USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Milford > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Milford, Massachusetts 1923 > Part 8
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Prizes and Awards
For the second consecutive year the four Delano Patrick Prizes for the best essays on "Some Union of World Powers Essential to World Peace" were won by students of our school :- George A. O'Sullivan, 1923, first prize, $20; Harry S. Broudy, 1924, second prize, $15; Frederick L. Knox, 1924, third prize, $10; Teresa K. Julian, 1923, fourth prize, $5. The Dr. John V. Gallagher gold medal, given annually to the boy making the "M" in athletics at least three times and obtaining also the highest scholastic standing of those eligible for the prize was awarded to Frederick E. Steeves. This award was well deserved for the recipient had earned the "M" eight times. The Spe- cial Book Prize of the Class of 1917-interest from Lib- erty Bonds-awarded annually to the senior with the best average in Latin, History and English for the four year course, was won by Esther Gagliardi. The gold prizes for
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excellence in Public Speaking were awarded to Ruth Cheney and Innes McRae.
Of the sixty-three students graduated in June the fol- lowing are enrolled at:
Business College 4
Bentley School of Accounting
3
State Normal School
11
Boston University
6
Tufts Medical College
1
Dartmouth College
1
New York University
2
Boston College
2
Mass. Nautical School
1
Dean Academy
1
Cushing Academy
1
Goddard Seminary
1
N. E. Conservatory of Music
1
Wentworth Institute
3
St. Elizabeth's Hospital Training School
1
General Electric Co. Training School 1
Post Graduate Work 5
Total 45
Athletics
During the past year we have been represented by very fast athletic teams. Submaster Francis C. Berry again directed baseball activities and Mr. Timothy F. Ryan of Pittsfield was in charge of football. Both deserve much credit for their excellent coaching and co-operation. Cap. Fred Steeves of the baseball team proved a capable leader and with the clever assistance of Coach Berry led his team to fifteen victories in a schedule of twenty games. The 1923 schedule included many strong opponents, among whom were Lawrence, Brighton, Gardner, Con- cord, Natick, Assumption College and St. Mary's Acad- emy. Our football team, led by Capt. George Torosian, was equally successful and lost but one of its ten games.
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It was the general opinion that Capt. Torosian's team would not be very formidable since so many excellent players were lost by graduation but Coach Ryan and Capt. Torosian labored hard with the boys and developed such a smooth working eleven that the athletic prowess of our school has become known throughout the state.
Orchestra
We have had one of the best school orchestras in the state during the past year and much of the success of our assemblies, entertainments, and activities has been due to its excellent work. Bennie Lancisi, 1923, was again the leader and its personnel included : John Julian, 1923, and Frank Todino, 1924, violinists ; Ralph Volk, 1923, and Samuel Bean, 1923, cornetists; Edwin Lilley, 1924, saxo- phonist; John Cicchetti, 1923, flutist; and William Mackay, 1923, drummer. The graduation in June took all but one from the 1923 organization but Frank Todino, 1924, has recently organized an orchestra and expects to have it ready for our activities early in 1924.
Gifts
During the past year I have had the privilege of ac- cepting the following gifts :
Fifty dollars from Class of 1897.
Two volumes, "History of Worcester County," from Mrs. George Whittemore, Milford.
Complimentary dinner to 1922 football team by Mil- ford Chamber of Commerce.
The money given by the Class of 1897 has been used in adding a number of volumes to the school library. Mrs. Whittemore's books have been placed there and have furnished much valuable information.
Standing with the Colleges and Normal Schools
The high school still continues to enjoy the privilege of certificating its pupils to Worcester Polytechnic Insti- tute and the colleges included in the New England College Conference. It has a Class A rating in Massachusetts and
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has recently received the following information from Harvard University :
"(Effective in June, 1923, and thereafter until further notice.)
"As an experiment, the following modification has been introduced in the published requirements for admission :
"Pupils who have satisfactorily completed an approved school course such as is outlined in the description of the New Plan, and whose scholastic rank places them in the highest seventh of the boys of their graduating class, may, if recommended by their school, be admitted to the College without examination."
It is hoped that some of our boys will take advantage of this unusual privilege.
Music and Drawing
Miss Helena F. Swift and Miss Dorcas Whipple have made exceptional progress in their respective departments during the past year.
