USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Hatfield > Hatfield Annual Town Report 1891-1911 > Part 23
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Apoplexy,
2
Disease Heart,
1
Dropsy,
1
Menigitis,
1
- 38 -
LOCAL DISEASES.
Epilepsy,
1
Disease Liver,
1
Ulceration Intestines,
1
Brights Disease,
1
Pneumonia,
1
Convulsions,
1
Cerebrites,
1
Tabes Dorsalis,
1
Bronchitis,
1
La Grippe,
2
DEVELOPMENTAL DISEASES.
Old Age,
1
Infantile Debility, Stillborn,
2
VIOLENT DEATHS.
Burns,
1
Railroad Accident,
1
Electric Road Accident,
1
SUICIDE.
Drowning, ,
1
-
Total 29
NAMES OF PERSONS DECEASED. -
John McGrath,
Mrs. Minerva Belden Anderson
Alfred Cleaval,
Nellie F. Casten,
Martin Zoller, Jeanie Winters,
Daniel Garvey,
Andrew Hanakan,
Domincia Cichy,
Albert H. Webber,
1
- 39 -
Leo. V. Lamontaigne,
Georgiana Jubinville,
Mrs. Mary Wells Billings,
Mitchel Proulx,
Arnold M. Peck,
(Infant) Anna Whalen,
Esther Lamontaigne,
Kartan Tanganski,
Caroline Vollinger,
Erastus F. Billings,
Francis Mosher,
Richard Phillips,
Luman M. Moore, Conrad Wickles,
Infant son of Alex Prusinosky, Mrs. Ellen Merrick Boyle,
Asa B. Gould, residence, Northampton,
Geo. E. Jewet, residence, Bangor, Me.
DOG LICENSES.
The number of dogs licensed during the year ending November 30, 1904, with the receipts and settlement of the account with the County Treasurer, is as follows :
94 Male Dogs at $2.00 each,
$188 00
4 Female Dogs at $5.00 each, 2 00
$208 00
1 transferred,
Less fees 99 dogs at 20 cents each,
$19 80
Amount paid County Treasurer June 1 and
December 1, 1904, $188 20
Amount received for dog licenses for the five previous years,
1899
1900
1901
1902
1903
: 286 00
$204 00
$221 00
$211 00
$204 00
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM D. BILLINGS, Town Clerk.
Report of Sinking Fund Commissioners.
We have the following amounts deposited to the credit of the Sinking Fund :
Amherst Savings Bank,
$1,362 40
Northampton Institution for Savings, 1,228 69
Haydenville Savings Bank, 1,100 13
Nonotuck Savings Bank,
1,182 98
Florence Savings Bank,
1,056 45
Greenfield Savings Bank,
295 16
Town of Hatfield, Water Bond,
1,000 00
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy R. R. Co., Bond,
1,000 00
$8,225 81
M. J. RYAN, Sinking Fund
R. M. WOODS,
E. S. WARNER, Commissioners.
I have this day examinad the vouchers of the Sinking Fund Commissioners and find them correct. -
E. B. DICKINSON, Auditor,
Hatfield, March 2, 1905,
ANNUAL REPORTS
-- OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
-OF THE-
TOWN OF HATFIELD
MASSACHUSETTS.
-FOR THE
YEAR ENDING MARCH 1, 1905
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
HENRY S. HUBBARD, Chairman, 1906.
JOHN J. BATZOLD, Secretary, 1905. LAWRENCE A. POWERS, 1907. WILLIAM H. CUMMINGS, Supt.
Truant Officers.
WILLIAM H. CUMMINGS. JOSEPH S. WELLS.
Authorized to sign Certificates for children between the ages of 14 and 16.
WILLIAM H. CUMMINGS.
REPORT.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
AVAILABLE FOR USE OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
State School Fund,
$ 651 94
66
for Superintendent, 400 00
City of Northampton,
130 00
City of-Boston,
36 50
Dog Fund,
164 66
Town Appropriation for Superintendent,
240 00
" Schools,
2,800 00
66
" Repairs,
1,000 00
" Tuition, Smith Academy,
500 00
60
School Supplies,
300 00
Supplies sold,
23 00
$6,246 10
ORDERS DRAWN ON THE TOWN TREASURER.
