USA > Vermont > Rutland County > Pittsford > Annual report of the board of officers of the town of Pittsford, Vermont, for the year ending 1906-1909 > Part 8
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In the Mills primary school every available seat is filled and one pupil sits at a desk in the aisle. This room contains the first, second and third grades and numbers forty-two or forty-three pupils. There are at least ten more pupils in this room than the size and ventilation of the room will war- rant. Twenty-one of these pupils when seated erect in their seats cannot touch their feet to the floor. There are forty-one seats for a total floor space of 625 square feet, part of which space is taken up by a large stove, teacher's desk, and tables for holding supplies.
In the intermediate room at the Mills practically every seat is filled and of the thirty-five or thirty-six pupils there are eight who, when seated erect in their seats, do not touch their feet to the floor. Grades four, five, six, and seven are in this room. In both of these rooms the light comes from the right and left of the pupils, thus giving a cross light, which tends to injure the eyesight.
THE VILLAGE SCHOOLS.
In the Village primary school there are forty-one pupils divided into the first three grades. There is one more grade than a teacher can do justice to. The seating of the room is the best in any of the schools below the eighth grade.
In the Village intermediate school every seat is now occupied while one pupil sits at a table. In this room there are ten pupils whose feet do not touch the floor when properly seated in their seats. There are forty-three pupils in this room, com-
45
prising grades four, five, six, and seven. The outlook for next fall is that there will be several more to enter this room than there are seats for. The total floor space is about 740 square feet. In both of the Village schools pupils sit facing the light, which tends to injure the eyesight.
THE FOWLER SCHOOLS.
While the conditions in regard to the number of pupils per teacher, number of grades per room, proper seats, venti- lation, and lighting are bad in the schools just mentioned, these conditions are worse in the Fowler schools. There are in two rooms in Fowler, from ninety-four to one hundred and two pupils comprising all the nine grades. In one room, separated only by a thin curtain suspended from a wire about six feet high, there are two teachers working with from fifty-eight to sixty pupils, seated in double seats, fifteen of whom cannot touch their feet to the floor. In some cases three pupils occupy one seat. Many of these children understand very little of our language.
This is a condition of affairs which should not be allowed to continue. It is utterly impossible for these teachers to properly instruct their pupils or for the pupils to do a fair grade of work under these conditions. The teachers are working loyally, but they work under adverse conditions.
In the higher room every seat, I think, is filled, and next year it will be impossible to provide for all the children who expect to attend this school. There are forty-two pupils in this room.
The rural schools are not crowded, but the teaching force for the seven schools above mentioned is inadequate for the proper instruction of the pupils who attend them.
SUGGESTIONS.
I suggest that a four-room building, modern in sanitary arrangements, heating, lighting. and equipment, be erected at some central point in or near Fowler, which will accom- modate all children now attending the Douglas and Fire Hill schools, and most of those attending the present school in Fowler, and that the Douglas and Fire Hill schools be closed
46
and the children transported to this new school. If all chil- dren living north of the present school could be brought to this school, the present building could be closed : if not, it should be repaired and reseated to provide for such children. In all probability the population in and near Fowler will in- crease rather than decrease and provision should be made for such increase in the schools.
To provide adequate accommodation for the pupils who attend the Village and Mills schools is a problem for careful consideration.
Two possible solutions suggest themselves to me. One, the erection of a large eight-room building somewhere be- tween Pittsford and the Mills, modern in all its appointments, with a large playground near it, or a four-room building at Pittsford village located at some convenient spot, and also a four-room building at the Mills. The present school build- ing at the Mills might be raised, a two-room addition made, a furnace, and modern sanitation installed and the entire building furnished with new seats and desks, giving an opportunity for eight grades, two grades in each room. This would take away part of the eighth grade now in the High school building and relieve the congestion there. If this were done, doubtless some of the children now attending the Village schools might attend at the Mills, thus relieving the congestion at the Village. On the other hand, if a build- ing should be erected in the Village, the congestion at the Mills school could be relieved by having some of the children now in attendance at the Mills school attend the Village school.
