USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Randolph > Randolph town reports 1852-1874 > Part 14
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10 00
$392 01
Recapitulation.
The whole amount of orders drawn upon the Treasurer by the Selectmen, from March 1, 1856, to March 1, 1857, is $19,409.21, expended as follows :-
1. Expense of Schools for 1856-7, . $3,699 21 Page
2. Furniture and Repairs of School-houses, &c.,
362. 98
5
3. New School-house in district No. 8, .
.
5,439 38
6
4. Iusurance, .
83 50
6
5. Repairs of highways,
1,854 06
7
6. Railing Roads, building Bridges, &c.,
169 54
12
7. Building Roads,
367 79
12
8. Snow bills, .
776 95
13
9. Paupers in Almshouse,
593 40
13
10. Paupers out of Almshouse, .
1,199 57
14
11. Paupers of other towns,
133 05
15
12. State Paupers,
45 28
16
13. Medical Attendance,
133 93
17
14. Funeral Expenses, .
103 96
18
15. Abatements and Discount,
2,148 12
18
16. Fire Department,.
525 21
18
17. Armory,
294 30
19
19. Liquor Agencies, .
88 23
20
20. Town Officers,
512 24
20
21. Incidental Expenses,
392 01
21
$19,409 21
4
·
18. Military Department,
486 50
19
23
It will be seen, on comparison with the Report of last year, that the amount of orders drawn the present year falls short of that of the preceding year by the sum of $4,410.36, and unless some new cause should arisc, may be still further diminished for the year to come. All bills against the town, of any account, are paid, and by reference to the Treasurer's statement its financial condition may be very nearly ascertained.
Your Selectmen, by vote of the town, were instructed to close the liquor agencies, and also to prosecute for all illegal sale of liquor. They have done so as far as practicable. Ascer- taining by reliable authorities that they were pecuniarily and personally liable, if 110 agent was appointed, they made an ap- pointment of one, and closed the other, but made such an arrangement, that the town should not be subject to any further loss from the existing agency.
Public notice was given that they would enter complaints for the violation of the liquor law, when evidence was furnished them personally. Though they have been ready so to do, a few cases only have been presented. Whether any thing more should be done, is with the people to determinc.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
SETH MANN, 2D, JACOB WHITCOMB, EPHRAIM MANN, Selectmen of the Town of Randolph.
DR.
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, in account with H. C. ALDEN, Treasurer.
CR.
1857. March 1,
To paying sundry orders drawn by Selectmen,
$20,049 20 1.630 75
Balance last year's account, Received for salt grass.
35 75
of Randolph Bank, (dividends,)
60 00
16
of State, proportion School Fund,
243 80
of State, military bounty,
386 50
of State, rent of Armory.
75 00
66
express meu, .
2 50
of C. Keith, Esq., fines of sundry persons,
30 00
State Tax,
1,872 00
of A. Clark, liquor agent, East Randolph,
121 31
suudry Treasury Notes,
9,255 75
of E. A. Allen, liquor agent, West Randolph,
170 57
66
Town Auditors,
3 00
of Norfolk Mutual Insurance Co., return premiums,
20 05
Balance, .
6,607 66
of Town of North Bridgewater, for schooling, and for support of paupers, . .
85 32
of Town of Taunton, for support of paupers, .
.
4 50
The above balance is composed of the following items :-
of Estate of Diantha Hobart, .
237 63
Bank Stock, .
$600 00
Notes recelvable,
446 00
of II. Thayer, in exchange of land in District 9,
31 00
Dne from C. Stevens on tax bill,
1,954 47
of J. Whitcomb, reut of Paine Lot,
3 50
Due from Treasurer, cash,
3,607 19
66
for Treasury Notes issued,
9,249 00
of Gideon Howard, Jr., .
30 00
of State, for State paupers,
41 33
$39,491 96
$39,491 96
RANDOLPHI, March 19, 1857.
The subscribers, Auditors of the Town of Randolph, have carefully examined the above accounts of Hiram C. Alden, Treasurer, and find the same correctly cast and properly vouched.
ELEAZER BEAL, ISAAC TOWER,
Town Auditors.
THOMAS WHITE, JR., )
24
.
.
$6,607 66
1857. March 1,
$4,719 29
interest on Treasury Notes, .
Sextons and Town Clerk, for collecting returning and recording statistics of births and marrlages for the year 1856,
65 35
stationery for Treasury,
5 75
66
of Town of Middleborough, for support of paupers,
.
11 00
of Town of Bedford, for support of paupers, .
.
12 25
of C. Stevens, Collector's bond for taxes, 1856,
23,924 16
.
