USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Williamsburg > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Williamsburg 1895-1915 > Part 47
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47
2 85
O. W. Hill, Truant Officer,
2 50
A. F. Lovering,
4 00
E. W. Goodhue,
20 89
Joseph Goodhue, census,
8 25
E. P. Larkin,
44
- Grace M. Larkin,
51
Hammond & Hammond,
10 00
Fannie E. Loomis,
1 15
Mrs. Arthur Hines, rent of land,
30 00
$263 01
FUEL.
C. B. Tower, $55 50
T. I. Breckenridge,
534 39
J. R. Mansfield,
266 75
Byron Loomis,
40 04
9
Horatio Bisbee,
$6 88
D. E. Clary,
22 75
Thos. Dolan,
6 75
Harold Knight,
7 87
F. E. Sanderson,
9 75
Bradford Lumber Co.,
7 00
A. Benoit,
1 10
W. J. Sheehan,
2 75
$961 53
JANITORS.
A. Bailey,
$480 00
Henry Danscereau,
255 00
Louise M. Fernald,
10 50
Elizabeth Young,
7 50
Bennie Miller,
5 00
Ruth Hemenway,
13 00
Elsie E. Smart,
25 50
Alton L. Warner,
18 00
$814 50
SUPERINTENDENT.
E. W. Goodhue,
$712 50
TRANSPORTATION.
S. A. Clark,
$180 00
N. St. Ry.,
300 00
E. P. Hemenway,
185 00
Henry Goodwin,
105 00
$770 00
JANITORS' SUPPLIES.
R. F. Burke, $3 71
H. E. Bradford, 1 72
C. B. Dolge Co.,
25 50
10
James Spear,
$3 75
F. A. Brooks,
70
W. J. Sheehan,
17 07
Chas. T. Johnson,
20 00
Foster Farrar Co.,
1 50
E. T. Radasch,
22 00
A. Bailey,
50
W. H. Riley,
2 75
United States Envelope Co.,
5 25
$104 45
ELECTRIC CURRENT.
Mill River Electric Light Co., $22 62
CLEANING.
G. H. Warner,
$1 95
Henry Danscereau,
33 75
Elsie Smart,
5 00
C. A. Nichols,
1 00
$41 70
EVENING SCHOOL.
E. Clifton Witt,
$48 75
Elizabeth Purrington,
48 75
H. Danscereau,
19 50
F. W. Warner,
11 30
E. E. Babb Co.,
20 52
Mill River Light Co.,
22 14
Geo. Danscereau,
2 50
F. A. Brooks,
80
$174 26
Report of Superintendent of Schools
To the School Committee of Williamsburg:
GENTLEMEN :-
The report of your superintendent of schools herewith submitted for your approval includes generally the time between January 1, 1915 and January 1, 1916, the statis- tics are for the school year ending June 30, 1915.
There has been no material change in the con- duct or plan of the work during the past year but an attempt to emphasize certain parts of the regular course. Throughout almost the entire time cov- ered by this report there has been steady and regu- lar progress of the work and the results, in most cases, satisfactory. Of course, it is not intended to say that no troubles have arisen, no fault has been found, no criticism expressed, this would be expecting too much and such a condition might well indicate lack of self-re- spect and appreciation of duty on the part of teachers and other school officers, the encouragement lies in the fact that those in charge of affairs have been able to meet difficulties as they arose, adjust them satisfactorily, re- tain the confidence of the people and prevent injury to the schools.
There are two principles of policy long adopted by the committee which have proved very wise, although the wisdom of one is much questioned in some localities the commendable and efficient work we are obtaining is, in
12
the opinion, of your superintendent, largely due to these principles which are :- the retention of tried and proved teachers as long as possible and the employment of resi- dent teachers of known ability and success.