TEACHING.
Margaret A. Allaire,
$360 00
Mary E. Breor,
336 00
Katherine W. Day,
372 75
Margaret A. Ryan,
312 00
Mrs. L. A. Powers,
238 00
Miss Carrie H. Warner,
338 00
1
1
- 44 -
Mary C. Pollard,
120 00
Jessie D. Penniman,
240 00
Nora M. Connery,
348 00
Lillian I. Proulx,
96 00
M. Arvilla Sampson,
10 00
Care of Building,
261 60
Howard & Smith, coal,
260 13
G. A. Danforthı, 6
118 22
James Bardwell, drawing coal,
11 86
John J. Batzold, ،،
8 00
A. L. Strong, wood,
38 75
H. S. Hubbard, wood and sawing,
17 25
School supplies, books, paper, etc.,
365 38
W. H. Riley & Co., furnaces and repairs,
668 91
Harry N. Hunt, labor,
10 13
Edgar P. Lyman,
7 40
E. M. Graves,
5 75
C. I. Stowel,
1 50
F. G. Batzold, 66
7 25
John J. Batzold,
and supplies,
35 00
L. A. Powers,
12 95
Shumway & Riley,
7 55
Merrick Lumber Co., lumber,
15 18
McCallum & Co., clocks,
9 00
Foster Bros., mdse.,
1 20
Thomas Charmbury, Music Teacher,
50 00
Urania G. Barrows, . . 100 00
Lepha N. Kingsley, Drawing
30 00
Mrs. L. H. Kingsley, Carving Teacher,
11 00
Lillian V. Whiting, Drawing
83 34
W. H. Cummings, Superintendent,
480 00
R. M. Woods, Treas., Tuition Smith Academy,
500 00
Herald Job Printing Co., order book,
5 50
School Exhibit,
28 63
Teachers attending teachers' meetings,
26 45
M. J. Ryan, mdse.,
4 52
W. H. Cummings, typewriter,
12 80
- 45 -
Anton Wickles, labor, school yard,
7 50
L. A. Powers, 66
5 00
Cleaning Schoolhouses, 16 89
H. S. Hubbard, cash for record books and paper, 2 60
School census and supply com., 25 00
School Committee, 25 00
John J. Batzold 15 00
L. A. Powers, 66
15 00
J. H. Howard, mdse., 11 28
$6,089 27
Balance of School Fund in Treasury, $156 83
The above report includes all bills belonging to the school department, for the year ending March 1, 1905.
The account shows a balance unexpended of $156.83.
The school buildings are now in reasonably good condi- tion, but the Center Intermediate room needs new seats and desks. Of course, things are constantly wearing out and need repairing.
In the past year four new furnaces have been placed in the Hill and Center buildings, and have given good satis- faction.
For the coming year we recommend an appropriation of $4,000.00 for Public Schools, and $500.00 for tuition at Smith Academy.
For the School Committee,
HENRY S. HUBBARD,
Chairman.
TEACHERS AND SALARIES.
NAMES.
WHERE FITTED.
SCHOOL.
TIME.
PAY.
Margaret A. Allaire
Westfield Normal School
The Year.
$360 00
Mary E. Breor
Smith Academy
Hill Grammar Hill Primary Center Grammar -
24 Weeks
238 00
Margaret A. Ryan
Westfield Normal School
12
108 00
Carrie H. Warner
Smith Academy
Center Primary
The Year
338 00
Katherine W. Day
.
-
West Brook
24 Weeks
240 00
Mary C. Pollard
Farmington, Me.
12
120 00
Lillian I. Proulx
Smith Academy
W. Hatf'ld Prim.
12
96 00
M. Arvilla Sampson .
Smith Academy
2
10 00
Thomas Charmbury .
.
Teacher of Music
12
50 00
Urania G. Barrows .
24
100 00
Lepha N. Kingsley .
Drawing
12
66
41 00
Lillian V. Whiting .
24
83 34
-
HENRY S. HUBBARD.
