USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1881 > Part 2
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502 00
469 16
Town Hall Department
210 50
216 02
Health Department .
300 00
247 95
State Aid Department
750 00
764 50
Cemetery Department
500 00
188 14
Lamp Department
1,000 00
836 31
Fire Department .
100 00
112 67
Curbstone Department
3,073 82
2,846 40
State Tax .
Corporation and
2,145 00
County Tax
Bank Tax.
ý 2,335 00
Interest .
2,500 00
2,381 53
Corporation Tax
4,586 69
National Bank Tax
1,614 81
$30,946 75
$28,475 80
24
AUDITORS' REPORT.
. SCHEDULE OF TOWN PROPERTY.
Town House and Lot . $10,000 00
Grammar School House and Lot 9,000 00
Beach School House and Lot 4,500 00
Pine Street School House and Lot 5,000 00
Essex Street School House and Lot
2,000 00
Farm School House and Lot .
2,000 00
Engine House and Lot, Engine and Hose
1,500 00
Building for Storing Oil .
25 00
Gravel Pits .
1,000 00
Derrick
150 00
Treasurer's Safe .
50 00
Town Safe at Town Hall
250 00
Town Library
3,000 00
Hay Scales
100 00
Scale and Weights
100 00
Two Revolvers and Badges
18 75
Two Pairs Handcuffs . 10 00
Snow Plow $25.00; Fifteen Picks $15.00
40 00
Sixteen Shovels $10.00 ; Three Iron Bars $6.00
16 00.
$38,759 75
25
COLLECTOR'S REPORT.
Town of Swampscott in Acc't with Joseph Stanley, Collector.
Dr.
To amount of Taxes collected, 1880 . . $20,193 14
amount of Taxes abated 255 25
amount of Taxes discounted 353 52
cash paid County Tax .
2,335 00
- $23,136 91
Cr
By amount committed, 1880 .
$23,136 91
JOSEPH STANLEY, Collector,
Town of Swampscott in Acc't with William Seger, Collector.
1880.
Dr.
To amount collected, 1875 . $16 58
amount collected, 1874 . 4 50
error in commitment, 1875 48 17
error in commitment, 1874
11 85
amount uncollectable, 1875
581 22
amount uncollectable, 1874
235 70
interest collected +5 81
$903 83
Cr.
By balance committed, 1875 .
$645 97
By balance committed, 1874
. 252 05
By interest collected 5 81
$903 83
WM. SEGER, Collector.
4
26
TREASURER'S REPORT.
TOWN OF SWAMPSCOTT IN ACCOUNT WITH
Dr.
To cash paid Selectmen's orders, 1879 . $280 40
Selectmen's orders, 1880 . 21,393 74
State Treasurer, State tax 2,145 00
National City Bank, temporary loan
3,500 00
Interest on notes
2,381 53
1 State Treasurer, one-quarter of money re- ceived for licenses . 50 00
Elizabeth P. Proctor, note
500 00
Salem National Bank, note 6,000 00
John Smith, note .
300 00
John T. Hooper, note 874 80
*Cash in the treasury, February 28, 1881 9,903 91
$47,329 38
*We have verified the above statement by personal inquiry at the National City Bank of Lynn, and we also hold a certificate from the Cashier, that there is on deposit at this time, (Marchi 7th,) the above amount, subject to the order of the Treasurer.
27
TREASURER'S REPORT.
D. P. STIMPSON TREASURER,
Cr.
By balance, cash in the treasury, March 1, 1880 . $13,899 47
cash, State Treasurer, Corporation tax . 4,586 69
State Treasurer, National Bank tax 1,614 81
State Treasurer, State Aid .
750 00
State Treasurer, Relief of Indigent Soldiers . 508 02
State Treasurer, Mass. School Fund . 138 04
State Treasurer, balance Corporation tax, 1879 58 87
County Treasurer, dog tax fund . 166 97
I. H. Andrews, rent of Town Hall .
108 00
J. E. O. Nesbitt, rent of Town Hall , 102 50
I. H. Andrews, Cemetery lots . 200 00
Liquor licenses 200 00
One-half cost of edge-stones . 1,073 82
J. C. Stimpson, Overseers of Poor 122 62
S. L. Honors, Town Library . 30 30
H. F. Hurlburt, use of law books 25 00
H. M. Norton, land rent . 15 00
National City Bank, (loan) 3,500 00
D. Townsend, peddlers' license 6 00
J. F. Symouds, Police department 2 00
Wm. Seger, Taxes .
