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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 4, 1889.
MILFORD, MASS .: G. M. BILLINGS, PRINTER, GAZETTE OFFICE. 1889.
.
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 4, 1889.
MILFORD, MASS .: G. M. BILLINGS, PRINTER, GAZETTE OFFICE. 1889.
TREASURER'S REPORT.
The undersigned, Treasurer of the town of Mendon for the year ending March 4, 1889, respectfully submits the account of his doings.
He debits himself with the following assets, viz :-
Amount received of
Treasurer for 1887,
$1,152 61
City of Boston, pauper account, 24 00
State treasurer, corporation tax, 15 54
Edward L. Smith, for use of Town Hall,
71 25
G. B. Williams, for use of telephone,
22 45
John C. Wood, license for alley,
2 00
Austin A. Taft, on notes,
1,850 00
Austin Wood, auctioneer's license,
2 00
G. B. Williams, for circus license,
00
Dr. Russell, for rent of pond,
50 00
Town of Upton, for schooling,
64 00
Liberty Freeman, collector of taxes,
6,421 07
State treasurer,
1,196 92
County treasurer, dog fund,
159 19
S. Warren Cook, auctioneer's license,
2 00
Clark Ellis & Sons, discount on bills,
40
Judge Dewey, P. Moore, fine,
20 00
State treasurer, school fund,
283 70
Librarian, for catalogues,
35
Edward Dixon, three items,
16 02
$11,356 50
He credits himself with the following sums :-
Paid
One hundred and fifty town orders,
$7,164 17
Julius A. George, bond, 1,000 00
Julius A. George, interest on bond,
92 24
Ellen Quigley, interest on bond,
20 00
Austin A. Taft, notes,
1,850 00
Austin A. Taft, interest on notes,
33 44
State tax,
742 50
Cash to balance,
$10,902 35 454 15
Bonds now outstanding,
$11,356 50 $1,500 00
AUSTIN A. TAFT, Treasurer.
Mendon, Feb. 19, 1889.
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
The Selectmen respectfully submit the following report of the expenditures of the town for the municipal year ending March 4, 1889.
INCIDENTAL EXPENSES.
G. B. Williams, cash paid for use of telephone, - $60 00
E. F. Wood, storage of fire extinguisher to Dec. 12, '87, 7 00
C. A. Barker, 66 to May 12, '88, 00
66 66 to Nov. 12, 88, 6 00
A. M. Seagrave, damage on Uxbridge road, March 12, 11 50
Clark Ellis & Sons, lamp for library, 4 50
Reuben Hill, killing and burying dog, 1 00
A. G. Chilson, setting glass, Record building, 50
C. A. Dewey, costs of fire inquest, S. G. Wilcox buildings, 34 64
C. A. Barker, services at fire of
2 00
Clark Ellis & Sons, stove, pipe, and labor, for Record room, L. A. Cook, coal, fire extinguisher,
15 00
Clark Ellis & Sons, stove for fire extinguisher,
10 55
J. C. Wood, cash paid for wrench and whiffletree, 1. 75
Dr. J. Wilmarth, reporting two births,
50
W. A. Gaskill, services and cash paid in looking up glan- dered horse, 3 00
Wm. B. Butman, damage on Dam Swamp road, 450 00
E. L. Smith, services July 4, 1888, 2 00
E. L. Smith, services at fire inquest, 5 18
E. H. Taft, wood for Record rooms, 5 50
A. W. Gaskill, wood for Record rooms, and cash paid, 6 50
L. Freeman, burying horse, 75
David Adams, cash paid for express and sundries, 3 75
H. C. Adams, sealing and repairing hay scales, 1 50
Gilbert Gaskill, services July 4, 1888, 00
G. B. Williams, cash paid for sundries, 90
Austin A. Taft, 66 66
1 00
$655 82
11 80
4
CARE AND REPAIRS OF TOWN HALL AND SUN- DRIES.
