USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1879-1894 > Part 24
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STATISTICS.
Number of volumes now in the library, 4167
Number of volumes at the time of opening, 3973
Of these 3458 volumes were the gift of W. A. Wilde; 97 volumes, Mrs. C. D. Wilde; 350 volumes, Ginn & Co., Boston ; 36 volumes, American Unitarian Association ; 20 volumes, Ameri- can Swedenborgan Society ; 11 volumes, Lee & Shepherd, Bos- ton ; 1 volume, S. K. Abbott, Malden.
Books and other articles donated to the Library since the opening :
From Smithsonian Institute, Washington, D. C., ·
22 vols.
Estes & Lauriat, Boston,
18
City of Boston, 22 66 ·
Luther Conant, Esq. ,
27 66
Massachusetts State Library,
10 66
Acton Centre Grammar School Library, 38
Acton Centre Social Library,
22 6
Willis B. Allen, Boston,
5 66
Aaron T. Hayward, Boston,
3 F. T. Greenhalge, Lowell, 9
William Barrett, Esq., Concord "Social Circle," . 2 66
C. J. Williams, Esq., Hist. of Middlesex County, 3
D. C. Corey, Malden-Fiske's Civil Government, 1
Rev. James Fletcher, " Acton in History," .
66 66 Hist. of N. Brookfield, 1
1 Dr. E. T. Eastman, Boston, .
1
Dr. R. M. Lawrence, " The Lawrence Family," 1
Hon. John S. Keyes, "Concord Celebration of '85," U. S. Government, 1
1 66
Silas Hosmer, Concord, Centennial Celebration at Concord, in 1875, 1 "
37
TOWN OF ACTON.
Mrs. O. H. Folger, Lawrence,
Joseph Dalton, Boston,
E. A. Goodnow, Worcester, . Mrs. R. F. Dyer, Ottawa, Ill., George T. Angell, Boston,
1
1
1 "
1
.
1
Total,
. 194
Other articles of value donated to the library :
From A. M. Lothrop, Washington, D. C., clock for the library.
· Friends of W. A. Wilde, Esq., of Malden, crayon portrait of Mr. Wilde.
Mary D. Richardson and children, crayon portrait of the widow of Capt. Isaac Davis.
Moses Taylor, Esq., two swords, one carried by Mr. Taylor's grandfather, at the battle of Bennington, and the other by Capt. Silas Jones, at South Boston.
Edwin J. Piper and brother, of Springfield, the drum and sword belonging to Major Josiah Piper, of Acton.
W. A. Wilde, Esq., engraving of Gen. Grant.
L. C. Baldwin, South Acton, plate for clock.
Silas Hosmer, Concord, "paper cutter," made from one of the timbers of the Old North Bridge.
Eugene L. Hall, photographs of Library, etc.
CIRCULATION OF BOOKS.
From October 11, 1890, to March 11, 1891, a period of five months, a total of 5770 books were issued from the library. Pre- vious to October 11, no record was kept, but it is safe to say that about 9000 volumes have been taken from the library since the opening. No diminution of public interest is apparent.
The greatest number issued in one day, was 228, on March 7,1891.
Number of library cards issued to present time 586.
Fines collected, $12.67.
For the Trustees, WILLIAM D. TUTTLE,
Secretary.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
For the School Year 1890-61.
39
TOWN OF ACTON.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
To the Town of Acton :
But for the annual March meeting, the jottings of the calendar, the singing of the blue-birds, and the courteous reminders of the fathers of the town that the School Report is due, we should be inclined to question the statement.
The wheels of Time glide swiftly and quietly over the track, and we fail to note their passage till some of the way- stations are reached.
What about the Report ? Much the same as in former years. Regrets repeated and emphasized. Changes among the teachers, a fair average. Parental co-operations, the usual percentage. Epidemics, not fatal, but in some schools at times serious and detrimental to the surest and happiest progress. The attendance of the scholars, with some painful exceptions, encouraging to Teachers and Committee. Progress in studies, decidedly hopeful. Fidelity, earnest work, tact, patience and success among the teachers, variable, but quite up to the level of former reports.
THE IDEAL SCHOOL.
Have you seen the ideal school anywhere within the Acton lines ?
