Bristol County, Massachusetts - Chapter 12: Taunton's School Interests, 1924

Side by side with the building of its homes, and the founding of its industries, the provident town of Taunton established its schools, in the primitive days of the settlement of townships in this part of the new world - that the scholastic intelligence of the community as imparted through those competent to teach, might march well in the lead with every other factor of the progress of the place. That portion of the history of the town and city, whether for longevity or for excellent standards, holds a valued position in the educational annals of the country. Other cities, with one hundred and fifty years less of consecutive history, have superseded and outrun Taunton numerically and industrially; but here for nearly three hundred years there has been no halt in the steady, persevering care given and advanced methods used by the town and city governments, the school committee and the teacher, successfully to reckon with the requirements of the age in behalf of the education of Taunton's school children. The story has become voluminous since the last histories of the county were written decades ago, but the milestones and the essentials are thus pointed out, denotative of the advancing course of the schools of Taunton.

Town ownership and direction of its one district of schools within the bounds of Taunton, indicated today in our division of systems as the municipal system, had its start close to the first years of the settlement of the town, when John Bishop, who was also a student in theology, was named as the schoolmaster here. We do not know who immediately succeeded Schoolmaster Bishop after he left here to become the first minister at

Stamford, Connecticut; yet soon afterwards there is mention of a Mr. Adams as a teacher, and then, in 1685, with "eighty scholars on the list of Taunton school, some of whom had entered Latin,' James Green was the schoolmaster, his wages being twenty-one pounds, seven shillings, seven pence. Rey. George Shove, also being minister of the church, kept school in his house, where "children learned to read, write and cypher," and in 1697, "the town did make choice of Mr. Samuel Danforth to keep a grammar school here in Taunton."

It was in conformity with the colonial laws of 1642 and 1647, which made the support of public schools compulsory, that Taunton began to maintain her public schools, the town therefore being one of the first in the colony to adopt the system. In 1647 it was ordered that every town of one hundred families should establish and provide for a grammar school, and in 1683 all towns of five hundred families were required to maintain two grammar and two writing schools. In 1670 the profits arising from the cape fishing were offered to any town that would keep a free colonial school, classical as well as elementary; and thereupon, Taunton school, in 1682, received the sum of three pounds, Latin having been taught here at that time. This town's action in favor of a free public school was reported in 1674, and in February, 1701-2, the proprietors ordered one hundred acres laid out on both sides of the Rehoboth road, at the head of the Crossman meadow, the benefits of which were to be used for the school.

The district system came into use in 1826, with the creating of prudential committees, when the town was divided into small districts for the convenience of the residents, each district owning its. schoolhouse and school property, and electing its prudential committee, who selected the teacher and provided for the school supplies. The district system was dropped in 1864, when the town became a city, with the appointment of a general school committee. The ordinance of 1868 creating a superintendent of schools was carried into effect September 1, 1869, when William W. Waterman was selected for that office.

By vote of the town and the selectmen, the high school was established in 1838, and Frederick Crafts, former preceptor at Bristol Academy, was elected the first principal, the school commencing in September, 1838, at schoolhouse No. 11, near Oakland factory. Successively, the school was held at schoolhouse No. 14, Westminster street, at No. 21, "Squawbetty." and at No. 5, East Weir. Henry G. Steward succeeded Mr. Crafts in 1839, and Justin Field, Jr., succeeded him. The school was reorganized in 1849, and rooms were hired for the school sessions under the old Spring street church, and Ozias C. Pitkin was chosen principal, with a salary of $700. Miss Mary G. Reed, assistant, was the first teacher, Miss Amelia F. Sproat being chosen second assistant in 1850. The school was removed to the town hall building in the fall of 1854, and William L. Gage was chosen as superintendent, Mr. Pitkin receiving a call to the Chelsea high school. The present Cohannet street school was built in 1858 to relieve conditions at the School street school; it was a schoolhouse of the district system, and is still a public school.

John Ruggles was principal of the high school, 1855-1856; and William E. Fuller, of the New Bedford high school, came here the latter year, and remained until November, 1860. Silas D. Presbrey, later one of Taunton's leading physicians, succeeded to the position that year, and he resigned in 1863, to renew the study of his profession, and Charles P. Gorely, submaster, was advanced to the principalship. He resigned in 1867 for the study of law. Laban E. Warren finished his term, and that year John P. Swinerton entered upon his ten years' principalship. Charles S. Moore, a graduate of Harvard, succeeded him in 1877, and in 1878 Josiah C. Bartlett, preceptor of Bristol Academy, was elected. In June, 1885, the first building was constructed for high school purposes, on the King and Richmond estate, North Pleasant and Washington streets, was accepted by the city, and was dedicated September 2, that year.

The Taunton High School Alumni Association was organized March 26, 1870, with forty-six members of classes of the high school, at the office of Hon. Edmund H. Bennett. The first officers were: President, H. F. Burt, '65; vice-president, J. C. Sproat,.'66; secretary, Miss L. B. Bassett, 64; treasurer, J. W. Sanford, 67. Dr. Waterman's painstaking review of the story of the high school in the annual school report of 1885, at the time of the dedication of the first high school building, is the one thorough and accurate paper upon which our story of that school is based; and with a résumé of that account, the important educational events since 1885 are interwoven in the abbreviated form of annals.

Dr. William W. Waterman resigned as superintendent of schools at the close of 1885, and Josiah C. Bartlett, principal of the high school, was elected to that position, while John P. Swinerton was reélected principal of the high school. In September, 1887, Rev. George C. Capron was elected successor to Mr. Bartlett. The expense for maintenance of the schools at this time was $61,457. According to the law of 1887, requiring all minors fourteen years of age or over to attend evening schools, elementary schools for illiterate employes were being organized. William R. French, instructor in music, died in 1888, and George Bridgham was elected to that position, Fred W. Howes succeeding him in 1889. The West Britannia and Shores street schools were opened in 1889, and the old Cotley school was discontinued.

