USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Milford > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Milford, Massachusetts 1918 > Part 8
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
The completion of the eighth grade as the mini- mum requirement, instead of the fourth as at present, and raising the school age in Septem- ber, 1920, to fifteen years, and in September. 1921, to sixteen (However, pupils completing the eighth grade between the ages of fourteen and sixteen may be granted working certi- ficates);
Compulsory continuation schools for all towns and cities having fifty or more employed minors under sixteen years of age ; a state director of physical education ;
Every city and town to appoint one or more school physicians, one or more school dentists, a director of physical education and training, and one or more school nurses ;
35
That evening schools should be supervised by the State De- partment; the creation of a state certification board to certifi- cate teachers ;
A minimum salary of $650.00 for all teachers in the public schools ; a state attendance officer ; an annual general school appropriation of $4,- 000,000.00 from the income tax, to be distribu- ted to all cities and towns to equalize education= al opportunities, in the form of aids for teach= ers' salaries, with supplementary reimburse- ments of fifty to three hundred dollars for each teacher employed, for cities and towns having a low valuation per pupil ;
The establishment of a normal college; greater flexibility in college entrance requirements ; a campaign of Americanization among immigrants; the enlargement of the powers of the Commissioner of Education ; extending certain powers and duties of school committees and of superintendents of schools.
VICTORY.
America entered the war late-so late that many of her friends "over there" wondered whether she would not be too late, and a few openly despaired! But in a little over 18 months, despite blunders and heart-breaking loss of time in certain matters, she quadrupled the number of ships in the navy; increased the navy personnel several-fold; put into operation the selective draft without a murmur of real opposi- tion ; raised, trained and equipped, and helped transport over- seas an army of over two millions of men ; in France provided out of hand ports and terminals; built and equipped with rolling stock hundreds of miles of railroad; was leading the allied nations in the production of ordnance and munitions when the armistice was signed ; built ships on a scale never before dreamed of, so that the German U-Boat menace disap- peared ; expanded the membership and scale of operations of her Red Cross and other welfare organizations to a basis of thousands of employees and hundreds of millions of capital, so that the American army and navy were the healthiest
36
physically, and morally the cleanest and most thoroughly safe-guarded forces in the world, or in history; her people endured heatless Mondays, meatless Tuesdays, wheatless bread, and sweetless tea and coffee, and bought Liberty bonds and thrift stamps by billions that made all the foregoing pos- sible! And how our boys made good the purpose of all these efforts, let Chateau Thierry, Belleau Wood, St. Mihiel and Metz make answer. Would you know how Americans stood the test of "Der Tag" read the casualty lists for months ! Ask the soldiers of Belgium, of France, of Great Britain, of Italy, who endured the trenches, and went "over the top" with them side by side! Ask the brood of Turco-Bulgar- Austro- Hungar-German royalties now out of employment ! Ask the broken exile cowering in Holland ! Ask any of these their verdict on the soldiers of Democracy !
How was it possible, we ask, accepting for the moment the viewpoint affected by the German military leaders, and apparently widely prevalent in this country for the last two years, for millions of mechanics, clerks and laborers, most of them without previous military experience, or even military training, to be organized, trained, accustomed to discipline and inspired with the fighting spirit, all in 18 months, so that these former clerks, mechanics and laborers could meet and defeat the proudest troops of Prussia and repeatedly go "over the top" against what had been regarded as the world's most perfect military machine with its more than forty years of preparation ? Moreover, more remarkable still-from the European standpoint already referred to -- how was it possible that "men from every nation under Heaven," coming to Amer- ica, should in a few years have become so thoroughly Ameri- Canized that not only men of the earlier American stocks, but these new comers, from all the countries of Europe and Asia, even Prussians, should stand shoulder to shoulder on the Western front with each other in the battle for Democracy ?
One institution has made these things possible, one insti- tution, over whose doors "old glory" ever floats, within whose hospitable doors all young Americans, whether by birth or by
37
adoption, have been invited, aye, constrained, to come ; with- in whose sheltering walls and under whose fostering care all have been taught to think -been given initiative and taught self-reliance ; where all have been taught to sing "America" and the 'Star Spangled Banner," and learned the "Pledge of Allegiance" ; have learned respect for others' rights and reverence for womanhood-in short the AMERICAN SCHOOL !
In all the stress of the last two years, the American school in all its elements has been on trial as never before, to the American part in the Allied victory, the schools have most largely contributed, and the glorious triumph of Democ- racy is equally the triumph of the American school.
