USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Milford > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Milford, Massachusetts 1921 > 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
"The Milford Continuation school, boys' department, was started on Thursday, October 6, 1921 with a total of 52 pupils, with sessions on Thursdays and Fridays of each week, at first, and Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays of each week later.
"The work is divided into follow-up work and teach- ing. The first four hours of Thursday and Friday are given to follow-up work and the last four hours of (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to teaching. The follow-up work is conducted as follows :- the teacher is required to keep the data on each of the pupils and to get this data it is nec- essary to visit the boy at his place of employment and see him at his work. During this visit the teacher talks with the boy and also with his employer. He finds out all he can about the boy, his habits, his ambitions, his work, his home conditions (if he has a home permit) and other things of vital interest to the boy and teacher. Upon this follow- up work he bases the work for the boy.
"The boy comes to school for four hours during the teaching period. His hours of study are divided into Eng- lish, Civics, Mathematics, Hygiene, Mechanical Drawing, and the theory of vocation which he chooses. As to the chosen vocation I will say that the vocations under instruction are Carpentry, Plumbing, Weaving, Electric- ity, Commercial Arithmetic, Merchandizing, Auto-Mech- anics, Art-work or Cartooning, and Farming. At present the vocation study work is from theory, but as soon as the manual room is fitted up the boys will be given (as re- quired by state law) two hours of practical training. This training will apply as nearly to the boy's chosen vocation
28
as our facilities will permit. If we can not furnish work perfectly adapted to his chosen vocation he will be given a line of work that will be valuable to him at his home or for a future time. The aim of the instruction in this school is to benefit both the boy and his employer. The follow-up visits are to determine what lines of work are best adapted to accomplish that end."
A synopsis of Mrs. McIntyre's account of her work during the fall :
"The girls' classes opened October 3, 1921 with an en- · rollment of 46 girls, in three classes. Each group has had two hours of related academic work, and two hours of practical sewing or cooking. The girls were given their choice of subjects in the practical arts groups. Monday classes meet for sewing; Tuesday and Wednesday, for cooking. In December an increased enrollment .made nec- essary the forming of another division, which came on Fri- day. As far as possible, divisions were made so that girls who had completed certain grades in the day schools were grouped together. One class was so arranged that those who did not come under any of the divisions of the other three classes might have special work. Most of the girls have completed the sixth grade. Several pupils left school after entering High school. Special work in English and advanced Arithmetic is given to them.
"The sewing class has accomplished a considerable amount of work. The first project was the making of 20 aprons for the cooking school. This gave the girls an op- portunity to show their familiarity with the use of the machines. The girls have also completed the following projects :
1. Plain undergarments.
2. Cotton dresses.
3. Plain hemming of dish towels for the grade school cooking class and for the Continuation school.
4. French hemming of napkins for the cooking schools.
29
"These girls have also been given brief lessons in textil- es, and it is hoped that at the end of the school year they can go into any department store and choose the right mater- ials for certain garments. Care has been taken to impress upon the girls the economy in buying a guaranteed mater- ial even at a considerable greater cost rather than to pay less for inferior material. During the remainder of the school year the girls will continue with simple projects, further study of textiles, and costs of materials for these projects.
"The cooking school has tried to meet the needs of the girls. All lessons are planned on the meal basis. Each lesson consists in the cooking of an entire meal. These meals have been planned with careful thought as to cost, food values, and the needs of our girls. The menus for each day are mimeographed and each girl is allowed to take her copy home at the close of the lesson. Each meal is simple in its contents, easy in its preparation, and econom- ical in its cost.
"An interesting lesson was given in the fall. The teacher, during her follow-up work, went to an Italian home one morning, and learned to cook macaroni in one Italian style. The lesson was then given during a cooking period and the girls relished this little deviation from the common routine. At Christmas time the girls had an op- portunity to try their skill at candy making for the holi- days.
