USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Merrimac > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Merrimac 1889 > Part 2
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The third alarm, on the afternoon of Sept. 13, was for fire at the tenement house of John E. Currier on Pine street. This fire was caused by children playing with matches in a shed adjoining. From the shed the fire was communicated to the house, but was extinguished at a loss of $35 on the house, which was covered by insurance, and a loss on shed of $100, not insured.
An alarm was rung in on the morning of Dec. 15, which was responded to by the whole department, but it proved to be a false alarm, caused by a telephone wire coming in con- tact with a wire of the fire alarm.
The apparatus is in good condition and is at all times ready to do good service. There has been added during the
36 .
FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT.
past year 1000 feet of the best American Jacket hose, also one 45 foot Somerville extension ladder, both of which were needed to make efficient the apparatus we already had.
At the commencement of the year the former members of the Hook and Ladder company declined a re-appointment, making the formation of a new company necessary. It was then decided to make some changes in the truck, and have a less number of men, believing that by so doing we could maintain the efficiency of the service at one-half the former cost. The new company asked for a change of name, and as the old company had no badge, and there being no obstacle to the change, it was granted. The company comprising eight men, is now known as the Merrimac Hook and Ladder Com- pany, No. 4, and a suitable badge has been furnished them.
The board have attempted to carry into effect the vote of the town to build a reservoir at the "Lower Corner." The contract was placed with a reliable firm of masons, and the reservoir was built, but on filling with water it was found not strong enough to withstand the pressure. It was then repair- ed and again filled, but again found wanting. In the spring another attempt will be made to make it tight. As this job was done under contract it will not be accepted or paid for until it will stand the required test.
In conclusion we wish to thank the officers and men of the department for the uniform courtesy shown us on all occa- sions, and for their promptness and efficiency in the perform- ance of duty.
1
Respectfully submitted,
ED. H. SARGENT,
Fire Engineers of Town H. G. STEVENS,
ALBERT PARKER, ) of Merrimac.
Merrimac, Feb. 19. 1889.
REPORT OF THE
TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC, LIBRARY
OF THE TOWN OF MERRIMAC.
To the Board of Selectmen of Merrimac-Gentlemen :
The Trustees herewith present the thirteenth annual re- port of their charge. The following statement will show the increasing patronage by the residents of our town, and a few comparisons will demonstrate the necessity of enlarged facili- ties for the accommodation of our patrons.
The Library has been opened 99 times, when 13,891 volumes have been delivered, as follows: In February (1888), 1001; March, 1731; April, 1250; May, 1252; June, 925 ; July, 870 ; August (2 weeks), 490; September, 1159; Octo- ber, 1001; November, 1190; December, 1572; January, (1889), 1450. The average daily delivery was 141, while the largest number delivered in one day was 264.
We have no losses of books to report, the Library being in its average good condition, making due allowance for the unavoidable damage by the constant wear of books in active circulation.
There has been added during the past year 348 volumes, derived from the following sources : purchased from the annu- al appropriation, 320 ; presented by the estate of Dr. J. R. Nichols, 3 ; purchased by the Goodwin fund, 3; Public Docu-
38
PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORT.
ments, 10 ; presented by Maverick National Bank of Boston, I ; magazines bound, II. There are now upon the shelves of the Library 4,405 volumes.
The past has been the busiest year in the history of the Library and 2800 more books have been delivered than during the preceding year, while the average delivery has exceeded by 30 books per day any previous time. To do this the active work required is demonstrated by a comparison of the largest delivery day with the hours of attendanee. On this day 264 books were delivered in five hours. An average of 53 books per hour, or one for nearly every moment of the allotted time. Add to this the work of placing the returned books upon the shelves, the charging of the new deliveries and the tax upon those in attendance will be understood. If we compare the cost of maintaining our Library with some others in the State we find interesting facts.
While the cost per book on circulation in other Libraries is from 7 to 10 cents, with one as low as three cents, Merri- mac's books were delivered the past year at an average cost of 1 I-2 cents per volume.
