USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1880 > Part 2
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29.
" cash from Town of Dover, for support of Chas. Fisher during his sickness in 1878, 114 00
" cash of Lyman Smith's Sons, in part payment for expense incurred in building sewer from Rail- road to Neponset River, 500 00
" cash of Geo. H. Metcalf, for uncollected taxes and - int. on same for 1877, 286 37
for 1878,
2,317 00
" " of G. H. Metcalf, Collector, in part for taxes for 1 year 1879, 15,950 00
' " Lyman Smith's Sons, balance of settlement for expense incurred in building sewer from Rail- road to Neponset River, 945 49
$34,980 95
" Burial of State pauper,
66
July 22.
3I
with TOWN OF NORWOOD.
CR.
1879.
Nov. 9. By cash paid John Pickering & Moseley,
3,000 00
" interest paid 66
55 88
Dec. 2.
" cash
2,000 00
" interest " 66
46 00
3. " cash 66
2,000 00
·
" interest " 66 .
66 66
24 54
5. " cash
66
2,000 00
interest ‘ 66
66
26 77
9. " State tax,
470 00
12.
" cash paid Caleb Ellis,
300 00
“ int.
5 82
" Selectmen's orders,
23,776 65
" Assessors' orders for abatement,
83 04
$33,788 70
1880.
February 1. By cash in Treasury,
1,192 25
$34,980 95
Norwood, Jan'y 31st, 1880.
We hereby certify that we have examined the books and accounts of L. W. Bigelow, Treasurer of the Town of Norwood, and find them correctly kept, and the payments duly vouched ; and that the foregoing is a true statement of the condition of the Treasury the first day of February, 1880.
CHAS. E. POND, MARCUS M. ALDEN, S Auditors.
32
GEORGE II. METCALF, COLLECTOR, in account with the TOWN OF NORWOOD.
DR.
Taxes of. 1879.
To commitment of taxes, $20,411 29
" supplement tax (female suffrage), 12 39
"' cash received as interest, 6 82
$20,430 50
CR
By cash paid L. W. Bigelow, Treas'r, $15,950 00
C. C. Churchill, County
Treasurer, 1,234 03
$17,184 03
Balance uncollected taxes,
3,246 47
$20,430 50
GEO. H. METCALF, Collector.
Norwood, January 31st, 1880.
We certify that we have examined the books and accounts of Geo. H. Metcalf, Collector, and that the above is a correct statement of taxes committed to, and of payments made by him.
CHAS. E. POND, Auditors.
MARCUS M. ALDEN,
REMARKS.
BY having the appropriation and the financial year end at the same time, we are enabled to make our Eighth Annual Report a more complete showing of the state of the' finances of · the Town, and also the amount of each appropriation that has been expended. We have called in and paid every known bill there is in every department, and think that there are very few, if any, obligations for which the Town is liable ; or, in other words, the bills are all paid.
The unpaid bills of 1878 were rather larger than were esti- mated. The school expenditures are within the limit of the appropriation. The highway expenditures, as a whole, are some $400 less than the sum appropriated, and in only one case was the limit exceeded, a very small amount - $22.11 - in the widening of Washington Street, near Chapel.
We think the system adopted last year, of having one man to superintend the highways, worked well, and promises well for the future - although the first year is hardly a fair test. We purchased a horse for the use of the Superintendent, as it was necessary for him to have one most of the time, and sold it at the end of the season. Cost to the Town, $101.62 for 102 days' work - a saving of $50.00. The streets are in good condition, and, for the amount of money expended, the Town has received
34
an equivalent in labor, and we recommend to give the system another year's trial. The expenditures of the Fire Department exceed the appropriation - which is unavoidable under the present arrangements.
In the department for the Support of Poor there is some im- provement. With those that require continuous aid, we adopted a new plan - giving them house-rent, fuel and a monthly allowance in money. It has worked well, proving a saving to the Town, and placing them on their own resources, in part.
Our Station House is a success. Since it was completed, the saving to the Town has been $400. The difference between the cost of the number we have had this year (2,930) and what it would cost before we had the Station House, is over $900 - quite an item towards the expense of the building - and still 1 our reputation as a town has not suffered, as we rank high among the " travelling fraternity."