What do you mean by the ideal school ? Is it the school where the teacher is a model of serene temper, repressing every passionate word and feeling, patiently enduring all the irritations of the varying moods of the scholars, weather and personal conditions, quick to detect the idle, mischievous or studious habit in any part of the room, brave to sound the alarm when the crisis of disorder is reached, wise to do the right act at the right moment - when to make a mistake is
40
ANNUAL REPORT
to imperil the tone of the school for months - loving and caring for the good of every scholar on the roll as if stand- ing in the mother's or father's place, with no hobby for any particular study of the curriculum, but with an intense zest for every line of knowledge, with a motive power reaching far into the heavens, which poor pay and unappreciating returns cannot drag from the heights ?
Those teachers are rare. Perhaps not that ideal has been seen on Acton soil within the year. Some actual specimens have at least suggested that ideal. We are thank- ful for the approximate.
Again the question returns : " What do you mean by the ideal school ?"
Is it the school where order reigns supreme mistress of the whole department, through the aisles, through the desks, from the platform to the rear, crosswise and lengthwise, from the crown of the head to the tip of the foot, the teacher a mirror for the scholars and the scholars each separate mir- rors for the teacher, papers, pencils, books, slates, all obedient to the same silent power, the voice of the teacher one of love and authority sweetly blended, the voice of the scholar a re-echo of the teacher's; where all ambitions are helpful to the general good, where the little jealousies and bickerings of the outside world find no entrance, where the sparkling eye tells the story of some new hidden treasure reached in the search for knowledge, where the gleesome word leaps from the mouth unconsciously : "I have caught one !" Caught what ? "One of those golden moments, flying by with yellow wings, swifter than light."
Yes, something like that has been seen ; not, to be sure, just like that, but more like that than anything else. Where ? In what part of the town? Visit the schools and make your own independent judgements. Do not take the statements of Committeeman or of your next door neighbor, who may have some freak of personal favoriteism or prejudice, un- founded, but go for yourselves. Not with a scowl, not with
41
TOWN OF ACTON.
an alien tone, not with glasses that magnify the smallest foibles into huge monsters of frightful mien, not when the nerves are tired with the jangle of poor results in the kitchen or at the dinner hour ; but go when the good angels are with you, and if you do not see the vision charge the fault where you please, but be sure you do not make any mistake in that charge.
DIFFERENT POINTS OF VIEW.
The merits or demerits of a school or teacher depend upon where you take in the perspective.
View it from the tax-payer's stand, and what should be his judgment ? We will wait for a moment and let him have the floor :
" When the tax bills come in this is my first thought : It is a large sum for a poor man like me to pay every year ; but upon taking breath I say ' all right.' I would not live in a town where I could not have this chance of paying a reasonable amount for schools. I am not rich enough to afford this economy of letting the children grow up in the range of my estates without school training. When I go out upon my lands and put in those sturdy strokes which tire the muscles, I remember that some of those strokes are to pay the teachers for educating the children of our town, and half the fatigue leaves me at the thought. I have no children of my own, but all the children of the hamlet become mine when I pay and work for their good. I at once feel the nobility of a pater familias on a large scale, and the days and nights go by with a glow. Yes, gentlemen, keep up your schools and see that the children for whom we toil are making the most of their school days. See that they are all there and doing their very best."
THE PARENTS' STANDPOINT.
Let them speak for themselves :
" We wish we could see those teachers and tell them face to face how much we owe them for what they have done
1
42
ANNUAL REPORT
for our boys and girls. Every month shows gains of knowl- edge and improved manners, and the credit, we know, must be largely due to a cultured mind in the teacher. The days are shortened and the pleasure doubled by this friendly share in our responsible trusts.
" Thanks to the tax-payers for lifting in part the bur- dens from our shoulders. What could we do if we had to pay from our own pockets the extra expenses of tuition and books for our children at school ? As it is, with all our economy and toil, we can scarcely make the ends of the year meet .. Yes, tell every one of them that they have done a generous act in tiding us across the chasm that parted the two ends."
THE TEACHER'S STANDPOINT.
Mark her words :
" I feel every morning when those boys and girls march into the room from their several homes, well fed, tidily clad and'eager for the new day's work that they come fresh from the parental care. I thank every one of these parents for giving good cheer at the start, for those parting salutes of encour- agement and caution. I will match them, if in my power, by an equal faithfulness in this part of the line, and may God help us both on all the line, in the outgoing and incom- ing trains. The school without this home inspiration is a weakling."
