USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1858-1867 > Part 39
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A most excellent course of study is prescribed for the High School; but the benefits resulting from its pursuit must depend in a great measure upon the previous training of pupils in the Grammar Schools.
Another consideration, even more important, should influence us to use every effort to improve the Grammar Schools.
The number who avail themselves of the superior advantages of the High School is comparatively small, while the great majority of those who make up the community, complete their school education in the Grammar department.
While we would not neglect the few, we would labor most earnestly to secure the highest good of the greatest number, by
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using every endeavor to elevate especially that department of our school system which reaches and benefits the largest num- ber of those for whose training we are responsible.
J. H. DAVIS. BENJ. WOODWARD.
THE HIGH SCHOOL.
This school still continues to enjoy the confidence not only of the School Committee, but it is believed of the entire com- munity. The recent examination shows that the interest both of instructors and pupils is unabated, and a more hearty co-oper- ation could not be desired. In the discipline of the school, there is no appearance of rigor on the part of the teachers, and no appearance of a disposition on the part of the members, to render a resort to a rigorous discipline necessary. Indeed, the school appears to be in a condition resulting rather from self control, than coercion; under the present incumbent, for a period of six years, the committee are unable to record a single instance of corporal punishment, or refractory conduct, and their interference has never been required in matters of disipline.
In consequence of the increasing number attending this school, it has been found necessary to provide an additional assistant ; the classes entering the last two years being so large, as to require to be made into two divisions. Miss Sarah L. Graves was elected to this position at the commencement of this present school year.
It is evident to the Committee, that the entire school building is much needed, in order to accommodate the growing necessi- ties of the various departments of this school. The teachers have found it difficult to give the classes the full benefit of all the instruction which it ought to afford. Experiments in Chem- istry and Natural Philosophy, two branches rapidly increasing in public favor, have, from want of suitable room, been much neglected. This want is yearly increasing. To obviate this,
15
it is proposed to make four rooms of the lower hall, one for recitations and experiments in Chemistry, one for recitations and experiments in Natural Philosophy, and two class-rooms for general recitations.
A Library containing books of reference has long been needed. In this respect our High School is far behind those of other towns, and we might add, behind one at least, of our own Grammar Schools. The Forster School has, by individual sub- scription, obtained a Library containing a fine selection of books. A resort to voluntary contributions, however, is not felt to be the method desired in the present case. Should the proposition to furnish our High School with a suitable Library meet with general favor, an appropriation will be asked at the April Town meeting.
This change, although involving the necessity of a new Town House, seems to be demanded by the wants and true interest of our pupils. The present recitation-rooms are small, difficult to ventilate, badly arranged, and wholly inadequate to accommo- date the large classes entering from year to year. The at- tention of the citizens of the town is earnestly called to this subject.
The whole number of pupils attending this school during the
year was,
102
Whole number at one time, . 82
Number graduated, 11
Number entered,
37
Number applying,
48
The attendance was remarkable ;
Averaging,
98.6 per cent.
The lowest average for one month was, 97.6
The highest,
99.5
For seven months the attendance of the 1st class was, 100
For two 66
2d " was, 100·
For one 66 3d and 4th classes was, 100
These facts alone evince the alacrity with which our pupils have sought to avail themselves of the advantages our school affords and the estimation in which they are held. The re-
16
cent annual examination was conducted by the entire Board, and each class and pupil was questioned in all the branches pursued during the past year, and each pupil marked on a scale, from ten downward, according to his merit. One half- hour was devoted to each branch. It can hardly be expected that an adequate idea of the progress or proficiency of a school can be acquired, or the true standing or rank of the pupil be ascertained, in so short or summary examination. It would be unjust to teachers and pupils to judge them by so imperfect a test; a better method is the frequent visitation of the school ; but the present method having been adopted and followed for several years, our judgments are determined from the same stand-point in each case, and rendered accordingly. At all events, neither pupils nor teacher need, in the present instance, fear any depreciation of their merits.
The rank of the classes was remarkably uniform.
The First class averaging 93 per cent.
