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227th ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS OF MEDFIELD,
FOR THE YEAR ENDING FEBRUARY 1, 1878.
CONTENTS.
LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS ELECTED MARCH 5, 1877,
3
SELECTMEN'S REPORT, 3
REPORT OF OVERSEERS OF THE POOR, 1 2
REPORT OF FIRE ENGINEERS,
15
REPORT OF CEMETERY COMMITTEE,
16
REGISTRAR'S REPORT,
17
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY,
19
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE, 2 1
PAGE.
.
BOSTON : PRESS OF GEORGE H ELLIS 1878.
227th ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS OF MEDFIELD,
FOR THE YEAR ENDING FEBRUARY 1, 1878.
CONTENTS.
PAGE.
LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS ELECTED MARCH 5, 1877, 2 Is
SELECTMEN'S REPORT,
3
REPORT OF OVERSEERS OF THE POOR,
12
REPORT OF FIRE ENGINEERS,
REPORT OF CEMETERY COMMITTEE, 16
I 5
REGISTRAR'S REPORT,
17
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY,
19
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE, 21
BOSTON : PRESS OF GEORGE H. ELLIS. 1878.
TOWN OFFICERS FOR 1877.
Town Clerk. CHARLES C. SEWALL.
HAMLET WIGHT,
Selectmen. A. B. PARKER,
F. D. HAMANT.
CHARLES HAMANT,
Assessors. R. A. BATTELLE, WM. F. GUILD.
H. P. TABOR,
Overseers of the Poor. R. W. SHERMAN, G. W. KINGSBURY.
Treasurer. ISAAC FISKE.
Collector.
Auditor.
R. A. BATTELLE.
CHAS. HAMANT.
Constables.
CHARLES HAMANT, R. W. SHERMAN,
BENNETT WILSON, JAMES ORD.
School Committee.
J. B. HALE, JAMES HEWINS, CHARLES HAMANT, A. E. MASON,
JAMES ORD, W. F. GUILD.
Surveyors of Highway.
HAMLET WIGHT, C. H. RUSSELL, H. P. TABOR, JOEL MORSE,
GEO. W. KINGSBURY, JERRY JOHNSTON.
Board of Health.
DR. J. H. RICHARDSON, J. M. HEWINS, J. B. HALE.
GEORGE CUMMINGS,
Trustees of Public Library. J. H. RICHARDSON, . ISAAC FISKE.
Trustee of School Fund. CHARLES HAMANT.
J. M. HEWINS,
Fence Viewers. H. F. BULLARD, CHARLES HAMANT.
Field Drivers. LOWELL HAYNES, R. W. SHERMAN.
MOSES HARTSHORN,
Pound Keeper. GEORGE HAMANT.
Engineers of Fire Department. G. M. HANKS, WM. MARSHALL.
WM. M. WHITING,
Measurer of Wood and Sealer of Weights and Measures. THOMAS L. BARNEY.
Weighers. T. L. BARNEY, JOHN McDEVITT.
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
The Selectmen respectfully present the Annual Financial Report of the town of Medfield for the year ending Feb. 1, 1878.
RECEIPTS BY THE TREASURER.
Balance in Treasury, Feb. 1, 1877, $6,324.83
For book sold, .75
W. H. Hunting, for pedler's license, . 6.00
James Ord, for old fence bought of School Committee, 2.50
R. A. Battelle, for hay sold from Cemetery, 3.50
State Treasurer, State Aid, 192.00
State Treasurer, Corporation Tax, . 604.29
State Treasurer, Bank Tax, 814.87
Overseers of Poor, for eggs, . 4.00
Overseers of Poor, for calves, 41.15
Chas. Hamant, Trustee, Interest School Fund, 262.85
Rent of stores in Town House, 384.30
Rent of hall in Town House, 102.00
Rent of Engine Hall in Town House, 25.00
R. A. Battelle, Interest on Taxes for 1875, · 1.66
R. A. Battelle, balance Taxes, 1875, 12.13
R. A. Battelle, on account Taxes, 1876, 1,455.97
R. A. Battelle, on account Taxes, 1877, 10,050.00
R. A. Battelle, Interest on Taxes for 1876, . 92.17
State Treasurer, income Massachusetts School Fund, 167.56 County Treasurer, for dog licenses, 142.39
Selectmen, for old plank sold, 2.50
Overseers of Poor, for pork sold, 50.00
Eggs and butter, sold from Town Farm, . 13.12
$20,755.54
4
PAYMENTS BY THE TREASURER. TEACHING SCHOOLS. NORTH SCHOOL.
Paid Miss S. C. Littlefield, . · $358.00
CENTRE SCHOOL.
