USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Melrose > City of Melrose annual report 1908 > Part 7
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3. In addition to those who had regular teaching, I know that there were many other pupils who would have been glad to do summer work to remove deficiencies, but were prevented by the cost for private instruction.
In view of the foregoing facts, and because, as I have suggested, I believe that a child who must spend the greater part of the long summer vacation amid city conditions is much better off, physically, mentally, and morally, to have the opportunity to participate for a portion of the time in organized educative work than he is to be left largely to the unsupervised activities and influences of the street, I am led to recommend that the Committee again consider the desira- bility and the possibility of establishing a vacation school as part of the public school system of the City.
Enlargement of the High School Building.
The question of the enlargement of the high school building for the purpose of providing additional school ac- commodations, which has been under consideration at diff- erent times during the past four years, has at last, I trust, been settled. By a decisive referendum vote at the City elec- tion of 1907 the appropriation of $75,000 for the proposed enlargement was approved and as the result of a second re- ferendum vote in December, 1908, the appropriation of $3,000 additional for that purpose was also approved.
Contracts for the enlargement have been placed and it
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CITY OF MELROSE.
is expected that the additions will be ready for occupancy by January, 1910.
Music, Drawing, and Manual Training.
For the character of the work done in the special lines of music, drawing, and manual training, I refer you to the following reports of the supervisors of these subjects.
Report of Supervisor of Music.
Mr. F. H. Nickerson, Supt. of Schools.
Dear Sir:
In accordance with your request I submit the following report regarding the work in music for the year 1908-1909.
There has been no change in the general plan of music in our schools during the past year.
A remarkable degree of interest is manifested throughout the grades and many gratifying results have been obtained.
The upper grammar grades, in addition to the regular text-books, are greatly enjoying supplementary three and four-part song books.
The High School chorus, although somewhat smaller than last year, is doing good work, The High School orchestra is larger than ever and both boys' and girls' Glee Clubs meet weekly and are doing satisfactory work as in previous years.
The Supervisor would take this opportunity to thank the Superintendent and Committee for their kindness and to ex- press to teachers and pupils his appreciation of the helpfulness and kindly spirit in which he is always received in all class rooms.
Respectfully submitted,
Edward N. Griffin, Supervisor
Report of Acting Supervisor of Drawing.
Mr. F. H. Nickerson, Superintendent of Schools.
Dear Sir :-
In response to your request I wish to submit the following report on the drawing for the year 1908-1909.
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SCHOOL REPORT
The general line of work undertaken has been as follows :- Nature Drawing, Color, Constructive Drawing, Pictorial Drawing, and Design.
In Nature Drawing our aim is to train the powers of ob- servation and to develop in each child a knowledge of the elements of beauty and facility in drawing.
In the first three grades the aim is to lead the pupils to observe and express the most obvious facts of growth. We have used for our subjects the simple spring flowers, and in the fall the sedges, seed packs, and vegetables. They were drawn with colored crayons.
In grades 4, 5 and 6 we have studied the early spring flowers, and in the fall the single leaf, sprays of leaves and seed packs, showing proportion and foreshortening of parts.
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In the higher grades the structure and texture of the specimens have been studied. Spring and fall flowers, and fruits were used as subjects. The pencil and brush were used as mediums of expression from grade 4 to grade 9 inclusive.
In the study of color our aim is to have pupils know when colors are in tune, and to use them harmoniously.
In grades 1, 2, and 3 the spectrum always interests the children, and they have been led to see the six primary colors in their order. Collections of specimens similar to the spectrum colors have been made. The gradation of colors, light and dark, and their names, tints and shades have been taught.
In grades 4, 5, and 6 color scales in five and seven tones, and also their hues have been made. Application of the above knowledge has been made to tiles.
In grades 7, 8, and 9 the work of the previous grades has been reviewed and scales in complimentaries and harmonies have been made, and applied to rugs.
In pictorial drawing our aim is to lead each child to a knowledge of the thing to be drawn and to develop the power to judge correct relation of positions and proportion.
