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226th ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES
OF THE
TOWN OF MEDFIELD;
TOGETHER WITH THE
SELECTMEN'S REPORT, TOWN CLERK'S REPORT, REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE, AND OTHER STATISTICS,
FOR THE YEAR ENDING FEBRUARY 1, 1877-
BOSTON : PRESS OF GEORGE H. ELLIS, NO. 101 MILK STREET. 1877.
226th ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES
OF THE
TOWN OF MEDFIELD;
TOGETHER WITH THE
SELECTMEN'S REPORT, TOWN CLERK'S REPORT, REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE, AND OTHER STATISTICS,
FOR THE YEAR ENDING FEBRUARY 1, 1877.
BOSTON : PRESS OF GEORGE H. ELLIS, NO. 101 MILK STREET. 1877.
TOWN OFFICERS FOR 1876.
Town Clerk. CHARLES C. SEWALL.
Selectmen, Assessors, and Overseers of Poor.
B. F. SHUMWAY, HAMLET WIGHT, A. B. PARKER.
Treasurer. Collector. Auditor.
ISAAC FISKE.
R. A. BATTELLE.
CHAS. HAMANT.
Constables.
CHAS. HAMANT, H. F. BULLARD,
R. W. SHERMAN.
J. B. HALE,
School Committee. J. H. GOULD, A. E. MASON,
A. M. CRANE, WM. F. GUILD.
Surveyors of Highway. .
HAMLET WIGHT, W. P. HEWINS, G. W. KINGSBURY, H. P. TABOR,
C. H. RUSSELL, F. S. WIGHT.
J. M. HEWINS,
Fence Viewers. H. F. BULLARD,
CHAS. HAMANT.
Measurer of Wood and Sealer of Weights and Measures. THOMAS L. BARNEY.
Weighers. THOMAS L. BARNEY, JOHN McDEVITT. .
Board of Health.
DR. J. H. RICHARDSON, J. B. HALE, J. M. HEWINS.
Trustees of Public Library.
GEORGE CUMMINGS, DR. J. H. RICHARDSON, ISAAC FISKE.
Trustee of School Fund. CHAS. HAMANT.
WM. M. WHITING,
Engineers. G. M. HANKS, WM. MARSHALL.
Police.
BENNETT WILSON, WM. CRANE.
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
THE Selectmen of Medfield present the following Report of Receipts and Expenditures from February 1, 1876, to February I, 1877.
RECEIPTS.
Balance in Treasury, February 1, 1876, · $3,848.49
Taxes for 1874, in full, . 8.00
Interest on Taxes for 1874, 1.14
Taxes for 1875,
1,435.31
Taxes for 1876,
9,422.81
Rent of Hall, . 244.00
Rent of Stores, 460.22
Insurance on South School-house, 1,200.00
National Bank Tax for 1876, .
689.97
Corporation Tax for 1876, 895.82
State Aid, 192.00
T. S. Clark, amount of Amy Turner's note, 80.65
Dog Licenses, . 144.28
Income Massachusetts School Fund, 226.72
Interest on Town School Fund, .
Interest on Taxes, 1875, 190.40
90.49
Hay sold from Town Farm, 75.12
Hay sold from Cemetery, . 4.00
Butter sold from Town Farm, 43.84
G. M. Hanks, damage to room in Town House, 15.00
Sale of Books (Dedication of Town House), 21.00
Stove, . 6.00
Old Iron from School-house, . 10.00
Waste Paper from School-house, .75
City of Springfield for aid to Paupers, . 15.00
I. Fiske, as Interest on Deposits, 20.00
G. D. Everett, butter, 168.57
E. Bullard, pork, . 105.03
E. Bullard, calves, 95.92
$19,710.53
4
EXPENDITURES.
CARE OF SCHOOL-HOUSES, FUEL, &c.
Paid Sam'l Johnson, care of School-house, $46.85
J. S. Newell, 66 66 66
II.25
Geo. M. Gilmore, 66 66
12.50
Chas. E. Hale,
66
66
66
31.50
A. W. Wight, 66 66
13.75
E. T. Adams, 66 66 66
27.50
J. H. Gould & Co., coal, 114.60
H. Wight, wood, .
19.00
A. E. Mason, wood, 20.50
W. F. Guild, wood, . 20.00
M. Gilmore, cutting wood, 2.50
J. A. Newell, coal and wood, 7.50
$327.45
TEACHING.
