USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > Town annual report of Chelmsford 1898 > Part 4
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1894-95.
"The first and most serious of these (difficulties) has been the crowded condition of the schools at the North village and the Centre."
1895-96.
. "Relief should be given to the crowded condition of the North? Primary."
1896-97.
"At the beginning of school in September I found sixty-four pupils in the primary room at the North village, and seats enough for but fifty."
TRANSPORTATION.
These bits of fact and judgment that have come to us from former School Committees and Superintendents, those citizens that the people have intrusted with the especial care of their
11
schools, and consequently the ones that have the closest practical knowledge of their working, show two things, viz .: I. That people in general are conservative concerning school matters, and that they often seriously object to any change. 2. That school officials persistently recommend and urge changes upon the peo- ple, and finally succeed in making them, unless some law is en- acted that renders further urging unnecessary.
Running all through these reports we find recommendations for closing the small schools and transporting pupils to the larger ones. This was done even when there was no proper building to which to transport them, and the expense of erecting one was, of course, a serious hindrance. That difficulty has now been re- moved. We have a building at the Centre with four excellent rooms, and four more that are well heated and ventilated, with first-class sanitary and play-room arrangements for all. Two of these rooms are now unoccupied. I believe that at least one of them should be filled with pupils transported from the smaller schools.
With all due consideration for the individual (and I strongly advocate his due consideration, we must not let him be forgotten in his class,) and for certain advantages that the country school, with its few pupils, affords the bright one that wants to go ahead, I still believe that the small school works at great disadvantage on account of the lack of enthusiasm which numbers can give.
What is true of pupils is eminently true of teachers. They are social beings and learn of others by comparison. The influ- ence of a single teacher having a special talent for any one thing is felt throughout the building in which she teaches.
We have some fine, earnest, enthusiastic teachers in single room schools, but it is a well known fact that few of them intend to remain there long, no, not even if their salary is as large as any in town. They feel the need of the stimulus derived from contact with other teachers, and the advantages that centralization gives. Commonly the better teachers are found in the larger schools; often they have been chosen after proving their fitness for their positions by work in the smaller schools.
There would be little additional cost for fuel in occupying the room above referred to. The room is now warmed, in part, at
-
12
least ; for the foot warmer in the hall is connected with the furnace that warms the room, so no extra fire would have to be kept.
The transportation plan is not all theory. Carlisle, in this district, transports two schools to the Centre, and Dunstable, the other town, has an admirable system that is working very satis- factorily indeed. They have four transportation teams and bring in pupils from all parts of the town, so that now there are two fine, strong schools, both in one building, where formerly were several small, weak ones ..
Then from the standpoint of cost, of the greatest good of the individual pupil as well as the entire school, of the efficiency of the teacher, and of practical experience, I must say that I am in hearty sympathy with the recommendations of the gentlemen who have preceded me, and must again urge an appropriation for transportation of pupils.
MORE ROOM NEEDED.
Another and even more important recommendation, which is repeated so often as to furnish proof of undue conservatismn, is the one calling for enlarged facilities in the villages. It would seem that the primary children have been the chief sufferers on account of lack of air and room. I believe no one who will take the trouble to investigate will be other than thankful that the Centre schools have been so well supplied in this direction.
The East School, with its over forty pupils, has also been well furnished with air by a new and comparatively inexpensive heating apparatus. A house-wife or a school-boy that has always used wood for fuel is likely to have some difficulty in changing to coal. This case has been no exception, but the apparatus has always responded to skillful handling. I believe it is a great boon for small buildings where something is absolutely needed. Indeed. I am so convinced of the value of this heater and ventilator that I recommend the placing of one in the South School and another in the West School. It is one of our first duties to look after the health of our pupils and teachers.
A few of the older pupils at the East could be schooled at the Centre with great advantage to themselves and the remaining pupils.
13
The North School is now the great sufferer on account of room. The intermediate room has had forty-six pupils and the primary fifty-eight. This is too large a number, especially so for a school where so many obtain work in the mill as soon as it is lawful to do so. There is every indication of an increase in the school population. The present school building is unable to accommodate more than a dozen additional pupils, and this even means the use of a laboratory that has been fitted up as a recita- tion room, and heated with an oil stove.
