USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Merrimac > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Merrimac 1885 > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Since the first of February, 1884, the Library has been opened 84 times, and 10,465 books have been delivered, as follows :- In February, 942; March, 1360; April, 1058; May, 1114; June, 357; September, 984 ; October, 963; November, 1266 ;
34
PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORT.
December, 1035 ; January, 1386. Of these, the largest num- ber delivered in one day was '320, while the average daily delivery was 125.
During the twelve months not a single book has been lost, and there are no books out unaccounted for.
There are now nearly 3500 volumes belonging to the Library, 310 of these having been added by purchase during the past year, besides six volumes that have been donated. For these donations we are indebted to Dr. James R. Nichols for three volumes of the " Encyclopædia Brittanica,"-to Mrs. H. B. Smith for a volume entitled " System of Christian Theology," of which her late husband was the author. Also, to the Lynn and Newton Public Libraries for one volume each. For all of these favors we return thanks.
The size of the Library we consider excellent for the time in operation, the number of inhabitants in town, and the limited means at the disposal of the trustees. We live in hopes that the latter condition will be improved by some generous citizen or friend being moved to emulate the example of others, who are frequently reported as making donations or bequests to one and another of our sister institutions in neighboring cities and towns.
In the month of August, the librarian, Mr. E. W. Ricker, in justice to his health, was obliged to resign. The trustees were fortunate in securing Mr. George E. Ricker, whose former experience made his services valuable.
The faithfulness of the librarian and his assistants, together with their readiness to enforce the rules and regulations have done much toward improving the condition of the Library. Good order and quiet is now generally maintained, and the
35
PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORT.
willingness of those who patronize the Library, in conforming to the printed rules is appreciated. Still there are a few cases. of disorder among young persons who seem to have an igno- rant idea of decorum, that need to have a decided check. It is impossible to have a well regulated Library room without quiet and order. We therefore request the co-operation of our citi- zens to this end, thus enabling those in charge to perform their work satisfactorily to all.
During the two months the Library was closed, a large amount of work was accomplished. New cases of shelves were built, and many needed improvements made. This occa- sioned additional expense, and we found our funds insufficient. To meet this expense the trustees voted to draw from the " Goodwin Fund," intending to repay the same next year with interest on the amount for the time used. We respectfully ask of our citizens a kind consideration of the facts, and an extra appropriation to meet this payment without interfering with the usual yearly receipts of the Library.
The advice of library experts as well as the experience of the past, have convinced the trustees that a " class catalogue " is the most convenient plan for the needs of the Merrimac Pub- lic Library. One has been prepared which is considered prac- tical, concise and suitable for ready reference, and is now in the hands of the printer. It is confidently expected that the new catalogue will be in readiness for delivery during the pres- ent month of March. While we recognize the fact of appar- ent delay it must be remembered that there was a large amount of preparatory work before copy could be given to the printer, that unavoidable circumstances have occasioned delay, and that catalogues cannot be compiled in a moment. Inquiry
36
PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORT.
shows the delay no greater than other libraries have experi- enced.
As the size of our Library room is contracted for the work required, it is generally acknowledged that before many years we shall need extra room. When we consider that the volumes are constantly increasing in number, aud that a quiet reading- room is also a necessity, supplying a want not now filled in our community, it will be admitted that important changes must be made in the near future.
In consideration of the above, and from the fact of the in- creasing usefulness of the Library, and the necessarily large amount of work for the coming year, we respectfully request the citizens of Merrimac to deal generously with us in the ap- propriations for another year. "
Respectfully submitted,
EDMUND N. SARGENT, ). DR. JAS. R. NICHOLS, GEORGE O. GOODWIN, S. S. BLODGETT, JOHN B. JUDKINS, DANIEL J. POORE, GEORGE ADAMS,
Board of Trustees.
D. J. POORE, Secretary.
37
PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORT.
TREASURER'S REPORT, For the year ending March 1, 1885. D. J. Poore, Treasurer, in account with Merrimac Public Library.
Dr.
To balance received from S. S. Blodgett,
treasurer,
$ 53 65
received from Chautauqua books, 1 00
Interest on " Goodwin
Fund," 7 65
" Goodwin Fund," 113 00
66
Fines,
31 12
" Town appropriations, 500 00
$ 706 42
Cr.
By paid for books and magazines,
204 64
binding books,
51 80
Librarian,
175 00
printing,
29 50
expressage,
11 45
repairing and revising Library,
72 90
book cases and furniture,
113 00
66
painting,
2 50
sundry supplies,
33 40
Cash on hand,
12 23
Respectfully submitted, 706 42
D. J. POORE, Treasurer.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN OF MERRIMAC.
The School Board was organized at the commencement of the year, with William Chase as chairman and Dr. J. W. Hobart, as secretary.
