USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Randolph > Randolph town reports 1901-1906 > Part 12
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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 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51
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North Grammar
.
7 and 8
49
48.00
45.00
95.00
10
Ellen P. Henry
·
5 and 6
3.7
35.00
32.50
92.00
4
3 and 4
35
35.00
33.00
94.00
2
Clara A. Tolman
1 and 2
37
34.00
31.00
90.00
3
Hannah F. Hoye
Tower Hill .
4, 5 and 6
22
21.00
20.00
95.00
2
Katharine J. Riley
·
·
1, 2 and 3
22
20.40
17.05
85.60
3
Emma D. Stetson
.
Number 1
1-4
19
19.00
18.00
94.00
0
Lucie W. Lewis
West Corner
1-4
25
23.00
20.75
90.00
3
.
6
47
46.00
44.30
96.00
11
Mary A. Molloy
Katharine E. Sheridan
·
.
·
·
8
37
37.00
35.41
95.71
5
Nelson Freeman
.
Alice R. McGann
·
Fannie A. Campbell
Sarah C. Belcher
·
* Per cent of attendance is based upon average membership.
attendance.
82
REPORT OF PRINCIPAL OF STETSON HIGH SCHOOL.
Superintendent John E. Bradley :
Dear Sir,- In the report submitted one year ago especial emphasis was laid upon the necessity of providing our pupils with a building which shall be suitably lighted and ventilated ; it seems certain that, until the voters of Randolph see fit to supply this fundamental requirement, the efficiency of the school will, in several ways, be impaired. One deplorable result of the lack of a modern High School building is the loss of confidence in the school on the part of parents ; this feeling is, naturally, reflected in the daily life of the school, and, to say the least, is not an incentive to the best efforts of pupils.
It is this phase of the problem to which some attention may profitably be directed ; common sense dictates that, as long as the town is unable to give better facilities, all of us, parents, citizens, teachers and pupils, make the best of the situation ; that while an improved state of affairs is hoped for, we refrain from applying abusive epithets to our present conditions. Architectural surroundings do not altogether determine the efficiency of a school ; modern plumbing, com- modious and thoughtfully arranged quarters and all the splen- did equipment which may be found in the public buildings of our neighboring towns, do not guarantee good citizenship or good scholarship. Let us honor, as far as may be, the conditions which seem inevitable at present, and, even though our High School building be a relic of by-gone years, shabby and utterly inadequate to the demands of this modern time, let us, in spite of this, resolve to be other than mere critics, making the most of what is our necessary environment.
Our year has been unmarked by any radical changes; the
83
number of pupils remains nearly the same as last year, although owing to a stricter grading several pupils have left school rather than spend an additional year in completing the course. Our attendance has been satisfactory, and compares favorably with that of the average high school. There has been a greater interest shown by the pupils in careful preparation of the daily work and, in general, a still more marked spirit of loyalty than in the past. The several occasions on which the pupils have appeared in public have been well patronized by the towns-people ; perhaps the most desirable result of such entertainments is the benefit derived from working to- gether for a common end; as a matter of fact, the school has received a very considerable sum of money from the enter- tainments given, and has devoted it to worthy objects. The class of 1902, for instance, gave a large photograph " Peeks- kill Bay and the Narrows," costing forty dollars ; a Venetian picture costing twenty dollars was purchased with the money of the penny collection. Outside of the large cities there are few schools in the State which possess a costlier and more appropriate collection of pictures than the Stetson High School: The recommendation is again made that these pic- tures be insured.
At present we have both a morning and an afternoon ses- sion. For a school organized as is ours this appears prefer- able to the one-session plan. All of the teachers have a practical knowledge of the latter plan from their work in other schools and are inclined to favor the two-session plan here. For a part of the time this year we have met from 8.30 to 1 o'clock. We find that the pupils favor such a ses- sion, but do not make so satisfactory progress.
When we consider the conditions which obtain in the modern high schools of Massachusetts, we note that the effi- ciency and standing of such schools depend largely upon re- cognizing and meeting the demands of the times. These
84
demands are varied in their character; if we were to attempt to bring the Stetson High School, even partially, into line with this modern spirit it would be essential that stenography and typewriting be included in our course of study ; that adequate rooms for Physics and Chemistry be provided, and that a Manual Training department be added. The principal of the Brockton high school in a recent conversation said to the writer, " It is just as necessary to supply a Manual Train- ing department for the young people of Randolph as for the pupils of the Brockton high school," and he added, "in pro- portion to the population of the town the expense would not be materially greater." All these changes cannot be made at once, but from year to year we ought to be effecting some of them.