Attention is called to some of the statutes of the State, bearing upon the schools.
At the last session of the Legislature, the law in regard to school attendance was changed, so that children between the ages of eight and fourteen years must now attend thirty weeks during the year.
The Acts of 1889, 464, Section 1, have been amended so as to read as follows :
Section 1. Every person having under his control a child between the ages of eight and fourteen years, shall
43
TOWN OF ACTON.
annually cause said child to attend some public day school in the city or town in which he resides, and such attendance shall continue for at least thirty weeks of the school year, if the schools are kept open that length of time, with an allow- ance of two weeks' time for absences not excused by the Superintendent of Schools or the School Committee ; and for every neglect of such duty, the person offending shall, upon complaint of the School Committee or any truant officer, forfeit for the use of the public schools of such city or town a sum not exceeding twenty dollars; but if such child has attended for a like period of time a private day school approved by the School Committee of such city or town, or if such child has been otherwise instructed for a like period of time in the branches of learning required by law to be taught in the public schools, or has already acquired the branches of learning required by law to be taught in the public schools, or if his physical or mental condition is such as to render such attendance inexpedient or impracticable, such penalties shall not be incurred.
MEMORIAL DAY.
Statute law : "In all the public schools of the Com- monwealth, the last regular session prior to Memorial day, or a portion thereof, shall be devoted to exercises of a patriotic nature."
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES.
Chapter 47, Section 9, of the Revised Statutes : "The School Committee shall not allow a child who has not been duly vaccinated to be admitted to or connected with the public schools."
The following act was passed in 1885 :
" The School Committee shall not allow any pupil to attend the public schools while any member of the household to which such pupil belongs is sick of small pox, diphtheria or scarlet fever, or during the period of two weeks after the death, recovery or removal of such sick person, and any
44
ANNUAL REPORT
pupil coming from such household shall be required to present to the teacher of the school the pupil desires to attend, a certificate from the attending physician or Board of Health, of the facts necessary to entitle him to admission in accordance with the above regulation."
HIGH SCHOOL.
The graduating exercises Friday evening, June 20, in the Town hall, showed an interest in the school on the part of the public never excelled, if equalled. The hall was crowded by an intelligent audience, fully appreciative of every part of the programme. The floral decorations, per- sonal and general, were on a lavish scale of beauty.
- PROGRAMME-
Class Motto : - " VIRTUE IS OUR ANCHOR."
MUSIC.
Prayer, .. Rev. F. P. Wood Salutatory and Essay --- " Sunlight and Shade," ... Edith A. Flagg Essay-" The End Not Yet,". Jennie E. McCarthy MUSIC.
Essay-" Acton Memorial Library," Lottie L. Conant Essay-" William H. Grady,". George I. Harris
MUSIC.
Essay-" Labor and Rest,". Addie L. Guilford Essay and History-" The National Flower," .. Clara B. Robbins MUSIC.
Essay-" How shall Graduates Improve?" . L. Emma Noyes Essay-" Acton's Industries,". Harvey P. Tuttle MUSIC.
Essay and Prophecy-" The Gentlemen in History," Clara L. Hammond Essay and Valedictory-" Looking Backward," Susie M. Poultney MUSIC.
Presentation of Diplomas
MUSIC.
.
45
TOWN OF ACTON.
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 Bookkeeping, alternating. English Grammar and Composition. General
History.
Second Term-Arithmetic and . Bookkeeping, alternating. English Grammar and Composition. Gen- eral History.
Third Term-Arithmetic and Bookkeeping, alternating.
Rhetoric begun. Botany.
SECOND YEAR.
First Term-Algebra begun. Rhetoric continued. Physi- ology.
Second Term-Algebra continued. English Literature be- gun. Physics begun.
Third Term-Geometry begun. Physics continued. English Literature continued.
THIRD YEAR.
First Term-Geometry continued. Latin begun. Chemistry begun.
Second Term-Physical Geography. Latin continued. Chem- istry continued.
Third Term-Civil Government. Latin. Geology.
Four recitations in each branch per week. Wednesday, a modified 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, and in all the schools, to be continued as the fairest and surest proof of the real progress made. This reveals the weak and strong points of scholarship.
The questions are considered in silence and indepen-
46
ANNUAL REPORT
dently without interference from teacher, committee, school- mates, or the public.