Not the least significant and glorious feature of the Al- lied triumph is the spirit of fairness with which Americans all, with the possible exception of a few jingo newspapers, have recognized the great and leading part in the Allied ac- complishments borne by Belgium, Serbia, France, Great Bri- tain, Russia and Italy, and refrain from boasting of our own tardily given, though efficient, aid. History must justly rec- ognize heroic Belgium, crucified Serbia, magnificent France, steadfast Britain, Phoenix-like Italy, and the Russia that was ! What has been said of the share of the American schools in the Allied victory is equally true of the schools of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, so that, the world over, the tri- umph of Democracy is equally the triumph of the People's schools,-parent and child of Democracy herself. .
RECOMMENDATIONS.
MORE ROOM.
Although the September, 1918, enrollment was somewhat smaller than that of a year earlier, it was a temporary condi- tion, brought on by our entry into the world war,-particu- larly by the "cost plus ten" plan, as explained elsewhere in this report, -and is already disappearing. Every room in the Plains district is in use,-including a portable and two base- ments, -and two or three more rooms will be needed next year. Furthermore, a bill is already before the legislature, in
38
advance of similar legislation recommended in the Special Commission's report, already referred to; that provides for the raising of the working age from 14 to 16. There are 79 stu- dents now at work who will be under 16 next September, who, if this bill passes, must be provided for.
NEW HIGH SCHOOL HEATING PLANT.
Recent tests by State authorities showed that only a fraction of the required amount of pure air reaches the chil- dren in the rooms. A new heating plant and electric motor for the fan are sorely needed.
Also, I renew my recommendations of previous years : (1) For doing away with the present form of High school graduations ; (2) For granting Stacy school diplomas and graduation exercises ; (3) For a school nurse ; (4) For Manual Training for the boys; (5) Modern heaters; at the Plains Grammar school, two; Plains Annex, two; Chapin street, three ; Fountain street, one ; and Braggville, one.
In conclusion, I wish to thank your committee for your kindness to myself and my associates under the added bur- dens that have been laid upon us all, and in the trials of pesti- lence in the recent months ; and I thank sincerely the princi- pals, teachers, janitors and school physicians, for the willing. spirit of ready co-operation in the broken and troubled year that has gone.
All of which is respectfully submitted, ALMORIN O. CASWELL, Superintendent of Schools.
Milford, Mass., February 11, 1919.
REPORT OF THE ACTING PRINCIPAL OF THE HIGH SCHOOL.
Milford, Mass, Jan 20, 1919.
Mr. Almorin O. Caswell,
Superintendent of Schools, Milford, Mass.
Dear Mr. Caswell :-
I have the honor of submitting the following report of progress in the Milford High school during the past year.
The total enrollment of our school on June 26th, gradua- tion day, was 152 boys and 196 girls, but on the 3d of Septem- ber, when our school resumed sessions after the long summer vacation, we had but 127 boys and 168 girls, a decrease of 25 boys and 28 girls. In my estimation this decrease was brought about by the many war activities. In September we found boys and girls, at the ages of sixteen and seventeen making fine salaries. Girls were employed in positions wherein it was peviously imagined they could never be found useful. Mothers left their homes and went to the factories to work, with the result that many girls were kept at home to care for the children.
It is a pleasure to report that we have had but few changes in our faculty during the past year. Mr Frank C. Berry, sub-master of the school, enlisted in the navy during the summer but returned December 30. Miss Mary FitzPat- rick of Worcester, a very successful teacher, left Milford High school in June to accept a more lucrative position in the Worcester schools. In September, we welcomed Miss Agnes Lynch, M. H S., 1914, as a teacher of Typewriting. Super- vised Typewriting has been one of the needs of the school for several years.
During the past year we have been forced to abandon our military training because of the lack of drill quarters, and we
40
hope that we shall soon be able to secure quarters in the ar- mory now that we have such a competent drill master in Mr. - FitzGerald. In speaking of this feature in our school I wish to say that to Mr. William S. Clarke I am deeply indebted for the success of our military training at the High school. Mr. Clarke devoted two hours per week to this work without any recompense and deserves the thanks of our faculty and stu- dent body.
Our course of studies has been somewhat altered since the last report, with the result that in the future a student will be forced to put some earnest and consistent work into his les- sons in order to secure the diploma. We now have a triple course of studies : Normal and College Preparatory, Institute of Technology and Business. In the Technology and College courses the following subjects are required : English, four years ; History, four years ; Algebra, one year ; and Geometry one year. In addition, a pupil takes the necessary entrance subjects to the college which has been selected to complete his or her education The Business course has been made somewhat more difficult for the purpose of having our business gradu- ates more proficient in the business work Heretofore we had English for four years, History for four years, Algebra for one year, and Geometry for one year. Now in addition, we have Typewriting, Stenography, Penmanship, Commercial Arithmetic and Bookkeeping as required subjects. The re- quired subjects should thoroughly prepare any student for the business world, and at least put him or her on an equal bit- sis with the graduates of any High school.
