USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1871-1872 > Part 3
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George S. Cole
E. C. Burbank 1
Hon. N. P. Banks
15
. Stephen Foster 6
Hiram Barrus
1
Total donations (duplicates, 10)
139
Purchased
58
By exchange
9
Total increase .
206
Total number in Accession Catalogue
.
2,693
(Total duplicates, 401.)
8
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT.
DECREASE.
At the annual examination, July, 1871, 21 volumes were found to be too much worn for use, and not worth rebinding. New copies of 13 of these were bought (these not included in item "purchased," above), leaving a deficit of 8 volumes.
Twenty-two old duplicates were exchanged for 9 vols. newer works.
Two volumes (" Woodstock " and " The Small House at Alling- ton "), charged to Mr. and Mrs. James Clayton, were not returned at the examination.
Decrease for the year 32 vols.
Previous to July, 1871, duplicates exchanged 3 "
66 66 burned at Mr. Morse's fire . 2 "
66
66 " charged to Jenny Towns, not returned 1 "
Total decrease
38
(Duplicates, 25.)
.
Number of volumes now in Library
2,655
Duplicates .
376
Actual number for circulation
2,279
Circulation for the year ending July 1, 1871.
Number of cards issued
973
" taken out 14,386
Of which were ---
Fiction
9,104
Juveniles .
3,459
Retained at examination.
8
Since returned .
6
Missing
2
Two hundred and one volumes have been rebound, and sixty-three more are now at the bindery for that purpose.
There have been no suspensions for disorderly conduct during the year.
Besides the books given, we have received files of the "Reading Chronicle " and the "Advocate of Peace ; " Report and Bulletins of the Boston Public Library ; and Reports of the Public Libraries of Charlestown, Medford, Brighton, Winchester, New Bedford, and Manchester, N. H., and of the Mercantile Library of New York ; and we have subscribed for the "Literary World " and the "Scientific American."
9
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT.
The following volumes are still missing from the Franklin Library : -
Galt's Life of Byron.
Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft.
Lights and Shadows of European History.
Prairie. Five Years in South Africa. 2 vols.
Footprints of the Creator.
A Summer in Scotland.
The Red Rover.
Jack Tier.
Wyandotte. Living Age for 1857.
Missing from the Reading Agricultural Library : Mills' Fruit, Flower, and Vegetable Gardener's Companion. Missing from the Town Library : Winthrop's History of New England, 1630-49, vol. 2.
WANTED, TO FILL SETS.
Reading Chronicle, Nos. 1-8, 35, 51, vol. 1. Reports of the Board of Education, Nos. 1 and 9. Agriculture of Massachusetts, 1842-52, 1855, 1857. Patent-Office Reports, Agricultural, 1862, 1864, 1869. 66 Mechanical, 1854-66, 1868, 1871.
We should be glad if any one would donate the above, or we will purchase at a fair valuation.
In 1870-71 the Library was open 342 hours ; circulation, 14,386, or a little over 42 books per Library hour all through the year. Three-fourths of the books are brought in and taken out on Saturday : probably the delivery on Saturday would average 50 books to the hour, and at the "rush " between 7} and 8} o'clock must be much greater. Each book brought in obliges the Librarian to look at the card for the page, find page in record-book, see if that book is charged on that card, mark the date of its return, see if it is overdue, calculate the fine, and mark the date when paid. Each book taken out : to see card for page, find page, see that no fine is due, enter name of book,
10
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT.
date of taking, and put date of taking on card. And yet some people do not seem to see that the Librarian has not much time to spend in showing them books, and assisting them in making up their minds, and answering numberless questions in regard to the character of the different books, to say nothing of matters entirely foreign to the business of the Library.
The Librarian acknowledges that some errors are inevitable in this rush of business, which she trusts the patrons of the Library will excuse.
M. H. APPLETON,
Librarian.
Dr.
Cr.
1871.
March 1 Balance in hands of Treasurer
May
11 Paid E. Appleton for Sci. American, Galaxy, and Todd's Apple- Culturist .
$ 2.40
June
8 Paid A. R. Gay & Co. for Stationery
11.40
Oct.
14
J. A. Bancroft, Town Treas., on acc., Appropriation balance
July
22
H. G. Terry for Binding
112.40
M. H. Appleton for cleaning and rearranging Library
23 25
" H. G. Terry for Binding
67.85
1872.