COMMITTEE : JOHN J. BATZOLD. LAWRENCE A. POWERS.
W. H. CUMMINGS, Superintendent.
- 46 -
Nora M. Connery
Easthampton High
North Hatfield
348 00
Jessie D. Penniman
.
.
.
W. Hatf'ld Prim.
24
336 00
Mrs L. A. Powers
·
204 00
W. Hatf'ldGram.
372 25
66
.
.
.
Q
ENROLLMENT, ATTENDANCE, ETC.
Center
Grammar
Center
Primary
Hill
Grammar
Hill
Primary
W. H.
Grammar
W. H.
Primary
W. Brook
N. Hatfield
No. of Pupils between 5 and 15 years -
66
7 " 14
46
19
19
28
I 5
I2
22
I 7
Total Membership,
43.5
34.22
21.29
38.44
14.6
19.66
32
18.88
Average Membership
43.28
33.86
20.48
37.88
14.4
19.3
26.9
18.66
Attendance .
34.6
29.52
18.95
33.03
13.I
16.3
24.7
17.66
Per cent. of Attendance
78.4
90.52
91.89
87.19
91
84
95.9
94.8
No. of Pupils over 15 years 66 -
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
under 5
O
O
O
I
0
O
O
O
No. Weeks of School
36
36
36
36
36
36
36
36
46
36
22
37
I5
2I
32
19
- 47 -
Superintendent's Report.
To the School Committee of Hatfield,
Gentlemen :- The Superintendent herewith presents his report, the fourth of the present incumbent and the fourteenth in the series of Superintendents' Annual Reports.
IN GENERAL.
In the main the year's work may be considered quite satisfactory. The teachers have been faithful in the discharge of their duties, and have endeavored to inspire in their pupils a love for the right, to train them to good habits of work and to instill in their minds a desire for knowledge.
Our schools are not perfect, even with the improvements that are possible they would not be, for no school system ever can be, but good progress has been made throughout the year.
THE THREE R'S.
While no subject required by law to be taught in the public schools is neglected, the three R's and spelling are re- ceiving special attention. Through experiment, discussion and various methods there is constant effort for improvement in all these subjects.
Reading is the most useful and common means of ac- quiring knowledge. Emphasis is placed on this subject by insisting that all articulation of printed or oral language on
- 49 -
every subject treated in school shall be clear and intelligent. The Ward system of teaching reading is used in the first four grades with increasingly good results.
After using both the vertical and slant systems of writing, I am now convinced that the following plan would be an in- provement over either system used exclusively: Use the vertical system in the first four grades, but a slant system from that time on. The vertical system has no equal for se- curing legibility. This habit would become fixed by the end of the fourth year. A slant system introduced at that time would give speed and fix the hand for practical work.
In arithmetic, emphasis is placed on the practical features of the subject, and the effort is constantly made to render the pnpil familiar with the use of the subjects in the every-day transactions of common life.
THE SCHOOL EXHIBIT.
The school exhibit will be held in Hadley this year. This will be an advantage in one way, as the room in which it is held was planned for such a purpose and is well adapted to it.
The attendance at the exhibit has been good each time, but we think the faithful work of teachers and pupils deserves a better attendance still. If every pupil feels sure that his friends will see his work, this will spur him to his best effort, and in this way the exhibit will become a greater means of help to the pupils, for whose benefit after all the exhibit is chiefly intended. I believe that children feel more deeply than we think the indifference of parents to their work and in- terests. They sometimes lose courage and grow indifferent because their friends do not seem to care whether they do well or ill,
- 50 -
Parents may feel sure that they will see at the exhibit some specimen of the work of their child in some form or an- other, as the rule is carefully adhered to that every child in school shall have some work of his own on exhibition.
It is another rule that the work shall go from the pupil directly to the exhibit without correction from the teacher- that it shall be a fair representative of what the child can do. On account of this rule uncorrected mistakes will appear more or less.
PRIZE STORIES.
