USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1900-1903 > Part 19
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 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55
MR. H. ALLEN HALSTEAD,
Superintendent of Norwood Public Schools :-
DEAR SIR :- Again it is my privilege to report on the condition of the music in our public schools, and I take pleasure in referring to the improvement shown in all the grades over last year. The opening of the new Guild School and the better grading of the classes has permitted more thorough work.
In the beginning of the year all the voices in the five grammar grades were tested by the Supervisor of Music. A record of this test is in the care of the teachers, showing the name, age, voice, range of voice. and an estimate given on the ability of the pupil to sing in tune. In the primary grades the teachers have
20
made a record of each pupil's voice, marking same either G, F, or P, according to the pupil's ability to sing the scale in tune, and these records are at all times open to public inspection.
It is our desire and aim that the teacher shall be acquainted with all voices in her class, and the working effort of pupils noted, and to properly care for their voices. In the six lower grades we have introduced individual singing. This new departure has been attended with excellent results. At least two pupils are required to sing alone each day, and while difficult for some at first, yet confidence replaces timidity, and self- reliance is being developed. For the first time the metronome has been introduced in the different schools, a small brass ball suspended from a standard, the cord being easily lengthened or shortened, thereby making a long or short swing as desired. This device enables the pupil to clearly comprehend the principal movements in music : allegro, allegretto, moderato and andante.
With the approval of the Superintendent and the School Committee, I am giving a course of lessons in music to the teachers, who meet once in two weeks at the Everett School, and have already had assurances of their helpfulness. Most certainly our standard of music is being advanced. The teachers are all striving earnestly for the best results and the pupils likewise.
I should like to thank the School Committee for their generous . support, and also to acknowledge the hearty assistance the Superintendent has always given me personally, and in my department in the public schools.
Yours respectfully,
B. HAROLD HAMBLIN.
To MR. H. A. HALSTEAD,
Superintendent of Schools : -
In submitting my annual report I wish to thank the committee for their help in making the year a successful one ; also the eachers for their untiring efforts in the work.
21
Last June we were able to have an exhibition of our" year's work, by the courtesy of the contractor of the Guild building and committee, in the new rooms of Guild School. The best drawings were mounted upon large cardboard shects and sent to the state exhibition at Boston. About one-half of the drawings sent were retained for the Paris Exposition. Some of our little people may well feel proud to know they exhibited in Paris so early in life.
A room at the High School has been arranged so that the work in drawing can be carried on much better than last year. Much more interest is taken in the work and therefore better results are obtained. I hope that in the near future casts may be added to the room, also a few good vase forms, that more interesting groups may be made for the work in charcoal and water colors.
More work is being done in the Picture Study and Historic Ornament than last year. Otherwise we are following the same line of work.
It would give me much pleasure to have more investigate what is being done in laying the foundation of an art education in our public schools.
Respectfully submitted,
ANNIE ROBINSON.
The completion of the Guild addition and the great improve- ments mnade at the East give us better and fuller facilities for the work, and probably ample accommodation for several years to come for our rapidly increasing school population. The renovation of these buildings, together with that of the Balch and the West, render six of our seven school buildings models of modern scien- tific sanitation, heating and ventilation, enhancing their value almost beyond estimate when we consider the comfort and health and happiness of the children. School buildings should be the highest expression of sanitary and educational wisdom, as well as of civic pride. In all our outlay let us remember that the
22
prosperity of the state, materially, politically and, morally, is vitally related to the prosperity of the schools.
We regret the loss of several of our teachers during the year. They left us for places where higher salaries are paid. Filling their places and employing several others for the new classes opened, gave us a much greater change than usual in our teaching force. However, things are now running smoothly, and we feel that we are easily holding our place among the progressive schools of the state, with the encouraging prospect of a steady and whole- some progress before us. A larger per cent. than ever before of our teachers are normal or college graduates, and skillful prepa- ration along with thorough devotion to their great work is every- where apparent.