Paid Miss E. Emerson, 380.00
Miss S. J. Woods, 400.00
Mr. Wm. E. Marshall, . 649.42
Miss Ida C. Whiting, 304.00
Miss Sarah H. Wight, . 250.00
Miss S. C. Littlefield, .
110.00
Town of Norfolk, for schooling Flora Miller, 4.50
$2,097.92
Paid I. Fiske, books, etc., furnished, 71.91 Total Expenditures for Schools, 1876, . 2,497.28
To Balance due Schools on Settlement, Jan. 31, 1876, $559.22 Appropriations, 2,300.00 Dog Licenses, 144.28
State Fund, 226.72
School Fund, 190.40
$3,420.62
Expended for schools, 1876,
2,497.28
Balance due for Schools Feb. 1, 1877, $923.34
5
REBUILDING AND REPAIRS OF SCHOOL-HOUSES.
Paid G. Davis, repairs on North School-house, . $6.85
D. Hoisington, repairs on Centre School-house, 43.32
G. M. Hanks, shades and fixtures for North School-house, . . 10.56
J. L. Hammett, furniture, 15.00
T. S. Clark, rent of room,
24.00
Rebuilding and furnishing South School-house,
1,546.07
Frank Ellis, repairs, . 16.40
Edgar Kingsbury, repairs, . 7.74
Lowell Babcock, painting, .
4.20
C. T. Frost, repairing pumps, .
3.70
Mrs. J. Sullivan, cleaning house, .
5.10
Gardner Chilson, furnace, .
170.05
Chas. Plimpton, labor,
3.75
Geo. Braman, labor, .
5.40
T. L. Barney, looking-glass,
1.30
J. Y. Thurston, labor, 4.50
J. B. Hale, soapstone, 2.00
Parker's Express, . .80
$1,870.74
Insurance on Centre School-house, 20.50
North School-house, 37.00
South School-house, 34.00
$91.50
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Paid Fred M. Smith, for.thirty engine-men, . $60.00
E. T. Everett, care of engine, 17.20
Jas. Boyd & Sons, 501} feet hose, . 501.65
Wm. M. Whiting, hats, badges, trumpets, furnished engine company, 47.30
I. Fiske, supplies, . 14.36
Parker's Express, supplies, IO.So
Cushman & Baker, supplies, . 7.07
$658.38
6
TOWN OFFICERS.
Paid B. F. Shumway, services as Selectman and Assessor, $120.00
B. F. Shumway, as Overseer of Poor, 15.00 Hamlet Wight, as Selectman and Assessor, 70.00 Hamlet Wight, as Overseer of Poor, . 20.00
A. B. Parker, as Selectman and Assessor, . 65.00
A. B. Parker, as Overseer of Poor, . 35.00
C. C. Sewall, as Town Clerk, for two years, 50.00
J. M. R. Eaton, as School Committee, . 10.00
A. M. Crane, as School Committee, 1876-7, 45.00
R. A. Battelle, collecting tax in full, 1874, . 32.89
R. A. Battelle, collecting tax in full, 1875, . 94.06
C. C. Sewall, recording marriages, births, and deaths, for two years, . 33.75
$590.70
EXPENSES OF TOWN HOUSE.
Paid Sam'l Johnson, care and supplies, $109.92
Lowell Babcock, labor, . 4.75
D. Hoisington, supplies, . 5.70
Mead & Mason, repairs on chimneys,
117.56
N. F. Harding, repairs,
46.57
H. Wight, wood,
4.50
Henry Smith, cleaning vaults, .
5.00
E. T. Everett, cutting wood,
1.00
J. H. Gould & Co., coal, . 35.24
S. R. Maker, stoves and coal-hod, 14.75
T. L .· Barney, ladder, . 1.25
W. F. Whittemore, painting, 1.30
Lawrence Wild & Co., bedding for lock-up, 13.25
$360.79
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Paid S. J. Spear, printing catalogues, $75.00
Trustees, balance of appropriation, 25.00
$100.00
7
PAUPERS OUT OF ALMSHOUSE.
