USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Melrose > City of Melrose annual report 1862-1879 > Part 40
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1875.
Lowest point, 61 inches, Feb. 22. Pond full June 23. Next lowest point, 33 inches, Nov. 10.
1876.
Pond full March 25. Lowest point, 37 inches, Nov. 6.
1877.
Pond full March 15. Lowest point, 33 inches, Sept. 30.
1878.
Pond full Jan. 15. Lowest point, 272 inches, Nov. 13. Pond full, second time, Dec. 14.
STREET-MAINS.
The change of grade on Porter Street, by the highway surveyor, made it necessary to relay about 210 feet of four-inch pipe on that street to a greater depth. The only extension made since last re-
30. 18
Sept. 10. 19 66
66
20. 30. 24
20₴ 66
66
66
66
66
"
22.
66
66
66
66
66
66
6
66
66
66
Aug. 10. 14
66
66
66 66
66
70
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS.
port is the laying of 470 feet of two-inch pipe on Rowe Street. Whole amount of distribution pipes laid since the introduction of water is 16 miles and 851 feet.
GATES.
More gates should be added the coming season, as many of the sections are much too large, requiring the shutting off of too many water-takers in order to make the necessary repairs. Some of the gate-boxes have been raised, and others lowered, to suit the changes in grade of streets. Four have been replaced with new ones. Whole number of gates, 81.
HYDRANTS.
Whole number of hydrants now in use, 81. One on the corner of Essex and Vine Streets, being out of order, has been replaced with a new one, and one on Baxter Street has been reset. Four have been taken up and repaired. All have received a fresh coat of paint, and are in good condition.
STANDPIPES.
Two standpipes for the accommodation of water-carts were added to the works last spring ; one on Upham Street, near the Centre Schoolhouse, and the other on Hurd Street, near Wyoming Depot.
LEAKS.
The following record shows the number of leaks that have occurred, and when repaired.
July 5, leak in four-inch pipe, Linwood Avenue. Rust-hole.
July 8, leak in service-pipe, Main Street. Lead connection.
Aug. 9, leak in four-inch pipe, Lebanon Street. Pipe burst by lightning.
Aug. 20, leak in pipe connecting hydrant.
Aug. 22, leak in four-inch pipe on Myrtle Street. Rust-hole.
Sept. 17, leak in six-inch pipe on Main Street. Rust-hole.
Nov. 25, leak on Main Street, in two-inch pipe. Near Read- ing Hill.
Dec. 16, leak on Winthrop Place, service-pipe. Lead connec- tion.
Dec. 16, leak in hydrant on Essex Street. Put in new hydrant.
71
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS.
SERVICE-PIPES.
Twenty new services have been added since last report. Thirty- five stop boxes have been replaced with new ones. Whole number of services put in, since the introduction of water, is 792; discon- tinued, 31 ; now in use, 761.
Amount of Pipe laid since Last Report.
2-inch from main pipe to street line
323 feet.
street line to cellar . 451
2-inch there has been laid .
·
470 66
14-inch there has been laid
37 66
Total
. 1,281 feet.
STOCK AND TOOLS.
Estimated value of stock on hand
$378 86
Tools of all kinds 240 70
$619 56
Respectfully submitted.
ADDISON LANE, Superintendent.
72
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS.
TOTAL AMOUNT AND LOCATION OF DISTRIBUTION PIPES TO. THE PRESENT TIME.
FEET OF PIPE.
GATES.
STREETS.
6-inch.
4-inch.
2-inch.
HYDRANTS.
6-inch.
4-inch.
2-inch.
Eleventh
...
..
255
...
. .
Third
287
....
. .
.. . .
.
Main
3,784
478
... .
8
2
...
...
Green
2,700
....
....
3
1
...
...
Franklin
3,155}
...
... .
4
1
.
....
Vinton .
3,483₺
436
.. . .
5
2
1
....
Trenton .
1,233
1,331₺
....
1
3
2
. .. .
Melrose .
2,339₺
... .
1
1
. . . .
Ashland .
....
1,475
... .
2
...
....
Tremont
...
3,180
...
..
. . . .
Greenwood
...
.. .
..
... .
Perkins .
236
....
...
. .
...
Baxter
....
484
....
..
.
..
...
Maple and Poplar
2,265₺
... .
2
. . . .
... .
Emerson
....
. .
... .
. . . .
Youle
998}
342
1
1
....
Otis
·
. .
..
....
....
. .
286
...
...
