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^ernor/'a/
^.
LIBRARY NO
ACCESSION WO....i^..3_^.,..^.t>....
DATE
PURCHASED
ACTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY
2211
171
REFERENCE BOOK
ACTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY
ACTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01720
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2013
http://archive.org/details/annualreportstow18791894acto
I?. E :f o I?. T s
OF THE
-IflNDAOTHERiOFFICERS^
OF THE
TOWN OF ACTON,
FEOM
FEB. 26, 1879, to FEB. 26, 1880,
INCLUDING THE
MARRIAGES, BIRTHS AND DEATHS IN i8]9.
ALSO THE
HREPORTlOFlTHElSCHOOLtCOMMITTEE.K
ACTON:
PRINTED AT THE OFPIOE OF THE ACTON PATRIOT, SOUTH ACTON.
1880.
TOWN OFFICERS FOR 1880.
DauielJ. Wetlieibes.
William D. Tuttl(
JohiiE, Gutter,
TOWN CLERK.
William D. Tattle.
SELECTMEN.
John Vfhite,
ASSESSORS.
Aaron C. Hanclley,
OYERSEERS OF THE POOR.
Jolin White.
Phineas Wetherbae.
Phineas Wetherbee.
Frank Hosmer,
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Mrs. Lucy M. Mead, Charles D. G-riggs, for 3 year,-; ; Luther Conant, George F
Flagg, for 2 year,^ . George H. Harris. Isaac Y\\ Fiagg, for 1 year.
HIGHWAY SURVEYORS.
Charles Wheeler, Abram H. Jones. Daniel Wetherbee
Oliver W. Mead, Geoige Ft. Keyes.
FENCE YIEWERS.
John E. Houghton.
SURVEYORS OF LUxMBER.
George H. Harris,
Fvancis D wight,
E. J. Bobbins.
SURVEYORS OF WOOD.
Henry D. Parlin.
George H. Harris,
L. S. Hosmer.
Isaac W. Flagg.
CEMETERY COMMITTEE.
John Fletcher, 2d, Wm. W. Davis, Joseph F. Cole.
John Fletcher,
Y\alliam B. Davis
Charles B. Stone
E, J. Kobbins,
WiUiam B. Davis,
Charles B. Stone
Nahum C. Keed.
E. F. Eichardson,
L. W. Stevens,
G. H. Warren,
Jona. W. Loker,
Solomon L. Button.
REFERENCE BOOK
ACTON MEMORIAL LtBRARY
ACTON, MASSACHUSETTS Ctt720
IS
SELECTMEN'S REPORT,
Appropriations and
Receipts.
Unexpended balance of last year,
83,184
39
Regular Town Grant,
7,000
00
'• " '' for Schools,
2,500
00
" '^ " '' Higmvays,
1,200
00
State Tax,
360
00
County "
Overlay in gs 5
Eight Polls,
520
371
13
10
68
44
Liquor Licenses,
251
00
Corporation Tax,
National Bank Tax,
593
419
50
61
Received of Charles Yfheeler for sluice at
N. Acton,
5
00
State Aid,
96
00
Lidigent Soldiers' Aid,
- 285
12
Cash of A. IT. Jones, for old plank,
6
50
'• John Fletcher, Woodlawn Cemetery, 24
'^ State Treasurer, School Fund, 177
00
63
''- Town Hall,
79
00
Cash from E. H. Cutler, receipts from
Es-
tate of Lucy Hosmer,
20
17
" " Mount Hope Cemetery,
'• Dog Fund,
12
203
00
49
" '^ Benj. F. Hapgood, reward,
10
00
117,332
63
4
EXPENDITUEE8.
Support of Schools,
Paid Chas. B. Stone, West District,
,1)681 21
Geo. F. Flagg, South
681 21
Luther Conant, Centre, '•
676 37
I. W. Flagg, East ''
308 11
Geo. H. Harris, North •'
308 11
W. S. Jones, So. East ^'
150 00
,^2,805 01
Kepairs on To^rn Biiildmg'S«
Paid Geo. F. Flagg, repairs on South Ac-
ton school house and fence, S63 34
Ai Robbins, for stone gutters for
Town House, 12 00
I. W. Flagg, for lead and oil for North
Acton school house, 23 49
C. B. Davis, for 13 3-4 d^ys work on
North Acton school house, 27 30
Henry VV. Richardson, for repairing
ToAvn House chimneys, 17 85
Henry W. Richardson, for repairing
East school house, 27 94
Luther Conant, for painting Centre
school house, 77 84
John White, material for North Acton
school house, 2 10
Chas. B. Stone, repairs on West Ac-
ton school house, 13 60
Repairs on Higliways.
Paid F.H.Whitcomb, breaking roads, 1879, $14 80
Geo. Chandler, posts for railings, 11 80
T. C. Graham, gravel bank in West
Acton. 15 00
$265 46
Paid C. A. Harrington, plank for Powder
Mill bridge, 69 07
D. J. Wetherbee, iron and bolts for
Powder Mill bridge, 37 34
D. J. W^therbee, plank for Pow^der
Mill bridge, 31 19
A. H. Jones, repairs on Powder Mill
bridge, 114 36
J. E. Reed, lumber for Powder Mill
bridge, 26 34
A. H. Jones, breaking and repairing
roads in Jan., Feb. & Mar., 1879,
Chas. Wheeler, breaking roads, ^'
American Powder Co., labor on Pow-
der Mill bridge,
E. B. Forbush, breaking|roads. 1879,
Luther Conant, '' " " 1878-79,
Geo. H. Harris, " " "
J. E. Billings, " '^ 1879,
Silas Conant, labor railing roads,
A. H. Jones, gravel for highways,
53
38
40
14
10
41
6
45
7
05
2
63
7
27
7
63
37
00
Eegiilar Iligliway Work.
A. H. JONES, SURVEYOR.
For 66 1-2 days work, at |2.00, $113 00
50
i '.
a
oxen, 1.75,
87 51
94 1-4
a
a
horses, 1.00,
94 25
49 3-4
. i
u
Lowell Jones, 1.50,
74 64
47 1-4
a
a
Elmer Holman,
70 88
50 1-2
u
a
A. Cole,
75 75
20 1-4
u
u
Fred Mann,
30 38
6
a
u
Chas. Brooks,
9 00
Repairs
4 00
$491 86
,1
1559 41 1
CHARLES WHEELER. SURVEYOR.
For 54 1-2 days work, at |2.00,
S109 00
58
^ " oxen, 1.75,
101 50
95 4-5 '
' " horses, 1.00,
95 80
66
^ 4 1-2h., C.H. Wheeler, 1.
50, 99 67
16
^ work, Allen Smith,
24 00
57 3-4 '
' " James Waldren,
86 63
67 3-4 '
-' Ed. O'Neal,
101 63
7 1-2 '
' " Silas Conant,
11 25
1-2 '
5 3-4 '
' '' Spofford Robbins,
' '' Fred Mann,
75
8 62
4 1-2 '
' '-' James Wheeler,
6 75
1-2 '
1 ^
1 '
1-2 '
' '' Henry Wheeler,
'' Daniel Redding,
' " Alfred Moorhouse,
' '' x\i Robbins,
75
25
1 25
75
6-10 '
" John McCarty,
90
Repairing
Powder,
I Scraper,
4 90
15 61
Black smi
Rake Ha
Castings,
2 Hoes,
th bills,
ndle,
7 76
25
66
1 50
18
By Order of County Coiumissiouers.
Paid A. H. Jones, South Acton Road, -115300 06
Chas. Wheeler, ''- " - 369 74
" '^ North ^- '^ 40 00
'-'• ^' for stone bounds and
labor setting, 80 70
8790 50
Support of Poor,
Paid E. H. Cutler, for support of —
Clara Wheeler,
1336 93
Lucy Hosmer,
Coffin and Robe for Lucy Hosmer,
71 75
21 00
Burial expenses,
Sarah B. Childs,
14 30
13 50
Lucy Oliver,
Flora Butler,
48 23
3 00
Car fare of Esther Oliver,
75
Henry Jones,
Ellen McClern,
49 10
10 88
John Dakin,
78 00
Betsey Chaffin,
Family of Patrick Redding,
164 00
14 75
Dr. Sanders, Redding Family,
'' Tray nor,
Dr. Hutchins, services 1877-78,
5 00
94 54
9 80
Journey to Boston respiting E. McClern, 2 50
" " '' "- Bergendhall, 2 50
Stationery,
1 00
Stamps,
E. H. Cutler, balance due Town Farm
1 00
April 1, 1879,
E. H. Cutler, for use on farm 1879,
162 05
80 00
Town Debt.
Paid Mrs. Harriet Davis,
Mrs. Philip Peters,
David M. Handley,
Joseph Barker,
$529 37
1,623 67
500 00
546 17
State Aid.
Paid Mrs. R. C. Wright,
Mrs. Hattie W. Wilder,
12 00
12 00
$1,184 58
13,199 21
$24 00
Indigent Soldiers' Aid.
Paid Mrs. Hattie W. Wilder, $32 00
Mrs. R. C. Wright,
George Dole,
John Carroll,
Win. F. Wood,
Wm. Reed,
Allen G. Smith,
Benj. Skinner, paid E. H. Cutler,
Wm. F. B. Whitney,
32
00
32
00
76
00
62
00
8
00
56
00
48
00
60
00
Cemetery Expenses.
Paid John Fletcher, Woodlawn Cemetery, |58 75
Jos. F. Cole, Mount Hope " 39 75
Town Offic'erSe
Paid B. S. Woodward, sealer of Weights
and Measures, " |18 00
F. P. Wood, Supt. of Schools, 1878-79, 45 00
u u u u u 45 00
Phineas Wetherbee, services as Assessor, 25 00
A. C. Handley, '^ " " 23 50
Wm. D. Tuttle, " ^- '' 30 00
" Town Clerk, 25 00
D. J. Wetherbee, services as Selectman, 70 00
John White, " " " 45 00
Chas. B. Stone, '' '^ '' 45 00
Francis Dwight, services as Collector
and Treasurer, 70 00
$406 00
198 50
M41 50
Interest od
Notes.
id J. K. Putney,
$39 00
Mrs. Philip Peters,
93 00
Fredrick Rouillard,
150 00
Mary P. Hosmer,
60 00
Daniel Harris,
48 00
James E. Billings,
201 96
Calvin Harris,
12 00
Jonathan A. Piper,
36 00
David M. Handlej,
180 00
D. J. Wetherbee,
34 52
Luther Billings,
24 00
Joseph Barker,
30 00
Sarah C. Noves,
48 00
Thos. P, Noyes,
24 00
Geo. H. Harris,
-
6 00
Miscellaneous.
Paid Reuben L. Reed, for sealers stamp
and weights,
Edward Tuttle, use of Pump, 1877-78,
C. W. Leach, for Warrants,
" " Selectmen's Reports,
'• '' Order Blanks,
" Town Reports,
'' " Reward Notices,
" " Blanks,
" " Voting Lists,
" '' Posters,
H. M. Smith, repairing Town Clock,
Freeman Williams, for sign boards for
Magog Pond and No. Acton road,
Josiah Dow, land and building sluice
and roadway to his place.
12 00
5
00
6
00
15
00
1
50
51
00
1
75
42
14
00
1
50
9
25
f)
o
75
25 00
10
r*aid D. J. Wetherbee, coal for Town House,
18 54
C. B. Stone, tile for sluice in So. Acton,
IT 67
A. H. Jones, labor on '• '• '^ ''
6 8
Luke Tuttle, Journey to Winchester
to procure fish>
5 00
Luke Tuttle, Journey from - Depot to
Magog Pond,
2 00
Francis Dwight, discount on Taxes,
1879,
640 86
A. C. Handley, 2 Assessors' Books,
85
James Fisk, opening Town Hall, 26
times,
19 00
James Fisk, cleaning Hall,
4 50
" pail.
12
" '' broom,
38
" " oil.
24
'' '• care of cellar,
3 00
^- " " clock,
6 67
Julian Tuttle, opening Hall 8 times.
5 75
" " washing Hall,
2 00
" oil.
1 88
" wicks,
10
" ^- chimneys, ^
1 50
" " shavings,
70
Luther Conant, Dictionary for Centre
school,
8 50
Luther Conant, recording deed,
1 00
John Eletcher, repairing Town Clock,
2 00
'' '' " Ladders on
Monument,
1 40
Wm. D. Tuttle, express on documents.
2 45
" " locating bounds.
1 50
" " 2 journeys to Concord,
3 00
" " postage,
67
" " recording deed,
85
11
Paid Wm. D. Tiutle recording Births, $16 00
'' - " ' Deaths, 4 90
" •• " Marriages,
Francis Dwiglit. a])iitement of Taxes
1877,
Francis Dwlght. sriiiimonihg persons
to take oaili oi" Dllice,
Francis Dwi,:zlit, pi-intingDog notices,
Tax book,
(tationery and postage, 1 25
ijiaking returns 26 deaths, 6 50
•ewurd, 25 00
'M burials, 90 00
iees for travel to en-
3 25
'1
I C
]J
a
r
i:
u
•'(
force
doo;
1;
.p.f .
3
75
10
74
9
50
1
50
1
25
$1,054 77
Heceipts from l»»ruaiy 26, 1879, to February 26, 1880.
Unexpended balance ;»> per report of Feb.
26, 1879, $3,184 39
Appropriations and Receipts, 14,148 24
$17,332 63
Support of Schools,
Repairs on Town l>u]l<
l^lxpenditures.
lings,
$2,805 01
265 46
" ^' Highways,
491 86
Regular Highway AVoi
By Order of County (
•k.
'oinraissioners,
1,239 59
790 50
Support of Poor,
1,184 58
Town Debt,
3,199 21
State Aid,
24 00
Indigent Soldiers Ai<*
406 00
Cemetery Expenses.
Town Officers,
98 50
441 50
Interest on Notes,
986 48
12
Miscellaneous,
1,054 77
State Tax,
360 00
County Tax,
520 10
State Treasurer, Liquor Licenses,
62 75
S&1Q QQO ^1
upLOjijoy/ oj.
Balance in Treasury, Feb. 2'6,
1880, 13,402 32
Town BeM.
Notes.
Daniel Harris,
1819 33
D. J. Wetherbee,
595 41
J. E. Billings,
3,440 96
L T. Flagg,
105 41
Calvin Harris,
202 63
Luther Billings,
405 49
Mrs. J. K. Putney,
686 94
Joseph Barker,
501 08
J. A. Piper,
609 82
David M. Handley,
2,543 75
Fredrick Rouillard,
2,606 69
Sarah C, Noyes,
800 00
Thomas P. Noyes,
400 00
Mrs. M. P. Hosmer,
1,039 33
George H. Harris,
100 00
114,856 84
Amount due from State Aid, $ 24 00
'' " " Indigent Soldiers' Aid to
Feb. 1, 1880, 203 00
'' " Town Treasurer, 3,402 32
Balance ao-ainst the Town.
D. J. WETHERBEE,
JOHiNT WE[ITE,
CHAS. B. STONE,
- $3,629 32
111,227 52
Selectmen
of
Acton.
Acton, Feb. 26, 1880.
13
TOWN CLERK^S REPORT
FOR 1879.
Birtlis ill Actoii iii 1879.
No. Date of birth. Name of child. Names of parents.
1. Jan. 4c, Harry LesKe Mason, son of Irad and Catherine
Mason.
2. Jan. 6, Grace Evelyn Taylor, daughter of Lyman C. and
Addie Taylor.
3. Feb. 16, Marion Hesselton, daughter of Lucius A. and
Martha F. Hesselton.
4. Mar. 3, Harvey Fletcher Tuttle, son of Joseph F. and
Jennie E. Tuttle.
5. Mar. 4, Elbrit Mayu Goding, son of Theodore P. and Ella
F. Goding.
6. Mar. 8, Wallace Edwin Stone, son of Edwin and Frances
A. Stone.
7. Mar. 10, Alice Emma Miller, daughter of Charles I. and
L. Lizzie Miller.
8. Mar. 28, Blanche May Smith, daughter of Frank and
Anna Smith.
9. April 29, Simon Davis Taylor, son of Moses E. and Clara
Taylor.
10. May 2, Jennie Mabel Redding, daughter of Patrick and
Hannah Redding.
11. May 31, Hattie Isabel LaAvrence, daughter of James R.
and Abbie F. Lawrence.
12. June 6, Ralph Blanchard Knowlton, son of Amasa M. and
Elizabeth F. Knowlton.
13. June 7 Edith May Griggs, daughter of Charles D. and
Sarah Jane Griggs.
14. June 9, Nettie Sophia Richardson, daughter of Henry
W. and Mary H. Richardson.
14
15. June 12, in Greenville, N. H., I'm -ssk- Amanda Ritter,
daughter of Albion ~L. ;iii<l Mary L. Eitter.
16. June 15, Grrace Elsie Reed, daudirn- (^f Isaac G-. and
Garafelia M. Reed.
17. July 9, Mabel Frances Wetlierlrc. . I;i n-liter of D. James
and Augusta A. Wetlici-I •<■(■.
18. Aug. 10, Nellie May, daughter of .ImIh, .nid Julia May.
19. Aug. 29, Arthur Edwin Wheelei'. >«.!, ..l Edwin M. and
Ellen G. Wheeler.
20. Sept. 1, Clifton Wentworth Clag--ri. s-.n of Charles W.
and Mary Claggett.
21. Sept. 1, Frank Percy Richardson. >" I ; oT James E. and
Sara R. Richardson.
22. Sept. 4, Lizzie Lucinda Wlierrej i . ( i;i 1 1 -■! 1 1 or of Ji^sepli W.
and Augusta H. When-rn.
23. Sept. 4, Albert Davis, son of JoJm :iii.| !']lizabeth Davis.
24. Sept. 28, Hannah Calanan, daiiglir.i- .if Daiiiel and Ellen
Calanan.
25. Oct. 12, Mary Agnes O'ComiolL .l;.ii-!ir.T of ^L C. and
Lizzie O'Connell.
26. Oct. 19, Alberta Mav Chadwick.M;iii-l,hT of Cyrus W.
. and Helen B. Chadwirk.
27. Nov. 5, a daughter to Michael am! .-;ir;,li McCarthy.
28. Nov. 9, Franklin Ernest Jo]uis.)ii. .-mm of Nathan and
Sally Johnson.
29. Nov. 17, George Albert Dockeii«l<Tli'. s.mi of Jacob and
Martha A. DockendorlT.
30. Dec. 16, Rutli Amv Mills, dau^^ho-r ..t Jaiiies I. and
Mary M. ]\mis.
Births not php:viously b'Ki'<ti;TK]).
Mav 7, 1875, Ira Alberto Mills, son ot .bunrs [ and Marv M.
Mills.
Jan. 5, 1878, Ada Luella Griggs, dau-iit.r ..f CMiarles D. and
Sarah Jane GriQ-ti'S.
Marriages Recorded in Actou \\\ 1879.
No_. Date of Marriage. Names and ivsi( I. -nee of parties.
1.' Jan. 6, Mr. Uri A. Stone of Actiii. :iimI Miss Martha Jen-
■ nette ^Tay of Boston.,
2. Feb. 17, Mr. Edmund B. Hoope:' -nul InIis. Ella L. Drew,
Ijoth of Acton.
15
3. Mar. 11, Mr. Franl^ W. Brigham of Acton, and Miss
Mary L. Morey of Boylston.
4. April 8, Mr. Levi W. Stevens of Acton, and Miss Mary
. Croston of Bradford.
5. April 14, Mr. Greorge A. Horslin of Fitchburg, and Miss
Delia Moiilton of Acton.
6. April 15, Mr. John Quinlan and Mrs. Julia Lynch, both
of Acton.
7. April 16, Mr. Benjamin C. Mansfield and Miss Clara M.
Fowler, both of Acton.
.8. May 1, Mr. Charles W. Leach of Acton, and Miss Maria
A. Forbush of StoAV.
9. May 12, Mr. Henry M. Warden of Manchester, N. H.,
and Miss Lizzie Perkins of Acton.
.10. May 12, Mr. Edwin A. Phalen and Miss Hattie D. Eeed,
both of Acton.
11. May 15, Mr. Frank R. Ivnowlton and Miss Emma S.
Hosmer, both of Acton.
12. May 21, Mr. Sidney D. Haynes of Sudbury, and Miss
GeorQ,-ie E. Gates of Acton.
13. June 3, Mr. AYalter E. Hayward and Miss Nettie F.
Bobbins, both of Acton.
14. June 22, Mr.' George M. Parker of Bedford, and Miss
Lulu >w Mouiton of Acton.
15. June 26, M]-. Lorenzo E, Reed of Acton, and Miss A.-
Florence House of Lowell.
16. July 21, Mr. Silas Taylor Fletcher and Miss Sarah F.
Robbins, ijotli of Acton.
17. Aug. 8, Mr. James Arkerman and Mrs. Martlia Ethel
iMarcliant, both of Acton.
18. Auo-. 31. Mr. J. Herbert Blodgett and Miss Minnie A.
Munroe, both of Acton.
19.. Oct. 5, Mr. Ginery T. Davis of Brookline, and Miss
Hattie D. Mouiton of Acton.
20. Oct. 16, Mr. Jacob T. Rideout of Brunswick, Me., and
Miss Jennette McKenzie of Dartmouth, N. S.
21 Oct. 22, Mr. Charles LI. Taylor of Acton, and Miss Fan-
nie A. Hussey of Littleton.
22. June 7, Mr. George A. AYhitney and j^Iiss Emeline
Sharp, both of Maynard.
23. April 2, Mr. Fred E. Nason and Miss Fannie E. Wheeler,
both of Concord.
16
24. Axjril 9, Mr. Charles A. Moore of Littleton, and Miss
Clara E. Smith of Waltham.
25 Sept. 3, Mr. Adelbert A. Martin and Miss Sarah J.
McAustin, both of Maynard.
Deaths Registered in Acton in 1879.
No. Date of Death. Names and Ages of Deceased.
1. Jan. 7, Mrs. Ruth Dole, aged 96 years, 5 months, 19 days.
2* Feb. 4, Mrs. Myra T. Miles, aged 74 years, 11 months,
9 days.
3. Mar. 2, Mrs. Mary A. Manion, aged 30 years, 5 months,
19 days.
4. Mar. 14, Mrs. Dolly M., wife of Joseph Noyes, aged 57
,years, 7 months, 9 days.
5. April 15, Widow Sarah B. Stearns^ aged 85 years, 2
months, 11 days.
6. April 18, Mrs. Angenette W., wife of G-eorge H. Harris,
aged^35 years, 5 months, 18 days.
7. April 26, ^Marion, daughter of Lucius A. and Martha F.
Hesselton, aged 2 months, 10 days.
8. May 26, at Fergus Falls, Minnesota, Mr. Simon D. Tay-
lor, aged 23 years, 6 months, 24 days.
9. May 28, Mr. Jonas K. Putney, aged 76 years, 9 months,
28 days.
10. June 15, Mr. Leyi Chamberlain, aged 72 years, 4 months.
11. June 16, at Westford, Mr. Daniel Jones, aged QQ years,
2 months, 24 days.
12. June 28, Miss Delia A. Barker, aged 27 years, 6 months,
17 days.
13. July 16, Dea. John Fletcher, aged 88 years, 11 months,
25 days.
14. June 7, Mrs. Loisa Mohr, aged 28 years, 5 months, 11
days.
15. July 23, Herbert, son of John and Elizabeth Davis, aged
1 year, 7 months, 24 days.
16. July 28, Mr, William Moynehan, aged 58 years.
17. Aug. 8, Mrs. Emily Churchill, aged 75 years, 4 months
18. Aug. 16, Mr. Jeremiah Hosmer, aged 8*5 years, 4 months,
16 days.
19. Aug. 25, Harry Ernest, son of George W. and Angle H.
Knowlton, aged 7 years, 9 months,- 14 days.
17
20. Sept. 4, 'Rev. J). M. Cranes aged 67 years, 6 monthR, 4
days.
21. Sept. 16, Albert, son of John and Elizabeth Davis, aged
.12 days.
22. Oct. 2, Mrs. Nancy B., wife of Cyrus Law, aged 64 years,
5 months, 24 days.
23. Oct. 13, Widow Harriet Davis, aged 82 years, 9 months
13 days.
24. Oct. 18, Mr. John C. Moore, aged 20 years, 10 months,
14 days.
25. Nov. 9, Edith M., daughter of William H. and Ida Hob-
son, aged 1 year, 2 months, 28 days.
26. Nov. 5, a daughter of M. and Sarah McCarthy, aged 1 day.
27. Nov. 18, Mrs. Nancy W., wife of Francis Bobbins, aged
63 years, 10 nionths, 14 days.
28. Dec. 8, Mr. Josiah D. Wheeler, aged 67 years, 11 months,
4 days.
29. Dec. 27, Mr. Martin Pike, aged 73 years, 11 months, 23
days.
18
NAMES OF PERSONS IN ACTON HAYING DOGS LICENSED
1879.
M. Augusta Hosmer,
Mrs. H. M. Beck,
Daniel Harris,
Baldwn & Hesselton,
Dame F. I-Iay\vard, 2,
Chas. H. Fairbanks, fern.
Frank Barker,
Nixon Ball,
T. P. Goding, fern.,
Francis D wight, 3,
E. B. Hooper,
Theron F. Newton,
Elnathan Jones,
H. Waldo Tuttle,
L. S. Hosmer,
Tuttles. Jones & Wether-
bee. 2,
C. H.Suow,
A. S. Fletcher.
Chas. A. Harrington,
Jos. W. Wlierren,
Edwin TarbeU,
Levi Houghton,
Moses Tavlor,
A. C. Handley,
A. J. Wilhs,
John Temple,
George Flagg,
F. J. Wood,
Augustus Fletcher,
Windsor Pratt,
Geo. V. Mead,
Lester Fletcher,
John Fletcher, Jr.,
John Fletcher & Sons,
John W. Charter.
E. B. Forlni^h. lem.
John White, fern.
Francis Coniuit.
Jas. Hannoii,
S. F. Eeed.
Chas. Wheeler, fern.
Robert N. GoAvell,
Luther Conarit.
H. A. Littlexi^>,ld.
C. H. Handley.
Anson C- Pi])er.
Jos. Wheeler.
Jos. Heed.
Taylor, BroUins & Co.,
Frank Prcitt.
Frank Wetherbee,
E. J. Robbins,
Henry Haynes,
Solon Bobbins,
G. H. Waugh.'
Neil Currie,
Danl Gallaghar.
Daniel Tutfle.
I. S. Leach.
George Pratt, 1. m.
George Pratt, 1 lem.
deo. R. Keves.
Geo. C. Wri,<ht.
X. B. Brown.
F. W. Houghton,
M. F. Going,
Geo, Jackson,
95 Males at .v;2.()0, ;*<190.00
9 Females a I ^5. 00. 45. 00
0. E. Preston.
H. E. Preston,
Geo. H. Shapley,
Geo. C. Conant,
Cyrus Hayward.
Geo. Y/. Knowltcn,
WiUie O^Neil,
H. W. Richardson,
Charles Morris,
James Waldron,
W. A. Gihnore.
Geo. Conant,
H. Hanson,
John Welch.
John Dubois.
A. L. Tuttle,'
Geo. W. Livermore.
Jerry H. McCarthy,
Nathan Johnson,
Chas. D. Griggs.
Waldo Littletield,
Albert IMoulton.
H. C. Wheeler, fem.
John Kellv,
Hugh GiU,
has. H. Conant.
Francis Bobbins, fem,
Chas. E. Worcester,
John D. Moulton.
George Worster, fem.
Isaac Barker,
James D. Cobiu'n.
C. J. WiUiams.
Total, 104
$235.00
WM. D. TUTTLE, Town Clerk.
Acton, -March 1, 1880.
19
REPORT OF THE
Receipts & Expenditures
AT THE
ALMSHOUSE IN ACTON,
FOR THE YEAR ENDING APRIL 1st, 1880.
ARTICLES ON HAND APRIL 1,
1880.
13 cows,
$520
00
Boiled cider,
75
1 horse,
80
00
Cider,
3 00
12 1-2 tons of
hay.
195
00
Salt pickles,
1 50
Cotton seed meal,
2
80
Beets,
50
Meal,
6
90
Soap,
50
Shorts,
24
00
Apples,
50
Corn,
1
30
Onions,
25
Plaster,
40
Ketchup,
50
Bags,
3
00
80 lbs. ham,
9 60
Barrels,
17
00
Sausages,
3 00
Glass,
24
Flour,
6 50
1 2 cords wood cut for use, 54
00
Tea,
1 00
31 hens,
15
50
Sugar,
50
Boxes,
60
Spices,
25
Tub,
75
Dried apples.
1 00
Lumber,
18
00
Eggs,
45
Potatoes,
43
50
Candles,
50
325 lbs. pork,
29
25
Beans,
20
115 lbs. lard,
11
50
Oil,
12
Butter,
60
Corned beef,
64
11,056 35
Apple sauce,
75
20
EXPENSES.
Paid for butter,
154 74
Paid for rye meal,
20
cheese,
9
18
boots & shoes,
12 98
crackers,
25
44
lanterns.
2 02
Sugar,
19
89
oat meal.
52
molasses,
6
87
oil,
5 62
coffee,
2
7S
wicks,
10
tea,
10
30
whet stones,
43
tobacco,
13
11
snath,
83
fish,
16
98
fare to Lowell,
80
beans,
4 57
raisins,
1 51
spices,
1
95
lemons,
1 15
matches,
2
30
curtains,
38
clothing,
19
52
peas,
35
chimneys,
69
hoes,
1 00
chambers,
1
40
horse radish,
08
saleratus,
1
02
grain,
254 74
sad iron,
45
starch.
38
seeds,
1
01
stationery,
16
candles.
1
37
pins,
08
medicine,
5
58
Paris green,
90
shovel.
17
Bristol brick.
10
snuff, V
80
corn cutter,
60
scythes,
2
55
alum,
22
rakes.
1
36
glass.
79
flour,
54
00
salt petre,
16
pipes,
10
cards.
16
mustard,
1
54.
axes,
1 70
salts,
12
gimblet,
10
pails,
97
tumblers,
30
brooms,
95
printers' ink,
1 05
RECEIPTS FROM TC
)WN FARM- 1879-80.
[leceived for calfskin,
$
70
Received for bull.
2-8 00
milk,
571
71
use of bull,
3 00
calves,
18
25
berries.
5 00
apples,
322
05
eggs,
4 76
cows,
137
28
potatoes.
7 62
grapes.
1
68
soap grease
50
poultry,
10
93
care & support
boarding B
.
F.J.Aiken
34 71
Skinner
72
00
pork,
17
47
$1,235 66
21
Paid for soap,
12
88
Paid for prunes, 35
yeast,
99
tin ware, 88
onions,
9
07
grass seed, 5 36
cream tartar,
2
28
lock, 50
fork, »
37
phosphate, 7 85
cans,
82
castings, 4 47
shells,
19
meat, 62 75
clothes line,
90
bags, 25
nails,
90
wash tubs, 1 50
salt,
2
^^b
basket, 42
barrels,
24
95
bug poison, 50
rice.
36
sink, 3 00
lamp,
37
blacksmith bill, 13 77
horse blanket,
1
25
eggs to set, 75
cabbages,
36
smoking hams, 1 20
teaming lumber
9
00
repairing pump, 4 50
labor,
183
00
coffin and robe for
bull.
20
00
L.ChamberIain,13 00
saw bill,
2
94
wheelwright bill, 2 25
repairing shoes
85
repairing harness, 10
filing saws.
73
keeping cows, 6 00
cows.
254
00
use of bull 77, 78
use of team,
22
75
and 79, 14 00
butchering,
75
board & nursing
truss B. Skinner, 2
50
F. J. Aiken, 17 71
cider,
8
96
Dr. Sanders, do., 17 00
cash B, Skinner
, 9
00
K S. Brooks, 12 00
vinegar,
2
80
services of
plow beam,
2
60
J.Dubois &wife,247 50
use of harrow.
50
E. H. Cutler, 50 00
Dr. Sanders' bill,15
65
John White, 10 00
peach trees.
12 00
iclitures,
Frank Hosmer, 10 00
Total amount of Exper
$1,663 05
'' " Eeceipts,
1,235 66
Deficiency,
Balance due as per report of the Overseers of
Poor, April 1, 1879,
$427 39
162 05
1589 44
22
Drawn from the Treasury April 1,1879, $162 05
" " " '^ for use on
farm 1879-1880, 80 00
242 05
Balance dne April 1, 1880, $347 39
Deficiency, $427 39
Interest on Farm, 240 00
$667 39
Victualing 504 Tramps at 40 cents, 201 60
Cost of supporting poor on farm, $465 79
Whole number of persons, exclusive of tramps supported
in Almshouse, 7 ; average number, 4 3-4 ; present number, 5.
ELISHA H. CUTLEE, ) Overseers
JOHN WHITE, y OF
FRANK HOSMER, j Poor.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SchoolGoinniitfeelTownofSctoii
FOR THE
SCHOOL YEAR, 1879-80.
To The Citizens of Acton : —
Your School Committee, through theii agent the Su-
perintendent of Schools respectfully submit for your care-
ful consideration the following report :
When we take into consideration the number of our
school months, the number of different teachers who have
been in our employ and all the obstacles which are in the
way of the perfect success of anything in this world, which
has an elevating tendency, we feel that we have good rea-
son for congratulation. Our appropriations for school
purposes are necessarily so small in comparison with those
of the larger towns and cities that we are unable to retain
our best teachers or to attract superior ones from neigh-
boring towns. Our appropriation for schools is only
about nine dollars per scholar while that of the town of
Quincy which has a deserved reputation for excellent
schools is over twenty-one dollars per scholar. When the
results of our educational work are compared with those oi
larger towns and cities this fact should be borne in mind.
How long would the town of Quincy have a reputation lor
superior public schools, were she to reduce her school ap-
propriation by more than one-half ?
We are able to state, how^ever, without any exaggera-
lion that no teacher has been in our employ during the
year who was not well qualified to instruct her pupils in
all the studies they wished to pursue. In two or three
instances the usefulness of the teachers was somewhat im-
paired by a lack of enthusiasm, but in all these cases the
deficiency was more noticeable, because the teachers who
preceded them possessed this qualit}' to a marked degree.
No epidemic has prevailed in the town during the 3^ear
to impair the attendance to any considerable extent, though
some parents have not been careful to keep their chil-
dren in the schools every day, and on this account pupils
have met with an irreparable loss. Facts have been
reported to us, since the last term closed, which impress
us with the importance of a more careful- enforcement of
our truant laws.
We think it also important that better provisions should
be made for the safe ventilation of our scliool rooms that
so many pupils may not be detained from school by colds
contracted there. We trust our teachers will be more par-
ticular in the future in this regard. Such care ought to
be taken oi the health of our pupils that they will be safer,
when in charge of the teacher, than when they are at
home.
We have been pleased with the evidently growing in-
terest in our public schools, on the part of the parents, and
have been assisted very much by their co-operation.
The new and more natural methods of teaching which
we have endeavored to introduce during the last 3^ear have
been most heartily welcomed by the pupils and have met
with little opposition from the parents, and that simply
through a failure to fuih^ understand the processes which
we have endeavored to apply. Every thing that has been
done in this direction has been at the suggestion and by
the advice of the School Committee and we feel that the
result in all the schools, where the methods have been
enthusiastically and skillfully applied has justified the
course which we have pursued, and we trust no adverse
judgment will be passed until a sufficient time has elapsed
to test the system.
Our schools are so far apart that it is not possible for us
to have teachers' meetings without much inconvenience,
so that progress in methods of instruction depends quite
largely upon the private suggestions of the Superintendent
and is necessarily slow. We have not attempted to apply
our ideas fully to the managemxCnt of any of the schools
and in some of the schools there has been but little change
from the old methods, as we have feared teachers might be
embarrassed and the pupils confused and the orderly ap-
pearance of the schools disturbed, but we have entered
upon a course which, if persistently pursued, will result in
more practical, more pleasant and in every way more
efficient schools than we have had in the past.
That the teachers and general public may have a bet-
ter understanding of our views, we think it expedient to
state them quite fully in this report, though it be at the ex-
pense of some of the space which is usually devoted to a
review of the different schools.
We wish to find and apply such a method of instruc-
tion that the pupils will seek, and find the knowledge, that
the schools are intended to impart, with the same zest and
growing interest that, in the first years of their lives, they
sought and acquired the knowledge of language and of
the external world which they possessed when they began
to go to school. From the time of birth to the age when
the school life begins the mental powers are onl}/^ slightly
developed, but the organs of the body are free from unnat-
ural restraint, the attention is constantly excited by a
change of scene or by the presentation of new objects, the
senses are constantly on the alert and there is hardl}^ a mo-
ment of the conscious life of the child but contributes some-
thing to his stores of knowledge, simply because he is so
circumstanced that he is taught in a natural way. The
necessity of the child is to have a knowledge of the things
which surround him and he acquires it by a perception of
the things themselves. He needs to understand language
and to be able to use it and he gains the desired knov/1-
edge by seeing what he hears illustrated by actual objects
and by illustrating it himself. These are the natural
methods which we ought to strive to imitate in our
schools.
When the pupils leave the free out of door life to be con-
fined several hours each day to receive knowledge which
most of them can not otherwise acquire, they ought to be
placed in such pleasantly furnished rooms that the transi-
tion from home life will not be so abrupt and unpleasant as
to prejudice them against the school and its pursuits.
Several of our school rooms are adorned with pretty
mottoes and pictures and we see a growing tendency to
cultivate flowering plants and to have vases of cut flowers
in these rooms ; which things indicate a drift in the right
direction.
To every one who makes any marked progress in
study there comes a time of mental inspiration, when he
begins to feel that knowledge is a pearl of great price. It
is the fact of this inspiration, or the lack of it that usually
marks the diflerence between the bright and the dull
scholar. We wish to conduct our schools in such a way
that, if possible, we may secure this inspiration ^o all
the pupils at an early age, so that the school duties may
not be irksome to them for so many years.
The natural methods of instruction have been most suc-
cessfully applied, in this countrv, thus far, to the primary
schools and it is in them that they are most needed, for, if
the pupils acquire a love for study before they leave the
lov/er grades, they will be sure to learn in the higher de-
partments, though the methods of teaching are not so per-
fect. If a man is really hungry he does not refuse to eat,
though the food is coarse and poorly served, but if the ap-
petite is poor, everything must be scrupulously nice or
there is no relish. In our endeavors to benefit the schools,
we have not only aimed at better methods of teaching but
have encouraged our teachers to appear more enthusi-
astic in their work and thus to kindle enthusiasm in
the pupils. The teacher and the pupils are engaged in
the same w^ork ; if the manner of the former seems to indi-
cate that she thinks it is drudgery, the latter will think it so
in sober earnest. It is well and very necessary for the
pupils to acquire habits of industr}^ in school, but it is bet-
ter for them to be made to feel that there is something so
ennobling in work that they will pursue it out of love for
it.
But without further reference to the general principles
which we wish to see applied to the management of our
schools, we desire to slate, as clearly as we are able to in a
few words, our ideas of the proper treatment of the princi-
pal common school branches.
Reading, Under this head, we consider the following
points important. When the child begins to learn, famil-
iar objects should be presented and their names placed up-
on the board in script (writing). It has been ascertained
that a child can learn a whole word as the sign of an ob-
ject or idea just as easily as he can learn the name of a
single letter, composing the word. When the child has
become somewhat familiar with one word, another should
be placed upon the board with it and so on, as his list of
familiar words is enlarged. The words should be placed
in various combinations and the child should be required
to point them out, that it may be certain that he knows the
form of the word without reference to its location. The
transition from script words to the printed forms is so easy
that we do not advise teachers to print words upon the
boards. The pupils will learn the letters and their sounds
later, when they have made some progress in acquiring a
knowledge of words. By this method, we avoid the drawl-
ing and labored reading which is so common in public
schools. When the pupils have passed through one grade
of readers it has been found very useful for them to pursue
other reading matter of the same grade before they are ad-
vanced to the next book in the regular series.
It ought to be borne in mind constantly that the ability
to pronounce the words correctly is only a part of the art
of reading. If a person is to read well he must be able,
in the first place, to understand the ideas of the author
and to promote a facility in this we think it well to require
pupils to read selections silently and then state the sub-
stance of what they read either orally or in writing.
Of course much attention should be paid to expression
in reading and the teachers ought never to tire of question-
ing the pupils as to the meaning of words which they
read.
Writing. As we have stated above, the child's
first reading lessons should be written upon the board.
The pupil's first lessons in writing should be found in his
efiforts to copy these words. At first the word "cat" and
other simple words should be set before him and he should
be taught to trace them many times that he may become
familiar with the forms and the use of the cra3^ons and in a
few weeks he will be found copying the words upon his
slate.
Spelling should furnish a constant drill in writing.
The words ought to be carefully written upon the board
and copied by the pupils ^nd thus learned. Experience
has shown that, if the pupils copy a list of words five or six
times, it so impresses them that they may be reproduced
at any time and that they are more permanently retained
than when learned from the printed page to be recited oral-
ly. The principal use of knowing how to spell is the
ability to write words correctly, and by this method the pu-
pil is sure of a drill upon the very act which he will need
to perform.
Of course it is ver}' important that the teacher be a
good writer and keep before her pupils excellent penman-
ship, as she will have more influence than their copy books
in determining the hand they will write.
Ai'itJnnetic. In teaching the first principles, it is of
the utmost importance that every step be illustrated by ob-
jects. The neglect of this practice has been the occasion
"of more poor instruction in this branch than in almost any
other. It is very essential that the pupil thoroughly un-
derstand one combination before another is made. It has
been said thai during the first term no combination beyond
four should be made. We have used the Franklin Primary
Arithmetic in one of our schools, as an experiment, and
have found it admirably adapted to the object method, when
supplemented, as it was here, b}' a stand abundantly fur-
nished with blocks and other articles which were distribu-
ted to the pupils to illustrate the principles of the book.
Practical problems out of the book involving the prin-
ciples of the science should be frequently presented to the
pupils through their whole course.
Geography should be -first taught in its application to
the vicinity of the school-room and of the town. This
course will furnish the pupils a knowledge from which
they may form an intelligent idea of that which lies beyond.
Geography is usually studied too much by rote and in
its dry details. Several of our schools have pursued the
study during the past year by a scheme which has neces-
sitated a more definite and practical knowledge of our
globe than is usually acquired.
The plan has been about as follows :
1st. The study of the earth as a physical body, with
reference to its vertical forms, the configuration of its land,
water, etc.
2d. The study of it, as it has been affected by climate,
the various causes which determine the climate and its ef-
fect upon vegetable and animal life, and upon the condition
of the different races of men.
3d. The study of the face of the earth, as man has
arranged it, with reference to political divisions, cities,
et-c*
Grammar. This branch of knowledge has been de-
fined, by a standard authority, as " The art of speaking or
writing with propriety; the right use of language." V/hile
we have a high appreciation of the value of a nice knowl-
edge of analysis and parsing, we feel that there is a most
urgent need of better instruction in English grammar as
defined above.
The pupils should be encouraged to describe objects
and pictures which are presented to them and the language
of their descriptions should be corrected if it is faulty in
any respect. The teachers ought to make a note of all
the incorrect expressions, which they may overhear and
teach the pupils in w^hat particulars and why they are
wrong. The scholars should be required to write letters
and compositions upon familiar subjects and these should
be carefully corrected.
Our limited space permits us only to glance at our
ideas of the right methods of instruction in these branches,
but we trust what we have said will suffice to illustrate the
general principles which we wish to see applied.
We have referred to the branches of study which are
usually taught in our schools and we have laid especial
emphasis upon good instruction in them, but we think the
cultivation of our pupils in morals and good manners is a
matter which ought to occupy a very prominent place in
the work of all our teachers.
We wish to say that one of the most pleasing results
of the methods of teaching which we have briefly described
is to be found in the fact that it almost completely obviates
the necessity of corporal punishment. There are several
of our schools in which there has not been a case of the
kind during the year, and in all the schools the cases have
been very rare, which fact makes our schools appear in
pleasing contrast with some of those of our metropolis, as
it appears from their superintendenf s report.
Right methods of teaching seem to us of such vital
importance that we wish all our teachers could have the
benefit of the instruction of our normal schools, or, as this
cannot be, we wish they might have some one or more of
the excellent educational journals which are published at
the present time. If the teachers do not feel able to pro-
cure such helps, we think it well worthy of the careful
consideration of the committee, whether it would not be a
profitable investment of money to place such periodicals
in their teachers' hands.
We now invite your attention to a brief notice of the
different schools.
CENTER GRAMMAR.
The Spring and Fall terms were taught by Miss A. C.
Davis whose excellent work has been noticed in several of
our previous reports. The Winter term was somewhat
disturbed by a change of teachers when it was about halt
through. But the examination at the close showed that
the scholars had made good progress in their studies. The
teachers during the Winter term were Mr. Alfred N.
Fuller and Miss Mary Fifield.
CENTER PRIMARY.
Miss Bessie M. Ball taught throughout the year, and
by her enthusiastic application of the new methods of teach-
ing and school management merits and has the apprecia-
tion of all in this vicinity who desire the most efficient
work in our schools. This was Miss B's first experience
in teaching, but her complete success seemed to be assured
from the very commencement of her work.
SOUTH GRAMMAR.
The Spring term was taught by Miss H. S. Symonds,
a teacher of excellent mental accomplishments and of an
extended experience. She devoted herself very earnestly
to her work, and would have been highly successful had
she been able to secure a more perfect co-operation.
The Fall and Winter terms were taught by Miss R.
E. Stacy and under her care the school is making as rapid
progress as we can reasonably expect.
SOUTH PRIMARY.
Miss Jennie M. McAlister, who was favorably men-
tioned in our last report, taught throughout the year. This
teacher has begun to appl}^ the new methods ol instruction
with gratifying results.
WEST GRAMMAR-
Mrs. M. W. Going, an enthusiastic teacher, who was
mentioned in our last report continued in charge of this
school during the Spring and Fall terms with excellent
success, and was succeeded in the Winter term by Miss
Elvira C Gordon. Miss G. is a teacher of good intellec-
tual qualifications and has had much successful experience
in her vocation, but, in comparison with her predecessor,
seemed lacking in enthusiasm. The examination at the
close of school proved that the pupils had not failed to
make progress in their studies. Some of the classes ap-
peared exceedingly well.
WEST PRIMARY.
Miss Clara L. Sweatt, who has been very favorably
mentioned in two of our previous reports, taught during
the Spring and Winter terms. Because of illness she was
not able to teach during the Fall term and Miss Hattie H.
Freeman, who was teaching in a neighboring town, took
charge of the school. Miss F.»practiced the most approvd
methods of teaching and in the management of her pupils
showed a natural faculty for government. We consider
her instruction in reading especially good.
10
l^ORTH SCHOOL.
The Spring and Fall terms were taught by Miss Susie
M. Welherbee. This was Miss W.'s first experience in
teaching, but the examination at the close of the Fall term
was very satisfactory to the parents and Committee and
showed that she had done her work well.
The Winter term was taught by a teacher of tried ex-
perience, Mrs.A.H.Loker, whose excellent work has been
noticed in several of our reports, and who never succeeded
better than during this term.
EAST SCHOOL.
Miss Florence Hartwell continued in charge of this
school, during the Spring and Fall termS; and the school
made a steady progress while under her care. The Win-
ter term was taught by Miss Emma Esterbrook, a teacher
of experience and excellent natural qualities for her voca-
tion. We have never seen the order of the school more
perfect or the school spirit of the pupils better than
during this tern^.
SOUTH EAST.
There was butone term of school in this part Of the town
durmg the year and that was during the Winter months
in charge of Miss A. W. Packard. We have commended
this teacher's work in previus reports, but we considered
the last term one of the most profitable schools in this part
of the town for several years.
Appended are the usual statistical reports.
LUTHER CONANT, Chairman,]
C. B. STONE, Clerk, School
I. W. FLAGG,
W. S. JONES, y Committee
G. H. HARRIS,
G. F. FLAGG, of Acton.
F. P. WOOD, Supt. of Schools,
11
ROLL OF HOISOK,
NAMES OF THOSE WHO HAVE NOT BEEN ABSENT OR TARDY.
West Primary. For three terms.
For one Term.
Bertie Gardner,
Ida Litdefield,
Ida Richardson,
.Bertie Going,
Guy Mead,
Herman Parker,
Brooks Parker,
For two terms.
Bertie Preston^
Vio Preston,
Bertie Hall,
Genie Hall,
Hohart Mead,
Alfred Richardson.
Center Grammar
For one term.
Ella E. Daniels,
Grace E. Taylor,
Mary T. Waldron,
John F. Kingsley,*
Arthur B. Robbins,
Arthur W. Taylor,
Horace F. Tuttle,
For two terms.
Sara E. Hammond,
yiilia M. Lane,
Annie B. Lee,
Elbridge R. Conant,
Susie E. Conant,
Annie M. Hammond,
Carrie A. Lund,
George S. Lee.
Center Primary.
For one term.
Jennie L. Ayers,
Almira Ayers,
Abbie F. Coughlin,
M. Ida Davis,
Bertha I. Fisk.
South Grammar.
For one term,
Susie Billings,
Susie Pond,
Myrdlla Richardson,
George Kelley.
For two terms.
Eda Shafley,
Eva Shafley,
Carrie S hap ley ,
Etta Temple.
South Primary.
For one term.
Florence F. Fletcher,
Carrie F. Hanson,
Clara F. Leach,
Sadie E. Sawyer,
Tillie W. Burns,
George C. Warren.*
12
For two terms.
Ada M. Jones,
Arthur Miller,
For three terms.
Martha C. Pratt,
Lillian F. Richardson.
West Grammar.
For one term.
Mary A. Blanchard,
Florence T. Noyes,
Lottie S. Richardson,*
Bertha T. Wright,
Emery W. Clark,*
Walter C. Gardner.
For two terms.
Hattie A, Davis,
Mary L. Tuttle,
Herbert A Ha f good,
Willie B. Hart,""
Freddie S. Whit comb.
For three terms.
J. IdaTuttle,
Center Primary.
For one term.
Nellie E. Lane,
Lizzie M. Schofield,
Hattie L. Tuttle,
Arthur C. Allen,
Frank E. Fisk.
For two terms.
Lucy M. Davis,
Clara S. Hammond,
Hattie M. Robbins,
Clara B, Robbins,
Grace E, Tuttle,
* Were tardy once.
For three terms.
Albert J. Reed,
Oliver D. Wood,*
North School.
For one term.
NeUie Ryan,
Everett Rouillard,
James Ryan,
Edward Ryan,
Bertie H. Smith,
Edvvin Smith,
Robert Wilson.
For two terms
Mat tie Randolph,
Annie Ryan,
Lizzie Ryan,
yoh7i Rya7i,
For three terms.
Mattie F. Smith.
East School.
For one term.
Fred W. Billings,
Roy G. Brooks,
Arthur B. Davis,*
Willie O. Smith,
Ernest E. Wetherbee.
For two terms.
Frank H. Billings,
Herbert H. Robbins,*
Harry G. Robbins.
South East.
For one term
George Hooper,
Ella Johnson,
Harry Hooper.
13
FINANCIAL REPORT,
WEST SCHOOL.
Drawn from the treasury, $681
Balance from last year, 4
21
71
Paid to teachers,
'' for fuel and preparing it,
" '' care of house and furnace
" '* incidentals.
Balance on hand.
$540
55
45
15
29
50
44
00
41
57
C. B. STONE,
SOUTH SCHOOL.
Drawn from the treasury, ^686
Balance from last year, 35
Due to the Committee,
Co
21
80
39
$685 92
$685 92
$722 40
Paid to teachers, $650 00
" for fuel and preparing it," 49 00
'* '' cleaning and caring for room, 5 39
" *' repairs, 4 54
" " brooms, erasers, crayons, books,
etc., 13 47
$722 40
GEO. F. FLAGG, Committee.
CENTRE SCHOOL.
Drawn from the treasury, $676 37
Balance from last year, 18 69
For fuel and care of room for writing
school, 2 00
— $697 06
14
Paid to teachers,
$568 00
" for care of house,
31 50
" " fuel and preparing it,
56 56
^' " incidentals,
14 80
** " maps,'
9 00
" " use of instrument two terms.
8 50
Balance on hand,
8 70
$697 06
LUTHER CONANT, Committee.
EAST SCHOOL.
Drav.-n from the treasury, §308 11
Deficiency on last year's account.
Paid to teachers,
" for fuel,
^« '* incidentals,
" '* care of house.
Balance on hand.
4
67
225
00
26
00
.6
57
12
00
33
87
11
$308 11
I. W. FLAGG, Committee.
NORTH SCHOOL.
Drawn from the treasury
Balance from last year,
$308
11
13
70
$237
25
29
90
14 00
4
58
36
08
21 81
Paid teachers,
" for fuel,
" " care of house,
*' '' incidentals.
Balance on hand,
$321 81
GEO. H. HARRIS, Committee.
SOUTM EAST SCHOOL.
Drawn from the treasury, §150 00
Balance from Jast year, 18 55
$168 55
15
Paid teacher,
$105 00
" for fuel,
8 00
" " cleaning school-house,
2 00
*' '' ink, crayons and erasers.
3 3,8
" '' care of school house.
5 00
'* " sending scholars to So. Acton
instead of having a school,
20 00
Balance on hand.
25 17
$168 55
W. S. JONES, Committee.
Amount appropriated by the town for
schools, $2500 00
Income from the State school fund, 177 (?3
Income from the dog fund 203 49
Total, $2881 12
Number of children in town between the ages of five
and fifteen, 303. Sum appropriated by the town for each
scholar, $8.20.
16
TABULAR VIEW.
tr
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ft-
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CD
^
^
tz
'^
Eo
o
S0
p
p
o
p
a-
!z!
o
m
a>
o
i
S'
W
^
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I-!
I_i
2
a>
SCHOOLS.
TEACHEES.
g-
cr
p
%
VI
OX
§
o
§
•-1
3
o
t
o'
o
a
oc
-<
i
B-
o
i
5'
i
&.
f^
f
SPRING TERM,
PftTifrft i Grammar
Miss A C Davis
2f
#34 00
29
27i
25+
8
21
27
" BMBall
2f
30 00
35
30
26
24
72
a^ ., i Grammar
S«"<^li i Primary
" H S Symonds
2i
36 00
37
34f
29+
3
21
8
" J M McAUster
2|
36 00
50
47i
43
34
12
w..«f i Grammar
^^«* 1 Primary
Mrs M W Goiug
2-
34 00
33
33"
30
; 1
30
11
Miss C L Sweatt
2
32 00
43
42^-
39
3
19
25
North
'• SAWetherbee
2-
28 00
21
171
1^
10
39
East
" FMHartwell
Totals,
2i
19f
30 00
260 00
23
211
19
3
1
13
16
175
11
271
2541-6
225^
205
FALT. TERM.
CenU-e | ^^aT
Miss A C Davis
2f
i!34 00
29
261
25+
8
21
29
" B MBall
2r30 00
27
27"
24
18
93
«"""• 1 graT
" RE Stacy
3 40 00
36
35-
33+
12
23
12
•' J M McAUster
S
36 00 52
50
45 2-3
36
19
West i Grammar
^®®* 1 Primary
Mrs M W Goiug
2i
2t
34 00
39
371
30+
25
45
Pliss H H Freeman
32 00
42
42"
38-
1
21
43
North
'• 8 A Wetherbee
2^
28 00
23
19
17
10
20
East
" F M Hartwell
Totals,
n
30 00
26
22i
18
1
20
16
170
9
21
264 00
274
259i
230
270
WINTER TERM.
( Grammar
Centre ■/
Mr A N Fuller )
Miss Mary Fitield [
3
$40 00
37
34f
32*
19
15
28
I Primary
" BMBall
3
32 00
34
30
26
1
21
70
Q,^«+^n J Crramm'ar
South jpj.ijj,aiy
" RE Stacy
3
40 00
4.^
42
36
Qi
18
27
6
'• J M McAlister
3
36 00
45
441
37
38
11
Woof J Grammar
W^^^ 1 Primary
" ECGordou
3i
34 00
42
34"
30+
3
37
37
•' C L Sweatt
Si
32 00
43
42^
371
o!
21
29
North
Mrs A H Loker
3
34 00
23
22^
20-
3i
12
15
East
Miss E F Estabrook
3
80 00
24
22|
19
oj
18
12
South East
•• AW Packard
Totals,
Aggregate for year,
3*
28*
30 00
14
13
12
2!
10
194
10
308 00
307
2951
2995-6
218
69i
832 00
852
S09
7551-6
_4
79^
539
683
The average attendance during the year 93^ of the average No. belonging to the
schools.
REPORTS
-«@^ SELECTMEN s^>">"
AND OTHER OFFICERS
W^
■II
m
FE(B. 26. 1880, to FE(B. 26, 1881, .
INCLUDING THE
MARRIAGES, BIRTHS AND DEATHS IN 1880,
ALSO, THE
Report of the School Committee.
ACT N :
PRINTED AT THE OFFICE OF THE ACTON PATRIOT, SOUTH ACTON.
1881.
TOWN OFFICERS FOR 1881.
Town Clerk.
William D. Tuttle.
Selectmen.
D. J. Wetherbee, John White, Phineas Wetherbee.
Assessors.
Wm. D. Tuttle, Phineas Wetherbee, Lucius S. Hosmer.
Overseers of the ^Poor.
John E. Cutter, Otis H, Forbush, Lyman C. Taylor.
School Committee.
Job W. Dupee, 3 years ; Lucy M. Mead, Chas. D. Griggs,
2 years ; Luther Conant, George F. Flagg,
I. W, Flagg, 1 year.
Highway Svtrveyors.
Daniel Wetherbee, Chas. Wheeler, Abram H. Jones.
Fence Viewers.
John Fletcher, John R. Houghton, Nahum C. Reed.
Surveyors of Lumber .
^QSTrcL. B. Davis, Edward F. Richardson, L. W. Stevens,
Geo. H. Harris, Chas. B. Stone, E. J. Robbins,
James B. Tuttle.
Surveyors of Wood.
E. J. Robbins, H. D. Parlin, Wm. B. Davis, I. W. Flagg,
J. W. Loker, George H. Harris, Chas. B. Stone,
Lucius S. Hosmer, Solomon L. Dutton, A. S. Fletcher,
James B. Tuttle, Charles H. Taylor.
Cemetery Committee.
John Fletcher, Wm. W. Davis, Joseph F. Cole.
TREASURERS REPORT.
DR.
Paid State Treas. lor liquor licenses. 187 75
" '' '' State tax, ,. 1,080 00
County Treas., County tax, 542 70
Selectmen's orders, 9,299 62
Outstanding orders, 999 81
Balance due the Town Feb. 26, 1881. 1,470 42
*13,48(l 30
CR. • \
1
W. S. Jones, unexpended school money, #25 17 j
Liquor licenses. 351 00 \
City of Boston, for care F. J. Aiken, 35 36 j
State Treas., corporation tax, 727 07 • \
" '' National Bank tax, 545 71 ]
Mass. School Fund, 179 56 i
'' " State Aid, 96 00 !
Reliel of indigent soldiers, 178 00 |
Chas. Wheeler, digging stone near Button's 1 50 |
T. Hammond, laying sluice, 10 00 I
Jos. Cole, lots sold in Mt. Hope Cemetery, 40 00 .;
John Fletcher, lots sold in Woodlawn '' 33 00 \
wood '• - .^ 1 10 j
E. H. Cutler, on account of Town Farm, r),'y \
Geo. F. Flagg, rent of school rooms, 114 00 ■ |
Julian Tuttle, use of Town Hall, 88 75 j
County Treasurer, dog fund, 178 67 ]
Interest on Money in Bank. 42 86 j
John E. Cutter, Collector, 10,832 00 '
$13,480 30
J. K. W. WETHE(R(BEE, Treasurer.
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
Appropriations and Receipts.
Unexpended balance of last year, $3,402 32
Regular Town Grant
7,000
00
State Tax,
1,080
00
County ^'
542
70
Roads,
1,400
00
Schools,
2,500
00
Overlayings,
518
90
Geo. F. Flagg, use of schoolroom, 1879
& 1880,
114
00
W. S. Jones, unexpended school money,
25
17
Licenses,
351
00
City of Boston, for F. J. Aiken,
35
36
Cash State Treas. Corporation Tax,
727
07
National Bank Tax,
545
71
State Aid,
96
00
Soldiers' Aid,
178
00
Chas. Wheeler, digging stone near Duttoi
% 1
50
Thomas Hammond, laymg sluice,
10
00
Jos. Cole, West Cemetery,
40
00
John Fletcher, Center "
34
10
State Treas. Mass. School Fund
179
5Q
E. H. Cutler, on account Town Farm,
55
J. K. W. Wetherbee, interest on Town
Money,
42
86
J. Tuttle, use of Town Hall & Cellar,
88
75
Dog Fund,
178
67
$19,092
22
EXPENDITURES.
Support of Schools.
Paid Luther Conant, Center District, $682 16
I. W. Flagg, East District, 308 64
Geo. H. Harris, North District, -308 64
Mrs. Lucy M. Mead, West '' 682 16*
Geo. F. Flagg, South " 682 16
Chas. D. Greggs, " East '' 200 00
Repairs on Town Buildings.
Paid I. W. Flagg, repairs on East School
House, $5 82
D. J. Wetherbee, paint and oil for
Town House, 80 85
C. S. Davis, painting Town House, . 85 00
" '' " " clock faces, 2 00
'' '^ '' '' flag staff, 1 50
" " '' building stage, 6 00
'^ ^^ '•' teaming lumber, 1 50
John Fletcher, repairs on vane and
clock, 46 ^Q
. L. U. Holt, stove South Acton School
House, 33 00
L. U. Holt, 751bs. pipe, 11 25
'' '' 2 elbows, '30
9 lbs. zinc, 81
coal hod, 1 00
'^ 7 hooks, 50
D. J. Wetherbee, gilt for Town Clock, 2 00
'^ ^' paint for Town House, 6 50
Mrs. Lucy M. Mead, slating black-
board, West Acton School House, 12 00
Mrs. Lucy M. Mead, tinting school-room, 7 90
$2,863 76
6
Paid Mrs. Lucy M. Mead, sundry repairs,
'^ •* Holt's bill,
11 24
6 05
chairs, school-room, 1 25
basement chairs,
seven new desks,
putting down ^'
curtains for school
room
Mrs. Lucy M. Mead, desk book,
Chas. Davis, labor on Town House
staging,
Robert Wayne, '^ '^ vane at Town
House,
1 00
22 40
1 30
11 44
1 25
4 40
4 40
Regular Highway Work.
CHARLES WHEELER, SURVEYOR.
For 75 days Avork,' 2.00, $150 00
44 1-4 days work, oxen, 1.75, 77 44
141 1-4
iC
a
horses, 1.00,
141 25
74 3-4
'•
a
C.H.Wheeler, 1.50,
112 12
3 3-4
u
u
J. Priest,
5 63
13
a
8 1-2
hours, H. Blodgett,
20 77
1
a
work
, Allen Smith,
1 50
47 3-4
u
u
James Waldron,
71 63
34 1-4
a
ii
Levi Hobbs,
51 37
1 1-2
a
il
John Charter,
2 25
36
a
ii
Gardner McLaughlin, 53 99
Silas Conant,
3 90
17 1-4
a
il
W^. Hussey,
25 88
3 1-2
a
ii
H. Taylor,
5 25
13 1-4
u
u
H. Lewis,
19 87
13 3-4
ii
ii
J. Bell,
20 63
2 1-2
ii
ii
A. Cole, 2.00,
5 00
Blacksmith
's bills, powder, nails and
gravel.
21 75
$369 52
$790 23
A. COLE, SURVEYOR.
For 70 3-4 daj^s work
, 2.00, 141 50
12 3-4 ^' '■
Thos. Cote. 7.00,
89 25
19 1-2 '
E.N.Robbins, 1.50
29 25
13 3-4 '•
S. R. Collis,
20 62
3 '• "
W. Page,
4 50
28 1-4 '^
J. Priest.
42 37
9 1-4 ''
A. H. Jones,
13 87
3 '' "
T.,J. & W.,
4 50
4 1-2 ''
" '• oxen, 1.75
, 7 87
9 1-4 "
Amos Tuttle, 1.50,
13 87
6 1-4 '^
E. O'Neal,
6 37
2
H. Conant,
3 00
'^ '' horse, l.OC
) 2 00
3
Charles Beck, 1.50,
4 50
4
'' " horse,
4 00
12 3-4 "
H. Turner, 1.50,
19 12
11 1-2 '•
A. Turner,
17 25
3
L. McLaughlin,
4 '50
51 1-2 -
A. Jones' horse, 1.00
51 50
L. Billings and horse, for work,
3 87
Charles Wheeler
, for labor.
8 50
J. P. Brown's bill.
3 48
1 Plow 3 days .50,
1 50
1 Pick axe.
1 12
1 Scraper plate,
7 44
1 Pick handle,
25
1 Rake.
67
1 Sledge,
3 00
Gravel for Stow
road,
3 00
Support of Poor.
Paid E. H. Cutler, deficiency on Town
Farm to April 1880, $347 89
E. H. Cutler, board and doctor's bill
of F. J. Aiker
I,
37 36
$512 67
Paid J. E. Cutter, oxen lor Town Farm, 125 00
" /' support Clara Wheeler, 272 82
u Henry Jones, Q6 01
Sarah S. Childs.
13
06
Elizabeth Bur-
gendahl,
293
25
" John Dakin,
12
42
" Traynor Family,
115
38
Redding "
39
13
Mrs. M. Pike,
34
00
robe and burial of Lucy
Oliver,
18
06
burial of Geo. BuUard,
10
00
" "W. F.B.Whit-
ney's child.
15
00
medical attendance F.
E. Chaffin,
20
00
aid furnished Ola Nel-
son,
3
75
aid furnished Mrs. John
Whitney.
20
50
board & medical atten-
dance Mrs. B. Chaffin,
53
20
Dr. Hutchins' medical
attendance M. Pike,
1879,
8
25
journey to Taunton,
5
60
" '' Tewksbury,
3
25.
express on bundle for H.
Jones,
30
tax book,
2
00
printing dog notices,
1
25
advice on Follard and
Bryan case,
2
00
$1,519 48
Town Debt.
Paid Fredrick Rouillard, $500 00
David M. Haiidley, 500 00
James E. Billings, note and interest, 1,517 70
Mary P. Hosmer, '• "^ '• 1.029 82
Geo. H. Harris, 106 23
I. T. Flagg. 105 30
Calvin Harris, 202 53
J. A. Piper, 404 46
Luther Billings, 202 53
Soldiers' Aid,
John Carroll, 120 00
Geo. Dole. 48 00
Wm. F. Wood. 96 00
Allen G. Smith, 96 00
Benj. Skinner. 96 00
George Knights, 8 00
Wm. F. B. Whitney, 144 00
Miss R. G. Wright, 48 00
Mrs. Mattie W. Wilder, 48 00
Interest on Town Debt.
Paid Mrs. J. K. Putney, 39 00
Mary P. Hosmer, 60 00
Fredrick Rouillard, 150 00
D, J. Wetherbee, 34 52
T. T. Flagg, 12 00
Daniel Harris. 48 00
J. A. Piper. 36 00
James E. Billings, . 117 00
Calvin Harris, 12 00
Sarah C. Noyes, 48 00
Thomas P. Noyes, 24 00
Luther Billings, 24 00
Joseph Barker, 30 00
$4,568 57
$704 00
$634 52
10
Town Officers.
Paid F. P. Wood, Supt. Schools 1879-80, 45 00
U U .. .i 45 QQ
1880-81, 45 00
L. U. Holt, sealer of weights and
measures, to Apr '80. 10 00
Phineas Wetherbee, Assessor,
25 00
A. C. Handley,
21 50
Wm. D. Tuttle,
30 00
" '' Town Clerk,
25 00
J. K. W. Wetherbee, Town Treas.,
25 00
Phineas Wetherbee, Selectman,
40 00
John White, "
45 00
D. J. Wetherbee,
70 00
Printing.
id C. W. Leach, Selectmen's reports,
12 50
'' " Town warrants,
1 50
" 525 Town reports.
56 00
'' 12 Warrants.
1 50
•' '■' 500 Orders,
1 50
^' " 200 Cemetery deeds.
5 50
" '' Posters,
1 50
'' •' Stationery & printing,
3 50
Cemetery Expenses.
Paid John Fletcher, trees for Woodlawn,
J. F. Cole, posts for Woodlawn,
- lock ''
J. Fletcher, work in Woodlawn and
Mt. Hope Cemeteries,
" '' labor in .VVoodlawn,
J. F. Cole. '' " Mt. Hope,
• " " 150 posts,
Luke Smith, mowing brush in North
Cemetery, 8 00
^' '' setting post, Woodlawn, 2 00
6
00
6
00
25
7
85
36
25
40 50
6
00
$426 50
$83 50
$112 85
11
Miscellaneous.
Paid for rope for monument, $ 83
John Fletcher, work on monument, 75
Town Seal, 5 00
J. K. W. Wetherbee, admr. estate F.
D wight, attending burials, 36 30
J. K. VV. Wetherbee, admr. estate F.
D wight, coffin & robe B. Chaffin, 13 00
J. K. W. Wetherbee admr. estate F.
Dwight, collecting taxes, 45 00
Fhineas Wetherbee, book for valua-
tion use oi State, 5 00
Wm. D. Tuttle, copying tax-book, 5 00
John Fletcher, block to flag-staff on
monument, 1 00
Chas. Wheeler, railing bridge at H.
Smith's mill, 15 60
Chas. Wheeler, repairs on bridge at
I. W. Flagg's
Waldo Littlefield, painting hearse,
A. C. Mandley, 3 tax books,
Henry Haynes, breaking roads, 1879,
A. H. Jones, breaking roads and re-
pairs, 1879,
D. J. Wetherbee, license blanks,
•' '' engraving powder horn, 1 00
J. K. W, Wetherbee. abatement of
taxes in 1878 & 1879, 69 58
Julian Tuttle, opening Town Hall 20
times, 19 50
^' •' opening selectmen's
room 11 times, 2 75
" '■ care clock 15 months, 12 50
" •' cleaning clock, 2 00
" " cellar, 75
16
78
20
00
1
50
11
55
•
12
65
50
12
Paid Julian Tuttle, sawing wood, 50
'' oil, 8 49
'' " wicks, 15
" '' lamp, _ 90
'' '' matches, 25
'•' '' repairs on cellar door
and settees, 4 00
" '' cleaning small clock, X()
'' " 2 springs Town clock, *2 00
Wm. D. Tuttle, printing notices, 1 00
" " express public docu-
ments, books &c., 2 20
'' " laying out lots in
Cemeteries, 3 50
'^ ^' blanks for dog licenses 1 40
" '* journey to Concord to
make returns, 1 50
^' '* journey to Boston,
respt. State tax, 2 00
" '' recording 18 marriages, 2 70
28 deaths, 4 <S0
'' '• collecting & recording
28 births,
" '' postage & stationery,
L. E. Reed, attending 14 burials,
" ^' making 11 death returns,
J. E. Cutter, discount on taxes, 18^0,
E. Hall & Son, plank for sluice,
'' ' labor and nails.
14
00
1
.'){')
42
00
2
75
717
13
3
40
50
$1,116
07
Receipts from February 26, 1880, to February 20, 1881.
Unexpended balance as per report of
Feb. 26, 1880, $3,402 32
Appropriations and receipts, 15,689 90
119.092 22
13
Expenditures.
Support of Schools,
12,863 76
Repairs of Town buildings,
369 52
Regular Highway work,
1.302 90
Support of Poor,
1,519 48
Town Debts.
4,568 57
Soldiers' Aid,
704 00
Interest on Notes,
634 52
Town Officers.
426 50
Printing,
83 50
Cemetery Expenses,
112 85
Miscellaneous,
1,116 07
State Tax,
1,080 00
County Tax,
542 70
State Treas., liquor licenses,
87 75
Bal. HI Col & Treas. hands, Feb. 26, '81.
Town Debt. Notes,
Daniel Harris,
D J. Wetlierbee.
David M. Handley.
Iredrick Rouillard,
James E. Hillings,
Luther Billings
Mrs. J. K. Putney.
Joseph Barker,
J. A. Piper,
Sarah C. Noyes,
Thomas P. Noyes, *
Amount due from Soldiers' Aid,
" " '• Treas. & Collector,
$15,412 12
.t3.6S0 10
S819
33
595
41
2.042
50
2,101
16
1,994
75
203
00
686
94
501
08
205
00
800
00
400
00
$10,349 17
1352 00
3.680 10
i4,032 10
Balance against the Town, #6.317 07
D. J. WETHERBEE, ) Selectmen
JOHN WHIIE, V of
P. WETHERBEE, j Acton.
Acton, Feb. 26, 1881.
14
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT
FOR 1880.
Births in Acton in 1880.
No. r»}ite of birth. Name of child. Names of parents.
1. Jan. I, Hannah Louise Beck, daughter of Chas. L. and
Lulu A. Beck.
2. Jan. 15, Dora Etta Owens, daughter of Tliomas P. and
Eliza J. Owens.
8. Jan. 18, Alice Mabel Teele, daughter of Charles H. and
EstelleL Teele.
4. Jan. 22, Mary 0. Conners, daughter of Maurice and
Honora Conners.
5. Jan. 17, George All)ert Dockendorff. son of Jacob and
Martha A. Dockendorff.
♦ ). Jan. 7. Frank Harrison, son of Henry and Eliza Harrison.
7. Feb. 28, Minnie Mabel Haynes, daughter (^f Sylvester
and Eliza W. Havnes.
8. Mar. 1. Albert Edward Willis, son (^f WiUiam W. and
Elizabeth Willis.
9. Mar. IG, Edward Dion, son of Agistes and Emma Dion.
10. Aprd 17, James Qninlan, son of John and Julia Quinlan.
11. April 21, Alice Crane Haskins, daughter, of John R.
and Helen A. Haskins.
12. May 22, Roscoe Hosmer Knowlton. son of Frank R. and
Emma S. Knowlton.
18. May 2G, Francis Victor D. Nelson, son of Oscar P. and
Mary Ann Nelson.
14. May 27, Fanny Louise Rich, daugliter of Edward S. and
Mary Alice Rich.
15
15. June 7, Eva Sawyer, daughter of Thomas J. and Kate
Sawyer.
16. June 8, Guy Ernest Tuttle, son of Amos S. and Amy M,
tuttle.
17. June 27, G-eorge Morton Guilford, son of Samuel A. and
Nellie M. Guilford.
18. July 17, Millicent Mamie Edwards, daughter of Alfred J.
and Ehoda Edward«.
19. Aug. 3, Grace Alice Hayward, daughter of Walter E.
and Nettie F. Hayward.
20. Aug. 22, How^ard Knowlton Tuttle, son of H. Waldo
and Lizzie S Tuttle.
21. Aug. 24, Ernest Hooper, son of Edmund B. and Ella L.
Hooper.
22. Sept. 5, Walter S. Jones, son of Wm. S. and Laura A.
Jones.
23. Sept. 17. John Edward Cain, son of Edward and Ann
Cain.
24. Oct. 4, Albert Ashley Palmer, son of Nathan R. and
Abbie M. Palmer.
25. Oct. 12, Clarence Everett Blodgett, son of J. Herbert
and Minnie A. Blodgett.
26. Oct. 17, Nellie Maria Scanlan, daughter of Thomas and
Maria C. Scanlan.
27. Nov. 2, Luther Warren Piper, son of Anson C. and Ellen
L. Piper.
Births not Previously Reported.
28. Mar. 15, 1879, Eva Lina Nelson, daughter of Oscar P.
and Mary Ann Nelson.
Marriages Recorded in Acton in 1880.
No. Date of Marriage. Names and residences of parties.
1. Jan. 20, Mr. Joseph Barker and Miss Harriet Redmile,
both of Acton.
2. Jan. 28, Mr. Anson C. Piper and Miss Ellen L. Jones,
both of Acton.
8. April 14, Mr. Francis Conant and Mrs. Ellen J. Marshall,
both of Acton.
4. April 17, Mr. Benjamin Skinner and Mrs. Oeorgie Anna
Du Bois, both of Acton*
^e
5. May 16, Mr. William Wheeler and Mrs. Louisa M. Smith,
both of ActoD.
T). June 1, Mr. William C. Closeman and Miss Catherine
Dawson, both of Maynard.
7. June 26, Mr. John F. Nickless ot Acton, and Miss Anna
C. Currier of Lowell.
8. July 7, Mr. Chas. Griffin of Greenwicli, N. Y., and Miss
Kate C. Houghton of Acton
9. July 17, Mr. Kobert P. Burroughs and Miss Ella S.
Teele, both of Acton.
10. Sept. 7, Mr. Joseph Noyes of Acton, and Mrs Maria T.
Jones of Hyde Park.
11. Sept. 22, Mr. Octavus A. Knowlton and Miss Etta L.
Houghton, botli of Acton.
12. Sept. 22, Mr. Moses A. Reed of Acton, and Miss Ellen
A. McDaniels of East Dorset, Vt.
13. Oct. 3, Mr. George H. Harris of Actou, and Miss Sarah
Addie Heald of Carlisle.
14 Sept. 23, Mr. Edwin W. Taylor of Acton, and Miss
Flora A. Hussey of Littleton.
15. Oct. 14, Mr. Cyrus L. Angier of Acton, and Miss Maggie
A. Rickerbey of St. Johnsbury, Vt.
16. Nov. 4, Mr. George VV. Worster of Acton, and Miss
Mary E. Sherman of Mavnai-d.
17. Nov. U, Mr. Eri S.Brooks and Miss Susie A. Batchelder,
both of Acton.
18. Nov. 25, Mr Arthur A. Jones and Miss Mary F. Clark,
both of Acton.
Deaths Registered in Acton in 1880.
No. Date of Death. Names and Ages of Deceased.
1. Jan. 6, Mr. William Davis, aged 89 years, 3 months, 27
days.
2. Jan. 18, a daughter of Loren C. and Ella S. Baldwin,
aged 1 day.
3. Feb. 6, Mr Eben Macauley, aged 28 years, 4 days.
4. Feb. 7, Mr. John DuBois, aged 51 years, 11 months. 7
days.
5. Feb. 14, Mr. Ebenezer Wood, aged 87 years, 8 months^
14 days.
17
6. Feb. 17, Mr. James F. Greenwood, aged 28 years, 2
months. 14 days.
7. Feb. 23, Ella A., daughter of Jacob and Adaline A.
Priest, aged 5 years, ^ month, 9 days.
H. Feb. 27, Mr. Geo. W. Knights, aged 46 years, 6 months.
9. iSIar. 19^ Mr. Peter Tenney, aged 81 years, 2 months,
15 days.
10. Mar. 25, Col. Winthrop E. Faulkner, aged 74 years, 11
months, 9 days.
11. Mar. 31, Mrs. Louisa, wife of Benjamin C. Baldwin, aged
59 years. 9 months.
12. April 3, Mr. Jonathan Wheeler, aged 89 years, 4 months,
5 days.
13. April 7, Mr. Willard C. Lane, aged 81 years.
14. April 13, Mrs. Betsey Chaflfin, aged 87 years, 9 months,
17 days.
15. April 24, Mrs. Marietta C, wife of Charles B. Stone,
aged 30 years, 3 months. 24 days.
16. May 9, Mrs. Ruth Hager, aged 91 years, 5 months, 1 day.
17. May 27, Mr. Francis Dwight, aged 64 years, 10 month's,
7 days.
18. June 10, Bernard A., son of Herbert E. and Sophia E.
Preston, aged 5 years. 8 months. 3 days.
19. June 18. Mr. John Erwin Fletcher, aged 38 years, 1
month, 25 days.
20. July 6. Miss Florence K. Jones, aged 23 years, 9 months,
20 days.
21. Aug. 10, Mrs. Lucy Noyes, aged 66 years.
22. Aug. 14, Mrs. Sarah Girard, aged 50 years, 26 days.
23. Aug. 18, Mr. Richard Kinsley, aged 56 years, 7 months,
19 days.
24. Sept. 12, Ernest, son of Robert and Maria Hart, aged
10 months, 21 days.
25. Oct. 2. Frank H., son of James E. and Tamson Billings,
aged 13 years.
26. Nov. 14, Mr. John H. Quirk, aged 25 years, 11 months,
21 days.
27. Nov. 29, Mrs. Eliza Poultney, aged 34 years, 6 months,
6 days.
28. Dec. 1, Mr. Henry W. Richardson, aged 30 years, 2
months, 1 day.
18
Names of Persons in Acton havinsj Do2:s Licensed in 1880,
Clias. H. Coiiant,
Otis H. Forbusli,
Jeveiny Austin,
Joseph Wheeler,
Elbridge J. Kobhins,
M. Augusta Hosmer,
Luther Conant,
Daniel Harris,
Alonzo L. Tuttle,
Elnathan Jones
'J'uttles, Jones & Wether-
hee, 3,
H. Waldo Tuttle,
Theron F. Newton,
Lucius 8. Hosiuer,
Daniel Tuttle,
Francis CoTiant,
Louis E. Allen,
Chas. Morris,
Moses Taylor,
A. B. Brown,
Taylor Bros. & Co., 2,
(ieorge C. Wright,
John R. Houghton,
Chas. J. Williams,
Cyrus Hay ward,
Frank VV^etherbee,
Henry W. Richardson,
George W. Livermore,
Chas.' L. Beck,
Charles H. Snow,
Joseph W. Wherren,
Francis Dwight,
Sylvester Haynes,
I Jerry H. McCarty,
I Moses A Heed,
I Solon A. Robbins,
j Chas. D. (Jriggs.
Winsor Piatt.
Chas. IL Ilandley,
! E. F. Fuller,
I George C. Conant,
; John Kelly,
I Chas. A. Harrington,
Levi Houghton,
j Eri S. lirooks,
i A. Lucian Noyes,
j James D. Cobni-n,
I Moses E. Taylor,
Walter A. (iilmore,
Gnstavus H. Waugli,
George Conant,
j Hanson A. Littlelield.
j Henry Haynes,
James Haiinon.
i Nathan K. Jolnison;
A. J. Willis,
1 Chas. Holton,
j Frank Pratt,
I J. A. Houston,
S<) INIales at $2.00, S17i
.5 Females, at $.5.00, 2i
Anson C. Piper,
(ieorge V. Mead,
Danie F. Havward.
John W. Charter,
Henry Bohannon,
John Fletcher,
Isaiah S. Leach,
Edwin Tarbell,
John Tenii)le,
Lester Fletcher,
J. C. Wheeler,
Willis L. Mead,
Albert Moulton,
Augustus Fletcher,
John Welch,
Isaac P.aiker,
Warren Maustield,
Chas. Wheeler,
(jleorge W. Kiu)wlton, 2,
M^•roll F. Going,
George Pratt. 2,
Henry Hanson.
(ieor?e l{. Keves,
N. R. I'almer,"
Forbush A: Hartwell,
John D. Moulton,
Edward Q-Neil,
J. E. Reed,
Geo. H. shapley,
Patrick (iallagher.
?.00
).00
Total, 94
.$20.3.00
WM. ^D. TUTTLE, Towiz Clerk.
xVCTON, March 1, 1S8L
19
REPORT OF THE
Receipts & Expenditures
OF
THE
ALMSHOUSE IN ACTON,
For the Year Ending Ipril 1, 1881.
Articles
ON Hand
April 1st, 1881.
12 cows, $480
00
37 hens.
$18 50
1 horse.
60
00
12cds. wood cut for use, 54 00
7 1-2 tons hay,
145
00
1 2 market boxes.
1 20
1 1-2 '' oat fodder,
22
50
40 barrels,
4 00
800 lbs. meal,
10
00
Lumber,
3 00
1100 '^ cotton seed,
14
30
Flour,
75
2 tons shorts.
40
00
Crack(5rs,
20
Bags,
3
50
2 lbs sugar.
20
10 lights of glass.
40
Spices,
50
2 cider barrels,
2
00
Tea,
87
Potatoes,
5
00
Coffee,
35
325 lbs. pork,
35
00
Molasses,
80
50 ^' lard,
5
50
Rye meal.
1 00
100 '' ham,
12
00
2 dozen eggs.
40
12 '' butter.
3
72
Dried apple.
70
Mackerel,
50
1-2 bushel beans.
1 CO
8-4 bbl. of soap.
2
50
Salt,
20
Pickled pigs head & feet, 2
00
1-4 gross matches.
58
Beets,
1
00
Oil,
14
2 gallons boiled cidei
2 bbls. of apples,
75
1
3
EROM
1 c
00
i937 06
Receipts
To
w^N Farm 1880-81.
Received for potatoes, $14 31
Received for milk.
814 30
calves,
17 95
eggs.
5 44
cows.
177
00
berries, 3 77
oxen,
130 00
apples
, 349 25
nseofnxpn 7 00
'' wagon, I 75
11,524 61
bed.
3 84
20
Expenses.
Paid for crackers,
$16 67
Paid for grass seed.
$4 43
cheese,
9 69
filing saw.
40
butter,
55 24
rep. rigging and
oil.
4 80
cultivator,
2 05
sugar.
17 56
plaster.
1 40
molasses,
19 92
garden seeds,
78
coffee,
3 35
liniment.
90
rye meal.
2 41
vinegar,
1 10
tea,
6 90
snuff,
20
flour,
61 50
sulphur,
51
beans,
10 18
saltpetre,
32
tobacco.
2 00
beeswax,
17
cream tartar,
2 28
tomatoes,
25
meat,
80 13
cattle cards.
32
fish.
7 59
shovel.
90
saleratus,
2 24
pork barrels,
1 87
salt,
5 50
horse blanket.
1 25
starch.
49
harness.
30 00
yeast cakes.
58
horse rake.
25 00
hops and malt
. Tl
apple header,
1 00
soap,
13 22
grindstone and
baskets^
1 06
gearing.
4 13
brooms.
2 50
scythe snath,
75
thread
50
scythes,
155
pails.
1 72
forks.
2 60
tin ware.
1 18
bog hoe.
117
rep. tin ware.
e^i
ladders.
6 02
'• shoes.
28
hammer,
1 00
" roof, chim-
saw,
75
ney, &c.
3 70
clothes pins,
12
^' pumps.
3 00
fly paper,
25
oyster shells.
12
wash board.
37
paris green,
30
cloths and
bristol brick.
10
clothing,
10 98
spittoon.
35
mittens,
1 22
wheel grease.
20
socks,
144
phosphate,
10 6Q
yarn,
1 29
grain,
891 83
wicks,
05
cows,
218 00
crockery,
2 28
pi. 2:,
15 00
spices.
2 30
21
Paid for oxen, $ 125 00
pasturing cows, 10 00
use of bull,
6 00
butchering,
lanterns,
2 50
1 34
axe helve,
25
stove polish,
labor.
08
141 10
blacksmith bil]
,29 68
barrels,
55 51
glass.
75
tacks,
15
shoes,
3 15
ropes,
sick chair,
73
1 75
wash tub.
1 25
Total amount of Expenditures
<' /' ^- Receipts,
Paid for matches,
$1 16
rice,
45
raisins,
47
herbs.
85
onions,
45
Dr. Sanders bil
[, 7 45
lumber, nails,
zinc, & labor
rep. barn,
74 66
services of J.
Austin* wife, 200 00
services of
J. E. Cutter,
40 00
John White,
10 00
Frank Hosmer
10 00
Drawn from Treasury to balance accounts
" ^' '-'■ *' pay for Oxen,
Income less than Expenditures,
Interest on Farm,
Drawn from Treasury,
Victualing 54 Tramps at 40 cents,
Cost of supporting Poor on Farm,
$ 240 00
409 85
$ 1,809 46
1,524 61
$284 85
125 00
1409 85
$ 649 85
21 60
$ 628 25
Whole number of persons, exclusive of tramps, supported
in Almshouse, 7 ; average number^ 6 ; present number, 7.
JOHN E. CUTTER,
JOHN WHITE,
FRANK HOSMER,
Overseers
OF
Poor.
SCHOOL REPORT
To THE Citizens of Acton : —
The School Committee respectfully submit the following
report :
In compliance with your instructions we elected at the
beginning of the official year, a Superintendent of Schools
and herewith present his detailed report of the condition of
the schools and of everything pertaining to the educational
work of the town.
The following statement indicates the disposal which we
have made of the funds, committed to our care. On account
of the interruption of schools by sickness there is quite an
unexpended balance in two of the accounts which the Com-
mittee will apply to increase school privileges next year.
WEST SCHOOL. .
Mrs. Lucy M. Mead, Agent.
Drawn from the treasury, $682 16
Balance from last year. 29 57
1711 73
Paid to teachers,
$512 00
for fuel and preparing it.
92 28
care of house and furnace.
45 00
incidentals.
2 88
organ.
2 00
Balance on hand,
57 57
$711 73
NORTH SCHOOL.
Geo. H. Harris, Agent.
Drawn from the treasury, $ 308 64
Balance from last year, • 36 08
Paid to teachers,
for fuel,
care of house,
incidentals,
Balance on hand,
EAST SCHOOL.
I. W. Flagg, Agent.
Drawn from the treasury, i 308 6-1:
Balance from last year, 33 87
$246
00
35
40
14
00
4
91
44
41
Paid to teacher.
f 270 00
for fuel.
37 62
care of house,
16 00
incidentals,
6 84
Balance on hand,
SCHOOL
12 05
SOUTH
George F.
Plagg,
Agent.
Drawn from the treasury,
$682 16
Received from town of Stow,
■ 8 00
Paid to teachers,
$570 00
for fuel and preparing it,
30 50
care of house,
55 00
incidentals,
23 20
Deficiency on last year's account.
39
Cash in the treasury,
11 07
#344 72
$344 72
$ 842 51
1342 51
$690 16
$690 16
CENTER SCHOOL.
Luther Conant, Agent.
Drawn from the treasury,
S682
16
Balance from last year,
8
70
$ 690 86
Paid to teachers,
1567
00
for care of house.
31
50
books and other incidentals,
7
48.
fuel and preparing it,
67
63
To be paid to music teacher.
15
00
Cash on hand,
2
25
1690 86
SOUTH EAST SCHOOL.
C. D. Griggs, Ag(
3nt.
Drawn from the treasury.
$200 00
Deficiency,
12
18
$212 18
Paid to teachers,
$188 00
for fuel,
19
00
care of house,
2
00
incidentals,
3
18
$212 18
Amount raised by the towm for schools,
1 2,500
00
Income from the State school fund,
179
56
'^ ^' dog fund.
178
67
Total, 12,858 23
Number of children between the ages of five and fifteen,
297. Sum raised by the town for each, $ 8. 41-.
Respectfully submitted,
LUTHER CONANT.
I. W. FLAGG,
G. H. HARRIS,
G. P. FLAGG,
LUCY M. MEAD,
C. D. GRIGGS,
School
Committee
of Acton.
Superintendent's Report.
It is one of the requirements of the statutes of the State,
that the School Committee, or a Superintendent of Schools,
acting for them, shall present annually, for the consideration
of the citizens of each town, a report, not only of the disposal
of the educational funds, but also an account of the condition
of the several schools, and of the general work of school
management with which the committee is charged, and it is,
in accordance with this wise provision, that the following
pages are now laid before the public.
In what we here present, we strive not so much to set
forth the details of our school work during the past year, as
to give to the people an idea of the aims which we have had
before us and the aspirations, by which we are inspired, in
what we propose to ourselves in the future, and we wish we
might so express ourselves that all our citizens may be led to
share in our enthusiasm respecting the importance of this
work ; for this in relation to all our citizens is by far the most
important work with which the town, in its corporate capacity,
is charged.
What is this work? We answer : It is nothing short of
this, — to make what all thoughtful men confess to be man's
greatest boon, viz.: knowledge, the common bounty of all —
it is to make it possible for every man's child, however poor
and ignorant the man may be himself, to receive the rudiments
of learning with which he may unlock for himself treasuries
of unknown wealth and which may be to him a passport to
the same avenues of respectability and honor which, in less
favored countries, are the exclusive possession of the rich and
of the noble by birth.
In this department of municipal work, it is not only our
aim to make the acquisition of knowledge a possibility to all.
if they are inclined to strive for it, but to impart knowledge
in the most effective way; to awaken a desire for it in the minds
of young persons who lack stimulating influences at home and
to make these schools in every respect, to every family of our
town, what expensive institutes of learning have been in the
past to the few who could afford to avail themselves^of their
advantages.
This is the grand aim which we keep constantly before
us in our exertions for the advancement of the interests of
this work and it is an aim which brings to us at least very
much of the highest and purest inspiration. This is a com-
munism of the most philanthropic and practical sort, for it is
making common to all what, adroitness, and greed on the one
hand and the opposite qualities on the other, can not soon
make to revert to the favored few. But. how to realize to the
fullest extent the high aim, just set forth, is the question,
which we are ever striving to solve, and, as we trust, not with-
out some encouraging indications, if not of a complete, yet of
a quite satisfying result.
Modern science, in these last years, has done very much
to simplify processes, in the management of material forces,
and in the construction of the implements of art and of in-
dustry from the raw materials, but, until quite recently, the
methods of mental development in the young and the general
work of school management have undergone but little modi-
fication. The prevailing idea has seemed to be that there is
no ro3^al road to learning, that the old ways are the best and
the only ones. But, within the last ten years, a great change
has come over everything pertaining to educational affairs,
and there is as much difference between the general appear-
ance and efficiency of our schools today and what they were
only ten years ago, as there is between a plow of the most ap-
proved style now and what the plow was in general use even
fifty years ago.
By the old methods of instruction, the reliance for sue-
cess was upon the impression Avhich the printed page could
make upon the pupil's memories, by a bare strain. Anything
like the cultivation of originality of thought or expression, in
the pupils, was a thing unthought of in our common schools ;
and, in the discipline of schools, the principal element of in-
fluence was that of fear, and what scenes of violence did the
walls of many of the school-rooms, of not a very remote pe-
riod, witness ! What ingenious methods of torture and hu-
miliation were practiced upon children and youth who were
capable of responding to high and noble motives had they
been properly treated, but whose dispositions received per-
manent injury from injudicious treatment, in the way of dis-
cipline, both at their homes and at school ! But to-day there
is not a faculty of the child's nature that is not the object
of the educator's study ; there is not a sense in the child's
possession but the ingenious teacher finds it and makes it an
ally m his work, so that, under the present regime, it may be
said of wisdom (even Avith a limited application), "Her ways
are ways of pleasantness and all her paths are peace." The
force of the last part of this quotation appears from the fact
that, now, such a thing as corporal punishment is almost un-
known in our schools. In our last report we described so
fully the methods of instruction which we were endeavoring
to have practiced by our teachers that we will not refer to
that topic here
A general survey of the year's work gives us much sat-
isfaction, not simply from the impression which it makes upon
us of work done, bat also from the encouragement which it af-
fords us, as to the future. It has been with us, in the past, a
serious question, whether, with our necessarily limited funds,
we would be able to make our schools compare at all, in effi-
ciency, with the schools of the more densely populated and
more wealthy portions of the State ; whether with an appro-
priation of a little more than eight dollars per scholar and with
a scattered population so that anything like a systematic grad-
ing is impossible we could produce anything like the results
which appear in towns able to appropriate nearly three times
eight dollars per scholar, and with a population so situated
that the most methodical grading is feasible. But the suc-
cess, already attained, encourages as to believe that, with a
careful supervision, with competent resident teachers, and
with the moderate additions to our school funds that the town
soon will be in a condition to make, we may hope to extend
to all our pupils, as good a preparation for the ordinary prac-
tical DUTIES of life as can be secured to them anywhere in
the commonwealth.
A judicious supervision can greatly assist some teachers
who, without it, would be quite • inefficient ; in every com-
munity there is good teaching talent, which, with a pros-
pect of preference in patronage, will be developed and which
can be secured to the schools with a permanence and at an
expense which will be of great advantage to the town, and
even the inability to grade our schools perfectly is not an un-
mitigated disadvantage. In an ungraded school, if the en-
thusiasm is what it ought to be, the younger pupils will learn
much from the older ones, when they tire of their own pur-
suits, and thus, unconsciously to themselves they will be pre-
pared to pass from the lower classes into the higher, with less
abruptness, than is possible in perfectly graded schools, so
that, with all our disadvantages, we are not sure but we may
bring forward our pupils so that when they attain the age of
fourteen years, they may be on a fair average with the pupils
of the same age of our cities and large towns.
This is our hope and it is for this that we are encouraged
to strive. But when citizens attempt to criticize us and feel
it their duty to set forth the faults of our schools, all of which
they may be justified in doing, we ask them, in simple justice
to us, to take into consideration the difficulties with which we
are obliged to contend, and to mete out praise, so far as it is
merited in the same measure that they set forth our defects,
and be ready not simply to find fault, but to assist in removing
the causes of failure by voting for increased appropriations
for school purposes and by earnest co-operation in every effort
which promises to add to the efficiency of the schools.
During the last term, we have made changes in the text
books of Arithmetic and of spelling; substituting the Franklin
Series in the former and the Swinton Word Book in the lattei-;
we have also introduced the Dinsmore Spelling Blanks, and
these changes promise to be a substantial benefit to the
schools. The most perfect efficiency of some of our schools
has been somewhat impaired by defective heating arrange-
ments, a difficulty, which we trust, will be obviated before anoth-
er winter. We hope, too, that better provisions will be made
for ventilating the school- rooms. Teachers too often open
windows and expose the children to drafts of air. Boards
should be so arranged against the lower window sashes that
this danger will be avoided.
We consider it very important that the out-buildings of
our school- houses shall be properly cleansed every spring
and that they be so thoroughly white-washed that every mark
which might make an injurious impression upon the minds of
the young shall be obliterated. Too much care can not be
exercised in this respect. Unless constant vigilance is used,
in this direction, some of the objections which have been
made to our system of common schools, on moral grounds,
will prove to be well founded.
Every educator ought to bear it constantly in mind that he
is charged with the care of certain young persons, not only as
regards their mental training, but in eveiy respect, and any
system of school management which leaves out the physical
and moral elements is, in our opinion, fatally defective.
Certain of our schools have suffered from the lack of ad-
equate supplies, in some cases wanting such necessary articles
as erasers. A teacher^ like any artisan, in order to the most
perfect success, must have tools, — good ones, and the best
that the market affords.
We will suggest that, in addition to our regular grant,
the town appropriate, for the incidental uses of our schools
one hundred and fifty dollars, to be divided in the same pro-
portions as the other school funds.
But, without further general remarks, we proceed to a
brief review of each school.
West Grammar.
The Spring term was taught by Miss Olive A. Prescott,
an experienced teacher, and a graduate of the Bridgewater
Normal School. Miss P. manifested natural and acquired
qualifications for the teacher's vocation which ver}^ few of
our instructors are so fortunate as to possess. She was genial
in her manners, winning every heart by her gentle ways.
She was methodical and forcible in her methods of teaching
and unsparing in her exertions for the good of her school.
Indeed, she exerted herself far beyond her strength and be-
yond what we had any reason to expect of her or any teacher.
She produced results fully equal to her endeavors, and we
would have considered it a bright prospect for the school, if
she could have continued as its head, but, after the service of
one term, being offered a more advantageous position, she re-
signed.
The Fall and Winter terms were taught by Miss Ida J.
Barker, who was also a graduate of the Bridgewater Normal
School and of considerable experience in the management of
public schools. Miss B.'s methods of teaching were excellent
and she showed satisfactory results from her work, though
she found the discipline of the school somewhat difficult.
Considering everything we think this teacher did well and is
worthy of high commendation.
10
West Primary.
This school was taught throughout the year by Miss
Mabel Lewis, a teacher who has been very successful in an-
other town. She spared no pains to make her school a suc-
cess, — she was, if possible, too anxious to reach the best
results, and we consider her one of the very best instructors
that this school has had during the last ten years. We think
she was well liked by all the pupils and by the parents, and
that all concerned were well satisfied with her work.
South Grammar.
This school has continued under the care of Miss R. E.
Stacy who received a favorable mention in our last report.
The number of pupils here is not so large as it has been in
the past, and this fact, during the last term, conduced some-
what to the scholars' success, as it has lost some of its most
troublesome element. During the last year, this has been one
of the pleasantest schools in town and has been so Avell con-
ducted that it has shown excellent results, fully equal, taking
everything into account, to any scliool in town. The good
influence of the teacher is developing a class of young people
which gives promise ol a high degree of excellence in every
respect. The school is creditable to the village and to the
town.
South Primary.
Miss J. M. McAlister has continued in charge of this
school during the year, and the pupils have shown a good de-
gree of improvement in almost every particular The teacher
has introduced some pleasing motion songs and has mingled
the boys and girls in the seats over the room, has interested
the pupils in writing and has adopted other expedients which
have been of great advantage to the school. The scholars
still seem somewhat backward in reading and we recommend
that special attention be given to this most important branch
during the coming year.
11
Centek Grammar.
Miss A. C. Davis, who has been commended in more of
our reports than any other person, [now upon our corps of
teachers, has continued to do excellent work in this school,
throughout the year. This is now the most advanced school
in town and presents a good illustration of the extent to
which the educational force of even a Grammar school can be
developed by a well qualified teacher. We would not hesi-
tate to have the pupils of this school compared with a similar
number of the same ages from any public school in the State.
We are sorry to lose Miss D.'s services from this school, but
are glad to K:now that she is to continue in the service of the
towm. We doubt not she will have a similar success in her
new field to that which has attended her efforts in the one she
has left.
Center Primary.
This has continued to be, in our opinion, the model pri-
mary school in the town, under the charge of the same teach-
er, Miss B. M. Ball. We think this school is managed in such
a way that little is lacking that can be desired in a primary
school. The general principles of school work which we
have set forth in the early part of this report are well carried
out here, and, if any citizen wishes to know .'< what ' our ideas
of good teaching are, let him spend a half day in this school.
Here is something, not in theory, on paper, or in a large town
or city where the conditions are altogether different from our
own, but here is the right sort of a school, in actual opera-
tion, in our midst. Perhaps it is more than we have the
right to expect that all teachers will be able to manage their
schools in a similar way to this, or that they will secure the
same results, tor very few have Miss B.'s natural fitness for
the work : but the existence of such a school in the town,
taught term after term by one of our own residents, is of
very great advantage to all our educational work.
12
East School.
This school has been taught the whole year by Miss S.
A. Wetherbee and has been a complete success. We consid-
er Miss W.'s moral influence over her pupils worthy of the
highest commendation. She has the full confidence of both
parents and scholars and has not been excelled in real effi-
ciency by any teacher that has had charge of the school dur-
ing the last ten years.
North School.
The Spring term was taught by Mrs. A. H. Loker who
has been mentioned most favorably in many of our previous
reports. Mrs L., during a part of the term, labored under
some disadvantage from impaired health, but in spite of that,
at the end of the term, manifested the usu d good results of
her earnest and Avell-planned work.
The Fall and Winter terms were taught by Miss E. F.
Estabrook who was mentioned in a commendatory way in our
last report, in connection with another school. Miss E., like
several of our other teachers, has the happy faculty of man-
aging her schools without a resort to physical force. The
school has suffered in its numbers by removals from town, and
by sickness of scholars, but is well sustained by the citizens
of the community and for the few children who are now pu-
pils, is doing a good work.
South East School.
This school has been kept in operation during the whole
year. The Spring and Fall terms were taught by Miss N. G.
Richardson and the Winter term by Miss E. E. Tuttle. Both
of these teachers found here their first experience in the
management of schools ; but both did a good work, and the
school, considering the number of its pupils and other condi-
tions, showed as good results from the year's work, as almost
any school ni the town.
Appended are the usual statistical reports.
For the Committee,
FRANKLIN P. WOOD, Superintendent.
13
ROLL OF HONOR
NAMES OF THOSE WHO HAVE NOT BEEN ABSENT OR TARDY.
On account of the severe storms of the last winter, and
of the epidemics which have prevailed in some parts of the
town, the number in the list is smaller than it otherwise would
have been. It has been suggested that it would be a good
idea to make some arrangement that our schools will not be
in session on very stormy days or when, because of a drifted
condition of the roads, it is difficult for the pupils to reach the
schools.
One Term.
Susie Billings,
Emily Hannon,
Carrie Hay ward,
Susie Pond,
Mabel Richardson,
Harry Fletcher,
Hiram Gates.
One Term.
Nellie Callanane,
Jessie Currie,
Bertie M. Jones,
Evie Page, I
Lottie Page,
Carrie Page,
Freddie Fletcher,
Charlie tiapgood,
Lutie E. Hosmer,
Frank Wherren,
Charlie F. Wherren.
South Grammar.
Two Terms.
Josie Hannon,
Eva Shapley,
Carrie Shapley.
South Primary.
Two Terms.
Mamie May,
Lillian Richardson.
Three Terms.
Sadie Sawyer,
Etta Temple.
Three Terms.
Ada M. Jones,
Clara F. Leach.
14
West Grammar.
One Term.
Walter Gilmore,
Eugene L. Hall,
Willie Hart,
Clesson Parker.
One Term.
Mabel Decoster,
Alice J. Hoar,
Lulu M. Lawrence,
Florence Richardson
Mabel Robinson,
Bertram Hall,
Ray Littlefield,
Albertis Preston,
Brooks Parker,
Sumner Teele.
West Primary.
Two Terms.
Alice J. Stone,
Guy Mead,
Alfred Richardson.
Three Terms.
Ida Richardson.
Center Grammar.
One Term.
Nellie Lane,
Hattie Tuttle,
Lizzie Scofield,
Elbridge R. Conant,
George S. Lee,
L. Harry Tuttle.
One Term.
Lottie G. Conant,
Carrie M. Dunn,
Clara L. Hammond,
Hattie M. Robbins,
Clara B. Robbins,
Warren 0. Robbins X
011ie'D.,Wood,J:
* Not absent or tardy for two j^ears,
t Tardy once.
Center Primary.
Two Terms.
May Caulder,
S. MaudPurcell.
Grace E. Tuttle, :|:
Arthur C. Allen,
Luther Conant, jr.
Three Terms.
Susie E. Conant,"^
Carrie A. Lund, f
Hattie Lund.
Three Terms.
Charlie Caulder.
t Not absent or tardy for three years.
15
One Term.
Fred W. Billmgs,
Kay G. Brooks,
Carlton Conant,
Herbert Robbins,
Ernest E.Wetherbee
One Term.
Edith Flagg,
Annie By an,
Mattie F. Smith,
James Ryan,
Edward M. Ryan,
John Ryan.
East School.
Two Terms.
Bertha M. Hosmer
North School.
Two Terms.
Hattie Smith,
Augusta Smith.
South East School.
One Term.
Josie Keith,
George Hooper.
'J'he proportion ot the average attendance to the number
of persons between the ages of 5 and 15 for the State is 70
per cent. Our average is 79 per cent., which is very good.
But will not the parents help the children to enlarge the Roll
of Honor and raise our average even higher next year ?
16
TABULAR VIEW.
tH
^
>
>
Z
^
Cr-
CD
<
o
z
^
g
aQ
o
Co
i-S
^
g
B
3^
05
OQ
OQ
^
o
C'
!E
O
CD
^
<
^
CD
SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS.
o o
TJ
?
f
?
%
Pu
B.
2
1=?
O
5
o
o
o
i
GO
Ms
5'
r"
1
9
X
DC
?
SPKING TEEM.
C-tre ]«—■?-
Miss A. C. Davis
W^
2K
$34 00
32
26
22.5
6
26
56
" B. M.Ball
32 00
32
27
25t
2
17
75
so^ti" ]£=r
" R. E. Stacy
2K
40 00
24
22.7
22.3
8
12
8
" J. M. McAllister
iy>
36 00
46
44.75
42
46
12
^^'^ (Primary
'' 0. A.Prescott
23^
32 00
38
30t
23
4
31
30
" B.D.Lewis
2
30 00
42
40.37
37
1
14
36
North
Mrs. A. H. Loker
2K
30 00
*21.5
20
19
1
12
24
East
Miss S.A.Wetherbee
21/?
30 00
24
23
19.8
19
28
Southeast
" N. G Richardson
Totals.
2>?
20 00
14
12.5
12
1
5
18
14
191
9
223€
284 00
273.5
246.32
222 6
278
FALL TERM.
Ppn+rp jG-rammar
centre j p^i^^^rv
Miss A. C, Davis
" B. M. Ball
2K
^34 00
32 00
26
27
23
24
19
23
2
9
15
11
19
108
South i grammar
I Primary
" R. E. stacv
" J. M. McAUister
2K
40 00
36 00
25
51
24.3
50
22.3
43.3
8
14
51
13
19
West i <^^rammar
^^'^^ 1 Primary
" I, J. Barker
•• B.D.Lewis
2K
23^
34 00
30 00
35
39
30t
38
26
36
1
4
31
11
24
28
North
" E. F. Estabrook
2i.<
.30 00
21
18
16.5
1
9
21
East
" S.A.Wetherbee
2i<;
30 00
23
22
19.2
17
13
Southeast
" N.G.Richardson
Totals.
2£
24 00
15
11.5
11
4
21
15
174
22
23%
290 00
262
240.8
216.3
267
WINTER TERM.
Centre j G^^'ammar
centre -j pri^^^rv
Miss A. C. DaviR
3
i36 00
35
33t
28
15
20
18
" B. M. Ball
3
32 00
29
25^
21.5
{,
20
85
South J grammar
1 Prmiary
" R. E Stacv
2K
40 00
34
32.6
30.6
21
15
17
•' J. M. McAllister
2>?
36 00
42
40
35
42
19
West i Grammar
^""^^ 1 Primary
" I J. Barker
3
36 00
47
44
40
9
25
22
" B. D. Lewis
3
32 00
38
36.3
32
17
26
North
" E. F.Estabrook
3
32 00
16
15
13.8
2
12
22
East
" S.A.Wetherbee
3%
32 00
22
18
15
15
15
Southeast
" E. E. Tuttle
Totals,
Aggregate for year.
_2K
24 00
11
10.5
10
86
11
177
542
36
26>i
300 00
274
254.4
225.9
260
72)^
874 00
809.5
741.52
664.8
_9
805
The average attendance during the year 89 5-7 of the average number belong-
ing to the schools.
*One-half day pupil.
Of the above"^ number of visits 99 were by the Superintendent. The Superin-
tendent has held also eighteen half day examinations, at which large numbers
have been present.
k^(3)
REPORTS!
5)0,^
SELECTMEN
AND OTHER OFFICERS
H
FEB. 26, 1881, TO FEB. 26, 1882,
INCLUDING THE
Marriages, Births and Deaths in li
ALSO, THE
Report of the School Committee.
ACTON:
PRINTED AT THE OFFICE OF THE PATRIOT, SOUTH ACTON.
18 82.
TOWN OFFICERS FOR 1882.
Town Clerk,
William D. Tuttle.
Selectmen,
D. J. Wethekbee, John White, Phineas Wethekf.ee.
Assessors,
Wm. D. Tuttle, Phineas Wetherbee, Lucius S. Hosmer.
Overseers of the Poor,
Elisha H. Cutler, Otis II. Forbush, Luke Blanchard.
School Committee,
Geo. Chandler, Job W. Dupee, 2 years ; Lucy M. Mead, Chas.
D. Griggs, 1 year ; two to be chosen at April meeting.
HigJiiucty Survey o rs ,
Daniel Wetherbee, Charles Wheeler, Abram H. Jones.
Fence Viewers,
Wm. W. Davis, John R. Houghton, Nahum C. Reed.
Surveyors of Lumher,
Wm. B. Davis, Edward F. Richardson, L. W. Stevens,
Geo. H. Harris, Chas. B. Stone, E. J. Robbins,
James B. Tuttle.
Surveyors of Wood,
E. J. Robbins, H. D. Parlin, Wm. B. Davis, I. W. Flagg,
J. W. LoKER, Geo. H. Harris, Chas. B. Stone,
Lucius S. Hosmer, Solomon L. Dutton, A. S. Fletcher,
James B. Tuttle, Charles H. Taylor.
Cemetery Committee,
John Fletcher, William W. Davis, Joseph F. Cole.
Surveyors of Hoops and Staves,
David M. Handley, Augustus Fletcher.
Field Drivers,
Chas. B. Stone, Frank W. Houghton, Austin E. Lawrence,
Jairus C. Wheeler, H. B. White, Eri S. Brooks,
OsE[A Knowlton, George Smith.
Treasurer's Report.
DR.
Paid State Treasurer, State Tax, $ 1,080 00
County " County Tax, 542 70
Selectmen's orders, 12,738 38
Outstanding orders, 3,079 07
Balance due the Town Feb. 26, 1882, 39 08
CR.
Balance in Treasury Feb. 26, 1881, f 1.470 42
Received of J. E. Cutter, taxes, 1880, 2,209 68
'^ State Treas., Corporation tax, 857 60
" " -' State Aid. 304 00
'' '^ ^' Indigent Soldiers, 96 00
" School Fund, 180 21
'' " " National Bank
tax, 653 90
" John Fletcher, stone step, 1 00
" ^' '' lots sold in
Woodlawn Cemetery, 33 00
" J. E. Cutter, oxen sold at
^OAvn Farm, 173 b5
'' A, C. ' Handley, -rebate on
council fees, 25 00
" Chas. Wheeler, stone sold, 1. 00
" County Treas., dog fund, 173 95
'^ Julian Tuttle, use Town Hall, 68 78
" J. E Cutter, error Jiscount
on taxes, 1880, 15 00
J. E. Cutter, Collector, 11,144 41
Interest on Money in bank, 71 73
17,479 23
J. IC W. WETHERBEE. Trea^i^
117,479 23
Selectmen's Report,
Appropriations and Receipts. \
Unexpended balance of last year.
$3,680
10
Corporation Tax,
857
60
National Bank Tax,
653
90
Aaron C. Handley, rebate on council fees, 25
00
John Fletcher, for Stone Step,
1
00
John E. Cutter, for oxen,
173
55
State Tax,
1,080
00
County Tax,
542
70
Regular Town Grant,
7,000
00
Schools,
3,000
00
Eoads,
1,500
00
Overlayings,
277
98
Soldiers' Aid,
304 00
Relief of Indigent Soldiers,
96
00
State Treas. Mass. School Fund,
'180
21
'' '' Dog Fund,
173
95
Interest on money in bank.
71
73
Charles Wheeler, stone sold,
1
00
John Fletcher, lots in Woodlawn Cemetery, 33
00
J. E. Cutter, errors in discount, 1880,
15
00
J. Tuttle, use of Town Hall,
68
78
$19,735 50
5
EXPENDITURES.
Support of Schools.
Paid Geo. F. Flagg, South District, $790 00
Chas. D. Greggs, South East District, 250 00
Luther Conant, Centre '' 790 00
J. W. Dupee, North " 350 00
Lucy M. Mead, West '' 790 00
Geo. Chandler, East '' 370 00
$3,340 00
Repairs on Town Buildings.
Paid I. W. Flagg, repairs on East School
House, $ 4 02
Luther Conjant, " Centre '^
House, , 28 78
Geo. H. Harris, " North "
House, (1880) 3 25
Geo. F. Flagg, ^' South ''
House, 25 82
Chas. D. Greggs,'' ^' East ''
House, 5 50
J. W. Dupee, stove and funnel North
School House, 39 80
J. W. DupbO, repairing chimney, 3 40
Geo. Chandler, "' East School
House, ' 21 43
Lucy M. Mead, " West ''
House, 18 75
Regular Highway Work.
Paid Charles Wheeler, $662 20
'* ^' by order County
Commissioners, 169 44
A. H. Jones, ' 681 52
'' • " by order County
Commissioners, 122 67
50 75
,585 83
Support of Poor.
Paid J. E. Cutter^ for oxen on Town farm, $ ^ 73 55
'' '^ deficiency on Town Farm
to April 1, 1881, 159 85
'' " use on Town Farm, 40 00
" " support Clara Wheeler, 217 41
'' '' '' Eliza Burgendahl, 178 74
'' " '- Kate Bryan, 37 72
'^ '' '' Michael FoUand, 54 00
^' " " Mrs. John Whitney, 22 00
" '' Sarah B. Childs, 13 76
" " " Traynor Family, 114 49
^' ^' " Redding " 41 00
'^ " " Desmond " 14 10
" " Mrs. Small, 55 15
" ^' ■^' Mrs. U. B. Adams, 30 00
Printing.
Paid C. W. Leach, 12 Warrants,
$ 1 25
" '^ 500 Selectmen's repor
ts, 12 50
'' '' 525 Town reports,
" ^' Voting lists,
56 00
13 00
" '' Posters,
1 50
Soldiers' Aid.
Paid John Carroll,
1102 00
W. I. B. Whitney,
Geo. Dole,
48 00
44 00
Benj. Skinner,
W. F. Wood,
70 00
32 00
Allen S. Smith,
82 00
Mrs. R. G. Wright,
Mrs.H. W. Wilder,
48 00
12 00
$1,153 77 j
$84 25
1438 00
Town Debt Paid.
Paid I. W. Flagg, note Jos. Barker and
interest, ' $ 524 58
Sarah C. Noyes, note and interest, 837 46
Thomas F. '' " '^ 418 73
D. M. Handley, '' '' 2,121 66
Daniel Harris, "' " 808 00
James E. Billings, '' '^ 1,289 00
Interest on Town Debt
Paid David M. Handley,
Frederick Rouillard,
$152 25
135 83
James E. Billings,
45 00
J, A. Piper,
Daniel Harris,
12 00
48 00
D. J. Wetherbee,
34 52
Mrs. J. K. Putney,
Luther Billings,
39 00
12 00
Town Officers.
Paid L. U. Holt, Sealer Weights and
Measures,
$ 8 00
J. E. Cutter, services as Collector, '80,
80 00
W. D. Tuttle, '' '' Assessor,
35 00
Phineas Wetherbee, "
25 00
Lucius Hosmer, '•
20 00
'' " lor book,
1 00
F. P. Wood, Supt. Schools,
45 00
Phineas Wetherbee, Selectman,
45 00
John White,
45 00
D. J. Wetherbee, "
70 00
J. K. W. Wetherbee, Treas,
35 00
Wm. D. Tuttle, Town Clerk,
25 00
,999 43
$478 GO
34 00
Cemetery Expenses.
,id John Fletcher, trees VVoodlawn,
121 50
'' *^ hook and staples,
25
'' '^ labor,
18 21
" '' '^ Woodlawn,
44 38
J. F. Cole, labor Mt. Hope cemetery,
32 25
Miscellaneous.
Paid Andrew J. Willis, breaking roads/81, I 12 30
Edward Tuttle, use of pump for
Centre School, 5 00
Daniel Wetherbee, breaking roads,
1880, 30 76
Abel Cole, breaking roads, 1881, 134 75
James Kinsley, for use of highway
for James Hurley, 8 00
Chas. D. Greggs, by order of the
town for schools, 25 00
Treasurer of Littleton, for schooling
children of Mr. ]3ulette and Mr.
Littlefield,
Chas. Wheeler, breaking roads, 1881,
E. B. Forbush, "
A. H. Kimball, road scraper,
Seth Clapp, for town pump,
Chas. W. Parker, for Decoration,
A. C. Handley, council fees on boun-
ty question, 100 00
A. C. Handley, witness fees on boun-
ty question, 63 40
I. W. Flagg, for tile for West Acton
sluice, 30 78
J. E. Cutter, abatement of taxes, 1880, 88 56
A. L. Tuttle, in part, for building road, 50 00
34 10
1881,
143 87
u
19 21
170 00
10 00
in,
50 00
$116 59
Paid Luke Tuttle, jourDey to Winchester
to procure fish,
A. H. Jones, labor, lumber and spikes
Powder Mill bridge,
A. H. Jones, railing roads, lumber
and iron,
E. F. Conant, land in South Acton,
Jerome Sawyer, reward,
A. H. Jones, laying wall in S. Acton,
Reuben L. Reed, decorating Town
Hall.
J. E Cutter, tax book,
^- " advice,
'■^ '* posting warrants, 1880,
^' '' notifying town officers
take the oath,
'^ " discount on taxes,
Julian Tuttle, care Town House and
cellar,
*^ " care clock,
'^ " repairs on clock,
Phineas VVetherbee, committing An-
drew Brella to asylum, - 10 00
Wm. D. Tuttle, recording births, mar-
riages and deaths, 22 95
^ ^' postage and returns, 3 12
^' " express on documents, 1 40
^' " journey to Boston, 1 50
" '-' surveying A. L Tut-
tle's road, 4 75
'^ '• hiying out lots in
Woodlawn Cemetery, 3 50
'' '' journey to Boston re-
specting record of
soldiers, 1 20
5
00
95
70
52
92
15
00
ICO
00
7
25
11
17
2
00
2
00
5
00
2
00
658
40
43
31
10
00
2
33
2,030 23
10 j
•1
i
Eec^eipts from February 26, 1881, to February 26, 1882. |
Unexpended balance as per report of . '
Feb. 26. 1881, ^ 13,680 10 ■
Appropriations and receipts, 16 055 40 i
119,735 50 :
Expenditures.
Support of Schools,
13.340 00
Eepairs on Town buildings,
150 75
Regular Highway work,
1.58.") H3
Support of Poor,
1.153 77
Town Debt,
5,91)9 43
Soldiers' Aid.
438 00
Interest on Notes,
47S 60
Town Officers,
434 00
Printing,
84 25
Cemetery Expenses,
116 59
Miscellaneous,
2,036 23
State lax,
1.080 00
County Tax,
542 70
1)17.440 15
^82.
5.
Bal. in Col. & Treas. hands, Feb. 26, 1^
$2,295 35
Towu Debt, Note?
J. A. Piper, estate of
1205 00
Mrs. J. K. Putney,
686 94
Luther P>illings,
203 00
Luther Conant,
773 62
'
Frederick Houillard,
2,101 16
D. J. Wetherbee,
595 41
$4,565 13
Amount due from Soldiers' Aid.
219 00
'\ '' Collector & Treas.
2.295 35
$2,514 35
Balance against the town,
$2,050 78
D. J. WETHERBEE.
) Selectmen
JOHN WHITE,
y
of
PFIINEAS WETHERBEE )
Acton.
Acton, Feb. 26, 1882.
M
Town Clerk's Report
MiFOR 1881. ^H&
Births in Acton in 1881.
No. Date of birtli. Name of child. Names of parents.
1. Jan. 6, Walter B., son of Edwin C. and Hannah H.
Parker.
2. Jan. 19, Jennie Pnrner, daughter of Aaron J. and Mary
Eliza Fletcher.
3. Feb. 25, Ethel Louise, daughter of Chas. H. and Fannie
A. Taylor.
4. Mar. 4, Daniel, son of Michael and Sarah McCarthy.
5. Mar. 6, Annie Louise, daughter of Jeremiah and Louise
Lucius.
6. Mar. 23, (Jhas. Horace, son of Horace P. and Charlotte
A. Potter.
7. April 2, Carrie Adelia, daughter of tianson A. and
Florence M. Littlefield.
8. April 7, Minnie Ethel, daughter of Willis L. and
Julia A. Mead.:
9. April 29. Ellen, daughter of Michael and Katie Des-
mond.
12
10. May 1, Mary Haskell, daughter of Frank B. and Anna
E. Lothrop.
11. May 5, Sarah Ingham, daughter of Frank D. and Eliza-
beth I. Rand.
12. May 19, Howard Lewis, son of Samuel, Jr.. and Emma
E. Jones.
13. Jnne 1, William Wilbur, son of George S. and Emma F.
Jacobs.
14. June IB, Ghas. Walton, son of George VV. and Ane-ie
H Knowlton.
15. June 20, Nellie, daughter of John and Julia May.
16. July 2, Frederic Wiiliam. son of George William and
Alice R. Hunt.
1 7. July 9 Hannah, daughter ot Hennis and Hannah Bradley.
18. Jnly 18, Harry Earle, son of Lorenzo U. and Clara E.
Holt.
19. July 21, Walter, son of Michael and Frances R. Dono-
van.
10. July 30, Massillon Warren, son of Cyrus L. and Mag-
gie A. Angier.
21. Aug. 23, Harriet Bai-ker, daughter ol John and Elizabeth
B. Davis.
22- Aug. 2G, Mary Eh'zabeth daughter of Orenzo W. and
Olive L. Penniman.
23. Sept. 8, Dennis Joseph, son of Dennis and Mary O'Con-
nell.
24. Sept. 10, Hermon Lenzor, son of George and Abbie J.
LI oar.
25. Sept. 28, Otis, son of Otis S. and Edith F. Small.
26. Oct. 21, Elaine (dinjena, daughter of James A. and Flora
C. Symonds.
27. Oct. 22, Nettie Louise, daughter of George M. and
Lucy N. Parker.
28. Nov. 5, George Henry, son of George and Mary A.
Sears.
29. Nov. 9, William, son of John and Julia Quinlan.
30. Nov. 25, Samuel Elmore, son of Charles I. and Lucy E.
Miller.
31. 'Nov. 26, Jennie Etta, daughter of Moses A and Ellen
A. Reed.
S2. Dec. 23, Clarence Bernard, son of Thomas P. and Eliza
J. Owens.
13
Marriages Recorded in acton in 1881
No, Date of Marriage. Names and resicleiices of parties,
1. Jan. 1, Mr. David Mason and Miss Alice M. Robbins,
both of Concord.
2. Feb. 23, Mr, Chas. Barker of Acton, and Miss Clara A.
Goward of Lowell.
3. Feb. 24, Mr. James M. Hendley and Mrs. Mary A.
Wheeler, both of Acton.
4. Feb. 24, Mr. Stephen Waters of Harvard, and Miss Mary
Berry of Acton.
5. April 17, Mr. Frank C. Bobbins and Miss Hattie Young,
both of Acton.
6. April 18, Mr. Otis S. Small and Miss Edith F. Reynolds,
both of Acton.
7. May 18, Mr. Chas. B, Stone of Acton, and Miss Isabel
D. Lewis of Stow.
8. June 7, Mr. Chas. W. Bradley and Miss Josephine E.
Walker, both of Marlboro.
9. July 24, Mr. Eri S. Brooks and Miss Ada L. Barnard,
both of Acton.
10. Aug. 3, Mr. William W. Davis of Acton, and Miss Abbie
R. Worthley of Andover.
11. Sept, 4, Mr. William H. McGee and Miss Emma E.
Moodey, both of Boston.
12. Sept. 6, Mr. Chas. P. Willis of Acton, and Miss Cora E.
Willard of Nashua. N. H.
13. Sept. 24, Mr. Howard B. White of Acton, and Miss
Bertha Sawtelle of West Townsend.
