USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Williamsburg > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Williamsburg 1955 > Part 3
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After several requests, the Flood Relief Board ad- vised us to contact the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. After meeting with 13 different representatives of the Corps we were granted the repair of the road, the dam and the removal of 5000 cubic yards of silt and debris from the reservoir. We were later able to increase this yardage to 8000. All of this work was completed by the Donovan Brothers of Worthington at a cost to the Fed- eral Government of $18,000.00.
The end result of this work which has been accom- plished at no cost to the citizens of Williamsburg and Haydenville, has been an additional storage capacity of 1,600,000 gallons of water which is an approximate 15% increase. In addition, the reservoir is nearly as clean as when originally built.
While this work was in progress, the Board decided that due to the clear evidence shown during the heavy
57
August rains, the spillway was not large enough to ac- commodate such unprecedented rainfall and steps should be taken to enlarge the throat of the spillway. This decision was supported by three engineers who all strong- ly advised that the work be done. Naturally, as this was an improvement and not a result of the rain, the Federal Government would not allow any funds for this work.
The department hired a contractor to enlarge the spillway by blasting sections of ledge and this work has doubled the capacity and provided a faster release of water when necessary.
The additional water supply at the pumping station has been, as in past years, a definite asset. The electric pump was used on fourteen different occasions, during the heavy spring run-off, the very dry months and while the cleaning operation was in progress at the upper reser- voir. A total of 27,000,000 gallons of water pumped was recorded for the year.
The collection of water rents and departmental paper work has been very capably handled by the Town Secretary.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES M. DAMON, JR. BERTRAM W. CLARKE HOWARD R. SANDERSON
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.
REPORT OF AN AUDIT
OF
THE ACCOUNTS OF
THE WATER COLLECTOR
OF
The Town of Williamsburg
For the Period from
March 28, 1954 to March 1, 1955
Made in Accordance with the Provisions of Chapter 44, General Laws
Water Department
Water Rates - Accounts Receivable Ralph R. Mason, Water Collector
Outstanding March 28, 1954 $2,021.23
Commitments March 28 to
December 31, 1954 4,298.89
$6,320.12
Payments to treasurer
March 28 to December 31, 1954 $4,224.96
Discounts and abatements
March 28 to December 31, 1954 327.61
Water liens added to taxes 1954
March 28 to December 31, 1954 480.25
Outstanding December 31, 1954
1,287.30
$6,320.12
Outstanding January 1, 1955 $1,287.30
Commitments January 1 to March 1, 1955 4,704.41
Water liens added to taxes 1954, erroneously 11.00
Payments in advance of commitment
January 1 to March 1, 1955
11.25
$6,013.96
Payments to treasurer
January 1 to March 1, 1955
$3,225.11
Discounts and abatements
January 1 to March 1, 1955
319.61
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Outstanding March 1, 1955, per list, recommitted to Ruth T. Mongeau, water collector
2,469.24
$6,013.96
Water Miscellaneous - Accounts Receivable
Outstanding March 28, 1954
$409.37
Commitments March 28 to
December 31, 1954 79.80
$489.17
Payments to treasurer
March 28 to December 31, 1954
$179.74
Outstanding December 31, 1954
309.43
$489.17
==
Outstanding January 1, 1955
$309.43
Commitments January 1 to
March 1, 1955 3.00
$312.43
Outstanding March 1, 1955, per list, recommitted to Ruth T. Mongeau, water collector $312.43
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Report of Tree Warden
Labor, chainsaw & trucks
cutting and disposal of trees
$291.64
Harry W. Warner, Jr., labor
49.50
Paul Waite, tree climber
59.00
Robert S. Loomis, labor
2.25
Herbert Kellogg, tractor & truck
60.75
Charles Kellogg, labor
4.50
Henry Warner, labor
8.25
James Childs, labor
16.50
$492.39
Number of trees cut
5
Number of trees cabled
1
Storm damage limbs removed
DUTCH ELM DISEASE
Labor, chainsaw & trucks
cutting and disposal of trees
$195.54
Harry W. Warner, Jr. labor
48.00
Paul Waite, tree climber
92.00
Robert S. Loomis, labor
32.25
Herbert Kellogg, tractor & truck
72.60
John B. Vollinger, rental of 2-man chainsaw
21.00
$461.39
Number of trees cut
5
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Samples were obtained from 7 elm trees suspected of being diseased. These were taken to the University of Massachusetts for testing, and five were found to be diseased. These five trees were removed. At least two elms and 1 maple should be removed this year.
