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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01214 3027
GENEALOGY 974.302 N886AN 1907-1910
FORTY-EIGHTH
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
AUDITORS
OF THE TOWN OF
Newfane, Vermont
FOR THE YEAR ENDING
January 31, 1907
BRATTLEBORO: PRESS OF E. L. HILDRETH & CO. 1907
FORTY-EIGHTH
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
AUDITORS
OF THE TOWN OF
Newfane, Vermont
FOR THE YEAR ENDING
January 31, 1907
BRATTLEBORO: PRESS OF E. L. HILDRETH & CO.
1907
AUDITORS' REPORT
Liabilities
Selectmen's orders outstanding, $ 46 21
Road commissioner's orders outstanding,
10 05
School directors' orders outstanding,
80 53
Town bonds due National Life Insurance Co.,
4,000 00
U. S. surplus fund,
1,762 08
Moore Library note,
2,000 00
$7,898 87
Resources
Cash in treasury,
$1,619 11
Due on old tax bills,
76 00
Due on tax bill, 1906,
282 29
$1,977 40
4
F. A. DeWitt, Treasurer, in account with the Town of Newfane
Dr.
Cash in treasury at last report,
$ 2,453 92
Huntington fund,
33 36
Rent of school land,
13 10
Town clerk, dog licenses,
114 10
Taxes collected by treasurer,
6,596 63
State school tax,
295 56
State school tax, special,
188 21
State highway tax,
534 50
Rent schoolhouse hall, Newfane,
15 00
Rent schoolhouse hall, Williamsville,
15 00
Rebate from state on tuitions paid,
157 03
Town histories,
5 75
Miscellaneous,
12 00
F. E. Willard, collector,
81 40
L. O. Morse, collector,
1,014 30
$11,529 86
5
F. A. DeWitt, Treasurer, in account with the Town of Newfane
Cr.
Selectmen's orders paid,
$ 1,931 33
School directors' orders,
2,680 45
Road commissioner's orders,
2,294 89
Overseer's orders,
296 71
Paid town bond No. 6,
1,000 00
Paid town bond No. 5,
1,000 00
Interest on indebtedness,
170 00
County tax,
38 38
State school tax,
307 07
State highway tax,
191 92
Cash on hand,
1,619 11
$11,529 86
6
Summary of Expenses
Paid by road commissioner, $2,264 93
Paid by school directors,
2,641 47
Paid by overseer, 92 12
Paid by selectmen for support of poor, 48 95
Paid by selectmen, town officers' salaries, 223 69
Paid by selectmen, 'expense of stone arch bridge, 226 46
Paid by selectmen, expense of Powers bridge, 62 35
Paid by selectmen, expense Thomas bridge, 78 70
Other orders by selectmen, 1,065 25
Interest on indebtedness paid by treasurer, 170 00
Interest on indebtedness paid by ·selectmen,
120 00
County tax,
38 38
State school tax,
307 07
State highway tax,
191 92
$7,531 29
Grand List of Newfane, 1906
Value of real estate,
$265,839 00
Value of personal estate,
92,629 00
$358,468 00
One per cent, 220 polls at $2,
$3,584 68
440 00
Grand list,
$4,024 68
Town Officers' Salaries
SELECTMEN.
A. N. Sherman, $ 25 00
S. H. Morse, 10 00
LISTERS.
H. E. Sparks, $ 38 25
C. G. Holland, 27 75
D. D. Dutton, 36 00
SCHOOL DIRECTORS.
F. A. DeWitt, $
6 00
D. R. Stedman, 10 00
J. E. Morse, including cash paid, 15 39
OTHER TOWN OFFICERS.
F. A. DeWitt, treasurer, $ 25 00
P. P. White, town clerk, 30 30
Superintendent of schools, 52 28
$275 97
8
School Directors' Orders Outstanding
No.
109 Goddard Seminary,
$ 8 00
110 Leland & Gray Seminary, 44 00
112
W. C. Halladay, 28
44 E. A. Chase, old order,
2 50
106 W. A. Hall, old order,
25 00
35 Mrs. M. M. Bills, old order, 75
$80 53
Road Commissioner's Orders Outstanding
No.
129 A. L. Timson,
$ 6 15
134 B. C. Eager,
3 90
$10 05
Selectmen's Orders Outstanding
No.