In grades 1, 2, and 3 common objects are drawn from object and from memory. Rhymes and sports appropriate to the season are illustrated. Freehand paper cutting of the same has been made.
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In grades 4, 5 and 6, proportions, grouping, the effects of distance, of foreshortening and of change in level, of objects based on the sphere and hemisphere have been studied. Common objects similiar to the tumbler or bowl have been used as themes for lessons.
In grades 7, 8 and 9 a review of the work in the previous grades, and the effects of distance and of foreshortening, in- volving two sets of retreating edges are undertaken. In- visible edges, axes and diagonals, in single objects and in groups are studied as aids towards better drawing.
Unity in grouping and effective rendering are two im- portant subjects under this phase of work.
The aim in constructive drawing is to teach the pupils accuracy.
In the first three grades the use of the ruler was taught. Also the simple measurements of one inch and one-half inch. Simple objects involving those dimensions have been made. Such constructive work as folding and cutting furniture for a doll house, an Indian village, a lighthouse have been made.
Freehand practice of horizontal, vertical, oblique lines, angles, a square and oblongs in all positions has been under- taken in grades 4, 5 and 6. Also the measurements of one- fourth inch and one-eighth inch have been taught. The simplest problems in descriptive geometry have been taught and then applied to the construction of boxes or baskets to be used at Christmas.
In grades 7, 8 and 9 a review of dimensions has been made.
Simple problems in geometry have been taught and ap- plied to boxes or baskets.
In design the aim is to impart a knowledge of fundamental principles, a trained taste and a certain amount of skill in producing a design.
Simple ornaments derived from flowers have been made and applied in borders and surfaces, repetition and alterna- tion also has been taught in the first three grades.
In grades 4, 5 and 6, designs have been made and applied to penwipers, brush broom cases, match safes, pencil boxes, etc.
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SCHOOL REPORT.
In grade 7, 8 and 9 the same idea is carried out as in the previous grades. Brass candle shades, trays, blotter corners, brush broom cases have been made and decorated with suitable design. The art of making stencils has been taught and ap- plied to cushions, scarf ends, book covers and table covers.
The work in the High School is a continuation of that carried on in the grades.
The first eight weeks in the fall were devoted to Plant Drawing. The students drew from specimens which were collected around this locality.
The first year the drawings were rendered in pencil only, for accent in the details of structure. Shape and outline were studied in the second year. Mediums used were the pencil, and black and white.
In the third year form and shape, composition and arrangement were studied with a review of the previous years. The drawings were rendered in the same mediums as previous years with color and pastels added.
In design we have created designs for stencils, which have - been applied to scarfs, sofa pillows, curtains, table covers, and magazine covers. In tooled leather, bags, table mats, bill folders, card cases, and belts have been made. Lamp shades and blotter corners have been made from brass. In every instance the design has been original and made to fit the space.
Following designs are model drawing and cast drawing.
In the first year shapes are studied in single and simple groups.
Pencil and pastel are the mediums.
In the second year shape and form are studied. The draw- ings are rendered in pencil, flat washes and color.
In the third year shape and form are studied with charcoal for light and shade. Water color is also used for a medium.
In the fourth year the time is spent in drawing from cast and from groups of models which are suggestive of some theme. Still Life in water color has also been undertaken.
Pose drawing and pencil rendering are to follow model drawing.
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The work in mechanical drawing is composed of Freehand, Descriptive Geometry, Projection, Orthographic Projection, Machine Drawing and some architecture.
My time is apportioned as follows:
Two days a week are spent in the High School and three in the grades below. This enables me to visit each grade once in two weeks.
To help the teachers to become better fitted for their work in this line, lessons on Design and Model Drawing are given every other Wednesday.
During the spring Mr. F. L. Burnham, Agent of State Board of Education for the Promotion of Manual Arts, was secured to address the teachers on Design and Its Applica- tion.
