USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Palmer > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Palmer, Massachusetts 1884 > Part 2
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E. L. Greenleaf, taking paupers to Tewksbury, 14.00
5.00
H. T. Bishop, goods to Amelia Furkey,
30.00
Holden & Ellis, goods to Alex Dominie,
10.00
Loomis Bros., coffin and robe for George Tracey,
15.00
A. L. Haynes, wood to Arthur Juno,
.60
J. A. Palmer, taking Mrs. Crawford to Tewksbury,
2.38
A. L. Haynes, wood to Andrew Young,
Peter Gilbert,
.63
Loomis Bros., coffin and robe for James McCoy, cash paid Wm. Long for care of McCoy,
5.00
Wm. Holbrook, attendance on Peter Gilbert family,
15.00
Holden & Ellis, goods to Peter Gilbert family,
8.79
O. C. Peterson, board of Kare Christianson and child,
9.00
Dr. W. H. Stowe, attendance on Kare Christianson,
19.00
Louis Blanchard, moving Peter Gilbert family, 8.00
2.00
$187.90
Received from the State,
173.75
Balance due from the State,
$14.15
" M. C. Mowry, for laying out McCoy,
.50
James McCoy,
1.00
J. J. Moynihan, digging grave for James McCoy, .
13.50
15.50
Loomis Bros., coffin for Dominie child, .
H. G. LOOMIS, ₹ Overseers of the Poor JOSEPH KERIGAN, S of Palmer.
YOUNG MEN'S LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.
REPORT OF THE TREASURER
For the year ending March 1, 1885.
1884.
March 14 Balance in treasury, . $425.70
September 9. Received of town treasurer, 500.00
October 29. Fines and catalogues, 22.00
W. W. Leach, membership fee, . .
10.00-$957.70
Cr.
Paid for library books, $398.38
For rebinding library books, 13.90
March' 14.
H. Bassett, for library card case, 6.50
July 18. L. E. Chandler, services, assist- ant librarian, . 25.00
October 11. Miss Jennie Kenerson, services as
assistant librarian, 78.00
October 28. Express and postage,
.80
1885.
January 10. For fitting up Union Hall for library use, 132.33
February 10.
Geo. W. Ely, for insurance on books,
35.00-$689.91
Balance in treasury,
$267.79
FRANK L. BROOKS, Treasurer.
REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
For the year ending March 1, 1885.
Number of volumes in library March 1, 1884, 2,596
Number of volumes bought during the year, 291
Number of volumes donated, . 78-2,965
Number of volumes loaned to readers in fiction, 6,950
Number of volumes loaned to readers in history, travels, etc., 2,084-9,034
It may be well to say in this connection that it is the aim of the manage- ment to render the library as much of an aid to education in the town as possible. To this end, books in all departments of useful knowledge are purchased as they appear from time to time. All are invited to avail them- selves of the opportunity which the library affords for the perusal of such works as may interest.
O. P. ALLEN, Librarian.
-
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Your Committee would report that the condition of the schools throughout the town during the past year has been in the main satisfactory. Some mistakes have been made ; some errors have been corrected, but the general progress and advancement of the schools of all grades has been marked.
The Act of the Legislature, passed in 1884, compelling towns to furnish to the scholars, free of expense, all text-books and school supplies, has imposed additional duties upon the Committee, which they have endeavored to perform. In compliance with that Act, your Committee have purchased books and supplies sufficient for the needs of all the scholars in town, at an expense of nearly seventeen hundred dollars, and have fully met all the requirements of the law. The advisability of such a law we will leave each individual voter to determine for himself. Three things, however, we find from the experience of this year :
1. That it costs a large sum of money ;
2. That it takes much time and labor to distribute and keep an accurate account of all the books and supplies in each school, which must be done.
On the other hand, all the scholars, rich and poor alike, are supplied with every needed appliance for their studies-books, pens, pencils, paper, ink, as well as apparatus, and all dis- tinctions in that respect are done away with.
In order to protect the property of the town in the various school rooms, book cases, sufficiently large to hold all the text-books and supplies, have been placed in every school room in town. We thereby incurred considerable expense, but it was deemed needful to preserve the property of the town.
