USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1860-1887 > Part 14
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41 Wilmington, turer. 74 Wilmington, Merchant Wilmington, in Cal. Burlington,
Wilmington, Somerville, Me. Henry D. and Freelove Doe.
16
Wilmington, Canada, Timothy and Ruth Upton, Alvin and Betsey JJ. Magoon. Wilmington, Harrison & Hepsibah Bancroft. Yarmouth, N. S. John and Sarah Owens.
Plymouth, N. H. William and Sarah Milligan. Rich E. and Mary B. Carter. Wilmington, Edward and Mary Stanley. Samuel and Mary Buck.
23 Wilmington, Carpent'r England,
19 Wilmington,
Ireland,
Elbridge and Abby L. Taylor. Doane and Susan Parker. Henry and Hannah L. Carter. Joshua and Sabra Jaquith. Samuel and Ruth Jaques. Otis and Mary Cutler, Jonath'n 2d & Mary Ann Carter.
29 Burlington. 4 Jun. 24 W. Warren Carter, 26 Wilmington, Trader, Henrietta V. Doc, 20 Lym, Mass. 5 Jul. 15 Timothy D. Upton, 35 Wilmington, Farmer, Sarah J. Magoon, 18 Ballardvale, 6 Jul. 14 Marcus M. Bancroft 32 Wilmington, Farmer, Julia Owens, 33 Wilmington, 33 Wilmington, Butcher, 7 Nov 26, Geo. M. Milligan, Mary E. Carter. 25 Wilmington. 8 Dec 21 Wm. Stanley, Ellen Buck,
NAMES OF GR' OM & BRIDE.
AGE.
RESIDENCE.
10.
17
LIABILITIES OF THE TOWN.
Note to J. L. Carter, May 1, 1868, $1,500 00
Darius Buck. Oct. 1. 1872, 1,100 00
.. Benjamin Buck, May 1, 1866, 2,000 00
Dec. 23, 1870,
1,000 00
.. Otis C. Buck, April 20, 1869, 500 00
Aug. 20, 1870, 500 00
L. C. Eames, April 1st, 1871, 1,000 00
H. M. Eames, Trustee, May 4, 1871, 75 00
$7,675 00
Due West School,
$ 29 48
.. South
30 40
.. North
27 21
.. East
36 53
" High ..
238 50
" Cemetery,
110 33
" on Town orders,
9 00
" O. W. Studley,
274 67
$756 12
$8,431 12
Assets :-
Cash in Treasury, $1,014 73
Due on taxes 1873, W. Eames, Col. 52 81
1874, 84 43
1875, S. B.Nichols “ 1,492 01
" for lumber, 117 30
Net indebtedness of the Town, 3
-
$2,761 28
$5,669 $4
18
A CONDENSED SUMMARY OF THE RECEIPTS AND EXPENDI- ending February 1875, as appears by
DR CASHI. 1574.
Balance of Cash in Treasury on former settlement,
$1,250 36
Received for windows, ac't C'enter School,
3 50
from the Commonwealth, ac't Corporation tax. balance of previous year.
12 00
Received of G. S. Batters, board of sister at Poor House,
10 0)
of County Treasurer, return of dog tax,
69 3%
for Town's Notes issued in anticipation of tax, 1,700 00
on account Books sold, S. B. Nichols. Art.
.. int. of New England Trust Co., for money on deposit,
25 74
.. of Commonwealth, Corporation tax,
30 ×7
of Commonwealth, National Bank tax.
9% 10
of Fish Commissioners,
2 00
on account State Aid,
293 74
of Commonwealth on account School Fund,
.. of S. B. Nichols, account tax, 1874,
7.110 00
.. of Warren Eames, .. 1873,
1,6-3 66
of .. .. 1872,
25 00
for sales Cemetery Lots,
50 00
$12,459 12
1875.
