USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Randolph > Randolph town reports 1901-1906 > Part 4
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78
THE STETSON HIGH SCHOOL.
Dr. William T. Harris, the United States Commissioner of Education, reports that during the decade from 1890 to 1900 the number of high school pupils in the United States increased from 203,000 to 520,000, more than 157 per cent.
This increase is seen in all parts of the country ; it is more rapid at the present time than it has ever been before. Moreover, the grade of these high schools has been consid- erably advanced. "Twenty years ago, illiteracy was the standard. Ten years ago, the question was what propor- tion of the pupils complete the grammar grades? Now, we ask, what portion complete the high school course." This gives us a vivid idea of the educational advance which is taking place. It places fitting emphasis upon the work of our high schools. By all means, let us improve the work of our primary grades, but let us not forget the needs of our High School. It has a long and noble record and deserves generous support. The needs to which it ministers in the community are rapidly enlarging. Provision for its expand- ing work should be correspondingly enlarged. The report of the Principal is appended.
I desire, in conclusion, to express thanks to the members of the Committee for their cordial welcome and hearty sup- port in my work.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN E. BRADLEY, Superintendent.
SCHOOL STATISTICS, SEPTEMBER 2 TO DECEMBER 20, 1901.
TEACHERS.
SCHOOL.
GRADE.
Number enrolled.
Average
membership.
Average
attendance.
*Per cent of
attendance.
Pupils neither
absent nor tardy.
F. E. Chapin
Stetson High .
108
98.00
91.67
93.50
II
Nellie G. Prescott
Alice R. McGann
.
8 .
39
37.14
3.5.40
95.40
5
Katharine A. Kiley
7
41
39.90
37°40
93.00
5
Mary A. Molloy
6
37
35.31
33.73
95.00
4
Katharine E. Sheridan
5
44
44.00
43.00
97.00
13
Mary E. Wren
4
34
33.31
32.50
91.00
6
Ellen E. Mclaughlin ..
3
44
42.50
40.50
95.00
3
Fannie A. Campbell
.
2
32
31.00
29.00
90.00
2
I
43
40.00
32.00
89.00
2
Joseph Belcher
North Grammar
7 and 8
49
47.60
45.80
96.25
IO
Ellen P. Henry
5 and 6
38
35.08
31.32
89.00
I
Sarah C. Belcher
3 and 4
38
35.00
33.00
94.70
I
Clara A. Tolman
I and 2
44
40.00
35.00
87.50
O
Hannah F. Hoye
Tower Hill
·
4, 5 and 6
23
21.00
20.20
96.00
4
Katharine J. Riley
1, 2 and 3
22
21.56
18.76
87.00
3
Emma D. Stetson
Number I
·
1-5
24
23.00
20.00
86 00
O
Lucie W. Lewis .
West Corner
I-6
34
28.00
25.00
89 00
1
.
.
.
.
.
Nelson Freeman
Prescott .
·
.
APPENDIX TO SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
* Per cent of attendance is based upon average membership.
.
·
.
Kittie R. Molloy
80
REPORT OF PRINCIPAL OF STETSON HIGH SCHOOL.
Superintendent John E. Bradley :
Dear Sir, - In presenting this report for the Stetson High School it seems entirely in order to emphasize some of the more urgent needs of the school, as seen from the standpoint of the teachers ; certainly the teachers, since they are so intimately associated with the daily work of the school, are in many respects well qualified to present such needs. It is hardly necessary to remark that the subject is by no means new ; and, though experience has taught us all not to look for any immediate change for the better in our school surroundings, yet a candid statement of facts may be of some value. Teachers are, as a rule, entirely willing to accept conditions as they find them, and to work cheerfully under those conditions.
First of all, it is essential, if there is to be effective teach- ing, that our High School pupils be provided with a study room which shall be properly lighted and ventilated ; our present rooms are very dark even on pleasant days, while in cloudy or stormy weather they are absolutely unfit for purposes of study by young people. The windows are so arranged as to give, in the main room, a cross-light, which is the worst light possible for a school-room. The bad effects of this cross-light are intensified by the fact that the ceiling is very low, so that the light comes almost horizon- tally across the room.
