USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Williamsburg > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Williamsburg 1895-1915 > Part 7
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In a town of this size, one result of maintaining two High Schools of equal grade is that there are but few pupils in the upper classes. These lack the stimulating influences of larger ones with the resulting enthusiasm and generous . rivalry. As a rule, whatever promotes simplicity and ease of administration promotes good instruction, and vice versa. We have arranged a scheme for unifying the work by consolidating some of these classes. Its feasibility depends upon an unusual steadiness of policy, not only in holding pupils to the course, but in retaining a teacher long enough to insure its successful realization. It is based upon the course as perfected last year, and there has been no attempt to interfere with the original harmony. Each subject receives the same amount of time as therein provided. The ->plan affords longer periods of recitation, which is very desir- able in High School work. No course can be regarded as satisfactory if it is not modified from time to time in response to changed conditions or advancing thought. It is not the child that should be adjusted to the course, but the course to the child. The child's claims are the supreme ones, not those of a scheme framed without adequate thought of the child's relations to it. Tentative outlines in some of the elementary subjects have been prepared in detail for the use of the teachers. When these have been completed and adapted to the needs of your schools they will form a well defined and practical course, available at the opening of the next school year. The publication of the High School ¿courses will enable parents to become familiar with them, so that any pupil before entering may determine which one he will pursue. This is essential, as serious loss is often occa- sioned by an unwise selection.
Special mention should be made of certain improvements needed at the High School building in Haydenville. The present accommodations are by no means in accordance with the latest and best ideas concerning heat, light, ventilation and general school equipment. At a very moderate expense the lighting could be improved considerably. A furnace should be placed in the basement to provide for heating and
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ventilating. It is unnecessary to argue that our schools are maintained by the town to educate and train its children, and not primarily to comply with the requirements of the state law at the least possible money expense. Our children are our jewels. The best we can do for them is the best investment we can make.
The advantage and necessity of teachers' meetings is fully appreciated. These should be held at frequent intervals throughout the year. There has seemed to be so many obstacles in the way that a great deal of individual work has been done with teachers before and after school. We are convinced, however, that no amount of such work can take the place of the regular teachers' meeting. The teachers are so widely scattered that it has been deemed unwise to appoint meetings after school, especially in the winter months. One was held on Oct. 26, at which your superintendent addressed the teachers upon "Recent school legislation." Only three teachers were absent. The law regarding the proper keeping of the school registers is very exacting. Its details were very carefully explained. Temperance physi- - ology teaching was also considered, and Principal A. O. Cas- well of the Haydenville High School illustrated in a practi- cal and interesting manner how he would do it. The remark has been made recently by one who ought to know that no town in Hampshire county observes the statute requirements more nearly than Williamsburg. Many of the teachers attended the annual county convention, school being closed for the purpose. These conventions and the institutes held by the State Board of Education are additional agencies in the professional training of our teachers. Only by attend- ance upon these will teachers be kept up with the progress of the times. Those careless in this regard rarely, if ever, subscribe for educational journals, or read pedagogical books. They fail to estimate properly the professional side of their work, and their vocation becomes a mere act of keeping school. None but those who are willing to make care- ful preparation can expect to meet the demands of this enlightened age. There must be such a strong desire for
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self-improvement as will enable them to keep in the van of educational movements. The profoundest scholarship, the ripest culture, together with the graces of the loveliest char- acter, are thought none too good for the humblest place in our schools; none too accomplished and wise to be intrusted with the care of our children in the formative period of their lives, when right impressions are so easily made, and when mistakes are attended with such direful consequences.
The policy which has been pursued by your Board of granting to the teachers at different times throughout the year a day for visiting other schools, is commendable, and may be productive of much real benefit to our schools. It has been thought by some that these days are mere holidays. They should be days of hard and conscientious work on the part of the teachers. The visits should not be made indis- criminately, nor for the purpose of a social call upon some friend and co-worker. The day should be taken during the first half of the term, so that there may appear in the subse- quent work the special benefit that the school derives. The superintendent should always be consulted regarding time and place. The teachers have been expected to render to the superintendent an account of their visits, in accordance with a printed form which is given them. A portion of the form is as follows:
6. Exercises conducted. State fully what was done while you were in the room. Time spent.
7. What especially interested you?
8. What did you see which you think it would be well to introduce into your own work?
9. What did you see which you would avoid?
10. To what extent were you benefited by visiting and in what ways?
It can readily be seen that these reports may be of great help to the visiting teacher. Extracts from those on file in this office will be of interest as showing their character. "I saw the need as never before of care in conducting the read- ing in my own classes." " I came back more than ever deter- mined to have good order." "I saw nothing to avoid." "I
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gained ideas as to busy work." "I was benefited chiefly by watching throughout the day two systematic teachers." "I had grown careless. I hope this time I can remember and profit."
