USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Medfield > Town annual reports of Medfield 1884 > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Oct.
30.
Melissa Curtis.
72
8
I3
Pneumonia.
Nov.
18.
Leo Harold Rogers.
76
IO
18
Paralysis.
Dec.
II.
Sarah B. Johnson.
41
4
IO
Heart Disease.
Dec. II.
Elizabeth S. Mitchell.
29
7
I3
Convulsions.
Whole number of deaths in Medfield, 24.
Between 80 and 90 years, ·
I Between 40 and 50 years, ·
I
Between 70 and 80 years,
8 Between 30 and 40 years,
2
Between 60 and 70 years,
3 Between 20 and 30 years,
5
Between 50 and 60 years,
I Under 20 years,
3
* Died in Walpole. + Died in California. # Died in Milford.
§ Died in Dover.
Aug.
15.
Joseph A. Howard.
29
I5
Consumption.
6
15
Croup.
Nov.
23.
Betsy Allen.
DISEASE.
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF SCHOOL FUND.
The subscribers present this, the yearly report.
Note given by Town of Medfield, $1,610.20
66
66
75.00
66
66 66 W .. P. Clark, secured by mortgage, 1,800.00
66
Sarah A. Chickering, secured by mort- gage, 250.00
66
Charles Lambert, secured by mortgage, 25.00
$3,760.20
Income received and paid over to Town Treasurer, $266.1I
J. H. BAKER, HAMLET WIGHT, R. A. BATTELLE,
Trustees.
MEDFIELD, Feb. 5, 1884.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
In the performance of our duty, as required by the Statutes of the Commonwealth, your Committee would present the following report.
The school work of the year, we are happy to say, has been, on the whole, successful. Though the Committee endeavor to plan and execute always with a view to the greatest prosperity of the schools, yet there are many attending circumstances which no man can foresee, and which may prove to be adverse in their operation. These must be met according to the best judgment of those into whose hands you have committed the interests of the schools. We have, during the year past, suffered, perhaps, less than usual from casual hindrances.
We have been favored with the continued services of several teachers who have earned in the past a reputation for skill in management, kind and efficient control, and thoroughness in instruction. Of those who have been appointed during the year, we have been spared the disappointment and regret of finding any who have proved themselves incompetent for the positions to which they were elected. With the best care and discrimina- tion on the part of the Committee, such a misfortune will some- times overtake them ; and they consider themselves very fortunate in being able to provide your schools with so good a corps of teachers as those now employed.
Very few changes have been found necessary during the year, the general plan of study adopted some three years since being followed with such modifications as the interests of particular schools seemed to demand. The same text-books have been retained in all branches, with the exception of penmanship, in which we have found sad need of improvement.
In drawing, we have made a more general and systematic attempt than before, believing that the culture of eye and hand thus acquired to be the nearest approach to industrial training, concerning which so much is now said, that can be considered feasible in the present condition of our schools. And, to the limited extent to which drawing is pushed, it is believed that
26
it will prove no hindrance to other important studies, but rather afford some diversity of employment in the school-room, which will be a rest by change, and promote the general vigor of the work in all branches.
The same may be said of the singing; while we do not attempt a regular course of instruction in the elementary principles of music, we desire that the benefits of song shall be enjoyed by all our schools, and that some little corner of each day shall be brightened up with cheerful singing, and as far as possible, in an incidental way, that the minds of the children be turned toward what is good and tasteful in song.
We desire to call the attention of the citizens again to the sub- ject of text-books provided by the town for all the schools. The measure has been urged very strongly before our Legislature at the present session, making it obligatory upon towns to provide all text-books at public expense. Many towns and cities, in all parts of the State, have already voted to do so in advance of any statu- tory requirement. Our neighbor across the river, the town of Medway, has done so with very satisfactory results. All those towns and cities where the measure is in operation are enthusi- astic in commendation of it. In one of the largest towns in the State and one of the most careful in its economy, free text-books have been furnished for some years; and the actual expense of ordinary wear, together with such changes as are necessary, does not exceed fifty cents yearly for each pupil. The advantages of the plan are numerous; and they will readily occur to those con- versant with school work, as well as to those families from which several children are attending school at the same time, and to whom the supplying of the necessary books is no small burden.
NORTH SCHOOL.
This school, as for several years past, has been under the charge of Miss E. B. Bowers, a teacher of experience and effi- ciency. A visit to this school at any hour of the school week will amply repay any one interested in the real progress of our chil- dren. The school is larger than for a long time; and the constant attendance, as well as the respectful, cheerful, busy aspect of the pupils, tells of the kind of influence that is exerted upon them.
27
SOUTH SCHOOL.
