USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Holyoke > Holyoke daily transcript > Part 20
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The present officials of the Holyoke Water Power Company are the following :
President, Charles E. Gross, Hartford, Com. ; vice-president, L. Clarke Seelyc, North- ampton, Mass. ; treasurer, Rewhen C. Winches- ter, Hulyoke, Mass .; assistant treasurer. Wal- lace E. Sawin, Holyoke, Mass. ; clerk, Wallace
E. Sawin, Holyoke, Mass .; directors : James J. Goodwin, Francis Goodwin, Charles E. Gross, D. W. C. Skilton, all of Hartford, Conn .; Frederick Harris, A. Willard Damon, Springfield, Mass .; L. Clarke Scelye, Northampton, Mass .; Edward B. Hatch, Ilartford, Conn.
View of Connecticut River, MI. Tom in Disinner
HOLYOKE, Mus
TESTING FIUME.
CONNECTICUT RIVER, MT. TOM IN THE DISTANCE.
HOLYOKE'S PARKS
By WILLIAM J. HOWES
ELMWOOD PARK, AMONG THE FLOWERS.
The fortunate selection of a site for the City of Hol- yoke assured not only its manufacturing growth, but also gave to its inhabitants a location amid surroundings of a natural beauty that cannot be excelled by any city in the country.
The long circuit of the Connecticut river to the east around us formed a triangular plot of land between its shores and the hills to the west, making an ideal location for our industrial city. The three terraces within its boundaries have been utilized as nature intended them to be, and they distinctly mark the manufacturing, mercantile, and residential sections, giving to cach a character and in- dividuality seldom found in other cities.
Holyoke in its infancy, in common with most other
places, took no thought of the needs of securing adequate areas for future development. She was fully occupied with the immediate needs of a rapidly growing community. With the wealth of beautiful landscapes which surrounded the early inhabitants it was unlikely, considering the neces- sity of the development of the great water power and the establishment of manufacturing industries, that they had any realization of the value of the preservation of these natural beauty spots to future generations. With them the broad open spaces were accessible and it was only a step from their homes to nature in all her glory. Naturally they could not foresce the city's wonderful growth or the auperative uved of their acquiring breathing spaces for future tinie.
What was common to them is equally so with us to- day. Our commercial resources and opportunities have so occupied our thoughts that we have neglected to acquire land or have allowed it to be sold for a mere pittance, which, when required, we shall have to pay for dearly, or exceedingly regret its passing beyond our control.
In the selection of the location of Holyoke's parks there has been an excellent distribution in all parts of the city. Every section, except Ward Two, has been provided for. These plots have been selected with considerable forethought and study of the needs of the district on the part of the park commission. They have secured to the city forever those points of vantage which will always be considered as the choicest locations within the city's limits.
THE DINGLE BROOK, FROM BALL'S CORNER.
THE TERRACE, ELMWOOD PARK.
HOLYOKE'S PARKS
GERMANIA PARK.
The first official mention of parks was ten years after Holyoke was incorporated a city. Mayor James E. Delaney, in his inaugural address in 1884, advocated the establisht- ment of a park commission by the acceptance of Chapter 154, Acts of 1882. This act vested the ownership of all park lands in the hands of the park commission and gave them the powers of "eminent domain," or by purchase, of all new lands, and when once purchased to be held in their hands forever. This act was accepted and a commission of five members appointed May 13, 1884.
The park commission began its existence with llamp- den and Germania parks, which were established in 1883 The various other parks were established as follows: ln 1885, Prospect park, bordering the river above the dam:
18yo, llamilton park, a triangular plot, a breathing space only, in Ward Two, adjoining the Hamihon street school on the south; 1802. Canonchet park, another small breath- ing space on "Depot hill." Ward One ; 1895, Elmwood park. a long ravine which divided Elmwood from the main por- tion of the city from the Holyoke & Westfield railroad on the east to Pine street : 1904, Riverside park, a plot to be devoted to general recreation and park purposes, the first real semblance of a park in the city; 1007, the purchase of the Ranlet tract, a plot of ground bordering the west end of Elmwood park, containing a large section of level land to be devoted to recreation purposes ; 1908, Jones Point park, probably the choicest acquisition for general park purposes the city has; 1909, the purchase of the Herbert
tract, a plot of ground adjoining Elmwood park on the south, to provide an entrance way from Elmwood into the park, and a crossover to Beech street on the opposite side; and in 1909 the La Libertie land on Laurel street in Elm- wood, a small tract at the junction of two streets, contain- ing a matter of 7,500 square feet of land.