C. C. Abbey,
$ 4 32
91
Clark Shepardson, 15 00
109
Darwin Edwards,
1 00
110
C. E. Perry,
90
115 H. E. Sparks,
1 50
11512 J. E. Morse, 1 50
119
J. E. Morse,
15 39
122 M. H. Cheney,
3 60
125
B. C. Eager,
3 00
$46 21
87
9
Paid by Road Commissioner
Baker, J. M., labor,
$ 4 50
Ballou, M. L., labor,
79 22
Betterley, J. N., labor,
10 50
Bills, L. G., labor.
3.00
Brown, P. A., labor,
1 50
Brooks, W. A., labor,
1 50
Burlingame, F., labor,
3 00
Burns, I. A., labor,
3 00
Cooley, G. C., labor,
69 65
Duhy, J., labor,
9 75
Eager, B. C., labor,
8 70
Eddy, C. W., labor,
10 65
Edwards, A. T., labor,
19 20
Edwards, H. A., labor,
20 25
Evans, A. D., labor,
14 70
Gerry, H., labor,
1 00
Goodnow, J., labor,
12 75
Grout, G. E., labor,
32 47
Grout, M. P., labor, '
6 00
Hall, L. A., labor,
29 70
Hall, H. M., labor,
5 85
Halladay, A. E., labor,
59 10
Hamlin, E. B., labor,
30 75
Harvey, A. C., labor,
11 65
Harvey, W. C., labor,
31 50
Harrington, Hattie L., gravel,
9 75
Hescock, H. M., labor,
67 10
Hescock, C. L., labor,
4 80
Higgins, Mrs. C. F., gravel,
2 50
Holden & Martin, tile,
41 40
12
Order book, 50
Running snow roller, 1905-06 :
Pierce, F. J., 6 00
Lamson, C. M., 6 00
Fisher, F. E., 6 00
Tuthill, E. H., 1 50
Sparks, H. E.,
7 80
Running snow roller, 1906-07 :-
Pierce, F. J., 14 00
14 00
Randall, L. M., 34 50
Total amount of orders drawn, $2,264 93
Paid by Selectmen
James McCarty, work on railings, $ 1 50
J. Edgar Mellen, pulley blocks, 5 00
- Waterman & Martin, legal services, 1905, 19 00
F. W. Knapp, bridge plank and timber, 78 00
E. L. Hildreth, printing town report and blanks, 29 18
Chas. H. Davis, snow rollers, settlement,
22 50
H. E. Sparks, drawing rollers, 8 00
John Barber, snowing bridge,
5 00
L. O. Morse, labor on bridge,
2 00
Delbert Pierce, snowing bridge,
3 00
D. D. Dutton, services as lister,
.19 50
Chas. F. Lazelle, transporting books,
20 00
Wm. Brooks, snowing bridge, 4 00
D. Duhy, labor on bridge, 1 00
W. Tobey, timber and labor, 6 90
H. J. Batchelder & Son, supplies, Griswold family, 48 95
J. O. Follett, work on stone bridge, 34 80
Halladay, A. E.,
13
S. H. Morse, labor and timber, stone arch bridge, 44 28
J. F. Howe, labor on stone arch bridge, 15 90
C. P. Thayer, labor on stone arch bridge, 11 40
F. E. Willard, labor on stone arch bridge, 12 90
C. G. Cooley, labor on stone arch bridge, 9 95
Merton Ingram, labor on stone arch bridge, 11 03
M. C. Stone, labor on stone arch bridge, 16 28
F. J. Pierce, team work on stone arch bridge, 17 25
E. H. Tuthill, team work on stone arch bridge, 14 25
W. E. Wheeler, one log for stone arch bridge, 4 75
J. O. Follett, error in bill, stone arch bridge, 1 50
E. H. Tuthill, 3,462 feet plank, 48 46
W. P. Eames, cash advanced Memorial Day ap- propriation, 20 00
E. W. Knapp, labor and lumber, 4 50
Ernest Wade, labor and timber,
2 65
Valley Grain Co., plow and scraper,
19 50
Allie Mundell, labor on bridges,
4 92
National Life Insurance Co., 6 months' interest on bonds, 120 00
Union Hall, rent of hall,
4 00
