USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1887-1888 > Part 4
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This opinion is not merely a matter of feeling. It rests upon in- vestigation by the Committee, and is confirmed by the advice of experts, who are competent to give unbiased evidence. The reasons concisely stated are these : By proceeding in this way although the annual cost in shape of interest might at first be greater than the annual contract price paid to a company, the Town would secure all the profits arising from the operation of the works and the use of water by private takers, which profits would within a short time render the work self-supporting. There is also the additional advantage that the Town would con- trol the works absolutely, and would have the power to regu- late the rates for the use of water.
From the best estimates we are able to obtain at the present stage of the matter, we are of the opinion that if the Town will
61
put in from eight to ten miles of pipe, making an outline of a system to which extensions can be made as the growth of the town requires, and conducts the work on good business prin- ciples, the cost will not exceed eighty, or at most ninety thousand dollars ; that the works will give better satisfaction to our people ; that as all profits can be put into extensions the town will be completely piped sooner and more economically ; and that in a comparatively few years either water rates can be materially reduced or the works prove a source of revenue to the town.
We therefore favor the plan of introducing water from a well system by the Town, independently. Before proceeding to vote upon the main question of introducing such a supply, definite plans and estimates should be matured, which implies further and more complete investigation by competent engineers, in order that the Town may act understandingly upon the subject. If these investigations should not justify the conclusions of this Committee as to a well system, and the Town turn to the other plan, that of contract with the Wakefield Company, then we favor the proposition to take the water from the Company at a fixed price per gallon, and the Town to put in its own mains and control them.
The definite step which this committee now recommends the Town to take, remains to be stated.
In order for the Town to introduce water upon its own account, legislative permission in the form of a charter would be neces- sary, but if the Town acquires the charter already granted to the Reading Water Company, which it may do upon terms therein contained, it would thereby acquire all the power needed. On the other hand, in order to make a contract with the Wakefield Company, should that source be finally thought preferable, it would be necessary to secure legislation permit- ting such a contract. The Reading Company, it will be remem- bered, among its powers, has the right to make a contract with
62
the Wakefield Company. If therefore the Town should acquire the Reading Company's charter, the same right would pass to the Town.
If then the Town desires to utilize either of the two sources at present available, it is desirable for it to obtain powers similar to those vested in the Reading Water Company.
The Committee have had a conference with the representa- tive of this Company, and have received from them two proposi- tions. First : the Company is ready to make a contract with the Town to furnish a supply from sources acceptable to the Town upon the usual plan of an annual rental for hydrants to continue during a term of years, or, secondly : if the Town desires to control its own supply it will dispose of its charter to the Town for a nominal sum; namely, the cost already incurred by the Company.
Believing that the representatives of the Company have, as they have stated to your Committee, no other desire than to see water introduced into the Town, and that they are willing to dispose of their charter for a nominal sum, the Committee recommend that the town at its annual meeting appoint a Com- mittee with power to negotiate with this Company for the pur- chase of its charter, and to report their action for consideration by the Town at a future meeting.
This recommendation will come before the Town by an appropriate article in the Warrant.
The appointment of this Committee is a necessary prelimin- ary to the acquirement of the Charter. The Town has not given us the power to make definite negotiations. The nego- tiations if made by the Committee whose appointment we rec- ommend would not be binding upon the town until accepted by a future meeting.
If the Town finally acquires the charter then the question of introducing water under it assumes definite shape, and can be
63
intelligently discussed and acted upon. The first step is to ob- tain the power to act, and this step we unanimously recommend the Town to take immediately.
One other matter was referred to the Committee when it was appointed, namely, the subject of a system of sewers for the Town.
As to this matter the Committee have to say that while a sewerage system is very properly to be discussed in connec- tion with a water system, the Town is now quite unable to con- sider both subjects, and, if we are to be guided by the experi- ence of other Towns, never will be in a condition to consider both subjects at the same time. Except in very wealthy towns sewerage and water supply have to be introduced separately ; and as a supply of pure water always tends to promote the growth of a town, both in population and in wealth, and con- sequently increases its ability to supply itself with needed improvements, logically water should be introduced first, and when the town is able, as it soon will be, a system of sewerage may follow.
