USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Milford > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Milford, Massachusetts 1881-1890 > Part 8
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The generous New Year's gift of one hundred dollars made by the Hon. Geo. W. Johnson, has enabled us to purchase about one hundred new books ; and a welcome boon it has doubtless been to the friends of the library. We trust that this gift will not be the
38
last of the kind, but that other persons will be disposed to follow so excellent an example.
In considering the question whether anything can be done for the benefit of the library, one plan presents itself that might be carried out without involving any expense. The Board of Trustees might be materially strengthened by a change in the mode of elec- tion, and in the tenure of office. And this matter we commend to the careful consideration of our fellow-citizens. Instead of choos- ing thirteen trustees annually to serve one year, would it not be de- cidedly better to have a board of six trustees, two of them to be chosen annually to serve for a term of three years? If, after the first election, only two were to be ciected every year, there would be more interest shown, more care taken in the selection, and a bet- ter choice would naturally and almost necessarily be made than un- der the present system. In fact, under our present regulations, the work of the Board is substantially almost entirely done by the five members of the Standing Committee, who are chosen by the thir- teen Trustees at the beginning of the year.
It is highly desirable that the library should be open every after- noon in the week, so that those wishing for books would not be obliged to wait so long in order to obtain them. Such a step would tend to increase the number of readers and promote the usefulness of the library .: For quite a number of years past, the different Boards of Trustees have felt that the library ought to be located in better quarters ' They have been looking out for a more eligible location, one of easier access, more comfortable, more attractive, and one where there would be less danger of fire, on account of which we are obliged to pay so much for insurance. But they have not yet seen their way clear to reach the end desired. They have been forced to economize closely, owing to the low state of the funds. They hope for better things to come in the future, that some time and somehow a more suitable place will be found for the use of the library. Indeed, some of us have indulged in the pleasant anticipation that ere long we should see erected in Milford a Memorial Hall, which would at once keep fresh the memories of" our brave fellow-citizens who died in the service of their country during the late civil war, and also afford safe, commodious and agreeable quarters for our Town Library.
At the annual meeting of the Trustees, it was voted to recom- mend an appropriation of twelve hundred dollars in behalf of the library for the year ensuing.
C. A. DEWEY, Chairman.
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN.
To the Trustees of Milford Town Library :
I prezent herewith the twenty-fourth annual report of the Town Library.
The library year began February 6, 1882, and ended February 3,
39
1883. The circulation was as follows : History, 713 ; Biography, 723; Politics, Law and Oratory. 117; Travels, 1139 ; Science, 719; Fiction, 14,125 ; Miscellaneous, 2538 ; Religion, 216 ; Po- etry, 400; Juveniles, 5207 ; Public Documents, 7. Total, 25,904. Number of cards issued during the year, 755. Total number of cards to date issued, 1849. Number of books covered, 2636. Number of notices sent delinquents, 346. Deprived of privileges of library by non-payment of fines, 153 ; for disorderly conduct, 8 ; for books returned in bad condition, 6; for writing in books, 3.
Books added during the year : By gift of Hon. George W. John- son, $100, 98 volumes, in the following departments : Fiction, 39 ; History, 20; Juvenile, 19 ; Biography, 8 ; Travels. 6; Miscellane- ous, 6. By Gen. W. F. Draper, two magnificent volumes, "Sou- venir of Massachusetts," containing biographical sketches of all the officers of the state, Representatives and Senators, illustrated with heliotype portraits. By George Whitney, the school library of old school district No. 1. Public documents from Adin Ballou, A. T. Wilkinson, Smithsonian Institute, State of Massachusetts, through our Congressman, Government documents, and from the author, a volume entitled, "Is Consumption Contagious?" There have been purchased, to replace worn-out books, 244 volumes.
