USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Hatfield > Hatfield Annual Town Report 1906-1914 > Part 17
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
For the Year Ending March 1, 1913
RESOURCES
From Town, General Appropriation,
$6,100 00
Supervisors,
300 00
Dog Fund,
115 70
Fire Escapes,
500 00
From Tuition, City Wards,
58 50
Northampton,
282 62
Whately,
102 66
From State, School Fund,
792 04
Supt. of Schools,
491 09
From Tickets and Supplies Sold,
32 32
$8,774 93
EXPENDITURES
Salaries of Teachers and Supervisors,
$4,653 70
Janitors,
782 31
Supt. of Schools,
599 61
Books and Supplies,
617 93
Fuel,
799 98
Transportation,
132 40
54
Repairs (Including Fire Escapes)
Miscellaneous Expenses,
$1,167 73 106 63
Total Expenditures,
$8,860 29
Overdrawn,
$85 36
ARTHUR R. BREOR,
Chairman.
Teachers and Enrollment, October, 1912
SCHOOLS
TEACHER
HOME
Salary
Per Week
Grade I
Grade II
Grade III
Grade IV
Grade V
Grade VI
Grade VII
Grade VIII
Grade IX
Totals
Center 1st Gram Center 2nd Gram Center 1st Prim
Magaret A. Ryan
Hatfield
$13 00
28 19
18 10
28
Hatfield
12 00 62
62 34
Center 2nd Prim
Sarah V. Kiley
Hatfield
12 00
10 24
Hill Grammar
Pearle N. Sadd
Broad Brook, Conn.
12 00
10 12
22
Hill Primary
Mary Decker
Newton
12 00
19 13
32
West Grammar
Elizabeth M. Kiley
Northampton
10 00
3 8 3
3
17
West Primary
Margaret Partenheimer Leeds
10 00
4 10
7
8
29
North Grammar
Nellie T. O'Brien
Natick
12 00
2 3734
19
Christine Hibbard
North Hadley
12 00
4 11
4
5
24
North Primary Bradstreet
Gladys V. Rand
Johnson, Vt.
11 00
4 12
2
8
26
Supr. of Music
Maud E. Boyle
Hatfield
4 00
$132 00 74 62 48 43 24 29 22 24 14 340
47
Cora H. Bean
Coventry, Vt.
12 00
Constance C. Breor
99
Superintendent's Report
In this, my second annual report, I shall refer briefly to some of the school conditions and activities of the past year and call attention to future needs and opportunities. It should be remembered that whatever suggestions for improve- ment in any department may be made, the real objective is the welfare of our children.
TEACHERS.
By far the largest factor in the success or failure of any school system is its teaching force. To secure and hold good teachers must always be the school official's greatest problem. Supervision, buildings, books, and other equipment, however complete and efficient, are of no avail unless the teacher in charge has the necessary qualifications. If we were willing to establish a salary schedule ranging from ten dollars as a minimum to fifteen dollars as a maximum weekly salary, it would do more to give our schools a high standing than any other action that could be taken. Such a schedule, properly established and carried out, would tend to eliminate any teachers who could not measure up to the required standard of excellence, and would enable us to secure and hold for longer terms of service those who are efficient.
TEACHERS' MEETINGS.
Two teachers' meetings have been held, one in Hatfield
56
57
at the beginning, and the other at Hadley near the middle of this school year. At these meetings such matters were con- sidered as apply to local conditions and needs.
The last meeting held was notable for the special atten- tion given to some of the more modern phases of education. Mr. W E. Riley of the Lowell Normal School, and Prof. O. A. Morton of the Massachusetts Agricultural College assisted at this meeting.
TEXT BOOKS.
During the past year the course in History has been strengthened by the introduction of Mace's Primary History in the sixth grade and Bourne and Burton's Introductory American History in the seventh grade.
The fourth and fifth grades have been provided with Frye's Geography, Book One. The higher grades should also be given new books this year in place of those now in use.
The Southworth-Stone three-book series of arithmetics have been introduced throughout all the schools. Their use has added much to the interest and value of the study.
