Town annual report of Swampscott 1900, Part 5

Author: Swampscott, Massachusetts
Publication date: 1900
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 246


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75


RECORDS OF TOWN CLERK.


1900]


Nativity of Grooms-Massachusetts, 21; Maine, England, Nova Scotia and Canada, 2 each; Louisiana, New Brunswick and Ireland, I each.


Nativity of Brides-Massachusetts, 15; New York, Maine, Ireland, Nova Scotia and Canada, 2 each ; Illinois, Pennsylvania, England, Sweden, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island, I each.


Occupation of Grooms-Clerks and Salesmen, 3 each ; Drug- gists, Carpenters, Printers, Electricians and Machinists, 2 each ; Music Teacher, Dry Goods, Conductor, Leather Sorter, Metal Worker, Blacksmith, Teamster, Baggage Master, Attorney, Box Maker, Farmer, Brakeman, Coachman, Shoe Cutter, Shoe Packer and Shoemaker, I each.


Deaths Recorded.


Males, 39; Females, 36; total, 75.


In January, 10; February, 9; March, 8; April, 3; May, 4; June, 5; July, 8; August, 5; September, 3 ; October, 6; No- vember, 6; December, S.


Under 5 years, 20; 5 to 10, 1 ; 10 to 20, 1 ; '20 to 30, 11 ; 30 to 40, 3 ; 40 to 50, 5 ; 50 to 60, 6 ; 60 to 70, 7 ; 70 to 80, 10 ; 80 to 90, 10; 90 to 100, I.


Causes-Pneumonia, 12 ; heart disease, 10; old age and con- sumption, 5 each ; Bright's disease and meningitis, 4 each ; apo- plexy and cancer, 3 each ; diptheria, la grippè, cholera infantum, premature, still born and railroad accident, 2 each; paralysis, syphilis, measels, small-pox, acute tuberculosis, cystitis, croup, gall stones, malaria, lukæmia, insanity, hæmophilia, alcoholic neuritis, rheumatism, accidental, drowning and foundling, I each.


.76


TOWN DOCUMENTS.


[Feb. 2


Seventy years of age and over-Elizabeth S. Horton, ol age, 92 yrs. ; Lucinda Dearborn, apoplexy, 87 yrs. ; David Cro nan, old age, 86 yrs. 6 m. 8 d. ; John Henry Farwell, Bright' disease, 84 yrs. 9 m .; Susan Stimpson, old age, 84 yrs. 4 m 9 d. ; Marcia D. Delano, gall stones, 82 yrs. 11 m. 29 d. ; Saral Douglass Gerry, pneumonia, 82 yrs. 10 m. 18 d .; Emma Ding well, heart disease, 82 yrs. 6 m. 17 d. ; Bridget Milan, pneu monia, 82 yrs .; David Warren, la grippè, 80 yrs. 11 m. 23 d. Austin Mossman, heart disease, 80 yrs. 5 m. 23 d. ; Aquila H Pickering, railroad accident, 78 yrs. 6 m. 5 d. ; John C. Rich heart disease, 76 yrs. 3 m. 18 d. ; Margaret Ann Lavery, insan ity, 75 yrs. ; Patrick Moore, heart disease, 75 yrs. ; Francis V Miller, paralysis, 74 yrs. 8 m 10'd .; Warren Langley, cystitis 74 yrs .; Mary P. Evans, heart disease, 73 yrs. 4 d: ; Willian Seger, apoplexy, 72 yrs. 3 m. 6 d. ; Ann Maria Lattime, ol age, 71 yrs. 3 m. 25 d .; Ingjard Neilson, pneumonia, 70 yrs 4 m. 22 d.


Dogs Licensed.


Males, 125; Females, 29; total, 154.


One breeder's license, for which $50 was paid.


Attest : MILTON D. PORTER, Town Clerk.


77


RECORDS OF TOWN CLERK.