High .- Paid W. E. Marshall, . 888.80
Grammar .- Paid Miss S. J. Wood, 358.00
Primary .- Paid Miss M. A. B. Wight, 108.00
Primary .- Paid Miss E. Emerson, 250.00
SOUTH SCHOOL.
Paid Miss Ida C. Whiting, 139.20
Paid Miss Addie Mason, . 180.00
$2,282.00
CARE OF SCHOOL-HOUSES, FUEL, ETC.
Paid E. T. Adams, care of Centre School-house, $103.50
G. M. Gilmore, care of South School-house, 26.50
J. S. Newell, care of North School-house, 6.75
J. E. McGrory, care of North School-house, 8.25
A. E. Mason, preparing wood, etc., 7.65
H. Wight, wood, . 34.50
Gould & Co., coal, . 154.57
G. W. Kingsbury, wood, 4.00
W. F. Guild, wood and supplies, 21.75
Isaac Fiske, supplies, 15.13
$382.60
REPAIRS AND FURNISHING SCHOOL-HOUSES.
Paid A. E. Mason, bills for repairs and supplies for North School, $38.24
N. F. Harding, building fence, Centre School, 16.12
L. Babcock, painting and repairs, North School, . 134.70 C. T. Frost, pump, stock, and labor, North School, . 44.60 J. G. Wight, building fence, stock, and labor, North School, 28.86
Union Lumber Company, for lumber, North School, 28.78
James Ord, furniture and labor, North School, 11.58
Amount carried forward $302.88
5
Amount brought forward, $302.88
D. Hoisington, supplies and repairs, North School, . 4.01
A. Williams & Co., for atlas, 9.00
Hooper, Lewis & Co., three dozen pencils, 1.12
Ward & Gay, stationery, . 3.82
J. L. Hammett & Co., merchandise, 9.99
W. S. Tilden, books, 1.84
I. Fiske, supplies, 8.30
$340.96
Amount in Treasury for Schools, Feb. 1, 1877, . $923.34 Appropriations by Town, 2.300.00
Income from School Fund, . 262.85
Income from State School Fund, 167.56
Expended for Schools, .
$3.653.75
2,664.60
Balance in Treasury for Schools, Feb. 1, 1878,
$989.15
TOWN OFFICERS.
Paid C. C. Sewall, services as Town Clerk for 1877, . $30.00
C. C. Sewall, recording marriages, births, deaths, and postage expenses, 21.35
Hamlet Wight, as Selectman,
50.00
A. B. Parker, as Selectman, .
F. D. Hamant, as Selectman, 50.00
40.00
H. P. Tabor, as Overseer of Poor, 28.00
R. W. Sherman, as Overseer of Poor, 20.00
G. W. Kingsbury, as Overseer of Poor, 15.00
Charles Hamant, as Assessor, 45.00
R. A. Battelle, as Assessor, 35.00
W. F. Guild, as Assessor, S.00
R. A. Battelle, for collecting Taxes, 1876, 98.65
R. W. Sherman, as Constable, 4.10
$445.10
6
EXPENSES OF TOWN-HOUSE.
Paid S. Johnson, care of house and supplies, . $85.09
N. F. Harding, drawers in safe and repairs, 9.31
L. H. Turner, balance on stoves for engine hall, 12.00 L. Babcock, repairs, 7.04
Gould & Co., coal, . 26.00
Parker's Express, lock and thirty keys, and sundry articles, . 12.75 Mead & Mason, stock and labor for flooring base- ment, . 88.40
Parker's Express, lock, forty-five keys, and express, . 10.90
C. E. Bradley, repairs, . 2.38
W. D. Cripps, repairing steps, 1.88
J. Ord, stove and funnel for hook and ladder room, . 19.00
W. F. Whittemore, repairs, 1.53
D. Hoisington, repairs, 3.20
A. E. Mason, gravelling, 4.80
J. E. Kenny, keys for School Committee, 3.40
T. L. Barney, lamps, .70
$288.38
ROADS AND BRIDGES.
Paid Selectmen, extra repairs on Main Street, $500.00 Selectmen, extra repairs on South Street, 200.00
C. H. Russell, surveyor, 257.70
J. Johnston, 66
279.96
H. Wight, 66
236.10
H. P. Tabor, 66 211.15
Joel Morse, 203.70
G. W. Kingsbury, “ 244.13
G. W. Kingsbury, clearing roads of 'snow, 22.73
WV. P. Hewins,
66 15.81
H. P. Tabor, 66
66 30.90
H. Wight, 66 39.00
C. H. Russell, 66 66 22.87
Amount carried forward,
$2,264.05
7
Amount brought forward, $2,264.05
J. Bailey, clearing roads of snow, · 7.27
Mead & Mason, plank for bridge, . 12.15
G. P. Morey, culvert stone, 9.00
H. N. Clark, plank for Dearth's Bridge, 30.46
G. H. Wight, timber, for Dearth's Bridge, 38.52
J. G. Hutson, timber, light, for Dearth's Bridge, 16.50
J. L. Breck, stone for Dearth's Bridge, 5.00
Town of Dedham, use of derrick, for Dearth's Bridge,
12.00
F. Cheney, moving derrick, 66
4.00
E. Gay, labor,
R. W. Sherman, labor,
66
66
15.12
H. F. Wight, 66
66
16.12
J. G. Wight, 66
66
66
27.94
H. P. Tabor, 66
and stock,
66
47.34
H. Wight, 66
66
66
67.98
$2,602.25
TOWN DEBT AND INTEREST.