Milo Ballou, work on bridge,
5 10
Milo Ballou, labor and team, Powers bridge,
14 25
Sidney Hescock, labor on bridge,
5 60
S. H. Morse, labor and team, Powers bridge,
18 00
S. H. Morse, labor and lumber,
18 00
J. Edgar Mellen, cement for stone arch bridge,
17 07
D. D. Dutton, services as lister,
16 50
F. W. Knapp, bridge timber,
7 65
Tuttle Co., order book,
2 00
L. H. Higgins, clerical work, 2 00
Springfield Printing & Binding Co., record book, 22 00
C. E. Skinner, repairs on watering trough, 3 00
L. A. Hall, mowing cemetery, 1 00
C. P. Thayer, labor on bridge, 1 50
12
Order book,
Running snow roller, 1905-06 :-
6 00
Lamson, C. M.,
Fisher, F. E., 6 00
Tuthill, E. H.,
1 50
Sparks, H. E.,
7 80
Running snow roller, 1906-07 :-
Pierce, F. J., 14 00
Halladay, A. E.,
14 00
Randall, L. M.,
34 50
Total amount of orders drawn, $2,264 93
Paid by Selectmen
James McCarty, work on railings, $
1 50
J. Edgar Mellen, pulley blocks, 5 00
Waterman & Martin, legal services, 1905, 19 00
F. W. Knapp, bridge plank and timber, 78 00
E. L. Hildreth, printing town report and blanks, 29 18
Chas. H. Davis, snow rollers, settlement, 22 50
H. E. Sparks, drawing rollers, 8 00
John Barber, snowing bridge.
5 00
L. O. Morse, labor on bridge,
2 00
Delbert Pierce, snowing bridge,
3 00
D. D. Dutton, services as lister,
.19 50
Chas. F. Lazelle, transporting books, 20 00
Wm. Brooks, snowing bridge, 4 00
D. Duhy, labor on bridge, 1 00
W. Tobey, timber and labor, 6 90
H. J. Batchelder & Son, supplies, Griswold family, 48 95
J. O. Follett, work on stone bridge, 34 80
50
Pierce, F. J., 6 00
13
S. H. Morse, labor and timber, stone arch bridge, 44 28
J. F. Howe, labor on stone arch bridge, 15 90
C. P. Thayer, labor on stone arch bridge, 11 40
F. E. Willard, labor on stone arch bridge, 12 90
C. G. Cooley, labor on stone arch bridge, 9 95
Merton Ingram, labor on stone arch bridge, 11 03
M. C. Stone, labor on stone arch bridge, 16 28
F. J. Pierce, team work on stone arch bridge, 17 25
E. H. Tuthill, team work on stone arch bridge, 14 25
W. E. Wheeler, one log for stone arch bridge, 4 75
J. O. Follett, error in bill, stone arch bridge, 1 50
E. H. Tuthill, 3,462 feet plank, · 48 46
W. P. Eames, cash advanced Memorial Day ap- propriation, 20 00
E. W. Knapp, labor and lumber, 4 50
Ernest Wade, labor and timber, 2 65
Valley Grain Co., plow and scraper,
19 50
Allie Mundell, labor on bridges,
4 92
National Life Insurance Co., 6 months' interest on bonds, 120 00
Union Hall, rent of hall,
4 00
Milo Ballou, work on bridge,
5 10
Milo Ballou, labor and team, Powers bridge,
14 25
Sidney Hescock, labor on bridge,
5 60
S. H. Morse, labor and team, Powers bridge,
18 00
S. H. Morse, labor and lumber,
18 00
J. Edgar Mellen, cement for stone arch bridge,
17 07
D. D. Dutton, services as lister,
16 50
F. W. Knapp, bridge timber,
7 65
Tuttle Co., order book,
2 00
L. H. Higgins, clerical work, 2 00
Springfield Printing & Binding Co., record book, 22 00
C. E. Skinner, repairs on watering trough, 3 00
L. A. Hall, mowing cemetery, 1 00
