USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Lincoln > Town Report on Lincoln 1951-1955 > Part 50
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Respectfully submitted,
Albert Avery Walter Bogner
Lucy E. Bygrave Arthur T. Howard
Russell P. Mahan, Chairman
74
SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE
REPORT OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE
The Committee is happy to report that work on the addition did progress in a favorable manner, and the building was completed in ample time for occupancy at the beginning of the school season in September, 1955.
While the occupancy of the building has been satisfactory, there are still a few loose ends. The Committee will not con- sider the work satisfactorily completed until these loose ends have been fully and adequately taken care of from the point of view of the Town.
The Committee is also happy to report that, while the appro- priations for the addition totaled $150,000.00, it now appears cer- tain that more than $20,000.00 of the appropriation need not be used. While every effort was made by the Committee to provide a building which would be adequate and satisfactory to the School Committee and to the Superintendent, the Committee also stressed the desirability of keeping well within its budget. In situations of this sort, where the Town entrusts a Committee with funds for a building for educational purposes, the Committee feels it has a duty not only to provide an adequate and satisfactory building, but also to conserve funds to the extent possible.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrew J. Dougherty
Stanley Heck Ernest P. Neumann Elizabeth J. Snelling
Elliott V. Grabill, Chairman
-
75
Education and Recreation
REPORT OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
Public libraries are as characteristically American as are public schools and are an important part of the educational sys- tem. With the growth of Lincoln, an increase in the physical needs of both must be obvious to everyone. To a great extent the needs of the schools are being fulfilled. The library needs are becoming urgent.
In ten years the number of borrowers has increased from 676 to 1,076 and the circulation from 12,289 to 22,922. Available book storage space has been utilized to the point where for each book added one must be discarded. In thirty years the number of books per capita has dropped from ten to five and a fair average for libraries of our size is seven plus. Lacking are a children's room and adequate stack room, librarian's room and public toilets.
The trustees have given much thought to the problem and have presented their views to the Committee on Future Capital Needs, who, in turn, have made recommendations in their report. It is hoped that the Town will give them serious consideration.
An increase in the Library budget for 1956 has been deemed necessary. Some items are necessary because of costs beyond our control and others from an economical view of meeting some immediate and near future needs at this time.
As has been true in the past, many persons have shown an interest in the Library and its services. Not the least of these have been our Librarian and her Assistants; Mr. Mann in the care of the tower clock; friends of the late Dr. Place and Mrs. Anna Bean; Mrs. Thiessen adds to the collection of books in memory of her daughter; and others with gifts of books and ser- vices. Following this report is a list of donors. We hope that there are no omissions, and, if so, they are unintentional and we trust will be forgiven.
The Librarian's report follows.
Alice G. Meriam John W. Carman Edmund W. Giles George G. Tarbell Roland C. Mackenzie Trustees
76
LIBRARY
LINCOLN LIBRARY
Open Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from three to nine p.m. Closed on legal holidays.