During the past year the oft repeated prayer for more room has been partially granted although not yet in practical operation. At the town meeting in November it was voted to grant the petition of the Trustees of the Library and "provide and furnish for the use of the Public Library" the store recent- ly occupied by F. H. True. Through some oversight this vote was not supplemented by an appropriation for the pay- ment of the necessary expenses. We take this opportunity to beg our fellow citizens to see to it that no technicality of this kind shall prevent a suitable appropriation being made at our March meeting. If there are any tax payers who doubt the wisdom, or the advantages of this change, a visit to our Library room any Saturday evening will convince more than written argument the absolute necessity of enlarged quarters. As Trustees it is the earnest desire of the Board to meet the
39
PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORT.
wishes and demands of the public, thereby making our Library as useful in its work and as convenient in its system as any in the state for a community of this size, for these reasons we request all friends of a good Library to co-operate with us by informing us at any time of any volumes they desire for peru- sal or reference, or by informing us of any abuses of privileges coming to their knowledge. For the increasing demands from the patronage of a Library rapidly approaching 5000 volumes, a portion of the public desire more conveniences, and it is sug- gested by some that the rooms be opened every day or even- ing. Doing this means an increased expense. The annual appropriation of the town has remained the same since the early stages of our history. In many towns it is customary to pass the dog tax to the credit of the Library-a credit in this instance whose usefulness would be appreciated. In any event a more liberal appropriation is needed than of late years and is cordially solicited.
Respectfully submitted
N. P. CUMMINGS, S. A. McCONNELL, M. PERRY SARGENT, DANIEL J. POORE, GEORGE ADAMS, J. A. LANCASTER, GEORGE O. GOODWIN,
Trustees of Public Library.
D. J. POORE, Secretary.
Merrimac, Feb'y 19, 1889.
40
PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORT,
TREASURER'S REPORT.
For the Year Ending March 1, 188g.
D. J. POORE, Treasurer, in account with Merrimac Public Library
DR.
To balance from previous year,
$ 11 23
Received from Catalogues,
: 52
Cards;
I IO
66
Fines,
40 03
66
Books,
4 42
66
Goodwin Fund.
18 60
Town appropriation,
500 00
$587 90
CR.
.
By paid for Books and magazines,
$290 96
..
Librarian,
200 00
66
Printing,
19 00
0€
Repairs,
II II
Sundry supplies,
IO 24
Binding Books,
27 30
$6
Expressage,
4 90
$6
Compiling Bulletin No. 2.
10 95
Cash on hand,
13 44
$587 90
Respectfully submitted,
D. J. POORE, Treasurer,
Merrimac, Feb'y 19, 1889.
-
JURY LIST
Prepared by the Selectmen for adoption at the Annual Meeting, March 4, 1889.
Frank Anderson,
Willard B. Kelly,
Wilbur F. Allton,
Henry P. Davis,
Sewall P. Jackman,
Geo. E. Ricker,
John L. England,
Edward C. Tibbetts,
True Hóyt,
Wm. A. Howe,
Francis S. Heath,
Wm. H. Colby,
T. L. Goodwin,
Walter H. Sargent,
James T. Locke,
Charles N. Sargent,
Richard A. Sargent,
Joseph W. Nichols.
Joseph Oak,
Albert Parker,
Charles F. Rhodes.
41
Richard S. Bailey,
Joseph W. Bartlett, Charles G. Brown, Daniel C. Bunker, D. Warren Gould, Charles P. Baker,
Lawson W. Howe, Gilman S. Hoyt, J. Melvin Clement, Joseph W. Colby,
John E. Currier, Wm. P. Colby,
James Cooper, Geo. W. Currier,
Thos. W. Sheridan,
David B. Wright,
Heman W. Kelly,
-
CEMETERY ACCOUNT.
CHURCH STREET CEMETERY.
REPORT OF AGENT. DR.
Amount received from Savings Bank,
$255 54
6.6 Town Treasurer, 9 96
CR.
Paid J. Rowell,
$ 5 00
P. R. Coombs,
25 70
W. J. Carpenter,
7 20
W. H. Blodgett,
1 50
W. H. Thomas, painting,
95 09
C. H. Fellows, lead and oil,
59 41
Heath Brothers,.
66 30
Sand,
1 30
Care of yard,
4 00
$ 265 50 -- JOHN B. HEATH, Agent.
LOCUST GROVE CEMETERY.
REPORT OF TRUSTEES.
DR.
Feb., 1888. Balance on hand, Received from sale of lots,
$ 123 71
115 00
$ 238 71
CR.
18SS.
