USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Lincoln > Town Report on Lincoln 1951-1955 > Part 19
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154
Amount of fines collected
$265.00
Circulation
Fiction
6,217
Non-Fiction
3,107
Juvenile
7,413
Periodicals
1,525
Total
18,262
135
EDUCATION AND RECREATION
Bemis Free Lectures
The Trustees wish to call to the attention of the towns- people that suggestions in regard to programs are always welcome. Over a period of time many ideas given to the Committee have been the source of excellent lectures. There is a conscious effort each year on the part of the Committee to provide variety in the content of the pro- gram offered to suit the varied interests of the towns- people.
Income and Expenses of the Trustees are shown in the report of the Commissioners of Trust Funds. It is well to note that the current fees for first class lecturers are noticeably higher than in years past, but that the income remains approximately the same. This fact limits the number of lectures the Committee is able to provide.
Again it should be pointed out that musical programs are limited because of the piano in the Town House. Perhaps the question of the location of these lectures should be discussed by the townspeople and legal advice sought as to the possibility of having the lectures in the New School in future years.
The Bemis Mailing List is an address list intended to reach all households in Lincoln. The list is available for use on the payment of a fee by others in mailings to Lin- coln residents. It is now kept at the Town House and additions or subtractions should be given to Mrs. Causer. It is still requested that permission for its use be asked of the Trustees in order to protect Town property and the inhabitants of Lincoln.
CHRISTOPHER W. HURD, Chairman LEONARD C. LARRABEE MABEL H. TODD
137
EXTENSION SERVICE
Report of the Work of the Middlesex County Extension Service in Lincoln
The Middlesex County Extension Service is an organi- tion maintained by the County in cooperation with the University of Massachusetts and the United States De- partment of Agriculture to serve the citizens of the Town in the field of agriculture and home economics. The work is carried on under the guidance of the Town director who is assisted by the chairman in homemaking and boys and girls 4-H Club work.
The County office makes farm and home visits to help when requested and, in addition, carries on organized projects County-wide under the guidance of farmers' and homemakers' service on County committees.
Radio service is maintained weekly on WBZ; monthly on WHDH and five days a week during the summer on WKOX. A monthly bulletin with a circulation of 5,000 is maintained and timely notices of interest to dairymen, fruit growers, market gardeners, poultrymen and com- mercial florists are sent to anyone as requested.
Some of the special-activities of local interest follow. Dairymen were primarily interested in cooperating in the New England-wide Green Pastures Program, the Dairy Herd Improvement Association, Owner-Sampler work and Selective Breeding.
The Extension Poultry Program in 1952 was keyed to help poultrymen and turkey growers to improve the effi- ciency of their operations, maintain flock health and take better advantage of their marketing opportunities. Ef- forts were made to provide breeders with information which might help them to hold their prominent place in the industry and routine service was provided in all phases of poultry and turkey farming.
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EDUCATION AND RECREATION
George Browning, Jr., of Conant Road, participated in the 1952 Middlesex Flock Health Program.
A spray service is maintained by radio to all fruit. growers as well as market gardeners. Fruit growers also follow closely the weekly twilight meetings held during the growing season to keep abreast of production and marketing problems. There has been an increased de- mand from home owners for information on vegetables, flower gardens and lawns.
Twenty-one boys and girls carried on 4-H activities in garden, poultry, livestock and clothing under the lead- ership of Mrs. Medford Huntley, Almon Huff and Donald Burgess. Local Club members won honors at the County Fair. Carleton Huff was the outstanding rabbit exhibitor. Laurie Cannon won First on his American chinchillas. Hildred Snelling and Marilyn Bloome won First in cloth- ing classes. Five girls took part in County Girls' Day in Lexington. Ten Club members attended Camp Middle- sex.
$18 in prizes donated by Robert D. Donaldson were awarded to Club members doing the best work. The four highest awards went to David Donaldson, Carleton Huff, Lawrence Cannon and Philip Cannon.
ROBERT D. DONALDSON,
Town Director.
139
RECREATION COMMITTEE
Lincoln Recreation Committee
The summer playground continues to attract more children each summer. Under the supervision of Mr. Edward Czarnowski a full eight week program of diversi- fied activities was offered to the children of the com- munity on the summer playground. A few of the activi- ties enjoyed by all were baseball, softball, kickball, new- combe, tumbling, tennis, croquet, horseshoes, volleyball, and many other team and individual games.
