USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Williamsburg > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Williamsburg 1951 > Part 4
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
The diretcors of special subjects were Miss Olive Hea- ly, music; Mrs. Olive Thayer, drawing; and Mr. Ralph Childs penmanship.
81
School Superintendent
Our teachers are well prepared and trained to do the work which is expected of them. They recognize that children need much guidance during their school years and that the home and the school need to be in close co- operation if the best results are to be obtained. There- fore they welcome the visits of parents and friends at any time.
Because our school does not offer vocational training and home economics, we have a group of secondary pupils who attend Smith's School. This school gives them ex- cellent training in those vocations which are suited to their needs. This group has 20 in it this year, and is somewhat larger than it has been for several years. The school department pays tuition and transportation for them. Tuition is also paid for the adults who attend eve- ning classes there.
Th program for health has been under the direction of Dr. Joseph Hobbs and Dr. Charles Wheeler as school physicians, Dr. Glade P. Hall as school dentist, and Mrs. Margaret Madison as school nurse. At the end of school in December Mrs. Madison resigned because of poor health. She has been an excellent school nurse, and we regret that she felt that she had to leave the service. Mrs. Barbara Swanda was appointed to fill the vacancy. She is a graduate of the Wesson Memorial Hospital in Springfield and is a registered nurse. The work of this department has been well done. It deserves our con- tinued support and appreciation.
Transportation for our school children has been fur- nished by three carriers. F. N. Graves & Sons have three routes and Henry Snyder, Inc., takes the pupils to Smith's School. Harold Smart has two routes. There is a small feeder route operated by Frank Vayda. The lo- cal bus mileage is 75.6 miles per day. The Smith's School
82
School Superintendent
trip requires 20 more miles a day. Efficient and safe service has been provided by these bus owners and opera- tors.
It was with deep regret that this department received the resignation of G. Vernon Warner as janitor. For over thirty-one years he has served our schools and the com- munity with great loyalty and devotion. His smile and ready wit are always an inspiration to those of us who have been associated with him. This department wishes him many happy years in his retirement.
Our American democracy has been built on the ideals of the people who founded this nation in freedom. One of those ideals was to furnish free public education so that our heritage might be transmitted to each new genera- tion and that the darkness of ignorance might be replaced by the light of knowledge, right attitudes, and under- standing. The continued success of our way of life de- pends on an enlightened people.
In closing I wish to express my appreciation of the splendid services of Mr. Lauri Ronka as a member of our School Committee. It was with regret that I received the announcement that demands of his new position made it necessary for him to give up this work.
To the Teachers and all others connected with the schools, I wish to express my thanks and appreciation for the excellent services they have given and for their loyalty and cooperation.
My sincere thanks are extended to the members of the School Committee for their real help and advice in solving the many problems that come to the attention of this de- partment.
Respectfully submitted,
L. A. MERRITT, Supt. of Schools.
83
School Nurse
School Nurse
-
Mr. Lucius A. Merritt, Superintendent of Schools.
Williamsburg, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir:
The annual report of the school nurse is herewith sub- mitted for January 1, 1951 through December 31, 1951.
A few cases of scarlet fever and measles were reported in March.
The Diphtheria immunization clinic was held in March, April and May. Dr. Charles Wheeler gave the injections in Haydenville, 101 children were immunized, 24 pre-school children had boosters and 59 school children. 15 pre-school children had the combination injections and 3 school children.
161 children were immuized by Dr. Joseph Hobbs in Williamsburg. 91 school children had boosters and 31 pre- school children. 10 school children were given the com- bination injections and pre-school children.
Dr. Glade Hall, our school dentist, did dental examina- tions on all grade pupils in Williamsburg and Haydenville. 151 operations were completed in Haydenville and 150 in Williamsburg.