June 25; Paid George F. Bailey,
$ 35 40
July 23.
John McNanie,
46 40
Dec. 17. S. P. Jackman,
14 00
Feb. 19.
Cash on hand;
142 91
$ 238 75
1. A. LANCASTER, ) I. B. LITTLE, C. E. ROWELL,
Trustees.
41
$ 265 50
+
ARTICLES IN WARRANT
FOR The Annual Meeting, Monday, March 4, 1889,
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 choose Selectmen, Assessors and Overseers of the Poor.
Art. 4. To choose a Treasurer and Collector of Taxes, and fix the compensation for collection.
Art. 5. To choose one School Committee for three years.
Art. 6. To choose one Trustee of the Cemetery for three years.
Art. 7. To choose two Trustees of the Public Library for three years.
Art. 8. To choose Constables.
Art. 9. To see if the town will vote to put the highways in charge of the Selectmen; if not, to choose Highway Surveyors.
Art. 10. To choose an Auditor.
Art. It. 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 ques- tion : "Shall Licenses be granted for the sale of intoxicating liquors in this town?"
Art. 15. To see if the town will vote to restrain neat cattle and horse kind from running at large.
Art. 16. 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. 17. On petition of Edw. P. Sargent, John Little and others : To see if the town will vote to pave the gutters and grade the sidewalk on the street on Prospect Hill.
44
TOWN WARRANT.
Art. 18. To hear and act upon the report of the committee on the new school house.
Art. 19. On petition of George O. Goodwin, Wm. H. Colby and others : To see if the town will vote to pay a bill of Moses Stevens for damages done during the building of the new road between Merri- mac and Merrimacport.
Art. 20. To see if the town will vote to have the Selectmen name the several streets in the town, and to cause the name of a street to be placed at the corner or corners thereof.
Art. 21. To see if the town will vote to adopt the provisions of sec- tions twenty-two and twenty-three of chapter fifty of the Public Statutes in regard to sidewalks, namely :- . Section 22. In cities in which the city council, and in towns in which the inhabitants at an annual meeting, have adopted the provisions of chapter three hundred and three of the statutes of the year eighteen hundred and seventy - two, and of chapter one hundred and seven of the statutes of the year eighteen hun- dred and seventy - four, or of this and the following section, the mayor and aldermen, or the selectmen or road commissioners, may grade and construct sidewalks and complete partially con- structed sidewalks in any street, as the public convenience may re- quire, with or without edge-stones; and, may cover the same with brick, flat stones, concrete, gravel, or other appropriate material ; and may assess not exceeding one-half of the expense proportionally upon the abutters on such sidewalks; but no abutter shall be assessed a sum not exceeding one per cent of the valuation of his abutting estate as fixed by the last preceding annual assessment for taxes ; and all assessments so made shall constitute a lien upon the abutting land, and be collected in the same manner as the taxes on real estate. The mayor and aldermen, selectmen, or road commissioners, shall deduct from the assessment for sidewalks so constructed with edge-stones and covered any sum previously assessed upon the abutting premises, and paid for the expense of the construction of such sidewalk in any other manner; such deduction shall be made proportionally from the assessments upon abutters, who are owners of estates in respect of which such former assessments were paid. Such sidewalks, when so constructed and covered, shall be maintained at the expense of such city or town.
Section 23. In estimating the damage sustained by the construc- tion of sidewalks, under the preceding section, there shall be allowed, by way of set-off, the benefit, if any, to the property of the party by reason thereof.
Art. 22. 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. 23. 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. 24. On the petition of Alex. Smart and others : To see if the town will vote to appropriate the sum of seventy-five dollars to be ex- pended under the direction of Post 114, G. A. R., in the observance of Memorial Day, May 30, 1889.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF MERRIMAC,
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING MARCH I, 1889.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
CHARLES E. ROWELL, JOHN W. HOBART, THOMAS H. HOYT,
Term expires 188g 66 1890
66
1891
TEACHERS, 1888-9. HIGH SCHOOL. GEORGE F. JOYCE, JR.,
Principal 66
E. H. BRACKETT,
HELEN K. SPOFFORD, MAY FROST,
Assistant 66
MERRIMAC-CENTER.
