USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Quincy > Inaugural address of the mayor, with the annual report of the officers of the city of Quincy for the year 1896 > Part 16
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One-year certificates Mechanical, 8 : Free-hand, 6.
Two-year diplomas Mechanical, 2; Free-hand, 1. .
The school opened Oct. 5, and has enrolled 32 pupils. The Mechanical class have been studying orthographieal pro- jection from models, practical examples of building construc- tion from sketches as applied to stone work and carpentry. The free-hand class has drawn from models ; geometrical solids, natural and conventional ornament, and casts from the antique.
27
GRAMMAR SCHOOL GRADUATION.
This Board was fortunate in securing Miss Sarah L. Arnold, Supervisor, Boston, to give the address at the graduat- ing exercises of the Grammar Schools. Both parents and pupils were delighted with Miss Arnold's practical, intensely interesting, and sympathetic talk. The 256 graduates of the eight schools furnished the six vocal selections, but took no other part in the exercises. As these six choruses had been learned as part of the regular work in music during the second half of the school year, the present method of graduation in no way interfered with the regular daily work.
The exercises were opened by your Superintendent who urged upon the pupils the necessity of securing the highest and broadest possible education. He called the attention of the graduates and their parents to the many advantages offered in the High school where they were then assembled. After the Superintendent, His Honor, Charles Francis Adams, 2d, Mayor of Quincy, extended his greetings and congratulations. The diplomas, after introductory remarks by the Chairman of the Board, were presented by the special sub-committee of each school as follows :
Adams, . 42
Quincy, . 32
Coddington,
35
Washington, 22
John Hancock, 24 Willard, . 42
Lincoln, . 25
Wollaston, 34
For programme see appendix.
GENERAL MEETINGS AND WORK.
February. John T. Prince, Agent State Board of Education. March. J. S. Cooley, Representing Silver, Burdett & Co.'s Vertical Writing System.
March. H. W. Lull, Superintendent.
March. Marshall L. Perrin, Boston University.
April. Henry T. Bailey, Agent State Board of Education.
April. Walter Scott Parker, Supervisor, Boston.
September. H. W. Lull, Superintendent.
28
These meetings, together with those of the Quincy Teach- ers' Association have been entirely voluntary, and therefore, the large attendance has been particularly pleasing.
The Grammar masters have a club that meets in the office of the Superintendent on the third Thursday evening of each month to discuss all matters relating to their work.
In addition to the reading of educational magazines and periodicals and also the standard magazines of the day, 78 of our teaching corps have reported that during 1896 they have devoted themselves to courses of professional reading, to private or class lessons on general subjects, to lectures, to attendance at summer schools, or to some other work which indicates an ex- pansion and growth that must increase their value as teachers. A long list of pedagogical books has been returned as read, modern languages have been begun or reviewed, lessons in music, drawing, sloyd, and geography have been taken, lectures on literary and historical subjects attended, and all these at a considerable individual expense. When we remember that our average salary is so small, that even minor expenses must be carefully scrutinized by the teachers, they certainly deserve the congratulations and the thanks of the community.
To be more explicit, it may be of interest to know that 28 have done professional reading, 25 have attended lecture courses, 22 have taken private or class lessons, and three have been students of the summer courses at Harvard.
Furthermore, several of the teachers have taken their classes to Boston, and with them visited many scenes of histori- cal interest, important buildings, museums, and other places of educational value. Means of transportation for those who could not otherwise go, have been provided through the influ- ence of the teachers. When we remember that we are at the very door of Boston, these excursions may seem unnecessary, but it is a fact that a large number, even in the highest gram- mar grades, have no personal knowledge of the city beyond a famililarty with a few stores.
During the year three of the Principals have added, by means of money obtained by public entertainments, to the
29
resources of their building. These additions are books, pictures or busts. As this method has taken none of the time of the pupils in school hours and has required nothing of them outside, save the selling of a few tickets, it in no way detracts from their regular school work; but, on the other hand, it tends to increase their interest and also that of their parents.
