USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Melrose > City of Melrose annual report 1862-1879 > Part 30
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89
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
bind them without delay, and place the volume on our shelves.
The table of statistics accompanying will give the citizens an idea of the work devolving upon the Librarian and Assist- ant, - work which seems to increase rather than diminish : -
DONATIONS. - Books.
Benson, S. E., Mrs.,
7
Buck, J. L.,
1 50
Burnham, George P.,
2
Kidder, Frederic,
3
Parker, Annie, Miss,
1
School Committee,
2
Upham, O., Mrs.,
5
Williams, W. L.,
1
-
72
Pamphlets.
Boston Public Library,
3
Bradlee, C. D.,
1
Chicago Public Library,
1
Drake, S. A.,
1
East St. Louis Library,
1
Lancaster
1
Peabody
1
Poole, W. F.,
1
Quincy Library,
1
Sundry persons,
2
Tufts College,
15
Watertown Library,
2
30
Whole number of pamphlets now in library, 135.
Goss, Elbridge H.,
90
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Papers.
Jefferson, Daniel,
Kidder, Frederic,
Williams, W. L.,
The Literary World.
Harper's Magazine, 1875. The Melrose Journal.
STATISTICS.
Number of volumes in library, March 1, 1876,
2,824
66
purchased this year, 351
donated 66
72
- 423
discarded 32
391
Number of volumes in library, March 1, 1877,
3,215
Number of persons using library, March 1, 1876,
1,809
66
cards issued this year, 238
relinquished this year, 16
222
66 persons using library, March 1, 1877, 2,031
Largest number of volumes issued in one day,
Smallest
" (stormy) 21
Average 66
Mondays, 60
not including Mondays, 208
Whole
in March, 2,380
in July, 1,830
66 in December,
1,822
66
January, 2,140
66
66
66 66
this year,
23,703
Increase of circulation
66
1,111
This library year is equivalent to parts of one hundred and forty-four days, viz., Wednesday and Saturday afternoons and evenings, and Monday evenings from May 1, with the
357
91
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
exception of the usual holidays. The examination just con- cluded shows the books to be in fair condition ; two only are unaccounted for. Four hundred and one books have been rebound during the year. Forty-four books being worn out have been replaced by new.
For the purpose of relieving the librarian Saturday even- ings, and better accommodating the public, the experiment of opening the library every Monday evening during the year has been tried since May 1, 1876. The library has been fairly patronized Monday evenings, twenty-five hundred and.thirty-six volumes having been issued on this evening, and the attendance is now increasing. We are aware that it would be well to open the library more days in the week rather than less, in fact we should be pleased to have it open every day and evening. But the funds at the disposal of the town do not warrant the heavy expense that would immedi- ately become necessary, nor does the demand for books or the size of our collection call for the change at present.
We trust to add such volumes from year to year as shall, in time, build up a valuable library, available to all, and appreciated and used by all to the extent of its resources.
For the ensuing year, for the purchase of books and library expenses, we respectfully request an appropriation of four hundred dollars and the dog tax.
Respectfully submitted.
In behalf of the trustees,
CHAS. C. BARRY,
Secretary.
FREDERIC KIDDER, ELBRIDGE H. Goss, CHARLES C. BARRY, A. A. NICHOLS, HANNAH LYNDE,
Trustees.
Dr.
The Melrose Public Library in account with E. H. Goss, Treasurer.
Cr.
1876.
To cash paid Chas. Taylor, repairs
$1 25
Mar. 5,
By balance from account of 1875-6 . . cash from Town Treasurer, dog tax, 1875
Librarian, for fines .
" sales of catalogues and bul- letins .
12 85
Apr. 26,
403 26
May 20,
May
3,
"
" P. D. Meston, bir ding books .
111 75
Dec. 16,
- 1
66
Town Treasurer, annual appropriation .
50 00
Mar. 5, '77,
-
" Am. Ant. Society, books . . .
8 00|
Feb. 19,
" Librarian, for lost book .
1 00
May 17,
17,
36
" G. B. Sargent, ribbons for stamps
2 25
Feb. 21,'77,
June 1,
" H. V. Butler, books .