At the meeting last Spring, when the question of a sewer, to take the water from the west side of the N. Y. & N. E. R. R., was presented, the citizens expressed a desire to have the pre- vailing nuisance abated, and a willingness to pay a share of the expenses attending it. After a thorough examination of the case, we adopted the plan of a covered drain from the R. R. to the river, which has been completed from these points, and would have been extended to the tannery of Messrs. Smith had it not been for the bridge being so small that it could not be taken under the R. R. This has now been obviated, and the Messrs. Smith have agreed to connect it, at their own expense, as soon as the weather and stage of the water will permit ; and, when completed, it will, we think, prevent any further trouble.
35
As required by the By-Laws, we submit the following esti- mates for the ordinary expenses of the ensuing year :-
For Schools, $5,600 00
Highways,
2,000 00
Removing Snow,
400 00
Lighting Streets,
250 00
Fire Department,
1,800 00
Support of Poor,
2,400 00
Library, 300 00
Cemetery,
50 00
Town Officers,
1,200 00
Printing and Stationery,
150 00
· Incidental,
300 00
$14,450 00
State Tax,
'County Tax,
We have reduced the estimate somewhat, but think expenses can and ought to be lessened ; however, it lies with the citizens to say whether the taxes shall be high or low, according as you vote appropriations.
Respectfully,
TYLER THAYER,
GEORGE H. MORSE,
Selectmen of Norwood.
J. E. EVERETT,
e
VITAL STATISTICS.
BIRTHS.
SONS.
Jan. 20. George Henry Fales - Henry N. and Sarah E.
21. Willie Fletcher Fales - Elam F. and Sophia.
30. Heber Forrest Bucknam - George A. P. and Mary E.
Apr. 13. Samuel Clapp Colburn - Isaac and Louisa C.
14. William Henry Kuld - Charles and Frances.
14. George Henry Morrill, 3d - George H., Jr., and May E.
16. John Joseph Harvey - Thomas F. and Maria.
16. William Joseph Mahony - Patrick H. and Johanna.
May 13. James Karl Barrett - Henry W. and Mary E.
20. William Frederick Sebastian - Gustavus and Mary.
24. Michael Coughlin - Jeremiah and Hannah.
31. Charles Lewis Boyden - James F. and Helen A.
June 28. George Augustus Briggs - Luther R. and Millie F.
July 20. Michael Higgins - Michael and Mary.
Aug. 20. Frederick William Lipsett Miller - Isaac and Annie J.
21. Ernest May - Joseph E. and Ida A.
Sept. 20. Frederick Sebastian - Christopher and Christiene.
37
Sept. 24. Michael Lyden - Festus and Mary.
Oct. 5. Bernard F. Kenney - Emma J. Shuster.
15. George William Hayden - Michael E. and Annie.
19. Frederick Ashley Hartshorn-J. Edwin and Alice A.
27. Hiram Rhoads - Warren E. and Cynthia E.
28. Winslow Edson Cushman - Ferdinand B. and Annie S.
31. Charles Henry Otenwalder - George and Hannah M.
Nov. 1. Edwd. Francis Brennan - Jas. A. and Catherine M.
3. John Wm. Donovan -Jeremiah and Margaret.
10. Robert Russell Williamson - William A. and Harriet E.
20. Henri Erst Davenport - Ambrose J. and Seraphene.
Dec.
4. Dennis Higgins - Dennis and Mary.
7. Robert Dana Colburn - Frank D. and Sarah G.
13. Lawrence O'Brien - Timothy and Mary.
DAUGHTERS.
Jan. 6. Eva Berthoud Gay - George W. and Maria L.
Feb. 2. Bridget Elizabeth Logan - Thomas and Jane M.
26. Alice Maud Morse - Joseph L. and Martha A.
Mar. 1. Ellen Nevell - Thomas and Ellen.
April 6. Annie Lauretta McGinty - Edward P. and Eliz- abeth A.