"A few plans for meals are listed :
Breakfasts Dinners
1. Rolled Oats with milk Stewed Prunes
1. Boiled Cod with Egg Sauce
Muffins
Mashed Potatoes
2. Sliced Oranges with Lemon Juice
Baked Custard
2. Swiss Steak Creamed Carrots
Scrambled Eggs
Griddle Cakes Apple Dumplings
30
Suppers
1. Escalloped Potatoes and Cheese Cranberry Sauce Gingerbread
2. Tomato Bisque Nut and Raisin Bread Molasses Cookies 1
"The girls have in their academic work taken some time for the study of materials used in the cooking classes, and for other things relative to cooking, such as care of the supply closet, the dishes, and aprons. As soon as the nec- essary equipment is added the girls will receive lessons in table setting and care of the table linen. It is hoped that with the beginning of a new school year those girls who have been with us this year may have a chance to learn . a little of house management and of home decoration.
"The follow-up work has been interesting as well as helpful. If more teachers could see their pupils in their home surroundings a better working knowledge of how best to help these children might be obtained. On the whole, both shops and homes have accepted this "working to- gether" idea and are cooperating with the school."
HIGH SCHOOL
In his second annual report Prin. Thomas J. Quirk of the High School discusses a number of topics and makes certain recommendations.
Enrollment
The High School has at date some 350 pupils, about 70 more than at the close of school last June. Unlike the experience of previous years the student body seems to be increasing rather than decreasing from day to day, while there has been no increase in the High School faculty for some time. As a result of this, Mr. Quirk points out the fact that there are 26 classes with over 30 pupils in each
3 [
class. Such a teacher-load neither meets the state require- ments nor gives the pupils a square deal.
Entertainments
The Class of 1921 staged a most successful play en- titled, "A Couple of Million," in the Milford Opera House on April 7th. The performance was a success in every way, and added $250 to the Senior treasury. The play was coached by Miss Ruby F. Sutherland, who carefully drilled the various characters for over eight weeks. To her the school is greatly indebted for the success of this perfor- mance. The cast of characters was made up of the follow- ing members of the Class of 1921, and each showed natural ability along theatrical lines: Madeline Burke, Marion Greeley, Rita Daigle, Lillian Ranahan, Isabel McGrath, Davis Carroll, Frandis Hannigan, Leo Dickson, James Steeves, George Brown, and Paul SanClemente.
The annual May Dance was held in the Milford Town Hall and furnished a very pleasant evening's entertain- ment for all who attended.
Graduation
Commenting upon the graduation of the Class of 1921, program and details of which are given farther on in this report, the principal justly commends the high quality of the program itself, and extends his thanks to Misses Toohey and Birmingham, who had charge of the decorations, and to Misses Sutherland and Ryan for assistance with the pro- gram. The following special prizes were given at gradua- tion : the prizes from Delano Patrick fund for "The Best Union of Nations to Bring About Peace," $20, $15, and $10, went respectively to Leslie Calkin, 1922; Elizabeth Erick- son, 1922; and Rita Daigle, 1921. The gold medal offered by Dr. John V. Gallagher to the boy annually making his "M" in athletics three times, obtaining also the highest scholastic standing, was given to Paul F. SanClemente. The special book prize from the Class of 1917 fund-interest from Liberty bonds-for the best average in English, His- tory, and Latin, was given to Miss Marion Greeley. Three
1
32
diplomas for excellence in typewriting were given to Fran- cis Hannigan, Florence Tellier, and Paul SanClemente, all members of the Class of 1921. The program of the gradua- tion exercises and the list of graduates will be found else- where in this report.
Alumni Achievements
Miss Madeline H. Burke, Secretary of the Class of 1921, has sent Mr. Quirk the following information re- garding the members of her class, five are now in college, seven in commercial schools, three are in normal schools, and the remainder have entered the businesss world or are employed at home. Investigation shows that our High School sends proportionally as many students to higher seats of learning as any High School in this vicinity. The fact that fifteen students of last year's class of thirty-nine pursue courses in higher institutions of learning clearly shows that our High School pupils want the best education that can be procured, and are fully equipped, when they leave, to gain admission to higher institutions.
