USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Melrose > City of Melrose annual report 1879-1884 > Part 29
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The plates give an excellent idea of the present appearance of the abbey ; and from the many drawings of molds and mullions, niches, canopies, and carvings, details of the once beautiful and rich windows, and other portions, we are enabled to arrive at a very fair realization of the imposing aspect of this once wonderful and costly abbey.
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 time to time have appeared in the Melrose Journal.'
DONATIONS.
Books.
The Swedenborg Library
12 volumes. . G. W. Reynolds,
Daniel Jefferson
·
4 6.
S. Z. Bowman
·
1 66
Wm. L. Williams
1 66
W. Irving Ellis, The Melrose Journal
6 66
Samuel A. Green 1 66 Samuel Adams Drake, manuscript of " Around the Hub " 1 66 Holbrook Library 1 66 .
Tenth Census of the United States
1
The Census of Massachusetts 1 66
33
Papers.
The Literary World
Daniel Jefferson.
.
7
85
MELROSE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Pamphlets.
Annual Report of the Boston Public Library
1
66 Chicago
66 Beebe 66
Wakefield . 1
66 Bridgport
1
. 66 66 Lancaster 66
.
1
66
66 Malden
1
66 66 Manchester, N. H., Public Library
66
Newton Public Library
.
1
66 Peabody Institute
.
1
66
Stoneham Public Library .
1
66
Watertown
1
1
.
The Tuftonian
Official Gazette of the U. S. Patent Office . .
52
Wm. L. Williams : The Daniel Webster Eulogies
41
114
Number of pamphlets now in the library
676
STATISTICS FOR THE YEAR 1883.
Number of volumes in library January 1, 1883
5,109
66 60 purchased this year 342
66 66 donated 66 33
375
66
66 in library January 1, 1884 .
5,484
Number of persons using library January 1, 1883 .
1,327
cards issued this year . 307
66
relinquished this year 15
292
66 persons using library January 1, 1884 . 1,619
Largest number of volumes issued in one day
Smallest
:6
66 66
66
44
Average 66
66 66
on Saturdays
331
Whole 66 66
66 in March
2,943
66
66
66 in October
2,312
66
66
66 "' in December
2,618
66
" this year
28,258
·
445
66
66 on Mondays
82
66
66 Woburn
9
.
1
G
1 .6
86
MELROSE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Six hundred and nine books have been rebound, and fifty-nine 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- four days. It was closed three days,- Memorial Day, the 17th of June, and the 4th of July. There were twenty-three stormy days during the library year.
The Librarian and assistants have attended to the duties assigned them, in a manner satisfactory to the Trustees.
We respectfully request the following appropriation for the year 1884 : Five hundred dollars and the dog tax.
In behalf of the Trustees,
CHARLES C. BARRY,
FREDERIC KIDDER, ELBRIDGE H. GOSS, A. A. NICHOLS, HANNAH LYNDE, CHARLES C. BARRY, Trustees.
Secretary.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF MELROSE,
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1883.
MELROSE: PRINTED BY T. W. RIPLEY. 1884.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR 1883-84.
Chairman, CLIFTON FLETCHER .- Term expires March, 1886. Secretary, JULIUS S. CLARK 1885. 66
* THOMAS W. RIPLEY 66
1884.
MRS. S. W. BRADBURY 66
66 1884.
MRS. A. K. MILLER 66
66
1885.
MRS. J. G. ADAMS
66
66
1886.
SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS.
ELECTED.
SALA- RIES.
High
A. (+. Whitman
November, 1874.
$1,600
High
Emma A. J. Bugbee ..
November, 1874.
800
High .
Annette Clark ..
August, 1880
500
First Grammar ..
Harriett C. Fairbanks.
November, 1880
800
First Grammar.
Charlotte Bishop.
September, 1882 500
Sec. Grammar, Emerson St ..
Lucy W. Bisbee. (Present Sub., Belle Mitchel.)
May, 1867 ..
550
Sec. Gramınar Centre School, Third Grammar, Emerson St.
Alice Maud Swett.
December, 1882.
550
Susan D. Melcher
May, 1873 ..
550
Third Gram'r, Centre School, Fourth Gram., Centre School, Fourth Grammar, Grove St ..
Mary A. George
May, 1880. . 500
K. W. Bascom
September, 1878 500
Intermediate, Grove St.
Ella F. Norris
December, 1882.
450
Intermediate, Vinton St .:
Alice H. Long.