February. To balance in Treasury brought forward, $1,014 :3
19
TURES OF THE TOWN OF WILMINGTON, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR, the books of the Treasurer, C. L. Carter,
1874. CONTRA.
CR ..
By amount of Town orders paid,
$5,826 03
" Cash paid on Interest account,
591 46
Town Notes,
1,900 00
State Tax,
780 00
County Tax,
533 76
Library,
100 00
for account School Books,
73 19
for account Schools,
1,639 95
Balance forward to new account,
1,014 73
$12,459 12
The undersigned, a Committee chosen on the part of the Town to examine and settle with the Treasurer, hereby cer- tify that the foregoing account is correctly cast and properly vouched for, and they find remaining in the Treasury one thousand and fourteen 23 dollars.
LEMUEL C. EAMES, HENRY SHELDON, Committee.
Wilmington, Feb. 16, 1874.
20
BOOK ACCOUNT.
S. B. Nichols in account with School Books.
1874. DR. To amount books on hand, $74 32 To amount books purchased, 73 19
1874. CR. By sales books, 58 93 By com's on sales on books furnished indigent Scholars, 9 39
By books on hand, 79 19
$147 51
1875. To books on hand, . $79 19
Feb. 1st, 1875.
Paid County Treasurer for Dog Licenses, 1874, $105 00
W. H. CARTER.
21
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT.
The following is a list of donations to the Library during the year, in order of date :-
From M. H. Fitzgerald,
1 volume. 66
Miss Emma Eames,
1
Otis Gowing,
1 66
Mrs. J. R. Goodwin,
2
Mrs. Clara A. Simonds,
1
John L. Parker (Woburn Directory),
1
D. P. Brigham,
2
*John R. Nickles, N. Y.,
25
Henry L. Carter,
1
-
Total number of donations, Number of books purchased,
34
Books numbered for circulation,
689
Number of persons taking out books, 197
Whole number taken out during the year, 1,162
The library room during the year 1875, will be supplied with Harper's Magazine, St. Nicholas, Boston Journal of Chemistry (by the kindness of Dr. S. A. Toothaker), and Woburn Journal.
* Also a large number of Magazines, etc.
FINANCIAL REPORT.
DR. 1874
To cash paid D. C. Colesworthy
for books, $56 15
66 paper for covers, 1 10
66 A. Williams & Co., books, 9 03
Amount carried forward, $66 28
55
22
Amount brought forward,
$66 28
To cash paid for Magazine,
1 05
.. . . for express fees, 1 15
..
. . for freight on books, 1 65
..
.. for brushes, ink, etc., 45
..
.. for letter paper, 20
for Librarian's salary,
25 00
Cash to balance,
11 72
$107 50
CR. 1874
By balance on hand, $ 3 26
By cash received of Town Treasurer, 100 00
By cash received for fines, 1873-4, 4 24
$107 50
C. W. SWAIN,
Treasurer and Librarian,
Employ your time by improving yourself in other men's documents ; so shall you come easily by what others have labored hard for. Prefer knowledge to wealth, for one is transitory the other perpetual .- SOCRATES.
23
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE. ·
FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 1874-5.
In submitting this, our annual report, the Committee are glad to be able to state, that the several public schools sup- ported by the town, have pursued their usual quiet course, without any disturbing public excitement to interfere with the teacher in methods of instruction or government of the school, to the extent of the appropriations made by the town therefor.
In the appointment of teachers we have acted in accord- ance with the point made in the last report, viz : "Avoid unnecessary changes of teachers," and we think this is sound. No changes were made till the end of the spring term, or were then expected to be made ; but before the commence- ment of the next term, Miss Eastman concluded not to accept the West School, and to fill that vacancy, Miss Abbie C. Buck, fresh from our own High School, was appointed. And of course as we expected, when she entered upon her first term of teaching, she would carry into the work much of the same methods and activity which characterized her three years course of study under the guidance of Miss Chandler, and in this we were not disappointed ; for at the closing ex- amination it fully appeared to the committee, that there had been very much accomplished. The recitations were prompt and interesting in all departments, and we think Miss Buck has made an excellent beginning.