Grammar,
ABBY A. SUTHERLAND
Intermediate, CARRIE M. EVANS
First Primary,
CLARA E. PHILBRICK S. EVANNAH STILES ELLEN A. CALL ETTA H. COLBY
Second Primary,
PROSPECT STREET.
First Primary,
S. E. STILES MARY F. NICHOLS MARY P. LARA
Second Primary,
NETTIE A. RICKER JENNIE P. CLEMENT
MERRIMACPORT.
Grammar,
Intermediate,
Primary,
BESSIE A. VEAL CHAUNCEY GLEASON LAURA G. ROWELL MINNIE L. NOWELL
DISTRICT SCHOOLS.
Landing, Highlands,
LOUISE C. BRACKETT
Bear Hill,
LULU O. SHORT NELLIE CHASE MARY P. TILLINGHAST BESSIE A. VEAL S MARY F. NICHOLS ANNIE M. GRAY
MUSIC. OLIVE HILL. 2
Birch Meadow,
ELLEN GUNNISON
REPORT.
To the Citizens of Merrimac :
Your School Board respectfully submit their thirteenth annual report.
At the last annual meeting, T. H. Hoyt, Esq., was re- elected a member of the board, and it was organized with C. E. Rowell, Chairman, and T. H. Hoyt, Secretary.
NEW SCHOOL HOUSE.
In the last report your committee called the attention of the citizens to the urgent need of more school rooms, and in- serted the following article in the town warrant: "To see what action the town will take toward providing additional school accommodations." At a subsequent town meeting it was voted to build a school house of two rooms on Middle street ; and George Adams, L. C. Loud and I. B. Little were chosen a building committee. They inform us that it will be completed in April or May.
At the beginning of the year we endeavored to hire a room in which to establish an additional Primary school, but no suitable place could be found and the schools of this grade at the Center and Plains have remained in the same crowded condition as last reported.
There have been no extensive repairs on the buildings, but the coming year the houses at the 'Port should be painted and the larger one should be provided with inside blinds.
There has been a greater number of changes in teachers than usual during the past year.
4
SCHOOL REPORT.
THE HIGH SCHOOL.
Early in the Spring term, Mr. Joyce resigned to accept a more lucrative position in the vicinity of Boston. We were fortunate in securing the services of Mr. E. H. Brackett, a graduate of Bates College and a teacher of five years expe- rience, as master of the High school.
At the commencement of the Fall term Miss May Frost, a graduate of Boston University, was engaged as assistant, and we are pleased to report that under their instruction this school is making good progress.
It is a source of regret that more of our youth do not avail themselves of the privileges of this school. Too many of our children neglect to enter it, and some scarcely complete the Grammar course. It is not to be expected that children can realize what they lose by such a course, but parents should understand the importance of a thorough education and should insist upon their children improving all the opportu- nities provided for them, opportunities which if neglected never return.
How shall the young people become more interested in their school work?
They should have faithful and enthusiastic teachers : these your committee have spared no pains to provide, but in order to secure the best results the teacher's efforts should be seconded by the parents.
Let the parents be frequent visitors at the school room ' and take a personal interest in the scholars studies. Let the parent impress upon the child that their school duties are of first importance and are not to be lightly set aside for other things.
The whole benefit of school life does not consist by any means in the amount of book learning acquired, the mental and moral discipline here received is of great value. The habits of punctuality and prompt obedience to wholesome law here formed will fit the young to better perform the du- ties of citizenship in after life.
5
SCHOOL REPORT.
GRAMMAR SCHOOLS.
The school at the Center has, until within a few weeks, been under the care of the same teacher who has performed such excellent work in the past. The standard has been maintained ; the work has been thorough and practical ; the discipline has been good and apparently easily maintained. We consider this one of the most important schools in town.
Mr. Chauncey Gleason, a graduate of Dartmouth College,. was given charge of the Merrimacport school at the com- mencement of the Fall term, and although this is his first ex- perience in teaching, is proving himself a faithful and efficient teacher.
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOLS.
The schools of this grade have been very fortunate in re- taining the same teachers as in the years past. Good thorough work is being accomplished in both schools.
PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
Our Primary schools have had a prosperous year, notwith- standing the crowded rooms and much sickness during the Winter term. Here, even more than in any other department, the teacher needs patience, sympathy and tact. She must be devoted to her profession, must interest every pupil if possible, and make extra effort with any that are naturally dull.
