USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1862-1879 > Part 29
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12. Oct. 16, Mr. Henry A. Harrison and Miss Lizzie J. Sparks, both of Maynard.
13. 4 25, Mr. Charles E. Worcester of Concord and Miss Louise S. Barker of Acton.
14. Nov. 30, Mr. Norman Chaplin of Fitchburg aad Miss Mary L. Romans.
15. 30, Mr. Ch .. les I. Miller and Miss L. Lizzie Keyes, both ot Acton. 16. Dec. 13. Mr. Charles C. Wetherbee and Miss Mary Ennna Perkins, both of Acton.
Deaths in Acton in 1876.
No. Date of death.
Names and ages of the deceased.
1. Jan. S. Mrs. Sally Moore, aged 82 years, 9 months, 23 days.
2. .. S, Mrs. Mary J. Rhodes, aged 23 years, 7 months. 4 days.
.. 19, Mr. Franz W. Knowlton, aged 24 years, 3 months, 17 days.
4. .. 23. Mrs. Charlotte White, aged'84 years. 4 months.
5. .. 24, Mr. Lewis Gates, aged 62 years, 1 month. 5 days.
6. 26, Mrs. Fauny Blodgett, aged 67 years.
7. Feb. 8, Mrs. Ann Malthonse, aged 43 years, 11 months, 25 day ...
.. 12, Mrs. Mary J. Johnson, aged 23 years, 10 months, 22 days.
9. .. 19, Ida Josephine Beck, daughter of John H. and Harriet II. Beck. aged 1 year, 1 month. 19 days.
10. .. 20, Mr. Roseoo Weston, aged 28 years, 10 months, 7 days.
11. Mar. O, Mrs. Mary W. Harris, wife of Mr. John Harris, aged 6 years. 8 months, 25 days.
12. .. 14, Mr. William Malthouse, aged 39 years.
13. . 30. Mrs. Margaret E. Hoyt, aged 39 years.
14. Apr. 9. Mrs. Rhoda, wife of Mr. William Wheeler, aged 60 years. 3 days.
15. .. 28, Mr. Joel R. Stone, aged 54 years, 2 months, 6 days.
16. May 10. Mr. Hugh Trainor, aged 40 years.
17. Juno S, Mrs. Eliza T. Soper, aged 68 years, 5 months, 8 days.
15. July 13, Francis P., son of Thomas N. and Maria M. Chase, died in Jonesborough, Tenn., aged 8 months. 25 days.
19. 18, Mr. Amos Cutter, aged 88 years, 7 months.
20. Aug. 1, Mr. Oliver W. Drew, M. D., aged 78 years.
21. 6, Julia Callehan, daughter of Daniel and Ellen Callehan. agad 1 vear, 6 months.
22. .. 14, Mr. Edwin Hosmer, aged 52 years.
23. Sept. 1, Mrs. Eliza, widow of Elnathan Jones, aged 79 years, 1 month. 27 days.
24. .. 6, Mrs. Mary Collins, aged 46 years.
25. .. 13, Mr. Samuel T. Adams, aged 79 years, 5 months, 17 days.
26. Oct. 10, Elizabeth F. Trainor, daughter of Hugh and Hannah Trainor. aged 4 years, 10 months, 20 days.
27. " 25, Philip Fehau, son of John and Elizabeth Fehan, aged 2 years. 7 months, 13 days.
28. Nov. 3, Elizabeth M. Fchan, daughter of John and Elizabeth Fehan. aged 5 years, 10 months, 22 days.
29. .. 10, Mrs. Susan, wife of Abel Forbush. aged 76 years, 7 months. 19 days.
30. .. 25, Mr. Ithamar Parker, aged 78 years.
31. 28, Mrs. Mary W. Robbins, aged 33 years, 4 months, 18 days.
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NAMES OF PERSONS HAVING DOGS LICENSED IN 1876.
Name of Owner.
No. 1 Name of Owner. No.
Name of Owner. No
Francis Hosmer,
1 Richard Williams,
1
Jas. E. Richardson, (fem.)