MASSACHUSETTS FIELDS.
"In the northern portion of Quincy, near Squantum, there was a region known from time immemorial as the Farms Distriet.' It was a broad plain some distance south of the Ne- ponset, and lying between the bay front and the swamps through which the line of the Old Colony Railroad was run. In all Massachusetts there was no site of greater historical interest than this, for from it the Commonwealth may, in some sense, be said to have derived its name. Writing in 1633, William Woods said of it, 'This place is called Massachusetts Fields, where the greatest Sagamore in the country lived, before the plague, who caused it to be cleared for himself.' Accordingly it was to this point that Miles Standish and his fellow explorers from Ply- mouth directed their course when, on the 29th of September, 1621, they made their first visit to the country of the Massachu- setts. It was the central gathering place-at once the play field and the muster-ground of that 'goodly, strong, and well- proportioned people' whom the redoubtable Captain John Smith described as being 'very kind, but in their fury no less valiant'."-Charles Francis Adams.
On this historical spot -- "the spot which was to the Massa- chusetts what the Isthmian Fields were to the Greeks" has been erected a nine-room school room building in which Quincy may justly take great pride. To perpetuate the historic associations just referred to, the name Massachusetts Fields has been cut in polished granite, and the tablet has been affixed to the front wall of the building.
30
GRIDLEY BRYANT.
"On June 17, 1825, the corner stone of Bunker Hill Monu- ment had been laid by Lafayette. The occasion was a men- orable one, and among those who took part in it, was Gridley Bryant, a builder by trade, but also a self-educated engineer. Born in Scituate in 1789, Bryant was at this time thirty-six years old; and in the ceremony of laying the corner-stone, he officiated as master-builder. A man of the George Stephenson type, inventive, energetic, and full of resource, -- Bryant had read accounts of what was then going on in England, and be- thought himself how hecould turn it to use in the work he had in hand here."
"That work was the building of the monument ; and long after its completion he thus told his own story: . I had purchased a stone quarry for the express purpose of procuring the granite for con- structing this monument. This quarry was in Quincy, nearly four miles from water-carriage. This suggested to me the idea of a railroad. Accordingly, in the fall of 1825 I consulted gentlemen of Boston regarding it. They thought the project visionary and chimerical ; but, being anxious to aid the Bunker Ilill monument, consented that I might see what could be done. I awaited the meeting of our Legislature, and after every delay and obstruction that could be thrown in the way, I finally ob- tained a charter. Unfavorable as the charter was, it was admit- ted that it was obtained by my exertions. I surveyed several routes from the Bunker Hill quarry to the nearest tide-water; and finally the present location was decided upon. On the seventh day of October, 1826, the first train passed over the whole length of the road."
"At the time, Bryant's work excited an almost unequalled interest throughout the country, and it is still mentioned in every school history of the United States as the commencement of an epoch. The really memorable thing about the railroad for horse-power was his ingenuity in devising the 'appliances neces- sary to its successful operation .* Bryant died quite poor in 1867."-Memorial History of Boston.
*The road was four miles in length, including branches and cost $50,000.
31
Near the scene of Gridley Bryant's labor the companion building of the Massachusetts Fields has been erected. Charles Francis Adams writes in his Three Episodes :- "There were two problems still unsolved : one related to hauling and dressing the rock ; the other to its carriage. Both of these prob- lems Solomon Willard and Gridley Bryant solved. While Wil- lard laid open the quarry and devised the drills, the derricks, and the shops, Bryant was building a railway."
As Quincy had already shown her appreciation of Solomon Willard by naming the huge school building, erected in 1891- 92 in the very centre of his life work, the Willard, what could be more appropriate than calling this later addition the Gridley Bryant ?
Because of these intensely interesting historical associa- tions, it has seemed best to incorporate these brief sketches here that the citizens may recall and glory in the achievements of other days. However true it may be that "A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and in his own house ;" it is certainly true that it is not "the stranger within our gates" who knows the least about Quincy.