As a special committee has been appointed to report upon this matter I will say no more, but express the hope that some- thing may be done soon, and that what I have said in regard to the. association of teachers in a building will not be overlooked in considering a plan for better accommodations.
THE CENTRE BUILDING.
We would not be unmindful of the good things that we have received. The Building Committee fitted up the new rooms with the greatest consideration for their highest usefulness and conven- ience to both pupils and teachers.
The basement, sanitary arrangements, heat, ventilation, slate blackboards, adjustable desks and the unexcessive number of then in each room show that the committee had the best interests of the school at heart.
Teachers who have taught for years say that they never felt so well at the end of a term, and never had pupils give them so little trouble before as during the past year. Health and disci- pline come into the rooms through the apertures that admit fresh air.
Nothing else in a small way could have been done to give so much general satisfaction as has the introduction of a driven well in each side of the basement. These are fitted with pumps and sinks. They are genuine blessings.
For these we are indebted to Dr. E. H. Chamberlain, who conceived, and in part executed with his own hands, this plan for a water supply. He has a clear eye, an open ear, and a ready hand for anything that makes for the health of pupils and teachers in the way of cleanliness, pure air and good light.
14
The placing of electric bells upon the building enables the principal to communicate signals of assembling and dismissal to all parts at once. System and uniformity of action is becoming a marked feature of the building.
These good things are appreciated and teachers and pupils respond to the stimulus. The new rooms have now been occu- pied nearly a year, and show that they have had excellent care. Some accidents have happened, but the principal has had all damages repaired at once and collected money from the unfortu- nates to settle the bills. The desks are almost entirely free from ink stains and scratches.
CORPORAL PUNISHMENT.
We still have a few cases of corporal punishment; they are few, but have not ceased to be, even in our best schools. In fact, I am not sure but that is one reason why they are best.
TEACHERS' CONVENTION.
Our teachers attended the Middlesex County Teachers' Con- vention at Boston with profit, but after attending both I am sat- isfied that the Northwest Middlesex Convention, which holds its meetings at Ayer, is the betterone for us, on account of the smaller number in attendance.
State Agent Edson gave us the benefit of his brief labors in this territory by visiting our schools and holding a teachers' meet- ing in the afternoon, at which many persons besides teachers were present.
When visiting the schools at the North he found a good dis- play of school work spread out for his inspection and that of other visitors who came later.
Agent Bailey held a teachers' meeting at the Centre one after- noon, and gave a lecture at the North in the evening.
A few general teachers' meetings besides these have been held. At such times schools are taught with open doors in the buildings where the meetings are held until time for the meeting to begin, generally at 2.30. School Committees and others are welcomed.
15
EXHIBITION ROOM.
Last spring teachers, pupils and others fitted up one of the unoccupied rooms at the Centre building for an exhibition of school work from the entire district. Many visitors have exani- ined it, and now it is to be replaced with something later. We hope that parents and friends who saw the old will want to see the new, and that many will take this opportunity to become bet- ter acquainted with the pupils and their work.
NEW WORK.
The one decidedly new thing for us this year is vertical writ- ing. The Natural System, D. C. Heath publisher. After some experimenting this system was introduced last September. The results have been astonishingly good. Pupils and teachers have been enthusiastic over it. The writing of some pupils that could hardly be read in the slant hand is now read almost as easily as print. The finest thing about it is that the poorest writers have made the greatest improvement.
Brush and ink work is a new feature of the drawing that has been introduced with good success since Mr. Bailey came to see us in November.
We were so well pleased with our writing and brush work that several entire classes sent samples to the Educational Museum at the State House.
SUPPLIES.
I am pleased to note how many of the recommendations of last year have been met. We have been quite well supplied dur- ing the year, but we still need more readers for grades I and II. and the dictionaries obtained supply but one-half of the pupils that need them.
There is still some practice of selling supplies to pupils. The law states that books and supplies shall be furnished by the town. The paper furnished by the town is tied up into books and the pupil's work on it open to inspection. When pupils aise paper sold to them it is often torn into bits to be scattered about the room, more or less.
