Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Williamsburg 1916-1930, Part 9

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 9


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


May 10. Carl M. Hemenway, Williamsburg. Elsie H. Witherill, Northampton.


May 14. John J. Noble, Williamsburg, (Hville). Phoebe Mary Chenette, Northampton.


June 4. Thomas F. Lenihan, Williamsburg, (Hville). Grace M. Larkin, Williamsburg, (Hville).


June 22. John Francis Hall, Northampton. Amy Stebbins Goodhue, Williamsburg, (Hville) June 30. Geo. M. Dewey, Northampton. Madeline E. Gile, Northampton.


July 25. Milton O. Wickes, Northampton. L. Mildred Russell, Northampton.


Sept. 3. James E. Hall, Northampton. Catheryn V. Molloy, Williamsburg, (Hville).


Sept. 20. Linwood T. Culver, Williamsburg. Janie M. Chadwick, Williamsburg. Sept. 23. Ward E. Shumway, Williamsburg. Evelyn E. Hyde, Williamsburg.


3


34


Sept. 30. Burril G. Cone, Williamsburg, (Hville). Gertrude M. Blinn, Northampton.


Sept 30. Meade Hesson Horner, Lakeville, Iowa. Harrietta Carlota Hamilton, Williamsburg.


Oct. 6. Walter Wojcik, New Britain, Ct. Anna Ozzolik, Williamsburg (Hville).


Oct. 11. J. Edwards Pierpont, New Haven, Ct. Dorothy Hinds, Williamsburg.


Oct. 11. John Hill Holton, Dorchester, Mass. Sarah Pierpont, Williamsburg.


Oct. 14. Philbert L. Burdean, Williamsburg. Pearl LaGoy, Altona, N. Y.


Oct. 20. John Kacmarczk, New Britain, Conn. Bertha Kowalczyk, Wiliamsburg, (Hville).


Oct. 30. Charles H. Stone, Northampton. Hazel Wade, Williamsburg.


Nov. 3. Leon Chester Williams, Plainfield, Mass. Florence Abbie Nye, Plainfield, Mass.


Nov. 11. George J. Young, Williamsburg, (Hville) . Lillian M. Roberts, Holyoke, Mass.


Nov. 29. Edward J. Quinn, Williamsburg. Kathlene Meigher, Holyoke, Mass.


Dec. 31. Erving E. Robbins, Williamsburg. Catherine I. Sanderson, Whately, Mass.


DEATHS RECORDED IN 1919.


Date


Name


Age, Yrs.


Mos.


Days


Jan. 29.


Arminda Stebbins,


99


1


26


Feb. 9. Lena May Hayden,


3


6


15


Feb. 14. Hannah M. Orcutt,


87


2


30


Mar. 14. Louise Alice LeCasse,


6


14


Mar. 18.


Florence Prince,


33


Mar. 18.


Stephen Kulas,


26


2


Mar 18. Julia Brault,


62


10


24


Mar. 24. John Walshe,


76


9


2


Mar. 25.


John Bednarz,


28


8


28


35


Date


Name


Age, Yrs.


Days


Mar. 29. Roseline Perras,


16


Mos. 10


13


April. 1. Jennie Lintner,


4


9


7


April 8.


Margaret Blakeslee,


27


6


16


April 9.


Myron W. Blakeslee,


27


4


15


May 12.


Justine Webster Nash,


4


7


18


June 2.


George Laurent Dansereau,


8


24


June 13.


Alvin Lawrence,


87


9


17


June 15.


Josephine Cordelia Warner, 71


10


24


July 23.


Charles W. Magannis,


72


9


7


July 13.


Kenneth L. Damon,


18


9


13


July 29.


Dennis Brazill,


77


1


7


Sept. 8.


Frances C. Lawrence,


48


6


28


Oct. 14.


Selina Duplisses,


69


7


Oct. 20.


Mary O'Neil,


75


Oct. 21.


William W. Nash,


67


6


1


Nov. 13.


Ida Dansereau Riley,


26


9


2


Dec. 5.


Robert F. Drabble,


49


10


6


Respectfully submitted,


HENRY W. HILL,


Town Clerk.


Report of Public Library Trustees


The Trustees of the Haydenville Village Library beg to present the following report :


After a two years trial of a reading room as an adjunct to our library it has seemed wise and expedient to dis- continue same this coming year.