In discussing the change in our scholastic requirements in the High school, it is imperative that I make mention of the fast thit req ured du l elective studies cannot be mistered un - less there is proper application to the various studies. The sooner parents vegiu to realize that there is very little time in the High school to study and that most of the following day's preparation must be made at home the night previous, the higher will be our scholastic standing. The parents never Seem interested in the scholastic record of their children until
41
graduation day is at hand and a son or daughter cannot grad- uate, and is therefore not prepared for college. Such occur- rences could be prevented to a large extent by closer super- vision on the part of the parents over their children's wel- fare.
It is pleasant to relate that on June 26th, Milford High school sent forth 73 students-the largest class ever graduated. The program of the evening consisted of four essays, two on the World War, the Prophecy, and the Class History. Miss Lillian E. Sweet, the salutatorian of her class, took up the "Situation in Russia." Miss Esther A. Haskard, the winner of third honor, gave the history of her class The best Class prophecy given in recent years was delivered by Marion H Sherborne. The valedictory was given by Kather- ine H Lester, who, previous to her farewell, dealt with the 'Impossibility of Peace at the Present Time." To Miss Sadie 'O'Connell and Miss Marion A. Ryan I owe much for the suc- cess of the graduation program. For the beautiful decora- tions in the hall, I am obligated to Miss Mae Birmingham, Miss Genevieve Toohey, and the members of the Junior class. The musical part of the program was well supervised by Mrs. John A. O'Connor. To Louis Calabrese, Julio Zorzi, and Henry Volk we owe our thanks for the excellent violin trio. On the evening of graduation these honors were bestowed :-
Earlene L. Morey, gold medal-Excellence in English composition.
Katherine H. Lester, book prize-Excellence in Classics. Alice R. Carroll, $20 in gold-Patrick Prize Peace Essay.
John F. Grady, "Four Minute" Essay Diploma.
James Zurlo, "Four Minute" Essay Diploma.
Alice R Carroll, "Four Minute" Essay Diploma.
Hazel Clarridge, "Four Minute" Essay Diplom i.
Joseph Gorman, Typewriting Diploma (excellence in "Typewriting).
James Causi, Typewriting Diploma.
Margaret Cronan, Typewriting Diploma. Mildred Ware, Typewriting Diploma.
42
Graduates of the class of 1918 are now pursuing courses in the following higher institutions of learning :-
Business College,
6 Wentworth Institute, 1
Boston University,
5
Miss Wheelock's School, 1
Normal School,
5 Boston College, 1
Harvard, 3
Boston City Hospital Train-
Mass. Inst. Technology,
3
'ing School for Nurses, 1
Holy Cross,
2 U. S. Naval Academy, 1
Boston University Law,
2
Radcliffe, 1
Simmons,
1
Northeastern, 1
Boston Normal Art,
1
Cushing Academy, 1
Post Graduate, High School, 1
United States Army, 1
At the final inter-class contest in elocution, held in the Assembly Hall in June, first prizes in gold were won by Anna C. Calabrese, '18, and Marshall Day, '18. During the past. year Miss Sadie A. O'Connell, instructor in Public Speaking has conducted classes daily in Public Speaking and Elocution for the weekly exercises which are given before the student- body. When I first took up my duties in the High school, rhetoricals were held in the respective class rooms, two pupils, speaking daily, four minutes being allowed for each pupil. This plan, however, did not work out well and accordingly the present plan was adopted, whereby eight students speak weekly before the student body. Miss O'Connell has rendered invaluable service in this work, the purpose of which is to strengthen the English course, furnish literary analysis and inculcate in each student the proper interpretation of expres- sion.