These suggestions are made simply as a basis for discus- sion. Whatever action may be taken in the near future, one fact should be kept in mind ; that the schools at Fowler, Pittsford Mills, Pittsford Village, and the Grammar schools are now over-crowded and the teaching force is not sufficient under the present conditions. The following table shows the largest number of pupils in attendance at any one time at the schools mentioned :
High school
49
1
47
Grammar school
46
Mills intermediate
36
Mills primary
43
Village intermediate
43
Village primary
41
Fowler intermediate
42
Fowler primary
60
Furnace .
26
Fire Hill
9
Douglas
26
Goodnough
28
Hudson
16
East Pittsford
13
EXAMINATION OF THE EYES AND EARS.
In accordance with the law, an examination of the eye- sight and hearing of the pupils was made by the various teachers in the fall. The following is a partial report : Number of pupils examined 364
Number found defective
186
Per cent. found defective
51 plus
Of the 186 defective, 108 were defective in eyesight.
HIGH SCHOOL:
The High school at present numbers forty-seven. The new state course of study for secondary schools has been adopted and is being conformed to as closely as possible. The school has been ranked as a High school of the first grade. To do this it was necessary that three teachers be employed, all of whom should be graduates of approved col- leges. At the opening of the fall term a considerable spirit of insubordination and rowdyism was manifested among some of the boys, but the matter was handled carefully and wisely by Mr. Ratti so no further trouble is looked for. Should there be a recurrence of trouble, I should recommend the suspension from school of the leaders in it. There are splendid possibilities in the Pittsford High school and with the present efficient corps of teachers, excellent results are looked for. For further information regarding the school I
48
refer you to the following" brief report of the principal, Mr. Ratti :
"MR. W. P. ABBOTT, Superintendent of Schools,
DEAR SIR : At your request I take pleasure in present- ing this brief report of our High school.
In September, when I took charge of the Pittsford High school, I was confronted by unusual conditions. The school was larger than ever before and there was a confusion of courses which had to be remodelled in accordance with the 'Minimum Course' prescribed by law for the Secondary schools of the state. Besides, there had never been a thorough grading in the lower schools and this brought it about that pupils came to the High school, young and not fully prepared. The heating, lighting, ventilation, and seat- ing arrangements are faulty and also showed their effects on the students.
Because of the change of courses and of the increased size of the school, it has been found necessary to buy many new books and more supplies than usual, but even more are needed. Our laboratory supplies are meagre, the desk and chairs in the assembly-room are in need of repairs, and a reading table is necessary. The seating capacity of the lab- oratory is so small that chairs must be taken in in order to seat some of the classes.
The introduction of regular and systematic music super- vision has improved the school in that it has opened a new field and filled a want long felt in Pittsford. The eagerness of the pupils for the study of music indicates how much it has been needed.
During the short time I have been here, it has been one of my chief aims to create, as much as possible, an air of culture, and to arouse a strong, healthy school spirit and a spirit of harmony between the pupils and the teachers. With this in view, we have encouraged the organization of athletic clubs among both boys and girls, and encouraged literary and dramatic work both in these clubs and in our Lyceum. The meetings of the latter have been made open
49
to the public. We hope to arrange debates between our High school and those of the neighboring towns. All of these things, however, serve only as a means to an end by arousing a greater interest in the rest of the school work.
In my work I have been greatly assisted by the efficient help of the teachers. Together we have tried to place the school on a sound basis and, though much remains to be done, there is no reason why our High school should not soon be in fact, as well as in name, a First Class High School. In bringing this about, there is need of co-operation between the pupils, the teachers, the school officials and the public, and I am confident that it will not be lacking.
Respectfully submitted,
Jan. 31, '08. GENO A. RATTI, Principal." IN GENERAL.
The teachers in the schools of the town are working loy- ally and well. As I have intimated before. some are working under adverse conditions. All have been willing to take suggestions, and act upon them. I find the pupils in the schools very responsive to any new suggestions. To stimu- late interest, a little manual work has been introduced. I am endeavoring to develop a better class of reading among the older boys and girls, and a better use of the Public Lib- rary. We are endeavoring to have the High school assume some responsibility in the town. As a result, the students are providing two excellent entertainments for the public. Many other plans for the schools are being developed ; and I wish to bespeak the hearty co-operation of all citizens in the work of the teachers and pupils.