14. Oct. 4, Mr. John L. Wetherbee of Astoria, Oregon, and
Miss Ida F. Wilder of Acton.
15. Nov. 16, Mr. George D. Conant of Acton, and Miss
Margaret L. O'Neil of Concord.
16. Nov. 20, Mr. Jairus C. Wheeler of Acton, and Miss
Alice M. Tibbetts of Concord.
17. Nov. 23, Mr. Osha Knowlton and Miss Nellie M. Han-
dley, both of Acton. *
18. Dec. 24, Mr. George Sumner Wright and Miss Emma
A, Mead, both of Acton.
19. Dec. 25, Mr. George H. Smith and Miss Cora E. Doav,
both of Acton.
14
Deaths Registered in Acton in 1881.
No. Date of Deatli. Names and A.i?es of Deceased.
1. Jan. 3. Mrs. Susie A., wife of Eri S. Brooks, aged 20
vears, 10 months. 29 days.
^ 2. Jan. 6, Mrs. Ruth C, wife of Joseph P. Reed, aged 73,
years, 6 months, 17 days.
3. Jan. 20, Mrs. Betsey H Adams, aged 86 years, 9 months
11 days.
4. Feb. 10, Mrs. Eh'zabeth W. Blood, aged 78 years, 9
months, 22 days.
5. Feb. 18, Mrs. Sarah J., wife of Chas. D. Griggs, aged
30 years.
6. March 1 , Mrs. Alice H. Munroe, aged 21 years, 7 months.
7. March 27, Miss Effie W. Alien, aged 16 years, 3 months,
16 days.
8. April 1, Mrs. Louisa R. Putnam, aged 77 years 3 months
20 days.
9. April 6, Mr. John Dakin. aged 76 years.
10 April 13, Mr. Hugh Gill, aged 47 years, 6 months.
11. April 23, Mr. Edwin Tuttle, aged 40 years, 6 months,
13 days.
12. May 8, Jacob H-, son of Jacob and Martha DockendorfF,
aged 2 years, 7 months, 14 days.
13. May 11, Mr. Nathan Brooks, aged 81 years, 5 months,
14 days.
14. June 12, Mr. Ashyille Sears, aged 82 years.
15. July 24, Walter, son of Michael and Frances R. Dono-
van, aged 3 days.
16. Aug. 4, Mr. Abel Forbush. aged 84 years, 8 months,
17. Aug. 12, Mr. Aaron Fletcher, aged 80 years, 7 months.
18. Aug. 15, Mrs. Susan, wife of Thomas P. Sawyer, aged
57 years.. 11 months, 5 days.
19. Aug. 31, Mr. Benjamin F. Shattuck, aged 54 years.
20. Sept. 6, Mr. Luther H. Jones, aged 49 years.
21. Oct. 21, Mr. Michael J. Hannon, aged 21 years, 1 day.
22. Nov. 3, Mrs. Lydia Hyde, aged 79 yra., 6 mos., 9 dys.
23. Nov. 15, Mrs. Mar}^ Ann Sears, aged 19 yrs., 11 mos., 3 d.
24'. Nov. 25, Mr. Jonathan A. Piper, aged 73 years, 6 months
27 days.
25. Dec. 2, Mrs. Bridget, wife of David Rynn, aged 62 years
3 months.
26. Dec. 81, Mr. James W. Wheeler, aged 69 yrs., 9 mos.
15
Names of Persons in Acton having Dogs Licensed in 1881.
O. Ellsworth Hon glitoB,
Otis II. Fovbiish, "
M. Augusta Hosnier,
Willie F. Richardson,
Joseph Wheeler,
Joua. K. W. Wetherhee,
Theron F. Newton,
Elnathan Jones, 2,
Tuttles, Jones & Wether -
bee, 2,
Lutlier Conant,
Daniel T. Moore,
Danie F. Haywarfl,
Fraiicis Conant,
Chas. H. Handley,
Lxike Tuttle,
Jeremy Austin,
Joseph W. Wherren,
Daniel Harris,
T-,ncius S. Hosnier,
E. F. Fuller,
J. E. Harris,
Whitcorab & Knowllon,
Jolm Hanaforci,
Willis L. Mead,
John W. Charter,
James W. Cob urn,
John Fletcher,
George C. Conant,
Frank E, Hai-ris,
George Conant,
M. E. Taylor,
Eri S. Brooks,
Job W. Dupee,
Chas. A. Harrington,
Solon A. Robbins,
G. H. S. Houghton,
E. J. Robbins,
Daniel Tuttle,
George R. Keyes,
Herman Chaplin,
Jolm Kelley,
Isaac Barker,
Lester N. Fletcher,
Jairus C. Wheeler,
Jerry H. McCarthy,
Louis E. Allen,
Augustus Fletcher,
Isaiah S. Leach,
Chas. Holton,
H. A, Littlefield,
Moses A. Reed,
Chas. H. Wheeler,
George C. Wright,
Taylor Bros. & Co.,
John R. Houghton,
A. Lucien Noyes,
Moses Taylor,
82 Males, at $2.00,
7 Females, at $5.00
Total, 89
$164.00
35.00
$199.00
Gustavus H. Waugh,
Joseph F. Cole,
George Pratt, 2,
Mis. Chas. H. Conant,
Edward Wood,
John Welch,
James Tuttle, ,
Anson C. Piper,
Henry Hanson,
Henry Playnes,
George H. Shapley,
Forbush & Hart well,
T. P. Owens,
Constance O'Neal,
Daniel Gallagher,
Jona. H. Barker,
Chas. L. Beck, 2,
Chas. D. Griggs,
Cyrus Hay ward,
Windsor Pratt,
J. W. Randall,
J. E. Reed,
Stephen White,
J. W. Aldrich,
James Baker,
Frank Pratt,
Daniel McCarthy,
Francis Robbins.
WM. I). TUTTLE, Town Clerk.
Acton, March 15, 1882.
REPORT OF THE
Receipts and Expenditures
OF THE
Almshouse in Acton,
For the Year Ending April 1, 1882.
Articles on Han
D April 1, 1882.
13 cows,
1585 00
7 lbs butter.
$ 2 80
1 horse,
200
00
35 lbs. lard,
3 90
Oat fodder,
22
50
Boiled cider,
75
8 tons hay.
160
00
4 barrels Apples,
4 00
2 " shorts.
40
00
5 gallons soap,
62
2 bags grain,
2
80
2 cider barrels.
2 00
Cotton seed,
75
1-2 barrel flour,
4 12
Corn and oats,
1
50
Eggs,
20
2 shotes,
25
00
Rye meal.
38
Lot bags.
4
00
4 lbs. tea.
1 80
14 cords wood cut for use, 63
00
1 peck beans.
1 00
40 fowls.
20
00
Salt,
17
75 barrels,
11
25
Spices, *^
62
10 market boxes,
1
00
Yeast cakes,
H
1 market wagon.
112
00
Crackers,
50
33 bushels potatoes.
33
00
Soap,
35
12 '' small do.
3
00
Matches,
30
160 lbs. salt pork.
20
00
Kerosene oil.
20
75 " ham,
40 gallons cider.
10
5
FROM ".
50
00
$l-,345 13
Receipts
rowN Farm 1881-1882.
Received for calves.
% 20
75
Received for use of oxen.
S75
cows.
118
00
old iron.
1 13
oxen.
155
00
board of Miss
old horse.
48
00
Carter,
26 80
old wagon
, 20
00
birch poles.
20 00
milk,
902
02
pork.
33 21
poultry,
4
50
apples.
612 60
grapes.
90
1,963 Q>(j
17
EXPENSES
*aid for sugar,
$26 10
Paid for baskets.
56
molasses,
22 24
flour.
84 81
cheese,
11 18
tobacco,
1 50
butter,
58 15
onions,
1 10
beans,
7 20
starch,
71
neat's foot oil.
62
clothes pins,
19
yeast cakes.
49
pails,
44
salt,
2 54
room paper,
3 88
malt and hops.
70
1 keg.
1 25
soap.
8 85
rakes.
90
tea.
9 85
hoes.
96
crackers.
22 51
bean pot,
28
nutmegs,
'88
rice.
90
clove.
26
vinegar,
57
whip and lash.
1 00
ginger.
28
cookmg soda,
1 70
liniment.
45
cream tartar.
2 37
paregoric,
20
fish.
9 37
oat meal,
18
meat,
63 88
rye meal,
33
brooms,
1 82
pepper.
16
shoes.
2 15
lamp wicks,
05
' castings,
57
raisins,
34
coffee.
52
saltpetre
08
snuff.
40
stove polish,
07
axle oil.
37
lantern globes,
50
spirits turpentine, 10
filing saws.
85
. sponge.
42
repairing shoes
and
oil tank,
1 50
harnesses.
1 15
axe.
1 25
collar & sweat pad, 7 00
cattle cards,
24
shavings,
40
zinc and nails,
3 71
white washing,
4 50
candles.
15
labor.
148 00
kerosene oil,
4 74
pasturing cows,
32 25
chimneys.
69
cows.
178 00
matches.
55
oxen,
153 55
brush,
42
shotes,
43 00
fly paper.
10
horse.
175 00
garden seeds.
1 14
coffin, robe, &c.
, for
cloth and clothir
g, 14 52
Henry Jones,
16 00
scythes
1 80
barrels,
49 50
whetstones,
59
use of cart,
2 00
Paris green.
30
use of market
and
sulpher,
30
express wagon, 10 50
18
Paid for market wagon, Si 12 00
use of bull, 3 50
smoking hams, 1 60
Dr. Sanders' bill, 10 25
board and nursing
Mrs. Small,
47
15
Dr. Sanders, do.-
■ 8
00
express.
50
making cider.
1
84
killing hogs.
2
75
repairmgpump,
1
48
rep. riggmg.
10
00
Paid for blacksmith's bill, $18 65
expense marketing 12 SG
stove, 30 00
Receipts,
Income less than Expenditures,
Drawn from Treasury for Small,
- " " '^ " use on Farm,
Due from Treasury to balance account,
Interest on Farm,
Drawn from Treasury,
Victualing 47 Tramps at 40 cents.
Cost of supporting poor on Farm, $ 543 77
Whole number of persons, exclusive of tramps, supported in
Almshouse. 9 ; average number, 6 ; present number, 5.
JOHN E. CUTTER, ) Overseers
OTIS H. FORBUSH, [ of
LYMAN C. TAYLOR, J Poor.
grain,
450 61
phosphate,
16 84
plaster.
2 25
seed potatoes,
4 00
grass seed,
4 65
lumber.
18 64
rep. sled & slei
gh, 3 00
services of J.
Aus-
tin and wife
, 250 00
J. E. Cutter,
40 00
0. H. Forbusl-
I, 15 00
L. C. Taylor,
10 00
$2,286 23
1,963 66
$322 57
$55 15
40 00
$95 15
$227 42
$240 00
322 57
$562 57
18 80
^REPORT
(?y>.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
H
SCHOOL YEAR 1881-82
A C T O N
PRIISTED AT THE OFFICE OF THE PATRIOT, SOUTH ACTON,
■188-2.
" A boy is better unborn than imtanght." — Gascoigne.
"Education alone can conduct us to that enjoyment wliich is at once best in
quahty and infinite in quantity."— Jfanw.
" Education is the only interest worthy the deep, controlling anxiety of the-
thoughtful man." — Phillips.
''Do not then train boys to learning by force and harshness ; but direct them
to it by what amuses their minds, so that you may be the better able to discover with
accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius of each." — Plai'o, 300 B. 0.
Superintendent's Report,
That the interest of our citizens in the schools may be broiio^ht
into a condition of more complete sympathy with the best educational
thought of the present, we will consider, at some length, in this
report, the following topics : The true Aim of the Public School,
The most effective methods of education. The importance of the
most efficient school management and the need of the people's co-
operation and support.
The True Aim of the Public School.
According to Webster "a school is an educational establish-
ment." The office of the piihlic school is to educate the children of
all, without any expense to the parents, or guardians, as individuals.
The true aim of these institutions is to educate the young. This
being so the next question which we ought to consider is. What is
education ? The word is from the Latin language and is from a verb
which means, to draAV or lead' out. It indicates the process of calling
out, or unfolding the powers of those who are under its influence.
Says the authority, quoted above, "Education implies not so much
the communication of knowledge as the discipline of the intellect,
the establishment of the principles and" the regulation of the heart."
Another good author says "The true purpose of education is to
cherish and unfold the seed of immortality, already sown within us ;
to develop to their fullest extent the capacities of every kind, with
which the God who made us has endowed us."
According to these authorities, it is the true aim of the schools,
as educational institutions, to call out the faculties of the young and
properly stimulate and to direct them in their development so that there
may be in them not only a vigorous physical growth, but, at the
same time, a liealthy growth of mental and moral power, which,
at the expiration of a certain time, will make them men and women,
in the highest sense, well fVirnished with all the resom-ces which they
will need to enable them to act well their part in life, both for them-
selves, and for the public good.
This being tlie evident object of the schools, the next question
which we ought to consider is. How may these ends be accomplished ?
What must these institutions attempt practically to do for those
committed to their care ?
To answer this question, we may suppose a child at the age of
five years, brought to the door of a school room and given into the
care of a teacher to be educated by him, until he shall be of a suit-
able age to take up the serious Avork of life. Now how shall the
teacher determine what the measure of his responsibility is, in rela-
tion to that child? What must he attempt to do for his ward, so
that, if he fails in his life work, or, if his career is not a happy one,
he may feel that the fault is not in his education ?
It seems to us that the only way by ^vliich the teacher can reach
a satisfactory solution of this problem is to consi'der, what the child
will need, as he shall stand upon the verge of manhood, in order to
be reasonably sur<5 of a successful life, and, then to decide what of
these qualifications must come to him from without, that is, aside
from a merely natural development, and this will determine the extent
of his own responsibility, as an educator, and in the same way may be
ascertained the proper scope and method of any school.
A person's qualifications for success in life may be embraced
under four heads : (a) a good physical organism {h) a mind
well furnished with the most practical and suggestive elements of
knowledge, (c) a set of well disciplined mental powers whicli will
make independent thought and investigation possible and easy, and.
{d) coi-rect habits and moral principles.
The space of this report will not permit us to in<licatc, in detail,
the processes by which a true system of education will tend to secure
to the pupils all these desirable ends. In this paper, we wish to im-
ply more than the space permits us to express. Of course, the little
child, as he stands at the door of the schoolroom, lacks every quality
which would secure to him power and success in life, and, strange as
it may seem, almost every desirable acquisition must come to him
from his education. It may be said that nature will give him a
physical development, if he is properly provided with food and shelter.
This may be true to a degree, but still it is the fact that, in this re-
gard, education may have a most important office to perform. The
nation which has a population of the best physique and of the great-
est endurance is Germany, in whose schools, physical culture and
instruction in the laws of hygiene occupy a prominent place. In the
best school, much attention must be paid to the right development of
the pupils' bodily powers so that he will be erect and graceful in his
movements and have a good presence in every respect. As to the
second qualification for success in life, viz. : the possession of the
practical and suggestive essentials of knowledge, great care should
be l^aken not only to secure these to the pupils but to do so in the best
possible way that the knowledge may be not only practical, but
really suggestive and stimulating. The American schools, of the
past, have not underrated the importance of instilling the largest
possible amount of knowledge, but by the methods which they have
practiced to secure this essential to success, they have sacrificed the
third requisite named above ; they have dwarfed the reasoning
powers and made of the children's minds mere pockets for certain
scraps of knoAvledge and, in their eflfbrts to compel them to apply
themselves to their mental tasks, they have resorted to such expe-
dients, in the way of incentives, that they have done little for the
pupils' morals, so that only a small part of the true end of education
has been accomplished in many schools.
All this being true, every one having at heart the highest inter-
ests of the rising generation and of the state, ought to be ready to
inquire.
What are the Most Effective Methods of Education ?
Space does not permit us, in attempting to answer this question,
to enter into details. Briftly stated, we would say that the best
methods are those which promote in a systematic and symmetrical
Avay all the ends of education. There are in the minds of children
natural and easy avenues of access, by which, stores of most useful
information may be conveyed so that they will rest where they are
placed. Knowledge, thus imparted, will be retained, not simply by a
sheer strain of the memory, until the examination is over and then
be gone, leaving in the minds only some shreds of information and a
feeling of disgust for everything that pertains to the scliool, but it
will be a permanent acquisition. The natural agents, for the com-
munication of ideas to the minds of children, are the five senses.
It is the province of these, from the very commencement of human
life, to tes.t the qualities of objects and to carry the impressions of
them to the seat of reason, where they are duly considered and pass-
ed upon, by the mind's highest power, and these decisions, are the
facts which are the first possessions of the human soul. The natural
method of infancy and cliildhood, in the acquisition of knowledge,
furnishes us the clue to the best methods of education. A school
conducted upon these principles may not be so brilliant in its seeming,
immediate results, but, in the end, it will prove to be the best school
even as regards the communication of facts and, in relation to the
grand scope of education, it will be the only truly successful school.
c>
In the statements wliieli we have just made and explained is to
be found the underlying principle of the most approved methods of
school management, at the present time. The system ¥/hich the
best educationists, not only of America but of any country, which
lays claim to a progressive spirit, wish to see adopted is foimded upon
an intelligent view of the powers of the mind and therefore is rea-
sonable and must, in the end, be generally received and practiced.
In our report for 1879-80, we indicated quite fully our ideas of
the best methods of teaching all the branches, required to be taught
in our common schools, and we will not take the space to repeat
anything that we said in that report. In most of our schools, these
principles have been quite fully carried out and the result has been
so pleasing, both to parents and to pupils, that anything like the old
methods will fail to satisfy the popular demand. We are Avilling
that the merits of the system shall be determined by its results, as
pronounced upon by those who are in a position to know the facts in
the case. Here and there is a person who objects to the advanced
methods, on the score that they are new. But this objection is
founded upon a very grave mistake ; they are not new. They are as
old as the human race and in these modern times they have been
practiced upon the continent of Europe, for a period of more than
a hundred years and with the most completely satisfactory results.
We have in our possession extracts from a report by M. Cuvier,
on the schools of Holland, made to the French government in 1812,
which contains descriptions of schools whose processes were almost
identical with what are termed " the advanced methods" in America,
to-day. M. Cuvier in speaking of this system as he saw it in operation,
throughout the Netherlands, says" " It is admirable and above all
praise. " This is and lias been, for jeavs, the system of Germany,
which is confessedly the best educated nation in the Avorld : and, in
our own land, its most essential ideas have been practiced for such a
period of time that they are no longer experimental to any degree.
But without occupying more space upon this topic I proceed to con-
sider
The Importance of our School Interests, and of their Efficient
Management, and the Necessity that exists for the Cor-
dial Co-operation and Hearty Support of the People,
THAT the Wisest Measures may be Adopted and
Uninterruptedly Continued.
Tbe public schools are the people's most valuable possession,
for, while they are continued and rightly conducted^ they have it
within their power to secure to their children a good education,
which may be to them the key to wealth, to position and to every-
thino% which man considers desirable in this life. For this reason,
the mass of the people ought to take a keen interest in these institutions
and to see to it that they are not only sustained for a certain num-
ber of months, during the year, but that, they are so managed, as
to be abreast of the most intelligent thought of the times and fully equal
to the best private institutes, which are accessible only to the
children of the rich. In America every man is as good as his neigh-
bor, so long as he shows himself a law-abiding and useful citizen
and the best schools are none to good for the children of the poorest
and most unfortunate men and women in the State.
But this matter of efficient schools touches not simply the
homes that have children, but it affects the good name and even the
property interests of the town. Who will venture to select, as liis
place of residence, a com'munity whose schools have the reputation
of being far behind the times? We are sure it is apparent to almost
every one that good and efficient schools are a public necessity, but
it ought also to be understood they cannot be secured and continued
without the co-operation and support of the people.
If we are to be up with the times, educationally, changes in
school methods, must be made, and, however good they may be, they
will excite criticism and opposition on the part of some, which may
greatly hinder their work and neutralize their good results.
Says Ex-Gov. Rice, in a recent speech, '•' I have- heard sensi-
ble men point to the old red school house and say they and other
men as good and successful got their education there and is not that
sufficient? In all our communities, there are some who talk as
above. We quote again, from the same speech, " It is substantially
true that the simple sclrools of those days were sufficient, but does it
follow that, because they were sufficient for those days, therefore we
shall stick to them, while the whole world has been rushing forward,
in every department of knowledge, and while society and the whole
sphere of human activity have been advancing at a rapid rate ? It
is an absurdity to say, that our school system shall be stationary,
while every other instrumentality in the world is rushing forward
with a velocity that is absolutely incomprehensible. Now, I venture
nothing in saying that the school system of Massachusetts to-day' is
no farther advanced .than were the schools, to which I have alluded,
com^pared with the state of society that then existed."
Without dwelling further upon these general topics, which we
have considered it to be expedient to discuss at some length, we wish
in presenting this report to congratulate the town upon the success
which, on the whole, has attended our schools during the past year.
We^diave , been enabled, by the town's generous increase of appropri-
ation, to extend the average length of the schools so that we can
report to the State a school year of nine months, which will be great-
ly to^our credit.; i^We trust^the ])ublic spirit of our citizens will be
8
equal to anotlier similiar appropriation this year. It is with a perfect
confidence in your generosity and wisdom that Ave again com-
mend to your consideration this interest which occupies a large place
in our hearts and in our thoughts.
We now call your attention to a brief review of each' school.
West Gram:\iar.
This school has been taught by Miss A. C. Davis, whose name
has been most favorably mentioned in our annual reports for several
years, as in charge of other schools. To give our estimate of her
work here, would be simply to repeat what we have said respecting
her before. Her service has been as satisfactory here as elsewdiere
and is highly appreciated by all having the highest interests of the
school at heart.
West Primary.
This school has had but one teacher during the year, Miss I. B.
Campbell, a graduate of the Framinghara ^^ormal School. She
found the discipline somewhat difficult, during the first two terms, but
was more successful the last term, in this respect. Her methods of
teaching are excellent, her temper is so even and her ways are so pleas-
ing that she must have a beneficial influence over her pupils. We
feel that the school is doing well under her care.
South Grammar.
This school has continued under the efficient charge of Miss
R. E. Stacy, and we look upon the favorable exhibit of the scholars
at the examination which closed the winter term, as a conclusive
proof of the wisdom of retaining a good teacher several consecuti\'e
years. Tlie condition of the school is highly creditable to all con-
nected with its management.
South Primary.
Miss Jennie McAlister continued to have charge of this school
until nearly the close of the spring term, when she resigned to accept
a position abroad and Mrs. M. A. Leach, a former successful teacher,
finished the school. The Fall term was commenced by Miss J.
Brown who, at the end of three weeks, having an opportunity to
continue her studies, at Harvard College, and finding the discipline
of the school quite too difficult for her strength, resigned. In this
emergency. Miss M. B. Alien took charge of the school. As might
be expected from so many changes in teachers. Miss A. found the
school in a very disorganized state. But by the exercise of considerable
force of will, and by the introduction of systematic and natural
methods of manao-ement and instruction, she has made this to be
9 •
one of the most orderly and efficient schools in town. The examina-
tion, at the close of the last term, showed that the pupils had made
a most commendable progress in all their studies. We trust the
present desirable state of affairs will continue.
Centre Grammar.
This school was taught by Miss C. H. Allen, who, as a teacher,
found her first experience here, but who discharged her duties so
well that she won, to a marked degree, the love and respect of both
pupils and parents. This school is so well classified that, it is possi-
ble to accommodate quite a large number of older scholars by permitting
them to pursue some of the more advanced studies. We think these
pupils, by their presence in the school, have done much to keep up
its morale and to excite the ambition of the younger scholars, and
that the policy has been a good one in every respect. The present
teacher has done much for pupils, in the way of developing their pow-
ers of expression, and the examination, at the close of the winter
term, showed a breadth of culture such as is seldom equalled in a
common school.
Centre Primary.
This school has continued in the charge of Miss B. M. Ball and
retains the same distinguished position which it has held in the past.
Each term of school, under the care of this teacher, is an improve-
ment upon the previous one. Here is another proof of the wisdom
of retaining the same teacher in a school for a series of years. We
trust this policy will be continued. It is only by this means that we
can have schools that are worthy of the name. Miss Ball,
by an undisturbed service, in this school, for a period of three years,
has secured to it an efficiency which we had not supposed was possi-
ble. If we have good teachers let us keep and sustain them.
East School.
Miss S. A. Wetherbee has continued to be the teacher, through-
out the year, and with a seemingly constant increase of efficiency.
We have never witnessed an examination here that gave us more
pleasure than the one which closed the winter term. The present
excellent condition of the school is greatly to the credit of the teacher
and of all concerned.
North School.
Miss Emma Esterbrook, who was mentioned in favorable terms
in our last report, continued in this school during the first two terms
of the year. The examination at the close of the Fall term was very
pleasing to all who are interested in the school. We wish to com-
mend the taste whicli was displayed in the decoration of the room.
10
Tlie Winter term was taught by Mr. O. W. Duttou, a resident
of the district. Mr. D. had a good reputation, as a teacher in a
neighboring town, and his Avork here was perfectly satisfactory.
The examination showed that the pupils had made a good degree
of progress in all their studies, and that they had a practical
knowledge of what they had attempted to learn. The register of this
school for the year is not defaced by a single tardy mark.
South East School.
The Spring and Fall terms were taught by Miss Ella E. Tuttle
and with a general acceptance and success which we never have seen
excelled in this school. The examination, at the close of the Fall
term, was very satisfactory and the committee would have retained
her the next term, had she not preferred to seek further school ad-
vantages for herself.
The Winter term was taught by Miss Estelle D. Heath, a resi-
dent of the district. Miss H. devoted herself with much earnestness
to the work and, under more favorable circumstances, might have
had a high degree of success. As it was, the few pupils who were
present at the examination appeared quite well.
Appended, are the usual statistical tables.
For the Committee,
FRANKLIN P. WOOD, Superwtendent.
11
ROLL OF HONOR
Names of those who have not been Absent or Tardy.
One Term.
Susie Billings,
Carrie Hanson,
Mary Knights,
Clara Leach,
Mabel Richardson,
Carrie Shapley,
Isadore Willis,
George Warren,
Liitie Hosmer. f
May Bo wen.
Bertha Jones,
Ada Jones,
Maude Sawyer,
Charles Moulton,
Charles Fletcher.
Ida Tuttle,
Bertie Hall, *
Emery Clark, *
Edward Holton, *
Florence Richardson ^
Grace Richardson, *
John Hannaford,
John Mahoney,
Alice Stone.
Susie Conant,
Sara Hammond,
Carrie'Lund,
Warren Robbins.
South Grammar.
Two Terms.
Emily Hannon,
Sadie Sawyer,
Eva Shapley,
Eda Shapley.
Three Terms.
South Primary,
Dora Barker, *
Olive Barker.
West Grammar.
West Primary.
Ida Richardson,
Alfred Richardson.
Centre Grammar.
Annie Hammond,
Annie Noyes,
Elbrid^e Conant.
Emma Hart.
Hattie Robbins.
12
One Term,
May Calder, *
Lottie Conant, *
Millie E. Handley,
Clara L. Hammond,
Maude Purcell,
Clara B. Robbins,
Grace E. Tuttle,
Arthur C. Allen,
Albert J. Reed,
Olive D. Wood. *
Bertha F. Hosmer,
Kittie O'Connell,
John O'Neal,
Herbert H. Robbins.
Bertha Dupee,
George Smith,
Irving Smith,
Elwyn Harris,
Everett Wayne.
Josie Keith,
Gertrude Griggs,
Joseph Pother,
Shirley Jones,
Moses Young.
Centre Priimary.
Tivo- Terms.
Charles Calder, *
Luther Conant, Jr.
Henry L. Livermore,
Harry Niekerson, *
Parley Richardson, *
Three Terms.
East School.
North School.
Elorence Dupee,
Mattie Randolph,
Mattie Smith,
Hattie Smith,
Augusta Smith,
Wallie Smith,.
J. Sidney White.
South East School.
George Hooper,
Fred. Pother,
Willie Jones.
Willie Hooper.
Tardy once. f Absent one half day.
13
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S FINANCIAL REPORT.
To THE Citizens of Acton : —
Your School Committee respectfully submit the following report
of receipts and expenditures. For information respecting the condition
and management of the schools, we refer you to the foregoing report
of the vSuperintendent and to the annexed tabular view. We con-
gratulate the town upon the present apparently prosperous condition of
our educational work and ask for it your continued generous support.
WEST SCHOOL,
Mrs. Lucy M. Mead, Agent.
$847 57
Drawn from the treasury,
. $790 00
Balance from last year,
57 57
Paid to teachers.
S623 00
for fuel.
90 27
care of house and furnace,
60 00
incidentals,
10 83
Balance on hand.
63 47
$847 57
CENTRE SCHOOL.
Luther Conant, Agent.
Drawn from the treasury,
Balance from last year.
Paid to teachers,
for care of house,
incidentals,
fuel and preparing it.
$790
00
2
25
$673
00
43
00
6
92
69
33
792 25
$792 25
14
SOUTH SCHOOL.
George
F.
Flagg,
Agent
Drawn from treasury,
$790
00
Balance from last year.
11
07.
Paid to teachers,
1681
00
for books,
. 4
11
fuel,
40
00
care of house,
55
00
incidentals.
10
40
Balance on hand.
10
56
801 07
NORTH SCHOOL.
Job Dupee, Agent.
Drawn from the treasury, $ 350 00
Balance from last year, 44 41
Paid to teachers, $ 305 50
for fuel, 35 94
care of house, ^ 13 00
maps and pointers, 9 75
organ, 5 00
erasers, desk books and incidentals, 8 16
Balance on hand, 17 06
SOUTH EAST SCHOOL.
CD. Griggs, Agent.
Drawn from the treasury, on last year's acct. $ 25 00
'' " ' this '' '' 250 00
Deficiency on last year's
account,
$12 18
Paid to teachers,
204 00
for fuel,
34 50
incidentals,
1 76
care of house,
3 00
Balance on hand.
19 56
394 41
194 41
275 00
lo
EAST SCHOOL.
George Chandler, Agent.
Drawn from the treasury,
Balance from last year,
Deficiency,
270 00
12 05
1 13
Paid to teachers.
$288 00
for fuel.
46 27
organ (in part for last year)..
16 00
care of house,
30 50
incidentals,
2 41
Amount raised by the town for schools.
13,000 00
Income from State school fund,
180 21
'' " dog fund,
173 95
I 383 18
$383 18
$3,354 16
Number of children between the ages of five and fifteen, 29 2.
Sum raised by the town for each, $10.75.
Respectfully submitted.
LUTHER CONANT, Chairman,
JOB DUPEE, Clerk,
GEORGE F. FLAGG,
LUCY M. MEAD,
CHARLES D. GRIGGS,
GEORGE CHANDLER,
School
Ccmmittee
of Acton.
1(1
TABULAR VIEW.
-
-^
SCHOOLS.
TEACHEES.
'M'^j r^- \ ui
1 ^ i
J 1 1 io
^ ;r
K 1^
"^
t 1^
111 1
■^ ^
T' I aj
P,
if- j ^
1"^
^,
'^
cc
"3 i _•
' j-^ i
r^
S
1
>
<
■
^ |«
c c 1 ;£
SPRING TEEM.
1
Centre i ^'^'animar
3Iiss C. H. Alien
'•' B. M. Ball
i<36.00
mm
30*
33
27
31.7
24.85!
27.3 !2
13
23
14
56
71
( Grainniar
" E. E. Stacv
3
40.00
26
24
23.3
7
14
6
S"""' ] Primary
jMissJ.M.ivPAlistei
iMrs. M. A. Leach
3
36.00
41
37
34.6
21
34
w^«+ J <^Trammar
Miss A. C. Davis
3
36.00
35
32.3
28.05
7i 251 32
" LB. CampbeU
3
30.00
45
39.7
32.7
1
Oi 16| 41
East
" S. A.Wetherbee
m
32.00
27
23.7
24.0911
16
14
North
" E. F. Estahrook
2%\ 30.00
21
20
18.39 '0
ll 10
27
South East
" S. E. Tut tie
Totals,
2^41 24.00
18
16
14 il
JL!
27
253ii
300.00
276
254.4
227.28
5
28147
308
FAI^L TEEM.
1
!
ce..t-i?szr
Miss C. H. Allen
2% ■^40. 00
21
18.3
16 io
13
12
88
" B. M. Ball
2^4
36.00
30
29.4
27.2 1
12
84
Grammar
" E. E. Stacy
3
40.00
28
24
23.3
10
14
8
South ^p,.i^,^,y
j Miss J. Br; )wn
] '' M. B.Allen
3
36.00
46
42
37
25
60
Wpg+ * Grammar
^^ ^^^ ] Primary
Miss A. C. Davis
3
36.00
38
36.1
31.4 io
7
25
23
'• LB. CampbeU
3
32.00
43
41.17
37.05
16
26
East
'' S. A.Wetherbte
^H
3-2.00
33
27.7
25.6 '0
22
20
North
" E. F. Esta brook
•2h
32.00
18
16.17
14.27 io
9
34
South East
'' E. E. Tuttle
Totals,
2y>
24.00
19
18.5
16 jl
8
21
2oy,
308.00
276
253.34
227.82 1 2
30
143
364
WINTER TERM.
Gpti trp i C^rammar
Centie ^ p^.^-.^j^^.^
MissC.H. Allen
sy
^40.00
32
30.7
28.2
14
15
110
" B. M. BaU
3y
36,00
32
29.2
25.4
16
94
Q^.n+i, Gramm.ar
South ]p,.i,,,ary
'• E. E. Stacv
3 ■
40.00
28
26
24
12
12
10
" M. B. AJieia
3
36.00
47
39
34.7
1
31
44
Wo«+ J Grammar
^^^'* -j Primary
'• A. G. Davis
334
36.00
47t
41.34
36.04;
13
23
13.
" LB. CampbeU
3>1
32.00
41
39.25
35.14!
17
25
East
'' S. A.Wetherbee
sy
32.00
32
29.2
24.44 lO
2
19
30
North
Mr. 0. W. Dutton
m
36.00
15
14.2
13.5 io
2
8
22
South East
Miss E. D Heath
Totals,
Aggi-egate for year,
4i
24.00
17
15.75
13 io
2
10
27
30
312.00
1
291
264.64
234.42 1 1
45
151
375
811^
920.001843
772.38
689.52 '8
103'44lll047
* One of these a half day scholar and another recited in special studies.
f Two of these half day scholars.
The average attendance, during the year, was 89 1-5 per cent, of the average
num-ber belonging to the schools, and 79 per cent, of the nural:)er in town between
five and iifteen years of age.
I^EI^OK^TS
SelegienandOtherOfficers s
OF THE-
¥ow:K 0^ ^c^oK,
FEB. 26, 1882, TO FEB. 26, 1883,
-INCLUDING THE-
P^^^I^eEg, Bll^ipg ma DE^TP^ ipj iss^,
-ALSO, THE-
Report of the School Committee,
ACTON:
PRINTED AT OFFICE OF THE ACTON PATRIOT, SO. ACTON.
18 8 3.
TOWN OFFICERS for 1883.
Town Clerk.
William D. Tuttle.
Selectmen.
D. James Wetherbee, John White, Phineas Wetherbee.
Assessors.
Wm. D. Tuttle, Phineas Wetherbee, Hiram J. Hapgood.
Overseers of the Poor.
Elisha H. Cutler, Otis H. Forbush, Luke Blanchard.
School Committee.
Job W. Dupee and Geo. Chandler, 1 y; Lucius S. Hos-
mer and John E. Cutter, 2 yrs. ; 2 to be chosen
at April meeting.
Highvjay Sjii'veyors.
Daniel Wetherbee, Charles Wheeler, Abram H. Jones,
Joseph F. Cole, John Fletcher, 2d, Geo. R. Keyes.
Fence Viczucrs.
Wm. W. Davis, Nahum C. Reed, John R. Houghton.
Surveyors of Ltunher.
Wm. B. Davis, Geo. H. Plarris, Ed. F. Richardson,
Chas. B. Stone, L. W. Stevens, E. J. Robbins.
Surveyors of Wood.
E. J. Robbins, Geo. H. Harris, S. L. Dutton, Wm. B.
Davis, Chas. B. Stone, Isaac W. Flagg, J. W.
Loker, L. S. Hosmer, Aaron S. Fletcher, Charles H.
Taylor, Moses E. Taylor.
Surveyors ofHoofsanct Staves.
David M. Handley, Augustus Fletcher.
Cein ctery Co m m ittee .
John Fletcher, Wm. W. Davis, Joseph F. Cole.
Field Drivers,
A. W. Gardner, M?crtm Tuttle, Wm. U. Murphy, James
B. Tuttle, Geo. W. Cole, Clarence W. Brown,
James P. Brown.
TREASURER'S REPORT.
Dr.—
Paid State Treasurer, State Tax, $ 1,440 00
County Treasurer, County Tax, 542 70
On Selectmen's Orders, 12,479 22
To Outstanding Orders, 1,513 84
Balance due the Town Feb. 2G, 1883, 1,149 51
$;i f ,i25 2T
— Ur.
By Balance in Treasury Feb. 26, 1882, $ 39 08
Received of J. E. Cutter, taxes, 1881, 2,256 27
" State Treas., Corporation tax, 907 96
'' ^- " National Bank tax, 728 48
'^ Indigent Soldiers, 201 00
" ^' •' State Aid,
''■ " '■' State Paupers,
'' '' " Scliooi Fund,
" Joseph Cole, for lots sold in
Mt. Hope Cemetery 1881,
^' Geo. P. Flagg, rent S. Rooms,
'^ Chas. Wheeler, for labor,
" J. E. Cutter, for poll tax of
Scott Adams, 2 00
Julian Tuttle, rent Town Hall, 117 20
D. J. Wetherbee, for oil, 8 40
'' John Fletcher, for lots sold in
64 00
14 10
179 13
23 00
45 00
50
Woodlawn Cemetery,
37 00
Joseph Cole for lots in
Mt. Hope Cemetery,
3 00
County Treas., dog fund,
145 08
J. W. Dupee, Collector,
12
,284 34
laterest on money in Bank,
69 73
$ 17,125 27
SELECTMEN'S REPOET.
Receipts and Expenditures.
{Jnexpeiicled balance of last year, $2,295 35
Joseph F. Cole, Mt. Hope Cemetery '81, 23 00
Geo. F. Flagg, rent of So. A, School House, 45 00
Charles Wheeler, labor,
50
John E. Cutter, poll tax,
2 00
State Treas., Corporation Tax,
907 96
''- '' National Bank Tax,
728 48
State Aid,
64 00
•• '• Relief of Indigent Soldiers
, 201 00
'^ " Support of State Paupers,
14 10
'' " School Fund,
179 13
Interest on money in bank.
69 73
D. J. Wetherbee, oil,
8 40
Julian Tuttle, use of Town Hail and cellar, 117 20
Town Grant,
7,000 00
'' for Schools,
3,000 00
" " for Highways,
1,500 00
State Tax,
1,440 00
County Tax,
542 70
Bounty Tax,
4,000 00
Overlayings,
■ 82 77
Joseph P. Colo, Mt. Hope Cemetery 188
2, 3 00
John Fletcher, Woodlawn "
37 00
County Treas., Dog Tax,
145 08
$22,406 40^
Support of Schools.
iPaid Lucius S. Hosmer, South District, $ 790 00
John E. Cutter, Centre
LncyM. Mead, West ''
George Chandler, East ''
Job W. Dupee, North
Charles D. Griggs, S. East "
790 00
790 00
350 00
350 00
275 00
$ 3,345 00
Repairs on Town Buildings.
Paid L. S. Hosmer, repairs on South Acton
School House, $ 25 38
Geo. Chandler, '^ " East
House, 15 10
Luther Conant, " ^' Centre
House, 21 46
Lucy M. Mead, '' -' West
House, 13 19
L. U. Holt, register for Town Hall, 8 00
Kegular
Higfeway
Work.
Paid A.
H.
Jones,
$ 300 00
Chas.
Wheeler,
681 15
A.
H.
Jones,
385 37
f 83 13
$ 1366 52 '
Printing. i
Paid C. W. Leach, 24 Warrants, $ 3 00 ;
'^ 500 Selectmen's reports, 10 00 ' \
<• '' 600 Town reports, 56 00 ]
E. J. Hammer, Warrants and Posters, 8 00 I
D. J. Wetherbee, Warrants, 6 50
$ 83 50 J
Support of Poor.
Paid John E. Cutter, deficiency on Town Farm,
to April 1st., 1882, $227 42
E. H. Cutler, support Clara Wheeler, 275 42
" '' '' Eliza Bergendahl, 179 91
'- " '' Traynor Family, 29 71
t<
a i.
a i.
" Mrs. Pike,
47 00
'' Reddin Family,
13 00
'• R. B. Adams,
79 00
Coffin and Robe for
Mrs. Adams,
14 00
support Ola Nelson,
37 80
" Hannah Stanton,
42 10
^' Mrs. John Whitney, 16 00
'^ Jeremiah Shine, 17 00
'^ W. Moffitt,
31 88
for Dr. Hutchins, medical
attendance on J. Shine,
64 25
for Dr. Hutchins, medical
attendance Traynor family, 7 50
for Dr, Sanders, medical
attendance 0. Penniman,
7 00
lor journey to Lowell, 1 50
" '• Boston, 2 00
'^ ^' Westford, 1 50
Stationery and Stamps, 1 50
Samuel Hoar, counsel fees
in Adams' case, 9 00
Cemetery Expenses.
Paid John Fletcher, labor and trees for
Woodlawn Cemetery,
$ 79 77
J. F. Cole, labor in Mt. Hope
Cemetery,
39 75
John Flether, labor in Woodlawn
Cemetery,
57 82
81,104 4^
$176 84
state Aid.
Paid John CorroUj
^96 00
George Dole,
48 00
Allen G. Smith,
96 00
Benjamin Skinner,
72 00
Mrs. R. C. Wright,
48 00
Ola Nelson,
4 00
$364 00
Town Debt.
Paid Luther Billings, note and interest.
1211 26
Mrs. H. A. Piper, " "
2016a
Luther Conant, ^' ''
763 87
Fred. Rouillard, ^' "
2,049 67
Mrs. J. K. Putney, "
676 00
D. J. Wetherbee, " "
587 35
$ 4,489 78
Interest on Town Debt.
Paid F. Rouillard, $120 00
Luther Conant, 45 00
D. J. Wetherbee, 34 52
H. A. Piper, ' 12 00
Mrs. J. K. Putney, ' 39 00
$25062
\
Town Officers, ]
Paid lu U. Holt, Sealer of Weights and ]
Measures, $ 9 00 1
Rev. F. P. Wood, Sup't. Schools, 55 00 i
John E. Cutter, Collecting Taxes, '81, 80 00
Wm. D. Tuttle, services as Assessor, 40 00 j
L. S. Hosmer, " " '' 20 00 " ]
Phineas Wetherbee, " " 30 00 j
J. K. W. Wetherbee, services as Treas, 40 00 j
John White, Selectman, 45 00 . I
D, J. Wetherbee, " 85 00
P. Wetherbee, '' 45 00 \
Wm. D. Tuttle, Town Clerk, 25 00 ^
$474 00 :
Miscellaneous.
Paid A. J. Willis, breaking roads, $ 17 84
L. E. Reed, attending 25 burials, 75 00
" " making 25 death returns, 6 25
" " work at Cemetery, 2 00
" " repairs on Hearse, 7 00
James Kinsley, for the Hurley road, 8 00
Dr. Sanders, medical attendance
on J. W. Mansfield, 50 00
E. Robbins, for land for E. Cemetery, 8 00
C. W. H. Moulton & Co., for ladders, 125 00.
Job W. Dupee, breaking roads, 25 15
John E. Cutter, abatement of taxes, 42 42
E. F. Richardson, stakes for
Woodlawn Cemetery^ 8 79
A. L. Tuttle, building road, 100 00
P. Wetherbee, lumber and labor for
storage of ladders, 15 07
D. J. Wetherbee, sign boards, • 2 19
^* ^' tile for So. Acton sluice, 8 45
" " coal for Town House, 14 50
James W. Hayward, freight on tile, 2 00
J. K. W. Wetherbee, over draft on
Treas. at time of settlement, 11 16
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee,
for settees for Town House,
John E. Cutter, discount on taxes.
Treasurer of Littleton, for schooling
A. Bulette's children,
Samuel Hosmer, breaking roads,
L. S. Hosmer, tax book,
*' " printing tax notices,
" *^ collector's book,
" post for So. A. School H.
€has. Wheeler, repairs on W. A cton
bridge, 117 88
68 71
39 50
43 00
1 50
1 00
2 50
100
7 00
Paid C, Wheeler railing on W. A. bridge,
$32 61
'< " breaking roads, 28 03
*' *^ building new bridge at
Smith's Mill, 25 86
Luke Tuttle, breaking roads, 15 82
J. E. Cutter, " '' 13 65
Moses Taylor, " ^^ 6 45
Luther Conant, " '• 4 50
A.H.Jones, " '' . 77 45
Francis Pratt, '' '' 26 45
F. H. Whitcomb, " 44 00
N. Littlefield, '^ ' '' 2170
J. P. Tenney, " '' " 7 68
C. L. Davis, '' " 60
D. Wetherbee, '' '' 1882, 29 56
I. W. Flagg, 10 doz. paper pails, 43 25
A. H. Jones, repairs on Powder Mill
bridge, 30 82
L. E. Reed, attending 30 buriels, 90 00
'> '^ making 29 returns 7 25
'' '^ repairs on Hearse, 155
Edward Tuttle, use of pump, C. School, 5 00
Julian Tuttle, opening Hall, 26 times, 35 00
'* " '^ Selectmen's room, 3 75
''
care of cellar,
3 00
a
u
clock.
10 00
a
a
cleaning ''
2 00
u
''
Hall,
2 00
u
u
wood, chimneys, brooms.
u
(C
hooks.
18 00
Wm.
D. Tuttle, express on documents.
2 58
u
" laying out lots in
Woodlawn Cemetery,
150
u
'* Assessors' notices.
125
i(
book.
25
10
Paid W. D. Tuttle message to W. Acton, $ 10
'' "• journey to Concord, 2 39
" " collecting returns, 75
^•' '^ collecting and recording
36 births, 18 00
" " collecting and recording
25 marriages,
'- '• recording 32 deaths,
Job W. Dupeo, discount on taxes,
D. J. Wetherbee, counsel fees,
Henry Brooks, repairs on highway,
J. W. Dupee, abatement off taxes.
3 75
5 20
769 31
12 00
10 00
27 14
$2,255 28^
11
Receipts from February 26th, 1882, to February 26th, 1883.
Unexpended balance, as per report of
Feb. 26tli., 1882, $2,295 85
Appropriations and receipts, 20,111 05
83,345 00
<i[)^^,~Z:\JKJ TtV ,^
Expenditures.
Support of Schools,
#
Repairs on Town buildings,
83 13
Regular highway work.
1,366 52
Support of Poor,
1,104 49
Town Debt,
4,489 78
Soldiers' Aid,
364 00
',i
Interest on Notes,
250 52
Town OflScers,
474 00
■i
Printing,
' 83 50
Cemetery Expenses,
176 84
\
Miscellaneous,
2,255 28
State Tax,
1,440 00
County Tax,
542 70
$15,975 76^ ^
1883,
Bal. in Col. and Treas. hands, Feb. 26,
$6,430 64 I
Deduct Bounty Tax,
4,000 00
Balance in favor of the Town,
$2,430 64 i
4
D. J. WETHERBEE ] Selectmen \
JOHN WHITE, y of i
PHINEAS WETHERBEE, J Acton. ;
Acton, Feb. 26th., 1883.
12
TOWN clerk;s report
worn issSo
List of Births in Acton in 1882.
No. Date of Birth. Xame of Child. Name of Parents.
1. Jan. 4, Ralph Bradley Stone, son of Edwin and
Frances A. Stone.
2. Jan. 24, Eugene Warren Knowiton, son of Ancil W.
and Lizzie M. Knowiton.
3. Feb. 15, Clara Lewis Stone, daughter of Charles B.
and Isabel D. Stone.
4. Feb. 21, Charles Austin Lawrence, son of Austin E.
and Mary J. Lawrence.
5. Mar. 9, Daniel Connors, son of Morris and Honora
Connors.
C). Mar. 20, Charles Eliot Coding, son of Theodore P.
and Ella F. Coding.
7. Mar. 22, Margaret Anna McCarthy, daughter of
Michael and Sarah McCarthy.
8. Mar. 23, Cenie Evelyn Fletcher, daughter of Jon a P.
and Lizzie Fletcher.
9. Apr. 20, Crace May Hayward, daughter oi Amos
H. and Etta C.*^ Hayward.
10. Apr. 26, Frank O'Neil, son oY Patrick and Hannah
O'Neil.
11. June 4, Sadie Emma Lindley, daughter of Ceorge
and Alice Lindle}^.
12. June 7, Charles L. Bradford, Jr., son of Charles L.
and Eliza D. Bradford.
13. June 29, Florence Pearl Smith, daughter of George
H. and Cora E. Smith.
14. June 30, Jessie Louise Knowiton, daughter of Frank
R. and Emma S. Knowiton.
13
15. July 1, Winfield iVlmon Lawrence, son of James R.
and Abbie F. Lawrence.
16. July 14, A daughter to Jeremiah Jr. and Louise Lu-
cius.
17. July 23, Marion Wood, daughter of Eben F. and
Mary A. Wood.
18. July 24, Daniel Callahan, son of Daniel and Ellen
Callahan,
19. July 2(), Walter Gaston Tuttle, son of Amos S. and
Amy M. Tutde.
20. Aug. 1, Anne Sawtelle White, daughter of Howard
B. and Bertha White.
21. Aug. 3, Jennie Blanche Sawyer, daughter of Thom-
as J. and Kate Sawyer.
22. Aug. 22, Vera May Knowlton, daughter of Octavus
A. and Etta L. Knowlton.
23. Aug. 25, Alia Blanche Hesselton, daughter of Lu-
cius A. and Martha F. Hesselton.
24. Aug. 25, Clarence Bernard Smith, son of Allen G.
and Georgianna Smith.
25. Sept. 5, Charles Julian Tuttle, son of Julian and
Hannah E. Tutde.
26. Sept. 11, Mary Eleanor Louise Palmer, daughter of
Nathan R. and Abbie M. Palmer
27. Sept. 14, Sarah Viola Knowlton, daughter of Osha
P. and Nellie F. Know^lton.
28. Oct. 21, Ethel Mildred Qiiimby, daughter of George
L. and Emma L. Quimby.
29. Oct. 22, Arthur Herman Gould, son of Herman A.
and Sarah E. Gould.
30. Oct. 31, Everett Marshall Mains, son of John and
Maria Mains.
31. Nov. 14, John Edward Bixby, son of John W. and
Veronica M. Bixby.
32. Nov. 16, Eula Sophia, daughter of Lyman C. and
Addie Taylor
33. Nov. 20, Michael Murphy, son of Michael and Jo-
hanna Murphy.
34. Dec. 3, Ralph T. Jones, son of William S.and Lau-
ra A. Jones.
14
35. Dec. 11, Leonard Averv Phalen, son of Edwin A.
and Hattie D. Phalen.
36. Dec. 28, Albert P. Willis, son of Charles P. and
Cora E.Willis.
Marriages Recorded in Acton in 1882.
No. Date of Marriage. * Names and Residences of Parties.
1. Jan. 2, Frank W. Houghton of Arlington and
Miss Lizzie L Walker of Acton.
2. Jan 13, George L Quimby, and Miss Emma L Bil-
lings, both of Acton.
3. ■ Feb. 12, John W Bixby and Miss Veronica Cain,
both of Acton.
4. Feb. 15, Howard Marchant and Miss Annie Jack-
man both of Acton.
5. April 12, Joel H Whitcomb and Mrs. Lidian E Sco-
field, both of Acton.
C), Apr. 18, Seymour S Colby and Miss Clara M
Whitney, both of Stow.
7. Apr. 30, George N Gove of Ma3mard and Miss Ros-
ella Hale of Concord.
8. Apr. 30, Oliver E Houghton and Miss Mary Estella
Barrett both of Acton.
^L May 3, Sidne}^ L Richardson and Miss M Kate
Moulton, both, of Acton.
10. May 14, George Sears and Miss Katie M Hoff-
man, both of Acton.
11. June 28, Charles Hammond Avery, Esq., of Cincin-
nati, O., and Miss Nettie Norton Barker
.of Acton.
12. Aug. 2, Alfred W Gardner of Acton and Miss Hat-
tie H Freeman of Ayer.
13. Aup;. 13, Orzando Davis of Somerville and Mrs.
Mary H. Richardson of Acton.
14. Sept. 6, James B Tuttle of Acton and Miss Florence
M. Hartwell of Boxboro.
15. Sept. 7, William S Warren of Acton and Miss Rosa
E Stacy of Waterville, Me.
16. Oct. 3, Richard E Frye of Nashua, N. H.,and Miss
Helen M Webber of Acton.
15
17. Oct. 26, George Wm. Cole and Miss Anna Z Hew-
ins, both of Acton.
18. Nov. 7, Joseph Truette of Acton and Miss Emma
Lawson of St. Albans, Vt.
19. Dec. 9, George E. Priest and Miss Alice G Scarbro,
both of Acton.
20. Dec. 18, William H Murphy of Acton and Miss Mary
Jane Porter of Boxboro.
. 21. Dec. 21, Albert J Day and Miss Ella E Tnttle,
both of Acton. ,
22. Dec. 24, Martin Tuttle and Miss Mary Emma Co-
nant, both of Acton.
23. Dec. 25, James T Goodsell of Maynard and Miss
Addie C Jones of Ac(on.
21. Dec. 25, James P Brown and Miss Laura A Jones,
both of Acton.
25. Dec. 2Q, Clarence W Brown of Acton and Miss
Minnie A Caswell of Barton, Vt.
»
Deaths in Acton in 1882.
No. Date of Death. Names and Ag-es of Deceased.
1. Jan. 11, Mr. Frederick W. Brj^ant, 31 years 6
months.
2. Jan. 12, Mrs. Lucinda Gilmore, 75 years, 10 months.
3. Jan. 30, Varnufti P. Tuttle, son of Varnum and
M. Medora Tuttle, 8 years, 1 month, 17
days.
4. Feb. 2, Mr. Joseph Dole, G8 years.
5. Feb. 4, Mrs. Hattie A. WoodVard, wife of BixbyS.
Woodward, 41 years, 2 months, 14 days.
(). Feb. 22, Mrs. Eliza A. Lawrence, 57 years, 3 months,
29 days.
7. Mar. 10, Walter B. Parker, son of Edwin C. and Han-
nah H. Parker, 1 year, 2 months, 4 days.
8. Mar. 15, Mr Jonas Blodgett, 71 years, 4 months, 17
d'ys.
9. Mar. 20, Clarence E. Blodgett, son of J Herbert and
Minnie A Blodgett, 1 year, 5 mo's, 8 days.
10. April 3, Mrs Sarah Fuller, widow of Alden Fuller,
78 years, 7 months, 19 days.
16 '
11. April 5, Mr Alanson B Gibbs of Charlestown^ hj
accident on railroad, 27 years.
12. April 14, Mr Joseph Wheeler, 85 years, 5 months.
13. May 2, Mr Daniel T Angier, ^& yVs, 8 mo's, 6 days..
14. May 6, M Florence Penniman, daughter of Orenzo
W, and Olive L. Penniman, 4yr's, 8 mo's.
15. May 16, Mrs Sally Davis, widow of Jonathan B
Davis, 84 years, 11 months, 29 days.
16. May 31, Mr Edwin M Wheeler, 26 years, 5 months,
10 days.
17. June 2, Miss Hepsey R Robbins, 63 years, 1 month,
16 days.
18. June 11, Mr James H Freeman, 22 years, 13 days.
19. July 13, Mrs Elkn Carney, 70 years.
20. July 16, Arthur Edwin Wheeler, son of Edwin M
and Ellen G. Wheeler, 2 3'ears, 10 months,
17 days.
21. July 25, Mrs Susan J He wins, 54 years,, 7 months,
5 days.
22. Aug 16, Mr Samuel Chaffin, 70 ^^ears.
23. Aug 19, Mrs Martha Fletcher, wife of John Fletcher,
53 years, 5 months, 12 days.
24. Aug 24, Mrs. Betse}^ C. Parker, 79 years, 6 months,
12 days.
25. Aug 26, Mrs Rosalinda B Adams, 94 3'ears, 9 mo's,
2 da3^s.
26. Aug 30, Mr Jeremiah Shien, o5 years, 8 m.onths.
27. Sept 6, Miss Alice J. Phalen, 29 years, 10 days.
28. Sept 6, Mrs Jerusha P Noyes, widow of Thomas J
Noyes, 72 years, 2 months, 23 days.
29. Sept 9, George Henry Sears, son of George and Ma-
ry A Sears, 10 months, 4 days.
30. Oct 8, Margaret A, daughter of Michael and Sarah
McCarthy, 6 months, 16 days.
31. Oct 22^ John Manion, son of Thomas and Mar}' Ann
Manion, 6 years, 9 months, 6 days.
32. Dec 27, Mr Henry Adalbert Mead, 30 years, 4
months.
17
Names of Persons Having Dogs Licensed in 1882,
Jairus C. Wheeler, 1 fern.,
Y. J. Brennan,
Jona H. Barker, ;
M. Augusta Hosmer,
Francis Conant,
Moses A. Beed, ,
Walter C. Gardner,
John Welch,
Alman H. Gilmore,
Chas. J. Sioring,
0. Ellsworth Houghton,
Forbush & Hart weU,l fern,
Tattles, Jones & Wether-
D. J. Wetherbee,
John Kelly,
bee, 2,
John W, Charter,
Geo. S. Jacobs,
Elnathan Jones, 3,
John Hanaford,
James D. Coburn,
Dana F. Havward'
Hiram Walker,
Geo. Pratt, 2, 1 a fern.,
J: K: W. Wetherbee,
Lester'N. Fletcher.
Chas. H. Wheeler, 1 fern., :
Theron F. Newton,
Daniel McCarthy,
Cyrus Hayward,
James Tuttle,
Oscar E. Preston,
Geo. C. Wright,
Lncms S. Hosmer,
John R. Houghton,
Mrs. H. M. Beck,
Jeremy Austin,
Frank E. Harris.
Eri S. Brooks, ' ,
Otis H. Forbush,
E. F, Fuller, 2,
JerrvH. McCarthy,
Daniel Harris,
Luke Tuttle,
M. E. Taylor,
Chas. D. Griggs.
Chas. A. Harrington,
A. W. Gardner,
Geo. W. Livermore,
Chas, A. Taylor,
Joha W. Randall,
Chas. Handley,
Solon A. Bobbins,
Herman Chaplin,
J. E. Harris,
James Kingsley,
Geo. Conant, :
A. L. Noyes,
Willis L, Mead,
Constance O'Neil, *
Frank Wetherbee,
Gustavus H. Waugb,
L. E. Allen,
Isaiah S. Leach,
Geo. B. Keyes,
Mrs. Jarvis Williams,
John Temple,
Wm. D. Tuttle,
Augustus Fletcher,
Isaac Barker,
John Fletcher,
Albert MoUlton,
Geo, C. Conant,
Chas. Holton,
Sylvester Haynes,
1
I
G. H. S. Houghton,
yiales, 76, at $2.00, $152.C
'emales, 4, at $5.00, 20.(
]
, ^
)0
Total, 80
$172.00
LICENSED SINCE JAN. 1st, 1883.
Eliza Wheeler, Edward Wood, 1 fern.
WM. n, TXITTLB,
Toivn Clerk of Acton,
REPORT OF THE
OF THE
ALMSHOUSE IN ACTON,
FOR THE YEAR ENDING MARCH 1, 1883.
Articles on Hand March 1st, 1883.
<) cows, S405
00
80 lbs. ham,
$12 00
1 horse, 200
00
12 lbs butter,
3 72
1 1-2 tons oat fodder, 22
50
17 lbs. lard,
3 00
9 1-2 tons hay, 171
00
1 1-2 bbls. apples.
4 00
7 ba^i;3 cotton seed meal, 10
00
Soap,
1 22
1 ton shorts, 22
50
Cider,
4 00
G bags meal, 8
20
Flour,
G 00
oats, 1
00
Tea.
4 00
225 barrels, 45
00
Crackers,
50
lot bags, 5
00
Spices,
50
salt, 1
00
Molasses,
1 50
14 cords wood cut for use, G3
00
Rye meal,
50
market boxes, 1
00
Kerosene oil.
83
wat^on, ^ 107
00
2 cider bbls..
2 00
26 hens, ' 13
00
1-2 bushel bcaus,
2 00
15 bushels potatoes, 12
00
Matches,
50
10 bushels do. small. 2
50
200 lbs. salt pork, 28
00
$1163 97
Receipts from Town Farm
FR03
r April 1st, 1882 to March 1st,
18
83.
Received for cows, $172
12
Received for
eggs,
%\ 94
milk, 742
01
pork.
39 59
potatoes, 11
00
calves,
11 00
birch poles, 44
40
poultry,
1 00
apples, 184
87
berries, 1
67
$1209 60
19
Paid for
Expenses.
sugar,
$19
93
Paid for wagon jack,
$3 00
cheese,
16
69
phosphate.
8 95
butter,
39
40
chimney & glob
es.l 30
spices.
1
18
tea,
10 00
room papci',
3
86
scythes,
•2 20
brick.
08
cards and curry
saleratus,
1
20
comb,
1 41
cr. tartar.
*1
57
fly paper.
04
grass seed,
4
90
onions.
1 58
castings,
1
41
flour.
64 37
kerosene oil.
3
45
barrels.
64 20
oil can.
22
candles,
31
cloth & clothin
gU
05
resin.
24
hoe,
07
tobacco,
25
soap,
10
44
horse radish,
08
yarn.
1
00
vinegar.
44
shoes.
1
50
snuff.
96
seeds.
35
screening,
64
tomato plants,
35
tacks,
14
fork handle,
26
rakes,
50
nails,
89
malt.
55
basket,
62
starch.
19
brooms,
1
17
raisins,
54
lemons,
33
mop handle,
20
fly trap.
37
mustard ,
2d
meat.
7G
25
coffee.
30
pails.
1
00
knife,
42
beans.
9
60
wicks,
04
bean pot.
28
fish.
12 21
crockery,
1
26
labor.
46 00
spade
1
15
cows,
105 00
tin ware,
20
keeping cows,
18 00
yeast.
43
grain.
453 66
sweet potatoes,
83
wheelwright bill, 4 90
crackers.
23
40
pump & repairs
, 16 85
ladder.
1
44
blacksmith's bill, 19 35
putty,
10
rep. shoes,
1 27
axe.
1
17
doct. cow.
1 00
glass,
75
shavings,
60
saw.
90
uses of bull,
2 50
salt.
3
23
killing hogs.
2 75
matches.
1
13
smoking ham.
60
lock.
30
cash for M. Pol-
stove polish,
07
lard,
3 00
molasses,
27
40
use of oxen.
3 00
20
Paid for filing saws, $1 05
Services of J. Austin, wife
and SOD, 275 00
E. H. Cutler, 45 00
Expenditures,
Receipfs,
Services of O.H.Forbush, 15 00
Luke B 1 a n-
chard, 10 00
$1476 62
1209 60
$267 02
240 00
$267 02
507 02
36 40
Income less than Expenditure,
Due from treasury^ to balance account,
Interest ol farj*i,
Victualing 91 tramps at 40c. each,
Cost of supporting poor on farm, $470 62
Whole number of persons exclusive of tramps supported in
almsli@Tise, 4 ; Average number, 4 ; Present number, 4.
ELISHA H. CUTLER,
OTIS H. FORBUSH,
LUKE BLANCHARD,
Overseers of Poor.
K.EI=OK.T
School Committee
TOWN ei 7ICTOPe<-
SCHOOL YEAR, 1882-83.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT,
The brief space usually taken for this report requires
that it be confined to the consideration of a few practical
questions, viz., 1. What branches shall be taught in our
schools? 2. How shall they be taught? 3. How can we
make our schools more eflicient? 4. The need of a High
School. 5. Remarks concerning each school.
I. What Branches Shall be Taught in Our Schools.
The studies that may be pursued by man with interest
and profit are legion. Some of these are absolutely essen-
tial. The common sense of the Commonwealth, embodied
ia the Public Statutes Page 209, Sec. 1, says :
"In every town there shall be kept lor at least six
months in each year at the expense of said town by a
teacher or teachers of competent ability and good morals,
a sufficient number of schools for the instruction of all the
children who may legally attend public school therein, in
orthography, reading, writing, English grammar, geogra-
phy, arithmetic, drawing, the history of the United States,
and good behavior. Algebra, vocal music, agriculture,
sewing, physiology and hygiene shall be taught by lec-
tures or otherwise, in all the public schools in which the
school committee deem it expedient."
Your superintendent, in accordance with a vote of the
committee, has required all scholars to pursue the studies
prescribed in the first period of said section, unless ex-
cused on satisfactory examination or for other good cause,
and has permitted all who desired, to take algebra and
physiology if sufficiently advanced in other studies. In
no school where these -branches are faithfully studied and
taught is there time for scholars or teachers to attend to
French and Latin or other studies properly taught in a
High School.
II. How Shall These Studies be Taught?
So far as circumstances will permit the same as they
are taught in our Normal Schools and in the best common
schools in the state ; for it is Irom these sources that our
best teachers come and they must teach mainly as they
have been taught. Therefore if we had a system of our
own more conservative or more advanced than the meth-
ods in said schools, we should be powerless to introduce
it. But we have no desire to do so. The schools of
Massachusetts were never doing better work than now.
It is not the use but the abuse of the so called "new
methods" that is to be deprecated and avoided.
What are the "new methods?" They are very simi-
lar in all our best schools, although, because so success-
fully carried out in the Quincy schools, they are some-
times called the "Qiiincy methods." In these schools
they strive to teach as the mind naturally acquires knowl-
edge ; reading by beginning with the word, and that a
most familiar one, rather than the letter ; spelling mainly
b}^ writing, sinte it is in writing that we most practice
this art; arithmetic to the beginner, by the use of objects
instead of abstract numbers, and to the more advanced
scholar by requiring him to perform, without book to aid
him those practical problems which he will be called up-
on to perform in after life in business ; geography by giv-
ing in his own language descriptions of countries and imag-
inary or real journeys, illustrated by maps drawn from
memor}^ ; history in like manner ; grammar by requiring
constantly the use of correct language in writing and
speaking, with simple rules for the same ; penmanship by
requiring the written exercises and examinations, numer-
ous as they are, to be executed in the best style.
These methods have been in use in an increasing de-
gree in our schools for half a century or more. They
were in part inaugurated by Pestalozzi in Switzerland a
century ago, and are practiced in the best schools of Eu-
rope. They teach not merely words but ideas ; they train
not only the memory but the powers of observation and
reasoning ; they accustom the pupil to solve such prob-
lems and perform such tasks as the duties of life will re-
quire him to solve and perform.
It is when books and study are discarded and these
methods are pursued without system that they cease to be
effective. A teacher of the best possible attainments, with
one, or at the most only two classes, might teach without
books, but in our schools, as in most common schools, the
book must be constantly used by all except possibly the
youngest primary scholars, as a guide and manual, sup-
plemented by entertaining illustration and lucid explana-
tion from the teacher, who must know more of the subject
than any one book can teach. It is in primary teaching
that books are too often neglected and pupils not soon
enough accustomed to their use.
I am glad to say that our teachers have most readily
followed the suggestions of your superintendent and that
in the primary schools an increased use of books has re-
sulted in better order and more rapid and thorough pro-
gress. This is especially the case in the West Acton Pri-
mary.
At the beginning of the year there w^as not such uni-
formity in books used as is desirable, an attempt having
been made to change old books gradually. So your com-
mittee made an arrangement with the Messrs. Harper
whereby their geographies and Swinton's grammars have
at slight expense been introduced in all the schools and
are to be furnished at such a fixed price, for at least five
years, as to save the parents several hundred dollars dur-
ing that period.
III. How Can we Make our Schools more Efficient?
All of us, superintendent, committee, teachers and
parents, must in every possible way try to arouse the en-
thusiasm and ambition of the scholars. While, in general
the order of the schools has been excellent, there is room
for improvement and it is the special business of the super-
intendent to see that it is made.
The greatest hindrance to the best progress is the
constant evil of absence and tardiness. For the latter,
there is seldom a good excuse. The former is sometimes
caused by sickness, but in the weekly reports which the
teachers have so faithfully made to me, the reason mos
frequently given is "kept at home to work." This some-
times seems necessary but can rarely be justifiable. There
should be as long a vacation as possible in the busy sea-
son and parents should make any reasonable sacrifice for
the sake of keeping their children regularly at school ; for
to be absent from a single recitation hinders the scholar's
progress and that of his class, and to be al;!>sent, as many
are, for days and weeks each term, is a mbst serious obsta-
cle to the progress of the absentee's class, and renders it
impossible for him to acquire any thorough knowledge or
discipline.
Such a scholar will leave school so poorly equipped for
life that any after acquisition of knowledge will be so diffi-
cultthat what little he has learned will slip from him. Clas-
ses must not be kept back for absentees. Such must drop
into lower classes. In school, they must be behind, as
they will be in after life. It is no more what is learned at
school that benefits, than it it is the patient, persevering ap-
plication which the scholar who is regular in attendance
cannot easily escape.
Parents, we can do little for your scholars unless you
send them constantl}^ and promptly to school.
But though we bring our schools to the highest de-
gree of excellence they form but an imperfect system.
A town like Acton can afi:brd her children a better edu-
cation than her present schools can give and cannot afford
to give them less than the best town schools in the state
furnish ; hence
IV. The Need of a High School.
Our citizens are largely men of moderate means, not
rich enough to board their children away from home for a
long course of study, but able to give them their time if they
can be educated in their own town.
Situated near the large towns and cities, our sons and
daughters must, in the battle of life, compete with those
who are educated in the best schools. Are we giving
them such an education as they need for the highest suc-
cess in life ?
Of the nine teachers employed the past term in Acton,
not one was educated wholly in our schools. Four of
them are residents of Acton, but they, as well as the other
6
five, completed their education in the high schools of other
towns.
Among us are many young ladies, not attending-
school, earning little or nothing, who, if we give them a
good high school education, will be able to take the places
of these teachers when needed.
How many young men are we titting for book-keep-
ers, land surveyors, master mechanics, architects, civil en-
gineers, teachers, master mariners, practical chemisis,
and scientific agriculturists? Yet a m.ajority of the most
successful men in these callings, and even many of our
best clersj-ymen, lawvers, and statesmen received no bet-
ter education than a good high school can give.
Thirty- seven scholars from this town have attended
various High Schools and Academies in other tovvus dur-
ing the present school 3-ear, as reported to me b}' our com-
mittee.
This shows that a large number of our best citizens
consider a common school education insufiicient. Is
there a parent in our town who does not desire for his
child as crood an education as anv one of these thirtv-sev-
O _ - w
en are getting?
Yet even these thirt3'-seven could get a better educa-
tion in a High School in our own town than they will get
abroad. With ample time a longer and more thorough
course of study would be taken. Let no , parent think
that he need look out for the higher education of only his
own children. If your children, after their school days
are over, live in Ac ton, as we hope they will, their daily
and most intimate associates will not be the boj^s and girls
they meet in those schools abroad, but their own town
folk, and if you help educate 3'our neighbor's children you
indirectly educate your own, throw around all an atmos-
phere of culture and refinement, and make the social and
intellectual life of our town richer, nobler and more
stimulating.
Many of our scholars seem to lose their ambition on
}5assing from the Primary to the Grammar School. The
diploma at the end of the High School course, and the
rigid examination lor admission to said school would keep
their ambition alive through both courses of study, and
awaken an enthusiasm in all the schools of our town such
as I have seen aroused in other towns by such a school.
V. Remarks on the Various Schools.
North School.
The three terms w^ere taught by Miss Viola S. Tuttle of
Acton — her first attempt and a most successful one both
as to discipline and instruction. The scholars obeyed
readily and studied faithfull}^ The home influence mus
be good.
East School.
Miss Susie A. Wetherbee of Acton taught the three
terms with increasing success. QLiick, energetic, thorough
and systematic, she governed and instructed this school
as few could. At the end of the fall term her pupils show-
ed their appreciation of their teacher by presenting her a
gold ring. ««-
South East School.
The Spring and Fall terms were taught by Miss Ella
E. Tuttle of Acton, and the winter term by Miss Minnie
L. Fletcher of Littleton ; both labored faithfully, and those
scholars who attended regularly made good progress. At
the end of one month the spring term was discontinued on
account of scarlet fever.
Centre Primary.
This school has for several years been taught by Miss
Bessie M. Ball of Acton. The visitor can hardly decide
which he would rather be, the pupil of such a teacher or
the teacher of such pupils ; she has slinstilled into them
such a spirit of obedience and love of learning, has taught
them not merely to repeat words, but to observe, think
and reason, and cares for their health b}^ giving them fre-
quent gymnastic exercises.
Early in the Spring term Miss Ball, on account of ill
health, was obliged to take a vacation and did not resume
her position until the next term. Miss Angle Hutchins
of Acton completed the term very successfully.
Centre Grammar.
The Spring term was taught by Miss C. H. Allen of
Acton and the Fall and Winter terms by Miss Jennie A.
Hemenway of Framingham. The examination at the
close of the year indicated faithful study and thorough in-
struction. The most of the scholars obeyed cheerfully,
but a few of those boys who attended only the winter term
became quite unruly near its close, and one ©f them, War-
ren Robbins, was expelled, after which, the order of the
school was good. The excellent examination of a class of
3^oung ladies in histor}^ and physiology is worthy spec-
ial mention.
Although these schools are smaller in number than
the other graded schools in town, we earnestly advise that
the two schools be continued. The Primary must be kept
as a model, and those ambitious and faithful scholars in
the Grammar School ought to be deprived of no opportu-
nitv that we can o-ive them.
South Grammar.
The Spring and Fail terms were taught by Miss El-
len O. Clark of Sudbury, who labored faithfull3', and the
Winter term by Miss Emma C. B. Gra}' of Framingham.
This school needs a teacher of firmness, energy and en-
thusiasm. Miss Gray possessed these qualities with fine
scholarship, being a graduate of Framingham High
School and Smith College. She had been assistant in an
Academy, but had never had the management of a school
and vet she succeeded in maintainino; ofood order and in-
spired the school to study sufficiently to steadily ga inin
scholarship and pass quite a satisfactory examination. She
has taken the position of teacher of Latin and Greek in an
Academy in Pulaski, N. Y.
South Primary. '
Miss Emma F. Esterbrook of Acton taught the three
terms with excellent success, and at the close of the yecLV
valuable presents w^ere given her by her scholars, real
tributes of merited affection. The examination was re-
markable for prompt, correct and distinct answers. The
large number from this school on the ''Roll of Honor"^
speaks well for teacher, school, and parents. •
West Acton Grammar.
For several years this school has been under the in-
struction of Miss Ada C. Davis of Acton. She w^as edu-
cated at Framingham Normal School, and teaches as
thoroughly as she v^as taught. To hold every scholar to
hard study and thorough v^ork, and also maintain good
order, as she does, severely tasks the endurance of the
strongest, and w^ithin a few^ weeks of the completion of the
year her health became such that she was obliged to re-
sign her position^ Miss Lillie R. Daniels of Framingham
attempted to complete the term, but at the end of two
weeks was obliged to discontinue her labors on account of
sickness.
West Acton Primary.
Miss Ida B. Campbell of Marlboro, a graduate of one
of our Normal Schools, commenced the Spring term, hav-
ing taught the school the year before, but after a few days
was obliged to take a vacation on account of sickness,
and Miss M. B. Allen of Acton successfully completed
the term. Miss Campbell resumed her position at the
beginning of the Fall term and taught and governed the
school most admirably, but soon after beginning the win-
ter term resigned. on account of ill health, and the term
was most successfully completed by Miss S. J. Wyman of
Westminister, who is a good instructor and an excel-
lent disciplinarian.
Appended are the usual statistics and the "Roll of
Honor."
For the Committee,
FREDERICK C. NASH,
Superintendent.
10
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S FINANCIAL REPORT.
To the Citizens of Acton :
Your School Committee respectfully submit the fol-
lowing report of receipts and expenditures, and for infor-
mation respecting the condition of the schools refer you
to the foregoing report of the Superintendent, and the tab-
ular statement annexed.
CENTRE SCHOOL.
John E. Cutter, Agent.
Drawn from treasury, $790 00
$790 00
Paid teachers, $606 60
fuel and preparing it, 118 00
care of house, M 00
incidentals, 9 82
Balance on hand. It 58
SOUTH SCHOOL.
L. S. HosMER, Agent.
Received from town,
Balance from last year.
$790 00
To expenses around the building,
Paid Miss E. O. Clark,
Emma Gray,
* Emma Estabrook,
F. J. Wood, janitor,
A. S. Fletcher, coal,
Washing school house curtains,
H. Gould, 1 cord wood,
T. J. W, bill sundries, 11 28 $727 28
$790 00
10
56
$5
00
198
00
120
00
284
00
71
00
35
00
5
00
3
00
11
28
S800 56
Amount due the district, $68 28
11
WEST SCHOOL.
Lucy M. Mead, Agent.
•awn irom the treasury,
$790 00
lance from last year,
63 47
id to teachers,
$634 00
for fuel.
94 64
care of house and furnace.
60 00
incidentals,
3 16
fiance on hand.
61 67
W. Acton, March 20th, 1883.
NORTH SCHOOL.
J. W. DupEE, Agent.
Drawn from the treasury,
Balance from last year.
Paid to teachers,
for fuel,
care of house,
Rep. boards,
incidentals,
Balance ou hand.
EAST SCHOOL.
George Chandler, Agent
Drawn from ihe treasury,
By paid Susan Wetherbee, 3 terms,
coal for heating,
wood,
care of school house firey,
rent for organ,
' key for door,
J. W. Flagg, sundries,
deficiency, 1882,
Balance,
$350
00
17
06
$257
00
31
95
16
00
6
30
5
18
50
63
350
00
265
00
30
45
7
50
24
25
13
50
30
6
75
1
12
1
12
$853 4'
$853 47
S367 06
$367 06
$350 00
12
SOUTH EAST SCHOOL.
Chas. D. Griggs, Agent.
Received from town, $294 56
Clenning and repairing buildings, 2 50
Wood, 16 50
Preparing wood, 6 50
Paid Miss E. E. Tuttle, 126 00
M. Fletcher, 98 00
Care of school house, 5 00
Incidentals, 2 34
Balance on hand, 37 72
$294 56
Number of children between the ages of five and fif-
teen, ^290
Sum raised by the town for each, $10.84
Respectfully submitted, -
JOHN E. CUTTER, Chairman, *
J. W. DUPEE, Clerk,
LUCY M. MEAD,
# LUCIUS S. HOSMER,
CHARLES D. GRIGGS,
GEORGE CHANDLER,
School Committee of Acton.
13
ROLL OF HONOR
Kames of thoss wlio have been neither Absent or Tai d j.
Centre Grammar.
One Term. Two Teruis. Three Terms.
Arthur Allen,
Carleton Taylor,
Henry Livermore,f
Arthur Laue,f
Lutie Couaot,
Ida Austin,*
Lizzie Scofield,*|
Grace E. Tut tie, f
Auuie J. Noyesf
Oue Term.
Hattie £. Tuttie,
Centre Primary.
Two Terms.
Susie E. Conant,*
Hattie Robbius.*
Three Terms.
Ollie D. Wood,t
Jessie P. Wood.|
8. Maud Purcell,t
Robert Purcell.t
Millie E. Haudley,
Harrv B. JNiekerson,
Charlie I. Calder,t
Jennie E. McCarthy, f
Emma L. Noyes.
Oae Term.
I^a Tuttie,
I la Liitlefield,
Aibeita Preston,
Viola Preston,
Gertie Cutler^f
Alice Hoar,
Bertha Wright, f
Eddie Parker,*
Clessoij ParKer,*
Daniel Joues,
Willie Hart,
Guy Mead,*
Eugene L. Hall.f
Bertie U. Hall.f
May L, Calder,*t
Nannie 8. Nickerson,
C. P^ugene Johnson,
Wilinot E. Taylor*
Carrie E. Taylor,*
Clara B. RobDins,*
Willie 8. Johnson,!
West Grammar.
Two Terms.
Hattie Davis,!
Clara L. Hamniond,
Lottie G. Conant
u
One term.
West Primary.
• Two Terms.
Three terism.
Mary Frank Rich,
IjhUi LavvFoncef
Kay LittleHeW,t*
Wmie Ho!t,*
bumuer Tecle.
CaiTie Gil more,
Sasie Poultuey,
Mabel Mead,*
Katie Parker, f
Gertrude Stone,*
E-ima Stone, t*
Fred Davis, *t
Charlie I>ecostar,^
John Hanaford,
Alfred Richardson.
Eddie liobiuson.f
Richard Davis,*
Willie Davis,*
Ida HichardsoUy
Alice Stone.
One Term.
South Grammar.
Two Terms.
Three Terms.
Edith Bean,
Delia Barker,!
Martha Pratt,
Mary Mav,*t
Mary McLauojhlin,
C.>ra M. Champion,
Lilian Richardson,
Francis Carroll, *f
Levi L. Pratt,
George Warreo,
Ada M. Jones,*
Carrie Shapley,t
Willie Fletcher,!
Nellie CuUiaue,!
Sadie Sawver,
One Term.
East School.
Two Terms.
Three Terms,
Blanche M. Basett,
Eva M. Hibbard.t*
Mary L. Nichols,!
Arthur B. Davis,!
Harry G. Robbins,
Herbert H. Robbins, !
Willie O. Smith,*
Ernest E. Wetherbee,
Roy G. Brooks,!*
Carleton C. Conant!*
Harry C. Estabrook.
Florence H. Flagg,
La Roy Hacscom.!
Mattie F. Smith,
Edwin F. Smith,!
Charlie E. Smith.
15
Ooe Term.
South Primary.
Two Terms.
Three Terms.
Nellie Ciilliane,!
Mary May,
Maud JSawyer,
jNiary McLaughlin,
Alice [lausoD,
Evie Fletcher,
Nellie Bradford,
8usie Hayes,
Ella Jacobs,
Nora Connors,
Ida Tapley,
Julia Tapley,t
Oiis Ackerman,
James Cul!iaue,f
Frank Farrar,
Cormie Connors*
Willie Bradley, I
Herman Farrar, f
Harvey Tuttle,f
Dennis Bradley,
Herman Tapley,
One Term.
Delia McLaughlin.
Dora Barker,
Ulive Barker,
Richard Murphy, f
Jerry Bradley,
.John May,
Harry Sawyer,
Michael May,
Frank Randall. f*
North School.
Two Terms»
i
Mettle Randolph,
Ella Miller,
Georgie Harris,
Irving Smith,
Bertha Dupee.
One Term,
Lucy Haynes,
Ada L. Griggs, f
Willie E. Jones.
Augusta Smith, f
Grace Rouillard,
Everett Wayuef
South East.
Two Terms.
George B. Hooper,
Willie D. Hooper.
Marked * Tardy only once. Marked f Absent not more than one day*
16
TABULAR J^IEW,
1
o^
>
2
^
^
f
3
SCHOOLS.
TEACHEES.
3&
2a
9
1
1
a
^
1
%
B
Ot
1
o
1
o
s
1
o
^
t
p
'1
^
cr
1
DO
i
_X
0^
.^
SPRIKG TERM.
Gramriiar
Miss C H Allen
2%
24
20.16
17 5-6
C'ntre j primary
•' jBMBall
" / Angle Hutchii B
2^
f32 00
21
18.6
17.6
1
(
<
27
Grammar
• ' " Ada C Davis
3
36
3(
3J.3
30.24
4
26
39
" ( Ida B CampbeL
" j MB Allen
West -j pj-imary
2^
32 OC
37
36K
34.76
13
32
„ ,■, G'-ammar
So^^l^ ] Primary
East
" El en Clark
2^
2J
26. 3S
24.8
(1
^
27
26
" EFE4abr<.ok
2?1
32 OC
4;-
40.4:
365-6
(
16
17
" SAWetherbee
2^1
32 0{
3
29.3
25.71
t
17
20
Southeast
'^ Ella E Tuttle
1
28 0!
IS
13
11.7/
IL
North
" Viola S Tuitle
Totals,
2%
23>4
28 UC
1'/
24,
11.6
10.56
1
8
lU
24
^29.0fc
-09.77
96
FALL TERM.
^, , Grammar
Cntrej pj-imary
„, , Grammar
West -j Primary
Miss J A Hemenway
m
f 32 0'
17
15.5
13.9
^
H
29
•' Bessie M Bull
2%
32 0(
2;
19.8
18.91
(!
.0
64
" Ada C Davis
3
36 (i(
3f
305-6
27.23
(,
4
n
24
M Ida B Campbell
3
32 OC
3
33. IC
34.4
{
l^
14
^ ., G ammai
South ] pri^,,.^
East
'• Ellen Clark
m
36 01
2!
16.08
16+
(■
34
22
" • E F Estabrook
2%.
32 OC
4
43
40.6
17
10
" S A Wetberbee
3
32 OC
3J
:-2.21
28.73
)
18
18
Southeast
" ElaETutrle
sy,
28 00
i;
14.7
14.14
t
49
North
" Viola S Tuttle
3 "
28 Oi
15
14.75
14.2
1
1
K
J6
Totals,
263^
250
222.98
208.56
3
7
5(
246
WINTER TERM.
C ntie j Primary
Miss J A Hemenway
3K
$36 00
25
23.5
22.27
10
15
34
" BMBall
3K
20
20
19.3
13
29
I Gramraai
'• ( Ada C Davis
'" ) Lillie R Daniels
3
36 00
38
35.8
31.4
C
5
22
6
West -
" jida B Campbell
'' jSJWyman
Primary
3%
34 00
42
40.5
36.99
(
24
38
„ ,. Gramma?
South j Primary
Fif)-st
♦' E C B Gray
3
40 00
37
34.7
32.2.
(
i
34
39
" E F Estabrook
3
36 00
40
3X.6
36.4
(
19
36
" S A Wetherbee
23^'
86 00
33
28%
26.77
f
3?
6
Southeast
" ML Fletcher
sy.
28 00
15
13.03
11.71
2
2
13
4
North
" VS Tuttle
Totals,
Aggregate for year.
3
283^
32 00
16
15.08
13.79
1
2
53
10
60
425
10
266
249.96
230.85
202
783^
763
702
«49.18
644
I2;E:pok.ts
OF THE-
TOWN OF ACTON,
FROM FEB. 26, 1883, TO FEB. 26, 1884, mCLUDINa
THE MARRIAGES, BIRTHS AND DEATHS
IE" 1883, ALSO THE REPORT OF
THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
ACTOI^ :
PRINTED AT OPFICP] OF THE ACTON PATRIOT.
1884.
TOWN OFFICERS FOR 1884.
TOWN CLEBK.
WilUam D. Tuttle.
SELECTMEN.
D. James Wetlierbee, J. K. W. Wetherbee, Job W. Dupee.
Wm. D. Tuttle, Phineas "Wetlierbee, Hiram J. Hapgood.
OVEESEEPvS OF THE POOE.
Elislia H. Cutler, Luke Blancliard, Julian Tuttle.
SCHOOL C03HMITTEE.
John E. Cutter, ly : Tlieron F. NeA\i;on, ly ; George Gardner, 2y ; Theo. P.
Goding, 2y : Oliver W. Button ; 3y ; Luke J. Robbing, 3y.
HIGHWAY SUHYEYOES.
Charles Wheeler, Abram H. Jones, Isaac Heed, Elbridge J. Robbins, George
E. Keyes, John Fletcher.
FENCE TIEWEES.
John E. Houghton, Nahum C. Eeed, James B. Tuttle.
SUEVEYOES OF LUMBEE.
William B. Davis, Edward F. Eichardson, L. W. Stevens, George H. Harris,
Charles B. Stone, Elbridge J. Bobbins.
SUEVEYOES OF WOOD.
Elbridge J. Bobbins, Wm. B. Da^is, Jona W, Loker, Geo. H. Harris, Chas.
B. Stone, S. L. Button, Isaac W. Flagg, A. S. Fletcher, Chas. H.
Taylor, M. E. Taylor, John F. Davis, E. F. FuUer.
CEMETEEY COIOnTTEE.
John Fletcher, William W. Davis. Levi W. Stevens.
TREASURER'S REPORT.
Dr
To Cash paid State Treasurer, State
Tax, $ 1,110 00 I
" " County Treasurer, Co. 1
Tax, 678 38 |
'« " onSelectmens'Orders, 13,353 35 ;
To Outstanding Orders, 1,120 94
To Balance due the Town Feb, 26, \
1884, 724 24
$16,986 91
Acton, Feb. 26, 1884. j
Cr.
By Balance in the Treasury, Feb. 2Qt,
1883, $1,149 51
Received of J. W. Dupee, Taxes
1882, 2,349 64
Received of State Treasurer Corpora-
tion Tax, - 855 17
Received of State Treasurer National
Bank Tax, 725 59
Received of State Treasurer Relief of
Indigent Soldiers, 158 00
Received of State Treasurer for State
Aid, 48 00
Received of State Treasurer for sup-
port of State Paupers, 32 ^Q
Received of State Treasurer for In-
come of School Fund, 178 36
Received of T. W. Hammond to Re-
pair Road, 50 00
Received of Daniel Harris, Borrowed
Money 700 00
Received of Concord Bank, Borrowed
Money, 1,500 00
Received of G. H. Warren for Rent
of School Room, 33 00
Received of Josep h Cole for Lots sold
in Mount Hope Cemetery, 31 00
Received of John Fletcher for Lots
3T.B in Woodlawn, 32 00
Received for Rent of Town Hall, 65 00
Received of Phineas Wetherbee for
Force Pumps, 57 50
Received of D. J. Wetherbee for do, 35 00
Received of Charles Wheeler for Old
Lumber, 4 50
Received of John Fletcher for Lum-
ber, 2 2(^
Received of Moses A. Reed for do, 13 45
Received of A. L. Noyes for Stone
Step, 1 70
Received of John E. Cutter, Collector
of Taxes, 8,895 60
Received for Interest on Money in
Bank, 68 77
$16,986 91
J. K. W. WETHERBEE,
Treasurer.
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS.
Paid George Gardner, West Dis
John E. Cutter, Centre
Lucius S, Hosmer, South
Job W. Dupee, North
George Chandler, East
Theadore P. Goding, S. E.
High School,
George Gardner,
John E. Cutter,
Lucius S. Hosmer,
rict, $
790
00
790
00
790
00
350
00
350
00
275
00
255
00
240
00
240
00
$3,345 00
$4,080 00
REPAIRS ON TOWN BUILDINGS.
Paid Levi Boles & Co. for Doors -for
Town Hall, 32 50
I. W. Flagg, for Hardware for
Town Hall, 19 65
L. S. Hosmer, Mason work on
South Acton School House, and
Material, 33 55
Wm. W, Handley, Labor and
Material Renovating Town Hall, 164 60
T. P. Coding, repairs on South
East School House, 6 81
Mrs. E. F. Blood for labor and
Material washing Town House, 25 00
Mrs. Lucy Mead for repairs on
West Acton School House, 28 24
Charles L. Davis for Painting
Town House, 87 08
J. E. Cutter repairs on Centre
School House, 47 13
R. L. Reed repairing Settees and
Cleaning Hall, 20 86
I. W. Flagg for Paint and Varnish
for Town Hall, 36 44
SpofFord Robbins, Labor on
Town House '82
and '83, 31 65
L. U. Holt, Stoves for South
Acton School House, 59 32
<i «< " *« Centre
School House, 51 79
ii a it a "West
School House, 116 98
** " Repairs Town House
furnace and stove, 17 30
H. J. Hapgood for Chairs for
Town House, 12 00
L. U. Holt repairs on North
School Furnace, 5 75
E. H. Cutler Paint for Town
Farm Buildings, 41 29
^' '' Labor Painting same, 45 99
George Chandler repairs on East
School House, G 75
M. E. Taylor for Paints, Nails etc., 2 02
John E. Cutter, Mason work,
and Settees, Centre
District, 8 92
REGULAR HIGHWAY WORK.
$900 ^2
Paid Joseph F. Cole,
569 26
Abraham H. Jones,
565 98
Charles Wheeler,
597 16
$1,732 40
PRINTING.
Paid H. M. Smith, fish Permits, $
3 65
W. N. Sharp, Printing Town
Warrants,
2 00
'' " Printing 500 Re-
ports,
10 00
*« '' Printing Town
Warrants,
4 00
*< " Print'g 600 Town
Reports,
56 00
" " Fisli Permits,
2 75
*« '' Treas. Orders,
1 50
a a Warrants,
3 00
P. Wetherbee, Printing War-
rants,
3 00
$
SUPPORT OF POOR.
Paid E. H. Cutler deficiency on Town
Farm for year ending March 1 ,
1883, $
267 02
Support of Clara Wheeler,
330 26
'' '' Eliza Bergendahi,
180 m
" " Ola Nelson,
49 90
" '' Oilman Newton,
m 25
,i Mrs. Pike,
48 00
Dr. Hutchins, attendance on
Mrs. Pike,
4 50
Dr. Sanders, medical attendance.
on Andrew Connell,
16 00
*' " medical attendance
on Mrs. Traner,
75
Support of Joseph Martin,
9 71
Dr. Hutchins, attendance on
Joseph Martin,
7 00
Support of John Quinlan,
12 72
Dr. Whitney, attendance on John
Quinlan,
12 15
Support ot Mrs. Raddin,
20 00
'' " Whitney
10 00
" Mrs. Wm. H.
Murphy,
5 00
^b 90
Journey to Tewksbury,
*' " Lowell respecting Mrs.
Raddin,
7 50
3 00
*' '' Littleton respecting
Oilman Newton,
1 50
'' " Boston respecting Mar-
tin,
2 00
'* '* Boston respecting Con-
nell.
2 00
Stationery and Stamps,
1 50
$ 1,077 64
CEMETERY EXPENSES.
Paidjohn Fletcher for Trees, Labor and
Posts, Woodlawn
cemetery, ^66 34
'*■ " Labor, cemetery, 63 50
J. F. Cole for Trees, labor and
making Deeds,
Mt.Hope cemetery, 66 00
STATE
AID.
John Carroll,
96 00
Allen G. Smith,
104 00
Benjamin Skinner,
86 00
George Dole,
48 00
Mrs. R. C. Wright,
48 00
Ola Nelson,
44 00
TOWN OFFICERS.
Paid L. U. Holt, Sealing, Weights and
Measures, 9 00
F. C. Nash, Supt., of Schools,
year 1882, 90 00
Phineas Wetherbee services as
Assessor, 25 00
H. J. Hapgood services as assessor, 20 00
, W. D. Tutde, '' *' 30 00
F. C. Nash in part payment for
Supt,, of Schools, 62 50
$195 84
$426 00
J. W. Dupee, posting Warrants
1882 and 1883,
W. D. Tuttle services as Town
Clerk,
D. J. Wetherbee services as
Selectman,
John White services as Select-
man,
Phineas Wetherbee services as
Selectman,
J. K. W. Wetherbee, Treasurer,
10
00
25
00
85
00
45
00
45
00
40
00
$486 5
MISCELLANEOUS. j
Paid James Kinsley, use of road for
Hurley, $8 00
L. M. Ham & Co. for Fire Escape, 140 00 \
National Manf. Co. for 27 Force \
Pumps, 131 22 ]
I. B. Perkins for Land Widening I
Road, 31 72 \
J. E. Reed, Lumber tor Railing I
and Town House, 75 30 |
Julian Tuttle, repairs on Town j
Clock, 6 25 \
Josiah Shaw for building Powder , ;
Mill Bridge, 1,167 00
NationalManf.Co. forlOPumps, 48 60
Concord Nat. Bank Int. on Tern- :
porary Loan,
A. L. Tuttle for building Road,
H. J. Hapgood, assessors' books,
" " " Notices,
Wm. D. Tuttle, copying Inven-
tory,
Silas Conant for moving and
building wall near house of I.
B. Perkins,
A. L. Tuttle for building road,
'• " Stone bounds and
setting,
Daniel Harris for Note and Int.,
23
25
100
00
2
75
2
75
7
50
60
00
300
00
5
00
711
00
10
Concord National Bank, Tempo-
rary Loan, 1500 00
J. F. Cole for building sluice in
West Acton, 63 75
Charles Wheeler, Repairing
Scraper, 4 00
" "• for gravel, 7 05
" '' scraper plate, 8 00
** •* widening road
near C. Har-
ris, 42 00
*' ** StoneBounds
and setting, 2 62
*' ** nails and lum-
ber for rail-
ings, 8 95
do Labor railing road near the
house of I. W. Flagg and at
Cemetery, 70 73
E. Jones for Lumber, 3 45
J. P. Brown, blacksmith bill, 3 90
Francis Jones, guide boards, 7 50
Tuttle, Jones & Wetherbee for
tile for sluice, 34 30
Fletcher & Jones for lumber, 2 72
A. H. Jones, Widening road
near x\nson Piper, 34 25
do for railing roads, 12 23
do for labor on Powder Mill
Bridge, 38 04
S. B. Harris, breaking roads ^S2, 1 76
Julian Tuttle, care Town Hall
and Clock, 21 46
Reuben L. Reed, 27 99
L. E. Reed, attending 29 burials, 87 00
'« •• making 33 death re-
turns, " 8 25
Wm. D. Tuttle, survepng and
making plan of West Acton
Cemetery, and survepng roads
and making deeds. 27 75
Journey to Concord, 1 50
11
Wm. D. Tuttk
, meeting tax Com-
missioners,
2 00
a a
Assessor's book,
2 00
a a
Postage,
1 08
u u
Expense charges,
1 92
i.i a
Collecting Births,
14 50
a a
T^ppn-prlino' IVTfl.r-
riages, 3 00
" " Recording thirty-
five Deaths, 5 50
Anson C. Piper for Land, 10 00
Luther Davis tor wood for Town
House,
5 00
John E. Cutter discount on taxes,
531 60
" " Abatement of "
36 00
do notifying officers to take oath
of office.
2 50
L "W. Flagg, bolts and iron for
railing,
D. J. Wetherbee, advertising.
21 41
paints, oil and express,
8 84
John Fletcher, repairing |)ump,
2 00
%
w
Unexpended balance of last year including
Bounty tax,
$6,430 64
Town charges,
3,500 00
For Roads,
1,600 00
" Schools,
3,000 00
" High Schools,
800 00
State tax,
1,110 00
County tax,
678 38
Overlay,
71 62
Corporation tax,
850 99
National bank tax, ^
725 59
State aid,
48 00
Relief of indigent soldiers.
158 00
Support of State paupers,
32 86
Rent of South Acton School House,
33 00
J. F. Cole, lots sold in Mt. Hope cemetery,
31 00
T. W. Hammond, to be expended on ledge.
50 00
Interest on money in bank.
68 77
Charles Wheeler, old lumber.
4 50
Daniel Harris, borrowed money.
700 00
Concord bank, *' "• '
1,500 00
5,489 89
1
70
65
00
92
50
178
36
32
00
4
18
«t91 7fi7 HQ
^^ 1. } 1 u <
2
26
13
45
-$21,782
80
12
Amos L. Noyes, stone step.
Use of TowuHall,
For Force Pump,
vState School fund,
John Fletcher, lots sold in Woodlawn cemetery.
Corporation tax.
Received of John Fletcher, lumber,
'' " Moses A. Reed, "
RECEIPTS FROM FEBRUARY 26, 1883 TO FEBRUARY 26, 1884.
Unexpended balance as per report of February.
26, '83, including Bounty Tax,
S 6,430 64
Appropriations and receipts, 15,352 16
821,782 80
EXPENDITURES.
Support of Schools, 4,080 00
" " Poor 1,077 64
Repairs on Town Buildings, 900 62
Regular Highway Work, 1,732 40
State Aid, 426 00
Town Officers. 486 50
Printing, 85 90
Cemetery Expenses. 195 84
Miscellaneous " ' 5,489 39
State Tax, 1,110 00
County " 678 38
$16,262 67
Amount due the Town from Collectors and
Treasurer, 5,520 13
Deduct Bounty tax, 4,000 00
Balance in favor of the Town, 1,520 13
D. J. WETHERBEE, ) Selectmen
JOHN WHITE, [ of
PHINEAS WETHERBEE, ) Acton.
Acton, February 26, 1884.
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT
FOR 1883.
Registry of births in acton for 1883.
No. Date of Birth. Name of Child. Name of Parents.
1. Jan. 28, John Edward Reilly, son of Patrick and Katie Reilly.
2. Jan. 29, Pierre Raymond Nelson, son of Oscar P. and Mary
Ann Nelson.
3. Feb. 21, Howard Wood, son of Isaac and Mary F. Wood.
4. Feb. 22, Ruth Louise Piper, daughter of Anson C. and Ellen
L. Piper.
5. March 16, VVinitred Loveriug, son of Lowell C. and Julia
Lovering.
6. April 16, Henrietta Frances Wood, daughter of Edward and
Henrietta F. Wood.
7. April 21, Estellf Louise Priest, daughter of George E. and
Alice G. Priest.
8. April 26, Harvey Wtieeler, sou of JaJrus C. and Alice M.
Wheeler.
9. May 7, Lulu Knowlton, daughter of AraasaM. and Elizabeth
F. Knowlton.
10. July 1, Helen Margaret Warren, daughter of William S. and
Rosa E. Warren.
11. July 4. Franklin S. T. Brown, son of Samuel T. and Henri-
etta C. Brown.
12. July 14, Fannie Edna Teele, daughter of Wm. H. and Mar v
E. Teele.
13. July 20. Bertie Leon Johnson, son of Nathan and S. Maria
Johnson.
14. August 7, Charles William Kane, son of Edward ai.d Ann
Kane.
15. Sept. 13, Ethel Gowen, daughter of John C. and Laura B.
Gowen.
16. Sept. 15, Ralph Waldo Lawrence, sou of Austin E. and Mary
J. Lawrence.
17. Sept. 15, Olive May Knowlton, daughter of Ancil W. and
Lizzie M. Kuolton.
18. Sept. 21, Florence Piper Tuttle, daughter ofH. Waldo and
Lizzie S. Tuttle.
14
19 & 20. Sept. 27, Julia O'Neil and Jennie O'Neil, twin daughters
of Patrick and Hannah O'Neil.
21. Oct. 8, George Howard Cole, son of George Wm. and Anna
Z. Cole.
22. Oct. 16. John Boylen, son of James and Sarah Boylen.
23. Oct. 26, Clifton Harlaud Chadwick, son of Cyrus W. and
Helen B. Chadwick.
24. Oct. 29, Nellie Gertrude Hanaford, daughter of John H.^and
Mary J. Hanaford.
25. Nov. 21, Albert M. Horslin, son of George A- and Delia H.
Horslin.
26. Nov. 22, Mary Elizabeth Davis, daughter of John and Eliz
beth B. Davis.
27. Nov. 26, Gracie Evelyn Nash, daughter of Winslow and
Josephine Nash.
28. Dec. 4, Ralph Barton Sanders son of Dr. Charles B. and S.
Lizzie Sanders.
29. Dec. 13, Zelma Juliet Goding, daughter of Theodore P. and
Ella F. Goding.
Marriages registered in acton in 1883.
No. Date of Marriage. Names and Keaideuce of Parties.
1. Feb. 10, Mr. Edward Wood and Miss Henrietta F. Sawyer,
both of Acton.
2. Mar. 29, Mr. Manoel DeSonza of Acton, and Miss Isabel E.
Silver of Newton.
3. Apr. 5, Mr. Roswell L. Tattle and Miss AnnaB. Simpson
both of Acton.
4. Apr. 10, Mr. Samuel B. Harris of Acton and Miss Harriet L.
Lane of Taunton.
5. Apr. 10, Mr. Francis Bobbins and Mrs. M. Lizzie Hutchins,
both of Acton.
6. Apr. 25, Mr. James A. Devarne and Miss Margaret Maillian,
both of Acton.
7. June 16, Mr. Charles H. Mead of Acton, and Miss Jennie F.
Bruce of Groton.
8. July 15, Mr. Charles H. Moore of Boxborough, and Miss
Alice M. Shackford of Concord, N. H.
9. Aug. 11, Mr. Franklin P. Young of Acton, and Miss Mary
O. Grady of Boston.
10. Sept. 3, Mr. Oswald L. Dart of Acton and Miss Cora A.
Cooper of Methuen.
11. Sept. 12, Mr. Edgar H. Hall and Miss Angle Hutchins both
of Acton.
12. Oct. 5, Mr. Hiram B. Butters and Mrs. Nettie R. Berry both
of Maynard.
15
13. Oct. 6, Mr. Charles B. Cilley and Mrs. Addie A. McMon-
agle both of Lowell.
14. Oct. 27, Mr. Oria L. Blanchard and Miss Mary J. Green
Loth Acton.
15. Nov. 7, Mr. Lewis C. Hastings of Acton, and Miss Emma
Frances Brown of Stow.
16. Nov. 17, Mr. Greorge V. Mead and Miss Effie R. Wright
both of Acton.
17. Nov. 28, Mr. Jeremiah Mc Carthy and Miss Hannah Moore
both of Acton.
18. Nov. 29, Mr. Frank S. Everett of Nashua, and Miss Flor-
ence B. Perkins of Acton.
19. Dec. 25, Mr. Isaiah W. McLaughlin and Miss Maggie A.
Young both of Acton.
20. Dec. 29, Mr Freeman Williams and Mrs. Etta E. Pelton
both of Acton.
Deaths recorded in acton in 1883.
No. Date of Death. Name and Age of Deceased.
1. Jan. 19, Miss Ida J. Tuttle, daughter ot Joseph F. and Jen-
nie E. Tuttle, aged 14 years 5 months 24 days.
2. Jan. 24, Mr. George F. Flagg, 35 y. 4 m. 20 d.
3. Jan. 24, Mr Simon Robbins, 51 y. 10 m. 14 d.
4. Jan. 24, Mrs Harriet H. Mason, 59 y. 11 m. 12 d.
5. Jan. 31, Mr Levi Barnard, 82 y. 3 m.
6. Feb. 8, Mrs Lydia Lucinda Fletcher, 78 y. 3 m.
7. Feb. 23, Mrs Mary Lane, wife of Morris Lane, 47 y.
8. March 7, Leonard A. Phalen, son of Edwin H. and Hattie D.
Phalen, 3 m.
9. March 8, Mrs. Mary Grimes, wife of John Grimes, 02 y. 2 m.
11 d.
10. Mar. 30, Mrs Matilda Comslock, 78 y. 6 m.
11. April 4, Mrs Celia E. Whitnev, wife of Dr. F. W. Whitney,
34y. ^ ^
12. April 7, Mrs Harriet E. Hosmer, wife of Simon Hosmer, 77
years.
13. April 22, Mrs Henrietta F. Wood, wife of Edward Wood,
21 y. 1 m. 28 d.
14. April 27, Mr Thomas P. Sawyer, 64 y. 10 m. 21 d.
15. April 27, Mrs Mary Ann Piper, wife of Josiah Piper, 76 y.
7 m.
16. April 29, Harvey Wheeler, son of Jairus C. and Alice M.
Wheeler, 3d.
17. May 29, Mrs Agnes Burnham, 28 y., at Antrim, N. H.
18. May 30, Mr George Watson, 73 y. 10 m.
19. June 19, Mrs Lydia B. Piper, widow of Luther W. Piper, 48
y. 6 m. 26 d.
16
20. June 23, Grace M, daughter of Amos H, and Etta C. Hay-
ward, 1 y. 2 m. 3 d.
21. July 6, Daniel Wetherbee, Esq., 68y. 10 m. 19 d.
22. July 18, Mrs Harriet E. Jones, wife of Abram H. Jones,
57 y. 2 m.
23. July 25, Mrs. Lucy F. Dole, widow ot Joseph Dole, 63 y. 5
m. 16 d.
24. July 29, Mrs Mary M. Mills, wife of Jas. I. Mills, 28 y. 3 m.
25. August 11, MifeS Nellie Grace Fletcher, daughter of Lewis E.
and Lucv E. Fletcher, 15 y. 11 m.
26. August 26, Mr. Sumner F. Reed, 29 y. 10 m.
27. Aug. 29, Mrs Myra Dwioells, 79 y.
28. Aug. 30, Mr Tilly Robbins, 81 y. 1 m. 15 d.
29. Oct. 17, Miss Catherine M. Wefliogton, 50 y. 3 d.
30. Oct. 18, Mrs. Mary Ann Nelson, wife of Oscar P. Nelson,
34 V. 1 m. 1 d.
31. Oct. 31, Mr. Andrew Connell, at Tewksbury, 21 y.
32. Nov. 25, JViiiinie Murphy, daughter of William H. and Mary
Jane Murphy, 2 m. 18 d.
33. Dec. 3, Mrs Margaret Eager, 62 y. 5 m. 6 d.
34. Dec. 19, Mr. Jeremiah H. McCarthy, son of Daniel and
Mary McCarthy, 21 y. 2 m. 12 d.
AMOUNT RECEIVED FROM LICENSES OF
DOGS SINCE LAST REPORT.
On Tax of 1882 :
Mi-H. Eliza Wheeler,
-
-
■$2 00
Edward Wood,
-
-
5 00
Moses Taylor.
-
-
2 00
Total, -
m 00
On Tax
OF 1883 :
M, Augusta Hosmer,
$2 00
Jairus C. Wheeler.
5 00
■^ Moses A. Keed,
2 00
Edward Wood.
5 00
Antoine Bxilette.
2 00
T. P. Goding,
2 00
Wm. D. Tuttle,,
2 00
George Pratt.
7 00
Jeremy Austiu.
2 00
James Baker.
2 00
Chas. J. Williaibs,
2 00
Willis L. Mead,
2 00
Alonzo L. Tuttle,
2 00
Isaac Wood.
7 00
John Temple,
2 00
Webster C. Bobbins,
2 00
Mrs. Geo. T. Flagg,
2 00
Joseph Bassett,
2 00
George G. Conant.
2 00
James Tuttle,
2 00
E. F. Fuller.
2 00
Francis Conant,
2 00
Chas. H. Mead,
2 00
Michael Hannon,
2 00
Frederic Eouillard,
5 00
J. E. W. Wetherbee,
2 00
Frank E. Harris,
2 00
Tuttle, Jones & Wetherbee.
4 00
John Hanaford;
2 00
Elnathan Jones,
6 00
James E, Harris,
2 00
Chas. A„ Taylor,
2 00
Hanson Littlefield,
2 00
Otis H. Forbush,
2 00
A, W. Gardner,
2 00
George E. Keyes,
2 00
John Fletcher,
2 00
Daniel McCarthy,
2 00
A. Lucien Noyes,
2 00
G. H. S. Houghton,
2 00
G. H. Waugh,
2 00
Solon A. Bobhins,
2 00
Dr. Chas. B. Saunders,
2 00
George VV. Livermore.
2 00
Frank Wetherbee,
2 00
John Kelly.
2 00
D. J. Wetherbee,
2 00^ Cyrus Hay ward.
2 00
Andrew F. Priest,
2 00
Lucius S. Hosmer.
2 00
Theron F. Newton,
2 00
Chas. H. Wheeler,
5 00
A. H. Gilmore,
2 00
Edwin Tarbell,
2 00
Chas, J. Holton.
5 00
E. A. Eandali,
2 00
L. E. Allen,
2 00
Jas. D. Coburn,
2 00
Luke Tuttle.
2 00
M. E. Taylor,
2 00
Walter C.Gardner.
2 00
Forbush & Hartwell.
5 00
J. W. Dupee.
2 OO^J. E. Eeed.
2 00
J. H. McCarth}^
2 00
Isaac Barker.
2 00
C. A. Harrington,
2 00
E. J. Bobbins.
2 00
Henry Hanson,
2 00
Hiram Walker.
2 00
Lester N. Fletcher,
2 00
John C. Gates.'
2 00
Geo. C. Wright,
2 00
Mrs. Eliza Wheeler.
2 00
Mrs. H. M. Beck,
2 00
Herman Chaplin.
-2 00
Fred S. Whitcomb.
2 00
Thos Calder,
2 00
Ed. O'Neil,
2 00
James Tobin,
4 00
•J. W. Aldrich, jr.
2 00
A. Eisso,
2 00
Chas. D. Griggs,
2 00
Const O'Neil,
2 00
JLuther Conant,
2 00
F. E. Knowlton,
2 00
Chauncey B. Bobbins,
2 00
Taylor Bros. & Co..
2 00
George Conant.
2 00
Sylvester Haynes.
2 00
Moses Taylor,
2 (0
Jos. F. Cole,"
2 00
Anson C. Piper,
2 00
James Kinsley,
2 00
Mrs. Jarvis Willianis,
2 00
Nahum Littlefield,
2 00
John Welch,
2 00
Geo. A. Smith.
2 00
Total Number of Males,
Femah
98 at !ip2.00,
.*196 00
5s, 9 at 5.00,
45 00
Whole
amount,
8241 00
WILLIAM D. TUTTLE,
ToAyn Cler
k.
Acton, March 10, 1884.
REPORT OF THE RECEIPTS AND EXPENDI-
TURES OF THE ALMSHOUSE IN ACTON,
FOR THE YEAR ENDINa MARCH 1, 1884.
8 cows,
$400 00
1 horse,
200 00
13 tons hay.
234 00
5 cwt straw.
3 00
lot bags,
5 00
3 bags meal.
3 75
12 cwt. shorts,
15 00
22 hens,
11 00
2 pigs,
25 00
wagon.
100 00
75 barrels.
11 25
4 market boxes,
50
100 bushels potatoes,
40 00
7 bushels small potatoes.
2 75
cider.
4 00
2 cider barrels,
2 00
15 gallons soap,
2 25
2 lbs. butter,
66
AKTICLES ON HAND MAECH 1, 1884.
salt,
ajiples.
100 lbs. salt pork,
eggs.
kerosene,
10 lbs. corned beef.
crackers,
beans,
spices,
molasses,
rye meal,
matches,
tea,
hard soap,
15 oords wood cut for stove. 70 00
$1,159 85
4 00
14 00
88
48
80
3 00
1 75
1 00
75
1 50
25
60
40
70 00
19
EXPENSES.
Paid for flour, ^
5 46 23
grain,
306 93
meat.
65 46
sugar,
16 11
clothes & clothing,
43 64
crackers,
29 70
cheese.
7 78
candles,
15
butter,
46 20
cream tartar.
59
snuff,
46
starch,
18
giaSs seed,
1 00
oat meal.
2 39
phosphate.
10 28
fish.
13 86
wash tubs.
4 75
coffee,
7 30
brooms.
1 27
mustard.
65
d. apple,
1 59
scythes.
3 60
whetstones,
55
scythe snaths.
1 40
paris green,
28
yeast,
63
molasses,
8 26
lard.
7 23
essences.
75
shoes.
5 65
vinegar.
75
soap.
10 74
stove polish.
23
nails,
1 86
spices,
1 31
oil.
1 08
tea,
15 55
pails,
2 15
matches,
50
shells.
32
sulphur.
28
rake.
25
crockery,
3 52
horse radish,
10
bean pot,
20
beans.
6 65
salt.
81
pepper,
14
ginger,
7
medicine.
1 60
rye meal.
1 56
garden seeds,
63
twine,
6
tomato plants,
25
glass.
40
saleratus.
40
barrels,
4 32
raisins.
1 66
chimneys,
41
lamps.
40
comb.
12
tin ware,
7 75
bluing,
10
rolling pin,
17
tacks.
43
clothes pins,
25
brushes.
1 63
clothes Hues,
60
curtains,
1 56
shovel.
75
saw,
83
cattle cards,
, 45
knife.
22
chains.
95
currants.
44
hoes.
66
sad iron,
37
chalk.
6
lounge,
8 00
pork.
50
lime.
10
baskets.
28
bag,
25
scraps.
64
jug,
30
horse blanket.
2 25
clothes dryer,
1 00
table,
2 76
whiting,
15
brick.
8
20
harrow,
seed potatoes,
pigs,
repairing harnesses,
use of oxen,
onions,
use of bull,
advertisements,
straw,
whitewashing,
wheehmght bill;
pump and repairs,
castings,
stove and repairs,
copper tank,
killing hog.
2 50
7 75
22 00
7 50
5 00
1 00
8 00
3 75
4 80
2 40
2 45
12 80
8 95
7 55
8 25
1 25
cider,
4 90
cider barrel,
1 00
lumber,
1 08
filing saws,
45
blacksmith's bill,
14 05
cows.
155 00
Dr. Sanders' bHl,
3 50
labor.
145 44
Services of J. Austin, wife
and son,
25 00
W. Bemis & wife,
206 25
E. H. Cutler,
45 00
Luke Blanchard,
10 00
Julian Tuttle,
12 00
$1,436 23
RECEIPTS FROM TOWN FAl^M FROM MARCH 1, 1883, TO MARCH
FIRST, 1884.
Received for milk.
622 26
apples.
594 59
peaches.
13 28
cows,
187 84
calves.
6 50
benies.
5.91
potatoes,
3 70
bu-ch poles.
8 00
Expenditures,
Income more than expenditures.
Interest on farm.
Cash due treasury.
Received for old iron, 65
Voard of
Joseph
Martin,
9 71
tiour.
5 93
eggs,
15 45
tomatoes.
25
Receipts,
$1,474 07
1,436 23
Victualing 170 tramps @ 40c..
•f 240 00
87 84
$202
()8
16
00
$37 84
Cost of supporting poor on farm,
#134 16
Whole number of persons exclusive of tramps, supported iu almshouse,
■8 ; average number, 5 : present number, ~>.
E. H. CUTLER,
LUKE BLANCHARD,
JULIAN TUTTLE,
Overseers of Poor.
COIIONWEALTHOFIASSACHUSETTS.
MIDDLESEX SB.
To John E. Cutter, Constable of the Town of Acton, in said County. Gkeetixg :
You are hereby required, hi name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to
notify the legal voters of said Town of Acton to meet at the Town Hall on Monday
the seventh day of April next, at one o'clock in the Afternoon, by posting copies
of this Warrant, by your attested, at the Post Office in the centre of the Town,
and also at the stores of Tuttlc, Jones & Wetherbee, Taylor Bros. & Co., and Isaac
W. Flagg, in said town, seven days at least before the time appointed for said
meeting, then and there to act upon the following articles as they may think
I)roper, viz.
Art. 1st. To choose a Modcratoi-.
Art. 2nd. To choose all necessary town ofticers.
Art. 3rd. To see if the town will appropriate the sum of Seventy-Uve dollars
for decoration day, and pay the same to Isaac Davis Post.
Art. 4th. To see if the town will purchase a new hearse, and purchase run-
ners for the old one.
Art. 5th. To see what amount of money the Town will raise to defray town
charges the present year.
Art. 6th. To see what amount of money the town will raise for the support
of schools the present year and how it shall be divided.
Art. 7th. To see if the town will raise the sum of Eight Hundred dollars for
support of High School,
Art. 8th. To see what amount of money the town will raise to repair its
roads the present year.
Art. 9th. To see if the towii will choose a Superintendent of Burials.
Art. 10th. To see if the town will instruct their School Committee to choose
a Superintendent of schools,
Ai-t. 11th. To see if the town will authorize their Treasurer to borrow money
for the town if neccesary.
Art. 12th, To consider and act upon the acceptance of the Jury List as re-
vised by the Selectmen.
Art. 13th. To see if the town will widen the road near house of Mrs. War-
ner, or pass any votes thereon.
Art. 14th. To see if the town will vote to accept of the reports of the Select-
men, Overseers of the Poor, School Committee, and other Town Officers.
' Art. 15th. Shall licenses be granted for the sale of intoxicating liquors in
this town the present year? vote by ballot yes and no.
Art. 16th. To see if the town will abate the amount of forty-two dollars and
sixty-two cents submitted to Job W. Dupee for collection.
Art, 17th. To see if the town will purchase a new road machine.
Art. 18th. To hear and act upon report of the selectmen in relation to grave
gtones for its soldiers.
Art. 19th. To see if the Town will widen the street leading from the Turn-
pike near the house of Luke Blanchard, and extend the same to the South Acton
road near the Cemetery, or take any action thereon.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this warrant to us with your doings
thereon at or before the time appointed for said meeting.
Given under our hands this the twenty-second day of March, in the year
eighteen hundred and eighty-four,
D. J. WETHEEBEE, ) Selectmen
J. K. W. WETHEPvBEE, J- of
J. W. DUPEE, ) Acton.
A true copy. Attest : ,
Constable of Acton.
beJob ^i/ i^LaBsad EzAas \^s^:^ las&am^^ m^mm
Bchool Committee
TOWN OF ACTON
SCHOOL YEAR, 1883-84,
SUPERmTEMlE^^T^S REPOET.
The purpose of edueatiou is not only to iiupart knowl-
edge but so to train tlie pliysieal, intelleetiial and moral
facnities of onr children tliat tliey may become healthy,
capable, honest men and women and good citizens.
While health of ])ody and strengtli of morals must
mainly depend upon inherited tendencies and home train-
ing, yet a good school may do much to supplement home
work. Our commodious school houses are weM warmed
and ventilated, and our intelligent teachers vriry the
monotony of recitations and the unhealthfulness of sitting,
by frequent gymnastic and musical exercises, which allay
nervousness and promote cheerfulness and good health.
The teacher may do much to train the conscience and
inculcate kindness and all the manh^ and womanly virtues,
not only by ilie constant power of example, but by respond-
ing to the love of children for stories, and in many other
w^ays. I believe the moral influence in our schools is good.
There is however, one subject in this connection that de-
mands special remark. The high position Acton has taken
as a temperance town recpiires that she be not behind in
temperance work. Ko man Avishes his son to become in-
temperate. The best safeguard against it is to see to it
that every boy and girl in our schools be taught the bane-
ful effects of alcohol on body and mind. A few lessons in
connection with, the study of physiology will accomplish this.
But the main purpose of scliools is to train the intellect
and impart knoAviedge. Pa-rents haA^e not time for this
work. It must be done in the schools. It has been given
up almost AAdiolly to them. They must theii do the Avork
thoroughly or it Avill not be done. In my last year's re-
port AA^ere remarks on the studies to be pursued in our com-
mon schools and the methods of teaching tliem. Our
teachers Ivayq faithfully and efficiently practiced those
methods Avith excellent results. The frequent reviews and
26
written examinations wherein each scholar is re(.|nirecl to
write the whole lesson in his own i^^orcls withont hook to
aid, has induced hard study and accurate knowledge, with
facility of expression. Such an exercise is a lesson not only
in the subject taught, hut also the best possible drill in
spelling, grammar, composition and penmanship.
The increased use of books in the primary classes has
made the instruction more thorough and good discipline
easier. The best way to keep a young scholar still, is to
keep him while in the school room busy in recitation, or
with book or slate. But the book is the mere skeleton
which the teacher must clothe with life and beauty. In
each grade the teacher must know all in the book and
more, and must be able to conduct the recitation with book
closed and with rapidity. Let each member of the class
feel that he is liable at any moment to be called upon to
iinisli his classmate's answer. Thus attention is secured.
During the last two years the text l)ooks in grammar,
geography and reading have been exchanged at slight ex-
penses to the town [less than iift}' dollars] and made uni-
form, and parents obliged to bu}' books, have, by a con-
tract made by us Avitli the publishers, been able to get
them at one-third less expense than foi*meraly. T have no
further changes to recommend.
IJISCIPLIXE.
What has l)een the standard of order or l)ehavior in
our schools during the past year, is a (piestion of prime
im.portance.
lam glad to say that witli a few exceptions it lias
been excellent.
A daily record of the deportment of each scholar has
been kept by the teachers and reported to me every
three weeks. The result of these reports is embodied in
the annexed table, the number hve indicating a perfect de-
portment for the whole year. Xo doubt some teachers
have been more exacting than others, l)ut on tlie Avhole,
the marking is a very fair indication of the behavior of
each scholar.
Should this system be persevered m and the result
inserted in each annual report, disobedience will become
rare, for it keeps before teachers, superintendent, and
committtee the names of oifenders, and enables them to
27
apply discipline j list where and when it is needed. Be-
sides the system is a powerful incentive to the scholar to
beware of his behavior so as to have a good record. In
each of the two schools which have been at all disorderly
the trouble has been caused almost wholly by the half
dozen scholars whose deportment is lowest, and they must
be thoroughly reformed the very first week of next term.
Let their parents assist and the work will be quickly and
easily done.
Tardiness and Absence.
While there has been on the whole much less of these
evils than last year, there is much room for improvement
and we must all aim to secure the highest possible stan-
dard. Scholars are often tardy, absent, or dismissed, when
one or both parents know not of it.
A system of frequent reports sent to parents will tend
to suppress this evil if they will co-operate. Let ns now
glance at the different schools.
Center Primary.
This school has been so much praised that it is difficult
to say anything new about it. Teacher and pupils deserve
all the encomiums that have been bestowed on them.
Although our other primary schools are most admira-
bly taught, this school holds the high place it has so many
years occupied and it is to be hoped that Miss Ball may
long be retained as its teacher.
The parents showed their appreciation of her worth
by presenting her at the annual examination with a costly
and .appropriate present.
Center Grammar.,
Miss Jennie A. Ilemmenway of Framingham, taught
the Spring and Fall terms very successfully and received
beautiful presents from lier pupils, but declined to take
the "Winter term, so Miss Bessie R. Brackett of Winches-
ter was employed to complete the year.
She is a thorough scholar, having had an excellent
training in the schools of her own town and graduated
from a four years course at one of our I^ormal Schools.
It was hoped that although of limited experience she would
manage the school successfully. The general order of the
school was not bad, and the persistent disobedience of a
28
few prevented its being good. Wc gave her prouipt
aid when called upon, ])ut it is useless to expect a lirst-
class school when made up largely of scholars wlio are sent
to school only one term in a year and irregnlarly at that.
Yet some of these one term scholars study well and made
as good progress as could be expected. All interested
must resolve that this school sliall be mada to take liigli
rank, and if parents Avill keep their scholars at school regu-
larly it can be done.
North School.
Miss Viohi S. T little of Acton has completed her
second 3^ear as teacher of tliis school. The examination
at the close of the jear was a most successful one. This i.^
.one of the few scliocls in wliich we have never been called
upon to reprimand a. scholar. [*arents, teacher and schol-
ars ha^'c done their duty well.
East School.
