USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1876-1877 > Part 4
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
But besides these branches there are others which broaden the cul- ture of the mind, and open to the pupil the higher ranges of thought. Are not these results in the direct line of a truly practical develope- ment? It should not be necessary, at this day, to present the argu- ments which brought about the establishment of High Schools. They place within the reach of hundreds of our children opportunities for
55
advanced training which otherwise they might never secure. But here again, the principal before stated should hold good. Special training in one direction should not be required ; but the stimulation of thought, the cultivation of the mind in all its varied powers, so that the pupil may be able to rely upon himself in the battle of life, and become something more than a mere machine, framed to run in one rut of the world's highway.
How have our schools fulfilled the mission hinted at in the fore- going ? Imperfectly, no doubt. But the aim has been high, and pro- gress is making each year. It is no slight problem that is presented by our common school system. The advantages afforded are, and must be, different from those of private tuition. In our own town six hundred pupils of all ages are to be classified, instructed, and, from year to year, advanced through the several grades. Provision is to be made for the incoming recruits which every spring brings to the primaries ; room must be made for their reception, and after the school work is reduced to a developed plan, constant supervision is needed over the whole field. The difficulties can only be appreciated by those intimately acquainted with the system.
But a recent critic upon our schools says :
" We find by statistics that for the last ten years only about 15 per cent. of all the scholars in town ever enter the High School, and only 3. per cent. of all our scholars go through and graduate from the High School. Such being the facts the conclusion must be that there is an undue amount expended upon a very small number in the High School."
Now let us see what the statistics do say. The following table shows the number of pupils who have entercd and left the schools be- low the High School during ten years :
Total number of different pupils enrolled in the schools (except High School) during the year ending March 1868, 612
Total increase of different pupils from March, 1868, to March, 1877, 831
Total number of different pupils enrolled in schools (except High) during ten years, 1443
Deduct number now attending (fall and winter terms) schools, below High School, 454
Number who have left, 989
That is, 989 different pupils have entered and left the schools below the High School during the last ten years .* Of these 276 or
* These statistics are accurately compiled from the school registers of the last ten years. Every pupil found in the schools during that time having been counted, it, of course, results that the total is largly increased by the shifting portion of our population, some of whom remain in town less than a year. Of the permanent- residents a much larger proportion enter the High School than is here shown.
56
28 per cent. have entered the High School. Again, of the 276 who have entered the High School, 86 remain, 190 have left. Of these 190, 87, or about 46 per cent., have graduated. To recapitulate, the statistics for the last ten years show that so far from it being true, that "only 15 per cent. of all our scholars ever enter the High School." Twenty eight per cent. of all who have used and left cur common schools in that time have entered. Further, as 46 per cent. of those entering have graduated, it follows that should this pro- portion be maintained until the 86 pupils now in the school have passed out, - and there is no reason to suppose it will not, - then about 13 per cent. of all who have left our schools in ten years will have completed the course, instead of 3 per cent. as quoted .*
High schools have been established by law. Such a school m ust be supported here for at least 36 weeks in each year. Taking the State at large (1876) less than 5 per cent. of the pupils attending the public schools are found in the high schools. Ten years ago 10 per cent. of all the pupils in this town were within our High School, and the ratio has steadily increased until to-day 16 per cent. are found there,-more than three times the average ratio for the State. The in- creased attendance has been largely owing to the higher estimation in which the school has been held by our people, and to the progress- ive character it has maintained during the period named. A question may arise here as to the grade of our school. Two grades of high schools are contemplated by the law, the higher being required for towns of 4,000 inhabitants. Besides the studies taught in the lower grade, pupils in our school receive instruction in all but three of those required for the higher grade,t and may, if they wish, take German outside the regular school hours.
Let any one examine the record of the young men who have left our High School. They will find that a large per cent. of their num- ber have taken honorable and lucrative stations in life. Some of the best teachers of both sexes in our own and neighboring towns are members of its alumni. It is no faint tribute to the excellence of the school to say that its graduates have been found among those best prepared to enter higher institutions of learning. But we do not for- get that the school-days of many will, for various reasons, end in the grammar schools, or that in them, and in the primaries, the founda- tion is laid for those who are able to go higher. The old fallacy,
* Nearly 9 per cent. have already done so.
+ Logic, Intellectual and Moral Science, aud Political Economy.
57
"that anybody can teach a primary school," is, happily, passing away. The work to be done in these lower schools is of the highest impor- tance, and no effort should be spared to perfect this work and to en- hance their usefulness.