Our library has listed some 2800 volumes at present.


While many in this list are the higher grade of fiction, yet the large majority are books well worth while, both in their interesting qualities and their means of culture to book lovers. The public is urged to use the library in the largest possible measure because it is a public institution whose highest aim is to serve its people.


The financial statement is as follows.


Paid Bridgman & Lyman, Books, $42 01


Harper & Bros., books, 27 00


Houghton Mifflin & Co., books, 8 55


J. W. Heffernan, books, 2 00


Hampshire Book Shop, books 8 46


Charles M. Clark, books, 6 88


Mrs. H. C. Chapin, magazines, 30 25


Maud Warner, librarian, 14 40


Mary E. Smily, librarian, 20 00


Gladys Miller, librarian, 13 00


Bradford Lumber Co., wood, 3 00


$175 55


Appropriation, $250.00.


GEO. M. PAGE, THOS. H. IVES, E. CYRUS MILLER, Trustees Haydenville Village Library.


ANNUAL REPORT


OF THE


SCHOOL COMMITTEE


OF THE


Town of Williamsburg


FOR THE


Year Ending January 1, 1920


NORTHAMPTON, MASS. PRESS OF GAZETTE PRINTING CO.


1920


Report of School Committee


To the Citizens of Williamsburg :


We herewith submit for your approval our annual re- port for the year 1919-20.


The available appropriation made for schools last year was $18,500.53, of which $18,120.53 has been expended to date, thus leaving a balance of $380.


We have made all necessary repairs on our different buildings, including the installation of a new furnace at the Center School at Haydenville and the repainting of the roof there; also the repairing of the underpinning of the North street school building and general repairs on the First Primary building at Haydenville.


As you will see by the Superintendent's report the cost of books and supplies has increased one hundred per cent.


We wish to express our appreciation of the loyalty of our efficient corps of teachers. We are glad to do all in our power to help them in their good work. It is with re- gret that we accept the resignation of Mrs. Lenihan, who has been our instructor in music for the past fourteen years and who has done most excellent work, not sparing herself one atom to make her work with our pupils a suc- cess. In accepting her resignation we feel that the town has lost a faithful servant.


In the last two years we have closed two schools know- ing that financially it is better for the town to do this and transport the pupils to the center schools.


Respectfully submitted, GEO. H. WARNER,


H. P. GODDARD, GEO. M. PAGE, School Committee.


. .. . . ....... . . . ... . . -- - - ---.. .


Treasurer's Report


TOTAL EXPENDITURES.


Teachers,


$10,542 25


Teachers Retirement,


354 75


Transportation,


1,583 37


Superintendent,


900 00


School Committee,


250 00


School Physician,


105 25


Smiths School,


115 00


Janitors,


960 50


Sundries,


324 84


Repairs,


397 14


Books & Supplies,


597 55


Music & Teacher,


697 43


Cleaning,


42 50


Electric Light,


34 31


Truant Officer,


10 00


Janitors Supplies,


115 93


Fuel,


1,115 71


Balance,


$18,146 53 384 00


$18,530 53


AVAILABLE FOR SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS.


Town Appropriation, $13,500 00


Mass. School Fund, 1,037 06


Industrial School Refund,


151 39


40


City of Boston, Tuition 1918, $228 25


Town of Chesterfield, Tuition 1918,


75 00


City of Boston, Tuition 1919,


370 50


State Wards, Tuition, 145 50


Grange Hall, 35 00


School Hall, 1 00


Supt and Teachers Fund,


625 00


Town of Hawley, Tuition, 25 00


General School Fund, Nov. 1919,


460 00


Spl. High School Fund, Dec. 17, 1919,


775 00


Old Desks and Seats,


36 00


Refund Dog Tax,


75 63


Collins Fund,


985 89


Town of Worthington, Supplies,


4 31


$18,530 53


BOOKS AND SUPPLIES.