Cedar Park
8983
..
...
...
...
Laurel
....
..
...
Cottage .
1,142
193
2
2
Hurd
....
1,226₺
1
...
...
Herbert .
220
158₺
1
....
.. . .
....
Waverley Place
....
690毫
....
....
1
... .
Foster
... .
1,470₺
. . . .
.. . .
3
...
Myrtle and Lake Ave.
3,170
.. . .
....
....
Winthrop
6954
. .. .
...
....
... .
Vine
...
....
. .
...
Essex
... .
1,437
4
....
2
.
Willow
....
...
...
...
...
.
Short and Main
...
....
723
1
....
1
1
School
. . . .
. . . .
. .
.
. .
Albion
. . . .
222
. .
1
. .
.
. .
Pleasant
.. . .
. .
1,125
....
.. . .
...
Charles
...
335
. .. .
1
...
. . . .
. .
...
Berwick .
... .
. .
.
....
...
... .
Grove (West) .
... .
2874
....
1
1
Linden Place.
....
1,161
780
....
Oakland .
1,340}
. . . .
1
3
1
. .
3,977
5
4
.
..
...
.
768
. .
...
2
5
.. ..
691
470g
.. .
...
...
Reading Hill .
...
...
Porter
. .. .
2,514}
...
3
1
1
1
Winter
....
241
....
2
4
324
1
1
...
Florence
. .
457
1
1
3
1
... .
1
. ..
663
495
2
1
.. ..
...
2
1
1
1
1
73
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS.
TOTAL AMOUNT AND LOCATION OF DISTRIBUTION PIPES TO THE PRESENT TIME - Concluded.
FEET OF PIPE.
GATES.
STREETS.
6-inch.
4-inch.
2-inch.
HYDRANTS.
6-inch.
4-inch.
2-inch.
Bellevue Avenue
100
....
...
...
...
....
Upham .
. ...
3,283
. ...
2
. ...
....
Stevens Place
....
...
...
....
....
....
Lebanon .
2,750
....
2
...
1
. . . .
Grove
1,366
...
1
....
. ...
....
Walnut
· . .
187%
....
...
....
Lynde and Linwood
2,960
....
3
1
....
Summer.
701
...
...
....
Wyoming Ave. (East)
.. .
1,076
...
...
....
1
....
Wyoming Ave. (West)
.
....
...
3
....
....
....
Chestnut
572
... .
...
... .
....
....
Mt. Vernon
394
....
....
....
....
Auburn .
.
...
.. . .
...
...
. . .
Winthrop Place
520
....
...
...
1
....
Belmont
376
....
...
...
... .
High
376
· . .
...
....
Prospect
1,026
....
...
....
Essex and Lake Avenue
1,082
....
. .
. .
....
Avon
422
....
....
Elm
1,057
...
.. . .
. .
. .
Howard .
...
272
550
. ..
... .
2
...
East
534
....
...
....
....
Washington
760
....
. .. .
.. .
... .
Irving
Emerson Place
.. .
. .
....
... .
..
1
Wastes 27 x 24
51
....
...
....
....
..
80 Plugs
80
....
...
....
Grove Street (East)
1,865
16
2
1
....
... .
Emerson Street (East)
743%
10
....
. .
....
...
Rowe Street .
...
....
. .. .
... .
1
Totals
17,115
60,217
7,999
81
11
63
7
. .
. . .
. . . .
1
....
1
Seventh .
288
. . .
....
... .
1
Upham and Dell Ave.
....
3,488
....
3
. . ..
1
. . .
..
387
251
1
1
....
. .
1
1
....
372
1
. .
1
1
....
....
2
2
....
1
422
6
. .
1
1
2
1
1
2
216
74
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS.
WATER RATES.
DWELLING-HOUSES.
Per Year.
Occupied by one family, for the first faucet
$6 00
For each additional faucet to be used by the same family, 2 00 When a house is occupied by more than one family and less than four, one faucet only being used by all, for each family- 5 00
When a house is occupied by four or more families, and but one faucet is used for all, for each family .
4 00
Where a house is occupied by more than one family, the highest rates will be charged for each family having water carried into their part of the house.
For the first water-closet 5 00
For each additional water-closet 3 00
For hopper water-closet 8 00
For first bath-tub .
5 00
For each additional bath-tub .
3 00
Provided that no private house shall pay more than $25 per year.
BOARDING-HOUSES.