7. Agnes Elizabeth Crowley - Michael and Annie M.
8. Edith O. Ballou - Daniel and Olive.
28. Elizabeth Bridget Cronan - James and Nancy.
May 18. Hannah Curran - Martin and Margaret.
20. Lillian May Morrill - Edward H. and Jennie E.
July 1. Annie Murphy - John and Johanna.
Aug. 13. Maria Sullivan - Eugene and Mary G.
22. Bessie Rachel Timberlake - Melvin R. and Augusta.
38
Aug. 23. Laura Elizabeth Flood - Thomas and Sarah.
28. Lillian Eliza Morse - Herbert F. and Cora C.
29. Maud Alice Gallagher - Francis P. and Margaret.
Sept. 2. Carrie Willis Spear - George P. and Nettie H.
Oct. 6. Catherine Frances Coughlin - John and Annie J.
13. Mary Frances Connor - Henry and Mary.
27. Eva Carrie Rhoads - Warren E. and Cynthia A.
28. Mabel Frances Metcalf - George E. & Lydia A.
Nov. 6. Margaret Winnett Hawkins - Pat'k L. and Hannah.
14. Alice Marion Hobbs - Miles F. and Mary Jane.
MARRIAGES.
Jan. 30. By Rev. Theron Brown, Charles P. Nelson and Ellen Donovan - both of Norwood.
Feb. 21. By Rev. Geo. Hill, Austin E. Pratt and Mrs. Mary A. Brewer - both of Norwood.
Apr. 3. By Rev. W. B. Wright of Boston, Lewis D. Ellis of Norwood and Ella J. Adams of Boston.
May 15. By Rev. Mr. Hamilton, Louis Barta, Jr., of Boston, and Mary J. Wallace of Norwood.
18. By Rev. W. A. Worthington, Geo. H. Adams of Nor- folk and Emma Guill of Truro, N. S.
24. By Rev. R. J. Johnson of Dedham, Daniel Lee and Ellen Roach - both of Norwood.
July 3. By Rev. R. J. Johnson of Dedham, Duncan McNeil and Frances A. Smith - both of Norwood.
13. By Rev. George Hill, Henry C. Randall and Hannah B. Davenport - both of Norwood.
Sept. 3. By Rev. Z. A. Mudge of Dedham, Frank F. Strout of Norwood and Hattie I. Morrow of Walpole.
39
Sept. By Rev. Ellis Mendell, Hollis M. Colcord and Sarah L. Wallace - both of Norwood.
11. By Rev. Geo. Hill, Edward R. Hixon of Canton and Edith L. Cameron of Pembroke.
17. By Rev. R. J. Johnson of Dedham, Patrick Hawkins and Hannah Murphy - both of Norwood.
23. By Rev. Ellis Mendell, George W. Rines of Peter- boro', N. H., and Georgie A. Ware of Nor- wood.
Oct. By Rev. W. A. Worthington, Charles Cogdon and Ella M. Flynn - both of Boston.
7. By Rev. R. J. Johnson of Dedham, Dennis J. McCarty and Mary E. White - both of Nor- wood.
Nov. 1. By Rev. R. J. Johnson of Dedham, John O'Brien and Annie B. Oldham - both of Norwood.
2. By Rev. P. B. Davis of Hyde Park, George HI. Bateman of Norwood and Martha L. McLeod of Hyde Park.
18. By Rev. R. J. Johnson of Dedham, Michael H. Dyer and Mary P. Riley - both of Norwood.
27. By Rev. Ellis Mendell, Raphael M. Hoyle and Carrie - M. Morse -both of Norwood.
27. By. Rev. Theron Brown, W. M. Lockwood and Mrs. Hannah S. Nichols - both of Lynn.
Dec. 15. By Rev. Charles Southgate of Dedham, Charles H. Kelly and Sarah A. Conley - both of Norwood.
23. By Rev. George Hill, Charles H. Souther of Boston and Maria L. Wheelock of Norwood.
24. By Rev. Ellis Mendell, Charles H. Morse of Nor- wood and Addie B. Gay of Walpole,
40
DEATHS.
DATE.
NAMES.
AGES.
1879.
YEARS.
MONTHS.
DAYS.
Jan.
