USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Merrimac > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Merrimac 1895 > Part 2
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Deposit in National Bank, 59 21
$ 651 31
Respectfully submitted,
J. A. LANCASTER, I. B. LITTLE, C. E. ROWELL,
Trustees.
Merrimac, Feb. 12, 1895.
30
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
Police Report.
Merrimac, Mass., February 1, 1895.
Whole number of arrests for year ending February 1, 1895, is 16 as follows :
Drunkenness, 2
Disturbance,
I
Assault, 3
Non-support, I
Murder,
3
Gambling,
6
Number lodgers,
322
J. FRED IVES, Chief of Police.
Sargent Hall.
Merrimac, Mass., January 15, 1895.
To the Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen-From January 15, 1894, to January 15,
1895, Sargent Hall been opened 29 times.
Received for rent of hall,
$ 131 50
Paid Town Treasurer,
131 50
Yours respecfully,
THOMAS PARKIN, Janitor.
Jury List.
Prepared by the Selectmen to be acted upon at the Annual
Meeting, March 4, 1895.
Richard S. Bailey, Frank E. Bartlett, Charles A. Bridges, Eben W. Bailey, John L. Blaisdell, Joseph W. Colby, William M. Chase, Alvah M. Colby, D. Warren Gould, True Hoyt, Willard B. Kelly,
Heman W. Kelly,
Joseph W. Nichols, Joseph Oak, Charles E. Nichols, Frank E. Pease.
Thomas W. Sheridan,
Charles N. Sargent,
Homer R. Sargent, Ralph H. Sargent,
Charles W. Sawyer,
Austin W. Sawyer,
Lorenzo Y. Stevens,
Thomas Stoyle,
Wm. F. Martins,
Nathan Huntington,
Lorenzo B. Blaisdell,
George A. Grant,
Charles L. Waterhouse,
Gilbert G. Davis,
Roswell J. Eaton,
Melvin S. Gibbs.
Town Clerk's Report.
BIRTHS.
Number of births returned,
Males,
28
Females,
20
Fathers, native born,
33
foreign 66
15
Mothers native 66
37
6 foreign
II
Father and Mother both native born, 3I 66 66 " foreign " S
MARRIAGES.
Number of marriages recorded,
First marriage of groom and bride,
19
Second " 66 66
2
Second " "" bride. 2
Grooms native born,
IS
foreign "
5
Brides native born,
20
foreign "
3
Average age of groom, 66 bride,
27 years, I month. 25 years.
48
23
33
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT.
DEATHS.
Number of deaths,
35
Males,
14
Females,
2I
Average age,
Oldest person,
49 years, 21 days. 86 years, 7 months, I day. 6
Under 5 years,
Males native born,
I3
66 foreign
I
Females native born, 66 foreign “
19
2
Of native parentage,
28
foreign
4
mixed 66
3
DOGS.
Number or dogs licensed, IOS
Males, 98 | Females, IO
BAILEY SARGENT, Town Clerk.
34
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
Financial Statement.
LIABILITIES.
Note of June 9, 1885, on account of rebuilding
Essex Merrimac Bridge, interest 4 per cent., $ 6,300 00
Note of Dec. 26, 1885, to refund Town of Amesbury notes, interest 3 1-2 per cent.,
8,000 00
Accrued interest,
79 62
Balance of note of Nov. 20, 1894,
1,000 00
Outstanding bills estimated, 125 00
$ 15,504 62
ASSETS.
Due from State Aid, $ 844 00
State, Cities and Towns on account
of poor, 122 22
Heirs of William Rowell, sidewalk account,
36 43
Sinking Fund,
12,188 57
Uncollected taxes,
1,734 45
Cash on hand,
549 64
$ 15,475 31
Net Town debt,
29 31
1894,
3,586 46
Decrease of debt the past year,
3,557 15
TREASURER'S REPORT.
D. J. Poore, Treasurer, in account with the Town of
Merrimac.
1894.
DR.
Mar. 6.
To balance, $ 1,021 85
16.
" Corporation Tax, I 43
28. " Loan, Merrimac Savings Bank, 1,500 00
May
66 66 3,000 00
49 64
7.
" Loan, Merrimac Savings Bank, 1,000 00
" First National Bank, rent, 68 75
July
15. 3.
" Loan, First National Bank, 2,000 00
II.
" S. C. Pease, sidewalk, 82 77
2 00
Sept. 15.
" Sinking Fund Commissioners, 4,500 00
Nov. 26.
" Loan, Merrimac Savings Bank, 2,000 00
26.
" W. Jones, sidewalk, 6 40
28.
" Niagara Engine, 150 00
28.
" Board of Engineers, IO 00
Dec. 15.
" First National Bank, rent, 137 50
1895.
Jan " Geo. W. Cate, court fees, 16 2.
16.
" County treasurer, dog tax, 18I 76
26. " Massachusetts school fund, 245 09
31.