The Well Child Conference sponsored by the Visiting Nurse Association was held in April. Dr. Claire Manwell was examining physician. 120 children were examined, 64 in Williamsburg and 56 in Haydenville. The general health of the children was found to be good. One child
84
School Nurse
was referred to a speech clinic and one to an orthopedic clinic, a few were referred to their dentists.
2 school children were taken to the orthopedic clinic in Springfield during the year.
7 children were accepted at Camp Hodgkins. 6 re- mained the 4 weeks and gained considerable in weight.
In September Dr. Charles Wheeler was assisted with 137 physical examinations.
Dr. Joseph Hobbs was assisted with 270 physicals in Williamsburg. Few defects were found in either school.
29 children were taken to Leeds for chest X-rays be- cause of underweight or contacts. All were reported as negative.
Several children were out with measles this fall.
The Massachusetts Vision Test was used in both schools. 395 children were tested, 23 failed and the par- ents were advised to have the child's eyes examined by an Optometrist.
Classroom inspections were made in all grade rooms every month.
All grade pupils were weighed and measured in Janu- ary June and September. The high school pupils in Oc- tober.
33 home visits were made and many children were given first aid at school for minor bruises and cuts.
I wish to thank Mr. Merritt, the School Committee, teachers, pupils and their parents for the cooperation in assisting me with my work.
Respectfully submitted,
MARGARET MADISON, R. N.
School Nurse.
85
School Physician
School Physician
Mr. L. A. Merritt, Superintendent of Schools, Williamsburg, Mass.
Dear Sir:
It is with pleasure that I again submit my annual report as school physician for the Haydenville schools.
The year was marked by no serious epidemic except the usual one of the common cold, which often is a symp- tom of allergy rather than a definite infection of the nasal tract.
A diphtheria immunization clinic was held in the spring with the assistance of Mrs. Margaret H. Madison, R. N. and 101 treatments given. She also assisted at the annual examination in September and October. The usu- al minor defects were discovered, some of which have been corrected. A few cases were referred to Dr. F. E. O'Brien for X-rays of the lungs.
The program of an annual examination of pupils in the Massachusetts public schools has now been in opera- tion about fifty years and its good influence on health has been demonstrated. It also has resulted in making the public more health conscious. This program has been ex- tended lately to include examinations of the hearing, with the aid of the audiophone; testing of vision; X-rays of the lungs in suspected cases, and examination of the feet for structual defect. The continued use of this procedure will promote a strong and healthy population.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES H. WHEELER, M. D.
86
School Addenta
ADDENDA
A Finance Committee Report on certain schools items. Figures are approximate
I
Total School Appropriations thru recent years
1947
1948
1949
1950
1951
$50,518
$54,871
$59,935
$59,510
$68,786 Increase 36%
II Teachers' Salaries
$30,428 $33,026 $34,307 $34,398 $41,555
Increase 36%
III School Population
349 341
359
390 (No. of full-time teachers-17)
IV
Cost per Pupil (total appropriation divided by no. of pupils)
$144 $161.
$166. $152. $163.
V
Percentage of Total School Appropriation to Total Town Appropriation
45% 45%
43%
40% 40%
87
Audit
April 16, 1951.
To the Board of Selectmen, Mr. G. Vernon Warner, Chairman Williamsburg, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith my report of an audit of the books and accounts of the tax collector of the town of Williams- burg for the period from September 24, 1950 to March 5, 1951, made in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44, General Laws. This is in the form of a report made to me by Mr. Herman B. Dine Assistant Director of Ac- counts.
Very truly yours, FRANCIS X. LANG,
Director of Accounts.
88
Audit
Mr. Francis X. Lang, Director of Accounts, Department of Corporations and Taxation, State House, Boston.
Sir:
As directed by you, I have made an audit of the books and accounts of the tax collector of the town of Williams- burg for the period from September 24, 1950, the date of the previous examination, to March 5, 1951, and submit the following report thereon:
The accounts outstanding at the time of the previous examination and all subsequent commitment lists were au- dited and proved with the warrants commiting them for collection. The recorded collections were checked, the payments to the treasurer were verified by comparison with the treasurer's recorded receipts, the recorded abate- ments were checked to the assessors' records of abate- ments granted, and the outstanding accounts were listed and proved with the town accountant's ledger accounts.
