USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Williamsburg > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Williamsburg 1895-1915 > Part 41
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School Committee, safe, 20 00
Gazette Printing Co., Printing Ballots, 11 00
Thomas Coogan, Moderator,
3 50
Charles H. Chase, Real Estate Transfers, 6 45
Cecil T. Bagnall, Order Books and Notices, 11 25
P. B. Murphy Co., birth blanks, 2 30
J. E. Pierpont, service forest fires, 40 50
L. Molloy, sundries, 1 75
J. J. Handfield, services Dolan fire, 5 00
M. E. Riley, Registrar, 10 00
Stephen Burke, Registrar, 10 00
Wells G. Bisbee, Registrar, 10 00
Henry W. Hill, Registrar, 12 00
23
Paid Smith School, tuition, $655 55
J. A. Sullivan, branding iron, 2 25 John W. Hill, Water Commissioner, 30 00 Henry W. Hill, copying valuation book, 10 00
Hobbs & Warner, blanks, 1 89
H. E. Bradford, cartage, oil, etc., 1 42
J. E. Pierpont, Tree Warden, 12 00
Knight & Thomas, fire extinguisher, 25 60
Haydenville Fire Co., services at
Haydenville Co. and Trainor fire, 9 00
Haydenville Fire Co., services at
Bradford fire, 17 50
Nellie Burke, injuries received on highway, 45 00
F. C. Graves, Elector, 10 00
F. A. Brooks, cartage, use of auto truck, etc., 21 00
Williamsburg Fire Co., services
at Bradford & Wright fires, 32 40
Lawrence Molloy, Selectman and Overseer of Poor, 125 00
H. H. Nichols, Selectman and Overseer of Poor, 100 00
H. E. Bradford, Selectman and Overseer of Poor, 100 00
H. H. Nichols, Assessor, 50 00
H. E. Bradford, Assessor, 40 00
Lawrence Molloy, Assessor, 45 00
H. C. Ranney, labor, 1 95
H. P. Goddard, School Committee, 75 00
H. A. Smith, 66 75 00
G. H. Warner, 66 75 00
F. A. Brooks, Moderator, 7 00
Frank Cowing, labor, 1 75
T. F. Larkin, 1 75
Orange W. Hill, Special Police, 100 00
G. A. Thresher, 66 66 5 00
24
Paid Kingsbury Box and Printing Co., birth certificates, $4 50
Herald Printing Co., tally sheets, 4 00
Henry A. Bisbee, Constable, Jan- itor, Special Police, repairs on Town Hall, 101 90
R. F. Burke, abatement of taxes, 1910-11 48 02
O'Donnell & O'Donnell, services, 122 88
Henry W. Hill, District Court fees, 93 35
Williamsburg Fire Department, fighting fires, 10 25
Henry W. Hill, telephone, 15 96
J. R. Mansfield, abatement of taxes, 1912, 201 57
Henry W. Hill, Town Clerk and Treasurer, 150 00
Henry W. Hill, recording births, deaths and marriages, and sun- dry expenses,
54 85
Total,
$3,054 48
AVAILABLE FOR CONTINGENT ACCOUNT.
Appropriation,
$1,100 00
National Bank Tax,
572 80
Corporation Tax,
390 40
Smith School,
272 22
Compensation for inspection of animals,
20 27
Sundry Licenses,
60 00
Rent of Town Hall,
22 00
District Court Fees,
155 00
Smith School,
655 55
$3,248 24
25
PAUPER ACCOUNT.
Under the provisions of Chapter 412 of the Acts of the year 1910.
Number of persons aided for the year ending February 1, 1914,-49; " men, 15 women, 13 girls, 14 boys.
Number having a settlement in this town, 36
Number having a settlement in other towns, 12
Number of State poor, 1
Total amount expended,
$1,571 31
AMOUNT AVAILABLE.
Appropriation, $1,200 00
Received from other towns,
243 37
Received from individuals, 142 08
$1,585 45
Appropriation recommended, $1,200 00
SOLDIERS' RELIEF.
