USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1860-1887 > Part 18
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1750
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
· 1877
DR. .
To cash paid G. W. Horton for Book shelves,
25 00
F. W. Barry, books, 12 00
J. W. Ripley, binding books,
23 05
paper for book covers,
2 55
frame for Town map,
I 06
J. Carter, for lamp burners,
84
Express fees,
2 35
Mucilage,
20
Journal of Chemistry,
2 00
· F. W. Barry, books,
45 99
for marking,
80
1
Librarian's salary,
25 00
Extra labor,
5 00
History of Reading,
1 00
Cash to balance.
31
$167 15
17
1877
Cr.
By Cash from settlement of town Treasurer,
16 87
66 balance 1876,
50 00
Town appropriation 1877,
100 00
Waste paper, 28 -
$167 15
CHARLES W. SWAIN, Treasurer and Librarian.
A Condensed Abstract from the Town's Books for the year ending February 1, 1878; C. L. CARTER, Treasurer. CASH.
DR.
CONTRA.
CR.
To balance due on former settlement,
$1784 78
By cash paid Town orders,
$5426 50
Cash received for dog licenses (refunded)
82 65
sundry bills for High School,
597 93
of Warren Eames, collector,
: 34
I 76
South
217 55
.6
..
1875,
474 31
66
East
197 63
1876,
1814 00
West
186 54
1877.
5100 00
Centre
179 56
J. A. Shepard, use of Town Hall,
28 50
for books,
39 73
for Town's note issued.
1500 00
Town's note,
1 500 00
Lot in Cemetery,
6 00
County tax,
263 85
of Commonwealth corporation tax,
92 4
State tax,
450 00
National Bank tax,
76 79
on account of Library,
100 00
account State Aid,
228 00
outstanding indebtedness.
50 00
School Fund, 218 92
interest on Town's indebtedness.
479 13
on account Almshouse (refunded)
I 20
School Committee,
23 65
Balance carried forward
1440 05
$11,341 53
£11 341 53
To balance brought forward, $1440 05
The undersigned, a committee chosen on the part of the Town to examine and settle with the Treasurer, hereby certify that the foregoing account is correctly and properly vouched for. and they find remaining in the treasury fourteen hundred and forty dollars and five cents.
CHARCES W. SWAIN HENRY SHELDON,
COMMITTEE. HENRY HILLER,
WILMINGTON, February 2, 1878.
To this balance of
$1440 05
. should be added the amount paid by Warren Eames on account of books sold, which was omitted to be credited before closing the books,
40 77
Actual balance,
$1480 82
18
for lumber from Cemetery enlargement, 5 36
66
North ..
189 41
S. B. Nichols, acct. taxes, 1874,
66
LIABILITIES OF THE TOWN.
Note to H. L. Carter, May 1, 1877, $1500 00
Benjamin Buck, 66
3000 00
Otis C. Buck, 66
1000 00
L. C. Eames, 66
1000 00
Darius Buck,
Oct. 1, 1872, 1100 00
H. M. Eames, Trustee, May 1, 1877, JOI 25
-- $7701 25
Interest accrued to Feb. 1, 1877,
319 º5
Due West School,
$118 34
North 66
157 66
South 66
77 61
East 66
158 64
Centre, "
129 85
High
234 27
Outstanding Town order,
7 25
$883 62
$8903 92
ASSETS.
Cash in Treasury,
$1480 82
Due on tax list, 1875,
52 17
1876,
16 70
1877,
2601 99
Advanced on account State aid, 88 00
-$4239 68
Net indebtedness of the Town,
$4664 24
STATISTICS FROM TOWN CLERK'S RECORDS.
BIRTHS REGISTERED IN WILMINGTON, 1877.
No.
NAME OF CHILD.
NAMES OF PARENTS.
DATE OF BIRTH.
William H. and Ann E. Putnam,
January 21.
-
Santord W. Putnam,
George and Jane A. Cole,
February 15.
2
Eunice R. R. Cole,
Walter T. and Mary E. Carter,
March 5.
3
Fred W. Carter,
Joseph and Ann G. Doucett,
May 17.
