Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Williamsburg 1916-1930, Part 39

Author: Williamsburg (Mass. : Town)
Publication date: 1916
Publisher: Town of Williamsburg
Number of Pages: 1220


USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Williamsburg > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Williamsburg 1916-1930 > Part 39


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


Water Commissioners.


48


Collector's Report


1928


Recommitment per warrant


$581 87 March 28, 1930,


Collected and paid Treasurer,


$581 87


1929


Recommitment per warrant March 28, 1930, $10,903 82


Collected and paid Treasurer,


$7,897 46


Abatements,


65 58


Outstanding Jan. 1, 1931,


2,940 78


$10,903 82


1930


Commitment per warrant, $36,397 79


Abatement after payment, Refunded, 20 25


$36,418 04


Collected and paid Treasurer, $24,489 16


Abatements, 95 85


Outstanding Jan. 1, 1931,


11,833 03


$36,418 04


49


POLL TAX


1930


Commitment per warrant,


$1,110 00 $1,110 00


Collected and paid Treasurer,


$1,076 00


28 00


Abatements, Outstanding Jan. 1, 1931,


6 00


$1,110 00


MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAX


1929


Recommitment Per Warrant,


$124 84


Recommitment list in excess of Warrant,


1 34


Abatement after payment refunded,


6 52


Abatement in excess of commitment,


59


$133 29,


Collected and paid Treasurer,


$118 75


Abatements,


12 75


Outstanding Jan. 1, 1931,


1 79


$133 29


1930


Commitment Per Warrant,


$3,301 22


Abatement after payment, refunded,


31 20


$3,332 42


Collected and paid Treasurer,


$2,979 46


Abatements,


227 57


Outstanding Jan. 1, 1931,


125 39


$3,332 42


Collected and paid treasurer Inter- est for 1928-29-30, $471.76.


Respectfully submitted, G. V. WARNER,


Collector.


50


Assessors' Report


Town Appropriations,


$62,202 64


Cone Bridge note,


1,000 00


Tractor note,


500 00


State Tax,


1,890 00


State Highway Tax,


560 60


Auditing Municipal Accounts Tax,


179 13


Snow Removal Tax,


281 00


County Tax,


4,977 75


Overlay (of current year),


705 29


$72,296 41


ESTIMATED RECEIPTS


Income Tax,


$10,775 37


Motor Vehicle Excise Tax,


3,795 59


Corporation Tax,


1,824 00


Bank Tax,


127 54


Licenses,


88 50


Fines,


38 80


Trust Co. Tax,


94 27


General Government,


204 00


Protection of Persons and Property,


444 73


Vet. Exemption,


29 40


Highways,


48 68


Charities,


1,577 03


Soldiers' Benefits,


216 00


Schools,


10,090 55


Libraries,


12 56


Sinking Fund,


1,000 00


51


Interest on Deposits,


348 14


Interest on Taxes,


652 79


Loss of Taxes, Collins School Fund,


28 51


1,200 00


Free cash, used to reduce taxes,


2,000 00


$34,796 46


Net amount raised by taxation,


on polls and property, Rate of Taxation, $27.00.


$37,499 95


Value of assessed Real Estate,


$1,143,345 00


Value of assessed Personal Estate, (exclusive of automobiles),


$204,653 00


Total Valuation of assessed estate, April 1st, $1,347,998.00


Number of Polls assessed,


552


Number of Persons assessed on property,


509


Number of Horses assessed,


120


Number of Cows assessed,


435


Number of Sheep assessed,


33


Number of Neat Cattle assessed,


245


Number of Swine assessed,


30


Number of Fowls assessed,


4,343


Number of Dwelling Houses assessed,


439


Number of Acres of Land assessed,


15,875


PROPERTY EXEMPT FROM TAXATION


Church, Personal and Real,


$47,900 00


Library, Personal and Real, 23,600 00


School, Personal and Real,


53,700 00


Town Hall, Engine House, Etc.,


10,625 00


Petticoat Hill Park, 1,800 00


$32,796 46


52


RECAPITULATION OF MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE Assessed in Williamsburg in 1930


Number of Vehicles assessed,


547


Valuation of Vehicles assessed,


$136,640 00


Total Excise Tax,


$3,411 53


Respectfully submitted,


RAYMOND A. WARNER,


ROSWELL JORGENSON,


WALTER E. KELLOGG,


Board of Assessors.