Paid Town of Foxboro, aid furnished E. G. Babcock and family,
$33.00
State Lunatic Asylum, board of J. W. Coltman, . 186.25 State Lunatic Asylum, board of Susan M. Bullard, . 113.65
Funeral Expenses of Noah Clark,
15.50
Aid furnished John Hayford,
14,52
Aid furnished Clarence Kingsbury, 5.00
$367.92
ABATEMENT OF TAXES.
Paid Abatement taxes, 1874, $2.00
Abatement taxes, 1875, 76.71
Abatement taxes, 1876, 20.85
$99.56
NOTES AND INTEREST.
Paid Notes, .
$528.00
Interest,
1,653.35
ROADS AND BRIDGES.
Paid Wm. P. Hewins, surveyor, $221.14
Hamlet Wight, 297.84
G. W. Kingsbury, 250.00
H. P. Tabor, 66
255.33
F. S. Wight, 66
252.00
Chas. H. Russell,
229.15
A. P. Lovell, for gravel,
6.30
H. P. Tabor, clearing roads of snow,
10.35
Hamlet Wight,
7.50
F. S. Wight, 66 66 14.45
Jos. Bailey, 66 66 66
1.50
Jos. Bailey, repairing culvert, 1.60
R. W. Sherman, labor on bridge, . 27.00
Henry Harding, covering-stone for bridge, 8.00
R. E. McIntyre, plank for bridge, 14.00
$1,596.16
66
8
STATE AID.
Paid Mary A. Kingsbury, $48.00
Mary Knapp, 48.00
Eliza Hardy, . 60.00
Mary A. Howard,
88.00
$244.00
INCIDENTAL EXPENSES.
Paid S. J. Spear, printing reports, etc., . $68.25
B. J. Babcock, returning deaths, 3.50
G. A. R., decoration, . 100.00
H. M. Parker, express, 7.08
B. C. & F. R. R., freight, 3.09
N. Y. & N. E. R. R., freight, 2.45
Walpole tax, 1876, . 4.80
Medway tax, 1876, . 5.27
State tax, 1876, . 1,008.00
D. B. Fitts, cleaning clock, 15.00
W. F. Abell, care of clock, 15.00
Stationary and postage, . 5.80
R. A. Battelle, mowing cemetery, . 20.00
P. S. Chase, services on road committee, 3.00
H. P. Bruce, maintaining watering-place, 3.00
I. Fiske, sundries, . 9.89
A. S. Tabor, repairing town-pumps,. 3.00
$1,277.13
ALMSHOUSE.
Amount paid by Treasurer, as follows : - Paid Johnson Brothers, groceries, $42.58
C. D. Cobb & Brothers, groceries, 76.80
T. L. Barney, merchandise, . 139.58
I. Fiske, merchandise, 56.22
B. J. Babcock, bread, .
37.55
H. M. Parker, bread, . 30.90
T. C. Flinn, bread, 51.62
Francis Rhodes, fish, . 8.41
E. P. Maguire, fish, 9.70
Amount carried forward, . $453.36
9
Amount brought forward, $453.36
Gould & Co., grain and coal, 39.81
E. A. Wheeler, ice, . 11.00
G. W. Winship, blacksmithing, 5.60
C. E. Bradley, blacksmithing, 18.76
Wm. Adams, salary as keeper, in full, 225.00
Overseers, three pair blankets, . 6.00
Abigail Adams, storage for hay, 6.00
G. W. Kingsbury; grinding, . 3.29
F. D. Hamant, bull, 20.00
Dr. Bass, medical attendance, . 5.00
Parker's Express, coffin, . 13.30
R. A. Battelle, funeral expenses of Mary Peters and Amy Turner, . . 8.00
John Kelley, as keeper, in part, 150.00
E. Bullard, meat, 149.17
G. D. Everett, grain, 113.60
$1,227.89
REPAIRS, &c.
