USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1878/1879-1882/1883 > Part 19
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HIGH SCHOOL,
The closing year furnishes a record of this school similar in efficiency and results to the years that have gone by. The good opinion in which it is held by all its patrons, as well as the increasing interest manifested by the community alike testify to its usefulness and popularity.
99
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
The changes have not been great in number, have been grad- ual rather than absolute and such as the merits of the school demanded. We are very much gratified with the efforts of Mr. Smith and their results. There seems to be more interest on the part of the pupils, thus rendering the teaching by far more effectual.
Some of the practical results are these:
I. English composition has been made a regular study in connection with the practice of expressing thought upon paper.
2. Latin and Greek have been more carefully taught, and the principles more thoroughly understood, by constant chang- ing of English into those ancient languages, and by translation at sight by the most advanced classes.
3. French and German have been taught by the adoption of the conversational method. Miss Silverthorn has labored faithfully not only in this department, but in all the classes under her charge.
4. Mathematics have been presented in such forms as to be persued with interest and pleasure. Optional examples and problems formed a special feature of this work.
5. Reading has received a fresh impulse by the introduction of selections from Milton and Tennyson. No branch of study demands more liberal provision and intelligent teaching than reading, since no study of the school will be so frequently applied to practical use in after life, and no other will afford so much rational enjoyment, and abundant means for personal improvement if properly applied.
We desire to impress upon the pupils this fact that the strength and worth of the High School depends largely upon the scholars composing it, or in other words that their success will be the result of individual energy and industry, and the want of success will be the result of individual idleness and disinterestedness. The school must have heart and mind in sympathy with the teachers in order that the benefits so liber- ally provided by the town may be made available to each and every one alike.
100
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
MIXED SCHOOLS.
The Sandersdale school has been under the teaching of Miss Remington another year with the same good results as formerly. That she is appreciated by the patrons of the school is evident from the fact that a beautiful present was given her on the day of the examination.
Sumner, Mrs. Hattie Moulton has taught another year in this school. The examination at the close of the year was very satisfactory, showing good work both by teacher and scholar.
Dennison, taught by E. G. Penniman. This was his first experience in teaching. Mr. Penniman shows in the school- room that he has the tact requisite for making a good teacher. He is interested in his work and with a little more attention to the order of the school-room will have a model school.
Hooker, Miss Clara Nichols is a thorough teacher. Her pupils understand what they have been over. This school is small and the scholars are not in constant attendance owing to being situated in a farming community, but good results are always found at the close of the school.
TABULAR VIEW OF SCHOOLS.
SCHOOLS.
No. of different scholars.
Average number.
Average attendance.
Average percent of at-
tendance.
No. of weeks of school.
High school
85
33.66
28
.831
40
Grammar-Main street
40
29.86
26.7
.894
36
School street
37
28 4
26.7
.94
37
ntermediate-Main street.
78
39.33
35.74
.909
36
Town hall.
41
31
23.66
.763
12
River street
55
33.6
30.3
.90
37
School street
40
32.8
30.1
.918
37
Second Primary-Main street
44
33.43
29.76
.89
36
Carpenter
39
14.5
10.8
.74
23
Elm street
27
23.6
21.86
.926
11
Union street
42
16.9
15.66
.927
35
School street
54
35
30.1
.86
35
Plimpton street
47
25.8
21.43
.829
35
River street
42
27
23
.85
35
First Primary-Main street.
58
45.58
37.57
.82
35
Carpenter
50
36.5
33
.90
9
Elm street
33
25 77
21.66
.84
35
School street.
75
32.3
28.2
.87
35
Plimpton street.
58
44.66
36.28
.81
11
Union street.
70
55.67
44.67
.798
11
River street, No. 1
65
40.14
32.9
.819
35
River street, No. 2.
53
39.77
34.66
.87
35
Hamilton street
47
33.6
24.6
.73
11
Ungraded-Dennison
26
21.38
18.4
.86
36
Hooker
21
13.18
11.9
.90
35
Sandersdale
53
40.63
38.27
.94
35
Sumner
71
28.13
21.15
.75
35
Bacon
11
9.8
8.8
.898
10
For all the schools.
