USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Merrimac > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Merrimac 1901 > Part 2
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In all grades, short poems and parts of long ones are memorized, and choice selections of poetry are studied and read. The fairy tales, fables and poetry constitute the litera- ture of the primary grades.
Supplementary reading in geography and in nature study introduced in the second year, supplementary reading in history introduced in the fourth year, and longer stories and masterpieces of literature introduced in the fifth year, all are continued throughout the course. Mythology is discontinued with the sixth grade. For grades above the fourth, books are assigned for home reading.
There is no particular order in which the books assigned to any grade shall be read. Since pupils and even classes differ so much in their natural make up, the teacher, who knows the pupils best, is given much latitude in arranging the material prescribed for her grade. Not every class is expected to do all the assigned work, while some classes may be able to do even more than there is in the full course. All classes are advised to read the easiest selections first.
The object of this course is to bring before the pupil a little of the choicest literature in such a way and at such a time as to make it become a part of the natural growth of the child. Literature is a character builder, transforming in a
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SCHOOL REPORT.
subtle way the earthy to the spiritual, and when a school neg- lects this study it defeats its noblest purpose.
I am pleased to announce that all the grades up to and including the sixth are following the prescribed course in reading and literature.
The first six grades both in history and geography, and the first four in nature work are following the prescribed courses. The first three grades are following a definite course in arithmetic. The next three are doing good work. The seventh grade, because of having been unfortunate in several ways, will have to make special effort in all branches. The eighth and ninth grades have worked hard this year, and if they continue to apply themselves, they will be able to do good work in the high school.
MUSIC AND DRAWING.
The work in music during the past year under the super- vision of Mrs. M. Eva Robinson has been productive of good results. Mrs. Robinson has a happy way of meeting her pupils and presenting her work. I consider her a successful teacher.
The work in drawing under the direction of Miss Maud Rose is steadily improving. The number of prizes that her pupils took at the Amesbury fair is significant of something. Miss Rose is trying to get the schools into a regular course, but here, as in other departments, the process must be steady growth and not a sudden transition.
Attention is called to the sub-joined reports of the special teachers of these two departments.
GENERAL NATURE OF THE COURSE OF STUDY .
Since it is acknowledged by the highest authorities and has been many times proven by actual experiment that the
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SCHOOL REPORT.
child beginning the systematic study of arithmetic in the eighth year will be just as far advanced at the age of ten as the child who begins the study at five, the general tendency of our course is to do, during the first three years of the school, less work in systematic arithmetic and more in the branches that are more comprehensible to the immature mind of the child.
We propose to devote the time and energy, hitherto worse than wasted in the study of arithmetic, to the study of literature, singing, drawing, writing, acquisition of disposi- tion, character building, reading and nature study. Literature and singing, the essence of soul making, can be taught chil- dren from infancy, provided the process be by rote. Much of this work must be done in the first three grades. A fuller and more systematic study of all branches will be made as the development of the child will permit. How well this general principle is to be carried out depends to a large degree upon the superintendent and teachers.
LOCATION OF SCHOOLS.
Next fall the question of housing the schools again pre- sents itself in the form of a problem, but perhaps time will solve it. The ninth grade will be small, but the eighth will be large. The two schools will have sixty or more pupils. This is too many for one teacher, even if they could be ac- commodated in one room.
The seventh and ninth grades, as far as numbers are con- cerned, would make the best combination, but it would be a most unhappy one. In this case we would have over fifty pupils, a number fully large enough.
The best arrangement would be for the first five grades to be in the Center building, the sixth and seventh grades in
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SCHOOL REPORT.
the Prospect street building, and the eighth and ninth grades in the Middle street building. This would seem to make quite an expense, yet it does not when we consider what ought to be done, even if this proposed change should not be made.
There ought to be new furniture for the fifth grade. The furniture in the room of the first and second grades, Middle street building, is so large that the pupils when they are seated can not rest their feet on the floor. This furniture is large enough for the pupils of the fifth grade and should be used in their room. The furniture of the primary room in the building on Prospect street should be used for the third grade. These changes should be made from a financial standpoint, for primary grade furniture is not so expensive as that for the upper grades. Thus it is evident that the extra expense in making the above proposed arrangement would be small, while the advantages would be many.