1
Theron F. Newton,
1 Chas. W. Parker,
1
A. L. Tuttle,
1 J
George V. Mead,
1 W. E. Faulkner,
1
Chas. Wheeler, (fem.)
1
Martha D. Ball,
1 Amasa M. Knowlton,
1 1
Benj. Hapgood, 1
1
Willie F. Richardson,
1 Daniel J. Wetherbee, 1 Arthur Pickens,
1
Levi Houghton,
1 Elbridge Robbins,
1 Josiah Piper,
1
JJas. E. Harris,
2 Jas. R. Bassett,
Constantine O'Neil,
1
Edwin Tarbell,
1 Charles Morris,
1 Luke J. Robbins,
E. F. Fuller,
L. M. Jackson, (fem.)
1 (fem.)
1
Solon A. Robbins,
1 D. W. Corfey,
1 Jairus C. Wheeler, 1
Henry Shapley,
1 W. W. Wooster,
1 Moses Taylor.
1
Francis Dwight,
1 Charles Wooster,
1 Nahum C. Reed.
1
John W. Randall,
1 George Gardner, 1 Herman A. Barker,
1
Einathan Jones,
1 A. B. Brown,
1 George Rouillard,
1
John Temple,
1 George C. Wright,
1 Emma C. Reed,
1
Aaron C. Handley,
1 M. F. Going,
1 Walter A. Gilmore,
1
James Hannon,
1 Oscar E. Preston,
1 Lester Fletcher,
1
H. Waldo Tuttle, Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee,
2 S. F. Reed,
1 Chas. D. Griggs,
1
Lucius S. Hosmer,
1 Frank Marshall,
1 Luther R. Forbush,
2
George Conant,
1 Edward O'Neil,
1 Lewis H. Boucher,
George R. Keyes,
1 J. W. Aldrich,
1 Ellen Moore,
1 1 1
C. A. Harrington,
1 A. & O. W. Mead,
1 F. Robbins, (fem.)
1
John W. Charter,
1 Joseph Wheeler,
1 John White, (fem. )
1
Jona P. Fletcher,
1 S. Taylor Fletcher,
1 Warren B. Reed,
1
Daniel Tuttle,
1 John Fletcher & Sons,
1 Eben Davis,
1
Joseph Reed,
1 M. E. Taylor,
1 Patrick Redding,
1
Aaron J. Fletcher,
1 Lucy Jane Tuttle,
1 Chas. E. Teel,
1
Daniel H. Farrar, J. R. Daniels,
i Henry M. Potter, 1 Allen Smith,
1
1 Warren E. Taylor, 1 M. A. Snell, (fem.)
1
Males, 108 at $2 00,= $216 00 Females, 9 5 00,- 45 00
Total, 117
$261 00
H. M. Beck, 1
1
Luther Conant,
Aaron S. Fletcher,
1 F. M. Sisson,
1
Henry Brooks,
1 Geo. W. Knowlton,
Reuben L. Reed,
1
Wm. S. Handley,
1 E. J. Robbins, (fem. )
Henry Haynes
1 .Daniel Wetherbee,
1 |Silas Conant, Jr ..
William L. Mitchell,
1 Hanson A. Littlefield, 1
WM. D. TUTTLE, TOWN CLERK.
ACTON, March 14, 1877.
1
F. M. Lund, (fem.)
1 Frank Pratt,
1
Daniel Harris,
1 Geo. A. Hayward,
1 J. P. Rouillard,
George C. Conant,
1 Henry Hanson,
1 Frank H. Harris, 1
1 James Waldron,
1 Augustus Fletcher,
1 Henry M. Smith,
Neil Currie.
1 James Morris,
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
School Committee * Town of Acton
FOR THE
SCHOOL YEAR, 1876-7.
To the Citizens of Acton.
Your School Committee, having discharged the duties assigned them by law, respectfully submit for your con- sideration the following report :
It has been customary, in presenting the annual reports of this committee, first of all, to offer congratulation upon the successful operation of the schools during the period embraced in the report, and there is no reason why this time-honored practice should be departed from in the pres- ent report.
We have endeavored to secure efficient teachers by em- ploying only those who had been successful in other schools, and were able to present satisfactory recommend- ations. In some cases the success of teachers has not realized our expectations, as it will be the case sometimes that a teacher will be very successful in one school and fail in another.
