USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > Town annual report of Chelmsford 1899 > Part 4
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This would be radically wrong. Enrichment of the grammar school, which in our case means the introduction of algebra and Latin into the ninth grade, is a good thing, but it should be done for the benefit of the pupil and not for the purpose of relieving the high school of its work; it carries with it the idea of compensa- tion-it is simply an adjustment of studies so as to better fit the pupil's age and development.
11
Some arithmetic, history and physical geography should go into the high school. Our boys and girls can afford to go to the high school for three years, if they can be given work that will do them the most good in life. and then graduate at the age of seven- teen or eighteen and go to the farm, the workshop, or the practical study of business. They are young enough, and it is little time enough in which to fit them to become broad-minded, intelligent men and women.
There will probably be six or eight pupils at the Centre who will wish to take up the third year's work next fall.
Two teachers can do the work of a small high school with a three years' course and do some specialization in the case of the few intending to go on to higher work.
The latter should, and must be, further educated at the town's expense, but I hope and trust that the best educational interests of the common people will never be sacrificed
The course followed by the pupil who wishes to enter a higher institution of learning is, almost necessarily, one in which every- thing is taught and valued for its worth in passing the " examination."
This is not and should not be the course for the pupil who is aiming to secure as much all-round development as possible in the limited time at his command. The course for the latter should be fitted to his capabilities, and should result in better and higher home thinking and reading, the greatest possible knowledge of men and matter, and power in dealing with them.
Any course which robs the average pupil of this robs the com- munity of that which they may reasonably expect the high school to give.
SOUTH ROW AND SOUTH SCHOOL.
We have now but one small outlying school, that at South Row. This school has maintained an average daily attendance of 12.75 during the last year. As the pupils, with one or two exceptions, are in the primary grades, this number is sufficiently large to make quite a good school, and they have made good progress; still I think they could do better work at the Centre.
The South School has worked under the greatest difficulties. This is partly owing to sickness, change of teachers and the great number of grades there. Conditions would be much improved if
12
Grade VIII could go to the Centre, and it is hoped that change will be made soon. But notwithstanding the difficulties the school is now in better condition than it has been before since I have known it.
PRESENT CONDITIONS.
Sickness of teachers, contagious diseases and severe colds have seriously interfered with the schools during the past winter, but visitors assure us that our schools compare very favorably with others, and I feel that it cannot be conceit that prompts me to say that they have much improved in the last few years where much improvement was needed.
SALARIES.
The salary paid for high school work is unquestionably small, very small indeed when compared with other towns, yet the requirements now demand a teacher capable of doing first-class work. This is called for by the State and can be avoided only by schooling pupils in some other town.
The average salary of the female teachers of the State for the last year was $12.86 per week. The female teachers of Chelms- ford now receive an average salary of $9.18 per week. This is more than it was a few years ago, and may seem all that the town can afford to pay, but it is too s nall.
It is the good fortune of the town to have a number of fine resident teachers. These can be obtained for much less salary than they could obtain elsewhere. Such teachers would willingly divide the differences with the town so that it would be a gainer as well as they by securing home employment, but it is not well for the town to press its advantage too far. The good teacher must have spent considerable time and money in preparation, or have had long years of experience and devotion to her chosen profession.
At thirty-six weeks of school per year the average teacher would obtain the magnificent salary of $330 per annum. From this she must buy some books, take a paper or two, and attend edu- cational lectures and conventions where collections are taken up ; besides paying traveling expenses, and perhaps attending a sum- mer school.
I again say the salary is too small.
13
It is no wonder that such teachers as Miss Frances Clark feel that they cannot afford to teach at home. The town asks them to sacrifice too much. Yet I know very well that the town cannot afford to lose such teachers.
The quality of teaching is not properly appreciated. Two schools may be maintained for the same number of weeks and the same number of days, yet, by the addition of a few dollars per week to the salary paid in one of them, a teacher may be secured that will make that school many times the value of the other.
More men are decidedly needed in the ranks of teachers. Boys and girls should receive training from men as well as from women, and perhaps when the lady teacher is paid full value for services rendered, we shall have them, but not till then.
I have enjoyed my year's work with the teachers, pupils and people of Chelmsford very much as a whole. There have been discouraging features, and things that have seemed unnecessarily annoying. That it has been pleasant as a whole is due to the fact that so many have been willing and ready to make it so. To them I give most sincere and hearty thanks.