E. L. Smith, care of hall to April 1, 1888, 45 00
cash paid for sundries, 17 23
Clark Ellis & Sons, hardware, etc., 22 79
I. O. Rhodes, sundries, 2 08
Weed Brothers & Lent, carpenter work,
8 24
Eldredge & Beatty, paper,
11 70
Avery & Woodbury, paper,
5 55
A. G. Chilson, repairing and painting settees, 66 painting tables, 66 labor and paint stock,
59 70
A. W. Gaskill, labor and cash paid,
9 61
Avery & Woodbury, chairs, 7 00
3 20
L. A. Merritt,
10 75
Field Brothers, lumber for tables,
3 09
Clark Ellis & Sons, stove, pipe and labor,
48 10
L. A. Cook, coal, 32 23
$558 82
SERVICES OF TOWN OFFICERS.
C. D. Albro, superintendent of schools, 1887-8, balance, 25 00
66 66 1888-9 in part, 2 bills, 45 00
Gilbert Gaskill, lockup keeper to April 1, 1888,
5 00
A. W. Gaskill, assessing taxes of 1888.
43 00
James Quigley, 66
W. S. Wilcox, 66 66
35 00
E. L. Smith, services as constable to March 4, 1889,
15 00
David Adams, services as town clerk and registrar,
19 45
Liberty Freeman, services as collector for 1887,
65 00
66
selectman, 1888-9,
20 00
A. W. Gaskill, 66
66 66
20 00
G. B. Williams, 66
66 66
50
Austin A. Taft, 66 treasurer, 66
35 00
$418 35
PRINTING.
G. M. Billings, town reports, 1888, $45 00
Cook & Sons, reward notices and postal cards, 8 75
4 50
66
tax collector's bills and receipts,
$58 25
L. L. Wheelock, mason work,
30 85
9 08
232 62
Reuben Hill, repairs of tables,
40 00
5
MILITARY AID UNDER CHAP. 252, ACTS OF 1879. John Oakford, $43 27
MILITARY AID PAID PENSIONERS, ETC., UNDER CHAP. 301, ACTS OF 1879.
John Curley, 72 00
James McKenna,
50 00 +
Rufus Hazard, 48 00
Olive E. Pickering,
48 00
Abel G. Weatherhead,
70 00
Catharine Foley,
32 00
David A. Kingman,
48 00
Waterman Taft,
25 00
George W. Scisco,
32 00
Caleb V. Smith, 8 00
$433 00
SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS.
Paid School Committee, 9 orders, $2,420 00
REPAIRS OF ROADS.
Paid Road Commissioners, 10 orders,
$1,337 53
SUPPORT OF POOR.
Paid Overseers of Poor, 10 orders, $1,100 00
THE TAFT PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Paid Trustees, 3 orders,
$139 13
RECAPITULATION.
Incidentals,
$ 655 82
Town Hall repairs and supplies,
558 82
Town officers,
418 35
State aid, Chap. 301,
433 00
State aid, Chap. 252,
43 27
Printing,
58 25
Support of schools,
2,420 00
Roads,
1,337 53
Poor,
1,100 00
Library,
139 13
$7,164 17
6
The Selectmen also report that the liabilities of the town known to them are as follows :-
Due on bills against the town, estimated, $ 60 00
Due town officers, estimated, 100 00
Due school teachers, estimated, 174 00
Due on town bonds, 1,500 00
$1,834 00
The available assets, so far as known are as follows :-
Due from collector, list of 1888, $ 86 28
Due from State, aid to soldiers, etc., Chap.
301, to Jan. 1, 1889, 416 00
Due from State, aid to soldiers, etc., Chap. 252, to Jan. 1, 1889, 15 63
Due from Wm. H. Aldrich, use of hay scales, 26 19
Cash in hands of treasurer, 454 15
$998 25
Net indebtedness of town, $835 75
Respectfully submitted,
G. B. WILLIAMS, Selectmen A, W. GASKILL, of
L. FREEMAN, Mendon.
Mendon, Feb. 19, 1889.
TOWN GRANTS, 1888.
Schools,
$1,500 00
School books and supplies,
200 00
Poor,
800 00
Roads,
1,200 00
Debt,
1,000 00
Interest,
100 00
Library,
150 00
Incidentals,
300 00
Hall repairs,
300 00
Guide-boards,
50 00
$5,600 00
COLLECTOR'S REPORT.