Permit me to thankyou for the many courtesies shown.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary E. Coyle, Acting Supervisor.
Report of Supervisor of Manual Training.
Mr. F. H. Nickerson, Superintendent of Schools.
Dear Sir :-
In accordance with your request I have prepared the following report of our manual training.
Five years ago manual training became a part of the school work in Melrose. The beginning was made with card board for both boys and girls in the sixth grades, sewing for the girls and woodwork for the boys in grades seven , eight and nine. The work in the three upper grades has advanced along its own lines, and has been extended down through the lower grades until now we have some hand work in each grade.
The aim in manual training is not for manual dexterity as an end in itself, but that, through the training in manual expression, a broader mental and physical development may be secured.
I have planned the work in the grades below the sixth
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with Miss Coyle, the supervisor of drawing, but she has had charge of the supervision and inspection of the work.
The general plan is to teach the child to use the hands and brain together; to learn the standards of measure suitable to the several grades; to use the tools suitable for the grades; and to recognize the type forms and construct them as he needs them. Problems suited to the age and ability of the children of the several grades have been worked out quite successfully.
In grades one and two doll houses were made and in grade three the Indian village. In grades four, five and six cardboard work was used in connection with the applied design.
Sewing.
The regular teachers teach the sewing in the three upper grades. I plan the work and assist the teachers by meetings and carefully prepared directions for each kind of sewing and its application. I visit the rooms and inspect the sewing. There is a good text-book on sewing in each building, and I reserve some time each week for the teachers who wish extra help. The following are the outlines for grades seven and eight which we are using this year.
Grade Seven.
1. Make case to hold work.
Baste, hem, oversew, stitch, overcast, make tape loops, sew on button, stitch name on tape, sew on tape to case.
2. Hemmed on patch in cotton.
3. Cross-stitched patch in flannel.
4. Make work apron.
5. Stocking darning.
6. Overcast buttonhole.
7. Work button hole.
8. Have the girls understand something about the growth and manufacture of cotton and woolen cloth.
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Grade Eight.
1. Choice of simple corset cover and dress for small child.
2. Darning in cotton.
3. Darning in woolen cloth with ravellings.
4. Stitched in patch.
5. Buttonhole, loops and eyelets.
6. Single and double feather stitch.
7. Review stocking darning.
8. Manufacture of silk and linen cloth.
Grade Nine.
The outline for this grade is being revised this year. The first piece of work was a towel. One end was hemstitched, for the other an initial and scollop was designed and worked. The girls are now doing some simple drawn work. Later in the year we shall do some more applied design using the stencil and embroidery.
The teachers are allowed to take some time at Christmas for the girls to make simple gifts to take home. The work is kept simple for grades seven and eight, pin and needle cases, handkerchief cases, different kinds of bags and work cases being made. In the ninth grade the drawing and sewing were combined and larger pieces were made, including shopping bags, magazine covers, book covers, and sofa pillows. The girls will study the principles and history of weaving.
Woodwork.
The boys have had some practice in drawing and reading the mechanical drawings both in their drawing and in the cardboard before they reach the seventh grade. It is con- tinued in this grade, they work either from their own draw- ings or from blue prints.
The first work in the seventh grade is very simple and only a few tools are used. The form work and straight work alternate for several pieces and then the two are com- bined in one piece. The boys are taught to use nails and screws.
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SCHOOL REPORT
One piece of applied design is planned for this grade. The following is the outline I am using this year as a guide for my work.
Grade Seven.
1. Pencil Sharpener or
Pine
Shrub Label Pine
2. Glove Mender or Pine
Flower Pin
Pine
3. Coat Rack or
White Wood
Hat and Brush Rack
White Wood
4. Penholder
Cedar
Letter Opener
Butternut
5. Round Cutting Board or
White Wood
Oval Cutting Board or Ring Toss
Bass Wood
White Wood
6. Foot Stool or
White Wood
Plant Stand or
White Wood
Kitchen Rack for Tin Covers
White Wood
7. Wheel Rack or Shine Rest
Gum and White Wood
8. Tool Rack or
White Wood
Knife Rack or
White Wood
Tooth Brush Rack
White Wood
9. Bracket or (design outline) Match box (design outline)
White Wood
White Wood
Grade Eight.