Clarence F. Boyden, one of the most erudite of Taunton school superintendents, was elected in 1890. The flag-raising law was passed this year, also a law to the effect that patriotic exercises be held in all schools the last regular session prior to Memorial Day. Evening high school was opened in 1891, with more than forty young men and women present. In 1892, W. D. Parkinson resigned as master of the Cohannet school, and George Sherman, of Ludlow, Vermont, was elected to that position. Henry F. Burt retired from the principalship of the Bay street school, and Louis E. Philbrick, of Attleboro Falls, was elected. The County street, the Richmond and the Scaddings schoolhouses were completed in 1895. The School street schoolhouse was built in 1896, and the Washington primary school was occupied for the first time in 1898. Manual training was first considered the latter year. In 1898, too, the qualifications for Taunton teachers were first adopted that all high school teachers be graduates from some higher institution of learning; that all teachers in grades below the high school be graduates of some high school, or an equivalent secondary school.

with the high school, was obliged to give up his principalship on account of poor health. After a continuous service of forty-one years as a teacher, Miss Ellen F. Luscomb resigned. Manual training was introduced into the schools here in 1900, and art instruction was introduced into the high school. The cost of maintaining the public schools was now more than $112,000. The old Rocky Woods school was closed in 1901. Celia A. Williams, thirty-nine years a teacher in the schools, died September 7, 1905.

Henry W. Harrub was elected superintendent of schools in 1906, in which year the whole number of schools was thirty, the number of teachers 148, and the number of pupils between the ages of five and fifteen years 5445. The North Pleasant street school was opened on January 11 this year, and the Tremont street school was completed. In the year 1907, the measure was adopted for an increase of the maximum salary of grade teachers from $550 to $600, and for raising the salaries paid teachers of ungraded schools to nearly the same standard. The city now ranked 160th in the amount appropriated for public schools for each $1000 of valuation, paying $5.32 per 1000. The total amount now spent for the maintenance of public schools was $134,000. There was a great influx of children of foreign birth and parentage.

The opening of St. Mary's parochial school in 1908 reduced the public school enrolment nearly five hundred. D. G. Miller was elected principal of the high school, and classes in sewing and dressmaking were opened by Miss Mary E. Tetlow and Miss Gertrude Chadwick. Fire drills were started in the schools, and the children's room in the public library was opened this year. The East Weir school was named in honor of William E. Walker. Former principal of the high school John P. Swinerton died December 6, 1909. A special class for backward children was opened at the School street school. Mary Hamer, a teacher in Taunton high school for thirty-five years, died August 7, 1910. Fred U. Ward was elected principal of the high school this year. For teaching thrift, a school sayings bank was opened at the Weir Grammar school by Principal P. Byron Reid.

The total school enrolment in 1911 was 4666, with 161 teachers, the appropriation for the schools being $120,000. The lot for the Bay street schoolhouse was purchased. School savings bank was introduced into the Walker and the Winthrop schools. The commercial course was established at the high school. The teachers' retirement system was begun in 1913. Clarence Fuller Boyden, superintendent of schools, died November 23. The Hopewell school building was completed in 1914, and an addition to the Cohannet school building was made. The enrolment at the high school was 518, and one hundred graduated in June. The Standish property, adjacent to the Weir Grammar school, was purchased for that school. Departmental teaching was introduced into the Cohannet school, and classes for backward pupils were opened at Fuller and Weir Grammar schools. P. Byron Reid was transferred to the Cohannet school from Weir Grammar school, and Albert H. Cochrane was appointed principal of the latter school.

The dental clinic was started in the schools in October, 1915, in charge of Dr. Thomas FE. Dunn and Dr. Fred L. Nickerson, the city appropriating

$1000 for the clinic establishment. The District Nurse Association tendered to the school board, through its chairman, Mrs. Charles T. Hubbard, the service of a school nurse for 1915-1916. School gardening was successful, over 600 gardens being planted, and an exhibition held at the high school in October. The Pine street school was enlarged and improved. The schools had an enrolment of 5016, the attendance being ninety-six per cent. Fred A. Boardman was attendance officer. The total expenses for school maintenance in 1916 amounted to $181,855, an increase of six and one-half per cent. over the preceding year. The Summer street school building was completed. Miss Jessie M. Moulton was appointed school nurse, and J. Francis Dee, supervisor of school gardening. The next year, 1917, Miss Helen B. Dunn was appointed school nurse.

During the World War, and throughout the various campaigns, the schools performed their share, in food conservation and allied work, in the war and thrift savings, and the like. Franklin P. Hawkes conducted the school gardening. In 1918 the new high school building was completed, the enrolment at high school having increased nearly one hundred per cent. in ten years. Winthrop school was reconstructed and enlarged. School maintenance was now costing $224,179.95. Frank P. Smerdon was elected attendance officer. The Mary Hamer Library at high school, for whose beginnings the alumni association had contributed $100, numbered 2000 volumes in 1923.

Henry W. Harrub died December 11, 1919. Mr. Harrub was elected superintendent of schools June 24, 1905, and had served continuously until his resignation, September 1, 1919. Continuation schools were started in 1920, with Clinton E. Carpenter as director. C. G. Persons was elected superintendent of schools this year. In ten years the school membership had increased fourteen per cent. and the school expenditures eighty-eight per cent. Miss Amy L. White was chosen school dietitian. The second year of the continuation school, 1921, had an attendance of 893 pupils. The high school had an enrolment of 931, and there were forty teachers, including the principal.

Wendell A. Mowry was elected superintendent of schools in 1922. The total registration of the schools was 5459, school maintenance now costing $399,188.30. An appropriation of $200,000 was made for a new schoolhouse at East Taunton, and an addition to the Walker school was under way. College week was an outstanding event at the high school, under the direction of Principal Ward. Frank L. Caton was elected director of the continuation school, the total enrolment of that school being 452 pupils. Day and night schools had an enrolment of 6898 pupils.

The schools to April, 1923, had an enrolment of 5609; there were 4774 pupils in the elementary school and 845 in the high school. Americanization work was brought to a close for the year, with exercises in high school hall, certificates being given fifty-six pupils, the total Americanization enrolment having been one hundred and fifty-nine. During the year a total of 6898 pupils had received instruction at the expense of the city. The estimated budget for 1923 was $411,135.