For the first faucet
· $10 00
For each additional faucet
2 00
For water-closet or bath-tub when used for boarders · 10 00
Other charges as above.
Where two faucets are used, one for hot and one for cold water, both emptying into one vessel, but one charge will be made for both.
STORES.
Occupied as office, shop, or similar purpose $6 00 to 20 00
For each additional faucet 2 50
For water-closet or urinal
· 6 00
75
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS.
STABLES.
For first horse
$5 00
For each additional horse
3 00
For first cow
2 00
For each additional cow
1 00
FOR LIVERY, CLUB, AND BOARDING STABLES.
For first horse
$5 00
For each additional horse 3 00
The above includes water for washing carriages.
Where hose is used, $5 additional.
TRUCK AND CART STABLES.
For first horse
$5 00
For each additional horse 2 00
The above includes water for washing carriages.
HOSE.
For sprinkling streets, washing windows, and similar uses, $3 00
When several desire to use the same hydrant for water-
ing streets or watering gardens, see Superintendent.
HOTELS.
For each bed for boarders and lodgers
$3 00
BATHS.
For public baths, and for each bath in any hotel . $10 00
For water-closet in public bath-houses .
10 00
STEAM-ENGINES.
For each stationary steam-engine working not over twelve
hours a day, for each horse-power $6 00
BUILDING PURPOSES.
For every cask of lime or cement used .
$0 05
76
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS.
ORNAMENTAL FOUNTAINS.
Ordinarily used three hours a day for a period of not more
than four months a year.
For a jet of one-sixteenth of an inch $3 00
For a jet of one-eighth of an inch . 5 00
For a jet of one-quarter of an inch . 8 00
To be cut off at the discretion of the Superintendent.
MANUFACTORIES.
And, for all purposes not enumerated in the foregoing rates, special contract to be made with the Water Board.
This schedule of prices was printed in a circular, and distributed among the citizens, with this additional note : -
" All parties wishing Spot Pond Water introduced into their buildings will be required to sign an application for the same ; a book for that purpose may be found at the Town Clerk's office."
JOSEPH D. WILDE,
W. IRVING ELLIS,
Water
J. R. SIMONDS, Commissioners.
REPORT OF THE WATER LOAN SINKING ' FUND COMMISSIONERS.
SHORTLY after the last March meeting, your Commissioners organized by the election of Daniel Russell, Esq., as Chairman, and R. P. Barry as Secretary ; and, in accordance with permission granted by the statute under which this Commission acts, they elected the Town Treasurer, Mr. George Newhall, as Treasurer of the Sinking Fund.
At a subsequent meeting, held June 8, it was voted that the Treasurer and Secretary be instructed to invest the amount in hands of the former, in United States registered bonds, which was
77
1
WATER LOAN SINKING FUND.
subsequently done ; and the condition of the Sinking Fund, Jan. 1, 1879, is as follows : -
STATEMENT.
By sum received from Town Treasurer, being surplus from Water Fund of 1873 . $3,635 00 . By sum received from Town Treasurer, being surplus from Water Fund of 1877 98 16
To sum invested in United States registered 42 per cent bonds, 3 of $1,000 each, one of
$500, $3,500. Premium on same, $170.62, $3,670 62
By six months' interest on above bonds 78 74
To amount cash in hands of Treasurer 141 28
$3,811 90 $3,811 90
Respectfully submitted.
DANIEL RUSSELL,
R. P. BARRY, Sinking Fund Commissioners.
JOHN W. FARWELL,
EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TRUSTEES OF THE MELROSE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
REPORT.
THE Trustees of the Public Library respectfully present their Eighth Report ; it being for the term of ten months from March 1, 1878, to Jan. 1, 1879.
The increase in the number of readers in Melrose, and in the number of books which are read annually, has always been a matter of surprise to those accustomed to give thoughtful consid- eration to the workings of the library system. Your Trustees have always anticipated that this tide of increase of circulation would in time ebb as well as flow. But in the face of accumulating cares, which in the depressed state of business weigh upon all alike heavily, distract the mind from its ordinary pursuits, and tend to break up steady habits of reading, the library has not only kept up to the ratio of increase heretofore recorded, but shows for this term of ten months, which, by the new by-laws of the town, must contain the record of the past season, a larger increase than for the whole of the previous year.
Now that habits of reading prevail very generally throughout the town, it becomes the part of wisdom to influence the various classes of readers, by the best means and agencies, to cultivate and develop this taste.
