USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1879-1889 > Part 3
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"Two questions have presented themselves to my mind while making my investigations on near-sightedness in the public schools. One is, whether the word 'instruc- tion' is always synonymous with 'education ;' and the second is, whether, while we are reducing the number of the absolutely blind in our asylums, by improved meth- ods of operation and treatment, we are not, by over-use of the eyes at school, laying up a future evil which, though milder in form, will, from its very frequency, entail a greater and more lasting detriment upon the race."
In keeping with the suggestions of the Board of Education and State Board of Health, your Committee during the past year have sought to remedy as far as possible any defects referred to. By far the most diffi- cult school of any in Town to have properly ventilated, has been School No. 1. The lowness of the walls, the comparative smallness of the room, and the large number of scholars, have rendered it difficult to secure fully, sanitary measures. The placing of registers in the floor and chimney, and putting in of a ventilating stove, have had, according to the testimony of the teacher, a good effect. The best ventilated school in Town is the one lately built in District No. 8. Nearly all the schools have been furnished with the necessary registers to secure proper ventilation. It has been found necessary in accordance with the suggestions of the State Board of Health, to request the teachers not to darken the school- rooms by closing entirely the outside shutters or blinds.
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Inside shades, to be adjusted according to circumstances, have been substituted for closed blinds. In referring to these matters it is proper to add that the School Com- mittee have frequently been called to attend to these sanitary measures, at the earnest request of the parents and guardians of the pupils. This of itself shows the growing interest in our public school system. as well as intelligence on these important subjects.
THE SCHOOLS IN DETAIL.
District No. 1.
Some changes were made in this school during the year just closed. When the Grammar School was discontinued in 1875, it was deemed necessary by the School Committee to have such alterations made in the school-house as would secure accommodations for
two schools - a Primary and an Intermediate. This arrangement worked very satisfactorily ; and if the same necessity had existed, the arrangements might have continued. It was found, however, during the past year, that on account of the removal of families from the district, the promotion of scholars to the Academy, and the removal of others from the Town, the school population of the district had dimin- ished, and was still continuing to diminish. Under such circumstances it was not considered economical or necessary to continue the arrangement of having two schools. Accordingly, the two school-rooms were thrown into one by removing a partition, and changing
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the arrangement of desks and seats. This alteration made a large and commodious school-room. The intro- duction of ventilators and a ventilating furnace stove. with other minor improvements, rendered the school- room healthful and pleasant ; and the results, it is believed, have been satisfactory to all concerned.
The two schools were consolidated at the beginning of the second term. During the first term the Primary School was in charge of Miss Lizzie B. Baker, who closed her school at the termination of the first term. to the satisfaction of all concerned. During the second and third terms the school was re-arranged, - that is, the Primary and Intermediate thrown into one, - and was taught by Miss Emily W. Sears. It is due to Miss Sears to say that she entered heartily into the new arrangement ; that she has, during the year, as formerly, manifested a very deep interest in her schol- ars, - brought a piano into the school-room at- her ·own expense and of her own accord, and in other ways sought to make her school-room attractive. and profitable to her pupils.
Whole number of scholars, fifty-nine ; average attendance, fifty-four. Number of scholars under five years of age, one ; number of scholars over fif- teen years of age, two; between eight and fourteen years of age, forty-eight.
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District No. 2
was under the charge of Mrs. JJenny P. Standish. This is one of the schools of our Town that has shown such a marked improvement during the last few years. It still maintains its good reputation. Very much credit is due to the faithful and thorough drill and discipline of Mrs. Standish. She, also, at her own expense, brought a piano into the school-room ; encouraged the pupils to adorn the walls of the room, and to take an interest in protecting the school prop- erty. The parents and guardians in this district are to be commended for the deep and growing interest they manifest in educational matters, and for the hearty manner in which they sustain and encourage the teacher. The state of the school during the year reflects great credit alike on teacher and pupils.
Whole number of scholars, fifty-five : average attend- ance, fifty. Number of scholars under five years of age, two ; over fifteen years of age, one; between eight and fourteen years of age, thirty-eight.
District No. 3
has had a varied experience during the year. The school was opened at the beginning of the first term under the charge of Mr. Henry Barstow, a member of the School Committee. Owing to the serious ill- ness of a member of his family, he resigned about the middle of the term, and Mrs. Ida M. Chandler took
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charge of the school during the remainder of the term. At the opening of the school for the second term, Mr. Herbert E. Walker, a graduate of the Par- tridge Academy, was put in charge, and finished the term in a very satisfactory manner. Mr. Walker is a promising young teacher, and it is hoped his services as such may be secured for his native town. During the third term. the school was under the care of Miss Sarah C. Goodspeed, one of our old and experienced teachers. The examination at the close of the term, as well as the state of the school generally, reflected great credit alike on teacher and pupils.