PRIMARY AND COMMON SCHOOLS.
We do not in this report propose to consider and speak of each separate school ; for if we should attempt it we are lia- ble to do injustice. But we prefer to speak of the impor-
24
tance of a kind and just regard for all of them, as here we find the plants of tender and brightest promise, that will well reward careful and judicious culture. And in respect to these schools your committee find cheering evidence of diligent application on the part of teachers, to attain the best and most desirable results for the present improvement of the pupils under their charge, and where this is clearly seen to be the case, and acknowledged by the scholar in bis in- creased mental activity and energy of purpose to do cheer- fully the best he can in all the school exercises; is at once the most conclusive evidence of substantial growth and pro- gress, not only in the acquisition of useful knowledge, but in the development and formation of character, and at the same time it serves to enlarge and strengthen the natural faculties of the mind for high and noble purposes in the future.
It is this fact which so encourages 'teachers to labor in faith, in hope and charity, seeing that the children in our schools of to-day are soon to come forward as men and women and take their position in society, and share in the active duties of social, civil and moral life.
And now as we think of these scholars in each of these schools in view of their present attainments and general de- portment, we are led to believe that there is with them, under the training and instruction with which they have been favored in our schools, which leads them to-day to cher- ish a higher regard, a more just appreciation of knowledge and a keener sense of what is needed by them in order to meet the demands of the age with honorable usefulness and respectability to themselves than was felt or thought of by those of corresponding age, a few years ago.
This may, in part, be accounted for by a higher and bet- ter public sentiment respecting schools and education. It doubtless has accomplished very much ; and will continue to further aid in this important work, as in some measure its present and future needs may demand. But in the school room we think it comes from the improved mode of teach-
25
ing. The introduction of the blackboard was a great gain, and its skilful use serves in various ways to interest and benefit quite young children.
Drawing has received some attention in all the schools, we observed some very fine maps on the blackboard, drawn by the scholars, which showed their capacity and skill in this department, and through this exercise are greatly aided in gaining a more definite and correct knowl- edge of the geography, and causes it to take a firmer hold on the memory ; and also greatly relieves the study of its former dryness.
We have been much interested to notice in the North and East schools, some good sketches of buildings drawn, and a few very nice figures of birds and beasts which looked quite natural, and really showed unmistakable care and good taste. As we remember the figures we can but feel that the hand and mind were being benefited and educated.
Music has been introduced in the schools where the teachers were singers, with very marked and happy results in its general effects on the school, especially so, in the East School where the children were taught to sing by note. And now, if any one thinks this is not called for in our schools, we will say, that after listening to a very pleasant but brief exercise in singing, in which nearly all participated and seemed to enjoy it very much, we inquired of the teacher as to the effect of this exercise upon the general studies of the school, and the reply was, "It does not at all interfere with study, but prepares the whole 'school the better to engage in it." In this case then, none of the fundamental branches of study which underly and must ever constitute the foundation of any proper and sound education will suffer by the occasional stated practice in music. But then, if on the other hand, Reading, Writing, Spelling, Arithmetic, Grammar, Geography and History are better studied in school by our scholars. The argument is strong in favor of music. And here in the 4
26
primary school it has this additional feature, it serves to interest and greatly to refresh the young children; and they thus become more identified with the school as their school, and consequently grow more strongly attached to it, and of course are unwilling to be absent for a single day (unless from sickness or some other absolute necessity). Here we would call attention to the table of statistics which we give below, the average attendance given is always an important matter in respect to the success of any school ; the West and East schools stand ahead in this particular, we feel just like complimenting these teachers and scholars for their good at- tendance. There may have been, in the other schools however, some sufficient local cause to prevent a fuller attendance. We do not wish to censure too severelly, but only to say, make it your aim to be punctual and constant at school in the future. And then the habit thus formed in the early period of school days, and the increased benefit obtained from the school will be yours, with growing power and use- fulness through active life.