26 89
Joseph Stanley, Taxes 20,193 14
Isaac H. Andrews, money found in safe 1 24
$47,329 38
D. P. STIMPSON, Treasurer.
SWAMPSCOTT, March 1. 1881.
LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS. 1880.
Selectmen, ISAAC H. ANDREWS, GEORGE TOWNS, CHAS. W. HASKELL.
Town Clerk, BENJ. J. LINDSEY.
Assessors, D. HOLMAN MILLETT, JOHN CHAPMAN, ISAAC H. ANDREWS.
Treasurer, DANIEL P. STIMPSON.
Surveyor of Highways, BARTLETT SHAW.
Constables, JAMES WHEELER, NATHANIEL GALEUCIA, D. W. NESBITT.
Board of Health, GEORGE TOWNS,
DANIEL MARSHALL, CHAS. E. HARRIS.
School Committee, FRANK O. ELLIS, 1882. CHAS. P. CURTIS, ISSI, SAM'L O. INGALLS, 1883:
29
TOWN OFFICERS.
Overseers of Poor, JOHN C. STIMPSON,
JOHN WASHBURN,
JOHN RODGERS.
Auditing Committee, D. HOLMAN MILLETT, BENJ. J. LINDSEY, FRANCIS C. THING ..
Fence Viewers, JOHN CHAPMAN, EBENEZER HOLT, JOHN R. MERRITT.
Field Drivers,
THOS. WIDGER, DANIEL MYERS.
Pound Keeper, THOS. WIDGER,
Sealer of Weights and Measures, GEORGE W. HARRIS.
Measurer of Wood, Bark and Lumber, ISAAC H. ANDREWS.
Collector of Taxes, JOSEPH STANLEY.
Trustees of Library, CURTIS V. MERRITT. FRANK F. STANLEY, GEORGE H. HOLDEN.
Librarian, MISS S. L. HONORS. Janitor of Town Hall, J. E. O. NESBITT.
Town Weigher, THOMAS PEDRICK.
30
TOWN OFFICERS.
Chief Engineers,
IVORY EMMONS, A. F. NESBITT.
Special Police, JOSEPH. F. SYMONDS,
D. W. NESBITT.
SURVEYOR'S REPORT ON BEACH AVENUE AND COLUMBIA STREET.
325 loads of filling, at 15 cents $48 75
203 loads of filling, at 15 cents 30 45
35 days' labor with team, at $3.50 . 122 50
145 days' labor, at $3.75 .
253 75
Ploughing Columbia Street
1 00
Blasting stone
3 00
$459 45
BARTLETT SHAW, Surveyor.
D. HOLMAN MILLETT, BENJ. J, LINDSEY, Committee. FRANCIS C. THING.
SELECTMENS' REPORT.
TO THE CITIZENS OF SWAMPSCOTT :-
WE think that we may fittingly congratulate our towns- men upon the prosperity of the year now closing. It has been long since the business interests of our citizens have been so thriving as during the past season. Notwithstand- ing the public improvements made during the year, our rate of taxation has been unprecedentedly low. The gen- eral health of the place, as shown by our death-rate, has been remarkably good. Order and morality have pre- vailed among our people, and, thanks to the wise liber- ality shown at the last Annual Meeting in providing for needed improvements, we have as a Town, received hearty commendations for our evident new purpose to keep more nearly abreast with the age. We respectfully call your attention to the following topics.
JOHN P. PALMER CLAIM.
The payment of the claim of John P. Palmer against the inhabitants of the Town in accordance with the vote passed March 18, 1880, we found to be illegal, without an
32
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
enabling Act from the General Court, authorizing and empowering the Town so to do. Such an Act has been passed, containing however the following condition, viz. : "Provided, that at a legal meeting of said Town to be held hereafter, a majority shall vote to pay the same."
S. A. LEWIS CLAIM.
Upon the S. A. Lewis Claim which was referred to the Selectmen with full power to act, we would report that we found that the S. A. Lewis estate had been injured by raising the grade of Rock Avenue, and we agreed with Mr. Lewis' representative, Mr. A. F: Nesbitt, to fill in the drive-way and pay him $4.17, providing he would give the Town a receipt in full for all damage caused by rais- ing said grade, all of which has been done and accepted at a total expense of $15.54.