The assignment to the committee of the schools over which they would have special jurisdiction, are as follows :- To Mr. Chase, the High school at the Centre, the Grammar, Inter- mediate and Primary Schools at Merrimacport, and the Land- ing School .. To Mr. Sargent, the Grammar, Intermediate and Lower Primary Schools at the Centre. To Dr. Hobart, the Higher Primary at the Centre, the Higher Primary and the Lower Primary at the Plains, and the Bear Hill School.
The committee, wishing to ascertain the condition of the schools, invited the teachers to a discussion of their needs with a view to re-grading them. For further enlightenment upon the subject, the Secretary of the Board of Education was consulted. He advised the employing of their agent, Mr. John T. Prince, to assist in the preparation of a
40
SCHOOL REPORT.
· graded course of study. In pursuance of this object, Mr. Prince visited the schools, acquainted himself with our meth- ods and course of instruction, and suggested the following plan, viz :- a well selected course of English studies to be completed by graduation in two years, and a classical course, including the higher branches of English, with Latin and French, to be completed in four years. It was the opinion of many of our citizens at the time the changes were contempla- ted, that the classical languages ought to be dispensed with, and a limited course in English for two years, with a more extended one for three years, be made to take its place.
It was thought by those favorable to this plan, that the school was losing in numbers and influence through the lack of practicality in many of the subjects taught, and that the work done by an assistant, might be done by the principal, with a saving to the town of several hundred dollars annually.
The views of the committee not being generally understood by the advocates of a more liberal course, a petition, urging the retention of our worthy assistant, and signed by many leading citizens, was presented to the Board. There being no counter petition presented, the committee employed her for another year.
The agitation of these questions has proved a benefit to the schools, by arousing a more active sympathy in the community for the higher education of our youth. This fact has been made evident by the increased number of scholars in the High School, the present membership being 56, with the prospect of a still larger growth.
41
SCHOOL REPORT.
BOOKS.
It will be seen by referring to the table of Expenditures, that a large sum of money has been expended in providing books for the schools in accordance with the requirements of the new law, which obliges towns and cities to furnish all books, stationery, etc., at the expense of such cities and towns. The Committee did not anticipate such an outlay, yet, in taking a retrospective view of the matter, we could not well reduce the expenditure to any great extent.
If the requirements of the law had been known at an earlier period, the necessary changes might have been made with less interruption to the schools, by procuring the books at the be- ginning of the winter term.
Mr. Edmund Ricker was employed as our agent to furnish all needed supplies, receiving for compensation a certain per cent on the cost, but was unable to attend to the work on ac- count of sickness. Mr. Joyce then kindly consented to the labor of buying and distributing the text books. There is now a well arranged system of distribution, and a sufficient supply of books for immediate wants.
A perfect record is kept of all books loaned to scholars, none of which can be obtained except by an order from the teacher, who keeps a record of books loaned, in a book pre- pared for that purpose, sent to the Superintending Committee or their agent. Books are only loaned to scholars, and they are required to preserve the same with care, and at the close of the term to deliver them to the teacher, to be kept to the next
42
SCHOOL REPORT.
term. Books lost or spoiled are to be made good by the scholar.
Under the new law, the committee have ex- pended for books and stationery, $1381 00
The depreciation estimate at 300 00
Leaving a balance of books and stationery on hand, valued at, $1081 00
This shows the necessity of the town's adding to their appropriation to the account of books, at least $ 300 00
The increase in the pay of the teachers, needs to be considered in the appropriation. It should be at least, 343 00
The additional expense of running the Plains' school should also be considered.
The committee recommend an appropriation of $6200 00 for general school purposes the coming year.
WM. CHASE, M. PERRY SARGENT, School JOHN W. HOBART, Committee.
43
SCHOOL REPORT.
MERRIMAC HIGH SCHOOL
MR. G. FRED JOYCE, Principal.
MISS HELEN K. SPOFFORD, Assistant.
The committee are glad to report a highly favorable con- dition of this school in regard to discipline and general in- struction. In point of numbers, it has exceeded the expecta- tions of the committee. And the ability, character, and interest displayed by both principal and assistant, as exemplified in and about the schools, and to the community generally, are worthy of consideration.
In addition to the usual studies, Latin, French, Political Economy, Book-Keeping and Music are pursued.
There is one great annoyance to the occupying the front rooms of this building, caused by being in close proximity to the street, hence, in the warm weather, when the windows need to be open, this fault is more apparent.
We think it would be well for the town to secure a lot favorably situated, while such can be obtained, for the High School, when it is thought best to build a new one.