Whole number of scholars, thirty - one ; average attendance, twenty-seven. Number of scholars between eight and fourteen years of age, twenty-two.
District No. 4.
From being one of the largest schools in the Town, this one has become, within a few years, one of the smallest. By removals and promotions to the Academy, the school population of the district has been steadily decreasing, so far, at least. as the school. registers would indicate. But the decrease is more apparent than real. The number of pupils wending their way every morning from some part of the dis- trict towards the Academy shows that the work of education is still going on, only in a higher department. This district has furnished a very large proportion of the Academy or High School pupils.
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During the first term the school was under the care of Mrs. I. M. Chandler for a few weeks; but in the emergency connected with District No. 3, she was transferred from the former to the latter district, and Miss Marion J. Perry appointed in her place. Miss Perry continued through the second term, also. Mr. Herbert Walker was appointed to take charge during the third term, but through some misunderstanding he failed to do so. and Miss Lizzie B. Baker was sub- sequently appointed. There was some sickness in the district during the third term, but this fact does not of itself explain satisfactorily the small attendance of pupils during the closing weeks of the school year.
Whole number of scholars, twenty-three ; average number belonging, twenty-one. Number of scholars between eight and fourteen years of age, sixteen. Average attendance, seventeen.
District No. 5.
This school was in charge of Miss Mary E. Chandler during the entire year. It is very gratifying to your Committee to state that a marked improvement has been noticed in this school for a few years past. Miss Chandler has succeeded admirably in her work as a teacher, and she has been well sustained and encouraged by the parents and friends of her pupils. One pleasing feature in connection with this school is the progress made by many of the scholars in indus- trial drawing and penmanship.
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Whole number . of scholars, twenty-two ; average attendance, eighteen. Number over fifteen years of age, three ; number between eight and fourteen years of age, eighteen.
District No. 6.
This school has maintained its good name for gen- eral excellence, as usual. During the first and third terms, Miss Mary D. Boylston had charge. Miss Sarah C. Goodspeed had charge during the second term. Under the care of both teachers the scholars did well, and the examination at the close of the year was very satisfactory.
Whole number of scholars. twenty-eight ; average number belonging to school. twenty-one ; average attendance, nineteen. Number of scholars over fifteen years of age. three ; number of scholars between eight and fourteen years of age, nineteen.
District No. 7
was in charge of Miss Sarah C. Goodspeed during the first term ; of Miss Mary D. Boylston during the second term ; and of Miss Marion J. Perry during the third term. All of these teachers, it is believed, worked hard for the interests of the scholars, and their efforts were appreciated to a greater or lesser extent. The parents and guardians of the pupils are to be commended for the increased interest manifested in the school during
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the year. A greater number visited the school during the year and attended the closing exercises than for several years past.
Whole number of scholars, thirty-eight ; average number belonging, thirty - four ; average attendance, thirty-one ; number of scholars between eight and four- teen years of age, twenty-four.
District No. 8.
This school was under the charge of Mrs. Mary R. Crocker during the first term. Mrs. Crocker, having declined re-engagement for the second term, as she was about to visit the West. Mrs. Ida M. Chandler was appointed, and had charge of the school during the sec- ond and third terms. As Mrs. Crocker had taught so many terms in the district, and was very popular both with the pupils and their parents, it was rather difficult for another teacher to step in and answer all demands and expectations. Mrs. Chandler, however,. succeeded in her work to the satisfaction of all, and the examination at the close of the year indicated hard work and a good degree of progress. The parents and friends are to be commended for the manner in which they sustain and encourage the teacher. No district in Town has more or warmer friends of the school than this one.
Whole number of scholars, forty-eight ; average number belonging, thirty-eight ; average attendance, thirty-five ; number of scholars between eight and four- teen years of age, twenty-three.
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District No. 9.