In the first year of the commission's existence $443.60 was expended. For ten years thereafter the appropriations were increased from time to time, until approximately the sum of $7,500 was appropriated in 1903 for the main- tenance of the parks and for small purchases of land. During this period, commission after commission had hoped for enough funds to allow for an expansion of territory, but this was delayed until the opening of Mayor Nathan
ANOTHER VIEW DI GERMANIA PARK
ROSS AVENUE, ELMWOOD PARK.
HOLYOKE'S PARKS
IOL
HAMPDEN PARK, FROM DWIGHT STREET.
P. Avery's administration. The first year of his adminis- tration $32,000 was appropriated, mostly for expansion of territory and development work. This large appropriation, together with the generous amounts thereafter appropri- ated, marked a new era in the development of the city's parks.
The vision of Mayor Avery for a more beautiful and a more healthful city found a ready response in the hands of the park commission. Under the masterful chairman- ship of Charles E. Mackintosh, and with the co-operation of a harmonious working commission, great strides were made in the development of the parks. Among the im-
provements were the construction of a parapet wall with ontlooks at Prospect park ; finishing the lower section of Elmwood park; and the wonderful transformation of the masightly, board-fenced, Springdale Driving park into the present beautiful Riverside park. The parks also doubled in area during this period
HAMILTON PARK.
HOLYOKE'S PARKS
PROSPECT PARK.
All that was duue revealed to our citizens the great possibilities and beauty which had been laying dormant within them. This work had been carefully planned and was only awaiting an adequate appropriation each year for its gradual development.
After a thorough study of the needs of the different sections of the city hy the commission, Riverside park, at the south end, and Jones Point park, at the north end of the city, were acquired by "eminent domain" proceedings, as they were the only places which permit of the public having access to the river that was not controlled by the Holyoke Water Power Company, or under their restrictions. These two parks are uf sufficient area for use for all purposes. ind with their rerellent views and the water features for
bonting and bathing, when developed, will make of them ideal parks,
In all their purchases i was the vision of the park commission to sometinie advocate making these links in a chain or system of parks connected one to the other by . broad boulevard, surrounding the whole city. This method has been advocated by most of the larger cities in the country for their park systems. In many it has been adopted, and large sums of money have been appropriated for their development. Such a system of parks and boule- varde could be provided for in this city at a comparatively -111al cost,
In forming the enanecting links between the parks a drive, beginning at Riverskle park and the old ferry land-
mig, and continuing in a direct line as near as possible to Elinwood park at lower High and Maple streets, thence through High or Maple streets to Prospect park, thence skirting the river along the brow of the hill rising to a higher elevation and on to Jones Point park, thence by the extension of North Pleasant street to Northampton street at River terrace, thence through the Whiting Street reservoir reservation and on south along the brow of the hill west of Northampton street to Cherry street, and hence through Elmwood park from Cherry and North- amijiton streets to High street, forming a complete cirenit of the city above the manufacturing district. The exten- sion from fligh street south to Main street has been ad- viated for some time. The opening of this extension
ELMWOOD PARK, LOOKING NORTH
ANOTHER VIEW OF PROSPECT PARK
HOLYOKE'S PARKS
CANONCHET PARK.
and another at the north end by a bridge starting at the junction of High street and Prospect park and extending to South Hadley Falls, would make High street a thorough- fare, and it would become a main artery of through travel from the north to the south. With such a park system and connecting thoroughfares Holyoke's name would be- come more fantons throughout the country than she has
hevn made by her manufacturing industries. It would be her chief asset in advertising the city. The famous Euclid avenue at Cleveland, Ohio, or Summit avenue at St. Paul, Minn., could not be compared with it.
