USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Merrimac > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Merrimac 1888 > Part 2
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Should a fire of any considerable size break out, the steam- er will have to be depended upon to do the greater part of the work ; and, as the pond is the only place where an unlimited supply of water can be obtained, it would seem advisable to locate there at once. This leaves the reservoirs free for the hand engines and for which they are amply sufficient. There should be 2000 feet of hose attached to the steamer as she can easily force water that distance and do good fire service; and, probably, within a radius of 2000 feet from the pond is contained three-fourths of the most valuable property as well as the most dangerous fire risks in town. We are extremely fortunate in having such a water supply in our midst and should certainly be prepared to utilize it in case of need.
In the light of the above facts, we certainly hope the town will vote at the annual town meeting to purchase one thousand feet of good hose in order that all our apparatus may be made available at any fire that may possibly occur.
ORGANIZATION.
The department, as organized at present, consists of one hundred and eight officers and privates, as follows : One chief engineer, two assistant engineers, one steamer company of twenty men, two hand engine companies of thirty-five men each, and one hook and ladder company of fifteen men.
RESERVOIRS.
There has been one reservoir built during the past year,
31
FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT.
making ten in all, which are in good condition but with the exception of two or three not of sufficient capacity to supply the steamer at any protracted fire.
APPARATUS.
The apparatus consists of one steam engine, two hand en- gines and a hook and ladder truck : each engine having a hose reel attached. The apparatus is in good condition and can be depended upon, should the occasion arise, to do good service.
It is the opinion of the Board, however, that, in the case of the Niagara engine, the results to be obtained are hardly com- mensurate with the cost of maintenance. This is, in no part, due to lack of efficiency in the company attached to this engine, but to the fact that it is a very old and extremely heavy machine, that it draws hard, and the number of men in the company (35) is not sufficient to work her for more than a few minutes at a time. The intention, at the time the steamer was bought and the department re-organized, was to keep her in commission, appoint a small company to take charge of her and form a sort of nucleus around which the citizens would rally and with their assistance perform the same service as of old.
But, the fact is, the citizens don't rally to any great extent under these circumstances and the result is the machine has got to stop occasionally and let the boys get their breath. Now, if a light second hand engine could be put in place of this one- a machine that twenty-five men could -draw anywhere and work it after getting it there-the town would receive much better service for money expended than under the present arrangement.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
We would reccommend that the sum of $1500 be appro- priated for current and general expenses. We would also recommend that the town purchase 1000 feet of good hose. And we would furthur recommend that a reservoir be built at the Lower Corner, directly opposite the residence of Moses Sargent, Esq. Such a reservoir, built of plank, could be put in at a small expense, fill itself from the brook, and would cover at least $10,000 worth of property now wholly unpro- tected.
INSURANCE.
The time has gone by when we could depend on insurance
32
FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT.
companies wholly ; and, -to-day, towns are rated to a certain extent as to their facilities for extinguishing fires, and insurance rates are made accordingly. Therefore, in considering the expense of the fire department, don't forget to place to its credit the large saving effected in insurance rates. And, if this amount could be ascertained, we have no doubt it would largely exceed the whole cost of the department.
In conclusion, we wish to extend our sincere thanks to our many friends who assisted in making the muster of last October a splendid success ; and to all the officers and members of the department for the prompt and faithful manner in which they have performed their various duties.
Respectfully submitted,
ED. H. SARGENT, Chief Engineer. H. G. STEVENS, First Assistant. ALBERT PARKER, Clerk.
Merrimac, Feb. 18, 1888.
REPORT OF THE
TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY OF THE TOWN OF MERRIMAC.
