USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1848/49-1855 > Part 21
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12 Axes,
9 Hooks,
13 Ladders,
7 Crotch Poles and Forks.
In addition to the above, each Company is furnished with Spanners and Belts, Torches, Signal Lanterns, Bars, Shovels &c., necessary to accomplish their duties ; they are also provided with furniture for their respective meet- ing rooms.
IN CHARGE OF THE UNDERTAKERS.
3 Hearses, (1 on runners,)
2 Biers, 3 Palls,
2 Harnesses, 1 Rubber covering for Hearse,
1 Plan of the Pine Meadow ground, 1 Plan of part of S. Worcester ground.
3.
" Summer 13.
66 Lincoln 3.
On Main street, 22.
56
IN CHARGE OF THE HIGHWAY COMMITTEE.
5 Ox Carts, 7 Draught Chains,
4 Iron Bars,
7 " Yokes,
2 Stake 60
2 Stone Hammers,
2 Plows, 12 Tie 66
6 Meal Boxes,
2 Shovel Scrapers,
7 Picks,
1 Sett Measures,
2 Levelling
10 Shovels,
1 Hay Cutter,
1 Ladder,
1 Scythe and Snath, 3 Drills,
1 Meal Chest,
1 Feed Trough,
1 Lantern,
Grease Tubs,
Pails,
Lamp Fillers,
and other small articles valued by the Committee on Highways, at $225,00.
IN CHARGE OF LAMP LIGHTERS, STEPHEN SHUMWAY AND ARVIN THOMPSON.
34 oil and 76 Gas Lamps in use. There is also on hand and not in use, 2 Posts and fixtures complete for gas, (in good order.) A number of old oil Lamps, (not much value. )
ARTICLES IN CARE OF WATCHMEN.
Furniture in Office Room. 10 Straw Ticks, and 26 Blankets.
12 Watchmens' Rattles. 7 Billys. 1 pair Leg Irons.
IN CHARGE OF GEORGE GEER, CITY SEALER.
The Standard of Weights and Measures.
Four City Scales in charge of the following persons. Frederic Cutting, at New Worcester. John H. Knight, at Washington Square. Elisha Broad, at Lincoln Square. Highway Committee, (not in use.)
IN CHARGE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE ALMS HOUSE.
House Furniture, Farming Tools, Provisions &c. The above have not been appraised since March 29, 1851; at that time they were valued at $2,423,00, and there is probably no great change in value since.
AMOUNT OF CITY DEBT, JANUARY 5, 1852.
DATE.
To whom Payable.
Int. per ct.
When Paya- ble.
Amount.
Interest paid to
July 1, 1841,
Worcester Co. Inst. for Savings,
6
On demand,
$6,500 00 July 1, 1851.
March 14, 1844,
66
66
66
¥
6
8,950 00
66
66
Feb'y 1, 1845,
66
6
66
66
6
66
66
4,000 00
66
66
July 9, 1850,
66
66
66
6
66
552 52
66
66
66
July 1, 1851,
66
66
66
66
6
66
8,500 00
July 1, 1851,
66
66
66
66
6
66
3,500 00
March 30, 1850,
66
66
66
66
66
no
June 17, 2 annually, July 22, annually,
22,467 90
June 2, 1848, June 24, 1848, Oct. 2, 1848,
Mary C. White,
6
1,000 00 June 24, '51. 6,333 33 Oct. 2, 1851.
Feb'y 28, 1849,
Solon S. Hastings,
6
Oct. 2, 1853, On demand, 66 66
1,500 00 Aug. 28, '51. 500 00 July 20, '51.
March 9, 1849,
David Whitcomb,
6
Mar. 9, '54,
3,000 00 Mar. 9, '51.
Feb'y 23, 1850,
Judith Roberts,
6
Feb. 23, '54,
1,375 00 Aug. 23, '51.
April 16, 1850,
Daniel McFarland,
6
On demand,
2,000 00 Apr. 24, '51.
March 24, 1851,
Susan F. Stone, .
6
66
1,000 00 Sept. 24, '51.
Dec. 6, 1851,
William Dickinson,
6
66
4,000 00
Dec. 22, 1851,
6
5,000 00
Jan'y 5, 1852,
66
6
66
2,000 00
$101,829 89
66
66
66
6
66
6
66
1,063 73
Sept. 27, 1851,
6 Mar. 30, '54,
6,325 00
May 30, 1848,
three notes, of $552 52 each,
5
May 30, 1848,
14 notes of $1,604 85 each. Ebenezer Mower,
6
On demand, 66 66
2,000 00 Dec. 2, 1851.