Respectfully submitted,
DAVID L. DEWEY,
Tree Warden
63
Library Report
Mrs. John Winne served as librarian during 1955 but resigned at the end of the year.
We have had the services of the Bookmobile again this year and have had a good number and variety of books. Consequently, we have not had to buy so many books and have been able to purchase a much needed new desk for the use of the librarian and keep under our appropriation.
Books added in 1955 62
Books on hand
3227
Circulation 4900
Fines
$7.73
Many of the children's books and some of the adult fiction are in very bad condition and will be discarded early in 1956.
Respectfully submitted,
LULA SMITH
LORA PHINNEY
MAUDE E. SANDERSON
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Report of Board of Health
The Board of Health submits the following report for the period of January 1, 1955 to December 31, 1955 :
A Well Child Clinic was held in each Village school with a total of 113 children being examined.
Anti-Polio shots were administered to children of each Village whose parents requested them; there being a total of 120 children who were administered the first injection.
A total of 120 children in Grades 1 and 2 were given Polio Vaccine with the permission of the parents. The second injections were held up pending the State Department of Health's decision which hasn't been clarified, as they may include the children up through the 14-age group if funds are made available.
The Eating and Drinking Establishments in Town have been inspected by the Board.
The Board has maintained a careful inspection of animals and slaughters with the good work of our inspectors.
The Town Dump is still a problem as we have had too many outside residents making use of it with- out our permission. We may have the solution to that now as we have had a gate erected and keep it locked during the week, opening it only on Saturday and part of Sunday under the supervision of a caretaker. Any resident wishing to use it at any other time may do so by obtaining a key from any member of the Board.
65
Pertaining to the Monthly Rubbish Collection, we ask the cooperation of the Townspeople in that rubbish be put in containers that one man can handle and should not include whole pieces of furniture or home furnishings.
The Board operates the Garbage Collection under the State Health Laws and requests the residents not to include paper, cans, corn husks and shell sea food which cannot be cooked in their garbage.
Respectfully submitted,
BERNARD A. REARDON, Chairman of the Board
66
Report of the Police Department
Streets patrolled week-ends and holidays.
Sixteen accidents were reported and inspected by Police.
Nine persons received injuries (none fatal).
Two were taken to the hospital by the Police.
Several cars stopped and drivers warned.
Two licenses suspended by the Registrar on re- quest of Chief.
Four patients taken to the State Hospital by the Police.
Four stray dogs taken to S. P. C. A. Shelter.
Five dogs hit by autos (two were killed), (two destroyed), (one taken to a veterinary).
Four persons complained that they were bitten by dogs.
Thirty-seven summonses served for outside depart- ments.
Twenty-eight complaints taken before the District Court.
4
Drunkenness
Vagrancy 1
Speeding 4
Failing to stop for flashing red light 1
Operating without license 1
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Operating under influence 1
Driving so as to endanger 1
Leaving scene after doing property damage
2
Operating car, no insurance 1
Operating car, no registration
1
Failing to have windshield stickers
5
Trespassing
1
Disturbing the peace
1
Larceny
3
Assault and Battery
1
28
Twenty-four persons pleaded or were found guilty.
Four persons found not guilty-twenty-six males, 1 female.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES H. CROSS,
Chief of Police
68
Report of Fire Department
During the year of 1955, this department has oper- ated with two companies. No. 1 in Williamsburg and No. 2 in Haydenville.
Patrick Larkin of Haydenville was appointed As- sistant Chief and Lester Wells of Williamsburg as Cap- tain.
There were 31 alarms answered as follows.