A moment's thought will convince anyone that at first but little more water will be used than is now used; consequently no trouble will be experienced in disposing of the sewage, while the inhabitants will be supplied with water free from all possible contamination instead of the present supply, which in many localities is of doubtful purity.
Indications point to the fact that within a few years there will be a general system of sewerage, which will include all the towns within fifteen or twenty miles of Boston, which system will be introduced under the authority of the State, and the cost assessed upon the towns upon some equitable basis, and it is more than probable that any independent system the Town might at present put in, would have to be changed at consid-
64
erable expense to fit this general system. Hence, we believe that the whole question of sewerage should be laid over until the Town is better able to consider it.
The Committee have incurred no expenses other than those connected with the services of the consulting engineer, and for the borings made under his direction.
Respectfully submitted,
HORACE G. WADLIN, DUDLEY F. HUNT, LEWIS M. BANCROFT, E. HARLEY GOWING, GEORGE H. BARRUS, Committee.
READING, March 16, 1888.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF READING,
FOR THE YEAR 1887-8.
5
66
ORGANIZATION OF THE COMMITTEE.
W. S. PARKER, Chairman. G. L. PARKER, Secretary.
SUB COMMITTEES.
W. S. PARKER, High School, H. G. WADLIN, G. L. PARKER. Eighth Class Grammar, W. S. PARKER.
Seventh Class Grammar, C. M. BARROWS.
Sixth Class Grammar, G. L. PARKER. Fifth Class Grammar, EDWARD F. PARKER. Fourth Class Grammar, G. L. PARKER. Third Class Primary, H. G. WADLIN.
Second Class Primary, W. S. PARKER.
First Class Primary, H. G. WADLIN. Chestnut Hill Grammar,
66 Primary, . C. M. BARROWS. Woburn St. Grammar, JAS. A. BANCROFT.
" Primary,
Lowell St. School, EDWARD F. PARKER.
Main St. School, JAS. A. BANCROFT.
Haverhill St. School, C. M. BARROWS.
Prudential Committee, S EDWARD F. PARKER, JAS. A. BANCROFT.
Committee on Supplies, EDWARD F. PARKER.
W. S. PARKER.
Committee on Text Books, G. L. PARKER,
C. M. BARROWS.
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NEW SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND REPAIRS.
The Town, at its annual meeting, adopted the recommenda- tion of the Committee and appropriated the sum of $4,500 for the purpose of remodelling the High School building. This recommendation was based upon an approximate estimate before plans had been matured, and the Committee hoped it would be sufficient to cover the expense of putting a new roof story upon the building and otherwise improving it. They did not desire to ask for an appropriation that might be excessive, preferring to ask for a limited amount, and then to endeavor to carry out their ideas within such limit. The amount asked for was granted without opposition, as it was apparently conceded that the building as it existed prior to the fire, was inadequate to the purposes of the Town, and that it ought to be enlarged so as to provide for the uses of the school for many years. If a larger amount had been asked for it would probably have been granted, as the town by its action showed that it appre- ciated the necessity of the case as presented by the Committee.
When the Committee matured their plans, however, it became apparent that it would not be possible to remodel the building by adding a roof story, so economically as it would be possible to secure substantially the same accommodation by extending the structure in the rear. New plans were then pre- pared embodying the latter idea, and proposals were solicited. Of these proposals, the lowest, that of David C. Temple, was accepted, the amount being $3,275, or $1,499 lower than the lowest bid received for the same parts of the work upon the first plan. Mr. Temple's contract embraced all the work except heating and ventilation, plumbing, blackboards and wall tinting.
The building had always been insufficiently supplied with heating apparatus, and without ventilation, except such as was secured by small ventilators on the roof, opening from the
68
ceiling. These ventilators, when open, wasted heat by per- mitting the heated air to rapidly escape from the upper part of the room, and they also permitted snow to drift into the venti- lator boxes, there to melt and deface the ceilings. When the ventilators were closed, the above evils were prevented, but, of course, no ventilation of any sort, was obtained.
