USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Palmer > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Palmer, Massachusetts 1944 > Part 4
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256.92
116.20
22,748.43
Outstanding Dec. 31, 1944 1,311.42
Account of 1944
Assessors' warrants to be collected
265,695.54
Interest and demands
165.78
Motor vehicle excise taxes abated after payment
70.59
Personal property tax
abated after payment
42.87
Real Estate tax
abated after payment
7.00
265,981.78
Paid Treasurer
248,026.88
Abatements
3,667.63
Added to Tax Titles
56.00
251,750.51
Outstanding Dec. 31, 1944
14,231.27
Fox Street Sidewalk - 1943
Outstanding Dec. 31, 1944 V
133.38
TREASURER'S REPORT
Receipts
Balance on hand, January 1, 1944 John T. Brown, Tax Collector : Taxes, 1940, $ 11.04
$184,384.26
103
Interest, 1940
1.62
Taxes, 1941
10.80
Interest, 1941
1.35
Taxes, 1942
2,361.77
Interest and Demands, 1942
147.20
Taxes, 1943
21,911.40
Interest and Demands, 1943
463.91
Taxes, 1944
247,861.10
Interest and Demands, 1944
165.78
Withholding Tax Deductions
19,648.85
Sale of Tax Possessions
2,250.00
Tax Title Redemptions, Taxes Interest and Costs 211.93
Commonwealth of Massachusetts :
Taxes, Reimbursements, etc. 177,667.47
Chapter 90, Contract No. 9116, 999.94
County of Hampden :
Dog Refund
1,251.24
Chapter 90, Contract No. 9116, 999.94
All Other Sources
21,287.63
497,252.97
$681,637.23
Disbursements
Paid out on Selectmen's Warrants $425,985.82
Balance on hand December 31, 1944 255,651.41
$681,637.23
CEMETERY COMMMISSIONERS' ACCOUNTS
Receipts
Appropriation
$6,000.00
104
Expenditures
Expenditures as per books
$5,654.64
Balance, December 31, 1944
345.36
6,000.00
Care of Cemeteries Receipts
From Perpetual Care Funds
838.50
For Soldiers Graves
180.00
From other sources
1,908.68
2927.18
Expenditures
Paid Town Treasurer 2,927.18
Perpetual Care Funds
Receipts
Balance, December 31, 1943
$41,866.96
New Funds received during the year 1,500.00
Interest for 1944 838.50
44,205.46
Expenditures
Care of Lots 838.50
Balance, December 31, 1944 43,366.96
44,205.46
(Principal of Funds is $41,554.98)
Respectfully submitted, ALLEN F. DAVIS GARTON J. QUIMBY CLARENCE A. CARRINGTON Auditors
105
Report of Young Men's Library Association
Circulations for the year of 1944:
Main Library, Palmer 28,460
Three Rivers Branch 8,788
Thorndike Branch 3,964
Bondsville Branch 8,633
49,845
The circulation shows an increase of 4,326 over 1943.
When the entrance of so many of our young men and women into the Armed Forces of the United States and its change in the lives of our families caused a loss of 5,462 in the number of books taken by the registered borrowers from the Library and its branches, the num- ber of these borrowers is now 2,765, an increase of 101, although the number of our people in the service of our country has increased and will continue to do so until the war is ended. From all the sources of information we have been able to obtain, 1,353 are now in the service, to which may be added some fifty others due to errors or omissions in available reports. It is apparent that our families at home are adjusting themselves to war con- ditions and find the Library and its books, particularly those relating to this world war, are filling a need for their information and interests.
The number of books owned by the Library, their
106
classifications and other data follows:
Reference 713
Adult Fiction 6985
Adult non-Fiction 4757
Juvenile Fiction 1676
Juvenile non-Fiction
847
Total
14,978
Number Volumes Repaired in 1944:
Books sewed and rebound 207
Books minor repairs 1156
Total number repaired
1373
Magazines subscribed for 41
Newspapers 3
Attendance in Reading Room:
Adult Reading Room
1903
Children's Reading Room 1072
gain 324
Cash at Library January 1, 1944
$.47.61
Cash receipts for fines, lost books and miscellaneous receipts 397.17
444.78
Petty expenses for year 1944
$85.87
Deposited to Treasurer's acc.
