USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1869 > Part 3
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6
19. Willie Augustus Bates.
19. Frederick Edward Barney.
20. George Lincoln Raymond.
21. Charles Bradford Harding.
42
Apr. 22. Susan Clayton Holbrook. 25. Ann Coffee.
25. Mary French Hollis.
25. Nathaniel Ford Martin.
30. Charles Whitfield Bullock. 30. Ella Frances Smith.
May 1. Charles Augustus Smith.
2. John Francis Carroll.
2. Dennis Moran.
4. Ida Mary Callahan.
5. Eben Richards.
5. Eliza Ann Lingan.
6. Frederick Linwood.
6. Willie Leslie Orcutt.
6. Archie Foster Remington.
7. Ellen Maria Cronin.
10. James William Ash.
12. Joseph Hanly.
14. John Edward O'Halloran.
14. George Edward Dyer.
14. Hannah Lane.
17. Simon David Clark.
20. Margaret Elizabeth Barrett.
20. Bradford Thayer Reed.
20. Bertram Wilder Cushing.
22. George Marcus Ford.
22. Edward Francis Gamwell.
22. Margaret Ann Connell.
23. Henry Herbert Chandler.
25. Ida May Burns,
25. Ella May Burns, Twins.
25. George Wendell Childs.
26. Lizzie Tileston Pratt.
28. Susie Emma Thayer.
31. Child of Lysander and Mar- garet Heald.
June 1. Margaret Ellen Burke.
2. Michael McManance.
5. Allan Packard.
5. Isabella Borden.
5 Joanna Whelan.
5. Abraham Bates Haskins.
6. Wallace Burton Burrell.
6. John Quincy Manuel.
7. Carrie. Marilla Thayer.
9. Percy Lincoln Davidson.
9. James Selden.
10. Charles Tenney Loud.
June 12. Ellen Murphy.
13. Henry Irving Stoddard.
15. Freddie Bates.
15. Child of Lewis E. and Sarah W. Bradford.
15. Walter Bradford Barnes.
16. Hubert Grant Pope.
18. Francis Edward Ford.
18. Willie Burton White.
25. Nancy Ella Loud.
25. Frances Adelaide Cushing.
25. Mary Lois Vining.
27. Etta Maria Bates.
28. Edward John McGrath.
30. Alice Elizabeth Shields.
July 1. Susie Minetta Harper.
5. Patrick Welch.
5. Catherine Sullivan.
7. Mary Etta Whiting.
9. Leonard Cleverly Wolfe.
10. John O'Brien.
13. William Henry Hocking.
14. Child of Noah, Jr., and Lavinia Stowell.
14. James Knox.
14. Henry Bicknell Reed.
15. Francis Joseph Bresnean.
15 Richmond Fred'k Holbrook:
16. Nettie Florence Holbrook.
18. Florence Catherine Ryan. 20. Michael Lynch.
21. Albert Sanborn Pratt.
23. Annie Ashley Derby.
26. John Henry Moran.
28. Charles Francis Ford. Aug. 1. Margaret Colman.
1. George Bennett Chandler.
6. Fred Marshall Wilbar.
6. George Franklin Rowell.
12. William Burke.
12. Gertrude Vernon Pratt.
13. Ellen Louisa Nelligan.
14. Lester Litchfield Phillips.
15. Robert Brassill.
15. William Joseph Buckley.
15. Mary Elizabethı Fogarty.
15. Charles Albion Andrew Briggs.
22. Hattie Tirrell Bates.
43
Aug.24. Robert McFaun.
25. Nellie Frances Hart.
27. Alida Chapman Kimball.
28. Charles Elmer Hollis.
28. Alden Linwood Sanborn.
29. Child of Peter and Rachael L. Garcelon.
29. Margaret Lenergan.
29. Frank Gordon Reed.
31. William Alfred Marlow.
Sept. 1. Hannah Murphy.
3. Irvin Fuller Straffin.
4. Daniel Marshall Ryan.
4. Lizzie Jane Beals.
4. Annie Laura Burrell.
7. Alice Humphrey.
7. Charles Henry Blanchard.
8. Emma Laura Robinson.
8. Margaret Hanley.
8. Susie Fuller.
13. Eva Maria Forsaith.
15. Child of Edward and Gaillardtz.
15. Michael Fraha.
15. Susie Dunbar.
17. Evelyn Lovell Burrell.
18. Coralind Beard.
19. Amelia Armene Gooley.
21. Lizzie Mary Davis.
22. Hannah McGrath.
23. George Henry Northey.
24. Nancy Bell Pratt.
26. Charles Smith.
27. Fred Lincoln Loring. 27. Mary Ann Sullivan,
Oct. 1. Lydia Agnes Connor.