The Second class
94
The Third class 94
The Fourth class 66
93
The whole school
93.6 “
It is not too much to say that the standing of the school com- pares favorably with that of the previous year. And it is a pleasure to the Board to record that, while our High School is susceptible of still greater improvement, and is capable of still greater usefulness, there are few things of which to complain. The readiness with which our fellow-citizens have responded to the frequent demands upon their liberality, affords the assur- ance that our schools will attain a still higher excellence.
CHARLES S. LINCOLN. JOSHUA H. DAVIS. JOSIAH L. LOMBARD. LEONARD. ARNOLD. OREN S. KNAPP. ENOCH R. MORSE. E. PORTER DYER. BENJAMIN WOODWARD.
REPORT OF SELECTMEN.
FELLOW CITIZENS ;-
Another year has passed away since our last Re- port, and we are again reminded that we must account to you for the manner in which we have fulfilled the trusts and duties committed to our care ; and, as in time past, you may have seen where we could have done better, we can only say we have endeavored to act for the best good of all.
HIGHWAYS.
.
Under the good management of our present Super- intendent, we are happy to say that our roads, streets and sidewalks the past year have shown an improve- ment, but not as much as we wished and intended, for the reason that the appropriation was not large enough to carry out the improvement your board believe the good of the town requires; but we trust the Town will be liberal in its next appropriation, and vote such sums as may be named as required for the ensuing year.
The stable has been moved, and suitable sheds built for the accommodation of carts, tools, &c., and thereby a long needed want has been supplied. One horse and wagon, four new carts, and four new harnesses have been purchased, and the change from two to one-horse carts is decidedly an improvement, and has saved the expense of two additional horses.
3
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A new Pound has been built on the ground from which the stable was removed, corner of Milk Row and Prospect Streets. These improvements have been paid for, out of the appropriation for highways, also the gra- ding of Walnut Street, all of which has cost $3000, and for these there should have been a separate appro- priation, for the reason that the continued high rates of every thing connected with building or repairing of highways, has shown that a larger amount is required, if the Town wish its roads in such order as the judg- ment of the Board thinks the public good requires. The appropriation has been exceeded, but the excess has been in preparing materials for the coming year, and by so doing have given employ to laborers who were in need.
The petition for the surrender of the Medford Turn- pike is again before the County Commissioners ; the corporation have appealed to the Legislature to allow them to abandon the road, which, if done, will fall on the towns to take and keep in repair. This will incur a very heavy expense not only to put the road in suita- ble repair, but to keep it so; and the Board failing to see that it is of any real benefit to the Town, will use all honorable means to prevent so heavy a burden, but will be willing that it be a county road, and the Town bear a liberal amount of the expenses ..
The Board having received notice of a petition to the Legislature by S. C. Whitcher and others, to have a portion of the Town running from a point on Elm St. to a point near the Cambridge Almshouse, set off to Cambridge, appeared before the committee, stating rea- sons why their prayer should not be granted, and the result was the petitioners had leave to withdraw.
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The estimated value of taxable property to be set off was $100.000. The ground of the petitioners was want of school accommodations, a want that has been seen by the Board of School Committee ; and now it is for the Town to decide whether they will give the re- quired accommodations, and thereby prevent another petition of like nature from our townsmen before the Legislature.
The old range way now called Walnut Street, has been much improved, at an expense of $1300, and we think by it a source of more income to the Town by in- crease in taxable property.
The improvement in sidewalks we trust will continue to be carried on until no one will have reason to com- plain.
The Town Farm is under cultivation, and will, we think, show good results.
THE STREET LAMPS
Now number 113, and although the expense of light- ing the streets appears heavy, the lights cannot well be dispensed with. We think the lamps have been well managed, and the Board have heard but few complaints.
CEMETRY.
The Board have in view two lots of ground, one of which we think will be purchased this spring.
20
CHARLESTOWN WATER WORKS.
Since our last report there have been laid many feet of pipe for distribution of the water; but we are sorry to see the Corporation lay so small as four inch pipe, which in the opinion of the Board are too small, for in case of fire they do not yield a sufficient supply ; and if they cannot be induced in future to lay larger pipe, in our opinion it would be good economy for the Town to pay the difference between four and six, or six and eight inch pipe. The water is of great value to some portions of the Town in case of fire, but it has been clearly proved that four inch pipes are not large enough, and called for the above suggestions.