Statistics 1955
Number of volumes, January 1, 1955
15,644
Number of volumes added by gift
185
Number of volumes purchased
490
Number
of volumes withdrawn
665
Number
of volumes, December 31, 1955
15,654
Number
of borrowers, December 31, 1955
1,076
Number of days open
151
Amount of fines collected
$440. 40
Circulation
Fiction
6,747
Non-fiction
3,676
Juvenile
11,022
Periodicals
1,477
Total
22,922
77
EDUCATION AND RECREATION
List of Donors to the Library in 1955
Mrs. John Adams
Mrs. Lawrence B. Anderson
Mrs. Stuart B. Avery
Mrs. Henry S. Bean
Mr. Charles V. Briggs
Mrs. Secor Browne
Lincoln League of Women Voters Miss Ruth Lyon
Cambridge Research Center
Mrs. Paul E. Marsh
Mrs. Edwin M. Cole
Mrs. William J. McCune
Miss Leslie Miller
Philip DeNormandie
Mr. Dana Murphy
Robert DeNormandie Mr. Richard J. Eaton
Mr. Foster Nystrom
Miss Katherine O'Sullivan
Mrs. Jack W. Paulsen
Mrs. Neil H. Powell
Mrs. J. Leslie Rollins
Mr. John Sterner Mr. George G. Tarbell
Miss Deborah Taylor
Mrs. John B. Tew
Mrs. Arthur E. Thiessen
Mrs. Quincy W. Wales
Mrs. Elliott Hedge
Miss G. H. Weston
78
1
Miss Olive B. Floyd
Ford Motor Company
Mrs. Norman W. Fradd
Miss Norma Fryatt
Girl Scouts - Troop 2 Mrs. Allen A. Griffin Mr. Norman Hapgood Dr. Joseph S. Hart
Mrs. Harry R. Healey
Mrs. Stan ley Heck
Miss Jodie Henderson
Miss Carolyn Jagger
Mr. Henry B. Kane
Mrs. William T. King
Cub Scout Pack Committee
Miss Hazel H. Newton
BEMIS LECTURES
BEMIS FREE LECTURES
The Trustees have been questioned increasingly as to why the Bemis Free Lectures are still held in the Town House when facilities superior for public lectures are available in the School. It is hoped by many that the legal obstacle, which now prevents the use of another location, could be changed. The Trustees welcome comments about this, especially wishing to hear if there is any opposition from any Lincoln citizens. Popular programs do tax the seating capacity of the Town House. Also should a change in location take place, lectures in which music plays a part could then be offered once again.
The Trustees are always grateful for program suggestions and those received have been often a source of the best lectures. There is a continuing effort to offer a range in subject matter.
Members of the audiences attending the lectures have noted with satisfaction the general good behavior of the young people . and the Trustees are grateful for the co-operation of parents in this matter.
Additions and changes in the mailing list should be sent to Mrs. Elizabeth Causer at the Town House.
Respectfully submitted,
Christopher W. Hurd, Chairman Mabel H. Todd Leonard C. Larrabee
79
EDUCATION AND RECREATION
REPORT OF THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE FOR LINCOLN
The County Extension Service is a part of the Land Grant College System and is associated with the University of Massa- chusetts and the United States Department of Agriculture.
The three departments of the County Extension Service are Agricultural, Home Economics and 4-H Club Work.
In the Agricultural Department, formal programs are conduct- ed in poultry, turkey, dairy, general livestock, fruit, vegetables, flowers, forestry, home gardening and landscape care. The agri- cultural program is conducted on a regional basis with many towns participating in the numerous meetings and other events.
The Home Economics Department program is designed to help the homemaker in her search for information regarding problems of home and family life. Subjects covered are foods and nutri- tion, clothing, home furnishings and management, family economics, child development and recreation. Meetings are held in local communities or on a regional basis depending on the subject.
4-H clubs offer opportunities to young people to learn more about all phases of Agriculture and Home Economics. The suc- cess of 4-H Club work depends entirely on the volunteer local leaders who freely give many hours teaching the projects carried on by the clubs. The excellent work done by these youngsters was exhibited at the 4-H Achievement Day in May and the Middle- sex County 4-H Fair in August. A 4-H camp at Ashby is opera- ted for weeks each summer and provides nature study, crafts, swimming and healthful living for the 4-H'ers of Middlesex County.
The 4-H clubs in Lincoln, with about 34 members, are the Horse Club, led by Mrs. John Carman with the assistance of Mrs. Arthur Thiessen and Mrs. Peter Helburn; and the Agricultural Club, led by the Messrs. Almon Huff, John Carman and William Ross. Among the achievements of members of these two local clubs in 1955 are: three County winners (achievement, sheep and poultry), a State and National winner in poultry, a delegate to the Junior Leaders' Conference at Amherst, a member of the County Poultry Judging Team, a member of the County Horse Judging Team and a winner of the Middlesex County Fair Association Special Award for Fitting and Showing (horses).