Now as to the question of cost. We present a few figures show- ing the average amounts expended in maintaining public schools in neighboring parts of the State. A comparison between them and similar expenditures in Reading, during the past year, is interesting and instructive.
Taking the four most populous counties of the State, Suffolk, Mid- dlesex, Essex, and Worcester, we find the average salary of principals of high schools to be $205.47 per month. For Middlesex and Essex alone the average is $157.46. For Middlesex alone, $161.90. Read- ing has paid for the past year $157.89.
Again we find the average salary paid female teachers to be, for the four counties, $43.13 per month. For Middlesex and Essex, $40.74. For Middlesex, $41.97. Reading has paid $41.35 .* These averages (except Reading) are taken from statistics given in the last report of the State Board of Education, issued January, 1877, and show that reductions made during the year have carried our salaries below the average amount paid March, 1876, in the four counties com- bined ; slightly below the average paid in our own county, and about to the average paid in Essex and Middlesex combined. The follow- ing statistics are from other sources ; those relating to high schools being furnished by the Secretary of the School Committee in each town referred to :
The average amount expended for each pupil in the public schools of the State (1875-6), exclusive of erecting and repairing school-build- ings, was $15.26. Average amount expended in Reading for same (1876-7), $13.95. These amounts are based in each case on the whole number of pupils enrolled.
Taking five towns of Middlesex county - Lexington, Winchester, Holliston, Ashland, and Everett - and three in other parts of the State - West Springfield, East Bridgewater, and North Andover - we find the average cost per pupil for high-school instruction, for 1876-7, to be $31.96. Reading has paid for same, $25.93. The above towns were selected for comparison for the reason that the number of pupils of all ages, in each town, approximated the number
* In obtaining this average the salary paid in the Main Street School is includ- ed. A male teacher is at present employed in this school, but the salary was fixed for a female incumbent, and is the same as paid female teachers of the same grade.
58
in our own - the average number being 599. In point of valuation, four of these towns exceed Reading, and four fall below.
Lexington and Winchester, with high schools of 60 and 57 pupils, respectively, employ a principal and two assistants for each. Read- ing, with a much larger school, employs a principal and one assistant.
We give these figures without comment. A consideration of them will, we are confident, aid in deciding whether or not our schools have been economically conducted, and whether an undue amount has been expended upon the High School.
PERSONAL.
The resignation of Dr. John O. Dow, a member of the Committee, on the day of his election by the town, was filled by the choice of W. Wallace Davis, Esq.
Later in the year, the Chairman of the Board, Carroll D. Wright, Esq., tendered his resignation. Mr. Wright had been connected with the Board for several years, and was one of its most useful and valued members. His efforts have ever been exerted toward the im- provement of our schools, and especially toward securing a thorough English course in the High School. We regret that the pressure of other duties, and the condition of his health, caused us the loss of his services. The vacancy in membership was filled by the choice of Rev. George T. Dole.
The schools were assigned, at the beginning of the year, to the members of the Committee individually, - each member having charge of two schools, - thus securing a certain amount of personal oversight and responsibility. A list of these assignments is append- ed. Sixteen meetings have been held by the Committee during the year. Hereafter, by a vote of the Committee, regular meetings will be held at the Town Office on the second Thursday of each month, at 7:30 o'clock P. M. Three vacancies occur, to be filled at the ensu- ing annual meeting ; the terms of Messrs. Parker, Davis, and Dole, expiring.
EXPENSES AND ESTIMATES.
The Committee were obliged, on account of the reduced appro- priation made by the town at its last annual meeting, to make reduc- tions in the salaries of teachers.
These reductions were made in the manner deemed most equitable by the Board, and were principally applied to the higher salaries, the lower being already so low as to scarcely admit of further reduction.
59
The pay of two teachers was slightly advanced to place them upon equality with others of the same grade, and in fulfilment of obligations previously incurred by the Committee. A change in the janitorship of the Centre school-buildings effected further retrenchment. By these reductions we have been able to keep within the limit set by the town. In the matter of incidentals the utmost care has been used in the disbursement of the amount appropriated. A statement of expendi- tures in detail is submitted. The Committee believe it to be good policy to put one building each year in thorough repair; and with this end in view the Woburn Street Schoolhouse has been painted inside and out and the entries replastered. The only large item of expsnse besides this was incurred at the Medium Schoolhouse on Union street, the roof of which it was found necessary to shingle.