Strict attention to systematic work is of the utmost importance. To this end a carefully prepared program of daily work has been urged. In some cases very good results are achieved, while in others the teacher has seemed wholly unable to prepare or follow such a working plan.
The necessity of regular meetings of your Board should not be overlooked. Such meetings would give the superin- tendent opportunity to render more frequent reports upon school conditions. Only by permitting him to confer with the full board in a candid manner regarding special needs of certain schools can best results be obtained. The publica- tion of a school calendar would aid in systematizing the work of all connected with the schools, either parents or officers. As the statute now requires attendance "during the entire time the public schools are in session," it is proper that all should be informed in season to make early provision therefor.
In dispensing supplies, the exercise of a wise forethought is imperative. Whatever is needed should be at hand, with the register, upon the first morning of the term. The teachers have been requested to transmit at the close of each term a requisition for such books and supplies as may be needed for the next term. Such a course will reduce the number of requisitions to the minimum. Much of the annoy- ance due to frequent applications and the inconvenience of sending often to distant schools may thus be avoided.
In closing we desire to thank most cordially all those whose sympathy and co-operation we have enjoyed during the perplexities incident to our first year's work in a new field.
Respectfully submitted, LOUIS A. PRATT,
Supt. of Schools.
WILLIAMSBURG, MASS., Feb. 21, 1899.
SCHOOLS.
Weeks.
Boys Enrolled.
Girls Enrolled.
Pupils Registered.
Average
Average
Attendance.
Attendance. Per Cent of
Tardy Marks.
Dismissals.
Days Lost by
Tardiness and
Dismissals.
Not Absent
or Tardy.
High,
38
14
32
20 91
19 52
93 31
107
63
16 09
73
0
Intermediate,
38
19
18
45
30 30
27.76
91.95
71
135
21.03
40
0
Primary,
38
28
29
61
37 86
35.13
92.80
214
48
12 00
48
0
Nash Street,
37
11
6
17
13 16
12 76
97 43
1
10
1 24
12
3
North Street,
37
9
5
14
10 43
9.50
91 59
92
4
6.00
37
0
South Street,
38
3
10
7.82
/ 22
92 30
42
17
5.44
17
0
Searsville,
38
8
8
18
11 15
9 51
85 26
33
29
5.14
72
0
Skinnerville,“
38
8
9
18
15 83
15 22
96.15
1
15
1 24
44
6
Mountain Street,
38
y
12
20
18 40
15 35
83 40
84
29
5.20
25
1
Haydenville.
High,
40
11
16
50
29 73
27 97
94 07
64
41
8.00
42
2
Grammar,
38
18
13
63
33 64
30 82
91 61
127
118
24.20
21
2
Intermediate,
38
21
15
67
33 86
30.75
90 82
193
127
23 52
36
0
Second Primary,
38
17
20
62
32 37
30.02
92 74
104
122
24 91
25
0
Maple St. Primary,
38
30
21
70
44 19
40 12
90 80
194
26
9 97
29
0
Purrington Primary,
38
3%
30
62
37 47
34 04
90 85
169
29
5 49
43
0
For the Town,
229
223
609
37.12
345.69
91.69
1496
813
168 47
364
14
30
Visitors.
Membership.
VOCAL MUSIC REPORT.
The study of vocal music has been pursued for another year in the Haydenville schools and now holds a well estab- lished place in the regards of teachers and pupils as an important part of the school curriculum.
