USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1848/49-1855 > Part 4
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The Young Men's Winter School has been divided into two branches. One half of the scholars has been under the care of Mr. Addison A. Hunt, of Greenwich, and the remainder under the care of Mr. Joseph L. Griggs, of Holden. In the two there have been about 80 scholars. The number gradually diminished, how- ever, until at the closing examination, there were only 30 in both departments. The Committee having charge of the school, speak well of the teachers, and express their opinion that in no former year, has the school been in a better condition.
The eight Infant Schools have been in successful operation dur- ing the year. Though many were promoted from them, to the Primary Schools, at the commencement of the year, as many, and more, were promoted to them from the nursery. The mater- nal care of the teachers and assistants in these schools, has been bestowed with so much constancy and good will upon the chil- dren, that the Committee have much to say by way of commenda- tion,-scarcely any thing in the form of complaint or censure. In some instances, these schools have been much crowded, and both teachers and Committee have been perplexed to know what to do with the multitudes that pressed upon them for admission. Some complaint has also been made that the little ones have been undu- ly confined, and indiscreetly tasked. In other cases, however, it has been affirmed that the young aspirants for scholarship have been too much restrained in their march of improvement, so that
35
their energies have pined for want of a wide field and fair play, and their highest aspirations have proved comparatively abortive. The Committee are unanimously agreed, that quite enough has been required of the children in these schools ; that it is not well to demand entire cessation of action from them, but for a very short time at once ; that it is of incomparably more importance to guard their morals, form their manners, and train them to cherish kind feelings and express them kindly, than to hasten their intel- lectual acquisitions ; and that the teacher should have a large share of maternal affection, and, in a great measure, adopt a ma- ternal regimen. In these schools, one of the most important problems which demands solution is, What ratio should study and recitation bear to play, and both of these to the training of the so- cial and moral nature of the child ? The Committee would ex- press the hope that their successors in office, will be able to reach a more satisfactory solution of this enquiry, than their predecessors have done, and that the teachers will put that solution into practi- cal operation in their respective schools.
The Primary Schools are now five in number ; last year, there were but four. It became indispensable to divide the one on the Common ; and about one half of it was formed into a separate school, and put under the charge of Miss Walker, on Thomas St. Miss Capron has taught the one in the old house. She had a dif- ficult task before her to reduce those discordant elements to har- mony, and make those angular and crooked materials straight and comely. It is but justice to her to say that, at the annual exami- nation of her school, her fifty-two pupils were as well-behaved in their whole deportment, as neat in their personal appearance, and, all things considered, exhibited as much evidence of improvement, as any scholars within the limits of the city. The Sub-Committee could hardly be convinced that they were the same individuals who, one year since, burdened their monthly reports with com- plaints and sad forebodings. The school is still backward ; but it promises soon to take its place among the best schools of its grade. The Committee regret that Miss Capron, on account of impaired health, feels obliged to resign.
Miss Walker has exerted herself with commendable diligence to
36
put her division of the old school in a proper condition. A measure of success has crowned her efforts, and the school exhibits decided marks of improvement. The Committee hope that in a short time, with somewhat more energy of action, and a little more strictness of supervision, the monthly reports of her school will be given with unqualified commendation. Boys who have formed such school habits as hers had before they were en- trusted to her care, cannot be completely reduced to habits of or- der and quiet obedience, without much pains-taking, and a very decided and even coercive regimen.
The school on Pleasant Street, taught by Miss Eaton, is in ex- cellent condition, reflecting great credit on principal and assist- ants, and making fair promises for the pupils. Miss Carey's school in the Centre School house, has been reported during the year, as, on the whole, doing well ; and the closing examination was high- ly satisfactory to all who witnessed it.
Some of the scholars in Miss Patrick's school, have given her much trouble, and the general tone of the monthly reports has not been so encouraging as the Committee could have desired. To manage successfully more than a hundred boys of that grade, a teacher requires to be keen in vision, wise in counsel, prompt in adopting, and energetic in executing her measures. The Commit- tee have pleasure in adding, that the reports have been of late, in- creasingly favorable, and that the appearance of the school at the annual examination, was highly creditable to the teacher and the pupils.