I am aware that this report would have been pleasanter reading had I told of the good work the teachers and children are doing, the plans on foot for new work, the changes al- ready seen, and in fact, spoken only of the good conditions : but had I done this, the attention of the citizens would not have been called to the immediate needs of the schools. I wish through you, Gentlemen of the School Board, to appeal to the citizens of Pittsford, to give careful consideration to the present and future needs of the town's best asset,- namely its boys and girls.
Respectfully submitted, WINTHROP P. ABBOTT, Superintendent of Schools.
50
Town Treasurer's Report
RECEIPTS.
Amount
Date 1907.
Feb. 1. Balance cash on hand
$4,818 65
12. Vt. Sanatorium, rent school lands 32 46
19. N. Hack estate, rent school lands 3 75
25. R. E. Loveland, rent school lands 1 25
Mar. 6. Mrs. Emma J. Loveland, treasurer's note 100 00
7. E. L. Paine, treasurer's note 2000 00
18. School directors, Stratton Wood account 2 00
Apr. 3. C. M. Sturtevant, justice, fine, State v. Retel 5 00
13. Town of Rutland, school tuition, 2 years 132 93
19. Proctor Trust Co., treasurer's note 1000 00
29. W. H. Tarble, liquor license fee, 2d class 1500 00
29. W. H. Tarble, liquor license fee, 3d class 250 00
June 1. Proctor Trust Co., treasurer's note
2000 00
10. Proctor Trust Co., treasurer's note 2000 00
14. C. M. Sturtevant, justice, State v. Mooney 2 00
15. School directors, old wagon sold 4 00
19. Town of Proctor, tuition 50 64
July 12. J. E. Tennien, delinquent tax account 25 00
17. C. M. Sturtevant, justice, State v. Fowlski
2 00
.
31. State treasurer, apportionment school, transportation 548 03
Aug. 9. State treasurer, apportionment state school tax 607 09
19. State treasurer, apportionment perma- nent school fund 169 89
Sept. 3. State treasurer, apportionment $45,000 school fund 341 46
3. State treasurer, apportionment $15,000 school fund 113 82
3. Taxes collected 19,946 66
12. Town of Chittenden, tuition 68 28
20. Justice Sturtevant, State v. Underpois 5 00
51
Date
Amount
Sept. 30. Constable Tennien, delinquent tax account 70 00
Nov. 15. Constable Tennien, delinquent tax account 100 00
20. Justice Sturtevant, State v. Jno. Suvoris
5 00
20 Justice Sturtevant, State v. Coleuski 5 00
20. Justice Sturtevant, State v. Fowlcoski 5 00
20. Justice Sturtevant, State v. Tymeuski 5 00
20 Lawrence & Lawrence, costs Douglas v. Town 41 20
21. Justin N. Mills, returned duplicate school order 6 00
Dec.
6. Constable Tennien, delinquent tax account 100 00
13. Selectmen, old plank sold 1 25
17. State treasurer, apportionment state highway tax 525 88
17. State treasurer, apportionment $50,000 permanent road fund 270 00
1908
21. Austin A. Mills, rent school lands 21 00
Jan. 6. Justice Sturtevant, State v. C. R. Hendee 5 00
6. G. F. Hendee, rent school land 7 50
13. D. D. Burditt, rent school land 50
2 50
16. E. J. Leonard, rent school land
16 50
16. Sam Steele, rent school land 20 25
20. N. Hack estate, rent school land
3 75
15. Road commissioner, selectmen's order, No. 58 310 20
27. Selectmen, shingles sold 1 50
20
31. J. A. Duffy, rent town hall
44 00
31, Constable Tennien, delinquent taxes
85 00
31. Town clerk, dog license
220 00
31. P. H. Kendrick, dog license arrears
12 00
31. G. F. Hendee, dog license, received for lamb bitten by dog
1 00
31. £ Justice Stiles, State v. Oscar Johnson 5 00
$37,620 14
Amount of payment
33,624 77
Balance cash in treasury
$3,995 37
13. T. C. Riordan, rent school land
31. Road commissioner, 1 lb. dynamite
52
PAYMENTS.
Amount
Date 1907
Feb. 20.
D. T. Holden, payment on note $ 25 00
Mar. 6.
