USA > New Hampshire > Cheshire County > Walpole > Annual reports of the town officers of Walpole, New Hampshire, 1901-1904 > 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 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13
No. Walpole 25 Housekeeper
Walpole
24 Farmer
Westmoreland
Chester, Vt. Brandon, Vt.
1st
June13 Bellows Falls, Charles H. Watkins Walpole
42 Farmer
Walpole
Frances Church George Watkins Susan E.Jennings
Westminster Vt Walpole
Louisa O. Watkins
42|Housekeeper
Ashaway, R. I. Bellows Falls Vt Swanton, Vt.
Margaret Ring Henry Carley Mary Porter Herbert Clark Jennie Geer
Swanton, Vt.
1st| Rev. E. P. Drew Keene
Daisy J. Clark
Westmorel'nd 18 Housekeeper
[Vt.
Chas. E. Watkins Walpole
2d |Rev. D. Sanford Rock'ham, Vt.
1st
2d |Rev. J. E. Smith Keene
38 Dressmaker
Walpole
Feb.14 Alstead
Nellie F. McLaughlin So. Acworth
23 Housekeeper
Acworth
1st
Lilla M. Thompson
24 Teacher
37 |Coachman
Samuel D. Cobb Joseph'e Bowm'n W. Thompson Wealthy Murray Stockholm N. Y. Ireland Walpole
1st Rev.P. Finnegan Claremont
1st
May 8 No. Walpole
Bellows Falls 21 Machinist
1st| Rev. F. H. O'Neil No. Walpole
* Whether single or widowed. What marriage-whether 1st, 2d, etc.
-
MARRIAGES REGISTERED IN THE TOWN OF WALPOLE, N. H., FOR THE YEAR ENDING DEC. 31, 1900.
6 M
Date of Mar-
riage.
Place of Marriage.
Name and Surname of Groom and Bride.
Residence of each at time of Marriage.
Age in years.
Occupation of Groom and Bride.
Place of Birth of each.
Names of Parents.
Birthplace of Parents.
Condition.
Name, Residence and Official Sta- tion of person by whom mar- ried.
July 30 Keene
Stephen Picker
No. Walpole
34 Clerk
Ely, Vt.
Lawrence Picker Italy Julia Finnigan Patrick O'Brien Ellen Sullivan
Ireland
1st Rev. F. H. O'Neil Keene
1st
Aug. 4 Walpole
Orrin L. Smith
|25 Farmer
Glens Falls, N. Y.
William T. Smith Hague, N. Y. Henlen Marshall Sim'dsville N. Y. Newell J. Gale
1st|Rev. E. A. Keep Walpole
Carrie S. Gale
Walpole
23 Housework
Townsend, Vt.
Townsend, Vt. Lydia C. Cotton Otis, Mass. William Connor Ireland
1st
" 14 Manchester
Daniel Connor
No. Walpole
35 Electrician
Ireland
Vermont
Kath'. Soulivan P. Soulivan
Ireland
1st
[son
Sept10 Keene
Geo. H. Comstock
Walpole
21 Farmer
Walpole
John Longbang Ireland
1st
" 12 Alstead
Arthur E. Rhoades
Walpole
19 Farming
Windham, Vt.
Bishop Rhoades Martha A. Park Grafton, Vt.
Windham, Vt.
1st Rev. I. B. Stuart Alstead
[Vt. Nov 27 Bellows Falls, Russell C. Thomas
No. Walpole
27 Lineman
Springfield
Jennette Holt H. B. Thomas Ella F. Bailey Donald Ross Jennie Ross
Putney, Vt. Plymouth, Vt. Rockingh'm Vt. Scotland
1st
Dec. 11 Walpole
Chas. E.Farnsworth
34 Hostler
Walpole
JohnFarnsworth Walpole Ellen Brady
Isaac Graves
Quebec, Can. Walpole
2d
" 15
John J. Burch
Bellows Falls 27 Machinist
Switzerland
Martha Hosly
William Leonard Winhall
Lucy M. Curtis
30 Housekeeper
Winhall, Vt.
Annette
2d
.
Mertina H. Smith
Putney, Vt.
