USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Douglas > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Douglas, for the year ending 1940 > Part 5
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Due credit should be given the boys particularly for the fine display of sportsmanship and team spirit. I believe it was the team spirit which brought about the marked success of the teams in 1940. In an effort to keep up the spirit, the boys accepted an invitation to participate in the Community Softball Leagues, and succeeded in bringing much glory to the community for the spirited play at the District Softball Tournament. Against some of the best industrial teams in the state, the Douglas boys won three games to reach the semi-final round of play to meet defeat again by a single run in an extra-inning game. This record has been looked upon and mentioned as the outstanding softball event of the year by the Worcester papers. This record is one of which we are all very proud.
Graduation should not greatly affect our teams for each sport will have a number of veterans returning. We can look forward to more successful records.
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I want to express my gratitude and appreciation to you, the members of the school committee, to Mr. Holmes, as well as to the many friends who so generously gave of their time and effort during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
C. A. GAGNÉ, Athletic Director.
Memorial High School, East Douglas, Mass.
Mr. A. B. Garcelon,
Superintendent of Schools
Dear Mr. Garcelon:
It is a pleasure to report on the physical activities among Junior and Senior High School boys.
Owing to the fact that our school had discontinued eleven man football, it was found advisable to substitute six man football. The response was in- deed gratifying. Two rounds of intermural six man football was played among class teams, in the Junior and Senior High School; in which nearly forty different boys participated. In addition, a seven game varsity schedule was played. Except for the initial game played against a State Teachers Col- lege, the boys were undefeated. In all of these games the condition of parti- cipants was good.
Contributing to a successful football season was the cooperation received from Dr. Raymond Spooner, and our school nurse, Mrs. Brown, for passing on the condition of both boys and girls. Also, our program has been finan- cially self-sustaining.
A basketball program for both Junior and Senior High School boys is in progress, with separate varsity schedule, for both, as well, an intermural program planned for all.
By encouraging recreation of skilled games, demanding well balanced physical development, mental coordination, and social team play, it is be- lieved the resulting character achieved will bring a happier balance into the lives of the participants as well as a beneficial carry over into the team play of life.
Appreciation is extended to all who have assisted in the wholesomeness of this program.
Respectfully yours, LLOYD E. BATCHELDER.
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REPORT OF GIRLS' ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Mr. A. B. Garcelon, Superintendent of Schools Dear Mr. Garcelon:
I am happy to report on the athletic program of the girls of the Douglas High School. Field hockey and basketball are the two sports; a good num- ber of girls participate, thus experiencing the discipline and fun of team play. There were twenty-five girls on the hockey squad, and thirty girls are at present on the basketball squad.
In the fall, the field hockey team played eight games with schools of neighboring towns. Douglas won six games, tied one, and lost one game.
At this writing, the basketball season has started favorably, under the able coaching of Miss Linnea Anderson, with two victories and one defeat for the girls' team. On schedule are nine games still to be played.
Respectfully yours,
TABEA SWEINBERGER.
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REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Mr. A. B. Garcelon, Superintendent of Schools
Dear Mr. Garcelon:
It gives me pleasure to submit my report as Supervisor of Music for the year ending December, 1940.
In the primary grades we have taught many rote songs and have presented the fundamentals of theory, such as the names of lines and spaces, time values of the various kinds of notes and rests, finding "do," and note reading.
This work, in a more advanced form, has been continued in the upper grades.
Throughout all of the grades, and in High School, attention has been given to good tone production and the development of a good sense of rhythm.
The pupils of the Grammar School gave a very fine concert in the Town Hall in May. This program also included selections by a brass ensemble made up of students from the High School building.
The High School chorus has done especially good work this year, and gave a splendid performance at the graduation exercises in June.
In November, phonograph recordings were made of the voices in the different grades. These recordings have proved to be of great interest to the children and their parents.
In closing, I wish to thank you, the members of the school committee, the principals and teachers for the cooperation shown to me in my work.
Respectfully submitted,
DAVID N. GELLATLY,
Supervisor of Music.
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REPORT OF TEACHER OF BRASS AND WIND INSTRUMENTS
Mr. A. B. Garcelon,
Superintendent of Schools
Dear Mr. Garcelon:
I herewith submit my tenth annual report of the pupils studying musical and percussion instruments, in the Schools of Douglas.
Last year there were 56 studying, and this year 1940 there is an increase of five, making a total of 61 now studying.
There are three on clarinet, fourteen on trumpets, two on saxophones, two on trombones, one on baritone, two on bass, one on piccolo, eight on piccolo recorders, and twenty-eight on drums.
I am very much pleased with the progress each and every one of the pupils have made during the past year and the interest they have shown.