HORSE RAIL ROADS.
The location for rail on Broadway, Franklin and Pearl to Cross Street, granted and accepted, has not been built, and it does not now appear that it will be.
The horse railroads on the sides of our streets, espec- ially Washington and Milk Streets, are a source of much trouble, and will be until removed to the centre of the street; and we trust the Town will take mea- sures to accomplish this desirable object.
POLICE.
The Police department the past year we think have given very good satisfaction ; and by the annexed Re- port from them, it will be seen that they have endea- vored to be faithful in the discharge of their duties.
21
In their Report they recommend a night watch for a part of the year; your Board will here add that it is their opinion the time has come for the Town to appoint a regular night watch, numbering at least four.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of Somerville.
The officers of the Somerville Police Department, submit the following Report of their business from March 1st, 1865 to Feb. 26th, 1866 :
Whole number of Warrants issued. 93.
For Assault and Battery
45
Larceny 17
Malicious Mischief. 3
Bastardy, Abortion, and Adutlery, .... each. 1
Disturbance of the Peace.
3
Keeping dog without license
2
Feeding cows upon streets
2
Highway robbery. 1
Liquor nuisance. 10
Breaking, entering and larceny 3
Common Drunkard.
5
These cases were disposed of as follows :
Acquitted and discharged, 14
Sentenced to pay fine and costs, 35
Sent to Reform School, . 3
Sent to House of Correction, . 7
Settled by parties acknowledging satisfaction, 11
Bound over to Superior Court,
21
Warrants not served,.
2
Probably the number of arrests without warrants would amount to as many more.
In the course of the year past a large number have been taken in custody for examination by officers, and have not been confined.
Criminals of all classes have been unusually active this year. The officers of this Town have been upon duty night after night, for weeks together, and some of them night and day also, for many days in succession.
Such a demand for their services by citizens from all parts of the Town, seemed to require something more than the usual con- cert of action. Accordingly on the 19th of June, the officers held a meeting at the Police Court Room, and organized by choice of a Chairman and Secretary, and appointing a regular night of
22
meeting ; since which time the weekly meetings have been well attended, and much valuable information imparted at these con- sultations, that could be obtained in no other way.
The intercourse of the department has been marked throughout the year with the best of feeling; the utmost harmony has pre- vailed, and there has been a constant desire to assist one another in the discharge of their duties, and promote the best interests of the Town. And in this they have been ably assisted and encour- aged by the Board of Selectmen.
The Department would recommend the stationing of a night- watch in certain parts of the Town, through portions of the year; also a few regular day officers.
Respectfully submitted,
JAIRUS MANN, Sec. Som. Police Dept.
MILITARY.
There is a military organization in Town numbering fifty-five members ; but the sounds of war are no long- er heard among us, and although we are suffering from its results, we have great reason to be thankful to the giver of all good, that with the return of peace we are enjoying such prosperity, and can lend a helping hand to our erring brothers, and cause them to take a higher stand in National affairs than they could have done with the dead weight that has kept them down so many years.
It is pleasing to know that the soldiers from our Town have done good service, and those returned are pursuing honorable employments.
There has been distributed in wood, coal, groceries and cash from the relief fund $1338 82 ; it has reliev_ ed much suffering and gladdened the hearts of many ; and this we must continue to do, while such deserving objects demand not only our sympathy but assistance.
23
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Our Town is so divided, and with the many warnings we have had, and so many times been clearly demon- strated the need of a larger Fire Department, it will be very unwise to longer delay the purchase of two en- gines; and as the stage-coach has made way for the lo- comotive, so the day for hand engines has passed away, and they must give room for steam fire engines, which, if we have, will be able to (if needed) return some of the many obligations we owe our neighbors for assistance in time of need.
And we here refer you to the Report of the Engi- neers.
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN :
: Gentlemen,-In compliance with your request, I submit the fol- lowing report :-
Since the last report there have been seventeen fires, the most of which were small, and with one or two exceptions have been covered by Insurance. .