To the Board of Selectmen of Merrimac-Gentlemen :
The present report chronicles the history of the twelfth year of our Library's existence. Its good condition has been well maintained, its work has been excellent during the past year, and while no innovations have been made, still the patronage shows plainly the appreciation of our citizens of a well regulated library. That the Public Library is not merely an ornament, but rather a necessity is demonstrated by the fact of its circulation being an annual average of more than 11,000 volumes. During the past year 11,098 books have been deliv- ered at 100 openings of the Library rooms and as follows : In February (1887) 961, March 1204, April 1151, May 826, June 824, July 943, August 429, September 724, October 995, No- vember 866, December 1115, January (1888) 1060. During the month of August the usual vacation of two weeks was tak- en. The largest number of books delivered in one day was 200, while the average daily delivery was III. There has been no loss of books during the year, but the continual wear of vol- umes taken out produces a strain which necessarily detracts from the good appearance of the books upon our shelves. The trustees desire to impress upon our patrons the necessity of more care while having public property in their charge. The additions to the Library during the past year have been 262 books, received from the following sources : Purchased from annual appropriation, 207 ; volumes presented, 2 ; public doc- uments, 26; purchased from the Goodwin fund, S : magazines bound, 19. We are indebted to the late Dr. Nichols for the two volumes of Encyclopedia Brittanica.
It is our sad duty to chronicle the death of another of our board of Trustees-and one that from the first has been a val- ued member of this board, whose portrait we are pleased to say
34
PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORT.
adorns the walls of our Library room. We refer to the late Dr. James R. Nichols, the founder of this Library, and we know of no more appropriate eulogy at this time than to place on record the copy of resolutions which were passed at the time of our benefactor's death, January 1, 1888, at a special meeting of the Trustees, viz :---
It is with profound regret we have learned of the death of our late associate and esteemed friend, DR. JAMES R. NICHOLS, the senior member of this Board, whom Divine will has removed from our num- ber, and
WHEREAS, The Merrimac Public Library was founded in 1876 by the generosity of Dr. Nichols, who, having established the library, has contributed valuable' additions during the several years since its or- ganization, and in whose integrity and judgment his associates have at all times had implicit confidence ; therefore
RESOLVED, That by his death we have lost a valuable member of the Board of Trustees, and one who has given an earnest example of his interest in the welfare of his native town; that we desire to place upon record the deep sense of the irreparable loss our Board has sus- tained, and our appreciation of the services rendered; that we sympa- thize most deeply with the many who mourn his loss, who will miss his kindly bearing and generous benefactions; that representatives of the Trustees attend the funeral; that copies of these resolutions be for- warded to the family of our late associate, be entered upon our records, and printed in the local papers.
We have often referred to the condition of our cramped and insufficient quarters, living constantly in hope that some native of our beloved town whom fortune has favored with a liberal competency of this world's goods, will some day donate a suitable building for a Public Library, or contribute sufficient funds for the erection of such a structure where we can find more room and our patrons more convenience for reading and study. Such a noble gift would endear the donor to the hearts of the people and hand his honored name down to future gen- erations for all time.
The regular annual appropriation is a necessity for the future as well as for the past and we respectfully solicit its continuance for the coming year.
Respectfully submitted, E. M. MORSE, GEO. O. GOODWIN, S. A. McCONNELL, M. PERRY SARGENT, GEORGE ADAMS, DANIEL J. POORE,
Board of Trustees.
D. J. POORE, Secretary.
Merrimac, February 17, ISSS.
35
PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORT.
TREASURER'S REPORT For the Year Ending March 1, 1888,
D. J. POORE, Treasurer, in account with Merrimac Public Library. DR.
To balance from previous year,
$ 1 44
Received from Catalogues,
4 90
66
Cards,
05
Damaged book,
35
66
Fines,
46 50
66
Binding books,
70
66
Town 'appropriation,
500 00
CR.
By paid for Books and Magazines,
$259 83
6.
Librarian,
200 00
66
Printing,
38 70
66
Repairs,
2 34
66
Sundry supplies,
8 79
66
Binding Books,
30 80
66
Expressage,
3 25
Cash on hand,
II 23
$ 554 94
Respectfully submitted,
D. J. POORE, Treasurer.
Merrimac, Feb'y 17, 1888.
$ 554 94
CEMETERY ACCOUNT.
THE OLD CEMETERY.
REPORT OF THE TREASURER.
JOHN B. HEATH, in account with the Merrimac Burial Ground. DR.
1887.
Feb. I. Deposited in Savings Bank, $ 252 08
Interest to October, 1887, II 46
$ 263 54
CR.
