700 00
24 fowls. 15.00; 7 swine, 56.00, 71 00
1 hay wagon, 45.00 ; covered wagon, 25.00, 70 00
Two-horse cart, 30.00 ; Two-horse wagon, 120.00, 150 00
1 express wagon. 85.00 ; 1 ox wagon, 20.00, 105 00
1 horse rake, 40.00 ; sleigh, 15.00, 55 00
2 sleds, 20.00 ; 1 mowing machine, 35.00. 55 00
4 ploughs and 2 cultivators, 50 00
2 ox yokes, 5.00 ; 2 stake, 1 log, 3 draught chains. 4.00, 9 00
Hay cutter and feed box. 10 00
1 pair double harnesses. 40.00 : single harness. 12.00. 52 00
1 harrow. 3 ladders. 11.00 ; 5 shovels, spade, crowbar. 6. 17 00 Bog hoe, pick, adze, 2.25: 2 bill-hooks and hatchet, 3.00. 5 25
2 cranberry rakes. and screen. 6 00
5 scythes and snathes and 4 axes. 8 00
Saw. shave and rake, 3.00 ; cross-cut saw. 1.00. 7 00
16
5 hoes and iron bar, 3.00 ; grindstone, 8.00, $11 00
7 hayforks, 6.00 ; 2 potatoe diggers, 1.25 ; 2 tubs, 2.00 9 25
1 brass kettle, 5.00 ; 3 beef barrels, 4.50; tub, .50, 10 00 3 stone jars, 1.50 ; 1 churn, 7.00 ; 2 cook stoves, 25.00, 33 50
3 coal stoves, 17.00 ; 1 clothes wringer, 9.00, 26 00
62 milk pans, 16.50 ; 2 water pots, 3.00, 19 50
3 wood saws and horse, 4.00 ; 16 grain bags, 4.50, 8 50
2 hammers, beetle and 5 wedges, 2 50
4 angurs, 1 pruning knife, 3.75 ; 2 hand rakes, 1.50, 5 25
5 butter boxes and bowl, 4.25 ; 4 cider barrels, 5.00, 9 25
2 corn cutters, 1 drag rake, 2 00
4 mannre forks, 4.00 ; 1 meat bench, 1.00, 5 00
25 flour barrels, 4.00 ; 1 set pulley blocks and rope, 3.00, 7 00
20 cords wood, 100.00 ; posts and rails, 15.00, 115 00
Fountain pump, 10.00 ; washing machine, 10.50, 20 50
75 bush. corn, 60.00 : 10 tons English hay, 240.00, 300 00
9 tons meadow hay, 100.00 ; 1-2 ton oat fodder, 8.00, 108 00
1 ton corn fodder, 8.00 ; 100 bush. potatoes, 70.00, 78 00
30 bush. small potatoes, 7.50 ; 20 bush. turnips, 7.00, 14 50
1 1-2 bush. beets, 1.00; 50 heads of cabbage, 4.00, 5 00
2 bush. beans, 5.00 ; 2-3 bbl. of flour, 7.50,
12 50
15 lbs. lard, 2.50 ; 200 lbs. pork, 30.00,
32 50
175 lbs. beef, 17.50 ; 75 lbs. ham, 11.00.,
28 50
10 lbs. butter, 3.50 ; 1 1-2 bbls. cider, 7.50,
11 00
12 brooms, 6.00 ; 2 brushes, 2.00, 8 00
1 1-4 tons coal, 10.50 ; 1 3-4 tons shorts, 42.00, 52 50
Cash on hand, 16:36
$2,221 36
RECEIPTS.
Cash in hands of Overseers on settlement, as per last
report,
$2 85
For Butter,
24 01
Filling bed,
25
Potatoes,
1 00
Use of horse and wagon,
62 05
Board and lodging,
55 48
Rags and old ir. n.
1 94
17
For Hide and tallow,
85 25
9 calves,
107 64
Fowls,
18 01
Sow and pigs,
30 00
Hay,
34 35
Milk,
37 75
Services of bull,
18 50
T. L. Smith's bill,
8 36
Butter,
206 58
Eggs,
5 04
3 hogs,
94 05
139 lbs. beef,
13 90
Hide and tallow,
5 68
$732 69
PAYMENTS.