For the sake of public inspection, the doors of all the schools are open to visitors at any time which may suit their convenience. More frequent visits by parents and friends are welcome.
The whole number of different pupils in the High school during the year, was 53.
Number of pupils over 15 years,
21
Number of pupils under 15 years, ·
32
Total average membership, . 31.25
. . 34.42
Total average attendance, . 90.79
Average percentage of attendance,
Number applicants in written examination in June, 37
Number admitted entitled to certificates, .
23
Mr. Armstrong has added another year of faithful ser- vice as Principal of this school. Order, discipline and studi- ous habits have remained as the marked features of the school when visited.
The unusual number of applicants for admission to the school in June, and the success of so many, has added an im- portant working force. The new class has entered upon the course with apparent purpose to make the most of it, to their own advantage and to the future credit of the school.
It is the unanimous judgment of the School Committee, that the question of the transportation of the scholars to the High School should soon be determined by the town.
If the school is to rotate as heretofore, or is to locate permanently in one place, it seems desirable that the pupils should, so far as is practicable, be relieved of too great in- equality in the expense of attending.
As the town is situated, and is likely to be in the future, the question is one which should be be considered in all its bearing.
No hasty decisions should be reached to be annulled in a passion. It is hoped some feasible plan may be presented at the April meeting which the sober and generous sentiment of the citizens can approve.
47
TOWN OF ACTON.
THE CENTRE SCHOOL.
Grammar Department-Spring Term.
MISS IDA J. BISHOP, -
Teacher.
Miss Bishop continued in charge of this school .during the spring term, devoting her energies faithfully to the work. Her acquirements in knowledge, her methods of instruction, and her personal interest in her pupils, are especially to be commended. She has fine perceptions of what should be the loyalty of scholars to the control of the teacher, and failing to reach her own ideal, and encountering obstacles which she cared not to meet on a second trial, she gracefully retired.
Fall and Winter Terms.
MISS CLARA B. HOLDEN, . - - - Teacher.
She is a graduate of the High School at Concord, has fine literary tastes and successful experience as a disciplinarian and teacher in other schools. She is thorough in her in- structions, accomplishing rapidly in the drill work of the school-room, is unsparing of her strength, and with the friendly co-operation of scholars and parents, cannot fail to be a great blessing to the district. The exercises of the pub- lic half-day in this school were well attended, and could not be witnessed without impressing the visitors with the ability and devotion of the teacher.
CENTRE PRIMARY.
MISS SARAH E. HAMMOND, Teacher. -
This school has been fortunate in retaining the services of the same teacher during the whole year. Miss Hammond has maintained order, and has led the pupils along the right paths in a quiet, firm and happy way. Good progress has been made in laying the foundations for promotion to the higher grades. We trust there will be, in the coming term, additions to the membership of this school, which will im- part to it new interest and importance.
48
ANNUAL REPORT
NORTH SCHOOL. Spring Term. - - Teacher.
MISS JESSIE F. JONES, -
Miss Jones continued in charge of this school during the spring term. The same alacrity, faithfulness and order in the management of the school were noticed as in prev- ious terms. The two from this school who appeared as can- didates for admission to the High School, passed with credit the written test in June, and a third would have doubtless also passed if his courage had been equal to the trial. Miss Jones, during the summer vacation, receiving the offer of a graded school with increased pay in her native place, Water- town, accepted the situation.
Fall and Winter Terms.
MISS SUSAN E. CONANT, - - .
Teacher.
Miss Conant is a graduate of the Acton High School, and of the Framingham Normal. She had enjoyed the op- portunity of testing her powers as a teacher in a neighbor- ing town, and entered upon her duties with a confidence be- gotten of success. Her vivacity and pleasant manners, her thorough drill in the Normal methods, her resolute purpose to succeed in what she undertakes, joined with the co-opera- tion of scholars and parents, are the omens of her ultimate victory.
The public half day occurring in the midst of a snow storm, still found every member of the school present, a large number of visitors and a programme of exercises, which were duly appreciated by all.
EAST SCHOOL.
Spring and Fall Terms.
MISS SUSAN A. WETHERBEE, - - Teacher.
Miss Wetherbee has persisted in her good work in this district as if possessed of a passion for its cares. In season and out of season, in sunshine and in storm, with strength and without strength, with voice and without voice, her
49
TOWN OF ACTON.
dauntless spirit carried her through two terms of the year, when, to the regret of all, she was obliged to say positively, " Thus far but not one more step ; my work is done; I wish it were better done." We are all thankful she was able to complete it so bravely and well. Her reward is not in her portemonnaie, but in the testimony of a good conscience, and in the lasting memories of the groups whom she has loved and taught.