1900]


List of Jurors


Prepared and posted by the Selectmen, for the consideration of the Town at the annual meeting, March 19, 1900.


ADAMS, JOHN I.


NIES, MARTIN E. ASHTON, HERMAN F. NISBETT, DAVID W. BLANCHARD, GEORGE H. PARKER, SAMUEL R. BONNEY, FRANK L.


PHILLIPS, JAMES E.


BRADFORD, FRANK H. BUNTING, AARON R. CONNER, GEORGE M. COWDREY, WILLIAM C. CURTIN, JAMES H.


PORTER, MILTON D. PORTER, SAMUEL M. RICH, BENJAMIN F. RICH, EDWARD T. ROWE, ALLEN S. SHOREY, CARLETON E.


DOUGHTY, WILLIS E. . DOUGLASS, SYLVESTER F. SMALL, ELDRIDGE F. EVANS, CHARLES E. SPINNEY, JOSEPH D. STANLEY, JOHN G. TAYLOR, JAMES L. GALEUCIA, NATHANIEL. HOVEY, GEORGE H.


JACKSON, CHARLES T. JAMESON, JOHN A. LYONS, JAMES T. MELZARD, GEORGE T. MERRITT, JOHN R. MORRIS, STEPHEN D.


THOMAS, JOHN C. TUTTLE, EDGAR M. ULMAN, ISAAC A.


WEBSTER, GEORGE C. WIDGER, JAMES H. WHITCOMB, OTIS A.


78


TOWN DOCUMENTS.


[Feb. 23


Report of the Selectmen 1899 =1900.


As the years roll on and we approach the beginning of the twentieth century it is apparent to all who are interested in the growth and prosperity of our Town that we are making rapid strides in the direction of increased and valuable population, with all the modern ideas attendant thereto. In place of a few thousand dollars of appropriation with which to administer the affairs of the Town, we are called upon to appropriate nearly a hundred thousand dollars annually for the various departments of our municipality. It is quite necessary that we should be economical as well as up-to-date in all things if we wish to be attractive as a residential district, lying near and within easy access to the capital city, which is the pride of our Common- wealth.


We wish to call your attention briefly, under the various head- ings, to the several improvements which have come to the attention of the Board this year, also to those under contemplation in the year to come.


Essex Street.


In July we received a petition for the removal of car tracks on Essex Street from the side to the middle of the road. Hearings were held, with the result that not one voice of opposition was heard. The Lynn and Boston Railroad were granted a new location in the centre of proposed new lines. The County Commissioners were interviewed on the subject of straightening the lines of Essex Street, a matter which was not new to them, but was perhaps brought to their notice more forcibly at this time


79


REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN.


1900]


than ever before. A hearing was held at the Town Hall, when all the abutters on that thoroughfare were either present person- ally or by representation. Subsequent interviews were held at various times at Salem. Finally, on Dec. 30, the Commis- sioners issued their decree and in accordance with the plan filed, the street was laid out on new lines fifty feet wide from the overhead bridge to a point just beyond the cemetery, and from there to Salem line to be sixty feet in width.


The County will pay the land damages only, the repairs and regrading is to be done by the Town. We recommend an appro- priation of $3,000 for this improvement.


Cemetery.


The amount recommended and appropriated for cemetery im- provement was early expended in finishing the work begun last year. On the completion of this work it was found that there were only six available lots. It was deemed advisable to com- plete more lots, so an appropriation of five hundred dollars additional was asked for at the special Town meeting held August 30. This amount was granted and expended in con- tinuing the wall to the limits of the cemetery on Essex street, building fifteen lots on the line of the wall and laying out an avenue. This work was satisfactorily carried out by Michael McDonough, and makes a much needed addition to the available land at the cemetery.


The Board recommend that the Town land be securely fenced at the rear and side of the cemetery, and that another row of lots be constructed on the opposite side of the avenue just com- pleted, and for this purpose an appropriation of five hundred dollars will be needed.


