USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1883/1884-1886/1887 > Part 20
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Toben, Frank, 2 00
St. Onge, Vitalien,
2 00
Tower, Samuel F., 2 00
*Splane, Edward,
2 00
*Upham, George W.,
2 00
St. Martin, Louis,
2 00
Vinton, Charles M., 2 00
Savory, Louis,
2 00
Varie, Aime,
2 00
Savory, Henry,
2 00
Varin, Joseph,
2 00
Thetrault, Jacques,
2 00
Washington, George,
2 00
Thetrault, Trefflee,
2 00
Willis, Oscar,
2 00
Toole, John,
2 00
Yeates, Robert,
2 00
Therien, Jules,
2 00
Tessier, Pierce,
2 00
Total, 227 Polls $2,
$454 00
PROPERTY TAXES.
Authier, George, $2 35
Morse, R. W., $22 15
* Bibeau, Joseph,
5 OI
Riopel, Leander, 2 35
Chamberlain, A. M., 48 20
Sayles, John E.,
3 40
Desrossiers, Jean Louis, 2 56
Smith, J. A., 6 20
Duchesneau, Oliver, II 03
Waldron, Joseph H., 3 40
Frenier, Frank,
2 70
Witter, Asa (non-resident) 5 25
Holden, Thomas,
9 80
Shaw, E.F.(non-resident) 8 40
Houghton, Aaron B., 14 60
Langevin, Joseph,
17 05
$164 45
*Firemen, who have claims for services more than enough to pay their taxes.
95
REPORT OF TAX COLLECTOR.
SUMMARY FOR 1886. DEBIT.
Tax list for 1886, - - $49,261 01 62 60
Additional taxes assessed, -
$49,323 61
CREDIT.
Cash paid Town Treasurer, - $48,578 70 126 46
Cash on hand,
Poll and property taxes unpaid,
618 45
-$49,323 61
Respectfully Submitted,
J. F. B. LITCHFIELD, Collector.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SELECTMEN.
REPORT.
We herewith respectfully submit a brief report of some of the more important of our doings during the fiscal year ending March Ist. A detailed account of receipts and expenditures may be found in the Auditor's report.
We have endeavored to keep expenditures within the limit of the several appropriations, but in a few instances this was found to be impossible, without detriment to the welfare of the town. The financial standing of the town never was better than now, and this too in the face of substantial and expensive improve- ments, unequalled by any town of its size in New England, se- cured without exhorbitant taxation. There are further improve- ments that should be made. The town is suffering for want of better High and Grammar school accommodations, and sooner or later is sure to come to grief for want of some system of sewerage. We have said so much in former reports touching this latter matter that it seems useless to make further recom- mendations. But the above improvements ought to be made, and can be without any very perceptible increase in the rate of taxation.
HIGHWAYS.
The repairs of highways are exclusively in the hands of the Highway Surveyor, but he has at all times been willing to con- sult with us in regard to any suggestions we desired to make. It may seem to some taxpayers that the highway repairs are too expensive. But the fact must not be overlooked that the town
100
REPORT OF SELECTMEN.
is continually locating new streets, and that the people demand better ones than in former years. It is impossible to maintain good, smooth roads without expending large sums of money. For a few years past Southbridge has had the reputation of hav- ing the best roads in the county. We believe this reputation has been more than maintained during the past year, and that all repairs have been thoroughly and economically made.
Something should be done to Crane street, as at certain sea- sons of the year it is almost impassible. We recommend a special appropriation for this street.
We also recommend that the town appropriate a sum suffi- cient to build a tool house. Large sums are expended each year for tools, but there is no place for storing them. To re- tain a large number of tools from season to season without some place for safe keeping is almost impossible.
The Highway Surveyor recommends the purchase of another road scraper, and we have inserted an article in the Warrant to see if the town will vote to do so. The one the town now has is not adapted to moving snow, while the one we have on trial is adapted for this purpose, and is equally good for general re- pairs.
SIDEWALKS.
The sidewalks throughout the town are in much better condi- tion than last year. All the old plank walks, with the exception of the one on Crane street, have been removed and gravel sub: stituted therefor. We deemed it inadvisable to remove the lat- ter till the street is improved, as it would be impossible to do satisfactory work on the walk with the street in its present con- dition. This should receive early attention from the incoming board, as the walk is badly dilapidated.
IO1
REPORT OF SELECTMEN.
STREET LIGHTS.