The three Grammar schools may, without exaggeration, be rep- resented as models of their kind. The one taught by Miss Caro- line Baker, in the centre school house, has been deprived of one of its assistant teachers by death. Miss Seabury, a young lady of great worth, to whom the pupils were warmly attached, and whose services had always commanded the approbation of the Board, has been removed from her labors to her reward. Long will she be cherished in the affectionate remembrance of all who knew her. Her place has been supplied by Miss Abby C. Read, who has enter- ed successfully upon her labors. The principal has been detained from her place, by severe illness, for the last few weeks ; but the
37
Committee trust that she will soon be able to resume her duties .---- It speaks highly for the skill in management and the ability of the teachers, that with the temporary aid of Miss Raymond, under the direction of Miss Eager, the school has made such satisfactory progress during the absence of its head. The reports have been uniformly favorable, and the annual examination delighted the large numbers who witnessed it.
The school taught by Miss Nancy Baker, in the brick school house on the Common, has been conducted with such skill and. success, as to leave comparatively little to be desired. She has given her energies to it with hearty good will and entire devotion, and its appearance has always reflected great credit upon her, while it has been exceedingly gratifying to the Board. Few teach- ers exhibit greater aptness to teach than she, or secure a more thorough control of their pupils, or are rewarded with more palpa- ble success.
The school under the care of Mr. C. B. Metcalf, has fully sus- tained its reputation for thoroughness of instruction, propriety of deportment, and exemplary discipline. It labors under the disad- vantage of a low, contracted, and unsightly room ; but even with this drawback, its appearance is always such as to attract the ad- miration of visitors and enable its Committee to present to the Board reports warmly commendatory, from month to month. The annual examination was particularly gratifying, as it was obviously intended to be, not an exhibition, but an examination. Give this school a room as commodious and inviting as that on Walnut St., or in the Centre house, and the Committee would not hesitate to compare it with any school of its grade in the State. Mr. Met- calf was deprived of his assistant, Miss Maynard, near the begin- ning of the school year. Her loss was deeply felt by all, as her long experience and unusual skill, rendered her services highly valuable. She was succeeded by Miss Ann Hovey, who still oc- cupies the place. Miss Stone has prosecuted her labors with suc- cessful diligence, and earned for herself the reputation of being a thorough and efficient teacher.
On the whole, the Committee believe that the city may cherish the liveliest satisfaction in view of the condition of their Grammar
38
Schools. It is a blessing that can hardly be overvalued, that near- ly three hundred of our sons and daughters have been permitted to enjoy the training of such schools for another year. Long may they be continued under their present able management, to be a blessing to our children, and subserve the prosperity of our com- munity.
The Classical and English High School, is the only one remain- ing to be spoken of. In previous years, the reports of this school have been, with scarce an exception, laudatory. Indeed, Commit- tees have seemed to take it for granted that they had a right to monopolize all the terms of commendation, in our language, in preparing their descriptions of it. But what redeems these ac- counts from the charge of vanity, or fulsome exaggeration is, that they have had truth for their basis, and known facts for their justi- fication. It would perhaps suffice to say, therefore, that the school has never been more truly prosperous, than it has during the past year, and that its present condition is a practical illustration of the sound wisdom and large generosity, with which it was planned and carried into operation. Some particulars, however, will be expected, and should be submitted.
Mr. Wheeler carried with him, into this school, eminent qualifi- cations to discharge the duties of the place. A thorough knowl- edge of the Classics, years of successful experience in a school of high order, love of teaching and aptness to teach, zeal temper- ed with knowledge and executive energy controlled by discretion, prepared him to assume this responsible situation, with every pros- pect of success. The expectations with which he commenced his labors, have been realized. He has commanded the respect and affection of his pupils, and won the esteem of the Committee and all the friends of the school. So important do the Board regard his services, that they unanimously express the hope that he will be encouraged to remain, by such an increase of his salary, as shall be a reasonable compensation for such labors.
Mr. Starr, of the English department, has acquitted himself dur- ing another year, to the satisfaction of his associates, and of the Board. Perfectly familiar with all the branches he is called upon to teach, and competent clearly to explain their practical applica-
39
tions, withal, so loving the employment of teaching, as to give him- self to it with earnest devotion, he is doing good service to his pu- pils in preparing them for a life of usefulness and honor. Not easily would the Committee be persuaded to dispense with his ser- vices.