G. H. KNOWLTON,
Superintendent of Schools.
NORTH CHELMSFORD HIGH SCHOOL.
Mr. G. H. Knowlton, Superintendent of Schools :
I have the honor to submit to you my third annual report as Principal of the High School.
The school opened in September with an unusually large attendance, some sixty pupils being obliged to find accommodation in the High School room. Later in the year, by sending one grade back, the number was reduced to forty.
This number of pupils has been divided into three regular grades, - eighth, ninth, and tenth, with more or less individual work, as the necessity of the case has demanded.
No class will be graduated this year, and if another grade could be prevented from entering the High School until the pupils are properly prepared, and the pupils now there permitted to remain, the outlook for the future work and success of the High School would be encouraging.
14
A class of four was graduated last June. Three of these pupils are now continuing their studies elsewhere.
Two pupils were admitted on my certificate to advanced classes in the Lowell High School.
Recognizing the vital importance of character training, I have earnestly endeavored to make a special study of each pupil to find out his or her aptitude for any particular work, to constantly place before them higher ideals, and in every way to stimulate and encourage them to increased effort and desire for self improvement.
During the year I have received much help from pupils, teachers, parents and the supervising committee, to all of whom I desire to express my thanks; also to you, Mr. Superintendent, for your aid.
ARTHUR W. TRUBEY,
Principal of High School.
CENTRE HIGH SCHOOL.
Mr. G. H. Knowlton, Superintendent of Schools :
I herewith submit my report as Principal of the Centre High School.
In June a class of seven was graduated, four of whom have continued their studies, one in this school and three elsewhere.
The membership of the three grades at present is about thirty, with a good prospect of an increase to at least forty-five in Sep- tember.
The physical apparatus purchased has added very much to the interest in this study.
An appropriation of $50 will equip us very well to begin the work in chemistry. Johnson's Encyclopædia has been added to the list of reference books.
The introduction of military drill has been generally approved, and the work has been entered upon with energy and zest.
The purpose of the drill is not to arouse the military spirit, bu to so train the members of the company that they shall acquire habits of close attention and prompt obedience to proper authority.
The " setting up" drill is especially beneficial. Instruction has been given during the year by Sergeants Warren and Bartlett. and by Corporals Perham and Sweetser of Troop F, M. V. M.
15
In closing I wish to take this opportunity to thank the school au- thorities and other friends, for their careful consideration of the needs of the school and their ready response.
C. W. AVERELL.
Graduating Exercises of Centre High School.
PROGRAMME.
Music,
Orchestra. Invocation, - - . .
Rev. E. C. Bartlett.
Music, - -
Orchestra.
Salutatory Essay,
- " The Future of America." Pearl Farwell Dyar.
- Essay, -
Solo, -
-
- " Influence." Harriet Maria Emerson. " Asthore." Mr. Geo. E. Burns. -
Essay, - "Every One Paints His Own Portrait." Sara Magdalene Devine.
Class Oration, " The Rights of Woman." Alexina Bremner.
Essay, - - - "The Puritan Sabbath." Belle May Gould.
Cornet Solo, -
" Silver Stream."
Mr. G. T. Parkhurst.
Essay, with prophecy, - "Superstitions and Omens." Grace Stanley Parkhurst.
Valedictory Essay, " The Value of Arctic Explorations." John Bryant Emerson.
Solo, -
-
Selected.
Mr. Geo. E. Burns.
16
-
Address,
Superintendent G. H. Knowlton.
Music, - - -
Orchestra.
Presentation of Diplomas,
Dr. E. H. Chamberlin.
Benediction, -
Rev. Wilson Waters.
The graduates were Alexina Bremner, Sara Magdalene Devine, Pearl Farwell Dyar, Harriet Maria Emerson, John Bryant Emer- son, Belle May Gould, Grace Stanley Parkhurst.
TRUANT OFFICERS' REPORT.
To the School Committee of the Town of Chelmsford :-
There have been reported to me for investigation fifteen cases of absentees from the Centre School. I have investigated four of the cases with the result that the pupils from three of the families were returned to school. In other cases the parents will be obliged to obtain aid from the town in order to obtain suitable clothing for their children to wear to school. They promise to have the chil- dren present at the beginning of next term.