Appropriation,
$100 00
Amount on hand, 100 00
MEMORIAL DAY.
Paid Adelbert Bailey, $50 00
Appropriation, $50 00.
SPRAYING.
Paid John E. Pierpont spraying trees, $167 60 Appropriation, $300.00.
ACT 763, LAWS OF 1913.
Aid rendered, No appropriation. $15 00
26
STREET LIGHTS.
Paid Mill River Electric Light Com- pany for electric current, $1,509 72
Paid for lamps,
80 50
Appropriation, $1,600.00.
SCHOOL PHYSICIANS.
Paid C. H. Wheeler, M. D.,
$64 50
Paid J. G. Hayes, M. D.,
54 50
$119 00
Appropriation, $100.00.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Paid Mill River Electric Light Co., for electric current and meter charge for Williamsburg and Haydenville Engine Houses,
$21 00
Williamsburg Fire Co., 20 men,
40 00
Haydenville Fire Co., 20 men,
40 00
Revere Rubber Co., hose,
6 45
Appropriation, $200.00.
STATE ROAD.
Under the provisions of Chapter 525, Acts of the year 1910. Total amount expended, $4,074.23.
Appropriation,
$1,000 00
Allotment No. 1, 2,000 00
Allotment No. 2,
1,200 00
- $4,200 00
$107 45
--
$1,590 22
27
LIST OF JURORS.
Prepared by the Selectmen under the provisions of Chap. 348, Acts of the year 1907.
Fred M. Graves,
Carriage manufacturer.
Brass worker.
Farmer.
Charles W. Porter,
Farmer.
Harry C. Hosford,
Thomas M. Wells,
Hubert A. Smith,
Manufacturer.
Michael J. Cusick,
Walter E. Pillinger,
Arthur J. Tilton,
Teamster.
Foreman.
Fred A. Shumway,
John M. Black,
Farmer,
James F. Dunn,
Polisher.
George Dansereau,
Farmer.
James R. Mansfield,
Undertaker.
Edward V. Grace,
Brass worker.
George A. Buck,
Clerk.
Joseph Novacek,
Brass Worker.
Thomas Vaughn,
Moulder.
Respectfully submitted,
LAWRENCE MOLLOY, HALLECK H. NICHOLS, HOMER E. BRADFORD,
Selectmen of Williamsburg.
John Mathers, J. H. Hore,
Machinist.
Clerk.
Brass worker.
Farmer.
J. Walter Nash,
Farmer.
28
REPORT OF SINKING FUND COMMISSIONERS.
DR.
1913.
Feb. 13. To Cash in Bank,
$1,398 82
July, Interest on deposit, 7 66
July, Coupons from Bonds,
200 00
1914.
Jan. Interest on Deposit, 7 82
Jan. Coupons from Bonds, 200 00
Feb. 20. From Town Treasurer, 1,000 00
$2,814 30
CR.
1913.
April 17. Bought of Haydenville Sav- ings Bank Bond at par and Interest, $1,015 20
1914.
Feb. 20. Cash in Bank, 1,799 10
$2,814 30
ASSETS.
1914.
Feb. 20. Ten Williamsburg Water Bonds, $10,000 00
Cash in Haydenville Sav- ings Bank, 1,799 10
$11,799 10
Signed, BYRON LOOMIS, C. B. HOSFORD, H. W. GRAVES.
We hereby certify that we have examined the foregoing account, verifying the same and find it to be correct.
THOMAS P. LARKIN, WALTER H. THAYER.
Auditors.
February 21, 1913.
29
ALMONERS OF THE WHITING STREET FUND.
