USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Melrose > City of Melrose annual report 1879-1884 > Part 5
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1
Totals
16,978}
61,081}
8,107
84
11
68
8
Upham
...
3,283
5
. . . .
2
...
.
.
2
1
.
.. .
372
. . . .
. . . .
1
376
422
...
. .
. . . .
1
Seventh
. . . .
...
51
251
534
387
2
1
...
376
216
1
1
1
1
. .. .
422
1
1
87
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS.
WATER RATES.
DWELLING-HOUSES.
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
88
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 watering 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 ten hours
a day, for each horse-power . $6 00
BUILDING PURPOSES.
For every cask of lime or cement used . .
$0 05
.
.
89
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 build- ings 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, Water / W. IRVING ELLIS, commissioners.
J. R. SIMONDS,
90
Dr. GEORGE NEWHALL, Treasurer, in Account with Commissioners of Melrose Water Loan Sinking Fund. Cr.
1878.
To cash received as surplus from water fund for year 1873 cash received as surplus from water fund for year 1877 .
$3,635 00
1878. Aug. 17,
By paid for United States registered 42 per cent bonds, - Three of $1,000 each One of $500 $3,000 00 500 00 .
Sept. 1,
1
1
Dee.
170 62
1879.
331 60
Mar. 1,
cash received as interest on bonds
236 22
June
Sept. 1,
Dec. 1,
1880.
Jan. 6,
cash received from J. D. Wildc ..
.
.
33 34
$4,002 72
$4,002 72
Respectfully submitted.
E. and O. excepted. JAN. 17, 1880.
GEO. NEWHALL, Treasurer, Water Loan Sinking Fund.
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS.
paid premium on above paid for cash-book cash on hand
.
-
50
.
.
.
98 16
$3,500 00
NINTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE
TRUSTEES OF THE MELROSE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
REPORT.
-
THE Trustees of the Public Library respectfully submit their Ninth Annual Report.
We have found ourselves hampered during the entire year by the action of the town at its annual meeting in reducing by one-half the appropriation requested. The sums asked for from year to year have been such as were requisite for the proper support and maintenance of the library under judicious and economical administration. When the town has seen fit to appoint a committee to examine the various departments and their appropriations, with a view to retrenchment, your Trustees have always welcomed the opportunity to explain the library work, and the uses to which the money is put ; and it may be added that no committee, after such investigation, has failed to rec- ommend the granting of the moderate requests of the Trustees. We therefore have reason to regret that the action of the town in respect to this particular appropriation was hasty and ill considered.
For the present year we ask a considerate hearing, a critical exam- ination of the library and its work, and such reasonable appropriation for its support as will maintain its efficiency as a part of the system of public education.
We have now one book apiece for each inhabitant of the town. One-fifth of the library is continually in circulation ; and, in conse- quence, during this year we have been compelled to rebind, at consid- erable expense, one-seventh of all the books.
Col. Parker, in his talks on education, referred to the co-operation of the public schools with the Public Library ; and the teachers of Mel- rose will do themselves credit, and their pupils a great kindness, if, in teaching geography, history, philosophy, or general literature, they keep short lists of the best books in the library for reference in con- nection with the lessons or topics of the term. This plan is adopted
94
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
to some extent by the professors in Harvard University in connection with its extensive library.
In the departments of history, biography, and the sciences, we need extensive additions to our shelves ; and while in some sections the library is supplied with many of the best books, and is therefore fitted to rank with the larger libraries in practical benefit to this community, yet, as has been stated, your Trustees have found themselves unable to carry out plans looking to the proper development of these depart- ments, on account of the diminished appropriation.
Many citizens complain that the library-room is so crowded that they find it a hardship to secure books: this must be the case at times for the present, until we are able to have the library kept open through the entire week. On Saturday evenings, when almost invari- ably, in winter and summer alike, between three hundred and four hundred and fifty persons congregate, it must necessarily crowd the room ; but on Monday evenings a crowded room is a rare occur- rence, and the most hurried townsman may select his books, and reach his home without tiresome delays.