28
for Catalogues sold .
3.25
October 18
E. Appleton for Adams' Works, &c. .
10.00
61.17
19
Hollis & Gunn, balance for Printing Catalogues .
150.00
66
27
A. R. Gay & Co. for Stationery, Records, &c. .
19.37
Nov. 28
46 S. Harnden & Son for Desk . .
15.00
1872.
5
A. R. Gay & Co. for Labels for Books Manuf. Ins. Co. for Insurance
3.75
Feb.
28
30.00
28
Librarian for Salary in part
51.40
66
" Extra Work
3.20
28
" Express
2.95
28
4 Postage
.28
28
" Subscription Literary World
1.00
"
28
" Bulletin Boards
12
28 Bal. Fines in hands of Librarian .
3.77
$ 675.83
Balance in hands of Treasurer
5.86
Total Receipts
$ 681.69
$681.69
There is now due Librarian Balance of Salary
$15.00
=
for Gas
4.50
for Binding, about
75.00
F. H. KNIGHT, Treasurer Reading Public Library.
READING, February 28, 1872.
1871.
July
22 22
Received of N. P. Pratt, Admin. Legacy T. Ward Hartshorn . 66
$ 14.97 100.00 250.00 250.00 2.00
Dec.
31
Librarian, donation of a patron Balance in hands February
ary 18, 1871 . . . .30
24 August 19 Sept.
2
W. H. Piper & Co. for Books purchased
.
108.89
2
56.80
Feb.
29
66
for Fines collected
28
66
" Needles and Thread
2.00
28
=
Jan.
TREASURER'S REPORT.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF READING
FOR 1871-72.
REPORT.
FOR a period of thirty-four years the statutes have required the school committees throughout the Commonwealth to make a report of the condition of the schools under their care, accom- panied with suggestions designed to promote the interests of the schools. The routine prescribed, coupled with the fact that education cannot be accelerated beyond a limited rate of speed, leaves little opportunity for indulgence in fine writing or glow- ing descriptions. The work from year to year is so similar, and the reports necessarily differ so little in general features, that they may become uninteresting to the general reader, and, pos- sibly to the friends of the schools. On that account some points of importance may be overlooked, or fail to awaken attention.
In our present Report we so far depart from our usual custom as to introduce photographs of each school, made up from re- ports prepared by their respective teachers. The points sug- gested to them for report, were the present condition of each school, the progress for the year, suggestions of needed im- provements, and the teacher's methods of instruction. Our object has been, not simply to make our Report more attract- ive. We believe that the teacher knowing more thoroughly every detail of the school, is thereby better qualified to give " a detailed report of the condition of the school " than is the commit- tee. We hope also "to promote the interests of the schools" in this manner, making our report more effective by embodying in practical form the best thoughts of practical teachers, that each may be mutually assisted by hints from others, and at the same time stimulated to still more earnest and successful effort. One
4
REPORT OF THE
may excel in methods for securing improvement in reading ; another in writing ; another in grammar ; another in discipline. Another, of less experience, needs just the information that these supply. These considerations also encourage us to put these reports in a form for convenient reference. If the results seem to warrant the continuation of similar reports from the teachers in future years, they will have a better opportunity to do justice to themselves and their subjects.
It is proper to say that these reports were furnished at short notice, and generally with no expectation of their being made public, except as the facts and suggestions might be used by the Committee.
LOWER PRIMARY SCHOOL.
MISS MARY SHANKLAND, TEACHER.
" I have paid much attention to spelling, and have tried va- rious plans in teaching it. The word to be spelt is printed on the blackboard, and remains till learned. Every Wednesday P. M. the pupils print on their slates all the new words learned for a week. They are required to point out silent letters, and tell why they are so called. Oral spelling is practiced constantly, spelling the names of familiar objects, &c. Spelling by the sounds of the letters has been tried to some extent.
The scholars, especially the boys, are very much interested in drawing, copying pictures, &c. They like object lessons very much. Every afternoon we have an exercise in marching or gymnastics. Every Wednesday we have general exercises, speaking pieces, reading short stories, or telling what is noticed on the way to school. I take care to have all the variety possi- ble. The deportment, on the whole, has been good. We have had only one case of truancy for over two years; very little corporal punishment. I think a new set of drawing, numerical, alphabetical, and color charts would be a great help to the school ; also the improved slates, with copies, drawing, &c., on the sides."