We have visited the schools from time to time, and have conducted two public examinations in all the schools that have been in operation the usual three terms. Taking everything into consideration we are of the opinion that the success of our schools has been as good as reasonably could be expected.
But for a more particular review of the educational work of the town during the past year, we refer you to the last part of this report. Before entering upon this review we beg leave to offer certain suggestions with reference to the future management of our schools, whereby we believe their efficiency can be greatly increased.
-
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CO-OPERATION OF PARENTS.
Under this head we notice, 1st, the need of the more per- fect co-operation and the more cordial support of parents. This is a subject which has been adverted to very frequent- ly in these reports, but the experience of the past year im- presses upon us the need of referring to it yet again. As regards the great majority of the parents and citizens gen- erally, we have no reason for complaint, but the best of reasons for commendation. But we are sorry to be oblig- ed to say that there have been some parents during the past year who have impaired the efficiency of our schools by encouraging their children in their disobedience to the regulations of the schools. Some parents seem to think that the government of our schools, like the government of the town is democratic, in the sense that the scholars have the right to determine what the laws of the schools shall be. But this is an erroneous idea of the provisions which the State has made for the management of her schools. For a parent to directly interfere with the teachers discipline of a scholar is as ruinous to the harmonious and successful management of a school as it would be detrimental to the good order of the family, were the mother to inter- fere with the father's correction of the children. Par- ents : If you think you have grounds for complaint, as regards the teachers treatment of your children, as you value your children's good, do not even hint the idea to them, but quietly communicate vour convictions to the teacher and seek an explanation. If you are not satis- fied with the teachers views of the case lav the matter be- fore the committee and we are satisfied that every cause for complaint will be removed. Do not allow prejudice or a partial view of the case to lead vou to make captious re- marks about the teacher which will lower her in the esti- mation of the scholars. Do not condemn a teacher, as be- ing unfit for her vocation, until you have visited the school and become satisfied by actual observation, as to her real accomplishments. It is often the case that the teacher who is most adversely criticized outside appears to excellent advantage in the school room. Remembering that no one in any vocation is perfect, in every respect, if the commit- tee decides that a certain teacher is better qualified for her work than any other he will be likely to be able to secure ;.
3
acquiesce in his decision and do your utmost to contribute to her success. If all the parents in Acton would adopt these principles and practice them, every school would be a success.
CLASSIFICATION OF SCHOLARS.
A second thing concerning which there is an imperative need of improvement, is as regards the classification of the scholars. The laws of the State refer this matter wholly to the committee, and we believe the efficiency of the schools would be greatly promoted were they to exercise this authority to a greater extent.
Our scholars are always ambitious to- press into the higher studies ; when left to themselves they too frequent ly enter classes for which they are not at all qualified ; by so doing they greatly increase the labors of the teacher, impede the progress of others really qualified for the study and fail of the good which they themselves might receive . were they in text books suited to them.
This evil is manifest not only as regards the scholar's choice of particular studies, but also as regards their pro- motion from one grade of text books to another. This difficulty is especially manifest in our reading and arith- metic classes. We have six grades of reading books, adapted to the capabilities of scholars from the child in the alphabet to the intelligent reader of the writings of Thomas Jefferson and Ralph Waldo Emerson. But it is sometimes the case that the period of but little more than five years takes a scholar from the first of the series into the last. Many parents and scholars seem to think that the passable pronunciation of the larger part of a reading exercise is all that is necessary, while as a fact, this is on- lv a small part of the art of reading. Pupils ought not to be allowed to press from one grade of reading books into another until they can not only pronounce the words cor- rectly, but also give, at least approximately, a correct expression to the sentiment of the pieces. Correct empha- sis and modulation of voice are as essential elements in good reading as the proper pronunciation, a fact which ought not to be overlooked by teachers, parents or scholars.
