USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1885 > Part 8
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THIRTY-THIRD ANNUAL EXHIBITION OF THE SOMERVILLE HIGH SCHOOL, TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1885, AT 9 O'CLOCK A.M.
ORDER OF EXERCISES.
SINGING.1-CHORAL: "Lord, how great thy love !" Flotow. CHORUS: Peasant's Wedding March (unaccompanied). Soderman.
1. SALUTATORY IN LATIN.
J. DWIGHT PRINDLE, Jun.
2. ESSAY. Maximilian. A. BERTHA HARDY.
3. READING. An Unexpected Acquaintance. Twain.
ANNIE W. SLEEPER.
4. BRUTUS ON THE DEATH OF CÆSAR (in Burmese, with in- troduction in English). HEMMAY KLAIPO.
SINGING. - SOLO AND CHORUS : Inflammatus, "Stabat Mater." Rossini.
5. READING. The First Settler's Story. Carleton.
ELLA GERTRUDE MATHISON.
6. FROM "SCHWARTZ AUF WEISS." ABBIE E. FOLSOM, R. GERTRUDE PARKHURST.
MAY E. POWERS,
7. READING. How Girls study. Belle Macdonald.
M. LOUISE SPEAR.
SINGING. - DUET: The Pilot (male voices). Millard. UNISON SOLO: The New Kingdom (female voices). Tours. (With orchestra and organ; instrumentation by S. Henry Hadley. )
1 Singing accompanied by Hadley's Orchestra.
153
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
8. FROM "TROILUS AND CRESSIDA." (Original version in Greek. ) WALTER P. HUTCHINSON, KATHARINE R. MILES, S. ALBERTIE TUTTLE, LEILA L. RAND. LEONORA VINAL,
9. READING. A Georgian at the Opera. Harper's.
EDWARD B. RUSSELL.
RECESS.
MUSIC. - IDYL: The Blacksmith in the Forest. Michaelis. At night. In the morning. At the brook.
Morning prayer. Forest smithy.
SINGING. - SEMI-CHORUS : Ave Maria. Marchetti.
CHORUS: Old Daddy Longlegs (humorous). Macirone.
EDITII A. WOODMAN.
10. ESSAY. Music as an Art.
11. FROM "LES FEMMES SAVANTES."
BERTHA E. BUTMAN, LURA A. GORDON,
HELENA McMASTERS, FRANK A. SMYTHE.
12. READING. The Old Actor.
LIZZIE G. KNAPP.
13. POEM. MARY J. CHENEY.
SINGING. - " Protect us through the coming night." Curschmann.
14. MEZENTIUS. Virgil.
FRANKLIN O. WATSON.
15. PROPHECIES.
EMILY H. LEONARD.
16. VALEDICTORY.
ALICE M. BUSWELL.
17. PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS.
18. PARTING HYMN. By Mayor MARK F. BURNS.
MEMBERS OF THE GRADUATING CLASS.
Lucy Ella Brooks. Bertha Elizabeth Butman.
Bertha Davis Chapman.1
Mary Judson Cheney.
Abbie Emma Folsom.
Lura Anna Gordon. Nellie May Humphrey.
Lizzie Gerry Knapp.
Maria Abigail Marston.
Ella Gertrude Mathison.
Helena McMasters. Ruth Gertrude Parkhurst. Beulah Maria Peirce.
May Eleanor Powers.
Annie Walker Sleeper. Mary Louise Spear.
Anna Lincoln Stone.
Eliza Ellen Taintor.
Annie Gertrude Tower. Edith Arletta Woodman.
Edward Lewis Burns. Harry Eaton Damon. Harry Gay Fletcher. Albert Elisha Fowler.
Fred Ham. Henry Standish Hayward. Augustus Ludvig Jansson. Edward Greenwood Moody.
William Eben Phillips. Ernest Dean Pillsbury. Edward Berry Russell. Frank Arthur Smythe. Frank Baldwin Tallman. Frank Leslie Tibbetts.