" Bailey Sargent, rent, 29 17
3 50
Feb. I. 9.
School committee, 66 3 67
" First National Bank, rent, 68 75
" Sinking Fund Commissioners, 3,650 00
" W. C. Russell, taxes, 24,208 26
" Thos. Parkin, Sargent hall, 131 50
12.
" License, circus,
Aug. 13.
" G. W. Cate, court fees,
June 7.
36
TREASURER'S REPORT.
To State Treasurer, Corporation tax, $ 446 78
66 66 Natl. Bank tax, 31I 73
66 66 Military aid, 48 00
66 66 State aid, 616 00
66
66 Support of State Paupers, 34 25
66
Burial of Indigent soldiers and sailors, 17 50
--- $ 45,526 46
CR.
By paid County Tax,
$ 1,51I 45
State Tax,
1,320 00
National Bank Tax,
1,303 70
State Aid,
545 00
Mititary Aid,
187 00
Selectmen's Orders,
40,109 67
Cash on hand,
549 64
$ 45,526 46
Respectfully submitted,
D. J. POORE, Treasurer.
Merrimac, February 14, 1895.
37
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
REPORT OF THE
COMMISSIONERS OF SINKING FUND.
DR.
Amount on hand March 1, 1894,
Interest accrued,
Received from Town Treasurer,
$ 17,766 II 772 46 1,800 00 - $ 20,338 57
CR.
Paid Town Treas. to retire note Sept. 1, 1884, $ 4,500 00
66
Jan. 1, 1885, 3,650 00
$ 8,150 00
Funds on hand :
Bonds-Boston & Lowell R. R. 4s, $ 4,000 00
Old Colony R. R. 6s, 2,000 00
66 Boston & Lowell R. R. 7s, 1,000 00
Deposit in Merrimac Savings Bank, ; 679 29
66 Provident Inst. for Sav., Ames'y, 1, 104 06
Note, Town of Amesbury, 1,500 00
1,796 00
Deposit in First National Bank, Merrimac, 109 22
12,188 57
$ 20,338 57
The commissioners advise one more annual appropriation of the amount previously appropriated, viz. $1,800.00. This amount will be sufficient to liquidate the outstanding indebtedness for which this commission was created.
Respectfully submitted,
D. J. POORE, Treasurer.
Approved :
GEO. W. DAVIS, ? Sinking Fund Commissioners. I. B. LITTLE,
Merrimac, February 12, 1895.
SINKING FUNDS.
Paid to Commissioners of Sinking Fund, $ 1,800 00
Amount Appropriated, 1,800,00
Collector's Account.
W. C. RUSSELL, Collector for 1891 to 1894 inclusive in account with the Town of Merrimac.
DR.
To Balance uncollected, March 1, 1894, $ 1,942 77 Tax List and Additions of 1894, 25,333 52
$27,276 29
CR.
By Discounts,
$ 894 70
Abatements, 438 88
Uncollected Taxes Feb. 12, 1895, 1,734 45 Cash paid D. J. Poore, Treasurer, 24,208 26
$27,276 29
Annual Report of the Board of Engineers
MERRIMAC FIRE DEPARTMENT.
To the Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Merrimac :
In submitting this report the Board of Engineers take pleasure in being able to congratulate you that another year has passed without any disastrous fires. But three alarms have been sounded during the year as follows : April 30, Box 26, brush fire on land of Mrs. D. J. Poore, extinguished with- out any serious loss. The department responded with very commendable promptness. July 5, Box 12, sounded for brush fire on land owned by Moses Sargent. The members of the several companies rallied and extinguished the same without the aid of the apparatus, no loss. December 28, Box 12, sounded for fire on Mill street in house owned by E. C. Hopkins, occupied by Oliver Currier. Cause of fire, defect- ive flue. Loss, $30, fully covered by insurance.
APPARATUS.
The apparatus consists of one Steam Fire Engine in first-class condition, valued at $3,000; one Hose Wagon, attached to the same, valued at $500, this wagon is as good as new. These two pieces are manned by 15 men.
One Hand Engine, first-class, valued at $1,000. Hose Reel attached to the same, valued at $200. All in perfect order and as good as new. Number of members, 35.
Hook and Ladder Truck fully equipped with extension, roof and standing ladders, life net, life line, gun and one pair
40
ENGINEERS' REPORT.
of Babcock fire extinguishers. All in first-class condition, valued at $1,050. Number of members, 10. One good hose jumper, 2,000 feet of rubber lined fabric hose, (1,000 feet nearly new,) all in good condition, 1,200 feet of leather hose and 400 feet of hose of questionable condition.
In regard to our electric alarm it has been perfected and given perfect satisfaction throughout the year. It is tested every day at 12.30 o'clock.
