USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Melrose > City of Melrose annual report 1879-1884 > Part 17
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The publication of books of marked interest concerning the war of the rebellion has been a feature of this year, and many notable works have been issued. Among these are : The Military History of Ulysses S. Grant, by Adam Badeau ; The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government, Jefferson Davis ; The Campaign of
F
84
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE
Chancellorsville, Col. Theo. A. Dodge ; The Peninsular Campaign of Gen. McClellan of 1862, prepared from the Reports of the Mil- itary Historical Society of Massachusetts ; Sleeper's Tenth Massa- chusetts Battery ; The Outbreak of the Rebellion, J. G. Nicolay ; From Port Henry to Corinth, M. F. Force ; The Peninsula : Mc- Clellan's Campaign in 1862, A. S. Webb; The Army under Pope, John C. Ropes.
Leaving the history of our own country, there have been pur- chased Guizot's famous History of France, The Memoirs and Letters of Madame Rémusat, Memoirs of Prince Metternich, Cor- respondence of Prince Talleyrand and King Louis XVIII. ; Madame De Staël, Abel Stevens ; History of the Conquest of Spain, Coppée ; Five Great Monarchies of the Ancient World, Rawlinson ; Egypt, Clara E. Clement; Turkish Life in War Times, Dwight; Glimpses through the Cannon Smoke, Archibald Forbes.
Pleasant books for reading that have attracted much attention abroad are, England Without and Within, Richard Grant White ; A Trip to England, Wm. Winter.
Books of special interest to home builders : Building a Home, A. F. Oakey ; How to Furnish a Home, Ella R. Church ; Woman's Handiwork in Modern Homes, C. C. Harrison.
We should hardly do justice to our list of notable books if we did not include The Heart of the White Mountains, by Samuel Adams Drake, published during the year ; several books of interest to the lovers of temperance principles, Canon Farrar on Temper- ance, etc., and several of great attraction to the seekers for works of a religious nature. A book of special interest to scientists is Vegetable Mold and Earth Worms, by Charles Darwin. In the line of novels the additions have been noteworthy. New works by Henry James, Jr., Howells, Trowbridge, Mrs. Burnett, Mrs. Wool- son, Boyesen, Bjornson, Black, E. P. Roe, E. Warner, McDonald, Mrs. Phelps, and the famous romances of George Ebers, make a list that readers do not glance over hastily.
To lovers of music in Melrose - and this includes nearly all who read - a series entitled, The German Composers, The Italian and French Composers, The Great Singers, and the Great Violinists and Pianists, edited by George T. Ferris, will attract attention.
Among the gifts, a volume of sermons by Rev. Joseph Emerson
85
MELROSE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
of Malden, is of special note ; it is the only copy that has appeared of this particular edition, and has been kindly presented to the library by Mr. John W. Farwell.
We annex a list of the donations, as well as the statistics for the entire year. The thanks of the Trustees are extended to the donors.
By the courtesy of Mr. G. W. Reynolds, lists of the new books added from week to week have appeared in the Melrose Journal. It is a favor that will be heartily appreciated by the patrons of the library.
DONATIONS.
Books.
Donors. The Land of the Veda, Rev. William Butler . George Emerson. American Newspaper Directory G. W. Reynolds. Topographical Survey of the Adirondack Region, G. W. Reynolds. Rev. Joseph Emerson's Sermons John W. Farwell. A Compendium of the Theological The New Church Assoc'n. Writings of Swedenborg
Who lost Waterloo ?.
. John C. Ropes.
Weymouth Historical Society
. E. H. Goss.
Trading, E. Warner
. M. A. Bush.
Progress and Poverty, Henry George . D. Appleton & Co.
First Half Century of the Baptist Church in Billerica } Rev. C. Fletcher.
Papers.
The Literary World
.
. Daniel Jefferson.
Pamphlets.
Boston Public Library Annual Report
1
Chicago
66
1
Cincinnati ·
66
1
Lancaster
66
66
1
Malden 66 66
66
1
Manchester (N. H.) Public Library Annual Report
1
Newton
1
Wakefield
66
66
·
.
