USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1856-1861 > Part 23
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7
Front
60
14
School
3
Grafton
1
Spring
1
Green
66
9
Summer
11
Harvard
66
5
Temple
1
Highland
1
Thomas
66
4
Lincoln
9
Trumbull
1
Main
32
Vernon
1
There are also 8 Gas posts and frames, 7 Gas Lanterns, 9 Fluid do., 104 Fluid lamps, 1 desk, 1 stove and pipe, 1 copper boiler, 19 lights 14x20, and 50 lights 10x14 glass, and Tools as follows :-
1 Brush, 1 doz. Burner saws, 1 Brace and bit, 1 Lamp filler, 1 Pail, 1 Shovel, 4 pair Scissors, 1 Faucet, 1 10-gallon Fluid Can, 3 Fluid Cans, 1 2-quart Measure and Tunnel, 1 Diamond, 5 Ladders, 1 Hammer, 4 Screw Drivers, 1 Wrench, 1 Chisel, 1 Putty Knife, 3 pair Pliers, 1 Match Safe, 2 Files and 1 Gimblet-whole valued at $2,700.
IN CHARGE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF HIGHWAYS.
5 Horses,
590 00
300 ft. Curbstone, 78 00
4 yoke Oxen,
600 00
1 Snow Plow, 20 00
12 tons Hay,
144 00
5 Ox Carts, 150 00
1 Lumber Wagon,
15 00
1 Buggy Harness,
10 00
3 Horse Carts and Har- ness, 136 00
7,500 ft. Chestnut Plank, 120 00
4 Scrapers and 4 Plows, 36 00
Laurel
1
Union
3
Main
2
Common,
3
67
Chains, Bars, Picks, Shovels, Axes, Lanterns and small articles, 100 00; Plows and Scrapers in outer Districts, 50 00. Whole valued at $2,045 00.
POLICE OFFICE AND WATCH HOUSE.
14 Mattresses, 17 Police Badges, 1 Standing Desk,
27 Blankets, 8 Metal 66 2 Stoves and Pipe,
11 Pillows, 11 Star
2 Chairs,
4 Office Chairs, 15 Billys,
3 Settees,
1 Clock, 12 pair Handcuffs, 1 Copper Boiler,
13 Rattles, 1 pair Shackles, 4 Dark Lanterns,
Buckets, Lanterns, Water Pails, and other small, articles.
STANDARD OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
In Charge of LYMAN L. MASON, City Sealer. Office in DORR & Co's Bookstore.
Four City Scales, in charge of the following persons: -
Amherst Hawes, on Southbridge street.
Frederick Cutting, at New Worcester. Zebina Lee, at Washington Square. Harvey G. Upham, at Lincoln Square. Valued at $1,200.
IN CHARGE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE ALMS HOUSE.
House Furniture, , $1,094 00. Stock on Farm, Farming Tools, Provisions, &c., 3,902 35.
IN CITY MARSHAL'S OFFICE.
1 Salamander Safe, 1 Desk, 2 Office Chairs, 1 Lounge, 1 Book Case. In Police Court Room, 1 Salamander Safe. In Treasurer's Office, 1
REPORT
OF THE
COMMISSIONERS OF HOPE CEMETERY,
FOR 1858.
WITH ACCOMPANYING ANNUAL ACCOUNT.
To the Honorable, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and the Common Council of the City of Worcester :
The Commissioners of Hope Cemetery, in completion of their enjoined duties for the year 1858, respectfully present to the City Government the following Report.
