USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Melrose > City of Melrose annual report 1862-1879 > Part 35
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50
Thus, with but one working officer, to furnish lists of desirable courses of reading to all new applicants for membership during the year, and with but one evening expended for a Society meet- ing, a new impetus might be given to general education, and much good result.
A comparison of the results of our reading would lead to closer application to a definite course than is now common, while the creation of a demand for good books, and the awakening of a gen- eral interest in the library would be of lasting benefit to the town.
If this plan had not been carried to success without much at- tendant labor, the suggestions might seem visionary ; but as the plan has proved practical, we have no hesitation in commending it to the consideration of the town's-people, and especially the large class of persistent readers, who claim Melrose as a home. .
There are three things that may be gained through the public library ; first, supplementary education in conjunction with the schools ; second, practical encouragement to a continuation of the scholastic habits of reading and study, after graduation from the schools ; third, such a collection of books from all classes of litera- ture as will best promote the highest good of the community, at the
81
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
least expense to the individual. For the accomplishment of these objects this library presents special advantages ; and a careful examination of its contents will reveal its adaptation to the legitimate demands of readers and students.
We annex the statistics for the year, and take this opportunity to extend our thanks to the donors of books, pamphlets and papers, for their various contributions :-
DONATIONS .- Books.
Burdett, Everett W.,
1
Howe, F. D.,
2
Joslyn, J. T.,
1
Nourse, F.,
1
Porter, Charles, Mrs.,
18
Wiley, John & Son,
1
-
Pamphlets.
Banks, N. P.,
1
Boston Public Library,
6
Bradlee, C. D.,
1
Chicago Public Library,
1
.
Newton
66
1
Quincy 66
1
Tufts College,
1
Wakefield Public "
1
Woburn 66
1
-
14
Whole number of pamphlets now in library, 149.
Papers.
Jefferson, Daniel,
The Literary World.
Publishers,
The Melrose Journal.
11
24
82
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
STATISTICS.
Number of volumes in library, March 1, 1877,
3,215
60 purchased this year, 390
donated 66
24
414
66 in library, March 1, 1878,
3,629
66
persons using library, March 1, 1877,
2,031
66
cards issued this year,
267
60
" relinquished this year, 14
253
Number of persons using library, March 1, 1878,
2,284
Largest number of volumes issued in one day,
Smallest
Average
66 66
Mondays,
73
66
66
Wednesdays and Saturdays, 224
2,638
66
66
in August,
1,964
66 66
66
66 in December, 2,441
66
in January, 2,630
66 66
66
this year, 27,152
Increase of circulation this year,
3,449
This library year is equivalent to parts of one hundred and fifty- two days, viz. : Wednesday and Saturday afternoons and evenings and Monday evenings, with the exception of the usual holidays, when the library was closed.
The examination just concluded shows the books to be in fair condition ; three only are unaccounted for. Three books have been discarded and will be replaced by others. Fifty-two volumes worn out in service have been replaced, and three hundred and eighty-two volumes have been rebound. The rapid increase in cir- culation may readily be noted from the following statistics :-
Circulation in 1873,
13,580
66 " 1874, 17,652
" 1875, 22,592
66
" 1876, 23,703
" 1877,
27,152
407
Whole 66 66
66
in March,
" (stormy) 31
The opportunity afforded of securing, at slight expense, litho-
83
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
graphic portraits of our eminent American poets, William Cullen Bryant, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and John Greenleaf Whit- tier, was improved by the Trustees and they have had them neatly framed and hung upon the walls. The likenesses are pronounced wonderfully correct by the poets themselves, and also by many intimate friends. As these gifted men have passed the allotted term of life, it cannot be long ere these pictures will be highly valued ; and in the coming years we trust they will serve to encour- age our youth to emulate their virtues. Massachusetts may well be proud of this trio of her sons.
With the increase of labor attendant upon the use of the library and the increasing number of books that need to be replaced, comes an increase of current expenses which must be met by the fund. Under ordinary circumstances it would be the part of wisdom for the town to voluntarily enlarge the appropriation, but the excep- tional condition of affairs leads us to waive this consideration until a change for the better warrants a decision upon the merits of the case.
For the ensuing year we ask for an appropriation of the sum of four hundred dollars and the dog tax.
Respectfully submitted,
In behalf of the Trustees,
CHARLES C. BARRY,
Secretary.
