USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1889 > Part 3
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
55
17
Charlotte B. Haskell
86
17
Olive I. Donnal
5
13
16
John Lyden
12
6
15
Nov.
13
Charles T. Leach
17
9
11
20
Alfred W. Roby .
31
2
25
21
Charles Anderson
26
8
9
Nov.
25
Joseph Donnelly
23
3
March
20
Alice Morrissy
The age of these is missing.
4
17
Emma L. Arnheiter
5
21
Chester Carroll Webb
8
3
7
25
Charles B. Ellis
35
31
Catherine G. Mahoney
5
24
19
Eva M. Gifford
8
16
A child of A. R. Clement
17
31 Fanny A. Martin
26
Ellen Mahoney
REPORT OF CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS.
The Commissioners of Highland Cemetery present herewith their annual financial report.
The cemetery has again received the personal attention and care of W. A. Talbot, and the work, as in previous years, has been done in a manner satisfactory to the Commissioners, and they believe to the public also.
There has been more lots taken the past year than in any one previous, the majority of which have been in the Catholic portion.
The Commissioners would call attention to the recommenda- tion of last year, that of making provision for perpetual care of lots. The Treasurer receives such trusts, and the income will be devoted to the care of such lots as are designated.
Some of the lots that were graded last year have been sold, and the amount expended on them has been paid to the Treas- urer.
A few more have been graded in a like manner the past year, and it is the intention of the Commissioners to do the same each year.
A tool house has been built, and will be painted the coming season.
Shade trees have been planted, and more will be where needed, and it is the intention of the Commissioners to select some por- tion of the cemetery, not likely to be used for some time, and plant small trees, and transplant when large enough in places where needed.
.
Respectfully submitted,
A. G. WEBB, W. A. TALBOT, JOHN GILLOOLY,
Commissioners.
58
HIGHLAND CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS in account with the TOWN OF NORWOOD.
DR.
1888. FOR CASH FROM
$40 00
Feb. 7. John Gillooly, Lot No. 526, 4 bound posts and setting, 6 00
April 2. Katy Boyle, single grave,
5 00
13. John Gaynor, single grave,
5 00
21. Edmund E. Elston, Jr., single grave,
5 00
May 30. John E. Belcher, Lot No. 411, 4 bound posts and setting,
25 00
June
4. Julius F. Balduff, Lot No. 28,
40 00
4 bound posts and setting,
6 00
7. Florence Mahoney, Lot No. 507, 4 bound posts and setting, 6 00
25 00
30. Dennis J. McCarty, Lot No. 510, 25 00
4 bound posts and setting, 6 00
July 1. J. W. Talbot and S. Mitchell, Lot No. 84, 40 00
3 bound posts and setting, 4 50
Aug. 18. Thomas Casey, Lot No. 532, 40 00 4 bound posts and setting, 6 00
26. Michael Fagan, Lot No. 525, 40 00 4 bound posts and setting, 6 00
Sept. 12. John W. Firth, Lot No. 509, 25 00
4 bound posts and setting, 6 00
Oct. 9. Martin Lyden, Lot No. 508, 25 00
4 bound posts and setting and grading lot, 15 00 .
Nov. 17. George H. Hayes, Lot No. 241,
15 00
4 bound posts and setting and grading lot, 30 00
Dec. 20. Selectmen's order town appropriation, 200 00
28. P. Pendergast and Brothers, Lot No. 535, 40 00
4 bound posts and setting, 6 00
Amount carried forward, $703 50
6 00
22. H. F. Turner, single grave, 5 00
R Jean Endung 1883 In folman name appease Is I'fully acestant
Manager 7 Butter 24. Jeache 15
59
Amount brought forward, $703 50
1889.
FOR CASH FROM
Jan. 10. Mirandy D. Boyden, Lot No. 29, 25 00
4 bound posts and setting, 6 00
10. John Farrell, Lot No. 529, 20 00
4 bound posts and setting and grading lot, 12 00
12. John M. A. Bell, Lot No. 501, 25 00
4 bound posts and setting, 6 00
15. J. M. Winslow, Lot No. 85, 40 00 4 bound posts and setting, 6 00
15. Johanna Forsbery, Lot No. 238, 25 00
4 bound posts and setting and grading lot, 30 00
15. Eugene and James Murphy, Lot No. 506, 25 00
4 bound posts and setting, 6 00
19. Patrick Fahy, Lot No. 543, 4 bound posts and setting, 6 00
40 00
31. Wm J. Cuff, Jr., Lot No. 502, 25 00
4 bound posts and setting, 6 00
W. A. Talbot, loam sold, 14 10
$1,020 60
CR.
