USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1848-1874 > Part 6
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 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34
Amount appropriated,
Balance from last year,
$167 26 30 70
$197 96
Charles Bates for wood,
$8 75
Maria E. Vinal, teaching 20 weeks,
50 00
Charles Bates, sundries,
43
C. C. Vinal, teaching 3 mos., not embraced above, Undrawn,
120 00
18 78
$197 96
District No. 9, Centre.
NUMBER OF SCHOLARS 48.
Cr.
Amount appropriated,
$189 00
Balance from last year,
88
Dr.
Emeline A. Briggs, teaching 24 weeks,
$66 00
Martin Damon, wood,
8 00
S. B. Merritt, cutting wood, 4.76; wood, 5.00,
9 76
Balance due the teacher,
106 12
$189 88
District No. 10, Egypt.
NUMBER OF SCHOLARS 34. Cr
Amount appropriated, $171 10
81
Balance from last year,
$171 91
Dr.
$189 88
24
Dr.
Hannah W. Briggs for teaching 24 weeks, Thomas Litchfield, wood, 11 94
$60 00
L. C. Grosvenor for teaching 13 weeks, 97 50
Thomas Litchfield for wood, 2 47
$171 91
School Money appropriated by the Town for 1852, $2000 00 Amount received from State Treasurer, 105 91
$2,105 91
The above amount distributed as follows : -
549 Scholars, at $1.27 each,
$701 97
11 School Districts, at $127.63 each,
1,403 94
$2,105 91
A Table showing the valuation of the Town of Scituate, and the number of Polls, for each of the last 4 years. Also, the Amount of the Assessment of Taxes for each year.
Year
Valuation of Real Estate.
Valuation Total Val. of Personal of Real and Estate.
Tax of [$100
Amount of Tax.
No. of Polls
| Rate Poll Tax
Amount of Poll Tax.
Total of Taxes Assessed.
1849
386,783 33|204,900 00 591,683 33 0 51 3,017 58
515
1 20
618 00
3,635 58
1850
562,666 66 248,733 33 811,400 00
48 3,894 72
534
1 42
758 28
4,653 00
1851
562,850 00 243,750 00 806,600 00
51 4,113 66
552
1 47
811 44
4,925 10
1852
517,166 66 278,366 66 795,533 33
60 4,773 20
574
1 50
861 00
5,634 20
Table showing Town Appropriations for the 4 years.
Year.
For Schools.
Poor and Contin- gences.
County Tax.
Overlay.
School Houses.
Total.
1849
1,800 00
1,200 00
545 37
90 21
3,635 58
1850
2,000 00
1,000 00
545 37
107 63
1,000 00
4,653 00
1851
2,000 00
1,200 00
565 13
159 97
1,000 00
4,925 10
1852
2,000 00
2,000 00
565 13
69 07
1,000 00
5,634 20
Personal.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
OF THE
TOWN OF SCITUATE,
APRIL, 1852.
BOSTON : GEO. W. WHITE, PRINTER, No. 15 BRATTLE STREET. 1852.
REPORT.
FELLOW CITIZENS :-
It is a subject of deep regret that the School Committee of Scituate have been, the past year, a broken Committee. This regret is much increased, from the circumstance of having lost the Chairman, whose duty it would have been to have prepared this report. Rev. MR. NUTE left us in October, as also another prominent member of the Committee, MR. GEO. W. BEALE, about the same time, leaving a bare majority to pro- ceed, in a broken and disconsolate manner. By a late provision of the statute, however, we attempted, with the aid of the Selectmen, to supply this defect, and succeeded in part, by restoring to this duty, an expe- rienced member, ELIJAH JENKINS, jr., Esq. Rev. MR. SMITH was also elected, but declined service. Thus broken, in the very midst of the year, and again recruited, we have attempted to pursue " the even tenor of our way," though we are deeply sensible with many defects. Your Committee, we need scarcely say, are flesh and blood like unto their breth- ren, and subject to similar infirmities, in whom consequently, but few will expect to find perfection. Be patient, therefore, while we will at- tempt to give as fair a statement of our subject, as circumstances will permit.
