USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1879-1894 > Part 21
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(). H. Forbush, Daniel H. Farrar, Sylvester Haynes, E. E. Fletcher, Joshua Sawyer, 2,
23
TOWN OF ACTON.
A. C. Handley, William H. Philbrick, E. J. Robbins, Albert Moulton, C. S. Simonds, female, Joseph R. Bassett,
G. H. S. Houghton,
Isaiah S. Leach,
George C. Conant, female,
F. E. Penniman, John Temple, C. J. Fletcher,
William B. Davis,
Charles H. Holton,
M. Kerrigan,
Fred Rouillard, Daniel Tuttle,
Mrs. Eliza Cole,
Thomas J. Sawyer, female,
Luther Conant,
C. J. Holton,
Charles Morris,
George T. Knowlton,
George Conant,
M. H. Worden, C. B. Stone,
Isaac Barker, A. Risso, 2, 1 female, W. F. Stevans, L. V. Clough, John McCarthy, E. G. Kraetzer, Charles Wheeler, female,
Charles H. Wheeler, A. L. Noyes, W. C. Robbins, 2, W. H. Teele, S. A. Robbins,
Fred W. Gray, Thomas Mannion, E. H. Davis, Henry Hanson, Anson C. Piper, Willie S. Fletcher,
A. F. Sargent, J. H. Standish, Daniel J. Wetherbee, C. B. Sanders, 2, Samuel Jones, Jr., Willis L. Mead,
T. Sullivan, I. S. Ford, George W. Tuttle, Herman Chaplin,
L. W. Pratt,
A. L. Tuttle, J. D. Coburn, T. McCarty, George R. Keyes, J. R. Houghton, W. A. Gilmore, H. Littlefield, Herbert Pratt, 2, A. A. Wyman, Mrs. E. Stone,
A. G. Smith,
D. C. Harris, O. A. Knowlton, C. B. Robbins, 2, Isaac W. Flagg, F. R. Knowlton, Edward Willis, Moses Taylor, F. W. Green, F. G. Jones, W. O'Neil,
24
ANNUAL REPORT
C. H. Taylor,
G. T. Barstow,
. F. S. Whitcomb,
J. L. McCarthy,
O. H. Thomspon, J. C. Wheeler, female, Henry Brooks,
W. H. Jones,
E. B. Forbush,
Jerry McCarthy,
Ralph Crooker,
N. R. Palmer,
N. Littlefield,
G. A. Conant,
A. P. Wood,
William Moore,
F. Pratt,
Henry Willard,
George H. Smith,
E. H. Jones,
W. S. Jones,
John W. Clark,
M. A. Reed,
Thomas Calder,
L. E. Reed, Henry Haynes, N. A. Davidson.
Males, 138, at $2.00 each, $276 00
Females, S, at $5.00 each, 40 00
Total amount received, $316 00
WILLIAM D. TUTTLE, Town Clerk.
25
TOWN OF ACTON.
Report of Receipts and Expenditures at the Almshouse in Acton, For the Year Ending February 28, 1890.
ARTICLES ON HAND FEBRUARY 28, 1890.
7 tons of hay,
$119 00
2 1-2 tons of oat fodder,
25 00
Gluten meal,
13 12
Indian meal,
2 00
Salt,
1 00
Wagon,
70 00
Horse rake,
20 00
Mowing machine,
20 00
Empty barrels,
27 20
Plow,
8 00
Horse hoe,
5 00
12 cows,
504 00
1 horse,
150 00
50 hens,
25 00
20 cords wood,
80 00
15 bushels potatoes,
10 50
200 pounds of salt pork,
20 00
1 barrel apples,
3 00
Canned fruit,
2 00
Pickles,
1 00
Crakers,
70
Flour,
3 00
Tea,
1 85
Coffee,
32
Eggs,
60
Spices,
50
26
ANNUAL REPORT
Lard,
$11 00
Butter,
1 00
Molasses,
50
Beef,
50
Lumber,
4 00
Coal,
10 00
$1,139 79
RECEIPTS FROM TOWN FARM FROM MARCH 1, 1889, TO MARCH 1, 1890.