16
The practice of having everything retained leads to habits of carefulness. The papers received today certainly compare very favorably in neatness with those of a year and a half ago, when the system of tying papers into books and saving them began.
RECORDS.
All schools are now supplied with record books that show the age and grade of each pupil, what studies he is taking, and at what time and part of the year he takes them; also the teacher's estimate of the work done. This corresponds to the report cards that are sent home, and will form a valuable record.
It is difficult even now to tell exactly what the schools were doing forty years ago. We would like to make some compari- sons, but not even the registers can be found.
A record of books and supplies received by each teacher. is kept, and teachers charge pupils with the books given out to them.
In one case, at least, a teacher secured pay from a pupil for a book that was lost.
TEACHERS.
We have had few changes in teachers. At the close of the spring term Mr. Failing left us to continue his studies at Harvard; at the Thanksgiving recess Miss Walker secured a school nearer home, and Miss Staples felt that poor health in her home made its claim upon her greater than that of the school room.
We appreciate the hard work, enthusiasm and devotion which these teachers gave to their schools, and our hearty good will goes with them.
All of the new teachers have done well. Mr. Averell of the Centre High brought with him the highly valuable qualification of six years' experience in teaching a high school; and Miss Cow- drey of the South an enthusiasm that almost hypnotizes her school.
Nothing is plainer than this: What a teacher likes in her home will find its way into her school. If she is musical she will have music in her school, if she loves art she will secure good drawing and brush work, if she is interested in science she will have pupils enthusiastic over nature work, if she delights in read-
17
ing the great authors she will have good literature study in her school, and in addition to this she will impart something of her zeai to the teachers that come in contact with her. We may think alone, but we think better by coming in contact with thinkers.
Some of our teachers have attended singing school this winter, and have given an evening a week to the study of Shake- spcare.
Music, drawing, literature, nature-work (the study of ever- green trees this winter), and even painting, in some cases, are now taught in our schools; yet these same schools are doing good work in reading, writing and arithmetic. All this can be accon1- plished only when teachers and pupils are full of the spirit of work.
We have ability, fidelity, and excellence of the inspiring, character-building power among our teachers that is seldom sur- passed. Some of them are in their rooms from 7.30 or 8 in the morning to 4.30 or 5.30 at night. In the recent great storm, for two days one teacher came on the train which arrives at 7.24, and then she walked a mile and three-fourths to her school.
There are many noble women who are putting their whole time and energy into school work. That is the kind that we want, and when we have them they are the ones we wish to keep.
Is there any good reason why Chelmsford should not have as good teachers as any town, especially when she can hold them for much less than any other can get them?
I have enjoyed my year's work and am conscious that my enjoyment has been largely due to those who have worked withi me. I have found many such in the School Committee, teachers, parents and citizens of the town, and take this opportunity of ex- pressing my appreciation of them.
G. H. KNOWLTON, Superintendent.
Mr. G. H. Knowlton, Superintendent of Schools:
Dear Sir-I herewith submit my report as Principal of the Centre High School. The school opened in September with twenty-one in attendance, of whom seven are members of the graduating class.
18
Throughout the year the pupils have shown commendable zeal in their work and a willingness to conform to any regulations that seemed to be for the best interests of the school. In regard to our course of study, the work being done at present is similar to the first two years' work in the Lowell High School. Those of our pupils who take Latin are pursuing the same studies that the pupils in the classical course at Lowell pursue. Of course the Lowell teachers have fewer recitations per day and longer recitation periods, but I can see no reason why pupils of good ability, after two years' work in the Chelmsford High School, should not be able to pass the examinations for the third year's work in the Lowell High School, and thus have a chance to com- plete a four years' course, which is impossible at home under pres- ent conditions. To do this would mean work, but if our course were arranged with this in view, would it not be an incentive to better work, not only in the High School but in all the grades?
During the year electric bells and a water supply in the base- ments have been added, which have been appreciated by all.