10 00
Oct. 21,
" M. D. Ring, books .
2 5(
« 14,
G. E. Littlefield, books
31 07
Sept. 22, 22,
W. Small, books .
81 2:
Nov. 3,
L. F. Lawrence &. Co., blank book
2 00
Dec. 21, 1877.
T. W. Ripley, 500 bulletin, No. 2.
62 00
Jan. 19,
" O. W. Cushing, books
2 50
Feb. 28,
B. Woods, books . .
5 00
Apr. 26, '76, {
mucilage, tags, postage, and rubber bands
5 79
Feb. 21, '77, 3
Mar. 5,
Balance on hand this date .
21 08
$1,053 67
MELROSE, March 5, 1877.
E. H. Goss, Treasurer.
At the request of the Trustees of the Public Library, I have examined the above account, and find it correct and vouchers therefor. MELROSE, March 7, 1877. JOHN LARRABEE, Town Clerk.
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
92
29,
" Babb & Stephens, reports
7 75
29,
29,
1
" B. B. Russell, books . .
5 00
Apr. 26, Mar. 5, '77, 3
67 58
Apr. 26,
Apr. 5,
" A. M. Prior printing .
51 75
July 15,
"
Mar. 5, '77, S
Jan. 8, '77,
1 00
Mar. 2, '77,
450 00
Feb. 21,'77,
" Miss Carrie M. Worthen, Librarian
237 50
Dec. 16,
1877.
part dog tax, 1876 .
May 13,
A. W. Lovering, books .
lost book .
·
June 14,
W. Reeves, books
2 0€
Mar. 2, '77, 5
$1,053 67
1876.
$10 44
Mar. 29,
460 80
Sept. 2,
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF
MELROSE, MASS.
1876-77.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
S. A. RANLETT, Chairman. LAFAYETTE BURR, Secretary.
MRS. A. V. LYNDE.
MRS. J. C. CURRIER.
W. IRVING ELLIS.
MISS P. A. NORRIS.
TEACHERS.
ALONZO G. WHITMAN .
MARY L. CHARLES
HIGH SCHOOL.
EMMA A J. BUGBEE
FRANCES H. TURNER
FIRST GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
LUCY W. BISBEE
SECOND 06
JULIA M. PORTER .
THIRD
66
EMMA M. CATE
CENTRE 3d "
CHASTINE EMERSON
CENTRE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL.
LOUISE P. ARNOLD
LYNDE STREET "
MARY E. NORRIS .
VINTON " 66 66
SARAH E. PRATT .
CENTRE PRIMARY
MARY M. GILMAN
LYNDE STREET PRIMARY 66
HANNAH F. LEWIS
VINTON
66
SUSAN D. MELCHER
UPHAM
MIXED
LYDIA MENDUM
GREEN 66
66
ETTA KILBRETH .
HIGHLAND
GEORGIE N. BORDMAN
MUSICAL INSTRUCTOR.
REPORT.
FELLOW CITIZENS : - Among the many wise laws of this State relating to education, one of the wisest is that which requires an annual school report from each city and town. It not only places the subject plainly before the people once a year, but by the collecting of statistics and their careful study by a competent board of education, defects may be discovered in the system and remedied. The expense "per capita " in all towns is publicly shown, thus tending to check extravagance in some, and induce liberality in others.
Your committee would rejoice to know that all their fellow citizens were looking into these statistics and examining the condition and standing of the schools, feeling convinced that they would concur with them in the opinion that the schools of this town will compare favorably with those of any in the State. We therefore take pleasure in submitting the follow- ing report : -
BUILDINGS.