7 House Fires
6 Chimney Fires
3 Haydenville Dump Fires
3 Vehicle Fires
1 Gasoline Engine Fire
11 Grass and Brush Fires
Captain Ackerman from the Greenfield Fire Depart- ment held an 8 week training course for the men in Com- pany 1 this last summer. This course gave the men some excellent training in modern fire fighting. The same train- ing was to be given to the men of Company 2 but due to cold weather, it was decided to wait until spring of 1956.
312 open air fire permits were issued, 50 bottled gas and 68 oil burner inspections were made.
A new set of controls for the siren in Williamsburg was installed to make the alarm easier to operate.
300 feet of 11/2" fire hose along with numerous small pieces of equipment were added to the department.
69
All our equipment was tested by the New England Fire Insurance Rating Association this year, the results as follows :
1. Engine 1 and 2 both pumped over 500 gallons of water per minute at 120 lbs, head pressure per square inch. This is the requirement for the equipment. Con- sideration should be given to replacing Engine 1 in Wil- liamsburg with a new triple combination pumping engine having a capacity of at least 750 gallons per minute.
2. A new fire station be constructed to replace the present Haydenville station. This building should be of a modern design, constructed of fire resistive materials and be of a sufficient size to provide safe and adequate housing for the apparatus, provisions for the storage and care of hose and equipment, adequate facilities should be provided also for fire department meetings.
3. A complete spare shift of hose for each pumper should be provided at the fire stations. This consists of 1000 feet of 21/2" double jacket, rubber lined hose.
During the flood of last August, 36 cellars were pumped out. This pumping involved 136 man hours which were given as a service by this department, under emer- gency conditions, to save property from damage there was no cost to the individual concerned. We do not normally do this.
It is strongly recommended an addition be added to the station in Williamsburg to house the tanker that is so badly needed by our out districts and for forest fires.
I wish to thank the Selectmen for their advice and help during the past year, also the excellent cooperation and willingness of the men in the fire department.
Respectfully submitted, HOWARD SANDERSON, Fire Chief
70
47
-
Visiting Nurse
To the Selectmen
Town of Williamsburg
The Visiting Nurse, Mrs. Mabel Shumway, reported that a total of 550 calls were made during the year 1955.
The Annual Well Child Clinic was held in June with Dr. Fredrica Smith attending Pediatrician. A total of one hundred and thirteen children were examined, forty- four in Haydenville, and sixty-nine in Williamsburg.
Following is the financial statement for the year : Receipts for 1955 :
Nurse's collections
$550.00
Donation for use of hospital bed
10.00
Rent of card tables
4.00
Total receipts
$564.00
Expenditures :
Gas for nurse's car
$212.00
Old Age Tax paid for nurse
14.00
Supplies for nurse's use 1.02
Spray for funeral of Asso. director
5.00
Nurse's salary $1,300.00
less taxes withheld
150.20
1,149.80
Taxes for'd to Gov. 140.50
1,290.30
71
Less Town appro. 1,200.00
90.30
322.32
Excess of receipts over expenditures
$241.68
Respectfully submitted,
HELEN J. DRAKE, President
12
Report of Arbitration Committee on Carl King Property Damage Claim
Selectmen of the Town of Williamsburg,
Williamsburg,
Massachusetts.
Gentlemen :
In accordance with the appointment of the Moderator at the Town Meeting in February, 1955, the undersigned met at the premises of Carl T. King and Cora King, on Mountain Street, in Haydenville, at ten o'clock A.M. on Saturday, December 17, 1955, examined the premises, as- certained the portion taken by the Town for highway purposes in the year 1953, and conferred relative to a fair appraisal of that damage.
It was determined that the taking had consisted of a plot extending the whole length of the land owned by the said Kings, approximately twelve hundred (1200) feet in length, and with varying depths from zero to twenty (20) feet. Examination disclosed that a substan- tial portion of the front lawn of the house on the premises had been taken; that the taking included all of the land on which a hedgerow or windbreak stood, and a substantial section of a gravel bank.