5. Flora Christena Raymond.
6. Frank Elliot Tirrell.
7. Child of Warren B. and Alice C. Hollis.
8. Isabella Rebecca Spinney.
8. Eunice Nash Hunt.
9. John Francis Conway.
9. Marion Parker Hollis.
10. Chester Howard Stoddard.
11. Child of Joseph F. and Eliza- betli Culley.
12. Fred Thomas Bearce.
Oct.14. William Bradford Nash.
14. William Joseph Burke.
14. Patrick Cullivan.
15. Child of Samuel I. and Abby S. Cushing.
16. Abby Louisa Hunt.
16. Alice Frances Keohan.
17. Lillian Maria Purcell.
22. Ida Loud.
24. Arthur Parker Sprague.
24. Philip Walter Wolfe.
25. Annie Atkins Dutton.
27. Margaret Coyle.
27. Frank Andrew Garey.
27. Fannie Bartlett Pratt. Bridget Mitchell.
Nov. 1. Carrie Hayward Hilton.
5. Mary Ann Hickman.
6. Sarah Frances Field.
6. Frederick Alfred James.
6. Joseph Alonzo Webster Ray- mond.
6. Maria Meritt Baldwin.
7. James Francis Fogarty.
8. George Gilman Loud.
11. Morris Francis Fogarty.
11. John Edward Coleraine.
12. Ethel Mercy Pratt.
12. Luella Sutton Burrell.
14. Child of Paul and Emily White.
14. Abbie Ann Pool.
18. Child of John and Amelia Roachman.
18. Child of Benjamin and Eliza Ann Shurtleff.
20. Child of Augustus W. and Eleanor F. Clapp.
20. Dennis Francis Dailey.
20. Maria McDermott.
21. Maria Victoria Lathrop.
25. Ellen Lizzie Harrington.
28. Child of Edward P. and Nancy R. Paine.
28. Child of Eliphalet H. and Sarah W. Belcher.
28. Child of Daniel C. and Mary E. Earle.
44
Dec. 3. Thomas Powers.
4. Stephen Ludovicus Holbrook.
6. James Henry Donohue.
6. Child of Isaac B. and Hannah Burbank.
6. Nathan Marrow.
8. Mabel Frances Blackwell.
9. Benton Stanley Treatt.
11. Jane Sullivan.
12. Henry Stephen Keiley.
13. Edwin Patrick Burke.
14. Child of John and Eliza Long.
15. Mary Ellen Smith.
16. Child of George H. and Han- nah F. Manuel.
18. Frank Augustus Wallace.
Whole number of Births, .
A true copy of record.
Dec. 19. Child of Henry H. and Betsey J. Briggs.
20. Mary Ann Dailey.
22. John Sullivan.
23. William Lincoln Hayden.
25. Child of Charles N. and H. Reckards.
25. Child of Daniel W. and Mary A. Waldron. 25. Emma Eliz'th Pruden Wright. 27. Child of Thomas G. and Han- nah B. Pool.
27. Mary Jane Lynch. Elsie Louisa Cushing. Lydwin White.
266.
D. SMITH, Town Clerk.
The names and date of birth of children born in this town are presented for the purpose of affording opportunity to those interested of correcting errors and omissions in the record.
45
DEATHS
Registered in the Town of Weymouth for the year 1869.
AGE.
Date of
Name of Deceased.
Years.
Mos.
Days.
Death.
Jan.
1, 1,
Charles F. Kehi,
8
2
13
2.
Clarissa C. Pool,
56
5
26
Inflammation of Bowels,
4,
Willie H. Bailey,
4
3
18
4.
James E. Donovan, .
8
9
21
8,
Edith F. Bates,
1
9
8
Scarlet Fever, . Congestion of Brain,
9, 9,
13.
1
-
Typhoid Fever,
16,
Mary A. Purcell,
1
6
-
Scarlet Fever, .