LIBERTY FREEMAN, COLLECTOR FOR 1887.
DR.
Balance uncollected, Feb. 18, 1888,
$78 02 12 34
Interest received,
-$90 36
CR.
By cash paid treasurer, Abatements,
$84 82
5 54 -$90 36
LIBERTY FREEMAN, COLLECTOR FOR 1888.
DR.
Taxes committed for collection,
$6,832 31
Additional assessments,
27 59 40 52
Interest received,
$6,900 42
CR.
By cash paid treasurer,
$6,336 25
Paid county tax,
441 00
Abatements,
36 89
$6,814 14
$86 28
Balance uncollected, Feb. 18, 1889,
REPORT OF ROAD COMMISSIONERS.
The undersigned Road Commissioners respectfully submit the following report for the year ending March 4, 1889 :-
The Commissioners charge themselves with the following sums :-
Cash in hands of Commissioners, March 6, 1888, $ 3 84
1,337 53
Cash on town orders,
$1,341 37
They credit themselves by paying the following bills :-
E. T. Bates, labor and cash paid out, 2 bills, $263 40
A. E. Brown, 66 316 18
2 bills,
L. P. Cummings, labor, 2 bills, 74 70
P. A. Wheeler, 66 2 bills,
75 45
E. E. Gassett,
2 bills,
46 50
J. Broughey, 66
7 95
P. Morris, 66
2. 40
S. H. Taft, labor and cash paid out,
17 04
S. B. Taft, labor, 2 bills,
101 32
H. M. Goldthwait, 2 bills, 42 90
F. H. Wood, labor and cash paid out, 2 bills,
115 40
R. Hazard, labor, 2 bills,
18 52
P. Mares, 2 bills,
18 14
F. Gun, 66
6 90
A. Southwick; labor,
4 61
S. Ginn,
2 85
N. Warner,
2 70
C. A. Holt, .
2 40
S. E. Everton,
75
Cash paid S. B. Taft, for plank,
11 42
Snow bills,
158 99
Cash paid for repairs of guide boards,
57 05
$1,347 57
Dne Commissioners,
$6 20
SAMUEL H. TAFT,
ALONZO E. BROWN,
ELIAS T. BATES,
Road Commissioners of Mendon.
REPORT OF OVERSEERS OF POOR.
The Overseers of Poor submit the following report for the municipal year ending March 4, 1889 :-
John W. Barry, Mary Kirby, Mary C. Taft, Edna Allen, Janie Briggs, Jennie Davenport, Francis R. Scisco, the children of Peter E. Moore, Cora M. Gould and six children, George H. Wood, Geneva Martin (having a settlement in Mendon), Cather- ine P. Fostream and three children (having a settlement in Bos- ton), Joseph H. Wood and wife (belonging to Uxbridge), Jesse Conant and wife (to Blackstone), and the child of Thomas Wha- len (settlement undecided), have been wholly or partially sup- ported.
The Overseers charge themselves with the receipt of the following named funds belonging to the town :- .
Balance from last year,
1,100 00 91
Ten town orders,
107 05
Town of Uxbridge,
31 00
Town of Blackstone,
$1,243 96
The Overseers credit themselves with pay- ing the following amounts :-
FOR SUPPORT OF
John W. Barry,
$169.92
Mary Kirby,
139 .80
Mary C. Taft,
84 00
Edna Allen,
103 00
Janie Briggs,
104 53
Jennie Davenport,
81 00
Francis R. Scisco,
32 50
Peter E. Moore's three children,
128 47
Cora M. Gould and family,
112 00
George H. Wood,
42 00
Geneva Martin,
10 00
Catherine P. Fostream and family,
123 05
Joseph H. Wood and wife,
26 00
Jesse Conant and wife,
5 00
Gilbert Gaskill, care of 98 tramps, at 15 cts.,
14 70
straw for tramp house,
1 00
Lewis E. Wood, wood for tramp house,
2 50
L. Freeman, postage stamps,
1 18
City of Boston, .
