USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Rutland > Town annual report of Rutland 1900-13 > Part 11
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Respectfully submitted, A. K. LEARNED, Principal.
The successful conduct of the broadened high school courses of study will require direct and vigorous methods of teaching, a considerable increase in the amount of study required from pupils, and possibly a lengthening of the present school day. Mr. Learned's confidence in the feasibility of the new plan is shared by the superintendent, and the com- mittee may be assured of a substantial addition to the useful- ness of the high school, which is now the pride of the town. When the number of high school classes becomes complete
21
again, the work of these classes, with that of the ninth grade, will make the employment of a third teacher imperative.
Seven students received diplomas at the hands of the super- intendent last June, and one a certificate of the work com- pleted. The class left as their gift to the school a bust of Shakespeare.
Two of the seven graduates have entered the Normal School at Worcester, two returned to the high school for further work, one is preparing for college by private study, and two are engaged in business. There is no senior class the present year.
RUTLAND.
Repairs .- The North Rutland building was much improved by repairs during the summer. A defect which has developed since will need attention this year. The West Rutland build- ing is now in very poor condition, and should be completely renovated during the coming summer.
Attendance .- The Roll of Honor printed in the committee's report, and the fact that many whose names do not appear in it have been absent very little, shows that commendation is de- served by the majority of pupils and parents. But there is room for marked improvement in the record of many others. One part of the town in particular will probably require the closer attention of the truant officers in order to bring about the regular attendance desired.
Equipment .- Some progress has been made in furnishing the schools with improved text-books since my service began, but limited means have prevented the purchase of other much- needed equipment. The town has little in the line of globes, maps, supplementary reading, reference books, apparatus for the high school, and other useful appliances. A considerable sum may be wisely spent in improving our outfit for effective teaching.
Teachers .- Miss Helen Jacques, who had efficiently con- ducted the Centre primary school for several years, resigned in June to be married, and Miss Jennie Haskell, who had similar-
22
ly served in the intermediate room, resigned for a needed rest. We were fortunate in retaining all the other teachers. The two vacancies were satisfactorily filled. The retention of the whole of our present force is very desirable.
By placing the eighth grade at the Centre in the high school room, and by the proper distribution of the other grades, we were able to dispense with an assistant in the primary room.
High School .- The quotation from Secretary Hill in the Hol- den notes, and the remarks following, apply also here. Mr. Ayer and Miss Brown, his assistant, have won the approba- tion of the committee and the community for their effective work. Mr. Ayer reports as follows: To the Superintendent of Schools:
As heretofore, the high school teachers have striven for accuracy and thoroughiness on the part of pupils in every study. It is obviously impos- sible, considering the length of our school year, to cover so much ground as many high schools do, but a thorough grasp of the work attempted has been insisted upon.
The work has been greatly hindered by the lack of necessary appliances to make the various courses practical, and by the irregular attendance of the pupils. We feel it impossible to obtain satisfactory results, unless each pupil is present every session, thus avoiding the necessity of re-assign- ing lessons and repeating explanations day after day for the benefit of those who have been absent.
Much of the success of our schools depends upon parents. It is pre- sumed that the parents of our pupils are deeply interested in our schools, though it has not been manifested in so great a degree as is possible. Those parents who train their children to respect and obey their teachers, encouraging them to study at home, and insisting upon their regular at- tendance at school, greatly assist the teachers and add much to the effect- iveness of the school.
A moderate expenditure for maps, physical apparatus and reference books will aid greatly in making the courses more interesting and instructive.
We have especially striven in all written work to gain neatness, correct spelling, and good expression. Although there is still much to be acquired along these lines, nevertheless much improvement has been made.
"We have set as our ambition, not the training of the mind merely, but the development of character; in such a work as this, all good citizens may have a part."
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK PERCY AYER, Principal.
The problem of courses of study to fit the varying needs of all the pupils of a town, and which, at the same time, can be
23
practically carried out with two teachers, has never yet been adequately solved. The committee lias adopted the following courses as the best solution at present considered feasible :
COURSES OF STUDY-RUTLAND HIGH SCHOOL. ADOPTED MARCH, 1902.