John Boynton,
6
66
7,000 00
66
66
6
Feb'y 17, $1846,
July 24, 1850,
1,604 85
1,657 56
66
66
66
no
July 20, 1850,
6
Of the above $101,829 89, $4,833 52 is a temporary loan, to be paid from the ap- propriations for the present year, which will leave the debt $96,996 37.
6*
66
A
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
To the Inhabitants of the City of Worcester :
The time having expired for which the Board of School Committee was elected, they would respectfully present to their constituents a statement of the condition of the schools which have been committed to their charge. The schools are severally reported in the language of their re- spective Visiting Committees. We commence with the
PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
The Pine Meadow Primary School has been in existence about 18 months. It was collected, and taught, under the patronage of several benevolent ladies, with fair success, until the first of June of the present year, when it was adopted by this board as a city school, and placed in charge of Miss Lucy M. Newton. This being its first annual re- port, much cannot be said of its progress, and yet your Committee are encouraged to hope and confidently to ex- pect much from the operation of this school. Here chil- dren are received from four to twelve years of age, and taught the first elements of an English education. Its moral effect upon them is already visible. Their deport-
60
ment during examination was highly commendable, and four of the first class were promoted to higher schools. Whole number for the last term was 20; average 36. Whole number for the first term was 68; average 42. Such an inconstancy in attendance, operates quite unfavor- ably to its progress. Your Committee are united in com- mending Miss Newton for her patience, diligence and mor- al influence here. She gives fair promise of becoming a very useful teacher. Should this school increase as is an- ticipated, when the new house is completed, an efficient assistant will be needed. DAVID HITCHCOCK.
Front St. East Primary School. Miss Sarah E. Clem- ents and Maria Allen, teachers. The reports of the Com- mittee on this school have always been highly laudatory. The government has been gentle, firm and maternal. The animated and contented countenances of the little ones, and the mildness, calmness, and activity of the teachers, will satisfy any visitor that there is a mutual affection be- tween the teachers and pupils, which exhibits itself in the improvement and good behavior of the children.
JOHN GRAY.
The Front St. West Primary School, under the direction of Miss Martha E. Burr as principal, and Miss Lucy E. Draper as assistant, has generally appeared well at each of the visits of the Committee throughout the year. The progress of the school has been very much retarded by irregularity of attendance on the part of many of the scholars. The order, discipline, and general deportment of the school has at all times been satisfactory to the Committee, and is deemed by them worthy of commenda- tion. In attainment, it will rank favorably with any other school of its grade in the city. The exercises at the clos-
61
ing examination, were all rendered in a prompt, thorough and accurate manner, highly creditable to both scholars and teachers, and gratifying to the visitors and Committee. P. W. TAFT.
The Ash St. East Primary School has been, as for sev- eral years past, under the instruction of Misses Sarah E. Joyce and Lucy L. J. Smith; and it would perhaps be sufficient to say that the school has sustained its former good character. It has generally appeared well at the monthly visits of the Committee, and at the closing exam- ination, the prompt recitations, good reading and good singing of the children, won the decided approbation of the Committee and friends who were present.
H. J. HOWLAND.
The Ash St. West Primary School is still, as heretofore, managed and instructed in the best manner, by Mrs. Gates and her assistant, Miss Matthews; and the recitations and other exercises at the monthly visitations, and at the clos- ing examination, were highly creditable, and entirely sat- isfactory to the Committee and many friends present on the latter occasion. WM. H. HARRIS.
Pleasant St. South Primary School. The Committee on the Pleasant St. South Primary School can report a very satisfactory progress in the studies during the time in which the school was under their charge, and feel that the teach- er (Miss Wilmarth) is admirably qualified for the station she occupies ; that she is exceeded by few, if any, in ener- gy, mode of discipline, and devotion to the best interests of the school. H. GRIFFIN.
Pleasant St. North Primary School. This school, under the accomplished teacher, Miss Shumway, has been highly
62
prospered the past year. The school was orderly, and the scholars made good progress in their studies. Miss Shum- way is now assisted by an excellent young lady, Miss M. Adelaide Lawrence. O. H. TILLOTSON.
The Main St. Primary is an interesting and happy specimen of that grade of school, and reflects great credit upon the teachers. The instruction is thorough, the im- provement good, the progress upward, and the evolutions and exercises orderly throughout. The exhibition of this school is demonstrative of the promptness and ability of Miss Pratt, the principal, and the active and faithful co- operation of the Misses Harrington and Jencks, who have been severally associated with her, as assistants, during different portions of the year. APPLETON FAY.