Paid W. Q. Fisher, fence-rails, 20.00
D. Hoisington, range and boiler, . 40.00
D. Hoisington, repairs on stoves, . 5.13
S. R. Maker, two stoves, 20.75
. H. P. Bruce, mason-work, . 18.10
W. F. Whittemore, painting, 5.85
R. W. Sherman, rebuilding cellar-wall, . 22.50
B. F. Shumway, rebuilding cellar-wall, 14.50
C. T. Frost, cleaning well and repairing pumps, . 9.40
J. G. Wight, labor, carpentering, 11.25
Morse & Whyte, wire-netting, 10.00
Insurance on farm buildings, 35.00
Cushman & Baker, repairs, . 9.82
$222.30
RECAPITULATION.
Paid care of and fuel for School-houses, $327.45
Teaching Schools, . 2,097.92
Amount carried forward, $2,425.37
2
IO
Amount brought forward, $2,425.37
Books, etc., furnished Schools, 71.91
Rebuilding and repairs of School-houses, 1,870.74
Insurance on School-houses, 91.50
Fire Department, .
658.38
Town Officers, ..
590.70
Expenses of Town House,
360.79
Public Library,
· 100.00
Paupers out of Almshouse, .
367.92
Abatement of Taxes, .
99.56
Notes, .
528.00
Interest, .
1,653.35
Roads and bridges, 1,596.16
State aid, . 244.00
Incidental,
1,277.13
Almshouse Department,
1,227.89
Repairs, etc., at Town Farm, .
222.30
$13,385.70
RESOURCES.
Balance in Treasury Feb. 1, 1877, . $6,324.83
Due from Taxes 1875, .
12.13
Due from Taxes 1876, .
1,567.47
Due for State aid,
288.00
$8,192.43
LIABILITIES.
Due on Notes to individuals, . $14,540.40
Due John Kelley, balance of salary to Feb. 1, 1877, .
308.33
Liabilities exceed resources, .
$14,848.73
6,656.30
Examined and found correct,
CHARLES HAMANT, Auditor.
MEDFIELD, Feb. 1, 1877.
II
We recommend the sum of nine thousand dollars for the current expenses of the ensuing year to be appropriated as follows :-
For repairs of town-ways, highways, and bridges, . $1,400.00
Pauper expenses, . 1,200.00
General expenses, . 2,000.00
Support of Schools,
2,000.00
Debt of Town, 1,000.00
Interest on Debt of Town,
1,400.00
$9,000.00
All of which is respectfully submitted.
B. F. SHUMWAY, - HAMLET WIGHT, & Selectmen of Medfield. A. B. PARKER,
REPORT OF THE OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
Amount of personal property at Almshouse Feb. 1, 1877, as per schedule in hands of Overseers, . $2,271.16
Amount of personal property at Almshouse Feb. 1, 1876, 2,221.36
Gain, $49.80
RECEIPTS BY OVERSEERS.
Cash in hands of Overseers Feb. 1, 1876, $16.36
One calf,
1.50
Board and lodgings, 5.75
Pork,
52.84
Potatoes,
5.52
Milk and butter, .
1.80
Services of bull, .
10.50
Labor off farm, .
4.40
Watermelons,
2.29
Apples, .
2.40
Five barrels cranberries,
35.00
Turnips and beets, .
.75
Chickens, .
1.60
Cash left by Amy Turner, 16.00
Cash left by Mary Peters,
3.00
$159.71
RECEIVED BY TOWN TREASURER.
Hay, .
$75.12
Butter, .
212.4I
City of Springfield, for pauper, · 15.00
Pork, .
105.03
Calves,
95.92
$503.48
Total Receipts,
$663.19
I3
PAYMENTS BY OVERSEERS.
Paid Blacksmiths bills, $19.98
Fish, .
17.83
School books, . .15
Clothing for Geo. Hunt,
13.40
Baskets $2.00, cement 48 cents, .
2.48
Tomato plants and seed corn,
.90
Butchering hogs, .
3.50
Kitchen utensils, .
1.30
Repairing wringing-machine, .
4.15
Two boxes strawberries,
.40
Coffin for Amy Turner,
14.25
Ticket to Boston, .
