USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Berkley > Town annual report of Berkley 1852-1887 > Part 6
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A brief retrospect of the history of this town reveals the fact, that the time has been when it was noted for the number of teachers, under graduates in college and gentlemen educated for the various profes- sions of the ministry, law and medicine. Our young ladies have it is true, come to our rescue in the department of teachers of public schools. Perhaps no other town furnishes a greater per centage of
6
female teachers-much to their credit be it said-than does the town of Berkley. But where among our young men are our teachers or under graduates present or prospective? Who are they who will fill the thinned and thinning ranks of those who have represented this town in various parts of this state, and almost every other state in our beloved country in the leading professions? Our young men emigrate indeed as of yore, in pursuit of more lucrative or agreeable occupations than we can offer them. But who among them all are becoming disciples of learning in its higher departments? Why, when our sons leave our public schools do they invariably turn their attention to trade, commerce or mechanism in its various forms, not one of them having acquired a taste for scientific pursuits ? Can this undeniable deterioration be the result of some radical or practical defect in our schools? They certainly are longer, perhaps their length has doubled in the aggregate. The number of studies has been increased, their circle enlarged and we think more thoroughly taught. The present age of progress demands much more of general intelligence than did the past. And our schools of to-day (thoughi inferior to what we wish they were-and to what we hope they will be-)we think sus- tain their relative position when compared with their past condition. " By their fruits shall ye know them," is human as well as Divine wisdom.
But it will surely not be claimed that even good schools will imbue the youthful mind with such a love of knowledge as will necessarily culminate in the philosopher, in spite of all discouragements- or al- ways even under favorable circumstances. But we do insist that if it is not the fault of elementary training in schools, if they have not become disgusted by their first lessons and set their faces like flint against anything like a thorough education, then there must be a cause independent of schools, and school influences, which instead of co-oper- ating with and strengthening, neutralizes them and renders their crowning influence nugatory and of no effect. Have we, parents, made the important discovery that material wealth transcends the true riches of science, civilization and christianity? And have we im- pressed this important discovery upon the minds of our sons? For surely he who will not prefer to listen to the instructions, wonders and inspirations of the whole circle of physical science or any part thereof, must be deaf ; who will not look up to the Heavenly beati- tudes within his reach rather than, Demas like, live in contemplation of the filthy lucre under his feet, must indeed be fatally blind.
7
In conclusion fellow citizens-though our town be a small one, our population sparse and consequently our schools comparatively small also ; yet their success is to them and to us all of vital impor- tance. Let us not aggravate the natural disadvantages under which they must labor, by indifference to, or neglect of their welfare on our part. Let us endeavor to secure well-qualified teachers who have es- tablished reputations for governing and a tact for teaching. We say for governing. If children are not properly governed in school, nothing good can be accomplished therein. Some teachers have a magnetic influence which governs apparently without effort and has rarely need of an appeal to physical force or the infliction of bodily pain. Other teachers are not possessed in an eminent degree with this mental personality or influence and must necessarily resort in a great- or less degree to the use of the ferule. The best mode for one teach- er may not be the best for the other. Indeed different modes of man- agement are frequently required in different schools-and frequently in the management of different scholars in the same school. The consciences of some scholars are more tender and more easily reached than that of others. An amiability and docility of temper in one, calls for an appeal to different motives than stubborn stolidity in the other. An appeal to nobler principles of our nature than fear may " be like casting pearls before swine"-not appreciated. But the perverse must be governed at all events. If mild forms will not suffice, then the virtue of sterner and more forcible measures must be tried. If they are in vain, then must the incorrigible be expelled from school. Very much depends upon the family government of children and the influence exerted upon them while attending school. Some parents govern by love and personal influence, derived from their consistent and rational course of conducting their family admin- istration. Others by force and severity of punishment. Others still do not govern their children ot all. Now while we concede that the mildest government-that which is prompted by affection, sustained by reasoning and appeals to the conscience is by far the best form ; we insist that any form of government is better than none. "The form that's best administered is best," may be true. Probably mixed forms are the most practicable in our public schools, constituted as they now are. It has been the experience of teachers who have been in long practice, that those children who are properly governed at home and who are sent to school impressed with the idea that they are ex- pected to obey the teacher and enjoined to entire obedience ; are gen- erally managed with the slightest difficulty. See to it then that our whole duty in this matter be faithfully discharged.
