USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wayland > Official reports of the town of Wayland 1883-1893 > 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 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27
We have to supply the public needs in this respect; the com-
53
mittee will be only too happy to halt, when the citizens reduce the percentage of novel reading.
Respectfully Submitted,
R. T. LOMBARD, M. E. REEVES, N. P. GILMAN, Library Committe.
Feb'y 29, 1884.
54
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT.
To the Library committee, for the year ending Dec. 31, 1883 :- The usual statistical information is submitted as follows :-
ACCESSIONS.
By purchase
115 vols.
By gift
115 “
By exchange ·
4
Bound and transferred from pamphlet department
29 66
Total
263
Whole number of vols. now in Library . 8,895
Pamplets presented
· 140
CIRCULATION.
In Cochituate
4,442 vols.
In Wayland Centre
7,946 “
Total
12,388
DONORS OF BOOKS AND PAMPHLETS.
Book-club, Wayland
Boston Public Library
Bowman, Mrs. A., Brookline .
2
Brooks, J. D. F., Newtonville
Draper, C. H., Brookline
Draper, Ella E., Wayland
Daaper, F. S., Brooklin
1 in nos. 1
Draper, Mrs. Grace, Allston
Draper, J. S., Wayland
Hahneman-club, Philadelphia
King Moses, Cambridge
2
Lancaster Library .
1
Mass. Sec. of State
1
Mass. Teachers Association
1
Natick, Morse Institute .
Newton, Public Library .
Books. Pamplets .. 11 in nos.
6
1
3 in nos. 1 2-
Draper, Dr. F. W., Boston
1 in nos. 42 26
1
1
1
55
Books. Pamphlets.
. Peabody Institute
1
Parks. Miss M. C., Cambridge Perry, E., S. Natick
24
1
Quincy, Town of
1
Reeves, Miss M. E ..
1
Rice, Joseph, Wayland
1
Seventh-day Adventist Association
7
Smith, Lieut. H. D., Boston . Society of Friends, Philadelphia
2
Speight, A .. W. Austin. Tex.
1
Sudbury, Goodnough Library .
1
Taunton, Public Library .
1
Thayer, Mrs. S., Wayland
8 21
U. S. Agriculture Committee
1
U. S. Board of Education
1
3
U. S. Director of Mint, (H. C. Burchard)
3
U. S. Signal Service, (W. W. Hazen)
3
Weston, Town of
1
Wheelman Co.
2
Wight, Rev. J. B. .
1
Women's Medical College, Pa.
1
Wyman, Mrs. H. S.
-
115
140
By exchange
4
Mrs. W. G. Roby contributed 6 Franklin Square stories in paper covers.
From Mr. H. Heard is received a copy of the Columbian Senti- nal for. 1811.
CLASSES OF READING.
General Average per cent. from 1867 to 1882.
Per cent. 1883.
Per cent. 1883.
Agriculture
.01
.01
Magazine literature .
.11 .08
Biographical
.05
.06
Poetry
.04 .02
Ethical and religious
.03
.03
Scientific and general liter- erature
. .05
.05
Historical .
.06
.05
Travels
· .05
.05
Juvenile
. .13
.09
Miscellaneous . .06
.04
Fiction
.41
.52
56
2
56
AUTHORS OF FICTION FAVORED WITH READERS THE LAST
WEEK OF 1883.
Vols.
Vols.
Cooper
9
Black .
3
Dickens
6
Miss Douglas
3
Scott .
5
Ebers .
3
Roe, Rev. E. P.
5 James, G. P. R.
3
Mrs. Alden .
4
Marlitt
3
Miss Muloch
4
Trowbridge
3
Mrs. Stowe .
4
Susan Warren
.
3
Mrs. Holmes
4
Eleven authors had two readers each, forty-three authors had one reader each, and twenty-six works by anonymous writers were returned, comprised chiefly in the "No Name" and "Round Robin" series.
Novel Reading.