1888. CASH PAID
Dec. 20. Charles E. Pond, Treasurer,
$200 00
1889.
Jan. 31. Charles E. Pond, Treasurer, 820 60
$1,020 60
60
ORDERS DRAWN ON THE TOWN TREASURER.
1888. IN FAVOR OF
Dec. 1. $27 50
J. Warren Talbot,
1. S. B. Corliss, 133 60
1. George F. Bagley,
166 73
7. Francis Tinker, 13 50
1889.
Jan. W. A. Talbot,
393 45
$734 78
REPORT OF PUBLIC LIBRARY.
There have been added to the library during the year two hundred and forty-four volumes, besides seven monthly period- icals.
Ten hundred and thirty-nine persons have drawn books from the library, one hundred and twenty-nine more than during any previous year. We are happy to report that there seems to be a growing disposition on the part of readers to select books of solid worth. This we infer from the report of the librarian.
Since the new catalogue was issued, new books, when pur- chased, have been catalogued in a newspaper ; but as this has proved inconvenient for reference, the Trustees have deter- mined, as soon as more new books shall be procured, to issue a supplement, containing names of all books that are not in the catalogue.
Respectfully submitted,
B. W. BARROWS, for the Trustees.
62
THE TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY, in account with the TOWN OF NORWOOD.
DR.
1887.
Balance due Treasurer of Trustees,
$8 86
Received of Miss Thompson, from fines,
$8 86
1888.
Cash from the Chickering fund, $8 64
Appropriation of the money from licenses of dogs, 336 00
Cash from town appropriation, 400 00
Cash from Miss Thompson, from fines,
5 00
$749 64
Paid, by town orders, Miss Thompson, for care of Library,
$150 00
For rent of room,
125 00
Estes & Lauriat, books,
176 18
For magazines,
19 65
D. Appleton & Co., books,
16 20
Houghton, Mifflin & Co., books,
13 00
R. Jones, rebinding books,
4 50
Milton H. Howard, two cases,
47 76
Guy Brothers, lamps,
7 50
Mr. Mendell, for sundry supplies,
16 78
William Gillooly, coal,
11 25
Crooker, printing list of books from fine money,
5 00
Outstanding bill of books, not rendered,
126 00
Outstanding furniture,
23 00
$741 92
Balance of appropriation,
7 72
$749 64
Some books were returned that were sent out, and a cor- rected bill has not been received.
FRANCIS TINKER, for Trustees.
$592 92
TOWN OF NORWOOD.
SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
1888-89.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR 1888-89.
The appropriation granted for the support of the public schools at the March meeting, in 1888, was $11,300. Your committee has expended, for all purposes, the sum of $9,879.83, leaving a balance of $1,420.17, a part of which belongs to the unexpired year of the High School, which did not begin until the opening of the summer term in April.
We have overdrawn some $300 more than the sum granted for school books. This was partly in consequence of the extra cost in furnishing the High School with an entire new set of books, and partly from the fact that many of the old books, in all the schools, had become too badly worn for use, and needed to be replaced.
We have also overdrawn on the sum granted for inci- dental expenses. The coal and wood bills were larger, as was also the sum needed for repairs. Single desks have been placed in the primary department of the Balch, a di- vision fence placed in the rear of the Everett, and the one in front repaired, the entire building painted, as also the East school building. All the schoolhouses are now in good repair, and well covered with paint. Three of them have the town water. By special vote and appropriation of the town, the Balch was supplied at the beginning of September at the cost of about $1,400.
65
SCHOOL ROOM.
The primary schools have all been full, and four of them very much crowded the greater part of the year. We have been obliged to raise the age of admission from five to six years. This has kept out the younger children, but the numbers have, notwithstanding, exceeded the seating capacity of four of the primary departments, so that addi- tional seats have been added, and the teachers paid for extra work. We need another first primary, and also an- other second primary school room immediately. If the High School could be removed from the Everett building into one of its own, a room accommodating forty pupils would be left empty. Otherwise the town must provide a two room building. Should it vote to erect a High School house, a first or second primary school could find accommodation on the first floor, and not interfere at all with the quietude and convenience of the upper depart- ment. With an enrollment of five hundred and fifty-five scholars, between the ages of five and fifteen, and the con- stant increase of population, every citizen must see that new accommodations are a growing necessity. The entire enrollment of all the attendants in the public schools is five hundred and fifty-seven. The average attendance has been five hundred and sixteen.