The class of 1918 held their annual dance in the Town Hall on April 12th and although the weather was most incle- ment, $55.55 were netted and donated to the Athletic treas- ury. Two weeks later the seniors staged the "Rose o' Ply- mouth Town" in the Opera House. This production added still greater glory to Miss Sadie O'Connell's work as instruc- tor in Public Speaking. Eight seniors constituted the cast. Their work was well done and bore fruits of hard work and thorough preparation. Although the play was in four acts
43
there was no semblance of pause or uneasiness. In order to give the children an opportunity of seeing their older com- rades as actors, we had an afternoon performance. This per- formance, I am glad to state, furnished a rehearsal for the cast and afforded the children much enjoyment. The net re- ceipts of the two performances amounted to $201.06. George Luchini, as Garrett Foster, played his part well. His musical voice was well heard throughout the hall and his grace and ease were very noticeable. Mabel Steeves, impersonating Rose de la Noye, was well chosen for her part. Her naturalness and ease in her various duties were much to her credit. Kather- ine Lester, the valedictorian of her class, winner of the Classic prize, took the part of aunt to Miles Standish. John Grady, one of the most prominent men in his class, acted the part of one of the Plymouth colonists and did well. Louis Vesperi, of athletic fame in school circles, made his initial appearance on the stage and proved that his choice as a disciple of Thes- pis was well merited. The parts of Miles Standish and of Barbara Standish were taken by Marshall Day and Hazel Austin. Both have frequently appeared in rhetoricals but gained greater prestige in the play. Alice Carroll as Miriam, by her dainty and graceful ways won much admiration from the audience. Of the proceeds $135 were donated to the Red Cross activities, while $50 were given to the M H. S. A. A.
Despite the customs of previous years no books were added to the library. It was the opinion of the seniors that the "exigencies of the times" demanded our financial assist- - ance more than the library, which is now well supplied with books which were placed there through the energetic efforts. of previous principals.
Our baseball team was beyond all question one of the best developed in this vicinity. Coached by Mr. Francis C. Berry it won 16 of its games and went through the season deteating all teams once except Worcester Trade, Assumption College and La Salle Academy of Providence. A spirit of harmony prevailed which would be well for future teams to follow. On
44
all the trips at least one faculty representative accompanied the team and in many instances the principal.
On January 8, the class of 1919 held their first entertain- ment of the year. Instead of one long show they staged two short comedies. During the intermission, Julio Zorzi and Henry Volk gave a violin duet and a charming vocal duet was rendered by Phyllis Jackson and Mary McNamara. Miss Marion Ryan was the accompanist for both these numbers. The first play "The Obstinate Family" was well received by our three hundred guests. Alvin Pianca and Jennie Connors were well selected by our faculty to be the father-in-law and mother-in-law, respectively, of Roger Perham and Eleanor Lilley. Mary Stella and Hugo Monti took the parts of two servants and received favorable comment from the audience. The second play "Holly Tree Inn" was very charming. Nich- olas Capece, as the "Landlord of the Inn," demonstrated unu- sual ability. Arthur Fitzgerald, as "Captain Walmers," took the part of father to Leo Murray. Thomas Reed acted as stableman at "Holly Tree Inn." Myitie Kinn-y as the land- lady of "Holly Tree Inn" had all the requisites for her part. Lillian Egan acted the part of "Betty" and did well. Mary Balconi as the sweetheart of Leo Murray played her part with unusual grace and ease. Both plays were staged under the direction of Miss Sadie O'Connell To Miss O'Connell I wish to express my thanks, for in addition to her various duties in High school, I have always found her willing to take on new dut'es in order to make school lite bappy. Miss O'Connell deserves the greatest praise for in this show she had two sets of characters to deal with, none of whom had ever appeared in theatricals, and their finished work demonstrated the thorough coaching received from Miss O'Connell.
During the summer Mr. R J. Calkin, a local photogra- pher, presented the school with two fine pictures, one of the class of 1915 and the other of last year's graduating class. In addition to these pictures we have also included last year's baseball team
The ch iss of 1919 held a pretty dancing party in Milford.
45
Town Hall on January 17th. The party was well attended and fully enjoyed by all present. The hall was decorated by the American Decorating Co. of Framingham, and no feature was omitted. Peachey & Keane's orchestra furnished music for the occasion. In speaking of the success of this party too much praise cannot be given to the members of the senior class for their untiring efforts to make this dance most suc- cessful. Their many duties were entered into in a good spirit and many denied themselves pleasure to make their guests happy. The floor director of the dance was Leo Murray and his assistants were Miss Jennie Connors, Miss Marjorie Baxter and Roger Perham. The proceeds of the dance amounted to $104.20 and are now in the senior treasury.
