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1
Government of the City of Melrose 1915
Mayor CHARLES H. ADAMS
President of the Board of Aldermen FREDERICK T. PEABODY
Clerk W. DeHAVEN JONES
Aldermen-at-Large
Ward
Edward F. Cassell, 131 Melrose Street
1
Thomas H. Gilman, 287 W. Emerson Street
3
Harold P. Waterhouse, 11 Orient Place
4
William A. Carrie, 22 York Terrace
1
*William T. Fahy, 134 Lynde Street
7
Leslie F. Keene, 146 W. Wyoming Avenue
5
Frederick T. Peabody, 50 Florence Street
5
Ward Aldermen
Ralph G. Harmon, 22 Belmont Place 1 .
Frank H. Noyes, 14 North Avenue
1
Alton H. Eldredge, 29 Nowell Road
2
Adonis D. Howard, 105 Green Street
2
Charles Drew, 117 Florence Street
3
Forrest F. Pike, 67 W. Wyoming Avenue
3
Sidney H. Buttrick, 87 Essex Street
4
Alfred H. French, 31 Rowe Street
4
Arthur T. Mather, 110 Crescent Avenue
5
Lorin A. Presby, 42 Trenton Street
5
Arthur L. Marr, 36 E. Foster Street
6
Fred W. Sellers, 132 Grove Street
6
7
John H. Rorke, 63 Linwood Avenue Albert M. Tibbetts, 109 Meridian Street
*Resigned after July 1st, vacancy not filled.
.
7
1
BOARD OF ALDERMEN-STANDING COMMITTEE FOR 1915
Appropriations Hon. Sidney H. Buttrick, Chairman Aldermen Carrie, Keene, Eldredge, Cassell, Tibbetts, Mather, Gilman, Fahy
Education, Health and Charity Alton W. Eldredge, Chairman Aldermen Presby, Fahy, Drew, Howard, Noyes, Pike
Finance William A. Carrie, Chairman Aldermen Buttrick, Cassell, Mather, Presby, Waterhouse, Howard
Highways Leslie F. Keene, Chairman Aldermen Carrie, Tibbetts, Mather, Gilman, Fahy, Pike
Legal and Legislative Matters The President, Presby, Eldredge, Buttrick, Waterhouse, Noyes, Harmon
Protection and Licenses
Edward F. Cassell, Chairman Aldermen Keene, Marr, Gilman, French, Sellers, Rorke
Public Service Albert M. Tibbetts, Chairman Aldermen Marr, Harmon, Drew, Sellers, French, Rorke
Clerk of Committees
VICTOR C. KIRMES
City Officers
City Clerk W. DeHaven Jones
Assistant City Clerk and Clerk of Committees Victor C. Kirmes
City Treasurer William R. Lavender
City Collector James W. Murray
City Auditor Edwin C. Gould
Assistant City Auditor William T. Wolley
Engineer and Superintendent of Public Works George O. W. Servis
Mayor's Clerk Blanche E. Nickerson
City Solicitor -
Arthus S. Davis
16
CITY OF MELROSE
Chief of Fire Department Joseph Edwards
Chief of Police George E. Kerr
Inspector of Buildings
William S. Allen
Inspector of Plumbing
Andrew J. Burnett
Inspector of Food David O. Parker
Inspector of Slaughtering David O. Parker, Frank P. Sturgi-
Inspector of Milk and Vinegar Robert N. Hoyt
Inspector of Animals F. P. Sturges
Sealer of Weights and Measures
Charles E. Merrill
17
CITY OFFICERS
Superintendent Brown Tail and Gypsy Moth John J. Mccullough
Agent State, Military Aid and Soldiers' Relief Mary A. Kenah
Burial Agent Mary A. Kenah
Assessors Frank R. Upham, term expires 1916 L. Frank Hinckley term expires 1917 Charles C. Swett, term expires 1918
Alden B. Smith
Assistant Assessors Merton G. Woodbury Charles Roeder
Inspector of Wires Fred A. Edwards
Philip B. Carter
Board of Health Clarence P. Holden, M.D., Chairman Ralph R. Stratton Grace French, Clerk
City Physician Clarence P. Holden, M.D.