The Trustees have endeavored within the past three years to increase the line of books needed by those seeking the widest range of information in the matter of general history. It has also been their purpose to lead to careful study of the sciences. Little by little the shelves are receiving additions of permanent value that will permit careful and continuous study in the different ranges of thought.
As the appropriations permit, and the demands warrant, it is their purpose to extend the purchases so that the representative books of all classes of literature may be found upon the shelves of the library.
It may be remarked, that the suggestion made in last year's
82
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
report, concerning an organization among the readers of Melrose, in the form of a Reading Club, with one meeting a year for re- ports, comparisons, and suggestions, has elicited expressions of general interest and approval ; the lists of various courses of read- ing and study are now being procured. As soon as the prepara- tions assume practical form, an opportunity will be given to try the experiment.
We annex the statistics for the year, and extend our thanks to the donors of books, pamphlets, and papers, for their contribu- tions.
DONATIONS. - Books.
Green, S. A.
1
Robbins, Chandler
1
Stoneham Public Library. .
1
3
Pamphlets.
Boston Public Library
4
Bradlee, C. D. .
1
Chicago Public Library
1
Lancaster Public Library
1
Peabody Institute
1
Tufts College ·
7
Wakefield Public Library
1
Watertown Public Library
1
17
Whole number of pamphlets now in library, 166.
Papers.
Baker, J. P., editor, proprietor, and
publisher
" Melrose Weekly Visitor."
Jefferson, Daniel
.. " The Literary World."
We have also received the public documents and reports of the State of Massachusetts for the year 1876-7 ; and vols. II. and III. of the Acts and Resolves of Massachusetts, from 1715 to 1756.
83
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
STATISTICS.
Number of volumes in library, March 1, 1878
3,629
66
purchased in ten months 295
66 donated in ten months 3
298
Number of volumes in library Jan. 1, 1879
3,927
Number of persons using library, March 1, 1878 ·
2,284
cards issued in ten months 248
66 cards relinquished in ten months 19
229
Number of persons using library, Jan. 1, 1879 2,513
Largest number of volumes issued in one day . 438
Smallest number of volumes issued in one day (stormy) 49 Average number of volumes issued Mondays . 95
Average number of volumes issued Wednesdays and Satur- days 249
Whole number of volumes issued in March 3,261
Whole number of volumes issued in August 2,384 ·
Whole number of volumes issued in November 2,684 · Whole number of volumes issued in December . .
2,363 Whole number of volumes issued in ten months 25,458
Increase of circulation during ten months . 3,703
As this report is for ten months only, it may be com- pared with the same months of last year.
Volumes issued from March 1, to Jan. 1, 1877 . 21,755
Volumes issued from March 1, to Jan. 1, 1878 25,458
Increase in ten months . 3,703
But, as the new year is to be calculated from Jan. 1, we annex the statistics for the past two years.
Volumes issued from Jan. 1, 1877, to Jan. 1, 1878 26,250
Volumes issued from Jan. 1, 1878, to Jan. 1, 1879 . 30,855
Increase in one year 4,605 ·
Circulation in 1873 . . 13,580
Circulation in 1875 .
. 22,592
Circulation in 1878 .
. 30,855
·
84
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
The average increase in the number of applicants on Monday evenings amounts to twenty-seven per cent, on Wednesdays and Saturdays ten per cent. The library has been open parts of one hundred and twenty-nine days, viz., Wednesday and Saturday afternoons and evenings, and Monday evenings ; it has been closed twice in the ten months on holidays.
Three books have been discarded, and will be replaced by others. Eighty-six volumes worn out in the service have been replaced, and three hundred and ninety-three volumes have been rebound.
In 1871, at the time this library was founded by the town, our neighbors in Malden were making extensive preparations, upon a much larger scale, for the accomplishment of the same purpose. For eight years the people of Melrose have enjoyed the benefits and advantages accruing from prompt and decisive action. It is now our pleasure to congratulate the people of Malden that their public library, now opening its doors, is at length a beneficent reality instead of a long-cherished hope. We understand that a reading-room with magazines and periodicals is to be a feature of the library ; and we await the report of its usefulness and success with much interest.
On account of the increase in the patronage, it has been found necessary on many Saturday evenings to secure the services of two assistants, as the number has exceeded four hundred on many dif- ferent occasions.
We notice also a decrease in the fund received from dog-licenses, but hope this is only a temporary lack of interest in our canine friends and benefactors.
These items, and the expenditure for replacing worn-out books, have actually reduced the funds at the disposal of the Trustees to a smaller amount than ever.