5 00
10
L. Freeman, services as Overseer of Poor, 33 00
Gilbert Gaskill,
00
Edward Dixon, 6 00 66
-- $1,225 65
Balance in hands of Overseers, $18 31
From the whole amount paid for support of poor,
$1,225 65
Deduct what was due for the support of the paupers to March 5, 1888, $42 03
Amount received from District Court at
Milford, in Peter E. Moore's case,
Amount paid out for Uxbridge,
20 00
26 00
Blackstone, 5 00
66 Boston, 123 05
$216 08
$1,009 57
Add what will be due for support of paupers to March 4, 1889, $90 38
Cost of supporting the poor for the year ending March 4, 1889,
$1,099 95
Respectfully submitted,
LIBERTY FREEMAN, Overseers GILBERT GASKILL, of EDWARD DIXON, Poor.
Mendon, Feb. 18, 1889.
*
:
AUDITOR'S REPORT.
I 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, for the past municipal year, and find them correctly kept, and with proper vouchers.
JULIUS A. GEORGE, Auditor. Mendon, Feb. 22, 1889.
REPORT OF THE TOWN CLERK.
TOWN OF MENDON TO DAVID ADAMS, DR.
To express paid on Mass. Reports and other public documents during the year, $3 10
To postage paid on elections, registration and other returns during the year, 40
To cash for stationery, 25
$3 75
To services as Clerk of the Board of Registrars, $4 00
66 state election and Clerk's meeting, (two days), 4 00
8 00
To recording, indexing and returning 16 births, 66 66
7 marriages, 1 05
66
66
66
. 12 deaths, 2 40
-$19 45
Received for dog licenses during 1888 :- Male dogs, 93, Female dogs, 7,
$186 00
35 00
$221 00
Less Clerk's fees,
20 00
Balance paid County Treasurer, $201 00
BIRTHS REGISTERED IN 1888.
DATE. NAME OF CHILD.
NAME OF PARENTS.
June 25, 1887, Rosa Elizabeth Snow, July 16, 1888, Mabel Dudley Snow,
Jan. 16, 66 Eugene Elliot Barrows,
66
30, Roy Alfred Barrows,
Feb. 28, Mary Rose Beaudry,
Alice Byrne,
Mar. 1, 26,
66 Hazel Stewart Whitney, Alice Freeman,
April 2,
July 16, Mary Wilefred Harrington,
Aug. 2, Walter Francis Beal, 20, Nancy Amanda Taft,
31, Flossie Martin,
Sept. 2, 66 Tenie Gaskill,
22,
6 Amos Barker,
Oct. 8, Peter Marshal Bates,
Nov. 8, Robert Best,
Irwin A. and Charlotte A. Snow. Irwin A. and Charlotte A. Snow. Frank E. and Ellen E. Barrows. Alfred I. and Lizzie A. Barrows. James and Emeline Beaudry. John and Alice Byrne. Arthur N. and Ada L. Whitney. Alanson and Eldora Freeman. Michael and Mary J. Harrington. Rufus G. and Emma Beal. Leonard E. and Susan M. Taft. Ruel K. and Ella Martin. Jesse and Hannorah Gaskill. Cyrus A. and Mary W. Barker. Erwin A. and Jennie Bates. James R. and Ellen Best.
$23 20
13
MARRIAGES REGISTERED IN 1888.
DATE. NAME OF GROOM AND BRIDE.
RESIDENCE,
Feb. 4, 18SS, George L. Taft,
Mendon.
Annie Woodward,
Hubbardston.
Feb. 22, 66 Charles Austin Wilbur,
Hopedale.
Abbie Louisa. Staples,
Mendon.
Mar. 17,
George Scriven,
Mendon.
Margaret Ann Coombs,
Lawrence.
May 15, 66 Samuel Gammell, Mary Anderson,
Mendon.
Pontiac, R. I.
July 15, Silas Armsby Dudley, Ella F. Prentice,
Milford.
Sept. 27, 66 Ellis W. Thayer,
Mary E Taft,
Mendon.
Nov. 27,
Roswell Henry Tucker,
Narragansett Pier, R. I.
Mary Moore Hastings Cunnabell, Mendon.
DEATHS REGISTERED IN 1888. .
DATE. NAME OF DECEASED.