Bristol Academy. - Bristol Academy, a scholastic institution of the past, still exists in its beneficent academic effluences through the generations. It actually had its inception with the organization known as the

Taunton School Society, composed of such men as Judge William Baylies, Brigadier-General James Williams, County Treasurer Apollos Leonard, Hon. Seth Padelford, General David Cobb, Senator Elisha May, Senator Samuel Fales, Samuel Leonard, Simeon, James and Josiah Tisdale, Jonathan Cobb and Captain James Crocker. 'These men, petitioning the General Court for an act of incorporation of the academy, obtained their desire January 30, 1792, together with a grant of land six miles square in an unclaimed part of the district of Maine, then under the jurisdiction of Massachusetts. In Taunton, a lot of land between Summer and Dean streets was purchased of Mrs. Hannah Crocker and Miss Ruth Cushman, and with the result of the disposal of the Maine lands, the academy building was erected at a cost of $5000. This was the first academy in Bristol county, and the second to be established in the Old Colony, that at Hingham being the first. Rev. Charles H. Brigham, Rev. Samuel Hopkins Emery and William FE. Fuller, Esq., have written the story of the academy in times past, in historical sketch and for anniversary address, and it is from these sources that we recall the essentials of that educational milestone in the journey of the town. Faith in God, it was set forth by the founders, was the cornerstone of the school "whose lines have gone out into all the earth" in the shaping of the careers of a number of remarkable men.

Rev. Simeon Doggett, a graduate of Brown University, whose residence here for years was the building that today is the Taunton Woman's clubhouse, was elected preceptor and Miss Sally Cady assistant. The academy, "founded for the purpose of promoting piety, morality and patriotism, and for the education of youth in such languages and such of the liberal arts and sciences as the trustees shall direct," was dedicated July 18, 1796, in the presence of a large audience of townsmen, with a discourse on "Education, its Objects and Importance,' by Principal Doggett, and the singing of an "Ode to Science," written by Deacon Jazaniah Sumner. Rev. Mr. Doggett was accounted one of the foremost scholars of Brown University, and during his stay here, from 1796 to 1813, he bore the brunt and the burden of directing the academy and teaching the increasing number of pupils. During that period he had as his mainstay Hon. Seth Padelford, LL. D., treasurer of the academy. Brigadier-General James Williams was indispensable to the progress of the school, as was also his son, Hon. John Mason Williams, LL.D. 'The English pupils in the school were taught reading, spelling, writing and arithmetic, the higher branches of mathematics, English grammar, composition, the elements of criticism, geography, outlines of history and chronology, logic and ethics. The boys were taught the art of public speaking; the girls, needlework and all branches of the fine arts. The languages were taught those preparing for college, and literary and moral lectures were delivered by the preceptor and by Rev. Perez Fobes, of Raynham, a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Luther Bailey, also a graduate of Brown University, succeeded Mr. Doggett in the academy principalship in 1813, and remained until 1816, when he entered upon the duties of the settled ministry. His successor was Otis Pierce, a man of equal mental calibre, and he was succeeded in 1818 by John Brewer, of Harvard, a teacher of ability and attainments. Then came Preceptor John Wilkins, of Harvard; after which Mr. Pierce was reappointed to the office, which he held until 1821. Throughout all this early preceptorship an influential friend of the academy, also, was Rev. John Pipon, secretary to the board of officers. John Goldsbury, a Brown University graduate, succeeded Mr. Pierce, and remained until 1823, when John Lee Watson, a Harvard graduate, became the principal, holding the office five years. Frederick Crafts, a graduate of Brown University, and later the first principal of the Taunton high school, was preceptor nine years, to 1838. John W. Bellows, of Harvard, held the office one year; Nicholas C. Clark, of Harvard, was there until 1842; Rev. John D. Sweet, of Brown, until 1844, when Preceptor Bellows returned for a year and a half. Samuel R. Townsend, of Harvard, came here in 1847, and he was succeeded by Henry B. Wheelwright, of Harvard. Of the women teachers of that early period since Miss Cady, there were Misses Godfrey, Burgess, Warner, Smith, Brewer, Dean, Williams, Tillinghast, Barry, Hale, White, Cushing, Baylies, Pennell; and among the prominent trustees were Hon. Oliver Ames, Jr., of Easton, and Hon. Samuel Crocker, who faithfully administered and increased the funds of the academy.

In the year 1852, "the old building, venerable in its associations, but most uncomfortable for purposes of instruction," was finally forsaken, and the present brick structure built, the old building being still in use as a tenement house on Washington street. The dedicatory address of the new academy building was delivered by Professor C. C. Felton, of Harvard 'University; an introductory address by Rev. Erastus Maltby, himself a Latin and Greek scholar and linguist; an historical sketch by Rev. Charles H. Brigham, a hymn by Hodges Reed, and a choral hymn under the direction of William B. Crandall. In the afternoon, Governor Marcus Morton presided at a banquet at Templar Hall, and the speakers were men of prominence throughout the State. Principal Wheelwright, on retiring from the preceptorship in 1855, opened a private school for boys at his residence at Oakland. Then Hon. John E. Sanford, of Amherst College, was the preceptor for a year and a half, until he opened his law office. Henry S. Nourse, of Harvard, was the preceptor two years; Joseph A. Hale, of Harvard, a year and a half; William E. Gordon, five years; Robert E. Babson, for one term; James L. Perry, a year; Henry Leonard, four years; William H. French, one term; Josiah C. Bartlett, 1870 to 1871, and again from 1877 to 1880; J. Russell Reed, 1871 to 1874; Arthur Driver, 1874 to 1877; Frederick T. Farnsworth, 1880 to 1888. William F. Palmer was the principal from 1888 to 1896; William A. Lackaye from 1896 to 1899; Alfred Meigs, from 1899 to 1902; Frederick T. Farnsworth from 1902 to 1908, when the school's activities closed. From that time onwards the institution has taken its place as an academy of sciences, with the free high school as a permanent factor in this city.

