A history of public education in Rhode Island, from 1636 to 1876 ... Comp. by authority of the Board of education, and ed. by Thomas B. Stockwell ...

HARRIS DISTRICT. 337
number pupils, 12; average 8, showing a decrease in numbers. 1863.Total number pupils, 17; average, 14. In 1864, total number pupils,
20; average, 17. The school report for this year, after mentioning
teachers' names, says: " We know of no cause of complaint, but from
the remote situation of the district and a failure on part of the Trustee to
notify us of the times of closing the school, it was not visited as many
times as the law requires, —the Trustee having the frankness and honesty
to tell the Committee that both school and teacher could get along about
as well without them as otherwise," which is pretty good for a district
which, in 1852. asked the Town Committee to help them. In 1867,
school-house condemned, small number in attendance. 1868.-Measures
were taken to repair the school-house; average attendance, 9. 1869.No school during the Spring or Summer terms. Attendance of Winter
school: total, 12; average, 7. Taught by Miss Mary Lewis, (colored),
to whose "careful and thorough training" the committee call particular attention. In 1872 the school enjoyed eight and one-half months of
schooling under an experienced teacher. Total number pupils for Summer term, 12; average, 8: for Winter term, total, 9; average, 8. 1875.
-For Summer and Fall terms, total, 6 boys; average 4. Winter term,
7 boys; average, 5.
DISTRICT NO. ]5.
This district is called " Harris District," probably for the reason that
there were several families of that name residing within its limits. It is
situated about one and one-half miles from Harrisville. Its extent, two
and one-half miles by one and one-half. The inhabitants formerly held
their schools in private dwellings. The present house is their first
school-house; its dimensions being 16 X 16 and 8 feet high. It was
built in 1840 at an expense of $134. The land donated for this building
was only so much as the house might cover; the builders did not seem
to be governed by the idea, more house, more land. The district has no
out-building, no play ground on its own lands Two windows, which may
be lowered at the top, furnish ventilation. In 1847 Job Steere, Esq.,
taught four months, having 27 pupils. In 1857, the total number of
pupils was 19, average 13. The school report for this year speaks
highly of the teachers and says: " Though small, the school is one of the
best in town. We always find a good average for the number registered.
This fact shows an active interest on part of parents, an interest which
renders the school pleasant and easy for the teachers, and profitable for
scholars. In 1858 we learn from the report that the parents are interested and "not unreasonably fault-finding." In 1862 "gratifying suc22