16 Housework
Putney, Vt.
1st
1st Rev. J. H. Reid Bellows Falls
Jessie Ross
Walpole
24 Cook
Scotland
1st| Rev. W.S.Nichols Walpole
Minnie E. Burt
42 Housekeeper
Esther Hodskins
Jacob J. Burch
Switzerland
1st Rev G. L. Thomp- Keene
Katy Longbang
Keene
18
Keene
Madis'n Comst'k Walpole
1st Rev. P. J. Scott Manchester
Bessie Soulivan
34 Housekeeper
Keene
26 Housekeeper
Catherine E. O'Brien Keene [Vt. Simondsville,
* Whether single or widowed. What marriage-whether 1st, 2d, etc.
1st Rev. E. A. Keep Walpole
DEATHS REGISTERED IN THE TOWN OF WALPOLE, N. H., FOR THE YEAR ENDING DEC. 31, 1900.
Date of Death.
Age.
Sex and Cond'n
Place of Birth.
Name and Surname
of the Deceased.
Years.
Months.
Days.
Male or
Female.
S., M., W .*
Father.
Mother.
Maiden Name of Mother.
Jan. 27 Anna E. M. Currier " 31 Ann Ballinger
51 5
Ireland
W
Ireland
Feb. 4 Abel P. Richardson
65 11 16 Lempster
M
M Lyndeborough
Lempster
" 13 Ellen Beaumond
55
Ireland
M
Ireland
Ireland
" 18 Charles Fisher
70 3 17 Walpole
" 26 Mary A. Hall
84
7 16 Surry
" 28 Elizabeth Kiniry
1 20 North Walpole
48
4 7 Alstead
M
Alstead
Hancock
James A. Kidder
-
9 Maria J. Murrell
6 9
F
S
Kent, Eng.
20 Thomas J. O'Brien
43
9
3
M
M Cork, Ireland
3 Margaret M. Keefe
71
England
F
M England
" 23 Alfred Watkins
74
6 21 Walpole
M
M Walpole
" 31 Michael Kanailey
72
Ireland
M
M Ireland
F
S
Keene
Wilmington, N.Y.
Stephen V. R. Jones Ann Thompson Louisa William A. Bond
" 18 Grace J. Knight
51 69 70 6 15 Langdon
W M S
Hollis
Marlboro, Vt.
87
4 19 Walpole
M Londonderry
Londonderry Ireland
Joseph Colburn George Cochran Thomas Stack
Mindwell Parks
M'y 25 Maurice I. Driscoll
33 10
3
W S S
Ireland
Ireland
1|11 |23 North Walpole
S
Ireland
Ireland
Anthony Calvey Michael Brennan Phineas Adams
Katherine Galliger Kate Connors Hannah Kibling Lydia Crosby
" 28 Mary B. Chandler
4.
7
94 9
9
M
S
Three Rivers, Can Belleville, Ont. Three Rivers, Can Belleville, Ont.
Joseph Daigle Joseph Daigle
Annie B. Condin Annie B. Condin
' 26 Adeline Daigle
10 9
F
M
Enfield
Enfield Ireland
Smith Marston Bryan Brady Abel Richardson Mike Flanery David Fisher John S. Britton William Kiniry
Lucy A. Flanders Mary McDonald Almena Parker Ellen Flanery Mindwell Parks Susannah Allen Margaret Burkley Susan P. Washburn
Mar. 7 Angie S. Gates -
7 Charles L. Bellows
66 14 Walpole
M
Walpole
Washington Halifax
George W. Bellows Henry S. Murrell Daniel O'Brien John Benson Charles Watkins
Amy Sherman
Apr.13 Josephine A. Jones 6 Edward L. Bond
Drewsville
M
Drewsville
" 29 Samuel Cochran June 7 Margaret Kiniry 3 Joseph Fisher
71
Ireland
M Ireland
83 2
6 Walpole
M
M Franklin, Mass. Ireland
Fredericton, N.B. Fredericton, N.B.
George Foster
July 3 George Foster ' 14 John Calvey " 11 |Michael Brennan Aug 15 Addison K. Adams
85 7 5 Andover, Vt.
