USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Mendon > Town annual reports of the officers of Mendon, Massachusetts 1887 > Part 1
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51216
ANNUAL REPORTS
OF THE VARIOUS
BOARDS OF TOWN OFFICERS
OF THE
TOWN OF MENDON.
INCLUDING REPORTS OF THE
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS,
AND
SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
FOR THE
Municipal Year Ending March 7, 1887.
MILFORD, MASS .: G. M. BILLINGS, PRINTER, GAZETTE OFFICE. 1887.
ANNUAL REPORTS
OF THE VARIOUS
BOARDS OF TOWN OFFICERS
OF THE
TOWN OF MENDON,
INCLUDING REPORTS OF THE
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS,
AND
SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
FOR THE
Municipal Year Ending March 7, 1887.
MILFORD, MASS .: G. M. BILLINGS, PRINTER, GAZETTE OFFICE. 1887.
TREASURER'S REPORT.
The undersigned, Treasurer of Mendon for the year ending March 7, 1887, respectfully submits the account of his doings.
He debits himself with the following assets, viz :
Amount received of
Treaurer for the year 1885,
$1108 68
Borrowed on Town notes,
2000 00
State Treasurer,
1159 59
County Treasurer, Dog Fund,
117 13
Collector for 1885,
90 90
Collector for 1886,
6142 25
For use of telephone,
21 90
Marcus M. Aldrich, for use of Town Hall,
7 00
Dr. Russell, for rent of pond,
50 00
John C. Wood, license for alley 2 years,
2 00
Town of Upton, on account of Charles Burnham,
3 00
Librarian, cash for catalogues,
90
$10,757 35
He credits himself with the following sums : .
Paid
Austin A. Taft, three notes,
$1520 25
Milford Savings Bank,
503 50
Sarah Moffat, bond and coupon,
315 00
A. C. Thompson, bond and coupon,
630 00
Julius A. George, two coupons,
135 00
Austin Wood, coupon,
31 50
Ann Quigley, coupon,
22 50
State Tax,
495 00
127 Town Orders,
5362 48
Balance in hands of Treasurer,
1742 12
$10,757 35
Bonds now outstanding,
$4200 00
Amount paid interest on notes and bonds,
257 75
AUSTIN A. TAFT, Treasurer.
Mendon, Feb. 19, 1887.
4 00
S. Warren Cook, auctioneer's license,
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
The Selectmen respectfully submit the following report of the expenditures of the town for the municipal year, ending March 7,1887.
INCIDENTAL EXPENSES.
G. B. Williams, cash paid for use of telephone, $60 00
L. Freeman, 66 burying horse, 60
F. M. Wheeler, storage of extinguisher, 12 00
A. W. Gaskill, fuel and fitting for Record rooms, 3 25
G. B. Williams, cash paid for Kellen's Index Digest, 6 50
Field Brothers, coal,
10 88
L. Holbrook, insurance of Record building and contents,
16 00
Nathan Towne, sundries for Record building,
2 65
A. W. Judson, returning 15 deaths,
3 75
M. M. Aldrich, express,
30
E. T. Bates, labor and tub for public watering place,
3 45
Nathan Towne, services night of July 4,
2 00
Martin Thayer, 66 2 00
D. Adams, cash paid for express and sundries, 9 60
C. H. Albee, use of well to March 1, 1886, 5 00
A. W. Gaskill, wood and fitting for Record building,
: 25
G. B. Williams, cash paid for sundries, 3 05
L. A. Cook, coal for extinguisher, 13 25
$171 03
FUEL AND SUNDRIES FOR TOWN HALL.
M. M. Aldrich, sundries to April 1, 1886, $14 83
66 care of hall to April 1, 1886, 40 00
L. A. Cook, coal, 51 44
L. L. Wheelock, repairing chimney,
7 32
Nathan Towne, sundries,
1 72
A. W. Judson, repair3, 2 60
Field Brothers, coal, 11 14
$129 05
13 50
4
SERVICES OF TOWN OFFICERS.
Edward Dixon, services as Supt. Schools, 1885-6, $75 00
Gilbert Gaskill, " constable, 15 00
66 " lockup-keeper, 5 00
E. S. Worthen, copy of tax-list, 1885,
15 00
M. M. Aldrich, 66 services as Assessor, 1886,
40 00
James Quigley,
36 00
Nathan Towne, 66
66
35 00
L. Freeman,
Collector, 1885,
65 00
D. Adams,
Town Clerk,
18 45
Martin Thayer,
Constable,
10 00
Austin A. Taft, 66
Treasurer,
35 00
L. Freeman,
Selectman,
20 00
Albert W. Gaskil!, 66
66
20 00
G. B. Williams,
38 00
$432 45
STATE AID PAID PENSIONERS, CHAP. 301, ACTS OF 1879.