The Committee determined to entirely change this system, and to provide for the introduction of heated fresh air, of suffic- ient quantity to warm the building thoroughly, and to secure a circulation of air in the rooms by ventilating registers at or near the floor level, all the ventilating ducts being brought together at the roof in one large turret. Ventilating registers were also provided near the ceiling for summer use, or for the purpose of lowering the temperature of the rooms. The whole work has been carried out on this plan, and with satisfactory results. The building, for the first winter since its erection, has been thoroughly warmed, even during the extreme cold that we have this year experienced. As in the case of Mr. Temple's contract, specifications and plans for the work were prepared and submitted to the following parties, each bid being submitted on the same basis :
Messrs. Ingalls & Kendricken, Walker & Pratt Manufactur- ing Company, Walworth Manufacturing Company, Albert B. Franklin, and L. Descalzo. The lowest bid, that of Albert B. Franklin, was accepted.
In order to complete the work as above indicated, and to provide for the blackboards, wall tinting, and plumbing for the laboratory, it was found necessary to ask for an additional appropriation which was granted, and the work has been finished without exceeding the aggregate amount, including in addition to the remodelling, certain repairs, exterior painting, etc., upon the old part of the structure.
A full statement of expenditures in detail, appears in the appendix.
69
It has been felt by some of our citizens that the amount of money spent on this building has been excessive. But we believe that this feeling is based upon an imperfect knowledge of what has been done. The exterior appearance of the build- ing has not been greatly changed, and, at first glance it appears, as one has expressed it, "that there is no more building there than there was before." As a matter of fact, however, the capacity of the building, measured by floor area, has been increased about one-third. A good laboratory has been pro- vided, proper clothes room accommodations secured, separate entrances to the High School arranged, so that in using their part of the building, the pupils of the High School do not have to go out of doors, as they were formerly obliged to do, to reach the lower recitation room. Adequate heating apparatus upon the best modern plan, substituted for the old, and the ventilation of the building improved ; all traces left by the fire removed, by tastefully coloring the smoke-stained walls ; and, generally, the building rendered convenient, and of sufficient capacity for the needs of the school for many years, unless the town should increase in population far beyond what we may expect.
Every expenditure has been carefully made, and no expense incurred which we do not feel to be justified, in order to give the town a building suitable for the uses of the High School and the two upper grammar classes, and not a dollar has been expended for show. We therefore are confident that when the matter is fully understood, no dissatisfaction will exist respect- ing the cost of the work.
The Town also last year appropriated $5000 for the erection of a school building to replace the structure on Woburn Street. A substantial and convenient building has been erected on Prospect Street, near the old site; $886 of the sum appro- priated, representing the cost of the lot. The plan consists of two rooms, both on the same floor level, so that pupils will
70
not be obliged to use stairs ; clothes rooms, connecting with each room, and liberal entry space. The finish of the rooms, mode of lighting, and plan of ventilation is similar to the new Union Street building. The heating apparatus consists of two furnaces. The building is in every way a model school build- ing, and has been much praised by competent school author- ities who have visited it from out of town, some of whom are familiar with what is being done elsewhere in the erection of new buildings, and, who are therefore, able to make intelligent comparisons.
Certain minor repairs have, as usual, been made on other buildings. An out-building has been built in connection with the Union Street house, and nearly, but not quite completed.
The general expenditures in detail are reported in the appen- dix. A bill for materials on account of the incidental appro- priation is still outstanding, which would have been paid from proceeds of the sale of the Woburn Street house, which the Committee were empowered to sell, but which sale has not yet been effected.
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE.
The attendance in most of the schools during the past year has been very poor. The first requisite for a successful school is the presence of the pupils. A good percentage of attend- ance is indicative of a successful school. If the children are kept out for trifling reasons, they lose their interest in the work and fall behind the rest of the class, and become dissatis- fied with school and teacher.
It is the general rule that those who find the most fault are those who are irregular in attendance, and unwilling to submit to lawful authority. Constant and regular attendance con- duces to habits of punctuality and reliability, both of which are nearly indispensable to success in life.
71
Our business men want not brighter and quicker boys, but more reliable ones. A good habit firmly fixed, is worth far more than information gained.
We wish to have it distinctly understood that we do not dis- courage or discountenance amusements, yet, nevertheless, we feel it to be our duty to call the attention of the parents to the fact that during the past year, the time and manner of some of the amusements engaged in by our pupils, have been to their detriment. It has often happened that the work of an entire day has been lost or very much broken up in consequence of the large number absent, or the debilitated condition of those present. Good, healthy, vigorous amusements our children must and should have.