The first work of this grade, the coat hanger, is very simple but it gives a good review of the tools and work of grade seven. It is simple enough for a boy of this grade who has had no previous work. The box and its construction is studied and a box made. Quite a number of the boys have substituted the bird house and cart for the box. Gouging is also taken in this grade. Applied design is used in connection with the paper knife and blotting pad. The top of the blotting pad is designed and worked out in copper, brass, or wood as the boy
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prefers. No large pieces are made in this grade. The follow- ing outline is being used this year.
Grade Eight.
1. Coat Hanger
2. Broom Rack or Brush Broom Rack
Bass Wood White Wood Gum Wood
3. Preserve Paddle or Sink Scraper or Spade
Bass Wood
White Wood Pine Choice of Wood
4. Box or
Bird House or Cart
White Wood
5. Tray. Design size and outline
6. Paper Knife. Design outline
7. Blotting Pad. Design top
8. Bench Hook or
Vice for Home Bench
White Wood Gum Wood Maple or Cherry Gum Wood
Cherry and Pine
9. Individual work for the rest of the year.
Grade Nine.
The first work of this grade is the glued joint and it is a good review and a fine test of a boy's workmanship. The second piece is an applied design for a book-rack with a choice of joints, dovetail, key or hinge. The third piece re- views the gouging and offers a chance for applied design, but. does not require it. After this I wish the boys to take the lead and plan their own work as far as they are able. Large pieces may be made when there is time and the boy wishes. to pay for his wood. The boys do staining and polishing in this grade. They also study about the growth of a tree and the method of sawing the tree and preparing it for commercial lumber. Last year a number of large pieces were made in- cluding, large book cases, music cabinet, mineral cabinet,. medicine cabinets, library table with book case ends, revolv- ing book case, utility box, and taborets. Several boys made frames for their diplomas and more are making them this. year.
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SCHOOL REPORT.
Grade Nine.
1. Cake Board
Drawing Board Neck-tie Rack Pen Rack and Ink Stand
2. Book Rack. Design Ends
3. Fruit Tray Crumb Tray and Scraper Ink Stand Sugar Scoop
Bass and Gum Wood White Wood Bass and Gum Wood Cedar and Gum Wood Choice of Wood Gum Wood Gum Wood
Gum Wood Cherry
The following are merely suggestive for there are many other pieces of work that can be made.
Salad spoon and fork, lamp screen, diploma frame, chairs, tables, taborets, electric lamps and lanterns, screen, desk, medicine and wall cabinets, plate racks, foot stools.
The work is progressing but I wish that it might begin earlier in the grades and extend into the High School for both boys and girls.
I appreciate the hearty co-operation received from the Superintendent, Committee and Teachers.
Respectfully submitted,
Aimee Clara Ferson, Director of Manual Training.
Changes in School Committee.
There have been two changes in the membership of the: Committee during the past year. Dr. E. C. Fish, whose term: of office was to expire December 31, 1910, resigned to take effect December 31, 1908. Dr. Fish had given four years of intelligent service to the schools and resigned on account of. the pressure of work in his profession.
Mr. George H. Hill, Chairman of the Board for 1908,. whose term of office expired December, 1908, declined to be- a candidate for re-election. Mr. Hill's service upon the Board extended over a period of eight and one-half years and was characterized by earnest and effective endeavor to ad -- vance good working conditions in the schools.
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CITY OF MELROSE
At a meeting of the School Committee held December 31, the following resolutions were adopted in recognition of Mr. Hill's service to the City.
