USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Merrimac > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Merrimac 1961 > Part 6
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
Article 9. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from unappropriated available funds in the Treasury, a sum of money for Chapter 90 Maintenance, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to accept By-laws and ordinances as proposed by the By-Laws Committee appointed by the Board of Selectmen under the authority of a vote of a previous Town Meeting held March 6, 1961.
Article 11. To see if the Town will vote to appro- priate the sum of Five Hundred Fifty Dollars ($550.00) from the sale of Cemetery Lots, such sum or part thereof, to be expended under the direction of the Cemetery Trustees for the "Care, Improvement and Embellishment" of said cemetery, according to Section 15 and Section 25 of Chapter 114, General Laws.
Article 12. To see if the Town will vote to appro- priate a sum of money from Electric Light Operating bal- ance, said sum to be used by the Assessors with the estimated receipts to fix the Tax Rate for the year 1962.
111
TOWN OF MERRIMAC
Article 13. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate One Hundred Eighty Seven Thousand Nine Hundred Seventy Dollars and Thirty Four Cents ($187,970.34), said amount to be paid as Merrimac's portion of the Pentucket Regional School District budget for 1962, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 14. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money to erect a chain link fence to enclose the Tree Dump on Middle Road or take any action relative thereto.
Article 15. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for the development of a Comprehensive Plan for the Town of Merrimac or take any action relative thereto.
Article 16. To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning By-Laws of the Town of Merrimac to permit the construction of apartment houses in residential areas, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 17. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Nine Hundred Seventy Nine Dollars and Thirty Five Cents, ($979.35) for the purpose of constructing a sidewalk on Locust St. from Adams St. along Playground to Union Street Extension approximate- ly a distance of 606 feet and into Union Street Extension approximately 434 feet, or take any action relative there- to.
Article 18. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of One Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars ($1,800.00) to install approximately 400 feet of 12 inch drain pipe and two catch basins from the corner of Woodland and Grove Streets, westerly toward Orchard Street, or take any action relative thereto.
112
ANNUAL REPORT
Article 19. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Light Commissioners to transfer from the Light Operating balance the sum of Seven Thousand Dollars ($7,000.00) to purchase a rubber tired Front End Loader with a back hoe attachment to be used by the Light & Water Department, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 20. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Thousand Six Hundred Twenty Seven Dollars and Seventy Eight Cents ($5,627- .78) for the purpose of painting the standpipe and re- pairing the roof as follows: $2,350.00 for the interior, $870.00 for the exterior, $407.78 for the valve and $2,000.00 for repairs to the roof, or take any action thereto.
Article 21. On petition of T. D. Trustland and others to see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Two Thousand, Eight Hundred Eighty Two Dollars and Fifty Cents ($2,882.50), to install a six inch water main on Church Street from the residence of Richard Beebe northerly to a point beyond the residence of Paul Rose, a distance of approximately 350 feet.
Article 22. On petition of Ernest J. Denault and others to see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Eight Hundred and Fifty Nine Dollars and Ten Cents ($859.10), to install approximately 225 feet of 2 inch cement lined water pipe in the ground from the corner of Pine and Spring Streets along Spring Street to the residence of Ernest J. Denault or take any action relative thereto.
Article 23. On petition of Norman F. Bishop and others to see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of One Thousand Four Hundred Sixty Four Dollars and Sixty Two Cents ($1,464.62), to install six
113
TOWN OF MERRIMAC
inch water pipe in the ground from the residence of Unabelle M. Bartlett, Hillside Ave. to Merrimac Ave., a distance of approximately. 358 feet, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 24. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Nine Hundred Dollars ($900.00), to refinish (homesote) and paint, walls and ceiling of large room, 1st floor of the Central Fire Station, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 25. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000.00), to purchase Radio Equipment for the Fire Department, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 26. To see if the Town will vote to accept the amendment to the agreement, as amended, establish- ing the Pentucket Regional School District, whereby all operating costs of the district, beginning with the budget for the calendar year 1963, will be apportioned in accord- ance with each member town's pupil enrollment in the regional district school as of October 1 of the year next preceding the year for which the apportionment is determined.
And you are hereby required to serve this warrant by posting attested copies thereof in seven public places in said Town of Merrimac, at least seven days before said time of 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 meeting aforesaid.