An extensive arts and crafts program was carried out by our woman director, Miss Nancy Geutch.
Tournament play in various sports was carried on throughout the summer. Many quiet games were offered for the younger set. The older boys participated in a playground baseball league with the neighboring com- munities and the girls played in a softball league with the same towns.
Various trips were taken through the season: a boat trip to Provincetown, two visits to the major league base- ball games, and two trips to Whalom Park.
The season closed with a playday. At this time rec- ognition was given to those who had won the tournaments during the summer.
The annual spring and fall adult tennis tournament continues to attract new players each year and provide enjoyment for fans as well as players.
Invited by the School Committee to make use of the new gymnasium we are planning to try several activities during the remainder of this year on an experimental basis. If the response is sufficient and cost not too great these activities will become a permanent part of a year- round program.
Respectfully submitted,
ASTRID DONALDSON DAVID TODD
SADIE SHERMAN WILLIAM DeFORD
EDWARD ROONEY JOHN GARRISON
ROBERT GRAY MALCOLM DONALDSON
ETHAN MURPHY, Chairman
140
EDUCATION AND RECREATION
Report of the Memorial Day Committee
In accordance with the Vote of the Town Meeting of March 3, 1952, Memorial Day Exercises were held on May 30, 1952, with appropriate ceremonies at the three cemeteries and at the Memorial in front of the Library.
The exercises concluded with an address by Mr. Wil- liam Rand at the Town House.
The Committee extends its thanks to the Town officials, Boy and Girl Scouts organizations and townspeople for their cooperation in helping to pay fitting tribute to those who served their country in the causes of Freedom and Democracy.
Respectfully submitted,
MRS. MARY HENDERSON MRS. EVERETT SHERMAN REV. MORRIS ROBINSON E. DONLAN ROONEY METRO FEDOCK, Chairman
141
DE CORDOVA MUSEUM
Report of the deCordova Museum
We are happy to report that the DeCordova and Dana Museum has continued to make good progress in the last year. We should like to thank all those who have con- tributed to this progress.
A more detailed review of the Museum's activities is contained in the report of our executive director
Respectfully submitted,
The Directors JOHN QUINCY ADAMS, President JANE K. VANCE, Vice President PEARSON HUNT, Treasurer ELIZABETH SNELLING, Clerk CHARLES H. BLAKE
RICHARD S. MERIAM
ARTHUR E. THIESSEN
REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Staff
Frederick P. Walkey Joseph Hodgson Nancy Luxford Mavis Derby Karl Lahnstein
Floriy Campobasso John Witherton
Executive Director Director of Education Assistant to Director Registrar Building Superintendent Caretaker Guard
Perhaps the most significant factor to be considered when assessing the importance of any Art Museum is the growth of such an institution. This growth can be
142
EDUCATION AND RECREATION
measured by the actual physical increase of the plant itself, or by improved effectiveness in the area which it serves. While the buildings of the deCordova Museum have remained unchanged, the response by the public to our services and the functions have increased tremen- dously in the past year. We have every intention of con- tinuing to increase our services, wherever possible, over larger and larger areas, but each new undertaking by the Museum brings us up sharply against a situation which makes us more and more dependent on you, our present or potential supporters.
No finer compliment can be bestowed on us than that which is made by each individual who becomes an Asso- ciate of the Museum. Here is the tangible evidence of approval, and each payment makes our hope of expansion a greater reality.
Recently the figures on the number of our Associates were published, and the most recent total has reached 236. This shows an increase of 10 Sustaining Associates, 33 Professional Associates, and 74 Associate over the past year. The figures are most encouraging, but we hope to increase the total still further. It is very apparent that our future growth must depend on the support of many hundreds. The trust income from our benefactor, Julian deCordova is not sufficient to cover the activities in which we wish to engage if the Museum continues to develop as it must.
A small town cannot support a museum alone. It needs the help of all those in the surrounding communities whom it serves. Recognizing that we have good friends in these surrounding communities, we have instituted an advisory committee of citizens from the nearby towns around Lincoln to advise us on the particular needs of their towns, which might be more effectively served by the Museum than by any other existing institution, and to help us with public relations.