-
School Physician Arthur T. Gage
Thomas F. Troy
Overseers of the Poor Adaline G. Reed, Chairman Bertram E. Lovejoy Grace French, Clerk
18
CITY OF MELROSE
Matron of Pratt Farm Mrs. F. E. Mann
Superintendent of Pratt Farm Frank E. Mann
Park Commission
Clarence T. Fernald, Chairman.
Term expires 1920
Addison L. Winship
66
66
1919
Robert A. Perkins
66
1918
Harry N. Vaughn
60
66
1917
George J. Foster
66
66
1916
School Committee
Lowell F. Wentworth, Chairman
Term expires 1918
Wallace R. Lovett.
66
66
1917
Sarah A. Day
6
60
1917
William Coggeshall
66
66
1918
Elmer O. Goodridge
66
1916
William A. Morse
66
1916
*Resigned
Sinking Fund Commissioners
Edward J. Kitching, Chairman.
Term expires 1916
Franklin P. Shumway
66
66 1917
Everett L. Fuller
66
1918
Trustees of Public Library
Rev. Paul Sterling, Chairman
Term expires 1917
John O. Paisley
66
66
1918
Mary C. Barton
66
1917
Neil A. Divver
66
66 1916
Lovisa A. Allen
66
66
1916
Cemetery Committee : Willis C. Goss, Chairman
J. Thomas Foster
J. Henry Kunhardt
Edwin C. Gould, Clerk Roscoe A. Leavitt, Supt. Wyoming Cemetery
.
66
1917
*Arthur H. Damon (Grace W. Dole)
1918
Frank L. Welt.
66
1916
Isabelle Stantial.
6
1918
Angier L. Goodwin
19
CITY OFFICERS
Registrars of Voters
Edwin L. Cragin, Chairman. John J. Keating Edwin J. Tirrell. W. DeHaven Jones, City Clerk, Ex-Officio
Term expires 1916 66
66 1917
66
1915
Engineers of Fire Department Joseph Edward, Chief Edgar W. Mansfield, 1st Assistant Charles F. Woodward, 2d Assistant
Measurers of Wood and Bark, Weighers of Hay and Grain
Fred H. Goss George W. Jepson
James G. Stiles
Grace F. Gilbert M. H. Eagan Charles B. Goss
Frank E. Newell
George Goodwin
George M. Hall
Public Weighers of Merchandise
Edward A. Riley
Patrick G. DeCourcy
Elmer D. Swain
J. Osborn Leisk
Isaac L. Slocomb
Chas. F. Woodward
Edward M. Caldwell
James McTiernan
Ralph E. Hamilton
Florence Sullivan
John Dyer
Nathaniel J. Glover
Orietta Towner
Field Drivers George W. Hoag-Harry C. Liscomb
Pound Keepers George W. Hoag-Harry W. Liscomb
Fence Viewers
Daniel J. Lucey
Charles H. Everson
George W. Burke Daniel K. Collamore
Constables Charles E. Merrill M. James Hanley
George E. Kerr George E. Burke
Dog Officer M. James Hanley
20
CITY OF MELROSE
Keeper of the Lock-up - George E. Kerr
Police Officers
George E. Kerr, Chief Redford M. Rand George E. Fuller
William H. Doherty
Wallace B. Eaton
Garfield Carpenter
Daniel J. Foley
Louis B. Heaton, Captain Allston H. Pineo Christopher B. Thompson
Frank N. Pierce Michael Reardon
Albert A. McBeth William A. Riley
Reserve Officers
Fred M. Kirmes
Patrick H. O'Leary
Edwin E. Spraker
Archie E. Fish Clement E. Burkhardt William T. Fahy
Special Officers
Atwater B. Hathaway M. James Hanley
Burgess W. Grover
Albert W. MacKenzie Joseph A. Lavin
Special Officers to Serve without Pay
Frank C. Newman
George H. Cray Charles J. Wing
Martin Allison
Charles. E. Merrill
George Hayward
Roscoe A. Leavitt Ralph S. Cray
Howard Woodman
Planning Board
John C. F. Slayton
Term expires 1917
*Seth K. Ames (Wilbur W. Davis)
66
1917
Agnes L. Dodge.