Mrs. Emma Loveland, interest on note 4 00
8. State treasurer, U. S. deposit fund 3,633 20
8. State treasurer, interest 2 months, 23 days, 5 per cent. 41 89
9. D. T. Holden, payment on note 25 00
18. Jas. Halpin, interest on note 60 00
18. E. C. Fish, fees, State v. Ellis 4 00
18. E. C. Fish, fees, State v. Purim 4 51
18. Tuttle Co., tax book 1 25
Apr. 8. T. R. Willis, bill services, liquor com- missioner 17 00
10. R. E. Loveland, bill services, liquor com- missioner 20 00
15 T. R. Willis, C. M. Willard, fees, State v. P. Walsh, 1901 2 00
26. Express on cash 45
29. Stamps and envelopes
1 81
26. W. T. Bogue, bill services, license com- missioner 6 00
May 24. D. T. Holden, interest on notes 26 00
28. N. A. Noyes, interest on notes 40 00
June 1. Woodstock National bank, Mrs. H. R. Ward, note and interest - 1025 00
1. Dr. T. J. Hagan, bill reporting births and deaths, 1903-07 19 75
1. Harry W. Krouse, service 14 days lister 28 00
10. State treasurer, 1-2 liquor license fees 875 00
10. State treasurer, state highway tax 670 58
10. State treasurer, state school tax
1,072 93
20. Justice Stiles, costs State v. Paul 12 68
24. Edward Fredette, poll tax, 1906, returned 2 55
July 1. Proctor Trust Co., interest on note 9 00
29. Hiland Holden, interest on note 40 00
Aug. 2. Maclure Library Association, interest on note 40 00
53
Amount
Date Aug. 7. Harriett C. Barnes, interest on note $ 84 00
20. D. T. Holden, paid on note 50 00
10. Proctor Trust Co., $2,000 note and interest 2015 00
20 Proctor Trust Co., $1,000 note and interest 1006 00
24. Mrs. Eliza J. Bailey, interest on note
78 00
27. Proctor Trust Co., $2,000 note and interest 2,021 50
27. R. A. Lawrence, fees, State v. Parron 2 60
27. R. A. Lawrence, fees, State v. F. Ellis 2 60
29. Express on cash 45
Sept. 4. Town treasurer, 1 per cent. collecting taxes 199 46 21. Dr. H. H. Swift, for reporting births and deaths, 1903-1907 27 00
21. Justice Sturtevant, costs State v. Mrs. Puloski 11 29
Nov. 20. Lawrence & Lawrence, fees, Douglas v. Town 29 00
30. D. T. Holden, payment on note 25 00
Dec.
14. D. T. Holden, payment on note 25 00
19. Postage
1 00
21. Congregational church, 1 year's interest on note 40 00
31. Justice Barnard, costs, State v. Hewett 11 65
1908
Jan. 13.
Jas. Halpin, Babcock note and interest 2,049 16
23.
F. D. Squire, abatement 1907 tax 5 62
23. T. M. Adams, abatement 1907 tax 8 68
23. Rutland Railway Light & Power Co., abatment Pennock tax 2 61
23. Peter C. Peterson, abatement 1907 tax
1 38
31. Town clerk, salary
125 00
31. Town treasurer, salary
50 00
31. Selectmen's orders
2,369 69
31. School commissioners' orders
9,583 36
31. Road commissioners' orders
4,599 07
31. Overseer of poor
1,293 05
31. Bowen fund 200 00
$33,624 77
54
SUMMARY OF TAXES.
Amount $15,021 75
Grand list
Whole tax, 143 per cent.
$21,481 48 836 50
Delinquent
$20,644 98
Less 4 per cent. on town taxes
749 37
$19,895 61
Add other tax collections
51 05
Whole tax collected by treasurer
$19,946 66
Delinquent taxes.
Feb. 1, 1907
$166 32
Feb. 1, 1908
836 50
$1,002 82
Abated
343 43
$659 39
Cash from constable
380 00
In hand of constable Feb. 1, 1908
$279 39
TREASURER'S NOTES.