.
.
DR.
State of the Treasury, March 1, 1857.
CR.
BILLS PAYABLE-
By bills receivable, .
$446 00
Note No. 1, to Thomas McCrea,
$100 00
" six shares Randolph Bank,
600 00
6, to Rufus Thayer,
9, to Joshua Spear,
15, to Royal Turner.
2,000 00
amount due from the Treasurer,
.
·
.
4
18, to Lois Bicknell, .
22, to Samuel H. Newcomb,
500 00
24, to Clara Lothrop,
27, to Aminadab Thayer,
200 00
600 00
66
55, to Elisha N. Holbrook,
2,000 00
"
56, to Elisha N. Holbrook,
3,000 00
66
72 and 85, to Maria S. Rogers,
497 70
75 and 82, to Linus Belcher,
378 00
66
77, to Susannah Fisher,
500 00
" 78, to Patrick McMahon,
600 00
100 00
97, to Lucy Kingsbury,
600 00
98, to Beulah IIunt, .
1,000 00
99, to Asa Belcher, 3d,
100 00
" 100, to Thomas Powderly,
200 00
300 00
66
" 102, to Zeno Linfield,
700 00
" 106, to Martha Brodrick,
106 00
" 107, to Charles W. White,
558 00
385 00
46
" 109, to Charles T. Woodman,
1,000 00
.
.
1,000 00
" 111, to Otis Thayer,
600 00
Interest on Notes unpaid,
300 00
.
$21,744 70
$21,744 70
.
3,607 19
" 17, to Joseph P. Bicknell,
500 00
Balance, . ·
14,987 04
100 00
300 00
40, to George F. Britton,
47, to Estate of Ephraim Wales,
470 00
66 68, to Susan Alden, .
150 00
" additional value of bank stock, $25 per share,
2,000 00
150 00
1,000 00
amount due from C. Stevens, Collector of Taxes for 1856,
1,954 47
25
" 91, to Abby N. Mann,
" 101, to Lemuel Wentworth,
" 108, to Rufus T White,
" 110, to Ebenezer Alden,
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT,
FOR 1856-7.
Of the duties which a town owes to itself and country, none is of more importance than the education of its youth. The proper development of their intellectual powers, the acquisition of useful knowledge, mental discipline, and moral culture, on which the formation of character, and future usefulness greatly depend, should receive the attention and support of every citizen. For the cultivation of good manners, the establishment of vir- tuous habits, and improvement of the social state in our youth, in addition to the sanctuary, we must look to our common schools.
It is necessary that they should have a thorough understand- ing of the elements of education, so that in whatever occupa- tion they may be called to labor in the future, whether in the honest and honorable calling of husbandry, or in manufacturing or mechanical employments, they may be enabled so to combine knowledge with labor, as to bring success to their efforts, and advance their respectability and honor. It is incumbent upon us to see that all classes of our youth are qualified to fill with propriety and credit to themselves and the State, any post of duty they may choose, or to which they may be called by the community, since it is essential to the welfare and perpetuity of this republic.
28
For this purpose, the town appropriated, for schools, . $4,100 00 State appropriation, 243 80
$4,343 80
The expense of schools, as seen in the Selectmen's Report,
with the exception of District No. 8, (still in session,) is 3,699 21
Balance unexpended, $644 59
The expenses of the four schools, which are still in session, remain unpaid.
The statistics, showing the names of teachers, average attend- ance, &c., are as follows :-
29
No. of District.
I.
Primary School. C. Rebecca Veazie, . Mary E. Belcher, Grammar School.
50
.68
-
5
49
33
17
-
2
Laura A. Odell,
49
29
.59
5
-
38
3
.81
9
Not Graded.
Amelia H. Small,
71
65
.91
3
8
-
-
- 1
-
1
-
- 1
-
57
43
.75
7
III.
Primary.
Mary H. French,
34
25
.73
3
45
31
.68
1
Grammar.
Elizabeth S Hunt,
31
24
.77
-
24
17
.72
5
IV.
United.
Sarah Fisher,
73
50
.68
8
-
- 1
-
-
1
C. R. Veazie, ·
31
26
.76
-
2
Grammar.
John C. Huckins,
41
33
.80
11
-
T.
Not Graded.
Sarah V. Wild,
55
35
.63
5
49
36
.72
9
2
VI.
Primary.
Susan E. Shorey,
67
31
.46
11
29
65
4
Mary Edson,
41
26
.63
1
40
.80
3
-
VII.
Not Graded.
Mary E. Belcher,
53
43
.81
7
38
27
.71
2
VIII.
First Primary.
