The Register of Pennsylvania : devoted to the preservation of facts and documents and every other kind of useful information respecting the state of Pennsylvania, Vol. III, Part 52

Author: Hazard, Samuel, 1784-1870
Publication date: 1828
Publisher: Philadelphia : Printed by W.F. Geddes ;
Number of Pages: 440

USA > Pennsylvania > The Register of Pennsylvania : devoted to the preservation of facts and documents and every other kind of useful information respecting the state of Pennsylvania, Vol. III > Part 52

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The resolution discharging the committee was adopted.

Mr. Kittera presented the following.

The Committee on Penn Square respectfully Re- port:

· That from annexed estimates, it will appear that the whole cost of improving the square by levelling and fencing it, will amount to $2972 69.

The plan proposed 'is to enclose' each plot, forming the square with a fence, and to level the ground, and have grass seed sown. They therefore offer the follow- ing resolution.

Resolved, by the Select and Common Councils, That the Committee on Penn Square, be authorised to have the same levelled and enclosed, and that the expense thereof be charged to appropriation No. 14.

Mr. Baker presented a petition for paving Schuyl- kill Eighth street from Sassafras street to Vine; and Mr. Scott, a petition for paving Sheaff Alley. Both were referred to the Paving Committee.

Mr. Page presented a petition from the America Hose Company, lately established in the south-west part of the city, praying that the annual appropriation

186

APPRENTICES' LIBRARY COMPANY.

Į MARCK

for the benefit of the Diligent IIose Company, may be transferred to this new company. Referred to commit- tee on fire companies.

The bill requiring the public vaccine physicians to furnish practising physicians in the city (and none others) with vaccine matter free of charge, was passed, after a discussion in which Messrs. Cave, Baker, Page, and Oldenburgh, took a part.

Thursday Evening, March 12.

A communication was received from the Board of Contollers of the Public Schools, enclosing their last annual statement.

A communication was received from the Mayor of Pittsburg, enclosing a resolution of the Councils of that city, returning thanks for vaccine matter furnished by the vaccine Physician of Philadelphia, free of charge.

Petitions for paving Webb alley, for repaving Sassa- fras street from Eleventh to Broad, for paving George street from Broad to Schuylkill Eighth, and for paving Gillis's Alley and some other small alleys in the neigh- bourhood of Fifth and Lombard streets, were present- ed, and referred to the Paving Committee.

A petition was presented praying that the public land- ing at Dock street, may be paved. On motion of Mr. O'Neil, it was resolved that the City Commissioners pave the same as soon as can conveniently be done under di- rection of the Paving Committee. The expense, he said, would be about 500 dollars.

Mr. Johnson presented a petition for the construction of a sewer, during the ensuing season in Pine street from Schuylkill Eighth to the river Schuylkill. Re- ferred to l'aving Committee.

A remonstrance against removing the market carts from Chesnut streets between Second and Third, and a petition for the removal of the market house in Broad street, were referred to the market committee.

A communication was received from Thomas Phipps, City Treasurer, praying to be released from part of the security given by him for the faithful discharge of his trust. Referred to Messrs. Worrel, Richards, Page, and Baker. The bond given by. Mr. P. is in such form that he has not at present the control of either his real or personal estate ..

Messrs. Richards, Thompson, Miller, Baker, Cook, and Oldenburgh, were appointed a committee to consi- der and report a plan for the improvement of the city property on the Schuylkill.

The committee on the State House were requested to inquire into the expedience of altering the second floor of the State House for the accommodation of Councils, and also to inquire what advantageous dispo- sition can be made of the chambers at present occupied by Councils.

The resignations of Mr. William Boyd and Mr.Charles Johnson, as members of the Board of Commissioners for erccting buiklings for the accommodation of the Poor, were received and accepted.

On motion of Mr. Johnson, the City Commissioners, were directed 'to report at an early period, what curb- 'stones will require resetting in their respective districts, during the ensuing spring.