66
1916
Dennis W. Fitzpatrick .
60
1916
E. Gertrude Copleand
1916
Richard H. Sircom
1918
Victor A. Friend
60 1918
Louisa S. Hunt
60
66 1918
*Resigned
66
1917
Harold Marshall .
ANNUAL REPORT
of the
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
CITY OF MELROSE 1915
٠
SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR
1915
Name
Residence
Term Expires
Mrs. Isabelle Stantial
146 Florence Street
1916
Elmer O. Goodridge
148 E. Foster Street
1916
William A. Morse
15 Auburn Place
1916
Mrs. Sarah A. Day
45 Ashland Street
1917
Wallace R. Lovett
63 Stratford Road
.
1917
Arthur H. Damon
116 Hillside Avenue
1917
William Coggeshall
158 E. Foster Street
1918
Frank L. Welt
31 Malvern Street
1918
Lowell F. Wentworth
19 Bartlett Street
1918
Lowell F. Wentworth, Chairman
Mrs. Isabelle Stantial, Secretary
Meetings of the Committee
Regular meetings of the School Committee are held in the Com- mittee Room, High School Building, on the second and fourth Mondays of every month, except during July and August, at 7.30 p.m.
Superintendent of Schools
John Anthony
14 Mt. Vernon Street Office: High School Building-Tel. Melrose 55
Secretary
Helen M. Aldrich
Tel. Melrose 1238-M . 536 Lebanon Street
STANDING COMMITTEES
Finances and Supplies
Mr. Morse
Mr. Goodridge
Mr. Lovett
Mr. Damon
Schoolhouses and Janitors
Mr. Goodridge
Mr. Coggeshall Mr. Morse
Mr. Damon
Teachers and Salaries
Mrs. Day
Mrs. Stantial
Mr. Coggeshall
Mr. Welt
Text Books and Courses of Study
Mr. Welt
Mr. Lovett
Mrs. Day
Mrs. Stantial
The Chairman of the School Committee is a member, ex-officio, of all standing committees.
24
CITY OF MELROSE
SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Legislative
Mr. Lovett
Mr. Goodridge Mr. Coggeshall Mr. Morse
VISITING COMMITTEES
High School. School Committee
Franklin and Whittier Schools. Mrs. Day
D. W. Gooch School Mrs. Stantial
Mary A. Livermore School. Mr. Damon
Washington School. Mr. Welt
Lincoln School. Mr. Lovett
Winthrop School. Mr. Goodridge
Joseph Warren School. Mr. Morse
Sewall and Ripley Schools. Mr. Coggeshall
SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR 1916
WINTER TERM 1916
Opens January 3d, and closes February 18th.
SPRING TERM 1916
First Half: Opens February 28th and closes April 21st.
Second Half: Opens May 1st and closes June 21st.
FALL TERM 1916
Opens September 6th and closes December 21st.
HOLIDAYS DURING TERM TIME
Every Saturday, Washington's Birthday, Patriot's Day, Memorial Day, June 17th, October 12th and Thanksgiving Day with the half day preceding and the day following it.
"NO SCHOOL SIGNAL"
Notice of "No School" will be given by striking the number 22 four times upon the fire alarm, and by sounding the whistle at Factory No. 2 of the Boston Rubber Shoe Company.
The signal will be sounded at 7.15 a.m. for no session in the High School, and at 8.30 for no morning session in all grades below the High School. In case there is to be no afternoon session, the signal will be sounded at 12.45.
Report of the Superintendent of Schools
To the School Committee of Melrose,
Ladies and Gentlemen :-
The following report of the public schools of the city is respectfully submitted for your consideration. This is the twenty-sixth in the series of annual reports by the Superintendent of Schools, and the seventh by the present incumbent of that office.
It is my desire to present very briefly at this time, a general summary of educational tendencies, and their bearing and influence upon certain phases of our own system.
The public schools of the country are constantly assuming greater responsibilities, thrust upon them by the society which has developed and which maintains them. More and more the school becomes the agent for all training which relates to the complete development of all the children.