September, 1877.
475
Intermediate, Lynde St ..
Effie C. Sweetser
September, 1882. 450
Lower School, Green St. ..
Hannah K. Harden.
August, 1881.
450
Highland (mixed). .
C. E. Sewall.
August, 1883.
500
Upham Street (mixed)
C. L. Hollis
March, 1882
450
Primary, Lynde St
Mary E. Whitcomb
December, 1883.
450
Primary, Vinton St.
L. F. Dermnot ..
April, 1880.
450
Primary, Grove St .
Mary A. Hersey
August, 1883
450
Primary, Centre St.
H. F. Lewis
March, 1876
475
Converse School.
Hannah Gibbons
December, 1883.
400
Music Teacher.
Mr. C. E. Whiting.
September, 1879.
300
$132,25
JANITORS.
High School Building, Frank Mclaughlin Centre School Building, Charles T. Stevens Grove Street Building, Charles Valentine, Green Street Building, Joseph Simonds . Lynde Street Building, Wm. F. Serratt
$275
175
175
100
Vinton Street Building, Benjamin Stone
100
Upham Street School, Eri Upham
50
Highland School, John Singer .
50
Converse School, Joseph Emerson
50
$1,075
TRUANT OFFICERS.
Frank Mclaughlin.
Charles T. Stevens.
Supply day for schools, first Wednesday of each month, 11 A. M.
Regular meeting of School Board, second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, at 4.30 P. M.
* Elected December 1, in place of L. W. Gilman, resigned.
..
Lydia Mendum ..
November, 1874. 525
Upper School, Green St ..
Helen J. Barrett.
December, 1882 550
100
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
We present the following official Report, to which we respectfully invite the attention of the friends and citizens of Melrose : -
FINANCES.
Amount appropriated at the Annual Meeting $14,500
Balance from the previous year
250
Tuition received from Stoneham
450
Received from State and other sources
200
Total
. $15,400
Amount paid Teachers .
12,510
Janitors .
1,015
66
" Committee
325
66
66 for coal and wood
914
Total
· $14,764
Balance on hand Jan. 1, 1884 . 636
$15,400
AMOUNT NEEDED FOR THE ENSUING YEAR.
Teachers
· $13,225
Janitors
1,075
Committee
325
For coal and wood
1,000
For new schools
575
Total estimate
$16,200
We recommend for the current year of 1884 an appropria- tion of $15,500, in addition to the unexpended balance.
CONTINGENT EXPENSES.
There was appropriated, at the last March meeting, the sum of $2,300, and the balance on hand was $60.42. Some of the larger expenses during the year were for furnishing two new school-rooms, taking the sum of $500 or more ;
90
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
painting High School building, putting in new sinks and pipes, enlarging one school-room, repairing furnaces, etc., amounting to more than $400. Other expenses were : for rent of Boardman's Hall, enlarging the school-room at the Highlands, concreting walks around the lot on Grove Street, and numerous other things which we need not occupy space to mention. Balance left over is $80.
We recommend for contingent expenses for the current year an appropriation of $2,500. Undoubtedly two, if not three, new schools will have to be furnished, and probably two large furnaces for the High School building.
TOWN AGENCY.
This department of the school-work has been carefully and judiciously conducted. Being centrally located, it has afforded a convenient opportunity for pupils to buy their books at cost value. We give the following synopsis from Miss Carrie A. Eastman's Annual Report : -
Cost of books on hand at the beginning of the year . $252.26
Cost of books bought during the year . 761.69
Total amount. . $1,013.95
Amount sold and paid into Town Treasury . $789.66
Amount furnished teachers and indigent pupils 46.93
Amount of books on hand Jan. 1, 1884. 177.36
Total amount
. $1,013.95
TUITION MONEY FROM STONEHAM.
In our last Report, on pages 7 and 8, the obligation of Melrose to receive children from "Green Lane" into its schools, and charge their tuition to the Town of Stoneham, was fully explained, in order to prevent any future loss or embarrassment. It was shown that more than $1000, justly due to our Town, owing to lapse of time, could not now be legally collected. However, a bill for $450, covering the past six years, was carefully made up, and presented to the Town. We are happy to say that within a few weeks this
91
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
bill has been honored, and the money paid into our Treasury. We trust that henceforth prompt attention will keep this matter all right.
TEACHERS' INSTITUTE.
