USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1931-1935 > Part 6
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There have been 69 cases of mumps, 4 cases of measles, 2 cases of German measles, 40 cases of impetigo and scabies, about evenly divided, and 22 cases of Ven- ereal diseases reported in various ways.
Thanking all who have in any way co-operated with the board in preserving the public health,
We are respectfully,
CHARLES W. EATON, JULIUS B. CHANDLER, CARL J. SANTHESON, Jr.,
Board of Health.
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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE, 1930
Through local and county-wide meetings of farm- ers and homemakers, through timely circular letters, through the 4-H clubs organized for the boys and girls of the county, and by means of personal correspondence, individual service to farmers and members of their fam- ilies, and by assisting in the orderly marketing of agri- cultural products, the Plymouth County Extension Ser- vice, during 1931, co-operated with every town in the county in bringing to its citizens information regarding agriculture and homemaking. Very nearly six thousand families in the county have received assistance, informa- tion, or advice from the Extension Service this past year.
Attendance at agricultural meetings increased from 4,000 to over 6,300. Office calls have doubled and tele- phoned requests for information increased by 50%. There was a 50% increase in homemakers attending extension groups and the number attending single meet- ings was doubled. Membership in 4-H clubs has con- tinued its steady growth with an increase of 50% in visits to club members.
Owners of cranberry bogs in Duxbury found the special service in this subject of great value. All men owning bogs received regularly circulars and letters, containing suggestions on pest control and bog manage- ment. Twenty-one personal visits to bog owners were made by Mr. Short, the cranberry specialist, in order to give information and advice on special problems. Sev- enty-three men received regularly information on agri-
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cultural matters through letters or bulletins, and in all 36 visits were made to leave suggestions or advice on definite problems. Poultrymen and dairymen of the town regularly attended the various meetings and tours ar- ranged by the extension service. During the rat con- trol campaign, 49 packages of especially prepared bait were supplied to citizens of the town at cost.
Both North and Center Duxbury have partici- pated in the year's home program. At both centers there have been organized groups in children's clothing and garment finishes. North Duxbury has also completed a unit of work in home management. The town also par- ticipated in nutrition projects and in our letter service in gardening and canning.
A fine 4-H clothing club was organized in Duxbury this past year. The girls are fortunate in having two splendid women as leaders and also in being able to have the Ashdod School as their 4-H club house. The girls won a banner seal for their club charter which means 100 per cent of the members enrolled completed all requirements and received club pins.
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REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN OF DUXBURY FREE LIBRARY, INC.
Nineteen thirty-one was the busiest year the Dux- bury Free Library has seen to date. Both attendance and circulation appreciably surpassed any former record. In round numbers 16,000 persons used the library for reference, magazine reading, studies connected with school work, or for borrowing books. The 13,169 books given out during the year represent a large gain over the figures of any preceeding year.
It is not possible that the circulation will rise much above this for some time to come. The saturation point for a town of Duxbury's population and a library whose budget is quite limited seems to have been reached. It may be true here as has been found to be the case in other localities that when times are hard library attend- ance shows a definite tendency to increase.
During the year new cases were added to the chil- dren's room and the rotunda. The bookcase system of the latter is now complete. By it the newer books, both fiction and non-fiction, are centralized under proper lighting, and made more accessible to the public. The arrangement also lessens the routine work of restoring returned books to their shelves.
Accessions, both as to number and range, have kept pace with the increasing circulation. Many patrons have given generously. The Board of Directors wish to ex- press through the medium of this report their thanks to the various donors.
Respectfully,
FISHER AMES,
Librarian.
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REPORT OF THE TREASURER OF THE DUXBURY FREE LIBRARY, INC.
Statement of Income and Expenses of th eDuxbury Library for 1931.
January 1 Cash on hand
$248.94
Income from invested funds :
Wright Fund
$2,785.92
Winsor Fund
382.50
Hathaway Fund
102.62
Harding Fund
88.75
Duxbury Hall
150.33
Insurance rebates, etc.