The past few years have seen the beginning of great educational changes. The next few years undoubtedly will see such further progress as will amount to a revolution in popular education in the United States. Never have business and professional men, educators, manufacturers and the great mass of intelligent Americans in every walk of life, been so nearly in agreement as to the desired ends in education. Never have experiments been so practically determined, or the results so scientifically checked. Instead of generalizations and suppositions, we are measuring results with an exactness never before imagined. Consequently, while the means of attaining the ends in view are, to a greater or less extent, still in the stage of discussion and experiment, yet we are nearer than ever before to the solution of long unanswered problems, and at the dawn of such an extension of educational privileges to all the people, as was hardly dreamed of at the beginning of the present century.
Courses in practical arts, in home-making and management for girls,- vocational and pre-vocational training along many lines for both boys and girls,-rational physical training for all, close medical inspection, dental clinics, open-air schools,-continuation and part-time schools, training in thrift, evening courses for adults along the line of their occupa- tions, special classes for immigrants, a longer school day, the use of school buildings ten or twelve hours a day, for forty-eight or fifty weeks in the year for the benefit of the whole community,-these are some of the steps which have been definitely taken in many cities.
Out of the mass of studies, investigations and experiments, certain readjustments apparently have become so well established that they will be generally accepted within a very short time. A few of these must soon be considered seriously by our own city. Among them are the following :--
1. A readjustment of the twelve years of school work so that instead of an eight years elementary course and four years of High School work,
26
CITY OF MELROSE
we shall have an elementary course of six years and a High School course of six years, subdivided into a Junior High School and a Senior High School.
2. A rearrangement of the course of study in accordance with the above plan. This means the teaching of essentials in the first six years, much more thoroughly and definitely than ever before,-opportunity for a choice among several courses in the Junior High School, which will receive children at about the age of twelve,-and a highly specialized Senior High School, for those who will take advanced work for the purpose of real preparation, either directly for practical life, or to enter higher institutions of learning.
3. A gradual extension of educational opportunities for practical training to adult members of the community who may desire them and the larger use of school buildings for general educational, social and civic purposes.
The latter development rests largely upon the demand of our citizens, which is increasing, and upon the funds available for such purposes, which must be provided if these demands are to be satisfied.
The first two readjustments are related. Before they can be carried out, time must be allowed for the solution of certain temporary local problems. Meanwhile, we are at work upon the basic requirement,-a thorough and careful reorganization of the elementary course of study, in which the central idea is its greater adaptability to all the children, and the elimination of all waste material.
This is being accomplished by means of a unique system. Under the present plan each subject in the course is primarily in charge of one of the principals who is a recognized specialist in that department. The work as laid out each month is carefully checked by the Superintendent. Later, each teacher in the corps is given opportunity to suggest and advise concerning the work of her grade. This participation means more work for the teachers in every way, but it makes available the knowledge and experience of every teacher, and assures a new course of study de- veloped by those in closest touch with the abilities and needs of our children.
Thus, when the time comes for reorganization in our own community, we not only shall have the advantage of the experience, experiments, failures and developments of other cities, but our own system will be in condition to make the necessary changes naturally and easily, with the minimum of shock and expense.
Furthermore, a distinct advance has been made in practical educa- tion, and the foundation laid for future development as demand increases and funds permit. The opportunity is now open to our boys for instruc- tion in carpentry, painting, plumbing, steamfitting, forging, cement work and bricklaying. The teaching will be based upon practical work on school buildings, furniture and equipment, and a man of broad training and experience has been engaged for the department. This work will not, of course, even approximate the teaching of a trade, but it will give
27
SCHOOL REPORT
to those who take it a considerable knowledge of the fundamental processes of several trades, and a certain facility with a variety of tools, which will always be of value, whether they later learn a trade, or not. This is a step in the right direction. It should be supplemented by parallel courses to train our young women to earn a living, or to become competent home makers, and that, in turn, should be but the beginning of a broader move- ment to give to the adults of the community, both men and women, addi- tional training as they may desire, along the lines of their occupations.