With the widely different phases of natural taste and of social and literary culture, seen everywhere at the present day peering into book-shops and libraries for fresh literature aliment with the eager intensity of banished want, and with the flood-tides of book- making pouring their tempting treasures within easy reach, the questions, "What shall we read?" and "What shall we buy for others to read?" become oppressively burdensome to a sensitive mind; and book-selecting committees should command more sympathy than they sometimes receive in their efforts to supply the demand for popular reading.
The contest once fiercely waged against novel-reading has not yet entirely ceased. It is too late in the day, however. to ignore its claims. Its advocates are present in full force and have come to stay. They have grown up chiefly during the last half century, and have a very respectable claim, under evolution theories. of a fitness to survive. On a general average basis con- cerning the past 17 or 18 years, they show in our library statistics an honest increase of a large per cent. over all other classes of readers. +
These readers are of age, and have a right to speak for them-
t See tabular view.
57
selves ; they are tax-payers and may demand that their wants be met.
When most exemplary and devout members of evangelical churches come to the library with the inquiry "Have you any more of G-'s novels ?" or "Will you please select a good story for me ?" or "Is B-'s latest story in?" it is a poor recommendation to our shelves to report that the works called for have not yet been purchased.
Novel-reading, wide-spread as it is. has not kept pace with the abundant supply of the age, Sixty-five years ago not only the staple material but nearly the entire stock could be counted in less than a dozen works like "The Mysteries of Udolpho," "Romance of the Forest." "Vicar of Wakefield," and "Robinson Crusoe." Now, a bare enumeration of the Authors of Fiction requires a thick volume. And many a writer scores up his twenty to thirty works with ease. Any attempt to stop the still rushing tide is as futile as efforts to sweep back the on-rushing billows of the At- lantic with a broom. All that can be required is an exercise of the keenest powers of discrimination in selecting from the best writers their best works ; and so. while not competing numerically with other libraries. it may proudly be said that our shelves con- tain the choicest selection.
LOST BOOKS,'
Under such care as the Librarian has exercised since June 17, 1865, (now nearly nineteen years), books have occasionally been missed from their places. In some cases the absence is only tem- porary, and after a while they are returned to the library as quietly and mysteriously as they disappeared. A volume of Scribner, not present at the examination in January, 1883, came unexpect- edly to light a few months later.
Where many books are taken in a family, it is almost inevitable that a volume will sometimes get mislaid, and so remain entirely forgotten by the borrower, whose indignation is not always con- cealed on being notified to "Return the same without delay." Again. books are loaned to temporary residents, some of whom deem it no robbery to carry with them this kind of public prop- erty on leaving town.
The actual unrequited losses during the period of years above named is as follows :-
58
Borrowed by two resident citizens (in 1868 and 1870,) and never returned, 2 volumes. Loaned to two transient residents and carried out of town (1876-1883), 3 volumes. One volume mysteriously disappeared in 1876 and has never been heard from. Total actually lost, 6. Three books lost or destroyed during the past two years have been paid for by the persons to whom they stood charged.
SUPPLEMENTAL CATALOGUE.
Frequent enquiries for printed lists of the books added to the library during the past three years indicate the importance of im- mediate attention to this very desirable requisite to readers of the new books.
ADVISORY AGENCY.
There are increasing evidences of another want whose impor- tance is not yet fully developed. viz. : that of some competent person to aid the young, especially in selecting the most appro- priate and best reading. Consider, for a moment, what are the elements of power in this extension of our educational system,- this graduated plane whereon, step by step, our whole population are moving upward to the attainment of the literary treasures stored for their use.
Here is a mass of miscellaneous literature comprised in about 9,000 volumes. From this storehouse there is an actual annual circulation of 12,000 volumes among our citizens. Could we be- lieve that these books were wisely selected as best adapted to the wants of their readers, and that each volume is carefully read, studied and made to yield its best influences on mind, heart and conduct, what words could exaggerate its importance to our com- munity.
But, alas ! scarcely do half the people who use the library have a distinct idea of what its shelves contain that is best adapted to their special requirements. Hence it will be soon deemed not enough to provide extensive collections of good books, and place in the hands of readers proper catalogues.
For a similar reason that scholars require the aid of a teacher to guide their courses of instruction, so will readers, especially the younger portion, require some one to stand ready with advice and assistance in initiating and carrying forward courses of reading.