The figures of each of the appraisers were of con- siderable variance, but after considerable discussion, a compromise and modification, basing the basic elements of damage on (1) damage to the lawn; (2) loss of wind-
73
break, which was beneficial because the land behind it has been utilized for many years for the raising of tobac- co; (3) loss of gravel bank; (4) loss of the land itself ; and (5) the taking of several substantial trees, was reached and that a fair figure to compensate the owners of the property would be Five Hundred Dollars ($500.).
Respectfully submitted,
LEWIS BLACK,
Appraiser, representing the Town of Williamsburg.
EDWIN P. DUNPHY,
Appraiser, representing the owners, Carl T. King and Cora King.
LAURENCE D. RHOADES,
Indepedent Appraiser, selected by the other two ap- praisers.
74
Report of Committee on Old Cemetery
Board of Selectmen Williamsburg, Mass.
Dear Sirs :
This is to report to you what has been done in regard to the Town cemetery this year.
Through the splendid cooperation of Howard San- derson, we have managed to get the weeds and brush cut once. Some of the larger bushes were cut a second time; all leaning stones on the North and East sides have been straightened ; the entire area was burned in the spring to be rid of the worst of the standing refuse; poison ivy was sprayed, the total cost being less than $40.
It was noted that a large maple had dropped dead branches breaking some stones and with many other dead branches ready to fall at any time, very possibly on some person at the Town's liability. Through the cooperation of the Tree Warden, we obtained a tree climber who trimmed the tree and removed the refuse for the sum of $35., making the total cost to the town less than $75. this year.
There is much more work to be done and it is recom- mended that :
1. A power mower be purchased so that the ceme- tery could be mowed at least 10 times a year, thereby aiding nature to establish a smooth surfaced lawn. Mr. Sanderson has located a mower we believe to be suitable for this purpose.
75
2. The remaining stones should be righted. Some would require a small power hoist.
3. All new ivy sprouts should be dealt with at once to ensure permanent eradication.
4. Trees cut in 1948 have again sprouted up, some along the edge have grown up to 4 inches in diameter and are crowding stones.
5. I suggest that the selectmen request the voters to appropriate $200 for care and maintenance of the cemetery and the sum of $150 for the purchase of a sickle, tractor mower with extra power attachment.
Respectfully submitted,
CARL M. HEMENWAY
76
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
OF THE
Town of Williamsburg
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1955
School Organization
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Kenneth Sherk, Chairman, Tel. 295 1956
Mrs. Eleanor Ballway, Secretary, Tel. 260 1956
Norman F. Graves, Tel. 248 1958
Miss Eleanor Mansfield, Tel. 227 1957
Stanley Soltys, Tel. 4253 1956
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Lucius A. Merritt Tel. 299
Office, Anne T. Dunphy School Tel. 770
SUPERVISOR OF ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
J. Walter Richard, Amherst
Tel. 770
SUPERVISOR OF ART
Mary B. Hitchcock, Worthington Tel. 2551
SUPERVISOR OF PENMANSHIP
Rinehart System directed by Mrs. Elizabeth Koss
SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Olive A. Healy, West Chesterfield
Tel. 2355
SPECIAL READING TEACHER
Jean Snow, Williamsburg
Tel. 4322
SCHOOL PHYSICIANS
Dr. Joseph Hobbs, Williamsburg
Tel. 260
Dr. Ruth Hemenway, Williamsburg Tel. 3241
78
SCHOOL NURSE Mrs. Barbara Swanda, Williamsburg Tel. 572
SUPERVISORS OF ATTENDANCE
H. Merrill Bisbee, Williamsburg Tel. 4762
Charles Sabo, Williamsburg Tel. 3581
MEETINGS OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Last Wednesday of each month
TEACHERS' MEETINGS
At call of Superintendent
HELEN E. JAMES SCHOOL
Tel. 4421 TEACHERS
Tel.