The frosts of winter and the rain storms of early spring must always give occasion, as the first object of attention, in the opening season, to a general supervision, and repairs more or less extensive, of the condition of the Cemetery. So diversified is the soil, and so undulating the surface, that the pathways are particularly exposed to being washed, and the terraces broken, by the ordinary action of the elements, and no foresight or providence on the part of the Commissioners, can wholly guard against such contingent injury. The very features of the place, which most constitute its beauty and attractiveness, add correspondingly to the care and outlays of expense in their preservation. The first labor on the grounds is always directed to these objects, and in the past as in preceding years, the Commissioners entered upon their duties by causing all obstructions to be removed, the pathways to be made safe and smooth, and the improved portions of the land to be cleared and raked over, and put in perfect order. Where the
10
70
work of grubbing and reclaiming had been done the preceding season, grass seeds were 'sowed, and the cultivation of shrubs and trees, before planted out to the embellishment of the grounds, was carefully attended to. When it is considered, that the travelled carriage ways over this large area of land extend to miles, and the improvements on reserved portions only, not included within the lots, to many acres, the labor constantly to be bestowed upon them cannot fail to be appreciated, and this must ever constitute a large item in the account of annual expenditure. Within the year, there were planted between fifty and sixty ornamental trees on various parts of the grounds best suited to their growth, principally in the vicinity of the main entrance, where they would be most noticed and could be best protected, and on the north side of Maple Avenue, between Chapel and Chestnut Avenues, Sycamore and Glen Avenues, and south of the latter. The Reserves, on each side of Cypress Avenue, and also between Chapel and Chestnut Avenues, heretofore laid to grass, were enriched with compost, and the plat at the north-east corner, upon Webster street, was dressed and seeded. A large belt of land, north of Chestnut, and east of the intersection of that Avenue with Sycamore Avenue, after being reclaimed, was ploughed and harrowed, and over its graded surface fifty-three lots have been artistically surveyed and laid out in ranges, with suitable pathways between, and entered upon the plan of the Cemetery. These lots, now made from their position and aspect among the most eligible and valuable, were subsequently appraised by the Commissioners, and certified to the City Treasurer as open for selection and purchase. The usual care and attention to all parts of the grounds, to preserve the lots from encroachments, and their many beautiful improvements and monuments from defacement, have been continued through the season, and the close of the year, as the Commissioners humbly trust, was not without witness to the fidelity and good success of their labors.
By an order of the City Council, passed May 21st, 1855, the Commissioners were authorized "to make such arrangements with the occupants of lots at Raccoon Plain Ground, for the clearing of the same, as they deem expedient." This assigned duty has been to the Commissioners a subject of anxious thought and attention. The accomplishment of it was a work alike of difficulty and delicacy. To disturb the resting-place of the dead is always attended with unpleasant and objectionable considerations, and
71
however proper and imperative the requirement, as in the present instance, its very necessity will be viewed with repugnance. From the friends of some of the persons interred, the Commissioners, at first, met with positive denial, while others withheld all co-operation or consent. A few readily and cheerfully accepted lots in the new Cemetery, and voluntarily removed the remains of their relatives to this permanent, and more appropriate consecrated burial place. By persistent amicable efforts, and liberal arrangements, in 1856 and 1857, the graves of the dead from the families of the known and the willing, were mostly changed, and during the past year the work has been entirely completed, and the last grave transferred, from the ground, - leaving no cause of complaint unsatisfied, and no sensibilities wounded. The remains of the unknown, and of those whose families and friends were beyond the reach of the diligent inquiries of the Commis- sioners, were exhumed with becoming solemnity, under the direction of one of the respectable undertakers of the City, and borne to graves in the range of free lots in the Cemetery, with distinctive marks and references of record, to location and numbers, which will secure the means of future identity. Thus, "Raccoon Plain Ground" is made entirely free of its former silent occupants, and may henceforth be appropriated, at the pleasure of the City Government, to purposes, to which, from its character and exposed situation, it is far better adapted. It is a small but pleasant level plat of ground, of but little present value in the market, and at no distant day, in the probable growth and spread of population in that busy and enterprising part of the City, may not unfitly be devoted to the uses of a public park. If designed to this end, the Commissioners would recommend that, as soon as may be, it should be planted with trees upon its borders, and protected from the inroads of cattle by a cheap but sufficient fence.
The appropriation by the City Government to the requirements of the Cemetery, the last year, was four hundred dollars. Of this sum the Commissioners have drawn directly from the Treasury, during the year, one hundred and twenty-six dollars and nine cents. To this should be added the balance in their hands from last year's account of thirty-nine dollars and thirty-three cents, together with fourteen dollars and fifty-three cents received in various small sums for wood cut from the land in the process of reclamation, making an aggregate of one hundred and seventy- nine dollars and ninety-five cents, to the debit of the Commissioners.