GEORGE F. KING CLAIM.
In regard to the George F. King Claim, which was re- ferred to the Selectmen to report upon, we have been unable to make any satisfactory arrangements with Mr. King, and we would recommend that he be granted leave to withdraw.
INTOXICATING LIQUORS.
In relation to our duties in regulating intoxicating liquors, we would say that during the year we have grant- ed three licenses. We regret to report, also, that having
33
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
in the early part of the year received certain complaints as to the violation of the liquor laws, we felt it our duty, as guardians of the public good, and in conformity with the vote passed at the last Annual Meeting, to prosecute two persons under the " Liquor Nuisance Law."
CURB-STONES AND WAY-MARKS.
With reference to curb-stones, we would recommend that the same plan be followed as last year. The establish- ment or determining of highway grades, and street boun- daries, is at times, one of the most perplexing of the ques- tions that come before the Board. Our street boundaries are very irregular, and will need straightening in many places in the near future. We would recommend that stone street-crossings be laid at the junction of streets where needed most. Many of our street and way-signs will need new posts during the coming year, and a number of the sign boards now missing will need to be replaced.
The following Reports will inform you of the work done in each department, all of which is respectfully submitted.
ISAAC H. ANDREWS, ) CHAS. W. HASKELL, GEORGE TOWNS,
Selectmen of Swampscott.
5
REPORT OF STREET LIGHT COMMITTEE.
THE Street Light Committee respectfully submit the following Report :-
There are now erected one hundred and five lamps, eighty being erected by the Committee from subscriptions ; the remainder were all placed previous to the vote of the Town. There is now subscribed enough for four addi- tional lamps, when the weather will permit of their being set. The Committee, after examining different modes of lighting, including kerosene, closed a contract May 3, 1880, with the Globe Gas Light Co., whose lights have been adopted by many of the large towns of New Eng- land. The Company agreeing to furnish the burners, and material used for lighting, to light and keep the lanterns in repair, for the sum of ten dollars per lamp for one year of twenty nights per month.
There are now street lights on Humphrey Street from Lynn line to Phillips' Beach Station ; on Essex St. from Burrill St. to Lynn line; the whole length of Burrill St., Beach Avenue, Columbia and Pine Sts., Rock Avenue, Phillips, Redington, Highland, Rockland, Blaney, and Orient Sts., with five lamps in the different Courts. By
35
REPORT OF STREET LIGHT COMPANY.
the addition of five more lamps, the above localities would be-well lighted.
We think the lights have generally proved satisfactory, and the Committee after taking everything into considera- tion, are of the opinion that gasoline, the article now used, is the best material for lighting. The Committee recom- mend an appropriation for the continuance of lighting the street lamps for the ensuing year.
IVORY EMMONS, --
D. P. STIMPSON, J. P. PALMER, S. F. CROSMAN, C. E. DURGIN.
Committee.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF CEMETERY.
TO THE CITIZENS OF SWAMPSCOTT :-
The most satisfactory feature of my report is to speak of the few occasions for using our Cemetery during the past year. With one exception, our mortality rate has been smaller the past twelve months than during any year of the last decade. The deaths were of males fifteen, of females fifteen, or one and one-fifth per cent. of our popu- lation, which record shows that Swampscott was unusually healthful in 1880. At our last Annual Meeting, three hundred dollars were appropriated to keep the Cemetery in order. Entering upon my duties, I found the front gates broken; these have been repaired and painted. The well I found in an unfinished condition, this has been completed. The pump has been repaired and painted, and a new platform for it has been built. The building has also been repaired, and painted two coats. Among the new improvements made, has been the removing of a ledge from one of the avenues, so that carriages can now pass without driving on private lots. Also, the public lots upon which the grass had died out have been graded, and sown with grass seed, as well as improved in other ways.
37
CEMETERY REPORT.
The total expenditure has been $188.14.
The receipts have been $200.00, eight lots having been sold at $25 each.
The grounds are now in good condition, and I am of the opinion that no extra appropriation will be required for the coming year. The only recommendation that I would make is, that certain of the trees which have died, be replaced by new ones.