53


Report of Library Trustees


The Trustees of the Haydenville Library submit the following report:


The number of books now in the Library, 2,388.


During the year of 1930 67 new books were added to the Library.


The circulation of books in 1930 was 3,527.


Repairs were made on the chimney to the Library. It is thought by the Library Trustees, that certain needed repairs will have to be made in the coming year.


The Trustees feel that we are most fortunate in having Mrs. Maud Warner for Librarian.


Amount appropriated by the Town,


$300 00


EXPENDITURES


Salary of Librarian,


$52 00


Salary of Janitor,


33 00


Books,


155 49


Fuel,


16 50


Repairs,


9 31


Hatchet,


1 35


Printing and Postage,


2 50


Insurance,


13 69


Cleaning,


10 60


Unexpended Balance,


5 56


$300 00


HATTIE A. METCALF, ELIZABETH PURRINGTON, HUBERT A. SMITH.


54


REPORT OF MOUNTAIN ST. CEMETERY, 1930


Amount of Appropriation, $25 00


Amount Expended Mowing and Trimming, 25 00


Increase of $35.00 asked this year is for New Fence, which is badly needed.


Respectfully submitted,


W. A. LEE,


Sexton.


REPORT OF MOTH WORK FOR 1930


Amount of Appropriation,


$500 00


Amount for Labor,


$333 00


Amount for Material,


1 67


$334 67


Unexpended Balance, $165 33


No. of Clusters destroyed, 541, a reduction from pre- vious year of 1,193. If other Cities and Towns will con- tinue their necessary appropriations, and co-operate in this work, I think we can keep them controlled.


Respectfully submitted,


W. A. LEE,


Moth Supt.


55


REPORT OF FISH AND GAME WARDEN


To the Citizens of Williamsburg :


Following is my report as Fish and Game Warden for the year ending Dec. 31, 1930 :


Hours spent on actual duty, 330. Licenses inspected, 96. Assisted the District Warden in two arrests. Total amount of fines, $20.00.


A decrease in violations noted.


Respectfully submitted, LOUIS H. CRANSON, Fish and Game Warden.


REPORT OF TREE WARDEN FOR YEAR 1930


Commencing March 1st, amount expended for Labor and Material, $105.56. There were 22 dead trees cut, some of them in condition of danger to travel on high- ways and walks. Most of the highways were trimmed. Unless the disease to Maple shade trees is checked, many of them will have to be removed.


Respectfully submitted,


W. A. LEE,


Tree Warden.


56


Report of Sinking Fund Commissioners


1930


Jan. 15. Cash on hand, $23,866 52


June 24. Coupons, Williamsburg, 420 00


July 15. Dividend, Haydenville Savings Bank, 596 65


Dec. 12.


Coupons, Williamsburg, 420 00


Dec. 12. Treasurer, Town of


Williamsburg, 1,000 00


$26,303 17


ASSETS


Bonds, Town of Williamsburg, $21,000 00


Cash in Haydenville Savings Bank, 26,303 17


$47,303 17


VOTED: To purchase of the Haydenville Savings Bank four (4) of Williamsburg bonds at par and interest.


HENRY W. GRAVES, HUBERT A. SMITH, LEON B. SANDERSON,


Commissioners.