Paid for grinding corn,
$3 44
Tin ware,
18 54
Hay cutter,
9 00
Washing machine,
10 50
Cultivator,
9 90
Sundry tools,
4 40
Bread,
18 75
Salt and fresh fish,
28 72
Blacksmithing,
16 60
Filing saws,
90
Repairing harnesses,
4 80
Curing hams,
1 70
2 hogsheads and meat barrel,
3 00
Butchering hogs,
2 50
Groceries,
10 36
Bill of sundries,
6 55
Clothing,
1 80
Repairing shoes,
2 20
Cleaning well,
3 00
Meat bill,
16 72
1 bbl. superphosphate,
7 15
18
Paid for tomato and cabbage plants,
$2 70
Storing hay,
3 00
Seed oats and barley seeds and bags,
17 60
Seed potatoes,
16 35
Bag of salt,
2 50
Vinegar,
2 80
Two dollars furnished S. Allen,
2 00
Balance of meat bill,
169 99
By Town Treasurer, $1,417.97, less $100 refunded, 1,317 97
Total Payments,
$1,545 45
By receipts, 732 69
$812 76
Lost in appraisal for last year,
$260 58
Due Wm. Adams to Feb. 1, 1876,
125 00
$385 58
Meals furnished tramps,
$88 80
Cash in hands of Overseers,
16 36
$105 16
280 42
Total expenses, $1,093 18
Average number of Paupers, 6. Cost per week, $3.50.
PAUPERS IN ALMSHOUSE, FEB. 1, 1876.
Silas Allen, aged 81 years. Amy Turner, aged 88 years.
Harriet Leland, 84 Arthur Bailey, 6 21
Mary Peters, “ 87 "
George Hunt, " 12
Pauper expenses out of Almshouse, $272.81. .
Respectfully submitted,
B. F. SHUMWAY, HAMLET WIGHT, A. B. PARKER,
Overseers of the Poor.
19
MEDFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY.
TRUSTEES' REPORT.
THE present report is intended to include the results of our ad- ministration since January 8, 1874, when the original Library, which had been established with so much labor and effort by the citizens of the town, was almost wholly destroyed by fire.
This loss was a severe blow and was keenly and deeply felt by all classes, and those particularly who had enjoyed its privileges and benefits, as though something had been taken from their homes.
The inestimable value of a well organized and patronized Free Public Library, its healthy mental stimulus and good moral influ- ence upon the public mind, is a fact fixed beyond a doubt or ques- tion and need not here be dwelt upon ; and after the destruction of the old Library there was such a unanimous wish for its res- toration, with a generous response on the part of citizens and friends, that the Trustees felt there was urgent need of such an institution, and as soon as possible took measures for its reorgani- zation. We found the only books remaining were in the hands of the readers, which amounted to three hundred and fifty vol- umes, and funds in the treasury amounting to $82.82. We here acknowledge our thanks to Mr. T. L. Barney for his kindness and generosity in furnishing rooms for the use of the Library and also to Messrs. Geo. Cummings, J. J. Adams, W. Gammel Mrs. Farwell and others for their pecuniary assistance, and also to the Messrs. Allen for a large number of valuable volumes.
We were thus enabled to purchase new books, and in a short space of time the New Library was opened to the public.
20
In January, 1875 through the liberality of the Town, another room in the rebuilt Town House was appropriated for the Library, larger, more tasteful and better adapted than the original, and now, through the generosity of friends, is adorned with pictures, statuary, articles of historical value and natural history, cabinet of minerals &c., that make it a place of resort both attractive and instructive.
The shelves are now nearly as well filled as before the fire and the books have been selected with care and with reference to the wants of the public, and all are of intrinsic value.
It is intended that every book shall be examined and none placed upon the shelves that can in any way exert a pernicious influence.