Each teacher keeps a record of all books and supplies on hand and received, together with a record of the kind, num- ber, and condition of those given to pupils.
I would suggest that in the higher grades, when a pupil has finished satisfactorily the work comprised in any textbook in arithmetic, history, geography, or physiology, he should be given the book for his own use. Such books would be of much value in the family for the purpose of reference or re- view. It would also give the pupil a sense of ownership and added interest in the books used, if he knew that they were to become his property when completed.
SCHOOL BUILDINGS.
To provide suitable accommodations for our increasing
58
school population is just now one of the most pressing of our school problems. It is apparent that the present buildings are inadequate both in size and construction. In the West Hatfield, North Hatfied, and Bradstreet buildings there is at present sufficient seating room, but certain alterations and improvements should be made in order that they may be more sanitary and convenient. As it will always be neces- sary to maintain schools in these sections of the town, any repairs or changes should be for permanent rather than tem- porary advantage.
The birth records and school enrollment show that from two-thirds to three-fourths of all our children live in that part of the town tributary to either the Hill or Center Schools. If present conditions continue we are likely within five years to need from ten to twelve school rooms to properly accommo- date the children of this section. We can reckon on having only five rooms in the present buildings, as it cannot be ex- pected that the present arrangement with the Academy is to be permanent. It would seem that a new building, either to supplement or to take the place of those now in use, will be a necessity within a short period. If the use of another room can be secured temporarily, it may be best to defer definite action in regard to a new building until another year when we should be able to size up the situation more ac- curately, and decide more wisely as to what should be done.
MUSIC, DRAWING AND PENMANSHIP.
The work in Music under the faithful and intelligent supervision of Miss Boyle has progressed very satisfactorily.
At the beginning of this school year Miss Hibbard, the Supervisor of Drawing, resigned to accept a more desirable position elsewhere. The work since then in drawing has been carried on by the teachers independently. I would recommend that an effort be made to secure a competent su- pervisor of this subject for the next school year.
597
The Palmer Penmanship, introduced last year, is being taught with various degress of success according to the skill of teachers and their interest in the subject. It is a great improvement over the cramped vertical system. But to get the best results a Supervisor should be employed to have special charge of this subject and guide and instruct the teachers and pupils as far as necessary. The subject is one of the three most important taught in our schools. It cer- tainly deserves equal if not more attention than those subjects for which special teachers are usually employed.
PRACTICAL ARTS.
Instruction in practical arts in some form should be given in all our schools. When carried on intelligently such instruction does not take away anything of value from the other subjects, but rather helps them by giving interest and vitality to all other school work.
CARE OF PUPILS AT NOON.
Any one familiar with school conditions will readily understand that any considerable number of pupils should not be left to themselves during the noon recess period without some responsible person in charge.
I would recommend that arrangements be made before the opening of the next school year so that a teacher or other reliable person may be in charge of each building during the entire time that the pupils are present. This might be pro- vided for in the teachers' contracts and, if necessary, they be paid for the extra work required.
STATISTICS.
It will be observed by the table accompanying this report that the membership of all public town schools on October,
60
1912, was 340. The corresponding membership in 1911 was 315, and in 1910 was 277, -a gain of 63 in two years.
The average membership for the school year 1911-1912 was 298; the average attendance, 255; and the per cent of attendance, .85. The low per cent of attendance was caused in large measure by several epidemics of contagious diseases during the earlier part of the school year.
The average birth rate for the last eight years, beginning with 1905, has been 72. The effect of this larger birth rate are beginning to be seen in the increased number in the lower grades. The table referred to shows that the first grade has 74 pupils and the second grade 62, an average of 68. The average age of pupils is not less than six years. If they re- main in school for eight years, the present legal requirement, it is easy to demonstrate that within a period of five years or less we are liable to have in our schools an enrollment of about 500 pupils.
CONCLUSION.
We are facing a serious problem and responsibility in Hatfield, and the future welfare of our community depends on how we attempt to solve the problem and meet the respon- sibility.