Received for apples,
$190 74
Milk,
997 56
Calves,
15 25
Cow,
3 00
Poultry,
12 97
Labor,
1 50
Potatoes,
35 00
Eggs,
28 41
$1,284 43
EXPENDITURES AT TOWN FARM FOR THE YEAR ENDING FEBRUARY 28, 1890.
Axe,
$1 00
Ammonia,
15
Brushes,
2 15
Book,
25
Brooms,
55
Beans,
8 39
Blacksmith bill,
4 07
Butter,
38 09
Barrels,
37 81
Boots and shoes,
9 75
· Beef, pork and sausages,
101 83
Curry comb,
18
Coffee,
4 18
27
TOWN OF ACTON.
Clothes pins,
$ 09
Chimneys,
94
Coal and lumber,
30 54
Chalk,
08
Car fare for Mr. Johnson,
32
Crackers,
38 45
Cream tartar,
76
Crockery,
56
Cloth and clothing,
37 55
Cocoa,
25
Curtains,
70
Cows,
76 50
Cheese,
2 22
Egg food,
25
Extract,
70
Farming tools,
7 30
Fertilizer,
16 10
Flour,'s
34 96
Fly paper and trap,
32
Fish,
8 83
Garden and grass seeds,
12 15
Glass,
1 30
Grain,
486 88
Glue,
52
Hay knife,
1 00
House paper and border,
7 20
Hardware,
17 07
Insect powder,
42
Jars, tops and rubbers,
33
Jar,
30
Kerosene oil,
2 20
Lard,
2 52
Lemons,
57
Lime and cement,
1 55
L. U. Holt's bill,
12 88
Mustard,
20
Matches,
18
Molasses,
11 50
28
ANNUAL REPORT
Mirror,
$ 1 25
Medicine.
2 51
Mowing machine extras,
4 75
Nitre,
25
Paint and oil,
8 32
Potatoes,
12 54
Powder and fuse,
27
Poison,
20
Paris green,
1 50
Pigs,
17 00
Pasturing cows,
21 00
Rice,
40
Raisins,
1 51
Rope,
53
Repairing harness,
5 95
Repairing shoes,
80
Salt,
5 00
Soap,
4 37
Starch,
60
Spices,
66
Stove polish,
42
Scraps,
3 00
Scythe stone,
40
Scythe snathe,
50
Saleratus,
56
Sawing lumber,
32
Sugar,
33 54
Services of H. C. Scarlet and wife,
450 00
E. H. Cutler, 50
L. C. Taylor,
20
A. C. Handley,
2 50
Tea,
7 49
Tobacco,
53
Tinware,
95
Use of bull,
4 00
29
TOWN OF ACTON.
Vinegar,
Yeast,
$1 16 1 42
$1,690 79
Expenditures,
$1,690 79
Receipts,
1,284 43
Income less than expense,
$406 36
Due from treasury to balance account,
406 36
Interest on farm,
240 00
$646 36
Vitualing and lodging 179 tramps,
71 60
Cost of supporting poor at farm,
$574 76
Whole number of persons, exclusive of tramps, supported at almshouse, 6 ; average number, 5 1-2 ; present number, 5.
E. H. CUTLER, ) Overseers L. C. TAYLOR, of
A. C. HANDLEY, ) Poor.
We have examined the above accounts of the Overseers of Poor, and find them correct.
D. JAMES WETHERBEE,
Auditors.
HIRAM A. HAPGOOD,
₹
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
For the School Year 1889-90.
.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT
IN BEHALF OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
To the Town of Acton :
Items of regret and congratulation press upon our notice at the passage of another year.
REGRET No. 1.
The loss of experienced and successful teachers in six of the ten schools in town during one year is a matter of serious disappointment.
Their promotion to other and more responsible trusts im- plies for our comfort that we have been having for years good teachers, worthy of our confidence and able to command wages and appreciation beyond our range.
We thank them cordially for what they have done for us. We wish them success in striving to do for other communi- ties a like service, possibly one broader and more influential for good.