"Whereas, tonight marks the termination of the long, honorable and useful service of our Chairman, Mr. George H. Hill,
" Resolved; That the School Committee of Melrose takes this occasion to place on record its appreciation of his unfailing courtesy as a presiding officer, his zeal for the progress of education and his untiring energy in the discharge of his duties,
" Resolved; That in so recording its esteem for its retiring Chairman, the Committee discharges a duty not alone to it- self but for the citizens of Melrose, who have been for many years under obligations to him, both in council and in action."
Dr. Lowell F. Wentworth and Elmer O. Goodridge, who have been elected to membership in the Committee in place of Mr. Hill and Dr. Fish, are well equipped to render good service to the educational interests of the city.
Conclusion.
On the whole, I feel that the work of the year has been steadily advancing. Nothing revolutionary or sensational has been accomplished or attempted. The work has not been directed with a view to advertise the system but to meet the real needs of our young people, and whatever measure of suc- cess in this direction has been accomplished is attributable largely to the fact that, with few exceptions, all of the forces connected with the administration of the schools have worked together harmoniously and unselfishly for the advancement of the children's welfare.
Respectfully submitted,
March 22, 1909.
Fred H. Nickerson, Superintendent of Schools.
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SCHOOL REPORT
IN MEMORIAM
MARY R. CLARKE
For nearly Fourteen Years a Teacher in the Public Schools in Melrose, Mass.
Born in Shelburne Falls, Mass., October 3, 1846.1 Died in Melrose, Mass., April 23, 1908.
Resolutions Adopted by the School Committee.
Resolved: That by the death of Mrs. Mary R. Clarke the schools of Melrose have lost a most efficient and beloved teach- er, whose fourteen years of conscientious and devoted atten- tion to the interests of the children placed in her charge have won the gratitude and sincere appreciation of many parents as also of all who were associated with her in her work.
Resolved: That the School Committee of Melrose hereby express their deep sympathy with the family of Mrs. Mary R. Clarke, whose death takes from the teaching corps of this city one of its most earnest, faithful, and respected members.
APPENDIX
Melrose High School
GRADUATION EXERCISES. Class of 1908. City Hall, Evening of June Twenty-Fifth at Eight O'Clock.
PROGRAM.
Invocation . REV. THOMAS SIMS, D.D.
"Rose Waltz"
Penschell
GIRLS' GLEE CLUB.
Salutatory, with Oration. "The Peace Armada."
RALPH WARREN CHADBOURN.
Essay, "Music in the Public Schools." AGNES CHADBOURN JOHNSON.
"Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming." Foster BOYS' GLEE CLUB.
Original Story HELEN KNOWLTON GOSS.
Award of Prizes given by the Franklin Fraternity.
"Welcome Pretty Primrose.". Pincuti
GIRLS' GLEE CLUB.
Valedictory
ESTA MAY FARWELL.
Presentation of Diplomas.
GEORGE H. HILL, Chairman of the School Committee. “By Moonlight." Spicker
. GIRLS' GLEE CLUB.
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SCHOOL REFORT
HONOR LIST.
Class of 1908.
Esta M. Farwell Emily C. Gordan] Grace M. Harriman Agnes C. Johnson :
Class of 1909.
Alice E. Ford Phoebe E. Hogan Elizabeth Thurston
Class of 1910.
James L. Lowden Ellen H. Mellen Florence I. Merriam
Helen C. Munroe Grace M. Ormsby Alma Z. Russell Philip H. Stafford
Virginia S. Thompson
Class of 19II.
Margaret Ellis Ruth A. Hoyt Lillian Nowell Kathryn White
Melrose Woman's Club Honors.
Doris G. Brown
Franklin Fraternity Prizes.
English (Senior Class) Elliott A. White English (Junior Class) Chester A. McLain English (Third Class) Virginia S. Thompson English (Fourth Class) Kathryn B. White Algebra (Open to All) Thomas C. Fisher, '08 Geometry (Open to All) Thomas C. Fisher, '08 Geometry (Third Class) Ella H. Mellen Algebra (Fourth Class) Ruth A. Hoyt
Mildred L. Aldrich Edna Baldwin Ralph W. Chadbourn Roy J. Deferrari
Ruth Ansell Madeline M. Corse Edna V. Drown
Henry R. Aldrich Mildred Atkinson Edith M. Dickinson Cora M. Dutton Helen W. Ford Edna Holmes Florence Light.