8
No. of Districts.
Number of months
School kept.
Wages per month
of Teachers.
Scholars.
Whole number of
Average attend-
Under 5 years of
Over 15 years of
Amount of money
expended by each
Dist.
1
3₺
$18.00
27
19
1
0
$181.73
3
20.00
28
21
0
2
2
4
18.00
38
29
1
0
192.62
.6
4
25.00
50
37
0
4
3
3
20.00
35
24
3
0
196.22
66
4
25.00
35
25
0
1
4
3
22.00
22
20
0
5
Aurie S. Nichols.
66
3
30.00
34
31
0
8
Walter D. Nichols.
5
3
18.00
25
17
1
1
175.69
66
39-10
26.00
27
20
0
5
6
3
20.00
16
11
0
2
181.72
66
33-20
33 }
26
19
0
6
Mary Montgomery. Daniel S. Briggs.
WALTER D. NICHOLS,
School Committee O. E. FRENCH,
ALBERT E. DEAN,
of Berkley.
BERKLEY, APRIL 9, 1867.
NAMES OF TEACHERS.
ance.
age.
age.
Nancie D. Gray. Mary E. Allen. Lydia E. Mcfarlane. Kate O. Page.
Annie E. Simmons. Charlotte B. French.
173.25
L. E. Haskins. Melissa M. Hazzard.
REPORT
OF THE
TREASURER
OF THE
TOWN OF BERKLEY,
FOR THE YEAR ENDING APRIL 1, 1867.
RECEIPTS.
Cash received from Committee to settle with Treasurer, $326.38
State, County and Town tax,
3,496.45
Overlaying,
75.93
Highway deficiencies,
99.76
School District No. 1, tax,
25.00
66 66 66 2, 4
203.81
“1 5,
154.23
Cash for two fish notes,
442.00
" one oyster note,
300.00
66 from State school fund,
101.25
State Treasurer, (state aid 1865,)
400.00
66 66 corporation tax,
12.79
66 estate of W. Westgate on account of John Westgate,
30.00
66
66 P. H. Fletcher, (uncollected taxes 1865,)
1.08
Total receipts,
$5,668.68
9
10
EXPENDITURES.
The following bills have been paid by the Treasurer :
EXPENSE OF KEEPING THE POOR.
G. G. Blanchard, support of B. Cudworth, $104.00
City of New Bedford,
" Sylvia Chace, 13.00
Taunton, on account of son of J. Q. Adams, 18.70 White & Dean, support of M. Nowhall, 10.83
Church & Bart, 66 66
4.67
C. O. Thrasher, on account 2.00
120.00
Dr. S. Hathaway, medical attendance,
4.00
Dean & Pike, on account of M. Newhall,
4.75
.. 66 66 66 " Geo Ellis, 15.70
2.50
Expended for poor,
$300.15
INCIDENTALS.
P. H. Fletcher, license of Liquor Agent 1865, $25.00
B. W. Harris, internal revenue license for Liquor Agent 1866, 25.00
G. L. Leach, for books and stationery (1865.) and Sheriff for costs in suit of the town at law, 15.92
D. Sanford, book case for use of town, 4.50
H. Townsend, for teaching in School District No. 6, 1 1-2 weeks, 5.00
Republican Office, for printing School and Treasur- er's report, 15.00
Town of Middleboro, for watching and care of fish at Squawbetty,
20.00
Thomas Burt, bill (1865-6,)
16.62
Philip French, taking care Town House,
5.50
Town Clerk's bill,
14.45
Books for town record,
10.70
Expended for incidentals,
$157.69
SELECTMEN.
William Babbitt, 1865,
$19.80
Thomas C. Dean,
6.00
Walter D Nichols, "
9.25
Thomas C. Dean, 1866,
7.00
Daniel S. Briggs, 66
25.00
John 1). Babbitt, 66
4.50
George R. Chace, care of Almshouse,
Mrs Mary Bart, board of S. Cummings,
Expended for Selectmen. $71.55
11
ASSESSORS.