Bowen fund
$5,000 00
Harriett C. Barnes
2,100 00
Hiland Holden
1,000 00
Congregational Society
1,000 00
Maclure Library Association
1,000 00
D. T. Holden
25 00
D. T. Holden
400 00
Emma J. Loveland
200 00
N. A. Noyse
1,000 00
E. L. Paine
2,000 00
Mrs. Eliza J. Bailey
1,950 00
$15,675 00
Accrued interest
267 16
$15,942 16 S. K. BURBANK, Town Treasurer.
55
Bowen Fund
The annual interest on the fund left by the late Mr. Cromwell Bowen for the relief of the worthy poor was duly received from the town treas- ury .and paid in small sums to the persons designated by the board of distribution. The orders upon which the money was paid are in the possession of the trustee, and may be examined by those interested in the matter.
S. K. BURBANK,
Trustee.
License Commissioners' Report
The members of the board of License Commissioners met at T. F. Bogue's residence in Pittsford on March 30, 1907, with each member present. T. F. Bogue was elected chair- man and secretary and the following applications were re- ceived :
W. H. Tarble for a second and third class license and . R. H. Drake for a third class license.
On April 20 the board met in the town hall to hear objec- tions, if any, to either of the applicants. None being made the board granted a second and third class license to W. H. Tarble, in room on the east side of the Otter Creek Inn. The second class at $1,500 and the third class at $250. The board has held five meetings and have posted seventeen persons at the hotel bar forbidding the sale of intoxicants.
Respectfully submitted,
T. F. BOGUE, P. E. MOONEY, License Commissioners.
P. H. KENDRICK,
Feb. 1, 1908.
56
Town Agent's Report
The case of B. J. Douglas against the town of Pittsford for possession of a schoolhouse in district No. 6 has been settled in favor of the town. It has cost the town some money to defend the suit, but there was no other way out of it and the result of the suit is what was expected by every- one. The town, so far as I know, have no other cases to defend, and may we hope to remain in this condition.
Respectfully submitted,. D. D. BURDITT, Agent.
Auditors' Report
TO THE TAXPAYERS OF PITTSFORD :
We have carefully audited the accounts of the various town officers for the year ending Feb. 1, 1908, and herewith present you our report as per vouchers received.
LIABILITIES.
Bowen fund
Treasurer's notes
$ 5,000 00 10,675 00 267 16
Accrued interest
$15,942 16
RESOURCES.
Cash in treasury
$3,995 37
Due from constable
179 39
Rent from school land
69 21
P. J. Fleming, note
5 40
4,249 37
Total liabilities $11,692 79 The total debt of the town on Feb. 1, 1907, was $15,542.51, therefore, the town's debt has been reduced $3,849.72.
We would advise the town to vote the same tax at the coming election and reduce our debt another notch.
Respectfully submitted, J. E. McCORMICK, T. H, CANDON, Auditors. W. J. KEITH.
1
Warning For Annual Town Meeting
The legal voters in March Meeting of the town of Pittsford are hereby notified and warned to meet at the Town Hall in said town, on Tuesday the third day of March, 1908, at ten o'clock, in the forenoon, to transact the following business :
Article 1. To choose a moderator.
Article 2. To hear the reports of the town officers and to take proper action thereon.
Article 3. To elect all necessary town officers for the year ensuing.
Article 4. To see what tax said town will vote, to pay the current ex- penses of said town for the year ensuing, and to pay the indebtedness of said town.
Article 5. To see if the town will vote to have all taxes paid into the treasury as provided by law.
Article 6. Shall license be granted for the sale of intoxicating liquors in this town.
Article 7. To see if the town will vote 2 per cent. on Grand List for the running expenses of the Maclure Library for the ensuing year.
Article 8. To see if the town will vote 1 per cent. on Grand List for proper observance of Memorial Day, and the balance be expended in the Baptist and Congregational cemeteries.
Article 9. To see what action the town will take to provide a suit- able building for our town records and an office for the town clerk and treasurer and to make provision by tax or otherwise, to pay the expense of same.
Article 10. To see if the town will vote to extend Fire District No.2 lines to include the residence of John L. Tarble and M. F. Flemings.
Article 11. To see if the town will vote to empower the school directors to purchase a lot and build a new school house at Fowler, and provide by tax or otherwise to pay the expense of same.