Principal, Anne T. Dunphy : Latin, Civics, Guidance
Haydenville 4781
Peter P. Vall : Science
30 City View Ave., W. Springfield
4-3648
Robert Branch : Math, History
61 Meadow Street, Florence
4554
Mrs. Frances M. Grinnell : Commercial
32 Conz Street, Northampton 1348
Miss Maria Lovechio : English, Debating
81 Edgeland St., Springfield
Re 3-5592
Mrs. Lula B. Smith : English Haydenville 282
Earl F. Tonet : French, Athletics, World Geo., Driver Education
387 Florence Rd., Northampton 1197-M
Mrs. Anna B. Curtis : Grade 7 Chesterfield 2011
79
Miss Martha Dickerman : Social Studies, Jr. High Science 106 Main St., Spencer, Mass. 8391
Henry Hmieleski : Jr. High Arith., Boys' Physical
Education
Williamsburg 784
Mrs. Joanne Wolff : Social Studies, World History,
Girls' Phys. Ed.
Amherst Rd., Sunderland, Mass.
ANNE T. DUNPHY SCHOOL
Tel. 770
Principal, Edith D. Foster, Grade 6 Williamsburg 4211
Mrs. Margaret Breckenridge, Grade 5 Williamsburg 525
Mrs. Eleanor Soden, Grade 4
16 Massasoit St., Northampton 5160-M
Mrs. Dorothy R. Colburn, Grade 3 Williamsburg 3891
Mrs. Gertrude Ramstrom, Grade 2 Haydenville 522
Mrs. Sophia D. Eaton, Grade 1
Williamsburg 537
HAYDENVILLE SCHOOL
Tel. 4912
Principal, Margaret Trainor : Grade 6 Haydenville 4732
Mrs. Marion Hickey, Grade 5 Haydenville 4301
Mrs. Priscilla Kostek, Grade 4 Haydenville 4733
80
Mrs. Ruth Nash, Grade 3 Williamsburg Mrs. Doris Tilley, Grade 2 Williamsburg Miss Mary Crampton, Grade 1 Haydenville
3344
4485
3221
SCHOOL CENSUS-OCTOBER 1, 1955
16 Yrs. or
Williamsburg
5-7
7-16
over
Boys
33
118
14
Girls
19
99
16
Total
52
217
30
299
Haydenville
Boys
22
85
12
Girls
21
88
4
Total
43
173
16
232
Combined Total
95
390
46
531
SCHOOL CALENDAR 1956-1957
Tuesday, September 4, 1956
Staff Meeting
Wednesday, September 5, 1956
Schools Open
Friday, October 5, 1956
Schools Closed-Franklin County Teachers' Convention
Friday, October 12, 1956
Schools Closed-Columbus Day
Monday, November 12, 1956
Schools Closed-Veterans' Day
Wednesday, November 21, 1956
Schools Close at regular time for Thanksgiving Holiday
81
Monday, November 26, 1956 Friday, December 21, 1956
Schools Open
Schools Close at regular time for Christmas Holiday
1957
Wednesday, January 2, 1957 Friday, February 15, 1957
Schools Open
Schools Close at regular time for Winter Vacation
Schools Open
Monday, February 25, 1957 Friday, April 12, 1957
Schools Close at regular time for Spring Vacation
Monday, April 22, 1957
Schools Open
Thursday, May 30, 1957
Friday, June 7, 1957
Schools Closed-Memorial Day Elementary Schools Close for Summer Vacation
Thursday, June 20, 1957
High School Graduation High School Closes
Friday, June 21, 1957
Elementary School 175 days High School 185 days
NET EXPENDITURES FOR SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS
Year 1955
Total Expenditures for Support from All Sources $131,322.25
Income on Account of Schools :
1. General School Fund $24,866.40
2. Transportation Reimbursement Chapter 679 5,914.50
82
3. Smith's School Reimbursement 2,777.97
4. High School Tuition, Chester- field, Goshen, Westhampton 5,332.60
5. Superintendent's Reimburse- ment 1,368.66
6. State Wards' Tuition and Transportation 1,122.00
7. Cash Sent to Treasurer 171.65
Total Income 41,553.78 Net Expenditures from Local Taxation $89,768.47
Report of School Committee
To the Townspeople of Williamsburg.