FREDERICK KIDDER, ELBRIDGE H. Goss, A. A. NICHOLS, HANNAH LYNDE, CHAS. C. BARRY.
- Trustees.
Dr.
The Melrose Public Library, in account with E. H. Goss, Treasurer.
Cr
84
1877.
1877.
March 22.
To cash paid Babb & Stephens, annual reports.
$5 75
$21 08
Mar. 22.
-
¥
A. W. Prior, printing .
91 12
"
"6 from Town Treasurer, annual appro- priation
400 00
May 18,
1
55 10
Apr. 28,
1
L. F. Lawrence & Co., bl'k books.
3 50
Aug. 27,
1
13 45
May 17,
148 42
June 9,
P. D. Meston, binding books ·
107 00
Feb. 4, '78
June 9,
G. B. Sargent, stamp ribbons .
1 25
Nov. 19,
1
J. J. W. Reeves, books .
3 75
Jan. 26, '78
A. W. Lovering, books
267 04
Feb. 7, '78
"
H. W. Cushman, police
6 15
July 26,
C. Taylor, carpentering
7 40
Feb. 27, '78 )
66 B. B. Russell, books
1 25
Sept. 4,
=
Eastman's Express .
5 80
July 11,
¥
Miss C. M. Worthen, librarian
178 50
Jan. 8, '78
= Royal Ins. Co. $2,500, 3 years
23 75
Jan. 1, 1878.
Atlantic Monthly. and 3 portraits .
7 00
Jan. 8,
:
E. V. Harden, frames and knobs .
7 12
Jan. 8,
¥
P. O. Box, 1 quarter . .
25
1877-8,
36
Sundries, postage, gum labels, mucilage, ink, pens, &c.
8 95
Mar. 6, '78
11 41
.
$938 38
$938 38
MELROSE, MARCH 6, 1878.
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, 1878.
JOHN LARRABEE, Town Clerk.
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
By balance from account, 1876-7 cash from Town Treas., dog licenses, 1876 :
448 75
Feb. 7, '78.
Apr. 26,
Estes & Lauriat, books
- 50 97
March 5. Apr. 4. Aug. 4, Nov. 24, June 9, Feb. 27, '78 June 9, Feb. 27, '78 1
from Librarian, for fines
from Librarian, for catalogues .
Feb. 4, '78
Willard Small, books
July 11,
July 26,
July 26,
Aug. 27,
Mrs. J. W. Stow, books
2 00
Oct. 4,
Nov. 19,
Balance on hand .
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF
MELROSE, MASS.
1877-778.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
THOMAS B. PECK, Chairman. LAFAYETTE BURR, Secretary. MOSES S. PAGE.
MISS PHEBE A. NORRIS.
MRS. MARIA W. CURRIER. MRS. ANN M. KUNHARDT.
TEACHERS.
ALONZO G. WHITMAN, Principal.
MARY L. CHARLES
HIGH SCHOOL.
EMMA A. J. BUGBEE
FRANCES H. TURNER
.
FIRST GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
LUCY W. BISBEE
6
·
SECOND
"
(Emerson St.)
JULIA M. PORTER
66
GRAMMAR SCHOOL,
(Centre.)
SUSAN D. MELCHER .
THIRD GRAMMAR SCHOOL,
(Emerson St.)
EMMA M. CATE
THIRD GRAMMAR SCHOOL,
(Centre.)
CHASTINE EMERSON
CENTRE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL.
LYNDE ST.
66
LOUISE P. ARNOLD
VINTON ST.
66
66
CAROLINE E. SOUTHWICK
UPHAM ST. MIXED
66
GREEN ST.
66
66
MRS. ETTA HALLOWELL
HIGHLAND
66
60
SARAH E. PRATT
CENTRE PRIMARY
66
MARY M. GILMAN
LYNDE ST. "
66
HANNAH F. LEWIS
VINTON ST. "
66
MRS. GEORGIE N. BORDMAN
INSTRUCTOR IN MUSIC.
ALICE H. LONG .
LYDIA MENDUM .
.
REPORT.
TO THE CITIZENS OF MELROSE :
By a law of this Commonwealth, the School Committee are required " annually to make a detailed report of the condition of the several public schools, which report shall contain such statements and suggestions in relation to the schools as the Committee deem necessary or proper to pro- mote the interests thereof." In accordance with this law, the Committee submit the following Report :
CHANGES IN SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS.
