USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1877 > Part 2
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28. Marion Bernice Morse, daughter of Sidney E. & Martha Aug. 7. Annie Collins, daughter of Patrick and Mary.
9. Susan Elizabeth Howland, daughter of Stephen & Ann. 23. Emerline Ruth King, daughter of Chas. W. & Rosalind
22. Florence Isabella Lund, daughter of Mrs. L. P. Lund. Oct. 6. Minnie Grace Beals, daughter of Atkins C. & Margaret Dec 23 Margaret Maria Donovan, daughter of Jeremiah and [Catherine.
26. Elizabeth Murphy, daughter of John and Hannah.
21. Rhoades, daughter of Warren E. & Cynthia.
23 Whitney, daughter of Constant F. & Maria J.
31. Hattie Merrill Dodge, daughter of Albion S. & Mary.
MARRIAGES.
Jan. 25. By Rev. J. P. Bixby, C. Willis Morse and Mary Wil- liamson, both of Norwood.
Apr: 2. By Rev. J. P. Bixby, Francis William Park and Addie Elizabeth Guy, both of Norwood.
May 3. By Rev. George Hill, Lewis E. Warner, of Woon- socket, R. I., and Julia E. Baker of Norwood.
June 1. By Rev. Edwin Bromley, Charles A. Crocker of Fox- boro, and Nellie M. Kingsbury of Norwood.
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July 6. By Rev. J. P. Bixby, Milton H. Howard and Ella A. Capen, both of Norwood.
June20 By Rev. J. P. Bixby, Albert N. Bates of Boston, and Martha J. Brooks, of Norwood.
Sept 26 By Rev. I. H. Gilbert, Thomas McCarty and Annie Graham, both of Smithfield, R. I.
Nov 30 By Rev. James K. Ewer, of Reading, Towle Currier, of Norwood, and Rose Hoyt, of Lawrence.
Oct 31. By Rev. George C. Lorimer, of Boston, Richard D .. Hartshorn, of Norwood, and Louisa H. Gould, of Boston.
Dec. 22 By Rev. J. P. Bixby, Edwin J. Folsom, of Chelsea, and Lottie E. Thayer, of Norwood.
Dec.22 By Rev. George Hill, Frank D. Colburn and Sarah G. Campbell, both of Norwood.
DEATHS.
Jan. 8. Alvan L. Ellis ; 56 years, 7 months.
22. Mark C. Hoyle, 61 years, 9 months.
24. Amelia S. Brooks ; 24 years, 3 months.
Feb14. Ira Fuller ; 83 years, 10 months.
Mar.11 Julia Ellis ; 81 years. 8 months.
26. Florence H. Morrill ; 4 years, 6 months, 7 days.
Apr. 3. John P. Bayer ; 1 year, 5 months, 3 days.
21. Bridget Conoly ; 20 years.
29. Olive Fales ; 69 years, 7 months, 11 days.
May 8. Newell Fisher ; 75 years, 3 months.
22. Betsey Wetherbee ; 79 years, 6 months, 20 days.
June16 Erwin L. Belcher ; 1 year, 6 months, 21 days.
28. Harrison G. Park ; 69 years, 11 months.
July 14 John Maloney ; 40 years.
Aug 28 William Callahan ; 1 year, 3 months, 7 days.
31. Charles Schleaeher ; 2 years, 10 months, 3 days.
Sept 22 William Neville ; 11 months, 1 day.
21. Mary Curran ; 50 years.
25. Francis J. Fahy ; 3 years, 7 months, 17 days.
26. Joseph Day ; 69 years.
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Oct. 1. Mary Vose Davis ; 1 year, 3 months.
6. John O'Brien ; 2 years, 1 month, 17 days.
8. Ann O'Brien ; 3 years, 8 months, 18 days.
14. Mabel Curtis Barrett ; 6 years, 1 month, 10 days.
16.
Sarah O'Brien ; 5 years, 3 months, 2 days.
17. Catherine O'Brien ; 3 years, 3 months, 2 days.
20. Fannie F. Stevens ; 10 years, 8 months, 13 days.
21. Asa E. Clapp ; 42 years, 8 months.
24. Carrie L. Buckman ; 5 years, 11 months.
Nov.3.