Attention is invited to the statistics contained in the Appendix.
The Committee recommend the following appropriations for the ensuing year :
For support of schools, including instruction in music - $8500 00 - 1000 00
For incidentals
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER S. PARKER, CHAIRMAN, SOLON BANCROFT, WILLIAM F. DURGIN, W. WALLACE DAVIS, GEORGE T. DOLE, HORACE G. WADLIN, SECRETARY,
COMMITTEE.
READING, March, 1876.
Appendix.
GENERAL STATISTICS.
Population of Reading
3186
Number of children between 5 and 15 years of age, May, 1876
482
Amount appropriated for instruction and care of rooms - " incidentals
$8500 00
66 received from State School Fund -
232 46
Total receipts for support of schools .
9732 46
Expended for instruction and care of rooms
8361 30
Expended for incidentals
936 91
Total expenditures -
9298 21
Balance unexpended . -
-
-
434 25
PUPILS.
Whole number of pupils enrolled during year
599
Average whole number (from returns of each term)
-
513
Average daily attendance -
458
Number of pupils admitted to High School 66
34
Average age
15 yrs. 6 mos.
Average number of pupils to each teacher in High School 41
66 66 66
Centre Grammar Schools - 39
6.
66
Medium Schools - 36 .
66
66
66
66
Centre Primary Schools - 47
66
66
66 66
Mixed Schools 25
Length of terms : Ist, 12 weeks ; 2d. 13 weeks; 3d, 13 weeks ; total, 38 weeks, or 92 months.
NAMES OF PUPILS GRADUATING FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL, JUNE, 1876.
Lucy A. Barrows,
Clarence C. Knight,
Elmer J. Brown,
Addie L. Nichols,
Frederic E. Brown,
Carrie F. Nichols,
Maria W. Carter, Flora A. Niles,
Minnie L. Carter,
Frederic M. Phillips,
Lillian F. Gray, Jessie E. Stockwell,
William G. Willcox.
LIST OF COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS, 1876-7-
HIGH SCHOOL - The Entire Committee.
FIRST GRAMMAR - Mr. Wadlin. SECOND GRAMMAR - Mr. Parker.
-
.
.
-
-
-
1000 00
-
-
-
61
THIRD GRAMMAR - Mr. Bincroft.
UPPER MEDIUM - S Mr. Wright - Spring term.
Mr. Dole - Fall and Winter terms.
LOWER MEDIUM - Mr. Durgin.
UPPER PRIMARY - Mr. Wadlin.
LOWER PRIMARY - Mr. Parker.
WALNUT STREET MIXED - Mr. Bincroft.
WOBURN STREET SCHOOLS - Mr. Durgin.
LOWELL STREET MIXED - ( Mr. Wright - Spring term.
Mr. Davis - Fall and Winter terms.
MAIN STREET MIXED - Mr. Divis.
( Mr. Davis - Spring term.
HAVERHILL STREET MIXED - - Mr. Dole - Fall and Winter terms.
ROLL OF HONOR.
Giving the names of those who have not been absent or tardy since March, 1876, and the schools to which they belong.
HIGH SCHOOL.
HATTIE C. EMERSON, MARY F. EATON.
FIRST GRAMMAR.
GEORGE E. HOWES,
ANNIE V. WILLCOX,
MARIA BAKER, HANNAH E. HIBBERT.
SECOND GRAMMAR.
GRACE BROWN, ALICE HOWARD,
SYLVINA MOULTON, MARGARET M. WHELTON.
THIRD GRAMMAR. ANNIE M. MOULTON.
UPPER MEDIUM.
WALTER KINGMAN, KATE M. TROWE.
LOWER MEDIUM.
CHARLES MESSER, GRACE PARKER, HATTIE WALKER,
MARY NICHOLS, ANNIE WHELTON,
UPPER PRIMARY. WILLIAM BARROWS MCKAY. WALNUT STREET SCHOOL.
CHARLES HUNTER, CORA HUNTER, HATTIE STONE.
LOWELL STREET SCHOOL
HENRY NICHOLS, GEORGE H. HILL,
MAIN STREET SCHOOL. PHILIP EMERSON,
TABLE SHOWING SALARIES AND ATTENDANCE.
NOTE :- By comparing the two columns of salaries given, the change made during the year may be seen.
NAMES OF SCHOOLS.
Salary paid
in each school
TEACHERS AT PRESENT
1875-6.
EMPLOYED.
