USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1860-1869 > Part 3
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6 38
Charles H. Chandler, goods for Edward Hall, 4 14
" N. Ford & Sons, wood and flour for widow S. Weston,
4 00
" Nathaniel Ford & Sons, goods for Miss Mary South worth, -
4 94
66 Aaron Simmons, undertaker, Wid. Galen Keen, - 2 00
County of Middlesex, support of George Stetson, 8 86
N. C. Brewster, undertaker, Miss Beach, - -
2 50
Elbridge Chandler, wood, Widow Anderson, -
3 60
66 Jonathan Y. Gross, coffin, shr'd, &c., Miss Beach, 7 00
Allen Prior, flour for I. W. Chandler, 1 75
$745 03
Available Meuns for Support of Poor, 1860.
By appropriation for 1860, - - - $1800 00
Received of Town of Brookline for boarding Mrs. Han- nah Crehore, 25 75
Received of J. H. Dawes, for boarding his daughter, 19 00
Produce sold from the farm, - 25 09
$1869 84
RECAPITULATION.
The whole amount of available means for the year end- ending February 18, 1861, - - $1869 84
Overdrawn from 1859, paid from assess-
- - $115 73 ment, 1860, - - -
Amount expenses in the house, -
967 15
out of the house, - - 745 03
Balance to new account, - - - -
41 93 - $1869 84
.
12
The whole number of persons admitted to the house during the year was eighteen. The largest number at any one time was fif- teen ; the smallest, ten ; average number, fourteen. Average expenditures of the house through the year have been $1.52.06 per week.
There have been raised the past season, upon the land con- nected with the house, crops sufficient to supply the house during the summer and autumn. Also, harvested for the benefit of the house, the following amount of produce, to wit : one ton and a half of English hay ; ninety bushels of potatoes ; eight bushels of turnips ; half ton of oats fodder ; five bushels of beets ; six bushels of parsnips ; one bushel of onions ; one bushel and a half of beans.
Inventory of Articles remaining in the House, Barn, g.c., on the eighteenth day of February, 1861.
One and a half barrels of pork, one and a half barrels of beef, thirty-nine bushels of potatoes, three bushels of turnips, four bushels of parsnips, one bushel of corn, three bushels of corn- meal, one bushel of rye-meal, forty pounds of lard, six pounds of sugar, one-eighth barrel of flour, three pounds of soda, five pounds of rice, six pounds of tea, six pounds of dried apples, three cords of wood, four tons of coal, one ton of hay, one cow, two hogs.
All of which is most respectfully submitted.
ELBRIDGE CHANDLER,
Overseers SAMUEL ATWELL, of
JOHN HOLMES, the Poor.
4
THE
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF DUXBURY,
FOR THE YEAR 1860-61.
BOSTON : PRINTED BY FRANK C. MOORE, 16 DEVONSHIRE STREET. 1861.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
1860-61.
Chairman. HENRY B. MAGLATHLIN.
Vice-Chairman. JOSIAH MOORE.
Secretary and Depositary.
JAMES WILDE.
Prudential Committees.
JONATHAN Y. GROSSE
District No. 1
WILLIAM W. HOLMES
No. 2
GEORGE B. SAMPSON
66 No. 3
EBENEZER CHANDLER
66 No. 4
JUDAH CHANDLER No. 66
JAMES SOUTHWORTH
66 No. 6
MELZAR HUNT
66 No. 7
JAMES WILDE
66 No. 8
CONSIDER BURGESS
66
No. 9
SAMUEL H. GURDY .
66 No. 10
G. W. WITHERELL .
66 No. 11
LEWIS B. BARSTOW
66 No. 12
.
REPORT.
To the Town of Duxbury :
IN compliance with the requirements of the law, the School Committee submit this, their Report.
CONDITION OF THE SCHOOLS. DISTRICT NO. 1. - VILLAGE.