It affords us great pleasure to announce that we have. been able to dispose of the Niagara Hand Fire Engine, ad- vantageously, receiving for the same $150, now in the hands of the Town Treasurer. By a vote of the town this matter was placed in the hands of the engineers with full powers. But as experience has fully demonstrated that a hand engine without a full complement of men is of no practical use and even then the results to be obtained are hardly commensurate with cost of maintenance, therefore, as the annual town meeting is near at hand, your board have decided to bring the matter before you for your consideration. Now, as our in- surance rates are based on the number of pieces of fire appar- atus and other facilities for protection, it will be evident to all that for this reason if no other there should be some good and reliable piece of apparatus purchased to fill this vacancy.
Now, there are two ways in which this can be met. First, by purchasing a good second-hand hand engine, at a cost of not less than $400, to be manned by 35 men at an an- nual expense of $350; Second, by purchasing a light second- hand hand draft Steam Fire Engine at a cost not exceeding $1,000, to be manned by 12 men at an annual cost of $200. Thus, it can be readily seen that the difference in first cost. will be made up in four years by the difference in running expenses, while the difference in the service rendered is incal- culable.
41
ENGINEERS' REPORT.
We wish once more to acknowledge our indebtedness to the officers and members of the department not only for their promptness and efficiency, but the universal kindness and courtesy at all times shown the board of engineers.
All of which is respectfully submitted,
ALBERT PARKER, Chief, F. E. WALKER, Ist Asst. and Clerk, L. J. O' CONNOR, 2d Assistant. Board of Engineers. February 1, 1895.
· REPORT OF THE
Trustees of the Public Library.
OF THE TOWN OF MERRIMAC.
To the Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen-We herewith present the nineteenth annual report of the condition of Merrimac Public Library.
During the past year the Library has been opened for the delivery of books 93 times, circulating a total of 10,167 vol- umes. The average daily delivery has been 109, the largest number delivered in one day being 205. The monthly deliv- ery was as follows :
February (1894), 1,082; March, 1,295; April, 973; May, 778; June, 780; July, 433 ; September, 789 ; October, 955 ; November, 985; December, 961; January (1895), 1,136.
During the year there has been added to the Library 169 volumes, besides the several magazines, received from the following sources : Purchased by the Trustees, 151 ; pre- sented by Representatives, S; presented by the Common- wealth, 10. There have been no books missing or unac- counted for.
The appropriation received annually in the past is rec- ommended for the ensuing year.
Respectfully submitted,
S. A. McCONNELL, N. P. CUMMINGS, J. F. PEASE, D. J. POORE, J. A. LANCASTER, F. O. DAVIS.
D. J. POORE, Secretary.
Merrimac, February 12, 1895.
43
PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORT.
TREASURER'S REPORT. For the Year ending March 1, 1895.
D. J. Poore, Treasurer, in account with the Merrimac Public Library. DR.
To balance from previous year, $ 16 78
Received from Catalogues, 1 15
Cards, I 05
Fines,
19 95
Books,
3 07
Town appropriation,
500 00
$ 542 00
CR.
By paid for Books and Magazines, $ 175 05
Librarians,
200 00
Printing,
24 35
Binding Books,
40 20
Binding Catalogues,
22 50
Express,
5 So
Charcoal,
3 25
Furnace Register,
I SO
Furnace Grate,
3 50
N. L. Howe,
I IO
Book Case,
16 00
Wood,
4 87
Library Bureau,
14 56
Sundry supplies,
21 42
Cash on hand,
7 60
$ 546 00
Respectfully submitted,
D. J. POORE, Treasurer,
Merrimac, February 13, 1895.
Auditor's Report.
Having examined the accounts of the Selectmen, Collector and Treasurer, I find vouchers for all orders drawn by the Selectmen, and payments made by the Treasurer.
Total amount of orders drawn by the Selectmen, $ 40, 110 27
The Treas. has paid
Orders of last year,
this « IO 35
40, IIO 27
Less orders not in
No. 7519, 6 64
“ 7523 4 31 IO 95 40,099 32
Total payment by Treas.,
$ 40,109 67
MILFORD EDWARDS, Auditor.
Merrimac, Feb. 15, 1895.
APPENDIX.
DELINQUENT TAX-PAYERS.
List of Taxes Remaining Unpaid Feb. 12, 1895.
W. C. RUSSELL, Collector.
IS91-1892.
Mooney, Robert, 2 00
Barry, Martin
$ 70
Mailhott, Adolph,
2 00
Battis, Jas. W.
2 00
Palmer, Moses G.
2 00
Bagley, James W.
7 38
Pettigrew, Heirs F. O.
3 30
Battis, Geo. H.
2 00
Ransom, Walter L.
2 00
Battis, Elmer E.
3 20
Richardson, Henry C.
2 00
Currier, Wm. A.
: 40
Rodgers, Wmn. H. 2 00
Connell, T. J.
38 40
Gassett, Chas. W.
18 02
Sargent, Geo. H.
2 00
Parker, John C.
2 00
Stetson, HI. Adelbert,
2 00
Sargent, Geo. H.
2 00
Stewart, C. W.