Among our most pressing needs are a standard encyclopaedia and a physical laboratory. In all well-conducted schools physics is now taught by the laboratory method. One of the old recitation rooms could easily be fitted up and the expenditure of $50 would! enable us to do this work in accordance with modern methods.
In closing I wish to thank the School Committee and Super- intendent for their hearty co-operation in all efforts made to im- prove the condition of the school.
C. W. AVERELL.
Mr. G. H. Knowlton, Superintendent of Schools:
I have the honor to submit to you my second annual report of the High School.
No change of a revolutionary character has been made during the past year.
A class of seven was graduated last June, the exercises, as usual, being held in the Town Hall.
Four pupils of the High School entered the State Normal School at Lowell in September, and one entered the third year of the Mechanic's Art School, Boston.
19
The new course of study has proved a help, but is not suf- ficiently elastic. Experience and careful study show that it is not the part of wisdom for the town to accept the principle that true democratic equality requires a bright pupil to learn no more than one of less ability and industry.
I desire to thank the member of the School Board for his ready support, the citizens for their confidence, and you, Mr. Superintendent, for your supervision.
Respectfully submitted, ARTHUR W. TRUBEY, Principal of High School.
Graduating Exercises North Chelmsford High School.
PROGRAMME.
March, - "El Capitan." - - Orchestra. -
Salutatory and Essay, - "The Night Bringeth Forth Stars." Ethel C. Ranger.
Male Quartette, -
- -
-
Selected -
Essay and History. -
- "From Dawn till Dusk." Carrie L. Cook.
Overture, "Bohemian Girl." - Orchestra.
Class Oration, -
-
- "Wonders of Electricity." George E. Lumbert.
Trio, -
- "The Fairy Revel." Misses Perkins. MeEnaney an 1 Ranger.
- Essay, - - -
"Our Flag."
Frances M. MeEnaney.
"A Gay Time." Orchestra. - Selection, - -
Essay and Prophecy. -
"View from a Hill Top." Effie M. Perkins.
Selection, -
Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Bearce.
Essay and Valedictory, "Glories of the Morning." Winnifrede C. Quirk. - -
Addresses. -
-
20
"Wein. Weib and Gesang."
Waltz, . - - Orchestra.
Presentation of Diplomas, -
Supt. G. H. Knowlton. -
Singing of Class Ode. -
Air-" Fair Harvard."
Dear friends and schoolmates, we have met once again, Then from you we ever shall part ;
Our school days are ended, our tasks are all done, Out into the world we must start.
Though we wander and roam from friends and from home, And through life's uncertain maze, Our pleasures and joys we'll recount o'er and o'er, As onward and upward we go.
How often our thoughts will return to this spot, As forth through the world we shall roam?
We'll deem it a part of our Father's kind lot That we here for so long found a home.
Then farewell, dear school hours, and farewell, oh ye friends, Who here lighted our pathway with love; Though tonight we must part, our prayers will ascend. That we meet in the mansions above. FRANCES M. MCENANEY,
Benediction,
Rev. S. I. Briant.
The graduates were Ethel Clayton Ranger, Carrie Louise Cook, Frances Marguerite McEnaney, Effie Morrill Perkins, Winnifrede Catherena Quirk, Margaret Brown, George Ernest Lumbert.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL SUPPLY DEPARTMEMT.
STOCK ON HAND .- MARCH, 1897.
North Village . $36.34
Centre Village. 56.73
$93.07
STOCK ON HAND .- MARCH, 1898.
North Village. $38.72
Centre Village. 44.79
$83.51
STEWART MACKAY, Supply Agent.
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TRUANT OFFICER'S REPORT.
CHELMSFORD CENTRE.
To the School Committee of Chelmsford :-
Two cases were investigated at the Centre School, Chelms- ford, with the result that the children came into the school all right.
JOHN H. NICHOLS, Truant ()fficer.
NORTH CHELMSFORD.
To the School Committee of Chelmsford :-
Number of cases reported, three; number of cases investi- gated, three. Two returned to school; one was found sick.
WILLIAM J. QUIGLEY, Truant Officer.
SOUTH CHELMSFORD).
To the School Committee of Chelmsford :-
I have investigated only one case the past year.