"Traveler" Short Story Contest
It is pleasing to note the success of some of our seniors in the Boston Traveler Short Story Contest. Miss Sallie E. Hicks was awarded the second highest prize, $35, and Miss Catherine C. Mackay, Harry S. Broudy and Fred- erick L. Knox received honorable mention for their short stories. The decisions were made in a contest involving over eleven hundred stories.
Garrick Club
The Garrick Dramatic Club, instituted in 1922 through the efforts of Miss Sadie A. O'Connell, instructor in ex- pression, has had a most successful year. Miss Gerald- ine McGaughan, instructor in freshman English, assisted with the club work until June, when she resigned to teach in North Adams. During the year two plays were staged under the auspices of the club: "Rosalie" and "Holly Tree Inn." The cast of the former included Ernestine Knox,
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Irene Morgan and Frank Todino. Pierina Pettinati, Ger- trude Wallace, Teresa Julian, Earle Johnson, Francis McNary, Clair Darney and Frederick Steeves took part in the latter. Miss O'Connell supervised the comedies and high praise is due her for her excellent work. The proceeds of the entertainment, $80.80, was given to the Athletic Association.
Social
The class of 1923 held a social in November and the proceeds, $44.75, were given to the Athletic Association. The annual Senior Hop was held in May and was a suc- cess socially and financially. The committee in charge of the affair deserve much praise for their labors. The receipts of this dance was given to the Garrick Dramatic Club to finance "Sanctuary," a masque, which was staged on the evening before Commencement. This effort, given in the rain, failed somewhat in effectiveness, and yet so impressive was the performance under these adverse cir- cumstances that it is clear that in this form of entertain- ment we have something worthy the serious efforts of High School students.
Oak, Lily and Ivy
The annual publication of the Oak, Lily and Ivy under the supervision of Miss Marion A. Ryan of the English Department was a success from both literary and finan- cial standpoints. The proceeds of the publication were used in purchasing sweaters for the boys who earned the "M" in 1922-1923. To the members of the class of 1923 who assisted in the publication of the book and to Miss Ryan the principal extends his congratulations. .
Changes in the Course of Study
A number of changes have been made in the Course of Study. In the first year Science is now taught four times
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per week to the Commercial students who elect it and twice per week to the College and Technical pupils. Civics is now a required subject for all during the first year and is taught three times per week. Ancient History is now taught four times per week to the sophomores instead of the freshmen in the College and Technical sections and is a second year elective for the Commercial students. Typewriting is now an elective for the Commercial stu- dents in the second year and unless elected in the second year, the Commercial students are required to take 10 periods of it in the fourth year. This change gives our Commercial students three years of Typewriting. European History (800-1924) is a required subject for all third year pupils except those in the Commercial sec- tions. Expression is now offered three times per week in the fourth year and twice per week in the third year. American History is taught daily in the fourth year. Physics and Chemistry are elective subjects in the third and fourth years. The certificate grade has been raised to 85 per cent. The changes noted have proved very beneficial to our students.
With extreme regret we record the death of Americo Santosuosso, who was drowned in the Charles River on January 4, 1924. At the time of his death, Americo was aged 16 years and enrolled in our sophomore class. His excellent disposition, deep interest in school activities, and studious traits won for him many friends in our school. The class officers and a very large representation from his class attended his funeral services in the Sacred Heart Church on January 7, 1924.
In concluding his report Principal Quirk extends his thanks and appreciation to the school committee and his teachers, and expresses the hope that the excellent school spirit of the students will continue and that the parents will continue to take a deep interest in the High School and aid in a constructive way.
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STACY SCHOOL
In his account of the year's work at the Stacy School, and more particularly of the work of the last four months, the principal gives an interesting account of an experiment in a more homogeneous grouping of pupils, based upon (a) intelligence tests; and (b) reports of the teachers of the classroom work of the pupils as shown in regular oral and written tests and daily recitations. The pupils are divided into groups of about equal ability and an attempt is made to fit the rate of learning to each group.
Changes in Subject Matter
Special stress is being laid upon letter writing as a basis for composition. Letters are exchanged with other schools; one period a week is used for debates; two periods each week are used for silent reading of books taken from the town library. There was so much in- terest in this assignment that for a while the library was stampeded and the Stacy pupils had to be put on a more rigid schedule of numbers of books and times of drawing. One period is devoted to a richer Civics period than here- tofore. Room organization has succeeded the school city.