Taunton Teachers' Club. - For purposes of mutual instruction, improvement and diversion, the Taunton Teachers' Club was formed in 1896, and since that time their meetings have been held uninterruptedly and the Taunton public in general has been the gainer in the development of its plans whereby leaders in all modern lines of investigation in scholastic fields, and those of current events, have been heard here on the public platform. Miss Inez E. Bassett, recording secretary of the club in 1923, has compiled the following information with regard to the beginnings and prog- ress of the organization: It was through the efforts of Henry W. Harrub, then principal of the Weir Grammar School, later superintendent of Taunton schools, that the club was started, and with him were associated principals and teachers of most of the schools. The first of the records of the club have not been found, but Mr. Harrub was the first president of the club; Louis E. Philbrick the second president; and David Miller, then principal of the high school, the third president.

The club met at City Hall, December 6, 1900, a discussion on "Marking English Papers" being led by Miss Blanche Grant. December 11, Professor S. B. Cole, of Boston, gave a lecture on "The Purpose of Music in the Public Schools," illustrated by exercises and selections from a class of children brought with the speaker. January 1, 1901, Professor Joshua E. Crane, of the Public Library, spoke upon "The Public Library and Its Relation to the Public Schools." March 6, Judge Fuller gave a talk on his trip to the buried city of Pompeii. April 23, Miss Ellen Thompson gave a lecture on "Oxford's Walks and Gardens." May 8, there was a lecture by Charles A. Hathaway, of the high school, on "The Harvest of the World Garden." June 4, Rev. William S. Long, of Stamford, Connecticut, gave an address upon "Nature and the Child."

The officers for 1901-1902: President, David G. Miller; vice-president, Louis E. Philbrick; recording secretary, Miss Elizabeth R. Bliss; corresponding secretary, Miss M. Elizabeth Mackenzie; treasurer, Miss Maud J. Bray. October 1, 1901, G. I. Aldrich, of Brookline, gave an address upon "The Schools of the Twentieth Century." November 5, President Faunce, of Brown University, spoke on "The Training of the Will." December 3, Mrs. W. L. Rutan gave an address upon "Folk Lore." January 21, 1902, Rey. A. E. Winship spoke upon "Rascals or Saints." March 4, Herbert W. Lull, superintendent of schools.at Newport, gave a talk upon "For Citizenship." April 5, there was a discussion on "Development of Subjects versus Development of Pupils," by Superintendents Bates, of Fall River; Hatch, of New Bedford, and Boyden, of Taunton. May 4, 1902, Rev. Samuel V. Cole gave a lecture on "Personiality as an Educational Force."

New officers elected this year were: Recording secretary, Miss Charlotte B. Crane; corresponding secretary, F. Arthur Walker; treasurer, Miss Margaret C. Black. On October 8, an address.was given by George I. Aldrich on "English in the Elementary Schools"; November 12, by Professor Capen, of Tufts College, on "A Word for the Public Schools"; December 9, by Superintendent Willard E. Small, of Providence, on "Thinking in the School Room"; January 20, 1903, by Professor Walter B. Jacobs, of Brown University, on "Institutions that Educate"; February 24, by Professor Arthur C. Boyden, of Bridgewater Normal School, on "Nature Study"; March 31, by Dr. Silas D. Presbrey, on "Alaska and the Yellowstone"; May 8, by Henry Turner Bailey, on "Design in the School Room"; June 2, by Superintendent Russell of Brockton on "The Successful Teacher."

The club had a membership of sixty-five in 1903-4, when the new officers were: President, Louis E. Philbrick; vice-president, Miss Mary Hamer; recording secretary, Miss Louise B. Sears; corresponding secretary, Miss Edith E. Hathaway; treasurer, Miss Ora Strange. October 23, Miss Mary MacSkimmon, of Brookline, gave an address on "Ninth Grade

Work"; November 30, Charles F. Sinnott, of the Bridgewater Normal School, on "Teaching Geography in the Grades"; January 18, by Miss Ora Strange, on "Days in Sunny Italy"; February 8, by Dr. Fred W. Atkinson, superintendent of Newton schools, on "Education in the Philippines."

Superintendent Frank E. Parlin, of Quincy, spoke, May 15, on "Character in the Public School"; April 18, Professor A. C. Boyden, of Bridgewater Normal School, on "Evangeline Land"; May 16, Mr. Firbush, of the State Board of Agriculture, on "How to Attract Birds to Our Homes"; June 17, a reception to the school board, with concert, and brief remarks by Mayor Warner and others.

The officers for 1903-4 were: President, Mrs. Hattie B. Woodward; vice-president, Miss Mary Hamer; recording secretary, Miss Rosa L. Downey; corresponding secretary, Miss Mary A. Howe; treasurer, Miss Emma F, Blake. On October 4, an address was given by Miss Sarah L. Arnold on "Mothers and Schools"; November 1, by Walter Sargent on "A More Abundant Life'; November 22, Benjamin Chapin gave as an impersonation an historical study of Abraham Lincoln; December 2, S. Frederick Hopkins, art supervisor of Boston, gave a stereopticon lecture on "The Moorlands of Lorna Doone"; January 20, Rev. Philip Moxom, of Springfield, on "Every Man a Genius"; February 13 there was a Round Table at the Winslow Church; March 14, Superintendent Clarence F. Boyden gave a travel talk on "Italy"; June 9, an informal social, with entertainment by the Beethoven Quartet, and talks by teachers.

The officers for 1905-6: President, Mrs. Hattie B. Woodward; vicepresident, Miss Mary Hamer; recording secretary, Miss Elizabeth Fuyatt; corresponding secretary, Miss Inez F. Lucas; treasurer, Miss Lillian F. Maxwell; October 20, the address was by Superintendent Aldrich, of Brookline, on 'The Education of the Parent"; November 14, by Miss Mabel L. Bragg, of the Lowell Normal School, on "Story Telling"; December 8, by Louis C. Elson, of the New England Conservatory of Music, on "Scottish History and Song"; January 12, there was a Round Table discussion on "How Far Is a Teacher Responsible for the Moral Training of the Child"; January 22, F. Hopkinson Smith gave readings from his works; February 2, an address by Rev. A. E. Winship on "Educational Assets and Liabilities"; March 3, Professor George H. Palmer, of Harvard University, on "The Necessary Qualifications of a Teacher'; March 6, C. F. Boyden on "Pompeii."