3
Laura B. Beal
8
8
13
10
Jonathan Shapleigh
70
10
13
11
Susan O'Brien
2
10
22
H. Willie Baker
6
3
18
24
Willie Fletcher
3
27
A. Willard Rhodes
62
5
22
Feb.
1
William J. Casey
6
6
7
Mar. 2
Joseph C. Apel
1
8
21
20
Charles Shedd
1
2
20
Apr.
3
Francis Donley
43
3
13
7
Clara W. Rhoads
54
12
George G. Perry
59
1
18
14
George B. Heywood
37
10
July
4
Frederick Schupnooski
29
21
Ellen Bayer
8
22
23
Elizabeth B. Force
77
6
Aug.
4
Edith Ballou
4
Nov.
8
Daniel Cragin
68
10
10
Roxa Guild
88
13
Hiram Rhoads
16
Dec.
9
Margaret Conley
20
2
15
Leo. P. Bayer
20
3
26
19
Catherine L. Morse
21
SEVENTH REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF NORWOOD,
FOR
1879 AND 1880.
INTRODUCTION.
THE Committee chosen at last March meeting to superin- tend the schools for the ensuing year, organized by the choice of George Hill for chairman, and S. C. Davis for secretary. We entered upon our duties at the commencement of the Spring term in March. For convenience in distribution, and to save expense to the Town, this Report closes with the fiscal year -- January 31st. The school year will close March 5th.
Change of Teachers.
We found the schools in good working order, under an efficient corps of teachers - whose long experience and general fidelity were sure guarantees for continued satisfaction. Gladly would we have kept in their places, with ranks unbroken, this faithful band of educators ; but changes are inevitable, and we have had to submit to an experience in this line during the year. Misses F. N. Perkins, Maria L. Wheelock and Carrie M. Morse left their situations, by resignation, at the close of the Spring term ; Miss Kate L. Morse by death, Dec. 19th. Miss Morse was a young teacher, and had been in school but a short time. She was a graduate of the Bridgewater Normal Institu- tion, well fitted in mind and heart for teaching. She was already doing satisfactory work, when she was suddenly stricken down. The Committee are happy to bear their united testimony to her earnestness and worth.
Miss Wheelock had had charge of the fourth department of the Everett School for some twelve years in succession. With marked natural aptitude for teaching, she united with it thorough
1
44
preparation and conscientious fidelity. Her success was equal to her ambition, and all that parents and Committee could wish. It was with great regret, for the school's sake, and yet with hearty congratulations for her own, that her resignation was accepted.
Miss Carrie M. Morse had taught the fifth department for six years in succession. A graduate of the Everett School, she brought good scholarship, earnestness of purpose, and a true sense of duty, as qualifications for her work in the school-room. That she was eminently successful, needs no testimony of ours. The love and esteem of both pupils and parents are a sufficient witness in her behalf. When such teachers are called to the higher and happier responsibilities of domestic life, to adorn and bless homes of their own, the Committee have no alterna- tive but to gracefully submit, however reluctantly they may do so.
The above vacancies have been filled as follows: Miss Clara M. Pullen of Monson, Me., was elected to the vacancy in the Balch ; Miss A. E. Park was advanced to the fourth depart- ment in the Everett ; Miss Ida J. Everett was elected to the fifth, Miss Kate L. Morse to the sixth, and Miss Fannie G. Morse to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Miss Kate L. Morse.
Other things being equal, the policy of the Committee has been to employ home talent in the Norwood schools. We de- mand good, efficient, well-qualified teachers. Those trained to their calling, either by Normal education, or successful experi- ence elsewhere, are preferred. The success of the schools stands first in the minds of the Committee ; the desires and feelings of those who fill, or would fill, the position of teachers, stand second. With a desire to act with perfect fairness towards all, we must be governed in our selections by our best judgment as to the welfare and prosperity of the educational interests of the Town. We have reason to congratulate ourselves and the
45
citizens that our choice of teachers to fill these four vacancies has been so satisfactory, and that these dreaded changes have produced so little detriment to our general progress.
Methods of Teaching.
