USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Oakham > Town annual reports of the officials of the town of Oakham, Massachusetts 1909 > Part 1
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ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Town Officials
OF
KHAM
MA
S
T
S
1775
CH
FOR THE
Financial Year Ending March 1, 1909.
BARRE, MASS. : MRS. JENNIE C. SPOONER, STEAM BOOK AND JOB PRINTER. GAZETTE OFFICE.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Town Officials
OF
MAS
S
1775
CH
FOR THE
Financial Year Ending March 1, 1909.
BARRE, MASS. : MRS. JENNIE C. SPOONER, STEAM BOOK AND JOB PRINTER. GAZETTE OFFICE.
TOWN OFFICERS FOR 1908.
TOWN CLERK :
JESSE ALLEN,
Term expires 1909
SELECTMEN :
GARDNER M. DEAN,
Term expires 1909
JOHN P. DAY, WILLIAM C. BLISS,
Term expires 1910
Term expires 1911
ASSESSORS :
WALTER A. WOODIS,
Term expires 1909
SYLVESTER H. HASKELL,
SANFORD H. BULLARD,
Term expires 1910 Term expires 1911
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR :
WM. H. PARKMAN, EDMUND CODY, JESSE ALLEN,
Term expires 1909
Term expires 1910 Term expires 1911
SCHOOL COMMITTEE :
JESSE ALLEN, J. NELSON BALL, MRS. M. L. WOODIS,
Term expires 1909
Term expires 1910 Term expires 1911
LIBRARY TRUSTEES ;
MRS. M. L. WOODIS, JESSE ALLEN, SARA E. BUTLER,
Term expires 1909 Term expires 1910 Term expires 1911
4
CEMETERY COMMITTEE :
MASON S. DEAN, JESSE ALLEN, JAMES P. FAIRBANK,
Term expires 1909 Term expires 1910 Term expires 1911
COLLECTOR :
EDMUND CODY.
TREASURER :
GEORGE S. BUTLER.
AUDITOR : WALTER M. ROBINSON.
TREE WARDEN :
CHARLES H. TROWBRIDGE.
HIGHWAY SURVEYOR : WILLIAM A. NYE.
FENCE VIEWERS :
JESSE ALLEN, S. H. HASKELL,
C. H. TROWBRIDGE.
CONSTABLES :
W. C. AYRES,
M. F. LINCOLN,
F. WINSLOW,
W. R. DEAN, F. H. PARMENTER, J. W. DWELLY.
MEASURERS OF WOOD AND BARK :
W. R. DEAN, G. S. BUTLER.
MEASURERS OF LUMBER :
.W. R. DEAN, J. LEYDEN.
5
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES : OMER D. TOTTINGHAM.
FIELD
DRIVERS.
J. W. DWELLY,
W. ANGIER, W. WOODIS.
CATTLE INSPECTOR :
SANFORD H. BULLARD.
Carlm. Wheel
UNDERTAKER :
JAMES P. FAIRBANK.
AGENT TO PROSECUTE AND DEFEND ALL SUITS FOR OR AGAINST THE TOWN. FRANK S. CONANT.
SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT :
CHARLES L. RANDALL.
FOREST FIREWARD :
CHARLES H. TROWBRIDGE.
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN.
THE selectmen submit the following financial report for the year ending March 1, 1909 :
Paid Town Officers.
TOWN CLERK.
Paid town clerk, services,
$26 40
Express and postage, 5 03
$31 43
TREASURER.
Paid treasurer, for services,
$25 00
Postage and stationery, 3 84
$28 84
COLLECTOR.
Paid collector, for services,
$75 00
Postage,
6 84
Discount on taxes,
194 72
Collector's book,
1 25
$277 81
-
7
SELECTMEN.
Paid Gardner M. Dean,
$25 00
John P. Day,
25 00
William C. Bliss,
25 00
Postage and telephone,
5 24
-
$80 24
ASSESSORS.
Paid Sanford H. Bullard,
$28 75
Walter A. Woodis,
30 00
Sylvester H. Haskell,
16 25
Stamps,
50
$75 50
Paid, weights and measures,
$11 20
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
Paid for support of paupers,
$435 15
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Paid for support of schools,
$2886 18
SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS.
Paid for highways and bridges,
$1493 91
BALLOT CLERKS AND TELLERS.
Paid Edwin C. Hunt,
$2 00
Harry B. Parker,
2 00
C. H. Trowbridge,
2 00
A. C. Morse,
4 00
T. C. Gaffney,
2 00
W. E. Streeter,
2 00
$14 00
1 8
LIBRARY TRUSTEES.
Paid for support of town library,
$62 00
AUDITOR.
Paid Walter M. Robinson,
$25 00
REGISTRARS OF VOTERS.