On motion of Mr. Page, the following preamble and resolution were adopted.

Whereas it appears that in the Senate of this State the Committee on Corporations has been directed to inquire into the expediency of granting to the Councils of Philadelphia the same control of the other market- houses which they "how have over those in High be- tween Frontand Third streets.

And whereas it is much to be desired that they should possess all necessary power, so that the ordinances in

relation to the government and regulation of the mar- ket houses may· be uniform and consistent.

Therefore be it Resolved, That a joint committee of two members from each Council be appointed to craft a suitable memorial upon the subject, to be for- warded to the Legislature, signed by the Presidents of Councils.

Messrs. Page, Graff, Kittera, and Thompson are the committee.

.Mr. Miller, from the committee on the Sinking Fund reported, that there has been, during the last year, end- ing 7th of March, an accumulation to the sinking fund of 45,402 dollars, from the various sources provided by different ordinances of Councils.

In this period, sundry certificates of United States Debt, amounting to 56,427 being part of the Stock of the Sinking Fund were paid off. The investments of the committee have-been 536 dollars in United States six per cent. stock, 75,563 dollars in Pennsylvania 5 per cent. stock, and 10,000 dollars in the City Loan.

The stock belonging to the Sinking Fund is at pre- sent 21,025 U. S. 6 per cent .; 76,531, U. S. 4} per cent .; 72,500 of Pennsylvania 5 per cent., 2,900 City six per cent., 172,100 City 5 per cent. 25,000 Schuylkill Navi- gation Stock, and 3,94U Permanent Bridge stock. To- tal 373,996. [Phil. Gaz.

TO THE APPRENTICES' LIBRARY COM- .PANY OF PHILADELPHIA.

The Board of Managers, in conformity with establish- ed usage present a report of their administration of the affairs of the institution for the time it was committed to. their care.

Soon after the organization of the Board, it was per- ceived that the room in which the Library was located, owing to its peculiar form, was ill adapted to the conve- nient arrangement of a greater number of Books than were already on the shelves; thus circumstanced, the. Board determined on the removal of the Library, pro- vided a suitable apartment could be procured at a fair rent: After much inquiry and deliberatien, the second story of the large new building on the north side of Carpenter street, third door below Seventh street, was taken on a conditional lease of five years, for the sum of. one hundred and twenty-five dollars per annum. This apartment is 34 feet front, by 38 feet in depth; it is centrally situated and convenient. The Board have had it fitted up on a scale sufficiently large to contain 8000 volumes, and when necessary its capacity can be in- crrased by new shelving to accommodate fifteen thou- sand volumes. The Library was closed, and the books removed to the new room in the early part of the 12th month, (December) last. With the exception of the time necessarily employed in its removal and re-organi- zation, it has been regularly opened twice in each week, 'for the free use of those for whom it was founded, and from the monthly reports of the committees who super- intend the delivery ofbooks, the Board are assured that good order and decorum have prevailed amongst the numerous applicants, who thronged the Library on those occasions. In the patrons and friends of the Institution it cannot fail indecd to excite feelings of high gratifica- tion to witness the many hundreds of boys from all parts of the city who crowd to the Library for books; the lively interest they take in the institution, and their zeal to acquire useful knowledge by availing themselves of the various, interesting, and instructive works in Sci- ence, Literature, and the Arts, which are found on our shelves.

Within the year just ended, about 450 books have. been added to the library, of which number, 40 were re- ceived as donations, and nearly 500 volumes have been re-bound .. The total number belonging to the company is about 5000; many of these are especially valuable to the Artisan and Mechanic, whilst the taste of the gene- ral reader is amply provided for in the numerous works

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on History, Biography; Poetry, of Voyages and Travels, and treatises on the various branches of Science. In the selection of books, much care has constantly been exercised by the Managers to exclude all of an immoral; or pernicious tendency. . The average number of boys using the Library during the past year has been five hun- dred seventy-two, and five hundred fifty-four new appli- cations have been received. During the same period 78 new members of the company have been elected, and the amount of orders drawn upon the Treasurer by the Board for Librarians' salaries, room rent, purchase and binding of books, and expenses incident on the re- moval of the Library, fitting up new room, &c. has been $905 89.