59
In all small libraries the Librarian would seem to be the proper person on whom such a trust should repose.
Let it be accepted, then, as a suggestion, that in future appoint- ments of that officer, some due regard be had to his especial fitness as an adviser.
His chief qualifications will not be simply executive ability, method, quick despatch, good order and habitual neatness-but strong discriminative perceptions to see at a glance the special needs of an applicant. and an ample acquaintance with all his book treasures from which to start a course of select and valuable read- ing, giving great advantage to very many who otherwise would drift and flounder aimlessly through seas of miscellaneous literature.
Questions like the following, not infrequently propounded, point in the above direction :
"I am studying the manners and customs of the old Grecians. What books have you that will aid me?"
"Please send me your best work on Mondern Astronomical Sci- ence ?"
"I am going to take part in a debate on the character and in- fluence of Napoleon. Please send me any work that will aid me ?" "My father wants a good book on English History," etc.
For the benefit of those persons to whom they may be new, I have transcribed for reprint the following
RULES FOR READERS.
I .- CARDS. 1
Keep your cards well filled with numbers legibly written.
Re-write the numbers as often as they become defaced.
If any book is wanted in advance of others, mark its number with a cross, thus ; (4567 X) .
When books are returned direct to the Library, leave them on the counter to the right side of the Desk, with the cards on the books. If returned in the Cochituate boxes, place the cards out- side the books, under the rubber bands.
A strict observance of these Rules will save' the Librarian an amount of time and trouble surprising to persons not familiar with the routine work of the Library.
60
II .- CARE OF BOOKS.
Provide suitable protection to the books when taking them to and from your homes, especially in stormy weather.
A proper way of handling a book when in use-and avoiding the turning down of leaves, will tend to keep it in good order for years.
If leaves become loose, keep them carefully in their places. A few leaves lost often renders a book worthless.
Remember that the town does not provide Library books as mere toys for the amusement of young children.
Never allow a book to be used except with clean, dry hands, and have a place to keep it safe from harm, when not in use.
[Extract from the Laws, Chap. 59, Acts of 1867.]
Whoever wilfully and maliciously writes upon, injures, defaces, tears, or destroyes any book, plate, picture, engraving, or statue, belonging to any law, town, city, or other public library, shall be punished by a fine of not less than five dollars, nor more than one thousand dollars, for every such offence.
LIBRARY READING TABLE.
Contribution of current newspaper literature are respectfully solicited for the reading-table.
Representative newspapers of the different religious sects are especially desired ; and also those devoted to special reforms.
All newspaper numbers when contributed regularly will be pro- vided with file-frames for careful preservation and convenience.
Respectfully,
J. S. DRAPER.
Librarian.
61
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CABINET.
Geological.
Ores.
Relics.
Vegetable and Animal
Conchological.
Coins.
Arnold, John, Boston
·
·
·
·
. .
1
. .
Arnold, Josephine, Boston
Bryden. J. I., Wayland
. .
·
1
. .
. .
. .
Campbell, Mary,
. .
. .
1
.
.
. .
· ·
Dabney, Dr. C. W., Raleigh, N.C.
10
45
Draper, J. S., Wayland
1
2
4
.
. .
Dwight, W., Knoxville, Tenn.
4
6
.
·
·
. .
. .
Folsom, Geo., Wayland
7
. .
.
·
. .
. .
·
.
1
. .
. .
Rohy, W. G.,
4
· .
.
.
. .
Smith, Miss Josie, Boston
1
. .
Smith, Lieut. H. D.,
.
· ·
. .
. .
Whittemore, Geo. E.
·
.
.
.
.
·
Mrs. J. Coolidge has loaned eight specimens of rare Chinese sculpture in soapstone, and an exceedingly fine sample of Chinese work in ivory.
J. S. DRAPER.
Librarian.
WAYLAND, February 29, 1884.
· ·
·
1
. .
. .
. .
.
.
.
.
. .
.
.
·
.
.
·
. .
3
. .
. .
1
Peirce, E. A.,
Perry, Oscar
1
Reeves, Miss M. E., Wayland
.