The financial statement of the Treasurer shows that the entire receipts since Jan. 8, 1874 from gifts and appropriations have been $1,806.89. Expenditures, $1,426.84 ; leaving a balance in the hands of the Treasurer, $380.05.
The Library has grown, by donation and purchase, from three hundred and fifty to fourteen hundred and thirty besides several hundred volumes and pamphlets not numbered. From the report of the Librarian we learn that the whole number of volumes is- sued in this time has been fourteen thousand, five hundred and eighty. In 1873, 5,500. In 1875, 7,080.
The hours of the day for Library days have been appointed with especial reference to meet the convenience of the public.
No catalogue has been prepared, but lists of books furnished, for the reason that there were so few books at first and so many were being constantly added, but now one will soon be prepared.
As a general rule, with some few exceptions, the books have been well used, still a good many volumes soon need rebinding, which makes some additional expense. To make a Public Library useful and keep up a healthy interest, there needs to be new books constantly added, and we believe the town cannot make a better investment for its citizens than to appropriate, annually, a stated sumn for the support of the Library, in the way of purchasing books or otherwise ; and we earnestly recommend and advise the Town to appropriate a stated sum for the support of this institu- tion.
21
We cannot close this report without expressing our obligations to one member of this board, Mr. Geo. Cummings, for his con- stant oversight and care of the Library, his devotion to its inter- ests and welfare, and his generosity in its support. We feel that if the same interest and devotion was manifested by all its friends it would soon compare favorably with any institution of its kind in the State.
TREASURER'S REPORT.
RECEIPTS.
At the time of the destruction of the original Library by
fire, there was in the hands of the Treasurer, $82 82
Subsequent receipts have been from :
Lecture Committee, proceeds of Lectures, 1873, 15 20
Concert by the Ladies' " Orpheus Club,"
51 72
Received from contributions obtained by the exertions
of Dr. J. H. Richardson, 259 00
Received from the sale of books.
4 15
Donated by John J. Adams, Esq.
250 00
Wm. Gammel, Esq. 50 00
Geo. Cummings, Esq. 600 00
Received of Town Treasurer, balance of appropriation, 494 00
$1,806 89
EXPENDITURES.
The following payments have been made since the fire : Paid for one Ledger,
$2 40
Insurance, 43 50
Nichols & Hall, for books,
770 08
Geo. H. Ellis,
58 96
Congregational Publishing Society for books,
87 92
Rev. J. M. R. Eaton,
3 60
J. B. Hale for pictures, statuary, &c.,
195 26
For a Sign,
1 50
S. J. Spear for printing.
17 00
22
Paid Babcock for birds mounted,
10 87
Express,
75
Librarian, Geo. Cummings for books,
200 00
35 00
$1,426 84
Balance in hands of Treasurer, Feb. 1, 1876. $380 05
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT.
Received for fines,
$21 50
from Mrs. Farwell,
50 00
$71 50
Paid for clock,
$12 00
for books,
51 50
$63 50
Balance in hands of Librarian, $8 00
Respectfully submitted,
For the Trustees,
J. H. RICHARDSON.
23
REGISTRAR'S REPORT.
BIRTHS IN MEDFIELD. DURING THE YEAR, 1875.
DATE.
NAMES.
January
31
Laura Eliza Myers.
March
6
Henry Carroll Jenness.
.6
16
Arthur Elmer Morrill.
6 6
17
Amos Hale Mason.
66
Thomas Jefferson Stevens.
April
28
June
7
Abby B. Fitzgerald. Gracie Miller.
66
28
Daisy Evangeline Curtis.
July
29
Julia Maney.
August
24
Henry Edward Falvey.
October
28
Mary Elizabeth Brennan.
Edmund Howe Lincoln.
Twins.
December
6
Frank Irving Howe.
6 6
8
Mabel May Morrill.
MARRIAGE CERTIFICATES,
REGISTERED IN MEDFIELD. DURING THE YEAR 1875, BETWEEN,
James F. Carey and Nellie Talbot. George W. Morrill and Mary E. Adams. John F. Hamilton and Idalette Clark. Lewis L. Adams and Nora Heath. Charles Warner and Lizzie L. Weiker. George F. Mayhew and Mary F. Hewins. George W. Snow and and Clara Corbette. Joseph W. Riele and Adella C. Parsons. Elisha P. Bishop and Abby A. Hartshorn. Weber Sawyer and Caroline E. Kendall.