The past year, fellow citizens, you imposed upon your Committee, a new and important, though somewhat delicate task-that of employing the teachers, and assigning them their respective schools, in addition to the general superintendence. This arrangement was new to the people, as well as to the Committee, and some were almost alarmed at 'the change, fearing that the last rights of the people, in respect to the schools, were about to be taken from them, not considering perhaps, that they were thus conferring a duty upon FIVE men, to look after an important item of business, previously conferred upon ONE. Each system, how- ever, may have its advantages and disadvantages. Your Committee were not peculiarly anxious to enjoy this new responsibility, as a per-
4
sonal favor, though aware of its propriety. It has been, as you are aware, in some cases, at least, a most critical duty. But, permit us to say, we have endeavored to act with all the candor, and judgment, and skill in our power. We lament, however, as deeply perhaps, as most others, that our success has been no greater. Still, we are happy to be- lieve, that, taking the schools together, both summer and winter, they have been unusually prosperous, the past year. It is not regarded essen- tial to give a very full and detailed account of every school, yet we may remark briefly on each, as follows :---
THE CENTRE HARBOR DISTRICT, No. 1, has been throughout the year, under the instruction of MISS JANE E. BEALE. By her skilful manage- ment, a peculiar interest has been awakened in this school, which contin- ued throughout the year. The new school house quickened this interest during the winter term. Every child almost here seemed awake, interest- ed and prompt, in nearly every exercise. The order has been good, the re- citations very fair, and the reading, for a primary school excellent. Some attention has been given in this school, to practice on the elementary sounds of the letters, spelling also, by the elements, instead of by letters. The school, as well as the house, is in a fine condition.
SOUTH MAIN STREET DISTRICT, No. 2, was taught in summer by MIss CLARA M. ELLMS, and in winter, by DANIEL U. JOHNSON, EsQ., of Bos- ton. Miss Ellms did remarkably well, and more than sustained her previous reputation. The school bore an excellent examination, and maintains a very high rank. Several classes were decidedly in advance of most in town. We might say much more, but brevity forbids. The winter school was full, but did not do so well. The health of the teacher, or some other cause, detracted considerably from what had been reason- ably expected. The closing examination, however, was fair, though not up to its standard a year since, under the same teacher.
THE OLD No. 3, was taught in the summer for twelve weeks by Miss MARY S. LITCHFIELD. The average attendance was only thirteen. The children were young, and but little interest seemed to be awakened. This may not have been wholly the fault of the teacher. Her qualifica- tions are very fair. The divided state of the district, rendered it some- what difficult to decide what was best to be done. This difficulty, how- ever, is now past, and we hope for great increase of prosperity hereafter. In the winter, this school was divided between two of the adjoining dis- tricts, agreeably to vote of the town. Miss Litchfield received her wages from those districts, in proportion to the number of scholars set to each.
NORTH MAIN STREET DISTRICT, NO. 3, was taught by Miss MARY F. PERRY, in summer, and in winter, by GEORGE C. LEE, EsQ., their long- approved teacher. The summer term was, in general, a prosperous one, though somewhat interrupted by the health of the teacher. The lessons
5
were well committed, the voices fair, and the order of the school excel- lent. The winter term was the first in their new and beautiful house, and the school was enlarged by more than half the adjoining district. Every thing has seemed to prosper. An unusual number of pupils have attended to Arithmetic, Geography and Grammar, and with pleasing suc- cess. One class of eight, parse from Milton's Paradise Lost, with great readiness. Several pupils were also in Geometry and Algebra. Being thus improved in numbers, and with one of the best houses in town, this school ought very soon to take a high stand. The last examination was very satisfactory. Both teachers and pupils did themselves great honor. The school house is still " as good as new," neat, convenient and un- blemished as a parlor.
GROVE STREET DISTRICT, NO. 4, was under the instruction, of Miss AUGUSTA C. LITCHFIELD in summer, and Mr. CHARLES F. CHAMBERLIN, of Millbury, in winter. Both terms have been exceedingly prosperous and gratifying, both to the Committee and the friends of the school .- Miss Litchfield paid special attention to the important subject of a clear and distinct articulation, and to the force, though perhaps too little to re- finement of voice. Her course was, in general, with energy, order and. precision. Mr. Chamberlin continued this prosperous condition of the: school, with growing interest. Several of his classes appeared unusually. well, especially in Geography, Greenleaf's Arithmetic, Physiology, and: the pupil in Watts on the Mind. This school, a few years since, so: far in the rear of most, is coming up rapidly to take an honorable stand .. We ardently hope for continued progress.
THE WEST DISTRICT, NO. 5, was taught in summer by SARAH, M. HILL, and in winter by MR. JOSEPH H. ELLMS. In the summer, the pupils were young, and the teacher also young. The school is far in the rear, and we regret that so little progress was made. Special attention is here called for, to elevate the general standard. In the winter term, Mr. Ellms did all that could be reasonably expected. The primer class appeared very encouraging. Some had made commendable progress in Geography and Arithmetic. Only one persevered in Grammar to the end of the term. The order of the school, and mode of instruction were commendable.