4
Willis H. Carter,
Henry L. and Lottie A. Carter, George F. and Anna M. Dane,
August 4.
7
Thomas A. Terrett.
Richard and Catherine J. Terrett,
August 8.
8
Francis R Carter,
William W. and Sarah L. Carter,
September 3.
9
Franklin S. Carter,
September 12.
10
Annie Musc,
James O. and Elizabeth R. Carter, Reuben and Charlotte Muse, Jeremiah and Domatel Doucett,
September 21.
=
Alice M Doncett,
October 12.
12
Edna 1 .. Cole.
Sammel F. and Mary E. Cole, Michael and Mary M. Cragin, John S. and Angelina Sargent, l'eter and Elizabeth White,
October 16.
13
Surannat Cragan,
October 16.
14
Jennie W. Sargent
October 22.
15 16
Alberd W. Franton,
Simon and Fanny Frauton,
November 6.
17.
Annie F. Taylor,
Henry A. and Incz J. Taylor,
December 3.
1 Amandy F. Boyce,
David H. and Hannah L. Boyce,
December 25.
20
Issabella Doucett,
July 12.
Mattic E. Dane,
September 12.
Millie E. White,
DEATHS REGISTERED IN WILMINGTON, 1877.
ACE.
NO.
DATE OF DEATH.
NAME OF DECEASED.
Y. M.
CON- DITION
PLACE OF BIRTH.
NAMES OF PARENTS.
DISEASE OR CAUSE OF DEATH
I
January 10,
Jonathan Manning,
86
9
widower, Tewksbury,
Thomas and Rebecca Manning, Otis and Ellen C. Simonds,
Pneumonia.
2
January 13.
Nellie I .. Simonds,
15
single,
Wilmington,
Consumption.
3
Feb. 20.
Aseneath Swain,
76
2
widow,
Andover,
Levi and Nancy Trull,
Paralysis.
21
4
March 10.
Otis Simonds,
67
widower, Lexington,
Joshua and Abigail Simonds,
Kidney complaint.
5
April 16.
Annie M. C. Valentine.
6
2
child,
Wilmington,
Peter and Phebe Valentine,
Croup.
6
July 30,
Sarah P. Eames.
44
married,
Kingston, N. B. Samuel Hobbs,
Consumption.
August 12.
George A. Prim,
2
6
[child,
Wilmington,
George A. and Agnes Prim, William and Sarah Ames,
Hemorrhage.
9
Sept. 14.
Jonathan Jaquith,
75
married.
Wilmington,
Jonathan and Thirza Jaquith,
Dysentery.
10
Sept. 26
John French,
74
married, Tewksbury,
John and Elizabeth French,
Kidney complaint.
7 8
Sept. 7.
Maria Gowing,
46
married,
Wilmington,
Dysentery.
MARRIAGES REGISTERED IN WILMINGTON, 1877.
DATE
NO.
OF MARR'GE
NAMES GROOM AND BRIDE.
AGE.
RESIDENCE.
OCCUPATION OF GROOM.
PLACE OF BIRTH.
NAMES OF PARENTS.
I Jan. I,
Edward Mace,
26 Wilmington,
Farmer,
Manchester, N. H England, Wilmington,
2 Jan. 27,
George T. Lowe,
29
Florence S. Eames,
20
3 Jan. 27,
James M. Fortis,
30
Susan H. Taylor,
16
4 Mar 31,
Henry A. Taylor, Inez J. Simonds, John Granfield. Mary J. McEnroe,
19
5 April 15,
27
20
Currier,
Ireland. Ballardvale, Ireland, ..
6 July 15. 7 April 25,
Annie Brady,
2C.
27
Farmer,
Tingsboro. N. Il.
8 July 24,
Samuel F. Cole,
19
19
.6
Farmer,
Merchant,
II
Dec. 30.