17,
Julia A. Connor,
2
3
17
Scarlet Fever, .
17,
Julia M. Dailey,
1
8
Scarlet Fever, .
18,
Patrick H Tracey, .
76
4
11
Scarlet Fever, .
21,
Eddie E. Bass, .
1
6
1
21,
Dennis F. Daly,
6
5
16 12
Measles & Con. of Lungs,
26,
William Colson,
47
7
Consumption, .
.
30,
Ebenezer Vinson,
44
7
14
Consumption, . Scarlet Fever, .
1, 8, 10, 11,
Cora A. Sargent,
.
9 78 57
1
19 8
Meningitis,
11,
Nellie A. Cook,
6
7
1
Scarlet Fever,
14 17, 17,
Philip O'Connell,
6
5
Dropsy on the Brain,
66
17,
Benjamin Raymond,
22
-
-
20,
Enoch W. Smith,
44
25
.
Carrie H. Belcher, Samuel Reed,
66
11
13 1
21,
Elsie L. Cushing,
1
25,
Lillia M. French,
3
12
Scarlet Fever, .
27.
John M. Gunning, .
86
7
Cancer, .
12
Consumption, .
Maryland.
3,
Maria F. Collier, Josiah Torrey, . John T. Fralia, . Elizabeth B. Blanchard, .
67
6 14
.
-
14
Scarlet Fever, .
.
6
Inflammation of Bowels, Croup, -
Elmira B. Jordan, . Jane M. Hobart,
2
3
59
-
81
5
14 6 8
. Congestive Scar. Fever, . Pleurisy Fever, Old Age, .
13, 17, 18, 22,
Charles H. Baker,
12
11
22
Accidental,
24,
6
4
Trenasypilis, Lung Fever, .
2. 4. 5,
George S. Collier, James M. Bent, Eveline L. Pratt (Vining), Emma F. Field, Charity Thomas,
28
5
64
-
7
8
72
5
20
9 Scarlet Fever, . Paralysis, . Scarlet Fever, .
Middleboro'. Weymonth.
21,
Harriet F. Blanchard, Kate L. Swears (Davis), . Lizzie W. Spear,
24
7
7 Inflammation, .
.
-
2
8 Scarlet Fever, .
66
26,
Joseph Burrell,
59
4
3
Chron Infla. of Kidneys,
Hingham.
1
-
Consumption, .
.
Ireland. Vermont
Weymouth. 06
16,
16,
Ellen M. Tracey,
Margaret A. Dailey, Mary E. Dailey,
2
8
15
Scarlet Fever, .
22,
Helen M. Street,
1
10 1
4
2
3
Pneumonia,
Jennie E. Beal,
5
11
62
4
22
Consumption of Blood, .
Lucia A. Thayer,
10
1
19 -
20, 21, 21,
Mercy V. Pratt (Burrell),
Weymouth.
27, 28, March 1,
Lillian G. Pratt,
1 10
14 20
Consumption, . Pneumonia,
Hingliam. Weymouth.
5, 9. 10, 11, 13,
Sophia Dyer (Pratt), John Stetson, Mary A. English,
Abington. Weymouth. Marshfield. Weymouth.
George B. Whiting, . Catherine Sullivan, . George S. Shaw, William H. Goodwin,
3
6
21 7
7
6 12 26 11 12
Consumption, . Scarlet Fever, . Scarlet Fever, . Consumption, . Cancer,
60
7
11 1
Quincy. Weymouth.
1
3
6, 6. 13, 14, 18. 19,
April
Patrick Wall,
38
-
Diabetes, . .
.
Ireland. Canton. Weymouth. "
20
Lung Fever,
22
62
13
23
19,
Cotton Bates,
Heart Disease,
66
20, 20,
Scarlet Fever, . Scarlet Fever, .
Abington. Owego, N. Y. Weymouth.
Feb.
Mary Thayer (Blanchard), Susan Shaw, .
Hopkinton. Abington. Weymouth.
Consumption, . Bron'l Consumption, Scarlet Fever, . - Consumption, .
.
Bucksport, Me. Weymouth. Hull.
England. Ireland. Milford.
Louisa G. Beal (Darne),
28 3 65 25
11
1 20 2
3
12 14
5
24
1
Patrick Mawn, .
.
Joseph Pratt,
10
12
Disease or Cause of
Place of Birth.