I feel that the subject of physical culture should receive more attention. Some of our teachers are familiar with the Swedish system and have daily exercises in their classes; but as this training is permissive only, and not required, by many of our teachers it is omitted. The need for right physical training is sufficiently urgent, and is evident through the munerous cases of ill-health among school children caused by indoor confinement, sedentary school work, improper use of the eyes, and neglect of cleanliness. It has been aptly said that school- life should not merely prevent the impairment of health; it should improve health. The occupations of the school should be so conducted as not to hinder, but to further good bodily development. The value of physical training, rightly conducted, to the health, growth in moral life, and future career of the indi- vidual scholar is not to be gainsaid by any thoughtful person. While we grant the desirability of a specially trained instructor, such as we already have in drawing, music, and sewing, perhaps the most direct way of making physical culture applicable in the schools is, according to Secretary Hill, by qualifying the regular teachers to give the instruction. With the knowledge they already have of the subject, supplemented with a course of a dozen lessons or so by a specialist, we could soon have the sub- ject placed on a very satisfactory basis in our schools. In the best private and secondary schools, the judicious promotion of
23
health through right physical training is most carefully regarded.
Among other things, we would like to urge a fuller appreciation on the part of our townspeople of the increased opportunities our schools are today affording. By the addition of the ninth grade to the grammar schools, our system has been greatly strengthened and improved. Here, with algebra and Latin begun, a complete and thorough fit is assured for the High School; or should the pupil be compelled to stop with this grade, he has, if he has improved his time, a generous start and stimulus for a successful business life, or for private study and improvement in the future.
But we would have the children take the full advantages of our schools, not stopping until they have completed the High. Education is a process of slow growth and requires time. It must not be unduly hurried or abridged. To take the child from school and put him to work on reaching fourteen years of age is to deprive him of that measure of education which it is the settled policy of the Commonwealth to give him as his right. It may and probably will result in ever after limiting his vahe as a citizen and capacity as a producer. After paying so much for our schools we want to see a growing sentiment in favor of all the boys and girls taking all the advantages provided, and if for any reason necessity compels a parent to take his child from school and place him to work, we want the sentiment against it strong enough to make that parent feel that he owes the com- munity an explanation or apology for his action. The true idea is that education is an investment, the capital due to every child to fit him for life, "an inherent right, along with life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." We want to appreciate more fully that it takes time to educate the children, and along this line at least to resist the American spirit of impatience and haste. The best economic use we can make of our boys and girls is to educate them. The understanding that a definite length of time is necessary for education is what our American public now lacks. and we must in some way convince people that the first part of every individual's life is and should be held sacred and inviolable for this high purpose. Education when arrested
1
24
in mid-course is fragmentary and incomplete, and let us resist with all our might this arrested development in the educational progress of our children.
The past year has been one of substantial progress. We have better buildings, more conveniences and better appliances. The committee has been persistent and efficient in their efforts for the advancement of our schools. The teachers have labored faithfully and skillfully, and I thank them for their hearty and uniform co-operation. I also most sincerely appreciate the con- tinued confidence and support of the School Committee.
Respectfully submitted,
H. ALLEN HALSTEAD, Superintendent of Schools.
..
REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL.
To the School Committee : -
The High School opened in September with the unusually small enrollment of sixty-seven, classified as follows: fourteen seniors, seventeen juniors, twenty-four sophomores, ten freshmen and two taking a post-graduate course. The small number is due primarily to the introduction of the ninth grade. This will make the number less than normal until the class that has just entered has been graduated.
It seems a matter of regret that more boys do not appreciate the benefit of a high school course. There are but twenty-two at present in the school.
The courses of study have been kept as nearly as possible what they have been in past years. The state laws require that all high schools fit for college, and for the scientific and the normal schools. In this way the courses must vary as the re- quirements change. We have at present three courses.
The Classical is intended primarily for those expecting to go to college, and consists of four years of Latin, three of Greek, two of French, and two of mathematics. In the Scientific course, Physics, Chemistry and an extra year of French are sub- stituted for the Greek of the Classical course. Advanced math- ematics may also be taken by those preparing for scientific schools. The General course substitutes Book-keeping with more of the sciences and English for the Latin of the Scientific course. History and at least two periods of English are taken in all the courses. This year the time given to Physics has been increased from two-thirds of a year to a full year, and the same will be true of Chemistry next year.
The introduction of English History into the ninth grade has made it seem best to drop the subject in the first year of the
26
high school and take more advanced work in it during the senior year, when the scholars are better prepared for it by hav- ing studied Ancient History. The benefit of having Latin and Algebra begun earlier is very noticeable, and the break between the grammar and high schools is made much less.
The teachers are always glad to have parents visit the school, and to talk with them in regard to the work of the scholars. A better idea of what is being done can be gained by a few min- utes' conversation with the teacher than by the report cards, which at the best are very unsatisfactory. The school is for the benefit of the scholars, and it will be our endeavor to meet the wishes of the parents as far as possible when it does not inter- fere with the rights of other scholars.