Gravel Pit.


The present gravel pit is no longer an available place to obtain. gravel for our highways, as the supply is exhausted. Another supply must be found for use the ensuing year. We have no place in view, but recommend that the Town appoint a com- mittee to investigate this matter, and report at the first adjourned meeting.


80


TOWN DOCUMENTS.


[Feb. 23


The large amount of rock which is to be obtained from the work of making new lots in the cemetery should be utilized on the highways. We suggest that the stone crusher plant be removed from its present location and set up at the cemetery, and as fast as the rock is removed it can be crushed and made use of.


Atlantic and Beach Bluff Avenues.


The surface water which collected after every rain near the estate of A. F. Estabrook to the great annoyance of pedestrians, as well as the driving public for several years, has been well taken care of, a new catch-basin was constructed about one hundred feet from the one already near that spot, and the two connected with a drain pipe, which, through the courtesy of the trustees of the Maria L. Phillips estate, was allowed to run through their land and discharge at a point about two hundred feet from the road.


At Beach Bluff Avenue no satisfactory solution was reached prior to the adjourned meeting, and for that reason no appropri- ation was made. Late in the season, however, the matter came up again, and it was decided that if the grade of Atlantic Avenue near the corner of Beach Bluff Avenue could be raised and a paved gutter constructed, that the wash of Atlantic Avenue which caused this trouble could be carried around into Beach Bluff Avenue to the culvert there, and from that point pass off on to the beach. This was done and so far has proved satis- factory.


New Streets.


We believe it should be the policy of the Town to accept streets when it is possible to do so. The present board has declined to consider petitions where it was not possible to have on file a waiver signed by each and every property owner on any street which we were petitioned to lay out as a Town way. The reason for this position is obvious when it is understood that there is considerable expense attendant upon the laying out and accept- ing of private ways as town thoroughfare to be hereafter main- tained by the Town.


81


REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN.


1900]


The streets accepted at the last annual meeting have all been satisfactorily constructed with the exception of Pleasant Street. At this point we were misled in the amount appropriated for the work, proving insufficient on account of the rocky nature of the place. The blasting was much in excess of the amount estimated by the engineer. We recommend at this point that suitable rail fences be constructed, as there is danger of accident without them.


We have laid out three streets this year-Palmer Avenue, which was accepted at a special meeting in August and was already built, also Shaw Road and a portion of Elmwood Road which are brought to your notice through articles in the Warrant.


Norfolk Avenue Drain.


The laying of the twenty-four inch drain from the junction of Norfolk Avenue and Paradise Road to the brook at New Ocean Street, the purpose of which was to drain Stetson Avenue, was carried through under the supervision of Engineer Eastman and M. J. Ryan, Surveyor of Highways. This work was not let out to contractors, because it was believed that it could be as satis- factorily carried out by and under the direction of our towns- people. The work was well done but the results looked for were not obtained. With severe rains the pipe from Stetson Avenue to Paradise Road is not of sufficient size to carry off the water. We recommend that the twenty-four inch drain be continued to Stetson Avenue, and that at the outlet the pipe be extended a distance of about one hundred feet.


State Highway.


Immediately after the organization of the Board we were instructed to petition the State Highway Commission, praying that the portion of the State Highway known as Paradise Road be completed as soon as possible. This petition was sent and notice was returned at once stating that no hearings would be held until after September.


At the Court House in Salem a hearing was held by the State Highway Commission on Dec. 1, 1899, which was well attended . by citizens of the Town, who one and all expressed the opinion that public necessity demanded that this work be completed without further delay. A meeting was planned between the


82


TOWN DOCUMENTS.


[Feb. 23


Selectmen and the State Commissioners, which up to present time has not taken place. However, we have good reason for believing that this work will be completed in the very near future to the entire satisfaction of all concerned.


Appropriations.