TABLE OF STATISTICS.
Name of School.
Name of Teacher.
Terms.
No. of
Scholars.
Average
Attend-
ance.
Length of Term.
Wages per month
High and
Miss Ada B. Chandler,
Spring. Fall.
29
27
3
mos.
$48 00
Gram'r
..
Rebecca Eames,
Summer
28
25
2
32 00
Winter.
30
28
4%
32 00
West.
M. Phenie Eastman,
Summer Winter.
16
14ł
37 31
32 00
Centre. 66
M. Emma Eames,
Summer
29
23}
31
66
32 00
North.
Clara E. Bancroft, "
Summer
32
221
3
32 00
Winter.
32
242
31
32 00
South.
Mary E. Buck,
Summer
26
21}
31
66
32 00
Winter.
28
21}
31
32 00
29
25
23
48 00
Winter.
29
3
48 00
East.
Abbie C. Buck,
15
13}
32 00
Winter.
25
21
32 00
Hattie E. Abbott,
Names of scholars in the common schools who have not been absent or tardy during a term.
27
EAST SCHOOL .-- Summer Term.
Laura S. Buck, Lawrence C. Swain, Joseph H. Kelly, Michael White, Mary G. Swain, Annie M. Perry, William H. White, Lula L. Eames, Katie H. Milligan, Abbie F. Sheldon.
Winter Term.
George W. Buck, Lula L. Eames, Abbie F. Sheldon, . Katie H. Milligan.
WEST SCHOOL .- Summer Term.
Laura J. Butters, M. Alice Simonds, Nellie L. Simonds, S. Lizzie Carter, Joseph H. Putnam.
Winter Term.
Laura J. Butters, S. Abbie Carter, Annie B. Cazneau, Joseph H. Putnam, Nellie L. Simonds, M. Alice Simonds, S. Lizzie Carter, Susie E. Putnam.
CENTRE SCHOOL .- Winter Term.
Nellie M. Carter, Nellie B. Eames, Mabel W. Eames, Isabella McEnroe, Emily Skilton, Agnes C. Eames, Mattie E. Nichols.
Summer Term.
Nellie M. Carter, Emily Skilton, Nellie B. Eames, Emily M. Buck, Isabella McEnroe.
SOUTH SCHOOL .-- Summer Term.
Everett G. Avery.
Winter Term.
Everett G. Avery, Herbert Noyce, Owen Spaulding, Willie Noyce.
NORTH SCHOOL .- Summer Term.
Fred Walsh, Willie N. Pearson.
28
Winter Term.
Mary L. Pearson, Elmer E. Collins, Willie N. Pearson, Abbie P. Swain, Fred Walsh, Barney Dourcett.
The following is the result of an exercise in spelling by the first class in the East School, during the winter term, whose average ages are 12} years. Of 800 common words written out by each scholar as follows :
Frank H. Eames
spelled
972
per cent. correctly,
Lottie S. Buck,
6
96
Asa G. Sheldon,
92}
Willie E. Swain,
917
Ellis C. Swain,
913
Arthur W. Eames,
90±
J. Herbert Nason,
88g
66
Herbert N. Buck,
85₺
The above statement we hope may cheer and encourage all to labor and help the young, in ways of attentive indus- try, in all right ways of well doing.
In reference to the names of scholars whom we honor for their constancy and punctuality, are those who show their determination to derive all the benefits the school is suited to give them, and in this were highly fortunate. And then' here we were led to a more careful examination of the school registers, to be sure the above statement is true ; and we are sorry to say that we found against two of the above names, one single tardy mark set to each. We preferred to let them stand with this simple fact. There are several others, also, who have not been absent during a term but a single half day, and perhaps others who were absent for a longer time, but were greatly saddened by what detained them ; and are, therefore, just as much entitled to the re- spect and consideration of all, as are those more fortunate ones, whose names we have given.