Paid H. B. Parker,
$4 00
G. M. Dean,
8 00
John P. Day,
8 00
Jesse Allen,
8 00
Wm. C. Bliss,
4 00
32 00
STREET LAMPS.
Paid Harlan Angier,
$21 00
Edmund Cody,
24 00
C. H. Parker & Son,
14 85
W. W. Russell,
31 50
Paul Needham,
18 00
Carl Christiansen,
2 25
Harry Green,
9 00
W. S. Crawford,
4 88
F. S. Conant,
45
- $125 93
UNDERTAKER.
Paid James P. Fairbank,
$20 00
TREE WARDEN.
Paid C. H. Trowbridge,
$10 00
BOND FOR TOWN OFFICERS.
Paid O'Brien & Russell, $25 00
9
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Paid C. H. Trowbridge,
$22 52
Henry C. Fobes,
62
James Gilboy,
35
Joseph Gilboy,
35
Wayland Angier,
1 06
Edward Cody,
6 00
H. K. Barnes, extinguishers,
299 00
Same, supplies,
38 25
Clement Ayres,
2 00
W. A. Bushnell,
2 00
$372 15
CEMETERY COMMITTEE.
Paid care of cemeteries, $131 40
STATE AID.
Paid S. Amanda Reed,
$48 00
Russell Arnold,
36 00
Julia Guilford,
48 00
H. M. Green,
36 00
Sara Vaughn,
40 00
John E. Stone,
66 00
Newton Munroe,
18 00
$292 50
STATE AND COUNTY TAX.
Paid state tax,
$605 00
County tax,
394 00
$999 00
INSPECTOR OF PROVISIONS.
Paid S. H. Bullard, $45 50
10
INSPECTOR OF CATTLE.
Paid S. H. Bullard, 1907,
$29 00
S. H. Bullard, 33 40
$62 40
STATE ROAD.
Paid selectmen,
$512 88
MEMORIAL DAY.
Paid F. S. Conant, $4 27
G. M. Dean,
2 80
Edward Cody,
3 00
W. H. Parkman,
2 50
Earl Thresher,
2 50
C. M. Wheeler,
2 50
$17 57
SOLDIERS' RELIEF.
Paid Dr. E. P. Bixby,
$4 25
MISCELLANEOUS.
Paid W. W. Russell, care of library build-
ing,
$17 50
Davis & Cook, insurance, 75 00
W. R. Dean, coal sieve, 50
Mrs. Jennie C. Spooner, printing town reports, 29 50
C. H. Parker & Son, printing, 2 47
Same, five gallons floor oil and ladder, 7 80
H. B. Parker, traveling expenses of li- brary committee, 9 93
S. I. Dean, drawing furniture for li- brary, 6 00
11
Paid H. B. Parker, express, library, $1 25
C. H. Parker, postage and telephone, library, 8 52
O. D. Tottingham, utensils for library, 5 30
G. M. Dean, law blanks, 1 00
D. H. Rice, sheriff in Needham case, 8 00
F. E. Crawford, Hurlburt case, 8 12
Arthur B. Chapin, one-fourth liquor li- cense, 325 00
J. P. Fairbanks, six cords wood, 24 00
S. I. Dean, drawing lumber, 1 00
G. M. Dean, building gutter, 1 75
John Keep, drawing cases to depot, 3 00
Deland Brothers, stationery, 20 80
G. M. Dean, freight,
25
F. Winslow, constable, 6 00
C. H. Parker & Son, telephoning ex- penses, car fare, etc., 12 19
G. W. Stone, expenses to Boston, 3 24
Deland Brothers, printing, 8 00
W. C. Ayres, printing, 5 48
G. M. Dean, express on library goods, 1 95
Same, perambulating town line, 2 00
John P. Day, perambulating town line, 2 00
S. I. Dean, drawing library lamps, 75
G. M. Dean, music, etc., dedication day, 12 15
H. S. Harwood, expenses dedication day, 1 75
J. P. Keating, one-half cost on church chimney, 6 70
G. M. Dean, travel, expense telephon- mg, etc., library, 18 28
12
Paid G. M. Dean, freight, express, etc., $1 25
M. F. Lincoln, constable, 4 00
Fred Parmenter, constable, 10 00
John Dwelly, constable, 4 00
C. M. Wheeler, 27 dinner tickets, dedi- cation day, 10 00
Banister & Davis, invitations and pro- grams for dedication day, 32 90
H. A. Crawford, dynamite, fuse, caps and express, 4 75
John Keep, drawing 10} tons of coal, 17 97
Ross Brothers, two plow points, 1 20
B. S. Trumble, repairing trunk, 5 45
Oakham Village Improvement Society, building new sidewalk, 96 52
Frank Smith & Son, insurance on schoolhouses, 14 00
Thayer & Cobb, council fees, 4 00
S. I. Dean, wood for library, 9 63
Carter Ink Co., ink, 63
W. A. Nye, one plow, 9 00
