USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1856-1861 > Part 4
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33 50
66 Sprague, Homer B.,
82 00
Tucker, Augustus,
47 00
Tucker, Thomas,
34 00
Whipple, James A.,
66
-
13 00
66 Daniels, Joseph D., expenses paid out, -
9 72
James, Horace, preparing report of Com.,
25 00
Jones, John D. E., expenses paid out, -
26 95
66
Rice, William W., salary as Secretary, -
200 00
Warren, Henry W., expenses paid out, -
29 70
66 Tucker, Augustus, 66 66
3 85
Barnard, Cyrus G., wood and contingencies,
88 12
Boice, John F., 66 66
66
41 12
Chaffin, Moore M.,
66
64 25
66 Chamberlain, Ephraim F., wood, contingen- cies, and seats,
130 31
-
-
Smith, Mary A.,
-
-
-
-
66
-
-
-
-
-
Newton, John C.,
-
-
55
Paid Chamberlain, George A., wood and contin- gencies, -
61 10
Goddard, Dorrance S., wood and contin- gencies, - -
58 85
Hunt, John A., wood and contingencies,
41 73
66 Mann, John, 66 66
21 45
Perry, Samuel,
92 37
Prentice, Henry, "
66
66 69
Rice, E. Beaman, wood, contingencies, and rent,
117 72
Rogers, Jeremiah, wood and contingencies,
94 36
Sturtevant, Lewis, “ 19 04
Watkins, Elbridge G., wood & contingencies,
44 36
Adams, Hezekiah, wood,
11 62
66 Cobb, Albert G., wood,
-
-
272 13
Howe, Silas, 66
-
-
93 90
Newton, John C.,
-
-
49 07
Penniman, J. H.,
42 00
66 Stearns, Simon A.,
-
-
39 22
Wellington, Timothy W., coal,
314 50
Bigelow, Walter Jr., building fires, &c.,
2 70
66
Curby, James,
66
66
-
8 75
66
Draper, James,
66
10 00
Garfield, Paul,
66
66
-
4 00
Gates, Simon D.,
66
66
77 50
Goodwin, Charles,
66
66
66
-
66
18 00
Mason, Isaac,
66
66
19 25
66 McFarland, C. A.,
66
66
66
4 50
66 Mills, Isaac,
66
66
6 90
66
Newcomb, Edward,
66
66
20 00
"
Wood, Adonirum J.,
60
66
-
92 94
66 Adams, William F., painting,
32 60
66 Burgess, Alvin T., mason work,
14 25
66 Burgess, Daniel S., “
19 10
66 Carpenter, Anthony E., carpenter work,
272 91
66 Chapin, Edwin, lumber,
1
53 74
Coffee, John, carpenter work,
-
210 91
66
Drury, Marshal L., painting,
-
132 00
66 Earle, T. & O. K., lumber, -
32 05
66 Harding, Samuel D., carpenter work,
515 06
Hobbs, Marcus,
53 95
66 Holman & Ross, painting, -
-
200 55
Hutchinson, Gerry, painting,
26 12
Lamb, Edward, carpenter work,
-
62 63
" Lovell, Amariah B., mason work,
-
302 93
66
-
192 37
66 Kendrick, John A.,
9 08
66 Kennedy, Catharine,
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
56
Paid Whitcomb, Lyman, painting, &c.,
39 82
Allen, Albert S., tuning piano,
-
7 00
66 Ayres, Horace, fluid and sundries, -
49 93
Baker, Trumbull & Co., books and sundries, 12 69
Baker, Zepheniah & Co.,
16 04
Barber, Benjamin, labor, -
-
50
66 Bartlett, J. & J. W., glass, -
-
2 70
Berry, Michael, labor, -
4 50
Bigelow, Charles P., wire work, -
1 25
Bryant, George P., balance of bill,
33
Coleman & Putnam, clocks and repairs,
10 50
Coleman, Charles C., repairing clock, - 50
Colton, J. H. & Co., maps, - -