At the Town meeting last April, a vote was passed expressive of the sense of the Town that the school in this district should be closed, and that the School Com- mittee should make necessary arrangements to have the pupils of the district conveyed to the nearest school of the Town. The vote did not order the school to be closed, but was expressive of the sense of the Town on the subject. The Committee proceeded to make arrange- ments for closing the school. but were met by the earnest protests of the citizens of the district. A meeting was held for mutual consultation, the result of which was the decision, that as the school had already been opened some four or five days it should continue one month. So deep was the feeling on the subject, and so earnest the protests against closing the school .- some citizens saying, "In- crease our taxes if necessary. but don't close our school," that your Committee did not feel justified in taking the responsibility of further pressing the matter for that term. The Committee, however, announced that they could not, under the circumstances, continue the school beyond the first term without further instruction from · the Town. A special Town meeting, held in July. authorized the continuing of the school during the year, which was accordingly done. During the first and last terms the school was in charge of Miss Emma F. Keene. During the second term it was in charge of Miss Mary F. Cushing, a graduate of the Partridge Academy. Both teachers closed their respective terms in a satis-
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factory manner. Whatever may be said on the question of economy, as connected with this district, one thing is at least noteworthy,-the deep interest manifested by the parents and friends of the pupils in the prosperity of the school.
Whole number of scholars, eleven ; average number belonging, nine ; average attendance, eight.
THE PARTRIDGE ACADEMY.
The Partridge Academy, being recognized as the High School of the Town, it falls within the province of the School Committee to make reference to that institu- tion. Since the arrangement made several years ago, between the Town (through its School Committee) and the trustees of the Partridge Academy, by which on the payment of one hundred and fifty dollars annually out of the annual appropriations of the Town for school purposes, our High School scholars are educated at the Partridge Academy. By this arrangement the Academy has been recognized as the High School of the Town. Everything has been done by the trustees of the Academy (consistent with the conditions of the Partridge bequest) to co-operate with the School Com- mittee, in making the Academy in all respects fulfil the spirit of the law in relation to High Schools. At the special request of the Committee, the Principal of the Academy has furnished a report for the year, as following :
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ACADEMIC OR HIGH SCHOOL YEAR, 1879-80.
AVERAGE NUMBER OF PUPILS.
Boys. 20. Girls. .... 30.
Total .50.
AVERAGE AGE OF PUPILS.
Boys. 15.80 years. Girls. . . 15.40 years.
Total
15.60 years.
AVERAGE ATTENDANCE.
Boys. .. 97.00.
Girls. . . 96.58.
Total 96.79.
AVERAGE SCHOLARSHIP.
Boys. .. 91.53.
Girls . 94.92.
Total . 93.225.
AVERAGE DEPORTMENT.
Boys . 95.25. Girls ...... 97.75.
Total . . ... 96.50.
GENERAL SUMMARY OF STUDENTS.
ADVANCED COURSE.
Boys . . . . . . 6. Girls ...... 3 ...... 9.
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REGULAR COURSE.
Senior Class. Boys . .4. Girls ..... 3 . .. 7.
Middle Class.
Boys . . 5.
Girls 13 18
Junior Class.
Boys . . . 3. Girls . . 13 16.
Total . 50.
The following named pupils have not been absent a single half day during the year :
Susie S. Boylston,
Mary N. Gifford,
John W. Cushing,
Nellie H. Fogg,
Joseph Boylston,
Walter D. Loring.
The next examination for admission to the Academy takes place on Monday, August 30, 1880, beginning at nine o'clock, A. M. The candidates must have attained the age of twelve years ; and must pass a satisfactory examination in Reading, Spelling, Writing, Arithmetic, through Common Fractions ; the Geography of North America, English Grammar, including the parsing and analysis of simple prose sentences.
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A greater age and higher attainments than those prescribed by the Board of Trustees, would make the course of study of more value to the student. Pupils should not leave the common schools until they have received what those schools are competent to give. Let them first master the work of the common school, and then seek for admission to the High School.
The studies of the regular three years' course are arranged as follows :
Junior Class .- United States History, Geography- including map drawing, Grammar, Vocal Music-includ- ing reading in all the keys at sight. Natural Science- including the study of plants, animals, air, water, lieat, light, electricity, gravitation ; Reading, Writing, Spell- ing-including the application of the words in impro- vised sentences, and Mental Arithmetic.
Middle Class .- English History, Elocution, Compo- sition and Rhetoric, Algebra, Book-keeping, and Physics.
Senior Class .- Ancient History and Middle Ages, Physiology and Hygiene, Astronomy, Physical Geogra- phy, Etymology, Civil Polity of the United States and Massachusetts.
The advanced course of studies extends through a period of one or more years, and includes the sub- jects of the regular course in review, together with the following : Zoology, Botany, Political Economy,
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Logic, Geometry, and English Literature with collateral reading.