We have interviewed the heads of the several departments out- side our jurisdiction, and estimate the following as necessary to be appropriated for the current year :


Selectmen's Department


·


$4,500 00


Highway Department .


·


Receipts and 7,000 00


School Department


19,000 00


Street Watering .


2,500 00


Health Department


2,500 00


Police


4,500 00


Street Lights


8,000 00


Poor Department


3,000 00


Fire Department


Receipts and


5,000 00


Town Hall .


Receipts and 900 00


Catch Basins and Gutters


700 00


Sidewalks


1,000 00


Concrete and Curbstones


500 00


Cemetery


.


600 00


Cemetery Improvement .


500 00


Library


Dog Tax, Receipts and 450 00


Care Monument Lot


35 00


Memorial Day


100 00


Water Rates


800 00


Soldiers' and Sailors' Aid Interest


2,800 00


State Tax (estimated) .


3,500 00


County Tax (estimated)


5,500 00


Total


$73,985 00


.


600 00


GEO. T. TILL, EDWARD A. MAXFIELD, HEZEKIAH NEWCOMB, Selectmen.


83


REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.


1900]


Report of the School Committee


To the Citizens of Swampscott :


The closing year reminds us of our duty to our fellow-towns- men in presenting our Annual Report, which contains a full account of all matters pertaining to the educational interests of of our community.


High School.


We are pleased to report a satisfactory condition of affairs at the High School.


Our enrollment at the commencement of the Fall term of '98 was 69; at the commencement of the Fall term of '99 it num- bered 79, a gain of 10.


This increase with changes in our course of study (of which we speak later) obliged us to add another assistant to our excel- lent corps of teachers. Mr. Charles A. Bean, of Hudson, received this appointment.


Mr. Bean graduated from Tufts College with honors. Is a young man of excellent character and ability, and was highly recommended by the president and faculty of his college. We are pleased to say that he is doing good and faithful work. We have also in accordance with the wishes of many of our fellow- citizens added (as far as our appropriation would permit) sten- ography and typewriting to our course of study.


Our High School to-day certainly meets every requirement of the Statute for a first-class High School.


S4


TOWN DOCUMENTS.


[Feb. 23


Grammar Schools.


The work in our grammar grades shows plainly what can be done by retaining competent teachers. The following is the record : One has taught four years, three six years, two twelve years, and one twenty years. We look upon these grades as model schools, and assure parents that their children are not only receiving an education, but are also being taught the importance of a strong and sterling character. We feel sure that these teach- ers are appreciated by the parents as well as by the School Board.


We were obliged, as suggested last year, to open another fourth grade, and take the room in the Redington Street building formerly occupied by the " Good Templars."


We promoted Miss Mabel F. Verry, of the Pine Street School, to be teacher of this grade, also principal of the Redington Street building. Miss Verry has proved herself equal to the situation and a great help in maintaining order in the school grounds.


Primary Grades.


The teachers of the primary grades are doing faithful and con- scientious work, and are mindful of the great responsibility which rests upon them. The whole foundation is laid in these schools, and the future of our boys and girls depends largely upon the instruction and training received here. It is our intention to employ only the most competent teachers in this department. When the vacancy occurred in the Pine Street Primary, by the promotion of Miss Verry, we spent a great deal of time in secur- ing an experienced and competent teacher to fill the position. We finally selected Miss Caro Graydon, who had taught with success in the Milford, N. H., schools, and came highly recom- mended. We are pleased to state that she has filled the position in a very satisfactory manner.


Employment of Teachers.


An impression has gone abroad to the effect that the School Committee are averse to employing home teachers. We wish to correct this wrong impression, and to state emphatically that it


85


REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.


1900]


has been, and now is, the policy of the Board to fill all vacancies with home teachers, provided we have any at the time who are properly qualified by actual experience or a course in normal school or college. We certainly feel that we would not be per- forming our duty either toward parents or children did we employ incompetent teachers simply because they were residents of our Town.