312.99
$398.86
398.86
Balance at Library, January 1, 1945 $45.92
The Trustees express their appreciation for the help the citizens of our Town have given us, also to the
107
Assistant Librarians in our Library and its branches in the several villages who have faithfully and loyally ren- dered a public service for which little compensation is given.
The Memorial Building owned by our town and the first floor of which we occupy should have the exterior wood work painted, the windows puttied, of which work it is in serious need for its preservation. The last work of this nature was procured when the U. S. Gov- ernment assisted from funds allocated to the W. P. A. The interior walls and wood work of the Library are also in need of renovation if the building is to be kept in suitable condition that our citizens have the right to expect.
While books we are able to purchase due to war con- ditions have been reduced in size in many instances and the construction and material used of inferior quality, the price has not decreased nor are we able to buy the number of books of Authors preferred by our patrons since many of them are in government service. Due to rationing, we have been unable to purchase necessary stacks for our books and have been obliged to use tables or any other means to make many of our books available to the borrowers.
We would again call to the attention of our citizens that the expense of heating the Memorial Building as well as the care of the grounds and walks on Central and Pleasant Streets are paid from library funds, there being no appropriation by the Town for this service, al- though other parts of the building are occupied by our veterans' organizations and other bodies of a civic character for whom in winter heat must be provided when the rooms they occupy are used by them.
108
Although we were able to complete the year of 1944 within the fund appropriated by the Town and the in- terest we received from our Trust Funds deposited in Massachusetts Savings Banks, it will be necessary, if we continue the service our citizens require of the Li- brary, to request an appropriation of $3,500 due to the decreased interest paid by the banks in 1944 and an in- crease in the cost of services and supplies for the Li- brary. Otherwise, there is only one account from which any decrease of earnings or increase of Library costs may be taken care of, and that is in the number and costs of books purchased. Without a reasonable number of such books, magazines and newspapers for the use of our registered borrowers, we would soon cease to fulfill the purpose for which a Public Library is established.
TRUSTEES, YOUNG MEN'S LIBRARY ASSOCIATION CHARLES L. WAID Librarian
109
YOUNG MEN'S LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
Treasurer's Report
For the Year Ending December 31, 1944
Receipts:
Balance, December 31, 1943
$ 1.71
Town of Palmer, Appropriation
3,000.00
Interest on Invested funds
1,580.51
Fines and miscellaneous
311.75
$4,893.97
Disbursements:
Salaries and Services
$3,076.46
Books and Magazines
1,208.52
Light, heat and telephone
442.86
Supplies and Repairs
62.58
Insurance premiums and miscellaneous
99.39
Balance, December 31, 1944
4.16
$4,893.97
Respectfully submitted, ALLEN F. DAVIS,
Treasurer
The accounts of the Treasurer have been audited and approved by me this 17th day of January, 1945.
FREEMAN A. SMITH,
Auditor
110
Report of Park Commissioners
To the Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Palmer:
The Park Commissioners herewith submit their an- nual report for the year ending December 31, 1944:
Legion Field and Eager Playground are being used by a constantly increasing number of our townspeople, and although many of our young men and women are away from home in the country's service, and those who remain have less leisure time than usual, the facilities for rest and recreation which the Field and Playground provide have attracted a total attendance of more than 50,000 throughout the year.
In addition to 149 scheduled games of baseball, softball and football, Legion Field was used this spring for the physical education and pre-induction training of 120 high school boys, several classes of whom were using the field each school day until the program was discontinued. Eager Playground has been in constant use by the smaller children.
During the year 25 park benches have been made from lumber salvaged from the toboggan slide which was abandoned a number of years ago, the playground equip- ment has been repaired and put into use, and the condi- tion of the grounds has been substantially improved. The skating rink, which was maintained as late as pos- sible last Spring and which was again flooded and frozen
111
in time for the Christmas holidays, has proved very popular, and in our opinion, more than justified its cost. Well lighted and with no depth of water, the rink pro- vides a convenient place where children can skate in safety. No accidents have been reported nor has there at any time been any disturbance or occurence requiring police attention.