23
Your Committee found one relic of barbarism in the old- fashioned benches and straight-backed, narrow seats remaining in several of the older school-houses in town; and believing it to be but an act of justice to the scholars in the outskirts of the town, have removed these "relics of by-gone days" from the houses in the Mason, Shaw and Shorley districts, and placed in their stead seats and desks of modern design, similar to those in our village schools, and have otherwise improved the condition of the houses in those districts.
From some cause, either by reason of faulty construction or of the inclemency of the weather, the steam apparatus in the school-house at Three Rivers became entirely useless, and we were compelled to make extensive repairs. And it was deter- mined by your Committee to excavate under the main building, and to place the boilers near the center of the house before making the repairs which could not be avoided. The excava- tions and alterations have been made, and the repairs upon the boilers have been finished. The apparatus was severely tested during the 'intense cold weather of the past winter, and the whole' building has been thoroughly warmed upon the coldest days, with a saving to the town of a large quantity of fuel.
While the town has generously raised for the support of schools all the money asked for by your Committee, we cannot refrain from calling the attention of every citizen to its relative position among the other towns in the State. A glance at the statistics will show that our town occupies a very low plane when compared with a large majority of the towns in the Commonwealth.
John Adams says " that the people should receive instruction in every kind of knowledge that can be of use to them in the practice of their moral duties as men, citizens, and Christians."
Madison said "that such a people-not a favored few of them-but the people, should arm themselves with the power which knowledge alone can give."
How does Hampden County appear when looked at from this standpoint? And our town is but little above the average
24
of the County. The average attendance of children in Hamp- den County in the public schools is much less than in any other County in the State, being but 58.92 per cent., while in old Berkshire, among the hills, the average attendance is over 70 per cent ; and in Dukes 86.47 per cent.
These figures plainly show a duty unperformed. Your Committee can furnish buildings, books, and appliances of all kinds ; your teachers can be ready and willing to impart infor- mation of the best to all who put themselves under their instruction ; but unless the parents and children co-operate with the Committee and teachers, our schools will fall far short of accomplishing for the rising generation that which they might accomplish.
We urge all parents, rich and poor, to remember that the school life of their children is at best very short, and to so mend their ways that the average attendance of our schools shall increase so as to place our town among the foremost in the Commonwealth. We realize that sickness in some parts of the town has seriously interfered with several of the schools, and yet we cannot overlook the fact that many of our little boys and girls, who ought to be found in our schools thirty-six weeks in the year, are employed a large portion of the time in the various manufactories of the town. The mere pittance which they earn will not compensate them for the loss of their present opportunities.
Your Committee desire to repeat the recommendation made a year ago, and again would earnestly urge the town to provide at once a suitable building for the High school. More room is needed at the Depot Village, and the time is at hand when more room must be provided. Our High school is worthy to rank among the High schools of the State, and it can never take its proper rank until it is provided with a fit and suitable building.
We submit herewith a statement in detail of the condition of the different schools in the town.
25
IIIGH SCHOOL.
DEPOT VILLAGE.
The High school during the spring term continued under the charge of Mr. F. W .. Whitney. Mr. Whitney was a man well versed in the sciences, and earnest in his work; but he seemed to lack the qualities necessary to arouse the enthusiasm of his pupils and obtain the best results. At the end of the spring term he resigned, and your Committee selected from some sixty applicants Mr. H. B. Knox, who had taught successfully in Eastport, Maine. Mr. Knox has proved thoroughly competent in every way, and under his charge the scholars have become more self-reliant, and have made marked progress.
Miss Eva E. Kenerson, the assistant, has faithfully seconded the efforts of Mr. Knox in the High school, and kindly con- sented during the past term to take charge of a part of the Grammar school. She has increased the good opinion of the Committee as to her qualifications as a teacher.
The Grammar school has been taught by Miss Mary E. Marsh, a teacher of experience and ability, devoted to her work, but whose frequent attacks of illness have somewhat interfered with her school work.
The Intermediate school, under the management of its com- petent teacher, Miss Ida A. Taft, is in excellent condition. Miss Minnie S. Burleigh, teacher of the Second Intermediate school, always gives satisfaction.
The Primary school was, during the first term, taught by Mrs. Georgia S. Gilchrist. Here, too, was manifest a want of discipline and enthusiasm. During the fall and winter, Miss Maggie A. Sullivan, an old teacher in town, has been in charge. She proves herself here, as well as elsewhere, to be a teacher successful both in instruction and discipline.
26
THREE RIVERS.
GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
This school was taught the past year by Mr. E. G. Ward who, as a faithful, earnest teacher, commands our warmest approval. With a teacher gifted with a rare faculty to make difficult things plain, to give interest to the dryest branches, and to make the pupil understand what he studied, this school made marked improvement.
The First Intermediate was taught by Miss Belle H. Searle, who has long occupied the position.
The Second Intermediate had the services of Miss Addie M. Hoyt, a teacher of experience, who excelled as a disci- plinarian and as an instructor-the school making satisfactory advancement.
The Third Primary was under the care of Miss Minnie C. Hoyt, who taught a very satisfactory school.
The Second Primary was again taught by Miss Sarah E. Knox, until the winter term, when she was succeeded by Mrs. Sarah E. Ward-a change in name, and not in teacher. Mrs. Ward has long occupied this position, and always acceptably.
The First Primary was taught during the year by Miss Frances Beauregard, whose patient, untiring devotion to her work, and fitness for the position, developed in the school a degree of excellence seldom seen.
THORNDIKE.
Grammar : This school has been for the past year under the charge of Mr. Charles E. Mongan, a very thorough teacher, who does not confine himself slavishly to the text-book, and under whose charge the school has shown good improvement. Owing to the crowded condition of the school during the fall term, it was determined to procure an assistant, and in the fall term Mrs. Ella C. Washburn, and in the winter term Miss M. A. Taft acted in that capacity.
The First Intermediate school has been taught by Miss Jennie R. Williston, an able, impartial teacher, under whose
27
control the school has shown a commendable degree of advancement.
The Second Intermediate was taught the spring term by Miss M. A. Sullivan, with her usual good results. During the fall and winter term, it was under the care of Miss Alice L. Abbe. She began under unfavorable circumstances, fol- lowing so successful a teacher, and one that the pupils thought the best. It was some time before the pupils became recon- ciled to the change, but after becoming better acquainted with each other, the rough places were made sinooth, and at the end of the year the school showed a good degree of advancement.
The Second Primary has had the services of Miss Nellie H. Searle during the year, who has taught with fair success. Sickness has caused an irregular attendance a part of the time, and the great number of scholars who cannot speak a word of the English language discourages a teacher ; but, by persever- ance and hard work, the school appeared well at its close.
The First Primary, taught by Mrs. Mary E. Murdock, has long been known as one of the best in town. It has fully sustained its reputation the past year.
BONDSVILLE.
The Grammar school has been under the charge of Mr. J. P. Arnold during the entire year, and his excellent work is shown by a much higher average in the scholarship of his pupils. The school was very satisfactory.
Mrs. L. B. Ely, a teacher of long experience, has taught the Intermediate school. She has maintained her reputation for thoroughness of drill and discipline, and her school at its close showed good advancement.
The Second Primary has been unfortunate in the frequent change of teachers. Miss L. J. Blaisdell, a teacher of expe- rience, was obliged to resign soon after the beginning of the fall term, and was succeeded by Miss Minnie C. Baker, whose lack of experience was not made good by her ability. The present teacher, Miss Laura T. Shumway, has regained lost ground by diligence and perseverance.
28
Miss M. T. Leonard remained in charge of the First Pri- mary during the spring term. She was an honest and perse- vering teacher. Her place was filled the last two terms by Miss Ada M. Russell, who shows aptness and earnestness in her work.
The school near the wire mill has been taught by Miss Inez Burleigh, who is an excellent teacher in the Primary depart- ment, and has given the utmost satisfaction in her present position.
Miss Hattie M. Blanchard has taught the school at Blanch- ardville during the year. Her work has been satisfactory, and merits praiseworthy mention.
Miss Addie C. Dickinson, at the Whiting district, has man- ifested much anxiety for the advancement of her scholars. The diversity of studies-it being a mixed school, with classes from the primer to algebra-has furnished ample employment for the teacher. Her discipline and method of instruction merit our approval.
At the Center, Miss Helen H. Cobb taught the spring term with good success. Upon her resignation, she was followed in the fall by Miss M. A. Taft who, although lacking some- what in government, taught a good school. Another change in the winter found Mrs. Ella C. Washburn in charge. She is a very careful, painstaking teacher, and her efforts met with fair success.
The Shaw district has had the services of Miss Effie Smith, who has been persevering with her little band of pupils, and whose school has made commendable progress during the year.