2 00
Tenney, John E.
10 76
Tenney, Jno. E.
5 So
Kimball, Stephen T.
I 69
Thompson, Willard F.
50
Scanlon, John
2 00
IS93.
Bancroft, Leman E.
15 55
Barry, Martin,
2 00
Battis, Benj. H.
13 '08
Battis, Geo. H.
2 00
Cooper, Geo. E.
95
Berran, Roger,
2 00
Ruel, Lawrence,
2 00
Berry, Wm. H.
2 00
Scanlon, John,
2 00
Banks, Fred'k S.
5 33
Currier, Jane A. Heirs,
I 90
Chase, Enoch Heirs,
II 40
Chaff, Wm. J.
2 00
Connell, T. J.
45 70
Avery, Alden A. 5 07.
Addison, Joseph 35 20
Crofut, Levi,
31 45
Ashley, Saml. D. Jr.,
2 00
Doyle, Mich. H.
I 00
Arcand, George,
2 00
Doyle, James,
21 48
Blodgett, Lucy M.
64 75
Farra, Robert, 10 08
Bailey, James W.
2 00
Goodwin, Heirs F. W. P., 8 55
Bancroft, Leman E.
35 78
Gunnison, George,
27 66
Barry, Martin,
2 00
Greeley, Peter,
17 20
Bunker, Daniel C.
25 63
Gassett, Chas. W.
19 IO
Hunt, Frank H. 2 00
Battis, Geo. H.
2 00
Hagg, Anton,
2 00
Battis, Jas. W.
2 00
Jenkins, John, 2 48
Berran, Roger,
2 00
Johnson, Caroline,
2 S5
Burns, Mich. J.
2 00
Lawson, Andrew,
2 00
Blodgett, Wm. H. 8 13
95
Currier, Thos. A.
I 90
Peasley, John S.
3 33
Kimball, Stephen T.
95
Bagley, Thos.
95
Langley, Geo. W.
17 IO
Scanlan, John N. 2 00
Webster, A. M.
3 40
1894.
Chaplin, Chas. L.
10 55
Bagley, Thomas,
I 69
Smith, George S.
Robinson, John H. 2 00
2 00
McHugh, Wm.
Battis, Benj. H. 17 54
APPENDIX.
3
Brady, Patrick,
2 00
Dunham, John E. 2 00
Boynton, Arthur,
2 00
Day, Earnest C.
2 00
Barton, Thomas,
2 00
Devine, George A. 5 07
Bailey, Frank,
2 00
Dorsey, D. John
2 00
Bullard, Arman,
3 75
Evans, John M.
2 00
Barker, John E.
2 00
Farra, Robert
9 88
Bion, George
3 75
Finn, Wmn.
3 00
Brady, Mrs. Patrick,
28 00
Fitzgerald, Wm. P.
2 00
Currier, Heirs Jane A.
I 75
Frechett, Jno.
2 00
Currier, Jno. W.
2 00
Fritz, Carlson
2 00
Currier, Wm. A.
2 44
Foster, Thos. C.
2 00
Currier, Daniel W.
2 00
Foster, Ignater
2 00
Connor, Timothy, E.
9 59
Goodwin, Allen F.
2 00
Chaff, Wm. J.
2 00
Goodwin, Heirs F. W. P. 7 88
Connell, T. J.
41 38
Gunnison, Geo. 26 50
Chapman, Chas. S.
9 97
Gould, I. Morrill,
20 45
Carter, Chas. N.
2 00
Gilday, Henry
2 00
Campbell, Jarvis B.
2 00
Gray, Herbert S.
2 00
Curley, Patrick,
2 00
Gassett, Chas. W.
17 75
Carr, Wm. F.
2 00
Greeley, Martin
2 00
Crouse, Jas. C.
21 25
Gale, Wm. E.
2 00
Currier, Otis S. Jr.,
2 00
Goodwin, Fred B.
2 00
Connor, John H.
2 00
Gilmore, Mathew
2 00
Callum, A. J.
2 00
Gilmore, Michael 2 00
Colby, Chas.
2 00
Gibbs, Geo. A.
2 00
Campbell, Oscar,
2 00
Greely, Mich.
39 63
Connor, John,
2 00
Greeley, Peter
16 00
Carter, M. V.
2 00
Graffam, Chas. E.
2 00
Caucheon, Oliver,
2 00
Howe, Nathaniel
19 72
Cate, Fred W.
2 00
Hoyt, Iliers J.
23 63
Chase, Abram W.
16 88
Hoyt, Gilman
2 00
Colby, Warren HI.
2 00
Hoyt, Heirs Jas. B.
14 88
Crockett, Levi,
2 00
Haskell, Henry,
2 00
Cutts, Winfred S. 2 00
Handley, Geo. W.
2 00
Currier, Oliver
2 00
Hartt, Jno. J.
2 00
Davis Ira C. 37 09
Harriman, Chas. F.