The present excellent condition of both fields has produced much favorable comment, not only from local residents but by visitors from out of town, and is due in no small measure to the faithful and efficient service of our caretaker, Carmine Russo, to whom the commis- sioners publicly express their appreciation.
LEGION FIELD AND EAGER PLAYGROUND
Appropriation and Transfer
$1,500.00
Expenditures :
Labor
$1,271.45
Lights
15.23
Water Rent
32.74
Gasoline
7.38
Paints
66.89
Paint Brushes
7.59
Bolts, Washers and Clips
.29
Calcium Chloride
16.00
Lime
3.30
Nails
1.82
Sash Cord
1.58
Wheelbarrow
12.82
Baseball Bases
25.30
112
Power Mower Repairs
2.60
Hoe
1.35
Grass Seed
.80
Clerical Hire
25.00
$1,492.14
Balance $ 7.86
Legion Field Receipts :
Rent of Football Field
$34.00
ALLEN F. DAVIS
WILLIAM A. SULLIVAN
JAMES J. KANE
LADISLAUS LAVIOLETTE
Park Commissioners
113
Report of Tree Warden
Amount appropriated
$850.00
Transferred from Reserve Fund
200.00
$1,050.00
1,028.10
Amount spent
Balance
$ 21.90
During 1944 the Tree Department planted 32 trees in various sections of the town, these were to replace the trees which had been removed. The Department sprayed 2300 trees, elms, oaks and maples for the sup- pression of Dutch elm disease, gypsy moths and canker worm, which heavily attacked the maples this year. We removed 16 dead or dangerous trees during the year, several of these had been struck by lightning during the summer months. The hurricane of September, although severe, did not do too much damage to our shade trees, 11 trees had to be taken down, there were a great many broken branches and broken tops which had to be re- moved. It cost the town about $250.00 to clear hurri- cane damage, although there was a scarcity of labor, the fine co-operation of Mr. Lamery and the highway force enabled us to clear up the storm damage in short order. There were a great many calls for removal of limbs over chimneys or low limbs over walks.
Respectfully yours,
W. H. CAMBO, Tree Warden
114
Report of Moth Department
Amount appropriated
$750.00
Amount Spent -
744.20
Balance
$5.80
The Moth Superintendent during the winter months scouted for moth eggs, clusters, which is one of the main tasks. We painted 8000 clusters, each of which contains about 200 eggs. The Department cut down 240 clumps of wild cherry growths which are a feeding ground for the forest tent caterpillar and the fall web worm which we are all so familiar with. In conjunction with the Tree Department we sprayed 2300 trees. In the late summer, when the rag weed was at its worst, we tried with success a new formula "Ammate" which sprayed upon all such growths, "poison ivy" included, completely kills it. There were several large poplar trees severely attacked by satin moth, and almost com- pletely defoliaged during the summer months. These were sprayed and by fall a new leaf growth had de- veloped on these trees. We feel that we have the insects on our streets' shade trees under control and with a pro- per yearly program can keep them so.
Respectfully yours,
W. H. CAMBO
Moth Superintendent
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
School Committee
OF THE
TOWN of PALMER
For the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 1944
116
CALENDAR
Winter Term:
Begins January 2, 1945; ends February 23, 1945.
Spring Term:
Begins March 5, 1945; ends April 27, 1945.
Summer Term:
Grades Begins May 7, 1945; ends June 15, 1945.
High
Begins May 7, 1945; ends June 29, 1945.
Fall Term:
Begins September 4, 1945; ends December 21, 1945.
Winter Term:
Begins January 2, 1946; ends February 22, 1946.
Spring Term:
Begins March 4, 1946; ends April 26, 1946.
Summer Term:
Grades Begins May 6, 1946; ends June 14, 1946.
High
Begins May 6, 1946; ends June 28, 1946.
117
VACATIONS
Winter:
February 24, 1945, to March 4, 1945.
