USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Merrimac > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Merrimac 1900 > 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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
The salary paid the teachers of the High School is about $2000. The principal's salary is usually one half of this. Now if he gives one half of his time to teaching Greek to three classes of two pupils each, six pupils will be receiving one fourth of all the money expended for teachers in the High School, besides what they receive in the other studies."
It is all right for pupils to study Greek, if they are to continue it elsewhere ; otherwise it would be much better to give the time devoted to Greek, to Latin or French; for the same discipline is received from the study of Latin as from the study of Greek, and a good knowledge of Latin is much better than a smattering of both Latin and Greek. This should be considered when selecting the course of study.
The standard of reading and of literature ought to be raised in all the lower grades. Special attention should be given to the study of economy, and I know of no better way of teaching it than to practice it in the use of supplies and in the care of books. The boy that acquires the habit of caring for pencils, paper and books will accumulate wealth.
Singing and drawing are exercising their subtle influence in the various parts of the course, and they should be contin- ued, Drawing not only cultivates the aesthetic nature of the
24
SCHOOL REPORT.
pupils and assists in nature study, but it even aids in the study of arithmetic. The worth of music in the course of study is so well known that it will pass without comment. Attention is cordially called to the reports made by the special teachers of these subjects, and herewith submitted.
The teaching of morals should receive its due attention both from parents and teachers. In some of the schools more than half of the boys smoke cigarettes. This should not be treated lightly, because it is an early step in the wrong direction. It is not so much the mathematics and Latin, learned in school, that makes the man; as it is the habits acquired.
The monthly meetings held by the teachers are worthy of mention and should be continued for the indirect benefit of the pupils.
In conclusion I wish to express my thanks to the truant officers, teachers and the school board for their kindly atti- tude.
Respectfully submitted,
J. G. MORRELL,
School Superintendent.
SCHOOL REPORT. 25
STATISTICS.
Population of the town, census of 1895, 2301
Number of schools in town, 12
Number of teachers employed including special teachers, 16
Number of different teachers employed, including special teachers and substitutes, 26
Number of children in town, Sept. 1, 1899, between the ages of 5 and 15 years, as per census, 350
Decreased from last year, 44
Number of children in town, Sept. 1, 1899, between the ages of 7 and 14 years, as per census, 281
Decreased from last year,
24
Whole number of different pupils enrolled during the year,
447
Average membership for the year,
397.73
66 attendance
376.21
Per cent of attendance, 66
94.34
66
1899
94.50
26
SCHOOL REPORT.
REPORT OF PRINCIPAL OF HIGH SCHOOL.
Merrimac, Mass., Jan. 27, 1900. Mr. James G. Morrell, Superintendent of Schools :
The customary comparison of the current year with pre- ceding ones is manifestly impracticable when the teacher has barely completed his first half year in the school. The obvi- ous duty of this period has been, not the inauguration of a new system, but the maintenance of the excellent standard left by Mr. Ferguson. The only important change in the course of study- made by your direction -nas been the lengthening of the time allotted to the study of English, the corresponding shortening of that given to history.
The remainder of this report must concern itself with a a consideration of certain conditions with reference to their influence on the immediate future. Some of them are pleas- ant to find and to mention : if others are unpleasant they are described not for the purpose of finding fault with things as they are, much less of making it appear that particular per- sons have caused inconvenience this year, but solely to indi- cate what changes would make the school more serviceable to the community.
Among the pleasant features may be mentioned a fairly general disposition among the scholars to make the four
27
SCHOOL REPORT.
years' work count for something. It has also been pleasant to find parents actively interested in their son's or their daugh- ter's making a success of the course. Every exhibition of this interest increases the general efficiency of the school- the object for which efforts are put forth and expenses in- curred. The giving or withholding of this support is keenly felt when an entertainment or a vacation is at hand. Here is the percentage of attendance for the first four months. Sep- tember, 96.9; October, when many of the scholars took part in an entertainment, 93.8; November, 96.1 ; December, the month of Christmas shopping and fancy work, 91.9. A fall- ing off in attendance, when not a case of necessity, means a worse falling off in interest and progress, means either that whole classes are retarded or that the individuals effected flounder along behind, sometimes hopelessly.