Mary E. Carter, Walter Blaisdell, Hattie I, Emerson, James W. Towne, Rebecca Eames James Doucett, Jane White,
IS Boston, 49 Orange, N. J. 46 Wilmington, 21
Laborer,
Wilmington, England, Wilmington, Woburn, Boston, Milford, N. H. Wilmington, Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia,
Hiram Mace Henrietta E. S. Whitaker. Timothy and Mary S Lowe. John N. and Sarah P. Eames . W'm. and Mary Ann Fortis. Elbridge and Abby L .. Taylor. Elbridge and Abby I .. Taylor. Benj and Hellen M. Simonds. Thomas and Bridget Granfield. Bernard and Susan McEuroc. Patrick and Catherine Kellett. Michael and Margaret Brady. Lovett M. and Harriet Walton. John S. and Martha G. Perry. George and Jane Cole. Otis and Abby Ann Carter George I .. and I. J. Blaisdell. Jacob and Mary Emerson. Israel and Sarah L. Towne. Caleb and Sarah G. Eames.
John and Elizabeth Doucett. Peter and Elizabeth White.
20
Railroad Sec. Agt.
Railroad Sec. Man. Carpenter.
Currier,
James Kellet,
24
Frank M. Walton,
Mary F. Perry,
23
Currier,
Aug. 21, 9
19
Oct. 5
Fanny T. J. S. W. Mace,
26
26
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
The School Committee of the Town of Wilmington beg leave to submit their Annual Report for the year ending March 4th, 1878.
It is our desire to give as full report pertaining to the schools, and school property, as the duty demands, so that our faithfulness, or otherwise, may be made apparent, and judged of by the whole people. We have been watchfull for our school-houses as well as the schools themselves, and have endeavored to keep them in a condition con- sistent with their object. There has been some damage done by scholars, such as breaking glass, by accident, in every such case, have been repaired at their expense. We have reason to believe some of our school-houses have been visited by tramps, who have forced open their doors, to gain a more comfortable place for lodging, consquent- ly some damage has been done, incurring some expense to the town. The whole expense incurred for the year in making all necessary re- pairs has been trifling except coloring the interior of the Town Hall. Our thanks are due the selectmen for their willingness to meet the committee half way in expense and labor, for this important object. This want of improving our High school room has long been felt and acknowledged ; we hope the improvement will be appreciated. We have it to be our duty to supply the several schools with all necessary aids, so far as our limited means allowed; consequently two new black-boards have been put up in the High school room. Several other items, such as chairs, maps, globe &c., have been added to this school. The other schools have received their share of aids in this particular. The want of these supports has in a measure impaired the comfort, and also retarded the progress of our schools in the years gone by. We as a people have suffered from frequent changes in text books, evidently they have been brought about by the importunities of book venders ; in a few instances only, have they proved a blessing; consequently we have made as little change in this regard as possible. Early in the year, we thought it advisable to hold (what may be-call- ed) a committee and teachers meeting, consequently we were convened just before the commencement of the Spring term. Our object' was in part, to give some advise to the teachers, regarding the corporeal management of their respective schools ; and also to magnify if possi-
24
ble, the importance of faithfulness as public servants. These meet- ings have been held previous to the commencement of each term dur- ing the year. The results of these meetings, have more than met our expectations for good to our schools ; therefore, we do earnestly re- commend to those who take up these official duties, to continue these meetings for mutual instructions. Our financial condition for the schools this present year, being better than usual we thought it best to make three terms instead of two as heretofore, and divide them into twelve weeks each. Our re isons for so doing are, first,- o shorten the interval between the terms, so that children could not lose all they had previously learned, or entirely dissociate themselves from their studies, as is too often the case. Another reason is, some of our children are denied the opportunity to attend either the Spring or Summer terms ; the winter term is their only opportunity.
It seems to us, we ought to consider this fact in the light of Statute Law, if in no higher sense, and place our schools upon a three term basis, as the wants, and rights, of our children demand. For the year, the same teacher has labored in the same school, and should continue as long as they can be induced to labor in that calling, unless they have become antipathetic and useless as teachers. We have made no changes, as regard to methods of teaching ; but have advised such exercises as tend to give proper physical powers their true growth ; therefore vocal and calisthenical exercises have been kept up in most of our schools. The importance of these exercises can- not be over estimated, because in every school where they abound, the most harmonious, conditions have existed. and the best progress made.