1 Diploma not received on account of the omission of one study.
154
ANNUAL REPORTS.
COURSE PREPARATORY TO COLLEGE.
Walter Perkins Hutchinson.
Angie Bertha Hardy.
Clara Anne Johnson. Emily Henrietta Leonard. Katharine Rebecca Miles.
Leila Logan Rand. Sarah Albertie Tuttle.
Clara Zenora Elliot.
Leonora Vinal.
EVENING SCHOOLS.
The public statutes require every town and city in the Common- wealth, having ten thousand or more inhabitants, to establish and maintain evening schools for giving free instruction in industrial or mechanical drawing to persons over fifteen years of age; and in orthography, reading, writing, geography, arithmetic, drawing, the history of the United States, and good behavior, to persons over twelve years of age.
In compliance with these requirements, four evening schools have been established in different sections of the city, and are now in successful operation : one, for instruction in mechanical and free- hand drawing, in the high-school building ; and three, for instruc- tion in grammar-school studies, in the Prescott, Luther V. Bell, and Highland schoolhouses.
EVENING DRAWING-SCHOOL.
Number of sessions .
10
Whole number registered
107
Males, 85 ; females, 22.
.
Average attendance
95
Per cent of attendance
82
Cost of materials
$396 26
" " instruction
97 50
" " gas .
13 60
Janitor's services
10 00
Total cost
$517 36
Principal. - Frank S. Mason.
Assistants. - Frank H. Collins, Frank H. Lord.
Hemmay Klaipo. James Dwight Prindle, Jun. Franklin Oliver Watson.
Alice Maude Buswell.
155
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
PRESCOTT EVENING SCHOOL.
Number of sessions
21
Whole number registered
85
Males, 62 ; females, 23.
Average number belonging Males, 52 ; females, 20.
72
Average attendance
50
Males, 35 ; females. 15.
Per cent of attendance
70
Average age .
. 18 years, 4 months
Cost of instruction
$175 50
.. " books and stationery .
36 52
" " gas .
15 00
Janitor's services
21 00
Total cost
$248 02
Principal. - G. A. Southworth.
Assistants. - D. L. Maulsbey, Emma Burke, L. E. Aiken, Fannie Wade, E. F. Southworth.
LUTHER V. BELL EVENING SCHOOL.
Number of sessions
21
Whole number registered
124
Males, 101; females. 23.
Average number belonging
83
Average attendance
63
Per cent of attendance
76
Cost of instruction
$175 50
" " books and stationery .
29 97
" " gas
15 00
Janitor's services
21 00
Total cost
$241 47
Principal. - Herbert L. Morse.
Assistants. - F. A. P. Fiske, M. C. Worden, F. B. Ashley, L. W. Shelton, H. M. Slack.
156
ANNUAL REPORTS.
HIGHLAND EVENING SCHOOL.
Number of sessions
20
Whole number registered
48
Males, 45 ; females, 3.
Average number belonging
38
Average attendance
33
Per cent of attendance
87
Cost of books and stationery
$80 65
" " instruction
110 00
66 66 gas ·
12 54
Janitor's services
20 00
Total cost
$223 19
Principal. - George E. Nichols.
Assistants. - Mr. Gould, Addie M. Brown.
COURSE OF STUDY.
The following law has been enacted by the Legislature of Massa- chusetts, and approved by the governor : -
SECTION 1. Physiology and hygiene, which, in both divisions of the sub- ject, shall include special instruction as to the effects of alcoholic drinks, stimulants, and narcotics on the human system, shall be taught as a regular branch of study, to all pupils, in all schools supported wholly or in part by public money, except special schools maintained solely for instruction in particular branches, such as drawing, mechanics, art, and like studies. All Acts, or parts of Acts, relating to the qualifications of teachers in the public schools, shall apply to the branch of study prescribed in this Act.