Cannot the amusements be arranged in such a way, and con- ducted in such a manner, that they will tend to aid and build up our pupils in their work instead of retarding them. It is sometimes apparent that the demands of society are too great for our young and growing children.
Attention is called to the Roll of Honor ; it is not as favorable a report as we would wish.
COURSE OF STUDY.
The course of study has been revised during the past year. The course now consists of three years in the Primary, five years in the Grammar, and four years in the High School ; making in all twelve years. The age of entering school is by law five years, and if a pupil progressed regularly, he would finish the grammar course at thirteen, and the high school at seventeen.
Some modifications of the course probably will be made after testing it for a year. It will be printed next year with our report.
72
CHANGES IN TEACHERS.
The changes in the corp of our teachers have been many.
Out of the eighteen teachers serving last year, nine have changed their positions, either resigned or been transferred to other schools. Eight teachers have entered the service of the town for the first time; two of the number remained but a short time ; both taught in the John St. school; came to the Committee with good records and fine recommendations but after serving a short time resigned. The third, the present encumbent, Miss A. F. Merriam of Billerica, will we trust continue the good work she has already begun.
The Town lost the services of four valuable teachers from our grammar schools, Miss Alice W. Emerson, a teacher of fine scholarship.and varied accomplishments, who had the faculty of inciting interest in the work of the pupils, after having several calls to wider fields of labor at a considerable advance in salary, finally accepted one at Somerville.
Miss Ella F. Wakefield resigned after endearing herself to pupils and parents by her mild but firm rule. She goes to her new field of labor with the love and respect of all who knew her.
Miss Sarah M. Pearson, who labored for many years faithfully and successfully in the Chestnut Hill School, resigned, to make her home in Reading.
Miss Carrie L. Mason, a bright, energetic teacher of much power, resigned to take up a very useful work in Utah.
HIGH SCHOOL.
Military drill has been introduced into the course of the High School. We believe if conducted properly it will tend to manliness in character. It is as yet on trial. We shall watch with interest to see the wisdom of the trial.
73
If it develops a better physique, an upright carriage and a firm elastic step it will be well physically, but it must go far- ther. It ought to develop a higher type of manhood among the boys, a spirit, of loyalty to all authority, a recognition of the principle : "He only who is willing to obey is fit to command."
Permission has been given to hold another public exhibition and prize drill sometime during the spring. We hope parents and friends of the school will give it their support.
The Committee received the resignation of Miss Mary L. Stinchfield, our able and successful first assistant in the High school, at the beginning of the present year, with the keenest regrets. She has been in the school since 1878. She was a teacher of rare merit, a thorough scholar, enthusiastic in her work and capable of inspiring others, a good disciplinarian of a lively and cheerful disposition, always looking on the bright side.
The Committee gave the principal of the High school the privilege of selecting his assistant to take her place, believing that the efficiency of the school would be increased by such a course. The result has shown the wisdom of the course.
Miss Olive A. Prescott was appointed. She has many of the rare qualities of her predecessor.
GENERAL REMARKS.
What can we do to improve our schools? This is a question which comes home to us all, in which we are all vitally interested, teachers, parents, committee, citizens, all. The old motto, "In Union there is strength," is especially applicable to our school work. Channing said "It requires more wisdom to educate the child perfectly than to govern the state."
We maintain that to teach young pupils successfully, requires far more ability than to teach older ones.
74
A young man fresh from college is better fitted for tutor in college than to teach boys at the gorilla age of ten, fourteen and sixteen years. We do not mean classical ability, but edu- cational ability, -two very different things, - that educational ability that enters a class and brings order out of chaos, inter- est out of indolence, life and enthusiasm out of death and stag- nation.
Dr. Arnold said, in speaking of the kind of teachers he wanted for Rugby, "he preferred activity of mind and interest in his work to high scholarship, for one could be acquired far more easily than the other." The teacher's educational ability that illustrates, illumines, enlivens, ennobles, leads a pupil to think, to act, enkindles a desire for higher and better things, and inspires him to do his best in everything.