YEAR.
CLASSICAL COURSE.
ENGLISH COURSE.
Latin,
5
English, 5
4
Algebra,
4
History, 4
I.
Drawing,
1
4 Botany, 1 term, 5
1
19
18
Latin,
4
English,
5
English,
3
French,
4
French,
4
History,
3
History,,
3
Algebra, 1 term,
4
Algebra 1 term,
4
Geometry, 2 terms, 5
.
1
Drawing,
1
17
Latin,
5
English, "
5
English,
3
French,
5
French,
5
Geometry, 1 term, /
5
Geometry, 1 term,
5
Commercial Arithmetic (
3
Drawing,
1
and Book-keeping, 5
1
19
19
Latin,
5
English,
5
English,
3
French,
5
French,.
5
Geology and Astronomy, Ist half,
IV.
Geology and Astronomy, 1st half, {
5
Civics.
3
18
18
Notes .- The figure after each subject indicates the number of exercises per week.
Declamations and the reading of essays are required of all pupils. Spelling lessons will be given as needed.
The Classical Course is especially designed for those pupils who intend to continue their studies elsewhere, while the Eng- lish Course is arranged for those whose school life will prob- ably end with the high school. Both courses are subject to such modifications as circumstances may require.
Il.
English.
5
Algebra,
History,
4
Physical Geography, 2 terms, 1
Drawing,
Geometry, 2 terms, .
Drawing,
19
Physics, 2 terms, §
III.
Physics, 2 terms, 5
Drawing,
5 Review Mathematics, 2d half.
Review Mathematics, 2d half 5
24
The courses are planned to follow an eight-years' course in the elementary schools. The introduction of a ninth grade be- low the high school may be a development of the future.
The fact that there will be no third-year class next year, and possibly no graduating class, makes the present a favorable time to begin the new plan of work. Five young people ex- pect to receive the diploma of the school next June.
The law of 1898 requires that the high school shall be kept at least forty weeks, exclusive of vacations. Non-compliance with the law incurs no penalty, however, unless the length of schooling falls below thirty-six weeks, in which case the town legally forfeits its share of the income of the state school fund. In order to avoid this loss the committee has arranged to add the requisite time to the present high school year.
OAKHAM.
Repairs .- The Coldbrook building was improved by inside painting during the summer.
I am told that the West school building has been in use for more than a hundred years. By proper repairs it may be made to serve another century. A new blackboard and some minor changes are present needs.
New sanitary arrangements for the boys at the Centre have been needed for a long time. It is hoped that the need may be supplied before this report reaches its readers.
Books and Apparatus .- The first books of new series in arith- metic, language, and geography were introduced last year. The classes will be ready for the succeeding books during the com- ing year. The new books are giving satisfaction.
A supply of "The Seven Little Sisters," a charming geo- graphical supplementary reading book, was purchased during the year. Further additions to the supplementary reading list, and a more modern spelling-book than the one in use, are among the needs of the coming year.
The purchase of a set of wall maps for the Centre grammar room. and of a good globe for each of the other schools, is rec- ommended.
25
Attendance .- Oakham again has the highest average per cent. of attendance of the towns of the district. There have been very few cases of negligence on the part of the parents and guardians in the matter of regularity, and practically no truancy. Parents, teachers, and pupils are to be congratulated on the record.
Consolidation .- The town employs five teachers for an aver- age membership of about eighty pupils, which is a very liberal provision. The conditions with regard to Coldbrook and the West school seem to be such as to render any consolidation impracticable. The possibility of bringing the pupils of the South school to the Centre, with no increase of cost over that of maintaining the school, I consider worthy of the considera- tion of the committee.
Teachers .- At the opening of the fall term, Miss Barnard was transferred from the West to the South school, and Miss Althea Russell took charge of the West school. On account of illness, Miss Barnard was unable to return for the winter term, and her place was acceptably supplied by Mrs. Walter Woodis. Miss Blanche Packard will take charge of the school at the opening of the spring term. At the end of the fall term, Miss Flitcroft, at Coldbrook, resigned to accept a better position, and Miss Lena R. Edmands was secured for the place. Fortunately no change occurred at the Centre. In spite of the changes in the other schools good progress has been made.