The buildings are all in good repair. Many of them are now old, and for many reasons unsuited to the proper com- fort of the pupils. They were built to accommodate a much smaller number than is now crowded into them. The loca- tions of some are bleak and cheerless, and the construction faulty as regards ventilation. It has been the constant study and aim of your committee to remedy this latter defect, and so far as possible, with the means at our disposal, to intro-
96
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
duce such improvements as would give purer air and more comfortable seats to the pupils. It is utterly impossible to properly ventilate some of the buildings without entirely reconstructing them, and at such an expense as would not be authorized without a special vote of the town. The accident which befell the Vinton Street building gave an opportunity during the repairs to remedy the very defective ventilation of two rooms which are occupied daily by one hundred or more children, and the good results have been very apparent. We would here suggest for your consideration, in view of the probable catastrophe, if these schools had been in session when struck by lightning, whether all our schools should not be protected by lightning-rods. The expense would be con- siderable, but might at some time be shown to be important and justifiable.
During the summer, all the double desks were removed from the Vinton and Lynde Street schools, and single desks and seats of modern style introduced. The good effects in the discipline have been marked. We hope to be able this year to do the same in the other primary and mixed schools. It is much better for children to sit by themselves, and a thing which all parents desire.
The ventilation of the lower rooms in the High School building has been a source of much complaint. Especially is this the case in the Second Grammar School, which has been overcrowded the past year. We have improved the ventilation here by putting in a like ventilator to those in the Centre School, which gives good satisfaction. We shall probably have to do the same in other rooms in this building as the scholars increase in number. Unless children can have pure air to breathe, the school can be of little value to them. To attempt to educate and develop the brain while the body is weakened by the waste of force caused by breath- ing foul air, is worse than useless. The constantly increasing
97
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
number of children each year in our school-rooms tends to make this evil greater, and the unfitness of some of the buildings for schools more apparent. We shall make this matter a subject of special attention, and do the best we can to give the children all the pure air possible.
DISCIPLINE.
This question is one of the most difficult with which the committee have to deal. The past year has been unusually free from serious cases of insubordination, but there have been a few trying ones. In only one of these have we been compelled to resort to the extreme authority granted by the statutes, and expel the pupil. Such action is not taken without long for- bearance, nor until all means have failed of success. It has been our earnest endeavor to conduct the schools upon the principle of appealing to a child's better qualities, and not to brute force. Unfortunately the former method fails with some. We are compelled to educate children in our schools who are at home either subject to bad influences, or, what is nearly the same thing, to none at all. The treatment of such cases is difficult. Correction of a mild form amounts to nothing, and oftentimes even severity fails. Then comes the question of duty to all concerned, and whether one child should be permitted to monopolize a teacher's attention and create constant trouble in his vicinity by petty tricks, idle- ness, etc. The influence of some children in a school is decidedly bad, and often is beyond the power of teachers to counteract. A vulgar or deceitful child will contaminate, if possible, all around him; and very many acts cannot but escape a teacher's notice, however vigilant. The time when children are most susceptible to good or evil influences is the very time when the greatest care should be taken as to their associates ; but by our present system it is necessary to 7
98
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
trust largely to chance in sending a child to the public schools. The question is now becoming important whether all towns should not have some school set apart for refractory children, where obedience can and will be enforced. We shall endeavor to maintain the good character of our schools, and when we feel that a pupil is beyond our power to lead " in the way he should go," or is corrupting others by associ- ation, we shall not hesitate to exert the legal authority and expel.
MUSIC.
One of the pleasantest features of last summer's exhibitions was the music. The children entered into the singing with spirit, showing remarkable proficiency in reading music, and reflecting great credit upon their teacher. We should be glad if the town would put it in our power to devote more attention to music and have more frequent lessons than we can now afford. It is a healthy exercise, an agreeable relief from irksome study, and in the case of the younger schools must have an excellent sanitary influence. We annex Mrs Bordman's report, feeling that she can more properly treat this matter than the committee.
DRAWING.
Immediately after the action of the town a year ago in regard to drawing, the subject was taken up by the commit- tee. After careful examination and inquiry of experts, the system of Walter Smith, used in Boston and many neighbor- ing towns, was thought, if not the best, as good as any, and was selected. It had been already used in some of the schools, and was not new to many of the teachers. Consid- ering that nearly all grades of schools were obliged to begin at the beginning, it is not to be expected that we have yet reached a perfect system. In the lower schools the books
99
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
have not been used, but will be soon. The first and most important thing was to drill the pupils in lines, angles, and dimensions. This year we shall get all the schools at work according to grades, and expect to show good results at the summer exhibitions. Hereafter it is intended to have the classes, as they progress, continue drawing in the High School, until it is there a part of the work of each class. The citizens can judge for themselves, by visiting the schools, what has been accomplished in this branch of study.