72
There has also been paid from the Treasury, and charged to the account of the appropriation, the sum of fifty-one dollars and thirty-seven cents, for expenses incurred in vacating the grounds on Raccoon Plain and re-interments in the Cemetery. This latter item although rightly enough set to the appropriation, can in no proper sense be regarded as a charge in the account with the Cemetery, inasmuch as it was occasioned by the attempt to clear and make available other property in no wise connected with it. Adding, however, this amount to the above sums of receipts by the Commissioners, gives the sum of two hundred and thirty-one dollars and thirty-two cents, with which they are chargeable. Against this amount the Commissioners have expended in various items, of which a particular detailed account is herewith rendered, inclusive of the expenditures in the removals from Raccoon Plain, the sum of one hundred and seventy-eight dollars and forty-six cents, leaving a balance in their hands to be carried to their debit in a new account, of fifty-two dollars and eighty-six cents. It thus results, that, deducting from the appropriation of four hundred dollars the sum of one hundred and seventy-eight dollars and forty-six cents, being the whole amount expended under the direction of the Commissioners, there remains an unexpended balance of two hundred and twenty-one dollars and fifty-four cents undrawn for, in the Treasury. In asking for the appropriation of the last year, it was the intention of the Commissioners to provide for fencing in a cheap and durable manner the land on the easterly and southerly sides of the lot, but unlooked-for obstacles to the execution of the work were found to exist in making satisfactory arrangements with proprietors of adjoining lands, and especially in effecting a desirable straightening of the line by exchange of land, or otherwise, at the south-east corner. At this point are sharp angles which would add greatly to the expense of enclosure, while it is most obvious to observation that mutual advantage might be made to result to all parties interested, by negotiating for and adopting a new line of boundary. The Commissioners are encouraged to hope that this may be accomplished early in the coming season. The grounds on three sides are but illy protected by fences of any description, and in parts are wholly deficient. Cattle may freely enter from the adjacent fields, and the costly improvements, the ornamental trees and shrubs and flowers, planted out by the affection of mourning friends and the dutiful service of the Commissioners, are con-
73
stantly exposed to destruction. It is the earnest purpose of the Commissioners, if, by any means it can be effected, to guard against this danger beyond another year.
During the past year there have been sold fifty-eight lots, of different appraised value, to the amount of seven hundred and twenty-three dollars, for which payment has been made into the Treasury, and deeds executed to the purchasers. Stating the account of the Cemetery with the Treasury, for the year, it results, that charging all the expenditures on the grounds, by the Commis- sioners, amounting to one hundred and twenty-seven dollars and nine cents, (exclusive of the cost of the removals from Raccoon Plain, which do not pertain to the same concern,) from the amount of seven hundred and twenty-three dollars paid into the Treasury for the conveyance of lots, the difference, to the credit of the Cemetery, is five hundred and ninety-five dollars and ninety.one cents. And again, deducting from this latter sum the cost on Rac- coon Plain, of fifty-one dollars and thirty-seven cents, the balance of receipts is five hundred and forty-four dollars and fifty-four cents over all expenditures upon this interest of the City, during the year.
The period of five years, the legal term of office for which Com- missioners receive their appointment, having now elapsed since the constitution of this Board, pursuant to a special Act of the Legislature, it may not be inappropriate to review, very briefly, the doings of the Commission, and the results to the City from its direction and management. When the Commissioners entered upon their office, they found that a vast plan of operations had been projected, extending over the whole area of more than fifty acres of land, from Webster street to the extreme eastern limit of the lot, and from its northern to its southern boundary. The work had been undertaken under the immediate supervision of a person claiming the character of a landscape gardener,-an ir- responsible man and a foreigner,-who, after a single season of costly operations, conducted in better taste than with good judg- ment or regard to economy, suddenly abandoned his engagement and left the country. The number and extent of the avenues and path-ways, and the labor upon the grounds in detached and distant parcels, were upon a scale of enlargement greatly in advance of any immediate possible requirement for use, and involved an expense, in their preservation and care, which no probable demand for lots, in many years, would justify. Much
74
was, everywhere, laid out and begun, and nothing, literally nothing, anywhere, finished. The Commissioners, at once, changed the whole course of proceedings. They arrested the work upon the exterior and more distant avenues and detached plats, and continued the process of grading upon those passage-ways, only which were necessary or convenient in the use of the lots already occupied, or most likely to be first selected. The improvements in the vicinity of the Public Entrance to the grounds, and about the site of the Public Tomb, which were in an imperfect state, they caused to be completed; and the land from which the wood had been cut, and the surface grubbed, by further cultivation was thoroughly subdued. The process of reclamation from the forest and the waste, was moderately prosecuted, by which a gradual amelioration and preparation of the soil would be produced, as far, and as fast, as there could be occasion for its use, -and, indeed, somewhat in advance, to give, at all times, variety and choice in the selection. It was made a rule of action, that nothing should be done that might not be needful or appropriately orna- mental, and that the outlays of expense should always have respect to the desirableness of the object to be accomplished. Under this guiding principle, the plan of improvement has been systematically pursued through succeeding years up to the present time; and the result may now be seen in the order and greater economy of the work, in the amelioration of the soil in those parts subjected to cultivation, in the broader and smoother ave- nues, in the increased facility of access to the lots, in the beauty of the reserved plats, and in the embellishment of the most con- spicuous points in the Cemetery.