After inspection of the teacher's work by Mr. McDonald, Agent of the Board of Education, the committee's application for an increase of salary for Miss Mellen, under the "excep- tional ability" law, was approved. It is hoped that, with the aid of this law, we may finally be able to retain permanently the services of good teachers in the three other schools where the present salary permits the increase from the state.
Progress of Pupils .- The small number of pupils in each school has rendered it possible for the superintendent to know individually each child in the town. I have watched with great interest the progress of the children, and have rejoiced to note their growth in stature and mental power. Parents
26
may be assured that every class is moving steadily forward as rapidly as their capacity and the thorough mastery of the work permits.
All but one of the eighth grade pupils of the town are in the Centre grammar school. It is expected that this class will be- gin next year some of the usual high school subjects.
Examination Day .- The good old custom of visiting the school on the closing day of the term, to listen to the recita- tions of pupils and to observe their progress as shown in an oral examination by the committee, has been observed by a goodly number of parents during the year. The "Patrons' Day," described on another page, embodies the same aims, and in this town will be combined with "Examination Day." In addition to the usual features of that day, at the close of the spring term an exhibit of pupils' work will be displayed in each school. It is intended to show in all ways possible what is being done in the schools, and we invite the attend- ance of all. Visits of parents and others are also cordially welcomed at any time. Visitors will find diligent, well-be- haved children, working under the guidance of earnest. con- scientious teachers. Both will be greatly cheered and en- couraged by a visit and a sympathetic word.
PAXTON.
The matter appropriate for the notes regarding the town of Paxton has already appeared in the report presented to the citizens at its early town meeting. I trust that all interested in the schools have read what was there written, as well as the preceding part of this report.
The work of the year has been much improved over that of last year in all the rooms. The new teachers engaged are both normal graduates with considerable experience. . The approval by the Board of Education of an increase of salary from the state under the "exceptional ability" law, for both the teachers receiving from the town less than ten dollars per week, is complimentary to the teachers and the committee.
The work in the grammar room has been particularly inter- esting this year. The school has consisted of sixteen boys of
27
widely varying capacity and attainment. The teacher has largely applied the plan of individual instruction, allowing in some subjects each boy to work by himself, making what- ever progress his ambition and power would enable him to make. The perception by the teacher of individual needs and her patient and sympathetic assistance have enabled several boys to make marked improvement. More frequent visits to the school on the part of parents, and free consultation with the teacher, while important in every school, would be par- ticularly useful here, where co-operation is especially needed to secure the highest results in discipline and progress in study.
In closing this report, let me express my deep appreciation of the harmony and good will that have prevailed among all connected with the schools. To the ladies and gentlemen of the several committees my cordial thanks are due for their uniform kindness and unanimous support.
Respectfully submitted,
HERBERT J. JONES,
Superintendent of Schools.
Holden, Mass., March 8, 1902.
ANNUAL REPORTS
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS
OF THE
TOWN OF RUTLAND,
For the Year ending, March 1, 1903.
NDED
FEB. 23, 17/3
FO
3%
HOME OF RUFUS PUTNAM . 1781-1788
WORCESTER : PRINTED BY EDWARD H. TRIPP, NO. 377 MAIN STREET.
Butis
59
Anditis
Brown
ANNUAL REPORTS
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS
OF THE
TOWN OF RUTLAND,
For the Year ending, March 1, 1903.
DED
FEB. 23, 17/3
S
13+S.L.
HOME OF RUFUS PUTNAM . 1781-1788
16
WORCESTER : PRINTED BY EDWARD H. TRIPP, NO. 377 MAIN STREET.
2
TOWN OFFICERS.
MODERATOR, CHARLES R. BARTLETT.
TOWN CLERK, LOUIS M. HANFF.