57


Report of the Trust Fund Commissioners


A meeting of the Trust Fund Commissioners was held on Wednesday, January 14, 1931. Mr. R. S. Jor- gensen reported that he had examined the securities of the Trust Funds at the First National Bank of Northamp- ton and checked them as per the following list:


ONSLOW G. SPELMAN SCHOOL FUND


Book value


Deposit in the


Haydenville Savings Bank,


$18,088 13


Northampton Institution for Savings, 5,000 00


Easthampton Savings Bank,


3,500 00


Nonotuck Savings Bank,


2,500 00


Florence Savings Bank,


1,500 00


Bond accounts :


Toledo Edison Co., 5% of 1947,


3,000 00


Florida Power & Light Co., 5% of 1954,


1,000 00


Interstate Power Co., 5% of 1957,


1,000 00


Pennsylvania Power & Lgt Co., 7% of 1951,


1,000 00


Public Service Co. of Northern Illinois, 5% of 1956, Indiana General Service Co., 5% of 1948


2,000 00


1,000 00


Total,


$39,588 13


WHITING STREET FUND


Deposit in the Nonotuck Savings Bank, $5,574 25


58


LYMAN D. WAITE FUND


Deposit in the Nonotuck Savings Bank, $700 00


ELECTA WAITE FUND


Deposit in the Haydenville Savings Bank, $1,773 51


A. S. HILLS FUND


Deposit in the Northampton Institution for Savings, $5,000 00


PERPETUAL CARE FUNDS WARREN-WARNER FUND


Deposit in the Haydenville Savings Bank, $299 59


BAKER-GRAVES FUND


Deposit in the Haydenville Savings Bank, $662 50


Total, ยท $962 09


COLLINS SCHOOL FUND


Deposit in the Haydenville Savings Bank, $3,104 10


Bank stocks :


20 shares Northampton National Bank, 2,000 00


20 shares Hampshire County Trust Co., ** 2,000 00


21 shares First Nat'l Bank, Northampton, 2,100 00


24 shares Mechanics Nat'l. Bank, Worcester, 2,400 00


21 shares First National Bank & Trust Company, Greenfield, 2,100 00


Total,


$13,704 10


59


** NOTE: In the absence of any definite information as to the liquidating value of the Hampshire County Trust Company stock, it has been listed at its cost price. Re- ports indicate that it has some value, and therefore it cannot be omitted from the list of assets.


Grand Total, $67,302 08


Respectfully submitted, C. J. HILLS, H. W. GRAVES R. S. JORGENSEN.


ANNUAL REPORT


OF THE


SCHOOL COMMITTEE


OF THE


Town of Williamsburg


FOR THE


YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1930


63


Report of School Committee


Your School Committee, beg leave to report as fol- lows :


The major new work and repairs for the year 1930, were the laying of new cement in the driveway of the Helen E. James School, and also painting outside one coat, and cement floors one coat. Painting Mountain Street School House interior two coats. Electric Lights have also been installed in the Purrington and Curry Schools, which were very much needed, and the furnaces at the Helen E. James School have been newly covered with asbestos.


In closing our report, the Committee wish to thank all who have assisted in the administration of the Schools.


Respectfully submitted, W. H. THAYER, E. P. LARKIN,


MISS ELIZABETH PURRINGTON.


64


SUMMARY OF EXPENDITURES


Teachers' Salaries,


$18,466 50


Janitors' Salaries,


2,185 00


Janitors' Supplies,


349 68


Music Teacher,


800 00


Music Supplies,


8 31


Superintendent,


1,500 00


Union Expense,


200 00


Nurse,


500 00


Nurse Supplies,


4 98


Physicians,


220 50


Transportation,


4,111 40


Fuel,


1,355 12


Repairs,


973 30


Sundries,


643 80


Books,


648 83


School Room Supplies,


622 70


Smith School,


1,436 88


Freight,


56 39


Lights,


97 56


Truant,


20 00


New Equipment,


271 14


Amount Appropriated for Schools,


$34,866 00


Amount Expended,


34,472 09


Unexpended,


393 91


Received from State and other sources, 15,473 26


65


SCHOOL CALENDAR


1931-1932


1931


Sept. 8-Schools open


Dec. 23-Schools close


16 weeks


1932


Jan. 4-Schools open Feb. 26-Schools close


8 weeks


Mar. 7-Schools open


April 29-Schools close


8 weeks


May 11-Schools open June 17-Grade Schools close


6 weeks


June 24-High School closes


The usual holidays will be observed.


Schools will be closed one day for the Teachers' In- stitute and one day for the Northampton Fair.