9
Grace E. Fergison.
September 21
James McGrory.
29
Phillip Curtis Lincoln.
24
RECORD OF DEATHS DURING THE YEAR 1875.
DATE.
NAMES.
YEARS. MOS. DAYS.
.
Jan. 23
Samuel Green,
85
11
Feb. 1
Charles R. Gilmore,
5
10
11
Charles Johnson,
5
Mar. 6
Nellie F. Gilmore,
10
3
12
April 3
Maria C. Bowers.
50
66
20
George Beatty,
13
1
May 19
Julia Lambert,
76
26
Daniel P. Russell,
68
66
27
William Horton,
72
Aug. 7
Samuel W. Cozzens,
75
Sept. 8
Lavinia D. Daniels,
3
Dec. 7 Keziah Mason,
92
8
Frances Hunnewell,
84
6
16
David Hill,
78
7 Persons over 70 years of age.
3 “. 80 "
·
1 " 90 "
CHARLES C. SEWALL. Registrar.
-
Charles E. Richards.
.
25
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF MEDFIELD,
FOR THE YEAR, 1875-6.
IT will be remembered that so many difficulties presented them- selves in the way of continuing the High School, at the beginning of the year, that the committee of last year recommended to the town its discontinuance. Acting upon this recommendation, the town, at their annual meeting in March, 1875, voted to appropri- ate for the schools the sum of Two thousand dollars, which was Five hundred dollars less than was raised for the same object the previous year. Accordingly when the present committee organ- ized, they voted to discontinue the High School, for lack of funds, and the teacher was discharged at the close of the term.
For many years, with exceptions, difficulties have existed, which interfered with the usefulness of this school, and it seemed best, that for a season, it should be suspended. But it soon be- came manifest that, if this state of things continued, the town could ill afford to suffer the evils which would accrue. Carefully examining the condition of the treasury, it was ascertained that they could give the larger scholars a term of sixteen weeks under the care of a master, and it was so voted.
The next and more difficult step was to find the man who could satisfactorily fill the position. After many efforts and disappoint- ments the present incumbent of the
26
UPPER SCHOOL
was secured for this one term, to commence Sept. 6; his longer continuance to depend upon circumstances. Entering upon his duties on that day, it very soon became manifest that, as " Order is Heaven's first law," so was it to be in the school-room of Mr. Wm. E. Marshall. Committee's Note Book, "Sept. 9, good order." "Oct. 12, perfect order ; good recitations." "Nov. 19, capital order ; much pains taken to have them accurate. "Dec. 30, Examination ; might improve much in reading ; Physiology almost perfect ; Geography just as good ; Grammar not so well ; Arithmetic very good."
It was an object of paramount importance with the Committee to secure for this school a teacher whose government should be supreme ; and who, at the same time, should be able to gauge the capacity of his pupils so as wisely to direct their studies. In a school of such materials it is impossible so to adjust everything as to put each pupil where he will accomplish the most, without so multiplying the classes as to require an assistant teacher. There will always be exceptions, and it has been impossible to avoid them in this school. We think, however, that they have been as few as in the nature of the case could have been expected.
At the closing examination the reading was peculiarly unfortu- nate, owing in great measure to the selections made. And yet we have never found the reading in this school what it should be. The impression seems to prevail. somewhat, among older schol- ars, that " it will read itself," without any particular pains or preparation on their part. A good reader is rarely found ; and tolerable readers none too numerous. Eminence in this de- partment is the fruit of persevering pains taking. There might be as many good readers as singers with equal culture. The same vocal organs are called into action ; put behind them the same will-power and who will say that the results will not be as satis- factory? In this fact, the lack of a will to do, must be located the cause of failures in almost any branch of study, as well as in the various departments of business life. Doubtless nature has endowed different persons with different degrees of mental capacity ; but facts show wonderful results in such as are thought
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