Cash paid Chas. Stevens, $ 11 00
for care of yard, 2 00
Deposit in Bank,
250 54
$ 263 54
JOHN B. HEATH, Treasurer.
LOCUST GROVE CEMETERY.
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES.
DR.
Feb. 25. Balance on hand,
$ 53 0I
Received from sale of lots, 125 00
$ 178 0I
CR.
1887.
May 5. Paid T. C. Thurlow,
$ 17 50
Aug. 2. D. B. Mozier,
18 00
Dec. 2.
66
12 30
20.
J. M. Wood,
6 50
1888.
Cash on hand,
123 71
$ 178 OI
J. A. LANCASTER, I. B. LITTLE, C. E. ROWELL,
Trustees.
36
TOWN OFFICERS.
SELECTMEN, E. M. MORSE, C. E. ROWELL, N. P. CUMMINGS.
CLERK, TREASURER AND COLLECTOR, BAILEY SARGENT.
HIGHWAY SURVEYORS,
· WM. H. BLODGETT,
District No. I
ISAAC W. HUGHES,
66
2
CHRISTOPHER SARGENT,
66
3
WILLARD B. KELLY,
66
4
REGISTRARS OF VOTERS.
ALEX. SMART, FRANK C. DELANO,
Terms expires 1888
66
1 889
JOHN S. CLEMENT, BAILEY SARGENT,
66
I S90
Town Clerk
SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
THOMAS H. HOYT,
Term expires IS88
CHARLES E. ROWELL,
ISS9
JOHN W. HOBART,
1890
TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY,
*JAMES R. NICHOLS,
Term expires 1888
ISSS
GEORGE O. GOODWIN,
66
I SS9
M., PERRY SARGENT,
66
66 1 889
DANIEL J. POORE,
I 890
GEORGE ADAMS,
66
1890
S. A. McCONNELL,
38
TOWN OFFICERS.
COMMISSIONERS OF SINKING FUND,
JAMES D. PIKE, H. O. DELANO, J. B. JUDKINS, “-
Term expires 1888
1889
66
1890
TRUSTEES OF CEMETERY,
C. E. ROWELL, J. A. LANCASTER,
Term expires 1888 66 1889
I. B. LITTLE, 66
1890
FIRE ENGINEERS,
ED. H. SARGENT, H. W. STEVENS, ALBERT PARKER.
FOREST FIRE WARDS,
WALTER H. SARGENT, WILLARD B. KELLEY.
POLICE,
C. F. RHODES,
F. H. BECKFORD,
W. H. BLODGETT,
J. A. PERRY, L. W. HOWE, JOHN ROBINSON,
N. L. HOWE, S. P. JACKMAN, R. S. BAILEY,
ALEX. HANNA.
SURVEYORS OF LUMBER AND MEASURERS OF WOOD AND BARK,
JOHN E. CURRIER, ' ALBERT HEATH, I. W. HUGHES.
FENCE VIEWERS,
J. D. PIKE, G. S. HOYT.
FIELD DRIVER, P. J. NEAL.
Deceased.
ARTICLES IN WARRANT FOR 1
Annual Meeting, Monday, March 5, 1888, AT TEN O'CLOCK A. M.
Article 1. To choose a Moderator to preside at said meeting.
Art. 2. To choose a Town Clerk.
Art. 3. To see if the town will vote to accept the provisions of sec- tions sixty-four, sixty-five, sixty-six, sixty-seven and sixty-eight of chapter twenty-seven of the Public Statutes, in regard to the election of Selectmen.
Art. 4. To choose Selectmen, Assessors and Overseers of the Poor.
Art. 5. To choose a Treasurer and Collector of Taxes, and fix the compensation for collection.
Art. 6. To choose one School Committee for three years.
Art. 7. To choose one Trustee of the Cemetery for three years.
Art. 8. To choose two Trustees of the Public Library for three years.
Art. 9. To choose Constables.