Drawing is conducted by my colleague throughout the entire course, and includes Free-hand, Design, Geo- metrical, and Perspective. In connection with the work are exercises in Dictation and Memory, and delineations on the blackboard. General exercises in Singing, Gymnastics, Object Lessons, Problems, Com- positions, Declamations, and Reading Selections are conducted at such times and in such manner as the Principal may designate. Navigation, Surveying, Trigo- nometry, the French, German, and Latin languages may be pursued as optional studies, but not to the neglect of the regular course.
Pupils should be seriously engaged in their school work. They cannot make satisfactory progress, if, as soon as the outer threshold is crossed, all thought and interest in their studies be cast aside. Faithful teachers take their schools to their homes ; the pupils should do likewise. Parents and guardians should use their best endeavors to make the home life and school life parts of a perfect whole. It is expected of the Academy scholars that they will study at least one hour each day at their homes. The work of the school requires thus much ; and, where health will permit, more time could be profitably used. It may be well to state that any pupil will be excused for the imperfect prep-
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aration of a lesson, upon bringing a note, signed by a parent or guardian, stating that the pupil has faith- fully tried to know his lesson and has spent, since the, close of the preceding school day, at least one hour at home in solid study.
The matter of home reading demands the attention of the parents. Our young people ought to be encour- aged in spending a good share of their time, especially evenings, in reading. The characters of men and women depend largely upon the books they read in youth. There is no more vital question than this : What shall our boys and girls read ? Let them read books that are pure; books that are natural, - reflect- ing life as it is; books that strengthen their love for truth, justice, temperance, benevolence, and piety ; books that set before them high standards of excel- lence, high ideals of honest manhood and Christian character. Such books may be of fiction, poetry, art, history, philosophy, or morals. Our duty in regard to those who read them is simply this : help them to choose the best. Be as careful in the selection a's in the choice of an intimate friend. Books are com-
panions, as real and tangible as the living men and women with whom we daily converse, They stamp themselves upon the minds of those who read them. Their influence is deep and lasting upon the memory and the imagination. How jealously, then, should we guard our private and public libraries, and have in
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them those books only that shall give good, hearty, and healthful nourishment to the mind and soul. The best books are not dull. Let the books that children read be interesting always. But, at the same time, let them be books that shall kindle in them new and holier aspirations, and lift them up from their dead selves to higher things.
Respectfully submitted,
E. B. MAGLATHLIN.
PARTRIDGE ACADEMY, March 5, 1880.
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ADDITIONAL ITEMS.
Number of persons in Town on May 1, 1879, between the ages of five and fifteen years,-three hundred and fifty.
Whole number of scholars enrolled in the different schools of the Town, three hundred and sixty-five.
Average attendance during the year, three hundred and eight.
Number attending the schools of the Town between the ages of eight and fourteen years, two hundred and forty-six.
Number attending over fifteen years of age, thirty.
Number attending under five years of age. five.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
H. BARSTOW, School W. W. LYLE, Committee E. B. MAGLATHLIN, of Duxbury.
BOOK AGENT'S ACCOUNT.
J. PETERSON, Book Agent,
In account with the TOWN OF DUXBURY. For the year ending March 15th, 1880.
DR.
Books on hand March 15th, 1879.
$262 30
Cash paid by the Town for books, 1879 411 84
Salary of Book Agent
30 00
Balance in favor of the Town
30 10
$734 24
CR.
By books on hand March 15, 1880
$303 59
Supplies for desk, District No. 1
22 27
No. 2.
8 04
No. 3
7 91
No. 4.
1 78
No. 5
5 99
No. 6
3 73
No. 7
6 75
No. 8.
4 25
No. 9.
3 14
1 85
Sundry supplies
$65 71
70
Unpaid bills to Assessors, No. 1
$70 35
No. 2
46 14
No. 3
18 10
No. 4.
8 93
No. 5
14 31
No. 6 12 69
No. 7 16 00
No. 8
14 90
No. 9
4 44
$205 86
Cash for books sold, paid to Treasurer 159 08
$734 24
The world's a stage, an all the men and women immerElip players.
THE ANNUAL REPORT 2
OF THE-
SELECTMEN
-OF THE-
TOWN OF DUXBURY
-- FOR THE- -
. FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 15TH,
Calendar year 1880 -TOGETHER WITH THE- -
Reports of the Town Clerk and School Committee.
Annual Town Meeting, April 4th, 1881.
PLYMOUTH : AVERY & DOTEN, STEAM BOOK AND JOB PRINTERS. 1881.
ـر
REPORT.
The Selectmen, Assessors, and Overseers of the Poor respectfully submit the following report, showing the financial condition of the Town, March 15th, 1881, with the reports of the Treasurer, Town Clerk and School Committee : ·
SCHOOLS. TEACHERS.