Another matter in which the parents' influence is felt is the choice of studies. It is sometimes necessary from sick- ness or some other wholly legitimate cause, and sometimes from lack of energy, that a scholar should take studies with a lower class. A mixed course, however, invariably produces conflict in the program. Conflict means that somebody miss- es a part of the instruction he comes to school to receive, and the teacher to give. A mixed course that would cause a new conflict is, therefore, never to be made up except in cases of the most urgent need. Again, a change of studies that does not involve a confusion of courses is sometimes strongly ad- visable ; but it is never advisable, it is always to be shunned at any cost, until it is clear that in making. it the scholar will not be missing the one vital acquirement in any school, the ability and the will to say, not "I can't", but "I can."
Latin is a study that many wish to drop as soon as the enthusiasm of novelty has worn off. The question of the practicality of it would appropriately be considered before be-
2S
SCHOOL REPORT.
ginning. The difficulty is never with the unpractical part, learning endings and words; it is with the extremely practical part, the application of principles that are fundamental to English grammar, aud such exercise of the reasoning powers as is essential to correct and independent thinking on any sub- ject. The Roman construction is worth studying. It was the same in sentences as in roads and fortresses-thorough and accurate in method ; simple, complete, imperishable in result.
The college course is harder than the others and should be taken only by those who besides having good capacity for learning are ready to devote their undivided energy to school work. Admission to college has been granted on certificate of the completion of it. Now if those should take it who do not go to college, and they should feel that for this reason it was not necessary that they should cover the usual ground, and the ground should not be covered, the certificate of com- pletion would cease to be honored by the colleges, and there would be a destinct loss to those for whom the course was designed. With reference to the choice of Greek by those who are not going to college it is to be said that while Greek has a value distinctly different from that of Latin, it is yet a serious question whether enough of this distinctive value is obtained from high school study alone to compensate the loss of the sciences it displaces.
The housing of the school calls for notice. There are three rooms-the main one, a recitation room in the same building, and another in the town hall. In none of these is there space for the appliances necessary for teaching physics and chemistry satisfactorily. The room in the town hall is attractive in appearance, but the use of it is attended by num- erous disadvantages. Among them may be mentioned the disorder incident to the passing of a class from building to
29
SCHOOL REPORT.
building each hour, and the discomfort of passing in stormy weather and sitting in or against wet garments which cannot be hung up for lack of space. Lack of space-that is the crowning objection, and it applies as strongly to the other recitation room and to the school room. The seating capaci- ty has been reached in all three.
It is true a class goes out of the school in the spring ; there are twelve in it. Another class comes up in the fall ; at last accounts there were forty-seven in it. The school- room now contains a third more occupied desks than there is comfortable room for and no more can be crowded in. If further space were to be obtained by providing not a large new room for the whole school, but a second supplementary one, it ought to be large enough not only to receive the over- plus but to relieve the first schoolroom of fifteen or twenty occupants. It would necessarily fall to the charge of an assistant teacher, would be a material addition to the present duties of her position, and would necessitate a material addi- tion to the salary.
With regard to supplies, the school has been less fortu- nate apparently than in some other years. Its prosperity at other times may have been at the expense of the lower schools, and its loss now may have been their gain. It is hoped the appropriation for the coming year may enable us to obtain some things of which we have felt the need.
In any school a very important element of strength is the efficiency of the assistant teachers. This school has been favored in that respect. Miss Benson has brought enthusiasm and skill to her work. Miss Tucker, besides her thorough excellence as a teacher, has from her long experience here, a knowledge of existing conditions that has lent added value to the help she has unassumingly and unstintedly given. To
30
SCHOOL REPORT.
them, as to yourself and the committee, and to many others, I wish to acknowledge real and willing obligation.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD P. KELLY.
REPORT OF TRUANT OFFICER.
To the School Committee of Merrimac :
The following report for the year ending January 31, 1900, is respectfully submitted :
Number of visits made, 13
Truants taken to school, 4
C. P. BAKER, Truant Officer.
SCHOOL SIGNALS.
2 blasts repeated twice, ! ! ! ! ! ! , at 7.30 a. m., no forenoon session.
Same signal at 12.30 p. m., no afternoon session.
Same signal at 11.30 a. m., one session,
31
SCHOOL REPORT.
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC.
To the School Committee of Merrimac :
The results of the musical work in the Merrimac schools the past year, have I think, been consistent with time and methods employed. The Holt method of representation has been mostly used, it being justified, in my opinion, by its results.