By a statement prepared by the City Treasurer and furnished to the Commissioners, it appears, that there have been drawn from the Treasury, and expended for labor on the Cemetery grounds, under the Commission, in 1854, $581 40; in 1855, $1,361 18; in 1856, $398 76; in 1857, $497 98; and in 1858, $126 09; making an aggregate of $2,965 41, in the five years. And that, for the same time, there has been paid into the Treasury: in 1854, for the consideration of sixty deeds, $692 50; in 1855, for forty-four deeds, $464 00; in 1856, for seventy-four deeds, $637 00; in 1857, for sixty-one deeds, $654 00; and in 1858, for fifty-eight deeds, $723 00; in the whole, $3,170 50; giving a balance in favor of the Treasury of $215 09. It is worthy of remark, that, since the large outlay by the Commissioners in 1855, and the subsequent revision and
75
adjustment by them of the tariff of prices, the receipts from the sale of lots have constantly and greatly increased, and in the last three years, have produced to the Treasury, a net excess of nine hundred and ninety-one dollars and eighteen cents (991 18). From this, however, is excluded the cost of surveys and plans, which are required for all time, and the expense incurred in the removals from Raccoon Plain, which do not belong to the account. In no one instance have the expenditures by the Commissioners exceeded the appropriation made by the City Government.
There can be no reason to doubt, that, under prudent manage- ment in the future, the receipts may be made to meet all proper requirements for the care and gradual improvement of the Ceme- tery, and at no remote time, reimburse to the City the price paid for the land, together with the large expenditures in its original laying out. There are now open for selection and purchase, 206 located lots, at prices varying from five to thirty dollars, with one of larger dimensions and particular attractions, at fifty dollars ; while a sufficient number, pleasantly situated and easily accessible, are offered without price, for free burial.
The Commissioners take pleasure in acknowledging the ready and earnest co-operation and assistance which they have uni- formly received from the energetic and faithful City Treasurer, particularly in his methodical arrangement of accounts with the Cemetery, the sale of lots, and the prompt execution of deeds ; and more especially for his efficient influence and aid in obtaining the removals of the graves from Raccoon Plain, without which, the efforts of the Commissioners to that end, must have been much more difficult and protracted.
To enable the Commissioners to employ the necessary labor in the care of the Cemetery, and continue the process of gradual reclamation and improvement; to plant out trees for its ornament, and to construct fences upon its boundaries for its protection, during the present year, they are of opinion will require the sum of five hundred dollars, and leaving in the Treasury the unexpended balance of the last year, they ask for this amount of appropriation, accordingly.
All which is respectfully submitted.
For and in behalf of the Commissioners,
LEVI LINCOLN, Chairman.
City of Worcester, January 24 1859.
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RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES Of the Commissioners of Hope Cemetery, in 1858.
Cash on hand Jan. 1, 1858,
-
-
39 93
" for wood sold,
14 53
" City Treasurer,
-
177 46
EXPENDITURES :
Grass seed,
1
- 3 33
Teaming,
1 00
Tools,
1 50
Lumber, -
2 40
Trees -
15 90
Surveying,
15 30
Labor, -
- 87 66
Vacating lot at Hope Cemetery,
- 5 00
Clearing Raccoon Plain grounds,
46 37
Cash on hand, Dec. 31, 1858, -
- 52 86
-
-
231 32
-
ALBERT TOLMAN, Secretary of Commissioners.