Paid Notes,
$2,900.00
Interest, 1.455.05
$4,355.05
ABATEMENT OF TAXES.
Paid Abatement of Taxes, 1876, $46.53
Abatement of Taxes, 1877, 19.76
$66.29
SUPPORT OF PAUPERS OUT OF ALMSHOUSE.
Paid State Lunatic Asylum for Susan M. Bullard, . $182.59
Aid furnished E. G. Babcock and family, 21.00
Aid furnished John Hayford, 9.00
Aid furnished Clarence Kingsbury, 3.00
$215.59
66
28.80
8
ALMSHOUSE.
Paid R. A. Battelle, funeral expenses of Harriet Leland, $4.00
T. C. Flinn, bread, 115.72
Johnson Brothers, groceries and flour, 102.25
Gould & Co., grain and flour, 239.09
Gould & Co., coal, 4.75
T. L. Barney, merchandise, 36.02
G. W. Kingsbury, brick, etc.,
4.00
D. Hoisington, merchandise and repairs, 11.65
Exchange of cows, 45.00
J. Kelly, balance of salary to April 1, 1877, 400.00
J. Kelly, salary in part for current year, 165.00
G. W. Kingsbury, butchering and grinding corn,
7.64
I. Fiske, merchandise, 116.85
T. Donlin, stock, labor, and repairs, . 2.50
Lowell Babcock, labor and repairs, 4.70
J. G. Wight, 66
5.62
Franklin Ellis, 66 66
4.50
R. W. Sherman,
4.35
$1,273.64
STATE AID.
Paid Mary A. Kingsbury. $48.00
Mary Knapp,
48.00
Eliza Hardy, 44.00
Mary A. Howard, .
88.00
$228.00
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Paid Cushman & Baker, hook and ladder truck and fix-
tures,
$159.50
A. M. Bishop, for ladders, 14.40
Freight on ladders, 1.35
Hunneman & Co., furnishing hook and ladder truck, 33.50
Cushman & Baker, furnishing hook and ladder, . 24.75
J. Boyd & Son, sixteen leather buckets, 64.00
William Marshall, repairs and supplies, hook and ladder, . 9.75
Amount carried forward,
$307,25
9
Amount brought forward, $307.25
P. P. Barnes & Son, gong, hook and ladder truck, . 5.00
William M. Whiting, thirty engine-men, 60.00
E. T. Everett, care of engine and supplies, 17.92
Cushman & Baker, furnishing fire-engine, . 5.10
Hunneman & Co., repairing engine lanterns, etc., 37.72
D. Hoisington, for supplies, 2.25
William Marshall, repairing hose, 1.50
H. A. Winship, two firemen's hats, 9.00
R. Miller, services as steward for hook and ladder Company, . 4.35
R. Miller, supplies furnished hook and ladder Company, . .37
I. Fiske, supplies furnished, 8.35
$458.81
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Paid Trustees amount of dog tax, as per vote of town, . $142.39
MISCELLANEOUS.
Paid aid furnished indigent person, . $3.00
N. F. Harding, street and guide-boards, 5.55
L. Babcock, painting guide-boards, 3.00
G. H. Ellis, printing Town Reports, 31.00
B. F. Shumway, expenses in C. Wood case, 13.40
J. Clark, Decoration Day,
50.00
W. C. Johnson, repairing clock,
1.25
Parker's Express, .
.55
Registry of Voters,
.80
Walpole Tax for 1877,
4.04
Medway Tax for 1877, 6.14
State Tax for 1877, 840.00
S. J. Spear, printing tax-bills, 4.25
N. Y. & N. E. R.R. Co., freight bill, 5.04
R. A Battelle, returning deaths, 8.25
C. Hamant, Ins. on personal property at Almshouse, 13.80
C. Hamant, Ins. on Centre School House, 50.00
Amount carried forward . $1,040.07
REPORT OF OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
Amount personal property at Almshouse Feb. 1, 1877, $2,271.16 Amount personal property at Almshouse Feb. 1, 1878, 2,258.27
Loss,
$12.89
RECEIVED BY OVERSEERS.
Cash in hands of Overseers Feb. 1, 1877, .