The Mason school has been taught by a graduate of our High school, Miss Phæbe Smith who, although young and somewhat inexperienced, has proved herself an efficient teacher. Her industry and close application cannot fail to produce good results.
Miss Annie E. Olney, a teacher of experience and ability, has taught the school in the Shorley district. Harmony has prevailed in the district, and the school work has been excel- lent and progressive.
Your Committee call the attention of the town to the fol- lowing financial statement.
29
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
SALARIES OF TEACHERS. HIGH SCHOOL.
F. W. Whitney,
$400.00
H. B. Knox, .
.
600.00
Eva E. Kenerson, .
450.00
$1,450.00
Mary E. Marsh,
$346.50
Minnie S. Burleigh,
315.00
Ida A. Taft, .
315.00
Georgia S. Gilchrist,
105.00
Maggie A. Sullivan,
210.00
$1,291.50
Charles E. Mongan,
$447.50
Mary E. Murdock,
313.25
Jennie R. Williston,
313.25
Ella C. Washburn,
50.00
Mamie A. Taft,
75.00
Maggie A. Sullivan,
105.00
Nellie H. Searle,
315.00
Alice L. Abbe,
210.00
$1,829.00
THREE RIVERS.
$450.00
Belle H. Searle,
315.00
Frances Beauregard,
315.00
Minnie C. Hoyt,
315.00
Addie M. Hoyt,
315.00
Sarah E. Knox,
210 00
Sarah E. Ward,
105.00
$2,025.00
BOND'S VILLAGE.
J. P. Arnold,
$450.00
L. B. Ely,
.
315.00
L. J. Blaisdell,
126.00
Mary T. Leonard, .
96.25
Ada M. Russell,
210.00
Minnie C. Baker, .
78.75
Laura T. Shumway,
105.00
$1,381.00
E. G. Ward, .
THORNDIKE.
DEPOT.
30
UNGRADED SCHOOLS.
Inez Burleigh, Wire Mill,
$270.00
Hattie M. Blanchard, Blanchardville,
270.00
Addie C. Dickinson, Whiting,
270.00
Nellie H. Cobb, Center, .
$90.00
Mamie A. Taft, Center, .
90.00
Ella C. Washburn, Center,
90.00- $270.00
Effie Smith, Shaw, .
252.00
Phoebe Smith, Mason,
252.00
Annie E. Olney, Shorley,
252.00
$9,812.50
FUEL.
J. F. Holbrook, Depot, .
$183.51
John Kinevan, Depot,
7.00
A. D. Thompson, .
5.00
J. F. Holbrook, Three Rivers,
284.41
A. L. Haynes, Three Rivers, .
20.75
D. B. Bishop, Thorndike,
29.00
J. F. Holbrook, Thorndike,
227.54
H. T. Bishop, Thorndike,
2.75
J. F. Holbrook, Bond's Village,
120 82
N. W. Bond, Bond's Village, .
8.50
J. F. Holbrook, Wire Mill,
44.36
Michael Connor, Wire Mill,
4.00
Seth Walberg, Wire Mill,
2.25
J. F. Holbrook, Blanchardville,
31.33
O. A. Chandler, Blanchardville,
1.50
H. M. Kendall, Center, .
·
14.00
E. A. Trumbull, Center,
1.25
Ruth D. Naylor, Center,
1.00
Charles R. Shaw, Shaw, .
24.00
Brian Rourke, Mason, .
22.00
Charles F. Smith, Whiting,
29.50
Dennis Mahoney, Shorley,
14.00
$1,078.47
CARE OF HOUSES.
M. C. Mowry, Depot,
$57.75
A. D. Thompson, Depot,
100.00
John Dawson, Depot,
2.50
D. G. Reilly, Thorndike,
53.00
Charles E. Mongan, Thorndike,
40.00
Nellie H. Searle,
3.00
Joseph Fountain, Three Rivers,
45.00
31
E. G. Ward, Three Rivers,
$50.00
C. W. Minot, Three Rivers, .
50.00
J. P. Arnold, Bond's Village,
60.00
H. A. Smith, Bond's Village, . Lewis Chalk, Blanchardville, . Susan P. Allen, Blanchardville, Inez Burleigh, Wire Mill,
5.50
15.00
3.00
15.00
E. A. Trumbull (1883), Center,
4.00
R. D. Naylor, Center, ·
12.35
Mabel F. Brown, Center,
5.00
L. G. Bartlett, Whiting,
5.45
Hugh C. Kerigan, Whiting,
10.85
Patrick Mahoney, Shorley,
10.00
Charles R. Shaw, Shaw, .