Music and Drawing.


The work in this department has progressed during the past year in a satisfactory manner, under the excellent management of Miss Elizabeth A. Bill.


Memorial Day.


The Memorial Day exercises were held in Assembly Hall. Rev. Harold Marshall delivered a very interesting address. The school children joined in the exercises with recitations and sing- ing. Members of the " Grand Army," with parents and friends, were present.


Improvements and Repairs.


Every year brings its usual amount of improvements and repairs, and it takes quite a sum from our appropriation to keep our school buildings and grounds in good condition.


We found that the Redington Street building and vaults needed thorough renovation. The building has been painted and white- washed inside. Outside, we have made a much-needed improve- ment in removing the entry on the south side, which greatly improves the light and prevents the cold air coming directly upon the children. We carried the water to the centre of the building, where it is protected from the weather. We have been obliged to thoroughly repair the roof and rebuild the chimney.


Have cemented the vaults, repaired lattice work, pointed underpinning and wall. In fact, have about made over the building. Have also built a new fence around the Essex Street school grounds, which was greatly needed, and painted the fence at Pine Street. At the Farm School we have put in water, a much-needed improvement, and greatly appreciated by teacher and scholars.


86


TOWN DOCUMENTS.


[Feb. 23


Change of Time for Children who are to Enter the Primary Schools.


A request has been made to change the time from March to May for children entering the primary schools, as March is usually a cold and stormy month. Your committee has granted the request, feeling that this was a good and sufficient reason. Accordingly, children arriving at the age of five years, and can give satisfactory evidence that the State law as to vaccination has been observed, will be admitted in May instead of March.


The Outlook.


It is almost impossible to forecast the future regarding school matters. The growth of our Town has been so rapid the past few years that we are outgrowing our old quarters and will soon be obliged to look about for new ones. We are informed by our High School principal that another fifth grade school may have to be opened at the commencement of the fall term. If this is done it will be necessary to occupy the room in the Redington Street building now used by the "Grand Army."


This will take the last available room in Town. It has been suggested that we erect a new two-room High School building, and have it occupied exclusively by the High School scholars. This would give us two rooms in the Phillips School building for future growth. It certainly would be an excellent change if it could be carried out.


We were also waited upon by a committee of citizens, who recommended that two rooms be added to the Essex Street School- house. This certainly will be the most economical way (when needed) to increase the school accommodations in that district. But at present we feel that the conditions do not warrant it.


It is the opinion of your Committee that the present primary school accommodations will be sufficient for at least another year.


The following statistics are taken from the report of President Elmer H. Capen, a member of the State Board of Education.


Statistics.


A perusal of the statistical tables accompanying this report, or of the secretary's summary, is fruitful of almost endless sugges-


87


REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.


1900]


tions. In this way we may get some conception, however faint and indefinite, of the enormous extent of the field which the educational work of a great Commonwealth covers, the vast outlay which the people with marvellous cheerfulness are making annually for the maintenance of schools of every grade, of the remarkable development that has been obtained both in the degree and the quality of instruction, and of the immense variety which already appears in subjects and courses of study.


The number of persons that fall within the scope of public instruction attest that the State is small only in area. The whole number of children between five and fifteen on the first day of May, 1897, was 441,352-an increase over the former year by 9,965, and an increase since the report of 1890 of 71,236. The whole number of pupils of all ages in the public schools is 456, 141, an increase over last year of 16,774, and an increase from 1890 of 84,649. The average membership of pupils in all the public schools during the past year is 378,770, an increase over last year of 14,904, and an increase since 1890 of 75,246. The average daily attendance for the year has been 349, 147, an increase over last year of 14,202, and an increase of since 1890 of 75,237. The percentage of attendance, based on the average membership, has been 92, having risen two per cent. since 1890. These pupils are distributed through 9,863 schools, taking a single class-room as the unit of computation, or 4,616 if the unit selected is a single school which has one head or principal.


