USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1890-1899 > Part 10
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Another evidence that the schools have become more efficient, is that the grammar classes have been doing more advanced work in nearly every study. The lowest grammar classes have come to their work with a more thorough preparation in the primary grades and have thus cleared the way for this higher work in the upper classes.
During the Spring term a convention of all the teachers of this district was held in the Baptist church, North Scituate, at which the following persons addressed the teachers on topics relating to school work : - Mr. John T. Prince, Agent of the State Board of Education, Mr. Henry T. Bailey, State Agent of Art Instruction, and Mr. Arthur C. Boyden, of the Bridgewater Normal School. The meeting was one of great profit to all. The people of Scituate furnished a very excellent collation. The thanks of all present are due to them, to the ladies who prepared the tables, and to the Baptist church for the use of the church building.
At the same time an exhibit was given of work done in the schools. The object of this exhibit was first, to give each teacher the benefit of comparing the work done in her school with that done in others ; and second, to give the people the opportunity of knowing what was being done. No attempt was made at show. Work actually done in the daily recitations was presented in
13
exactly the condition in which any one would find it on visiting the schools. The work exhibited there received such commenda- tions from the gentlemen above mentioned, that your Superinten- dent, because of these commendations, and by reason of the urgent request of Mr. Boyden, was encouraged to prepare some work to be sent to the World's Fair.
We lose many of our best teachers because other towns recog- nize their qualifications and offer larger salaries. Were it not for the ties of home, we would lose many others. A solution of this problem will be presented under another head in this report.
It is but just, however, at this point, to bear testimony to the faithful, conscientious work of the teachers in this district. With hardly an exception, each one has put forth her best efforts to produce the best results possible. Certainly more effective work has been done.
It has always been the aim of teachers and Superintendent, to give the strongest encouragement to each individual pupil to advance from grade to grade, whenever proper fitness and appli- cation have been apparent. There have been several instances of promotions to higher grades during the year. In some cases, in the ungraded schools, when there was not a class doing the work of a grade to which it was desired to promote pupils, a class has been formed. This has brought extra work on the teacher when she already had enough, but it was deemed advisable for the ben- efit of the pupils. It is not always possible to do this. In small schools especially, this difficulty is met with. This suggests the same question which has been discussed in previous reports : the expediency of consolidating smaller schools with larger ones, so that the pupils may have the benefit of the enthusiasm and spirit of large classes. This suggests another step, -that of forming a plan whereby the schools of each town can be so arranged that there shall be fewer grades under one teacher, and also that the
14
children may receive the benefits from the schools enjoyed by pupils in large towns, and which they cannot receive under exist- ing conditions.
CONSOLIDATION OF SCHOOLS.
In order to investigate the matter thoroughly and to learn the exact results of the workings of such a plan in towns in this state where it has been tried, inquiry was made of the school officers in these towns. Such extracts from the reports received are here given as seem applicable to the conditions existing in the towns of this district.
The town of Concord adopted this plan in 1880. In the last annual report of the School Committee, a history of the plan and the practical results are given. Extracts from this report are herewith presented. The parts omitted are such as relate to per- sonal matters of the town, and in no way deal with the general results : -
" Prior to 1879 the common schools of Concord were twelve in number, occupying eleven houses. Five of these schools were placed in the Central Village ; two under one roof were at West Concord ; and the remaining five were country district schools for the accommodation of the outlying farming population. The dis- trict school-houses were at a distance from the Centre varying from one and a half to three miles. At the Centre was the High school, to which children came from all parts of the town. An attempt had been made, with partial success, to grade the Centre schools. The school board of that day, therefore, had to deal with a system of schools ungraded in part, and the rest mixed schools imperfectly graded. These schools were taught by expe- rienced teachers, most of whom-if not all-had received special training for the work. * *
In December 1880, a building-named the " Emerson School "- was ready for occupancy, and received the children from the Vil- lage schools. An immediate and inevitable improvment in every
15
quality that distinguishes a good from a poor school resulted. These schools had been for a long time a cause of anxiety. They were growing feebler and they were expensive to maintain in pro- portion to the number of pupils they served. The suggestion of the true way to deal with these schools was welcomed. The Emerson School would accommodate all the children. The School Committee adopted the suggestion that it was advisable to close the district schools and to convey the children to the Centre.
*
A strong, rational conservatism existed in the districts. The idea of consolidation was novel, and raised doubts and objections that could not be met by past experience here or elsewhere. On the other hand, it was possible for the plan to prevail in the end, because the communities directly affected were highly intelligent and formed their judgments thoughtfully and correctly. It is an interesting FACT, also, that, during the whole ten years of change, a MAJORITY of the Committee were FARMERS; and that for the most of the time, a majority were LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES of the districts involved.