1,312
871.94
745.96
.855
813
Average per school.
46.8
31.28
26.64
.85
29.1
.
IO2
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
From the tabular statement and other sources we compile the following :
Number of children in town May 1, 1881, as per census
1,390
Whole number of different scholars.
1,312
Average number
871.94
Average attendance
745.96
Average number per school
31.28
Average attendance per school
26.64
Average percent of attendance
.855
Number of scholars over 15 years
45
Number of scholars under 5 years.
26
Number of scholars between 8 and 14.
774
Number of different teachers
31
Number of male teachers
3
Number of female teachers. .
28
Salary of teacher in high school
$1,000
Salary of assistant teacher in high school per week.
$12 00
Average pay of teachers per week, except high school.
$8 10
Respectfully,
E. M. PHILLIPS,
B. V. STEVENSON, GEO. M. WHITAKER,
Committee.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SELECTMEN
OF THE
Town of Southbridge.
(103)
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
We submit our second annual report of matters in our depart- ment, pertaining to the prudential interests of the town. Our accounts have been so arranged as to present in detail the items of all expenditures and the purposes for which they were used, to enable voters to obtain accurate information as to the uses of money placed at our disposal. We trust voters will examine them, as a means of determining the actual necessities of the town, for each of the several usual and specific appropriations granted at the annual meeting, We endeavored as far as possi- ble to keep within them, and at the same time to do as much as we could to meet all present demands and such future wants as seemed to be necessary to maintain and improve whatever was under our care, giving to all the appropriations as much pur- chasing power as they possessed.
Another year of experience has confirmed us in the sug- gestions contained in our last report. If proper we would repeat them. But they are accessible to voters if not remembered.
Last year we presented the results of our experiment in doing our road work, and we are not prepared to change our convic- tions therein expressed. The business interests of the town have a greater degree of interest in our roads, not alone in our villages but outside of them also, than in anything else certainly
14
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106
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
in our department. Good roads are indeed essential to our wel- fare. No expenditure of money is more generally criticised than for this work and none more liable to actual waste. We earnestly recommend a single surveyor for reasons stated last year. The unusual contingencies of this year have not modified our convictions in this respect. It is true that the heavy and frequent rain-fall during the first three months of the past year made the season for work much shorter than usual, and imposed an unusually large amount of repairs made necessary by contin- uous washing of the hilly parts of our roads. Work was post- poned to a later day in the season in some places than was desirable, and yet the ordinary work was all done, and besides much of a more permanent character. But it was quite expen- sive because the cost of material alone was nearly ten percent of the money expended, and the team work required for drawing it long distances consumed some sixty percent of the balance expended. High, Hamilton, Central and Main streets had the greater part of the expenditures.
The total sum paid out for the work done for repairs by the surveyor omitting some items not properly included was -
$3,014.60
Paid out for teams used by him,
$1,386.92
Paid out for workmen, 1,275.20
Paid for surveyor's services,
352.48
$3,014.60
These items show what part of the expenses goes for teams alone.
The town has been discussing for years the best method for making road repairs. At times in our history there has been just cause for complaint as to the condition of our highways; such times are likely to occur again unless provision for per- manent improvement is made, instead of relying upon merely temporary repairs. It is clear that money expended in this way is like interest consuming all the while, in mere forbearance,
107
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
and securing no satisfactory results. The question then is can anything be suggested promising better things?
We will answer this inquiry with a suggestion for the consid- eration of voters: To secure materials that will stand for time, stay where they are placed upon our roads, and preserve their form, stone can be relied upon without question. Such materials may be obtained by the use of a stone crusher ; some of the larger towns, as Milford and Hopkinton, use these with great success, and, as they judge, profit. The stone are not put on expensively, that is the roads are not macadamised, but as the roads become flat they are crowned up with crushed stone six or eight inches in depth, and thus is secured a bed which will not wash, but be hard for years and free from mud. Common field stone are used. Of course the work must be done with care. The implements necessary are a portable stone crusher and a roller, used usually near to the places where the materials are required. The towns named have used this process for years, and no longer regard it experimental. Can there be any doubt that our streets could be permanently improved in this way, that the hilly parts could be made secure from washing, or that the expense of the work would be greatly in excess of what it has been to put on gravel, which can never be as good or durable? We do not hesitate to recommend the town to obtain accurate and reliable information upon this subject with a view to its adoption here, if found practicable, because we have not such information before us except of a general character. But the town should know.
