USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1870-1871 > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Jan. 4, Cash paid B. Thayer for stone work
7 50
Jan. 4, Cash paid S. Penniman for 1 pair rolls and bolts, 55
Feb. 1, Cash paid Jonathan French, Town Treasurer, 400 00
Feb. 1, Cash on hand 274 14
$984 55
1870
CR.
Feb. 1, By balance from amount of last year, 514 55
Oct. By dividends from the Union Nat. Bank of Weymouth, 140 00
Oct. By dividends from Quincy Stone Bank 100 00 By dividends from Elliot Bank Boston, 30 00 1871
Feb. 1, Received from the Town for rent of Almshouse and farm. 200 00
$984 55 S. W. HOLLIS, TREASURER.
22
REPORT OF AUDITORS.
The Committee appointed to audit the accounts of the town, pre- sent the foregoing statement of its financial condition, carefully. prepared and arranged by the Selectmen ; and its accuracy has been confirmed by proper vouchers or other satisfactory evidence.
All orders drawn on the Treasurer during the year have been paid ; and it is believed that there are no outstanding debts not men- tioned in the report.
As will be perceived there has been a very considerable reduction of the town debt during the year
The Assessors have called the attention of the Auditors to a claim for refunding a tax, claimed to be erroneously assessed upon a " suc- cession", to which Mr. Joseph Foye has become entitled. From the explanation given by them it would appear that the tax was legally and equitably assessed ; and that assessors alone have jurisdiction in the matter.
CHAS. H. HOBART, EDWARD HOBART, 2D, Auditors. ALVERDO MASON,
Braintree, Feb. 20, 1871.
23
WARRANT FOR TOWN MEETING.
-
NORFOLK, S.S.
To either of the Constables of the Town of Bruintree. Greeting :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of the town of Braintree, qualified to vote in elections and town affairs, to meet at the Town Hall, in said town, on Monday, the sixth day of March next, at nine o'clock in the forenoon, to act on the following articles, namely :--
1st. To choose a Moderator to preside at said meeting.
2d. To hear the reports of the several town officers, and act thereon.
3d. To choose all necessary town officers for the year ensuing.
4th. To determine the manner of repairing the highways, town- ways, and bridges the ensuing year.
5th. To see if the town will restrain horses and neat cattle from running at large the ensuing year.
6th. To raise such sums of money as may be necessary to defray the expenses of the town the ensuing year, and make appropriations of the same.
7th. To see if the town will authorize the Treasurer to borrow such sums of money as the Selectmen may direct.
8th. To see if the town will accept the jury-list as made by the Selectmen.
9th. To see if the town will accept the road leading from Wash- ington street to the house of Capt. Gibbs, and thence to West street, and make the same a town-way.
10th. To see if the town will make an additional appropriation for the erection of a school house at South Braintree.
24
11th. To see if the town will re-establish the School District System, as provided by Sec. 1, Chap. 196, of the Acts of 1870.
12. To see if the town will refund to Joseph Foye a tax said to be paid by him illegally for the year 1868.
You are to give notice of this meeting by posting true and attested copies of this warrant at the usual public places in town, seven days at least, before the time of said meeting.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this warrant with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk, before the time of said meeting.
Given under our hands at Braintree, this eighteenth day of Febru- ary, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy- one.
N. H. HUNT, Selectmen D. H. BATES, of
LEANDER GAGE, Braintree.
1
25
JURY-LIST.
Revised by the Selectmen, Feb. 18, 1871.
Benjamin V. Arnold,
Minott E. Hunt,
Charles F. Arnold,
Joseph Huff,
James T. Bestick,
William Hill,
Samuel A. Bates,
Joseph Jenkins,
Samuel Bowditch.
George F. Leonard,
John Crane,
Paul J. Minchin,
Phillips Curtis,
Erastus A. Newton,
Ancel O. Clark, Eben Denton,
Asa T. Pratt.