It is our hope that the town may soon be in condition to appro- priate a sum adequate to the growing needs of this department.
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, CHARLES C. BARRY. j
Trustees.
Dr.
The MELROSE PUBLIC LIBRARY in account with E. H. Goss, Treasurer.
Cr.
1878.
1878.
Mar. 19,
To cash paid A. W. Lovering, Books .
$237 46
By balance from account 1877-8 .
$11 41 437 47
Mar. 20,
66
Miss C. M. Worthen, Librarian
200 00
Mar. 6, 16, July 1, Oct. 19,
cash from Town Treasurer, Dog Tax for 1877, cash from Town Treasurer, appropriation for 1878 .
400 00
Mar. 20,
W. Small, Books
125 27
Jan. 22, '79.
Jan. 22, '79.
cash from Librarian, for Catalogues . .
6 00
Nov. 4,
66
Tolman & White, Printing
4 00
Apr. 16, 16,
-
66
P. D. Weston, Binding ·
99 00
Dec. 31,
Mass. Historical Society, Books
55 50
June 1,
$6
Babb & Stephens, Printing
7 50
28,
Estes & Lauriat, Books
30 00
Aug. 31,
66
T. Groom & Co., Blank Book
1 75
Sept. 16,
66
W. B. Clarke, Books .
5 00
Oct.
1,
66
T. W. Ripley, Printing
20 40
1,
Little, Brown, & Co., Books
38 00
Dec. 31,
-
Nov. 4,
H. F. Thomas, Books
2 00
Dec. 10,
Insurance on Pictures
3 53
20,
Houghton, Osgood, & Co., Books ·
5 00
24,
F. S. Drake, Books
3 50
1878-79,
Labels, Frame, Lighters, Pens, Lock, Stamps,
13 30
Jan. 32,
Balance on hand .
26 52
$901 80
$901 80
MELROSE, Jan. 22, 1879.
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. JOHN LARRABEE, Town Clerk.
MELROSE, Jan. 29, 1879.
85
·
.
46 92
Mar. 27,
G. B. Sargent, Ribbons
1 75
June 12,
· . cash from Librarian, for Fines .
.
.
Jan. 22, '79.
.
3 50
July 29,
A. M. Prior, Printing .
15 00
16,
PUBLIC LIBRRARY.
Extra help, Ink, Mucilage, Gum
Window Cord, and P. O. Box
.
.
.
.
Jan. 22, '79.
Dec. 22,
May 10,
J. J. W. Reeves, Books
Eastman's Express
3 82
66
١
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF MELROSE,
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1878.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE .- 1878-79.
ROYAL P. BARRY, Chairman. LAFAYETTE BURR, Secretary. MOSES S. PAGE. MISS P. A. NORRIS.
EVERETT W. BURDETT. MRS. ANN M. KUNHARDT.
The regular meetings of the School Committee are held on the first and third Saturdays of each month, at their room in the Town Hall.
TABLE
Showing the names of the Teachers, their Schools, earliest date of service, and their present salaries.
SCHOOL.
TEACHERS.
ELECTION.
SALARIES.
High
A. G. Whitman
November, 1874.
$1,500 00
High
Emma A. J. Bugbee
November, 1874.
750 00
High
Frances M. Henshaw
September, 1878.
500 00
First Grammar .
Marie H. Friend
March,
1878.
650 00
First Grammar
.
Caroline E. Southwick .
September, 1877.
400 00
Second Grammar, Emerson St.,
Lucy W. Bisbee
May,
1867.
550 00
Second Grammar, Centre . .
Julia M. Porter
May,
1868.
550 00
Third Grammar, Emerson St. .
Susan D. Melcher .
.
May,
1873.
500 00
Third Grammar, Centre
Emma M. Cate
October,
1869.
500 00
Intermediate, Centre
Chastine Emerson .
May,
1864.
450 00
Intermediate, Vinton St. .
.
K. W. Bascom
.
September, 1878.
400 00
Upper School, Green St. .
.
.
Clara I. Nichols
September, 1878.
400 00
Highlands (mixed)
Myra A. Whitney .
September, 1878.
400 00
Upham Street (mixed)
.
M. W. Batchelder .
September, 1878.
400 00
Primary, Lynde St. .
·
M. M. Gilman
May,
1863.
450 00
Primary, Vinton St. .
Hannah F. Lewis
March,
1876.
400 00
Primary, Centre
.