The introduction of drawing this year has been a step along this line. Miss Woodbury, the teacher in that subject, has met the pupils fortnightly, giving instruction for two consecutive periods, on alternate Thursdays. Her work has been wholly acceptable and inspiring, and confirms the opinion that stenography and typewriting, could they be in- troduced, would still further broaden our course and actively enlist the interest of parents and pupils.
Mr. George E. Crafts, of Milton, has met the school on Wednesdays, giving instruction in singing. The results of his conscientious efforts were very favorably commented on at the graduation which occurred in June, 1902. Mr. Crafts teaches music in the public schools of the adjoining town of Braintree, and is well known as an enthusiastic and highly successful teacher.
School spirit, meaning loyalty to the school, a belief in its advantages, and a resultant determination to shirk no duty, has been highly commendable during the past year. The teachers have endeavored to lead their pupils, not to drive them, and to influence them by appealing to motives
85
of conscience and duty, rather than to fear. If a pupil of high school age looks upon his work as an opportunity and a duty, emphasizing the first, he will be an ideal pupil.
The lack of maturity of our pupils has been the cause of a vast amount of criticism during the past few years. Those who make this attack upon our present system of pro- motions would be better able to form a correct estimate if they were to visit other high schools, and ascertain.how our average age compares with that of the high schools of Brock- ton, Abington, Braintree, etc. It is true that the average here is somewhat less than in the places named, but it is smaller this year by only a fraction of a year. The truth is that, aside from the additional time given in the ninth grade of many of our sister towns, there is no essential difference between their conditions of age and ours. The teachers feel, however, that their work would be much better done if the pupils were older, and they think that the criticism to which reference has been made is a fair criticism. But permit us to repeat with considerable emphasis, that Ran- dolph is by no means the only town where very small boys and girls are found in the high school. The teachers wish to put themselves on record in this connection as being thorough believers in the policy of almost invariably requir- ing pupils who have not done the work to go over it again. What possible benefit may the average pupil derive from the study of Caesar, for instance, when he is sadly deficient in the work of the first year? It has been a very common ex- perience with us that those who thus drop back a year show great interest, and, on repeating the year, stand very high in their classes. Our present fourth class has several members who are evidently beyond their depth; if it be the part of wisdom to allow them to remain in the school, it seems cer- tain that they should, on no consideration, be promoted next June.
·
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The teachers of the High School wish to take this oppor- tunity to refer to the attitude of the trustees of the school in the matter of supplies ; almost never has there been any delay in placing in the hands of the teachers the books and other materials asked for. This unusual readiness seems to us more than mere courtesy, and to indicate the purpose of the trustees to give the school every advantage within their power. Few high schools in Massachusetts, according to the statement of Mr. W. H. Bryant, of the school-book publishing firm of Ginn & Co., have a more modern line of text-books, or books which are so carefully preserved as has the Stetson High School.
The school in many ways has felt the influence of the Superintendent of Schools. No coercion, no dictation has been found in his attitude. His help has been rather in the line of advice, always expressed from the standpoint of wide experience and deep scholarship. For this constant and in- valuable assistance we wish to thank him.
Respectfully submitted, F. E. CHAPIN, Principal of Stetson High School.
The exercises of the fifty-eighth annual commencement oc- curred on the evening of June 20, 1902. Diplomas were presented to twelve pupils, as follows :
Latin Course.
Mary Elizabeth Augusta Dee. Alice Josephine Forrest.
Bertha Elizabeth Devine. Jennie Clare Good.
Mary Alice Dolan. Isabelle Gertrude Pope.
James Edwin Foley, Jr. Alice Louise Reynolds.
Mildred Louise Wales.
87
English Course.
Margaret Beatrice Kinnier. Bertha Ella Tucker. Lena Florence Winnett.
Certificate given to William, Henry Dyer.
The Turner medals were awarded to Miss Alice L. Rey- nolds, the valedictorian, and Miss Mary A. E. Dee, the sal- utatorian.
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING.
Dr. JOHN E. BRADLEY, Superintendent of Schools :
Dear Sir,- My four months' service as teacher of drawing in your schools has been a source of constant interest and delight because of the enthusiasm shown in the work by both teachers and pupils and also by the good results obtained in so short a time.
In order to make it worth while, drawing must be taught as other subjects are, slowly and thoroughly, and it has been very gratifying to find the grade teachers so ready and will- ing to carry out the directions given. It must have been seen even now how much more the children have learned to observe the things about them -out-of-door-indoors - everywhere - and what pleasure is formed by that closer knowledge.