The first requires no argument to justify, the second rests upon the assumption that such persons best under- stand the local requirements, the character of the pupils and can adjust themselves to conditions more readily than strangers. It is sometimes urged, with reason, that we need more frequent changes for the introduction of outside influence in order to receive new life and energy and new ideas, avoid stagnation and falling into ruts, un- doubtedly this is true to some extent but there is little fear of so complete self-centering as to be in danger from these, moreover for all the guards used in selection of teachers, we are sometimes mistaken and introduce incapacity and unfitness which may easily cause serious trouble, waste of energy and money, and loss of time.
Four changes were necessary in our teaching force be- cause of resignations but we have been so fortunate in the securing of efficient instructors to fill the vacancies that there has been almost no interruption of the work in the schools affected. The course of study for the High School has been continued without change and is proving to be well adapted to the requirements. The junior high school course has met with general favor and a large class is now following it. Another assistant teacher will be needed if the number of pupils increases to any great ex- tent as the demands of the state are emphatic about this. A very encouraging fact is that more and more pupils are coming to this school from other towns as it has es- tablished a reputation for good and thorough work, and many more would come were it possible to find convenient places in which to board. There appears to be little doubt but what the athletic drills and contests have been of much value to the pupils, while we are not able to en-
13
gage a director of these sports and games, yet the regu- lar teachers have contributed their time and services so efficiently that we have made a good record in contests with organizations from other towns.
These exercises and contests are developing a spirit of manliness and womanliness, a regard for the rights of others, an appreciation of the need of law and regula- tions and a respect for authority; their good effect upon the physical development of the pupils is also evident. Recently twenty-five of the High School pupils who chanced to be in a room together were requested to stand and, although they had not the least hint as to the pur- pose, seventeen of them at once and unconsciously as- sumed a correct standing posture with erect bodies, shoulders well back and heads finely poised, and it was noticeable that these included many actively engaged in the athletic sports. This organized play could be ex- tended to include most in the lower grades with profit. Rough-and-tumble plays may possibly develop muscle but it is also likely to develop other things not so desirable. It is to be regretted that the ample grounds about the Center building have not been fitted with a variety of apparatus for the use of the children in their sports and exercises as was suggested and it is hoped this will be done soon.
The out schools are smaller than usual due, in part, to the attendance of some on the Center schools. The Sears- ville school is the largest and has held its attendance well, also accomplished more than during previous years. The Mountain Street school is very small, having a member- ship of six but the work has been profitable to those children attending because of the spirit of study they have shown.
The instruction in music in charge of Miss Larkin has continued to be most satisfactory. The vocal music ren- dered at various public and other school entertainments
14
and gatherings has fully demonstrated the efficiency and good character of the teaching and supervision and the interest and pleasing progress of the pupils. The pur- chase of a victrola for the use of the schools by Miss Lar- kin has added much to the enjoyment of the pupils and made it possible for them to hear music of the best and helped to increase the appreciation of such.
The evening school held in Haydenville with Mr. Witt and Miss Purrington as teachers was largely attended, the pupils numbering seventy, and was undoubtedly a valuable and necessary adjunct of the day schools.
It affords to those unable to complete the course of the grade schools an opportunity to add much desirable knowledge to their stock, and furnishes instruction to those not acquainted with our language, customs and laws to fit themselves for intelligent and helpful citizen- ship.
The support of such a school permanently, if condi- tions warrant it, should receive the serious attention of all citizens.
Owing to the crowded conditions for a time existing in the primary grades of the' Williamsburg Center school and the number of classes, it seemed best to the commit- tee to fit one of the basement rooms for the use of two grades and this was done, Miss Bosworth the regular as- sistant was placed in charge, this permits of the adop- tion of the plan formulated some time ago and is un- doubtedy wise.
Rather more children than usual have left the lower grades to enter the shops and manufactories during the present season, while this is very regrettable, it is diffi- cult of control. The lower grades must, perforce be de- voted to instruction in the fundamentals of education and much information and knowledge of particular value to the child, is in this way lost, nor can there be very much change in the curriculum since the child must possess the
15
ability to reason and understand these things in order to take the work done in the upper grades. In the Hay- denville schools the conditions are somewhat improved by employing an extra teacher on part time who gives those intending to leave school early simple instruction in several branches of study not commonly taken in the lower grades.