The staff at the Museum has seen several changes during the past year. Lorena Hart resigned to travel
143
DE CORDOVA MUSEUM
abroad with her husband. Virginia Slade decided to re- tire, and Mrs. Sheldon Briggs, part-time clerical assistant, left for full-time employment. Now two new people have come to the Museum. Mrs. Mavis Derby has taken over the position as Registrar, Mrs. Nancy Luxford is the Assistant to the Director, who, along with her office duties, will take charge of publicity and act as member- ship secretary.
This report would not be complete without special thanks and recognition to Karl Lahnstein, Floriy Cam- pobasso and John Witherton, who are responsible for the appearance of the Museum and Park. No institution can surpass us in this. It is a source of great pride to all who work at, or are associated with the Museum.
The change-over in staff is perhaps the best indication of the rapid growth of the Museum. One office can no longer handle the diverse functions peculiar to this in- stitution. The School now requires a full-time Registrar, who, in addition, also handles all financial matters and serves as librarian. The Museum office, thus freed from the School, will be able to do a more consistent job with publicity and can undertake and promote special func- tions, such as concerts, movies, and lectures.
The School
The growth of the Educational program of the Museum has been most encouraging. The classes continue to ex- pand, and each term we have been able to offer more and more diversity of subjects. The Fall term of 1952 saw the largest enrollment in the children's classes of any since the program was first instituted, the total of reg- istrations reaching 315. This compares significantly with the enrollment figure of 250 in 1951, and with 150 in 1950. When we consider that the registrations from the Town of Lincoln have remained about the same for the past three years, it becomes apparent that the services which the Museum renders to the surrounding communi- ties is needed and appreciated.
144
EDUCATION AND RECREATION
Increased enrollment in the adult classes has also been apparent. More than 160 registered in the fall term in the courses in water color, oil painting, drawing, block- printing, jewelry and silver smithing, sculpture, ceramics and music appreciation.
Such enrollment figures are in a large measure due to the excellence of the outstanding teaching staff. The young, enthusiastic group of instructors, most of them artists in their own right, are under the supervision of Joseph Hodgson, Director of Education. Those of you who have taken classes will already be familiar with the names of Merrilyn Delano, Florence Hollingsworth, Rob- ert Grady, Marion Weston, Barbara Ahern, Lois Tarlow, Paula Graham, and Kalman Novak. The entire group receives our sincere praise and commendation for carry- ing out the Museum program so effectively.
In the Fall of 1952, an organizational meeting of the deCordova Camera Club was held, and since then the Club has grown, through the efforts of its chairman, Robert Brown of Lincoln, into an energetic group of fifteen who meet biweekly at the Museum,
Exhibitions Program
The Museum's exhibition program for 1952, presents, in retrospect, an interesting array of great variety. A total of 30 special exhibitions were held beginning in January with an invitation watercolor show by many of New England's outstanding artists. This exhibition "With A Sable Brush" received excellent press notices for its scope, ninety paintings, its variety and quality. Two other large group shows, the annual exhibition of the New England Chapter of Artists Equity in March and the traveling portion of the Boston Independent Art- ists Exhibition, both regional in character, provided our visitors with a cross section view of the many current trends, styles, and approaches of most of the region's better artists.
145
DE CORDOVA MUSEUM
Sculpture was presented by four one-man shows and a group show. The sculptors' search for form through the increasing use of unconventional mediums was amply demonstrated in a choice selection from the New England Association for Contemporary Sculpture. The one-man presentations included those of Alfred Duca and Peter Abate, Daniel Kornblum and Charles Chase. Variety in sculpture was achieved with the diverse efforts of Korn- blum, who works with driftwood and depends heavily on nature's vagaries, to Chase, who went directly to nature for inspiration, carving birds with great skill and ad- mirable craftsmanship.
For further demonstration of our unceasing support of the local artists, the always popular annual exhibition of the Boston Printmakers was held in November. Other drawing and print exhibits were held, including a re- freshing and appealing display of linoleum cuts by Elaine B. Livingston. Twenty prints from this exhibit were sold, a record to date for any one show. Crafts shown included jewelry, silver, ename's and hand woven textiles.