The school in this district was taught, both summer and winter, by Miss Emily W. Sears, a teacher combining unusual ability to govern with aptitude to teach. The school, by frequent change of teachers, had become wanting in discipline ; but, under the continued charge of Miss Sears, has been restored to good order and efficiency, and made one of the best in town.
Length of School. - Summer, 4 months ; winter, 4 months : in the aggregate, 8 months.
Wages per Month. - Summer, $28; winter, $30.
Cost of instruction, $232; share of school money, $242.61. Whole Number of Scholars. - Summer, 58; winter, 60.
Number under five years of age: summer, 1; winter, 1. Number over fifteen years of age: summer, 1; winter, 4. Average attendance : summer, 44; winter, 55.
DISTRICT NO. 2. - NOOK.
Miss Mary S. Louden had charge of the summer term, and Miss Laura L. Eldridge of the winter term. Both of these teachers appeared to be interested in their work, and desirous to advance their scholars in their studies ; but frequent change of teachers, for a few years past, has evidently prevented the school in this district from fully maintaining its former high rank.
4
Length of School. - Summer, 42 months ; winter, 42 months : in the aggregate, 92 months.
Wages per Month. - Summer, $20; winter, $24.
Cost of instruction, $209 ; share of school money, $230.65. Whole Number of Scholars. - Summer, 59; winter, 54.
Number under five years of age: summer, 8; winter, 1. Number over fifteen years of age: summer, 1; winter, 4. Average attendance : summer, 44; winter, 49.
DISTRICT No. 3. - ISLAND CREEK.
No school in town, during the year, has made more substantial progress than that in this district. Mr. Nathan T. Soule, a very faithful and conscientious teacher, by his thorough instruction, in the summer, laid a good foundation for others to build upon. He was followed in the winter by Mr. Peleg T. Keene, Jr., an earnest educator, whose school was a complete success. Mr. Keene deserves much praise for seeking out and applying the best methods of instruction, and for his extraordinary tact in rendering what many make but a matter of dull routine varied . and attractive. There was a large attendance, under his in- struction, of pupils over fifteen years of age. The closing examination was largely attended by parents and others, and all appeared to be pleased with the marked proficiency made by the scholars. Among the interesting exercises of the occasion, the drills in articulation, and in Dr. Lewis's new system of gym- nastics, very justly received particular attention of the visitors.
Length of School. - Summer, 42 months ; winter, 34 months : in the aggregate, 7} months.
Wages per Month of the Teacher. - Summer, $24; winter, $34.60.
Cost of instruction, $214.45; share of the school money, $239.63.
Whole Number of Scholars. - Summer, 36 ; winter, 52.
Number under five years of age: summer, 1; winter, 0. Number over fifteen years of age: summer, 0; winter, 7. Average attendance : summer, 29; winter, 4633.
.
5
DISTRICT NO. 4. - TREE OF KNOWLEDGE.
Miss Antoinette Bailey taught the school in this district, both summer and winter. The average attendance in the summer was much reduced by sickness prevailing among the pupils. A gratifying feature of the winter school was the presence of an unusual number of scholars over fifteen years of age, who did credit to themselves, by good behaviour and attention to their studies.
Length of School. - Summer, 5 months ; winter, 4 months : in the aggregate, 9 months.
Wages per Month. - Summer, $18; winter, $20.
Cost of instruction, $170 ; share of the school money, $242.62. Whole Number of Scholars. - Summer, 51; winter, 59.
Number five years of age : summer, 6 ; winter, 0. Number over fifteen years of age : summer, 1; winter, 10. Average attendance : summer, 34216 ; winter, 45,9%1 ..
DISTRICT No. 5. - ASHDOD.