G. M. Dean, express,
35
Same, man and team for state aid agent, 2 00
Same, for three gallons oil,
39
C. H. Parker & Son, 20,500 pounds of coal, 64 46
Mrs. Jennie C. Spooner, printing valua- tion and taxes, 21 20
G. S. Butler, stamps, shovels, oil and lanterns, 11 44
C. H. Parker & Son, stamps, 16
W. C. Ayres, painting street lamps, 2 38
13
Paid Town of Barre, one-third cost of boundary stone, $3 42
W. C. Ayres, constable, 4 00
C. H. Trowbridge, repairing furnace, 25
Globe Gaslight Co., lamp and fixtures, 6 90
F. E. Davis, waste basket, six brass hooks, 1 35
Philip Baldwin, three signs for library lawn, 2 00
Fred Parmenter, dog officer, 4 62
R. F. Parker, labor on library, 15 90
Davis & Banister, printing,
3 25
G. M. Dean, express, 25
W. R. Dean, constable, 4 00
W. S. Crawford, repairing piano stool, 50
F. S. Conant, snow shovel, 35
George S. Butler, supplies for library, 3 55
O. D. Tottingham, sealer of weights and measures, 6 00
F. E. Davis, care of town clock and hall, 35 00
C. H. Parker & Son, supplies for library, 20
W. C. Ayres, janitor of library, 91 00
Same, oiling floors, gallon of acid, ex- press, etc., 5 85 ·
-$9723 56
14
List of Jurors as Revised by the Selectmen.
Alfred C. Morse, Henry Bartlett,
Frank S. Conant,
James Leyden,
Charles H. Trowbridge, Frank E. Davis, James P. Fairbanks. George S. Butler.
All of which is respectfully submitted,
GARDNER M. DEAN, JOHN P. DAY, WILLIAM C. BLISS,
Selectmen of Oakham.
Treasurer's Report.
DR.
To cash balance, $2000 7.9
M. C. Needham & Co., liquor licenses,
$1300 00
E. Cody, taxes, 1906,
198 91
Same, taxes, 1907,
574 01
Same, taxes, 1908, 3917 10
Discount on taxes, 194 72
Butchers' licenses,
2 00
George Morse, fire extinguisher,
13 00
State of Massachusetts, tuition of chil- dren, 97 00
Income of Massachusetts school fund, 979 20
Boston, appropriation for schools,
209 50
High school, tuition for special cases,
208 00
Dog fund,
147 38
State of Massachusetts, support of sick paupers, 5 48
State returns, for inspector of animals, 16 70
Trustees of Lyman and Industrial schools,
14 50
Jesse Allen, account of superintendent of schools, 187 50
Corporation tax,
11 26
National Bank tax,
38 27
State Aid,
216 00
State highway loan fund,
500 00
16
Charles Trowbridge, lumber,
$1 00
F. E. Davis, rent of hall, 46 10
Same, rent of piano, 8 75
Cemetery Committee, fertilizer,
10 00
F. S. Conant, school supplies,
2 58
Balance fine in criminal case,
1 46
Interest on deposit,
36 62
-$10,937 83
CR.
By paying selectmen's orders,
$9723 56
Cash in treasury, 1214 27
$10,937 83
CEMETERY TRUST FUNDS.
George H. Gould,
$100 00
Daniel H. Dean,
100 00
Caroline M. Maynard,
150 00
Stephen Lincoln,
50 00
Charles A. Fobes,
100 00
Martha M. Macullar,
100 00
Mrs. Samuel B. Ripley,
25 00
Fannie W. Kimball,
50 00
Mary E. Brown.
50 00
LEGACIES.
Benjamin P. Clark,
408 06
Charles A. Fobes,
100 00
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE S. BUTLER,
Treasurer.
Collector's Report.
DR.
To uncollected taxes for 1906, $179 84
Interest on taxes, 22 67
Omitted taxes,
2 00
$204 51
CR.
By treasurer's report,
$198 91
Abatement,
5 60
$204 51
DR.
To uncollected taxes for 1907,
$732 91
Interest on taxes,
23 46
$756 37
CR.
By treasurer's receipts, Abatement,
$574 01
40 00
$614 01
$142 36
2
1
18
DR.
Taxes committed for collection, 1908 :
State tax,
$605 00
County tax,
394 00
Town tax,
3870 00
Overlaying,
118 84
Omitted tax,
71 02
-
-$5058 86
CR
By treasurer's receipts, $4111 82
$947 04
Respectfully submitted,
EDMUND CODY, Collector.