The Summer St. South Primary continued under the same teachers as on the previous year, with an average number of from 95 to 100 scholars. The school has con- tinued during the year in its usual order and progress, as was evinced at the annual examination, Dec. 29, 1851, which was satisfactory. SAMUEL FLAGG.
The Summer St. North Primary, kept by Misses Muzzy and Taylor, has maintained its former high character, and its examination was very satisfactory.
CHAS. A. WHEELER.
SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
Ash St. Secondary School. The Committee on the Ash St. Secondary School, would report, that we consider Miss Follett a faithful and efficient teacher, and deserving the hearty co-operation of those interested in the school, that her efforts may be crowned with success.
J. C. NEWTON, O. P. GILBERT.
63
Pleasant St. Secondary School. This school, formerly a girls school, was made a mixed one early last year. Some disturbance was occasioned by the larger boys, when first put into the school, and several of them were transferred to Mr. Metcalf's school on Thomas street. The closing examination of the Pleasant St. Secondary School was highly satisfactory to the Committee. It was creditable alike to teachers and scholars. Miss Reed is one of our best teachers, and she has two competent and faithful as- sistants, Miss Harrington and Miss Turner.
O. H. TILLOTSON.
The Main St. Secondary Girls School,-Miss Freelove Carey, principal, and Miss Emily W. Spaulding, assistant, is a very well governed and orderly school, but some cir- cumstances incidental to the present year, in part, have had an unfavorable influence upon its progress, and should be duly considered. The early and oppressive warmth of summer, in addition to its usual depression of mental ac- tivity, withdrew many from the school, and considerably diminished the aspirations of those who remained; and the time lost, consequent on the delay in finishing the Thomas St. school house, much abridged the term of tuition ; and the lack of all warming apparatus, to so late in the inclemency of fall, somewhat cooled the studious ardor of the pupils ; nearly torpified the scholastic ambition of the principal, and brought the energies and interestedness of the assistant, injuriously, if not unnecessarily, below the zero of nature. On the final examination, the appearance and deportment of the school was good, but the amount of improvement was not so great as might have been expected from that school under more favorable influences and cir- cumstances.
CALVIN NEWTON, APPLETON FAY.
64
Thomas St. Boys Secondary School. The Committee having charge of this school, taught by Miss Harriet M. Walker, report,-That, at the commencement of their visits, the school did not present a very promising aspect. One or two acts of insubordination, not unfrequent in schools of a higher grade, occurred in this, which temporarily dis- turbed its harmony. These, however, were effectually disposed of, and in a manner to insure obedience and good order to the close of the year. The warm season, added to long continued confinement, had its depressing effect, seen in the bodily languor and drooping mentality conse- quent upon prolonged and wearisome application of the young mind requiring relaxation. And the Committee would here throw out the suggestion, as to whether the great aim and purposes of popular education may not be more easily and nearly attained, by allowing a longer va- cation during the summer months, thus affording more time for developing the physical energies so essential to a full, free, and active exercise of the mental powers. The Committee are familiar with instances in which too close application and long confinement in school, during the rapid physical formation of children, has sown the seed of disease and early death, defeating the hopes and expecta- tions of parents, and the end for which our educational system was established. There is scarcely a doubt, that the teachers too, would renew their charge with increased energy, after sharing, with their pupils, a longer respite from their monotonous labors. Previous to the summer vacation, the number of scholars, attendant upon this school, diminished very considerably, and the interest of the remainder seemed to flag, but the commencement of a new term, delayed somewhat by the erection of the new school house, again brought together its scattered mem-
65
bers, refreshed and invigorated, and added new ones to its list. The fall term opened auspiciously under the instruc- tion of Miss Walker, and speedily gave ample evidence of mutual respect and confidence between teacher and schol- ars. The government of this school appears to have been firm and duly administered, and the closing examination was alike creditable to Miss Walker and her pupils. The recitations in Arithmetic were given with ease and accura- cy, showing thoroughness of teaching, a knowledge of cal- culation and solving questions worthy of a higher school. The selections in reading were exceedingly well performed, exhibiting clearly that the mind had been trained to ap- preciate the sentiment. The recitations in spelling, geog- raphy, &c., together with the map exercises, were highly satisfactory to the Committee and visitors. The exhibition as a whole, seemed not as if prepared for the occasion, but an every day occurrence, furnishing satisfactory proof that Miss Walker ranks among our most faithful and competent teachers.