THE NECK DISTRICT, NO. 6, was under the supervision of Miss SOPHIA S. SAMPSON of South Scituate, and Miss CATHARINE M. CORBETT of Hing- ham, in summer. Mr. CHARLES C. VINAL, of Harvard University, taught the school in winter. In the summer the school was peculiarly unfortu- nate. Those of the Committee who had charge of this school, soon found all was not right, and after several visitations and consultations, ound it advisable to effect a change in the teacher .. . This was done at le close of the first month, but with less improvement than could have
been desired. The winter term exhibited a new scene, and the most en- couraging improvement was manifest in every department of the school. Too much could scarcely be said in approbation of the teacher or of the school. The excellence, however, consisted not so much in the amount passed over, as in the careful and thorough manner everything was done, which was attempted: Here were some fine specimens of composition- also of folding and directing letters. The winter money was a most profitable expenditure.
SOUTH HARBOR DISTRICT, NO. 7, was taught in summer by Miss MER- CY J. PACKARD, of Marshfield, and in winter by Miss CLARA M. ELLMS. The fine scholarship and amiable qualities of Miss Packard gave your Committee great encouragement to expect a fine school under her man- agement. Her examination placed her among the highest in apparent qualification. But we regret to say, our expectations were not realized. There was a want of order and government, as well as deficiency in teaching, especially the important art of reading, which compelled your Committee to seek a change at the end of the summer term. It was thought of sooner, but a spirit, of perhaps, too great forbearance, de- layed the change. The result, as manifest at the last examination ap- peared happy, and must meet the convictions of all concerned. Miss Ellms, as usual, has been deeply engaged in her work and successful. Though a PRIMARY school, this would compare well with most of the higher ungraded schools, and even superior to some. Classes in U. S. History and Physiology, as well as in Geography, Arithmetic and especially in reading, appeared well. Compositions, Drawing and Pen- manship were also commendable, for so young pupils. The voices were here, more generally up to the proper pitch, and some, perhaps, a little above it-no very common failing. Both teacher and pupils have been awake, and successful.
NORTH HARBOR DISTRICT, NO. S, has been under the instruction of Miss HANNAH L. MANSON through the year. The circumstances under which she commenced were peculiar and trying. Your Commit- tee also were here called, in the very commencement of their duties, to settle a delicate question. Perhaps they misjudged and may have in- flicted an injury. Circumstances were complicated - opinions and wishes conflicting-but, with what knowledge your Committee could gather, they endeavored to act candidly, and as wisely as possible, seek- ing the highest good of all concerned. We have been gratified with the success of Miss Manson. Her reputation, combined with continued skill and efficiency, and devotion to her calling, gave her an influence which overcame many difficulties, and rendered her services peculiarly successful. The school has a very good standing, as a primary school, and is one of growing interest. It is hoped, its friends will seek the things which are for its purity, peace and elevation,
THE CENTRE DISTRICT, No. 9, was taught in the summer by Miss CYNTHIA M. BRIGGS, and in the winter, by Mr. REUBEN N. WARE, of Needham. Two of your Committee reside in this district, and ought to feel a deep interest in its highest welfare. We deeply regret that we have succeeded no better, and can only say, it is a clear illustration how little man can foresee the future. Good mental and moral qualifications, and even previous success to an unusual degree, cannot always secure against a failure. Permit us, however, here to suggest a caution. Giv- ing credence to the tales of school children, and then retailing the same
all over town, instead of making proper inquiry, and seeking immediate correction, if need be, is enough to ruin, not only the reputation of any teacher, but consequently the success of his school. Thus, not only much money may be wasted, but what is still more to be deprecated, much ill feeling may be engendered among neighbors. If an evil of any importance is supposed to exist in a school, let those who believe it go at once to the proper sources of correction, and it may often be healed, perhaps without their next neighbor's knowledge.
THE EGYPT DISTRICT, No. 10; was taught in summer by Miss HAN- NAH J. WARE, of Needham, and in winter by Mr. WM. H. HALE, of Glastenbury, Connecticut. This school is generally young, and conse- quently not so far advanced as some. Miss Ware was a kind and faith- ful teacher, though, perhaps, wanting in that energy which is so essential to the highest success of a school. The closing examination, however, appeared fair. In the winter, the teacher was young, full of life and interest in his work, and bids fair to excel in teaching. This was his first school. His success was very commendable. The order was very good. The recitations mostly prompt, and the general progress quite encouraging. Yet here is plenty of sea-room for further improvements. Let all persevere in well doing.