John Curley,
$48 00
Abigail Mitchell,
16 00
James McKenna,
56 00
Michael Foley, 36 00
Rufus Hazard,
39 00
Chas. H. Burnham,
18 00
Olive E. Pickering,
8 00
$221 00
PRINTING.
Cook & Sons, town reports for 1886 and tax-list of 1885, $75 00
sundries for collector of taxes, 5 50
$80 50
SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS.
Paid School Committee, by eight town orders drawn in their favor,
$2,370 00
REPAIRS OF ROADS.
Paid Road Commissioners, by eight town orders drawn in their favor, $968 45
1886,
5 00
5
SUPPORT OF POOR. Paid Overseers of the Poor, by ten town orders drawn in their favor, $845 00
THE TAFT PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Paid Trustees, three town orders, $145 00
RECAPITULATION.
Incidentals,
$171 03
Fuel and sundries for Town Hall,
129 05
Town Officers,
432 45
State Aid, Chap. 301,
221 00
Printing,
80 50
Support of Schools,
2,370 00
Roads,
968 45
Poor,
845 00
Library,
145 00
$5,362 48
The Selectmen also report that the liabilities of the town known to them, are as follows :-
Due on bills against the town, estimated, $20 00
Due town officers, estimated, 145 00
Due school teachers, estimated, 60 00
Due on town bonds, 4,200 00
$4,425 00
The available assets, so far as known, are as follows :-- Due from Collector, list of 1886, $77 10
Due from state, aid to pensioners to Jan.1,'87, 205 50
Cash in hands of Treasurer, 1,742 12
$2,024 72
Net indebtedness of the town, $2,400 28
G. B. WILLIAMS, ) Selectmen A. W. GASKILL, of
L. FREEMAN, Mendon.
Mendon, Feb. 15, 1887.
COLLECTOR'S REPORT.
LIBERTY FREEMAN, COLLECTOR FOR 1885.
DR.
Balance uncollected, Feb. 17, 1886, $88 77 Interest received, 12 24
$101 01
CR.
$90 90
By cash paid Treasurer, Abatements,
10 11
$101 01
LIBERTY FREEMAN, COLLECTOR FOR 1886.
DR.
Taxes committed for collection,
$6645 30
Additional assessment,
2 00
Interest received,
44 33
$6691 63
CR.
By cash paid'Treasurer,
$6142 25
Paid county tax,
453 00
Abatements,
19 28
$6614 53
Balance uncollected, Feb. 19, 1887.
$77 10
ROAD COMMISSIONERS' REPORT.
The undersigned, Road Commissioners, respectfully submit the following report for the year ending March 7, 1887 :-
The Commissioners charge themselves with cash received : On town orders, $968 45
For old plank sold W. H. Swan,
3 00
They credit themselves by paying the following bills :
Balance due Commissioners March 1, 1886, $ 38 45
Hugh Crawford, for labor, 25 50
L. P. Cummings, 64 05
Walter A. Gaskill,
69 60
G. A. Staples, 66
72 45
John C. Wood,
2 25 .
C. B. Williams, 66
185 60
E. T. Bates, labor and cash paid as per bill, 66
108 70
A. W. Gaskill,
133 86
E. H. Taft,
for labor,
66
6 45
Thomas T. Sculley,
5 10
Peter Morris,
66 two bills,
19 65
T. McKenne,
11 37
H. M. Goldthwait, 66
three bills,
27 52
Frank H. Wood, 66
two bills,
59 96
L. E. Taft.
10 20
Thompson Taft, 1 05
S. H. Taft, 66 and cash paid as per bill, 123 90
$965 66
Balance in hands of Commissioners, $5 79
SAMUEL H. TAFT, - Road Commissioners ALBERT W. GASKILL, of ELIAS T. BATES, Mendon.
$971 45
REPORT OF OVERSEERS OF POOR.
The Overseers of the Poor submit the following report for the municipal year, ending March 7, 1887:
Lawrence Wilber, Mary Kirby, Dennis Halloran, Mary C. Taft, Edna Allen, Lucretia Albee, Hattie A. McNally, Edna French, the families of Francis R. Scisco, Jennie Davenport, (having a settlement in Mendon), Anna D. Swith (belonging to Uxbridge), the family of James Campbell, (having no settlement in the state), have been wholly or partially supported.