W. B. COTTON, Truant Officer.
To the School Committee of Chelmsford :-
Number of cases reported and investigated, nine. I found one case of illness and several with bad colds. In each case they re- turned to school. I found only one stubborn case, that of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel George, who had the care of Nellie Richardson, of Westford. After repeated visits, by advice of the School Commit- tee, I applied to Judge Hadley, which had the desired effect.
WARREN BERRY,
Truant Officer.
ROLL OF HONOR, 1898-9.
(*) Stars indicate times tardy.
CENTRE HIGH.
No. of Terms.
E. Belle Adams -
3
Anna Bliss
-
2
Ethel Wright - -
2
Francis Dutton
Edward Redman
3
Michael O'Day
1
Sara Devine
1
*Olive Eaton
1
** Warren Blaisdell Carl Atwood - 1
CENTRE 2d GRAMMAR.
Charles F. Tangley -
3
*HI. Stewart Redman -
B
Herman H. Hill -
2
William E. Robbins 2
Lester J. Stearns
A. Louise Adams 3
Addie A. Wright
2
Percy B. Redman
3
Paul A. Davis - 1
Eliza B. McElmon
1
Olive G. Eaton I
Edith M. Hagerman 1
Fred W. Holt 1
Hattie M. Dryden L
Breck F. Emerson
2
Emma G Glidden -
1
Harry R. Dix
1
Levi W. Howard 1
Sidney E. Dupee L
Bertha G. Bartlett -
1
Bernice L. Rowell
1
CENTRE GRAMMAR.
William E. Adams -
3
Charles W. Howe -
Harry A. Knowlton -
2
Alfred M. Howard
2
** Arthur Hunt - -
2
** Harlan E. Knowlton 1
Ralph W. Caverly - 1
No. of Terms.
Sarah E. Donovan -
1
Warren Robarge -
1
Mabel L. Severance -
Adeline Richardson -
1
Goldie G. Hunt 1
Ivy M. Randlett
-
1
CENTRE 1st INTERMEDIATE.
Ruth E. Adams 3
Laura F. Knowlton 3
Ada E. Ross -
2
Edith M. Bliss
Ruby W. Carter
1
Frederick K. Parkhurst 1
Cora M Stevens 1
Abbie M. Lovering 1
Leroy E. Dutton
Nellie Redman 1
Irving B. Hunt
1
Katie Paul
I
*Edgar E. Sweet
2
Mary Lacey
Ethel Parker 1
Mark W. Reed
1
* Arthur Patten
-
1
CENTRE 20 INTERMEDIATE.
Marion Adams -
- 3
Helen Lord -
3
Homer Howe - -
3
Fred l'angley
-
2
Mabel Ross
2
Harry Harmon 1
Lilly Johnson 2
Ellery Wright
1
Wallace Ross
1
Robert Russell
1
Bertha Nickles
1
Hilda Mckinley Leon Parker -
2
Leon Holt
1
Zora Feindel -
]
Helen Knowlton
1
Agnes Eaton -
1
Edith Staples -
1
I
-
1
19
CENTRE 2d PRIMARY.
No. of Terms.
Leroy C. Bliss - 3
Abbott W. Russell B -
Jessie R. Chamberlin
- 2
* Alfred L. Douglas 2
Mary E. Higgins 2 -
Louise E. Robbins 2
*Edward B. Russell 2
Frederick Russell -
2
*Homer W. Sweetser -
2
1
1
1
Ida R. Lovering 1
*Reuberta S. Parkhurst 1
*Charles E. Parkhurst 1
Ernest L. Patten Laura R. Richardson 1 1
** Thomas Sheehan 2
Royal P. Dutton
1
Margaret S. Knowlton
CENTRE Ist PRIMARY.
John H. Higgins -
1
Francis J. Sheehan -
L
Francis JJ. Nelson -
1
Arthur C. Robbins 1
NORTH HIGH.
Gladys Swain 2 -
George II. Ingals 1 -
** Philip Callahan Florence M. Queen I
1
** Huber. H. Bearce 1
Warren R. Lewis Mary B. Howard
1
* Esther Bearce
Estella Howard 1
*Mary Morning -
1
NORTH INTERMEDIATE.