2 00
Davis, Wm. B.
2 00
Hagg, Anton
2 00
Davis. Jas. A.
2 00
Head, Nathaniel
2 00
Doucet, F. A.
2 00
Handley, Jno. E.
2 00
Donahue, John E.
2 00
Jenkins, Jno.
9 44
Doyle, James
19 95
Jenkins, Frank
2 00
Doyle, Mich. H.
2 00
Jenkins, George
2 00
Doyle, James Jr.
2 00
Jackman, Chas.
2 00
Doonan, Thos.
2 00
Johnson, Caroline
2 63
Doonan, John
2 00
Loud, Otis S.
3 75
Daley, Tim. F.
2 00
Lawson, Andrew D.
2 00
Dyer, Clarence
2 00
Libbey, Ed. B.
2 00
Day, Wallace
2 00
Lee, Richard R.
2 00
Davis, Charles
2 00
Lyons, W. M.
3 57
Desantuls, Emery
2 00
Lea, Fred
2 00
Dunham, Frank E.
6 82
Lucy, Wm.
3 32
4
APPENDIX.
Leeman, Jno.
2 00
Scanlon, John 2 00
Lofqvist, Frank
2 00
Scofield, Herman
2 00
Lce, Edw.
2 00
Stetson, 11. Adelbert
2 00
Lyons, Wm. W.
2 00
Stoyle, Thos.
22 13
Murphy, Mrs. Jas.
8 75
Sargent, Lyman S.
2 00
Murphy, Jas. W.
2 00
Scanlon, John N.
2 00
Murphy, Chas. B.
2 00
Swanberg, Chas.
2 00
Morrill, Elbridge G.
2 00
Smith, Freeman
2 00
Moody. Melville II.
2 00
Sullivan, Patrick
2 00
Merriam, Chas. H.
17 75
Scanlon, Wmn. II. 2 00
Mooney, Robert
2 00
Tenney, John E.
3 50
McHugh, Wm.
2 00
Thompson, Willard F.
2 00
Mailhott, Adolphus,
2 00
Traverse, Mich'l
16 35
Murphy, Wm. J.
2 00
Traverse, Jno. F.
2 00
Meehan, Dennis
2 00
Trumblay, Ed.
10 50
Mansfield, Geo. L.
4 19
Tilton, W. W.
3 75
Merrill, Wm. M.
2 00
Verner, J. S.
2 00
Martins, Wm. F.
2 50
Welch. Patrick II.
2 00
Nichols, Herbert II.
2 00
Wallace, James L.
2 00
Noyes, Chas. H. 2d
2 00
Welch, Patrick
2 00
Nevins, John P.
2 00
Wiggin, Andrew J.
2 00
Noon, Michael Heirs
29 32
Webster, Albert M.
12 50
N. & A. St. Railway
17 50
Wentworth, Ino.
2 00
Newton, Fred W.
5 50
Whittier, Daniel W.
2 00
Newton, Charles
3 32
Walerius, Jacob
2 00
Olson, Lewis
2 00
Wilson, Mrs. C. E.
4 56
O'Leary, John
2 00
Orpheon Club,
SS
Oakes, Nelon
2 00
Currier, Thos. A.
1 75
Peaslee, Moses F.
2 00
Peaslee, Jno. L.
3 07
Parker, John C.
2 00
Peaslec. Richard
14 88
Paradis, Chas.
35 25
Favor, Mrs. Nancy
7 88
Pettigrew, F. O. Heirs
12 25
Peaslee, Reuben
88
Peterson, Peter
2 00
Day, Joseph Heirs
1 75
Powers, Fred W.
2 00
Kimball, Stephen T.
SS
Reiley, Michael
35 25
Connor, John
5 69
Ransom, Walter L.
2 00
Bagley, Thos.
88
Ruel, Lawrence
2 00
Morrill, Mrs. Daniel F.
9 63
Ruggles, Chas. D.
2 00
O'Nial, Jno.
2 63
Rhodes, Chas. P.
2 00
Langley, Geo. W.
15 75
Richardson, Henry C.
2 00
Nichols, Heirs Jno. A.
2 19
Richardson, Chas. A.
2 00
Sargent, O. Everett
33 25
Ruel, Jas. L.
2 00
Stacey, Thos. A.
3 50
Rogers, Wm. H.
2 00
Green, II. C. Agt.
1 75
Reynolds, Jas.
2 00
Cooper, George
S'S
Rowell, George
2 00
Noon, Mathew
2 63
Rogers, Leslie
2 00
Morrill, Wm. O.
26 25
Sargent, Geo. H.
2 00
Ford, Ella W.
5 25
Shays, Wm. E.
2 00
Sheridan, Thos. W.
2 00
Sheridan, James
50
Scanlon, Jas. F.
2 00
SCHOOL REPORT.
Teachers, 1894=95.
IIIGH SCIIOOL.