Ann M. Thayer,
60
46
.66
4
*
-
-
-
-
Sarah E. Shankland, Grammar.
140
98
.70
6
*
-
-
-
-
Emma W. Cole,
61
25
.40
4
-
-
-
-
-
IX.
Primary.
Julia A. Merrick,
46
36
.78
3
38
31
.81
-
3
Jennie E. Merrick,
42
32
.76
-
39
31
- .76
5
X.
Primary.
Louisa D. Belcher, .
70
55
.78
10
62
44
.70
-
3
Abby D. Mace. .
51
31
.60
6
-
35
.91
7
-
Hiram L. Sleeper,
-
-
-
II.
Number of Scholars
attending School.
Attend-
Average
ance.
Percentage of At-
Number attending
over 15 yrs. of age.
Number attending
under 5 yrs. of age.
Number of Scholars
attending School.
Attend-
Average
ance.
Percentage of At-
tendance.
Number attending
over 15 yrs. of age.
Number attending under 5 yrs. of age
-
-
-
Joanna W. Penniman,
5 CT 1
-
-
Ann M. Thayer,
Primary.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
N. E. Holland, .
-
-
-
-
E. R. Perkins, .
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
R. H. Duncan, .
-
-
Grammar.
Elliot T. Merrick,
-
-
-
-
1
39
-
-
Susan J. Dickerman, Grammar.
-
-
H. A. Blood,
-
-
1
F. F. Dole,
-
-
-
-
Emily A. Dickerman, § Second Primary.
-
-
*
Mary H. French, Grammar.
-
* Still in session.
WINTER TERM.
NAMES OF TEACHERS.
SUMMER TERM.
tendance.
John F. Colby, .
30
The whole number of scholars in town between the ages
of 5 and 15, as returned by the Selectmen, is 1,147
A decrease from last year of . .52
The number of scholars attending school in summer, . 957
Average attendance in summer, ·
615
Per cent. of attendance in summer, .
.64+-
Number of scholars attending school over 15 years of age, in summer, 23 .
Number of scholars attending school under 5 years of age, in summer, 70
Number of scholars not attending school in summer, be- tween the ages of 5 and 15 years, is 283
The following statistics do not include District No. 8, where about 250 scholars are now attending school, so that they must be added to know the whole number of scholars attending school in winter. Without No. 8, the whole number of scholars attending school in winter, 632
Average attendance in winter,
478
Per cent. of attendance in winter, . .75++
Number of scholars attending school over 15 years of age, in winter, . 58
Number of scholars attending school under 5 years of age, in winter, . .
22
Number of scholars not attending school in winter, be- tween the ages of 5 and 15, 595
Cost of summer schools, . $1,625 00
Cost of winter schools, not including No. 8, . . . Length of summer schools, 5 months.
2,074 21
Length of winter schools, about 3} months.
REVIEW OF SCHOOLS.
To say which school has accomplished the most, or approached nearest a model, would be difficult, for in every school progress has been witnessed; some excelling in one branch, and some in another.
It was recommended in the Report of last year, that in future it would be best to unite the Grammar and Primary Depart- ments of District No. 3. Accordingly it was done at the commencement of the summer term, but finding that upwards of 70 scholars attended the school, it was divided, as formerly.
31
Expecting a full attendance in the winter, two teachers were employed, but as the school diminished to about 17 scholars, it was thought best to discontinue it at the end of twelve weeks. This is a matter requiring the consideration of the parents of the District.
The want of the house that was burnt in District No. 8, was felt when an attempt was made to find rooms suitable to accom- modate the large number of scholars belonging to this District.