Oval & Koster,


$12 41


Boston Paperboard Co.,


10 00


S. Y. Gallan Co.,


1 60


H. P. Goddard,


7 28


Archabald G. Coldwell,


25


Milton Bradley,


15 15


Benjamin Sanborn,


10 30


MacMillan Co.,


12 09


A. N. Palmer,


4 93


Louis & Caranhan,


51 44


Silver Burdette Co.,


30 90


Warner & Dolan,


1 85


Kingsbury Box Co.,


24 50


E. W. Goodhue,


35 32


Coburn & Graves,


4 26


L. E. Knott,


5 68


D. C. Heath,


18 47


Gazette Printing Co.,


3 00


41


American Book Co.,


$51 63


Chas E. Merrill,


7 55


Houghton & Miffin,


13 49


Edward E. Babb,


115 42


A. L. Boat Co.,


3 10


Ginn & Co.,


62 83


Dowling School Supply Co.,


49 76


Esterbrook Penn Co.,


8 96


Amagraph Co.,


5 20


Allyn & Bacon,


2 48


Current Events,


11 70


Geo. F. Johnson,


10 00


$597 55


TEACHERS' RETIREMENT.


Anna T. Dunphy,


$1,060 00


Hazel M. Damon,


$39 00


632 00


Rena B. Taylor,


330 00


Catherine V. Rieley,


670 00


Elizabeth Purrington,


38 50


631 50


Nellie A. Dolan,


670 00


Anna H MacDonald,


37 00


663 00


Jennie Kiley,


39 00


631 00


C. Ruth Warner,


37 25


592 75


Grace E. Bursley,


19 00


341 00


Helen G. Ryan,


670 00


Ethel Curry,


670 00


Louise R. Page,


336 00


Myra F. Goodhue,


39 00


631 00


Hazel Hilts,


36 00


554 00


Lillian Ogden,


36 00


554 00


Maxine Rhoodes,


16 00


244 00


Flora M. Merrifield,


18 00


322 00


Archibald Coldwell,


340 00


$354 75


$10,542 25


42


SUNDRIES.


New England Tel. & Tel. Co.,


$14 26


H. W. Hill,


44


Grace Buersley,


12


W. M. Purrington, (Insurance),


135 20


H. G. Hill,


5 17


Arthur Lovering,


4 00


Morris C. Warner,


10 00


Town of Williamsburg,


76 00


Richard Smith,


10 00


Mrs. Arthur Hinds,


30 00


E. W. Goodhue,


34 16


Hammond & Hammond,


3 00


Geo. M. Page,


1 25


Geo. H. Warner,


30


Consolidated Dry Goods Co.,


94


$324 84


REPAIRS.


L. H. Cranson,


$169 25


W. H. Riley Co.,


55 77


F. L. Woodroof,


6 35


C. W. Whiting,


1 50


R. F. Burke,


7 74


A. L. Waite,


50


M. L. Emerick,


1 00


Bisbee Bros.,


54 40


A. L. Higgins,


1 63


F. W. Warner,


33 90


Henry Dansereau.


15 00


Bradford Lumber Co.,


48 78


Geo H. Warner,


1 30


$397 14


43


TRANSPORTATION


Northampton Street Railway,


$437 37


Elsie Smart,


453 00


S. A. Clark,


254 00


Henry Goodwin,


306 00


James Stone,


96 00


Francis Crane,


22 00


William Graves,


15 00


$1,582 37


SUPERINTENDENT


E. W. Goodhue, $900 00


SCHOOL COMMITTEE


Geo. H. Warner,


$100 00


Geo. M. Page,


75 00


H. P. Goddard,


75 00


250 00


SCHOOL PHYSICIAN.


C. H. Wheeler,


$57 25


J. G. Hayes,


48 00


$105 25


Smiths School,


$115 00


JANITORS.


A. L. Higgins,


$598 00


Henry Dansereau,


319 00


Jennie Kiley,


14 00


Henry Gilbert,


11 50


Maxine Rhoodes,


8 00


Walter Kellogg,


8 00


Lillian Ogden,


2 00


$960 50


44


MUSIC AND TEACHER.


Mrs. Thos. Lenihan,


$642 50


Ginn & Co., 33 27


Foster Music Publishing House,


1 60


Albert Shauber,


6 50


Silver Burdett Co.,


12 56


Emile Asher,


1 00


$697 43


CLEANING.


Henry Danscreau,


$41 50


Maxine Rhoodes,


1 00


42 50


ELECTRIC LIGHT.


Mill River Light Co.,


$34 31


TRUANT OFFICER.


John J. Trainor,


$10 00


JANITOR'S SUPPLIES.