In this connection the need of a reading-room, which would natu- rally obviate the difficulty spoken of, suggests itself. The adjoining room, originally intended for the library, and in part prepared for that purpose, still remains comparatively unused, awaiting its legitimate occupants. When the town sees fit to grant the use of this room for a reading-room, we have no doubt that papers and magazines enough to fully furnish the same would freely be contributed by the citizens. We annex the statistics for the year 1879, and a list of donations. To the donors of books, pamphlets, and papers, we extend our thanks.
DONATIONS. - Books.
DONORS.
The Genealogies and Estates of Charlestown. 2
vols. Thomas Bellows Wyman . .
H. N. Perkins.
Catalogue of Beebe Twon Library, Wakefield . . Trustees.
Sermons on the death of George Washington . . Mrs. Beal.
Dedication of the Town Hall, Wayland .
. H. B. Braman.
Pamphlets.
Lancaster Library .
1
Woburn Library
1
.
Cleveland Library .
3
Amount carried forward .
5
95
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Amount brought forward .
5
Boston Library
Watertown Library
1
Worcester Library .
1
Newton Library .
1
Chicago Library
1
Peabody Institute Library
1
Tufts College Library
1
Malden Library
1
C. D. Bradlee
1
Whole number of pamphlets now in the library, 180.
Papers.
" The Literary World" . Daniel Jefferson.
STATISTICS.
Number of volumes in library Jan. 1, 1879
3,927
Number of volumes purchased this year . .
176
Number of volumes donated this year
5
181
Number of volumes in library Jan. 1, 1880
4,108
Number of persons using library Jan. 1, 1879
2,513
Number of cards issued this year . 227
Number of cards relinquished this year .
15
212
Number of cards using library Jan. 1, 1880
2,725
Largest number of volumes issued in one day . 468
Smallest number of volumes issued in one day (stormy),
29
Average number of volumes issued Mondays . .
97
Average number of volumes issued Wednesdays and Sat- urdays 249
Whole number of volumes issued in March 3,613
Whole number of volumes issued in June 2,302
Whole number of volumes issued in September
2,273
Whole number of volumes issued in December
2,371
Whole number of volumes issued this year
30,940
Increase number of volumes issued this year
59
1
14
96
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
The library has been open parts of one hundred and fifty-six days ; viz., Wednesday and Saturday afternoons and evenings, and Monday evenings. It has been closed once this year on a public holiday.
Five hundred and eighty-four volumes have been rebound this year, and sixty-two volumes worn out in service have been replaced.
Among the gifts we acknowledge with pleasure an engraving from Rothermel's portrait of Washington, presented by Mrs. A. F. Sum- ner. There have also been added to our collection lithographis of James Russell Lowell and Oliver Wendell Holmes. These are now framed and hung upon the walls, adding much to the appearance of the library.
· In looking over the statistics, it may be well to compare the use made of our institution by the people with reports from other towns : -
TOWN.
Number of Volumes.
Inhabitants.
Circulation.
Watertown
11,547
5,100
29,424
Lancaster
11,391
12,175
Wakefield
6,389
5,400
29,214
Stoneham
5,848
5,000
18,098
Melrose, 1878
3.927
4,100
30,855
Melrose, 1879
4,108
4,326
30,940
* Open every day and evening.
It may readily be seen, that, comparing ourselves for instance with our neighbors in Stoneham, twice as many of our citizens use the Public Library, and we have nearly twice the circulation, though we have nearly two thousand volumes less than Stoneham, about fifteen hundred less inhabitants, and a smaller appropriation for the support of the library.
The appropriations made by Stoneham in 1878 were as follows : Books, $300 ; incidentals, $250; library catalogne, $500; and the dog tax.
1879 : Books, $300; incidentals, $250; catalogue, $100; a small extra appropriation for insurance ; and the dog tax.
It is not proper to make comparisons, unless we take into considera- tion the size of the library, and the actual use made of its privileges each year.
97
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
The cost of rebinding the worn books for the current year is $150 ; while printing, incidental expenses, and salaries of librarian and assistants, amount to $275 more. These are the expenses, which can- not be reduced, unless you close the doors of the library.