This account has been overdrawn, for since the annual ap- propriation was made twenty-three additional lamps have been established, with no appropriation for lighting them, consequent- ly we were obliged to maintain these lights out of the original appropriation.
We have been interviewed quite recently by agents of various electric light companies about lighting our streets by electricity. It seems to us that it would be injudicious for the town to adopt the electric light at present, and we have given them no encour- agement. Although Southbridge should keep abreast of the times, as it has been demonstrated that this light is too expen- sive for any place with less than ten thousand inhabitants, we think the town will show more wisdom by keeping just a little behind the times than by getting too far ahead in this respect. The streets are now well lighted, at an annual expense of about two thousand dollars. The adoption of the electric light would cost double this amount, with not much better results.
BRIDGES.
During the year we have replanked the two largest bridges in town with three-inch Southern pine plank. Many of the smaller bridges have been also replanked. We believe it is economy to use hard pine, especially on the large bridges.
Most of the bridges have been painted and otherwise repaired within a year or two, so that it will be unnecessary to appropri- ate a large amount for repairs during the coming year.
CONTINGENT.
This account is slightly overdrawn. At the commencement of the year we settled with Bridget Martin for damages in- curred on the Hamilton street plank walk by paying her a little
I02
REPORT OF SELECTMEN.
over four hundred dollars. We also had to pay one hundred dollars that was offered as a reward for evidence that would convict of burglary.
The contingent account is the most difficult to control of any that comes within our jurisdiction. All bills contracted outside of specified appropriations have to be drawn from this fund It is therefore next to impossible to make an accurate estimate in advance of the amount that will be required to meet the demand for contingencies.
RAILINGS.
We have constructed during the year, about one thousand feet of iron-post railing which is permanent and attractive. No other railing should be tolerated by the town, especially within the limits of the villages.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The town has been unusually fortunate during the past year in having escaped any very large fire, the burning of Mckinstry block at the commencement of the year being the only fire of any importance. We have no jurisdiction over this department except in the appointment of engineers. We believe, however, that no department is more ably and economically managed. It has gained a reputation. among similar organizations in this county, of being one of the best. Officers and men are efficient and worthy of much praise. We trust that the citizens will see that the department is generously sustained.
BOARD OF HEALTH.
Happily the town has been visited by no serious contagious disease during the past year. There have been a number of cases of scarlatina, most of them of a mild form. The physicians
103
REPORT OF SELECTMEN.
have been prompt in reporting all cases, and when necessary, have used great care in fumigating infected habitations. The School Board and Superintendent of Schools are also entitled to much credit for prompt action to prevent the spread of the disease.
The duties of the Board of Health have been similar to those of former years. It is a department that requires great care and responsibility, and if properly attended to, much time. In our last annual report, we recommended that this department have a seperate and distinct board of officers, and we are of that opinion still.
NEW SIDEWALKS.
At the annual meeting, the town voted to build sidewalks as follows : On the west side of Sayles street, both sides of Dres- ser street, and the south side of North street from Foster to Mechanic streets-about three thousand feet in all. The walks on Sayles and Dresser streets are completed and are equal in every respect to any in town. The North street walk is un- finished, the sum appropriated having been inadequate. This walk, when completed, will be a great accommodation to the laborers in the employ of the American Optical Company. The town should appropriate sufficient money to complete it at an early day.
The above work, with the exception of the concreting which was done by Calvin Claflin, was supervised by A. H. Shepard, and was all satisfactorially performed.
CLIFF STREET WALL.
Two hundred and fifty dollars were appropriated to build a retaining wall on Cliff Street, near the Clark place. This amount we found to be inadequate. An additional appropria- tion of about one hundred and fifty dollars will be required to complete this work.
104
REPORT OF SELECTMEN.
COLUMBIAN ROAD.
At the November meeting the town appropriated one thous- and dollars for much-needed improvements on the highway in the vicinity of the Columbian Mills property. This money was expended under the supervision of A. H. Shepard. The appro- priation could have been expended more economically at a dif- ferent season of the year. But the fact that so many of our la- boring men were idle, with no visible means of support, and winter coming on, induced us to commence the work when we did. We consider it the most marked improvement, both in looks and accommodation, for the money expended, made by the town for years. A little over five hundred dollars will be required to complete the work as contemplated. When finished it will be a substantial improvement and add materially to the beauty of the town. We recommend an additional appropria- tion sufficient for this purpose.
SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' RECORD.