Surely this is a vast army of youth, which, through a mighty and complicated mechanism, is receiving its preparation for the


duties and responsibilities of citizenship. In the hearts of these children lies imbedded the Commonwealth of the next genera- tion. Upon the ability and fidelity of the teachers, their fitness for their work and the degree of their conscientious performance, depend in a great measure the character and quality of American manhood and womanhood, upon which must soon devolve the active management of affairs, domestic, social and political. Is it at all wonderful that, in view of these facts, the wisest of our statesmen, philosophers and educators have regarded the public school as the corner-stone of the republic? Do we not find here,


88


TOWN DOCUMENTS.


[Feb. 23


also the key to that readiness with which the people have sub- jected themselves to a taxation which in its totality is stupendous ?


Let us look for a moment at some of the elements of cost. The whole amount returned as expended upon the public schools, including repairs, new construction, voluntary contributions, sur- plus revenue, etc., is $13,653,649.63. This is equal to $30.93 for each person between five and fifteen, or $36.04 for each child on the average membership of the public schools.


If we exclude everything relating to buildings and equipment, as well as everything from other sources than taxation, we still · find that the whole amount expended for wages and board of teachers, transportation of pupils, fuel and care of fires and school- rooms, is $8,292,320.12. To this should be added, for books, stationery and school supplies, together with sundries, which cannot be classified otherwise, $928,355.53 ; also the expense of supervision, $333, 131.99; making the total expended from the proceeds of taxation, $9,553,807.64. This is more than $25 per pupil of the average membership in all the public schools during the year.


Here is a result in which every citizen of Massachusetts may feel a just pride. It is significant in many ways, but chiefly, perhaps, as showing the value which the people put upon educa- tional privileges. This view, however, furnishes no ground for a complacent satisfaction with our present achievement, but rather it is the highest incentive to press forward towards per- fection. Having done so much, we ought not to rest contented until we have brought the schools to the highest proficiency.


89


REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.


1900]


GRADUATION EXERCISES


OF THE


Swampscott High School


AT PHILLIPS SCHOOL HALL


WEDNESDAY EVENING, JUNE 28, 1899


AT 7.45 O'CLOCK.


ESSEX COUNTY IN SONG AND STORY.


OVERTURE


From "Semiramide"


Bessie B. Hussey, Mabel L. Perkins.


INVOCATION


Rev. D. E. Burtner.


MUSIC


"The Voyagers"


School Chorus.


ESSAY


"Gleanings from Essex County History" Olive K. Pitman.


MUSIC


"Come, Flit Around" School Chorus.


DECLAMATION . "Colonial Age of New England" (Extract from Rufus Choate.)


Benjamin B. Blanchard.


90


TOWN DOCUMENTS. [Feb. 23


MUSIC "The Boy and the Bee" School Chorus.


ESSAY . "Legendary Literature of Essex County" Mary C. Pitman.


MUSIC "Over the Dancing Sea" School Chorus.


DECLAMATION . "The King's Missive"- Whittier Alice L. Shaw.


MUSIC


( a, "A Moonlight Boat Ride" ( b, "The Lawn Party"


School Chorus.


ESSAY "Outlines of Swampscott History" Addie L. Phillips.


MUSIC


,"Good Night"


School Chorus.


PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS, By Chairman of School Board.


PRESENTATION OF PHILLIPS MEDALS.


ANNOUNCEMENT OF HONORS.


Won in the Phillips School during the year, by Secretary of School Board.


1900]


REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.


91


Graduates


Classical Course. MARY COLLINS PITMAN. OLIVE KATE PITMAN.


.Latin Scientific Course. ALICE LOUISE SHAW.


Partial Course. BENJAMIN BUNKER BLANCHARD.


Special Course. ADDIE LINDA PHILLIPS.




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