At the present time there are a large number of books worn out in service, unfit either for circulation or rebinding. There is no money in the hands of the Trustees, and the appropriation has been exhausted. The dog tax for 1879 is not yet in the hands of the Town Treasurer, and we are therefore compelled to await with composure the arrival of March meeting.
We do not propose to create indebtedness for the town to assume ; and therefore those citizens who are constantly inquiring for books which never appear, must resolve to be patient.
The Trustees request of the town an appropriation of five 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, 1
Trustees.
Dr.
The MELROSE PUBLIC LIBRARY in Account with E. H. Goss, Treasurer.
Cr.
98
1879.
$26 52
Jan. 25,
To cash paid C. F. Jewett & Co., books
$10 00
Jan. 22,
By balance from account 1878-79 cash from Town Treasurer, dog tax, 1878 .
419 24
Mar. 13,
B. P. Smith, books
.
.
8 40
May 28,
Librarian, for fines
57 34
26,
1
Dec. 31,
S
66 G. B. Sargent, ribbons
1 00
Nov. 29,
1
.
Little, Brown, & Co., books
6 40
Apr. 5,
16,
Miss Carrie M. Worthen, Librarian
200 00
Dec. 22,
Lockwood, Brooks, & Co., books
75
Apr. 16,
L. B. Wilder & Co., printing
8 50
16,
L. F. Lawrence & Co., blank-book
1 75
22,
J. J. W. Reeves, books
1 50
May 7,
1,
A. W. Lovering, books
122 10
Dec. 31,
S
1
W. Small, books .
52 82
Dec. 31,
Holbrook & Lefreniere, gas-burners
1 70
June 25,
D. Clapp & Co., books
.
.
2 00
July
1,
Eastman's express
4 16
Jan.
1,'80. 5
A. G. Brown, printing
5 00
Aug. 13, 23,
Robert Burlen, binding books
19 55
23,
Babb & Stephens, printing .
.
20 00
Oct.
2,
W. L. Williams, books
2 00
2,
Estes & Lauriat, books
42 27
2,
S. Roberts, books
3 00
Nov. 17,
Harper & Brothers, books
3 45
29,
60
F. M. Goss, books
4 67
Dec.
10,
..
F. G. Barker, printing
7 50
12,
66
Houghton, Osgood, & Co., books
5 00
12,
C. Taylor, repairs
5 45
1880.
H. N. Cass, frames ·
7 00
May
1,'79.
15 36
Jan. 22,
P. O. box, extra help, pens, matches, labels, stamps, mucilage, paper, &c. Balance on hand .
5 17
$707 25
MELROSE, Jan. 22, 1880.
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, Jan. 31, 1880.
JOHN LARRABEE, Town Clerk.
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
·
·
5 00
Mar. 22,
14,
Lee & Shepard, books
P. D. Meston, binding books ·
·
127 75
16
Librarian, for catalogues
4 15
July 23,
66
16,
Apr. 5,
1
Town Treasurer, annual appropria- tion .
$707 25
.
May
26,
8 00
28,
S. F. Oliver, gas-fitting
.
.
.
1879.
.
Jan. 22,'80.
·
200 00
· .
May 16,
.
.
Jan. 22,
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF MELROSE,
FOR
THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1879.
BOSTON : REYNOLDS & DUNTON, PRINTERS. 1880.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE. - 1879-80.
ROYAL P. BARRY, Chairman. LA FAYETTE BURR, Secretary. MOSES S. PAGE. MISS P. A. NORRIS.
MRS. M. W. CURRIER. MRS. ANN M. KUNHARDT. REV. CLIFTON FLETCHER .* * Elected July, 1879, Mr. Burr resigning.
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
High
Emma A. J. Bugbee
November, 1874.
750
High
Frances M. Henshaw
March, 1878.
500
First Grammar
Caroline E. Southwick . Lydia C. Nye
May,
1879.
450
· Second Grammar, Emerson St.
Lucy W. Bisbee
May,
1867.
550
Second Grammar, Centre .
Julia M. Porter
May,
1868.
550
Third Grammar, Emerson St. .
Susan D. Melcher .