66


SCHOOL STATISTICS


for the year ending June 30, 1930


School


Boys enrolled


Girls enrolled


Ave. membership


Ave. Attendance


Per cent of


Attendance


Aggregate


Attendance


Williamsburg High


26


28


60.9


57.4


94


10,801


Grammar


16


7


24.7


23.1


95


4,236.5


Intermediate


19


20


37.9


36


95


6,593


Second Primary


18


20


36.5


34.5


95


6,302.5


First Primary


33


17


48.1


44.4


92


8,028


Haydenville Grammar


21


11


30.1


28.5


94


5,228.5


Grades 5 and 6


14


16


29.8


28.5


96


5,222


Grades 4 and 5


15


15


30.6


29.7


97


5,446


Grades 3 and 4


18


10


26.8


25


95


4,571.5


Grades 1 and 2


24


14


37.1


35


95


6,444


Mt. St.


13


10


19.1


18.1


94


3,319


Grades 6 and 7


15


16


30.6


29.3


96


5,357


67


Superintendent's Report


To the Members of the School Committee:


The annual report of the Superintendent of Schools is herewith submitted :


Education is the means by which civilization per- petuates itself. By it the youth acquires the social heri- tage of the race, and the learning of those bodies of knowledge and skills that have developed during the past centuries tend to make him a socially efficient individual, who can live successfully with other people in communi- ties such as we have today. To promote this educative process schools have been established. The school is the most efficient way in which the social heritage can be passed on from generation to generation.


The duty and work of our elementary schools is to teach children the tool subjects, namely, reading, writing, arithmetic and English expression, to give as much prac- tice as possible in the use of these tools, to teach physical and mental health, and to build in every child good charac- ter habits.


The high school, while continuing to some extent the training in the use of the tool subjects, begins the process of specialization. Here plans for vocations begin to some extent. Some desire to go on to college, while others look forward to an occupation at the completion of their high school course. To these ends are our schools dedicated that they may turn out the best citizens possible.


68


One of the outstanding events of the school year was the death of Mrs. Helen E. James, who for many years had been one of the most interested and beloved patrons of our schools. Mrs. James' gift of the Helen E. James School Building to the Town was one of the great mile- stones in the progress of education in Williamsburg. It is not for her gifts alone that Mrs. James will be remem- bered, however, but rather for her beautiful character and life which have for years been an inspiration to both teachers and pupils to strive for the best and highest that is in them.


Another event that had been sought by your superin- tendent for a number of years came to pass. A super- visor of penmanship was employed. It was found pos- sible to use money from the Hyde-Saunders and Spelman funds for this purpose, and so a teacher was employed. Miss Hulda Henricksen, our supervisor, has had training in the normal school department of the Northampton Commercial College. She found it rather difficult to get the work started and progress seemed slow in the begin- ning. After four months' work many of the children have shown great progress and a number have won their "Progress Pins." We hope that many will earn "Pupils Diplomas" by the end of the year.


Fifty per cent of the 1930 graduating class of our high school entered college in September. This was another event of interest, since it is the largest per cent of any class to enter college.


While we were somewhat prepared for an increase in the enrollment at the high school, the actual increase was larger than anticipated. Each room is crowded and new seats have had to be put in. If this continues, a new high school teacher will have to be added to the faculty.


A new plan of pupil transportation was put into op- eration in September. Now one heated school bus of the best type delivers the children at school in good condition and takes them home warm and comfortable.


69


There were five changes in our teaching force at the close of schools in June. Mr. Edwin Wilder, who had taught science and coached our athletic teams, accepted a position in the high school at Newburyport. Miss Mae Meehan of the grammar school was appointed to the Mt. Tom school in Northampton. Miss Edna Hurst who was at the Purrington school went to teach near Worcester. Miss Hazel Alexander who had been the first grade assis- tant accepted a position in Forbes Library. Miss Ruth Erickson went to North Adams to teach. To fill these vacancies, the following teachers were elected: Mr. Carl Bergan, a graduate of M. A. C., was assigned to the high school science department and the athletic coaching. Miss Ruth Hall who is a graduate of Framingham Normal was placed in the Grammar School at Williamsburg. Miss Adaline Hewitt of the Springfield Normal Training School, was given the vacancy left by Miss Alexander. Miss Edith Marshall, who is a graduate of North Adams Normal School, and had one year of experience, took Miss Erickson's place. To fill the vacancy left by Miss Hurst's resignation, Miss Mary Crampton, a graduate of The Elms Normal School, was appointed. Miss Hulda Hen- ricksen was elected as our supervisor of penmanship.