The circulation of the library has not come up to former years, for various reasons, among which may be mentioned the following : It was found a large number of very young people were in the habit of exchanging books every day, and it was evident that, to a large extent, the books were not taken for the purposes of information, but for some other purpose for which the library was not establish- ed ; at any rate, if read it was too much reading for young people, and, with the advice of the Standing Committee, they were allowed to take books only every other day. This probably reduced the circulation from 3000 to 5000 volumes. Another : More rules were enforced in regard to order, and a few were disgruntled and with- drew their patronage, and the library was not injured by their so doing. Another was owing to lack of funds. A large number of books needing rebinding accumulated ; about 1500 volumes have been out in the binder's hands the whole year, in addition to the 300 worn out, making the labor both hard for the librarian and an- noying to patrons. Another : For the same lack of funds, no new books have been added, and without new books the interest among the patrons diminishes Under all these circumstances, the circula- tion has come fully up to what could reasonably be expected.
The conduct of the patrons is orderly and decorous ; and it is believed that if the town makes fair appropriations to enable the Committee to add new books, the circulation of Milford Town Library can be easily increased to 40,000 volumes annually, and the libra- rian would recommend that any additions they may make from the appropriation should be added monthly, even if the number was small, thus increasing the interest of the readers, and consequently the benefits of the Library. The new catalogue is steadily gaining
40
in favor with the patrons as the method of cataloguing is becoming." better understood, and with students it meets with unqualified approbation, and I notice an increased use of the book for reference and information on various subjects made available by it. A card catalogue of the additions on the same plan as the printed one, has- been prepared, and all books will be placed in it, and when a suf -- ficient number have been added, the cards can be sent the printer, thus saving the expense of compiling. The reading-room has been open as usual, but it is a question whether, with the small amount of money at the disposal of the committee, the expense of the same could not be applied to much better advantage for the general use of the library. The supply of reading matter is inadequate for the- reading-room in quantity, and patrons are small in number for that. reason. It seems to me the library would be better without it, as- it is, than with it. All of which is respectfully submitted.
NATH'L. F. BLAKE, Librarian.
REPORT OF TREASURER, J. E. WALKER, Treasurer, In account with Milford Town Library. DR.
Balance from last year's account.
$ 56 53
Town appropriation . 900 00
Dog tax . .
453 14
Donation from Hon. Geo. W. Johnson .
100 00
Cash received from fines. for catalogues sold
29 50
for waste paper.
30€
CR. $1581 77
Paid N. F. Blake, Librarian.
assistant librarian.
77 00-
H. C. Scott, rent. .
180 00
G. G. Parker, insurance
46 38
L. A. Cook, coal.
34 76
Printing.
12 25.
Binding and covering
274 95.
Books, new
138 53
Books, replacing old ones
230 69
Covering paper .
9 60
Express . .
11 05
Milford Gas Co., for gas. . Supplies.
24 88.
Stationery and postage. . .
4 47
Repairs and cleaning.
14 15
Papers and magazines 66 34
2 92
Balance on hand.
$1581 77
.
.
.
153 80'
. .
. .
42 30%
$ 300 00
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
AND
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
OF THE
TOWN OF MILFORD,
FOR THE
SCHOOL YEAR 1882-83.
MILFORD, MASS. : MILFORD JOURNAL STEAM JOB PRINT. 1883.
Board of School Committee.
GEO. G. PARKER. . Term expires, 1885.
F. J. DUTCHER. 1885.
JOS. H. WOOD. 66
1883.
JOSEPH F. HICKEY 1883.
M. P. CALLANAN. 66
1883.
GEO. L. COOKE 1883.
Report of the School Committee.
Under the present system, the report of the Superintendent is ex- pected to furnish the town with the more important facts and de- tailed statements as to the condition and needs of the schools. And yet, it is still the province of the School Committee to congrat- ulate the town upon the general prosperity and success of the public schools during the year, and allude, briefly, to some of the more im- portant events connected with their service.
Two of the most valuable members of the Board have voluntarily withdrawn from further service since the last election. Rev. J. T. Canavan, whose thorough acquaintance with our public school sys- tem, and with a large proportion of the parents and children di- rectly interested, rendered him one of our most useful associates, resigned at the close of the summer term.
Hon. Geo. W. Johnson, who has been the chairman of the Board since the resignation of Judge Dewey in 1880, resigned at the com- mencement of his services in the Senate, to which he had been re- elected. The loss of a member who brought to his work the same energy and zeal so characteristic of all his public and business life, must be apparent to all.