In 1881 Superintendent Tileston reports that the children of district 7, "have been carried to the schools of the village for more than a year. The parents, at first, were mostly opposed to this course. They seem now entirely satisfied, and would not have their old school if they could." In 1882 the parents in district 2 petitioned the Committee to close their school and to convey their children to the Centre.
In 1883 the Committee report as follows : "We have now con- centrated the school children in the High School, Emerson School and West Concord School, where they can all have the best educa- tion the town affords ; and it is the belief of the Committee that it will not be necessary to re-open any of the district school-houses."
*
In 1891 the town authorized the Selectmen to sell the unoccu - pied school-houses in the districts. This action of the town, taken
16
without a voice raised in opposition, indicates the general satisfac- tion with the present system. The apprehension of the owners of real estate that a depreciation of values would result, if local schools were closed, has proven groundless. The natural reluct- ance of parents to send their young children so far from home, and for all day, to attend the Centre school, has vanished. The
children are conveyed in comfortable vehicles fitted up for their accommodation. They are in charge of trusty drivers en route, and at noon they are under the especial care of one of the teach- ers. When it is practicable, a farmer living near the extreme limits of the district, is employed to convey the children. Two two-horse barges and two one-horse wagons are in use at present. All these vehicles are fitted with seats running lengthwise, and are closed or open at sides and end, as the weather requires, and in cold weather are provided with blankets and straw. The driver starts from or near the remotest end of his district, and drives down the principal thoroughfare, taking up the children at their own doors or at cross-street corners. The attendance of children conveyed is SEVERAL PER CENT. BETTER than that of the village children, and it is FAR HIGHER than it was in the old district schools. This is not strange when one reflects that the children are taken at their own door and conveyed to school without expos- ure in stormy weather, and with entire comfort in cold or stormy weather. Discipline in the carriages is maintained readily, as the driver has authority to put out any unruly child. The children are conveyed from one and one half to three and one half miles.
Whatever advantages a system of carefully graded schools occupying a well-ventilated and well-cared-for school-house, taught by a body of intelligent and earnest teachers co-operating to secure the best discipline within and without the school-room, has over the mixed country school, such advantages are shared alike by all the inhabitants of this town. All are alike interested in all real progress in methods of discipline and instruction, and in
17
improved appliances to aid instruction. Superintendence becomes more efficient. *
Appliances of all kinds, and books of reference, can be provided more extensively and at less cost. In short, every scheme to make the teaching more efficient or broader, can be carried into effect far more readily. The history of this movement in Concord conclusively shows that the success of the plan here was due to ITS INTRINSIC MERIT, acting upon the minds of an enlightened peo- ple desirous of furthering the true educational interests of their children.
Many incidental advantages subordinate to the prime one, have resulted. All the children of the town meet on the same arena, test the quality of each other, and exchange from the beginning, those influences which will mould them to act together harmoni- ously and intelligently in the future. All the parents of the town have an equal interest in the welfare of the two central systems of schools, and for many years dissensions about the maintenance of schools have been unknown in our town meetings."
A letter has been received from Mr. Edwin S. Barrett, Chair- man of the School Committee of Concord, which touches upon some of the points spoken of in the report just quoted, and in addition says : " The advantages are better schools, better corps of teachers, every child has the same advantages, and consequently the best development is obtained. The children like it. The parents see the advantage of it. The farmers see that it does not injure the value of their farms to close their district schools, while the children have many more advantages of mingling with the best class of children from all the town, and, from friction of numbers, are greatly brightened. Our people would not under any consid- erations, go back to the old system. We have proved it by ten years experience, and we think we have model schools at a mini- mum of cost. Mothers worried at having their young children away all day, but when the child from slight illness was compelled to stay at home, it usually cried because it could not go to school in the barge. This finally settled the question with the mothers."
2
18
Mr. W. L. Eaton, Superintendent, also says : " There are many advantages, as stated in my report. If there are any disadvan- tages they are not apparent here."
These very full extracts have been made from the reports of the school officers of Concord, because the scheme was first tried, and has been the longest in operation in that place. It may be well to add that the Concord schools stand among the first in the state.
Below, extracts are given from the communications received from the school officers of other towns where the system is in operation : -
FROM LEXINGTON.