The average number of pupils in the schools during the year has been 724, an increase of 27 from the average num- ber last year. The number of schools is 15, an increase of one from last year. Attention was drawn in last year's Report to the crowded condition of the Second Grammar School, which then contained 65 pupils (more than can be properly cared for by one teacher), and was likely to be further increased the present year. In accordance with the plan then proposed, it was decided to establish a new Second Grammar School, dividing the town into two districts, sep- arated by the line of Essex St. In order to place a school of this grade in each district, the new school was located in the Centre School Building, the Intermediate School under the charge of Miss Emerson being transferred to the room in the High School Building, formerly occupied by the Third, Grammar School. This rendered it necessary to provide a new room for that school, and for that purpose the eastern half of the hall in the third story of the High School was fitted up for a school-room, a temporary partition having
88
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
been erected which can be readily removed whenever the hall is needed for exhibitions .. In this way an excellent room has been obtained at a small expense, which is pleasant and easily warmed and ventilated, and only objectionable on ac- count of its elevation. Miss Julia M. Porter was promoted to the charge of the new Second Grammar School, Miss Susan D. Melcher was appointed to the Third Grammar School in place of Miss Porter, and Miss Caroline E. South- wick, of Grantville, was chosen to fill the vacancy in the Upham St. School, occasioned by the promotion of Miss Melcher. The two Second Grammar Schools will admit of . considerable increase from the present number of scholars without over-crowding, and will meet the wants of the town in those grades for a long time to come.
The only other change in teachers has been the election of Miss Alice H. Long, of Melrose, to the Vinton St. Inter- mediate School, in place of Miss Mary E. Norris, who re- signed at the beginning of the Summer vacation. Miss Norris had been a faithful teacher in this school since 1873, but her health had become so impaired by attention to her duties as to make it necessary for her to give up her position. Rest did not bring her renewed strength, and we regret to record her death from typhoid fever, in January of this year. Her memory will be kept green in the hearts of her pupils, and of the numerous friends who were attracted to her by her many amiable traits of character.
Two vacancies have occurred in the School Committee by the resignations of Mrs. A. V. Lynde and Mr. S. A. Ran- lett, Chairman of the Committee. These vacancies were filled by the election respectively of Mr. T. B. Peck and Mrs. Ann M. Kunhardt.
BUILDINGS.
The school buildings are generally in a good condition. The plan inaugurated last year of substituting single for double desks has been carried out and new furniture has
.
89
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
been placed in the Highland and Green St. Schools. All . the schools are now supplied with single desks. Ventilators, similar to those already in use, have been introduced into the Highland, Lynde St., and Vinton St. Schools and one room in the High School Building. It may be thought best to introduce them another year into some other rooms in the High School, in which the ventilation is now defective ..
It was found that the water from the roof of the High School made its way into the cellar, not only making it very damp, but endangering the foundation. In order to carry off the surface water, it was thought best to lay a concrete pavement in front and also concrete gutters, an improvement which not only removes the danger of undermining, but makes the entrance to the school much more attractive. More of this work can be done to advantage in connection with the other school-houses.
To meet these and other unavoidable expenses it was found necessary to ask for an addition to the Contingent Fund of eight hundred dollars, which was granted at the town meeting in November. Experience shows that an ap- propriation of at least two thousand dollars is necessary to meet the contingent expenses. The average amount ex- pended for the last nine years has been $2,563.99, the low- est amount being $1,766.48, in 1875.
Considerable difficulty has been found in warming the school-houses in the coldest weather. It has been necessary to dismiss many of the schools, as it is certainly unsafe for children to sit in rooms in which the mercury does not rise above sixty degrees. We think the janitors have done all that could be expected to keep the buildings warm with the means at their disposal. In a climate as severe as ours, it is no easy matter to secure a uniform degree of heat in large buildings, but we think much may be done by furnishing outside windows for school-houses which are not supplied with them, and by increasing the means of heating. A larger furnace is needed in the eastern part of the Centre
12
90
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Building, and it is hoped this want may be supplied during the coming year.
SALARIES.