Extra Activities
Physical exercises executed to music are retained, hav- ing proved beneficial in the past. Twenty minutes per week are devoted to the development of the Massachu- setts State Physical Education program.
A successful field day was held last June and it is planned to repeat it next June. At that time athletic badges will be awarded to the boys and girls passing the Massachusetts State Department tests.
Push ball has proved popular during the winter months.
Two plays were presented last June, the funds of which were devoted to the support of athletics.
SPECIAL CLASS
By a recent state law any city or town having 10 or
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more children three or more years retarded, must main- tain a special class. This means a room, with a Goddard trained teacher (or equivalent). The time has come for Milford to meet the situation.
CONTINUATION SCHOOL
The boy's continuation school opened Wednesday, Sep- tember 5, 1923, with an enrollment of nearly 50 pupils which was soon increased to 60. This necessitated the formation of another class. The enrollment fluctuates with business conditions. These pupils come from grades seven, eight, and High School. Manual work with pupils has been confined to vocations. Trades or vocations are taught by theory, and practice as far as our equipment and room permit. The trades taught are carpentry, elec- trical work, plumbing, drafting, and auto-mechanics. Les- sons are prepared by the principal in a way suitable to the individual pupil. With the addition of a little equipment this school could be made a fire-rate preparatory trade school.
The girls' continuation school opened September 4, 1923, with a registration of 69, the number later increas- ing to 76. The work of each day, as in prevoius years, is divided into two sessions of two hours each. The first is for academic work-English, Arithmetic, Civics, and Hygiene, the work in Hygiene being correlated with first- aid, child care, and simple home nursing procedures. The provision of equipment for demonstration purposes would give this work greater value. The aim is to help the girl individually whatever her need, the latter often deter- mined by the follow-up work in the home or shop. The second half of the day is devoted to Domestic Science, in the attempt to give the girls practical knowledge of foods, the principles of their preparation, and serving the table. The work in Sewing includes practical directions for the design and construction of women's and children's clothing, including mending, darning, renovation, and the making of various undergarments and simple cotton
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dresses. Last year the girls were allowed to elect either Cooking or Sewing, and 80% of them chose the work in the Cooking classes. As the majority of girls stay in continuation school classes for two years it was thought best to change this plan and require all to take both sub- jects, thus giving in one year 80 hours in Cooking and 80 hours in Sewing. The interest has materially improved under this plan.
EVENING SCHOOL
The evening school term of twelve weeks opened Oct. 1, 1923. and closed Dec. 19. 1923. Principal William J. Moore notes: "The courses offered were the same as in previous years, mostly primary work, as two-thirds of our total enrollment were illiterates. Special attention was given to the teaching of English, Civics, and Ameri- can History-Americanization subjects."
Mr. Moore further observes : "The total enrollment was larger by three than last year. There were fewer com- pulsory students. I believe our records will prove that the illiterate minor is growing less numerous every year in Milford, due, I believe, in large measure to the com- pulsory education law. as well as to the fact that the largest element in our foreign population are giving their children the advantages of the higher grades of our pub- lic schools. I am heartily in favor of everything possible being done to lessen illiteracy in our United States; I am not pessimistic as to the proposition; I believe that we cannot be expected to accomplish in a few years what has been neglected for many years. I think that a stringent enforcement of the compulsory education law will be the remedy, but, as has been proven in our own state, it will take time before we begin to realize results. The adult is the difficulty to be overcome, and not the minor."
STATISTICS OF THE EVENING SCHOOL
Total enrollment, 94; males, 72; females, 22; average attendance, 52; average membership, 42; per cent of
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attendance, 81.4; illiterate, 60; literate, 34; minors, 54; adults, 40.
PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT
Draper Corporation, 38; Milford Shoe Company, 5;' Herman Shoe Co., 4; Huckins & Temple Co., Inc., 4; Bel- lingham Woolen Co., 3; Smith Mills, 3; Hopedale Manu- facturing Co., 6; Archer Rubber Co., 3; Milford Iron Foundry, 2; Framingham Iron Foundry, 1; Carroll, Hixon, Jones Co., 1.
NATIONALITIES
Italian, 61; Portuguese, 9; American, 7; Swedish, 3; Polish, 2; Brazilian, 2; Jewish, 2; Russian, 1; Canadian, 2; Swiss, 1; German, 1; Greek, 1.