1
. .
62
JURY LIST AS REVISED BY THE SELECTMEN, FEB. 25, 1884.
George E. Sherman, William Hammond, Willoughby C. Lyford, Charles W. Reeves,
George A. Rice,
Nathan B. Johnson,
Luther H. Sherman,
Benjamin M. Folsom,
Theodore L. Sawin, Alpheus D. Loker, Alfred C. Loker.
Granville L. Loker,
Adoniram J. Puffer, Isaac Damon.
Charles Fairbank, William Baldwin, Thomas W. Frost, James A. Draper, David P. W. Loker,
Hodigah B. Braman, Albert B. Lyon, Edward Carter, John C. Butterfield, Theodore S. Sherman, Andrew F. Pendleton, Charles H. Rice, Lafayette Dudley, Charles H. Campbell.
CHAS. HI. BOODEY. THEO. S. SHERMAN, WILLIAM II. BENT, Selectmen of Wayland.
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF WAYLAND,
FROM
FEB. 1. 1883. TO FEB. 29, 1884.
PORATED
N
LA
ND.
1635.
EAST SUDBURY
FOUNDr )
17
1835
1884.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 1883-84.
To the Citizens of Wayland :
The School Committee submit the following report :-
There are seven Primary or District Schools, one Intermediate and two Grammar Schools, with an aggregate attendance of three hundred and thirty-nine scholars. In some of the schools a regu- lar gradation of scholarship has not been accomplished, but so far as it is practicable the best results in this direction have been secured. The Centre Grammar School has been taught by Mr. Charles S. Stroud, an accomplished scholar and thorough discip- linarian. The average attendance in this school is twenty-five.
The Grammar School in Cochituate Village has an average attendance of thirty-five. Your committee were fortunate in securing the services of Mr. Charles F. Merrick during the winter term. There is a marked improvement in this school. The order is better, the recitations are given with more energy and prompt- ness. Both of the Grammar Schools need new dictionaries for reference, and apparatus for illustrating the sciences-such as Globes, Charts. Cubes. Squares, &c. : which the committee would gladly furnish, if the means were placed at their disposal.
The Centre Primary School has an average attendance of twen- ty-four scholars. Mrs. Ella A. Wheeler has taught this school for several years and has given satisfaction to the parents and won the respect and confidence of her pupils. The special exercises of examination day draw a larger number of parents and visitors into this school than we notice in other schools. The interest the scholars take in their studies show that the teachers' work has been well done.
The North School taught by Miss E. N. Morse, with an average membership of thirteen scholars is the smallest school in town. Within the memory of some of our citizens, this school was among
66
the largest in town. It is favorably located for earnest thought and careful study.
Miss Carrie Lee has taught the Rutter School for several years. The parents are well pleased with her services, as one remarked to the Committee : "I hope Miss Lee will be teacher there as long as my children attend." The average attendance is twenty-two. The scholars are making good progress, because the teacher is thorough in what she undertakes.
The Thomas School is taught by Miss Hattie E. Reeves, with an average membership of sixteen scholars. They have made commendable progress in their studies and the results of the teacher's labors are quite satisfactory. This school-house is the best arranged and the most convenient one in town and if some changes in other Primary School-houses could be made to con- form-somewhat to the plan of this one, it would be a great com- fort and convenience to both teacher and scholars.
The Lokerville School is pleasantly located a short distance from Cochituate Village. Miss Nellie R. Rice has for several years taught this school with commendable success. The recitations in mathematics are worthy of notice. The hearty co-operation of parents and teachers are essential to complete success in guiding and training the child and pupil for the best work in after life. The average attendance of this school is thirty-one scholars.
The Intermediate School, taught by Miss Harriet E. Perkins, has an average attendance of thirty-five scholars. The whole number enrolled is forty.
It is certainly, no easy task, to inspire a thirst for knowledge in the mind of the boy or girl who "don't care." But, if anyone can do it, Miss Perkins is the teacher that will accomplish it. A good work is being done in this school, and the teacher ought to have the hearty sympathy and co-operation of the parents.