AMOUNT PAID.
DISTRICT No. 1. Emily W. Sears
$297 00
DISTRICT No. 2. J. P. Standish 252 00
DISTRICT No. 3. Herbert E. Walker 184 00
DISTRICT No. 4. Sarah C. Goodspeed 240 00
DISTRICT No. 5. Mary E. Chandler 252 00
DISTRICT No. 6. Mary D. Boylston 280 00
DISTRICT No. 7. Marion J. Perry 200 00
DISTRICT No. 8. Ida M. Chandler 306 00
DISTRICT No. 9. M. Emma Keene.
216 00
$2,226 00
Partridge Academy, tuition High School scholars ..
150 00
$2,376 00
4
PAID FOR FUEL AND CARE OF SCHOOL-HOUSES.
District No. 1. $54 67
District No. 2 40 91
District No. 3 30 55
District No. 4 11 55
District No. 5 19 65
District No. 6. 22 35
District No. 7
25 20
District No. 8
33 25
District No. 9
9 65
$247 78
$2,623 78
Amounts due teachers, District No. 1
27 00
Amounts due teachers, District No. 2
63 00
Amounts due teachers, District No. 3
104 00
Amounts due teachers, District No. 4 44 80
Amounts due teachers, District No. 7
88 00
$2,950 98
Unexpended.
11 61
$2,962 59
Unexpended balance from appropriation
for 1879
$49 86
Appropriation for 1880.
2,500 00
School fund 184 14
Dividend dog fund
228 59
$2,962 59
5
INCIDENTAL EXPENSES.
DR.
Paid-
Auditing Committee's bill, March, 1880 $8 00
. Thomas Chandler, balance Selectman's service, 1879, 22 00
Josiah Peterson, balance Selectman's service, 1879. . 20 00 Samuel P. Soule, balance Selectman's service, 1879, 22 00
Thomas Chandler, services as Selectman to March 8th, 1881. 63 64
Josialı Peterson, services as Selectman to March 8th, 1881. 55 25
Samuel P. Soule, services as Selectman to March 8th, 1881. 41 75
Thomas Chandler, Assessor's services, 1880 60 00
Josiah Peterson, Assessor's services, 1880 55 00
Samuel P. Soule, Assessor's services, 1880. 62 50
Thomas Chandler, copying valuation book for State, 11 25
Samuel P. Soule, copying valuation book for State, 11 25
Joshua W. Swift, collecting taxes and Treasurer's fee . 284 52
Joshua W. Swift, services out of town, telegrams, postage, etc. 49 44
Henry Barstow, School Committee's services, 1850, 68 75
William W. Lyle, School Committee's services, 1880, 110 00
E. B. Maglathlin, School Committee's services, 1880, 62 77 Josiah Peterson, returning births, marriages, and deaths 37 85
William J. Alden, Constable's fees 6 56
Amount carried forward. $1,052 53
6
Amount brought forward. $1,052 53
J. S. Freeman, Constable's fees 1 00
Avery & Doten, printing reports, notices, etc. 119 76
Horace D. Osgood, printing blanks, etc. 15 25
Arthur Lord, legal advice, 1878 and 1879 .9 00
John A. Loring, legal advice, 1880 10 00
Albert Mason, legal advice, 1880. .
2 00
Horace W. Glass, remittance of school-books, 1978 and 1879 5 92
Charles O. Wilde, remittance of tax, 1879
68
Julius A. Wilde, remittance of tax, 1879.
68
Isaac M. Paine, remittance of tax, 1878.
3 58
Arthur J. Graves, remittance of tax, 1880
2 00
Lawrence J. Wilde, remittance of tax, 1878. . 2 00
Benjamin Foster, remittance of poll tax, 1880. 2 00
Joseph B. Emmerson, remittance of tax on account
of assistance rendered Mrs. Joshua Simmons . . 10 19
A. S. Bedwin, remittance of poll tax, 1879. 1 58
William G. Winsor, remittance of poll tax and school-books, 1879 1. 89
Charles J. Sprague, remittance of poll tax, 1879 1 58
John Glover, remittance of poll tax, 1879 1 58
Edward Winsor, remittance of poll tax, 1879. 1 58
Martin H. Mullen, remittance of poll tax, 1879 1 58
E. C. Mentzer, remittance of poll tax, 1879 1 58
William Holden, remittance of poll tax and school- books, 1879 2 06
Hiram T. Delano, remittance of poll tax and school- books, 1879 2 68
Hamilton Wadsworth, remittance of poll tax and school-books, 1879 4 68
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