Death.
Arthur C. Bowker, . Catherine Gilligan, . George W. Huntress, Jolın J. Coleriane, .
46
Date of Deatlı.
Name of Deceased.
Years.
Mos.
Days.
April 26, 26,
Herbert E. Burrell, .
1
5
5
Lung Fever,
May
2. 5.
Laura L. Lufkin, ·
.
27
7
Consumption, .
6,
Arthur C. Tirrell, .
1
8
1
1
6
8,
Sarah J. Monoghan,
4
11
23
11,
Mary E. Burrell (Leach),
30
1
26
Consumption, .
12,
David Binney,
61
79
-
16,
Nellie Hart,
2
11
8
Scarlet Fever, .
66
24,
Harry E. Loud,
2
8
4
Scarlet Fever, .
25,
Susannah Blanchard,
62
5
20
Pneumonia, ·
26,
Mary M.Glover (Douglass), Rosina Matthews, .
B
11
7
Diphtheria,
31,
Ella B. Stowell,
3
3
5
Unknown,
June
3,
Abigail Bates (Rice),
1
6
16
Scarlet Fever, .
3.
John W. Hart, Jr.,
8
21
Scarlet Fever,. Lung Complaint,
66
18,
Elizabeth J. Cleary,
1
6
15
19,
Ellen Murphy, .
20.
Eveline P.Sherman (Dyer), Thomas Burrell, .
39 51
1
29
24,
Mary E. Whelan,
2
10
25
Scarlet Fever, .
4, 5,
Sarah Willis,
57
11
Consumption, .
13,
Nellie F. Bennett,
2
26 Dropsy on Brain,
17, 17,
Charles L. Thompson, Bosworth,
1
1
4
Consumption, .
Stillborn, .
2
23,
Timothy Newman,
Cholera Infantum, .
24,
Ellen M. McLaughlin, Darius Smith. .
64
4
-
27,
Benjamin Torrey,
74
1
-
Dropsy,
Stillborn,
15, 16,
Johanna Cueneen,
1
3
18,
Charles H. Burrell,
4
19
Cholera Infantum, .
21,
Bradford T. Reed,
3
1 Canker,
21,
Grace Reed,
5
22,
Margaret E. Curtin,
2
28,
Francis J. Bresnanen,
1
15
30,
Augusta E. Macauley (Pe- terson),
33 75
5
20
Consumption, .
1
1
1
-
1
1
1 Cholera Infantum, .
6,
Sarah F. Healey.
7
Cholera Infantum, .
7,
Alexander White,
6
8
4
Diphtheria,
10, 12,
Marshall Blanchard, Amelia A. Gooley, Elizabeth H. Fennill, Ida May Burns,
2
12
Scarlet Fever, .
20
12,
18 Marasmus,
16,
Ella May Burns,
3
22
Marasmus,
17,
Charles T. Loud,
3
Consumption, .
18,
George B. Cushing, .
19
2
Diphtheria,
19,
Annie A. Derby,
21,
William A. Bates,
5
2
Heart Complaint,
66
24,
Isaac Jackson, . Nellie Leduc, Allen Packard, .
CO 1 3
20
26,
Mary B. Clapp, David Holbrook,
70
-
3
Bright's Dis. of Kidneys,
29,
Freddie Bates, . Mary Smith,
3
7
Scarlet Fever, .
Oct.
1, 2,
Nathaniel G. Pratt, .
63
6
6 Paralysis,
.
-
-
25
Scarlet Fever, .
Fall River. Weymouth.
John Bates,
·
78
11
29
Paralysis,
-
16
Scarlet Fever, . Canker Rash & Sca. Fev., Scarlet Fever. .
12,
David Tirrell,
Paralysis,
22,
Incy Hawes (Burrell),
2
Paralysis,
N. Bridgew'r. Weymouth.
Canada. Weymouth.
66 Dartmouth. Randolph. Weymouth. N. Hampshire.
July
4,
Margaret E. McCarty, Moses Clark,
2
- Scarlet Fever, .
.
23
-
12
Liver Complaint,
·
Stoughton. Weymouth.
1
1
1
1
10 8
23 20
Scarlet Fever, . Bronchial Catarrh,
Waltham. Weymouth.
Aug.