$29.96
Old iron and rags,
3.09
Fowls, .
8.25
Apples,
4.50
Six Pigs, ·
21.50
Use of team,
1.45
Lumber,
1.84
Beef,
66.02
Pork,
175:35
Calves,
108.43
Cranberries, .
36.94
Use of bull,
22.00
Board and lodging,
1.70
Potatoes and turnips, .
16.63
Hay,
31.16
Butter, .
101.78
Eggs,
1.40
Milk,
52.73
$684.73
13
PAYMENTS BY OVERSEERS.
Blacksmith's bills, .
$32.01
Filing saws, .
.90
Use of roller,
.50
Lumber and planing and matching,
9.32
Fish,
27.84
Grinding corn,
1.80
Bread, .
6.80
Essences, .
1.50
Clothing, .
15.75
Cash to Allen,
2.00
Seeds, .
1.00
Book,
.35
Sundry articles for house,
6.68
Pickles, onions, cabbages, etc.,
2.40
Butter box,
1.00
One pair rollers,
.75
Sweet potatoes, .
8.30
Blankets, .
8.71
Storing hay,
6.00
Telegram,
1.50
Cushman & Baker,
2.00
Paints,
6.40
Two calves,
6.00
Nails, .
.63
House-paper
1.65
Railroad ticket, .
.55
Coffin, .
15.50
Sheeting,
3.40
Coal,
4.62
Scales, .
4.00
Ice, .
6.00
Saw bill,
2.86
Soap,
5.25
Strawberries,
2.50
Labor, .
2.50
Medical attendance,
16.75
Cow and bull, 82.00
Meat bills, 151.69
Cash paid into Town Treasury,
91.15
John Kelly, salary in part for 1877-78,
110.03
$650.59
14
Received from Town Treasurer, $1,273.64
Due John Kelly, keeper, salary to Feb. 1, 1878, 162.47 Salary of Overseers in full, . 65.00
Payments of Overseers as per schedule, . 650.59
Total expenses, $2,151.70 . From which deduct receipts as per schedule, . $684.73
Cash paid into Town Treasury, 91.15
Bills due,
59.45
Paid John Kelly, balance salary due for 1877, . 308.33
Provided for 1, 168 tramps, at twenty cents, . . 233.60
$1,377.26
$774.44 Average number of paupers, 3.5. Cost per week of each pauper, $4.20.
PAUPERS IN ALMSHOUSE.
Silas Allen, aged 83.
Arthur Bailey, aged 23.
George Hunt, aged 13.
SUPPORT OF PAPUERS OUT OF ALMSHOUSE.
State Lunatic Asylum, Worcester, S. M. Bullard, $182.59
Aid furnished E. G. Babcock, . 21.00
John Hayford, . 9.00
Clarence Kingsbury,
3.00
$215.59
Respectfully submitted,
H. P. TABOR, -
G. W. KINGSBURY, Overseers of Poor. R. W. SHERMAN,
Examined and found correct.
CHARLES HAMANT,
Auditor.
MEDFIELD, Feb. 1, 1878.
REPORT OF ENGINEERS.
To the Voters of Medfield : -
There is not much to say in regard to the Fire Department. . There have not been a great many fires, as you know. We have had two false alarms that called the Department out, and one fire at the north part of the town for which no alarm was given. We would say that we have but about half an Engine Company, as it is hard to get men to join, there being no inducement for them to belong to the Company. There are only twenty-four men in the Company at the present time. But they are all good men. We have a good engine in good repair, with eight hundred feet of hose, and all other implements to go with the machine. We would advise an increase of pay to the whole Department.
OFFICERS.
Major J. H. GOULD, Foreman. J. ORD, Second Assistant.
P. C. GROVER, First Assistant. E. EVERETT, Steward.
B. F. CREHORE, Clerk.
We have a Hook and Ladder Truck, with one extension ladder forty feet long, three short and one roof ladders, with hooks, bars, ropes, buckets, and all other equipments that belong to a truck, and, the best of all, a good company to handle it. There are twenty members, and should there be a fire you will find them on hand to do their duty,- which we hope there will not be a call for.
OFFICERS.
E. BULLARD, Foreman. C. BAKER, Second Assistant.
E. FRANKS, First Assistant. H. L. HAVNER, Clerk.
R. MILLER, Steward.
G. M. HANKS, Engineers. WILLIAM MARSHALL, Clerk, >
16
CEMETERY.
More than the time allotted for a generation has passed since the town made an addition of about three-fourths of an acre of land, to their first and only burial-ground. Of the Committee originally appointed by the town (consisting of seven members) to lay out and dispose of the lots on the new purchase, only the chair- man of the present committee remains. Three purchased lots in the new ground, and the remaining three were interred in the origi- nal lot. Almost the entire territory added, which was suitable for the purposes intended, was immediately taken, and how quickly and numerously it has been tenanted, let the many memorial tablets tell. The attention of the town has been called to the need of ad- ditional ground.