Character is the ultimate aim in education. Character is moulded more by feeling than reason. The teachers must reach the pupil's head and heart through his emotions. To be eminently successful the teacher must have the love and respect of the pupil and deserve it; yet he must be careful that the love does not degenerate into softness, which is enervating.
All true discipline tends to self-discipline. Calderwood says " Formation of character is begun in each case only when the pupil is induced to begin the work of self-control.
The respect of the children will be secured by the evidence of self-control and moral worth in the teacher."
PARENTS.
We wish to say a few words especially to parents. No per- sons can produce such an influence in favor of the teacher, the school, and the pupils' welfare in school work, as the parents.
Is your influence, Parent, strongly on the side of good, vigor- ous, healthy work ?
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Is not the education of our children one of the most vital interests that concerns us ? Do we take as much personal inter- est in it as we might? Has every parent shown his interest in his child's progress by communicating with the teacher in some way or visiting the school ?
COMMITTEE VACANCIES.
Two vacancies in the committee are to be filled at the ensuing meeting.
The terms of Messrs. James A. Bancroft and Gilman L. Parker expire.
APPROPRIATIONS.
The Committee recommend that the town raise and appropri- ate $9,800 for regular school expenses, and they also recommend that $1,850 be raised and appropriated for incidental school expenses, including the purchase of text books and supplies.
Attention is called to the statistics and to the report of receipts and expenditures contained in the Appendix.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER S. PARKER, HORACE G. WADLIN, EDWARD F. PARKER, CYRUS M. BARROWS, GILMAN L. PARKER, JAMES A. BANCROFT,
School Committee of Reading.
ADOPTED IN SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
March 16, 1888.
TABLE SHOWING SALARIES, ATTENDANCE, AND NUMBER OF VISITORS.
NAMES OF SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS NOW EMPLOYED.
SALARIES NOW PAID.
Ist Term.
2d Term.
3d Term.
Ist Term.
2d Term.
3d Term.
Pupils during year
under 5 years.
High School
06
Miss Olive A. Prescott, Ist Assistant .
.
89
102
99
83
97
93
59
.
Eighth Class Grammar
50
Miss Lilla H. Morrell
13 00
54
36
32
52
35
30
8
Seventh Class Grammar
103
Miss Alice Barrows
12 00
26
27
28
25
26
26
3
..
Sixth Class Grammar ...
74
Miss Annie F. Merriam
11 00
23
33
35
21
31
33
..
. .
Fifth Class Grammar .. .
91
Miss Kate L. Beard ..
10 00
36
32
29
34
30
27
.
. .
Fourthi Class Grammar.
83
Miss Edith J Holden .
9 00
26
38
37
25
34
36
. .
·
.
93
Miss Mary W. Howard. ..
11 00
"
55
30
29
49
27
32
28
..
First Class Primary.
203
Miss Ruth L. Pratt
12 00
71
54
48
60
46
37
Chestnut Hill Grammar . ..
24
Miss M. Angie Pearson.
8:00
27
30
26
24
27
23
Chestnut Hill Primary
22
Miss Annie P. Reid ...
8 00
43
34
32
38
30
26
.
..
.
43
Miss Addie M. Bancroft .
7 00
34
29
29
28
26
25
..
..
Lowell St. Mixed.
59
Miss A Olive Pearson
8 00
31
31
30
28
28
26
. .
. .
Main St. Mixed.
32
Miss Alına Q. Buck .
6 00
9
9
9
9
9
8
..
... .
1
Haverhill St. Mixed .
30
Miss Hattie F. Damon
7 00
22
24
22
21
21
18
. .
..
*1098
575
577
552
522
529
490
72
.
.
.
....
.......
9 00
36
35
..
.
..
.
10 00
29
32
32
25
30
29
..
Woburn St. Grammar
45
Miss M Fannie Wilson.
.
.
Average Membership Attendance.
Average
No. of Visitors.
( Mr. John B. Gifford, Principal.
$1250 00 per Jea . 15 00 per week.
( Miss Annie C. Lawrence, 2d Assistant.
10 00
...
. .
. .
Third Class Primary ...
50
Miss Elnora Emerson ..
Second Class Primary.
.
..
..
Woburn St. Primary ..
.
. .
1
*Number of visitors last year, 1318.
Pupils during year
over 15 years.
25
77
APPENDIX.
GENERAL STATISTICS.
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