25. Frank Guy Barrett ; 3 years, 6 months, 21 days. Frank W. Edmunds ; 2 years, 9 months.
8. John Morrissey ; 59 years, 5 months, 15 days.
15. Minnie E. Brooks ; 9 years, 7 months.
20. Catharine Linahan ; 39 years.
Dec. 4. Charles Kulp ; 8 years, 8 months.
15. Betsey Robinson ; 81 years, 9 months, 14 days.
19. Alice M. Kenny ; 26 years, 10 months, 24 days.
19. Sybil Ellis ; 80 years 8 months, 17 days.
18. Nancy D. Bartlett ; 79 years, 6 months, 15 days.
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REMARKS.
ยท
The foregoing accounts show that the payments in some of the departments have exceeded the appropriations. The excess on highways was on two new bridges, one on Morse Street, the other on Water Street, for which no money was raised, but which on examination, the Selectmen found to be unsafe to last another year. The bridges in Town are now in good condition to last a number of years.
The excess on the Poor is due largely to the increased number of Tramps, which now have to be put up at the hotel. The Selectmen would recommend that the Town take some ac- tion in regard to the matter, so that it will not cost as much in the future.
In regard to the Fire Department, it will be seen that we have only placed in the report that which was raised by tax. The other $400. it was voted to appropriate but not voted to be raised, but which ought to be raised the coming spring.
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The resources of the Town applicable to the payment of ex- penses the current year, are
Cash in Treasury Feb. 1, '77, per Auditors' report, $4,829 81
Uncollected Taxes of 1875, 66 83 90 66 1876, . 66 3,339 02 66
$8,252 73
The liabilities, as near as can be estimated, are
For Schools to April 1, 1877, $1,410'00
" Town Officers to March, 1877, 960 00
" Fire Department to May 1877, 1,400 00
" Support of Poor, to March 1877,
300 00
" Street Lamps to April, 1877,
120 00
" Land Damage on Walpole Street,
400 00
" Filling on
405 00
" Building Wilson Street, 225 00
" Miscellaneous and incidental expenses, 100 00
$5,320 00
As required by the By-Laws, the Selectmen submit the fol- lowing estimates for the ordinary expenses of the Town for the ensuing year.
For Schools,-Teachers' salaries at present rates, $5,405 00
" Care of houses, Fuel, repairs and supplies, rent for Primary School, 1,080 00
" Repairs of Roads and Bridges, 3,000 00
" Removing Snow, 500 00
" Fire Department,
1,400 00
" Lighting Streets,
275 00
" Support of Poor,
2,200 00
300 00
" Care of Cemetery,
1,400 00
" Salaries of Town Officers,
160 00
" Printing and Stationary,
" Incidental and Miscellaneous Expenses,
500 00
" Rent, 100 00
" .Widening of Walpole Street, 700 00
" Public Library, 50 00
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For Widening of Wilson Street,
800 00
$17,870 00
To these estimates must be added the State and County Taxes, and such other sums as the Town shall vote to raise.
Respectfully submitted,
SAMUEL E. POND, Selectmen
TYLER THAYER, of
GEO. H. MORSE.
Norwood.
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FIFTH REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF NORWOOD,
FOR THE
Year ending Dec. 31st, 1876.
Introduction.
The School Committee of Norwood, consisting of S. E. Pond, Esq., F. M. Cragin, M. D., and Rev. J. P. Bixby, met at the beginning of the year, and organized by the choice of F. M. Cragin, Chairman, and S. E. Pond, Secretary.
In making their report this year, earlier than on previous years, they will mention only those matters that are most impor- tant. They agree with others, that all the reports of the Town should be brought together in one document.
RETRENCHMENT.
The Town at its meeting in April, adopted a Resolution asking the School Committee, in view of the depression of bus- iness, to reduce the salaries of teachers at least ten per cent. This recommendation was taken into consideration by the Com- mittee. It was found that attempts at retrenchment in other departments of the public service of the Town, had not ended successfully, and it was the unanimous opinion of the Commit- tee that it was not wise to retrench the salaries of teachers ; while it was wise to require more effort on their part, and to practice a strict and healthful economy in all expenditures for our schools.
DIFFICULTIES AND REMEDIES.
