USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1892-1898 > Part 3
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That our schools are, year by year, improving in work done, and, what is most important, that the pupils are receiving a broader mental development, is proven by the fact that the princi- pals of the high schools report that each succeeding class that comes to them is more capable of grasping the higher studies. Progress in this direction is most gratifying, and by far the most important end for which to work. Of what value is knowledge in any subject to a person, if he has not, first of all, the mental
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power to use it to the best advantage? The school cannot furnish pupils with natural ability, but it can and ought to develop natural ability to its fullest extent. This is the first duty of the school. Knowledge is of great value, but knowledge without adequate power to use it amounts to but little.
Another evidence that the schools have become more effi- cient is that the grammar classes have been doing more advanced work in nearly every study. The lowest grammar classes have come to their work with a more thorough preparation in the pri- mary grades, and have thus cleared the way for this higher work in the upper classes.
During the spring term a convention of all the teachers of this district was held in the Baptist Church, North Scituate, at which the following persons addressed the teachers on topics relating to school work : Mr. John T. Prince, Agent of the State Board of Education ; Mr. Henry, T. Bailey, State Agent of Art Instruction ; and Mr. Arthur C. Boyden, of the Bridgewater Normal School. The meeting was one of great profit to all. The people of Scitu- ate furnished a very excellent collation. The thanks of all present are due to them, to the ladies who prepared the tables, and to the Baptist Church for the use of the church building.
At the same time an exhibit was given of work done in the schools. The object of this exhibit was, first, to give each teacher the benefit of comparing the work done in her school with that done in others ; and, second, to give the people the opportunity of knowing what was being done. No attempt was made at show. Work actually done in the daily recitations was presented in exactly the condition in which any one would find it on visiting the schools. The work exhibited there received such commenda- tions from the gentlemen above mentioned, that your Superintend- ent, because of these commendations, and by reason of the urgent request of Mr. Boyden, was encouraged to prepare some work to be sent to the World's Fair.
We lose many of our best teachers because other towns recog- nize their qualifications and offer larger salaries. Were it not for the ties of home, we would lose many others.
A solution of this problem will be presented under another head in this report.
It is but just, however, at this point to bear testimony to the
A
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faithful, conscientious work of the teachers in this district. With hardly an exception, each one has put forth her best efforts to produce the best results possible. Certainly more effective work has been done. It has always been the aim of teachers and Superintendent to give the strongest encouragement to each individual pupil to advance from grade to grade, whenever proper fitness and application have been apparent. It is not always possible to do this. In small schools especially, this difficulty arises.
This suggests the same topic which has been discussed in pre- vious reports : the expediency of consolidating small schools with large ones, so that the pupils may have the benefits of the enthusiasm and spirit of large classes. This, too, suggests another step : that of devising a plan whereby the schools of each town can be so arranged that there shall be fewer grades under one teacher, and also that the children may receive the same benefits from the schools enjoyed by the pupils in large towns and which they cannot receive under existing conditions.
CONSOLIDATION OF SCHOOLS.
In order to investigate the matter thoroughly and to learn the exact results of the workings of such a plan in towns in this State where it has been tried, inquiry was made of the school officers in these towns. Such extracts from the reports received are here given as seem applicable to the conditions existing in the towns of this district.
The town of Concord adopted this plan in 1880. In the last annual report of the School Committee a history of the plan and the practical results are given. Extracts from this report are herewith presented. The parts omitted are such as relate to personal matters of the town, and in no way deal with the general results : -
" Prior to 1879, the common schools of Concord were twelve in number, occupying eleven houses. Five of these schools were placed in the central village; two under one roof were at West Concord; and the remaining five were country district schools for the accommodation of the outlying farming population. The district schoolhouses were at a distance from the Centre, varying
50
from one and one half to three miles. At the Centre was the High School, to which children came from all parts of the town. An attempt had been made, with partial success, to grade the Centre schools. The school board of that day, therefore, had to deal with a system of schools ungraded in part, and the rest mixed schools imperfectly graded. These schools were taught by experienced teachers, most of whom, if not all, had received special training for the work.