Miss Russell closed her connection with the school at the end of the spring term; and the committee happily secured the ser- vices of Miss Briggs, who has had long experience as a teacher in some of the best schools in the State. Her energy and tact for management soon produced a salutary change upon the general aspect of the school; and it became apparent during the first month that we were to hope for a successful year, which hope has been strengthened with succeeding months.
This school is also larger than formerly, and calls for very full and careful employment of the teacher's time, owing to the large number of classes, particularly in the winter term, when the older boys attend.
CENTRE PRIMARY SCHOOL.
Mrs. Dunn continues her connection with this school, and with the same success that has marked her efforts hitherto. This school is intended for three classes,- the first, second, and third year grades. By the plan heretofore pursued of admitting a new class in the spring, formed of those who have arrived at school age during the preceding six months, the school, through a part and sometimes through the whole of each year, consists really of four classes. As children in these lower grades can do very little in the way of individual study, but require the constant personal attention of the teacher, it appears the better plan to enter a new class only at the commencement of the school year in September.
Approved methods of teaching are employed in this depart- ment ; and, while we do not subscribe to all the notions of enthusiasts in primary school work, it is our purpose to adopt such methods and provide such appliances as can fairly be said to commend themselves to intelligent educators, and are known to produce good results in actual practice.
CENTRE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL.
Here, again, we have the advantage of employing a teacher whom we well know, and who is conversant with the wants and capabilities of the school, having been in charge of it for more than three years. It is sufficient to say that the same good order, genial spirit, and steady progress have characterized the school
28
during the past year as during the whole period of Miss Richards' connection with it. This division comprises three classes,- pupils of the fourth, fifth, and sixth year grades.
UPPER CENTRE SCHOOL.
In March last, Mr. Griffin, who had taught since the preceding September, resigned his position, and engaged in the study of law. The suggestion of the employment of a female principal having been often suggested by friends of the school, the committee secured the services of Miss E. J. Towle, who had taught very successfully in the vicinity of Boston, but had been laid aside for a considerable time by ill health. Being now ready to make an engagement with us, she commenced her work here at the begin- ning of the spring term. Her success was such that she was elected for the year commencing last September.
Effort is made in this school to give the pupils a somewhat broader view of the various subjects studied, and to depend less on the memorized text-book than is sometimes done. This kind of teaching requires somewhat more time to be spent on the classes than would be the case under a narrower style of teaching and recitation. While we are aware that for the pupil to answer in the words of the text-book is infinitely better than to have nothing at all to say in the recitation, and that it to a certain degree strengthens one in language to use the well-chosen sen- tences of a good author, still we welcome any judicious attempt to give our young people power to clothe their ideas in words, and to aid them in acquiring facility in the use of intelligible and expressive language.
The advanced class of last year returned in the fall for another year's study. By the regular course in gradation, a class came up from the Intermediate School, also several pupils, graduates from the North and South Schools. By this addition, a larger number of classes were found in attendance than had been contemplated in the organization of the school ; and the work was considerably increased. Many of these pupils remain but a short time longer in the public schools; and, as they are at the age when a higher grade of instruction may be made most useful to them, the Com- mittee felt desirous of giving them all possible opportunities while they remain by allowing them the benefit of the principal's per- sonal attention and of her chosen mode of instruction. In order
·
29
to do this, it became necessary, for the present term, to employ an assistant at a moderate compensation.
The appropriation for schools made last year proving sufficient for our present educational wants, we ask that the same sum be appropriated for the coming year.
Whole number of children of school age in town, as returned to the School Committee by the Assessors, May 1, 1883, is 192. Registered in schools, spring term, 186; fall term, 211; winter term, 194.
SCHOOL STATISTICS FOR THE YEAR 1883-84.
Length of School .in Weeks.
Wages of Teachers per Month .*
Whole No. of Scholars.
Average Attendance.
Schools.
Spring.
Fall.
Winter.
Spring.
Fall.
Winter.
Spring.
Fall.
Winter.
Spring.
Fall.
Winter.
No. of Scholars over
15 years of age.
Upper, .
I2
12
14
$56.82 $56.82
$88.82 +
28
40
40
25
35
33₺
O
16
Grammar,.
12
12
14
40.00
40.00
40.00
38
44
45
34
39
40
O
O
Primary,
I2
I2
I4
40.00
40.00
40.00
49
48
45
42
42
38
I
O
North, .
12
I2
14
40.00
40.00
40.00
43
48
38
372
39
35
2
I
South, .
12
12
I4
36.00
36.00
36.00
28
27
26
25
25
22
O
6
* Four weeks called a month.
t An Assistant employed for this term, and compensation covers both Principal and Assistant.
ROLL OF HONOR. Not Absent or Tardy for Three Terms.
Lillie Adams, Cora Crosby, Marion Leeds, George Roberts, Irving Crosby.
Not Absent or Tardy for Two Terms.