BOOKS.
The laws regulating changes of text-books are now very stringent, and no doubt it is best they should be so. The policy of your committee has been to avoid such changes as far as possible. There has long been a desire, however, to have a change of readers. The constant use of the same reader, the same pieces year after year, grows wearisome and monotonous to both teachers and scholars ; and last Sep- tember a change was made by introducing Munroe's readers in all cases where it could be done by complying with the law and saving the town all expense of furnishing books. In another year the new readers will be used in all the schools. The change was made at less expense to parents than it would have been to provide the former reader, and seems to have been cordially acquiesced in by all. The quickened interest in this study, resulting from a change to fresh pieces and pleasantly illustrated books, has been gratifying evi- dence that it was well advised.
HIGH SCHOOL.
We submit with pleasure for your consideration the con- dition of our High School at the present time. It has been the aim of the committee and teachers to maintain the standard of this school and render it worthy the title it
100
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
bears. A High School should not be a higher Grammar School, but as distinct from that grade as it is from a Univer- sity. The laws of the State making it imperative that the town shall maintain such a school, it should be the desire of every citizen to make it a source of local pride, and by per- sonal and united effort keep it select. It is pleasant to note that this seems to be the general sentiment toward the school as expressed by many citizens. It is gratifying to see that a shrinkage of the lower classes of some previous years has largely decreased, and that more pupils are availing them- selves of the opportunity of going through to graduation than heretofore. This is, no doubt, largely due to our excellent teachers and the freedom from changes of the past three years. The school is larger than ever before at this time of the year, and very much good and useful work is being done. The formation of a Greek class in September, made it' necessary to alter in some respects the courses of study ; and to this end a subcommittee, with the Principal, who kindly devoted a part of his summer vacation to the work, reorganized the system of study for the year, to make it as easy and profitable as possible for the pupils.
It should not be forgotten that while Boston keeps its two High Schools entirely distinct, in towns like this it is necessary to conduct an English and Latin High School under one roof and one board of instructors. The diffi- culty of so doing is plain, and yet we contend that as good results in scholarship are attained by our teachers.
In many High Schools the study of German, as well as French, is open to pupils who desire it; and among the possibilities of the coming year is the introduction of the study of this language. Attention is called to the average rank of the different classes, viz. : -
101
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
First class 91
Third class . 82.5
Second class
85.4 - Fourth class
76.8
Average rank of the school 83.9
These figures are made up from the commencement of the school year in September, 1876. Considering that the re- quired standard is but 70, it will be seen that the average, especially of the upper classes, is remarkably high. We present, as usual, the names of the pupils and also the courses of study as now arranged. The fourth year of the English course is omitted. The question is still open whether it is best to make this a three years' course. If it is decided to require four years, as with the other classes, the last year will conform very nearly to that of the Classical course.
CLASSICAL COURSE.
First Year.
Second Year.
Algebra.
Algebra.
Latin Grammar and Reader.
Geometry.
Bookkeeping.
Cæsar and Sallust.
English History.
Physiology.
Reading and Composition.
Ancient Geography and History.
Reading and Composition.
Third Year.
Fourth Year.
Geometry.
Geology.
Physics.
Astronomy.
Sallust and Cicero.
Botany.
French.
Virgil.
English Literature and Composition. French.
English Literature.
COLLEGE COURSE.
First Year.
Second Year.
Algebra.
Algebra.
Latin Grammar and Reader.
Geometry.
English Analysis and Composition. English History.
Cæsar and Sallust.
Greek Grammar and Reader.
Reading and Composition.
English Composition.
102
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Third Year.
Fourth Year.
Geometry.
Virgil (Æneid).
Ancient History and Geography.
Sallust and Cicero.
Anabasis.
Greek Prose Composition.
Review of Algebra. Review of Geometry.