" In December, 1880, a building, named the ' Emerson School,' was ready for occupancy, and received the children from the village schools. An immediate and inevitable improvement in every quality that distinguished a good from a poor school resulted. The School Committee then turned their attention to the district schools. These schools had been for a long time a cause of anxiety. They were growing feebler, and they were expensive to maintain in proportion to the number of pupils they served. The suggestion of the true way to deal with these schools was welcomed. The Emerson School would accommodate all the children. The School Committee adopted the suggestion that it was advisable to close the district schools, and to convey the children to the Centre.
" A strong, rational conservatism existed in the districts. The idea of consolidation was novel, and raised doubts and objections that could not be met by past experience, here or elsewhere. On the other hand, it was possible for the plan to prevail in the end, because the communities directly affected were highly intelligent and formed their judgments thoughtfully and correctly. It is an interesting fact, also, that, during the whole ten years of change, a MAJORITY of the Committee were farmers ; and that for the most of the time, a majority were LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES of the districts involved.
" In 1881, Superintendent Tileston reports that the children of District Seven have been carried to the schools of the village for more than a year. The parents, at first, were mostly opposed to this course. They seem now entirely satisfied, and would not have their old school if they could.
" In 1881 the parents in District Two petitioned the Committee to close their school and convey their children to the Centre.
" In 1883 the Committee report as follows : 'We have now
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concentrated the school children in the High School, Emerson School, and West Concord School, where they can all have the best education the town affords; and it is the belief of the Com- mittee that it will not be necessary to reopen any of the district schoolhouses.'
In 1891 the town authorized the Selectmeu to sell the unoccu- pied schoolhouses in the districts. This action of the town, taken WITHOUT A VOICE RAISED IN OPPOSITION, indicates the GENERAL SATISFACTION with the present system. The apprehension of the owners of real estate that a depreciation of values would result, if local schools were closed, has proven groundless. The natural reluctance of parents to send their young children so far from home, and for all day, to attend the Centre School, has vanished.
" The attendance of children conveyed is SEVERAL PER CENT BETTER than that of the village children, and it is FAR HIGHER than it was in the old district schools. This is not strange when one reflects that the children are taken at their own doors and conveyed to school without exposure in stormy weather, and with ENTIRE com- fort in cold or snowy weather. Discipline in the carriages is maintained readily, as the driver has authority to put out any unruly child.
" Whatever advantages a system of carefully graded schools, occupying a well-ventilated and well-cared-for schoolhouse, taught by a body of intelligent and earnest teachers co-operating to secure the best discipline within and without the schoolroom, has over a mixed country school, such advantages are.shared alike by ALL the inhabitants of this town. All alike are interested in all real prog- ress in methods of discipline and instruction and in improved appliances to aid instruction. Superintendence becomes more efficient.
" In short, every scheme to make the teaching more efficient or broader can be carried into effect far more readily. The history of this movement in Concord conclusively shows that the success of the plan here was due to its intrinsic merit, acting upon the minds of an enlightened people desirous of furthering the true educational interests of their children.
" Many incidental advantages subordinate to the prime one have resulted. All the children of the town meet on the same arena, test the quality each of the other, and exchange from the begin-
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ning those influences which will mould them to act together har- moniously and intelligently in the future. All the parents of the town have an equal interest in the welfare of the two central sys- tems of schools, and for many years dissensions ahout the mainte- nance of schools have been unknown in our town meetings."
Mr. Edwin S. Barrett, Chairman of the School Committee of Concord, corroborates very strongly these statements, and in addition says : " Our people would not, under ANY considerations, go back to the old system. We have proved it by ten years' experience, and we think we have model schools at a minimum of cost."
These very full extracts have been made from the reports of the school officers of Concord, because the scheme was first tried and has been the longest in operation in that place. It may be well to add that the Concord schools stand among the first in the State.