12 00
Conner, Dennis, labor, -
9 45
Dickinson, William, cash paid out for sun- dries, 194 83
Dorr, Enos & Co., books and sundries,
376 01
66 Dudley, James, rent,
16 00
Earle & Drew, advertising and printing,
88 50
66 Earle, Ralph & Co., stoves, pipe and repairs,
448 96
Estey, James F., pumps and repairs,
44 00
Fenno, William D. & Son., key labels, &c.,
16 28
Fiske & Reynolds, printing, -
9 00
Foster, Calvin & Co., sundries, -
19 90
Gerry, Elbridge, repairing conductors, - 6 25
Green, James, acid,
1 12
Griffin, Henry & Co., brooms, brushes, pails, mats, and sundries, 172 10
66 Hale, William H., keys, -
1 13
Hamilton, Charles, printing,
12 50
Haskell, William O., tables, &c.,
51 25
Holt, Augustus F., maps, - -
220 28
66 Howland, Henry J., printing, -
90 87
Hutchinson, Andrew, books and sundries,
43 64
66 Keith, John & Co., 66
13 97
Kinnicutt & Co., sundries, - 25 21
Ladies' Collegiate Institute, rent, -
58 25
Livermore, Edward, books, - -
4 48
Lloyd, Charles B., frames, - -
1 00
Loring, Joseph F., stove and pipe, -
8 93
McGrath, Michael, sawing and splitting wood, &c, 44 87
Miller, Henry W., repairs and sundries, 23 50
Newton, John C., labor and paid out for sundries, -
11 50
66 Phelps, F. Franklin, repairs and sundries, 24 85
Quinn, John, trucking, 60 99
-
-
57
Paid Richards, Smith & Co., blinds,
20 00
Russell, Isaiah D., stove pipe and repairs, 11 06
Scott, John, cleaning school room, -
2 09
Spaulding, Ezekiel J., repairs, -
18 34
Sprague & Phelps, chairs, table, and sun- dries, -
43 97
66 Stewart, George, keys and repairs, - 15 69
Story, Simeon N., clocks and repairs, -
53 75
66 Sutton, John, chain pump, -
- 16 00
Taber, William B. & Co., chairs, &c., -
10 91
Upton, Charles, sundries, -
-
8 19
Valentine, Gill, surveying, - -
12 50
Weixler, Jacob P., baskets, - -
4 62
66 Wheeler, William A., scrapers and sundries,
5 97
Woodward, Benjamin, repairs, -
3 10
66 Woodworth, James S., shavings, -
2 00
SCHOOL HOUSE, BURNCOAT PLAIN.
Appropriation, -
2,000 00
Transfer from " Contingent Expenses," -
53 47
Expenditures.
Paid Earle, Ralph & Co., stoves, pipe and sun- dries, - 100 55 1
" Lamb, Edward, building house, - 1,585 00
66 Longley, James A., plans and specifica- tions, 1
37 00
Rice, E. Beaman, labor on foundation, &c., - - -
70 17
Ross, Joseph L., desks and seats, -
130 00
66 Webber, Oliver B., stone work, -
130 75
SCHOOL HOUSE, NORTHVILLE.
Appropriation, -
-
1,500 00
Amount undrawn January 5, 1857, -
-
1,500 00
SCHOOL HOUSE, PROVIDENCE STREET.
Appropriation, - - -
3,200 00
Expenditures.
Paid Boyden & Ball, specifications, 3 50 -
Hearn, Patrick, in part for well, -
115 00
66 Pond, John F., for land, 890 80 -
66 Taft & Atherton, building house, -
2,134 00
3,143 30
Amount undrawn January 5, 1857, -
-
56 70
29,992 08
2,053 47
2,053 47
58
SCHOOL HOUSE, TATNUCK.
Appropriation, for repairs,
-
-
-
150 00
Transfer to " Schools,"
-
-
-
150 00
SEWER ON ELM STREET.