Stephen Callahan - 2
Josephine Ready -
1
Clifford Queen 1
*Ruth Richardson
1
Earl S. Lewis 1
Bessie M. Perkins 1
Luther Hall 1
Etta Cox 1 -
NORTH 2d PRIMARY.
No. of Terms.
Clifford Queen -
-
3
Arthur Wright .
-
1
Florence Bearce -
1
Mildred Queen -
3
* Bertha Tucke -
1
NORTH PRIMARY.
Nellie L. Butterfield -
1
Ethel May Reno 1
** Maggie M. Welch
1 Fred Reno 1
Thomas Welch
1
Annie M. Hemlow 1
John Lyons 1
Arthur F. McComb 1
Edward D Tuck 1
* Martin J. Welch
1
John Garvey 1
WEST GRAMMAR.
Harry W. Daw -
1
WEST PRIMARY.
Florence L. Jeffroy -
2
Edwin W. Carlson 2
2 Charles A. Tay'or - - Edith L. Mason 2
Harrison D. Mason
2
Hilda B. Quessy
1
Alfred A. Anderson 1
Elizabeth M. Flynn 1
Christopher C. Newman
1
Vernon E. Newman
1
Bertha M. Coburn -
-
1
C. August Olsson -
1
Eric A. Westberg -
1
Chester F. Brown
1
Randall H. Quessy -
1
Elwyn H. Daw
1
Eddie Carlson -
1
1 Annie E. Westberg -
James E. Taylor
1
EAST.
Hattie Wilson 1 -
* Ralph K. Howland 2
- Ann D. Dix 2 Edith H. Earle -
* Walter A. Robinson -
Mary Donovan 1 -
*Ethel Robinson -
1
Carl Ohlson -
1
Edward Barris -
1
.
2
1
1
Charles E. Douglas Clayton F. Farr E. Roy Kittredge
20
SOUTH ROW.
No. of Terms.
Nellie Redman
-
1
*Myra Parlee - 2 -
*Samuel Parlee Arthur Redman
.
2
2
Walter Merrill
-
1
GOLDEN COVE.
Leroy Cheney -
-
2
David Scoble -
1
Addie Carll
2
Martha Roarke
2
Leo Fox 2
Susie Carll
2
Olive Carll
2
Stella Carli
2
James Bray
-
1
Joseph Burtt
2
Bertie C. Robbins
1
Garland G. Byam
2
May Robbins
2
*Ray Kittredge -
1
Rose Fish
2
*William A. Kittredge - 1
-
1
Ruth Park
1
Willie Brown
1
*Warren Derby -
1
SOUTH.
Winthrop Center 2
Minnie Penniman
2
Harry Hartwell
2
Orlo Stearns -
1
Alta B. Byam
1
Lucy Byam
-
BYAM'S.
No. of Terms.
Esther Fish
21
AN ITEMIZED REPORT OF THE SCHOOLS FOR TIIE
YEAR 1898-99.
SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS.
Membership.
Attendance.
Attendance.
Tardinesses.
Tardinesses
Dismissals.
Dismissals
Centre, High
Charles W. Averell.
26.32
24.40
93.0
31
1.27
67
2.74
2d Grammar
Frances Clark, 1 term ....
36.57
34.17
93.4
16
.47
42
1.23
Grammar.
Susie S. McFarlin ......
35.29
32.70
92.1
29
.89
32
.98
2d Intermediate.
Helen G, Fulton, 1 term ..
36.33
33.83
93.1
27
.80
52
1.54
1st Intermediate
Lizzie F. Webber.
34.64
32.24
93.1
35
1.09
20
.62
2d Primary
Grace C. Litchfield.
36.68
34.32
93.6
32
.93
21
.61
1st Primary
G. E. Mansfield, 2 terms. 25.62
21.64
84.5
41
1.89
16
.74
North, High.
Arthur W. Trubey ..
28.47
26.11|
91.7
85
3.25
27
1.03
Grammar.
Josephine Eaton, 2 terms.
Bertha M. Allen, 1 term ..
27.91
25.13!
90.0
115
4.58
46
1.83
Intermediate
Ethel L. Stratton, 2 terms
40.19
35.72
88.9
207
5.77
78
2.18
1st Primary
Laura G. Hoyt
55.84
46.33
83.0
144
3.11
13
.28
Grade III
Myra Hoyt Allard, 1 term
22.25
19.43
87.3
104
5.35
6
.31
West, Grammar Primary
Agnes W. Naylor.