The school in this district suffered from change of teachers. At least three different individuals had charge of it during the year. Miss Laura L. Eldridge taught the summer term. Miss Eliza C. Dawes began the winter term, and Mrs. F. L. Gifford completed it. Miss Dawes ceased, at the end of six weeks of her school, to board with the daughter of the Prudential Commit- tee, and immediately after he took measures to get rid of her services. It is but justice to Miss Dawes to say that the School Committee did neither approve nor sanction the treatment she received ; and, had she been willing to have continued in the school, she would have been sustained. The relation of the teacher to a school should never be rudely severed, nor for any slight cause. The law has wisely left the dismission of teachers from their schools discretionary with the School Committee. When a Prudential Committee undertakes to do this, he plainly assumes the duties of the School Committee. He can " give information and assistance to the School Committee of the town,
6
to aid them in the discharge of the duties required of them ; " but he cannot legitimately discharge those duties for them.
Length of School. - Summer, 4} months ; winter, 22 months : in the aggregate, 62 months.
Wages per Month. - Summer, $19; winter, $24.
Cost of instruction, $146.75 ; share of the school money, $155.83.
Whole Number of Scholars. - Summer, 39 ; winter, 37.
Number under five years of age: summer, 5; winter, 3. Number over fifteen years of age: summer, 1; winter, 1. Average attendance : summer, 28}}; winter, 274.
DISTRICT NO. 6. - CAPTAIN ALDEN'S.
The low average of attendance upon the school in this district, during the entire year, was owing, apparently, in a great mea- sure, to the wretched condition of the school-house. This had become so out of repair, that parents regarding the health of their children undoubtedly hesitated to entrust them, except in propitious weather, within its uninviting walls. Miss Lucy J. Holmes had charge of the summer term, and Miss Julia W. Cobb of the winter term. Miss Cobb excelled in teaching the elements of the language. She taught her scholars to execute readily and accurately all the different sounds entering into the formation of words, and thus labored to perfect them in a just articulation, without which there can be no speaking or reading with ease, elegance, or effect.
Length of School. - Summer, 42 months ; winter, 3} months : in the aggregate, 8 months.
Wages per Month. - Summer, $16; winter, $19.
Cost of instruction, $138.50 ; share of the school money, $146.86.
Whole Number of Scholars. - Summer, 26; winter, 26.
Number under five years of age: summer, 0; winter, 0. Number over fifteen years of age: summer, 0; winter, 1. Average attendance : summer, 15; winter, 1834.
DISTRICT NO. 7. - MILLBROOK.
The summer term of this school was taught by Miss Almira
7
T. Partridge. Under her instruction, the scholars made fair progress ; but the order and discipline of the school were not as good as should have been maintained. Mr. Nathan T. Soule taught the winter term, and devoted himself to the work with his usual fidelity.
Length of School. - Summer, 5 months ; winter, 41 months : in the aggregate, 94 months.
Wages per Month. - Summer, $24; winter, $30.
Cost of instruction, $247.50 ; share of school money, $226.56. Whole Number of Scholars. - Summer, 61; winter, 55.
Number under five years of age: summer, 3; winter, 0. Number over fifteen years of age: summer, 0; winter, 2. Average attendance : summer, 46} ; winter, 4246.
DISTRICT No. 8. - POINT.
Miss Martha S. Waterman, a teacher of considerable experi- ence, taught the summer term. The school appeared well when visited by the Committee ; but the register shows there was, on the part of the scholars, no less than fourteen hundred and thirty- eight instances of tardiness during the term, - an indication of grave fault somewhere. Miss Mary S. Louden had the care of the winter school, and labored to raise its condition. She was able, very materially, to reduce the amount of tardiness, as com- pared with the previous term.
Length of School. - Summer, 5 months ; winter, 34 months : in the aggregate, 8} months.
Wages per Month. - Summer, $28; winter, $24.
Cost of instruction, $218 ; share of school money, $242.62.
Whole Number of Scholars. - Summer, 58; winter, 50.
Number under five years of age : summer, 3; winter, 1. Number over fifteen years of age: summer, 0; winter, 3. Average attendance : summer, 42; winter, 3551.