The following reports were received from COHASSET : -
" The schools are all united in the ' Osgood School,' with the exception of four schools. Youngest pupil conveyed, between five and six years old. Distance, one to three miles. I should judge that, in towns with a number of small schools, say 18 pu- pils to a school, there might be a reduction in the teaching force by consolidation. In regard to advantages, etc., I can say, that I honestly believe we are getting much better results. As a matter of discipline, it is worth much to have these pupils in one building with a corps of teachers to look after them in and about the building. I think the majority of the parents like the cen- tral school." - E. F. RIPLEY, Sec'y.
" Better teaching, better moral influence, greater intellectual activity, more healthful buildings, greater economy." -L. P. NASH, Supt.
" I think the plan of having a central building for all the children a success, and that the town would be very unwilling to go back to the old system. I cannot see that any expense is saved to the town, but the children are enabled to get a much better education in comfortable, healthy, pleasant, and well-ven- tilated rooms." - REV. JOS. OSGOOD.
The facts in regard to this system are herewith presented. They are as fully set forth as is practicable in this report.
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No comment is deemed necessary at this time, except to say that, after having considered the matter carefully, it seems evi- dent that the scheme can be successfully carried out in each of the towns in this district; that no very great extra expense need be incurred in doing so, if, in fact, any; that the reduction in the number of teachers, and in the expense of repairs, fuel, jani- tors, etc., would quite cover the cost of transportation; that it would be possible to raise the salaries of the teachers to a point sufficient to retain the best; and, finally, that the children would obtain all the advantages in every way that are offered by cities and larger towns.
The consolidation of the schools of Scituate, even to the ex- tent to which it has been accomplished at present, has proved exceedingly beneficial and fully warrants the final step.
CONCLUSION.
There is great need of more reference books, for the grammar schools especially, in order that that broadness may be given to the instruction which is best calculated to produce the greatest and most lasting results.
There have been but two changes in the course of study. The language course has been carefully revised, but the essential requirements have not been materially changed. The course in reading has been improved in contemplation of the introduction of the " Riverside " and other series of selections from the best writers, with the purpose of cultivating a taste for good reading at an early age.
The visits of the Superintendent have been made as in past years. Each town has received the required amount of service.
The heartiest thanks are extended to the committees for their encouragement, confidence, and support, and for allowing your Superintendent to deal with the schools unhampered by any unnecessary restrictions.
Respectfully submitted,
E. H. WATSON, Superintendent.
MARSHFIELD HILLS, MASS., Feb. 7, 1893.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Town Officers
OF THE
Town of Scituate
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31st,
1893.
PLYMOUTH : AVERY & DOTEN, BOOK AND JOB PRINTERS. 1894.
·
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
HELD IN SCITUATE, MARCH 6th, 1893.
CALEB L. DAMON, Moderator.
ARTICLE 2-Officers chosen for the year.
FOR TOWN CLERK .- Charles Manson.
FOR SELECTMEN .- George H. Webb, Azro Turner, Thomas F. Bailey.
FOR TREASURER .- Roland Turner.
FOR COLLECTOR .- Roland Turner.
Voted, That Mr. Turner have the same compensation for Treasurer and Collector as last year.
FOR SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR THREE YEARS .- Clara M. Skeele.
FOR CONSTABLES .- William E. Supple, John F. Turner, Walter J. Merritt.
ART. 5-Voted, That the rate of wages for removing snow be the same as last year-25 cents per hour.
ART. 6-Voted, To accept the list of jurors as prepared by the Selectmen.
Voted, That James H. Burrows be excused.
Voted, That Edward Rogers fill the vacancy.
ART. 2-FOR AUDITOR .- James E. Otis.
FOR ASSESSORS .- George H. Webb, Azro Turner, Thomas F. Bailey.
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ART. 13-Shall licenses be granted for the sale of intoxi- cating liquors in this Town ?
Yes, 188 ; no, 169.
ART. 16-To see if the Town will rescind and revoke their vote of March 3d, 1890, wherein they accepted the provisions of Chapter 158 of the Statutes of 1871, and chose three Road Commissioners, and abolish the same.