107.87
Interest on deposits
1.37
$3,619.36
Balance to principal
157.81
Bonds sold
10,378.75
$14,404.86
Expenses :
Wages
$720.00
Miss Higgins
550.00
Books
759.79
Supplies
43.07
Operation Supplies :
Coal
$182.00
Light
52.80
Telephone
46.70
Water
37.10
Cleaning
57.25
Repairs
82.05
$1,270.00
$457.90
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Parker Chandler
145.01
Audit
5.00
Investments
10,536.56
Accrued interest
78.33
Cash on hand December 31st,
1,109.20
$14,404.86
Although we appear to have a favorable balance at the end of the year, most of this amount will be used up by the time that this report is printed, by various items which have been contracted for and which will be paid from this fund.
WILLIAM H. YOUNG,
Treasurer.
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REPORT OF CEMETERY TRUSTEES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Duxbury :
Another year has rolled by and we again submit to you our Annual Report for 1931. Much and varied has been the work accomplished in this department dur- ing the past year.
The cemeteries have all been raked and mowed sev- eral times during the past year as usual. Sixteen old lots have been rebuilt and sixteen new ones have been made ready for use and the ground cleared for as many more. All lots possible have been top dressed this fall and others will have the same care in the spring.
Forty-five graves have been raised and we would recommend the use of cement burial vaults whenever possible as this keeps graves from ever settling and saves much expense in years to come.
The fences around Mayflower, Ashdod and Stand- ish Cemeteries have been given a coat of paint.
Some more of the avenues have been given a coat of stone dust and water pipes have been extended to the lower part of the cemetery.
A great deal of work has been done on the trees this past year. The Davey Tree Experts took out five large trees that were dead and had they fallen, would have caused much damage for which the town would have been liable. We are much indebted to Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Hill for the two beautiful evergreen trees pre- sented to the cemetery which were planted in the oval in front -of the tomb, also the Misses Ford for the cedar trees given us.
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Many grave stones have been reset and thirteen new foundations have been made.
Ten lots have been placed in Perpetual Care in 1931.
There have been twenty-four interments of those who died in town and twenty-five from out of town dur- ing the past year.
As the lots are fast being taken there is much work to be done during the coming year.
We thank our townsmen for their co-operation which has helped us to carry on our work and ask for their continued help during the year 1932.
Respectfully submitted,
ALBERT M. GOULDING, Chairman,
JOHN SIMMONS, Secretary,
THEODORE W. GLOVER, ERNEST H. BAILEY, THOMAS W. HERRICK,
Trustees.
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MEMORIAL COMMITTEE REPORT
After discussing Memorial suggestions including those for a monument and a chapel at the cemetery, your committee finds that the Legion desires a community building, a memorial to Veterans' of all wars.
The building desired would be available for all worthy purposes at all times and would contain the town offices.
The Legionnaires made it very clear that there is no selfish motive behind their selection and realize the time is not right for financing but feel that the matter may be further investigated pending return of better times.
Your committee therefore hopes that the town will appoint a committee to submit tentative architectural plans, location and probable cost.
ERNEST WADSWORTH,
Chairman,
FRANKLIN BRETT, CHARLES BETTINGER, ERNEST BAILEY, WALTER G. PRICE, Secretary.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN of DUXBURY
For the Year Ending December 31st 1931
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Charles R. Crocker, Chairman Term expires 1933
Miss Agnes S. Ellison, Secretary
Term expires 1934
Dr. George M. Mayers Term expires 1932
Regular meetings of the school committee are held in the High School building at eight o'clock on the even- ings preceding the first and fifteenth of each month.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
George E. Green, Duxbury, Massachusetts Office Telephone : Duxbury 346
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Dr. N. K. Noyes, Telephone : Duxbury 12
SCHOOL NURSE AND ATTENDANCE OFFICER
Miss Annie L. Williams, Telephone: Duxbury 175
STAFF
George E. Green, Bates College, Boston University, Principal, High School.
Leroy N. MacKenney, B. A., University of Maine, Sub- master, High School.
Harold K. Halpert, A. B., M. A., Brown University, Latin, High School.
Kenneth O. Macomber, Gorham Normal, Manual Train- ing, High School.
Amelia E. Hausman, B. A., Middlebury College, High School.
Winifred E. Sanders, B. A., Bates College, University of New Hampshire, English, High School.
Ruby Kelley, Maine School of Commerce, Boston Uni- versity, Commercial, High School.