In the next place it is advisable that the town should own its teams as a prudent business man who had so much work to be done, would do. The town farm can be serviceable for keeping them, and be improved thereby. The horses besides this work would ordinarily be able to do what the Fire Department require for practice at least, and an expense of about $ 200 00 saved annually in that direction. In this way the work can be kept moving, and the account for road repairs reduced nearer to
108
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
a labor account than is possible by continuing to hire teams as we have done. The same principle of economy that provides itself with implements for doing work also dictates this plan. We do not overlook the consideration of cost of teams, carts, and the like, the items of repairs, keeping, loss of time and the chances of injury or loss ; these enter into the cost of each team the town hires, and are paid for. The property will belong to the town and such money as may be expended in its purchase will be therefore an investment, only at the risk of the town of course ; but if properly cared for, it will pay in our judgment a good percent in the annual saving of expenses, and in the cost of our road work. Thus provided with the means of doing our road work and having a properly organized gang of workmen, we can each year gain a point of permanence and completion in our highways and streets, that may safely be trusted to be found the next, at a cost nearer to what it should be than is possible under our present methods. We seriously urge consideration of these suggestions.
There are some sidewalk repairs that should be provided for this year. The plank walks on Hamilton street have been a constant source of annoyance; and several accidents, although fortunately none of them very serious as we trust, have occurred; and that notwithstanding a careful inspection of them had been made and considerable expended in attempting to make them safe for use. It is a serious question whether the town should not take them up, provide a filled or gravel walk, on that street at least, rather than run its chances for claims for accidents longer. The other plank walks are of more recent construction, and less free from defective places, but they also will reach a similar condition shortly. No more investments in traps of this kind should be placed upon our streets.
The brick walks on each side of Main street in front of the business blocks in the center village, are not in as good condi- tion as they should be, and the sidewalk appropriation should be made sufficient to do work there, or a special one for it, as
109
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
the town deems best. For these purposes we recommend the town to make provision.
The bridges have had much more work this year than usual, but they are now, so far as we know, in good condition. One bridge on Chestnut street had to be entirely taken up, and other such unexpected work has exhausted the account, but not to a great amount, and the usual sum will probably suffice for next year.
The South street balance should have an additional sum of about $64.87 for the purpose of placing a street crossing at the head of High street, and perhaps also at Sayles street, and extending the gravel walks west of High street. This appro- priation we recommend.
The Columbian road grant was not used for the want of time to do the work. We do not think the sum is sufficient to do the work contemplated. If it is to be thoroughly done, the appro- priation should be increased two or three hundred dollars. Our estimate for this work was seven hundred dollars, and we think nothing less will complete the work.
For these specific purposes there may be sums taken from the unappropriated funds in the treasury without making special appropriations to be raised by taxation this year. Except for the purpose of adjusting accounts, the balance of the unappro- priated funds in the treasury should be applied to the payment of the town debt, and this we recommend.
It is a subject of special congratulation that the Fire Depart- ment, by the prudent and considerate care of the Engineers, has so greatly reduced its expenses, and saved so large a credit bal- ance. The usual contingent should be granted so that the Engineers may supply hose as it is required. The Engineers have earned a good name by their management of the pruden- tial affairs of their department, and have sustained the efficiency of the department in every respect. This special mention is due them.
5
P
IIO
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
Three applications for new roads have been made during the past year. That of Mr. Mansfield and others for a new road from Sandersdale village to West Dudley, round the hill, was not favorably considered by the Board, for the reason that it is not advisable to maintain two parallel roads so near to each other, for so great a distance.