Respectfully submitted,
ISAAC H. ANDREWS, Supt.
REPORT OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES.
THE results of the year just closed have been of a very satisfactory character, and the Library is now operated upon a liberal basis, and its popularity is attested by its patronage. Upon the resignation of Mr. Merritt as Libra- rian, which took place May 1, 1880, Miss Kittie Honors was chosen his successor, who is now serving to the utmost satisfaction of the Trustees, and public generally. Miss Honors is ably assisted in her duties by Masters Charles Rowell and Charles C. Merritt.
From the Librarian's Report we learn that the Library is open every Saturday from 2 to 9, P.M., and on Wednes- day from 4 to 9, P.M., throughout the year. Number of book takers, 967, against 600 the previous year, and 16,157 books have been delivered, showing a gain of 4,254 in one year. From the sale of catalogues and for fees $30.30 has been received ; 235 new books have been added dur- ing the year by purchases. Donations have been received from the State of Massachusetts, 6 volumes ; C. P. Curtis, Esq., I volume ; from the American Swedenborg Printing and Publishing Society, of New York City, a complete set of the works of Emanuel Swedenborg, 17 vols. ; 13 books
39
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF LIBRARY.
have been purchased to replace worn and lost ones. The Library now contains 3,275 volumes, in addition to which are 197 books of reference ; total, 3,472 volumes ; also, 25I magazines and unbound pamphlets.
Among the newly purchased books will be found many interesting (illustrated) works of travel, history, biogra- phy, and the sciences ; also, the best writers of fiction and juvenile literature are well represented.
We are pleased to note the large increase in circulation, which for the past year has been about fifty per cent. over the year previous. We presume this is in great measure due to our constantly adding new and popular books, and thus keeping at all times a full supply of attractive reading matter for all classes, and to the added number of days on which the Library has been open, affording an opportunity to renew books more frequently than before. The same amount of appropriation for the coming year is earnestly recommended, and could be used very advantageously and satisfactorily to our patrons.
CURTIS MERRITT, GEO. H. HOLDEN, Trustces. F. F. STANLEY,
REPORT OF TOWN CLERK.
BIRTHS.
Males, 21 ; Females, 25 ; Total, 46. There was one pair of twins.
Nativity of Grooms .- Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecti- cut, Scotland and France, I each ; Ireland and Nova Scotia, 2 each ; Maine, 3 ; Massachusetts, 33.
. Nativity of Brides .- Maine, Vermont, Canada and France, I each ; New York, 3 ; Nova Scotia, 5 ; Ireland, 6; Massachu- setts, 27.
Fathers born in Swampscott, I. Mothers born in Swamp- scott, 9.
Births in January, 2 ; February, 4; March, 2 ; April, I ; May, 5; June, 3 ; July, 3; August, 6; September, 4 ; October, 5 ; November, 6 ; December 5.
MARRIAGES.
Marriages recorded, 21. Certificates issued, 17.
Oldest couple, 58 and 51 ; youngest couple, 19 and 16. Oldest groom, 58; oldest bride, 51. Youngest groom, IS; youngest bride, 16. Fourth marriage, I. Second marriage, grooms, 4 ; brides, 3.
Nativity of Grooms. - Maine, Vermont, Ireland, I each ; New Hampshire, 3 ; Massachusetts, 15.
Nativity of Brides .- Nova Scotia and Ireland, I each ; New Hampshire and New York, 2 each ; Massachusetts, 15.
41
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT.
Occupation of Grooms,-Mechanic, hotel-keeper, stable-keep- er, school teacher, tailor, oil clothing manufacturer, salesman and station agent, I each ; fishermen, 2; tanners, 3 ; shoemakers, S.
Marriages in January, 2 ; February, 2 ; March, 1 ; April, 4 ; May, 2 ; June, I ; July, 3 ; August, none ; September, I ; Octo- ber, I ; November, 2; December, 2.
A. H. Currier, John G. Blades, S. S. Mathews, A. A. Wil- liams, E. A. Manning, Henry Hinckley, N. C. Mallory, J. J. McNamara, of Lynn, C. C. Burrows, of Swampscott, Lucian Drury. of Danversport, R. L. Green, of Great Falls, N. H., I each ; John E. Dame and E. N. Kerby, of Swampscott. 2 each ; George A. Jackson, 6.