Salary paid
in each school
Ist term
2nd term
3rd term
Ist term
2nd term
3rd term
Under 5 years
Ist term
2nd term
3rd term
High School,
$1800
Cyrus A. Cole. Principal,
$1500
69
88
86
67
83
83
56
66
68 .
First Grammar,
500
Jennie R. Barrus,
500
36
31
32
32
30
29
19
9
II
Second Grammar,
500
Sarah L. Stoodley,
450
35
34
35
32
32
32
Third Grammar,
450
Annie M. Knight,
4 50
41
53
54
36
50
50
Upper Medium,
450
E. S. Foster.
400
57
33
31
52
29
28
Lower Medium,
350
Addie B. Howes,
400
35
31
29
32
30
27
Union St. Upper Primary,
450
Mrs. S. A. Goodridge,
400
49
40°
40
46
34
34
Union St. Lower Primary,
450
Miss Ruth L. Pratt,
400
61
50
40
51
39
32
2
Walnut St. Mixed,*
350
Sadie R. Lindsay,
400
51
48
37
41
41
32
I
I
Woburn St. Grammar,
400
E. F. Wheelock,
350
19
29
27
17
25
22
Woburn St. Primary,
300
L. F. Loring,
300
22
26
24
19
21
22
I
Lowell St. Mixed,
300
E. Barrows,
300
25
29
25
22
26
20
I
I
2
2
Main St. Mixed,
300
Mr. L. F. Elliott,
300
17
17
I7
16
15
15
I
I
Haverhill St. Mixed,
300
Miss Z. A. Wakefield,
2 50
13
15
9
12
II
7
I
530
524
486
475
466
433
6
78
79
88
* Miss Mary A. Lindsay, temporary assistant, $1 per week.
1876-7.
NUMBER OF SCHOLARS.
AVERAGE ATTENDANCE.
OVER 15 YEARS.
700
Miss Martha Keith, Ass't,
600
I
I
6
.
.
Course of Instruction.
LOWER PRIMARY, - TWO YEARS.
FIRST YEAR, - FIRST TERM.
Reading. - Exercises on the Charts. Franklin Primer. Spell simple words of one syllable. Practice in learning words as well as letters.
Numbers. - Count as high as ten, using counters or similar objects. Show how to add, subtract, multiply and divide within the limit of ten. Exercises to be short and without set lessons or times.
Writing. - Allow the use of the slate, with simple combinations of lines to be copied from the blackboard.
SECOND AND THIRD TERMS.
Reading. - Complete the Primer. Use its lessons in spelling. Use the blackboard freely and train the pupils in advance upon their lessons.
Numbers. - Practice in counting as high as one hundred. Practice in reading numbers within this limit, both in Arabic and Roman numerals. Practice in adding and subtracting small numbers.
Writing. - Practice with the slate. Each pupil to write his own name with the capitals therein, and the capital I. Copy from the blackboard or the primer easy words in printing on the slate.
Oral Lessons. - Oral Instruction daily throughout the year. Familiar talks about simple subjects, such as the pictures in the Primer, books, flowers, &c., also the use of the period in sentences.
SECOND YEAR.
Reading. - Franklin 2d Reader. Special attention to tones in reading, spelling and conversation. Oral, written and Phonic spelling in connection with the reader. Primary Speller. Frequent blackboard exercises in spelling home and school- room objects.
Numbers. - Reading and writing small numbers. Practice in adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing, within the limit of twenty. In adding so arrange that the sum of no two figures of the same order shall exceed nine. Practice in the Roman numerals to the extent used in numbering the lessons in the books of, the grade. Walton's Primary Arithmetic begun.
Oral Lessons .- Daily oral instruction throughout the year. The common domestic animals, their uses and how to treat them. Introduce the colors of the spec- trum and illustrate by use of the Prism. Color as shown in natural objects, such as rocks, grass, trees, &c. How to tell time by the clock. Train the
64
child's powers of observation by talks on the uses of common school-room ob- jects, such as the stove, the blackboard, thermometer, and anything easily un- derstood.
UPPER PRIMARY, - ONE YEAR.
Reading. - Franklin 3d Reader. Worcester's Primary Spelling Book, to page 8o. Spelling and defining from the Reader. Practice on the use of capitals ; on the marks indicating pronunciation and punctuation. To know the names and marking of all the long vowels and the Italian A. Pay special attention to inflec- tion and emphasis in reading.