C. R. BARTLETT,
SELECTMEN, T. S. HEALD,
H. E. WHEELER.
ASSESSORS,
W. C. TEMPLE, GEORGE S. PUTNAM, C. J. CAMPBELL.
W. H. MAYNARD,
OVERSEERS OF POOR,
D. F. SMITH,
JOSEPH E. WARE.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
*E. W. WARD, D. P. BUTLER, D. A. SMITH, W. C. TEMPLE.
C. R. BARTLETT,
WATER COMMISSIONERS, W. T. BROWN, W. A. WHEELER.
BOARD OF HEALTH,
W. E. CHAMBERLAIN, W. J. MARCLEY. D. P. BUTLER.
LIBRARY COMMITTEE,
W. C. TEMPLE, MRS. G. B. MUNROE, MRS. L. Q. SPAULDING.
CONSTABLES,
L. M. HANFF, J. W. MOULTON, M. A. PUTNAM,
F. B. STEARNS, M. D. POTTER.
TREE WARDEN, GEORGE H. MILES.
TREASURER AND COLLECTOR, LOUIS M. HANFF.
AUDITOR, A. F. BROWN.
*Resigned November 1, 1902.
3
WARRANT.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
To. J. WARREN MOULTON, Constable of the Town of Rutland, in the County of Worcester.
Greeting :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachu- setts, you are directed to notify the inhabitants of Rut- land, qualified to vote in elections and in Town affairs, to meet at the Town Hall, in said Rutland, on Monday, the thirtieth day of March next, at nine o'clock in the forenoon, then and there to act on the following articles:
ARTICLE 1. To choose a Moderator to preside at said meeting.
V ART. 2. To hear the reports of the Town Officers, and act thereon.
ART. 3. To bring in and deposit their ballots for a Town Clerk for one year; for three Selectmen for one year; for three Assessors for one year; for three Overseers of Poor for one year; a Town Treasurer for one year; a Collector of Taxes for one year; five Con- stables for one year; an Auditor for one year; one member of the School Committee for three years; one member of the Water Commissioners for three years; one Trustee of Public Library for three years; a Sur- veyor of Highways for one year; one member of Board
4
of Health for three years; a Tree Warden for one year; and to vote " Yes" or " No" on the question "Shall License be granted for the sale of Intoxicating Liquors in Town."
All the above to be voted for on one ballot, each to specify the person to be voted for by placing a cross (X) after his name.
The Polls will be opened at ten o'clock A. M. and may be closed at two olclock P. M.
ART. 4. To choose all other necessary Town Officers and Committees.
ART. 5. To see what interest shall be paid on Taxes not paid in a specified time.
ART. 6. To see if the Town will authorize the Treasurer of the Town to borrow money for the use of the Town in anticipation of Taxes, under the approval of the Selectmen.
ART. 7. To see if the Town will authorize the Treasurer of the Town to borrow money, under the approval of the Selectmen, to refund its floating debt.
ART. 8. To see if the Treasurer of the Town shall be Collector of Taxes, and determine the compen- sation for the same.
ART. 9. To see what sums of money the Town shall raise and appropriate for the support of the Pub- lic Schools; for transportation to and from our Public Schools; for repairs of Highways and Bridges; for sup- port of Poor; for State and Military Aid; for salaries of Town Officers; for use on Memorial Day; for Con- tingent Expenses and Paying Debts.
5
Y ART. 10. To see if the Town will accept the List of Jurors as presented by the Selectmen.
X ART. 11. To see if the Town will vote to enforce the Sunday Law against Hunting and Fishing.
× ART. 12. To see if the Town will vote to make an appropriation for the Water Department on account of Hydrant service.
ART. 13. To see if the Town will vote to give the Rural Cemetery Association the free use of Water for their Fountain, or act thereon.
X ART. 14. To see if the Town will vote to extend its Water System, or act thereon.
ART. 15. To see if the Town will vote to abate any Taxes in the hands of the Collector.
ART. 16. To see if the Town will vote to abate the Tax of 1902, assessed on the " Standard Woolen Mills " at North Rutland, or act thereon.