Mr. George P. Fisher tendered his resignation to the Board, early last Autumn. His duties had been discharged to the accept- ance of the Board, and they regretted that he should feel it to be his duty to resign at that time. He had won for himself, a high place in the affections of the scholars, and the esteem of his asso- ciate teachers. His place has been supplied by Mr. Henry Ilitch- cock, who is still performing the duties of that office.
Miss Binney and Miss Henshaw, resigned their places in this school, at the close of December last. Having fulfilled their du- ties with commendable diligence, they had greatly endeared them- selves to the school. Miss Binney was succeeded by Miss Maria M. Hunt, and Miss Henshaw by Miss Abbie D. Goodell, to instruct in French only. These have both shown themselves to be well qual- ified for their new position, and have already secured a very desira- ble standing in the school. What was suggested by the Commit- tee of last year, as of great importance, has been accomplished .- Their language was, " With regard to the study of French, the Committee are of opinion that better means of acquiring a correct pronunciation must, in some way, be provided. A native teacher, or one able to converse in the language, would seem to be indis- pensable in this study, whose importance in our school, and in ed- ucation every where, is constantly increasing." The present teach- er has spoken the French from her early childhood, and expresses herself in it, with the ease and accuracy of a native.
With such teachers, it was but reasonable to anticipate that this school would be managed with ability and success. Such has been the fact. The monthly visitations have been made with interest, and the monthly reports to the Board have, without exception, been favorable. At times, a slight difficulty has been experienced in controlling so many minds ; but mingled kindness and firmness, have speedily removed it; and, at the present time, the school is remarkable for the good order, and, we believe, the high tone of
40
moral feeling pervading all its departments. The perfect neatness with which the school rooms have been kept, the comely appear- ance of the pupils, in regard to person and dress, the gentleman- ly bearing of the boys and the lady-like deportment of the girls, are creditable alike to the teachers and the taught. While the weightier matters of severe intellectual instruction and high moral training have, as is meet, received the first and chief attention, these minor, but by no means unimportant particulars, have not been overlooked. The spirit and habit of the school, in these respects, are admirable. Education becomes doubly valuable, when prose- cuted under such genial influences; and next in interest to the reminiscences of childhood's home, will be those of the school house, which combines the elegance of the mansion with the neat- ness of the drawing-room. The annual examination evinced great thoroughness of instruction, and accuracy of learning. The mastery of mathematical principles in Mr. Starr's department, as- sisted by Miss Hunt ; the familiar acquaintance with the Latin and Greek languages, in Mr. Wheeler's department, assisted by Mr. Hitchcock ; the appearance of the French classes, under Miss Goodell ; the fine sentiments, beautifully expressed in the compo- sitions of the Excelsior ; the specimens of elocution that were giv- en at the close ; all were such as to show the Committee and the throng of visitors, that this school is not the failure, which some originally predicted it would be, but a successful and noble experi- ment. It is indeed, a model of its class, and an ornament to our city. Here may our youth be prepared for assuming the active du- ties of life in all its ordinary employments ; and those of our sons and daughters, who aspire to be teachers, or to compass the ad- vantages of a liberal education, may here be fitted, as well as at any Academy in our country, to enter upon those higher walks of learning, which shall gratify their noblest ambition.
While the Committee thus speak of the advantages enjoyed in our schools, for acquisitions of knowledge, they would not forget the good moral influence the teachers aim to exert, on all who are committed to their training. Deploring that some of the pupils are so little susceptible of right moral impressions, they gratefully record their high estimation of the efforts which the teachers gen-
41
erally make, for the improvement of their pupils in this regard .- They entertain no doubt that these efforts prevent much evil, and produce a great amount of positive good. A high tone of morals in our schools, cannot be over-estimated. A conscientious regard for good order and becoming manners ; mutual good will between the pupils ; a high sense of honor ; a deep hatred of whatsoever is mean or unjust ; a subjection of appetite and passion, to the do- minion of conscience and reason ; an unquenchable desire for im- provement in all that elevates and adorns human character ; above all, fervent aspirations for holiness, heartfelt reverence of God and truth ;- these, and their associated excellences, should be incul- cated, with line upon line, and precept upon precept, by all the teachers, upon all the scholars. And if the inculcations of the lips be illustrated and enforced by the persuasive power of exam- ple, the better for our teachers, the better for our children, the bet- ter for society. Far distant be the day, when either parents or in- structors shall undervalue, whether in theory or in practice, the correct moral training of our sons and daughters. To all who would theorize away the Bible, or devotional services, or precepts addressed to the spiritual nature, from our schools-to all who, in a word, would effect a divorce between intellectual advancement, and a high state of social, moral and spiritual excellence, we would say with an emphasis, not to be misinterpreted, " Procul, O procul, este profani."