Although badly handicapped by the character of the season, the unexpected departure of Mr. Edwards and the lack of organization, the annual exhibition of the School Industrial Club was a decided success. The ar- ticles exhibited were generally excellent and showed in- crease of scientific knowledge in their cultivation, making and preparation, and a more practical comprehension of the qualities which stand for real merit and excellence.
The exhibition which was held in the town hall was well attended by interested parents and many other citi- zens. The exercises of the evening were also good and the singing of the school children under the direction of Miss Larkin and the teachers added much to the attrac -- tiveness of the occasion. Agent MacDougall of the Hamp -. shire County Farm Bureau kindly contributed his time and services for the entire day and evening, and while the expected speakers were not able to be present, all en- joyed the helpful and practical talk given by Professor Hart of the Agricultural College who very kindly con- sented to come almost without notice. So much has been said of the children's exhibit at the Three County Fair that little can be added. It was conceded to be, by far, the best yet given in the state and while the children of this town were handicapped by conditions existing their showing was good in all lines and nearly thirty prizes were awarded them. It is intended to have better or- ganization this fall and more help in arranging and car- ing for the exhibits.
16
The unexpected termination of Director Edward's work in our schools was greatly regretted by all con- cerned. While he was obliged to work under con- siderable difficulty at times, it is evident that he accom- plished much and this will become increasingly apparent as time passes. He secured and retained the respect and good will of teachers and pupils alike, aroused strong in- terest in club work and in other projects connected with household and farm work. The number of state and other prizes awarded to our boys and girls in competition with hundreds of others is indicative of the effectiveness of his services.
There were eleven in the High School graduating class in June, seven of whom are now attending college and normal schools. The graduating exercises held in as- sembly hall included the usual program of essays, ora- tions, songs and speaking which were finely rendered and greatly appreciated by the large number present. The pupils of the school furnished the music for the occasion which gave evidence of careful drill on the part of Miss Larkin and interested work on the part of the pupils, the song by the Girls Glee Club was especially well received. Rev. John Willard, of Greenfield, gave the address of the evening.
There is a strong movement being made for a change in the present methods governing the distribution of the state school fund income which, if successful, should re- sult in benefiting Williamsburg to a considerable amount. It has been rather anomalous and decidedly unfair that a town like this doing so much for its schools has received a comparatively small amount from the state. In fact. we have practically been penalized for raising by taxa- tion and appropriating large sums for building highways and making other municipal improvements.
Your attention is called to the reports of the school physicians and music supervisor following this.
17
Thanking the members of the school committee, the teachers and all others who have by their interest and sympathy helped to make the work of your superinten- dent valuable and pleasant this report is respectfully sub- mitted.
E. W. GOODHUE,
Superintendent of Public Schools.
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC.
Superintendent E. W. Goodhue :
DEAR SIR :- Again it is my pleasure to report on the Music in our schools.
There is a great deal more to Music than appears to the casual observer. Every child should be taught how to sing, for various reasons. Physically there is nothing better for a child than singing, and for personal pleas- ure music ranks first. Joining in class exercises is most excellent training for citizenship and gives a great joy of both feeling and expressing, thereby being of the very highest educational value.
When we have a subject in which we can combine work with pleasure we are indeed fortunate. Music may be classed under this heading. However, even this sub- ject ceases to have any pleasant features when the teacher conducting the recitation lacks enthusiasm.
Therefore it behooves the teacher to vary her outline for the daily recitation. The first day the greater part of the period might be devoted to practicing the song varied with exercises in cultivating good tone produc- tion. The second day spend first part on the theory work planned for the week, giving the last part of the time to perfecting the song.
2
18
Next day may be made very interesting by inserting a little melody writing and the fourth day devote to a gen- eral review of week's work.
The fifth day a new plan of work is given out for the following week.