WARREN BERRY, Truant Officer.
ROLL OF HONOR.
Pupils having perfect attendance for 1897-98. (The number of stars indicate times tardy.)
CENTRE HIGH.
No. of terms.
E. Belle Adams, 3
Michael W. O'Day, .. 3
Fred Macnutt, 2
Belle Gould, .
1
Harriet Emerson,
1
Mabel A. Ross, 3
Wallace H. Ross, 3
Lillian Lee,
1
Sara Devine, 1
Anna Bliss,
1
Ethel H. Adams, ·
1
CENTRE 2d GRAMMAR.
Hermon Hill, . 3
William Robbins,
3
Bernice Rowell,
3
Eva Perham, ·
2
Walter Redman,
2
CENTRE 2d PRIMARY.
Ada Ross, 2
Edith Bliss, 2
Augusta Pasche,
2
Homer Howe,
2
Ruth Adamıs, .
2
Edward Redman,
1
Paul Davis, 1
CENTRE GRAMMAR.
A. Louis Adams, 3
Win. E. Adams, 3
Lydia J. Stewart, 3
Charles Howe, 2
*Harlan E. Knowlton, 2
Helen Knowlton,
1
Cora Stevens,
1
Grace Atwood,
1
Carrie Knowlton, 1
Leon S. Holt. . 1
Ralph W. Caverly, .
1
Mark W. Reed,
1
1
Elsie S. Perham, 3 *Robert D. Russell, . Frederic Tangley,
3
2
2
*Frank A. Hodson, . Agnes V. Eaton, . William E. Kershaw, .
1
1
Harry W. Harmon, 1
Richard E. Davis, .
1
Chester A. Allen, .
.
1
Rachel L. Marshall, ·
1
Francis Dutton, 1
Fred Holt.
1
Ever Briggs,
1
Edward Earle,
1
* Arthur Hill, 1
Edith Hagerman,
1
Laura Knowlton,
2
Frederick Parkhurst, ·
2
Marion Adams, 2
Charles Perham,
1
Wallace Ross,
1
Charles Paul. 1
Helen Hartford,
1
Eva Kettlety,
1
** Emma G. Wood, 2
Breck Emerson, 1
Hattie Adamson, 1
Ethel R. Hagerman, - 1
No. of terms.
Oscar Hodson,
1
Eva M. Sargent, .
1
*Charles Nichols,
1
CENTER INTERMEDIATE.
*Stanley Cotton,
23
CENTRE PRIMARY.
No. of terms.
Charles E. Parkhurst, 3
* Abbott W. Russell, 3 .
Leroy C. Bliss.
1
Doris L Byfield,
Jessie R. Chamberlain,
1
Raymond W. Dutton, 1
Ida R. Lovering, .
1
Louise E. Robbins, ·
1
Edward B. Russell, .
1
Frederick Russell, . ·
1
Irene F. Worthen, .
.
NORTH HIGH.
** Herbert Ingalls, .
2
Stewart Mackay,
1
Ina Lumbert, .
1
Emma Holt, .
1
Carrie Cook, .
1
Herbert Worden,
1
Minnie Brennan,
1
NORTH GRAMMAR.
Florence Queen, .
2
Edward Tole, . ·
2
Estella Howard, 1
Justin Potter, 1
Gladys Swain, 1
* Walter Worden,
1
*Margaret Larkin, 1
NORTH INTERMEDIATE.
Chester Worden, 1
Lester Worden, 1
Arthur Callahan, 1
Stephen Callahan, 1
Earl Lewis, 1
*Florence Queen,
1
*John Varney,
1
* Arvilla Piggott,
1
NORTH 2d PRIMARY.
Clifford Queen, 2
Nellie Callahan, 1
Jesse Butterfield, 1 .
. *Minnie Polley, 1
* William Kenan, .
I
NORTH PRIMARY.
No. of terms.
Fred Reno,
. 2
Nellie L. Butterfield, .
2
Florence A. Bearce, . 2
Mildred C. Queen, 2
Martin Welch,
Ethel M. Reno, 1
Maggie M. Welch, . .