Mr. Joyce, by the indefatigable labors of himself and scholars, has given a very satisfactory entertainment to the public, by which was raised a very good sum of money to expend for chemical and philosophical apparatus for the use of the school.
This, and all the schools, have been unusually affected by absences, caused largely by the scarlet fever, which has prevailed in town.
44
SCHOOL REPORT.
CENTER GRAMMAR SCHOOL. MISS ELLEN GUNNISON, Teacher.
Faithful labor on the part of the teacher and most of the pupils, has made the school year one of continued pros- perity. The labor performed since the summer vacation has been more severe than usual, but the willingness with which it has been performed, and the results obtained thereby, merit the commendation of both committee and parents.
CENTER INTERMEDIATE.
MISS MINNIE M. BASSETT, - Teachers MISS MARY ELLA HOYT,
At the commencement of the year Miss Hoyt was re-en- gaged to teach this school, but just before the summer term was to begin, she requested the committee to put in a substitute for that term, reserving the school for her in the fall. Her request was complied with, and Miss Bassett was engaged for a single term. Although young and without experience, Miss Bassett entered upon her duties with an earnestness which kept the school fully up to its former standard.
At the commencement of the fall term, Miss Hoyt resumed her position, and the school has progressed as usual.
45
SCHOOL REPORT.
CENTER FIRST PRIMARY SCHOOL.
MISS CARRIE M. EVANS, Teacher.
The work of this school has gone on quietly and satisfac- torily during the year. We have been pleased to see that an advance has been made in the application of right prin- ciples in the work of instruction, not only in this, but in the other schools that have been under our more immediate obser- vation. The enthusiastic study of methods of presenting knowledge to a class so as to be readily perceived and . grasped by the mind, is of prime importance to the succes- ful teacher.
CENTER SECOND PRIMARY SCHOOL.
MISS FANNIE SHERMAN, Teacher.
Miss Sherman has had charge of this school during the . year. She has labored faithfully and successfully, and the school has been constantly improving.
The attendance during the winter term has been somewhat irregular, owing partly to a few cases of scarlet fever, and partly to unusually severe weather, which often rendered it imprudent for children of such tender years to attend.
46
SCHOOL REPORT.
PROSPECT STREET FIRST PRIMARY.
MISS JOSEPHINE L. OAK, Teacher.
Under the efficient management of Miss Oak, the success that has attended the school in previous terms has been maintained, and an advance has been made in improved methods of instruction and in that spirit of mutual love and esteem which secures ready and willing obedience' to neces- sary rules.
The work of the winter term was seriously marred by the temporary closure of the school on account of the scarlet fever. This must be borne in mind, in estimating the result of the year's work.
PROSPECT STREET SECOND PRIMARY.
MISS FLORA FOURTIN, Teacher.
Miss Fourtin has made commendable progress in the art of teaching, and evidently has that love for her work which will make her increasingly successful as a teacher. The writing particularly shows unusual results as the fruit of careful training.
47
SCHOOL REPORT.
MERRIMACPORT GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
MR. CHARLES S. DAVIS, Teacher.
Since the beginning of the fall term of 1882, this school has been under the charge of Mr. Davis, who has brought "order out of chaos." By diligence and perseverance, he now has a school well governed, and making very good progress.
We have in this school a class of High school scholars, (of the first year) some of whom do not contemplate enter- ing the high school, but who are interesting themselves very much in their studies, and making good progress in those studies that belong to the first year of the high school. We recommend the same course to be pursued so long as a sufficient number of scholars are willing to stay that year longer in school.
Miss Stella Larkin gives music lessons in this, and the other schools at Merrimacport, which adds very much to the · general interest and usefulness of the schools.
MERRIMACPORT INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL.
MISS MINNIE C. CURRIER, Teacher.
This school has been kept for several years past by Miss Carlton, whose failing health obliged her to give it up in the
48
SCHOOL REPORT.
spring. Miss Currier, who taught the Birch Meadow school last year, was promoted to fill the vacancy.
The committee think she has given as good satisfaction as could be expected under some trying circumstances in the district, and the prevailing sickness.
She has done her part in trying to teach the scholars, and to maintain good discipline. In this there has always been too much outside interference for the good of the school.
MERRIMACPORT PRIMARY SCHOOL.
MISS A. M. COLLINS, Teacher.
Miss Collins' natural qualifications for a teacher of young children have been much improved .by several years' expe- rience in this school. This year, on account of the sickness and absence of many of the children, she does not feel justified in reporting the usual progress.
LANDING SCHOOL.
MISS MATTIE A. HUGHES, Teacher.
