USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Williamsburg > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Williamsburg 1895-1915 > Part 42
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Within a few days of the time for the opening of the schools last fall only one candidate was available, and trusting to testimonials and personal recommends he was engaged. The result was most disastrous to the school, and but for the fortunate circumstances that we had an extra teacher able to fill the position temporarily, we should have been placed in a most awkward and unpleasant position. Happily good fortune again favored us and we secured Mr. McDonnell who has proved fully equal to the position and is giving us an excellent and profitable school, but the injury received has not been overcome and its influence will remain. The ninth grade should be placed - in the Williamsburg Center School both for the reasons above stated and the best interests of the pupils, also the expense would be lessened. The fact remains that a build- ing accommodating so many children should have a man principal, not because of the inability of several of our present teachers to perform the duties, but because there is a restraining influence in the very presence of the right man which is often lacking in a woman principal.
The out schools have continued to do good work under new teachers but cannot be expected to accomplish so much as is done in the centers because of the constant change of teachers as before mentioned, and the greater number of grades in them which permits to them only a fraction of the time given to the grades in central schools. Two of these schools remarkably illustrate the shifting conditions attendant on rural communities. The Mountain Street School now has only eight pupils while the Sears- ville School has over twenty. The latter has presented some new problems in the matters of organizing classes and discipline because of the increase in number, but the teacher with her experience and ability has succeeded in solving most of them with tact and judgment and the school is now in better condition for the accomplishment of work than it has been for some time.
The changes made at Skinnerville and in the Hayden- ville Third Primary schools have resulted in bringing to
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us two competent and progressive teachers who are keep- ing the schools well up to the previous standards and proving the wisdom of our choice. It was with the great- est regret that we received the resignations of three of our most capable teachers. Mr. Lynch had proved himself just the person for the position occupied and maintained a spirit of work in his room which produced most desirable results, while he secured and retained the respect and good-will of both parents and pupils. Miss Mullaly had served us for years faithfully and successfully and her resignation was the first real break in the company of teachers, citizens of the town, which has been with us for some years and to whose efforts are now due, in great measure, the intelligence and respectability of our com- munity. Miss Wells while not in our employ as long had yet succeeded in proving her ability as a teacher and left the impress of her sterling worth and faithful instruction on all under her charge.
Instruction in vocal music has been continued under the able supervision of Miss Larkin, and the character of the work done by her is too well known to require special mention here. Suffice it to say that there is no decrease in interest and her efforts are continually bearing fruit. The organizing of glee clubs in the High School adds materi- ally to interest and affords additional drill.
The exercises at the Municipal Christmas Tree in Hay- denville under the direction of Miss Larkin were excellent and the singing by the school children convinced all pres- ent that their instruction had been of the best.
We have been able to continue the drawing course in Haydenville with the same supervisor and similar efficiency as in the past. The Batavia teaching was interrupted by the necessity of placing the teacher in the High-Grammar Room, but we hope to resume it soon.
The School Industrial Club gave its annual exhibition in the Club Hall at Haydenville this year, as the Town Hall was engaged by the Grange for the day of the exhibit. This circumstance and the character of the season combined
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to decrease the number of exhibits, but those presented were good and gave evidence of increased knowledge and care in the raising of certain crops. The address by Prof. Hart of the Agricultural College in the evening was appre- ciated by the good-sized audience of citizens in attendance. It is desired at this time to thank every organization and individual who contributed to the success of this event in any way. Special thanks are due the Haydenville Club for the courtesy shown in the use of hall and other assist- ance.
The exercises attending the graduation of the High School Class were held in the Town Hall as usual and were of a character deserving credit. The class consisted of twelve members, eight of whom completed the Classical and four the English Course. The address was by Rev. Henry Smith of Northampton, and songs by the Glee Club and School Chorus furnished music for the occasion. The event was somewhat unique and should be historical, as it was the first in which diplomas of a completed high school course were ever granted in the town.
We are again fortunate in that we are able to share in the generosity of a person deeply interested in our welfare and backing his interest with cash. This is the only dis- trict in the state receiving systematic instruction in agri- culture under the supervision of a skilled director, in the primary grades. While the time has been short in which this has been possible, yet there has already been formu- lated a course which is now begun in the schools and the pupils are taking more and more interest in the subject. Mr. Edwards comes to us enthusiastic and energetic, with training and experience, and if the plans already formu- lated can be carried out we shall see more attention paid to those industries which are of great importance to us than ever before. The projects of the Industrial Club are to be enlarged, canning clubs, potato clubs and poultry clubs are already organized. The Agricultural Extension- Service is willing to aid us in every possible way and is working hand-in-hand with our director, and the State is
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perfectly willing to direct all effort. It is for us to give the project our hearty support and co-operation that all possible of good may be derived, and that we may prove to the many watching the experiment here that we are able to lead in great and good results.