DANIEL G. ABBOTT, Principal
ELVIRA MORRILL L. FRANCES TUCKER,
Assistants
MERRIMAC-CENTER.
First Grammar,
ELLEN GUNNISON ALICE E. CHASE
Second Grammar,
JENNIE P. CLEMENT S NELLIE PEARSON SADIE I. BAIRD
Intermediate,
Primary,
ETTA H. COLBY
MIDDLE STREET.
Second Grammar, Primary,
CARRIE M. EVANS LOUISE C. BRACKETT
PROSPECT STREET.
Intermediate, EMMA PEARSON BERTHA M. BOULTENHOUSE
Primary,
MERRIMACPORT.
Grammar, Primary,
IDA M. BLAISDELL MARY H. HEAD
Highlands, Bear Hill,
ANNIE M. GRAY LILLA M. PHELPS NELLIE E. ADAMS ANNIE R. HUNTER
DISTRICT SCHOOLS.
Birch Meadow,
MUSIC, LIZZIE B. SMITH.
Nineteenth Annual Report.
The school committee of Merrimac respectfully submit the nineteenth annual report. At the last annual meeting Mr. Frank E. Pease was elected a member of the school board for the term of three years. The committee organized with T. H. Hoyt chairman, and F. E. Pease secretary.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
Appropriated by the town,
$ 8,500 00
Massachusetts school fund,
245 09
Dog money,
ISI 76
Rec'd for tuition and supplies,
7 17
$ 8,934 02
Expended for teachers' salaries
$ 6,232 50
Care of school rooms,
556 02
Fuel,
397 30
Books and supplies,
532 37
Repairs and furniture,
402 65
Sundries,
205 97
Balance unexpended,
607 21
$ 8,934 02
All school expenses have been paid to February Ist, the beginning of a new financial year. All the schools will close March 22d, making a school year of 38 weeks, two weeks longer than the last school year.
REPAIRS.
The permanent repairs made during the year consisted in shingling the Merrimacport school house, which leaked badly, and building a new platform and steps for the same ; building a new platform for the Prospect street house, building a fence
4
SCHOOL REPORT.
at Birch Meadow, and making a few general minor repairs. New seats and desks have been placed in the fifth grade room at the Center ; the old ones which were too small to be used by the scholars in that room without injury to themselves, were placed in the third grade room. The school buildings are now in very good repair, except the privies of the center school house, which are in a very dilapidated condition and beyond repair. These should be removed the coming year and replaced by a new and proper structure.
GRADING.
In the fall of 1893 as stated in the report of last year, the Center schools were quite thoroughly graded. It is quite gratifying for your committee to be able to report that the success attending this change in grading, quite noticeable dur- ing that year, has been still more marked during the past year. Could the two primaries be graded it would result in great benefit not only to those schools, but to all the other schools ; but owing to the location of the school houses this cannot at present be accomplished, as the distance to travel would be too great for children so small. The first grammar school has two classes, which numbered last year fifty-five scholars. Had the school continued as large the present year, a new school would have been necessary for the eighth grade pupils, and this school would then have been graded as a matter of necessity. But the school being much smaller than last year still has two classes. It may be possible at no distant day to grade the school by combining the two classes, and to com- plete the work preparatory to the high school in eight years instead of nine; eight years is the prescribed time in many cities and towns which have schools of high grade.
SUPERINTENDENT.
The subject of employing a superintendent of schools has frequently been before the people of Merrimac. All who
5
SCHOOL REPORT.
have given thought to the matter and are desirous of the pro- gress of the schools, believe that the employment of a superintendent under proper conditions, is the greatest need of the schools.
Hitherto we believe that we have had no opportunity to secure skilled supervision at small expense under such favor- able conditions as now exist. Last year the town of Bradford at its annual meeting in April voted to unite with Merrimac to form a district for the employment of a superintendent, under the law by which the state gives aid to towns forming such a district.
Our annual meeting having been held no action was taken by our town last year. This year the school committee of Bradford have informed us that they still desire to form the union with Merrimac, and that the question will again be presented at the annual meeting of their town. There is but little doubt that Bradford will again express itself in favor of the union.
Your school committee are heartily in favor of forming this union, have so notified the school committee of Bradford, and have caused an articie to be inserted in the warrant for our annual meeting in March, to see what action the town of Merrimac will take in regard to the question. We earnestly hope, for the welfare of the schools, that our town will express itself as favorable to the proposed union.
If the district is formed, a good superintendent can be obtained for, say $1500; $750 of this salary is paid to the superintendent by the state, leaving the sum of $750 to be paid by Bradford and Merrimac, say three-fifths or $450 by Bradford, and two-fifths or $300, by Merrimac.