Under these conditions very little of the blackboard surface of the room is visible from any one point, and pupils soon give up the attempt to follow demonstrations of work on the blackboard ; only by continually moving from one part of
81
the room to another is the teacher able to see work written on the board.
Is this condition of things such as ought to be allowed to continue ? Is it economical? Do the taxpayers of the town wish to have so much of the teaching rendered non-effective by poor lighting? Is it right to expose so many young people to such imminent danger of lasting injury to their eyesight ?
The case in regard to ventilation is fully as alarming. It is unnecessary to point out in detail the particulars wherein the system of ventilation which has been installed in the building fails. No system could be devised which would wholly remedy matters unless the size of the several rooms be greatly increased, thus affording a much larger air space.
An incident which occurred at the Norfolk County teach- ers' institute, recently held in the building, will illustrate the efficiency of the present ventilating system. Mr. John T. Prince was delivering a lecture in one of the recitation rooms of the school. The room was well filled, but there were no more people present than are often in the room during our recitation periods. Yet it was found necessary to interrupt the lecture, and throw open the doors and windows to obtain fresh air. Mr. Prince took occasion to compare the room with the famous Black Hole of Calcutta, saying, facetiously, that the advantage might rest with the latter. Yet, on the day in question, the janitor had taken especial pains, and the atmospheric conditions were favorable to good ventila- tion.
Do parents wish to expose their children to such condi- tions? Cannot some remedy be found so that the High School pupils of Randolph may have good light and pure air during school hours ?
Three plans have been suggested, having in view better High School accommodations. First, the erection of an en-
82
tirely new building which would place Randolph in line with the demands of the time; this is probably too costly an undertaking to be seriously considered at present. Second, the removal of the school to Stetson Hall on the upper floor of the building now occupied. This plan, if carried out, would certainly give much better accommodations ; it would, however, entail considerable expense, perhaps not far from $3,000, in properly remodelling the present large hall. And, besides, it is not probable that the voters of the town would consent to give up their town hall ; another hall must then be provided, and the total expenditure involved might well reach a sum sufficient to erect a new High School building.
The third plan is to erect a one-story structure on Union street in the rear of Stetson Hall, where the old Bass house now stands. The requirements for such a structure would be that it contain one large study room, well lighted and ventil- ated, with suitable coat-rooms and modern closets. It would then be necessary to provide recitation rooms on the lower floor of Stetson Hall, and to connect the two buildings by a corri- dor. The expense in carrying out this plan need not exceed six or seven thousand dollars. Such a plan, if adopted, would remedy matters very materially for a long time to come, and if, at any time in the future, the town should see fit to erect a new High School building, it would probably be possible to use this temporary building in some way for town purposes.
The school has maintained its numbers during the past year, fully testing the seating capacity of our rooms ; indeed the work of the school is handicapped by the fact that there are more pupils attending than can be accommodated to ad- vantage. One recitation includes forty-six pupils, certainly too large a number for good work.
Some instruction ought to be provided in stenography and type-writing. This would, of course, involve additional ex-
83
pense in the purchase of type-writing machines, and the employment of an additional teacher, but it would meet one of the legitimate demands of the times, and would give the school a more complete, better rounded course.
Instruction in drawing is also imperative. Very few of the high schools in this vicinity omit drawing from their course of study. The normal schools demand it as a require- ment for admission, and there seems no good reason why a special teacher in this subject should not be employed.
A better room for work in science, adapted in some degree at least to modern requirements, is a necessity. At present our physics and chemistry are taught in the girls' cloak room, an arrangement which is open to criticism; besides, there are few facilities at hand such as ought to be provided in a modern course in science. We are obliged to omit botany and astronomy.
The length of the school year for the High School ought to be made forty weeks, thus giving the time required by the school laws of the State.