The improvements made at Skinnerville which have long been needed have transformed an unsightly and unattrac- tive spot into one that reflects credit on the community and no more do we hear the unfavorable comments of passers- by, while the pupils are more comfortable and given more opportunity for pride in their school. The Haydenville central schoolhouse is in need of painting and some repairs, otherwise our buildings are in good condition and, if the present policy is pursued, will soon be generally attractive and pleasant.
We can confidently assert that our schools are doing well and giving us. good returns for our expenditure of labor and money, provided we do not undertake to measure all values with dollars and cents.
Without doubt there are changes necessary to meet the requirements and demands of the present, but these should come gradually and not interfere with the work which must be done to prepare our pupils for entrance into other schools, and certainly they must be protected from the uninformed and even reckless revolutionary schemes advo- cated by persons seeking notoriety or desirous only of change. The material with which we work is far too precious to be wasted in theoretical experimentation. Your superintendent favors, and always has favored, as reference to his past reports will show, all progressive ideas which have received the sanction and approval of those qualified by training and experience to judge of them.
In closing this report, it is desired to express great appre- ciation of the kind and helpful spirit manifested by the citizens, and to thank them and the teachers for the assistance so freely rendered.
Respectfully submitted,
E. W. GOODHUE,
Superintendent of Schools.
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REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC.
SUPERINTENDENT E. W. GOODHUE :
DEAR SIR :- In reporting on the music in the schools for the past year, I am very happy to say that "Continued Progress " has proven an unfailing motto with us.
The interest shown by both pupils and teachers in the work not only increases but has at last reached the com- munity in general. To prove to the general public that music is a very important factor in our school life has been our earnest desire. This year the personal interest that has been expressed is a great incentive to pupils and teachers, and leads us to believe that our untiring efforts have at last succeeded in bringing forth splendid fruits from seeds so carefully planted and diligently guarded.
Each year the pupils are adapting themselves much more readily to all the principles and problems in the various grades.
So many have had the idea that music is simply to be able to sing a few songs, and the duty of the Supervisor is to "sing over" the songs to the pupils and to keep the teachers supplied with singing material. The general statement of people who have visited the schools and seen the recitation conducted is that they had no idea there was so much to the subject.
The idea of singing or playing a song to the pupils, or in other words, teaching songs by rote, cannot be carried on in músic any more than in any other subject, that is, if it is properly and successfully taught. A person who expects to be a good musician or even a pupil who hopes to keep up to his class in music must be able to master all the problems of tune and time, under which is included keys and key signatures, chromatic tones and the use of the five chromatic characters, structure of major and minor scales, bass, treble and tenor clefs, intervals, trans- position, all time principles and combinations and varia- tions of same, various kinds of measure structure and time
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signatures, and be able to apply any of these principles to the sight singing of material selected by the instructor. The same principles do not apply to every song any more . than do the same rules and principles apply to the various problems in mathematics or languages.
The work done in the schools shows careful application of good, sensible principles which have been thoroughly tested and given excellent results.
Each week the lessons are planned and presented by the Supervisor, which is I am happy to say very conscien- tiously carried out by the regular teacher during the week.
I am also very pleased to say that our schools have been visited by a number of superintendents and teachers from other towns and they have been very enthusiastic in their praises.
Last year the only public exhibitions of our work were at Graduation Industrial Exhibit and the various Christ- mas entertainments, including the "Out-door Christmas Tree."
Many have expressed their appreciation of these and especially recommended the annual " Out-door Christmas Tree " observance.
This spring we are planning on presenting an operetta, "A Merry Company," also selections from "The Rose Maiden." The success of all former entertainments war- rants our surety of great encouragement from the towns- people.
With sincere appreciation to the parents and much grati- tude to the pupils, teachers and school directors for their ready co-operation, I am,
Respectfully,
GRACE M. LARKIN,
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REPORT OF DRAWING SUPERVISOR.
MR. E. W. GOODHUE, Superintendent of Schools.
DEAR SIR :- The annual report upon the subject of drawing I herewith submit for your consideration.
The line of work in drawing, the past year, in the prim- ary grades has been in general, very satisfactory and most interesting to the teachers as well as to the little ones. It is really wonderful to note what progress the children in the first four grades have made in drawing.