I wish to thank you Mr. Garcelon, the School Committee, the Principals and the Teachers for the interest they have shown.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK O. DODGE,
Teacher of Wind and Percussion Instruments.
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REPORT OF TEACHER OF STRING INSTRUMENTS
Mr. A. B. Garcelon, Superintendent of Schools
Dear Mr. Garcelon:
I herewith submit my annual report as instrumental instructor in the East Douglas schools.
The number of children studying in my classes this year is approximately the same as last year. There are eight children playing violin, one mandolin, three mandolin harp, two guitar, and three accordion.
I wish to thank you Mr. Garcelon, the school committee, and the teachers for the interest they have shown in encouraging children to study music.
Respectfully submitted, HOWARD C. BARRE,
Instructor of stringed instruments.
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REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF WRITING
January 1, 1941.
Mr. A. B. Garcelon,
Superintendent of Schools
Dear Mr. Garcelon:
I am pleased to submit the following report of the objectives and achieve- ment in Handwriting in the Douglas schools for the school year of 1940.
The major objectives in our program are :- 1. To secure consistently ex- cellent handwriting throughout the school system in both formal and in- formal writing. 2. To develop an appreciation of neat, legible handwriting along with the writing consciousness that will create a desire on the part of pupils to want to write well.
In order to achieve these objectives a carefully planned program is op- erated. We supply teachers and pupils with the necessary instructional ma- terials. These materials include Pupil Folder Outlines, Teacher Folders, Monthly Teacher Outlines, Monthly Diagnostic Charts, Room Certificates, Pupil Certificates, Motivation Seals, Term Specimen Paper, Monthly and Term Envelopes, etc.
The instructional material is organized into monthly assignments. Pupils and teachers are instructed in effective teaching and study techniques. In addition to providing printed copies of the assignments, the monthly unit is placed on the blackboard by the supervisor. A formal test paper is diagnosed and graded each month for each pupil and a detailed report is sent to the teacher. Approximately four papers of informal handwriting are graded monthly for each pupil. Charts and graphs are provided on which a pupil records his achievement and plots his progress.
The following statistics will give you an idea of the improvement in handwriting in your schools.
We administered our first formal handwriting test in your schools in No- vember, 1933. We found that 2.9% of the pupils in grades 1 to 8 made a grade of "A" (Excellent). In June of 1940, we found that 79.4% of the pupils in grades 1 to 8 made a score of "A" (Excellent).
Over a similar period of time the improvement in grades 9 to 12 was from 4% to 89.8%. During the past school year we graded approximately 19,450 samples of formal and informal handwriting for your pupils.
Douglas High School received the Blue Ribbon award last year for ex- cellence in Handwriting, placing second among the high schools under our supervision.
In general, I have found the interest and cooperation of your pupils and teachers to be excellent. I wish to express my appreciation for the fine co- operation we have received.
Sincerely yours,
W. L. RINEHART.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Albert B. Garcelon,
Superintendent of Schools My dear Mr. Garcelon,
It is with pleasure that I herewith submit my second annual report as school nurse in the Town of Douglas.
As school nurse I have endeavored to follow the objectives of school nursing given to us in the Massachusetts School Hygiene Handbook.
Following the physical examinations of school physician, Dr. Spooner, the same forms tabulating each pupils name and the physical defects listed, are being used with effect.
During the year all but two of the number 3 defects which means imme- diate attention, were corrected, of the two not corrected, the parents of these children refused to have the corrections taken care of at this time.
There were 20 children who had tonsil and adenoid defects corrected, of this number the school nurse made appointments and in many instances transported 18 cases.
13 pupils had their eyes examined and fitted for glasses through clinical channels.
We have in our schools one hard of hearing defect, which is having ex- cellent private medical attention.
It is my desire to have the use of the phono audiometer this year, in order that we may have a more efficient test done on our children's hearing.
Much thought has been given to the nutrition of the children, by the teachers as well as the personnel of the health department. During the year 5 children were supplied with cod liver oil through the generosity of the local Red Cross Chapter and 42 undernourished and underprivileged children were given a half pint of pasteurized milk daily for a period of eight weeks.
In the Grammar School building the pupils bought 273 quarts of pasteur- ized milk over a two month period.
One juvenile diabetic spent one month at the Prendergast Preventorium, which is a camp for children having diabetes, this same child returned for a week in December for a check up. This was made possible through the local Kiwanis Club.
A boy in High School had the opportunity of going to Sterling Health Camp for eight weeks during the summer.
On November 25th Miss Carr from the Dept. of Public Health talked with the High School girls on personal hygiene, attractiveness, etc.
Following the spring vacation an epidemic of measles was upon us. For eight weeks the nurse was on duty five days a week, at which time over five
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hundred home calls were made. Close inspection by Dr. Spooner and the nurse was carried out.