Sect. 2. All penalties now fixed for neglect to provide instruction in the branches of study now prescribed by law shall apply to the branch of study prescribed in section one.
Sect. 3. This Act shall take effect on the first day of August, 1885.
In compliance with these requirements, suitable text-books have been placed in the hands of all teachers in our public schools, to be used by them in imparting oral instruction to their pupils in physiology and hygiene.
Sets of Van Antwerp & Co.'s physiological charts have been placed in all the larger school-buildings.
157
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
The " Business Standard " writing-books have been substituted for the "Duntonian" writing-books, in the schools of Prospect- hill district.
Some important modifications have been made in the course of study in arithmetic, whereby the work is more equally distributed among the several classes.
In order to secure a more complete correspondence between the work required of the schools, the time allotted for its performance, and the average ability of pupils, some changes in the management of the schools have been introduced, and some further modifications in the course of study are required.
The length of our school-year is nominally forty weeks ; but the holidays, and the stormy days in which the sessions of the schools are omitted, amount usually to two weeks. Consequently there are only thirty-eight weeks available for school-work during the year. In September, 1872, the length of the school-year was reduced two weeks. In July, 1875, the afternoon sessions were shortened thirty minutes. In January, 1884, a session of two hours Wednesday afternoon was substituted for the session of three hours previously held Saturday forenoon. Hence, during the last thirteen years, the school-year has been shortened one hundred seventy-six hours, or fifteen per cent ; but no diminution of require- ments has been made within that period of time. On the contrary, the course of study has been much extended.
As a result of these changes, pupils of average ability are unable to meet the requirements of the schools in the time assigned with- out undue assistance from their teachers. Teachers feel compelled, by much oral instruction, minute illustrations, and by various other expedients, to simplify the work of their pupils and to render them much assistance during their entire course.
The natural effect upon the mental habits and character of pupils, resulting from such practice continued through a series of years, is strikingly apparent, and claims our thoughtful and serious atten- tion. The more obvious results of thus constantly relying upon the guidance and assistance of others, are superficial scholarship, want of self-reliance and self-confidence, lack of close and vigorous application to study, inability to gain knowledge from the printed page without much assistance, and marked deficiency of mental vigor and strength of will, so essential in overcoming the difficulties which constantly confront the learner in all his course.
158
ANNUAL REPORTS.
These results must be remedied by avoiding the causes which produce them. To induce habits of close and vigorous applica- tion, more study must be required of pupils. The arrangements in all the schools must be such as will secure the greatest amount of time for study in school hours. We must insist upon greater thoroughness in the essentials of all studies pursued in the schools. The course of study must be contracted by eliminating, from all the studies pursued, whatever is of minor importance and of doubt- ful utility. School requirements, school time, and the ability of the learner should so harmonize that the work demanded may be accomplished by industrious, faithful pupils of average ability, within the hours assigned to the schools.
As a rule, we would confine school work to school hours. Pupils who faithfully and industriously devote themselves to the per- formance of school duties during school hours should be released from them when they leave the schoolroom. The time that inter- venes between the sessions of the schools should be devoted to rest, recreation, and the performance of home duties. If, in a well-organized and wisely conducted school, industrious pupils of average ability are unable to meet its requirements in school hours, we are constrained to conclude that the demands are ex- cessive and should be reduced.
Several changes of encouraging promise have been introduced to afford pupils more time for study in school, and to reduce school requirements.
All schools which contain a single class are divided into two sections. While the pupils of one section are reciting. those of the other section are preparing their lessons. By this arrange- ment every pupil can recite at each recitation without prolonging it to the point of weariness. The expectation that at some stage of the recitation he will be required to communicate to his teacher and associates something of what he has learned, becomes to the pupil a healthy incentive to careful preparation of the lesson as- signed. School time is definitely apportioned to the several studies according to their estimated relative importance. Time is gained for securing greater thoroughness in the essentials of the several studies by omitting much of doubtful value.