REPORT OF Superintendent of Streets.
REPAIRING HIGHWAY.
Paid W. A. Nye,
$408 24
F. E. Winslow,
140 21
M. M. Butterfield,
113 00
J. C. Woodis,
122 34
L. P. Green,
102 92
W. H. Boyd,
43 06
S. F. Woodis, 102 04
F. H. Boyd,
49 00
C. H. Trowbridge,
·8 00
Robert Forrest,
6 45
J. L. Smith,
11 98
Robert Dwelly,
17 50
Peter Trumble,
6 58
F. E. Loring,
12 50
W. W. Russell,
1 49
Paul Wheeler,
1 20
B. S. Reed,
3 50
C. H. Parker & Son,
3 10
John Gilboy,
2 01
N. J. Green,
70 00
Edwin Green,
8 40
R. F. Parker,
17 20
G. S. Butler,
1 50
$1252 22
20
BUILDING AND REPAIRING BRIDGES.
Paid W. A. Nye,
$65 00
Edwin Green,
14 00
S. F. Woodis,
24 50
J. C. Woodis,
22 75
F. H. Boyd,
23 10
R. F. Parker,
12 80
H. D. Bullard,
16 36
W. R. Dean,
32 62
A. B. Spooner,
30 56
$241 69
WILLIAM A. NYE,
Street Superintendent.
REPORT OF THE OVERSEERS of the Poor.
Paid for aid furnished Job Simmons, $237 03
For aid furnished Charles Winslow, 113 04
For aid furnished Almira Woodis, 31 10
For aid furnished James O'Brien, (State pauper), 7 48
For aid furnished William Maynard, (State pauper), 1 50 Jesse Allen, overseer, 25 00
Edmund Cody, overseer, 8 00
William H. Parkman, overseer,
10 00
Postage and telephoning,
2 00
$435 15
Respectfully submitted,
JESSE ALLEN, W. H. PARKMAN, EDMUND CODY,
Overseers of the Poor.
Free Public Library.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
DR.
Balance on hand,
$10 51
Fines and cards,
4 47
Received from town,
62 00
$76 98
CR.
Paid F. E. Davis, librarian, 37 00
G. N. Briggs, exchange of books for Coldbrook, 25 00
For books and papers,
7 25
For express and postage,
4 41
Balance on hand,
3 32
$76 98
Number of catalogued volumes in the library,
1614
Added during the year,
168
Reference books,
207
Circulation,
2726
Largest number charged in one day,
62
Smallest number charged in one day,
19
Number of persons taking books, 175
Periodicals found in the reading room : Review of Re- views, Youth's Companion, McClure's, Christian Endeavor World, Garden Magazine, Christian Herald, Success, Woman's Journal, Collier's Weekly, Woman's National Daily, Worcester Telegram.
23
Contributors to the library during the year : Rev. F. N. Peloubet, Prof. H. P. Wright, Mrs. Ellen Warner, Fred S. Reed, Mrs. H P. Wright, Henry B. Wright, Miss Alice L. Wright, William A. Burt, Miss Laura Maynard, Mrs. Eva M. Tappan, Mrs. Jane Damon, Oakham Y. P. S. C. E., Conant & Parker Telephone Company, William Bullard, Henry C. Fobes, Oakham Base Ball Club, Charles L. Randall, Miss J. Etta Bullard, Mrs. Celia E. Fobes, Mrs. C. H. Trowbridge, Miss Laura G. Burt, Philip Baldwin, Miss Catherine S. Field, Mrs. M. M. Butterfield, Miss Eunice Ayres, Gardner M. Dean, Fred H. Parmenter.
Our beautiful new "Fobes Memorial Library Building" was dedicated, with interesting and appropriate exercises, on the twenty-seventh of August, ultimo. Since October first it has been opened two days each week to the public, with the very best of results.
Especial mention should be made of the large and very valuable collection of stuffed birds and animals, and Indian curiosities contributed to the Historical Collection by the late William A. Burt. His memory will long be cherished by his many friends.
SARA E. BUTLER, JESSE ALLEN, MINNIE L. WOODIS,
Library Trustees.
REPORT OF The Cemetery Committee.
Paid Ed. Green, superintendent, for general care cemeteries,
$114 35
H. A. Crawford, for paint, 2 00
M. S. Dean, for paint and grass seed, 3 05
C. A. Gleason, for manure,
7 50
S. H. Bullard, for drawing same, 4 50
CR.
$131 40
Received for fertilizing individual lots, $10 00
Total expense,
$121 40
All the cemeteries have been well cared for; marked improvements have been made in the West and South ceme- teries. Twenty-four lots have been lawn-mown and fertilized, the expense having been borne by the income from funds and individual owners.