The club observed its tenth anniversary, May 2, 1906; May 24, Mrs. Kate Gannett Wells spoke upon "Personality and Mannerisms." The officers for 1906-7: President, Miss Mary Hamer; vice-president, Chester R. Stacey; recording secretary, Ernest L. Hayward; corresponding secretary, Miss Bertha L. Johnson; treasurer, Miss Grace H. Trefethen. November 6, Miss Margaret Deland talked on "Gardening"; December 4, Superintendent Gregory on "Self Help"; January 18 there was a concert by the Tufts Glee and Mandolin Club.

April 18, there was a special service at St. Thomas Church, by invitation of Rev. Malcolm Taylor; April 30, lecture by Colonel T. W. Higginson on "The Southern Problem of Today"; May 17, by Superintendent Small, of Providence, on "Education Old and New"; May 24, closing entertainment, with orchestra, vocalist and reader. 'The officers for 1907-8:

President, Chester R. Stacey; vice-president, Miss Ora Strange; recording secretary, Ernest Hayward; corresponding secretary, Miss Florence J. Davis; treasurer, Miss Annie G. Howard. November 6, entertainment by the Royal Gypsy Company; December 11, address by Rev. Charles F. Dole, D. D., of Boston, on "The Public School and the Problem of Evil'; January 8, Superintendent W. H. Holmes, of Westerly, Rhode Island, on "Class Individual Instruction"; February 14, Dr. Hamilton W. Mabie on "Literature as a Personal Resource"; March 11, Round Table discussion on "Spelling"; April 24, Charles H. Morrill, of the State Normal School, Hyannis, on "Industrial Education"; May 22, Round Table discussion on "Some Reasons Why Parents Do Not More Frequently Visit Their Children's School Rooms"; June 12, social, and a farce comedy.

The officers for 1908-9: President, Chester R. Stacey; vice-president, Miss Hannah M. Turner; recording secretary, Miss Mary E. O'Connor; corresponding secretary, Miss Luella E. Leslie; treasurer, Miss Lucy B. Bliss; November 20, address by Hamlin Garland on "The Joys of the Trail'; December 17, Leon H. Vincent on "American Humor, from Artemus Ward to Mark Twain"; January 21, Dr. D. F. Fox on "Characters We All Have Met"; February 11, Professor Marshall L. Perrin on "Travelers and Travelling in Norway"; March 30, Edward Avis, bird mimic; June 11, a social, and a play by members of the club, entitled "A Box of Monkeys."

The officers for 1909-10: President, Louis E. Philbrick; vice-president, Miss Hannah Turner; recording secretary, Miss Margaret G. Cash; corresponding secretary, Miss Mary E. O'Connor; October 15, a social and reception; November 5, Mrs. Mabel Loomis Todd, "The Latest News from Mars"; December 3, Peter McQueen on "Sport, Travel and Adventure in Wildest Africa"; January 21, Dr. Charles A. Eastman on "Indian Home Life"; February 16, Melville E. Freeman on "Books That Have Influenced Our Lives"; March 16, Rev. Henry R. Rose, on "Parsifal and the Holy Grail"; April 12, Ralph Hoffman on "A Bird's Year'; June 3, social and entertainment.

The officers for 1910-11; President, Miss Mary Hamer; vice-president, Miss Charlotte Crane; recording secretary, Miss Margaret G. Cash; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Mary E. Lewis; treasurer, Miss Grace Trefethen. October 11, a social and reception; November 11, Brown University Glee Club; December 15, Henry Turner Bailey on "The Town Beautiful"; February 3, Marjorie Benton Cooke with original monologues; February 24, Snowden Ward on "Humor and Pathos of Dickens"; March 21, Edward Avis on "An Evening in Birdland"; April 21, Homer B. Hulbert on "The Passing of Korea"; May 26, a social.

The officers for 1911-12: President, P. Byron Reid; vice-president, Miss Alice Howard; recording secretary, Miss Cora Whittaker; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Mary E. Lewis; treasurer, Miss Grace Trefethen. October 11, a social; November 14, concert; January 5, picture play and reading by Albert Armstrong; February 5, dramatic readings by Mrs. Christabel W. Kidder; March 5, George W. Spencer on "Flat Wheels"; April 30, Frederick Clark on "Northern China"; May 31, readings by Speaker Joseph E. Warner and Miss Dora Lincoln.

Officers for 1912-13: President, P. Byron Reid; vice-president, Miss Alice M. Howard; recording secretary, Miss Mildred Wheeler; correspond- ing secretary, Miss Theresa Hogan; treasurer, Mr. Glasheen. October 18, Halloween party; November 8, Professor William L. Phelps, of Yale University, on "Culture and Happiness"; December 6, Miss Theodate L. Smith, of Clark University, on "The Montessori System of Education"; January 17, Mrs. Christabel Kidder, reader; March 5, Professor E. Spencer Baldwin on "Socialism and Social Reform'; April 8, play, "The Dress Rehearsal," by club members, under direction of Fred W. Howes; May 16, social, with original monologues.

The officers for 1913-14: President, George Bulfinch; vice-president, Frederic TI. Farnsworth; recording secretary, Miss Alice Dean; corresponding secretary, Miss Theresa Hogan; treasurer, Miss Florence Davis. October 17, reception and social; October 29, Dr. Wilfred T. Grenfell, "Life on the Labrador"; January 9, Howard White, entertainer; February 17, Mrs. Christabel Kidder, dramatic readings; March 11, Professor Bliss Perry, of Harvard, on "American Newspapers and Magazines"; May 22, drama by members of the club, "The Rose o' Plymouth Town"; June 10, social and entertainment provided by Brown University Glee Club.