Thus, then, may you all take courage and work on to
29
peacefully overcome all the obstacles in your way, to emi- nent usefulness in the world, and the durable riches of true happiness.
SCHOOL HOUSES.
The Committee beg leave to say under this head that the Town, at their last annual meeting, authorized and em- powered the School Committee to repair and put in order for use the East Schoolhouse, and generously appropriated six hundred dollars therefor ; we supposed at the time it was an ample amount for the purpose. After consultation the work was commenced and revealed as is often the case, a necessity for more extensive repairs than was at first con- templated, but after deliberation it was deemed most pru- dent to make a thorough and complete repair which was done with good materials. And now we see no occasion to regret it, although its cost exceeded the appropriation by $179.44, for in its present condition it meets the general approval, and will for years to come without much addi- tional expense.
The Centre Schoolhouse has the past season, agreeably to the vote of town, been furnished with a ventilator, at a small expense, which admirably improves the school-room in the way of easily and safely admitting pure air, and thus changing the temperature so as to promote the health and general vigor of the occupants, and in this respect gives general satisfaction so far as we know.
The West Schoolhouse will, we suppose, be next in order for improvement, and when the subject comes up we have no doubt but what the town will exercise its usual fairness and generosity in this case as in the past.
HIGH SCHOOL.
The spring term of this school comprised twenty-nine scholars, under the charge of Miss Chandler, of Andover, who had previously earned an enviable reputation as a teacher in this school, having had charge of it from its com- mencement, and all through exhibited a clear preception
30
of what was needed by her scholars; and labored wisely with untiring fidelity and skill for their sure and permanent improvement, which was made fully to appear at the closing examination, which occurred June 26th, 1874. And with this term was completed the prescribed three years course of study for the first class. The exercises were all highly inter- esting in their tone and character, and entered into by all with gratifying spirit and energy. The large number of friends and citizens present will remember this occasion with peculiar satisfaction, as respecting all the classes and exercises of the school in their onward and upward tenden- cies. But especially on account of what had been so indus- triously achieved by the graduating class when these ten choice sons and daughters of the town came forward, one by one, and received their well merited diplomas, at the hand of Rev. Benjamin A. Robie. Their names are as follows : Abby C. Buck, Arthur O. Buck, Myron E. Buck, Ella L. Carter, Florence S. Eames, Edgar N. Eames, Lizzie J. Harnden, Mary A. Gowing, Annie F. Nichols and Ella J. Pearson.
And then after brief addresses of commendation and ad- vice to the graduating class and the school, the exercises were closed by prayer for the Divine blessing and guidance by Rev. Mr. Robie.
We need not say here that high expectations are raised in this community of this class, for already is it seen that their intellectual and moral culture is not for themselves alone, but is beginning to be felt in active elevating influences, which we hope will continue to increase for long years to come, in labors of charity and mercy in behalf of their fel- lows-so that the intelligence, morality and virtue, which our schools inculcate, shall be seen through all departments of society to be eminently good and wise.
During the ensuing vacation we were doomed to unex- pected disappointment and trial in consequence of Miss Chandler's decision to resign her connection of teacher of this school. And, much as we all regretted it, we had no alternative, but to accept it. And now we are pleased to
31
express our sense of obligation to Miss Chandler for her kind and friendly aid, to the committee, as also for her general interest manifested in various ways for the continued welfare and prosperity of this school.