MUSIC
The work in Music has made real progress under the leadership of Miss Swift, and that under conditions of short periods and an ever lengthening program.
Commenting on her work Miss Swift observes that
"We have endeavored during the past year to develop in the child a love for music and pleasure in song as a means of expression through individual and concerted singing, as well as to develop through intelligent listening an appreciation of that which he hears.
"The great problem is how to give to the class, in the limited time allowed, a sufficient number of songs, of the desired type, that must form a part of the general culture of the child, without curtailing the necessary drill in sight-singing. The utmost care has been taken that the child be able to read intelligently the song he sings and sing it with musical feeling.
"Much effort has been devoted to balancing of parts, phrasing, shading, attack, release, enunciation, and pro- nunciation-for the developing of pure head tones, blend- ing of voices and control of breath.
"Much attention has been given to the discrimination of harsh and throaty tones and those that are mellow,
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pleasant, true to pitch and well sustained, and very satis- factory results have been attained in the various classes."
DRAWING
The work in Drawing has now been in charge of Miss Dorcas Whipple since September, 1922. Miss Whipple has worked intelligently and with enthusiasm. While in freehand drawing, both in the grades and in the High School, the same general outline as laid out last year has been followed, special attention has been given to thoroughness and neatness in execution. Problems of practical value and those correlating with nearly all other subjects have been used to maintain the interest of the student. Much interest was shown in the modelling and painting of pendants, watch fobs, and curtain pulls from Modilith. Owing to the expense of materials, attractive novelties have been constructed from paper in the lower grades.
In mechanical drawing particular attention has been given to fundamentals so that the student will fully com- prehend the reasons for different operations, and form correct habits in the execution of his work.
It is greatly to be regretted that the time allotted to the grades is still inadequate. Much credit is due the teach- ers who have so successfully carried on the work.
COOPERATING AGENCIES
Mothercraft
From a report from Mrs. Mary H. Sherburne, chair- man of the Mothercraft work, I quote: "Two classes in Mothercraft were graduated and given diplomas last June and very interesting exercises were held in connection therewith in the High School assembly hall. The pro- gram comprised remarks by Chairman Stacy of the School Board and May Bliss Dickinson, founder of the work; lantern slides interpreted by Mrs. W. A. Murray ; with music by Mrs. Evelyn Cook and Mrs. Ethel Whitney. Altogether, it was a most interesting meeting. Later in the year another class will be started in the Stacy School.
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PLAYGROUNDS
The operation of the playgrounds has passed under the supervision of the Park Commission, who maintained the summer playgrounds the past season. This department was glad to cooperate the use of school buildings, base- ment privileges etc. For a detailed account of the past summer's playground activities the reader is referred to the Park Commissioner's report.
GIFTS DURING THE YEAR High School
A gift of fifty dollars ($50), Milford High School Class of 1898 (announced at the High School alumni reunion) .
Two volumes of the "History of Worcester County," Mrs. George Whittemore, Milford, Mass.
Complimentary dinner to men of the 1922 football squad by the Milford Chamber of Commerce.
Park
A fine mahogany Kimball phonograph, won by the Park School in the Milford Daily News contest, has been a source of constant enjoyment and benefit in connection with the musical work at this school.
Claflin, Spruce Street, and West Street
We acknowledge with grateful appreciation the gift by the Woman's Relief Corps of beautiful silk flags to the Claflin, Spruce Street and West Street Schools during the year.
BOYS' AND GIRLS' CLUB ACTIVITIES
Mr. Glenn H. Carruth, County Club Agent, reports as follows on the work of the year:
"The Worcester County Extension Service has actively promoted Junior Extension activities in Milford during the year. The combined enrollment of the Home Eco- nomics and Canning Club groups is 43.
"The Canning Club group, under the local direction of Miss Katherine Lester, carried on a program of conserv-
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ing fruits and vegetables, meeting at the High School for instruction and laboratory practice. These club members exhibited some of their products at Worcester and Sutton fair, winning premiums at both.
"When Miss Katherine Lester left Milford to assume her school duties, the group completed their project under the direction of Mrs. Cora Granger. A local exhibit was held at the High School in October at which the members of the club group exhibited their products, and provided an interesting program.