Officers for 1914-15: President, George Bulfinch; vice-president, Frederic TIT. Farnsworth; recording secretary, Miss Alice Dean; corresponding secretary, Miss Helena Reggett; treasurer, Miss Carrie I. Davis; October 14, 1914, Mary Aubin, lecture on "The Responsibility of American Citizenship"; November 13, reception at high school hall; January 15, 1915, Marshall Darrach recited "The Merchant of Venice'; February 19, Professor Bliss Perry gave a lecture; March 16, the Fuller Sisters gave a recital; in April there were club dramatics and dance, and in May entertainment and social.

Officers for 1915-16: President, Frederic T. Farnsworth; vice-president, Fred U. Ward; recording secretary, Mrs. Allie Woodbury; corresponding secretary, Miss Helena Reggett; treasurer, Miss Carrie I. Davis; October 22, 1915, harvest party at high school; November 19, Dr. Hamilton Holt, editor of the "Independent,' gave a lecture on "The Federation of the World"; January 7, 1916, Professor C. T. Copeland, of Harvard, gave readings from Kipling; February 11, symphony orchestra concert; March 6, Richard Cabot, M. D., gave a lecture on "Law, Heroism and Miracle"; April 12, Rev. Arthur Phelps, M.D., lecture on "Going Some"; May 5, concert and dance.

Officers for 1916-17: As before, with the exception that Miss A. Belle Young was elected treasurer. October 6, Miss Mary McGill gave a "Scotch Evening"; November 10, Professor William L. Phelps, lecture on "The Novel of Today"; January 12, concert by the Gerardi Trio; February 2, Mrs. Gertrude B. Fuller, lecture on "My Brother's Keeper"; March 2, Arthur Kachel, reading, "The Music Master"; April 10, the Copley Quartet of Boston, and Miss Virginia Weills, reader.

Officers for 1917-18: As before, with Miss Edna B. Lawton as corresponding secretary, and Augusta E. Stewart, treasurer. November 2, John Kendrick Bangs, "Other Salubrities I have Met"; November 16, Professor Thomas Crosby, "The Liars"; January 11, Brown University Musical clubs; February 1, address by Mrs. Christabel W. Kidder; March 8, the Burke Trio.

H. Cochrane; recording secretary, Miss Clarice McCarten; corresponding secretary, Miss Edna B. Lawton; treasurer, Miss Addie F. Hopkins. October 7, Apollo Quartet and Miss Margaret Penick, reader; November 25, President Burns, of Oneida Institute, on "An Epic of the Kentucky Mountains"; December 12, Mark Sullivan, of "Collier's," on "Editorially Speaking"; January 10, Arthur Fisher, reading, "The Tailor-Made Man"; February 17, Rev. Warren Giles, on "The Square of a Symmetrical Life"; April, recital by Mrs. Grace Bonner Williams.

Officers for 1920-21: As before. November 4, Rabbi Stephen S. Wise, "The Pilgrim's Progress: America, 1620-1920"; December 3, Margaret Stahl, reading; January 13, concert, Julia Ritter McCormick, soprano, and Beryl Moncrieff, violinist; March 10, Woon Ying Chun, "China and Japanese Penetration"; April 4, Boston Chamber of Music Club.

Officers for 1921-22: President, Clinton E. Carpenter; vice-president, Miss Addie Hopkins; corresponding secretary, Miss Inez E. Bassett. November 2, concert by Lucy Marsh; December 2, Mrs. Corinne Roosevelt Robinson, "Reminiscences of My Brother, Theodore Roosevelt"; January 12, Denis McCarthy, readings from his poems; February 10, concert by Boston Chamber of Music Club; March 21, Elizabeth Pooler Rice, readings. During the year, Angelo Patri was a speaker, and a health week was conducted by the health committee of the club, together with other organizations of the city and state.

Officers for 1922-23: President, Paul Tyler Kepner; recording secretary, Miss Dorothea Cotton; October 23, Herbert Adams Gibson, "The Next Move in the International Game"; December 12, Phidela Rice, reading; January 13, concert, Madam Florence Ferrell, soprano, Theodore Durlesh Kaivieh, violinist; February 8, Thomas L. Masson, editor of "Life," "What Is Your Biggest Asset?".

Elementary Teachers' Association - The Taunton Elementary Teachers' Association was organized in September, 1912, with 114 charter members, to promote a closer union among the women teachers of this city, to raise the standard of excellence in the teaching profession, to advance the interests of women teachers of the city, to create in the community a deeper sense of the dignity of the profession and the importance of the interests it represents, and to strengthen the bond which unites the home and the school. These facts concerning the association were obtained through the courtesy of Miss Mary Carr, the president.

The résumé of activities during the year 1922-23 indicated the general trend of the purpose of the organization from the beginning. Heads of committees were appointed in September to carry on the special work of the association: Membership committee, Miss Ella Hoye; legislative, Miss Lizzie Pierce; hospitality, Miss Eleanor Coyle. During September and October there were cake and candy sales, clambakes and whist parties. In November, Brunelle Hunt, of Bridgewater Normal School, gave an address on "Things That Make for Progress in Classroom Work." In December the secretary of the Teachers' Council was empowered to represent the teachers in their request of the superintendent for new readers and spellers. Dr. Greene, of the Taunton State Hospital, gave a talk on mental tests. At the January meetings, matters pertaining to the tenure and pension bills were talked over. In February the first in a series of lectures was given by Rev. J. I. J. Corrigan, S. J., the topic being "Character and Character Building." In March, Father Corrigan gave an address on the topic, "The Role of the Emotions."

Miscellaneous. - There having been an unusually large number of men teachers in the various schools of Taunton, it was thought that, if organized, they might meet regularly and discuss plans that might be of benefit to them in their school work; also that at such meetings they might listen to addresses by experts on special lines of school progress. The club organization and meetings were informal, and discussion and debate formed a large portion of their interest. At the preliminary meeting of September 30, 1920, Principal Fred U. Ward, of the high school, was elected chairman, and Laurence Wilbur secretary. Those present were Charles Hathaway, F. Arthur Walker, Elwood Frazer, C. A. Donold, G. Warren Averill, William Quinn, Joseph Parker, Frederic T. Farnsworth, Walter J. Clemson, Clinton Carpenter, Earl Horton, Merle Crockett, Leslie Norwood, P. Byron Reid, L. C. Philbrick, A. H. Cochrane. The officers for 1923 were: Chairman, F. Arthur Walker; secretary, Harold Galligan.