The two new houses have been built from the same plans and specifications, and with the exception of the heating ap- paratus, are identical. In each case, however, the heating is by both direct and indirect steam, and therefore the apparatus dif- fers in each only in minor details. The dry-closet and the ven- tilating systems have been successfully tried in Quincy. In fine, the buildings received the written approval of the State Board.
If the comparatively small amount of money paid for these houses, is kept in mind, their solidity, beauty, convenience and general utility are remarkable and reflect great credit on the executive department that delivered them to this Board.
The cuts of the first and second floors herewith submitted will show the general plans .* Each building contains nine schoolrooms besides the teachers' room and the principal's office. The average seating capacity of each room is 50 and therefore each building will accommodate 450 without crowd- *See Appendix for floor plans.
32
ing. The pupils' chairs and desks are adjustable. As many parents have no opportunity of knowing or seeing the advan- tages of this improved furniture, it may be well to say that not only do children vary widely in age and size ; but also in pro- portional development of trunk and limbs as regards length, and in body as regards girth. To meet these wide divergencies the desk is so constructed that it can be raised or lowered, and the chair has, in addition to these changes, a forward or back- ward movement and, if the teacher so desires, a half turn to the right or left. In the close competition, this furniture was se- cured at only a nominal advance on the cost of non-adjustable.
The citizens of the two districts have presented the schools with flags.
MISCELLANEOUS.
On all sides there are radical new departures, an epidemic of change, and a trial of new methods, devices and theories. The temptation, therefore, is great to "go and do likewise." In spite, however, of the risk of being charged with physical para- lysis or mental apathy (perhaps atrophy), novelties and fads have been left for experimentation to richer municipalities, while the effort here has been to strengthen the old lines of work. A course of only eight years below the High school demands that every minute be utilized.
To this end, the course in arithmetic has been carefully revised and concentrated, so that the advanced work may be completed as early as February of the eighth year. An entirely new course in language for the eight grades has been prepared and printed, and a new text book, selected after thorough ex- amination and the unanimous approval of all the principals, has been adopted for the eighth grade.
The work in music has been so changed in the lowest grade that less technical matter is taught, while the number of sweet, joyous and instructive note songs has been increased. £ By this plan it is hoped that a greater love of music will be inspired and the time given to it will be more restful to the little ones.
33
This year it has been possible to give the senior class of the High school individual work in cooking. By making use of one section of the chemical laboratory Mrs. Wade, at a slight extra expense, has been able to accommodate all who are willing to remain one afternoon per week. The time required to pre- pare and cook the articles in the schedule was so long, that it could not be taken from the regular school hours. Nearly all the young ladies of the class of '96 volunteered, promised con- stant attendance, and completed the course.
The plan, adopted last year, of having a teacher of drawing to take entire charge of this branch in the High school during two days of each week and then for the three remaining days super- vise this subject in all the lower grades, has been continued. It is a good business principle to have one responsible head, so that there may be no break in the continuity of the work, and unsatisfactory results in the highest grades may be traced to lower and then corrected.
The work in sewing has been as thorough and satisfactory as in the past. As only one teacher is obliged to deal with 36 classes in eight different sections of the city, it is no easy mat- ter so to combine and schedule the work that each class may have one lesson per week. After January of 1897 there will be 43 classes and combinations must be made to secure the weekly lesson.
In September, 1890 Miss S. E. Brassill came to Quincy to originate a course of work in Elementary Science for the first eight grades. As has been the case in music, drawing and sew- ing, the work in all the grades at first had to be quite similar, for there was nothing on which to build. The second year, however, the work began to be graded, and now it is sharply defined. While Miss Brassill was developing the present course, she attracted the attention of educators throughout the state, and no woman in Massachusetts has been in greater demand for lectures, institutes, and class instruction. Last June Miss Bras- sill resigned to make more extended study in her chosen de- partment, and to be free to answer the constant demands for assistance.