Improvements were made in some of our school build- ings, and recommendations made in the last annual re- port carried out. The Mountain Street building was com- pletely redecorated, which makes that a very attractive


classroom. Electric lights were installed at both the Maple Street and Purrington schools. This was a much needed improvement and makes these buildings as modern as possible with their construction. A new cement drive and walk were laid at the Helen E. James school. The old walk was low, and water settled on it after every storm. The new drive and walk have been raised, which does away with that trouble. These improvements were much needed and are appreciated.


The high school has had another successful year. In


70


spite of the crowded condition the work is going very well there. Many of our students are very ambitious, and it is hoped that some will take comprehensive college entrance examinations in June. The school's debating teams have continued their successful work and have not been de- feated. The school holds a four year certificate privilege from the College Entrance Certificate Board, and has an "A" rating with the State Department for certifying its graduates to normal schools.


The health department had one change during the year. Dr. J. G. Hayes, who has been our school physician at Williamsburg for a number of years, gave up that work because of ill health. Dr. Charles Wheeler was appointed to fill that vacancy. Our nurse, Mrs. Mary Dwyer, car- ried on the usual work of the nurse, and in addition con- ducted the "Summer Round Up" of children who were to enter school in September. These children had physical examinations and were vaccinated. In addition to this work the department has held an ear clinic for those chil- dren who were "hard of hearing." In some cases by simply removing ear-wax hearing was restored to normal. We now have a dental clinic in operation which will do much to preserve and protect the teeth of the children. Mrs. Dwyer has also given health talks in the various classrooms.


The work in music has progressed very favorably. A successful operetta was given by the high school stu- dents to raise money for the Washington trip. Our Christmas operettas in the grade schools were very well done, and were enjoyed by many of the parents and friends. Miss Helen Johnson, our supervisor of music, is on her second year with us and it is hoped can be per- suaded to continue.


The recommendations for this year are as follows :


1. Employ a supervisor of drawing.


71


2. Install electric lights in the Mountain Street building.


3. Add to and improve the high school library.


4. Build on two more rooms for the high school.


Sincere appreciation and thanks are extended to the School Committee, the teachers and all others who by their co-operation and support have so faithfully helped in the work of the schools during 1930.


Respectfully submitted, L. A. MERRITT,


Superintendent of Schools.


72


Report of School Physician


Mr. L. A. Merritt,


Superintendent of Schools,


Williamsburg, Mass.


Dear Sir:


I herewith submit my annual report as Medical In- spector of Schools for the village of Haydenville.


The school health work has been carried on as usual during the past year, with increased interest among the parents, and so a corresponding increase in the number of deficiencies corrected, especially of tonsils and teeth.


It is an unfortunate circumstance that those children most needing work done are in families least able to pay, even though it is done at a nominal cost. The pre-school clinic instituted last year is a great aid in preparing the child for school life. The child at this age, that is, from two to six years, is subject to many communicable dis- eases, any one of which may prove a very serious sickness and in the end leave the child with a permanent defect. Our greatest aid at this time is the vaccination to prevent small pox and the immunization against diphtheria, both of which may well be done the child's second year.


For several years there has been no disease of epi- demic proportion in the village.


It was my privilege this year, owing to the illness of Dr. Hayes, to examine the high school pupils and note the benefits in older pupils of the health inspection and in- struction of several years' duration. It is a pleasure to report that Dr. Hayes is able to resume his work.


Respectfully submitted,


C. H. WHEELER, M. D.


REPORT OF AN AUDIT


OF


THE ACCOUNTS


OF THE


TOWN OF WILLIAMSBURG


FOR THE PERIOD FROM


MAY 29, 1928 TO JULY 31, 1930


Made in Accordance with the Provisions of Chapter 44, General Laws


October 6, 1930


74


To the Board of Selectmen,


Mr. Howard F. Baker, Chairman,


Williamsburg, Massachusetts.