This institution has been in existence nine years, and has been frequented by from 4 to 800 boys annually making a total of more than 4000, who have partaken of its benefits since its establishment in 1820, Notwith- standing these prominent and well known facts, there have been periods in its history where even its. continued existence seemed problematical, its only source of income a small and continually diminishing list of contributors, at two dollars per annum, the whole proceeds inadequate to pay the rent of room and libra- rians' salaries, leaving nothing for the purchase of new books, whilst those already on the shelves, were wear- ing out by constant use, and were greatly insufficient for the extensive and increasing number of boys who thronged the library and solicited to be supplied. Ap- peals were made to the public for funds from time to time, but without adequate success, the entire sums re- ceived in donations during the nine years of the Libra- ry's existence being only about 500 dollars. Notwith- standing these. periods of destitution, when its most sanguine friends were discouraged, and its appeals to the citizens were disregarded and unproductive; not- withstanding its resources are still extremely- small, the board feels no fear of its ultimate endowment-its use- fulness may continue to be circumscribed by small means, but the institution will we trust never be suffer- ed to sink.

The liberality and intelligence of the community, the evidence of those citizens who have witnessed the multitude . eagerly calling for the most substantial and valuable works in science and literature, and above all, the feeling's of gratitude towards the institution, amongst the thousands who have partaken of its benefits, cannot fail to render permanent and prosperous an association so valnable in the diffusion of useful knowledge, the promotion of virtuous habits, and which is so nearly al- lied to the prosperity and best interests of the whole community.

Signed by direction and on behalf of the Board of Managers.

PIIILIP GARRETT, Chairman.

- SAMUEL MASON, Jr. Secretary.

Philadelphia, 3d mo. (March) 2, 1829.

CHARITY SCHOOLS OF PHILADELPHIA.

Annual Report of the Board of Managers of the Philadel- phia Society for the Establishment and support of Charity Schools, with the Annual Report of the Treas- urer, and a list of Officers for the present year.

To the Philadelphia Society for the Establishment and Support of Charity Schools ..

The anniversary which has assembled us together, to review the transactions of the past year, and to provide for the future welfare of our interesting charge, also reminds us of obligations of gratitude to the Giver of all good, for the blessing with which our labours have been attended. We would then thankfully acknow- ledge. the divine beneficence, while we offer to our fel- low members of this Society, our congratulations upon the continued prosperity of the institution under our care.

excite applause; for its effects, although certain and of extensive influence, àre produced silently and without display: yet its claims to our exertions are not the less entitled to be duly 'estimated. As the majestic river, fertilizing and beautifying the regions through which it flows, is indebted for a portion of its copious streams to many a tributary brook: so public information, en- riching and adorning a civil community, is formed by the contributions from many springs of useful knowledge. The reflecting mind will perceive the importance, and appreciate the value, of every source of supply.

The schools established and supported by this Society have heretofore been, and, we trust, will long continue to be, sources of no inconsiderable benefit to the com- munity in which we live. From their origin to the present time, eight thousand two hundred children have received from them such instructions as have ena- bled them to advance in improvement and to attain fur- ther advantages, in proportion to their natural talent 'and their diligence.

The number of pupils, at the time when the last an- nual report was presented, was 439; of whom 255 were boys, and 184 girls. At present there are 224 of the former, and 174 of the latter: the admission of boys during the year having been 215, and the discharges 246: the admissions of girls 177, and the discharges 187. -The nature and objects of the institution, and the circumstances of a large number of pupils being placed under the tuition of each teacher, require that the branches of learning taught in the schools should be few, and of the most indispensable kind. Accordingly, almost exclusive attention is given to reading, writing, and arithmetic. The following sketch, which shows the course of instruction and the arrangements in the several departments, may be interesting to the members of the Society.