5.00
S. B. Keith, Mason,
4.00
Frank A. Laird, Mason,
9.00
$565.40
REPAIRS.
Silas Ruggles, Three Rivers, .
$124.81
Page Steam Heating Co., Three Rivers,
34.90
L. Giffin, Three Rivers,
11.36
George O. Henry, Three Rivers,
2.52
S. L. Porter, Three Rivers,
162.08
N. K. Rogers, Three Rivers, .
37.75
John Wilson, Three Rivers,
8.50
Palmer Mill, Three Rivers, ·
15.64
P. H. Rochford, Three Rivers,
12.50
George B. Kenerson, Three Rivers,
5.00
W. H. Hitchcock, Three Rivers,
12.76
Thorndike Co., Three Rivers,
17.70
H. B. Smith & Co., Three Rivers, .
56.79
F. F. Marcy, Depot,
49.89
W. R. Madison, Depot, .
22.87
A. D. Thompson, Depot,
7.00
F. D. Barton, Depot,
.75
Brooks Bros., Depot,
11.97
D. G. Reilly, Thorndike, Henry J. Dill, Thorndike,
7.00
J. H. McIntire, Thorndike,
6.00
F. F. Marcy, Thorndike,
4.37
S. W. Shumway, Thorndike,
3.00
John Barber, Thorndike,
6.60
Thorndike Co., Thorndike,
6.78
H. A. Smith, Bond's Village, .
6.15
4.00
32
T. D. Potter & Co., Bond's Village,
$3.79
John Wilson, Mason, .
3.75
N. K. Rogers, Mason,
2.50
Ryan Rourke, Mason,
.75
N. K. Rogers, Shaw,
2.00
N. K. Rogers, Shorley, .
5.00
N. K. Rogers, Whiting, .
4.00
F. F. Marcy, Blanchardville, .
12.19
A. M. Bond, .
13.65
C. A. Brown & Co.,
2.95
Boston Duck Co., cement,
1.70
H. A. Smith, black-boards,
6.70
C. E. Shumway,
2.50
Brooks Bros., paints, glass, etc.,
13.82
E. C. Sexton,
17.57
P. S. Thompson, Three Rivers,
7.35
W. R. Madison, Blanchardville,
.50
$739.41
TEXT-BOOKS AND SUPPLIES.
Whitney & Adams,
$1,457.39
O. P. Allen, .
142.94
Powers Paper Co.,
20.00
George A. Murdock,
3.18
E. F. Shaw, .
12 69
George L. Hitchcock,
1.18
S. H. Brown,
1.25
O. P. Allen,
8.84
H. B. Knox, care of books,
40.00
-
$1,687.47
CONTINGENCIES.
C. B. Fisk, printing,
$30.50
E. S. Brooks, clocks,
4.25
J. H. Thayer & Co., brooms,
1.60
J. A. Palmer, truant officer,
3.00
Chas. R. Shaw, brooms, etc.,
2.00
J. M. Buffington, enumerating children,
50.00
Novelty Manuf. Co., desks,
142.00
M. W. French, rent of hall,
5.00
J. H. Gamwell, water rent,
11.00
F. F. Marcy, setting desks, book cases,
216.48
Silas Ruggles, brooms, etc.,
2.50
Loomis Bros., chairs,
2.50
F. D. Barton, clock,
1.75
23.81
33
Brooks Bros., paints, oils, and hardware,
$17.50
Taft and Kenefick, insurance, Shorley,
7.00
George A. Murdock, sundries,
4.91
S. S. Taft, cash, expenses, and express,
17.76
C. E. Shumway, truant officer,
2.00
Murdock Bros., broom and pail,
.85
T. J. Sullivan, expenses to Boston,
·
5.00- $551.41
SALARIES.
Silas Ruggles,
.
$100.00
E. B. Gates,
.
.
100.00
H. A. Smith, .
100.00
T. J. Sullivan,
100.00
George A. Murdock,
100.00
S. S. Taft,
100.00- $600.00
STATEMENT OF SCHOOL FUND.