"Until 1891 the public school work in Lexington was carried on by means of a High school, two graded schools and four ungraded district schools. In the beginning of that school year (1891-92) an eight-room building was completed and occupied .- Age at which pupils are transported, between five and six years and upwards. Distance, 2} miles to } mile. A few of the advan- tages are, in my opinion : 1. That all children of the town receive equally good education. 2. That the system greatly increases the efficiency of teachers. 3. That the children from the outskirts are brought into daily contact with the villages, tend- ing to unify the interests of the town. 4. That better school- houses are possible than under the old district system. 5. That the regularity of attendance is greatly promoted and the supervis- ion of truancy is made easier. 6. That the town is made an attractive place of residence to the best class of new citizens. I see no real disadvantages. So far as I am informed the system is popular ; and in many cases, strong enemies of the change are now its warmest adherents."-J. P. Munroe, Secretary.
COHASSET.
" The schools are all united in the "Osgood School " with the exception of four schools. Youngest pupil transported about 6 years old. Distance one to three miles. I should judge that in towns with a number of small schools, say 18 pupils to a school,
19
there might be a réduction in teaching force by consolidation. In regard to advantages, etc., I can say that I honestly believe we are getting much better results. I think the majority of the parents like the Central School."-E. F. Ripley, Secretary.
" Better teaching, better moral influence, greater intellectual activity, more healthful buildings, greater economy."-L. P. Nash, Superintendent.
" I think the plan of having a central building for all the children a success, and that the town would be very unwilling to go back to the old system. I cannot see that any expense is saved to the town, but the children are enabled to get a much better education in comfortable, healthy, pleasant and well ventilated rooms."-Rev. Jos. Osgood.
BEDFORD.
" All the pupils are in one building of four rooms. Youngest pupil conveyed, 5 years. Longest distance two miles. All below High school are in three rooms. Advantages over old system are worth double the extra cost. Scholars are better supplied for same money. I think the system is generally popular."-L. T. Mc Kenney, Superintendent.
MASHPEE.
" Had 6 scholars in one school and put them in a school of 32 scholars and the result is good. Distance conveyed 5 to 54 miles. Youngest pupil conveyed 8} years. No extra cost. We have two school buildings. My opinion is, the scholars have better lessons and do better with a larger school than they do where there are only a few. The disadvantages are only the parents do not care to have the children ride so far in cold weather, and still they are pleased with the result. The result in regard to saving is, on repairs, fuel, care of house and teacher, to my careful estimate, $43 per month. The system is pleasing to about all the people, and I believe it will be continued."-Z. L. Amos, Chairman,
F
20
NORTH DARTMOUTH.
" One small school closed in 1891. Youngest pupil transported about 6 years. Longest distance 2} miles ; shortest, 2 miles .- Advantages are, it facilitates grading. Not much saving. Cost is principally in transportation."-Job S. Gidley, Chairman.
The opinions of the agents of the State Board of Education, who have had large opportunities of judging of the merits of this system from actual observation, are here given :
Mr. George A. Walton says : -
" 1. Equal school privileges secured to all the children of the town.
2. Moral condition of children improved by reason of contact of older and younger in larger numbers, under constant oversight by adult and experienced persons.
3. The social habits improved ; the small neighborhood. tends to narrowness, shyness and reserve,-the larger school tends to liberalize and beget self-respect and a spirit of accommodation,- all tending to good citizenship.
4. The schools admit of better grading ; hence to better in- struction and means of teaching, and economy with all.
5. Fewer buildings to be kept in repair and provided with fuel and janitor's services.
6. Better janitor's service, better supervision and better in- struction ; superior teachers can be afforded.
7. Real estate improves; school spirit improves. The school attendance improves."
Mr. John T. Prince says, as to advantages : -
"1. Better classification. 2. Greater average attendance. Pupils are more regular and punctual when they are carried to the school. 3. Greater degree of interest in school work of al' kinds."
Mr. George H. Martin, formerly Agent of Board of Education for this section of the State, now Supervisor of Schools, Boston,
21
as to advantages, says : "Better buildings, better cared for, better grading, better teaching, better descipline, children under close supervision, more interest and enthusiasm, better teachers pos- sible."
Where the disadvantages are not quoted in any of the above re- ports they are the same as those already given.
The facts in regard to this system are herewith presented. They are given against it as well as for it, so far as it has been possible to obtain them.
They are as fully set forth as is practicable in this report.