1
Watertown
66
66
.
.
1
86
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE
Woburn Public Library, Annual Report
1
Worcester “ 66
1
Peabody Institute 60 66 1
Annual Report of the Children's Hospital, Boston 1
The Tuftonian
Official Gazette of the U. S. Patent Office
54
Poems, C. D. Bradlee .
1
List of Patentees and Inventions from July to Dec., 1881
1
Bulletins of the Boston Public Library
4
Catalogue of Tufts College .
1
Bulletin of the Woburn Public Library
.
1
Number of pamphlets now in the library, 569.
STATISTICS FOR THE YEAR 1881.
Number of volumes in the library Jan. 1, 1881
4,482
66 purchased this year
297
66
donated this year 10
307
4,789
Number of cards issued this year
962
66 relinquished ·
16
" persons using the library, Jan. 1, 1882
946
Largest number of volumes issued in one day
443
Smallest
66 66
.
51
Average
66
on Mondays
87
66
66 66
on Saturdays
325
Whole
66
66 66
in March
2,711
66
66
66
60 in June
2,219
66
60
66
in December
2,393
66
66
66
66 this year
28,983
.
66
66
60 in October
. 2,446
Five hundred and thirty-five books have been rebound, and one hundred and nineteen books have been replaced, new for old.
The library has been open Wednesday and Saturday afternoons and evenings, and Monday evenings, for one hundred and fifty-two days. It was closed four days. There were fourteen stormy days during the library year.
·
84
.
9
87
MELROSE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
While there have been several changes among the assistants in the library, our efficient librarian, Miss Carrie M. Worthen, has remained in charge, and by uniform kindness and impartiality has won the good-will of all.
In order to start the issue of books afresh, after ten years of service, the old cards have been relinquished, and new ones fur- nished ; the result has been, that nearly one thousand persons have applied for and received cards from the library during the year 1881, almost one-quarter of the entire population of the town.
The Public Library has reached that stage in its history when its circulation seems rather to diminish than increase (though the variations from year to year are now very slight), for the reason that when open it is overcrowded, and its facilities for the issue of books being used to the fullest extent, many become weary of waiting, and seek elsewhere for books.
No one doubts that the advantages afforded the townspeople, old and young alike, are fully appreciated ; the question remains whether these advantages shall be increased in proportion to the growth and population of the town.
It will be the endeavor of your Trustees to carry out the wishes of the Town, in whatever manner they may be expressed, but they ask for the library special attention and thought. It is an agency for the general education of the public that has, in itself, possibili- ties for usefulness as yet but partially unfolded.
For the year 1882 the Trustees request an appropriation of five hundred dollars, and the dog tax.
In behalf of the Trustees,
CHARLES C. BARRY, Secretary.
FREDERIC KIDDER, ELBRIDGE H. GOSS, A. A. NICHOLS, HANNAH LYNDE, CHARLES C. BARRY,
Trustees.
Dr.
The MELROSE PUBLIC LIBRARY, in Account with E. H. Goss, Treasurer.
Cr.
88
1881
Feb. 28, 1
To cash paid G. W. Reynolds, printing .
$14 50
Feb. 28,
from Town Treasurer, dog tax, 1880.
$401 58
Oct. 19,) 1882.
Jan.
4,)
Subscriber's Copy Guizot's France
16 00
Dec.
31, 5
50
9,1
1882.
P. D. Meston, binding books.
158 40
Jan. 11,)
C. W. Eaton, reports
10 00
March 9,
25, 2
Robert Burlen, binding books.
23 85
May 17, 5
66
De Wolfe, Fisk & Co., books ..
239 45
Oct. 11, 5
March 22, }
Miss Carrie M. Worthen, Librarian ....
200 00
Dec. 22, 5
April 8, 1
66
J. R. Osgood & Co., books.
11 26
Dec.
2, 5
May
19, 1
G. B. Sargent, stamps ..
11 00
Dec.