The prizes for original stories have so emphasized the work in English in the schools that the subject seems to me to deserve notice in this report. I give below a paper, a copy of which has been sent to each teacher in the two towns, set- ting forth the more important directions under which this work is done, as, perhaps, a good way to present the subject. I also give two prize stories written by Hatfield pupils, one last year and the other the year before. These papers will give some idea of the work and its results.
The rule has been made that a winner of a prize will not compete a second time. This has seemed to be for the greatest good to the greatest number.
DIRECTIONS FOR PREPARING THE PRIZE STORIES.
Friends are taking a special interest in the work in Eng- lish that is being done in our schools. This appears in part in the prizes that are offered for best stories. Two prizes of $2.50 each are offered by Dr. Smith of Hadley, to be awarded
-
-51 -
at our next exhibit. We must avail ourselves of the advantage which this interest gives us. The enthusiasm of friends and the offer of prizes will help you to rouse your pupils to greater effort. If you are interested, your pupils will be infected with your enthusiasm. If you are indifferent, your pupils will be likewise.
What is contemplated is nothing more than every school should aim to accomplish, viz : to train the pupil to write and speak correctly, and to express his thoughts clearly and forcibly.
The methods used in practice throughout the year may differ widely, but the following rules must be observed in writing the final story that is to go before the judges :
The 5th, 6th and 7th grades will compete for one prize- the 8th and 9th for the other.
Use perfectly plain paper. If it should contain any mark, this might suggest to the judges from what town or school the writer belongs.
The merits of the stories will be determined on the fol- lowing basis: Spelling, 10 per cent .; penmanship, 10 per cent .; neatness, 10 per cent .; the common grammatical rules -- punctuation, capitalization, etc., 10 per cent .; diction, 20 per cent. and originality, 40 per cent.
The writer will sign his assumed name, the teacher will make a list of all such names in her school, write the real name opposite, give this list to the superintendent when the stories are handed him, letting no one else know the name of a writer.
- 52 -
The final story must have been written in the presence of the teacher and must be original. The teacher will read each story with care with reference to this feature of the work before passing it in. (Explain to pupils what originality is and by what per cent. each element will be rated.)
In writing the final story the pupil is not to receive any help or suggestion of any kind. (This should be explained to pupils:)
All stories should be handed in not later than April 21.
Instruction in the use of good English should be given in all the grades. Also the pupils in all the grades should have frequent practice in writing original stories.
THE RESCUE OF "LITTLE SISTER.
In the olden days before Columbus discovered America, there roamed the woods "The Great River."
On the north side lived the Northern Indians and on the south side lived the Southern Indians. These tribes were in trouble about one little Indian pappoose whom they called "Little Sister." The right owners of Little Sister were the Southeners but, you see, the Northeners had her and they were struggling to get her back. So there was trouble.
Among the Southerners was a young brave and he was resolved to get Little Sister back. He white washed his canoe, took his tomahawk, and told his mother he was going hunting. Then he got into his canoe and paddled across the Great River. It was not a long time before he reached the other side.
- 53 -
He hid his canoe in the bushes and waited to see what would happen. The light of the fire soon blazed up and he watched the men eating their supper.
As the meat was being carried away he grew more and more impatient. At last came the Indian war dance. The dancers jumped up and took their places and the dance began. At first they moved slowly and then faster and faster until it broke into fierce yelling and screaming and the Indians shout as if fighting a battle.
After awhile the men were all asleep on the grass and he heard a voice saying "Little Sister must sleep out doors. The wigwam is crowded." His brave heart thrilled with delight as he said to himself, "I will not go home till I have her."
His courage failed a little as he saw two squaws bring out her blanket and each take a seat beside her. Pretty soon one squaw began to get sleepy and soon she was asleep. Quick as a flash our brave had his boat set in the river and was back in an instant. All of a sudden he sprang out of the bushes, caught Little Sister and sprang to his boat.
Placing her in it he went shooting off like a streak of lightning.
The Indians watching his canoe mistook it for a white cap, so, safely he reached the other side.
The bonfires burned, glad cries and screams went upon the air, as Little Sister was borne into her tent.
MATILDA JANE GREY,
Grade V.
- 54 -
UNCLE JIM'S DREAM.