We were glad to notice the singing by the children of this school and we wish that music might be taught in every school in Way- land. The boy or girl who can sing will, always throw a little sun- shine into the shadows, and every burden is made the lighter by the songs the children sing.
The Primary School, taught by Miss L. M. Norton, has an aver- age attendance of thirty scholars.
This school, with the one taught by Miss L. E. Moore, with an average attendance of forty-five scholars, located in Cochituate
67
Village, are the largest Primary Schools in town. Both of these schools are conducted by teachers of experience, and are worthy of the confidence placed in them.
The aggregate average attendance of all the schools in town is two-hundred and seventy-nine scholars,
During the past year, (Nov. 8th,) a Teacher's Institute was held in Wayland Centre, conducted by the Secretary of the Board of Education.
It was well represented by the teachers from the different towns invited to be present.
The exercises and illustrations were quite instructive and inter- esting to those who had never listened to them before.
The proposal to unite three or four towns in one district, to be presided over by one "Superintendent of Schools," would hardly meet with popular favor in a community where so many educated people consider their own intelligent methods for instructing, as good as those presented by others ; especially when we consider the increased burden to the Taxpayers, arising from the Salaried Office.
The members of the Institute were delighted with the bountiful collation so generously provided by the ladies of Wayland, and so agreeably served by the young ladies of the Grammar school.
Your Committee would call your attention to the condition of the Primary School Houses. The absolute need of repairs on these buildings is evident to the most careless observer. We trust the people of Wayland will cheerfully provide the means for preserving their own property. A school-house in good repair, neatly painted, is not only an ornament to the town, but every scholar will be benefited by it when they notice the interest taken in their welfare.
The committee recommend that Forty-five hundred dollars be appropriated for the support of the schools the present year.
Respectfully,
L. K. LOVELL,
For the School Committee of Wayland.
For special use as the Library.
OFFICIAL REPORTS
OF THE
TOWN OF WAYLAND,
FOR ITS
ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTH MUNICIPAL YEAR.
FROM
FEB. 1. 1884, TO MARCH 1. 1885.
RATED
Y LA
NO"
1635.
C
EAST SUDBURY
FOUNDr
0821
1835
NATICK : BULLETIN STEAM JJOB PRINTING HOUSE. 16 AND 18 MAIN STREET. 1885.
OFFICIAL REPORTS
OF THE
TOWN OF WAYLAND,
FOR ITS
ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTH MUNICIPAL YEAR.
FROM
FEB. 1. 1884. TO MARCH 1. 1885.
RPORATED
N
LA
ND
1635.
EAST SUDBURY
FOUND - )
0821
1835
NATICK : BULLETIN STEAM JJOB PRINTING HOUSE. 16 AND 18 MAIN STREET. 1885.
OFFICERS ELECTED AND APPOINTED FOR YEAR 1884-5.
Town Clerk. R. T. LOMBARD.
Town Treasurer. HORACE HEARD.
CHAS. H. BOODEY.
T. S. SHERMAN. Assessors.
MYRON W. BENT, ISAAC DAMON.
Auditor, ALFRED H. BRYANT. Overseers of the Poor.
J. C. BUTTERFIELD, CHAS. FAIRBANK,
GEO. A. RICE.
Fence Viewers, S. M. THOMAS.
L. HI. SHERMAN,
A. H. BRYANT,
Water Commissioners. WM. H. BENT, Constables.
C. H. BOODEY.
W. B. WARD, CHAS. HI. RICE,
W. C. NEAL. D. W. RICKER, C. W. DASCOMB.
School Committee.
CHAS. H. BOODEY, 3 Years, BENJ. M. FOLSOM, 2 Years, LORENZO K. LOVELL, 1 Year.
Highway Surveyors,
CHAS. FAIRBANK, H. G. HAMMOND, ROBERT ERWIN.
I. J. BEMIS.
S. D. BRYDEN, J. W. PARMENTER,
B. M. FOLSOM, GEO. A. RICE,
GEO. WIGHT, GEO. E. SHERMAN.
Field Drivers,
JOHN CARR. W. H. BUTTERFIELD.