C. P. Thayer, labor on bridge, 1 50
1
14
W. A. Wilson, labor and team, 3 45
M. L. Ballou, labor and lumber, 11 40
D. S. Prouty, lumber, Thomas bridge, 42 26
Mrs. Alice Micott, fowls killed by dogs, 3 00
Robbins & Cowles, iron bolts, 2 92
S. I. Wiswall, labor on bridge, 15 00
W. A. Wilson, labor and timber, Wilson bridge, 52 30
W. C. Harvey, work on railings, 16 90
Lyman Bills, labor on Wilson bridge, 9 00
Ira A. Burns, labor on Thomas bridge, 6 75
E. P. Wheeler, labor on Thomas bridge, 9 00
W. E. Wheeler, labor on Thomas bridge, 8 00
Milo Ballou, labor on Thomas bridge,
8 40
A. D. Evans, labor on Thomas bridge, 1 37
Sam Wiswall, labor, 8 25
John F. Whitaker, labor in cemetery, Newfane Hill, 6 30
Henry S. Powers, labor and lumber, Powers bridge, 23 00
B. E. Morse, labor and timber on bridges, 18 60
Hattie L. Harrington, stone and land damage, arch bridge, 35 00
E. L. Hildreth, printing ballots, 7 75
J. F. Howe, labor on Wilson bridge,
9 75
L. H. Higgins, clerical work on grand list,
14 95
P. B. Sparks, blacksmithing, 4 75
E. P. Wheeler, inspection of bridges, and labor, 4 00
H. E. Sparks, services as lister, 38 25
Geo. A. Downs, transportation across river, 12 50
C. E. Skinner, services as ballot clerk and civil authority meeting, 4 50
C. G. Holland, services as lister, 27 75
C. C. Abbey, lumber, 4 32
A. C. Harvey, labor on bridges, 5 00
Arthur Warren, services as ballot clerk, 1 50
15
W. J. White, services as ballot clerk, 1 50
Clark Shepardson, labor, and stone boat, 15 00
William Hazelton, painting iron bridges, 11 20
S. H. Morse, labor and cash paid, 29 71
J. M. Kenny, labor on bridges,
6 00
H. M. Hescock, timber and repairs on bridges,
3 25
J. M. Kenny, snowing bridges,
5 00
F. A. DeWitt, collecting taxes, 68 71
F. E. Willard, labor on bridges, 13 35
F. A. Blood, 2 snow rollers, 170 00
G. C. Cooley, cutting brush in cemetery, 1 25
B. E. Morse, bridge timbers, 2 00
G. A. Davis, keeping tramps, 4 50
Amasa Grout, labor on bridges, 5 05
F. A. DeWitt, services as treasurer, 25 00
F. A. DeWitt, services as school director, 6 00
P. P. White, services as town clerk, 30 30
P. P. White, returning births and deaths,
2 40
O. L. Sherman, merchandise, 11 01
Darwin Edwards, snowing bridge,
1 00
C. E. Perry, snowing bridge,
90
W. E. Wheeler, bridge timber,
₡ 20
C. K. Stedman, water tank,
3 00
D. R. Stedman, services as school director,
10 00
L. O. Morse, attending to elections,
7 50
H. E. Sparks, attending civil authority meeting,
1 50
J. E. Morse, attending civil authority meeting,
1 50
E. P. Wheeler, attending civil authority meetings, 3 00
D. D. Dutton, attending civil authority meeting. 1 50
P. P. White, attending civil authority meeting,
1 50
J. E. Morse, services as school director and cash paid, 15 39
S. H. Morse, snowing bridge, 2 25
A. N. Sherman, time spent and cash paid, 24 89
M. H. Cheney, lumber, 3 60
16
S. H. Morse, services as selectman, 10 00
A. N. Sherman, services as selectman, 25 00
B. C. Eager, civil authority meeting and services as ballot clerk, 3 00