DEATHS.
Males, 15 ; Females, 15 ; Total, 30.
Causes of Death .- Diseases of brain, abscess. cancer, intestinal catarrh, heart disease, phthisis, disease of bladder, hydrothorax, one each; typhoid fever, premature birth, scrofula, diphtheria, old age, apoplexy, pneumonia, progressive paralysis, convulsions, two each ; consumption, three.
Deaths under 5 years, 7; 5 to 10 years, 4; 10 to 20 years, none ; 20 to 30 years, 2 ; 30 to 40 years, none ; 40 to 50 years, 4 ; 50 to 60 years, I ; 60 to 70 years, 4 ; 70 to So years, 7 ; 80 to 90 years, I.
Deaths in January, 5 ; February, 4 ; March, 2 ; April, 4 ; May, 2; June, none ; July, I ; August, 2 ; September, 4 ; October, none ; November, 4 ; December, 2.
The following persons were 70 years and upwards : - Mrs. Susan C. Cobb. 70 ; Alma M. Jordan, 74 ; Lewis Delano, 71 ; Emily C. Porter, 71 ; Nathaniel Fuller, 77; Robert M. Mason, 76 ; Mary Bigelow, 70 : Mary G. Thorndike, 82.
Number of dogs licensed, 98 ; males, S9 ; females, 9.
Licenses issued for sale of liquor, 3. First and Second Class, one each. Amount received, $200.
Other licenses, I peddler. Amount, $6.
Amount received from County Treasurer for dogs for the year 1879, $166,97.
BENJ. J. LINDSEY, Town Clerk. 6
TOWN WARRANT.
ESSEX, SS.
To JAMES WHEELER, Constable of the Town of Swampscott :- GREETING :
IN the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Swampscott, qualified to vote in Town affairs, to meet at the Town Hall in said Swampscott, on the Nineteenth Day of March next, at nine o'clock, A. M., then and there to act on the following articles :-
ARTICLE I. To choose a Moderator to preside at said meet- ing.
ART. 2. To see if the Town will vote to pay the claim of John P. Palmer, in accordance with the Act of the Legislature of 1881, authorizing such payment, "Provided, that at a legal meet- ing of said Town to be hereafter called, a majority shall vote to pay the same. (The said vote to be by a 'Yes' or 'No' ballot, to be cast at the same time as those cast for the election of Town Officers)."
ART. 3. To choose a Town Clerk for the current year.
To choose a Town Treasurer for the current year.
To choose a Board of Selectmen for one year.
To choose a Board of Assessors, one for one year, one for two years, and one for three years.
To choose a Collector of Taxes for the current year.
To choose one or more Surveyors of Highways for one year.
43
TOWN WARRANT.
To choose one School Committee for three years.
To choose three Overseers of the Poor, one for one year, one for two years, one for three years.
To choose three Fence Viewers for the current year.
To choose a Board of Health Officers for one year.
To choose three members of the Auditing Committee for one year.
To choose all necessary Constables, Field Drivers, and Pound Keepers for the current year.
All to be chosen on one ballot.
ART. 4. To hear and act upon the Reports of the Selectmen, the Auditors, the School Committee, the Trustees of the Library, the Surveyor of Highways, the Chief Engineer of the Fire De- partment, the Committee on Street Lights, and any other com- mittee previously chosen.
ART. 5. To raise such sums of money as may be necessary to defray Town expenses for the ensuing year, and make appropri- ations for the same.
ART. 6. To see if the Town will authorize the Treasurer to hire money under the direction of the Selectmen, to pay Town indebtedness.
ART. 7. To see if the Town will authorize the Treasurer to hire money under the direction of the Selectmen, in anticipation of the taxes to be assessed and collected.
ART. 8. To see what amount of bonds will be required of the Town Treasurer for the current year.
ART. 9. To see what amount of bonds will be required of the Collector for the collection of the taxes for the current year.
ART. 10. To see what compensation the Town will allow the Collector for the collection of the taxes for the ensuing year.
ART. II. To see what action the Town will take in regard to the collection of taxes.
ART. 12. To see what discount, if any, the Town will allow on taxes paid before a certain date.
ART. 13. To see in what manner the Town will appropriate the money received for the licensing of dogs.