.55
C. D. Cobb & Co., flour and coffee,
10.50
Making cider, .
1.65
W. D. Parlin, hardware,
6.03
O. Woods, lumber,
7.72
Cranberries,
2.34
Grinding corn,
2.29
Services of boar, 4.00
Clothing for Mr. Allen, 1.20
H. P. Tabor, for services,
1.50
Repairing boots and shoes,
.90
Bread,
12.73
$129.75
Paid by Town Treasurer, .
1,197.89
Total Payments,
$1.327.64
Total Receipts, . 663.19
$664.45
Expenses exceed receipts, . $664.45
Due J. Kelley to Feb. 1, 1877, 308.33
$972.78
Entertaining 1175 tramps. . $235.00
Gain in appraisal over last year, 49.80
$284.80
$687.98
14
Average number of paupers, 5. Cost per week, $2.65. PAUPERS IN ALMSHOUSE.
Silas Allen, aged 82; Arthur Bailey, aged 22;
Harriet Leland, aged 85; George Hunt, aged 12.
Pauper expenses out of Almshouse, $367.92.
B. F. SHUMWAY, HAMLET WIGHT, , Overseers of Poor. A. B. PARKER,
MEDFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY.
TRUSTEES REPORT.
During the last year one hundred and fifty volumes have been added to the Library by purchase, and twenty-nine volumes by donation from N. T. Allen, Esq.
Nine thousand two hundred and eighty-seven volumes have been issued by the Librarian, being two thousand two hundred and eighty-seven more than the year 1875, and three thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven more than 1873. The number of persons receiving books, three hundred and ninety-two.
The books have apparently been better used, and probably better read, as the number of those who have taken books simply from the novelty or curiosity, as at first seemed, have diminished, and the better class of readers, as a rule, take better care of the books. Still, with the best care, the constant use makes it necessary, in order to preserve the books, that quite a large number of volumes should be rebound each year.
We are convinced that the value of the Library in the estimation of the public is increasing yearly ; that it is doing a good work in the community ; that it ought to be considered a part of our educa- tional system, and, like our common schools, should receive its due proportion of support from the appropriations of the town. The town has been liberal and prompt in its support heretofore. The Library is a part of the valuable property of the town, and it should be preserved. At a small expense its value will greatly increase from year to year.
We earnestly recommend an appropriation for the purchase of new books, and to meet the current expenses for the coming year.
16
The Treasurer submits to the Trustees of the Public Library the following report of receipts and expenditures for the year ending Jan. 31, 1877 : -
1876.
Feb. 1. Received balance in Treasury, $380.05
July 20. Received of Dr. Richardson, 1.00
Aug. 9. Received for Bi-Centennial books sold and given by Geo. Cummings, Esq., 3.00
Dec. 5. Of Librarian for catalogues, 16.75
Jan. 31. Balance of appropriation, 25.00
$425.80
PAYMENTS.
From Feb. 12, 1876, to Jan. 27, 1877, paid for
new books, . $247.49
Jan. 5. Paid Librarian to Jan. 1, 1877, . 100.00
347.49
Balance in Treasury, . $78.31 Respectfully submitted.
For the Trustees,
J. H. RICHARDSON.
REGISTRAR'S REPORT.
REGISTRY OF MARRIAGES IN 1876.
DATE.
NAMES.
Jan. 13 George H. Bruce and Sarah H. Fisher.
Feb. 7
E. M. Follet and Jennie E. Grow.
Feb. 24 William B. Marchant and Cynthia C. Cutler.
April 20 William Warner and Anna Mary Flynn.
23 William F. Bowers and Fannie M. Richards.
June I
William F. Weiker and Margaret J. Nichols.
June 19
John H. Rogers and Jennie W. Martin.
June 27
Moses Hartshorn and Hannah Curtis.
July 31
Edward Darrar and Elizabeth (m. n. Moody) Palmer.
Aug. 8 Austin W. Jefferson and E. Emma Grover (married in Foxboro).
Sept. 12 John J. Demerritt and Caroline L. Plympton.
Oct. 3
Thomas G. Welch and Katharine (m. n. Knowles) Johnson.