The regrading in the grammar and high schools has caused some confusion in the music as well as in the other branches of study. The difficulties have been met as well as possible. The pupils in the higher grades are now mostly such as have received preparatory musical instruction in the lower grades. The music in the higher grades is therefore more satisfactory than heretofore and ability in sight reading and mastery of the higher musical problems is more marked.
Supplementary music in sheet and pamphlet form has been introduced into some of the schools to give more range and freshness of interest. This new music is of the same high standard as that already possessed The pupils will be trained to understand and appreciate thoroughly good music. The object of the teaching is not only to provide a diversion and recreation and thus help the discipline of the schools. It does that, but the main object is to present music as an in- strument of the highest educational, developing, and civilizing power.
" Since naught so stockish, hard, and full of rage, But music for the time doth change his nature. The man that hath no music in himself, Nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds, Is fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils ; The motions of his spirit are dull as night,
And his affections dark as Erebus. Let no such man be trusted."
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Your supervisor has received most earnest and painstaking assistance from our various teachers and takes this opportu- nity to express her appreciation. The interest and attention of the general public is invited. The occasional attendance of parents and others upon the musical exercises in the schools will do much to encourage and stimulate both teachers and pupils.
Respectfully submitted, MRS. G. H. BUCK.
HAYDENVILLE, MASS., Feb. 14, 1899.
TRUANT OFFICER'S REPORT.
To the Honorable School Committee :-
Number of scholars taken to school, 3 Number of families visited, 2
Respectfully submitted,
H. W. SAMPSON.
HAYDENVILLE, MASS., February 20, 1899.
33
TREASURER'S REPORT.
For the Year Ending March 1, 1899.
RECEIPTS.
Balance in Treasury, $ 21 54
Town appropriations for schools,
4,500 00
text books,
400 00
Superintedent,
370 00
repairs, 200 00
Income Collins Fund,
602 21
State School Fund,
394 43
State Superintendency,
245 48
Received for Dog Tax,
133 59
James O'Donnell,
5 00
Supplies sold,
3 10
Education State Children,
74 00
$6,949 35
EXPENDITURES.
Teachers,
$5,180 34
Janitors,
225 88
Fuel,
307 78
Books and supplies,
344 39
Labor and repairs,
163 90
Cleaning School Houses,
29 75
Transportation,
177 95
Superintendent,
376 10
Truant Officer,
15 00
Sundries,
98 94
Balance,
29 32
$6,949 35
34
35
TEACHERS.
Williamsburg High, Louis A. Pratt, $196 00
Grace Rising, 34 34
H. S. Lovejoy,
336 00
66 Grammar, Grace L. Rowe, 112 00
Frances Young, 192 00
66 Primary, Mrs. Isabel Avery, 112 00
Alice White, 39 00
Nellie D. Smith,
192 00
Haydenville High, Fred E. Smith,
196 00
Mrs. Fred E. Smith,
78 00
A O. Caswell, 336 00 Lizzie Ames, 115 00
Grammar, Hattie Lawrence, 395 75
Intermediate, Ethel Curry, 353 75
2nd Primary, Fannie Bennett, 304 00
Maple Street, Martha Sterry, 352 00
Purrington Primary, Lizzie Purrington, 385 75
Skinnerville, Ellen G. Ryan, 261 75
Mountain Street, Jennie Daniels, 105 00
Mary Nelson,
30 00
Nora G. Hickey,
192 00
Josephine Cahill, 6 00
Nash Street, Jennie Holmes,
140 00
South Addie P. Hawks,
228 00
Searsville, Mary J. Cross,
266 00
North Street, Alice Mason,
84 00
16
Annie V. Cross,
72 00
Jessamine Sikes,
66 00
$5,180 34
JANITORS.
Haydenville, six rooms,
$107 25
Williamsburg, three rooms,
89 58
29 05
Out schools, $225 88
36
CLEANING SCHOOL HOUSES.
Haydenville, Williamsburg, Out Schools,
$ 12 00
9 00
8 75
$29 75
FUEL.
Chas. L. Hyde,
wood,
$ 40 20
G. M. Bradford,
26 20
Chas. R. Damon,
"
33 78
C. B. Tower,
2 25
E. P. Hemmenway,
6 75
J. S. Graves,
66
1 88
John Phinney,
coal,
157 99
G. F. Warner,
wood,
12 50
W. M. Purrington,
10 33
C. Babineau,
$307 78
LABOR AND REPAIRS.