Gentlemen :


I submit herewith my report of an audit of the ac- counts of the town of Williamsburg for the period from May 29, 1928 to July 31, 1930, made in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44 of the General Laws. This report is in the form of a report made to me by Mr. Ed- ward H. Fenton, Chief Accountant of this Division.


Very truly yours, THEODORE N. WADDELL, Director of Accounts.


Mr. Theodore N. Waddell,


Director of Accounts,


Department of Corporations and Taxation,


State House, Boston.


Sir:


As directed by you, I have made an audit of the ac- counts of the town of Williamsburg for the period from May 29, 1928, the date of the previous audit, to July 31, 1930, and submit the following report thereon :-


The financial transactions, as recorded on the books of the several departments collecting money for the town or committing bills for collection, were examined, checked, and verified.


The books and records of the town accountant were examined and checked in detail. The recorded receipts


75


were compared with the treasurer's record of receipts and the payments were compared with the treasury warrants authorizing the disbursement of town funds and with the treasurer's cash book. The appropriations and loans au- thorized were checked with the town clerk's records of town meetings and were found to be correctly entered in the ledger. The ledger was analyzed, a trial balance was taken off, and a balance sheet, which is appended to this report, was prepared showing the financial condition of the town on July 31, 1930.


The balance sheet indicates that the financial condi- tion of the town has improved considerably since the date of the previous audit. The surplus revenue is substan- tial, due undoubtedly, to the fact that a determined effort has been made to keep expenditures within the sums ap- propriated by the town for specific purposes, and to the fact that the computation of the tax levy has been care- fully made.


In checking the appropriations it was noted that it has been the custom for the town to appropriate annually for accounts designated as "contingent" and "town offi- cials", to which appropriations no direct charges are made, but from which numerous transfers are made for purposes not specifically provided for by the town. In this connection it is recommended that appropriations be voted for all functions and activities of the town and for all annually recurring expenses, following the classifica- tion of accounts as kept by the town accountant in his classification book. This record provides information relative to the cost of the various town activities and may be used advantageously in preparing the annual town budget.


In order that the ledger kept by the accountant may at all times reflect the true financial condition of the town, it is recommended that deparmental officials notify the town accountant promptly of all bills due the town and sent out for collection. The failure on the part of some


-


1


-----


-


-- --


---


76


officials to do this in the past rendered the work of the audit more difficult.


The books and accounts of the town treasurer were examined, checked, and verified. The recorded receipts were compared with the records in the several depart- ments collecting money for the town and with the other sources from which money was paid into the town treas- ury, while the payments were checked with the warrants of the selectmen authorizing the treasurer to disburse town funds. The cash book was footed, the bank account was reconciled with statements received from the bank, the balances, in the Hampshire County Trust Company (which is in process of liquidation) were verified by in- spection of approved proofs of claim, and the cash in the office was verified by an actual count.


The payment of debt and interest was verified by a comparison with the amounts falling due during the period audited and by an inspection of the cancelled notes and coupons on file in the treasurer's office.


The securities, including savings bank books, repre- senting the investment of the several trust funds in the custody of the treasurer, were personally inspected and listed. The income was proved and the payments were verified.


The accounts of the tax collectors were examined and checked. The commitments of poll, property, and motor vehicle excise taxes were added and proved with the war- rants of the assessors. The collections were checked and compared with the amounts paid to the treasurer, the abatements were compared with the assessors' record of abatements granted, and the outstanding accounts were listed and proved.


A further verification of the outstanding accounts was obtained by mailing notices to a number of persons whose names appeared on the books as owing money to the town, the replies received thereto indicating that the out-


77


standing accounts, as listed, are correct. The collector's cash on hand was verified by an actual count.


The financial transactions of the town clerk were ex- amined and checked. The receipts for dog and sporting licenses were compared with the records of licenses is- sued, and the payments to the county treasurer and to the Division of Fisheries and Game, respectively, as well as the cash on hand, were verified.




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.