The Preventive Tuberculosis Program was held in June. I refer you to the Board of Health Nurse's report.
The dental clinic was carried on in about the same way, being nearly self supporting.
Report of Dental Clinic-January through June 1940
Out of a school population of 500, 300 pupils had their dentistry com- pleted at the clinic. Of this number the Kiwanis Club financed the work for 30 children. An average of $1.00 per child for the total enrollment was col- lected for dentistry.
Fillings 225
X Rays 10
Extractions
53
Bridge Work 7
Prophylaxis
27
September through December 1940
No. examined by school dentist 354
No. Pupils with dentistry completed 74
The immediate dental defects are becoming fewer and the general condi- tion of the teeth is much improved.
No Toxin Anti Toxin clinic was held this year owing to the measle epi- demic.
A pre-school clinic for all children who were to enter school in Septem- ber was held in June. Dr. Spooner examined thirty-three and vaccinated twenty-seven children, with Dr. Blanchard examining the teeth.
Twenty public health meetings have been attended.
We are grateful to the American Red Cross for all financial assistance given and to the motor corps which assisted in transportation, and to the Kiwanis Club for their financial assistance.
Without the cooperation of these organizations, it would have been im- possible to function as we did.
May I express my appreciation to the Department of Education, Dr. Spooner, Dr. Blanchard, and to the parents and teachers for their interest in the promotion of health.
Respectfully submitted,
(Mrs.) MABEL M. BROWN, R.N. School Nurse.
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ATTENDANCE OFFICER'S REPORT
Number of cases investigated
20
Number absent on account of sickness
15
Number absent on account of truancy
0
Number absent for other causes
5
Number returned
20
EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATIONAL CERTIFICATES Issued January 1, 1940 to January 1, 1941
Number of Persons Issued Certificates
Number of Certificates Issued
Educational Literate
70
Educational 88
Educational Illiterate
0
Educational Illiterate 0
Special Home Permits
0
Special Home Permits 0
70 88
Mr. E. L. Williams has been appointed by the Superintendent of Schools to issue certificates and these may be obtained by those entitled to them by making application to Mr. Williams.
E. L. WILLIAMS, PAUL F. RAWSON,
Attendance Officers.
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STATISTICAL STATEMENT
Assessed Valuation, taken from State Report $2,045,339
Population, Census of 1935 2,403
Number of Persons in Town between 5 and 16 years of age, October 1, 1940-Boys: 252; Girls: 246 498
Number of Persons between 5 and 6 years of age-Boys: 50; Girls: 46 96
Number of Persons between 7 and 13 years of age-Boys:160 Girls: 160 320
Number of Persons between 14 and 15 years of age-Boys: 42; Girls: 40 82
Total Enrollment in all Public Schools During School Year ending June 23, 1940 520
Average Membership for School Year 496
Average Attendance for School Year 463
Percent of Attendance 93.1
Number of School Buildings in Use
3
Number of Teachers Required by the Public Schools 18
Number of Special Teachers 4
Number of Teachers Graduated from College 5
Number of Teachers Graduated from Normal School
10
Number of Weeks High School was in Session 39
Number of Weeks Grammar School was in Session 38
Number of Pupils Graduated from High School, 1940 20
Number of Pupils Graduated from Grammar School, 1940 42
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WARRANT FOR TOWN MEETING
Monday, February 10, 1941, 8.00 A.M. COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS DOUGLAS
Worcester, ss. To any Constable of the Town of Douglas in said County,
GREETING:
In the name of said Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby directed to notify the inhabitants of the Town of Douglas who are qualified to vote in Elections and Town Affairs to meet in the Town Hall in said Douglas, on Monday the tenth day of February, 1941, A. D. at eight o'clock in the forenoon, then and there to act on the following articles, to wit:
Article 1. To elect a Moderator, a Town Clerk, a Town Treasurer, a Collector of Taxes, Two Constables, an Agent of the Moses Wallis Devise, a Tree Warden, one member of the Trustees of the Simon Fairfield Public Library to fill a vacancy, each for a term of one year; one Selectman, one Assessor, one member of the Board of Public Welfare, one Water Commis- sioner, two members of the School Committee, one Trustee of the Simon Fairfield Public Library, one Cemetery Commissioner, each for a term of three years; a Recreation Commission, one member for one year, one member for two years, one member for three years, all of the above Town Officers to be voted for on one ballot.
Article 2. To choose all other Town Officers for a term of one year.
Article 3. To hear and act upon the reports of the several Town Officers and especially of the Water Commissioners who are to report on the pro- posed Water Main Extensions to Douglas Center and on Martin Road (so- called), and to choose any Committee or Committees the Town may think proper.