40.35
37.04
91.8
36
.96
11
.29
East ...
Alice A. Kennedy, 2 terms
45.92
39.45
85.9
168
4.26
56
1.42
South.
Marion Gee, 2 terms ....
30.14
27.09
89.9
61
2.25
12
.44
South Row
S. B. Marshall. 2 terms ...
15.43
12.75
82.6
10
.78
12
.94
Golden Cove
Hattie M. Hall
22.29
20.81
93.3
13
.62
3
.14
Byam's. ..
Grace Mansfield, 1 term ..
13.17
11.57
87.7
24
2.07
.60
North Row
H. E. Averell, 1 term .. .
9.55
8.69
91.0
10
1.15
5
.58
Entire Town
602.52 541.51 89.9
1463
2.7
712
1.31
40.70
36.20
88.9
204
5.64
112
3.09
Bertha H. Long.
26.48
23.11
87.3
71
3.07
74
3.20
Ethel L. Byfield, 1 term.
2d Primary.
Elinor L. Coburn, 2 terms
Average
Average Daily
Per Cent. of
Per Pupil
Per Pupil.
1. The North Grammar was separate for six months: for the last three months it is reckoned in as a part of the North High.
2. Grade III at the North is a separate school for the winter term only.
3. The Centre 1st Primary was a separate school for the fall and winter terms only.
4. North Row and Byam's were open for the spring term only.
5. These records are based on the actual time each school has been in session.
Helen G. Fulton, 2 terms.
E. M. Dearborn, 2 terms ..
Ethel M. Bates, 1 term ..
Annie D. Hodgins, 1 term.
Elsie M. Dearborn, 1 term
Evelyn A. Wilson, 1 term
DISTRIBUTION OF SUPPLIES FOR THE YEAR 1898-99.
SCHOOLS.
Average Membership.
Brown Paper. Packages.
Eam. Paper. Packages.
Plain White Paper.
Wide Line Paper.
Two-line Paper.
Pencils, Dozens.
Pens, Boxes.
Ink, Bottles, Quarts.
Rules, Foot.
Rubber Erasers.
Cornell Pads, Paper.
Blank Books.
Spelling Blanks.
Blotters.
Chalk Boxes.
Pen Holders.
Drawing Paper.
Colored Crayon.
Paper in Blocks,
Blackboard Erasers.
Mucilage, Bottles.
Twine Balls.
Pitch Pipes.
Sand Papers, P. S.
('entre, High.
26
3
1
18
1
11%1 60
48
108
36
12
.
12
2d Grammar ..
36
12
1219
2
3
24
...
... .
....
40
36
4
4
.
.
.. .
3
1
3
24
1
2d Intermediate
36
1
4
4
8
2
6
6
72
47
1st Intermediate
35
3
1
18
3
.
1
14
2
32
60
36
2d Primary . .
24
1
36
1
1
6
1st Primary .
26
2
3
8
1
28
3
6
1
1
19
....
North, High ...
28
13
9
.
· .
.
...
. .
1
20
3
4 | 51
18
20
36
50
142
2
104
2
1
1
1
2d Primary ..
41
14
6
56
01
9
1
22
2
1
. .
2
1
1
25
6
6
26
4
C
.
.
.. .
4
24
40
1
1
.
2
6
. . .
13
3
2
48
40
3
24
3
15
6
30
4
4
. .
13
3
3
·
24
78
69
1
1
.
1
1
2
South Row ..
15
1
1
1
4
1
8
1
2
12
24
7
2
24
2
1
22
3
1
.
......
Byam's .
13
. .
.
10
...... .
........ .
.
...
35
-1
3
8
3
. 3
..
.
... .
2
24
1
2
13
...
.....
.. . . .
3
48
2
Intermediate.
40
6
3
23
1
36
84
18
48
1
.
..
1
. .
. ..
.. .
2
24
2
6
1
22
1
3
6
2
...
..
. .
East ..
.
......
....
Golden Cove
10
5
1
.
.
.
...
1
2
1
North Row ..
...
4
12
2
36
28
....
....
Grammar.
36 1
1
18
2
15
....