The evil to which we are referring is also very manifest as regards the study of arithmetic. Scholars find their
4
way into written arithmetic before they have an adequate knowledge of the mental, and enter the High School arithmetic before they have thoroughly mastered the Com- mon School. We believe it would be better for our schools and scholars were the High School arithmetic excluded altogether, but if we are to have so many grades of text books, scholars ought to be subjected to a rigid examina- tion in order to an advancement from a lower to a higher grade. Parents ought not to insist upon the promotion of their children unless they are competent for it. The intro- duction of a system of examination into our schools would greatly facilitate the work of teaching, and would stimu- late the scholars to exert themselves to become tit for promotion.
If such a system is adopted by the committee, we hope it will have your cordial support. .
DRAWING AND MUSIC.
During the past year the claims of art drawing and music have been urged upon our attention quite frequently and we most cordially concur with everything that has been said in favor of their introduction into our common schools. Owing to the fact that our schools have been so crowded with classes and different branches of study, and we have seen so much room for improvement as regards the branches already taught, we have been reluctant to introduce other branches. We are aware, however, that the importance of these branches cannot be over esti- mated, and we will be glad to find their introduction into our schools feasible. For scholars to learn even the first principles of linear drawing will be of untold advantage to them in after life. Nicely graded drawing books are now published at a low price, and such books of instruc- tion accompany them that almost any teacher can learn to impart instruction in drawing with a considerable degree of success, though it would be of great advantage if all our instructors could have the benefit of the training of a good teacher.
If the committee decide to introduce drawing to some degree, we hope the project will have the co-operation of all the parents.
Instruction in the art of music is attended with more
5
difficulty, as the ability to sing is almost absolutely neces- sary in order that an instructor may be able to teach this branch. The generally received plan for the most tho- rough teaching of this branch seems to be to employ a music' teacher to give instruction at appointed times in each school every week. The adoption of this plan would require a special appropriation of several hundred dollars.
Another plan suggests itself, which is to secure the ser- vices of proficient musicians, though not professional teachers, in the different parts of the town, to go into the schools near them and impart to the scholars some knowl- edge of music, at certain times set apart for that purpose. If the town will appropriate one hundred dollars for the object we will be pleased to make a trial of the plan.
ABSENTEEISM.
This evil is becoming more and more prevalent in our schools, and as we are now situated, we have no remedy for it. It is the duty of every parent to keep his children, (if of a certain age,) in school at least twenty weeks dur- ing the year, and it is the duty of each town to pass such laws as will secure the fulfillment of this requisition of the State. But as it now is in this town, there is a very large number of children who do not go to school even ten weeks, nominally, and really are absent much of the time when their names are upon the rolls of the schools. There is a large number of scholars in this town who leave school if restrained by rightful regulations. and dur- ing the remainder of the term are lounging about the streets or sitting in the stores as truants.
We respectfully recommend that the town adopt the by- laws for the suppression of truancy which it is within the province of the town to enact for the suppression of the evil just referred to. We recommend that the town adopt as by-laws for the suppression of truancy, something as follows :
1. Any of the persons described in the first section of the "Act concerning Truant Children and Absentees from school," passed May 2, 1873, upon conviction of any of- fence therein described, shall be committed to the State Primary School at Monson, for such time, not exceeding
6
two years, as such judge, justice or court having jurisdic- tion of the same may determine.
2. Any child between the ages of seven and fifteen, who while a member of any school, shall absent himself from school, without the consent of his teacher and parent or guardian, shall be deemed a truant.
3. Any child between the ages of eight and twelve. who shall not attend some public school or suitable institu- tion of instruction at least twenty weeks during the year shall be deemed a truant.
4. The School Committee shall annually choose three or more truant officers, whose duty it shall be to make complaints in case of violation of these by-laws, for the purpose of carrying into execution the sentence thereof, who shall receive such compensation for their services as the school committee shall determine.
5. It shall be the duty of every truant officer to inquire diligently concerning all persons between the ages afore- said who seem to be idle and vagrant, and who, whether employed or unemployed, appear to be growing up in ignorance, and to enter a complaint against anyone unlaw- fully absent from school or violating any of these by-laws.
6. It shall be the duty of every truant officer prior to making any complaint before a justice, to notify the truant or absentee child and its parent or guardian of the penalty of the offence. If he can obtain satisfactory pledges of reformation. which pledges shall be subsequently kept, he shall forbear to prosecute.