Appropriation for teachers' salaries,
$10,000.00
66
fuel,
850.00
" care of school-houses, .
550.00
" repairs,
500.00
" contingencies,
900.00
" salaries of school committee,
600.00
Income of Mass. school fund,
" Merrick fund,
34.34
Tuition at Bondsville,
5.80
S. Ruggles, for old brick,
4.75
George A. Murdock, for lime,
.60
School committee, for school books,
.75
- -$15,632.47
TOTAL EXPENDITURES FOR SCHOOLS.
Teachers' salaries, .
· $9,812.50
Fuel,
1,078.47
Care of houses,
565.40
Repairs,
739.41
Text-books and supplies,
1,687.47
Contingencies,
551.41
Committee's salaries,
600.00
- -
$15,034.66
Your Committee would recommend the following appropri- ations for the ensuing year :
Teachers,
.
$10,000.00 1,100.00
Fuel,
Care of houses,
600.00
Repairs,
500.00
Text-books and supplies,
1,000.00
Contingencies,
800.00
Salary of committee,
600.00
$14,600.00
.
1,700.00
" text-books and school supplies,
Dog tax,
260.74
225.49
Tabular Statement of Schools.
Average
and
Attendance.
1st Month.
2d Month.
3d Month.
4th Month.
5th Month.
6th Month.
7th Month.
8th Month.
9th Month.
10th Month
Average
Number
Average
Attendance.
Enrolled
Palmer High,
Miss E. E. Kenerson, Assistant.
36
35
32
57
56
56
56
56
54
49
44
42
Palmer Grammar,
35.5
33
31.5
54
54
50
54
52
44
46
44
42
44
44
43
43
41
41
43
41
60
Palmer Intermediate,
Georgia S. Gilchrist,
57
62
67
59
60
58
57
53
49
58
52
93
First Primary,
Margaret A. Sullivan,
43
42
40
47
45
47
49
48
41
44
41
48
Second Primary,
Minnie S. Burleigh,
40
38
36
45
44
45
44
41
39
Charles E. Mongan,
49
47
46
48
66
62
64
60
59
55
49
67
Thorndike Grannar,
Mamie A. Taft, Assistant.
44
40
40
44
58
54
54
53
52
41
37
33
33
34
35
34
35
35
Jennie R. Williston,
38
33
28
29
29
27
28
30
29
Alice L. Abbe,
40
33
27
34
32
29
34
34
35
33
29
48
Second Intermediate,
38
31
26
30
25
22
30
28
29
47
47
46
58
56
48
46
53
51
50
46
64
First Primary,
45
41
44
56
52
40
43
48
45
52
50
48
57
51
51
45
45
45
49
43
78
Second Primary,
48
46
44
52
48
43
41
36
30
20
19
19
28
26
26
31
31
27
24
34
Three Rivers Gram.
Erwin G. Ward,
20
18
18
26
24
24
30
27
25
First Intermediate,
Belle H. Searle,
29
29
28
25
24
22
22
21
19
32
28
26
29
28
28
24
24
21
27
24
38
Second Intermediate, Addie M. Hoyt,
30
24
23
26
24
27
21
22
18
1
34
32
30
36
H. B. Knox,
33
30
28
29
30
30
33
35
34 32
32
31
28
27
27
28
29
30
32
Mary E. Marsh,
Ida A. Taft,
44
41
39
43
41
40
40
39
38
53
55
63
52
54
52
54
43
44
35
30
44
First Intermediate,
Margaret L. Sullivan,
M. Emma Murdock,
32
33
32
28
27
24
25
25
23
28
24
.
45
TEACHERS.
Membership
for year.
No.
Frank W. Whitney,
Nellie H. Searle,
25
.
·
Tabular Statement of Schools (Continued).
TEACHERS.
Average
and
Attendance.
1st Month.
2d Month.
3d Month.
4th Month.
5th Month.
6th Month.
7th Month.
8th Month.
9th Month.
10th Month
Average
Number
Average
Attendance.
Enrolled
First Primary,
Frances Beauregard,
58
55
66
47
42
40
42
38
27
Sarah E. Knox, ?