Then the state, in addition to $750 paid by it to the superintendent, pays to the two towns the sum of $500, say three-fifths of that sum, or $300 to Bradford, and two-fifths,
6
SCHOOL, REPORT.
or $200 to Merrimac. Thus Merrimac pays $300 to the superintendent and receives from the state $200; the net cost to Merrimac being $100 only, and she would be entitled to two-fifths of the time of the superintendent. If a salary of $1600 were paid to a superintendent the cost to Merrimac would be of course $40 more. The proportions mentioned above we are quite sure would be the proportion of expense and service should the towns unite.
The conditions under which the towns can receive this aid from the state, are that they shall appropriate and raise by taxation for the support of schools an "amount equal to the average of the total sum paid, or to the sum paid per child, for schools during the three years next preceding," and in addition the two towns must raise the sum of $750 ; it is also required that the towns shall use the money paid to them by the state in paying salaries of teachers. But the cost to Merrimac in employing a superintendent at $1500 would be but $100, although the town should raise at least $350 in addition to the regular appropriation for schools.
Bradford is the only neighboring town with which Merrimac can alone unite to form a district, and receive aid from the state. Should Merrimac unite with Amesbury the state could give no aid, as Amesbury's valuation is too high to allow her to receive aid under this law. Should Merrimac unite with any other neighboring town she must unite with at least two in order to receive aid from the state, as the number of schools in the union district must be at least twenty-five, and so good a superintendent could not be obtained nor would Merrimac receive so much of his time. It seems to us that the opportunity is a golden one and should be heartily embraced at once.
Within another year the valuation of Bradford may be so high that the union cannot be effected, as above a certain
7
SCHOOL REPORT.
valuation which Bradford has nearly reached, the state gives no aid ; but a union once effected may continue three years whatever be the increase in valuation.
GENERAL REMARKS.
The past year has been a quiet one for the schools, and most of them have made considerable progress along all lines, and are in good condition.
In the supervision of the schools the committee have avoided making radical changes by way of experiment, but have constantly endeavored to gradually. introduce well estab- lished modern methods and arrangements. Early in the year, Mr. MacDonald, agent of the State Board of Education, visited our schools, made quite a thorough examination of them, conferred with the committee and teachers regarding methods of teaching and management, and made many valu- able suggestions, which have proved beneficial to the schools. By his recommendation a teachers' association has been recently organized, holding monthly meetings to discuss methods, compare progress, and consider matters of school in- terest. It is expected that much benefit will result from these meetings and from the investigation, thought and study, in pre- paring for them.
We desire to call the attention of parents to one cause which greatly impedes the progress of the schools and disturbs their appearance ; we refer to absences and tardiness. We believe that in many instances tardiness, absences, and dis- missals are unnecessary, and if the parents fully realized the effect upon the child and upon the school they would be less frequent.
In every case of dismissal, absence, and tardiness, the parent should give a written excuse to the teacher and it should contain the reason of the dismissal, absence or tardiness. The superintendent of the Haverhill schools says in one of his
8
SCHOOL REPORT.
reports :- "The school has legal claims and claims of courtesy, and at least in courtesy the parent should state why the pupil failed to attend. Every lady or gentleman gives the reason for failure to meet a social or business engagement. There is no principle or reason for refusing the school and the teacher such courtesy."
We would urge parents and friends to make frequent visits to the schools. By so doing they will contribute much to their progress. These visits would be a valuable aid to teachers and scholars in many ways and should be made as a duty to the public if for no other reason. No one thinks of employing another to perform menial labor of any kind with- out careful direction and oversight ; yet to the teacher is com - mitted the most difficult and delicate trust of the training of children, and comparatively few are the parents who give her their aid and encouragement by their frequent presence in the school.
APPROPRIATION.
We ask that the sum of $8,300 be appropriated for general school purposes the coming year ; we do not see how it could well be less. Our financial statement shows an un- expended balance of $607.21 ; this statement is made as of January 3Ist the close of the financial year. Since the close of the financial year expenses to the amount of some $400 have been incurred to complete one year of school. Therefore the unexpended balance, were the expenses of a whole year paid, would be but about $200.
T. H. HOYT, BION GREEN, FRANK E. PEASE,
School Committee.
MERRIMAC HIGH SCHOOL.
GRADUATES, 1894.
ELIZABETH W. PATTEN,
ISABEL D. HOYT,
FRANCES K. BARRY,
JOSEPH H. LEAVITT,
CORA A. LAWSON,
NELLIE S. CLEMENT.
CLASS MOTTO.
"Animus mihi anchora."
IO
SCHOOL REPORT.
TABLE No. I.
STATISTICS OF SUMMER TERM.
SCHOOLS.
Number of
Number of
Scholars.
Average
Number of
Scholars.
Average
Attendance.
Number of
Times Late.
Number of
Visitors.
Teachers'
Wages
per month.
High,
(Principal)
·
60
42
39.
37.
25
26
$105.26
(Assistant)
.
60
52
51.5
50.5
S
34
50.00
Center, 2d Grammar,
60
27
26.
25.
26
10
40.00
Center, Intermediate,
60
20
28.5
2S.
12
14
40.00
Center, Primary,
60
35
33.