W Andover, Vt.
Chester, Vt.
"25 John C. Emerson
M
M Walpole
Dummerston, Vt. Jonathan Emerson
76 10 12 Walpole
" 26 Frederick Daigle
North Walpole
* Single, married or widowed.
.
Katherine Hyde
Rockingham, Vt. David Fisher Ireland
Barthol'mewDriscoll Ellen Kelly
28 3 Fredericton, N. B. 11 4 8 Ireland
M M M M M
Laura Underwood Mary Anderson
" 28 Willard Colburn
F M M F
Walpole Ireland
38
5 14 Keene
M W S
Surry Walpole
Walpole Surry Walpole
Philena Lovell Louisa Shomanson Mary Hollaran
Cork, Ireland England
55 11 16 Enfield
Place of Birth.
Name of Father.
DEATHS REGISTERED IN THE TOWN OF WALPOLE, N. H., FOR THE YEAR ENDING DEC. 31, 1900.
Date of Death.
Age.
Sex and Cond'n
Place of Birth.
Name and Surname of the Deceased.
Years.
Months.
Male or
Female.
S., M., W .*
Father.
Mother.
Maiden Name of Mother.
Aug 26 George W. Rose "31 Rose Carroll
80
5 15 North Walpole 9 Ireland
M F
W Ireland
Montreal, Ca. Ireland Ireland
Charles Rose James Birney John Hollahan
Elizabeth Gould
Sept. 3 Rev. John J. Hollahan 45 + 30 Rufus Leonard . 79
1 10 Walpole
M
M Walpole
Walpole
Levi Leonard
Charlotte Watkins
Oct. 5 Grace M. Clowater 8 Elsie Kane
3
F
S
Ireland
Ireland
James Kane
Margaret Tytor
" 16 David Nims Wright
80 10 20 Keene
M
M Keene
Keene
James Wright
Lucy Nims
14 Alma L. Hawks
45 8
1 Worthington, Mass. Ireland
M
M Ireland
Ireland
John Moynihan
" 11 Julia A. McGowen
33
9
Chester, Vt.
F
M Ireland
Ireland
James McGowen - Savage
Nov 18 Margaret Towle
68
Ireland
W
Ireland
Ireland
Alstead
Alfred W. Burt
Caroline Borroughs
Nov 27 Mary A. Watkins
63
2 13 Port Hope, Can.
W
Mavornene
Nov 23 James Conway
S Ireland
Ireland
John Conway
Dec. 27 Daniel M. Rellihan
35
2 North Walpole Ireland
M
W Ireland
Ireland
Morris Rellihan
" 1 Fred O. C. Doolittle
32: 6
1 Fitchburg, Mass. North Walpole
M
Winchester
Ireland
Barbara Moriarty
" 26 - Gale
M
Drewsville
Montpelier, Vt.
Oliver C. Doolittle George A. Gale
Margaret Powers
* Single, married or widowed.
Ida I. Bedow
Mary
6 12
M
S Ireland
F
M Langdon
Drewsville
Mathew Towle
Margaret Savage
F
M Worthington, Ms Worthington, Ms Albert Bates
Orra Hall
" 15 Jeremiah Moynihan
70
4
Johanna Donahue Ellen Keefe
Dec. 6 Lora H. Holden
50 10 10 Walpole
M
Walpole
Robinson
Dec. 30 Mary E. Stone
79
7
3 Ireland
M
Margaret Galliger Mary Glazier
Place of Birth.
Name of Father.
Days.
S Lowell, Mass.
25 5 North Walpole
68
I hereby certify that the foregoing transcript of births, marriages and deaths is correct, according to the best of my knowledge and belief.
JOHN W. HAYWARD, Town Clerk.
69
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
CHESHIRE, SS.
To the inhabitants of the town of Walpole, qualified to vote in town affairs :
You are hereby notified to meet at the town house, in said town, on Tuesday, the twelfth day of March, next, at nine o'clock in the forenoon, to act upon the following subjects :
ARTICLE 1 .- To see if the town will appoint a com- mittee to consider a question of the enlargement of the village cemetery and report their recommendations at the next annual meeting.