The Overseers charge themselves with the receipt of the fol- lowing named funds belonging to the town:
Balance from account of last year,
$ 6 17
Ten town orders,
845 00
Town of Uxbridge,
52 39
Received for grass on D. Halloran farm
21 50
Received from D. Halloran, cash,
54 15
$ 979 21
The Overseers credit themselves with paying the following amounts:
FOR SUPPORT OF
$182 43
187 85
Dennis Halloran,
107 00
Francis R. Scisco,
97 00
Mary C. Taft,
96 00
Mary Kirby,
86 38
Edna Allen,
78 00
Lucretia Albee,
48 98
Hattie A. Mc Nally,
26 00
Edna French,
4 50
Anna D. Smith,
9 19
Austin A. Taft, wood for tramp house,
1 75
Lawrence Wilber,
Jennie Davenport,
1
9
Gibert Gaskill, care of tramps, $ 6 60
L. Freeman, postage stamps, 88
L. Freeman, services as Overseer of the Poor,
33 00
Gilbert Gaskill,
7 00
Edward Dixon,
6 00
$978 56
Leaving a balance in hands of Overseers, $0 65 From the whole amount paid for support of poor, $978 56
Deduct what was due for the support of the paupers to March 1, 1886, $77 62
What has been received from Dennis Halloran, 75 65
What is due from Dennis Halloran, 31 35
What is due from Uxbridge, 9 19
$193 81
$784 75
Add what will be due for support of paupers to March 7, 1887, 33 75
Cost of supporting the poor for the year ending March 7, 1887,
$818 50
Respectfully submitted,
LIBERTY FREEMAN, Overseers GILBERT GASKILL, of the
EDWARD DIXON, Poor.
Mendon, Feb. 19, 1887.
S
AUDITOR'S REPORT.
We have examined the accounts of the Selectmen, Treasurer, Overseers of the Poor, Road Commissioners, School Committee and Collector of Taxes of the Town of Mendon, and that of the Treasurer of the Taft Public Library, and find them correctly kept, and with proper vouchers.
JULIUS A. GEORGE, ANDREW W. JUDSON, Auditors.
Mendon, Feb. 21, 1887.
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT.
--
TOWN OF MENDON TO DAVID ADAMS-DR.
To express paid on Massachusetts Reports and other public documents, $2 70
To cash paid Sanford & Co., blank book, vol. 9. for records, 6 00
35
To express on same,
To postage paid on election, registration and other returns during the year, 30 To cash paid for stationery, 25
$9 60
To services as clerk of the Board of Regis- trars, $3 00
To services state election and Clerks' meet- ing ( 2 days), 4 00
To recording, indexing and returning 16 births, 8 00
To recording, indexing and returning 3 marriages, 45
To recording, indexing and returning 15 deaths, 3 00
$18 45
Cash received for Dog Licenses during 1886.
Male dogs, 53, Female dogs, 7,
$106 00 35 00
$141 00
Less Clerk's fees,
12 00
Balance paid County Treasurer,
$129 00
8
12
BIRTHS REGISTERED IN 1886.
1886. DATE.
NAME OF CHILD.
Jan. 24 Caroline Wheeler,
Feb. 21 Lillian Lizzie Barrows,
Feb. 23 Caroline Staples Wood,
Mar. 30 Charles Stephen Kelley,
Apr. 21 Berton Genett Brown,
Apr. 18 Raymond Lee Whitney,
May '13 Walter Lucius Lowell,
May 19 Rosa Wheeler,
July 19 Bertie Leroy Moores.
Aug. 30 Carrie Edith Daniels,
Oct. 23 Louise Jane Curliss,
Oct. 30 Foster Howard Wood,
Nov. 18 Carroll Forbes White,
Nov.
23 Clare Williams,
Dec. 23 Lulu Elizabeth Taft,
Dec. 26 Anna Maria Cook,
NAME OF PARENTS.
Frederick M. and Arabella Wheeler. Alfred I. and Lizzie A. Barrows. Frank H. and Sarah J. Wood.
William D. and Sarah J. Kelley.
Henry W. and Abbie N. Brown.
Arthur N. and Ada L. Whitney. Lucius and Alice Lowell.
Lyman E. and Susan I. Wheeler. Henry and Emeline J. Moores. Leon and Mary M. Daniels ..
Samuel A. and Amelia M. Curliss. Edwin F. and Annie H. Wood. Carroll E. and Annie I. White.
Charles B. and Ada A. Williams. Leonard E. and Susan M. Taft.
Alderman C. and Susan I. Cook.
MARRIAGES REGISTERED IN 1886.
DATE
NAME OF GROOM AND BRIDE.
RESIDENCE.
May 29
1886.
Walter M. Newhall,
Mendon.
Jennie B. Everton,
Bellingham.
Nov. 3 60
Frank Elliot Barrows,
Mendon.
Ellen Elizabeth Munger,
Mendon.
Dec. 26 66
Frank Clayton Wood,
Mendon.
6.
Jennie Elliott Gaskill,
Mendon.
1
DEATHS REGISTERED IN 1886.
DATE
NAME OF DECEASED. AGE
RESIDENCE.
Jan. 19
1886.
Solomon Pratt.
88
Mendon.
Feb. 21
Zalmon G. Wood,
74
May S
66
Seth T. Staples,
67
May 3 66
Lydia Briggs.
71
May 19 66
Lillian L. Barrows,
May 30 64
Lucretia Albee.