Oct. 14
Charles F. Stain and Lizzie M. Ballard.
Nov. 8 George B. Harris and Mattie C. Ballard.
Nov. 29
Dwight E. Martin and Georgie Norton.
Dec. 18 John Ross and Agnes Pitt.
Total Marriages, 16.
REGISTRY OF BIRTHS IN 1876.
DATE.
NAMES.
Mar. 20
Derward E. Bullard.
April 2
Percy Miller Johnson.
April 21
Warren S. Blake.
May 24
Maggie Celia Miller.
June 3
Eveline Estelle Adams.
June 14
Charles Edward Russell.
July I Edgar Alpheus Sherman.
July 30 Jennie Johnston.
Aug. 14
Louise Maria Cole.
Aug. 18
Lulu Whiting.
Aug. 25
Alice Louise Smith.
Sept. 16
Wilfred Reuben Tolman.
Sept. 18
Arthur Wilson Ricker.
Sept. 24
Ruth Gertrude Richardson.
Oct. 4
Edward Lambert.
Oct. 17
Henry LeRoy Parker.
Oct. 20 Albert Eaton Gilmore.
Oct. 23 Mary Alfreda Babcock.
Nov. 2
Celia Cushman Wilson.
Nov. 27 Ada Harding Chase.
Total Births, 20.
-
18
REGISTRY OF DEATHS IN 1876.
DATE.
NAMES.
AGE.
DISEASE.
Jan. 14
Lydia G. Bingham,
4 yrs., 8 mos., ro days.
Jan. 16
Catherine L. Stain,
36 yrs.
Jan. 24
Ellen B. Mason,
62 yrs., 2 mos., 8 days.
April 21
Henry E. Jenness,
I yr., 5 mos.
April 30
Julia A. Hanley,
29 yrs.
June 10
Mary Agnes Hanley,
- 2 mos., 17 days.
July 18
Amy Turner,
88 yrs.
Aug. 8
Ebenezer Babcock,
83 yrs., 2 mos., 23 days. 88 yrs.
Aug. 31
Joel Everett,
84 yrs., 11 mos., 22 days.
Sept. 16
Mary E. Brennan,
Dysentery.
Sept. 21
Sarah E. Emery,
- 10 mos., 16 days. 28 yrs.
Consumption.
Sept. 26
Alice F. Masters,
I yr., 9 mos.
Inflammation of Brain.
Oct. I.
Harriet G. Allen,
26 yrs., 7 mos., 29 days.
Consumption.
Oct. I
Mary P. Hewins,
81 yrs., 10 mos.
Paralysis.
Oct. 2
Elisha P. Bishop,
22 yrs., 5 mos.
Consumption.
Nov. 2
Celia B. Fowle,
68 yrs., 8 mos., 15 days.
Consumption.
Nov. 18
Sally Breck,
77 yrs., 5 mos.
Heart Disease.
Total Deaths, 18.
5 over 80 years. 3 between 50 and 80 years. 5 between 20 and 50 years.
5 under 5 years. 14 Females. 4 Males.
CHARLES C. SEWALL,
Registrar.
Diphtheria. Heart Disease. Consumption. Dropsy. Consumption. Consumption. Old Age. Old Age. Old 'Age. Cystisis.
Aug. 13
Mary Peters,
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF MEDFIELD,
FOR THE YEAR, 1876-7.
The work given us, that of superintending the schools for your children, we regard as second to none in importance. With a con- sciousness of this, we have striven faithfully to perform the task, - with what results you must judge. But before pronouncing your judgment, allow us to suggest our views with reference to the duties of teachers and parents. The principal work of the teacher in our schools consists in educating or developing the different faculties of the mind, so that the pupil may be better fitted for the practical duties of life. The future of the child will be determined in no inconsiderable degree by the success of this work. A well-trained mind is like a perfectly-disciplined army ; each faculty and power of the mind will yield ready obedience to the dictates of a single will, not through constraint but willingly, as if by force of habit. With this disciplined mind, one is fitted for, or can readily adapt himself to, almost any position in life.