Amount received, 1913, Balance from last report,
$270 00
149 16
$419 16
Paid 13 beneficiaries,
$ 5 00 each
4
10 00
1
12 00
66
1
66
15 00
1
66
30 00
66
1
66
26 43
66
1
66
42 20
66
Balance on hand,
$188 53
$230 63
Assessors Report
Total valuation of Assessed Estate, $1,088,708 00
Value of Assessed Real Estate, $790,084 00
Value of Assessed Personal Estate, 298,624 00
$1,088,708 00
Value of Assessed Buildings,
$529,240 00
Value of Assessed Land, 260,844 00
$790,084 00
No. of polls assessed, 556
No. of residents assessed on property, 341
All others (corporations, etc.), 44
No. of non-residents assessed on property, 63
All others, 16
No. of persons assessed on property, 404
No. of persons assessed on poll tax only, 308
Rate total tax per thousand, $18 50
No. of horses assessed,
269
No. of cows assessed,
350
No. of neat cattle assessed,
191
No. of sheep assessed,
24
No. of swine assessed,
48
No. of fowls assessed,
1,677
No. of dwelling houses assessed,
420
State tax,
$2,480 00
County tax,
1,509 12
Town grant,
16,730 55
Overlayings, 750 00
$21,469 67
Northampton Street Railway Excise tax, $587 05
Bank and Corporation tax, 963 20
31
VALUE OF PROPERTY EXEMPT FROM TAXATION.
Literary Institutions,
$27,350 00
Church Property,
51,900 00 1,500 00
Petticoat Hill Park,
$80,750 00
Estimated value of Public Buildings, Water Works, Fire Apparatus, and Sinking Fund, $93,082 00
Respectfully submitted, HALLECK H. NICHOLS, LAWRENCE MOLLOY.
Report of Library Trustees
The Trustees of the Haydenville Public Library beg to make the following report :
There has been twenty names added to the list of regular patrons of the library during the past year, making the total number one hundred and thirty-eight.
About 220 new books have been added to our library this year, making the present number about 2,365.
In the addition of books the past year we have attempted to secure a reasonable balance between adult and juvenile fiction, likewise including a number of books which should have a marked tendency to raise the tone and character of the library as a whole. While books of fiction were never better, both as to arrangement, language and sentiment than at the present time yet we, as with many others in charge of library affairs, cannot but deplore that such a large part of our weekly withdrawals are of a fiction nature -History, travel, agricultural, biographical and autobio- graphical are the type of books that should be more often and constantly used from our libraries in order to make the public library a more potent and powerful influence for betterment in our community life.
We would urge upon all our present patrons the desira- bility of calling the attention of our library to the many who have not as yet availed themselves of the opportunity for entertainment and self-improvement which our library affords.
33
The Financial Report is as follows :
Town Appropriation $250.00.
Paid T. H. Ives and Martha Marks,
services,
$ 30 00
Mill River Electric Light Co., 4 79
Desmond Publishing Co., 10 80
Baker & Taylor Co.,
137 09
Bridgman & Lyman,
61 64
G. M. Bradford,
3 50
$247 82
Balance,
$2 18
GEORGE M. PAGE, THOS. H. IVES, Trustees.
E. CYRUS MILLER,
3
Water Commissioners' Report
RECEIPTS.
Balance cash on hand last report, $ 229 74
Received for water rents, 2,563 41
Received from town for hydrants and water tanks, 500 00
Received for service connections, 165 00
Received for use of pump,
5 00
Received for pine logs,
6 00
Received from State Highway Depart- ment for water, 2 00
Received for interest on deposits,
18 66
$3,489 81
EXPENDITURES.