Numbers .- Walton's Primary Arithmetic, entire book. Much practice on the tables. Reading and writing numbers up to a million. Practice on the Charts.
Writing. - Parts I and 2 of Dunton's Writing Primer. Nos. I and 2 of Dunton's Writing Books. Copy sentences, &c., from the blackboard.
.
Oral Lessons.F- Lessons on color, weight, and size, with illustrations. Points of the Compass. Measures of length and capacity, and their uses. On the Three Kingdoms of nature. Reading and illustrations from the Child's Book of Na- ture. Lessons on the divisions of time.
Drawing. - Drawing Book No.
LOWER MEDIUM,-ONE YEAR.
Reading. - Franklin 4th Reader, first fifty selections, with exercises in enunciation Practice on the marks of printing, and their uses. Reading from the Child's Book of Nature. Spelling and defining from the reader. Swinton's Word Book to page 43, and review.
Numbers. - Intellectual Arithmetic as far as Eaton's Common School Arithmetic, to page 55. Much practice on the tables. Miscellaneous questions in the use of small numbers, and in rapid combinations. Reading and writing both Roman and Arabic numerals.
Writing. - Nos. 1, 2, and 3 of Dunton's series.
Geography. - Guyot's Primary Geography.
Language. - Instruction without text book, in distinguishing familiar nouns, in the use of capitals and in correcting.common grammatical errors of speech. Forma- tion of easy sentences.
Oral Lessons .-- Conversation on animals and natural objects ; on articles eaten and worn; on colors; on clothing, and materials which enter into its composition.
Drawing. - Drawing Book No. I.
UPPER MEDIUM,-ONE YEAR.
Reading. - Franklin 4th Reader completed; after which selections from Franklin Fifth; also, from the Child's Book of Nature. Spelling and defining from the reader. Swinton's Word Book, to page 80, and review.
65
Numbers. - Eaton's Written Arithmetic from page 30 to page 92, with review from beginning of book. Intellectual Arithmetic on corresponding topics. Miscel- laneous exercises in rapid combinations.
Language. - Oral instruction in the elements of grammar, without text book. Swin- ton's Language Lessons.
Geography, First Term .- Guyot's Primary Geography.
Geography, Second and Third Terms .- Warren's Common School Geography. Map drawing throughout the year.
Writing. - Nos. 3 and 4 of Dunton's series.
Oral Lessons. - Talks on the eminent men of past and present time, authors, statesmen, &c. On the qualities which made them eminent. What elements of their character should be avoided and what imitated. On trades and mate- rials.
Drawing. - Drawing Book No. 2.
THIRD GRAMMAR,-ONE YEAR.
Reading. - Franklin 5th Reader, sixty selections. Give special attention to enunci- · ation, emphasis, and to the meaning; also to the exercises at the end of each selection. Oral and written spelling and defining from the Reader. Swinton's Word Book to page 100, and review.
Numbers. - Eaton's Common School Arithmetic, from page 92 to 183, omitting from page 171 to 176. Review of entire book to the limit of the year's work. Intel- lectual Arithmetic on same topics, with exercises in rapid combinations.
Language. - Swinton's " Language Lessons " to page 97. Constant practice on cor- rect forms of expression and sentence making. Simple exercises in composition. Declamati ns.
Writing. - Nos. 4 and 5 of Dunton's series. Principles of Ltter fo rms.
Geography. - Warren's Common School Geography, to page 53. Map Drawing. History. - Barnes' U. S. History to page 161, and review.
Oral Lessons. - Talks on the classification of animals. On the structure of plants. On the properties of matter, as elasticity, ductility, &c., with illustrations.
Drawing. - Drawing Book No. 3.
SECOND GRAMMAR,-ONE YEAR.
Reading. - Franklin 6th Reader,.250 pages, with attention to the introductory mat- ter. Complete Swinton's Word Book, with reviews. Spelling and defining largely from the Reader. Spelling to be both oral and written.
66
Numbers. - Eaton's Common School Arithmetic, from page 183 to Profit and Loss, page 242 ; the last fifteen pages optional with the teacher. Intellectual Arith- metic on the same topics. Exercises in rapid combinations.
Language. - Swinton's " Language Lessons." Compositions. Letter Writing. Declamations. Written Abstracts from lessons in History.
Writing. - Nos. 5 and 6 of Dunton's series.
Geography. - Warren's Common School Geography to page 86. Map Drawing. History. - Barnes' U. S. History from page 161 to close, and review of entire book. Oral Lessons. - Daily talks on common facts in Physiology and Natural Philosophy. Drawing. - Drawing Book No. 4.