The Statute of Massachusetts gives to the School Commit- tee in some respects autocratic power, but it does so because the State takes the education of the children largely into its own hands. It does this however only that the pupils of the local municipality may be better served. Therefore to promote good feeling, and to get and give wisdom if possible, two conferences were held early in the year by the Committee, to which parents and teachers were invited, for a comparison of ideas. Not as many parents attended as was desirable, still enough came to bring out the differentia of grading, promoting, &c. The end desired by all was more rapid advancement and equal if not greater thoroughness.
The teachers, on their part. set forth the difficulties with
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which they had to contend. At another conference at which the Committee and teachers alone were present, the system of pro- motions was modified so as to meet the greatest number of wants that the circumstances allowed. The object aimed at is. to pro- mote every pupil as fast as his preferment justifies, without pro- ducing perpetual transition. It is true, that in a graded school every thing cannot be adapted to the individual pupil. Nor could it be, if schools were not graded, but simply classified. Of old, there were neither classes or grades, but who will deny that classification and grading have done more for the general improvement of schools, than any other reforms?
That there are incidental disadvantages, and that the wants of some can be met only by mixed private schools, we believe. The truth is the great lack in the graded schools of to-day, and of the mixed schools of 50 years ago is the same, viz : "enthu- siasm on the part of both teachers and pupils."
THE MASS. SCHOOL SYSTEM.
This is a good system because it has done good, especially in awaking interest in Public Schools generally. But it has been truly said that, "the thought of one generation must par- take of the nature of that which is excrementitious to another ;" and so it is that the system lacks important vital elements, for the present generation.
Who that has been elected a member of a School Board, desiring to improve the schools of his municipality, has not come to the end of his term of office, disappointed that he has secured so little, and his friends perhaps have been more disap- pointed than he. It is easy to dismiss teachers, and of course,. , changes at times must be made ; but that does not make perfect schools, it often makes them more imperfect. What our system lacks is the education of its educators ; the continued growth of the teacher in material to be imparted, and methods and means of imparting knowledge. Nor is there any thing in our Public School system to enlighten and incite the parent and citizen in respect to their duty and privilege in developing the rising race. If these functions are performed at all, it must be by the local municipality.
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During the past year, the School Committee and teachers have endeavored to sustain a monthly conference, at which means, methods and wants have been considered, and more re- cently educational reforms and reports have been presented in the form of essays, and there discussed. Perhaps as much has been secured as could have been expected under the circumstan- ces. Already the question is asked, if others besides committee and teachers cannot be admitted ; and if the conference should become a Monthily Institute, which all friends of progress in ed- ucation may attend, another step in advance will have been taken.
TEACHERS.
The corps of teachers has not been changed during the year ; and as a whole, they have been faithful and successful. Sickness was a serious detriment to the autumn term, but we hope the winter and spring terms will at least partly remedy it.
The teachers have, most of them, the good-will of both pu- pils and parents, a thing indispensable to the best results. They are ready to listen to all suggestions from the committee, and at once take steps to remedy, so far as they are able, defects and infelicities. What is better, they exhibit a readiness to improve themselves.
It was recently said by the member of a School Board, that there were teachers in - so reluctant to develop them- selves, or who perhaps, think themselves so perfect already, that they will not attend the single Institute in a year, provided for them by the State as a means of improvement. It is other- wise with the teachers of Norwood : and as their vocation is second at least to but few avocations on earth, may they ever magnify their office.
CONDITION OF SCHOOLS.
In general, the condition of our schools is healthy ; on the whole, we think the tone is improving. In one locality, from various causes there has been considerable friction, but we trust it will not continue. As the private examinations come this year after the issuing of this report, we-cannot speak at present in more than general terms.
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ABSENCES.
We have again to challenge parents and guardians to con- sider the utmost importance of sending their children and wards to school every day. If in a brick wall, every now and then a brick were left out, it would not only disfigure, but it would also greatly injure and weaken the work. It is injustice to the future man or woman ; it is injustice to the teacher; it is injustice to the local municipality, and it is injustice to the State, for par- ents to allow so many absences.
TO PARENTS AND CITIZENS.
Let us now call attention to a few standard thoughts on this matter of Education. One has said "the fountains of so- cial prosperity are many, but they all originate from the same well, and that is Public Instruction." If this is true, the property of community can afford to educate thoroughly and ex- tensively all the children in the community. This truth is em- phasized also by the saying "a half-educated man is a dangerous person." The criminal classes are to a large extent uneducated, and he who is not willing to do all he can to educate the young, is unwilling to do all in his power to protect society.