ART. 14. To see if the Town will accept the List of Jurors as prepared by the Selectmen.
ART. 15. To see if the Town will instruct the Selectmen to
44
TOWN WARRANT.
repair, and remove the obstructions from the side-walks of Rose Street, pave the gutters of the same, and appropriate money therefor, agreeably to the petition of Nathaniel Blanchard and others.
ART. 16. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money to furnish and set curb-stones, providing the abuttors will pay one-half of the expenses.
ART. 17. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of . money to purchase and lay street crossings.
ART. 18. To see if the Town will appropriate a certain sum of money to enforce the laws of the State in regard to the sale of intoxicating liquors, for the ensuing year.
ART. 19. To see if the Town will prohibit the inhabitants of the Town from running their sewerage or drainage upon the beaches or into the Town drains.
ART. 20. To see what action the Town will take in relation to the sale of unredeemed real estate, which was purchased by the Town to secure the payment of unpaid taxes.
ART. 21. To see if the Town will authorize the Selectmen to procure a seal for the official use of the Town, or do anything in relation to the same.
ART. 22. To see if the Town will accept Chapter 225 of the Acts and Resolves passed by the General Court of Massachusetts, in the year 1878, entitled "An Act in relation to Selectmen and Assessors," so far as it relates to Selectmen.
ART. 23. To see what action the Town will take in placing a hydrant at the foot of Phillips Street.
ART. 24. To see if the Town will instruct the Selectmen to make a survey, and estimate the cost of extending Pine Street to the Sea.
ART 25. To see if the Town will compensate Hawes Atwood for damages caused to his land on Rock Avenue by the action of the Town in undermining the same, by taking gravel from their pit on New Ocean Street.
ART. 26. To see what action the Town will take in regard to lighting street lamps, and appropriate money therefor.
ART. 27. To see if the Town will authorize the Selectmen to accept an offer made by the Trustees of the First Church Parish to allow the Church bell to be rung by the Town at 12 o'clock,
45
TOWN WARRANT.
M., and 9 o'clock, P. M, in accordance with the common New England custom, and to employ a Bell Ringer for the purpose at an expense not to exceed seventy-five dollars.
ART. 28. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of three thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary, for the purchase of land, and the erection thereon of a building for the use of the First Primary School, now kept in the Gram- mar School Building.
ART. 29. To hear and act upon the Report of the Committee on the enlargement of the Town Hall.
And you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting up at- tested copies thereof at the Town Hall, Depot, Post Office, and three other public and conspicuous places in the Town, seven days at least before the time of holding said meeting.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this Warrant, with your doing thereon, to the Town Clerk at the time and place of said meeting.
Given under our hands this 28th day of February, eighteen hundred and eighty-one.
ISAAC H. ANDREWS, / Selectmen GEORGE TOWNS, of
CHAS. W. HASKELL, Swampscott.
TWENTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF SWAMPSCOTT
FOR THE YEAR ENDING FEB 28, 1881.
LYNN: THOS. P. NICHOLS, PRINTER, NO. 24 MARKET STREET, 1 881 .
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
OUR opportunity of again presenting a statement of the condition of the schools of the Town, is one when we may safely congratulate the citizens upon the prosperity and efficiency of the same. Without flattery toward any, we again say, with more confidence than last year, that the work done is encouraging.
The only change in the administration of school affairs during the year, was the employment of Miss E. J. Had- ley as teacher of the Second Grammar School, and that of Miss Annie E. Boynton in the Pine Street Primary - Miss Thing having been promoted to the vacancy in the Pine Street Intermediate caused by the retirement of Mrs. Larkin, after a long and honorable service.
ATTENDANCE
Has been larger than ever before - a natural result of the return of business prosperity and a consequent increase of population. The Pine Street Schools have been much of the time full, and the schools in the Grammar building have been considerably larger than last year. The number in the Beach Schools has been somewhat larger,
7
50
SCHOOL REPORT.
while the Farms and Essex Street attendance remain about the same.
STUDIES.
But little change has been made in the course of study in any of the schools. Some variations of arrangement have been adopted for convenience, and in the matter of advanced reading for the Grammar Schools, we have placed in them, at the Town's expense, a supply of the " Young People's History of the United States." The reading gives excellent practice, and at the same time the pupil's mind is being stored with the more important and interesting portions of the history of our country.