BOOKS ..
All the schools up to the sixth grade are well equipped with books. There should be one or two more sets of books of literature. Grades above the sixth are very well supplied with books of literature. Two or three more sets will make the course quite complete, but next year the sixth, seventh and eighth grades must have more geographies. The arith- metics in the grades above the fifth are in very poor condition, as are also many of the grammars.
There are a large number of books of information over which neither teachers nor pupils are very enthusiastic, yet these books can be used to quite an advantage.
After we once get a uniformity of books throughout the schools it will cost but little yearly to keep them in good con-
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dition. Thus far we have not only been making good the general wear, but we have bought a very large number of new books, especially of literature of which two years ago there were very few.
I would recommend that, as soon as possible, a set of books be used exclusively by one school, then that school could be held responsible for their condition. At present there is a decided lack of care of books and supplies on the part of some of the pupils. In regard to this more vigorous action must be taken. Economy is an essential thing to be taught in our schools.
CONCLUSION.
I am happy to say that the use of tobacco is not so notice: able in our schools this year as it was last. No child who is a habitual user of tobacco should be allowed to practice the habit in the presence of other children.
The teachers are interested in their work and are especial- ly anxious to make our schools better than they are elsewhere, and this they are going to do. Teachers' meetings are fre- quently held for the discussion of methods and other things. The information received from the monthly meetings of the Teachers' Association is valuable.
As far as I know harmony and the spirit of good will prevails with all who are interested in the schools, a condition which, when vigorous and active, must be productive of good results. In conclusion I thank the school committee, teachers, truant officers, citizens and especially the pupils for their hearty co-operation in the acquision of good schools.
Respectfully, J. G. MORRELL,
January 28, 1901.
Superintendent of Schools.
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SCHOOL, REPORT.
REPORT OF PRINCIPAL OF HIGH SCHOOL.
To the Superintendent of Schools :
The work of the High school was carried on for the first thirteen weeks of the year under rather disadvantageous cir- cumstances. It was necessary to hold its sessions for that time in Sargent Hall, while its new quarters in the Middle street building were being made ready. The facilities for conducting the work of the school during this time were much restricted. In spite of this, however, the school has made good progress, mn the meanwhile, and is now in excel- lent condition.
An unusually large class entered this year, making the total membership of the school considerably larger than it has been heretofore. The average attendance has been good, and the general interest satisfactory.
The new building, furnishing very much more commo- dious and comfortable quarters, has already proved an inspir- ation to pupils and teachers. While it may not be all that might be desired, yet it so nearly meets all our demands both in respect to utility and comfort, that we may well be proud of it.
The course of study is, in general, well arranged. Pos- sibly some of the work could be somewhat rearranged to the
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advantage of the school. The work in History might be made to correlate a little better, and some time be saved for other work. It seems advisable, also, to otherwise simplify the course. The present arrangement calls for more recita- tion periods than can be provided for to the advantage of the school with the present number of teachers. The recitation periods are now too short to enable the teachers to obtain the most satisfactory results.
The three years' English course is intended to serve a commendable purpose, and so it does; but such a course is always more or less unsatisfactory because of the fact that advantage is so often taken of it by those who find the work of a four years' course rather more than they want to do. I am inclined to think, however, that its advantages outweigh the disadvantages attaching to it.
The Classical and Scientific courses give excellent gen- eral training for those who cannot pursue their studies beyond the High school, and they also give good `preparation for technical schools. The College Preparatory course is arranged to give ample preparation for college.
It is a matter of satisfaction that the number of students taking these courses and planning to do graduate work in higher institutions is constantly increasing. This fact indi- cates a healthful sentiment on the part of pupils and parents and augers well for the future of the school.
Respectfully submitted,
C. W. CUTTS.
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SCHOOL REPORT.
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC.
Mr. James G. Morrell, Superintendent of Schools, Merrimac :
The work of the past year has not been unlike that of previous years.