In methods of teaching, and solid results obtained, we be- lieve our schools are not behind those of other towns, similarly situated. Our predecessors, aided by the experience and en- lightened views of Mr. H. T. Atwood, had inaugurated a course of study and system of instruction which, to our minds, seem to combine advanced with conservative and long-tried methods, in such happy relations as to yield about all we can expect from our common school grades. Our text-books are from the best authors. In the primary grades Monroe's charts are used in teaching reading, the slate and pencil in teaching writing and composition, object lessons in training the perceptions, oral com- binations in numbers, to quicken the mathematical faculties, and such " short cuts " in general as will give desired results- avoiding long and tedious processes. Economy of time and rapidity of execution are demanded of the young student in these days ; but, important as these may be deemed, the sound and healthy growth of the mind should be considered as of far more importance. Character underlies all true success in life. Education is the awakening and training of innate powers and qualities. Superficial acquisitions, put on for the show of ex- amination day, and brushed aside by the first rub of practical demand, are of but little value, and ought to receive no encou- ragement from the educator of youth.
Not having examined the "Quincy method," so-called, very carefully, no judgment is intended to be passed upon its merits or demerits. For young children it is undoubtedly a help ; and, so far as it requires oral teaching in the higher departments, it may also have its advantages. Every teacher, under whatever name of system, should be so familiar with the topics to be taught as to be able to give and hear lessons with- out the visible use of text-books. But all mental discipline can not be acquired through the ear and the eye. There must be
46
quiet thought and deep study, to produce mental strength. There is no way to extemporize knowledge -- no royal road to intellectual power. Prof. E. D. Sandborn, one of the, most successful educators in New England, says : " Whatever helps a boy to do what he can accomplish by the industrious use of his own unaided powers, does him an irreparable injury. It is the business of the teacher to awaken curiosity, excite enthu- siasm, stimulate industry, and, by judicious suggestions, enable the student to achieve his own victories. The three great aids of education - discipline of mind, information and expression -- are secured by hard study, careful reading and frequent writing and speaking of the student himself. By application, he · acquires mental strength *; by reading, intellectual stores ; by speaking and writing, oratorical skill and beauty of expression. A good teacher may render invaluable assistance to his pupil by showing him how to think, how to learn, how to express him- self. But toil is the price every learner must pay for discipline, knowledge and utterance. A good text-book greatly aids the teacher in his arduous labors ; but a book, like a key or copious commentary, that makes everything plain to the meanest capa- city, is the meanest kind of a book. It degrades the teacher and demoralizes the pupil ; it discourages industry, and pro- motes indolence."
Prof. Sandborn also bears his testimony against the grow- ing multiplicity of text-books ; and especially the spreading out of what ought to be contained in two books into a long and expensive series of five or six. There is no benefit in this, except to the publisher and the trade. But how to remedy the evil, is not so easy. The State Board of Education and our Teachers' Conventions might wrestle with this problem, and perhaps suggest some way of its solution. Fewer text-books and a more thorough mastery of the principles contained in them, is what our schools need, and the parents sincerely desire. Such a change would materially lessen the cost of education, and simplify the internal economy of our schools.
47
School Accommodations.
At present, we have room enough in the Balch building, but none for the relief of any other. The lower department is full ; the upper has a few seats to spare, but none that will not, prospectively, soon be in demand. We have allowed the tem- porary attendance of three pupils from East Walpole - their parents paying for the privilege. They give the teacher no trouble in discipline, and add but little to her burdens in teach- ing, as no new classes were allowed to be formed on their account. A few more could be taken in the same room, were there any in the Everett district who could be persuaded or even compelled to attend there ; but local feeling and prejudice are so much against it, that we see no relief to our over-crowded rooms in the Everett, in this direction. In the Everett building there are seven schools, and during the past year every seat has been filled and every inch of available space occupied. These seven rooms contain 356 sittings, giving an average of fifty-one pupils to a room. The number of name's registered in the whole school during the past year is 364, being eight more than there are desks. But the chief evils do not arise from the number of pupils so much as from the objectionable system of promotion, and the early graduation necessitated thereby. The scholars are pushed through the course too rapidly, and out of the school at too young an age. They are made to lose one or two years of education at an age when they are best pre- pared to appreciate its advantages. In our judgment it was a mistake to remove Railroad Avenue School to the Everett build- ing ; it compelled a change in the school system that is working harm.