About two-thirds of our pupils are of foreign parentage. In a few years they are to be a majority of the voters in town affairs. They are ambitious, strong, thrifty, and willing to learn. The public schools should be the leading agency in so training these boys and girls that they may become useful and respected citizens who shall feel pride in their town, and cherish all that is best in its traditions of community service and betterment. To this end our school buildings and grounds should be ample and well equipped; the course of study should bring to the child an appreciation
61
of the best things in our home and community life; and the teachers should able to teach and exemplify the highest type of American Citizenship.
Shall we work together for this end?
CLINTON J. RICHARDS.
Report of Medical Inspector
The school year 1912-1913 was characterized by two epidemics-measles and mumps, in the closing of the spring term. During the summer these diseases died out.
At the opening of the fall term the schools were free from contagious diseases.
A few cases of scarlet fever and diphtheria occurred in persons of pupils but proper precautions being taken, no epidemic resulted.
Great improvements have been made in the sanitary condition of the Hill and Center schools.
Some of the outside schools, however, are far from being satisfactory.
It would be advisable, if the Town saw fit, to have these conditions remedied during the summer vacation.
We would call special attention to these needs of the Bradstreet school.
A. J. BONNEVILLE,
CHAS. A. BYRNE.
62
Report of Supervisor of Music
The study of vocal music in the graded schools has been continued along the same lines as formerly. .
We are endeavoring to give to the children of the Hat- field schools the best possible advantages of the musical course by teaching them grade by grade the fundamentals and principles of music and by requiring good tone, quality, and intelligent interpretation in class singing. This is due to a great extent to the thorough individual drill which each pupil receives.
It is my desire to express my sincere gratitude to the teachers for their hearty cooperation and perseverence in this line of work.
MAUD E. BOYLE.
63
ANNUAL REPORT
-OF THE-
TOWN OFFICERS
-OF THE --
1670
INDUSTRY
PROSPERITY
Town of Hatfield
-FOR THE-
Year Ending March 1, 1914
1
HEARLD JOB PRINT NORTHAMPTON
Finance Committee
To the voters of the Town of Hatfield:
Gentlemen :- The following necessary appropria- tions and improvements can be approximately had with a tax rate of $19, which this Committee advises, rather than lowering the rate to $18, by raising the valuation of property on the outskirts of the town.
WE RECOMMEND:
Money already voted on and to be assessed in 1914 :-
Bradstreet Road, (Note) $2,500 00
Bradstreet Box Culvert, (Note) 2,100 00
Street Lights, to July 1st, 1914, 1,100 00
First payment and interest, New School loan, 2,900 00
$8,600 00
Article 5-Highways.
Ordinary repairs highways and bridges and for tools on re- pairs stone roads, $3,000 00
$3,000 00
3
4
Article 6. Necessary town expenses.
Contingencies, $1,000 00
Care Memorial Hall,
150 00
Bonds-Town Officers,
60 00
Town Water Rates,
500 00
Salaries-Town Officers,
1,500 00
Care of Poor,
1,000 00
Insurance,
110 00
Interest on outstanding and
temporary notes, 800 00
Schools-maintenance and re-
pairs,
9,350 00
$14,470 00
Inspection of animals, beeves & carcasses, 300 00
Article 8. Memorial Day,
75 00
Article 11. Care of Cemeteries,
100 00
Article 12. Public Library,
350 00
Article 13. Tuition-Smith Academy, 500 00
Article 14. Muster Day,
75 00
Article 16. School Physicians, 100 00
Article 17. Tuition-Smith Agri. School, 300 00
Article 20. Oiling Roads, 350 00
Article 23. The sum of $6,000 for permanent roads at Bradstreet and on Chestnut street,-$5,000.00 of this amount to be spent finishing the Bradstreet stone road,
5
and $1,000.00 for Chestnut street .- $2,000.00 of this sum to be assessed on the polls and estates of the town for the year 1915, $2,000.00 for the year 1916, and $2,000.00 for the year 1917. Also, in con- nection with this Article it is recommend- ed that the Selectmen be instructed to in- terview the Mass. Highway Commission for an appropriation of $3,000.00 for ex- tending the macadam work North on Main street.