The Normal books, having been used by the school for many years, have to a certain extent, lost their technical value, owing to the repetition of the work, the younger chil- dren, hearing the older ones of the family, thus gathering the musical idea by ear, not from technical training.
After making a thorough study of the various systems, I placed the American Music System in two rooms ; the results have proven more than satisfactory, voice building and pro- tection, both strong points of the system, showing in a marked manner.
Grades III and VI should be fitted with this system. The fact of the Boston primary grades having very recently adopted it, is indicative of its worth.
The schools have kept to the standard I have marked for them, in sight reading, knowledge of technical terms, and time work ; this is largely due to the faithful and comprehen- sive work of my teachers, and the co-operation of the com- mittee.
I find the grade ability of all my schools on a par with similar work done in other city schools of high repute.
Respectfully, ELIZABETH B. SMITH.
Merrimac, Mass., January 22, 1900.
-
32
SCHOOL REPORT.
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING.
To the Superintendent of Schools of Merrimac :
It has been my aim in the work thus far to develope in the pupils the power to observe with accuracy the form and color of objects and to express the impressions gained by means of the brush and pencil ; to cultivate the habit of look- ing for beauty in these objects and also to lead them to see and appreciate the beautiful wherever found.
Picture study has been introduced, and the pupils have not only enjoyed the work ,but have profited by the study of the lives and works of the world's greatest artists. The Perry pictures have been used, and as a rule the pupils have bought and paid for their own pictures.
A slow but steady advance has been made in drawing, and I feel sure that another year will show even greater re- sults in this line.
The schools need a few more models and a better grade of compasses for mechanical drawing, also better equipment for color work but otherwise are well provided with materials with which to work.
Good pictures and casts for the school rooms seem at present to be the greatest need.
I wish to thank the committee and the teachers for the hearty cooperation and support which they have given to the work in drawing.
Respectfully,
MAUD H. ROSE.
.
ANNUAL REPORT OF
THE BOARD OF ENGINEERS,
MERRIMAC FIRE DEPARTMENT.
MERRIMAC, MASS., FEB. Ist, 1900.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Merrimac :
The Board of Engineers of the Merrimac Fire Depart- ment beg leave to submit their report for the year ending on this date.
There have been six alarms this year, three of which were for brush or forest fires.
April 25, 1899, an alarm was blown from the power- house for a brush fire on Main street near Nathan Hunting- ton's, at 3.30 p. m. The fire was soon under control with no 'serious damage. ·
April 29, 1899, an alarm was sent in from Box 24, at 3.15 p. m., for a brush fire near the farm of E. S. Mckay. The fire got beyond the control of the men who were watch- ing it and burned over a large tract of land before it was finally checked near the railroad, on land formerly owned by Mrs. Colby. The entire force of the Central station respond- ed and returned at 6 p. m. No real damage,
34
ENGINEERS' REPORT.
July 19th, 1899, at 2.30 p. m., an alarm was pulled in from Box 31 at Merrimacport for a fire in Sawyer's woods. The fire started in the brush near Roscoe Morrill's saw mill, which was located there at the time, and after two hours hard work by the entire department the "all out" signal was rung in by Chief Oxley. Mr. Morrill's loss was estimated at ($30.00) thirty dollars. No insurance.
July 31st, 1899, an alarm from Box 15 at about 6 p. m., called out the department for a fire in L. W. Howe's resi- dence on Forest street, caused by an over-heated oil stove in the lower tenement occupied by Fred Currier. The fire was extinguished before the department arrived. Loss on build- ing ($5.00) five dollars, covered by insurance.
October 27th, 1899, at 7.21 p. m., an alarm was rung in from Box 21 for a fire on Church street in a stable owned by the heirs of W. R. Spaulding and occupied by S. P. Col- by. The department quickly responded and the firemen are deserving of much praise for their work and readiness to answer the call of the Engineers. Owing to the progress of the flames before the alarm was sent in, the building was nearly destroyed when the "all out" signal was sounded at 10. 20 p. m. The building was valued at ($300) three hun- dred dollars, and was insured for ($250) two hundred and fifty dollars. S. P. Colby's loss is unknown.