This school on account of the small number of scholars has a very uncertain future.
Last year at the close, it was found that we had very few scholars to rely upon to attend the opening of the
4.9
SCHOOL REPORT.
school for this season. Fortunately, a family moved into the district, with several children who became members, making the total number of scholar-, fourteen.
BEAR HILL SCHOOL.
MISS BESSIE A. VEAL, Teacher.
This is a mixed school with a membership of 49 scholars, representing all the grades below the high school. Thus much labor is necessarily imposed upon the teacher, with but little time in which to accomplish it.
The prevalence of the scarlet fever, the withdrawal of many of the scholars and the temporary closing of the school, necessarily impaired the completeness of the results antici- pated at the beginning of the term.
To say that under these circumstances the school has done good work, is to bestow well merited praise upon pupils and teacher.
BIRCH MEADOW SCHOOL.
MISS HATTIE L. THORN, Teachers.
MISS MINNIE M. BASSETT,
Miss Thorn taught the summer term with good accept- ance. The general order was excellent, although the rod might have been used in one or two instances without any injustice to the culprit. The progress made in their studies
50
SCHOOL REPORT.
was commendable to both teacher and scholars, and the committee felt that the term was a decided success.
The fall term was taught by Miss Bassett, with profit to those who continued through the term. The action of par- ents in removing their children because one of their number was thought too good to be punished for constant disobedi- ence and using indecent language, cannot be too severely condemned. A child thus humored will be very liable to find a home in one of the penal institutions of the state.
HIGHLANDS SCHOOL. MISS ETTA L. COLBY, Teacher.
This school has been under the charge of the same teacher as last year ; the order has been very good and the lessons well learned.
Owing to sickness, the committee was unable to be present at the closing examination, but we feel confident that the past year has been one of more than usual success.
TABLE NO. 1.
STATISTICS OF SUMMER TERM.
SCHOOLS.
Number of
Days in term
Number of
Scholars.
Average No.
Scholars.
Average
Attendance.
Number of
Times Late.
Number of
over 15 years
Number of
under 5 years
Number of
Visitors.
Teachers'
Wages per
Month.
Merrimac High,
(Principal) -
60
30
28.8
27.6
30
21
11
$94 74
66
(Assistaut ) · ·
50 00
"
Grammar, -
60
33
32
31
4
67
13
50 00
Intermediate,
60
29
28 3
26
38
1
15
35 00
Central Higher Primary,
60
34
32.175
30 44
12
23
35 00
60
45
37.75
34.331
61
37
30 00
Plains Higher
~
60
34
32.88
32.88
22
19.
35 00
66
Lower
60
50
44
383
91
1
1
28
30 00
Merrimacport Grammar,
60
20
20
18.3
49
2
14
50 00
60
26
26
20
132
19
31 00
€0
37
353
31
166
17
30 00
Bear Ilill,
60
45
40. 7
37.331
10
1
24
40 00
Landing,
60
13
12.5
11.5
54
2
24
22 00
Highlands,
60)
12
112
10!
18
2
21
22 00
Birch Meadow,
60
15
14%
13g
5
14
22 00
·
-
-
-
-
-
-
Primary -
-
-
12
-
51
SCHOOL REPORT.
Lower
66
Intermediate,
Scholars
Scholars
of
52
TABLE NO. 2.
STATISTICS OF WINTER TERM.
SCHOOLS.
Number of
Days in term
Number of
Scholars.
of
Scholars.
Average
Attendance.
Number of
Times Late.
Number of
Scholars
over 15 years
Number of
under 5 years
Number of
Visitors.
Teachers'
Wages per
Month.
Merrimac High,
130
47
43
40.7
52
25
17
$94 74
50 00
Grammar, -
120
30
29.4
28
23
2
13
50 00
Intermediate, -
105
34
32.4
30.6
18
34
35 00
Central Higher Primary,
105
32
29.15
27.63
16
39
35 00
100
43
32.25
28.53
152
37
30
00)
95
38
32.96
30.682
19
39
35
00
66
Lower
-
95
46
37
35
69
1
38
30
00
118
22
21.5
19.1
65
2
14
60
00
110
28
28 .
13
237
22
31
00
105
29
24
20
102
20
30 00
120
49
3545
312
27
2
26
40 00
Landing,
80
14
13
11 5
86
20
22 00
80
13
111
10.5
44
2
1
16.
22 00
Birch Meadow,
60
13
10
10
10
22 00
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Primary,
-
Bear Hill,
-
-
-
Highlands,
-
-
SCHOOL REPORT.
Merrimacport Grammar,
Intermediate,
Plains Iligher
Lower
(Principal) - (Assistant)
Scholars
Average No.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.