Article 24. Chestnut street tile drain, 400 00
Article 25. We recommend that the sum of $300.00 be raised and appropriated for building a sidewalk on North side of King street,-provided that the abutters will bind themselves in writing to pay a like sum to the town, 300 00
Article 27. Fire Dept. supplies & hose tower, 500 00 Article 30. We recommend that the Select- men be instructed to confer with the Am- herst Gas Co. and make the best terms possible, also, to authorize them so that they can make or not make contract with said company, 1,560 00 Article 31. Spraying of trees and Tree Warden work, 500 00
$31,480 00
6
Respectfully submitted,
John J. Betsold, M. W. Boyle, J. E. Porter, A. R. Breor, J. F. Day,
Thaddeus Graves,
Thos. A. Nolan,
John McHugh, Daniel P. Sheehan,
Charles W. Wade,
0. E. Belden,
H. W. Wolfram, A. H. Graves, L. H. Kingsley,
Finance Committee.
Articles in the Town Warrant for Town Meeting March 16, 1914
Article 1. To choose a Moderator to preside at said meeting.
Article 2. To choose all necessary town officers for the ensuing year .- Town Clerk; three Selectmen; one Assessor for 3 years; Town Treasurer; one School Committee for 3 years; one Water Commissioner for 3 years; one Sinking Fund Commissioner for 3 years; one Trustee for Public Library for 3 years; Auditor; Tree Warden; Elector, under the Will of Oliver Smith; Tax Collector; six Constables; and to vote on the ques- tions-"Yes" or "No"-Shall Licenses be granted for the sale of intoxicating liquors in this town? Shall this town accept the provisions of Section 42 of Chapter 514 of the Acts of the year 1909, as affected by Chapter 494 of the Acts of the year 1911, which provides that eight hours shall constitute a day's work for city or town employees? Shall Chapter 807 of the Acts of 1913, being an act to provide for compensating labor- ers, workmen and mechanics for injuries sustained in
7
8
public employment, and to exempt from legal liability counties and municipal corporations which pay such compensations, be accepted by the inhabitants of this Town? All the foregoing to be voted for on one bal- lot.
The polls will be opened at ten o'clock in the fore- noon, and be kept open at least four hours, and for as much longer time as a majority of the voters present shall direct, but in no case shall they be kept open after the hour of sunset.
Article 3. To hear the reports of the various town officers and act thereon.
Article 4. To receive and pass on town accounts.
Article 5. To take action in relation to mainten- ance and repairs of highways and bridges the ensuing year, and raise and appropriate money for the same.
Article 6. To take action in relation to raising money and appropriating same to defray the necessary expenses of the town for the ensuing year.
Article 7. To see what action the town will take in relation to the prompt payment of taxes the ensuing year.
Article 8. To see if the town will raise and ap- propriate money for Memorial Day.
Article 9. To take action in relation to support of the poor for the ensuing year, and raise and appro- priate money for the same.
9
Article 10. To revise and accept the list of Jurors reported by the Selectmen.
Article 11. To see if the town will raise and ap- propriate money for the care of cemeteries for the ensu- ing year.
Article 12. To see if the town will raise and ap- propriate money for the Public Library for the ensuing year.
Article 13. To see if the town will raise and ap- priate 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 raise and ap- priate money for Firemen's Muster.
Article 15. To see if the town will vote to author- ize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money in anticipation of the revenue of the current financial year.
Article 16. To see if the town will raise and ap- propriate money for the employment of one or more School Physicians, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 502, Acts of 1906.
Article 17. To see if the town will raise and ap- propriate money for the payment of tuitions of Hat- field children attending the Smith Industrial School at Northampton.
10
Article 18. To see if the town will vote to appoint a Finance Committee to act for the ensuing year.
Article 19. To see if the town will raise and ap- propriate money for purchasing supplies needed by the Fire Department.