January 2nd, 1900, an alarm was rung in from Box 31 at Merrimacport, at 9.40 p. m., for what proved to be the most disastrous fire of the year. The fire originated in the carriage factory occupied by Arthur W. Chase. Owing to the conditions of the streets and other causes the factory was almost entirely destroyed when the department from the Cen- tral station arrived on the scene, the flames had connected with the dwelling house and the ell burned away. The fire was finally stopped in the upper part of the main house after
35
ENGINEERS' REPORT.
two hours of hard fighting. Much credit is due the members of the different companies for their work at this fire. The "all out" signal was rung in at 11.30 p. m. The buildings were owned by the Newburyport Institution of Savings and occupied by A. W. Chase. The shop and contents were a total loss and were insured for $500. The house was insured for $1500, and the loss adjusted for $950. There was no in- surance on the contents of the house except a small amount Mrs. Chase had on her goods.
The fire alarm system not working to the satisfaction of the superintendent of wires, we secured the services of an ex- pert and electrician who recommended that we add more cells to our battery. This was done and it is now working satis- factorily.
There have been a few changes in the location of the fire alarm boxes, viz :
12-Central Engine House, School street.
13 -- H., M. and A. St. Ry. Power House, East Main street.
14-F. B. Clement, residence, Pleasant street.
15-J. B. Judkins & Sons Co., factory, Main street.
16-Isaac Pendergast, stable, rear of Monomack House, Main street.
21-W. HI. Boothroyd, residence, Church street.
23-J. E. Currier, residence, Church street.
24-A. Oxley, residence, Pine street.
25-N. F. Stevens, residence, Lincoln street.
26-R. H. Sargent, residence, Main street. MERRIMACPORT.
31-Engine House, Pleasant street." 32-W. M. Chase, residence, Main street.
34-C. H. Hughes, residence, Main street.
The apparatus at the Central house is in good working order. We have strengthened the foot board and put a new
36
ENGINEERS' REPORT.
back axle under the hose wagon, as the old one had settled, and we did not consider it safe.
As there was some action taken at the last annual town meeting and is now pending toward the disposal of the hand engine at Merrimacport, we recommend that the citizens take prompt action on this matter, as we have but one engine we consider efficient for fire services, and in case of accident or break-down, which is likely to occur, might lead to serious results.
Our reservoirs are in good condition, with the exception of the last one that was built at an expense of five hundred dollars or more. We have consulted a mason who has had a varied experience in that line of work; and in his opinion the only remedy which he could warrant is to build a new wall on the inside up to the arch, which in his judgement would cost about one hundred dollars. As there is twenty thousand dollars worth of property in that section which is practically unprotected, as we do not carry hose enough on our wagon to cover it; we therefore recommend that the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars be appropriated for the above pur- pose.
We feel it an injustice to the department and in duty to the citizens we should point out the danger of the present arrangement for procuring horses. While the apparatus is capable of doing excellent service and the members are at all times prompt to respond, we are seriously handicapped by the slow response of horses. The horses assigned to haul the Steamer and hose wagon for night service are located fully a fifth of a mile from the engine house, and while the drivers respond as soon as possible, when you take into considera- tion the time it takes to get out of bed, hunt for clothes, and harness, which is sometimes hard to do in the excitement caused by the fire alarm, and the distance to the engine
37
ENGINEERS' REPORT.
-
house, it is a matter of from five to fifteen minutes before we are on the way to the fire.
We would state here that Mr. Sargent accepted the re- sponsibility of hauling the apparatus more as an accommoda- tion to the town than for any pecuniary benefit he might re- ceive. His were the only horses procurable at the time.
We submit the following and hope the voters will give it their serious consideration : That the selectmen be author- ized to fit up the building adjoining the engine house, suitable for the accommodation of four horses. The building to come under the supervision of the Board of Engineers. If the town see fit to act favorably on this matter, arrangements can be made to have four horses in readiness for a quick response at all times during the night, without expense to the town except to fit up the building. This in our opinion would give us far better service as well as being economical to the town.
The Central engine house is in need of extensive repair s but we did not feel that we could use any of this year's ap- propriation for that purpose, and we recommend that next year's appropriation be not less than last year's.
Respectfully submitted,
ALEX. OXLEY,
O. W. JORDAN, Board of C. H. HUGHES, Engineers.
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE
MERRIMAC PUBLIC LIBRARY.