Miss Hattie E. Abbott, of Andover, was obtained to take charge of this school and continue the work which had been so well commenced. Miss Abbott entered upon the work with evident devotion and diligence, and we think has labored with a desire to accomplish all that is contemplated to be secured in such a school. But it should be stated here in justice to all, that in the admission of the new class, number- ing ten, which, so far made it a new and different school, and some of these brought in a more restless and boisterous element than had formerly been seen in this school. This fact made it much more trying and difficult for the teacher, and exceedingly unpleasant to every one but the heedless. The Committee may have made a mistake at the time of ad- mission, still it seemed that these lads needed the benefits of this school, which to the industrious scholar will be found always to amply reward diligence and self-application to the details of close study. The most of the scholars we are led to believe are studions and respectful in deportment, and are steadily advancing with credit to themselves and teacher. But the objectionable element which we have alluded to is a serious obstacle ; and one that is not easily conquered. We have spoken of this in none too strong terms, we are well aware ; but in the hope that it may serve as a friendly cau- tion in the future to all, for the evil must be corrected in one way or the other. And now, what scholar is there, who will not see that it is vastly better every way, to conform to the rules of the school, and observe the proprieties of the school room ; and to move in and about it in a becoming manner, so that your studies and exercise in sports or plays may reveal your consideration for the rights of others, and thus learn and attain true manliness of character, which will not only save you from many personal, bitter regrets, but will cause you to confer much pleasure to others. Therefore,
32
think well of the school, and do not think of foregoing its salutary and elevating influences for false and senseless present gratification, avoid it, as you would to be turned out into the busy world of temptation, in self-willed ignorance of what is right and good for yourself and the community in which you live. For this reason, then, every one should encourage and help on the scholar in the way of obedience and constant endeavor to merit approval of teacher and friends, not only as a present privilege, but also in reference to the results which will appear in manhood to elevate and strengthen society, or to corrupt and degrade.
On the first day of May, last, there were one hundred and fifty children in the town, between the ages of five and fif- teen years, as reported by the assessors. And the whole number of scholars in all the schools is one hundred and fifty-nine. The number of these above fifteen years, is thirteen, and only two under five; thus leaving only six children who from disability or other causes are not in the school.
In conclusion, we have only to say, that agreeable to wise provisions of law, the town is required to make annual ap -. propriations of money for the support of public schools therein, and furnish all necessary appliances therefor. And in view of the encouragements there are, respecting the youth of the town, in all its present bearings on the pros- perity, peace and happiness of the town, as well as the re- sults on the rising generation in the years to come we are lead to trust that such sums of money will be cheerfully raised, as will carry forward this cause to a point of success in moral and intellectual improvement, that will adorn the homes of the children and largely contribute to the peace, good order and happiness of our community.
Respectfully submitted,
LEMUEL C. EAMES, WARREN EAMES, JONATHAN CARTER,
School Committee.
Wilmington, Feb. 18, 1875,
33
TRANSCRIPT
of the articles in the warrant issued for the annual meeting of March 1st, 1875, at 10 A. M.
ART. 1st. To choose a Moderator to preside at the meeting.
ART. 2nd. To choose all necessary Town Officers for the year ensuing.
ART. 3rd. To hear reports of Committees and Town Officers and act thereon.
ART. 4th. To see how much money the Town will raise to defray annual expenses and pay Town debts.
ART. 5th. To see how much money the Town will raise and appropriate for the support of common schools for the year ensuing.
ART. 6th. To see how much money the Town will raise and appropriate for the support of the Select School for the ensuing year.
ART. 7th. To see how much money the Town will raise and appropriate for the repairs of Highways and determine how the same shall be expended.
ART. 8th. To see how much money the Town will raise and appropriate for maintenance of the Public Library for the ensuing year.
ART. 9th. To see what method the Town will adopt for the collection of taxes.
ART. 10th. To see if the Town will build a new School- house in the West District (so called) of this town, or what measures they will adopt in relation thereto by way of re- pairs on the present one.
ART. 11th. To see if the Town will authorize the build- ing of a well at each schoolhouse in town, which is at present without one.
ART. 12th. To see if the Town will authorize the Treasurer to borrow money in anticipation of taxes.
.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Receipts and Expenditures
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