On account of the reduction of ten per cent. in the annual appropriation for schools, it was found necessary to make a similar reduction in the salaries of the teachers. We should have regretted greatly if this reduction had lost us the ser- vices of any of the teachers, and are happy to say that such was not the case. While we feel that the town is the best judge of the necessity of making such a reduction, and that it is not the province of the Committee to express any opin- ion upon that subject, we would strongly urge the wisdom of a liberal policy towards those to whom is intrusted so im- portant a charge as the education of the youth of the town. How soon the time will come to restore the salaries to the former rate is for the town to decide, but we feel that we should fail to do our duty if we did not express our firm conviction that the present rate of compensation is as low as will secure the services of competent teachers, and that any further reduction would be productive of great injury to the schools.
In 1876-77 Melrose ranked as the 23d town in the State in the amount appropriated for educational purposes, the average amount in this town being $17.48 for each child be- tween the ages of five and fifteen. As compared with other towns in Middlesex Co. it ranked as the 14th, the neighbor- ing towns of Medford, Somerville and Malden appropri- ating respectively $20.28, $18.33 and $17.80. This is certainly not an extravagant record, and the returns for 1877-78 will undoubtedly show a smaller average expense in this town, as the number of scholars has increased and the amount appropriated has been smaller. Every bill incurred during the year has been paid, and we begin the new year with a small balance in both the Contingent and School Funds.
91
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
TEXT BOOKS.
A few changes have been made in Text Books during the year. It was found that there was a general desire among the teachers of the Grammar Schools for a new book upon grammar. Since the text book prescribed was prepared, great improvements have been made in the methods of teach- ing grammar, which, under the old system, was too apt to be dry and uninteresting to the young ; and in some of the schools, for want of a suitable text book, oral instruction was almost wholly depended upon. After a careful exam- ination of the best books upon the subject, it was thought by the Committee that Swinton's Grammars were best adapt- ed to our wants, and accordingly Swinton's Language Les- sons were introduced into the Second and Third Grammar Schools and his English Grammar into the First Grammar School and the High School. By this change no additional expense is incurred by parents, as the books will be gradu- ally introduced as needed by new classes. . Munroe's Prac- tical Speller has been introduced, to correspond with the Readers adopted last year. Some changes have also been made in the High School, which will be referred to hereafter.
MUSIC.
Good results have been achieved in this department the past year. A lesson has been given by Mrs. Bordman once a fortnight in each of the schools, except the High School, and her labors have been supplemented by those of the teachers. In view of the fact, that from want of ear or voice, many pupils in the public schools can never excel, or, perhaps, even accomplish anything in music, it might at first appear doubtful whether instruction in music should be made a part of the school work; but experience shows that this objection is not valid. In the case of those who have a natural taste for music, the benefit is undoubted, in giving them opportunities for systematic instruction which many
92
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
would not otherwise-have ; while, through the power of imi- tation, a talent is called out in others, which, without this op- portunity, might never have been developed or even discov- ered. But, more than all, the indirect influence of the musical exercises is invaluable to all, whether they are able to join in them heartily or not, by affording a relief from too long continued application to the regular studies, and pro- ducing that alertness of mind which is necessary for success in anything. To be convinced of this, one needs only to visit a school during the musical exercises and witness the effect in the bright eyes and smiling faces of the children, and in dispelling the listlessness that is apt to haunt the school-room. For these reasons we regard music in the schools as an actual aid to progress in other studies. Full information as to the work done in this department can be obtained from the interesting report of Mrs. Bordman.
DRAWING.
Some attention has been paid the past year, in the Primary, Intermediate and Grammar schools, to this important branch of education, and gratifying progress made wherever proper time and supervision have been given to it. That the results are not greater and more satisfactory in the advanced classes, may be due partly to the fact that the pressure of other studies, a good degree of progress in which is essential to promotion, leaves the pupil but little time in school for cul- tivation in this direction. It was fully the intention of your Committee, as indicated in the report of last year, to have the classes as they progressed continue drawing in the High School; but, as yet, nothing has been done, the course of study as arranged occupying completely the time of our teachers, and the limited money appropriation forbidding the employment of a special instructor in this department. The importance of thus educating the eye and the hand,- of developing the taste for the ornamental and the beautiful, -is readily seen if considered merely as an element of general
.
93
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
education ; while its relation to the industrial arts, and to the increased profits of manufactures, makes it worthy of our highest consideration. The hope is cherished by your Com- mitte, that during the coming year the means may be pro- vided and the way opened for its successful introduction into our High School.
DISCIPLINE.