May,
1873.
530
Third Grammar, Centre .
Emma M. Cate
October,
1869.
530
Intermediate, Centre .
Chastine Emerson .
May,
1864.
450
Intermediate, Vinton Street
Alice H. Long
September, 1877.
400
Intermediate, Lynde Street
K. W. Bascom
September, 1878.
400
Upper School, Green Street
Lydia Mendum
November, 1874.
480
Lower School, Green Street
Clara J. Nichols
September, 1878.
400
Highlands (mixed)
M. A. Whitney
September, 1878.
400
Upham Street (mixed)
M. W. Batchelder .
September, 1878.
400
Primary, Lynde Street
M. M. Gilman
May,
1863.
450
Primary, Vinton Street
Hannah F. Lewis
March,
1876.
450
Primary, Centre .
Florence B. Howland
November, 1878.
400
Music-teacher
C. E. Whiting
September, 1879.
275
.
September, 1877.
600
First Grammar
.
..
REPORT.
TO THE CITIZENS OF MELROSE.
Your Committee beg leave to present the following report of the condition of your public schools for the year ending Dec. 31,1879: -
CHANGES IN THE SCHOOL BOARD.
During the first two months of the year we had the benefit of the services of Mr. E. W. Burdett as a member of the Board ; but at the annual March election Mrs. M. W. Currier was declared elected in his place. At the same time Miss Norris and Mrs. Kunhardt were re-elected, - the former for two years, and the latter for three years. At the end of the school-year we were obliged to accept the resignation of Mr. Burr, who felt compelled to withdraw, owing to pressing business duties. We suffered him to do so with great regret. At a joint meeting of the Selectmen and School Committee held shortly afterward, Rev. Clifton Fletcher was elected to the vacant position. At the close of the year, Mrs. Currier resigned, having accepted a position which calls her away from Melrose during school-hours. Her experience on the Board, and general fitness for the posi- tion, made her services valuable to the town; and it is to be regretted that they could not be retained. A joint meeting of the School Committee and Selectmen has been called to fill the vacancy .*
RESIGNATIONS OF TEACHERS.
The schools have been less disturbed from this cause than they were last year. In the First Grammar School we have
* At the meeting above alluded to, Mrs. Marietta W. Seaver was elected to fill the position.
102
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
lost the services of Miss Friend, the principal, who, during the year spent in that position, did good work, and made herself much beloved by parents and pupils. The only other resigna- tion is that of Miss Lydia C. Nye, assistant in the same school. . who has just left us on account of ill health.
SCHOOL-BUILDINGS.
We are able to report the condition of your buildings as better than for some years past. At the High School concrete walks have been laid in place of the old plank-walks, which had become really dangerous. During the long vacation the building was thoroughly cleansed, and the walls recolored. The Green-street and Vinton-street schoolhouses have been painted inside and outside, the fences and outbuildings repaired and painted. The Lynde-street schoolhouse has also been painted on the outside. At the Highlands concrete walks and · sidewalks have been laid, and the building repaired.
NEEDED REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS.
The Highland and Upham-street schoolhouses need painting outside and inside, and the Lynde-street needs painting or graining on the inside. This being done, all the school- buildings will be in a state of quite thorough repair. We beg to call your attention again to the fact that the grounds of the High and Centre Schools should be neatly and substantially fenced, and shade-trees planted. The expense will not be great, and it can be done the coming year as well as at any other time. We should have had it done the past year, but were restrained by the fear of exceeding your appropriation, which, indeed, we had no desire to do.
TEXT-BOOKS.
We have introduced Harper's School Geography in place of Guyot's, and Harper's Introductory in place of Mrs. Hall's " Our World." We have also introduced the Franklin Arith- metics, edited by Messrs. Walton & Seaver, in place of Eaton's. We made these changes, because the text-books introduced are,
103
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
in our opinion, undeniably better in every respect than the ones displaced. Following the custom of the past few years, we have only introduced them in the classes which were forced to buy new books by reason of their promotion. In this way the change has been made without extra expense to the parents or the town, save in a few cases, where pupils failed of promotion.
MUSIC.