John Meany, John Ord, Flossie Bennett, Mary Meany, Annie Morrill, Laura Ord, Essie Thompson, Joseph Roberts, Mary A. Babcock, Fannie M. Babcock, Mary A. Lambert, Lillian T. Bryant, Arthur V. Phelps.
Not Absent or Tardy during One Term.
Bertha Codding, Annie Guild, Orra E. Guild, May A. Hamant, Affie L. Hanks, Edith E. Hewins, Harry Marsh, Fred. A. Morrill, Willie F. Morrill, George E. Payson, Fred. L. Wood, John M.
No. of Scholars under
5 years of age.
30
Richardson, David Miller, George Allen, Charlie D. Ellis, Amos H. Mason, F. Irving Howe, Henry A. Ellis, Edward A. Guild, James McGrory, Mary E. Miller, Agnes Lincoln, Lilla French, Gertrude Breck, Pearl Brigham, Flora Crane, Edith Grover, Mabel Hardy, Agnes Ord, Bertha Wiley, Eddie Franks, Harry Franks, Fred. Gamble, Robert Hardy, Willis Ricker, Willie Richardson, George Johnson, Robert Hardy, Medfield Meyers, Warren Blake, Joseph Leeds, Arthur Morrill, Mary Babcock, Jennie Morrill, Susie West, Willie B. Smith, Willie D. Gilbert, Lewis M. Munroe, George D. Hamant, John Tracy, Edward Lambert.
PERCENTAGE OF ATTENDANCE.
Spring Term. Fall Term.
Winter Term.
Centre Primary,
89
93
86
Centre Intermediate,
94
93
90
Upper School,
91
90
88
North School,
89
82
93
South School,
88
92
84
W. S. TILDEN,
For the Committee.
WARRANT FOR THE ANNUAL TOWN-MEETING.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
NORFOLK, SS.
To HINSDALE F. BULLARD, one of the constables of the town of Medfield, in the county of Norfolk, Greeting :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of the town of Medfield, qualified to vote in elections and in town affairs, to meet at the Town Hall in said Medfield, on Monday, the third day of March next, at twelve o'clock, noon, then and there to act on the following articles : -
ARTICLE I. To choose a Moderator to preside in said meeting.
ART. 2. To choose all necessary town officers for the ensuing year.
ART. 3. To hear the Annual Reports of the Selectmen and other town officers, and act thereon.
ART. 4. To raise, and make appropriations, of such sums of money as may be necessary to defray the town charges for the ensuing year.
ART. 5. To determine the mode of repairing the highways, town ways, and bridges for the ensuing year.
ART. 6. To determine the mode of collecting the taxes for the ensuing year.
ART. 7. To see if the town will authorize the Collector to charge interest; and, if so, what interest upon all taxes remaining unpaid after the first day of December next.
ART. 8. To see if the town will authorize the Collector to use all such means for collecting the taxes as the Treasurer might, if appointed Collector.
ART. 9. To see if the town will approve of the list of jurors prepared by the Selectmen for the ensuing year.
ART. IO. To see if the town will authorize the Overseers of the Poor to hire a keeper of the Almshouse for the year 1885.
ART. II. To see if the town will, or will not, authorize licenses for the sale of intoxicating liquors to be granted for the ensuing year.
ART. 12. To see if the town will make any appropriation for the expenses of next Decoration Day.
ART. 13. To see if the town will make any appropriation for the support of the Public Library for the ensuing year.
32
ART. 14. To see if the town will determine the compensation of the Fire Department for the ensuing year.
ART. 15. To see if the town will take up and relay the bridge near the house of Hamlet Wight, on North Street.
ART. 16. To see if the town will repair the Town Hall, and reslate the roof of the building.
ART. 17. To see if the town will authorize the Selectmen to employ a night-watch for the ensuing year.
ART. 18. To see if the town will widen and fill out the road on Spring Street, opposite the house of Edgar Kingsbury, or act anything thereon.
ART. 19. To see if the town will reimburse the expenses incurred by Charles Dunn in the suit against him by Jeremiah Johnston.
ART. 20. To see if the town will accept the trust specified in the last Will and Testament of the late George M. Smith, and upon the terms thereof.
ART. 21. To see if the town will accept the doings of the Selectmen upon the petition of Oliver Clifford and others for a new road between the residences of D. L. Garfield and E. P. Gilley, or act anything thereon.
And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting up an attested copy thereof in the usual place for posting warrants in Medfield, at least ten days before the time for holding said meeting.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this warrant, with your doings thereon, unto the Town Clerk, at the time and place of meeting, as aforesaid.
Given under our hands this eleventh day of February, A.D. one thou- sand eight hundred and eighty-four.
B. F. SHUMWAY, Selectmen GEORGE W. KINGSBURY, of N. F. HARDING, Medfield.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.