No comment is deemed necessary at this time except to say that, after having carefully considered the matter, it seems evi- dent that the scheme can be successfully carried out in each of the towns in this district ; that no very great extra expense need be incurred in doing so if, in fact, any ; that the reduction in the number of teachers and expenses of repairs, fuel, janitors, etc., would quite cover cost of transportation ; that it would be pos- sible to raise the salaries of the teachers to a point sufficient to re- tain the best ; and, finally, that the children would obtain all the advantages in every way that are offered by cities and larger towns.
The consolidation of the schools of Scituate, even to the extent to which it has been accomplished at present, has proved exceed- ingly beneficial and fully warrants the final step.
It is hoped that the plan will receive the careful consideration that it deserves.
CONCLUSIONS.
There is a great need of more reference books for the Grammar grades in order that that broadness may be given to the instruc- tion which is best calculated to produce the greatest and most lasting results. There have been but two changes in the course of study. The course in language has been carefully revised, but the essential requirements have not been materially changed. The
22
course in reading has been improved by the introduction of the "Riverside" and other series of selections from the best authors, with the purpose of cultivating a taste for good literature at an early age.
The visits of the Superintendent have been made as in past years. Each town has received the required amount of service.
The heartiest thanks are extended to the Committees for their confidence, encouragement and support, and for allowing your Superintendent to deal with the schools unhampered by any un- necessary restrictions.
Respectfully submitted,
E. H. WATSON, Superintendent.
MARSHFIELD HILLS, MASS., Feb. 7, 1893.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Town Officers
OF THE
TOWN OF DUXBURY
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING FEBRUARY FIRST,
1894.
Calendar year 1893
PLYMOUTH : AVERY & DOTEN, PRINTERS, 1894.
REPORT OF SELECTMEN.
SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS. DISTRICT No. 1.
Paid-
Emily W. Sears, teaching
$332 50
Fuel
10 13
Care of house
DISTRICT No. 2.
Paid-
Emily D. Delano, teaching
$304 00
Fuel
42 20
Care of house
16 00
DISTRICT No. 3.
Paid-
Annie L. Coffey, teaching
$332 50
Fuel
31 25
Care of house. 16 00
DISTRICT No. 4.
Paid-
Phosia Peterson, teaching
$294 00
Fuel
17 11
Care of house 10 00
18 20
4
DISTRICT No. 5.
Paid-
Hattie N. Peterson, teaching
$277 00
Fuel
17 63
Care of house
12 95
DISTRICT No. 6.
Paid-
Susie S. Boylston, teaching
$187 50
Leora Boylston, 66
91 00
Fuel
27 55
Care of house
11 70
DISTRICT No. 7.
Laura B. Underhill, teaching
$200 00
Ella J. Brown, 66 162 00
Fuel
56 85
Care of house
17 55
DISTRICT No. 8.
Paid-
Mary A. Young, teaching
$290 00
Annie D. Dunham,
35 00
Kate K. Freeman,
40 00
Fuel
35 45
Care of house
23 80
DISTRICT No. 9.
Paid-
Hannah M. Alden, teaching
$150 00
Care of house
6 65
Partridge Academy
400 00
$3,466 52
Unexpended
3 08
$3,469 60
5
Appropriation
$3,000 00
Massachusetts school fund 189 03
Dividend, dog fund
280 57
$3,469 60
Henry Barstow, services as School Committee. .
$52 40
Emma S. Stetson,
66
66
20 00
H. E. Walker, expense for 66 66
1 80
E. H. Watson, expense for employing teachers .. 3 50
W. S. Freeman & Co., supplies
44 99
Leach, Shewell & Sanborn,
3 33
Frederick T. Bailey,
66
1 92
Holden Patent Book Cover Co.,
5 25
D. C. Heath & Co., 66
12 00
Houghton, Mifflin & Co.,
66
6 21
American Book Co.,
66
86 04
Ginn & Co.,
66
7 80
University Publishing Co.,
66
6 47
J. L. Hammett,
66
142 92
Thorp & Martin Mfg. Co.,
66
35 93
Edward E. Babb & Co.,
66
12 48
Allyn & Bacon,
1 88
George F. King & Merrill,
4 00
George H. Stearns, supplies, District 2
65
I. H. Paine,
66
6
78
Mary J. Keene, use of well for 1893, District 9. . 3 00
John Holt, 66 66 5.
3 00
Barstow Stove Co., expense on ventilation, Dis- trict 7 7 25
A. M. Thayer & Son, chairs, Districts 4 and 5. . . 3 87
·
.
.
.
.
·
.
. .
. .