Appropriation, -
-
-
-
850 00
Expenditures.
Paid Marble, William H.,
-
-
554 40
Transfer to " Contingent Expenses,"
295 60
SEWERS.
Rec'd for entering,
of Allen, Lucius S.,
Pleasant street,
31 50
66
66 Clark, William C.,
Front
66
125 00
66 Piper, William,
66
66
100 00
66 Richmond. Willard,
66
30 00
66
Scott, David,
Main
66
28 00
Wadsworth, Benjamin, Union
35 00
66
White, Charles,
Main
24 00
Wor. Co. Hort. Society, Front
50 00
Expenditures.
Transfer to " Contingent Expenses,"
423 50
SHADE TREES AND BENCHES.
Appropriation, -
960 00
Expenditures.
Paid Carpenter, Anthony E., building seats on Common, - -
25 38
Chapin, Edwin, lumber,
80 41
66 Harding, Samuel D., stock and labor, - 7 88
Hobbs, Marcus, building fences,
58 41
66 Jaques, John C., cash paid out for trees, labor and expenses, 201 98
Keyes, I. N. & J. L., planing, &c., - 18 78
Miller, Henry W., rings, &c., -
4 76
Newton, Leonard, labor and stock,
37 31
Thompson, Arvin, setting and trimming trees, -
56 75
Transfer to " Contingent Expenses," - 468 34
960 00
SUMMONS.
Received for 758 summons, on taxes, @ 20, Expenditures.
-
151 60
Paid Braman, Charles H., services, 5 00 -
Brigham, William A., -
14 00
Houghton, Samuel, 66
-
4 00
66 Kanc, Jeremiah, 66
-
10 00
-
-
-
-
-
423 50
-
850 00
1
59
Paid Lewis, W. Dean,
services, -
11 00
" Perry, Sereno H.,
8 00
66 Smith, Samuel,
66
25 00
Transfer to " Contingent Expenses,"
74 60
151 60
TAXES, COUNTY FOR 1856.
Appropriation,
- -
-
14,175 44
Expenditure.
Paid Chase, Anthony, County Treasurer, -
14,175 44
TAXES, STATE FOR 1856.
Appropriation, - - -
-
11,208 00
Expenditure.
Paid Tenney, Moses, Jr., State Treasurer, -
11,208 00
WATER SURVEY.
Appropriation, Expenditures.
-
-
-
2,000 00
Paid, Black, Amos R., digging well, - 113 50
Boyden & Ball, surveying, - -
222 12
66 Harding, Samuel D., expenses paid out, 16 63
Inches, M. B., surveying and writing reports,
200 00
Parker, Nahum, horse hire, -
22 50
Transfer to " Contingent Expenses," - 1,425 25
2,000 00
TAXES.
Amount of 1855 uncollected, -
2,393 58
" 1856 -
-
3,287 48
5,681 06
BILLS RECEIVABLE.
Due from Allen, Ethan,
75 00
66 66 Bartlett, Dwight,
-
-
58 00
66
Bliss, Timothy S.,
-
313 50
66
66 Finn, James, -
-
-
100 00
CASH.
On hand January 5, 1857,
-
-
7,885 79
-
-
7
546 50
-
-
-
-
RECAPITULATION. Table of Balances, (January 7, 1857,) Appropriations (raised by tax, 1856,) Receipts exclusive of Taxes, Transfers, each Appropriation as it stood after deducting or adding Transfers, Expenditures and Balances, from January 7, 1856, to January 5, 1857.
Credit Balances, Jan'y 7, 1856.
Appropriation raised by tax.
Receipts, exclusive of taxes.
Transfers to.
Transfers from.
Total receipts from all sources.
Expenditures, incl'g appr'ns overd'n Jan. 7, '56, & balanc's.
Dr. Balances.
Cr. Balances.
Abatements, discounts & overlayings,
3,355 90
13,493 36
.
·
.