Through the wisdom of former park commissioners enough links in the chain have been secured to practically pledge the city to its emire developement, east of North-
atpilon street. The gaps are small between parks, and with the contemplated extensions of High street to the south excluded it leaves but a very small portion of the system to be developed within the present city limits. This work will surely be carried out sooner or later. When that time shall be rests entirely with the citizens of the city to say whether they want it now, at a small cost, or wait until falmlous prices are asked before it is demanded.
THE Oun RiSIE BRIDGE,, IN ELMWOOD PARK
HOLYOKE'S SCHOOLS
By JOHN L. RILEY
9993
HOLYOKE HIGH SCHOOL.
The purpose of this brief article is to present to the readers of the Transcript a few of the many features of the Holyoke public schools which appear to me commend- able in character. It would be easy to find things deserving of criticism, for the absolutely perfect scheme of education exists only in the imagination, and some matters of grave importance to public education are still quite unsatisfactory in many of our cities. Although schools everywhere are making steady and encouraging advance, there is great need of careful investigation, honest discussion, intelligent criticismn, and unselfish service, if the public school is to fulfill its important mission. An article which treated of the local schools with thoroughness would require much time and effort, and in it would be discussed frankly and critically such subjects as the method of selecting the school committee, duties of superintendent, method of selecting lenchers, awarding orders and contracts, methods and
courses of study, grading and promotion, health inspection, vocational education, etc. The fact that school systems differ widely in almost every phase of work is evidence of much diversity of opinion even in fundamental matters. but it is also suggestive of the need of a broad study of prevailing practices and an intelligent selection of the best. In writing an article on the Holyoke schools, therefore, it is necessary to limit its scope to some one particular thing. so 1 choose to point ont briefly to those who love Holyoke the encouraging features of their school system,-those fea- tures of which they may feel justly proud.
The first duty of the public school is to care for the health of the children. In some respects Holyoke is doing this well. Its buildings, on the whole, are as modern and well-kept as can be found in any city of Massachusetts. There is no overcrowding, all the children being housed in regular school buildings in comparatively small classes.
Illness of pupils from fatigne is wisely guarded against by having short sessions for the children of the first two grades, and by the plan of short terms. The opening of the shower baths and the employment of a nurse at the William Whiting School marked the beginning of a posi- tive health policy which will undoubtedly be developed and extended. The fresh-air rooms, in the same building, made by simply using pivot windows instead of the kind ordi- marily used, and by massing them together are the first roomis of the kind to be planned in any school building in Western New England. The large. well lighted, and fully ventilated play room in the basement is also the pioneer room of its kind in this section. In these various ways llolyoke has made a beginning in the conservation of child health that is most commendable.
Another most important duty of the school is to lay the foundation for a broad, mutual understanding and co-
WILLIAM WHITING SCHOOL.
EAST DWIGHT STREET SCHOOL.
HOLYOKE'S
SCHOOLS
-
WEST STREET SCHOOL
KIRHAND SCHOXI!
HIGHLAND SCHOOL ..
SOUTH CHESTNUT STREET SCHOOL
APPLETON STREET SCHOOL
HOLYOKE'S
SCHOOLS
JOSEPH METCALF SCHOOL
operation among the future citizens of the city. This can be done only by teaching a common language, common in- terests, and common ideals,-a difficult task when we con- sider the mixed character of the population of the average American city. It is essential that the children be taught as quickly as possible to speak and read English. I am confident that in this basal work in language and reading in the primary grades, the progress is highly creditable and compares favorably with that in any of the surround- ing cities. The work in history and literature is strongly American in spirit, and ought to develop those ideals of freedom and tolerance which have made our country the asylum for the oppressed of every land. In all the work of the schools the stability of the teaching corps, and es- pecially of the principals, has aided in overcoming the evil effects of the frequent changes in the administrative head of the department.