We are taught that "education is the principal tie by which one generation is connected with another." If, then, we do not leave behind us in the court of life, a generation that is intelli- gent, industrious and pure, we shall certainly have lived to little advantage. What now is the principal factor in this great mat- ter of education. It is the teacher. Locke said, "nine parts out of every ten in the pupil are due to the teacher." This is strong language, but it is difficult to overstate the part a good teacher takes in the education of the young.
No money is ever expended upon the young so profitably, as that which is paid to a well-educated, well-balanced, enthusi- astic and electrifying teacher.
No municipality can afford to have any other than good teachers, and teachers that are constantly improving, and such instructors it is very difficult to overpay. At the same time it is true, that the teacher should bear his or her part of the bur- dens of society, in times of depression and distress.
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HEATING APPARATUS.
The long felt need of a more efficient heating apparatus in. the Everett School-house, has at length been supplied, much to the satisfaction of the teachers and patrons of the school.
At its annual meeting last spring, the Town appropriated the very liberal sum of two thousand dollars, for the purpose of purchasing and placing in the Everett School-house, apparatus capable of furnishing a sufficient amount of heat ; and the mat- ter was put into the hands of a committee, consisting of Messrs. F. O. Winslow, Ellis Draper and Charles Smith.
Prompt and judicious action was taken by the committee, and at the opening of the fall term, the superannuated and inade- quate furnaces had given place to steam-heating apparatus, of the most approved construction, complete in all its appoint- ments-and as it has since proved itself-capable of furnishing every room in the building with the requisite amount of heat.
Not only are the school-rooms supplied with radiators fur- nishing ample heating surface, but the ante-rooms and entry- ways are provided with radiators also. This is as it should be, and many thanks are due to the committee and contractors, for the arrangement, whereby all parts of the building are made comfortable.
It is, perhaps, to be regretted that the committee were not given instructions, and means to accompany the new heating ap- paratus with better means of ventilation. The ventiducts in the school-rooms are not capacious enough to keep the air in a pure state. In an ordinary room, with fifty occupants, the air will become vitiated in less than an hour, and unless a change is ef- fected, evil consequences must follow. Under present circum- stances, the teachers are obliged to open the windows as the only effective means of- admitting the requisite amount of fresh air.
With suitable ventilating apparatus, much fuel would be saved and a healthful state of the atmosphere would be insured.
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ROLL OF HONOR.
EMMA L. BARDEN, (High School,) not absent or tardy.
ARTHUR FOGG, (and Department,)
ANNIE APEL, (3rd Department,) ..
JULIA DAVENPORT, (4th Department,)"
MARY F. CLAPP, (5th Department,)
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DORA SHUMWAY, (6th Department,) "
CARRIE E. FISHER, CORA A. JAMES, NELLIE BARDEN, ALBERT MORSE.
(Balch School, Ist) absent one day.
FRANCIS M. CRAGIN, JOSEPH P. BIXBY, Committee. SAMUEL E. POND.
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TABULAR VIEW.
Whole Membership each Term.
Average Attendance each Term.
Annual Salary.
EVERETT.
High School,
Horace T. Atwood, Prin.
52
55
45
47
25
$1300 00
Marion Endicott, Ass't.
475 00
2d Division,
Sarah P. Hamilton,
47
48
33
37
7
600 00
3d
S. Louisa Rhodes,
43
46
37
35
2
450 00
4th
Maria L. Wheelock.
52
47
46
36
1
450 00
5th
Carrie M. Morse,
4S '
47
43
36
0
420 00
6th
A. Elizabeth Park,
44
48
39
31
420 00
BALCH.
Ist Division, .
Millie J. Blaisdell,
34
31
21
23
450 00
2nd
Viola F. Littlefield,
40
39
35
34
420 00
R. R. Avenue,
Abbie A. White,
50
50
44
35
420 00
Total,
410
411
343
314
35
$5405 00
-
TEACHERS.
Spring.
Fall.
Winter.
Spring.
Fall.
Winter.
Over 15 years of age.
NAME OF SCHOOL.
00
.
.
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