1,000 00
15,849 26
10,376 06
5,473 20
City Aqueduct,
.
·
.
.
·
.
.
.
.
·
·
.
.
1,500 00
74 75
160 00
746 56
988 19
988 19
.
Contingent Expenses,
2,038 17
12,038 05
1,586 31
8,490 36
11,490 56
12,662 33
8,282 04
4,380 29
Engine House No. 6,
·
.
·
.
77
700 77
700 77
Fire Department,
199 79
9,000 00
12 00
.
·
·
634 05
1,865 95
1,865 95
279 30
Highways and Bridges, .
25,000 00
601 23
686 00
8,648 64
17,638 59
17,638 59
2,362 50
Hope Cemetery,
500 00
413 76
86 24
Interest,
8,000 00
34 88
1,085 51
6,949 37
6,949 37
Licenses, .
550 50
.
.
2,871 00
.
.
.
.
59,422 19
14,961 83
Military, .
810 50
1,425 86
Paupers,
·
6,800 00
1,728 20
1,681 16
10,209 :36
10,209 36
1,345 CO
972 20
2,317 20
2,317 20
Public Buildings,
1,500 00
726 04
726 04
374 22
3,625 78
3,625 78
Salaries of Watchmen,
141 75
4,750 00
.
·
.
.
27,200 00
1,834 03
29,992 08
29,992 08
School House, Burncoat Plain,
2,053 47
2,053 47
·
3,143 30
56 70
- Tatnuck, .
150 00
·
·
.
554 40
Sewers. ·
.
·
960 00
468 34
· 491 66
491 66
Taxes, County, 1856,
14,175 44
Taxes, State, 1856,
11,208 00
Water Survey,
2,000 00
1,425 25
574 75
574 75
2,293 58
Bills receivable,
546 50
546 50
Cash,
.
·
7,885 79
7,885 79
7,461 11
156,224 85
71,986 82
32,051 07
32,051 071
235,672 78|
235,672 781
14,728 71
14,728 71
.
948 53
.
City Hall,
1,684 75
1,684 75
·
.
.
City Scales,
421 46
421 46
Clocks and Bells,
200 00
24 75
·
224 75
224 75
1,929 41
Engine Hose and repairs,
·
·
.
.
·
·
Hope Cemetery, lot account,
1,725 50
·
500 00
·
.
·
·
.
·
·
.
.
596 37
.
74,384 02
74,384 02
·
615 36
Police,
.
1,500 00
.
·
Salaries,
4,000 00
·
.
·
251 75
5 143 50
5,143 .50
Schools,
2,000 00
.
-
Northville,
1,500 00|
.
Providence street,
3,200 00
·
Sewer on Elm street,
850 00
·
423 50
423 50
·
·
Shade Trces and Benches, Summons,
74 60
77 00
77 00
14,175 44
14,175 44
11,208 00
11,208 00
Taxes, 1855, uncollected, 1856,
3,287 48
3,287 48
·
.
.
·
.
·
.
700 00
.
·
9,211 79
8,938 38
273 41
Fuel, lights, printing, &c.,
2,500 00
.
.
· 279 30
637 00
2,362 59
.
Lighting streets,
129 00
2,871 00
Liquor Agencies,
596 37
Loans, or Bills payable,
810 50
.
·
1
Road to Leicester,
726 04
958 05
53 47
1,500 00
1,500 00
3,200 00
.
.
.
295 60
554 40
151 60
·
$235,672 78
943 53
.
.
.
Common, (new,/ .
1,929 41
1,929 41
.
Funerals, .
279 30
.
3,000 00
550 50
596 37
·
.
2,393 58
150 00
SCHEDULE OF THE
CITY PROPERTY,
JANUARY 5TH, 1857.
REAL ESTATE OWNED BY THE CITY.
Common.
New Common and improvements, -
-
$12.900
City Hall,
-
20,000
Alms House, (brick,) farm and wood land,
29,000
Hope Cemetery and improvements, -
7,400
Burial ground on Common.