Spring :
April 28, 1945, to May 6, 1945.
Summer:
Grades
June 16, 1945, to September 3, 1945.
High
June 30, 1945, to September 3, 1945.
Fall :
December 22, 1945, to January 1, 1946.
Winter:
February 23, 1946, to March 3, 1946.
Spring :
April 27, 1946, to May 5, 1946.
Summer:
Grades
June 15, 1946, to September 2, 1946.
High
June 29, 1946, to September 2, 1946.
118
School Committee 1944-1945
JOSEPH A. FUREY, Chairman CLIFTON H. HOBSON, Secretary
DR. CHARLES GIROUX
JOSEPH A. FUREY
FLORENCE CALLAHAN
DR. WILLARD E. SEDGWICK Term expires 1945
RICHARD T. SANTUCCI*
Term expires 1947
Term expires 1947
Term expires 1946
Term expires 1945
Regular meetings of the School Committee are held at 8 p. m. on the Tuesday before the last Friday of each school month.
All bills must be in the hands of the Superintendent on the Monday before the above date.
Superintendent of Schools, Clifton H. Hobson.
Office Hours: 8 a. m. to 12 m .; 1 to 5 p. m.
* In the Armed Forces, U.S.A.
119
Report of Superintendent of Schools
To the School Committee of the Town of Palmer:
I herewith present my thirty-fourth report as Super- intendent of Schools in Palmer. This is the fifty-second in the series of reports issued by the superintendents of the Town.
ATTENDANCE
The attendance statistics for the school year of 1943- 1944 were as follows: Enrollment, 1,368; Average Mem- bership, 1,271.27; Average Attendance, 1,192.47; Per Cent of Attendance, 93.80% ; Tardinesses, 184.
Our percentage of attendance has always averaged well, year in and year out. We have approximated 96% and 95% is regarded as ideal.
WAR EFFECTS
We are beginning to get the impact of the war. Until this fall, we had escaped fairly well. We lost some teachers, but were able to meet the situation without too much loss or disruption. Most of the losses have been in the high school, but, due to long-range planning in 1941 in not releasing teachers when pupil-per-teacher load became light, they were taken care of without difficulty.
120
In 1942, Miss Ham retired, Miss L'Heureux went to Ware, and Mr. Austin entered war industry. The only replacement was a half-time teacher in French.
In 1943, Miss Byam married, Miss Hubbard joined the SPARS, Mr. Fontaine enlisted in the Army, Mr. Dunn enlisted in the Seabees, and Miss MacIntire retired. The replacements were one in Home Economics, one in Me- chanical Drawing, and one one-third-time teacher in Manual Arts.
In 1944, Mr. Gula entered industry, Miss Melius retired, and Mrs. Slaney resigned to enter other work. There was a replacment in Mathematics; an additional teacher in Home Economics was hired; and a one-third- time replacement in Spanish was made.
In all, in three years, there have been eleven va- cancies created in the high school and at the present time there have been five and two-thirds replacements.
In 1943 and in 1944, in the grades, there have been two changes each year-four in all. Miss Connor went to Hyannis, Miss Thomas resigned, Miss Twiss is on a leave of absence, and Miss Johnson died. Only one re- placement was made.
There is a real scarcity of teachers. There still exists one unfilled position-a half-time position in Phys- ical Education. As systems stand to-day, ours is fairing well.
We are beginning to feel the loss of boys to the Armed Forces. At this very moment, some half dozen boys-seniors-are leaving at the end of three and one- half years. Those in good standing will receive their diplomas in June.
121
The lure of high wages in industry has attracted some, making for smaller enrollment, especially in the high school.
Children, as well as adults, are emotionally disturbed by war. They feel the strains, the uncertainties, and the fears that accompany war. They need at home and in school emotional peace. Teachers have an added bur- den of patience and kindly pupil treatment.
WAR STAMPS AND BONDS
The sale of War Stamps and Bonds in the schools has been excellent. From the date of the first sale- March 20, 1942-up to December 30, 1943, the total amount purchased was $45,958.09; the average amount per collection was $792.38. The amount sold this last calendar year was $25,888.39. The total from the date of inception-March 20, 1942-to December 21, 1944, was $71,846.47; the average amount per collection was $769.92.