FIRE PREVENTION
The entire community has been righteously stirred during the past few months in regard to the fire hazard in our schools. The school author- ities, with His Honor, Mayor Adams, the state inspector, the local in- spector of buildings, and the chief of our fire department, have made several careful tours of inspection of all schools. Considering the age of our buildings, they are declared for the most part to be in excellent condi- tion, while the care with which they are kept, eliminates most of the dangers of incipient fires. Furthermore, the fire drills are commended as being carefully planned and handled, and as effective as such precautions can be made, although it is recognized that a fire drill is not always proof against panic.
Nevertheless, there are certain definite changes which should be made. Fire escapes have already been installed at the Whittier and Sewall Schools, and the basement doors made fire retardant, but still further protection is needed in these, and in all the other buildings. The basements should all be cut off by fireproof doors. The basement ceilings, which are now for the most part open and exposed, should be covered with wire lath and hard plaster. Exits should be supplied with panic bolts. Fire extinguishers should be supplied all buildings. Automatic sprinklers should be installed in a few extra hazardous locations. An extra exit is ordered at the Franklin School.
The hands of the School Committee are absolutely tied in respect to these matters until funds are furnished for the work. It is earnestly hoped that parents, and those responsible for the finances of our city, will not rest until a suitable appropriation has been made for this purpose.
GENERAL IMPROVEMENTS School Buildings
During the year a modern system of plumbing has been installed at the Ripley School at a cost of $549.17. Slate blackboards have been placed in the D. W. Gooch and Winthrop Schools at a cost of $630.72. The Winthrop School has been shingled, painted outside, the foundations repaired, and other general work done at a cost of $830.67. The Sewall School, which was in danger of collapsing, has been made entirely safe at a cost of $584.42. The Warren School has been painted outside, one boiler at the Lincoln School re-tubed, the woodwork over the heating
28
CITY OF MELROSE
apparatus in each building has been protected by wire lath and asbestos plaster, and a large amount of needed repairs made upon the other buildings.
Social Centers
The West-Wyoming Improvement Association has been granted the use of the Lincoln School for its meetings.
The Boy Scouts have been given the use of a room in the High School for their meetings.
The Library Trustees have been given the use of a room at the Whittier School for a branch library.
The parents and friends of the Washington School, with the hearty co-operation of the children, have presented a moving-picture machine and a large stereopticon with reflectoscope. This is to be made the basis of neighborhood gatherings, and is also to be used for instruction purposes for that school as well as for the upper grades of the entire city.
A large stereopticon and reflectoscope has been purchased from funds raised by the High School, and will be used for general purposes of enter- tainment and instruction.
SCHOOL NURSE
Through the generosity of the Trustees of the Melrose Hospital, a school nurse has been provided, who gives a large part of her time to work with the children. Her work has already proved of great value, and excellently supplements that of the school physicians.
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATES
The Community Associates have supported a sewing class for girls in the High School Library. They have also made a tentative start toward the establishment of a dental clinic. Every dentist in town has expressed his willingness to give whatever time is necessary for this pur- pose, as well as for an annual dental examination. As soon as funds can be raised to equip a central clinic, this object can be attained.
CHANGES IN SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The year has seen an unusual number of changes in the School Committee. Mr. Arthur H. Damon, whose term expired in 1917, resigned in August, on account of a change of residence. Although he had been a member but a short time, Mr. Damon had shown particular interest and aptitude for the work. Mr. William A. Morse, a member of the Com- mittee for six years, and chairman of the Finance Committee, and Mr. Elmer O. Goodridge, a member for seven years, and chairman of the
29
SCHOOL REPORT
Schoolhouse Committee, in charge of repairs, declined to stand for re- election. Each was particularly fitted, by training and experience, for the work assigned him, and each rendered to the city a distinct and unusual service.
On January 13th, Mr. Frank L. Welt, a member of the Committee for eight years, and chairman of the Committee on Text Books and Courses of Study, was taken from our midst by death. Mr. Welt was especially well fitted for the work, was particularly interested in athletics, and a beloved friend of the children and teachers. At a special meeting of the School Committee, held January 14th, the following resolutions were adopted.
"Whereas :-
It has pleased our Heavenly Father in His infinite wisdom to take from our midst Mr. Frank L. Welt :-
Be it resolved :---
That in the death of Mr. Frank L. Welt, the School Committee of Melrose has lost an earnest and untiring worker; the pupils and teachers, an enthusiastic and effective champion; and the community, a public- spirited, high-minded and upright citizen.