The High School Cadets in Taunton were organized as a high school military company in 1886, in the old high school building, Colonel Alfred B. Hodges, organizer and director. The first company graduated with the class of 1887, Captain William H. Maynadier. Colonel Hodges was in charge of the military direction of the high school boys up to 1890, when Major Norris O. Danforth was appointed to the position, and with the exception of the years 1912 and 1913, when Major Danforth was chief of police in Taunton, he had supervision from that time. During 1912 and 1913, Lieutenant Edwin G. Hopkins had charge. In 1888 and 1889 the Taunton company, in competition with the Fall River and New Bedford companies, was proclaimed champion of the county. The class of 1896, in competition at New Bedford, won four out of five medals. From the time of the organization up to the year 1915 there was but one company of cadets, the following-named having been captains to that time: William H. Maynadier, 1887; Arthur R. Crandell, 1888; Allen P. Hoard, 1889; Edmund F. Cody, 1890; Elliott B. Church, 1891; George M. Lincoln, 1892; Sheldon L. Howard, 1893; Edwin G. Hopkins, 1894; Clarence G. Hathaway, 1895; Everett W. Cushman, 1896; Roy Evans, 1897; Charles E. Redfern, 1898; Charles J. Carey, 1899; Edward F. Whitmarsh, 1900; Russell Peck, 1901; Fremont W. Leonard, 1902; Herbert L. Swift, 1903; Charles A. Gibbons, Jr., 1904; Abbott H. Thayer, 1905; Erford M. Potter, 1906; Robert P. Haskins, 1907; Howard Briggs, 1908; Bion L. Pierce, 1909; Frank E. Smith, 1910; Henry H. Dunbar, 1911; William R. Anthony, 1912; Clarence W. Boyden, 1913; Harry S. Wilde, 1914.

In 1915, two companies were formed; Major, Edmund F, Flynn; Company A, Walter Raymond; Company B, Charles L. Goodrich. 1916 - Major, Charles L. Rogers; Company A, Arthur W. Rouse; Company B, Clinton S. Cole. 1917 - Major, C. Lebaron Church, with three companies: Company A, Kenneth Leonard; Company B, Emery D. Champney; Company C, Albert G. Hayes. 1918 - Major, Harold A. Dickerman; Company A, Everett Burke; Company B, Edwin E. Pierce; Company C, Morris Klein. 1919 - Major, William H. Bennett, Jr., with two companies: Company A, Captains W. Gordon Hughes and William S. Hawley; Company B, Captain Clement G. Noyes. 1920 - Major, E. Wade Bishop; Company A, Captain Allison Mitchell; Company B, Edgar R. C. Ward. 1921 - Major, Albert M. Carr; Company A, Captain William Swift; Company B,

Theodore Taylor. 1922 - Major, Edward Hubbard; Company A, Captain Bradford Young; Company B, Clinton Antine. 1923 - Major, Lloyd Mc- Adam; Company A, George A. Boardman; Company B, Walter S. Grant.

The following paper on "Americanization,' by Miss Mildred Hodgman, director of Americanization in Taunton, may fittingly close this chapter:

"Americanization - to give the term its most comprehensive meaning - is the business of acquainting everyone who inhabits American soil, with both physical and spiritual America, to the end that this acquaintance may result in a sturdy loyalty to American institutions and American ideals, and'the habit of living the life of the good American citizen. Really to Americanize America, it is necessary to reach the nativeborn and the immigrant, the adult, and the child in school; and incidentally, the task of Americanizing the newcomer will be rendered comparatively easy if we can but succeed first in Americanizing ourselves. :

"To accomplish the above end, we must all come to a new realization of what Americanism really is, - of the things that the good citizen believes in, and swears by and loves. And these things must be analyzed and interpreted in terms that touch the life of the average man. What is Democracy? What are our American ideas, ideals and aspirations, principles of government, and abiding beliefs? We must know these. And further, we must find out how to teach these, so that this teaching may find expression in right conduct. Here is a task we must face and do, if our American Democracy is to endure.

"The Americanization of the immigrant has been thought of generally as a matter of schooling alone. It is much more than this. The immigrant is being either Americanized or anarchized by every experience which he undergoes, every condition to which he is subjected. Everything that touches the immigrant's life is an instrumentality for his Americanization, or the reverse.

"The Americanism to be taught is not a static Americanism, belonging exclusively to the native-born. America and the American spirit are dynamic, ever-changing concepts. It is not solely the Americanism of the Puritan that we would teach. It is that, plus the precious contributions that have come, and are coming, and will come to us thru the spiritual heritages of the many races that seek our shores. The process of Americanization is a reciprocal one. We give - but we receive as well."

The above is quoted from a bulletin issued by the Massachusetts Department of Education, in which were set forth the principles and points of view which are essential to an intelligent handling and a sympathetic understanding of our Americanization problem. We are a land of immigrants, yet prior to the World War we took little interest in our more recent arrivals. In fact, we were hardly conscious of their existence until the war made us keenly aware that there were a number of foreign-born among us who could not speak, read, or write English. On every side we heard a babel of foreign tongues. Our big cities had their ghettos, their Little Hungaries and Little Russias, and we wondered how we could consistently talk of "one nation indivisible" when we obviously had such variegated minorities. At first we blamed the foreign-born for not speaking English and for being "different," but Massachusetts sanely went about investigating to ascertain if these more recent immigrants had ever had an adequate chance to learn our language, customs, ideals and forms of government. In some communities, civic organizations had opened classes in English; in others, evening schools were running for a term of weeks, but the work was not usually well organized because it was not recognized as a community necessity. In fact, the survey proved that little opportunity for learning English and citizenship had been available. In 1919, accordingly, Massachusetts enacted Chapter 69, Sections 9 and 10 of the General Laws, in order to establish immigrant education on, a sound. basis. This law specified that any city or town wishing to take up Americanization work would be reimbursed dollar for dollar if it complied with certain requirements.