Respectfully submitted,
Robert D. Donaldson Town Director
80
RECREATION COMMITTEE
LINCOLN RECREATION COMMITTEE
The Summer Playground enjoyed its customary popularity as shown by a substantial increase in the number of young people attending this past summer as compared with the previous years.
With Albert Reed as supervisor, Pauline Ashness as instructor of handcraft and David Donaldson as junior instructor, a fine pro- gram of basketball, tennis, softball, baseball, croquet, horseshoe pitching, gymnastics, ping-pong and handcraft was offered to boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 14 years.
Professional tennis instruction was offered one afternoon a week for five weeks, and proved so popular that our plans for this year include an expansion of this activity.
Weekly cook-outs and picnics were also received enthusiastic- ally, as well as several get-togethers with playgrounds from near- by towns and an occasional trip to Whalom Park and the annual field day.
This well-rounded program could not be carried on if it were not for the co-operation of the School Committee in making cer - tain school facilities available, for which we are very appreciative.
The fall tennis tournament for adults had a record number of entries. Throughout the summer the courts were constantly in use and we believe that we have reached the saturation point of accommodation from two courts.
The winter program of badminton in the evening and basket- ball on Saturday afternoons is again proving popular with adults and young people.
We were fortunate to secure the services of Judith Sherman as a junior instructor when Albert Reed was forced to request a leave of absence for the remainder of the summer on August 1.
Respectfully submitted,
Albert Avery John Carman Astrid Donaldson Roland Robbins
Edward D. Rooney
Sadie J. Sherman
David Todd
Ethan Murphy, Chairman
81
EDUCATION AND RECREATION
DeCORDOVA AND DANA MUSEUM AND PARK
Report of the Executive Director for the year 1955
In 1955 the deCordova Museum observed its fifth anniversary - five years of serving the public - five years which have shown steady growth in class enrollment and public interest. The ex- hibition policy of showing the best contemporary art regardless of style has won an ever-widening circle of devoted gallery visi- tors. The criticisms which are occasionally levelled at individ- ual exhibitions are the same criticisms voiced nationally against the extremes of contemporary art. This is the healthiest kind of reaction and keeps all of us who work daily in this field alert to the constant necessity of examining our standards. The artist will paint - and will paint what interests him. We must do our best to select those who are outstanding for their artistic con- tributions . Our exhibition job thus becomes two-fold: to offer the most characteristic cross-section of current work available, and to offer a show place for the artist and public to meet.
In line with this policy, the Museum presented three large group shows last year. One, in particular, was of enormous public interest -- "American Painting, 1955," which opened on October 9, to celebrate the Fifth Anniversary of the Museum. Over 800 people came on the opening Sunday to view this exhibi- tion which included almost all the leading American artists work- ing today. "States and Territories," a travelling exhibit circu- lated by the Container Corporation of America, proved to be a popular group of paintings, especially interesting because of the unusual three dimensional display arrangement. "New Talent, USA," gave us the opportunity to present a number of younger painters and sculptors whose work had not been shown in Greater Boston. Some other highlights were two major architectural shows, a group of five photographers, three craft shows, and twelve one-man shows. In all, twenty-six separate exhibitions were held last year.
SCHOOL
No drastic changes occurred in the school program for 1955. Interest continued to run high as demonstrated by the fact that enrollment last fall reached a new high of 750, taxing available space and facilities to capacity. The addition of several new classes to the curriculum accounted for much of this increase; a course in Landscaping and Horticulture accounted for about 20
82
DeCORDOVA AND DANA MUSEUM AND PARK
and a workshop course offered to elementary school teachers in the area "Understanding Children's Art," accounted for 20 more. The balance was distributed throughout the regularly scheduled classes.