The teachers feel that many pupils are admitted at too early an age to enable them properly to pursue a High School course. Nothing can possibly be gained by attempting the work of the High School when a child is too immature, or has not satisfactorily completed his course in the lower schools. Several of those entering this year were only eleven years of age, and, while that fact is not wholly conclusive in itself, yet such cases ought to be very carefully examined . into before admission is granted.
The pupils of the High School for several years past have interested themselves in providing suitable pictures for the walls, and have been very successful in their efforts. The class of 1901 presented a large panoramic view of Florence, Italy, costing about forty-five dollars. These pictures on the walls of the school ought to be insured.
84
Many of the high schools about us have adopted the plan of doing away with the old-fashioned exercises of graduation, and, instead of listening to each member of the graduating class, have invited a speaker of recognized ability to address the class on the occasion of their graduation. This plan has many commendable features, and the teachers advise that it be given a trial here this year. This would not, of course, commit us to the plan, and if desired the usual method could be followed thereafter.
In conclusion, the teachers of the school desire to express to you their appreciation for helpful suggestions made by you, and to hope that we may all work together for the best interests of our pupils and of the town.
Respectfully submitted, F. E. CHAPIN, Principal Stetson High School.
REPORT OF TRUANT OFFICERS.
RANDOLPH, December 19, 1901. Dr. JOHN E. BRADLEY, Superintendent of Schools :
Dear Sir,-During the year 1901, as Truant Officer I have been called upon to investigate the cases of twelve (12) scholars.
I have also visited every factory and do not find any children of school age employed unlawfully.
Very truly yours, etc., NELSON MANN.
To the Superintendent of Schools of Randolph:
In regard to the statutes governing Truant Officers we re- port that accordingly we have visited all the factories in town
85
and have not found any children under fourteen years of age working therein. A number are employed under sixteen years, but in each case they are furnished with an age and schooling certificate. We have had a number of complaints of children staying out of school, which we have attended to. In a great many cases the parents were at fault in keeping the children from school. We would recommend that any one employing any children under the age limit would see that they have a schooling certificate before they are set to work.
FRANK J. DONAHOE,
Truant Officer.
TURNER FREE LIBRARY.
TRUSTEES, 1901.
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.
J. WINSOR PRATT.
HENRY A. BELCHER.
N. IRVING TOLMAN. WINTHROP B. ATHERTON.
MRS. ALICE M. T. BEACH.
MRS. CLARA A. WALES. MRS. ELLEN J. T. CRAWFORD.
Librarian. CHARLES C. FARNHAM.
Assistant Librarian. MISS FANNIE C. HOWARD.
87
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
In compliance with Article 3 of the By-Laws of the Turner Library, the twenty-sixth annual report is herewith sub- mitted, 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, 1901 :
TRUST.
The trust remains as formerly, and consists 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 from present appearances nothing of importance either in the way of repairs or improvements will be required during the coming year."
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. Craw- ford and William H. Leavitt), and the books, charts and furnishings of the library were found in excellent condition ;
88
all books belonging to the library were accounted for by the librarian.
FUNDS.
The committee on finance (consisting of John V. Beal, J. Winsor Pratt, P. H. Mclaughlin, Winthrop B. Atherton 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 the 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, 1901, and ending December 31, 1901, 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 $554.82 of last year, were $4,239.63.
" The payments from the treasury during the same period were $3,851.24, making an excess of receipts over expendi- tures of $388.39.
" 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 $388.39 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, the interest and all the revenues from whatever source have been duly collected and properly secured.
89
" 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 bear- ing interest at the rate of four per centum per annum and the sum of ten thousand (10,000) dollars known 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 Rail- road of $500 each.
" One bond of the Old Colony Railroad Company of $1000.
" One bond of the Erie Telephone Company 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 expenditures for the year ending December 31, 1901, will be found in the report of the Treasurer, hereto annexed.