5
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
UPPER PRIMARY SCHOOL.
MISS SARAH SWEETSER, TEACHER.
" My scholars have seemed much interested in their studies, especially during the last term. When one is describing a river, country, &c., I ask another to volunteer to draw the same on the blackboard. Nearly all are anxious to make the trial, and soon learn to do the work very nicely. As only a small number can work on the board each day, the others are very desirous to have the promise of the next opportunity.
In reading, it is difficult to keep the attention of a class like mine of twenty-five scholars, while each one reads. I sometimes accomplish this by posting the name upon the blackboard of each one who reads without an error. At other times I promise to tell which scholar I think reads most properly ; or perhaps ask the pupils themselves to say who has read most correctly. In such ways I secure almost perfect attention to the exercise. Scholars that miss two words in their spelling lessons must resume their study, and have no "ticket." Spelling is one of the general exercises every Friday afternoon. In a trial, select- ing ten of the hardest words out of ten pages they had last studied, only two scholars in the first class, numbering twenty- three, failed ; and only three of the second class, numbering twenty-two.
The deportment of the school has generally been good ; that of the girls, excellent. I always give them praise for trying to do well ; that goes a great ways with young children. [And with older children, too .- COM.] More slates are needed, as only about three-fourths of the pupils have them.
One little boy, a member of this school, bright and interest- ing, a favorite with his teacher and schoolmates, a son of Mr. J. C. Cook, died of membranous croup, November 8, 1871. His name was Chester ; his age, eight years. Most of the scholars manifested their regard by attending the funeral, and all con- tributed to the purchase of flowers for the casket, which held a treasure more lovely than the loveliest of flowers."
6
REPORT OF THE
LOWER MEDIUM SCHOOL.
MISS E. S. FOSTER, TEACHER.
" I try to make the school-room and school duties as pleasant as possible to the children, that they may like to come to the school, and also like the work there. To make the room cheer- ful, I introduce pictures, mottoes, flowers, &c. To make the work attractive is a more difficult matter. I remember the child's natural activity, and so give him enough to do. I re- member his love of change, and so bring as much variety as possible into the recitations, making them sometimes seem like play, and with good effect. Sometimes a class repeats the mul- tiplication table set to music ; or spells words, accompanied by exercises in gymnastics. Writing has received some attention, and the progress has been gratifying. We have frequent exer- cises in singing, nearly every scholar taking a part."
UPPER MEDIUM SCHOOL.
MISS A. M. KNIGHT, TEACHER.
" Map drawing has never been taught to my scholars till the past year. I have paid considerable attention to it, and I think with very good success. Writing the spelling lesson is also new to my school, having been used as an exercise only in the more advanced schools. I am sure the penmanship and accuracy in spelling have very much improved during the last term.
The first class in spelling in the first term of the year were very dull. Some of them would fail in spelling eighteen words out of the twenty-four assigned for a lesson. At the close of the last term they would write out their lessons with hardly a mistake.
Each day I credit my pupils for good recitations and deport- ment. At the end of every two weeks I average them, and reseat the scholars according to their rank in the class. If a scholar seems to have leisure time, I often send him to the board to draw some map or drawing he has previously taken as a
7
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
lesson. Sometimes I give one a piece in the reading-book to write carefully on the slate ; another writes examples in addition, subtraction, or multiplication on the board, as a lesson for the class. I often ask an idler to write the spelling lesson as well as possible, and show it to me, or to write all he remembers of a certain geography or reading lesson. An extra credit, now and then, insures an extra effort to master a difficult lesson. When the scholars seem restless or tired, I sometimes read them a story, and ask them about it afterwards. I often give short mental exercises in rapid adding and multiplying, or taking larger numbers on the slate to be performed as quickly as possi- ble. I aim at variety, and adopt new methods to meet differing circumstances."
VILLAGE GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
MRS. M. S. WOOD, TEACHER.
" There has seemed to be a lack of self-respect among the scholars, which I have endeavored to revive, and with that also self-reliance. I have endeavored to gain the confidence of my pupils, so that each one might feel that I had their individual good at heart, and that whatever I did was subservient to that end. I have sought to secure the progress of each scholar in his studies according to his ability. Sometimes a want of appli- cation to study manifests itself, and I resort to various exercises to awaken interest, as spelling matches, general exercises in arithmetic, &c. These tend at the same time to aid them in their regular studies. The school has much improved in deport- ment since my connection with it, as well as in disposition to study."