11,
Lonergan,
Henry W. White,
3
25 Cholera Infantum, Consumption,
Portland. Weymouth. "
66
Ireland. Weymouth. 6
Sept. 4 4,
Connell, . George Bailey, .
51 1
4
24 23
-
7,
15,
Gaillardetz, .
Stillborn, .
- 7 IVÑI
11
20 Old Age, .
24,
1
19 Scarlet Fever, .
Cholera Infantum, . Old Age,
.
Scituate. Weymouth.
29,
3
13 Cholera Infantum, .
Middleboro'. Weymouthi. 66
25,
88
-
-
Lizzie J. Beals,
AGE.
Disease or Cause of
Place of Birth.
Deatlı.
Henry C. Dunham, .
18
Heart Disease,
1
29,
1
Consumption, .
3,
John W. Bullock, Heald,
1
3
4,
30,
·
2
27,
Bartholemew Hiland, Daly, Willie F. Binney,
General Debility,
Stillborn, .
Stillborn, .
6,
0
3
6 Cholera Infantum, . Cholera Infantum, .
66
Bradford,
72
26
Dropsy,
Phillipston. Weymoutlı.
Fannie Skinner,
.
85
47
Date of Deatlı.
Name of Deceased.
Years.
Mos.
Days.
Death.
Place of Birth.
Atwood L. Marden, .
6
10
6
Diplitheria,
Weymouth.
Sarah J. White,
1
14
Consumption,
Oct.
4, 4,
Mary Bates (Blanchard),
87
1
5
Old Age, .
4, 7,
Eliz'th A. Ruggles (Cush- ing),
50
Tumor,
Charles W. Pratt,
4
1
17
Diphtheria,
8,
Daniel Bates,
57
10
Accident, .
10,
Esther Manuel (Lewis), .
86
7
26
Paralysis,
10,
Sally Brown (Gray),
82
1
5 Paralysis,
Belchertown.
13,
Hannah Clark (Vickery), 73
11
15 Paralysis,
N. Hampshire.
14,
James Hawes, .
4
16
Diabetes & Lung Comp.,
Hingham.
14,
Arthur F. Pratt,
Diphtheria,
.
.
19,
Lucy A. Garey (Bates),
3
Consumption, . .
.
21,
Samuel B. Burrell, .
50
9
22,
Benjamin F. Pierce,
76
1
-
Apoplexy,
23,
Abbie L.Cleverly (Stowell),
30
6
21
Congestion of Lungs, Dropsy,
24, 4. 6.
Thomas J Burrell, .
59
7
2 Strangulated Hernia,
66
16,
Bridget Kelly, .
42
19,
Roachman,
3*
22,
White,
4*
26,
Mary A. F. Saulsbury (Wilber,)
37
3
6 Consumption, .
Zillah Chessman,
68
5
Inflammation of Bowels,
Adeline Loud (Reed),
39
1
6 - Pneumonia, Stillborn, .
.
"
9,
Thomas F. Hayes, .
16
6
-
Consumption,
Ireland.
10, 15,
Parker E. Lane, Saralı Gove (Hollis), William Lonergan, . Francis Shagnon,
29
1
22
Consumption, .
Hingham. Braintree.
17,
5
4
25
Croup,
Canada.
19,
Frank A. Garey,
1
23 Canker,
Weymouth.
21,
Eliz'tlı A. Hawes (Shaw),
29
5
Consumption,
24,
Richard Duffee,
40
- Liver Complaint,
Ireland.
27,
Waldron,
-
*14
Weymouth.
29,
Thomas H. Colman,
25
4
6
Heart Complaint,
N. Brunswick.
* Hours.
Whole number of deaths, 176.
A true copy of record.
D. SMITH, Town Clerk.
Nov.
Lizzie E. Reed (Lincoln), Asa Nash, . .
31
10
13
76
9
28
Pleurisy,
Hingham. Weymouth.
10,
George P. Battles, .
9
24
Humor,
Consumption, .
Ireland, Weymouth. 66
Taunton. Weymouth.
Dec.
Arthur A. Shaw,
Catherine Sullivan, .
5
3
Lung Fever,
23
17,
29
Ireland.
68
8
23
Weymouth. 66
51 9 38
1 118 8
26
Summer Complaint.
66
William Carroll,
8
.
AGE.
Disease or Cause of
Cohasset. Hingham.