FIRST GRAMMAR, - ONE YEAR.
Reading. - Complete Franklin 6th Reader, with special attention to the introduc. tory matter. Oral and written spelling and defining from the Reader and Swin- ton's Word Book.
Numbers. - Complete Eaton's Common School Arithmetic, and review entire book, with special reference to the discussion of principles. Exercises in Intellectual Arithmetic, including rapid combinations.
Language. - Syntactical parsing. Analysis. Compositions and epistolary corres- pondence. Written abstracts of lessons in History. Practice in changing the poetical selections in the Reader into prose. Give synonyms of words occurring in the reading lessons. Kerl's " Shorter Course in English Grammar."
Writing. - Nos. 6 and 7 of Dunton's series.
Geography. - Complete Warren's Common School Geography. Guyot's Physical Geography. Map Drawing.
History. - English History to complete. Reviews on United States History.
Physiology. - Jarvis' Physiology.
Drawing. - Drawing Book No. 5.
HIGH SCHOOL.
ENGLISH AND SCIENTIFIC COURSE.
FIRST YEAR.
FIRST TERM. - Algebra, Chemistry, English Language.
SECOND TERM. - Algebra, Chemistry and Mineralogy, English Language, Bookkeeping.
THIRD TERM. - Geometry, Botany, English Language, Bookkeeping.
SECOND YEAR.
FIRST TERM. - Geometry, Natural Philosophy, English Language.
67
SECOND TERM. - Advanced Arithmetic or Trigonometry, Natural Philosophy, English Language.
THIRD TERM. - Zoology, Natural Philosophy, English Language.
THIRD YEAR.
FIRST TERM. - Geology, History and Civil Government, English Language.
SECOND TERM. - Geology and Astronomy, History and Civil Government, English Language.
THIRD TERM. - Astronomy, Mental Science, English Language.
By adding a year to the English course, pupils may commence Latin the first year, and French the second or third year. German may be substituted for French. Review Studies : Geography and Arithmetic.
Music is taught in all the schools, under the direction of a special teacher.
Expenses of Schools.
HIGH SCHOOL.
Paid Mr. Cyrus A. Cole, principal,
-
-
$1500 00
Miss Martha Keith, assistant,
-
600 00
-
For fuel, - .
-
99 22
$2199 22
FIRST GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
Paid Miss Ida M. Daniels, for teaching,
-
$41 50
Miss Jennie R. Barrus,
-
458 50
For fuel, -
49 61
$549 61
SECOND GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
Paid Miss Sarah L. Stoodley, for teaching,
$450 00
For fuel, - 49 61
$499 61
THIRD GRAMMAR SCHOOL-UNION STREET.
Paid Miss Clara L. Bancroft, for teaching,
$120 00
Miss Annie M. Knight, 300 00
Miss Kate Wilson,
66
6 00
-
For fuel,
-
36 50
$462 50
UPPER MEDIUM SCHOOL-UNION STREET.
Paid Miss Evelyn S. Foster, for teaching,
$400 00
For fuel,
29 85
$429 85
LOWER MEDIUM SCHOOL-UNION STREET.
Paid Miss Addie B. Howes, for teaching,
-
$383 67
For fuel, - -
29 84
$413 51
AMOUNT CARRIED FORWARD, $4554 30
69
AMOUNT BROUGHT FORWARD, $4554 3º UPPER PRIMARY SCHOOL-UNION STREET.
Paid Mrs. Sarah A. Goodridge, for teaching, $400 00
For fuel, - 13 69
-- $413 69
LOWER PRIMARY SCHOOL-UNION STREET.
Paid Miss Ruth L. Pratt, for teaching, - $400 00
For fuel, - .
13 68
$413 68
WALNUT STREET MIXED SCHOOL.
Paid Miss Sadie R. Lindsay, for teaching, - $383 32
Miss Mary A. Lindsay, assistant 22 1-2 weeks, 22 50
For fuel, -
33 12
$438 94
WOBURN STREET GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
Paid Miss Helen M. Clark, for teaching, - $116 64
Miss E. F. Wheelock, -
223 56
For fuel, - -
53 95
$394 15
WOBURN STREET PRIMARY SCHOOL.
Paid Miss Lillian F. Loring, for teaching, $233 34
Miss Evelyn C. Bancroft, 66 66
For fuel, -
27 97
$327 97
LOWELL STREET MIXED SCHOOL.