HEALTH.
We are glad to report that comparatively little sickness has occurred during the year. One or two deaths, and a few serious cases of diphtheria, are all that remind us of the ravages of that disease which hindered the work of the Beach Schools the preceding year.
TRUANCY
Has not increased, and we have had but one or two obsti- nate cases. Were parents a little more mindful of their duty in the premises, there would seldom be occasion for the services of the Truant Officer.
The report of the officer for the year is as follows :- Investigated 40 cases ; visited 28 families ; returned 9 to school ; visited schools 28 times.
VISITATION.
The Board have endeavored, in their individual capac- ity, to visit the schools as often as occasion offered - mak-
51
SCHOOL REPORT.
ing their calls, so far as possible, frequent, if not lengthy. Neither the Farms nor the Essex Street, have needed much attention from the Board ; yet we have endeavored to do them justice. The other schools involve more im- portant considerations and a larger share of our attention. We have taken some pains to ascertain in regard to visit- ing by the pupils' parents, and find that in one or two in- stances at least, no parent has called at the school room during the session, since the opening of the Fall Term ! The implicit confidence thus manifested in the manage- ment of the schools, we shall endeavor to accept as com- plimentary to the teachers and to the Committee.
BOOKS, ETC.
The Board introduced an entire new series of reading books, with satisfaction to all, so far as known. Old books were exchanged, and the expense made light as possible, by supplying to all at first cost. A change in advanced geographies was also effected with little opposi- tion, and language lessons instead of old grammars, were introduced in the Grammar Schools. The Board has not been unmindful of the inconvenience caused by changes, and have only done so when they deemed it a duty. Other supplies have been furnished as usual - paper, ink, drawing and examination paper, free ; while extra sup- plies are to be had at wholesale prices.
BUILDINGS.
The Committee did not anticipate any considerable out- lay for repairs at the beginning of the Town year, but with
52
SCHOOL REPORT.
the advent of hot weather, the necessity for painting was made apparent ; and contracts were accordingly made for the painting of Pine Street, Essex Street, and Grammar School buildings, and we feel that the outlay has been well placed. Some minor repairs were also made, and the front half of the Beach School lot was graded at a consid- erable expense, to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water in the yard. The Committee have also made a be- ginning in the matter of replacing the old-fashioned, worn- out, and otherwise objectionable double seats, with which nearly all our schools are furnished, by supplying im- proved single desks and seats for the Pine Street Primary. At least three more schools should be furnished in this way the coming year. As a minor expenditure, which for the amount of health and comfort promoted thereby, is worthy of note, we have put in base-board ventilators in the win- dows of the Farms and Beach Schools, so that pure air without exposure to drafts, is secured. The results at the Grammar School building have not been so satisfactory, on account of the peculiar situation of the school rooms, and the large amount of fresh air needed.
CROWDED SCHOOLS.
The increase of pupils in the Town has become so great as to make an imperative demand for further accommoda- tions. The point where the pressure is felt, is in the Sec- ond Grammar School; all the intermediate and mixed schools sending their advanced classes to this school at the opening of each Fall Term. This year, we have barely been able to seat the scholars from the other schools
53
SCHOOL REPORT.
while retaining the advanced class of the Beach Interme- diate, under the instruction of Miss Wardwell, who under- took this labor. in addition to her regular duties. We re- gret to say that the consequent overwork came near caus- ing serious illness ; but by the services of an assistant for a few weeks, the work has been carried along, until Miss Wardwell has now brought the school to a cred- itable degree of efficiency. The thanks of the Committee and of all interested in the school, are due her for her faithful services in this emergency.
To return to our subject : the pressing need is, a much larger room for the Second Grammar, which can be best accomplished, as we think, by removing the partition be- tween the two rooms on the first floor, thus giving twice the present accommodations, and probably ample room for this school for some years. Not only is the seating capac- ity to be considered at this point, but the health of the pu- pils is so seriously imperiled by their crowded condition, that we should be remiss in our duty, did we not press this matter upon our citizens for immediate action, as of the utmost importance. Of course, this plan of necessity con- templates other provisions for the First Primary School, whose room would thus be appropriated for the Second Grammar School; and of itself, this is desirable, if not necessary, since we deem it imprudent to maintain a school of the youngest pupils in such proximity to those of the more advanced scholars. A new building, there- fore, is recommended by' the Committee, to be located favorably for the accommodation of the First Primary School, with additional room for another school of higher grade, which will soon need to be established.