The Committee have to say in respect to this school that it had a most unfortunate experience in losing the services of Miss Mary F. Wood at the close of the summer term. Her successor, Miss Hinckley, was a young lady of some experience in teaching, a graduate of the Bridgewater Normal School, thoroughly edu- cated, inspired with a hearty love for her profession, well recom- mended ; but unfortunately succeeding a teacher of rare tact and
8
REPORT OF THE
popularity, and the school being one of our most difficult, the position was unusually trying. The health of the teacher was unequal to the task of overcoming the obstacles, and securing control of the school, and she finally resigned the position before the close of the fall term. Mrs. Wood succeeded, and has labored with great fidelity, and a good degree of success, to secure the best interests of the school.
PREPARATORY HIGH SCHOOL.
MISS LENA T. WOOD, TEACHER.
" READING. The pupils have made much progress in reading this year, particularly in enunciation, use of the voice, and con- fidence.
SPELLING is unsatisfactory ; and it seems to me the remedy, for future classes, is in the lower schools. I try both oral and written methods, but it seems nearly impossible to correct an error of so long standing.
ARITHMETIC. Nothing new in this study, except that I have given more practice in oral work. I think if mental arithmetic was more thoroughly taught before the pupils reach this school, we should progress more rapidly here. Nothing wakes up my pupils like an exercise in mental arithmetic.
GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY. Recitations in both these studies are conducted in a great measure by the pupils themselves. The text-book often furnishes but a very small portion of the facts presented at the recitation. The pupils show much enthusi- asm and ingenuity in carrying on these exercises. With the thorough preparation made by each one, every point is critically examined, and a great deal of useful information is gained.
GRAMMAR. In this my object has been to correct and im- prove the language of the pupils. They have studied examples of incorrect construction a good deal, and are quite sharp in detecting errors and giving reasons. They also, to this end, criticise one another pretty severely if faulty expressions are used in their recitations. For exercises in composition I give pictures to describe, poetry to change into prose, &c.
9
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
I have recently introduced a general exercise, consisting of the recitation of short and pithy items by the pupils, who make the selections from newspapers and other sources. This awakens much interest, and promises good results.
MUSIC. Substantial progress has been made in this science. Understanding thoroughly the principles, the pupils are able to answer any questions in the 'Alphabet of Music,' beat time to their singing, &c.
In conclusion I will add, that the pupils have been learning to control and govern themselves, which is not the least impor- tant of their lessons."
The Committee refer with pleasure to a fact that well illus- trates the closing remarks of the above report. Miss Wood's pupils have shown by actual trial that they have learned to " con- trol and govern themselves." They have been left during the hours of study with no one to direct or report them to the teacher on her return, and have conducted themselves during . the whole time with perfect propriety. Such conduct is worthy of commendation, and we hope for good results from the influ- ence of their example on other schools.
MAIN-STREET SCHOOL.
MISS JULIA MCDUFFIE, TEACHER.
"The advancement of the school during the last two terms has been quite rapid and thorough. I have endeavored to make mathematics as practical as possible, consequently have not con- fined them very closely to the book, but have given familiar exercises as a substitute. I consider mental exercises ' a very important aid in acquiring a practical knowledge of arithmetic. In geography I have had valuable assistance from Guyot's Guide.
My first class in grammar having a good knowledge of pars- ing have recently given some attention to analysis which has been a benefit to them.
The school, as a whole, do nicely in spelling. They have both oral and written exercises daily. Some of the scholars lack
10
REPORT OF THE
volume of voice, and the confidence necessary to make good readers, but are improving by the constant effort they are mak- ing. In writing they were well classified by their former teacher, and are doing well. They exhibit considerable talent in drawing.
Rapid progress demands good order, and a lively interest in the studies pursued. I have resorted to various methods for securing these objects, and with a good degree of success."
LOWELL-STREET SCHOOL.
MISS VIENNA G. BOWLES, TEACHER.
" At the close of last term my school excelled anything I had hoped for. It is under good discipline, and the pupils seem interested in their studies. I make as few rules as possible, and never fail to use them at the proper time. The teacher should always be pleasant, and in no instance reprimand a scholar in a harsh, irritable tone. The school is what the teacher makes it. If she loses her patience, the school will lose their respect. I never yet saw a successful school where the teacher was given to fault-finding. I give short lessons, and require them to be well learned."