The first thought of every one would naturally be directed to the contiguous territory of our present ground. None of this can be had, excepting a small, ill-adapted tract of land on the westerly side, which it is understood can be obtained at a price double its value for any purposes. For various reasons we do not think it advisable for the town to make so large an expenditure for so small an equivalent, and the additional cost of fencing and grading would be nearly or quite as much more. It is believed that the amount required for this addition of about one-third of an acre, including grading and fencing, will purchase from eight to ten acres of land, conveniently and beautifully located, at little or no cost in grading, and from which, we think, the town would very soon, from sale of lots, be reimbursed for the expenditure.
There is but little room left in the old ground, as the "turf in many a mouldering heap" will testify, many portions having been once used, and again disturbed for the same purpose. The last fragments to "return to dust," of the first tenant have been ex- posed to the view of unwilling eyes. Now, we believe that we but echo the public feeling when we say this is wrong, and a remedy should be speedily provided. We are fully aware of the necessity of curtailing as much as possible our expenses, and of the onerous burdens of taxation ; but at the same time think that the necessity exists, and should be met, though at the reducing of some of our usual appropriations.
CHARLES HAMANT, RALPH A. BATTELLE, & Committee. JOSEPH CLARK,
REGISTRAR'S REPORT.
REGISTRY OF BIRTHS.
DATE.
NAMES.
Jan. 5
Agnes Naomi Mann.
Jan. 12
Medfield Myers.
Jan. I4
Arthur Jenness.
Feb. 12
Adelaide Ervina Gilbert.
Feb.
13
Inez Vivian Morrill.
Mar. 19
William Arthur Crane.
Mar. 20
Katy Irving.
April 3
Edith Marion Hamilton .*
April 28
Gertrude Frances Mayhew.
May
2 Jennie Jordan Morrill.
May
9 William Frederic Warner.
May 9
Rose Ann McDevitt.
May 28
Elizabeth Agnes Maney.
June 24
Sadie Adaletta Hanks.
July 25
Fanny Marshall Babcock.
Aug. 31
Ann Eliza Tracy.
Sept. I5
Carrie Harris.
Oct. 22
Gertrude Elizabeth Gilbert.
Nov. 7
George Mason Bullard.
Nov. 18
John Dana Dyer.
Whole number born in Medfield 19.
Males, 6. Females, 13. *Born in Warsaw, Ind. Parents now reside in Medfield.
REGISTRY OF MARRIAGES.
DATE.
NAMES.
April II Bernard Boylan and Nellie Martin.
June -7 Timothy B. Snow and Florence V. Thompson.
June 28 Charles F. Davis and Nellie A. Ames.
Aug. I Charles E. Brown and Edna F. Sones.
Sept. 20 John A. S. Monks and Olive B. Young.
Oct. 2
George R. Tuck and Ida I. Reeny.
Nov. 28 Robert B. Wright and Nancy C. Healy.
Dec. 12 Laprelette W. Wheeler and Mary Elizabeth Winship.
Dec. 25 Curtis A. Sparrow and Sarah Ella Bullard.
Whole number of marriages, 9.
18
REGISTRY OF DEATHS.
DATE.
NAMES.
AGE.
DISEASE.
Jan. 21
James Griffin, Jr.,
16 yrs., 2 mos., 8 days.
Jan. 21
John A. Crehore,
59 yrs.
Feb. I4
Mercy Scollay Davis,
75 yrs., 3 mos.
Mar.
IO
Aspasia C. P. Tubbs,
62 yrs.,
17 days.
Lung Fever.
Mar. 27
Asenath Bailey,
87 yrs.
Influenza.
May
2
Mary Frances Mayhew,
28 yrs., I mo., 16 days.
May 9
Elizabeth Loring Stone,
30 yrs., to mos., 6 days.
May
IO
Jennie Baker,
8 yrs., 7 mos., 7 days.
Scarlet Fever.
June 2.4
Angie L. Noyes,
21'yrs., - 1 5 days.
Consumption.
Aug.
5
Jemima W. Lovering,
78 yrs.
Heart Disease.
Aug. 6
Peter Nelson,
61 yrs., 7 mos.
Apoplexy.
Aug.
14
Asa Clark,
57 yrs., II mos., 2 days.
Typhoid Fever. Paralysis.
Aug. 20
Harriet Leland,
86 yrs., 7 mos.
Aug. 23
Gertrude F. Mayhew,
3 mos., 25 days.
Chol. Infantum.
Oct. I
Abby M. Gould,
14 yrs., 6 mos., 8 days.
Pneumonia. Old Age.
Nov.