57
July 26 66
Owen Cunningham,
65
Aug. 10
66
Rhoda Hill,
70
Aug. 23
Peter Byrne,
50
Sept. 1
Mabel R. Taft,
1
Brooklyn.
Sspt.
66
William L. Young,
7:
Sept. 18
Arthur M. Albro,
Nov. 26 66
Phebe Pickering,
90
66
Dec. 21
..
Hollis Pond,
66
DAVID ADAMS, Town Clerk.
Mendon, Feb. 15, 1887.
..
..
July 4
.6
Mary A. Curliss,
6.
66
66
TAFT PUBLIC LIBRARY.
-
SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE TAFT
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
The Trustees have but little to add to the very full report of the Librarian which appears herewith. The Librarian has dis- charged the duties of her office the past year, as heretofore, in a manner highly satisfactory to all, and her services have been se- cured for the ensuing year.
The Library continues to be a source of pleasure and profit to those who avail themselves of the facilities it affords. The books were examined Feb. 8, 1887, and found to be all accounted for, and in satisfactory condition. The library was re-opened Feb. 12.
The thanks of the citizens are extended, by this Board, to all who have donated books, magazines, or pamphlets to the Library, during the past year.
The demand for shelf room for the increasing number of books has been temporarily met the past year by encroaching upon the room devoted to town officers, but the Trustees would call the attention of the town to the fact that a permanent increase of room for library purposes should be furnished in the near future.
The Trustees recommend an appropriation of one hundred and fifty dollars for the use of the Library the ensning year.
JULIUS A. GEORGE, HORACE C. ADAMS, GUSTAVUS B. WILLIAMS, WILLIAM J. TAFT, FRANK H. WOOD,
Trustees Taft Public Library.
Mendon, Feb. 19, 1887.
1-4
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT.
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE TAFT PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Agreeably to the by-laws, I herewith submit my report for the library year, ending Feb. 5, 1887.
The library opened for the delivery of books Feb. 13, 1886. The circulation for the year was 4,058. The library now contains. 2,354 volumes, of which 97 have been added the past year. Of the latter, 68 were purchased and 29 donated.
The books donated came from the following sources: Rev. C. A. Staples, 11; estate of Henry E. Staples, deceased, 5; Hon. Henry B. Peirce, 6; Dept. of Interior, 2; Mendon Agricultural Library, 1. Pamphlets were also received from various sources. The Manifesto, Traveler's Record, and Union Signal have been sent for a part of the year. Harper's Magazine for 1885 was given by Julius A. George, and The Century for 1885 by Nathan R. George. These have since been bound in four volumes.
Few catalogues have been sold this year. Many of the patrons of the library have no catalogue and consequently do not know of the many valuable and interesting books to be found on the shelves. All the books are in, and in general, are in good condi- tion. None have been lost during the year. A few need rebind- ing. Some books have been soiled more than seems necessary, and leaves of others turned down. Fines for the detention of books, and cards sold amount to $8.53.
The circulation was as follows :-
Agriculture,
16 | Poetry, 71
Biography,
156
Miscellaneous, 94
History, 240
Novels, 2,853
Travel, 147
Periodicals, 440
Educational,
41
Largest daily circulation,
102
Smallest
58
Average 66
79
The number of borrowers during the year was 275. The libra- ry has been opened 52 days. Many of these have been stormy, which may account for a small part of the decrease of the circula- tion from last year. Most of the books borrowed have been circulated through the Centre and North end. Very few have been carried into other parts of the town and the reason given for this is the distance and stormy Saturdays.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY E. DUDLEY,
Librarian.
Mendon, Feb. 7, 1887.
TREASURER'S REPORT.
The undersigned, Treasurer of the Trustees of the Taft Public Library, respectfully submits the following report for the year ending Feb. 8, 1887.
DR.
Cash on hand,
$7 63
.. rec'd on three town orders,
145 00
of M. E. Dudley, for fines, etc., 8 53
$161 16
CR.
Cash paid G. B. Williams, for book,
$3 75.
W. B. Clark & Carruth, for books,
66 75
66 Martin Garrison & Co., " 6
17 00
66 Cook & Sons, labels and paper,
6 75
66
66 F. M. Marcy, binding books,
5 83
,66
66 M. E. Dudley, sundries, etc.,
3 20
66
66 66 66
services as Librarian,
50 00
Cash on hand,
13 88
$161 16
HORACE C. ADAMS, Treasurer.
Mendon, Feb. 14, 1887.
Examined, found correct, and with proper vouchers.
G. B. WILLIAMS, for Auditors.
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
AND
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS,
FOR THE
TOWN OF MENDON,
FOR THE
SCHOOL YEAR 1886-7.
MILFORD, MASS .: G. M. BILLINGS, PRINTER, GAZETTE OFFICE. 1887.
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
The following report of the school expenditures for the year is respectfully submitted.
DR.
To ten town orders,
$2370 00
To cash in Home National Bank, 241 63
$2611 63
CR.