Chas. Stackpole, sawing wood,
$15 05
R. O'Neil, blocking floor,
1 10
Chas. L. Hyde, placing seats,
1 00
John Lucas, glass and paint,
39 40
O. Ames, fencing,
2 40
G. M. Bradford, lumber,
4 55
F. M. Holmes, labor,
7 50
A. G. Cone, paint,
37 59
Nonotuck Silk Co., lumber,
4 70
Day & Co., stove pipe,
2 88
G. F. Warner, half of fence,
5 61
M. V. Mansfield, labor,
8 00
Byron Loomis, filling,
3 95
W. H. Warner, shingling,
10 03
Mrs. Cheney, labor,
2 50
L. D. James, sundries,
54
15 90
37
H. W. Sampson, mason, $9 05
R. F. Burke, clock repairs,
1 50
G. H. Ames, flag pole and repairs, 6 45
$163 90
TRANSPORTATION.
Alvin Shaw,
$133 95
Chas. L. Hyde,
44 00
$177 95
BOOKS AND SUPPLIES.
D. C. Heath & Co.,
$34 30
Leach, Shewell & Sanborn,
14 17
E. W. Goodhue,
22 52
Ginn & Co.,
63 56
American Book Co.,
38 25
Geo. King,
9 25
Educational Pub. Co.,
75
Geo. S. Perry,
4 90
Springfield News Co.,
7 50
J. S. Hammett,
87 38
F. Sherwin,
3 49
J. W. Heffernan,
2 25
Silver, Burdette & Co.,
29 65
Boston School Supply Co.,
5 00
L. D. James,
4 00
A. G. Cone,
7 75
S. E. Bridgman,
2 25
E. E. Babb & Co.,
6 42
James Spear,
1 00
$344 39
SUNDRIES.
S. E. Bridgman, treas. book,
$ 2 25
Graves Bros., botany presses, 4 00
T. Lillian Weyant, sundries,
21 05
38
A. G. Cone, Frt. and ex.,
$13 55
Sam. Edwards, care of hall,
1 00
E. W. Goodhue, freight, express. and post., 9 98
Chas. N. Fitts, flags, 12 07
Jos. Courtwright, census, 2 00
W. M. Purrington, Express,
1 50
E. T. Barrus, nails, screws, paper,
5 44
Smith & Fay, sundries for 3 years,
19 38
Louis A. Pratt, post. and stationery, 2 94
Revenue Stamps, 3 78
$98 94
SUPERINTENDENT.
E. W. Goodhue, 5 months, $184 10
Louis A. Pratt, 5 months, 192 00
$376 10
REPORT
OF THE
SELECTMEN, TREASURER,
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR,
AND
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
Town of Williamsburg
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING FEBRUARY 1, 1900.
1899
PRESS OF THE BRYANT PRINT FLORENCE, MASS.
REPORT
OF THE
SELECTMEN, TREASURER,
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR,
AND
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
Town of Williamsburg
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING FEBRUARY 1, 1900.
189.9
PRESS OF THE BRYANT PRINT FLORENCE, MASS.
Articles in Warrant for Annual Town Meeting.
FIRST .- To choose a Moderator to preside at said meeting.
SECOND .- To elect three Selectmen, one Town Clerk, one Treasurer, one Elector under the Will of the late Oliver Smith, Esq, two Constables, one Tax Collector, all for one year. Also one School Committee for three years, one Library Trustee for three years, one Library Trustee for two years, one Tree Warden for one year, and to vote on the question, "Shall licenses be granted for the sale of intoxica- ting liquors in this town ?" Yes or No, all on one ballot,
THIRD .- To choose all necessary minor town officers for the ensuing year.
FOURTH .- To revise and accept a list of jurors nominated by the Selectmen.
FIFTH .- To raise and appropriate such sums of money as may be necessary to defray the current expenses of the town.
SIXTH .- To provide for the current expenses of the town in anticipation of taxes.
SEVENTH .- To hear the report of the Selectmen, Treasurer, School and other Committees, and act thereon.
EIGHTH .- To see if the town will raise and appropriate a sum of money for Memorial Day, and choose a committee to expend the sum.