L. O. Morse, collector, abatement of taxes, 50 00
Total amount of orders drawn, $1,825 40
Paid by School Directors
Nellie Dickinson, teaching No. 5, $ 65 00
Floyd Putnam, teaching No. 6, 90 00
Howard Thayer, janitor No. 5, 1 50
Floyd Putnam, janitor No. 6, and supplies, 3 47
Herbert Pierce, wood, No. 5, 7 00
J. H. Barber, wood, No. 6, 13 00
Amelia Messer, teaching No. 3,
70 00
F. M. Wiswall, teaching No. 4, 75 00
Cornelia Ward, teaching No. 2, 85 00
Harry Smith, janitor and work, No. 2, 5 00
F. H. Palmer, transportation to No. 4,
40 00
Alvin Gates, janitor No. 3,
5 00
John Ingram, janitor No. 8,
3 00
Abbie Adams, teaching No. 8,
80 00
Lena Randall, sweeping No. 3,
1 50
Harry Smith, work, No. 2,
60
H. E. Johnson, transportation,
30 00
C. E. Brown, teaching No. 1,
75 00
Mrs. E. H. Thomas, janitor and work, No. 1,
3 00
J. N. Betterley, transportation 1 year, 25 00
D. R. Stedman, taking school census, 7 40
Cora A. Winchester, transportation, 25 00
17
Delard Perry, work, No. 5, 2 00
C. P. Thayer, cleaning No. 5, 1 75
Carrie L. Wiswall, transportation, 25 00
Mattie Wade, cleaning No. 6,
2 50
J. H. Barber, wood and work, No. 6,
3 50
Howard Thayer, janitor No. 5, 1 00
Leland & Gray Seminary, tuition 9 pupils, 60 25
Brattleboro High School, tuition 2 pupils, 16 00
Irving Chase, janitor 2 terms,
5 00
Town of Townshend, tuition District school 3 terms, 93 97
L. H. Higgins, 3 cords wood,
9 00
W. A. Brooks, wood,
8 00
Emma M. Morse, services as superintendent,
18 50
A. F. Mundell, 2 cords wood No. 1, 5 00
W. M. Hazelton, repairs No. 3, 11 40
Will Metcalf, express on books,
45
E. R. Willard, freight on supplies,
1 23
Geo. Fields, freight from depot,
50
Ira Moulton, sawing wood,
90
L. W. Shepard, cash paid for ink,
1 10
Guy Barber, 3 cords wood in shed,
10 50 .
Tuttle Printing Co., 2 order books,
1 00
Mrs. Alvin Gates, cleaning No. 3,
2 00
Ray Brooks, cleaning No. 8,
2 25
Harry Whitaker, sawing wood, etc.,
2 00
Nellie Dickinson, teaching No. 5,
65 00
Floyd Putnam, teaching No. 6,
90 00
Floyd Putnam, janitor work and supplies,
2 40
Clarence Lewis, janitor No. 6,
2 00
Howard Thayer, janitor No. 5,
1 25
Ginn & Co., supplies,
4 40
Geo. M. Solandt, work No. 2,
1 00
F. A. Radway, 1 cord wood,
4 50
W. L. Micott, teaching and janitor work,
68 50
18
M. Sadie Davidson, teaching No. 2, 80 00
Alcestis W. Wheeler, teaching No. 4, 70 00
Cora A. Winchester, transportation to No. 3, 20 00
Miss M. Vane, teaching No. 1, 70 00
Arthur Grey, janitor, 2 50
F. H. Palmer, transportation to No. 4, 35 00
Carrie Wiswall, transportation to No. 4, 20 00
E. R. Willard, freight on supplies,
50
Brattleboro High School, tuition,
8 00
F. A. DeWitt, cash paid, postage, etc.,
1 25
Arthur Grey, work, 75
Elmer W. Knapp, transportation, 22 00
Abbie M. Adams, teaching No. 8, 75 00
Leland & Gray Seminary, tuition 9 pupils, 58 12
E. E. Babb & Co., supplies, 38 72
Town of Dummerston, tuition ? pupils,
16 45
Robbins & Cowles, door No. 3,
3 50
Irwin Chase, work No. 4,.