One night last winter, we boys and girls were left alone with Uncle Jim. We had decided at supper (that was before he came, ) that we would not let him leave the house, until, he had told us the dream that he started to tell Ned, when they were out on the maple lot.
Uncle Jim arrived very early as he always did, but for a long time everybody forgot about the dream, until bashful little Jennie, who had said hardly anything, asked Uncle Jim to tell us a story. Naturally he could not keep quiet at this, so we soon heard from him, "Oh! yes, I know Uncle Jim will tell us that dream he started to tell me the other day, only he didn't finish it, because Mr. Brown came, and he had to go with him "
"Well, if you kids will keep quiet and sit still, I will tell you the dream. I think it was a pretty. queer dream for a man like me. I don't say that I do not enjoy a base-ball - game because I do, but I don't see what made me dream of one in the middle of winter."
"Please tell us the dream, because I am awfully sleepy and want to go to bed" came from one of the boys.
It's coming, keep still if you want to hear it. I dream- ed that I had been haying, and had gotten so awfully tired out, that I went over under the apple tree to lie down. Be- fore I go any further, where is Jerry? Ah! hello old dog. Shake a paw. I was so tired that soon I fell asleep. Of course I don't know how long I slept, but the first I heard Jerry ask-"all the players here." I turned to see seventeen impatient dogs all clustering around Jerry. All the players seemed there except one, who soon appeared, with two balls, a bat, and two or three gloves."
- 55 -
The game was soon begun with Jerry as one of the pitchers and there was one of the funniest little pug-dog playing short- stop you ever saw. Jerry informed this pug-dog that if the ball came towards him all he'd have to do was to lie down in front of it and if he stopped it, the dog would be out."
"Finally two of the dogs got out and it came Jerry's turn to bat. One of the funny things of this game was, that when a dog got up to bat, it did not make any difference how many strikes he had, he staid at the bat till he hit the ball. Most of the dogs when they did hit the ball, only sent it three or four feet and they didn't mean to make sacrifices either, but it was not so with Jerry, he took the club and I guess he must have had fifteen strikes, but at last he hit that ball and it went right over the pug-dog's head and was just going to drop, I thought, into the left fielders paws, and I turned to hear Pete's voice asking me, 'if I was a goin' ta help him load that hay.""'
"JEMINY JONES."
DONORS AND WINNERS OF PRIZES.
In 1902 Dr. F. H. Smith proposed the plan, in order to improve the school work in English, of awarding prizes to the pupils of Hadley and Hatfield for best original stories and offered two of $2 50 each, one to be competed for by the three highest grades, the other by the next three grades. Fannie G. Allen, of Hadley, won the prize for the higher grades and Francis B. Woods, of Hatfield, won the other.
In 1903 Rev. R. M. Woods offered the same prizes. They were won by Mary B. Woods and Frances B. Woods both
- 56 -
of Hatfield. Mr. Woods then made a second gift to be used as second prizes, which were awarded to Paul C. Comins and Edith E. Scott, both of Hadley.
For the present year Dr. F. H. Smith again offers the two prizes.
Of the three judges one has been chosen from each town and one from outside. The examination of the stories is so arranged that it is not possible that the judges should receive any hint as to who the author may be, and hence cannot be influenced consciously or unconsciously by such knowledge.
SINGING AND DRAWING.
That the fine arts have not been neglected will be seen by reading the reports of the supervisors of vocal music and drawing. The work in these departments is of a high order.
CONCLUSION.
In closing I desire to express my gratitude to the people for their courteous treatment in my official relations with them, to the teachers for their hearty and effective co-opera- tion, the school committee for their kindly assistance and hearty support.
Respectfully submitted,
W. H. CUMMINGS,
Supt. of Schools.
Drawing.
Mr. W. H. Cummings,
Dear Sir :- In consideration of the change of drawing outline this year, the teachers and scholars have shown en- thusiasm and progress in the course of work.
The child is taught to draw objects about him, in his work, in his play, and learns to express in a few strokes the objects. of interest. The development correlates with all his studies.
We learn from year to year that drawing takes its place as one of the strong points in the education of the child.