66 Mechanic street.
Pine Court.
South Worcester.
Brick School House and lot on Walnut
street,
-
16,000
66
66
on Main
66
15,000
on Pleasant
12,000
on Ash
-
11,000
66
66
66
66
on Pine
66
-
3,500
66
66
66
66
66
on Sycamore 66
-
21,500
66
66
66
on Thomas
66
14,500
on Common,
4,000
66
66
at Quinsigamond,
3,800
66
66
66
66
at Adams Square,
2,600
at Pond District,
-
3,000
at Burncoat plain,
2,100
-
3,100
Wood School House and lot on Summer street,
8,000
66
at Providence street District,
3,150
6
66
66
at Blithewood av.
1,800
66
66
at New Worcester
1,200
66
60
66
66
66
66
66
at South Worcester,
66
66
60
66
on
(small.)
-
66
-
66
66
66
-
9
62
Wood School House at New Worcester District, 11 11 11 at Tatnuc
11
11
at Reed 11
" 11 11 at Chamberlain 11
5,000
PERSONAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY.
Furniture in the City Hall, Mayor and Aldermen, Common Council and Police Court Rooms, Treasurer, Messenger and Marshal's Offices ; in all the School Houses and part of the Ward Rooms; Philosophical and other Apparatus, Piano Forte, Maps, &c., in Walnut street School House ; small amount of Books, Maps, &c., in the other School Houses.
IN CHARGE OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS.
The City Aqueduct, Reservoir, Hydrants, (104) and all the fixtures and tools belonging thereto.
The Hydrants are located as follows :
5
On Main street, 21
7
Mechanic
6
Exchange 11
3
Park 11
5
Franklin 11
3
Pleasant 11
8
Front 11
6
Prospect 11
4
Grafton 11
2
Salem 11
3
Green
Summer 11 Lincoln 11
Thomas 11
6
11
11 11 11 No. 3, Exchange street,
-
2,000
11 =
11 // No. 4, Carlton 11
-
2,600
11 11
11 11 No. 5, Myrtle
11
-
2,300
11
11
No. 6, Pleasant 11
-
2,000
11
11
Main 11
-
600
Hose Loft,
11
11
350
-
1,000
Engine House No. 1, Lincoln Square, 11 11 and lot No. 2, New Worcester,
-
2,400
City Barn and lot,
-
at Northville 11
1
11 11 11 at Leesville 11
11 11
11 at Parkhurst 11
11
11
Lot of land for School House on Salem street, City Pound,
1,200
100
-
1,000
.
13
9
3
The three on Lincoln street are attached to Ethan Allen's Aqueduct. There are also three belonging to individuals, located as follows : one at
On Chestnut street, Elm 11
63
Edward Earle's house, one at William B. Fox & Son's factory, and one at Goddard, Rice & Co.'s factory.
Cost about $40,000.
IN CHARGE OF THE SEVERAL ENGINE AND HOSE COMPANIES, AND UNDER A GENERAL SUPERVISION OF THE ENGINEERS.
1 Long Ladder at Granite Row, Main street.
6 Engines,
9 Hose Carriages,
148 feet Suction Hose, 4600 feet Leading Hose,
27 Buckets,
2 Hook and Ladder Carriages,
10 Shovels,
8 Hooks,
17 Axes,
14 Crotch Poles and Forks,
5 pair Runners,
17 Trumpets, all in good order,
5 old Hose Carriages, and about 3000 feet Leading Hose, not relia- ble.
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 meeting rooms.
Valued at $11,300.
IN CHARGE OF THE UNDERTAKERS.
2 Hearses, (1 on Runners,)
1 Plan of part of So. Wor. ground,
2 Harnesses,
1 Plan of the Pine Meadow ground,
4 Palls,
3 Plans of Hope Cemetery,
1 Rubber Covering for Hearse,
1 Plan of graves on Common.
IN CHARGE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF HIGHWAYS.