Art. 10. To see if the town will vote to accept the provisions of sec- tions seventy-four, seventy-five, seventy-six and seventy-seven of chap- ter twenty-seven of the Public Statutes, providing for the election of road commissioners ; and should the provisions of the said sections be accepted, then to proceed to the election of road commissioners in con- formity thereto; if not, to choose highway surveyors.
Art. II. To choose Surveyors of Lumber and Measurers of Wood and Bark.
Art. 12. To choose Fence Viewers and Field Drivers, and all other necessary town officers.
Art. 13. To see if the town will accept the Jury List as revised by the Selectmen.
Art. 14. To bring in their votes by ballot - Yes or No - on the question : "Shall Licenscs be granted for the sale of intoxicating liq- uors in this town ?"
Art. 15. To see what sum of money the town will vote to raise to defray the necessary expenses and charges of the town for the ensuing year, and make appropriations for the same.
Art. 16. To see if the town will authorize their Treasurer, under the direction of the Selectmen, to hire money in anticipation of taxes or to pay any indebtedness of the town.
Art. 17. To see what discount, if any, the town will allow for the prompt payment of taxes, and to fix the time for the payment of taxes. Also, to see what rate of interest, if any, the town will charge on taxes remaining unpaid after the time fixed for the payment thereof.
Art. 18. On petition of H. O. Delano, George G. Larkin and others,
40
TOWN WARRANT.
To see if the town will vote to purchase one thousand feet of fire hose, and make the necessary appropriation therefor.
Art. 19. On petition of I. B. Little, F. S. Merrill and others, To see . if the town will vote to enlarge or make such changes in Sargent Hall, as will make it suitable to let to traveling shows, or for other entertain- ments ; if so, to choose a committee of three to obtain plans and esti- mates for the same and report at a future meeting.
Art. 20. On petition of Ed. H. Sargent, H. G. Stevens and others, To see if the town will vote to pay the members of Steam Fire Engine Company No. I at the rate of twenty-five cents per hour for such extra work as they may be required to perform; such extra work consisting principally in filling reservoirs and the extra care of hose thus made necessary.
Art. 21. On petition of George G. Larkin, Bailey Sargent and others, To see if the town will vote to light all the street lamps now erected; and also erect lamps near C. H. Palmer's on Main street ; also at the corner of Middle and Locust streets, and at other places where public convenience requires them.
Art. 22. On petition of D. W. Gould, M. Perry Sargent and others, To see if the town will appropriate the sum of Seventy-five dollars to be expended under the direction of Post 114, G. A. R., in the observ- ance of Memorial Day, May 30, 1888.
Art. 23. On petition of the School Committee, To see what action the town will take toward providing additional school accommodations.
Art. 24. On petition of Thomas H. Hoyt, T. M. Miles and others, To see what action the town will take toward authorizing the School Committee to appoint a Superintendent over a part, or all, of the schools of the town.
Art. 25. To see if the town will vote to move the hearse house from the cemetery to the land owned by the town in the rear of the engine house on School street, and enlarge the same to accommodate the storing of the road machine, tools, etc., belonging to the town.
Art. 26. To see if the town will vote to restrain neat cattle and horse kind from running at large.
JURY LIST
Prepared by the Selectmen for adoption at the Annual Town Meeting, March 5, 1888.
Stillman S. Blodgett, Joseph W. Bartlett, Wm. H. Colby, Roswell J. Eaton, John S. Foster, D. Warren Gould, Lawson W. Howe, Gilman S. Hoyt, Francis S. Heath. True Hoyt, Haman W. Kelley: Willard B. Kelley, James T. Locke. John L. Merrill, James F. Pease, Geo. W. Paine. Chas. F. Rhodes. Henry H. Story.
Calvin B. Robinson. Wm. P. Colby. Edward C. Tibbetts,
Joseph W. Colby,
John E. Currier, Ralph H. Sargent. Geo. W. Sargent, Chas. N. Sargent. Walter H. Sargent, Chas. W. Sawyer,
Chas. F. Wilder, David B. Wright, Chas. E. Williams, John J. Woodman; John S. O'Connell. Richard A. Sargent, Thos. W. Sheridan. Richard S. Bailey, Arthur C. Sargent. Geo. E. Ricker, Fred B. Follansbee, Sewell P. Jackman. Henry P. Davis, D. Edwin Bennett.