ART. 17. To see if the Town will vote to slope the roadside on the line of the new road on Pound Hill, from a point on the line between Walter L. Reed and Lois I. Fletcher, westerly to the driveway of Clin- ton W. Putnam, or act anything thereon.
ART. 18. To see if the Town will vote to raise the grade of the highway or highways which will be overflowed by the building of a dam at the Joseph Ware saw mill property in West Rutland, or act any- thing thereon.
6
ART. 19. To see if the Town will vote a sum of money, not exceeding one cent for every one hundred dollars of its valuation, toward the Statue in memory of the Soldiers of Worcester County and Gen. Devens.
ART. 20. To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of Chapter 335, of the Revised Laws, relative to Term of Office of the Town Clerk, or act anything thereon.
ART. 21. To see if the Town will take any action in relation to the securing of an electric railway through the Town of Rutland, or act thereon.
And you are directed to serve this Warrant, by posting Attested copies thereof agreeable to vote of said Town. One at each Post Office and one at the Congregational Church in said Town, seven days at least before the time of holding said meeting.
Hereby, fail not to make due return of this War- rant, with your doings thereon to the Town Clerk at the time and place of meeting aforesaid.
Given under our hands this Seventeenth day of March, one thousand nine hundred and three.
C. R. BARTLETT, T. SIBLEY HEALD, of
Selectmen
H. E. WHEELER, Rutland.
7
REPORT OF THE OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
For the Year ending March 1, 1903.
Dr.
We have drawn orders in favor of Holden Poor
Farm Association to the amount of $225 25
OUTSIDE POOR.
Paid Mrs. Charles White, for board of Hannah Martin, $25 75
Paid Doctors' bill, casket and robe, for Hannah Martin, 22 50
Paid R. C. Prescott, burial of Patrick Connor, 15 00
Paid City of Worcester, for Ida Strong, 20 00
Paid Dr. W. E. Chamberlain, for Frank Strong, 30 00
Paid Drs. Snow and Wheeler, for Arthur Mun- dell, 80 75
Paid Druggist, medicine for Arthur Mundell, 16 20
Paid City of Worcester, for James Watwith, 17 00
Paid aid rendered Granville Lombard and family, 93 80
$546 25
8
· Brought forward, $546 25
1901.
Paid Town of Hubbardston, for Carrie Chick- ering, 36 00
Paid Town of Warren, for Carrie Chickering, 19 98
Paid Town of Berlin, for Samuel Stratton, 52 00
Paid aid rendered Albert E. Clark, 39 31
Paid R. C. Prescott, burial of Hannah Martin, 5 00
$698 54
Cr.
Received from State Board of Charity, for buri- al of Elijah Roberts, $10 00
Received from State Board of Charity, for buri- al of Patrick Connor, 15 00
Received from City of Malden, for Granville Lombard and family, 93 80
Received for board of Preston Warren to Feb-
ruary 5, when he left the Holden Farm,
14 50
$133 30
Net expense for supporting Poor the past year,
$565 24
W. H. MAYNARD, )
J. E. WARE, Poor. S Overseers D. F. SMITH, of -
9
THIRTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE HOLDEN POOR FARM ASSOCIATION, For the Year ending January 31, 1903.
INMATES RECEIVING SUPPORT.
HOLDEN.
Names. Age.
Admitted.
Remarks. No. Days
Lizzie Kenney 46
365
Winifred Durdeen, 52
365
Charles Prue, 80
365
Jane Prue. 81
April 21,
285
Thomas O'Keefe, 70
Dec. 10,
52
1,432
HUBBARDSTON.
David Rice, 84
365
Henry Clark, 24
365
Shirley Libby, 80
April 24,
283
John Neland, 81
Sept. 17,
away 32 days,
105
Andrew May,
53
Jan. 8,
23
John Wilson, 68
April 24,
dis. May 8,
14
Minnie Whitney,
8
Sept. 17,
dis, Nov. 11,
55
1,210
OAKHAM.
Charles Winslow, 43
365
Benjamin Nourse, 73
365
730
RUTLAND.