Following the custom of past years, the class of '98 this fall presented the school with a picture of the Colosseum. The school needs more works of this sort, and it is to be hoped that the custom will be a lasting one.
With the special teachers we have Music one period each week, and Drawing every Tuesday. Those in the. General course and the two lower classes of the other courses are required to take the Drawing. The others may take it if they so desire. The room fitted up with the tables for drawing is a great improve- ment on the one formerly used and permits better work.
The early hour of closing makes it possible for teachers to be at the school in the afternoon, by appointment, to help scholars who are behind in their work ; but it is felt that scholars should make themselves responsible for their lessons, and that except in cases where the deficiency is caused by unavoidable absence, time is taken that should be given by the teacher to other school work, and that the other scholars are thus robbed of their just dues.
I wish to thank the committee for their favors and general interest in the school.
Respectfully submitted. N. A. CUTLER,
Principal.
27
GRADUATING EXERCISES OF THE CLASS OF 1899 NORWOOD HIGH SCHOOL, VILLAGE HALL, TUESDAY EVENING, JUNE 21, AT 7.45 O'CLOCK.
PROGRAM.
Chorus. .. And the Glory of the Lord." Handel Prayer.
Salutatory and Essay. " Heroism."
HELENA ELIZABETH HARTSHORN.
The Departure From Sicily. Virgil
Latin: MARY ELIZABETH CUFF. English : EDITH HOWARD MOORE.
Solo. " Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes." Dressler
SARAH CHARLES BARRETT.
Class History.
MARGARET ELLEN CROWLEY.
Recitation. "The Artist of the Fragments."
KATHERINE LOUISE HOULLAILAN.
Debate. "Should the United States Own the Railroads ? "
Affirmative: FRED JAMES KILEY. Negative : WILLIAM GILBERT UPHAM.
Chorus. " Happy Dreamland." Speranza
Essay. " The Girl of the Past and Present." GRACE SEGEBERG LEATHE.
28
Recitation. "Les Adieux de Marie Stuart."
BERTHA LUCILLA HARTSHORN.
Sibylline Leaves.
MARY ELIZABETH O'BRIEN.
Lohr Solo. "Out on the Deep."
FRANCIS JOSEPH SQUIRES.
Recitation. " How the Women Went to Dover." GEORGIA BELLE TUTTLE.
Essay and Valedictory. "Semper Paratus."
EDITH FLORENCE BROOKS.
Awarding the J. C. Lane Medals.
Presentation of Diplomas.
GEORGE W. CUSHING.
Chorus. "Revel of the Leaves." Veazie Class Ode.
29
CLASS ODE.
As tonight we pause a moment On life's busy field of strife, Looking back upon our footsteps, Looking on to future life, We remember joyful schooldays Spent with classmates, teachers dear, And the saddening heart grows heavy, Anxious eyes give forth a tear.
1I.
Soon we all shall be enlisted ; Clash of arms will drown our voice; In the thickest of the battle, Girt in armor, we'll rejoice. We will strive to make the future Crowned with deeds of noble praise, Brightening all the way before us With the thoughts of bygone days.
III.
And now to friends and classmates We must say a sad adieu ; We will ever cherish for you Thoughts of friendship fond and true. Highest hopes our hearts are filling, Painting life in colors rare, Now in divers fields we'll wander, Each our part in life to bear.
MARY AGNES HENNESSEY.
NORWOOD SCHOOL CALENDAR.
The Fall Term begins the Tuesday after Labor Day, which is the first Monday in September. Read down the columns. Italics for leap years only.
The Fall Term
Begins Tuesday,
Sept. 2
Sept. 3 Sept. 4
Sept. 5
( in different years)
The Fall Term continues
16 wks. Dec. 19
16 wks. Dec. 20
16 wks. Dec. 21
16 wks. Dec. 22
Sept. 6 16 wks. Dec. 23
Sept. 7 15 wks. Dec. 17
Sept. S 15 wks. Dec. 18
Thanksgiving Day and the Friday following are holidays.
Two weeks vacation.
30
Jan. 5
Jan. 6
Jan. 7
Jan. 8
Jan. 9
Jan. 3
Jan. 4
The Winter Term (except in leap year) continues
13 wks.
13 wks.
12 wks.
12 wks.
12 wks.
13 wks.