Mr. Mathew P. Callanan and Dr. Geo. L. Cooke were elected to fill vacancies occurring by these resignations, till the next election.
Mr. J. W. Allard also tendered his resignation during the sum- mer vacation. Mr. W. E. Hatch of Norwich, Conn., was elected as his successor, and has made a vigorous beginning in his new and difficult position.
Time has proved that the enlargement of the High School build- ing was none too soon. The class admitted at the opening of the . Fall term swells the number of pupils to about two hundred. Nor is it to be inferred that the standard of admission has been lowered. Perhaps the impression has been made to prevail that the Committee have not used due discretion in this matter, or have recklessly admitted pupils who should have remained longer in the Grammar schools. But it appears that out of the class of pupils admitted in September last, only eight or nine failed to attain the standard required at the close of the half-year, although it demanded a higher rank than ever before. It is doubtless true that the management of the lower grades of schools, and their proper grading under experienced superintendents, have advanced pupils more rapidly, and increased the number fitted for the High School at a given time. This should be rather a source of gratification than regret.
And again, since the adoption of a Two Years' Course in the High School, many who would have ended their studies at the grammar schools, are induced to undertake the shorter term in the
44
High School, but would be, by their circumstances, debarred from the full Four Years' Course. The High School should be conducted for the best good of the people, as a whole, and not for any privi- leged class.
EVENING SCHOOL.
The two upper rooms of the Claflin schoolhouse have been opened for the evening school, and under the charge of a member of the Board is affording an excellent opportunity for those who cannot at- tend the day schools, but have manhood and ambition enough to appropriate a few evenings in each week to mental culture and dis- cipline, rather than waste them in idleness or worthless pleasure. Book-keeping has been introduced, and many of the pupils show a marked proficiency in that department.
TRUANCY.
The evil of truancy still prevails, but the law provides sufficient remedies if the town will employ them. Under the by-laws adopted by the town in 1864, the Selectmen were directed to employ three truant officers. But the public statutes now provide that the School Committee shall appoint two or more truant officers, and fix their compensation, who shall havepower to carry into effect the by-laws of the town in reference to truancy, and serve all legal processes to that end. It is the duty of the town to assign some place where habitual truants may be committed for reformation. The by-laws referred to assign the State ReformSchool at Westborough. But now the County Commissioners may establish a Truant School at any convenient place, upon application of three or more towns in the County. It is important that the town should take some ac- tion in this respect.
The appropriations which the Committee ask for the coming year are as stated below.
The report of the Treasurer of the Committee will show why larger amounts are required in some of the appropriations ?
Salaries of teachers. $16,000 00
1,500 00
Care of school-houses
1,100 00
Fuel .
1,300 00
Repairs.
1,500 00
Evening school 500 00
Incidentals. 1,000 00
$22,900 00
. GEO. G. PARKER, L Fİ
FRANK J. DUTCHER, J. H. WOOD, JOSEPH F. HICKEY, M. P. CALLANAN, GEO. L. COOKE. 1 1
School Committee of Milford.
Salary of Superintendent
45
REPORT OF SECRETARY.
The expenses presented herewith cover the year from February 1, 1882, to February 1, 1883, and include all bills as far as obtain- able. The accounts show in what direction the money has been expended ; but a little explanation as to why some of the appropri- ations have been insufficient; may be in order.
For several years past, the school buildings have not been kept ' up as well as would have been done by a private individual looking to his best pecuniary interest. If buildings are to be painted at all, 'it is cheaper to keep them painted, than to wait until they are so badly worn that. two coats are a necessity. Leaky roof's are also a direct damage to the property within. One school-room has been re-plastered over head the past year, because the old plaster had be- 'come loosened by repeated wetting. For at least the next year, there will be a considerable outlay required to bring the exterior of several large buildings into good repair.