Measurers of Wood,
EDWARD CARTER, L. K. LOVELL.
Surveyor of Lumber. Sealer of Weights and Measures, E. A. ATWOOD.
J. H. SMALL.
Superintendents of Cemeteries.
J. C. BUTTERFIELD. A. S. MORSE.
Trustees AAllen Fund, J. S. DRAPER, S. M. THOMAS.
ISAAC DAMION,
Library Committee,
R. T. LOMBARD. MARY E. REEVES.
SARAH E. HEARD, CORNELIA J. BENT, N. P. GILM.A.N. Treasurer of Library Fund, JAS. S. DRAPER.
Collector of Taxes,
WILLARD B. WARD. Finance Committee,
H. B. BRAMAN. S. H. SHERMAN. WM. II. BENT, J. H. ROTHWELL, S. M. THOMAS.
Selectmeu. WM. H. BENT.
EDWARD CARTER,
. H. G. HAMMOND,
BY LAWS.
Wayland, Feb. 6th, 1885.
To the Inhabitants of the Town of Wayland :-
At the annual Town Meeting held in March, 1884, the undersigned were appointed a committee to draft a set of By-Laws for the town. In pursuance with said vote. vour committee report as follows :
BY-LAWS OF THE TOWN OF WAYLAND.
I. Notice of every Town Meeting shall be given by posting a copy of the warrant therefor in three or more pub- lic places in the Town, at least seven days before the time appointed for such meeting.
2. The Town Clerk shall at the time and place appointed call the meeting to order, and forthwith proceed to read the warrant for the meeting, and the return of the person or persons who served it ; he shall then call upon the voters present to bring in their votes for Moderator. (if one be re- quired at said meeting,) and he shall preside until a Modera- tor is chosen and assumes the office.
3. No vote fixing the time for closing a ballot shall be reconsidered after said ballot shall have begun ; but an ex- tension of the time may be had by vote without reconsidera- tion.
4. Every motion or order which is of a complicated nature or of unusual length, shall be reduced to writing. also all other motions at the pleasure of the presiding officer.
5. The powers and duties of the presiding officer, not especially provided for by law, or by these By-Laws, shall be determined by the rules and practice contained in Cushing's
4
ances of the Poor Account, Schools, Abatement of Taxes and Manual, so far as they are adapted to the conditions and powers of the Town.
6. The financial year shall begin on the first day of March and end the last day of the February following.
7. The annual Town Meeting shall be held on the fourth Monday of March in each year, at such time as the Select- men may appoint, at the Town Hall.
8. The Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor, Treasurer, School Committee, Auditor, Water Commissioners, Treas- urer of the Water Board, Collector of Taxes, Town Clerk, Treasurer of Library Funds, and Treasurer of Allen Fund, shall, and such other town officers, agents or committees of the town as may deem it expedient may, make written annual reports of all matters pertaining to their several de- partments, relating to the general interest and welfare of the town. All such reports shall be delivered to the Audi- tor on or before March 7th of each year. And the Select- men shall deliver to the Auditor on or before March Ioth of each year a copy of the Annual Town Warrant. The Audi- tor shall cause all such reports and town warrant to be printed in pamphlet form and distributed to the voters of the town, by leaving a copy thereof at each dwelling house, at least three days before the annual Town Meeting each year.
9. The Treasurer. Overseers of the Poor and School Committee, shall report an estimate of the sums of money needed to defray the necessary charges of their several de- partments ; and the Selectmen shall report an estimate of what other sums of money may be needed to defray the nec- essary town charges and expenditures for the year ensuing.
10 The Selectmen shall hold regular business meetings at least once each month, of which due notice will be given.
11. All bills sgainst the town shall be made out in detail with the proper date for each item and shall be approved by a majority of the Board contracting said bill, and shall be presented to the Board of Selectmen for examination and
5
approval ; and if found correct they shall give an order on the Treasurer to pay the same. Said order to specify from what appropriation the same is to be drawn.
12. The Selectmen shall notify the Treasurer of the amount of orders drawn at each meeting, and the Treasurer shall not be required to pay the same until twenty-four hours after such notice.
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.