I am pleased to note that the music has received careful attention and drill on the part of the teachers, and I have found the pupils responsive. I hope we may be able to do more individual work in the future. This gives courage and confidence to each pupil, and he becomes a more independent thinker and doer in music.
The course adopted for our schools seems particularly well graded. We must vary it somewhat as many of the rooms contain several grades ; but the teachers have endeav- ored to keep all grades well up to the standard.
There are many ways in which music may be helpful to school life. The special teacher should, from careful study of the work in other branches, learn the particular objects sought from grade to grade, and as far as possible bring the music work into harmony with aims and methods pursued in the various subjects taught. When music is so taught that it correlates with other branches of the school curriculum, then will every broad-minded, whole-souled teacher (special or grade) feel it is not a practical possibility, but a necessity.
The following is an outline of work for the first three years in school :
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SCHOOL REPORT.
GRADE I.
I. Tune. Present the major scale as a whole.
(a) How shall it be presented as a whole?
Take for example any animal or plant. If you are familiar with the parts contained in the whole, you know the relation to the whole. Each part of the body or plant has its function, each tone of the scale has its effect.
Teaching music is training the ear to effects. We teach tone relations by dictation, following the groups of numerals suggested in the "First series of charts." These effects should be so thoroughly established that they become as real objects to the child's mental eye.
(b) Next familiarize him with written signs of those things he knows so well. Give correct names to signs as they occur in the lessons, and children will incidentally be- come acquainted with them.
2. Breathing exercises.
3. Distinct articulation, purity and vitality of tone should be sought.
(a) Sing scale names 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.
(b) Sing pitch names c, d, e, f, etc.
(c) Sing syllables, alternating with oo o a, placing 1-k or any of the consonants before them.
4. Plenty of good rote songs, encouraging pupils to express ideas that are suggested to their minds by the musical compositions studied.
Copy music for busy work.
5. Develop sense of rythm and tune; sing in any key ("First series of charts") "Normal Music Course."
Tests-To think tone relations.
To think measure.
To sing at sight.
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SCHOOL REPORT.
GRADE II.
I. Observe suggestions made under "First Year."
2. Use the First Reader of the Normal Music Course.
3. Teach intervals by the Holt Method of Vocal Har-
mony.
4. Dictation and drill in rythms.
Rote songs and copy music.
GRADE III.
I. Observe "First Year's" suggestions.
2. Dictation and drill in tone relations and rythms.
3. Develop two voice work.
4. Ear tests.
5. Some mental preparation for chromatic work, dur- ing the last half of the year. Rote songs.
Enthusiasm and love for music should be fostered in the school. We can do much toward making it a vital thing in the lives of our pupils.
"Music is to the mind, as air to the body."
After the music lesson the class returns to other studies invigorated and happy.
May the boys and girls of our public schools, as they grow to be men and women gratefully acknowledge
"What in music was, we used to dream What it is, we dare, at least to know ."
We would cordially invite the parents to visit us fre- quently. Your presence and suggestions act as incentives to teacher and pupil alike.
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SCHOOL REPORT.
I express grateful acknowledgement to the Superinten- dent and Members of the School Board and associate teachers for your assistance and co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
M. EVA ROBINSON.
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING.
To the Superintendant of Schools of Merrimac :
The plan for the work in Drawing has been much the same as that of last year, but, great care has been taken to strengthen the points in which the children showed themselves to be weak. Clay modelling was introduced in the primary grades during the last term.
Originality, or at least, individuality, and accuracy have been striven for and the results show an advance in these directions.
The Committee has purchased four books which have proved helpful to the teachers in the study and teaching of the subject. We have had added to our supplies a good equipment in the line of paint boxes and also some new models which were much needed.
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SCHOOL REPORT.
An exhibition of the work in drawing together with that in other subjects was held in the town hall the middle of June. It was well attended by the people of the town and much interest was shown in the work. The occasion proved an inspiration to both teachers and pupils:
A few sheets selected from those mounted for the June exhibition were shown at the Amesbury Fair and brought ten dollars in prizes to the children.