I wish to express my thanks to the teaching staff for their consistently capable, sympathetic instruction and for their con- tinued effectiveness in winning new friends for the Museum and for the arts. Maintaining the high standard of previous years, they have enabled us to offer not only a first-class adult educa- tion program, but also a children's program whose calibre, we quite candidly feel, is unsurpassed.
SPECIAL EVENTS
In a crowded schedule of concerts, lectures and special events in 1955, a few stand out in retrospect. £ The gala "Festival of Granada," an annual event, was imaginatively conceived and splendidly presented. £ The Co-Chairmen, Mrs. Elliott Hedge and Mrs. William Swift, their Committee and their countless assis- tants, receive our praise and thanks. This event, coupled with the successful Quest for Eldorado, added $1500 to the Museum Building Fund.
The Coronet Ball provided a social highlight of measurable proportions. The regally-outfitted lords and ladies of the realm, the only distantly related Monarch of the Jungle, the Monarch of the butterfly world -- all assembled in the Great Hall for an en- chanting evening.
September saw a lawn party planned ostensibly to introduce the instructors of 1955-56. The drawing power was the Calypso magic of Bermuda's Talbot Brothers. Over 1000 captivated visitors thronged to the Museum for this musical party.
Highlighting the 1955 concert program was the second public performance of a dramatic composition for percussion, "Evolu- tion," conducted by the talented composer Harold Farberman. Even the dubious went away convinced that this work was in it- self an exciting performance and evidence of a creative talent of · great potential.
A children's concert, unique in that the children sat among the performers, was presented to about two hundred parents and children Sunday, December 4th. The personal charm of Mr. Colin Slim, conductor of the performing group - The Concord Orchestra - and the novelty of watching the conductor and hearing
83
EDUCATION AND RECREATION
the instruments at close range combined to make the affair thoroughly enjoyable for all ages.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
January 22 JAZZ CONCERT - George Wein of Storyville (Preview opening of Stamos, Bliss, Siporin show)
January 23 THEODOROS STAMOS - "Why Nature in Art"' - lecture
January 27 FRANCIS JUDD COOKE - "The Perform- er's Role in Music" - lecture
February 6
FAMILY CONCERT - "Old and Contem- porary Music" - first in a series arranged by Anne Gombosi
March 4
ALAN SAPP - "The Composer's Role in Music" - lecture and concert with Allen Barker, Robert Brink and Jean Northrup
March 26
"THE CRAFTSMAN TODAY" - a forum with William Wyman, Norman Tannenbaum and Frederick Walkey
March 27
FAMILY CONCERT - "Pictures in Music"- for Easter
April 7
HAROLD SPROUL - "What Music Can Do" - lecture with concert of songs
April 24, May 4, 11, 18
WEAVING SEMINARS - lecture series by Edward Schwartz and Stanley Backer of M. I. T.
April 29
THE CORONET BALL - Annual Spring Dance
May 6
HANS KRIEKS - "Evolution of Contem- porary Design" - lecture
May 20
MORNING CHORALE CONCERT - chorus under the direction of Mary Loud
84
DeCORDOVA AND DANA MUSEUM AND PARK
May 22
FAMILY CONCERT - "The Serenade" - Berkshire Woodwind Quintet in an outdoor concert
June 11
THE FESTIVAL OF GRANADA - annual spring festival
September 18
INSTRUCTORS' PARTY - Calypso music with the Talbot Brothers
November 11 PERCUSSION CONCERT - The Boston Percussion Group, Harold Farberman, director
November 14
ANNI ALBERS - series of seminars on weaving and design
to 18
November 19 JOHN VAN KOERT - lecture on Scan- dinavian Crafts
December 4
CHILDREN'S CONCERT - The Concord Orchestra, Colin Slim, Conductor
ASSOCIATES
Each year, to date, I have been able to report an increase in the number of associates who have joined during the previous year. Happily, this year is no exception - we extend a welcome to ninety-two new associates. In many ways this is a measure of our success and an incentive to continue our efforts to keep the programs entertaining and of high standard, to provide ex- hibitions with variety and quality, to offer instruction consistent with the exacting standards of the past, and thus to warrant the faith of the 619 Associates of the deCordova Museum.