The discipline of the schools, we are happy to say, has caused but little trouble during the past year, and there have been few occasions for any action of the Committee on this subject. We believe heartily in the use of "the law of kindness" in the government of the schools. The right of corporal punishment should be retained, but should be rarely exercised. To the older scholars it is too degrading, while young children can be better governed by other methods. As the traveller in Æsop's fable wrapped his cloak more closely about him the harder the wind and rain beat against him, but opened it to the genial warmth of the sun, so the little child sullenly closes its heart against a harsh word or blow, but opens it gladly in response to a kind word and pleasant smile. The government of the schools should be firm, but all needless harshnesss should be avoided.
TRUANT OFFICER.
By a recent statute the School Committee of each town is required to appoint a truant officer, to aid in enforcing the law relating to attendance upon the public schools. At the beginning of the year Mr. H. W. Cushman was appointed to the office, and has attended to its duties when called upon by the Committee or teachers.
94
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
PRIMARY, INTERMEDIATE AND MIXED SCHOOLS.
These schools, with the two exceptions mentioned in the first part of this report, are in charge of the same teachers as last year, and are in a condition satisfactory to the Com- mittee. The teacher of the Primary and Intermediate School has a difficult and important task, requiring a pa- tience, sympathy and tact that are rare gifts. It is the office of the Primary teacher to direct and encourage the little mind in its first conscious efforts to acquire knowledge. She must win the confidence and affection of her pupils or she will accomplish little. Upon her success and that of the teacher of the Intermediate School, in inspiring the child with a love of school and a desire to learn, depends very much the suc- cess of the scholar after entering the higher schools. In the Primary School, in particular, we believe it is of less impor- tance what a child learns, than that it should learn how to learn, and should acquire a disposition to learn.
We would repeat the opinion expressed last year, that the mixed schools, which resemble the district school in contain- ing pupils belonging to both the primary and intermediate grades, and varying greatly in age and progress in studies, present great difficulties to the teacher. The only remedy is to divide the grades, placing each under a separate teacher. As the population of the northern and eastern portions of the town increases, this will become absolutely necessary, probably before many years. The Centre Primary School, at some seasons of the year, is greatly over-crowded, and it will soon be necessary either to divide the school or provide the teacher with an assistant. The town is fortunate in hav- ing the services of teachers in these grades who love their work and are well fitted to perform it successfully.
-
95
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
GRAMMAR SCHOOLS.
The efficiency of the Grammar Schools has been much in- creased by the organization of the new second Grammar School, by which the danger of over-crowding is removed, and the need of double promotions obviated. It is hoped, during the coming spring, to revise the course of study for these schools, not with the view of making any radical changes, but in order to secure perfect uniformity in the studies in the different schools of the same grade. As many of the pupils in the First Grammar School come from re- mote parts of the town, it was thought best to grant the petition of a large majority of the parents for a single session during the winter months. After the first of April it is pro- posed to resume the usual plan of two daily sessions, which is believed to be best for the health and progress of the pupils. We should not do justice to ourselves or to the teachers of the Grammar Schools, if we failed to express our appreciation of the faithful and conscientious manner in which they have labored for the welfare of their pupils during the past year, and our satisfaction with the condition of the schools in their care.
HIGH SCHOOL.
An important change in the course of study in the High School was made at the beginning of the present school year. In order to meet the wants of those pupils whose parents felt that four years was a longer time than they wished to keep their children in the school, or who doubted the utility of the study of Latin, it was decided to introduce an English course of three years. It was also thought that the tendency of pupils to drop out of the school might be counteracted in this way.
All scholars are required on entering the school to decide
96
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
which course of study they intend to pursue, and are not allowed to make a change without the consent of the Princi- pal. It was found necessary after introducing the English course, to rearrange the college and classical courses so as to make the three courses coincide as far as possible. This has been done by the Committee and Principal; and in order that parents may have an opportunity to decide intelligently between the courses and may know the nature of the work done in the school, and also for the use of teachers and scholars, a chart has been printed, showing the three courses of study in parallel columns. It will be seen that the classi- cal course differs from the English, mainly in the addition of the study of Latin and Ancient Geography and History, while the college course' adds such other studies as are necessary for admission to college, especially the Greek language and Latin and Greek Prose Composition. Of the thirty-five scholars who entered the school in September last, twelve chose the English course, six the college, and the re- maining seventeen the classical.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.