Voted, To indefinitely postpone.
ART. 2-FOR ROAD COMMISSIONER FOR THREE YEARS .- David S. Jenkins.
ART. 2-FOR OVERSEERS OF POOR .- George H. Webb, Azro Turner, Thomas F. Bailey.
FOR FIELD DRIVER .- A. Judson Bates.
FOR POUND KEEPER .- A. Judson Bates.
FOR FIRE WARDS .- Fred. T. Bailey, Edward Rogers, Caleb L. Damon.
FOR FENCE VIEWERS .- John J. Ford, Thomas Tilden, Hosea J. Stockbridge, Turner Litchfield.
FOR SURVEYORS OF LUMBER .- Ansel F. Servan, Henry T. Bailey.
FOR SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES .- Fred. T. Bailey.
ART. 3-Voted, To accept the report of the Selectmen and other Town officers as printed.
Voted, That the School Committee be instructed to inves- tigate the subject of consolidating our schools and report at some future meeting their plans, together with the probable cost.
ART. 14-Voted, That the Town unite with Marshfield and Duxbury in employing a Superintendent of Schools.
ART. 15-That the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $300 for the salary of the Superintendent of Schools.
5
ART. 4-Voted, That the Town raise and appropriate the following sums of money :-
For -
Removing snow $1,000 00
Support of poor. 3,500 00
Town officers 1,000 00
Printing, stationery and postage 200 00
Collection of taxes
250 00
Repairs of public buildings
500 00
Reduction of debt
1,000 00
Support of schools.
5,200 00
Incidentals for schools 500 00
Repairs of roads and bridges 3,000 00
Abatement of taxes.
300 00
Miscellaneous expenses 500 00
Interest on debt
2,950 00
Military aid. 100 00
ART. 25-In regard to instructing the Selectmen to abol- ish the grade crossings of the Old Colony R. R. at Beaver Dam and Greenbush.
Voted, To indefinitely postpone.
ART. 7-Voted, That the Town authorize the Overseers of the Poor to contract at their discretion for the support of the Town poor.
ART. 8-Voted, That the Town authorize their Treasurer to borrow money under the direction of the Selectmen, in anticipation of taxes of the present year, and all sums be payable from said taxes.
ART. 9-To hear the report of any Committee heretofore chosen. Thomas F. Bailey, one of the Committee chosen to procure plans and estimate the cost of a new Town hall and High school building combined, reported that the Com-
6
mittee rejected the plan of a Town hall and High School building combined, as said building could not be completed at a cost of less than $10,000. He recommended the build- ing of a High school house at a cost not to exceed $5,000, and of repairing the present Town hall at a cost not to ex- ceed $3,000.
Voted, That so much of the Committee's report as recom- mends a separate High School building, and the improve- ment of the present Town hall, be accepted and adopted, and that a Committee, consisting of the Selectmen and School Committee, be appointed to carry out the provisions of the report, and that the Treasurer be instructed to bor- row an amount not to exceed $8,000 to defray the expenses of the same ; one-half to be assessed in 1893 and the rest in 1894.
ART. 10-Voted, That the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $100 for Memorial Day.
ART. 11-To make allowances to Town creditors.
Voted, To pass over.
ART. 12-Voted, That the way and manner in which the taxes shall be collected be the same as last year - 5 per cent. discount allowed upon all taxes paid on or before October 1st, 1893; 4 per cent. on or befor November 1st, 1833 ; 3 per cent. on or before December 1st, 1893
ART. 17-To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of $50.00 to raise the grade of Kent street over the bridge by the meadow owned by the late Capt. Henry Vinal.
Voted, To pass over.
ART. 18-To see if the Town will appoint a Committe to co-operate with the Committees from the towns of Pem- broke, Hanover, Norwell and Marshfield to stop the pollu- ting of the waters of North River.
7
Voted, That the Selectmen be a Committee to confer with the Committees from the above named towns in regard to the matter, and to report at a future meeting. Said Com- mittee to serve without pay.