The care of school-houses properly includes the daily work of janitors, and the extra house-cleaning which should annually be done to keep rooms occupied by so large a number of persons, in suitable condition. At the rates now paid, and the number of weeks taught, the appropriation of one thousand dollars will not cover the janitors' pay- roll, leaving nothing for summer cleaning.
In regard to fuel, we have used about the same quantity of coal tlie past year as the year before, but owing to a larger average price per ton, the expense has been greater. It would be unreasonable to expect to furnish the necessary coal at six dollars per ton for the same figure paid when it was but four dollars and thirty-five cents, as in the report of 1879-80.
The incidental account covers all bills of supplies, rent of Super- , intendent's rooms, printing, stationery, use of wells, 'repair of : stoves, books for teachers and indigent pupils, and whatever does not properly come within the other appropriations. One of the „ largest items annually is the keeping in satisfactory order the stoves . and stove-pipe ; the natural wear and tear is considerable, at best, and crowded as the fires are to warm many of the rooms, the life of „stove-lining and pipe is materially reduced. The small supplies are now in much better condition than one year ago, and by checking everything of the kind against the school where used, the committee hope to be able another year to give a division of expenditures that will show the relative cost per scholar in the different schools.
In making out the recommendations for appropriations the com- ing; year, the committee have gone through all the items, and feel that the amounts asked for are needed for the efficient running of the schools.
46
SUPERINTENDENT.
John W. Allard, one-half year
750 00
W. E. Hatch, five-twelfths year. 625 00
$1375 00
TEACHING.
H. W. Lull
$1,537 50
F. B. Sherburne
872 50
Anna M. Bancroft
250 00
May A Parkhurst
512 50
Alice T. Hall.
262 50
Helen S. Eames .
526 69
Mary J. Kelly ..
366 87
Jennie M. Russell.
132 60
Hannah M. Broderick.
302 60
Mallie F. Gleason
302 60
Mary A. Holbrook
38 00
Kate E. Martin.
593 36
Ellen A. Moriarty
338 20
Mary F. Devine.
302 60
Emilie T. Hart
302 60
Edward Day
593 36
Carra V. Sadler
338 20
Eva W. Cook.
39 10
Ada A. Adair.
268 60
Mary F. Aylward.
302 60
Alzie R. Hayward
.34 00
Alice B. Chapin
391 60
Faustina M. Knight.
302 60
Kate Chapin.
302 60
Carrio L. Harris .
132 60
Clara M. Inman.
175 00
Susan E. Inman.
302 60
Maggie F. Madden
302 60
Eva E. Aldrich ..
206 80
Mary E. Johnson
180 00
Mary J. Kelly, 2d
332 60
Minnie L. Mann.
381 60
Susan R. Broderick
373 80
Kate A. Wallace
132 60
Annie F. Gleason
170 00
Delia E. Gleason .
338 20
A. Augusta Cay.
302 60
47
Jennie E. Dale.
391 60
Amanda C. Scammell.
302 60
S. E. Sheldon.
302 60
Ellen A. Devine
302 60
Jennie L. Goodrich.
302 60
Anna L. Bell.
302 60
Julia M. Barry.
302 60
Sarah F. Burns. 302 60
Mary E. Cochran
302 60
Kate McNamara
302 60
Lilian Smith.
70 00
$15,729 78
CARE OF SCHOOLHOUSES.
Frank A. Morrill
$206 80
John Gaffney .
160 20
Wm. Kelley .
160 20
John E. Burke
149 52
Jas. D). Draper
71 20
Mary Milan.
53 40
Mrs. Brennan.
.
53 40
Amanda C. Scammell
17 80
Kate McNamar:
17 80
Kate A. Wallace.
7 80
Hannah Broderick
7 80
Susan R. Broderick.
17 80
Minnie L. Mann
17 80
Jennie E. Dale .
17 80
A. Augusta Cay.
17 80
Delia E. Gleason
17 80
Jennie L. Goodrich
17 80
Clara M. Inman.
10 00
Annie F. Gleason. .
10 00
J. Gaffney, extra cleaning, etc.
22 50
J. Burke,
18 00
W. J. Kelly, “ 66
9 35
Thos. Tracy, cleaning well .