It will be seen by the following reports, that progress has been made in most of our schools, the past year, that more might have been done no one will question, but it is gratifying to us to beleive the course of our schools is onward. One of the evidences of this fact is. that fifteen scholars from the primary schools, have entered the High School, a fact credit ble to the teachers, as well as making the largest junior class since the establishment of our High School.
High School .- It may be said with a good degree of assurance, that our high school has become established. Our confidence in the perpituity of this school, the very keystone to the arch of our educa- tional abilities, arises from its growing strength, and the increasing interest manifested by the intelligent of our town. The success of this school is so generally uniform from year to year, it hardly requires
.
25
more than a brief notice. From inspections and careful comparing the processes of unfol ling the minds, their abilities to comprehend more and more by natural and easy methods, is truly worthy of its name. We feel confident in saying, we have the right teacher in the right place. To understand the reasonable amount of intellectual labor each pupil is able to perform, to give all needed assistance, by the way of explana- tion, and seasonable advice, is beautifully exemplifel in her ways of teaching. Thoroughness in every department of this school is very apparent ; the scholars are made acquainted with this fact, as the first requisite to true scholarship. There are other excellences of a higher grade, that are woven into the web of education as they should be. which gives it beauty and strength as well as practicability. For the rise and progress of this higher conception of a true education in our high school, much credit is due our most estimable and efficient teacher Miss Salome G. Twitchell, the present teacher of our high school. To gain some idea of what we are receiving for our money ex- pended in this school annually, from five to twelve of our children have become in a good degree educated, and therefore better qual- ified to occupy positions requiring intellectual knowledge, and moral responsibility. Judging from our standpoint of view, we believe there is a refining influence at work in this school. No master or miss possessing noxious habits of whatever kind, find encouragement to continue them from their teacher ; but much kind entreity to leave them off. The members of this school are encouraged to habits of industry and punctuality, in fact all these excellences, and virtues that tend to make true men and true women. Thus we are pleased to record what we believe to be true regarding the developing influences in our High School. In connection with this report, we would sus- gest the importance of raising the standard of admission into the High School. Its present junior class is quite large, and not quite up to to the rank of scolarship we would like to see ; this being the case, the teacher is too much incumbere I by dwelling with rudimentals that should been thoroughly learned in the primary school, by this fact it is obvious to all, that the progress in higher branches must be retarded. The only remedy we know of, is to better prepare in the primary school. This recommend we submit to the coming board of committee.
Before leaving this report we would like to speak of some un pleasant things that often greet our ears ; if they injure I no one bu; those at whom they throw their missiles we would not spend the time
26
and ink to speak of them, because they come up from ignorance, and will eventually return like the boomerang, injuring those who can least bear its consequences, we speak. It is this finding fault of the ex- pense of our schools, together with their management. Would that we might cover this phase of wrong with some mantle and hide it forever from the gaze of truth. This we cannot do ; our conceptions of duty, impell us to present to the town every gross error, and hindering in- fluence in the way of our schools.
The number of graduates from this school within the year of 1877 are five, as follows : Alma Q. Buck, Annie M. Harnden, Carrie E. Nichols, Wisdom E. Bell, J. Edward Skilton.
CENTRE DISTRICT SCHOOL.