2 Horses,
388 feet Curbstone,
2 Yoke Oxen,
1 Snow Plow,
7 tons Hay,
6 Ox Carts,
3 Harnesses,
6 Scrapers,
30 load Paving Stone,
2 Horse Carts,
1 Lumber Wagon,
1 Sled,
2500 Rye Straw,
2 Plows,
Chains, Bars, Picks, Shovels, Axes, Lanterns and small articles. Whole valued at $1,580 25.
IN CHARGE OF SURVEYORS IN OUTER DISTRICTS.
1 Plow and 1 Scraper in each District, valued at $104.
22 Ladders,
64
IN CHARGE OF LAMP LIGHTERS, STEPHEN SHUMWAY AND ARVIN THOMPSON.
58 Fluid, and 115 Gas Lamps in use, and located as follows :
Fluid.
Gas.
On Arch
street,
1
On the Common,
3
Belmont
1
Cedar
street,
1
Bridge
2
Chestnut
4
Central
66
1
Exchange
66
4
Franklin
66
1
Foster
66
1
Grafton,
2
Front
13
Green
66
2
Grafton
66
1
Grove
6
Green
9
Laurel
1
Harvard
7
Liberty
2
Highland
1
Madison
2
Lincoln
6
Main
2
Main
66
31
Maple
65
1
Mechanic
66
1
Mechanic
2
Oak
1
Pine
66
3
Park
5
Pleasant
66
7
Pearl
1
Portland
66
3
Pleasant®
2
Salem
3
School
3
School
1
Summer
11
Spring
66
1
Trumbull
66
1
Walnut
"
1
TTnion
66
3
There is 1 Fost and fixtures complete for gas, 2 Lamp Posts, 116 fluid Lamps, 50 lights Glass, 24 Gas Burners, and Tools as follows :
1 10 gallon Fluid Can, 3 Fluid Cans, 1 Alcohol Can, 1 2 quart Measure and Tunnel, 1 Diamond, 2 Ladders, 1 Hammer, 2 Screw Drivers, 1 Wrench, 1 Soldering Iron, 1 Chisel, 1 Putty Knife, 3 pair Pliers, 1 Match Safe, 2 Files, and 2 Gimlets-whole valued at $2,500.
POLICE OFFICE AND WATCH HOUSE.
16 Matresses,
30 Police Badges,
1 Standing Desk,
30 Blankets, 14 Rattles,
2 Stoves and Pipe,
14 Pillows, 14 Billys,
5 Chairs,
1 Cot Bedstead,
15 pair Handcuffs,
1 Settee,
1 Cot Matress, 1 Watch Hook,
1 Copper Boiler,
6 Office Chairs, 1 pair Shackles,
1 Clock,
Buckets, Lanterns, Water Pails, and other small articles.
7
Thomas
4
Sudbury
1
Vernon
66
1
2
Elm
5
Elm
Southbridge "
65
IN CHARGE OF WM. THOMPSON, CITY SEALER. Standard of Weights and Measures. Four City Scales, in charge of the following persons : Samuel Eddy, Jr., on Southbridge street. Frederick Cutting, at New Worcester. Nathan B. Ellis, at Washington Square. Martin Wilder, at Lincoln Square. Valued at $1,000.
IN CHARGE OF SUPERINTENDENT OF THE ALMS HOUSE. House Furniture, Stock on Farm, Farming Tools, Provision, &c. Value, $3,000.
AMOUNT OF CITY DEBT, JANUARY 5, 1857.
DATE.
To whom payable.
Int. per ct.
When paya- ble.
Amount.
Interest paid to.
July 1, 1841,
Worcester Co. Institution for Savings.
6
On demand,
6,500 00 Oct. 1, 1856.
Mar. 14, 1844,
66
66
6
66
8,950
00 Oct. 1, 1856.
Feb. 1, 1845,
.€
66
66
6
66
7,000
00 Oct. 1, 1856.
Feb. 17, 1846,
66
66
66
6.