HIGH SCHOOL.
At the March town meeting last year, the School Com- mittee was granted the sum of $1,500, with which to em- ploy a teacher, hire a room, and open a High School. They engaged the old Congregational vestry, on Washington Street, for a room, furnished it with thirty-two desks, a table, and settees, employed Mr. N. L. Sheldon as princi-
66
pal, retaining Miss S. Noyes temporarily as assistant. At the opening of the school there were thirty-seven appli- cants, with room and desks for only thirty-two. Three gave up the idea of taking the course, and two older pupils studied at home, reciting only in special studies. A course of study was laid out, and the work of teaching begun. Very good work was done, but with his assistant a half a mile away, and the school building entirely unsuited to first-class work, Mr. Sheldon felt so cramped and so dis- satisfied that at the end of the summer term he resigned.
But he was persuaded to withdraw his resignation, on the promise of better quarters next term, and the strong probability of a new and suitable building another year.
During the summer vacation the recitation room in the Everett building was fitted up, furnished with thirty-six desks, all that could be crowded into it, and the Water Commissioners' office obtained for a recitation room. This was an improvement upon the previous accommodations, but with seven new scholars added it was too small, and only by the exercise of patience and forbearance have the teachers been able to do their work; and, without the assurance of better accommodations soon, it is doubtful whether they can be induced to continue. This is known to be the position and feeling of Mr. Sheldon.
Your Committee have persuaded themselves that the town would certainly meet this difficulty in a liberal and enlightened spirit, and be willing to grant, at the coming town meeting, a sum sufficient to build and equip a High School edifice of sufficient capacity and accommodations for a generation to come.
So far as the members of the School Committee are con- cerned, we have no personal feeling in the matter. But as the official guardians of the schools, we urge the citi- zens to consider this question carefully, and then to act in
67
accordance with the merits of the case, and the enlightened spirit of the times. We do not believe that an expen- sively ornamental edifice is needed now. What is called for is a substantial, commodious school building, suited to our present and immediately prospective wants. Such a building can be had for eight or nine thousand dollars, in- cluding furnishing. It should, of course, be two stories high, and on the upper floor contain a general school room, a recitation room, and an apparatus room, with two ante- rooms. The lower floor may be used for a primary school, or for other school purposes, as the Building Committee may decide. This can be done for the above-named sum, giving the town a handsome and convenient building. Or, if the voters feel generous, a slightly larger sum may be expended, without the charge of extravagance. And this expenditure can be met without any permanent increase of debt. It could be paid for in five years out of the annual overplus in the town treasury, and the tax payers scarcely feel it. Or, if the money should be borrowed, it could be paid in yearly installments of $2,000 each year, adding only one mill on a dollar to the annual tax. We owe ourselves such a building ; for the citizens will remember that we received $6,000 from Dedham when we left the mother town, on the issue of this very question. That money was used for another purpose, and the town is get- ting the benefit of it. Placed at interest until now, it would have been ample for our present need.
We recommend the appropriation of $9,000 for a High School building, to be erected during the present year, and ready for occupancy the first day of August ; and the rais- ing of a Building Committee, consisting of three men, who, together with the School Committee, shall have full power.
68
MUSIC.
Mr. Charles Young succeeded Mr. Cottle as teacher in this department, commencing his labors in September. Mr. Young understands music, and follows the Holt sys- tem introduced by Mr. Cottle. To say that he has filled Mr. Cottle's place would be justice to neither of these gen- tlemen, and would imply that much more has been realized than we anticipated. Mr. Cottle had a peculiar faculty for engaging the attention of young children, and a felicity of method which made it easy to follow him, and kept his work always in advance of his lessons. Longer acquaint- ance with the schools will probably better enable Mr. Young to interest the pupils in musical instruction, and give him a decided gain in efficiency. The teachers are cordial in their co-operation.
DRAWING.
Miss Frances Nye was hired in November to give weekly lessons to the teachers of all the schools in drawing from objects. The course was ended by her regretted removal, after nine weeks of instruction, and just when the effort and practice under her hand were beginning to show good results. Even this glimpse of the better methods of art has profited the teachers, and some of them have used the few hints so far acquired to improve the work in drawing done in the schools. The training of the hand and eye is more and more recognized as part of a good practical edu- cation, and to meet the demand it will be desirable to em- ploy, at no distant day, a special instructor in drawing, as in music, - one who can teach not merely to copy from flat figures in a book, but to correctly draw mechanical objects and natural forms from the originals.