Alden B. Chace, N. G. Townsend,
$28.65
24.00
Stephen Chace,
24.00
Expended for Assessors, $76.65
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Daniel S. Briggs,
$16.18
Walter D. Nichols,
12.00
Oliver E. French,
10.50
Expended for School Committee.
$38.68
ROADS.
D. S. Briggs, expended, (complained of road,)
$125.02
HI. A. Dean, (road scraper,)
14.50
Hercules Dean, gravel,
7.02
S. B. Allen, gravel, posts, stones, &c.,
9.10
J. D. Hathaway, gravel,
4.56
Jason Cummings, 46
8.34
B. II. Thrasher, repairs of roads and bridges,
3.50
Expended for roads. $172.04
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
District No. 1,
$163.23
2,
166.19
66 3,
60.00
4,
173.27
66
5,
155.40
66
66
6,
165.09
6, (1865, Winter term,)
124.47
$1,007.65
Incidental expenses, District No. 1,
18.50
2,
26.43
66
66
3,
5,
20.29
66
66 66 6,
16.61
$81.85
12
Repairs, Dist. No. 1, Appropriation $25.00, expended, $6.52
D.st. No. 2 Appropriation $203.81,
expended, 186.18
" Dist. No. 5, Appropriation 154.27, expended, 104.31
$297.01
TOWN NOTES PAID.
D. C. Burt's and interest,
£241.64
Endorsed on Maria Burt's note,
600.00
James Webster, and interest,
71.42
Expended for payment of Town notes, $913.06
INTEREST PAID.
A. Tisdale's note,
$45.21
Savings Bank note, $1000.00,
30.00
$75.21
STATE AND COUNTY TAX.
State tax,
$1,110.00
County tax,
382.45
$1,492.45
STATE AID.
Lewis Green,
$30.00
T. P. Burt,
72.00
John Harmon,
48.00
Betsy Briggs,
60.00
Mercy Pittsley,
48.00
Lauretta Pittsley,
48.00
Expended for state aid,
$306.00
Collector's bill,
$122.65
Treasurer's "
55.14
Sinkage on Taxes,
58.10
Abatement on "
12.01
6 per cent. discount on $2,235.20,
134.11
$204.22
Balance in Treasury April 1st, 1867,
296.68
Total expenditures,
$5,668.68
13
RECAPITULATION.
Cash receipts for 1866,
$5,668.68
Expenses of keeping the Poor,
$300.15
Incidental expenses,
157.69
Selectmen's bills for 1865-6,
71.55
Assessors'
76.65
School Committee,
38.68
Roads,
172.04
Public Schools,
1,007.65
Incidental expenses in districts,
81.85
Repairs on School-houses,
297.01
Town notes paid,
913.06
Interest paid,
75.21
State and County tax,
1,492.45
State aid,
306.00
Collector's bill,
122.65
Treasurer's "
55.14
Sinkages, Abatements and Discounts,
204.22
Balance in Treasury April 1st,
296.68
$5,668.68 $5,668.68
T. P. BURT,
Treasurer of the Town of Berkley.
14
PROPERTY BELONGING TO THE TOWN.
Town House,
Town Farm
$1.000.00 3,500.00
$4,500.00
Valuation of stock on the Farm,
$741.00
Provisions, Hay, &c.,
426.87
Farming utensils,
211.50
Wood cut and standing,
70.00
$1,449.37
Liquors, &c .. in the Agent's hands,
$132.62
Iron safe, for the use of the town,
75.00
Book case, " .. .6
18.00
School books in hands of Committee,
12.36
4 Oyster Notes due June 1st, 1867, '8, '9 & '70, 1,200.00
2 Fish 1867. .. ١٩ 382.00
State aid furnished from Jan. 1st 1866 to 1867,
294.00
Cash in Treasury April 1st 1867, 296.68
$2,411.66
$8,361.03
THIE TOWN OWES THE FOLLOWING SUMS :
Rebecca Webster, Note dated May 4, 1861, $150 00
Enoch Boyce, .. .. 7, 100.00
B. G. Hathaway, Sept. 25, 1862, 150.00 Taunton Savings Bk., Note dated April 8, 1864. 2.000.00
Aloria Tisdale, 6. Aug. 9, « 300.00
Taunton Savings Bk .. 6. . " Sept. 9, " 1.000.00
Maria Burt, 66 April 1, 1867,
203.62
Win. H. Pierce, (Guard'n) Note dated "
828.32
Interest of above notes to April 1, 1867,
313.88
Due Distriet No. 3. 136.22
$5,282.04
Balance in favor of the Town $3.078.99
T. P. BURT,
Treasurer of the Town of Berkley.