36
42
.. . .
2
.
12
4
6
. 100
48
5
Grammar ..
48
1
I
1st Primary.
........
Grade III.
36
...
....
6
1
8
.
·
.
· ..
South.
18
· ..
.
.. .
1
1
1
1
22
. ...
.
..
West, Grammar.
10
36
Primary
1
15
1
24
... .
.
28
2
10
.
24
23
Average age in each grade :
Grade.
Years.
Months.
XI
16
3
X
14
I I
IX
13
I I
VIII
13
6
VII
13
I
VI
12
V
10
7
IV
5
III
S
S
II
7
7
I
6
24
The following list of reading matter is now in the schools. In some cases there are but ten or a dozen books in a set, and some sets are in paper covers.
They are given by grades for convenience, but teachers are not necessarily governed by this in giving out the reading.
GRADE I.
Cyr's Primer.
Cyr's 1st Reader.
Normal 1st Reader.
Barnes' Ist Reader.
Finch Primer.
Werner's Primer.
Little People's Reader.
Nature's Byways. Lights to Lit., No. 1.
GRADE II.
Cyr s 2nd Reader.
Normal 2nd Reader.
Lippincott's 1st Reader.
Harper's 1st Reader.
Barnes' 2nd Reader.
Thompson's Rhymes and Fables. Monroe's 2nd Reader.
GRADE III.
Normal 3rd Reader. Lippincott's 2nd Reader.
Harper's 2nd Reader. Barnes' 3rd Reader.
Stickney's 2nd Reader. Seaside and Wayside, No. 1. First Lessons W. and P., No. 1. Stepping Stones to Lit., No. 3.
GRADE IV.
Cyr's 3rd Reader.
Harper's 3rd Reader.
Monroe's 3rd Reader. Seaside and Wayside, No. 2. In the Country, Ch. Life, B. 3. Glimpses of the World, W. P., 2. Little Folks of Other Lands.
Nat. Hist. Read. Ist Read. Stories of Great Americans for Little Americans. Seven Little Sisters.
Lights to Literature, No. 4.
GRADE V.
Cyr's 4th Reader. Normal 4th Reader. Lippincott's 3rd Reader. Harper's 4th Reader. Barnes' 4th Reader. Monroe's 4th Reader. Plants and Children. Seaside and Wayside, No. 3. Our Own Country, W. & P., B. 3.
Old Greek Stories. Short Stories, Eng. Hist. Fables and Folk Stories. Nat. Hist. Read. 2nd Read.
GRADE VI.
Lippincott's 4tli Reader.
Stickney's 4th Reader.
Our World Read. No. 1.
King's Geog. Reader. Aunt Martha's C. C. Nat. Hist. Read. 3rd Read.
Hawthorne's Wonder Book.
Grandfather's Chair.
GRADE VII.
Monroe's 5th Reader.
Lippincott's 5th Reader.
Information Reader. Read. from Nature's Book.
Young American.
Hiawatha. Foot Prints of Travel.
Carpenter's Asia. Children's Hour. Paper.
GRADE VIII.
Normal 5th Reader.
Barnes' 5th Reader.
Evangeline. Paper. First Steps Sci. Knowl.
Snowbound. Paper.
Courtship Miles Standish. Paper. Burt's Nat'l Hist. Reader.
GRADE IX
Monroe's 6th Reader. Irving's Sketch Book.
Lady of the Lake.
Birds and Bees.
Baldwin's Grade VIII.
'Gettysburg Speech.
HIGH.
Julius Cæsar. Ivanhoe. Goldsmith's Poems.
Merchant of Venice. Rolfe's Macbeth.
Westlake's C. S. Literature.
Masterpieces Brit. Lit. Masterpieces American Lit. Sir Roger de Coverly. Homer's Iliad.
Adventures of Ulysses.
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.
1899.
LIBRARY REPORT.
The Trustees of the Adams Library, in submitting their sixth annual statement, have to"report that the Board organized April 2, 1898, by electing Mr. J. Adams Bartlett, Chairman, and Miss Emma J. Gay, Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. H. M. Bartlett, who had filled the latter offices since they were established, declining re-election.