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
PREPARED BY MESSRS. GODDARD, DAVIS AND FAUNCE.]
The Legislature of 1857 provided by law that the School Committee of Worcester, as in many other cities, should be elected for three years instead of one ; - one-third of the Board being chosen annually after the first year. It was the design to create, for all essential purposes, a permanent Board on which the controlling influence should, at all times, be given by those who have had an immediate and continuous personal acquaintance with the Public Schools. Whatever disadvantages committees have incurred under the old system, from the fragmentary experience caused by the preferences of committee men or the uncertainty of elections, have, of course, rested with some weight on the committee of the past year. It is for future years to furnish the evidences of wisdom in applying to the school system the same prudent regulations which are recognized in other matters of corporate interest and concern.
In the supervision of schools, the care of school property, and in methods of instruction, the Committee have introduced no radical changes, nor attempted any system of expensive reform. To preserve the good character of the public schools, to complete the plans of enlarged privilege undertaken in previous years, and to supply such other facilities for education as the necessity of the year demanded, has been the extent of their effort. If the
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78
work has required much labor and large outlay, it must be remembered that the field is a large one, and its interests immeasurable. Aside from that wise and discriminating economy which, in public affairs, is a religious duty and obligation, the interests of the common schools are not to be wholly estimated by rules of parsimonious restraint. The material prosperity of the City, which we all love, no less than its intellectual and its moral growth, are inseparably incident to the character, the temper, the fidelity and the usefulness which are given to them.
SUMMARY OF SCHOOLS.
At the beginning of the year, there were fifty-four separate schools in successful progress. We count, in this enumeration, the Classical and English High School, with its several depart- ments, as one school; and the departments of the Grammar Schools, on Sycamore and Thomas streets, as separate schools. In each of these Grammar Schools the departments come under the general supervision of one principal; yet they seldom, if ever, come together, are counted upon distinct registers, and are, in reality, separate schools.
Early in the year a new Grammar School was temporarily located in the Ash street School House, to satisfy a growing necessity in that section of the city. In April following, it was established as a permanent school, under the care of Miss Sarah M. Rogers. The experiment, which was at first regarded with some doubt and misgiving, has proved entirely successful, and has contributed an estimable addition to our public schools, besides securing desirable advantages to residents in the south-eastern portion of the city.
Toward the close of the summer term, the pressure in the Primary Schools became so great, that it was found necessary, in addition to some irregular promotions made at the time, to open new schools of the same grade. The ward room of the Ash street School House was accordingly furnished for that purpose, and on the first of September a permanent school, with upwards of sixty scholars, was opened, under the charge of Miss Harriet A. Bigelow. A new Primary School was also established in the Front street School House, in place of Miss Fanny B. Clark's Secondary School, which was abolished.
There were two schools at Quinsigamond till April, when the
79
number of scholars diminished, and those who remained were brought together under a single teacher. The school at Leesville was discontinued for a small portion of the year, on the recom- mendation of its committee, and the scholars were sent to other schools. The evening school taught by Mr. Jencks at New Worcester last winter, has been discontinued.
With these additions and changes, the whole number of schools remains fifty-four, though there was one more permanent school at the close than at the commencement of the year. These are classified as follows :- One High School, with a Classical, an English, and a French Department; eight Grammar Schools, of which three are double and five single schools; ten secondary schools, one double and nine single; nineteen Primary Schools, nine double and ten single; thirteen suburban or mixed, and three adult schools.
At the close of the year every room prepared for school purposes except one in the new school house at New Worcester, was filled, and the signs of the incoming year indicated the necessity of establishing immediately two or more new schools, for permanent occupation.
TEACHERS.
These schools have furnished constant employment to nine male teachers, and sixty-one female teachers. The actual number employed during the year is considerably larger, on account of changes which have taken place from time to time. Several superior teachers have left us during the year, but, according to the reports to be given hereafter, their places have been acceptably filled. Without venturing, at this point, into particulars, or employing any terms that might be mistaken for eulogy, we may say, with confidence, that for intellectual capacity and moral worth, for untiring industry and devoted attachment to their profession, for that genuine sympathy with, and love for children and youth, without which the best of teachers would be but as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal, our instructors, as a whole, are eminently worthy of the places which they hold.
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