Athletics
Commenting on the athletic situation Mr. Quirk says : "The 1921 baseball team of the High School, under the guidance of Coach Frank C. Berry, and Captain Richard C. Mackay, was not up to the usual standard of our teams. The absence of veterans and the shortage of pitching mat- erial were the chief reasons for not having the usual repre- sentative team. It is a pleasure, however, to report that our 1921 football team made a better record than any other team during the previous three or four years. Six games of the nine played were victories, and in many in- stances victories were scored over opponents of much heav- ier weight. The success of the team during the football season has been due to the excellent coaching given by Sub-master Berry, who worked hard for the success of the squad, and gave us a representative team. With the grad- uation of Captain Grayson, of the football team, the school will lose one who was thoroughly interested in the progress
1
"A COUPLE OF MILLION," M. H. S. SENIOR DRAMATICS, 1921
33
of athletics, and gave his best efforts to make our teams successful. The Midland League, established some few months ago, has been a valuable asset in stimulating in- terest in sports, and it is our earnest hope that, for the pro- motion of athletics, this league will be made a permanent institution."
Orchestra
The school orchestra is composed of eleven musicians and. under the leadership of Bennie Lancisi, has furnish- ed music for all social functions, and is maintaining the high reputation attained by their immediate predecessors.
Class Standings
Since the beginning of the school year 1921-1922, there has been a marked advancement in the scholastic standing of many of the pupils. When the reports were issued in November, 43 students were on the honor roll. In January of this year 64 pupils had an average of 85% or better. This fact indicates a decided improvement along scholastic lines.
Music and Drawing
Commenting on these subjects Mr. Quirk observed :
"The Music class now numbers over 200 pupils, and while the class is very large, excellent work has been ac- complished, due to the untiring efforts and capable instruc- tion of our Music Supervisor, Miss Helena F. Swift.
"The work in the Drawing Department, under the supervision of Miss Genevieve M. Toohey, is exceptional, and rivals the work done in any other High School."
Gifts During the Year
The sum of $150, gift of the Class of 1921, to be used to add another portion to the main plate of the beautiful bronze honor roll which was given to the High School by the Class of 1920; and some minerals, donated to the lib- rary by Ruth Cheney, 1923.
34
Recommendations
In the course of his report Mr. Quirk makes the follow- ing recommendations :
(1) That three years of typewriting and three years of stenography be made a part of the commercial course.
(2) That the ventilating system in the High School be inspected.
(3) That more teachers be added to the High School faculty.
In closing his report Mr. Quirk extends to the teachers his deepest sense of appreciation of their spirit of coopera- tion, and to the Committee and the student body his sincere thanks for their cooperation and their willing assistance. Mr. Quirk's report indicates constant, intelligent, and de- voted service on his part, and untiring energy on the part of his assistants during the year covered by his report, leading to the inevitable result of a most successful year's High School work.
GEORGE E. STACY SCHOOL
Mr. Wilfred A. Beaudry, Principal of the George E. Stacy and Spruce Street schools, presents a thoughtful and interesting report on the year's work in his schools. Chang- ing of the High school class rooms from the upper floor to the lower floor has been successful, in Principal Beaudry's view. The spirit and dominating ideals of the school- ideals of kindness, helpfulness, buoyancy, and hopefulness- have appeared in the largest donation towards the Foch Fund, $23; the largest school contribution towards the sale of Christmas seals, $50; 22 Christmas baskets-hearty meals for 100 people-given by the pupils on their own initiative ; the establishment of a first-aid department, costing $20 and expenditures of $255 for the furnishing of the teachers' rest room (referred to in Superintendent's report of one year ago). Cooperative government-school city-has been started and promises excellent training in citizenship. This has wisely been employed in hall and basement and has
1
i
35
not been allowed to conflict with or displace the author- ity of the teacher in the schoolroom.
Commenting on Stacy school athletics Principal Beaudry says :- "Our baseball team won praise, loyal sup- port, a silver cup and all but one of the twenty games play- ed with grammar school teams from the adjacent com- munities." Your Superintendent is glad to add his special word of appreciation and praise of the work of the Stacy school ball team of 1921. The last Hopedale game was one of the best ever seen on our Town Park.
Methods and Processes in Class Room
In this connection Mr. Beaudry says :-
"Even though the rooms are crowded, effective work is being done in the academic subjects by the pupils under the guardianship of a capable, conscientious corps of teach- ers.
"At opportune intervals, to the teachers are sent pro- fessional papers dealing with old, tested, renewed or new methods of procedure in teaching, and where circumstances permit these methods are being applied.
·"Standardized tests in the four fundamentals are ad- ministered by the principal near the close of each semester and it is gratifying to state that our children compare most favorably, in a knowledge of the fundamentals, with pupils of other communities throughout the country.