They take such pleasure in making what they call, "A pretty picture," that it is a delight to see them at work, and when they come to measure and cut to con- struct some object, their hands can hardly work fast enough to get the thing done. In the grammar grades the subjects become more difficult for the pupils to grasp, and often cannot be interesting subjects for the young minds, in such cases children seem not to be able to get as good results as we might expect, but I am sure that the results we have secured in the object drawing this year are most satisfactory and the pupils have enjoyed this line of work more than usual. We have taken up the problems in fore- shortening and perspective in a more thorough and in- teresting form, with the determination to lead the pupils and see shape, size and form clearly and accurately on their papers before they draw a stroke.
A short time ago most of the class would have finished a drawing lesson in fifteen minutes, now by taking time to think and plan their drawing well, over forty minute period is too short, but the results are much better.
As one of your grammar grade teachers said to me on my last visit, "I can see great improvement this year. We have not so much work to show but it's of much better quality." Drawing more than any other subject requires a great deal of time and patience to get results.
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We have given some time to the study of color and color combinations, this study is important in many a business and is receiving much attention in schools now. In the spring or fall very creditable studies were made from nature specimens in pencil and colors.
Pupils from your schools were awarded prizes at the Northampton Fair for work taken from a single class lesson, others have received prizes and honorable mention from magazines. In the upper grammar grades, we now take up various problems in mechanical drawing and will give the time for the next three months to that line of work.
Respectfully submitted, HELENA C. EVANS, Supervisor of Drawing.
SCHOOL STATISTICS 1912-1913.
SCHOOLS.
Boys Enrolled
Girls Enrolled
Average
Membership
Average
Attendance
Per cent. of
Attendance
Total Days
Attendance
Visits by Adults
State Wards
Boston Wards
Williamsburg High,
16
34
48.46
45.44
93.77
8970.5
36
Grammar . . .
14
21
31.33
30.22
96.46
5286.5
39
1
Intermediate,
12
16
23.24
22.22
95.61
4970.5
40
3
Primary . .
13
24
29.84
28.25
94.67
5252.5
22
3
Searsville,.
13
14
18.16
17.01
93.63
3040.5
28
Nash Street, .
10
3
10.74
10.35
95.87
1857.
12
4
Mountain Street,
8
6
11.75
10.75
91.50
1908.
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2
Skinnerville,
8
13.19
12.34
93.52
2202.5
40
5
Haydenville High-Gram.
14
11
20.35
18.95
93.43
3713.5
13
2
Grammar, ..
14
18
28.85
26.46
91.64
4748.
21
4
4
Intermediate ...
22
15
32.86
30.84
93.77
5529.
25
5
3
Third Primary, ..
29
16
38.33
35.35
91.55
6290.
19
6
2
Second Primary,.
19
9
22.71
21.28
93.52
3811.
8
3
1
First Primary, ..
20
24
39.28
36.62
92.97
6522.5
43
2
Totals,
212
218
369.09 346.08
93.77
64102.
397
34
16
58
,
.
.
.
·
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REPORTS OF SCHOOL PHYSICIANS.
MR. E. W. GOODHUE,
Superintendent of Schools :
DEAR SIR :- I present herewith my annual report as School Physician for Haydenville.
Whole number of pupils examined, 216
Number of cases of decayed teeth, 61
Number of cases of pediculosis capitis, 42
Number of cases of adenoids and enlarged tonsils, 39
Number of cases of eczema, 2
Number of cases of scabies, 2
Number of cases of defective nutrition, 3
Number not vaccinated,
10
Number excused from vaccination,
2
Respectfully submitted,
C. H. WHEELER, M. D.
MR. E. W. GOODHUE,
Superintendent of Schools :
DEAR SIR :- Below please find my annual report as School Physician.
Total number of pupils examined, 219
Number cases of deceased tonsils and adenoids need-
ing attention, 12
Number cases decayed teeth, 47
Number of pupils not vaccinated, 3
Number cases of pediculosis, 3
The pupils of the Intermediate School were examined twice, in February and again in September.
Respectfully submitted, J. G. HAYES, M. D.
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SUMMARY OF EAR AND EYE EXAMINATION OF PUPILS.
Number of pupils examined, 413
Number found defective in eyesight, 32
Number found defective in hearing, 9
Number of parents notified, 35
Total number of pupils in town, 421
Number between the ages of 5 and 14 years,
Boys, 180
Girls, 177
Number between the ages of 7 and 16 years,
Boys, 176
Girls, 173
Number over 16 years of age,
Boys,
5
Girls,
8
Number of teachers graduated from normal schools,
5
Number attending without graduating,
2
Number graduated from colleges,
3
Number graduated from high school only,
5
Number of weeks of school in lower grades, 36
Number of weeks of school in High School, 40
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GRADUATION EXERCISES OF WILLIAMSBURG HIGH SCHOOL.