I6
Eliza H. Bishop,
81 yrs., 2 mos.
Nov.
19 Cally Hartshorn,
84 yrs., 10 mos., 15 days.
Dropsy.
Dec
18
Joel Morse,
62 yrs., 8 mos.
Apoplexy.
Dec.
24
Alona Langley,
65 yrs.
Cancer.
Dec. 29
Sarah Harding,
96 yrs., 6 mos., 28 days.
Influenza.
Whole number of deaths, 20. Males, 5. Females, 15.
I over 90 years.
I over 30 years.
4 over 80 years.
2 over 20 years.
2 over 70 years.
2 over 10 years.
4 over 60 years.
2 under 10 years.
2 over 50 years.
CHARLES C. SEWALL,
Registrar.
Attention is respectfully called to the following statute law :-
" Parents shall give notice to the Clerk of their city or town of the births and deaths of their children ; every householder shall give like notice of every birth and death happening in his house ; the eldest person next of kin shall give such notice of the death of his kindred ; the keeper of an almshouse . . . shall give like notice of every birth and death happening among the persons under his charge.
"Whoever neglects to give such notice for the space of six months after a birth or death, shall forfeit a sum not exceeding five dollars."
C. C. SEWALL,
Town Clerk.
-
Diphtheria. Bright's Dis'e. Paralysis.
Metria. Embolism.
19
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
In the report upon the condition of the Library, which was sub- mitted to the town last year, it will be remembered that the number of books issued during the year was stated, and comparison made with those issued previous years, showing a large increase each year. We find little, if any, increase to report during the last year, and-fear it is due to the fact that but few new books have been added to the Library during that time.
It must also be remembered that the unavoidable wear of the books in constant use leaves in the Library, at the end of each year, many unfit for circulation, unless rebound ; and it is evident that, without constant additions, and the rebinding of those most read, the number of books will decrease and the value of our Library be very much diminished; and that, to make it of the utmost service, it is indispensable not only that the number of volumes be kept good, but increased each year.
An appropriation to sustain the Library, and meet the reasonable demand of the public, is needed.
TREASURER'S REPORT.
RECEIPTS.
Balance in Treasury Jan. 1, 1877, .
$78.36
Dog Tax, as per vote of Town, 142.39
$220.75
EXPENDITURES.
Paid for thirty-five new volumes, $37.66
For one bird, .
2.50
Librarian, to Jan. 1, 1878, 100.00
For rebinding old volumes,
22.14
$162.30
Leaving balance in Treasury, .
$58.45
Amount in hands of Librarian, received as fines, 25.00
$83.45
Respectfully submitted.
For the Trustees,
J. H. RICHARDSON.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF MEDFIELD,
FOR THE YEAR, 1877-8.
The School Committee of Medfield, having attended to the duties required by the Statutes, respectfully present the following report : -
We have endeavored to realize the importance of the interests committed to our charge, have carefully weighed all measures per- taining to the schools before their adoption, and tried to do, to the best of our judgment, what was deemed for the best good of the schools.
In the suggestions we have to make, aside from the need of good schools, no one thing seems of more importance than the necessity for the most rigid economy in all public expenditures consistent with the greatest public good.
Nearly every one in the community has felt the effects of a cur- tailment in their resources, the absolute need of economy in pri- vate expenses. The town is but the aggregate of individuals, and the same need of economy exists with public as with private ex- penditures.
Now, to the person who has been lavish in the use of money, he can find items in his expense-account that may be done without until such time as he can again afford them ; but to the person whose necessities have kept pace with his income, without any waste, it is not so easy a matter to say where they can do with less. There are things every individual must have to exist and thrive, and they
22
are necessities to him. The same is true of the State, and nothing is of more importance to the State than good schooling to its citi- zens.
Now let us see how extravagant we have been in the support of schools.
By the report of the State Board of Education, 1875-6 (the latest sent out), in the "Graduated Tables," showing the compara- tive amount of money appropriated by the different towns in the state, we find the highest amount raised for each scholar between the ages of five and fifteen years, to be, Nahant, viz., $43.21; the lowest amount raised for each scholar between the ages of five and fifteen years by the town of Gay Head, viz., $3.00.
Medfield in this list ranks as No. 91 out of 342 towns, appropri- ating $12.12.4.
The average for Norfolk County is $14.70.7, showing us, with $12.12.4, to be below the average in our county.
In the second series of tables in which all the towns of the Com- monwealth are numerically arranged, according to the percentage of their taxable property, appropriated to the support of Public Schools for the year 1875-6, we find the town making the largest appropriation (according to its ability) to be Hawley ; viz., 7160% mills.
Gay Head, which makes so poor a show by the first comparison, now comes second in this list with 7100 0 mills.
The town making the lowest appropriation by this comparison is Nahant (which showed so well by the first), with only o4% mills.