The business of the boys' school, conducted by Thom- -as Walter, commences with writing words from dicta- tion, a very useful exercise, and more effectual perhaps than any other in making accurate orthographiers. Af- ter a short time thus occupied, the scholars leave their seats, and arrange themselves around the room, in classes of not more than nine each, standing in small semicircles, for the purpose of reading. 'The lessons used by all except the 8 higher classes, are printed in a large type, & pasted upon boards, which are hung against the wall: the upper classes read in bocks. The boys are classed according to their proficiency: the whole school being divided into twenty-three reading classes; and twice in a month, at regular periods, such changes are made, as the progress of the pupils requires. So that every class consists of children equal in attainment, or very nearly equal: a boy of quick parts is not retard- ed by others of less mental activity, nor is a boy of slow mind hurried on too rapidly. Each of these small divi- sions is committed to the care of a monitor, selected by the master, under whose superintendence the opera- tions of all are conducted. When the reading has been continued for a suitable time, the scholars return to their seats, and the greater part commence ciphering. The younger boys, who have not begun to learn arith- metic, write upon slates, in large hand, from copies .- There are twelve ciphering classes, each having a mon- itor. The head of the class dictates the question to be solved, and cach boy when he thinks he has found the answer, shows his calculation to the monitor. Twenty of the boys, who are further advanced than the rest, cipher separately : some of these learn algebra and the elements of geometry. While most of the scholars are engaged in arithmetic, or in writing on slates, a part, consisting of about twenty-four, write in copy-books .-- These cipher at another time; the school being divided into writing classes, which follow one another in succes- sion, beginning with the best writers. Thus each boy who writes on paper finishes two or three copies in a weck; and the improvement appears to be as great as

The work in which we are engaged is not such as to | is in schools where every boy writes a copy daily. From

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an hour and a half to two hours having been occupied in this manner, the reading is resumed, and continues until the dismission of the school. Forty of the boys have advanced beyond the Rule of Three, and about one-half of these are much furtherforward. Upwards of seventy have gone through the four fundamental rules. Once every week the ciphering 'classes are ranged a- round the room, and the improvement of the scholars is noted.

In the girls' school, under the tuition.of Sarah Morton, the first exercise is writing from dictation, which is fol- lowed by reading and spelling. It is proper to observe, that girls are admitted before they can read. There are 8 classes in spelling and reading, as follows :- The first consists of children learning the alphabet; the sec- ond, spelling in three or four letters; the third, spelling and easy lessons in reading; the fourth, fifth and sixth, read the lessons published by the Society; the 7th, Mur- ray's Sequel; and the eighth, Picket's Class Book, learning also lessons in the Expositor. From the two higher classes, monitors are selected for the others .- Sixty girls write in copy-books, and they are divided into five classes of 20, 12, 10, and 8, respectively : the smaller children write on slates. To prevent hurry and disorder in the writing classes, every girl is obliged to stop when she has written a line, and she is not allowed to begin a second until all of her class have finished. the first, and the teacher gives a signal to go on.

In arithmetic, three classes, containing thirty girls, do sums in Addition: twenty children have advanced to Subtraction; about the same number to Multiplication; and eighteen to Division. There is besides a class of girls, who, after learning the elementary rules, use Pike's Arithmetic, and go on further, first-doing the sums in the first four rules, by way of reviewing what they have learned. The order of studies and the ar- rangement of the school, resemble in general those of boys' school, but differ in details. In the afternoons, part of the time is spent in sewing, marking, knitting; and on Saturdays, writing is omitted for the sake of re- ceiving and returning library books, of which there are 300 volumes. Most of the girls are between the ages of six and twelve; the proportion of the younger children is greater now than it was a few years ago.