By request of Mr. J. T. Prince, one of the agents em- ployed by the State Board of Education, a Teachers' Insti- tute was held in Melrose on Tuesday, the 30th of October. The day was beautiful, and there was an attendance of nearly one hundred teachers and school-officers from Winchester, Stoneham, Wakefield, Reading, and our own town. Lectures, with practical illustrations in regard to the best methods of teaching mathematics, the principles of mechanics, the ele- ments of drawing, the art of reading, the proper construc- tion of language, and other topics, were given. While these lectures were, for the most part, a repetition of what is presented at every institute 'year after year, they were not altogether uninteresting or unprofitable. No doubt many of the teachers received valuable hints and suggestions, and some new inspiration to aid them in their wearisome work. At least, it was pleasant to see in one company so many thoughtful, intelligent persons whose daily employment is educating the hundreds of bright boys and girls in our own and neighboring towns. One of the best things furnished by the Institute was the historical and illustrated lecture of Dr. Boles, of Salem. This was given on Monday evening, preceding the Institute, and was free to the public. Owing, however, to a drenching rain, there were but few people present ; but these were richly repaid for braving the unfortunate storm.
NEW SCHOOL-HOUSE ON GROVE STREET.
This fine building was completed and ready for occupation at the beginning of the fall term. Prior to opening the same for school purposes, it seemed proper that some suitable action should be taken to mark an event so intimately con- nected with the educational interests of our town. Public notice was given, and on Saturday, September 1st, at the appointed hour, a small company of interested friends met
92
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
to enjoy the exercises planned for the occasion. These con- sisted of : Singing by a band of children ; Prayer of Dedica- tion and a short Address by Rev. Albert G. Bale ; Presen- tation of Edifice to care of School Board by J. O. Norris, one of the Building Committee ; Reponse by the Chairman, and some voluntary remarks by two or three visitors.
Ample opportunity was also given to inspect the build- ing, including the four large school-rooms, with their lofty ceilings, broad chimneys, and open fire-places. Not a few persons found their way down the stairways leading to the basement, and were gratified in walking upon the hard- cemented floor, and closely examining the heating and sanitary arrangements. With some minor criticisms, the general verdict seemed to be that the building was well planned, thoroughly constructed, and finely situated.
On the following Monday three of the new rooms echoed to the quick tread and merry voices of happy school chil- dren. One of the schools came from its old location in Boardman's Block ; one, from its former place in the Town Hall ; and one, a primary, was composed of new scholars.
HIGHLANDS.
This part of our town is rapidly growing. During the past season several new streets have been laid out, and some dozen or more new houses erected. Quite a number of these are large, substantial, and ornamental. There is every reason to believe that this wave of enter- prise will continue for a considerable time. It is quite safe to prophecy that the Highlands, from the very nature of things, will continue to grow. The residents, however, firmly believe there is one thing especially essential for their continued prosperity : the demand is urgent for better school accommodation. The Chairman is free to say he believes the time has now come when their demand should be generously met. The eligible lot purchased on Frank- lin Street more than a year ago should be crowned, the coming season, with a school building, modern, convenient, and architecturally pleasing. Such a building will give great satisfaction to the citizens at the Highlands, and tend
93
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
in no small degree to enhance the value of real estate. While the present necessity may not require more than two additional school-rooms, we think it will be wise and econo- mical to erect a building that shall afford ample accommoda- tion for several years to come.
FELLS.
This place is destined to be an important and growing section of Melrose. Some forty, more or less, neat and sub- stantial tenements have been erected during the past fifteen months, and are now occupied with thriving, industrial families. It would not be surprising if nearly as many more tenements made their appearance during the coming season. The number of children is already sufficiently large to necessitate the opening of a new school. Within a few weeks the Committee have taken measures to provide for this necessity. A pleasant and convenient room in the new Chapel Building, at the corner of Main Street and Converse Avenue, has been kindly granted for this purpose by the enterprising proprietors. The school will be called Converse School, and was opened at the beginning of the new year. Miss Hannah Gibbons, one of our Normal School graduates, has been engaged as teacher. It is not expected that the room provided can be retained only for temporary occupation. Within the near future a school building in this part of our town must be erected.
We take pleasure in saying that several months ago the School Board received an invitation from Hon. E. S. Con- verse to meet him at the Fells, take a view of what had been accomplished, also of the plan of new streets to be laid out. At that meeting the Committee were informed they might make a selection of almost any unoccupied lot deemed most desirable for a school building. It was understood that such a lot would be presented as a gift to the town. Preference seemed to concentrate on a locality on the west side of Washington Street, a short distance north of the Rubber Works. It was thought best, however, to defer a final decision till some further developments.