Article 4. To hear and act upon the report and recommendations of the Finance Committee.
Article 5. To see what sums of money the Town will raise and appro- priate to defray the necessary and usual expenses of the several departments of the Town for the fiscal year of 1941.
Article 6. To fix the salaries or compensation of Town Officers.
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Article 7. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money to defray the expense of the Town's Share of the W.P.A. Projects carried on in the Town during the current year.
Article 8. To see if the Town will vote to instruct its Board of Select- men to petition the State Highway Commission, under Chapter 81, Section 26 of the General Laws for the improvement of Town Ways and raise and appropriate money therefor or to take any action in relation thereto.
Article 9. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for the improvement of Davis Street; said money to be used, in conjunction with any money which may be allotted by the State or County, or both, for this purpose; or take any other action in relation thereto.
Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for the maintenance of various streets; said money to be used in conjunction with any money which may be allotted by the State or County, or both, for this purpose; or take any other action in relation thereto.
Article 11. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treas- urer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue for the financial year beginning January 1, 1941, to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year in accordance with Section 17, General Laws, Chapter 44.
Article 12. To see what disposition the Town will make of the Dog Fund.
Article 13. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for the Blanket Insurance (so-called) now in force on the Town's Property, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 14. To see if the Town will vote a sum of money for the observance of Memorial Day.
Article 15. To see if the Town will vote a sum of money for the rent of quarters for the Michael Carter Post, American Legion.
Article 16. To see if the Town will vote a sum of money for the up- keep of the Town Clock (so-called).
Article 17. To see if the Town will vote to have a Reserve Fund.
Article 18. To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of nineteen hundred dollars ($1,900.00) from the Overlay Reserve Account to the Reserve Fund, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 19. To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from the Water Department Surplus Account to the special Repair Fund for overhauling the machinery at the Pumping Station, or take any action in re- lation thereto.
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Article 20. To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from the Machinery Rentals Account to the Machinery Maintenance Fund.
Article 21. To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from the Workmen's Compensation Insurance Account to the General High- way insurance Account.
Article 22. To see if the Town will authorize the Assessors to use any Free Cash in the hands of the Town Treasurer to reduce the Tax Levy in 1941.
Article 23. To see if the Town will instruct the Board of Selectmen to dispose of any of the Real Estate held by the Town by Foreclosure of Tax Titles and authorize and empower its Treasurer to give a deed of the same in the name and behalf of the Town, or take any action relating thereto.
Article 24. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money for the Recreational Program for the current year.
Article 25. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money to purchase the present Acoustic Fixtures in the Main Auditorium of the Town Hall, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 26. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money to Pay the Town of Northbridge for the use of the Town Lock Up, or take any other action pertaining thereto.
Article 27. To transact any other business that may legally come before the said meeting.
THE POLLS MAY CLOSE AT FOUR O'CLOCK, P. M.
You are directed to serve this warrant by posting attested copies thereof at the Post Office at East Douglas and at the Store, formerly the Post Office, at Douglas, seven days at least before the time of holding said meeting.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this warrant, with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk, at the time and place of said meeting.
Given under our hands this thirtieth day of January in the year one thousand nine hundred and forty.
WINFIELD A. SCHUSTER PAUL D. MANNING LESTER J. DERMODY Selectmen of Douglas.
A true copy, Attest:
HERBERT E. HUGHES,
Constable of Douglas.
Douglas, January 31, 1941.
INDEX
List of Jurors
3
Officers of the Town of Douglas
5
Finance Committee Report
8
Tax Rates in the Town of Douglas
11
Balance Sheet
12
Auditor's Report
14
Treasurer's Report
16
Table of Accounts
16A
Circle Diagram
16B
Accountant's Report
19
Board of Assessors
27
Town Clerk's Report
28
Tax Collector
34
Police Report
36 41
Highway Commissioner
42
Library Report
49
Animal Inspector
50
Inspector of Slaughtering
50
Fire Department Report
51
Forest Fires
53
Tree Warden
54
Charities in Douglas
55
Old Age Assistance
59
Water Department
61
Agent Moses Wallis Devise
63
W.P.A. Projects
65
Board of Health Nurse
67
School Report
School Committee
3
School Calendar
6
Report of Superintendent of Schools
8
Report of Douglas Memorial High School
15
Report of Athletic Director
17
Report of Girls' Athletic Director
19
Report of Supervisor of Music
20
Report of Teacher of Brass and Wind Instruments
21
Report of Teacher of String Instruments
22
Report of Supervisor of Writing
23
Report of School Nurse
24
Report of Attendance Officers
26
Statistical Statement . 27
Warrant for Town Meeting
28
Dog Officer
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