REPORTS
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
AND
TOWN TREASURER,
OF THE
TOWN OF BERKLEY.
FOR THE YEAR ENDING APRIL 1, 1868.
TAUNTON : PRESS OF THE DAILY GAZETTE. 1868.
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
OF THE
TOWN OF BERKLEY,
FOR THE YEAR ENDING APRIL 1, 1868.
TAUNTON : PRESS OF THE DAILY GAZETTE. 1868.
REPORT.
Another School year has been gathered into the great storehouse of the past. A retrospect of whatever of success has been accomplished or of failure experienced, which the year records, becomes important as a guide in the future. For where there has been a measure of suc- cess, to what can that success be fairly credited? Where there has been a lack of success to what cause or causes can that lack be fairly charged? Where there has been a reasonable degree of progress has the teacher or scholars governed the school? Has the teacher been imbued with a sense of the great responsibility of the office? For the teacher represents for the time the educational interests and duties of both the State and family governments. Have the parents co-op- erated with the teacher in maintaining the order and improving the condition of the schools? The true answers to these questions will guide you in the future. We fear that even more lax views are now entertained, than were formerly, of the obligation to send to school. In proportion as indifference upon these subjects obtain, will the use- fulness of our schools be diminished. But very unlike a true interest is the indulgence of the pernicious practice of criticizing teachers and schools, in public places and families, in presence of all grades of scholars. The defects of teachers, the mishaps of the school are freely commented upon and exaggerated, and are the subject of idle gossip and the gratification of tattling propensities. If truants are sheltered un- rebuked, if insubordination is hinted at and not frowned upon-what is it but "giving aid and comfort" to wrong doing? Observation does not demonstrate that the most censorious are the most high- minded and pure. Persons are too apt, perhaps, to adopt some theory
4
about schools and their management. Then if the teacher's method does not square with their theory they can see no good, but only evil in a school so managed. Not sufficiently considering that minds dif- ferently organized, will naturally be attracted by different modes of administration, and the mode that would well become one teacher, would be to another like clothing David in the armor of Saul. We have frequently adverted to the subject of government in schools. Children must learn to obey or they will never be qualified to govern. In the nature of things the children of to-day must be our future rulers under our form of government. Nay, the perpetuity of that form itself will depend upon the ability and justice with which it is admin- istered. Are we sufficiently alive to the influence of schools not only in our social relations, but also their paramount influence upon the character of our State and Nation? Is not the leading position of our Commonwealth in moral and political influence and material prosperi- ty owing to our admirable system of public instruction, wisely con- ceived and established by our ancestors, more than to all other causes combined? If the bigotry of the Spanish, the levity of the French, and the conceit of the English, are the legitimate effects of their pe- culiar schools and modes of education, it is in vain to hope or expect that these faults will mend themselves so long as the causes continue .- The schools and modes of education must first be reformed. If also the superiority of the Prussians to other European nations in morals, in intelligence, in political importance, and in short, in all those qualities that make men good and nations great, is owing chiefly to their univer- sal and compulsory system of public instruction, embracing much that is useful and nothing that is useless, why should we not profit by the inexorable logic which teaches that all children should be compelled to attend school and be compelled to the observance of good behavior. These observations we think, are very pertinent and important when we consider that of the whole number of children between the ages of 4 and 16 years, (207) as returned to the Treasurer for a basis of divis- ion of the School money among the several districts, only 169, or only 82 per cent. attended the schools at all, and only 128, or 61 per cent. was in average attendance. The whole number of scholars of all ages attending the school in Summer, was 135, average 99. The whole number of all ages attending the schools in the Winter term, was 183. Average attendance in winter 138.