This school for the entire year has been under the immediate care of Miss Kate Gowing. Miss Gowing as we all know, graduated from our high school with a good degree of satisfaction to her teacher and friends. Soon after her exit from the high school, she was in- duced to take the place as teacher in the centre school, where she has labored until now. The result of her school labors thus far, are good, and very satisfactory ; therefore we cannot entertain a doubt of her usefulness in this particular field, in the future. This school has made good progress in all the studies common in our schools ; some branches have received more attention than others, for the reason their importance required it, for instance the art of reading has received particular notice. Spelling also has been continually prac- ticed by all the members of the school. Improvement has been made in writing. The children of this school comprehend in a measure the importance, and beauty of clean writing books, and for this we are glad to give them credit. Cleanliness is a virtue, and is entitled to more attention than it usually receives ; more will be said about it hereafter. It is very difficult for children to comprehend the idea of thoroughness in complicated studies as is Arithmetic and Grammar, the latter especially, as it has been said "they are apt to measure their progress by the pages passed over," and often exhibit dis- pleasure by being requested to review. In so doing, they think much time has been lost to them, by working over the same field. Would that not only children, but those of an older growth, of comparative large experience in the actualities of life, might better comprehend the importance of better beginnings; digging deeper, selecting, with
27
more care and wisdom, every item of material, that is to become a part of the found ition upon which we as individuals must rest our superstructure. It has been the endeavor of this teacher to impress this fact, that right beginnings insure a large reward, and also, that these impressions have become indelible. Frequent reviewing in this school is one of its best features. The art of music, has received a fair share of attention and has (we hope)become one of the com- ponents of education. The general conduct of the scholars in this school has been good. The methods of correction have been mild, and adequate, to insure obedience and good behavior, so far as we know. This school has furnished eight scholars for the High school this pre- sent year. Their examinations were all good in the comparative. These facts are worthy of credit to the teacher and scholar. Another fact we would mention, this teacher has endeavored to carry out prac- tically, the injunctions of the committee.
The true glory and success of a school arises from its unity - Teacher and Scholars.
In connection with this report, we would suggest the importance of new Out Buildings and Fence, for better convenience to this school. They are, at the present time, in an inadequate and dilapidated con- dition.
WEST DISTRICT SCHOOL.
Miss Lizzie J. Harnden has been employed as teacher in this school, for the past two years. It is a pleasure to us to be able to give as creditable record as this school is entitled to. Miss Harnden has labored, in her quiet way, for the highest good of all her scholars. There has been no undue efforts put forth to reach a high point of advance in any one branch of study by any particular class or schol- ar, but all the scholars have received their share of attention in their particular studies ; consequently the entire school has been carried onward and upward to a degree commendable to the teacher and scholars. This school, in point of numbers, is the smallest in town. This fact has been advantageous to the school, inasmuch as extra at- tention has been given to scholars and studies. Miss Harnden pos- sesses many superior qualities, all of them tending to prepare her for a higher position as a teacher. Patience and quiet perseverance on her part have been pleasingly exemplified during the past year. Her untiring zeal to give the scholars the benefit of many isolated facts, outside of text-books, is an evidence of her desire to utilize the whole time of school hours.
PS
The intellectual and moral status of this school is good. There has been no noticeable departures from right by any scholar during the past year that we have any knowledge of. This speaks for the parents, as well as for the teacher, and their children. Three schol- ars from this school have entered the High School the past year. Their examinations were good- - up to the average in all their stud- ies. To be good, and do good, should be the ultimate of all our endeavors.
NORTH DISTRICT SCHOOL.
Miss Ella Pearson, teacher for the three past years. This school numerically, is the largest in our town. It includes, also, a large per cent of children of foreign parentage. The average age of the child- ren in this school is less in years than in any of the other schools. These facts we are constrained to note, because they existed from the beginning of Miss Pearson's labors in this school, and are modifying in their tendencies. If we admit of progress, they tend to enhance the value of service rendered by the teacher, even if not successful in every particular ; that we do not believe possible until better meth- ods of instruction are conceived and adopted. Miss Pearsons has succeeded wonderfully in bringing the minds of her pupils into a good degree of harmony by calisthenical and singing exercises. These remedies for restless children are far better than the rod, especially if the teacher is inclined to impatience and fretfulness. There has been a commendable progress made in most of the studies.
When we consider the large number of classes and each to re- ceive its proportion of time and attention, we cannot expect brilliant exhibitions of scholarship ; neither do we wish them, for wherever found in school they exert a disheartening influence upon those less favored by inherent weakness. Whenever we have visited this school, we have always found the scholars studious, and well disposed to obey their teacher. The scholars have been disciplined to stand in their class erect, and to speak correctly and distinctly. These excel- lent features are in the line of true scholarship and manhood. Two scholars from this school have taken their places in our High School the past year, with a fair promise of success.
Results from any undertaking must conform, in a measure, to the circumstances and surroundings of its beginnings.
SOUTH DISTRICT SCHOOL.