Miss Susie A. Wetherboe deserves all the praise given
her last year. The school was a very successful one. The
expenses incurred in care of room, and running the
furnance, shortened the last term, but notwithstanding the
limited time for review% the examination showed good
progress and thorough training.
More money should be appropriated to this school.
South East.
Miss Elsie Willoughby of New Hampshire, taugh^
the Spring term. She is a fine scholar but her youth and
inexperience were not ecpial to the task. The Fall and
Winter terms Avere taught by JMiss Bertha Manley of
Brockton, Mass. Having had a thorough Normal training
and several terms of experience she succeeded in keeping a
good school and the examination was very successful
considering the frefpu^nt absence and tardiness of many
scholars.
S 1^ T n (111 A M M A Tx .
}iliss .Minnie Mains of Framingham taught the three
terms. She is a good teacher and disciplinarian. The
general order of the school was very good. The bad de-
])ortment of a few scholars, near the end of the last term
[and the table shows who they are] hurt the good name
of the school and interfered with its success. At the end of
the fall term her pupils ga^T her some fine presents.
29
South Primary.
Miss Emma F. Estabrook of Acton has completed her
second year with this school, with excellent success, which
is the result of her firmness, kindness and ability to teacli.
The School gave her some line presents.
West Gtrammar.
Miss S. J. Wyman of Westminster has taught the
whole year most successfully.
The excellent maps drawn on the boards examination
day, without atlas to guide, were the result of much prac-
tice. In no school in town is more hard study done than
in this one, and the discipline has been excellent.
West Primary.
Miss Lettie F. ITewton of Hudson taught the three
terms with unusual success, the school being a very large
one. One exercise deserves marked attention — the compo-
sitions written by the two higher classes, not disquisitions
on subjects beyond their years, but interesting and instruc-
tive stories told or read to them by their teacher, and af-
terwards written by them in blank boolfs in their own
words and read to j^he audience examinajbion day.
The High School.
This school may now be considered a permanent part of
our system of education and how to make it the greatest
benefit to the whole town deserves careful consideration.
Established so unexpectedly, and not until several
scholars had made arrangements to attend elsewhere, it did
not immediately and wholly arrest that exodus to the
schools of other towns which has done so much to weaken
our schools, and it became necessary to admit scholars who
had not fully completed the regular grammar school course.
But at the next term older scholars came in and during
the year the school has numbered about 48 different
scholars, of whom one-third would probably have gone else-
where but for this school, one-third have remained in the
grammar schools, and one-third would not have attended
school at all.
It seems to me that those common English branches
usually taught in our Grammar and mixed schools ought
to be nearly completed in them, in order that scholars may
receive as much as possible of their education near home.
30
the grade of tlie Higli 8cliool be kept well up to the stan-
dard oftlie bestHigli Scliools, and the necessity of having
a.n assistant be avoided.
It will be necessary for the committee and superinten-
dent to fix the standard for admission, have a public writ-
ten examination of candidates, and adhere firmly to sucli
standard.
The course of study foi* this school deserves much
thought.
I recommend that it be one of three years, that it com-
prise a thorough drill in Book-keeping, Algebra, Geome-
try, Ancient and Modern History, English Literature, I*^at-
ural Philosophy, Chemistry, the Constitution and Govern-
ment of the United States, and such other branches as are
usually taught in High Schools, including French and Lat-
in, but that no one be required to study the languages in
order to graduate, a special clause however, to be inserted
in the diplomas of those who take the languages. In short
let the English course be required, and that in other lan-
guages be optional.
The High School is the College of the common peo-
ple. The standard for admission to our colleges has been
put so high, opportunity to earn monej^ by teaching de-
vded, and the expense so much enhanced, that few young
men can afford the requisite time and money to take the
regular college course, especially where three years more
must be taken in special instruction for some business or
profession. I concede the value of a college course, but
not one per cent of the people of Acton ever have or ever
will go througli college. The High School then must be
the common resort for a liberal education. It will raise
up between a rich and highly cultured aristocracy^ and the
uncultured masses, a middle class of ambitious young men
and women who will be the saving of the nation.
Liberal education of the people is one of the strongest
safeguards against the concentration of wealth and power
in the hands of the few. Let then no j)oor man, no rich
man who loves his country, vote against the High SchooL
But let us make our High School even more popular.
Let us avoid discussion about location which at present is
needless, and if need be appropriate a small sum to pay the
expense of conveyance of scholars, as they do in Concord. It
Avould be cheaper than to erect a needless building. With
31
a, spare sclioolroom in eacli village, and elieap transporta-
tion by rail between tlie West and Sontli, tlie question of
location need not trouble us for years to come.
The High School scholars deserve special praise for
excellent deportment and close application.
We were fortunate in securing Mr. H. H. Williams as
teacher, and he is engaged for another year.
The examination showed hard study and faithful in-
struction. The school presented their teacher a costly six
volume edition of Shakespeare in token of their apprecia-
tion of his worth.
In conclusion let me say that the committee have not
sought to favor relatives or friends but have tried to em-
ploy the very best teachers to be obtained. We enter up-
on the new school year under the most favorable auspices.
Appended is the usual tabular statement, and the re-
port of attendance and deportment.
For the Committee,
FREDERICK C. :N"ASH, Superintendent.
FINANCIAL REPORT.
To the Citizens of Actou :
The undersigned School Committee of Acton respectfully submit
the following report of receipts and expenditures for the year and for
a statement of the condition of the schools refer you to the superia-
tendent's report and annexed tables.
JOHN E. CUTTER, Chairman.
J. W. DUPEE, Clerk.
GEO. CHANDLER.
GEO. GARDNER.
LUCIUS S. HOSMER.
T. P. CODING.
Acton Mar. 26, 1884.
HIGH SCHOOL.
Received from Town, $800 00
Paid H. H. Williams, Teacher, $720 00
A. S. Fletcher for Coal, 9 90
For 2 Settees and Teaming Seats, 9 06
Mr. Wood. Janitor 12 00
T. J. & W. For Sundries, 4 51
For Care of Room at WestActon, 5 00
For Coal at West Acton, 10 00
Cash For Rent of Organ, 12 00
For Fuel at Acton Centre, 8 00
For Care of Room at Acton Centre, 6 00
For Cleaning, &c., at Acton Centre, 2 10
Balance,
CENTRE SCHOOL 1883-4— JOHN E.
Drawn From Treasury,
Balance From Last Year,
$798 57
1 43
$800 00
CUTTER, COMMITTEE.
$790 00
11 58
$801 58
33
Paid Teachers, $653 00
Fuel and Preparing it, 95 15
Care ot House, 42 00
Incidentals, 11 26
$801 41
Balance on Hand,
17
$801 58
WEST SCHOOL.
By Balance From last Year,
$61 67
Received From
Town Treasurer,
790 00
851 67
Paid Teachers' Salaries,
S684 00
Coal,
92 64
Care of House,
52 35
Sundries,
3 90
Balance on Hand,
18 78
851 67
GEO. GARDNER, Committee.
NORTH
SCHOOL.
Drawn from tlie treasury.
$350 00
Balance from last year,
50 63
$400 63
Paid to teacher.
$312 00
Fuel,
36 59
Care of house,
16 00
Crayons,
77
Cleaning house.
75
Balance on hand.
34 52
<tAhn iio^
J. W. DUPEE, Committee.
SOUTH EAST SCHOOL.
April 1, Cleanino^ School House, $ 2 00
2, Chairs, - 1 34
Sundries, 1 74
6 1-2 Cords Wood, ^ 30 50
Sawing Wood, 8 25
Care of School House, 8 00
June 14, Paid Miss Willoughby tor teaching, 70 00
Feb. 20, Miss Manley for teaching, spring
term, 10 weeks, fall term, 9 vv^eeks,
winter term, 12 weeks, total 31
weeks, 168 00
$289 83
34
Received from Town Treasurer,
Amount left over from last year,
Total,
Credit,
Debit.
Bal., $22 89
THEODORE P. GODING, Committee.
$275
00
37
72
8312
I 7
2
$312
72
289
83
EAST SCHOOL.
Received from Treasurer,
$350 00
Amount to Balance 1883,
1
13
By Paid Teacher,
$284 00
Coal,
29 00
9 It OaK Wood,
6 18
4 ft Pine Wood,
2 00
Care for School House,
22 00
Rent of Organ,
12 50
I. W. Flagg, Sundries,
1 25
To Balance,
5
80
$356 93 $356 93
GEO. CHANDLER, Committee.
SOUTH SCHOOL.
To cash, paid Minnie J. Maines, 36 weeks,
Emma Estabrook, 36 weeks,
Janitor and work,
A. S. Fletcher, coal,
Anson Piper,
E. F. Richardson, for wood and cuttins:,
Tuttle, Jones & Wetherbee,
Frank Jones,
Received from Town,
Balance from last year,
$360 00
336 00
68 00
32 50
2 75
uttins:.
4 00
18 01
2 24
$823 50
790 00
68 28
858 28
823 50
Balance due the town, $34 78
LUCIUS S. HOSMER,
Committee.
SCHOLARSHIP STANDING.
HIGH SCHOOL.
N. B. — In the High School table the scale of deportment is 100.
In that of the other schools it is 5.
m,„^„ Days ab- Days
Names of Scholars. Age. Deportment, rf^fly^ sent for f^^^^Xr
Delia J. Barker,
Jennie Bean,
Ella Cole,
Susie Conant,
Gertie Cutler,
Hattie Davis,
Florence Fletcher,
Alice Guilford,
Minnie Harris,
Addie Houghton,
Martha Pratt,
Alberta Preston,
Mabel Richardson,
Sadie Sawyer,
Lizzie Scofield,
Carrie Shapley,
Etta Tuttle,
Hattie Tuttle,
Mattie Smith,
Annie Lee,
Florence Dupee,
Sarah Hammond,
Susie Billings,
Joseph Bird,
Emery Clark,
14
95
16
95
16
99
13
95
14
97
17
98
14
98
19
96
18
99
16
95
15
95
13
98
18
99
14
99
15
95
15
97
15
96
13
92
16
98
19
100
16
99
16
98
IT
99
17
85
13
94
sicKness.
causes.
5
3 1-2
2
6 1-2
1
1
3
9
1 1-2
9
2
1-2
6 1-2
8
6
2
23
1
41
1
10
2
3
1
1
1 1-2
5
9
2
2
9
3
3 1-2
1
21
5
1
1
8
2
I
10 1-2
3
2
26
13
7
3
36
Ora Clough,
15
100
Elbridge Con ant.
18
99
22
5
Harry Fletcher,
16
99
8
1 1-2
Walter Gardner,
14
88
5
14
Eugene Hall,
15
95
8
4
Millie Handley,
17
94
1
19
Willie Hart,
15
93
2
8 1.2
Lucius Hosiner,
13
92
1
14
William Kelley,
20
100
15
6 1-2
David Kinsley,
17
100
1
1
George Lee,
18
98
16
10 1-2
Hobart Mead,
13
84
10
3 1-2
Clesson Parker,
15
93
4
Herbert Bobbins,
18
100
Frank Teele,
17
94
4
14
1-2
Frank Whitcomb,
16
85
2
3 1-2
Fred Whitcomb,
16
97
3
3 1-2
Eugene White,
16
95
6
4 1-2
Arthur Davis,
If)
98
1
7
Willie Davis,
17
95
2
1-2
Bertie Reed,
14
85
10
6
Fred W. Reed,
16
95
1
9
Lutie Conant,
11
97
12
centp:r grammar.
Ida J. Austin,
15
1 17-30
1
Snsie E. Conaot,
12
4 1-2
Stella Damon,*
10
4 61-65
3
3
1
Clara L. Hammond,
10
4 3-4
1
I 1-2
Jennie McCarthy,
13
4 4-5
3 1-2
11
Annie J. Noyes,
14
4 3-5
{)
13 1-2
1 1-2
Emmi L. Noyes,
10
4 6-11
1
S. Maud Purcell,
11
4 8-11
6 1-2
2
Hattie M. Robbins,
14
4 4-11
1
Clara B. Robbins,
11
4 8-11
1
Hattie E. Tuttle,
12
4 9-11
2
Gracie E. Tuttle,
11
4 8-11
1
9
1
Gracie A. Hutchings,
•4 1-2
11
:-57
Clarance A. Austin, *
17
4 1-G
f)
4 1-2
Arthur Allen, f
13
4 3-4
1
5
2
Lutie Conaut, *
10
4
2
James Hill, *
4 3-10
5
Willie S. Johnson,
11
3 9-11
23
Joseph F. Kingsley,
14
4
2
22
13
Arthur Lane, *
IG
3 3-4
1
5
3
Henry L. Livermore,
12
4 7-11
1
7 1-2
Daniel McCarth}), *
IG
4
1
5
Harry B. Nickerson,
9
4 5-11
1
5
George L. Noyes,
17
4 1-2
1
3 1-2
Eugene Peckham, I
12
4 3-7
11
Lymau Kobbins *
17
4 1-4
1
2
Fred Reed, *
IG
5
5
Bertie J. lieed,
11
4 7-11
Gl-2
9 1-2
Carleton C Taylor,
15
3 9-11
6
9
1
Eddie Thompson, *
4 1-2
8
Elbridge L Wheeler, *
13
4
4
10 1-2
Ollie D. Wood,
11
4 3-11
4
5 1-2
2
* A member only
one term.
t A member only
two terms.
CENTER PRIMARY.
May L. Calder,
8
4.95
Lottie G. Conant,
7
4.93
Millie E. Handley,
10
4.92
1-2
Mansie F. Lane,
7
4.72
2
1
1-2
Lizzie A. Manion,
8
4.97
11
45
Nannie S. Nickerson,
6
4.95
Lizzie M. Nickerson,
4
4.78
12
15
Carrie E. Taylor,
8
4.7G
Jessie P. Wood,
7
4.8G
^ 5
5
Sadie A. Wood,
4
4.96
G
18 1-2 25
Charlie T. Calder,
10
4.60
6
F. Ethel Wayne,
4
4.84
5
19
14
Walter A. Tattle,
6
4.62
4
1-2
Tommy Manion,
5
4.91
1
7 1-2 17 1-2
Sarah A. Edwards,
10
4.82
3
1
38
^Lizzie Edwards,
7
4.99
3
5
*Gussie B. Conant,
4
4.93
1
7
18
Charlie Bemis,
6
4.86
2
8
3
Eddie Sheridan,
7
4.80
1
Clarence S. Peckham,
10
4.88
1
1-2
1-2
C. Eusjene Johnson,
8
4.94
1-2
Johnny Sheridan,
5
4.86
1
fjohn Chase,
8
4.99
1
9
*Walter I. Taylor,
5
4.95
3
22
Wilmot E. Taylor,
6
4.75
Jessie W. Richardson,
G
4.96
5
Perley W. Richardson
.'^
4.97
6
* 1-2 day pupils.
t Highest rank in
Deportment.
WEST GRAMMAR.
Aldrich, J. W.,
16
4-9
4
€lark, C. B.,
10
4-5
2
Decoster, M. H.,
9
4-9
Gardner, B. L.,
12
4-7
Guilford, G. M.,
9
5
2
2
Gilmore, F. W.,
15
4.4
10
37
Guilford, A. L.
8
5
I 1-
3 4
Hall, B. D.,
11
4-4
4
2
Harris, H. B.,
14
4'6
8
28 1-2
Hart, E. J.,
8
5
Hoar, A. J.,
11
4-8
Holden, E. B.,
11
4-9
5
Holt, W. B.,
10
4-8
4
Houghton, G. N.,
10
5
1
2
Jones, D. E.,
12
4-3
8
5
5
Littlefield, I. M.
13
4-8
5
Mead, L. G.,
1)
4-9
6
4
1-2
Nash, F. H.,
9
4-8
13
3 1-2
Parker, E. M.
12
4
19
Parker, H. W.
12
4-1
5
2
Poultney, S. M.,
9
4-8
5
Preston, V. A.,
11
4-8
1
1
39
Richardson, F. A.,
12
4-8
10
11
14 1-2
Richardson, G. A.,
10
4-9
5
2
Robinson, M. L.,
10
4-9
Robinson, E. H.
8
4-7
9
9 1-2
Teele, F. W.,
11
4
4
13
Town,C. N.,
13
4-23
8 1-2
Trainor, Patrick,
12
3-4
22
13 1-2
WEST PRIMARY.
Brown, Nellie,
13
4 9-10
26
35
Brown, Ruth,
9
4 7-10
28
20
Brown, Lucy,
7
5
27
21
Brown, Etta,
5
5
5
21
Clark, Etta,
8
4 7-10
10
1-2
Cutler, Emma,
6
5
5
10
Carey, Ruth,
9
4 9-10
Carey, Wilson,
,7
5
1
5
Decoster, Charles,
9
4 1-5
1
1 1-2
Davis, Willie,
10
4 1-2
1
Davis, Richard,
9
4 1-2
1
Davis, Fred,
7
4 9-20
2
Gilmore, Carrie,
9
4 7-10
2
Gilmore, Willie,
6
5
Hall, Etta,
8
4 8-10
1-2
Handley, Ethel,
7
4 9-10
29
Holt, Bertie,
7
4 9-10
2
1-2
Hanaford, John,
7
4 4-10
1
Kuowlton, Forrest,
7
4 3-10
13
,0
4 1-2
Leonard, Willie,
9
4 3-10
12
10 1-2
Lawrence, Lulu,
9
4 7-10
2 1-2
Littlefield, Ray,
10
4 7-10
4
3 1-2
Littletield, Guy,
7
4 8-10
2
2
Mahoney, John,
11
4
6
Mead, Mabelle,
7
4 8-10
1
1
Parker, Brooks,
9
4
1
,
Parder, Mary C,
7
4 1-2
1-2
Palmer, AViliie,
7
4 1-5
12
2
Palmer, Hiram,
5
5
4
1
Preston, Roy,
7
4 1-3
3
1
40
Puffer, Elia,
11
5
4
Puffer, Willie,
7
5
4
Richardson, Ida,
11
4
2
Richardson, Alfred,
13
4 1-2
2
Richardson, Linwood,
4 9-10
4
5
Rich, Mary F.,
8
4 8-9
5 1-2
Rich, Nelfie,
5
5
13 1-2
Rhodes, Julia,
7
4 l-i
1
Stone, Alice,
9
4 8-9
1
Stone, Elma,
<)
48-9
.
1 1-2
Stone, Gertrude,
7
4 7-9
4
13
Stone, Wallace,
5
4 8-9
1
Teele, Sumner,
1)
4 2-9
2
5
Teele, Ernest,
T)
4 8-9
5
15
Trainer, Dannie,
1)
4 1-9
25
18
SOUTH GRAMMAR.
Eva Grows,
15
4-9
1
C. Chanapion,
14
4-9
5 1-2
Carrie Hanson,
13
4-8
5 1-2
Edith Bean
13
5
L. Richardson,
12
4-9
11-2
Bertha Jones,
12
4-8
1
3 1-2
Ada Jones,
11
4-8
21
1
Mary Bowen,
11
44
1
Nellie CuUiane,
11
4-9
1
5
8
Minnie Hud,
11
3-8
17
1 1-2
Minnie Tapley,
10
3-9
6
7
Jessie Currie,
12
4-6
2 1-2
Carrie Wheeler,
10
4-9
15 1-2
3 1-2
Dora Barker,
10
4-8
1
Mary May,
10
4.9
2
4
Alice Hanson,
9
4-8
5 1-2
Maud Swger,
9
4-8
1
35
Olive Barker,
8
4-9
3
1
G. Marshall,
9
"4-8
1
2 1-2
14
Ida Tapley,
8
4-6
3
■ 1 1-2
2 1-2
E. Fletcher,
8
4'6
1
G
25 1-2
41
Ida Hapgood,
7
5
9 1-2
2
Henry Randall,
14
3-9
18
58 1-2
Geo. Warren,
14
4-5
7
16 1-2
Morrie Couners,
13
53
Willie Fletcher,
12
3-7
15 1-2
Chas. Moulton,
12
4-2
19
1
1-2
F. Carroll,
12
3-7
33
18 1-2
Chas. Fletcher,
11
3-4
20
1-2
i
Levi Pratt,
11
3-8
12
1
I
Albert Randall,
10
3-5
20
18 1-2
Connie Conners,
10
53
Frank P'arrar,
10
3-1
31
3
Jerrie Bradley,
9
4-G
2
3 1-2 8
Guy Currie,
10
4-9
5
13 1-2
Ray Cuirie,
8
4-1
C)
3
Harvey Tuttle,
8
4-8
1
-2 4 1-2
•
John May,
8
4-9
9
1 1-2
Nancy Austin,
11
4-4
37 1-2
Chas. Hapgood,
13
3-8
1
1-2
4
Eddie Thompson,
9
4-4
5
26
4
SOOTH PRIMARY.
Emma Bradford,
11
5
28
Olive Wheeler,
8
5
4
Julia Tapley,
13
5
11
1
Fannie Booker,
8
4.7
13
Rebecca Bradley,
5
5
13
Annie Tucker,
7
5
8
Ella Spinney,
6
5
31
Nellie Bradford,
(5
5
0-
2
Frank Marshall,
7
5
5
2
Willie Holland,
8
5
22
Frank Hapgood,
9
5
f)
Willie Bradley,
10
5
1
15
1
John Buttles,
7
5
1
Alvin Nelson,
9
5
20
Bertie Mills,
9
4.5
5
1
Willie Tucker,
9
5
9
42
Fred Baldwin,
7
5
2
Denuis Bradley,
7
1
10
Frauk Randall,
10
5
3
3
Chrissie Cane,
7
4.7
1
2
George Hird,
8
4.7
6
3
John Hannon,
6
5
3
Sherman Farrar,
8
5
1
1
Richard Murphy,
5
4.7
3
Herman Tapley,
5
5
Dexter Spinney,
5
13
James Culliane,
G
5
1
Geo. Austin,
10
5
36
Frank Austin,
9
5
a
36
Robert Booker,
5
4.8
1
2
Clifford Robbins,
6
.">
13
Percy Tuttle,
6
5
7
Lawrence Cain,
5
4.2
7
Fred Robbins,
9
5 .
1
EAST SCHOOL.
Chester B. Robbins,!
5
5
1
14
Mattie F. Smith,*
15
4.74
1
Bertha E. Hosmer,
13
4.63
10 1-2
1-2
M. Gertrude Bassett,
14
4-3
1
25
5
Plarry G. Robbins,
14
4.04
3
3 1-2
6 1-2
Edwin F. Smith,
10
4.3
2
2
Ernest E. Wetherbee,
12
4.2
2
2
o
O
Katie C. 0'Connell,t
11
4.8
2
U 1-2
Blanche M. Bassett,
10
4.4 *
' 1
17
1
Roy G. Brooks,
10
4
3
rr
i
Fred H. Ball,*
13
3.8
8
32
Carlton C. Conant,*
14
3-6
1
1
21
Davie L. Ball,
14
4-45
3
16
Ida F. Davis,*
15
4-8
3
13 1-2
10
Reno W. Ball,
11
4.25
10
2
12
Florence H. Flagg
8
4.48
6
1
Annie H. Keefe,*
13
4.8
8
2
43
Rose A. Keefe,*
Emma M. Sawyer,
Charlie E. Smith,
Lucie M. Davis,
Harry C. Estabrook,*
Fred L. Robbios,
John E. O'Neill,
La Roy C. Hanscom,
Marcia E. Ball,*
Lizzie M. Taylor,
Thomas J. Keefe,
Wendell P. Davis
Mabel F. Hanscom,
Francis Davis,
Mary E. O'Neill,
Cornelius X. 0'Connell,t
John A. Williams,
Willie O Smith,t
Henry OC'onnell,
* A member less than one term,
t Not a member the whole year.
14
4.2
2
41-2
17
7
4.5
2
6
7
4.48
9
4.4
3
9 1-2
5
8
4.65
1
8
4.4
1
5
8
4.2
1
47
7
4.3
2
2
7
4.7
5
1
16 1-2
6
4.9
2
9
9
4.4
2
4
7
6
4.4
6
17 1-2
12 1-2
4.8
16 1-2
7
5
4.7
3
7
9 1-2
7
4.97
3
19 1-2
8
4.7
4 1-2
12
3.6
12
14
3.6
1
1-2
6
5
2
10
SOUTH EAST SCHOOL.
Chase, Louise I.,
7
4
Clough, Cora,
8
4.7
2
Griggs, Ada,
5
4.8
14
19 1-2
Griggs, Edith,
4
4.7
10
10
Griggs, Gertrude,
13
4.1
13
17
Haynes, Lucy,
8
4.6
18
20
Penniman, Eva,
10
4.8
1
1
32
Penniman, Hattie,
12
4.2
3
3
38
Mulholland, Rebecca,
8
4.7
11
i)
Ward, Lucy,
8
4
Bradley, John,
16
4.9
Charlin,Fred,
15
4.2
8
Clement, John,
5
4.1
2
7
Clough, George,
9
4.3
1
2-12
Dole, Arthur,
8
4.5
3
5
23
44
Drew, Arthur,
6
4.5
y
4
12
Glines, Willie,
8
4.8
2
9
Glines, Fred,
5
4.3
2
3
7
Hooper, George,
14
4.1
28
2
11-r
Hooper, Willie,
16
4.2
18
4
1 1-2
Jones, Willie,
10
4.4
9
10 1-2
Jones, Shirley,
7
3.9
7
1
8 1-2
Jones, Fred,
17
4.8
2
7
Mnlholland, Willie,
13
4.2
3
10
Pierce, George,
7
4.3
1
1
Patterson, Bertie,
8
3.7
13
10 1-2
Cloiigh. Harry,
5
4.8
6
9
NORTH SCHOOL.
Mattie Haudolph,
14
4 1-2
5
4
Bertha Dupee,
13
4 5 r,
1
3
3 1-2
Hattie Smith,
14
4 11-12
Augusta Smith,
11
4 3-4
1
Edith Flagg,
8
4 o-C
8 1-2
11-2
Hattie Reed,
11
4 3-4
9
4 1-2
Grace Rouillard,
11
4 7-9
2
9
Ella Miller,
6
4 59-60
4
2
Alice Miller,
4
5
2
Geo. Smith,
17
4 3-8
2
9 1-2
Elwyn Harris,
14
4 3-4
7
6 1-2
Everett Wayne,
14
4 11-30
Georgie Harris,
9
4 63-80
2
1-2
Irving Smith,
9
4 5-8
1
1
1
Walter Smith,
7
4 3-40
1
Lyman Hutchins,
7
4 2-3
4
15
Robert Maines,
5
4 7-12
9
4 1-2
7 1-2
47
TABULAR STATEMENT.
a
QQ
<o I
&
tW
•IH
r*
^ O
»
T-(
SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS.
8
1
1
13
£
s
I
o
CO
1
e
1
'o
fcC
%
g
M
o
c
^
^
<
5
i
i
i
^
8PKIKG TEEM.
<^''*^M Primary
Mi8s J A Hemenway
2M
$36
21
20
20
21
46
" Bessie M Ball
m
36
20
19
19
3
7
37
South i grammar
Primary
" Minnie J Mains
3
40
34
31
32
24
46
" EFEstabrook
3
36
34
27
29
5
49
Wpsf ^ Grammar
^^^* ] Primary
*' SJWyman
3
40
31
27K
29
31
31
" LFNe-wton
3
36
34
32
33
15
23
North
" Viola S Tuttle
3
32
14
13K
13 2-3
9
9
East
" SAWetherbee
3
36
35
26
29
9
15
Southeast
'^ E Willoughby
2K
28
20
12
14 1-3
1
6
5
High
Mr H Williams
2K
80
28
25-7
27
17
5
18
FALL TEKM.
1
C'ntre -^ gi^mmar
untie ipj-iniary
Miss J A Hemenway
3
36
20
19
27
2
18
26
'• Bessie M Bair
3
36
24
22
23
10
50
r, ,-, ( Grammar
^«^^*^ i Primary
" Minnie J Mains
3
40
34
30
33
29
44
'• E F Estabrook
3
40
37
32 1-5
35
9
51
itr^c+ Grammar
^^^«* ) Primary
•' SJWyman
3
40
29
27K
29
2
26
25
" C L Ne^vton
3
36
41
39 5-6
40 2-3
1
19
17
North
•' Viola S Tuttle
3
36
15
14X
14 2-3
1
7
16
East
" S A Wetherbee
3
36
29
22-3
23 2-3
7
24
Southeast
'• Bertha Manley
23^
32
21
18-7
20
1
1
6
8
High
Mr H H Wilhams
WINTEK TERM.
3
80
39
35K
37 2-3
28
7
25
^^*^^1 Primary
Miss B R Brackett
3)^
36
31
21
28 1-3
8
13
14
" Bessie M Ball
3
36
19
14-8
18
1
6
29
<a^„+i. Grammar
^^^^^ i Primary
'' Minnie J Mains
3
40
34
30-1
33-2
29
26
" E F Estabrook
3
36
35
28
32
11
38
Wpcf i Grammar
^^'* /Primary
'• S J Wyman
3
40
32
28-75
30-8
5
25
35
" C L Newton
3
36
44
42
43-4
22
28
North
" Viola S Tuttle
3
36
15
14
15
1
6
25
East
'* S A Wetherbee
2
33K
26
20 3-4
25-6
1
8
11
Southeast
" Bertha Manley
3
32
23
17
20
3
1
5
10
High
Mr H H Williams
3K
80
38
34
35
27
5
28
Number of children between the ages of five and fifteen years, 295.
8um raised by town for each (besides $800 for High School,) $10.66.
I^EIPOIRTS
OF THE
1^
V
U^ M
m
AND
OTHER OFFICERS,
OF thf:
TOWN OF 4CT0N
From Feb. 26, 1884, to Feb. 26, 1885,
INCLUDING THE MARRIAGES, BIRTHS and DEATHS
IN 1884, ALSO THE REPORT OF TPIE
ACTON:
TiiK EN'i'Fiii'insi.; STKA.\r Jok ritix'
issr,.
TREASURER'S REPORT
Dr.
To Cash paid fur State Tax, $1,4.SU OO
County Tax, (SHO SO
On Selectmcns' Order. l4,2<Sl-l>i
To Outstanding Orders, 1 7o
To Balance due the Town, Feb. 2(). ISST), 1,871 17
■$i<s.;]i:) 18
Cr.
By Balance in the Treasury, Feb. 2G, 1<SS.'). $724 24
By Cash received of County Treasiu-er.
Dog Fund for 1883, 21;] 01
By Cash received of John White f(.)r LuuiIkm-. h '.)')
By Cash received of G. II. Warren, for
Rent of School Room, '"5-') 0()
By Cash received of Elisha FI. Cutlei , In-
come from Town Farm o7 'S4
13y Cash received from Town of Methuen
for Aid furnished Wm. Austin, ■")■'» <;s
Ijy Cash received of State Treasurer for su im-
port of State Paupers, 10 00
By Cash received of Theron F. Newton, on
account of School supplies. 4 77
l^y Cash received for rent of Town Hall celhu\ 1<S r>0
B}'^ Cash received of City of Boston for sup-
port of Mason Jones, '')7 '");)
By Cash received of Willis ^V. White, bor-
rowed money, 100 oo
]jv Cash received of Daniel Harris, 1)()n-()wed
money, 400 00
By Cash received of Franlv 11. Jones, bor-
rowed money, 400 00
By Cash received of J. K. W. Wetherbcc.
borrowed money, C)-")-') (H)
l>y Casli received of Estate of Simon llosmer.
borrowed monev, b>** Oil
By Cash received of vState Trea.'-urer, Cor-
poration Tax, l.oy-j ')\
Bv Cash received of State Treasurer, Nation-
al Bank Tax, 891) (;o
Ani07i>/t carried forzvarcL $-').720 O."]
Amount brought up. $5,720 03
Bv Cash rccci\cd of State Treasurer. vState
Aid.
By Cash received of State Treasurer. ReHef
of Indig-ent vSoldiers,
By Cash received of State Treasurer, Income
of School Fund,
By Cash received from Town of Billerica tor
support of Thomas Russell,
By Cash received for rent of Town Hall,
By Cash received from Theron F. Newton
for South school District,
By Cash received from John E. Cutter for
North school District,
By Cash received from John Fletcher for lots
sold in Woodlawn Cemetery,
By Casli received from John E. Cutter. Col- J
lector of Taxes. 11.1)47 .")! \
By Cash recei\ed for interest on monew (JO 1(» !
$1^,315 lb ;
J. K. \V. WETIIERBEE, '
Acton, Feb. 2(5, l<S<sr). l^rcasurcr of Acton. \
48
00
188
00
IGO
18
24
00
53
00
34
78
34
h'l
30
00
Kcpoit ol tlie ;>electiiiefl of tlic Town ot Acton,
From February 26, 1884, to February 26, 1885.
Centre District School.
Paid Miss Ik\ssie M. Ball, teachinc^ school, $!)0 (M)
Miss Carrie L. Haynes, teaching school, 00 00
Miss Carrie L. Haynes, teaching school, 120 00
Miss Bessie M. Ball, teaching school,
John E. Cutter,
John E. Cutter, cleaning house,
[uhn E. Cutter, repairs,
li!(l\varcl Tuttle. for use of pump,
John E. Cuttei ,
South Actov Districi^ School
108
00
1)8
28
(;
(k;
27
7.')
5
00
288
00
$o6
00
o8
00
o6
00
o8
00
10
07
'dh
00
o8
00
32
75
1
12
:>2
78
1
oO
, ^s
20
1
80
3
.30
•$8oo GU
Paid JMiss Enima Estabrook, teaching school
in vSo. Acton,
Miss Jennie A. Hemniinvvay, teaching
school in So. Acton.
Miss Emma Estabrook, teaching school
in So. Acton,
Miss Jennie A. Hemminway, teacliing
school in So. Acton,
Theron F. Newton, repairs on south
school house.
Miss Emma Estabiook, teaching school
in So. Acton,
jMiss Jennie A. Hemminway, teaching
school in vjo. Acton,
Theron Y. Newton, coal,
Theron F. Newton, blind,
Theron F. Newton, cleaning and wasli-
ing,* o 1)8
Theron F. Newton, labor, U 00
Theron F. Newton, paint for house and
fence,
Francis Hey ward, labor,
Francis Jones painting house and fence.
Francis Jones, labor,
L. W. Holt, labor,
Ai-uoiint carried forvtjard^ $4GG 70
Amount brought zip.,
Paid vSamuel Jones, labor,
Theron F. Newton, care of bouse,
Tberon F. Newton, soutb district, >
Tberon F. Newton, sundries,
Theron F. Newton, ventihitors for
Soutb Acton Higb scbool,
Theron F. Newton,
West Acton District Sciioot.
%\m 70
1) ?)V
5 00
247 00
1 7:j
12 00
$741 74
289 52
$1,031 2G
I^iid Miss S. J. Wyman, teaching scbool in
West Acton,
Miss Lettie Newton, teaching scbool in
West Acton,
Miss S. J. Wyman, teaching scbool in
West Acton,
Miss C. Lettie Newton, teaching school
in West Acton,
Geo. Gardner, chairs for West School,
Geo. Gardner, Dictionary "
Geo. Gardner, Miscellanies '•
Geo. Gardner, care bouse.
Miss S. J. Wyman, teaching school,
Miss C. Lettie Newton, teaching scbool,
Geo. Gardner, care house,
Geo. Gardner, use of organ,
Geo. Gardner, repairs on West School
, house.
Mead & Stone, paint for West Acton
school house,
E. F. Wood, painting West Acton
scbool bouse,
E. C. Parker, coal,
Geo. Gardner, repairs,
Tvliss S. J. Wyman, teaching scbool,
Miss C. Lettie Newton, teaching school,
Miss C. Lettie Newton, teaching school,
Miss S. J. Wyman, teaching scbool.
Miss S. J. Wyman, teaching scbool.
Miss C. Lettie Newton, teaching school.
Miss C. Lettie Newton, teaching school,
Miss S. J. Wyman, teaching scbool,
Miss S. J. Wyman, teaching school.
Miss C. Lettie Newton, teaching scbool,
$40 00
3G 00
40 00
8G
00
5
00
8
25
G
25
13
00
40
00
oi:>
00
10
00
5
00
10 00
48 74
78 25
88 93
13 18
90 00
81 00
27 ^00
30 00
40 00
3G 00
36 00
40 00
40 00
36 00
$970 6(
1
North Acton District School.
Paid Miss Alice Mansfield, teaching- school, $80 00
Miss Alice Mansfield, teaching school, 108 00
T. E. Cutter, repairs
J. E. Cutter,
Paid L. J. Robbins, repairs of house,
L. J. Robbins, crayons,
L. J. Robbins, care of house,
Mr. S. A. Wetherbee, teaching,
L. U. Holt, for stove and fixtures,
L. J. Robbins, for teacher,
L. J. Robbins, repairs,
LuVe J. Bobbins,
South East School District.
Paid G. Booker, whitewashing school
house, $ 3 50
Francis Jones, painting black boards, 3 00
Miss Bertha Manley, teaching school, 93 00
Samual Jones, labor, 3 25
Theron F. Newton, for wood, 17 50
Theron F. Newton, South East, 111 00
$188 00
4 26
163 85
$356 11
[lOOL.
$ 1
GO
60
3
00
108
00
53
57
129
75
o
00
$299 52
131 60
Theron F. Newton, repairs, 1 25
Theron F. Newton, sundries, 8 00
High S
CIIOOL
19
72
24
•5
60
t
164
45
18
00
$431 12
$231 2i
$240 50
Theron F. Newton, 129 00
Paid L. S. Plosmer, balance due High School, $ 65 00
L. S. Ilosmer, moving settees and
other repairs for High School,
Geo. Gardner, for repairs and sundries
for West Acton High School,
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, desks, seats
and freight for High School in West
Acton,
Geo. Gardner, labor putting down same,
Anioitnt carried fo7"Wa7'd, $291
so
00
so
00
so
00
12
00
IT)
00
12
OS
10
00
Amo7int broupht up^ $2!) I 77
Paid II. K. Williams, teaching Hig-h School,
West Acton,
H. H. Williams, teaching High School,
West Acton,
II. H. Williams, teaching High School,
West Acton,
Geo. Gardner, care of roonn,
Geo. Gardner, for clock,
Geo. Gardner, coal,
Geo. Gardner, use of piano,
Theron F. Xewton, for coal for High
school ' 10 :>
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, desks, seats,
table and freight,
H. H. Williams, teaching Centre,
H. H. Williams, teaching Centre,
H* H. Williams, teaching Centre,
J. E. Cutter, Centre High School,
H. H. Williams, teaching South Acton.
II. H. Williams, teaching South Acton
Theron F. Newton, for High vScliool.
.fl.lSS ;■).-,
vSciIOOL vSl'PlMJES.
Paid Theron F. Newton, book printing and
express,
Theron F. Newton,
F. C. Nash, difference in exchange of
books for schools in \ears If^S;) and
1884,
Theron F. Newton, school supplies,
Theron F, Newton,
J. E. Cutter, school supplies.
-,i;s:) ;,,")
SI 7s
so 00
so 00
so 00
i:) 00
so 00
so 00
— $1.
0111
!).S
:m;
•")7
$:57-l
47
OS
;)<;
;>()
201
i .")
$i;7
I 1 7
; OS
Towx Officers.
Paid L. V . Holt, sealing weights and meas-
ures, ' $ :> 00
F. C. Nash, balance of salar\- for vSupt.
of schools 188-5, " 02 r,o
H. J. Ilapgood, services of Assessor, 21 00
Phineas VVetherbee, 2.") 00
Wm. D. Tuttle, o2 00
AvioiLiit carried for~va)-d^ ■ $11'.) "jO
$149
5cr
75
00*
50
00
25
00
9
Amojint brought up^
Paid L. E. Reed, for Supt. of burials,
F. C. Nash for Supt. ot schools 1884-85
Wm. D. Tuttle, services as Town Clerk,
J. K. W. Wetherbee, services as Select-
man, 45 00
J. K. W. Wetherbee, services as Trctis-
urer, 40 00
J. W. Dupee, services as Selectman, 45 00
*D. J. Wetherbee, services as Selectman, 85 00
Cemetery Expenses.
Paid John Fletcher, labor in Woodlawn
cemetery, $ 45 40
John Eletcher, trees in Woodlawn cem-
etery, 20 50
B. H. & O. K. Patch, changing bound
on lot in iMt. Hope cemetery, 2;) 00
John Fletcher, labor in Woodlawn cem-
etery, 43 55
L. U. Holt, repairing pmnp in Mt.
Hope cemetery. 3 36
Printing.
Paid O. H. Duren, printing town orders,
O. H. Duren, warrants and reports,
Pratt Bros, warrants,
Paid Pratt Bros, advertising,
W. N. Sharp, voting lists,
Tolman & White, printing warrants.
$ 2
00
71
45
7
00
7
00
17
50
3
00
State Aid.
John Carroll $96 00
Benj. Skinner 96 00
Allen G. Smith 96 00
Geo. Dole 32 00
Ola Nelson 48 00
Mrs. R. C. Wright 48 00
Richard G. Dane 30 00
$514 m
$144 81
$107 95v
$446 m
10
Support of Poor.
E. H. Ciitle
r. support Clara Wheeler,
$88 2a
k (
ic
E. Burgendahl,
44 25
((
i i
Mrs. P. Redding,
14 00
u'
i (
Mason Jones,
37 53
CC
(( -
Wm. Austin,
55.68
u
c;
Clara Wheeler,
64 25
C (
u
E. Burgendahl,
45 15
(, c
; ;
Mrs. Redding,
49 00
((
u
John Carney,
21|00
u
('.
Mrs. Stanton,
4 60
((
I c
Mrs. Pike,
14 00
ii
( i
Mrs. J. Whitney,
20 00
ii
i(.
Michael Follard,
23 15
ii
i c
Clara Wheeler,
69 81
HI,
i i
E. Burgendahl,
42 75
ii
ii
E. Burgendahl,
42 71
ii
''
Clara Wheeler,
61 91
a
b (,
Mrs. Town,
22 69
(.i
a
Ed. Johnson,
4 50
Dr. Sanders,
medical attendance,
7 50
For support
Catherine O'Brien,
22 50
Dr. Hutchins, med
ical attendance.
25 82
ik
D. Bradley,
20 42
For support
of Ohi
Nelson,
10 00
E. H. Cutlei
•, expe
use to Tewksbur}',
6 00
Joui
•ney to Worcester,
3 85
Stat
ionary and stamps,
1 50
Support of Mrs. Pike,
34 00
*' Mrs. Whitney,
10 00
" Mrs. Redding,
4 00
Thos. Russell,
24 00
$895 00
Repairing Highways. I
Paid Chas. Wheeler, regular highway work, $200 00 1
A. H. Jones, '^ ' " 300 00
Chas. Wheeler, repairs on Thos. Ham-
mond road, 200 00
J. C. Wheeler, breaking roads, '83-84, 8 37
A. H. Jones, highway work, 250 00
Geo. E. Fi field, repairing road to T.
Moore place, 2 06
J. F. Cole, breaking roads in 1884, 8 25
Amount carried forvjard^ ■■ — $968 0)8
U i
Amount brought up^ $968 68 \
.A. H. Jones, widening road near Mrs. \
Warner's, 268 34 \
Abel Cole, for moving wall and laying \
same near house of Mrs. Warner's, 55 50 I
Chas. Wheeler, railing road near Con-
cord Hne, 13 09 \
■Chas. Wheeler, regular highway work, 494 83 i
'Chas. Wheeler, labor performed for ]
Jos. Cole, scraping road from C. .1
Wheeler's to W. Handley's, 1883, 15 00 \
A. H. Jones, regular highway work, 161 74 \
A. H. Jones, repairs on Powder Mill \
Bridge, 11 05 j
A. H. Jones, repairs on dry bridge near
house of Mr. Gates, 34 43 ^
Geo. Keyes, breaking roads, 1884, 1 73
$2,024 39
Miscellaneous.
IPaid R. M. Yale, for flag, $25 00
James Kinsley, for use of road for hur-
ley, " 8 00
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, for road
machine, plate and freight, 210 02
J. W. Loker, Decoration day, 75 00
J. K. W. Wetherbee, seal, weights and
measures for Town,
L. U. Holt, for weights,
" labor and team,
" sand chamber for pump,
" labor on pump,
Tuttles, Jones &Wetherbee, invoice books,
" ''' collector "•
Geo. L. Brov/nell, for new hearse,
Wm. D. Tuttle, laying out road in W.
Acton,
D. H. Hall, for stakes,
Spofford Robbins, labor on town clock,
R. L. Reed, labor and material on clock,
R. L. Reed, labor and material on
chandeliers,
Geo. M. Stevens, for town clock,
J. K. W. Wetherbee, for chandelers, 80 07 \
L. U. Holt, repairs on town house fur- ;
nace, 14 16 ■;
Auiount carried forxvard, $1,200 80 i
14
75
8
28
2
"Ih
7
00
1
75
1
05
1
25
635
00
8
00
1
00
8
18
9
86
7
60
82
64
$1,200
S&'
4
50
25'
65
6
48
n
15
03
CI
20
85
11
28
2
95
3
05
20
55-
12
Amount brought up^
Geo. L. Brovvnell. cover for hearse,
D. J. Wetherbee, express on flag,
" " recording deed.
*' " freight on hearse,
*' ^' 4175 coal for town
house,
Spofford Robbins, labor on stage and
furnace,
M. E. Taylor, oil, chimneys and sun
dries for town hall,
Win. D. Tuttle^ express on packages,
"• "' books for registers,
"' '-^ copying record book,
'^ collecting and record-
ing births, 18. 50
Win. D. Tuttle, collecting and record -
in<:^ marriajj^es, 2 70
Wni. D. Tuttle, collecting and record-
ing deaths.
R. L. Reed, taking care of hall,
repairs on town hall,
care of clock,
Francis Conant, repairs on town hall,
J. E. Cutter, discount on taxes, 1884,
Temporary Loan Paid.
Paid Willis A. White, note and interest,
Daniel Harris "* "
J. K. W. Wetherbee, •'
Frank H. Jones, '' ''
J. K. W. Wetherbee, -
Unexpended balance as per report, Feb. 26th, 1884, I
including bounty tax v$5,520 Vd- |
Received of VV. A. White, borrowed monev 400?' 00' ]
Daniel Harris, ^' ^ 400 00';
J. K. W. Wetherbee, ^' 635 00 i
F. H. Jones, " 400 00^
Estate Simon Hosmer, '' 450 00 I
Dog fund, 1883 213 01 I
J. White, lumber 5 35^ 1
G. H. Warren, rent school room 33 OO
Amo7iiit carried forward^ $8,056 4^^
4 50
32 25
17 14
15 00
3 38
* J
591 82
$1,971 7*- j
$406 55
\
405 83
642 41
,1
404 28:
453 37
$2,312 44 i
13
Amount brought up^ $8,056 49
Received of E. H. Cutler, income from Town fi\rm. . 37 84
Town of Methuen, support of Wm. Austin. . . />5 68
State Treasurer, supjoort State pauper 10 00
T. F. Newton, on account school supplies. ... 4 77
Use of cellar in town hall 18 50
City of Boston, support of M. J. Jones .37 53
State Treasurer, corporation tax 1,395 51
National Bank 899 60
vState Aid 48 00
" Relief of Indigent soldiers. . 188 00
" Income of school fund 169 18
Town of Blllerica, for support T. Russell. ... 24 00
John Fletcher, Woodlawn Cemetery 30 00
Interest on money 66 16
For use of town hall 53 00
Town charges 3,000 00
for schools 4,000 00
$18,094 26
Town charo-cs for roads 1,400 00
State tax . .' 1 ,480 00
County tax 680 80
Overlay 7 71
T.F.Newton,ba]anceof last years' school money 34 78
J. E. Cutter " ^' ^' .\ 34 52
$21,732 07
RECEIPTS
From February 26th, 1884, to February 26th, 1886,
Unexpended balance as per report of Feb.
26th, 1884, including bounty tax $5,520 13
Appropriations and receipts 16,211 94
$21,732 07
14
EXPENDITURES.
Support of the Centre District School $ 833 69 i
*' So. Acton '' 1,03126 !
" W.Acton " 970 60;
N. Acton " 356 11 i
'' E. Acton ^' 431 12 i
^' So.-E. Acton " 369 50 j
"'• High School and expenditures 1,188 55 .
School supplies 685 55 \
Town officers 514 50 ■
Cemetery expenses 144 81 !
Printing' 107 95 ;
State Aid 446 00 \
Support of Poor 895 00 -
Repairs on Highways 2,024 39 j
Miscellaneous expenses 1,971 74 ]
Temporary Loan paid 2,312 44 ]
State Tax 1,480 00 ;
County Tax 680 80
I
$16,444 01 ]
Amount due the Town from Collectors and 'i
Treasurer 5,288 06 '
Deduct Bounty Tax* 4,000 00 -i
$1,288 06 ]
D. J. WETHERBEE, ~) Selectmen I
y. K. W. WETHERBEE, \ of \
J. W. DUPEE, j Acton. '
Acton, Feb. 26, 1885.
16
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT.
Registry of Births in Acton for 1884.
No. Date of Birth. Name of Child. Name of Parents.
1. Jan. 5, Euth Mildred, daughter of Sidney L. and M. Kate Richardson.
2. "7, Alice Beatrice, daughter of Nathan R. and Abbie M. Palmer.
3. " 12, Chester Arthur, son of Thomas J. and Kate Sawyer.
4. " 26, Howard Arthur, son of Howard B. and Bertha White.
5. Feb. 10, Henry Franklin, son of William H. and Ida C. Lawrence.
6. " 14, Mable Gertrude, daughter of Edwin E. and Abbie F. Foster.
7. Mar. 1, James Ernest, son of Chas. H. and Fannie A. Taylor.
8. " 12, John Hubbard, son of Hanson and Florence M. Littlefield.
9. " 18, Annie May, daughter of James T. and Addie C. Goodsell.
10. *' 28, Willie James, son of Thomas and Maria C. Scanlan.
11. Junel2, Walter son of Edwin L. and Hattie C. Hay ward.
12. " 18, Ross Melvin, son of Fred C. and Sarah A. Reed.
13. July 5, ISTorman Asaph, son of Isaac B. and Ellen Spinney.
14&15." 16, Ada May and Annie Maud, twin daughters of Oslia P. and
' Nellie F. Knowlton.
16. " 25, Flora Blanche, daughter of Moses A. and Ellen A. Reed.
17. *' 27, Mary Ellen, daughter of Michael and Sarah McCarthy.
18. Aug. 1, Rilla Lester, daughter of Samuel B. and Harriet L. Harris.
19. " 7, Thomas Edward, son of Joseph A. and Margaret J. Devane-
20. " 16, Maud Beatrice, daughter of Andrew F. and Emma M. Priest.
' 21. " 16, Ines Maud, daughter of Joseph E. and Ida C. Dole.
■ 22. " 29, Estean D. son of James A. and Flora C. Symonds.
23. Sept. 7, William Munroe, son of William H. and Lora M. Hartwell.
' 24. " 17, Henry Wilder, son of Edwin W. and Flora A. Taylor.
25. '* 24, A son to Charles W. and Lena A. Melone.
'> 20. " 27, James, son of Isaac and Mary Frances Wood.
: 27. Oct. 17, James Leonard, son of Jairus C. and Alice M. Wheeler.
' 28. " 23, Albert William, son of William H. and Ella E. Kinsley.
29. " 27, Alice Marion, daughter of Edgar H. and Angle Hall.
I 30. Nov. 6, Loraine Esther, daughter of Charles I. and L. Lizzie Miller.
131. " 8, Levern Lincoln, son of Roswell L. and Anna B. Tuttle.
32. '' 22, Cora Edith, daughter of Edmund B. and Ella L. Hooper.
33. '' 26, Flora Elizabeth, daughter of John H. and Anna L. Clark.
34:. " 29, Charlotte Sophia, daughter of Rev, Franklin P. and Abbie O.
Wood.
35, Dec, 20, Eldora Mary, daughter of Freeman and Etta E, Williams.
16
i
Marriages Registered ix Actox ix 1884. j
Xo. Date of Marriage. Xanie.s and Kesideiiecs; of Parties.
1. Jan. .31, Mr. William, il. Hartwell and Miss Loia M. Bickford, both !
of Acton. i
•1. Feb. 2."), Mr. .John McCarthy of Acton, and Misis Mary Ann McElligott I
of Westford. i
?u Mar. 12, Mr. Willis A. White of Acton, and Miss Clara B. Gay of |
Belfast, Me. \
4. May 4, 2klr. Chas. E. Worcester of Acton, and Miss Eliza G. Feeney
of Hudson. \
'). ^Nlay S, 31 r. Franklin I). Barker of Acton, and Miss Eucietta Derby j
of Concord. ;
<). May 11, Mr, George Gallant of Concord, and Mrs. Mary Conuell of \
Acton. I
7. May 22, ^Ir. ilobert Il.irt of Boston, and Miss Eleanor Blackburn of \
Franklin. !
5. May :]l. Mi-. .John T. Bcrgrew of Cambridge, and Miss Agnes J. I
Wood of Acton.
1>. .)une .■], ]\Ir. Timothy Bissell and Mrs. Khoda ("arleton. both of Acton.
10. June 24. Mr. Henry I). Daley and Mrs. :Mary L. Blanehard, both of \
Marlboio. j
11. .Tuly 1, Mr. Edward Wood of Acton, and Miss Mary B. McLearn of :
Canibi-idge.
12. iSept. 1), Dr. Fred W. Whitney of .Sherburne. X. '\'.. and Miss Emma
F. Esta brook of Acton. i
13. Sept. IS, Mr. Fred S. Mead and Mi.ss Lizzie M. Gates. l)oth of Acton, i
14. Oct. 1.'), Mr. (ieorge Y. ITutchins and Miss Ilattie A. Parker, both of
Acton, i
lo, Oct. \\:^, Mr. Frank Brooks of Acton, and Miss .Jessie E. Purdy of I
^lansfield.
](). Nov. 2o, Mr. James Kinsley and Miss Annie ^IcCarthy, both of Acton. ;
IT. Dec. 11, ^Iv. Charles H. Fairbanks of Cambridge, and Miss Nellie L. I
Tuttle of Acton.
18. Dec. 2-j, Mr. Ira Elliot Barber and Miss Mary Ann Bradlev, both of ^1
Acton.
Deaths Recorded ix Actox ix 1881
Xo. Date of Death. Xaine and Age of Deceased
1. Feb. 10, Mr. John Chatfin, 75 years months 18 days,
2. Feb. 24, ]N[rs. Ellen Coughlin, 96 y.
3. Mar. 20, Mr. James H. Burnham, 64 y. 7 m. 8d.
4. Mar. 27, Mr. Levi Frost, 78 y. 5 d.
5. Mar. 27, Miss Edith Y. Bean, 14 y. 7 d.
6. Apr, I. ^Irs, Louisa M, E<5i'hi^sb, 52 y.
17
No. Date of Death. Xame and age of Deceased.
7. Apr. 2, Pierre 11. Nelson, son of Oscar P. and Mary Ann Xelson, 1 y.
2 m. 4 d.
8. Apr. G, Mr. Thomas Smith, 90 y. 3 m. 15d.
9. Apr. 'l^,, Mrs. EUa S. Baldwin, 34 y. 6 m. 12 d.
10. May 14, Mrs. Mary Fairbanks Tenney, 80 y. 7 d.
11. June 17, Walter Hayward, son of Edwin L.and 11 ittie (J. Ilayward, 5 d
12. July 7, Mr. Simon Hosmer, 84 y. 9m.
13. Auo-. 12, Mrs. EHza Beatty Downer, (51 y.
14. Aug. 14, Mrs. Martha M. Stevens, wife of (r^or.;o A. Stevens, 07 y.
2 m. 10 d.
15. Aug-. 18, Mr. Thomas Kinsley, 70 y. 1") d.
16. Aug. 20, Mrs. Lizzie E. Beck, 20 y. 13 d.
17. Sept. 7, (In Concord) Mabel F. Worden, daughter of Henry and
Lizzie Worden, 3 y.
A son of Charles W. and Lena A. Melone, 1 d.
Mr, Charles H. Teele, 27 y. 10 m. o d.
Mrs. Lois H. Freeman, 70 y. 10 m. 13 d.
Mrs. Maggie A. McLaughlin, 27 y.
25, Mr. Charles E. Worcester, 29 y. 1 m.
Mr. James Hurley, 78 y.
WILLIAM D. TUTTLE, Tvw.u Clerk.
IS.
Sept.
-^4,
19.
Oct.
4,
20.
Oct.
')■>
21.
Oct.
23,
22.
Dec.
25,
23.
Dec.
29,
18
Amt. Rec'd from Licenses of Dogs since last Report.
Henry Brooks,
$2 00
Isaac W. Flagg,
$2 00
M. Augusta Hosmer,
2 00
D. J. Wetherbee.
2 00
Wra. D. Tuttle,
2 00
Frank E. Wetherbee,
2 00
Luther Conant,
2 00
J. W. Dupee,
2 00
Elbridge J. Robbiiis,
2 00
George R. Keyes,
2 00
Antoine Bulette,
2 00
George Conant,
2 GO
Alonzo L. Tuttle,
2 00
G. H. S. Houghton,
2 GO
George W. Livermore,
2 00
Joseph Reed,
2 00
(leorge Gardner,
2 00
Moses A. Reed,
2 00
Dana F. Maynard,
2 00
Gustavus H. Waugh,
2 00
Elnathan Jones,
6 00
James D, Coburii,
2 00
Tuttle, Jones & Wetherbee,
4 00
Sylvester Haynes,
2 00
Theron F. Newton,
2 00
Frederic Rouillard,
2 00
Francis Conant,
2 00
M. E. Taylor,
2 00
J. K. W. Wetherbee,
2 00
Augustus Fletcher,
2 00
Charles A. Harrington,
2 00
Solon A. Robbins,
2 00
Willie S. Fletcher,
2 00
James Tuttle,
7 00
John Fletcher,
2 00
J. W. Randall,
2 00
Emerson F. Fuller,
2 00
H. M. Beck,
2 00
Daniel McCarthy,
2 00
Cyrus Hay ward.
2 00
A. Lucien Noyes,
2 00
Charles H. Wheeler,
5 00
Luke Tuttle,
2 00
Charles Wheeler,
2 00
George C. Conant,
2 00
Isaiah S. Leach,
2 00
John Hamaford,
.2 00
Nahum Littlefield,
2 00
Mead & Stone,
2 00
James E. Harris,
2 00
Emmons Hansconi,
2 00
Lucius S. Hosmer,
2 00
William B. Davis,
2 00
George C. Wright,
2 00
Mrs. George F. Flagg,
2 00
James Kinsley,
2 00
James Tobin,
2 00
Joseph Cole,
2 00
John Temple,
2 00
John Kelley,
2 00
L. E. Allen,
2 00
Edward O'Xeil,
2 00
Anson C. Piper,
2 00
Otis H. Forbush,
2 00
Lester N. Fletcher,
2 00
Charles J. Williams,
2 00
Willis L. Mead,
2 00
Frank E. Harris,
2 00
Fred Whitcomb,
2 00
Isaac Baker,
2 00
A. H. Gilmore,
2 00
Charles Varney,
2 00
Charles J. Holton
2 00
John L. Marshall,
2 00
James P. Taylor,
2 00
J. E. Durkee,
2 00
A. W. Gardner,
2 00
Henry M. Smith,
2 00
Charles B. Sanders,
4 00
J. Everett Reed,
2 00
Herman Chaplin,
2 00
Frank R. Knowltou,
2 00
John W. Aldrich,
2 00
Edwin Taylor,
2 00
Moses Taylor,
2 00
Constance O'lS'eil,
2 00
Edward Wood,
5 00
Frank W. Houghton,
2 00
For bush & Hart well,
5 00
Everett Wayne,
2 00
Isaac Wood,
5 00
John C. Gates,
2 00
Freeman Williams,
5 00
A. L. Lawrence,
.5 00
Henry Haynes,
5 00
George Pratt,
5 00
Jairus C. Wheeler,
5 00
Hanson Littlefield,
5 00
Charles H. Teel,
2 00
Joseph R. Bassett,
2 00
Webster C. Bobbins,
2 00
Chauncey B. Robbins
2 00
Mrs. Jarvis Williams,
2 00
Charles W. Grant,
2 00
Charles D. Griggs,
2 00
Reuben L. Reed,
2 00
Andrew J. Willis,
2 00
Henry Haynes,
2 00
Henry Hanson,
2 00
Daniel McCarthy,
2 00
Total number of Males
105, at
S2, . . $210 00
Females 10, at
$5,
50 00
Whole amount
received, —
$260 00
Acton, March 10, ISSo,
WILLIAM D, TUTTLE. Town Clerk,
19
Report of Receipts and Expenditures at the
Almshouse in Acton,
For the Year Ending February 28, 1885.
Articles on Hand February 28, 1885.
8 Cows,
$420 00
8 Barrel Apples,
$12 00
1 Horse,
200 00
15 Gallons Soap,
2 00
13 Tons Hay,
234 00
40 Pounds Lard.
5 20
Meal and Shorts,
10 10
20 Pounds Butter,
6 00
Straw,
1 50
125 Barrels,
15 00
Lot of Bags,
5 00
2 Gallons Oil,
25
Salt,
1 00
Flour,
2 00
27 Hens,
13 50
Crackers,
50
15 Cords wood cut for sto
ve,70 00
5 Pounds Coffee,
50
Wagon,
95 00
Hard Soap,
40
4 Market Boxes,
40
2 Pounds Tea,
1 00
125 Bushels Potatoes,
62 50
Molasses,
40
30 Bushels Small Potatoes, 6 00
Eggs,
60
250 Pounds Salt Pork,
25 00
Spices,
50
75 Pounds Ham,
1 Cider Barrel,
9 00
1 00
$1,200 35
E-ECEiiPTS ipjeicd:m:
To^wnsr ip^^E-iivc,
From March 1, 1884, to
February 28, 1885.
Apples,
$305 30
Calves,
$10 25
Potatoes,
34 45
Poultry,
1 00
Eggs,
14 39
Berries,
3 80
Bag,
25
Board and clothing, M. E.
Paper,
90
Grimes,
35 00
Meat,
4 08
Board, Edward Johnson,
4 50
Butter,
Milk,
4 62
745 12
$1
,308 66
Cows,
145 00
E^^ieEiisrsE s .
Paid for
Paid for
Cows,
$173 75
Thread,
$ 96
Labor,
157 77
Extracts,
20
Meat,
93 93
Curtain Fixtures,
90
Grain,
374 76
Crockery,
1 05
Potatoes,
8 80
Curtain cords.
49
Vinegar,
75
Rice,
54
Barrels.
39 24
Mustard,
47
Repairing harness.
1 01
Pepper,
12
Butchering,
5 00
Saleratus,
18
Onions,
50
Raisins,
2 06
Pigs,
8 00
Tacks,
10
Pump and repairing.
, 10 50
Stove polish,
21
Tinware,
2 46
Note paper,
10
Stove and repairs.
4 00
Oat meal.
70
Repairing lounge,
1 50
Tapioca,
40
Soap,
11 05
Molasses,
7 84
Use of oxen.
10 00
Ginger,
55
Blacksmith bill,
18 50
Tomatoe plants.
30
Use of bull,
4 00
Wash board,
25
Lumber,
1 53
Starch,
32
Filing saws,
1 35
Burners,
30
20
Paiu F01{
Paid for
Cheese,
.-) 21
Wicks,
12
Dried apple,
1 36
Jars,
1 38
Phosphate,
l:^, 58
Needles,
6
Fish,
10 74
Cocoa,
9
Flour,
41 84
Oil,
1 04
Butter,
()4 68
Jug,
25
Tea,
28 60
Globes,
24
J.ard,
10 58
Yarn,
1 10
Oyster shells.
88
Kettles,
92
Bhieino^,
22
Dressing,
25
Coffee,
10 26
Trap,
12
Brooms.
05
Lime,
50
('ream tartai'.
56
Spoons,
34
Cultivator,
5 00
Mattresses,
18 50
Salt,
2 70
Table,
1 15
Yeast,
56
Mirror,
67
Paris |2jreeii,
50
Drag,
4 80
Scythes,
8 80
Spade,
87
Beans,
8 88
Grass seed,
5 64
Lemons,
18
Castings,
90
Turpentine,
15
Pails,
2 28
Seeds,
40
Hoes,
88
Cloth and cloth in<>-.
:}5 09
Oil cloth.
70
Comb,
5
Whet-stone,
83
Shoes,
8 (}5
Castor,
12
Sulphei-,
1 86
Peas,
20
Sugar,
15 50
Tubs,
60
Putv,
6
Baskets,
1 00
ISTaiis,
I 90
Barrel header
1 12
Crackers,
28 15
Hatchet,
62
Spices,
1 02
Halters,
1 16
Currants,
58
Cabbages.
28
Matches,
20
Bed-spreads.
4 80
Medicines,
2 85
Blankets,
7 15
Saltpeter,
2
AY all paper.
6 01
Snuff",
Oil Meal,
88
08
>;l,284 92
Services of Warren Bern is
and wife.
S247
98
E. fl. Cutler,
45
00
Luke Blancha
•d.
10 00
Julian Tuttlo,
12
00
$314 93
Expenditures.
.S;l,609 85
Ifeceipts,
1,308 66^
Income less than expenditures.
Due from Treasur3^ to balance account.
Interest on farm.
.^801 19
240 00
$541 19
Yictualing and lodging 102 tramps at 40 cents each, 76 80
Cost of supporting poor on farm, §^464 89
Whole number of persons exclusive of tramps supported in alms-
house, 7; average number, 4 1-2; i)resent number, 4.
E. 11. CUTLER, }
LUKE BLANCHAKD, [ Oi-erseers of Poor.
JULIAN TUTTLE, )
21
COMMONAVEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. MIDDLESEX, S8.
To John E. Cutter, Co)istable of the Tormi of Arton, hi -"iaid Comity,
Greeting :
You are lierel)y requested in the uame of the Commonwealth of Mas-
sachusetts, to notify the legal voters of said Town of Acton, to meet at
the Town Hall, on MONDAY, the sixth day of April next, at half-past
ten o'clock a. m. By posting copies of this Warrant by you attested, at
the Post Office, in the centre of the town, also at the stores of Tuttles,
Jones & Wetherbee, Mead & Stone, and Isaac W. Flagg, in said town,
seven days before the time appointed for said meeting, then and thei^e
to act upon the following articles as they may think proper, viz :
Art. 1. To choose a Moderator.
Art. 2. T^o fill all existing vacancies in the list of town officers.
Art. 3. To see what amount of money the town will raise to de-
fray town charges the present year.
Art. 4. To see what amount of money the town will raise for sup-
port of schools the present year, and how it shall be expended.
Art. 5. To see what amount of money the town will raise to repair
the roads the present year, and how it shall be expended.
Art. 6. To see if the town will instruct the School Committee to
annually appoint a Superintendent of Schools.
Art. 7. To see if the town will choose a Superintendent of Burials.
Art. 8. To consider and act upon the acceptance of the Jury list as
revised by the Selectmen.
Art. 9. To see if the town will vote to accept the reports of the
Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor, School Committee, and other town of-
ficers.
Art. 10. To see if the town will instruct their Treasurer to borrow
money for the town if necessary.
Art. 11. To hear and act upon reports of any committee chosen to
report at this meeting.
Art. 12. Shall the Selectmen grant licenses for the sale of intoxicat-
ing liquors in this town the present year, vote by ballot.
Art. 13. To see if the town will paint the school houses in North,
East and South-east district, or pass any vote thereon.
Art. 14. To ste if the town will build a fence at Mount Hope Cem-
etery, or pass any vote thereon.
Art. 15. To see if the town will order the removal of the stones or
rocks lying in the highway between Simon Blanchard's and Nahum Lit-
tlefield's farms, or take any action thereon.
Art. 16. To see if the town will pay Hannah Trainor for manure
bought by the Overseers of the Poor, and not paid for, or take any action
thereon.
Hereof fail not and make due return of this warrant to us with your
doings thereon, at or before the time appointed for said meeting.
Given under our hands this eighteenth day of March, in the year
eighteen hundred and eighty-five.
D. J. WETPIERBEE, ) Selectmen
J. K. W. WETHERBEE, > of
J. W. DUPEE, ) Acton,
Town Officers for 1886,
Town Clerk. '
Wm. D. Tuttle.
Splectmen. \
D, James Wetherbee, J, K. W. Wethekbee, Job W. Dfpee.
I
Assesffors.
Wm. D. Tuttee, Pjiineas Wetherbee, Hiram J. Hapgood. \
Overseers of the Poor. \
Emsha H. Cutler, Luke Blaxchard, ■
One vacancy to be filled at April meeting. [
School ('oinmlttee. <
CiiART>Eft [. MiLEER, for 2 yeavs, FrantvLIN D. Barker, for 1 year, '
Theron F. Nkwton, for 3 years, Luke J. Robbixs, for 2 years, ]
George Gardner, for 1 year. \
One member to be chosen at next meeting. 4
Highway Surveyors. }
Charles Wiieelek, Abram H. Jones, Isaac Reed, i
Elbridge J. Robbins, George R. Keyes, Francis Pratt. 1
Fence Viewers. '.:
James B. Tuttlk, Nahum C. Reed, Oliver W. Mead. '
Surveyors of Luiuber.
WiM. B. Davis, Edward F. Richardson, Levi W. Stevens,
George H. Harris, Herbert T. Clark, Elbridge J. Robbins,
Charles A. Brooks.
Surveyors of Wood.
W^r. B. Davis, Jona W. Loker, Geo. H. Harris,
S. li. Dutton, Isaac W. Flagg, Charles H. Taylor,
J<HiN F. Davis, Emerson F. Fuller, H. T. Clark, |
Henry D. Parlin, Charles H. Mead. ^
Surveyors of Hoops and Staves. -
DaVid M. Handle y, Augustus Fletcher.
Cemetery Committee.
John Fletcher, Wm. W. Davis, Levi W. Stevens.
Field Drivers.
James Kinsley, Charles H. Handle y, F. D. Barker,
Fred S. Mead. Chas. D. Griggs, Wm. H. Kinsley^
John McCarthy\
i?,ei:poi?.t
OF THE
gCHOOI^ COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF ACTON
FOR THE
Bclxool ITeax^ 18S4-5
SUPERINTENDENTS REPORT.
The town, which has provided so munificently for the educa-
tion of its children ought of riglit to be well informed as to the
use made of its expenditures, and the measure of success resulting
therefrom.
Such is one of the purposes of this report. Another purpose is
to explain the methods of descipline and instruction employed, and
recommended, so that committee, superintendent, teachers and
parents, may the better understand and co-operate \v ith each other
to accomplish the desired results.
To have good schools w^e must have earnest, capable, ener-
getic teachers, who have been well trained, in excellent schools
from primary to high or normal school, proper supervision, and
the zealous co-operation of parents.
Given these requisits, the results will be regidar and prompt
attendance, excellent deportment, and satisfactory progress. Your
superintendent has, in the limited time at his command, done what
he could to make the descipline as steady and uniform as possible
in all the schools and to encourage thorough and practical instruc-
tion.
The system of monthly reviews and examinations commenced
two years ago has been faithfully continued by the teachers, and
the results, together vvith the deportment and attendance, report-
ed to parents. The benefit of this was manifest in the prompt-
ness and accuracy of recitation at our recent annual examinations,
and is also apparent in the increased average membership and
attendance as shown in the tabular statement herewith printed.
Such improvement in attendance shows a commendable increase
ot interest on the part of parents which is further evinced by the
generally excellent deportment of the scholars.
26
We enter upon the new school year with a corps of compe-
tent teachers, but we must remember that they are but human
and liable to err, and so long as they are animated with zeal for
their work and are striving to perfect themselves in their high
calling, we should retain, uphold and encourage them, and not dis-
charge them, especially after several terms successful w^ork, until
after the most careful investigation the committee become satisfied
that they have manifested a disposition or incapacity incompatible
with the proper performance of their duties.
Methods of Discipline.
Usually the better the discipline the less the corporal punish-
ment. Indeed in a school properly governed such punishment
need seldom or never be resorted to. Let parents and scholars
distinctly understand that implicit obedience is the condition of
continuance in school, and disobedience will be rare.
The successful teacher will keep her pupils so busy with
book, slate, crayon, gymnastics, music, or recitation, will so ap-
peal to that love of praise and fear of blame to which children are
most succeptible, will so bring to bear on the oflender the moral ^
sentiment of the school, and impress upon him the certainty of 1
suspension or expulsion for persistent disobedience, that resort to ■
physical force will very rarely be necessary. ^
IMetiiods of Teaching.
While we aim to get the best teachers and let them pur&ue
their own methods, it is proper for us to make a few suggestions.
In Reading scholars are too often allowed to pass to the high-
er book before they have mastered the lower one. The scholar
who merely pronounces all the words in a book correctly and readi-
ly, is just fitted to be drilled in that book in emphasis, inflection, ex-
pression — to be taught to read as a good speaker talks. Parents |
should not be over anxious for their children to take the higher i
book. ■
Spelling receives its due share of attention in all the grades, \
but we advise the more constant use of the spelling book, and ■
the taking it in course from beginning to end, that no common I
word in our kinguage may be omitted. Both the oral and
written methods should be practiced, but mainly the latter.
In Arithmetic, the giving of practical examples drawn from
ordinciry business transactions shoidd be practiced in all th?
2T
grades. One such example performed by the shortest and sim-
plest method, in the neatest manner, and clearly explained, the
teacher and each member of the class giving the closest attention
and sharpest criticism, will be so impressed on the mind as not
to be forgotten, while the explanation of a dozen examples at one
recitation will fade from the memory.
In Geography the method of map drawing from memory has
been pursued in most of bur schools, with excellent results.
While we require the scholar to master the whole of Harper's
Introductory Geography we have required only such portions of the
larger book as we deem essential. An excellent exercise is to let
the class make imaginary journeys along the coasts, up the rivers,
and by the principal lines of railroad, drawing the map and des-
cribing the natural divisions of land and water, and naming the
cities, boundaries, climate, productions and occupations.
It is a stubborn fact that many who know Grammar " by
heart" still speak very incorrectly. Why is this? It is because
they have been learning rules, but not practicing the use of correct
forms of speech.
The two should go together, the practice, however, predom-
inating. We think that only the simplest parsing and the more
common rules and definitions should be taught in the Grammar
schools, and abstruse rules and exceptions, and difficult analysis,
be postponed to the latter part of the High school course.
But in all grades of school the study of grammar can avail
little if the use of incorrect expressions is allowed to pass un-
noticed. Such an expression aflbrds a golden opportunity for a
practical lesson in language. Be not satisfied with merely cor-
recting the error, but insist that the scholar and even the whole
class or school, repeat the correct form, and drill them to criticise
an error in expression as readily as one in substance.
We have sought to introduce the simplest and most concise
text books and discourag^ed the verbal memorizing: of all but the
tables and more essential rules and definitions, in order that more
time may be given to such work as is herein indicated.
In correcting the monthly examination papers and other
written exercises, the teachers should merely indicate errors by
certain marks, and insist that the scholar make the correction
himself and re-write the work in whole or part.
Let us now pass to a review of the different schools.
2R _ . 'j
Center Grammar. \
The Committee were fortunate in securing the services of \
Miss Carrie L. Haynes of Framingham, whose long and success- ^
ful experience as a teacher in that town enabled her to enter upon ]
her duties with all the advantage that an educated trained teacher ;
has over one who is new in the work.
The discipline was good, the methods of instruction excellent, '■
and the examination at the end of the year a most successful one. i
One exercise deserves special commendation — the recitation of \
brief gems of thought from the works of our best authors. If ;
each of our schools v^ere required to memorize weekly a few '
choice lines from some standard author, our scholars on going
from school would carry with them rich treasures of noble ;
thought, ready to spring to the lips in apt quotation. ;
Center Primary. i
Of our old teachers we must speak briefly, having spoken so '
fully of them in our previous reports. Miss Ball so combines j
thorough instruction with varied and interesting exercises that her ij
scholars go not " unwillingly to school," but deem it a great loss ]
to be absent a day, and make excellent progress. -A
North School. j
Miss Alice Mansfield of Chelmsford, taught the Spring and '
Fall terms with good success, but was obliged to employ a sub- I
stitute for a few weeks on account of the sickness of a member of j
her family, and for a similar reason resigned at the end of the 1
Fall term. Miss Eugenia Shea of Lynn, a normal graduate of i
two years successful experience as a teacher, succeeded Miss M., j
but in a few weeks went home ill, and soon passed from this life. J
Miss Mar}^ E. Davis of Chelmsford, completed the term, i
Notwithstanding these drav^^backs the older scholars appeared !
well examination day, and deserve special praise for excellence of ^
deportment.
East School. ,^
Miss Susie A. Wetherbee continues to teach and govern this
school, with that abilitj' of which we have spoken in former re- ;,
ports. The large number of daily recitations — about twenty-five ;
— comprising all grades, from the lowest primary to studies more ^
properly pursued in the High School, render the task of teaching ;
20
veiy arduous ; much more so than Is the teach uig of thrice as
many scholars well classed. We remedied this evil all we
could, by putting classes together when only a few pages separat-
ed them. The parents of scholars fitted for the High School
should, if possible, send them there, instead of letting them do as
best they can with only such brief instruciton as the busy teacher
can give them. If not too inconvenient on account of distance, it
would be better for all concerned if scholars from this school were
to spend their last year before admission to the High School in
the Center Grammar School, where they would be stimulated by
the enthusiasm of a large class, and could receive that careful in-
struction which is possible only in a graded school, or a very small
ungraded one.
vSouTii East School.
Miss Bertha Manley has now taught this school more than
two years, and it has steadily improved in deportment and schol-
arship. Absenteeism is the great drawback here. Much of it is
caused by sickness, and in case of very young scholars, by incle-
mency of the weather, but if parents would resolve that their
children should l)e absent only for good cause, the school would
make a better showing examination day, and in the tabular state-
ment.
South Primary.
Miss Emma F. Estabrook, after having taught this school
very successfully more than two years, resigned at the end of the
Spring term, to enter into that more private position in life which
the New England school mistress usually fills so admirably. She
was succeeded in the school by Miss Viola S. Tuttle, under
whose able discipline and instruction there was no diminution of
success.
South Grammar.
Miss Jennie A. Hemenway taught the Spring and Fall
terms with excellent success, and then resigned, to follow the ex-
ample of Miss Estabrook. Miss Susan B. Holmes, a Normal
School graduate, and for three years a successful teacher in a
Cambridgeport grammar school, taught the Winter term, and no
school in town is now under better instruction and discipline than
this. Systematic exercises in drawing were a prominent feature
examination day, and should be practiced in all our primary and
grammar schools.
so
West Grammar.
Miss S. J. Wyman continues to give thorough instruction,
but the annual examination was not quite up to the high standard
previously maintained, due no doubt largely to the fact that her
largest and best class at the beginning of the Winter term left
her for the High School.
West Primary.
Miss C. Lettie Newton has now taught this school two years
with increasing success, until it is now second to no school in
town in excellence of discipline and character, and amount of
work done. Nowhere have we seen more accurate memory
maps than those that adorned the boards examination day.
High School.
It has been a matter of some difficulty to decide on the re-
quirements for admission. It was necessary to fix the standard
according to the material we were likely to have to choose from.
At present the requirements are — the ability to read well at sight
any selection from the Grammar School Reader, good spelling
and penmanship, the Franklin Arithmetic or its equivalent to
'^ Roots," the whole of the prescribed course in Geography as stat-
ed elsewhere in this report, and in grammar, Swinton's Language
Primer, and Language Lessons. The sickness of Mr. Williams,
the teacher, detracted somewhat from the success of the Winter
term, but the excellence of the work done in the five preceeding
terms, and even in the last term, as well as the general good be-
havior and enthusiasm of the scholars, lead us to believe the
teacher, with renewed health, will in the future be even more
successful than in the past, and that this school will become a
permanent part of our school system.
Appended is the usual tabular statement.
For the Committee,
FREDERICK C. NASH, Superintendent.
31
FINANCIAL REPORT.
To the Citizens of Acton:
The undersigned, School Committee of Acton, respectfully
submit the following report of receipts and expenditures for the
year, and for a statement of the condition of the schools refer }'Ou
to the Superintendent's report, and annexed tables.
JOHN E. CUTTER, Chairman.
THERON F. NEWTON, Clerk.
GEORGE GARDNER.
LUKE J. ROBBINS.
Acton, March 25th, 1885.
South School.
To cash paid Jennie A Hemenway, 24 weeks $228 00
Susan Holmes, 12 '' 120 00
Emma Esterbrooks, 12 '^ 108 00
Viola S. Tuttle 216 00
F. J. Wood, care of house 90 00
^' cleaning ^' 3 98
E. Jones & Co., coal 32 75
Mrs. Edward Harris, cleaning. . 75
E. Jones, wood 2 25
David Rynn, sawing same 1 00
$802 73
CR.
By cash received from town $802 73
THERON F. NEWTON, Committee.
South East School.
To cash paid Bertha Manley, 36 weeks $324 00
'' '' care of house 9 00
Frank D. Barker, wood 17 50
Sylvester Haynes, work 8 00
$358 50
CR.
By cash received from town $358 00
THERON F. NEWTON, Committee.
32
Acton High School.
To cash paid H. H. Williams $240 CO
F. J. Wood, care of room 15 00
E. Jones & Co., coal 10 35
Geo. Gardner, piano 1 58
$266 93
CR.
By cash received from town $266 93
THERON F. NEWTON. Committee.
Centre School.
To cash paid teachers $674 00
Fuel and repairs 77 28
Cleaning house 6 66
Care of house 43 00
$801 94
CR.
By cash received from town $801 94
JOHN E. CUTTER, Committee.
North Acton School.
To cash paid teachers $308 00
Fuel and repairs 1 2 85
Care of house 21 00
Miller 10 00
$351 85
CR.
By cash received from town $351 85
JOHN E. CUTTER, Committee.
East School.
To cash paid S. A. Wetherbee, 36 weeks $324 00
Care of house 21 00
Coal 21 75
Wood 4 00
Cutting wood 1 60
Crayons 60
$372 95
CR.
By cash received from town $372 95
LUKE J. ROBBINS, Committee.
33
Scholars leitlier Alisent nor Tardy duriog the Year
West Grammar School.
Emma J. Hart, Ida L. Richardson.
Bertram D. Hall, 1 term High School.
West Primary School.
Ray Littlefield.
Centre Grammar School. :
May Calder, Cla^'a Hammond,
Scholars not Tardy during the Year.
Centre Grammar School.
Arthur Allen, Lizzie Manion,
Lottie Conant, Maude Purcell,
May Calder, Albert Reed,
Clara Hammond, Clara Robbins,
Sarah Edwards, Hattie Robbins,
Eugene Johnson, Jessie Wood,
Jennie McCarty, Grace Tuttle, i term.
Centre Primary vSchool.
Charles W. Bemis, Mary E. Edwards,
Carrie E. Taylor, Simon D. Taylor.
Acton High School.
Lutie Conant, Minnie S. Harris,
Arthur B. Davis, 1 term, Clara A. Nye, 1 term,
Edwin Smith, 2 terms, Lottie Richardson, 1 term.
Carrie F. Hanson, Sadie E. Sawyer,
Carrie L. Shapley,
34
East School.
Blanche M. Bassett, Emma M. Sawyer,
Bertha E. Hosmer, 1 term High, Mabel F. Wetherbee,
Mabel F. Hanscom, John E. O'Neil,
Mary E. O'Neil, James O'Neil,
Fred L. Robbins.
North School.
Hattie E. Smith, Everett S. Wayne,
Irving E. Smith, Augusta W. Smith,
Walter E. Smith, Rena N. Keyes, 2 terms,
Bertha H. Dupee.
South East School.
George Clough, part of 1 term, Frank Austin, 1 term,
Eva Penniman, 2 terms, George Austin, 1 term,
Rebecca Mulholland, Robert McCarty, 1 term,
Emma Charlow, 1 term, Maria McCarty, 1 term,
Nancy M. Austin, 1 term, Nellie McCarty, 2 terms.
West Grammar School.
Mabel H. Decoster,
Bertha L. Gardner, 1 term High,
Gertie M. Guilfoid,
Addie L. Guilford,
Carrie M. Gilmore,
Etta R. Hall,
Hattie B. Harris, 1 term High,
Alice J. Hoar, 1 term High,
Edith B. Holden, 1 term High,
Fred. H. Nash, 1 term High,
Grace N. Houghton,
Lulu M. Lawrence,
Susie M. Poultney,
Viola A. Preston,
Mabel L.Robinson,! term High,
Eddie H. Robinson,
Alice L. Stone,
Grace E. Tuttle, 1 term Gram-
mar and 1 term High,
Emma J. Hart,
Ida L. Richardson,
Bertram D. Hall, 1 term High.
West Primary School.
Lulu Whitcomb, 2 terms,
Willie Brazalle,
Ruth Carey, 1 term,
Wilson Carey, 1 term,
Charlie Decoster,
Richard Davis,
Fred Davis,
Willie Gilmore,
Sidney Edvs^ards, 1 term,
Ethel Handley,
John Hanaford,
Bertie Holt,
Hattie Lav^rence,
Mabelle Mead,
Ella Puffer, l^term,
Willie Puffer, 1 term,
Alfred Richardson,
Mary Frank Rich,
Willie Rich,
Julia|Rhoades,
Carl Rhoades,
Elma Stone,
Harry Tuttle,
Ray Littlefield.
35
South Grammar School.
Olive G. Barker^
Jessie E. Currie,
Evie B. Fletcher,
Ida A. Hapgood,
Alice M. Hanson,
Ada M. Jones,
Lilian F. Richardson,
Bessie Tucker, 1 term,
Carrie L. Wheeler,
George
Isa I. Willis, 1 term,
A. Maud Sawyer,
Guy E. Currie,
A. Raymond Currie,
Willie S. Fletcher,
Charlie Hapgood, moved,
Charlie S. Moulton, 2 terms,
George Warren, 1 term,
Jerry Bradley, 2 weeks,
Clough, 2 terms.
South Primary School.
Emma Bradford^
Helen Bradford,
Jessie Jones,
Bertha Newton,
Clara Sawyer,
Annie Tucker,
Ella Spinney,
Almira Page, 1 term,
Mabel Hastings,
Frank Hapgood,
Harry Sawyer,
Fred Baldwin,
Willie Tucker,
Johnny Hannon,
Frank E. Hapgood,
James Culliane,
Richard Murphy, 1 term,
Percy Tuttle,
Clifford Robbins,
Raymond Tuttle, 1 term,
Fred Tuttle, 1 term,
Georgie Clapp,
Cora Clough.
TABULAR STATEMENT.
fl
f<
a
"S
o
o
o 2
A.
1
2
<A
O
1
i
05
SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS.
OS
1
Vi
6
t
%
'2
1
s
^
%
V
<
>
<
6
6
SPIJIXG TERM.
ppntvp S Grammar,
^riss Carrie L. Havnes,
2 1-2
.f.36 00
25
25
24
1
24
" Bessie M. Ball,
2 1-2
36 00
18
17
16
1
4
South, 1 Grammar,
' ( Primary,
" J. A. Hemmenway.
3
38 00
34
30 2-3
30
2
32
" Emma F. Estahroblc,
3
36 00
39
36
34
1
15
Wpat \ Gramm^ar,
West, jpj.j.jjarv.
" Sarah J. Wyman,
3
40 00
37
36
35
3
34
•' C. Lettie Newton,
3.
36 00
42
41
39 1-3
15
North,
" Alice M. Mansfield,
2 1-2
32 00
17
16 2-3
15 1-2
1
6
East,
" Susie A. Wetherbee,
3
36 00
25
20 1-8
18a-4
1
7
South East.
" Bertha AFanlev,
3
36 00
19
16 2-3
14 1-3
1
•2
13
High,
Mr. H. H. Williams,
1 AT.r, TKHM.
80 00
32
31 3-4
301-12
22
3
PpntPr S Orammar,
Miss Carrie L. Haynes.
" Bessie M. Ball,
3
3
$40 00
36 00
25
25
20 3-4
23 1-3
18 5-6
21 1-3
1
24
9
(^nntii i <^'iainmar,
South, j Primary,
" J. A. Henmienway,
3
.38 00
30
27 1-3
25 2-3
30
" Viola S. Tuttle,
3
.36 00
34
30
26 1-0
1
l^
AVP«f S Grammar,
West, j Primary,
" S. J. Wyman,
3
40 00
34
32 1-2
31 2-3
1
33
" C. L. Newton,
3
36 00
39
35 1-3
34 1-6
16
North,
" Alice Mansfield,
3
36 00
17
16 5-6
16 1-20
3
6
East,
•' S. A. Wetherbee.
2 3-4
36 00
23
22 1-8
21 1-3
7
South East,
" Bertha Manlev,
3
36 00
20
16
14 1-6
1
12
High,
:Mr. H. H. Williams,
3
80 00
23
21
19 1-6
17
3
pp«tpr f Grammar,
*^^"^^''irrimarv,
:Miss C. L. Havnes,
3 1-2
$40 00
29
28
25
5
24
" B. M. Ball,
3 1-2
36 00
22
191-16
14 3-4
4
sinnth S Grammar,
South, j Primary,
" Susan B. Holmes.
3
40 00
26
04 0.3
23
26
" Viola S. Tuttle,
3
.36 00
31
28 1-2
25
16
xvpst J Grammar,
west, 1 Primary,
" S. .J. Wyman,
3
40 00
29
27 1-2
26 1-3
1
24
" C. L. Newton,
3
36 00
37
34
.30 1-3
24
North,
" Eugenia Shea. ^
" Marv E. Davis, j
3 1-4
36 00
17
17
15 1-8
3
6
East,
" S. a". Wetherbee.
3 1-4
36 00
28
26 1-2
20 2-3
3
11
South Fast,
" Bertha Manley,
3
36 00
19
15
12 5-6
2
n
High,
Mr. H. H. Williams,
3
80 00
42
37 1-3
33 2-3 26
8
Number of children in town between five and fifteen, as i-eported by the Assessors,
May 14, 1884, .263.
Sum raised by town for each, (besides ,f 800.00 for High School,) $12.16.
OF THE
SELECTMEN
AND OTHER OFFICERS
OF THE
TOWN OF 4CT0N
From Feb. 26, 1885, to Feb. 26, 1886.
INCLUDING THE MARRIAGES, BIRTHS and DEATHS IN 1885
ALSO THE
IIepout of the School Committee.
ITUDSOJs":
TiiK Enteupjuse Steam Job Pi;i]S[t,
1880,
TREASURER'S REPORT.
Town, of Acton in Account with J. K. W. Wetherbee, Treas. i
Dr.
1886. "=
Feb 2G. To cash paid for State Tax, 1,110 00
" " County tax, 8G0 1'2 {
" paid on Selectmen's or- '\
ders, 15,009 53 ' '\
Outstanding orders, . 1,379 04
Balance due the town, 375 55
$18,734 34 \
Cr. \
By Balance in the Treasury, Feb. 26th,
1885, ' $1,871 17 ;
Amount received of County Treasurer
on account of dog licenses, 229 89 |
Received of L. W. Stevens for lots sold \
in Mount Hope cemetery in 1884, 36 00 \
Received of tov^^n of Methuen, for aid i
furnished William Austin, 22 87 '\
Received of Town of Methuen, iox aid \
fm-mshed E. S. New, 99 92 j
Received of State Treasurer, for sup- ■
port of State paupers, 27 15
Received of G. H. Warren, for rent of '>
school room, 33 00 j
Received of Tuttle, Jones & Wetherbee \
borrowed money.
3,000
00
Received of George Chandler borrowed
money,
500
00
Received of J. K. W. Wetherbee, bor-
rowed money,
1,200
00
Received of C. H. Stuart for old lum-
ber.
3
75
Received of Town of Natick, for aid
furnished James Hoye,
10
51
Received for rent of Town Hall cellar.
25
50
Received of R. L. Reed, for rent of
Town Hall and cellar.
64
00
Amou7zt carried forward^
— $7123
7G
Amount hi'ottght fo7'%vard^ $7123 76
Received of State Treasurer for Cor-
poration tax,
Received of State Treasurer for Na-
tional Bank Tax,
Received of State Treasurer for State
Aid,
Received of vState Treasurer, relief of
indigent soldiers,
Received of State Treasurer for income
of school fund,
Received of N. Johnson for stone,
Received of J. W. Dupee for taxes for
A. D. 1882, 392 08
Received of John E. Cutter, Collector
of Taxes, 0,318 75
Received for interest on money, 52 91
$18,734 34
J. K. W. WETHERBEE,
Treasitrer of Acton.
Acton, Feb. 26, 18^0.
713
04
708
71
73
00
184
00
164
99
2
50^
Report of the Selectmen of the Town of Acton,
From Feb. 26, 1885, to Feb. 26, 1886.
CENTRE DISTRICT SCHOOL.
Paid John E. Cutter,
$260 00
ii, i(, 11
250 00
4C ii ii
294 25
'^ROi ^^1
WEST DISTRICT SCHOOI..
Paid Miss S. J.Wyman, services as teacher,
$60 00
Miss G. Lettie Newton, '' ''
54 00
W. C. Gardiner, care of house,
25 00
Miss S. J. Wyman, sevicesas teacher.
60 00
Miss G. Lettie Newton, '' "
54 00
;; L^ it. ;> u
40 00
Li (.i a a u
40 00
Miss S. J. Wyman, '• "
80 00
Miss G. Lettie Newton, " "
70 00
Miss S. J. Wyman, " "
70 00
E. G. Parker, for coal,
38 37
W. G, Gardner, care of house.
25 00
Miss S. J. Wyman, teaching school.
40 00
Miss G. Lettie Newton, "^ ''
40 00
a i.i a u iL
50 00
Miss S. J. Wyman, '• "
50 00
$796 37
SOUTH DISTRICT SCHOOL.
Paid Theron F. Newton,
$270 00
"' " coal and wood.
33 43
" " Soutli District,
10 00
a a Li c c
237 50
Susan B. Holmes, teaching.
44 00
c; ii a
44 00
T. F. Newton, care of house.
10 00
'' " South District,
204 50
$853 43
EAST DISTRICT SCHOOJL.
Paid Luke J. Robbins. East District,
" '' coal, "
" ^' coal, "
$121 62
7 00
104 50
20 02
135 50
SOUTH-EAST
DISTRICT
SCHOOL.
Barker,
$113
00
u
109
15
(;
'
131
00
$388 64
$353 15
IS^ORTII DISTRICT SCHOOL.
Paid Ella D. Daniels, services as teacher, $54 00
C.|I. Miller, north school
coal for north school,
North District,
59 00
28 88
36 00
68 00
54 00
74 00
$373 f^^
HIGH SCHOOL.
Paid E. C. Parker, coal for West High
School,
W. C. Gardner, care of house, West
High School,
H. PI. Williams, services as teacher
in high school, W. Acton,
H. H. Williams, services as teacher
in high school, Acton Centre,
T. F. Newton, coal for high school,
H. H. Williams, teaching school,
J. E. Cutter, for coal and care of
house,
T. F. Newton, for high school,
$12 00
12 00
240 00
80
00
12
80
80
00
60
00
80
00
80
00
18
75
121
25
$796 80
SCHOOJL SUPPJLIES
Paid T. F. Newton, school supplies,
$39
89
6
44
148
38
126
74
38
54
282
69
140
43
74
09
184
67
23
22
TOW]Sr OFIICEIIS.
Paid F. C. Nash, balance of salary for Supt.
of schools, ^ $50 00
L. U. Holt,sealer weights and measures, 8 00
Rev. C. L. Rhoades, Supt. of schools, 41 67
H. J. Hapgood, services as Assessor, 21 00
A. L. Noyes, services as Registrar, 15 00
John White, " '' 15 00
Chas. B. Stone, " ^' 15 00
Wm. D. Tuttle, " " 15 00
Phineas VVetherbee, services as Assessor, 2ij 00
Wm. D. Tuttle, '' '' 32 00
C. L. Rhoades, vSupt. of schools, 41 6G
J. W. Dupee, collecting taxes, 1882, 70 00
Wm. D. Tuttle, services Town Clerk, '2i) 00
J. W. Dupee, services Selectman, 45 00
D. J. Wetherbee, '' 85 00
J. K. W. Wetherbee, '^ 45 00
J. K. W. Wetherbee, Treasurer, 40 00
PRINTING.
Paid John F. Wood, Selectmen's report and
warrants,
J. K. W. Wetherbee, printing warrants
J. K. W. Wetherbee, order blanks,
J. K. W. Wetherbee, advertising,
J. K. W. Wetherbee, fishing and hunt-
ing notices,
S. F. Pratt, printing.
$68
00
', 6
75
2
25
1
50
3
50
2
60
$1,060 09
$589
$84 60
8
CEMETERY EXPENSES.
Paid L. W. Stevens, labor in Mt. Hope
cemetery, $71 7i)
John Fletcher, labor and material in
Woodlawn cemetery, 16 38
L. W. Stevens, labor and lumber in Mt.
Hope cemetery, 113 37
John Fletcher, labor on monument, 1 00
John Fletcher, labor in Woodlawn cem-
etery, 40 60
John Fletcher, labor in North Acton
cemeter}', 8 00
Paid John Carroll,
Allen G. Smith,
Benj. Skinner,
Ola Nelson,
Geo. Dole,
Richard G. Dane,
Mrs. R. C. Wright,
STATE
AIB.
$132 00
82 00
96 00
48 00
40 00
GO 00
48 00
UPPOlll' OF POOR.
$301
19
45
21
43
97
44
21
10
51
10
00
14
00
22
87
15
8o
20
00
4
82
2
00
27
83
2Cy
00
1
60
52
40
43
38
42
35
$251 10
$506 00
Paid E. li. Cutler, deficiency on town farm,
'' support Clara Wheeler,
" "' E. Burgendahl,
'' •"' Emily Tovvne,
" '' James Hoye,
" " James Stowe,
Dr. Sanders, med. attendance, J. Stott,
E. H. Cutler, support Wm. Austin,
Luke Blanchard,expense respecting poor.
E. FT. Cutler, support Mrs. Pike,
•' Abbie Fish,
" '' Michael Folard,
" " Mrs. Whitney,
'' " Pat Sullivan,
'' " Mrs. Stanton,
" " Clara Wheeler,
" "■ E. Burgendahl,
" " Emily Tovvne,
Amount car 7"i0d forward^ ■^- -" '- $728 19
Amount brought fovcvard^ $728 19
Paid E. H. Cutler, support Clara Wheeler, 56 36
E. Burgendahl, 42 71
E. F. Tovvne, 48 61
'' '' Annie Shaw, 134 50
Dr. Hutchins, attendance to Annie Shaw, 97 05
E. H. Cutler, support Mrs. Pike, 25 00
James E. Harris, 40 69
^' '' Mrs. Whitney, 15 00
'\ '^ E. S. New, 99 92
" '' Redding family, 19 50
'' '' Mrs. Whitney, 15 00
'' '' Clara Wheeler, 48 59
'' " E. Burgendahl, 47 01
^' '' E. F. Towne, 45 95
Mrs. Whitney, 23 03 i
aid furnished Penniman \
family, 5 00 J
aid furnished Baker family, 3 01
support T. Russell, 39 76 \
J. E. Harris, 28 39 \
Ola Nelson, 10 00 '
Redding family, 19 50 |
'' Mrs. Whitney, 10 00 \
Mrs. Pike, 9 75 \
journey to Tewksbury, 3 50 ■,
'* Amesbury, 12 50 \
'' Concord, 1 50 1
'' Worcester, 8 00
telegraph dispatch, 35
aiding tramps, 35 \
stationery and stamps, 1 50 \
$1,640 22 I
REGULAR HIGHWAY TTORK.
Paid Charles Wheeler, $ 325 00
A. H. Jones, 400 00
A. M. Knowlton, 3 55
Charles Wheeler, 427 1^
Charles Wlieeler, on Flail road by order
Selectmen, 29 74
A. H. Jones, regular highway work, 338 15
A- H. Jones, repairs on road at Mrs.
Law, by order Selectmen, 59 69
$1,588 39
10
BRIDGES.
Paid E. Jones & Co., plank and spikes for '
Powder mill bridge, $131 22
Michael Hannon, on account of bridge, 100 00
Michael Hannon, on account of bridge, 100 00
Geo. McQueston & Co., lumber for
bridge, near J. W. Flagg's house, dQ 58
Charles Wheeler, labor building bridge
and grading near J. W. Flagg's
house, 5'0 75
A. II. Jones, repairs on Powder mill
bridge, 23 95
J. W..Flagg, for nails, zinc and bolts,
for bridge, 14 68
D. ]. Wetherbee, teaming lumber for
bridge, 5 00
D. J. Wetherbee, freight on lumber for
bridge, . 8 40
REPAIRS 0]S" TO^VX BUILDINGS.
$530 58
Paid Tuttle, J<jnes ^ Wetherbee, furniture
town hall, $6 74
F. E. Harris, repairs on West Acton
school house, 15 39
C. I. Miller, repairs on North Acton
school house, 13 60
L. U. Holt, repairs on North Acton
school house, 9 95
L. U. Holt stove for West Acton school
house, 44 23
T. F. Newton, repairs on So. Acton
school house, 5 20
H. T. Clark, closets West district, 10 00
F. D. Barker, repairs on Southeast
school house, 10 67
C. L. Davis, labor and material paint-
ing East school house, 69 56
C. L. Davis, labor and material paint-
Southeast school house, 66 8Q
C. L. Davis, labor and material paint-
ing North school house, 73 76
^. Jones & Co., lumber for town hall, 24 84
^ffio-ppnt cciri'led forwctrd^ ^.w .i^.--- ^350 80
11
Amount brought forward^ $350 80
Paid L. U. Holt, repairs on furnace No. Ac-
ton district, ?)S 10
L. U. Holt, stove and pipe Centre dis-
trict, 47 78
C. I. Miller, lumber and labor North
Acton school house, 81 26
Luke J. Robbins, repairs on East school
house, 12 39
F. W. Greene, cleaning house and vault
West Acton district, 6 50
Tuttle, Jones & Wetherbee, material
decorating town hall, 5 12
F. D. Barker, repairs on southeast school
house, 17 78
Warren Houghton, repairs on West
school house, 5 05
J. E. Cutter, lining for stove and grate.
Centre district, 7 23
J. E. Cutter, repairing settees, do, 3 75
Wayne and Hosmer, labor, 5 13
Window cord, 2 25
Dressing blackboards, 8 35
Tinting walls, 96 96
$63^ 4i
MISCELLANEOUS.
Paid John E. Cutter, for tuition of Mr. Bul-
lette and Mr. Littlefield's children, $28 50
T. F. Newton, wood and repairs South
district 9 07
B. C. Nickerson, entertaining sixth Regt, 166 40
Dr. Sanders, memorial expenses, 100 00
P. A. Collins, counsel in bounty case, 250 00
Daniel Tuttle, yoke for town farm, 3 00
Sullivan, Harris & Prescott, stone for
town house, 11 50
Samuel Hoar, expenses in bounty case
by order of Supreme Court, 387 02
Daniel Tuttle, expenses for band Apr.l9, 10 00
John Fletcher, platform for town pump, 2 50
Francis Jones, painting and lettering
guide boards, 51 48
Amount cetrried forward^ $1018 47
2
50
13
83
2
00
8
00
40
00
61
00
10
50
12
Amount bro2ight fo7"ward, $1018 47
Paid A. L. Tuttle, breaking roads in J 883, 14 40
L. E. Reed, making 25 death returns 1884, 6 25
L. E. Reed, summoning two witnesses
before registrars 1884, 3 32
L. E. Reed, express on cover for hearse 50
L. E. Reed, attending 19 burials, 57 00
E. A. Phelan, labor on hitching posts,
town hall, 12 79
S. Robbins, labor on hitching posts,
town hall,
S. Robbins, labor on tables.
W. N. Sharp, vaccinating five children,
J. Kinsley, for use of road for Hurley,
Luther Conant and D. J. Wetheibee,
expenses on bounty case,
Henry Brooks, land widening road,
Tuttle, Jones & Wetherbee, pails,
Tuttle, Jones & Wetherbee, three doz.
grenades, 26 25
Tuttle, Jones & Wetherbee, 12 hold-
ers, 2 75
R. L. Reed, labor on fire escape and
hitching posts, 19 05
C. B. Sanders, vaccinating 45 school
children, 18 00
F. D. Barker, clock southeast district, 4 00
H. J. Hapgood, collectors and overseers
books, 2 00
A. H. Jones, railing road at Bowens
mills, ,^
D. J. Wetherbee, breaking roads 1885.
C. L. Davis, painting guide boards,
E. Jones & Co., lumber for town house,
E. Jones & Co., lumber for railings,
E. Jones & Co., brackets for fire ladders,
M. E. Taylor, oil, wicks and supplies
town hall,
J. W. Dnpee, abatement of taxes 1882,
Wm. D. Tuttle, express charges,
Wm. D. Tuttle, postage and stationary,
Wm. D. Tuttle, laying out road,
Wm. D. Tuttle, index book,
Wm. D. Tuttle, journey to Concord,
Wm. D. Tuttle, journey to Boston,
Wm. D. Tuttle, recording births.
Amount carried forward^ — — $1465 52
45
81
5
79
3
87
, 10
53
3
22
2
65
13
13
31
60
1
83
95
2
75
2
28
1
50
1
00
16
00
13
Amount hr ought forward^ $1465 52
Paid Wm. D. Tuttle, recording deaths, 4 80
Wm. D. Tuttle, recording marriages, 3 60
E. J. Robbins for chestnut posts, 4 00
R. L. Reed, care of hall, 58 15
^' care of clock, 15 00
*' for wood, 2 50
'' for glass, 1 10
'' for oil for clock, 1 00
" repairs on town punnp, 1 00
Isaac Reed, breaking roads, 1884, 12 60
'' work on sluice, 1 50
D. J. Wetherbee, for care town house, 13 50
J. E. Cutter, collecting taxes, 1883, 47 50
" posting warrants, 10 00
'^ collecting taxes, 1884, 150 00
" discount on taxes, 1885, 488 28
" notifying pcsons to take
oath, 1883, 1 75
'^ notifying persons to take
oath, 1884, 2 50
Town of Littleton, schooling children of
Littlefield and Bullette, 1883-84, 100 00
Town of Littleton, schooling children
Mr. Bullette, 1885,
L. E. Reed, attending 16 burials,
*' making death returns,
" straps for hearse,
6
00
48
00
6
50
50
$2446 30 i
I
TEMPOARY LOAN PAID.
Paid Tuttle, Jones & Wetherbee, note and interest, $1540 83
BOUNTY TAX.
Bounty Tax refunded, $1156 16
14
RECAPITULATION.
$1,288
06
1,461
19
8,000
00
4,100
00
1,400
00
162
93
1,110
00
860
22
229
89
;]6
00
Unexpended balance as per report, Feb.
26^ 1885, not including bounty tax,
Bounty tax collected in 1882 and '83,
Town charges,
for schools,
for roads,
for overlay ings,
for wState tax,
for County tax,
Received of State Treasurer for dog fund,
for lots sold Mt. Hope cemetery,
from Town Metliuen, aid of W.
Austin. 22 8
from State Treasury for support of
State paupers,
for rent school-room. South Acton,
for old lumber,
from Town Xatick. support of Jos.
Hoye,
for rent town hall cellar,
from corporation tax,
National bank tax,
State aid.
Soldiers aid, ■
Town of Medway, aid furnish-
ed E. S. New, 99 02
Tuttle, Jones &. Wetherbee,
money borrowed, 3,000 00
Geo. Chandler, borrowed mone}', 500 00
J. K. W. Wetherbee, bor-
rowed mone}^ 1,200 00
Income from school fund,
Interest on money in bank,
Nathan Johnson, for stone
R. L. Reed, use of Town Ha
"' '-' cellar.
21
15
33
00
3
75
10
51
25
50
713
04
708
71
73
00
184
00
164
99
52
91
2^50
lall.
50*
13
50
50
—$20,
534
14
15
RECEIPTS
Fr®m February 26, 1885 to Feb. 26, 1886.
Unexpended balance as per report Feb. 26,
1885, not including bounty tax, $1,288 06
Bounty tax collected, 1,461 19
Appropriation and receipts 17,784 89
$20,534 14
EXPENDITURES,
Support of Centre Distri
ct School,
$804 25
" West
-
796 37
'' South
u
853 43
"' North
a
373 88
'' East
a
388 64
" South-east
a
353 15
" High School,
796 80
School supplies,
1,060 09
Town officers.
589 33
Cemetery expenses,
251 10
Printing,
84 60
^tate aid.
506 00
Poor,
1,640 22
Regular highway work,
1,583 39
Bridges,
530^58
Repairs on town buildings,
633^45
Miscellaneous expenses.
2,446 30
Temporary loan paid.
1,540 83
State tax.
1,110 00
County tax,
860 22
Bounty tax refunded.
1,156 16
$18,358 79
Balance in Collecter's hands, 1,799 80
Balance in Treasurer's hands, 375 do
, $2,175 35
$20,534 U
16
Tuttle, Jones & Wetherbee note, $1,500 00
George Chandler note, 500 00
J. K. W. Wetherbee note, 1,200 00
$3200 00
Bahmce against the town, 1,024 65
D. J. WETHERBEE, ■) Selectmen
J. K. W. WETHERBEE, \ of
J. W. DUPEE, 3 Acton.
Acton, Feb. 26, 1886.
17
REPORT OF TOWN CLERK,
BIRTHS.
/IrJ
1885.
Jan. 17,
Feb. 14,
Mar. 2,
" 12,
" M,
" 30,
Apr. 3,
" 19,
May 6,
" 6,
" 31,
June 24,
July 7,
" 15,
Aug. 2,
" 15,
'' 2.3,
Sept. 1,
" ^
" 18,
Oct. 1,
- 6,
" 9,
" 27,
*' 27,
" 31,
Nov. 5,
Dec. 14,
" 19,
'' 26,
NAME OF CHILD.
A daughter,
Maggie Calinane,
Benjamin F. Hay ward,
Lizze Jones Brown,
Blanche Silvia Piper,
Albert Porter Durkee,
Roy Luke Buttles,
Ralph Leroy Barnes,
Randall Augustus Whittier,
Wayland Franklin Whittier,
Mary Quinland,
Alice Lovenia Wood,
Ralph Edwin Houghton,
Irving Gordon Dart,
Alva Spencer Rhoades,
Abbie Gertrude Palmer,
Julia McCarthy,
Martha Taylor,
Eyerett Derby Barker,
Bernard H. Knowlton,
Frederick S. Mead, Jr.,
Oliye May Harrington,
Frank H. Finch,
Eva May Lawrence,
Harold La Roy Crosby,
Charles Barnard Cole,
Ethel Brown Hastings,
Rebecca Nye Warren,
A daughter,
Charles T. Owens,
Roland Ellis Hutchins,
NAME OF PARENTS.
Frank and Honora (Baker)
Daniel and Maggie (Callahan)
Amos H. and Etta 0. (Hatch)
James P. and Laura A. (Jones)
Anson C. and Ellen L. (Jones)
J. Edward and Susie E. (Tuttle)
Hiram S. and Sybil G. (Selleck)
Wm. and Charlotte E. (Hatch)
twin children of
Geo. E. and N. Edna (Walker)
John and Julia (Carey)
Edward and Mary B. (McLearn)
Frank W. and Lizzie L. (Walker)
Oswald L. and Cora A. (Cooper)
Rev. Chas. L. and Mary E. (Fitch)
Nathan R. and Abbie M. (Martin)
John Jr. and Mary A. (McEUigott)
S. H. and Mary B. (Thompson)
Franklin D. and Lucietta (Derby)
Oslia and Nellie F. (Handley)
Frederick S. and Lizzie M.( Gates)
Chas. E. and Marion E. (Brodie)
Chas. and Phebe M. (Smith)
Austin E. and Mary J. (Stebbins)
Frank L. and Josie M. (Keith)
Geo. W. and Anna Z. (Hewins)
Lewis C. and Emma F. (Brown)
Wm. S. and Rose E. (Stacy)
Wm. G. and Sarah R. (Warren)
Thomas and Eliza J. (Edwards)
Geo. Y, and Hattie A. (Parker)
18
MAERIAGES.
nu
DATE.
NAME.
RESIDENCE.
1
1885
Feb. 7,
Charles D. Grii^^gs.
Abbie E. Roberts.
Acton.
Acton.
2
Feb. 8,
Charles H. Handley.
Katie B. Jewett.
Acton.
Acton.
3
Feb. 22,
Aaron Wheeler.
Mary L. Hosmer. .
Natick.
Acton.
4
Mar. 7,
William Banks.
Elizabeth Jane Tucker.
Acton.
Acton.
5
Mar. 9,
James B. Wheeler.
Mary Amanda Wheeler.
Acton.
Acton.
6
Mar. 17,
George H. Brigham.
Katie Lavelle.
Marlborough.
Marlborough.
7
Apr. 25,
Frank L. Crosby. .
Josephine M. Keith.
Acton.
Acton.
8
May 25,
George A. Conant.
Mabel E. Dow.
Acton.
Acton.
9
May 27,
Webster C. Bobbins.
Amelia H. Nichols.
Acton.
Concord.
10
June 10,
Maurice Hefferman.
Nellie A. Hannon.
Boston.
Acton.
11
June 18,
William G. Brown.
Sarah R. Warren, .
Acton.
Stow.
12
June 27,
Walter N. Sharp. .
Nettie C. Fuller. .
Acton.
Acton.
13
July 12,
William F. Richardson.
Flora A. Foote.
Acton.
Acton.
14
July 12,
Walter A. Wright,
Emma J. Willis, .
Concord.
Concord.
15
Sept. 11,
Benjamin F. Keith.
Tinsa Wagner.
Acton.
Maynard.
16
Sept. 12,
John McCarthy.
Ellen Louise Tuohey. .
Acton.
Acton.
17
Sept. 23,
Frank Zehetli Taylor. .
Caroline Augusta White.
Acton.
Ringe, N. H.
18
Nov. 3,
John S. Hoar.
Minnie R. Hart.
Acton.
Acton.
19
!25
o
DATE.
NAME.
RESIDENCE.
19
1885.
Nov. 13,
William T. Mason.
Etta T. Hoyt.
Acton.
Acton.
20
Nov. 15,
James W. Hunt.
Mary E. Grimes.
Maynard.
Acton.
21
Nov. 23,
Rev. Howard M. Jones.
Clara K. Tuttle.
Albert Lea, Minn.
Acton.
22
Dec. 3,
H. Everett Burnham.
Rachel E. Scott. .
Maynard.
Maynal-d.
23
May 23,
Hendrick Miller. .
Abbie A. Puffer.
Maynard.
Concord.
24
July 15,
Philip Allen. .
Ellen Gates
Stow.
Stow.
20
DEATHS.
n^j
1885
Date of
NAME OF DECEASED.
AGE.
H«
^
b
KESIDENCE.
PLACE OF BIRTH.
Death.
Feb. 10,
GO
1
CO
05
George Frazier,
Acton,
Lowell.
Mar. 1,
Blanche L. Hayward,
6
11
Milford.
" 2,
Eldora M. Williams,
2
9
Acton.
" 11,
Mary F. Wellington,
59
Wilton, Me.
'' 19,
Ellen Kearney,
8
5
15
Hudson.
" 22,
Frances Booker,
9
11
Ludlow, Eng.
Apr. 22,
- 25,
Lucretia A. Frost.
Michael McCarthy,
65
32
4
13
i
Boston.
" 23,
Daniel Fletcher,
74
8
xlcton.
May 5,
Alvin A. Hayward,
37
9
((
'' 15,
Albert M. Horslin,
1
6
((
June 3,
Isaiah B. Perkins,
85
3
19
Brookfield.
" 6,
Ann Kinsley,
70
Ireland.
'' 24,
Sarah J. Reed,
56
8
20
Billerica.
'' 29,
W. J. McLaughlin,
1
1
22
Acton.
July 9,
Ancil W. Knowlton,
33
1
Swanville, Me.
" 13,
Daniel T. Moore,
23
3
14
Acton.
Auo:. 24,
Frances A. Knight,
48
9
9
Concord.
Sept. 15,
Zabine C. Burroughs,
84
9
Alstead, N. H.
" 27,
Ada M. Knowlton,
1
2
11
Acton.
Oct. 20,
Silas W. Wetherbee,
79
8
4
Boxborough.
J^OY. 5,
Lydia R. Keyes,
73
4
Acton.
" 17,
Frank H. Finch,
1
15
"
- 25;
George H. Warren,
61
7
Littleton.
Dec. 1,
Jennie McAllister,
33
7
22
Shrewsbury.
" 10,
Mary A. Mehegan,
18
10
7
East Boston.
" 21,
Olive May Harrington,
3
Acton.
" 23,
Horatio Law,
85
8
21
a
Whole No., 28; Average age, 37 6-10 years.
21
AMOUNT RECEIVED FROM LICENSES OF DOGS,
SINCE LAST REPORT, $836.00.
ISTAMES OF OWNEES.
Dana F. Hayward,
Aug^ustus Fletcher,
Antoine Bulette,
Ai Kobbins,
Wm. D. Tuttle.
Luther Conant,
John Fletcher.
Lester N. Fletcher,
James Tobin,
Tuttle, Jones & Wetherbee,
Elnathan Jones,
James Tuttl^,
J. K. W. Wetherbee,
Charles Varney,
Moses A. Keed,
Gustavus H. Waugh,
George W. Livermore,
Isaiah S. Leach,
Fred S. Whitcorab,
Daniel McCarthy, 2d.,
A. Lucien Noyes,
James D. Coburn,
John Temple,
E. F. Fuller,
George '^. Conant,
Isaac Barker,
Charles A. Taylor,
Charles A. Harrington,
Mrs. George F. Flagg,
John H. Hannaford,
Job. W. Dupee,
Mead & Stone,
Luke Tuttle,
Wm. B. Davis,
J. E. Harris,
George E. Keyes,
William Barnes,
Henry M. Smith,
John W. Randall,
Sylvester Haynes,
Willis S. Mead,
Elbridge J. Bobbins,
Frederick Rouillard,
John Welch,
Isaac W. Flagg,
Charles J. Williams,
Daniel J. Wetherbee,
Mrs. Daniel Wetherbee,
Cyrus Hayv^ard,
G. H. S. Houghton,
Chas. J. Holton,
Henry Hanson,
p
~l
$2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
8
6
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
NAMES OF OWNERS.
Joseph R. Bassett,
William Barnes,
M. E. Taylor,
George C. Wright,
Otis H. Forbush,
Reuben L. Reed,
George Gardner,
William H. Teele,
Frank R. Knowlton,
Frank E. Harris,
John C. Gates,
Herman Chaplin,
George Conant,
Moses A. Reed,
John Kelley,
Edvi^in W. Taylor,
A. H. Gilmore,
Moses Taylor,
Chauncey B. Bobbins,
Webster C. Robbins,
Chas. W. Grant,
Frank W. Houghton,
John W. Aldrich,
Patrick Kearney,
Joseph F. Cole,
Dr. Chas. B. Sanders,
Nelson J. Cole,
Everett Wayne,
Chas. D. Griggs,
Michael Hannon,
Andrew J. Willis,
Edward O'Neil,
B. C. Nickerson,
Daniel Tuttle,
Alonzo L. Tuttle,
A. F. Blanchard,
John Grimes,
Nathan R. Palmer,
J. E. Scofield,
Geo. E. Whittier,
Geo. W. Worester,
Henry Brooks,
Charles L. Beck,
L. E. Reed,
Francis Pratt,
Chas. H. Handley,
Henry Haynes,
Chas. H. Wheeler,
Forbush & Hartwell,
George Pratt,
Jairus C. Wheeler,
Males, 103; Females, 6. Total, 109.
22
Report of Receipts and Expenditures at the
Almshouse in Acton,
FOR THE YEAR ENDING FEBRUARY 28th, 1880.
Articles
ON Hand,
February 28th, 1886.
7 Cows,
$350 00
100 lbs. ham.
12 00
1 horse,
200 00
Lard,
7 20
15 tons hay,
3 00
30 bushels potatoes,
22 50
Meal and shorts, •
12 15
Bushels small potatoes.
3 50
900 C. S. meal,
11 25
Eggs,
1 60
Corn,
2 00
3 bbls. apples.
3 GO
500 straw,
2 50
Butter,
1 80
Lot of bap^s,
5 00
Oil,
60
17 cords wood cut for stove, 80 00
Fh.ur,
5 00
31 hens,
15 50
Soap,
5 30
1 wagon,
90 00
1 cider barrel,
1 00
1 bugory^
25 00
50 lbs. corn beef.
3 00
57 barrels.
5 70
Beans,
1 00
2 tons coal,
12 00
2 lbs. tea.
1 GO
4 market boxes.
40
Spices,
50
350 lbs. salt pork,
35 00
$1,215 50
Receipts from Town Farm,
From March 1, 1885 to February 28, 1886.
Rec'd for
Rec'd for
Apples,
215 48
Labor,
$1 25
Milk,
575 50
Meat,
2 92
Potatoes,
89 65
Calves,
9 25
Eggs,
15 39
Beef cow,
40 00
$949 44
23
Expenses.
Paid for
Paid for
Coffee,
10 17
Hoes,
2 25
Yeast,
71
Dried apples,
98
Fish,
10 92
Castings,
1 85
Flour,
45 24
Meat,
123 53
Tea,
23 10
Soap,
15 10
Sugar,
16 94
Ginger,
25
Beans,
4 25
Oatmeal,
1 40
Shoes,
8 52
Medicine,
2 45
Butter,
51 98
Jug,
75
Cheese,
6 03
Molasses,
9 25
Vinegar,
70
Pace,
1 08
Cloth and clothing,
54 64
Pepper,
47
Nails,
97
Potatoes,
5 00
Tubs,
88
Raisins,
2 02
Phosphate,
19 95
Curtains,
43
Wash-board,
30
Barrels,
13 91
Seeds,
1 10
Brooms,
1 30
Stove polish,
29
Lard,
6 00
Starch,
16
Paris green.
25
Saleratus,
36
Plaster,
30
Spices,
1 30
Use of oxen,
8 00
Kope,
05
Onions,
1 00
Matches,
45
Pigs,
8 00
Crockery,
1 68
Gargetine,
87
Salt,
1 46
Shovel,
38
Cream tartar,
97
Carpeting,
2 00
Tobacco,
1 35
Chairs,
3 25
Oil,
3 09
Ammonia,
18
Snuff,
18
Axe,
83
■ Lemons,
66
Clothes line,
35
Alum,
02
Candles,
15
Crackers,
23 42
Repairing harnesses,
1 63
Tinware,
3 29
Use of bull.
4 50
Twine,
05
Butch erins:.
2 50
Mustard,
66
Blacksmith bill.
11 38
Currants,
63
Smokins: Ham,
60
Oyster shells,
18
Filing saws.
80
R. tacks,
61
Harness,
6 00
Blueing,
24
Bu^^y,
25 00
B. bricks,
08
Labor,
182 28
Glass,
31
Grain,
321 71
Handles,
76
Stoves and furniture,
62 65
* Pails,
50
Coal,
17 64
Lime,
38
Burial of H. Law and
Cattle cards,
32
Mrs. E. Southard,
32 00
Turpentine,
30
Dr. Sanders' bill,
21 25
Brushes,
63
Repairs on house.
14 00
Paint,
1 70
Services of Warren
Basket,
45
Bemis and wife.
250 00
Paper,
31
Services of E. H. Cut-
Plow,
6 25
ler,
50 00
Lampblack,
07
Services of Luke
Lock,
52
Blanchard,
25 00
Scythes,
2 64
Services of Reuben L.
Bake,
25
Reed,
10 00
Whetstone,
25
#
1565 74
24
Expenditures,
Receipts,
Income less than expenses.
Due from Treasury to balance account.
Interest on farm,
Victualing and lodging 128 tramps at 40 cents each,
Cost of supporting poor on farm, $805 10
Whole number of persons exclusive of tramps supported in alms-
house 7; average number 5^; present number 4.
$1565 74
949 44
$616 30
240 00
$616 30
S856 30
51 20
E. II. cutl?:k, )
LUKE BLANC^HARD, [ Overseers of Poor.
REUBEN REED, )
25
COMMONAVEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. MIDDLESEX, SS^
To John E. Cutter, Constable of the Town of Acton in said County,
Greeting :
You are hereby requested in the name of the Commonwealth of Mas-
sachusetts, to notify the legal voters of said Town of Acton, to meet at
the Town Hall, on MONDAY, tne fifth day of April next, at twelve
o'clock M. By posting copies of this Warrant by you attested, at the
Post Office in the centre of the town, also at the stores of Tuttles, Jones
& Wetherbee, Mead & Stone and Isaac W. Flagg in said town, seven
days before the time appointed for said meeting, then and there to act
upon the following articles as they may think proper, viz:
Art. 1. To choose a Moderator to preside at said meeting.
Art. 2. To fill all existing vacancies in the list of Town Officers.
Art. 3. To see what amount of money the Town will raise to de-
fray Town charges the present year.
Art. 4. To see what amount of money the Town will raise for the
support of schools the present year, and how it shall be expended.
Art. 5. To see what amount of money, the Town will raise to repair
the roads the present year and how it shall be expended.
Art. 6. To see if the Town will instruct the School Committee to ap-
point a Superintendent of Schools.
Art. 7. To see if the Town will choose a Superintendent of Burials.
Art. 8. To consider and act upon the acceptance of the Jury list as
revised by the Selectmen.
Art. 9. To see if the Town will vote to accept the reports of Select-
men, Overseers of Poor, School Committee and other Town Officers.
Art. 10. To see if the Town will authorize the Treasurer, with the
approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money for the Town, if necessary,
in anticipation of the taxes of the current year.
Art. 11. To vote by ballot. Yes or No, in answer to the question.
Shall licenses be granted for the sale of intoxicating liquors in this town
the present year?
Art. 12. To see if the Town will widen and straighten the road lead-
ing from the house of Orlando Leland through the village of West Acton,
to the house of Geo. A. Stevens.
Art. 13. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of one hundred
dollars for Memorial Day.
Art. 14. To see if the Town will build a sluice near the house of
Eeuben L. Reed.
Art. 15. To see if the Town will paint the School House in the centre
district.
Art. 16. To see if the Town will furnish Intermediate Schools in the
South and AVest districts.
Art. 17. To see if the Town will furnish an assistant teacher for the
High School.
Art. 18. To see if the Town will furnish transportation for scholars
attending the High School.