Before concluding my report of the past year, I wish to remind you that the following sons of Milford High are in the Service :-
C. A. FitzGerald, Princi-
Bernard Manion, ex-1909
pal of High School, 1917
Frank C. Berry, Sub- mas-
Frank Comba, 1910
ter of High school, 1917
Lawrence Woodbury, ex-1910
William G. Pond, 1892
Ellwood Ward, ex-1910
Gilbert C. Eastman, 1
1899
Charles T. Witherell, 1910
Frank Mather, ex-1900
Forrest Tower, ex-1910
Elmer E. Thomas, 1 1903
Philip Callery (killed) 1911
Robert Kinney,
1904
William F. Moloney, 1911
James E. Luby, 1904
Carl Kennedy, 1912
Herman Dillingham,
1905
Fred Nealon,
Edward McDermott,
ex-1906
Edward W. Duggan,
1912
George L. Tully,
1906
Earl A. Trevett, 1912
Maurice J. Foley,
1906
John Keane, 1912
Stuart C. Godfrey,
1907
James F. Quirk, 1912
Austin Livingstone,
1907
Ralph Ward, 1912
Arthur Ewing, 1907
William A. McCue, 1912
Frank Caldicott,
1908
1912
William J. Gilmore,
1908
Ralph Newcomb, Francis Welch, 1912
Bernard Thatcher,
ex-1908
Ralph Coombs, 1912
Ralph Bragg,
1909
Earl Crockett, 1912
Batista Vitalini,
1909
Joseph DePasquale, 1912
James Luchini, 1910
46
George Grayson,
1913
George V. Larkin, 1916
Paul Bragg,
1913
Fred Clarridge, 1916
Joseph Lang,
1913
Frank Dillon, 1916
Luigi O. San Clemente,
1913
Fred A. Goodnow, 1917
Allen Kennedy,
1913
Frank K. Behrens,
1917
Joseph S. Quirk,
1913
Spencer Carr,
1917
Eugene Marino,
1913
James Dalton,
1917
Emory Grayson,
1913
Howard Hilton,
1917
Stephen C. Jackson,
1913
Raymond Sullivan,
1917
John S. Conway,
1913
Elmer Nelson,
1918
Harold Whitney,
1914
George Bruce,
ex-1918
Forrest Grayson,
1914
William Sprague,
ex-1918
Eben Baker,
1914
John Grady,
1918
Henry Schultz,
1914
George Luchini,
1918
Alex. DiGiannantonio,
1914
Marshall Day,
1918
Lester Hill,
1914
Francis Larkin,
1918
Joseph Carey,
1914
Harold Shea,
1918
John O'Reilly,
1915
Joseph Gorman,
1918
Roy Mckenzie,
1915
Chester Avery,
1918
Carlton Scott,
1915
Arnold Davis,
1918
Leo Burns,
1915
James Zurlo,
1918
William F. Goddard,
1915
John Kelly,
1918
John Hayes,
1915
Thomas J. Raftery,
1918
Charles Goucher,
1916
Raymond Grayson,
1919
John Murphy,
1916
John Early,
1920
In concluding my report I want to extend to Mr. C. A. FitzGerald a cordial welcome. It is now some fifteen months since Mr. FitzGerald left us for military service, and during that time he has risen from the rank of private to a lieuten- ant. I must state that to the members of the school commit- tee I owe much of my success during the past year. To you, Mr. Caswell, I am indebted much for your assistance and counsel. The members of the faculty have been kind and courteous to me. They have been ready at all times to give enthusiastic and willing support. Day after day they have worked untiringly to train the young of Milford in the chan- nels of learning. To Mr. Moran I'am obligated for his hard
47
work and many courtesies. The children of Milford High have been willing and courteous in their many obligations, They have listened attentively to the teachings and admoni- tions of their advisors. Their discipline has been good, and their courses, well supervised and regulated as they are, should make them fitted for whatever the world may expect of them.
Respectfully submitted, THOMAS J. QUIRK, Acting Principal.
REPORT OF THE ACTING PRINCIPAL OF THE GEORGE E. STACY SCHOOL.
George E. Stacy School, Milford, Mass., January 14, 1919.
Mr. Almorin O. Caswell,
Superintendent of Schools, Milford, Mass.
My Dear Sir :-
In November, 1917, I took up the work as principal of the George E. Stacy school, so ably begun by my predecessor, the first principal, Mr. Quirk. I present the following report of the work of the school since that day to the present.
Considerable time has been lost this year due to the epi- demic, requiring extraordinary efforts to approximate the year's work. To date, both the teachers and pupils have responded with enthusiasm to the extra demands on their efforts. In this connection a word of praise is due the chil- dren for their superb efforts for the War Saving Stamps and Red Cross drives. We have stimulated patriotismn by the holding of exercises in the Assembly Hall. An important. part at these exercises has been the singing both in parts and in unison of patriotic songs by the pupils under the direction of Mrs. John O'Connor. The sewing classes have devoted jauch time to work for the Junior Red Cross and the contri- butions for the War Relief Fund have been generous on the part of all the pupils.
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.