5 50
Burr & Burton Seminary, tuition 1 pupil,
16 00
Henry Johnson, transportation to No. 1, 30 00
70
Will Metcalf, express, 1 00
J. H. Merrifield, insurance on school property,
5 88
Educational Publishing Co., supplies, 1 00
Hinds & Noble, supplies, 1.65
Amasa Grout, agent, insurance, 13 52
3 00
E. W. Knapp, transportation, 6 50
D. R. Stedman, work and cash paid,
1 35
H. A. Williams, supplies,
4 50
Sarah Mack, cleaning No. 2,
2 00
W. R. Geddis, supplies,
1 20
Harvey Whitaker, work No. 1,
50
M. Sadie Davidson, teaching No. 2, 80 00
Alcestis Wheeler, teaching No. 4, 70 00
Will Metcalf, express paid,
Silver, Burdett & Co., supplies,
19
Ida Maher, teaching No. 3, 65 00
F. H. Palmer, transportation, 35 00
Carrie L. Wiswall, transportation, 20 00
Nellie Dickinson, teaching No. 5, 65 00
Floyd Putnam, teaching No. 6, 90 00
Floyd Putnam, labor and supplies No. 6, 1 25
J. H. Carey, transportation No. 5, 31 50
Martha H. Vane, teaching No. 1,
70 00
Abbie M. Adams, teaching No. 8,
75 00
Cora Winchester, transportation No. 3,
18 00
Marcus Wellman, janitor,
2 25
W. A. Brooks, janitor work and supplies No. 8,
3 25
Lena A. Randall, janitor,
3 50
L. H. Whitney, repairs No. 3,
1 50
Henry Johnson, transportation No. 1,
30 00
J. N. Betterley, transportation,
18 35
Mrs. John E. Morse, services as superintendent,
33 78
A. M. Merrifield, tuition Samuel Merrifield,
24 00
Goddard Seminary, tuition Aaron White, 8 00
Leland & Gray Seminary, tuition 6 pupils, 44 00
J. Edgar Mellen, blackboard paint, 1 40
W. C. Halladay, supplies, 28
Total amount of orders drawn, $2,641 47
Paid by Overseers for Support of Poor
Brattleboro Retreat, board and treatment Laura
M. Thayer, $12 00
Dr. Rice, treatment David Davis, 9 00
Zaba Howard, board Imogene Hoyt, 2 50
Chas. Ingram, board Imogene Hoyt, 12 50
W. P. Eames, supplies Griswold family, 37 62
20
W. P. Eames, supplies Ingram family, 3 50
J. D. Pierce, burial expenses Shippee child, 15 00
Total amount of orders drawn, $92 12
A. G. WARREN, - Auditors.
H. A. WILLIAMS,
L. H. HIGGINS,
Report of School Superintendent
NEWFANE, VT., November 22, 1906.
To the Voters of the Town of Newfane.
During the first two terms of the past school year there were seven schools maintained in the town. Teachers were as follows :-
First Term.
Union school, district No. 4, Miss Alcestis Wheeler. Newfane Village, Miss Sadie Davidson.
Riverside school, district No. 3, Mr. Micott. Williamsville Village, Mr. Floyd Putnam. Parish school, Miss Nellie Dickinson. South Newfane Village, Mrs. Abbie Adams. Brookside school, Miss Martha Vane.
The same teachers were retained for the second term with the exception of Mr. Micott, who was obliged to give up the school on account of illness. His place was taken by Miss Ida Maher, who took examinations and obtained a permit. Examinations were given to Aaron White and Harry Whitaker, to find whether or not they were fitted for higher schools. They both passed with high per cent. The former went to Goddard Seminary, the latter to Townshend Academy.
At the beginning of the year eight new primary pupils entered the Williamsville school. They were provided with Cyr's Primers, and have made rapid progress. At the end
22
of the second term, most of them were excellent little readers. They also did good work in spelling and number work. This class was an exceedingly interesting one for visitors.
In the South Newfane school there were two beginners, under five years of age, who did unusually well. At first it seemed as though they would learn nothing, but after a little they progressed rapidly. There were a few beginners in nearly all of the schools, but not large classes. Most of the schools are well graded now. This was difficult in some cases, especially in the Union school, district No. 4, where there were several classes of one, the pupils seemed to be studying in entirely different parts of their books, making it hard to classify them.
Drawing was taught by nearly all of the teachers with good success. Music was taken up by some. The pupils enjoyed this immensely; they not only learned to sing, but to read music. I wish music could be taught in all of the schools. A day started with a little singing gives the chil- dren a happy feeling which lasts for some time.
An advanced class, or so-called high school, was begun in Williamsville at the beginning of the fall term. Mr. Put- nam volunteered his services for an hour and a half or two hours after the close of school at night, to instruct those pupils, who had finished the common school studies and passed excellent examinations, in more advanced work. This class took practically a first year high school course- algebra, arithmetic, rhetoric, general histories, spelling, and dictation. The pupils kept along quite evenly with those who went to higher schools. They were much interested and worked hard.
Eight Emerson's rhetoric books and eight Meyer's new general histories were supplied the above class. Mr. Put- nam is deserving of great credit. His labors have been hard and long, but his success is quite evident. .
23
There was a deficiency of the elementary geographies in many of the schools, which was a great inconvenience, and these were supplied.