The old time course of hard and fast rules - drawing of straight lines from September till June, has long since been superceded by a more natural way of working, beginning in · the fall with drawing the many beautiful things that nature spreads before us on every side, dandelions, asters, tulips. Surely there must be more of an education in reproducing one of these than in drawing a straight line, although there is virtue in that.
88
As the year goes on we will take up work in perspective, constructive and applied design,- pose, drawing pictures, study,-and again in the spring continue the work from nature.
The ends to be secured are a sensitiveness to beauty, an intelligent appreciation of beautiful things -the power to make things beautiful and to reveal beauty to others.
I take this opportunity to thank you and the teachers for the earnest endeavor and hearty support which have been given me in a work that bids fair to be successful.
Very respectfully submitted, KATHARINE WOODBURY, Supervisor of Drawing.
REPORTS OF TRUANT OFFICERS.
RANDOLPH. January 1, 1903.
To the Superintendent of Schools of Randolph :
Dear Sir .- During the year 1902 I have been called upon to investigate the cases of ten scholars. I have also com- mitted one truant to the county school for truants at Wal -. pole.
I have also visited every factory, and do not find any children employed without a schooling certificate.
Yours respectfully, FRANK J. DONAHUE. Truant Officer. .
RANDOLPH, December 24, 1902.
Dr. JOHN E. BRADLEY, Superintendent of Schools :
Dear Sir .- During the year 1902 I have been called upon
89
to investigate fourteen cases of truancy, and taken or sent four boys to school who were out in the streets during school hours, and in all of them have not found a case that could be called wilful truancy ; some of them have been from lack of parental oversight, some of a mistaken idea of parents that they could keep their children out of school to work or do errands, they undoubtedly being ignorant of the statute law, which expressly says :
"(Whoever) Any person who induces, or attempts to in- duce any child to absent himself unlawfully from school, or employs or harbors, while school is in session, any child ab- sent unlawfully from school, shall forfeit and pay a fine of not more than fifty dollars."
Respectfully submitted, NELSON MANN, Truant Officer.
TURNER FREE LIBRARY.
TRUSTEES, 1902.
J. WHITE BELCHER, President.
JOHN J. CRAWFORD, Vice-President and Treasurer. WILLIAM H. LEAVITT, Secretary.
PATRICK H. MCLAUGHLIN, CHARLES H. THAYER,
GEORGE H. EDDY, Selectmen of Randolph, ex-officiis.
ASA P. FRENCH. JOHN V. BEAL. WINTHROP B. ATHERTON.
HENRY A. BELCHER.
N. IRVING TOLMAN. JOHN E. BRADLEY.
MRS. ALICE M. T. BEACH.
MRS. CLARA A. WALES.
MRS. ELLEN J. T. CRAWFORD.
Librarian. CHARLES C. FARNHAM.
Assistant Librarian. MISS FANNIE C. HOWARD.
91
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
In accordance with the requirements of Article 3 of the By-Laws of the Turner Library, the twenty-seventh annual report is herewith submitted, showing the condition of the trust, the building, library and funds, with extracts from the reports of different committees and of the librarian presented to the trustees, for the year ending December 31, 1902 :
TRUST.
The trust remains the same as in previous years, and con- sists of the library building, library, funds invested and the income arising therefrom. The present condition of the funds will be found in the report of the finance committee herewith submitted.
BUILDING.
The committee on building (consisting of John J. Craw- ford, Henry A. Belcher, N. Irving Tolman, Charles H. Thayer and George H. Eddy) report that "the building is in good condition and no repairs of importance have been necessary the past year. The committee recommend that the gutters and conductors be given a thorough overhauling the coming summer."
LIBRARY.
The annual examination of the library was made in July by the library committee (consisting of J. White Belcher, Asa P. French, Mrs. Clara A. Wales, Mrs. Ellen J. T. Crawford and William H. Leavitt), and the books, charts and furnishings of the library were found as usual in excel-
92
lent condition ; all books belonging to the same were ac- counted for by the librarian.
FUNDS.
The committee on finance (consisting of John V. Beal, P. H. Mclaughlin, Winthrop B. Atherton, John E. Bradley and Mrs. Alice M. T. Beach ) report as follows :
"To the Trustees of the Turner Free Library :
" In compliance with the requirements of Article Tenth of By-Laws of the Turner Free Library, the committee on finance herewith present a report of the receipts and expen- ditures thereof for the financial year commencing January 1, 1902, and ending December 31, 1902, also the result of their examination of the Treasurer's accounts and of such estimates and recommendations for the ensuing year as in their judg- ment seem requisite for the prosperity of the library.