DISTRICT NO. 9. - TREMONT.
This school, in the summer, was under the care of Miss Jane Burgess. It was her second attempt at teaching. The results were not as encouraging as could be desired. Miss Lydia S.
8
Bryant, who had charge of the winter term, met with better success.
Length of School. - Summer, 3 months ; winter, 4} months : in the aggregate, 7g months.
Wages per Month. - Summer, $16; winter, $16.
Cost of instruction, $114 ; share of the school money, $128.84. Whole Number of Scholars. - Summer, 18; winter, 18.
Number under five years of age: summer, 0; winter, 1. Number over fifteen years of age : summer, 1; winter, 1. Aver- age attendance : summer, 12 ; winter, 13.
DISTRICT No. 10. - CROOKED LANE.
Miss Maria D. Samson taught the summer school. She was well qualified for her task, both by education and experience. The deportment of her scholars, their studiousness and progress, were all very commendable. The average attendance was re- markably good. The winter school, conducted by Miss Adaline Clarke, closed without the usual examination, in consequence of sickness in the district.
Length of School. - Summer, 34 months ; winter, 3 months : in the aggregate, 64 months.
Wages per Month .- Summer, $21; winter, $20.
Cost of instruction, $128.25 ; share of the school money, $146.86.
Whole Number of Scholars. - Summer, 28; winter, 35.
Number under five years of age: summer, 2; winter, 2. Number over fifteen years of age: summer, 2; winter, 2. Average attendance : summer, 24; winter, 27.
DISTRICT No. 11. - UNION.
Miss Mercy M. Delano, a teacher of large experience and of great success, has had this school under her charge, not only during the past year, but, with the exception of a single term, for several years in succession. Through her well-directed endea- vors, the school has attained a highly creditable standing ; and thus affording an excellent illustration of the wisdom of retaining, term after term, the faithful services of the same good teacher.
9
Length of School. - Summer, 5 months ; winter, 22 months : in the aggregate, 73 months.
Wages per Month. - Summer, $19; winter, $20.
Cost of instruction, $140 ; share of the school money, $167.80. Whole Number of Scholars. - Summer, 35; winter, 37.
Number under five years of age : summer, 3; winter, 0. Number over fifteen years of age: summer, 1; winter, 1. Average attendance : summer, 31; winter, 31.
DISTRICT No. 12. - HIGH STREET.
This school was conducted by Miss Mary E. Pierce, and with success. The scholars were well behaved, attentive to their lessons, and made good proficiency. The specimens of penman- ship and bookkeeping were much to be commended, showing that those useful branches had received the attention their importance demanded. The closing examination appeared to give entire satisfaction to all who were present.
Length of School. - Summer, 4 months ; winter, 3} months : in the aggregate, 7} months.
Wages per Month. - Summer, $14; winter, 20.
Cost of instruction, $126 ; share of the school money, $134.88. Whole Number of Scholars. - Summer, 22; winter, 24.
Number under five years of age: summer, 2; winter, 1. Number over fifteen years of age : summer, 1; winter, 6. Average attendance : summer, 1928 ; winter, 2029.
SCHOOLING OUT OF TOWN.
It has been provided by law that scholars residing remote from the public schools in their own town, may attend a nearer school in another town, upon such terms as may be agreed upon by the school committees of the two towns. Agreeable to this liberal provision, three children, two of Jairus Howland and one of Edwin Eaton, of District No. 4, residing more than two miles from the school in that district, and being quite young, have been furnished with schooling in a public school in Kingston, at an expense of $14.47 to Duxbury.
2
10
AVERAGE ATTENDANCE.
It will be seen, by the table accompanying this report, that the ratio of average attendance of scholars in all the schools, to the whole number of persons in town between five and fifteen years of age, which some years was as low as .63, last year was as high as .80. For the last four years, the average ratio has been .75, - much higher than that for any previous period of the same length. This is a very encouraging exhibit. It shows that our schools are making progress, and that they are growing in the confidence and affection of our people.