34
Miss H. Annie Kennedy, her fellow worker for two years in Quincy, a graduate of the Bridgewater Normal School, and a special student of science courses at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and at Harvard, is her successor. This appoint- ment permitted a very desirable change. Only three days of Miss Brassill's time could be secured, but by engaging Miss Kennedy for the whole week, it is possible to make the High school the headquarters of the department, and from it to reach down to the lower grades. Miss Kennedy is now teaching three periods per day in the High, and supervising afternoons the work of the eight grades. The plan for the future is to join the nature work and the geography so intimately, that they may be mutually helpful, and then to reduce the time of Miss Kennedy's direct supervision. It is very desirable that teachers' classes be formed for advanced work in biology, and this reduction will make them possible. The constant change in the corps of teachers will retard the execution of this plan, but it is to be hoped that the high and normal schools by a more thorough pre- paration will help to remedy this trouble.
By vote of this Board the system of vertical writing pub- lished by Silver, Burdett & Co. was introduced last April into the first three grades. In September the former third had be- come the new fourth, and since that time four grades have been writing the full, round, vertical hand. The results have been just what the system promised, and are decidely satisfactory. The teachers, as well as the pupils, have improved-particular- ly in their board work. The script and the figures are so distinct. that the strain on the eyes of the pupils, as they read from the board, is lessened. The teachers also have the same experience when correcting the numerous written exercises.
Quincy has always had excellent writing from a fair pro- portion of every class ; but there was always a hopeless minor- ty. This minority will never produce a copy that will have any æsthetic qualities ; but in the future it can be easily read. The general success has been so pleasing that teachers of the higher grades are asking that they, too, may adopt the vertical system.
35
CONCLUSION.
First: It is a matter of regret that some parents are so willing to impute wrong motives to conscientious teachers who believe that children should be taught the seven school virtues (regularity, punctuality, neatness, accuracy, silence, industry and obedience) and that they should be obliged to improve the few short years of their school life. Less conscientious teachers would overlook much, would neglect much, would permit the indifferent children to "mark time" and thus would escape much friction with the parents-that friction which makes a teacher's life a burden.
It goes without saying that our teachers have too much to do to seek for trouble. When ridiculous stories are reported at home by the children, an interview should be sought at once with the teacher in the presence of the child and the true status of the matter learned. Unfortunately, there are many abusive remarks and suggestions of insubordination on the part of adults and a prevalent idea that a teacher is a common servant, subject to the petty abuse and correction of any citizen. The true and faithful teacher should command and receive the same respect that a member of any other profession receives whe labors for the welfare of mankind.
Second : Of the 'many and varied duties of the Superinten- dent one of the most unpleasant is the responsibility for giving the storm signal. The distance from the school, the condition of the road, the lack of shelter, the supply of umbrellas, over- shoes and suitable outergarments, and the difference of opinion among parents as to the exposure of their children, vary so widely, that it is utterly impossible to please all. Furthermore, the possibilities of New England weather are so unfathomable, that "Old Prob" himself is often a false prophet. The lot of the whistle-blower, hampered by all these conditions, is not a happy one.
Third : In spite of the fact that the teachers have been in so many cases over-worked because of the large number of pu- pils, yet they have almost without exception far outreached
1
36
"the letter of their obligations." They have given your Super- intendent their cordial support and co-operation, and their intelligence, zeal and loyalty have made possible whatever suc- cess and progress may be credited to 1896.
With the heartiest thanks to all the members of this Board for their encouragement, assistance, advice and confidence, this report is respectfully submitted by
Superintendent of Schools.
APPENDIX.
FINANCIAL REPORT, ATTENDANCE, TEACHERS,
TRAINING CLASS, HIGH SCHOOL,
RESIGNATIONS
Q. H. S. ALUMNI,
TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION,
GRAMMAR SCHOOL GRADUATION, PLANS OF NEW SCHOOLS, NEW BOUNDS, SCHOOL BOARD OF 1897.
1
Financial Report.
SALARIES. HIGH SCHOOL.