Friday, June 27, 1913.
CLASS MOTTO-Nil Desperandum.
PROGRAM.
Music, Haydenville Men's Club Orchestra
Song, "Soldier's Chorus from Faust," Gounod Prayer, Rev. John Pierpont
Salutatory and Essay, "Higher Education,"
Class History, Song, "Water Lilies,"
Elizabeth Moore Alfred Dimes Karl Linders,
High School Glee Club
Class Prophecy, Elbridge Goodhue Prophecy on the Prophet, Roswell Jorgenson Music, Orchestra Helen Loomis Charlotte Ruth Warner,
Class Grinds, Class Song,
Sung by Seniors
Class Oration, "Radium,"
Marjorie Page Donizetta
Chorus, "Italia,"
Valedictory and Essay, "The New Woman,"
Address, Presentation of Diplomas, Benediction,
Charlotte Miller Rev. Henry G. Smith Supt. E. W. Goodhue Rev. Robert H. Life
HONOR LIST.
Charlotte Miller, Marjorie Mather Page,
Elizabeth Skelding Moore, Alfred Eustace Dimes.
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CLASS OFFICERS.
President, Charlotte Miller. Vice-President, James Dolan. Secretary, Marjorie Page. Treasurer, Roswell Jorgenson.
CLASSICAL COURSE.
Charlotte Miller, Elizabeth Skelding Moore,
Elbridge Alvah Goodhue, Roswell Stephen Jorgenson,
Helen Sarah Loomis, Ceressa Dwight Smith, Marjorie Mather Page, James Philip Dolan.
ENGLISH COURSE.
Alfred Eustace Dimes, Martha Rebecca Marks,
Charlotte Ruth Warner, Bertha Warner.
Class Colors, Green and White. Class Flower, Red Rose.
AUDITOR'S STATEMENT.
WILLIAMSBURG, MASS., Feb. 17, 1914.
We, the undersigned, certify that we have this day ex. amined the accounts of the Selectmen, Town Treasurer, Water Commissioners, Library Fund Commissioners and School Committee and found them correct and properly vouched for to the best of our knowledge and belief.
THOMAS P. LARKIN, WALTER H. THAYER.
-
REPORTS OF WILLIAMSBURG TOWN OFFICERS For the Year Ending January 1, 1915 School Con Separate 1914
-
الصيـ
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS K
OF THE
Town of Williamsburg
FOR THE
Year Ending January 1, 1915
1
1 .
NORTHAMPTON, MASS. PRESS OF GAZETTE PRINTING CO. 1915
* School Com. separate
WARRANT FOR ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
ARTICLE 1 .- To choose a Moderator to preside at said meeting.
ART. 2 .- To elect three Selectmen, one Town Clerk, one Treasurer, one Elector under the Will of the late Oliver Smith, Esq., one Tax Collector, two Constables, two Audi- tors, and one Tree Warden, all for one year. Also one Assessor, one Water Commissioner, one Sinking Fund Commissioner, one Library Trustee, and one School Com- mittee, all for three years. Also to vote on the question : "Shall license be granted for the sale of intoxicating liquors in this town?" Yes or no, all on one ballot.
ART. 3 .- To choose all necessary minor Town Officers for the ensuing year.
ART. 4 .- To see if the Town will raise and appropriate a sum of money for Memorial Day and choose a committee to expend the same.
ART. 5 .- To see if the Town will raise and appropriate a sum of money for oiling its Macadem Roads.
ART. 6 .- To see if the Town will raise and appropriate a sum of money for maintaining street Lights.
· ART. 7 .- To raise and appropriate such sums of money as may be necessary to defray the current expenses of the Town.
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ART. 8 .- To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money in anticipation of the revenue of the current finan- cial year.
ART. 9 .- To hear the report of the Selectmen, Treas- urer, School and other committees, and act thereon.
ART. 10 .- To hear the report of the Water Commission- ers and act thereon.
ART. 11 .- To fix the amount of the salary of the Tax Collector.
ART. 12 .- To see if the Town will raise and appropri- ate a sum of money to defray the expense of School Physi- cians.
ART. 13 .- To see if the Town will raise and appropriate a sum of money for the building of a section of State Highway.
ART. 14 .- To see if the Town will authorize the Select- men to contract for the building of a section of State Highway the coming season.
ART. 15 .- To see if the Town will raise and appropriate a sum of money for the protection of its public shade trees.
ART. 16 .- To see if the Town will raise and appropriate a sum of money for repairing sidewalks.