To reach these adults in large numbers it became necessary to broaden the scope of the work and arrange for classes to be held at times convenient for the pupils. The evening school alone was not sufficient. Classes are now held in factories after hours, or during the noon hour, in foreign-speaking clubs, in homes, in church basements and school buildings - in fact, in any place convenient for the pupils, where adequate classroom facilities can be set up. As a result of this policy and the fact that the State Department stands ready to help any community that takes up this work, not only by a refund of 50 per cent. of the cost, but by expert advice in all matters pertaining to Americanization - by materials for use in classes, and most especially by teacher training courses - the State of Massachusetts shows this remarkable increase in enrollment in these classes - most remarkable indeed when you think that this attendance is purely voluntary. Surely the foreign-born have proved that they welcome these educational opportunities.

Total number of pupils belonging to all classes: 1918-19, 3,381; 1919-20, 9,030; 1920-21, 20,475; 1921-22, 22,242. The foregoing is a very brief summary of how Americanization as it is at present set up came to be, and what it has done up to date. It is of interest to Taunton because Taunton is one of thirty-eight cities which are cooperating with the State Department of Education in providing educational opportunities for adult immigrants.

Taunton has long been conscious of its immigrant problem. In 1909 three public-spirited men gave their services and spent two evenings a week at the Polish Club teaching English to its members. In 1910 the Y. M. C. A. sent a paid worker to continue this work at the Polish Club. Largely as a result of this, the Whittenton School was opened the following year and classes were conducted by the public schools. In this same year, or possibly previous to it, classes were held for non-English speaking adult immigrants in the following schools: Central Evening School, Weir Grammar School and East Taunton School. The attendance at the Whittenton School and the Weir Grammar did not warrant their continuing for long, but the Central Evening School and the East Taunton School can be justly proud of a long and creditable history. In October of 1919 the Y. M. C. A. appropriated $1,000 of the War Work Fund to be used in the developing of industrial classes and in citizenship work. This pioneer work directly preceded Taunton's adopting the Massachusetts law, Chapter 69, Sections 9 and 10, and helped convince the community of the advisability of going into this work in earnest. In 1920 Taunton appropriated $2,000 for Americanization work, and classes were held in factories, in foreign-speaking clubs, and in evening schools. This appropriation was renewed in 1921 and 1922, but without increase, and so it is impossible to point with pride to any striking development of the work during the past two years. The school department is operating this year eighteen Americanization classes with over two hundred students in attendance.

Such a bare presentation of essential facts pertaining to the organization of immigrant education in Taunton gives only the faintest idea of the effect of this work on our adult aliens. The interest displayed by them in what the community has been doing is the best assurance that Americanization, as here organized, is very much worth while. Proof of this interest is offered in the following original letters, which speak for themselves:

"I arrived in this contry nineteen months ago. I did not spek English but I went to schul and now I spek and writ English. The schul is very grat help to me.

"I am come to evening school last winter for first time. I am learn plenty things which I never know before. The evening school are good for anybody who want to know something about read and write English. I have take out my first cityzen papers year ago last October. I am try to take out the second one because I like to be American cityzen. I am very thankful for America."

"When I have 23 years, I came in this country, because my brother wrote me a letter, he told me that this was a free country, and I can make a better living. Now I can speak and write a few words, now I go to school, because I want learn more. If I know English I can do many things better, I can have good job, I can know many people and I can do my business myself. If I can do that I am satisfied."

"T take my pen first to tell you something about what I'm learning in school. In school we learn so much things and good things. Now I tell you what I learn in one year. When I went the first time to school I was ignorant about the United States

"I came to this country nine years ago to better my position. For five years I worked in a brickyard with fellows that came from Italy at the same time I came, there I never had a chance to speak a single word of English. Four years ago I went to an industrial school in the shop where I worked, there I learned to read, speak and write a little English, but that was not enof because I was eager to learn more. Three years ago an evening school started near my home; there I went and learned to make myself understood better from the English speaking people. Now I can read, speak, and write English fairly good. I am very thankful to this country for having so many free evening schools, where us foreigners have.an opportunity to better our education."

"IT came to America ten years ago, and for a few years I felt so strange and home sick that I thought I would never get used to this country. What made me feel that way was on account of having no school. About three years ago the night school opened near my house, I started going, and now I think there is no place like this country. I thank America for doing so much for us foreigners. I appreciate the schools very much. It has helped me to have a good position and to make a better home."

"T wish to become a citizen of the United States, so I have decided to attend at the public school where I can study and get free naturalization instruction. There are several more of the fellows who are attending the evening class and who also wish to become citizens of the United States. I will say that we take a big advantage of every one lesson and I feel we should be thankful to our teacher. In fact we had only several lessons but we learned a lot about the American history, United States Government, and we know already what is Democracy! I believe myself there is many citizens of the United States yet, who do not know what it means Democracy and It is why we still have sympathizer of the Bolshevism and other sort of things."

Nor have the native-born of Taunton been backward in appreciating the value of this enterprise and lending it their hearty support. The manufacturers of the city have been cooperative, and all of our factory classes of this year are the continuation of classes which were held the year before. In some cases they have a longer history than that. This year the president of the Rotary Club is giving a prize for the best record in attendance, and the Lydia Cobb Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is awarding books to "honor pupils.' The Woman's Club, the College Women's Club, the American Legion and the Women's Auxiliary, the Mothers' Club, the Women's Christian Temperance Union and the Boys' Club, have all given evidence of their willingness to codperate.

A recent bulletin issued by the State director of Americanization says: "Good leaders, good teachers, public interest, money - these factors have brought success to the work in Massachusetts wherever they have been found present. The way is clear. It rests with the people of the State to decide how far the work is to be extended. It will cost money. But the goal is a commonwealth within whose confines every one talks the English language. Those who are content to stop short of this attainment may well doubt if our American democracy is destined to endure."

The above paragraph has its application to Taunton. The work of educating the immigrant has been established. Its continuance is now largely a matter of public interest and continued financial support. Will they be forthcoming?