No teacher should have under her charge over forty scholars. That number is enough to sit together six hours a day in the same room, and as many as one person can do justice to, in the way of teaching. The health of both parties is im- perilled when the number is greater than that. The little, young minds in the lower primaries need to feel, constantly, the personal influence of the teacher. They were never made to be educated
48
by wholesale, nor in the lump. The suffering and injury in the grammar departments are quite as great, and the complaints even louder and more emphatic.
Remedy for the Evil.
It is the duty of your Committee to call your attention to these facts, and to suggest such remedy as, in their judgment, will afford the needed relief. A school building of two depart- ments, located in the north part of the village, to accommodate the primary and intermediate grades of scholars north of Nahat- an Street and Railroad Avenue, would relieve the Everett of the pressure of numbers, and the premature graduation now com- plained of. Such an outlay is necessary, feasible and almost imperative, and its immediate adoption would undoubtedly put the question of school accommodation at rest, until, by growth. of population and existing statute, the Town will be obliged to have and maintain a High School. The expense to be involved for land and building ought not to be over $3,500, and the pay of one additional teacher at $9.50 per week. We must have additional room. The Committee have no legal right to exclude a single scholar from the public schools so long as they desire to go, to fit themselves for the ordinary duties of citizenship. It is good policy to give our children all the schooling they are willing to receive. They make better men and women, more valuable to themselves and the Town, in consequence thereof.
Good Morals.
No sectarian dogmas are allowed to be taught in our schools. The teachers are selected, in part, with reference to their Christian character, and are expected to teach their pupils the virtues of truth, purity, honesty, kindness and mutual respect. Moral truth and duty lie at the foundation of good character, and an education which did not include these virtues would be only an injury. The known righteousness of God is the basis of moral conduct. We want no " sectarian schools," neither do we intend to have " godless schools." It is the duty of the teachers and Committee to inculcate the principles of
49
moral science, and look carefully after the moral conduct, speech and habits of the school children. No good parent expects them to do less than this. The Norwood schools are attending to their legitimate business, leaving all questions of faith, dogma and destiny to the several churches and Sunday schools, whose mission it is to look after such matters.
Conclusion.
It is the desire of your Committee to do all in their power to render the public schools worthy of the patronage of the children of all our citizens. For that reason we require neat- ness, order, good manners, obedience on the part of the pupils, and faithful vigilance on the part of the teachers. Society is made up of all classes and conditions of life, mutually dependent and mutually helpful. It is better, therefore, that all should be educated together, and learn carly in life that the sources of worth and respect lie in the mind and in the heart, more than in any outward circumstances. That we may be measurably suc- cessful in our aims, we ask the help and co-operation of all our citizens.
Statistics.
The whole number of children in town between the ages
of five and fifteen, in May, 1879, was. 420
Over fifteen years of age in the schools, . 49
The whole number registered as scholars in 1879-80 is .. 434
The average in attendance. 358
Whole number of desks or sitting's 436
GEORGE HILL, THERON BROWN, School Committee. S. C. DAVIS,
REPORT
OF
CEMETERY COMMITTEE
WITH
· PROPOSED
RULES AND REGULATIONS
FOR THE
HIGHLAND VIEW CEMETERY,
OF NORWOOD.
REPORT.
THE Cemetery Committee, which was chosen in March, and authorized to lay out the newly-purchased land suitable for a Cemetery, respectfully report as follows :
They proceeded early to engage the services of Mr. R. T. Woodward, an experienced man, to take charge of the entire work, subject to their inspection and control. A general plan was agreed upon, embracing about one-third of the land pur-' chased, which has since been developed so that in September many of the important avenues were completed, and two hun- dred desirable lots were all ready and offered for sale at prices from ten to forty dollars, according to location. Several lots were immediately taken and others will be secured' in early Spring. Heliotype copies of the plan adopted have been dis- tributed, showing full particulars of the location of present and prospective lots.
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