ART. 17 .- To see if the Town will vote to sell, lease, or repair the old High School building in the village of Williamsburg.
ART. 18 .- To see what action the Town will take rela- tive to fire insurance on all its public buildings.
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ART. 19 .- To see if the Town will vote to re-open the road leading from the Chesterfield road near the house of Fred L. Guilford to Petticoat Hill.
ART. 20 .- To see if the Town will raise and appropriate a sum of money for repairing the Cone bridge, so-called, in the village of Haydenville.
ART. 21 .- To see if the Town will raise and appropriate a sum of money in accordance with Chapter 707 of the Acts of 1914.
ART. 22 .- To see if the Town will vote to change the date of the Annual Town meeting from the first Monday in March to the first or second Monday in February.
ART. 23 .- To see if the Town will vote to elect the Moderator for one year and by ballot.
ART. 24 .- To see if the Town will raise and appropriate a sum of money for the purpose of obtaining a series of band concerts.
ART. 25 .- To see if the Town will raise and appropriate a sum of money for fencing Mountain Street Cemetery.
ART. 26 .- To see if the Town will authorize the Select- men to maintain and repair the town clocks in the two vil- lages.
The Polls may close at 3 P. M.
Treasurer's Report
RECEIPTS.
Balance from last report, $1,931 46
Received from tax levy of 1912, 625 95
from tax levy of 1913, 1,951 02
from tax levy of 1914,
19,569 44
Income of Collins School Fund, 775 80
Income State School Fund, 921 61
Income Whiting Street Fund, 270 00
from Temporary Loans, 21,000 00
School Site Loan, 2,100 00
Concrete Bridge Loan,
2,500 00
State Highway Commission,
1,500 00
County of Hampshire,
1,000 00
Refund of Dog Fund, 73 77
State, tuition of State Wards, 474 78
City of Boston, tuition, 215 88
State, for High School, 500 00
State, Supt of Schools Fund, 312 50
State, Teachers' Fund, 208 33
State, Industrial School Acct., 327 78
State, Corporation Tax, 274 70
State, National Bank Tax, 607 03
Reimbursement of State Aid, 652 00
Reimbursement Tax Losses, 9 04
Received from Compensation Inspection of Animals, $15 00
Street Railway Excise Tax, 569 85
St. Railway Franchise Tax, 1,067 31
District Court Fines, 150 00
Individuals, Pauper Acct, 10 00
Town of Northboro, 66 135 37
Town of Westhampton,
36 40
Town of Hadley,
84 70
City of Northampton,
6 00
Town of Adams,
23 50
Town of Worthington, tuition,
17 50
Town of Goshen, tuition, 17 50
Town of Whately, tuition,
17 50
Water Department,
2,200 00
State for Pauper Account,
23 72
sale of grass on schoolhouse lot, 5 00
Sundry Licenses, 23 00
Interest on Deposits,
96 22
Interest, overdue taxes,
57 09
Rent of Town Hall,
33 00
E. W. Goodhue, part expenses to Boston, 4 18
Broken glass at Town Hall,
2 50
State, for aiding mothers of dependent children, 141 15
from use of new School Hall, 6 25
from sundry articles sold, 5 90
from County of Hampshire,
for crushed rock used on the grounds of the County Sanatorium,
1,020 00
-$63,569 83
1
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EXPENDITURES.
Paid State Tax, $2,712 50
County Tax, 2,233 07
Temporary Loans, 17,500 00
on Vaughn Note, 500 00
School Site Loan Note, No. 2, 700 00
Orders of School Committee,
11,766 23
Orders of School Site "
2,873 35
Orders Selectmen, Pauper Acct., 1,452 74
Highways and Bridges,
2,252 48
State Road Construction,
3,880 46
Concrete Bridge on Goshen Road, 2,566 23
Contingent Account,
2,631 50
Street Lights (11 mos.,)
1,578 35
Fire Department,
272 61
School Physician,
95 00
Library, 197 71
Spraying trees,
88 41
Mothers' Pension Act,
572 64
from Whiting Street Fund,
181 50
Hydrants and Water Tanks,
500 00
for oiling roads,
282 63
Soldiers' Relief,
64 00
painting bridges,
150 43
Smith Industrial School,
866 66
Stone Crusher,
239 46
Sidewalks,
76 10
Interest on Loans,
997 27
Memorial Day Committee, 50 00
Repairs on State Highway,
187 71
State Aid (11 months,)
584 00
Sinking Fund Commissioners,
1,000 00
Interest on Water Bonds,
2,000 00
Burial of Indigent Soldier, 50 00
Balance in Treasury,
2,466 79
-- $63,569 83
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