The following extracts taken from the twenty-sixth annual report of the Librarian, Dr. Charles C. Farnham, to the trustees, contain a condensed statement of the present con- dition and uses of the library :
"To the Trustees of the Turner Free Library of Randolph :
" In reporting the condition of the library, reading-room, art department, and their contents, the various properties of the library, together with the work and successes in these several departments, and in reference to the varied duties
90
incumbent upon him, and the various interests entrusted to him, your librarian, in continuance of his annual custom, and in compliance with your desires, respectfully submits the following report :
" During the year just closing, the library has been open to the public two hundred and sixty-seven days (twelve days less than usual because of diphtheria). During this time nineteen thousand seven hundred and eighty-four (19,784) volumes have been delivered for home use.
" During the twenty-six years since the first opening of the library in 1876, more than six hundred thousand volumes have been drawn from its shelves - a most convincing proof that this educational agency is appreciated by the public.
"During the past year six hundred and fifty-six (656) volumes have been added, an accession exceeded only by that of last year, and including many works of great value, making a total number of catalogued works sixteen thousand two hundred and sixty-six (16,266).
" Last year was added a large and expensive French col- lection, which has been well circulated.
"This year's additions include ninety-eight (98) books in German and the original French order has been completed.
" After the spring closure, a renumbering of borrowers' cards was commenced, and up to December the thirty-first eight hundred and seventy-six persons have registered. This system of renumbering is adopted in compliance with the recommendation of the Massachusetts Library Club, that we may have in the future a better working system, known as continuous re-registration, by which the life of a card is limited to two, three or five years. By the present plan we are better able to revise our record of card-holders and addresses.
" The use of the Reference Department is continually in- creasing, and the day is not distant, in fact is already at
91
hand, when a separate room should be provided for this most important department.
ART EXHIBITION.
" Four exhibitions of photographs have been given dur- ing the year. These photographs are the property of the Library Art Club, a society consisting of eighty-five libraries and art societies.
" These exhibits have been visited by a very considerable number of our people and the views have been much ad- mired. They are all works of art and worthy of faithful study.
" Such exhibits are elevating; and not only entertain, but must prove an incentive to reading and art investigation, that they may be the better enjoyed and appreciated."
The trustees at the close of another year take pleasure in testifying to the faithful and efficient care and management of the library by the librarian and his assistant.
Respectfully submitted,
J. WHITE BELCHER, President of the Board Trustees.
Randolph, January 1, 1902.
92
REPORT OF TREASURER OF TURNER FREE LIBRARY.
Jan. 1, 1902. RECEIPTS.
Income from Turner Fund
$526 85
Royal W. Turner legacy
800 00
Interest on Town of Randolph note .
200 00
Rent from Randolph Savings Bank .
300 00
C. Fred Lyons
250 00
Ladies' Library Association
15 00
Town appropriation for insurance and repairs .
439 36
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy R. R. bond due and paid
1,000 00
From Randolph Savings Bank, for fuel
106 70
From fines and collections
44 00
Final payment from R. W. Turner estate 2 90
Balance January 1, 1901 .
554 82
$4,239 63
DISBURSEMENTS.
Paid for Books and periodicals
$1,240 84
binding .
98 90
salary of librarian
500 00
salary of assistant librarian
250 00
salary of janitor
125 00
electric lighting
75 00
repairs .
96 45
supplies, including typewriter .
234 66
Detroit, Grand Rapids & Western bond
1,014 89
fuel
215 50
Balance December 31, 1901 .
388 39
$4,239 63
93
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
3 Union Pacific R. R. bonds of 500 ce
2 Detroit, Grand Rapids & Western R.R. bonds of 500
1 Old Colony R. R. bond of . 1,000
1 Erie Telephone & Telegraph bond of . 1,000 "
33 shares of the preferred stock of the Union Pacific R.R. Co. The Royal W. Turner legacy is invested :
10 Old Colony R. R. bonds of $1,000 each .
10 Wayne County, Michigan, bonds of . 1,000
The $5,000 note of the Town of Randolph, bearing interest at the rate of four per cent. per annum, stands as heretofore.
Respectfully submitted, JNO. J. CRAWFORD, Treasurer.