37
40
38
42
44
40
39
39
35
39
35
66
Second Primary,
Sarah E. Ward, S
31
38
35
39
41
37
35
34
30
35
31
34
Third Primary,
Minnie C. Hoyt,
24
26
26
36
41
36
31
29
28
27
25
32
Bondsville Grammar,
30
25
20
27
27
25
26
24
23
19
18
25
Intermediate,
Mrs. L. B. Ely,
17
17
13
21
21
24
18
17
16
54
48
97
First Primary,
Ada M. Russell,
65
67
66
39
42
42
41
35
31
Minnie C. Baker,
42
36
34
40
41
40
38
40
41
41
34
47
Second Primary,
Laura T. Shumway,
38
26
21
36
39
39
36
37
36
Helen H. Cobb,
17
16
14
20
24
23
24
24
22
Mamie A. Taft,
15
13
12
18
23
21
20
23
20
Ella C. Washburn,
36
43
37
45
46
47
41
38
33
41
36
45
Wire Mill,
Inez Burleigh,
32
39
34
43
41
42
34
30
28
Blanchardville,
Hattie M. Blanchard,
19
18
18
24
25
23
21
17
16
14
15
15
18
20
20
19
22
22
19
16
22
Whiting District,
Addie C. Dickinson,
13
12
13
17
19
18
16
18
17
9
9
9
9
9
9
10
10
10
9
8
10
Shaw District,
9
9
8
8
7
8
8
9
8
18
19
18
14
13
12
13
13
11
15
12
27
Mason District,
Phœbe B. Smith,
13
14
14
12
12
11
10
9
9
10
11
11
11
11
10
12
12
9
11
9
13
Shorley District,
Annie E. Olney,
9
9
8
10
9
9
10
10
6
60
61
70
49
47
43
44
44
39
51
46
112
31
26
22
29
29
27
27
26
24
John P. Arnold,
19
18
14
23
23
24
19
18
17
Mary T. Leonard,
72
75
69
45
47
47
46
43
41
26
29
28
40
43
38
36
37
34
23
20
35
20
21
20
29
27
26
25
21
19
23
19
29
Palmer Center,
Effie Smith,
.Membership
for year.
No.
.
36
Whole number of scholars in town May 1, 1884, between five and 15 years, taken by the enrolling officer,
1,175
Between eight and 15 years, 690
Number enrolled in all the schools,
1,291
Average number of scholars for the year, ·
935
Average attendance, .
834
SILAS RUGGLES,
E. B. GATES,
T. J. SULLIVAN,
H. A. SMITH,
School Committee.
GEO. A. MURDOCK,
S. S. TAFT,
AUDITOR'S REPORT.
This certifies that we have examined the accounts of the Treasurer, Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor, School Com- mittee and Tax Collector, for the year ending March 2, 1885, and find them correctly cast, with vouchers on file for all dis- bursements entered on the Treasurer's books.
GEO. C. BUEL,
ENOS CALKINS,
Auditors.
REPORT
OF
SOLDIERS' MEMORIAL COMMITTEE.
The Committee appointed by the town at its last Annual Meeting to consider the question of building a Memorial to our Soldiers, has attended to the duty assigned it, and submits the following Report :
Nearly twenty-four years ago the quiet of our homes was rudely shattered by the sounds of War. Throughout the land was heard the call for men to leave toil, pleasure, business, home, all delights and comforts, and to peril life for the defense of our Government, and the perpetuity of a Nation hallowed by the blood of patriots and rendered historic by the noble deeds of our fathers. To this call no niggardly response was made. From valley and hillside, from farm-house and count- ing room, from factory and workshop, from homes of poverty and of wealth alike, went gladly forth to do or die many of our ablest and best. A mighty work they did. To save a Nation's life was their purpose. This they accomplished, and more. They were instruments in Divine Hands to destroy the one menace to the perpetuity of our Republic, the one cause of sectional contention, the one institution that was creating antagonistical civilizations within the borders of our land. It may be true, it is true, that they "builded better than they knew ;" that they were but unconscious agents in the Divine purpose. It is an honor to be selected of God for a great and beneficent work. The citizen soldier of the American Republic has that honor. Who shall say that he does not deserve it?
1
38
This work of his will be the longest remembered. Genera- tions hence, not the defense of the Union of these States, great and useful as it was, but the destruction of Slavery, will be seen to have been the central and interesting fact in our Na- tional struggle. It will be seen more and more in coming time that the crisis was in character not so much political as moral. As the world grows wiser and more clear-sighted, the significance of the result referred to will be more and more felt.