TEXT-BOOKS.
It has been the aim of the School Committee for several years to secure in all the schools a uniformity upon the most approved text-books. That object, fortunately, has been now attained. No new adoption has been made during the past year, and it is hoped that the uniformity now established may not require to be materially disturbed for a long time.
The arrangement instituted three years ago for the supply of text-books, which require the depositary to account definitely, at the end of each year, to the town, and to furnish the schools with the books required, at a merely nominal advance upon cost prices, has been continued.
Dr. Wilde, the present depositary, at the beginning of the school year, received from his predecessor in office books amount- ing to $77.99; and has had occasion to purchase additional stock to the amount of $146.32, on which a profit of $12.80 was realized. His supplies to the schools amount to $187.37; leaving in his hands, to the credit of the town, stock costing $49.74.
The cash and unpaid bills, for books delivered to scholars in District No. 5, have not been returned to the depositary, although promised some time since. This is much to be regretted, as it necessarily delays the making up of his account to be au- dited by the selectmen. The Prudential Committee of the dis- trict named took the cash and unpaid bills, that should have been returned by the teacher, as the account is between the teacher and depositary. The proceeding was irregular, and, un- less it can be satisfactorily explained, is extremely reprehensible.
11
SCHOOL-HOUSES.
The condition of these useful structures of any place may be regarded as a pretty sure index of the character of its inhabit- ants. What impression, then, are our school-houses calculated to give of the intelligence, taste, and self-respect of the citizens of Duxbury ? Are all these buildings in town, as they should be, commodious in their internal appointments, and tasteful and pleasant in their immediate surroundings ? These are pertinent inquiries ; for whatever is brought under the frequent observation of the young must have its influence upon their susceptible natures for good or for evil.
Shabby school-rooms induce slovenly habits. Ill-constructed benches may not only distort the body, but, by reflex influence, the mind as well. Wintry blasts sweeping in through open floors, or broken windows, not only injure the health, but chill the warm glow of youthful enthusiasm. Conditions like these seldom fail to disgust the learner with his school, and neutralize the best efforts of his teachers. On the other hand, neat, comfortable, and agreeable places for study may help to awaken associations enchaining the mind and heart to learning and virtuous instruc- tion, with links of gold brightening for ever.
A school district, obliged by law to provide a suitable school- house, by neglecting for one year so to do, is " liable to a fine not exceeding two hundred dollars, to be recovered by indictment, on complaint by any legal voter in said district."
The school-house in District No. 6 is one of those relics of the past now happily becoming quite rare. It is too small for the number of scholars, too low in the ceiling, too much out of repair, and too much ventilated all over ! It should give place to one that is " suitable."
The school-house belonging to District No. 5, although new and in good repair, is hardly large enough for its school. The school-houses of Districts No. 4, 7, and 8 could be greatly im- proved in their internal aspect, at no great expense, by a judi- cious application of whitewash, paper, and paint. Those of Districts No. 2, 9, 11, and 12 are in fair condition ; and those of Districts No. 1, 3, and 10 are modern structures, conveniently
12
arranged, commodious, and in a good degree in accordance with the requirements of the age.
Most of the houses do not have sufficient play-grounds at- tached ; and all could be made more attractive by the grading of their grounds, and by the planting of trees and shrubbery.
SELECTION OF TEACHERS.
It has been customary for the town, as during the last year, to allow each Prudential Committee to select and contract with the teacher of the school in his district. This course has many objections, and should mend or end.