Norton Pratt,
George Reed,
William M. Stevens,
Cornelius Scollard, Josephus Shaw, John Tower,
Elisha S. Thayer, Henry H. Thayer, Calvin Thayer,
Atherton W. Thayer, Thomas B. Vinton, William R. Wild,
George D. Willis,
Joshua Wilkins.
Jonathan French, Hiram A. French,
Charles A. French, Joseph R. Frasier, Adam Hobart, C. Harrison Hobart, Levi W. Hobart,
Moses D. Holbrook, Joel E. Holbrook, Elias Holbrook; Charles D. Hayden, G. Henry Howard, Ebenezer F. Howard,
26
MARRIAGES SOLEMNIZED IN BRAINTREE, FOR THE YEAR 1870.
.
DATK. NAMES.
AGE. RESIDENCE.
BIRTHPLACE.
Jan. 4. Nathaniel Bump, Louisa F. Dean, 27
6. R. Elmer Morrison, Sarah R. Gregg,
26
17 Quincy.
20
Braintree.
Quincy.
20. Ibrahim Morrison, Mary L. Rodgers,
19
Quincy.
Marshfield. Rumford, Me.
24. Edwin C. Swain, Mary A. Lovejoy,
35
Malden.
22 So. Weymouth.
Vasselboro'., Me. Falmouth.
27. Charles W. Dimmick, Orodine E. Brown, 35
43
Boston.
Sidney, Me.
Mar. 24. Charles Augustus Hayden, 20 Rachel L. Howard, 18
Apr. 6.
Francis E. Stetson, Susan M. Stetson,
Randolph. 66 Braintree.
Braintree.
66
7. Nehemiah R. Proctor, Mary Lamb French.
22
Boston.
17. Lucien M. Thayer, Lydia A. Simonds,
25
22
66
66
23. Moses Long, Ann Shaw,
35
Scotland.
May 8.
David A. Collins, Jennie E. Hayden,
25
66
Braintree.
15. Charles Remington, Mary C. Damon,
40
66
Salem.
18. Michael Mohan,
25
..
Ireland.
·
Julia A. Downing,
27
Boston.
Ireland.
June 1.
Charles H. Hines, Alice E. Bowers,
21
So. Braintree.
4. Edward A. Hale, Mary E. Belcher,
23
66
Braintree.
7. Charles Lincoln Jordan, G. Frances Mansfield,
19
Braintree.
23. Edward E. Jordan, A. Arabella Langley,
18
Braintree.
19
66
May 28.
27
66
France.
23
66
Ireland.
Middleboro'. Braintree. 66
Greensboro'. N. C.
21. James E. Lathrop, Mary C. Hayden,
19
21.
Braintree. 66
6. David H. B. Thayer, Ella A. Huff,
20
19
25
Essex.
Braintree.
60
England.
24
66
Albany, N. Y.
35
65
Hingham.
Needham.
Needham. 66
Braintree,
Madison, Me.
31
25
66
Weymouth.
23
Marshfield.
23. Eugine F. Langley, Amanda J. Huff, John Y. Gillespie, Ellen Starr,
19
24
Braintree. 66
Braintree.
Randolph.
26 Braintree.
27
July 3. Volney E. Young, 23 Weymouth.
Byron, Me.
Abbie L.' Adams, 17
Wilton, Me.
Wilton.
9. John L. Whiting. 27 East Stoughton. East Stoughton.
Emma F. Howard,
20 West Randolph. Randolph.
Sept. 6. Warren Augustine Thayer.34 Mary Burbank Cobb, 33
Braintree.
Carver.
6. James S. Baker, 30
Charleston, S. C.
Mary E. Mansfield. 21
66
Braintree.
11. Joseph Albert Roby, Cordelia Niles, 29
28
St. Paul, Min.
East Cambridge.
Braintree.
Braintree.
Aug 28. Thomas O. Sullivan, Hannah E. Hay,
21
66
Weymouth.
Sept.18. Herbert H. Crowell, 20 66
Alice R. Pratt, 66
20
66
England.
21. George W. Hardwick, Elizabeth J. Poste.
19
Boston.