Paid P. J. Murphy, sundry bills labor, plumbing, etc., $213 64
Thos. Culver, labor, 5 06
Thayer Mfg. Co., plumbing,
4 00
C. L. Hyde, labor,
2 00
F. A. Brooks, freight,
1 95
Will O'Brien, labor, 5 25
J. W. Hill, bill, labor and postals, 2 50
F. L. Taylor, bill, labor and gravel, 19 75
Miss J. L. Baker, clerical services, 11 82
H. E. Bradford, sundry bills, 57 96
Gazette Printing Co., for billheads, 3 00
35
Paid Norwood Engineering Co., sun- dry bills, $20 75
Bingham & Taylor, curb boxes, 10 06
Crittenden & Munson, printing and postals, 2 10
for post cards,
4 25
Dr. J. B. Lindsey, analysis of town water, 3 00
Edward St. Laurent, labor, 3 13
C. E. Marshall, labor and expense, 9 60
Paid Byron Loomis for team, 1 00
Nonotuck Silk Co., galvanized iron fittings, 2 24
Northampton Electric Lighting Company, 190 92
Mill River Electric Lighting Co.,
power for pumping, 26 20
Mill River Electric Lighting Co., meter charge, 7 50
J. J. Handfield, labor, 6 63
Chase & Cooledge, belting,
7 00
Dean Steam Pump Co., pump,
177 50
A. Tanner, labor, 3 00
Frank Loomer, labor,
4 00
John O'Brien, labor,
4 00
R. F. Burke, bill sundries,
2 45
C. M. Brewster, team to Martin place and to Reservoir, 3 00
N. Y. N. H. & H. R. R., rent of
crossing for water pipes, 1 00
Frank Cowing, labor,
5 66
F. W. Thayer, bill sundries,
2 66
G. A. Thresher, labor,
18 50
G. A. Thresher, care of reser- voirs one year, 30 00
G. H. Warner, labor, 2 00
Miss H. M. Wells, typewriting, 2 00
36
Paid The Haydenville Company, sun- dry bills, Jesse Wells, labor,
$296 14
10 37
J. E. Pierpont, labor, 4 00
H. W. Hill, Treasurer, 2,100 00 Balance cash on hand, 202 22
$3,489 81
J. W. HILL,
A. S. HILLS.
Water
H. E. BRADFORD,
Commissioners.
Report of Tree Warden
To the Citizens of Williamsburg :
The Tree Warden presents herewith his report for the year ending February 1, 1914.
Spraying for the Elm Tree Beetle was tried for the first time this year with quite satisfactory results.
The number of trees sprayed was three hundred thirty- three, and the cost of spraying was $300.00, making the average cost per tree ninety cents. The Town paid one- half the total cost of spraying or $150.00, and, as an abut- ting property owner, paid $17.60, making the spraying cost the Town $167.60.
This year if $50.00 could be added to the unexpended part of the appropriation, or $132.40, it ought to cover the cost of spraying as paid by the Town.
The Tree Warden has found the street lines somewhat uncertain on the Town roads, and would suggest that this matter be remedied, as it is important in determining the ownership of trees.
During the past year the Town was placed under quar- antine for the Brown Tail Moth. The Tree Warden has not found any moths as yet, but all are urged to report anything that looks suspicious, that it may be promptly investigated .
The Tree Warden would take this opportunity to thank the citizens of the Town for the way in which they have co-operated with him during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN E. PIERPONT.
38
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON SCHOOL SITE.
Appropriation available, Received,
$7,000 00 266 00
Expended,
$7,266 00 6,325 92
Balance,
$940 08
J. PIERPONT, L. MOLLOY, G. H. WARNER, E. W. GOODHUE.
Report of School Committee
For the Year Ending February 1, 1914.
We hereby submit our annual report, including reports of the Superintendent, Music Teacher, Truant Officer, and Committee.
The High Schools have been in session forty (40) weeks and all others thirty-six (36) weeks.
The Committee have expended a little less than the amount appropriated for this year, most of which should have gone for repair work which we were unable to have done before the schools began the fall term.
Extensive repairs were made on the Skinnerville building and an extra room provided at the High School building at Williamsburg to accommodate a third teacher which was advised by the State Board of Education.
We would recommend for repairs this year, the slating of the South Street and Mountain Street buildings and painting the Haydenville Centre building, and metal ceil- ings on two rooms of the Haydenville Centre building, be- sides general repairs on all others.
G. H. WARNER, H. P. GODDARD,
H. A. SMITH,
Treasurer's Report
AVAILABLE FOR SCHOOLS.