The Center Second Primary has had the same teacher as in years past and is a model school.
The Prospect Street Second, during the Fall and Win- ter terms has been under the care of a graduate of our . High school, and also of the Haverhill Training school, and the work has been very satisfactory.
For those of our graduates who intend to follow teaching as a profession, we would recommend a supplementary course in a Normal or Training school.
The First Primary at Prospect Street and the same grade
6
SCHOOL REPORT.
at the Center have had several changes in teachers, but not- withstanding this have made good progress and are now doing well under efficient teachers.
The Merrimacport Primary commenced the year with a new teacher who has labored faithfully and with a good degree of success.
DISTRICT SCHOOLS.
The schools at the Highlands and Landing are very small and we suggest that an appropriation be made to convey these scholars to the Center where they would have the advantage of graded schools.
The Bear Hill school is in a prosperous condition under the care of its former popular teacher.
SCHOOL MONEY.
Appropriated by the town,
$6,500 00
Received from Dog Fund,
170 00
66
School Fund,
164 92
66
Revenue School Fund,
249 09
Tuition,
56 00
66
School Books, etc,,
40 92.
$7,180 93
APPROPRIATION.
An increase in appropriations will be required the com ing year to provide for one or more schools in the new school building, and as it seems probable that the Center school house is to continue in use, for a few years at least, some repairs upon it are absolutely needed.
C. E. ROWELL,
School J. W. HOBART, M. D., Committee.
T. H. HOYT,
SCHOOL REPORT.
MERRIMAC HIGH SCHOOL.
ESSE, QUAM VIDERE
GRADUATES, 1888.
Nellie Mary Greeley. Annie Marie Baker. Ida May Blaisdell. Alinda Little. Nellie Chase. Addie Louisa Neal.
Everard Harry Chase. Charles Haskell Judkins. Allan Frederick Goodwin. Charles Augustus Ashley. Sarah Ada Spofford. Annie Maria Gray,
B 1
SCHOOL REPORT.
TABLE No. 1.
STATISTICS OF SUMMER TERM.
SCHOOLS.
Number of
Days in term ...
Number of-
Scholars ..
Average
Number of
Scholars ..
Average
Attendance ..
Number of
Times Late.
Number of
Teacher's
wages
per month
High,
(Principal) (Assistant)
57
45
44
41
52
10
$105 26
Center Grammar,
:
66
Intermediate,
66
1st Primary,
60
45
43
66
2d
60
67
62
56
122
51
35 00
Plains Ist Primary; .
G!
45
43
43
10
15
35 00
2d
66
57
74
69
65
16
27
35 0)
Merrimacport Grammar, .
60
21
20
19
29
28
50 00
"
Intermediate;
60
Primary;
60
28
41
87
25
34
13
40 00
Landing,
60
14
12
10
15
21
2.5 00
Birch Meadow,
60
19
17
15
15
18
25 00
Highlands, .
60
17
15
18
16
26 00
TABLE NO. 2
STATISTICS OF WINTER TERM.
SCHOOLS!
Number of
Days in term ..
Number of
Scholars.
Average
Scholars ..
Average
Attendance:
Number of
Times Late.
Number of
Teacher's
wages
per monthi.
High,
(Principal) (Assistant)
133
46
43
40
12
$ 105 20
Center Grammar,
119
40
38
:4
11
10
50 00
$6
Intermediate, :
120
44
41
39
33
20
40 00
Ist Primary,
120
54
47
41
13+
2d
1.20
60
49
38
105
60
35 00
Plains Ist
120
56
52
39
53
35 0.)
2d
130
65
50)
45
4.
4.
35 00
Merrimacport Grammar,
120
23
120
66
Primary, :
120
Bear Ilill, :
120
49
38
8
S
7
2.4
7
25 00
Birch Meadow;
:
Su
22
20
16
35
16
25 00
; ighlands, .
60
17
14
58
21
25 00
9
19
50 00
60
38
37
30
10
14
40 00
1>
:5 00
26
39
25
35 00
26
11
31
35 00
Bear Hill, .
·
44
25
50 00
Intermediate,
30
57
85
35 00
28
28
27
32
35 00
151
40 00
Landing,
60
31
31
30
50 00
Visitors.
Visitors.
50 00
16 35 00
29
Number of
20
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