Hereof fail not and make due return of this warrant to us, with your
doings thereon, at or before the time appointed for said meeting.
Given under our hands this twentieth day of March in the year eighteen
hundred and eighty-six.
J. K. W. WETHERBEE, } Selectmen
J. W. DUPEE, > of
T. F. NO YES, ) Acton,
26
Town Officers for 1886,
Town Clerk,
Wm. D. Tuttle.
Selectmen,
Job W. Dupee,
Assessors.
Phineas Wethekbee,
Overseers of the Poor.
John E. Cuttek,
Constables.
Lewis V. Clough, at South Acton.
[Three to be chosen.]
School Committee.
Chakles H. Mead, for 3 years, Theron F. ISTewtox, for 2 years,
JoNA K. W. Wethekbee
Wm. D. Tuttle,
Luke Blanchard,
Thos. F. Noyes.
Hiram J. Hapgood.
JONA W. LOKEK
William S. Jones, for 3 years,
Charles I. Miller, for 1 year.
John E. Cutter, for 2 years,
Luke J. Bobbins, for 1 year.
Charles Wheeler,
Francis Pratt,
WM. B. Davis,
L W. Flagg,
E. F. Fuller,
Highway Surveyors.
Isaac Keed, Abel Cole,
Elbridge J. Bobbins, Job. W. Dupee.
Surveyors of Wood.
J. W. LOKER,
s. l. dutton,
John F. Davis,
Geo. H. Harris,
Chas. H. Taylor,
Herbert T. Clark,
Henry D. Parlin,
Chas. H. Mead.
Ww. B. Davis,
Geo. H. Harris,
Nahum C. Reed,
John Fletcher,
Surveyors of Lumber.
E. F. Richardson,
E. J. ROBBINS,
Chas. A. Brooks.
Fence Viewers.
O. W. Mead,
Cemetery Committee.
M. W. Davis,
Levi W. Stevens,
Herbert T. Clark,
Francis Hosmp:r.
Levi W, Stevens.
REPORT
OF THE
gCHOOI< COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF ACTON,
For the School Year 1885-6.
To the Town of Acton :
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
BY ITS SUPERINTENDFNT.
The School Committee, having been allowed by you to act
in the schools during the year past through a Superintendent,
now makes its report to you through the same officer.
REPORT.
Perfect unanimity has existed between members of the Com-
mittee, and between the Committee and its Superintendent, dur-
ing the year.
No step of importance, in the way of discipline, introduction
of books, or further progress in establishing courses of study and
grades in the schools has been taken without the action of the
whole Committee.
The first matter of special importance that required attention,
was the course of study in the High School. Recommendations
had been made, but no regular course adopted. It was not pos-
sible, therefore,forthe teacher to the hold the scholars to any sys-
tem of study, or keep the school in proper grade.
After painstaking correspondence with, and examination of
courses of study in other schools, a course of study was recom-
mended, and after full discussion, adopted. The following is a
copy of the same :
30
ACTON HIGH SCHOOL.
Course of Study.
<
H
CO
«
I— I
"-A
O
1st Term;
2d Teem:
3d Term:
1st Term :
2d Term:
3d Term:
1st Term:
2d Term :
3d Term:
1st Term :
W -{ 2d Term:
3d Term:
Arithmetic.
Bookeeping.
Arithmetic.
English Grammar
and Composition.
English Grammar
and Composition.
Khetoric.
General Histor.y.
General History.
General History.
Algebra. Rhetoric. Physiology.
Algebra. English Literature. Physiology.
Algebra. English Literature. Physics.
Geometry. Latin or French.
Geometry. Latin or French.
Botany. Latin or French.
Astronomy. Latin or French.
Astronomy. Latin or French.
Politics. Latin or French.
Physics.
Chemistry.
Chemistry.
Geology.
Geology.
General Review,
Those taking only a three years' or English course will substitute
for Latin or French the following studies for the third year:
1st Term :
2d Term:
3d Term:
Astronomy.
Geology.
Politics.
Note. — Exercises in Reading and Spelling will be had during the
entire course. Exercises in Declamation or Composition will be re-
quired weekly throughout the course.
31
Immediate steps were taken to classify the school as closely
as possibly under the circumstances, and teacher and scholars
have become settled into systematic work. The good effects have
been apparent in many ways. Each scholar knows beforehand
his place in the term and terms to come. Each study prepares
the way for the one following, and steady and satisfactory progress
is thus assured.
This step also led to other important results. It made it
simple and easy to fix the grade of scholarship for entering the
High School, and consequently prepares the way for classifying,
or grading more perfectly the lower schools and classes.
Another step of importance has been the changing the school
year. Heretofore the school year has been from the beginning of
the spring term to the close of the winter term. This gives but
the short vacation between the winter and spring terms to make
any changes that may be thought wise. It places teachers and
committee in straightened relations with each other. This custom
has also made our schools to be out of the uniform plan of the
schools around us.
The school year now begins with the fall term, and ends with
the spring term, making our school year uniform with those of
the commonwealth, and giving the committee and teachers abun-
dant time to consider the advisability of another year's engage-
ment.
BOOKS.
With one exception there has been no change in text books,
and that has been of minor importance, so far as expense is con-
cerned.
We must either have purchased a new supply of Higginson's
United States Histories, or make a change.
Taking advantage of this need, Scuddei's United States His-
tory vvas purchased to replace the other. This change has been
proven to be a wise one.
Higginson's History was not planned for a text book in
schools, and lacked many essential elements for that purpose.
The new^one by Scudder is specially adapted for a text book, and
the study of it has aroused new interest among the scholars.
The new Temperance Education Law made the teaching of
32
Hygiene and the evils of narcotics, (alchohol, tobacco and opium)
compulsory in the common schools.
After close examination and comparison of different text
books issued by various publishers, one was selected, recom-
mended and adopted.
The supplying of all the schools w^ith this text book was quite
a large expense, but your committee had no choice in the matter,
except in the selection of a book ; and though a committee v^^ould
hesitate to take this responsibility without the law, the benefits
resulting from compliance with this law can hardly be estimated.
We have had reason to congratulate the committee on the
choice of books made. The interest of teachers and scholars has
not flagged, but at times has had to be restrained, so desirous were
they to follow up this study so pleasantly placed before them.
The advancement of the High School into higher studies
made the purchase of text books necessary, and much care has
been taken in the selection of them, to secure those that embraced
the most advanced scholarship, expressed in such manner as to
meet the wants of our scholars.
These text books, though more expensive than those of the
lower grades, are not subject to as frequent change or renewal.
The line of text books for the full course is now nearly complete.
One other step of great importance has been taken. And we
may say that no other received more careful consideration. This
was the selection and purchase of suitable reference books for the
schools.
The use of only text books finally becomes a slavish follow"
ing ot them, and results in a narrow and unsatisfactory progress.
Geographical, historical and biographical notices in common
school text books are necessarily short, while many important and
interesting truths in geographical discovery and progress, in histori-
cal epochs, and the lives and thoughts of great men are not men-
tioned at all. A gradually increasing library of well selected ref-
erence books in our Grammar and High Schools, will furnish an
element of power that cannot be overestimated. Your committee,
after mature deliberation, authorized the purchase ot a copy of
each of Lippincott's "Biographical Dictionary," and Lippincott's
" Gazetteer of the World," for each school district and the High
School. In addition to these they authorized the purchase of
33
Lippincotfs edition of" Chambers' Encyclopedia," for each one
of the village districts and the High School, the same to be used
by all the scholars and teachers in the town.
The gratitude of the teachers was almost unbounded. At
first the scholars hardly knew the use of these new tools of educa-
tion ; but as, under the lead of their teachers, they gradually became
acquainted with the treasuries within their grasp, their enthus-
iasm was as great as that of the teachers.
Now almost any hour of school, in some schools, from one to
three or more of the scholars may be found digging into these
new mines of mental wealth, searching these volumes in con-
nection with places, persons and thoughts suggested in their les-
sons. These reference books have thus become perinaitent
teachers in our schools without salary or further expense, and for
years their steady influence will he felt.
SCHOOLS.
The only schools in which changes of teachers have been
made have been, the Centre Grammar and Primary, and the
South East Schools. Miss C. L. Haynes, of the Centre Gram-
mar, resigned at the close of the fall term, and Miss Davis was
employed to take her place. Miss Davis' health failed, so that
she was compelled at the holidays to resign, and Mr. O. W.
Dutton was secured. Notwithstanding these changes, the school
lias kept steadily on with its work. Miss B. Ball of the Centre
Primary, on account of ill health, gave place to Miss Edith Gar-
field for the fall term, and in the winter term resumed her place
a^ain. Miss Bertha Manley, of the South East District, resigned
at the close of spring term, and Miss C. A. Granger was em-
ployed in her place, and has kept the school since. The other
schools have kept the same teachers, and all have worked hard.
Uniformity ot teaching cannot be attained, even if it were desira-
ble, but general uniformity of advancement has been attained
throughout the town. We do not consider it necessary to partic-
ularize in regard to each school. Similar methods as to disci-
pline, teaching and examinations have prevailed throughout the
town. Each district has had thirty-six weeks of schooling. The
pleasantest relations have existed between the teachers and the
Committee and Superintendent. In discipline, punishment has
34
been discouraged, and scholars made to feel that the schools were
for their benefit, and they were welcome to get all the good pos-
sible from them ; but, if ignoring this, they persisted in disturb-
ing the work of the school, and maintained a spirit of insubordi-
nation, they would be expelled. These methods have proven ef-
fectual.
The general system of monthly reviews and examinations
has been maintained. In methods of teaching, the old and safe
method of memorizing important facts and rules has been supple-
mented by conversational exercises, so that the student might not
only know, but know how to use his knowledge. To this same
end, the highest classes in the Grammar schools, and all the
scholars in the High school, have been required to prepare and
read an essay, a selection for public reading, and a declamation
once in three weeks, thus giving each of them one of these im-
portant exercises each week. Thel'e have been no examinations
during the year for the purpose of passing from class to class or
school to school.
In accordance with the vote of the Committee, the school year
will begin in the fall, though the examination for advancement
will be at the close of the spring term. These examinations will
be mostly in writing, and so framed as to, so far as possible, be a
test of scholarship, a certain percentage of accuracy being re-
quired before a scholar can pass into a higher class or school.
SUGGESTIOISS WITH REASONS.
The increase of scholars in the West and vSouth districts re-
quires consideration. The average attendance of the Centre
Grammar school this last year has been twenty ; this is tlie largest
school outside of the two above. In the schools at the West the
average attendance has been 66, while those at the South has been
62, making an average three times as large as that of the Centre
Grammar. Three school rooms are crowded ; more room is
needed ; the classes are too large and difficult to teach, the few
minutes the teacher has for each, when all the classes must be
heard. An intermediate school is recommen^ded for each of these
districts, and in the opinion of committee and superintendent,
needed for the best interests of these schools. More scholars will
come into these schools this spring and fall than will go out by
examinations — and thus increase the present need.
35
HIGH SCHOOL.
This year for the first time the High school is working its
three years' course — those who come in the first year, and have
continued, have been followed by two other classes and now three
regularly formed classes are doing steady work. This has of
course necessitated the steady introduction of new text books, as
the first class advanced from first to second, and then into the
third years' work, and their places were steadily filled by those
coming after ; thus eighteen difl^erent text books come into use,
besides reading, spelling and writing, with declamations and essays
required by the course.
The average membership for the year has been thirty-four,
and the average attendance thirty-one. Then each succeeding
class is larger than its predecessor, so that while at the close of
the spring term, only eight or ten will pass out of the school, at
•the beginning of the fall term nearly or quite twenty will step in
as the new class. A few moments consideration will convince
any candid mind that one teacher cannot with justice to himself
or the scholars, carry such a number through such a course of
study. The school is proving its worth more and more all the
time. Its growth is far beyond the expectation of its most san*
guine friends, and shows the value placed by both parents and
children on such educational advantages. The town owes it to
itself and these scholars, to make this school all it should be, and
to that end it should furnish an assistant teacher. This, in the
opinion of your committee and superintendent, is needed, and
therefore recommended.
Again, our town is so situated that it has been found best to
have the High school hold its sessions one term in each central
district of the town, viz : the Centre, the South and the West.
Undoubtedly this is more convenient when all things are con-
sidered. This has placed quite a burden on many of the scholars,
and, it is remarkable how faithful they have been in their attendance
through wind and storm. It is believed by your committee and
superintendent to be wise and just that the town provide trans-
portation from these centres to the sessions of the High school.
This will equalize the advantages of the High school to all. At
the present quite a number who are unable to bear the expenbe of
36
transportation are cut off from the education offered in the High
school. This ought not to be. The town should authorize the
committee to provide transportation for the scholars upon the
wisest and best terms possible. This is the opinion of your com-
mittee, and it is therefore recommended.
The usual financial and attendance tables are appended. This
report with its statements of the condition of the schools the last
year, and the important action taken by superintendent and com-
mittee, also its statements of present needs and suggestions having
been read to, and discussed by the committee, was unanimously
adopted as their report of work done, and recommendations for
the schools.
C. L. lX.YiOAT)^S^ Super httendent of Schools^
For the School Committee of the Town of Acton.
•Financial Report.
To the Town of Acton :
Your School Committee hereby submit their report of the ex-
penses of the schools ot the town by districts ; said expenses
covering salaries of teachers, the cost of fuel and care of school
buildings.
JOHN E. CUTTER, Chair ma7t.
THERON F. NEWTON, Clerk.
Acton, March 22d, 1886.
Acton High School.
Salary of teacher $700 00 ■
Fuel 35 05 i
Care of room 50 00 I
$785 05 \
'I
Acton Centre Schools. ■
Salary of teachers $684 00 '}■
Fuel 73 00 i
Care of rooms 47 25 i
$804 25 I
South Acton Schools.
Salary of teachers $720 00
Fuel 39 20
Care of house 100 22
$859 42
West Acton Schools.
Salary of teachers $663 00
Fuel 38 37
Care of rooms 25 00
$726 37
38
East Acton School.
Salary of teachers $324 00
Fuel 1 40 14
Care of room 24 50
$388 64
North Acton School.
Salary of teachers $324 00
Fuel 34 88
Care of room , 25 00
$383 88
South East Acton School.
Salary of teacher $324 00
Fuel 15 00
Care of room 15 00
$354 00
Total $4,301 61
39
TABULAR STATEMENT.
♦ \
c
CO
d>
•
^
SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS.
1
II
'o
o
j
a
1
i
10
O o
— s
1
a
t,
S^
^
«
P
xi
>■
V
d
c
d
h5
^
<
<
_^
'/?^
^
f
Miss C. L. Haynes,
1 Grammar,
" Evilina Davis,
3
28
25
22
4
16
Centre, \
Mr. 0. W. Dutton,
1 Primary.
Miss Bessie Ball,
3
31
25 j 22
1
9
I
" Edith Garfield,
^-th, : {?,T---'
" S. B. Holmes,
3
33
29
28
1
32
'•' Viola S. Tuttle,
3
52
38
34
28
w-t, {gjs-'
•' S.J. Wyman.
3
37
34
33
2
31
'< C. L. Newton,
3
40
35
33
14
East.
•' S. A. Wetherbee,
3
28
23
20
2
15
North,
" Miss Ella D. Daniels,
3
26
19
18
4
14
South East,
( Miss Bertha Manley,
{ " C. A. Granger,
H. H. Williams,
3
21
16
12
1
12
Acton High,
3
47
34
31
37
4
Totals.
343"
278
253
1
1
51
176
Number of children in town between the ages of live and fifteen years, as reported
by the Assessors, May 1st, 1885, 264.
OF THE
SELECTMEN
AND OTHER OFFICERS
OF THE
TOWN OF ACTON
From Feb. 26, 1886, to Feb. 26, 1887,
1^'CI.UDING THE
MARRIAGES, BIRTHS AND DEATHS IN l.s«G.
AT^SO, THE
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
ACTON:
Thk Entekpkise Steam Job Piunt
18S7.
TREASURER'S REPORT
Town of Actor in Account with J. K. W. Wetherbee, Treasurer.
1887. Br.
Feb. 26. To cash paid for State tax, $1,110 00
^' " County tax, 667 35
" " on Selectmen's or-
ders, 14,353 97
"• Outstanding orders, 967 33
'' Balance due the town. 897 36
$17,996 01
Cr.
By balance in the treasury, Feb. 26th,
1886, $375 55
Cash received of Dennis Shehan, for
old lumber, 9 00
Received of John Fletcher, for lots sold in
Woodlawn ceinetery, 12 00
County Treasurer, for dog
fund for 1885, 207 77
T. F. Newton, on account of
High School, 21 26
L. W. Stevens, for lots sold in
Mount Hope cemetery, 30 00
Town of Billerica, support of
Thomas Russell, 39 76
Town of Harvard, aid furnish-
ed Arthur Whitney, 11 67
Chapel Societv, rent of school
rooni to April 1, 1886, 33 00
State Treasurer, corporation
tax, 845 29
State Treasurer, National bank
tax, 715 40
State Treasurer, State aid,
chap. 252, acts of 1879, 200 50
State Treasurer, State aid.
chap. 301, acts of 1879. 108 00
Received of State Treasurer, support of
State paupers, 135 72
State Treasurer, income of
school fund, H37 73
Charles H.Wheeler, borrowed
money, 400 00
George Chandler, borrowed
money, 200 00
Varnum Tuttle, borrowed
money, ] ,oOO 00
Charles H.Wheeler, boirowed
money, 150 00
Varnimi Tuttle. borrowed
mone}-, '115 06
County Treasurer, dog fund
for 1H8(), ^ 195 4(S
John Fletchei", lots sold in
Woodlawn Cemetry, 13 00
L. W. Stevens, lots sold in
Alount Hope Cemetery, 5S 00
T. F. Newton, school books
sold. IC) 4(]
Reuben L. Reed, rent of tow n
hall, 17 00
John E. Cutter, collector of
taxes, for taxes of 1885, 1,7!)1< 80
John E. Cutter, bS.SC, 10,201 (J3
Interest on mone\' in l)aid<. 37 84
^\. L. Noyes, rent of town
hall in 1885, 1<S 00
Julian Tuttle, rent of town
hall and cellar, 57 50
$17, DOG 01
J. K. W. WETHERBEE, 7rcaszcrcr of Ac^o?^.
Acton, Feb. 2{ith, 1887.
SELECTMEN'S REPORT,
SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS.
Centre District.
Paid John E. Cutter, $71)7 95
Mest l>i!«trict.
Paid F. W. GrccMi, for care of school house,
$28 00
L. U. Holt, for 4 brooQTs for ''
1 20
C. H. Mead,
770 72
C. H. Mead, for coal,
59 85
C. H. Mead, care of school house,
33 00
South l>i!«trict.
Paid T. F. Newton,
$733 50
'' for coal.
44 09
" ''• for wood,
5 12
" '' care of house,
61 00
\V. Law, for sawing wood.
1 50
North Oistrict.
Paid Ella F. Daniels, services as teacher,
$36 00
C. L Miller,
291 08
'' coal.
27 93
" " wood,
5 00
'' '' cutting wood.
1 75
" " care of house,
12 00
daiiit District.
Paid Luke J. Robbins, 377 50
^' " for care of house, 6 00
Soiith-JEast District.
Paid W. S. Jones, $369 61
$797 95
$892 77
$845 21
$373 76
$383 50
$369 61
High School.
Paid H. H. Williams, services as teacher,
A. W. Armstrong, "
C. H. Mead, for rent of organ,
C. H. Mead, for rent of piano for grad-
uating exercises,
C. H. Mead, for care of room.
C. H. Mead, for fuel,
J. E. Cutter, care of room,
J. E. Cutter, for fuel.
T. F. Newton, care of ro(jm.
for fuel,
'' teacher,
WC'IIOOI^ NUPPL.1ES,
Paid T. F. Xewton,
Rev. C. L. Rhoades.
John E. Cutter,
TOWIV OFFIC'KR?*.
$240
00
400
00
15
00
/
00
12
00
6
00
8
00
7
00
15
00
10
00
80
00
$5
65
46
5
50
/
10
Paid Rev. C. L. Rhoades, Supt. of schools, $124
Rev. C. L. Rhoades, expense of proem
ing teachers for High School.
L. U. Flolt, sealer of weights and meas-
ures,
\Vm. D. Tuttle, scr\ ices as Assessoi-.
\Vm. D. Tuttle, making duplicate tax
book,
Wm. D. Tuttle, services as Town Clerk.
\V. D. Tuttle, services as Registrar of
voters to May ist, 18<Sr..
Phineas VVetherbee, serxices as Assesso
H. J. Hapgood, ser\ices as Assessor.
J. E. Cutter, collecting taxes in 1885,
A. L. Noves, services as Registrar of
voters to Feb. 12th, 18S7.
J. \V. Dupee, ser\ices as Selectman
T. F. Noves,
J. K. W. Wetherbee.
J. K. W. Wetherbee. services as Treas.
$124
\)H
15
00
10
00
;]2
00
10
00
<. 25
00
\:)
00
r, 2r,
00
22
00
DO
L'
00
1
24
00
45
00
45
00
85
00
40
00
$800 00
$578 06
$607 98
PRfNTI]V«,
Paid John F. Wood, 500 sheet reports.
" GOO book reports,
" '^ printing town warrant.'
Pratt Brothers, printing notices,
$10
00
58
50
;, 7
00
1
25
CEiriETKRi: EXPENSES.
Paid Nathan Johnson, labor in Woodlawn
Cemetery,
Nathan Johnson, labor in North Acton
Cemetery,
L. W. Stevens, lumber for fence in Mt.
Hope Cemetery,
L. W. Stevens, labor in Mount Hope
Cemetery, 1885,
L. W, Stevens, labor in Mount Hope
Cemetery, 188G,
John Fletcher, labor on well in Wood-
lawn Cemetery,
$52
03
13
53
17
75
11
37
78
50
4
/ i)
STATE AII>.
Paid John Carroll,
Benjamin Skinner,
Ola Nelson,
Allen G. Smith,
Richard G. Dane,
Rebecca C. Wright,
Susan F. Dearborn,
$144
00
96
00
48
00
60
00
60
00
48
00
6
00
SUPPORT OF POOR.
Paid E- H. Cutler, deficiency on Town Farm, $616 30
Luke Blanchard, for support of Clara
Wheeler, 195 Q6
Luke Blanchard, support of Elizabeth
Burgendohl, 82 09
Luke Blanchard, support of Emily F.
Town, ' 162 28
Luke Blanchard, aid furnished Edward
O'Neil, 6 78
$76 75
$172 93
$462 00
8
PaiM Luke Blanchard, for Edward O'Neil at
Massachusetts General Hospital,
Luke Blanchard, aid furnished Thomas
Russell,
Luke Blanchard. aid furnished Arthur
Whitney,
Luke Blanchard, aid furnished Thomas
Russell,
Luke Blanchard, aid furnished Ruth
Pike,
Luke Blanchard, aid furnislied Gihiian
Newton,
Luke Blanchard, aid furnished James E.
Harris,
Luke Blanchard. aid furnislied Hannah
Trainor,
Luke BUuichard. aid furnished Hannah
Stanton,
Luke Blanchard, aid furnished Mrs.
John Qiiinland,
Luke Blanchard, expenses to Worcester
and return,
Luke Blanchard, Journey to Fitchburt^,
J. W. Loker. aid furnished Redding-
family,
Luke Blanchard. aid furnished ^^'alter
H. Whitney,
Dr. W. N. Sharp, attending family of
Amos Hayvyard.
Dr. C. B. vSanders, medical attendance
at the Almshouse,
Dr. C. B. J^anders, attend i no- Thomas
Russell,
Dr. C. B. Sanders, attending," Henr\
Farwell,
J, E. Cutter, aid furnished Thomas
Russell,
J. E. Cutter, journey to Worcester,
J. E. Cutter, aid furnished Thomas
Lowden,
92
00
.')
13
n
07
54
00
."iZ
00
40
00
104
/ 1
24
25
47
79
104
02
9
10
• )
00
58
57
15
00
k;
25
18
25
12
75
i
00
40
il
73
70
5
38
$1,794 47
ROAI>i!$ AND BRI1>0£fii.
Paid Chas. Wheeler, regular highway work, $600 00
Abel Cole, '^ '- 600 00
Isaac Reed, '^ " 604 09
Paid A. H. Jones, labor on highway in Jan.
and Feb., per order of selectmen, 80 IG
Abel Cole, repairing culvert on Maple
street, South Acton, 8 00
E. F. Conant, gravel. 2 50
Charles Wheeler, repairs on road near
house of Geo. Brooks, 59 33
Charles Wheeler, labor on Hall road, 21 62
American Powder Co., lumber for bridge G 40
" "' guarding bridge. 2 80
Charles Wheeler, labor on highways in
Jan., Feb. and March, " 8 55
Charles Wheeler, labor on Lowell road, 17 92
" '■' '' in centre of town 11 40
$2,022 77
Paid T. F. Newton, repairs on school-house
in South district,
C. H. Mead, repairing blackboards in
West district,
C. H. Mead, repairs on school-house in
West district.
L. J. Robbins, repairs on school-house
in East district,
L. U. Holt, repairing stove in East
school-house,
L. U. Holt, repairing furnace in towm
hall,
Reuben L.Reed, painting hearse-house,
C. L. Davis, painting school-house in
Centre district,
J. E. Cutter, material for painting school-
house in Centre district,
J. E. Cutter, repairs on school-house in
Centre district,
L. U. Holt, repairing stove and funnel.
West school-house,
Robert Wayne, repairs on town hall,
40
29
23
10
3
01
G
32
4
50
11
85
13
95
111
81
74
79
54
21
3
50
4
24
1T1IS€EI.I.ANE0UP1.
Paid G. W. Livermore, w^ood for town hall, $ 2 50
" carrying in wood, 50
" teaming stone posts, 1 50
$351 57
]0
Paid J. Kinsley, use of road for Hurley, 8 00
Dr. I. Ilutchins, vaccinating 38 school
children, 15 20
Dr. I. Hutchins, reporting 14 births, 3 50
A. H. Kimball, plate for road scraper, 8 00
R. M. Yale, repairing flag, 2 55
Dr. I. Hutchins, for Memorial day, 100 00
Rev. 1. C. Knovvlton, land taken to vs id-
en street, 50 00
Reuben L. Reed, taking care of town
hall and clock, 16 95
John E. Cutter, abatement of taxes for
1883, 1884 and 1885, 119 81
E. A, Phalen, repairing tov^n pump, 1 10
Nathan Johnson, rope for flag stafl\ 1 50
^' '' labor on •' 1 00
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, pitcher
and goblets for town hall, 57
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, town or-
der book, 1 62
Tuttles, Jones <fe Wetherbee, town rec-
ord book, 2 25
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, coal hod,
dust-[)an and feather duster for town
hall, Hr>
C. I. Miller, lumber and repairs on fence
in North school district, 6 84
T. F. Newton, clock for East school dis-
trict, 5 00
E. A. Phalen, door for Davis monu-
ment, 5 75
Abel Cole, repairs on plow and scraper, 2 50
James P. Brown, blacksmith bill, 3 30
L. W. Stevens, repairing door where
fire ladders are kept, 40
C. B. Stone, making deeds of lots sold
in Mount Hope Cemetery.
L. U. Holt, repairing town pump,
Isaac Reed, breaking roads,
Abel Cole,
Charles Wheeler, blacksmith bill,
E. Jones & Co., coal for town hall,
Wm. D. Tuttle, postage and stationery,
' ' express on public docu-
ments, 2 58
Wm. D. Tuttle, printing registration
blanks, 2 40
4
00
1
00
9
50
17
14
8
25
8
16
1
40
11
Paid Wm. D. Tattle, meeting tax commis-
sioners,
Wm. D. Tuttle, laying out road near
Baptist church in West Acton,
Wm. D. Tuttle, duplicate key to town
hall,
Wm. D. Tuttle, collecting and record-
ing 34 births,
Wm. D. Tuttle, recording 31 deaths,
" "20 marriages,
L. E. Reed, attending 31 burials,
*•' returning 29 deaths,
G. W. Livermore, teaming coal for town
hall,
J. E. Cutter, discount on taxes 188G,
Fish Committee, cash paid C. H. Wal-
cott for services in case of prosecution
Fish Committee, 3 fares to Lowell and
return,
J. E. Cutter, notifying 16 persons to
take oath of office,
H. J. Hapgood, assessors" and collect-
or's books,
M, E. Taylor, oil, wicks and supplies
for town hall,
Julian Tuttle, care town hall and clock
Charles Wheeler, breaking roads,
1
50
2
00
35
17
00
5
10
3
00
93
00
^
25
1
70
599
10
10
00
1
68
2
00
2
00
7
45
46
00
27
65
$1,242 AO
TEI^IPOKABY I.OAN» PAIl*.
Paid Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, note and
interest, $1,598 34
Varnum Tuttle, note and interest, 622 59
George Chandler, interest on note, 25 00
• J. K.W. Wetherbee, note and interest, 1,281 00
$3,526 93
BOUNTi: TAX.
Bounty tax refunded, $22 64
$22 64
12
RECEIPTS AND APPROPRIATIONS.
Balance in the treasury Fel:). 26, 1886, $375 55
" due from collector of taxes Feb. 20,
1886, 1,799 80
^Appropriation for Town charo^es, 4,000 00
Schools, 4.100 00
Roads, 1,800 00
Overhivin<^rs, '2'd2 12
State tax, 1,110 00
County tax, 667 ;35
Rec'd of Deiniis Shehan old lumber, 9 00
John Fletcher, lots sold in Wood-
lawn Cemetery, 12 00
County Treasurer, dog fund, 1885, 207 77
T. F. Newton, acct. of High school, 21 '2')
L. W. vStevens, lots sold in Mount
Hope Cemetery, 'M) 00
Town of Billerica, support of Thos.
Russell, ol) 76
Town of Harvard, aid furnished Ar-
thur Whitney. 11 67
Chapel Society, rent of school room
to April 1, 1886, 33 00
State Treasurer, corporation tax, 845 29
•' National bank tax. 715 40
'• State aid chap. 252.
acts of 1879, 200 50
State Treasurer, State aid chap. 301
acts of 1879, 108 00
State Treasurer, support of State
paupers, 135 72
State Treasurer, school fund. 167 73
Chas. H. Wheeler, borrowed mone}- 400 00
George Chandler. "• "200 00
Varnum Tuttle, '' 1,300 00
Charles H. Wheeler, " 150 00
Varnum Tuttle, '' 615 m
County Treasurer, dog fund, 1886, 195 48
John Fletcher, lots sold in Wood-
lawn Cemeterv, 13 00
13
Rec'd of L. W. Stevens, lots sold in Mount
Hope Cemetery, .')8 00
T. F. Newton, school books sold, 16 40
Reuben L. Reed, rent of town hall, 17 00
Interest on money in bank, 87 'S4
A. L. Noyes, rent of town hall in
1885, 18 00
Julian Tuttle, rent of town hall and
cellar, 57 50
EXPENDITURES.
■$19,700 8;-)
^or support of Centre District school,
$797
95
" West ^' ''
892
77
South
845
21
" North " "
373
76
" East '^
383
50
" So. East " "
369
61
High School,
800
00
School supplies.
■ 578
06
Town officers,
607
98
Cemetery expenses.
172
93
Printing,
76
75
State aid.
462
00
Support of poor,
1,794
47
Roads and bridges,
2,022
77
Repairs on town buildings,
351
57
Miscellaneous expenses.
1,242
40
Temporary loan paid,
3,526
93
State tax.
1,110
00
County tax,
667
35
Bounty tax refunded,
22
64
$17,098 65
Balance in collector's hands,
" treasurer's "
$1,704 84
897 36
- 2,602 20
$19,700 85
14
Balance in collector's and treasurer's hands, $2,602 20
NOTES PAYABLE.
Charles H. Wheeler, $400 00
George Chandler, 500 00
Varnum Tuttle, 1,800 00
Charles H. Wheeler, 150 00
Georcre Chandler, 200 00
$2,550 00
Balance due the town, $52 20
J. K. W. WETHERBEE,) Selechnen
J. W. DUPEE, V of
T. F. NOYES, ) Acton.
Acton. Feb. 2r)th, 1.S87,
15
TOWN WARRANT.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Middlesex, ss.
/c* either Constable of the Town of Acton^ in said County^
Greeting :
You are hereby requested in the name of the Coinmonwealth
of Massachusetts, to notify the legal voters of said town of Acton
to meet at the Town Hall on Monday, the fourth day of April
next, at twelve o'clock M,, by posting- copies of this warrant, by
you attested, at the Post Office in the centre of the town,
also at the stores of Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, Mead &
Stone and Isaac W. Flagg, in said town, seven days at least
before the time appointed for said meeting, then and there to act
upon the following articles as they mav think proper, viz :
Art. 1. To choose a Moderator to preside at said meeting.
Art. 2. To see what amount of money the town will raise
to defray town charges the present year.
Art. 3. To see what amount of money the town will raise
for the support of schools the present year, and how it shall be
expended.
Art. 4. To see what amount of money the town will raise
to repair the roads the present year, and how it shall be expended.
Art. 5. To see if the town will instruct the School Com-
mittee to appoint a Superintendent of Schools.
Art. G. To see if the town will choose a Superintendent
of Burials.
Art. 7. To consider and act upon the acceptance of the
Jury list as revised by the Selectmen.
Art. 8. To see if the town will vote to accept the repoils
of the Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor, School Committee and
other town officers.
16
Art. 1). To see if the town will authorize the Treasurer,
with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money for the
town, if necessary, in anticipation of the taxes for the current
year.
Art. 10. To vote by ballot. Yes or No, in answer to the
question : Shall Licenses be granted for the sale of intoxicating
liquors in this town the present year?
Art. 11. To see if town will appropriate the sum of one
hundred dollars for Memorial day.
Art. 12. To see if the town will build a highw^ay from
near the house of John Davis, to the Fufler place, so called, or
pass any vote or votes thereon.
Art. 13. To see if the town will instruct the constable to
post town warrants at North Acton.
Art. 14. To see if the tow^n will build a receiving tomb in
Mount Hope cemetery, or pass any vote thereon.
Art. 15. To hear and act upon the reports of any com-
mittees chosen to report at this meeting.
AR'r. 10. To see if the town will purchase a piece of land to
enlarge Mount Hope cemetery or pass an}- vote or votes thereon.
Hereof fail not and make due return of this wan^ant to
us, with your doings thereon, at or before the time appoint-
ed for said meeting.
Given under our hands this nnieteenth day of March in the
year eighteen hundred and eighty-seven.
J. K. W. WETHERBEE, ") Sclcctiiicn
J. W. DUPEE. \ of
T. F. NOYES, ) Acton.
17
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT,
TO JANUARY 1, 1887.
JBIRTHH TiV 1886.
1886
Jan
NAME OF CHILI).
25 James Arthur Wayne,
" 25 Herman T. Wheeler,
Feb. 4 Arthur Chandler Baldwin,
" 6 J ulia Katherine Richardson.
" 11 Isabella Louisa Green,
18| Benjamin Gilbert Reed,
'• 2olCharles William Edwards,
Mar, o Margaret Dustan Quimby,
22 Charles Edmund Davis,
" 24 Gallon M. Spinney,
April 8 Eva Marion Hairis,
'' 22 Alva Stanley Hall,
May 20 Mary Eliza Kinsley,
June 24 Blanche Knowlton.
" 26 Richard Stearns Sanders,
" 28 Florence Ena Hartwell,
" 29 Eva Mary Jane Hunt,
July 5 Alice Tuttle Fairbanks,
" 5 Annie Moan,
" 7 Hoi lis Freeman Williams,
" 29 Harold Roscoe Littlefield,
Aug. 12jMarjorie Pitman,
" 21 j Thomas McCarte.
Sept. 9|Crosby Arthur Hoar,
'• 29 Ida May Tribble,
Oct. 5 Lillian Florence Ha,y ward,
" 11 Emily Augusta Mains,
" 17 Milton Cleveland Bean,
" 22 Charles Herbert Griggs,
" 25 Wilfred Emerson Sharp,
" 26 Helen Ardell Knowlton,
" 30 Margaiet McDonald,
Xov. 18 Clara Frances Richardson,
" 80 Orma Francis Davis,
jS^AMES of PAUElSfTS.
Robert and Elizabeth Wayne.
James B. and Mary A. Wheeler.
Loren C. and Ra<-hel Baldwin.
James E. and Sara R. Richardson.
Frederic W.ancl Catherine M.Green.
Benjamin W, and Helen R. Reed.
Charles and Elizabeth Edwards.
Geoige L. and Emma L. Quimby.
Charles L. and Lucy C. Davis.
Isaac B. and Ellen Spinney.
David C. and Jennie B. Harris.
Delette H. and Susie A. Hall.
James and Anna Kinsley.
AmasaM.and Elizib'h F.Knowlton.
Charles B. and Lizzie S. Sanders.
William H. and Lora B. Hartwell.
James W. and Mary E. Hunt.
Charles H. and Nellie L. Fairbanks.
Frank and Margaret E. Moan.
Freeman and Etta C. Williams.
Hanson and Florence M. Littlefield
Charles W. and Edith Pitman.
Thomas and Maria McCarte.
John S. and Minnie R. Hoar.
Clara Tribble.
Amos H. and Etta C. Hayward,
John and Anna Maiia Mains.
Alcander P. and Mary M. Bean.
Charles D. and AbbieE. Griggs.
Walter N. and Nettie C. Sharp.
Fiank R. and Emma S. Knowlton.
John and Mary Ann McDonald.
Austin A. and Mary 1, Richardson.
Charles T. and Carrie E. Davis.
18
TWARBIA^
;;es
IN 1886.
DATE.
I
NAMES. PvESIDEXCE.
1880
Jan.
*13
George B. Go wen.
Carrie B. Hayward.
South Acton.
South Acton.
April
2
Archibald W. Stronach.
Mary Isabella Hunter.
Stow.
Stow.
April
7
Warren A. Stevens. .
Emily Augusta Ireland.
West Acton.
Littleton.
April 10
Charles H. Snow.
Mary E. Robinson.
Acton.
Groton.
June
1.-)
Nelson H Tenney. .
Eliza Jane Putnam. .
Acton.
Waltham.
June
16
George H. Parker.
Emily Lackey. .
Littleton.
Pepperell.
June
28
Isiael M. Charlton. .
Carrie A. Granger.
Boxborough.
West Acton.
June
30
Fred W. Heed. .
Lina Fales.
Acton.
Acton.
July
o
Lawrence M. Pitcher.
Emma L. Munroe.
Acton.
Somcrville.
July
•^
Joseph F. Griffin.
Blanche M. Pitcher .
Acton.
Charlestown.
July
4
Charles Forest.
Fannie Delory. .
South Acton.
South Acton.
July
28
Alphonso A. Wyman.
Laura A Id rich. .
West Act(m.
West Acton.
A u<j;'.
24
Patrick Carroll. •
Mary Mur[>hy. .
South Acton.
South Acton.
Sept.
23
Arthur Tuttle. .
Florence ('. Dupee. .
('helseti.
North Acton.
•
Oct.
24
Daniel O'Leary.
Olive Landry.
Cambridge.
South Acton.
Oct.
28
Edgar F. Clark.
Amy M. Godfrey.
Concord.
Acton.
Nov.
19
Byjon W. Austin.
Hattie Bella Penniman.
Acton.
Acton.
Nov.
24
Fred G. Jones. .
Mary A. Brindley.
Acton.
Maynard.
Nov.
25
Olin L. Wright.
Maiy J. Ross.
South Acton.
Concord.
Nov.
25
Arthur E. Reed.
Carrie E. White.
(.Hielmsford.
Acton.
19
DEATHN IN 1886.
I^AME OF DECEASED.
AGE.
DATE.
1.°^
=c
00
PLACE OF DEATH.
N
^
Cl
i8sr>.
Jan. 6
Esther (Oliver) Souther,
74
Acton.
7
Jane E. Jesson,
19
10
12
11
Joseph Jones,
78
3
5
17
Levi Houu^hton,
88
7
6
27
James Tobin,
33
27
Joseph F. Tuttle,
51
2
16
Feb. 11
Mrs. Delina Farrar,
44
5
5
11
John Quinlan,
52
Mar. 17
Mrs. A bio-ail D. Cowdry,
79
5
20
Franklin Wheeler,
84
16
April 9
John W. Crocker,
18
3
12
18
Charles A. Hanscom,
62
4
25
14
Annie O'Neil.
5
3
16
Mrs. Ursula C. Leland.
74
5
18
27
Edwin Stone,
51
4
29
Mrs. Sarah F. Walcott,
57
10
25
May 12
Oliver C. Wyman,
65
July 13
William E. Stearns,
58
5
5
17
Mrs. Harriet Harris,
76
6
3
Aug. 11
Mrs. Susan T. Chandler,
74
4
3
19
Mrs. Maria Stockwell,
77
3
Sept. 10
Lena F. Sarg^ent,
2
9
2
Oct. 11
Charles Tuttle,
91
6
in
Mrs. Helen E. Little,
46
Woburn.
30
Charles Herbert Grigjfs,
8
Acton.
Nov. 12
Blanche S. Piper,
1
7
29
23
Mrs. Ella E. Kingsley,
28
8
25
Dec. 3
Mrs. Mahala Williams,
67
21
Mrs. Clarissa Wetherbee,
69
1
25
29
Isaiah McLaughlin,
26
7
9
1887.
Feb. 10
Elmer Rouillard,
21
14
Ma
plewood.
20
AltiOUNT RECEIVE© FROITX T^ICENSES OF 1>0<;:^.
SINCE I>AST REPORT, $246.00.
OWNER.
James I). Coburii,
Daniel Tuttle,
Charles W. Grant,
Dana F. Hay ward,
Antoine Bulette,
Wm. D. Tuttle,
Otis H. Forbush,
Daniel Harris,
M. A. Tobin,
M. H. Warden,
Anson C. Piper,
Elbridge J. Bobbins,
Everett Wayne,
Mrs. G. F. Flagg,
A. L. ISToyes,
E. Eddie Fletcher,
Lester N. Fletcher.
Charles Varney,
John Fletcher,
Charles H. Hodges,
Daniel McCarthy, 2nd,
Mrs. M. D. M. Ball,
Amos P. Wood,
William Barnes,
Mead & Stone,
Augustus Fletcher,
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbeo,
J. K. W. Wetherbee,
Elnathan Jones,
E. H. Jones,
David Shapley,
E, F. Fuller,
Mrs. Daniel Wetherbee,
Charles J. Williams,
Fred Penniman,
Sylvester Haynes,
Reuben L. Reed,
Wm. B. Davis,
Ai Bobbins,
Luke Tuttle,
Aaron J. Fletcher,
Joel H. Conant,
Moses A. Reed,
Edwin W. Taylor,
]SrO. OWXEE.
Willis L. Mead,
Daniel J. Wetherbee,
Isaac W. Flagg,
Henry Hanson,
Andrew J. Willis,
George Gardner,
Chauncy B. Bobbins,
Henry Haynes,
Jos. R. Bassett,
M. E. Taylor,
H. M. Smith,
Moses Taylor,
John Kelley,
Webster C. Bobbins,
Frank W. Houghton,
Joseph F. Cole.
Herman Chaplin,
John C. Gates,
L. U. Holt,
Xahum Littlefield.
Alonzo L. Tuttle,
Mrs. Eliza Haynes,
John Temple, transfered from
Marlboro,
Edward Willis,
A. W. Gardner,
A. H. Gilmore,
Isaac Barker,
John E. Hannon,
L. E. Beed,
Balph Crooker,
John H. Hanaford,
Mrs. Thomas Moore,
Charles D. Griggs,
Delette H. Hall,
John Grimes,
Frank L. Crosby,
Geo. E. Whittier,
Isaiah S. Leach,
James B. Wheeler, fern.,
Chas. B. Sanders,
Henry Brooks,
Thomas Calder,
George Pratt, fem.,
21
OWNEIJ. XO.
Ollie D.Wood, ' 1
Greorge R. Keyes, 1
Frank E. Harris, 1
Frederick Rouillard, 1
Cyrus Hay ward, 1
Francis Bobbins, 1
J. W. Dupee, 1
Forbusb & Hartwell, fcni., 1
Charles H. Morris, 1
Charles J. Holton, 1
Wm. n. Teele, 1
Fred L. Whitcomb, 1
OWNER. NO,
J. E. Scofield. 1
Thomas Owens, 1
Francis Pratt, 1
Frank R. Knowlton, 1
Mrs. H. M. Beck, 1
Edward O'^^Teil, 1
Edward Wood, 1
Solon A. Robbins, 1
F. A. Houston, 1
Luther Conant. 1
Warren Bemis, ]
Chai-les H. Wheeler, fern., 1
Whole number licensed, 117. Number transferred, 1.
113 males at $2.00. A22r).00; 4 females at $5.00, $20.00; Total, $24(100.
WILLlAiSr D TUTTLE, Tovm Clerk:
22
Report of Receipts and Expenditures at the
Almshouse in Acton,
FOR THE TEAR ENDIXG FEBRUARY t>S, 1887.
Articles ou J
hand,
February 2^j, 1SS6.
7 cows,
$350
00
1 wagon,
$95
00
1 horse.
200
00
1 Concord bnggv.
25
00
16 tons ha}-.
320
00
30 lbs. hams.
4
20
1-2 ton mowed rv'e,
5
00
7 lbs. hu-d,
75
Shorts and meal.
22
00
4 doz. eg^s.
80
185 flonr barrels.
33
30
1-2 bushel beans,
1
00
Lot of bags,
7
00
Spices,
50
4 market boxes,
40
1 barrel flour.
5
50
Salt,
30
Crackers,
25
?)3 hens,
IG
50
3 lbs. coflee.
75
70 bushels potatoes.
49
00
2 lbs. tea,
1
00
20 " small potri
itoes, 3
50
Hard soap,
50
6 barrels apples.
9
00
1 cider barrel,
1
00
on,
30
17 cords wood,
<S5
00
1 barrel soap,
4
00
Coal,
3
00
300 lbs. salt pork.
30
00
$1274
55
Receipts from Town Farm,
Frons ITIarch 1, 18S6, to iWaich 1, 18S7.
Rec'd for Apples, $173 32 Rec'd
Milk,
631 32
Calves,
22 50
Potatoes,
12 46
Cabb^
iges,
$
50
Pork,
25
02
Eggs,
16
08
Cow,
35
00
$916 20
23
E:x::F>EisrsEs.
ID FOr.
Paid for
Cows,
$95
00
Lantern,
$ 90
Pigs,
10
00
Tea,
18 10
Barrels,
38
■57
Lantern burner,
12
Phosphates,
81
06
Tobacco,
88
Hanging pa
per and
Butter,
44 60
whitening
rooms,
G
40
Yeast,
1 45
Labor,
171
08
Cloth and clothing.
44 88
Curing hams
'•)
GO
Brushes,
1 34
Use of bull,
75
Whetstone.
30
Filing saw.
GO
Crackers,
19 85
Use of oxen,
5
00
Molasses,
8 81
Lumber,
53
Cheese,
8 70
Fish,
12
96
Hops,
45
Blacksmith bill,
19
08
Paris green,
50
Soap,
11
80
Cocoa,
17
Meat,
98
19
Hatchet,
75
Grain,
313
82
Salt,
2 00
Trees,
18
00
Wash boiler.
2 00
Repairing cl
iimney.
2
00
Rye meal,
28
L. U. Holt's
bill,
8
10
Extracts,
GO
Pearline,
1
13
Wood saw.
92
Crockery,
4
28
Sugar,
17 92
Axle,
1
25
Raisins,
2 90
Spice,
1
46
Currants,
1 12
Medicine,
G
55
Rake teeth,
2 50
Oil,
2
17
Nails,
95
Pepper,
8
Sponge,
37
Rice,
1
35
Flour,
28 05
Beans,
2
85
Scythes,
80
Brooms,
1
72
Rakes,
54
Tin ware.
2
43
Onions,
1 00
Coflee,
8
32
Cream tartar.
47
Hoe,
50
Tacks,
23
Lemons,
73
Vinegar,
50
Oyster shells
,
^0
Dried apple,
72
Pails,
1
87
Rolling pin.
20
24
J'AIV FOR
Paid fuk
Graham ineal.
$
1
15
Glass.
$ 14
Lard,
;3
'J 2
Alum.
<s
Wall paper.
:3
31
Oat meal.
62
Seeds.
47
Hams,
1 56
Saltpetre.
SO
White lead.
16
Shelt paper.
3
Curtains and cord.
85
Vinegar,
:3
75
Saleratus.
32
Ammonia.
33
^Matches.
17
Turpentine,
33
Hominy,
70
Grass seed.
10
SS
Shells.'
50
Bolts and screws.
27
Postage and stationery, 88
Starch.
84
Butchering.
2 50
Stove polish.
2U
Services of Warren
Be-
Mustard.
44
mis and wife.
250 00
Baskets,
51)
Services of Luke Blan-
vSpit cup,
12
chard,
50 00
Lamp wicks.
6
Services of John
E.Cut-
Borax.
15
ter.
40 00
Wheat.
()4
Services of Jona.
W.
Ketchup.
40
Loker,
8 00
$1480 80
Expenditures
. . . .
$1,480
8<^
Receipts
016
20
>es.
Licome less than expen
. $564 66
Due from treasury to hi
dance
account $5G4
66
Interest on farm .... , . ,
240
00
$804 66
A^ictualing and lodgin<^
112
■ on
ti
amp
irm.
s at 40 cents each
... 44 80
Cost of suDOortino- 1300
. $759 86
Whole numl)er of persons, exclusive of tramps, supported
in almshouse, 7 ; aveiage number, 4 1-2 ; present number, 6.
LUKE BLANCHARD. ) Overseers
JOHN E. CUTTER, [ of
JONATHAN W. LOKER. ) Poor.
ANNUAL REPORT
School Committee
FOR THE
SCHOOL -YEAR 1886-7.
To the Tozvn of Acto7i :
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
BY ITS STJPEKINTENDENT.
The same Committee, with one exception, makes its report
t-his year, as last, throu^-h its Superintendent.
The same policy has been pursued this last year as in the
year preceding. All matters pertaining to the interests of our
schools have come before the full Committee for action, and, with
one exception, entire unanimity has existed between members of
the Committee, and between the Committee and its Superinten-
dent, and this exception would probably have not been had not
there been outside interference.
The establishing of the course of study of the High School
during the year preceding, whereby its grade of scholarship was
not only established but largely raised from what it was before,
opened the way for grading the lessons of the lower schools.
This has been done, so that now every study is marked out and
the scholars and teachers move in an even course of study from
the time of entering the Primary grade till they have passed
through the Grammar and High School.
The first graduating class from our High School had their
commencement or graduation exercises at the Town hall at the
close of the spring term of 1886. The following program wil'
indicate the character of the exercises :
Greeting Song. ....... School
Prayer. ........
Salutatory and Essay — "Character." . . Minnie G, I^assett
28
History. ....
Song — "Home Eetuniing."
Oration — ''Education/'
Essay — " Over the Alps lies Italy."
Duet—" Witches' Flioht.
Oration — " Have a Purpose."
Essay — ''Conversation as a Fine Art."
Song — "Anniversary."
Essay — "Ever Onward, ever I^pward."
Prophecy. ....
Song — (Selected.)
Valedictorv. ....
Martha C. Pratt
Quartette
Eugene L. Hall
M. Florence Fletcher
Minnie O. and Blanche M. Bassett
Emery W. Clark
Carrie L. Shapley
Martha C. Pratt
Eugene L. Hall
PIJESEXTATIOX OF DIPLO^FAS.
Address.
Parting Song.
Emery W. Clark
Oeorge A. Walton
School
The Town hall was crowded and we believe every one was
not alone pleased but deeply gratified at the merit shown as the
exercises pro^jfressed to tlieir finish, and more than c\'er determined
to support that system of education in our town tliat shoidd main-
tain the High School as the fitting complement to the Primarv
and Grammar grades.
Sickness lias interfered with the schools during the year to a
hirge extent. The average membership and attendance table
shows the eflect of the same.
Still in the South and West Primary and the West Grammar
schools, with the High Scliool, every seat has been filled, and
there is a need of more seats and no opportunity in the school-
rooms to place them. And it is now, as it was last year, urged
upon the town, b\- its School Committee, that it take speedy action
to provide for this necessity now befoi-e us. Tlie South Primarv
school with a total membership of tiftv-two. and the West vvitii
its membership of forty-six, would have presented difficulties that
your Committee could not have answered for had not sickness
taken many from their desks and thus given room for others. As
it was, your Committee had to vote to refuse entrance to scholars
until the beginning of the fall term, when some seats would be
vacated by the classes going into the next room. This will not
relieve the embarrassment, as those desiring to enter are more than
those who will be fitted to go into the next grade.
With the High School your Committee had to make arrange-
ments with the teachers of the Grammar grades at the North and
Centre to take some High School scholars, because there was not
'20
room cMiough for all in the school-room at South Acton. This
school is in still a worse condition, as one-half of the highest class
have concluded to take the four years' course, so that but four or
five will graduate this spring, wdiile thirty are reported from the
different schools as fitting themselves for and intending to enter
the High School in the fall. This will increase the membership
of our High School from fifty, which has been its membership
since the entering of the last class last fall, to seventy-six ^or next
year. There is no school-room to accommodate such a school in
the town, even if one teacher could, with any justice to himself
or the scholars, be the tutor of so many scholars covering a four
years' course of study embracing seventeen different text books,
besides exercises in reading, writing, spelling and rhetorical.
These problems can only be solved, in the opinion of your
Committee, by giving assistants to these schools, and specially
the High School.
Your Committee again recommend that the town make suit-
able arrangements through the School Committee for the trans-
portation of scholars to and from the villages whei'e the High
School is held in its successive terms. It has pained us to know
that children of parents who were unable to provide transporta-
tion, or pay for the same, have been denied that which they so
much desire, and are fitted for, in that they could not go to the
High School.
But little has been done in the direction of books during the
year. The necessity of buying many more new arithmetics was
taken advantage of in making a change, which we are confident
was for the best.
The same necessity existed as to reading books, and instead
of buying the same, or any one series of reading books, for the
whole town, the plan of the Superintendent was unanimously
adopted of purchasing enough of each of three series for three
schools, and at the end of the year change readers, thus giving
new readers to each school for three years, this being about the
length of time that reading books can be used advantageously.
Your Committee has also voted to put single entry book-keep-
ing into the Grammar schools for the highest class, to be studied
in connection with, and place of, writing, so that every Grammai'
30
school scholar will receive training in the elementar}' principles
of book-keeping, even if they do not attend the High School, and
fit them for higher attainment in that branch of stndy if they do
enter the Higli School.
SCHOOI>S.
It has been the custom man\' vears for each Committeeman in
our town to hire the teacher for his district. During a visit from
the agent of the State Board of Education, in making inquiries as
to the general school work of the town, tliis fact was inquired
about, and, when known, the Committee was notified that such
practice was against the law of th.e Commonwealth, and that
every teacher of the town must be elected by the action of the
whole Committee before thev could enter upon their work ; oth-
erwise the town would run the risk of losing its proportion (jf the
State educational fimds. Therefore the Committee as a whole has
voted upon the hiring of everv teacher in the town during the
past }'ear.
There have been a niunber of changes among the teachers in
our schools.
In the vSouth East, by the marriage of the teacher, the school
was left vacant at the close of the spring term, and Miss Laura
Brown of Littleton, an experienced teaclier, was secured for the
place.
At North Acton it was deemed best bv the Committee to
make a change, and during the summer vacation Mr. Joseph
Godfrey of Acton, was employed to take the school at its opening
in the fall.
In the Centre Grammar Miss Louise Crooker began the \ ear,
but gave place to Mr. O. ^V.Duttonfor the winter term, at her own
request, she not desiring to keep the school longer. Miss Bessie
Ball continues as teacher in the Primary grade, where slie has
been for so manv years.
At East Acton Miss S. A. Wetherbee, who has taught this -
school for years, found it needful to take a prolonged rest for her
health in the winter, and Miss Evilina Davis and Miss Louise
Crooker, successivelv, were employed as substitutes.
At the South Miss Viola S. Tuttle has continued to be the
teacher of the Primary school.
Miss Holmes, who had proven herself to be one of the best
of teachers, had some trouble in matters of discipline, and, though
31
it was the expressed wish ot most of the parents of the scholars
to retain her, it was deemed best by the committee to make a
change. This was acquiesced in by parents and Committeman,
and Miss Fannie Houghton was secured and has held the school
since the beginning of the school year.
There has been a cliange also in the teacher of our High
Scliool, and we are convinced it has proven to be for the best in-
terests of the school. A. W. Armstrong is nov/ the teacher.
At West Acton Miss C. Lettie Newton continues as the
teaclier of the Primary school.
As to the Grammar school at West Acton, where Miss S. J.
Wyman was teacher, the Committee became aware that she was
using methods of punishment that were cruel and could not be
allowed by the Committee ; other matters, also, that were not in
accord with the policv of the Committee, were continually carried
out, and at the close of the spring term the Committee requested
the Committeeman from the West district to confer with her, that
either these matters should be remedied or a new teacher be se-
cured. No conference was held and nothing was done in the
case, and matters were the more aggravated, till, during the fall
term, the Committee refused to hire her for another term, and re-
quested the Committeeman to select and bring another teacher
before them for their approval. Outside parties, not parents of
any children in the school, interfered, delaying action, until, as a
matter of compromise, the Committee gave its consent to the
hiriuCT of said teacher for another term with the express under-
standing that it was to be the last.
' With this one exception entire unanimity has existed in all
the workings of the Committee.
Another teacher has been selected for the West Acton Gram-
mar school and enters upon her work at the beginning (jf the
spring term.
The usual financial and attendance tables are appended.
The foregoing report in full, with the statistical table, its
statements as to schools and its recommendations havmg been
read to the Committee is accepted and adopted by them as its
report, through its Superintendent, without an objection.
C, L. RHOADEvS, Super iiitendent of Schools.
For the School Committee of Acton.
FINANCIAL REPORT.
71? the Towit of Acton :
Your School Committee hcrcb\' submit their report of the
expenses of the schools of the town l)y districts ; said expenses
covering salaries of teachers, the cost of fuel and care of school
buildings.
JOHN E. CUTTER, Chairman.
CHARLES H. MEAD, Clerk.
Acton, March 16, 18«7.
Acton High vSciiools.
Salary of teacher $720 00
Rent of instrument 22 00
Care of room o5 00
Fuel 23 00
$800 00
West Actox Schools.
Salary of teachers $700 00
Fuel... 57 40
Care of rooms 85 62
$843 02
Acton Centre Schools.
Salary of teachers $676 00
Fuel 76 95
C^re of building 44 50
-— $797 45
33
South Acton Schools.
Salary of teachers $712 00
Fuel 40 71
Care of buiklinn" 92 50
$845 21
'to
NoiiTH Acton School.
Salary of teacher $315 00
Fnel 34 68
Care of building 24 13
$373 81
East Acton School.
Teacher's salary $326 00
Fuel 34 45
Care of building 23 00
$383 45
South East Acton School.
Salary of teacher $315 00
Fuel 2'J 62
Care of building 17 11
$361 73
Total $4,404 67
34
TABULAR STATEMENT.
SCHOOLS.
Acton Hijih
Ccntio
Soutli
West
North,
Eh St.
South East,
Totals.
Primary,
(iranimar.
i Primary,
j (xrammar,
I Primary,
j (Jrammar,
TIOACHKRS.
I H. H. Williams,
( A. W. Armstromi-.
Miss Bessie Kali;
I " J^ouise Crookor,
( O. W. Duttoii,
Miss A'iol:i Tiittle,
) " S. H. Holmes.
i " Fannie Houghton
" ('. Lettie Newtou.
" S. J. AVvman.
I " Ella I). Daniels,
i Joseph W. ("owdry.
\ Miss S. A. Wetherbee,
I " Evilina Davis,
( " Louise Crocker.
I " C. A. Granjier,
\ " Laura llrown.
l9
3
m j
«
J J.
'■■ii,
O
■^ ^
;<
o
"
3G
(54 1
.3.")
34
;}.")
30
.•io
52
35
3!)
35 ' 4t)
35 \ 35
35 28 21
% i ^
20 i 17
14 12 11 !
369 269 1242 |
1!)
1 200
Number of children, between the atfes of live and fifteen years,
turned bv the Assessors in 1886, 25!).
the town a.-
35
Town Officers for 1887.
Toion Clerk.
Wm. T). 'J'uttlk,
Selectmen,
J. K. W. Wetheubee, Job W. Dcpee,
Thos, F. Notes.
Assessors.
Phinp:as Wetpierbee, J. W. Dupee, Ohaijncp:y B. Robbins.
Eeisha H. Cutler,
Overseers of the Poor
Luke Blanchakd,
M. E, Tayuok.
School Committee.
(Jhakles H, Mead, Charees J. Williams,
George R. Keyes, William S. Jones,
Hiyhivay Surveyors.
Charles Wheeler, Francis Pratt, Nahum Eittlefield.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS
Town of Acton,
February 26, 1887, to February 26, 1888,
"^SJ" «^.^cJ.a«-ll-„'.r'«l?
ACTON:
The Enterprise Steam Job Print.
TREASURER'S REPORT.
Town of Acton in Account with J. K. W. Wetherbee, Treasurer.
1888 Dr.
Feb. 27. To cash paid, State lax, $1665 00
*' '' County tax, 778 56
'' *' on Selectmen's
orders, 17,962 77
" Outstanding orders, 580 88
'' Balance due the town, 799 56
$21,786 77
1887 Cr,
Feb. 26. By balance in the treasury, $897 36
Cash received of T. F. Newton
on account of South School
District,
Cash received of T. F. Newton
for school books sold,
Received ofC. H. Burroughs for tuition at
High School,
Chapel Society for rent of
school room to April 1,
1887,
American Powder Co., for 253
feet hard pine lumber,
Town of Billerica, for support
of Thomas Russell,
Varnum Tuttle, borrowed
money,
George Chandler, borrowed
money,
Angle B. Hill, borrowed mon-
Daniel Harris, borrowed mon-
ey,
State Treasurer, corporation
tax,
23
50
1
59
16
67
33
00
7 08
268
90
1723
00
500 00
430
00
500
00
1,073
69
4
Received of State Treasurer, National bank
tax, 578 21
State Treasurer, State aid,
chap. 252, acts 1879, 176 50
State Treasurer, State aid,
chap. 301, acts 1879, 107 00
State Treasurer, support of
State pauper, 9 25
State Treasurer, burial of
state pauper, 10 00
State Treasurer, income of
Mass, school fund, 167 54
County Treasurer, dog fund for
1887, 240 54
J. E. Cutter, for taxes of 1886, 1704 84
J. E. Cutter, for taxes of 1887, 13,098 40
Interest on money in bank, 80 69
L. W. Stevens for lots sold in
Mount Hope Cemetery, 38 00
City of Boston for aid fur-
nished Mrs. Abbie Sibley, 53 01
Julian Tuttle,for rent of Town
Hall and cellar, 48 00
$21,786 77
J. K. W. WETHERBEE, Treasurer of Acton.
Acton, Feb. 27th, 1888.
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
SUPPORT OF ACHOOIiS.
Centre I>i8trict.
Paid Rev. James Fletcher for teachers, $700 00
'' " care of house, 66 45
" <■' fuel, 80 06
"• " incidentals, 3 20
" cleaning school,
rooms, 2 78
;(
IVest ]>i!<trict.
id C. H.
Mea
d for teachers,
$700 00
i4
u
care of house.
78 17
ii
(k
fuel,
28 42
U
ii
incidentals,
4 21
;i
a
cleaning school-rooms.
6 40
South I>istrict.
Paid Anson C. Piper for teachers, $700 00
" '^ care of house, 90 25
'" fuel, 45 35
" " cleaning school-rooms, 2 25
'' "• incidentals, 3 78
IVorth District.
Paid George R.Keyes for teachers,
" '' fuel,
" " care of house,
" '' cleaning school-
'* '^ incidentals.
$338 00
67 97
23 50
rooms, 3 00
73
East District.
Paid C. J. Williams for teachers
*' " care of house,
'' '* fuel,
" '* incidental,
f 338 00
31 70
48 12
1 60
$854 49
$817 20
$841 63
$433 20
$419 42
Paid W. S. Jones
for teachers,
fuel,
care of house,
Paid C. H. Mead,
a (.1.
High School.
care of house,
use of organ,
fuel,
Southeast District. ;
1
$370 53
George Gardner for rent of piano and mu-
sic for graduating exercises.
Paid George Gardner for rent of organ,
A. W. Armstrong for teaching.
Rev. James Fletcher, care of house,
^' '• fuel,
Anson C. Piper care of house,
'' - fuel,
^' " rent of organ.
School Supplies.
Paid T. F. Newton,
C. H. Mead,
Rev. James Fletcher,
$315
00
38
53
17
00
$240
00
12
00
5
00
4
00
nu-
ll
04
6
00
480
00
8
00
4
00
15
00
10
00
5
00
$14
62
321
19
11
90
$800 04
TOAVIV OFFICERS.
Paid Rev. C. L. Rhoades for service as su-
perintendent of schools, $41 66
Rev. James Fletcher, for services as su-
perintendent of schools, 124 98
John E. Cutter, collecting taxes for 1886, 100 00
L. U. Holt, sealer of weights and meas-
ures, 10 00
C. B. Stone, services as registrar of
voters to May 1st, 1887, 30 00
John White, services as registrar of vo-
ters to Jan. 1st, 1887, 5 00
C. J. Williams, services as registrar of
voters, 2 50
Phineas Wetherbee, services as assessor, 35 00
C. B. Robbins, services as assessor, 22 00
Wm, D. Tuttle, services as town clerk
to March 5th, 1888, 25 00
Wm. D. Tuttle, services as registrar of
voters to May lst,1887, 15 00
$347 71
Paid Julian Tuttle, services as registrar of vo-
ters to May 1st, 1888,
J. W. Dupee, services as assessor,
" ''• '' selectman,
T. F. Noyes, '' ''
J. K. W. Wetherbee, services as select-
man,
J. K. W. Wetherbee, services as treasu-
rer.
12
00
24
00
45
00
45
00
85
00
45
00
PRINTING.
Paid John F. Wood, printing 500 sheet re-
ports, $10 00
John F. Wood, printing 600 book re-
ports, 55 00
JohnF. Wood, printing town warrants, 10 00
" '*' " notices, 4 50
Clarence Hosmer, printing bridge no-
tices, 75
John Fletcher, printing notices to fisher-
men, 2 50
John Fletcher, printing fish permits, 5 00
€s:]M.£te:rv expenses.
Paid Nathan Johnson, for labor in Wood-
lawn cemetery, $55 90
Moses A. Reed, relaying wall at Wood-
lawn cemetery, 21 90
L. W. Stevens, labor in Mount Hope
cemetery, 69 05
North Acton Granite Co., for building
receiving tomb, 452 00
L, W. Stevens, labor on tomb, 26 52
Nathan Johnson, labor in North Acton
cemetery, 5 25
L. W. StevenSjdoor for receiving tomb, 25 00
SUPPORT OF POOR.
Paid Luke Blanchard, deficiency at Town
Farm, in 1886, $564 66
Luke Blanchard, for support of Clara
Wheeler, 18 49
Luke Blanchard, for support of Emily
F. Town, 39 00
$667 14
$ 87 75
$655 62
8
Paid Luke Blanchard, aid furnished Thomas
Russell, 24 00
Luke Blanchard, aid furnished Ola Nel-
son, 3 00
E. H. Cutler, for support of Clara
Wheeler, 167 91
E. H. Cutler, for support of Emily F.
Town, 90 00
E. H, Cutler, for aid furnished Ruth
Pike, 61 00
E. H. Cutler, for aid furnished J. E.
Harris, 126 82
E. H. Cutler, for aid furnished Oilman
Newton, 54 68
E. H. Cutler, burial expenses of Oilman
Newton, 15 00
E. H. Cutler, for aid furnished Trainor
family, 16 00
E. H. Cutler, for aid furnished Barzilai
Lawrence, 17 00
E. H. Cutler, for aid furnished Annie
Stone, State pauper, 10 00
E. H. Cutler, for medical attendance, 6 00
E. H. Cutler, burial of an unknown
tramp, 10 00
E. H. Cutler, for medical attendance, 1 25
E. H. Cutler, for aid furnished Mrs.
Abbie Sibley, 53 01
E. H. Cutler, for aid furnished Mrs.
John Quinland, 102 77
E. H. Cutler, for aid furnished Hannah
Stanton, 98 72
E. H. Cutler,journey to Boston, respect-
ing Mrs. Abbie Sibley, 2 00
E. H. Cutler, aid furnished T. Rus-ell, 151 66
$1,632 97
STATE AID.
Paid John Carroll,
$60 00
Benjamin Skinner,
96 00
Richard O. Dane,
60 00
Allen O. Smith,
60 00
Ola Nelson,
48 00
Mrs. Rebecca C. Wright,
48 00
Luke Smith,
20 00
Mrs. Mary Smith,
20 00
$412 00
ROADS AND BRI]>€}C:S.
Paid Charles Wheeler, regular highway work, $600 00
Francis Pratt, regular highway work, 592 20
N. Littlefield, regular highway work, 607 07
N. Littlefield, labor on road near the
house of Isaac Reed per order Coun-
ty Commissioners, 23 75
Thomas McCarthy, widening bridge
near the mill of H. M. Smith,
Dennis Farmer, labor on Gould road,
Charles Wheeler, labor on Gould road,
Joseph Noyes, for land taken for road,
Joseph Barker, for land taken for road,
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, drain pipe
for sluice near house of Moses Gar-
field,
J. W. Dupee, freight on drain pipe,
L. W. Stevens, for widening and railing
road near Receiving tomb, 38 47
L. W. Stevens, lumber and repairing
railing near Littlefield^s Carriage Man-
ufactory, 14 37
Charles Wheeler, repairing and railing
road near the houses of H. R. Hos-
mer and Geo. Brooks, 30 27
Charles Wheeler, repairing sluice near
house of Moses Garfield, 4 79
F. R. Knowlton, for gravel, 6 35
John Kelley, for gravel, 50
Francis Pratt, lumber for railing road, 7 91
300
00
405
00
150
00
20
00
25
00
22
62
1
28
REPAIRS ON TOWN BUIIiOINOS.
Paid Rev. James Fletcher, repairs on school-
house in Centre district, $46 30
J. E. Cutter, repairs on school-house in
Centre district, 4 55
Nathan Johnson, labor at school-house,
in Centre district, 7 51
Anson C. Piper, repairs on school-
house in South district, 27 57
C. J. Williams, repairs on school-house
in East district, 29 18
$2,849 58
10 ;
Paid George R. Keyes, repairs on school-
house in North district, 2 73 j
George Booker, whitening chapel room 1
in South district, 3 50 !
C. H. Mead, repairs on school-house '\
in West District, 61 12 i
W. S. Jones, repairs on school-house, t
South-east district, 8 33 \
L. U. Holt, repairs at town hall, 8 28
Robert Wayne, repairs on school-house
in Centre district, 16 00 j
L. U. Holt, Repairing stove in Centre I
district, 5 87 ]
L. U. Holt, grate for stove in East Dis- i
trict in 1886, 1 50 I
^222 44 !
TE.^IPORARV liOAN PAID.
Pi^id Varnum Tuttle, note and interest, $1,756 74
Daniel Harris, '- "
511 87
George Chandler, interest on notes.
35 00
Varnum Tuttle, " "
65 00
C. H. Wheeler,
20 00
" "■ note and interest,
577 90
George Chandler, notes and interest.
1,234 47
Varnum Tuttle, " "
1,349 83
$5,550 81
MISCEI.I.AJ\EOlJS EXPEIVSES.
S. A. Guilford, for Memorial Day, f 100 00 '
Andrew S. Jackson, for 5 fire hooks, 68 44 "^
Freight on fire hooks, 25
Town of Littleton for schooling of Frank j
Bulette and Edward Jewett, 6 90 ]
North Acton Granite Co., for 12 stone '
bound posts, 3 60 j
L. E. Reed, attending 36 burials, 108 00 *^
L. E. Reed, making return, 36 deaths, 9 00
L. E. Reed, services at Magog pond,
per order fish commissioners, 25 00
James Kinsley for use of road for Hur- i
ley, 8 00 \
11
Paid Waldo Littlefield, painting and repair-
ing hearse, 31 00
H. C Sherwin, for services in relation
to hall road per order County commis-
sioners, 13 85
C. J. Williams, lumber and advertising
for Fish commissioners, 2 25
Dr. I. Hutchins, for Military record, 75 00
J. E. Cutter,abatement of taxes for 1885
and 1886, 63 59
J. E. Cutter, abatement of taxes for
1887, 40 40
J. E. Cutter, notifying 21 persons to
take oath of office, 2 63
J. E. Cutter, discount on taxes for 1887, 759 48
E. Jones & Co., repairing fire hook,
E. Jones & Co., coal for town hall,
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, 1 and 1-2
doz. fire pails,
N. Johnson, sign boards for Davis mon-
ument,
N.Johnson, cutting grass around monument,
Francis Pratt, blacksmith's bill,
Charles Wheeler, blacksmith's bill,
Phineas Wetherbee, meeting tax com-
missioners, 2 00
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, three in-
voice books, 1 05
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, Collec-
tor's book, 1 20
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, lamp
bracket for town hall, 37
Wm. D. Tuttle, laying out Gould road
and writing bond, 9 00
Wm. D. Tuttle, taking water level near
H. M. Smith's mill, 2 00
Wm. D. Tuttle, meeting selectmen on
Hall road, 1 50
Wm. D. Tuttle,surveying at town farm, 1 25
Wm. D. Tuttle, surveying and making
lease of gravel pit of Moses Taylor &
G. E. Whittier, 1 75
Wm. D. Tuttle, postage and express
charges, 3 42
Wm. D. Tuttle, collecting and record-
ing 30 births, 15 00
51
44
36
4
87
4 75
1 00
2 54
7 75
12
Paid Wm. D. Tuttle, stationery,
Wm. D. Tuttle, recording 19 marriages,
Wm. D. Tuttle, recording 42 deaths,
Charles Wheeler, teaming and setting
12 stone bounds,
Charles Wheeler, stone guide post,
Moses Taylor, for gravel pit,
James C. Graham, for gravel pit,
J. P. Tenney, breaking roads,
C. J. Williams, grading and labor at the '
East school-house, 9 00
M. E. Taylor, oil, wicks and supplies '
for town hall in 1886, 3 34 I
M. E. Taylor, oil, wicks and supplies ]
for town hall in 1887 and 1888, 10 29 i
Julian Tuttle, for care of town hall and j
clock, 58 35 j
G. H. Parlin, repairing flag, 40 i
G. H. Parkin, for tolling bell 6 times, 1 20
1
25
2
85
6
20
4
62
1
50
n
63
30
00
1
25
f 1,540 52
BOUNTY TAX REFUNDSD.
Paid Herbert T. Clark,
J. M. Harlow,
John Grimes,
James W. Hayward,
James W. Fisk,
$1
12
15
48
10
49
13
32
19
$40 60
13
RECEIPTS AND APPROPRIATIONS.
Balance in the treasury Feb. 26, 1887, $ 897 36
" due from collector of taxes Feb. 26, 1887, 1,704 84
Appropriation for Town charges, 6,000 00
for supports of schools, 4,100 00
for roads, 1,800 00
Overlayings, 202 97
State Tax, 1,665 00
County Tax, 778 56
Rec'dof T. F. Newton, on account of South school
district, 23 50
T. F. Newton, for school books sold, 1 59
C. H. Burrough,for tuition at High school, 16 67
Chapel society, for rent of school-roona to
April 1st, 1887, 33 00
American Powder Co., for lumber sold, 7 08
Town of Billerica, for aid furnished Thomas
Russell, 268 90
Varnum Tuttle, borrowed money, 1,723 00
Geo. Chandler, " u ' 500 00
Angle B. Hill, '' " 430 00
Daniel Harris, '' '' 500 00
State Treasurer, corporation tax, 1,073 69
" National bank tax, 578 21
" State Aid chap. 252, acts 79, 176 50
" " '' 301, " '79, 107 00
" Support of State pauper, 9 25
'* Burial of State paupers, 10 00
*^ Income Mass. school fund, 167 54
County Treasurer, dog fund, 240 54
Interest on money in bank, 80 69
L. W. Stevens, for lots sold in Mount Hope
cemetery, 38 00
Julian Tuttle, for rent of town hall and cel-
lar, 48 00
City of Boston, for aid furnished Mrs. Abbie
Sibley, 53 01
$23,234 90
14
EXPENDITURES.
For Centre District School,
$854
49
West '' "
817
20
South
841
63
North " "
433
20
East "
419
42
So. East " ''
370
53
High School,
800
04
School supplies,
347
71
Town officers.
667
14
Cemetery expenses,
655
62
Printing,
87
75
State aid,
412
00
Support of poor,
1,632
97
Road and bridges,
2,849
58
Repairs on town buildings,
222
44
Miscellaneous expenses,
1,540
52
Temporary loan paid,
5,550
81
State tax.
1,665
00
County tax,
778
56
Bounty tax refunded,
40
60
q;90 Q87 21
sP^v7, i/O 1 £i 1.
Balance due from collector.
^1,448
13
" " treasurer.
799
56
9 '24-7 69
^23,234 90
Balance due from collector and treasurer,
$2,247
69
NOTES PAYABLE.
Mrs. Angie B. Hill, note and interest,
441
46
Balance due the town,
^1,806 23
J. K. W. WETHERBEE,) Selectmen
J. W. DUPEE, \ of
T. F. NO YES Acton,
Acton, Feb. 27, 1888.
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT
TO JANUARY 1, 1888.
BIRTHS IN ACTON IN 1887.
No. Date of Birth. Name of Child. Names of Parents.
1. Jan. 17. Mabel Eudora Tuttle, daughter of Roswell and Annie B.
Tuttle.
2. Feb. 1. Hattie L. Dane, daughter of Ida L. Dane.
3. Feb. 5. Frank Mahoney, son of Sevier and May Grace Mahoney.
4. Feb. 20. Arthur Noble Snow, son of Charles H. and Mary E. Snow.
5. Mar. 31. Carrie Eliza Fletcher, daughter of Jonathan P. and Lizzie
Fletcher.
6. Apr. 9. Oliver Aldrich Wyman, son of Alphonzo A. and Laura
Wyman.
7. Apr. 9. Herbert Harry Penniman, son of Orenzo W. and Olive L.
Penniman.
8. Apr. 16. Charlotte Mary Reed, daughter of Fred W. and Lina Reed.
9. May 18. Lizzie May Burroughs, daughter of Samuel R. and Ella
A. Burroughs.
10. May 31. Bertha Mabel Austin, daughter of Byron W. and Hattie
Belle Austin.
11. May 31. Henry Irving Worden, son of Martin H. and Lizzie M .
Worden.
12. June 6. Mary Elizabeth Jones, daughter of Edward H. and Sarah
J. Jones.
13. June 6. Mary Lizzie Forest, daughter of Mary E. Forest.
14. June 11. Alice Stacy Warren, daughter of William S. and Rose
Evelyn Warren.
15. June 27. William Francis Brown, son of Clarence W. and Minnie
A. Brown.
16. July 8. J. Carlton Wood, son of William H. and Minnie B. Wood.
17. July 13. Wm. Harold Hatfield, son of William H. and Mildred A.
Hatfield.
18. July 30. Wallace Howard Owens, son of Thomas P. and Eliza J.
Owens.
19. Aug. 4. Marion Fernette Dart, daughter of Oswald L. and Cora A.
Dart.
20. Aug. 14. A son of Timothy and Ellen Sullivan.
21. Sept. 21. Nellie May Sargent, daughter of Albert F. and Sarah F.
Sargent.
16
22. Oct. 8. Charles Edward Sidney Eichardson, son of Sidney L. and
M. Katherine Eichardson.
23. Oct. 13. Joseph Haggerty, son of William and Eliza Haggerty.
24. Oct. 23. Alexander Lewis Mckerson, son of Bowman C. and Eliza
K. Nickerson.
25. Nov. 8. Kichard Earl Florist, son of Truman F. and Fannie M.
Florist.
26. Nov. 30. Michael James McCarthy, son of James L. and Margaret
A. McCarthy.
Lizzie S. Piper, daughter of Anson C. and Ellen L. Piper.
Arthur Fitch Harris,, son of David C. and Jennie B. Harris.
George McCarty, son of Thomas and Hannah McCarty.
Christine Ann O'Leary, daughter of Daniel and Olive E.
O'Leary.
Males, 17; females, 13. Total, 30.
27.
Dec.
1.
28.
Dec.
2.
29.
Dec.
22.
30.
Dec.
25.
No.
1.
2.
3.
Date.
Jan. 9.
Mar. 8.
April 24.
4.
5.
6.
April 27.
May 8.
May 15.
I^ARRIAODS RX:CORI>£]> IN ACTON IN 18^7.
Names of Parties.
Clark G. Durkee and Ida L. Reed, both of Acton.
Abel Farrar and Martha P. Dufresne both of Acton.
James L. McCarthy of Acton and Maggie A. Trainer of
Stow.
Newton E. Bean and Harriet A. Kenty, both of Acton.
George A. Smith and Alma W. Forbush, both of Acton.
Norman A. Davidson and Mary Alice Hodge, both of
Acton.
7. June 7. Alfred M. Chaffee of Oxford and Mary E. T. Brown of
Littleton.
William H. Hill and Angle B. Worthen, both of Acton.
Martin Baker of Acton and Margaret Hart of Littleton.
Charles E. Cloud of Norwich, Yt., and Nellie M. Conant
of Acton.
Daniel J. Gallagher of Acton and Katie Bulger of Lowell.
William Ross and Frances E. Tower, both of Maynard.
Fredson P. Brooks and Martha M. Durgin, both of Con-
cord.
Frederick W. Gray and Clara F. Leach, both of Acton.
Eugene C. Stevens of Stow and Alice S. Guilford of Acton.
Rev. George W. Stearns of Acton and Sarah Elizabeth
Dow of Island Falls, Me.
Joseph L. Brown of Littleton and Lizzie M. Scofield of
Acton.
John Fitzgerald, Jr., of Concord, and Margaret Coughlin
of Acton.
Edward F. Pratt and Etta Cora Temple, both of Acton.
Total, 19.
8.
9.
10.
July
Aug.
Sept.
17.
23.
7.
IL
12.
13.
Sept.
Oct.
Oct.
18.
2.
4.
14.
15.
16.
Oct.
Oct.
Oct.
5.
7.
21.
17.
Nov.
9.
18.
Nov.
17.
19.
Dec.
5.
17
I>£]ATHS RECOB1>EI> IN ACTON IN 1887.
Names of Persons. Age.
Joseph F. Cole, 70 years, 10 months, 5 days.
Abbie Charlton, 7 months, 20 days.
Norman A. Spinney, 2 years, 6 months, 7 days.
Charles W. Melone, 38 years, 4 months, 5 days.
Abbie Gertrude Palmer, 1 year, 5 months, 11 days.
Olivia L. B. Drew, 71 years, 10 months, 17 days.
Arthur F. Duren, 1 year, 6 months, 2 days.
Lizzie Booker, 19 years, 2 months.
Clarissa P. Wetherbee, 69 years, 6 months, 2 days.
An unknown man at Almshouse, about 45 years.
Jane Kelleran, 79 years, 11 months, 4 days.
Daniel Callahan, 48 years.
Nancy M. Burnham, 65 years, 10 months.
Lydia Dane, 62 years, 10 months, 15 days.
Charles T. Owens, 1 year, 5 months.
Andrew J. Willis, 70 years, 7 months, 6 days.
Emily W. Parker, 39 years, 11 months, 5 days.
Sarah F. Parlin, 78 years.
Mary M. Bo wen, 65 years, 4 months, 4 days.
Hattie L. Dane, 6 months, 21 days.
Joseph Estabrook, 76 years, 2 months, 21 days.
Joseph Piper (died in Springfield), 85 years, 5 months.
Infant son of Timothy and Ellen Sullivan, 2 days.
Henry Loker, 79 years, 7 months, 26 days.
Martha C. Harris, 49 years, 11 months, 20 days.
Lena Fitch, 34 years, 6 months, 22 days.
Ellen Moore, 67 years.
Thomas Russell, 78 years, 5 months, 26 days.
Mary E. Forest, 3 months, 17 days.
Ephraim Oliver, 77 years, 1 month, 23 days.
Eliza W. Hay ward, 69 years, 10 months, 7 days.
James Callahan, 10 years, 8 months, 13 days.
Myrtle W. Tucker, 1 year, 2 months.
Elizabeth N. Brooks, 83 years, 11 months, 11 days.
(In Maynard.) Mary E. Currie, 40 years, 2 months, 20 days.
Aaron M. Jones, 64 years, 7 months, 23 days.
Hiram Walker, 55 years, 10 months, 16 days.
Mary Farrar, 87 years, 10 months, 11 days.
Robert Chaffin, 90 years, 9 months, 25 days.
Orlando Leland, 81 years.
Arthur B. Robbins, 23 years, 1 month, 18 days.
Total, 41.
Date of Death.
Jan'y
10.
Jan'y
11.
Jan'y
12.
Jan'y
19.
Jan'y
26.
Feu'y
27.
March
10.
March
25.
March
29.
March 30.
April
17.
April
21.
May
8.
May
16.
May
19.
May
29.
June
23.
June
27.
July
18.
July
22.
July
25.
Aug.
10.
Aug.
16.
Aug.
26.
Sept.
1.
Sept.
7.
Sept.
8.
Sept.
22.
Sept.
23.
Sept.
23.
Oct.
3.
Oct.
8.
Oct.
18.
Oct.
18.
Oct.
20.
Dec.
7.
Dec.
11.
Dec.
11.
Dec.
16.
Dec.
30.
Dec.
31.
18
AMOUNT RECEIVE!? FKOM I.ICENSE8 OE DOOS SINCE
liAST REPORT, AS EOIiliOWS FROM
Owner. Amount
Warren Bemis,
$2
James D. Coburn,
2
Chas. H. Hodges,
2
E. J. Robbins,
2
Allen Waterman,
2
Charles Yarney,
2
Charles J. Williams,
2
Antoine Bulette,
2
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee,
6
J. K. W. Wetherbee,
2
Elnathan Jones,
4
F. A. Houston,
2
E. Eddie Fletcher,
2
Augustus Fletcher,
2
Danie F. Hay ward,
2
Albert F. Sargent,
2
A. W. Gardner,
2
Stephen E. Martin,
2
Mrs. Geo. F. Flagg,
2
John Fletcher,
2
D. J. Wetherbee,
2
J. W. Dupee,
2
Adelbert Mead,
2
William Barnes,
2
Albert Moulton,
2
Reuben L. Reed,
2
Daniel Tuttle,
2
A. L. Lawrence,
5
Daniel Harris,
2
MoFes A. Reed,
2
Fred S. Whitcomb,
2
Wm. D. Tuttle,
2
Charles B. Sanders,
4
Willie S. Fletcher,
2
Isaac Barker,
2
Otis H. Forbush,
2
A. L. Noyes,
2
Solon A. Robbins,
2
Henry Hanson,
2
Daniel McCarthy, 2d,
2
Ai Robbins,
2
Wm. B. Davis,
2
Olie D. Wood,
2
Owner.
Willis L. Mead,
John H. Hanniford,
Geo. R. Keyes,
Joseph R. Bassett,
H. M. Smith,
Webster C. Robbins,
Frederick Rouillard,
John Temple,
John Kelly,
William Hurd,
Chauncy B. Robbins,
Edwin H. Jones,
Lewis V. Clough,
Anson C. Pipei',
Ralph Crooker,
Sylvester Haynes,
Frank E. Harris,
Henry L. Willard,
Charles J. Holton,
Isaiah S. Leach,
Arthur G. Knowlton,
Thomas P. Owens,
Francis Pratt,
David Shapley,
Frank W. Houghton,
Willie F. Stevens,
Charles H. Morris,
A. B. Brown,
Moses E. Taylor,
Moses Taylor,
Nahum Littlefield,
Joshua Sawyer,
Isaac S. Ford,
Waldo Littlefield,
Forbush & Hartwell,
John C. Gates,
Eben Davis,
Fred Penniman,
Geo. B. Gowen,
Edward O'Neil,
Henry Haynes,
John W. Aldrich,
Henry Brooks,
Amount.
$2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
4
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
7
19
Owner.
Amount.
Owner.
Amount.
Geo. H. S. Houghton,
$2
Herman Chaplin,
$2
John W. Randall,
2
Georsre Gardner,
2
Luther Conant,
4
Delette H. Hall,
2
Wm. H. Hatfield,
2
George Conant,
2
Henry C. Scarlett,
2
Josie G. Wood,
2
Nathan R. Palmer,
2
]Sr. A. Davidson,
2
Allen G. Smith,
2
Edward Willis,
2
Jeremiah McCarthy,
2
Mrs. Joseph Cole,
2
Chas. K. Harrington,
2
Thomas J. Sawyer,
5
A. H. Gilmore,
2
Howard Merchant,
2
A. L. Tuttle,
2
Geo. E. Whittier,
2
Thomas Calder,
2
Frank R. Knowlton,
2
George Pratt,
5
Geo. A. Conant,
2
J. E. Schofield,
2
Jairus C. Wheeler,
5
Wm. H. Teele,
2
L. E. Reed,
2
Chas. H. Taylor,
2
L. U. Holt,
2
Geo. C. Wright,
2
Geo. W. Worster,
2
Isaac W. Flagg,
2
A. Risso,
2
122 Males at $2,
$244; 7 Females at $5, $35. Total, $279.
WM. D. TUTTLE, Toion Clerk.
Acton, March 15th, 1888.
20
Report of Receipts and Expenditures at the
Almshouse in Acton,
FOR THE YEAR ENDING FEBRUARY 39, 1888.
Articles on hand, February ^9, 18S8.
8 cows, 1325 00
1 horse, 175 00
1 wagon, 85 00
13 tons hay, 234 00
2 tons straw, 20 00
1 horse mower, 40 00
40 hens, 20 00
15 cords wood, 75 00
200 pounds pork, 20 00
Lumber, 20 00
Cotton seed, 1 20
Shorts and meal, 5 00
Bags, 7 00
Salt, 50
Market boxes, 40
Barrel, 1 00
10 pounds ham, 1 40
Beef, 1 00
Potatoes, 1 00
Soft soap, 1 00
Concord buggy, 25 00
Lard, 1 40
Pickles, 1 20
Sugar, 60
Beans, 2 25
Butter 50
Eggs, 1 00
Plour, 1 50
Spices, 85
Cream tartar, 37
Soap, 1 85
Matches, 18
Apple jam, ,..,., , 50
21
Molasses,
EicG;
Coffee, . . .
Coal, ....
Barrel,. . .
Crackers,,
70
15
17
1 00
1 00
12
$1,073
84
Appraisal of Towu Farm Property, Klarch 1, 1888.
ContefUs of Boom TVb. 1. Southeast.
2 chairs, 2 bedsteads, 2 feather beds, 2 mattresses, 3
pillows, 2 bolsters, 4 sheets, 3 pillow cases, 2 pair
blankets, 2^quilts, 2 bed spreads, 2 mats, 2 bureaus,
5 pictures, 3 window curtains, 2 chambers, $26 80
Room No. 2. East Room.
1 chair, 1 table, 1 lounge, 1 bedstead, 2 curtains, 1
feather bed, 1 mattress, 1 quilt, 1 spread, $9 25
Room No. 3. — Northeast Room.
1 bedstead, 2 chairs, 1 table, 1 mattress, 1 feather bed,
2 sheets, 2 bed quilts, 1 bed spread, 1 blanket, 1
trunk, 2 pillows, 1 chamber, 1 bolster. $13 35
Room No. 4. Northwest.
1 bedstead, 2 pair blankets, 1 mattress, 1 feather bed,
2 sheets, 3 quilts, 1 pillow, 1 bolster, 2 curtains,
1 chair, 1 bureau, 1 chamber, 1 trunk, $13 95
No'.b. Hall 2.
2 comforters, 8 new sheets, 6 new pillow cases, 5 sheets,
8 pillow cases, blankets, 1 curtain, $14 25
No. 6. West Attic.
Mop and brush, 4 feather beds, 8 pillows, 1 table, 3
bedsteads, rubber sheet, 4 quilts, 1 spread, 1
traveling bag, 1 sick chair, clothes line, $18 85
No. 7. East Attic.
14 trunks, 1 cot bed, 1 pair andirons, 1 stove, 2 clocks,
1 spittoon, $6 40
22
No. 8. Entry.
1 table, 1 chair, curtains, $1 25
Contents of Southeast Koom.
5 chairs, 4 rockers, 1 table, 1 table cloth, 1 looking
glass, 3 curtains and lixtures, 1 stove and coal
hod, 1 lamp, 2 nappies, 2 dish pans, set knives
and forks, 1 dozen table spoons, 5 plates, 10 cups
and saucers, 1 mug, 1 bowl, 1 pitcher. $28 01
Cooh Room or Kitchen.
1 salt cellar, 1 tin dish, 1 pepper box, 1 dust., can,
cook stove, 1 table, 1 wash dish, tin horn, apple
parer, 1 can, 1 lantern, 1 dipper, 1 strainer pail,
3 sad irons, 3 plates, 1 nappy, 1 saucer, 1 bowl, 1
coffee pot, milk pail, wood box, $39 15
Contents of Dining Room.
1 rocker, 3 chairs, 2 lamps, 1 table (small one), 1 cur- ,
tain, oil cloth, 2 table cloths, oil can, lantern, tin
dippers, wash bowl, pail, 1 stove, 3 brooms, wash
pan, $13 75
Contents of Pantry.
4 baking tins, sugar box, 2 baking pans, 11 Mason jars,
1 tunnel cullender, 1 steamer, tin dish, 2 flour
scoops, 7 pans, 5 bowls, 2 pitchers, spoon holder,
sugar bowl, 5 goblets, 11 cups and saucers, set
knives and forks, 1 butcher knife, 15 baking
plates, 3 meat dishes, 1 mixing bowl, 4 tins, 1
platter, 1 pitcher, 6 tin pans, 1 cooking dish, bread
toaster, 5 bread pans, 1 rolling pin, stew pan, 2
bread mixing pans, 1 platter, steam kettle, roast
pan, tray, 4 pans, 4 jugs, 1 gallon jug, 1 strainer,
5 dish towels, 5 roller towels, $17 45
Contents of Store Room.
3 wash tubs, snow shovel, 2 screen doors, 3 chairs, 1
clothes basket, 1 clothes rack, 1 wash boiler, 1
wringer, 2 wash boards, 4 baskets, clothes line, 1
peck measure, clothes pins, $13 02
23
Contents of Entry and Shed.
1 stove, 2 milk pails, tin, 2 wood saws, 1 ladder, 1 lan-
tern, 1 bushel basket, ^7 35
Contents of Tramp Room.
Wash dish, 1 dipper, 1 stove, 2 chairs, 12 mattresses,
13 blankets, $20 80
Contents of Cari'iage and Tool House.
1 watering trough, 1 cart, 1 sled, 1 pung, 1 ladder, 1
bar, 2 steel bars, 3 forks, 1 water pot, bog hoe, 2
six-tine forks, 1 manure puller, 1 wagon jack, 1
spade, 1 long handle spade, 2 chains, 3 stake
chains, hay rake, 2 apple headers, 3 hoes, 2 potato
forks, 2 bush scythes, 2 corn knives, 2 saws, 2
oil cans, 3 shovels, 1 plane, 1 wrench, 1 compass,
1 rasp, 1 lantern, grindstone, 1 shovel, 1 street
blanket, sledge hammer, 1 pick, $64 90
Contents of Barn.
1 harrow, 3 harnesses, 2 girths, 1 surcingle, 9 pails, 1
broom, 1 fork, 4 ladders, 2 plows, 2 cultivators, 1
hay cutter, drag rake, 1 hay wagon, 1 log chain, 1
stone drag, horse rake, 2 whiffle trees, 1 mowing
machine, 4 cart wheels, brush, cattle cards, 1 ham-
mer, feed trough, 2 axes, wheelbarrow, 1 chair, $120 70
Amount of appraisal, $429 23
Receipts from Town Farm,
From miarch 1, 1887, to March 1, 1S8S.
Eeceived for Apples, $431 48
Milk, 754 93
Potatoes, 20 95
Peaches, 13 00
Pork, 16 66
Calves, 11 00
Hoop poles, 5 25
Beef cow, 36 91
Tomatoes, 40
Eggs, 20 86
Berries, 75
$1,312 19
24
Expenditures at the Town Farm
For the Year Ending February 29, 1888.
Axe and helve, $ 1 00
Acid phosphate, 45
Apple jam, 75
Anguintum, 20
Advertising for warden, 2 00
Barrels, 20 33
Book, 8
Berries, 1 09
Blacksmith bill, 21 15
Boiler, 83
Brushes, 1 23
Butter, 42 09
Brooms, 1 40
Beans, 6 49
Baking powder, 90
Bristol brick, 8
Burner, 10
Camphor, 12
Comb, 12
Cows, 83 00
Coal, 9 95
Cabbage, 30
Clothes line, 37
Composition, 10
Cloth and Clothing, 23 79
Crackers, 21 6o
Crockery, 4 80
Cheese, 4 54
Coffee, 4 28
Cream tartar, 1 48
Cocoa, 28
China eggs, 15
Chimney, 28
Door spring, . . . . ; 30
Disinfectant, 20
Evaporated apple, 47
Extracts, S6
Ely powder, 32
Ely paper, 5
Eork, 42
Eish, 13 51
Elour, 32 45
Glasses, 62
25
Glass, 58
Grain, 326 80
Grass seed, 7 51
Glue, 20
Hoes, TO
Harrow tooth, . 75
Hen meat, . . 14
Hames, 1 25
Ham, T 14
Iron for rake, 1 65
Iron bars, 2 95
Jars, 1 10
Knives and Forks, 2 00
Kettle, 50
Lettuce, 5
Labor, 5 65
Lemons, 77
Lard, 6 25
Lantern globe, 12
Labor on chimney, 70
Meat, 72 17
Mustard, 20
Mowing machine, 42 00
Molasses, 12 40
Mending boots, 1 46
Matches, 33
Netting, 50
Needles, 7
Nails, 1 45
Nutmegs, 22
Oyster shells, 45
Onions, 30
Oil, 2 26
Oat meal, 45
Paris green, , 23
Pigs, 6 50
Phosphate, 13 30
Potatoes, 15 21
Pork, 4 64
Postage, 66
Peas, 95
Pickles, 35
Pins, 8
Pails, 50
Rifle, 10
Eubbers, 50
Rice, 21
26
Raisins, 1 80
Repairing chimney, 3 75
Rope, 64
Repairing pump, 2 85
Services of W. Bemis,... 21 00
H. C. Scarlet, 366 67
" E. H. Cutler, 40 00
" Luke Blanchard, 40 00
" M. E. Taylor, 12 00
Saleratus, 32
Spoons, 28
Sulphur, 20
Spirit nitre, 16
Scraps, 2 76
Steel Trap, 33
Sperm oil, 38
Sawing lumber, 5 88
Seed potatoes, 5 00
Seed oats, 2 00
Squash, 10
Stove blacking, 30
Sugar, 25 06
Sweet potatoes, 1 50
Shoes, 4 00
Seeds, 1 75
Salt, 1 78
Soap, 5 50
Spices, 63
Starch, 65
Sage, 08
Soapine, 1 00
Salt-petre, 8
Sledge hammer, . 2 00
Thread, 43
Tobacco, . , 10
Turkey, 1 05
Tea, 6 10
Table cloth, 1 60
Turnip, 07
Tacks, 13
Use of oxen, 5 00
Useof bull, 1 50
Vinegar, 1 85
Wick, 01
Watering pot, 1 05
Wheelwright bill, 3 00
27
Wash board, 30
Yeast, 57
Yarn, 42
^1^22 61
Expenditures, $1,422 61
Receipts, 1,312 19
Income less than expense, $ 110 42
Due from treasury to balance account, $110 42
Interest on farm, 240 00
$ 350 42
Victualing and lodging 75 tramps at 40 cents, 30 00
Cost of supporting poor on farm, $ 320 42
Whole number of persons, exclusive of tramps, supported in
almshouse, 5 ; average number, 3 1-2 ; present number, 4.
E. H. CUTLER, ") Overseers
LUKE BLANCHARD, f of
MOSES E. TAYLOR, \ Foor.
ANNUAL REPORT
School Committee
FOR THE
SCHOOL -YEAR 1887-8
To the Town of Acton :
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT,
IN BEHALF OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
The Superintendent, in entering upon his duties during the
closing weeks of the school year, felt the embarrassments of the
situation.
Through the courtesy of the Committee, and the hearty co-
operation of the public, the difficulties were in a measure over-
come, and the schools, upon the whole, have had a year of peace-
ful, steady and substantial progress.
All has not been accomplished that could be desired. Many
plans, thoughtfully matured in various lines of improvement, yet
lack completion. Accidents and failures feared have not been
realized, thanks to the discretion of teachers and the second
thought of parents.
The pestilence has flaunted its dark wings over our homes,
but through a merciful interposition the death angel has de-
parted, leaving the hearthstones unmolested.
SCHOOL BUILDINGS,
The several local committees have endeavored to secure
proper attention to the grounds, outbuildings and main struct-
ures, deeming it no economy for the town to let these depreciate
for the want of timely and judicious expenditures. Ko large
outlay has been required in any district. The present accommo-
dations for the schools are thought to be sufficient for present
needs, and are a credit to the generosity of the town.
ATTENDANCE OF SCHOLARS.
The epidemic colds, which have been unusually severe and
prevalent, scarlet fever, mumps and measles, which have all been
32
camping on our grounds^ have done their work, making many
vacant seats in the busiest hours of study, to the discouragement
of the whole educational interest.
With proper allowance for these hindrances, emphasis must
still be given to the importance of not losing a single hour from
the school routine. Children's whims, parents' conveniences,
parties, entertainments, transient discomforts of travel and
weather, all have their part to play, but must not imperil the
culture of the child who is so soon to enter upon life's mature
responsibilities.
The school " days go swifter than a weaver's shuttle," and
are gone in the morning, and they are gone not to return.
The agent of the Mass. School Board, in his recent visit,
recommendedjthat in estimating the amount of attendance of a
scholar, he should be credited only with the time actually pres-
ent in the school session. If he is dismissed a quarter of an
hour after the opening of the school, he should be credited for
that half-day 15-180, discredited 165-180, and so through the
term and year.
Attention is called to the law of the State which forbids
children between the ages of eight and fourteen from working in
any of the mills and factories without a certificate from the
teacher, that they have attended school at least one hundred days
in three terms of ten weeks each.
There is a tacit understanding between the tax payers and
the pupil, none the less binding because tacit, that these free and
ample accommodations of school room, instruction and text
books, shall be acknowledged by a regular a id studious improve-
ment of the privileges offered. Any failure here is an injustice
to the donors, and they have a right to file their grievance and
insist upon more appreciative returns.
The State is discussing the question of compulsory educa-
tion, and the legislation is more and more towards that conclu-
sion.
The visit of Mr. John T. Prince, State Agent, in February,
was a pleasant and healthful episode to the teachers and scholars.
After visiting, in company with the Superintendent, all the
schools, he spent a half day in an address to the teachers, full of
33
suggestive hints and profitable criticisms. Cordial thanks were
given him for his interview.
TEXT BOOKS AND SUPPLIES.
No change of text books is reported for the year, and there
has been a marked falling off in the supply account, — $347.71
against $568.06 the preceding year. The amount for the coming
year can hardly be estimated beforehand.
VENTILATION: ATMOSPHERIC AND MENTAL.
The janitor is an important factor in the school arrange-
ments. He should have all his fine senses in full cultivation, so
that he can scent an impurity in the air ; see a very small pile of
dust on desk or floor ; feel the temperature of the room without
a thermometer ; but have one all the same for his reference book,
and consult it often. He must have a special fondness for the
black diamonds during the zero mornings and nights, and handle
them with discretion. He must remember that vigilance is the
price of victory every time.
But a janitor's faithful services must be supplemented by the
teacher. In the absence of the janitor the teacher is ex-officio
master of the situation, and his comfort and success, and that of
the school, hangs largely upon the temperature and quality of the
air in which the work is done.
No amount of zeal or tact in conducting recitations will over-
balance a vitiated atmosphere. One good current of air from the
outside world will often settle problems in discipline and in arith-
metic all at the same time.
By mental ventilation is meant a clarifying the minds of
teachers and pupils by frequent and timely inspirations of good
humor and noble sentiment.
Kow and then let the mental windows be lifted wide open,
and one good gust clear the room of that vile brood of evil sur-
roundings, jealousies, irritations and low ambitions, which so be-
little and becloud the mind. These occasional drafts must not,
however, be the main dependence of the teacher. He should
have about him an air which shall itself be a perpetual ventila-
tion of all the genial elements within his range.
The expression " taking on airs " is not slang. It is not an
34
Americanism. It has the sanction of classic G-reece, two thou-
sand years ago, and it is just as apt for the school-room and the
teacher of to-day.
The tone of the teacher among the susceptible minds of the
young is pervasive, contagious, influential, and it is the all-im-
portant key to the best results.
THE MODEL TEACHER AND HIS REWARDS.
He should be born under the right star and bring his creden-
tials from the skies.
He should have a mind of large volume, stored with the ■
earliest and latest decisions of science.
He should have an eye far-sighted and near-sighted 5 quick
to catch the first signal of disorder, and an ear sensitive to the
faintest undertone of rebellion.
He should have a judgment which finds at once the equipoise
of justice amid conflicting claims. .
He should have an arm ready to fling out the banner of
" Excelsior " on the heights, and in the valley the same.
He should have a mother's love and a father's care for the
lowliest of his flock.
He should be alert from the first stroke of the bell to itsjast
reverberations.
■ He should be a martyr in spirit all the time, and a martyr in
fact at any time, rather than betray the precious trust committed
to his charge.
You ask : Where is he ? What is his name ? . Find him if
you can, and hold him fast when found. If you find even one
who approaches the standard, be thankful and think twice before
parting company. He has a value above 7nthies.
Let not the teacher be discouraged.- He has enough to de-
press the most sanguine temperament. Granted. But he also
has enough to inspire the most desponding moment. •
He may be arousing an ambition for good which is to make
the difference between a citizen whose name the people will never
let drop from their loving remembrance, and one whose memorial
will only be, that he lived and that he died.
He may be really quarrying from the rough marble the block
35
destined to stand in the high places of power, when his own dust
has gone back to its native dust and his name is forgotten.
The teacher cannot gauge at the time the subtle magic of his
looks, and words, and example, but if he stops to think he /uzioi^^,
and if he is a man of common sensibility he feels that he is doing
a work of untold value to the great future.
His words of cheer, his patience, his noble bearing in mo-
ments of trial, his fidelity, will not be forgotten, but will have
new exhibition in the lives of those whom he loved and taught.
If he knows he is doing the best thing for his pupils, his
prohibitions, his reprimands, his earnest pleas, his probing in-
quiries, his wearisome drills, will have an equivalent in the end.
The time will come when they will thank him, if living, or
bless his memory, if dead, because he stood firm, when to yield
would have been the easiest course for him^ but the fatal one for
them.
Teachers :
You are irritated to-day ; you can hardly refrain from utter-
ing the bitter word of impatience at the constant annoyance
which that vicious and heedless youth is giving you as you seek to
turn him towards the right. He is the more bent on folly as you
ply him again with the higher motives. He taunts you, when he
should thank you. You judge your labors more than lost ; but
distrust -that hasty judgment. Eepress that impatient thought.
Ten years hence that way ward lad may accost you on the streets
of some distant city, or greet you in the cars, or call at your door,
and with a warm grasp of the hand and a tearful eye, ask your
forgiveness for his stupid and unfeeling conduct. He may tell
you but for your kind, earnest efforts in his behalf, he would
have gone down in ignorance and vice to an unhonored grave.
You can afford to wait for these incidental testimonies. They
are sure to cross, your path and sweeten many a cup which, at
the time, you thought to be only bitter.
Fellow Citizens :
ji jSTo true lover of his country can contemplate the elements
which are striving for ascendency in this land, without at times
feeling a deep solicitude for the result.
The (question which comes back upon us is the old question
36
which troubled our fathers, and which they have handed down to
us as their legacy. Who in this contest between ignorance and
culture, between anarchy and order, between organized fraud and
organized integrity, is to win ?
Shall the dear old flag of the past remain the symbol of con-
stitutional, stable, enlightened freedom, or shall it be trailed in
the dust as the synonjan of shattered hopes and basest crimes ?
Potent among the agencies which have saved the nation thus
far, potent among the agencies which are to save the nation in
the coming conflicts, is the teacher's humble work.
In great crises the men and women who have been taught
and disciplined in our schools have been the ones to stand in the
surging waters, and tide the ship of state over and through the
breakers.
Let us idealize in our minds the future of America, as the
best desires and hopes of patriotism and intelligence would give
it, and then let us be content to have a part, however humble, in
assuring to unborn millions this grand and happy fruition.
HIGH SCHOOL.
The school has remained in charge of Mr. A. W. Armstrong
during the year. He has performed his duties as Principal with
a growing interest in his work, and with marked improvement in
methods of discipline and instruction. Monthly written tests,
applied to the whole school, have been a stimulus to better schol-
arship and more studious habits.
The written test given to the candidates for admission to
the school in June, was not only a great advantage to the grade
of the High School, but also to the grade of all the other schools
in town.
Nearly fifty per cent, of the 29 applicants failed to reach
the required standard. Those not admitted have continued their
studies in the Grammar school, and the prospect now is that the
candidates next June will be older, more numerous, and better
qualified than those of the preceding year.
The average age of those admitted in June was 13 1-2, mak-
ing them on an average nearly J7 at the completion- of a three
years' cou^rse.
37
The first thought of the Committee, after the decision of
the town in the spring, was that no admissions could be granted.
Upon further consideration, a unanimous conclusion of the Board
was reached that it would be an injustice to these applicants to
give them no chance for a trial when they had reached the age
and qualifications required, for the sake of those who proposed
to continue on a four years' course with separate lines of study
in Latin and Erench.
If an assistant had been provided these special privileges
could be granted, but without one it did not seem practicable to
.the Committee, or just to the masses. This conclusion was
reached without knowing who the three pupils concerned were.
Some say reduce the school to twenty-five and the difiiculty
is solved, and these advanced courses can be taken. That de-
pends upon the classification of the school. Twelve scholars, if
not properly graded, will involve difficulties which no teacher
can match, and give proper time in the brief school day to each
recitation, while forty scholars can be easily handled and have
ample time for each class, when the proper grade is secured.
Here is the advantage and^justice of the graded system.
Again, some say : ^'Abolish the High School, and let these
higher branches revert back to the Grammar department." This
proposition only complicates and multiplies the diJ0B.culties.
Granted that the demand for these higher branches must be
met, how can these High school scholars be dispersed among the
districts, and take their three years' course with them, and leave
anything but fragments for the Grammar and Intermediate schol-
ars?
Who have the first claim upon the generosity of the citizens
if not those who are studying the fundamental branches in our
Primary, Intermediate and Grammar departments ?
One of the main arguments for the High School, in the way
of economy and fairness, is that it protects the other departments
from this intrusion of the higher branches, and gives the teacher
time and nerve to deal fitly with his younger scholars.
The graduating exercises in June, in the Town Hall,' showed
the iiitense interest of the public in the school, and were a happy
38
omen of good things to come. The programme is printed as a
memento of the occasion.
class motto, 1887: '' aim at the highest:'
Music, - - ■ - ,:. ...
Prayer, - - - - Kev. Mr. Knowlto:n^.
Salutatory and Essay, - Bertha H. Dupee.
'^ Des2nse not Small Beginning s.'^^
History, - - - Ernest E. Wetherbee.
Music, - . - - - -
Essay, - - - - Bertha E. Hosmer.
" By-ways and Nooks of ActonJ^
Essay, - - - Sadie E. Sawyer.
" Abilities without Exercise ca.nnot Ensure Success J^
Music,
Essay, - - . - Albertine M. Preston.
'•' Suffer no Part of Life to Remain Unimproved.^^
Essay, - - - - Susie E. Conant.
" What Girls can Do.''
Music, - - - - -
Essay, - * - - Ernest E. Wetherbee.
^^ Science and Art.""
Essay, _ - . _ Hattie L. Tuttle.
''Lift the Latch:!
MUSIC; _._--.
Valedictory, - - - Albertine M. Preston.
Music, - ■ - . - • - ■ - . -
Presentation of Diplomas, - By Superintendent.
The three years' course is also appended, as now adopted,
subject to changes which may hereafter be made, according to the
judgment of the Committee and the light of experience.'.
THBEE YEARS' COURSE OF HIGH SCHOOL.
FIRST. YEJVR.V;
First Term. — Arithmetic and Book-keeping alternating.
Eng. Grammar and Composition. General History.
Second Term. — Arithmetic and Book-keeping alternating.
Eng. Grammar and Composition. General History.
39
Third. Term. — Arithmetic and Book-keeping alternating.
Rhetoric begun. Botany.
SECOND YEAR.
First Term. — Algebra begun. Rhetoric continued. Physi-
ology; ;•
Second Term.— Algebra continued. Eng. Literature begun.
Physics begun.
Third Term. — ^Geometry begun. Eng. Literature continued.
Physics continued.
THIRD YEAR.
First Term.^-^Geometry continued. Latin begun. Chemis-
try begun.- ■
Second Term. — Civil Government. Latin continued. Chem-
istry continued.
ThirdfTerm. — Physical Geography. Latin continued. Geol-
ogy.
Four "recitations in each branch per week.
Wednesday an off day, with a different programme, includ-
ing Compositions, Declamations, Reading, Spelling, Drawing,
and other miscellaneous recitations as shall be deemed most im-
portant at the time.
THE CENTRE SCHOOL,
Grammar Department.
Miss Fannie L. Perry, - - Teacher.
■ The school has counted more in results than in numbers.
Owing to change in residence and transient causes the member-
ship of the school has been less than in some years. Yet the
rare experience, tact and quiet efiB-ciency of the instruction has
compensated. The scholars have made rapid and thorough ad-
vancement in all branches of knowledge and done it happily to
their own credit and that of the Teacher.
Primary Department.
Miss Bessie M. Ball, - - - Teacher.
The same felicity and fervor in the management of the
school which have been noted in former years still remain. The
40
hum of busy and cheery work goes on the same in storm and
in sunshine. The day's routine is a pastime, but it is more.
Good thorough scholarship is obtained in the essential rudiments
which are the basis of progress in the higher studies.
THE NORTH SCHOOL,
Mr. Joseph W. Godfrey has remained in charge through the
year. SprightlinesSj cleanliness and a rapid succession of classes
is the usual programme. More time is needed for thorough drill
in the elementary branches. The teacher labors diligently and
fervently and has at heart the best interests of the school, and
it is always a pleasure to look in upon the happy company.
THE EAST SCHOOL.
Spring Term.
Miss Minnia E. Tenney, - - Teacher.
She spared no efforts to make the school a success. She was
a good, faithful scholar herself, and had enjoj-ed the advantages
of Normal training and some experience in teaching. She met
with discouragements in the classification and tone of the school.
At the end of the term the public examination showed her labors
had not been in vain. A very gratifying programme was pre-
sented to the visitors, and complimentary remarks were made by
gentlemen from Littleton and the Committee.
Fall and Winter Term.
Miss Susie A. Wetherbee, - - Teacher.
There seemed to be a mutual congratulation between teacher,
pupils, committee, and parents upon the return of Miss Wether-
bee tocher "old stand. She has taken up the reins of government
with a firm hand, and the scholars have yielded to her guidance
apparently saying, '-only steer to some sure station and we will
gladly bow to your nod." Real progress has been made. The
tests given show it. What is needed in this, and all our schools,
is the same, — Drill, drill, drill ; crosswise, up and down, around
about, here a little, there a good deal, and some more afterwards.
The multiplication table, and all the other tables, must be so in_
41
corporated in the mind that they cannot drop out, or be shaken
from their moorings, though fire, music and the blizzard all com-
bine to disturb their equilibrium.
THE SOUTHEAST SCHOOL.
Miss Laura A. Brown, - - - Teacher.
The school was fortunate in being able to retain the services
of one so well equipped by experience, natural and acquired re-
sources, and a disposition to spend and be spent, for the good of
her pupils. The membership of the school, though variable, has
made some advance. Let the full co-operation of parents, pupils
and committee continue, and the months to come, like the months
that are gone, will be full of blessing to all concerned.
THE SOUTH SCHOOL.
Grammar Department.
Miss Fannie Houghton, - - Teacher.
Order combined with agreeable ease and natural freedom,
here meet in harmony. The teacher is an enthusiast in her pro-
fession, and the scholars are not slow to meet her half way, and
join hands for good work. iTo drones in the hive ? Yes, one or
two, and notice is hereby posted ; let them take warning. The
truant officer has been appointed, with full powers to clear the
premises, if necessary. The desks are too good for any but
studious and obedient occupants. It is but a few miles to the
Reform School, and railroad conveyance at that. The break of
two weeks in mid-winter, from sickness, was well covered, and
the different classes are in good position for the next campaign.
Primary Department.
Miss Viola S. Tuttle, - - - Teacher.
A year of earnest primary work by one who knows how to
do it, and does it, is reported, and this would not be if the schol-
ars had not said yes. The latest methods which experience has
tested and sanctioned, have been tried and the verdict is, "Better
try it again." The discouragements of the winter were bravely
met by the little sufferers, and the singing of birds is at hand.
42 j
WEST ACTON.
Grammar Department.
Miss Sarah Hopkinson, - - Teacher. i
i
This is the largest Grammar School in town, requiring all i
kinds of ability and graces in its successful management. Miss I
Hopkinson has encountered difficulties peculiar to the situation,
and has met them in a brave, heroic spirit, and if she has not ac-
complished all that her ambition has sought, she has accom- j
plished what has laid the committee and the district under last- i
ing obligation. The methods of instruction have been thorough, ]
the order good, and the progress in the different branches satis- \
factory. The scholars stand the tests, however put, orally or by |
written examination in a creditable manner. Let there be mu- ;
tual understanding and charitable judgments between scholars, ^
teacher, parents and committee and a hearty co-operation of all, \
for the happiest issue.
Primary Department. |
Miss C. Lettie Newton, - - Teacher. ]
The past commendations of this school and teacher, bear re- |
peating and that is perhaps enough to be said. Let the good |
work go on. ;
Respectfully submitted, \
JAMES PLETCHER, Superintendent, j
43
FINANCIAL REPORT.
To the Town of Acton :
Your School Committee hereby submit their report of the
expenses of the schools in town, by districts ; said expenses cov-
ering salaries of teachers, the cost of fuel, and care of school
buildings.
JAMES FLETCHEE,
CHAELES J. WILLIAMS,
GEOEGE E. KEYES,
WILLIAM S. JONES,
ANSON C. PIPEE,
CHAELES H, MEAD.
Centre District.
Paid Rev. James Fletcher for teachers, $700 00
'' care of house, 68 45
" fuel, 80 06
" incidentals, 3 20
cleaning school,
rooms, 2 78
a
$854 49
West District.
Paid C. H. Mead for teachers, $700 00
'' '' care of house, 78 17
" '^ fuel, 28 42
incidentals, 4 21
cleaning school-rooms, 6 40
4( (.(.
$817 20
South District.
Paid Anson C. Piper for teachers, $700 00
" "- care of house, 90 25
'" fuel, 45 35
" " cleaning school-rooms, 2 25
*^ ^^ incidentals, 3 78
$841 63
44
North District.
Paid George R.Keyes for teachers, $338 00
'^ '' fuel, 67 97
" " care of house, 23 50
cleaning school-rooms, 3 00
incidentals, 73
u u
vp-iUc*
£j\J
^as?^ District.
Paid C. J. Williams for teachers
$338 00
'' " care of house,
31
70
'' '' fuel.
48
12
*' '^ incidental,
1
60
$419
42
Southeast District.
Paid W. S. Jones for teachers.
$315
00
'* '' fuel,
38
53
'' " care of house,
17
00
$370
53
High School.
Paid C. H. Mead,
$240
00
" '^ care of house,
12
00
'' '' use of organ,
5
00
>■' '' fuel.
4
00
George Gardner for rent of piano and
mu-
sic for graduating exercises,
ll
04
George Gardner for rent of organ.
6
00
A. W. Armstrong for teaching.
480
00
Rev. James Fletcher, care of house.
8
00
'' '• fuel,
4
00
Anson C. Piper care of house,
15
00
'' '' fuel,
10
00
" " rent of organ.
5
00
$800
04
School Supplies.
Paid T. F. Newton,
$14
62
C. H. Mead,
321
19
Rev. James Fletcher,
11
90
<^^A7
71
45
TABULAR STATEMENT FOR 1887-88.
a
tW
.&
3
6
i
m
a
>j
^
u
c«
©
rjj
xj .
r^ m
^
s
e3
c^
1— 1
r>^^
as
«
>>
%.
^
een 8 and
SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS.
J"
1
u
p
10
10
^
I
<
t
Acton High,
A. W. Armstrong,
Miss Fannie L. Perry,
36
47
40.3
36
47
38
9
Centre Grammar,
35
18
15
13.3
18
1
18
Centre Primary,
' Bessie M. Ball,
35
24
19
16
1
18
15
South Grammar,
" Fannie M. Houghton,
35
32
28
24.7
32
1
31
South Primary,
" Viola S. Tuttle,
35
43
32.1
27.7
43
22
West Grammar,
" Sarah Hopkinson,
35
42
35.87
33.98
42
4
38
West Primary,
" C. Lettie Newton,
35
45
42.5
38.5
1
44
17
North,
Joseph W. Godfrey,
35
31
23
2.22
35
2
20
East,
Miss Susie A. Wetherbee,
35
32
26.5
22.5
32
1
20
South East,
" Laura A. Brown,
35
23
17
13.2
1
22
23
Number between 5 and 15 years, as reported by the Assessors for the year 1887, 269.
TOWN WARRANT.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Middlesex, ss.
To either constable of the Town of Acton, in said country y
GREETING:
You are hereby required, in the name of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts, to notify the legal voters of said Town of
Acton, to meet at the Town Hall, on Monday, the second day
of April, A. D. 1888, at 1 o'clock P. M., by posting copies of
this warrant, by you attested, at the Post Office, at the centre
of the town, also, at the stores of Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee,
Mead & Stone, and Isaac W. Flagg, at the Magog House and in
all the railroad stations in said town seven days at least before
the time appinted for said meeting, then and there to act upon
the following articles as they may think proper, viz.:
Akticle 1. To choose a Moderator to preside at said meet-
ing.
Art. 2. To fill all vacancies in the list of town officers.
Art. 3. To see what amount of money the town will raise
for the Support of Schools the present year, and how it shall be
expended.
Art. 4. To see what amount of money the town will raise to
repair the Poads the present year, and how it shall be expended.
Art. 5. To see what amount of money the town will raise
to defray Town Charges for the present year.
Art. 6. To see if the town will instruct the School Com-
mittee to appoint a Superintendent of Schools.
Art. 7. To see if the town will choose a Superintendent of
Burials.
Art. 8. To consider and act upon the acceptance of the
Jury List as revised by the Selectmen.
Art. 9. To see if the towu will vote to accept the reports
of the Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor, School Committee and
other town officers.
Art. 10. To see if the town will authorize the Treasurer,
with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money for the
town, if necessary, in anticipation of the taxes for the current
year.
Art. 11. To vote by ballot Yes or No, in answer to the
question, Shall licenses be granted for the sale of intoxicating
liquors in this town the present year ?
Art. 12. To see if the town will instruct the Selectmen to
finish off a room in the lower story of the town house and build
a fire proof vault or safe in connection therewith.
Art. 13. To see if the town will prohibit the use of fire
crackers.
Art. 14. To hear and act upon the reports of any commit-
tees chosen to report at this meeting.
Art. 15. To see if the town will instruct the Selectmen to
prohibit coasting and ball playing on the public highways.
Art. 16. To see if the town will appropriate and pay Geo.
M. Pike $125.00 for his re-enlistment on Acton quota as a vete-
ran in the late war, or take any action thereon.
Art. 17. To see if the town will ^appropriate the sum of
one hundred and fifty dollars for Memorial Day, or take any action
thereon.
Hereof fail not and make due return of this warrant to us
with your doings thereon at or before the time appointed for said
meeting.
Given under our hands this sixteenth day of March in the
year eighteen hundred and eighty-eight.
J. W. DUPEE, ) Selectmen
T. F. NOYES, V of
H.B.WHITE, ) Acton.
TOWN OFFICERS FOR 1888,
J. W. DUPEE,
Selectmen.
Thomas F. Noyes,
Town Clerk.
William D. Tuttle.
HowAKD B. White.
Phineas Wetherbee,
Elisha H. Cutler,
Chauncy B. Bobbins.
(One Vacancy.)
Assessors.
J. W. Dupee,
Overseers of the Poor.
Lyman C. Taylor,
School Comrtdttee.
Rev. James Fletcher and Anson C. Piper for 3 years.
Charles J. Williams and George R. Keyes for 2 years.
William S. Jones and one vacancy for 1 year.
Highway Surveyors.
Charles Wheeler and Nahum Littlefield.
John Fletcher,
Nahum C. Reed,
W^M. B. Davis,
Geo. H. Harris,
Cemetery Committee.
Wm. W. Davis,
Fence Viewers.
O. W. Mead
Surveyors of Lumber.
E. F. Richardson,
E. J. ROBBINS,
Levi W. Stevens.
Francis Hosmer.
L. W. Stevens,
Herbert T. Clark,
Jon A. P. Fletcher, Chas. A. Brooks.
Surveyors of Wood.
Wm. B. Davis, Geo. H. Harris, Solomon L. Dutton,
Isaac W. Flaog, Chas. H. Taylor, John F. Davis,
Herbert T. Clark, Henry D. Parlin, Chas. H. Mead,
Chas. J. Williams, Jona. P. Fletcher.
Surveyors of Hoops and Staves.
David M. Handley, Augustus Fletcher.
Collector for 1887.
John E. Cutter.
Treasurer for 18^.
J. K. W. Wetherbee.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS
OF THE
Town of Acton,
FROM
February 26, 1888, to February 26, 1889.
ACTON :
The Enterprise Steam Job Print.
1889.
TREASURER'S REPORT.
Town of Aclon in Account with J. K. W. Wetherbee, Treasurer.