S. P. MILLER.
The Summer St. West Secondary School was kept by Miss Ann J. Stone during the summer term, to the entire satisfaction of the Committee. It was then transferred to the Summer St. East Secondary School, under the direction of Miss Harriet L. Whittemore as principal. Miss Stone resigned her place at the commencement of the fall term, much to the regret of the Committee. She possessed many rare and agreeable qualifications for a teacher, that were calculated to inspire confidence and obedience from the scholars, more from a love of learning than from a fear of correction. The order and deportment was excellent ; the system of teaching thorough and impressive.
P. W. TAFT.
7
66
Summer St. Secondary School. During the summer term, this was a school of boys, and under the firm but kind management, and the faithful and thorough instruc- tion of Miss Whittemore, and her assistant, Miss Clarke, they made good progress in their studies. After the sum- mer vacation, the school of girls which had been under the charge of Miss Stone, was added to this, and Miss Caroline Hewitt was appointed second assistant. The change in organization gave entire satisfaction to all par- ties, and the remark was more than once made, that both boys and girls seemed to be trying which should do the best to render the new arrangement successful. Both of course succeeded, and equally of course, the school be- came, as it remains, one of the most pleasant and best reg- ulated in the city. The reading, especially by the first class, was very defective from the beginning; the scholars, aided by their teachers, evidently made great efforts to im- prove in this respect ; and with a good degree of success ; though they will have to try still longer before they all become model readers. In arithmetic and geography, their recitations showed a readiness and thoroughness quite creditable ; and in these and other respects, the Committee believe this school stands quite as high as any of the Sec- ondary schools in the city. HENRY J. HOWLAND.
GRAMMAR SCHOOLS.
The Front St. Grammar School, in the earlier part of the year, for reasons which need not now be stated in detail, was not successful in its operation. Since the accession of Miss Perry as its teacher, a manifest improvement has taken place. She has succeeded in securing the good will of the pupils, and pursues her way with energy, discretion and success. The Committee believe that with a little
67
more attention to personal habits, and perhaps a slight ad- dition of the methodical, the teacher and scholars will pre- sent a scene unusually attractive for a school-room.
E. SMALLEY.
Main St. Grammar School. At the organization of the School Committee last spring, Rev. Mr. Swaim and myself were assigned Visiting Committee of the Girls' English school in the Centre school-house, of which Miss Nancy Baker was principal, and Miss Lois H. Wheeler and Miss Caroline Parkinson, were assistants. At the commence- ment of the spring term, in consequence of the sickness of Miss Baker, Miss Mary H. Williams was put in as princi- pal, and continued till the close of the summer term. The usual difficulties to be encountered when a new teacher goes into our schools, were here met with, and a few re- fractory scholars caused some interruption to the good or- der of the school for a short time; but they were soon subdued, and the usual good discipline of the school was maintained to the end of the term. At the monthly visits of the Committee, the character and improvement of the school was entirely satisfactory to them. The teachers faithfully performed their duty, and the school very well maintained its high character, as one of the best in the city.
At the commencement of the last term, this school was transferred to the new Thomas St. school-house, and united with Mr. Metcalf's Boys' school of the same grade, and the united school divided into three departments, under the supervision of Mr. Metcalf. The Committee of the former Girls' English, took charge of the 2nd department, of which Miss Sarah Stone is principal, and Miss Parkin- son assistant. The Committee have visited this depart- ment monthly, and attended the examination at the close
68
of the term. We have always found the school in good order, and under a very excellent system of discipline. There was much inequality in the attainments of the in- dividuals making the classes, and it will require some time to train them, so that they can go on profitably together. They have yet, only in a measure overcome this inequality. The teachers have been most assiduous and faithful in their labors, and the.scholars have made very respectable progress, notwithstanding all the disadvantages under which they have labored. The examination at the close of the term was a very good one, though by no means equal to the annual examinations of the same schools in years past. It was not expected, after the great changes which have been made in these schools in the last year, and the curtailment of one term from the year, that there would be the same degree of thoroughness in the examination as before. A considerable length of time must elapse, be- fore the merits of a new organization of the schools, or new plan of instruction, can be sufficiently tested to prove its utility. The Committee of this school have not yet had sufficient experience and observation of the working of the present arrangement, to enable them to form an opinion whether its results will be beneficial or otherwise. They, therefore, leave this for time and experience to de- termine, always hoping for the best. WM. WORKMAN.