Thelma S. Friedrich, B. S., Massachusetts State College, Domestic Science, High School.
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Ellen W. Downey, Partridge Academy, Seventh Grade, High School.
Margaret J. Coffin, Washington State Normal School, Sixth Grade, High School.
Jennie White, Bridgewater Normal, Fifth Grade, High School.
Mary Abbie Baker, Partridge Academy, Tarkiln Prim- ary School.
Lena Peterson, Salem Normal, Tarkiln Primary School. Sarah Paulding, Partridge Academy, Columbia Uni- versity, Harvard, Village Primary School.
Gladys Pratt, Bridgewater Normal, First Grade, Point School.
Gladys Fulcher, Hyannis Normal, Village Primary School.
Samuel Warner, Boston Art Club, N. E. Conservatory Art Department, Supervisor of Drawing.
May Blaire McClosky, Music Supervisor.
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Duxbury :
The School Committee herewith presents its report for the year 1931.
The past year has been one of quiet progress in our schools, the usual repairs and unkeep of the differ- ent school buildings have been made, with special atten- tion being given to the grounds around the Tarkiln School. On account of the new State Highway passing some distance away, and the old roadway being re- moved, the Committee felt that the time had come to re- grade the lawn, lay out new driveway to the school building, and clear away unnecessary trees and under- growth, in accordance with a plan made by Mr. Brett, of the Planning Board. This has all been done and this Spring should show a great improvement in the appear- ance of this school property.
As usual, several new teachers in the High School building were necessary, to replace those leaving for other positions, among them being Dr. Baptist, our French teacher, whose leave of absence from his school in Belgium, had expired.
The Committee mentions the visit of the State Chadwick Clinic for detecting signs of Tuberculosis in the school children, and its final report of only five reactors to their tests after the examinations of nearly 75% of the total number of pupils enrolled in the schools of Duxbury.
The Committee approves of the increasing inter- est of graduates of the High School, particularly the
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young men, in attendance at the State aided Trade Schools. Several of our Duxbury boys are fitting them- selves for worthwhile positions, by attending the Bos- ton Trade School.
The School Committee has recognized the present financial condition and has gone over its budget for 1932-33 with carefulness, exempting all new expendi- tures and will ask for the sum of $46,500.00 and the dog tax for the coming year, as mentioned in the Superintendent's report.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES R. CROCKER, Chairman AGNES S. ELLISON, Secretary GEORGE M. MAYERS, D.D.S.
School Committee.
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REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT
To the School Committee of Duxbury :
It is during periods of labor depression, such as the one that now spreads over the country, that our school enrollment faces its greatest inflation. Young people unable to find other employment, return to school sometimes in search of the least irksome way of pass- ing the time, but more often because they realize the fu- tility of attempting to earn a living without special train- ing and skill in a particular field. In Duxbury, the school enrollment is further increased by the fact that many families are finding it more agreeable to live in a smaller community, during this trying period, and are staying with us for the winter months.
These conditions have brought about an increase of ten pupils in our high school; while our elementary schools show, for the same period of time, a decrease of three pupils. The high school curriculum is much more diversified than that of the elementary school. This means more equipment and more teachers, all of whom have to be highly trained specialists consequently re- quiring larger salaries than the grade teachers. These factors make the cost of a year of high school for a child practically double that of a year of elementary school. These conditions should be given consideration as we plan the budget for another year.
During the past year, there has been very little change in the methods of instruction or in the courses offered. We have introduced in the middle grades, vari- ous devices for stressing character-building and tried to impart greater amounts of health information, by intro-
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ducing into the reading activities such material as will develop knowledge of the needs of a good strong, robust body. The method of teaching spelling, which proved so successful in the lower grades last year, has been ex- panded through the fifth and sixth years of school. We continue the twenty-minute period of required super- vised play in the open air daily. The Home Economics Department has seen a change of teachers and the courses have shown marked improvement. Standard achievement tests have been used regularly as a check-up on the work being accomplished in each grade. The stress on musical training is as strong as ever.