Respectfully submitted, Frederick P. Walkey Executive Director
85
EDUCATION AND RECREATION
DeCORDOVA AND DANA MUSEUM AND PARK
Report of the Directors for the year 1955
The deCordova Museum has this year exhibited the same steady growth which has been characteristic of the past. Attend - ance, number of Associates, and class enrollment have all in- creased, and operation of the Museum runs smoothly.
Class enrollment has now reached the physical capacity of the Museum to contain it, and we, the Museum Directors, are aware that if the continued and increasing demand for more classes is to be satisfied, provision must be made for more class room space at the Museum.
We wish at this time to extend thanks to all those friends whose unselfish efforts have contributed so much to the success of the Museum, and to the staff, upon whose loyalty and persever- ance the smooth functioning of the Museum depends.
Respectfully submitted,
Charles H. Blake, President John Quincy Adams, Vice-President Arthur E. Thiessen, Treasurer Elizabeth J. Snelling, Clerk Polly F. Brown Stanley Heck Helen Wiley
86
REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
REPORT OF THE LINCOLN-SUDBURY REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
In March of 1955 thecitizens of Lincoln and Sudbury elected three members of the Lincoln-Sudbury Regional District School Committee from each Town to serve one, two, and three year terms to replace the original Regional School Committee appointed to serve from April 7, 1954.
Sudbury citizens elected Mrs. Elizabeth B. Harding to serve a one year term, Luther M. Child, Jr. to serve a two year term, and Howard W. Emmons to serve a three year term. Lincoln elected Malcolm L. Donaldson to serve a one year term, William A. Wilson to serve a two year term, and Victor A. Lutnicki to serve a three year term. Four present members were members of the first Committee with Dr. Emmons and Mrs. Harding re- placing John G. Woods and Robert S. Childs.
The Committee continued the planning of the high school build- ing with the assistance of Anderson, Beckwith and Haible, Archi- tects, and Dr. Herold C. Hunt, Dr. Douglass B. Roberts and Dr. Rexford S. Souder as Educational Consultants. Following publicly advertised bids the firm of J. F. Rand & Sons was awarded the contract on May 11, 1955, to construct the building. The building is about 60% completed at this time and is scheduled for occupancy in September, 1956.
The Committee has completed the purchase of two parcels of land included in the School Site. Negotiations with the owners of the remaining parcel, which was taken by eminent domain, are being handled for the Committee by its legal counsel, the firm of Ropes, Gray, Best, Coolidge and Rugg.
During the year, the Committee authorized two borrowings, one in the sum of $100,000, and a second in the sum of $1,400,000 to cover cost of land purchase, planning, constructing and equipping the building. Interest rates of 2.2% and 2.4% were bid by the low bidders.
After a thorough review of candidates for the position of Superintendent of Schools, the Committee selected Dr. Rexford S .. Souder, Superintendent of the Sudbury-Wayland Schools. Dr. Souder assumed these duties in September. He also continued as Superintendent of the Sudbury Schools.
87
EDUCATION AND RECREATION
The Committee and Superintendent have given much time to the planning of the standards and organization of the professional staff, the curriculum, and student grouping and guidance policies. These policies are stated in a brochure which was distributed in January. They carry forward the determination of this Com- mittee to provide an educational opportunity for our children which is of the highest quality.
The Committee has greatly appreciated the generous support of the townspeople and will continue to welcome suggestions for the effective development of our school.