A. G. Cone,


$7 00


W. J. Sheehan & Co., 63 65


R. F. Burke,


11 25


James A. Wattie,


8 75


Standard Oil Co.,


2 50


A. L. Higgins,


11 03


D. E. F. Radasch,


11 00


G. H. Warner,


75


$115 93


45


FUEL.


Lenihan Bros.,


$445 20


T. I. Breckenridge,


520 86


W. E. Shumway,


17 00


W. J. Sheehan,


1 65


F. E. Sanderson,


55 00


Silas Snow,


12 00


John Ice,


41 00


J. Edwin Graves,


10 00


Bradford Lumber Co.,


3 00


$1,115 71


GEO. H. WARNER,


H. P. GODDARD, GEO. M. PAGE,


School Committee.


Report of Superintendent of Schools


GENTLEMEN OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE :-


The annual report of the Superintendent of Schools is herewith presented for your consideration and approval.


The report will include, in general, the town fiscal year. School conditions in the town have been very similar to those of preceding years with the exceptions of less inter- ruption by epidemics and increased difficulty in securing teachers and procuring supplies.


The number of schools maintained was the same as last year and all have been in charge of good teachers and have made quite satisfactory progress. In June, three teachers resigned, Mrs. Page, Miss Bursley and Miss Taylor, the resignations of all being received with much regret be- cause of the excellent service they had given and the ap- preciation of their ability and qualifications. The fol- lowing transfer were made: Miss Kiely from Searsville to the Williamsburg Second Primary, Miss Damon from Second Primary to Grammar.


New teachers were engaged for the Searsville and Hay- denville High-Grammar Schools also an assistant for the High School.


We were fortunate in securing for the two last named positions teachers of large and successful experience, es- pecially well fitted for the profession by cducation and training, MI. Coldwell and Miss Merrifield. With slight


47


exceptions, the progress made in the schools has been very satisfactory and, considering the unusual and adverse con- ditions affecting schools generally the town has been fortunate. We now have as able and efficient a corps of instructors as ever in our history, several of them having served for us many years and whose value to the com- munity cannot be estimated in salaries, every reasonable effort should be made to retain it intact. There has been less interruption of work by epidemics than during last year yet much more than was necessary if all parents and others had used all possible care to guard against conta- gion and had properly regarded the rights and health of others.


Little outside the regular program has been actempted as there was need of increased endeavor to make good the loss occasioned by previous epidemics and extra work occasioned by war conditions.


Instruction in agriculture has been planned and will be given whenever it seems profitable and conditions war- rant it. In this connection it may be said that it is almost impossible for the superintendent to personally supervise such instruction because of the increased demands made upon him in the making of reports to various and numer- ous departments of state and national government which are compulsory and necessary, and to a legion of societies which while not compulsory are expected and the in- creased difficulty of finding teachers and procuring sup- plies. While the interest of school officials in promoting the welfare of the youth and the community is unques- tioned, yet the exercise of great judgment is necessary that the most important interests may not be neglected for those of less importance and, it does seem, at times, that many departments and organizations, more or less intimately related to school and community activities and brought into existence as necessary under war conditions, are strenuously attempting to prolong life ha und reason by means of constant appeals to school officers and pupils.


48


Recent legislation while of much benefit to our schools has also served to increase the amount of labor necessary. The instruction in music under the supervision of Mrs. Lenihan has fully maintained its former excellent and valuable character and attention is directed to the report following this.


It was with the greatest regret that we received the resignation of Mrs. Lenihan. Seldom has it been the good fortune of a small town to retain the services of a super- visor of such ability for so many years. Mrs. Lenihan possesses not only an excellent musical education and talents of high order but also, which is of the greatest importance, the ability to instruct and discipline others and to secure interest, attention and hard work. Hun- dreds of our citizens who have profited by her teaching will ever remember her with the highest regard both as an instructor and personal friend and ever appreciate the pleasure added to their lives by the knowledge of music gained under her instruction.


An evening school for non-English speaking foreigners has been organized in Haydenville in charge of Prin. Cold- well and Miss Purrington and has a regular attendance of about twenty-five pupils. At present, this is supported by private funds but should be continued as an adjunct of the day schools, if present conditions continue, when these funds cease to be available, as an education in English is one of the most valuable factors in securing Americanism and lessening the dangers of Bolshevism.