23. Thomas J. Dalton,
20
Alabama.
Mary M. Dermott,
19
66
Irelend.
Oct. 1. Nelson M. Hubert, A. Augusta Crane,
26
Weymouth
New York.
19. J. Ward Childs, Phebe Ann Sherman,
26
Braintree.
24 Joseph H. Hobart, Caroline J. Baxter,
20
Quincy.
Quincy. Tiverton, R. I.
23. Theodore Walsh, Elizabeth Bestick,
21
..
Braintree.
30. John Flood, Bridget Hagany,
38
24
Nov. 9. George O. Wales,
A. Frances P. Howard,
22
66
23. Ansel F. Bicknell, Olive A. Putillo,
25
Weymouthı.
20
33
No. Bridgewater.
27
Boston.
24. Leonardo Morales, Mary Augusta Johnson,
22
66
Cuba.
18 So. Bridgewater, Bridgewater.
37
Weymouth,
Ireland.
26 Braintree.
Braintree.
31. Samuel A. McClererly, Emma Frank Cowdry, Leander B. Hollis, M. Elizabeth Young.
27
Weymouth.
Weymouth.
Dec. 18.
Braintree.
18 Weymouth.
Weymouth.
23 Braintree.
Braintree.
22
Randolph.
Randolph.
23
Braintree. 66
Braintree.
Lynu.
66
Milton.
23
Braintree.
Maine.
32
Braintree.
Lancaster.
32
6:
Ireland. 6: Braintree. Cambridgeport. Weymouth.
20. Edward J. Humphrey, Mary Dorety,
Braintree. 66
30. Matthew McCanley, M. Amanda Langley,
24 25 Braintree.
Haverhill.
May 29. George R. M. Bestick, Alice Howard, Dec. 27. John G. W. Arnold, Mary E. Currier, 18
22
Ireland.
Braintree. 66
21
Onargo, Ill.
Braintree.
28
DEATHS IN BRAINTREE FOR THE YEAR 1870.
Years.
Ms. Days. Disease or cause of death.
McDowell,
1
15.
23. Feb. 3. 3.
Lucy Penninian,
35
1
S Phthisics Pul.
6.
William McDermott, Emery
18 Unknown. Stillborn.
7.
Joseph F. Porter,
45
9
9 Congestion of Lungs.
14. Relief Reed,
89
1
14
15. Walter A. Gilman,
20
5
23. Luther Dyer,
52
Phlegmonous Erysipelas Inflamation of bowels.
Mar. 4.
Johannah Downey,
82
5
3
Paralysis.
10.
9. Ruthy Belcher, Ira Morrison.
71
7
23
Dropsy.
13. Mary Ann Doherty,
2
9
Scalded.
16. Peter E. Briggs,
35
11
3
Consumption.
Apr. 2.
Charles S. Thayer, Ellen Hennesey,
72
Paralysis.
10. William E. Jones,
40
4
7
Consumption.
17. John Hollis,
90
3
21
Old age.
18.
Mary Nolan,
37
Dropsy.
23. Howard,
8
Fitts.
24. Carrie M. Martin,
1
5
10
Congestion of lungs.
May 2.
Elihu Thayer,
74
1
14
10. Margaret Nash,
45
24. Adam French,
70
25. Edward Johnson,
6
9
7
Croup.
31.
Corah E. McAlphin,
2
15
Canker.
June 12.
Charles R. Bunker,
21
9
12
Consumption.
13. Elizabeth D. Minchin,
22
10
12
16. Rachel Hayden,
93
8
Old age.
July
1. Eliza White,
71
3
28
Paralysis.
9.
Pierce,
Stillborn.
10.
Jane Brooks,
2
3
Brain Fever.
15. Ellen Maria Stevens,
1
5
Cholera infantum.
23. John Higgins,
62
Consumption.
25. Mary R. A. Rodgers,
2
26.
Harriet A. White,
67
11
26
Enl'g. of Heart.
26.