At the end of the school-year, Mrs. Bordman, who has served so acceptably as music-teacher for the past five years, sent in her resignation. Knowing with what unusual enthusiasm she has pursued her vocation, and how successful she has been in arresting and engrossing the attention of the children in their lessons, we had reason to think we should find it difficult to fill her place ; but we were fortunate enough to secure the services of Mr. C. E. Whiting, who has shown equal enthusiasm, and achieved very good results. At his suggestion we have intro- duced Mason's Music Reader as a regular text-book in the school course, which of course has tended to systematize the instruction. and permits a regular progression in the study of the topic as the scholar moves from grade to grade.
SCHOOL SESSION.
The plan adopted last year of continuous sessions for five days, with Saturday as a full holiday, has been continued, and meets with general approval. We believe there is no desire for a change on the part of parents, scholars, or teachers. In De- cember a petition was received from the parents of pupils in the First Grammar School in favor of a single session ; but, after a full discussion, it was voted inexpedient to grant the request. The only reason which could be advanced in favor of the change, which seemed entitled to consideration, was the imperfect light toward the close of the afternoon session on short winter days in this upper room; but, in the opinion of a majority of the Committee, the evils of the long five-hour ses- sion, which are so patent that it is hardly necessary to enumer- ate them, should be considered more than an offset.
104
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
It seems better on every account to have the usual interval between the sessions, during which time the large majority of the scholars can go to their homes, get a good noonday meal, and return to their afternoon tasks rested and refreshed.
It is sometimes asked, Why is not this reasoning equally ap- plicable to the High School ? And the only answer to this is : That, as the pupils become older, they have their household duties to perform; and the double session would leave little time wherein to perform them. Again : as much of the study- ing in this grade must be done at home, it is urged that the afternoon is better for this purpose than the evening. This may readily be admitted ; but one may be permitted to doubt whether any greater harm could come to the pupils from studying even- ings, than from attending dancing-parties, theatres, and other evening amusements. In other countries a young lady is not supposed to enter society before she leaves school; with us it appears to be otherwise. So far as your Chairman is concerned, he would be glad to see the double session introduced into the High School ; and he has not much doubt that the health of pupils and teachers would be benefited by the change.
SALARIES AND APPROPRIATIONS.
Regarding salaries of your teachers, we have made trifling ad- ditions during the past year to the salaries of but four teachers. The others remain unchanged from last year. By referring to the statistical table which precedes this report, you will be able to see at a glance the amounts paid to each, with dates of ser- vice, &c.
We must call your attention to the fact that some of our best teachers have served the past year at salaries which are only justified by "hard times " and " general distress." It must now be borne in mind that " times have improved ;" the cost of living has also advanced ; and some moderate advance must, in justice, be made the coming year. At the last March meeting the sum of $12,500 was voted for salaries of teachers and janitors, and for fuel, &c., and $1,700 for contingent expenses. We have been able to come within these appropriations. If you will
105
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
refer to last year's report, you will find this language used : "Carrying the year forward to its usual termination (March 1), it will be found that the main appropriation will be ex- ceeded, perhaps, $600." This being a deficiency in the future, and not apparent in the financial statement, no appropriation for meeting it was made, save that made in your appropriation of $12,500. We are glad to say, however, that, owing to the low price paid for fuel, and also to saving in other directions, we now carry forward a balance into next year that will nearly expunge the deficiency above named.
It has been suggested, that, inasmuch as our fiscal year ends with December, it is desirable to appropriate only such sums as will be sufficient to carry our schools to Jan. 1, 1881. This, of course, involves running them on credit for the months of January and February ; but, if the Treasurer sees no objec- tion to this, we do not propose to raise any. We therefore recommend for the remainder of the fiscal year an appropria- tion of $11,000, and for contingent expenses the sum of $1,700 ; these sums, of course, in addition to the balances carried for- ward from last year.
THE PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
Feeling that the best way to increase the efficiency, and raise the standard, of our public schools, was to raise them from the lowest grades, your Committee have paid particular atten- tion during the past to the primary schools. They have been under the special care of Miss Norris and Mrs. Kunhardt.
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