94
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, 1901, 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 aud Clerk.
APPARATUS AND COMPANIES.
Engine 1 : A. J. Gove, Driver; J. H. Wales, Engineer; F. J. Donahue, Fireman.
Engine 2 : James Riley, Driver; E. L. Payne, Engineer ; W. M. Howard, Fireman.
Chemical Engine : J. E. Blanche, Driver.
Ladder 1 : Frank Harris, Driver.
Hose Wagon 1 : Charles Nichols, Driver.
Hose Reel 2 : Joseph Riley, Driver.
Hose Co. No. 1 : 14 men, M. F. Sullivan, Foreman.
Hose Co. No. 2 : 10 men, J. E. Clark, Foreman.
Ladder Co. No. 1 : 15 men, C. S. Dolan, Foreman. Chemical Co. No. 1 : 13 men, J. F. Sullivan, Foreman.
FIRES.
March 10, 1901, the chemical engine was called on a still alarm to fire in a pile of waste material (boxes and bar- rels) near the harness factory of Charles Doughty.
95
March 18, alarm at 3.14 p.M. from Box 27 for fire in wood- land on the east side of South street, which burned across to Union street. Apparatus was not needed ; all out sig- nal 3.24 P.M.
March 20, 9 A.M., fire was discovered in a chicken brooder on Lafayette street, owned by H. Manley Clark ; 53 fowl were removed unharmed ; damage to building slight. No alarm was given. The chickens owe their lives to the activity of Mr. Clark's sister, who received severe cuts from broken glass in her efforts to release them.
March 29, 1.19 P.M., alarm from Box 28 for fire in wood- land near the Holbrook railroad station, which for a brief period seemed to endanger a dwelling, at least some ex- cited person thought so, hence the alarm. All out signal 1.44 P.M.
April 14, at 1 o'clock P.M., Assistant Blanche was called to fire in woodland on Grove street, near residence of John Manning.
April 21, Chief Wales and Assistant Brennan with a force of men put out fires in woodland near Highland avenue, also near Union and Mill streets.
April 25, aların at 1.57 P.M. from Box 23 for fire in build- ing on Main street, owned by Mrs. H. B. Alden and occu- pied by E. G. Kimpton, tinsmith and plumber; all out signal 3.57 P.M.
April 29, at 7.30 P.M., Engineer Brennan with a force of men was called to fire in woodland on Pond lane east of residence of Charles Cole.
April 30, 9.03 A.M., alarm from Box 56 for fire in woodland in rear of residence of Clarence Hager, West street ; all out signal at 9.24 A.M.
April 30, 3 P.M., Engineer Blanche with small force of men were called to fire in woodland on the South side of West street.
96
May 9, 4 P.M., Engineer Croak was called to fire in wood- land on east side of Belcher street.
May 13, 9 P.M., Chief Wales was called to fire in woodland on the south side of Oak street.
May 14, 7.30 P.M., Chief Wales was called to fire in wood- land east of North Main street and between Pond street and Blue Hill river.
June 16, alarm at 5.20 A.M., from Box 23, for fire in dwell- ing on Howard street, owned and occupied by Mary P. Gaynor; all out signal 6.18.
June 23, alarm at 1.45 A.M., from Box 23, for a second fire in dwelling of Mary P. Gaynor on Howard street; all out signal 2.35 A.M.
July 3, on a still alarm, Hose 2 was called at 11.30 P.M. to an unoccupied dwelling on Pond Lane owned by heirs of the late Jonathan S. Niles ; it was nearly consumed when the hose arrived.
July 4, 1.40 A.M., alarm from Box 53 for fire in a building on Main street ( near railroad bridge, known as the Whit- ing Block) owned by Conrad O. Marston and unoccu- pied ; all out signal at 4.15 A.M. The above fire also spread to building next adjoining on the north, owned by the N. Y., N. H. & Hartford R. R. Co .; both buildings were ruined.
July 31, 11.15 P.M., a false alarm of fire from Box 28; all out signal at 11.25 P.M.
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