By prompt action of local committees and the Board, these vacancies have been filled. All the schools at present date are in charge of competent teachers, whose culture and promise of success warrant high hopes for the future.
Let these teachers continue to have the full co-operation of parents and the public, and the best results may be cred- ited before hand on the right side of the account.
33
TOWN OF ACTON.
REGRET NO. 2.
The unanimous voice of the teachers and scholars was promptly expressed in season to forestall the intrusion of " La Grippe " on the school grounds.
The doors were locked, the bars were up and " no admit- tance" posted on all the avenues, but she stole a march in the night and had full possession in the morning without even a " please sir."
She was treated gracefully. What else could be done ? Her departure to other climes was however hastened. She took the hint and was soon off for a better chance elsewhere. The marks for absence spoiled the looks of the registers for a few days, but they soon resumed their wonted aspect.
None of the scholars in town have been starred ; contagious and fatal diseases have kept away.
Let this exemption be counted on the congratulation column, and thank God for the item.
REGRET No. 3.
Here and there through the town is found a parent who seems to depreciate the privileges so gratuitously offered to his children, and permits trivial causes to hinder the full benefit.
The rooms are warmed and swept. The teachers are there on time, and in full rig for a day's work: The books and equipments for the best methods are furnished, but where is the pupil who most needs the hints of the faithful teacher and the inspiration of the school drill ? Absent. He prom- ises to be present the next day, but when the roll is called, absent again is the response.
Wednesday he comes. Has he his lesson ? Put a few leading questions on the days lessons and his blushing face and stammering tongue tell the story of Monday and Tues- day. He has been off duty. The jury so verdict him. The court pronounces the verdict just, and the sentence goes upon the record for its execution in after years.
1
34
ANNUAL REPORT
Mark this! The officer will be at his post in that appointed future and see that the sentence does not miss its victim.
That there should be one such case in town to the discredit of parent or pupil is a cause for painful regret.
Regret is an easy word to use in the circumstances. The fiery word seems more befitting the case, but that word shall be waved for one more trial.
On the opposite column put these items :
Most scholars do not do so.
Most parents do not do so.
Most of the register's marks are " present."
Most of the hours fly richly laden with studious habits and golden freight.
The idlers are the exception, thanks to loving parents and faithful children.
REGRET No. 4.
In taking a rapid general retrospect of the year's impression in the school room, this lingers in the mind.
They do not read as well as they ought to. What is the mat- ter ? Do they not pronounce the words correctly ? Yes, as a rule, remarkably well. They voice their words so as to be heard? Yes, that is not the line of grievance. They stand erect, hold their books so you can see their faces and start off on time ? Yes, they do that fairly well. But here is the trouble :
There is a lack of proper personal conception and expres- sion of what is read.
The inflections do not vary with the shifting sentiments. There is a halt where there should be a quickened step. There is a low tone where the tone should be intensified.
There are more commas than those printed in the book, and the author probably knew best how many to put in.
Naturalness. This grace in reading is more often found in the Primary department than in the higher grades.
What is the reason ? Let not our older scholars lose their freedom as they advance up the grades of scholarship.
35
TOWN OF ACTON.
One good sentence properly studied, and properly expressed is worth pages of unappreciated and unexpressed repetition.
Items in the opposite column on the credit side.
There are a goodly number of lively, expressive, natural readers scattered through the town, and they will be heard from in the coming days, unless they lose their first love, and falling back join the ordinaries.
Bashfulness. Don't mention it. Be brave and act out yourselves, if the ordinaries do laugh at you.
The laugh will change sides if you can wait long enough.
REGRET NO. 5.
Outward influences often lead an earnest teacher to raise the question whether he shall not relinquish his trust. Other occupations allure his ambitious eye, and the tempter asks why not indulge ? He pictures to his view the quietness and leisure of the liome, the farm or the shop, and asks why may I not enjoy this luxury of repose ?
Why subject myself to this constant fret and criticisni of methods and results ? Let the jaded mind wait for the calmer hour before decision.
The fate of culture hangs on the delay. The teacher if he will hold his place may catch an inspiration from pupils here and there crossing his path which shall take him above the drudgery of his profession to the celestial heights.