LOTS NOW PROVIDED WITH PERPETUAL CARE. West cemetery. Maynard, Gould, Fobes, S. Lincoln, Ripley and Kimball lots.
South cemetery. Edmand Dean, Cheney Reed and Sumner Reed lots.
South West cemetery. Andrew Spooner lot.
Respectfully submitted,
JESSE ALLEN, MASON S. DEAN, J. P. FAIRBANK,
Cemetery Committee.
REPORT OF The School Committee.
APPROPRIATIONS AND OTHER RESOURCES.
School fund,
$979 20
Support of schools,
1200 00
School superintendent,
60 00
Medical inspector,
20 00
State return for school superintendent,
187 50
Education of state children,
97 00
Education of Boston children,
209 50
Education of Lyman school children,
14 50
High school tuition refunded,
208 00
Sale of school supplies,
2 58
$2978 28
School Expenses. SALARIES.
Paid Superintendent H. J. Jones,
$100 00
Superintendent C. L. Randall,
131 25
Miss F. E. Bothwell,
342 00
Miss Ethel Braman,
340 00
Miss Julia E. Connelly,
1.00 00
Miss Celia E. MacMahon,
209 00
Miss Ruth E. Butterfield,
320 00
Mrs. Effie T. Swindell,
320 00
Mrs. George Edson,
22 00
Mrs. Ruth Dwelly, musical instructor,
96 00
$1980 25
26
TRANSPORTATION.
Paid Mrs. George Edson,
$39 20
Miss Alice Manning, drawing teacher,
14 56
$53 67
MEDICAL INSPECTION.
Paid Dr. J. E. Pickering,
$37 50
SUPPLIES.
Paid for supplies,
$247 78
FUEL.
Paid William Gaffney,
$19 25
E. Cody,
15 00
J. Keep,
19 75
W. R. Dean,
18 75
Miss Fairbank,
20 00
Carl Wheeler,
21 00
O. D. Tottingham,
20 00
Paid town of Barre,
$200 00
REPAIRS.
$56 69
CARE OF HOUSES.
Paid Francis Gaffney,
$12 50
Morton Butterfield,
5 00
Harlan Angier,
10 55
Henry Clifford,
18 85
Carl Christiansen,
8 65
May Robinson,
3 00
Sadie Shea,
7 00
Charles Foster,
6 40
$71 95
TUITION.
$133 75
Paid for repairs.
27
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Paid Jesse Allen, services,
$59 50
M. L. Woodis, services, 21 00
J. N. Ball. services,
16 00
Heirs of H. W. Lincoln,
8 00
$104 50
After eight years of faithful service, our superintendent, Mr. Herbert J. Jones, resigned his position in April. ult., going to a district in the eastern part of the state. Our com- munity was greatly saddened to learn recently of his sudden death. He was beloved and respected by a large circle of acquaintances. His successor, Mr. C. L. Randall, is proving himself both enthusiastic and diligent in his new position.
Respectfully submitted,
MINNIE L. WOODIS, JESSE ALLEN, J. NELSON BALL, School Committee.
AUDITOR'S REPORT.
This is to certify that I have examined and approved the bills and vouchers of the selectmen, overseers of the poor, school committee, road commissioner, library trustees, cemne- tery committee, tree and fire warden, and find them to be correct. I have also examined the accounts of the treasurer and collector and find them to be correct.
W. M. ROBINSON, Auditor.
28
ROLL OF HONOR.
The pupils named below were neither absent nor tardy for the number of terms specified :
CENTER SCHOOLS. One term: Helena Rutherford, May Robinson, John Robinson, Hazel Robinson, Pauline Lee, Hazel Grimes, John O'Donnell, Daniel O'Donnell, Leone Boyd, Charlotte Keep, George McDermott, Annie Christian- sen, James Garland, Ella Ferrin, George Grimes, Julia Lee, Alfred Morse, Mary Warren, Fred Thomas, Grace Thomas, Violet Guilford, Walter Heneck, Charles Keep, Gladys Stone, Edward O'Donnell.
Two terms : Nellie Hale, Evelyn Clifford, Allie Swindell, Charles Christian, Orton Butler, Lavander Clifford, Ruth Morse, William Morse, Arthur Rymill, Rose Rymill.
· Three terms: Orris Banks, Raymond Thresher, Blanche Yeo, Ida Yeo, George Dean.
COLDBROOK SCHOOL. One term: Marion Winslow, Lester Howe, EmRoy Howe, Henry Blake, Walter Howe, Eunice Harvey, Beatrice Monroe, LeRoy Monroe, Albert Meuchin, John Marshall, Arthur Matteson, Charles Matteson, Earle Matteson, John Matteson, Mary Matteson.