66
8,500 00 Oct. 1, 1856.
Sept. 1, 1851,
‹‹
66
66
66
6
3,500
00 Oct. 1, 1856.
July 22, 1852,
66
66
66
May 30, 1848
9 notes of $1604,85 each,
Ebenezer Mower,
6
On demand,
2,000
00 Dec. 2, 1856.
Jan. 3, 1853,
6
66
2,000
00 Jan. 3, 1857.
Feb. 28, 1849,
Solon S. Hastings,
6
66
June 30, 1856,
66
66
Worcester Five Cents Savings Bank,
6
66
1,000 00 Dec. 20, 1856.
Dec. 20, 1853, April 3, 1855, April 14, 1855.
66
66
66
6
66
1,500 00 Oct. 3, 1856.
Jan. 5, 1856,
66
66
66
6
66
66
1,000
00 Au. 11, 1856.
6
66
1,000
00 Oct. 1, 1856.
6
1,000
00 Oct. 11, 1856.
6
66
3,200
00 Feb 10,1856.
May 28, 1855, March 3, 1855, March 19, 1855,
Edward W. Ridgeway, (by transfer,) State Mutual Life Assurance Co.,
6
66
5,000
00 June 1, 1856.
April 3, 1855,
6
66
66
2,500
00 June 1, 1856.
June 27, 1855.
6
2.500
00 June 1, 1856.
Feb. 11, 1856,
66
6
66
66
3,000
00 June 1, 1856.
May 15, 1856,
66
6
66
5,000
00 June 1, 1856.
May 27, 1856,
66
State Ref'm School, (M. Lamb fund,) John Boynton,
6
66
3,000 00 Sept. 9, 1856.
6
66
1,000 00
March 9, 1856,
66
60
66
6
6
66
1,000 00 June 1, 1856.
Aug. 10, 1856,
60
60
66
66
Horatio Byington,
6
1,800
00 May 28, 1856.
6
66
1,000
00 Sept. 3, 1856.
6
2,500 00 June 1, 1856.
March 7, 1856,
April 11, 1856,
66
6
1,000 00 June 1, 1856.
May 6, 1856,
66
66
6
66
1,500 00 Oct. 14, 1856.
1,500 00 July 5. 1856.
Feb. 11, 1856,
April 1, 1856,
April 11, 1856,
Feb. 10, 1855,
66
6
6
July 22, annually,
14,443
1,500 00 Au. 28, 1856.
July 20, 1850,
500 00 July 20, 1856. 500 00
6
66
66
66
6
66
1,600 00 Oct. 1, 1856.
no
66
6
6
4,000 00 Oct. 1, 1856.
July 1, 1851,
16
66
2,000 00 June 1, 1856.
$103,993 651
66
6
June 2, 1848,
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
PREPARED BY MESSRS. JONES, CLARKE, WARREN, ESTABROOK AND RICE.]
THE close of their official labors affords the School Committee an appropriate occasion to render to the public an account of their doings. The discharge of the duties assigned them has strength- ened the conviction long entertained, that the public schools are not second to any of our institutions in the influence which they exert upon the prosperity and morals, as well as the intelligence, of the city. The labors of the year have also convinced them that the peo- ple, with a few honorable exceptions, take far less interest in the schools than their importance demands. May it not be that the fa- vorable comparison of the present state of our schools with what they were a quarter of a century ago, induces the general belief that their highest excellence is already attained, that nothing better than what we now have is to be expected ? In the judgment of the com- mittee, there is still room for improvement. They are not without hope that the next twenty five years will witness in the public schools of Worcester greater improvements than the last twenty-five. It is not now a question whether we shall have a system of public schools. That was settled by our fathers. It is not now a question whether they shall be free, open to all alike, of every nation and re- ligion, and sustained, as other state institutions are, by a general tax ; for this has been the long-established policy of the Common-
68
wealth. ' The heaviest tax-payers are satisfied that schools are cheaper than prisons.