Thomas School. This is the name which, by a vote of the Committee, has been assigned to the school under Mr. Metcalf's charge, and now occupying the new building on Thomas street, contiguous to the site of the old one which has been removed. This spacious and beautiful school- house, erected at a large cost, and handsomely finished and furnished, is an ornament to the city, and a credit to its
69
liberality in the cause of education. It was appropriately dedicated to its high uses, on the first Monday in Septem- ber last, when in addition to other suitable exercises, an address was delivered by Prof. Sears, Secretary of the Board of Education, and a poem by Mr. Thurber of this city ; both performances of high merit. The school was opened soon after, when, in accordance with the vote of the Committee, the Centre Girls' English school was united with that under charge of Mr. Metcalf before; thus en- larging the experiment of the High school, in placing the sexes together. The Thomas St. Secondary school under Miss Walker, and the Main St. Secondary under Miss Ca- rey, are also accommodated in the building. This places five rooms under Mr. Metcalf as principal, three being occupied by the Grammar and two by the Secondary di- visions. Miss Baker, Miss Stone, Miss Parkinson, Mrs. Wheeler, Mrs. Gird, Miss Cary, Miss Spaulding and Miss Walker, being his assistants.
The school could hardly be more efficiently organized. Mr. Metcalf's task is a very arduous one, especially in the matter of discipline. But it is performed with his usual promptness and success. Less decided and energetic it cannot be with safety to the school. The thorough mental discipline too, which characterizes Mr. Metcalf's personal teaching, is seen more or less through the whole school already, and will doubtless be seen yet more. No scholars could show better marks of training, than those who an- nually are promoted by this teacher. And the last exami- nation, though occurring under some disadvantages of course, from the above changes, was most satisfactory.
The school is, at present, too full for comfort or profit. But this evil will probably be in some way soon remedied.
N. T. BENT.
7*
70
The African School under the care of Miss Eveleth, has been eminently successful during the last season. Her experience as a teacher, together with her knowledge of the class of pupils committed to her care, and her former success in instructing them, warranted high expectations, which the Committee are happy to say have been fully re- alized. The Committee are of the opinion, that the pa- rents and friends of the colored children should use such exertions as will bring a greater number of this class of children under Miss Eveleth's instruction.
A. HUTCHINSON.
HIGH SCHOOL.
The Classical and English High School has been as suc- cessfully managed the present year, as during any preced- ing year of its history. The principal, Mr. Wheeler, has been assiduous in his devotion to the interests of the in- stitution and eminently thorough in his instructions. His discipline is noticeable for its quietness ; and yet it is suffi- ciently strict, securing from the pupils both respect and affection. Possibly a slight increase of the 'suaviter in modo,' in connection with his well-known 'fortiter in re,' would give additional excellence to what is already so good.
Mr. Starr has conducted the affairs of his department, with his usual ability and accuracy. If, to his many ex- cellent qualities as an instructor, a little additional energy were united, the Committee are quite sure that his success, already so great, would leave nothing to be desired.
Miss Harwood and Miss Hunt, in their respective spheres, have labored with zeal and discretion, and the re- sult which was anticipated has been realized. They are much beloved by their pupils, esteemed by their associate teachers, and sincerely commended by the Committee.
71
The spirit of the school is good, and the annual exami- nation, excepting an imperfect recitation in one of the Grammar classes and the inaudible tone of voice on the part of some of the girls, was honorable to the school and satisfactory to all who witnessed. Some of the composi- tions were of uncommon excellence. On the whole, the Committee believe that the citizens of Worcester have abundant reason to be satisfied with the condition of their High school. E. SMALLEY.
The Young Men's Winter School was opened as usual, the first Monday in December, in the Main St. school- house, under the instruction of Mr. Nathaniel Eddy. Thus far the school has done well, and gives promise of being equal to those of the past two or three years,-which is no faint praise.
Two Evening Schools were also commenced at the same date; one in the Main St. school-house, taught by Mr. Starr, and one in the school-house on the common, taught by Mr. Brewer .. Both are respectably attended, and are doing well.
SUBURBAN SCHOOLS.
The school at Tatnuck was taught, the past summer, in a good degree, to the acceptance of the inhabitants of the district. It was the first effort, on the part of Miss Mary T. Knight, in the business of teaching, and the school has had the reputation of being not the most easily governed. The Examining Committee of that school is constrained to say, that there was some deficiency in the matter of gov- ernment. At the same time, he believes, that the young lady possesses a very amiable disposition, the moral and in- tellectual qualifications requisite for teaching ; and, with
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