Miss Mary D. Bartley, teacher during the year. The work done in this school during the past year has been in the main very satis- factory. The opening of this school last spring was in nowise an
29
encouraging field of labor for an aspiring, inexperienced teacher. Somewhere in the past, seeds of error have been strewn in this field ; by whom or by what process it matters not now, if they are under- stood and proper remedies applied for their extermination. It is very apparent to us that the teacher understood the nature of these errors from prior experience in school teaching, and has labored intelligently for its advance. We believe this school is in a fair way to recover from its past apathy, and take its place with others on a higher plane of intellectual and progressive life.
There has been a marked improvement in the art of reading, which we are pleased to note. The scholars have been taught to care for their writing books, to keep them clean and neat. Unelean- ness has been one of the leading errors in this school. The schol- ars, their books and school-room, in the past, have received too little attention in this regard. A radical change in these matters is an evidence of leading and energizing qualities in the teacher. In view of all the obstacles and hindering influences in and around this school, we cheerfully award the teacher praise for the inspiring evi- dences of good to this school the past year. The extra price of one dollar per week paid this teacher, we feel we have been richly re- warded. It is, we believe, absolutely necessary for the good of this, as well as all other schools, to keep at work faithful and expe- rienced teachers. The general moral conduct of the scholars in this school we believe to be good. One scholar from this school has en- tered the High School the past year. Patient perseverance and con- tinual acquiring will intellectually jewel the crown.
EAST DISTRICT SCHOOL.
This school has enjoyed for a series of years in the immediate past, the labor and fire of one of the most efficient and successful teachers. Wilmington as the place of birth can boast of. It will be remembered. her early efforts (to superficial observers at leist ) were not entirely successful. The two first years of her labor were pre paratory, in as much as the want of knowledge of the various dispo sitions and relations of parents and children was requisite for true success, especially with this peculiar people. In view of these peut- iarities, one with less true native qualifications for overcoming difficul ties would have quit the field, to the ignorant satisfaction of her would be disposers ; but fortunately for the good of that peculiar people. she was possessed of a sterner and more positive qualities
30
than those who would have been affected by the chimoring of ignorance, and moral imbecility. True to her convictions of right, intuitively a good tactician, she was enabled to maintain a continued success for a long term of years. Thus we found this school at the close of Miss Rebecca Eames's labors in this field. The next teacher provided for this school, was in many respects richly qualified to teach this, or any other primary class, and would have been sucess- ful in a good degree as it was, if she had had a thorough acquain- tance with the qualities and their workings possessed by this people. Failing to possess this knowledge, we believe, was the principal cause of her failure. You, parents of this district know full well the condition of this school at the close of this teachers labors for your children. You know also the little bickerings common among school children, who possess antagonizing natures, and sometimes express them on their way, or at school, are taken up by you and magnified to their full extent, at the same time berate the teacher for not suppressing by physical force, (which is often beyond their power to do) what you have encouraged, and are responsible for. Is it strange or surpris- ing to you that the word failure should find an appropriate place on the lintels over the doors to your school house ? If it is not, there is no more forbidding field for a teacher within the pale of our knowl- edge. And yet it is the desire as well as duty of the committee to act in this matter according to our best knowledge in the case. Thus we have done (but not without some hesitancy) in placing Miss Abbie Buck in this school, where she has labored during the spring and summer terms. The results of her labors have been very much af- fected by causes too apparent to need particularizing. We do not charge this teacher with incompetency, or lack of labor on her part, to have made the school what it should have been, in all reasonable respects ; neither would we extol her above the permits of her short experience and actual fitness for school-teaching. But we do believe, had she received a cordial, sympathizing support from parents, her labors would have proved a blessing to that school. True to her knowledge of justice in the case, devoid of any unpleasant feeling towards her accusers, in a quiet, christian manner resigned her position as teacher of this school. To supply a teacher for the win- ter term was a duty that involved much care and anxiety on our part. To bring this school up to its former prosperity required an experi- enced, thoroughly individualized teacher ; one that had become, by experience, impervious to spit-balls of fault-finders, and yet tender in her sympathies to all under her charge. Such a teacher, we are
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