AGE.
RESIDENCE,
Yrs.
Mos. Days.
Jan 10, 1888, Martha W. Taft,
90
3
25
Mendon.
Feb. 11,
.. Amy Jane Jennison,
47
11 .
2
22, 66 Elkanah Snow,
73
10
Mar. 12, 66 Laban Bates,
21
. 11
19
May 2,
66 Celicia Penniman,
76
6
7,
66 Alice Esty,
75
S
5
Sept. 18, 6. Edwin T. Weatherhead,
30
11
24
24, Amos Barker,
Oct. 19, 66 Joanna W. Taft, '
56
9
13
66
Nov. 7, 66
Willie C. Eldridge,
21
6
16
Dec. 8, 66 Stillborn,
66 .
DAVID ADAMS, Town Clerk.
Mendon, February 18, 1889.
66
66
66
June 5, 66 Edith L. Colburn,
66
2
66
Mendon.
Blackstone.
TAFT PUBLIC LIBRARY.
EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE TAFT PUBLIC LIBRARY.
It is a source of gratification to the Trustees to report that, notwithstanding a decrease in the population of the town during the past year, the circulation of the books of the Library has in- creased in that time; and it is especially gratifying that the teachers in our schools and the scholars of the High school have made more use of the Library than formerly. It may not be gen- erally known to the citizens, but greater privileges in the use of books are, under certain restrictions, allowed to teachers in our schools, who wish for books for use in connection with school work, than to other citizens, and the Trustees hope that all teach- ers in town will avail themselves of these privileges. The Board is disposed to grant any reasonable use of the books for educa- tional work, for while all will gain pleasure and profit from the use of the Library, it is reasonable to expect its greatest useful- ness from the sources of information which the books on its shelves will furnish in addition to the text-books and teaching of our schools.
As will be seen by the Librarian's report, the number of books has nearly doubled since the Library was first opened : for the last two years we have been cramped for shelf-room, and the time seems to have arrived when it is imperative that more room for the books be furnished. If an arrangement could be made to give the whole of the Record building to the use of the Library, it would, with a small outlay to fit it for the purpose, furnish all the room the Library would probably require for the next 15 years.
The increased number of books almost compels us to re-cata- logue them, which should be done in a broader way than in the present catalogue, in two lines at least; by authors and by titles, as is done in most other Libraries.
The books were examined February 6, current, and found all accounted for and in satisfactory condition. The Library was re- opened February 9.
The Trustees extend the thanks of the citizens to all who have donated books, magazines, or pamphlets to the Library dur- ing the past year, and to the Librarian for the faithful and satis- factory discharge of her duties for that time.
The Trustees recommend an appropriation of two hundred
15
and twenty-five dollars for the use of the Library the ensuing year.
JULIUS A. GEORGE, HORACE C. ADAMS, GUSTAVUS B. WILLIAMS, Trustees Taft Public Library.
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT.
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE TAFT PUBLIC LIBRARY :-
The eighth annual report of the state of the Library is here- by respectfully submitted for your consideration.
The Library opened for the delivery of books Feb. 11, 1888. The circulation for the year was 4,226-23 more than last year. The Library now contains 2,591 volumes, of which 99 have been added the past year. Of the latter, 78 were purchased and 21 do- nated. The books donated came from the following sources: Hon. Henry B. Pierce, secretary of the commonwealth, 7; Rev. Chas. J. Staples, 7; Hon. Daniel B. Pond, 2; Wm. J. Murphy, Esq., 2; Department of Interior, 2; E. A. Moseley, 1. Harper's Magazine for 1886-87 and American Agriculturist for two years were given by J. A. George, and have since been bound in six volumes. Several pamphlets were also received.
The circulation was as follows: Agriculture, 53; Biography, 92; History, 253; Travel, 202; Educational, 61; Poetry, 57; Mis- cellaneous, 123; Novels, 3,082; Periodicals, 303.
Largest weekly circulation, 106; smallest weekly circulation, 60; average weekly circulation, 83.
Received from fines and cards $10.34. More use has been inade of the Library this year by members of the High school than in former years. According to the seventh rule, all books were returned for the annual examination on the first Saturday of February.