Verification of the outstanding tax and excise ac- counts was made by sending notices to a number of persons whose names appeared on the books as owing money to the town, and from the replies received it appears that the outstanding accounts, as listed, are correct.
The total amounts outstanding on each of the several levies were furnished to the assessors for the purpose of preparing the recommitment warrants to the new tax col- lector.
Appended to this report are tables showing summa- ries of the tax accounts.
89
Audit
For the cooperation extended by the several town officials during the progress of the audit, I wish, on behalf of my assistants and for myself, to express appreciation.
Respectfully submitted,
HERMAN B. DINE,
Assistant Director of Accounts.
TAXES-1943
Helena Breguet-Collector
Outstanding September 24 1950 $25.20
Payments to treasurer September 24 to December 31, 1950 $19.80
Outstanding December 31, 1950 and March 5, 1951, per list, to be recommitted to Barbara Swanda, collector 5.40
$25.20
TAXES-1944 Helena Breguet-Collector
Outstanding September 24 1950 $28.08
Payments to treasurer September 24 to December 31 1950 $22.68
Outstanding December 31 1950 and March 5 1951 per list, to be recommitted to Barbara Swan- da, collector 5.40
$28.08
90
Audit
TAXES-1945 Helena Breguet-Collector
Outstanding September 24, 1950 $32.60
Payments to treasurer September 24 to December 31, 1950 $26.90
Outstanding December 31, 1950 and March 5, 1951, per list, to be recommitted to Barbara Swanda collector 5.70
$32.60
TAXES-1946
Helena Breguet-Collector
Outstanding September 24, 1950 $213.44
Payments to treasurer September 24 to December 31, 1950 $116.84
Abatements September 24 to De- cember 31, 1950 34.50
Outstanding December 31, 1950 62.10
$213.44
Outstanding January 1, 1951 Payments to treasurer
$62.10
January 1 to March 5, 1951 $4.60
Abatements January 1 to March 5, 1951 23.00
Outstanding March 5, 1951, per list, to be recommitted to Barbara Swanda, collector 34.50
$62.10
Audit 91
TAXES-1947
Helena Breguet-Collector
Outstanding September 24, 1950
$1,044.13
Payments to treasurer
September 24 to December 31, 1950 $626.94
Abatements September 24 to De-
cember 31, 1950 15.30
Outstanding December 31, 1950 401.89
$1,044.13
Outstanding January 1, 1951 Payments to treasurer
$401.89
January 1 to March 5, 1951 $22.95
Abatements January 1 to March 5, 1951 25.50
Outstanding March 5, 1951, per list, to be recommitted to Barbara Swanda, collector 353.44
$401.89
TAXES-1948 Helena Breguet-Collector
Outstanding September 24, 1950 $2,958.08
Payments to treasurer September 24 to December 31, 1950 $1,381.32
Abatements September 24 to De- cember 31, 1950 26.15
Outstanding December 31, 1950 1,550.61
$2,958.08
92
Audit
Outstanding January 1, 1951 $1,550.61
Payments to treasurer Jenuary 1 to March 5, 1951 $662.86
Outstanding March 5, 1951, per list, to be recommitted to Barbara Swanda, collector 887.75
$1,550.61
TAXES-1949
Helena Breguet-Collector
Outstanding September 24, 1950 $13,696.11
Payments to treasurer September 24 to December 31, 1950 $8,025.75
Abatements September 24 to De- cember 31, 1950 98.00
Outstanding December 31, 1950
5,572.36
$13,696.11
Outstanding January 1, 1951 $5,572.36
Refund of taxes 1949 entered as taxes 1950 43.80
$5,616.16
Payments to treasurer January 1 to March 5, 1951 $2,941.84
Outstanding March 5, 1951, per list, to be recommitted to Barbara Swanda, collector 2,674.32
$5,616.16
93
Audit
TAXES-1950
Helena Breguet-Collector
Outstanding Septembe 24, 1950 $78,581.83
Additional commitment September 24 to December 31, 1950 50.76
Abatement after payment Septem- ber 24 to December 31, 1950, refunded 320.30