The accumulation of knowledge is largely dependent upon incidental circumstances. These are furnished by the de- mands of the school room
Questions are suddenly pressed upon the teacher's notice, which lead to investigations in new and rich fields of scienti- fic inquiry, literary culture or historic lore.
All that is required in many minds is that some eager pupil propound a question involving difficulty, and an effort is made to meet that difficulty.
Time is taken for researches which otherwise would not be thought of, or if thought of attempted.
36
ANNUAL REPORT
A scholar asks you to bound British America. This is one of the familiar questions of your early school days, but when proposed to you in later life by a scholar doubting your ability to give a correct answer, British America means some- thing new to you. You resolve to know more about it ; you will be able to define not merely its political boundaries but its peculiar physical organization, its capacities of mineral or agricultural wealth, its commercial relations now existing and in prospect, its extent in comparison with your own country, its importance as a friendly allied power in time of peace, its resources of military annoyance and aggression in war, and the next opportunity given to you by the ambitious scholar will be improved in pouring this acquired knowledge upon his astonished and gratified ear.
You do not like the study of language but a scholar differ- ently constituted from yourself, whose culture in this direc- tion has far out run your own, comes to you with the spark- ling eye of a new interest, and tells you what he has learned about a given word, how it has come to be adopted into your own mother tongue, what it means in the original language from which it is derived, how it came to have that meaning in some distant period of a by-gone-age, how it has fought its way to position in philological contests of the best scholars, how it has soothed the aching heart in moments of sorrow ; how it has fired the patriot when lifting the arm for his country's defence ; how it has affiiliations binding together different tongues in the past, and ranging out in still wider circles in the near and distant future. You silently condemn yourself for your ignorance and indifference.
You ask why may not I have a share in this strange charm of linquestic inquiry, and you begin to know something which you did not know before ; to love something which you did not suppose worthy of that love, and this love im-
37
TOWN OF ACTON.
pels you to efforts which bring you large returns of knowl- edge.
If one wishes to have a fact of science, or history, or lan- guage established in his memory, let him be compelled by his position to memorize, explain, and illustrate the fact to a class of intelligent pupils ; facts which but for this collision would escape notice and become imbedded in the mind.
If you have travelled with scholars in geography among the mountains of Asia, these mountains become a fixture in your mental vision. The map of Asia is suggestive of old familiar scenes which you have visited in loved companion- ship. The boundaries of states and nations are remembered because you have established their limits with scholars whose faces you cannot forget. You have heard them give those boundaries with tones that still linger in your ears. Mistakes which were at the time laughable which set the whole room in an uproar and gave you not a little irritation, may be the very circumstances which shall make sure your knowledge of the facts in debate.
What is especially desirable in a teacher is a glow for knowledge for its own sake. This will have a contagious effect upon himself and his surroundings.
If he is born this may so much the better, but if he is not so born, he may have a new birth, which shall seem almost like nature's first start.
Prof. Stuart of Andover, the great enthusiast, in the study of language, had a habit of projecting his tongue when he had suddenly struck upon some new meaning of an old Hebrew root, dry as the dry rot to most minds. It was an unclassical position for the tongue. That could not be helped The discovery was a nugget of gold to him. His face was an inspiration to all in his presence.
They might go to the ends of the globe in after years, but the professor's tongue would travel with them to the banks of the Ganges, and give them nerve to search for the mysteries of a new language to be learned.
38
ANNUAL REPORT
One loved teacher in mathematics was so absorbed with the beanty of a demonstration in geometry that he would rub his hands together with an unction which thrilled the entire class with a love for the study.
The highest conceivable satisfaction after all, which any one can have in any sphere of life, in time or beyond time, is the consciousness that he is doing his duty, and that the In- finite One is looking complacently upon his work, and is really saying with each earnest blow for the right, " Well done good and faithful servant."
No affluence of fortune, no heights of position, no compli- ments of friends, no gratifications of taste can be a substitute for this. This the teacher may have as the perennial solace of his life, and as the one light that shall cheer the dark pas- sage to another and better world.
THE TEACHERS' INSTITUTE.