159
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
TEXT-BOOKS.
Nearly all the text-books in the schools, at the present time. belong to the city.
Cost of books purchased in 1884 $7,325 00
For the high school . . $1,189 00
" grammar and primary schools. 6.136 00
Cost of books purchased in 1885 $3,379 00
For the high school . $1.092 00
" " grammar and primary schools, 2,141 00
": " evening schools 146 00
Cost of all books belonging to the city $10,704 00
For the high school . . $2,281 00
" " grammar and primary schools, 8,277 00
" " evening schools . 146 00
Average cost per scholar in the high school $6 03 66 ..
" grammar and primary schools 1 72
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
The character and efficiency of the public schools are matters of general concern. It is not surprising, therefore, that the manage- ment of these schools, and the methods of instruction pursued in them, should elicit many criticisms. Censures without adequate cause, and criticisms without intelligence, so far as they weaken public confidence, and thereby detract from the usefulness of the schools, are to be deprecated ; but intelligent, discriminating criti- cisms, emanating from a desire to improve the schools, and to awaken healthy interest in the community in their behalf, should be encouraged, and kindly and gladly received. Truth is best per- ceived when viewed from many stand-points. We may be greatly assisted to a right performance of our duties, by a knowledge of the opinions of many persons, well qualified to pass accurate judg- ment upon the merits and defects of our work. "In the multitude of counsellors, there is safety."
Among the questions most frequently discussed by intelligent critics of the public schools are the following, which are always timely, and claim the careful consideration of all persons to whom
160
ANNUAL REPORTS.
the interests of the schools are committed : " Are the large appro- priations for the maintenance of the public schools economically and wisely expended? Are the results obtained commensurate with the expense incurred ? Are the studies pursued wisely chosen, and such as will be most helpful to pupils in the performance of their life-work? Are the methods of instruction adopted the best that have been devised ? Are our teachers, all of them, the best that can be secured for the compensation awarded? Have they that high degree of intelligence and culture, that enthusiasm and devo- tion to their work, which are indispensable to the highest success ? Are they apt to teach, and wise in their selections of what they teach? Do they discipline with judgment and discretion? Are they conscientious in their work, and do they exercise, at all times, a salutary moral influence upon their pupils ?"
These are all pertinent and vital questions. Criticisms and cen- sures even should be gracefully received whenever these questions do not admit of decided, affirmative answers.
To us who have accepted from our fellow-citizens the responsi- bility of directing the education of the children and youth of this community, the question, " What may justly be demanded of the public schools?" is one of vital interest. It is wise to consider whether or not the schools under our supervision are fairly meeting those demands.
An intelligent writer and critic says, "It may justly be de- manded of the school, that it lay the foundation of character, quicken the moral sense, and help the child to become an honorable citizen ; that it train for life, - that the acquisition of power be placed before the gaining of knowledge; that it furnish the child with a good store of information ; and that it guard with vigilance the health of every pupil."
We are not permitted to know the future of our pupils, or what will be demanded of them when they enter upon the duties, and assume the responsibilities, of citizens ; but it is safe to presume that they will need all the added strength which education can give to their natural endowments. In our instruction, therefore, we must have due regard to their entire being, and seek the cultivation and invigoration of each department of their threefold nature, - body, mind, spirit ; for any system of education is defective which ignores or neglects either of these. By precept and by example we should endeavor to lead our pupils to the habitual observance
161
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
of known and accepted laws, whereby they may secure and retain physical health, vigor, and endurance. We should labor earnestly to make them intelligent, to furnish their minds with rich stores of useful knowledge, to develop mental power, and to promote intellectual culture. But our work for them is but partially and imperfectly performed, if, in consequence of our instruction and influence, they are not stronger to resist evil, firmer of purpose to pursue the right and the true, and if in all their future they have not more exalted aims and deeper reverence of heart for whatever is sacred and pure. Our pupils may well forego the renown that accompanies brilliant scholarship and superior intellectual attain- ments, if they can pass through life with firm moral principles and unsullied characters ; if, under all circumstances, they " hold fast to the venerable landmarks of morality, and obstinately cling to moral good."