Article 20. To see if the town will vote to oil the stone roads of the town the ensuing year, and raise and appropriate money for the same.
Article 21. To see if the town will vote to change the time of holding its Annual Spring Town Meeting from third Monday in March, to an earlier date.
Article 22. To see if the town will petition the Director of the Bureau of Stataistics for an audit of its accounts, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 598, Acts of 1910, and amendments thereof.
Article 23. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $6,000 for building perma- nent roads on Bradstreet Depot road and on Chestnut street, $5,000 for finishing Bradstreet road and $1,000 on Chestnut street; said sum to be raised as recom- mended by your Finance Committee.
Article 24. To see if the town will vote to build a 10-inch tile drain from opposite the Landry house on Chestnut street, South through M. P. Kiley's lot, across School street and Wm. P. Boyle's lot to Mill Riv- er; for the purpose of taking away the surface water
11
that collects at that part of Chestnut street, and raise and appropriate money for same.
Article 25. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $300 for building a side- walk on North side of King street under provisions as recommended by your Finance Committee.
Article 26. To see if the town will vote to extend its sewer system on South street, from opposite A. W. Morton's residence South to tenement of G. A. Billings, money to be taken from contingent account.
Article 27. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $500 for supplies and build- ing a hose tower for the Fire Department.
Article 28. To see if the town will vote to pay for books used by pupils of the town attending Smith Academy, the money to be taken from the contingent account.
Article 29. To see if the town will vote to build a permanent road of stone or other material, on North Main street, under the provisions of Chapter 525, Acts of 1910.
Article 30. To see if the town will vote to con- tract with the Amherst Gas Company to furnish Elec- tric Street Lights for three or five years, and raise and appropriate the sum of $1,560 for same, from July 1st to Dec. 31st, 1914.
12
Article 31. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate $500 for the spraying of trees and Tree Warden work.
Article 32. To see if the town will vote to author- ize the Selectmen to straighten and establish the bounds of the "Great Ponset" Road from a point where the said road leaves Middle Division, West to a point near Mill River.
Article 33. To see if the town will instruct the Selectmen to demand of the Conn. Valley Ry. Co. for better service; for repairs on all driveways and cross- overs; to abate any other nuisances complained of to the Selectmen; also, to proceed to collect all bills due the town.
Selectmen's Report
To the Citizens of Hatfield:
Gentlemen :- In accordance with the requirements of the Statutes of Massachusetts, the following report for the year ending March 1st, 1914, is respectfully sub- mitted:
STATE AID.
Paid to three persons,
$120 00
POOR EXPENDITURES.
Charles A. Byrne, medical attendance,
$23 00
Aid-cash paid, 135 00
Mrs. F. J. Morgan, board,
12 00
Thomas P. Fitzgerald, rent,
21 00
Mary J. Proulx, rent,
10 00
H. D. Smith, coal, 17 48
John J. Betsold, wood,
9 00
L. J. Pelissier, supplies,
30 07
M. J. Ryan, supplies,
81 65
M. J. Proulx, sawing wood,
2 00
13
14
City of Holyoke, City of Northampton, State Board of Charity,
197 85
107 00
41 50
$687 55
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
F. T. Bardwell, forest and at Strong's fire, $92 20
J. M. Strong, forest and at Strong's fire, 123 20
C. H. Crafts, forest and at Strong's fire,
43 00
J. J. Betsold, at Strong's fire, 36 00
J. F. Day, at Strong's fire, 17 50
50 00
City of Northampton, at Strong's fire, Fire Chief, L. L. Pease's fire,
19 00
P. W. Mullins, horse at fires,
2 00
Fred Wenzel, work at fires, and on hose,
9 00
Revere Rubber Co., hose and couplings,
221 89
B: & M. Rd. ft.,
1 06
W. L. Chilson, harness,
29 00
$643 85
SCHOOL PHYSICIANS.
Charles A. Byrne, $50 00
A. J. Bonneville, 50 00
$100 00
15
TOWN OFFICERS.