The school for straw plaiting, under the care of Han- nah Smith, contains eighty-six girls, and is divided into two parts, which attend alternately. Those who learn straw plaiting one day, being in the other school .the. next. The pupils have attained a skill in the art high- ly creditable to their instructress. Many of them have wrought at their homes, and made hats for themselves. The sales of work done in the school have, however, been very dull, having amounted only to $71 23, during the year. It is feared that the anticipations entertained of this manufacture becoming a profitable branch of business in Philadelphia, will not be realized.

With regard to the property and financial concerns of the Society, the managers bave few particulars to communicate in addition to the account given by the treasurer in his report. The deccase of the estimable relict of Christopher Ludwick, has terminated the an- nuity which was payable to her, and thereby reduced the expenditures $100 per annum. The funds have been increased within the last twelve months, by the receipt of the legacy bequcathed by our late fellow cit- izen, John Grandom, amounting, after the collateral in- heritance tax, had been deducted, to $975.

Having submitted these statements, the managers now deliver up their charge, with the expression of their good wishes for the future permanent prosperity of the institution which it has been their office to cherish.

WILLIAM ABBOTT, Chairman.

Attest-WM. B. DAVIDSON,. Secretary.

Published by order of the Society. JOHN MOSS,

SAMUEL J. ROBBINS, Committee.

ANNUAL REPORT

Of the Treasurer, to the Philadelphia Society for the Es- tablishment and Support of Charity Schoo's.

The treasurer reports, that during the year 1828, he received 975 dollars, for the legacy of John Grandom, deceased; and, that in consequence of the decease of Sophia Ludwick, the annuity to her ceased, of 100 dol- lars per annum. The annexed account current will exhibit the receipts of the treasury, and the orders drawn by the managers, for the past year; by which it will be noticed, that the income was only 1872 dollars 63 cents, in consequence of a portion thereof having been receiv- ed in anticipation, during 1827; and the expenditure amounting to 1913 dollars 4 cents. The capital stock now consists of

Interest.

$10,000 00 Bond. 10th mo. 31, 1828

Income. $600.00 . 66 00

1,000 00

1st mo. 15, 1829

163 00 9th mo. 26, 1828 9 78

150 00 1st mo. 2, 1826

9 00

1,000 00 9th mo. 31, 1828

60 00

3,000 00 10th mo. 5, 1828

180 00

4,000 00 8th mo. 16, 1828

240 00

1,200 00

Note. 10th mo. 24, 1828

72 00

200 00 Old Stock, Union Canal, unpro-

ductive. .

40 00 One share Library Company, unproductive.

490 00 Property in Kensington, unpro- ductive.

600 00 Ground rent, 10th mo. 1,1828

John Evans' legacy, income

36 00

10,460 14 School House, cellar rent, 11th mo. 1, 1828 income 100 00

2,155 02 Offices,-Walnut street,rents, 12th mo. 15, 1828 400 00

2,500 00 House, Fifth street, rent, 10th mo. 24, 1828 .160 00

$37,058 16

$1,932 78

The above income for 1829 will probably be increas-

ed, from members, &c. to 2100 dollars; and the expen- ditures will be about 1900 dollars.

Having served in the office of treasurer for six years I am now desirous of being released; and request some other member may be elected to that station.

With much respect,

RICHARD PRICE, Treasurer.

Philadelphia, 1st Month 1, 1829.

The Philadelphia Society for the Establishment and Sup- port of Charity Schools, in account with Richard Price, Treasurer. 1828. DR.

Paid for printing 250 Annual Report, $7 50

Do. bricklayer, 3 75

Do. carpenter,

29 88

Do. painter,

22 37

Do. library company,

2 00

Do. 17 days' discount on $4260 37,

12 07

Do. committee of supplies,

137 56

Do. taxes, 1827 and 1828, lot in Kensington,

8 60

Do. premiums and expenses of straw room,

59 03

Do. Thomas Walter 1 year's salary, 350 .00

900 00

Do. Sarah Morton 1 year's salary, 300 00

50 00

Do. taxes on house in Fifth street, 30 28

Do. committee on Kensington lot, 190 00

Loaned on bonds, 7000 00

Do. on note, 1200 00

Balance in the treasury, 316 54

$10,619 58

Do. Hannah Smith 1 year's salary,

Do. Sophia Ludwick six months' annuity,

189

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF WAYS AND MEANS.