31,5
66
O. P. Index, book .
1 25
May
19,
Dr. S. A. Green, book .
2 00
15 30
Oct.
17,5
June
6,
D. P. Corey, books ..
1 00
July
1,1
Eastman's Express
4 95
Dec.
31,
July
1, 1
W. Small, books .
66 28
Nov.
7, 1
Estes & Lauriat, books.
5 18
Oct.
12,
Lockwood, Brooks & Co., books 89 41
2 35
22,
National Temp. Society, books.
10 07
Dec.
1,
C. C. Barry, books ..
3 75
2,
Babb & Stephens, printing. ..
20 00
A. C. Stockin, books ..
3 45
1882.
Jan. 14,
Lee & Shepard, books.
2 10
1881.
Sundries, extra help, mucilage, P. O. Box, labels, matches, etc.
17 98
Jan. 14,
Balance on hand.
1 48
$963 01
MELROSE, Jan. 14, 1882.
Respectfully submitted,
E. H. GOSS, Treasurer.
TREASURER'S STATEMENT.
1881.
Jan. 14,
By cash on hand from account 1880 ....
10
June 27,5
June 15, }
66
appropriation .. ..
500 00
4 50
Oct. May
18,5
28,}
" Librarian, for fines .....
61 33
March 4,
4,
T. Ireland, repairing clock
...
Geo. E. Littlefield, books.
27 00
Sept.
3,
Nov.
18, 5
15,
.
Insurance, F. F. Property .. ...
.
$963 01
26,
Mass. Historical Society, books
26,
27, 1
.
Jan. 14,
1882.
.
books ..
March 28,
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
FOR THE
Year Ending December 31, 1881.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR 1881-82.
-
Chairman, CLIFTON FLETCHER. - Term expires March, 1883. Secretary, JULIUS S. CLARK 1882. 66
LEVI W. GILMAN 66
1884.
MRS. ANN M. KUNHARDT
66 1882.
MRS. S. W. BRADBURY
66
1884.
MRS. A. K. MILLER *
66
1882.
* Elected June 1, Mrs. Seaver resigning.
SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS.
ELECTED.
SALA- RIES.
High
A. G. Whitman.
November, 1874 ..
$1,600
High
Emma A. J. Bugbee.
November, 1874 ..
800
High.
Annette Clark. .
August, 1880.
500
First Grammar.
Harriet C. Fairbanks
November, 1880 ..
750
First Grammar
M. A. Whitney
September, 1878 . .
450
Sec. Grammar, Emerson St.
Lucy W. Bisbee
May, 1867
550
Sec. Grammar, Centre Street Julia M. Porter
May, 1868
550
Third Grammar, Emerson St. Susan D. Melcher
May, 1873.
550
Third Grammar, Centre St ..
Emma M. Cate
October, 1869.
550
Intermediate, Centre Street ..
Helen J. Barrett.
April, 1880.
450
Intermediate, Vinton Street
Alice H. Long
September, 1877
450
Intermediate, Lynde Street
K. W. Bascom
September, 1878 ..
450
Upper School, Green Street.
Lydia Menduni
November, 1874 ..
500
Lower School, Green Street. Hannah K. Harden
August, 1881
450
Highlands (mixed)
Alice B. Woodruff.
August, 1881
450
Upham Street ..
Mary A. George
May, 1880.
450
Primary, Lynde Street.
M. M. Gilman
May, 1863.
450
Primary, Centre Street ..
Hannah F. Lewis
March, 1876
450
Primary, Vinton Street.
Mrs. L. F. Dermot.
April, 1880
450
Fourth Grammar, Town Hall Chastine Emerson
May, 1864 .
450
Music Teacher. ..
C. E. Whiting.
September, 1879
300
$11,600
JANITORS.