N. Bedford. Wilmington.
27, 29, 2, 8,
66
-
REPORTS
OF THE
School Committee and Superintendent,
FOR THE YEAR
1869-70.
7
50
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
It is much to be regretted, that the sickness of J. W. Loud, the honorable Chairman of this Board, whose'services the town has learned to appreciate so highly, has made it necessary for the Committee to make up their Annual Report without his assistance, and without reference to some facts which his testimony would establish. From facts within their reach, the School Committee of Weymouth, beg leave to submit to the town the following Report :-
On the 16th of March, 1869, the Board organized in choice of chair- man and clerk, and proceeded to lay out the school work for the year, in accordance with the votes of the town relating to schools.
Mr. F. M. Dodge was unanimously chosen as Superintendent of Schools, and his services secured at the salary voted by the town; and now, at the close of the year, the Committee are equally unanimous in the opinion, that it has been, and will continue to be, for the in- terests of education in the town, and for economy in expenditure, to continue both this office, and the present incumbent.
The Committee have deemed it expedient to maintain the two High Schools, the same as last year, the salary of each teacher being $1,200.
The High School at North Weymouth, is so large that the best in- terest of the school demands an additional teacher; an appropriation for this is recommended.
The number of schools has not been increased during the year; and as far as possible the teachers of the former year have been retained ; almost all of those who have left have been called to more remunera- tive situations in other towns; and this suggests a necessity for an increase in the amount paid our teachers. The town cannot secure the services of competent instructors and bring up the standard of the schools, when neighboring towns of less ability, but more liberality are enabled to bid one or two dollars a week more for a teacher than we are authorized to pay. " There is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty."
New and enlarged duties have been imposed on the Committee, by
51
the law abolishing school districts, which went into effect on the 24th of March 1869. The benefit of this change may not be immediately obvious; but we feel sure that time will demonstrate its use. Under this new system the entire school property is in care of the Committee, of which they have made a faithful inventory and placed it on file for the benefit of the town. The Committee now have to employ persons to act as janitors ; and as the school-rooms increase in number, become more costly, in finish and furniture, more responsible agents are re- quired to keep them in proper condition, and these can only be ob- tained at increased expense.
By vote of the town, July 27th, 1869, the sum of $3,000, was appro- priated "for repairing the school-houses, improving the school furni- ture, and furnishing water for the several schools." Under this pro- vision the Committee have been enabled to institute much-needed and important changes, for the health and convenience of the scholars, and also for the preservation of school property. The enclosed grounds without, and the new furniture within the buildings, testify to the ex- pediency of this outlay.
In accordance with a vote of the town, of the same date as the above, three new school-houses have been erected by the Committee. Two of these are completed ; the third nearly so ; all will be ready for occupancy at the commencement of the ensuing year. The old school-house in the fifth district has also been removed to the new lot. For the specific expenses incurred under these votes of the town we would refer to the schedule in the report of the Selectmen.
The Committee still find need for more school room and recommend an appropriation by the town of $2,500, for a house for the primary school at East Weymouth, to be situated on the town lot on Commer- cial Street. The Committee also recommend that the town make the appropriation of eighteen thousand dollars, for schools the ensuing year.
The list of names for the schools which was presented to the town and referred back to the Committee, has been revised, and will be re- ported at town meeting.
Two vacancies have occurred in this Board during the year. Rev. D. W. Waldron resigned soon after his election, and on the 19th of April, 1869, J. F. Kilton, Esq., was chosen in his place, who in turn re- signed, and on the 18th of October, 1869, Mr. John Blanchard was chosen to fill the vacancy.
The examinations of the schools have been held by the Committee and Superintendent as on previous years. Private examinations of the lower grades, and public examinations of the High Schools have
52
shown to the Committee, that the pupils in the schools are enjoying and improving very great advantages for education.
For a more particular account of school affairs the Committee would refer the town to the accompanying report of the Superintendent.
In behalf of the Committee,
A. A. ELLSWORTH, Clerk.
53
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
To the School Committee of Weymouth.