Instruction, fuel and care of rooms,
$2127 70
School books and supplies,
248 48
Incidentals,
118 84
Cash in Home National Bank,
116 61
$2611 63
OLD BILLS.
Mary L. Taft,
$84 00
Lottie T. Cornwell,
55 00
Mary F. Briggs,
80 00
Dora Taft,
82 50
Volney Skinner,
120 00
W. W. Nelson, wood, fitting same and care of fires, 27 50
Frederick Bates, wood, fitting same and care of fires,
7 20
Lewis Wood, care of fires,
2 00
- $458 20
NORTH.
Dora Taft,
$140 00
Mary L. Aldrich,
56 00
W. W. Nelson, wood,
10 00
fitting same,
2 00
66 care of fires,
3 00
$211 00
20
CENTRE-PRIMARY AND GRAMMAR.
Clara Hunt,
$152 00
A. May Towns,
32 00
Mary E. Dudley,
199 00
A. W. Gaskill, wood,
6 25
A. A. Taft,
8 00
Edward H. Taft, "
5 00
Dixon boys, fitting same,
6 75
care of fires,
6 00
Ann Quigley, cleaning school-room,
2 00
Julia Brigdale, 66 66
1 00
$418 00
SOUTH.
$176 00
care of fires,
4 00
J. G. Barrows, wood and fitting,
6 50
$186 50
EAST.
Cora E. Gaskill,
$196 00
Frederick Bates, wood and fitting same,
6 50
$202 50
WEST.
Mary E. Southwick,
$196 00
Frank H. Wood, wood and fitting same,
6 50
66 care of fires,
3 00
$205 50
ALBEEVILLE.
Hattie E. Freeman,
$196 00
care of fires,
4 00
W. J. Taft, wood and fitting same,
6 50
Liberty Freeman, wood and fitting same,
2 50
$209 00
HIGH SCHOOL.
J. Q. Hayward,
$237 00
Mary A. Barrows,
21
INCIDENTALS.
Cowperthwait & Co., supplies, $ 2 45
F. M. Ambrose, 66 4 00
dictionary, 7 00
Van Antwerp, Bragg & Co., dictionary, 66 reading charts,
8 17
Liberty Freeman, supplies (No. 6),
2 67
A. P. Scribner, express,
8 30
W. J. Taft, repairs, supplies and cash paid,
5 00
Edward Dixon, repairs, 6 fare to Boston and cash paid,
8 05
W. W. Nelson,
1 25
F. H. Wood, supplies,
85
Bartlett & Ellis,
70
J. G. Barrows, 66
95
W. E. Dixon, for census of scholars (No. 2),
1 50
A. W. Judson, repairs and labor,
: 00
King & Merrill, supplies (No. 4),
5 00
2 28
maps,
4 00
Edward Dixon, services as school book agent,
30 00
$106 17
OLD BILLS.
W. W. Nelson, $5 72
Dora Taft,
1 00
A. W. Judson,
3 50
Edward Dixon,
2 45
$12 67
EDWARD DIXON, Treasurer.
FRANK H. WOOD, Chairman,
EDWARD DIXON, Secretary,
WILLIAM W. NELSON,
FREDERICK BATES,
W. J. TAFT,
JOHN G. BARROWS,
School Committee.
12 00
22
SCHOOL BOOK AGENT'S REPORT.
To the School Committee of Mendon :
GENTLEMEN :- I herewith submit the school book account for the year :
DR.
To books and supplies on hand, $ 25 86
To books and supplies purchased this year, 248 48
$274 34
CR.
By books and supplies furnished :
High School,
$68 47
Grammar school,
22 88
Primary school,
29 14
North school,
14 79
South school,
13 20
East school,
34 42
West school,
14 05
Albeeville school,
11 87
Drawing paper, practice paper, etc.,
8 44
Books and supplies on hand,
57 08
$274 34
Cost of books and supplies for the year, $217.26.
EDWARD DIXON, Agent.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
RESOURCES.
Town appropriation,
$1,500 00
Income from state school fund,
210 88
Income from dog tax,
117 13
Balance in treasury, last report,
133 31
$1961 32
EXPENDED.
Paid for instruction, fuel and care of rooms, $1685 49
Teacher's wages still unpaid, 163 00
Apparatus from state school fund,
31 62
Balance in treasury, 81 21
$1961 32
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
FELLOW CITIZENS OF MENDON :- In compliance with my duty as superintendent, I herewith submit the following report relative to our public schools. I regret very much that the prac- tice is not such as would permit me to defer this report until all the schools have closed; at the present time the High and Gram- mar schools are yet in session. As my acquaintance with many of the schools dates from the beginning of the school year, it will be impossible for me to compare their progress the past year with the preceding years ; yet our schools are in such a prosper- ous condition at the present time that I feel justified in saying that never have they made greater progress than during the past year, the praise for which belongs entirely to our most excellent teachers.