In this manner we do away with the monotony of sing- ing the same song day in and day out for the entire week.
Our pupils interpret the song material quite cleverly. It is very interesting to hear the suggestions offered for Music to be used with each selection of words.
There have been a few changes in the Williamsburg schools.
Miss Riley has only two grades now, thereby giving ample time for a number of motion songs and games and for doing all the required theory work. These little folks sing very sweetly a number of pretty songs, and read splendidly exercises for these two grades, both individual- ly and classwise.
In Miss Bosworth's school the third and fourth grades are singing two-part songs nicely and doing the theory work well.
Miss Dolan's fifth and sixth grades have a good collec- tion of two and three part songs which it is a pleasure to hear. These children are doing theory work designed for the sixth grade.
Miss Witherell's scholars sing very prettily three-part songs such as "The Heavens Are Telling" and "Lovely Ap- pear" and other compositions from the best composers, discussing the works and lives of these great men in con- nection with the singing of their compositions.
The High School chorus at Graduation last year was about the best we've ever had and the pupils were com- mended very highly for the manner in which they ren- dered each number.
Last year we gave an entertainment in Club Hall which met with as complete a success as all former enter- tainments.
19
The first part of the evening was devoted to the pre- sentation of the "Merry Company" by the little people who judging from the enthusiasm and expressions of praise acquitted themselves admirably.
During the second part the High School Chorus sang "The Easter Message" a selection which proved their ability to continue the study of the larger and greater works of the best composers.
The proceeds from this entertainment enabled us to purchase a Victrola which has furnished a great deal of instruction and pleasure.
We also have new High School song books and are now equipped with a good variety of material.
We have organized both a Girls and Boys Glee Club this year. Both are doing good work. There are a num- ber of splendid voices in our schools and we hope to hear of many of our pupils continuing their course in Music on entering higher institutions of learning.
In Haydenville Miss Purrington's first grade has a good collection of pretty songs and one may spend a very pleasant half-hour any day listening to these little people sing.
The second grade in charge of Miss Curry is doing ex- cellent work both in theory and song.
Miss Curtis' school sings very sweetly a large collec- tion of songs and exercises.
Miss Kennedy's pupils have improved greatly and are now singing two-part songs quite readily, doing accurate- ly all the theory assigned to these respective grades.
Miss Ryan has some splendid voices in her class and the songs are rendered with praisworthy accuracy and precision.
The grammar school pupils sing a number of three- part selections and are studying the lives of the com- posers and the various forms of music.
The district schools are keeping up their work in a creditable manner.
20
Special praise is due the Nash Street School. Both teacher and pupils have worked continually to obtain good results. Now they are singing two-part songs ex- cellently. The work of the boys is especially good.
The interest in the Music increases each year and I am happy in feeling that I have the hearty cooperation of every pupil and teacher.
Teachers, pupils, school officials and superintendent, I thank you for your untiring efforts to make this depart- ment of our school curriculum such a marked success.
Respectfully submitted,
GRACE M. LARKIN.
SCHOOL STATISTICS 1914-1915
SCHOOLS
Boys Enrolled
Girls Enrolled
Average
Membership
Average
Attendance
Per cent. of
Attendance
Aggregate
Attendance
Wards
Williamsburg High.
25
39
60.40
57.41
95.03
11255.0
Grammar . . .
18
14
28.48
26.42
92.79
4830.0
Intermediate
17
25
38.89
37.42
96.24
6664.5
Primary ..
26
23
42.95
40.91
92.92
11021.5
4
Searsville ..
14
15
21.92
20.82
93.88
3697.5
Nash Street
8
4
9.36
8.83
94.50
1550.0
3
Mountain Street. .
6
3
6.71
6.39
94.23
1143.5
Skinnerville. .
8
5
10.36
9.74
94.09
1745.5
3
Haydenville Grammar
14
18
27.95
25.91
92.53
4614.5
1
Intermediate ..