MARY E. DUDLEY, Librarian.
Mendon, February 6, 1889.
TREASURER'S REPORT.
Report of the Treasurer of the Trustees of the Taft Public Library, for the year ending Feb. 6, 1889 :-
DR.
To balance from old account,
$ 4 70
Cash received on three orders of Selectmen,
139 13
on books returned to Clarke & Carruth, 1 75
66 Mary E. Dudley, for cards,' fines, etc., 10 34
$155 92
16
CR.
Cash paid Clarke & Carruth, books,
$69 68
66 Adams, Putnam & Co., books,
6 50
66
G. B. Williams, books,
9 15
G. M. Billings, printing,
6 00
66
J. S. Wesby & Sons, binding,
25
Mary E. Dudley, expressage, etc.,
4 34
66 Mary E. Dudley, services as Librarian, 50 00 ·
$155 92
Respectfully submitted,
HORACE C. ADAMS, Treasurer.
Mendon, Feb. 16, 1889.
Examined, found correct, and with proper vouchers.
G. B. WILLIAMS, for Auditors.
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
AND
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
OF THE
TOWN OF MENDON,
FOR THE
SCHOOL YEAR 1888-9.
MILFORD, MASS .: G. M. BILLINGS, PRINTER, GAZETTE OFFICE. 1889.
Names and Residences of Teachers
Employed in the Public Schools of Mendon for the School Year ending March 1, 1889 :-
Mr. Wendel Williams,
Mendon.
Mr. James Nichols,
Blackstone.
Miss Louise M. Goodrich,
Stockbridge.
Miss Cora E. Gaskill,
Mendon.
Miss H. Josie Davis,
Blackstone.
Mrs. Mary A. Barrows,
Mendon.
Miss Annie W. Gaskill,
Mendon.
Miss Mariette A. Hamant,
Medfield.
Miss Mary L. Aldrich,
Mendon.
Miss Ada C. Taft,
Mendon.
Miss Mary E. Dudley,
Mendon.
LIST OF TEXT-BOOKS IN USE.
Arithmetic-White's. Algebra-Greenleaf's. Civil Gov- . ernment-Townsend's. Drawing-Eclectic. Dictionary-Web- ster's, Worcester's. English Literature-Swinton's. Geography -Harper's. Grammar-Harvey's. Geometry-Wentworth's. History-Stone's, Scott's. Latin-Harkness's. Physics-Nor- ton's. Physical Geography-Warren's. Physiology-Brown's, Barnes's, Eclectic. Penmanship-Eclectic. Rhetoric-Kellogg's. Reader-Franklin. Speller-Eclectic.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
To the Citizens of the Town of Mendon :-
The following report of the school committee is respectfully submitted : The committee held their first meeting March 31, 1888, and organized by the choice of Frank H. Wood, chairman, and Edward Dixon, secretary and treasurer. To Mr. Wood was given the care of the West and Albeeville schools ; J. G. Bar- rows, the South school; Frederick Bates, the East school ; Ed- ward Dixon, the North and the Centre schools. The North schoolhouse has been painted inside and out and a few needed repairs made. The old stove and stove-pipe being in an unsafe condition to use, a new coal stove and new stove-pipe were bought. The total expense was about $100. At the Centre the ceilings of both rooms were painted, and the desks varnished. A new coal stove was put into each room. The total expense here was about $100. For the East school a new out-building has been built,-a much needed improvement.
Edward Dixon was appointed school-book agent. The cost of text-books and supplies for the year is $139.26. An appropri- ation of $150 for the year ensuing will be sufficient.
Dr. C. D. Albro was elected superintendent of schools at a salary of $75. This sum is not enough for the position. No man can afford to superintend our schools for that money unless his strong interest for their welfare is reckoned as his chief re- compense. And it is sincerely hoped that if the town insists upon the school committee electing a superintendent, it will pro- vide a larger salary.