The street across from Main street to Dresser street, prayed for by Mr. Goddard and others, is much needed and should be laid out. But considerable expense is involved in its construc- tion, and the expenses for land damages promise much contro- versy, if not litigation, and it is hoped that these difficulties may be so modified that the project may be successfully presented for town action.
The street at the Globe Village from the house of Samuel Greenwood to Winter street is necessary for his accommodation; but his neighbors place a high estimate upon their land, and cannot be made to see any advantage in conceding any for this purpose, without considerable compensation, and more than we judged proper to pay.
During the year the Board have procured a new set of books uniform in style and adapted to the use of the department, and opened them ; one for the record of sidewalk locations and as- sessments, and one for the Board of Health, containing the code of Health Laws now in force in this town, and for the record of their doings. A large Iron Fire Proof Safe has been purchased for use of the department. The Health Laws are prepared to cover most all instances that can arise, and provided with penal- ties, so that sending notifications simply will be all that the Board will need to do when complaints are made, and our successors will find no difficulty in knowing what to do and be able to save much time in case applications for relief are made. Blank notices have been prepared also for use. Printed blanks for warrants for town meetings; for constables'; treasurer's and collector's bonds; engineers' bills and returns, licenses, and accounts, and a printed pamphlet of the health laws for circula-
III
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
tion, have been prepared with a view to save time, and secure uniformity in doing the business of our department.
In this connection it has occurred to us that it would be a great convenience to the people and of great service to town officers, if their business of a clerical nature could be taken care of for them. The salary and fees of the town clerk, with such compensation as could be paid to a person for this work would be sufficient to secure for the several boards entire relief from the duty of preparing bills, drawing orders and keeping accounts, and a place and person who could be found each day for town business, thus relieving officers from a great amount of work and at the same time better accommodate the people. This can be done by electing a town clerk who is competent to attend to these duties, and will be at the office in business hours for that purpose. It seems to us that such an officer would be of great advantage, and a reason why with him, men whose time is of great value to them might be more readily induced to accept public offices.
The year has been fruitful in special services unpleasant to perform. The board endeavored to meet the exigencies with such efforts as seemed proper, guided by the best information we could obtain. The small pox visitation was an unfortunate and disturbing element in our business interests for many weeks and a source of great anxiety to us. Considerable excite- ment prevailed, our labors were arduous, and sometimes our acts did not meet popular approval; but now that their history has been made up, in the light of all that-transpired it cannot be said in fairness that the board were not successful in suppress. ing the contagion; cases occurred in ten separate families and in seven different dwellings, under such circumstances as to· excite the belief that many might have been exposed before it was known to us; and it is a source of congratulation that not more than twenty-six cases appeared and that it was kept abso- lutely within the families of the persons known to have been originally exposed to the infection. This should settle the
II2
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
question as to the prompt and effective care of the cases and their successful management. It was of course expensive to the town, and calamitous in the death rate-eight dying of the number. It is earnestly hoped that we may never be so afflicted again. The precautions against it are secured by observing the legal regulations regarding the vaccination of children, scholars, and operatives in our mills ; careful watch in this regard will secure us against its recurrence.
A detail report was submitted to the meeting in November when the sum of $3,500 was raised to pay the expenses of small pox which will be included in the assessment of taxes this year. The accounts have all been paid so far as any we know, except those of the proprietors of the hospital for its use, which were referred to the Board to adjust. The Board have ad- hered to their proposal of $265 for the claim, which amounts to $465. We regarded our offer quite ample and at the request of the claimants who desire the consideration of voters upon the matter in controversy, recommend that they be per- mitted to present their claim for the action of voters thereon at the meeting in April, for which the sixth article in the warrant will be in terms a sufficient legal foundation as well as for all other recommendations contained in this report.
The claim for additional compensation by Joseph De Grenier has not been pressed, and we think will not be, beyond the offer of $25, which we have made.
The appropriation therefor already granted will be ample to adjust all claims made, or in dispute.
