Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1874-04-24

changed 10 rain and all towards evening,
continued with more or less vlgor, and
with frequent flashes Of lightning, until
about 10 o'clock, greatly assisting in the
subjugation Of the flames and the protection
of noghborlng buildings. The tire depart
ment rendered good service considering
the disadvantages OF the situation, and Mr..
Rowell and wife desire through MS TO ex-
press TO both fremen and neighbors their
deep sense of obligation for services ana
kindnesses rendered in this their time OF
calamity. The flames were extinguished
before the main portion of the house was
consumed, bot what remains is a mere
wreck. All tho walls wero more or less
shattered by tue thunderbolt, and fire and
water fought with their usual havoc. The
furniture, on which there was no insur-
ance, was, of course, considerably injured
by removal The buildings, which were
put up only last year, were insured for
$1,000 in the Phoenix company of Hartford.
the thunderbolt which destroyed Mr..
RowclPs house and barn was plainly felt
at some Of the neighboriDg houses, and in
enc Of them, dista Mt several rods an earth
Ell teapot, standing on the wash sink, was
punctured in two places, as though small
"streak" oflightning had passed through it,
though no other trace of the bolt could be
found.
SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT REPORT.
The .nual report of the School Su-
perintendent Of Brutteboro-J. NJ. Tyler
for the.year ending March !, 1874, has just
been issued. From this report we learn
that of The llG7 persons in town between
five and twenty years OF age, s27 have at
| tended public school, and of these 600 have
been in the village. The cost OF the schools
has amounted to Sl2, $50. 80, of which s., 1872
"A was for teachers board and salaries, and
the balance for incidentals. The Superin-
tendent says:
1.-THE High School has retained the SER
vices OF Mr.. Bingham, who, instead of
aUating his interest as he advances in the
service, has devoted himself to his school
with greater enthusiasm than ever before.
Instead of adhering TO old modes of leach
| ing, he gives his school the benefit of ev-
cry improvement and every new thought
| pertaining TO the work. The proficiency
manifested by the classes at the end of the
year, was evidence of the excellent work
that he and bis able assistants had done for
| them.
ain the Grammar school, the principal
| and her assistants have worked earnestly,
| having for their aim the perfection Of dis
| cipline and system, and the highest attain
ment in scholarship. The strict enforce
| menl of the rules OF the schools has some
times caused little dissatisfaction, but the
numerous visitors VINO were present dur
! ing examination week, must have seen II
was this that had brought the school to
! lis present high rank, aud enabled it to d.
so good work as WAS then exhibited.
"ln the primaries, the same teachers have
been employed for several years. Misses
| Thomas, Knight and Wheeler have been as
faithful aud diigont as ever, and Miss
| Bullock is entitled to much credit for the
good order she has maintained in her
school during the last two years. Miss
Hammond aud Mis- Belle Thomas, at the
which they have held for the last three
| years.
AT Centreville, Miss Burke has present.
| ed an excellent school, and showed an
ability, both TO govern and instruct, that is
| seldom surpassed.
~ cannot discuss The merits Of all the
schools which have been varied in degree,
| but those taught by Miss Stevens, Miss
| Butteriicld and Mr.. Cutting, have been
among the best.
"Several Of the districts have had three
terms Of school, and made no change in
! teachers during the year, which is mark
ed improvement. The registers show that
parents in all the districts are visiting the
schools much more than formerly, which
is a fact indicative of interest, and promises
much good. The schools in the back dis
| tricts have suffered for want OF careful SUI
pervison and inspection. What has brought
the village schools TO their conceded state
| Of excellence, il the fact that the commit
tee have sought 10 employ and permanent
~ retain good teachers, and teachers and
sch olars have been made TO understand
that their faults would be corrected, as well
as their virtues commended. The public
schools in Massachusetts excel those in
this State, for the reason that in each town
they are placed under one committee, whose
business il is to supervise and take care OF
them, and it is worthy of consideration by
the citizens of this town whether the town
Svslem shonld not be adopir1 hrrc