1
James Earle Wotton, .
1
Willie Welch, .
1
Alvin H. Polley, .
1
WEST GRAMMAR.
*Harry Daw. 3
Augusta Anderson, 2
Clara Baird, 1
Patrick Flynn, 1
WEST PRIMARY.
Edith S. Mason, 3
Harrison D. Mason, 3
*Gustaf Flodden, 3
Carl August Olsson, ·
3
*Stella Louise Daw, 2 ·
2
Florence L. Jeffroy, . Beda M. Westberg, .
2
*Esther Hanson, 2
Elizabeth M. Flynn, 2
2
Joseph V. E. Jacobson, Hilda Belle Quessy, Maggie Petterson, . Katherine Elliott. 1
1
1
Hilma E. Johnson,
1
Annie M. Miller, 1
William A. Miller, .
1
Gustaf Albert Miller, .
1
Elwin H. Daw,
1
Eric A. Westberg. . 1
Ernest B. Carlson. . .
1
Vernon E. Newman, . 1
EAST.
*Harry R. Dix, . 3
** Mabel Severance, 3 ·
*Arthur F. Severance, . Ann D. Dix, .
2
2
1
1
1
24
No. of terms.
Carl M. Ohlson, 2
Ralph Howland, ·
1
Kittie T. Traverse. . .
1
*Charles S. Dyar, .
1
SOUTH.
Winthrop Center, 2 ·
Minnie Penniman, . 2
Herbert Penniman. ·
2
Harry Hartwell,
1
Elizabeth Byam,
·
1
Sidney Dupee,
1
*Garland Byam,
1
BYAM'S.
Leroy E. Dutton, 2 ·
William Kittredge, ·
1
Ena R. Ober. .
1
SOUTH ROW.
Stewart Redman, .
2
-
Percy Redman,
·
2
No. of terms.
*Ethel Parker.
.
2
Leon Parker. 1
Arthur Redman,
1
Myra Parlee,
1
Samuel Parlee,
1
Nellie Redman,
3
NORTH ROW.
*Catherine Sheehan, .
2
Cyrus Barclay,
1
Ivy Randlett,
1
Clayton Farr.
1
GOLDEN COVE.
Leroy Cheeney, B
Addie Carll,
3
Susie Carll,
3
Martha Roark,
3
Eugene Chamberlain, 1
Ethel Scoble, 1
David Scoble,
.
1
Leo Fox,
1
AN ITEMIZED REPORT OF THE SCHOOLS FOR THE YEAR 1897-98.
SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS.
Average
Average
Daily
Attendance.
Per cent. of
Attendance.
Tardinesses.
Tardinesses
per Pupil.
Dismissals.
Dismissals per Pupil.
C'entre. High
Wilson R. Failing, 1 term
21.65
20.83
96.2
42
2.02
44
2.11
..
Od Grammar.
Frances Clark
37.04
35.19
95.0
37
1.06
58
1.65
..
Grammar ...
Susie S. McFarlin
33.08
31.13
94.1
33
1.06
40
1.28
Intermediate.
Helen G. Fulton
32.25
29.57
91.6
47
1.59
2.96
2d Primary. . .
Lizzie F. Webber.
37.99
36.17
95.2
52
1.44
35
.97
Primary
Grace C. Litchfield ..
28.97
27.74
95.8
55
1.98
.79
North. High.
Arthur W. Trubey
20.63
19.65
95.2
50
2.54
55
2.79
22.60
21.09
93.3
91
4.31
102
4.84
Intermediate .
Ethel L. Byfield
38.76
35.84
92.5
253
7.06
89
2.48
2d Primary.
Ethel M. Bates
34.51
31.32
90.8
115
3.67
49
1.56
Primary
Laura G. Hoyt
46.39
42.70
92.0
119
2.79
16
.37
West, Grammar.
Bertha H. Long.
19.34
17.57
90.8
50
2.85
61
3.47
East
Annie D. Hodgins
44.08
38.49
87.3
221
5.74
53
1.37
South.
Lois E. Walker, 2 terms ..
25.06
22.91
91.4
80
3.49
46
2.01
Byam's ..