At the beginning of the year the school committee made a slight increase in the monthly pay of our district school teachers and, although this increase necessitated a school year of twenty- eight weeks instead of thirty as last year, yet the result proves its wisdom, as all the schools have been, during the entire year, un- der the management of teachers who had already proved them- selves to be well fitted for school work.
I earnestly recommend such an increase of the school appropria- tion as will enable the committee to continue paying the present rate of wages to our teachers with a school year of thirty weeks. Such increase would most certainly benefit our schools and in my judgment would be economy on the part of the town. The time has come when we must pay larger salaries, or conduct our schools with inferior and inexperienced teachers. I do not believe we should procure our teachers from out of town, but that we should pay such salaries as will be sufficient to enable us to retain in our schools as teachers those of our High school graduates who have proved themselves to be competent and successful in school work.
No change of teachers has been made during the year in any of the schools except in the Grammar and North. In these two schools the resignation of Miss Hunt and Miss Taft at the end of the Fall term made a change necessary. The Grammar school was taught during the spring and fall terms by Miss Clara Hunt, of Canton. Miss Hunt proved herself to be a very capable teacher and at the time of her resignation the school would com-
24
pare favorably with any in town, although at the beginning of the year its grade was far below the average. Miss Alice M. Towns of Malden was engaged to teach the school during the winter term. This teacher has brought new life into the school and this term promises to be a most prosperous one.
The Primary school was in charge of Miss Mary E. Dudley during the entire year. Under this most excellent teacher great progress was made, and the school is at present a model school in every respect.
Miss Cora E. Gaskill had charge of the East school during the year and maintained her high reputation as a teacher.
Mrs. John G. Barrows taught the South school during the year, and substantial progress was made by each scholar.
The North school was taught during the spring and fall terms by Miss Dora Taft. This school at the beginning of the year was in standard far below the other schools, but, under the man- agement of Miss Taft, great progress was made, and it will com- pare favorably with any in town. Miss Taft resigned her position at the close of the fall term to accept a far better one in a neigh- boring town, to which her success as a teacher certainly entitled her. The winter term was taught by Miss Mary L. Aldrich and good progress was made.
The West school was taught during the year by Miss Mary Southwick. This teacher possessed the confidence of both parents and pupils and gave good satisfaction to all interested in the school.
The Albeeville school was most fortunate in securing so suc- cessful a teacher as Mrs. Hattie E. Freeman, who had charge of the school during the year. Under the excellent management of this teacher the school made great progress.
HIGH SCHOOL.
The condition of this school at the beginning of the year was far from satisfactory. It had been conducted without much sys- tem and the pupils, the larger part of whom left the school at the end of the second or third years, seemed to have lost much in- terest in their studies. To remedy these serions evils the com- mittee adopted a course of studies for the school, which, though at first producing some opposition from the pupils and parents, has proved to be of so great advantage as to cause all to accept it as a great advance in the management of our High school. Mr. J. Q. Hayward of Acton has had charge of this school during the year. Mr. Hayward is a hard-working, conscientious teacher and under his administration the school is making great progress. If he could have had the undivided support of the parents and friends of the school, I have no hesitation in saying that this year would have been the most prosperous one in the history of the school. It matters not who may be the teacher of any school,
25
unless he or she receives earnest support from the parents it will be impossible for that school to reach the highest degree of suc- cess.
The irregular attendance of certain scholars demands our most serious attention. In one of our schools the attendance of many pupils has been so irregular as to greatly interfere with its suc- cess. The correction of this evil lies almost entirely within the power of the parents, and it is their duty to insist that their children shall attend school every day unless prevented by sick- ness
That the parents do not visit the schools oftener is a matter to be very much regretted. Those parents who have children at school should visit that school at least once during each month. Such visits encourage the teacher; show to the child that some- one besides the teacher is watching his progress in his studies ; create a closer relationship between parent and teacher ; enable the parent to judge of the progress of the school from its appear- ance and not from mere hearsay ; and prevent much misunder- standing between the teacher and parent.
Several new text-books have been introduced in the High school during the year to meet the requirements of the new course. No change has been made in the other schools. The Albeeville school house needs shingling and new furniture should be placed in the South.
ROLL OF HONOR.
Names of those who have been neither absent nor tardy for one or more terms. In the schools now in session the record is to Feb. 11.
PRIMARY SCHOOL.
ONE TERM.
Bessie F. Cook, Clare W. Hastings,
Norman Wheeler,
Edward E. Gunn,
Nathan Towne,
Gertrude E. Nutter, Iola M. Wheeler, Archibald Gunn, Bertie A. Albro, Harry Dudley.
TWO TERMS.
Maggie L. Crawfrod, Sabrey N. Moores, Walter F. Towne,
Fred H. Crawford, Jerry Driscoll,
Bertha E. Hastings, Harry Dixon, Clarence H. Moores.