In 1885 the town appropriated seventy-five dollars for the preparing of a record of the soldiers and sailors who served in behalf of this town during the late rebellion. Trusting in the ability of George W. Corey, the Selectmen appointed him to do the work. The record is just completed, giving the names of those who enlisted, the date of enlistment, the name of the company and regiment, the rank held, the bounty received, pro- motions made, when wounded and the nature of the wound, the names of those killed and when, also of those that died and when, with the names and dates of those discharged and for
what reason. The record is neatly and handsomely compiled, and very creditable to Mr. Corey. It includes the names of two hundred and seventy patriots, who left home to risk their lives in the interest of a free country. A grateful town will cherish their memory, and their example will serve in future generations to quicken patriotism and inspire devotion to duty when the country calls.
105
REPORT OF SELECTMEN.
MARBLE BROOK.
The vote of the town has been complied with by straighten- ing the channel of the Marble brook and changing its course. In connection with this we were obliged to rebuild one of the abutments of the bridge, and put some new timbers into it. In- specting the channel this spring we found that quite a quantity of gravel had been washed down, from some source unknown, obstructing the free course of the water and causing it to over- flow. This can be easily remedied when the water is low, af- ter which there will probably be no further trouble.
DRESSER STREET HILL.
The town voted at the meeting last November to appropriate one thousand dollars for the improvement of Dresser street hill. It was also voted, on motion of A. B. Goodier, that the work should be commenced at once, and that only voters should be employed. The Selectmen decided that as Mr. Shepard had all that he could do in other places they would employ George A. Dresser to superintend this work. The work was performed as economically as was possible under existing circum- stances. Cold weather and short days are unfavorable for this kind of work. As near as we can estimate a little over five hundred cubic yards of rock were removed. Computing this at two dollars per yard makes one thousand dollars. This we claim is a fair estimate of the expenditure.
It has been reported that Mr. Dresser was handicapped by us in being obliged to employ men unable to earn a day's pay, and that we compelled him to retain men that he had discharged. All of which we positively deny. Mr. Dresser never com- plained to the Selectmen that the men were unable to earn their pay, nor did any of the men that had been discharged come to us for reinstatement. All of the men that applied to us were sent to Mr. Dresser. So far as we know he was perfectly sat-
106
REPORT OF SELECTMEN.
isfied with the help, and in our opinion he had every reason to be.
Numerous other criticisms, in regard to the course we pur- sued in expending this appropriation, have been brought to our notice. We expect that the public will criticise all of our offi- cial actions. Public servants ought to expect criticism. But we have a right to ask fair and unprejudiced criticism. Noth- ing ought to be called a swindle till it has been thoroughly in- vestigated. People are too apt to charge trickery and maladminis- tration, and look with disdain on public improvements. It is undeniably true that at times deceptive schemes are sprung up- on the people. Especially has this been the case in some of our large cities. But there is nothing connected with this im- provement but what any citizen can fathom with very little ef- fort. It pays to do work well if at all. and we have endeavored to be thorough in what we have done. If our course is a swindling or needless expenditure of the town's funds, then we are perfectly willing to assume the responsibility. It is indis- pensable to the growth and prosperity of our town that this contemplated improvement be carried out, and the grade fixed for all time. Had it been done when it should have been, a bet- ter grade could have been obtained at much less expense. If you wait a while longer, expensive buildings will be erected, and then there will be heavy damages to pay.
In this Dresser street enterprise the town has started one of the most important improvements ever undertaken. South- bridge is yet in its infancy, and its destiny is steady growth. This section is by far the most desirable as well as the most beautiful and picturesque within the limits of the town. Time is sure to demand that this territory be utilized. Dresser street should be continued west to its proposed connection with Sayles street. Chapin street is asking for location southward. Marcy, Orchard, Sayles and High street extensions are sure to follow. And those of us who live ten years will. we believe, see a street located south of Dresser street, running parallel with it, from Chapin street to High.
107
REPORT OF SELECTMEN.