ART. 2 .- To see what action the town will take in re- gard to adopting the old highway district system.
ART. 3 .- To see if the town will vote and instruct the. selectmen to appoint a town agent in said town.
ART. 4 .- To choose town clerk, selectmen, road agent, auditors, and all other necessary officers for the ensuing year.
ART. 5 .- To raise money for the support of schools, for the purchase of school books, for school supplies, for the support of the town poor, for the town library, for the cemeteries, for the building and repairing of highways and bridges, interest on overdraft, and for such other current and incidental expenses as may accrue.
ART. 6 .- To see if the town will vote to discontinue the highway beginning at the foot of Derry Hill, and leading south to land of M. R. Booth.
ART. 7 .- To see if the town will vote to discontinue the highway known as the "Old Fay Road," in old School District No. 5.
70
ART. 8 .- To see if the town will vote to instruct the selectmen to protect the public against the railroad, dis- continuing grade crossing at North Walpole, and procure counsel on the same.
ART. 9 .- To act upon any accounts that may be pre- sented.
ART. 10 .- To transact any other business that may legally come before the said meeting.
Given under our hands and seal this twenty-third day of February, A. D. 1901.
WILLIAM H. KINIRY, GEORGE W. KINGSBURY, IRA W. RAMSAY,
Selectmen of Walpole.
6
0
ANNUAL REPORTS
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS
OF
WALPOLE, N. H.
FOR THE YEAR ENDING
FEBRUARY 15, 1902.
KEENE, N. H. SENTINEL PRINTING COMPANY, PRINTERS. 1902.
ANNUAL REPORTS
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS
OF
WALPOLE, N. H.
FOR THE YEAR ENDING
-
-
FEBRUARY 15, 1902.
KEENE, N. H. SENTINEL PRINTING COMPANY, PRINTERS. 1902.
REPORT OF SCHOOL BOARD.
STATISTICAL REPORT FOR THE WALPOLE TOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT, FROM AUGUST, 1900, TO AUGUST, 1901.
Number of schools,
16
Number taught by male teachers,
3
Number taught by female teachers,
13
Number of weeks of school,
558
Number of scholars,
585
Number of scholars studying reading,
550
Number of scholars studying spelling,
560
Number of scholars studying penmanship,
502
Number of scholars studying arithmetic,
437
Number of scholars studying geography,
302
Number of scholars studying history,
168
Number of scholars studying composition,
200
Number of scholars studying algebra,
38
Number of scholars studying geometry,
20
Number of scholars studying physiology,
300
Number of scholars studying bookkeeping, 20
Number of scholars studying drawing, 500
Number of scholars studying vocal music,
500
ROLL OF PERFECT ATTENDANCE FROM AUGUST, 1900, TO AUGUST, 1901.
Pupils not absent or tardy for the year.
North Walpole .- Frank Kenedy, Katie Murphy, Mar- garet Taylor, George Griffin, Thomas Murphy, William Kenney, Mary Wolfe, Fred Griffin.
Walpole Village .- Josie Harty, Hazel Boyerton, Elroy Turner.
Division No. 6 .- Fred Roy, Ethel Roy, Lucy Roy.
297
Number of scholars studying grammar,
4
STATISTICAL TABLE No. 2. FROM AUGUST, 1900, TO AUGUST, 1901.
SCHOOL.
TERM.
TEACHER.
Length of school
Whole number of
Average number
Average daily at- tendance.
Number not ab-
No. of instances
of tardiness.
No. of visits by
No. of visits by
Wages of teacher,
per month, in- cluding board.
Walpole Village,
High.
F
George O. Smith
12
25
23
22
1 57
3
22
$70
High.
W
George O. Smith
11
24
23
20
17
0
50
2
8
70
Gram.
F
Blanch S. Griffin.
12
26
26
23
9
84
2
40
Gram.
W
Blanch S. Griffin
11
24
24
22
3
118
2
2
40
Gram.
S
Elizabeth M. Bowers
11
29
29
27
14
8
3
11
40
Int.
F
Florence M. Tait.