Respectfully submitting for your consideration the fore- going recommendations, we now invite your attention to a brief review of each school.
C'ENTRE GRAMMAR.
The Spring term was taught by Miss S. J. Flint, a teacher who was favorably noticed in connection with this school, in our last annual report. So far as we could judge she taught a good school.
The Fall and Winter terms were taught by Miss M. C. Harris, a teacher who has been noticed in terms of high praise, in two previous annual reports. She devoted her whole heart and all her energies to her work, and the schol- ars made a steady progress under her instruction. We
7
have never witnessed a more satisfactory examination in connection with this school than that which was conducted at the close of the Winter term. We considered the order of this school better than it has been in any term for sever- al years. The eminent success of the schoolis largely due to this fact.
CENTRE PRIMARY.
This school was taught throughout the year by Miss S. F. Robbins. a teacher who has received commendation in our two last annual reports. She retains the love of her scholars to a marked degree, and the school shows a steady progress under her care.
SOUTH GRAMMAR.
The Spring and Summer terms of this school were taught by Miss M. L. Davis. Miss D. is a teacher of good attainments and well fitted for the work of the instructor. but proved to be somewhat wanting as a disciplinarian. She failed to maintain good order herself and neglected to call in the assistance of the committee, so that the discip- line of the school became lax under her care. With the qualification just mentiond the school was a success.
The Winter term was taught by Miss M. E. Felton a teacher of superior qualifications in every respect. She found the discipline of the school very laborious, but with the co-operation of the committee maintained good order to the end of the term, though quite a number of scholars retired from the school. The examination at the end of the term was eminently satisfactory.
SOUTH PRIMARY.
This school enjoyed the continued services of Miss M. A. Forbush, who was mentioned in terms of approval in our last report. Her success during the past year has been fully equal to that referred to in our last report.
At the close of the very pleasant examination which ended the winter term the scholars presented to their teach- er some beautiful tokens of their love and appreciation of her untiring labors for their good. Would that such oc- casions were more frequent.
S
WEST GRAMMAR.
The Spring term of this school was taught by Miss Belle Smith, a teacher eminently qualified for her work. She devoted herself to her duties with all the energy at her command and imparted a spirit of animation to her schol- ars. The school was a success in every respect. and we were very sorry to part with her services. The Fall and Winter terms were taught by Miss S.J. Flint, who has been favorably mentioned in connection with another school. She proved herself here as elsewhere a good instructor but failed in discipline, so that the good she would have done otherwise was greatly neutralized. The examination. how- ever, at the end of the Winter term was very satisfactory.
WEST PRIMARY.
This school, like the other primary schools in town, has had the benefit of the continued instructions of the same teacher.
This teacher has been continued in the same school longer than any other teacher in town, and the vigorous condition of her school speaks volumes in favor of continu- ing an efficient teacher in the same school. At the close of the Winter term her pupils presented to her a beautiful gift, as an expression of their love and gratitude for her long continued labors for their good.
EAST SCHOOL.
The spring term of this school was taught by Miss M. I. Spalding, a former teacher in the N. H. State Normal School. She is a teacher eminently well qualified for her work, and so far as we could judge taught a good school. Having been engaged in teaching older scholars for sev- eral terms, and coming to her work in this school some- what wearied with previous labor, it may be she did not feel quite the interest in the young scholars or devote her- self to her duties with quite the energy which she would have manifested under other circumstances.
The fall and winter terms were taught by Miss G. E. Tuttle. Miss T. had the love and co.operation of her pupils to a marked degree, and gave herself wholly to her work. The examinations at the end of the Fall and Winter
9
terms were very satisfactory, and proved the scholars to be making a steady progress in their studies.
NORTH SCHOOL.
The spring term was taught by Miss L. A. Farnum. This teacher was favorably mentioned in our last report. We will simply say that we considered her success this term fully equal to that of any previous term, and we very reluctantly parted with her services.