" The receipts for the treasury during this period of time as per accounts of John J. Crawford, Treasurer, including the balance $388.39 of last year, were $2,886.96.
" The payments from the treasury during the same period were $2,295.70, making an excess of receipts over expendi- tures of $591.26.
" Having examined the accounts of the treasury, the com- mittee find that all bills and orders for expenditures which have been presented for payment have been paid by the . Treasurer upon the approval of the proper committee of the library, and proper vouchers therefor by him retained and placed on file, and that his accounts are in all respects true and accurate ; that a cash balance of $591.26 as above shown is now in the treasury and remains on deposit in the State National Bank, Boston.
" The committee further find that all the rents and interest and all the revenues from whatever source have been duly collected and properly secured.
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" The remaining funds of the library exclusive of the above mentioned balance consist of five thousand (5000) dollars invested in a promissory note of the town of Randolph, bearing interest at the rate of four per centum per annum and the sum of ten thousand (10,000) dollars as the 'Turner Fund' invested as follows :
" Two bonds of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Rail- road of $1000 each.
" Two bonds of the Detroit, Grand Rapids & Western Railroad, $500 each.
" One bond of the Old Colony Railroad Company of $1000.
" One bond of the Western Telephone & Telegraph Com- pany of $1000.
" Two bonds of the Chicago & West Michigan Railroad Company of $1000.
" Three bonds of the Union Pacific Railroad Company of $500 each.
" Thirty-three shares of the preferred stock of the Union Pacific Railroad Company.
" The Royal W. Turner bequest is invested as follows : " Ten Old Colony Railroad bonds $1000 each.
"Ten Wayne County, Michigan, bonds $1000 each.
"A detailed statement of the receipts and disbursements for the financial year ending December 31, 1902, will be found in the report of the treasurer hereto annexed."
The following extracts from the twenty-seventh annual re- port of the librarian, Dr. Charles C. Farnham, to the trus- tees, contain a condensed statement of the present condition and uses of the library :
"To the Board of Trustees of the Turner Free Library :
" The following report represents very fairly the work in the library for the year ending December 31, 1902.
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" The past year has been one of the most satisfactory in the history of the library.
" While the circulation of books for home use has been large, a decided improvement has been apparent in the qual- ity of the books taken.
"It is most encouraging that the interest in and use of the reference department is steadily increasing. A small library must of necessity be devoted largely to the work of supply- ing readers with the current literature of the day, but as a library develops it is expected to serve a higher and better purpose. People visit it for information which shall be use- ful to them in the problems of life; which may aid them in their studies and investigations. In short, its natural and proper development is into a literary centre where men and women can find the helps which will aid them in permanent attainment. It becomes what is of more importance to a community than a mere circulating library, it becomes a refer- ence library.
"Someone has aptly said, 'Such a library is a perennial source of good to every worthy activity in which the people of a community are engaged, and is a constant stimulus to the best forms of social, political and business life.'
"This library has reached the point in its growth at which it has an assured place as a reference library. During the past year the demands in this department have been constant and often exhaustive, and its completeness has received warm commendation from those consulting it. And in this con- nection permit me to express my pleasure in the course pur- sued by the trustees in the purchase of very many valuable and comprehensive works for this department.
" The extensive additions made during the past year have helped to make the reference work much easier and more satisfactory to all.
"The statistical table shows the number of card-holders
95
(since the renumbering of a year ago) to be 990; the cir- culation of books for home use to be 22,773 versus 19,784 in 1901, and the daily average of circulation to be 82} vol- umes versus 74 during the previous year.
" There have been added to the library by purchase and magazines bound 813 volumes versus 656 in 1901. Added to this is the usual invoice of public documents from Boston and Washington of about 50 volumes.
" The library has been open for the delivery of books 276 days.
" The teachers in the public schools have been prompt to avail themselves of the special privileges accorded them by the trustees, and have often expressed their gratitude for the advantages afforded them. They have used 2,203 books, while in 1901 their record was but 774.
" In the Annex we have had seven exhibitions of pictures furnished by the Library Art Club, namely : Egypt ; Boston & Maine Railroad ; Assisi; Newfoundland ; Notre Dame ; Canterbury, and the Youth's Companion Originals. These sets have been on exhibition for about three weeks each, and have attracted considerable attention.
" The attendance in the reading room has been large and the deportment fairly good.