13 wks.
Washington's Birthday (Feb. 22) is a holiday.
The Winter Term in leap year continues
13 wks.
13 wks.
13 wks.
12 wks.
12 wks.
13 wks.
13 wks.
The Winter Term (except in leap year) ends Friday, The Winter Term in leap year ends Friday,
Apr. 3
A pr. 4
Mar. 29
Mar. 30
Mar. 31
Apr. 1
Apr. 2
The week beginning with the first Monday of April is vacation.
Apr. 2
Apr. 3
Apr. 4
Mar. 29
Mar. 30
Mar. 31
Apr. 1
The Fall Term ends Friday, Christmas weck and New Ycar's weck are vacation.
The Winter Term
Begins Monday,
The Spring Term
(except in leap year) begins Monday,
The Spring Term in leap year begins Monday,
The Spring Term (exeept in leap year) continues The Spring Term in leap year continues
10 wks.
10 wks.
11 wks.
11 wks.
11 wks.
11 wks.
10 wks.
10 wks.
10 icks.
11 wks.
11 wks.
11 wks.
The Spring Term (except in leap year) ends Friday,
June 19
June 20
June 20
June 22|
June 23
June 24
June 25
The Spring Term in leap year ends Friday,
June 18
June 19
June 20
June 22 |June 22 | June 23
June 24
TOTAL, 39 WEEKS SCHOOL.
The Summer Vacation
(exeept in leap year) con- tinues
11 wks.
10 wks.
10 wks.
10 wks. ยท
10 wks.
10 wks.
10 wks.
The Sunoner Vacation in leap year continues
11 wks.
11 wks.
10 wks.
10 wks.
10 wks.
10 wks.
10 wks.
The Fall Term
(exeept in leap year) begins Tuesday,
. Sept. 8 Sept. 7
Sept. 2
Sept. :
Sept. 4 Sept. 5
Sept. 6
Sept. 7
The Fall Term in leap year begins Tuesday,
Sept. 8
Sept. 2
Sept. 3 |
Sept. 4
Sept. 5
Sept. 6
April 19, Memorial Day ( May 30), and June 17 are holidays.
High School Gradua- tion is Tuesday, Everett. Sehool Graduation is Wednesday, and promo- tions are the last day of the closing week of school.
[The Spring Term ends the week previous to the entranee examinations at Harvard College, exeept when the term ends June 18, which is the second week previous.]
31
Beginners must enter the Primary Sehools at the beginning of the Fall Term.
Apr. 14
Apr. 8
Apr. 9
Apr. 10
Apr. 11
Apr. 13 Apr. 12
Apr. 13
Apr. 14
Apr. 8
Apr. 9
Apr. 10
Apr. 12 Apr. 11 11 wks. 11 woks.
REPORT
OF THE
Committee on Sewerage
FOR THE
TOWN OF NORWOOD,
MASSACHUSETTS,
1901.
NORWOOD, MASS. : ADVERTISER AND REVIEW PRESS. 1901.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE.
To the Voters of Norwood :
At the town meeting held Dec. 11, 1900, the following article appeared in the warrant, viz .: -
" To sec what action the town will take in regard to a system of main drains and common sewers and such other works as may be required for a system of sewerage disposal for the town, and to raise and appropriate or borrow such sums of money as may be required for a thorough examination, and report on the subject inatter of this article."
The Committee appointed under that article have thoroughly investigated the sewerage problem and now respectfully submit the following report and recommendations : -
The first duty was to secure a competent and practical engineer, and after deliberate consideration the services of Mr. Freeman C. Coffin of Boston were obtained. His complete report you will find herewith, also a plan of the town showing location of sewers, filter beds, etc., and the estimated cost of the entire system, also the report of the State Board of Health, approving the plan in general, and the Act of the Legislature. This act, if accepted by the town, gives the necessary authority to issue bonds and construct a system of sewers, etc. About thirty miles has been surveyed, and it will be observed that the engineer has presented a very complete plan, covering all parts of the town, and of sufficient capacity to take care of the sewage for the next forty years. While the plan is comprehensive, the committee does not advocate, nor is it necessary, to construct the entire system for the whole town at the present time; but rather to relieve the
4
thickly settled parts that actually need attention. This can be accomplished for a reasonable sum by building each year certain sections, and not be a burden to taxpayers. The sewage from the Central District reaches the filter beds by gravity, and consequently the cost will be much less than if it had to be pumped.