On account of the poor accommodations for the work in the High school, drawing was postponed until the new build- ing was completed.
Respectfully, MAUD H. ROSE,
Supervisor of Drawing.
Haverhill, Mass., January 17, 1901.
REPORT OF TRUANT OFFICER.
To the School Committee of Merrimac :
I most respectfully submit the following report for the year ending January 31, 1901 :
Number of visits made, 17
Truants taken to school, 3
C. P. BAKER, Truant Officer,
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SCHOOL REPORT.
MIDDLE STREET SCHOOL HOUSE.
Report of the Committee chosen at the Special Town Meeting in July to remodel the building.
Upon submitting our plans to the State Inspector of Public Buildings, we found that no plans would be approved by him unless they provided for an approved system of mod- ern heating and ventilating, which we were told would cost from $1, 200 to $2,000, or about one-half of the entire appro- priation. We then conferred with the school committee, who thought that by doing without some things that were needed and exercising strict economy, they would be able to pay a part of the cost of the heating and ventilating apparatus required by law.
As the time was rapidly approaching when the building would be needed for school purposes, we did not deem it necessary nor advisable to spend more time and money in having another special town meeting called but closed the contracts and made the changes voted by the town.
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SCHOOL' REPORT.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
BUILDING.
Appropriated by the town,
$3,000 00
Expended on building, 2, SOI So
Leaving a balance of 198 20
HEATING AND VENTILATING.
Paid Fuller & Warren Warming and Ventilating Co. :
Balance from building account, $198 20
School Committee paid on account of heating and ventilating, 755 40
Balance to be paid next year as per contract, 238 40
Fuller & Warren W. and V. Co's contract, $1,192 00
Respectfully submitted,
F. E. PEASE, E. D. GEORGE, Committee. T. H. HOYT,
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SCHOOL REPORT.
ANNUAL REPORT OF
THE BOARD OF ENGINEERS,
MERRIMAC FIRE DEPARTMENT.
1 MERRIMAC, MASS., FEB. Ist, 1901.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Merrimac :
The Board of Engineers of the Merrimac Fire Depart- ment submit the following report for the year ending on the above date.
There have been six alarms during the year, one of which was for a fire just over the line in Newton, N. H., and was rung in by mistake. There have also been several forest fires, but they were successfully handled without any general alarm.
March 25, 1900. An alarm from Box 21 called the de- partment to the residence of T. L. Goodwin, for fire which had started from a leak in a gasolene stove, used for heating the bath room. Prompt action on the part of the firemen with the aid of extinguishers, the flames were soon under control. Loss $100, covered by insurance.
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SCHOOL REPORT.
May 15, 1900. On the morning of this date the Depart- ment was called to East Main street where the farm buildings of Henry Oakes were totally destroyed. Owing to the fact that the fire had been burning some time when discovered, and the scarcity of water, the Department could do but little when they arrived at the scene of the fire. Loss on buildings and contents, $5000. Insured for $2500.
June 28, 1900. A slight blaze at the carriage factory of E. C. Hopkins on School street, called the Department to that place. The flames were extinguished with very little damage.
July 4, 1900. On the evening of July 4th the Depart- ment was called to a slight blaze in the rear of the Merrimac Plating Works. The fire was put out however by the use of chemicals and what might have been a serious conflagration averted.
September 5, 1900. About 3.30 o'clock an alarm was sent in for a fire on Bear Hill street at the residence of I. W. Peirce. The several companies responded promptly, but as the fire had considerable headway before an alarm was given, and the distance from the Central fire station was so great, the house was practically destroyed before a stream was put on the fire. The fire was soon under control although the department was very much hindered by lack of water. Loss on building and contents, $800. Insured for $700.
It will be seen by the above fire loss for the past year that in every instance the buildings destroyed were isolated, and owing to the weather conditions the past summer, which were very favorable for a serious fire, also to the fact that our main water supply was dangerously low, we consider the town as being very fortunate.
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ENGINEERS' REPORT.