On the 8th of Jan. last, the Perkins St. Baptist Church was burned. Feb. 18th, the Foster School-house was destroyed ; these being the largest fires we have had. There have been quite a number of fires by incendiaries the past year. I would recommend that a liberal reward be offered for their detection. At the last April meeting, the Town voted to procure a Hose Carriage and Hose to be located in the easterly part of the Town. The Car- riage has been procured with 1200 feet of Hose. The Carriage was built by Mr Hartshorne, of New York. A house has been built for the Carriage, but owing to the high price of material the appropriations have been exceeded; all of which has been done in good faith, and I trust will meet with the approbation of the cit- izens. A better supply of water is needed in this Town, without which, we are liable at any time to have very destructive fires. Since the last report there has been one reservoir built on Spring Hill, and there should be a further supply furnished in that local-
24
ity. There are many places where it is impossible to get water. On Highland Avenue, Medford St., the north side of Prospect Hill, and on Washington St, on the south side ; there is none to be had in either of these places. On Marshall St. there is a very poor supply ; the buildings being of wood, and in many cases close to- gether. Should a fire break out in any of these places, there is no means of stopping it, and the Board would recommend the citi- zens to give it their earliest attention, before it is too late. In East Somerville there have been six hydrants attached to the pipes of the Charlestown Water Works the past year, and there should be more placed on Cutter, Webster and Pearl Sts ; these are some of the worst places in town for fires ; though there are many places where a better supply is needed.
I would recommend placing gates on Miller's Creek, near the Methodist Church, also on Prospect St., the Town having a large amount of property in this locality. I would suggest that a better means of giving an alarm be furnished on Winter Hill and East Somerville, thereby preventing a great delay in case of fire in those localities.
There has been a Company organized to take charge of the Hose Carriage, and it has proved a great addition to the Depart- ment.
The Department now consists of one hand Engine with a com- pany of thirty members. One four-wheeled Hose Carriage, with a company of twenty members. One Hook and Ladder Car- rage drawn by a horse.
There is now in the use of the Department.
1.400 feet of good Hose, 300 " " fair 6
300 " " poor
Owing to the great distance that Water has to be forced, there should be an addition of one or more Steamers to the Department, with a good supply of Hose for the same.
Hoping these suggestions will meet the approval of the Citizens, they are respectfully submitted.
In behalf of the Board of Engineers,
D. A. SANBORN, Chief.
25
BOARD OF HEALTH.
The past year the Board have had but few complaints, and we think good attention has been given to sanitary measures for health; but we are admonished to look at every part of our Town this year, and see that nothing is left undone that can be done to prevent disease, and we sincerely hope that every one will see that their own premises are cleared from everything that may tend to it; and with the warning we have had, it behooves ev- ery one to be a vigilance committee to do all they can to ward off that fell destroyer cholera, that spares neith- er age nor sex ; then if it sweeps over our land, we will have no reason to look back and complain, but will look upon it as a visitation of Divine Providence, and bow with submission under the affliction.
And now fellow-citizens, we feel that we have done our duty ; but in closing our Report allow us to say we are more peaceful, prosperous and happy than we had reason to expect, so soon after a rebellion that devastat- ed so great a portion of our country, and carried sorrow to so many homes; but thanks to our heavenly Father, the war is ended, and the firm foundation of freedom has been laid, on which the great monument is to be built ; and although at times passions may rule the hour. and the workmen disagree, nevertheless the work will go on to completion, and all nations will look with wonder and awe upon the monument (whose topmost stone is a free school,) and in all after time will commemorate the memory of the noble souls that conceived and laid the foundation for such a noble structure, from whose summit will float our glorious old flag, which will be loved and feared more than ever by the whole world. 4
JOHN R. POOR, NELSON HOWE, GEO. W. HADLEY, LEVI TIMSON, FRANCIS HOUGHTON,
Selectmen of Somerville.
TREASURER'S REPORT.