Grace E. Mansfield ..
13.29
11.78
88.7
74
6.28
19
1.61
South Row
Evelyn A. Wilson.
19.91
17.88
89.8
58
3.24
35
1.96
North Row
Aimee E. Staples, 2 terms
13.82
12.87
93.1
37
2.87
5
.39
Addie E. Merrill, 1 term ..
Hattie M. Hall.
25.48
23.68
92.5
37
1.56
3
.13
Entire Towi
552.49
512.42
92.7
1462
2.85
820
1.6
DUNSTABLE (With Transportation )
Grammar.
Ella A. Hutchinson.
23.62
23.15 26.57
98.0
.09 .08
13
1.86
Primary
Lilla D. Stott.
27.74
95.8
No. 5 ..*
Mabel H. Lusk.
7.30
6.86
93.8
8
1.17
0
Entire Town
53.79
52.01
96.7
12
.23
46
.88
Primary
Agnes W. Naylor
37.64
36.01
95.6
21
.58
1
.03
Elsie R. Cowdrey, 1 term.
-
* Number 5 was taught but three months.
3
.11
Golden Cove
Grammar.,
Bertha M. Allen
C. W. Averell. 2 terms
Membership.
The average of pupils in the several grades taken in the month of September is as follows :
Grade
Number of Pupils
Average Age
Years
Months
XI
11
16
3
X
14
15
5
IX
22
14
3
VIII
42
13
6
VII
49
13
2
VI
74
11
11
V
80)
11
1
IV
59
10
2
III
87
8
8
II
90
7
5
I
105
6
2
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Trustees of the Adams Library
OF THE
TOWN OF CHELMSFORD, MASS.,
FOR THE
Year Ending February 28, 1898.
LOWELL, MASS. : COURIER-CITIZEN COMPANY, PRINTERS, 1898.
LIBRARY REPORT.
The Board respectfully submits its fifth annual report.
It becomes our sad duty to note the death of one of our num- ber, Mr. Orrin S. Batchelder, on November 3, 1897. The follow- ing minute was passed at a meeting held November 17, 1897:
"In recording his death we desire to express our high appre- ciation of his work in the position he held. He was eminently fitted to render efficient service, through his extensive familiarity with the best literature, his ardent love of good books and his in- terest in whatever had to do with the welfare of the Library. We deem it a great privilege to have been thus associated with him. We feel that the community has lost one whose service would have been increasingly valued. We extend to his widow our heartfelt sympathies in the loss which she has been called to bear."
At a joint meeting of the Trustees and Selectmen, Mr. H. S. Perham was appointed Trustee to fill the existing vacancy. As he declined to serve, at a second joint meeting held December 24, 1897, it was voted to take no further action, but to refer the filling of the vacancy to the town at its annual meeting.
We are glad to publicly acknowledge the following donations of books during the year: From Mr. W. A. Davis, Fitchburg, one volume; Mr. E. A. Hildreth, Harvard, one; Dr. J. L. Hildreth, Cambridge, two; Mr. J. S. Brown, Los Angeles, California, one; Mr. G. H. Pratt, Boston, twenty-three; estate of D. Pollard, eighteen; Mrs. E. R. Marshall, two; Mr. J. H. Nichols, eight; Mr. A. E. Brown, one; Miss S. Putnam, one; Mrs. J. Larcom, five; Mr. E. Elliott, one; Mr. W. H. Bartlett, one; McCormick Har- vesting Manufacturing Company, one; Mr. H. S. Perham, one; Mrs. O. S. Batchelder, one : Mr. J. A. Bartlett, one ; Social Library, one; state of Massachusetts, ten; and the United States govern- ment, thirteen. In all, ninety-three volumes.
We have received gifts of magazines from Miss M. E. War- ren, forty-eight numbers; Mrs. J. Warren, twenty-four; and Miss Biden, Brooklyn, New York, fifty-nine parts of Columbian collec- tion of paintings.