Paid Miss E. Barrows, for teaching,
$300 00
For fuel, ,
-
44 63
1875, - - .
8 00
$352 63
MAIN STREET MIXED SCHOOL.
Paid Mr. L. P. Howard, for teaching, - -
$266 65
Mr. L. F. Elliott, -
33 35
For fuel, -
29 81
$329 81
AMOUNT CARRIED FORWARD,
$7225 17
70
AMOUNT BROUGHT FORWARD, $7225 17
HAVERIHLL STREET MIXED SCHOOL.
Paid Miss Z. Abbie Wakefield, for teaching, - $250 00
For fuel, - - 25 88
$275 88
MUSICAL INSTRUCTION.
Paid Mr. Henry G. Carey, for teaching, $100 00
Mr. Ulmer H. Manning,
200 00
- $300 00
JANITORS.
Paid Charles H. Robinson, Centre School buildings,
12 weeks,
$144 00
Frank E. Brooks, Centre School buildings, 26 weeks, -
221 00
Janitor, Walnut Street School, for one year,
44 50
Woburn 66
62 00
66 Lowell
31 75
66 Main 66
28 50
66 Haverhill “
66
28 50
$560 25
Total amount expended,
$8361 30
Unexpended,
-
-
-
-
371 16
Appropriation, -
- $8500 00
Received from State School fund,
232 46
$8732 46 $8732 46
INCIDENTAL SCHOOL EXPENSES.
Paid Thompson, Brown & Co., for school charts, $48 00
J. L. Hammett, for maps, 20 00
John S. Hayes, for maps, 60 00
F. J. Bancroft, for books and stationery, 18 58
N. W. Broad, for repairs, 19 25
F. J. Bancroft, rent of piano, and tuning, -II OO
-
-
AMOUNT CARRIED FORWARD, $176 83
71
AMOUNT BROUGHT FORWARD, $176 83 Paid Hill & Co., for printing, IO 75
Lockwood & Brooks, 5 copies Webster's Dic- tionary, 28 80
W. H. Baker, wheelbarrow, 1875, 8 50
J. C. Cook, amount of contract for painting Woburn Street School-house, 68 00
J. C. Cook, extra work on roof of Woburn Street School-house, 8 75
E. Wight, labor and stock for repairs, 35 94
J. C. Cook, repairs Union Hall, 44 95
Bancroft & Temple, shingling Medium School- house, amount of contract, 183 02
Bancroft & Temple; stock and labor for
sheathing entries Medium School-house, 21 34 M. A. Stone, sundries, 6 20
W. W. Davis, sundries, Io 80
J. H. Bazin, sundries, 10 00
J. L. Hammett, sundries,
3 30
James H. Griggs, labor,
3 50
Charles H. Lang, expressage, keys, &c., II 50
Amos McIntire, painting at Medium School- house, 32 18
Edward Parker, mason work at Woburn Street
and Walnut Street School-houses, and sundry repairs, 5° 92
Clarence Barbarick, labor,
5 00
Moses E. Nichols, setting glass,
I 40
Hayward & Allen, sundries,
3 97
Joseph L. Ross, school-desks,
27 40
Warren Hayward, labor,
1 50
Moses Barbarick, cleaning school-house,
2 25
Bancroft & Temple, repairs,
7 07
M. Hanley, sundries, I 60
Fred. DeJean, coal stove for Haverhill Street School-house, and other repairs, 50 23
M. H. Garfield, painting, 1 00
C. A. Allen, sundries, 3 32
W. O. Haskell, casting for desk,
1 00
AMOUNT CARRIED FORWARD, $821 02
72
AMOUNT BROUGHT FORWARD, $821 02
Paid A. W. Danforth, stationery, 50
George Beasley, grading at Medium School- house, 3 30
James A. Bancroft, insurance on piano, 4 00
George W. Atkinson, broom, 45
Parker & Stone, sundries,
4 º5
O. N. Willis, repairing and cleaning, II 22
Jesse Frost, repairing clock, 25
T. Littlefield, stove for Lower Primary School, and sundries, 55 90
James Reid, sundries,
20
George I. Batchelder, rent of lot, Main Street School house, 5 00
J. N. Nichols, setting glass, 1 70
W. W. Davis, cash paid for books,
F. J. Bancroft, books for pupils, 4 94
16 38
W. W. Davis, books for pupils,
2 25
L. E. Gleason, postage stamps, 1 00
L. E. Gleason, stationery, 4 75
Total amount expended,
$936 91
Unexpended, 63 09
Appropriation,
$1000 00
TOWN WARRANT.