We recommend some changes of accounts as follows: New cemetery account should be closed; credit balances to Main and Pleasant street walks and to Mechanic and Main street walks should be transferred to sidewalk account; Sayles street debt charged over to highways in order to close them; $1,591.50 standing to bank tax, should be transferred to the account of unappropriated funds; from unappropriated funds $5,000 should be appropriated to pay the note due Sept. 17,
II3
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
1 882, this should be done instead of using it for other purpos- es; the balance of unappropriated funds should be applied to the payment of debt deficit in the highway account, Everet street walk so far as necessary, and the balance so far as it will go to such cases of special appropriations as may be voted. We trust only necessary special grants will be made at all.
Our financial standing with the policy of reducing expenses to the lowest possible sums and paying the debt as fast as it matures, is such as to promise a large reduction in the rates of taxation, and is now flattering indeed. We congratulate the people upon this appearance of our finances. Having in the treasury for use $1,959.66 in cash to pay current expenses in anticipation of taxes and the large sum of unappropriated funds for payment of the debt, will materially reduce the interest account, and the credit balances in nearly all our accounts will enable officers to meet contingencies that may occur without provisions by grants of any thing above what may seem really necessary. The only remaining point is to guard against large special appropriations; let these be scrutinized carefully when called for, and our treasury will continue strong-and our taxes be much less than they have been, without in any respect injur- ing our property, or our condition, or appearances in all materi- al matters, or in any way impairing our educational interests.
We recommend the town to appoint a committee of three who with the auditors shall constitute a board of appraisal of all the property, real and personal, belonging to the town in each department, and report the same to the town. This has never been done with sufficient care, and the treasurer is ear- nestly desirous that it should be done with care and considera- tion, by a disinterested and independent board from personal inspection, with a view to determine the actual value of all town
YI4
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
property, and to show in his accounts on the trial balance our real standing. We ask the town to act upon this recommenda- tion at the April town meeting.
JOHN TATTERSON, THOMAS SANDERS, A. J. BARTHOLOMEW, Selectmen.
March 20, 1882.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN CLERK,
AND
WARRANT FOR ANNUAL MEETING
OF THE
Town of Southbridge.
(115)
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT.
INSURANCE ON TOWN PROPERTY WITH DATE OF EXPIRATON
OF POLICIES.
Amount
insured.
Property insured.
When expiring.
$ 600.
School-house, Sumner district.
April 1, 1882
3,000. Books, etc, library
July 1, 1882
1,000. Books, etc. library . July 1, 1882
2,000.
School-house, Union Street.
Nov. 1, 1882
2,500.
Library building.
Nov. 1, 1882
2,692.
Town farm building, stock, etc.
Dec. 1, 1882
2,000. School-house, Main street
Jan. 1, 1883
2,500. School-house, School street
Nov. 1, 1883
1,200.
School-house, River street.
Nov. 1, 1883
2,500.
Town house . ...
May 1, 1884
600. School-house, Hooker district
Apri. 1, 1885
2,000. 600.
New Almshouse.
School-house, Bacon district
Jan. 1, 1886 June 1, 1886
1,600. School-house, Elm street
Sept. 1, 1886
2,200. School-house, Sandersdale
Dec. 1, 1886
2,000. School-house, Main street.
Jan. 1, 1887
1,500. Town hall, Elm street.
Feb. 1, 1887
$30,492. Total amount of property insured.
IIS
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT.
VITAL STATISTICS.
Marriages, Births and deaths in town from January 1, 1881, to January 1, 1882.
Number of marriages ... 55
American, 19; French, 28; Irish, 7; Scotch 1.
Number of births.
Male, 120: female, 125 245
American parentage, 49; French, 169; Irish, 27 Number of deaths. 146
Americans, 42; French, 76; Irish, 24; English, 2; Scotch 1; Afri- can, 1;
Of this number, 64 were under 5 years of age, 6 between 5 and 10, 12 between 10 and 20, 14 between 20 and 30, 6 between 30 and 40, 14 between 40 and 60, 19 between 60 and 80, 11 over 80.
Number of dogs, licensed from April 1, 1881, to March 1, 1882. ... Males, 151; females, S.
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