Perhaps we are too enthusiastic, but we think that no distant day will see a railroad connecting our town with the Boston & Albany road, either at Palmer or Brookfield. When this is con- structed all that will be required to increase the town's popula- tion two-fold will be a determined effort on the part of its citi- zens. Let us talk railroad more and swindle less, and the town will be the gainer. We submit a correct survey made by A. C. Moore. (See cut on next page.) The continuous line represents the present grades ; and the broken line a true grade the entire length of the hill, showing the intended cut of from two to twelve feet, which necessi- tates the removal of about two thousand cubic yards of rock. The expense, competent judges inform us, cannot be less than two dollars per cubic yard. It must be apparent therefore that one thousand dollars would be inadequate. Deducting five hun- dred yards that was removed last fall, from a point on the west- ern extremity to a point marked 12 on the map, and we have about fifteen hundred cubic yards yet to be removed in order to establish a true grade, and make a perfect street. The only question for the town to decide is whether it will cut the hill to a true grade, or whether it will merely remove the top sufficient to make the street passible. It can do either and not be affect- ed by anything that has been done. We are of the opinion, however, that the true grade line is the one that should be es- tablished. It is neither policy nor economy to half do any work whether it pertains to private or public welfare. A cut to the true grade line will be expensive, but eventually it will prove to be one of the best investments known to the citizens of this town. It will probably require an additional appropriation of from two to three thousand dollars, as we purchased last fall tools sufficient to complete the work, and as the hill is now in shape to begin excavating without delay for preparations, it will be economy to continue operations this season. Much has been said about filling at the bottom of the hill, adjacent to the prop- erty of Geo. W. Wells and so reducing the amount of the cost. If some amicable arrangement could be made with him whereby
GRADE PLAN IN THE LEDGE ON DRESSER ST.
100.
AO.MOORE O.E. DEL
DRESSER ST.
...
OLD GRADE
18. in 100.
-72.
10°40
-1.5
g
10.1/100.
NEW GRADE LINE
$2,00
99
30.
200
200.
320.
360.
400
10.
20.
50.
00.
70.
PROFILE ON CENTER LINE.
109
REPORT OF SELECTMEN.
this could be accomplished, without creating very great dam- ages, it certainly would be advisable, being less expensive and giving a better grade. But in case this arrangement could not be made, and it would cost the town for damages nearly as much as it will to cut the hill, it would be the hight of folly to contend with one of our enterprising citizens who has expended so much time and money to beautify this section.
It may appear to the voters that we have given too much space to this improvement, but it seems to us that its import- ance justifies us in refering to it at considerable length.
A. H. WHEELER, WM. D. MORSE, JOHN RYAN, Selectmen of Southbridge.
·
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
School Committee.
OFFICE OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE, Southbridge, March 17, 1887.
The Chairman and Superintendent presented the annual re- ports for the school year ending February 28, 1887.
Voted to accept the reports and adopt them as the reports of the Committee.
J. T. CLARKE, Secretary.
SCHOOL OFFICIALS AND TEACHERS.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR 1886-7.
J. J. OAKES, Chairman, - Term expires 1887.
E. M. PHILLIPS, Term expires 1887.
SILVANUS HAYWARD, - - Term expires 1888. CHARLES HAGGERTY, Term expires 1888.
CHARLES HYDE, - Term expires 1889.
A. J. BARTHOLOMEW, Term expires 1889.
J. T. CLARKE, Secretary and Superintendent of Schools.
Office, P. O. building. Office hours : school days, 4 to 5 P. M .; 7 to 7.30 P. M. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
NAMES OF TEACHERS, MARCH, 1887.
High School : F. E. Corbin, Principal ; Anita C. Teele, As- sistant.
Grammar School: Lizzie A. Potter, Mary E. Remington, Fannie J. Gushee, Mary E. Newell.
Intermediate : Mary E. Clemence, Alice Holmes, Idella M. Brewster.
Primary : Mary A. Pellett, Etta A. Chamberlain, A. Rebecca Rowley, Mrs. S. M. Knight, Annie F. Morse, Addie M. Martin, Mary A. Ellis, Agnes M. Meagher.
Ungraded : Martha Cutting, Mary L. Edwards, Carrie E. Has- kell, Valetta M. Paine, Ida M. Plimpton, Alice B. Booth.
Special Teacher of Drawing, Jennie E. Chamberlain.
-
REPORT.
To the Citizens of Southbridge:
With no startling changes or revolutionary methods, which are always undesirable, we have to report a fair degree of pro- gress in our schools. The weak point in the schools of the present time, not only in Southbridge, but elsewhere, is the lack of thorough discipline. Discipline is the foundation of success in every department of thought or activity ; without it, no true education can be secured. Our higher grades, including the High School, have been especially unfortunate this year on account of the frequent changes in teachers. We hope there is prospect of greater permanence in the future.
"Supplementary Reading " which has been gradually gaining ground for the past three years, is one of the most advantageous results of the system of free text books. Its beneficial effects are plainly visible.