12
27
25
24
6
11
2
18
36
Int.
W
Florence M. Tait.
11
28
28 33
30
5
2
3
12
36
Prim.
F
Carrie L. Wightman
12
32
29
27
4
O
2
33
36
Prim.
W
Carrie L. Wightman.
11
30
29
26
2
0
2
8
36
| Prim.
S
Carrie L. Wightman.
11
48
43
38
3
3
2
21
36
Gram.
F
W. E. Riley
15
19
18
17
3
45
14
2
64
Gram.
S
W. E. Riley.
11
14
13
11
2
10
6
1
.64
1st Int.
F
Mary T. O'Connor.
15
45
43 44
37
9
13
1
2
44
1st Int.
Mary T. O'Connor.
11
41
40
35
10
20
1
4
44
2d Int.
F
Mary E. Haggerty ..
1.5
41
40
37
6
36
ยท 9
9
32
2d Int.
W
Mary E. Haggerty.
40
40
35
6
46
2
1
32
2d Int.
S
Mary E. Haggerty.
39
38
33
5
86
00
2
32
3d Int.
F
Lillian M. Conole ..
15
47
45
39
3
72
9
0
32
3d Int.
W
Lillian M. Conole.
8
44
44
35
9
26
2
1
32
3d Int.
11
41
40
34
4
27
1
1
32
1st Prim.
F
Genivieve Costello
48
4.5
40
3
47
12
0
32
1st Prim.
W
Genivieve Costello.
43
42
34
5
32
3
32
1st Prim.
S
Genivieve Costello
11
4
21
2
0
32
2d Prim.
F
Nora M. Conroy
15
4 131
11
4
32
| 2d Prim.
8
34
34
30
3
73
2
1
32
2d Prim.
Nora M. Conroy
11
33
32
29
2
77
6
3
32
3d Prim.
W
Katherine Lynch
44
44
38
4
26
1
0
32
3d Prim.
S
Katherine Lynch
41
41
37
5
24
2
2
32
4th Prim.
F
Nellie A. Clorety
15
54
52
43
0
5
6
7
40
(4th Prim.
S
Nellie A. Clorety.
11
50
49
40
4
53
6
40
Division 3.
W
Arthur C. Bingham
10
10
9
2
8
8
26
Division 6.
F
Minnie Fenn.
12
17
13
11
3
12
2
O
26
Division 6.
W
Minnie Fenn.
11
6
5
4
3
0
2
3
26
Division 12.
F
Jennie B. Ellis
12
18
17
16
3
2
16
28
Division 12.
W
Jennie B. Ellis
11
10
8
1
12
2
5
Division 12.
S
Jennie B. Ellis.
12
15
13
1
2
2
20
28
Division 13.
F
Lizzie Turkington
12
14
12
11
0
4
1
15
30
Division 13.
W
Lizzie Turkington
11
13
13
10
0
14
2
15
30
Division 13.
S
Lizzie Turkington
11
11
10
10
0
25
2
0
30
Division 14.
Isabel Hale
12
27
25
19
0
5
3
18
30
Division 14.
W
Isabel Hale.
11
16
14
11
1
0
2
12
30
Division 14.
S
Mrs. C. E. Dixon
12
27
22
19
3
0
3
25
30
S
George O. Smith
11
19
18
Div. No. 1.
Int.
S
Isabel Hale
11
33
19
16
1
19
4
2
64
1st Int.
W
Mary T. O'Connor.
8
44
39
5
29
4
7
44
North Walpole, Div. No. 2.
Gram.
W
W. E. Riley
8
20
43 35
41 33
39
4
4.0
4
32
3d Prim.
Katherine Lynch
15
48
44
51
32
4
1
3
4.0
Division 3.
F
Grace M. Kincaid
12
11
11
9
0
48
3
9
26
Lillian M. Conole.
15
8
34
32
W
Nora M. Conroy
S
F
14th Prim.
Nellie A. Clorety.
8
51
11
11
28
8
11
25
5
9
3
10
36
0
101
2
65
70
High.
in weeks.
pupils.
of pupils.
sent.
school board.
others.
S
S
8
11
63
7
19
5
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL BOARD.
