Charlestown schools after 1825 (Continued.)
By Frank M. Hawes
1839-1840.
The teachers of the summer schools outside the Neck were: Miss Mary E. Brown, of the Winter Hill; Elizabeth P. Whittredge, of Prospect Hill; Miss Mary Dodge, of Milk Row; Miss Clara D. Whittemore, of the Russell; and Miss Hannah S. Austin, of the Gardner. These schools were assigned to the care of Messrs. Allen and Underwood, of the trustees. The report of Charles Adams and others, reported at the last town meeting, was referred to Messrs. Forster, Underwood, and Sanborn, who are to ascertain the number of children at Winter Hill. This committee reported in favor of a school on the top of this hill, ‘on certain conditions,’ and a few days later it was voted to open this school Monday, June 10, for six months. Miss Caroline M. Sylvester was secured as teacher. The two schools in this district were designated henceforth as the Lower and the Upper Winter Hill schools.Estimates were received from various persons on the cost of altering the school buildings in Winter Hill, Prospect Hill, and Milk Row districts, according to the last annual report. The contract was awarded to James Twombly, as the lowest bidder, for $690.45. At the end of the year we find his bill of $788.37 approved by the auditing committee. The report says: ‘The former schoolroom at Prospect Hill has been fitted up in such a manner as to make it one of the most desirable in town, having seats with backs, and raised as they recede from the desk of the master; and an addition has been made for the accommodation of the primary school.’ ‘The cumbrous desks have been removed from the Milk Row and Winter Hill schoolhouses, and these have been fitted up for the better accommodation of the primaries.’ August 12, voted to let the teachers dismiss their