Respectfully submitted.
SOMERVILLE, Jan. 2, 1886.
J. H. DAVIS, Superintendent of Schools.
REPORT
OF THE
SOMERVILLE MYSTIC WATER BOARD.
CITY OF SOMERVILLE.
IN BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN, Feb. 9, 1886.
Referred to the committee on printing, to be printed in the annual re- ports. Sent down for concurrence.
CHARLES E. GILMAN, Clerk.
Concurred in.
IN COMMON COUNCIL, Feb. 10, 1886.
DOUGLAS FRAZAR, Clerk.
CITY OF SOMERVILLE.
To his Honor the Mayor and the City Council.
GENTLEMEN, - The Somerville Mystic Water Board respectfully submits its report for the year ending Dec. 31, 1885, accompany- ing it with a detailed report of the superintendent to this board, giving an account of the condition of the property, reporting the year's work, presenting a financial statement. and specifying the needs of the department the coming year.
In view of the fact that a much smaller appropriation was grant- ed than seemed to the board necessary at the beginning of the year, we are gratified that the condition of the market, together with favoring circumstances in the doing of work, has enabled us to place the department in a condition to reduce the number of bursts nearly one-half, and the number of leaks one-third, lessening the expense for repairs very materially.
Three-fourths of the six thousand two hundred and eighty-six feet of extension of distribution mains have been cast-iron pipe, while half of the remainder has been galvanized iron. This is in accordance with the vote of the board, Oct. 4, 1884, expressing its confidence in the economy of iron pipe, and the protection of water-takers from the annoyance of frequent breaks. Our experi- ence is the same as that of other cities. Fitchburg finds the cement-lined water-mains a great burden of expense for repairs, costing $3,520 to keep in repair, for one year, twenty-one miles of cement-lined pipe, and only five dollars for eleven miles of iron pipe. Worcester says the only trouble experienced in the water- department is with the cement-lined pipe. and they are replacing it as fast as possible. The "History and Statistics of American Water-Works " shows the same condition of things throughout the country. It was practically impossible to lay iron pipe when our mains were originally built. owing to the inflation of iron at that
166
ANNUAL REPORTS.
time ; and there has been no time since, until recently, when the price was within the reach of our city. The depression of the iron market, and the improved facilities of manufacture, have ena- bled us to secure it at a slight advance on the cost of cement-lined pipe.
The relaying of Linwood and Fitchburg Streets with twenty-six hundred and eighty-two feet of cast-iron pipe was the most impor- tant work of the year. The old pipe, when uncovered, was found to be in a condition worse, if possible, than we had anticipated. The joints were weak, and many of them leaking.
The Beacon-street main should certainly be relaid this year. Ten times during the past year was travel interrupted on that important thoroughfare, by bursts or leaks ; nearly one-fifth of all the bursts and leaks of the year were on that main.
The department should lower the pipes in some of the streets the coming year, to avoid freezing. Few annoyances to water- takers are so vexatious, and inexcusable on our part, as to be de- prived of water from street freezing. This is no reflection upon the action of the board in the past, but comes from the lowering of the street grade, so as to bring the pipes near the surface. It has already cost the city almost as much to thaw and repair these exposed pipes, as it would have done to relay them. No private enterprise would allow such a state of affairs to continue, and the city cannot afford it.