During his membership of eight years on the Committee, he has rendered a distinct public service, characterized by an open-minded zeal, and an earnest endeavor to improve conditions for the young people of our city-not only in the school-room, but by stimulating interest in ath- letics, to improve their bodily condition and add to the pleasure of their school life.
The members of the Committee desire to record their high estimate of his public service and worth, and to express their personal grief of his loss."
IN CONCLUSION
The year has been a successful and happy one in our schools. His Honor, the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen have given as large an appropriation as, in their best judgment, could be spared for the support of schools. The community have given appreciation, support, and timely advice and help. The teachers, although working under a new system, and at higher pressure, have been conscientious, loyal, efficient and enthusiastic. The School Committee have given amply of their time, energy and best judgment. Surely no man could work under happier conditions than such a combination affords.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN C. ANTHONY, Superintendent of Schools
IN SCHOOL COMMITTEE, January 24, 1916
Voted :-
To accept the report of the Superintendent of Schools and to adopt the same as the annual report of the School Committee for the year 1915.
30
CITY OF MELROSE
TOTAL COST OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS School Year 1914-15
General Control
General Administration Salaries
$2,103.54
Other General Salaries 946.85
Other General Expenses
439.39
.
Instruction
Teachers' Salaries 44,964.27
Text Books and Supplies
2,590.19
Operation of School Plant
Janitors' Services 4,755.07
Fuel and Light.
4,775.66
Water and Miscellaneous.
946.61
Maintenance of School Plant
Repairs, Replacement and Upkeep
2,341.25
Auxiliary Agencies
Transportation.
695.00
Tuition and Miscellaneous. 1,380.44
$65,938.27
AVERAGE COST PER PUPIL, ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
for these items, for the School Year, 1914-15, based on the average membership (1975.23) was as follows :-
General Control
General Administration Salaries
$1.06
Other General Salaries .47
Other General Expenses.
. 22
Instruction
Teachers' Salaries
22.77
Text Books and Supplies
1.32
Operation of School Plant
Janitors' Services
2.41
Fuel and Light.
2.42
Water and Miscellaneous.
.48
. .
31
SCHOOL REPORT
Maintenance of School Plant
Repairs, Replacement and Upkeep
1.18
Auxiliary Agencies
Transportation .35
Tuition and Miscellaneous .70
$33.38
TOTAL COST OF HIGH SCHOOL School Year 1914-15
General Control
General Administration Salaries $796.46
Other General Salaries 353.15
Other General Expenses
157.79
Instruction
Teachers' Salaries . 29,429.76
Text Books and Supplies 3,121.79
Operation of School Plant
Janitors' Services. 3,513.64
Fuel and Light.
2,290.50
Water and Miscellaneous.
575.05
Maintenance of School Plant
Repairs, Replacement and Upkeep 1,923.56
Auxiliary Agencies
Tuition and Miscellaneous 180.85
$42,342.55
AVERAGE COST PER PUPIL, HIGH SCHOOL
for these items, for the School Year, 1914-15, based on the average membership (751.38) was as follows :-
General Control
General Administration Salaries $1.06
Other General Salaries . .47
Other General Expenses. .22
32
CITY OF MELROSE
Instruction
Teachers' Salaries 39.16
Text Books and Supplies .
4.15
Operation of School Plant
Janitors' Services. 4.67
Fuel and Light. 3.05
Water and Miscellaneous
.76
Maintenance of School Plant
Repairs, Replacement and Upkeep
2.56
Auxiliary Agencies
Tuition and Miscellaneous .24
$56.34
TOTAL COST OF ALL SCHOOLS School Year 1914-15
General Control
General Administration Salaries
$2,900.00
Other General Salaries
1,300.00
Other General Expenses
597.18
Instruction
Teachers' Salaries
74,394.03
Text Books and Supplies
5,711.98
Operation of School Plant
Janitors' Services.
8,268.71
Fuel and Light.
7,066.16
Water and Miscellaneous.
1,521.66
Maintenance of School Plant
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