Greetings :
The committee, made up of Mrs. Eleanor Ballway, Miss Eleanor Mansfield, Stanley Soltys, Norman Graves and Kenneth Sherk chose Kenneth Sherk as chairman and Mrs. Ballway as secretary.
The group held more than the usual number of meetings to discuss and make decisions in regard to the operation of the school system. The expansion of the system afforded by the acquisition of the Anne T. Dun- phy School presented many new problems.
The upper six grades were combined to form a Junior-Senior High School, grades 7 and 8 representing the junior part. These grades were divided to obtain groups as uniform as possible and all groups are being prepared to enter senior high school in the course of their choice, college preparatory, commercial, or general. The program is departmentalized, using different teach- ers for different subjects. This program allows us to use the abilities and interests of our teachers to the greatest benefit of the students. A closer correlation of subject matter within the system should lead to im- proved student progress. We are indebted to Miss Dun- phy and the High School staff as well as to the Princi- pals of the Elementary Schools for much sound advice and many valuable suggestions concerning the program of studies.
A limited physical education program has been in- corporated into the Junior-Senior High School system.
84
Each student in grades 7 through 12 has one eighty minute period each week in gymnasium for supervised physical education.
The new cafeteria began operations and serves lunches in three shifts for the Williamsburg groups. Hot lunches are also prepared and transported to the students at the Haydenville School.
The scheduling of classes, gym periods, lunch periods and study periods presented serious difficulties. The present schedule is the product of much time and thought contributed by many persons. It is the best that could be done with the staff and facilities at hand. It is far from ideal. We hope to be able to improve this situation next year.
The partition between the two classrooms in the basement of the Helen E. James School has been re- moved and the combined space converted to a study hall and library. Thus, no studnt will spend his school day in the basement. Such study materials that we have are readily available to the students in this large room which is equipped with study tables and chairs.
There have been a gratifying number of students from the surrounding towns attending the Junior-Senior High School. They help to broaden the social and the scholastic aspects of the school. In addition, the town receives a significant remuneration from their tuition.
The Committee feels that the school facilities should be used as much as possible for the benefit of the com- munity. Thus, the gymnasium has been used by local groups nearly every evening. The cafeteria has been used for a variety of meetings. The conference room is used by the Town Secretary during the day and for meetings of several of the town committees in the eve- ning.
85
Our relations with the Superintendent, staff, and parents have been satisfying. We thank them all for their patience and support.
KENNETH SHERK
January 17, 1956
Chairman
86
Superintendent's Report
To the Members of the School Committee :
Herewith is submitted the annual report of the Superintendent of Schools. It is the thirty-fifth since the beginning of the present series and the fifty-fourth since the formation of the original school union. This is also the third report since Union #56 was formed.
The dedication and the opening of the new Anne T. Dunphy School at Williamsburg was the outstanding event for our schools during the year. This modern building has six attractive classrooms, a spacious gym- nasium, a most pleasant cafeteria and kitchen, efficient offices, and many other up-to-date facilities. It is a beautiful building which provides badly needed space for our expanding educational program. The new gym is in almost constant use by the schools as well as by many local groups. Meetings are also held in other parts of
the building. It is truly becoming a most important center for the whole community. The building commit- tee deserves our deepest appreciation for the time and thought which they gave in getting this splendid build- ing completed. The life and activities of our towns- people will be greatly influenced by it.
Another important step for the school union as a whole was taken when it was decided by that committee to employ a supervisor of elementary instruction. After a study of the work required by the superintendent, it was found that Union #56 would have 57 teachers on its staff, 6 janitors, 14 cafeteria workers, 3 secretaries, and 18 bus operators. In addition there were nurses, doctors, dentists, truant officers, and others who serve
87
the schools on a part time basis. A total of 111 persons were employed in the district. It was also necessary to attend 70 - 80 school committee meetings during the year. Appropriations amounting to nearly a third of a million dollars were used in carrying on the school work of the towns in this group. Because of the above facts, and on the recommendation of the superintendent, it was deemed wise to add an elementary supervisor to the staff.
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