To the Town School District of Walpole :
The school board submits again herewith its annual report.
The year marks a general advance in the work, and especially in the high school and the schools of North Walpole.
THE HIGH SCHOOL.
In the high school a change from a three years course of study to a course of four years, and an assistant em- ployed, meeting the requirements of the recent high school law, enacted last year; the revised course of study being printed following this report.
This greatly strengthens the entire school system, by giving nine full years of preparatory work before entering the high school. This will be so arranged hereafter as to give three classes for each lower room, and only the regu- lar four classes of high school work in the high school proper.
This is the system we have been working toward for some years, and with careful supervision and minor correc- tions from time to time as they are found necessary, will make the system thorough and complete.
This places the high school on the "approved list," as complying with the law of the state, and which the town was obliged to do, or be liable for the tuitions of all pupils of the town who pursued such a course elsewhere at any "approved school" selected by them within this state; the action taken by the board seemed therefore the only wise thing to do.
The school can now fit for college, technical school or normal school. As a result its attendance is already largely increased, every seat being occupied and more being required, the school now numbering thirty-five, the largest for many years.
1
6
Principal Heald and his assistant, Miss Buffum, seem especially well adapted for their work. If the school is sustained on its present lines, it has large usefulness be- fore it, and the town should look upon it with pride.
Its greatest need at present is of a suitable room for the assistant to use as a recitation room, and which is imperative; the cloak-room having now to be used and which is inadequate in every way. Such a room can be very easily provided, it has been ascertained by careful in- vestigation, and need not cost much, by finishing the un- occupied space in the tower and front over the piazza, which has ample space, and it can be heated from the present heating system. This is recommended to be done at once, as the work of the school will be greatly advan- taged thereby, at a small outlay.
OTHER SCHOOLS.
The other rooms of both buildings are all of them now comfortably filled, over one hundred and forty children being now registered on the hill. The schools of No. 6 and the valley were added at the opening of the fall term, and so far as known express satisfaction with the results. This increases the amount paid for conveyance, but closes two schools.
The board is particularly gratified by those being satis- fied who have come in, as they wish to compel no one, and only desire to give to all the best chance that they can. We realize the difficulties and obstacles in the way of consolidation, but have sought to obviate these as far as possible, by providing comfortable conveyance, and are confident that much better advantages can thus be af- forded than are possible in small outlying schools with un- classified courses of study, and discouraging conditions in everyway, and we would be glad if others could yet see it so. Every effort possible will be made to do justice to all.
NORTH WALPOLE SCHOOLHOUSE.
A fine new building of eight rooms with best of modern equipment has been completed in accordance with the
plans and proposals adopted last year, utilizing what was then known as "the old building." which very inadequately was housing four schools, and was unsafe and uncomfort- able. This was built over into the present new building, thereby saving considerable to the district, and making a most convenient and attractive and thoroughly modern building, with the best heating and ventilating system to be had. and as good as can be found in the state. The cost of this, and the worse condition of the old part was found to be in than was known, or could be at that time, made the outlay larger than was expected, and to exceed the appropriation by several hundred dollars, which we greatly regret; but inasmuch as the vote instructing the committee to build was explicit and unqualified, and the same was necessary, sooner or later, and could be better and cheaper done now than at any other time, there seemed no other course open to the committee but to complete it. But considering the size and accommodations of the build- ing and the thoroughness and beauty of its construction and appointments. the district secures it at a very low figure, and is a gainer by the result.
This now gives school accommodation at North Wal- pole of twelve finely heated and lighted and well finished rooms, nine of which are now occupied and three held in reserve, and a fine school hall in the upper story, which ought to meet the requirements of the schools there amply for some years to come.
The citizens of North Walpole presented a fine bell to the building, the district subsequently voting to add a tower for the same, which contributes much to the ap- pearance and usefulness of the building.
PRIMARY BUILDING, WALPOLE VILLAGE.
The repairs on the primary building, Walpole village, have been completed and the building is now thoroughly comfortable and convenient. The basements are made into suitable play-rooms for the small children in bad weather, and the rooms are made inviting and attractive.