"Due to the fact that the writer spends the greater portion of the morning session with his High school class- es, the supervision in the Stacy school comes mostly dur- ing the afternoon. Thus far this year, one whole day, out- side of High school class periods, has been utilized in super- vising each class. A written report of observations, im- pressions and suggestions bearing on such visits was submitted to each of the teachers. It is hoped that at least one other such visit and report may be made this year.
Mothercraft
Mothercraft, introduced and standardized in Massa- chusetts, has been taken after regular school hours by the
.
36
girls. This subject is capably prepared and thoroughly taught by Mrs. Mary Sherborne, G. N., assisted by Mrs. Edna Damon, G. N. The girls are grateful to these ladies for this course in Mothercraft, presented gratis, and are keenly interested.
Recommendations
Principal Beaudry makes a number of recommenda- tions.
(1) That the pupils of the George E. Stacy school be permitted to prepare and to present to the public one dram- atic or musical project each year, in order to procure funds to finance school social contacts, such as athletics, orchestra, debating clubs, etc.
(2) That physical exercise or simple calisthenics be introduced as a daily practice in the school, and executed under the direction of the teachers.
(3) That "Current Events" may soon be introduced · in the seventh grades.
(4) That material for intelligence tests be secured and used in the Stacy school.
(5) That since a manual training department has been installed in connection with the Boys' Continuation School, a course in manual training be given to the boys of the eighth grade.
(6) The introduction of the Junior High School.
Worthy of note and special commendation is the most unusual manner in which the students of the Stacy school care for their desks, and consequently the "brand- new" appearance of the school furniture after five years' use. This matter attracted the notice and called forth the favorable comment of a member of the State Department of Education on a recent visit to Milford.
EVENING SCHOOL
William J. Moore, Esq., Principal of the evening school, notes in his report on evening school activities that courses were the same as in previous years. It appears that the total enrollment and the average attendance, particu-
37
larly of compulsory students, was the highest in years. Mr. Moore credits this increase in attendance largely to. the continued cooperation of Milford employers. An interest- ing feature of the work is the fact that three of our even- ing school pupils, illiterate two years ago, have entered the High school and eighth grade and are successfully passing in the work. It is to be regretted that every illiterate in Milford does not take advantage of the evening school courses.
STATISTICS OF THE EVENING SCHOOL School opened October 3, 1921-Closed December 21, 1921
Term 12 Weeks
Total Registration
121
Average Membership
76.9
Average Attendance
61.88
Per Cent of Attendance
80
Boys
97
Girls
24
Literate
22
Illiterate
99
Adults
53
Minors
68
Places of Employment
Draper Corporation
35
William Lapworth & Sons
7
Milford Shoe Co.
3
Taft Woolen Mill
3
Williams Shoe Co.
3
Milford Pink Granite Co.
3
Herman Shoe Co.
8
Archer Rubber Co.
5
R. H. Long Co.
3
Huckins & Temple Co.
3
.
Cardon Shoe Co.
2
1
Whitinsville
5
Uxbridge
4
38
Nationalities
Italian 96
Portugese
14
Armenian
4
American
4
French
1
Polish
1
MUSIC
During the past year the work in Music has followed the same general lines as heretofore. Over 200 High school pupils have elected music as one of their studies, the largest number in the history of the school, and splendid results have been attained by the large chorus, often ac- companied by the High school orchestra.
Special attention is being paid to sight singing. in the grammar and primary grades together with the study of breathing, tone production, and expression. At the end of each term a program of songs and exercises is given to encourage each child to be less fearful of his own voice, and the results are very pleasing.
Miss Swift recommends that more time be allotted to Music course in all the schools; that at least twenty min- utes daily be devoted to Music in the High school, this daily practice work to be under the guidance of a mem- ber of the High school faculty.
DRAWING
Drawing is taught in Milford from the generally pre- valent view-point of its practical relationship to everyday life. Whereas formerly, object drawing, pose drawing, and other subjects were studied for the development of keen observation and manual skill, those drawings are now used in the planning of advertisements, which appeal to pupils as being of real assistance in the business world.
Owing to the large number of pupils electing the sub- ject at the High school it has been found necessary to devote to these students part time on two additional days, with the result that visits to the lower grades can be made less
.