The problem now to be solved is, how our present system of pub- lic instruction may be made more efficient and useful. The appro- priations now made are generous. If more can be advantageously expended, we are certain that it will not be withheld. But cannot our schools be improved by a more judicious expenditure of what is now appropriated ? May not our present means be made to work out greater results ? Can we not get larger dividends from our present investment ? It is not a sufficient reply to these questions, that our public schools already command a higher premium in the market of the world than any of our public stocks. Can they not be made still more valuable ? If they are now twenty per cent. bet- ter than when the oldest men now living were children, with liberal and judicious management, they may, in a few years, be made thirty per cent. better than at present. To this desirable end should the public look, and the School Board aim. Convinced of the practica- bility of these views, His Honor, the Mayor, in his address at the organization of the city government, January 7, 1856, recommended the employment of a
SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The Mayor says, "I have no hesitation in recommending that pro- vision be made for a Superintendent of Public Schools. Should a judicious person be employed, one who is amply qualified for the po- sition, I am confident that the advantages which would arise from the labors of such an officer would satisfy the most incredulous on the subject. I make this recommendation for the double purpose of im- - proving the character of the schools, and of reducing the annual ex- penditure. The amount now paid to the school committee is nearly or quite sufficient to pay a Superintendent. In the construction and fitting up of school-houses, in the supplies for schools, in contingent expenses, I apprehend he would annually save to this city more than double the amount of his salary. Should this recommendation be adopted, I would not have it weaken in any manner the relation and interest of the school committee, or the parents, in the public schools."
This measure has long been deemed necessary, and its importance
69
has been discussed in the annual reports of the School Committees, but it has been left to the municipal authorities of the current year to establish the office, and to the school board of the same year to fill it.
The ordinance authorizing the school board to appoint a superin- tendent of public schools at a salary not exceeding $1500 per annum, passed the Common Council in November. The School Board re- ceived applications from a large number of candidates, whose quali- fications were attested by the highest recommendations, and, at their last regular meeting elected Rev. Geo. Bushnell of this city.
An earlier compliance on the part of the Common Council with the Mayor's recommendation would have given the schools the ad- vantages of a superintendent's labors a part of the year 1856. But, disappointed in this, the Board have the satisfaction of having placed at the head of the schools a competent and judicious man, by whose diligence and wisdom important improvements may be suggested to our successors.
All the schools of the city will now come under the eye of one person, which is the only possible method by which a just compari- son can be instituted, defects be discovered, and excellencies be appre- ciated. We confidently expect that this plan will secure the best teachers, introduce a uniform system of instruction, and make known the relative rank of every school.
SCHOOL HOUSES.
It was thought by a former Board that the new schools on Syca- more street would obviate the necessity of those on Front street, which were accordingly discontinued. But the crowded state of the new schools, and the inconvenience to which that section of the city near the common was subjected by being compelled to send their lit- tle children so far as the school house in Sycamore street, or as that in Main street, induced the present Board to repair the school house on the common, and establish there two primary schools. They also made arrangements to open a secondary school in the same build- ing, to relieve those of that grade, all of which, except that in Ash street, were overflowing. How much this measure was demanded, is attested by the fact that the new schools were immediately filled, and
10
70
that the Secretary has received more applications for admission to each of these than to any other of the same grade in the city.
There is one serious objection to the location of this house-its proximity to Front street, upon which there is almost constant travel. The incessant noise during the summer, when the windows are open, nearly drowns the voice of both teachers and pupils.
The same objection may be urged against the location of the schools on Main street, with the addition of unpleasant and incon- venient rooms and the want of a proper play ground. The first step from that house brings you upon the sidewalk of our most travelled thoroughfare. The sooner our city fathers sell that property, and, with a part of the proceeds, purchase a larger lot in a more suitable locality, and erect a more convenient house, the better. In a finan- cial point of view, it would be economy to sell and build again. The present locality is worth more for business than for schools.
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