$78,952.89
Payments to treasurer September 24 to December 31 1950 $55,877.61
Abatements September 24 to De- cember 31, 1950 1,223.00
Outstanding December 31, 1950 21,852.28
$78,952.89
Outstanding Jaunary 1, 1951 $21,852.28
Abatement after payment January 1 to March 5, 1951, refunded 12.65
Payment after abatement January 1 to March 5 1951, to be re- funded 2.30
$21,867.23
Payments to treasurer January 1 to March 5, 1951 $5,305.59
Abatements January 1 to March 5, 1951 12.65
Refund of taxes 1949 entered as taxes 1950 43.80
48.76
Commitment entered in duplicate
Outstanding March 5, 1951, per list, to be recommitted to Barbara Swanda, collector 16,456.43
$21,867.23
94
Audit
MOTOR VEHICLE AND TRAILER EXCISE-1946 Helena Breguet-Collector
Outstanding September 24, 1950 $6.02
Payments to treasurer September 24 to December 31, 1950 $6.02
MOTOR VEHICLE AND TRAILER EXCISE-1947
Helena Breguet-Collector
Outstanding September 24, 1950 $43.29
Payments to treasurer September 24 to December 31, 1950 $43.29
MOTOR VEHICLE AND TRAILER EXCISE-1948 1
Helena Breguet-Collector
Outstanding September 24, 1950 $277.02
Payments to treasurer September 24 to December 31, 1950 $75.78
Outstanding December 31, 1950 201.24
$277.02
Outstanding January 1, 1951 $201.24
Payments to treasurer January 1 to March 5, 1951 $115.13
Outstanding March 5, 1951, per list, to be recommitted to Barbara Swanda, collector 86.11
$201.24 .
95
Audit
MOTOR VEHICLE AND TRAILER EXCISE-1949 Helena Breguet-Collector
Outstanding September 24, 1950 $693.71
Payments to treasurer September 24 to December 31, 1950 $328.91
Outstanding December 31, 1950 364.80
$693.71
Outstanding January 1, 1951 $364.80
Motor vehicle and trailer excise
1950 reported as 1949 6.62
$371.42
Payments to treasurer January 1 to March 5, 1951 $148.14
Outstanding March 5, 1951, per list, to be recommitted to Barbara
Swanda, collector 223.28
$371.42
MOTOR VEHICLE AND TRAILER EXCISE-1950
Helena Breguet-Collector
Outstanding September 24, 1950, $2,089.50
Additional commitment September 24 to December 31, 1950, 4,596.92
Abatement after payment Sep- tember 24 to December 31, 1950, refunded, 41.08
$6,727.50
Payments to treasurer September 24 to December 31, 1950, $3,583.18 Abatements September 24 to De- cember 31, 1950, 87.08
96
Audit
Outstanding December 31, 1950, 3,057.24
$6,727.50
Outstanding January 1, 1951, $3,057.24
Additional commitment January 1, to March 5, 1951, 57.74
Abatement after payment January 1 to March 5, 1951, refunded, 67.71
$3,182.69
Payments to treasurer January 1 to March 5, 1951, $1,091.11
Abatements January 1 to March 5, 1951, 78.57
Motor vehicle and trailer excise 1950 reported as 1949, 6.62
Outstanding March 5, 1951, per
list, to be recommitted to
Barbara Swanda, collector, 2,006.39
$3,182.69
INTEREST AND COSTS ON TAXES
Helena Breguet-Collector
Cash balance September 24, 1950, $127.82
Collections Setember 24, 1950 to March 5, 1951 :
Interest:
Taxes :
Levy of 1944
$.72
Levy of 1945
1.26
Levy of 1946
.80
Levy of 1947
42.23
Levy of 1948
132.75
97
Audit
Levy of 1949
474.07
Levy of 1950
109.73
761.56
Motor vehicle and trailer excise:
Levy of 1948
$27.94
Levy of 1949
29.94
Levy of 1950
41.06
98.94
Costs :
Taxes:
Levy of 1948
$2.80
Levy of 1949
3.50
Levy of 1950
1.40
7.70
$996.02
Payments to treasurer:
Interest:
September 24 to December 31,
1950,
$650.89
January 1 to March 5,
1951,
337.43
$988.32
Costs :
September 24 to December
31, 1950,
$3.50
January 1 to March 5, 1951, 4.20
7.70
$996.02
98
By-Laws
By-Laws of Town of Wiliamsburg
(A revision which was voted and approved by the Attorney General in 1933 with amendments which have been approved since that date, with exceptions noted.)