114
ANNUAL REPORT
Given under our hands this 29th day of January, 1962.
JOHN E. FLYNN
RALPH L. BUZZELL
GEORGE J. P. STEVENS
Selectmen of Merrimac
A true copy : Attest:
ALEXANDER M. SULLIVAN
Constable
By virtue of the above warrant to me directed, I here- by notify and warn the legal voters of the Town of Merri- mac to meet at the time and said place and for the purpose therein expressed.
ALEXANDER M. SULLIVAN
Constable
Merrimac, Mass., January 29, 1962
115
TOWN OF MERRIMAC
In Memoriam
MISS LOUISE THATCHER
1884 - 1961
Born, Merrimac, Mass., 1884
Graduate Merrimac High School, Class of 1902.
Graduate of Boston University.
Graduate of The College of The Sorbonne in the Univer- sity of Paris, France.
Teacher of French for 30 years in Haverhill High School.
Resident of Merrimac until retirement.
Died July 3, 1961 at Hyannis, Mass.
Burial in Merrimac, Mass.
ROBERT C. YOUNG
1917 - 1961
Born, Haverhill, Mass., July 24, 1917
Resident of Merrimac, Mass. for several years. Employed as a construction contractor.
Merrimac Water and Light Commissioner, 1954 and 1957 to death.
Special Police Officer, Merrimac Police Department. Died July 22, 1961 at Merrimac, Mass.
116
ANNUAL REPORT
In Memoriam
ARTHUR W. COOMBS
1897 - 1961
Born, Merrimac, Mass., 1897
Graduate of Merrimac High School and Haverhill Business College.
Entered United States Government Service in 1916 with the Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C.
Veteran of World War I in the Army.
Member of the Department of Commerce Post, American Legion, Washington, D. C.
1920 - 1933 Personal Secretary of five U. S. Secretaries of Commerce, including Herbert Hoover later President of The United States.
1933 - 1946 Assistant Supervisor of Field Work, U. S. Bureau of Census.
1946 - 1957 (until retirement), Administrative Officer in the U. S. Census Bureau of Census, Population Division.
Died March 22, 1961, Washington, D. C.
Burial in Arlington, Va., National Cemetery.
117
TOWN OF MERRIMAC
In Memoriam
SAMUEL C. DOUST
1878 - 1961
Born, Kent County, England, Dec. 6, 1878 Veteran in 1901 and 1902 in the Boer War in South Africa and in Ethiopia and was at Addis Ababa where Haile Selassie has his Capital.
Resident of Merrimac, Mass. for over 50 years.
Employed by J. B. Judkins Co. as a Metal worker for several years.
Member of Merrimac Town Forest Committee for many years and also as Merrimac Tree Warden and Moth Superintendent, retiring in 1957.
Died December 26, 1961 at Amesbury Hospital.
Burial in Merrimac, Mass.
REV. CHARLES M. TIBBETTS
1876 - 1961 Born, Sharon, Mass., 1876
Methodist Minister, serving continuously from 1897 for over 60 years.
Pastor of Merrimacport Methodist Church 1951 - 1960 and a member of that Church for 70 years.
Merrimac, Mass. Public Library Trustee 1953 - 1959. Died July 26, 1961 at Amesbury, Mass. Burial in Merrimac, Mass.
TŁUOd JAJUMAZ
2TT388IT M & JAAHO V3A.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF MERRIMAC
For The Year Ending December 31, 1961
MERR
OF
TOWN
MASS
INCO
0.000
1876
0
TAG43A JJAUKKA
EETT TIMMOD JOOH02
DAMISSEM 10 WIWO'T
VWIOT
3
TOWN OF MERRIMAC
SCHOOL REPORT
In accordance with custom and with the Acts of the General Court, 1859 Chapter 57, we herewith submit to you the 91st annual printed school report.