ENGLISH COURSE.
First Year.
Second Year.
Third Year.
Algebra.
Algebra.
Geometry.
Bookkeeping.
Geometry.
Physics.
English History. Physiology.
French.
English Analysis and Study of Authors.
English Literature.
English Literature.
Reading and Compo- Reading and Compo-
. sition.
sition.
Reading and Compo- sition.
Class of 1877.
BAILEY, CARRIE WINTHROP.
MCCOUBRY, LIZZIE ANNA.
BARRETT, NELLIE JOSEPHINE.
PARKER, MARY.
EMERSON, GEORGIE THERESA.
SARGENT, LULIE BROWNE.
LECRAW, LIZZIE GRIFFITH.
VINTON, MARY ISABEL.
LOVEJOY, MINNIE BARILLA.
WORTHEN, SUSIE STRICKLAND.
LYALL, ADDIE LOUISE.
BABB, EDWARD EVERETT.
Average age, seventeen years ten months.
Class of 1878.
BOARDMAN, ELLEN CARVER.
SELEE, LUCIE CORA.
BURR, FANNIE WOODBURY.
STRATTON, NELLIE MARIA.
DAMON, NELLIE BELL.
TROWBRIDGE, CLARA BELLE.
GRUNDY, EMMA JANE.
UPHAM, MARY ELIZABETH.
JONES, ANNA MAY.
DOLE, WILLIAM ANDREWS.
Average age, sixteen years ten months.
Class of 1879.
DRAKE, LOUISE ISABEL. FARNSWORTH, MINNIE LOUISE. GIBBONS, HANNAH JANE.
JONES, MARY ALICE. EDWARDS, WILLIAM HERBERT. ELLIS, WILLIAM BERTON.
Latin Prose Composition. Iliad.
Latin Prose Composition.
French.
Trigonometry and Sur- veying.
103
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
KIMBALL, MINNIE CLIFFORD.
LOWE, ADA ESTELLA.
ROBINSON, CAROLINE FRANCES.
RORKE, MARY AGATHA.
MANSFIELD, GEORGE WHITE. MORGAN, EDWARD CURRIER. STANTIAL, EDDIE BROOKS. START, EDWIN AUGUSTUS.
STANTIAL, AMY MARIA.
STETSON, RUTH CUSHING.
WOODMAN, MINNIE L.
BURR, ARTHUR MARKIIAM.
COBURN, GEORGE LEWIS.
WASHBURN, CHARLES HENRY. WILLIAMS, WILLIAM HALL. WILLS, GEORGE AUGUSTIN.
Average age, sixteen years one month.
Class of 1880.
ATWOOD, EMMA S.
SPEAR, EMILIE S.
AVERILL, ABBIE E.
STILPHIEN, ANNIE F.
BLANCHARD, HATTIE M.
SWEET, CORDELIA.
BROOKS, FANNIE H.
VINTON, ABBIE J.
BRYANT, GRACE A.
WEEKS, EMMA A.
ELLIS, FLORENCE M.
WILDE, HELEN M.
FOSTER, HELEN A.
BOWEN, FRED.
GILMAN, HATTIE M. E.
BROWN, FRANK Q.
Goss, MARY A.
CHANDLER, HERBERT W.
HARRIS, SUSAN B.
GIBBONS, JOSEPH R.
JACKSON, FANNIE E.
HERSEY, HENRY J.
LEAVITT, HELEN M. LEIGHTON, EMMA F.
JOHNSON, HENRY E.
.
LONG, ANNIE P.
JONES, BENJAMIN B.
LOVEJOY. HELEN J.
LEWIS, ELMER F. LITTLEFIELD, ALBERT L.
MERRILL, INEZ E.
MERRILL, CHRISTOPHER G
PAUL, ISABELLA.
MYRICK, LOUIS H.
PERKINS, NELLIE.
STONE, FRANK U.
PRENTICE, RUTH S.
WHEELER, GEORGE E. WHOWELL, JOHN.
SNOW, FRANCES L.
JEFFERSON, MARK S. W.
LYNDE, MARY.