Town Appropriation, Teachers,
$5,000 00
Superintendent, 375 00
66
Text Books and supplies, 450 00
66
Repairs,
500 00
66
Tuition, 250 00
Income of State School Fund,
1,313 36
66 Collins
775 80
Schooling of State Wards,
471 50
Schooling City of Boston Wards,
238 50
High School Tuition, from State,
500 00
Supt. of Schools Fund,
350 00
Teachers' Fund, 66
275 00
Refund of Dog Tax,
151 88
Town of Goshen, Tuition,
35 00
Town of Whately, Tuition,
35 00
-- $10,721 04
MUSIC.
Arthur P. Schmidt,
$ 82
Grace M. Larkin,
399 00
C. W. Thompson,
78
White Smith Co.,
1 67
G. Schirmer,
77
C. C. Birchard,
1 46
Oliver Ditson,
3 20
$407 70
41
JANITOR.
Henry Dansereau,
$245 00
Elsie Smart,
23 00
Queenie Lawrence,
8 00
Nellie A. Dolan,
8 00
Katherine V. Riley,
12 00
A. Bailey,
159 25
Eva M. Wells,
10 00
Lucy H. Kenney,
10 00
Mary E. Larkin,
7 00
Jennie L. Nichols,
10 00
$492 25
JANITORS' SUPPLIES.
R. F. Burke,
$11 99
W. J. Sheehan,
12 85
J. A. Wattie,
7 00
$31 84
FUEL.
C. W. Warner,
$ 1 25
M. M. Dolan,
1 25
T. I. Breckenridge,
378 64
J. S. Graves,
27 25
A. Bailey,
2 15
G. M. Bradford,
3 25
M. H. Smart,
1 00
M. N. Adams,
19 62
J. A. Wattie,
4 06
J. R. Mansfield,
24 00
$462 47
42
SUNDRIES.
N. E. Tel. & Tel. Co.,
$14 02
Queenie Lawrence,
65
Crittenden & Munson,
2 25
Chas. N. Fitts,
3 50
A. Bailey,
80
F. L. Taylor, rent of building,
54 00
R. F. Burke,
2 05
C. S. Wheeler,
1 00
E. W. Goodhue, Industrial Club,
10 00
Mary Larkin,
78
Town of Williamsburg, water and tap- ping main, 88 35
Rev. H. G. Smith, address,
5 00
W. J. Sheehan,
7 05
Henry Dansereau,
25
$189 70
Hazel Warner,
5 00
Frederick Smith,
5 00
Hammond & Hammond,
6 00
$205 70
SUPERINTENDENT.
E. W. Goodhue,
$750 00
BOOKS AND SUPPLIES.
Edward E. Babb & Co.,
$302 71
Houghton, Mifflin & Co.,
8 23
Esterbrook Pen Co.,
5 40
Chas. E. Mirrell Co.,
14 80
Ginn & Co.,
16 27
American Book Co.,
5 20
D. C. Heath & Co.,
10 99
Sears Roebuck Co.,
21 24
43
A. N. Palmer,
$3 20
Oval Koster,
12 46
Kingsbury Box Co.,
1 25
E. W. Goodhue,
29 53
Gazette Printing Co.,
11 00
J. W. Heffernan,
8 40
J. A. Sullivan,
3 00
N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R.,
6 38
Forbes & Wallace,
9 20
Milton Bradley,
5 08
Geo. T. Johnson,
22 37
Educational Press Co.,
7 00
H. E. Bradford,
2 05
Columbia Supply Co.,
1 92
W. Alair,
1 50
$509 47
CLEANING.
Effie M. Wells,
$2 00
Mrs. John Quinn,
5 70
A. Bailey and helpers,
10 25
Henry Dansereau,
25 80
Mrs. Reuben Dewey,
2 25
'C. A. Nichols,
2 00
M. H. Smart,
4 00
$52 00
TRANSPORTATION.
Northampton Street Railway,
$200 00
S. A. Clark,
160 00
E. P. Hemenway,
158 00
Henry Goodwin,
99 00
$617 00
TUITION.