4 00
Hopedale Stable, carting ashes, etc.
5 00
F. A. Morrill, cleaning, mowing, etc
31 88
Mrs. Larkin and Mrs. Cooney, cleaning.
8 00
Mrs. Force, cleaning.
8 00
.
.
$1,139 45
48
REPAIRS.
Chapman & Winn, carpenter work $1,051 84
James Bergin, 66
45 28
W. F. Reynolds, 66
'9 26
T. E. Morse, painting and glazing
157 42
Eldredge & Beattey, 60
28 65
E. M. Noyes,
26.37
F. J. Hoyt, gas piping at High School house
82 42
'John Taft; mason work.
73 50
David Ahern, stone work . 5 00
C. Cheney, one-half fence at Park schoool.
27 96
Am. Slate Roof Co., repairing High School roof 3 00
H. McElwin, repairing blackboards. 180 77
J. Miller, turfing and grading. 50 75
$1,742 22
FUEL.
Barney & Son, coal
$333 36
L. A. Cook, 66
492 00
Field Bros., 66
454 00
Barney & Son, wood
47 26
L. A. Cook, '
76 21
E. J. Frost, shavings
9 80
F. A. Morrill,
1 00
$1,413 63
EVENING SCHOOL.
Joseph H. Wood, teaching
$306 25
Mary E. Johnson, teaching 47 50
Annie F. Keating, 75 00
John E. Burke, care of rooms
25 00
M. P. Callanan, lamps, can and kerosene.
32 97
L. A. Cook, coal.
18 00
Cook & Sons, advertising.
3 00
King & Billings, advertising .
2 00
Joseph H. Wood, ink .
1 30
.
$511 02
1
49
INCIDENTALS.
Cook & Sons, printing and advertising
$ 75 75
King & Billings, " 66 29 75
Boston School Supply Co., paper and supplies 60 64
N. E. School Furnishing Co., « 66 66
52 30
O. M. Adams,
40 75
G. W. Stacy,
10 78
G. F. King & Merrill, 66 66
9 60
Thompson, Brown & Co., cards.
1 91
Winkley, Thorpe & Dresser, order books for Supt ..... Thos. Groom & Co., order and letter books for Sec'y .. Knight, Adams & Co., Hektograph ...
3 75
Hopedale Post Office, stamped envelopes and postal cards. 11 65
Desk books and charts
67 71
Books for indigent children 74 12
H. C. Dimond & Co., rubber stamps and ink . .
5 00
C. F. Wight, tuning High school piano 8 45
6 00
G. A. Sherburne, freight and cartage.
E. J. Frost, repairing chairs . 2 25
Heliotype Co., diplomas and new plate 35 00
Miss M. S. Higgins, ribbon for diplomas 3 22
J. H. Batchelder, filling diplomas 8 00
Milford Music Hall Co., use of hall at High school graduation 25 00
11 00
Wm. Willis Clarke, services at High school graduation Expressage, telegrams, etc., paid by Supt. and Sec'y ... Boston Journal, advertising for teacher ..
6 37
A. S. Tuttle, repairing stoves and supplies.
25 11
J. W. Harris,
6 66
. .
197 12
Bartlett & Ellis, 66 66 6 61 .6
51 59
D. B. Jenks, sod cutter, etc. . . .
1 71
O. Lappen, brushes, coal hods, etc 39 75 .
Milford Savings Bank, rent of Supt's room . .
75 00
R. C. Eldredge, repairing clocks
9 65
G. H. Whittemore, “ 2 00
E. S. Ritchie & Sons, chemical apparatus for High school. 20 79
O. B. Pond, encyclopædia .
12 00
A. G. Whitcomb, desks for High school . 51 00
B. & A. R. R. Co., freight .
H. L. Patrick, water pail
25
J. Allen Rice, chemicals for High school . 19 15
J. L. Buxton, fitting keys . . . S.
2 30
Thomas Donahoe, services and expenses as truant officer 50 00
D. Ahern, use of well. 5 00
O. B. Parkhurst, 66 66 66 5 00
. . .
. . . . . . .