THE UNION SCHOOL, DISTRICTS NOS. 1, 7 and 8, was continued five weeks in the spring by Mr. GEO. W. BEALE, of the Committee, who had been teaching it the preceding year. He also continued the school three months in the summer, as a private school. The last winter term of five months was taught by Mr. FREDERIC CAPEN, of Stoughton. This is a large and important school-sometimes too large for one teacher. Find- ing the school-room overflowing, while some of the primary schools were not full, your Committee advised the removal of some ten to fifteen to those schools, which was happily effected. If it be not out of place, your Committee would suggest that this school be somewhat more limited as to numbers, and that some other standard than age be adopted, as a qualification for admission. This principle defeats, in part, the object of such a school. Schools as well as classes, should be graded by scholar- ship rather than by age. This should be the universal rule, in classify- ing schools. The present standard of age, unnecessarily multiplies the number of classes, in both grades of schools, and consequently wastes the time of the teachers, beside other evils. It is recommended, that this subject be more fully considered in making regulations for the com- ing year. Mr. Capen has had a laborious task, in taking the charge of this school. We have regretted the want of that perfect order, as well as energy, so essential to complete success. Still there has been com- mendable progress, in most branches of study. We here found some very good readers, as also fine classes in Geography, Arithmetic and Phy- siology. Mr. Capen has evidently taught his pupils to think-an excellent preparative for action. The quiet manner in which this school has pro- gressed, has spoken much in favor of both teacher and pupils. Had there been, however, a little more quiet within the school room, we should have been still better pleased.
Having taken this particular survey of the several schools under our charge, we proceed to speak more generally on the subject, and to offer a few suggestions in connection.
The noble appropriation of TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS for the support of our public schools, speaks well for the interest of our citizens
in this object. It gives our town a standing in this respect, among the first fifth in the State, leaving four-fifths behind us. By the last report, we stand the sixty-second in order ; by the preceding, the sixty-eighth. The year preceding this, the eighty-first, thus showing that for a few years, we have been rising in the scale, and also in the amount on each scholar. From 1843 to'49, while the whole town was together, we raised only about three dollars on each scholar between four and sixteen years of age; but in 1850, it rose to near three dollars and fifty cents ; and the present year, to more than three dollars and sixty-five cents. Last year, it was $4.175 on those between five and fifteen years of age. And yet we are not so high in the scale as our sister town, South Scituate, by eighteen towns, nor so high as we were ourselves in 1843. We then stood seventeen towns higher than at present, viz., the forty- fifth, and our present average on the scholar, is not yet up to the aver- age of the State, by more than fifty cents, though we are as far above that of the county. But we should remember that the whole state are rising, and unless we rise with them, in our appropriations, we shall soon sink in the comparative scale. "ONWARD !" then, should be our motto.
· Your Committee are called upon to report to the Secretary of State, under oath, what sum is appropriated annually for the support of com- mon schools, including only the wages and board of teachers, and fuel for the schools. As several districts have drawn from this general ap- propriation, various sums for repairs and other contingencies, we find ourselves in some embarassment, and need relief. We would inquire, whether the town cannot remove the present difficulty, and make some provision for these expenses, that shall obviate this difficulty in future ?
A word in regard to SCHOOL DISTRICTS. If the district system is to be continued, (a question now before the Legislature,) it is desirable to have the limits of each more definitely fixed. The late modifications, made in several parts of the town, have left this subject in some confu- sion. As this subject is already before a Committee, perhaps little more need be said. The three primary schools at the Harbor should evidently be equalized, and so far as judicious, the principle should be extended to other parts of the town, so as to give every child, as far as possible, an equal chance for improving the public school.
It is with pleasure, we allude to the fact, that during the past year, TWO neat, spacious and elegant SCHOOL-HOUSES have been erected and dedicated to the cause of useful knowledge, to mental and moral culture, or in other words, to a christian education. The.cost of the house at the CENTRE HARBOR, in District No. 1, was $982.86 ; that in NORTH MAIN STREET, District No. 3, $925.59. Each house is furnished with a handsome clock, purchased by subscription. These houses are an ornament to the town, and a credit to the good taste and judgment of the people. They were dedicated by appropriate exercises-the lat- ter, with a crowded house of attentive listeners. The Committee were assisted in each case by a clergyman from abroad. Rev. Mr. DAMON, of Brewster, in the first, and Rev. Mr. CLARK, of in the second. These improvements in the school houses give additional stimulus to the pu- pils, teachers, parents, Committee and all concerned. As the town have wisely taken into their own hands, the construction and care of our school-houses, it is hoped they will now persevere, with as, little delay as prudence may require, and complete the system so beautifully begun.