The library, including the reading room, has been open 199 sessions, the circulation of books amounting to 10,458, an average of about 53 for each session, or a little less than that of the preced- ing year. Of the 789 borrowers recorded since the establishment of the library, 501 have availed themselves of its privileges during the year. The character of the circulation is indicated by the fol- lowing classification, viz .: Fiction, 70 per cent .; travels, 5 ; history, 4 ; biography, 2 ; general works, 9; literature, 3 ; natural science, 3; useful and fine arts, 2; sociology, I; religion and philosophy, I.
We are glad to observe an increased interest in the reading room, especially by adult visitors, as shown by the greater use of the well-supplied table of periodicals.
The library, so kindly remembered in former years by thought- ful friends, is this year indebted to the following generous donors : Henry S. Perham, 3 volumes ; Representative W. A. Lang, 2 vol- umes ; Mr. A. M Bridgman, I volume; Mr. W. R. Fowle, 2 volumes ; Mr. Wilberforce Eames, I volume ; Mrs. E. H. Warren, I volume ; Social Library, 7 volumes ; Cambridge W. C. T. U., I volume; city of Chelsea, I volume; E. S. Bigelow, I volume ; public documents, State and national, 16 volumes; other books re- ceived, donors unknown, 10 volumes. The cabinet department has received gifts of primitive stone implements and historical papers from Mr. H. S. Perham ; some antique publications from Rev. Wilson Waters, and a collection of unique war-time envelopes from Thomas G. Gerrish, Jr.
4
The publishers of the Lowell Journal, and of the Lowell Weekly Mail also, have been kind enough to contribute copies of those papers to the reading room.
During the year 9 worn-out volumes have been discarded and the following additions made : By purchase, 340 volumes ; by donation, 46 ; bound magazines, 13. The whole number now on the shelves is 5,655.
South Chelmsford has received its customary bi-weekly service, and the helpful, gratuitous labor of Mrs. N. B. Lapham, in caring for the books left in her charge there, calls for special acknowledg- inent and the thanks of the community.
The improved behavior in the library and reading room, on the part of some of the younger visitors, favorably noted in the last annual report, has continued during the past year with but few ex- ceptions. We are sorry to say, however, that some young persons have so far forgotten the proprieties due to the library and to them- selves as to act in a disorderly manner, using impertinent language to the Librarian and defacing some valuable volumes. We trust that a little reflection on the part of the offenders, aided by parental admonition, may serve to correct conduct of this character and make unnecessary the enforcement of the rules covering such cases.
Decorum in the library and reading room, however, must be observed.
The library is fortunate in retaining the services of Mr. Charles H. Greenleaf as Librarian.
The Trustees can attest to the excellent care taken of the books, and of the faithfulness of the routine work attending their circulation. The scrupulous neatness of the building is apparent to every visitor.
Borrowers of books, particularly those seeking special informa- tion, should consult him freely.
The financial condition of the library is shown in the following statement from the Treasurer's account :
RECEIPTS.
Balance March 1, 1898 .
$ 97 74
Town appropriation for 1898
800 00
From sale of cards and catalogues
5 20
fines
· 21 80
$924 74
5
EXPENDITURES.
C. H. Greenleaf, Librarian and Janitor $ 240 00
De Wolfe, Fiske & Co., for books 197 23
Baker & Taylor Co , for books 121 35
Robert Clarke Co., for book
I 27
Magazines and periodicals 56 62
F. J. Barnard & Co., repairing and binding books 22 10
H. L. Parkhurst, coal 98 00 ·
Gilbert & Barker Manufacturing Co , gaso- lene, etc. 47 21
Bartlett & Dow, supplies 3 45
G. T. Parkhurst, supplies and printing 9 95
C. H. Greenleaf, supplies and incidentals 5 66
Emma J Gay, stamps and postal cards I 25
H. Richardson, card tray 65
Freight and express
IO 52
A. Heady Park, transporting books to South Chelmsford 13 00
T. Costello & Co., repairing furnace IS 90
Drury & Green, plumbing repairs 5 33
A. L. Kittredge & Co., repairs 4 43
H. W. Tarbell, care of lawn
31 50
$888 42
Balance to new account
36 32
$924 74
Respectfully submitted, J. ADAMS BARTLETT, Chairman. EMMA J. GAY, Secretary and Treasurer. A. HEADY PARK, ALBERT H. DAVIS,
LUTHER H. SARGENT,
Trustees.
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