We have no marked change in the condition of the schools to notice.
There has been an improvement in the appearance of some of the schools, in others it was not apparent.
5
The Committee, while its past action shows that it is not favorable to frequent changes, yet, hoping that an interest might be awakened and some real good accomplished, by a change in some of the school books so long in use in the schools of the town, contracted with an agent of the publishers of Quackenboss' series of Arithmetic and Gram- ars, who furnished an entire exchange of those text books and also a map of the United States for each School district, for the small sum of $35, which was drawn from the town Treasury,-thus relieving pa- rents and others from a considerable expense and furnishing the schools with valuable books and securing uniformity of books in school and somewhat reducing the number of classes existing in some of the schools. We trust the trifling outlay will be acceptable to the town.
THE DISTRICT SYSTEM.
We now introduce for your consideration, a subject which we can no longer forbear to discuss. Our town in common with many small towns composed of a sparse population, has clung to the district system with a tenacity " worthy of a better cause." We are aware that the associations of the past are interwoven with the system, and that it has accomplished much good in our fathers' days and in our own day. But we do not hesitate to avail ourselves of railroad facilities, because the "slow coaches" of former times were very useful, nor of the knowl- edge or power which the enlarged boundaries of physical science af- ford us because the powers of steam and electricity were not so well developed and applied by our ancestors. We would reverence them for their many virtues and because they employed the best means avail- able to them, to accomplish the desired object. "Mankind is im- proved by gradual steps," said one of the greatest of American educa- tors. What commends itself to us by its practical results, wisdom will not reject. Old modes of accomplishment in agriculture, manufactures or mechanism will not be employed generally by the successful. Why should we adhere to the district system, because of its ancient respecta- bility?
Among the evils of the system are school houses in some of the districts, unworthy of the name of school houses. Should the town abolish the system and assume ownership and control of all school property in town, many persons who are now adverse to providing suit- able buildings in their respective districts, would not be satisfied with anything less than a commodious and attractive building when erected,
6
at the expense of the whole town. This would clearly be a great gain in respect to school houses. A divided responsibility in the employment of teachers and continuing them when found to be from some cause inefficient, is another evil pertaining to the district system. Sometimes teachers are employed by prudential committees and if the proposed teachers find it inconvenient to apply to the committee for examina- tion and approval, before commencing their schools, they will com- mence school first, and then after having kept one or two days' school, call upon some member of the committee "for a certificate." The committee may have serious doubts about the qualifications of the candidate-but the school has already begun-it is full time for the school to be in session, the case is prejudged. The committee hoping that more than their expectations may be realized and that their fears may be groundless-gives the certificate-but subsequently regrets to find that it has made a mistake-but still preferring to endure the pres- ent evils rather than encounter those it knows not of, the school "drags its slow length along." Again a teacher may be selected by A. for his district, who has succeeded well in another district. But owing to reasons pertaining to both teacher and scholars in the new field of labor, the selection would be almost wholly inadmissible .- And yet to refuse a certificate in such a case would cause a root of bitterness to spring up to the injury of the interests of the school .- The committee yield.
And again : it is generally known that the candidate has been em- ployed. The examination is not satisfactory. But a refusal to ap- prove would wound the delicate sensibilities of an amiable and worthy young person. Who would not lean almost unconsciously to the side of mercy and refrain from withholding consent unless dictated by a stern necessity of the case? There is still another reason which bears upon this subject. After the year 1869, the town will lose $75 annu- ally from the interest of the state school fund if the district system be not then abolished. These are some of the reasons which in the opin- ion of the writer make the proposed change desirable, and who can now, as he retires from the board at which he has so long had a seat, recommend the change, without danger of being misunderstood and without being deterred by any personal delicacy. "Come let us reason together," let us consider this subject dispassionately in all its phases, and I am assured that the intelligent of the community will conclude that the best interests of the schools in this town require that the school district system should be abolished. In the nature of things it can not be long delayed. Why delay it at all?