City of Northampton, $90 00
44
REPAIRS.
C. W. Warner,
$2 50
A. Bailey,
7 30
John Alvord,
4 05
Thayer Mfg. Co.,
11 68
R. G. Bradford,
7 50
H. E. Bradford,
6 21
Joseph Ball,
88 87
Edward Quinn,
8 60
W. H. Thayer,
65 95
Henry Dansereau,
15 80
R. F. Burke,
12 28
C. A. Nichols,
1 73
E. F. Miller,
5 00
J. A. Sullivan,
69
J. A. Wattie,
5 40
J. C. Fountain,
4 00
P. J. Murphy,
60 00
F. A. Brooks,
4 70
Sears Roebuck,
48 25
E. J. Richurbault,
2 92
Chas. H. Church,
3 00
C. A. Cooledge,
2 50
$368 93
TEACHERS.
Williamsburg High, E. P. Larkin, Jr., $840 00
High, A. E. Blodgett, 501 00
66 High, Anna T. Dunphy, 143 00
Gram., Ethel M. Cranson, 160 00
66 Gram., Isabel McFarland, 180 00
66 First Prim., K. T. Riley, 380 00
66 2nd Prim., I. McFarland, 164 00
66
2nd Prim., Nellie Dolan, 180 00
Skinnerville,
Nellie A. Dolan, 172 00
Mary E. Larkin, 164 00
45
Searsville, 66
Queenie Lawrence,
$144 00
Jennie L. Nichols,
180 00
Nash Street,
Lucy H. Kenney, 162 00
Alice M. Plimpton,
180 00
Mountain St., Eva M. Wells,
144 00
66
Lucy H. Kenney,
162 00
Haydenville High, Frank J. Lynch,
250 00
66
Joseph McInerney,
37 50
66
Chas. P. McDonald, 147 50
66
Intermediate, Helen G. Ryan, 378 00
66
First Prim., E. Purrington, 396 00
66
2nd Prim., Ethel Curry, 370 00
3rd Prim., E. K. Mullaly, 160 00
66
3rd Prim., Julia F. Keenan, 200 00
- - $6,191 00
Gram., Josephine G. Cahill,
396 00
Report of Superintendent of Schools
To the Members of the School Committee of Williamsburg:
GENTLEMEN :- In accordance with custom your superin- tendent herewith presents his annual report for your con- sideration and approval.
The usual number of schools have been in session during the entire year and the work accomplished by them has been of the same character as that of last year. It is not to be expected that all difficulties and unfortunate circum- stances can be entirely overcome in any year and all criti- cism be needless, such a condition is ideal only. When we have as in this town such an evident interest in education, such good attendance on the schools, and devotion to the work by the pupils generally, we ought to feel that, for all the minor disturbances and unpleasantnesses that must arise in all public activities, we are fortunate and enjoying ex- cellent advantages. It is not necessary to consider in detail the individual teachers or schools, the very fact that we have been able to retain with us such a corps of tried and experienced teachers is sufficient evidence that our school work has been well done.
It will be seen by the tabular statement following this report that the number of pupils in town has increased slightly and the indications are that this increase is to con- tinue. There has been little interruption of regular ses- sions by illness or unfavorable weather conditions and attendance has been quite regular. There has been no radical change of method or courses attempted during the
47
year, as it seems that too much interference and agitation leads to confusion and uncertainty, two things most inimi- cal to progress. There have been six changes in the teach- ing force made necessary by more or less unfortunate cir- cumstances likely to occur in any community similiarly situated. At present, we have an able body of instructors and the work in the schools is progressing steadily and profitably. The Palmer Method of penmanship has been introduced in part in several schools and the results seem to indicate that, with proper supervision, more can be ac- complished by this method than by any previously in use. As in all others, success depends upon the character of the instruction given by the teachers, but it affords opportu- nity for systematic conduct and expert assistance not com- mon to most.
Our town has been wonderfully fortunate in the gifts received for the improvement of its educational facilities.