Article 12. To see if the town will vote to authorize the selectmen to build suitable shed for the housing of its road machine and other tools.
Article 13. To see if the town will vote a bounty of five dollars out of the dog fund, for each and every dog caught in the act of killing sheep or other domestic animals.
Article 14. To transact any other legal and necessary business.
G. F. HENDEE, E. D. HINDS, J. B. RALEIGH,
Selectmen.
Pittsford, Vt., Feb. 4, 1908.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
BOARD OF OFFICERS
OF THE
Town of Pittsford
VERMONT
FOR THE YEAR ENDING FEBRUARY 1st
1909
THE WOODRUFF PRINT SHOP BRANDON, VT.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
BOARD OF OFFICERS
OF THE
TOWN OF PITTSFORD
VERMONT
FOR THE YEAR ENDING FEBRUARY 1
1909
THE WOODRUFF PRINT SHOP BRANDON, VT.
Town Officers.
Moderator-J. T. Tennien.
Town Clerk-C. J. Fenton.
Treasurer-S. K. Burbank.
Selectmen-E. D. Hinds, M. C. Fitzpatrick, C. A. Creed. Overseer-James Halpin.
School Directors-E. H. Allen, A. D. Tiffany, T. J. Hagan.
Listers-G. F. Hendee, J. P. Candon, F. J. Hinds.
Auditors-J. E. McCormick, T. H. Candon, W. J. Keith. First Constable-J. E. Tennien.
Second Constable-H. C. Scoville.
First Town Grand Juror-A. D. Tiffany.
Second Town Grand Juror-L. S. Kendall.
Trustee Public Money-S. K. Burbank.
Road Commissioner-E. L. Breed.
Town Agent-D. D. Burditt.
Tree Warden-J. A. Duffy.
Justices of Peace-C. M. Sturtevant, H. M. Burditt, J. B. Candon, P. McDevitt, C. A. Stiles, J. A. Eayres, R. W. Barnard.
Grand List, $14.850.33. Number of Polls, 674.
Selectmen's Report.
We, the Selectmen, have paid the following orders: Issued by the last Board of Selectmen:
No
Amount.
1 J. Halpin, expense Rosso Narcassa, $47 86
2 Woodruff Print Shop, 51 62
3 C. A. Creed, cutting brush, 9 00
4 Ernest Hitchcock, cutting brush, 9 00
5 Maclure Library, 75 11
9 Ed. Hinds, cutting brush, 17 50
$210 09
We have issued orders as follows:
6 A. Bowen, watching bridge at Fowler, $ 2 00
7 T. R. Willis, money overpaid on McCormick suit, 3 00
8 D. W. Eddison, printing inventories, 1 56
10 Wm. Crahan, work on bridge,
6 00
11 Maclure Library, 74 24
12 James Chapman, cleaning sidewalk, 10 00
13 Frank Hinds, taking list,
28 00
14 W. A. Howland, planing boards,
75
15 State Treasurer, for State Highway tax,
751 09
16 State Treasurer, State School tax,
1,201 74
17 C. A. Alexander, cutting brush, 10 50
18 Wm. Humphrey, cutting brush, 5 00
19 S. K. Burbank, making tax book, 25 00
20 Tuttle Co., tax-book and supplies, 22 40
21 Richard Crahan, stone work on bridges and cutting brush, 51 00
22 P. Kendrick, work on Fox bridge, 7 50
4
Amount.
No. 23 Chas. A. Creed, labor on bridges, $143 73 cutting and burning brush, 20 42 and money paid out, 32 11- $196 26
24 Lee Clark, 6,323 ft. hemlock plank at $17, 107 50
25 L. E. Humphrey; sign boards,
3 40
26 John Mathews, mowing cemetery,
4 00
27 Chas. Lethbridge, stone work,
2 50
28 Will Fox, stringers for bridge,
2 00
29 S. K. Burbank, insurance,
74 39
30 James Candon, listing,
28 00
31 H. W. Perkins, labor on East Pittsford bridge, new stringers, 31 00
32 Chas. Duffy, work on Furnace bridge,
5 00
33 Richard Crahan, Furnace bridge,
12 25
34 Geo. Chapin, mowing Depot road,
1 35
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