John E. Porter, services as Selectman, 1912, $150 00
J. J. Betsold, services as Selectman, 1912, 75 00
M. W. Boyle, services as Selectman, 1912, 75 00
D. W. Wells, services as Water Commissioner, 10 00
M. J. Proulx, services as Water Commissioner, 10 00 A. R. Breor, services at Water Commissioner, 10 00
C. I. Stowell, services as Ballot Clerk, 7 00
Robert J. McGrath, services as Ballot Clerk, 7 00
D. E. Holley, services as Ballot Clerk, 7 00
Scott Harris, services as Ballot Clerk, 7 00
E. W. Strong, services as Assessor, 61 25
P. W. Mullins, services as Assessor, 88 00
L. H. Kingsley, ser. as Assessor, copyg val. bk., 180 00 V. H. Keller, services as Auditor, 10 00
E. L. Graves, services as Tax Collector, 1912, 200 00
Thomas W. Ryan, services as Reg. of Voters, 10 00
L. H. Kingsley, services as Reg. of Voters, 10 00
S. F. Billings, services as Reg. of Voters, 10 00
R. W. Weber, services as Reg. of Voters, 10 00
L. H. Kingsley, services as Town Clerk, Clerk of Board of Selectmen, 400 00
as Town Treasurer, 100 00
A. R. Breor, services as Constable, 6 00
George Eberlein, services as Constable, 2 00
$1,445 25
16
PROTECTION OF TREES.
Brackett, Shaw & Lunt, machine and hose, $351 00
B. & M. Rd. ft., 9 54
Merrimac Chem. Co., lead, 47 92
Jas. P. Kelly, labor,
11 00
H. D. Smith, team and man,
25 00
S. W. Kingsley, labor and man climbing,
51 80
W. H. Riley, rep. pump,
2 64
M. J. Ryan, sup.,
3 85
$502 75
TOOL HOUSE ADDITION.
Fred W. Schepp, slating,
$42 00
F. L. Betsold, labor, 65 00
$107 00
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Johnson's Bookstore, books,
$49 51
Bridgeman & Lyman, books,
15 64
T. S. Rorke, books,
75
The H. R. Huntting Co., books,
51 64
Underwood & Underwood, pictures,
16 90
O. E. Woodward, magazines,
13 80
J. W. Heffernan, supplies, 7 30
Metcalf & Company, supplies,
2 50
C. A. Hodges, Asst. Librarian,
3 75
Margaret A. Ryan, Asst. Librarian,
32 25
17
C. M. Barton, Librarian, 75 00
C. M. Barton, labor and cash paid,
80 96
$350 00
CONTINGENCIES.
Herald Job Print, printing reports, $126 30
Chas. A. Byrne, retng births and fumigating, 25 75
A. J. Bonneville, retng births and fumigating, 21 50 E. L. Graves, env., stamps, postage on reports, 21 63
H. S. Gere, advertising, 1 00
Metcalf & Co., ballots, 12 00
C. H. Chase, transfers real est., 10 05
E. E. Davis, ex. bridges and surveying,
44 52
J. M. Strong, posting,
2 00
Am. Gas Co., light Town Hall, 8 95
Dike Co. at Boston, 30 00
J. W. Heffernan, journal, 3 10
George Eberlein, labor, 2 15
Johnson's Bookstore, tax book, 2 05
Foster Bros., supplies, 4 50
F. G. Vollinger, sawing wood,
4 00
L. H. Kingsley, recording, indexing births,
51 80
marriages and deaths, Serving S. Warrants,
18 00
Fares, ex. and postage pd.,
10 85
C. I. Stowell, care Wilkie plot,
3 00
E. S. Warner, inspection carcasses, beeves,
206 25
C. T. Bagnall, tax bills, 2 76
Hobbs & Warren, books, 12 59
18
Scott Harris, care Clock and Town Hall, 27 50 C. Coolidge, ex. to Boston, 20 00
E. J. McCarthy, rep. stove Town Hall, S. W. Kingsley, police duty,
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.