Medfield ranks as the three hundred and ninth town out of 342 in the State, with an appropriation of 21% mills.
By applying the same rule to Norfolk County, we find the highest appropriation by Walpole ; viz., 410% 68 mills.
The lowest appropriation by Brookline ; viz., .1133, mills.
Medfield ranks the twenty-second of the 24 towns in the County with its appropriation, as stated before, of 21% mills.
We doubt if there are many who desire the town to rank lower in its exertions to support so necessary an institution as the Pub- lic Schools, or that can say we are doing too much in proportion to the real ability of the taxable property of the town.
When we consider what the schools are intended to do (however they may come short of it now),-that a large proportion of the rising generation are to have no further public facilities to aid in fitting
23
them for life ; for taking our places in the active duties of citizen- ship as increasing years unfit and incline us to draw back from the hurry and bustle around us to that quieter life old age desires ; when we consider that in that retirement we shall be dependent on these very citizens we are now trying to make in our schools for protection in life and property, and to perpetuate the institutions so many have labored for during the busiest part of their lives,- we cannot but feel that every voter in town, with or without children, to be benefited now, is yet deeply interested in all that pertains to the best welfare of our schools, and with this view will consider well before further lowering our standing on this important ques- tion.
We need good schools, and are ready to admit that the benefits derived from our money appropriated for school purposes can be increased ; and if every voter would consider how important are the interests he really has in the schools, and act, it would very much help the efforts of your school committee and the teachers in the difficult duties they have to perform.
If they would visit the schools more, know for themselves what was being tried to be done, seeing in what way they could help for- ward the work, we venture to say they would be ready with the mantle of charity (for shortcomings almost unavoidable) rather than to censure.
Fault is sometimes found with the committee and teachers without realizing how much good might be done by parents and all citizens in visiting the schools more, understand for themselves how things were going, a. d encourage teachers by the interest shown in thus vis- iting them. They can do much in seconding the efforts of teachers by their advice to scholars at home, and, if necessary, by parental restraint. We suffer by non-attendance in some of the schools more than others, and fear parents are too easily persuaded to con- sent to their children staying from school, even if it is but seldom, and for perhaps only half a day.
We would be glad to reach the ear and attention of every citizen and parent in town, and induce them to consider how much good they could do in helping forward the cause of education.
The school and home should be on the best of terms. The rela- tion between them should be entirely cordial and friendly. Let the child see apathy at home, or any indifference to his progress, or want of confidence in the teachers, and there will be a failure in
24
securing the best results for that child. Home influence should lead the child to consider that the school is one of his best friends, and thus create in him a love for its duties which shall lead him to improve the opportunities placed before him at so large an outlay of time and money.
The home cannot fail to teach the child the importance of promptness in attendance, and the necessity of learning well his lessons, respect for teacher, and an honest desire to do what is required of him, without seriously imperilling his best interests. We cannot expect the boy to love his school whose natural guardians take no interest to know if he is punctual at the commencing of school, and prompt in attendance every day; if he is at the head or foot of his class ; if he is an honor to the school, or otherwise.
The object of the State in establishing and nurturing the free schools is to make worthy citizens of all. The safety and pros- perity of the State depend on the virtue and intelligence of its citizens. The more we can do for the benefit of the schools, the more strength we add to the foundations of the State, and for the upholding of liberty, law, and order. When we consider that more than ninety per cent. of the crimes committed in New England is the work of those who can neither read nor write, we can see that a judicious expenditure of money for schools is really a matter of economy. Take away our Public Schools and what would be the value of life, liberty, and property? It has been said, intelligence is expensive, but ignorance is much more so. It costs money to build school-houses and hire teachers; but if we had none, we should find that prisons, sheriffs, and courts of justice would cost much more.
The matter of dispensing with one teacher and putting the three centre schools into two was almost, if not quite, determined upon, although with many misgivings on the part of some as to its utility. A more careful and longer consideration led the committee to de- cide almost unanimously to retain the three.
The change would have made each of the two too large for the teachers to properly attend to, beside losing the advantage we now have in a partial grading, which it is desirable to improve rather than go backward.
The best educators we have been able to meet, those who are devoting their whole time and attention to the subject, are unani- mous that the greatest amount of good can be attained in a school
25
of from thirty to thirty-five scholars, even where they are able to grade much better than can be done in a town situated as we are. Your committee are led to the same conclusion.
The school committee of the town of Quincy have, in their report, gone as low as twenty-five scholars as all that should be assigned to one teacher.
MUSIC.
We desire to call your attention to this subject as one of great value in relieving the tedium of the school-room. It is a profitable and desirable recreation.