Three schools were organized in the most convenient places that could be obtained, and continued through the summer. The winter term was delayed until February, owing to the building of a new house. Upon the commencement of the schools in the house, four departments were organized, instead of three, as formerly. In District No. 4, the school has been divided, and a primary established to meet the wants of that section. It is naturally expected by the community, when teachers are employed who have attended a Normal School, that they are well qualified, and will have a successful school ; but such was not the experience of the Committee the last summer. Only one teacher was discharged, though some dissatisfaction was manifest in other localities. There are some Districts that never, or rarely ever, are, it is said, blessed with a good teacher, and others that scarcely ever have a poor one. The Committee wish some one could be found to solve the problem, whether it is owing to the location, the house, the teacher, the scholars, or the parents. On the whole, there was cause for satisfaction, in witnessing the progress made during the summer term. The winter schools have been very successful, with hardly an excep- tion. It is gratifying to witness such results. Yet there are some faults which need a remedy. Upon the subject of irreg- ular attendance, of which so much has been said and written, we fear nothing can be added by the Committee to portray its evils ; but we should fail in our duty if we should pass a topic of such vital importance to the welfare of our public schools, without an allusion. By the preceding statistics, it will be seen that a large number of youth in town, between the age of 5 and 15, have failed to attend school during any portion of the year. Perhaps such parents or guardians, who are depriving these unfortunate youth of their most sacred rights, are aware that the legislatures of 1852-5 passed a law for their protection, viz. :
32
"Any person having the control of a child between the ages of 8 and 14 years, shall send such child to school during at least twelve weeks in each year, six of which shall be consecutive." And the same act makes it the duty of the School Committee to inquire into all violations of this law, and report the same to the town Treasurer for prosecution by him. The penalty for violation is a fine not exceeding $20. In a few instances only has the infringement of this law come to the knowledge of the Committee, and promises have been obtained that a different course would be pursued in the future. If it is persisted in by parents or guardians, it should be the duty of the future board of School Committee to carry out the wise provisions of this law, which our legislators have seen fit, in their wisdom, to place upon the statute book to prevent the increase of vagrancy, ignorance and crime.
Another fact, as seen by the statistics, is the great loss of time, and consequently of money, suffered by those who are members of the school, but deprive themselves of many of its advantages by their irregular attendance, amounting, in some localities, to more than half of the school time. It would be well, perhaps, to remember the unusual severity of the weather during the past winter. Yet we believe that a large portion of this absence and tardiness could be avoided. For we find in the Grammar Department of District No. 8, during the summer term, only .40 per cent. of attendance. District No. 6 was not much better, being only .46 per cent. in the Primary Depart- ment, and .63 per cent. in the Grammar Department. There was a decided improvement during the winter term, making a gain of .19 per cent. in the Primary Department, and .17 per cent. in the Grammar, comparing favorably with other Districts. In No. 1, during the summer term, in the Grammar Depart- ment, the attendance was only .59 per cent., but in the winter term a gain of .22 per cent. was made. We find that District No. 10 stands first in regard to attendance during the winter term, it being .91 per cent., which is deserving of credit. These facts show conclusively that the weather had but a very little influence in detaining children from school. "Where there is a will there is a way;" if snow banks are mountain high, or thermometers do indicate the point where mercury will congeal. How can it be expected that scholars will be benefited, when
33
they do not attend school more than half the time. It would be as difficult to make a thorough scholar of such a youth, as it would to fill a bucket without a bottom. To prevent this ag- gravating evil, we must look to parents and guardians. When they view this in its proper light, and see the importance of the regular attendance of their children at school, then will it be a happy day for our teachers, and thrice blessed to those youth who are the sufferers by this practice.
Another annoyance in school, and more especially to teachers, is the neglect of parents to provide books suitable for their children. If a child was told to do a piece of work, not being supplied with the requisite tools, would it not be cruel to expect it performed ? If a child is sent to school without books, what has he to do with, or how can any thing be required from him ? Some one may object to any change in school books, or say that those of the present day are not as good as those that were used when they attended school. Just ask him in reply to take his old Atlas, and find the United States, and then point out some of the principal railroads, canals, or Texas or California! What is such an Atlas worth in these days of annexation and change ? Great improvement has been made in all the sciences. In se- lecting books, great care is required to obtain those having the latest discoveries and improvements. The parent can do much to assist the teacher, by taking an interest in what his child is learning at school, making inquiries concerning his advance- ment, and questioning him at home. It should be a point never to speak disrespectfully of a teacher; for the child's opinions will be based upon those of the parent; and unless it is im- pressed upon the mind of the child that there is superiority in the teacher, he will never obey. The parent should show sym- pathy for, and co-operation with, a teacher, by avoiding all these evils, which seriously affect the labor of the teacher, if he desires the school should be of any benefit to his child.
STUDIES OF SCHOOLS.
In visiting the various schools, it seems that the instruction imparted does not partake enough of that practical character which is most needed. Teachers can do much for their scholars, to make the school pleasant, as well as profitable, and to excite in them a love for study and for acquiring information, by
5
34
showing the application of the different branches taught, to the business of life. We are no advocates of crowding a great va- riety of studies into a school, or attempting to teach too much, as is often witnessed in schools. The practice which we wish to guard against, is the skimming process, and trying to crowd knowledge into the minds of pupils which is beyond their com- prehension. It is often thought by scholars, (and also by par- ents,) that if they read in the highest book in school, or are in the first class, they will certainly be ranked among the most advanced. Perhaps this is "Young America," but if this spirit will succeed in pecuniary affairs, it will not in education. When so many things are attempted to be learned, as is the practice with some scholars, nothing is learned perfectly.