41
In Alemariam.
WILLIAM P. SARGENT.
BORN
November 24, 1819.
DIED
February 27, 1888.
It is but fitting that this brief mention should be made of one who has been long and actively connected with the business interests of this, his native town.
In early life he became associated with the carriage business, and continued in the same until the year 1885.
During all the years of his business career, in which he was actively engaged, he was always interested in everything appertaining to his native place.
From the accumulations of his business he caused to be erected the public building known as "Sargent Hall," which was dedicated and presented to the town, November 13, 1876.
May the monument thus built long stand for the enjoyment of those to whom he gave it, as well as to the memory of his. act of be- nevolence.
DR. JAMES R. NICHOLS.
BORN
July 19, 1819.
DIED
January 2, 1888.
Death has taken another, who, although not residing with us, has shown by his generosity that he held us in remembrance.
In 1877 by his thoughtfulness and kindness he founded and gave to the town of his nativity the Public Library.
While we are enjoying the benefit of so magnificent a gift we cannot but ever cherish with high esteem the memory of the bene- factor.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF MERRIMAC
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING MARCH 1, 1888.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
THOMAS H. HOYT,
CHARLES E. ROWELL, JOHN W. HOBART,
Term expires 1888 66 1889
66 1890
TEACHERS 1888-89.
HIGH SCHOOL.
GEORGE F. JOYCE, JR., Principal
HELEN K. SPOFFORD, Assistant
MERRIMAC-CENTER.
Grammar, *ELLEN GUNNISON
Intermediate, CARRIE M. EVANS
First Primary, CLARA E. PHILBRICK
Second Primary, ETTA H. COLBY
PROSPECT STREET.
First Primary, S. EVANNA STILES
Second Primary, ¡NETTIE A. RICKER
MERRIMACPORT.
Grammar, HELEN W. TRASK
Intermediate, LAURA G. ROWELL Primary, JOSEPHINE V. MASON
DISTRICT SCHOOLS.
Landing, MINNIE L. NOWELL
Highlands,
LULU O. SHORT
Bear Hill, BESSIE A. VEAL
Birch Meadow, EDITH P. HASKELL
MUSIC, OLIVE HILL.
*Mary E. Rogers substituted during Summer term. +Flora E. Fourtin resigned.
REPORT.
The School Committee of Merrimac respectfully submit their twelfth annual report.
Dr. Hobart was elected his own successor at the last an- nual meeting, and the board organized with T. H. Hoyt as chairman.
The schools were assigned for the year to the several members of the committee as follows : The High, the Center Primaries, the Bear Hill, and Highland, to Mr. Hoyt. The Center Grammar, the Center Intermediate, the Plains Primaries, and Birch Meadow to Dr. Hobart. Those at Merrimacport and the Landing, to Mr. Rowell.
THE HIGH SCHOOL.
Upon entering the High School room, the visitor at once notices the disproportion in the number of the boys and girls, who compose this school. The whole number of scholars is fifty-six, only fifteen of whom are boys. It is also a note- worthy fact that but few of the boys who enter this school finish the course of study.
Why do so few of our boys enter the High School, and of those who enter, why do so few graduate ?
While a few of the scholars leave our schools to pursue a course of study in other institutions of learning, a general ans- wer to this question, it seems to us, must be, that a liberal edu- cation, and a well disciplined mind, are too lightly valued, as equipments by means of which the best success in life is to be realized.
Our High school offers advantages which the youth of our
4
SCHOOL REPORT.
town cannot afford to barter for days of idle pleasure, or even to exchange for the pecuniary consideration and the experience which they may obtain by entering at once upon the vocation which they propose to make the business of life. It is admit- ted, by all who are most competent to judge, that the young man, rightly trained in the schools, will accomplish far greater results in life by reason of that training. Certainly, the school is entitled to the confidence of the community and, having in view their personal welfare and the interests of the town, we would impress upon the graduates of our Grammar schools the im- portance of pursuing at least the English course of study in this school.