1
By vote of the Town, February 25th, 1865, the Treasurer was authorized to borrow (for military purposes) $14,400, with instructions, if possible, to obtain it for a long term; if not, to borrow for a short time at the best rates, with power to renew notes as required. He has found it impossible to borrow the amount for a long time, at such rates of interest as he thought would be satisfactory, and therefore obtained the money on demand at the current rate of interest, 7-3%. When the taxes came in, $4,000 of the above-named amount was paid, together with $6,000, the demand note included in last year's report; as also all amounts borrowed in anticipation of taxes up to the last of September, 1865.
It will be seen that the Town debt is increased $11,500, but as there remains about $10,000 taxes of 1865 not yet collected, the debt may be assumed to remain nearly the same as in the previous report.
The Treasurer will require instructions in regard to the $10,000 unpaid as above, and also in regard to note of $5,500 due the " Warren Institution for Savings," on the 16th of March, 1866; also on note of $2,500 due Henry Partridge on the 5th of May, 1866.
· The small amount in the Treasury at the close of the year will soon be absorbed by the current expenses ; and as the wants of the various departments the coming year will undoubtedly be large, and many of them required before our taxes will come in, the Treasurer will be obliged to borrow in anticipation, and will
27
require a vote to that effect; he therefore hopes that some of our many tax-payers of large financial abilities will attend the Town meeting, and give the citizens the benefit of their voice in suggestions to meet the wants of the Town. It is to be hoped that our citizens generally will be prompt in the payment of taxes, as it is of individual interest to each.
The payment of State aid, under orders of Selectmen, has been attended to, and has involved a large degree of labor. The amount necessary to meet payment has gradually decreased since the close of the war. On the first of April, 1865, it required about $1,200 per month; the amount to-day is $165, this is under - the laws as they now stand. There is a bill before the Legisla- ture to continue aid to widows, mothers, orphans and disabled men for three years. It will without doubt be passed, as, if Re- publics are ungrateful, Massachusetts is not, and she will take care of her pensioners.
A few statistics in regard to the payment of aid in this Town may interest some of our citizens. Since May, 1861, there has been distributed to 315 different families, $56,856.46, at an aver- age of $180.50 to each; and has been paid in 8,610 payments, averaging $6.61. 1,107 of these payments have been made by letter through the office, and receipts returned, without the loss of a dollar to the Town or parties. The State Treasurer has paid to the Town, for the year, 1861, $1,964 72
1862,
12,993 24
1863, 17,417 58
15,200. 00
135 04
1865 to March 1st, 1866,
9,026 14
Total,
$56,736 72
Amount paid by Town,.
56,856 46
Balance,
$119 74
This amount, with some allowance in the final settlement, will pass to Relief Account. Under the old law we have now twenty
66 66 1864,
Balance due from State, 1864,
66
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applicants ; the new law will increase the number to about fifty, requiring three to five hundred dollars per month, which must be provided for by the Town.
By the annexed accounts it will be seen that several of the departments have exceeded the appropriations. This can be largely accounted for by the continued high prices of all articles, and consequent high rates of labor. The note of $5,500, alluded to above, due March 16th, the Treasurer will pay at maturity, and ask at the Town meeting for further instructions in regard to the same. The whole amount received by the Treasurer, from various sources, during the year, is $171,338.23 ; whole amount paid, $164,534.01, showing a balance in the Treasury, at date, of $6,804.22.
The above remarks, with annexed accounts, are respectfully submitted, with the hope that they will meet the approval of the citizens.
THOMAS CUNNINGHAM,
Treasurer.
TAXES.
Received of Wm. Bonner, Collector on account of Taxes, 1864, $2,109 35
Received of B. Randall, Collector on account of Taxes, 1864, 2,621 74
Received of B. Randall, Collector on account of
Taxes, 1865.
95,523 95
100,255 04
Paid State Tax of 1865,
$27,072 00
County Tax of 1865,
4,176 00
31,248 00
Balance,
$69,007 04
29
NOTES PAYABLE.
1865.
March 2. Borrowed of Cambridge Bank, on demand, with in- terest at 6 per cent. (on account of Military), $4,000 2. Borrowed of Daniel R. Sortwell, on demand, with in- terest at 6 per cent. (on account of Military,) 10,000
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