Moreover, with this acquisition of power, more refined tastes will be secured. The mind was made for the truth, and if properly developed will love the truth. The prosperous business man would think it beneath his dignity to roll marbles in the streets, for he finds something better to occupy his attention. So we affirm respecting the well trained mind. It will love fact rather than fiction. Could our schools do something to stimulate a taste for " the true, the beautiful and the good," could they awaken a love for the sciences, for history and biography, they would confer a benefit not inferior to that of the parent in leaving his accumulated property to his child. But to train the mind, and to awaken refined tastes is a work requiring no little care. There are dormant facul- ties to be aroused to action ; those wrongly directed must be turned into right channels; while some opposing elements must be sup- pressed altogether. To accomplish this, the teacher sometimes meets with difficulties ; his patience is tried ; his skill is taxed to
20
the uttermost. He should, however, first strive to secure the hearty cooperation of the pupil. The more he secures their confidence in his ability and sincerity of purpose, the better will he perform his task. Yet we must remember that in the school-room the teacher is master, and that the pupil gives himself up to be led by the teacher. This is the right of the one, the duty of the other.
It has been the purpose of the committee to make the schools efficient in this direction, and we doubt not that the parents have the same desire. Both are alike interested in securing the same results. We are not opposite factions, but united parties in the same work. As such, we claim the cooperation of the parents in the work. If it is the duty of the committee to provide for the welfare of the schools (a duty they do not covet), we can see no reason why it is not the duty of the parents to work with them. If anything ap- pears to be wrong, do not magnify it in the presence of the pupil, who will thereby lose confidence in the teacher ; but let the com- plaint be made to those with whom you trust the schools. They will be glad of any information you can give ; they will respect your opinion, and, if possible, gratify your wish. But to pursue the other course only tends to defeat the object for which both labor.
At the beginning of the present year the committee voted to have but thirty-six weeks' schooling. We were led to this action partly to reduce expenses, and partly by reason of the tender age of many of the pupils. Yet if sufficient means were given us, we would like to add two weeks to the number, making thirty-eight weeks.
On the morning of April 3d, the South School-house was destroyed by fire. To provide for the wants of the school until a new building should be erected, a room was rented in Mr. Thomas Clark's dwelling-house. As the present winter approached, it became evident that the furnace long used for heat- ing the Centre School-building was unfit for the work. In many places it had cracked or burnt through, allowing coal-gas to escape into the school-room. Accordingly we voted to replace it with a new one. As complaint had always been made that the old one did not heat the rooms sufficiently in the coldest weather, we thought best to procure the next larger size. We are happy to say that it performs the work better than the old one, giving entire satisfaction.
The School-buildings need painting. As this would require con- siderable outlay, we leave it with the town to say whether they will appropriate money sufficient for the work.
2I
THE UPPER SCHOOL
has continued during the past year under the instruction of Mr. W. E. Marshall, who has met with gratifying success. Good order has been maintained, and commendable progress has been made in all the studies. Two or three features are worthy of special notice. Considerable attention has been given to the study of words. The pupil, both in reading and spelling, is required to give an accurate definition of the words used. Such has been the interest awakened in spelling that the committee were met by one of the pupils at the close of the fall term with the request: "Give us a new spelling-book ; we have been through the old one twice." The advanced classes in grammar had reached that point when, in the opinion both of the teacher and committee, greater benefit might be derived from the study of Latin than by continuing the study of English grammar. Permis- sion was given to these to take up Latin with the understanding that they should continue the study at least one year. Quite a large class have commenced the study, and are pursuing it with good success.
Much might be said in praise of the class in physiology ; also of the first two arithmetic classes. If we can be able to continue the school with as efficient a teacher as the present one, we see no reason why we may not have a school that shall be an honor to the town, -the equal of Sherborn or Framingham schools.
THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL
continues under the instruction of Miss Susan J. Woods, whose long experience and love for the work render her a valuable instructor. Pupils of the age of those in this department are to learn fundamental principles ; therefore rapid progress cannot be expected if the work is done satisfactorily. Much attention has been given to reading, with good results. Considerable interest has been awakened in map-drawing, which to us seems the most satisfactory method of teaching geography. The order is good and the work thoroughly performed.