To the call of that hour the men of Palmer responded as readily and nobly as those of other towns. Their record upon the fields of blood honors our town. Indeed, Palmer has rea- son to be proud of the soldier boys who represented her on the battle fields of the War of the Revolution, those of 1812 and those of the Rebellion.
Has she done her duty by these brave and loyal souls ? Where is the manifestation of her gratitude? Where is there anything to show that her sons stood shoulder to shoulder with others beneath the shot-torn folds of the Stars and Stripes, where red-handed Death stalked unpityingly ? . These questions answer themselves. It is to be hoped that our town has waited thus long that our Memorial may be the richer and the more worthy. Has not the time come when to delay longer will be ingratitude ? Shall not the generation that heard the call and responded to it see the Memorial as a sign of public gratitude ? Why wait till the last survivor of the War has passed from earth ?
If a Memorial be built, it will serve to honor the memory of the brave soldier of 1861 and the equally brave soldiers of 1812 and 1776. Yet more, it will be a proof that the town honors courage and devotion. Can we afford to let the work these men did go unhonored, to give their names no such eter- nity as can be found in bronze and stone? If we do nothing, coming generations will charge us with ingratitude and lack of appreciation. We do appreciate courage and devotion ; we are not ungrateful to the men who fought for us on the fields of those Wars. Let us show our gratitude by our works.
39
Again, will not a Memorial erected by the town, and inscribed with the names of her sons who represented her in the Wars, be an object lesson of Patriotism ? Patriotism is indeed a principle in its best manifestation, but, like all principles, it may be quickened into fulness of life by influences. Promi- nent among such influences, and in potency second to none, would be a Memorial erected by our town. The town, then, in justice to her history, to her present and her future, should proceed to erect such Memorial to her soldiers. The great majority of towns have already done so. Is ours to be the last ?
Your Committee is unanimous in the recommendation that the town make immediate provision for building a Memorial that shall be worthy of the town and her sons.
Your Committee is also a unit in recommending that the Memorial take the form of a building. They suggest the fol- lowing general plan :
1. The building should have some feature so distinctive of its purpose that no one need ask its object. This feature may be a Memorial vestibule containing a bronze statue of an American soldier, and tablets upon which may be engraved the names of the citizens of this town who served in the Wars of the Nation.
2. A suitable room or rooms for a Public Library. It is well-nigh the universal policy of towns in our Commonwealth to support Public Libraries. Their usefulness largely depends upon their facilities. Among these, and quite as important as any, are the rooms in which they shall be housed.
3. Suitable rooms for the meetings of the local Post of the Grand Army of the Republic. This organization, existing not so much to keep alive the memories of the War days as to be the medium of assistance to old or disabled soldiers and their needy families, ought not to be compelled to draw so often on the purses of its members. It certainly would be a graceful and appreciative act for the town to follow the example of other towns, and provide them with suitable quarters. In the natural
40
course of events, such rooms will not be needed long for such a purpose. The members of the Union armies are growing old. At the close of another quarter of a century, only here and there will be found a survivor, and he bearing the burden of years. The Order will soon be a thing of the past. These rooms can then serve another purpose. A museum, archæological and historical, can then find a home therein. Such a museum would be a school for both old and young.
A building would then be the best and most suitable Memo- rial to our soldiers, and at the same time serve other purposes of great and lasting value.
In the judgment of the Committee, the town is warranted in entering upon the work. Palmer has no debt. Our taxes are not high. Having waited so many years, the town can justly afford to spend a larger sum and erect a richer Memorial.
Your Committee is of the opinion that a suitable building of brick or stone-and they recommend no other-can be erected by the town at an expense for both site and structure not exceeding twenty thousand dollars. If the sum of three thou- sand dollars is raised and appropriated the present year, together with the two thousand already raised for the purpose, an annual appropriation of three thousand dollars for five additional years would pay for it. Surely, this would not burden the town. No imperative necessity rests upon the town to raise money for any other extraordinary object than this.
Your Committee recommend that a Building Committee be appointed at the present town meeting, and that the work be entered upon immediately, so that, if possible, when comes the twenty-fifth anniversary of the going forth of our brothers, fathers, and sons to battle, it shall be ready for dedication to its high and solemn purpose.
Respectfully submitted,
Committee,
- E. A. PERRY, H. E. W. CLARK, E. B. GATES, O. B. SMITH, M. W. FRENCH.
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