This table tells, school by school, the story :
No. of
Average
School
Amount
Collections Collections
Palmer High
$18,527.45
99
$187.15
Park Street
12,694.20
91
139.50
Quaboag
14,021.50
91
154.08
Three Rivers
13,364.95
93
143.71
Thorndike
9,418.54
91
103.50
Bondsville
3,819.83
91
41.98
-
$71,846.47
93
$769.92
122
HIGH SCHOOL SERVICE FLAG
Dedicatory exercises of a high' school service flag were held on the front steps and lawn of the school last May. The exercises were of high quality.
The flag now bears the numerals 534, each number representing a graduate of the school. This is a fine showing - one that the school may well feel proud of, now and in the years to come.
In addition to the graduates, roughly some 300 more former pupils, but not graduates, are in the Armed Forces.
This is a war of former high school pupils, to a large extent. The quality of service rendered; the com- paratively short space of time that they are broken into highly specialized types of warfare bespeak the benefit of high school education. None can gainsay it.
We are proud of our former boys and girls; also, of the former boys and girls of the high schools through- out our land.
ADULT USE OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS
Our school buildings are used evenings by many adult groups. This is as it should be, for the school- house in towns such as ours should be the educational, social, recreational, and civic center. It is a wise ex- penditure of public money for public purposes. The people are simply using their own buildings.
Palmer ranks high in such use.
123
PHYSICAL DEFECTS
War, with its rigid physical examinations before induction, always raises a "great hue and cry" about the physical unfitness of so many young men. There are many more imperfect than there should be. On the other hand, war is a stiff game and requires a fitness greatly in excess of regular civilian life. Yet, even in civilian life, there are too many "unfits".
The schools try to remedy this condition. From first grade up, physical examinations, eye and ear testing, immunizations, etc., are given every pupil. Defects are pointed out to parents. A careful check is kept on a continuous physical record card. If parents can and will remedy those defects that are remediable, a great deal of this can be prevented. Locally, parents are he- coming more and more conscious of this.
ADULT ALIEN EDUCATION
The stress of war work, the working on shifts, the fatigue incurred, all tend to lessen the number who at- tend these evening classes. This is a fact everywhere.
It is an important endeavor. It is hoped that, as war tension lessens, if it does, enrollments will grow and that the real job that should be done can be done.
Those who attend are deeply interested. It is a pleasure to help them because they are so appreciative.
TWO JOBS
Two jobs confront the schools of the country. The first is to do all possible to help win the war; the second is to help preserve the peace after the war is won.
124
New conditions, new ways of living will confront us. To help meet these, the schools must make every effort. They must produce the efficient citizen. He must have the attitudes, the skills, the virtues of a successful life. He must be tolerant, broad, and charitable. He must believe in the brotherhood of man; he must respect the other fellow's race and religion. He must sense his privileges, his duties, and his responsibilities as a citizen of his town, his state, his country, and his world.
It is a big job. The schools will try, will fail, and will try again. They never will attain perfection. They will, nevertheless, continue to try and, in their trying, will make one of the greatest contributions possible to a real world.
CONCLUSION
This is my thirty-fourth report. In continuous serv- ice in one community, my service in Palmer is the long- est of any superintendent now serving in the state.
Whatever, if any, success has been attained during these years ; whatever merit exists in the Palmer Schools, I gladly ascribe to five sources-school committees, pub- lic, parents, teachers, and pupils. They deserve the credit.
Respectfully submitted,
CLIFTON H. HOBSON
Superintendent of Schools
Palmer, Massachusetts, January 9, 1945.