Holyoke has made a good beginning in manual and industrial training. Its four manual training rooms in the grammar schools, and its well equipped shop in the high school, will tend to interest the boys in constructive work and in the world of industry, and will give them a more wholesome attitude toward labor, while the courses in sewing and cooking for girls recently extended to the seventh and eighth grades, ought to contribute to the effi- ciency of the future home.
Ilolyoke's system of evening schools, while still need- ing improvement and extension of courses, is second to none in the Connecticut Valley in practical results. The efforts made during the past three or four years to estab- lish courses in these schools whose aim should be the voca- tional improvement of those who work during the day. and especially the establishment of the Evening Vocational School during the past winter, have opened up a large field in which service of a most practical nature may be render- ed to a hitherto neglected class. The evening schools are patronized by working people for whom the city should provide generously in opportunities for self-improvement. During the next few years, evening schools will he revolu- tionized and their importance realized as never before. through a closer connection with home and life activities. The theoretical, bookish evening school is a thing of the past. Holyoke has witnessed only the beginning of a great advance in evening school organization, but such progress as has been made is just cause for congratulation.
The new Joseph Metenlí school, with its large hall on the first floor, which may be used for auditorium and gym- nasium purposes, suggests the larger use of school buikl- ungs for many kinds of community gatherings, There are
only three or four buildings in all New England used for grammar school work that have the auditorium on the first floor, and these have all been erected within the last few years. This is the type of building in which so many community gatherings or "social center meetings" have been held in Rochester during the past few years. At the time the Joseph Metcalf school was being planned, Super- intendent Clarence F. Carroll of Rochester told me that when he was superintendent of schools of Worcester, he visited the Holyoke and Springfield high schools and was very favorably impressed with the general plan of each,- an auditorium on the first floor with the rooms arranged around it. He used a similar plan for the Sonth High school in Worcester, and later, when he went to Rochester as superintendent, he adapted the plan to grammar school and social center purposes. It is peculiarly fitting, there- fore, that Holyoke should be the first city in this section to erect a social eenter grammar school.
The desire for neighborhood sociability is stronger in our cities than we have realized; it lacks opportunity for expression. A meeting place for the discussion of matters of common interest and for the formulation of plans re- quiring community co-operation would be as beneficial to- dlay as in the days when the town meeting was more wide- spread. It is safe to predict that the Joseph Metealf school, although simpler than the large Rochester build- ings, will fully justify the decision of the school committee and board of public works to erect such a building in Holyoke.
There is cause for feeling encouraged over the strengthening of public sentiment in Holyoke in recent years favoring the selection of teachers on merit. Notli- ing is more essential to an efficient school system than that the best teachers be selected, and the time has arrived when no intelligent community will tolerate any other pol- icy. The teacher who is most strenuous in seeking a posi- tion isn't necessarily the one who will render the most skillful or devoted service. Gen. U. S. Grant tells a story of self-sacrificing devotion in the Civil war that applies forcibly to public school work and to the selection of teachers. He received his commission as lieutenant-gen- eral, giving him command over all the Union forces, on March 9, 1864. The next day he visited General Meade, the victor of Gettysburg, who was in command of the Army of the Potomac. General Meade, thinking that Grant might want an officer who had served with him in the West at the head of the Army of the Potomac, nobly suggested the transfer of Sherman, and begged him not to hesitate about making the change, urging at the same time
"that the work was of such vast importance to the whole uation that the feeling or wishes of no one person should stand in the way of selecting the right men for all posi- hons," For himself he said he would serve to the best of his ability wherever placed. General Grant tells 115 that this incident gave him even a more favorable opinion of Meade than did his great victory at Gettysburg the July before, and he sagely adds: "It is men who wait to be selected, aud uot those who seek, from whom we may ol- ways expect the most efficient service."
These features of the Holyoke public schools and others which cannot be mentioned in this brief paper, re- flect credit upon the city, and especially upon those who have labored intelligently and without thought of selfish gain to provide schools of efficiency and opportunity befit- ting a twentieth century American city.