NINTH .- To choose a committee to expend the income of the Whiting Street Fund.
TENTH .- To see if the town will raise and appropriate a sum of money for the maintaining of street lights,
2
3
ELEVENTH .- To fix the amount of the salary for Tax Collector.
TWELFTH .- To see if the town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to contract for the building or finishing of a sec- tion of State highway the coming season.
THIRTEENTH .- To see what action the town will take re- garding the rebuilding of the Mack bridge (so called.)
FOURTEENTH .- To see if the town will take any action with regard to discontinuing any portion of the Goshen road that passes the premises of C. H. Tileston.
FIFTEENTH .- To hear the report of the committee on water supply and act thereon.
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
TREASURY RECEIPTS.
Balance from 1899, $ 749 19
Received from Town of Conway poor
acct., 62 00
Received from Town of Conway tuition,
31 50
City of Northampton poor acct., 17 95
Received from State for education of
children, 129 50
Received from City of Boston for educa- tion of children, 208 10
Received from taxes of 1899,
14,432 97
Taxes of 1898, 449 74
" 1897,
288 93
Interest on deposits and other sources, 173 45
Received from income of Collins Fund, 604 25
Old plank, 2 00
Income of Whiting Street Fund, 210 00
Received from Supt. of Schools Fund,
246 03
Sidewalk assessment (1898), 15 22
State Corporation tax,
173 65
National Bank tax,
547 62
St. Railway Corporation tax, 2,023 40
Received from dog tax refunded, 156 49
State and Military aid,
764 00 .
Mass. School Fund,
459 18
Rent of Town Hall, 122 00
Temporary loans, 12,000 00
Licenses, 14 00
4
5
Received from Dist. Court fines,
$
22 00
Fire Dept. for old hose,
13 77
Reimbursement for cattle inspection, 25 37
Received from acct. of State Highway,
5,387 29
Hampshire Reservoir Co., 900 01 Michael Keating on poor acct., 17 18
Received from old settees,
6 00
-- $40,252 79
TREASURER'S STATEMENT.
Total receipts,
$40,252 79
Paid State tax,
$
510 00
County tax,
1,809 99
Temporary loans, 13,655 18
On orders of School Committee, 7,583 55
" " Selectmen for
support of poor, 2 318 01
On orders of Selectmen for
highway account, 1,779 27
On orders of Selectmen for
contingent account, 1,597 93
On account of Selectmen for
street lights, 448 41
On account of Selectmen for Fire Department, 188 38
On orders of Selectmen for special Fire Dept. appropriation, 668 36
On orders of Selectmen for interest account, 399 39
On orders of Selectmen for special police, 73 00
On orders of Selectmen for reseat- ing Town Hall, 253 28
Memorial Day committee, 50 00
6
Almoners of Whiting Street fund, $210 00 Haydenville Public Library, 100 00
Military and State Aid account, 909 00
C. H. Kelliher, for State Highway account, 2,200 02
Asa Goddard, for State Highway account, 4,287 28
State Treas. 14 income from liquor licenses, 25
Balance cash on hand,
1,210 49
-- $40,252 79
SCHOOL ASSETS.
Appropriation, $4,500 00
$6 for text books and
supplies,
350 00
Appropriation for general repairs, 200 00
" heater at Haydenville, 350 00
" Supt. of Schools, 380 00
Received from State, Supt. of Schools fund, 246 03
income of State school fund, 459 18
dog tax refunded,
156 49
income of Collins fund,
604 25
for tuition of poor children, 337 60
Town of Conway, 31 50
$7,615 05
Paid School Committee, $7,583 55
Balance due schools,
31 50
$7,615 05
TOWN ASSETS.
Remainder in treasury, $1,210 49
Balance due on taxes of 1897, 42 35
£ « « « " 1899,
814 98
Due from City of Northampton, $225 79
on account of State Aid. 729 00
" Military Aid, 90 00
66
" inspection of cattle, 24 17
$3,136 78
TOWN LIABILITIES.
Due Trustees of Meekins Library,
$1,200 00
" Forbes
524 00
R. F. Burke, salary,
125 00
Schools,
31 50
Balance assets over liabilities, 1,256 28
$3,136 78
INTEREST ACCOUNT.