The record of the school year would be defective without a reference to the Teachers' Institute, at South Acton, Friday, December 13.
The towns represented by Committees and Teachers were Concord, Acton, Maynard, Carlisle, Sudbury, Stowe, Box- boro, Littleton. These numbered 75. They were furnished with a bountiful collation at noon, arranged by the ladies, in the Universalist vestry, which was duly appreciated by the guests. The exercises were held in the High School room, which was filled with an audience intensely interested in the programme, provided by the State Board of Education. It consisted of an address by Secretary Dickinson upon the principles of teaching. Superintendent Aldrich of Putney, Mass., on teaching arithmetic; Arthur C. Boyden of the Bridgewater Normal School, on Physiology ; Superintendent
39
TOWN OF ACTON.
E. H. Davis of Chelsea, a native of Acton, on Primary read- ing ; Henry T. Bailey, State Agent, upon drawing.
Agent Walton spoke of the absorbing interest with which the exercises of the Institute had been received, and thanked the people for their generous hospitality. He referred to the Institute as being in all particulars one of the most satisfac- tory ever held in the State. His warm words of gratification were fully responded to by the audience and the authorities of the town.
HIGH SCHOOL.
The graduating exercises, Friday, June 28, in the Town Hall, showed an unabated interest in the school. The hall was crowded. The exercises were well received, and the occasion one to be remembered.
PROGRAMME.
Class Motto :- "HOPE LIGHTENS LABOR!"
MUSIC.
Prayer, Salutatory,
REV. MR. HEATH LILLIAN F. RICHARDSON
Essay,
ALBERT J. REED
"A Glimpse of the Capital."
MUSIC.
Essay,
EFFIE V. LITTLEFIELD
" Have We Found It ?"
Essay, .
-
CARLOS B. CLARK
" Sources of Light."
MUSIC.
Essay,
VIOLA A. PRESTON
" Sculptors of Life are We."
Essay,
HENRY L. LIVERMORE
" Our Navy."
MUSIC.
Essay,
- ALBERTA V. LITTLEFIELD
"The Legend of Magog."
-
40
ANNUAL REPORT
Essay,
LILLIAN F. RICHARDSON
" Weaving."
MUSIC.
Essay, - -
" Spring and Summer Voices "
Prophecy, - -
ALBERT J. REED
MUSIC.
Valedictory,
- CARLOS B. CLARK
Presentation of Diplomas.
MUSIC.
Three years' course of the High School, subject to changes which may hereafter be made, according to the judgment of the Committee and the light of experience.
FIRST YEAR.
First Term .- Arithmetic and Book-keeping, alternating. English Grammar and Composition. General History.
Second Term .- Arithmetic and Book-keeping, alternating. English Grammar and Composition. General History.
Third Term .- Arithmetic and Book-keeping, alternating. Rhetoric begun. Botany.
SECOND YEAR.
First Term .-- Algebra begun. Rhetoric continued. Phy- siology.
Second Term .- Algebra continued. English Literature be- gun. Physics begun. Third Term .- Geometry begun. Physics continued. Eng- lish Literature continued.
THIRD YEAR.
First Term .- Geometry continued. Latin begun. Chemistry begun.
Second Term .-- Physical Geography. Latin continued. Chemistry continued.
Third Term .- Civil Government. Latin. Geology.
-
HATTIE E. TUTTLE
41
TOWN OF ACTON.
Four recitations in each branch per week, Wednesday, with a different programme, including compositions, reading, spelling, drawing, and other miscellaneous recitations as shall be deemed the most important at the time.
The monthly written test in this school, and in all the schools, is considered the fairest and surest proof of the real progress made. If properly considered, it reveals the weak or strong points of scholarship. These are considered in silence, and each pupil must depend upon his own independ- ent resources, unembarassed by the interference of school- mates, committee, or the public.
Each pupil having the same questions, the result deter- mines the absolute and relative standing.
For the sake of public inspection the doors are open to vis- itors at any time which may suit their convenience. More frequent visits by parents and friends are welcome.
New impressions may thus be received and wrong impres- sions corrected, and a better understanding be established between all the parties concerned in the education of the schools.