ACTIVITIES
Our School magazine increased in size from four to eight pages, and during the school year 1930-31, showed sufficient financial profit to warrant giving a scholar- ship of one hundred dollars to a member of the gradu- ating class in June. The musical clubs have increased in size and more children than ever before, are now taking lessons on various instruments. Basketball flour- ished during the winter season, both as an inter- scholastic and inter-class activity. In the spring, the Junior and Senior High Schools were each represented by baseball teams, and from the standpoint of games won, averaged successful seasons. It is an ever present burden to plan the financing of these athletics in a com- munity as widely scattered as Duxbury. The attendance at our games is so small that often we find the receipts will hardly pay for the necessary official. Proper equip- ment, such as new backboards for basketball and new lockers for shower baths, was installed by the athletic association. The cost of these items so nearly crippled our finances that, during the past fall, we found it neces- sary to put on several drives for raising money. These were successful to the extent that we were practically out of debt at the beginning of the new year.
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REPAIRS
A considerable sum of money has been spent this year on repairs and new equipment. It seemed advis- able to lay a cement floor in the basement room at the southwest corner of the High School building. This place had been used for storage and the dirt floor was not only unattractive in appearance, but also a bother since dirt was constantly being tracked into the lunch room. We found also that storage space was necessary in the attic of the new High School building, and in order to make this available, we found it necessary to lay a floor in the south end of the upper story. There was trouble from northeast and southeast rains driving through the brick-work of the ends of the building. To eliminate this and to protect the interior ceiling and walls, two coats of linseed oil and turpentine were ap- plied over the entire exterior surface. The manual train- ing department benefited from the purchase of a new scroll saw, and it was necessary to replace two worn- out typewriters in the commercial department. A new stereopticon for educational use in the auditorium has opened up many possibilities of visual aid to classroom instruction. At Tarkiln, the floor of the south building which had needed attention for a good while was brought to a level surface and new flooring put down. We also spent much time and money in regrading the lawns around this building, laying out drives, and trimming up the trees which prevented a clear view of the school yard from the new road, which has recently been com- pleted in the west part of the town. The slate black- boards, which were given to us by Mr. Flannery of the Old Sailors' Home, were installed at the Point School and at Tarkiln, so that now every schoolroom in town has the best of slate boards. At Village School it was neces- sary to put in several small cesspools to care for the drainage from the roof during heavy storms. We also
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found it advisable to weather strip all windows on the west side of this building.
GIFTS
The trustees of Partridge Academy Fund awarded the 1931 scholarship to Miss Alma Merry, who is attend- ing Massachusetts State College. The Auxiliary and the Sons of Veterans in commemoration of the spirit of the G. A. R., presented us with three flags for outdoor use and three silk flags to be displayed in class rooms. These flags were distributed at the Village, Point and Tarkiln Schools. Mr. Warner, Supervisor of Art, continued to demonstrate his unselfish interests in our school, by painting most appropriate scenery for our Junior High School operetta. Mr. Wilfred Ohlson also assisted us in our stage production, by helping in the making of an interior scene for the senior play. To these friends of the school, I wish to extend my deepest and most sincere thanks.
HEALTH
A discussion of our health activities is presented in the report of the school nurse. In an effort to co-oper- ate with her in keeping the students healthy, the teach- ing staff continues the out-of-door exercises that have already been mentioned. Teachers untrained in physical education can contribute little toward corrective exer- cises and most schools carry on such work through specialized departments. The health of our children is in no way alarming, but much can be done towards im- provement of the physical condition of the children when money is available for supervisors in this department.
This is not a year for expansion, nor a time for any unwarranted expenditure of money. Some of our oper- ating costs have increased because of the increase in enrollment of pupils and the increase in use of our high
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school auditorium for other than school purposes. On the other hand, by strict economy in every department, through the elimination of replacing worn out equip- ment, and making only the most urgent repairs, I feel that we may operate our schools at their present effici- ency with an appropriation of $46,500 and the custom- ary dog tax. This represents over three per cent reduc- tion in the appropriation from last year, which was, in itself, less than the amount appropriated for the year 1930. I feel, however, that with the sacrifices which all must face at times like this, the work in the school can be done in a satisfactory manner, and I recommend that the school committee ask the voters of Duxbury to grant this sum of money for use in operating Duxbury public schools for the year 1932.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE E. GREEN,
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FINANCIAL STATEMENT
RECEIPTS
Appropriation
Dog Tax
$48,000.00 384.67
$48,384.67
EXPENDITURES
General Expense
$694.14
Salaaries, Teachers and Super-
visors
26,634.73
Textbooks
881.10
Stationery, Supplies, etc.