Thomas J. Jordan,
78
10
16 Lung Fever. Heart Disease.
20. Josiah French,
23
3
14
8.
Edward Costello,
68
Lung Fever. Paralysis.
Oliver Hayden,
78
4
Heart Disease. Consumption.
S. Warren Dalton,
49
Consumption.
Jan. 2.
Old age. Consumption.
83
29
Years. Ms. Days.
26. Sarah H. Jordan,
76
4
27. Adeline E. Drawlet,
34
Aug. 11. Sarah Milton Shed,
33 3 19
17. · Thomas E. Boyce,
8
Cholera infantum.
22. Josephine B. Cavanaugh,
6
2
23. Esther Wales Loring,
78
23. John J. Marks,
19
6
24. Horace Jones,
21
2 22
Consumption.
30. Hellen L. Penniman,
19
4 20
Typhoid Fever.
Sept. 1. Rachel Bowditch,
92
4
16
Paralysis.
6. Annie M. Gibbs,
Cholera infantum.
14. Lucien M. Thayer,
26
9
19
Consumption.
19. Isaac Dyer,
87
10
10
· 20. Sophia Vinton,
52
Typhoid Fever.
21. Elizabeth Murrey,
4
S
Cholera infantum.
22. Iram Vinton,
64
S
13
Typhoid Fever.
23. Edward E. Hayden,
1
11
Canker. Pneumonia.
29.
. Fraser,
Stillborn.
29.
Edna M. Waymouth,
10
Dysentery.
Oct.
Abraham W. Hobart, Sauuders,
5
26
Cholera infantum. Stillborn. Consumption of bowels. Diabetes.
14.
Isaac E. Young,
34
6
29. Bridget T. Barton,
22
4
11
Nov. ≤ 1. Ennice French,
79
S
10
2. Sarah Harlow,
76
3. Hezekiah Means,
58
6
Cancer.
13. Eben Jones,
76
6
25
26. Sarah E. T. French,
32
6
Rupture. Childbirth. Stillborn.
26. Dec. 17 .
Mary J. Maguire,
13
1 23
Heart Disease. Consumption.
22.
Morrice Drinan,
62
Disease or cause of death. Old age. Consumption.
Old age. Killed by cars.
10
12
29. Mary J. Creighton,
22
1. 6. 11. Alice O'Hare,
62
Consumption. 60
66
French,
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
Town of raintree,
FOR THE YEAR
1870-71.
BOSTON: ISAAC W. MAY, PRINTER, 39 STATE STREET. 1871.
The School Committee of Braintree submit the follow- ing Report, as required by the Statute of the Con- mmonwealth.
REPORT.
HIGH SCHOOL.
W. H. KNIGHT, A.M., PRINCIPAL. MISS M. F. SOUTHWORTH, ASSISTANT.
Mr. Knight, a teacher of long experience, was en- gaged at the beginning of the year.
He brought with him into his new field of labor, a complete knowledge of the peculiarities of young students ; a degree of enthusiasm in teaching rarely possessed ; and a vast amount of energy and vitality in his process of instruction, together with an accurate knowledge of the branches required to be taught.
Under his efficient management, seconded by the faithful and able assistance of Miss Southworth, we take pleasure in announcing that the school has been distinguished throughout the year, by good order and studiousness, and that, as a consequence of these, a good degree of progress has been witnessed in all its departments.
The strictness of discipline, amounting at times, to what has been considered severity, has been deemed
4
needful, in order to counteract the spirit of heedless- ness inherited from the previous condition of affairs ; but it is presumed that the good sense of the school, uniting with the wisdom and thoughtfulness of its instructor, will render any extreme measures of dis- cipline needless, hereafter.
The following members of the First Class were pre- sented with diplomas of graduation by the Committee.
Oscar M. Crocker, F. Eugene Dyer, Alice M. Mason, N. Gleason Torrey.
COURSE OF STUDIES.
The following is a schedule of studies adopted by the Committee, to be pursued in the Grammar and High Schools.
This course of study has been carefully considered and compared with that of other towns, and, we are confident that it will be well suited to the wants of our schools.
GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
Reading, selections from Sargent's Fourth Reader ; Grammar, Quackenbos' small, complete ; Geography, Warren's Common School complete ; Arithmetic, Wal- ton's to Ratio; History of the United States through the Revolution ; Mental Arithmetic, Walton's complete.
HIGH SCHOOL.
Ist. Term, Ist. Year. Review and complete Arith- metic and Grammar, Warren's Physical Geography commenced.
2d. Term, Ist. Year. Algebra, Robinson's commenced ; Physical Geography complete ; History, Worcester's General commenced ; Mental Arithmetic, Stoddard's.
5
Ist. Term, 2d. Year. Algebra complete ; Latin, Hark- ness Grammar and Reader commenced, or French ; Philosophy, Steel's commenced.
2d. Term, 2d. Year. Geometry, Davis' commenced ; Latin or French and Philosophy continued; Chemistry, Steel's, commenced ; Philosophy continued.
Ist. Term 3d. Year. Geometry complete; Latin or French continued; Chemistry complete; Botany, Gray's, commenced.
2d. Term 3d. Year. Astronomy, Steel's, commenc ed ; Latin or French ; Physiology, Jarvis' commenced.
Ist. Term 4th. Year. Geology, Steel's commenced ; Moral Philosophy, Latin or French.
2d. Term, 4th. Year. Rhetoric, Whatley's; French or Latin ; Arithmetic and Grammar reviewed.
Weekly Exercises in Reading, Spelling, Penmanship, Book-keeping, Declamation, Composition, &c.
POND PRIMARY SCHOOL. MISS ELLA TORREY, TEACHER.
This is Miss Torrey's first experience in teaching. Though lacking somewhat in animation and vivacity, she has approved herself as a faithful and efficient teacher; and under her tuition the school has been well conducted.
POND INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL.
MISS SARAH L. PORTER, TEACHER.
At the beginning of the year, Miss Porter was pro- moted from the Primary to the Intermediate School. The interest and energy, by which her management of the Primary School was characterized, were none the less instrumental in rendering her conduct of the
6
higher grade school peculiarly satisfactory and suc- cessful.
Her readiness to attend to, and apply suggestions of improvement, her precision and distinctness of enun- ciation, her thoroughness and skill in instruction have resulted in producing in her pupils a marked improve- ment during the year
POND GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
MRS. ANNA M. BROOKS, MISS S. L. BARNES, TEACHERS.
This school was taught, during the first term, and a few weeks of the second, by Mrs. Brooks.
The experience of her past instruction gave every reason to expect a successful school under her care. In this expectation we were not disappointed, and have only to regret the necessity that compelled her resignation at the beginning of the fall term.
Her place was filled by Miss Barnes, who completed the year.
Under the persuasive directions of this teacher, the school continued to improve, so that, at the annual examination, there appeared marked evidences of thoroughness and attention. The qualifications of Miss Barnes, as a teacher, lead us to predict for the future of this school, provided she continues as its in- structor, with the co-operation of those who attend, a degree of advancement that shall render it what it is designed to become, a thorough Grammar School.
EAST SCHOOL.
MISSES VICTORIA P. WILD, SARAH ALLEN, TEACHERS.
Miss Victoria P. Wild continued the instruction of this school with the same energy, singleness of purpose,
7
and success, which have attended her labors in pre- vious years, until near the close of the Summer term, when impaired health absolutely requiring rest, she reluctantly, and to the regret of the committee re- signed her position.
We hope that recovered health may soon enable her to resume the calling for which her experience and qualifications are so well adapted.
Miss Sarah Allen, who has had some years experi- ence in this town and abroad, and who is well qualified by education for a teacher, was appointed to fill the place made vacant by the resignation of Miss Wild. She has used her best efforts to discharge the import- ant trust committed to her charge.
IRON-WORKS GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
MISS MARTHA READ, TEACHER.