94
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
HIGH-SCHOOL BUILDING.
During the summer vacation there were made several improvements deemed most essential. The most expensive of these was having the outside of the building thoroughly painted. This was done by contract, the work being given to the lowest bidder. We are happy to state it was honor- ably done, and gives much satisfaction to the passing public. Owing to the large number of scholars in the First Grammar School, situated in the third story, it was found necessary to enlarge the room of the assistant teacher. This was accom- plished by moving back a partition and taking in a suitable space of a small, unoccupied room. Another desideratum was the need of water for drinking and other purposes acces- sible to each room in the building. Hitherto this article, whenever needed by teacher or pupil, could only be obtained by going into the basement. This caused no inconsiderable loss of time during the year, to say nothing of the weari- some toil of passing up and down so many flights of stairs, especially from the upper stories. Besides, during the winter, there were usually several weeks when the pipe would be frozen, and no water could be obtained, even in the basement. After mature consideration it was concluded the whole matter could be, and should be, remedied. Two plumbers were requested to estimate the expense, which was found to be somewhat less than one hundred dollars. Each handed in a written proposal, and the work was given to the lowest. The water-pipe was carried beneath the concrete in the cellar, near to one of the furnaces. Then it passed directly up through the small closets of each room. In each of these closets were placed cast-iron sinks, with self-closing faucets and other conveniences. This improve- ment is much appreciated.
There was another evil sought to be remedied. During heavy rains, or the melting of snow on the roof, water to some extent found its way occasionally into the basement, making some parts, for a short time, damp and unwhole- some. The janitor of the building suggested that possibly laying a course of concrete tight up to the underpinning
95
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
on the outside, where were deep crevices, would be the proper remedy. This was done ; but the cure is not perfect. It may be necessary to re-cement the cellar walls.
Considerable expense was laid out in repairing the fur- naces, in order that the large school-rooms should be suitably heated during the coldest days of winter; but under the present heating arrangements there will be, in spite of the best efforts of the janitor, a few severe days, with bitter cold winds, when the rooms will not be sufficiently warm. On such occasions children should be allowed to wear extra wraps ; and, if necessary, teachers will be justified in materi- ally shortening the sessions. It may be wise to put in larger furnaces the coming season. In this, as in all our school buildings, too much pains cannot be taken to have a constant supply of pure air. While the rooms here have especial means of ventilation, no doubt there can be added further improvement. The matter is receiving present con- sideration. We have mentioned these items that the citi- zens may know that the School Board have not been unmindful of their responsible duties.
TEACHERS.
We are happy to state there have been but few changes during the year. At the beginning of the fall term Miss Julia M. Porter, who had enjoyed a long rest, resumed her old position at the Centre School. But after teaching two months she was again compelled to resign, owing to feeble health, and this time without the promise, or even expecta- tion, of ever returning to her loved employment. For more than twelve years she had ranked among the foremost of our excellent teachers. After some deliberation, Miss Alice M. Swett, who had taught several years in the higher grade of schools before coming to Melrose, was given the vacant position. There is every reason to expect she will be able to keep the school up to the high standard of the past.
The first of September another resignation came before the Board. Miss Woodruff, who had taught just two years at the Highlands, resigned in order to accept a position in
96
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
one of the large schools in the city of New York. She had won a large place in the hearts of her pupils by the constant animation and good cheer which seemed to be an inseparable part of her being. Happily, the Committee were fortunate in filling this vacancy by securing the services of Miss C E. Sewall, the excellent substitute of Miss Porter during her long absence.
Finally, near the close of December, Miss L. W. Bisbee, after faithfully working as teacher for more than sixteen years, desired leave of absence till the beginning of the next fall term. Though regretting the necessity, this reasonable request was freely granted. To fill this important gap the Committee made choice of Miss Belle Mitchell, who had been principal of one of the large grammar schools in the city of Gloucester for six or seven years. It should also be noted that Miss Mary E. Whitcomb, a young lady of some experience in teaching, and whose friends have recently moved to our town, has been engaged as substitute during the winter term at the Lynde Street Primary, the vacancy being caused by the promotion of Miss Swett.
MUSIC.