1
8
DREWSVILLE SCHOOLHOUSE.
This schoolhouse needs interior freshening and new furniture very much, which ought not to incur large ex- pense, but ought not longer to be delayed. It has a flour- ishing school, and its people would take pride in a proper- ly furnished schoolhouse, and it ought not longer to be denied them.
IN GENERAL.
The school property throughout the town, with this exception, is now in good condition to remain for some years with only the outlay of occasional repairs, except that the Mt. Kilburn building, North Walpole, needs inte- rior freshening, the outside being done this past year.
The schools throughout the town are all doing excep- tionally good work. Those at Walpole village and North Walpole will rank with any in this part of the state, and were never more efficient or better managed than now. This was evidenced particularly by the North Walpole schools in the fine and successful entertainment given by them in the town hall, Nov. 23, and in which over one hundred and twenty-five children took part, of which they might well be proud, as may also the town.
SCHOOLROOM ADORNMENT.
Quite an interest in this direction has been created, and as a result of it a number of fine pictures have been given and hung upon the walls of the different rooms, adding much to their appearance. We would be glad if this might go on. It is a help to the schools in many ways. By a very little effort the schools might be made much more attractive to both pupils and teachers, where so much of their lifetime is spent.
DISTRICT SUPERVISION.
The matter of district supervision will be brought be- fore the district at its annual meeting, and it is a matter deserving thoughtful consideration by the town. Under the state law the town may unite with one or more of its
9
neighbors and employ the services of a skilled superintend- ent, the state paying half the cost and the other half divided as may be deemed equitable between the towns uniting. It is understood that the project is favorably considered by some of the towns near by us, and we hope that Walpole may see its way clear to try the experiment, and thereby secure the services of a specialist in school work who shall give his entire time to it, and by which better results can certainly be obtained than in any other way. The benefits and advantages to be derived from it will far exceed what it will cost to the town.
The schools demand time and work that no one having other business and cares can give to them. The chairman of your school board has already given much more time and work to them than he can afford to or can continue to, and we want you to place your schools under the care and direction of a regularly trained superintendent who can afford to give them the attention they need. The school board is constantly beset with trifling matters and details for which they are neither paid nor deem themselves capable of best performing. There needs to be a properly qualified and suitably paid person whose regular duty it shall be to attend to such. The school board will then have more or less care of the district's prudential affairs, and to direct the work of the superintendent. If such a person is employed, we earnestly urge on your part, con- sideration, sympathy and cordial support in this work, which at best will be difficult and trying, and especially so till he becomes acquainted with the people.
DEFICIENCY AND FINANCIAL MATTERS.
The board greatly regrets coming to the close of an- other year with a considerable deficiency, but could not avoid it and maintain the present grade of your work in the conditions that have confronted us the past year, but which ought not to again occur. No money has been wasted or expended unnecessarily, but the increased expense of the high school on account of conforming to the new law ;
W 2
10
the larger outlay than was provided for at North Walpole in the new building; larger sums being called for this year for insurance on property and a larger interest on the debt than had been provided for, more than accounts for it. But for these unexpected contingencies, we should have kept well within our appropriations. But it was impossi- ble to foresee all contingencies of expense in as compli- cated conditions as we have been obliged to work under the past few years. They can better be anticipated in the future, now that building, and repairing and fuller adjust- ment to our conditions have been accomplished.
The district has now quite a funded debt to be sooner or later provided for. One note next July will fall due, for $1,250, and one for the same sum each year for three years thereafter, to cover the loan of $5,000 voted for the North Walpole schoolhouse, and a note of an earlier date is still standing, for the village repairs of $2,600, and the current deficiency of this year. But when this is taken care of, your appropriations will assume normal proportions, and not be as burdensome as now. But you cannot afford any cut in your work, or retrenchment at this time. You have expended too much already, to afford to lose the benefit of it, or to allow the school work to deteriorate, as would be inevitable in such a case. Your committee there- fore asks for the liberal and generous support of your schools at your hands, and has no complaint to make in this respect, for you have always voted all that has been asked, and we trust that you will now, and only what is absolutely needed will be called for.
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.