Miss Read has been teacher of this school for three or four years, and is entitled to very great credit for the diligent, energetic, and conscientious manner in which she has discharged the important trust commit- ted to her care. Vivacity, studiousnesss and accuracy are characteristics of the school. Substantial progress has been made in all the studies pursued in the school during the past year.
Nor has she been remiss in her efforts to aid in the moral as well as the intellectual developement of her pupils.
IRON-WORKS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL.
MISSES MARY A. AVERY, MARY SCOLLARD, TEACHERS.
Miss Avery taught during the summer term, mani- festing great interest in the advancement and well be-
8
ing of her pupils. Ill health compelled her resigna- tion, when Miss Scollard was transferred from the Pri- mary school to fill the vacancy thus occasioned. Miss Scollard has done as well as could reasonably be ex- pected in a school not easily governed; composed of children at the most restless period of life, and con- fined to seats and forms, of the old style made for scholars very much older than those that comprise this school.
IRON-WORKS FIRST PRIMARY SCHOOL. MISS ANNIE L. BUMPUS, TEACHER,
This school is composed of what was a part of the Primary school, previous to fitting up the room now occupied by them, in accordance with the recom- mendation of the school committee, in their last annu- al report.
This is a very pleasant, orderly, quiet school; in the securing of which, the convenient arrangements of the school-room have, in no small degree, aided the con- scientious, untiring efforts of the teacher. This school under its present management has made excellent progress.
IRON-WORKS PRIMARY.
MISSES KATIE P. BISHOP, MARY SCOLLARD, TEACHERS.
Miss Scollard having been transferred to the Inter- mediate, Miss Bishop was appointed teacher of this school. She has shown great fitness for her position. Evidently feeling an interest in her pupils and their progress, she has adopted appropriate methods to se- cure that end, and has succeeded. And the promise
9
now is that increased experience will increase her usefulness.
MIDDLE STREET SCHOOL.
MISS E. M. THOMPSON, TEACHER.
Miss Thompson has taught this school several years with very satisfactory results. Her government has been of the right kind; parental, firm and kind, free from arbitrariness. Knowing what she teaches, she has known how to teach others.
She is entitled to the grateful consideration of her pupils and the community which she has so faithfully served.
UNION PRIMARY SCHOOL.
MISS AVIS A. THAYER, TEACHER.
This school is in a very satisfactory condition, ex- cept that a few of the oldest scholars have been absent so much of the term, that they not only appear to disadvantage, but they prevent the progress of their classes, and it may be necessary to put them into the lower classes.
UNION INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL.
MISS JOANNA W. PENNIMAN, TEACHER.
In this school the studies have been pursued wtih great thoroughness, especially the mental and written arithmetic of the first class. The reading on a part of a small per cent. of the school is somewhat faulty.
Its closing examination was one of its very best.
The singing, gymnastics, and declamation exercises of this and the primary department were exceedingly
10
interesting, and as they tend not only to physical and mental improvement, but are promotive of happiness and good order, we hope to see such exercises in all our schools.
UNION GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
MISS JENNIE F. HALL, TEACHER.
The order of the school has steadily improved, but little more could be expected in this direction. The Teacher labored to have her classes thorough in their studies, but from want of proper appreciation of the teachers efforts on the part of the scholars, and of co-operation on the part of many of the parents, the advancement of the school in some respects was not up to our expectations.
Possibly the teacher had not the good will of her school so fully as desirable, but might she not have had, if parents had interested themselves in the right direction ? And are not the children the greatest loosers from this want of just co-operation.
We believe 80 per cent. of those from this school who were examined for admmission to the High School would have been successful, could the teacher and scholars have received the stimulus of right feel- ing and action from parents. If but 40 per cent. in- stead of 80, succeeded, we ask again to whom comes the heaviest loss ?
SOUTH EAST SCHOOL.
MISS CLARA E. THAYER, TEACHER.
Considering this, Miss Thayer's first year of teach- ing, the committee think she succeeded very well.
ii
The school has not appeared so well on examination for several years, whether in the hands of teacher or committee. We say this the more freely as at the beginning of the year the management and appear- ence of the school was not quite satisfactory.