1889. Dr
Feb. 26. To cash paid, State tax, f 1,665 00
" '' County tax, 934 27
'• '" on Selectmen's or-.
ders, 14,442 13
" Outstanding orders, 1,226 36
" Balance due the town, 1,865 83
-$20,133 59
1888. Cr.
'S
Feb. 26. By Balance in the treasury,
$799 56
Eeceived of Town of Harvard for aid fur-
nished Barzillai Lawrence,
17 00
City of Lowell, for aid fur-
nished William R. Davis,
51 28
Chapel Society, rent of school
room to April 1, 1888,
33 00
John Fletcher, for lots sold in
Woodlawn Cemetery,
45 00
L. W. Stevens, for lots sold in
Mt. Hope Cemetery,
38 00
State Treasurer, corporation
tax.
808 96
State Treasurer, National bank
tax,
560 29
State Treasurer, State aid.
chap. 252, acts of 1879,
138 00
vState Treasurer, State aid,
chap. 301, acts of 1879,
142 00
State Treasurer, income Mass.
school fund.
158 54
State Treasurer, revenue Mass.
school fund,
142 6J
County Treasurer, on account
of Dog licenses for the
year 1888,
Varnum Tuttle, borrowed
money,
J. K. W. Wetherbee, bor-
rowed money,
Julian Tuttle, rent of Towm
hall and cellar,
Julian Tuttle, for old iron sold
J. E. Cutter, for taxes of 1887, 1,448 13 i
A. F. Blanchard, for taxes of '
1888, 13,047 22 ]
Interest on money in Bank. 80 09 \
^20,133 59 I
J. K. W. WETHERBEE, Treasurer of Acton.
$218
83
1894
80
421
45
80
72
8
15
SELECTMEN'S REPORT,
SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS.
Center District.
Paid Rev. James Fletcher, for teachers, $720 00
'^ ^ " care of house, 67 62
fuel, 48 33
•' " cleaning rooms, 3 87
" incidentals, 9 45
$849 27
West District.
Paid A. A. Wyman, Esq., for teachers, $720 00
" ' '' care of house, 78 00
fuel, 63 94
^' " cleaning rooms, 5 00
$866 94
South District.
North District.
Paid G. R. Keyes, for teachers, $360 00
" " care of house, 24 50
fuel, 38 12
" " incidentals, 43
East District,
Paid C. J. Williams, for teachers, $360 00
" " care of house 36 00
fuel, 52 82
$423 05
.f 448 82
Paid A. C. Piper, for teachers, $720 00
'^ " care of house, 90 00 ]
" fbel, 53 72 j
" " cleaning rooms, 4 05 1
*' " incidentals, 3 75 i
$871 52 ]
South-East District.
Paid W. S. Jones, for teachers,
" " care of house,
fuel,
" " cleaning rooms,
" " incidentals.
High School.
Paid A. W. Armstrong, for teaching,
fuel,
A. A. Wyman, Esq., cleaning school
rooms,
A. C. Piper, moving schoolroom fur-
niture,
Geo. Gardner, rent of piano,
" " rent ot organ,
. "^ " moving organ,
" " care of rooms.
$324
00
15
00
26
38
2
00
I
42
$720 00
25
00
3
00
1
50
10
00
15
00
1
00
34
00
SCHOOL SUPPLIES.
Paid C. H. Mead,
Rev. James Fletcher,
Geo. Gardner, for music.
PRINTING.
Paid J. F. Wood, for 500 sheet reports,
600 book reports,
" " town warrants,
" " reward notices,
" " voting lists,
H. S. Turner, for poll tax lists
iVgustine Hosmer, for notices,
" " treasurer's orders,
W. D. Tuttle, getting posters printed.
STATE AID.
Paid Benjamin Skinner, chap. 252, acts 1879,
Ola Nelson, "
Allen G. Smith,
Richard G. Dane, chap. 301, acts 1879,
J.uke Smith,
$27
08
350
88
1
36
$10
00
69
50
9
50
1
50
8
25
9
00
60
1
65
1
33
, $96 00
48 00
60
00
, 60
00
48
00
$368 80
$809 50
$379 32
$111 33
Mrs. Mary Smith, chap. 301, acts 1879, $48 00
Rebecca C. Wright, " " 48 00
W. F. B. Whitney, " " 15 00
Mary J. Brown, " . " 18 00
SUPPORT OF POOR.
Paid Luke Blanchard, deficiency on Town
Farm, 1887, $110 42
E. H. Cutler, for cows bought for Town
Farm in 1888, 206 00
E. H. Cutler, support of Clara Wheeler, 169 92
A. L. Brooks, 131 85
Frank Brooks, 28 32
" " balance on support of E.
Bergendahl, 46
E. H. Cutler, aid furnished W.R.Davis, 51 28
E. F. Town, 137 00
Redding
familv,
E. H. Cutler, aid furnished Mrs. Mar-
shal Jones,
E. H. Cutler, aid furnished Mrs. Ruth
Pike,
E. H. Cutler, aid furnished T- E. Harris,
Elijah Bryan,
Mrs. John
Quinlan,
E. H. Cutler, aid furnished Mrs. Abbie
Sibley,
E. H. Cutler, aid furnished Mrs.
Russell,
E. H. Cutler, aid furnished Nancy A.
Whitcomb,
E. H. Cutler, looking up case of J. H.
Whitney,
E. H. Cutler, expenses to Lowell re-
specting E. Bryan,
E. H. Cutler, expenses to Westford re-
specting Wm. Piper,
E. H. Cutler, expenses to Marlboro re-
specting Mrs. Marshal Jones,
E. H. Cutler, expenses to Rockbottom
respecting Mrs. Marshal Jones,
E. H. Cutler, expenses to Mansfield, re-
$441 00
25
00
121
42
52
126
28
00
36
71
93
77 .
59 75
22
67
,8
00
4
68
1
50
2
00
1
50
1
00
8
specting Frank Brooks, ' 4 00
E. H. Cutler, postage, 1 39
aid furnished Mrs. Trainor 76 26
$1,465 26
CEMETERY EXPENSES.
Paid North Acton Granite Co., cutting date
on tomb in Mount Hope cemetery, $8 00
^L. W. Stevens, labor in Mount Hope
Cemetery, 58 85
Nathan Johnson, labor in North Acton
Cemetery, 5 00
Nathan Johnson, labor in Woodlawn
Cemetery, 50 20
John Fletcher, repairs on pump in
Woodlawn Cemetery, 40
John Fletcher, trimming trees in Wood-
lawn Cemetery, 1 50
Wm. D. Tuttie, laying out lots, 1 75
$125 70
EXPENSES OF ROADS AS LAID OUT BY COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS.
Paid M. A. Reed and Julian Tuttie, for lay-
ing wall on Littleton road,
M. A. Reed and Julian Tuttie, drilling
and blasting on Littleton road,
Nahum Littlefield, labor on Littleton
road,
Chas. Wheeler, labor on Littleton road, 131 47
H. T. Clark, award of damages,
A. W. Gardner, "
E. Hall,
Amasa Knowlton, " "
W. T. Mason,
W. S. Mead,
A. W. Gardner, moving wall to new
lines ot road,
E. Hall, moving fence to new lines of
road,
Amasa Knowlton, moving fence to new
lines of road,
Dep. sheriff H. C. Sherwin, services on
Hall road,
$881 98
$28
00
10
00
211
60
131
47
50 00
15
00
125
00
5
00
100 00
100
00
70
81
15
00
10 00
10
10
EXPENSES ON ROADS AND BRIDGES.
Paid Chas. Wheeler, regular highway work
Center division, $601 70
Nahum Littlefield, regular highway
work, West division. 616 15
Chas. Wheeler, regular highway work,
South division, 250 91
Nahum LittlefTeld, regular highway
work South division, 361 70
Tuttles, Jones and Wetherbee, breaking-
out roads,
J. W. Dupee, breaking out roads
J. F. Jones
A. C. Piper,
Abel Cole,
Francis Pratt, "
Nahum Littlefield, "
A. L. Tuttle,
J. P. Tenny,
Chas. Wheelev,
J. E. Cutter,
E. Jones, "
F. H. Whitcomb, "
A. H. Jones, breaking out roads and
repairing washouts,
Chas. Wheeler, repairing washouts.
South division,
Chas. Wheeler, repairing washouts Cen-
ter division,
Nahum Littlefield, repairing washouts,
Abel Cole, repairing culvert,
American Powder Mills, repairing
washouts,
A. H. Jones, repairing road and bridge,
F. R. Knowiton, for gravel used in
1887.
F. E.. Knowiton, gravel,
E. F. Conant,
F. D. K. Hoar,
Chas. Wheeler,
Thomas McCarthy, for stone and labor
on powder mill bridge,
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, for drain
pipe for sluice near Hall's mill,
Nahum Littlefield, building cesspool and
sluice,
23 08
24 56
2 00
4 35
7 68
20 30
23 35
16 35
4 00
72 26
32 00
2 48
26 25
26 77
48 12
60
50
23
25
50
2
50
6 60
1
70
6
35
4
50
4
05
20 81
13 00
27 12
9 00
10
Paid Nahum Littlefield, freight on drain pipe,
^1 56
E. Jones & Co., for hard pine plank
for bridge at East Acton,
64 35
Chas. Wheeler, labor on bridge at East
Acton,
7 28
J. P. Brown, iron work for sluice,
96
S. Jones, Jr., labor on sluice.
1 37
E. Jones & Co., lumber and nails,
2 10
Nahum Littlefield, covering stone,
1 00
" " powder and fuse,
6 85
blacksmith's bill,
11 61
Chas. Wheeler, repairing scraper.
75
" " powder and fuse,
5 10
stone.
3 00
" " blacksmith's bill,
9 13
" " scraper pole,
3 50
" " 2 stone picks.
1 75
" " 3 rakes,
135
" " 2 handles.
50
lumber.
24
" " repairing plow,
50
" " plow handle.
1 75
®0>ICO KA
V*"*V^U W±
REPAIRS ON TOWN BUILDINGS.
Paid C. J. Williams, repairs East schoolhouse, $35 04
C. J. Williams, outside window for
East schoolhouse, 14 70
Horace E,. Hosmer, repairs on the East
schoolhouse, 5 10
L. U. Holt, pump and tubing for East
schoolhouse, 9 10
L. U. Holt, labor on pump at East
schoolhouse, 3 50
L. U. Holt, labor and repairs on stove.
East school-house, 5 15
A. C. Piper, putting partition in base-
ment South school-house, 14 60
Francis Jones, painting in South school-
house, 5 88
A. C. Piper, repairs and grading at
South school-house, 14 47
L. U. Holt, repairs on stove at South
school-house, 3 75
W. S. Jones, outhouse and vault for
Southeast school-house, 15 00
11
Paid W. S. Jones, for repairs on Southeast
school-house, $2 57
Francis Jones, for painting in Southeast
school-house, 2 58
G. E,. Keyes, repairs on North school-
house, 5 73
A. A. Wyman, for new seats and setting
up the same in West school-house, 27 00
A. A. Wyman, for repairs on West
school-house, 32 37
Rev. James Fletcher, repairs and grad-
ing at Center school-house, 30 11
TOWN OFFICERS.
Paid Phineas Wetherbee, services as Assessor, $ 40 00
J. W. Dupee, " ^' 25 00
C. B. Robbins, " '' 25 00
L. U. Holt, sealing weights and meas-
ures, 10 00
C. B. Stone, services as Registrar of
voters to Oct. 1, 1888, 12 00
Spofford Robbins, services as Registrar
of voters pro tem, 2 00
J. C. Cutter, collecting taxes for 1887, 90 00
Rev. James Fletcher, services as Supt.
of schools, 125 00
J. K. W. Wetherbee, services as Treas., 45 00
Wm. D. Tuttle, services as Registrar of
voters to May 1, 1888, 15 00
Wm. D. Tuttle, services as Town Clerk, 25 00
J. W. Dupee, services as Selectman, Sb 00
T. F. Noyes, '' ^' 45 00
Howard B. White, services as vSelectman, 45 00
MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES.
Paid Nathan Johnson, repairing pump, % 1 25
F. R. Knowlton, for Memorial day, 125 00
E. Jones & Co., coal for Town Hall, 28 31
Garfield & Co., painting and lettering
guide boards, 4 50
Francis Jones, painting guide board, 75
Thomas McCarthy, stone guide post, 2 55
" ^' ' 18 bound stones, 7 65
$226 65
$589 00
12
Paid Chas. Wheeler, for teaming and setting
bound stones at West Acton and
Powder mills, $11 85
Nathan Johnson, labor on monument
ground^,
Nathan Johnson, labor on monument.
"• '' repairing Hag,
'' "' flag rope and putting
. up same,
L. E. Reed, attending 24 burials.
*' "' services at Magog pond, per
order of Fish Commissioners,
Mrs. L. A. Melone, reward lor securing
conviction of illegal sale of liquors.
J. E. Cutter, summoning 16 persons to
take tile oath ot office.
James Kinsley, use of road for Hurley.
Phineas Wetherbee, expenses to get poll
tax lists printed,
Tutdes, Jones & Wetherbee. 3 Assessors'
books,
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee. Tax Col-
lector's book,
Dr. C. B. Saunders, services in Board of
Health case of Mis. Bancroft,
Dr. A. C. Liver more, services in Board
of Health case of Mrs. Bancroft,
Dr. C. B. Saunders, leporting 45 births
to town clerk,
Heirs of Jonathan Wheeler, lease of
gravel bank for 25 vears,
J. E. Cutter, abatement on C. L. Hey-
wood est., tax for 1880.
J. E. Cutter, abatement on C. L. Hey-
wood est., tax for 1887,
J. E. Cutter, abatements on taxes of 1887,
as certified by the Assessors.
A. F. Blanchard. abatement on C. L.
Hey wood est., tax for 1888.
A. F. Blanchard, abatement on Henry
Haynes tax,
A. F. Blanchard, abatements for 1888 as
certified by the Assessors.
A. F. Blanchard, discount on taxes for
1838, 736 80
2
50
1
50
60
3
50
72
00
3000
50
00
2
00
8
50
1
25
1
12
1
25
2
25
2
50
11
25
46
26
10
92
13
26
106
10
12
48
:i
00
34
00
13
Paid M. E. Taylor & Co., supplies for town
hall, $12 32
Julian Tuttle, 1 cord wood for town hall, 5 00
" '' care of town hall and clock, 58 00
Wm. D. Tuttle, tor record book, 30
'' " expense of getting voting
lists printed, 1 00
Wm. D. Tuttle, surveying and making
deed of Wheeler heirs' gravel pit.
Wm. D. Tuttle, for express,
" " postage and stationery,
" '' recording 24 deaths,
" '' '' 13 marriages,
" '' collecting and recording
40 births,
L E. Reed, making 22 returns of deaths,
A. F. Blanchard, abatements as ceitified
by the Assessors,
3 50
1 85
2
03
4
40
1
95
20
00
5
50
29
06
TEMPORARY LOANS PAID.
Paid Mrs. Angie D. Hill, note and interest, $445 77
J. K. W. Wetherbee, " '' 424 61
Varnum Tuttle, " -' 1981 64
BOUNTY TAX REFUNDED.
Paid Mrs. Sybil Miller, $4 SS
A. C. Handley, 6 16
Handlev & Hosmer, 1 44
RECEIPTS AND APPROPRIATIONS.
Balance in treasury Feb. 26, 1888, $799 56
due from collector of taxes, Feb.
26, 1888, • 1448 10
Appropriation for t wn charges, 5000 30
support of schools, 4100 00
for roads. 1800 00
overlay ings, 279 72
State tax, 1665 00
County tax, 934 27
$1477 31
$2852 02
$12 48
14
Rec'd of Varnum Tuttle, borrowed money,
J. K. W. Wetherbee, ^'
State Treasurer, corporation tax,
" " National bank tax,
'• '' State Aid, acts '79,
chap. 252,
'' ' State Aid, acts '79,
chap. 301,
" " income Mass. school
fund,
" '* revenue Irom Mass.
school fund,
County treasurer, dog- fund.
Chapel society, rent of school-room
to April 1, 1888,
L. W. Stevens, lots sold in Mount
Hope cemetery,
John Fletcher, lots sold in Wood-
lawn cemetery.
Interest on money in bank,
Julian Tuttle, rent of Town Hall
and cellar,
Town of Harvard, for aid furnished
Barzdlia Lawrence,
City of Lowell, for aid furnished to
William R. Davis,
Julian Tuttle. old iron sold,
$1894 80
421 45
808 96
560 2a
138
00
142
00
158
54
142
218
57
83
33
00
38
00
45
80
60
00
80
72
17
00
51
8
28
15
$20,-865 36
EXPENDITURES.
For Center school, $849 27
West School, 866 94
South school, 871 52
North school, 423 05
East school, 448 S2
Southeast school, 368 80
High school, 809 50
School supplies. 379 32
Printing, ' 111 33
State Aid, 441 00
Support of poor, 1465 26
Cemetery expenses, 125 70
Roads ordered by Co. Commissioners, 881 98
Jloads and oridges, ^468 54
15
Repairs on town buildings,
Town officers,
1226 65
589 00
Miscellaneous,
1477 31
Temporary loan paid,
Bounty tax refunded,
State tax,
2852 02
12 48
1665 00 '
County tax,
r934 27
$18,267 76
nee due from collector,
731 77
due from treasurer.
1865 83
mce in favor of the town,
2597 60
$20,865 36
JOB W. DUPEE, ) Selectmen
THOMAS F. NOYES, >- of
HOWARD B. WHITE, ) Acton.
Acton, Feb. 27, 1889.
4.
Jan.
12
5.
Feb.
8.
6.
Feb.
24.
7.
Mar.
9
8.
Mar.
13
9.
May
10
10.
May
16
11.
May
24
12.
June
21.
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT
FOR i888-
BIRTHiJI RSCil^^TfBED IN ACTON IN:5I888.
No. Date of Birth. Name of Child. Names of parents.
1. Jan. 1. James William, son of Frank and Margaret Moan.
2. Jan. 2. In Passadena, Cal., Raymond Franklin, son of J.
Edward and Susie E. Durkee.
3. Jan. 7. Grace Florence, daughter of Wm. and Charlotte E.
Barnes.
Harry Olin, son of Wm. H. and liOra M. Hartwell.
Helen Winifred, daughter of Edgar H. and Angie Hall.
Guy Edward, son of Norman A. and M. Alice Davidson.
Arthur Frederic, son of Olin L. and Mary J. Wright.
Earle Frank, son of Walter E. and Nettie F. Hayward.
Sarah Etta, daughter of Amos H. and Etta C. Hayward.
Richard Francis, son of James and Annie Kinsley.
Carroll A. M., son of George B. and Carrie B. Gowen.
Ethel Florence, daughter of Frank H. and Ellen M.
Thompson.
13. July 7. Harold Stanley, son of Frank R. and Emma S. Knowl-
ton.
Joseph, son of Sevior and May Grace Mahony.
Ruth Frances, daughter of Nathan F. and Adelle E.
Derby.
Roswel, son of George W. and Sarah E. Stearns.
Benjamin Harrison, son of Thomas J. and Kate Sawyer.
Wilbert Melvin, son of William and Catherine A.
Tucker.
Alonzo, son of Allen and Bessie Leonard.
Carl Edward, son of Edward and Ora Anna Willis.
Percy Leroy, son of John W. and Eliza Jane Hudson.
Carl Roland, son of Samuel, Jr. and Emma E. Jones.
May Belle, daughter of John and Anna M. Maynes.
Arthur Roland, son of Roswell L. and Anna B. Tuttle.
Benjamin F. B., son of Fredson P. and Mattie M. Brooks*
Gertie Alma, daughter of James A. and Nettie Fowler.
Charles Herbert, son of Byron W. and Hattie Belle
Austin.
a daughter to Charles H. and Hannah R. Clark.
Sarah Lizzie, daughter of Thomas and Maria C. hcan-
lan.
14.
July
9.
15.
July
17.
16.
Aug.
2.
17.
Aug.
18.
18.
Aug.
27.
19.
Aug.
27.
20.
Sept.
19
21.
Sept.
20.
22.
Sept.
20.
23.
Oct.
5.
24.
Oct.
10.
25.
Oct.
17.
26.
Oct.
20.
27.
Oct.
24
28.
Oct.
30
29.
Nov.
2.
17
30.
31.
32.
33
34.
25.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
No.
1.
2.
3.
Nov. 8.
a daughter to Charles B. and Lizzie S. Sandeis.
Nov. 13 riareiice Warren, son of Wm G. and Sarah R. Brown.
Nov. 20. Ruth Jane, daughter of .James B. and Mary A. Wheeler.
Nov. 24. Ada Elizabeth, daughter of Wm. O, and Elizabeth J.
Banks.
Nov. 25. Marion Celeste, daughter of S. Hammond and Ma)y B.
Taylor.
Nov. 28. John, son of Michael and Mary Welch.
Dec. 5. Bess Josephine, daughter of VVedster C. and Amelia H;
Bobbins.
Dec. 5. A son to Hattie Mabel Hall.
Dec. 10. Bertha F'rances, daughter of Frederic W. and Catherine
M. Greene.
Dec. 12. Antoinette Ammidown, daughter of Franklin D. and
Lucietta Barker.
Dec. 25. Lawrence William, son of Frederic G. and Mary Ann
Jones.
No.
lUARRIAOEit RXICOKUED IN ACTON MN lS!!i8.
, Date. Names and Residence of Parties.
Feb. 22. Charles J. Holton and .Jennie A. Bean, both of Acton.
Mar. 21. Joseph F. Edwards and Ada C. Baily, both of Maynard.
April 25. Michael O. Kerrigan of Concord and Annie Gallagher of
Acton.
June 25. Fremont 8. Vining of ' hillips, Me., and Ada F. Willard
of Acton.
June 27. Frank Arthur Teele of Somerville and Mabel Richard-
son of Acton.
Sept. 5. Charles M. Kimball of Haverhill and Carrie E. Jones of
Acton.
Sept. 5. David H. Bezanson and Ida M. Foote, both of Acton.
Oct. 2. William A. Flint of Concord and Estella D. Heath of
Acton
Oct. 24. Frederick L. Burke and Addie H. Barker, both of Acton.
Nov. 14. Horace M. Howard of Lexington and Lucy A. Jones of
Acton.
Nov. 25. Thomas Anegues of Acton and Mary Haley of Marlboro.
Nov. 27. Samuel A. Dorrison of Clinton and Mary W. Wheeler of
Acton.
Dec. 13. Thomas Miller and Livina E. Demmons, both of May-
nard.
I
]>C:ATI1$!( RKCORnED IN ACTON IN 18S8.
Date. Names of Deceased.
Jan. 1. Franklin White, aged 39 years, 27 days.
Jan. 29. Mr. Gains W. Allen, aged 83 years.
Feb. 1. Mary D. Farrar, aged 20 years, 4 months, 15 days.
18
4. Feb. 3. Lizzie S., daughter of Anson C. and Ellen Piper, aged
2 months, 2 days.
5. Feb. 11. Mrs. Eliza A. G. Barker, wife of Isaac Barker, aged 77
years, 1 month, 5 days.
6. Feb. 22. Mary F. Davis, aged 54 years, 9 months, 16 days.
7. Mar. 9. Sarah E. Eobbins, aged 64 years, 3 months, 23 days.
8. Mar. 15. Sarah J. Houghton, wife of Geo. H. 8. Houghton, aged
53 years, 8 months, 16 days.
9. Mar. 9. Mrs. Rachel C. Conant, wife of Joel H. Conant, aged 75
years, 10 months, 12 days.
Mrs. Abigail P. Durkee, aged 65 years.
Mr. John Hairis, aged 86 years, 5 month, 13 days.
Mr. James F. Jones, aged 58 years, 6 months.
William S. Sanford, aged 23 years, 5 months, 10 days.
Lewis M. Finney.
Edward O. Neil, aged 50 years.
Mrs. Hepsabeth A. Piper, wife of Jona A. Piper, aged
80 years, 3 months, 20 days.
Edward J. O'Neil, aged 27 years.
Mrs. Melvina M. Bancroft, aged 72 yrs, 4 mos., 14 days.
Sarah A. Barton, aged 68 years, 5 months, 4 days.
William Martin, aged 33 years.
Mr. David M. Handley, aged 86 years, 5 months, 7 days.
Mr. Cyrus Barker, aged 85 years, 11 months.
Mrs. Sarah A. Conant, wife of Chas. A. Conant, aged 65
years, 1 month, 24 days.
24. Dee. 16. Mary E. Puffer, aged 34 years.
10.
April
30.
11.
May
20.
12.
July
25.
13.
Aug.
10.
14.
Aug.
10.
15.
Aug.
15.
16.
Aug.
21.
17.
Aug.
30.
18.
Sept.
19.
19.
Sept.
22.
20.
Nov.
10.
21.
Nov.
15.
22.
Nov.
22.
23.
Dec.
2.
19
IVA.TIES OF PER^OrViHI H^VIMQ OOGS L.ICEIVS^ED IIV ACTOIV IN
18SS, WITH THE AfWEOUIVT RECEIVED FRO.n EACH.
David Shapley,
$2
John Temple,
$2
Fred E. Wetlierbee,
2
Geo. R. Keyes,
2
Samuel E. Miller,
2
Francis Pratt,
■'.2
Moses A. Reed,
2
Sylvester Haynes,
2
Michael Kerrisran,
2
Eliza Haynes,
2
Chas. B. Stone,
2
Forbush & Hartwell,
5
Mead and Stone,
2
Dan McCarthy, 2d,
2
Frances Stone,
2
Geo. W. Tuttle,
,2
E, Eddie Fletcher,
2
W. F. Stevens,
2
Chas. J. Williams,
2
T. J. Sawyer,
5
F. W. Green,
2
L. V. Clough,
2
Albert Moulton,
2
W. F. Kelley,
2
E. J. Robbins,
2
F. Rouillard,
2
Charles Varney,
2
Chas. B. Sanders,
4
A. W. Gardner,
2
F. S. Whitcomb,
2
Joshua Sawyer,
4
M. J. Worthley,
2
A. F. Sargent, i
2
Chauncy B. Robbins,
4
A. L. Lawrence,
9
J. R. Bassett,
2
Mrs. Geo. F. Flagg,
2
H. M. Smith,
2
George H. Books,
2
Moses Taylor,
2
Antoine Bulette,
2
L. U. Holt,
2
Daniel Tuttle,
2
Thomas Calder,
2
Thomas Mannion,
2
Ed. H. Jones,
2
Geo. B. Gowen,
2
Chas. Wheeler,
5
Cyrus Hayward,
2
Geo. Conant,
2
Walter E. Hayward,
2
Stephen E. Martin,
2
John Fletcher,
2
Geo. T. Knowlton,
2
F. W. Houghton,
2
Henry Hanson,
2
Otis H. Forbush,
2
R. B. Knowlton,
2
J. K. W. Wetherbee,
2
Isaac S. Ford,
2
Elnathan Jones,
2
L. E. Reed,
2
Tuttle, Jones & Wetherbee,
4
Eil. O'Neil,
2
Daniel F. Farrar,
2
W. H. Teele,
2
Willie S. Fletcher,
2
J. C. Gates,
2
Augustus Fletcher,
2
Willis L. Mead,
2
Dana F. Hayward,
2
H. A. I.ittlefield,
2
D. J. Wetherbee,
2
F. W. Gray,
2
Solon A. Robbins,
2
Isaac Barker,
2
Ollie D. Wood,
2
Geo C. Wright,
2
Oscar H. Thompson,
2
Geo. A. Conant,
2
David M. Handley,
2
A. L. Tuttle,
2
Amasa Knowlton,
2
C. J. Holton,
7
Jeremiah McCarthy,
2
C. H. Holton,
2
0. A. Knowlton,
2
Fred Gilmore,
2
20
James D. roburn,
2
Hezman Chaplin,
2
A. L. Noyes,
•1
C. A. Harrington,
4
(r. H. S Houghton,
2
Webster < '. Robbins,
4
M. H. Wordeii,
2
Chas. H. Taylor,
2
Anson C. Piper,
2
(Jeo. C. Conant,
2
Chas. Morris.
2
A. P Wood,
2
.1. H. Hanaforcl,
2
Ra'ph Crooker,
2
J. W. Dupee,
2
X. Littlefield,
2
R. L. Reed,
')
(has. H. Wheeler,
2
Daniel Harris,
2
A. Risso,
9
J. tl. Standish,
2
F. R. Knowlton,
4
Henry Haynes,
2
Geo. Gai'dner,
2
Wm. B. Davis,
2
Moses E. Taylor,
2
Geo. T. KnowltrMi,
2
Henry Hanson,
2
Lutuer C'oiiant.
2
Eliza B, Cole,
2
Nathnn R. Pnlmer,
2
Henry L. Willard,
2
Allen G. Smith.
VVhole number of Dogs licensed
females, 6. Total amount received,
since last report, 183; males, 127;
$284.
WM. D. TUTTLE, Town Clerk.
21
Report of Receipts and Expenditures at the
Almshouse in Acton,
FOR THK YEAR ENDING FEBRUARY »8, 1889.
Articles on hand February id8< 18N9*
11 COWS, f 468 00
1 horse, 175 00
1 ton rye fodder, 12 00
12 tons hay, 216 00
Oat fodder, 4 00
Grain, 8 00
1 plough, 12 00
Horse rake 23 00
Mowing machine, 30 00
55 hens, 27 50
15 cords wood, 75 00
1 wagon, 70 00
Concord buggy, 15 00
15 bushels potatoes, 10 50
150 pounds salt pork, 18 00
Molasses, ... 3 00
Apples, 4 00
Barrels, 4 32
Soap, 2 00
Vinegar, 1 00
Canned fruit, 2 00
Crackers, 2 70
Flour, 2 50
Beans, 80
Lard, 2 40
Butter, 75
(3at meal, 50
Spices, 75
Coffee, 35
Tea 30
Eggs, 25
Salt, 50
Cream tartar, 35
Lumber. ....,,. *,,,-, , 15 00
$1207 47
22
RECEIPTS FROM TOWN FARM
From IVlarch I. INN8. to Ularch 1. I»i89.
Received for Apples, $334 74
Milk, 820 44
Calves, 16 75
Beef cow, 1 8 65
Labor, 11 00
Potatoes 14 85 ^
Cabbages, 91
Peaches, 1 10
Lumber, 2 00
Old ral<e, ,. . 2 00
Beans, 38
Peas 2 12
Pickles, 79
Eggs, -2 23
$1247 96
EXPENDITURES AT TOWN FARM
For the year eudine February i£8, 1N89.
Axes $ 2 40
Axe handles 40
Apple header, 1 00
Axle grease, 25
Alum, 10
Beans , 9 22
Butter,.... 47 09
Brooms 1 75
Boots and shoes, 7 95
Berries, 1 00
Brushes, 57
Barrels 43 86
Blacksmith bill, 18 44
Castings, , 7 71
Coal 24 72
Cream tartar, 1 84
Combs, 52
Covv^s, 206 00
Cocoa, 33
Crackers, . 34 77
Coffee, 6 98
Crockery, 4 28
Castor, 1 00
Celery, ,. 15
23
Curtains $ 1 65
Chimneys, 39
Cloth and clothing, 46 04
Campor 40
Clothes pins, 15
Cattle cards, 2.8
Cheese, 1 34
Disinfectant 20
Eggs 36
Evaporated apple, 1 55
Extracts, 1 15
Fruit jars 1 93
Fish,....' 10 27
Flower pots, 30
Flour, 33 54
Files, 30
Fly paper and powder 97
Fertilizer, 21 20
Glass, 2 40
Grain 442 15
Grafting trees, 7 25
Harrow teeth 1 00
Hinges and hooks, 34
Ham, 8 70
Horse rake, 23 50
Knives, 60
Lumber, 2 96
Lantern, 60
Locks, 30
Lime, 68
Labor 14 25
Lemons, 1 83
Measure, . 15
Meat, 105 55
Molasses, 14 30
Matches, 15
Nails, 4 10
Oat meal, 2 01
Ointment, 40
Oil, 4 65
Onions, 35
Poultry food, 6 40
Pails, 62
Paris green, 25
Pick handle, 33
Plough, 12 00
24
Paints, 1 88
Plaster, 35
Peppers, 35
Pigs, 12 00
Putty, 14
Potatoes, 18 16
Rosin, 15
Rings and staples, 14
Repairing harness, 7 05
Raisins, 1 44
Seeds, 8 00
Spices, ^ 2 69
Soda, 64
Stove polish, 48
Starch, 86
Saltpetre, 20
Spinage, 25
Soap, 5 50
Sulphur, 30
Salt 2 80
Spoons, 116
Sugar, 41 38
Scythes, 1 60
Saws, 85
Services of H. C. vScarlet and wife, 445 83
E. H. Cutler, 50 00
L. C. Taylor, 15 00
A. C. Handley, 6 00
Turpentine, " 1 13
Tomato plants, . 50
Tin ware, 70
Tea, 6 10
Tobacco, 50
Use of bull, 3 75
Vinegar, 2 40
Wire, 6 60
Wheelwright bill, 4 90
Whetstone, 50
Yeast, 1 10
$1,855 82
Expenditures, $1,855 82
Receipts, 1,247 96
Income less th^n expense, %■ 607 86
25
Drawn from the treasury,
Due from treasury to balance account,
Income less than expense,
Interest on farm,
Victualing and lodging 170 tramps at 40 cents,
Cost of supporting poor at farm, $779 86
Whole number of persons, exclusive ot tramps, supported at
almshouse, 7 ; average number, 5 1«2 ; present numbei% 6.
E. H. CUTLEH, ) Overseer$
L. C. TAYLOR. j of
A. C. HANDLEY, i Poor.
$206 00
401 86
$ 607 86
240 00
ts,
$ 847 86
68 00
ANNUAL REPORT
School Committee
SCHOOL-YEAR, 1888-9.
To the town of Acton :
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT
IN BEHALF OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
The town is to be congratulated upon the harmonious and
healthful condition of the schools through the year. The
Winter session has been free from the usual snow blockades.
The interruptions from disease, epidemics and cold have been
exceptional. The death angel must have found his victims
elsewhere, as no name in our happy list of scholars has been
starred.
In examining carefully the various registers, two impres-
sions are left upon the mind. In conferring with the teach-
ers, these impressions still linger, as if on purpose to be re-
corded in the printed annual report. One is, most of the
parents show a care in providing food, clothes, conveyances,
and other encouragements which prove a hearty co-operation
injsecuring to their children the full benefit of school days.
They have intelligence enough to see how essential to real
progress, is the presence of the child in the school room on
time and^in })roper condition of mind and body, for the real
work in hand. They are willing to make sacrifices of person-
al comfort and home accommodations for the. sake of that
presence. Private gratifications easily yield when balanced
against the culture and -welfare of the child..
These heroic self-denials of the home-life, unheralded ex-
cept to the heart's inner consciousness, will havetheir reward.
Nay they now have their reward in that very consciousness
30
which makas life to mean something nobler than simply to
eat, drink and wear clothes and then die.
The second impression to be recorded and published, is
just the opposite of the one named. It is the following:
there is here and there scattered through the town a parent,
who fails to enforce a wholesome moral sentiment at the
hearthstone.
The petty jealousies of the school room are patronized
to the exclusion of the higher grades of thought. Children
are allowed to leave their homes in ill-humor over some mis-
judged treatment of teacher or schoolmate. Trivial excuses
are indulged and the tardy or absence mark is registered and
when once the list is begun it is likely to continue, at inter-
vals discouraging to rank and scholarship. The roll of honor
is lost at the beginning of the contest.
These things ought not so to be. They would not so be
if the child^a f/ood and the pare nf a coynfort as a sentiment waS
flung to the breeze, nailed to the mast and kept flying in al
weathers.
THE TEACHER'S STIMULUS.
It is peculiar to himself. Let him make the most of it.
There is in the wqyj presence of a company of young persons
gathered in a school room with their minds all aglow with
the work that has been done or is to be done within the short
interval allotted with their thousand and one questions to be
answered upon the spot either by themselves or their teacher
with their varying moods of impatience, of high expectation —
of disappointed hopes — of commingled stupidity and vivacity,
there is in this presence an appeal to all the vital forces of
mind and heart.
If one has a mind and heart he will feel the impetus urg-
ing him on to do something worthy of the day. He may be
of a heavy heart in starting from home. An indifference like
that of the sands beneath his feet may mark his movements
as he passes through the routine of his home-life, but let him
once stand before his school and he cannot retreat. He
31
would not if he could. Before he has time to plan he is him-
self in the arena, doing valiant service for his youthful de-
pendents.
The teacher is tempted to ask what inspiration is there
in a stupid scholar? What encouragements to work with or
for one whose confirmed lethargy rebounds upon you ? The
inquiry itself proves the point. It shows there is a demand
made by such stupidity upon the susceptible forces of a
teachei''s mind. His inventive powers are put to the tension
if by any means he may startle this dormancy. The magic
touch of a skillful hand may arouse the sleeper. The prob-
lem is what to do and how to do it ? The earnest teacher
will not be satisfied till the problem is solved.
With one scholar the secret springs of ambition are to
be reached. How shall they be reached ?
With one scholar the love of approbation is to be appeal-
ed to, but it must be done with the artist's delicacy and the
wisdom of Socrates.
With one scholar the untoward circumstances of his
home-life are to be studied and that adjustment be made
which shall meet the peculiar condition.
With one scholar there are bad propensities, vicious in-
clinations leading downward and ever threatening a lower
level. The question is how can this downward grade be re-
versed ? How can the animal part be repressed ? How can
the mental and higher part be lifted ?
Who has the charm that can inspirit this latent angel, if
angel there be ? and who shall say no angel is there ?
With one scholar it is a stubborn, chronic repugance to
everything savoring of books and schools. Who can break
this spell ? How can the flinty rock be struck and the fire
of genuis evoked? He who does it is a master workman-
He who attempts to do it, even though he may not succeed,
shall find the very attempt helpful to the development of his
own power.
No education is fairly under way, none surely completed
82
which has not had this practical drill in this gymnasium of
the passions.
THE KINSHIP OF STUDIES AND SCHOOLS.
The considerate father as he gathers the scattered group of
his children and grand-children about him — looks in their
faces, and talks with them one by one or in company says to
himself: "These are all of one kin. They are every one of
them bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh."
So in the family gathering of schools the careful educa-
tor wuU find it hard to sever one of the grades from his recog-
nition and sympathy. They each look up to him for the
genial, helping word.
They are sensitive if they see the coat of many colors
given to any favorite member. This is as it should be. It
is not for the Primary to say to the Grammar, or the High
school to say to the Intermediate, "I have no need of you."
They are all interlocked in one loving fellowship. If one
suffers they all suffer.
It is not for Geography to say to Arithmetic or Gram-
mar to History, or Science to Language or Language back to
either of its mates, "I have no need of you." They match each
other. If one limps they all begin to falter in the race. If
one starts afresh they all feel the glow and speed together for
the prize. You think the natural Sciences are dry. They
seem to you not to belong to the companionship of Litera-
ture, History and Language.
But here comes a lad with his satchel filled with flowers
of various hue. He has traversed the mountain ranges and
the water courses of the valley. He has gone hungry and
tired, yet the eager countenance and the glowing words of
the enthusiast show he feels rewarded for his toil. He has
at last found the variety which his Botany has described.
The glen has become sacred where his choice plant is locat-
ed. It is like a mine of gold just found by the place-hunter,
which he must not disclose to his nearest friends. You feel
33
at once the rebuke of your ignorance and lack of apprecia-
tion.
It is one of the facts in our Colonial History, that Har-
vard College, instead of being, as is sometimes supposed, the
outgrowth of the common schools, gave to these schools
their birth and inspiration. The Grand Motor was at Cam.
bridge and not in the rural suburbs. So it has been ever
since. So it must ever continue to be. The consanguinity of
letters was eternally fixed in the fiat of creation.
THE FLAG AND THE SCHOOL.
The vote of the citizens at the annual meeting to have
the flag float from the monument on inauguration day, Avith-
out regard to party politics, was a fitting accompaniment of
the school discussion. But for the schools this flag would
never have been unfurled in America. In the great civil
conflict, but for the schools, this flag would have been rent
more than once and never have been restored to position in
more than its original lustre — not a star erased. Loj^alty to
the flag implies loyalty to the cause of education in all its
departments. The Memorial Library Building, which our
generous benefactor, William A. Wilde, is rearing, is to be a
permanent symbol of the union between Letters and Liberty.
It accords with the sentiment of George Peabody, the great
American patron of letters : ''Education a debt due from
present to future generations." Let this debt be recognized
in the full measure of its obligations. It has come down to
us as a legacy from the- past. The fathers and mothers of a
former generation have bequeathed it to us.
"Along the cool sequestered vale of life
They kept the noiseless tenor of their way,"
But the whole region is reminiscent of their toil and reform.
THE HIGH SCHOOL.
The present membership of this school is 36 ; the aver-
age membership for the year 38. The attendance, interest in
the studies, deportment of the scholars, the appreciation of
34
the advantages granted to the young people by the towii,
their purpose to make the most of themselves for their ovrn
sake and the sake of the town, were seldom more apparent.
Never has real solid progress in all the branches of knowl-
edge pursued been more satisfactory.
Mr. Armstrong, the Principal, has proved himself to be
the man for the place. His ambition to excel, his effort to dis-
cover the best methods and to test them by a faithful trial, his
complete luastery of the school in the way of discipline, his
thoroughness in searching for the whys and wherefores, his
manliness in doing honest work, his habit of trying to beat
himself every time, and rarely failing in the efforts, make it
worth the while to retain his services if by any proper means
it can be done. He should have more pay. He can have it
elsewhere. More than once during the year we feared we
should lose him, but he is with us still, fresh as ever, and
more competent to do noble service in our behalf from the
experience of the past. The town should not hesitate a mo-
ment in saying ''let the good work go on." In any light the
matter can be viewed, the town can ill afford to vote a nega-
tive on the High school. Its good name is involved. The
reports of a stoppage by action of its citizens would lower
its prestige in the neighborhood of towns ten degrees. A
year ago a vote was taken upon this question. That prompt
decisive action in favor of its continuance, gave the whole
town a conscious self-respect which has lasted ever since, and
which more than cancelled all the High school's bills.
It is an unfortunate time to take any backward step in
the line of education. We are just receiving a generous gift
of a Public Library building. It is an educational epoch in
the history of the town. It is a time when the best aspira-
tions of our youth have been raised to the high water mark.
It would be especially ungracious to spot the hour by an
unlucky negative on the High school. What are you going
to do with these High school scholars? They are on your
hands. Few, if any, can afford the extra expenses of books^
35
clothes, fare and tuitions out of town. There is a wear and
tear of nerves by scholars and parents in sending out of
town, which is too much for many to endure any length of
time. This is something which is not to be estimated in
dollars and cents.
There is a moral risk in sending away from home which
some may wish to forecast. We do not want these High
school studies and scholars in our Grammar school. These
Grammar school teachers have more on their hands than
they know how to meet. They leave their rooms with tired
nerves. Their time tables are- crowded and their patience
exhausted by the present regime. With most of the High
school scholars the decision of the town settles the question
whether they are to have any more schooling. It is with
them practically this or nothing.
A negative would drop the countenances of the entire
company. More than that, it would fall as a damp chilly
frost upon all the lower grades of school. The experiment
is too costly in its results to be tried without sober consider-
ations of all its possible bearings and complications.
The town is not so rich that it can afford to have poor
roads. What you expend upon these roads is not to be view-
ed as a tax. It is more properly a wise and profitable invest-
ment which you make and for which you get sure returns.
The same with your educational expenditures. The town is
not so rich that it can afford to give up its school arrange-
ments. It will not pay if that is what you are thinking
about. Leave out all other considerations but dollars and
cents and then it will be true, that your dollars will lessen
as your school privileges diminish. Your lands will depre-
ciate at a rate more than enough to off-set the extra cost of
your High school even if double its present figures. Your
real estate sales will soon demonstrate the short sighted policy.
There were 37 applicants for admission to the school in
June. 22 received certificates. The average of those ad-
mitted was nearly 14 years, making them on an average
36
nearly 17, at the completion of the three years' course.
The graduating exercises in June, in the town hall,
showed how much the public were interested in the school.
The hall was ci-owded. The programme for the occasion is
printed as a proper memento :
3? x7og x'a m X2IL e ,
CLASS MOTTO: '' LET THE END CROWN THE WORK.''
PRAYER
SALUTATORY
ESSAY
ESSAY
ESSAY
ESSAY
ESSAY
ESSAY
ESSAY -
ESSAY
PROPHESY
MUSIC.
" A Nations Dishonor.''^
MUSIC.
" Genius is Attention.''''
" Wayside Thoughts."'
MUSIC.
''Now.''
" Who is a Hero?"
" Education a Prize.''
" Work and Win."
MUSIC,
''All the World a Staye."
MUSIC.
By Rev. Mr. Stearns
Alice J. Hoar
Edith B. Holden
Bertram D. Hall
Grace E. Tuttle
Bertha L. Gardner
Ida M. Littlefield
Blanche M. Bassett
Mabel Ij. Robinson
Alice J. Hoar
Edith B. Holden
Bertram D. Hall
By Superintendent
VALEDICTORY - -
PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS
MUSIC.
A diploma was awarded subsequently to Frederic Hap-
good Nash, who had attended a part of the year, but was
unable to continue by reason of sickness. He had, however,
completed the course, and by equivalents was deemed worthy
of the diploma, which was granted b}^ the unanimous vote
of the Committee.
37
The three years' course is also appended, and now adopt-
ed, subject to changes which may hereafter be made, accord-
ing to the judgment of the Committee and the light of ex-
perience.
THREE YEARS' COURSE OF HIGH SCHOOL,
FIRST YEAR.
First Term. — Arithmetic and Book-keeping alternating.
English G-rammar and Composition. General History.
Second Term.— Arithmetic and Book-keeping, alternating
English Grammar and Composition. General History.
Third Term. — Arithmetic and Book-keeping, alternating.
Rhetoric begun. Botany.
SECOND YEAR.
First Terra. — Algebra begun. Rhetoric continued. Physi-
ology.
Second Term. — Algebra continued. Eng. Literature begun.
Physics continued.
THIRD YEAR.
First Term. — Geometry continued. Latin begun. Chemis-
try begun.
Second Term. — Physical Geography. Latin continued.
Chemistry continued.
Third Term. — Civil Government. Latin continued. Geol-
Four recitations in each branch per week.
Wednesday an olf day, with a different programme includ-
ing Compositions, Declamations, Reading, wSpelling, Drawing, and
other miscellaneous recitations as shall be deemed most import-
ant at the time.
THE PUBLIC HALF-DAY.
The monthly written test in the schools is considered the
faifesl and surest proof of the real progress made. If properly
considered it cannot fail to reveal the weak or strong points of
scholarship.
These are considered in silence, and each pupil must depend
upon his own in.dependent resources, unembarassed by the inter-
ference of school-mates, connnittee or the puplic.
Each pnpil having the same questions the result determines
the .abspjujbe and relative standing.
38
For the sake of variety, it was thought best, at the close of
winter term, this year, to open the doors wide at least for one-
half day for public inspection.
The invitation was cordially accepted. A good attendance
of the parents greeted the teacher and scholars in very part of
the town. The pupils of every grade came with good clothes,
good looks, good behavior, happy to greet their friends, and re-
solved to repay them for coming.
The janitors did good service in helping on the day. The
teachers did their parts well in furnishing and executing the
programmes. They seemed to find their reward in the smile and
word of approval from a gratified public.
This mutual contact of scholars, teachers and parents, must
have an inspiring effect, as it shall be recalled in the coming
days.
It has revealed a reserved corps of sympathing friends, ready
to rally at any moment in the interest of education.
THE CENTRE SCHOOL.
Grammar Department.
Miss Fannie L. Perry, - - Teacher.
The district has been fortunate in retaining the services
for another year of Miss Perry. Her rare experience, apti-
tude to teach and govern, unflagging interest, have again
made their impress upon the school. The several branches
of study have had fair treatment, and each pupil has been
taught and disciplined with judicious care. A good work
has been done, and all hope more work of the same sort may
be done in the future, on the same premises and by the same
trusty hand.
Priviary Department.
Miss Blanche E. Henshaw, - Teacher,
This yeai- opened with a sad disappointment to the
membership of this school. Miss Bessie Ball, their cherished
teacher for years, was sick. How could they go on without
her. They missed her smiling face, her cheery word, her
tripping step, and. for days refused to be comforted. But
89
like little heroes, they at last submitted to the situation, and
yielded gracefully to the guidance of another hand. Miss
Blanche E. Henshaw, of Lowell. She is a graduate of the
Normal school, has had experience and success in teaching,
and has put forth her best endeavors to win the confidence
of her charge. The scholars have made good progress and
been happy in their work.
THE NORTH SCHOOL.
Spring Term.
Joseph W. Godfrey, - - Teacher.
The characteristics of this school noticed in previous re-
ports remained during the closing term of Mr. Godfrey's
teaching. He was alert, fervent in style, ready to help, and
untiring in his efforts to make each day of improvement to
himself and his pupils. Many pleasing reminiscences and
good wishes will gather about his name, as it shall be men-
tioned in the coming years.
Fall and Winter Term.
Miss Jessie F. Jones, - - Teacher.
Miss Jones is from Watertown, a graduate of the Water-
town High School. She has testimonials which warrant ex-
pectations of success in any line of effort which she may
adopt. She began with the usual disadvantages of inexperi-
ence. These have been bravely met. There has been de-
votion to duty, thoroughness in teaching, and a steady move-
ment in the lines of order, system and progress. It is ex-
pected that the " fortiter in re,'" combined with the '' suaviter
in modo.^'^ will ultimately win the day.
Let the parents join with the teacher in that mutual co-
operation and charity, which suffereth long and is kind. In
due season the waving harvest will appear, and there shall be
glad reapers in the field.
EAST SCHOOL.
Miss Susie E. Wetherbee, - Teacher.
Miss Wetherbee is credited with another year of good
40
solid school work. Five out of six of her candidates for the
High School received certificates of admission in June. The
departure of this class ftom the school has made a sensible
change in its membership. The younger members have ral-
lied from the shock and are already marching forward rapidly
to the given standard. The exercises on the public day,
showed at a glance a prompt and intelligent performance of
the tasks assigned. The panorama unrolled on time, and
there was no lack of interest till the last picture in the scene
was reached. That photograph group of the six boys with
bare heads and white linen collars, peering through the mists
and rain drops, with a good cheer for the Committee man, as
he walked through the mud up the hill, has been put in a
frame and will scatter the clouds in many a rainy day — in the
future. Some time we hope to get the Committee man's
speech on this occasion.
SOUTH EAST SCHOOL.
Miss Laura A. Brown, - - Teacher
Nothing especially note worthy is reported distinguish-
ing this year from the last. In no direction has there been
a lessening of merit, either in the modes of instruction or in
the results. Discipline has been maintained. Enthusiasm
amid adverse conditions of labor, have marked the teacher's
efforts. If the laurel wreath is not worn through the modesty
of the teacher, it deserves to be just the same. Let the older
members of this school vie with each other in making the
teacher's position one of real comfort to her, as well as of
benefit to themselves.
SOUTH SCHOOL.
Grammar Department.
Miss Fannie M. Houghton, - Teacher.
The school has prospered under the continuous charge of
its present teacher. Miss Houghton has beenfaithful, earnest
and persevering, seeking to find the best methods of instruc-
tion, and putting them sharply to the test. She has found
41
in most of her pupils a readiness to take her ideas. Order,
odedience, promptness, cheerfulness, intelligent progress,
mark the school. The understanding and the upperstanding
are both included in the care of the teacher, and the result is
a happy development of the individual scholar. The public
half day for this school was heralded by the dispesion of
rain-clouds, the shining of the sun, the roll of the drum, the
display of the national colors, and the eager gathering of the
public. During the singing of some of the martial songs,
and when the boys marched up to Gen. Gage, and reported
their grievances in the words of Seventy -six, the War of In-
dependence seemed just opening upon us. It took time to
adjust the thoughts and bring them round to the real dates
and scenes of the present hour. The gymnastics of the
school were finely given. It was not strange that Mr. Piper,
the worthy Committee man, had the headache and the heart-
ache, and was speechless at the thought of giving up his
trust.
Primary School.
Miss Viola S. Tuttle, . Teacher.
The sun responded to the telephone message to be on
hand at the public exercises of the South Primary. It was
a hard push through the clouds, but the break was made ac-
cording to order. If there had been no sunshine outside,
there would have been piles of it indoors, with such a teacher,
school and programme.
How did they read ? As they would talk.
How did they spell ? All the words but squash.
How did they write ? Better than you and I.
How did they act ? As if they liked it.
How did they look ? Like flowers in a vase.
How did they sing ? Like the spring blue birds.
How did they march ? As if they would take the city.
That charge of slates from the front seats on the rows of
42
visitors was a great success. Never have the teacher and
scholars done more or better work than during the past year.
WEST ACTON SCHOOL.
Grammar Department. — Spring Term.
Miss Sarah Hopkinson, - Teacher.
No results of note occurred during the closing term of
Miss Hopkinson's teaching. Though laboring under some
pecular disadvantages, she met them gracefully, did her part
as best she knew, and in some lines of work showed results
more satisfactory than in preceding terms. Her methods of
instruction were normal and designed to lead the scholar to
self-reliant effort.
Fall and Winter Term^s.
Miss Nellie A. Hanson, - Teacher.
Miss Hanson came from Woburn with good testimonials,
showing a creditable record as teacher. Though a stranger,
she entered eagerly upon her work, soon affiliated with the
scholars, became conversant with their grades and sought to
lead pleasantly along the paths of knowledge. There ap-
peared to be harmony between scholars and teacher, an im-
portant element of success.
The work which needs to be done in this school requires
uncommon tact in discipline, an ability to accomplish good
and rapid results, untiring patience, wisdom, good cheer and
pluck. The public half day found the teacher disabled with
a severe cold, and the scholars many of them suffering the
same way. A large audience was present and the programme
was carried through to the apparent gratification of the
visitors. Let this co-operating spirit continue, and in the end
there will be satisfaction all around.
Primary Departmemt.
Miss C. Lettie Newton, - - Teacher.
Perennial means year after year. A perennial teacher is
one who can teach year after year, and maintain buoyancy,
43
and come on the home heat without panting. She has done
it and can do it again. The scholars catch the same spirit
and hold it to the end. Could you have seen those forty
Primaries step with their wands and flying ribbons on the
eighth of March, you would have said with the Committee
man, '' the country is safe." At any rate West Acton is safe
whatever may betide other parts of the town. Each one
stuck to his colors, and they were all good. Let them keep
to their colors as they mature in person and knowledge, and
they will soon make their mark in the wide, wide world.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES FLETCHER,
Superintendent,
44
T.A.BXJI-..A.:R ST^^TEnyCEZSTT FOR 1888-
SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS.
a
•3
1^
o
o
1
-a
CO
«
i
in
Id
03
o
o ?2
B
^
S
^
h3
<
<
o
o
Acton High.
Center fTraiumar.
Center Primary.
South Grammar.
South Primary.
West Gramm;ir.
West Primary.
North.
East.
South East.
A. W. Armstrong.
Miss Fannie L Perry
Miss Blanche E. Hensliaw.
Miss Fannie M Houghton.
Miss Viola S. Tuttle.
Miss Sarah Hopkinson.
Miss Nellie A. Hanson.
Miss C. Lettie Newton.
Joseph W. Godfrey.
Miss Jessie F. Hanson.
Miss Susie A. Wetherbee
Miss Laura A. Brown.
36
41
38.4
35.0
41
26
36
23
20.6
18.8
23
1
36
•J5
21.8
19 5
25
36
33
30.2
28.3
33
7
36
49
37.5
33.2
49
36
37
36.9
31.9
37
3
36
45
40.0
36.0 2
43
36
27
237
21.3 1
26
36
20
18.1
15 9
20
36
16
15.0
14.3
16
1
Number between 5 and 15 years, as repn'tea by tlie Assessors, for
the year 1888, 280.
M
45
TOWN WARRANT.
COMMON^WEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. MIDDLESEX SS.
To either constable of the Town of Acton in said County ,
GREETING :
You are hereby required, in the name of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts, to notify the legal voters of said town of Acton,
to meet at the town hall on Monday, the first day of April, A.D-
1889, at one o'clock p. m., by posting copies of this warrant, by
you attested, at the post office in the centre of the town, at the
stores of Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee and C. B. Stone, at the
Magog house and in all of the railroad stations in said town
seven days at least before the time appointed for holding said
meeting, then and there to act upon the following articles as they
may think proper, viz :
Article 1. To choose a Moderator to preside at said meet-
ing.
Art. 2. To fill all vacancies in uhe list of town officers.
Art. 3. To see what amount of money the town will raise
for the support of schools the present year, and how it shall be
expended. -^ S <^" ^
Art. 4. To see what amount of money the town will
raise to repair the roads the present year, and how it shall ba
expended. ^ ^.^3^^
Art. 5. To see what amount of money the town will raise
to defray town charges for the present year^^ - / ^ '^ ^
Art. 6. To see if the town will instruct the School Com-
mittee to appoint a Superintendent of Schools. -o^ ^ ^ -f^-P T ^ ^^ ^1^
Art. 7. To see if the town will choose a Superintendent
oi Burisils. ^^'r^ ^^^„^ ^ ^.r\r.--^'
Art, 8. To consider and act upon the acceptance of the
Jury List j^§ revised by the Selectmen.
46
Art. 9. To see if fche town will accept the reports of the
Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor, School Committee and other
Town Officers.
Art. to. To see if the town will authorize the Treasurer,
with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money for the
town if necessary, in anticipation of the taxes for the current
year.
Art. 11. To vote by ballot Yes or No, in answer to the
question. "Shall licenses be granted for the sale of intoxicating
liquors in this town the present year." J' i^ ^ c- C 5 ^y;^ J
Art. 12. To see if the town will appropriate $150.00 for
the due observance of Memorial Day.
Art. 13. To see if the town will chinge the grade of the
road leading from the turnpike in West Acton by the house of
Wm. H. Teele, so as to take the surface water, or take any ac-
tion theron.
Art. 14. To see if the town will purchase a new road ma-
chine or take any action thereon. r-^a^c--^ ^^^y^, - , -
Hereof fail not and make due return of this warrant to u^'
with your doings thereon at or before the time appointed for said
meeting.
Given under our hands this the twentieth day of March in
the year eighteenth hundred and eighty-nine.
JOB W. DUPEE, ) Selectmen
THOMAS F. NOTES, )• of
HOWARD B. WHITE, ) Acton,
47
TOWN OFFICERS FOR 1889.
Job W. Dupee,
Phineas Wethebbee
E1.ISHA H. Cutler,
Hiram J. Hapgood,
Town Clerk.
William D. Tuttlk
Selectmen.
Thomas F. Notes,
Assessors.
, Job W. Dupee,
Overseers of Poor.
Lyman C. Taylor,
Town Treasurer.
JoNA. K. W. Wetherbee.
Auditors.
Howard B. White.
Chauncy B. Bobbins.
Aaron C. Handley.
Daniel J. Wetherbee.
School Committee.
Alphonso a. Wyman, 3 years,
Chas. L. Bradford, 2 years.
Chas. J, Williams, 1 year.
Highway Surveyors,
William S. Jones, 3 years.
James Fletcher, 2 years.
Geo. R. Keyes, 1 year.
Charles Wheeler,
John Fletcher,
Nahum Littlefield.
Levi W. Stevens.
Cemetery Committee.
Wm. W. Davis,
Vence Viewers.
O. W. Mead, Frank Hosmer.
Surveyors of Wood.
Geo. H. Harris, S. L. Dutton,
Chas. H. Taylor, John F. Davis,
Henry D. Parlin, Chas. J. Williams,
JoNA. P. Fletcher;
Surveyors of Lumber.
E. F. Richardson, L. W. Stevens,
E. J. RoBBiNS, Herbert E. Clark.
Chas. A. Brooks, Jona. P. Fletcher.
V Surveyors of Hoops and Staves.
Augustus Fletcher.
Fish Committee.
Luther Conant, E. Jones, Frank H. Whitcomb,
John Fletcher, Chas. J. Williams.
Naham C. Reed,
Wm. B. Davis,
Isaac W. Flaqg
H. T. Clark,
Wm. B. Davis,
Geo. H. Harris,
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS
OF THE
^. OF ^^
FROM
February 26, 1889, to February 26, 1890.
HUDSON:
The Entebpeise Steam Printing Company.
1890.
TOWN OF ACTON.
TREASURER'S REPORT.
Town [of Acton in Account with J. K. \¥, Wetlierbee, j
Treasurer.
1890. Br. I
Feb. 26. To cash paid State tax, $1,340 00 \
" " county tax, 1,038 89 i
" " on Selectmen's or- . . ;
ders, 15,069 54 |
" Outstanding orders, 94] 96 \
" Balance due the Town, 830 85
19,221 24
1889. Cr.
Feb. 26. By cash in the treasury, $1,865 83
Received of Horace R. Hosmer for old
stovepipe sold, 50
C. J. Williams, for fines
Collected for fishing
without permission, 2 50
City of Boston, for aid
furnished Mrs, Sibley, 90 21
ToAvn of Billerica, for aid
furnished Mrs. Russell, 48 13
E. F. Richardson, for rent
of chapel room to April
1, 1889, 33 00
H. W. Tuttle, for 72 loads
gravel, 3 60
Tuttle, Jones & Wetherbee,
borrowed money, 1,500 00
Tuttle, Jones & Wetherbee,
borrowed money, 1,000 00
State Treasurer, corpora-
tion tax, 655 36
State Treasurer, National
Bank tax, 625 56
State Treasurer, State aid.
Chap. 252, Acts of 1879, 102 00
ANNUAL REPOKT
State Treasurer, State aid,
Chapter 301, Aets of
1879,
$232 00
State Treasurer, iucome of
school fund,
IGl
30
County Treasurer, on ac-
count of dog licenses
for the year 1889,
290
70
Dr. I. Hutchins. for drug-
gist's license,
1
00
L. W. Stevens, for lots
sold in Mount Hope
Cemetery,
70
00
John Metcher, for lots
sold in Woodlawn Cem-
etery,
18
00
Julian Tuttle, for rent of
Town hall and cellar,
55
50
Arthur F. Blanchard, taxes
of 1888,
731
77
E. A. Phalen, for taxes
of 1889,
11,G57
c^^
Rev. James Fletcher, for
school supplies sold,
5 25
Interest on money in bank,
71
48
1^1 Q 991 94.
Cpl^,^^! C'±
J. K. W. WETHERBEE,
Treasurer of Acton.
AcTON, Feb. 26th, 1890.
We have examined the above account and find the same
correct.
HIEAM J. HAPGOOD,
DANIEL J. WETHERBEE,
Auditors of the Toivn of Acton.
TOWN OF ACTON.
Treasurers Report on Account of Money received for care of Lots
in Cemetery :
Received for the estate of Hepsibetli Piper, $50 00
Interest, 2 00
lieceived from estate of Frederick Rouillard, 100 00
$152 00
J. K. W. WETHERBEE,
Treasurer of Acton.
Acton, Feb. 26th, 1890.
We have examined the above account and find the same
correct.
HIRAM J. HAPGOOD,
DANIEL J. WETHERBEE,
Auditors of the Town of Acton.
TOWN OF ACTON.
SELECTMEN'S REPORT
SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS,
Center School.
Paid Rev. James Fletcher, for teachers, §709 00
" " care of house, Qb 00
fuel, 75 07
" " cleaning rooms, 8 35
" '' incidentals, 2 62
West School.
Paid A. A. Wyman,
Esq., for teachers,
$720 00
'.i \i
care of house,
78 00
i( a
fuel.
65 48
U ii.
cleaning rooms.
7 00
a u
incidentals,
4 76
South School.
Paid C. L. Bradford,
for teachers.
$720 00
a a
care of house,
90 00
a a
cleaning rooms.
3 25
li ii
fuel.
26 86
a ii
incidentals,
6 13
$860 04
$875 24
$846 24 I
North School. . ]
Paid G. R. Keyes, for teachers, $360 00 j
" •■ " care of house, 25 50
" . fuel, 38 36
" " cleaning rooms, 4 00 j
" " incidentals, 83 > j
$428 69 j
Fast School. ^
Paid C. J. Williams, for teachers, $360 00 ]
" " care of house, 35 00 '
fuel, 27 13 ■ !
" " cleaning, 1 00 1
'' ^^ incidentals, 3 02 '\
^ ^ '$426 15 \
ANNUAL REPORT
South-East School.
Paid W. S
. Jones,
for teachers,
$324 00
ii
.i
care|of house,
15 00
a
i(
fuel,
25 00
a
ii
cleaning rooms.
2 50
ii
"
incidentals.
1 75
$368 25
High School.
Paid A. W. Armstrong, for teaching,
For care of rooms,
C. L. ]^)radt'ord, incidentals,
'' " cleaning room,
F. W. Green, moving furniture i
K. Johnson, ^'
" cleaning rooms.
Geo. Gardner, rent of i)iano,
'' " organ,
for fuel.
$920
00
34
00
02
50
Center,
50
So.Actoi
1, 1
75
Ceiiter,
2
00
W.Actoi
, 2
50
75
10
00
15
00
33
62
$1,024 24
SCHOOL SUPPLIES.
Paul Geo. Gardner, music for High school,
A. A. Wyman, for supplies.
Rev. James Fletcher, for supplies,
$ 1 00
2 39
436 92
$440 31
STATE AID.
Paid Allen G. Smith, Chap. 279, Acts 1' 89
Benj. Skinner, "
Ola Nelson,
E. G. Dane,
Luke Smith,
Mary Smith.
Rebecca C. Wright
Mary J. Brown,
Almira H. Loker,
W. F. B. AVhitney,
chap. 301, acts
s 1-89,
160 00
i i
32 00
i i
4 00
S1889,
60 00
i.
48 00
'^
48 00
a-
48 00
ii
24 00
a
16 GO
f. b
9 00
$349 00
TOWN OF ACTON.
SUPPORT OF POOR.
Paid E. H. Cutler
, deficiency on farm, 1888.
^401 86
u a
aid of Clara Wheeler,
169 46
t; u
a
A. S. Brooks,
169 46
a u
a
Frank Brooks,
95 61
u a
!.<■
Elizabeth H. Bobbins, 61 28
u a
i(.
family of Frank Brooks 56 00
. ^' ''
ii.
Mrs. Buth Pike,
53 25
u u
a
E. Bryan,
30
a u
u
Emily F. Town,
129 00
a a
iC
Julia A. Collins,
13 76
i. i(
a
J. E. Harris,
124 45
u a
u
Miss Abbie Sibley,
30 46
a a
a
Wm. B. Bead,
19 00
a u
a
Mrs. Marshal Jones,
99 00
a a
a
Mrs. Bussell,
25 46
u u
a
Mrs. J. Quinlan,
103 45
u a
a
Bichard Temple,
52 46
u u
Expenses to Marlboro',
4 00
11 11
" Dan vers,
4 00
CEMETER Y EXPENSES.
Paid L. W. Stevensjabor in Mt. Hope cemetery$63 85
N. Johnson, labor in No. Acton " 5 00
" '' on monument grounds
and cleaning tablets, 4 05
IST. Johnson, labor in Woodlawn cemetery 59 ^6
Julian Tuttle and M. A. Beed, labor in
Woodlawn cemetery, 13 75
L. U. Holt, pump and driving well in
Woodlawn cemetery, 17 36
Wm. D. Tuttle, for labor, 1 40
$165 26
EXPENSES OF ROADS AS LAID OUT BY COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS.
Paid Moses H. Beed, moving wall, $19 90
Julian Tuttle. '' 13 38
H. T. Clark, '' . 35 00
Myron Chaflfin, ^' 15 00
W. S. Mead, moving fence, 5 00
jS". Littlefield, labor on Leland-Stevens
road, 738 90
10 ANNUAL KEPOKT
N. Littlefield, labor on Hall road,
114 95
" " covering stone,
2 50
A.fA. Haynes, for gravel,
30 00
A. M. Knowlton, for gravel,
8 25
F. H. Whitcomb, ''
37 50
Francis Pratt, building Hall road,
300 00
M. A. Eeed and Julian Tuttle, splitting
stone for bridge,
5 00
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, 80 ft. drain
pipe,
19 80
P. AVetherbee, moving fence.
12 00
J. Devane, settlement of claim for fencing
17 00
L. Elan chard, '^ " '^
106 00
C. H.Nash,
22 00
^' award for damages,
20 00
Frances Stone " "
10 00
Wm. D. Tuttle, for grade stakes.
75
" " for surveying, specifica-
tions and profile,
15 00
Warren Houghton, for removing fence,
7 50
J. T. Joslin, advice, and making contract
and bond,
5 00
—
$L
360 43
FEINTING.
Paid J. F. Wood, for 600 Town reports.
59 80
^' " 500 sheet reports,
10 00
'^ " reward notices.
1 50
^' " notices.
5 50
'- " warrants,
13 50
^' " lish permits, 3 25
'^ advertising for fish committee, 2 00
John Fletcher, " " 1 75
Augustine Hosmer, lists for soldiers names, 3 50
^' notices, 60
Phineas Wetherbee, list of poll tax payers, 6 00
107 40
TOWN OFFICERS.
Paid Julian Tuttle, services as registrar of
voters, to May 1, 1889, 12 00
C. W. Chadwick, services as registrar
of voters, to May 1, 1889, 12 00
W. D. Tuttle, services as registrar of
voters, to May 1, 1889, 15 00
TOWN OF ACTON. 11
S. A. Guilford; services as registrar of
voters, to May 1, 1889,
Phineas Wetherbee, services as Assessor,
J. W. Dupee, " "
C. B. Bobbins,
L. U. Holt, sealing weights and meas-
ures, 1888,
Wm. D. Tuttle, services as Town Clerk,
Eev. James Fletcher, services as Supt.
of School,
A. F. Blanchard, collecting 1888 taxes,
J. W. Dupee, services as Selectman,
Thomas F. Noyes, " "
Howard B. White, '' '^
J. K. W. Wetherbee, services as Treas-
urer,
EXPENSES OF ROADS AND BRIDGES.
Paid Charles Wheeler, regular highway work,
N. Littlefield, " "
Francis Pratt, " "
Francis Pratt, special highway work,
A. S. Fletcher, rebuilding abuttments
to bridge,
Francis Pratt, for railing at Bowen's pond,
Francis Pratt, blacksmith's bill,
Francis Pratt, labor on railings,
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, scraper plate
and bolts,
Tuttle, Jones & Wetherbee, drain pipe,
J. P. Brown, labor,
M. A. Eeed and Jnlian Tuttle, labor on
sluice, E. Acton,
E. Jones & Co., lumber for railings,
Francis Conant, for repairing sluice,
Fitchburg P. P. Co.,freight on drain pipe,
J. C. Keyes, repairing washout,
A. H. Jones, repairing washout and rail-
ing bridge,
Thomas McCarthy, covering stone,
N. Littlefield, building two sluices,
\ '' rebuilding sluice,
" 1-2 cask cement, •
" powder and fuse,
12
00
50
00
18
00
23
00
10
00
25
00
125
00
85
00
18
00
60
00
Sb
00
50
00
UD
617
GE^
89
620
m
600
09
516
78
2^
00
55
00
20
72
1
95
8
00
5
94
1
47
6 2^
45
09
4
00
1
38
50
6
10
7
50
12
60
33
00
88
10 80
600 00
12 ANNUAL REPORT
Paid K LittlefieW, covering stones,
8
30
" two scraper sections,
8
00
" grate for catch basin,
3
25
" blacksmith's bill.
18
22
'' 97 loads gravel.
3
88
Charles Wheeler, building sluice near
house of 0. Furbush,
44 00
Charles Wheeler, repairing washouts.
27
12
•' blacksmith's bill,
2
69
" pov/der.
3
20
'• plow.
7
00
" two rakes,
80
" one hoe.
30
" gravel,
2
15
E. F. Conant, gravel,
1
80
H. A. Gould,
U 88
F. E. Knowlton, "
10
70
I. A. Samson, "
4.
60
Est. of Cyrus Barker, gravel,
7
84
ING
— $2,770
S.
32
REPAIRS ON TOWN BUILD
Paid A. C. Piper, for ventilators for South
school house,
$2
65
Rev. James Fletcher, inside blinds
for Center school house,
15
20
Rev. James Fletcher, repairs at Cen-
ter school house.
12
69
N. Johnson, for repairs at Center
ter school house,
4
25
L. U. Holt, for repairs at Center
school house,
19
20
Francis Conant, repairs at Center
school house.
2
62
L. U. Holt, repairs at West school
house.
2o
50
A. A. Wyman, repairs at West school
house.
19
00
E. F. Wood, painting in South school
house,
6
82
C. L. Bradford, grading at South
school house.
20
87
C. L. Bradford, repairs at South school
house.
5
04
S. Jones, Jr., repalirs at South school
house,
30
32
TOWN OF ACTON. 13
Francis Jones, painting at South
school house,
Francis C'onant, repairs at South
school house,
L. U. Holt, repairs at South school
house,
L. U. Holt, gutters for East school
house,
L. U. Holt, repairs at East school
house,
H. E;. Hosmer, repairs at East school
house,
C.J. Williams, repairs at East school
house,
George R. Keyes, repairs at North
school house,
W. S. Jones, repairs at Southeast
school house,
Eobert Wayne, repairs at Town hall,
W. H. Smith, repairing slating on
Town hall, 50 21
F. W. Gray, painting and gilding
clock dial and hands and labor at
Town hall,
F. W. Gray, painting Town hall,
F. W. Gray, paint stock,
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, paint
stock for Town hall,
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, for gold
leaf,
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, for re-
pairing doorspring,
L. U. Holt, repairs at Town hall,
i
38
6
67
3
16
13
16
2
12
2
30
6
11
3
40
2
00
3
25
34
20
118
00
80
61
04
6
15
3
00
23
09
$510 24
MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES,
Paid A. Hosmer, for stationery, $2 53
E,. M. Yale & Co., repairing flag, 2 75
F. R. Knowlton, Memorial Day, 150 00
Nathan Johnson, repairing flag,
A. F. Blanchaad, abatements on taxes,
as certified by the Assessors,
A. F. Blanchard, abatement of Francis
Bobbins' tax,
James Devane, painting guide boards,
S. Jones, Jr., guide boards,
1
73
27
97
7
00
16
00
17
20
14
ANNUAL REP OK T
25
s
00
21
32
7
25
1
52
10
53
M. B. Garfield, painting guide boards, 4 00
Conant heirs, l^ase of gravel bank for
thirty years, 35 63
John F. Blood, rebuilding sluice, 10 00
Phineas Wetherbee, copying valuation
list, 8 75
Phineas Wetherbee, express and post-
age,
J. Kinsley, use of road for Hurley,
E. Jones & Co., coal for Town hall.
'' '' stock foe voting shelves,
Daniel Tuttle, staining " "
Spofford Bobbins, stock and labor on
voting shelves,
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, collect-
or's book, 1 58
Tuttles, Jones &AVetherbee, assessor's
book, 1 35
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, re(u)rd
bo5k for Town Clerk, 4 25
Julian Tuttle, grading about Town
hall,
William D. Tuttle, grading about
Town hall,
Simpson Bros., concreting about Town
hall,
E. H. Cutler, counsel on account of
suit of City of Waltham,
Thomas McCarthy, bound stone at Con-
cord line,
Charles Wheeler, stone guide posts,
" " teaming and set-
ting guide posts,
Charles Wheeler, stone and teaming
and setting road bounds,
Charles Wheeler, teaming and setting
bound stone at Concord line,
Charles Wheeler, teaming stone for
J. F. Blood's sluice,
E. A. Phalen, abatement on Francis
Bobbins' tax,
E. A. Phalen, abatements on taxes as
certified by the Assessors,
E. A. Phalen, discount on taxes,
" posting notices,
72
85
r,3
90
40
10
25
00
2
5
00
25
4
85
4
55
2
80
2
00
G
85
30
691
4
00
59
00
TOWN OF ACTON.
15
William I). Tuttle, dog license blanks, • 1 00
'' •' *" surveying and mak-
ing out papers for roads and gravel
banks, 8 65
William D. Tuttle, tally sheets, 1 20
" '' express, 2 15
'' " postage, . 95
Paid Wm. D. Tuttle, for telephone, 55
•' '• recording 18 marriages, 2 70
" '' 32 deaths, 5 20
" " collecting and record-
ing 34 births, 17 00
M. E. Taylor & Co., supplies for Town
hall, 10 17
Julian Tuttle, care of Town hall and
clock, 59 60
State Treasurer, druggists license, 25
Kev. James Fletcher, expenses to hire
teachers 7 88
L. E. Reed, expenses of enforcing the
order of the Selectmen against dogs, 4 00
L. E. Reed, services at Nagog pond as
per order of fish committee, 8 00
L. E. Reed, making return of 30 deaths, 7 50
L;E. Reed, attending 32 burials, 96 00
H. B. White, cash paid lawyer, 3 00
•' expenses of Board of Health, 50
" stationery, postage and ex-
press, 4 53
$1,536 18
TEMPORARY LOAN RAID.
Tuttle, Jones & Wetherbee, note and interest, $1,531 25
RECEIPTS AND APPROPRIATIONS.
Balance in Treasury Feb. 26, 1889, $1,865 83
due^from^collector'^of^taxes, Feb. 26,
1889, .qja 731 77
Appropriation for Town charges, 4,000^00
schools, 4,300 00
highways, 2,300^00
overlayings, 270 76
State tax, 1,340 00
County tax, 1,038 89
16 AXXUAL REPORT
Eec'd of State Treasurer, corporation tax,
" " Nat. Bank tax,
" " Military aid,
" " State aid,
" " income of INIass.
School Fund,
H. R. Hognier, old iron sold,
C. J. Williams, fines for violation of
fishing laws,
Town of Billerica, aid furnislied Mrs.
Enssell,
Town of Billerica, aid furnished Mrs.
Russel,
City of Boston, aid furnislied Mrs.
Abbie Sebley,
Chapel Society, : ent of school room to
April 1, 1889,
H. W. Tuttle, gravel,
Tuttle, Jones & Wetherbee, borrowed
money, 1,500 00
Tuttle, Jones & Wetherbee, borrowed
money, ' 1,000 00
Dr. 1. Hutchins, druggist license, 1 OO
County Treasurer, dog fund, 290 70
L. W. Stevens, lots sold in Mt. Hope
cemetery, 70 00
John Fletcher, lots sold in Woodlawn
cemetery, 18 OO
Rev. James Fletcher, *schools supplies 1
sold, b 20 I
Julian Tuttle, rent of Town hall and j
cellar, 55 50 |
Interest on monev in bank, 71 48 I
6oo
36
625
5(5
102
00
252
00
161
30
50
r>
50
22
67
2o
46
90
21
:33
00
3
(>0
$20,813 34
e:xpendit ures.
For Center School. $860 04
AVest School, 875 24
South School. 846 24
North School, 428 69
East School, 426 15
Southeast School. 368 25
High School, 1,024 24
School supplies. 440 31
State aid, 349 00
Support of Poor, 1,612 26
TOWN OF ACTON. 1 7
Cemetery expenses,
165 26 .
Roads ordered by County Commis-
sioners,
1,560 43
Printing,
107 40
Town officers,
600 00
Eoads and bridges,
2,770 32
Repairs on Town buildings,
510 24
Miscellaneous,
1,536 18
Temporary loan.
1,531 25
State tax,
1,340 00
County tax,
1,038 89
± OjO o\J OtJ
Balance due from Collector,
1,592 10
Amount due from Treasurer,
830 85
2,422 95
^20,813 34
Amounts due from Collector and Treas-
urer,
$2,422 95
Less amount of
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee's note and
interest,
1,023 61
Balance due the Town Feb. 26, 1890,
1,399 34
THOMAS F. NOYES, ) Selectmen
HOWARD B. WHITE, j of Acton.
Acton, February 26, 1890.
We have examined the accounts of the Selectmen and find
them correct.
HIRAM J. HAPGOOD, | Auditors of the
DANIEL J. WETHERBEE, j Town of Acton.
i8
ANNUAL REPOKT
Town Clerk's Report for the Year 1889.
BIRTHS REGISTERED IN ACTON IN 1889.
No. Date of Birth.
1889.
1. Jan. 6. Julia Elizabeth McCarthy, daughter of James L.
and Margaret A. McCa^th3^
2. Jan. 26. Ernest H. Gray, son of Fred W. and Clara Gray.
3. Jan. 27. Hazel Shackford Davis, daughter of Charles T.
and Carrie Estella Davis.
4. Jan. 31. Edward Milton Holton, son of Charles J. and
Jennie A. Holton.
5. Feb. 7. Carl Sherman Hoar, son of John S. and Minnie
E;. Hoar.
6. Feb. 17. Margaret Trainor, daughter of Peter and Mar-
garet Trainor.
7. Feb. 19. Elmer W. Lawrence, son of Austin E. and Mary
J. Lawrence.
8. Feb. 20. Henry Martin Jansen, son of Neils and Anna
Jansen.
9. Feb. 21. Georgie Belle Conant, daughter of George A. and
•Mabel E. Conant.
10. Feb. 22. Albert Clarence Wright, son of Olin L. and Mary
J. Wright.
11. Feb. 28. Harold Vernon Symonds, son of James A. and
Flora C. Symonds.
12. ^pr. 15. Mabel Lillian Teele, daughter of Frank A. and
Mabel Teele.
13. Apr. 21. Harold E-omaine Phalen, son of Edwin A. and
Hattie D. Phalen.
TOWN OF ACTON. I9
14. Apr. 30. Helen Atherton Wood, daughter of Franklin P.
and Abby 0. Wood.
15. Apr. 30. Ealph Waldo Piper, son of Anson C. and Ellen
L. Piper.
16. May 20. Loraine Davidson, daughter of Norman A. and M.
Alice Davidson.
17. June 1. Mabel Newman Conant, daughter of George C.
and Clara Belle Conant.
18. June 4. Rex Harrison Taylor, son of Charles H. and
Fannie Taylor.
19. June 10. Flora Ida Lawrence, daughter of William H. and
Ida L. Lawrence.
20. June 12. Carrie May Bezanson, daughter of Daniel H. and
Ida M. Bezanson.
21. June 26. Maud Belle Palmer, daughter of Nathan R. and
Abbie M. Palmer.
22. July 28. 011a May Hartwell, daughter of William H. and
Lora M. Hartwell.
23. Aug. 2. William Henry Warren, son of William S. and
Rose E. Warren.
24. Aug 2. Agnes Bertha Wilson, daughter of John D. and
Agnes M. Wilson.
25. Aug. 12. Richard Eleroy Dart, son of Oswald L. and Cora
A. Dart.
26. Aug. 15. In Marlboro, George Andrews Wilson, son of
George and Mary E. Wilson.
27. Aug. 17. Helen Josephine Tuttle, daughter of JamesB. and
Florence M. Tuttle.
28. Oct. 25. Una Luella Smith, daughter of George A. and
Alma W. Smith.
29. Nov. 3. Sherburne Hutchins Heath, son of Frank and
May Heath.
30. Nov. 8. Mary Helena Moore, daughter of William J. and
Mary A. Moore.
31. Nov. 20. Chesleigh Errol Hutson, son of John W. and
Eliza J. Hutson.
20 ANNUAL REPORT
32. Nov. 22. Gertrude Abbie Austin, daughter of Byron W.
and Hattie Belle Austin.
33. Dec. 19. Dennis Sullivan, son of Dennis D. and Annie M.
Sullivan.
1888.
1. Apr. 7- Rachel Helen Martin, Stephen E. and Susan A.
Martin.
MARRIAGES RECORDED IN ACTON IN 1889.
No. Date of
Marriage.
1889.
1. Jan. 30. At Marlboro — George C. Conant and Clara B.
Vidito, both of Acton.
2. Feb. 21, At Acton — George Otis Penniman of Acton and
Edith Pv. Peynolds of Maynard.
3. Apr. 3. At Acton — George A. L. Gilchrist of Lunenburg
and Mary L. Tuttle of Acton.
4. Apr. 20. At Lowell — Albert Russell of Acton and Ida F.
Esty of Londonderry, K. H.
5. Apr. 30. At Concord — George McDougle and Bridget Mary
Jackman, both of Acton.
6. May 5. At Acton — John Stanley Rice and Ida Jose-
phine Austin, both of Sudbury.
7. May 12. At Acton— Joseph W. Godfrey and Mattie F.
Randolph, both of Acton.
8. May 25. At Concord, K H. — George A. Brown of Acton
and Nettie L. Carr of Concord.
9. July 8. At West Acton — Martin Elmer Clark and Hattie
Ann Parks, both of Maynard.
10. Sept. 8. At Acton — Seth McAlpin and Olivea Drury, both
of Lowell.
11. Sept. 18. At Concord — John F. Fitzgerald of Boston and
Mary J. Hannon of Acton.
TOWN OF ACTON. 21
12. Oct. 19. At Acton — Clarence A. Austin and Angle Hayes, '
both of Sudbury.
13. Nov. 16. At Acton — Adelbert F. Mead and Theodosia
Bertha Wright, both of Acton. .
14. Nov. 20. At Concord — William C. Mehegan and Mary E. j
O'JSTeil, both of Acton. ^ i
15. Nov. 21. At Acton — Eddie F. Conant and Mary Etta j
Pickens, both of Acton. |
16. Nov. 26. At Concord — Michael Foley and Joanna Reddy, •
both of Acton. I
17. Nov. 27. At Concord— John F. Coughlin, and Mary T. j
Waldron, both of Acton. i
18. Dec. 24. At Concord — James Williams of Acton and Sarah i
L. Turner of Concord. \
'\
# j
DEATHS RECORDED IN ACTON
IN
1889.
No.
Date of Death. Name of Deceased.
Yrs.
MOS.
Dys.
1889.
1.
Jan. 11.
Daniel Harris,
76
8
11
2.
Jan. 22.
Charles H. Yarney,
5^
9
1
3.
Jan. 29.
Olive W. Knowlton, wife of
Amasa Knowlton,
12
—
—
4.
Feb. 2.
Mary A. Blan chard,
21
—r-
—
5.
Feb. 5.
Daniel McCarthy,
63
—
6.
Feb. 21.
George E. Forbush,
37
10
4
7,
Mar. 2.
Joel Hobart Conant,
75
9
8.
Apr. 3.
Thomas P. Owens,
39
—
9.
Apr. 9.
Ernes t;;H. Gray,
—
2
14
10.
Apr. 20.
James H. Hannon,
26
5
25
11.
Apr. 28.
Ula Sibley,
26
8
24
12.
May 2.
Joseph W, Tuttle,
84
24
13.
May 8.
Mary Hadley,
77
—
—
14.
May 22.
John W. Charter.
71
. 10
15
15.
May 23.
Franklin A. French,
80
9
21
16.
May 29.
Jonathan W. Loker, •
49
8
8
22
ANNUAL REPORT
17.
May 30.
Frederick Eouillarcl,
18.
June 9 .
Mabel Armstrong,
19.
June 27.
Arthur L. Cloud,
20.
June 28.
Alfred W. Gardner,
21.
July 19.
Olive Charlotte Duttou,
22.
July 27.
Elmer W. Lawrence,
23.
Aug. 20.
Joseph E-eed,
24.
Aug. 30.
Cyrus Hay ward,
25.
Sept. 15.
Minnie A. Brown,
26.
Sept. 30.
Charles W. Parker,
27.
Oct. 8.
Thomas Hutch ins.
28.
Oct. 26.
Ithamar Eobbins,
29.
Nov. 1.
Sarah A. White,
30.
Nov. 13.
Charlotte Barnard,
31.
Dec. 2.
Una Luella Smith,
t
Dec. 27.
J^mes M. Hendley,
NAMES OF PERSONS HAVING
IN 1889.
76
10
26
41
1
52
—
—
10
77
9
, 8
—
5
8
06
11
—
08
5
26
11
8
50
16
92
18
73
—
50
—
—
89
—
—
7
71
17
DOGS LICENSED
l^ertie Hay ward,
David Shapley.
E. H. Phalen,
Reuben Reed,
A. Mead,
E. Jones,
Augustus Fletcher,
George Gardner,
William Davidson, 2,
Mrs. George F. Flagg,
Mrs. E. J. Blethen,
Antoine Bulette,
John C. Gates,
R. B. Knowlton,
George G. Keith,
Mrs. Daniel Harris,
A. L. Lawrence, 2, 1 female, Joshua Sawyer, 2,
M. E. Taylor,
Charles J. W^illiams,
John Kelley,
J. K. W. Wetherbee-,
John Y. Tucker,
F. E. Wetherbee,
Tuttle, Jones & Weth, 2,
Dana F. Haywood,
A. Knowlton,
John Fletcher,
A. W. Gardner,
F. P. Brooks,
0. H. Forbush,
Daniel H. Farrar,
Sylvester Haynes,
E. E. Fletcher,
TOWN OF ACTON.
23
A. C. Handley,
William H. Philbrick,
E. J. Eobbins,
Albert Moullon,
C. S. Simonds, female,
Joseph E. Bassett,
G. H. S. Houghton,
Isaiah S. Leach,
George C. Conaiit, female,
F. E. Peniiiman,
John Temple,
C. J. Fletcher,
William B. Davis,
Charles H. Holton,
M. Kerrigan,
Fred Eouillard,
Daniel Tuttle,
Mrs. Eliza Cole,
Thomas J. Sawyer, female,
Luther Conant,
C. J. Holton,
Charles Morris,
George T. Knowlton,
George Conant,
M. H. Worden,
C. B. Stone,
Isaac Barker,
A. Eisso, 2, 1 female,
W. F. Stevans,
L. V. Olough,
John McCarthy,
E. G. Kraetzer,
Charles Wheeler, female,
Charles H. Wheeler,
A. L. Noyes,
AV. C. Eobbins, 2,
W. H. Teele,
S. A. Eobbins,
Fred W. Gray,
Thomas Mannion,
E. H. Davis,
Henry Hanson,
Anson C. Piper,
Willie S. Fletcher,
A. F. Sargent,
J. H. Standish,
Daniel J. Wetherbee,
C. B. Sanders, 2,
Samuel Jones, Jr.,
Willis L. Mead,
T. Sullivan,
I. S. Ford,
George W. Tuttle,
Herman Chaplin,
L. W. Pratt,
A. L. Tuttle,
J. D. Coburn,
T. McCarty,
George E. K'eyes,
J. E. Houghton,
W. A. Gilmore,
H. Littlefield,
Herbert Pratt, 2,
A. A. Wyman,
Mrs. E. Stone,
A. G. Smith,
D. C. Harris,
O. A. Knowlton,
C. B. Eobbins, 2,
Isaac W. Flagg,
F. E. Knowlton,
Edward Willis,
Moses Taylor,
F. W. Green,
F. G. Jones,
W. O'Neil,
24
ANNUAL REPORT
C. H. Taylor,
G. T. Barstow,
E. S. Whitcomb,
0. H. ThomspoD,
J. L. McCarth}^,
J. C. Wheeler, female.
W. H. Jones, '
Henry Brooks,
E. B, Forbiish,
Jerry McCarthy,
Ralph Crooker,
N. R. Palmer,
N. Littlefield,
G. A. Conant,
A. P. Wood,
William Moore,
E. Pratt,
Henry Willard,
\
George H. Smith,
E. H. Jones,
W. S. Jones,
John W. Clark,
M. A. Reed,
L. E. Reed,
Thomas Calder,
Henry Haynes,
N. A.
Davidson.
Males, 138, at ^2.00 each,
$276 00 -i
Females, 8, at $5.00 each,
40 00 j
Total amount received, $316 00
WILLIAM D. TUTTLE, Town Clerk,
TOWN OF ACTON. 25
Report of Receipts and Expenditures at the
Almshouse in Acton,
For the Year Ending February 28, 1890.
ARTICLES ON HAND FEBRUARY 28, 1890.
7 tons of hay,
2 1-2 tons of oat fodder,
Gluten meal,
Indian meal,
Salt,
Wagon,
Horse rake,
Mowing machine,
Empty barrels,
Plow,
Horse hoe,
12 cows,
1 horse,
50 hens,
20 cords wood,
15 bushels potatoes,
200 pounds of salt pork,
1 barrel apples.
Canned fruit,
Pickles,
Crakers,
Flour,
Tea,
Coffee,
Eggs,
Spices,
$119 00
25
00
13
12
2
00
1
00
70
00
20
00
20
00
27
20
8
00
5
00
504 00
150
00
25
00
80 00
10
50
20 00
3
00
2
00
1
00
70
3
00
1
S^
32
60
50
26 ANNUAL REPOKT
Lard, ^11 00
Butter, 1 00
Molasses, 50
Beef, oO
Lumber, 4 00
Coal, 10 00
$1,139 79
RECEIPTS FROM' TOWN FARM FROM MARCH i, 1889,
TO MARCH I, 1890.
Received for apples, $190 74
Milk, 997 56
Calves, 15 25
Cow, 3 00
Poultry, 12 97
Labor, 1 50
Potatoes, 35 00
Eggs, 28 41
$1,284 43
EXPENDITURES AT
TOWN
FARM FOR THE YEAR
ENDING
FEBRUARY 28, 1890.
Axe,
$1 00
Ammonia,
15
Brushes,
2 15
Book,
25
Brooms,
55
Beans,
8 39
Blacksmith bill.
4 07
Butter,
38 09
Barrels,
37 81
Boots and shoes.
9 75
Beef, pork and sausages.
. 101 83
Curry comb.
18
Coffee,
4 18
TOWN OF ACTON.
^"j
Clothes pins,
$
09
Chimneys,
94
Coal and himber,
30
54
Chalk,
08
Car fare for Mr. Johnson,
32
Crackers,
38
45
Cream tartar,
76
Crockery,
56
Cloth and clothing,
37 55
Cocoa,
25
Curtains,
70
Cows,
76
50
Cheese,
2
22
Egg food,
25
Extract,
70
Farming tools,
7
30
Eertilizer,
16
10
Flour,'!
34
96
Fly paper and trap,
32
Fish,
8
83
Garden and grass seeds,
12
15
Glass,
1
30
Grain,
486 88
Glue,
52
Hay knife.
1
00
House paper and border,
7
20
Hardware,
17
07
Insect powder,
42
Jars, tops and rubbers,
33
Jar,
30
Kerosene oil,
2
20
Lard,
2
52
Lemons,
57
Lime and cement,
1
55
L. U. Holt's bill,
12
88
Mustard,
20
Matches,
18
Molasses,
11
50
28 ANNUAL REPOKT
Mirror,
$ 1
25
Medicine.
2
51
Mowing machine extras,
4
75
Nitre,
25
Paint and oil,
8
32
Potatoes,
12
54
Powder and fuse,
27
Poison,
20
Paris green.
1
50
Pigs,
17
00
Pasturing cows,
21
00
Kice,
40
Paisins,
1
51
Pope,
53
Repairing harness,
5
95
Pepairing shoes.
80
Salt,
/)
00
Soap,
4
37
Starch,
60
Spices,
66
Stove polish,
42
Scraps,
3
00
Scythe stone,
40
1
Scythe snathe,
50
Saleratus,
56
Sawing lumber,
32
l
Sugar,
33
54
Services of H. C. Scarlet and wife,
450
00
■
E. H. Cutler,
50
i
L. C. Taylor,
20
•
A. C. Handley,
2
50
Tea,
7
49
Tobacco,
53
Tinware,
95
■■
Use of bull,
4 00
TOWN OF ACTON. 29
Vinegar,
Yeast,
Expenditures,
Eeceipts,
Income less than expense,
Due from treasury to balance account,
Interest on farm.
Vitualing and lodging 179 tramps,
Cost of supporting poor at farm, $574 76
Whole number of persons, exclusive of tramps, supported at
almshouse, 6 ; average number, 5 1-2 ; present number, 5.
E, H. CUTLEB, ) Overseers
L. C. TAYLOE, >■ of
A. C. HAKDLEY, ) Poor.
We have examined the above accounts of the Overseers of
Poor, and find them correct.
D. JAMES WETHEEBEE. ) , ...
HIEAM A. HAPGOOD, ^ ^uf^^^ors.
$1
16
1
42
fl,690
70
$1,690
79
1,284
43
$406
36
406
36
240
00
$646
36
71
60
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
For the School Year 1889-90.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT
IN BEHALF OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
To the Town of Acton :
Items of regret and congratulation press upon our notice
at the passage of another year.
Reghet No. 1.
The loss of experienced and successful teachers in six of
the ten schools in town during one year is a matter of serious
disappointment.
Their promotion to other and more responsible trusts im-
plies for our comfort that we have been having for years good
teacliers, worthy of our contidence and able to command
wages and appreciation beyond oui' range.
We thank them cordially for what tliey have done for us.
We wish them success in striving to do for other communi-
ties a like service, possibly one broader and more influential
for good.
By prompt action of local committees and the Board, these
vacancies have been fllled. All the schools at present date
are in charge of competent teachers, whose culture and
promise of success warrant high hopes for the luture.
Let these teachers continue to have the full co-operation
of parents and the public, and the best results may be cred-
ited before hand on the right side of the account.
TOWN OF ACTON. 33
Regret No. 2.
The unanimous voice of the teachers and scholars was
promptly expressed in season to forestall the intrusion of
" La Grippe " on the school grounds.
The doors wei"e locked, the bars were up and " '}io admit-
tance'^ posted on all the avenues, but she stole a march in
the night and had full possession in the morning without
even a "please sir."
She was treated gracefully. What else could be done ■
Her departure to other climes was however hastened. She
took the hint and was soon oft* for a better chance elsewhere.
The marks for absence spoiled the looks of the registers for
a few days, but they soon resumed their wonted aspect.
None of the scholars in town have been starred ; contagious
and fatal diseases have kept away.
Let this exemption be counted on the congratulation
column, and thank God for the item.
Regret No. 3.
Here and there through the town is found a parent who
seems to depreciate the privileges so gratuitously offered to
his children, and permits trivial causes to hinder the full
benefit.
The rooms are warmed and swept. The teachers are there
on time, and in full rig for a day's work: The books and
equipments for the best methods are furnished, but where is
the pupil who most needs the hints of the faithful teacher
and the inspiration of the school drill ? Absent. He prom-
ises to be present the next day, but when the roll is called,
absent again is the response.
Wednesday he comes. Has he Ids lesson ? Put a few
leading questions on the days lessons and his blushing face
and stammering tongue tell the story of Monday and Tues-
day. He has been off duty. The jury so verdict him. The
court pronounces the verdict just, and the sentence goes
upon the record for its execution in after years.
34 ANNUAL REPORT
Mark this I The officer will be at his post in that appointed
future and see that the sentence does not miss its victim.
That there should be one such case in town to the discredit
of parent or pupil is a cause for painful regret.
Regret is an easy word to use in the circumstances. The
fiery word seems more befitting the case, but that word shall
be waved for one more trial.
On the opposite column put these items :
Most scholars do not do so.
Most parents do not do so.
Most of the register's mai'ks are ^^ preaenf.''^
Most of the hours liy richly laden with studious habits and
golden freight.
The idlers are the exception, thanks to loving parents and
faithful children.
Regret No. 4.
In taking a rapid general retrospect of the year's impression
in the school room, this lingers in the mind.
They do not read as well as they oiujht to. What is the mat-
ter ? Do they not pronounce the words cori'ectly ? Yes, as
a rule,|remarkably well. They voice their words so as to be
heard? Yes, that is not the line of grievance. They stand
erect, hold their books so you can see their faces and start off
on time ? Yes, tliey do that fairly well. But here is the
trouble :
There is a lack of proper personal conception and expres-
sion of what is read.
The inflections do not vary with the shifting sentiments.
There is a halt where there should be a quickened step.
There is a low tone where the tone should be intensified.
There are more commas than those printed in the book,
and the author probably knew best how many to put in.
Naturalness. This grace in reading is more often found in
the Primary department than in the higher grades.
What is the reason ? Let not our older scholars lose their
freedom as they advance up the grades of scholarship.
TOWN OF ACTON. 35
One good sentence properly studied, and properly expressed
is worth pages of unappreciated and unexpressed repetition.
Items in the opposite column on the credit side.
There are a goodly number of lively, expressive, natural
readers scattered through the town, and they will be heard
from in the coming days, unless they lose their first love, and
falling back join the ordinaries.
Bashfulness. Don't mention it. Be brave and act out
yourselves, if the ordinaries do laugh at you.
The laugh will change sides if you can wait long enough.
Regret No. 5.
Outward influences often lead an earnest teacher to raise
the question whether he shall not relinquish his trust. Other
occupations allure his ambitious eye, and the tempter asks
why not indulge ? He pictures to his view the quietness and
leisure of the home, tlie farm or the shop, and asks why may
I not enjoy this luxury of repose ?
Why subject myself to this constant fret and criticism of
methods and results ? Let the jaded mind wait for the
calmer hour before decision.
The fate of culture hangs on the delay. The teacher if he
will hold his place may catch an inspiration from pupils here
and there crossing his path which shall take him above the
drudgery of his profession to the celestial heights.
The accumulation of knowledge is largely dependent upon
incidental circumstances. These are furnished by the de-
mands of the school room
Questions are suddenly pressed upon the teacher's notice,
which lead to investigations in new and rich fields of scienti-
fic inquiry, literary culture or historic lore.
All that is required in many minds is that some eager
pupil propound a question involving difficulty, and an effort
is made to meet that difficulty.
Time is taken for researches which otherwise would not be
thought of, or if thought of attempted.
36 ANNUAL REPORT
A scholar asks yoa to bound British America. This is
one of the familiar questions of your early school days, but
when proposed to you iu later life by a scholar doubting your
ability to give a correct answer, British America means some-
thing new to you. You resolve to know more about it ; you
will be able to define not merely its political boundaries but
its peculiar physical organization, its capacities of mineral or
agricultural wealth, its commercial relations now existing
and in prospect, its extent in comparison with your own
country, its importance as a friendly allied power in time of
peace, its resources of military annoyance and aggression in
war, and the next opportunity given to you by the ambitious
scholar will be improved in pouring this acquired knowledge
upon his astonished and gratified ear.
Vou do not like the study of language but a scholar differ-
ently constituted from yourself, whose culture in this direc-
tion has far out run your own, comes to you with the spark-
ling eye of a new interest, and tells you what he has learned
about a given word, how it has come to be adopted into your
own mother tongue, what it means in the original language
from which it is derived, how it came to have that meaning
in some distant period of a by-gone-age, how it has fought its
way to position in plulological contests of the best scholars,
liow it has soothed the aching heart in moments of sorrow;
how it has fired the patriot when lifting the arm for his
country's defence ; how it has affiiliations binding together
different tongues in the past, and ranging out in still wider
circles in the near and distant future. You silently condemn
yourself for your ignorance and indifference.
You ask why may not I have a share in this strange charm
of linquestic inquiry, and you begin to know something
which you did not know before ; to love something which
you did not suppose worthy of that love, and this love im-
TOWN OF ACTON. 37
pels you to efforts which bring you large returns of knowl-
edge.
If one wishes to have a fact of science, or liistory, or lan-
guage established in his memory, let him be compelled by his
position to memorize, explain, and illustrate the fact to a
class of intelligent pupils; facts which but for this collision
would escape notice and become imbedded in the mind.
If you have travelled with scholars in geography among
the mountains of Asia, these mountains become a fixture in
your mental vision. The map of Asia is suggestive of old
familiar scenes which you have visited in loved companion-
ship. The boundaries of states and nations are remembered
because you have established their limits with scholars whose
faces you cannot forget. You have heard them give those
boundaries with tones that still linger in your ears. Mistakes
which were at the time laughable which set the whole room
in an uproar and gave you not a little irritation, may be the
very circumstances which sliall make sure your knowledge of
the facts in debate.
What is especially desirable in a teacher is a glow for
knowledge for its own sake. This will have a contagious
effect upon himself and his surroundings.
If he is born this may so much the better, but if he is not
so born, he may have a neiv birth, which shall seem almost
like nature's first start.
Prof. Stuart of Andover, the great enthusiast, in the study
of language, had a habit of projecting his tongue when he
had suddenly struck upon some new meaning of an old
Hebrew root, dry as the dry rot to most minds. It was an
unclassical position for the tongue. That could not be helped
The discovery was a nugget of gold to him. His face was
an inspiration to all in his presence.
They might go to the ends of the globe in after years, but
the professor's tongue would travel with them to the banks
of the Ganges, and give them nerve to search for tlie mysteries
of a new language to be learned.
38 ANNUAL REPOET
One loved teacher m mathematics was so absorbed with
the beanty of a demonstration in geometry that he would rub
his hands together with an unction which thrilled the entire
class with a love for the study.
The highest conceivable satisfaction after all, which any
one can have in any sphere of life, in time oi- beyond time, is
the consciousness that he is dohui his duty, and that the In-
finite One is looking complacently upon his work, and is
reall}^ saying with each earnest blow for the right, '' Well
done good and faithful servant."
No afHuence of fortune, no heights of position, no compli-
ments of friends, no gratitications of taste can be a substitute
for tliis. This the teacher may have as the perennial solace
of his life, and as the one light that shall cheer the dark pas-
sage to another and better world.
THE TEACHERS' INSTITrTE.
The record of the school year would be defective without
a reference to the Teachers' institute, at South Acton,
Friday, December 13.
Tlie towns represented by Committees and Teachers were
Concord, Acton, Maynard, Carlisle, Sudbur}-, Stowe, Box-
boro, Littleton. These numbered 75. They were furnished
with a bountiful collation at noon, arranged b}' the ladies, in
the Universalist vestry, which was duly appreciated by the
guests. The exercises w^ere held in the High School room,
which was filled with an audience intensely interested in the
programme, provided by the State Board of Education. It
consisted of an address by Secretarj^ Dickinson upon the
principles of teaching. Superintendent Aldrich of Putney,
Mass., on teaching arithmetic; Arthur C. Bo^'den of the
Bridgewater Normal School, on Physiology; Superintendent
TOWN OF ACTON. 39
E. H. Davis of Chelsea, a native of Acton, on Primary read-
ing ; Henry T. Bailey, State Agent, npon drawing.
Agent Walton spoke of the absorbing interest with which
the exercises of the Institute had been received, and thanked
the people for their generous hospitality. He referred to the
Institute as being in all particulars one of the most satisfac-
tory ever held in the State. His warm words of gratification
were fully responded to by the audience and the authorities
of the town.
HIGH SCHOOL.
The graduating exercises, Friday, June 28, in the Town
Hall, showed an unabated interest in the school. The hall
was crowded. The exercises were well received, and the
occasion one to be remembered.
r BO GRAMME.
Class Motto:—'' HOPE LIGHTENS LABOBf'
MUSIC.
Prayer, ._..__. Rev. Mr. Heath
Salutatory, - _ _ . . Lillian F. Richardson
Essay, -__-... Albert J. Reed
"A Glimpse of the Capital."
MUSIC.
Essay, -.._._ Effie V. Littlefield
" Have We Found It .-^ "
Essay, ------- Carlos B. Clark
" Sources of Light."
MUSIC.
Essay, - - - - - - - Viola A. Preston
'* Sculptors of Life are We."
Essay, - - - - - - Henry L. Livermore
" Our Navy."
music.
Essay, - - . . _ Alberta V. Littlefield
" The Legend of Magog."
40 ANNUAL KEPOKT
Essay, - - - - - _ Lillian F. Richardson
" Weaving."
MUSIC.
Essay, ---__. Hattie E. Tuttle
" Spring and Summer Voices "
Prophecy, - - - - . _ - Albert J. Reed
MUSIC.
Valedictory, - - - - • - - Carlos B. Clark
Presentation of Diplomas.
MUSIC.
Three years' couise of the High School, subject to changes
which may hereafter be made, according to tlie judgment of
the Committee and the light of experience.
FIRST YEAR.
First Term. — Arithmetic and Bo6k-keei)ing, alternating.
English Grammar and Composition. General
History.
Second Term. — Arithmetic and Hook-keeping, alternating.
Englisl] Grammar and Com})osition. General
History.
Third Ternj. — Arithmetic and Book-keeping, alternating.
Rhetoric begun. Botany.
SECOND YEAR.
First Term. — Algebra begun. Rhetoric continued. Phy-
siology.
Second Term. — Algebra continued. English Literatine be-
p'un. Physics beoun.
Third Term. — Geometry begun. Physics continued. Eng-
lish Literatuie continued.
THIRD YEAR.
First Term. — Geometry continued. Latin begun, Chemistiy
begun.
Second Term. — Physical Geography. Latin continued.
Chemistry continued.
Third Term. — Civil Government. Latin. Geology.
TOWN OF ACTON.
Four recitations in each branch per week, Wednesday,
with a different programme, including compositions, reading,
spelling, drawing, and other miscellaneous recitations as shall
be deemed the most important at the time.
The monthly written test in this school, and in all the
schools, is considered the fairest and surest proof of the real
progress made. If properly considered, it reveals the weak
or strong points of scholarship. These are considered in
silence, and each pupil must depend upon his own independ-
ent resources, unembai'assed by the interference of school-
mates, committee, or the public.
Each pupil having the same questions, the result deter-
mines the absolute and relative standing.
For the sake of public inspection the doors are open to vis-
itors at any time which ihay suit their convenience. More
frequent visits by parents and friends are welcome.
New impressions may thus be I'eceived and wrong impres-
sions corrected, and a better understanding be established
between all the parties concerned in the education of the
schools.
The whole number of pupils in the High School for the
year was 34.
Number of pupils over 15 years of age, . . . 21
Number of pupils under 15 years of age, ... 13
Total average membership, ..... 30.83
Total average attendance, . . . . . 28.16
Per cent, of attendance, ...... 91.34
Number of applicants in the written examination in June, 20
Number admitted entitled to certificates, ... 10
Mr. Armstrong, the Principal, has been doing valiant ser-
vice, and the apparent interest in the school on the part of
those attending has never been surpassed.
Order, discipline and studious habits have been steadily
rising.
A severe domestic blow fell upon himself and family in the
sickness of his loved companion early in the year.
42 ANNUAL REPOKT
He has encouDtered this heavy draft upon his powers with
an equanimity which has ensured the equipoise of the school
and the grand results of the year.
THE CENTRE SCHOOL.
Gramviar Department — Summer and Fall Terms.
Miss Fannie L- Perry, - - - Teacher.
The school was fortunate in again retaining the services of
Miss Perry during two terms of the year.
At the close of the Fall term she tendered her resignation,
to accept of a position nearer home. Slie was the recipient
of a pleasing token of appreciation from her scholars at the
close of her work, and left the scene of her labors with the
assured benedictions of pupils, parents, committee, and the
public. Her impress is upon all who have had the benefit of
her instructions, nor will it be effaced as the years roll hy.
Winter Term.
The first part of the Winter session was in charge of Miss
Viola S. Tuttle, who has had the steerage of that lively com-
pany of South Primaries for so long a time. They were sony
to have her go, and we were sorry to have her leave, but the
circumstances beyond control pointed that way. She evi-
dently felt the embarassment of the change, but entered upon
her work in an earnest, faithful style. She was beginning to
feel quite at home in the higher grade. The scholars came
to understand her methods, and were working toward a
harmonious result, when her own health and that of her
mother, required a dismissal of the care.
Another break became necessary for a week and two days,
when Miss Ida J. Bishop of North Acton, went into the
school as a substitute for Miss Tuttle.
Teache.r and pupils soon affiliated and lost time has been
made up, so that the term of thirteen weeks has been suc-
cessfully completed with less damage than could be antici-
pated.
TOWN OF ACTON. 43
Center Primary Department — Spring Term.
Miss Blanche E. Henshaw continued in charge of this
school with increasing satisfaction during the term, but late
in the summer vacation receiving a call to go elsewhere to a
^ position more remunerative and responsible, tendered her
resignation much to the regret of her scholars and committee
CENTER PRIMARY.
Fall Term.
Miss Alice M. Mackintosh, - - Teacher.
Miss Mackintosh was from Needham, a graduate of Need-
ham High School and the Framingham Normal School. This
was her first trial in teaching, and she entered upon her
duties, little appreciating the difficulties of the position. She
was zealous and faithful. Her methods were good, and with
more experience and in other circumstances, she may win
unqualified testimonials. She left with the best wishes of all
for her future success.
CENTER PRIMARY,
Winter Term,
Miss Sarah E. Hammond, - - Teacher.
Miss Hammond is a graduate of Harvard Academy. She
has had successful experience as teacher in Harvard and
Pepperell. The Primaries have fallen into her line of
methods, have had a good winters term, and are in the way
to go on pleasantly and steadily in the future.
There have been changes, quite sufficient for one year.
Let teacher and pupils combine for the best and happiest
work.
THE NORTH SCHOOL,
Miss Jessie F. Jones, - - Teacher.
There has been no change of teacher in this school, except
for a few days, when Miss Jones being sick with '' La-Grippe"
Miss Ida J. Bishop acted as substitute.
44 ANNUAL REPORT
Miss Jones returned to her care in season to close the
thirteenth week's term for the winter. There has been stead}^
improvement in all directions during the year.
The teacher has shown great fidelity to her trust, and has
been unsparing of time and strength in working up the school
to its present satisfactory condition.
There has been thoroughness in the mode of instruction in
all branches, which it is always a pleasure to witness.
The recitations in language and grammar have been es-
pecially marked with thought. If all questions have not
been answered correctly, the answers have been given in a
way to prove study and sure advancement. The order has
been excellent and reached with mutual good understanding
between teacher and ]ni[)ils.
THE EAST SCHOOL.
Miss Susie E. Wetherbee, - - Teacher.
This school has had a full j^ear of continuous peace and
progress, in charge of the same experienced teacher, as re-
ported in former years. Promptness, studiousness, showing
gratifying interest in the studies, accommodation to the
teacher's plan, order, vivacity, naturalness, are the features
of the school which strike the eye whenever visited.
The public half day at the close of the winter term, was
furnished with a programme, which was executed with won-
derful celerity and satisfaction. The local committee man
had been especially unfortunate in his arrangements for the
weather, a stubborn cold northeast snow storm, the worst of
the season, in full blast during the session. There was com-
fort, good cheer and pluck in doors all the same.
There was an encouraging attendance of ladies present,
notwithstanding the storm. Nor were tliey silent witnesses
of the scene, but added words of commendation, which fell
graciously on the ears of the boys. They are mostly boys in
this school.
TOWN OF ACTON. 45
SOUTH EAST SCHOOL.
Spring Term,
Miss Laura A. Browk, - - - Teacher.
The characteristics of this school noticed in previous re-
ports remained during the closing term of Miss Brown's
teaching. She was devoted to the personal welfare of her
charge, and ready to lend a helping hand when and where
most needed. Good wishes of pupils, parents and committee
will follow her in her future life. Not soon can her long
continued and faithful exertions be forgotten.
Fall and Winter Terms.
Miss Hattie E. Tuttle, - - Teacher.
Miss Tuttle was a graduate of the Acton High School, and
without experience as a teacher took the school with a'deter-
mination to succeed, and the success which slie resolved upon
has happily come. She has shown aptitude to teach, force in
discipline, and thc«/roughness in methods, and the school has
gone on prosperously under her charge.
" La-Grippe " came as an unwelcome intruder in the last
part of the winter ternj, and Miss Tuttle was seriously ill
for a few days, but will complete the thirteenth week of the
winter term at the close of this week.
SOUTH SCHOOL.
Grammar Department.
Miss Clara A. Johnson, - - Teacher.
Miss Johnson is a graduate of the Farmington Normal
School, Maine, has large and successful experience as a teacher,
and came to her work wfth flattering testimonials.
The expectations which preceded the beginning of her
work in Acton have been fully met. The school has been
especially favored by her dignified, thorough, earnest devo-
tion the duties of the school room. She has sought to
modestly, yet zealously, and impartially, to reach substan-
ANNUAL REPORT
tial culture and lasting results. The scholars and the public ]
have come to understand her methods and motives, and have ;
joined with her in reaching the consumatiou of the year. '
The large and gratified company present on the last public ;
day were of one mind in the expression of approval.
PRIMARY SCHOOL.
Spring and Fall Terms.
Miss Viola S. Tuttle, - - - Teacher.
The school was again favored with the efforts of Miss
Tuttle during these two terms. They were marked with tlie
same earnest, judicions, and experienced qualities which have
been recorded heretofoie. Though at times her strength has
faltered, yet no physical faltering lias lessened the ardor of
lier ideal for the future of the school.
But for circumstauces beyojid her control she would have
I'emained at her post, lepeating and improving upon lierself.
WINTER TERM,
Miss Hadessa L. Sharp, - - Teacher.
Miss Sharp had had large experience in teaching, and good
Noriual and Higli School training in preparation for her
work. She came among us a stranger, and encountered
many embarassments and discouragements at the beginning of
her work.
These she met with good perseverance, and finally
worked up to a grade of order and interest among the scholars
and to a better understauding among the parents, which pre-
pared the way for the pleasant surprise of all at the closing
exercises.
These were especially meritorious and deserved the praise
which was so cordially expressed. There was a wide-awake
and intelligent command of bod}^ and mind on the part of the
youthful competitoi's, which made us older ones to wish for
a moment that we were young once more and could have, just
for a day, the gush of the April morning.
TOW^ OF ACTON. 47
THE WEST SCHOOL.
Gramma7' Department.
Miss Nellie A. Hanson, - - Teacher.
Spring and Fall Terms.
This scliool enjoyed the contiiiiied iiistriictioiis during the
Spring and Fall Terms, and the lirst week of the Winter
Term of their former teacher, Miss Hanson.
Never were her methods or results more satisfactory, and
great regret was expressed that the attractions beyond our
control should lead her to part company with her Acton
charge for that of any other locality ; but so it came to pass.
Vale ! Vale ! But God speed just the same if better services
and destinies betide her elsewhere. We will not be too selfish
in these matters of vicissitude and disappointment.
WINTER TERM.
Miss Alice J. Hoar, - - - Teacher.
Miss Hoar was a graduate of the Acton High School, and
this was he first experience in teaching.
She has made a good beginning, in circumstances especially
embarassing. She has scholarship traits of mind and heart,
wliich with the co-operation of pupils and })arents ought to com-
mand satisfaction and success in the future. Let her have the
full benefit of the chance, and time to work out results, to the
gratification of all concerned.
PRIMARY SCHOOL.
Sprmg and Fall Terms.
Mess C. Lettie, Newton, - - Teacher.
She kept on doing just as she had been doing for so many
years, in charge of these primaries, pleasing all, improving
steadily as the years wore on, when suddenly the scene
changed and she was among the absent worthies of the past
in the Acton roll of teachers.
The good work she has done cannot be undone, even
though she has taken her departure. The primaries have sub-
48 ANNUAL KEPOKT
mittecl to the change with good grace, and are trying to go
on in the line of progress. They wish for her success in her
new efforts elsewhere, not forgetting the good start which
her labors have given to themselves here.
WINTER TERM.
Mrs. Harriet H. Gardner, . - Teacher.
Mrs. Gardner began her care of this school in the latter
])art of the Fall Term, and continued through the Winter
Term,
She had taught school in town with success in previous
yeais, and a return to the teacher's position, under tlie cir-
cumstances, was quite congenial to her tastes.
She has ordei-, kindness, originality and enthusiasm in tlie
school room, which promise the best results among the
youthful company. The West Primaries catch the first
dawn of light in the morning, and guage the weather bulletiu
at a glance, and they ore fortunate, .vo they think if they can-
not have Miss Newton they can have Mrs. Gardner, and so
go on their way with trippiiig step.
Respectfully submitted after adoption by Committee,
JAMES F].ETCHER, Svpemitendent.
TOWN OF ACTON.
48
TABULAR STATEMENT FOR 1889-90.
7-1
CO
P.
^
^
CD
S
Ul
^
X SCHOOLS.
TEACHEKS.
c
m
C
4J
bJD
c
CD
>
Av. attendan
53
a;
Cb
CD
OS
a;
>^
34
CD
a;
>
21
GC
a;
(X)
CD
Acton High
A. W. Armstrong,
36
34
30.83
28.16
91.24
13
Center
Grammar,
Fannie L. Perrv,
Viola S.Tuttle,
86
20
18.0
16.93
91.57
20
1
19
Ida I. Bishop,
Center
Primary,
Blanche E. Henshaw
Alice Mackintosh,
86
23
16.45
13.98
m
23
7
Sarah E. Hammond,
S. Gram mar
Clara A. Johnson,
36
34
26.25
23.8
90.88
34
1
21
S. Primary,
Viola S. Tuttle,
Hadessa L. Sharp,
36
43
38.75
33.07
85.30
43
18
West
Grammar,
Nellie A. Hanson,
Alice J. Hoar,
36
34
31.96
30.78
96.30
34
2
33
West
Primary,
Lettie C. Newton,
Harriet H. Gardner,
36
46
43.44
39.
90.
1
45
24
North,
Jessie F. Jones,
36
27
22.22
20.18
90.82
27
20
East,
Susan E. Wetherbee,
36
25
23
20.21
88.
25
1
15
Southeast,
Laura A. Brown,
Hattie L. Tuttle,
36
15
15
13.8
29.
15
1
13
Number between 5 and 15 years, as reported by the Assessors
for the year 1889, 267.
50 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN WARRANT.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Middlesex ss.
To either of the Conntahles of the Town of Acton hi the County
of Middlesex^ Greeting :■■ —
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you
are directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town
of Acton qualified to vote in elections and Town affairs, to
assemble in the Town Hall, in said Town, on Monday, the
seventh day of April, A. D. 1890, at one o'clock in the after-
noon, then and there to act upon the following articles as they
may think proper, viz. :
Article 1. To choose a Moderator to preside in said
meeting.
Akt. 2. To fill all vacancies in the list of Town officers
and committees.
Art. 3. To see what amount of money the Town will
raise for the support of schools, and for school supplies for
the present year, and do or act anything thereon.
Art. 4. To see what amount of money the Town will
raise to repair the roads the present year, and do or act any-
thing thereon.
Art. 5. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate six
hundred dollars, to be divided equally between the Centre,
South and West villages, to be expended under the direction
TOWN OF ACTON. £^I
of the Selectmen in building cement sidewalks in said vil-
lages daring the months of June or July next, or do or act
anything thereon.
Art. 6. To see if the Town will re-shingle the school
house at South Acton.
Art. 7. To see if the Town will purchase camp-chairs for
the Town hall.
Art. 8. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate a
sum of money for the purpose of defraying the expenses of
the dedication of the Memorial hall and Library building, or
do or act anything thereon.
Art. 9. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate a
sum of money for the maintenance of the Memorial hall and
Library, or do or act anything thereon.
Art. 10. To see if the Town will appropriate one hun-
dred and fifty dollars for the due observance of Memorial day,
or do or act anything thereon.
Art. 11. To see if the Town will vote to have the As-
sessors' valuation for the current year printed, or do or act
anything thereon.
Art. 12. To see what amount the Town will raise to de-
fray Town charges for the present year, or do or act any-
thing thereon.
Art. 13. To see if the Town will choose a Superintend-
ent of Burials.
Art. 14. To vote by ballot, " Yes or No," in answer to
the question : " Shall license be granted for the sale of in-
toxicating liquors in this Town the present year?''
^l ANNUAL REPORT
Art. 15. To consider aud act upon the acceptance of the
Jury List, as revised by the Selectmen.
Art. 16. To see if the Town will accept the reports of
the Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor, School Committee and
other Town officers.
Art. 17. To see if the Town will authorize the Treasurer,
with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money for the
Town, if necessary, in anticipation of the taxes for the cur-
rent year.
Art. 18. To liear the reports of any committees chosen
to report at this meeting, and do or act anything thereon.
Art. 19. To see if the Town will instruct the School
Committee to appoint a Superintendent of Schools.
Art. 20. To see if the Town will vote to remove the
obstructions from the sidewalk adjoining the store belonging
to Luke Blanchard in West Acton.
Art. 21. To see if the Town will vote to widen the roadbed
eight feet on the turnpike leading from West Acton to Con-
cord, from a point on said road near the cigar factory of F.
R. Knowlton to a bend in said road near the gravel bank of
said Know! ton's, and widen the bridge and sluices six feet,
the total distance being 1,934 feet, or take any action thereon.
Art. 22. To see if the Town will pay George M. Pike
one hundred and twenty-five dollars.
Art. 23. To see if the Town will appropriate a suitable
amount of money to provide and place a tablet commem-
o ating the services of the Isaac Davis Guards during the
late war, on the monument at Acton Centre, or in any pub-
lic building within the Town.
TOWN OF ACTON. 52
And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting up
copies, attested by yon, in the following places : One at the
Post Office in the centre of the Town, one at the store of
Tuttle, Jones & Wetherbee, one at the store of C. H.
Mead & Co., one at the Nagog house, and one in each of
the railroad stations in the Town, seven daj^s at least before
the time appointed for holding said meeting.
Hereof fail not and make due return of this warrant, with
your doing thereon, to the Selectmen or Town Clerk, on or
before the time of holding said meeting.
Given under our hands, in Acton, this the twenty-fifth day cf
March in the year one thousand eight hundred and ninety.
HOWARD B. WHITE, ) Selectmen
WILLIAM F. STEVENS, [ of
GEORGE R. KEYES, ) Acton.
54 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN OFFICERS For 1890.
Town Clerk ^
William D. Tuttle.
Selectmen^
Howard B. White, Wm. F. Stevens, George E. Keyes.
Assessors^
Phineas Witherbee, Chauncy B. Robbins, John White,
Aaron C. Handley, Thomas F. No yes.
Overseers of Poor,
Eltsha H. CtTTLER, Lyman C. Taylor, Aaron C. Handle y.
Town Treasurer^
JoNA. K. W. Wetherbee.
Auditors^
Hiram J. Hapoood, D. James Wetherbee.
School Committee,
Charles J. Williams, David C. Harris, . . 3 years
Alphonso a. Wyman, William S. Jones, . . 2 years
Charles L. 1>radford, Rev. James Fletcher, . 1 year
Cemetery Committee^
John Fletcher, AVm. W. Davis, Levi W. Stevens.
Fence Viewers^
Nahum C. E-eed, Oliver W. Mead, Frank Hosmer.
Surveyors of Lumber^
Wm. B. Davis, Wm. S. Warren, Levi W. Stevens, Ed. F.
Richardson, George H. Harris, Chas. A. Brooks,
Herbert T. Clark.
Surveyors of Wood,
Wm. B. Davis, Geo. H. Harris, Henry D. Parlin,
Solomon L. Dutton, Charles H. Taylor,
John F. Davis, Herbert T. Clark.
Surveyor of Hoops and Staves,
Augustus Fletcher.