Winter Term.
MISS RENA M. CARR, Teacher.
Even an experienced teacher with the prestige of suc- cess in other schools might well pause before assuming responsibilities which had been borne so long and so accept- ably by her predecessor.
Miss Carr has done well under the circumstances. She has steadily gained in the confidence of her pupils. She took the craft when the flag was flying at half-mast, but she steered among the breakers and gallantly reached the peaceful waters. Let her have the full sympathy and aid of parents and scholars, and more assured results are certain to come in the future. She has patience, firmness, love for her pupils, and a full equipment of mind for the work. The exercises of the public half day were well attended and could not be wit- nessed without a hearty approval.
SOUTH EAST SCHOOL.
MISS HATTIE L. TUTTLE, - Teacher.
This school has been favored with Miss Tuttle as teacher through the entire year. She has retained the increasing confidence of scholars and parents. She has order, thorough methods of instruction, personal interest in her scholars, and a devotion to her work. Some of the older pupils of the dis- trict have come in during the winter to take advantage of her service, and showed their appreciation of her help by a handsome token at the close of the term.
Upon the united request of local committee, parents and
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ANNUAL REPORT
scholars, the school was continued through the spring vaca- tion, with the understanding that the respite was to come later in the season. This was to compensate some of the older masters, who are obliged to lose a portion of the spring term by work outside.
The public half day was well attended and the exercises were completed with commendable interest on the part of all.
SOUTH SCHOOL.
Grammar Department.
MISS CLARA A. JOHNSON, -
- - Teacher.
This train has been on time right through the year. The Conductress is always careful to have all the machinery, wheels, brakes, engine, steam, ventilators, lights, seats, pas- sengers, in trim rig for the trip. When the train starts all are aboard and in position, sure of a pleasant passage and safe arrival. The course is steady up and down the grades, around the curves, through the drifts, over the bridges. When the train stops there is no rude, loud shouting at the door, no jostling of passengers to see who shall first make his outing, but John, Peter and Moses, Susan, Grace and Sarah, jauntily abide their time. In June the train stopped at the High School station, and twelve, the entire company, apply- ing, received their tickets and stepped on board with a quiet, but gleesome satisfaction at the outlook. At last heard from they were making fine progress up the heights of the table lands beyond.
At the public half day there were many at the station to greet the incoming train, to see how the passengers had fared, and what kind of reports they could make. Warm congratulations were given as the different tales were told. The epidemics had been on board during the latter part of the route and had given some of the passengers a worn, weary look, but the old fire burned within and sparkled in the eye, and kindled in the voice. Many thanks are due the Con- ductress for the successful issue of the trip.
51
TOWN OF ACTON.
Primary Department - Spring Term.
MISS HEDESSA L. SHARP, -
Teacher.
Miss Sharp continued in charge of the school during the spring term. Much the same features marked the instruc- tion, discipline and management of the school as had been previously noticed and commended.
It was feared that any change of teacher, when the bal- ance was struck, might not be to the credit of such change. The circumstances, as considered at the time of decision, seemed to point towards the risk, with the hope that it might be in the end to the advantage of all concerned, teacher as well as scholars.
Fall and Winter Terms.
MISS S. ANNA L. TIRRELL, - - Teacher.
Miss Tirrell is from Braintree, has had fine success in other schools, has methods of her own, and those most approved in the normal training. She works with a steady, earnest, quiet energy, and before the day is finished the scholars find a good work has been accomplished, that valu- able knowledge has been stored up for future use, the mind has been trained and the will controlled. The public half day was gladly improved by the parents and friends of the school, and this silent but sure testimony was in commenda- tion of teacher and scholars.
Some of the exercises in reading in this school would have done credit to any of the grades of school. Infections and expressions of sentiment were freely given. This is what is most sought and most rarely found.
WEST SCHOOL.
Grammar Department - Spring Term.
MISS ALICE J. HOAR, -
· Teacher.
Miss Hoar stood at the helm for this craft during the spring term. The waters were sometimes rough and the winds boisterous, but she remained calmly at her post, steer- ing towards the desired haven. Had she at times taken a
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