HEATH, BENJAMIN LINCOLN. JONES, GEORGE RICH.
Average age, fifteen years two months.
104
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
GRAMMAR AND OTHER SCHOOLS.
The awarding of diplomas to the graduates of the First Grammar School proved a wise measure. It was an incen- tive to the pupils ; and as some leave school at the end of this course, it is proper they should receive some recognition of their scholarship. Excellent work is being done in this school ; but we would particularize only physiology, one of the most important of all studies for the young. The chil- dren have become greatly interested in this study under the admirable teaching of Miss Turner, and will carry out of this school a kind of knowledge which will always be of ben- efit to them, if they will practise the precepts of hygiene which they cannot fail to acquire.
It was thought advisable, during the winter term, to give this school one session, since many of the pupils come long distances over roads at times almost impassable during this term. Although many of the parents petitioned the Board to continue the one session through the year, it was not thought best to do so. The intention was not to introduce this system in the grammar grade, and the reasons for grant- ing it during the winter term do not now exist. It has tended to create a somewhat dissatisfied feeling in the other grammar schools ; and, as was the original intention, we have returned to the two sessions.
The present condition of this school is a source of great satisfaction to your committee.
We would call your attention to the probable necessity, another fall, of forming a new school of the second grammar grade, and ask its consideration in the appropriation. For two or three years past, by a system of double promotion (always injurious) and the employment of an assistant, it has been possible to carry on this school under one head.
1
105
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
It is over-crowded, to the prejudice of the children's health, and cannot possibly be so continued another year. It is proposed to fit up a part of the upper High School Hall as a school-room, and divide the school into two, under separate teachers. This course seems now imperative, and must be adopted in the fall. Indeed, there is a growing necessity in all the schools for more accommodations, and the time is not far distant when the town will be forced to build more school buildings. The citizens of the Highlands need better school privileges, and we trust the town will soon build, in the neighborhood of Melrose and Tremont Streets, a school-house on the plan of the Centre School, which will for many years to come give them ample room.
All the schools below the grammar that take the children from the north and northeast parts of the town are of the mixed grade. The poor policy of sending primer scholars to the same school-room with boys and girls of ten to twelve years is too apparent to need any extended remarks, and should not be endured by parents any longer than is posi- tively necessary. Considering the great disadvantages under which a mixed school is conducted, we are happy to report them all in most excellent condition and under the best of' teaching.
We would lay particular stress upon the crowded condi- tion of many of the schools. It is easy to see that the more a teacher has in her charge the less time she can bestow upon each ; and consequently all the children in a crowded school must suffer more or less for attention. There is a limit to the capacity of anybody to do justice to those under their care ; and this limit is reached, we might say passed, in some of our schools.
Some of the primary schools were so full at the com- mencement of the September term that the question was seriously discussed whether it would not be best to let half
106
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
the children attend in the forenoon and half in the afternoon, until the town provides larger accommodations for this grade, as it must soon do. We may be compelled to adopt this plan the coming fall.
During the fall term, we were obliged to have an assistant in the Green Street School, and we now have one perma- nently in the Second Grammar, as the school is so large that it is not possible for one to conduct it alone and do justice to the pupils. We are fortunate in having several competent teachers whose services we are able to obtain as assistants when needed.
The per cent of attendance of some of the younger schools has been lowered by the prevalence of scarlet fever and other diseases. We felt it our duty to adopt stringent rules to exclude children from families where contagious diseases existed, and our action was followed by an order from the Board of Health of like import. This has, no doubt, done much to check the dangerous spread of diseases among chil- dren. At present there are very few absent on account of sickness. The attendance in the lower schools always falls off largely during the winter terms. The long distance some have to go to school makes it hard for young children, and parents keep them at home rather than send them over the snow-blocked roads in cur inclement winters. This accounts for the much lower per cent of attendance in the mixed, primary, and intermediate schools than in the higher grades. At the commencement of the fall term, all of these schools were very full, so much so as to require extra desks and seats in some ; but they have now sbrunk so as not to be uncomfortably full. The spring term will bring in many, and all of these schools will be large the rest of this year.
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