The whole number of pupils in the High School for the year was 34.
Number of pupils over 15 years of age, 21
Number of pupils under 15 years of age,
13
Total average membership,
. 30.83
Total average attendance,
· 28.16
Per cent. of attendance,
. 91.34
20 Number of applicants in the written examination in June, Number admitted entitled to certificates, . 10
Mr. Armstrong, the Principal, has been doing valiant ser- vice, and the apparent interest in the school on the part of those attending has never been surpassed.
Order, discipline and studious habits have been steadily rising.
A severe domestic blow fell upon himself and family in the sickness of his loved companion early in the year.
42
ANNUAL REPORT
He has encountered this heavy draft upon his powers with an equanimity which has ensured the equipoise of the school and the grand results of the year.
THE CENTRE SCHOOL.
Grammar Department-Summer and Full Terms. MISS FANNIE L. PERRY, - - - Teacher.
The school was fortunate in again retaining the services of Miss Perry during two terms of the year.
At the close of the Fall term she tendered her resignation, to accept of a position nearer home. She was the recipient of a pleasing token of appreciation from her scholars at the close of her work, and left the scene of her labors with the assured benedictions of pupils, parents, committee, and the public. Her impress is upon all who have had the benefit of her instructions, nor will it be effaced as the years roll by.
Winter Term.
The first part of the Winter session was in charge of Miss Viola S. Tuttle, who has had the steerage of that lively com- pany of South Primaries for so long a time. They were sorry to have her go, and we were sorry to have her leave, but the circumstances beyond control pointed that way. She evi- dently felt the embarassment of the change, but entered upon her work in an earnest, faithful style. She was beginning to feel quite at home in the higher grade. The scholars came to understand her methods, and were working toward a harmonious result, when her own health and that of her mother, required a dismissal of the care.
Another break became necessary for a week and two days, when Miss Ida J. Bishop of North Acton, went into the school as a substitute for Miss Tuttle.
Teacher and pupils soon affiliated and lost time has been made up, so that the term of thirteen weeks has been suc- cessfully completed with less damage than could be antici- pated.
43
TOWN OF ACTON.
Center Primary Department-Spring Term.
Miss Blanche E. Henshaw continued in charge of this school with increasing satisfaction during the term, but late in the summer vacation receiving a call to go elsewhere to a position more remunerative and responsible, tendered her resignation much to the regret of her scholars and committee
CENTER PRIMARY. Fall Term.
MISS ALICE M. MACKINTOSH, Teacher.
Miss Mackintosh was from Needham, a graduate of Need- ham High School and the Framingham Normal School. This was her first trial in teaching, and she entered upon her duties, little appreciating the difficulties of the position. She was zealous and faithful. Her methods were good, and with more experience and in other circumstances, she may win unqualified testimonials. She left with the best wishes of all for her future success.
CENTER PRIMARY, Winter Term.
MISS SARAH E. HAMMOND, - Teacher.
Miss Hammond is a graduate of Harvard Academy. She has had successful experience as teacher in Harvard and Pepperell. The Primaries have fallen into her line of methods, have had a good winters term, and are in the way to go on pleasantly and steadily in the future.
There have been changes, quite sufficient for one year. Let teacher and pupils combine for the best and happiest work.
THE NORTH SCHOOL.
MISS JESSIE F. JONES, Teacher.
There has been no change of teacher in this school, except for a few days, when Miss Jones being sick with " La-Grippe" Miss Ida J. Bishop acted as substitute.
.
44
ANNUAL REPORT
Miss Jones returned to her care in season to close the thirteenth week's term for the winter. There has been steady improvement in all directions during the year.
The teacher has shown great fidelity to her trust, and has been unsparing of time and strength in working up the school to its present satisfactory condition.
There has been thoroughness in the mode of instruction in all branches, which it is always a pleasure to witness.
The recitations in language and grammar have been es- pecially marked with thought. If all questions have not been answered correctly, the answers have been given in a way to prove study and sure advancement. The order has been excellent and reached with mutual good understanding between teacher and pupils.
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