The month of May was given over to the camera artists in New England when the Museum sponsored a New England-wide juried contest entitled "New England, a Photographic Interpretation." Jules Aarons, who was at that time photography instructor at the Museum, was chairman of the exhibition which was comprised of sev- eral sections: one from the Library of Congress, one from Standard Oil, a group of five selected New England photographers, and finally the entries to the contest. American Photography carried a feature story on this exhibition as did the New York Times, which sent its photography editor to cover the event.
The ten one-man painting exhibits were climaxed by one of the Museum's most important efforts. With loans from museums, collectors and the Rosenberg Gallery in New York, the Museum was able to present the work of Karl Knaths, one of America's foremost artists. We thank all the individuals and institutions who contributed
146
EDUCATION AND RECREATION
to the 1952 exhibitions, for without their help the pro- gram as outlined would not have been possible.
Each year we come closer to fulfilling our promise of making the Museum a cultural center with sufficient variety in its program to attract everyone occasionally. The program for 1953 promises to be lively and instruc- tive, as we have scheduled for March an exhibition from the Corning Glass Museum called "The History of Ameri- can Glass." This will be followed in April by the annual Massachusetts Crafts Exhibition, which proved so pop- ular at the Worcester Museum last year. They both war- rant your attention, and a visit to the Museum.
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERICK P. WALKEY Executive Director.
School Committee
Report
to the
Town of Lincoln
For The School Year 1951 - 1952
148
EDUCATION AND RECREATION
School Calendar 1953-1954
September 7-Monday. .......... Labor Day
8-Tuesday
Staff Organization and Workshop
9-Wednesday. School Opens
October 12-Monday Columbus Day Recess
November 11-Wednesday. Armistice Day Recess
12-Thursday. Annual Open House 26-27-Thursday-Friday Thanksgiving Recess
December 23-Wednesday. Christmas Vacation, Closing
January 4-Monday School Resumes
February 19-Friday
Winter Vacation, Closing
March 1-Monday. School Resumes
19-Friday Teachers' Visiting Day
April 16-Friday
Spring Vacation, Closing
26-Monday.
School Resumes
May 31-Monday
Memorial Day
June 16-Wednesday. Summer Vacation, Closing 18-Friday. Commencement
21-25-Monday-Friday Staff Organization
ADDITIONAL CALENDAR DATA
It is planned to continue the policy of no school on Wednesdays for Grade 1 children through November 12, 1953.
Kindergarten morning and afternoon sessions will re- verse on February 1, 1954.
Staff Meeting Half-Days will be the second Wednesday of each month except September, December, and June.
149
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Organization
Term Expires
MALCOLM L. DONALDSON, Chairman.
1953
(MRS.) LUCY E. BYGRAVE
1954
ERNEST P. NEUMANN
1955
MEETINGS: Regular: First Tuesday of each month; 7:30 p.m. at the Superintendent's office. LI 6-0333.
Called : Third Tuesday of each month usually and other meetings as stated; time and place designated.
Superintendent of Schools ANDREW J. MANGES, Lincoln Road, LI 6-0103-J Office at New Elementary School, LI 6-0333
Secretary to Superintendent SOLVAY G. VALENTINE, Lexington
Building Principals
ROBERT B. PATCH, Dunstable New Elementary School, LI 6-0333
LOUIS J. SAPIENZA, Everett Center School, LI 6-0462
Clerk - Center School (MRS.) EDITH W. HARVEY, Weston Road
Office Hours
School Days-8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. School Vacation - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
No-School Signals
Local signals will be given on our fire alarm system:
7:10 a.m. 3-3-3 repeated at 7:15 a.m. 3-3-3
Radio station announcements will be read between the period 6:30 and 7:30 A.M. On stormy mornings, if con-
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EDUCATION AND RECREATION
venient, tune in on two or more stations since it is not always possible to get messages through to several sta- tions in the brief time allotted us. Please refrain, too, from tying up local phone lines to school officials and bus operators during the morning hour, 6:30-7:30. We try to contact all of the following when it is necessary to announce "No School:"
WBZ
1030K WHDH
850K
WEEI
590K
WNAC 1250K
If an announcement is read, "No School - All Schools" it will mean that no buses will operate and high school pupils will govern themselves accordingly. Announce- ments refering to Lincoln and merely stating "No School" will apply to elementary pupils only.