It can be and is taught with most gratifying results in all grades of the common schools, from the primary upward. The com- mittee, having a little surplus money and the opportunity to obtain Mr. John Ord's, Jr., services as music teacher, at a very moderate compensation, voted to try the experiment for such time as we sup- posed our money would pay for. The progress made and interest taken in the study we regard as time and money well expended. Medfield has developed fully its share of musical talent in the past, and is now furnishing neighboring cities and towns professors of music, to teach in their schools, of such talent and proficiency in their profession as to be an honor to the town. While we are fur- nishing so much to others, why cannot we afford a little for our- selves ?
Formerly we had "Singing-School" to do something to develop this talent ; but that is a thing of the past, and we know no way the rising generation are to be taught except it be in the Public Schools. Neither do we know where our church choirs are to be recruited from if we neglect the cultivation of the talent in the school-children who are so ready and eager to learn. Much more could be said on this subject from other points of view than we have mentioned did time and space permit.
CONDITION OF SCHOOLS.
The schools have moved forward during the year with much sat- isfaction to the committee, doing good work and making very decided progress in most of the studies pursued. None have done all that is desired, or that we think can readily be done by a more careful consideration and laying out of the work by the committee, after maturing such plans as in their judgment may seem best.
This is no fault of the teachers. They have all, without excep- tion, been earnest and faithful in the duties devolving upon them ;
26
and the relations between the committee and teachers have been in entire harmony, and on the part of the committee very pleasant. Many suggestions and slight changes have, from time to time, been made, and have met with a ready acquiescence.
SCHOOL-HOUSES.
The North House has been repainted and put in good order. The South, about the same as new, is also in good condition.
The Centre House needs repainting, repairs to the chimney, and some repairs inside.
ECONOMY.
We have spoken of economy. Last year Mr. Marshall's salary was cut down. This year the salaries of the rest have been equalized by raising the South from $8 to $9 per week (the school having increased from fourteen to twenty-three pupils), and cutting down the other three from $10 to $9 per week, thereby making a net saving of $2 per week to the town. We think our teachers are well worth the money now paid, and that the town cannot afford to hire cheaper and poorer ones. At the last annual Town Meeting, the dog money ($144) was given to the Public Library instead of (as usual) to the schools ; and the appropriation for schools was $2,300. We would very respectfully ask the town for the same, viz., $2,300, and give us also the dog money to provide music in the schools.
J. B. HALE, Chairman School Committee.
ROLL OF HONOR.
Names of those who have not been Absent or Tardy for the whole of One Term.
Arthur Briggs, Minnie Turner, Marcia Merrill, Lottie Mason, Lizzie McFeat, Jennie Wight, Alice Tufts, Lottie E. Richardson, Jenny Wight, Alice Mann, Jack Gardner, Lyman Sweet, Nettie Hamant, Mabel Dyer, Gracie Parker, Bracey Curtis, Georgie Payson, Manford Sweet, Freddie Morrill, Bertie Bingham, Eddie Abell, Loa E. Robinson, Frank Schools, Katie Schools, Charles Schools, Fannie L. O'Connor, Florence E. Howe, Paulina Allen, Willard A. Newell, Alvah Crow- ell, Frank Quincy, Margaret Calahan, Allan Kingsbury, Alanson Clark, Annie Guild, Herbert Babcock, Harry S. Mason.
Not Absent or Tardy for Two Terms.
Eddie Babcock, Emma J. Wolf, David C. Wolf, J. Edward McGrory,
27
Samuel Guild, Frank Quincy, Mariette Hamant, Mary Babcock, Ada Richardson, Maud Curtis, Cassia Sullivan, Arthur Wight.
Not Absent or Tardy for Three Terms.
Flora Wiswall, Jenny M. Williams, Louis Guild, Arthur Guild, Orra Guild, Addie Turner, Affie Hanks, Charlie McDevitt.
SCHOOL STATISTICS FOR THE YEAR 1877-78.
Length of School in Weeks.
Wages of Teacher per Month.
Whole No. of Scholars.
Average Attendance.
Schools.
Spring.
Fall.
Winter.
Spring.
Fall.
Winter.
Spring.
Fall.
Winter.
Spring.
Fall.
Winter.
5 years of age.
ars over 15 years
of age.
Upper.
II
12
I4*
$88.88
$88.88
$88.88
35
48
49
30
42
43
O
15
Grammar.
II
I2
14*
40.00
36.00
36.00
32
30
28
24
25
24
O
Primary.
12
14*
40.00
36.00
36.00
37
36
37
25
.32
29
O
O
North.
II
I2
14*
40.00
36.00
36.00
37
33
33
27
26
2.4
I
4
South.
II
I2
14"
32.00
36.00
36.00
23
23
22
21
22
2I
O
I
* Yet in session.
Assessors report 206 children between the ages of 5 and 15 years.
·
No. Scholars under
No. different Schol-
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