We deem it necessary to add but a few words to what we said one year ago. Mr. Whiting has manifested the same zeal and fidelity with which he began his work in our schools over four years ago. While laboring under one disadvantage which somewhat interferes with perfection in music instruction, he has accomplished all that could reason- ably be expected. The small salary of $300, we believe, has been thoroughly earned. As the schools have increased in number, Mr. Whiting has found it necessary to give consid- erable additional time to his work among our pupils. In order that he may be remunerated in part for this extra labor, he will give, under approbation of the School Board, a choral concert some evening in the early spring.
97
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
SCHOOLS.
PRIMARY.
We have now four schools purely of this grade: viz. : H. F. Lewis, at the Centre, with forty pupils; L. F. Dermot, at Vinton Street, with fifty-one pupils; M. A. Hersey, at Grove Street, with forty-one pupils; and M. E. Whitcomb, at Lynde Street, with forty-one pupils,-making a total of one hundred and seventy-three. Besides these, there are no doubt in the four mixed schools at least seventy-seven others, making the grand total of two hundred and fifty. The average age of these little ones is a trifle over seven years.
UPHAM STREET.
One year ago this school had but twenty-one pupils. It has now thirty-five pupils, with a fair prospect of increasing still more the coming year. Miss C. L. Hollis, the teacher, continues to hold a warm place in the hearts of parents and children.
GREEN STREET.
Miss Mendum and Miss Harden are both progressive teachers. They have respectively forty-four and fifty-five pupils. These schools will be better graded and more efficient when a new school building shall be completed at the Highlands.
HIGHLANDS.
This large and ungraded school is now under the excel- lent teaching of Miss C. E. Sewall. The number of pupils continues to increase; there being now fifty-six, with an average attendance of fifty-two. During the summer vaca- tion the school-room was enlarged by removing the partition and taking in the long entry, and then building a new porch in front. This is a decided improvement, but not all that is needed.
98
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
INTERMEDIATE.
These are three in number, under the continued teaching of A. H. Long at Vinton Street, E. F. Norris at Grove Street, and Effie C. Sweetser at Lynde Street. The number of pupils, in the order given, are thirty-four, fifty-three, and fifty-five, or in all one hundred and forty-two. It will be seen that the Vinton Street school is rather too small, while the other two are rather too large. It is a difficult matter to equalize these schools, because parents living on the east side of the railroad are unwilling to send children eight and nine years of age over the track to the west side.
FOURTH GRAMMAR.
There has been no change in teachers, and no change in the character of the work of these schools. Miss George, at the Centre, has but thirty-one pupils, being fifteen less than one year ago; making it, at the present time, the smallest school among our whole number. On the other hand, Mrs. Bascom, at the new building has forty-six pupils, being a gain of two over that of last year. Both teachers are too well known and appreciated to need words of praise.
THIRD GRAMMAR.
There is nothing new to mention in these two schools. The teachers, with their remarkable, quiet persistency, have made their cheerful rooms " busy hives." Miss S. D. Melcher, at the Emerson Street, has "earned a good degree" by over ten years of continuous teaching; while Miss H. J. Barrett, at the Centre, has, with far less experience, made a com- mendable record. We hope it will be a long time before either, by the enticement of higher pay, will wander off to Cambridge or New Haven.
SECOND GRAMMAR.
These two schools have recently come under the care of new teachers. As they are the only feeders of the next grade above, we are more than anxious that they continue to main- tain the excellent standard of the past. It would certainly be wrong to question the ability of such tried and experienced teachers as Miss Swett and Miss Mitchel.
99
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
FIRST GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
A new book on Physiology has been introduced, being, it is thought, better adapted to scholars of this grade than the larger one previously used. "The People's Cyclopædia of Universal Knowledge," in three royal volumes, has also been purchased, and placed under the care of the Principal as a permanent work of reference.
The number of pupils in this school is now eighty-four, and the space of the main room is fully occupied. The dis- cipline has continued unexceptionally good, and the method of teaching thorough and stimulating.
HIGH SCHOOL.
Nothing has disturbed the harmony and good work of this school since out last Report. The zeal and fidelity of the same corps of teachers have secured all the results that could reasonably be expected. More than usual effort has been exerted to secure correct composition and penmanship. A pleasing feature of the closing examination was the presenta- tion, according to previous announcement, of a few valuable prizes.
A committee of the Franklin Fraternity, consisting of T. B. Peck, C. C. Barry, and S. H. Buttrick, awarded the first prize in English Composition to Miss Grace A. Small, and the second to Misses Lillie A. Atwood and Agnes Drake.
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