Fish Committee for 1889,
Luther Conant, Elnathan Jones, John Fletcher,
Frank H. Whitcomb, Charles J. Williams.
ANNUAL REPORT
-OF THE-
TOWN OFFICERS
-OF THE-
TOWN OF ACTON,
-FROM-
February 26, 1890 to February 26,
1891.
HUDSON:
The Enterprise Printing Company,
1891.
TREASURER'S REPORT.
Town of Acton in Account with J.
jK. W. Wetherhee,
Treasurer.
1890. Dr.
Feb. 26. To cash paid State tax,
11,172 50
*^ " County tax,
1,078 85
" " on Selectmens or-
ders,
16,903 37
Outstanding orders,
1,117 24
balance due the Town,
1,296 46
%^^ ^9x9, ^^
,
1890. Cr.
Feb. 26. By cash in the Treasury,
$830 85
Received for rent of Chapel rooms to
April 1, 1890.
33 00
of John Eedfearn, druggist's
\
license,
1 00
" H. T. Clark, for loam.
4 20
" C. B. Eobbins, for old
plank,
4 00
*• Eev. J. Fletcher, balance
due the Town on account
\
of school supplies,
54 37
^' Dr. I. Hutchins for drug-
gist's license.
1 00
" John Redfearn for drug-
gist's license.
1 00
" Town of Concord, one-half
expenses of erecting
)ound near Dudley
place.
3 15
M. A. Eeed, for two tons
of hay sold from Wood-
lawn Cemetery, 14 00
ANNUAL REPORT
" L. W. Steven, for lots sold
in Mt. Hope Cemetery,
" Town of Methuen, for aid
furnished Byron Austin,
" Amasa Kuowlton, for old
posts.
" Town of Shutesbury for aid
furnished Wm. F. Reed,
^' Bay State League, rent of
schoolroom,
" State Treasurer, Corporation
tax,
" State Treasurer, iS'ational
Bank tax,
" State Treasurer, Military
aid. Chapter 279, Acts
1889,
" State Treasurer, State aid,
Chapter 301 Acts 1889,
^' Nathan Johnson, for old
flag rope,
'' District Court, of Central *
Middlesex, for fines,
** State Treasurer, income of
Mass. School Fund,
'' State Treasurer, for dog tax,
^' E-ev. J. Fletcher, school
supplies sold,
" Julian Tuttle, rent of Town
Hall and cellar,
" E. A. Phalen, for taxes for
1889,
" E. F. Conant, for taxes for
1890,
^' Tuttles, Jones &Wetherbee,
borrowed money,
-' Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee,
for borrowed money,
" Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee,
borrowed money,
^' Wm. D. Tuttle, borrowed
money,
" John Fletcher, for lots sold
in Woodlawn Cemetery,
" Interest on money in bank,
25
00
5 00
80
33
17
2
00
716
51
665
20
54 00
252
00
50
130
65
164
241
87
67
10
92
42
00
1,431
56
.2,886
00
1,500
00
1,500
00
600 00
300
00
12
48
00
00
- $21,568 42
TOWN OF ACTON.
Treasurers Report of Money held for care of Lots in Cemeteries.
Dr.
To Hepsibeth Piper Fund,
Interest on Hepsibeth Piper Fund,
Frederick Eouillard Fund,
Cash received from Town on account
of interest on Frederick Rouillard
Fund,
$50 00
2 00
100 00
3 00
Cr,
cash paid N. Johnson for labor on
lot of Hepsibeth Piper,
$2 00
Cash paid K Johnson, for
labor on lot of Freder-
ick Rouillard,
3 00
Cash in Treasury,
150 00
$155 00
$155 00
J. K. WETHERBEE,
Treasurer of the Town of Acton.
Acton, Feb. 1891.
We have audited the accounts of the Treasurer of the Town*
of Acton, and find them correct.
Auditors
of the
Town of Acton.
HIRAM J. HAPGOOD,
DANIEL J. WETHERBEE,
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS.
Center School.
Paid Eev. James Fletcher, for teachers, $720 00
" '' care of house, 65 00
" '' fuel, ' 74 92
*^ ^^ cleaning rooms, 6 00
" " incidentals, 2 41
$868 33
West School. I
Paid A. A. Wyman, for teachers, $720 00 I
" " care of house, 78 00 *
cleaning rooms, 2 63 i
fuel, m 88 I
'' " incidentals, 3 76
$870 27
South School,
Paid C. L. Bradford, for teachers, $720 00
" '* care of house, 90 00
cleaning rooms, 6 50
fuel, 42 62
incidentals, 7 63
$866 75
North School.
Paid D. C. Harris, teachers, $360 00
'' " care of house, 25 50
fuel, 39 75
"~ " incidentals. 2 50
$427 75
TOWN OF ACTON.
East School.
Paid C. J. Williams, teachers, $360 00
'' '' . care of house, 27 00
'' '^ cleaning rooms, 3 50
'' " fuel, 46 m
" " incidentals, 3 00
South-east School.
Paid W. S. Jones, teachers, $324 00
'* " care of house. 15 00
" '^ cleaning rooms, 5 00
'' " fuel, 21 00
" " incidentals, 4 65
High School.
Paid A. W. Armstrong, for teaching, $920 00
Janitors, care of rooms, 34 00
N. Johnson, moving furniture, 5 00
Geo. Gardner, rent of organ, 15 00
" " " piano, 10 00
C. L. Bradford, cleaning room, 2 00
" ^' incidentals, Q6
" '' fuel, 19 32
School Supplies.
Paid A. W. Armstrong, $8 11
Eev. James Fletcher, 410 ^Q
$440 36
$369 65
$1,005 97
$418 67
STATE AID.
Paid Allen G. Smith, Chap. 279 ; Acts 1889,
Wm. F. Wood, " "
Warren B. Ball, '' "
Eichard G. Dane, Chap. 301 ; Acts 1889,
Luke Smith, " "
Mary Smith, " ''
Eebecca C.Wright, " ^'
Almira H. Loker, " "
Mary J. Brown, " '^
Eliza J. Shattuck, " "
$60 00
36 00
40 00
60 00
48 00
48 00
48 00
48 00
24 00
40 00
ANNUAL REPORTS
Mary
A.
Eand,
u a
18 00
Susan B,
. Winn,
cc a
16 00
Achsa Hanscom,
i( u
4 00
SUl
(t/jQA Af>
^PORT OF POOR.
>aid E. H.
Cutler,
deficiency on farm to March
h
1890
J
^406 36
E. H.
Cutler,
aid of Mrs. Trainor,
36 00
a
Emily F. Towne,
30 50
a
u
Clara Wheeler,
169 93
.
a
Albert L. Brooks,
8 36
a
Bichard Temple,
169 56
a
W. F. B.Whitney,
31 75
a
Kinsley children.
193 50
a
Mrs. Marshal Jones 157 00
u
Ruth Pike,
54 00
((
Wm. F. Beed,
33 17
a
Byron Austin,
5 00
u
,{,
i\mos Brooks,
29 12
a
Julia A. Collins,
9 25
a
Hannah Stanton,
15 50
a
J. E. Harris,
104 01
<(
W. B. Ball,
123 50
u
Martha E. Bobbins,
22 14
a
Mrs. J. Quinlan,
91 34
u
Expenses to Portland,
9 30
((
Two
journeys to Waltham
, 4 00
u
Three journeys to Lowell,
4 50
©1 TAT TQ
CEMETERY EXPENSES.
Paid N. Johnson, labor in Woodlawn and
on monument grounds, $52 48
John Fletcher, memorial signs,
" trees,
" freight on trees,
'* iron for signs,
" posts,
E. Jones & Co., stock for seats in
Woodlawn,
B. L. Beed, painting letters on tombstone,
Moses A. Beed, mowing Woodlawn,
L. W. Stevens, labor at Mt. Hope,
$175 44
3 50
7 75
1 76
25
50
9 15
ne, 1 50
40 95
57 60
TOWN OF ACTON.
F BIN TING.,
Paid A. Hosnierj 500 town orders,
" 300 envelopes,
" notices,
Enterprise Printing Co., warrants,
" " notices,
" " 600 town reports
" ^^ 500 sheet reports
A. C. Handley, Assessors' notices,
H. F. Glidden, poll tax lists,
" 800 copies of valuation,
1
65
1
05
1
20
10
25
3
00
ts, 53
00
ts, 10
00
1
^5
6
50
38 40
$126 90
TOWN OFFICERS.
Paid A. A. Wyman, services as ballot clerk
to Nov. 1, 1890, $3 00
D. J. Wetherbee, services as ballot
clerk, to Nov. 1, 1890, 3 00
Julian Tuttle, services as registrar of
voters to May 1, 1890, 12 00
S. A. Guilford, services as registrar of
voters to May 1, 1890, 12 00
C. W. Chadwick, services as registrar
of voters to May 1, 1890, 12 00
William D. Tuttle, services as regis-
trar of voters to May 1, 1890,
E-ev. James Fletcher,Supt. of Schools,
Phineas Wetherbee, Assessor,
C. B. Eobbins,
A. C. Handley, "
John White, "
T. F. Noyes, " 100 00^ ]
L. U. Holt, sealer of weights and meas-
ures, 1890,
William D. Tuttle, Town Clerk,
J. K. W. Wetherbee, Town Treasurer,
William F. Stevens, Supt. of Roads,
George R. Keyes. Selectman,
Wm. F. Stevens,' "
Howard B. White, "
$1,001 00 ■
.(
15 00
125
00
150
00
129
00
45
00
105 00
100
00
10
00
30
00
50
00
25
00
45
00
45
00
85
00
10
ANNUAL REPORT
DEDICATION OF LIBRARY.
Paid John Fletcher, envelopes, stamps and
express,
F. A. Searle, posters,
Thomas Todd, printing,
H. W. March, committee badges,
N. Littlefield, for team,
A. Bulette, "
A. L. Tuttle, "
Luke Tuttle, .
N. Davidson, ^'•
J. E. Cutter, "
James B. Tuttle, "
George Livermore, "
H. E. Bean,
George N. Noyes, "
Horace Tuttle, "
George Worster, "
R. M. Yale & Co., tent,
A. H. Jones, teaming tent,
George L. Noyes, "■
Freight on tent,
G. L. Noyes, expenses of foreman for
tent,
R. M. Yale & Co., flags for decorations.
Rev. James Fletcher, expenses of dec-
orations,
Adelphi quartette,
Drum corps,
Hon. John D. Long,
Dr. C. B. Saunders, expenses of en-
tertainment.
$21 95
3 00
36 50
7 60
9 00
4 00
4 00
5 00
3 00
10 00
3 00
5 00
3 00
2 60
12 00
1 00
45 26
1 75
1 50
1 40
I 75
1 00
23 24
18 00
15 00
20 00
18 81
$278 36
LIBRARY EXPENSES.
Paid D. J. Wetherbee, for insurance by vote of town,
Bills Approved hy Trustees.
Paid Ida A. Hale, services at library to June
14th, 1890, $44 88
Hattie E. Tuttle, services at library to
June 14th, 1890, 30 25
$180 00
TOWN OF ACTON. 11
Susie E. Conant, services at library to
June 14th, 1890,
For chimneys,
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee,record book,
" " " lawn mower,
Rev. J. Fletcher, ink,
100 postal cards.
Window screens,
Fitting screens,
Rev. James Fletcher, repairing door,
Francis Conant, mason work,
J. E. Cutter, 25,695 lbs. coal,
D. A. Cutler, carrying books,
Ida A. Hale, services as librarian to Mar.
1st, 1891,
Julian Tuttle, services as janitor,
L. Barta & Co., 10,000 library slips, 9 25
A. Hosmer, printing 100 notices on pos-
tal cards, 1 60
A. Hosmer, printing 250 acknowledg-
ments,
A. Hosmer, printing 100 letter heads,
A. Hosmer, printing 100 envelopes,
L. U. Holt, repairs.
9
79
60
3
75
13
75
35
1
00
16
85
1
50
1
75
1
50
80
30
20
00
75
00
66
70
1
50
40
30
9
12
^390 14
EXPENSES ON ROADS ORDERED BY COUNTY COM-
MISSIONERS.
Paid J. W. Hayward, award of damages, $ 10 00
W. Kinsley, moving wall of J. W.
Hayward,
E. C. Parker, moving wall^
Estate of Chas. Parker, removing
fence,
Wm. H. Kingsley. building bridge,
N. Littlefield, labor on Leland Stevens
road,
"N". Littleiield, irons for bridge on Le-
land Stevens road,
Wm. H. Kingsley, labor on Leland
Stevens road,
H. T. Clark, labor on railings on Le-
land Stevens road.
10 50
58 50
10
400
00
00
367
16
7
85
7
25
4 00
12 ANNUAL REPORT
T. McCarthy, 50 bound stones for
turnpike, 17 50
Chas. Wheeler, 50 bound stones for
turnpike, 17 50
Chas. Wheeler, labor setting bounds
on turnpike, 8 50
N. Littlefield, labor setting bounds on
turnpike, 23 17
Wm. D. Tuttle, surveying, 8 00
W. F. Stevens, 4 casks cement, 6 40
$956 33
EXPENDED ON ROADS AND BRIDGES.
Paid Chas. Wheeler, highway work, $698 45
Nahum Littlefield, " " 763 19
Francis Pratt, " " 724 69
Henry Warden, '' " 2 50
J. Kinsley, use of road for Hurley, 8 00
H. W. Clapp & Co., grating for sluice, 2 34
Chas. Wheeler, 3 covering stone, 1 bQ
Chas. Wheeler, covering stone, 5 30
E. Jones, covering stone, 1 60
Francis Conant, labor on sluice, South
Acton, 3 80
Wm. H. Kingsley, labor on sluice,
West Acton, 36 80
Francis Pratt, labor on sluice at
Fletcher corner, 2 00
. N. Littlefield, labor on sluice, Box-
boro line, 35 80
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, drain
pipe, 34 46
F. R. E,. Co., freight on drain pipe, 1 58
E. Jones & Co., lumber for railings, 14 61
E. Hall & Sons, posts for railings, 5 40
N. E. Bean, nails and irons for rail-
ings, 33
S. Jones, Jr., labor at powder mill
bridge, 7 11
Francis Pratt, teaming plank at pow-
der mill bridge, 9 00
E. Jones & Co., 5170 feet plank for
powder mill bridge, 160 27
TOWN OF ACTON. 13
E. Jones & Co., keg spikes for powder
mill bridge, 2 62
American Powder Mills, repairs upon
bridge,
J. P. Brown, blacksmith bill,
N. Littletield, blacksmith bill,
D. H. Farrar, blacksmith bill,
Francis Pratt, powder and fuse,
Chas. Brooks, repairs upon scraper.
A. H. Jones, repairing washout,
E". Littlefield, breaking out roads,
" plow beam,
^' powder and fuse,
" rakes and hooks,
F. E. Knowlton, 367 loads gravel,
Silas Conant, Jr., 318 "
L. Eouilliard, 181 ''
N. A. Davidson, &^ "
F. H. Whitcomb, 246 ''
Isaac Eeed, 134 "
Abram Tuttle, 36 ''
Ai Bobbins, 113 "
W. D. Tuttle, surveying on great road,
H. B. White, freight on sluice grating,
J. Mains and J. McCarthy, cutting tree,
1
50
6
10
12
07
3
01
1
25
2
75
50
1
90
2
25
6
80
2
85
18
35
15
90
9
05
3 25
12 30
6
70
1
80
5
Qb
75
50
2
00
,638 64
EXPENDED ON BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS.
Paid Julian Tuttle, grading at town hall, $20 45
L. U. Holt, labor at town hall, 7 00
E. Jones & Co., lumber and nails for
hearse house, 23 95
S. Jones, Jr., labor and stock for re-
pairs on hearse house, 15 57
E. L. Eeed, painting hearse house, 8 15
E. Jones & Co., shingles for South
school house, 108 76
E. Jones & Co., nails for South school
house, 3 25
E. Jones & Co., zinc and lead for
South school house, 4 08
S. Jones, Jr., labor shingling South
school house, 51 20
14 ANNUAL REPORT
W. S, Jones, stove for South East
school house, 15 00
Rev. J. Eletcher, repairs at Center
school house, 35 51
Charles Wheeler, grading at Center
school house, 4 75
N. Johnson, labor on Center school
grounds, 23 64
C. W. Pitman, repairs at Center
school house, 7 50
]N. Johnson, repairs at Center school
house, 7 53
Francis Conant. repairs at Center
school house, 4 25
L. U. Holt, repairs at Center school
house, 5 25*
F. W. Green, repairs and grading at
West school house, 10 ^7
A. A. Wyman, repairs and grading at
West school house, 8 80
A. A. Wyman, 21 seats for West
school house, 54 25
W. L. Mead, painting at West school
house, 9 15
F. E. Harris, repairs at West school
house, 10 16
L. U. Holt, repairs on West school
house, 11 60
H. T. Clark, repairs on West school
house, 11 05
C. L. Bradford, repairs and grading
at South school house, 15 37
Francis Conant, repairs at South
school house, 7 25
E. Jones & Co., nails and lumber for
South school house, 19 00
L. U. Holt, repairs at South school
house, 6 92
Francis Jones, painting at South
school house, 21 64
S. Jones, Jr., repairs at South school
house, 18 47
Francis Conant, repairs at East school
house, 6 19
C. J. Williams, repairs at East school
house, 5 30
TOWN OF ACTON. 15
D. C. Harris, repairs at North school
house,
T>. C. Harris, repairs on fence at
North school house,
L. U. Holt, repairs at North school
house,
L. U. Holt, pump and tubing at North
school house,
D. C. Harris, covering stone for
North school well,
D. C. Harris, cleaning North School
well,
60 11
7 05
7 80
7 00
5 00
$689 39 i
MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES.
Paid for record book for Selectmen, 75 j
for ledger for Selectmen,
N. Johnson, repairs on hearse,
for special police badges,
H. B. White, license blanks,
H. B, White, expenses of Board of
health,
H. B. White, express on town reports,
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, pad-lock
for hearse house,
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, as-
sessors' books,
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, collect-
or's book,
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, 4 iron
hitching posts,
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, 9 doz.
folding chairs,
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, freight
and teaming chairs,
Isaac Davis Post G. A. R., for Memo-
rial day,
T. McCarthy, stone guide post,
Dodge, Haley & Co., 225 ft. chain for
railing.
Express on chain,
State Treasurer, 1-4 license fees,
N. E. Bean, rail irons, at hall and
library, 5 00
75
1
75
1
05
6
20
50
1
55
50
1
25
2
94
1
50
16
00
90
00
2
62
.00
00
2
50
6
75
30
75
16 ANNUAL REPORT
Julian Tuttle, setting posts and put-
ting up railings, 1 80
K. L. Reed, stock and labor painting
railings, 2 15
H. R. Hosmer, painting guide boards, 1 50
N. Johnson, lixing town pump, 50
N. Johnson, repairing flag^ 25
L. E. Reed, superintending three
burials, 9 00
Dr. A. H. Rose, services for Board of
Health, 3 00
Silas Conant, digging well North
school house, 75 00
Silas Conant, cementing well North
school house, 2 50
Spofford Robbins, guide boards, 80
E. Jones & Co., coal for hall, 19 97
Phineas Wetherbee, copying poll tax
and valuation lists^ 12 50
Phineas Wetherbee, stationery, post-
age and express, 1 50
C. H. Dodge & Co., putting shelves
in town safe, 21 56
S. Jones, Jr., labor on guide boards, 25
E. F. Conant, discount on taxes, 724 69
M. F. Whiton & Co., flag rope, 1 20
E. F. Conant, services as constable
five Sundays, 5 00
Jas. Devane, painting and lettering
signs,
Jas. Devane, painting hearse,
Jas. Devane, painting hearse runners,
G-eo. Hey wood, bounty tax refunded,
L. V. Clough, reward for conviction
of illegal sale of liquors,
M. B. Garfield, painting guide boards,
E. A. Phalen, summoning town officers
to take oath,
Wm. D. Tuttle, for postage,
" for express,
'^ stationery and dog
license blanks,
" collecting and re-
cording 33 births,
" recording 39 deaths,
" recording 24 marriages,
2 25
25
00
5
00
17
42
50
00
2
25
3
00
3 32
2
70
2
90
16
50
5
90
3
60
TOWN OF ACTON.
17
J. K. W. Wetherbee, stationery and
postage,
2 25
H. B. White, stationery, express and
postage,
4 42
Julian Tuttle, care of town hall and
clock.
60 25
Chas. Clements, expenses in Harri-
man case,
2 00
M. E. Taylor & Co., supplies for town
hall.
7 84
I. F. Duren, attending 27 burials.
81 00
I. F. Duren, making return of 21
deaths.
5 25
$1,427 93
ABATEMENT OF TAXES.
C. L. Angier,
for 1890,
$2 00
a. Regan,
a
2 00
John Campbell,
a
2 00
William G. Dunn,
a
2 00
George Donald,
u
2 00
Robert W. Dowling,
i(
2 00
Smith Finney,
i(
2 00
Harry Fletcher,
.i
2 00
Luther Conant, guardian of Lottie Goodnow,
1890,
85 00
Anthony J. Goding,
for 1890,
2 00
H. G. Gates,
42
George Harris,
2 00
William Hill,
2 00
Michael J . Hayes,
2 00
Richard Larkin,
i(
2 00
Clayton McGlusking,
2 00
Thomas Morey,
2 00
Samuel Mann,
2 00
George W. Mason,
2 00
Malcom Melaine,
2 00
Peter Morrison,
2 00
David Maguinis,
2 00
Anton Mulduth,
2 00
E. W. Quimby,
2 00
James Roady,
2 00
18 ANNUAL REPORTS
Charles S. Bobbins, '' 2 00 i
James Sawyer, " 2 00 |
Eolla Starks, " 2 00 i
Peter Trainer, " 2 00 ^
W. G. Tilton,
Ivory Waterhouse, "
Michael Walsh, "
Clarence Whitcomb, "
Errors, '^
Mary E. Cutler, "
Michael Baker, "
Fred Mann, 1889 tax,
George Kinsley,
Joseph Noyes,
N. E. Palmer,
2 00
2 00
2 00
2 00
2 00
2 00
55
4 25
2 00
2 00
2 00
2 00
5 22
$165 44
LOANS AND INTEREST
Paid Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, one years
interest on $1000 note, 50 00
W. D. Tuttle, note and interest, 304 50
J. K. W. Wetherbee, on account of in-
terest on bequest of F. Kouillard for
care of lot, 3 00
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, note, 1,500 00
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, interest on
note 5 per cent., 56 25
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, note, 600 00
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, interest on
note 5 per cent., 11 75
$2,525 50
$18,020 61
RECEIPTS AND AFPEOFEIATIONS.
Balance in the Treasury, Feb. 26, 1890. $830 S5
due from Collector of taxes, Feb. 26,
1890, 1,592 10
TOWN OF ACTON. 19
Appropriations for Town charges, 4,000 00
schools, 4400 00
highways, 2300 00
overlayings, 185 21
State tax, 1172 50
County tax, 1078 85
library, 400 00
Rec'd from State Treasurer, Corporation tax, 716 51
'' " Nat. Bank tax, 665 20
" " Military aid, 54 00
'' " State aid, 252 00
" " income of Mass.
School Fund, 164 87
Chapel society, rent to April 1,
1890, 33 00
John E-edfearn, druggist's li-
cense, to May 1, 1890, 1 00
John Redfearn, druggist's li-
cense, to May 1, 1891, 1 00
I. Hutchins, druggist's license
to May 1, 1891, 1 00
H. T. Clark, for loam, 4 20
C. B. Bobbins for old plank, 4 00
Bev. Jas. Fletcher, overdrawn
on school supplies, 54 37
Town of Concord, one-half ex-
/ pense of erecting bound, 3 15
Moses A. Beed, hay from Wood-
lawn Cemetery, ' 14 00
L. W. Stevens, lots sold in Mt.
Hope Cemetery, 25 00
Town of Methuen, aid furnished
Byron Austin,
A. Knowlton, old posts,
Town of Shutesbury, aid fur-
nished W. F. Beed,
rent of So. school room,
N. Johnson, old flag rope.
District Court, for fines,
County Treasurer, dog tax,
Interest on money in bank,
Tuttle, Jones & Wetherbee,
borrowed money,
W. D. Tuttle, borrowed money,
Julian Tuttle, rent of Town
Hall and cellar, 42 00
5
00
80
33 17
2 00
50
130
65
241
67
48
00
3,600
00
300
00
20 ANNUAL REPORT
Rev. James Fletcher, school sup-
plies sold, 10 92
John Fletcher, lots sold in
Woodlawn Cemeterj^, 12 00
22,379 52
EXPENDITURES.
For Centre School,
$868 33
West School, .
870 27
South School,
866 75
North School,
427 75
East School,
440 36
Southeast School,
369 Qb
High School,
1,005 97
School supplies,
418 67
State and military aid,
490 00
Support of poor,
1,707 79
Cemetery expenses.
175 44
Roads ordered by County Commis-
sioners,
956 33
Printing,
126 90
Town officers,
1,001 00
Roads aud bridges,
2,638 64
Town buildings and grounds,
689 39
Miscellaneous expenses,
1,427 93
Loans and interest paid,
2,525 50
State tax.
1,172 50
County tax.
1,078 85
Abatement of taxes.
165 44
Dedication of library,
278 36
Library,
570 14
$20,271 96
Balance due from E. A. Phalan, taxes 1889, $160 54
" " E. F. Conant, taxes 1890, 650 m
" " Treasurer. 1,296 46
■ $2,107 5^
$22,379 52
TOWN OF ACTON. 21
TOWN DEBTS.
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, note and in-
terest, 1,023 61
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, note and in-
terest, 1,551 25
— $2,574 86
Less amounts due from Collectors and Treas-
urer, $2,107 56
Balance against the Town, Feb. 26, 1891, $467 30
HOWARD B. WHITE, ) Selectmen
WM. F. STEVENS, V- of
GEORGE E. KEYES, ) Acton.
Acton, Feb. 2Q, 1891.
We have examined the accounts of the Selectmen and find
them correct.
HIRAM J. HAPGOOD, ) Auditors of the
DANIEL J. WETHERBEE, ]" Town of Acton.
22 ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Receipts and Expenditures at the
Almshouse in Acton
For the Year ending Feb, 28
, 1891.
Articles on Hand February
28, 1891.
1 horse,
$140 00
12 cows,
480 00
Grain,
4 00
Salt,
50
9 1-2 tons hay,
152 00
1 wagon,
70 00
Mowing machine,
20 00
Horse rake,
20 00
Horse hoe,
5 00
1 plow,
8 00
126 empty barrels.
22 68
Lumber,
2 00
8 market boxes,
80
20 cords wood.
70 00
Coal,
6 00
50 hens.
25 00
13 bushels potatoes.
13 00
Apples,
1 00
300 lbs. pork.
24 00
2 dozen cans preserves,
5 00
2 gallons pickles.
60
Soap,
50
riour.
7 75
Crackers,
30
Tea,
1 44
Starch,
40
Coffee,
50
Lard,
9 00
Mustard,
20
Butter,
50
Fruit jars,
2 50
TOWN OF ACTON.
23
4 dozen eggs,
40 lbs. ham,
80
4 80
BECEIFTS FROM THE TOWN FARM FROM MARCH
1, 1890, TO MARCH I, 1891.
Received for apples,
Milk,
2 beef cows,
Lard,
Calves,
Wood,
Sweet corn,
Potatoes,
Cabbages,
Poultry,
Eggs,
$1,269 ^Q
93 95
,062 21
32 00
1 10
15 75
5 00
75
25 63
4 61
75
27 81
EXFENDITURES AT TOWN FARM FOR THE YEAR
ENDING FEB, 28, 1891.
Axe handles.
Butter,
Brooms,
Beans,
Boots and shoes,
Boxes,
Basket,
Brush cutter, S^ ^ \
Blacksmith bill,
Cheese^
Coffee,
Castings,
Cloth and clothing,
Curtains,
Crockery,
Canned fruit.
Cattle cards.
Clothes-pins,
Cream tartar,
52
31 60
2 08
10 80
11 35
40
70
S6
8 78
1 46
4 43
3 95
6Q 99
1 75
1 68
40
16
15
1 14
24 ANNUAL REPORT
Crackers,
31
09
Cliocolate,
19
Coal,
13 36
Clock,
1
50
Cows,
90
00
Disinfectants,
1
67
Eggs,
71
Evaporated apple,
48
Extract lemon.
22
Erait trees.
5
25
Furniture,
4
60
Flower pots.
40
Fruit jars.
1
50
Fertilizer,
7 00
Fish,
3 82
Flour,
34 40
Glass,
$1
40
Grass and garden seeds,
8
10
Gelatine,
16
Grafting wax.
45
Grain,
473
29
Hardware,
8
09
Jugs,
50
Keeping cows,
14
00
Kerosene oil.
1
65
Lamp wicks,
08
Labor,
16
55
Lemons,
31
Lime and cement,
70
Lumber,
8
46
Meat,
126
67
Molasses,
14
75
Medicine,
2 57
Matches,
33
Mustard,
40
Mop,
45
Onions,
25
Oyster shells,
55
Paint and Oil,
8
18
Puttv,
21
Pork bbls.
1
50
Paper and bordering,
1
14
Pipe and labor on pump.
6
14
Potatoes for seed,
4
00
Pigs,
13
00
Poultry,
75
TOWN or ACTON.
25
Paris green,
67
Powder,
40
Kope,
2 13
Kosin.
08
Repairs on mowing machine,
2 75
Raisins,
3 02
Stove,
6 00
Scythes,
2 00
Salt,
2 18
Soda,
46
Seed sower.
4 25
Stove polish.
46
Soap,
4 35
Scraps,
1 35
Starch,
49
Spices,
95
Sugar,
32 78
Services of H. C. Scarlet and wife,
450 00
Services of E. H. Cutler,
50 00
Services of L. C. Taylor,
15 00
Services of A. C. Handley,
5 00
Tin ware,
1 25
Tea,
1 00
Tomato plants.
38
Use of bull,
9 25
Varnish,
3 12
Vinegar,
1 76
Wheelwright's bill,
6 00
Wire netting,
5 35
Whitening and papering.
4 54 ,
Wheat,
17
Water pail,
17
Yeast,
1 04
1fii fifift ^fi
Expenditures,
$1,668 36
Receipts,
1,269 56
Income less than expense,
Due from the treasury to balance account,
Interest on farm,
Victualling and lodging 163 tramps.
Cost of supporting poor on farm, $573 60
$398 80
$398 80
240 00
$638 80
65 20
26 ANNUAL REPORT
Whole number of persons exclnsive of tramps
supported at almshouse, 4
Average number, 4
Present number, 4
E. H. CUTLEE, ) Overseers
LYMAN C. TAYLOK, [ of
AAEOK C. HANDLY, \ Poor.
We have examined the above accounts of the Overseers oi
the Poor and find them correct. j
HIEAM J. HAPGOOD, ) . ^.,
DANIEL J. WETHEEBEE, | ^^^*^^^^-
TOWN OF ACTON. 27
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT FOR 1890.
BIRTHS RECORDED BY THE TOWN CLERK OF
ACTON IN 1890.
Jan. 3. Eva Idelle, daughter of Willis L. and Julia A. Mead.
3. Mary Catharine, daughter of Michael and Mary Welch.
11. Lois, daughter of Charles W. and Edith Pitman.
20. Erank and Cornelius, twin children of Frank and
Margaret E. Moan.
Feb. 11. Luke, son of James L. and Margaret A. McCarthy.
12. Wallace Melvin, son of George 0. and Edith Penniman.
18. Julia Helena, daughter of Thomas and Hannah Mc-
Carty.
Mar. 1. , a daughter to Joseph G. and Mary Y. Begin.
14. Perley A., son of James A. and Nettie Fowler.
April 24. Ena May, daughter of Geo. H. and Cora E. Smith.
30. , a daughter to Timothy and Ellen Sullivan.
May 30. John Francis, son of John Jr. and Mary A. McCarthy.
June 1. William F., son of William and Mary Hayes.
10. Pauline, daughter of Rev. Geo. W. and Sarah E.
Stearns.
28. Eugene William, son of Wm. 0. and Emma I. Hub-
bard.
July 2. Lydia H., daughter of Geo. H. and Ida L. Brooks.
10. Gladys W, daughter of Newton E. and Hattie A.
Bean.
12. Grace Emily, daughter of Martin H. and Lizzie M.
Worden.
26. Edith Frances, daughter of Joseph William and Mary
Alice Evans.
Aug. 11. Arthur Joseph, son of Michael 0. and Annie Kerrigan.
15. Mary Ellen, daughter of Michael and Johanna Foley.
26. Florence Irene, daughter of Irving V. and Nellie F.
Whitcomb.
Sept. 6. Florence Mabel, daughter of William and Mary Wilson.
13, In Bucksport, Me., Sumner Cole, son of Poswell L.
and Annie B. Tuttle.
X9. Mary Ellen, daughter of William C. and Mary E.
Mehegan.
28'
ANNUAL REPORT
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
21.
25.
1.
17.
19.
5.
8.
Males,
Robert, SOD of Geo. R. and Lizzie M. Livermore.
James William, son of John F. and Mary T. Coughlin.
Helen Laura, daughter of Alphonso A. and Laura A.
Wyman.
Ella Louise, daughter of Loren C. and Rachel
Baldwin.
, a son to David C. and Betsey J. Harris.
Eva, daughter of Simon and Sarah Kabalchnick.
Russell Billings, son of Geo. L. and Emma L. Quimby.
14 : females, 19 ; total, 33.
MARRIAGES RECORDED IN ACTON IN 1890.
DATE. NAME AND RESIDENCE OF PARTIES. WHERE MARRIED.
Jan. 1. William D. Hooper of Acton,
Adah Ingham of Concord. Bedford.
8. Elmer E. Handley of Acton,
Lizzie B. Ireland of Littleton. Boston.
Feb. 11. William J. Hayes of Acton,
Mary E. Forest of Acton. Concord.
24. George H. Brooks of Acton,
Ida L. Dane of Acton. Acton.
Mar. 12. Plinny M. George of Eastford, Conn.,
Edith Anna Wheeler of Acton. Acton.
22. Will Murray Charlton of Acton,
Minnie Mildred Tapley of Acton. West Acton.
April 26. Thaddeus Clem of Concord,
Frances M. Brigham of Concord.
24. William H. Kingsley of Acton,
Carrie M. Frye of Dracut.
May 14. Samuel Mann of Acton,
Bridget Hoffman of Acton.
June 5. William C. Boyd of Hudson,
Ar villa G. Yidito of Acton.
12. Edwin P. Woodward of Acton,
Velma Augusta Hosmer of Acton.
July 23. R. Byron Moore of Arlington,
Carrie F. Hanson of Acton.
Aug. 17. Clarence D. Cram of Town send,
Ada M. Jones of Acton.
Sept. 1. Giles A. Barber of Acton,
Maggie A. McCaig of Boxboro.
15. William A. Noyes of Acton,
Laura S. Atwood of No. Cambridge. Newport, R. I.
Acton.
Lowell.
Concord.
Hudson.
Acton.
Acton.
Acton.
So. Framingham.
TOWN OF ACTON. 29
Oct. 8. Jona Davis Richardson of Acton,
Ellen S. Fairbanks of Hudson. Walt ham.
8. Myron L. Chaffin of Acton,
Nancy S.Quinton of Walpole, N. H. Bellows Falls, Vt.
16. Fred H. Dickerman of W. Swansea,
K H.,
Lottie S. Richardson of Acton. W. Acton.
18. David Millett of Acton,
Ida L. Richardson of Acton. W. Acton.
22. William R. Burr of Acton,
Emily Randall of Maynard. Acton.
Nov. 5. Peter Dean of Acton,
Mary J. Landry of Acton. Concord.
19. Hiram E. Gates of Acton,
Etta A. Tuttle of Acton. Acton.
,0^ 27. Lorenzo E. Reed of Acton,
Emma A. Pratt of Acton. Littleton.
Dec. 18. William Daniels of Whitman,
Annie Bishop of Acton. North Acton.
Total number, 24.
DEATHS RECORDED IN ACTON IN 1890. j
Jan. 15. Clarence W. Brown, 31 years, 8 months, 27 days. j
16. Edward Tuttle, 72 years, 8 months, 20 days. I
29. >Levi L. Pratt, 18 years, 6 months, 8 days.
29. Thomas F. Lawrence, 78 years, 4 months, 27 days.
Feb. 3. Loretta Lawrence, 45 years, 27 days. j
24. Elbert W. Kingsley, son of William H. and Ellen E. j
Kingsley, 5 years, 4 months, 1 day. j
Mar. 15. Isaac F. B. Temple, 76 years, 2 months, 17 days. j
18. Charles H. Taylor, 38 years. " ]
16. Elizabeth M. McCarty, daughter of Thomas and \
Hannah McCarty, 5 years, 21 days. j
Apr. 13. Mary Ann (Hosmer) Hapgood, widow of John Hap- |
good, 83 years, 10 months, 13 days. I
18. Elsie Annie Arnold, 22 years. ' ;
30. Infant daughter of Timothy and Ellen Sullivan, 1 day. \
May 6. Francis Joseph Jackman, 21 years, 12 days. \
9. Wallace M. Penniman, son of Geo. 0. and Edith j
Penniman, 3 months. j
21. Lavinia Redfearn, wife of John Redfearn, 42 years, \
9 months, 21 days. ;
30 ANNX^AL REPORT
June 2. William F., son of William J. and Mary Hayes, 1 day.
10. George W. Peltier, 29 years.
26. William Warren Davis, 66 years, 2 months, 29 days.
29. Freeman Williams, 43 years, 6 months, 21 days.
July 12. Rebecca (Nye) Blanchard, widow of Nathan Blanchard,
90 years.
20. Ebenezer Davis, 78 years, 11 months, 5 days.
Aug. 3. Nathaniel S. Faulkner, 83 years, 6 months, 24 days.
15. William G. Dunn, 76 years, 11 months.
15. Medora A. Mott, wife of Alonzo Mott, 54 years, 11
months, 7 days.
18. Elma G. Stone, 15 years, 11 months, 20 days.
20. Sarah Sophia Tuttle, wife of Luke Tuttle, 47 years, 7
months, 5 days.
22. Cornelius Moan, son of Frank and Margaret Moan, 7
months, 2 days.
22. William Hanson, 87 years, 6 months, 10 days.
Sept. 5. Sarah L. (Go ward) Morehouse, wife of Wm. More-
house, 81 years, 8 months, 21 days.
6. David Rynn, 74 years.
25. Lois, daughter of Chas. W. and Edith Pitman, 8
months, 14 days.
30. Lydia H., daughter of Geo. H. and Ida L. Brooks,
2 months, 28 days.
Oct. 19. Elbridge Robbins, 79 years, 6 months. 26 days.
19. Martha M. Wayne, widow of John Wayne, 78 years,
5 months, 14 days.
23. Robert, son of Geo. R. and Lizzie M. Livermore, 2 days.
24. Ruth (Dole) Fletcher, widow of Daniel Fletcher, 78
3^ears, 9 months.
28. Bella (Batchelor) McGreen, 53 years, 3 months, 9 days.
Nov. 23. Frederick Mann, 34 years, 5 months.
Dec. 5. John Francis, son of John Jr., and Mary Ann Mc-
Carthy, 6 months, 5 days.
Total number, 39.
TOWN OF ACTON.
31
NAMES OF PERSONS HAVING DOGS LICENSED IN
1 890.
Isaac W. Magg (for 1889),
James P. Brown,
Charles H. Holton,
Geo. H. Smith,
C. A. Harrington,
Chas. J. Williams,
Luke Tuttle,
Reuben L. Reed,
Geo. W. Ball,
E. J. Blethen,
Charles Morris,
J. C. Hunt,
E. Eddie Eletcher,
A. J. Eletcher,
Augustus Fletcher,
Danie F. Hayward,
Chas. B. Stone,
Mrs. Frances A. Stone,
Chas. S. Moulton,
Geo. A. Smith,
John Temple,
Thomas Mannion,
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, 2,
E. F. Shapley,
C. S. Symonds, (female),
W. W. Philbrick,
Frank D. Barker,
Mrs. Geo. F. Flagg,
L. W. Stevens,
Daniel H. Farrar,
Antoine Bulette,
Thomas McCarty,
Geo. B. Gowen,
Moses A. Reed,
Geo. W. Peltier,
Ralph Crooker,
Wm. Mehegan,
Lawrin W. Pratt,
Solon A. Robbins,
T. J. Sawyer, (1 female),
Samuel Jones, Jr.,
John W. Randall,
Wm. F. Stevens,
Chauncy B. Robbins, 2,
Arthur Hughes, 2,
Blanche Bassett,
John Kelly,
Alexander Allen,
Isaac Barker,
James Hussey,
Mrs. C. H. Taylor,
F. S. Whitcomb,
Geo. T. Knowlton,
Adelbert Mead,
A. A. Wyman,
Geo. W. Tuttle,
Mrs. Joseph Cole,
Henry M. Smith,
L. E. Reed,
C. H. Mead(S;Co.,
Alonzo Mott,
C. J. Holton,
A. A. Knowlton,
Moses Taylor,
Webster C. Robbins, 2,
E. J. Robbins,
Neils Jansen,
M. E. Taylor,
A. L. Lawrence, 2 (females),
A. L. Lawrence, 1 (male),
Wm. B. Davis,
Fred G. Jones,
Francis Pratt,
Hiram Woodruff,
Daniel Tuttle,
J. H. Standish,
Herbert A. Pratt, 2,
H.|A. Littlefield,
William J. Moore,
Warren H. Jones,
0. A. Knowlton,
Fred Penniman,
Walter A. Gilmore, 2,
Geo. Conant,
Ephraim B. Forbush,
Michael Kerrigan,
32
ANNUAL REPORT
Fred W. Green,
Otis H. Forbush,
F. P. Brooks,
Luther Conant,
A. L. iNoyes,
John W. Clark, .
Isaac S. Ford,
Henry Hanson, 2,
Sylvester Haynes,
Fred W. Eeed,
Geo. R. Livermore,
G. H. S. Houghton,
Wm. S. Jones,
Abel Cole,
Ed H. Jones,
Mrs. Daniel Harris^
Geo. T. Barstow,
Carrie A. Simonds,
Chas. B. Sanders.
Willie S. Fletcher,
A. C. Handley,
D. J. Wetherbee,
Whole number of dogs,
132 at $2, ^264; females, 6
from licenses, $294.
Acton, March 6, 1891.
William Wilson,
Bishop & Son,
W^m. Davidson,
D. C. Harris,
E. G. Kratzer,
A. L. Tuttle,
F. R. Knowlton,
Jerry McCarth}^,
Nahiim Littlefield,
James Devane,
Henry Willard,
Isaac W. Flagg,
J. L. McCarthy,
Fred Sprague,
Charles Wheeler, (female),
Chas. H. Wheeler,
Geo. H. Brooks,
A. Risso, (1 male),
A. Risso, (1 female),
S. Hammond Taylor,
Martin H. Worden,
R. G. Brooks.
138 ; males, 132 ; females, 6 ; males,
at $5, $30 ; whole amount received
WM. D. TUTTLE,
Town Clerk.
AN^L [[EPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
OF THE
Acton Memorial L(ibrar|].
LUTHEE CONANT,
ADELBERT MEAD,
MOSES TAYLOK,
DELETTE H. HALL,
HIRAM J. HAPGOOD,
DANIEL J. WETHERBEE,
HOWARD B. WHITE,
WM. D. TUTTLE,
Rev. JAMES FLETCHER,
Trustees.
34 AN^NUAL REPORT
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
of the Acton Memorial Lihirary^ 1890-91,
The Trustees of the Acton Memorial Library, in presen
to the Town their first annual report, would congratulate
Town on its great good fortune in having such an institi
established within its borders. A solid, substantial structu]
brick and freestone, roomy, convenient and elegantly fini
and' furnished with every convenience for its use, situated
most favorable location on the main street in the centre oJ
town, with ample, well kept grounds around it, we may t
say that it is the ideal Public Library for a country town like
We would also congratulate the public spirited donor of
library, that his large hearted and wisely planned beneficence
taken the form it has.
While it is a worthy monument commemorating the d
of brave men in the past, it is and will continue to be, a1
same time, a living fountain of knowledge and inspiration tc
inhabitants of the Town in the unbounded future. The lib
was opened to the public June 14th, 1890, consequently has i
in running order about nine months, and we may safely sa
has proved a source of unalloyed satisfaction to all who 1
enjoyed its privileges. Our citizens generally, old and yc
alike, have eagerly sought its advantages, and have found i
increasing source of instruction and entertainment. Especi
to the young people of the town is this institution likely to t
the very greatest importance and value, supplementing as it (
the instruction in our schools.
More and more as the years roll on is the public lib
coming to be the college of the people, so that given the mea;
of education our common and High Schools afford, there is
limit to the attainments in science and literature which our (
dren and youth may attain.
TOWN OF ACTON. 35
READING ROOM.
rhrough the abounding generosity of Mr. Wilde, the reading
has been well supplied with the standard Magazines of the
md other reading matter.
Che privileges of this department of the library appear to be
appreciated, and few library days and evenings pass when the
is not surrounded with interested visitors,
rhe reading room, well warmed and lighted as it is, by its
111 janitor, with its capacious and easy chairs, forms a most
ant and attractive place of resort.
Che Trustees have held meetings once a month or oftener,
lich a majority has usually been present, and it has been
constant endeavor to make such arrangements for the dis-
bion and care of the books, and everything pertaining to the
:y as would give satisfaction to the public.
EXPENDITURES.
Che Town appropriated at its annual meeting in April last,
,00 for the current expenses of the library. This sum would
been fully sufficient for the year had it not been for ex-
is incurred in cataloging the books, and other expenses in-
t to the starting of a new enterprise like this, and which
ises are not likely again to be incurred for some years to
. Por a detailed account of the expenditures see Selectmen's
t.
[n view of the rare generosity of the worthy donor, and the
and permanent value of this institution to the Town, we
sak for it your favorable consideration.
Che Librarian, Miss Ida Hale, has proved capable and effi-
, has taken good care of the books in the library, has kept
:oom with neatness and in order, and is commended for
ptness and courtesy in the performance of her duties,
[n this connection we would say a word in reference to the
ul handling of the books (the Librarian does not like to
). This is an important matter and every safeguard should
.opted to protect them from abuse. All patrons of the library
:equested to see that books are properly cared for while
leir possession, and that they are safely returned to the
7-
36
ANNUAL REPORT
The janitor of the library, Mr. Julian Tuttle, has taken ex-
cellent care of the buildings and grounds, and deserves praise for
the efficient manner in which the heating and lighting of the
building has been performed.
STATISTICS.
Number of volumes now in the library, . . . 4167
Number of volumes at the time of opening, . . . 3973
Of these 3458 volumes were the gift of W. A. Wilde ; 97
volumes, Mrs. C. D. Wilde ; 350 volumes, Ginn & Co., Boston ;
36 volumes, American Unitarian Association ; 20 volumes, Ameri-
can Swedenborgan Society ; 11 volumes, Lee & Shepherd, Bos-
ton ; 1 volume, S. K. Abbott, Maiden.
Books and other articles donated to the Library since the
opening :
From Smithsonian Institute, Washington, D. C, . . 22 vols.
Estes & Lauriat, Boston, . . ... .18
City of Boston, 22
Luther Conant, Esq. ...... 27
Massachusetts State Library, . . . .10
Acton Centre Grammar School Library, . . 38
Acton Centre Social Library, . . . .22
Willis B. Allen, Boston, 5
Aaron T. Hay ward, Boston, . . . .3
F. T. Greenhalge, Lowell, 9
William Barrett, Esq., Concord " Social Circle," . 2
C. J. Williams, Esq., Hist, of Middlesex County, 3
D. C. Corey, Maiden — Fiske's Civil Governme^nt, 1
Rev. James Fletcher, " Acton in History," . . 1
" '' Hist, of N.Brookfield, . 1
Dr. E. T. Eastman, Boston, 1
Dr. B. M. Lawrence, ^' The Lawrence Family," . 1
Hon. John S. Keyes, " Concord Celebration of ^^5,'^ 1
U. S. Government, ...... 1
Silas Hosmer, Concord, Centennial Celebration at
Concord, in 1875, 1
TOWN OF AOTON.
37
Mrs. 0. H. Folger, Lawrence
tToseph Dalton, Boston,
E. A. Goodnow, Worcester,
Mrs. R. F. Dyer, Ottawa, 111.
George T. Angell, Boston,
a
iC
i(
a
a
194
Total, . . . ■ .
Other articles of value donated to the library :
From A. M. Lothrop, Washington, D. C, clock for the library.
Friends of W. A. Wilde, Esq., of Maiden, crayon portrait
of Mr. Wilde.
Mary D. Bichardson and children, crayon portrait of the
widow of Capt. Isaac Davis.
Moses Taylor, Esq., two swords, one carried by Mr. Taylor's
grandfather, at the battle of Bennington, and the other
by Capt. Silas Jones, at South Boston.
Edwin J. Piper and brother, of Springfield, the drum and
sword belonging to Major Josiah Piper, of Acton.
W. A. Wilde, Esq., engraving of Gen. Grant.
L. C. Baldwin, South Acton, plate for clock.
Silas Hosmer, Concord, '^paper cutter," made from one of
the timbers of the Old North Bridge.
Eugene L. Hall, photographs of Library, etc.
CIRCULATION OF BOOKS.
From October 11, 1890, to March 11, 1891, a period of five
months, a total of 5770 books were issued from the library. Pre-
vious to October 11, no record was kept, but it is safe to say that
about 9000 volumes have been taken from the library since the
opening. No diminution of public interest is apparent.
The greatest number issued in one day, was 228, on March
7, 1891.
Number of library cards issued to present time 586.
Fines collected, |12.67.
For the Trustees,
WILLIAM D. TUTTLE,
Secretary,
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
School Committee
For the School Year 1890-61.
TOWN OF ACTON. 39
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
To the Town of Acton :
But for the annual March meeting, the jottings of the
calendar, the singing of the blue-birds, and the courteous
reminders of the fathers of the town that the School Report
is due, we should be inclined to question the statement.
The wheels of Time glide swiftly and quietly over the
track, and we fail to note their passage till some of the way-
stations are reached.
What about the Report? Much the same as in former
years. Regrets repeated and emphasized. Changes among
the teachers, a fair average. Parental co-operations, the
usual percentage. Epidemics, not fatal, but in some schools
at times serious and detrimental to the surest and happiest
progress. The attendance of the scholars, with some
painful exceptions, encouraging to Teachers and Committee.
Progress in studies, decidedly hopeful. Fidelity, earnest
work, tact, patience and success among the teachers, variable,
but quite up to the level of former reports.
The Ideal School.
Have you seen the ideal school anywhere within the
Acton lines?
What do you mean by the ideal school ? Is it the school
where the teacher is a model of serene temper, repressing
every passionate word and feeling, patiently enduring all the
irritations of the varying moods of the scholars, weather and
personal conditions, quick to detect the idle, mischievous or
studious habit in any part of the room, brave to sound the
alarm when the crisis of disorder is reached, wise to do the
right act at the right moment — when to make a mistake is
40 ANNUAL REPORT
to imperil the tone of the school for months — loving and
caring for the good of every scholar on the roll as if stand-
ing in the mother's or father's place, with no hobby for any |
particular study of the curriculum, but with an intense zest ;
for every line of knowledge, with a motive power reaching '
far into the heavens, which poor pay and un appreciating ;
returns cannot drag from the heights ? i
Those teachers are rare. Perhaps not that ideal has i
been seen on Acton soil within the year. Some actual
specimens have at least suggested that ideal. We are thank- j
fui for the approximate. i
Again the question returns : " What do you mean by '
the ideal school ? " j
Is it the school where order reigns supreme mistress of -1
the whole department, through the aisles, through the desks, ;
from the platform to the rear, crosswise and lengtliwise, from \
the crown of the head to the tip of the foot, the teacher a ]
mirror for the scholars and the scholars each separate mir- ,
rors for the teacher, papers, pencils, books, slates, all obedient |
to the same silent power, the voice of the teacher one of love i
and authority sweetly blended, the voice of the scholar a |
re-echo of the teacher's ; where all ambitions are helpful to j
the general good, where the little jealousies and bickerings
of the outside world find no entrance, where the sparkling |
eye tells the story of some new hidden treasure reached in j
the search for knowledge, where the gleesome word leaps
from the mouth unconsciously : " I have caught one I " :
Caught what? "One of those golden moments, flying by I
with yellow wings, swifter than light." '
Yes, something like that has been seen ; not, to be sure, ;
just like that, but more like that than anything else. Where ? |
In what part of the town? Visit the schools and make your j
own independent judgements. Do not take the statements ,
of Committeeman or of your next door neighbor, who may
have some freak of personal favoriteism or prejudice, un-
founded, but go for yourselves. Not with a scowl, not with
TOWN OF ACTON. 41
an alien tone, not with glasses that magnify the smallest
foibles into huge monsters of frightful mien, not when the
nerves are tired with the jangle of poor results in the
kitchen or at the dinner hour ; but go when the good angels
are with you, and if you do not see the vision charge the
fault where you please, but be sure you do not make any
mistake in that charge.
Different Points of View.
The merits or demerits of a school or teacher depend
upon where you take in the perspective.
View it from the tax-payer's stand, and what should be
his judgment ? We will wait for a moment and let him have
the floor :
" When the tax bills come in this is my first thought :
It is a large sum for a poor man like me to pay every year ;
but upon taking breath I say 'all right.' I would not live
in a town where I could not have this chance of paying a
reasonable amount for schools. I am not rich enough to
afford this economy of letting the children grow up in the
range of my estates without school training. When I go
out upon my lands and put in those sturdy strokes which
tire the muscles, I remember that some of those strokes are
to pay the teachers for educating the children of our town,
and half the fatigue leaves me at the thought. I have no
children of my own, but all the children of the hamlet
become mine when I pay and work for their good. I at once
feel the nobility of a pater familias on a large scale, and the
days and nights go by with a glow. Yes, gentlemen, keep
up your schools and see that the children for whom we toil
are making the most of their school days. See that they are
all there and doing their very best."
The Parents' Standpoint.
Let them speak for themselves :
" We wish we could see those teachers and tell them
face to face how much we owe them for what they have done
42 ANNUAL REPORT
for our boys and girls. Every month shows gains of knowl-
edge and improved manners, and the credit, we know, must
be largely due to a cultured mind in the teacher. The days
are shortened and the pleasure doubled by this friendly share
in our responsible trusts. ^
" Thanks to the tax-payers for lifting in part the bur-
dens from our shoulders. What could we do if we had to
pay from our own pockets the extra expenses of tuition and
books for our children at school ? As it is, with all our
economy and toil, we can scarcely make the ends of the year
meet. Yes, tell every one of them that they have done a
generous act in tiding us across the chasm that parted the
two ends."
The Teacher's Standpoint.
Mark her words :
" I feel every morning when those boys and girls march
into the room from their several homes, well fed, tidily clad
and eager for the new day's work that they come fresh from the
parental care. I thank every one of these parents for giving
good cheer at the start, for those parting salutes of encour-
agement and caution. I will match them, if in my power,
by an equal faithfulness in this part of the line, and may
God help us both on all the line, in the outgoing and incom-
ing trains. The school without this home inspiration is a
weakling."
Attention is called to some of the statutes of the State,
bearing upon the schools.
At the last session of the Legislature, the law in regard
to school attendance was changed, so that children between
the ages of eight and fourteen years must now attend thirty
weeks during the year.
The Acts of 1889, 464, Section 1, have been amended
so as to read as follows :
Section 1. Every person having under his control a
child between the ages of eight and fourteen years, shall
TOWN OF ACTON. 43
annually cause said child to attend some public day school
in the city or town in which he resides, and such attendance
shall continue for at least thirty weeks of the school year, if
the schools are kept open that length of time, with an allow-
ance of two weeks' time for absences not excused by the
Superintendent of Schools or the School Committee ; and
for every neglect of such duty, the person offending shall,
upon complaint of the School Committee or any truant
officer, forfeit for the use of the public schools of such city
or town a sum not exceeding twenty dollars ; but if such
child has attended for a like period of time a private day
school approved by the School Committee of such city or
town, or if such child has been otherwise instructed for a
like period of time in the branches of learning required by
law to be taught iri the public schools, or has already acquired
the branches of learning required by law to be taught in the
public schools, or if his physical or mental condition is such
as to render such attendance inexpedient or impracticable,
such penalties shall not be incurred.
Memorial Day.
Statute law : "In all the public schools of the Com-
monwealth, the last regular session prior to Memorial day, or
a portion thereof, shall be devoted to exercises of a patriotic
nature."
Contagious Diseases.
Chapter 47, Section 9, of the Revised Statutes : " The
School Committee shall not allow a child who has not been
duly vaccinated to be admitted to or connected with the
public schools."
The following act was passed in 1885 :
" The School Committee shall not allow any pupil to
attend the public schools while any member of the household
to which such pupil belongs is sick of small pox, diphtheria
or scarlet fever, or during the period of two weeks after the
death, recovery or removal of such sick person, and any
44 ANNUAL REPORT
pupil coming from such household shall be required to
present to the teacher of the school the pupil desires to
attend, a certificate from the attending physician or Board
of Health, of the facts necessary to entitle him to admission
in accordance with the above regulation."
High School.
The graduating exercises Friday evening, June 20, in
the Town hall, showed an interest in the school on the part
of the public never excelled, if equalled. The hall was
crowded by an intelligent audience, fully appreciative of
every part of the programme. The floral decorations, per-
sonal and general, were on a lavish scale of beauty.
Class Motto: — '' VIRTUE IS OUR ANCHOR.''
MUSIC.
Prayer, Rev. F. P. Wood
Salutatory and Essay — " Sunlight and Shade,". ..Edith A. Flagg
Essay—" The End Not Yet," Jennie E. McCarthy
MUSIC.
Essay — " Acton Memorial Library," Lottie L. Conant
Essay — " William H. Grady," George I. Harris
MUSIC.
Essay — '^ Labor and Eest," Addie L. Guilford
Essay and History — "The National Flower,". .Clara B. Bobbins
MUSIC
Essay — " How shall Graduates Improve?" L. Emma Noyes
Essay — " Acton's Industries," Harvey P. Tuttle
MUSIC
Essay and Prophecy — " The Gentlemen in History,"
Clara L. Hammond
Essay and Valedictory — " Looking Backward," Susie M. Poultney
MUSIC
Presentation of Diplomas
MUSIC
TOWN OF ACTON. 45
Three years' course of the High School, subject to
changes which may hereafter be made, according to the
judgment of the Committee, and the light of experience.
FIRST YEAR.
First Term — Arithmetic and Bookkeeping, alternating.
English Grammar and Composition. General
History.
Second Term — Arithmetic and Bookkeeping, alternating.
English Grammar and Composition. Gen-
eral History.
Third Term — Arithmetic and Bookkeeping, alternating.
Rhetoric begun. Botany.
SECOND YEAR.
First Term — Algebra begun. Rhetoric continued. Physi-
ology.
Second Term — Algebra continued. English Literature be-
gun. Physics begun.
Third Term — Geometry begun. Physics continued. English
Literature continued.
THIRD YEAR.
First Term — ^Geometry continued. Latin begun. Chemistry
begun.
Second Term — Physical Geography. Latin continued. Chem-
istry continued.
Third Term — Civil Government. Latin. Geology.
Four recitations in each branch per week. Wednesday,
a modified programme, including compositions, reading,
spelling, drawing, and other miscellaneous recitations as shall
be deemed the most important at the time. .
The monthly written test in this, and in all the schools,
to be continued as the fairest and surest proof of the real
progress made. This reveals the weak and strong points of
scholarship.
The questions are considered in silence and indepen-
46 ANNUAL REPORT
dently without interference from teacher, committee, school-
mates, or the public.
For the sake of public inspection, the doors of all the
schools are open to visitors at any time which may suit their
convenience. More frequent visits by parents and friends
are welcome.
The whole number of different pupils in the High school
during the year, was 53.
Number of pupils over 15 years, . . . . 21
Number of pupils under 15 years, .... 32
Total average membership, ..... 34.42
Total average attendance, ..... 31.25
Average percentage of attendance, .... 90.79
Number applicants in written examination in June, . 37
Number admitted entitled to certificates, ... 23
Mr. Armstrong has added another year of faithful ser-
vice as Principal of this school. Order, discipline and studi-
ous habits have remained as the marked features of the
school when visited.
The unusual number of applicants for admission to the
school in June, and the success of so many, has added an im-
portant working force. The new class has entered upon the
course with apparent purpose to make the most of it, to their
own advantage and to the future credit of the school.
It is the unanimous judgment of the School Committee,
that the question of the transportation of the scholars to
the High School should soon be determined by the town.
If the school is to rotate as heretofore, or is to locate
permanently in one place, it seems desirable that the pupils
should, so far as is practicable, be relieved of too great in-
equality in the expense of attending.
As the town is situated, and is likely to be in the future,
the question is one which should be be considered in all its
bearing.
No hasty decisions should be reached to be annulled in
a passion. It is hoped some feasible plan may be presented
at the April meeting which the sober and generous sentiment
of the citizens can approve.
TOWN OF ACTON. 47
THE CENTRE SCHOOL.
Grammar Department — Spring Term.
Miss Ida J. Bishop, - - - - Teacher.
Miss Bishop continued in charge of this school during
the spring term, devoting her energies faithfully to the work.
Her acquirements in knowledge, her methods of instruction,
and her personal interest in her pupils, are especially to be
commended. She has fine perceptions of what should be the
loyalty of scholars to the control of the teacher, and failing
to reach her own ideal, and encountering obstacles which she
cared not to meet on a second trial, she gracefully retired.
Fall and Winter Terms.
Miss Clara B. Holden, . - - - Teacher.
She is a graduate of the High School at Concord, has
fine literary tastes and successful experience as a disciplinarian
and teacher in other schools. She is thorough in her in-
structions, accomplishing rapidly in the drill work of the
school-room, is unsparing of her strength, and with the
friendly co-operation of scholars and parents, cannot fail to
be a great blessing to the district. The exercises of the pub-
lic half-day in this school were well attended, and could not
be witnessed without impressing the visitors with the ability
and devotion of the teacher.
CENTRE PRIMARY.
Miss Sarah E. Hammond, - - - Teacher.
This school has been fortunate in retaining the services
of the same teacher during the whole year. Miss Hammond
has maintained order, and has led the pupils along the right
paths in a quiet, firm and happy way. Good progress has
been made in laying the foundations for promotion to the
higher grades. We trust there will be, in the coming term,
additions to the membership of this school, which will im-
part to it new interest and importance.
48 ANNUAL REPORT
NOBTH SCHOOL.
Spring Term.
Miss Jessie F. Jones, - . - - Teacher.
Miss Jones continued in charge of this school during
the spring term. The same alacrity, faithfulness and order
in the management of the school were noticed as in prev-
ious terms. The two from this school who appeared as can-
didates for admission to the High School, passed with credit
the written test in June, and a third would have doubtless
also passed if his courage had been equal to the trial. Miss
Jones, during the summer vacation, receiving the offer of a
graded school with increased pay in her native place, Water-
town, accepted the situation.
Fall and Winter Terms.
Miss Susan E. Conant, - . - - Teacher.
Miss Conant is a graduate of the Acton High School,
and of the Framingham Normal. She had enjoyed the op-
portunity of testing her powers as a teacher in a neighbor-
ing town, and entered upon her duties with a confidence be-
gotten of success. Her vivacity and pleasant manners, her
thorough drill in the Normal methods, her resolute purpose
to succeed in what she undertakes, joined with the co-opera-
tion of scholars and parents, are the omens of her ultimate
victory.
The public half day occurring in the midst of a snow
storm, still found every member of the school present, a
large number of visitors and a programme of exercises, which
were duly appreciated by all.
EAST SCHOOL.
Spring and Fall Terms.
Miss Susan A. Wetherbee, - - - Teacher.
Miss Wetherbee has persisted in her good work in this
district as if possessed of a passion for its cares. In season
and out of season, in sunshine and in storm, with strength
and without strength, with voice and without voice, her
TOWN OF ACTON. 49
dauntless spirit carried her through two terms of the year,
when, to the regret of all, she was obliged to say positively,
" Thus far but not one more step ; my work is done ; I wish
it were better done." We are all thankful she was able to
complete it so bravely and well. Her reward is not in her
portemonnaie, but in the testimony of a good conscience, and
in the lasting memories of the groups whom she has loved
and taught.
Winter Term.
Miss Rena M. Cark, _ . . . Teacher.
Even an experienced teacher with the prestige of suc-
cess in other schools might well pause before assuming
responsibilities which had been borne so long and so accept-
ably by her predecessor.
Miss Carr has done well under the circumstances. She
has steadily gained in the confidence of her pupils. She took
the craft when the flag was flying at half-mast, but she steered
among the breakers and gallantly reached the peaceful waters.
Let her have the full sympathy and aid of parents and
scholars, and more assured results are certain to come in the
future. She has patience, firmness, love for her pupils, and a
full equipment of mind for the work. The exercises of the
public half day were well attended and could not be wit-
nessed without a hearty approval.
SOUTH EAST SCHOOL.
Miss Hattie L. Tuttle, - - - - Teacher.
This school has been favored with Miss Tuttle as teacher
through the entire year. She has retained the increasing
confidence of scholars and parents. She has order, thorough
methods of instruction, personal interest in her scholars, and
a devotion to her work. Some of the older pupils of the dis-
trict have come in during the winter to take advantage of
her service, and showed their appreciation of her help by a
handsome token at the close of the term.
Upon the united request of local committee, parents and
50 ANKtJAL REPORT
scholars, the school was continued through the spring vaca-
tion, with the understanding that the respite was to come
later in the season. This was to compensate some of the
older masters, who are obliged to lose a portion of the spring
term by work outside.
The public half day was well attended and the exercises
were completed with commendable interest on the part of all.
SOUTH SCHOOL.
Grammar Department.
Miss Clara A. Johnson, - - - Teacher.
This train has been on time right through the year. The
Conductress is always careful to have all the machinery,
wheels, brakes, engine, steam, ventilators, lights, seats, pas-
sengers, in trim rig for the trip. When the train starts all
are aboard and in position, sure of a pleasant passage and safe
arrival. The course is steady up and down the grades,
around the curves, through the drifts, over the bridges.
When the train stops there is no rude, loud shouting at the
door, no jostling of passengers to see who shall first make his
outing, but John, Peter and Moses, Susan, Grace and Sarah,
jauntily abide their time. In June the train stopped at the
High School station, and twelve, the entire company, apply-
ing, received their tickets and stepped on board with a quiet,
but gleesome satisfaction at the outlook. At last heard from
they were making fine progress up the heights of the table
lands beyond.
At the public half day there were many at the station
to greet the incoming train, to see how the passengers had
fared, and what kind of reports they could make. Warm
congratulations were given as the different tales were told.
The epidemics had been on board during the latter part of
the route and had given some of the passengers a worn, weary
look, but the old fire burned within and sparkled in the eye,
and kindled in the voice. Many thanks are due the Con-
ductress for the successful issue of the trip.
TOWN OF ACTON-. 51
Primary Department — Spring Term.
Miss Hedessa L. Sharp, - - - Teacher.
Miss Sharp continued in charge of the school during the
spring term. Much the same features marked the instruc-
tion, discipline and management of the school as had been
previously noticed and commended.
It was feared that any change of teacher, when the bal-
ance was struck, might not be to the credit of such change.
The circumstances, as considered at the time of decision,
seemed to point towards the risk, with the hope that it might
be in the end to the advantage of all concerned, teacher as
well as scholars.
Fall and Winter Terms.
Miss S. Anna L. Tirrell, - - - Teacher.
Miss Tirrell is from Braintree, has had fine success in
other schools, has methods of her own, and those most
approved in the normal training. She works with a steady,
earnest, quiet energy, and before the day is finished the
scholars find a good work has been accomplished, that valu-
able knowledge has been stored up for future use, the mind
has been trained and the will controlled. The public half
day was gladly improved by the parents and friends of the
school, and this silent but sure testimony was in commenda-
tion of teacher and scholars.
Some of the exercises in reading in this school would
have done credit to any of the grades of school. Inflections
and expressions of sentiment were freely given. This is
what is most sought and most rarely found.
WEST SCHOOL.
Grammar Department — Spring Term.
Miss Alice J. Hoar, ----- Teacher.
Miss Hoar stood at the helm for this craft during the
spring term. The waters were sometimes rough and the
winds boisterous, but she remained calmly at her post, steer-
ing towards the desired haven. Had she at times taken a
52 ANNUAL REPORT
sudden tack, some of the breakers might have been shunned.
Her serene face betokened no sense of danger; she has some
of the very choicest traits for a teacher : scholarship, love
for her scholars, love for her work with all its irritations,
ambition to excel in all lines of improvement. If there
could be added the indescribable tact for controlling the dis-
turbing elements of the school room, her equipment would
seem to be complete. At the close of the term she was
approved to continue in charge of the school, but gave up
the position to resume her course of study in the Normal
school.
Fall and Winter Terms.
Miss Albeetie A. Peeston, - - - Teacher.
Miss Preston is a graduate of the Acton High School, a
native of the district in which she teaches, without experi-
ence as a teacher, and without the drill of the normal course.
She had experimented a few days as a substitute for Miss
Wetherbee in the East School. The data thus obtained en-
couraged the Committee to let her make a venture in the
West Grammar, hoping for the best, yet tremulous of the
result. The school under her charge has been quite a suc-
cess. She has order without apparent waste of nerve power,
sprightliness in carrying through the programme on time, an
impartial bearing among the different grades, and reaches
results which show thoroughness in the preparatory step.
The public half day brought out a large attendance of
the ladies of the district. The ladies are said to have keener
perceptions than the men, and for this reason, possibly, they
ir»ay have been assigned to the duty of inspection. They
did it thoroughly, and gave their silent but unanimous
approval of what they saw and heard. Let the men accept
the judgment and act accordingly in the future.
Primary Department.
Mrs. Harriet H. Gardner, - - Teacher.
The school has again been favored through the whole
TOWN OF ACTON. 53
year with the faithful, earnest and unique care of Mrs.
Gardner. Young scholars need especial maternal oversight ;
they have it here in rare degree. They need a wakeful and
varied routine ; they have it here most certainly. They
need a rod in the background and an olive branch in front ;
that seems to be the case here. They need clear explana-
tions, appeals to the nobler motives, conscious and steady
movements forward, month after month ; they have them
here. If you doubt it, go into the court room and watch
the case for yourself. Enter as judge, attorney, witness,
juror or prisoner, and the verdict will be the same.
Respectfully submitted in behalf of the Committee,
JAMES FLETCHER, Ohairman.
54
ANNUAL REPORT
TABULAR STATEMENT FOR 1890-91.
1
t
2
' &(
i
i
£3
^
A
s
>>
o
o
1
^
■*
SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS.
1
I
s
o
i
£
c3
o
5
3
fcJD
a
Of 1 00
12 ! i
be
2
u
S
f^
^
OJ
<u
©
O) ^3
J7*
>
> ©
H-l
?►
<
<
S
p
O
O pq
Acton High,
A. W. Armstrong,
36
55
34.42
31.25
90.79
55
24
32
Center Grammar,
Ida I. Bishop,
Clara B. Holden,
36
24
19.
15.85
83.
24
1
23
Center Primary,
Sarah E. Hammond,
36
17
13.76
11.65
85.
17
6
South Grammar,
Clara A. Johnson,
36
29
24.85
23.19
93.
29
27
South Primary,
Hadessa L. Sharp,
S. Anna L. Tirrell,
36
56
37.88
34.40
90.
56
27
West Grammar,
Alice J. Hoar,
Albertie A. Preston,
36
36
33.
31.
94.
36
36
West Primary,
Mrs. Harriet H. Gardner,
36
55
36.44
32.45
89.
1
54
24
North,
Jessie F. Jones,
Susan E. Conant,
36
28
23.22
20.42
88.
28
20
East,
Susan A. Wetherbee,
Rena M. Carr,
36
33
27.65
25.57
92.
33
18
South-east,
Hattie L. Tuttle,
36
16
12.
262.
11.
256.
92.
91.
16
3
8
Number between 5 and 15, as reported by the Assessors for the year 1890, 270.
TOWN" OF ACTON.
55
LIST OF JURORS.
The following is a list of persons to serve as jurors for
the ensuing year, as revised by the Selectmen of Acton, to
be submitted to said Town at their April meeting :
Francis Hosmer,
James R. Lawrence,
Frank H. Whitcomb,
Samuel R. Burroughs,
John C. Keyes,
Norman A. Davidson,
William F. Kelley,
Herman A. Gould,
Joseph A. Whitcomb,
Hanson A. Littlefield,
George W. Worster,
Waldo Littlefield,
Luther Conant,
S. Hammond Taylor,
Daniel H. Farrar,
Lyman Tuttle,
Lorenzo A. Pratt,
James P. Brown,
Chas. S. Twitchell,
Edward J. Blethen,
Samuel Jones, Jr.,
George A. Conant,
Thomas F. Noyes,
Cyrus Hale,
Elbridge J. Robbins,
Luke J. Robbins,
WM. F. STEVENS, ) Selectmen
GEORGE R. KEYES, \ of
HOWARD B. WHITE, ) Acton,
56 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN WARRANT.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
middlesex, ss.
To either of the Constables of the Town of Acton, in the Counts/
of Middlesex, Greeting:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
you are hereby directed to notify and warn the inhabitants
of the Town of Acton, qualified to vote in the elections and
Town affairs, to assemble in the Town Hall, in said Town,
on MONDAY, THE SIXTH DAY OF APRIL, A. D.
1891, at one o'clock in the afternoon, then and there to act
upon the following articles as they may think proper, viz. :
Article 1. To choose a Moderator to preside in said
meeting.
Art. 2. To fill all vacancies in the list of Town Offi-
cers and Committees.
Art. 3. To see what amount of money the Town will
raise for the support of schools, and for school supplies for
the present year, or act anything thereon.
Art. 4. To see what amount of money the Town will
raise to repair the roads the present year, or act anything
thereon.
Art. 5. To see if the Town will make any alterations
in the road leading from the house of Herman A. Gould to
South Acton, near the " Puffer Place," so-called, or act any-
thing thereon.
Art. 6. To see if the Town will lay a new floor in the
Town Hall, or act anything thereon.
Art. 7. To see what action the Town will take in re-
lation to the petition of James D. Coburn and others to the
TOWN OF ACTON. :67
County Commissioners, for the re-location of the Littleton
road, leading from the Union Turnpike, so-called, to the
house of Samuel R. Burroughs.
Akt. 8. To see what action the Town will take in re-
lation to the pay of road men for the present year.
Art. 9. To see if the Town will vote to locate the
High School at South Acton for the ensuing year, or a,ct any-
thing thereon.
Art. 10. To see if the Town will furnish transporta^
tion for the pupils of the High School.
Art. 11. To see if the Town will vote to put a system
of ventilation into some one of its school-houses, or act any^
thing thereon.
Art. 12. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of
one hundred and twenty-five dollars for the due observance
of Memorial day, or act anything thereon. ;
Art. 13. To see what amount the Town will raise to
defray Town charges for the present year, or act anything
thereon.
Art. 14. To vote by ballot, "Yes, or No," in answer
to the question : ''Shall licenses be granted for the sale of
intoxicating liquors in this Town for the present year ? "
Art. 15. To consider and act upon the acceptance of
the Jury List, as revised by the Selectmen.
Art. 16. To see if the Town will accept the reports of
the Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor, School Committee,
and other Town officers.
Art. 17. To see if the Town will authorize the Treas-
urer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money
for the Town, if necessary, in anticipation of the taxes for
the current year.
Art. 18. To hear the reports of any Committees
chosen to report at this meeting, or act anything thereon.
Art. 19. To see if the Town will instruct the School
Committee to appoint a Superintendent of Schools.
Art. 20. To see if the Town will appropriate one
5S ANNUAL REPORT
thousand dollars for special highway work in South Acton,
and at the Powder Mills, or act anything thereon.
Aet. 21. To see if the Town will vote to make special
repairs on the road leading from the " Charles Tuttle Place,"
to the Littleton line, and make a special appropriation for
the same, or act anything thereon.
Art. 22. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of
six hundred dollars, for the care and maintenance of Street
lamps for the ensuing year, or act anything thereon.
Art. 23, To see if the Town will make special repairs
on the " Great Road " so-called, from near the residence of
Otis H. Forbush, to near the residence of D. J. Wetherbee,
and appropriate two hundred dollars therefor.
Art. 24. To see if the Town will accept of the Act of
the Legislature, relating to the employment of a Union
School Superintendent.
Art. 25. To see if the Town will raise a sum of money
for the maintenance of the Memorial Library.
And you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting
up copies, attested by you, in the following places : one at
the Post Office, in the centre of the Town ; one at the store
of Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee ; one at the store of C. H.
Mead & Co.; one at the Nagog House, and one in each of
the railroad stations in the Town, seven days at least before
the time appointed for holding said meeting.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this Warrant,
with your doings thereon, to the Selectmen or Town Clerk,
on or before the time of holding said meeting.
Given under our hands, in Acton, this the twenty-sixth
day of March, in the year one thousand eight hundred and
ninety-one.
WM. F. STEVENS, ) Selectmen
GEORGE R. KEYES, [ of
HOWARD B. WHITE, ) Acton,
TOWN OF ACTON. 59
TOWN OFFICERS FOR 1891
Town Clerk^
William D. Tuttle.
Selectmen^
Howard B. White, Wm. F. Stevens, George R. Keyes.
Assessors,
Phineas Wetherbee, Chauncy B. Bobbins, John White.
Overseers of the Poor,
Elisha H. Cutler, Lyman C. Taylor, Aaron C. Handley.
Toiufi Treasurer,
Jona, K. W. Wetherbee,
Auditors,
Hiram J. Hapgood, D. James Wetherbee.
School Committee^
Eev. James Fletcher, Chas. L. Bradford 3 years
Charles J. Williams, Davis C. Harris 2 "
A. A. Wyman, William S. Jones 1 "
Cemetery Cominittee,
John Fletcher, Levi W. Stevens, Horace F. Tuttle.
Fence Viewers.
Nahum C. Reed, 0. W. Mead, Frank Hosmer.
60 TOWN OF ACTON.
Surveyors of Lumber^
William B. Davis, George H. Harris, William S. Warren,
Levi W. Stevens, E. F. Eichardson, Charles A. Brooks,
Jona. P. Fletcher, Herbert T. Clark.
Surveyors of Wood,
William B. Davis, George H. Harris, Henry D. Parlin,
John F. Davis, S. L. Dutton, Herbert T. Clark,
Jona. P. Fletcher.
Surveyor of Hoops and Staves.
Augustus Fletcher.
Constables.
E. M. Deeth, South Acton ; James Kinsley, West Acton ;
Edwin A. Phalen, Acton Centre.
Fish Committee.
Luther Conant, Eliiathan Jones, John Fletchei",
Frank H. Whitcomb, Charles J. Williams, John White.
Trustees of the Acton Memorial Library. '
(Corporate Members.)
Luther Conant, Delette H. Hall, Adelbert Mead,
Hiram J. Hapgood, Moses Taylor, D. James Wetherbee.
(Chosen by the Tovai.)
Howard B. White 3 years
William D. Tuttle 2 "
Eev. James Fletcher 1 "
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS
OF THE
TewN OF AeT0N
FROM
FFBRDARY 26, 1891, TO FEBRUARY 26, 1892,
HUDSON :
The Enterprise Printing Company, j
1892. I
I
TOWN OF ACTON.
TREASURERS' REPORT.
TOWN OF ACTON in account with J. K. W. WETHER-
BEE, Treasurer.
1892. Dk.
Feb. 26. To cash paid, State tax, $1,005 00
Cash paid, County tax, 1,078 85
Cash paid on Selectmen's or-
ders, 19,499 06
Outstanding orders, 1,313 79
Balance due the town, 1,965 67
{^24,862 37
1891. Cr.
Feb. 26. By cash in the treasury, $1,296 46
Rec*d for rent of chapel room to Apr. 1, 1891, 33 00
from Town of Methuen for aid furn-
ished Wm. Austin, 11 00
M. E. Reed for hay in Woodlawn
cemetery, 16 04
Julian Tuttle, for rent of Town
hall, 12 99
for old lumber sold, 18 00
from Globe Furniture Co. rebate on
freight of furniture, 7 56
State Treasurer, corporation tax, 617 28
State Treasurer, National Bank
tax, 619 24
State Treasurer, Military Aid,
Chap. 279, Acts 1889, 62 00
State Treasurer, State Aid, Chap.
301, Acts 1889, 340 00
State Treasurer, for temporary
aid furnished State Paupers, 16 00
M. H. Garfield, for hard pine
plank, " 6 84
ANNUAL REPORT
County Treasurer, on account of
Leland and Stevens' road, 900 00
County Treasurer, dog tax, 180 80
State Treasurer, income of Mass.
School Fund, 184 56
J. K. W. Wetherbee, borrowed
money, 526 55
Mrs. P. V. Hapgood, borrowed
money, 500 00
H. J. Hapgood, borrowed money, 400 00
Geo. A. Stevens, " " 800 00
Estate of Wm. Davis, borrowed
money, 350 00
Frank H. Jones, borrowed money 600 00
Varnum Tuttle, " " 1,240 00
J. A. Bowen, " " 1,000 00
E. C. Damon, for old bridge plank 6 77
L. W. Stevens, for lots sold in
Mount Hope cemetery, 40 00
John Fletcher, for lots sold in
Woodlawn cemetery, 22 00
Estate of Amos Brooks, for aid
furnished by the town, 64 19
James Fletcher, for school sup-
plies sold, 3 41
D. C. Harris for material left
from repairing fence in
North District, 3 95
C. W. Pitman, for rent of Town
Hall,
E. A. Phalen, taxes for 1889,
E. F. Conant, taxes for 1890,
J. E. Cutter, taxes for 1891,
Interest on money in Bank,
9 50
160 54
564 69
14,188 00
61 00
Treasurer's Report of Money Held for Care
Dr.
To Hepsabeth Piper Fund,
Interest received,
Frederick Eouillard Fund.
Interest received.
of Lots in Cemeteries.
$50 00
2 00
100 00
2 00
TOWN OF ACTON.
Cr.
By Cash paid K. Johnson, for labor on lot of
Hepsabeth Piper, $2 00
Cash paid N. Johnson, for labor on lot of
F. Rouillard, 2 00
Cash in Treasury, 150 00
$154 00
J. K. W. WETHERBEE,
Treasurer of Acton.
Acton, Feb. 1892.
This is to certify that we have examined the accounts of the
Treasurer of the Town of Acton, and find them correct.
HIRAM J. HAPGOOD, "
DANIEL J. WETHERBEE,
Auditors of the Town of Acton.
ANNUAL REPORT
SELECTMENS' REPORT.
SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS.
Centre School.
Paid Rev. James Fletcher,
U U (<
ii ii ii
for teachers, $720 00
care of house, 65 50
fuel, 69 82
cleaning rooms, 11 62
incidentals, 4 53
Paid A. A. Wyman, foi
a a
ti i(
West School.
r teachers,
care of house,
cleaning rooms,
fuel,
incidentals.
South School.
I, for teachers,
care of house,
cleaning room,
fuel,
incidentals.
North School.
for teachers,
care of house,
cleaning room,
fuel,
incidentals,
$720 00
78 00
11 67
41 53
5 70
Paid Chas. L. Bradford
ii ii
a ii
ii a
a li
$720 00
90 00
6 00
30 13
5 83
Paid David C. Harris,
a a
a a
(( a
ii a
$360 00
25 00
4 00
39 67
3 73
$871 47
$856 90
$851 96
$482 40
TOWN OF ACTON.
East School.
Paid Chas J. Williams, for teachers, $360 00
*^ " care of room, 27 00
" '' fuel, 42 20
" " cleaning room, 3 10
" " incidentals, 4 05
South East School.
Paid W. S. Jones, for teachers, $324 00
" •' care of room, 15 00
*^ " cleaning room, 4 75
'' " fuel, 25 75
" " incidentals, 2 26
High School.
Paid A. W. Armstrong, for teaching, $920 00
Janitors, care of rooms, 34 00
Geo. Gardner, rent of organ, 15 00
Geo. Gardner, rent of piano, 10 00
C. L. Bradford, for moving furniture, 2 00
F. W. Green, for moving furniture and
organ, 3 00
James Fletcher, for fuel, 10 68
C. L. Bradford, for fuel, 6 00
E. C. Parker & Co., for fuel, 7 00
James Fletcher, for incidentals, 2 40
School Supplies.
Paid Eev. James Fletcher, $444 11
A. W. Armstrong, 5 89
STATE AID.
Paid Warren B. Ball, Chap. 279, acts 1889, $96 00
Allen G. Smith, " " 60 00
Wm. F. Wood, ' " 40 00
$436 35
$371 76
$1,010 08
$450 00
ANNUAL REPORT
Chas. A. Brooks, "
Addison B. Wheeler, "
Kichard G. Dane, Chap. 301,
Luke Smith, "
Mary Smith, "
Kebecca C. Wright, '•
Almira H. Laker "
Eliza J. Shattuck, "
Susan B. Winn, "
Achsa Hanscom, "
Mary A. Rand, "
Herbert E. Preston, "
Mary J. Brown, "
Thos. J. Sawyer, "
Emma F. Blood, "■
(.
72 00
u
30 00
l(
60 00
ii
48 00
iC
48 00
ii
48 00
a
48 00
a
48 00
ii
36 00
ti
48 00
a
24 00
a
20 00
a
24 00
ii
12 00
a
32 00
$794 00
SUPPORT OF POOR,
Paid E. H. Cutler, deficiency on farm to
March 1, 1891,
398 80
a
aid of Mrs. Trainor,
69 10
ii
ii
Geo. Kingsley
children,
231 00
a
a
Emily F. Town,
146 71
ii
ii
Clara Wheeler,
169 46
ii
a
Richard Temple,
223 32
a
a
W. B. Ball,
S5 50
ii
i-
Mrs. M. Jones,
168 00
ti
a
Mrs. Ruth Pike,
55 00
a
a
Peter Simon&on,
40 00
ii
a
Geo. 0. Austin,
11 00
ii
a
Rebecca A. Ran-
dall,
15 00
ii
a
J. E. Harris,
99 14
ii
ii
W.F.B.Whitney,
28 50
a
ii
Murphy family
(So. Acton),
70 85
a .
a
Amos Brooks,
18 57
ii .
a
Mrs. John Quin-
land.
93 01
TOWN OF ACTON.
Paid E. H. Cutler, aid of Two journeys to
Lowell, 2 00
'^ " Journey to Wal-
tham, 1 50
Chas. S. Twitchell, for care of C. A.
Brooks, 16 50
$1,942 96
CEMETERY EXPENSES.
Paid N.Johnson, for labor in Woodlawn cem-
etery,
L. W. Stevens, for labor in Mount Hope
cemetery,
Moses A. Reed, for labor in Woodlawn
cemetery,
John Fletcher, for labor in Woodlawn
cemetery,
John Fletcher, for trees for Woodlawn
cemetery,
John Fletcher, for dipper in Woodlawn
cemetery,
J. W. Hay ward, for additional land for
Mount Hope cemetery,
N. Johnson, for care of Woodbury lot,
" labor on hearse house
grounds,
'^ mowing monum't gr'nds
" care of Fred'k. Eouillard
lot,
" Jona. Piper lot,
" David M. Handley lot,
Julian Tuttle, for building wall, Wood-
lawn cemetery,
L. W. Stevens, for labor at Mount Hope
cemetery,
L. U. Holt, for repairs at Woodlawn
cemetery.
20 76
64
25
47
50
2
00
2
00
10
900
1
00
00
o
w
50
00
2 00
2 00
4 00
15 27
7 40
2
75
$1,073 53
lO ANNUAL KEPORT
PRINTING.
Paid H. S. Turner, for printing March war-
rants, $3 00
Enterprise Co., printing 600 sheet re-
ports, 600 town reports, and town
warrants,
A. Hosmer, for 500 town orders and en-
velopes,
A. Hosmer, library certificates and no-
tices,
Campbell & Hanscom, printing poll tax
lists,
H. S. Turner, printing town warrants,
Enterprise Co., printing voting lists,
Enterprise Co., printing fire reward no-
tices, 1 75
Campbell & Hanscom, printing citation
for adoption, Laura Maud Kings-
ley, 6 00
71
50
5
15
1
90
7
00
3
00
11
25
TOWN OFFICERS.
Paid Rev. James Fletcher^ supt. of schools, ^125 00
Hiram J. Hapgood, services as auditor,
1889-90, 10 00
C. B. Bobbins, assessor, 1891, 35 00
Phineas Wetherbee, " '' 50 00
John White, u u 13 go
A. A. Wyman, services as ballot clerk,
1890, 3 00
• A. A. Wyman, services as ballot clerk
and teller, 1891, 5 00
D. James Wetherbee, services as ballot
clerk and teller, 1891, 5 00
Phineas Wetherbee, service, teller, 1891, 2 00
Chas. H. Mead, " " " 2 00
Hanson A. Littlefield, " " " 2 00
W. F. Kelley, ' '' u u 2 00
C. B. Sanders, " " " 2 00
John Fletcher, '' " " 2 00
E. A. Phalan, " " *' 2 00
ILyman C. Taylor, " '^ <^ 2 00
^110 55
TOWN OF ACTON. II
James R. Lawrence, inspector of elec-
tion, 1890, 3 00
E. A. Phalan, collecting taxes, 1889, 75 00
J. K. W. Wetherbee, treasurer, 75 00
Geo. E. Kej^es, selectman, 45 00
Gustavus y. Bowen, selectman, 45 00
Wm. F. Stevens, selectman, 85 00
" " supt. roads, 75 00
— ^670 00
LIBRAE Y EXPENSES.
Bills Approved by the Trustees.
Paid M. E. Taylor, for supplies, f 21 24
D. A. Cutler, transporting books, 50 00
Ida A. Hale, services as librarian to
March 1, 1892, 101 00
James Fletcher, for town history of the
towns of Woburn, Westford, Sud ■
bury and Medford, 5 00
Julian Tuttle, for services as janitor to
April 30, 1891, ' 13 40
James Fletcher, for services as janitor
to Jan. 1, 1892,
James Fletcher, for supplies,
J. E. Cutler, 20,300 lbs. coal,
Jame Fletcher, for repairs.
75 00
32 90
63 44
5 26
$367 23
EXPENSES ON ROADS ORDERED BY COUNTY COM-
MISSIONERS.
Paid Varnum B. Mead, for damages awarded
by the County Commissioners on
the Leland-Stevens road, $1,000 00
L. U. Holt, for drain pipe, 146 53
J. E. Reed, labor on Hall shop, 8 75
E. Jones & Co., for lumber, 50
E. Hall & Sons, '' 3 63
C. H. Mead & Co., nails, 38
12 ANNUAL REPORT
Paid Thos. McCarthy, covering stone, 40 75
David C.Harris, covering and edge stone, 35 40
A. C. Piper, labor on turnpike, 335 46
K Littlefield, " '' 762 96
" '' " Leland-Stevens road, 229 58
'' " " Littleton road, 21 57
Wui. H. Kingsley, labor on bridges, 117 77
S. A. Guilford, 706 lbs. railing posts, 35 30
*^ " making over railing posts, 2 80
" " catch basin grates,
Samuel Jones, Jr., labor on railings,
E. Jones & Co., lumber for '-'■
7
00
25
26
28
00
$2,801 64
EXPENDED ON ROADS AND BRIDGES.
Paid Nahum Littlefield, highway work, f 696 46
Anson C. Piper, '• '' 1,439 52
Wm. H. Kingsley, " " 1,237 54
Anson C. Piper, breaking out roads, 6 20
Francis Pratt, " " " 12 00
Forbush & Hartwell " " " 5 50
Nahum Littlefield, " " "
and repairing washouts, 32 07
Henry Warden, breaking out roads, 16 63
Thomas McCarthy, " -' '' 5 28
A.S.Fletcher, labor on bridges, So. Acton, 30 94
Samuel Jones, Jr., labor on bridge rail-
ings, 10 26
J. E. Cutter, breaking out roads, 18 ^b
Chas. Wheeler, " '• ♦' 16 85
A. C. Piper, dynamite, 2 00
A. H. Jones, repairing washouts, 5 S5
J. P. Brown, " tools, 2 75
S. A. Guilford, " scraper, 75
Samuel Jones, Jr., labor on railings, 54 00
H. T. Clark, repairing scraper, 4 50
" cover to catch basin, 30
N. Littlefield, powder and fuse, 4 50
'' '' repairs & blacksmith bill, 21 53
" " covering stone, 2 00
TOWN OF ACTON. I3
Paid N. Littlefield, use of gigger,
" '' 14 posts,
" " gravel,
Geo. F. Tyler & Co., repairs,
J. Kinsley, use of road for Hurley,
A. A Haynes, 72 loads gravel,
F. C. Nash, 600 " "
L. Rouillard, 121 " ''
F. H. Whitcomb, 209 " ''
A. Farrar, 225 " "
E.Jones & Co., railing lumber and hard-
ware,
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, drain pipe,
A. C. Piper, repairs on scraper,
I. F. Duren, removing 5 apple trees in
making changes on hill near Abel
Farrar's,
Aaron Foster, cutting brush,
I. A. Sampson, 26 loads gravel.
1
00
1
20
4
25
8
50
8
00
3 60
30
00
6
05
10 45
11
25
80
83
42
31
2
60
40
00
2
10
1
30
— f 3,879 52
REPAIRS ON TOWN BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS,
Paid Francis Jones, for painting at South
school house,
Chas. J. Williams, for repairs at East
school house,
Chas. L. Bradford, for repairs at South
school house,
C. J. Williams, for repairs at East school
house,
N. Johnson, for repairs at Centre school
house,
F. W. Gray, for painting monument flag
staff,
Chas J. Williams lumber and^ labor on
East school fence,
Francis Jones, for painting at South
school house,
F. Z. Taylor, for labor on town hall floor,
Francis Conant, for repairs at South
school house, 36 16
9 10
1 50
3 00
6 6^
1 35
3 00
74 52
23 41
31 50
14 AN-XUAL REPORT
Paid C. L. Bradford, for repairs at South
school house,
F. D. K. Hoar, for repairs at West school
house,
A. A. Wyman, for repairs at West school
house,
Sam'l. Jones, Jr., for repairs at South
school house,
W. L. Mead, for repairs at West school
house,
W. S. Jones, for repairs at South East
school house,
Francis Jones, for painting at South
school house,
Francis Jones, for labor and stock on
town hall floor,
Spofford Robbins, for labor on town hall
floor,
Spofford Robbins, for repairs on town
hall,
James Fletcher, for 18 desks for school
houses,
C. J. Williams, for repairs at East
school house,
F. E. Harris, for repairs at West school
house,
N. Johnson, for repairs at Centre school
house,
Spoft'ord Robbins, for repairs on town
vault,
H. T. Clark, for repairs at West school
house,
James Fletcher, for repairs at Centre
school house,
Sam'l Jones, Jr., for repairs at South
school house,
E. Jones & Co., for lumber and hardware
for town hall floor,
L. U. Holt, pump for town well,
L. U. Holt, for repairs at West school
house,
Chas. J. Williams, for repairs at East
school house,
28
90
49 88
5
00
67
11
94 32
10
00
6
75
11
50
42 50
10
88
79
56
1
20
5
62
12
67
4
25
2
80
7
00
4
76
139
84
10
90
14
51
6 00
TOWN OF ACTON. 15
Paid Chas. J. Williams, for work on well at
East school house,
Chas. J. Williams, for repairing wash-
out in East school house yard,
C. H. Mead & Co., stock for repairs at
West school house,
Kev. James Fletcher, for repairs at
South school house,
Rev. James Fletcher, for repairs at Cen-
tre school house,
L. U. Holt, for repairs at South school
house.
4 00
4 00
2 32
9 62
14 16
4 00
MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES.
Paid Chas. J. Williams, for carting fire
ladders, 25
Chas. J. Williams, for boat hire, for
Fish Committee, 25
Nathan Johnson, for repairs on monu-
ment flag, 2 02
James T. Joslyn, Esq., costs of court in
V. B. Mead case, 43 94
Chas. H. Walcott, for legal services in
V. B. Mead case, 50 00
E. F. Conant, for summoning town
officers, 2 50
Luke Blan chard, award of damage on
hall road, 150 00
Isaac Davis Post 138, for Memorial day, 100 00
N. E. Bean, for repairing fire hook, 2 50
Wm. Chisholm, for ladder, 1 50
John Fletcher, for fish permits, 3 00
" " " pass books for Fish
Committee, 30
Chas. J. Williams, advertising for High
school, 75
Chas. J. Williams, for cleaning East
school well. 2 00
Julian Tuttle, for services as registrar
of voters, to May 1, 1891, 12 00
^850 14
1 6 ANNUAL REPORT
Paid Phineas Wetherbee, for damages on Hall
road, 144 18
Fred'k. C. Nash; for legal services in
Blanohard case, 37 50
Fred'k. C. I^ash, for legal services in
Wetherbee case, 37 50
John S. Keyes, Justice of Central Midd.
Court, for fee and expenses in
criminal cases, 23 60
J. H. Whitney, for expenses in Barker
case,
E. Jones & Co., coal for town hall,
Tattles, Jones and Wetherbee, for asses-
sor's books,
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, Collector's
books,
H. T. Clark, for ladder rungs,
J. K. W. Wetherbee, for one weight for
town scales,
J. K. W. Wetherbee, for recording deeds,
J. K. W. Wetherbee, for postage and
stationery,
W. F. Stevens, for postage, express and
stationery,
L. U. Holt, sealing weights and meas-
ures, 1890-1891,
Geo. E. Fifield, for damage to rye field
by town cattle,
I. F. Duren, for making returns 41
deaths,-
I. F. Duren, for attending 47 burials,
I. F. Duren, for removing 4 bodies from
Elbridge Eobbins tomb and burying
same, 5 00
Wm. D. Tuttle, for postage, express and
stationery, 6 80
Wm. D. Tuttle, for ballot box repairs, 47
" " Telephone charges, 26
" " surveying ^[at ceme-
tary, 1 00
Wm. D. Tuttle, surveying and making
plans of road near P. Wetherbee's, 7 00
57
29
00
24
1
00
1
1
50
50
1
65
90
1
50
6
78
10
00
1
50
10
141
25
00
TOWN OF ACTON. 1 7
Paid Wm. D. Tuttle, for collecting and re-
cording 37 births,
Wm. D. Tiittle, for recording 45 deaths,
" " '' 23 mar-
riages,
Wm. D. Tuttle, for services Town Clerk,
" " " as registrar
of voters,
C. ]Sr. Pitman, care of town hall and
clock,
Geo. R. Keyes, 4 trips to Lowell acc't.
Geo. Kingsley children,
Geo. E,. Keyes, 1 trip to Cambridge acc't.
Blanchard case,
Geo. R. Keyes, 1 trip to Boston acc't.
State aid case,
J. E. Cutter, discount on taxes,
" for services in dog license
cases,
E. A. Phalan, for services at Magog,
pond, order Fish Committee,
118 50
6 50
3 45
30 00
15 00
22 55
4 00
2 00
2 00
848 16
5 00
5 00
Sl,860 30
ABATEMENT OF TAXES.
Susan F. Durkee, for 1890, $4 25
John A. Puffer, " " 2 00
Abatement of taxes as certified by the Asses-
sors for 1891, 78 00
$84 25
LOANS AND INTEREST
Paid J. K. W. Wetherbee, temporary loan, $526 55
" " interest on same,
5 months, 5 per cent., 10 97
Hiram J. Hapgood, note, 400 00
'^ " interest on note, 8
months, 6 days, 5 per cent. 13 67
1 8 ANNUAL REPORT
Paid Tnttles, Jones & Wetherbee, interest \
on f 1,000 note, 1 year, 5 per cent., |50 00 ]
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, interest on |
$1,500 note, 1 year, 5 per cent., 75 00 i
Interest on J. W. Hayward's note, 5 \
months, 23 days, 5 per cent., 21 62 I
f 1,097 81 \
$20,812 85
RECEIPTS AND APPROPRIATIONS.
Balance in the Treasury, Feb. 26, 1891, $1,296 46
Due from Collector of Taxes, Feb. 26, 1891, 811 10
Appropriations for Town charges, 6,500 00
Schools, 4,400 00
School supplies, 450 00
Highways, 2,300 00
Overlayings, 289 23
State tax, 1,005 00
County tax, 1,078 85
Rec'd from State Treasurer, Corporation tax, 617 28
" " Nat. Bank tax, 619 24
" " Military Aid, 62 00
'' '' State Aid, 340 00
" " Income of Mass.
School Fund, 184 m
County Treasurer, dog tax, 180 80
Chapel Society, rent to Apr. 1, '91, 33 00
Town of Methnen, for aid fur-
nished Wm. Austin, 11 00
Moses G. Eeed, for hay in Wood-
lawn Cemetery, 16 04
Julian Tuttle, on acc't Town Hall, 12 99
Cash for old lumber sold, 18 00
Globe Furniture Co., refund of
freight on school furniture, 7 56
Temporary aid of State Paupers, 16 00
M. H. Garfield^ for hard pine
plank, 6 84
TOWN OF ACTON.
19
Eec'd from County Treasurer, on Leland —
Stevens road,
1900 00
J. K. W. Wetherbee, borrowed
money,
526
55
P. V. Hapgood, borrowed money,
500
00
H. J. Hapgood,
400
00
Geo. A. Stevens, " ''
800
00
Est.W. W.Davis, '' ''
350
00
F. H. Jones, " "
600
00
Varnum Tuttle, " "
1,240
00
John A. Bowen, " "
1,000
00
E. C. Damon, for old bridge plank,
6
77
Levi W. Stevens, for sale of ceme-
tery lots.
40
00
John Fletcher, for sale of ceme-
tery lots,
22
00
Interest on money in Bank,
61
00
Estate of Amos Brooks, for aid
furnished Chas. A. Brooks,
16
50
C. H. Pitman, for rent of Town
Hall,
9 50
Estate of Amos Brooks,
47
69
D. C. Harris, for lumber sold.
3
95
Kev. James Fletcher, for school
supplies sold.
3 41
«ffi9A 7QQ QO
— 'fl'^iu, 1 00 O^i
EXPENDITURES.
For Centre School, $871 47
West School, SbQ 90
South School, 851 96
North School, 432 40
East School, 436 35
South East School, 371 76
High School, 1,010 08
School supplies, 450 00
State and Military Aid, 794 00
Support of Poor, ' 1,942 96
Cemetery expenses, • 1,073 53
20 ANNUAL REPORT
Eoads ordered by County Comi
mission-
ers,
2,801 64
Printing,
110 55
Town Officers,
670 00
Eoads and bridges,
3,879 52
Town Buildings and grounds,
850 14
Miscellaneous expenses,
1,860 30
Loans and interest paid.
1,097 81
State tax.
1,005 00
County tax.
1,078 85
Abatement of taxes,
84 25
Library,
367 23
<a;oo QCift TA
^r
Y ^^yKJ %J\J 1 \J
Balance due from E. F. Conant, taxes
,1891
85 87
J. E. Cutter, taxes,
1891,
1,835 08
Treasurer,
1,965 67
3,886 62
^
P26,783 32
TOWN DEBTS.
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, note,
$1,000 00
u u ii a
1,500 00
P. V. Hapgood, "
500 00
Geo. A. Stevens, '^
800 00
Estate Wm. Davis, *'
350 00
E. H. Jones, ''
600 00
Varnum Tuttle, ''
1,240 00
John A. Bowen, "
1.000 00
$6,990 00
Less amounts due from Collectors anc
I Treasurer,
26th, 1892,
3,886 Q>2
Balance against the Town, Eeb.
$3,103 38
WM. F. STEVENS,
GEORGE R. KEYES,
GUSTAVUS V. BOWEN,
Selectmen of Acton.
Acton, Eeb. 26th, 1892.
We have examined the accounts of the Selectmen,and find
them correct.
HIRAM J. HAPGOOD,
DANIEL J. WETHERBEE,
Auditors of the Town of Acton,
TOWN OF ACTON.
21
List of Jurors.
The following is a list of persons to serve as Jurors for the
ensuing year, as revised by the Selectmen of Acton, to be sub-
mitted to said town at their April meeting :
Luther Conant.
Francis Hosmer.
James E. Lawrence.
Frank H. Whitcomb.
Geo. B. Parker.
James Kinsley.
John C. Keyes.
Norman A. Davidson.
William F. Kelley.
Joseph A. Whitcomb.
Hanson A. Littlefield.
George W. Worster.
Waldo Littlefield.
Acton, March 22, 1892.
S. Hammond Taylor.
Daniel H. Farrar.
Lyman Tuttle.
Lorenzo A. Pratt.
James P. Brown.
Charles S. Twitchell.
George A. Conant.
Thomas T. Noyes.
Cyrus Hale.
Elbridge J.- Bobbins.
Luke J. Bobbins.
John S. White.
Theron F. Kewton.
WM. F. STEVENS,
GEOBGE B. KEYES,
GUSTAVUS v. BOWEN,
Selectmen of Acton.
22 ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Receipts and Expenditures at the
Almshouse in Acton.
For the Year Ending February 29th, 1892,
ARTICLES ON HAND FEBRUARY 29, 1892.
11 cows,
1 bull,
1 horse,
9 tons of hay,
1 ton oat fodder,
Horse rake.
Grain,
2 plows,
Horse hoe,
Flour barrels,
1 wagon,
1 mowing machine,
24 market boxes,
60 hens,
Apples,
Canned fruit,
200 lbs. pork,
Molasses,
Kerosene oil,
40 bushels potatoes.
Onions,
20 cords of wood.
$440 00
12 00
130 00
180 00
12 00
18 00
6 75
13 00
2 50
3 60
70 00
12 00
2 40
30 00
4 00
4 50
20 00
2 70
36
20 00
30
70 00
TOWN OF ACTON.
23
50 lbs. ham,
$6 25
Crackers,
90
riour,
6 00
Tea,
1 00
Coffee,
36
Sugar,
30
Oatmeal,
15
Spices,
50
60 lbs. lard.
7 20
Truit jars.
4 00
Eggs,
40
*ffi1 0^1 1 7
»
RECEIPTS FROM THE TOWN FARM FROM MARCH
I, 1891, TO MARCH I, i:
ived for apples,
$369 96
Cows,
146 95
Calves,
7 75
Eggs,
38 87
Milk,
982 16
Onions,
21 05
Potatoes,
18 55
Strawberries,
3 36
$1,588 m
EXPENDITURES AT THE TOWN FARM FOR THE
YEAR ENDING FEBRUARY 29, 1892.
Axe, f 1 00
Asparagus, 39
Brushes and brooms, 2 52
Barrel linings, 35
24
ANNUAL REPORT
Butter,
Bread,
Beans,
Boots and shoes,
Bean pots,
Boxes,
Blacksmith's bill.
Bed bug poison.
Bull,
Burial expenses of Elijah Brine,
Cheese,
Cloth and clothing,
Cattle cards,
Cream tartar,'
Crackers,
Corks,
Cucumbers,
Coffee,
Carbolic acid.
Crockery,
Chocolate,
Cows,
Castings,
Drain pipe,
Dr. C. B. Sanders' bill,
Eggs,
Extract lemon.
Evaporated apple,
Farming tools.
Flour,
Flour barrels.
Fertilizer,
Fish,
Fruit jars,
Garden and Field seed,
$33 49
1
27
9
63
6
30
55
35
3
04
75
12 00
17
00
3 47
34
26
16
94
37
49
18
07
4
26
25
1
80
45
189
00
2
67
2
00
7
00
65
83
1
39
8
06
18
12
6
30
22
10
13
61
2 38
22 12
TOWN OF ACTON.
25
Glass,
$2 62
Greens,
84
Grain,
617 51
Hops,
25
Hardware,
6 12
Holt's, L. U., bill.
9 62
Insect powder,
60
Kerosene oil.
2 40
Lemons,
1 23
Labor,
22 25
Lamp chimneys,
57
Lumber,
9 60
Ladder,
3 00
Meat bill.
83 27
Medicine,
4 24
Molasses,
8 19
Matches,
18
Nest eggs.
35
Oyster shells
90
Onions^
46
Paris green.
84
Paint and oil.
4 07
Pins and needles.
40
Pails,
55
Putty,
20
Pigs,
13 08
Potatoes,
12 00
Rolled oats.
48
Rope,
28
Rice,
32
Rosin,
15
Raisins,
2 38
Repairs on harness.
4 65
Repairs on mowing machine,
6 35
Salt,
2|38
26 ANNUAL REPORT
Sweet potatoes,
75
Spices,
2 26
Soda,
35
Soap,
4 35
Sugar,
27 42
Scraps,
2 97
Squashes,
90
Stove polish.
16
Syrup,
2 05
Syrup cup.
45
Starch,
25
Services of H. C. Scarlet and wife,
495 ^Q
" E. H. Cutler,
50 00
" L. C. Taylor,
15 00
'' A. C. Handley,
6 00
Tea,
3 50
Tomato plants,
30
Tub,
38
Tinware,
2 41
Thread,
1 28
Twine,
12
Use of bull,
1 00
Vinegar,
20
Wheelwright's bill.
4 00
Washing powder,
25
Wood saw.
83
Yeast,
80
Expenditures,
f 1,914 37
Receipts,
1,588 Q^
Income less than expense.
^325 72
Due from treasury to balance account,
325 72
Interest on farm.
240 00
$565 72
Victualling and lodging 176 tramps.
70 40
Cost of supporting poor on farm,
$495 32
TOWN OF ACTON. 27
Whole number of persons exclusive of tramps
supported at almshouse, 4
Average number, 3 3-4
Present number, 3
E. H. CUTLEK, ) Overseers
LYMAN C. TAYLOR, V of
AARON C. HANDLEY, ) Poor.
We have examined the above accounts of the Overseers of
Poor and find them correct.
HIRAM J. HAPGOOD. ) . .-,
Auditors.
DANIEL J. WETHERBEE
,}
28, ANNUAL REPORT
Town Clerk's Report for 1891
BIRTHS RECORDED IN 1891.
No. Date of Birth. Name of Child. Names of Parents.
1861.
1. Jan. 3. Edith May Holton. Charles J. and Jennie A.
Holton.
2. Jan. 5. Gilbert Raymond Jones. Fred. G. and Mary A.
Jones.
3. Jan. 9. Harry Esmond Goodwin. Edgar and Ida F. Good-
win.
4. Jan. 17. Leonard Dupee White. John Sidney and Bertha
H. White.
5. Feb. 10. Vera May Charlton. Will Murray and Minnie
M. Charlton.
6. Feb. 18. Evelyn Knowlton. Frank R. and Emma S.
Knowlton.
7. Mar. 23. Estelle Knowlton. Amasa M. and Elizabeth F.
Knowlton.
8. Mar. 9. Glenna Alene Crosby. Frank and Josephine
Crosby.
9. Apr. 13. Lela Antonia Simmensen. Peter and Paulina
Simmensen.
10. Apr. 22. Walter Ball Kenyon. Noble H. and Eva K.
Kenyon.
11. May 4. Walter E. Burr. William R. and Emily Burr.
12. May 27. Ralph Lewis Hastings. Lewis C. and Emma F.
Hastings.
TOWN OF ACTON. 29
No. Date of Birth. Name of Child. Names of Parents.
1891.
13. May 29. Mary Margaret Murphy. Michael and Joanna
Murphy.
14. May 31. Andrew Clark Jenkins. Andrew C. and Eachel
A. Jenkins.
15. July 10. Virgie E. Wilson. John D. and Agnes A. Wilson.
16. July 25. A Son. Samuel B. and Harriet Harris.
17. July 29. Ethel Amy Ball. George W. and Addie B. Ball.
18. Aug. 9. Jacob S. Harrington. Jas. B. and Effie V. Har-
rington.
19. Aug. 30. Thomas Joseph Jackman. James and Margaret
J. Jackman.
20. Aug. 15. Levi Clarence Wheeler. Jairus C. and Alice M.
Wheeler.
21. Aug.. 25. Everett Eugene Sargent. Albert F. and Sarah F.
Sargent.
22. Aug. 29. Ray Nichols bobbins. Webster C. and Amelia
H. Bobbins.
23. Sept. 27. A Son. Albert Long and Sophia E. Wetherbee.
24. Sept. 17. Fred Earle Clark. Charles H. and Hannah K.
Clark.
25. Sept. 20. Harry Charles Johnson. Charles J. and Sarah
M. Johnson.
26. Oct. 15. Ralph Franklin Lord. Charles E. and Annie N.
Lord.
27. Oct. 11. Carl Norman Davidson. Norman A. and M.Alice
Davidson.
28. Oct. 16. Gertrude Moore. William J. and Mary A. F.
Moore.
29. Nov. 5. Emma Frances Poore. George W. and S. Estelle
Poore.
30. Nov. 4. A Son. Charles F. and Annie F. Haley.
30 ANNUAL REPORT
No. Date of Birth. Name of Child. Names of Parents.
1891.
31. Nov. 10. Agnes Viola Barber. Giles A. and Maggie M.
Barber.
32. Nov. 14. John Macone. Alexander and May Grace Ma-
cone.
33. Nov. 22. Charles Edward Rodway. Charles B. and Char-
lotte E. Rodway.
34-. Nov. 27. Glen Carlton Gould. Herman A. and Sarah E,
Gould.
35. Nov. 29. A Daughter. James A. and Minnie F. Annice.
36. Nov. 29. Willie Russell Gill. James and Jennie Gill.
37. Dec. 27. Eva May Gilmore. Almon H. and Mabel Gil-
more.
1890.
Feb. 12. Annie Frances Kinsley. James and Annie Kins-
ley.
MARRIAGES RECORDED BY TOWN CLERK IN 1892.
No. Date— 1891. Names and Residence of Parties. Where Married,
1. Jan. 1. Gilman H. Parlin of Acton, and Annie
U. Simmensen of Acton. Carlisle.
2. Jan. 24. Herbert R. Moore of Acton, and Han-
nah Holm-en of Waltham. Waltham.
3. Jan. 28. Arthur F. Blanchard of Acton, and
Charlotte T. Sanderson of Littleton. Littleton*
4. Feb. 2. Franklin 0. Watson of Minneapolis,
Minn., and Sarah A. Tuttle of Ac-
ton. Acton.
5. Apr. 1. Fred A. Brown of Marlboro, and Mary
A. Hallowell of Stow. Acton.
6. May 20. Lewis Grant Freeman of Acton, and
Annie McCall of Cambridge. Cambridge.
TOWN OF ACTON.
31
Lowell.
Acton.
Concord.
Acton.
Acton.
Acton.
No. Date— 1891. Names and Residence of Parties. Where Married.
7. June 11. Hugh McNamara of Acton, and Bridg-
et Kelly of Lowell.
8. June 17. Almon H. Gilmore of Acton, and Ma-
bel Dufresne of Acton.
9. July 9. William Sullivan of Acton, and Kate
Welch of Acton.
10. Aug. 9. Walter A. Brown of Shelburne Falls,
and A.Blanche Mead of Boxborough. Acton.
11. Sept. 2. Edward T. Quimby of Boscawen,]Sr.H.,
and Annie J. Noyes of Acton.
12. Sept. 2. Elbridge L. Wheeler of Acton, and
Florence I. Noyes of Acton.
13. Sept. 9. John E. McGregor of Acton, and Ida
M. Littlefield of Acton.
14. Sept. 19. Owen L. Newcomb of Acton, and Ho-
nora Coleman of Port Greville,]Sr.S. Boston.
15. Oct. 1. Arthur C. Meehan of Charlestown,
and Annie E. Bojdan of Acton. Concord.
16. Oct. 15. George B. Hooper of Acton, and Ida
E. Priest of Maynard. Bedford.
17. Oct. 27. Charles A. Hoppin Jr. of Worcester,
and May Frances Bowen of Acton. Boston.
18. Nov. 7. Ernest S. Morse of Acton, and Estella
M. Beach of Acton. Acton.
19. Nov. 8. John Eedfearn of Acton, and Esther
Logan of Acton. East Boston.
20. Dec. 2. Frank A. Merriam of Acton, and Ber-
tha M. Jones of Acton. Acton.
21. Dec. 2. Anthony I. Coding of Acton^ and Flo-
ra E. Clark of Acton. Boxborough.
22. Dec. 17. Arthur W. Armstrong of Acton, and
Emily C. Hall of Acton. Acton.
32 ANNUAL REPORT
No. Date— 1891. Names and Residence of Parties. Where Married.
^3. Dec. 24. Samuel R. Simpson of Ac<"on, and Bes-
sie Vaughn of Acton. Acton.
ro.
Date-
-1891.
1.
Jan.
6.
2.
Jan.
13.
3.
Jan.
24.
4.
Feb.
12.
5.
Feb.
14.
6.
Feb.
17.
DEATHS RECORDED BY THE TOWN CLERK IN iSgi.
Names of Persons Deceased. Yrs. Mos. Dys.
Nancy K. Handley, widow of
David M. Handley, 49 10 28
John Mann, 75 6 —
J. Augustine Houston, . 56 1 24
Frances A. Stone, widow of Ed-
win Stone, 37 2 19
John Whipple Aldrich, 57 3 _
Catherine Lecaine Howlett, wid-
ow of John Howlett, 94 11 —
7. Feb. 25. Benjamin F. B. Brooks, son of
Fredson P. and Martha M.
Brooks, 2 4 8
8. Feb. 26. Ena May Smith, daughter of
Geo. H. and Cora E. Smith, _ 10 4
9. Mar. 6. Charlotte Tarbell Blood, widow
of Sumner Blood,
Frank Henry Bulette,
John F. Blood,
Patrick Gallagher,
Susan E. Handley, widow of
Abraham B. Handley,
George Chandler,
Martha Lawrence,
Clarina A. Warner, widow of
Elias Warner,
Henry Brooks,
Hattie M. Bobbins,
10.
Mar.
18.
11.
Mar.
19.
12.
Mar.
19.
13.
Apr.
2.
14.
Apr.
6.
15.
Apr.
8.
16.
Apr.
16.
17.
Apr.
24.
18.
Apr.
27.
<5
32
5
28
56
1
21
75
—
—
86
10
12
80
10
25
84
1
2
82
11
29
61
3
24
21
11
2
TOWN OF ACTON. 33
No.
Date-1891.
19.
May 5.
20.
May 13.
21.
May 13.
22.
May 17.
23.
May 21.
24.
May 21.
25.
May 22.
26.
June 11.
27.
June 25.
28.
July 7.
30.
31.
July 26.
July 31.
32.
Aug. 6.
33.
Aug. 13.
34.
35.
Aug. 22.
Sept. 2.
11
—
11
21
8
26
11
11
11
23
8
19
Names of Persons Deceased. Yrs. Mos. Dys.
Mary Ann McDonald, wife of
John McDonald, 33 10 —
Martha B.Sawin^ widow of Sam-
uel Sawin, 81 — —
Julia A. Hayward, wife of Ar-
nold Hayward, 77 10 13
Alice A. Brooks, wife of Amos
Brooks, 75
Gilman H. Parlin, 27
Amos Brooks, 84
Caroline K. Bobbins, wife of Al-
vin M. Bobbins, 69
Henry P. Chandler, 69
George Irving Harris, 16
Edith May Holton, daughter of
Charles J. and Jennie A. Hol-
ton, — 6 —
29. July 25. Infant son of Samuel B. and
Harriet L. Harris, — — —
John Swift Fletcher, 42 3 17
Frances M. Beed, wife of J. Ev-
erett Beed, 60 — 7
Mary Ann McCabe, daughter of
Cornelius and Mary McCabe, 2 1 13
E. Lester Hall, son of E. Lester
and Lucy F. Hall, _ 7 3
Francis Bobbins, 84 4 28
Walter E. Burr, son of Wm. B. ^
and Emily Burr, _ 3 29
36. Sept. 28. Lucy Jane Tuttle, widow of Hor-
ace Tuttle, 84 — 11
37. Sept. 29. James Wood Hayward, 81 3 29
38. Nov. 2. Thomas Calder, 45 4 ^
39. Kov. 8. John J. Beatty, 75 — —
34
ANNUAL REPORT
No. Date— 1891. Names of Persons Deceased. Yrs.
40. Nov. 9. Bessie Currie, wife of Douglas
Currie, 31
41. Nov. 12. Infant son of Cliarles F. and An-
nie Haley, —
42. Nov. 24. Mary Skinner, widow of Heury
Skinner, 95
43. Nov. 26. Reuel Williams, 43
44. Dec. 1. Elijah Bryan, 69
45. Dec. 23. George A. Stevens, 79
Mos.
Dys.
8
2
—
. 9
3
10
11
—
NAMES OF PERSONS HAVING DOGS LICENSED
IN 1892.
E. F. Shapley.
C. S. Simonds, 1 female.
Charles H. Holton.
George Desseault.
Mildred E. Handley.
Willie S. Fletcher.
Abel Cole.
C. B. Sanders.
Wm. Clark.
Fredson P. Brooks.
Otis H. Forbush.
Geo. T. Barstow.
Lawrin W, Pratt,
Blanche Bassett.
Corydon 0. Stone.
H. A. Littlefield.
Luther Conant.
A. L. Lawrence, 1 female.
A. L. Lawrence, 1 male.
Chas. J. Williams. .
Clarence B. Smith.
Augustus Fletcher.
John W. Randall.
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee,
George W. Ball.
Clara L. Stone.
TOWN OF ACTON.
35
Samuel Jones, Jr.
Sylvester Haynes.
Frank Pratt.
Daniel H. Farrar.
Mrs. Daniel Harris.
Aaron C. Handley.
D. James Wetherbee.
Amasa M. Knowlton.
David C. Harris.
J. W. Clark.
Fred Keed.
Chas. L. Davis.
Chauncy B. Eobbins, 2.
E. B. Forbush.
William Wilson.
M. E. Taylor.
Ealph Crooker.
Thomas Calder.
Henry Hanson.
Charles Wheeler, 1 female.
Charles H. Wheeler.
Alonzo L. Tuttle.
John Kelley.
Geo. H. Brooks.
Geo- H. Smith.
Wm. H. Hill.
Lyman Tuttle.
Willie H. Gilmore.
Mrs. Chas. Varney.
Wm. S. Jones.
Fred G. Jones.
Henry M. Smith.
Webster C. Eobbins, 2.
Adelbert Mead.
Octavus A. Knowlton.
Thomas Manion.
William Jennings.
A. J. Fletcher.
Noble H. Kenyon.
George McDougal.
Abel Farrar.
Charles Morris.
George A. Hayward.
Thos. J. Sawyer.
L. M. Stewart.
J. C. Hunt.
John Temple.
Solon A. Eobbins.
E. Eddie Fletcher.
Antoine Bulette.
W. W. Philbrick.
Charles S. Moulton.
Geo. H. S. Houghton.
Luke Tuttle.
Chas. A. Harrington.
Mrs. Geo. F. Flagg.
Wm. J. Moore.
Mrs. Jennie A. Pratt.
Jas. P. Brown.
Chas. J. Holton.
J. H. Standish.
Harvey J. Bishop.
Eph. L. Hall.
Moses Taylor.
Daniel Tuttle.
A. A. Wyman.
E. G. Brooks.
C. H. Mead & Co.
Chas. Barker.
Martin H. Worden.
36
ANNUAL REPORT
Warren H. Jones. Fred Lewis.
William Hayes, 1 female. Lucius S. Hosmer.
Wm. B. Davis. Alexander Allen.
Geo. Conant.
Whole no. of Dogs Licensed, 105. Males, 99. Females, 6.
Whole amount received from licenses, $228.00.
WM. D. TUTTLE, Town Clerk,
Acton, March 2. 1892.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
^TRUSTEBSi
OF THE
ON iEIORlAL LIBRARY,
LUTHER CO:^ANT,
ADELBERT MEAD,
MOSES TAYLOR,
DELETTE H. HALL,
HIRAM J. HAPOOOD,
DANIEL J. WETHERBEE,
LUCIUS A. HESSELTON,
WM. D. TUTTLE,
Rev. JAMES FLETCHER.
38 ANNUAL REPORT
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
Of the Acton Memorial Library, 1891-92^
The Trustees of the Acton Memorial Library, in accord-
ance with custom, hereby present their second annual report.
In submitting this report we feel that the assured success of
this very valuable institution will be readily acknowledged by
everyone. Though there has been a slight diminution in the
number of books issued, this may be accounted for as arising
from causes that do not affect the general condition of inter-
est in the library.
The number of library cards given out has increased
during the year from 586 to 703.
The proportion of books called for from the different de-
partments of history, fiction, etc., remains about the same as
last year.
The whole number of volumes issued during the year
has been 9937.
The number of accessions during the year has been 253.
Number of visitors registered from June 17, 1891, to
March, 1892, 298.
Whole number of books now in the library, 4420.
Number of books lost since the opening of the library, 0.
Number of books re-bound, 18.
. Number of magazines bound, 18.
Fines collected during the year, 1)20.00.
TOWN OF ACTON.
39
The means to pay for the books purchased during the
year were provided as follows : Early in the year, as evi-
dence of his continued and permanent interest in the library,
Mr. Wilde sent to the Trustees a check for the sum of |100,
all of which has been expended in books. The town, at its
annual meeting in April, appropriated a similar sum, of which
882.98 has been paid for the same purpose. For the maga-
zines placed upon the table in the reading room for 1892, the
sum of $22.95 has been paid. The list of these publications
is as follows : Atlantic Monthly, Cassell's Magazine, Har-
per's Monthly, Century Magazine, Scribner's Magazine, St.
Nicholas, Wide Awake, Harper's Young People, New Eng-
land Magazine. Mr. Wilde also furnishes the Child's Hour,
Our Sunday Afternoon and the Cottage Hearth. Mr. Chas.
J. Williams has also contributed the Congressional Record
for the same purpose.
Books donated to the
William A. Wilde, (proceeds of check fo
Social Library,
Rev. G. W. Stearns,
Department of State,
Ada C. Davis,
Hon. M. T. Stevens,
Luther Conant,
Augustine B. Conant,
Hon. F. T. Green haldge,
Deloraine P. Corey, Maiden
Frederic A. Tupper,
Col. Gardner Tufts,
Smithsonian Institution,
Jonas S. Hunt, Sudbury,
Walter Baker,
Paid for by the Town,
ibrary during the past year :
ilOO,) " 112 vols.