Dorothy Atkinson Douglass B. Baker J. Williard Buttrick
Esta May Farwell 1
1
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CITY OF MELROSE
Class of 1908. "Lend a Hand."
Samuel Leslie Akers Mildred Louise Aldrich Marie Almy
Margaret Isabella Anderson
William DeForest Knapp
Frank Wilson Atwood
Harrison Locke
Marguerite Baker
Edith Beatrice Lynde
Edna Baldwin
Charles Edward McCarthy
Mary Catherine Carney
Roy Joseph Deferrari
James Lawrence Doucette
Frederick Sterling Manley
Jennie Josephine Belyea
Rodolph Crocker Merry
Edwin Thomas Boylen
Albert Fisher Moore
Herbert Lloyd Brettell
Mary Roberta Miller
Doris Gerry Brown
Sydney Philip Munroe
Arthur David Cassell
Walter Robert Murray
Ralph Warren Chadbourn
Thomas Francis O'Brien
Maud Ethel Chapman
Irene Agatha O'Connor
Ruth Gladys Critchett
Carrie Abbie Perley
Edward Loring Davis
Marion Perley
Helen Ruth Drake
Charlotte Elizabeth Phinney
Mollie Clarke Duffee
Beatrice Irene Pray
Lawrence Med Eaton
Albertine Ethel Rice
Esta May Farwell
Thomas Chalfield Fisher
Marguerite Rose Riley
Georgie May Flagg
Etta Louise Robertson
Allen Lovejoy Fletcher Louis Ernest Flett
William Pickering Shapleigh
Lester Earl Gibson
Lendol Doane Snow Erva Louise Spurr
Robert Ward Stafford
Wallace Irving Gould
Martha Lamson Stevens
John Wesley Grant Frances Elliott Gunn
Royal Martin Warner
Samuel Carlton Gwynne
Charles Willis Webber
Elliot Adams White
Grace Martha Harriman Fred William Heartz
Frances Lenore Hogan
Helen Gertrude Willis
Class Honors.
Esta M. Farwell
Ralph W. Chadbourn
PUPILS PROMOTED FROM THE NINTH GRADE TO THE HIGH SCHOOL, JUNE, 1908. Lincoln School.
* Irma May Albee
* Mary Frances Barrett
* Archie Edwin Benson
* Simon Joseph Kelliher
* Florence Mabel Bishop
* Madeline Blake
* Albert Edwin Bolton
* Grace Ardell Hemenway
* Beatrice Gertrude Hurley
Arthur Bernard Kempton
* Ida Isburgh Kimball
* Ernest Kirk
Dorothy Howell
Agnes Chadbourn Johnson
Ethel May Keeney
Herbert Whitefield MacDonald
Sidney McMullin
Julia Isabel Riley
Ruth Sarah Sayward
Emily Cutter Gordan
Helen Knowlton Goss
Chester Hannibal Stone
Kenneth Neil Wildes
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SCHOOL REPORT
Macolm Boynton Ruth Frances Brackett
* Nathaniel Brady
* Mark Albert Burns
* Granville Oliver Carter
* Daniel Crediford Chapman
* William Chiessong
Florence Catherine Conway
* Helen Mildred Cook
Edna Daisy Corse
Mary Augusta Craig
* James Anthony Curran
* Joseph Vincent Curran Mary Catherine Delaney
Mary Ellen Donovan
* Joseph Dragan Clyde Elmer Duncan
* Lawrence Hall
* Fred Albert Edwards
* Hildagarde Winifred Flett
* Harold Parker Gray Helen Anne W. Guirke * Winthrop Temple Wolley
Harold Atkins Larrabee William Henry Lee
Hannah Augusta Lord
* George Alexander MacDonald
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