30.
20
23
40.00
Plains Intermediate
60
37
34.
32.
IS
23
40.00
Plains Primary,
60
53
45.
44.
16
24
40.00
Middle St. 2d Grammar,
60
25
27.
26.
3
IS
45.00
Middle St. Primary,
60
44
42.
37.
60
23
40.00
Merrimacport Grammar,
60
30
30.
2S.
33
16
45.00
Merrimacport Primary.
60
40
39.
35.
34
IO
40.00
Bear Hill,
60
20
2S.
24.
Il
6
40.00
Birch Meadow,
50
17
13.
IO.
53
21
30.00
Highlands,
60
9
Š.
7.5
35
IC
30.00
TABLE No. 2.
STATISTICS OF WINTER TERM.
SCHOOLS.
Number of
Number of
Scholars.
Average
Number of
Scholars.
Average
Attendance.
Number of
Times Late.
Number of
Visitors.
Teachers'
per month.
High,
(Principal)
130
76
71.
67.
33
19
$105.26
Center Ist Grammar,
.
125
44
43.
42.
7
17
50.00
Center 2d Grammar,
130
24
23.
22.
38
16
40.00
Center Intermediate,
130
32
31.
20.
49
IS
40.00
Center Primary,
130
34
32.
29.
40
40
40.00
Plains Intermediate,
125
46
42.
39.
14
25
40.00
Plains Primary,
130
45
42.
3S.
43
30
40.00
Middle St. 2d Grammar,
130
2S
26.
24.
13
21
45.00
Middle St. Primary,
130
47
40.
35.
62
40
40.00
Merrimacport Grammar,
130
25
23.
22.
59
14
45.00
Merrimacport Primary,
130
33
31:
27.
47
15
40.00
Bear Hill,
130
25
22.
IS.
21
15
40.00
Birch Meadow,
110
17
13.
10.
53
21
30.00
Highlands,
.
So
9
S.
7
59
17
30.00
:
Days in Term.
Wages
52.63
(Assistant)
.
Days in Term.
52.63
Center, Ist Granmar,
ARTICLES IN THE WARRANT
FOR THE
ANNUAL MEETING, MONDAY, MARCH 4, 1895.
ARTICLE I. To choose a Moderator to preside at said meeting.
ARTICLE 2. To bring in their votes on one ballot for Town Clerk ; three Selectmen who will be Assessors and Over- seers of the Poor; Treasurer ; Collector of Taxes ; one School Committee for three years; one Trustee of Cemetery for three years ; one Commissioner of Sinking Fund for three years and one for the unexpired term of J. D. Pike; two Trustees of Public Library for three years; three Constables ; three Sur- veyors of Lumber and Measurers of Wood and Bark; three Fence Viewers ; three Field Drivers; Auditor of Accounts. Also to bring in their votes upon the same ballot, Yes or No, on the question, "Shall licenses be granted for the sale of in- toxicating liquors in this town?" In voting under this article the polls will be opened at nine o'clock and thirty minutes in the forenoon and may be closed at two o'clock in the afternoon.
ARTICLE 3. To determine what sum of money shall be raised to defray the necessary and usual charges and expenses of the town for the ensuing year and make appropriations for the same. To hear the report of the committee upon appro- priations.
ARTICLE 4. To fix the time for the payment of taxes and see what discount, if any, the town will allow for the prompt payment of taxes. Also to see what interest, if any, the town will charge on taxes remaining unpaid after the time
I 2
TOWN WARRANT.
fixed for the payment thereof. Also to determine the com- pensation for collecting.
ARTICLE 5. To see if the town will authorize its Treas- urer under the direction of the Selectmen to hire money in an- ticipation of taxes and to pay any indebtedness of the town.
ARTICLE 6. On petition of Thomas H. Hoyt and others to see if the town will unite with Bradford under the provi- sions of Chapter 431 of the acts of ISSS and subsequent amendments relating to the employment of a superintendent of schools and appropriate money therefor.
ARTICLE 7. On petition of the board of Engineers of the Fire Department, to see what action the town will take in regard to the purchase of a suitable piece of fire apparatus to fill the vacancy caused by the sale of the Niagara Engine and to make the necessary appropriations to carry your action up- on this article into effect.
ARTICLE S. To see if the town will vote to appropriate a sum of money to enable the Selectmen to place an amount of Insurance upon the Fire Department property as per vote of last year.
ARTICLE 9. To see if the town will vote to accept the jury list as revised by the Selectmen.
ARTICLE IO. To see if the town will vote to rebuild a part of the bank wall on Broad street adjoining land of James Whittier and make appropriation for the same.
ARTICLE II. To see what action the town will take on the claim of Charles H. Merriam for damages for injuries re- ceived by falling on icy sidewalk on Vendome street.
ARTICLE 12. To see if the town will vote to restrain neat cattle and horse kind from running at large. And to transact any other business that may legally come before the meeting.
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