ART. 19-In regard to the Town authorizing its Selectmen to employ a counsellor.
Voted, To pass over.
ART. 20 - Relating to road and cliff at North Scituate. Order of notice from the County Commissioners read by the Town Clerk.
Voted, That a Committee consisting of the Selectmen and Road Commissioners be a Committee to meet the County Commissioners at Plymouth, April 4, 1893, and act for the best interest of the Town.
ART. 21-To see if the Town will choose a Committee to frame By-Laws.
Voted, To pass over.
ART. 22-Voted, That the Town raise and appropriate the sum of twenty dollars for the 'maintenance of the Old Meet- ing House Lane Cemetery.
ART. 23-To see if the Town will accept the westerly part of Bailey Avenue.
Voted, To pass over.
ART. 24-Voted, That the Town authorize the Treasurer to pay the note of $7,000.00, due November 8th, 1893, with the cash on hand.
ART. 26-Relating to repairs on Barker road.
Voted, To pass over.
ART. 27-Voted, That the Town cause their annual report to be printed and distributed in the month of February next.
8
ART. 28-To see what action the Town will take in regard to an almshouse.
Voted, To pass over.
ART. 29-Will the Town accept Otis place as a Town way? Voted, To pass over.
[NOTE] .- The westerly part of Bailey Avenue and Otis Place were both accepted by the Town at a meeting held April 1st, 1893.
ART. 30 - Will the Town purchase one or more road rollers ?
Voted, To pass over.
ART. 31-That the Town raise and appropriate the sum of seventy-five dollars to clear the Willow street school yard of rocks and bushes.
Voted, That the thanks of the Town be extended to Caleb L. Damon, and that he be paid $5.00 for his services as Moderator.
Voted, To dissolve the meeting.
Attest : CHARLES MANSON, Town Clerk.
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REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN
Of the receipts and expenditures and financial condition of the Town of Scituate for the year ending December 31st, 1893 :
STATE AID (Chap. 301.)
Edwin Bowman, $24 00
Peter W. Mahan, $72 00
Elisha J. Brown, 48 00
Wm. O. Merritt, 72 00
Catherine H. Brown, 40 00 Joseph O. Marsh, 36 00
Clara B. Bonney, 48 00
Eglantine Merritt, 48 00
Geo. S. Bates, 48 00
Joseph Brown, 54 00
Hosea D. Nott, 24 00
Emily Brown, 4 00
Thos. J. Newcomb, 36 00
Shadrach B. Curtis,
36 00
Mary O'Brien, 40 00
Rose Doherty, 48 00
Bardin A. Prouty, 32 00
Susan Daniels, .
48 00
Joseph Pettingale, 20 00
George Emerson, 36 00 Charles P. Seaverns, 48 00
Lukė G. Fitts, 72 00
Caroline E. Spencer, 48 00
John P. Giffin,
30 00
Geo. O. Vinal, 48 00
Andrew J. Hobson, 36 00
Elvira J. Webb, 48 00
Wm. W. Hunt, 24 00
Geo. H. Whittaker, 54 00
Serena C. James,
48 00
Nicholas Wherety, 48 00
Henry W. Leavitt, 48 00
Nathaniel Wilder, 36 00 Irene A. Lee, 48 00
Henry Young, 36 00
Wm. Litchfield, 24 00
Emily S. Young, 48 00
Benjamin F. Merritt, 48 00 Total $1,744
Charles H. Nott, 30 00
Charles W. Clapp,
72 00
James E. Otis, 36 00
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MILITARY AID ( Chap. 279.)
Josiah Mann $44 00
SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS.
Town appropriation $5,200 00
Town appropriation for Superintendent. 300 00
Income Massachusetts school fund 206 84 County dog fund 244 38
State for teachers 206 89
State for Superintendent 200 00
Total receipts $6,358 11
Expenditures 6,158 54
Not expended $199 57
Payments.