VIRGINIA WEBSTER, Chairman LOUIS A. CYR, Vice-chairman KENNETH G. FOWLE, Secretary CARL G. OLSON RAYMOND EMMERT
School Committee
SCHOOL OFFICERS
John C. Jakobek, Superintendent of Schools
Office Adress: Main Street, West Newbury, Mass. Telephone FOrest 3-2280
Dorothy M. Peirce, Secretary
Address: 2 Summer Street, Merrimac, Massachusetts
Kenneth E. Haskell, Supervisor of Attendance
Address: Bear Hill Road, Merrimac, Massachusetts
A. Frances Davis, M. D., School Physician Y
Address: 16 Main Street, Merrimac, Massachusetts Annie L. Gleed, R. N., School Nurse
Address: West Main Street, Merrimac, Massachusetts Working Certificates:
Helen R. Donaghue, Merrimac Elementary School Kenneth E. Haskell, Merrimac Elementary School Office of the Superintendent, Pentucket Regional School
DIRECTORY OF SCHOOL STAFF - MERRIMAC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Position
Name
Training
Experience
Yrs. in Merrimac
Principal
Helen R. Donaghue
23.5
15.8
Ass't. Principal,
Miriam M. Felch
14
14
Remedial Reading INTERMEDIATE
UNIT:
B. S. Univ. of N. H. 1951
4
4
James W. Johnston
B. S. Suffolk Univ. 1955
5
5
Nancy W. Deminie
B. A. University of New Hampshire 1953
6
6
Alice L. Brown
B. A. Providence - Barrington
4
4
David L. Antczak
Bible College 1957 Salem State College 1961
Resigned 11/1/61 0
0
David W. Shaw
B. S. Ed. Bridgewater Teachers College 1957
2
2
Genevieve Smithson
Posse School of Phys. Ed. 1938
8
2
Michalina Bajek
B. S. Regis College 1949
8
1
PRIMARY UNIT:
Dorothy E. Antczak
Began
9/11/61
Mae Ethel Davis
Salem Normal
33.5
28.5
Charlotte R. Goltz
B. A. Wellesley 1935
7
4
Marion F. Quimby
B. S. Univ. of N. H. 1949
12
4
Florence L. Coe
Salem Teachers College 1933
13.4
S
Dorothy K. Edgerly
Salem Normal 1926
15.5
8
Rosalie G. Carter
B. S. Tufts 1955
6
6
Marie J. English
A. B. Emanuel College
3
3
Margaret M. Moynihan
Lowell State Normal School 1922
18
1
4
SCHOOL REPORT
M. El. Ed. Boston University 1955
Began
10/31/61
M. Ed. Boston University 1960
Resigned 7/27/61
M. Ed. St. Teacher College Boston 1960
Resigned 6/30/61
Philip Yeaton Appointed Assistant Principal on September 21, 1961
Bridgewater Normal 1929 B. S. Kutztown, Pa., State Teachers College 1936
Total Yrs.
5
TOWN OF MERRIMAC
REPORT OF THE MERRIMAC SCHOOL COMMITTEE 1961
To the Citizens of Merrimac:
Your School Committee submits the following report for the year 1961. This report deals with the education of children in grades one through six. For a report on the secondary education of our children, we refer you to the report of the Pentucket Regional School Committee on which three members of this committee serve.
ENROLLMENTS
Elementary school enrollments have increased from 300 children in 1950 to 442 on October 1, 1961. There is every indication that the number of children in the school will continue to increase annually.
Secondary school enrollments have increased from 178 in 1950 to 317 in 1961, or an increase of 78%. One factor in this increase in secondary pupils is the better instructional program at the Regional School which is holding more of our children in school until graduation. The demand for more and better trained graduates has apparently been accepted by our children.
EDUCATIONAL COSTS & REIMBURSEMENTS
Although the costs of educating our children must be provided from local taxation, the State of Massa- chusetts acknowledges its interest and concern for educa- tion through direct and indirect reimbursements to
6
SCHOOL REPORT
Merrimac. Since the State pre-empts tax resources from the community it returns money from these sources in school aid. In 1962 the State will pay Merrimac about $54,000.00 in direct reimbursements for educational pro- jects and about $50,000.00 more in indirect credits. Although this money is deposited with the town treasurer and must be voted by the town, it is nevertheless credited to educational functions.
Since there were 442 elementary pupils, 317 second- ary pupils, eight vocational pupils and one Special Educa- tion pupil, Merrimac educated 768 pupils. Although the total sum of money to be raised is considerable, after State reimbursements the total cost to be borne by this community is reasonable indeed in terms of the values received.
THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
Your schools are based on standards aimed at de- veloping all the potentialities in children. We know that children differ in height, weight, in agility and speed, and also in their ability to learn. The program is constructed to allow each child to progress as rapidly as he can. Some children start slowly and develop their skills slowly. Others start slowly, mature rapidly and join the ranks of the capable students. Every effort is made to encourage every pupil to progress as rapidly as his ability allows.
It is the policy of this committee to furnish your children with the type of education that you demand. The constantly improving educational scene demands that the quality of instruction be maintained. With your support and encouragement it has been possible to do this.
7
TOWN OF MERRIMAC
Your School Committee points with pride to its re- cord of progress in local education. One of the current practices receiving much praise nationally is the primary unit which went into effect in Merrimac in 1955. Although the local schools may not be in the national limelight, the educational practices carried on are the best known in education.
In 1961 an Art teacher was retained by the School Union. Two days each week are devoted to Art Educa- tion in Merrimac. This program has been helpful in child development. In 1962 it is hoped that a similar arrange- ment will be possible in the field of music. With these two fields of interest your school will be able to offer a. more comprehensive elementary program.
MEETINGS
Your School Committee holds its regular meetings. on the third Wednesday of each month at 8:00 P. M. at the Elementary School. All meetings are open to the public. Although the number of residents attending these meeting is increasing, this committee would like to en- courage greater attendance. In the final analysis these. are your schools, your children attend them and your tax money supports them. Your schools will always be what. the majority of the people want them to be.
8
SCHOOL REPORT
The School Committee wishes to acknowledge, give proper credit to and publicly thank the following groups of individuals which have made our educational program better or assisted in the related activities involved in the operation of the school:
The P. T. A. for its interest in children and staffing the library.
The town highway department for clearing the walks, driveways and parking lot.
The police department in its safe passage program.
The school personnel in its quest for quality.
Other individuals and groups which have contributed their time and interest to make their schools effective.
Respectfully submitted,
Merrimac School Committee
MRS. VIRGINIA H. WEBSTER, Chairman LOUIS A. CYR
RAYMOND E. EMMERT
KENNETH G. FOWLE
CARL G. OLSON
9
TOWN OF MERRIMAC
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 1961
4
To the School Committee :
The report of your superintendent will be devoted to some critcial aspects of the current educational scene. From time to time, it is necessary to examine what is being done in the hope of improving that which can be improved. That we are supporting a practical educational program is acknowledged. We support school objectives which are most important. We know that there are limits to a student's time. We cannot attempt to offer every useful kind of instruction but we can help guide students advantageously in the time that they do have. This we do.
It is true that the public schools in a free nation must be responsive to the will of the people. This does not mean that we can satisfy the demands of each citizen. In the wise and wide economy of things, partisans and extremists doubtless have their place, but the habits of mind that are most worthy of cultivation are temperance, candor and judicial fairness in dealing with a question so complex as education.
EDUCATION TODAY
Although the tempo of comments about American education has subsided somewhat since the post-Sputnik days, we still find occasional biased reports of what educators are doing. As Dr. Conant has aptly pointed out, if one wants to know what type of an education is offered in his community, he must know his schools. To generalize about American education is hazardous. Wide
10
SCHOOL REPORT
geographical differences in education are found in this country. Our educational system is a sensitive one which often is damaged by ill-considered remarks and actions, sometimes by the well-meaning but uninformed or ill- informed.
One of the current debates revolves about whether we can hope to have quality and quantity, or must we choose one or the other. The matter of quantity is more. easily disposed of. A clear majority of Americans be- lieve that all children should be required to attend school until the age of sixteen, or as a matter of fact, to graduate from high school. There is more dispute about the number that should continue their formal education be- yond high school than the elimination of pupils before high school completion.
The matter of quality is harder to define. In the United States there is no fixed examination or standard in academic terms. The definition of quality here also in- cludes character development as well as intellectual growth. The concept of quality has been altered from time to time. What was a good education in depression days does not correspond to what we consider quality to- day. A wide range of views on quality exists in the minds of laymen, legislators and educators. Those that believe in the liberal tradition expose their views of reform for the common man. Others take various other views.
In this country we must have both quantity and quality. Our schools must be designed to provide for unique differences in the learner. Our society will be better served when all diverse talents are recognized and developed. Programs must be provided which step up both the quantity and quality of learning. We need not only more speed but also more depth of learning. Quality and quantity must be served simultaneously.