We must again emphasize the value of the hydrants, and express our purpose to supply many new ones for the better pro- tection of property from fires, appreciating the necessity of this department co-operating with the fire-department in this regard. Special attention has been given to the quality and the setting of the new hydrants, and those substituted for old ones. No one of the three hundred and three hydrants failed to meet the require- ments of the fire-department the past year. Much attention has been given to the examination of hydrants ; and, in the case of severe weather, they are carefully protected from freezing. We are confident that you will see the necessity of making the appro- priation to this department sufficient to enable the board to set the thirty new hydrants asked for by the fire-department.
Permission was given last year in several cases for the use of the hydrants in watering streets. This is in every way undesir- able, as injury comes to them by unskilled handling. It is hoped
167
REPORT OF SOMERVILLE MYSTIC WATER BOARD.
this practice may be discontinued the coming year. This can only be done by setting four new stand-pipes.
The large iron drinking-fountain in Union Square, at which hun- dreds of horses have drunk daily, without unchecking, has proba- bly been the greatest public convenience in the city. It has been frequently broken by heedless teamsters, until finally it has been rendered useless. We cannot afford to take a step backward in such a comfort for man and beast ; but a more substantial foun- tain will probably be required for economy's sake, if no other.
There are in the city nearly 50 miles of distribution mains. 27 miles and 1,998 feet of service-pipe, and 4,334 services.
The amount spent for construction the past year was $5,245.67.
For the work done in laying services, setting gate-boxes, re- pairing, etc., as well as for the condition of the buildings and the stock account, we refer you to the detailed statement of the super- intendent, Mr. Nathaniel Dennett, herewith submitted, whose faithful service and skill are highly appreciated by this board.
J. O. HAYDEN. WALTER S. BARNES. CHAS. H. BROWN. JOHN M. WOODS. MILO CRANE.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
To the Somerville Mystic Water Board.
GENTLEMEN, - I present a report of all the work done under my supervision during the year ending Dec. 31, 1885.
DISTRIBUTION MAINS.
These were extended a total distance of 6,286 feet, or one mile 1,006 feet ; the pipe used consisting of 4,593 feet 8 inches of cast iron. 977 feet of cement lined, and 715 feet 4 inches of galvanized iron. The expense of trenching for the cement-lined pipe laid for the Middlesex Bleachery was borne by that corpora- tion. and a proportion of the expense of extension in Tennyson, Jaques, and Thorndike Streets was assumed by private parties.
There were relaid 2,682 feet of cast-iron pipe in Linwood and Fitchburg Streets, the same taking the place of cement-lined. pipe, which, when uncovered, was found to be in a very precarious con- dition, especially at the joints, many of which were weak and leaking. The work of relaying was done in the most thorough and substantial manner, and will prove a great benefit to that section of the city.
The old cement-lined pipe extending from Washington Street through the McLean Asylum grounds having become unreliable. a new line of cast-iron pipe was run from the end of Fitchburg Street. under the Lowell Railroad embankment, and up the rear avenue to a connection near the main building ; the McLean cor- poration paying all the expenses of the extension, and of relaying Fitchburg Street, excepting the actual cost of the pipe in said street.
There were 37 bursts on mains, in repairing which 205 feet of pipe were used. There were also 24 leaks on mains from various causes ; pick-holes, rust, etc. The number of bursts the previous
REPORT OF SOMERVILLE MYSTIC WATER BOARD. 169
year was 71, and of leaks 35 ; showing a decrease of 34 in the former, and 10 in the latter, in 1885.
I would again call your attention to the weak condition of the main in Beacon Street. There were five bursts and an equal num- ber of leaks thereon the past year ; and much damage and delay to travel are liable to be caused at any time, particularly on account of the proximity of the street-railway. The main in Maple Street is very weak, and both the above-named streets should be relaid on the first opportunity. Walnut Street, also, between Bonair Street and Broadway, a distance of 600 feet. should receive the earliest attention. For the past seven years bursts have been numerous there, and fifty-five dollars have been paid in damages, apart from the expense attendant upon repairs. The depth of the pipe is so great that a burst is liable to destroy the foundations of buildings in the vicinity.
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