The new school building, the gift of Mrs. Helen James, is one that deserves the everlasting gratitude of our citizens since it has made it possible to give so large a number of children those sanitary, attractive and comfortable condi- tions which are due them in the public school, and the equipment necessary for obtaining the most complete results from teaching energy and financial outlay. We certainly should recognize the fact that in such a person as Mrs. James we have the highest ideal of effective community ser- vice. With the ample playgrounds furnished by the gene- rosity of the town it must be conceded that those fortunate enough to attend the Center School will have given them those things which we have so long considered essential to school equipment and failure in certain directions cannot be attributed to their absence. Such a structure as this with its surroundings not only furnishes ideal school condi- tions but adds to the beauty of the village, the attractive -- ness of the town as a residential location, and serves to increase that civic pride which will lead to higher ideas of community life and substantial improvment in all direc- tions. Especial attention is directed to the assembly hall
48
Connected with the building and, while it is not possible, just now, to give in detail, the desires of the donor in con- nection with this, yet sufficient has been said to indicate that she thoroughly appreciates the tremendous possibili- ties of collective and united effort. It is to be the people's forum and civic center where the individual citizen's opin- ion may be expressed with assurance that it shall receive consideration, and where social enjoyment, mutual respect and helpfulness, closer individual acquaintance, broader views, recognition of worth and ability and Christian char- ity shall be developed and enlarged. It remains to be seen whether or not we do our part essential to the completion of the plan.
For years there has been a constant endeavor on the part of the school authorities supported by the citizens, to estab- lish in the town a high school which should be an honor to the community, command the respect of the people and give the young people an opportunity for receiving that in- struction due them. It has been necessary to develop this in the face of many obstacles, inadequate equipment, insuf- ficent room and small teaching force, but the result has been really remarkable and we have good reason to be proud of the fact that so much has been accomplished un- der the circumstances. While no revolution in high school work or theoretical experiments have been introduced, the course has been developed along recognized lines of value and in accordance with the generally accepted ideas of such courses and, just so far as conditions would permit, it has done real high school work. We now have one of the larg- est schools of any community of this size, capable and devoted teachers and a student body which by its exem- plary conduct, appreciation of effort and attention to the performance of duty is deserving of commendation.
As the new school building will give increased accommo- dations the teaching of subjects not before possible should be undertaken and the scope and value of the courses in- creased just as far as our resources and reasonable demands will permit. It is a great pleasure to speak of the enthusi-
.
49
astic and efficient work of our instructors in this school and recognize the effects of their example and characters upon - those under their charge. It was necessary to employ another teacher in the school and increase the length of recitations because of the requirements of the State Board, and we have been made considerable expense and caused trouble in complying with requirments, and there is little doubt but what owing to the peculiar circumstances the law really worked an injustice in our case, yet it must be conceded that the intention of the law is just and the re- quirements based on true and necessary educational prin- ciples, certainly we cannot afford to lose the State approval.
The central schools have, with two exceptions, been in charge of former teachers, which is about all that need be said to convince the people that the work has been faith- fully and fully accomplished. Every year serves to em- phasize the wisdom of retaining just so long as possible
our tried and experienced teachers, every change causes some injury and if these are common and numerous the cumulative effects cannot but be decidedly damaging and noticeable. As sometimes occurs, the Haydenville High- Grammar School has been the chief sufferer from change of teachers. This school is peculiarly affected by circum- stances and presents difficult problems for solution. While the school as organized has very few pupils and only two grades, yet the inclusion of a ninth grade requires the ser- vices of a competent instructor in advanced subjects, the salary we can offer is totally insufficient to enable us to secure the services of an experienced and capable teacher. Young men without teaching experience are given posi- tions paying double the amount immediately on leaving college or normal schools. We are forced to accept inex- perienced teachers and trust to good luck for results. It has been our good fortune to secure many excellent teach- ers for this school but it was because they were so situated with reference to their homes that it was possible, and to expect this condition to always be present is absurd.
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