850.96
Wages of Janitors
3,715.67
Fuel, Coal, and Electricity
1,761.52
Repairs
1,501.17
Health
963.93
Transportation
9,037.50
New Equipment
467.11
Miscellaneous
1,876.72
Total
$48,384.55
Unexpended balance
.12
$48,384.67
ENROLLMENT AND DISTRIBUTION OF SCHOOL AND GRADE, JANUARY 1, 1932
School
1 2 3
4
5
6 7 8 9 10
11 12
Ttl.
New School
39 28 29 35 23
31
26
19
230
Tarkiln
13 14 11 12
50
Village
19 22 22
63
Point
22
22
Totals
35 33 33 34 39 28 29 35 23 31
26 19 365
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REPORT OF MUSIC SUPERVISOR
To Mr. George E. Green, Superintendent of Schools,
Duxbury, Mass.
The music program has made unusual progress in the Duxbury schools this past year, greatly benefited by a new series of music books. The "Music Hour Series" presents the study of the subject in a more modern way including in its program an interesting plan for the en- couragement of music appreciation.
The teachers at the Tarkiln school have purchased victrola records with the money earned from entertain- ments. These records cover the requirements for the study of music appreciation for a period of a year or more The children are most responsive and interested in this branch of the work which we are hoping to com- plete throughout all the grades and in the High School for another year.
The primary grades will give in the spring their usual entertainment. Work in the High School has con- sisted of chorus singing and learning of songs for grad- uation. Very soon now the work will begin in prepara- tion for an operetta.
The interest and whole-hearted co-operation of the teachers in the Duxbury schools helps to carry on this program very satisfactorily and the Supervisor wishes to acknowledge such support with grateful appreciation.
Respectfully submitted,
MAY B. McCLOSKY,
Supervisr of Music.
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REPORT OF THE DRAWING SUPERVISOR
Drawing progresses as usual in the Duxbury schools, with additions as to scope and subject wherever the case or conditions may require it.
The preparatory work in the grades this year is advancing in a manner most encouraging, and the work is ably assisted by teachers whose interest, spirit and co- operation is most satisfactory.
The addition of landscape work done with extremely soft lead pencils has proved interesting and stimulating to the high school grades who have taken it up.
A large exhibit of the work done in all the grades except the first, was given at the high school auditorium during graduation.
We should be glad to welcome any interested towns- people to see the work done any time the classes are in session. Too much can not be said in favor of the teachers of Duxbury to whom my sincere thanks are due.
To the school officials always ready to assist in every way possible, we are indeed grateful for their considera- tion.
Respectfully submitted, SAMUEL WARNER.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent of Schools of Duxbury,
Mr. George E. Green.
The statistical report is as follows :
Visits to schools
897
Visits to homes of students 881
Visits to hospitals 16
Visits to specialists 12
Visits to dentist 5
Paid for tonsil operations 6
The six tonsil operations do not include those that were done privately by family physicians.
Included in the hospital visits are:
Massachusetts General 2
North End Diet Kitchen 1
New England Hospital for Women and Children 3
Plymouth County Hospital 5
Jordan Hospital
Early in the year, through the co-operation of the Parent-Teacher Association, and the State Department of Health, we were enabled to hold a pre-school clinic. This was very helpful to parents and beneficial to the children. The parents all had the opportunity to talk with the doctor, dentist and nutritionist. There was an excellent exhibit of proper clothing and food, both for the pre-school and school child. The mother and a couple of fathers who came displayed much interest. The Parent Teacher Association Motor Corps transported them to the school and back home. The clinic was a success and I hope we can repeat it again this year.
--
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The Audiometer visited us again through the court- esy of the Duxbury Nurse Association and the Plymouth County Health Association. All tested up to normal this time. However, we hope to have the test given again this year.
We were fortunate also to have the Chadwick Clinic this year which consisted of the skin T. B. test and X-ray for those who showed any reaction to the skin test. The parents here also had opportunity to ask questions and advice from the specialists from the State Departments of Health.
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