Rosa Roen, 65
365
John Kelly,
42
away 22 days,
343
Preston Warren. 80
admitted as a boarder Dec. 17, 45
James Watwith, 45
Dec. 27, 35
788
10
Names.
Age.
Admitted.
Remarks.
No. Days.
PAXTON.
Carrie Snow, 48
365
Lavina Pierce,
56
365
Jacob Rarle,
66
261
Clara Mixen,
65
April 20,
died June 1, 42
1,033
TEMPLETON.
Mary Seaver. 68
dis. May 26, 54
Sylvina Howe,
90
Aug. 26,
died Sept. 8, 13
Frank Hill, 76
Oct. 27,
died Jan. 29, 94
161
PRINCETON.
Henry Brown,
56
May 7,
269
John Black,
50
Aug. 19,
165
434
WESTMINSTER.
Adaline Eager, 62
365
Margaret Cronin, 57
committed to insane hos. Oct. 31, 273
Sarah Blake, 63
365
Jeremiah Lucius, 78
365
Frank A. Taylor, 59
died May 4, 93
Laura Freeman, 64
away 17 days, 348
1,809
Total board furnished, 7,597 days, or 1,0853 weeks.
Preston Warren, of Rutland, a veteran of the war of the rebell- ion, was admitted as a boarder December 17.
Total number inmates, 32, of whom 3 have died, 4 have been discharged, 1 committed to insane hospital, and 24 remain, making the weekly average 2019.
11
FINANCIAL STATEMENT. RECEIPTS.
Milk,
$1,770 84
Stock,
188 50
Board,
40 00
Miscellaneous,
29 38
$2,028 72
EXPENDITURES.
Warden's and Matron's salary,
$600 00
Outside labor,
281 60
Inside labor,
156 37
Flour and grain,
988 31
Groceries,
488 72
Dry goods and furniture,
185 50
Meat and fish,
186 42
Boots and shoes,
32 94
Tools and seeds,
119 02
Blacksmithing,
53 00
Medical attendance and medicine,
71 28
Stock,
326 50
Fertilizer,
41 25
Ice,
9 60
Insurance,
36 23
Tobocco and snuff, Miscellaneous,
89 93
Rent,
325 00
Interest on personal property,
120 99
Wood,
40 00
$4,186 96
Less receipts,
2,028 72
Making net expense,
$2,158 24
Cost per week for each inmate $1.99, making expense to each Town as follows :
Holden,
$406 82
Hubbardston,
343 71
Oakham,
207 37
Rutland,
223 83
Paxton,
293 47
Templeton,
45 74
l'rinceton,
123 28
Westminster,
514 02
$2,158 24
34 30
12
Phillipston and Royalston were fortunate in having no inmates, and Templeton has none at the present time.
The first ten years of the Association, closing January 31, 1900, was as follows :
Average Annual Weekly Board. of Inmate,
Weekly Average Cost per Week.
8833. 17 $2.22
Year ending January 31, 1901, 888,
171. 2.00
Year ending January 31, 1902, 9852.
1812 1.98
By the death of F. T. Holt, the Board of Management lost a cherished friend, who had represented the Town of Holden from the formation of the Association.
During the present month, a serious lung and bronchial epi- demic prostrated nearly one-half of the inmates, one of whom died. Previous to this attack, the general health had been good, the two previous deaths being caused by old age and paralysis.
The Town of Princeton was admitted to the Asssociation last Spring.
The record of sales from the herd of twenty cows was $89.00 each.
Christmas brought its usual bountiful dinner, contributed by Hon. F. S. Coolidge, of Fitchburg.
The services of Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Potter have been secured for the ensuing year.
Respectfully submitted, .
HOBART RAYMOND, Westminster, President. JESSE ALLEN, Oakham, Secretary.
G. S. GRAHAM, Holden, Treasurer.
R. G. MAREAN, Hubbardston.
H. H. PIKE, Paxton.
D. W. BAKER, Phillipston.
T. E. PRATT, Princeton.
W. H. MAYNARD, Rutland.
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