9 00
18 00
75
. .
1 41
.. .
50
R. Stone, 66 66 3 00
G. O. Hatch,
66 5 00
J. Madden, 66 66
2 years
10 00
J. Gleason,
3 00
Mrs. FitzMorris, " 66 66
3 years .
·
6 00
T. Wallace. 66 66
5 00
$1,177 58
APPROPRIATIONS.
Teaching. .$16,000 00
Evening school .
500 00
Care of school houses . 1,000 00
Superintendent 1,500 00
Incidentals
800 00
Fuel
1,000 00
Repairs
1,000 00
School fund .
186 49
Dog tax (one half)
238 33
$22,224 82
EXPENSES.
Teaching.
$15,729 78
Evening School.
511 02
Care of school houses
1,139 45
Superintendent.
1,375 00
Incidentals
1,177 58
Fuel.
1,413 63
Repairs.
1,742 22
Exceeded
$23,088 68 $863 86 F. J. DUTCHER, Secretary.
66
Report of Superintendent of Schools.
TO THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF MILFORD-GENTLEMEN : The first annual report of the present Superintendent of Schools of the interests. entrusted to his charge, is respectfully submitted.
STATISTICS.
Population of Milford, census of 1880. 9310;
Number of children between ages of five and fifteen, May 1, 1882 1761
Number of different scholars enrolled. 2154
Total average membership. 1544
Average daily attendance .. 1436;
Ratio of attendance to average membership, per cent. 93:
Number of pupils over fifteen years of age .. 197
Number of pupils under five years of age .. 27 Number cases of tardiness .. 2610
Number visits made by Superintendent since September 1, 1882 327
Number visits made by citizens since September 1, 1882 692
Number of school buildings.
20
Number of school rooms in use. 37
Number of teachers 41
For detailed statement of attendance, and other items of interest for the fall term, attention is called to the tabular summary on page 66 of this report.
ATTENDANCE.
The total enrollment of pupils in the public schools for the past year, was 2154. Enrollment in the Parochial and other private institutions, 255. Making the total number enrolled in all the schools in town, 2409.
The enrollment in the public schools for 1881, was 2203. This shows a decrease for 1882 of 49. The average daily attendance for 1881 was 1475, a falling off of only 36. The number of children between the ages of five and fifteen reported in 1882, was 109 less than in 1881. This would show a slight gain in attendance, were it not that since the taking of the school census the increase in population has quite, if not fully, repaired the apparent loss.
The average daily attendance compared with the total enrollment, is 67 per cent .; compared with the average membership, 93 per cent. This is a very good showing, yet one that is still capable of improve- ment.
The number of cases of tardiness for 1882, amounts to 2610. The cases of dismissal would fully equal this. The absence of data of pre- vious years, prevents comparison ; but that the ratio is too large is evi- dent, and it is to be hoped that the coming year will show a decided decrease.
Irregular attendance in the schools, is an evil that is productive of
52
mischief in many ways. Strenuous efforts have been made to improve it, and recent reports show some advancement in the right direction. But the results can never be satisfactory until parents heartily co-oper- ate with the teachers in their efforts to attain them. Many cases of necessary absence must occur on account of sickness, domestic troubles or equally valid reasons. Although these are to be regretted, the fact is recognized that they are unavoidable, and if confined within such limits there would be uo just cause for complaint. Such cases, how- ever, form a small part of the absences. By far the greater number, are from trivial causes. Many parents are forgetful of the fact that every half-day's absence is detrimental to the progress not only of the absentee but also of the whole class.
Some complaints have been made of the regulation requiring stated reasons for absence or tardiness. Some teachers may be indiscreet in the enforcement of the rule, living up to the letter rather than the spirit of the law. "Teachers are blamed frequently if pupils are not advanced with their class, and often by those whose children attend school with the least regularity. With a knowledge of all causes of absence, teach- ers are enabled to distinguish those which are for insufficient reasons, advise the pupil of the injury that absence entails, and confer with par- ents to bring about a change, if possible, for the better. I feel that the justice of such a rule will be recognized, if parents will give the matter due consideration.
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