If we develope an appreciation for the beautiful in every object out of doors and in, we certainly have opened a new life for the child.
Can he to-day but become awakened to a sense of how close he lives to nature and God, tasks in life will be more enlightened and free. .
Do we find many artists in the schools? That is not the point, but we are endeavoring to awaken a lasting brightness.
To keep with the progress of the child, his work should be seen by all interested.
Respectfully submitted,
LILLIAN V. WHITING.
Vocal Music.
Mr. W. H. Cummings, Superintendent of Schools :
I submit this brief report regarding the department of Vocal Music in the schools of Hatfield :
The studies of the school curriculum are valuable, as they aid in developing thought and the ability to express thought. The child intelligent in musical language has one more avenue through which he can concentrate thought, cultivate the im- agination, and strengthen the emotional nature.
Educators are recognizing the value of music as a disci- plinary study- The child who sings a new exercise without the aid of teacher or instrument, and masters the combined problems of time and tune, manifests well disciplined thought action.
The 68th Annual Report of the State Board of Education recently presented to the Legislature, contained nine recom- mendations. The seventh recommendation was as follows : "That Music be made a more substantial study in the High Schools."
Our aim is to present the subject systematically and re- cognize the same principles in teaching music as are applied in other studies.
The individual work, already begun, is continued. In no study as in music is it possible and unavoidable for the pupils,
-59-
working classwise, to depend upon a few leaders. In this proportion is the requirement of individual effort justifiable. The ready response and willing effort on the part of the indi- vidual pupils have greatly aided in the work.
A large portion of the music period is required in learning to read the language. This is simply a means to an end. The expressive side of the study should be ever before us, and our aim to develop a love for and appreciation of the best music.
The co-operation of the regular teacher in the work, de- termines the real value that each pupil gains from the music in the schools.
I wish to express hearty appreciation of the efficient work of the teachers and of their earnest support in my efforts.
We cordially invite parents and friends to inspect the work.
Respectfully,
URANIA G. BURROWS.
ANNUAL REPORTS
- -- OF THE-
TOWN OFFICERS
-OF THE- -
TOWN OF HATFIELD
HATRIA
EINDUSTRY
PROSPERITY
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING MARCH 1, 1906
1906 HERALD JOB PRINT NORTHAMPTON MASS.
Articles in the Warrant for Town Meeting, March 19, 1906.
Article I. To choose a Moderator to preside at said meeting.
Article 2. To choose all necessary Town Officers for the ensuing year, including one member of the School Con- mittec for three years, one member of the board of Water Commissioners for three years, one member of the Sinking Fund Commissioners for three years, one member of the Library Trustees for three years, one Elector, under the will of the late Oliver Smith, Esq. To vote on the question "Yes or No" shall license be granted for the sale of intoxicating liquors in this town for the ensuing year.
Article 3. To revise and accept the list of Jurors report- ed by the Selectmen.
Article 4. To hear the reports of the various Town Officers and act thereon.
Article 5. To receive and pass on town accounts.
Article 6. To take action in relation to maintenance and repairs of highways and bridges for the ensuing year.
Article 7. To take action in relation to raising money to defray the necessary expenses of the town for the ensuing year.
Article 8. To see what action the town will take in re- lation to the prompt payment of taxes the ensuing year.
Article 9. To see if the town will make an appropria - tion for Memorial Day.
4
Article 10. To take action in relation to the support of the poor for the ensuing year.
Article II. To see if the town will employ a teacher of music in the public schools for the ensuing year, and make an appropriation for the same.
Article 12. To see if the town will make an appropria- tion for the care of cemeteries for the ensuing year.
Article 13. To see if the town will appropriate money for the payment of tuitions of Hatfield children in Smith Academy, who are of suitable age and attainments to attend High School.
Article 14. To see if the town will make an appropria- tion for repairs on school houses.
Article 15. To see if the town will make an appropria- tion for the Public Library for the ensuing year.
Article 16. To see if the town will make an apprepria- tion for Firemen's Muster.
Article 17. To see if the town will employ a teacher of drawing in the Public Schools the ensuing year, and make an appropriation for the same.
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