ONE YEAR.
Everett F. Darling.
26
EAST SCHOOL.
ONE TERM.
Charles E. Cook, William B. P. Mongur, Minnie M. Barrows, Grace E. Collins, Bertha S. Sprague, Jessie L. Bates,
Frank G. Collins, Arthur B. Sprague, Annie E. Collins, Hannah S. Gaskill, Anna M. Staples, Norman C. Cook.
TWO TERMS.
Marion E. Howe, Cora M. Mongur,
ONE YEAR.
Oscar A. Newhall, Waldo A. Rockwood.
SOUTH SCHOOL.
ONE TERM.
Lula E. Pickering, Ida M. Barrows, Harry J. Martin,
Jesse E. Cook,
NORTH SCHOOL. ONE TERM. Mary Foley, Ora Davenport.
Mabel Ballou, Willie Warner, Alice Quigley,
John Grady.
TWO TERMS. 1
WEST SCHOOL.
ONE TERM.
Annie B. Aldrich, Josephine A. Burnham, Frank G. Taft,
Eddie M. Aldrich, Nancy C. Wood.
Samuel W. Wood.
William S. Southwick,
TWO TERMS. 1
ONE YEAR. | Waldo M. Thayer.
Herbert D. Chilson, Bertha V. Horton, Alzie R. Staples,
John D. Bates, George A. Rockwood, William A. Rockwood,
Leon D. Moore, Willie Martin.
TWO TERMS. | Grace G. Cook.
27
GRAMMAR SCHOOL TO FEB. 11. ONE TERM.
Fred Brown, Arthur V. Pond, Clarence A. Taft,
Harry C. Cook, Ethel Williams, Ernest L. Tucker.
TWO TERMS.
Mary F. Staples, Abigail Taft.
ONE YEAR.
Florence E. Snow. I
ALBEEVILLE SCHOOL.
ONE TERM.
Bertha F. Albee, Daniel McKenna,
Cora Taft, Eddie Cunningham.
F. Mason Kingsley.
ONE YEAR.
Estine Taft, F. Ina Taft,
Hattie F. Albee.
HIGH SCHOOL TO FEB. 11.
ONE TERM.
Fred H. Brown,
Grace Darling, Clifton E. Bates,
Franklin Freeman,
Charles F. Pond,
Florence H. Taft, Silas Taft, Moses U. Gaskill, Percy F. Kingsley.
ONE YEAR.
Annie B. Aldrich, Bertha F. Albee,
Cora Taft,
John T. Morris.
James H. Morris,
COURSE OF STUDIES ADOPTED FOR HIGH SCHOOL.
FALL TERM. WINTER TERM.
English Grammar, Physiology, Algebra,
English Grammar, Physiology, Algebra.
Latin optional.
-
-
Clair W. Freeman,
TWO TERMS. I
Emily S. Moores, Morton A. Holbrook, John D. Tucker,
SECOND YEAR.
WINTER TERM.
FALL TERM. Algebra, Physical Geography,
Physics.
1 Arithmetic, Physical Geography, Physics. Latin optional.
THIRD YEAR.
WINTER TERM.
Geometry, General History, Chemistry. Latin optional.
FOURTH YEAR.
WINTER TERM.
FALL TERM.
Geometry, Chemistry, English Literature, Rhetoric.
Geometry, Rhetoric, English Literature, Political Economy. Latin optional.
Reading, Declamations, Compositions, Spelling and Writing throughout the course. Written examinations monthly. Each scholar who does not reach at least 60 per cent in any study must review that study the next year. At the end of the course each scholar who has not less than 60 per cent in each study and an average of 65 per cent in all shall be entitled to a diploma.
Respectfully sumbitted,
W. J. TAFT, Supt. of Schools.
FALL TERM. Arithmetic, General History. Chemistry.
SCHOOLS.
TERMS.
TEACHERS.
in Months. Length of School
Per Month. Teacher's Wages
of Scholars. Whole Number
of Scholars. Ave'age Attend'ce
Tardinesses. Number of
Roll of
Honor.
Number of Schol.
ars under five.
Number of Schol -
ars over fifteen.
Amount paid
Teachers.
HIGH.
Fall. Winter.
J. Q. Hayward ..
60
39
35.3
10
13
22
Spring. Fall.
Clara Hunt ....
21
32
18
16.3
7
0
1
72
GRAMMAR.
Winter.
A. May Towns.
32
19
16.3
0
6
0
3
!
S
11
1
0
77
.
PRIMARY.
Spring. Fall.
Mary E. Dudley
4
28
38
26
21.3
12
S
0
U
45
Winter.
Spring. Fall.
Dora Taft.
23
28
22
20.6
7
1
0
70
NORTH.
Winter.
Mary L. Aldrich
2
28
18
9.9
16
1
U
0
56
Cora E. Gaskill.
23
28
24
23.9
2
20
0
0
10
EAST.