The High School graduation exercises were of the usual interesting and excellent character. A unique and pleas- ing feature of the occasion was the furnishing of music by - an orchestra composed of members of the High School. The performance of this organization is worthy of much commendation, the selections being given with skill and expression were greatly appreciated by all, while the fact that we possessed so much of fine musical talent in the


49


school was a real surprise to many. This orchestra was organized and drilled by Mrs. Lenihan. Six were grad- uated from the College Preparatory Course-three of whom gained membership in the Pro Merito Society by their high standing-and two from the English Course.


An event of much historical interest to the school and town took place in connection with the exercises, the de- mobilization of a service flag which honors the names of fifty-four alumni who served in the U. S. army and navy during the world war. Mr. Purrington making the ad- dress. The meeting of the Alumni Association held the evening following was well attended and several new members were received. Plans were made for assisting the High School in various ways. This society during the past year has furnished the teachers' rest room with many pretty and useful articles which serve to make it attractive and homelike.


The experiment of serving hot lunches to the pupils of the Center School was inaugurated this year under the direction of Mr. Higgins. Whether or not they may be as necessary and valuable as claimed by those advocating the plan may be still an open question but, it is evident they add much to the comfort and pleasure of those obliged to bring lunches from home and probably tend to preserve health.


Transportation of pupils from Nash Hill, South Street and Chesterfield Road has been continued through the year. While the expense to the town is considerable yet it does not equal that which would be incurred by the support of schools in these localities, especially under pre- sent conditions, while the advantages gained by the pupils are many.


The great problem now forcing itself upon school authorities for solution is that of securing a supply of competent teachers, in fact, of any teachers whatever competent or incompetent. So much has been written


4


50


and published about this that evidence of the scarcity need hardly be given here. When we are informed by Sec'y. Lane that 134,000 teachers left the ranks last year to en- gage in better paying employment, and learn, from other sources, that hundreds of positions in both the elementary and secondary schools of neighboring states are now va- cant and hundreds of others occupied by untrained and unskilled teachers with the outlook for the coming year much worse, we are justified in calling conditions critical. For years we have been asserting by the payment of grossly inadequate wages that the positions of teacher was considered secondary to most others, and when op- portunity offered the teachers at once deserted the pro- fession. The wages paid brick-layers, steel workers and many other laborers average three times as large as those paid teachers and how in the world can we expect to get them worth the room they take up until they are paid for their services ? Unless we soon awake to the fact that we are endangering not only the success of our children but the safety of the nation as well, the future will bring to us anarchy and destruction.


Recent legislation intended to aid the towns in increas- ing the salaries of teachers has relieved the situation in some measure but, as the available supply of teachers is totally inadequate to meet the demand while the normal schools have one-third less pupils in attendance on them than three years ago, even this will not greatly aid many rural towns. Wages being equalized and positions plenty, teachers will accept only those most desirable because of locality and character of the neighborhood, towns who cannot offer these must either pay a bonus, consolidate schools, or employ incompetent persons as teachers.


The committee of this town appreciating the circum- stances, wisely and promptly complied with the require- ments of the law and increased salaries for the year, largely due to this we shall receive from the state several thousands of dollars as additional aid.


51


With such educational opportunities as are now offered it seems vastly strange that so many parents can value them so lightly.


Pupils are continually being kept out of school on the most flimsy and foolish pretexts, it almost seems that some are anxious to take advantage of every circumstance which can possibly be construed as an excuse for non- attendance. While there is no question as to the ability of our attendance officers and they have promptly and ef- ficiently performed their duties when called upon, yet the conditions under which they are employed makes it impossible for them to respond to calls at a time when most needed. It would be a paying investment for this town to employ an attendance officer who should devote his whole time to the duties of the office, and who could be reached and sent out at any time while the schools are in session. It is almost of daily occurrence in certain parts of the town to see school children playing on or wander- ing about the streets or running on errands while the schools are in session. When asked why they are not in school the reply is either that they are sick or must go on an errand. This should be stopped at once and com- pletely. Any pupil out of school on the plea of sickness if found upon the street should be arrested and placed in school. In contrast to this it is a pleasure to say that by far the greater number of parents appreciate the value of an education and insist that their children attend school promptly and regularly.