54
SCHOOL REPORT.
THE HIGH SCHOOL.
We have to report the condition of this school as favora- ble, when we consider the difficulties under which it has been conducted for the past three years. Considerable opposition to the continuance of the school has at times been manifested, though not latterly ; and the rather small number who continue beyond the first year of the course, make it up hill work for the Principal to maintain the de- sired enthusiasm. Nevertheless, we feel that the school is worth vastly more than its costs to the Town, and will in the course of years accomplish for some of our girls and boys what cannot be computed in money, a training for positions in life which they would not otherwise have received.
At the close of the last school year, the school graduated its first class of three young ladies, who thus bear the honor of receiving the first diplomas of the Swampscott High School, and acquit themselves with credit to the school, viz. :- Nellie A. Andrews, Carrie B. Millett, Bina S. Roberts.
We hope to see an increased number completing the course next year, but for this year the class will not ex- ceed two, owing to a combination of hindrances. Death has taken one from the school, Mabel Holden, whose qual- ities as a student and associate, will keep her memory long in the hearts of those who knew her.
OUR TEACHERS.
The Committee do not purpose to praise the corps of instructors in detail, but say with all candor, that we con- sider the Town fortunate in having so able and efficient a
55
SCHOOL REPORT.
number of teachers. We can see defects in methods and in discipline in several, perhaps all ; but when we consider their strong points, and remember our own deficiencies, we feel to congratulate ourselves on the high average of our working force. We invite attention to the several schools, and trust that the parents will go and see for themselves what the teachers are doing, and we believe they will concur in judgment, with what we have ex- pressed.
CONCLUSION.
The commonest blessings are often least appreciated, and this will be our excuse for reminding some parents of the great value of our free public schools. What would in some civilized countries, and even in some places in this land, cost a large outlay of money, is here at the disposal of every child, by simply accepting it. The child of the poorest laborer enjoys equally with that of the wealthiest, the benefits of instruction in all that generations of pains- taking study and experience have given to the world. That which makes this nation the mighty people it is to-day, is largely our schools. That which makes the Northern and Western States so largely predominant in population, wealth and power, is more than for all other reasons, on account of their free common schools. And that which opens the avenues of success and usefulness to every girl and boy in this Town, and makes the highest places a possibility to every one, is our ten school-rooms with the faithful and capable teachers, provided at public expense. Then let no parent fail to avail his children of
56
SCHOOL REPORT.
this most valuable privilege, and may our schools and their scholars take first rank in this good old common- wealth.
Respectfully submitted,
CHAS. P. CURTIS, FRANK O. ELLIS, SAM'L O. INGALLS,
Committee.
STATISTICS OF SCHOOLS. 1880.
WINTER TERM.
SPRING TERM.
FALL TERM.
Jan. Mar. Apr. June. Sept. Dec.
SCHOOL.
TEACHER.
Whole No.
in attend.
Average No.
in attend.
Whole No.
in attend.
Average No.
Whole No.
in attend.
Average No.
in attend.
FIRST PRIMARY
Miss Mott
47
43
40
36
43
40
7.5
PINE STREET PRIMARY
Miss Boynton
..
30
24
42
34
46
36
7.5
BEACH PRIMARY
Miss Grey
45
41.8
43
37
38
34
7+
FARMS
Miss Stanley.
29
26
30
27
27
25
I4
S
PINE STREET INTERMEDIATE.
Miss Thing ....
35
32
38
35
51
44
9.6
BEACH INTERMEDIATE
Miss Wardwell.
32
30
43
41
40
38
II
SECOND GRAMMAR.
Miss Hadley.
50
45.3
40
38.7
56
47.6
12
FIRST GRAMMAR.
Miss A. M. Mott
44
40.6
39
35.3
38
36.4
13+
HIGH.
Mr. Bailey.
15
11.5
14
11.5
27
22.5
16-
AVERAGE AGE.
ESSEX STREET.
Miss Macho
17
16.8
19
17.3
15
in attend.
Baldwin Collection Does Not Circulate
SWAMPSCOTT PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1996 00132 2983
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