In 1840, there were two primary schools in Ferry village, one occupying the site of the Pioneer newspaper office, the other near the corner of Shawmut Street and Central Avenue. The question of starting a high school was agitated in 1840, but no action was taken until 1845. In 1850, a high school building was erected on Second and Walnut Streets. In January, 1873, the present high school building, on Bellingham Street, was dedicated with appropriate exercises, Tracy P. Cheever delivering the address. The tithingmen were the ancient conservators of the peace, and were chosen annually as late as 1834; after that date their duties devolved upon the constables. In 1847, a night-watch was first deemed necessary. In 1854, the first steps were taken toward organizing a police force. During the year occurred the memorable Know-Nothing riot, which resulted in the pulling down of a cross. The first city government established a police department, and appointed a city marshal and six assistants. As at present organized, there is a chief-of-police, two deputies, and fifteen patrol-men, whose duties are to keep watch over the city day and night, keep the peace, and protect property, and observe and report any defects in the public way which could by any chance result in injury to either man or beast. In 1842, at the annual town-meeting the selectmen were authorized to erect twelve street-lamps. Their number has been increased from time to time until there are now over five hundred and fifty lamps, besides two large lanterns: one on the Square, the other in front of the Academy of Music. [Illustration: MAGEE FURNACE COMPANY'S FOUNDRY.] [Illustration: HIGH SCHOOL. ERECTED IN 1872. F.A. HILL, PRINCIPAL.] [Illustration: FIRING THE KILN. (Low's Art Tile Works.)] A board of health was first elected in 1846. From 1850, to the organization of the city government, the selectmen acted as the board. From 1857 to 1878 the duties of the board were in the hands of the mayor and board of aldermen. Since 1878, a board has been annually elected. Their supervision and oversight have been of great advantage to the city. In 1863, the Chelsea Library Association presented the city with about one thousand volumes, which became the nucleus of the Public Library. Eight thousand books have already been collected; they are soon to be gathered within an appropriate and spacious building generously donated to the city. There is much of romance in the history of such an ancient settlement as Winnisimmet and Rumney Marsh, although most of the incidents worthy of note have long since passed into oblivion. The Indian wars never affected directly the early settlers, for before hostilities commenced the frontier had been advanced some miles into the interior; but the brave sons of the pioneers were called upon for the defence of more exposed localities, and promptly responded.