6
William J. Dunham, use of well, District 3. $5 00 George W. Chandler, cleaning vaults, Districts 4, 5 and 6. 9 00
George W. Loring, cleaning vault, District 3. 1 50
Alpheus Walker, cleaning cistern, District 7. . . . 2 00 Mrs. H. P. Thomas, cleaning houses, Districts 1, 2, 3, 7 and 8 17 50
Almira Belknap, cleaning houses, Districts 5 and 6. 6 00
Mrs. J. H. Peterson, cleaning house, District 4. . 3 50
George W. W. Scott, labor, District 2. 2 75
Winsor & Peterson, supplies, District 1
1 40
L. H. Cushing, team for Committee 2 00
Hiram Foster, Auctioneer's services
3 00
J. L. McNaught, express 8 10
T. H. H. Knights, subscription to Educator 4 00
Harrison G. Weston, book closet 14 00
W. B. Campbell, supplies . 50 63
J. P. Farrington, repairing clocks
3 25
Elisha Peterson, cartage and freight 2 05
O. C. R. R., freight 1 65
$604 30
Appropriation
$500 00
Overdrawn 104 30
$604 30
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
Paid-
E. H. Watson, salary $486 25
Unexpended . 47 92
$534 17
Appropriation
$225 00
Received from the State
309 17
$534 17
7
REPAIRS OF SCHOOL HOUSES.
Payments -
Gershom B. Chandler, repairs on houses, Dis- tricts 2 and 3 $19 70
John S. Loring, lumber, Districts 2, 3 and 8 .... 48 47
Matthew Russell, repairs on houses, Districts 1, 4 and 8. 14 25
Henry W. Barstow, repairs, Dists. 2, 3, 4 and 5. . 9 00
Glover & Chandler, 1, 2 and 8. ... 10 10
Gershom B. Chandler, grading lot, Dist. 2 3 00
Samuel P. Briggs,
" 8. 10 00
Judson B. Freeman, 66 66
2 .
9 00
Jerome Chandler, labor, Districts 2 and 3 10 00
Harry Chandler,
7 and 8 5 50
A. H. Loring, 66 4. 75
Alonzo Chandler, grading, District 3. 4 00
Chester I. Foster, setting grass, etc., District 1. .
3 25
Freeman L. Randall, grading, District 4.
3 92
G. W. Chandler, cleaning vaults, Districts 1, 2, 7 and 8. 9 00
$198 06
Unexpended
51 94
$250 00
Appropriation
$250 00
REPAIRS OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
Paid-
J. S. Loring, lumber for almshouse $54 05
George W. Lewis, painting almshouse 249 25
E. H. Sears, labor at almshouse 20 00
8
Glover & Chandler, labor at almshouse $6 23
Charles A. Rogers, 66
5 00
$334 53
Appropriation $200 00
Overdrawn 134 53
$334 53
MEMORIAL DAY.
Paid -
William Wadsworth, Post 165, G. A. R.
$50 00
Appropriation
$50 00
INCIDENTAL EXPENSES.
Payments to -
Devereux and Chandler, auditing accounts, 1892. $4 00
Samuel P. Soule, balance of Selectmen's service, 1892 12 00
J. W. Swift, balance of Selectmen's service, 1892. . 9 00
Henry H. Lewis, balance of Selectmen's ser- vice, 1892. 12 00
Henry H. Lewis, postage and pens, etc
3 04
Samuel D. Soule, services as Selectman, 1893. . . 74 65
Henry H. Lewis,
. . .
72 15
J. W. Swift, 66 66 66 . . 72 65
Samuel P. Soule, Assessor, . . . 77 50
J. W. Swift, 66
66
. . . 77 50
Henry H. Lewis, 66 66
66 77 50
. .
J. W. Swift, services as Treasurer and Collector, 274 09 Services out of Town. 40 32 Postage, express, etc. 10 10
9
George H. Stearns, service as Town Clerk $61 05
W. T. Freeman & Co., stationery 2 27
Thaddeus W. Chandler, Constable service 6 40
Truant Officer 7 00
Avery & Doten, printing reports 163 50
Paper and printing 41 50
Printing Town Records 583 00
E. H. Sears, service District Court, etc
25 90
Labor on signs and moving books. 2 00
Freeman Manter, enforcing liquor law Cost Hutching and Matchin cases 14 18
150 00
A. P. Simmons, labor at fire 3 20
George H. Stearns, Registrar's service
17 00
Edward Baker,
18 00
D. D. Devereux, 66
17 00
E. H. Chandler,
66
14 00
Surveying 2 50
C. W. Crafts, posting warrants, etc 7 90
Thomas Alden, damage to teams
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