7
No. of Districts.
Number of months
School kept.
Wages per month of
Teachers.
Whole number
Scholars.
Average attendance.
Under 5 years of age.
Over 15 years of age.
Amount of money ex- pended by each Dist.
NAMES OF TEACHERS.
1
3
$18.00
21
14
3
0
$183.50
66
4
25.00
30
204
4
1
2
29-10
20.00
30
21
1
2
201.62
"
33
35.00
40
31g
0
10
3
3
23.00
27
20
0
0
34
28.00
37
30
0
8
4
3
24.00
21
17
1
3
66
3
26.00
29
24
0
9
A. D. Lovell.
5
3
18.00
22
17
0
1
Helen R. Townsend.
34
28.00
23
21
0
3
6
3
20.00
14
10
1
0
Julia R. Burt.
4 9-10
25.00
21
13
0
| 4
190.80
66
WALTER D. NICHOLS, School Committee ALBERT E. DEAN, of
ALDEN B. CHACE,
Berkley.
BERKLEY, APRIL 4, 1868.
Mary J. Cudworth. Nannie D. Nichols. Ruth M. Buffington. Alden B. Chace.
Charlotte B. French.
198.01
J. J. Nichols.
Maria Taber.
181.19
171.40
..
of
REPORT
OF THE
TREASURER
OF THE
TOWN OF BERKLEY,
For the Year Ending April 1, 1868.
RECEIPTS,
Cash in Treasury, April 1st,
$296.68
State, County, and Town Taxes,
5,482.45
District No. 2, tax,
25.11
66 " 6, "
126.36
Highway deficiencies,
46.36
Overlaying on taxes,
65.12
Cash on two fish notes,
382.00
66 " one oyster note,
300.00
from State Treasurer, (state aid furnished 1866)
234.93
66
66 66 66
corporation tax,
12.75
66
66
66 66 school fund,
126.76
66
interest added to taxes, 15.87
66
P. French, use of hearse,
3.00
Total receipts. $7,117.39
10
EXPENDITURES.
KEEPING THE POOR.
G. G. Blanchard, support of B. Cudworth, $130.00
G. L. Leach. wood for M. Newhall, 6.00
White & Dean, groceries to C. H. Rider, 2.24
G. R. Chase, care Almshouse, 161.03
Expended for the poor, $299.27
ROADS AND BRIDGES.
Davis Allen, labor on highway,
34.25
P. Fletcher, for gravel.
2.40
J. D. Hathaway, “
5.64
J. T. Townsend. labor on highway,
21.00
J. S. Paull, for gravel,
5.50
Hercules Dean, .
7.32
Alden B. Chase,
9.92
Clearing snow from roads, 1866,
590.38
A. T. Gray, 3.20
Expended for roads and bridges,
$679.61
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
District No. 1,
183.50
.. 2,
201.62
3, (1866) 136.22
3,
198.01
4,
181.19
٠٠
5,
171.50
66
.. 6,
190.80
Expended for public schools, $1,262.84
REPAIRS ON SCHOOL HOUSES.
Dist. No. 1, bal. appropriation $18.48, expended, $11.59 66 2. appropriation $42.74, expended, 42.74
" 6, appropriation $126.36, expended, 125.00
Expended for repairs, $179.33
SELECTMEN.
Thomas C. Dean,
$7.50
Daniel S. Briggs, 26.50
Walter D. Nichols,
14.50
Expended for selectmen, $48.50
11
ASSESSORS.
Alden B. Chace, Benj. F. Chace,
$25.00
25.00
Nathaniel G. Townsend,
25.00
Expended for assessors, $75.00
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Walter D. Nichols, (1866)
$17.20
Oliver E. French,
12.00
Expended for school committee, $29.20
STATE AND COUNTY TAX.
State tax,
$1,850.00
County tax,
382.45
Expended for state and county tax, $2,232.45
STATE AID.
Lewis Green.
$48.00
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