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
1. All warrants for Town Meetings shall be served by posting attested copies thereof in three or more public places in said town at least seven days before the day of said meeting.
2. The annual town meeting shall be held on the third Monday in February of each year at such time and place as shall be stated in the warrant.
3. A quorum at any annual or special town meeting, except such parts of meetings as are devoted exclusively to the election of town officers, shall consist of sixty (60) registered voters, provided that a number less than a quorum may from time to time adjourn the same.
.4. The moderator shall regulate the proceedings at town meetings in conformity with such rules and regula- tions for maintaining order as the town shall adopt for that purpose.
.5. The polls at the annual town meeting shall be open for the election of town officers from 10 A. M. to 7 P. M. (This section not yet approved by the Attorney General.)
99
By-Laws
6. The town budget and all other articles in the warrant for the annual town meeting which in any way affect the finances of the town shall not be considered at any hour prior to 1 P. M. of the day of said meeting.
TOWN OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
Board of Selectmen.
The Board of Selectmen, consisting of three mem- bers, shall be elected for a three-year term. However, at the annual meeting in 1948, one shall be elected for a term of one year, one for a term of two years, and one for a term of three years, and thereafter one shall be elected at each annual meeting for a term of three years. (This section not yet approved by the Attorney General.)
Treasurer.
1. The Treasurer of the Town shall give no note as Treasurer unless authorized by vote of the Town to bor- row money and under the certified approval of the Select- men.
2. The Treasurer shall pay no money from the Treasury except upon a warrant signed by the Town Ac- countant and by the officer or by a majority of the board or committee authorized to make the expenditure.
3. The Treasurer shall, before entering upon the discharge of his duties, give bond for the faithful per- formance of his duties in a sum and with sureties ap- proved by the Selectmen, which bond shall be paid for by the Town.
Collector.
1. The Collector of taxes shall, before entering upon the duties of his office give a bond in a sum and with sureties approved by the Selectmen, which bond shall be paid for by the oTwn.
100
By-Laws
2. The Collector shall, upon receipt of the taxes furnished him by the Assessors, prepare the bills and dis- tribute same to the taxpayers not later than September 15 of each year.
Assessors.
1. The Assessors shall file the tax warrant of Poll, Real and Personal Property with the Collector not later than September 1 of each year.
Finance Committee.
1. A Finance Committee of nine members shall be appointed by the Moderator of the annual town meeting as follows: three for a term of three years, three for a term of two years and three for a term of one year, and annually thereafter three for a term of three years.
2. The Committee shall elect its own chairman and secretary.
3. It shall be the duty of the Finance Committee to investigate all proposals in the articles of the warrant for any town meeting that shall in any way affect the finances of the town and to recommend to the town at the time of said meeting a course of action thereon, and in general to make recommendations to the town in regard to any financial business of the town.