The fire apparatus consists of one steam fire engine, hose wagon, hook and ladder truck, hand engine- and hose reel. These pieces of apparatus are all in good condition and in excellent working order, and equipped with all up-to-date appliances such as ladders, bars, axes, life lines, guns, life net, shovels, pails, lanterns, etc., etc.
We have also 1700 feet of Callahan double jacket cotton hose which has been in service little more than three years, and ISoo feet double jacket cotton hose, sixteen years old, which is in fairly good condition though not always reliable when coupled to the steamer. This not surprising when we consider that the average life of fire hose is ten years.
We have also five fire extinguishers. Three of these are of the Star pattern, which are simple in construction and have always proved reliable. The other two are of the Bab- cock make and were the first to be used in the department. The action of the acid and soda had corroded the threads on the caps to such an extent that when charged the contents worked through. This we thought a source of danger to the person using them. For this reason and the fact that they often proved unreliable, we decided to discard them and try two of the improved Standard machines, which we have now on trial and think favorable of adding to the department, as they are up-to-date in every particular.
With the exception of one to which we called attention in our last report, the reservoirs are in good condition.
While our fire alarm system has been kept in good work- ing order the past year, still we are sorry to say it is not always worked right. If people persist in ringing an alarm regardless of the printed instructions which are on every box, we can not get the good results which the expense and labor would warrant. It is very important that an alarm should be
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ENGINEERS' REPORT.
rung in properly as it very often saves valuable time. The following are the directions which we hope every one who has occasion to use them will carefully observe :
BOX No. 24
STOP ! DON'T BE IN A RUSH. - Remember the man at the power station must understand you before he can blow the alarm.
DIRECTIONS HOW TO GIVE AN ALARM FROM THIS BOX.
First give the key a steady pressure for two or three seconds, Long Ring! This signal will be to attract atten- tion. Wait until you receive a like signal from the power house.
Then proceed at once to ring Number 24 as follows : Press the key firmly two times, thus : Ring! Ring! Wait two or three seconds and then press the key four times, thus : Ring! Ring! Ring! Ring! Wait until the whistle blows and if it should not blow within a minute repeat the number of the box. No other signal will be noticed.
The present location of boxes are as follows :
SOUTH OF MAIN STREET.
12-Central Fire Station.
13-H., M. and A. Power House, East Main street.
14-F. B. Clement, residence, Pleasant street.
15-J. B. Judkins & Sons Co., factory, Main street. NORTH OF MAIN STREET.
21-W. H. Boothroyd, residence, Church street. 23-J. E. Currier, residence, Church street.
24-A. Oxley, residence, Pine street.
25-B. B. Wood, residence, Grove street.
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ENGINEERS' REPORT.
MERRIMACPORT.
31-Engine House, Pleasant street. 32-W. M. Chase, residence, Merrimac street. 34-Charles Hughes, residence, Merrimac street.
The department has been obliged to put in ten tons of Cannal coal the past year as we could not buy in any smaller quantites. This is very expensive as will be seen by referring to the incidentals, but as the department will get the benefit for five years to come, under ordinary circumstances, we feel it is money well invested.
Owing to this expense and an overdraft from last year on account of insurance, we have not been able to make the repairs on the Central fire station which we deem necessary. To make these repairs and maintain the department we recommend the sum of $1800 be appropriated for the expen- ses of the Fire Department for the coming year.
Respectfully submitted,
ALEX. OXLEY, OLIVER W. JORDAN,
Board of
CHARLES H. HUGHES, Engineers.
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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE
MERRIMAC PUBLIC LIBRARY.
To the Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen-We herewith hand you the twenty-fifth an- nual report of the Board of Trustees, confident that you will find the Library in first class condition, and we think satis- factorily serving all the demands of the reading public.
During the year ending February Ist, 1901, there have been delivered 9844 volumes, averaging 105 on each opening day. The largest number given out in one day was 200. The following is the record by months : February 1900, 998 ; March, 1361 ; April, 997; May, 825 ; June, 726; July, 461 ; September, 678; October, 1054; November, 793; Decem- ber, 1025 ; January 1901, 926.
As it may be of interest to know the class of books taken out we herewith give you the per cent. of subjects :
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