Frederic Allison Tupper
$2,100 00
Henry W. Porter
300 00
Arthur F. Campbell
300 00
Elizabeth A. S. Ilsley
820 00
Madeleine Fish
720 00
Clara E. Thompson
650 00
Iola L. Pearl
570 00
Mary E. Alexander
260 00
Florence E. Hayes
240 00
Charles R. Tucker
450 00
Genevra Gwynn
450 00
Helen L. Follansbee
420 00
Gertrude W. Hail
60 00
$7,340 00
ADAMS SCHOOL.
James M. Nowland
$1,400 00
Rebecca M. Howes
118 75
Eliza C. Sheahan
550 00
$2,068 75
Amount carried forward, .
$9,408 75
40
Amounts brought forward,
$9,408 75
C. Belle Gannett
444 38
L. Ellietheo Battles
285 00
Eliza F. Dolan
500 00
Jessie I. Parker
450 00
Charlotte F. Donovan
450 00
Euphrasia Hernan
550 00
Kate C. Bryant
135 00
Williamina Birse
375 00
Catherine T. O'Brien
147 50
Jennie F. Griffin
150 50
Margaret L. Burns
7 50
$3,494 88
CODDINGTON SCHOOL.
Mary E. Dearborn
$1,400 00
Frances Forsaith
500 00
Mary H. Day
475 00
Alice F. Sampson
242 50
Mabel E. Oxford
410 00
Lina F. Bates
496 25
Julia E. Underwood
550 00
Alice T. Kelly
500 00
Annie P. Hall
425 00
Elmira C. Mayo
267 19
Annie M. McCormick
73 00
Ida F. Humphrey
60 00
Margaret A. Farrell
204 00
Catherine T. O'Brien
72 00
Frances Forsaith
15 00
$5,689 94
Amount carried forward
$18,593 57
-
41
Amount brought forward $18,593 57
JOHN HANCOCK SCHOOL.
Robert S. Atkins
$1,240 00
Eva E. Hall .
475 00
Mary W. Holden
200 00
Minnie E. Welsh
450 00
Helen M. West
500 00
Mary C. Parker
500 00
Minnie P. Underwood
500 00
Henrietta C. Esson
450 00
Gertrude A. Boyd
222 50
Grace W. Emery
270 00
Helen J. Sullivan
380 00
Eleanor G. Roche
200 00
Nellie McNeally
157 00
Annie F. Burns
62 00
Annie S. Keenan
73 00
Mary B. Keating
35 00
Annie M. Keenan
112 00
$5,826 50
& LINCOLN SCHOOL ...
William A. Reed . ...
$1,340 00
Minnie Partridge :11;
190 00
Daisy J. Adams
500 00
Annie G. Farrar
180 00
Minnie E. Donovan
450 00
Mary M. McNally
450 00
Nellie F. Boyd
450 00
Velma L. Curtis
410 00
Inez L. Nutting
442 50
J. Elizabeth Sullivan
450 00
4,862 50:
Amount carried forward
$29,282 57
U
42
Amount brought forward
$29,282 57
Alice M. M. Richards
285 00
Alberta White
255 00
Augusta E. Dell
230 00
Margaret F. Talbot
200 00
Alice M. McLean
200 00
Mary Coyle
60 00
Annie Z. White
20 00
$1,250 00
QUINCY SCHOOL.
Charles Sampson
$150 00
Mary A. Hadley
168 75
Eva F. Bell
475 00
Jennie A. Faxon
170 00
Evelyn G. McGinley
410 00
Minnie F. Eaton
485 00
Maggie E. Haley
485 00
Margaret E. Burns
530 00
Ellen D. Granahan
257 50
J. Q. Litchfield
1,045 00
Adelaide M. Southworth
285 00
:
+ Lena M. Clough
27000
Josephine L. Kelly
120 00
Eva Bassett
115 00
$4,966 25
WASHINGTON SCHOOL.