4. The Finance Committee for the purpose of thor- oughly investigating all estimated and proposed expendi- tures, shall hold hearings at such time and place as it may direct, at which hearing all town officers, boards, or committees responsible for the expenditure of funds shall appear and make such explanations and suggestions in relation thereto as may be needed. The committee's rec- ommendations shall be printed and distributed by the Se- lectmen at or before the annual town meeting.
101
By-Laws
Board of Health.
There shall be created in the Town, a Board of Health separate from the Board of Selectmen, consisting of three members, who shall be elected at the annual Town Meeting, to serve for a term of three years, and un- til their successors are elected and qualified. However, at the annual Town Meeting in 1946, one shall be elected for a term of one year, one for a term of two years, and one for a term of three years, and thereafter one shall be elected at each annual Town Meeting for a term of three years. The members of the Board of Health shall re- ceive such compensation for their services as the Town by vote shall determine. (This section not yet approved by the Attorney General.)
HIGHWAYS AND SIDEWALKS
1. The tenant, occupant, and in the case there is no tenant the owner or person having the care of any estate abutting upon any highway or town way within this town, where there is now or may hereafter be a sidewalk established or set apart as such, shall after the ceasing to fall of any snow thereon, within twenty-four hours cause the same to be removed therefrom.
2. Whenever any sidewalk in section one of this by- law shall be encumbered with ice, it shall be the duty of the tenant or occupant, or in case there is no tenant the owner or person having care of the estate abutting thereon, to cause such sidewalk to be made convenient for travel by removing the ice therefrom, or covering the same with sand or other substance, within twenty-hours after such sidewalk shall have become so encumbered.
3. No person shall dig, cut down, climb, break, peel, cut, deface, or destroy any ornamental or shade tree growing or being in any of the streets or highways or on any public grounds of said town without the consent of
102
By-Laws
the Tree Warden or person having said grounds in charge. permission first being obtained in writing.
4. No person shall course, coast, or slide down, across, in or along any of the streets in said town, upon any hand sled, board or otherwise, except in such places and under such restrictions as the Selectmen shall desig- nate and require.
5. No owner or person having the care of any swine, sheep, goats, horses, mules, or neat cattle, shall suffer or permit the same to go at large in any street or highway, common, square, or other public place within the said town.
PUBLIC CONDUCT
1.No person shall use any indecent, profane, or in- sulting language in any street or public place in the town, near any dwelling house or other building therein, or be or remain upon any sidewalk, public way or way to any public hall or church, or upon any door-step, portico or other projection of any building, to the annoyance, dis- turbance or obstruction of any person lawfully entitled to pass or resort thereto.
2. Three or more persons shall not stand or be near each other in such a manner as to obstruct a free passage for passengers therein or over any foot bridge or side- walk.
3. In observance of our national independence, the bells of the mills and churches shall not be rung before sunrise on the fourth day of July or on the following day when the observance comes on that day, nor after 10 o'clock in the evening of said days. And in such observ- ance, except by special permission of the Selectmen, no person shall fire any cannon, cracker, torpedo, gun, or pistol, blow horn, beat drums, or ring bells before sunrise nor after 10 o'clock in the evening of the day observed.
103
By-Laws
4. No minor under the age of sixteen shall dis- charge any fire arms, air guns, bullet rifles or any danger- ous weapon in the Town of Williamsburg except, or un- less, such minor is at the time and place accompanied by and under the control and supervision of an adult.
PENALTIES
1. Any citizen may and the Selectmen and Consta- bles shall prosecute every violation of the foregoing by- laws, and each violation of the by-laws, shall upon convic- tion of the parties violating them, be punished by a fine of not less than two nor more than twenty dollars.
AMENDMENTS
1. These by-laws may be amended or added to by a two-thirds vote of those qualified to vote at any regular annual town meeting provided notice of such amendments or additions has been published or posted by the Select- men at least thirty days prior to date of said meeting.
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.