In regard to the number of pupils who have attended the schools, the Committee report the whole number during the year, to be a fraction short of 3000
Average attendance, a fraction over
2000
Average absence, nearly 1000
Often as this point of non-attendance at the schools, has been urged upon the attention of parents, the Committee feel in duty bound, to reiterate it. It is one of the most serious drawbacks upon the prosperity of our common school system. It greatly em- barrasses the teacher, and interferes with the accomplishment of his wisest plans. Its influence upon all scholars, who generally aim to be present, is unhappy. In a word, it is only evil, and that continually. What they could, the Committee and the teachers
6
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have aimed to do, to lessen this evil. And they earnestly entreat parents to co-operate with them in removing this impediment to the prosperity of our schools. It lies with them-emphatically do we utter it-to control this matter. Let them not look at it with the eye of indifference, but meet it with their most serious attention. The best interests of their children, and the well-be- ing of society alike demand it of them, that they cause all their children of suitable age, to avail themselves of the privileges of education which are so generously provided for them.
Estimates for the ensuing year, organization of new schools to meet the wants of our growing population, modifications or erec- tion of school-houses, and other particulars connected with the fu- ture prosperity of our schools, the Committee cheerfully leave with their successors. May it be their happiness to surrender their trust to those who shall come after them, with as much cause of congratulation, as that which gladdens our hearts as we now hand it over to them. Nay, improving upon the wisdom, and learning from the experience of their predecessors, may they be able to augment the efficiency and success of the schools during the com- ing year, and thus earn for themselves a reputation which shall be to them not only a praise, but an ample reward.
APPENDIX.
The Schools in the Centre District of the City of Worcester, the number of Teachers and Assistants, with the Salaries as at present fixed, are as follows :
Classical and English High School.
Nelson Wheeler, Principal, - Salary, $1200,00
William E. Starr, Ist Assistant, -
800,00
Henry Hitchcock, 2d Assistant, -
66 500,00
Abbie D. Goodell, Teacher of French,
66 200,00
M. Maria Hunt, Female Assistant, - 300,00
Boys' English School.
Caleb B. Metcalf, Principal, - -
66 1000,00
Sarah E. Stone, Ist Assistant, - -
66 250,00
Ann Hovey, 2d Assistant, -
250,00
Centre Girls' English School.
Caroline L. Baker, Principal, -
350,00
Mary Eager, Ist Assistant, -
- 231,00
Abby C. Read, 2d Assistant, - - 231,00
South Girls' English School.
Nancy Baker, Principal, -
250,00
Summer Street Boys' Primary.
Elizabeth Patrick, Principal, -
250,00
Adaline Perry, Ist Assistant, -
66
156,00
Elizabeth Moody, 2d Assistant, -
66
156,00
Thomas Street Boys' Primary.
Harriet M. Walker, - -
66 231,00
Centre Girls' Primary.
Freelove Cary, Principal, - 220,00
Emily W. Spaulding, Assistant, -
143,00
Pleasant Street Girls' Primary.
Emilie F. Eaton, Principal, - 225,00
Maria H. Read, Ist Assistant,
66
143,00
Almira Shumway, 2d Assistant, -
66
143,00
Boys' Primary on the Common. Charlotte N. Follett, - - 231,00
44
School for Colored Children.
Emily Eveleth, - - 250,00
Centre Infant School.
Abigail Pratt, Principal, - -
208,00
Sophia Hardy, Assistant, - - 130,00
First North Infant School.
Martha C. Keyes, Principal, - - 208,00
Harriet H. Chase, Assistant, - - 130,00
Second North Infant.
Sarah Muzzy, Principal,
-
-
208,00
Mary W. Clarke, Assistant, - -
130,00
Winter Street First Infant.
Maria P. Gates, Principal, -
208,00
Caroline C. Mathews, Assistant, -
60 130,00
Winter Street Second Infant.
Sarah W. Joyce, Principal, - -
208,00
Lucy L. J. Smith, Assistant, - -
130,00
Pleasant Street Infant.