Another evil which we would notice, is burdening the infantile mind by sending children to school too young. They should not go to school until they are five years of age, and it would be better to defer sending them until they arrive at the age of six or seven. Those children will advance the most rapid, whose minds have not been stretched beyond their capacity while in infancy. Nothing is more beneficial to the future health of small children than air and exercise, and nothing more deleterious than close confinement and application. We believe that many instances could be mentioned in which the minds of children have been impaired by imposing duties which overtasked their mental powers, and of constitutions broken by compelling children to attend school at the age of three or four, because they are troublesome at home. Such a mother had far better keep in view the future welfare of her child, and bear with some of its childish freaks, than be the cause of deforming either its mind or body. We are all creatures of imitation, and at no age in life is it stronger than in youth. Therefore, the parent should not send his child from home, or intrust it to come in contact with the evil and vicious, until that moral principle is implanted deep in the mind, so that it can never be eradicated. Dodridge could bear evidence in advanced years, of the faithfulness of his mother, and says it was the restraining influences of those moral truths that she taught him while sit- ting upon her knee, from the tiles of the chimney, that kept him from following the example of ungodly acquaintances ;
35
proving, that what is most strongly rooted, will be the most enduring. What encouragement to parents. Such are the principal evils which have been noticed the past year, as hinder- ances to the school machinery of the town.
SCHOOL-HOUSES.
The house that has been erected during the year, in District No. 8, should be noticed, as it confers credit upon the building committee, and the mechanics employed in its construction, for their faithfulness. It can be called the model house, in regard to its convenience and arrangement. The citizens have reason to feel proud of the school-houses in the different parts of the town, on account of their convenience and pleasant situations. The poorest is in District No. 3, where something must be done the coming season. This house was repaired a few years since, and an addition was made for the accommodation of a primary school, at a cost of $700 to $800. The old part must be tho- roughly repaired or a new one built. Perhaps it would be best to have wells dug, the coming season, in several districts. Some of the houses should be painted, and some attention given to the yard, in District No. 7, so that it will not be dangerous for scholars.
We take pleasure in adverting to the evidence that has been witnessed of the increased interest manifested by the citizens of the town, as shown by increased appropriations, and by their presence at school examinations. Some who have not been in school for twenty years were present. But the instances that multiply of parents who have to send their children abroad to obtain an education, for the want of suitable advantages at home, should be remedied. What is wanted is, the establishment of three Gram- mar Schools, to be taught by male teachers through the year,- one in East Randolph, and two on the west side of the town. To try this plan, it would require but a small addition to the school appropriations. No expense need be incurred in erecting buildings, for there are suitable accommodations for one school in District No. 10, for advanced scholars from Districts No. 5, 3, 10, and part of 6; another in District No. 8, for those from Nos. 1, 8, and part of 6 and 7, and a room can be obtained in East Randolph for those from Nos. 2, 4, 9, and part of 7. In
36
doing this, male teachers could be dispensed with in many of the winter schools, at an expense of about $1,800, and their places be supplied by females, at an expense of about $700, showing a gain of $1,100, and the schools be equally as good. Large scholars would be taken from the district schools, leaving none but the lower grade of scholars. Female teachers can be obtained, who would then give as good satisfaction as males. They are, as a general thing, more natural teachers, and better suited to have charge of such youth as attend primary and inter- mediate schools. If the Stetson School could be so arranged (and it could by the aid of the legislature) as to become a school opened to both sexes, then this arrangement would not cause much, if any additional expense. The Committee would urge the trial of this plan for one year, to see if it would not supply the want that now exists. Several advantages would be gained; one of which is, that it would remedy the evil of changing teachers every term, which retards the progress of our schools. Another is, that a better classification of scholars could be made. By this plan, the standard of our schools would be raised, requiring à school of high rank in a few years.
It is now two years since the town so far abolished the dis- trict system, as to purchase the school-houses, and place the arrangement of the schools and care of the school-houses, in the hands of the School Committee. We think there are but a few of our citizens who, having considered the subject, would wish to return to the former system, with its local difficulties, prejudices and animosities that prevailed, so injurious to the utility of the school advantages that were enjoyed. There is now an unanim- ity of feeling, and an increased interest and desire to promote the welfare of the rising generation. The present system equalizes school privileges. It was the case formerly that some Districts would have seven or eight months schooling, and others but five or six months in a year. Another advantage enjoyed is the arrange- ment of teachers, by placing them where they will be able to accomplish the most good. We believe the schools have, within the past two years, made rapid strides, and obtained a more elevated standard than ever was reached before.
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