MIDDLESEX, SS.
To either of the Constables of the Town of Reading,
GREETING :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Reading qualified to vote in elections and town affairs to meet in Ly- ceum Hall, in said town, on MONDAY, the SECOND day of APRIL, A. D. 1877, at 9 o'clock in the forenoon, to act on the following arti- . cles, viz:
ART. r .- To choose a Moderator.
ART. 2 .- To hear and act on the reports of the Auditors, Treasurer, Collectors, Selectmen, Assessors, Overseers of the Poor, School Committee, Road Commissioners, Engineers of the Fire Department, Trustees of the Public Library, Trustees of the Cemetery and Committees.
ART. 3 .- To see if the Town will determine the compensation of its officers.
ART. 4 .- To choose a Town Clerk, Selectmen, Assessors, Overseers of the Poor, Treasurer, Collector, two School Committee for three years and one for one year, one Road Commis- sioner for three years, and all other necessary town offi- cers for the ensuing year.
ART. 5 .- To see if the Town will revoke its acceptance of the pro- visions of the 158th chapter of the laws of this State enacted in the year 1871, and abolish the Board of Road Commissioners chosen and constituted under said law, or what they will do in relation thereto.
ART. 6 .- To see how much money the Town will raise to defray the ordinary expenses of the ensuing year.
ART. 7 .- To see how much money the Town will raise for the sup- port of Schools, and how much for incidental school
74
expenses, for the ensuing year.
ART. 8 .- To determine how much money the Town will raise for the repair of Highways and Townways, and how the same shall be expended.
ART. 9 .- To determine how much money the Town will raise for the support of the Public Library the ensuing year.
ART. 10 .- To determine how much money the Town will raise for defraying the expense of the Fire Department the ensu- ing year.
ART. 11 .- To determine how much money the Town will raise for the improvement of the Cemetery the ensuing year.
ART. 12 .- To determine how much money the Town will raise for the repair and decoration of Soldiers' Graves.
ART. 13 .- To determine how much money the Town will raise to pay Interest on the Town Debt.
ART. 14 .- To see if the Town will establish a Sinking Fund for the extinguishment of its general indebtedness, elect Com- missioners thereof, and make appropriation thereto under the provisions of Chapter 209, Acts of 1875.
ART. 15 .- To determine how much money the Town will raise towards paying the Town Debt.
ART. 16 .- To see what action the Town will take in regard to em- ploying Watchmen the ensuing year.
ART. 17 .- To see if the Town will give the Selectmen any instructions with regard to Licensing the Sale of Intoxicating Liq- uors, or take any action upon the subject of the suppress- ion of such sale.
ART. 18 .- To see what instructions the Town will give their Collector. ART. 19 .- To see if the Town will authorize the Treasurer to Hire Money, under the direction of the Selectmen, in antici- pation of Taxes.
ART. 20 .- To see if the Town will authorize the Treasurer to Hire Money to meet the payment of a note of $10,000, due City Institution for Savings, Lowell, July 27th, 1877.
ART. 21 .- To see for what purpose the Town will appropriate the money received for Dog Licenses.
75
ART. 22 .- To see if the Town will build a sidewalk on the westerly side of Ash Street, from the Railroad to Avon Street.
ART. 23 .- To hear and act on a report of the Road Commissioners in relation to laying out a Townway from Woburn Street to Fremont Street.
ART. 24 .- To see what instruction the Town will give their Officers in charge of the Highways in regard to removing snow from sidewalks and footpaths.
ART. 25 .- To see if the Town will authorize the Road Commissioners to purchase a Rut Scraper for use on the highways.
ART. 26 .- To hear and act on a list of Jurors prepared by the Select- men.
ART. 27 .- To hear and act on a report of the Road Commissioners in relation to guide posts.
ART. 28 .- To see if the Town will put in a Pump on the corner of Ash and Washington Streets, or what they will do in relation thereto.
HEREOF FAIL NOT, and make due return of this Warrant, with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk, on or before the time appointed for said meeting.
Given under our hands this Twenty-second day of March, A. D. 1877.
JOSEPH L. PRATT, SELECTMEN J. B. LEATHE, OF JAMES REID, READING.
A true copy .- Attest, H. E. COX, Constable of Reading. READING, March 24, 1877.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.