High School Building, F. Mclaughlin Centre School Building, Truman Howard . Committee Room School, Sam'l L. Walton . Green Street School, Joseph Simonds
$275
175
50
100
Lynde Street School, Wm. F. Serratt
100
Vinton Street School, Benjamin Jones
100
Upham Street School, Eri Upham
50
Highland School, John Singer
50
$900
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
In compliance with law and custom, we present to the citizens of Melrose the following School Report.
SCHOOL BOARD.
It would be pleasing to be able to say there had been no changes during the year, but such is not the record. At the March meeting, two new members, - Mr. L. W. Gilman and Mrs. S. W. Bradbury, - were elected to fill positions on the Board. The latter, however, had served a part of the pre- vious year. A few months later and we were surprised by receiving the written resignation of Mrs. Marietta Seaver, a most faithful, conscientious, and well-qualified member of the Board. Her loss was deeply felt and regretted. As earnest persuasion could not change her decision, a joint meeting of the Selectmen and School Committee was soon held, and the vacancy happily filled by the election of Mrs. A. K. Miller. Fortunately there were no more breaks in the Board to the end of the year.
SCHOOL MONEYS.
At the beginning of the year there was a balance in the treasury of $1,110. At the annual meeting in March there was voted the sum of $12,500; and there was received from the State and other sources $195, making a total of $13,805. Out of that sum have been paid the salaries of the teachers, amounting to $11,400, also those of the janitors, amounting to $875, and of the Committee, amounting to $325; for coal and wood, nearly $700 ; making a total of $13,300, and leaving a balance of $505.
92
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
AMOUNT NEEDED FOR ANOTHER YEAR.
As the balance on hand is less by $600 than it was a year ago, and as it will be necessary to provide for an additional school, with the added expense of teacher, janitor and fuel, the least sum to be appropriated by the Town should be $13,500. That amount would not leave any material margin for increase of salaries, as we believe the schedule of pay as now arranged is in the main honorable and just. What may be required for contingent expenses, we cannot correctly estimate, but would recommend the same appropriation as last year.
EXPENDITURES.
The contingent appropriation of the Town has been ex- pended to a considerable extent in making repairs and changes on several of the school buildings. During the long vacation the Highland School House and yard fences, and also the Centre School Building, were thoroughly painted. The work was done under contract by the lowest bidder. As the complaint of defective light in the upper rooms of the High School Building, occupied by the First Grammar School, became more decided, the Committee were fully persuaded that something effective ought to be done, the more so as the Principal, fearing permanent injury to herself, placed her resignation in the hands of the Committee. After hunting in vain for better and safer quarters, it was decided, as the wisest course, to expend a few hundred dollars in improving the spacious rooms so bitterly com- plained of. Experienced workmen were employed, and the six windows on the northern side were taken out and larger ones inserted, extending fifteen inches nearer the floor. The deep recesses, both externally and internally, were so slanted and remodeled as to bring the light more fully and pleasantly into the rooms. It has proved a judicious invest- ment and given entire satisfaction. Some money was expended in repairing the defects of the slated roof, and in
93
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
procuring new fire-pots and other costly items for the fur- naces. The fitting up of the new school room in the Town Hall required an outlay of about two hundred dollars. As it was necessary to use black-boards that could eventually be moved to another building, and as wooden ones quickly become smooth and are never fitted for good and easy work, it was thought best to purchase those made of soft slate. Though a little more expensive at first, we are sure they will be the cheapest in the end. They never need repairing and never wear out. The teacher and scholars are equally pleased with them.
Something was accomplished by way of ornamenting and improving the High School grounds. During the spring a choice lot of hardy shade trees was set, half the expense being paid by the Melrose Improvement Society. Also by the concurrent action of the Board with a Committee of the Town, the cost equally shared by each, substantial edge- stones were set along the school lot bordering on Emer- son street. The granite was furnished at a very low price, and the work well performed under wise supervision.
THE NEW SCHOOL.