69
DISCIPLINE.
It is mainly moral. If scholars are obstinate, refusing to obey, or are habitually absent, without good reasons, the teachers can suspend them, and they must apply to the Committee before re-admission. If this is ineffective, they may be put into the hands of the civil authorities, and sent to a reform school. The teachers require notes of expla- nation from parents as an excuse for frequent absence. As absenteeism is a great evil, it is hoped the parents will co-operate with the teachers in this method. When a scholar has no good reason for absence, the word of the mother, extorted by the importunities of the child, is really no excuse. It is only the child's device to escape penalty for the neglect of school duties. :
CHANGES OF TEACHERS.
There have been two during the year, up to January 31, one in the fourth department, in the Everett, and the re- tirement of Miss Noyes at the end of the school year. Miss Parsons was engaged as assistant in the High School, commencing work in September. She brings ample quali- fications for the place, and is filling it satisfactorily to the principal and the Committee. Miss Manley left depart- ment number four (Everett building) at the same time, and Miss Annie G. Smith was engaged to take charge of the school. Her labors are meeting with success.
VENTILATION.
By order of the District Police the rooms in the Everett building have been provided with increased facilities for ventilation. The draughts for the discharge of foul air
70
have been enlarged, so that no room in the building need suffer. Neither is there any danger in case of fire. All the upper rooms are provided with numerous doors of exit, and in the lower rooms, in case of danger, the windows could be used as well as doors. Present arrangements are, so far as we know, in conformity with both the law of the state, and the laws of health.
TRUANCY.
The County of Norfolk has not yet provided a truant school. Norwood has at present no way to dispose of tru- ants, except to place them in Principal Atwood's depart- ment, by permission of the town, and require him to see that they attend school and behave themselves. But the County Commissioners ought to provide a suitable place, where any town could send an occasional truant. Norwood has respectfully petitioned them to do so.
CONDITION OF THE SCHOOLS.
The health of scholars and teachers has been good, and the average attendance higher than before for several years. Better work has been done in the first grammar department, in consequence of the removal of the High School scholars.
The High School has an enrollment of thirty-nine, with an average attendance of between thirty-three and thirty- four. There will probably be a class of about ten from Mr. Atwood's to enter the High school this fall. We think there will be no difficulty in finding material to keep up the new school. There is a disposition manifested on the part of a very few, whose acquaintance with earnest
71
study is of recent date, to drop out on their own personal diploma. But most of them are getting to love hard study, and intend to go through the course. Already the good influence of the school is seen in their improved diligence and scholarly habits. There is a purely English course for those who do not wish for the classical, so that no boy or girl need be excluded from some of the benefits of the, higher grade of studies. It is not for the name of it, nor merely for show, that we urge all to enter the High School if possible, but for the general improvement of education, and the personal benefits to each one. Education in and of itself is a great blessing.
VISITATION OF THE SCHOOLS.
.The schools are all open to every parent, with the stand- ing invitation to "come in and see for yourselves " the kind of work that is being done. You need not expect the teachers to stop their work and entertain you in a social way, for their duties do not permit them to. Never- theless they are glad to see you, and will give you every facility to observe their methods and compare results.
The registers show a slight improvement in the number of visitors during the past year, and that accounts in part for the minimum of complaints. The severest critics never visit the schools, or very seldom.
In conclusion, we ask your kind co-operation for the year to come, and solicit any suggestions you may offer for the improvement of our public schools.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
GEORGE HILL. THERON BROWN. J. A. CROCKER.
NORWOOD WATER WORKS.
FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
BOARD OF WATER OMMISSIONERS, 1889.
REPORT OF WATER COMMISSIONERS.
The Water Commissioners present their fourth annual re- port, for 1888, as follows : -
At the March town meeting, Edmund J. Shattuck was elected Commissioner for three years, and Chas. T. Wheelock for one year, to fill out the unexpired term of J. E. Everett.
The Board was organized by choice of Ward L. Gay as Chairman, and Chas. T. Wheelock, Clerk.
Immediately after the March meeting, the Board sent to Mr. Isaac Ellis, for signature, a guaranty for six per cent. of the estimated cost of the Walpole Street extension, as voted by the town. Mr. Ellis declining to sign the guaranty, the Board of Selectmen were notified in writing, April 28, that the money appropriated for the extension would not be needed.