"Sixteen girls have enrolled in the Home Economics Club Project, meeting every two weeks, under the local leadership of Mrs. Granger. They will carry on a pro- gram of sewing club activities during the next four months.
"Club work aims to teach cooperation and team work, and to develop the confidence and leadership of the indi- vidual boy or girl.
"It is hoped that the club activities may be enlarged in Milford during the next year, and include enlarged activities with the boys.
"Through the town appropriation made for the Exten- sion Service, satisfactory paid local leadership has been made available, upon which hinges the successful promo- tion of club activities. Club work has been favored in Milford by the cooperation and interest of the School Department, especially in providing the club members with a satisfactory meeting place at the local school and arranging for the club agents to present the projects to the boys and girls."
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Miss Helen F. Tully
September 20, 1923, entered into rest, Miss Helen F. Tully, since 1920 teacher of grades three and four at the Claflin School. Miss Tully had been on leave of absence and while her death was not unexpected, it was, nevertheless, a very real shock to this department and to the community at large. Miss Tully had endeared herself to the children in the Claflin district. She was most painstaking in her work and conscientious to an unusual degree.
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MRS. EDWARDS'S JUBILEE
June 19, 1923, there occurred in the High School assem- bly hall a most happy and unusual event-a program of testimonial to Katherine Martin Edwards, marking the completion of fifty years of service in the schools of Mil- ford. There was a large and enthusiastic audience of friends and former pupils of Mrs. Edwards and sub- stantially the following program was happily carried out:
PROGRAM
Chairman The Superintendent of Schools Selection High School Orchestra (former pupils) Entrance of Mrs. Edwards accompanied by chairman and speakers
Presentation of flowers Miss Inez E. San Clemente, a former pupil and president of the Milford Teachers' Association
Presentation of flowers ....... Miss Inez E. San Clemente, a former pupil, valedictorian of the class of 1923, Milford High School
Vocal selection Mrs. Ernestine Harding Wilcox,
a former pupil
Address, Representative of the Town of Milford, Mr. John E. Higgiston, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen
Piano selection Mr. Alex DiGiannantonio
Addresses.
Former Superintendents of Schools
a. Mr. Samuel C. Blodgett
b. Mr. Charles Webster Haley (Mr. Haley was unable to be present and sent an appreciative letter, which was read)
Selection High School Orchestra
Addresses Members of the School Committee
a. Chairman George E. Stacy, representative of the schools.
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b. Judge John C. Lynch, representative of the guests (a happy feature of Judge Lynch's address was the extending to Mrs. Edwards a message of congratulation from the Gov- ernor of Louisiana) .
c. Alfred B. Cenedella, Esq., a former pupil, representative of friends.
Vocal selection. Postmaster Harry E. Whitney, a former pupil
The presiding officer read congratulatory letters re- ceived from Hon. Payson Smith, Commissioner of Edu- cation, Governor Channing H. Cox, and the late President Harding.
Violin selection .. Mr. Henry Volk a former pupil, accompanied by Mr. Alex DiGiannantonio
Presentation of a substantial purse of gold,
John E. Swift, Esq., representative of former pupils Response Mrs. Katherine Martin Edwards
Selection High School Orchestra
The affair closed with a reception to Mrs. Edwards, which was a most happy occasion and one long to be remembered.
CHANGES IN TEACHERS HIGH SCHOOL-LEFT THE SERVICE
At the end of June, 1923, Miss Geraldine McGaughan of Adams, Mass., a teacher of English for the past two years, resigned to become a member of the faculty of the Adams High School. -
At the close of the school year 1922-1923 Miss Edith M. Nutt of Natick, elected a teacher of Mathematics in the High School the previous September, resigned to accept a similar position in her home town.
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HIGH SCHOOL-ENTERED THE SERVICE
Miss Elizabeth A. Doyle of North Brookfield, College of New Rochelle, A. B., 1923, to succeed Miss McGaughan.
Miss Elizabeth B. Rourke of Worcester, Trinity Col- lege, A. B., 1923, to succeed Miss Nutt.
Miss Mary G. Condon of Milford, Milford High School, 1918, A. B., Boston University, 1922, as teacher of Civics and History.
GRADES-LEFT THE SERVICE
Miss Helen M. McMahon of Lowell, Mass., teacher of grades two and three in the Claflin School, resigned at the end of the fall term to accept a position in her own city.
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