Paid Rogers, Newman & Tolman Int. on
Loan,
$268 67
Paid Collins Fund, Int. on Loan, 7 65
Haydenville Savings B'k,
15 13
Meekins Library Trustees,
48 00
Forbes 06
20 96
On Strang loan at Haydenville Savings Bank,
18 00
Paid Jesse Wells Int. on salary,
20 98
Received for interest on deposits,
108 38
Taxes 1897,
56 83
1898,
4 24
66
Strang loan,
4 00
Balance, Appropriation, $350 00
$399 39
$173 45
$225 94
8
COLLINS SCHOOL FUND.
There have been several changes in this fund of late result- ing from a reduction of the capital stock of several of the banks in whose shares the fund is invested, also from the failure and subsequent reorganization of the Hampshire County National Bank of Northampton.
It seems fitting therefore, that a full report should be made of the money received from the surrendered shares of stock.
The following statement is respectfully submitted for your consideration.
Dr.
Cash received for 14 shares First Nat'l
Bank of Northampton, surrendered $1,400 00
Cash received for 20 shares North- ampton National Bank, 2,000 00
Cash received for 1 share Northampton National Bank, sold, 150 00
Cash received for 8 4-7 shares Mechanics National of Worcester, 771 30
Cash received for 21 shares Hampshire County National Bank, 840 00
$5,161 30
Cr.
Paid for 10 shares Northampton Nat'l Bank stock, $1,500 00
Paid for 20 shares Hampshire County Bank stock, 2,000 00
Paid for 4-7 share Mechanics Bank of Worcester, 57 20
Balance in Haydenville Savings Bank,
1,604 10
$5,161 30
The present assets of the fund are as follows : 20 shares Northampton National Bank, market value $200, $4,000 00 20 shares Hampshire County Bank, market value $105, 2,100 00
9
21 shares First National Bank of
Greenfield, market value $125, $2,625 00 21 shares First National Bank of Northampton, market value $125, 2,625 00
12 shares Mechanics National Bank of Worcester, market value $100, 1,200 00
Cash in Haydenville Savings Bank, 1,604 10
- $14,154 10
The dividend rate of the Northampton National Bank is ten per cent. The First National of Greenfield and North- ampton six per cent., Mechanics of Worcester and Hamp- shire County four per cent., and the Savings Bank four per cent.
HENRY W. HILL, Treasurer.
TOWN OFFICERS' REPORT.
To the Citizens of Williamsburg :-
Your Selectmen, Treasurer. School and other Committees hereby present the report of their doings, for the year er ding February I. 1900.
There has been more or less complaint the past year re- garding the high rate of taxation, it having been $16 20 on a thousand. The amount voted by the town was $12.280, as shown on one of the pages of this report, and has been expended as reported under the different itemized accounts.
There is only one remedy for reducing the amount of tax- ation and that lies in the power of the tax payers when they are voting away the money, a fact well known but little heeded. In every account, except the paupers, the expendi- ture has been kept below the amount voted and available for the purpose.
Our town has nearly one and two thirds miles of State highway completed and accepted by the State Commission. The expense to the town for the same is $500 for land damages, of which $332 has been paid, leaving a balance of $168 to be paid. We have a petition before the State high- way commission for another section of about 4,700 feet in length, beginning at the junction of the State and town roads in Searsville and extending on said town road to its junction with the road leading to Chesterfield.
The town has received the past year from the Northampton Street Railway Co. for the year 1898, $1,146.36 and for 1899, $877.04 corportion taxes, and for 1899, excise tax $372.55, total, $2,394.95. This, by the provisions of the law, has to be expended upon the highways and bridges. The amount received from this source is not fixed, it depending upon the
10
11
number of miles of track in this and other towns of this Company's line. For the next year it is likely to be more than one third less than for the past year.
The expense for highways and bridges in 1898 exceeded the appropriation $1053, on account of the new bridge on the Ashfield road, and widening of the bridge near the woolen mill, and $100 paid State highway land damage. This balance carried over from last year together with other land damage paid this year is now cancelled, leaving the town free from indebtedness and with over $1,000 in the treasurer's hands over and above all liabilities.
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