125
REQUESTED APPROPRIATION-1945
1. General Expenses : Salaries Other General Expenses
$7,989.76 825.00
$8,814.76
2. Teachers' Salaries :
High
$38,569.76
Elementary
48,945.76
Substituting
500.00 $88,015.52
3. Textbooks and Supplies
$4,500.00
$4,500.00
4. Transportation :
Public
$11,500.00
Other
50.00
Private
500.00 $12,050.00
5. Janitors' Salaries $13,202.36 $13,202.36
6. Fuel, Light and Power:
Coal
$6,490.00
Wood
50.00
Light and Power
1,650.00
$8,190.00
7. Maintenance of Buildings and
Grounds
$2,450.00
$2,450.00
8. Repairs
$2,100.00
$2,100.00
9. Music, Manual Training and Drawing : Salaries Supplies
$5,031.39
500.00
$5,531.39
126
10. Commercial : Salaries Supplies
$6,047.76 800.00
$6,847.76
11. Furniture and Furnishings
$300.00
$300.00
12. Other Expenses : Salaries Other
$2,865.92
2,857.63
$5,723.55
13. Vocational :
$3,500.00
Salaries Other
1,500.00
$5,000.00
SUMMARY
General Expenses
$ 8,814.76
Teachers' Salaries
88,015.52
Textbooks and Supplies
4,500.00
Transportation
12,050.00
Janitors' Salaries
13,202.36
Fuel, Light and Power
8,190.00
Maintenance of Buildings and Grounds
2,450.00
Repairs
2,100.00
Music, Manual Training and Drawing
5,531.39
Commercial
6,847.76
Furniture and Furnishings
300.00
Other Expenses
5,723.55
Vocational
5,000.00
$162,725.34
Less Vocational
5,000.00
$157,725.34
127
Estimated Receipts and Reimbursements
General School Fund
$10,000.00
State-Aided Vocational
2,500.00
State Wards
4,800.00
Other Receipts
400.00
Other Tuition
1,200.00
$18,900.00
Requested Appropriation
$157,725.34
Less Receipts and Reimbursements
18,900.00
To Be Raised By Direct Taxation
$138,825.34
(This Year)
Raised By Direct Taxation (Last Year)
$134,355.80
SEPARATE APPROPRIATION REQUESTED
The School Committee is required by State Law to do, under certain conditions, two additional things. These do not enter directly into the operation of the local day schools and, therefore, are, and should be kept separate from our regular budget.
They are :- (1) State Trade School Tuition and (2) Adult Alien Education.
The Committee has no option in providing for both of these activities; they are mandatory.
Any person fourteen years or older can attend Trade School if he or she so desire. The only limitation is the capacity of the school to accommodate.
A petition, signed by twenty or more desiring edu- cation for citizenship, makes necessary the operation of
128
Adult Alien Education Classes. Such a petition was filed five years ago bearing 121 signatures.
Social legislation and war bring strong desire to many aliens to become citizens.
The operation of classes is required by law and all desiring this type of education must be admitted.
To operate during the fiscal year of 1945, an appro- priation of $1,500.00 is necessary.
Fifty percent, or $750.00, will be reimbursed by the State. The cost to the Town will be $750.00.
A new Trade School was opened in Springfield in September, 1940. This school takes care of 2,000 pupils.
The ability to take more Palmer pupils and the stress placed upon training mechanics by war conditions have caused local pupils to enroll.
In addition, a number of men working in local in- dustries attend this school evenings.
The net result is that $1,800.00 will be required.
The day tuition is $180.00 per year per pupil - a $30.00 increase. There is no option that the School Com- mittee can exercise.
Fifty percent of this $1,800.00 is reimbursed by the State; the actual cost to the Town is $900.00.
Because of the general nature of this course, this appropriation has been segregated from the regular school budget.
These additional appropriations, separate and apart from the regular school budget, are requested :
Adult Alien Education $1,500.00
Trade School Tuition 1,800.00
Total $3,300.00
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Reimbursement from State:
Adult Alien Education
$750.00
Trade School Tuition
900.00
$1,650.00
Appropriation Requested
$3,300.00
Reimbursement
1,650.00
Net Direct Cost to Town $1,650.00
TOTAL REQUESTS
In order that there may be no misunderstanding and that the budget requests may be easily visualized, both as to their total and the actual amount to be raised by direct taxation, this tabulation is given:
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