GENTLEMEN :- In reviewing the events and progress of the school year now closed, there is abundant occasion for devout and grateful acknowledgment and a general recognition of a superintending Prov- idence, appropriate in all circumstances, but particularly so in ref- erence to interests involving considerations of vital importance. Al- though our schools have fallen very far short of perfection, and have failed to attain even that degree of excellence which we may yet ex- pect them to acquire, still the improvement was such as to make their future prospects encouraging. The teachers, as a whole, have been true to their trusts, laboring with a commendable zeal and efficiency, while the outward circumstances and material relations have been favorable to a year of mental growth and development. The tax- payers, those who have cheerfully nurtured these schools by their financial cooperation, have sufficient occasion, relatively at least, to feel a conscious pride and satisfaction as connected with the invest- ment of their funds, while the young have reason for gratitude that their " lines have fallen to them in pleasant places."
SCHOOL ACCOMMODATIONS.
The improvements in our outward surroundings, the erection of larger and more commodious dwellings, public buildings, &c., are or- dinarily regarded as evidences of material prosperity and an elevation of the standard of taste and refinement. When these improvements relate to our school edifices, the indications are still more favorable, demonstrating the fact that such progress is the legitimate and necessary consequence of an enlarged policy, of increased intelligence and an ap- proach, at least, to an adequate appreciation of the relations existing between real progress, the success of government, and the intelligence of the masses, so intimately connected with and dependent upon the system of public schools-free instruction to every child of the Com- monwealth! The citizens of this town are certainly entitled to much credit for the liberality and promptness with which they responded to
54
the call for funds to make necessary improvements and additions to our school accommodations. We trust that they will not regret it, since these changes must necessarily promote the welfare of our schools. Three new school-houses have been erected during the year. That at Lovell's Corner is a one-story building, with a piazza in front, and a cellar under the whole house. The yard, which is ample for school recreation, is well graded and fenced. The school-room will accommodate 64 pupils, and has good blackboard conveniences. That at Nash's Corner, is 44 by 32 feet, and will contain, when com- pleted, sixty-four sittings ; it has two good entries and is intended for one school. The third is at the Landing, a two-story building, de- signed for two schools of sixty-four pupils each. Of the location, con- struction and internal arrangements of this house, it is sufficient to say that it is well adapted to the purposes for which it was erected. The yard, which is of sufficient size to admit another building, whenever it may be needed, contains a well of good water, and the whole is in- closed by a substantial fence. These will all be completed and ready for occupancy at the commencement of the next school year. The ab- solute necessity for these buildings is apparent from the fact, that of the four schools which need better accommodations, three of them have been kept in rooms not belonging to the town, one in a private dwelling, another in a room over Mr. Chipman's store, and a third in what was designed for a recitation room, and, of course, not adapted to the purposes of the school, since 51 pupils were crowded into a room only 19} by 14 feet, while the fourth room, with 60 sittings, had a registered attendance of 72 pupils ! The four schools had an attend- ance of 215 pupils, in all, while the rooms had only 156 sittings, leaving 59 scholars without regular seats! A proper regard, there- fore, for the comfort, health and mental training of the children oc- cupying these rooms, left no room for choice or doubt in the matter. As a sanitary and educational measure, the building of these three houses, with their four rooms, should have been done even earlier.
By the removal of the old school-house at Nash's Corner to the lot purchased for the location of the new one, thus locating the two houses upon the same lot, the schools in that vicinity will be more ad- vantageously graded, while still other advantages will be apparent, including more commodious play-grounds-a matter of no little im- portance in the management of large schools. The Middle Street school building has been thoroughly repaired, so that the rooms, which were as unsightly in appearance as they were inconvenient and uncom- fortable, have been made attractive and commodious, comparing favor- ably with the other school-rooms in the town. The increased black- board accommodation in these rooms, has added much to the efficient
55
working of the schools. The displacement of antiquated seats and desks, which were inconvenient and uncomfortable, and the substitu- tion of those possessing the " modern improvements," mark a new era in several of our school-rooms. All of these changes are justified, if there were no other and higher considerations than those relating to comfort and their general influence on the taste and mental progress. We are unavoidably affected by our surroundings, the child no less than the adult. Real instruction is not all from the teacher's lips, not all clothed in verbal language. Both favorable and unfavorable in- fluences result from our surroundings, from the material objects before us. If there are " sermons in stones, books in the running brooks," the style of architecture, the adornings and internal arrangements of the school-rooms, the order and cleanliness with which they are kept, are not without their influences, and play an important part in the edu- cation of children.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.