WEST SCHOOL.
MISS INEZ A. PENNIMAN, TEACHER.
The committee visited this school quite often and are satisfied that Miss Penniman has labored faithful- ly to advance her school, and with considerable suc- cess. At no time when present has the school ap- peared very disorderly, though it has not been quite so orderly as desirable. With her ample literary qual- ifications and the year of experience she has had, we feel that she can hardly fail of carrying on the school successfully.
THE SOUTH WEST SCHOOL,
Under the care of MRS. MARY H. MARSTON, has, we think, made decided improvement. Mrs. Marston, by faithful, patient, and untiring effort for years, has well earned the reputation she possesses, as a success- full teacher.
SOUTH SCHOOL.
MISSES MARY C. HOWE, S. A. CHILDS, LOUISE BRONSDON, TEACHERS.
This school was taught during the first term by Miss Mary C. Howe. This was her first experience in teaching. So far as her qualifications as a scholar are concerned she was well fitted to teach ; but, although her efforts to maintain good order were constant and
12
untiring, yet, owing to the disposition of some of the scholars, she was unable to secure such obedience as to render her teaching successful. According to her the utmost faithfulness in the discharge of her duties, we can but view it as a matter of regret, that the be- havior of her scholars was such as to constrain her to resign her position at the close of the term; thus de- priving the school of one who under more favorable circumstances, we have no doubt, would have been successful. During a part of the year from September 5th. to November 18th, the school was taught by Miss S. A. Childs, a teacher of some experience; under her management, the school showed a great improvement in deportment and attention to studies. Her quiet but firm control, while holding those disposed to be disobedient in check, yet uniting with an attractive and lady like manner, have shown her to be a capable teacher. Owing to a misunderstanding with reference to the length of the second term, the Committee were disappointed, by the resignation of Miss Childs, at the Thanksgiving Recess, in their ex- pectation of retaining her services during the year.
The third teacher of this school Miss Louise Brons- don, presented herself in reply to an advertisement of the Committee, and by examination showed herself to be a very thorough scholar. Although, her disciplin- ary faculties lack the culture of experience, and her management of the school, has in a measure, been wanting in good order, yet the school has, on the whole under her administration, made some progress.
In reviewing the history of the schools during the past year it is the opinion of the Committee that con- siderable progress has been made, but not in all cases
18
so much as we could desire to have been made that the teachers have generally shown themselves to be effici- ent and faithful. That the condition of the schools at the present time is in a measure satisfactory while the promise for the coming year, provided their be a libe- ral support from the town, and a hearty co-operation from the parents is very good.
IRON-WORKS SCHOOL HOUSE.
The room occupied by this school was furnished with the most approved and convenient desks and seats to be found in the market, out of the appropria- tion of five hundred dollars voted by the town for that purpose, at the last annual town meeting.
No school room in town excells it in the air of comfort and convenience of its appointments. Its single desks and seats, twenty inches long, while allowing the schol- ars to be seperated from each other at a sufficint dis- tance to prevent easy communication, allow them suffi- cient space to change their position without injury to themselves, or disturbance to their neighbors.
These seats are a decided improvement upon stools or the old style of forms and benches generally used.
THE POND SCHOOL HOUSE.
A school-house containing four rooms, and a space- for a hall above, with well arranged conveniences ercted at a cost of about $14,000, was completed at the beginning of the fall term. But after having been occupied two days by the schools, on the morning of September 7th, from some unknown and so far as . we have been able to discover, uninvestigated cause, it was burnt to the ground. The schools were obliged to return again to the old shells, that have, for some
14
time past, stood as apologetic substitutes for school houses.
Some slight repairs have been made on these, suffi- cient to render them endurable, but as they stand in their present condition we are confident, that, when duly considered we need no more powerful arguments to insure a prompt and energetic action, on the part of all our citizens, boasting nothing higher than humane- ness, even to supplant at the earliest possible day these wretched structures by a building adapted to the present and growing wants of the times.