1829.]

1828. CR.

By balance due the Society,

$311 58

Received payment of notes,

7460 37

. : Do. for Johnr Grandom's legacy, $1000.00

Deduct state tax, 25 00 --- 975 00

Received interest on a bond, 30 75

Do. 1 year's interest on bond, $1000,

60 00

Do. 1 year's rent of school liouse cellar, 100 00

Do. 1 year's ground rent. J. Evans' legacy, 36 00

Do. 1 year's interest on bond, $10,000, 600 00

Do. 6 month's interest on bond, $3000, 90 00

Do. for use of library share, . 5 00

Do. for 1 year's rent of house in Fifth street, 200 00

Do. for 1 year's rent of offices on Walnut street, 400 00

Do. 1 year's interest on bond, $1100, 66 00

Do. 2 year's interest on bond, $150, 18 00

Do. subscriptions of members, 162 00

Do. for sales of Lancasterian lessons, 33 65

Do. for sales of straw work, 71 23

$10,619 58

Errors excepted.

RICHARD PRICE, Treasurer.

Philadelphia, 1st Month, 1, 1829.

Examined, compared with the vouchers, and found

correct. The balance of cash in the treasury, three hundred and sixteen dollars, fifty-four cents.

THOMAS GRAHAM, WM. WIDDIFIELD, Committee.

Philadelphia, January 7, 1829.

At an annual election of "The Philadelphia Society for the Establishment and Support of Charity Schools," held at the School House on Walnut street, January 6, . 1829, the following officers were elected for the cur- rent year, viz:

President-Jonathan Fell.

Vice President-Philip Garrett.

Treasurer-Richard Price.

Secretary-Thomas A. Alexander.

Managers-Philip Garrett, Jonathan Fell, John Clax- ton, John G. Simmons, William Abbott, Samuel Sellers, Samuel J. Robbins, James Cresson, Richard Oakford, Pearson Serrill, John H. Cresson, Richard Price, Wil- liam 'B. Davidson, Cornelius Stevenson, Timothy Abbott, George Peterson, James Mott, John B. Ellison.

Electing Committee-Richard George, Thomas Gra- ham, Joseph Cresson, Frederick V. Krug, John Siter, jr. Adam Seckel, Stevenson Smith, Thomas Walter, John B. Ellison, James Mott, Samuel Hutchinson.

The Board of Managers was organized on Friday eve- ning, January 9th, 1829, when William Abbott was chosen Chairman, and William B. Davidson, Secretary.

Visiting Committees-January. J. Fell, J. Claxton, J. B. Ellison. February. J. Claxton, J. B. Ellison, J. G. Simmons. March. J. G. Simmons, T. Abbott, W. B. Davidson. April. T. Abbott, W. B. Davidson, W. Abbott. May. W. Abbott, J. Mott, J. Cresson .. June. J. Mott, J. Cresson, R. Oakford. July. R. Oakford, P. Garrett, P. Serrill. August. P. Garrett, P. Serrill, R. Price. September. R. Price, S. Sellers, G. Peterson. October. S. Sellers, G. Peterson, J. H. Cresson. No- vember. J. H. Cresson, S. J. Robbins, C. Stevenson. December. S. J. Robbins, C. Stevenson, J. Fell.

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The Register of Pennsylvania : devoted to the preservation of facts and documents and every other kind of useful information respecting the state of Pennsylvania, Vol. III, Part 52

Author: Hazard, Samuel, 1784-1870 Publication date: 1828 Publisher: Philadelphia : Printed by W.F. Geddes ; Number of Pages: 440

Author: Hazard, Samuel, 1784-1870
Publication date: 1828
Publisher: Philadelphia : Printed by W.F. Geddes ;
Number of Pages: 440