Thomas B. Pollard
$1,400 00
Mary Marden
550 00
Alice L. Hatch
475 00
Mary A. Worster
468 75
Bessie L. Drew
320 00
$3,213 75
Amount carried forward
$38,712 57
43
Amount brought forward
$38,712 57
H. Frances Cannon
450 00
Lucy W. Brown
215 50
Sarah A. Malone
500 00
Vyra L. Tozier
95 00
Ida F. Humphrey
130 00
Joanna A. McEnroe
79 50
Katherine G. Meaney
149 00
Annie S. Keenan
1 50
Mary Costello
5 00
$1,625 50
WILLARD SCHOOL.
Albert Candlin
$520 00
Mary L. Crowe
500 00
Catherine A. Cashman
155 00
Mary E. Keohan
500 00
Mary A. White
450 00
Mary H. Atkins
180 00
Ellen B. Fegan
547 25
Elizabeth J: McNeil
500 00
Emeline A. Newcomb
550 00
Frances C. Sullivan
435 00
Nellie C. Gragg
488 00
Teresa McDonnell .
475 00
Elizabeth A. Garrity
450 00
Mary L. Conway
500 00
Annie M. Cahill
450 00
Ellen A. Desmond .
500 00
Annie F. Burns
500 00
Abbie M. Kelly
500 00
Anna B. Kelly
442 50
Catherine McGovern
417 50
Charles F. Merrick.
840 00
$9,900 25
Amount carried forward .
$50,238 32
44
Amount brought forward
$50,238 32
Sarah C. Linscott
300 00
N. Emma Slack
135 38
Mary B. Tenney
332 50
Edith I. Gail
137 75
Lizzie B. Smith
142 50
Elrie P. Newcomb
142 50
Nellie E. Murphy
200 00
Annie L. Bryan
41 50
Annie Z. White
7 50
Lauretta C. Shea
134 50
Mary B. Monahan
45 50
Ellen G. Haley
5 75
$1,625 38
WOLLASTON SCHOOL.
Charles E. Finch, Jr.
$1,240 00
Minnie G. Riley
500 00
Annie D. Marden
500 00
Edith F. Bates
421 88
Carrie A. Crane
442 50
:1:
Myra E. Otis .
170 00
Ida J. Cameron
435 00
Clara E. G. Thayer
500 00
Annie M. Bennett
300 00
Mary L. Russell
241 88
Cassendana Thayer
290 00
Honora G. Forrest .
70 00
Lillian M. Waterhouse
210 00
Mary B. Monahan .
110 00
Rebecca M. Baxter
20 00
$5,451 26
Amount carried forward .
$57,314 96
45
Amount brought forward $57,314 96
SPECIAL TEACHERS.
DRAWING.
Charlotte A. Kendall, $820 00
MUSIC.
Laura C. F. Smith 900 00
ELEMENTARY SCIENCE.
II. Annie Kennedy 260 00
S. E. Brassill . 430 00
SEWING.
Fannie F. French 600 00
COOKING.
Mary L. Wade 85 00
SUPERVISION.
II. W. Lull,
$2,500 00 5,595 00
Total
$62,909 96
Unexpended balance,
75 04
62,985 00
Appropriation and Transfers
62,985 00
46
FUEL.
J. F. Sheppard & Sons :
High
coal
$599 12
Adams
354 84
Coddington
214 84
John Hancock
239 04
Lincoln
397 55
Quincy
368 82
Washington
190 00
Willard
2,009 24
Wollaston
384 47
Mass. Fields
66
308 87
Wollaston
wood
14 25
$5,081 04
Cyrus Patch & Son :
High
wood
34 76
Adams
7 25
John Hancock
66
6 25
Lincoln
18 75
Quincy
20 26
Washington
66
12 50
Willard
54 00
Wollaston
40 50
Mass. Fields
66
21 75
$216 02
Total
$5,297 06
Transfer .
200 00
Balance
2 94
$5,500 00
Appropriation .
5,500 00
.
47
JANITORS.
High, S. B. Turner .
$700 00
Adams, Geo. I. Linton
500 00
Coddington, E. S. Brown
500 00
John Hancock, J. E. Maxim
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