The fall and winter terms were taught by Miss HattieE. Parker. a teacher who had been very successful in another town. For some reason she failed to receive the good will of her scholars or the full confidence of the parents. The examinations at the end of both terms were quite credita- ble, especially the one at the end of the winter term. It seldom has been our privilege to listen to as good recita- tions in Mental Arithmetic.
SOUTH EAST.
On account of the small number of scholars in this dis- trict but one term of school has been held during the year. This was taught by Miss H. F. Hapgood who was men- tioned in our last report.
The examination at the end of the term was as credita- ble as any we have ever heard in this school.
Appended are the usual statistical reports. In the num- ber of visits neither the visits of the superintendent nor of friends at the public examinations are reported.
Respectfully submitted.
S. W. HOPKINS, (chairman) ) J. W. LOKER. (clerk)
L. CONANT. (. A. HARRINGTON. D. J. WETHERBEE. J. FLETCHER, 2d.
School Committee of Acton.
F. P. WOOD. Superintendent of Schools.
10
ROLL OF HONOR. '
NOT ABSENT OR TARDY ONE TERM.
NOT ABSENT OR TARDY TWO TERMS.
NOT ABSENT OR TARDY THREE TERM -.
Lizzie J. Cummings, Ella Daniels,
Annie M. Hammond,
Nellie G. Haynes, Hattie D. Reed, Arthur F. Davis, John F. Kingsley, Elliot Livermore, Gilman Parlin, George W. Tuttle.
E. Elmira Ayers, Jennie L. Ayers, Bertha I. Fisk, Gertrude Rouillard, Lizzie M. Scofield. Hattie E. Smith, Augusta W. Smith, Herman S. Ayers, Florian W. Fisk. Warren O. Robbins, Charles Rouillard.
Addie H. Barker, Nettie C. Fuller, Henrietta F. Sawyer, Carrie B. Hayward, Susie A. Moulton, Fred A. Brown, Lawrin Pratt, Eddie Pool.
Gertie S. Harrington, Mary I. Jackson, Ada M. Jones, Mary A. Knights, Martha E. Pratt, Mabel Richardson, Sadie E. Sawyer, John Bradley, James E. Coulter, Chrissie A. Pollard, A. Ernie Wilbur.
CENTER GRAMMAR.
Mabel Livermore,
Ella E. Tuttle.
Mary F. Waldron,
Walter Richardson,
Horace F. Tuttle,
I. Harry Tuttle.
Viola S. Tuttle, Elbridge R. Conant.
('ENTRE PRIMARY.
Sarah E. Hammond, Mary Radding, Hattie I. Tuttle,
Etta .A. Tuttle,
Frank E. Fisk. George .1. Smith.
SOUTH GRAMMAR.
Jessie A. Mitchell, Etta C. Temple.
Arlon L. Jackson, Willie Wilbur.
SOUTH PRIMARY.
Idella J. Barker,
L. Gertie Clark,
Josie M. Hannon, Emily G. Hannon, Lulie Hosmer, Eda F. Shapley, Eva C. Shapley, Harry A. Fletcher, Charlie P. Tucker.
M. Florence Fletcher. Willie S. Randall.
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Nellie Walker, Inez Wyman, Ellsworth Hapgood,
Crosby A. Hoar, Charles Holton, Charles Hopkins, George Robinson, Warren A. Stevens.
Ida Littlefield, Bertha Wright, John Aldrich,
Emery Clark,
Willie J. Handley,
Willie F. Hopkins. Eugene L. Hall,
Ved. Holton, Ernest H. Knowlton,
David Kingsley,
Bertie F. Mead,
Freddie B. Palmer,
Clesson J. Parker,
Herman W. Parker. Willie Parker, Alfred Richardson. Frank A. Teele, Bertie Willis.
Etta Esterbrook, Hattie Esterbrook, Florence Perkins, Nixon Ball, Carlton C. Conant, Frank Wetherbee.
Lizzie Ryan, Nellie Ryan, Hattie Smith, Mattie Smith. Carrie White, Charlie Fisk, Elmer Rouillard.
Lester N. Fletcher.
WEST GRAMMAR.
Lizzie Gates, Mary Tuttle, Arthur H. Bradford, George Mead, Fred. Mead, Clarence Twitchel.
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