SOUTH WEST SCHOOL HOUSE.
Blinds were provided for this school house, which supply a long complained of need.
HIGH SCHOOL HOUSE.
The rooms under the Town Hall occupied by the High School have, until the present year, been desti- tute of blinds. But under the General Statute, Chap. 38, Sect. 33, " That in any town containing five hund- red families in which a school is kept for the benefit of all the inhabitants as before provided, the school committee shall perform the like duties in relation to such school, the house where it is kept, and the supply of all things necessary therefor, as the prudential com- mittee may perform in a school district." Your com- mitte proceeded to supply this lack, and the much needed blinds were put in place. Some slight repairs with the addition of another stove, complete the improvements made on these well appointed rooms.
15
TRUANT LAWS.
We would call attention to the fact that there is considerable truancy in some portions of the town ; and we would recommend under the General Statute, Chapter 207, 1862, Section 1. which requires that "Each city and town shall make all needful provisions and arrangements concerning habitual truants and also concerning children wandering about in the streets or public places of any city or town, having no lawful occupation or business, not attending school and growing up in ignorance, between the ages of seven and sixteen years; and shall also make all such by-laws respecting such children as shall be deemed most conducive to their welfare and the good order of such city or town; and there shall be annexed to such by-laws suitable penalties not exceeding twenty dollars, for any one breach : provided, that said by-laws shall be approved by the superior court sitting in any county in the Commonwealth," that a committee be appointed to draft a form of laws suited to enforce attendance upon school: and that these laws be adopted by the town.
We would also recommend that an appropriation of not more than fifty dollars, be made by the town, to be at the disposal of the teacher of the High School, for the purchase of philosophical apparatus for the use of the School.
L. WHEATON ALLEN, ) ALVERDO MASON, NOAH TORREY, A. S. MORRISON, T. H. DEARING, EDWARD AVERY. 1
SCHOOL COMMITTEE. !
SCHOOLS.
No. Scholars
Summer Term.
No. Scholars
Winter Term.
Av. attendance
Summer Term.
Av. attendance
Winter Term.
No. over 15 yrs
Summer Term.
No. over 15 yrs
Winter Term.
No. under 5 yrs
Summer Term.
No. under 5 yrs
Winter Term .
Length of
Length of
Wages per
Month
Summer Term.
Wages per
Month
Winter Term.
High School,
60
49
55 1-2
43
21
18
0
0
4
51-4 118,27&37,64 118,27&37,64
Iron Works Grammar,
44
38
34
32
2
2
0
0
3 3-4
51-10
40
40
Iron Works Intermediate,
48
46
38
35 1-2
0
0
0
0
4
5 1-10
32
32
Iron Works 1st Primary,
38
-
27 1-4
0
0
0
0
-
27-20
32
Iron Works 2nd Primary,
80
76
49
41
0
0
0
5.
4
51-10
32
28
Pond Grammar,
46
41
43
36
0
0
0
0
4
Or
40
40
Pond Intermediate,
39
37
33
311-2
1
2
0
0
4
Cr
32
32
Pond Primary,
45
55
34
40
0
0
2
1
4
Or
28
28
Union Grammar,
42
37
29
281-2
1
1
0
0
33-4
51-20
40
40
Union Intermediate,
46
43
40 1-4
40
0
0
0
0
4
51-20
32
32
Union Primary,
60
63
51
55
0
0
6
8
4
51-20
32
32
East,
53
61
42
46
0
2
1
0
IA
5
40
40
Middle,
27
36
22 1-2
27
0
0
0
0
IA
5
32
32
South East,
27
29
17
20
2
2
2
0
4
5
28
28
South,
29
33
201-2
25
0
0
0
1
4
49-10
28
32
South West,
28
26
17
19
2
0
2
0
IA
Or
32
32
West,
34
28
22 1-4
16 1-2
C
1
1
1
4
1
28
28
Total,
708
736
548
563 1-4
29
28
14
16
Summer Term.
Winter Term.
-
16
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.