Respectfully submitted,
Malcolm L. Donaldson Howard W. Emmons Elizabeth B. Harding William A. Wilson Victor A. Lutnicki, Vice Chairman Luther M. Child, Jr., Chairman
88
REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
LINCOLN-SUDBURY REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Treasurer's Report
Cash balance, January 1, 1955 $ 7,855.90
Cash Receipts :
Bond Issues
$ 1,500,000.00
Premiums on Sales
1,696.00
Interest on Sale
6.11
Temporary Notes
400,000.00
Town of Lincoln
9,885.00
Town of Sudbury
16,020.00
Commonwealth of Massachusetts ..
64,675.63
Withheld Taxes
314.03
Withheld Teachers Retirement
75.00
1,992.671.77
$2,000,527.67
Cash Disbursements :
U. S. Treasury Bills *
$ 646,365.50
Temporary Notes
400,000.00
Interest on Notes & Bonds
2,191.67
Withheld taxes
106.27
Withheld Teachers Retirement
75.00
Contractor
552,325.00
Architect
64,546.18
Land acquisition & operating costs
29,290.59
1,694,900.21
Cash Balance, December 31, 1955
$ 305,627.46
* This item is the investment of temporarily excess cash. In 1956, we will receive income of $5,356.50 on investments made prior to February 15 and expect to invest additional amounts.
Lloyd W. Lovering Treasurer
89
School Committee
Report
to the
Town of Lincoln
FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 1954-1955
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
SCHOOL CALENDAR 1956-1957
September 3
Monday ·
Labor Day
4-7
Tuesday-Friday
Staff Organization and Workshop
10
Monday
School Opens
October
15
Monday
Columbus Day Recess
November
12-16
Monday-Friday
Education Week
12
Monday.
Veterans Day Recess
22-23
Thursday-Friday
Thanksgiving Recess Christmas Vacation,
December 21
Friday
Closing
January
2
Wednesday
School Resumes Winter Vacation,
February
15
Friday
Closing
25
Monday
School Resumes
March
22
Friday
Teachers' Visiting Day
April
12
Friday
Spring Vacation, Closing
22
Monday
School Resumes
May
30
Thursday
Memorial Day
June
14
Friday
Summer Vacation, Closing
14
Friday
·
Commencement
17-21
Monday-Friday
Staff Organization and Workshop
Additional Calendar Data
It is planned to continue the policy of no school on Wednesdays for the first grade until the Christmas Vacation with the exception of October 17, November 14 and November 21.
Kindergarten morning and afternoon sessions will reverse on January 28, 1957.
Staff Meeting Half Days will be the second Wednesday of each month except September, December and June.
90
EDUCATION AND RECREATION
ORGANIZATION
Term Expires
John W. Carman, Chairman
1956
(Mrs.) Elizabeth Donaldson
O 1957
Ernest P. Neumann o O
O 1958
Meetings: Regular: First Tuesday of each month:
7:30 P. M. at the Superintendent's Office.
Called: Third Tuesday of each month usually and other meetings as stated; time and place designated.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Douglass B. Roberts, Concord Road, Cl. 9-8760 Office at Smith School, C1. 9-8172
SECRETARY TO SUPERINTENDENT
Solvay G. Valentine
BUILDING PRINCIPALS Robert B. Patch Smith School, C1. 9-8333
Louis J. Sapienza Center School, C1. 9-8462
CLERKS (Mrs.) Clara E. Powers, Smith School (Mrs. Edith W. Harvey, Center School
CUSTODIANS Harold V. Sheridan, Smith School Charles Mayo, Smith School Robert J. Hartel, Center School
OFFICE HOURS
School Days . . 8:30 A. M. to 4 P. M. School Vacation . . 9 A. M. to 4 P. M.
O
O
O
0
o
o
O
o
O
o
o
o
O
C1. 9-8172
O
O
91
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
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 of 6: 30 and 7:30 A. M. On stormy mornings, if convenient, tune in on two or more stations since it is not always possible to get messages through to several stations 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 WEEI
1030K WHDH 850K
590K WNAC 680K
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. Announcements referring to Lincoln and merely stating "No School" will apply to elementary pupils only.
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