E. H. Watson, Superintendent
$500 00
Teachers. A
J. N. Mallory, $1,000 00 Nettie D. Vinal, $252 00
Julia A. Neely, 450 00 Mary L. Newcomb, 252 00
Clara L. Bedell, 527 50 Hattie F. Cottle, 175 00
Grace R. Neely, 77 00 Effie L. Litchfield, 259 00
Castella E. Vinal, 260 00
Amy F. Gardner, 259 00
Ella E. Coye, 110 00 Hattie M. Ferguson, 252 00
Carrie W. Litchfield, 252 00 Margaret Sullivan, 252 00
Grace R. Mallory, 81 00 Gertrude Gardner, 252 00
Total
$4,710 50
School Books and Supplies.
Thorp & Martin Man-
Lee & Shepard,
$0 73
facturing Co., $32 37 Educational Publish-
Thompson, Brown & ing Co., 5 63
Co., 19 38 Geo. F. King, 6 00
11
American Book Co., $30 47 Allyn & Bacon, $8 00
J. L. Hammett, 125 51 Winkley, Dresser
Ginn & Co., · 25 00 Co., 5 00
Total
$258 09
Conveyance of School Children.
Pearl Vickery, $102 00 Mulcay & Graves, $126 75
Abner S. Dalby, 185 00
Total . . .
$413 75
Fuel.
Wm. H. Burke, $33 15
Elton B. Clapp, $3 13
E. H. Bonney, 105 92
Geo. F. Welch, 13 00
Joseph H. Harvey,
38 50 D. S. Jenkins, 38 25
Albert B. Curtis, 33 75 Edwin S. Bates, 10 50
Total
$276 20
Total expenditures
$6,158 54
INCIDENTALS FOR SCHOOLS.
Appropriation.
$500 00
Total expenditures
461 62
Unexpended
$38 38
Cleaning School Houses.
Mrs. Wm. Elliot, $18 00 Mary Flynn, $5 00
Mrs. Robert O'Hern, 10 00 Mary O'Connors, . 1 50
Mrs. Rachel Wade, 5 00
Mrs. John Maddock, 8 00
Total
$47 50
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Use of Wells.
Albert Clapp, 1892, $2 00 John Weatherbee, $2 00
Mrs. Ward Litchfield, 2 00 Charles H. Jackson, 2 00
B. D. Studley, '92-'93, 4 00 Seth Litchfield, 2 00
Edwin W. Bates, 2 00
Total.
$16 00
Janitorship.
Harry Otis,
$2 50 Irving Litchfield, $3 00
Edwin W. Bates,
50 00 Joseph Flynn, 3 00
A. H. Farrington, 40 11 Allerton C. Bonney, 4 00
Luther F. Andrews, 24 85 Leicester D. Hobson, 5 00
James M. Dalby,
21 75 Lewyllen Brown, 3 00
Total. $157 21
Expressing.
Geo. W. Brown,
$16 00 W. E. Hunt, $3 75
E. H. Watson,
3 61 John A. Merritt, 2 50
Total
$25 86
Frank T. Vinal, 2d, cleaning clocks. $1 75
Avery & Doten, school certificates. 2 50
John Weatherbee, cleaning stove pipe 2 00
Wm. P. Gage, dial thermometer.
2 50
Caleb L. Damon, removing stove . 1 00
Frank Andrews, work on school yard.
50
James Landers, removing wood, .
75
W. P. Brown, services as truant officer
3 00
Israel Cudworth, preparing fuel. 67 25
Total. $81 25
13
Sundries.
F. T. Bailey,
$26 59 J. N. Mallory, $4 90
Geo. F. Welch,
4 50 Seaverns & Spear, 53 85
Carter, Rice & Co.,
7 00 Clara M. T. Skeele, 2 69
Ernest J. Brown,
7 02 Boston Paper Box Co., 2 25
Total. $108 80
Book Agents.
Ernest J. Brown. $4 00
Julia E. Webb 21 00
Total $25 00
Total expenditures $461 62
SUPPORT OF POOR.
Appropriation. $3,500 00
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