There were several old, worn-out books collected and sent to Ginn & Co. in exchange for new ones.
The discipline has been good this year in most instances. The teachers have striven to interest their pupils and to teach concentration of thought, which is very necessary.
The Riverside schoolhouse in district No. 3 has been painted inside, making it look very neat and clean. A new door has been furnished for this building, also. Other small repairs have been made in the other schools.
Respectfully submitted,
MRS. J. E. MORSE.
To the Voters of the Town of Newfane.
Report for the unexpired term, caused by the resignation of Mrs. Morse, as superintendent, is herewith submitted :-
Schools. Seven schools have been maintained, each with a winter term of ten weeks. The high school class, taught by Mr. Putnam, has been continued in No. 6, with seven members, one coming from the Parish. This high school training at home should be appreciated by pupils, parents, and all citizens.
Teachers. Three changes have been made, Miss Lottie Hunt teaching in No. 1, Fred E. Gilbert in No. 2, and Mrs. Edith J. Farnum in No. 3. All have done good work. The other teachers have been employed from one to three years each. This aim of the directors to secure successful teach- ers who will remain gives continuity of work not otherwise possible to the pupils.
Pupils. A commendable degree of interest and industry
24
has been manifested by a large majority of pupils. They want to learn and to do the things that pupils elsewhere learn and do. This spirit should be encouraged heartily. When it is lacking, pupils fall below their grade.
Attendance. Increasing care is given to regularity of attendance. (See table.) Ten years ago the superintendent reported, "One of the greatest obstacles to improvement that we have met with has been the lack of regular attend- ance." A page was devoted to this subject. To-day few absences occur without cause. A perfect record for a term or a year means much to the pupil. The training in punc- tuality is invaluable. Four pupils in No. 6 have perfect records three years.
TABLE OF ATTENDANCE, WINTER TERM TO JANUARY 31.
Districts,
1
2
3 10
4 15
5 11
6 35
18 126
Number not tardy,
12
19 7
4
5
17 98
Number not absent,
8
8
1
5
7
9 52
Number with perfect attendance, 8
7
1
1
8 42
Others lacking 2 days or less,
3
6
7
5
3
4 39
34 14 4 13 11 8 Total.
Whole number of pupils,
15 22
During the year: Whole number pupils in schools, 165; not tardy, 106; perfect record, 20; lacking two days or less, 35.
Text Books in use, with few exceptions, are satisfactory. . The inevitable wear and tear render many books unfit for use each year. Many are so now. These have to be re- placed, especially all sets of supplementary primary readers. If pupils are to read with good expression, several sets of readers of each grade are necessary during the first three or four years.
Parents (including the fathers as well as the mothers ) are earnestly desired to visit the schools. Learn at what hour classes recite that you wish to hear. Go at that hour. Pu-
25
pils recite better and feel more at ease if accustomed to visitors. Teachers will be encouraged by your presence.
School Laws. Attention should be called to new school laws. They provide for closing small schools and trans- porting pupils to larger ones'; for towns to unite to employ a superintendent whose salary shall be paid in part by the state and for pupils who expect high school or academy tui- tion to be paid by the town, to pass examinations, showing fitness for the work. Large sums of money have been ap- propriated by the state with a twofold purpose-to equalize taxation for schools, and to provide equal school advantages throughout the state. If we would benefit by these laws we must know them.
Educational Meeting. A teachers' institute of broad scope, arranged by State Superintendent Mason S. Stone and County Examiner H. D. Ryder, was held in Newfane January 24. Other towns represented were: Brookline, Dover, Dummerston, Brattleboro, and Wardsboro. Mr. Ryder presided, giving many helpful thoughts before and between the addresses. Local speakers were Mr. Gilbert and the superintendent. From Brattleboro, Mrs. Horton spoke upon nature study; Miss Tucker, supervisor, upon management, literature and reading, and the joy the pupil should have in his work; Miss Wellman, with two boys to illustrate, gave a physical culture drill and emphasized atten- tion to health. Mr. Stone talked informally with teachers upon important school items, advocated an elementary course in agriculture in our schools, and explained points of the new laws to directors. He was followed by Colonel Fletcher of Cavendish. Editor F. L. Greene, of St. Albans, in the evening gave for the general public a witty and en- tertaining lecture, presenting many problems which confront the "New Vermont."
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