Winter.
Mrs. M. A. Barrows ..
2-4
10
8.2
0
4
0
0
60
..
66
66
28
13
10.6
2
0
0
0
56
Winter.
Mary S. Southwick ..
2를
23
12
11
1
0
0
70
Spring. Fall.
66
66
25
28
13
8.1
0
3
0
0
70
WEST.
Winter.
2
28
9
7.4
U
3
0
0
56
..
Mrs. H. E. Freeman ..
2%
23
15
13.2
1
7
0
0
10
ALBEEVILLE.
Spring. Fall.
22
28
13
10.4
7.
1
U
0
70
Winter.
.
2
28
8
7.3
12
5
1
0
56
3
$60
35.5
16
6
23
$180
23
28
32
29
18
12
)
0
10
28
25
22
21.3
3
12
0
0
56
28
19
16.4
U
5
0
0
0
60
SOUTH.
Spring. Fall.
24
11
9.7
1
5
1
6
0
1
SO
32
19
17.3
19.4
20
0
Spring. Fall.
28
30
29
TOWN WARRANT.
WORCESTER, SS .- To the Constable of the Town of Mendon, in the County of Worcester, GREETING :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are directed to notify the inhabitants of the Town of Mendon quali- fied to vote in elections and in town affairs to meet at the Town Hall, in said Mendon, on MONDAY, the seventh day of March, next, punctually at ten o'clock, A. M., to act on the following ar- ticles, viz. :--
Article 1. To choose a Moderator to preside in said meeting.
Article 2. To hear the reports of the several town officers and committees, and act thereon.
Article 3. To choose all necessary town officers for the year ensuing.
Article 4. To raise such sums of money as are necessary to. defray town charges, and make appropriations of the same.
Article 5. To determine the manner of repairing the roads- and bridges in said town the year ensuing.
Article 6. To see if the town will require the School Commitee annually to appoint a Superintendent of schools.
Article 7. To see if the town will vote to accept the list of jurors reported by the Selectmen, or make any alterations in the same.
Article 8. To see what measures, if any, the town will adopt to secure the speedy collection of taxes.
Article 9. To see if the town will vote to continue the High School.
Article 10. To see if the town will authorize the Treasurer to hire money to pay current expenses for the municipal year commencing March 7th, 1887, in anticipation of the collection of the taxes.
31
Article 11. To see what measures, if any, by borrowing money or otherwise, the town will take for the redemption of town bonds maturing during the municipal year commencing March 7th, 1887.
Article 12. To bring in their ballots "Yes" or "No" in an- swer to the question, "Shall licenses be granted for the sale of in- toxicating liquors in this town ???
Article 13. To see if the town will continue communication by telephone with Milford, as security against destruction by fire, or act in relation thereto.
Article 14. To see what special repairs, if any, the town will vote to make upon the road, watercourses, and approaches to the houses of abuttors, between the residence of David Adams and that of G. B. Williams.
Article 15. To see if the town will authorize and instruct the selectmen or any other officers or agents to procure and set up hay-scales for public use, or otherwise act in relation to procuring hay-scales.
Article 16. To see if the town will adopt Sections 32, 33 and 34 of Chapter 60 of the Public Statutes.
Article 17. To see if the town will reconsider its former vote or votes in regard to closing the Town Hall at 12 o'clock, mid- night, and authorize the opening of the same till 2 'oclock A. M., or act in any way in regard to opening and closing said hall.
Article 18. To see if the town will vote to purchase or hire the M. E. church property on Main street, or act in any way in regard to such purchase or hiring.
Article 19. To see if the town will vote to diminish the num- ber of its school committee.
Article 20. To see if the town will vote to repay Bridget Casey the sums she claims as illegally assessed upon her real es- tate.
Article 21. To see if the town will vote to repay real estate taxes alleged to be illegally assessed to George H. Wood or Bet- sey Wood.
Article 22. To see if the town will vote to pay the claims of H. A. Aldrich for use of his premises and damage done to his- property by scholars and town officers.
32
And you are directed to serve this Warrant, by posting up at- tested copies thereof at each of the following places in said town, seven days at least before the time of holding said meeting; at the post-office, and on the door of the schoolhouse in Albeeville, and at the post-office at South Milford.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this warrant, with your doings thereon, to the selectmen or Town Clerk, before the time of meeting aforesaid.
Given under our hands at Mendon, this seventeenth day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty-seven.
GUSTAVUS B. WILLIAMS, ) Selectmen ALBERT W. GASKILL, of
LIBERTY FREEMAN, Mendon.
A true copy. Attest :
Constable of Mendon.
TOWN GRANTS FOR 1886.
Schools,
$1500 00
Text books and supplies,
200 00
Poor,
1000 00
Roads and bridges,
1000 00
Town debt,
1000 00
Interest,
300 00
Incidentals,
400 00
Library,
150 00
$5550 00
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