Tico terms: Ralph Cody, Oscar Halvorsen, Earle Lawless, Susie Winslow, Earle Parker.
Three terms : Doris Bruce, Evelyn Cody, Irah Cody.
SOUTH SCHOOL. One term: Jennie Bullard, Bernard Dean, Hazel Robinson, Lucy Wright, Lila Parkman, Helena Rutherford, Marion Rutherford, Grace Shea, Minnie Shea, Nellie Shea.
Tuo terms : Ruby Bullard, Douglas Rutherford, Minnie Rutherford, Sadie Shea.
WEST SCHOOL One term : Edward Gaffney, May Scott.
Two terms: Annie Gaffney, William Gaffney, Francis Gaffney.
REPORT OF THE Superintendent of Schools.
-
To the School Committee of Oakham :
IN this, my first annual report, I will endeavor to give you definite information concerning the present condition of your schools, and recommendations for their future improvement.
Subjoined to this report may be found the reports of the supervisor of music and of the supervisor of drawing.
SCHOOL STATISTICS.
Schools.
Teachers.
Educated at.
Total enrollment.
Average member-
Average attendance
Per cent. of atten-
Rank in attendance
No. of pupils 7 to 14. .
No. of visits since
Center
Florence E. Botlıwell
North Brook- field High*
30
27.7
26.3
95.2
4 23
132
Center
Ethel M.
Northfield Seminary*
26
22.9
20.2
96.6
2
20
127
Coldbrook
Ruth E. Butterfield
Worcester Normal
24
30.9
20.2
96.7
1
17
Soutlı
Effie T.
Barre
High
18
14.3
13.4
93.7
5
15
50
West
Celia
Framingham
McMahon
Normal*
17
15 .
14.56
95.32
3
14
71
*Indicates graduate.
Sept. 1.
ship.
dance.
in town.
Grammar
Primary
Braman
Swindell
30
TEACHERS.
Changes in the taching force have been necessary in but ·one school.
I found in the town faithful, conscientious and efficient teachers; teachers who have done superior work in the past, I trust their efforts during the present year have been even more effective than formerly.
In the one change which it was found necessary to make, we have been fortunate in securing a teacher who has done most satisfactory work in the actual teaching of her subjects, and whose uplifting influence upon her pupils has been of untold value. These efficient teachers should be retained ; to do so will add to the effectiveness of the schools.
The salary question is important. Salaries are being constantly increased in other places ; the salaries in Oakham should be correspondingly raised or the quality of our teach- ing force will be relatively poorer than it was five years ago. Or, in the case of teachers who are remaining with us for a considerable length of service, they will be receiving rela- tively less now than they received five years ago. That is, the purchasing power of $10 per week, is less than it was five years ago.
Our best paid teachers would be hardly able to support themselves had they no homes for the long vacations. One remedy for this is to raise the pay of teachers in the most important schools ; another is to increase the length of the school year. I favor the latter and recommend lengthening the school year, at least for the grammar school, two weeks, making thirty-four weeks per year for this school.
TEXT BOOKS.
I found the text books in a dilapidated condition, requiring immediate attention.
Changes have been made in arithmetic, geographies and
31
readers. I recommend a change in language books during the coming year. These changes have been expensive, but your books, with the exception of the language books, are in good condition, and the cost of keeping them so will not be excessive.
READING.
I have chosen reading as an important type of the "common" studies. The Aldine method of reading has been introduced in the primary grades this year. I believe that I am justified in reporting marked progress in the reading of these grades.
I do not wish publicly to advocate the Aldine system in preference to the Ward, the Gordon, or any other ; but I do wish to advocate some system in preference to no system. In primary work I firmly believe in using a system of reading, and in using it to get out of it all there is in it.
New reading material has been secured for the pupils of the upper grades also ; and I feel that I may claim for these grades, improvement.
In arithmetic, language, geography, history, the so-called essential studies, I believe that advance has been made.
DRAWING.
By the advice and through the assistance of Mr. Frederic L. Burnham, Agent of the State Board of Education, Miss Alice E. Manning has served since November 17, 1908, as supervisor of drawing in our schools.
Being without experience in the actual work of supervision, Miss Manning has thus far given her services; the only expense to the town has been that of transportation.
While I admit that the making of pretty pictures is only an accomplishment, I claim that the power to express one's observations on paper, to conceive and execute original designs, to make working drawings, to draw a table, chair, or
32
bureau which one may wish to have constructed, to obtain skill of the hand to execute the conception of the mind, is a practical education. I trust that we may continue to have an expert to give instruction in drawing in our public schools.
MUSIC.
The old-time singing school is a thing of the past. It often accomplished its mission well; but, though some may wish it back, it has gone forever. If our children do not learn the elements of music in the public schools, where shall they learn them? Our schools must educate, not for school, but for life.