11
TOWN OF MERRIMAC
Another educational problem assuming more and more menacing proportions in many areas, though not locally, is the disparity between a child's ability and the parent's ambition for the child. This factor is particular- ly difficult for the upper middle class who are striving for social status. It is hard enough for a young person to admit to himself that there are things he cannot learn; to be forced into failure before parents with high ambi- tions is almost too much to stand. From this point, both parties rationalize about the quality of teaching, the un- fairness of teachers, neglect of study, etc.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND DEMOCRACY
While faith in the democratic ideal is still common, it is threatened by actions and proposals for action which are of almost daily occurrence. In theory, it remains firm and strong. In practice, it is being eroded. Here is the great task and challenge for educational leadership, and a critical decision for American citizens.
In speaking of the agencies which influence the de- velopment of the young, many persons use the church, the family, and the school as if they were of equal influence in perpetuating democracy. This is, of course, not true. While the home in which the child grows to maturity has a deep and enduring influence on him as an individual, the nature and direction of the influence result from the caprice of individual parents. There is no degree of uniformity among homes, nor any ready way of getting any degree of uniformity even if it were considered desirable.
Nor does the church exist in this nation as a single agency. Each has considerable influence upon the growth and development of the young. These influences are as diverse as the sectarian doctrines out of which they grow.
12
SCHOOL REPORT
There is little uniformity among them, and no desirable way of getting ultimate uniformity.
:Public education, however, is one means of relating all of the people to each other and to the common life. Education alone can become the force for reconstructing our culture so that the democratic ideal will persist. Where families are many and different, it brings a common way to all children. Where private schools exist, it is the public school which affects all of the people. For, as the public school becomes better, as it becomes a vigorous force for good in the local community, it also becomes the model by which other education is judged. Only through its leadership can come the common unity needed so sorely in these times.
Public education can develop a generation of people who will understand the need of evolutionary recon- struction of our culture, who will seek to expand the area of common agreement about the common good, who will have a secure faith in the democratic ideal, and who will judge alternative proposals for action by this ideal. Public education can do all this. Whether it will do it in time to resolve present conflicts and to reduce the tensions which come from them will depend in large measure upon the quality of its leadership. If the needed leadership is provided, the public schools of the United States of America will become the most effective agent for improve- ment in our society.
We must look forward not only to missiles and anti- missile missiles but to a citizenry prepared to live in an America caught up inextricably in an evolving world community experiencing both technological and political revolutions. We must learn to live in a world whose people are mostly poor, non-white and uneducated.
13
TOWN OF MERRIMAC
IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION
There are many and varied reasons for supporting a sound educational program. Historically we could point out that Americans owe to education at least partially, their unity which has enabled them to master a continent and to forge from immigrant diversity a great nation. It has helped to prevent rigid class barriers. It has fostered diversity of talents, ingenuity and economic prosperity. On it are based many great scientific and technological advances.
As James R. Killian has indicated to Congress, the defense of our country cannot depend solely on the good will and patriotic feelings of its citizens. The nation needs highly trained minds and technical skills for the battles of the future will be battles of knowledge. As both President Eisenhower and President Kennedy have indicated, our schools are more important than Nike batteries. Even though the national interest in education has not been implemented into support, the nation's debt to education is immense.
We need not only a trained and literate source for military power but also to compete in the international battle of ideologies which will be an inseparable part of the future. Real understanding of democracy can be best fostered through the public schools.
The culture in which our children seek dignity and self-realization is complex, and surely will become more so. At unprecedented speed new knowledge creates new
14
SCHOOL REPORT
opportunities for fuller living. With equal speed many old ways of life become less adequate. Occupations be- come more technical and specialized. Each day more knowledge becomes a necessity.
We now realize that education is important not only to the individual but equally so to the community and the nation. The great principles upon which this nation was founded serve as guides to our way of life. They must be preserved. Neglect or violation of these principles results in needless poverty, insecurity, degradation, en- slavement.
In closing we again quote Alfred North Whitehead who said in 1916, "In the conditions of modern life the rule is absolute; the race which does not value trained intelligence is doomed. Not all your heroism, not all your social charm, not all your wit, not all your victories on land or at sea, can move back the finger of fate. Today we maintain ourselves. Tomorrow science will have moved forward yet one more step, and there will be no appeal from the judgment which will be pronounced on the uneducated."
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.