The office of Prudential Committee is unattended with emolu- ments, and its honors are not esteemed very highly ; so that it often goes in rotation, by general consent, from one individual to another, each glad, at the end of a year, to be relieved from its requirements. The incumbent may be a good farmer or me- chanic, and well-intentioned, and yet lack the necessary know- ledge and experience to perform the responsible trust of selecting a suitable instructor for immortal minds. If a good teacher has charge of a school this year, there is no certainty that the same faithful services will be continued ; for the coming man, next year, may have some relative or favorite to provide for, even should thereby the interest of the district suffer. While this state of things is allowed, there will be frequent change of teachers; and, as a direct consequence, the scholars, dis- couraged by being often put back in their studies, and confused by conflicting methods of instruction, will obtain knowledge, if at all, under great difficulties.
The School Committee, as now constituted of only three mem- bers, and these generally professional men, sometimes all resi- dents of the same section of the town, can scarcely be sufficiently conversant with the views and wants of the several districts, perhaps, to make the most acceptable distribution of teachers among them. A. School Committee, however, can be chosen, consisting of six members, including both practical and profes- sional men, and selected, one from every two districts, so as fairly to represent all sections of the town. Such a board could
13
safely be entrusted with the choice of teachers. Shall so feasib] a remedy for the evils arising from divided responsibility in th management of our schools be tried ? Should the town so de termine, it is confidently believed a great reform would b inaugurated.
GRADED SCHOOLS.
The multiplicity of school districts in town prevents any thin. like gradation in any of the schools. In the south-western, wes tern, and north-western parts of the town, owing to the sparsenes of the population, the number of districts could not, perhaps, b advantageously lessened. But all the village districts, including that of Mill Brook, might be consolidated into two; admittin conveniently of establishing in each of one secondary or gram mar school and two primary schools.
To carry out this system, no additional school-houses would b demanded, although the location of some might require to b changed. The expenses of instruction would not necessarily b increased, as no more teachers would be needed than at present
The benefits arising from the consolidation would be manifol The pupils, by being nearly of the same age and attainment, the same school, could be advanced uniformly ; the classes to taught by any one teacher being few, would admit of full just being done to each branch of study; the younger and old pupils being in different schools, the former would be less lik to be actuated by any bad examples of the latter ; and the p motions incidental to the system, by qualification, from a los grade of school to one that is higher, would be well calcula to stimulate the ambition of the learner.
By means of graded public schools, and the Partridge Aca my, which, through the beneficence of its founder, is open fre for all who may qualify themselves for its course, the children. few, if any, communities, would enjoy equal privileges with o for obtaining a good education.
H. B. MAGLATHLIN, JOSIAH MOORE,
School Committe
JAMES WILDE,
TABLE
Showing the Number of Schools, Number of Scholars, Average Attendance, School Money, Number of Teachers, and Aggre- gate Length of the Schools for each year, from 1849 to 1861, inclusive.
YEARS.
No. of Public Schools.
In Summer.
In Winter.
In Summer.
In Winter.
No. of persons under 5
No. of persons over 15
years attending School.
and 15 years in the town. No. of persons between 5
Mean average attendance
Ratio of attendance to the
whole number of children
Amount raised by taxes
Income of surplus reve-
Town's share of the School
Male.
Female.
Male.
Female.
Months.
Days.
Months.
Days.
Months.
Days.
1849-50
13
449
523
347
443
36
42
587
395
.67
$2,100
$200
1
12
12
1
64
00
48
00
112
00
1850-51
13
464
539
370
439
55
34
587
404
.69
2,100
296
120.53
1
11
9
4
62
00
48
00
110
00
1851-52
13
461
508
353
389
57
32
590
371
.63
2,100
296
126.00
1
12
8
5
60
10
52
10
113
00
1852-53
13
483
478
357
413
37
45
519
3-5
.74
2,100
296
131.28
1
12
10
3
60
00
47
5
107
5
1853-54
13
443
505
325
351
36
37
526
338
.64
2,100
416
129.22
1
13
8
5
60
5
48
10
108
15
1854-55
13
465
513
347
388
28
36
563
367
.65
2,100
296
126.24
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