39
frequently. However, the grade teachers are supplied with typewritten outlines, so that the work may be continued, between visits from the supervisor, by the teachers, to whose faithfulness and hearty cooperation Miss Toohey pays a sincere tribute.
The High school girls are enthusiastically taking up a new line of handwork-modeling and decorating of beads and pendants for their own use. The High school boys are taking Mechanical Drawing, as usual.
In the grammar grades many useful articles have been constructed and decorated by the pupils, and various mater- ials such as cardboard, cloth and wood were used.
COOPERATING AGENCIES
Class in Mothercraft
The class in Mothercraft, under the auspices of Quin- shipaug Woman's Club is now in its fifth year. There is to be a graduation in the near future, public notice of which will be given. It is expected that there will be about twenty-five graduates. This work has been in the immedi- ate charge of Mrs. William F. Sherborne, chairman of the Mothercraft department, assisted by Mrs. Rodney - L. Damon. The work has been along the usual lines and a high degree of interest has been maintained. The man- agement regrets that a number of Italian girls dropped out during the course. This is specially regrettable as this work was meeting a real need along the lines of American- ization. A strong year's work has been accomplished, how- ever. In the writer's opinion this feature of school train- ing is one of the strongest, most needed, and most success- ful of all the agencies operative in the development of our young people. It is hoped that in connection with the graduation exercises there will be a round table conference of the state leaders in Mothercraft with the local people, at which Miss May Bliss Dickinson, founder and chair- man of the Mothercraft will be present. This work ought to be a part of the regular public school work as it already is in 25 cities and towns.
40
Playgrounds
Milford's two playgrounds were well patronized dur- ing five weeks last summer and it was felt that a longer per- iod would have been of great advantage to many children. Only three hours, for five afternoons per week, were en- joyed in organized games, industrial work, and athletics, under competent instructors who worked incessantly to care for the crowds of children who were kept from the street.
As the money voted by the Town, $200, was insufficient to pay necessary expenses, the playground committee thought advisable to hold a "Tag Day" which helped de- fray salaries and purchase needed apparatus which, it is hoped, will be in readiness for next summer term.
Mr. W. A. Beaudry, Principal of . Stacy School, had charge of athletics. Misses Mildred Littlefield and Eliza- beth Morrison, and Mr. Davis Carroll were at the Park, and Misses Alice Carroll and Grace Carron had charge at Plains. The attendance was larger. and interest greater than ever. At the closing session a joint exhibition was given at the Park where a pageant in charge of Miss Little- field, assisted by others, was given before a large number of friends and greatly enjoyed.
Receipts
Town of Milford
$200.00
Tag Day and Gifts
350.76
Balance in Treasury
133.73
$684.49
Expenditures
Salaries
$265.50
Supplies and Labor
72.46
$337.96
Balance on Hand 1
· $346.53
4 [
N. B. Of the above balance, the sum of $200 has been appropriated for the purchase of needed apparatus.
MRS. J. F. DAMON, Chairman. MRS. R. B. GREENE, Secretary. MISS JOSEPHINE THAYER, Treasurer MRS. J. J. DUGGAN, MRS. F. E. NORCROSS,
Playground Committee of the Quinshipaug Women's Club.
GIFTS DURING THE YEAR
High School. The sum of $150 from the Class of 1921 for the second plate of the Honor Roll; mineral collection, from Ruth Cheney, 1923.
Park School. Three boys of Miss Metrano's fifth grade, made, finished and presented to their room a very neat first-aid cabinet. A handsome marine view was pre sented to Mrs. McManus' sixth grade by Quinshipaug Woman's Club.
Claflin School. Four fine framed pictures presented by Quinshipaug Woman's Club.
CHANGES IN TEACHERS
Left the Service-High School
Miss Marcella M. Dignan, a most successful instructor in the High school since 1917, left the service in April, 1920 to become Mrs. Thomas J. Quirk. Miss Dignan brought to her work splendid training ; and not only her work in the High school was of very high order, but she was a posi- tive and inspiring force in the discipline and social leader- ship of the school.
Miss Elizabeth F. Morrison, an assistant in the High school since September, 1920, left the service at the close of the spring term, 1921, to accept a better position in the High school service in Manchester, N. H. Miss Morrison leaves with the best wishes of the committee, teachers, and students.
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.