The future of the common public school as an insti- tution is secure. It originated in a social need and has been ever changing in method and scope, adjusting itself to the varying needs of succeeding generations. Its history has been one of marvelous growth and of immeasurable service for good. It reflects the higher hopes and the deeper and broader aspirations of humanity. Although still in its infancy, thinking people are rapidly coming to realize that through it many of the ills with which hu- manity has been afflicted throughout the ages may be eliminated, and that it will determine in large part the character of our future civilization, More than half a century ago Horace Mann, whose life was made nobly purposeful by his vision of what the public school might contribute toward the uplifting of society, declared that "without undervaluing any other human agency, it may be safely affirmed that the common school improved and energized as it can easily be, may become the most effec- tive and benignant of all the forces of civilization."
His vision has already become a reality, and it is every- where recognized that there is no work nobler or more vitally important than that of improving and energizing the common school.
The school of tomorrow will be a broadly social insti- tution, touching in a great variety of ways the life of the community in which it is located, It will contribute effi- ciently and widely to the health, intelligence, social sym- pathy, industrial skill, and citizenship ideals of the people whom it serves. It will be the largest factor in the fuller realization of those social conditions upon which depends the happiness of mankind, individual freedom, world-wide sympathy, and tolerance and universal peace.
T
GOD
HOLYOKE PARENT-TEACHER ASSN.
By MRS. SUMNER H. WHITTEN
The home and school must save the child, Not courts, The best work of conrts is to point out the needs of home and school.
A man standing in high position deplores the vanishing of honesty. lte says: "I have given up trying to change this generation. 1 am working to raise the standards of the next."
Co-operation with the teacher by the parent, more in- terest in the course of study, and in the ends the teachers .tre striving for with their children, education of the parent and to ronse the whole community to a sense of its duty .und responsibility to the blameless, dependent and neglected children. There is no philanthropy which will so speedily reduce our taxes, reduce our prison expenses, re- dluce the expense of institutions for correction and reform. This is the work of Parent-Teacher Associations. To be successful they must have the cordial support of superin- tendents, principals and teachers. The child-study move- ment has become such a progressive factor to so many leading thinkers, writers and lecturers in the editorial and educational world, that there are now in connection with many schools, where conditions are most nearly ideal, Parent-Teacher Associations, which means that parents and teachers work together over child problems that can be solved only by the united effort and interest of the guardians of both home and school. It is pre-eminently the right and dnty of the teachers to know what is being done for the child at home. It is her function to further the best teachings of the parents or help build a standard of right living where there has been a poor one, or none at all. To do this she needs to know the home.
A child is often a totally different ehild in the school than he is in the home, through misunderstanding or laek of intelligent training.
Holyoke, ever progressive, has the honor of having
Almost the first Parent-Teacher Association in Central Massachusetts, although there are over fifty in the state. These associations are doing splendid work for the edu- catii of the parent and the co-operative influence of home and school. The plan as promoted and encouraged by the National Congress of Mothers and Parent-Teacher Asso- ciations all through the country, for the purpose of reach- ing every home and every child, is the organization in every school of its own association. When any number of schools ni one town or city have organized, there is formed a Commeil of Parent-Teacher Associations, consisting of representatives of these organizations and their president and secretary
This Council suggests programs, possibilities and ad- visable procedure for the associations, assistance of the weiker by the stronger, consideration of questions in which all are interested, for civic betterment.
This is not only child-welfare work, it is educational work for the adult, and is co-extensive with the educational system of our country. It is not experimental but has come to stay, as reports from California to New York and Maine will testify. There are 250 associations in California.
Principal J. A. Callahan, of the Highland Grammar school, ever ready to co-operate where the patrons of his school are interested, lent n ready enr and, with the true educator's spirit, grasped the vital purpose with enthusiasm, when approached by parents and teachers on the subject of organization one year ago last April. He assisted heart- ily in the work of organization, and his support has ad- vanced the Association's work materially.
Miss Katherine G. Shine, assistant principal in the building, has been of invalnahle assistance in its suceess, and is an enthusiast on all phases of Parent-Teacher Asso- ciation work.
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