Much needed alterations and repairs of the Purrington and Haydenville Central buildings have been made and others sufficient to insure the comfort of the children, but more should be made as soon as the high cost of labor and material can be met. Great economy in the purchase and use of school supplies has been urged owing to the tremen- dous increase in cost sometimes necessary, probably quite often unnecessary, in some cases 150 per cent., still the


52


expense has increased and will probably continue to do so until people are willing to go to work and produce supplies needed instead of indifferently regarding the needs of the public, and cease shouting for more something for noth- ing. It is desired to impress strongly upon our citizens the fact that, considering the conditions previously re- ferred to, we have been extremely fortunate in securing teachers of such undoubted ability and in obtaining such satisfactory results while some of our neighboring towns have suffered inconvenience and loss.


In closing your superintendent wishes to acknowledge his sincere appreciation of the assistance given him in his work by the school committee whose members by their clear recognition of the gravity of the situation and the danger threatening the school system have wisely and promptly acted, to thank the teachers for their helpful and hearty co-operation and the citizens for their con- tinued interest and courtesy shown.


Respectfully submitted, E. W. GOODHUE,


Superintendent of Schools.


SCHOOL STATISTICS FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1919


SCHOOLS


Boys Enrolled


Girls Enrolled


Average


Membership


Average


Attendance


Per cent. of


Attendance


Aggregate Attendance


Williamsburg High


23


24


45.05


40.94


90.88


7,158.00


Grammar . .


19


16


32.16


28.12


87.44


4,900.50


Intermediate.


17


15


29.20


25.65


87.50


4,497.50


Second Primary .


22


16


30.65


26.37


86.34


4,614.00


· First Primary ..


13


6


15.12


14.05


92.92


2,210.00


Searsville ...


5


8


8.43


7.90


93.71


1,381.00


North Street. .


11


3


9.90


7.94


80.21


1,346.00


Mountain Street


14


13


23.05


19.77


85.77


3,260.00


Haydenville High Grammar


15


14


25.93


22.61


87.20


3,710.50


Grammar .


25


14


25.93


22.61


87.20


3,710.50


Intermediate. .


18


12


20.22


17.24


85.26


2,888.00


Third Primary .


13


20


29.65


25.01


84.35


4,097.00


Second Primary


24


17


32.57


27.23


83.60


4,590.00


First Primary ..


Totals


230


202


364.03


317.51


87.23


53,818.00


.


.


.


.


·


....


.


.


11


22


29.99


26.13


87.13


4,480.00


·


53


54


CENSUS APRIL 1, 1919.


Number of persons five to sixteen years of age,


449


Males 237. Females 212.


Number of persons five to seven years of age,


58


Males 28. Females 30.


Number of persons seven to fourteen years of age,


319


Males 170. Females 149.


Number of persons fourteen to sixteen years of age, 72


Number of resident pupils attending school, 410


Number over sixteen years of age attending school, 20


Number of different teachers employed, 18


Number graduated from college,


2


Number graduated from normal schools,


8


Number that have received normal training,


.2


Number graduated from secondary schools only, 6


REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSICAL INSTRUCTION.


To the Superintendent of Schools :


DEAR SIR :


The report on the music in the schools of this town is herewith submitted for your approval. It has been the aim throughout my term of service as Supervisor of Music to instill into the minds of our pupils a love for good music.


In making the statement "Love for Good Music," it is intended to set forth the idea that music of an elevating character is the kind of music we wish to have our chil- dren enjoy. "Everybody loves music," is a common re- mark, but our main object has been to so direct and fill the mind and heart with a taste for the best there is in the art as to leave no room for pleasure in other than music which will arouse the very best in our natures.


55


Two of the greatest women singers of the last century were the daughters of the greatest of Russian tenors, the first Manual Garcia. In speaking of the difference between his gifted daughters the father said, "One must. be bound with a chain, the other may be led by a silver thread." Teachers discover just such differences among pupils and come to realize that although the fundamental principles of good singing are immutable there are as many ways of inculcating them as there are pupils. In practically every schoolroom in town you will find that the pupils look upon the music period as a time of recreation. Is it because this period is used for a playtime? No in- deed it is a time of good, hard work but so much pleasure is derived from the study that it seems more like recrea- tion than drudgery. Last year we spoke of the sight reading of words and music simultaneously. We have carried on this phase of the work with splendid results. Miss Dolan's fifth and sixth grades should receive special mention for this work. We have worked more slowly with the theory of music this year. It is so easy for pu- pils to forget their work that we have given more time to the development of each step in theory before taking up another.




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.