1
1
1
1
1
5
1
1
21
1
1
1-
1
1
100
Total,
, 258
40 ANNUAL REPORT
Other articles of value donated to the library :
Picture of Libby Prison, where Union soldiers were confined
in Richmond, as it appeared in 1863, by Moses Taylor,
Esq.
Portrait of Gen. McClellan, by Hon. William A. Wilde.
"The Last Cartridge," a French engraving, Hon.W.A.Wilde.
Also, upon the evening of the 20th of April, Mr. Wilde,
in the Town hall, presented to Post 138, G. A. R., the mem-
bers of which were present in large numbers, an artist's proof
engraving of Bachelder's picture of the Battle of Gettysburg
at the time of the repulse of Longstreet's assault, July 3,
1863, to be placed in Memorial hall, accompanying the pre-
sentation with an interesting and eloquent address.
Afterward, during the same evening. Dr. I. Hutching,
representing Capt. Aaron C. Handley, who commanded Co.
E, old Sixth Regt., Mass. Vols., during its second term of
service in the war of the Rebellion, presented to the Post the
sword and scabbard carried by Capt. Handley while he was
in service. The Post in turn, through Commander Delette
H. Hall, committed the sword to the custody of the trustees
of the Acton Memorial Library, to be permanently kept in
Memorial hall, as a memento of that ever memorable contest.
The sword is a very elegant specimen of workmanship, and
was presented to Capt. Handley by the company under his
command, every member of the company contributing to the
purchase. We give Capt. Handley's letter in full :
Commander of Isaac Davis Post^ No. 138, Dept. of Mass.,
a. A. R. :
My Dear Sir — I have treasured and held very highly
for a long time the sword presented to me by Co. E of the
6th Mass. Vols., while in the service of our country. I
think every member participated in the present.
I now desire to place it in your hands, and through you
into the custody of the trustees of Memorial Library, to be
TOWN OF ACTON. 4 1
kept and preserved by the town of Acton in Memorial hall
forever.
I desire that it shall be for the use of Isaac Davis Post,
No. 138, G. A. R., also for the Benj. Lovell Camp of the
Sons of Veterans, on all public occasions and celebrations in
which either of the above organizations or any military or-
ganization in Acton shall take a part.
Commander, please accept it for the purposes and uses
above named.
Respectfully vours,
AARON C. HANDLEY.
South Acton, Mass., April 20th, 1891.
Even now an inspection of Memorial hall will show that
it is fast becoming a repository of rare and valuable memen-
tos of the past, and also an art gallery, to which all visitors
are welcome.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
By Wm. D. Tuttle.
receipts.
Town appropriation for current expenses,
" " for new books,
Gift of Hon. W. A. AVilde for same purpose,
Fines collected to March 1, 1891,
to March 1, 1892,
Total,
EXPENDITURES.
Estes & Lauriat, for new books,
Henry D. Noyes & Co., for magazines for reading
room,
Ida A. Hale, services as librarian,
Julian Tuttle, services as janitor to April 1, 1891,
Rev. James Fletcher, services as janitor 11 mos.
to March 1, 1892, 91 67
1400 00
100
00
100
00
12
67
20
00
1632 67
1182 98
22
95
102
00
13
40
42 ANNUAL REPORT
D. A. Cutler, for transportation of books,
J. G. Roberts & Co., for re-binding books, etc.,
L. Barta, for printing supplementary catalogues,
L. Barta, for printing 10,000 library slips,
J. E. Cutter, for 20,300 lbs. coal,
M. E. Taylor & Co., for oil and supplies for 1890,
" u u u u ][g91^
For visitor's registry book and ink pot.
For town histories of Sudbury, Medford, West-
ford and Woburn, by way of exchange,
L. U. Holt, for repairs,
L. Conant, for express charges.
Janitor, for incidental supplies,
50
00
16
98
28 00
9
27
63
44
21
24
16
37
7 50
5
00
2
00
2
70
36
16
$671 66
632
67
Total,
Deficiency, 138 99
As will be seen, a portion of the deficiency of $38.99
arises from the fact that a bill for oil and supplies for 1890,
amounting to $21.24, was not sent in season to be included
in the report of that year. The actual excess of expenditure
being so small, the trustees have voted to ask for an appro-
priation of $400.00, the same as last year.
Our library is doing a silent but effective work ; its in-
fluences are felt in every house in this community. A public
library is at once a common school and a university, and
while it presents to us the realities of the past, it indicates
the lines of progress of the future. And in that future we
confidently look forward to an ever widening and broadening
service, for that is the common destiny of institutions of this
character.
For the Trustees,
LUTHER CONANT.
7 jr^^
\^a^==^
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 1891-92.
44 ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
To the Town of Acton :
In the retrospect of the year we have first to remind
the citizens that God has been having what seems to have
been a special oversight of the youth for the few months
past. No contageous diseases have been prevalent. The
grippe, so disastrous in its attacks upon the adults and the
aged, has turned to the right and left when meeting the boys
and girls on their cheery path to and from the school work.
The average percentage of attendance for all the schools for
the year is 91, which is better than was feared, and better
than the general average for the State. There has been no
approach to a failure on the part of any of the schools or
teachers. There has been but little change in the personnel
of instruction, and no desire for a change by the committee,
except where stern necessity demands. The same is true of
text books, the policy being to hold fast that which is known
to be good rather than imperil appropriations upon doubtful
experiments at the solicitation of every new-comer. Some
extra expenses have been incurred in the way of repairs of
school buildings, but they have been in the line of practical
economy and not of wasteful extravagance.
What is regarded by private individuals as only decent
and prudential foresight in the case of their houses, barns
and premises has the same claim for approval where the con-
dition of the school house is in question.
TOWN OF ACTON. 45
If a school house worth preserving for future use needs
shingling, it is not economy or sense to let it remain long
without protection. Damages from neglect are more expen-
sive than repairs judiciously planned.
Public buildings, from the necessity of the case, are
more exposed to wear and tear than private structures, and
the school house is no exception to this statement.
A delapidate condition here proclaims at once a muni-
cipal stigma, demoralizing within and beyond the school en-
closure.
A contemplated heavy expense upon a change in our
school structures for a more satisfactory ventilation, ordered
by the State Inspector of Public Buildings, has been de-
ferred for the present.
There was a hearing before the Selectmen, who are ex-
officio the Board of Plealth for the Town with power to
modify or annul the State order.
The State Inspector appeared in person, presenting the
claims of the order.
A. A. Wyman, Esq., appeared for the School Committee
on an appeal to annul the order.
After due deliberation upon the immediate necessities
of the case, the Board of Health finally decided to an-
nul the order, leaving the whole subject for future deliber-
ation and action.
The ventilation episode, it is hoped, will not be without
its advantage to all concerned, and may ultimately lead to
tangible results. We have a magnificent system of ventila-
lation, provided by the higher powers, going on all around
in these parts, without any extra charge, especially in the
month of March, and it is a great pity if we have not brains
nough in some way to secure our full share of the gratuity.
46 ANNUAL REPORT
Grading the Schools.
The experience of years, and the careful investigations
and decisions of the wisest experts appointed by the highest
authorities in matters of education, pronounce in favor of
the grade. Have your grade, b}^ all means, is their verdict.
Make it as complete as your local conditions will permit.
Give it a generous and loyal support. If it has its defects
any other plan has defects more numerous.
But what for the Town of Acton?
We are not situated in the central, northern and east-
ern sections of the Town for making the grade so cheaply
and easily as at the south and west villages.
Nor are the West and South villages so favorably con-
ditioned as they would be ii united in one. What is wanted
for all the scholars in town is an approximate equality in the
advantages of a graded system.
The most feasible plan for securing this in the present
and prospective conditions of the Town seems, after mature
and impartial thought, something like the following, leaving
the High School as now :
Take the average membership of the past year in the
west, and have three grades — the Grammar, Intermediate
and Primary:
Average membership of the Grammar, 35.1
« " " Primary, 40.
3)75.1
25.3
The average membership for each school at the West.
TOWN OF ACTON. 47
South village, average membership of Grammar, 29.5
" '' '' '' Primary, 35.7
South-east, " '' . 8.2
3)73.4
24.5
Average membership of Primary, Intermediate and
Grammar at the South, providing transportation for each
scholar at the South-east from his home.
Combine the North and East schools at the Centre, furn-
ishing transportation for each scholar from his home to the
Centre :
Average membership of the North, 19.9
East,
24.
Centre, Grammar,
16.8
" Primary,
13.5
3)74.2
24.7
Average membership of Grammar, Intermediate and
Primary at the Centre.
This arrangement would give the same number of
schools and teachers as at present, the advantages of a
graded system for all the town, the stimulus of numbers, for
scholars and teachers, in every school, without the confusion
of an excess.
This proposition will, doubtless, at first strike some in
the rural districts with prejudice, reminiscences of the past, old
associations, local attachments, the fea'r of diminishing values
because of removal from the school house, will lead to oppo-
sition at the outset. But it really brings a better school
nearer to the door if transportation is furnished, and, if so,
48 ANNUAL REPORT
how can the farm lose value ? The experiment has been
faithfully tried in other towns and the results do not prove
the depreciation of estates. If the experiment, after proper
deliberation, could be harmoniously adopted b}^ the town,
the results would in the end, bej^ond doubt, vindicate the
wisdom of the plan. If, however, the time has not yet come
for definite action, without too much irritation and com-
plaint, let it abide for the calm moments of a future date.
The signs point quite significantly towards the contemplated
project. The watchword is forward ! not a cowardly retreat
to the rear.
The idea of consolidation is forced upon us by the
changed condition within fifty years. Fifty years ago there
must have been at least a hundred scholars in the eastern and
northern portions of the town. Large family groups were
scattered in all that section, some of them counting by the
dozen. Now only about half that number can be found in
the two schools at the North and East combined. The same
is true of the Centre. Within the memory of some now liv-
ing, a hundred scholars were in one school, with one teacher.
The discipline of the crowd was ordinarill}^ enough for any
master to manage, without wasting his strength on the minor
matters of instruction. The little ones on the lower seats
were pleased if they had one chance recognition in the course
of the long day from the master in the desk. If only these
large family groups on the hills and by the brooks could be
duplicated, we might drop the question of transportation, and
have the grade on the old spot.
In 1826, 412 pupils (227 males and 185 females,) attend-
ed schools in town — 139 under 7 years, 160 from 7 to 14, and
113 from 14 upwards. The number now reported is 254,
with a population nearly double what it was in 1826, and
with a valuation more than double what it was then.
TOWN OF ACTON.
49
The logic of these facts argues for a liberal policy in
providing for the education of the youth, now entrusted to
the town. They are treasures rare in comparison with the
past. In their physical, mental and moral equipment — in
their ambitions to match the great destinies that are just up-
on them, they are not a whit behind their honored progeni-
tors. The town will do itself a discredit, and its youth an
injustice, if it does not keep step to the music of the times,
and say "forward, march."
Sentiment in Schools.
Ex-President Cleveland, in his recent Washington's birth-
day address at Detroit, emphasized the importance of senti-
ment in politics. We may not all agree with him in our po-
litical views. We may not all vote for him if again a candi-
date for the presidency, but we must all sanction with a hear-
ty amen, the main thought of that address. Politics is dead
and buried without sentiment. So when we pass into the do-
main of schools, they are .dead and worse than buried without
sentiment.
The dollars will come forth from the pockets of the tax-
payers with but half their power to bless the giver and re-
ceiver, unless the glow of an enthusiast starts them on their
mission.
The well furnished desk of the pupil will be but trash
in his presence, unless the sentiment of a bounding heart
swathes each book at the touch.
The columns of figures as they are added will be but
stupid nothings, tiring the nerves, unless there can be a sen-
timent within to feel the beauty of those combinations, to re-
peat the charm of ascending and descending the scale, to say
at the end how true to themselves and to each other those
figures stand — for all times, places and persons, what con-
stancy !
50 ANNUAL REPORT
We hear about the hum-drum of the school room, but
never from the lips of a teacher whose heart beats quicker at
the sight of a pupil whom she is to instruct, care for and
bless — whose inspiration starts anew at the stroke of each
morning bell that calls her again to her choicest work.
Sentiment has built all our institutions of learning, from
the Kindergarten to the Universitj,and when sentiment dies
the grandest structures fall, and the vision is no more.
High School.
The Acton High School has enjo3'ed for another year the
faithful and earnest instructions of Mr. Armstrong. He has
labored in season and out of season for the best culture of
his pupils. If in any instance he has missed his high ideal,
it has not been for the lack of an ideal. If obstructions have
crossed his path, they have only stirred within a higher pur-
pose to stand in his lot and place, and await the issues of an-
other trial.
This school has already entrenched itself in the confi-
dence of the town, as is shown by the continued support of
its citizens. It has become so adjusted to the other grades
that any misfortune to this must affect disastrously all the
others. So, also, any improvement in this will have a tonic,
uplifting force, ranging through all the ranks.
The principal needs the efficient co-operation of a com-
petent assistant. If this could be had, a larger and more
satisfactory course of study could be furnished. If the ques-
tion is assistant or transportation, let the vote go for the as-
sistant.
The whole number of different pupils in the High
School during the year, . . . . . 56
The number of pupils over 15 years, . . . . 40
The number of pupils under 15 years, , , , 16
TOWN OF ACTON.
51
examination in
examination m
39.2
35.5
90.6
Total average membership,
Average attendance, .
Percentage of attendance, .
Number of applicants in the written
June, ....
Number entitled to certificates, .
Number of applicants at the written
August, . . . .
Number admitted.
The climax of educational interest in town was reached
Friday evening, June 12, when the Town hall was crowded
with an intensely appreciative audience, to witness the sixth
graduating exercises. The past graduates, in a body, accom-
panied the school, and took seats near the platform, attesting
their hearty good wishes for their alma nater.
42
27
5
1
Rev. Dr. Knowlton
PROGRAMME:
1 — March. . . . . .
2 — Prayer, .
3 — Music. Chorus. . .....
4 — Salutatory and Essay. '' The Phonograph."
Charles E. Smith
5 — Essay and History. " Character." Mabel H. Decoster
6— Music. Vocal Duet
7 — Essay. ''The Education of Women." Lizzie A. Manion
8— Essay. " At the Threshold." . . Grace N. Houghton
9— Music. Vocal Solo. . . . . .
10 — Essay. "The Middle Ages vs. Modern Times,"
Raymond 0. Littletield
11— Essay. '• Books Well Chosen." . Lulu M. Lawrence
12— Music Vocal Solo. ........
13 — Declamation. " The Battle of Lexington." Bancroft.
Sumner M. Teele
14 — Essay and Proprecy. " Our Grandmothers and We."
Jessie P. Wood
52 ANNUAL REPORT
15 — Music. Vocal Duet
16 — Essay and Valedictory. " Work that Ennobles.'
Etta E. Hall
17 — Presentation of Diplomas. ......
]8 — Music. Chorus
The Horal decorations and tributes were rare and rich.
The exercises were everj way meritorious, and a great grati-
fication and credit to the town.
Three year's course of the High School, subject to
changes which may hereafter be made, according to the
judgment of the Committee, and the light of experience.
FIRST YEAR.
First Term. — Arithmetic and Book-keeping, alternating.
English Grammar and Composition.
General History.
Second Term. — Arithmetic and Book-keeping, alternating.
English Grammar and Composition.
General History.
Third Term. — Arithmetic and Book-keeping, alternating.
Rhetoric and Botany.
SECOND YEAR.
First Term. — Algebra begun.
Latin begun.
Physiology.
Second Term. — Algebra continued.
Latin continued.
Ph3^sics begun.
Third Term. — Geometry begun.
Physics continued.
Latin continued.
TOWN OF ACTON. 53
THIRD YEAR.
First Term. — Geometry continued.
Latin continued.
Chemistry begun.
Second Term. — Physical Geograhapy.
Latin continued.
Chemistry continued.
Third Term. — Civil Government.
Latin continued.
Geology.
Four recitations in each branch per week.
Wednesday, a modified programme, including Compo-
sitions, Reading, Spelling, Drawing and other miscellaneous
recitations as shall be deemed the most important at the
time.
Rhetoric and Literature the second and third years once
a week as Wednesday work.
The monthly written test to be continued as the fairest
and surest proof of the real progress made.
THE CENTRE SCHOOL.
Grammar Departm^ent.
Miss Clara B. Holden, .... Teacher.
Ten pupils from this school presented themselves as
candidates for the High School at the June examination.
Eight of them received certificates, an unusual percentage,
reflecting great credit upon them and their teacher.
Notwithstanding the loss of so many from the school by
promotion, the average membership, also the average attend-
ance, has been larger than the numbers reported five years
since.
54 ANNUAL REPORT
Order, discipline, thorough instruction, studious habits,
have remained as the marked features of the school when
visited. Miss Holden has a tact for reaching at once the
foundation principles of knowledge. She seeks to plant her
pupils upon a solid resting place to begin with, that the
superstructure as it rises may fear no disturbance from the
collisions of time. The public half day at the close attested
to all present the certainty of the good work which had been
going on so quietly all the year.
CENTRE PRIMAR Y.
Miss Sarah E. Hammond, .... Teacher.
This little craft has been sailing on peaceful waters
throughout the year under the same pilot. The decks, have
not been crowded with passengers, but those on board have
had a jaunty time. They have been well cared for, and have
made some fine discoveries among the various inlets of
knowledge. They have been allowed to throw out the hook
and line into the sparkling waters and some of them have
been in luck and caught a string which lias more than pleased
their youthful ambitions. Father and mother have been de-
lighted as the tale of their adventures has been told. Other
excursions are planned under the same pilot. It is under-
stood that twenty-one are available for the trip, and if they
will all secure a passage in season they are sure of a safe and
happy return. Those present when the craft came to her
moorings wished they could have been on board, but those
days are gone. The best that can be done with gray hairs is
to let the tint remain, and be glad that the primaries are
having their day.
TOWN OF ACTON. 55
NORTH SCHOOL.
Miss Susan E. Conant, - - - Teacher.
The school has been fortunate in retaining the services
of Miss Conant for tlie entire year. She has been unsparing
in her efforts to make the school a success, and such it has
been in all particulars iu a marked degree. There has been
excellent deportment, a vivacious method in conducting rec-
itations, attention to the details in all parts of the daily pro-
gramme, and prompt loyalty to the ticking of the clock. The
apparent secret of success has been the quick perception of
the needs of individual scholars, and the ability and disposi-
tion to meet that need. The register shows a high percent-
age in the average attendance. Scholars, parents and com-
mittee united with the teacher in regrets that the pub-
lic day had to be postponed on account of her temporary ill-
ness, and these regrets are intensified by the necessity of her
relinquishing the charge for the coming term.
EAST SCHOOL.
Miss Rena M. Carr, - - - - - Teacher.
Miss Carr has remained faithfully at her post for the
year, and the result is unmistakable progress in all lines.
She has an energetic, practical, common sense wa}^ of finding
out what needs to be done by herself and pupils, and then
seeing that it is done by all the parties concerned before
nightfall. When she adds up the columns at the close, though
there are some ciphers here and there, the grand total leaves
a good balance for another day's start. When all the bal-
ances of the year are closed, there is found a surprising
amount for the net income. The business has paid, and had
better be continued at the old stand and by the same part-
ners,
56 ANNUAL REPORT
Three of her* pupils passed the written test for the High
School. There have been other losses of scholars by remov-
al, but there are goodly number of faithful ones left, mostly
boys. There have been two public days, one in the fall and
one in winter, and the exercises in all the branches have been
satisfactory, and a pleasure to the visitors.
SOUTH EAST SCHOOL.
Spring Term.
Miss Hattie L. Tuttle, - - - Teacher.
The school maintained its creditable condition during
the term, and two of its members received certificates to the
High School at the June examination.
Fall Term.
Mrs. a. H. Loker, _ . . . Teacher.
Mrs. Loker entered upon her charge with an interest
and ambition worthy of her former reputation as a teacher.
She spared no pains to do full justice to the trust. She won
the confidence of the pupils, and sure progress was made in
all the studies. The minutest items belonging to a success-
ful school were attended to, but the conditions of her health
constrained the relinquishment of her care at the close of the
term, much to the regret of the committee and district.
Winter Term.
Mrs. Ella E. Day, . . . _ Teacher.
The school, disappointed in the departure of other teach-
ers, was again favored in being able to secure, at short no-
tice, one who had formerly taught the school with special ac-
ceptance.
Mrs. Day met expectations, maintained excellent order,
and inspired an interest in the studies. The public day at
TOWN OF ACTON. <,*]
the close of the winter term brought together an appreciating
company of visitors, who united in praise of the general man-
agement and success of the school.
SOUTH SCHOOL.
Grammar Department — Spring Term.
Miss Clara A. Johnson, .... Teacher.
She retained charge of this school through the spring
with her wonted vigor and thoroughness. It is a royal satis-
faction to the visitor, when witnessing such a school, to note
the quiet, dignified and graceful art with which the elements
are kept in control.
The superficial, hesitating answer of the idler, as his
turn comes in the class, is at ojice detected. His head
droops with the confession of wasted moments. The united
sentiment of the school falls upon the guilty one and he re-
solves to do better.
An uncontrollable negative from the home conditions of
her friends obliged us to let her go with a God bless you for
the work done in Acton.
Fall and Winter Terms.
Miss Hattie L. Tuttle, . . . . Teacher.
Miss Tuttle stepped from her successful experience in
the South-east school into the graver responsibilities of the
South Grammar Department.
She has gone through her probationary period with
scholars and parents, and now it is confidently hoped bright,
peaceful futures await her efforts.
The exercises of the public day gave sure testimony to
the visitors of a teacher worthy of their earnest and united
co-operation.
^S ANNUAL REPORT
Primary Department.
Miss S. Anna L. Tirrell, .... Teacher.
There has been no change of teachers in this school,
and no occasion for a change. In the general care and in-
struction of this large company of Primaries the same
qualities have re-appeard as reported a year ago — origin^^
tact, gentle, patient manners, and a general unpretending
habitude of mind.
The large company of visitors present on the public
day made a scene too impressive at the outset. The shattered
nerves at last rallied. The palid faces began to glow. The
tongues were loosed. They were still living and among
friends. Quick answers came back to the questioner on the
platform, and they did know something after all. Our re-
grets multiply and linger at the decision of Miss Tirrell to
leave her charge for one possibly more to her tastes, but not
certainly more important or precious in its memories.
WEST SCHOOL.
Grammar Departm,ent.
Miss Albertie A. Preston, . . . Teacher.
This school has had a year of unbroken prosperity under
the leadership of Miss Preston. She has excelled herself,
which seems t(; be her ambition at every sally into the un-
certainties. The pupils hav3 caught the idea and they have done
what they have seen their leader do — excelled themselves.
"In order and general deportment, do you say it?" Yes,
that is just what is said. " In loyalty to the different studies
pursued?" Emphatically, yes. There is no dry study on
the list. " In obedience to the wishes of the teacher, ex-
pressed or unspoken ? " There cannot be a doubt. You can
see it in the very style of the movements as they trip to their
positions at the blackboards, desk or seats. There seems to
TOWN OF ACTON. 59
be a rivalry through all the ranks to push the standard of
merit for the school to the prize point among competitors.
In the percentage of average attendance ninety-four has
been reached, which is the highest point touched in town.
Miss Preston has not had the advantages of the Normal
education, but she has sought to be a Normal Institution in
herself, and find, from actual trial, the methods which fit
different moods, persons and conditions.
There was a large gathering of interested visitors to
watch the proceedings on the public day. There would have
been twice as many if the gentlemen had been there. They
all chanted the amen chorus at the close.
Prwiary Department.
Miss Harriet H. Gardner, . . . Teacher.
" Is this the West Acton Kindergarten ? " That is the
name of it. "Let us go in and take a look. The matron
seems to know what she is about. All these plants and
flowers to be cared for all the day, and day after day?"
Yes^ but she knows how to do it, and not whisper a word of
complaint. " Isn't that plant off to the right, wilting ; it
looks like it ? " Yes, but you wait, and the good matron will
see the droop of the leaf and be there soon and give the
whole plant a sprinkling and stir the soil around the roots,
and what a change ! No more droop. " Does she know all
the different kinds of plants, their names, habits, and how to
treat each one?" That is the very problem she studies.
"Does she not get tired beyond endurance before the day is
gone ? " She does not speak it. She does not act it. She
can sing, and if she does not hum the tune, there is heart
music within, and that is the reason the tired does not come.
There was a public visiting day, and many who came
through the gates to see were tempted to pluck some of the
beautiful flowers and carry them off to their homes.
Respectfully submitted in behalf of the School Committee,
JAMES FLETCHER, Chairman,
6o
ANNUAL REPORT
TABULAR STATEMENT FOR 1891-92,
1
o
,4
Pi
(A
i
A
m
^
s
1
O
>-,
3
'S
1
S
SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS.
CO
■3
M
B
C
®
a
1
>5
u
i
i
CO
to
o
u
o
Sh
;-i
i$
a
A
^
0)
11
1.S
0)
>
<u
>
>
V
Hi
<
<
^
hJ
0,0
M
Acton High.
A. W. Armstrong.
36
56
39.2
35.5
90.6
56
40
16
Center Grammar.
Clara B. Holden.
36
26
16.8
14.9
89.
26
3;23
Center Primary.
Sarah E. Hammond.
36
24
13.5
n.5
85.
24
010
South Grammar.
( Clara A. Johnson. )
1 Hattie L. Tuttle. j
36
39
29.5
27.3
92.5
39
432
South Primary.
S. Anna L. Tirrell.
36
51
35.7
31.9
89.4
2
49
0'22
West Grammar.
Albertie A. Preston.
36
51
35.1
33.2
94.6
51
1'50
West Primary.
Mrs. Harriet L. Gardner.
36
58
40.
37.2
93.
58
30
North.
Susan E. Conant.
36
32
19.9
18.5
93.
1
31
2 18
East.
Rena M. Carr.
36
31
24.
21.8
91.
31
20
( Hattie L. Tuttle.
South East.
{ Mrs. A. H. Loker.
Mrs. E E. Day.
36
13
8.2
251.9
7.5
238.8
91.4
91.
13
1
7
Number between 5 and 15, as reported by the Assessors for
the year 1891—254.
TOWN OF ACTON.
TOWN WARRANT.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Middlesex, ss.
To either of the Constables of the Town of Acton, in the County of
Middlesex, Greeting :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you
are directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of
Acton, qualified to vote in elections and Town affairs, to assem-
ble in the Town Hall, in said Town, On Monday, the Fourth
Day of April, A. D., 1892, then and there to act upon the fol-
lowing articles as they may think proper, viz.:
Article 1. To choose a Moderator to preside in said meet-
ing.
Art. 2. To fill all vacancies in the list of Town Officers
and Committees.
Art. 3. To see what amount of money the Town will raise
for the support of schools and for school supplies for the present
year, or act anything thereon.
Art. 4. To see what amount of money the Town will raise
for the repairing of roads and bridges the present year, or act
anything thereon.
Art. 5. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of one
hundred and twenty-live dollars for the due observance of Memo-
rial Day, or act anything thereon.
Art. 6. To see if the Town will accept of the provisions of
Sec. 72, Chap. 423, Election Act of 1890, to divide the Town into
convenient voting precints for the holding of meetings for the
choice of officers elective by the people, except Town officers, or
take any action thereon.
Art. 7. To see if the Town will elect that hereafter all of
the Town officers shall be voted for upon one ballot, or act any-
thing thereon.
63 ANNUAL REPORT
Art. 8. To see if the Town will accept Sections 64 to 68,
both inclusive, of Chap. 27 of thePublic Statutes, and any amend-
ments thereto, providing for the election of members of the Board
of Selectmen and Assessors for the term of three years, or act
anything thereon.
Art. 9. To see if the Town will accept the Jury List, as
revised by the Selectmen.
Art. 10. To vote by ballot, ''Yes" or ""Xo," in answer to
the question : " Shall licenses be granted for the sale of intoxi-
liquors in this Town for the present year ?"
Art. 11. To see if the Town will accept the reports of the
Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor, School Committee, and other
Town officers.
Art. 12. To see if the Town will authorize the Treasurer,
with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money for the
Town, if necessary, in anticipation of the taxes for the current
year.
Art. 13. To see what action the Town will take in relation
to lighting its streets the ensuing year.
Art. 14. To hear the report of any Committees chosen to
report at this meeting, or act anything thereon.
Art. 15. To see what sum of money the Town will raise
for the support of Memorial Library for the ensuing year, or act
anything thereon.
Art. 16. To see what amount the Town will raise to de-
fray Town charges the present year, or act anything thereon.
Art. 17. To see if the Town will authorize the Overseers
of the Poor to dig a new well, erect wind-mill, and make special
repairs on Town farm buildings the present year, appropriate
money therefor, or act anything thereon.
Art. 18. To see if the Town will shingle the West school
house, or act anything thereon.
Art. 19. To see if the Town will make certain repairs upon
the Great Koad, so called, between the residence of Daniel H.
Farrar and the Concord line, or do or act anything thereon.
TOWN OF ACTON. 63
Art. 20. To see if the Town will instruct the School Com-
mittee to appoint a Superintendent of Schools.
Art. 21. To see what action the Town will take in relation
to the preservation and protection of shade and ornamental trees,
or act anything thereon.
And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting up cop-
ies, attested by you, in the following places : One at the store
of Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee; one at the store of C. H. Mead
& Co.; one at the Nagog House ; and one at each of the railroad
stations in the Town, seven days at least before the time appoint-
ed for holding said meeting.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this warrant, with
your doings thereon, to the Selectmen or Town Clerk, on or be-
fore the time of holding said meeting.
Given under our hands, in Acton, this twenty-third day of
March, in the year one thousand eight hundred and ninety -two.
WM. F. STEVENS, 4
GEORGE R. KEYES,
GUSTAVUS V. BOWEN,
Selectmen of Acton.
TOWN OFFICERS FOR 1892
Town Clerk.
William D. Tuttle.
Selectmen.
Wm. E. Stevens, George R. Keyes, Gustavus V. Bowen.
Assessors.
Phineas Wetherbee, Chauncy B. Robbins, John White.
Overseers of the Poor.
Lyman C. Taylor, James B. Tuttle.
64
ANNUAL REPORT
Town Treasurer.
Jona. K. W. Wetherbee.
Auditors.
Hiram J. Hapgood, D. James Wetherbee.
School Committee.
Rev. James Fletchbr, Chas. L. Bradford, . . 3 years
Charles J. Williams, Davis C. Harris, . . . 2 "
Isaiah Hutchins, William S. Jones, . . ) ''
Cemetery Committee.
John Fletcher, Levi W. Stevens, Horace F. Tattle.
Fence Viewers.
Nahum C. Reed, H. F. Tuttle, Frank Hosmer.
Surveyors of Lumber.
William B. Davis, George H. Harris, William S. Warren,
Levi W. Stevens, E. F. Richardson, Charles A. Brooks,
Jona. P. Fletcher, Herbert T. Clark.
Surveyors of Wood.
William B. Davis, Georo^e H. Harris, Henry D. Parlin,
John F. Davis, S. L Dutton, Herbert T. Clark,
E. F. Richardson, Jona. P. Fletcher.
Surveyor of Hoops and Staves.
Angustus Fletcher.
Constables.
L. E. Reed, South Acton ; James Kinsley, West Acton ;
Edwin A. Phalen, Acton Centre.
Fish Committee.
Luther Conant, Elnathan Jones, John Fletcher,
Frank H. Whitcomb, Charles J. Williams, John White.
Trustees of the Acton Memorial Library.
(Corporate Members.)
Luther Conant, Delette H. Hall, Adelbert Mead,
Hiram J. Hapgood, Moses Taylor, D. James Wetherbee.
(Chosen by the Town.)
Lucius A. Hesselton, 3 years
William D. Tuttle, 2 "
Rev. James Fletcher, 3 "
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS
OF THE
TewN ofJIqt0n
(IVIASS.,)
FROM
FEBRUARY 26, 1892, TO FEBRUARY 26, 1893.
hudson, mass. :
The Entekpeise Printing Company.
1893.
II
TREASURER'S REPORT.
TOWN OF ACTON, in account with J. K
Treasurer.
. W, WETHEBBEE,
1893.
Dk.
Feb. 26.
To cash paid. State tax,
Cash paid, County tax.
Cash paid on Selectmen's
11,137 50
1,270 05
orders.
Outstanding orders.
Balance due the Town,
Cr.
By cash in the treasury,
m\ I. Hutchins, for loam.
20,973 08
1,274 50
2,827 59
%'>7 ^8^ 7«>
1892.
Feb. 26.
Kec'd fr(
$1,965 67
8 00
W. F. Stevens, for loam,
6 00
W. F. Stevens, for lumber,
7 88
W. F. Stevens, for support of W.
B. Ball, 8 00
Nathan Johnson, for hay in
Woodlawn Cemetery,
Phineas Wetherbee, for asparagus,
for rent of Chapel room,
from State Treasurer, for support of
State Paupers,
State Treasurer, corporation tax,
State Treasurer, National Bank tax, 493 11
State Treasurer, State Aid, chapter
301, acts 1889, 480 00
State Treasurer, Military Aid, chap-
ter 279, acts 1889, 145 50
State Treasurer, income Massachu-
setts School Fund, 268 31
10 50
3 00
48 75
49 75
631 18
ANNUAL REPORT
County Treasurer, dog tax, $224 11
Acton Memorial Library, for fines, 6 00
First National Bank of Ayer, bor-
rowed money, 3,000 00
Estate of Wm. Davis, borrowed
money, 1,000 00
J. K. W. Wetherbee, money ad-
vanced to pay orders, 805 33
John Fletcher, on account of
A¥oodlawn Cemetery 24 00
L. W. Stevens, lots sold in Mount
Hope Cemetery, 108 00
L.W. Stevens, wood sold in Mount
Hope Cemetery, 10 50
C. W. Pitman, for rent of Town
Hall, 94 00
E. F. Conant, taxes for 1890, 85 87
J. E. Cutter, taxes for 1891-2, 17,914 81
Interest on money in bank, 84 45
$27,482 72
Treasurer's Report of Money held for care of Lots in Cemeteries.
Dr.
To Hepsabeth Piper fund,
$50 00
Interest received.
2 00
Frederick Rouillard fund.
100 00
Interest received,
2 00
i,
William W. Davis fund,
100 00
i
Jedediah Tuttle fund,
50 00
$304 00 \
TOWN OF ACTON.
Cr.
By cash paid N. Johnson, for labor on lot of
Hepsabeth Piper, $2 00
Cash paid N. Johnson, for labor on lot
of F. Rouillard, 2 00
Cash in treasury, 300 00
$304 00
J. K. W. WETHEEBEE, .
Treasurer of Acton.
Acton, Feb. 27, 1893.
We have examined the accounts of the Treasurer and find
them correct.
HIEAM J. HAPGOOD.
D. J. WETHEEBEE.
Auditors of the Town of Acton.
ANNUiL REPORT
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS.
Centre School.
Paid Rev. James Fletcher for teachers, |720 00
" '' '' '' care of house, 74 18
" '' '' " fuel, 47 35
'' ^' ^' " cleaning rooms, 6 40
" " '' incidentals, 12 15
i(
South School.
Paid C. L. Bradford for teachers, ^720 00
janitor, 90 00
fuel, ' 43 09
cleaning rooms, 6 50
«' " " incidentals, 10 10
i( U ((
« (I u
a u a
West School.
Paid Isaiah Hutchins for teachers, $720 00
'' care of house, 78 00
'' fuel, 30 00
" cleaning house, 8 05
" incidentals, 40
a a
(( a
li a
South East School.
Paid William S. Jones for teachers, $324 00
" '' " care of house, 15 00
" ^' " fuel, 31 38
'* u u cleaning room, 2 50
$860 08
$869 69
$836 45
$372 88
TOWN OF ACTON.
7
•■■ ■ - ■ ■■ ■— J-
North School.
Paid D. C. Harris for teachers,
$360 00
" *' care of house,
'2^ 00
'' " fuel,
35 60
*' " cleaning house,
" " incidentals,
4 00
$426 28
East School.
Paid Charles J. Williams for teachers,
$360 00
^' " " care of house.
39 50
" '■' " fuel,
8 00
'^ " "incidentals,
2 20
$409 70
High School.
Paid A. W. Armstrong for teaching.
Janitors for care of rooms.
$817 76
34 00
George Gardner for rent of piano,
C. L. Bradford for fuel,
10 00
7 00
E. C. Parker & Co. '^
10 83
J. E. Cutter "
10 00
C. L. Bradford for incidentals,
1 15
$890 74
School Supplies.
Paid Rev. James Fletcher,
$445 86
A. W. Armstrong,
E. B. Goodrich & Co., charts.
5 14
75 00
Charles J. Williams,
5 24
$531 24
40 93
Balance in hands of committee,
MEMORIAL LIBRARY.^
Bills Approved hy the Trustees.
Paid Rev. James Fletcher, janitor to March 1,
1892, (1891) $17 02
L. U. Holt for repairs, " 2 00
M. E. Taylor & Co., for supplies, " 16 37
Luther Conant for express, " 2 70
D. A. Cutler for transporting books, " 13 00
Rev. James Fletcher for History of
Bedford, 2 50
8
ANNUAL REPORT
J. G. Roberts & Co.,
for binding
books,
(1891) $16 98
L. Barta & Co., for 600
supplements, 28 00
Estes & Lauriat for books, " 82 98
Ida A. Hale for services as librarian, 26 00
Hiram J.
Hapgood, treas., for services of
librarian, 78 57
a
a
" for services of
janitor, 100 00
.i
u
^' for repairs, 3 10
a
a
'^ for books and
magazines, 156 99
6i
u
" for printing, 8 50
u
a
" for labor on
grounds, 9 40
1
u
" for labor on
books, 1 95
a
a
" for transport-
ing books, 25 00
a
a
^' for binding, 4 42
a
((
" for supplies and
repairs, 24 70
a
u
" for coal, 67 72
SUPPORT OF POOR.
Paid E. H. Cutler, deficiency on farm to
March 1, 1892, $325 72
E. H. Cutler, for care of Hannah. Con-
way, 14 25
L. C. Taylor, for Supt. services, 41 QQ
for aid of Mrs. M. Jones, 125 14
Richard Temple, 170 07
Clara Wheeler, 169 92
Emily F. Towne, 169 92
George Kinsley's
children, 154 26
Mrs. H. Trainer, 36 00
Murphy family, 111 51
Elizabeth Kenedy, 39 75
Mrs. Ruth Pike, 53 75
J. E. Harris^ 74 94
TOWN OF ACTON,
Paid L. C. Taylor, for aid of Nelson family, ^44 50
" '' Mrs. S. M. Johnson, 16 00
''- '' Hannah Stanton, 2 27
^' " Chas. Johnson, 7 00
^' Coal for town farm, 11 13
" Expenses to Athol and
Princeton, 6 97
$1,574 76
REPAIRS ON TOWN BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS.
Paid L. U. Holt, for repairs at Centre School
house, I? 25 01
_ Harris & Duren, repairs on Centre School
house, 73 83
E. Jones & Co., for lumber and shingles.
Centre School house, 120 74
E. Jones & Co., for lumber and shingles,
West School house, 152 69
Harris & Duren, for labor on West
School house, 72 64
H. A. Gould, for grading West School
grounds, 154 74
F. W. Gray, for painting West School
house, 70 00
F. D. K. Hoar, for repairs on West School
house, 2 00
F. W. Green, for repairs on West School
house, 3 35
I. Hutchins, for drawing shingle. West
School house, 4 50
L. U. Holt, for repairs on West School
house, 23 67
C. L. Bradford, for grading South School
grounds, 2 00
C. L. Bradford, for repairs on South
School house, 1 65
F. Jones, for painting South School
house, 115 06
C. L. Bradford, for repairs on South
school house, 5 74
S. Jones, Jr., for repairs on South School
house, 7 60
lO ANNUAL REPORTS
Paid F. Conant, for repairs on South School
house, . $19 49
E. Jones & Co., for nails and cord for
South School house, 90
L. U. Holt, for repairs on South School
house, 2 25
C. J. Williams, for repairs on East
School house, 32 71
N. Johnson, for labor on Centre School
grounds, 10 13
J. E. Reed, for labor on Town Farm
buildings, 108 12
E. Jones & Co., for lumber for Town
Farm buildings, 161 92
L, C. Taylor, for painting and papering
Town Farm buildings, 17 70
L. U. Holt, for windmill for Town Farm, 200 00
L. U. Holt, for repairs on pump at Town
Farm, 65
Harris & Duren, for repairs on North
School house, 9 33
D. C. Harris, for cement for North
School house, 29 88
W. H. Kingsly, for labor cementing
North School house basement, 14 50
C. J. Williams, for lumber East School
house, 2 81
E. Jones & Co., for lumber at Town
Farm, 16 50
ROADS AND BRIDGES.
Paid Herman A. Gould, for labor on high-
ways, $2346 37
Hermon A. Gould, for labor on railing, 6 25
N. C. Davidson, for gravel, 1891, 15 00
F. E. Knowlton, '^ " 27 50
Louis Rouillard, <-' 1 20
Frank H. Whitcomb, " 20 00
Isaac Reed, " 13 00
^ A. H. Perkins, '' 3 00
Calvin Harris, ^^ 16 00
TOWN OF ^ ACTON.
II
Paid F. E. Knowlton, for gravel, f 5 50
K. L. Tiittle, for breaking roads, 4 80
A. L. Tuttle, " " ^ 13 85
Chas. Cassell, for bridge and basin irons, 10 25
F. J. Hastings & Co., for drain pipe, 9 00
Thos. McCarty, for flagging stones, 15 40
0. L. Newcomb, for repairs on scraper, 4 25
S. Jones, Jr., for repairs on bridge, 3 62
W. H. Lawrence, for blacksmitli bill, 10 95
Waldo Bros., for drain pipe, 4 6S
W. H. Kingsley, for blacksmith bill, 3 82
W. H. Kingsley, for dynamite, 80
W. H. Kingsley, for labor, 80
S. A. Guilford, for 45 iron railing posts, 22 75
E. Jones & Co., lumber for railing, 22 79
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, drain pipe, 10 23
L. W. Stevens, for labor on railing, 2 20
$2,594 01
EXPENSES ON ROADS ORDERED BY COUNTY COM-
MISSIONERS.
Paid Hermon A. Gould, for labor on turnpike, $705 00
F. W. Green, for setting bound-stones
on Leland- Stevens road, order com-
missioners, 2 00
$707 00
MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES,
Paid L. U. Holt for eight Johnson pumps, $16 00
" " sealing weights and meas-
ures,
" " printing tags,
Julian Tuttle for services as registrar,
Rev. James Fletcher for expenses of school
committee attending Union District con-
vention,
Edward Fearns for services and expenses
in arrest of James Hunt, as approved by
trial justice,
State of Massachusettts balance of corpo-
ration tax, 37 33
10 00
75
12 00
17 25
5 00
12
ANNUAL REPORT
Paid S. A. Guilford for services as registrar, ^
R. M. Yale for repairing monument flag,
H. T. Clark for repairing wagon,
J. R. Lawrence for services as registrar,
James Devane for painting and varnishing
hearse,
H. M. Smith for removing tree,
State of Massachusetts for one register,
J. E. Marsh, M. D., for returning 5 births,
Phineas Wetherbee for copying valuation,
" " arranging poll tax
list,
" " postage, stationery
and express,
" " invoice book,
Isaac Davis Post, appropriation for Memo-
rial Day,
A. A. Wyman, Esq., for legal advice in
pauper cases,
Warren Houghton for staining voting
stalls,
Spofford Bobbins for labor on voting stalls,
James Devan for numbering bounds,
C. L. Bradford for moving school furniture,
" labor in Precinct 2 room,
E. Jones & Co., for lumber for voting
stalls,
E. Jones & Co., for coal for town hall,
Tuttle, Jones & Wetherbee for one order
book,
Wm. D. Tuttle for express charges,
" " postage and stationery,
" " collecting and record-
ing 26 births,
^* ^' recording 19 marriages,
" " " 38 deaths,
" " indexing births and
deaths,
J. E. Cutter for wood for town hall,
J. E. Cutter for notifying 14 persons to
take oath of oflice,
J. E. Cutter for services in dog license
cases,
5
35
10
90
12
00
20
00
8
00
2
75
1
25
12
50
5
00
1
25
1
35
50 00
25 00
1
15
15
45
1
50
2
00
3
00
4 69
16
90
2
75
3
63
3
81
13
00
2
85
5 80
7
00
4
75
1 75
5 00
TOWN OF ACTON. 1 3
Paid J. E. Cutter for abatement of taxes, $^56 83
" " discount on taxes, 926 50
I. F. Duren for burial of 34 bodies, 102 00
" making 28 returns, 7 00
C. W. Pitman for services as janitor town
hall and care of clock, 73 75
Rev. James Fletcher for telephone and
po'^stage, 3 66
Rev. James Fletcher for services of E. A.
Phalan as constable at graduation exer-
cises, 1 00
Rev. James Fletcher for traveling expense
on account of schools, 8 80
Estate L. U. Holt, pump for East school, 9 75
" " •'' North school, 6 00
vW. F. Stevens for postage, express and
freight, 10 34
PRINTING.
Paid Enterprise Printing Co., for warrants, f 5 75
" " " town reports, 64 00
A. Hosmer for letter heads, 1 80
" " 500 town orders,
Campbell & Hanscom for poll tax lists,
" " check lists,
A. Hosmer for envelopes.
Enterprise Printing Co., for warrants,
1
65
8
50
14
00
3
60
6
00
CEMETER Y EXPENSES,
Paid Nathan Johnson for labor in Woodlawn
cemetery, $83 50
John Fletcher for trees for Woodlawn
cemetery, 7 50
" " labor in Woodlawn
cemetery, 2 50
. " " labor in Woodlawn
cemetery, 28 60
W. H. Kingsley for labor in Woodlawn
cemetery, 2 25
,578 34
$105 30
14 AHNUAti REPOUT
Paid D. C. Harris for five fender posts Wood-
lawn cemetery, $8 50
N. Johnson for care David M. Handley lot, 3 00
" Skinner lot, 6 50
" '' Jona. Piper lot, 2 00
" " Frank Kouillard lot, 2 00
L. W. Stevens for labor in Monnt Hope
cemetery, 96 57
" " labor in Mount Hope
cemetery, 40 85
" ^' lumber for Mount Hope
cemetery, 3 64
L. U. Holt for repairing pump in Mount
Hope cemetery, 50
H. A. Gould, labor on street, Mount Hope
cemetery, 105 00
William D. Tuttle, surveying lots. Mount
Hope cemetery, 7 00
.
STATU AID.
Allen a Smith,
Chap. 279,
acts 1889,
$60 00
Warren B. Ball,
a
u
175 00
Addison B. Wheeler, "
((
60 00
Chas. A. Brooks,
((
((
54 00
Eliza J. Shattuck,
Chap. 301,
acts 1889,
48 00
Almira H. Loker,
i(
u
48 00
Luke Smith,
a
u
48 00
Mary Smith,
((
a
48 00
Richard G. Dame,
(C
((
60 00
Rebecca C. Wright,
it.
a
48 00
Achsa Hanscom,
Cl
a
48 00
Mary J. Brown,
((
i(
24 00
Emma P. Blood,
((
a
40 00
Herbert E. Preston,
u
((
32 00
Susan B. Winn,
u
n
48 00
Aaron C. Handley,
li
((
30 00
Phoebe F. Wood,
a
a
36 00
TOWN OF ACTON.
15
SOLDIERS' RELIEF.
Paid H. D. Parlin, for fuel for Gould boys, | 3 13
E. H. Cutler, for relief of Whitney
family, 34 00
E. C. Parker & Co., for coal for Gould
boys, 9 15
H. D. Parlin, for fuel and supplies for
Gould boys, 5 60
f 51 88
15 10
15 85
TOWN OFFICERS.
Paid Eev. James Eletcber, supt. schools, $41 67
Edward Dixon, '^ " 292 50
C. L. Bradford, for services as school
committee,
C. J. Williams, for services as school
committee,
Rev. James Fletcher, for services as school
committee,
C. B. Robbins, for services as assessor,
Phineas Wetherbee, ^' "
John White, '' u
E. F. Conant, collector,
Daniel J. Wetherbee, auditor three years,
'^ " election officer,
C. B. Sanders, election officer,
L. C. Taylor,
H. F. Tuttle, '^ ^'
E. A. Phalan, '' "
A. A. Wvman, " "
H. A. Littlefield, " ''
C. B. Stone,
C. H. Mead, '^ "
J.Kinsley, " "
H. J. Hapgood, "
H. J. Hapgood, auditor,
T. F.JNewton, election officer,
L. A. Hesselton, " "
C. H. Fairbank.s, " ^'
Phineas Wetherbee, election officer,
F. S. Whitcomb, " '*
51
25
38
00
50
00
20
00
70
00
15 00
3
00
3
00
3 00
3
00
3 00
3 00
3 00
3 00
3 00
4 00
3 00
5 00
3 00
3 00
00
00
00
1 6 ANNUAL REPORT
Paid M. A. Reed, special police,
$ 1 50
\
Lyman Tuttle, " ' "
1 50
William D. Tuttle, registrar,
15 00
" '' town clerk,
30 GO
J. K. W. Wetherbee, treasurer.
75 00
J. McGreen, election officer,
3 00
W. F. Stevens, selectman,
85 00
George R. Keyes, "
50 00
G. V. Bowen, *^
50 00
$970 37
LOANS AND IN TUB U ST.
Paid Estate George A. Stevens, note, |800 00
" '' '' interest, 24 97
Persis V. Hapgood, interest on note of
f 500 dated June 1, 1891, 25 00
Estate William Davis, interest on
note of $350 dated May 12, 1891, 17 50
Frank H. Jones, interest on note of
$600 dated April 27, 1891, 30 00
John A. Bowen, interest on note of
$1,000 dated June 6, 1891, 50 00
Varnum Tuttle, interest on note of $700
dated April 7, 1891, 35 00
Varnum Tuttle, interest on note of $540
dated July 11, 1891, 27 00
Tuttles, Joues & Wetherbee, note, 1,000 00
Interest on Wetherbee note, 50 00
Interest on note of $1500 dated Jan.
20, 1890, 75 00
Interest on note of $1000, Sept. 6 to
Oct. 8,
First National Bank, Ayer, note,
" " " interest,
J. K. W. Wetherbee, temporary loan,
" ** interest on same,
5
83
3,000 00
56
25
805
33
10
06
$6,011 94
TOWN OF ACTON. 1 7
il
a
a
a
a
a
RECEIPTS AND APPROPRIATIONS.
Balance due from treasurer, Feb. 26, 1892, $1,965 67
^' " collector, Feb. 26, 1892, 1,920 95
Appropriations for town charges,
" schools,
" school supplies,
" highways,
" State tax,
^' county tax,
" overlayings,
" Memorial library,
Eeceived from State treasurer corporation tax,
" " " National Bank
tax,
State aid,
Military aid,
Income Mass.
School fund.
County Treas., dog tax,
Rent of Chapel room,
Loam sold.
Lumber sold.
Library fines.
State Treas., for support State
paupers,
Hay sold in Woodlawn Ceme-
tery,
Asparagus sold in Mt. Hope
Cemetery, 3 00
First National Bank, Ayer,
loan, 3,000 00
Est. Wm. Davis, loan, 1,000 00
J. K. W. Wetherbee, tempor-
ary loan, 805 33
John Fletcher, account Wood-
lawn Cemetery, 24 00
L. W. Stevens, for lots sold in
Mt. Hope Cemetery, 108 00
L. W. Stevens, wood sold from
Mt. Hope Cemetery, 10 50
0. W. Pitman, for rent of
'fown Hall and baseffipiitj 94 00
6,500 00
4,400
00
450 00
2,300 00
1,137
50
1,270 05
481
68
550
00
631
18
493
11
480
00
145
50
268 31
224
11
48
75
14
00
7 88
6 00
49 75
10 50
l8 ANNUAL REPORT
Received from Interest on money in bank, $84 45
'' W. E. Stevens, for W. B.
BalPs board,
EXPENDITURES.
For support of Centre Scbool,
South School,
West School,
South East School,
North School,
East School,
High School,
School supplies.
State and Military Aid,
Poor,
Cemetery expenses,
Miscellaneous expenses.
Memorial Library,
Roads and Bridges,
Roads ordered by County Commissioners, 707 00 ;
Printing, 105 30 ]
Loans and interest, 6,011 94 '
Repairs on town buildings and grounds, 1,462 11 \
Town Officers, 970 37 '
Soldiers' Relief, 51 88 1
State Tax, 1,137 50 i
County Tax, 1,270 05 \
$24,655 13 ;
Balance due from J. E. Cutter, collector !
taxes 1891, $189 16 ]
Balance due from J. E. Cutter, collector
taxes 1892, 820 34 \
Balance due from Treasurer, 2,827 59
8
00
%9,R 4.Q9 99
$860
08
869
69
836 45
372 88
426 28
409
70
890
74
531
24
907
00
1,574
76
399
91
1,578
34
687
90
2,594
01
$3,837 09
$28,492 22
TOWN DEBT.
Note of Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, $1,500 00
Persis Y. Hapgood, pOO OQ
TOtV^K OF ACTON. Ip
Note Estate Wm. Davis, $350 00
" " 1,000 00
Erank H. Jones, 600 00
yarnum Tuttle, 1,240 00
John A. Bowen, 1,000 00
$6,190 00
Less amounts due from Collector and Treas-
urer, $3,837 09
Balance against the Town Feb. 26th, 1893, $2,352 91
WM. E. STEVENS,
GEOEGE R. KEYES,
GUSTAVUS V. BOWEN.
Selectmen of Acton.
Acton, Feb. 27, 1893.
We have examined the accounts of the Selectmen and find
them correct.
HIRAM J. HAPGOOD,
D. J. WETHERBEE,
Auditors of the Town />/ Acton.
20
ANNUAL REPORT
LIST OF JURORS.
The following is a list of persons to serve as Jurors for
the ensuing year, as revised by the Selectmen of Acton to be
submitted to said town at their April meeting :
Luther Conant,
Francis Hosmer,
James R. Lawrence,
Frank H. Whitcomb,
Geo. B. Parker,
James Rinsley,
John C. Keyes,
Norman A. Davidson,
Geo. A. Conant,
Joseph A. Whitcomb,
Geo. R. Keyes,
Hanson A. Littlefield,
Job W. Dupee,
Geo. W. Worster,
Waldo Littlefield,
S. Hammond Taylor,
Daniel H. Farrar,
Lorenzo A. Pratt,
James P. Brown,
Chas. S. Twitchell,
Chas. J. Holton,
Thomas F. Noyes,
Cyrus Hale,
Elbridge J. Robbins,
Luke J. Robbins,
John S. White.
GUSTAVUS V. BOWEN, ) Selectmen
H. A. LITTLEFIELD, ) of
E. F. CONANT, ) Acton,
Acton, Mass., March 20, 1893.
TOWN OV ACTOm 21
Report of Receipts and Expenditures at the
Town Farm, Acton,
For the Tear ending Feb, 28, 1893,
ARTICLES ON HAND FEB. 28, 1893,
11 cows,
1 bull,
1 horse,
10 tons hay,
Oat fodder,
1 horse rake,
Grain,
1 wagon,
1 wagon,
1 pung,
6 ladders,
2 plows,
2 horse hoes,
40 flour bbls.,
12 market boxes,
Lumber,
Stone drag.
Hay wagon,
Horse cart,
Express harness,
Harrow,
Horse sled,
$440 00
14 00
100 00
200 00
3 00
15 00
10 15
70 00
^ 26 00
8 00
9 00
12 00
4 00
?00
1 20
2 00
5 00
18 00
18 00
35 00
2 00
a 00
22 ANNUAL REPORT
15 cords wood,
$45 00
Mowing machine^
5 00
Hens,
26 40
Farming tools, shovels, hoes, forks, etc..
22 00
Apples,
5 00
125 lbs. salt pork.
17 10
Canned fruit,
2 60
24 bushels potatoes.
24 00
Kerosene oil.
45
Oil tank,
1 00
Fruit jars,
2 50
Crackers,
1 25
Flour,
2 50
Coffee and tea,
1 50
Sugar,
1 37
Spices,
50
Butter,
4 00
1,164 52
RECEIPTS FROM TOWN FARM
FROM MARCH 1,
1892 TO MARCH i, 189S.
Received for apples.
1126 43
1 bull.
15 00
Calves,
9 75
Cows,
89 00
Dinner,
50
Hay and straw,
3 75
Labor,
13 80
Milk,
816 00
Poultry,
2 85
Potatoes,
8 75
Eggs,
23 80
Use of bull,
4 00
1,113 63
TOWN OF ACTON. 23
EXPENDITURES AT THE TOWN FARM FOR THE
YEAR ENDING FEB. 28, 1893.
Bluing,
Bread,
Borax,
Boots,
Beans,
Brooms and brushes,
Bristol brick,
Blacksmith's bill.
Bull,
Butter,
Crockery,
Cloth and clothing.
Coffee,
Cheese,
Chocolate,
Curtains,
Crackers,
Cream tartar.
Chalk,
Canned goods.
Corn starch.
Cows,
Curing hams,
Dalmation powder.
Drain pipe.
Extract lemon.
Eggs,
Evaporated apple.
Express harness.
Flour barrels,
Flour,
1
27
50
17
1
25
11
75
3
34
08
11
63
14
00
42
30
4
26
15 99
10
27
3
23
78
2
25
12 49
1
85
20
73
18
202
00
1
50
20
4 62
1
08
20
44
35 00
18
00
28 15
24 ANNUAL REPORT
Fish,
$ 4 10
4
Farming tools,
6 09
Fly paper,
45
Grain,
359 99
-\
Grass and garden seed.
12 41
Glass,
1 13
y
Hardware and castings,
16 06
Horse radish.
25
Hops,
25
H
Iron sink,
3 62
Kerosene oil.
1 80
Labor,
95 40
J
Lemons,
68
i
Lime,
78
Lard,
6 30
Lamp chimneys.
66
Market boxes.
1 65
\
Molasses,
7 12
Meat,
91 37
^
Matches,
18
/,
Netting,
50
\
Oyster shells.
40
Onions,
34
Pasturing cattle.
23 00
Potatoes,
1 75
Paint and oil.
19 35
Paper and border.
5 04
Putty,
22
Phosphate,
8 75
i
Raisins,
1 49
Rice,
14
Repairs on clock,
1 00
i
Soap,
5 43
TOWN
OF ACTON.
25
Sugar,
$19 33
Syrup,
90
Sulphur,
30
Salt,
1 90
Soda,
56
Starch,
06
Salt petre.
33
Spices,
68
Stove polish.
06
Sheathing paper.
53
Services of A. S. Bradley an
id wife.
320 83
Services of H. C. Scarlet and wife,
41 66
Services of L. C. Taylor,
50 00
Services of J. B. Tuttle,
20 00
Services of E. C. Parker,
6 00
Stone drag,
5 00
Tin ware.
2 08
Twine,
15
Tomato and cabbage plants.
55
Tea,
4 38
Teeth for horse rake.
1 60
Tapicoa,
14
Use of bull.
1 00
Veterinary,
1 50
Vinegar,
1 04
Wooden ware,
1 17
Whitewashing,
50
Wheelwright's bill.
5 60
Wagon,
26 00
Yeast,
56
Expenditures,
$1,621 02
Receipts,
1,113 63
26
ANI^^UAL REPORT
Income less than expense,
Drawn from treasury,
Due from treasury to balance account.
Interest on farm,
Victualling and lodging 50 tramps,
Cost of supporting poor on farm,
Whole number of persons, exclusive of tramps
supported at almshouse.
Average number.
Present number,
LYMAN C. TAYLOR,
JAMES B. TUTTLE,
EDWIN C. PARKER,
1507 39 i
41 66^
465 73 .
240 00 ,
$747 39 '
20 00'
$727 39
3 \
3
3
Overseers
of {
Poor.
We have examined the above accounts of the Overseers
of the Poor and find them correct.
HIRAM J. HAPGOOD, ) . ,.,
D. J. WETHERBEE, ^ ^y^aitors.
I'OWN OF ACTON-.
27
Town Clerk's Report for 1892.
F'red W. and
Elbridge L. and
Daniel J. and
BIRTHS RECORDED IN 1892. •
No. Date of Birth. Name of Child. Names of Parents.
1892.
1. Feb. 7. Everett Windsor Reed. Lorenzo E. and
Emma A. Reed.
2. Feb. 8. Waldo Percival Gray.
Clara F. Gray.
3. Feb. 19. Ralph Noyes Wheeler.
Florence I. Wheeler.
4. Feb. 19. Daniel Joseph Gallagher.
Catherine Gallagher.
5. Mar. 4. Emma Josephine Smiley. William J. and
Annie Smiley.
6. May 6. Mildred Blanche Brown. Wallace A. and
Ada Blanche Brown.
7. June 16. Nettie Louise Smith. George A. and
Alma W. Smith.
8. June 20. Leslie Parker Richardson. Sidney L. and
M. Katherine Richardson.
9. July 6. Helen Pitman. Charles W. and
Edith Pitman.
10. July 12. Joseph Raymond Goodwin. Edgar and Ida
F. Goodwin.
11. July 20. Wendell Phillips Tuttle. Roswell L. and
Annie B. Tuttle.
12- July 28. Varnum Hartwell Tuttle. James B. and
Florence M. Tuttle.
28
ANNUAL REPORT
13. July 28.
14. Aug. 8.
15. Aug. 13.
16. Aug. 30.
17. Sept. 4.
18. Sept. 16.
19. Oct. 7.
20. Oct. 22.
21. Nov. 27.
22. Dec. 20.
23. Dec. 20.
24. Dec. 29.
25. Dec. 29.
26. Dec. 30.
Irma Christine Richardson,
Flora A. Richardson.
Jennie Lillian Durkee.
L. Durkee.
Harland Wetherbee Flagg
Emma Flagg.
Leonard Wm. Penniman.
Edith R. Penniman.
Margaret Elena Coughlin.
Annie Coughlin.
Florence Estella White.
Bertha H. White.
Bertha Mary Harris.
Betsey J. Harris.
Sarah Abigail Wood.
Mary A. Wood.
Florence Agnes McNiff.
Delia McNiff.
Rachel Tyler Sanders.
Lizzie S. Sanders.
Wm. Stearns Taylor.
and Mary B. Taylor.
Lester George Spinney.
Leslie Dodge Spinney.
Ruth Alma Evans.
Mary Alice Evans.
Wm. F. and
Clark G. and Ida
Isaac W. and
George O. and
William C. and
John Sidney and
David C. and
Edward C. and
John T. and
Charles B. and
S. Hammond
Isaac B. and
Ellen Spinney.
Joseph Wm. and
MARRIAGES RECORDED IN 1892.
No. Date of Marriage. Names and Residence of Parties. Where Married.
1892.
1. Mar. 30. Aubrey T. Miner of Acton, and
Etta E. Williams of Acton. Acton.
2. April 14. J. Alfred Coding, W. Acton, •
and Clara L. Tuttle, of Fitch-
burg. Acton.
TOWK OF ACTOIJ. ^9
3. April 24. Joseph Gallant of W. Acton,
and Minnie Jones of Har-
vard. Lancaster.
4. April 27. John H. Hartnett of So. Boston,
and Agnes M. Hallowell of
Stow. Acton.
5. May 14. J. Edward Durkee of Acton, and
Mabelle C. Small, of St. Al-
bans, Vt. Acton.
6. June 1. Rev.William N.Bessey of Acton,
and Gertrude S. Harrington,
of So. Acton. So. Acton.
7. June 29. Frederick W. McDonald, of Con-
cord, and Addie E. Hough-
ton of W. Acton. W. Acton.
8. July 9. Frederick L. Amisson, of N.Ac-
ton, and Lois Ann Hartley
of Acton, Billerica.
9. July 19. William R. Tilden of Brockton,
and Clara E. Drake of Wind-
sor, Me. W. Acton.
10. Aug. 7. Fred W. Gilmore of W. Acton,
and Delia McLaughlin of
Maynard. Acton.
11. Sept. 6. Frank E. Fiske of Acton, and
Bertha May Roberts of
Chelmsford. Acton.
12. Sept. 8. R. Gardner Brooks of Acton,
and Libbie L. Clark of W.
Acton. Acton.
13. Sept. 21. Charles J. Robbins of Shelton,
Neb., and Blanche M. Bassett
of Acton. E. Acton.
30
ANNUAL REPORT
14. Oct. 6. Fred W. Billings of E. Acton,
and Mary A. Griffin of Ac-
ton. Boston.
15. Oct. 25. Frank C. Hooper of Lynn, and
Mabel G. Pratt, of So. Acton. Acton.
16. Dec. 1. Luther Davis of Acton, and Min-
nie Davis of xicton. Worcester.
17. Dec. 7. George E. Greenongh of Acton, ,
and Sarah A. Edwards of
Acton. Acton.
18. Dec. 16. Harvey Mader of W. Acton, and
Edith Charlton of W. Acton. W. Acton.
19. Dec. 25. Fred J. Whitcomb of So. Acton,
and Mary E. Gates of Bol-
ton. Bolton.
DEATHS REGISTERED IN
1S92.
No.
Date of Death.
Names of Persons Deceased.
^Age.-^
Mos.
1892
Yrs.
Dys.
1.
Jan.
1.
Mrs. Miriam B. Jones,
widow,
74
7
9
2.
Jan.
2.
Miss Betsey L. Lawrence,
81
9
29
3.
Jan.
5.
Joseph Porter Reed,
88
2
3
4.
Jan.
7.
Jacob S. Harrington,
—
4
29
5.
Jan.
16.
Mrs. Ruble S. Wilson,
31
11
14
6.
Jan.
17.
Mrs. Cynthia Burr,
74
—
28
7.
Jan.
26.
Simon Blanchard,
83
11
29
8.
Jan.
29.
Arnold Hayward,
83
7
13
9.
Mar.
2.
Mrs. Clarissa Stone,
87
11
20
10.
Mar.
17.
Daniel Sullivan,
—
—
1
11.
Mar.
23.
Miss Etta R. Hall,
16
9
27
12.
May
5.
Mrs. Sarah A. Bachelder,
62
7
25
13.
May
11.
Mrs. Sophia E. Faulkner,
86
2
26
TOWN OF ACTON.
31
No.
Date of Death.
Names of Persons Deceased. -
-Age.-^
1892.
Yrs. '
Mos.
Dys.
14.
May 18.
Loraine Davidson,
2
11
29
15.
May 27.
Mrs. Joanna H. Robbins,
84
8
8
16.
May 29.
Solomon B. Leach,
58
:
—
17.
June 2.
Walter A. Richardson,
29
2
36
18.
June 13.
Mrs. Susan Emily Willis,
65
,2
7
19.
June 21.
Bradley Stone,
90
9
17
20.
June 22.
Mrs. Clara E. Davis,
83
10
21
21.
July 9.
Mrs. Hannah E. Hay ward.
74
1
24
22.
July 20.
Mrs. Mary A. Tuttle,
72
4
—
23.
July 23.
Benjamin Ingham,
38
3
—
24.
July 31.
Mrs. Clara W. Bassett,
52
10
15
25.
Aug. 8.
Samuel Hosmer,
89
2
13
26.
Aug. 23.
James E. Harris,
62
1
23
27.
Sept. 4.
Thomas Mannion,
42
— -
—
28.
Sept. 16.
Miss Lizzie A. Mannion,
18
—
8
29.
Sept. 30.
Reuben Handley,
72
6
12
30.
Oct. 5.
Orma F. Davis,
5
10
15
31.
Oct. 13.
Hazel S. Davis,
3
8
16
32.
Nov. 3.
Mrs. Addie S. Woodruff,
53
1
18
33.
Nov. 22.
Lorenzo U. Holt,
44
6
10
34.
Dec. 6.
Mrs. Melintha L. Abbott,
48
5
8
35.
Dec. 6.
Abram Handley,
49
2
4
36.
Dec. 11.
Jonathan S. Morse,
20
—
-^
37.
Dec. 8.
Winthrop E. Jones,
71
—
13
38.
Dec. 16.
MES OF P
Mrs. Sarah M. Johnson,
39 8
JS LICEN
5
JSTA
'ERSONS HAVma D0(
8ED
IN 1892.
Charles A. Hodges. E. F. Shapley.
E. Eddie Fletcher. Otis H. Forbush.
James P. Brown
, Solon A. Robbins.
Luke Tuttle,
W. W. Philbrick/
32
ANNUAL REPORT
George A. Hayward.
William H. Hill.
Mildred E. Handley.
Charles H. Holton.
George W. Poore.
Henry L. Liverraore.
Calvin S. Simonds, female.
Frank L. Stiles, female.
Antoine Bulette.
Frank W. Bulette.
William V. Clark.
Elnatban Jones.
John Temple.
William Davis.
Charles Morris.
George Luddington.
Corydon O. Stone.
A. J. Fletcher.
Mrs. George F. Flagg.
Thomas Mann ion.
Norman A. Davidson, female.
C. H. Mead & Co.
Howard. E. Faulkner.
George A. Smith.
Willie H. Gilmore.
Fred S. Whitcomb.
John Davis.
Frank R. Knowlton.
Forbush & Hartwell.
William S. Jones.
Fred W. Reed.
Ralph Crooker.
Mrs. Charles Varney,
Willie S. Fletcher.
William Jennings.
L. W. Pratt.
A. M. Knowlton.
M. E. Taylor.
Joseph L. Brown, female.
A. L. Lawrence.
A. L. Lawrence, female.
William F. Stevens.
Charles F. Shirland.
Charles J. Williams.
Abel Cole.
David C. Harris.
John Kelley.
Daniel H. Farrar.
Fred H. Lewis.
Chauncy B. Robbins, 2 males.
Henry M. Smith.
Frank W. Houghton.
Aaron C. Handley.
Charles B. Sanders.
John F. Coughlin.
D. J. Wetherbee.
George Conant.
William B. Manning.
E. L. Hall.
John W. Randall.
Moses Taylor.
Henry Hanson.
Fred G. Jones.
Lucius S. Hosmer.
A. F. Sargent, female.
A. H. Perkins.
TOWN OF ACTON.
33
Charles L. Davis.
Samuel Jones, Jr.
Luther Conant.
Charles S. Moulton.
H. A. Littlefield.
C. C. Leighton.
Adelbert Mead.
C. B. Stone.
A. L. Tuttle.
Fredson P. Brooks, 2 males.
W. C. Robbins, 2 males.
James Hussey.
John Grimes.
George W. Tuttle.
S. H. Taylor.
A. A. Wyman.
C. H. Wheeler.
Charles Wheeler.
Warren H. Jones.
Frank E. Allard.
Abel Farrar, female.
Fred Penniman.
A. Risso.
Ida M. Conant.
Daniel Tuttle.
J. R. Bassett.
James Tuttle.
S. L. Richardson.
Charles Barker.
J. H. Standish.
Frank E. Harris.
Francis Pratt.
Alton White.
May L. Calder.
J. E. Durkee.
Geo. A. Dasseault.
George N. Hoit.
Thomas McCarty.
A. C. Jenkins.
William J. Moore.
R. G. Brooks.
Hiram Woodruff.
Mrs. S. A. Allard.
William Hayes, female.
H. M. Worden.
Luther R. Forbush.
Whole number of dogs licensed, *■ 123
Males, 115
Females, 8
Whole amount received from licenses in 1892, $270
WILLIAM D. TUTTLE,
Town Clerk.
34
ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN OFFICERS FOR 1893.
Town Clerk^
William D. Tuttle.
Selectmen^
Hanson A. Littlefield,
Edward F. Conant,
Gustavus V. Bowen,
for 3 years
for 2 years
for 1 year
Phineas Wetherbee, . . . for 3 years
James B. Tuttle, . . . . for 2 j^ears
Anson C. Piper, . . . . for 1 year
, Overseers of the Poor^
Lyman C. Taylor, James B. Tuttle,
Edwin C. Parker.
Town Treasurer^
Jonathan K. W. Wetherbee.
Auditors^
Hiram J. Hapgood,
D. James Wetherbee.
Collector of Taxes^
William F. Stevens.
School Oommittee^
Charles J. Williams, and William H. Hartwell, for 3 yrs.
Isaiah Hutchins, " William S. Jones, for 2 yrs.
Rev. James Fletcher, " Charles L. Bradford, for 1 yr.
TOWN OF ACTON.
3^
Levi W. Stevens,
Nahum C. Reed,
Cemetery Committee^
Horace F. Tuttle.
Fence Viewers^
John Fletcher,
Francis Conant,
John R. Houghton.
Constables and Field Drivers^
James Kinsley, Edwin A. Phalen,
William F. Stevens, Fred W. Reed.
Surveyors of Wood^ Lumber^ Hoops and Staves^
Augustus Fletcher, Edward F. Richardson,
Jona P. Fletcher, Herbert T. Clark,
Edgar H. Hall, John F. Davis,
George H. Harris, James E. Billings.
Fish Committee^
Frank H. Whitcomb,
Charles I. Miller,
Luther Conant.
Trustees of the Acton Memorial Library — Corporate Members^ 6.
Luther Conant, Adelbert Mead,
Delette H. Hall, Hiram J. Hapgood,
Moses Taylor, D. James Wetherbee.
Chosen by the Town^
Charles J. Williams, . . . 3 years to serve
Rev. James Fletcher, . .. .2 years to serve
Lucius A. Hesselton, ... 1 year to serve
Elnathan Jones,
John Fletcher,
Charles J. Williams,
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
YflllS'fE^^ *
OF THE
ACTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY.
TRUSTEES:
lijther con ant,
adelbert mead,
moses taylor,
delette h. hall,
hiram j. hapgood,
daniel j. wetherbee,
lucius a. hesselton,
charles j. williams,
Rev. JAMES FLETCHER.
38 astnual kepoet
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
Of the Acton Memorial Library, 1892-93.
'The Trustees of the Acton Memorial Library respect-
fully submit their third annual report, showing the operations
of the Library for the year ending March 1, 1893. We feel
justified in stating that neither the general public, the gener-
ous donor of the Library, or the officers of the institution
show any diminution of interest in its workings, or in the
appreciation of the advantages for culture and instruction
that are offered to all.
Number of volumes in the Library a year ago, 4,420
Added by purchase, 157
Donated during the year, 242
Present number of volumes in the Library, 4,819
Magazines same as last year, with addition of " Review
of Reviews." The Acton Centre Improvement Society con-
tribute the Scientific American.
The number of Library cards has increased during the
year from 703 to 795.
Names registered during the year, 335.
The books and property of the Library are in a condi-
tion every way creditable to the librarian and janitor and
satisfactory to us.
TOWN OF ACTON.
39
Donation of books to Library 1892 :
Mrs. Robert Chaffin,
Hon. Sherman Hoar,
State House,
Smithsonian Institution,
J. H. Standish,
Morgan & Beck,
Wm. M. Olin,
Washington,
Women's Suffrage Association,
Rev. James Fletcher,
Wm. A. Wilde,
Deloraine P. Corey, Maiden,
Isaiah Hutchins,
Topographical map of Mass. from Topographical
Survey Commission,
Luther Conant,
John Fletcher,
E. A. Good now, Worcester,
Total,
Mr. Wilde has marked the year with new and costly
proofs of his continued interest in the town and library.
August 3, 1892, he gave the beautiful and rare Italian
oil painting of Columbus pleading his cause in the convent
of La Rabida.
September 17, 1892, he gave the marble bust, "Medita-
tion." It was bought by him on his recent visit to Italy, at
Pisa, the headquarters of the finest Carrara marble. It is by
one of the most prominent Italian sculptors, E. Marini of
Rome. It was placed in position in Memorial hall by Mr.
Wilde in person, and is a thing of beauty worthy of many
visits.
February 25, 1893, there was deposited in the Memorial
. 1 Vol
4
. 12
1
1
. 194
4
1
1
1
. 14
1
2
1
2
1
1
. 242
40 ANNUAL REPORT
Library vault, the noted Hayward powder horn, silver mount-
ed, by Hon. Edward Everett, having on it this inscription :
"James Hayward of Acton was killed at Lexington on the
19th of April, 1775, by a ball which passed through this
powder horn into his body." Presented to the town of
Acton by the late Hon. Stevens Hayward.
A good sized lock of hair, taken from the head of James
Hayward when his body was removed from the old cemetery
in 1851, and placed under the Davis monument, after having
been in the grave seventy-six years, was deposited in the
vault with the other Woodbury relics, in June, 1892. Pre-
sented by Mrs. Augusta P. Parker and Porter Woodbury,
children of the late Rev. James T. Woodbury.
The other Woodbur}^ relics, which came together, from
Mrs. Augusta P. Parker, widow of George G. Parker, Esq.,
of Milford, to be kept in Memorial Library as the property of
the town, were the shoe buckles which were on the feet of
Capt. Isaac Davis when he fell at the North Bridge, April 19,
1775.
A large ancient volume, printed in England at least one
hundred and fifty years ago, called " A Body of Divinity." It
was the property of Rev. John Swift, the father of Rev. John
Swift, who was the first minister of Acton, and was after-
wards owned by Moses Adams, and was the property of Rev.
James T. Woodbury at the time of his death.
The original manuscript of the sermon preached at the
laying of the corner stone of the present Congregational
church. Also of the dedication sermon.
The speech of Rev. James T. Woodbury in the Legisla-
ture, pleading for the monument, and other papers.
The following were deposited in Memorial Library vault
by Wm. D. Tuttle, Esq., Town Clerk, Feb. 25, 1893.
TOWN OF ACTON. 4I
The first communion service of the original church in
Acton, whose meeting house was built in 1736-7-8.
. Three brittania goblets, one brittania platter, two tank-
ards.
A baptismal font, the gift of John and Mary Hunt, in
1738.
Also a later service, consisting of two tall brittania tank-
ards and one large brittania platter.
Also, the gift of Col. John Gumming to the church of
Christ in Acton, Oct. 1774, consisting of three silver goblets,
with two handles each.
A large hanging cabinet has been ordered by the Board
of Trustees and is nearly completed, designed to be placed
in the Trustees' room, as a receptacle for objects of interest
so that these mementoes may be seen by every visitor to the
Library.
An examination of the financial report for the year will
show that the salaries of librarian and janitor, with the ex-
pense of transportation of books to and from the South and
West villages, together with the cost of coal for heating, and
oil for lighting, absorb nearly seven-eighths of the 1400 appro-
priated by the town for the running expenses of the Library.
Several items in the financial report belong to the pre-
ceeding year. Deducting these, our expenses show a small
excess over the annual appropriation. The contingent contri-
bution of 1150 by Mr. Wilde for new books is now being ex-
pended.
In view of these facts the Board of Trustees would
recommend that the town make the same appropriation,
i400 for current expenses and fl50 for new books, as last
year.
Thus, briefly, have we reviewed the work of and the
accessions to the Library for the year. We think that we
42 ANNUAL REPORT
}
I
are warranted in the belief that it has lightened the burdens ^
and lessened the temptations of some lives; that it has i,
amused, encouraged, instructed and improved numbers of i
those that help to make up our community, and influence its j
well-being and standing. It has certainly afforded the means 1
of information to all, and in some measure, at least, fulfilled ]
the obligation to keep the door of the store house of knowl- \
edge ever open. i
For the Board of Trustees, \
LUTHER CONANT. i
4l -14
ANNUAL REPORT
— OF THE —
^dl^ool ^ Coir\ir\ittee
FOR THE —
SCHOOL YEAR J
1892-93.
44 ANNUAL KEPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
In May last the town decided to adopt the Union Dis-
trict S3^stem of superintendence of its schools and thereupon
entered into a union with the towns of Sturbridge and West
Brookfield. At a meeting of the School Committees of the
three towns, held in Worcester a few days later in the month,
Mr. Edward Dixon of West Brookfield was chosen Superin-
tendent of the schools of the Union. For a detailed state-
ment of his work here, and for his views regarding the de-
fects and needs of our present school system you are respect-
fully referred to the Superintendent's annual report, here-
with submitted.
Believing that the best interests of the schools demand
the continuance, for the present, at least, of the Union sys-
tem of superintendence, and that those interests will be
best served by retaining the services of the present Superin-
tendent, we recommend that the Union with Sturbridge and
West Brookfield be continued, if possible, during the coming
year. Certain important changes in our system of schools
have recently been decided upon by your committee, some of
which require the co-operation of the town.
In presenting to you our recommendations we desire to
express our hope and belief that they will be acted upon
without prejudice and with an eye single to the public wel-
fare.
By vote of the Committee, the Grammar and Primary
schools at the Centre are to be united at the close of the
TOWN^ OF ACTON. 45
present school year, and thereafter a single mixed school
will be maintained there. An annual saving in cost of
maintenance of about |430, and for the next fiscal year of
about 1286 will thereby be effected.
Your Committee has also voted to discontinue the South
East school at the close of the school year, provided that
the town shall appropriate a sum sufficient to defray the
cost of transportation of the pupils to the schools at South
Acton, We earnestly recommend that the required amount,
estimated at |120 for the coming year, be granted. By this
change a net sum of $190 annually and $130 for the next
fiscal year will be saved.
By the changes above noted $620 annually and $416 for
the next fiscal year will become available for other purposes.
After careful consideration of the subject we are convinced
that the time has come to give to the High school a local
habitation and a home. We recommend that the school be
permanently located at South Acton. We also recommend
that an allowance for transportation be made to each pupil
of the High school living more than two miles from the
school, according to the following schedule: Pupils living
at Acton Centre, or at a like distance from the school, $6
per term. Pupils at East Acton $7 per term, and pupils at
North Acton $9 per terra. These sums are about equivalent
to the cost of railway transportation from those points acces-
ible by rail, and by clubbing together pupils can probably
make tham cover the cost of transportation over the high-
way. We ask that $200 be granted for this purpose.
We heartily endorse the recommendation of the Super-
intendent that an assistant teacher be provided for the High
school, and request that $340 be appropriated for this pur-
pose. As this change cannot take effect until the beginning
of the Fall term, the sum asked for is believed to be suffi-
4^ ANNUAL REPORT
cient for this purpose during the two remaining terms of the 1
fiscal year. i
We recommend that the following appropriations be ■>
made for school purposes for the ensuing year : '
For Common Schools, f3,060 00 j
For High School, 1,340 00 !
For School Supplies, " 450 00 j
For Transportation, South East School, 120 00 \
For Transportation, High School, 200 00 i
For Salary of Superintendent, 400 00 I
It is to be remembered that in order to secure the pay-
ment by the State of the sum of $1000 to the towns of the |
Union District the appropriations for schools must not be less '
than that of last year, to which must be added a further sum \
for the support of a Superintendent. j
Some inquiry having been made as to the expense at- |
tending the present system of superintendence, a statement I
presenting the actual cost, as well as the cost in comparison ,
with that of the system formerly employed, is appended. {
A detailed report b}^ the purchasing agent of the Board :
is submitted, together with the statement that owing to some- i
what extensive but much needed changes in text books and •
purchases of charts and maps the expenses of this department |
have exceeded the appropriations by the sum of 140.31. i
For the Committee, '
CHAS. J. WILLIAMS, Secretary/, ]
Summary of Receipts and Expenditures on account
for the year 1892-98.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriation for schools, $3,400 00
"- High School, 1,000 00
" '' School supplies, 450 00
Received from School fund, 268 31
" " dog tax, 224 11
of Schools \
\
$5,342 42 '
TOWN OF ACTON.
47
EXPENDITURES.
Cejitre schools,
$860 08
South schools,
869 69
West schools,
836 45
South East school,
372 88
North school,
426 88
East school,
409 70
High school.
992 97
School Supplies,
490 31
Unexpended balance, 184 46
Statement of cost to Acton of Union District system of
Superintendence for current year :
EXPENDITURES.
Acton's proportion of salary 30 per cent., $390 00
Services and expenses of Committee.
Expense at Worcester, $17 55
Services James Fletcher, 51 25
" Charles J. Williams, 15 85
" Chas. L. Bradford, 15 10
$99 65
RECEIPTS.
From State, 30 per cent, of $500, (appli-
cable to salary of Supt.,) $150 00
From State, based on average attendance
at schools, 166 00
$489 65
$316 00
Net cost of District system, $173 63
Deduct amount formerly paid Supt. per annum, 125 00
Increased cost of present over former system, $48 %
48 ANNUAL REPORT
GRADUATING EXERCISES.
The seventh graduating exercises of the Acton High
School, class of 1892, were held at the Town Hall, on Friday
evening, June 10, at eight o'clock. The music was furnished
by the Alumnae.
Programme.
1. March .
2. Prayer
3. Salutatory and Essay, " Sunlight and shadow in the
life of Columbus." . . . Eva N. Kraetzer
4. Essay, " Wonders of the Ocean," James E. Clements
5. Music
6. Essay, " Applications of Electricity." Clara Sawyer
7. Essay, " The battle of Bunker Hill." Chas. L. Decoster
8. Music
9. Essay, " What nature said to me." Helen L. Bradford
10. Essay, " General Sheridan." . John W. Haniford
11. Music , . . . .
12. Essay and Prophecy, " The new Womanhood."
Marion H. Hapgood.
13. Essay and Valedictory, " Self Development."
Henrietta Clark.
14. Music
15. Presentation of Diplomas.
CLASS OF 1892. MOTTO, ''DOE YE NEXTE THYNGE."
Helen L. Bradford, Henrietta Clark,
Marion H. Hapgood, Eva F. Kraetzer,
Clara Sawyer, James E. Clements,
Charles L. Decoster, John W. Haniford.
TOWN OF ACTON. 49
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
TOWN OF ACTON, to JAMES FLETCHER
on Supply
Account.
Dr. C. GiNN & Co. :
Mar. 22.
To 5 Wentworth's Geometries,
1 3 13
Aug. 20.
" 15 General Histories,
122 50
- 20.
*' 20 School Algebras,
22
40
- 20.
'' 20 Physiologies,
16
00
" 20.
'^ 20 Whitney & Lockwood
Grammars,
14
00
" 20.
" 100 Wentworth's Primary
Arithmetics,
30
00
" 20.
'' 100 Gram. School Arith-
metics,
Qb
00
'^ 20.
'' 7 First steps in teaching.
6
30
" 20.
'' 7 Baldwin's Arithmetics,
3
15
^^ 20.
''100 Tarbell's Language
No. 1,
40
00
" 20.
'' 75 Tarbell's Language,
No. 2,
45
00
1264 35
1-6 off, 44 06
Sept.
3.
To 96 Spelling Blanks,
$ 2 80
3.
'' 4 Csesars,
4 17
3.
" 276 Copy books,
16 bQ
2.
" 4 Caesars,
4 17
$220 29
so
ANNUAL REPORT
Sept. 2. To 36 Copybooks,
" 7. " 40 Tarbell's Language,
No. 2,
" 13. " 12 Gram. School Arith.,
" 16. " 12 " '•' "
'^ 23. " 48 Copy books,
Oct. 12. To 54 Tracing books,
Nov. 4. "12 Tarbell's Language,
" 4. " 24 Spelling blanks.
f 2 16
20 00
6 50
6 50
2 88
I 6 00
70
Sept. 23. Credit, by books, in exchange
old, 1101 70
" 23. By cash, 75 00
$47 74 ;
I 5 07 '
* 6 70
$297 80
Nov.
1.
By cash,
75
00
1893.
Jan.
30.
Cash to balance.
46
10
$297 80
To Boston School Supply:
1892.
Mar.
2.
To 12 qts. of ink.
$ 3 60
((
3.
" 16 dozen tablets.
7 68
a
24.
" 6 reams of practice paper.
2 52
u
24.
" 48 spelling blanks,
1 20
u
24.
" 24 Prang's drawing books.
1 80
a
24.
" 12 slates.
90
a
24.
" 24 slate bands.
1 72
a
24.
" 216 lead pencils,
3 75
((
24.
" 4 Warren's C. A.,
3 60
a
24.
" 6 Helps in Comp.,
4 50
May
6.
" 2 lbs. of rubber,
1 70
i
TOWN OF ACTON.
51
April 18.
To
24 spelling blanks,
$ 60
u
24.
u
24 slate bands,
1 72
Sept.
6.
a
1 box of slate pencils,
90
i(
6.
a
1 gross of lead pencils,
2 50
«,
6.
u
1 lb. of school sponges,
1 20
li
20.
u
18 Ward's Business Forms,
1 80
iC
20.
(i
12 sets of Messervey's blanks,
5 70
ib
27.
(i
12 mucilage bottles,
50
a
27.
((
1 Foundation of Death,
1 20
Oct.
12.
(i
144 lead pencils,
2 50
ki
12.
(.i
2 lbs. of rubber,
1 70
Sept.
9.
(.i
12 Scudder's U. S. History,
11 40
u
9.
ii
36 slate bands.
2 16
n
9.
i.
2 boxes of slate pencils,
24
fcl
9.
u
48 slates.
4 80
((
9.
u
6 Harkness' Latin Grammar,
6 05
a
9.
i(
6 boxes of Thompson's Busy Work,
No. 1,
90
ii.
9.
(i
6 boxes of Thompson's Busy Work,
No. 2,
1 50
Oct.
28.
4t
12 quarts of ink,
3 60
a
28.
((
2 boxes of slate pencils.
60
a
28.
((
2 lbs. of rubber.
1 70
Nov.
1.
n
13 gross of pens.
6 50
((
4.
ii
12 Modern Series,
72
((
4.
a
24 Prang's Drawing, No. 1,
1 80
i(
4.
(;
24 » " " 3,
1 80
(i
4.
((
72 lead pencils.
1 25
((
4.
i(
12 Ward's Business Forms,
1 20
fc(
4.
a
4 Scudder's U. S. History,
3 80
Dec.
9.
it
144 slate pencils.
90
((
9.
a
288 lead pencils. No. 2,
5 00
((
9.
i(
144 " " " 3,
2 50
((
9.
((
24 table cards, No. 6,
96
52- ANNUAL REPORT
To American Book Company :
March 24, 1892. To 12 Harper's Fourth Readers,
April 11, " " 24 Primary Copy Books,
" 11, " '' 12 Swinton Language Lessons,
" 18, " " 72 Harper's Copy Book,
May 23, "■ " 12 Harper's First Readers,
Sept. 13, '' " 2 Barnes' Third Reader,
" 13, '' " 12 Tracing Books,
" 16, " '' 12 Harper's School Geography,
Nov. 4, " '* 12 Barnes' Third Reader,
" 4, '' '' 12 Harper's School Geography,
To J. L. Hammett :
April 23, 1892. To 144 Lead Pencils,
" 23, '' '' 10 Reams of Drawing Paper,
'' 23, " '' 50 Cornhill Pads,
" 23, " " 15 lbs Job Blocks,
" 23, '' " 25 boxes Crayon,
June 15, " " 5 Maps of Massachusetts,
Oct. 3, " " W. Jennings for expressage,
June 1, " "
" 27, "- '' different persons,
u 27 " ^' " "
Jan. 6, " '^ E. Houghton,
June 10, 1892. Campbell & Hanscom, to printing
blanks for Superintendent,
July 1, 1892. To Thomas Todd, foi^ programmes
and tickets for H. school grad.
Aug. 3, 1892. Ink Stamp,
Sept. 27, " Educational Publishing Co., to sup-
plementary reading, 1 53
14 86
1 10
3 06
4 38
1 95
3 89
49
8 75
4 80
8 75
$42 03
$2 25
3 00
3 00
1 27
2 00
17 50
4 40
3 85
2 40
1 20
1 30
142 17
$8 00
6 75
1 15
TOWN OF ACTON. 53
117 43
Town of Acton, credit by cash drawn, |445 86
'' " debit to bills paid, 413 53
Cr. by amount overdrawn, 832 33
Cr. by abatement of the f 75 paid by the
town for charts, $3 00
Cr. by sale of supplies, 3 25
Cr. by ink for Library, 35
140 93
Appropriation for supplies by town, 450 00
Amount charged to supply account by
Selectmen, 1531 24
By credit as above, 40 93
490 31
Net cost of supplies above appropriation, 40 31
Estimated value of supplies now in stock, 130 00
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES FLETCHER,
Purchasing Agent.
54 ANNUAL REPORT
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
To the School Committee of Acton :
The following report is herewith presented for consider-
ation. In my visits to the different schools, I have observed
the sanitary condition of the school buildings, the kind and
condition of the text-books, the methods of teaching, the
kind of school management, the proficiency of the pupils ;
have noted the course of study, and have endeavored to be-
come well acquainted with the school system. In my work
I have received the ready co-operation of teachers and school
committee, by which my acquaintance with the school system
has been facilitated.
DISTRICT SUPERVISION OF SCHOOLS.
Chapter 431 of the Acts of the Legislature of 1888 pro-
vides as follows :
1. Any two or more more towns, the valuation of each
of which does not exceed two million five hundred thousand
dollars, and the aggregate number of schools in all of which
is not more than fifty nor less than thirty, may, by vote of
the several towns, unite for the purpose of the employment
of a superintendent of schools under the provisions of this act.
2. When such a union has been effected, the school
committees of the towns comprising the union shall form a
joint committee. Said committee shall meet annually in joint
convention in the month of April. They shall choose, by
ballot, a superintendent of schools, and determine the relative
TOWN OF ACTON. 55
amount of service to be performed by him in each town, fix
his salary, and apportion the amount thereof to be paid by
the several towns.
Financial Conditions.
The towns forming the union, in addition to an amount
equal to the average of the total sum paid by the several
towns for schools during the three years next preceding, must
unitedly raise by taxation and appropriate a sum not less
than seven hundred and fifty dollars for the support of a
superintendent of schools.
State Aid.
Upon compliance with the provisions of the law by the
towns uniting, the state will grant them one thousand dollars,
one-half of which amount is to be paid for the salary of the
superintendent of schools, making it at least twelve hundred
and fifty dollars, and the remaining one-half, five hundred
dollars, is to be paid for the salaries of teachers employed in
the public schools within the district.
District Statistics.
The joint committee of the district met at Worcester,
May 21, organized by choosing Rev. James Fletcher of Acton,
chairman and C. H. Clark of West Brookfield, secretary and
unanimously elected a superintendent of schools in accordance
with the foregoing provisions. The relative amount of his
service was determined b}^ the committee as follows: Stur
bridge, four tenths or eight days; Acton, three tenths or six
days ; West Brookfield, three tenths or six days, of each
school month of twenty days. The salary was apportioned
in the same ratio. The year for which the superintendent is
engaged will end May 21, 1893, practically another term.
The net cost to the town for his services up to that date will
be about eighty dollars,
^6 ANNUAL REPORT
The School System.
Perhaps the most important question to be discussed in
this report is : What changes, if any, shall be made in the pub--
lie school system ? The town is familiar with the recommend-
ations made by the committee last spring, that certain changes
in the system were necessary, the estimated annual cost of
which was il726. Subtracting from this sum the cost for
transportation of high school pupils (1300.) the estimated
cost of the other changes proposed is '11426. The part of
the committee's report represented by the last sum I am wil-
ling to touch upon, but the advisability of free transportation
must be left with those who know well the local conditions
that demand it. How to secure all that is desirable in public
school education and yet keep the expenditure within reason-
able limits is a problem not easily solved. But the fact
that the town appointed a committee ''to consider and report
upon the proposed changes in the public school -system''
shows that the present system, or its application is unsatis-
factory. The plan submitted by the committee, if adopted,
would do much to improve the grammar and the primary
schools of the South, West and Center. The following plan
would, in my opinion, accomplish still more in the right di-
rection because it would improve all the schools, nor would
it add anything to the present cost.
1. Let the North and East schools remain as they are.
2. Unite the schools at the Center.
3. Permanently locate the High School.
4. Give to the High School an assistant teacher.
5. Make the High school course four years.
6. Make the proposed additional year's work of the
grammar grade the first year's work of the High School.
In order that a school may do the most profitable work
there must be a sufficient number of pupils and intelligent clas-
TOWN OF ACTON, 57
sification. There is in the District a school of five pupils in
two grades. The classification is ideal but profitable work can-
not be done in such a school because there is lacking one very
important element, viz., enthusiastic class work. This defici-
ciency of the small district schools, together with the ever
increasing difficulty of retaining good teachers for them, gives
the promoters of consolidation, in which under reasonable
conditions I firmly believe, their strongest argument. I have
this essential of a good school in mind when I advise that all
pupils at the North and the East attend school where they be-
long, and that the Center schools be united. By the union of
these schools one of the teachers becomes available for the
position of High School assistant, while the remaining teacher
will not find too many pupils for one good school.
That the High School should be permanently located
needs no discussion. The one sentiment I have met with is,
that this should be done, right away. It is simply a question
of wliere^ and the town is not likely to choose a wrong loca-
tion.
The change in the application of the system that would
increase the efficiency of the schools most is the one advising
the employment of a High School assistant. With this addi-
tion to the teaching force of the High School a large class
can be admitted, the additional year's work recommended by
the School Committee can be done, the need of Intermediate
schools removed, and the village schools better graded. Two
teachers in the High school with sixty pupils would be an in-
finitely better arrangement for the school system than two
teacheis at tiie Center schools with thirty pupils. Upon the
adoption of this or the committee's report, in the main, de-
pends largely the future improvement of the schools. The
sentiment of a community regulates in a measure the work of
the schools, but the logical outcome of good sentiment is right
58 ANNUAL REPORT
action — in this case, at town meeting. A community that
insists upon having good schools will get them. If it will
tolerate poor schools it will have them. If the town deems
it advisable to adopt the plan presented in this report, in
whole or in part, and wishes to increase the efficiency of the
schools still more I would suggest that a Grammar School be
opened for the accommodation of the pupils of the two highest
grammar grades of the South and West — the school to be
located at the West if the High School goes to the South ;
otherwise at the South — and that the present Grammar
Schools at the South and the West be made Intermediate
Schools.
School Buildings.
The school-houses are roomy, well-lighted, fairly-well
ventilated — from the standpoint of natural ventilation —
pleasantly located, have a good supply of blackboard surface
and comfortable seats, and, with the exception of the South
East, have been kept in good condition. The seats in some of
the rooms have been moved nearer the desks, an arrangement
more in accordance with hygienic principles. The same re-
arrangement in the other rooms would tend to secure in the
pupils a more healthful position of the body. The out-houses
at the South and the West should be provided with better
means of ventilation, and those in the other districts be re-
paired.
High School.
For several years this school has been conducted by Mr.
Armstrong, a man of broad and accurate scholarship, a strong
disciplinarian, and a skillful instructor. He possessed the
esteem of his pupils, the confidence of the School Committee,
and the respect of the community. That he decided to ac-
cept a position elsewhere has occasioned general regret.
This school enrolls forty-seven pupils, about one sixth of
TOWN OF ACTON. 59
the number in town. It may be safe to assume that thirty-
four of these will be found in the school next fall. Under
the present system how many more can one teacher instruct
profitably ? But there are, now, forty-seven pupils who ex-
pect to be candidates for admission next fall, some for the
second time. What is to be done with these pupils? Are
from twenty to thirty of them, wounded in self-respect, to be
sent back to the schools from whence they came, to retrace,
in an indifferent manner, their last year's course ? The pro-
cess of rushing pupils through the different grades should,
undoubtedly, be stopped ; but should it be done by the doors
of the High School? A retarding process, begun in the pri-
mary schools and continued throughout the course so that a
pupil would not become a candidate for High School honors
unless he was very likely to pass, would seem more appropri-
ate. The method of work that permits a large class to come
through the different grades to the doors of this school and
then refuses admission to more than one half of them should
have a substitute.
Course of Study.
The present official course of study needed revising as
soon as the new text-books in Language and Arithmetic were
adopted, as it calls for certain pages to be taken in the text-
book rather than for definite topics of study. I have from
time to time outlined the work expected in each grade, but
there should be a revised course, printed. The new "Course
of Study for Elementary Schools," prepared under direction
of the State Board of Education might be adopted, wholly or
in part. When the changes to be made in the school system
are fully decided upon, a new course of study, including one
for the High School — for that needs revising also — adapted
as well as it can be to the system, should be prepared for the
schools. It should be revised from time to time to meet the
6o ANNUAL REPORT
needs of the pupils, and printed when it shall appear advisable
to the School Committee.
Examinations and Phomotions.
What kind of examinations shall be given in the schools ?
For what purpose shall they be given ? Shall promotions be
made on these examinations ? Shall the tests be for knowl-
edge, or for power, or both ? How often shall they be given ?
By whom shall they be given ? These questions have re-
ceived a great deal of thought from educators in the past few
years. Every recitation tests the quality of the teaching as
well as the knowledge or the power gained by the pupils. It
will be well therefore for teachers to bear in mind that when
recitations are uniformly poor, the fault lies largely in the
teaching. I have given examinations to the schools frequently,
both oral and written. The written examinations were con-
ducted by the teachers. I have a record of the per cents,
gained by the different pupils; and while they may be used
in making promotions, the examinations were not primarily
for that purpose. There should be this difference, in examin-
ations — that while the teachers' tests should be given for the
purpose of discovering the amount of knowledge and inform-
ation retained by their pupils, their growth in power, or their
skill acquired, the superintendent in his examination should
test the value of the teaching, discoverable through the at-
tainments of the pupils, and, by his questions, direct largely
the work of the teacher with her classes. In the oral tests
both these objects have been gained in a satisfactory degree.
The written examinations have served well in directing the
work of the teachers, but they have failed, in a measure, to
accomplish the second object because generally, the aim of the
teacher being primarily to secure a high mark for theii* pupils,
there has been in some schools too much cramming for the
tests. The method of examination for admission to the High
TOWN OF ACTON. 6l
School, together with the preliminary work for it is largely
responsible for this interpretation of the object of examina-
tions. And such is its influence upon teaching that without
doubt, in the spring term one-half the time of the first class
of the grammar grades has been taken to cram pupils for the
annual test. While this remains the basis of promotion the
teachers well know their success will be judged largely by
the number of pupils they promote to the High School. This
is not a criticism on the teachers, for it is the kind of work
they feel compelled to do whether it accords with their judg-
ment or not. Perhaps the most unfair feature of this work is
that the pupils of the teacher who makes the shrewdest guess
as to what the examination questions will be stand the best
chance of being admitted to the High School, without regard
to scholarship. If the end of school work is the answering
of a few questions without regard to the method by which
they are obtained, this cramming is the proper means ; but if
the eyid of education is the training of the physical, intellect-
ual and moral powers, the fitting of boys and girls to become
good and useful members of society a different method will
more likely accomplish the desired end.
In speaking of the influence of prorriotion examinations,
Dr. E. E. White says, "They set up a low and alluring end for
study and they dissipate that natural desire for knowledge
which is a source and inspiration of all true learning and of
all true joy in study. The more the interest of the pupils is
focussed on the examination as an end, the more they fall
into the use of memoriter and mechanical methods of study.
They work for per cents., they cram for per cents., and too
often, as it is feared, they cheat for per cents." The teachers
are best able to judge of the attainments of their own pupils
and also their capacity for mental work ; and their opinions
should have great weight in determining promotions. The
62 ANNUAL KEPOIlT
dam between the highest grammar grade and the High School
should be removed. True teaching should develop power- ]
character. |
The Work of the Schools. ]
The remodelling of a school system should proceed with •
due deliberation. No changes should be made except for •
good reasons. At the best, the upbuilding of a school S3's- ;
tem is necessarily a slow operation. It is not a mechanical j
process. It is a growth, therefore requires time for its de- j
velopment. But although so much remains to be done, the \
work of the past year has not been without its encourage- I
ments. Changes have taken place in methods of instruction, -
and in the time given some of the studies. Every teacher
aims to systematize her work, and the time given to each i
recitation is governed by a daily programme. i
The change of text-books in language was very accept- \
able to the teachers, and more and better work is now being ■
done in this important study. Special attention is given to ^
the pupils' language in all recitations. The change of text- ^
books in arithmetic, too, was a decided improvement. The !
primary school teachers especially appreciate the change. In ]
this branch of study, objective teaching is becoming more and ;
more the basis of work. Accuracy and speed in fundamental ,
operations are receiving special attention, and constant ap- '
plication to the practical business of life is required. ]
In geography, study and recitation are more largely by j
topic. Thus the pupils, besides storing their minds with ]
knowledge and information in a more orderly way than is i
possible under the question-and-answer method used alone,
get a good training in the expression of thought, because ]
they are required to reproduce the thought of the author in \
their own language.
The primary grades have been supplied with combina-
TOWN OF ACTON. 63
tion charts and maps of Massachusetts, and the High School
has had several new text-books. The teachers have found
them very helpful.
Perhaps the most marked improvement has been in
primary reading. For this we are much indebted to those
teachers who have carefully observed the same work in the
Chelsea schools.
Teachers' meetings for the discussion of the course of
study, methods of instruction, and school management, have
been held regularly, and have been very helpful in unifying
the work of the schools. We were fortunate in having Mr.
Geo. A. Walton, agent of the State Board of Education, to
address the teachers at one of these meetings. The teachers
had the privilege also-of attending a Teachers' Institute at
Maynard. The time talvcn from regular school hours to at-
tend these meetings and to visit the schools of other towns
is, I believe, in every way profitable to the teachers and to the
town.
Duties of the Supekintendent.
Superintendence requires wide experience in school
work and a knowledge of the principles of teaching on which
methods of instruction are based. The superintendent should
be able to treat subjects of school work philosophically, and
explain their relation to underlying principles. To prepare
himself for his work and to keep in touch with educational
movements, he must study the science and art of education,
read educational journals, visit the best schools to be found,
attend teachers' institutes, superintendents' meetings, con-
ventions, summer schools, etc. Much of the work must
necessarily be done on Saturdays and in vacations. He must
direct the methods of teaching, therefore he should ever be
alert to obtain the best thought of the day on every subject
of school work. It would be difficult to state precisely all
64 ANNUAL REPORT
the duties of the superintendent, but they have been briefly
summarized as follows :
1. He is the executive officer of the School Boayxl. He
keeps the Committee informed of the condition and needs of
the schools. From time to time he makes a detailed report
to the Committee, offering suggestions, answering questions,
etc. He appears before the Board whenever requested, and
makes known his plans and purposes, so that the Committee
have through him, a knowledge of the work of the different
schools, and of his aims for future work. He has no author-
ity to employ or dismiss teachers, buy books and supplies,
make repairs, change courses of study, etc., except as it is
delegated to him by the Committee. In fact, he has no
authority but what is derived from the School Committee.
2. He unifies the work as much as possible throughout the
town. He aims to systematize the whole of school instruction
from the lowest primary through the high school course. In
his visits he finds need of strengthening weak places. He
sees that every study receives proper attention. He arranges
for teachers' meetings, in which suggestions and directions,
papers, discussions of school work, etc., are made prondnent.
3. He directs teachers iu theirmethods of instruction. The
superintendent should not unduly interfere with the teacher's
management. They are most truly aided who are put in the
way of aiding themselves. He indicates to each teacher the
work to be attempted, calls attention to mistakes, suggests
good methods, and gives teaching and test exercises. It is
not necessary, nor is it desirable, that methods be the exact
copies of one another. Teachers should be allowed all pos-
sible freedom in developing their plans and methods, and
then be held responsible for results.
4. He trains young and iyiexperienced teachers. Owing
to the small salaries paid in many of the schools, it becomes
TOWN OF ACTON. 6$
necessary to employ young men, or women, who have had no
experience in teaching. To these teachers, and in fact to all
others, he gives the advantage of his experience, not only in
the same town, but in other towns.
5. ITe arranges a course of study. An outline of what
is to be accomplished in each grade is indispensible to sys-
4;ematic work. With this before her, the teacher becomes'
acquainted with the work to be accomplished in the different
grades, and knows just what she is expected to do. It en-
ables her to confine her teaching, in the main, to subjects
which the pupils have yet to learn, and to avoid giving much
time to those already known.
6. He classifies pupils according to their attainments. The
superintendent holds frequent consultations with the teachers
in regard to the needs of the different pupils, and sees that
children are properly classified. Perplexing problems are
continually arising which he assists the teachers in solving.
7. He encouragss in pupils promptness and regularity of
attendance. He becomes acquainted with the pupils, knows
those who are inclined to be irregular in attendance, and in
various ways endeavors to make them see the necessity of
promptness and regularity.
8. He makes school supervision a business. He gives his
whole time to the work of superintending, visits the schools
regularly and systematically, is acquainted with the condi-
tion of the buildings, the kind of work done by teachers and
pupils, the quality and quantity of books and apparatus, and
the needs of the schools generally.
In my work with the teachers, I have found them ready
to receive any suggestion or directions that appeared needful,
and earnestly desirous of advancing the school interests of
the town.
(^ ANNUAL REPORT
To the School Committee, especially the chairman and
the secretary, I am greatly indebted for valuable assistance.
In conclusion, I desire to express my sincere thanks for the
kindness and courtesy shown me in the discharge of my
duties.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD DIXON,
Superintendent of Schools.
TOWN OF ACTONi
6?
SUMMARY OF STATISTICS FOR THE YEAR
1892-93.
i
i
i
SCHOOLS.
TERMS.
TEACHERS.
5
a
1
1
O
u
ft
1
>>
1
u
1
•d
■
"S
B
a
Is
o
00
P.
u
c
<a
«>
4^
^
a
g
B
a
^
^
£
cc
»
^
^
1
1
u
ft
1
Spring.
A. W. Armstrong.
$
12 38
31.6
28.7
&1
0,19
19
High.
Fall.
A. W. Armstrong.
120.20
12,44
43.8
41.8
95
21
23
Winter.
f A. W. Armstrong.
(C. A. Crooks.
12 46
42.3
37.9
90
22
6
Spring.
12 17
14.
13.
93
16
Centre Grammar.
Fall.
Clara B.Holden.
40.00
12 20il6.
13.6
85
20
Winter.
12 19 1 16.58
14.17
91
19
Spring.
1217 15.7
15.4
98
1
Centre Primary.
Fall.
Sarah E. Hammond.
40.00
12 17;14.3
13.7
96
Winter.
12 14 11.01
10.14
92
7
Spring.
12 33 31.2
29.9
96
2
31
South Grammar.
Fall.
Hattie L. Tuttle.
40.00
12 36 35.2
33.9
96
2
34
Winter.
12 35 31.6
29.8
94
2
33
Spring.
12 34 31.7
28.8
91
1
17
South Primary. .
Fall.
Bertha L. Gardner.
40.00
12 42 37.5
35.7
96
13
Winter.
12 35 30.6
27.7
91
12
Spring.
12 32 31.
28.4
91
3
28
West Grammar.
Fall.
Albertie L. Preston.
40.00
12,43:38.7
36.6
94
1
41
Winter.
12
44 41.3
37.7
91
1
40
Spring.
12
49
45.
38.
85
2
23
West Primary.
Fall.
Harriet H. Gardner.
40.00
12
40
36.
34.9
97
1
16
Winter.
12
40
35.4
33.4
94
18
Spring.
Mattie F. Smith.
12
17
16.3
15.5
95
13
North.
Fall.
Susie E. Conant.
40.00
12
18
17.7
17.1
97
1
10
Winter.
Susie E, Conant.
12
19
16.2
15.4
94
1
11
Spring.
Rena M. Carr.
12
29
27.2
25.3
93
1
20
East.
Fall.
Rena M. Carr.
40.00
12
29
28.7
27.5
96
1
1
19
Winter.
M. Florence Fletcher.
11
29
23.7
21.5
90
20
Spring.
Ella E. Day.
12
8
8.
7.5
94
6
South East.
Fall.
Bertha E. Hosmer.
36.00
12 13
9.5
8.7
92
8
Winter.
Lena Hayward.
12 11
10.3
9.9
97
1
7
ISTu ruber between 5 and 15, as reported by the Assesors for
the year 1892 ; 264.
68 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN WARRANT.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Middlesex ss.
To either of the Constables of the Town of Acton, in the County of
Middlesex, Greeting :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are
directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Acton,
qualified to vote in the elections and town affairs, to assemble in
the Town Hall, in said Town, On Monday, the Third Day of
April, A. D., 1893, at One o'clock, p. m., then and there to act
upon the following Articles as they may think proper, viz :
Article 1. To choose a Moderator to preside in said meet-
ing.
Art. 2. To fill all vacancies in the list of town officers and
committees.
Art. 3. To see what amount of money the town will raise
for the support of schools and for school supplies for the present
year, or act thereon.
Art. 4. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money
for the due observance of Memorial day.
Art. 5. To see if the Town will accept of the jury list as
revised by the Selectmen.
Art. 6. To vote by ballot, Yes or ISTo, in answer to the
question : " Shall licenses be granted for the sale of intoxicating
liquors in this Town the present year ? ''
TOWN OF ACTON. 69
Art. 7. To see if the Town will accept of the reports of the
Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor, School Committee, and other
Town officers, or act anything thepon.
Art. 8. To see if the Town will authorize the Treasurer,
with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money for the
Town, if necessary, in anticipation of the taxes for the current
year.
Art. 9. To see if the Town will erect and maintain street
lamps, or take any action thereon.
Art. 10. To hear the reports of any committees, chosen to
report at this meeting, or act anything thereon.
Art. 11. To see what sum of money the Town will raise
for the support of Memorial Library for the ensuing year, or act
anything thereon.
Art. 12. To see what sum of money the Town will raise
for the repairing of roads and bridges the present year, or act
anything thereon.
Art. 13. To see if the Town will raise the sum of two hun-
dred dollars for repairing the road leading from Acton Centre to
East Acton, beginning at the hearse house in Woodlawn Ceme-
tery, to the Old Colony railroad crossing, or act anything thereon.
Art. 14. To see what amount of money the Town will
raise to defray Town charges the present year, or act anything
thereon.
Art. 15. To see if the Town will locate the bounds and
straighten and widen the road leading from the house of W. F.
Stevens, past the house of E. H. Cutler to the intersection with
the road leading from Acton Centre to South Acton, or act any-
thing thereon.
Art. 16. To see if the Town will accept of the provisions
of Sec. 74, 75, 76 and 77 of Chap. 27 of the Public Statutes, in
relation to the election of three Eoad Commissioners, or act any-
thing thereon.
yo AKl^ITAii HEPORO^
Art. 17. To see if the Town will instruct the Selectmen to
change the precinct lines, so as to place John Kelley and S. Rich-
ardson in precinct 3, or act anything thereon.
Art. 18. To see if the Town will change the location of the
roads on the south side of the Town Hall, or act anything thereon.
Art. 19. To see if the Town will vote to hold one meeting
in March or April in each year, instead of one in March and one
in April, or act anything thereon.
Art. 20. To see what sum of money the Town will raise to
be expended on the turnpike, under the order of the County Com-
missioners.
Art. 21.. To see if the Town will raise the sum of one
thousand dollars to defray the expense of breaking roads.
Art. 22. To see what action the town will take in reference
to better protection against fires.
Art. 23. To see if the Town will celebrate the nineteenth
of April, 1893, or act anything thereon.
Art. 24. To see if the Town will lay out and grade a road
from the house of J, C. Gates to the Leland Stevens road, or act
anything thereon.
Art. 25. To see if the Town will authorize the Selectmen
to buy the whole or a part of the land now owned by Geo. W.
Woodman in Acton Centre, to be a common or a highway as they
may direct, or act anything thereon.
And you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting up
copies attested by you in the following places: One at the Post
Office in the Centre of the Town ; one at the store of Tuttles,
Jones & Wetherbee ; one at the store of H. A. Littlefield ; one
at the store of C. H. Mead & Co. ; one at the Nagog House ; one
at each of the Railroad stations, and one at the Post Office at
TOWN OF ACTON. 7 1
East Acton, seven days at least before the time appointed for
holding said meeting.
Hereof fail not, and make due returns of this Warrant, with
your doings thereon, to the Selectmen or Town Clerk, on or
before the time of holding said meeting.
Given under our hands, in Acton, this eighteenth day of
March, in the year one thousand eight hundred and ninety-three.
GUSTAYUS V. BOWEN,
HANSON A. LITTLEFIELD,
ED. F. CONANT,
Selectmen of Acton.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS
OF THE
Town of Agton
(MASS.,)
FROM
FEBRUARY 26, 1893, TO MARCH 12, 1894.
HUDSON, MASS.:
THE ENTERPRISE PRINTING CO.
1894.
TREASURER'S REPORT.
TOWN OF ACTON in account with J. K. W. WETHEBBEE,
Treasurer,
1894. Dr.
March 12. To cash paid, State tax, ^1,625 00
" " '' County tax, 1,326 91 *
" " " " on Selectmen's
orders, 24,445 13
" '' Balance due the town, 2,844 94
130,241 98
1893. Ck.
Feb. 26. By cash in the treasury, f 2,827 59
Received for money overdrawn for light-
ing street lamps,
Received from Acton Memorial library for
fines,
Nathan Johnson, old hearse
wheels,
Nathan Johnson, hay in
Woodlawn cemetery,
I. S.Ford, old road scraper,
L. W. Stevens, lots sold in
Mt. Hope cemetery,
John Fletcher, lots sold in
Woodlawn cemetery,
William D. Tuttle, borrow-
ed money, 550 00
F.H.Jones,borrowed money, 700 00
B. H. & 0. K. Patch, bor-
rowed money, 500 00
4
00
14 38
10
00
10
00
20
00
22
00
22
00
ANNUAL REPORTS.
South Acton Young Peo-
ple's Christian Union,
borrowed money, 100 00
John A. Bowen, borrowed
money, 3,000 00
Estate of William Davis,
borrowed money, 28 00
J. K. W. Wetherbee, bor-
rowed money, 324 74
State Treasurer, support of
State pauper, 10 75
State Treasurer, burial of
State pauper, 15 00
State Treasurer, corpora-
tion tax, 519 69
State Treasurer, National
Bank tax, 314 72
State Treasurer, military
aid, chap. 279, acts 1889, 133 25
State Treasurer, State aid,
chap. 301, acts 1889, 558 00
State Treasurer, increase
of Mass. school fund, 233 54
County Treasurer, dog tax, 243 08
C. H. Clark, on account of
supervision of schools, 315 28
C. J. Williams, school sup-
plies sold, 20
C. J. Williams, damage to
school furniture in East
district, 1 00
Town of Boxboro. tuition
of Alice P. Willard, 16 00
Estate of Kev. Jas. Fletch-
er, cash overdrawn for
school supplies, 40 93
TOWN OF ACTON.
Estate of J. E.Catter,taxes
for 1891 and 1892, 1,009 50
C. W.Pitman,rent of Town
hall and cellar, 102 25
W. F. Ste^rens, taxes for
1893, 18,506 79
Interest on money in bank, 89 29
$30,241 98
Treasurer's Report of Money held for care of Lots in the
Cefneteries.
Hepsabeth Piper fund, f 50 00
Frederick Rouillard fund, 100 00
William W. Davis fund, 100 00
Jedediah Tuttle fund, 50 00
Nancy K. Handley fund, 500 00
Mary Skinner fund, 200 00
11,000 00
J. K. W. WETHERBEE,
Treasurer of Acton.
Acton, March 12, 1894.
We have examined the accounts of the Treasurer and find
them correct.
HIEAM J. HAPGOOD,
DANIEL J. WETHERBEE,
Auditors of the Town of Acton.
ANNUAL REPORTS
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
To the Citizens of Acton :
In presenting our report to you for the past year, we
shall vary somewhat from previous reports. You having
voted at your last April meeting to hold but one meeting in
the Spring, it was thought advisable to change the ending of
the town year, so as to have the school and town year end
at the same time, and in order to do this we have extended
it from February 26 to March 12.
This will necessarily increase the expenses for the past
year, but It will also enable us to report the Town farm
account in our past year, and not carry the deficiency over
into the following year, as has been customary in the past.
We have also itemized some accounts more than has
usually been done, and if we were going to make a report
that would be satisfactory to us, and which we think would
be acceptable to a good many, we would itemize all accounts
in full.
It also seems essential that there should be, not only a
report of our past year, but also some statement or estimate
of the coming year's expenses, that you may vote under-
standingly, and, after carefully examining all the accounts,
we would make the following recommendations to you .•
For Roads and bridges, 12,000 00
Special road work, 800 00
Memorial Library, 550 00
State tax, 1,500 00
TOWN OF ACTON.
7
County tax,
1,300
00
Overlayings,
'
500
00
Town charges the following :
Support of Poor,
11,300 00
Cenietery expenses,
100 00
Town officers,
700 00
Interest on debt,
400 00
Printing,
125 00
Street lamps,
250 00
Discount on taxes,
1,000,00
Reshingling North and
[ East
school-houses.
150 00
Painting Centre school-house,
120 00
Supply of water for <
Centre
school.
100 00
Supply of water for
South
school.
75 00
Grading West Acton
school
grounds,
100 00
Heater for Town hall,
400 00
Miscellaneous expenses,
580 00
5,500 00
Schools, as recommended by school committee, 4,400 00
School supplies, as recommended by school
committee, 550 00
Superintendent of schools, as recommended
by school committee, 475 00
Transportation of scholars, as recommended
by school committee, 630 00
Scientific apparatus, 100 00
$18,305 00
Should you be governed by these recommendations at the
coming April meeting, your rate of taxation will not exceed
T^NNUAL KEPORTS
•$11.40 on a thousand for the present year, that is, presuming
that our amount of taxable property will be the same as last
year, $1,468,910.00, and we think this is a low estimate, as
it has increased nearly every year for the past ten years.
Should it be larger, then our rate would be less. The poll
tax, which is about |1300, is figured in this estimate. Then
the town has receipts yearly of $1000 or more from various
sources, which could be applied to the payment of part of
the town debt. The town will also probably receive about
$1000 from the county for work done on the Turnpike road.
Following is the financial report:
UNPAID BILLS FEBRUARY 26, 1893.
Paid Lyman C. Taylor, deficiency on Tow^i'farm,
1892, "^ $465 73
Nathan Johnson, labor in Woodlawn ceme-
tery,
C. A. Crooks, teacher High school 3 2-5 weeks,
A. W. Armstrong, teacher high school 3-5
weeks.
Aid for Mrs. John Qninlan,
D. A. Cutler, transporting books,
Mrs. C. A. Vose, aid for Mrs. Train or.
Boston School Supply Co.,
A. W. Armstrong,
C. H. Mead & Co., supplies and repairs.
Enterprise Printing Co., 400 blank deeds,
James Kingsley, use of road.
Dr. Rich, medical attendance on W. B. Ball,
Moses Reed, labor in Woodlawn cemeter}^
Dr. I. Hutchins, medical attendance on Henry
Parlin, " 22 22
Dr. I. Hutchins, medical attendance on Sophie
20
55
86
89
15
33
104 00
20
00
36
00
18 25
8
64
2
43
10
92
6
50
8
00
13
00
6
30
TOWN OF ACTON.
Wetherbee,
Dr. I. Hutchins, medical attendance on M.
Murphy,
Dr. I. 'Hutchins, medical attendance on F.
Smith,
Dr. I. Hutchins, reporting births in 1891 and
1892,
Dr. I. Hutchins, school committee 1892,
C. H. Mead, nails and spikes.
Estate of L. U. Holt, repairs on West school-
house,
Estate of L. U. Holt, repairs on Centre school-
house,
C. H. Mead & Co., repairs on West school-
house,
H. T. Clark, repaii's on West school-house,
Estate of J. E. Cutter, salary of collector,
1891,
M. E. Taylor & Co., sundries for Town hall,
1891,
M. E. Taylor & Co., sundries for Town hall,
1892,
Estate of L. U. Holt, 2 coal hods for Town
hall.
Estate of L. U. Holt, 15 lbs. pipe for Town
hall,
J. G. Roberts, binding books for library,
Estes & Lauriat, books for library,
Luther Con ant, magazine for library,
Luther Conant, express and teaming for li-
brary,
Estate of L. U. Holt, repairs on library,
Henry Barker, maintaining 2 street lamps.
2
25
5 50
7
50
6
50
15
00
95
8
90
3
25
9
15
6
70
97
50
5
96
6 28
1
50
1
80
7
73
5
75
5
55
5
10
7
59
4
00
lO
ANNUAL REPORTS
L, C. Baldwin, maintaining 1 street lamp,
G. V. Bowen,
a
0. L. Dart,
a
G. N. Hoit,
a
L. A. Hesselton
u
H. J. Hapgood,
(.i
F. A. Houston,
1.1,
L. S. Hosmer,
a
F.J. Hastings & Co.,
&c
A. H. Jones,
a
Elnathan Jones,
u
W. H. Jones,
bC
T. F. Newton,
u
Waldo Tuttle,
;(
F. Z. Taylor,
;(
J. K. W. Wetherbee
u
G. W. Worster,
fc>
Tattles, Jones & Wetherbee, maintaining 2
street lamps,
Acton Centre Improvement Society, main-
taining, 23 street lamps,
West Acton Street Lighting Association,
maintaining 35 street lamps.
2
00
2
00
2
00
2
00
2
00
2 00
2
00
2
00
2
00
2
00
2
00
2
00
2
00
2
00
2
00
2
00
2
00
4
00
46
00
70
00
11,213 22
SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS.
Centre School.
Paid Susie E. Conant, teacher 24 weeks,
Clara B. Holden, teacher 12 weeks,
Sarah Hammond, teacher 12 weeks,
Nathan Johnson, janitor.
" " cutting and getting
in wood,
1240 00
120 00
120 00
55 50
4 91
TOWlSr OF ACTON.
II
Nathan Johnson, cleaning room,
Luther Conant, 6 3-4 cords wood,
F. J. Hastings & Co., 6,455 lbs. coal,
M. E. Taylor & Co., one mop,
" " " screw eyes,
" " " curtain cord,
" " " one brush,
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, 1 broom,
South School.
Paid Hattie Tattle, teacher 36 weeks,
Bertha Gardner, '• " ''
C. L. Bradford, janitor,
'' '" cleaning rooms,
" " vault,
" " wood and sawing,
F. J. Hastings, 5,113 lbs. coal,
E. Jones & Co., 4,213 lbs. coal,
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, mucilage,
3 brushes.
7 25
30 75
20 98
20
3
25
30
1600 17
92
1 basin,
5 dippers,
box powder,
3 pails,
blacking,
3 bottles ink
1 bottle glue
coal hod,
sand paper,
polish,
$360 00
360 00
90 00
6 75
1 00
3 00
15 98
13 07
17
2 60
10
45
20
66
18
15
10
62
9
15
West School.
Paid Harriet H. Gardner, teacher 36 weeks, f 360 00
Albertie M. Preston, " " " 360 00
1601 09
f 855 27
12 ANNUAL REPORTS
F. W. Green, janitor,
78 00
•' •' cleaning vault,
1 00
'^ " " rooms,
6 00
'' '' cutting wood,
2 50
E. C. Parker & Co., 4,950 lbs. coal,
17 52
14,800 lbs. coal,
47 36
E. Hall & Sons, 2 cords wood.
5 00
Estate of L. U. Holt, 1 basin.