Suitable school-houses are a necessary foundation for a safe and eco- nomical expenditure of money.
School Books are another item, important to the highest improvement of our schools. Your Committee have made but slight changes, the past year, not wishing to incur the least expense without more than cor- responding profit. As old tools become clumsy and old-fashioned, we naturally desire the latest, or at least, the most improved patent. Children are men in miniature, and are pleased with similar improve- ments, and what parent, with a parent's heart, will deny his child this privilege, especially when books are furnished at so trifling expense and trouble ? The grammar is the only book entirely changed, substituting Wells' School Grammar, the larger and smaller editions, in the place of Smith's. Blake's Natural Philosophy, and two Algebras have been struck from the list, leaving Bailey's. Emerson's first part in Arithmetic, and Comer's Book Keeping, have been introduced, as filling important points in the mathematical line. Watts on the Improvement of the Mind has also been introduced,-an important and very useful study for more ad- vanced pupils, and the Bible substituted in the place of the New Testa- ment, allowing the teacher to read a Psalm, or other selection from the Old Testament, if he choose, though the New Testament is still design- ed to be read by the pupils.
The following is a complete catalogue of the books now approved by your Committee, with the lowest wholesale prices :-
The Bible, or New Testament, latter at 12 cents ; Russell's series of Reading Books, including his Primer, at 6 1-4 cents ; Spelling Book, 10 ; Primary Reader, 12; Introduction to do., 9 cents ; Sequel to do., 18 3-4 cents ; Américan School Reader, 41 2-3 cents ; Introduction to do., 25 cents; Worcester's School Dictionary, 58; his Primary do., 25 ; Wells' School Grammar, 22 1-2; do., Abridged, 12; Olney's Geography and Atlas, 50; Mitchell's Primary do., 20; Emerson's Arithmetic, first part, 6 1-2 cents ; Colburn's First Lessons, 12 cents ; Greenleaf's School Arithmetic, 33 ; Bailey's Algebra, 40; Goodrich's United States History, 25; Cutter's First Book in Physiology, 25 cents; Comer's Book- keeping,-and Watts on the Mind, 21 cents. [Fractions abated, new year.]
By special arrangement with a firm in Boston,* these books have been furnished to your Committee at the above prices, freight and postage paid, and they have supplied most of the schools, through the teachers, without additional charge for their services. Five per cent. above these prices have been allowed your agent, Mr GEO. M. ALLEN, to defray neces- sary expenses and trouble. Your Committee have furnished about three hundred and seventy-five vols., most of which have been promptly paid for. This arrangement has saved much trouble and some expense to parents, while the schools have been supplied with the least possible delay.
The most improved School-houses, Books and Graded Schools are im- portant, but all these would be of little avail without the living Teacher .- Well qualified, living teachers, are of the first importance-a cheap arti- cle is nowhere else so poor economy as here. But to select these, approve and assign them their proper places, are often difficult, as well as deli-
*Jenks, Hickley & Swan, No. 131 Washington Street.
cate questions. The laws of the state require not only literary, but moral qualifications. The highest good of all concerned, is thus promo- ted. In the statute, moral qualifications are indeed ranked in the first place. Our Secretaries of the Board of Education commend the same. Mr. Mann, in his tenth report, (p. 70) introduces the Statute, with these forcible remarks: "No talents, however profound-no genius, however splendid-no attainments, however ample, can atone for any deficiency in moral character." Our present able secretary, also remarks: "The Constitution, and Laws of the Commonwealth, enjoin it upon teachers to inculcate piety and christian morals, love to God and love to man." -- "The school," he adds, " furnishes peculiar facilities for cultivating all the social virtues." And again, "In the exclusion of distinctive creeds from the schools, religious persons of almost every name, are singularly agreed, and thus we have the sentiment of the people at large, in support of the law as it now stands." (Last report, p. 27.) He also very justly adds : "Manners are to be regarded as a necessary accompaniment to morals." "It is in the power of the public schools to change the whole aspect of society in this respect." "Let but the School Committees select their teachers, and inspect their schools with reference to this subject, and a change would come over the manners of the young, which would add a new charm to society." (See pp. 28, 29.)
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.