The school has had a very successful year. Last summer an exceptionally fine class of eight young ladies graduated ; and we cannot forbear to state here that one of the class, Miss Laura P. Patten, in a recent examination for admission to the Salem Normal School, with thirty-seven other young ladies who were graduates of high schools and seminaries, took the highest rank.
GRAMMAR SCHOOLS.
Our Grammar schools have had another prosperous year under the instruction of the same teachers who have taught with marked success heretofore. During the summer term, Miss Gunnison, of the Center Grammar, was absent on account of illness in her home and Miss M. E. Rogers of Rowley occupied her place in the school room very acceptably.
In view of the fact that many scholars complete their education in this grade, we have endeavored to make the course of study a practical one and as extensive as the time spent here will allow. In addition to reading, writing, spelling and draw- ing, practical arithmetic is studied during the whole time ; Uni- ted States history, grammar and physiology are completed ; language is taught orally and by written exercises, and geography is reviewed. Mr. Prince, agent of the State Board of Education, when reviewing our schools last fall, remarked that the grade of our Grammar schools compared favorably
5
SCHOOL REPORT.
with most of those in the state. Yet we are of the opinion that, in the near future, another year should be added to the course of study here.
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOLS.
The Intermediate schools, being next in grade above the Primaries, receive into their ranks at the beginning of the school year those scholars who have successfully completed the course of study in the last named schools. As there are two first Primaries at the Center from each of which a class graduates every year. The Center Intermediate is large, the school now numbering forty-five scholars. In a school of this grade if the classes are large, the time devoted to each scholar in recitation is necessarily limited, and the best results are not obtained. The pupil may be studious and quick of reception, and the teacher willing to direct and happy in her methods of explanation and suggestion ; yet, in order to fix the ideas he may have acquired and to give them "local habitation and a name," it is all important that the pupil should have opportunity in recitation to express them in precise language. The time spent in recitation under the direction of an able teacher is the most valuable part of his school life. The short time which can be devoted to pupils in recitation is not the least of the many evils which are the result of too large schools. The teacher has been devoted to her charge and indefatigable in her exertions for the advancement of the school and the progress which has been made is very satisfactory.
The school of this grade at Merrimacport is smaller, num- bering twenty-nine scholars. It affords us pleasure to be able to report that, under the vigorous and intelligent efforts of its present teacher during the year, the school both in discipline and instruction has continued to advance steadily. It would greatly encourage the teacher, lighten her work and be of the greatest advantage to the school, if parents would more fre- quently express their sympathy and their appreciation of her efforts, by friendly calls at the school room ; and this remark
6
SCHOOL REPORT.
may be made general in its application to the schools through- out the town.
PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
Our four Primary schools were never in so good condition as at the present time, notwithstanding most of them have been in overcrowded rooms throughout the year, and some of them in rooms hardly suitable for a school of any size.
There has been no change of teachers in these schools, excepting that during the summer vacation Miss Nettie A. Ricker of New Durham, N. H., was elected teacher of the Plains Second Primary, to supply the vacancy caused by the resignation of Miss Flora E. Fourtin.
The advance in the art of teaching is nowhere so apparent as in the Primary grades. It is not many years since Primary School teachers in rural towns considered that their work of teaching consisted principally in hearing their scholars "read and spell " twice a day. One who has not kept pace with the advancement in the methods of teaching in these schools would be astonished at the proficiency in knowledge of the little scholars here. In addition to reading, spelling and numbers, they learn to write and draw; they make considerable advance- ment in the art of composition, and of expressing their ideas orally, besides gaining a large amount of other useful knowl- edge upon various subjects, which would once have been re- garded as creditable to scholars in schools of much higher grade. And this has been accomplished without crowding or overworking the scholar, but simply by directing in a pleasant manner his natural activity toward these things. The Prima- ries are the basis of our whole common school structure. How important that the foundation shall be well laid. The pupils here are of an age when they receive impressions readily and retain them permanently. Any defect in the physical, moral or mental training of the lowest primary scholar cannot easily be eradicated in after years, and will continue to exert a detri- mental influence through all the higher grades.
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