I am pleased to find that you have appreciated the importance of this subject and that you are employing a specialist to teach music in the schools. I am pleased with the work of the supervisor and with the progress of the pupils.
TEACHERS' MEETINGS.
Teachers' meetings have been held in Oakham on September 9, October 28 and December 17. These meetings have been conducted by the superintendent and participated in by the teachers.
. On January 25, 1909, the State Board of Education held an institute at Holden for the teachers of this district. It was practical and of great help to our teachers. Addresses were made by Agents Warren, Macdonald, Prince and Burnham, and by others.
In closing this report I wish to express my appreciation for the support and co-operation of my colleagues. I also wish to thank the committee for the courteous treatment and generous support accorded me.
Respectfully submitted,.
CHARLES L. RANDALL,
Superintendent of Schools.
33
Report of the Supervisor of Music.
To Charles L. Randall, Superintendent of Schools :
DEAR SIR : - Your supervisor has visited each school once a week during the term. Work was planned for the regular teacher to do between her lessons.
We are able to report advancement, especially in reading, time and pitch. It has been proven that ninety-five per cent. of the children can learn to sing, and that all can learn to read. Considerable attention has been given to written work, as it fixes the principles in the mind of the child. An exami- nation has been given twice each term, which has proven satisfactory.
The Fourth Reader of the New Educational series is now used in all the schools, with one exception. Three part work has been introduced successfully in the Center Grammar and Coldbrook schools. Some of the best music published is being used. Great interest is shown by both children and parents.
I desire to express my sincere thanks to the superintendent and teachers for their hearty co-operation with me in the work.
Respectfully submitted,
RUTH B. DWELLEY,
Supervisor of Music.
Oakham, Mass., Feb. 22, 1909.
34
Report of the Supervisor of Drawing.
Mr. C. L. Randall, Superintendent of Schools :
MY DEAR SIR :- On November 17, 1908, I began work as supervisor of drawing in grades one to eight, inclusive, of the Holden public schools. Shortly afterward, I was given charge of the drawing in all the schools of Paxton and of Oakham.
I found the work unorganized, and of such uneven quality that children of the same grades in different schools were wholly unable to deal with the same problems-a condition as deplorable as if the subject were history or arithmetic.
My work, therefore, has been that of organization. So far as possible, in the twelve weeks spent in these towns, I have brought the drawing up to a single good standard, so that henceforth we may all work together with that one definite aim which is so necessary for good results of any kind.
The time alotted for drawing in each school is one hour a week. This is divided into two thirty-minute lessons, one taught by me, the other, according to my direction, by the grade teacher. In this short time it is manifestly impossible to deal with each grade separately, especially in schools con- taining eight or nine grades. Therefore, it has seemed best to classify the work as Primary, Intermediate and Grammar. and to plan lessons that shall be of equal educational value to all the children in each division. In this task, I have the hearty co-operation of Mr. Frederic L. Burnham, State Agent for the Promotion of Manual Arts in Massachusetts. Together we are working out a course of study by which we intend to . give the children of these towns a very definite and thorough training in drawing.
35
I wish to express my gratitude to the teachers who have welcomed and assisted me so cordially, and to the children whose enthusiasm and persistent effort have made my work with them delightful.
Respectfully submitted,
ALICE E. MANNING,
Supervisor of Drawing for Holden, Paxton and Oakham. Holden, Massachusetts, Feb. 20, 1909.
36
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT OF BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS For the Year 1908.
BIRTHS.
DATE. CHILD'S NAME. PARENT'S NAME. January 14, daughter, Dorothy Preston, to John P. and Minnie M. Day.
March 7, daughter, Arline Vivian, to Richard and Grace A. Prevost.
March 12, daughter, Margaret Catherine, to Anthony and Margaret Peezze.
April 30, son, Wilbur Walzs, to William H. and Susan Park- man.
May 4, son, John Raymond, to James and Mary Leyden.
September 14, son, Franklin Theodore, to George A. and Maud Briggs.
October 10, daughter, Blanche M., to Robert E. and Blanche Forrest.
MARRIAGES.
September 26, George A. Graton,
Mrs. Margaret O. Sullivan.
October 13, Philip S. Malcolm, Alice B. Allen.
October 20, Clarence H. Prentice, Frances F. Needham.
November 29, J. Everett Pickering, M. D., Mildred F. Bliss. December 8, Clayton C. Adams, Eva A. Stone.
37
DEATHS.
Y.