This Central or Gravity District embraces the thickly inhabited part of the town, and here sewers should be constructed ; but in the opinion of your committee the two areas designated as the Pleasant Street Pumping District and Purgatory Brook District will not be required to be sewered for many years; this will, therefore, reduce the cost a considerable sum.
The land for the proposed filter beds, while not a great distance from the centre of the town, is back from the street and away from dwelling-houses, where the sewage will not be in any way offensive to the sight or smell, and the character of the soil is well adapted for the purpose. The natural lay of the land and gravelly soil will be an advantage in constructing the filter beds at a minimum cost.
The committee think they have made good use of the town's money, and the town has for an asset a map, profiles of streets and fields surveyed, with detailed estimates of costs for each street, etc.
The health of the town demands sewers. From a business standpoint the growth of the town will be promoted, as it will invite people to locate and build who want clean and healthy surroundings. The committee are unanimous in the belief that Norwood needs a system of sewers, and do, therefore recommend that the town accept by vote the Legislative Act of 1901 : "Chapter 311. An act to authorize the town of Norwood to construct a system of sewerage." Having accepted this act, we also recommend the town to vote to appropriate $100,000 to be expended in the purchase of abont thirty-five acres of land and to construct five acres of filter beds and eight to ten miles of sewers in such streets and places as the sewer commissioners and engineer designate, and in accordance with the plan or system
.
5
herewith presented, and that the work commence at once as soon as practicable.
We hope the result of our efforts will be most satisfactory to you and that Norwood will soon have the beginning of a sewer system, economically constructed, adequate to present needs, and one which can be extended yearly as necessities demand.
FRANK A. FALES, Chairman, EBEN C. NORTON, W. F. TILTON, J. F. CALLAHAN, WALDO H. BIGELOW, Secretary.
May 16th, 1901.
ENGINEER'S REPORT.
BOSTON, April 15, 1901.
HON. F. A. FALES, Chairman,
-
DR. E. C. NORTON,
Committee on Sewerage,
MR. W. F. TILTON,
MR. J. F. CALLAHAN,
Norwood, Mass.
MR. WALDO H. BIGELOW, Secretary,
Gentlemen :
The following is a report, made in accordance with your instruc- tions, upon a system of sewerage and sewage disposal for the town of Norwood, and also upon the surface drainage system of the town.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
After an investigation of the conditions and a study of the subject, I recommend the following :
First. That the " Separate Sewerage System " be adopted, and that the surface water be discharged through separate channels into the natural water courses at the nearest available points, substantially as at present.
Second. That the sewage be treated by intermittent sand fil- tration upon an area lying south of the Neponset River and east of Pleasant Street, as shown upon the general plan of the town accompanying this report.
Third. That the sewage be collected by the lateral, main and intercepting sewers, and, with the exception of two low lying sections of the town, be discharged by gravity upon the filter beds. That the two low lying sections be provided with collect- ing reservoirs and pumping machinery, by means of which the
7
sewage will be delivered into the main sewer from the gravity section, and flow with the sewage from that section to the beds.
SYSTEM OF SEWERS.
The sewers are designed to receive the sewage from all build- ings, but no roof, yard, cellar or other surface or ground water. It is economically important when sewage is treated artificially that all surface water (and ground water in as far as it is possi- ble to do so) be excluded. The use of the separate system of sewers in all but the largest cities is now so universal and the desirability of its adoption so well established that it seems unnecessary to discuss it further.
GRAVITY SECTION.
The town is divided in a general way into two sections. One may be called the Gravity Section and comprises all of the area of the town from which the sewage can flow to the filtration area by gravity. There are three separate areas which may be described as follows :
First, all of that portion of the town lying west and south of a line drawn through Morse, Washington, Dean, Willow, Pleas- ant, Washington, Howard and Prospect Streets
Second, the area upon the ridge along which Neponset Street runs, and
Third, a small area about Pleasant and Summer Streets next the Walpole line. These areas are shown upon the map which accompanies this report.
The first, or larger of these sections, may be again divided into two principal districts, the sewage from which flows to the filtra- tion area through separate main sewers. These two districts are divided by a line running from the corner of Dean and Washing- ton Streets across the railroad near the foot of Cedar Street, crossing Walpole Street south of Chapel Street, thence north- westerly across Winter Street, about 800 feet west of Prospect Street, to the town line near Nahatan Street, and have approxi- mately equal areas.
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.