Florence B. Howland
November, 1878.
400 00
Music-teacher
.
Georgie N. Bordman
September, 1874.
275 00
.
.
.
September, 1877.
400 00
Intermediate, Lynde St. .
.
Lydia Mendum
November, 1874.
450 00
Lower School, Green St. .
.
Alice H. Long
.
RESIGNATIONS.
FRANCES H. TURNER, First Grammar.
SARAH E. PRATT, Centre Primary.
LOUISE P. ARNOLD, Lynde-st. Intermediate. MARY L. CHARLES, High School.
M. J. ARNOLD, Lynde-street Intermediate. Mrs. ETTA HALLOWELL, Highlands. LYDIA B. THOMPSON, Centre Primary.
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REPORT.
TO THE CITIZENS OF MELROSE.
In accordance with the statute and custom, your Com- mittee beg leave to present this, their Annual Report of the condition of your Public Schools.
The fiscal year, according to the new by-laws, ends with Dec. 31. This report, therefore, covers only that portion of the year from March 1 to that date.
CHANGES IN THE SCHOOL BOARD.
Shortly after the. organization of the School Board was completed, the Chairman, Mr. T. B. Peck, was compelled, on account of ill health, to tender his resignation. By patient attention to the duties of his office, and by constant and un- varying courtesy, he had endeared himself to his colleagues, who, knowing the value of his services to the town, were very reluctant to permithis withdrawal, but were ultimately compelled to. At a joint meeting of the Selectmen and School Committee held soon after, Mr. Everett W. Burdett was elected to fill the vacancy, and the Board re-organized by the election of the undersigned as Chairman.
RESIGNATION OF TEACHERS.
At the outset of the year we were embarrassed by the resignation of several valued teachers ; that of Miss Turner, Principal of the First Grammar School, being handed in at our first meeting.
It is needless to say that it was received with regret. Miss Turner was a teacher of rare culture and refinement, and much loved by her pupils. Closely following this came the retirement, not unexpected, of Miss Sarah E. Pratt of the
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Centre Primary School, whose long services in this important position will be gratefully remembered. At about the same time the resignation of Miss Louise Arnold was tendered, a teacher whom we could ill spare, and who adds another name to the roll of teachers that Boston, by her ability to offer better inducements, has taken from us. At the end of April we were pained by receiving the resignation of Miss Mary L. Charles, First Assistant in our High School. Miss Charles ' had been so long identified with this school, and, indeed, with our town, that we felt impelled to use every argument in our power to urge a reconsideration of the matter on her part, but unavailingly.
It may perhaps be said, without injustice to others, that at no time in the history of our schools has the town met with so serious a loss as this. Her accurate and varied knowledge was no less marked than her courteous and patient attention to her pupils, whose whole after life will be influenced by her example.
At the end of the spring term Mrs. Hallowell, the faithful and efficient teacher of the Highland School, resigned. Four of the above vacancies were filled by the election of the fol- lowing named teachers : -
Miss MARIE H. FRIEND to the . First Grammar School.
Miss LYDIA B. THOMPSON to the . Centre Primary School.
Miss M. J. ARNOLD to the
. Lynde-street Intermediate School.
Miss MYRA A. WHITNEY to the
. Highland School.
In the High School, Miss Emma A. J. Bugbee was ad- vanced to the position of first assistant, and Miss Ellen A. Stone of Lexington was elected second assistant until the summer vacation, during which we tendered her the position as a permanent one ; but, other duties demanding her atten- tion, she declined a re-election, and Miss Frances M. Henshaw was elected to the position.
During the summer vacation Miss Mary Arnold resigned, the vacancy being filled by the election of Mrs. Kate W. Bascom, an experienced and able teacher. Early in the fall
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
term we received the resignation of Miss Lydia B. Thompson, a teacher whom we were sorry to lose, though she had been in the town's service but a short time. Her place was filled by the election of Miss Florence B. Howland. This lady has had a thorough course of training for her profession, be- sides some years of experience as a teacher. Some other changes have taken place, which will be noted under the captions of the different schools.
CHANGES IN LOCATION OF SCHOOLS.
During the summer vacation the question of providing suitable quarters for the First Grammar School forced itself upon us. By reference to the table of statistics you will note that this school, prior to summer vacation, numbered only 42, but the promotions from the Second Grammar School promised to double the number, and, as there was not room enough in the Centre building, we were obliged to turn our attention to the High School hall, a portion of which was occupied last year by Miss Melcher's school.
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