40
C. H. Mead & Co., 1 brush.
33
<' '• 1 tliermoraeter,
25
" '' bottle mucilage,
10
" " 3 dozen pencils,
30
'' ^' sand paper,
6
" -' paper.
91
Southeast School.
Lena Hay ward, teacher one term,
^106 50
W. S. Jones, janitor.
5 00
" '" cleaning room,
2 00
North School.
Paid Susie E. Conant, teacher 12 weeks, ^120 00
Lillian Richardson, '^ 24 weeks, 21G 00
Samuel Miller, janitor 1 term,
John Maynes, janitor 2 terms,
C. J. Miller, 10,190 lbs. coal,
W. H. Hartwell, teaming coal,
'' " 1-2 cord wood,
" " cutting wood,
" '' wood,
" " 1 broom,
" " cleaning rooms,
6
00
18
00
27
74
2
50
8
50
2
50
1
00
4
00
30
7
00
$879 73
113 50
i413 54
TOWN OF ACTON.
;i2o
00
240
00
30
00
24
05
10
00
10
20
10
20
40
10
5S
37
^ast School.
Paid Florence Fletcher, teacher 12 weeksy
Lucy M. Booth, '' 24 weeks,
C. J. Williams, janitor,
D. J. Wetherbee, coal,
W. C. Eobbins, 2 cords wood,
M. E. Taylor & Co., 1 dish,
'' " 2 chimneys,
'' *' 11 burner,
" " 2 gallons oil,
" " 1 shovel,
'' " 1 dust pan,
'' " 1 coal hod,
'^ " 1 brush,
High School.
Paid C. A. Crooks, teacher 12 weeks, |306 m
W. A. Charles, " 24 weeks, 613 34
Florence Fletcher, asst. teacher 24 weeks, 240 00
F. W. Green, janitor,
C. L. Bradford, janitor,
C. L. Bradford, cleaning room,
F. F. Hastings & Co., 5,112 lbs. coal,
E. Jones & Co., 4,212 lbs. coal,
J. L. Hammett, for diplomas,
School Supplies.
Paid Boston School Supply Co.,
Ginn & Co.,
J. L. Hammett,
American Book Co.,
University Publishing Co.,
Estate of James Fletcher,
F. J. Barnard & Co.,
Houghton Mifflin & Co.,
12
00
60
00
75
15
97
13 06
22
25
42
65
157
88
131
26
26
25
35
69
2
62
7
50
10 20
13
$426 10
,284 03
ANNUAL KEPOKTS
Lee & Sliepard,
Public School Printing Co.,
Maynard, Merrill & Co.,
C. J. Williams,
Dr. I. Hutchins,
C. L. Bradford, express,
C. J. Williams, printing,
A. Hosmer, printing,
C. J. Williams, express,
MEMORIAL LIBRARY.
Paid estate of James Fletcher, janitor, $
Chas. D. Clark, janitor,
Ida A. Hale, librarian,
D. A. Cutler, trans[)oi'ting books,
J. Breck & Sons, repairing lawn mower,
Ida A. Hale, curtain,
" " postage,
J«. F. Scott, Mass. Reformatory, printing,
J. G. Koberts & Co., binding books,
F. J, Barnard & Co., " "
F. J. Hastings & Co., 12,725 lbs. coal,
M. E. Taylor & Co., 161 1-2 gal. oil,
" '• '' basket,
" " '■' 2^ chimneys,
" " " 2 brushes,
'• '' '• 'pencils and paper,
" " '• pail,
" '' " sundries,
Estes & Lauriat, books,
DeWolf, Fiske & Co., books,
H. D. Noyes, books,
Luther Conant, magazine and express.
36
08
8
50
30
12
60
1
25
50
50
65
10
20
8
00
94
b^
107
00
55
00
1
75
1
05
40
11
00
5
74
15
30
41
36
12
92
50
2
21
1
32
80
35
54
58
09
67
12
24
70
4
69
S502 45
$517 30
TOWN OF ACTON.
SUPPORT OF POOR.
Paid Lyman C. Taylor, deficiency on town
farm in 1893, ^416 03
Mrs. C. A. Vose, aid for Mrs. Trainor
in 1893,
L. C. Taylor, aid for Mrs. Pike,
Dr. C. B. Sanders, medical attend-
ance on Wm. Hill,
Dr. Steadman, medical attendance on
Daniel Griffin,
Solon Bobbins, aid for Mrs. A.M.Jones, 120 00
DanversJTiunatic Hospital, for Rich-
ard Temple,
City of Lowell, for Kingsley children,
Worcester Lunatic Hospital, for Em-
ily G. Towne,
Worcester Insane Asylum, for Clara
Wheeler,
L. C. Taylor, expenses to Ivoxbury
(Welch children),
L. C. Taylor, burial expenses of Isaac
Bryant,
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, aid for
Mrs. J. Quinlan,
46
00
2
50
9
00
120
00
169
87
155
m
169 46
169 46
2
50
10
00
108
00
— S1.407 38
REPAIRS ON PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
Paid Samuel Jones, Jr., repairs on South
school-house, ^159 61
Samuel Jones, Jr., repairs on South
East school-house, 3 09
Samuel Jones, Jr., repairs on North
school-house, 1 75^
Frank E. Harris, repairs on West
school-house, 85 16
1 6 ANNUAL REPORTS
WiiQ.Kirjgsley,repairs on West school-
house, 23 15
Estate of L. U. Holt, repairs on West
school -house, 63 89
E. Jones & Co., lumber for West
school house, 179 46
Moses A. Reed, making vault for
South school-house, 45 07
W. ?I. Jones, stone for South school-
house, 50
Francis Jones,repairs on South school-
house, 52 30
A. C. Piper, grading round South
school-house, 6 00
A. AUard, teaming sand for mortar
South school -house, 2 50
John Temple, whitewashing South
school -house, 4 00
Estate of L. U. Holt, repairs on South
school-house, 53 57
Estate of L. U. Holfc,rep;urs on Centre
school-house, 6 60
Estate of L. U. Holt, repairs on North
school-house, 7 00
Estate of L. U. Holt, repairs on grate
East school-house, 2 00
C. J. Williams,repairs on East school
house, 22 07
W. B. Davis, repairs on East school-
house, 21 17
Spofford Bobbins, repairs on Centre
school-house, ■ * 29 24
Francis Jones, repairs on Centre
scl#)ol-house, 2 00
Francis Jones, repairs on North
school-house, 5 26
TOWN OF ACTON. 1 7
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, repairs
on South school-house,
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, 1-2 gal.
B. B. paint for East school-house,
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, light of
glass for Memorial Library,
Dr. I. Hutchins, teaming lumbt3r for
West school-house,
E. Jones & Co., lumber for repairs on
on Town farm,
H. F. Tuttle, repairs on Centre school-
house,
Thomas Hall, one bell for school-
house,
W. L. Mead, repairs on West school-
house,
J. L. Hammett, ink wells,
Flagg & Eussel], 997 lbs. ashes for
Library grounds,
W. C. Bobbins, teaming ashes for Li-
brary grounds,
W. F. Hale, repairing pump at Town
farm,
W. H. Hartwell, repairing pump at
North school -house,
W. B. Holt, repairing pump at West
school-house,
W. S. Jones, repairs on Southeast
school-house,
W. B. Davis,repairs on Centre school-
house,
F. W. Green, labor on West school-
house grounds,
F. W. Green, bolts,
15 56
1 75
1 33
4 50
5 82
2 60
2 20
34 50
1 20
5 97
1 00
25
30
1 60
2 75
1 65
1 00
20
1 8 ANNUAL PvEPOKTS
selectmen's report no three
Wm, Kingsley, gravel for Centre
school grounds, 2 25
C. H. Clark, repairs on Library, 6 15
Estate of L. U. Holt, repairs on pump
at Library, 1 81
Estate of James Fletcher, repairs on
Library, 3 10
W. H. Hartwell, one lock, 42
ROADS AND BRIDGES.
Paid ISTahum Littlefield, for regular high-
way work,
H. A, Gould for regular highway
work,
Wm. Kiiigsley, for regular highway
work,
Nahum Littlefield, work on East Ac-
ton road,
Wm. Kingsley, work on East Acton
road,
^ahum Littlefield, work on 'Acton
Centre road, 'v
Wm. Kingsley, work on Acton Cen-
tre road,
C. F. Shirland, teaming stone on Stow
road,
Nahum Littlefield, material for fence
on Stow road,
Nahum Littlefield, one plow point,
Geo. Houghton, 61 loads gravel,
Calvin Harris, 144 loads gravel,
N. A. Davidson, 200 loads gravel,
S. A. Guilford, blacksmith bill.
$605
56
892
69
186
77
232
68
140
30
62
25
i^^
55
4
00
8 40
54
3
05
i
20
10
00
5
85
$873 30
TOWN OF ACTON.
Wm. Kingsley, blacksmith bill, 3 85
E. Jones & Co., lumber and spikes for
Powder Mill bridge, 159 02
Am. Powder Mills, lumber and work
on Powder Mill bridge, 13 85
J. E. E-eed, work on Powder Mill
bridge, 10 00
James Tuttle, 150 feet timber for
Powder Mill bridge, 2 70
A. C. Handley, 600 feet timber for
Powder mill bridge, 10 80
E. F. Conant, 750 feet timber for Pow-
der Mill bridge, 13 50
J. D. Moulton, sawing timber for
Powder Mill bridge,
Thos. McCarthy, for covering stones,
C. A. Harrington, 30 feet drain pipe,
E. Jones & Co., lumber and nails,
D. C. Harris, stone.
3
00
40
70
7
92
15
23
2
00
MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES.
Paid W. F. Stevens, express, 1000 50
u u u 35
L. E. Reed, court fees, 6 79
D. J. Wetherbee, insurance on library, 75 00
Geo. W. Woodman, land in Centre, 250 00
Geo. Tyler & Co., sections and bolts
for scraper, 8 50
J. C. Symonds, road scraper, 225 00
James Kingsley, use of road, 8 00
H. A. Littlefield, express, 25
" " freight on scraper, 4 50
Wm.Craig,court fees in Whitney case, 3 75
" " '' " Randall case, 2 ^5
!,510 41
20
ANNUAL REPORTS
H.C.Sherwiii, court fees in Foley case,
3 60
E. A. Phaleii " Robbins case,
3 60
F. W. Reed, '' Whitney case.
7 15
" " Tuttle case.
5 20
" '' y Randall case.
5 45
" " " Harris case,
5 90
" Harris & Doyle
case.
10 60
O.L. Newcomb,repairing town pump.
1 25
" " clock.
1 25
Isaac Davis Post, Memorial day.
75 00
S. S. Reilley, three dies.
6 00
Cotton & Gould, repairing and bind-
ing record books,
7 75
W. H. Lawrence, fixing scraper,
8 65
Wm. Kingsley, w^atching fires.
16 50
Eugene Jolnison, watching fire.
1 25
William Moore, '' "
1 25
0. L. Newcomb, ''
1 25
Carlton, Taylor, "• ''
1 25
Joe Flint,
1 25
Ovflwnv " "
1 25
1 25
Marvin Kelley, '' "
E. A. Phalen, summoning person to
take oath of office.
1 75
E. A. Phalen, service as constable at
North Acton,
2 00
Manning & Leighton, one table for
North school,
4 75
Milford Mutual Insurance Co., assess-
ment on policy No. 9,183 on Li-
brary,
16 50
Waldo Bros., one plow,
20 00
TOWN OF ACTON. 31
F. D. Weld, 114 feet ladders, 18 24
E. F. Richardson, service as cattle
commissioner in Wheeler case,
Wm. D. Tuttle, express charges,
" '' postage,
" '' stationery,
Wm. D. Tuttle, collecting and record-
ing 42 births,
Wm. D. Tattle, recording and index-
ing 43 deaths,
Wm. D. Tuttle, recording and index-
ing 27 marriages,
Wm. D. Tuttle, dog license blanks,
Wm. D. Tuttle, meeting selectmen
about Gates road,
Wm. D. Tuttle, surveying and laying
out road in Centre,
Wm. D. Tuttle,boxing ballot box and
express,
O. E. Houghton, painting ladders at
Centre,
N. E. Bean, repairing ladders at Cen-
tre,
D. H. Farrar, repairing ladders at
East,
D. H. Farrar,painting ladders at East,
H. T. Clark,painting ladders at West,
'' " repairing " "
" " rope and labor on same,
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, 1 table
for Town hall,
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, 2 gal-
lons paint for ladders at Centre,
5
00
4
96
2
92
1
00
^1
00
6
30
4
05
65
1
50
5
00
1
00
2
75
2 50
4
50
6
00
4
60
6
75
4
00
2
50
2
50
22 ANNUAL REPORTS
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, 6 lad-
der hooks, 3 00
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, 6 wrenches, 2 04
" '^ " 3 oilers, 1 42
" '' " emery paper, 14
E. Jones & Co., 10,660 lbs. coal for
Town hall, 34 09
E. Jones & Co., lumber for shelves
for school supplies, 8 18
C. L. Bradford, moving school furni-
ture, 6 25
C. L. Bradford, labor on same, 6 15
C. L. Bradford, express, 30
C. L. Bradford, fumigating N. Jacob-
son's house (scarlet fever), 2 00
C. L. Bradford, attending registrars'
meeting, 75
Anson Piper,moving school property, 1 00
Samuel Jones, Jr., moving school fur-
niture, 3 50
C. J. Williams, postage, 4 46
C. J. Williams, telephone, 60
Phineas Wetherbee, arranging poll
tax list, 5 00
Phineas Wetherbee, invoice and col-
lector's book, 1 35
Phineas Wetherbee, stationery, post-
age and express, 1 50
Groom & Co., binding record book, 4 75
R. S. Robson, repairing ballot box, 4 00
M. E. Taylor & Co., 7 dozen pails, 22 55
" " " 8 pails, 1 20
'^ " " 16 pails, 1 60
TOWN OF ACTON". 33
FitchburgR.R.Co.,freight on truck, 3 50
'' " ladders, 25
" " " hose, 8 25
" " " engine, 10 85
W. F. Stevens, abatement on taxes,
1893, 1,019 03
0. A. Hosmer, repairs on fire engine, 15 04
Joe Evans, "■ "■ "
W. F. Hale,
Estate of J. E. Cntter, abatement on
taxes, 1891 and 1892,
C. W. Pitman, care of Town hall,
clock,
" " repairing flag,
W. S. Warren, express,
G. V. Bowen, express and postage,
Waldo Littlefield, repairing scraper,
L. V. Clough, temporary aid for N.
Jacobson, 3 00
Tattles, Jones & Wetherbee, 1 ket-
tle, sulphur and acid,
J. K. W. Wetherbee, postage,
" "*' 2 check books,
" " stationery.
Dr. J. E. Marsh, 9 returns of births,
C. H. Clark, straps for trucks,
" " pair straps for hearse,
1. F. Duran, superintendent of burials
34 interments,
I. F. Duran, making 28 returns,
Nathan Johnson, 1 lamp and fixture
for Town farm,
Nathan Johnson, repairing flag.
1
00
80
21
76
67
10
16
25
8
30
55
3
05
1
00
83
1
71
2
00
45
2
25
3
10
1
50
102
00
7
00
4
25
30
H
ANNUAL REPORTS
Spofford Robbins, puttin
Lg up
voting
stalls,
2 39
Dr. I. Hutcbins, reporting 8
births.
1893,
2 00
E. F. Conant, postage and express,
2 64
Moses A. Reed, spiking
trees.
15 25
M. E. Taylor & Co.,—
63 gal. oil for Town
I hall,
5 57
1 shovel "
u
37
zinc "
u
85
glass
it.
80
chimneys "
ii
1 50
2 brackets "
(C
50
dust pan "
u
10
broom "
u
35
4 lamp fount. "
((
40
4 burners "
a
50
pitcher "
u
37
wicks "
il.
16
doz. pencils "
ii
20
putty
((
12
copperas "
((
12
bolt
i<.
10
PRINTING.
Paid Enterprise Printing Co., warrants and
reports, * |77 75
Enterprise Printing Co., advertising, 2 00
Enterprise Printing Co., warrants for
June and November, 4 50
Enterprise Printing Co., registrars' no-
tices, 3 50
Augustus Hosmer, orders and notices,
3 15
TOWN OF ACrON.
2^;
Thomas Todd, notices for Nagog,
Campbell & Hanscom, poll tax list,
1 75
8 50
CEMETERY EXPENSES.
Paid iSTathan Johnson, labor in Woodlawn, $103 48
iSTathan Johnson, labor in North, 5 00
Estate of L. U. Holt, repairing pump
in Woodlawn, 3 50
L. W. Stevens, labor in Mt. Hope, 121 55
E. Hall & Son, 480 feet chestnut for
posts in Mt. Hope, 13 00
C. H. Mead & Co., wire and staples
for fence in Mt. Hope, 12 49
C. B. Stone, making deeds for lots in
Mt. Hope, 10 00
Horace F. Tuttle, making plan of Mt.
Hope, ' 13 95
Horace E. Tuttle, surveying lots in
Mt. Hope, 3 00
John Fletcher, labor in Woodlawn, 5 50
$101 15
$291 47
Allen G.Smith, " " 13 months,
Addison B.Wheeler, chap. 279, acts 1889, 13 months,
Mary J. Brown, chap. 801. acts 1889, 13 months,
STATE AID.
Paid W. B. Ball, chap. 279, acts 1889, 55 3-4 weeks' board, $196 50
65 00
65 00
26 00
13 " 52 00
13 '' 65 00
13 " 52 00
13 " 78 00
2 " 8 00
3 '' 12 00
Emma F. Blood,
Richard G. Dane,
Achsa Hanscom,
Aaron C. Handley,
Louisa Hobart,
Almira H. Loker,
26
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Eliza J. Shattuck, chap
301,
acts 1889,
13
nionths,
52 00
Luke Smith,
u
13
u
52 00
Mary Smith,
u
13
a
52 00
Rebecca C. Wright,
'■i
13
a
52 00
Susan B. Winu,
u
13
.c
52 00
Phoebe F. Wood,
u
13
a
52 00
$931 50
STREET LAMPS.
id Henry Barker (2),
.f 5 20
G. V. Bowen,
2 60
L. C. Baldwin,
2 60
E. I. Banks,
2 60
L. V. Clough (2),
5 20
0. L. Dart,
2 60
I. F. Durren,
2 60
A. J. Fletcher,
2 60
J. P. Fletcher,
2 60
L. A. Hesselton,
2 60
L. S. Hosmer,
2 60
H. J. Hapgood,
2 60
F. J. Hastings & Co.,
2 60
F. A. Houston,
2 60
A. H. Jones,
2 60
Elnathan Jones,
2 60
W. H. Jones,
2 60
Mrs. M. E. Lothrope,
2 60
Frank Merriam,
2 60
A. Merriam,
5 20
A. C. Piper,
2 60
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee (2),
5 20
Edwin Tarbell,
2 60
F. Z. Taylor,
2 60
G. W. Worster,
2 60
TOWN OF ACTON. 27
Acton Centre Improvement Society (51), 132 60
West Acton Street Lighting Associa-
tion (36), 93 60
BREAKING OUT ROADS.
Paid Aaron Allard,
C. L. Bradford,
Abel Cole,
E. H. Cutler,
J. E. Durkee,
C. L. Davis,
N. Davidson,
H. A. Gould,
M. Harmon,
W. H. Hartwell,
W. H. Jones,
A. H. Jones,
W. S. Jones,
O. A. Knowlton,
Wm. Kingsley,
N. Littlefield,
Thos. McCarthy,
Jerry McCarthy,
C. O. Neil,
A. C. Piper,
W. C. Robbins,
John Rouillard,
H. F. Robbins,
C. Shirland,
A. L. Tuttle,
\ Luke Tuttle,
F. H. Whitcomb,
)S.
Ill
10
1
25
25
40
4
20
11
95
14
20
. 4
40
129
97
1
20
27
70
2
00
5
23
8
50
10 00
10
63
22
13
13
05
bid
50
6
80
96
75
180
85
3
75
1
20
3
95
14 55
39
90
7
00
^301 60
1714 16
28
ANNUAL REPORTS
EXPENSES ON TURNPIKE ROAD AS ORDERED BY
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.
Paid H. A. Gould, work, -$308 80
Wm. Kingsley, work,
Nahuin Littlefield,
S. A. Guilford, blacksmith bill,
W. F. Hale,
Isaac Reed, 97 loads gravel,
V. F. Gardner, 256 loads of gravel,
H. T. Clark, plow beam,
C. H. Mead & Co., 3 plow points,
211
82
474
12
4
76
7
00
4 85
12
80
2
50
1
62
11,028
TRANSPORTATION OF SCHOLARS.
Paid W. S. Jones, scholars from southeast,
Thomas Scanlon for 1 scholar to High school,
J. R. Bassett, 1
Mrs. Kate Varney, 1 " "
John Maynes, 1 '' "
C. I. Miller, 3
Luther Conant, 1 " "
E. F. Conant, 1 " '
Emery Taylor, 2
Charles Edwards, 1 ^' "
Robert Wayne, 1
L. C. Taylor, 1
F. P. Wood, 1
A. M. Knowlton, 1
S. H. Taylor, 1 "
D. J. Wetherbee, 1
J. W. Parsons, 1 " "1 term,
1120 00
12
00
14
00
18 00
18
00
54 00
12
00
12
00
24
00
12
00
12
00
12
00
12
00
12
00
14
00
14
00
9
00
$381 00
TOWN OF ACTON.
FIRE APPARATUS AND BUILDINGS.
Paid Ayer Fire Deportment, truck and
ladders, 1100 00
Samuel Jones, Jr., building 3 truck
houses, 312 00
Samuel Jones, Jr., lumber and la-
bor (extra), 4 79
Samuel Jones, Jr., building 1 house, 112 00
S. F. Hayward & Co., 3 engines, 450 00
S. F. Hayward & Co., 20 feet 4-inch
suction hose for South Acton, 39 00
S. F. Hayward & Co., 200 feet 2 1-2
inch cotton rubber-lined hose, 60 00
S. F. Hayward & Co., 20 feet suc-
tion hose, 20 80
S. F. Hayward & Co., 1 strainer, 1 50
S. F. Hayward & Co., 100 feet un-
lined linen hose, 16 00
S. F. Hayward & Co., 20 feet suc-
tion hose,
S. F. Hayward & Co., 1 nozzle,
I). H. Farrar, 3 ladder trucks,
Francis Jones, painting four truck
houses.
20
80.
7
20
197
00
21
88
11,362
97
TOWN OFFICERS.
Paid Edward Dixon, supt. of schools, |390 00
C. J. Williams, school committee, 64 68
H. F. Tuttle, - ^' 15 00
C. L. Bradford, " '' 22 50
Dr. I. Hutchins, " '' 10 00
30
i^NNUAL KEPOKTS
Estate of James Fletcher, school
committee,
9 00
William D. Tattle, registrar,
15 00
Samuel Guilford,
i-i
12 00
Julian Tuttle,
(,i
12 00
J. R. Lawrence,
a
12 00
Smith Finney,special po]
ice July
4, 2 50
Roswell Tuttle,
2 50
Fred Reed, . ''
2 50
Moses Reed, ''
2 50
Ed. A. Phalen,
2 50
Chas. Pitman,
2 50
Phineas Wetheibee, assessor.
50 00
James B. Tuttle,
Cb
26 25
Anson C. Piper,
-
26 00
T. F. Newton, election o
fficer,
3 00
H. J. Hapgood, ''
'^
3 00
Jas. McGreen, ''
u
3 00
Abram Tuttle, ''
Cb
3 00
L. C. Tayloi-,
1,1,
3 00
H. F. Tuttle,
(%
3 00
D. J. Wetherbee, ''
^;
3 00
E. A. Phalen,
^i>
3 00
H. A. Littlefield, -
u
3 00
C. H. Mead,
^(
3 00
C. B. Stone,
I.I.
3 00
Wm. Kelley, ''
-
3 00
G. E. Holton,
-
1 00
Phineas Wetherbee,elect
ion office
I', 1 00
Fred S. Whitcomb,
u
1 00
D. J. Wetherbee, auditoi
1
5 00
H. J. Hapgood, ''
5 00
Wm. D. Tuttle, clerk.
30 00
TOWN OF ACTON.
J. K. W. Wetherbee, treasurer, 75 00
G. V. Bowen, selectman, 85 00
E. F. Conant, ^' 85 00
H. A. Littlefield, '' 4 months, 16 67
Estate of J. E. Cutter, for salny
of collector in 1892, 80 00
11,100 10
LOANS PAID.
Paid Percis V. Hapgood, interest on
1500 note 1 year, $25 00
Frank H. Jones, interest on |600
note 1 year, ^ 30 00
John A. Bowen, interest on flOOO
note 1 year, 50 00
Estate of Wm. Davis, interest on
$350 note 1 year, 17 50
Estate of Wm. Davis, interest on
11000 note 1 year, 50 00
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, in-
terest on $1500 note 1 year, 75 00
Varnum Tuttle, interest on $700
note 1 year, 35 00
Varnum Tuttle, interest on $540
note 1 year, 27 00
Mrs. W. W. Davis, interest on
$100 cemetery fund, 5 00
John A. Bowen; $3,000 note and
interest from July 17 to Nov.
17, 3,060 00
J. K. W. Wetherbee, $324.74 note
and interest from July 17 to
Oct. 30, 330 85
32 ANNUAL KEPOUTS
Patch Bros., f500 note and inter-
terest from June 22 to Nov. 7, 509 38
$4,214 73
RECEIPTS AND APPROPRIATIONS.
Balance due from treasurer Feb. 26,
1893, 12,827 59
Balance due from collector Feb. 26,
1893,
Appropriation for town charges,
'' t schools,
" school supplies,
" supt. of schools,
'^ Memorial library,
" highways,
" transportation school
children,
'' breaking out roads,
" State tax,
"^ county tax,
" overlayings.
Received from State treasurer, —
Burial of State pauper.
Support of State pauper,
Corporation tax.
National Bank tax,
Military aid,
State aid.
Income Mass. school fund.
Received from County treasurer, dog
tax, 243 08
'•' C. H. Clark, on acct. of
supervision of schools, 315 28
1,009
50
6,500
00
4,400
00
450
00
400
00
550
00
2,700
00
200
00
1,000
00
1,625
00
1,326
91
552
75
15
00
10
75
519
69
314
72
133
25
558
00
233
54
TOWN OF ACTON. 33
Received from Money overdrawn on
street lamps 1892, 4 00
" Library fines, 14 38
'' Nathan Johnson, old
hearse wheels, 10 00
'' Nathan Johnson, hay in
Woodlawn cemetry, 10 00
" Isaac Ford, old road
scraper, 20 00
"- L. W. Stevens, lots sold
in Mt. Hope ceme-
tery, 22 00
*' John Fletcher,lots sold
in Woodlawn ceme-
tery, 22 00
" C. J. Williams, school
supplies, 20
•' Estate of James Fletch-
er, cash overdrawn on
school supplies 1982, 40 98
'' C. J. Williams, cash for
damage to furniture
in East school, 1 00
'' Town of Boxboro, tui-
tion of Alice P. Wil-
lard, 16 00
C. W. Pitman, for rent
of Town hall and
basement, 102 25
Received from borrowed money, —
Wm. D. Tuttle, 550 00
Frank H. Jones, TOO 00
B. H. & O. K. Patch, 500 00
34
ANNUAL REPORTS
Young People's Christian Un-
ion (South Acton), 100 00
John A. Bowen, 3,000 00
Estate of Wm. Davis, 28 00
J. K. W. Wetherbee, tempora-
ry loan, 324 74
Received fi-oni interest on money in
bank, ' 89 29
$31,439 85
EXPENDIT UK ES.
^ov support
of
Centre schoc
South ''
East
West
North
Southeast ''
High
School supplies.
Bills unpaid Feb. 26, 1893,
Miscellaneous,
State and military aid.
Poor,
Cemetery expenses,
Memorial library,
Roads ordered by county
misbi oners.
Roads and bridges,
Repairs on town buildings and
grounds.
Town ofificers.
Loans and interest.
Printing,
com-
1601
09
855
27
426
10
879
73
413
54
113
50
1,284
03
502
45
1,213
22
2,420
86
931
50
1,407
38
291
47
517
30
1,028
27
2,510
41
873
30
1,100
10
4,214
73
101
15
TOWN OF ACTON. 35 I
1
Fire apparatus and buildings, 1,362 97
Breaking out roads, 714 16
Transportation of scholars, 381 00
Street lamps, 301 60
State tax, . 1,625 00
Connty tax, 1,326 91
$27,397 04'
Balance due from W. F. Stevens, taxes in 1893, 1,197 87
Balance due from J. K. W. Wetlierbee, treasurer, 2,844 94
TOWN DEBT,
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, note, |1,500 00
Interest on same from June 20, 1893,
to March 12, 1894,
Estate of Wm. Davis, note.
Interest on same from October 18,
1893, to March 12, 1894,
John A. Bo wen, note.
Interest on same from June 6, 1893,
to March 12, 1894,
Frank H. Jones, note.
Interest on same from April 27, 1893,
to March 12, 1894,
Frank H. Jones, note,
Interest on same from June 15, 1893,
to March 12, 1894,
Varnum Tuttle, note.
Interest on same from April 17, 1893,
to March 12, 1894,
Varnum Tuttle, note.
Interest on same from July 14, 1893,
to March 12, 1894, 17 85
54 58
1,028
00
20
56
1,000
00
38
33
600
00
26
25
700
00
25
96
700
00
31
59
540
00
131,439 85
36 ANNUAL REPORTS
Percis V. Hapgood, note, 500 00
Interest on same from June 1, 1893,
to March 12, 1894,
Estate of mW. Davis, note,
Interest on same from May 12, 1893,
to March 12, 1894,
Wm. D. Tattle, note.
Interest on same from June 8, 1893,
to March 12, 1894,
Young People's Christian Union (So.
Acton) note,
Interest on same from June 30, 1893,
to March 12, 1894,
Less amount due from collector and treasurer.
Balance against the town March 12, 1894, 13,798 82
GUSTAVUS V. BOWEN,
E. F. CONANT,
Selectmen of Acton.
AcTON, Maich 15, 1894.
We have examined the accounts of the selectmen and
find them correct.
HIRAM J. HAPGOOD,
DANIEL J. WETHERBEE,
Auditor ii of the Town of Acto'n.
19 50
350 00
14 58
550 00
20 93
100 00
3 50
17,841 63
;urer.
4,042 81
^OWN OF ACTOJ^.
37
List of Jurors.
The following is a list of persons to serve as Jurors for
the ensuing year, as revised by the selectmen of Acton, to
be submitted to said town at the April meeting :
Luther Conant,
Francis Hosmer,
Frank H. Whitcomb,
Geo. B. Parker,
James Kingsley,
John C. Keyes,
Norman A. Davidson,
Joseph A. Whitcomb,
Geo. R. Keyes,
Hanson A. Littlefield,
Job W. Dupee,
Geo. W. Worster,
S. Hammond Taylor,
Daniel H. Farrar,
James P. Brown,
Chas. S. Twitchell,
Chas. J. Holton,
Thomas F. Noyes,
Luke J. Robbins,
Lyman C. Taylor,
D. J. Wetherbee,
Samuel Jones, Jr.,
John Temple,
David C. Harris,
W. F. Stevens,
Acton,
F. J. Hastings.
GUSTAVUS V. BOWEN,
E. F. CONANT,
Selectmen of Acton.
March 16, 189L
38 ANNUAL REPORTS
Report of Receipts and Expenditures at the
Almshouse in Acton,
For the Year Ending February 29. 1894,
ARTICLES
OJSr HAND FEB, 28, m
12 cows,
1480 00
175 flour barrels,
at 18
cents, 31 50
Grain,
15 00
6 ladders.
9 00
4 plows,
20 00
2 cultivators.
3 00
Hay cutter,
2 00
12 tons hay.
240 00
Oat fodder,
2 00
Bone meal,
35
Salt,
30
Express wagon,
65 00
Horse rake,
15 00
Hay wagon.
18 00
Horse cart,
18 00
Stone drag,
4 00
Harrow,
2 00
Other farming tools.
22 00
1 horse,
75 00
Lumber,
10 00
Pung,
8 00
Express harness.
32 00
Light harness,
10 00
TOWN OF ACTO:
N^.
39
Mowing machine,
2
00
15 bushels potatoes,
8
00
2 one-horse sleds,
15
00
Tubs and pails.
45
Horse blanket.
1
50
Light wagon,
25
00
31 market boxes.
3
10
Wheelbarrow,
2
00
Canvas cover.
2
50
Barbed wire.
2
00
14 cords wood.
56
00
3 wood saws.
2
00
Oil tank,
1
00
Tin pails.
1
00
64 hens,
32
00
Flour,
4 50
Sugar,
15
Eggs,
44
Spices,
40
Extract,
30
25 pounds dried apples,
2
00
Cooking range.
35
00
Beef,
1
68
Beans,
24
Tea and coffee,
67
Soap,
3
25
Canned fruit.
5
00
Fruit jars.
2 50
m 0Q1 QQ
RECEIPTS FR OM THE TO WNFARM FR OM MAR CH
i, 1893, TO MARCH i, 1894-.
Received for apples, 1204 13
40
ANNUAL REPORTS
jceived
for bull,
i.i
birch poles
a
cows,
u
calves.
ii
eggs.
a
labor,
a
milk.
a
old junk,
a
potatoes,
ii
soap,
a
wood,
16
00
34 02
52
00
17
75
49
84
4
90
836 52
32
5
08
27
58
05
$1,278 88
EXPENDITURES AT THE TOWN FARM FOR THE
YEAR E JIBING FEB. 28, 189 Jf,
Axes and handles.
Boxes,
Butter,
Beans,
Blacksmith's bill.
Beef,
Brooms and brushes.
Coal,
Canvas cover.
Cabbage,
Cheese,
Cooking range,
Castings,
Cloth and clothing.
Crackers,
Coffee,
Curtains,
Cows,
s 2 45
1
97
31
93
5
06
26
98
64
17
2 14
6
43
2
50
18
2
37
35
00
1
33
9
86
36
10
5
65
60
299
00
TOWN OF ACTON.
41
Canned goods,
30
Collar pad,
50
Cream tartar,
81
Dr. Sanders' bill.
2 50
Extracts,
90
Farming tools.
15
84
Fly paper,
42
Flour,
29
10
Fish,
3
57
Globes and chimneys.
1
42
Glass,
33
Grass seed.
3
41
Grain,
420
94
Harness,
12
50
Horse blanket.
1
85
Hardware,
3
74
Kerosene oil,
4
70
Lumber,
24
Lard and cottolene.
14
77
Lemons,
41
Labor,
82
75
Molasses,
90
Medicine,
1
37
Matches,
61
Mop handle.
15
Nails,
1
94
Netting,
74
Onions,
15
Potatoes,
2 03
Paint and oil.
10
36
Printers' ink,
1
44
Phosphate,
14
38
Paper,
13
42 ANNUAL KEPORTS
Paris green,
36
Pasturing cattle.
12
88
Repairs on harness,
2
55
Rolled oats,
6
06
Rope,
28
Raisins,
1
34
Sawing lumber,
50
Services of A. S. Bradley and wife for
March,
29
17
Services of E. J. Ordwa}^ and wife 11
months.
320
84
Services of L. C. Taylor,
50
00
J. B. Tuttle,
15
00
E. C. Parker,
6
00
Spices,
1
80
Soda,
74
Sugar,
33
40
Starch,
6
Slippers,
25
Soap,
11
77
Salt,
60
Scraps,
2
00
Tea,
14 18
Tar paper.
1
37
Tubs and pails.
1
48
Tomato plants,
25
Till ware.
1
55
Use of bull.
2
00
Use of pump.
1
00 •
Vinegar,
60
Wicks,
7
Wheelwright's bill.
2
50
W. B. Holt, for repairs,
4
45
TOWN OF ACTON.
43
Yeast,
94
Expenditures,
Receipts,
Income less than ex})ense,
Due from treasury to balance account, '1416 03
Interest on town farm, 13500, at 5 pr. cent., 175 00
11,694 91
1,278 88
1416 03
1591 03
218 00
1373 03
Victualing and lodging 872 tramps, at 25 cents eacli
Cost of supporting poor on farm,
Whole number of persons, exclusive of tramps, sup-
ported at almshouse.
Average number.
Present number,
LYMAN C. TAYLOR,
JAMES B. TUTTLE,
UDWIN C. PARKER,
Overseey^s of Poor.
We have examined the above accounts of the Overseers
of the Poor and find them correct.
H. J. HAPGOOD,
D. J. WETHERBEE,
Auditors.
44 AN:&fUAL REPOliTS
Town Clerk's Report for 1893.
BIRTHS REGISTERED IN ACTON IN 1893.
No. Date of Birth. Name of Child. Names of Parents.
1893.
1. Jan. 7. Frederick Dana Jones. Fred G. and
Mary A. Jones.
2. Jan. 24. Edward Moen. Frank and Margaret
E. Moen.
3. Feb. 3. Merrill Elbridge Wheeler. Elbridge L. and
Florence I. Wheeler.
4. Feb. 15. Ruth Gertrude Knowlton. Frank R. and
Emma S. Kno.wlton.
5. Feb. 22. Robert Stuart Christie. Samuel A. and
■ Ida E. Christie.
G. Mar. 29. Walter Fred Gihiiore. Fred W. and Delia
Gil more.
7. April 6. Isaiah McLaughlin. James W. and Delila
McLaughlin.
8. April 19. Martha Lizzie McDonald. John and Mary
J^IcDonald.
9. April 20. Harold Asaph Merriam. Frank A. and
Bertha M. Merriam.
10. April 21. Mary Jacobson. Simon and Rosa Jacobson.
11. April 23. Arthur Tuttle Coding. James A. and Clara
L. Coding.
12. April 28. David Russell Kinsley. James and Annie
Kinsley.
13. April 28. Burton Hart Hoar. John S. and Minnie
Hoar.
TOWX OF ACTOX. 45
14. May 1. Ernest Edward Allsop. Arthur E, and Eva
Allsop.
15. May 13. Kenith F'ay Reed. Lorenzo E. and Emma
A. Reed.
16. May 17. Chester Cleveland Brooks. ^^>edson P. and
Mattie M. Brooks.
17. May 21. Bertram Stanley Barber. Giles A. and
Maggie Barber.
18. May 31. Genevieve Frances Davis. Wilber Grove
and Annie E. Davis.
19. June 13. Mary Frances McGreevey John and Mary
McGreevey.
20. June 14. Elsie Bryant. Delmer F. and Carrie M.
Bryant.
21. June 15. Lucilla Moore. William J. and Mary
A. Moore.
22. June 15. Ralph Edwaid Gates. Hiram E. and Etta
A. Gates.
23. June 17. Mary Whitman. John W. and Bessie
Whitman.
24. June 18. Elizabeth Harrington Bessey. William N.
and Gertrude Sylvester Bessey.
25. June 26. Howard Lyman Whitcomb. Fred J. and
Mary E. Whitcomb.
26. June 30. Rosa Jackman. Jane Jackman.
27. July 1. Harry Leslie Woodward. Edwin P. and
Velma A. Woodward.
28. July 14 A son to Daniel E. and Susie Feeney.
29. Aug. 7. Milton Everett Austin. Byron W. and
Hattie Belle Austin.
OA 0-1 A -lo Everline Kju^wlton } ^^ - ^^ ^ ^_ ^„ ^^
30-31. Aug. 12. -., ^ ^, ^ I Frank B. and Nellie F.
° Everlvn Knowlton S
Iverlyn Knowlton ^
Knowlton.
46 ANNUAL KEPOKTS
32. Aug. 20. Helen Eliza Fairbanks. Charles H. and
Nellie L. Fairbanks.
33. Sept. 11. Emma Genneva Gill. James and Geneva
Gill.
34. Sept. 18. Mabel Florence Worden. Martin M. and
Lizzie M. Worden.
35. Sept. 21. Ernest Linscott Hall. Ephraim L. and
Lncy F. Hall.
36. Oct. 8. Lena Elizabeth Glazier. Thomas Henry
and ICmma (jlazier.
37. Oct. 27. Annie Rosa Stroevonevecz. Frank and
Agnes Stroevonevecz.
38. Nov. 1. Florence Goiigh. John E. and Margaret
Gongh.
39. Nov. 25. A son to James and Catherine Devane.
40. Nov. 29. Earl Gardner Brooks. Roy Gardner and
Libby Lorraine Brooks.
4L Dec. 5. Lena May Oidway. Joel E. and Emma J.
Ordway.
42. Dec. 14. William George Ryan. Michael J. and
Rose F. Rvan.
MARETAGKS EECOBDED IN 1893.
Date and Place of
Marriage. Names and Residence of Parlies.
1893.
1. Jan. 80. Arthnr E. i\llsop of Acton.
At Acton. Eva May Penniman of Acton.
2. Mar. 8. Elwin C. Wheeler of Hubbardston.
At Acton. Carrie N. Grimes of Hubbardston.
3. Mar. 9. Lyman R. Tuttle of North Heath.
At Acton. Isador Willis of West Acton.
4. Mar. 30. Warren H. Carter of Franklin, N. H.
At Acton. Maggie F. McLeod of West Acton.
TOWN OF ACTON.
47
5. Mar. 27.
At Acton.
6. April 23.
At ActoD.
7. June 1.
At Acton.
8. June 1.
At Acton.
June 3.
At Acton.
June 7.
9.
10.
At Asliland.
11. June 24.
At
12. June 25.
At Concord.
13. June 29.
At So. Acton.
14. July 25.
At Cambridge.
15. Aug. 4.
At Acton.
16. Aug. 6.
At Ayer.
17. Aug. 12.
At Acton.
18. Aug. 28.
At Maynard.
19. Sept. 6.
At Acton.
20. Sept. 18.
At Boxboro.
21. Oct. 3.
James A. Grimes of Acton.
Aiinie F. Haley of Acton.
Joseph A. Flint of Acton.
Sarah Elizabeth Stone of Acton.
George G. Russell of Concord.
Susan A. Wetherbee of Acton.
George Herman Tuttle of Cambridge.
Idella Josephine Barker of South Acton
Leonard F. Leavitt of Cliarlestown. ■
Alice M. Sawj^er of South Acton.
Herbert F. Bobbins of Acton.
Bessie E. Foote of Acton.
Albert Bicker by of South Acton.
Jennie Parker of Nova Scotia.
Jeremiah R. Ingham of Concord..
M. Ella Sibley of 'South Acton.
Ora L. Clough of South Acton.
Myrtilla Richardson of South Acton.
Josepli M. Ryan of Concord.
Rose F. Rodway of East Acton.
Manoel Miller of Cambridge.
Mary Pauline King of South Acton.
Waldo H Miner of South Acton.
Caliste E. Farmer of Shirley.
Walter Welcli of South Acton.
Laura M. Horton of South Acton.
Amherst F. Durkee of West Acton.
Minnie B. Haire of Maynard.
Luther H. Bateuian of Harvard. J
Mary Ann Hammond of Acton,
iilbert H. Perkins of West Acton.
Ella B. Patterson of West Acton.
Milledge Osborn Baker of Atlanta, Ga.
48
ANNUAL liP:POKTS
At
W. Acton.
22.
Oct.
4.
At
W. Acton.
23.
Oct.
19.
At
W. Acton.
24.
Oct.
23.
At Concord.
25.
Oct.
24.
At E. Acton.
26.
Nov.
30.
At
W. Acton.
27.
Dec.
25.
At So. Acton.
DEATHS
No.
1.
Date of Death.
1892.
Jan. 9.
2.
Jan.
19.
3.
Jan.
25.
4.
Feb.
19.
5.
Mar.
4.
6.
Mar.
9.
7.
I\Iar.
25.
8.
Mar.
28.
9.
Mar.
29.
10.
Mar.
29.
11.
April
10.
12.
April
27.
13.
June
25.
14.
July
14.
15.
Aug.
2.
16.
Aug.
29.
Fannie Marceila Houghton of West Acton.
David L. Ball of Concord.
Vernie G. Whitcomb oi West Acton.
Eugene L. Hall of West Acton.
Isabelle H. Bent of West Acton.
Lewis Leveronia of West Acton.
Ellen C. Coughlin of West Acton.
Fred F. Robbins of East Acton.
Lucy M. Davis of East Acton.
Harry P. Barteaux of West Acton.
Minnie M. Littlefield of West Acton.
Herbert E. Willis of South Acton.
Evelyn Blanche Fletcher of South Acton.
REGISTERED IN ACTON IN 1893.
Names of Persons Deceased.
Whitney E. Stowell,
Enoch Hall,
William A. Thompson,
Joseph Truette,
Leslie D. Spinney,
Geoi'ge Hagar,
Andrew Lawrence,
Rev. James Fletcher,
Samuel A. Dorrison,
Jason W. Livermore,
Leslie P. Richardson,
James Hill,
James B. Smith,
Son of Daniel E. Feeney,
Asaph Pai'lin,
Lucy A. Flagg,
Yrs.
72
4
58
77
81
69
75
87
71
81
59
-Age-
Mos.
4
11
2
11
11
6
4
9
6
5
9
7
Ds.
4
19
27
7
5
9
23
8
15
11
27
28
4
15
6
TOWN OF ACTON.
49
17.
Sept.
1.
Eugene G. Kraetzer,
44
3
9
18.
Oct.
5.
Sally M. Johnson,
46
11
—
19.
Oct.
12.
Jane Jackraan,
50
—
—
20.
Oct.
19.
Arthur Jackraan,
55
—
—
21.
Oct.
21.
John McCarthy,
81
—
—
22.
Nov.
28.
A ^on of James Devane,
—
—
3
23.
Dec.
30.
James C. Graham,
84
8
15
24.
Dec.
17.
Lena May Ordway,
—
—
12
25.
Dec.
23.
John E. Cutter,
68
8
8
26.
June
19.
Arthur E. Mead,
24
FEE SONS BROUGHT RUBE FOE BURIAL.
Names of Deceased. , Age \
Yrs. Mos. Ds.
Eliza A. Whitcomb of Boston, 76 10 4
Abner Hosmer of Lawrence, 80 7 —
Susan Simmons of Boston, 72 4 —
Abbie L. Chapman of Everett, 37 5 13
Gran vile Rouillard of Maiden, 39 2 18
Moses A Noyes of Newton, 72 2 2
Charlotte F.Heustis of HydePark,64 8 8
Frank P. Whitcomb of Ayer, 35 8 23
H. B. Sherman of Providence,R.I., 2 3 7
W. Ashley Coster of Quincy, — 6 18
James Libby of Stow, 85 — —
William Wheeler of Maynard, 84 5 12
Ruth Pike of Hudson, 84 10 15
Lewis Rouillard of Littleton, 79 — 21
Otis H. Penniman of Concord, 74 3 13
Susan White of Lewiston, Me., 82 8 —
Rev. Wm. K. Davy of Amesbury, — — —
No.
1.
Date of Death.
1893.
Feb. 28.
2.
Feb.
7.
3.
4.
April
May
25.
29.
5.
Aug.
24.
6.
7.
Aug.
Oct.
27.
10.
8.
Oct.
13.
9.
Mar.
1.
10.
11.
July
Oct.
31.
25.
12.
Oct.
27.
13.
Nov.
15.
14.
Nov.
16.
15.
Nov.
4.
16.
Nov.
30.
17.
April
50
ANNUAL REPORTS
NAMES OF PERSONS HAVING DOGS LICENSED IN
1893.
Charles A. Hodges
Luther R. P'orbush, 2
Frank L. Stiles, female
Mildred E. Handley
Henry L. Livermore
Joseph L. Brown, female
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee
Elnathan Jones
John Davis
E. Eddie Fletcher
J. F. Moore
Aaron J. Fletcher
K. W. Sawyer
John W. Randall
John H. Haniford
C. H. Mead & Co
Fred. W. Green
E. F. Shapley
A. L. Lawrence
A. H. Perkins
Aaron C. Handley
Howard E. Faulkner
Moses Taylor
John Grimes
Daniel H. Farrar
Wm. S. Jones
Wm. B. Manning, 2
Frank J. Taylor
S. A. Allard
L. W. Pratt
Geo. W. Tuttle
F. P. Brooks,
Charles Morris
Calvin S. Simonds, female
John F. Coughlin
James P. Brown
John Temple
Wm. B. Holt
Norman A. Davidson, female
Otis H. Forbush
Lyman Tuttle
Frank W. Bulette
Charles Barker
Fred H. Lewis
Sidney E. Gray
Chas. F. Shirland
Geo. A. Hay ward
A. L. Lawrence, female
Luke Tuttle, 2
W. W. Philbrick
Wni. F. Stevens
Lucius S. Hosmer
D. H. Brown
Solon A. Bobbins
J. H. Standish
Chas. S. Moulton
Chauncy B. Bobbins, 2
Francis Pratt, 2
M. E. Taylor
Samuel Jones, Jr
Geo. H. Brooks
Daniel Tuttle
TOWN OF ACTON.
C. B. Sanders
Abel Cole
Charles H. Wheeler
William Jennings
Warren H. Jones
Abel Farrar, female
Martin Baker
Hattie S. White
Henry Hanson
A. L. Tuttle
R. A. Desseaux
H. M. Smith
Forbush & Hartwell
John Kelley
J. E. Durkee
A. A. Wyman
Frank R. Honghton
J. R. Bassett
Frank Stroevonevecz
John McGreevey
Freeman Robbins
John Fahey
A. Risso
C. B. Stone
A. C. Jenkins
Wm. J. Moore
A. Merriam
Thomas Robinson
Alex. Allen
E. L. Hall
G. N. Hoit
E. G. Kraetzer
Geo. W. Worster
Ralph Crooker
Charles Wheeler
Lyman C. Taylor
R. G. Brooks
Wilber G. Davis
Almon H. Gilmore
Faulkner estate
Geo. A. Conant
George Conant
Luther Conant
W. C. Robbins, 2
Mrs. C. Varney
David C. Harris
May L. Calder
Geo. A. Smith
F. R. Houghton, female
S. H. Taylor
Dan J. Gallagher
Fred G. Jones
H. A. Littlefield
Adelbert Mead
Sidney L. Richardson
F. S. Whitcomb
Maurice Lane
B. M. Kimball & Son
F. E. Penniman
Henry Austin
Willie S. Fletcher
James Hussey
Frank E. Harris
O. A. Knowlton
Total number of dogs licensed,
132
52 i^NNUAL KEPORTS
Males 125 at $2.00 $250 00
Females 7 at 5.00 35 00
Total amount received from licenses in 1893, |285 00
WILLIAM D. TUTTLE, Toum Clerk.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
^ "f f^ If ^ ¥ :e^ S ^ -$-
OF THE
ACTON
JVieiqorial ^ liibthfj.
54 ANNUAL REPORTS
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ; TRUSTEES
Acton Mejnorial Library 1893-94.
The trustees of the Acton Memorial Library in accord-
ance to custom hereby submit their fourth annual report.
We are glad to be able to say that the interest in the institu-
tion shows no diminution, and feel assured that a permanent
service of usefulness may be looked for.
The following summary will show the work and gains
for the year ending March 12, 1894.
Total number of volumes in library, 5176
Increase during the year, 357
Increase by purchase, 330
Increase by gift, 27
Total number of persons who have taken out cards, 900
Money received fi-om fines, fl2.83
Books taken out during the year, 8,102
Largest daily use, Feb. 17, 1894, 179 vols.
Smallest daily use, June 21, 1893, 22 vols.
Visitors registered during the year, 245
Of the new volumes, nearly 200 were purchased by the
1150 given by Mr. Wilde.
List of periodicals regularl}^ received at the Library :
Atlantic Monthly, Cassell's Magazine,
Century Magazine, Cosmopolitan Magazine,
Cottage Hearth, Child's Hour,
Harper's Magazine, Harper's Young People,
New England Magazine, Our Sunday Afternoon,
Scribner's Magazine, St. Nicholas Magazine,
Review of Reviews.
TOWX OF ACTON. 55
PERIODICALS DONATED.
Child's Hour, Cottage Hearth, and Our Sunday After-
noon, Wm. A. Wilde.
Our Paper, Massachusetts Reformatory.
Congressional Record, Chas. J. Williams.
Our Dumb Animals, Anon.
Royal Arcanum Guide, Anon.
Fifty-two numbers of The Churchman, Mrs. M. E. A.
Williams.
INCREASE BY GIET- — BOOKS.
Secretary of State, - - - - - 1
Bridgewater Normal School, - - - 1
Ida A. Hale, Acton, - - - - - 1
Dr, I. Hutchins, West Acton, - - - 7
John Fletcher, Acton, - - - - 1
W. A. Wilde, Maiden, Mass., \ - _ - - 5
D, C. Harris, North Acton, - - - - 2
Edwin P. Seaver, Boston, - - - 1
Smithsonian Institute, Washington, D. C, - - 1
Total, 27
Early in the year the president of the board of trustees
placed in the trustees' room a hanging cabinet, for the safe
keeping and exhibition of the many articles of interest be-
longing to the library.
The chief addition for ihe year to the beautiful works
of art presented by the donor of tlie library, came in the
form of a copy, by a noted artist, of Andrea del Sortos'
&mous painting of ''The Holy Family." The figures are of
nearly life-size and very expressive. The painting, done in
oil colors, is enclosed in a massive oak frame, richly carved
and gilded, and would adorn any public building or gallery
of paintings in the country.
ANNUAL REPORTS
During the past year the pleasant circle of the board of
trustees has been first broken by death. The Rev. James
Fletcher, who has been a member of the board since its or-
ganization, passed away suddenly, March 28,1893. Resolu-
tions suitably acknowledging the interest and fidelity of the
deceased, and our appreciation of his worth, were prepared
by the secretary, Mr. Wm. D. Tuttle, and adopted by the
unanimous vote of the board of trustees, and placed upon
the recoi'ds. Op[)ortunity is here taken, in a more public
manner, to renew our concurrence with tlie resolutions
adopted.
We find by leferring to past reports that about twelve
hundred volumes have been added to the number in the
library since its openiiig, either by gift or purchase, — an
avei'age of thi'ee hundred books a year. Most of these were
new books of the class aptly described as current literature ;
the placing of this class of books in a library is like infusing
new blood in our l^odies ; the whole system is toned up and
invigorated. And in no other way can we expect to keep
alive the interest of the patrons and beneficiaries of the in-
stitution. Your trustees would recommend the usual appro-
priation of four hundred dollars for current expenses, and
one hundred and fifty dolhirs for the purchase of new books.
LUTHER CONANT, for the Trustees.
TOWX OF ACTON. 57
TOWN WARRANT.
COMMONWEALTtl OF MASSACHUSETTS. MIDDLESEX SS.
To either of the Constahles of the Toivn of Acton, in the Countif:
of Middlesex, Greetim/ :
You are hereby required, in the mime of the Common-
wealth of Massachusetts, to notify and warn the inhabitants
of the town of Acton, qualified to vote in elections and
town affairs, to assemble in the Town hall, in said town, on
Monday, the Second Day of April, A. D. 1894, at nine
o'clock A. M., then and there to act upon tlie following arti-
cles as they may think proper, viz :
Article 1. To choose a Moderator to preside at said
meeting*.
Art. 2. To choose all necessary town officers and com-
mittees.
Art. 3. To see if the town will accept of the jury list
as revised by the selectmen.
Art. 4. To see if the town will authorize the treasurer^
with the approval of the selectnien, to borrow money for the
town, if necessary, in anticipation of the taxes for the cur-
rent year.
Art. 5. To see if the town will direct the board of
assessors to make for the school committee an accurate enu-
meration of the children in the town, between the ages of five
and fifteen years.
Art. 6. To see if the town will vote to heat the Town
hall by steam, or act anything thereon.
^S ANNUAL KEPGRTS
Art. 7. To see if the town will allow a discount on
taxes paid on or before November 1.
Art. 8. To see if the town will vote to charge interest
on all taxes not paid on or before November 1, or act any-
thing thereon.
Art. 9. To see if the town will reconsider the vote
taken at their June meeting, whereby they voted not to
accept of the road, from near the residence of J. C. Gates to
the Leland Stevens road, as laid out by the selectmen, and
vote to accept and build it.
Art. 10. To see if the town will accept the reports of
the selectmen, overseers of the poor, school committee, and
otlier town officers.
Art. 11. To see what sum of money the town will
raise for the support of Memorial library for the ensuing
year.
Art. 12. To see if the town will raise the sum of two
hundred dollars to repair the road from the residence of
Moses Taylor to the Turnpike road.
Art. 13. To see if the town will raise the sum of two
hundred and fifty dollars to repair the road leading from the
residence of John Kelley to South Acton.
Art. 14. To see what amount of money the town will
raise for the support of schools the present year, and how it
.shall be divided.
Abt. 15. To see what amount of money the town will
raise for school supplies the present year. ^
Art. 16. To see if the town will vote to diminish the
number of its school committee, beginning in 1895.
Art. 17. To see what action the town will take in
regard to selling the school-house iii the southeast part of the
town.
TOWN OF ACTON. 59
Art. 18. To see if the town will raise and appropriate
a sum of money to repair^the Great road from Concord line
to Littleton line.
Art. 19. To see if the town will erect and maintain
street lamps the present year, or act anything thereon.
Art. 20. To vote ''Yes" or "No" in answer to the
question, ''Shall licenses be granted for the sale of intoxi-
cating liquors in the town the present year?"
Art. 21. To see if the town will appropriate a sum of
money for the enforcement of the liquor law.
Art. 22. To see what amount of money the town will
raise for the repairing of roads and bridges the present year,
and how it shall be divided.
Art. 23. To see if the town will appropriate a sum of
money for the due observance of Memorial day.
Art. 24. , To see if the town will vote to widen the
road from the house of Chas. L. Davis to the Estabrook road,
or act anything thereon.
Art. 25. To see if the town will vote to build a cistern
near the Town hall the present year, or act anything thereon.
Art. 26. To see if the town will offer a reward for the
arrest and conviction of the person or persons who poisoned
Mr. Charles Wheeler's cattle.
Art. 27. To see if the town will rescind the vote
whereby they voted to accept of sections 64 to 68, both in-
clusive, of chapter 27 of the Public Statutes, and any amend-
ments thereto, providing for the election of members of the
board of selectmen and assessors for the term of three years,
or act anything thereon.
Art. 28. To see if the town will appropriate a sum of
money for the purpose of erecting headstones or other mon-
uments, to the memory of persons who, accredited to their
6o ANNUAL REPORTS
respective quotas, served in the military or naval ^service of
the United States in the Revolutionary war, the war of 1812,
the Seminole war, and the Mexican war, and for keeping in
repair and decorating such monuments and the graves of
such persons.
Art. 29. To see what amount of money the town will
raise to defray town charges the present year.
And you are hereby directed to serve this warrant by
posting up copies attested by you in the folh)wing places:
One at the Post Office in the centre of the town, one eacli at
the stores of Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, M. E. Taylor &
Co., JI. A. Littlefield & Co., C. H. Mead & Co., one at the
Nagog House, one at each of tlie Railroad Stations, and one
at the Post Office in East Acton, seven days at least before
the time appointed for holding said meeting.
Hereof fail not and make due return of this warrant
with your doings thereon, to the Selectmen or Town Clerk,
on or before the time of holding said meeting.
Given under our liands in Acton this nineteenth day of
March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
and ninety-four.
GUSTAVUS V. BOWEN,
ED. F. CON ANT,
Selectmen of Acton.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
^(il\ool * doinir\ittee
FOR THE
SCHOOL YEAR
1803-©-4.
ANNUAL REPORTS
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
To the Citizens of Acton :
The town at its annual meeting in April having, in ac-
cordance with the recommendations of this committee, de-
cided to continue the district system of superintendence of
its schools and having again united with the towns of Stur-
bridge and West Brookfield, the joint committee of the dis-
trict met in Worcester on the 25th day of April and, having
complied with the requirements of the statute, again selected
Mr. Edward Dixon of West Brookfield as District Superin-
tendent for the ensuing year. The superintendent's salary
was fixed at $1550, viz : $800 and the amount appropriated
by the State therefor, apportioned among the several towns
as follows : Sturbridge, 4-10, West Brookfield, 3-10, and
Acton, 3-10 ; the amount of the salary, so far as the towns
are concerned, and its apportionment being the same as for
the previous year. It was voted, also, to allow the superin-
tendent a sum equal to the cost of the postage and stationery
expended in his official correspondence, estimated at about
forty dollars, the same to be equally apportioned among the
towns of the district.
The benefits conferred upon the schools, the impetus
given to school work and the increased interest in school life,
as a result of the adoption of the present system of super-
vision and the employment of a skilled professional superin-
tendent, are easily apparent to all who are familiar with the
schools. Not within the memory of any member of your
committee have our schools been in so healthful a condition
TOWN OF ACTON.
as they are in to-day. The continuance of this system of
superintendence is most earnestly recommended, together
with an appropriation therefor of $475.
It is desirable here to direct your attention to certain
changes in the law relating to union district superintendence.
Under the old law, that of 1888, the State refunded to the
towns composing a district the sum of $1,000, to be distrib-
uted among them, $500 on the basis of the amounts ex-
pended for a superintendent by the several towns the next
preceding year, and $500 on the basis of the average attend-
ance upon the schools of the several towns in the said year.
The union might also be terminated at the expiration of any
year by the withdrawal from it of any one of its members.
Chap. 200 of the acts of 1893 provides : " Sec. 2. When
such a union has been effected it shall not be dissolved ....
for any reason for the period of three years from the date of
the formation of such union except by a vote of a majority
of the towns constituting the union." " Sec. 3. ... A war-
rant shall be drawn upon the treasurer of the commonwealth
for the payment of one thousand two hundred and fifty dol-
lars, seven hundred and fifty dollars of which amount shall
be paid for the salary of such superintendent, and the re-
maining five hundred dollars shall be apportioned and dis-
tributed on the basis of the amount appropriated and ex-
pended for a superintendent in the towns forming such
district for the year next preceding." This act, to take
effect upon its passage, was approved April 15, 1893.
Under the present law, therefore, the towns of the dis-
trict receive from the State the sum of $1250, of which $750
is applicable to the salary of the superintendent, and the
whole of which is distributed among them on the basis of the
amounts they shall have severally expended for a superinten-
dent during the next preceding year, and, furthermore, a
ikNNUAL REPORTS
union district, once formed, cannot now be dissolved within
three years of its formation, save by the consent of a ma-
jority of the towns in interest.
In accordance with your action at the last annual meet-
ing the High school is now permanently located at South
Acton, where it occupies the two rooms upon the second
floor of the school building. The task of selecting compe-
tent teachers for this school was a somewhat difficult one,
and to it much time and thought were given hy the superin-
tendent and your committee. During the summer Mr. Wm.
A. Charles was appointed principal, and Miss M. F. Fletcher
assistant teacher, both of whom have proved faithful and
competent instructors. The school, with a membership of
sixty-seven against forty-four a year ago, is in a highly satis-
factory condition. The employment of an assistant teacher
in the High school being a new depai'ture, and in a sense an
experiment, the present incumbe/it was induced to accept the
position at a salary of ten dollars a week for the first two terms
of the year, with the understanding that a different arrange-
ment should then be made. It is not to be expected that a
thoroughly competent teacher can be retained in so import-
ant a position at so small a salary.
In view of the duties and responsibilities devolving upon
the instructors in this school, we recommend an appropria-
tion which shall permit the payment to the principal of a
salary of $1,000, and to the assistant of |450 per annum.
It need not be pointed out that at the present time the
sciences hold a very large and a very important place in all
schemes of education. It is impossible to teach them with
effect in the absence of apparatus, and of scientific appara-
tus we have, in a High school of sixty-seven members, little
or nothing worthy of the name. A High school can be such
in little raore than title unless, among other things, it is pro^
TOWN OF ACTOJSr.
vided with, at least, the more elemeDtary apparatus for illus-
trating the problems of chemistry and physics.
That something may be done towards supplying this
deficiency, you are earnestly recommended to appropriate
the sum of f 100 for the purchase of such apparatus.
The allowance of a certain sum for transportation to
the pupils of the High school from the centre, north and east
parts of the town, has proved satisfactory to them and a par-
tial compensation for the location of the school at a point
remote from the geographical centre of the town. From the
nature of the case the sum required for this purpose could
be only approximately estimated, and the appropriation of last
year has proved to be somewhat too small. We recommend
the continuance of this allowance and the appropriation of
1450 therefor, and that the amount of the allowance to the
several pupils be determined by the committee.
The Southeast school was discontinued at the close of
the spring term and the premises transferred to the custody
of the selectmen in August. A contract was made with Mr.
Wm. S. Jones for the transportation of the pupils of this
school to South Acton for sixty dollars per term, the sum
appropriated for the purpose, and the work has been satisfac-
torily performed.
The closing of this school and the transfer of its pupils
to the schools at South Acton have^ we believe, proved en-
tirely satisfactory and profitable to those personally inter-
ested, as well as to the town. We recommend the appropri-
ation of $180 for the transportation of these pupils during
the coming year.
It is the hope and belief of your committee that the
consolidation of the Southeast school with the village
schools at South Aclf&n, is but the first step towards a system
of consolidation which shall presently unite the North and East
ANNUAL REPORTS
schools with that at the centre of the town, to form at the
latter place, where accommodations are already provided, a
primary and a grammar school in which advantages of grading
and instruction can be afforded to the children, which cannot
be offered under the present arrangement, while these advan-
tages will be accompanied by but a slightly increased expen-
diture. We respectfully urge upon the parents in these dis-
tricts the careful consideration of this subject and of the
benefits which will accrue to their children under such a sys-
tem of consolidation. " An Account of the Movement in
Massachusetts to close the Mural Schools^^^ by Mr. Wm. L.
Eaton, Superintendent of Schools in Concord, is appended
to this report. The statements therein contained are of
great interest and are entirely applicable to the conditions
existing here. They are commended to your serious atten-
tion. We recommend that this consolidation be effected
during the ensuing summer, and that the town appropriate
the sum of -$480 for the transportation of pupils from the
north and east sections during the two remaining terms of
the year.
For detailed information regarding the work in the
schools, for courses of study and statements of what has
been accomplished during the past year, and of what it is
hoped may be accomplished during the year to come, you
are respectfully referred to the report of the superintendent
of schools, submitted herewith. All of the recommendations
therein contained merit careful consideration and should be
adopted as rapidly as, and to the extent that, our resources
will permit. The teachers' meetings, at which the superin-
tendent meets all the teachers on one afternoon of each
month for instruction and consultation regarding the con-
duct of the schools, are of especial values^^and are held with
the approval and by the authority of this board.
TOWN OB' ACTON.
The report of the purchasing agent of the board is also
submitted herewith. The limited means at our command,
and the almost unlimited demands of schools conducted up-
on modern methods, necessitated great care in expenditure,
and painstaking selection of its objects. With comparative-
ly but few dollars to spend, and with many things consid-
ered essential to modern schools pressing upon our attention,
it becomes a somewhat difficult task to select the one, or
possibly two, which, in addition to the every day require-
ments of school work, is the most needed and at the same
time within the means at our disposal.
Last year we were able to purchase a few maps and
charts of great value to the primary and grammar schools.
This year a few more maps and a very fair selection of sup-
plementary reading matter for the grammar and two higher
grades of the primary schools have been procured.
The greatly increased numbers in the High school, and
the change there made from a three years' to a four years'
course of study, has necessitated the expenditure for new
text books for that school alone of $112.61, and the demand
from this source will probably not be less during the coming
year.
Many of the text books in the other schools are worn
out and unfit for further service. The text books in history
and geography must be wholly replaced early in the coming
year. With 297 pupils in our schools, the appropriation of
$450 last year for supplies is an average of $1.51 per pupil.
The average expenditure throughout the State for this pur-
pose in the year 1891-92, the latest report received, was $1.70
per pupil. At the latter rate our appropriation last year
would have been $504.90.
In view of these facts, and especially of the heavy de-
mands of the High. school, we ask for an appropriation for
this year of $550 for supplies.
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Your committee has procured the insertion in the war-
rant of an article looking to the making, by the board of
assessors, for the school committee, of a more accurate enu-
meration of the children in the town between the ages of five
and fifteen years. The statute of 1874 directs the school
committee to make this enumeration, but this town, in com-
mon with many others, has heretofore neglected to comply
with its provisions. An enumeration of the children be-
tween the ages of five and fifteen years, which has been
simply a statement of the number of such children, has been
annually made by the assessors, but this is not such an enu-
meration as the law requires, as will appear upon examina-
tion of the statute.
Chap. 46, sec. 3. The school committee shall annually
in the month of May ascertain or cause to be ascertained the
names and ages of all persons between the ages of five and
fifteen years belonging to their respective cities and towns
on the first day of May, and shall make a record thereof.
Sec. 4. Whoever having under his control a child be-
tween the ages of eight and fourteen years withholds infor-
mation in his possession, sought by a school committee or its
agents for the purpose of the preceding section, or falsifies
in regard to the same, shall be punished by fine not exceed-
ing twenty dollars, or imprisonment not exceeding thirty
days.
It will be observed that the names and ages of the chil-
dren must be obtained ; without them, indeed, the enumera-
tion is of no value. In making returns to the State Board
of Education of the number of children in town between
the ages of eight and fourteen years (the compulsory school
age), as we are obliged to do each year, we are compelled to
rely upon mere guess work, and the board is hinting more
and more broadly that there must be greater accuracy in this
TOWN" OF ACTON.
regard, or, in default thereof, a possible forfeiture of the
apportionment from the state fund. It is, moreover, impossible
to enforce the laws relating to attendance at school in the
absence of the necessary data.
The grounds about the school building at West Acton
should be graded and otherwise put in condition suitable for
the grounds of a public building situated in a compact and
thriving village. Several of the school buildings should be
repainted, those in the north and east districts should be re-
shingled, and a supply of pure water should be provided for
the south and centre schools. For several of these under-
takings the selectmen have been requested to provide in
their estimate for the contingent fund for this year.
The trustees of the Memorial Library have very kindly
granted to the teachers in the public schools extended priv-
ileges in the use of the educational works contained in the
library, and to them the thanks of the teachers and this
committee are due.
For the information of parents and the public the laws
relating to attendance at school and the standing rules of the
committee are here published.
Chap. 47, sec. 1. (As amended by chap. 464, acts of
1889, and chap. 384 of 1890.) Every person having under
his control a child between the ages of eight and fourteen
years shall annually cause such child to attend some public
day school in the city or town in which he resides, and such
attendance shall continue for at least thirty weeks of the
school year, if the schools are kept open that length of time,
with an allowance of two weeks' time for absences not ex-
cused by the superintendent of schools or school committee,
and for every neglect of such duty the person offending
shall upon complaint of a school committee or truant officer
forfeit to the use of the public schools of such city or town
lO ANNUAL REPORTS
a sum not exceeding twenty dollars ; but if such child has
attended for a like period of time a private day school ap-
proved by the school committee* of such city or town, or if
such child has been otherwise instructed for a like period of
time in the branches of learning required by law to be taught
in the public schools, or if his physical or mental condition
is such as to render such attendance inexpedient or imprac-
ticable, such penalty shall not be incurred.
Chap. 348, acts of 1888, sec. 1. No child under thirteen
years of age shall be employed at any time in any factory,
workshop or mercantile establishment. No such child shall
be employed in any indoor work x^erformed for wages or
other compensation, to whomsoever payable, during the hours
when the public schools of the city or town in which he re-
sides are in session, or shall be employed in any manner
during such hours, unless during the year next preceding
such employment he has attended school for at least thirty
weeks as required by law.
Sec. 2. No child under fourteen years of age shall be
employed in any manner before the hour of six o'clock in
the morning, or after the hour of seven o'clock in the even-
ing. No such child shall be employed in any factory, work-
shop or mercantile establishment except during the vacation
of the public schools in tlie city or town where he resides,
unless the person or corporation employing him procures and
keeps on file a certificate and employment ticket for such
child as prescribed by section four of this act, and no such
child shall be employed in any indoor work, performed for
wages or other compensation, to whomsoever payable, during
the hours when the public schools of such city or town are
in session, unless as aforesaid, or shall be employed in any
manner during such hours, unless during the year next pre-
ceding such- employment he has attended school for at least
thirty weeks as required by law.
TOWN OF ACTON. II
Sec. 9. Every parent or guardian of a child under four-
teen years of age, who permits any employment of such child
contrary to the provisions of this act, and every owner,
superintendent or overseer of any factory, workshop or mer-
cantile establishment who employs or permits to be employed
therein any child contrary to the provisions of this act, and
any other person who employs any child contrary to the
provisions of this act, shall for every such offence forfeit not
less than twenty nor more than fifty dollars for the use of
the public schools of the city or town
Chap. 47, sec. 9. The school committee shall not allow
a child who has not been duly vaccinated to be admitted to
or connected w^ith the public schools.
Rules of the Committee.
Rule 1. Children under five years of age shall not be
admitted to the public schools.
Rule 2. Pupils in all the schools of this town shall be
promoted from grade to grade and from school to school
according to merit. Thorough and satisfactory work will
be required of pupils in a lower grade or school before enter-
ing a higher grade or school.
Rule 3. Children who have not previously attended
school shall be admitted to the public schools only at the
beginning of the spring or fall terms.
Summary of Receipts and Eependitures on Account of ScJiools
for the Tear 1893-94,
RECEIPTS.
Appropriation for common schools, $3,060 00
" High school, 1,340 00
" " school supplies, 450 00
" " transportation S. E.
12 ANNUAL REPORTS
school,
120 00
" " traDSportation High
school,
200 00
" " salary of superinten-
dent,
400 00
Received from Mass. school fund.
233 54
" " dog tax.
243 08
" " tuition in High school.
16 00
.16,072 62
EXPENDITUKES.
For common schools.
13,289 23
High school.
1,284 03
School supplies,
502 25
Transportation S. E. school,
120 00
" High school.
261 00
Salary of superintendent.
390 00
.1,5846 51
Unexpended balance, f226 11
The sum of $315.28 has been received from the State
on account of the district superintendency, which is to be
credited against the appropriation of $400 for superintend.
ent's salary for 1892-93.
The stock remaining on hand in the supply room is
valued at about $140.
Summary of Appropriations Recommended for the Year
1894-95.
(East, Centre and North schools consolidated.)
.For common schools, $2,540 00
High school, 1,600 00
School supplies, 550 00
Transportation S. E. school, 180 00
High school, 450 00
TOWN OF ACTON.
13
Transportation North and East
schools,
480 00
Scientific apparatus,
100 00
Salary of superintendent.
475 00
16,375 00
Summary of Appropriations Kecom mended for the Year
I894.-95.
(Schools remaining as at present.)
-•"or common schools,
12,800 00
High school,
1,600 00
School supplies,
550 00
Transportation S. E. school,
180 00
" High school.
450 00
Scientific apparatus,
100 00
Salary of superintendent.
475 00
$6,155 00
For the committee,
CHAS. J. WH.LIAMS, Chairman.
14 ANNUAL REPORTS
AN ACCOUNT
— OF THE —
Movement in Massachusetts to Close the Rural
Schools,
And to TransBort their PniiilSjat PuWic Emense^to tlie Village Schools.
— BY —
William L. Eaton, Superintendent of Schools, Concord, Mass.
Since the year 1869, the cities and towns of Massachu-
setts have been authorized by law to appropriate and expend
money for the conveyance of pupils to and from the public
schools. At first this authorit}^ was used, in accordance with its
apparent purpose, mainly to convey pupils to the high school,'
as generally there was but one such school in town. Within
a few years, however, many communities have used this
authority to increase the educational advantages of the chil-
dren — constantly decreasing in numbers — who live in the
districts at a distance from the centres of population. This
was accomplished by closing many district schools, and trans-
porting, at public expense, their pupils to the neighboring
district school or to the village. When, in 1889, it became
apparent that the towns were spending considerable sums of
money in this way, the State Board of Education began to
report the amounts expended. The following table is com-
piled from the State Reports :
TOWN
OF ACTON.
15
1888-89.
1889-90.
1890-91.
1891-92.
Aggregate amount expended for con-
veyance of pupils
Annual increment
Nnmber of cities and towns thus ex-
pending money
$22,118.38
104
§24,145.12
2,026.74
117
$30,648.68
6,503.56
145
$38,726.07
8,077.39
160
In order to secure fuller information regarding this im-
portant movement, a circular letter of inquiry was sent to
165 cities and towns. Replies have been received from 135,
and the answers tabulated. The following summaries are of
interest :
I. The cities and towns that reported an expenditure
for 1891-92 of .$33,500 will expend for current year, $48,300.
II. Fifteen towns and cities report conveyance to high
school only, at a cost of 18,650.20 for 462 pupils.
III. It appears that in the remaining 120 towns and
cities, there were, prior to the beginning of this movement to
consolidate, 632 outljdng schools. OE this number, 250 have
been closed within the past twelve years, and to-day nearly
2,000 pupils are being conveyed to adjacent district schools
or to the village schools.
IV. To the question, " Is it the policy of your town
ultimately to close all the schools outside the centres of pop-
ulation?" twenty-five answer ''Yes," without qualification ;
forty answer "No;" and nearly all the others reply that
their towns are working for that end, or are considering the
question, or hope to accomplish such a result.
V. To the request for a brief statement of the reasons
that determined the towns to close district schools, and trans-
port the pupils to other schools, the replies indicate two dis-
tinct purposes — one financial and the other educational. In
many of the towns of the State, the depopulation of the dis-
tricts outside the villages has made it cheaper to transport
to other schools the few pupils living in the districts than to
1 6 ANNUAL REPORTS
teach them m situ. In other towns, the desire to roake
strong central schools, and the purpose to give all the chil-
dren of the town the benefit of better teachers, better appli-
ances, and better supervision, have been the dominant
motives to determine consolidation.
VT. To the question whether the results have been
satisfactory, there is a substantial agreement in the affirma-
tive. The most emphatic expressions of satisfaction come
from those towns in which the educational motives have been
the dominant ones. Repeatedly comes the assertion from
this latter class of towns that the parents would not return
to the old system of isolated schools if it were possible.
The following extract from a recent report of the school
committee of Conway — a town in western Massachusetts,
with a population of 1,500, and a school membership of 237
(1891-92) — is pertinent: "• The same method of uniting and
bringing the pupils of the smaller districts to the village has
been pursued as formerly. . . . In some instances, the parents
are quite strongl}' opposed to the movement ; but, upon trial,
many times the opposition disappears, and the parents have
no desire to return to the old system. In districts where
there are few scholars, it is practically impossible to maintain
a school of interest and profit to the pupils, and economy to
the town. Notwithstanding all the inconveniences and dffi-
culties, we believe the only practical way to elevate schools
to a higher standard is by consolidating and transferring the
pupils of the rural districts to the centre."
The town of Concord is regarded generally and properly
as the pioneer in this movement to close all her district
schools, primarily from educational motives, and to convey
their pupils to the graded central schools. The results in
Concord were observed carefully by the educators in Massa-
chusetts, and found to be good, and the example of Cowcord
TOWN OF ACTON.
was made known throughout the State by the agents of the
State Board of Education, and by the official reports of the
Board year after year. Moreover, her near neighbors, Bed-
ford, Lexington, Lincoln, Wayhand, Weston, Sudbury, May-
nard, and Acton, have either already followed her example,
or are, to all appearances, preparing to do so.
The following extracts from m}^ account of the inception
and growth of this system in Concord (printed in 1892) will
reveal to the inquirer how were met the obstacles that stood
in the way of the abandonment of the time-honored district
school that gathered in the little red school-house of the
poet's fancy, and of the '' old school-boy's " reveries.
Concord is a town^of about four thousand inhabitants^
situated twenty miles northwest of Boston. It was original-
ly laid out, in 1636, six and one-tenth miles square; but,
having lost territory from time to time, it now contains about
twenty-five square miles. For school administrative purposes,
it was divided early in the century into two village districts,
and five rural districts.
'' P^or many years prior to 1879, the common schools of
Concord were twelve in number, occupying eleven houses.
Five of these schools were placed in the central village ; two
under one roof were at West Concord ; and the remaining
five were country district schools for the accommodation of
the out-lying farming population. The district school-houses
were at distances from the Centre, varying from one and one-
half to three miles. At the Centi'e was the high school, to
which children came from all parts of the town. An attempt
had been made, with partial success, to grade the Centre
schools. The school boards of that day, therefore, had to
deal with a system of schools, some ungraded ones, and the
rest mixed schools imperfectly graded. These schools were
taught by experienced teachers, most of whom — if not
ANNUAL REPORTS.
all — bad received a special training for the work. The in-
fluence of Colonel Parker's great work at Qiiincy was re-
flected in many of the schools. Yet the general results were
far from satisfactory ; and the school committee, under the
leadership of their energetic superintendent, Mr. John B.
Tileston, appreciating the defects of the existing system, and,
seeing clearly a remedy, met the emergency resoluteh^ A
vigorous and wisely directed agitation procured from the
town an appropriation of money sufficient to build aiid equip
an eight-room school-house at the Centre. In December,
1880, this house (named the ^Emerson School') was ready
for occupancy, and received the children fiom the village
schools. An immediate and inevitable improvement in every
quality that distinguishes a good from a poor school resulted.
The school committee then turned their attention to the dis-
trict schools. These schools had been for a long time a cause
of great anxiety. They were growing feebler, and they were
expensive to maintain in proportion to the number of pupils
they served. The Emerson School would accommodate all
the children, and the laws of the State (Chap. 132, Acts of
1869) enabled the town to raise and appropriate money '"to
be expended by the school committee in their discretion in
providing for the conveyance of pupils to and from the pub-
lic schools.' The school committee ado[)ted the suggestion,
that it was advisable to close the district schools, and to con-
vey the children to the Centre. To cany the suggestion into
effect was a difficult matter. The difficulty can be realized
readily when it is understood tliat a period of nearly ten years
elapsed between the closing of the first and the closing of the
last of the five district schools, and that, during these years,
the successive school boards never lost sight of the end in
view, nor relaxed their efi'orts to reach that end. Nor is it
strange that obstacles were encountered. A strong and
TOWN OF ACTON.
rational conservatism existed in the districts. Tlie idea of
consolidation was novel, and raised doubts and objections
that could not be met by past experience here or elsewhere.
On the other hand, it was possible for the plan to prevail in
the end because the communities directly affected were highly
intelligent, and formed their judgments thoughtfully and
correctly. It is an interesting fact, also, that, during the
whole ten years of change, a majority of the committee were
farmers; and that, for the most of the time, a majority were
the local representatives of the districts involved. From the
successive annual reports of the school committee, the facts
bearing upon the history of the movement can be gleaned.
A few of the facts of record will be given here, in order to
indicate the method of procedure on the part of the school
committee.
''In 1879, the school in District 7 was closed, and the
children conveyed to the Centre, because the committee ' did
not feel justified in keeping the school open for the small
number of pupils attending it.' About the same time, the
grammar school pupils in District 2 were directed to attend
the Centre school, and ' to make their own way thither.' In
1881, Superintendent Tileston reports that the children of
District 7 ' have beeji carried to the schools of the village
for more than a year. The parents were at first mostly op-
posed to this course. They seem now entirely satisfied, and
would not have their old school if they could.' In 1881, the
parents in District 2 petitioned the committee to close their
school and convey their children to the Centre. A counter-
petition was sent in, however, before action had been taken.
The committee, preferring to wait for a more permanent sen-
timent, did not close the school. In the same year, the school
in District 5 was closed without opposition. An attempt to
close, at the same time, the school in District 6 met with so
20 ANNUAL KEPORTS
strenuous opposition, that the committee did not persist in
closing it. In their next report (1882) the committee refer
to their action as foUovvs : ' It has not been the policy here
to bring the children of the outside districts to the central
schools, unless the voters of the district desire it. When tlie
number of pupils is less tlian ten, the committee feel that
they are not warranted in incurring the expense of keeping
a separate school.' They also urge that 'it is a question
which the parents in the outer districts of the town should
consider carefully, whether the instruction at the centre of
the town is not better, as well as cheaper, than it can be
made in their own schools, and what is their duty in such a
case.' In 1886, the school in District 3 was closed at the
request of the local member of the school committee. In
1887, the parents in District 2 petitioned the committee to
convey their children to the Centre. The committee acted
promptly, and began to convey the children. A counter-
petition then was sent in, but an investigation was made, and
the committee, consulting what the}^ ' believed to be the best
interests of the children,' denied the second petition. In the
same year, the school in District 6 was closed by vote of the
committee, and the scheme of consolidation was effected.
"• The apprehensions of the owners of real estate, that a
depreciation of values would result if the local schools were
closed, have proven to be groundless. The natural reluctance
of parents to send their young children so far from home,
and for all day, to attend the Centre school, has vanished.
The children are conveyed in comfortable vehicles fitted up
for their accommodation. They are in charge of trusty
drivers e7i route^ and at noon they are under the especial care
of one of the teachers, who has an extra compensation for
the service. When it is practicable, a farmer living near the
extreme end of the district is employed to convey the qhild^
tOWK OF ACTOK. 21
ren. Often the farmer's wife drives the conveyance — an
arrangement that meets the entire approval of the school
committee, and is, perhaps, the most satisfactory one possi-
ble. As a rule, the committee do not approve of entrusting
the duty to the hired man. Three two-horse barges, and two
one-horse wagons are in use at present. All these vehicles
are fitted with seats running lengthwise, and are closed or
open at sides and ends as the weather requires, and in cold
weather are provided with blankets and straw. The driver
starts from or near the remote end of his district, and drives
down the principal thoroughfare, taking up the children at
their own doors or at cross-street corners.
" The attendance of the children conveyed is several per
cent, better than that of the village children, and it is far
higher than it was in the old district schools. This is not
strange when one reflects that the children are taken at or
near their own doors, and conveyed to school without ex-
posure in stormy weather, and with entire comfort in cold or
snowy weather. Discipline in the carriages is maintained
readily, as the driver has authority to put out any unruly
child. The children are conveyed from one and one-half to
three and one-half miles. The cost of transportation is
about fifty dollars per week. It is estimated that it would
cost seventy dollars a week to maintain schools in all the
districts. The number of teachers in the Centre schools is
not increased by the consolidation, as the eighty to one hun-
dred children from the districts are distributed quite uni-
formly among the various rooms,
"Whatever advantages a system of carefully graded
schools, occupying a well-ventilated and well-cared-for school-
house, taught by a body of intelligent and earnest teachers
co-operating to secure the best discipline within and without
the school-room, has over a mixed country school, such ad-
22 ANNUAL REPORTS
vantages are shared alike by all the inhabitants of this town.
All alike are interested in all real progress in methods of dis-
cipline and instruction, and in improved appliances to aid
instruction. Superintendence becomes more efficient. The
introduction of new subjects of study and of drawing, music,
gymnastics, manual training, is made easy, since all the pupils
of the town are found in three school-houses. Appliances of
all kinds and books of reference can be provided more ex-
tensively and at less cost. In short, every scheme to make
the teaching more efficient, or broader, can be carried into
effect far more readily. The history of this movement in
Concord conclusively shows that the success of the plan here
was due to its intrinsic merit, acting upon the minds of an
enlightened people desirous of furthering the true educa-
tional interests of their children.
'' Many incidental advantages subordinate to the prime
one have resulted. All the children of the town meet on
the same arena, test the quality each of the other, and ex-
change from the beginning those influences which will mould
them to act together harmoniously and intelligently in the
future. All the parents of the town have an equal interest
in the welfare of the two central systems of schools,, and for
many years dissensions about the maintenance of schools
have been unknown in our town meetings. Many families
have come to live in the town because of its educational ad-
vantages. The farms that come upon the market find readier
sale than ever before. The children from the farming dis-
tricts are no longer distinguishable from the village children
by a certain awkwardness of manner or address. The moral
tone of the school and of the school-yards has been elevated
wonderfully. The parents feel and appreciate these many
incidental, but vastly important, advantages, and are con-
vinced that the system is superior to the one it has displaced."
TOWN OF ACTON. 23
REPORT OF EXPENDITURES 1893-94, DEPARTMENT
OF SCHOOL SUPPLIES.
To the School Cornmittee :
Feb. 28.
GiNN & Co.
3 Scudder's History, #2 75
April 29.
3 Hudson Julius Caesar, 1 35
5 Wentworth Plane Ge-
ometry, 3 75
8 Wentworth Gram. Sch.
Arithmetic, 5 20
Less 1-6,
May 1. 5 Julius Csesar,
5 Dana Geology. Story,
Less 1-6,
May 1. 5 Martin's Civil Gov't,
May 23. 12 Health Primers,
6 Hygiene,
Less 55 per cent,
May 23. 10 doz. Spelling Blanks,
Less 1-6,
Aug. 25. 5 Our World Eeaders,
No. 1, 2 50
5 Little Flower People, 2 00
5 Water Babies, 1 72
9 Golden River, 1 00
40 Two Great Retreats, 16 00
10
1
30
72
2
5
25
75
8
1
00
33
2
05
3
3
60
00
6 60
3 63
4 20
70
|2 75
58
6 67
2 05
2 9'
3 50
24 ANNUAL REPORTS
40 Autobiography of Frank-
lin, 16 00
50 Cyr's 1st Readers, 14 00
8 Harkness Easy Latin
Lessons, 9 60
10 Whitney & Lockwood
, Eng Gram., 8 40
12 Wentworth & Hill H.
S. Arith., 12 00
24 Gate to Csesar, 9 60
92 85
Less 1-6, 15 47
Sept. 7. 5 Whitney & Lockwood
Eng. Gram., 3 50
2 Allen&Greenough Ceesar, 2 50
7 Montieth Phys. Geog., 7 00
13 00
Less 1-6, "^ 2 17
Sept. 7. 5 Harkness.. Easy Latin
Lessons, 6 00
9 Martin's Civil Gov't, 8 10
8.
8.
Less 55 per cent.,
19 Montgomery Eng.Hist.,
Less 1-6,
6 Greenough Virgils,
Less 1-6,
14 10
7 75
Sept.
21 28
3 55
Sept.
9 60
1 60
Sept. 12. 10 doz. Spelling Blanks, 4 20
5 doz. Writing Books,
No. 3, 4 80
77 38
10 83
6 35
17 73
8 00
TOWN OF ACTON. 2t;
5 doz.Tracing Books,No.
3, 3 60
12 60
Less 1-6,
7 Lincoln Physiology,
Less 1-6,
Cr. by 8 B. & E. /Vrith.,
2 10
10 50
4 67
Dec. 8.
5 60
93
1 60 '
April 29.
^161 98
Sept. 26.
Cr. by 50 old Readers,
2 50
4 10
«ir»7 s«
5
70
1
20
2
40
90
3
60
1
20
4
05
3
11
, 5
70
1
80
99
Boston School Supply Co.
Mar. 3. 9 Book-keeping Blanks, f 84
Express prepaid, 15
Mar. 24. 6 Scudder's U.S.History
10 boxes Crayons.
2 dozen Slates.
3 doz. Spelling Blanks,
1 doz. Ink,
13 80
Mar. 28. 1 doz. Slates,
5 Martin's Civil Gov't,
3 Dana Geology Story,
6 Scudder's L . S. History, 5 70
18 Slates,
1 15 S6
April 20. 4 Beams Practice Paper, 2 00
4 Reams Letter Sheet, 4 00
4 doz. Spelling Blanks, 1 20
5 doz. Slate Bands, 3 60
1 lb. Sponges, 1 20
12 00
42 Q5
26 ANNUAL REPORTS'
American Book Co.
Mar. 24. 24 Harper's 4th Readers, f 14 40
24 Harper's 3cl Readers, 11 52
16 Harper's School Geog-
raphy, 12 96
38 88
Less 1-4 and 1-10, 12 63
J. L. Hammett.
April 28. 48 lbs. Packet Blocks, .^4 40
20 lbs. Note Blocks, 2 00
4 doz Manilla Blocks, 2 60
2% Reams Manilla Letter, 1 88
3 " Gem " Pencil Sharpen-
ers, 9 00
2 lbs. Sponges, 2 20
April 29. 600 Blotters,
3 60
May 23. 5 doz. D. Slates,
2 00
5 Reams Manilla Draw-
ing Paper,
1 50
6 Boxes Pens,
2 28
12 Sets Meservey's Book-
keeping,
8 64
5 doz. Manilla Pads,
2 60
5 doz. Boxes Crayons,
3 90
16 Packages Col'd Splints, 3 20
9 Boxes Splints for lay-
ing, 1 80
16 Boxes Large Pegs, [1 92
16. Boxes Toy. Money, 3 20
5 Boxes Colored Cubes, 2 40
$26 25 26 25
.$22 08
3 60
20 92
TOWN OF ACTON. 27
IG Boxes Thompson's Busy
Work, 1 92
5 Boxes Pin Cards, 2 00
5 Boxes Little Artist, 1 00
7 Boxes Halhnan's Beads, 2 88
Aug. 25. 19 eJohnson's Wall Maps, 19 00
2 Maps Mass. 1 00
5 Sets Wood's Business
Forms,
2 00
5 Gross Pencils,
11 25
50 Cornhill Pads,
2 75
5 doz. Slates,
5 50
3 doz. Pointers,
wood
2 40
Oct. 10. 3 Gross Slate in
Pencils,
2 25
5 lbs. Erasers, rubber.
3 75
5 doz. Slate Bands,
3 60
4 Eeams Letter Sheet,
4 00
5 doz.Ginn's Trac'g
Course
>
No. 1,
3 24
Feb. 3. 2 Eeams No. 23 Letter
Sheet, 2 00
2 Peams Manilla Letter
Sheet, 1 60
20 32
43 90
16 84
^3 60 131 26
University Publishing Co.
April 28. 54 Davis' 1st Readers, $14 04
54 Davis' 2d Readers, 26 60
f 35 64
Aug. 25. 50 Holmes 1st Readers, 4 50
4 50
Sept. 9. 7 Sharpies Astronomy, 5 84
28 ANit^^UAL REPORTS
7 Greene's Zoology, 3 75
9 59
49 73
April 28. Cr. by 108 old Readers, 14 04 14 04
Lee & Shepard.
30 42
Sept. 9. Credit by express charge paid, 30
35 69
Aug. 25. 40 King's Geog. Readers,
iSo. 2, $24 00
40 Boston Tea Party, 10 00
5 King's Geog. Readers,
No. 1, 2 08
f3G 08 36 08
PaBLTc School Prtxtixg Co.
Aug. 15. 500 Baldwin's Report Book, §8 50 8 50
J. G. Roberts.
Sept. 3. Rebinding Books, f 7 50 7 50
Augustine Hosmer.
Sept. 1. Printing, $ 50
Sept. 2. Printing, 65
$1 15 1 15
Maynard, Merrill & Co.
Sept. 9. 8 Keettels French Gram., $6 00
15 " " Reader, 15 00
^21 00
Sept. 18. 4 " " Gram., 3 00
4 " •' Reader, 4 00
3 French Plays, 75
7 75
Sept. 22. 1 French Dictionaiy, 1 G7 1 67
30 12
TOWN OF ACTON. 29
Houghton, Mifflin & Co.
Aug. 25. 40 Riverside Primers, ^10 20 10 20
Sundry Expenditures.
Paid James Fletcher estate, su[)plies, $2 G2
C. H. Mead, supplies.
C. J. Williams, supplies,
N. C. Read, express,
Wm. Jenniugs, "
Luke Tuttle,
C. L. Bradford, '•'
Cr. bv sale of Word Book,
1 25
G5
2 20
7 50
50
50
!ffi1 fi 17
/
20
14 97
$502:25
CHAS. J. WILLIAMS, Furchashfj Agent.
30
ANNUAL KEPORTS
Superintendent's Report.
School Committee of Acton :
Gentlemen, — Tlie following report, presenting in a
brief way the condition and progress of the schools, and
stating suggestions for promoting their interests, is herewith
presented.
This report is nominally to the school committee who
are already familiar with its probable contents through writ-
ten communications from, and by personal consultation with,
the superintendent, from time to time during the year ; so I
shall be pardoned if I assume I am not only reporting to the
committee, but, through them, to parents, teachers, and all
others interested in the school affairs of the town.
The statement made annually in many school reports
that ''Our schools have advanced rapidly the past year,"
may excite the thought that those particular schools must be
in an almost perfect condition. But it should be borne in
mind that the best schools in our land are far from perfect,
and that only by intelligent and earnest efforts can scliools
be improved, or even prevented from becoming less efficient.
The phenomenal work mentioned in many school re-
ports comes to my mind whenever I have to touch upon the
progress of schools, so that I approach the subject with feel-
ings of embarrassment; and 3^et not only has much been
done to increase the efficiency of our schools this year, but
the work of the teachers and the progress made by the
schools have been eminently satisfactory. However, although
TOWN OF ACTON. 3I
this year's work has been exceedingly gratifying, I deem it
my duty and privilege to recommend other desirable chani^cs,
and state those needs which, in my opinion, will still further
promote the interests of the schools.
The Year's Wokk.
The most important changes made this year are as
follows :
The permanent location of the High school.
The employment of an assistant for the High school.
The substitution of a four years' course of study in the
High school for a three years' course.
Tlie transpoi'tatioii of High school pupils.
The consolidation of the Centre schools.
The consolidation of the South East and South schools.
The first four changes directly affect the welfare of the
High school, and indirectly they advance materially the ed-
ucational interests of the whole town, and that, too, without
increasing the total cost for schools, except for transporta-
tion of High school pupils.
By these changes we have a High school that stands for
firmness of character, as against fickleness in its nomadic
age; a High school course of study more befitting the size of
the town and the intelligence of the community; a school to
which pupils of mature age, who need more attention than
can possibly be given them in the lower schools, may be
sent ; a teaching force adequate for present requirements,
and means which have brought the Fligh school nearer than
ever before to the doors of all the people. That all the
changes enumerated above have been made in one year,
speaks well for the public spirit of the community.
The consolidation of the schools at the Centre, and of
the Southeast and South schools, has proved judicious aiid
economicaL
32 ANNUAL KEPOliTS
In the Centre school the classes exhibit greater energy,
and the pupils make more rapid progress than they did be-
fore the schools were united. This is due to the more en-
thusiastic class work and to the efficiency and the skillful
management of the present teacher.
For similar reasons the South East pupils certainly have
better educational advantages at the South than they had in
their own districts.
Examinations and Promotions.
An important cliange has been made in the use of exam-
inations and in methods of promotion. Heretofore, pupils
have been admitted to the High school provided they passed
a final written examination in the common school branches.
Happily for aspirants for High school honors and their teach-
3rs, the school committee have abolished the written exami-
nation as the basis of promotion, and, instead of a final ex-
amination, have made the years work of the pupils the basis
of promotion. Candidates from other towns, however, might
have to take an examination before being admitted. The
same method has been ado})ted for promotions from grade to
grade in the lower schools. Examinations are now given
from time to time by the teachers and by the superintendent,
but they are used, by the teachers, to give reviews, and to
emphasize important facts ; by the superintendent, to test
the power rather than the memory of the pupils, to direct
the work of the teacher, and to discover defects and omis-
sions in the teaching.
While none of the subjects taught in our schools have
been neglected, special prominence has been givento read-
ing, writing, arithmetic and language.
Supplementary reading in these lines, viz : geography,
history, and literature, has been furnished the pupils, and,
by this means, the teachers have made quite an effort to cul- .
TOWN OF ACTON. 33
tivate ill the pupils a taste for good reading. A list of books
contained in the public library suitable for, and desirable to
be read by, the pupils, has been furnished each teacher, and
the trustees of the library have very kindly voted to allow
the teachers to take out eight books at a time under special
conditions. Some of these books are read by the teachers to
the school, and others are read by the pupils. The principle
that the use of good reading in schools will tend to prevent
a desire for worthless productions, is acted upon in providing
this reading.
Teachers' meetings have been held monthly, except
when within the month the teachers have attended an Insti-
tute. At one of these meetings it was our privilege to be
addressed by Messrs. Geo. A. Walton and J. W. MacDonald,
agents of the State Board of Education. These meetings
enable the superintendent to direct the work of the teachers
more effectively than can be done by any other means, so
that the time taken by the teachers from regular school
hours is considered to be profitably spent.
The HiGFi School.
The new condition of things affecting this school, in-
volved not only the election of an assistant, but a change of
principals, and we fully realized that upon the judicious se-
lection of these teachers depended the success of the new
system.
Principal W. A. Charles has proved to be the right man
for the place, and he has been ably seconded in his eff'orts to
raise the standard of the school by his efficient assistant,
Miss M. Florence Fletcher. This school is in excellent con-
dition. It has been so managed that the pupils are orderly,
industrious, and enthusiastic, and the relations existing be-
tween teachers and pupils are the most cordial. Among the
34 ANNUAL REPOKTS
many excellent features of the school is a plan of self-
government introduced by Mr. Charles, to allow pupils,
whose previous deportment was satisfactory, the privilege of
governing their own actions in school so long as they con-
tinued to conduct themselves in a manner acceptable to the
teacher. To train pupils to govern themselves is the highest
order of discipline, so I note with pleasure the fact that,
owing to the character of the teachers and the laudable
inclinations of the pupils, the experiment has proved success-
ful. He has also introduced military drill, giving the boys
a good knowledge of military tactics, and an excellent train-
ing in discipline.
Aside from the regular school work the pupils began in
November the publication of a monthly journal called the
ACTONIAN, the contributors to wdiich are all members of the
school. The publication reflects great credit on the school,
and well deserves support from the alumni of the school and
the citizens of the town.
The membership of the school is much larger than it
was last year. The size of the school and the four years'
course of studies necessitated the purchase of an extra sup-
ply of text books. This has necessarily swelled the total of
the "textbook and supplies " account, but as pupils must
be furnished all necessary text books and supplies, this addi-
tional cost was unavoidable. Many more books will be
needed in the near future to properly supply the school.
In addition to the regular text books every pupil should
be supplied with a small dictionary. There is not a more
important book in school than this, and every pupil should
learn to use one intelligently before he finishes our school
course.
There are probably few High schools in the state, as
large as ours, that have so Ittlle apparatus for science work
TOWN OF ACTON. 35
as is found in our school. Modern methods of teaching
make necessary the use of apparatus ; and until the pieces
needed are furnished, the teachers will certainly lack im-
portant means of good teaching, and the pupils will fail to
get the full value of the training aimed at in the study of
the natural sciences. When teachers have many subjects to
teach they should be provided with all necessary helps in the
way of apparatus.
The school, with commendable zeal, has begun to raise
money with which to purchase a piano. By an entertain-
ment given in the town hall, fifty dollars has already been
netted for this object.
In Gei^eral.
If our teachers are expected to work in accordance with
the best methods, and to keep up with the times, we must
make the conditions favorable for good teaching. Under the
present system of schools we require too much when we ex-
pect the same quality of work and the same amount of indi-
vidual attention per scholar from our teachers that is ex-
pected in well graded schools. It is not the number of
pupils, necessarily, but the number of classes that determine
largely the character of the teacher's work. Our teachers
have not too many pupils, but, owing to the present grada-
tion, they do have altogether too many classes for the best
kind of work. Where schools are well graded there are not
more than two grades in each room. In our school we have
not less than four grades in each room. It is not reasonable
to expect a teacher to accomplish as much per scholar with
twenty-four classes, as is expected of a teacher with only
twelve classes. We need better graded schools, and the
practical way to accomplish this result is by consolidation.
Apparatus, Text Books and Supplies.
Teachers of the lower schools, too, need apparatus with
which to do, in a proper and profitable way, the required
36 ANNUAL REPORTS
work of their schools. The following list of articles (some
of which, however, are in the schools), recommended by the
State Board of Education, is quoted as necessary for each
school.
Blackboards. — As much ,^(9oc^ blackboard surface as the
size of the room will allow ; blackboard cloth f(»r extra sur-
face for charts, maps, etc. ; a sufficient supply of good crayons,
erasers, and pointers. There should be a ledge or trough
below the blackboard to hold the dust. This should be
cleaned whenever the room is swept.
Closet. — A closet with lock and key for all text books,
supplies and apparatus. The condition of this property
should be inspected at each visit of the committee.
For Reading. — Besides the regular series of readers, a
chart for the beginners, and one or more different readers of
each grade, at least three copies of each ; supplementary
books for information ; a large dictionary, a dictionary of
biography, and a gazetteer.
For Writing. — Slates ruled on one side for the youngest
pupils ; spaced practice paper for the older pupils ; good
writing paper, pens and ink ; means of sharpening slate and
lead pencils.
For Arithmetic. — A low table for A^oungest pupils ; blocks
or other counters, splints, etc. : numeral frame, foot-rules,
yard-sticks, measures of capacity, liquid and dry, toy money.
For Geography. — A globe, outline map of the hemis-
pheres and of the continents; a map of the United States,
and one of Massachusetts ; paper for map-drawing.
For Physiology. — Anatomical and physiological charts.
For Draiving. — Clay for modelling, geometrical forms,
pencils, rulers, manilla and white paper, compasses.
Small dictionaries, too, should be provided fo;^ all pupils
above grade IV.
TOWN OF ACTON. 37
Additions to the supplementary reading list in the line
of history, geography, literature, and science are desirable.
I would also recommend a change in the text books on
geography, history, and spelling. Many of the geographies
now in use are practically worthless, being much worn and
considerably out of date.
There are many more desirable text books on history
and spelling than those in our schools.
If the teachers are expected to conform to the law in
regard to teaching drawing, they should be provided with
books and drawing material.
I would suggest that the schools have a daily in-door
recess instead of the customary out-door recefs, from Novem-
ber 1 to the end of the winter term. By this plan there
would be a few minutes in the forenoon and a few minutes
in the afternoon that would be given to physical exercise of
some kind ; and during this time the room could be venti-
lated, and any pupils be permitted to leave the room.
Attendance.
Good attendance is one indication of a successful school.
I would, therefore, call your attention to the attendance in
our High school in the fall and winter terms, recorded in the
tabular statement. It will be noticed, also, that at the Cen-
tre, since the schools were united, the membership has been
larger and the attendance better. The per cent, of attend-
ance of all the schools for the year is .93. Many pupils de-
serve great praise for punctuality and constant attendance.
The '* Roll of Honor" is quite large; and I trust, another
year, the names of pupils neither absent nor tardy for one or
more terms will be published in the town report. The teach-
ers, too, deserve much commendation for their efforts to
secure regularity of attendance in their pupils.
38 ANNUAL REPORTS
A course of study to be practical must meet the needs
of the schools for which it is made. The course prepared
by the State Board of Education, an excellent one and very
suggestive, has been used by the teachers as a guide in their
work. This course was not expected to exactly meet the
needs of all schools in the state, and while it will be used
wholly for the course in drawing and nature study, it was
deemed advisable to prepare one especially for our own
schools, in other branches of study. This and the High
school course is appended.
Conclusion.
In conclusion I wish to thank the committee for their
cordial support, for the courtesy they have shown me, and
for the assistance they*have given me in my work during
the year.
I wish, also, to thank the teachers for their hearty co-
operation, for the good work they have done, and for the
kindly manner in which they have taken my criticisms and
suggestions.
Respectfull}^ submitted,
EDWARD DIXON,
Superintendent of Schools,
TOWN OF ACTON.
39
TABULAR STATEMENT.
6
6
o
i
^
bD
q3
?
fl
c«
Sd
o
?.
^
s
a
(H
o
2
o
^
<V
TEACHERS.
TERMS.
SCHOOLS.
2
o
1
13
a
c5
GO
W
1
a
o
OJ
S
^
^
«H
1
X
o
en
O
o
<D
o
a
'S(
ft
^
a
>
>
m
s
!=l
C3
^
S
<
<
Ph
fn
^
Ph
0. A. Crooks.
Spring
43
37.5
30.4
80
$102 22
W. A. Charles. )
M. Florence Fletcher. |
102 22
Fall
High.
67
64.9
63.2
97
36
24
40 00
W. A. Charles. )
M. Florence Fletcher, j
102 22
Winter
64
63.5
59.1
93
40 00
Spring
31
30.
28.5
95
Hattie L. Tuttle.
Fall
Winter
Spring
South Grammar.
33
34
42
30.7
31.5
37.9
29.8
29.4
35.8
97
93
94
31
40 00
Bertha L. Gardner.
Fall
Winter
Spring
South Primary.
48
43
37
44.
34.5
33.6
41.9
32.1
30.7
95
93
91
15
40 00
Albertie M. Preston.
Fall
Winter
Spring
West Grammar.
33
30.9
32.8
39.
29.9
30.4
36.1
97
93
93
2
29
40 00
Harriet H. Gardner.
Fall
Winter
West Primary.
g
28.4
24.8
27.4
22.2
96
89
22
40 00
Clara B. Holden.
Spring
) Centre Gram'ar.
) Centre Primary.
17
12.4
11.7
94
40 00
Sarah E. Hammond.
14
9.5
8.6
90
40 00
Susie E. Conant.
Fall
Centre.
37
33.7
32.5
96
3
27
40 00
Susie E. Conant.
Winter
37
27.9
26.5
95
M. Florence Fletcher.
Spring
28
26.4
23.5
89
40 00
Lucy M. Booth.
Fall
East.
26
25.9
24.7
95
1
26
40 00
Lucy M. Booth.
Winter
28
26.7
24.9
93
40 00
Susie E. Conant,
Spring
23
20.4
19.3
95
Lillian F. Richardson.
Fall
North.
20
19.3
18.3
94
1
2
10
36 00
Lillian F. Richardson.
Winter
16
12.1
9.5
78
Lena Hayward.
Spring
Southeast.
11
6.6
5.9
89
1
9
36 00
40 ANNUAL REPORTS
Summary of Statistics.
Number of schools, ' 8
Whole number of children enrolled, - - - 356
Number under 5 years of age, . - - _ 1
Number over 15 years of age, . . - . 43
Number between 8 and 14 j^ears of age, - - 184
Average membership of all the schools, - - 261.6
Average attendance of all the schools, - - 244.1
Per cent, of attendance of all the schools, - - 93
TOWN OF ACTON. 4I
Report of Principal of High School.
Having been requested by Mr. Dixon to say a few words
concerning the High school, I submit the following :
September 5, Tuesday morning, on reaching the High
school building, I found an assembly of about sixty-five
boys and girls, varying from fourteen to eighteen years of
age. In entering into a new school, with new teachers, and
a new course of study, it took some little time to arrange
matters satisfactorily, but matters finally adjusted themselves
to circumstances, and the school machinery seemed to be
running smoothly.
The course of study, as you know, was enlarged and
increased to one of four years. I would still further advo-
cate raising the standard, until algebra be pursued the first
year, and all studies, which belong to the Grammar grade,
be dropped from the High school curriculum.
In the way of physical and chemical apparatus, the
school is totally devoid of appliances, and it is as impossible,
to build the traditional "bricks without straw," as to teach
those branches without performing a certain amount of ex-
periments. The one thing which I think would tend to better
work,in all directions, would be one session in the High school.
In order for this to be a success the closest co-operating of
parents would be necessary, that the time which should be
put into school work is not squandered in other ways, and
right here I must utter my one word of dissatisfaction, and
that is, the seeming lack of interest shown by parents, in the
High school. Up to the present time just two persons, who
42 ANKUAL REPORTS
had children in school, have visited us. Now this shows one
of two things : 1st, that you take no interest in your chil-
dren's welfare, or 2d, that you have implicit confidence in
your teachers.
I could not write an article of this kind without paj^ing
tribute to Miss Fletcher, and if the school has advanced at
all during the past year, I would attribute a very large
degree of it to her zeal, application, and hearty co-operation
in everything concerning school work, and best of all, to the
interest which, in a large degree, she awakens in all the
pupils with whom she comes in contact. She is eminently
the right person for the place. My relations with Mr. Wil-
liams and Mr. Dixon, too^ have been most helpful to me, and
1 can see nothing in the future for the Acton High school
but success, if the people will only arouse themselves and
open their eyes. It is the height of folly to support a High
school in your midst, and then send your children to Concord
or elsewhere. Give us the money which you are paying
other schools. Give us the appliances which go to make a
modern school-house, and we will give your children the
education which by right they ought to have.
In closing, I wish to say that our labors have not been
directed wholly toward book learning, but we have also
endeavored to instill some of the first principles of what
goes to make up a young lady and a young gentleman. A
man is estimated by good society to-day no more for what
he knows than for his good breeding, and we think we should
not be fulfilling our duty did we stop with simply the daily
lessons. The Acton High school can be a credit to the town
of Acton. Will you let it be ?
WM. A. CHARLES, Principal.
TOWN OF ACTON.
43
HIGH SCHOOL.
CLASSICAL COURSE.
FmsT Year.
Term.
Fall. Latin. Arithmetic. Civil Govenmient.
Winter. Latin. Arithmetic. Physiology.
Spring. Latin (Gate to Csesar). Arithmetic. Physical Ge-
ography.
Second Year.
Fall. Csesar. Algebra. Phj^sics.
Winter. Csesar. Algebra. Physics.
Spring. Csesar. Algebra. Physics.
Third Year.
Fall. Virgil or French. Plane Geometry. English History.
Winter. Virgil or French. Plane Geometry. Greek History.
Spring. Virgil or French. Plane Geometry. Roman History.
Fourth Year.
Fall. Cicero or French. Zoology. General History.
Winter. Cicero or French. Astronomy. General History.
Spring. Cicero or French. Chemistry. Political Economy.
English Literature.
English Literature.
English Literature.
ENaLISH COURSE.
First Year.
English Grammar. Civil Government. Arithmetic.
Winter. English Grammar. Physiology. Arithmetic.
Spring. English Grammar. Physical Geography. Arith-
metic.
Term.
Fall.
Second Year.
Fall.
Rhetoric
and English Literature. Algebra.
Physics.
Winter.
Rhetoric and English Literature. Algebra.
Physics.
Spring.
Rhetoric and English Literature. Algebra.
Physics.
Third Year.
Fall.
Erench.
Plane Geometry. Geology.
Winter.
French.
Plane Geometry. Elocution.
Spring.
French.
Plane Geometry. Botany.
Fourth Year.
Fall.
French.
Zoology. Solid Geometry or
General
History.
Winter.
French.
Astronomy. Solid Geometry or General
History.
Spring.
French.
Chemistry. Solid Geometry or
Political
Economy.
Readings, declamations and compositions throughout
eacli course. Book-keeping once a week.
COIJRSK OK STUDY.
LANGUAGE.
Object. To train pupils early to use good English, and
to make this use a matter of habit by long, consistent, and
pro2:ressive training, and to lay the foundation for the gram-
matical study of the language at a later period. The correct
forms only should be emphasized.
Copying. Pupils should be trained to grasp thoughts,
not words only, at a glance, and to notice punctuation marks,
capitals, etc.
Dictation. Dictate distinctly and but once.
TOWN OF ACTON. 45
Reproduction. Train pupils to reproduce stories as
truthfully as possible, in their own language.
Memory Gems. Throughout the course liave pieces of
appropriate prose and poetry committed to memory and
recited.
Punctuation. Particular attention should be paid by
each teacher to the different punctuation and other marks,
required to be taught in the grades of which she has charge.
Grade I.
Oral Lessons. Aim — to teach the children to express
their thoughts in simple and correct forms.
Teach to use a and an ; is and are; ivas and tvere ; Jias
(Xudi have ; verbs, with singular and with plural subjects;
m, on., under., heloiv., etc. Have picture lessons and reproduc-
tions of stories.
Written Work. New words in reading lesson ; sentences
from board or charts ; sentences containing given words ;
sentences expressing observed facts ; days of the week and
months of the year; simple sentences from dictation.
Teach the use of the period and of the interrogation
point at the end of a sentence ; the capital letter at the be-
ginning of a sentence and in the names of persons ; I and O
when written alone.
Grade II.
Oral and written work throughout the year. Exercises
in Avriting names of persons with residences; copying froui
blackboard and from reading books; short stories from
pictures; reproduction of short stories told by the teachei-
or from reading lesson; abbreviations; dates; observation
lessons ; short stories dictated ; letters of one paragraph.
Teach to use tJiis and that; these and those^etc; the
common irregular verbs ; the period in abbreviations ; the
possessive singular with apostrophe; the hyphen in. coip-
46 ANNUAL KEPORTS
pound words ; the comma to separate the words of a series ;
pronoims as subjects ; pronouns as objects of transitive
verbs ; adverbs.
Grade III.
Oral and written work throughout the year. Daily work
in short dictation exercises ; reproduction of stories, orally
and in writing ; stories from pictures ; writing of short
letters.
Teach to use such words as to^ too^ two ; either^ neither ;
pronouns with was and were, and after is and ivas ; the ex-
clamation point ; the comma to separate the name of the
person addressed from the rest of the sentence ; the hyphen
in dividing words at the end of a line ; common contractions
with the use of the apostrophe.
Grade IV.
Oral and written work throughout the year. Teach
forms and use of all the common irregular verbs ; to use
them in different tenses and in the active and the passive
voice ; correct use of who and whom in questions ; of ivho^
which ernd that ; quotations (direct and indirect) ; all com-
mon abbreviations and contractions ; formation of the pos-
sessive cases, singular and plural ; the plural forms of nouns ;
the use of the comma in direct quotations and to separate
the parts of a compound sentence ; the different uses of the
period. Have reproduction of stories from memory ; letter
writing, full form^ and teach pupils to fold letters and ad-
dress envelopes.
Grade V.
Have stories from outlines ; paraphrasing ; reproduction,
upon paper, of (a) facts from Nature studies; (b) geogra-
phy lessons ; (c) picture lessons ; (d) stories read or told by
the teacher, or which the children have read silently. Prag-
TOWN OF ACTON. 47
tice in changing from one of the four forms of the sentence
to each of the others, with capitals and punctuation appro-
priate to each. Copy short lessoDS from books. Dictate,
frequently, exercises which include the use of the apostro-
phe, quotation marks in divided quotations, abbreviations,
and the more difQcult forms of the plural nouns. Drill,
frequently, on forms of irregular verbs, and the correct use
of relative and interrogative pronouns. Continue letter
wi'iting.
Develop the idea of a sentence and give the definition.
Teach classification of sentences with respect to their mean-
ing^ and define declarative, interrogative, imperative, and
exclamatory sentences. Give frequent practice in naming
the subject and the predicate of sentences.
Grade VI.
Continue work of preceding grade. Give thorough drill
in writing business papers of all kinds. Require pupils to
punctuate all written work.
Show that words have particular uses in sentences, that
they are classified according to their uses^ and that they are
called parts of speech. Give frequent practice in naming
the parts of speech in a sentence. Teach classification of
sentences with respect to form and define simple, compound,
and complex sentences.
Grade VII.
Language. Continue work of preceding grade.
Grammar. Teach the different kinds of phrases ; the
participle; the infinitive; modified subject and modified
predicate ; drill on transitive (active and passive) verbs ;
intransitive (complete and incomplete) verbs ; attributive
and objective complements ; analysis of simple sentences ;
use of diagrams; syntax of words*
48 ANNUAL REPORTvS.
Grade VIIL
Continue and extend work of preceding grade. Teach
punctuation of complex and compound sentences; jjroperties
of the parts of speech ; analysis of easy complex and com-
pound sentences, with substantive, adjective, and adverbial
clauses. General review.
READING.
In primary reading, teach 1, the sentence ; 2, words ; 3,
phonics. When pupils know all the words of a reading
lesson they are ready to exercise themselves in the two pro-
cesses Jiecessary for good reading, viz., grasp of thought and
feeling and vocal expression of thought and feeling. Criti-
cism should be directed in these two directions. Wrong
emphasis shows the thought is not mastered. Help pupils
to understand the thought by questioniny them on the pieces
to be read.
Grade I.
First Term. Reading from the blackboard.
Second Term. Reading from the bhickboard and the
authorized First Reader.
Third Term. Reading from the hrst part of the author-
ized First Readers and from the first part of the supplement-
ary First Readers.
Phonetics begun this year and continued throughout
the course.
Grade II .
First Term. Authorized First Reader finished.
Second Term. Supplementary First Readers finished.
Third Term. First part of authorized Second Re<ider,
Grade III.
First Term. Authorised Second Reader finished,
TOWN OF ACTON.
49
Second Term, Supplementary Second Readers finished.
Third Term. First part of authorized Third Readers.
Gbade IV.
Authorized Third Reader and supplementary Third
Readers.
Grade V.
Authorized Fourth Reader and supplementary reading.
Grade VI-VIII.
Fifth Readers and supplementary reading.
SPELLINa.
Grade I.
Words copied from readers, charts, or blackboard ; oral
spelling when the names of the letters are known ; spelling
by sound.
Grade II.
Words selected from daily reading; oral and written
spelling.
Grades III-IV.
Words selected from reading lessons ; common words
frequently mis-spelled ; words from any of the school exer-
cises ; work, oral and written.
Grades V-VIIL
Oral and written spelling ; written work chiefly in spell-
ing blanks ; special lessons on geographical and historical
names ; in oral spelling, have syllables indicated by a pause
or by pronounciation.
50 ANNUAL REPORTS
WRITING.
Pay particular attention to the position of the body and
the holding of the pen. The special work of the primary
grades should be (1) the making of the single letters, (2)
combining them into simple words; that of the other grades,
arm movements.
Grades I-II.
Small letters, capital letters, and easy words.
Grades III-IV.
Drill in making letters ; short words and easy sentences ;
easy arm movements; begin use of the pen.
Grades V-VIII.
Arm movements; sentences from dictation; copybook
exercises.
ARITRMETIC.
Grade I.
Number 1 to 10 inclusive ; counting, notation, numera-
tion, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division ; frac-
tions, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4; Roman numerals to X; cent, two-cent
piece, nickel, dime ; day, week, month ; pint, quart, gallon,
peck ; inch, foot (as a whole), yard.
Grade II.
Numbers 1 to 20 ; notation 1 to 50 ; fractions 1-5, 1-6,
1-7, 1-8, 1-9, 1-10 ; Roman numerals to XX ; foot, square
foot (as a whole), square yard ; ounce, pound ; dozen, score ;
year.
TOWN OF ACTON. ^i
Grade III.
Numbers 1 to 100 ; multiplication with two figures in
the multiplicand and one in the multiplier ; division with two
figures in the dividend and one in the divisor ; fractions 1-11,
1-12 ; decimals to tenths, four processes ; U. S. money ;
Roman numerals to C; tables of length, liquid measure, dry
measure, time, weight.
Grade IV.
Numbers to 1000 ; multiplication and division with not
more than two places in the multiplier and the divisor ; Ro-
man numerals to M ; addition, subtraction, multiplication,
and division of common fractions to twentieths, of decimals
to hundredths ; much practice in measuring lengths ; in buy-
ing and selling, making change, etc. Begin percentage. In
compound numbers extend work of preceding grade. Oral
exercises to accompany written arithmetic.
Grade V.
Arabic and Roman notation ; review of the fundament-
al rules ; U. S. money continued ; factors and multiples of
easy numbers; reduction, addition, subtraction, multiplica-
tion, and division of fractions, decimal and common ; oral
exercises throughout the year; percentage continued; easy
examples in interest (years) ; simple work in finding areas
of surfaces and contents of solids.
Grade VI.
Complete notation ; greatest common divisor ; least
common multiple ; factors ; reduction' of common fractions
to decimals, and of decimals to common fractions ; continue
52 ANNUAL REPORTS
work of preceding grade in common fractions and decimals ;
compound numbers, except longitude and time, finished ;
percentage ; interest (years and months).
Grade VII.
Percentage and its applications including simple inter-
est; factors, multiples, common fractions, decimals, and com-
pound numbers reviewed ; oral exercies throughout the year.
Grade VIII.
Problems in interest ; partial payments ; compound in-
terest ; commercial discount ; bank discount; ratio and pro-
portion ; longitude and time ; powers and roots ; mensura-
tion.
aEOGRAPHY.
Grade I.
Teach points of compass (eight), Have oral lessons on
the seasons, the air, wind, rain, snow, hail, thunder, light-
ning ; hills, valleys ; springs, brooks, rivers, ponds, lakes (of
the neighborhood).
Grade II.
Oral lessons on the sky, clouds ; dew, frost ; the hori-
zon ; sunrise, sunset, the sun at noon ; kinds of soil, (sandy,
etc.).
Home Geography. The hills, direction of slopes, etc. ;
the streams, source, banks, branches, mouth, direction of
flow, etc.
Teach idea of map by a plan of school-room and yard
on the blackboard.
tOWi^ OF ACTOi^. 5;^
Grade III.
Home geography, following outline given in the State
course of study; county; oral lessons on town government.
Grade IV.
First Term^M?iss3 chusetts. SWond Tei^m^^ew^ugl'dud.
Third Term, United States. Oral lessons on county govern-
ment.
Grade V.
First and Second Terms. The earth as a whole, and the
continents, following the outline given in the State course.
Third Term, North America.
Grade VI.
First Term, South America. Second Term, Africa. Third
Term, Europe.
Grade VII.
First Term, Oceanica. Second Term, Asia. Third Term,
North America.
Grade VIII.
First Term, Massachusetts and New England. Second
Term, United States. Third Term, General review.
HIST on Y,
Grades I-IV.
Selected stories to be read to the pupils by the teacher.
Grade V.
Have pupils read stories of American history. Oral
lessons on state government.
I
54 ANNUAL REPORTS
Geade VI.
Work of preceding grade continued. History of Massa-
chusetts.
Grade VII.
Formal study of United States history. The authorized
text book from tVe beginning of the book through the Revo-
lutionary War. Oral lessons on national government.
Grade VIII.
From the close of the Revolution to the present time.
Oral lessons on national government.
I
PHYSIOLOGY AND HYGIENE.
Grade I.
Body as a Whole : Correct position ; blood ; breathing ;
the senses.
Grade II.
Parts of the Body : Their names, uses, and care, espec-
ially of the eyes, ears, nose, and teeth.
Grade III.
Elementary ideas of digestion ; necessity of thoroughly
masticating the food ; wholesome and unwholesome food.
Grade IV.
Elementary ideas of the circulation of the blood ; of
respiration ; lessons on the skin, muscles, tendons, fat, bones,
joints, ligaments, cartilage, nerves, blood-vessels.
Grade V.
The Digestive System. Lessons on the internal organs
and needs of the body.
TOWN OF ACTON. 55
Grade VI.
The Circulatory System. The Respiratory System.
Grade VII.
The Muscular System. The Skin. The Nerv^ous Sys-
tem.
Grade VIII.
The Bony System. General review.
Lessons on stimulants and narcotics throughout the
course.
Drawing and Nature study is in the State course of
study.
REFERENCE BOOK \A/Sam'S
ACTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY ' APRIL iW
Ar-TON, MASSAnHllSETrS 0172Q