M. D.
January 15, George F. Vaughan,
70
2
20
January 30, William S. Spear,
84
7
February 2, Sumner Reed,
78
9 19
March 4, Dea. Horace W. Lincoln,
69
11 26
May 5, Stephen Heneck,
11
May 5, James O'Brien,
63
July 30, - McDougall,
0
0
0
August 2, Mrs. Martha E. McDougall,
29
11
5
September 4, William A. Burt,
63
9
3
October 10, Mrs. Mary Moran,
70
October 11, Mrs. Blanche F. Forrest,
26
4 26
December 26, Mrs. Elizabeth Sloan,
73
6
19
December 31, Denny W. Needham.
30
9
8
BURIED IN TOWN.
February 19, Mrs. Jennie E. Elliott,
74
4 6
July 1, Mrs. Alice Nicoll,
46
10
6
October 28, Walter Parker,
41
4 23
November 25, Miss Ida Colton,
74
Population, 519.
Number of voters, male, 133; female, 10.
Number of dogs licensed, 77; male, 68 ; female, 9.
Number of hunter's licenses issued, 9.
JESSE ALLEN,
Town Clerk .
TOWN WARRANT.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. WORCESTER, SS.
To Walter R. Dean, or either of the constables of the town of Oakham, in the County of Worcester,
GREETING :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are required to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Oakham, qualified to vote in elections and in town affairs, to · meet at the town hall, known as "Memorial-Hall," on Monday, the fifth day of April next, at nine o'clock in the forenoon, then and there to act on the following articles :
Article 1st. To choose a Moderator, to preside at all town meetings, except for election of State officers, during the coming year.
Article 2d. To hear the annual report of the several town officers and act thereon.
Article 3d. To choose a Town Clerk, one Selectman, one Assessor, one Overseer of the Poor, one School Committee, one Library Trustee, one Cemetery Committee, for three years, Collector of Taxes, Treasurer, Auditor, Tree Warden, High- way Surveyor, three Fence Viewers and six Constables, for one year. Also to choose one Assessor for two years to fill vacancy caused by the resignation of S. H. Bullard. Also to vote "Yes" or "No" in answer to the question, "Shall license be granted for the sale of intoxicating liquors in this town?" all on one ballot. The polls to be opened at ten o'clock in the forenoon and may be closed at two o'clock in the afternoon.
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Article 4th. To choose all necessary town officers and committees for the ensuing year not required to be elected by ballot.
Article 5th. To see what compensation the town will allow their Treasurer and Collector.
Article 6th. To see what sum of money the town will raise and appropriate for the relief of poor and needy soldiers, as required under Chapter 79, Section 18, Revised Laws.
Article 7th. To see if the town will raise and appropriate money for bonding their officials.
Article 8th. To see what compensation the town will allow for men and teams in repairing highways and opening roads for the ensuing year.
Article 9th. To raise such sums of money as may be nec- essary to defray town charges for the ensuing year, and make appropriations for the same.
Article 10th. To see if the town will authorize the treas- urer, with approval of the selectmen, to borrow such sums of money in anticipation of taxes as may be necessary for the ensuing year.
Article 11th. To determine the manner of collecting taxes the ensuing year.
Article 12th. To see if the town will employ some person or persons to care for the Town Hall, Town Clock and Library Building for the ensuing year, or pass any vote relative thereto.
Article 13th. To determine the manner of supporting paupers the year ensuing.
Article 14th. To see if the town will provide for lighting the street lamps the ensuing year, or pass any vote relative thereto.
Article 15th. To see if the town will vote to have their valuation by the Assessors printed the ensuing year.
Article 16th. To see if the town will raise and appropriate a sum of money for the proper observance of "Memorial Day."
40
Article 17th. To see if the town will appoint some person or persons as agents to prosecute and defend all suits that may be brought for or against the town for the ensuing year.
Article 18th. To see if the town will take any action towards purchasing any chemical fire extinguishers, or fire wagon, or pass any vote relative thereto.
Article 19th. To see if the town will raise and appropriate any money to further grade around the "Fobes Memorial library building," or pass any vote relative thereto.
Article 20th. To see if the town will raise and appro- priate any money to purchase a new road scraper.
Article 21st. To see if the town will accept of the provis- ions of Chapter 209 of the Acts of 1908, entitled, "An act to provide for the protection of forest or sprout lands from fire."
Article 22d. To see if the town will vote to change the location, so as to straighten the road, at a point adjoining land of Gardner Dean, and make appropriation for the same.
Article 23d. To see if the town will vote to have the north side of "Memorial Hall" shingled.
And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting up three attested copies thereof, one at each of the Post Offices. and one at the Congregational meeting house, in said town, seven days, at least, before the time of holding said meeting.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this warrant, with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk, at the time and place of meeting as aforesaid.
Given under our hands this sixteenth day of March, in this year one thousand nine hundred and nine.
GARDNER M. DEAN, ) Selectmen JOHN P. DAY, of WILLIAM C. BLISS, ) Oakham.
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