28
9
31.22
29.21
93.54
5192.0
12
Fourth Primary
23
12
29.58
27.71
93.76
4912.5
5
Third Primary .
19
12
23.88
23.01
96.36
4174.0
5
Second Primary
13
17
27.42
25.81
94.11
4602.0
First Primary .
24
19
36.89
34.96
94.97
6273.5
2
Totals,
243
.215
396.01
374.58
94.14
71676.0
35
21
.
.
22
REPORTS OF SCHOOL PHYSICIANS.
Mr. E. W. Goodhue,
Superintendent of Schools :
DEAR SIR :- I submit herewith my annual report as School Physician.
Total number of pupils examined, 208
Number not vaccinated, 16
Number of cases of tonsils and adenoids, 12
Number of cases of Pediculosis Capitis, 13
Number of cases of poor teeth,
65
Respectfuly submitted, C. H. WHEELER, M. D.
Mr. E. W. Goodhue,
Superintendent of Schools :
DEAR SIR :- Below find my annual report of work done as School Physician.
Number of pupils examined, 198
Number of cases of adenoids and enlarged tonsils, 14
Number of cases of decayed teeth needing attention, 28
Number not vaccinated, 8
Respectfully submitted,
J. G. HAYES, M. D.
REPORT OF EAR AND EYE TESTS, SEPT. 1916.
Number of pupils tested, 407
20
Number found defective in eyesight,
Number found defective in hearing, 13
Number of parents and guardians notified, 26
:
GRADUATING EXERCISES OF WILLIAMSBURG HIGH SCHOOL. Helen E. James School Building, June 24, 1915. CLASS MOTTO-Onward Our Aim. PROGRAM.
Song, Prayer,
Song,
High School Rev. John Pierpont Salutatory, Laura Bisbee Class History, Myra Frances Goodhue Class Oration, "Onward Our Aim," Marion Evelyn Nash Glee Club Class Prophecy, Lula Bisbee Prophecy on Prophetess, Sarah Pierpont Class Wills and Grinds, Esther Purrington Valedictory, Hazel Mae Damon Rev. John Willard Presentation of Diplomas, Supt. E. W. Goodhue Rev. Robert E. Life
Address,
Benediction,
CLASS OFFICERS.
President, Chester Daniels Jorgenson. Vice President, Esther Purrington. Secretary, Hazel Mae Damon. Treasurer, Laura Bisbee,
COLLEGE PREPARATORY COURSE.
Hazel Mae Damon, Lula Bisbee,
Esther Purrington, Laura Bisbee,
Myra Frances Goodhue, Sarah Pierpont.
GENERAL COURSE.
Marion Evelyn Nash,
Gladys Wells,
Leonard Walpole,
Fred Smiley.
Chester Jorgenson,
HONOR LIST.
Hazel Mae Damon, Marion Evelyn Nash, Lula Bisbee.
Laura Bisbee,
Class Colors, Green and White. Class Flower, Red Rose.
24
WILLIAMSBURG SCHOOLS. CALENDAR 1916-1917.
1916. September 5,-First Term begins.
October 12,-Columbus Day, Holiday.
November 30, December 1,-Thanksgiving Recess. December 22,-First Term closes.
1917.
January 8,-Second Term begins.
February 22,-Washington's Birthday, Holiday. March 16,-Second Term of Grade Schools closes. March 23,-Second Term of High School closes.
April 2,-Third Term begins.
April 19,-Patriots' Day, Holiday.
May 30,-Memorial Day, Holiday. June 8,-Third Term of Grade Schools closes. June 29,-Third Term of High School closes. -
Days to be observed with appropriate exercises.
February 12,-Lincoln's Birthday.
April 13,-Band of Mercy Day. May 18,-Peace Day. May 29,-Patriotic Exercises.
Arbor Day.
Teachers are expected to observe this calendar unless otherwise instructed by the School Committee or Super- intendent.
If obliged to close school for an entire session or more on other than regular holidays, notify the Superintendent in advance if possible.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.