" Upon the whole, the record of the year gives earnest proof that the library is slowly, yet surely, winning its way as a helpful and beneficent public agency."
During the past year Mr. J. Winsor Pratt, who has been a member of the Board of Trustees for several years, passed away.
He usually attended the meetings of the trustees and was always interested in the success of the library.
For the efficiency and faithfulness of the librarian and
96
assistant in the discharge of their duties, the thanks of the trustees are due and are hereby extended.
Respectfully submitted, J. WHITE BELCHER, President of the Board of Trustees.
Randolph, January 1, 1903.
REPORT OF TREASURER OF TURNER FREE LIBRARY.
Jan. 1, 1903. RECEIPTS.
Income from Turner Fund
$570 10
R. W. Turner legacy
800 00
Interest from Town of Randolph
200 00
Rent from Randolph Savings Bank . 300 00
C. Fred Lyons
250 00
Ladies' Library Association
15 00
Town appropriation for insurance
178 80
Randolph Savings Bank, for fuel
143 67
Fines and collections
41 00
Balance on hand January 1, 1902
388 39
$2,886 96
DISBURSEMENTS.
Paid for books and periodicals
$752 52
binding
135 80
salary of librarian
500 00
salary of assistant
250 00
salary of janitor
125 00
electric light
.
·
·
4
.
.
.
100 00
.
.
97
Paid for supplies, including express $76 73
insurance .
178 80
repairs
12 10
fuel .
154 75
rent of safe deposit box
10 00
Balance December 31, 1902
591 26
$2,886 96
The Turner Fund of $10,000 is invested in :
2 Chicago, Burlington & Quincy R. R. bonds of $1,000 each.
2 Chicago & West Michigan R. R. bonds of 1,000
1 Old Colony R. R. bond of . 1,000
1 Western Telephone & Telegraph Co. bond of 1,000
2 Detroit, Grand Rapids & Western bonds of . 500
3 Union Pacific R. R. bonds of 500 ce
33 shares of the preferred stock of the Union Pacific R.R. Co.
The Royal W. Turner legacy is invested in :
10 Old Colony R. R. Co. bonds of .. $1,000 each.
10 Wayne County, Michigan, bonds of . . 1,000 ee
The remaining funds of the library are represented by a promissory note of the Town of Randolph for $5,000, bear- ing interest at the rate of four per cent per annum.
Respectfully submitted, JNO. J. CRAWFORD, Treasurer.
98
REPORT OF FIRE DEPARTMENT.
To the Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen, - The following is submitted as the report of the Engineers of the Fire Department :
On May 1, 1902, the department was organized as follows :
BOARD OF ENGINEERS.
C. A. Wales, Chief; D. J. Brennan, J. E. Blanche, J. W. Farrell, Assistants ; W. A. Croak, Assistant and Clerk.
APPARATUS AND COMPANIES.
Engine 1 : C. H. Nichols, Driver; J. H. Wales, Engi- neer; F. J. Donahue, Fireman.
Chemical Engine : J. E. Blanche, Driver.
Ladder Truck : Frank Harris, Driver.
Hose Wagon 1 : C. H. Nichols, Driver.
Hose Reel 2 : Joseph Riley, Driver.
Hose Co. 1 : M. F. Sullivan, Foreman, 12 men.
Hose Co. 2 : A. L. Scott, Foreman, 12 men.
Ladder Co. 1 : C. S. Dolan, Foreman, 12 men.
Chemical Co. 1 : J. F. Sullivan, Foreman, 12 men.
FIRES.
January 12, 1902, alarm at 2.25 A.M., from Box 54; when the firemen reached the box it proved to be false.
January 27, alarm at 2.30 A.M., from Box 61 for fire in the dwelling on Lafayette street owned and occupied by Charles Phillips, cause, overheated stove ; all out 3.45 A.M. ; building and contents a total loss of $2,500.00, insured.
99
February 8, alarm from Box 42 at 10.56 P.M., for fire in building on West street owned by heirs of John Kelly and used as a woodshed ; damage slight ; all out 11.19 P.M. March 11, alarm at 6.48 P.M., from Box 54 for fire in a small barn on the estate of the late Thomas Moran and occupied by Robert Uniac on Warren street; damage about $50 ; insured ; all out 7.28 P.M.
March 23, Chief Wales was called to fire in woodland near cemeteries on North street.
March .24, alarm at 11.24 A.M., from Box 46 for fire in dwelling on North Main street owned and occupied by Mrs. Mellissa White; caused by burning grass ; damage about $300 ; insured ; all out 12.29 P.M.
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