As was intimated in the last Annual Report, it was found necessary soon after the March meeting to relieve some of the overflowing schools of the lower grades. This was accomplished by organizing a new school at the beginning of the Summer Term. In doing this the Committee were greatly perplexed in trying to find a convenient room in a suitable locality. Finally it was decided to take, till better accommodations could be provided, one of the apartments on the first floor of the Town Hall. As being the most acces- sible and feasible, the School Committee room was given up for that purpose. Without loss of time it was properly fur- nished and a school of fifty pupils set to work. It was made up of the first classes of Intermediates, and given the name of " Fourth Grammar," and placed under the charge of one of
94
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
our most experienced teachers. But in many respects it is a poor place for a school. The light comes in only from the east side of the room. There is also a great deal of noise by people passing through the halls to the Public Library, to the Water Commissioner's room, and other apartments. In spite of some expense to give good ventilation, the air soon becomes close and unhealthy. No proper playground can be provided for the children, and other necessary convenien- ces are quite unsuitable.
ANOTHER SCHOOL SOON NEEDED.
By referring to the statistical table, it will be seen that the whole number of scholars in all the schools at the close of the year of this report is 831. This is an increase of 57 over the previous year. As in all probability a large number of new houses will be built during the spring and summer, adding still more to our population, it is evident that another school, before the end of the year, will have to be organized. Three of the Primary Schools are already too large by at least twenty-five children. No doubt, at the opening of the Spring Term, each of these will be considerably increased. From forty-five to fifty little ones are generally more than enough for the best work of any teacher. Besides, the present school rooms in the Primary department, with one exception, are too small, cramped, and unhealthy for a larger number.
CORPS OF TEACHERS.
These comprise twenty-one in number, including the music teacher. They are the working force of our seventeen different schools. Several of the teachers have been employed in our town in their honored vocation for many years. Miss M. M. Gilman holds the priority. She has served in contin- uous teaching more than eighteen years; Miss Chastine Emerson more than seventeen; Miss L. W. Bisbee more than fourteen; Miss Julia M. Porter more than thirteen ; Miss Emma M. Cate more than twelve; Miss Susan Melcher
95
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
more than eight ; Mr. A. G. Whitman, Miss Emma A. Bugbee, and Miss Lydia Mendum, more than seven; Miss Hannah Lewis more than five, and Miss Alice Long more than four. As usual there have been several changes. Miss Myra A. Whitney has been transferred from the Highlands to the First Grammar, taking the place of Miss Dyke, who had been employed as assistant for two terms; and Miss Hannah F. Lewis from the Vinton-Street Primary to the Centre Primary, taking the place of Miss Barker, who had been elected to a position of higher salary in New Jersey.
THE NEW TEACHERS.
Those who have been chosen during the year, are Helen J. Barret, at the Centre Intermediate ; Alice B. Woodruff, at the Highlands ; Hannah K. Harden, at the Green-Street Lower; and Mrs. L. F. Dermot, at the Vinton-Street Prim- ary. They were thoughtfully selected from a large number of applicants, and seem thus far to be admirably adapted to their several positions. Personally, it would have been pleasing to the Board to have employed young ladies of our own town, who have graduated with honor at Normal Institutions ; but the best interests of our schools, with the liberal salaries paid, demanded, it was thought, the services of experienced and well-reputed teachers. Besides, we believe it is much better for new teachers to make a begin- ning among strangers, than among the old and critical acquaintances of their own town. Their chance of success is far greater.
SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS.
MUSIC.
This has been taught, in its elementary principles, during the entire year. Simple musical charts have been employed as aids in the lower grades, and a printed manual in the upper. Mr. Whiting, of Boston, has been continued as special teacher and supervisor in this department of public
96
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
instruction. He has evidently been very much interested in his work. His zeal and promptness could not well be surpassed.
PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
These embrace more than two hundred children, with an average age of about six years and ten months. Especial pains has been taken to make these among our best schools. It requires a very happy combination of personal magnetism and skill to be a good Primary teacher. A sweet voice, and a bright smile full of meaning, that can flash in a moment, are quite essential. The ability to write well, and draw nice outline pictures on the blackboard, with the right word- teaching at the same time, together with requisite talent to nicely lead in children's singing, can be found only in a favored few. Strange as it may seem, it is easier to find scores of excellent teachers for other grades, than one for this. The new mode by conversational teaching, with splints, blocks, picture charts, and simple words in script, has entirely superseded the old alphabetical method. No one can doubt that the new mode is decidedly superior. The old was dry, monotonous, slow and unmeaning. It was the mere memo- rizing of sounds. The new is natural, easy, rapid, stimulat- ing and pleasing. The child is taught that every word represents a distinct idea. The word and the idea are placed together before the eye. Pains are taken to make the school rooms bright and attractive.
Parents must bear in mind that new scholars or beginners are admitted to the Primary schools but twice a year: the first of March and the first of September. The last-named month is preferable, inasmuch as that is the commencement of the school year, and new classes are then formed.
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOLS.
There has been the usual amount of good work accom- plished in this important grade. The teachers are Helen J. Barrett, at the Centre, Alice H. Long, at the Vinton, and
97
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Mrs. K. W. Bascom, at the Lynde Street. None of these schools have been over-crowded since relieved by the forma- tion of the Fourth Grammar, which, as elsewhere referred to, is under the charge of Miss Chastine Emerson.
MIXED SCHOOLS.
The teachers of these are in no need of commendation. Their faithful work, like the sunlight, has borne witness of itself. Miss Mendum, at the Green-Street Upper, during the last four months, has had a maximum of forty-six pupils, and an average attendance of thirty-nine, plus. The average age has been ten years and eleven months.
Miss George, at the Upham Street, has had no serious rip- ple of discipline or complaint during the year. Her school has continued small. The maximum has been but thirty-six, and the present number is but twenty-eight. We notice that the average attendance for the year has been a little under eighty-six per cent, and the average age of the pupils, eight years and five months. We fear that a few of the parents do not sufficiently appreciate the importance of the regular attendance of their children. When a child is per- mitted to be off and on, - coming a week and staying away a week, - its progress must be slow, imperfect and poor. It lowers the whole standing of the school, and is a weight of injustice to others.
THE SECOND AND THIRD GRAMMAR SCHOOLS.
What was said a year ago needs only to be repeated with a stronger emphasis. The teaching and discipline in each has been thoroughly good. Were it possible for "experience to make perfect," we might think it nearly exemplified in the teaching of Miss Bisbee, Miss Porter, Miss Cate, and Miss Melcher. But the strongest and best workers may, after a while, come to a period of utter weariness and pros- tration. We are sorry to say that such has been the case with Miss Julia M. Porter. During the month of December, finding her health greatly impaired, she felt under the
98
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
necessity of asking the Board to furnish a substitute for the remainder of the school year. The request was freely granted. We sincerely hope that, by taking this long- needed rest, she will thoroughly recuperate, and, with renewed vigor, resume her work after the summer vacation.
FIRST GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
The Principal has maintained excellent order, and won the good-will of parents and pupils. Her methods of teach- ing and of discipline we regard as among the best of modern times, supplemented by the gentle and thorough work of the present assistant teacher. We take pride in commending this school to the friendly visits of all. The attendance during the year has been large, and must continue to increase in the years to come. The number that graduated and received diplomas at the end of the summer term was forty-two. We are glad to know that the most of these are now members of our High School.
As the elementary teaching of music is becoming more and more prominent as a branch of public instruction, it seems desirable that a musical instrument be furnished for the daily use of this large school. It would not only facili- tate the teaching of music, but add in many ways to the pleasure and profit of the school work. It is an auxiliary that is freely furnished to the best schools of adjoining towns.
HIGH SCHOOL.
Happily there has occurred during the year no break in the corps of teachers. Mr. Whitman, Miss Bugbee, and Miss Clark, have labored with fidelity, and accomplished their accustomed work. The different classes, not only in the higher English branches, but in the Latin, Greek, and French languages, have been thoroughly taught. No undue prominence has been given to any particular study. The incidental expenses of the school have been unusually small. No addition has been made to the chemical and philosophi-
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