THE PRIMARY SCHOOL.
Miss Esther Emerson has continued as teacher of this school for the past year, and has shown her usual care and diligence in her work. It requires no little skill to understand the capaci- ties of pupils so young as these, and to so impart instruction as
22
to best develop the mind. Yet we think the instructor of this school well understands her work, and prosecutes it with good success. The body makes slow progress in its growth, so does the mind; yet it is important in either case that the growth be symmetrical and not deformed. Wrong habits acquired, or wrong principles learned are a positive injury. We feel assured that here good morals and right principles are inculcated, and the child is advanced as fast as its tender age warrants.
THE NORTH SCHOOL
commenced the year with Miss Sarah H. Wight as instructor, who, by her faithful and diligent labor for many terms, merits the respect and confidence of all. The fall term opened with Miss Sarah C. Littlefield, a graduate of Charlestown High School, as teacher. She came recommended to the committee as one possessing both general culture and scholarly attainments. In her work she seems to have secured the love of her pupils, and to have awakened a good degree of interest in their studies. Considerable attention has been given to reading, writing, and vocal gymnastics. Good progress has been made. Thorough- ness is required, without which no satisfactory work can be done. We look upon the school as in good working order, and with its present manifest interest, we look for good results in the future.
THE SOUTH SCHOOL.
During the past year this school has been taught by Miss Ida C. Whiting, whose success last year gave us grounds to expect a good school during the present year. Nor have we been disappointed. The interest formerly awakened has been continued. No school can boast of better order, neither is there any class of students who show a more commendable spirit in their work. The school has increased somewhat in numbers, so that now it possesses a sufficient number (21) to make it interesting to the teacher. Con- siderable instruction is given outside of the text-books.
We made no promise at the commencement of this year that we would mention those in our report who had been neither absent nor tardy. Yet we cheerfully do this, and would commend them as worthy of praise, because they had no such incentive.
NEITHER ABSENT NOR TARDY DURING THREE TERMS.
Marcia Merrill, Flora Wiswell, Affie Hanks, Addie Turner, Lottie R. Mason.
23
NOT ABSENT OR TARDY FOR TWO TERMS.
David C. Wolf, Arthur W. Wight, Emma J. Wolf, Jennie Wight, Ada Richardson, Nettie Hamant, Minnie Turner, Willie Mar- shall, Lottie Richardson, Emma Richards, Frank Quincy, Allie Clark, Waldo Kingsbury, Orra Guild, Annie Guild.
NOT ABSENT OR TARDY DURING ONE TERM.
Willard A. Newell, Jennie M. Williams, Alice Tufts, Cora Bullard, Maud Curtis, Herbert Babcock, Eddie Babcock, John Richardson, Mary Griffin, Gracie Parker, Carrie Sullivan, Georgie Payson, Mabel. Morse, Arthur Guild, Lewis Guild, Maggie Callahan.
Respectfully submitted,
J. B. HALE.
A. M. CRANE.
WM. F. GUILD.
A. E. MASON. J. H. GOULD.
STATISTICS.
Schools.
Teachers.
Terms.
Number of
Scholars.
Average
Attendance.
Under 5
years of age.
Over 15
years of age.
Upper.
Wm. E. Marshall.
Ist Term 14 weeks.
32
29
O
6
2d
II
34
30
O
II
3d
14*
32
29
O
6
Grammar.
Miss S. J. Woods.
Ist Term 14 weeks.
29
24
O
2d
II
66
32
25
3d
14*
30
26
O
Ist Term 14 weeks.
38
31
I
O
2d
II
66
36
33
O
0
3d
14*
33
25
O
0
North
Miss S. H. Wight.
Ist Term 14 weeks.
33
29
I
O
Mixed.
Miss S. C. Littlefield.
2d
II
66
36
32
I
I
3d
14*
37
35
I
I
South Mixed.
Miss Ida C. Whiting.
66
IO
20
17
O
O
3d
“
15 **
.€ .
21
IS
O
O
2d
Ist Term 13 weeks.
19
16
O
O
Centre Primary.
Miss E. Emerson.
* Yet in session.
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