HAVERHILL-STREET SCHOOL.
MISS E. S. FOSTER, TEACHER.
" In this school the older classes have few pupils in each, and they seem to be wanting in a proper ambition. This is partly due to frequent absences. The younger classes have a larger number of pupils in them, and are quite wide awake. The whole school excels in geography and in drawing maps. They do well in writing and drawing. The deportment was very good during my year there. I left the school in November, 1871. The first class in arithmetic had gone through 'Interest,' and seemed to understand it. The second class had studied through 'Common Fractions.'"
,
11
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
WALNUT-STREET PRIMARY SCHOOL.
MISS RUTH L. PRATT, TEACHER.
" My scholars have made decided progress in drawing, spell- ing, and geography. My method of teaching drawing is to give them objects to draw at sight just as soon as they are acquainted with the simplest rules of linear perspective. In spelling I first teach them to pronounce the words, then to write them. Each scholar spells every word in the lesson, and in case of failure loses his place in his class. In geography I assign them the descriptive portions by topics, giving them any information of interest that I obtain from other geographies, or from any other source whatever, and use Guyot's construction lines in map- drawing. I question my pupils often on common objects, in order to train them to habits of observation. They have become much interested in gathering up and relating such facts concern- ing places, persons and things, contained in their lessons as are new to them. We have frequent reviews. In one of these, in geography, a class failed in the description of Chicago. They gave as a reason that 'there wasn't any Chicago now ; it was all burned up, and they didn't study that part of the lesson.' This may serve as an illustration of the practical use they sometimes make of their knowledge. The deportment of my school is good. I have had of late no occasion to resort to severe discipline."
WALNUT-STREET GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
MISS SARAH E. HOLT, TEACHER.
" ARITHMETIC. First class advanced from Decimal Fractions to Insurance ; second class, from Reduction through Common Fractions ; third class, to Reduction.
HISTORY. During two terms the class have taken the Dis- coveries, a part of the Settlements, and French and Indian War.
GRAMMAR. A part of the year was spent with the text- book; the remainder, in parsing and analysis.
12
REPORT OF THE
GEOGRAPHY. Recitations have consisted mainly in map-draw- ing, giving physical features, productions, and principal cities, towns, and items of interest.
Some progress has been made in reading. The spelling les- son is written on the board. A short time has been devoted each day to mental exercises, singing and drawing. I have endeavored, in methods of instruction, to be topical, and gener- ally oral. My efforts have been to be thorough, and teach pupils to reason rather than memorize.
The school compares favorably with that of the previous year."
WOBURN-STREET PRIMARY SCHOOL.
MISS L. F. WILLIAMS, TEACHER.
Report wanting, and teacher absent from town. We are not entirely familiar with the teacher's methods, but the results are manifest in the excellent condition of the school. The deport- ment of the pupils, and their progress in their studies, is very satisfactory.
WOBURN-STREET GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
MISS LUCY HARDEN, TEACHER.
The absence of the teacher prevents our obtaining her report of this school. We regret this, as she has had long experience in teaching, and excellent success. Miss Webster remained in the school two terms of the year, but left on account of ill health. The school seems to be in a prosperous condition.
13
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
HIGH SCHOOL.
CYRUS A. COLE, PRINCIPAL.
" MR. CHAIRMAN AND GENTLEMEN OF THE COMMITTEE, - For convenience, the studies of the High School may be classified as follows : -
Mathematics. - Algebra, geometry, trigonometry and applications, arithmetic, and book-keeping.
Languages. - Latin, French, English (including rhetoric).
History, &c. - Ancient and modern history, Constitution of United States, mental science.
Science. - Chemistry, botany, physiology, natural philosophy, ge- ology and physical geography, astronomy.
Drawing and Music.
During the present school-year, attention has been paid to the follow- ing studies by the different classes : -
FOURTH CLASS.
This class has had daily recitations in reading, algebra, and Latin.
Reading. - It is with great satisfaction that I am able to refer to the improvement in this very important branch. Much time has been given to reading in concert, thus enabling many to gain confidence in their effort, and overcome certain defects. It has been the constant aim of the teacher to have the pupils read with feeling and expres- sion. Hard, honest labor, together with patience and continued en- thusiasm, will effect, it is believed, still more satisfactory results in this direction.
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