Last August we engaged the services of Mr. John T. Clarke, as Superintendent of Schools. His long and successful ex- perience in the same work elsewhere gives promise of like success here. In the primary grades to which he has given special attention, there is already manifest a decided improve- ment.
Notice is called to the fact that all schools, except the High School, have been lengthened one week this year, which has increased the expense about $200 over last year ; also, that the proposed introduction of music as a study in all our schools the ensuing year will require a larger appropriation to meet the additional expense.
Again, we urge upon your attention, the immediate necessity of a school house centrally located, with the best modern im- provements, and of sufficient capacity to accommodate our High and Grammar Schools. We trust that at the annual meeting
I16
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
some positive action will be taken towards the consummation of this much needed improvement.
The following statement shows the expenditures of the pres- ent year, and the recommendations for the ensuing will be found in the Auditor's usual list. For a more minute description of the condition and needs of the schools, we refer you to the Superintendent's report.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
APPROPRIATIONS, ETC.
High School,
Balance from last year,
- $472 73
Appropriation,
1,700 00
-- $2,172 73
Common School,
Balance from last year,
1,733 70
Appropriation, -
9,500 00
Cash, order overdrawn, 4 80
Transferred balance of
state
fund,
-
116 26
-- 11,354 76
Contingent Account,
Balance,
266 39
Appropriations,
1,200 00
From books sold,
47 83
For damages, - -
I
1,515 67
Apparatus Account,
Balance from last year,
$39 85
From State fund,
19 40
From unappropriated funds,
50 00
109 25
Received from State School fund,
91 18
Total resources, $ 15,243 59
II7
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
The Committee have expended : High School,
Salaries of teachers, - $1,595 50
Fuel and care of building, 100 81
Incidental expenses,
24 50
-$1,720 81
Common Schools,
Salaries of Teachers and Super-
intendent,
8,693 17
Care of buildings,
284 24
Fuel, -
303 38
- 9,280 79
Contingent Account,
For books, -
646 97
For supplies,
417 83
Repairs, -
217 00
Cleaning buildings,
52 00
Truancy, -
35 00
Incidental expenses, - 278 88
2,031 54
Apparatus Account,
For apparatus, 129 93 -
Total expenditures,
$13.163 07
Balance, $2,080 52
Order No. 53, Common School account not presented, I 12
Balance in hands of Treasurer, $2,081 64
Books and supplies on hand March 1, 1887, 358 25
Respectfully submitted, J. J. OAKES, CHARLES HAGGERTY, SILVANUS HAYWARD, E. M. PHILLIPS, CHARLES HYDE,
A. J. BARTHOLOMEW,
School Committee.
March, 1887.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
To the School Committee of Southbridge :
GENTLEMEN : In accordance with your rules, I herewith re- spectfully submit to you, and through you to the citizens of the town, my first Annual Report; the same being the second of the series of the Annual Report of the Superintendent of Schools.
SUMMARY OF STATISTICS.
Population of the town, State census, 1885, 1
6,500
Valuation of the town for 1886, -
- $3,085,543 75
Number of children between 5 and 15 years of age, 1,419
Number enrolled in public schools during the year, 888
Number under 5 years of age, - 9
Number over 15, 62
Number between 8 and 14, -
523
Average number belonging, -
694.33
Average daily attendance,
618.94
Percent of attendance, -
-
89.14
COST PER SCHOLAR.
Current expenses, including teaching, fund and care of buildings, -
$10,977 10
Cost per scholar, based on total enrollment, 12 36
Cost per scholar, based on average number belonging, 15 81 Total expenditures, 13,163 07
Cost per scholar, based on whole number, -
14 82
Cost per scholar, based on average number belonging, 18 95
120
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
TABULAR VIEW OF SCHOOLS,
SCHOOLS.
Whole No. regis-
tered during year.
Average number
belonging.
Average attend-
Percent of attend-
Average tardiness
of each pupil.
Number of weeks of school,
High School, -
61
51.05
47.79
93 6
4.77
40
Higher Grammar-Main street.
38
34.09
31.81
93.3
7.63
38
School street,
26
21.24
20 38
96.67
2
38
Lower Grammar-Main street.
44
38 18
36 68
96
2.04
38
School street,
43
34 63
32.15
91.2
3
38
Intermediate-Main street,
55
46 7
41.43
89.9
3 38
38
Union street,
43
36.34
32.33
86.2
2.89
38
River street,
36
31.02
28.17
90.82
5.14
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