To comply with the requirements of the act allowing the town to put in water works, a statement of the taking of the pond and water rights therein has been placed on record in Norfolk Registry of Deeds.
When the line of pipe was laid from Walpole Street to Winslow Brothers' tannery, the firm signed an agreement to furnish the town a deed of right of way over said line, to maintain the same "as drawn up by Mr. John C. Lane." After some correspondence the deed was received, in Novem- ber, 1888, and contains the following clause : "Provided, nevertheless, that the right and license hereby given may be revoked and determined at any time by the united action of said grantors, and their respective successors, heirs, and as- signs, by one year's notice in writing, to be given to the said inhabitants of the town of Norwood, or the said Board of
75
Water Commissioners thereof." This provision is not satis- factory to the Commissioners, but must probably be accepted, as it is in accordance with the agreement made with a former board.
At the urgent request of the School Committee the office on Guild Street was given up to their use, in September, and the upper room of the old engine house was fitted up for the Commissioners' office. It was agreed between the Water Commissioners and the School Committee, that the expense of moving and putting the engine house in proper condition for use as an office should be borne by the School Committee. The items which should be paid by them were distinctly stated, and a bill in accordance therewith was rendered to them, but they have refused to approve it, and it remains unpaid.
The rates for water taken through meters, as at present arranged, are lower than are made in most towns, and are a source of considerable misunderstanding ; but, as they were established by vote of the town, the Commissioners have no authority to change them, and therefore ask for authority to establish new rates.
Service Pipes and Extension of Mains.
The work of the year in laying services and extension of mains is as follows : -
Number of service pipes laid during the year, 38.
Total length of service pipes laid, 741 feet.
Total cost, $277.78.
After careful consideration of the cost of laying service pipes from the street lines to the interior of buildings, and the responsibility for damage from freezing of pipes through lack of proper filling material furnished by the takers, the Board decided it would be more satisfactory for the town to confine its work within street lines, and competition of plumbers will result in benefit to the water taker.
76
Extensions of mains have been made, in accordance with votes of the town, on Washington Street, from Dean Street to the Balch School, and on Cottage Street, from end of pipe formerly laid, to the house of Charles H. Rogers.
The Washington Street extension was laid with eight-inch pipe. For this extension two hydrants were purchased ; but the Board decided only one was necessary at present, which was set at end of pipe opposite schoolhouse, the other remain- ing on hand for use in case of accident. The cost, including hydrant on hand, was $1,242.83.
The Cottage Street extension was voted, provided Charles H. Rogers would guarantee six per cent. on $300 for ten years. Before work was commenced, Mr. Rogers signed guaranty drawn by Commissioners. This extension was laid with six- inch pipe, and one hydrant set. The cost exceeded estimate of the Board $34.07, in consequence of amount of rock en- countered.
These extensions were laid by Mr. John T. Langford, under contract, subject to all conditions of his original con- tract with the town regarding quality of materials and work, with a guaranty for one year.
On the Washington Street main, two twelve-inch gates have been so relocated that the portion of main between Cot- tage Street and Railroad Avenue may be shut off without depriving other portions of the town of their supply of water.
PUMPING STATION.
The tubes in the boiler at pumping station were found to be so much eaten by rust that it was considered advisable to replace them by a new set of steel tubes.
The advice of several experts was asked as to cause of tubes rusting in so short time, and the conclusion was reached that frequent heating and cooling caused the rusting. It was then deemed economical to keep fire under the boiler all the
77
time. This has been done since April 1, and, the Commis- sioners believe, has resulted in saving of fuel, and has also obviated all difficulty with tubes.
Owing to fault in plans of pumping station, as furnished by the architect, that portion of roof over the engine room settled and forced out the supporting wall. This has been repaired by placing a truss to support the roof.
A gauge for measuring variations in height of water in the pond has been constructed, and a record kept, since July 1, of variations on all days of pumping. A summary of this record will be found on page 79.
The contract for painting the pumping station was awarded to the lowest bidder, Nathaniel Reed, at $52.
It being difficult to cart coal over the soft ground between the street and the coal shed, a driveway has been built, at a cost of $46.25. Stones for the bed of the driveway were deliv- ered by Mr. Samuel Allen, without cost to the town, and the loam taken out was used for grading along the edge of the pond.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.