Lydia Wilmarth, Principal, -
208,00
Susan Johnson, Assistant, - -
130,00
First South Infant. -
Sarah W. Clements, Principal, -
208,00
Emeline Lovering, Assistant, -
130,00
Second South Infant.
Martha E. Burr, Principal,
-
208,00
Lucy E. Draper, Assistant, - -
130,00
In addition to the above, there are in the City, thirteen outer districts, in two of which there are two schools. None of these schools in the outer districts are kept through the year, but have from three to four months in Summer and about the same in Winter.
The amount apportioned to these several districts for the year 1848, is as follows :
District No. 2, Tatnic, $238,68
No. 3, New Worcester,
- 372,13
No. 4, South Worcester, -
193,03
66 No. 5, Quinsigamond,
256,24
No. 6, Munroe, -
133,33
66 No. 7, Pond, -
- - 189,52 -
No 8, Adams Square, - - 171,96
1
45
District No. 9, Burncoat Plain,
-
- 189,52
No. 10, Read,
- 126,30
No. 11, Chamberlain,
-
147,37
No. 12, Northville,
-
187,76
No. 13, Leesville,
-
131,57
No. 14, Parkhurst,
-
150,89
The whole amount of appropriation for school purposes. for the past year, was $14,500. From this sum, $2700 for the Classical and Eng- lish High School, which belongs to the whole city, and $1600 for con- tingent expenses for all the schools, were deducted, and the balance, $10,200, was divided among all the school districts in the city as follows ;
The sum of $35, was apportioned to each of the 14 districts, making $490, which taken from the $10,200, left $9710, which was then divi- ded among the fourteen districts, in proportion to the number of minors in each.
The Secretary of the School Committee, has received the following sums of money during the year for school purposes.
Balance from Board Overseers, - -
$282,16
From David R. Gates, N. Worcester, - 4,29
Received of teachers for glass broken by scholars,
1,50
Received of City Treasurer on Mayor's Orders
at sundry times,
13,506,61
$13,794,56
He has disbursed the following sums.
For Salaries of Teachers in Centre District,
$9,688,65
Compensation to teachers in outer districts, 2,269,47
Fuel for Centre District Schools,
683,47
John Burnett's bill, making fires and sawing wood,
243,09
Secretary's salary,
190,10
Superintendent's salary, -
-
-
87,50
Repairs and other incidental expenses, books for indigent scholars, &c. &c.
631,02
Balance on hand, -
-
1,26
$13,794,56
The balance of the $14,500, has been disbursed by the City Treasu- rer, for various purposes connected with the schools. The appropriation was found insufficient, and three hundred dollars has been added to it, from the contingent fund of the city.
WARREN LAZELL, Secretary School Committee. Worcester, May 9th, 1849.
REPORT
OF THE
CHIEF ENGINEER
OF
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
ENGINEER'S OFFICE, WORCESTER, March 19, 1849. To the Honorable Mayor and Aldermen :
GENTLEMEN : - In conformity with the duty assigned me as Chief Engineer of the Worcester Fire Department, I herewith transmit to your honorable Board my return, stating the condition of the several Engine, Hose, and Hook and Ladder Companies, together with all their respective apparatus.
BOARD OF ENGINEERS. JOEL WILDER, Chief Engineer. FREDERICK WARREN, Assistant to Chief Engineer. ELBRIDGE G. PRATT, Clerk. OSGOOD BRADLEY, Engineer, JOHN F. GLEASON, Engineer. TILLY RAYMOND, LEVI KNOWLTON, 66
HOOK AND LADDER Co. House on Salem Street. No. of members, 30. The condition of the Carriage is good, carrying 9 Ladders, 3 Hooks, 2 Forks, 3 Crotchpoles, 6 Buckets, 2 Axes, 2 Hatchets, 4 Drag Ropes, 1 Torch. Condition of House, good.
RAPID ENGINE COMPANY, No. 2. New Worcester. No. of mem- bers, 40. Engine built in 1834, by S. Thayer, Boston. Condition good. Diameter of cylinders, 7 inches. Stroke of piston, 11 inches. 28 feet Suction Hose, 300 feet Leading Hose, I Hose Carriage, 20 Buckets, 2 Axes. The condition of the House is good.
DESPATCH ENGINE Co., No. 3. 77 Main Street. No. of members, 45. Engine built in 1815, by W. C. Hunneman of Roxbury ; old but in good repair. Diameter of cylinders, 5 1-2 inches. Stroke of piston,
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