The school year has been thirty weeks. This seems short enough, but as the tendency of teachers' wages is upward, the appropriation for schools should be increased, or else the school year must be shortened to twenty-eight, or possibly twenty-six weeks. We have been enabled to continue the schools for thirty weeks only because of the increased amounts received this year from the state school-fund and the dog tax, added to the sixty- four dollars received from Upton. If the town wishes for thirty weeks schooling, the appropriation for schools should be increased to sixteen hundred dollars. There has been no school in the West district this year. The scholars were transported to Al- beeville at a cost of $140 for the year. Edward H. Taft, Gilbert Gaskill, J. G. Barrows and Henry G. Bates were appointed tru- ant officers for the year. No report has been received from any of them, so it is assumed their services have not been required.
As usual, the committee were obliged to engage a new
1
teacher for the High school, the former principal, Mr. Hill Wil- liams, having engaged in another business, so his services could not be secured. The committee consider themselves again fortu- nate in having secured the services of Mr. Wendel Williams, a graduate of Dartmouth college. Much to the regret of the com- mittee, Mr. Nichols, at the end of the spring term, resigned his position of principal of the Grammar school, to accept a more lucrative engagement nearer home. Miss Goodrich of Stockbridge, Mass., a graduate of Westfield Normal school, was engaged for the position. Miss Annie W. Gaskill, Miss Mary L. Aldrich and Miss Josie Davis resigned at the end of the spring term, and their places were filled by Miss Marietta Hamant of Medfield, Mass., Miss Ada C. Taft, and Mrs. Barrows.
During most of the High school year Miss Goodrich assisted Mr. Williams one hour a day. To continue this work for the re- mainder of the year your committee engaged Miss Annie Gaskill. The assistance has secmed almost imperative, because the number of classes in our High school is too large for one teacher to in- struct to good advantage. The one-session plan which worked admirably last year is used again this year with like good results.
Mr. Edward Dixon having declined to serve as treasurer of the committee again unless paid something for his services, they voted to pay him the sum of ten dollars to do the business. The following is the financial account for the year :-
DR.
To nine town orders,
Cash in Home National Bank,
$2,420 00 112 36
$2,532 36
CR.
Hill Williams (old bill),
$120 00
Josie Davis,
66
36 00
Eva Rich,
24 00
$180 00
Wendel Williams,
$270 00
James Nichols,
95 00
Louise M. Goodrich,
·160 00
Mary E. Dudley,
213 50
Mary L. Aldrich,
70 00
Ada C. Taft,
140 00
Josie Davis,
60 00
Mary A. Barrows,
70 00
Cora E. Gaskill,
210 00
Annie W. Gaskill,
80 00
Marietta Hamant,
140 00
Liberty Freeman, for carrying scholars,
40 00
Edward L. Southwick, for carrying scholars,
100 00
$1,648 50
5
W. W. Nelson, fuel, care of room and cash paid (old bill), $8 00
W. E. Dixon, care of fires (old bill), 2 50
$10 50
W. W. Nelson, fuel, cash paid and care of room, $26 25 Austin A. Taft, three cords wood, 12 88
A. T. Dixon, sawing three cords wood, 4 50
Ann Quigley, cleaning schoolhouse (No. 2), 3 00
W. E. Dixon, care of rooms and fire,
3 00
Field Bros., coal,
37 50
J. G. Barrows, fnel,
9 25
Frederick Bates, fuel and care of fire,
16 72
Frank H. Wood, fuel,
10 37
Marietta Hamant, care of fire,
3 00
Mary. A. Barrows,
2 00
Mary L. Aldrich, 66
1 00
$134 47
George S. Perry, Arithmetical chart, $6 75
Van Antwerp, Bragg & Co., two wall maps, 5 00
66 66 Physiological chart, 5 00
Boston School Supply Co., reading chart, 5 00
$21 75
INCIDENTALS.
H. A. Aldrich, postage, $ 3 00
W. W. Nelson, repairs, supplies and cash paid, 7 64
E. L. Smith, repairs and supplies, 5 10
F. Bates, repairs and supplies,
24 23
J. G. Barrows, repairs and supplies,
2 94
H. W. Brown, repairs,
. 50
John Barry, repairs,
73
E. L. Smith, use of well (2 years),
14 00
Charles H. Albee, use of well (2 years),
6 00
Bufford Sons, diplomas for High school,
8 00
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