To the Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen-Our twenty-fourth annual report as Trustees of the Public Library is given to you with the confident as- surance that the Library is in good condition and amply ful- filling its mission as a public institution and meeting all its requirements.
The new method of cataloging and numbering which was finally completed early in the past year, is fully meeting all our expectations and is found to be a great improvement over former plans and we take much pride in the accomplish- ment of this work which we had looked forward to and planned for during previous years, as well as in the fact that the expenses of the same had been met without calling on the town for a special appropriation.
Many demands for books, material, etc., have, where possible, been put aside until this more important work was done, and we shall in the future endeavor to meet them, and in order to do this we trust that the usual appropriation of at least $500 will be given us.
We desire to have the Library always serve the best in- terests of the public, and to that end we are ever ready to re-
39
LIBRARY REPORT.
ceive from its patrons any suggestions or hear any complaints, in order that if possible the service may be bettered.
During the Library year ending February Ist, 1900, the rooms have been opened 92 times and 9317 volumes delivered, the largest number for five years. February, 1899, 677; March, 1278; April, 756; May, 774; June, 635 ; July, 549 ; September, 760; October, 837; November, 868; December, [127 ; January, 1900, 1056. The average daily delivery, 101.
The additions have been made during the year 102 vol- umes, of which 62 were purchased by the Trustees, 37 pre- sented by the Commonwealth, I from the town of Andover, I from the State Relief Corps, and I from the Society of Christian Science of Merrimac.
We would again remind the public of the benefits of our reference room which now contains a large number of books of reference on all subjects. These consist of encyclopædias, dictionaries, reports, law books, public statutes, etc., etc. Access to the room can be had at any time outside of regular Library opening days by application to the Chairman or Sec- retary of the Board of Trustees.
Respectfully submitted,
GEO. O. GOODWIN, R. S. BAILEY, G. G. LARKIN, S. A. McCONNELL, JAMES F. PEASE, CHAS. W. SAWYER,
Trustees,
1
40
LIBRARY REPORT.
TREASURER'S REPORT
For the Year ending March 1, 1900.
D. J. POORE, Treasurer, in account with the Merrimac Public Library.
DR.
To balance from previous year, $ 10 36
Received for Catalogues, 13 40
Cards, 95
Fines, 14 32
Town appropriation, 500 00
$ 539 03
CR.
By paid for Books and Magazines, $ 138 72
Librarian,
200 00
Fuel,
19 63
Binding Books,
23 98
Printing, 20 60
Bal. on Printing Catalogue, 58 00
H. A. Cornell, Catal'g work, 19 70
Clara J. Foster, “
6 53
Chandler Russell, " 66
3 00
Labels, etc., for re-catal'g'ng, 5 25
Magazine Covers,
6 60
Stock and labor on floor, 4 25
Express and freight, 3 87
Supplies, etc., 22 82
Door mats,
3 75
Cash on hand,
2 33
$ 539 03
41
LIBRARY REPORT.
Statement of Library Funds.
Goodwin Fund, deposited in Merri- mac Savings Bank, $ 200 00
Income of same, 8 os
Cash on hand, 2 33
$ 210 41
Respectfully submitted,
D. J. POORE, Treasurer.
Merrimac, February 10, 1900.
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT.
BIRTHS.
Number of births returned,
30
Males, IS
Females,
I 2
Fathers native born, 23
Mothers
22
Father and mother both native born,
19
66
foreign 4
MARRIAGES.
Number of marriages recorded,
IS
First marriage of groom. 16
" bride,
12
Grooms native born,
I7
Brides
1 2
Average age of groom,
32 years, 11 months.
bride,
31 years.
43
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT.
DEATHS.
Number of deaths returned,
39
Males, 2I
Females, IS
Average age, 52 years, 3 months, 29 days.
Oldest person,
96 years, 5 months.
Under 5 years,
9
Males native born,
21
Females ...
15
Of native parentage,
32
foreign
3
mixed 60
4
DOGS.
Number of dogs licensed,
94
Males, 88 1 Females, 6
BAILEY SARGENT, Town Clerk.
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
OVERSEERS' DEPARTMENT,
Support of Hattie A. Currier,
A. H. Peirce, medical attendance,
$ 21 00
Little & Co., goods, 4 95
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.