During extremely stormy or cold weather, parents are urged to exercise their own judgment in sending the younger children.
151
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Report of the School Committee
To the Town of Lincoln :
In 1947 Lincoln had two school buildings, the Center School and "the little red school house" in the south part of the Town. The latter belongs to the Codman estate, and under terms of the will the building can be used by the Town only for public school purposes. Elementary school enrollment in October, 1947 was 259 pupils. Some classrooms had thirty-five or more pupils, and there was much agitation for a new building. It was forecast that the enrollment would be 300 by 1949.
At last the new building was constructed and opened in the fall of 1949 with an enrollment of 347. The South School was then closed. The problem of what to do with the Center School took care of itself as all rooms in that building were still needed for the large primary classes, which were divided to provide more individual instruc- tion for the younger children.
By the fall of 1951 enrollment had reached 384 pupils, and the need for still more classrooms, in the near future, was becoming obvious. The New School addition was voted that year. In the meantime, to provide for the en- rollment of 445 pupils in the fall of 1952, the South School was reopened and the former shop room in the Center School was equipped as a classroom. We expect to move into the new addition in February, 1953. In the meantime, enrollment has reached the new high of 453. At this rate, it will require the registering of two more in-coming classes and we will have doubled the enrollment of five years ago.
Hence it is obvious why our budget has risen and risen fast. More pupils mean more teachers, more books, more supplies, and more school buses. More classrooms mean more janitor service, more supplies, and more main- tenance. We now have 22 teachers compared to 11
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EDUCATION AND RECREATION
teachers five years ago. To attract good teachers our salary schedule has been raised. As a result our staff has many capable teachers and the rate of turnover among them has been reduced. Today experienced teach- ers are not only coming to us, but, once added to the staff, they are staying with us, thereby making it pos- sible to establish a plan of teaching with some continuity. The Lincoln Schools are becoming less and less a training ground for young teachers looking for a year or two of teaching experience before applying for a position in the larger school systems of the metropolitan area.
Increased enrollment has put a strain on our transpor- tation facilities. As new houses appear about town, more miles must be covered to gather more pupils, all this in the same number of minutes in the morning. In the near future we may ask more pupils to walk further to bus stops or to school buildings. Two old buses have just been replaced to insure reliable service. We have finally abandoned the old, complicated bus contracts, under which we have been operating, wherein the Town bought the buses. We have adopted a type of contract with bus operation on a straight mileage basis with the contractor supplying everything required to provide the service.
As the school plant increases in size it becomes neces- sary to make further provisions for operation and main- tenance. The 1953 Budget shows a considerable increase in these departments. The former has to do with the new addition, while the latter provides for care of the Center School. Maintenance of this building has been too long neglected. The roof, gutters, and coping need attention. All outside trim needs painting. Doors and windows need glazing and caulking. To provide for ade- quate maintenance and equipment of buildings we have now set up a five year plan which should lighten the burden for any one year.
At this time we would like to mention the secondary school problem we may soon be facing. The large classes which have slowly been advancing through the elemen-
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
tary grades will soon reach the high school level. This applies to other towns as well as Lincoln, and there is a question how long Concord and Weston will be able to accommodate our students in their high schools. Regional high schools are being talked of more and more, high schools which would be supported by two or more adjacent towns. More than a year ago we met with the School Committees of Weston, Wayland, and Sudbury on several occasions for general discussion of this prob- lem. So that we may be fully posted on current develop- ments we are apointing a committee to study the regional high school problem and to consult with the proper au- thorities in nearby towns.
Outside our own immediate Lincoln School activities, the School Committee has attended several meetings sponsored by the New England School Development Council, thereby enabling ourselves to keep abreast of current thinking and to discuss with other School Com- mittees problems similar to our own. In February, we were invited by NESDEC to send a representative to help plan the agenda of the annual spring meeting in Cambridge. Other committeemen came from Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. We were pleased to have our town and schools so recognized.
In March, the superintendent was granted a short leave of absence to attend the Annual Meeting of Elemen- tary School Principals at the University of Massachusetts where he had been invited to participate as a panel consultant. He also represented our schools at the Annual Meeting of the American Association of School Ad- ministrators held in Boston last April.
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