4
We have also been favored with various deposits for the cabi- net: Papers, deeds, relics, etc., from Mr. B. F. Fisk, Mrs. C. S. Reed, Mr. H. S. Perham, Mrs. E. D. Rolfe, Lowell, and Mrs. L. Faulkner, Billerica. We invite others to consider the desirable- ness of donating to our keeping such articles as, now stored in attics and private places, would be of greatly increased value in a public historical collection.
A supplementary finding list of 416 volumes was printed in September last. This was distributed free to all purchasers of the first list. The two lists can still be had for the nominal price of twenty cents, and all are urged to secure such for home use.
The library and reading room have been open, as last year, 199 sessions in all. The number of patrons during the year was 586; an increase of fifty over last year. The circulation was 11,138; also a slight increase. The percentages of different classes of books were: Fiction, 69; general works, 7; travel, 5.5; history, 5; literature, 3.5; biography, 2.8; natural science, 2.5; useful arts, 1.5; fine arts, 1.2; religion and philosophy, I; sociology, I. It is to be noted that the increase of seven per cent. in the use of other books than fiction is evidently due to the special privilege granted of drawing on one card two volumes, if one is not a book of fiction.
The attendance at the reading room has largely increased during the year. This has been brought about, without doubt, by the influence of the various teachers in the public schools of the town in awakening the interest of their pupils in special books and by their personal help in selection of reading. The Librarian, also, has assiduously devoted himself to the interests of the Library and to serving its patrons. We are assured from observa- tion and 'otherwise that his efforts are increasingly appreciated. We urge all, especially the lads and misses, to consult with him freely and to make much of his aid. In an educational point of view no service can surpass that of a wise and helpful guide into the treasure house of knowledge.
It gives us great pleasure to report in the matter of conduct in the reading room, referred to last year, a decided improvement. The Librarian bears this testimony: "The conduct of those using
5
the Library has, with few exceptions, been exemplary. When we consider the difficulty that children have in restraining their buoy- ant spirits, and in preserving quiet for any length of time, their conduct, during the year, merits commendation." It is evident that it only needs the hearty co-operation of parents and all inter- ested to secure the use of these high privileges in quiet.
Mrs. Lapham of South Chelmsford still continues her favors to the patrons in that section, and our indebtedness to her is most thankfully acknowledged.
The report of the Treasurer is given classified and will ex- plain itself. We trust that the town will see fit to continue its past liberality in the appropriations for the coming year.
In accordance with the vote of the town, we append the statement of the North Chelmsford Library Association. It will be helpful in estimating correctly the work of the free public library system in the town.
STATE OF THE LIBRARY.
Number of volumes last year. 5000
Worn out and discarded. 24
4976
Added by donation 93
Purchased
:51
Magazines bound. 8
252
5228
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
Unexpended balance from 1896. $ 20.00
Town appropriation for 1897
800.00
Received from fines. 17.24
Received from sale of lists and cards 7.20
$844.53
6
Paid C. H. Greenleaf, Librarian, etc $260.00
H. L. Parkhurst, coal
$114.40
E. L. Russell, wood. 3.00
Gilbert & Barker Mfg. Co., gasoline.
23.01
140.4[
De Wolfe, Fiske & Co., books. 142.29
American Book Co., books. 5.96
W. H. Moore, magazines.
54.45 202.70
Thompson & Hill, printing finding lists, etc.
24.4I
G. T. Parkhurst, printing labels.
7.85
F. J. Barnard & Co., binding magazines .. .
39.17
71,43
A. Heady Park, transporting books, 2 years
26.00
C. L. Bruce, incidentals
1.33
Bartlett & Dow, incidentals.
2.50
H. M. Bartlett, incidentals.
4.15
C. H. Greenleaf, incidentals
II.33
19.31
T. Costello & Co., repairing pipes
15.61
E. W. Wheeler, care of grounds. 4.50
E. C. Coolidge, care of grounds.
6.83
26.94
$746.79
Balance to new account. :
97.74
$844.53
Respectfully submitted,
J. ADAMS BARTLETT.
Chairman, HARRIET M. BARTLETT, Secretary and Treasurer,
LUTHER H. SARGENT. A. HEADY PARK, S. INGERSOLL BRIANT,
Trustees.
1
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