USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1928 > Part 8
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Monday was given over to the celebration of Armis- tice Day under the direction of the Legion. Tuesday eve- ning a moving picture program on health was given in the Town Hall. On Wednesday evening a night session from 7 until 8.30 was held by all the schools. This was attended by parents and friends to the number of 600 or more; and while it could not be expected that under the unusual conditions, the children would appear at their best, yet the expression of appreciation and commenda- tion were most favorable and encouraging. Contrary to custom there was no breaking down of any part of the equipment, and it was generally conceded to be the most pleasing and satisfactory night session that the schools had ever held.
Thursday evening was filled by an interesting pro-
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gram by the Girl Scouts under the direction of the Misses Hayes and Dawson. No one witnessing the varied evolu- tions and formations of this body of young girls, their proficiency in first-aid work, and their seriousness of purpose as embodied in their creed, could doubt for an mstant the high moral purpose and the splendid influ- ence in the community of this wonderful organization. Of their need of fuller appreciation and for better facili- ties for carrying on their work, I will speak later on.
For Friday evening we had planned a most ambitious program. Our title was "Is New England Slipping ?" "Come and See." They came, they saw, and they slipped -out. The whole thing was one humiliating farce. The Irony of Fate would have been a better caption. Two of the reels promised never reached us, and one of the other two was in such damaged condition that it could not be used. The fourth and last one had to be taken from the hall to the Opera House for rewinding before it could be used.
We passed an evening not soon to be forgotten. Va- cation week is not ended. Some evening during this present winter season the really good people of this com- munity will again be invited to meet and assemble at the Town Hall and we shall endeavor to see if New England is Slipping.
SCHOOL SAVINGS
This branch of our work has shown very unsatis- factory results for the last few years. Children have not cared to save, but have spent their money very freely for many things that are undesirable and even harmful to the growing child. Our present industrial condition
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can hardly be looked upon as the psychological time to: arouse enthusiasm, but it is a time when we are compelled to do a little thinking.
A few quotations purloined from Book Three of the "Modern Life Arithmetics" will furnish some very perti- nent facts, which both old and young should ponder very serously.
"Of every 100 men representing an average group of Americans starting out in life."
At 35 years of age
Five have died, 10 are wealthy, 10 well-to-do, 40 live on their earnings, and 35 show no improvement.
At 55 years of age
Twenty have died, 1 is wealthy, 3 are well-to-do, 46 live on their earnings, and 30 are not self-supporting.
At 75 years of age
Sixty-three have died, 1 is wealthy, 2 well-to-do, 34 are dependent.
At Death, 100 men
One left wealth, 2 left comfort, 15 leave from $2,000 to $10,000, and 82 left nothing.
"Itis hard for us to realize that, out of every 100 average citizens, 82 of them leave absolutely nothing for the support of their families. Eighty-two men out of every 100 have saved nothing, and the surviving mother and children have to work for their own living. All.this could have been avoided if the family had saved and safely invested only a small part of the earnings or if the father had carried life insurance."
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What a terrible reflection on all of our boasted wis- 'dom. Of all things death is the most certain. And yet how we gamble with life and how miserably we fail! In the last analysis it is simply a matter of choice, and we choose unwisely, being unwilling to deny ourselves any pleasures or to make any sacrifices for the things that are most worthwhile. Saving then becomes a great moral obligation and fundamental to the usefulness and happi- ness of ourselves and of those related to us. It therefore becomes a matter of habit formation through training, and demands the persistent efforts and co-operation of parents and teachers. Let us then renew and redouble our efforts in this direction, and endeavor to train our children to acquire the saving habit.
All that we have said in reference to the co-opera- tion of the home in establishing habits of thrift will apply in equal degree to the whole range of work along the line of character building. The children coming from the best homes-and this has no reference to the size of the house, nor to the social or financial standing of the par- ents-derive most from our teaching while those influ- enced by the opposite environment get least. If parents would not blink the facts, but would come to the teacher with their problems and secure her co-operation, many a child would be saved from the error of his ways and started on the road to usefulness and honor.
OUTSTANDING NEEDS-PRESENT AND PROSPECTIVE
I am fully aware of the fact that Ipswich is in the throes of an industrial depression. I am also aware of another fact, closely related, that such calamitous situa-
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tions frequently furnish the occasion when communities: pull themselves together, refuse to be "licked," and set. their faces towards the high-road of progress. Three. times Chicago lifted herself out of the mud, San Fran- cisco looked with contempt on the disaster of earthquake and fire, and Galveston defied the sea. Coming back to our own community, no period of Ipswich history was so marked for growth and prosperity as that following the Heard Fire of 40 years ago. But a better example of what a people or an organization can do by reason of its own dynamic energy, and without the spur of necessity occasioned by earthquake, flood, or fire, may be found in the great transformation of the old Boston and Maine property into the New North Station. I must not here go further into the details or the history of this real out- standing achievement. We are all familiar with the physical as well as the legal difficulties that had to be overcome. My purpose is to call attention to real driving vital forces back of the enterprise that made success pos- sible and brought confidence out of uncertainty and doubt. Will Ipswich heed the lesson ?
Yes, the Mill is closed. Is this old, historic town to close too ? I don't believe it. It would be to her ever- lasting shame to do so. I still believe that your Board will insist that the prior claims of your schools be given first place in the discussion of the various projects now under consideration.
Let it here be said that little or nothing can be done this year. There are legal requirements, as well as financial ones, to be met and complied with. All that is asked or expected is that the schools' needs and objec- tives be so thoroughly understood and so definitely fixed, that they cannot be sidetracked by something of a more recent development,-for instance a sewerage system.
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Now what are the facts? We have five basement rooms used regularly as classrooms :- Two at the Burley and one each at the Winthrop, the Manning, and the Shatswell. All of these are exceedingly difficult to heat, owing to the fact that the radiators must be suspended from the ceiling in order to be above the water line of the boilers. With the exception of the Shatswell, all are very damp and liable to flooding during and after heavy rains. In nearly all of them the natural light is insuffi- cient, and we are forced to depend largely upon electric lighting. Both the manual training room and the chem- ical laboratory are ill-suited to the purposes of these de- partments. The materials and the tools used in the first deteriorate very rapidly on account of the continual dampness and same is true in reference to apparatus and the chemicals used in the laboratory. A basement room is the last place in the world for a chemical laboratory.
A more disturbing element in connection with these rooms relates to the health of the occupants. Miss Gam- boa who taught in the east basement of the Burley School felt obliged to tender her resignation unless she could have another room. There was no other room for her and she was asked to be patient. On the death of Miss Marion Charles, whose passing was sincerely regretted by all, a vacancy occurred at the Payne School and Miss Gamboa was transferred to that position. Miss Pickard has the room at the Burley, but I seriously question whether she would remain there as a matter of prudence. No partly underground basement should ever be used as a classroom.
In the Winthrop Building two rooms have been im- provised from the spaces originally intended for ward- robe purposes. The wardrobe rails were removed; the steam pipes taken out, and a twenty-pupil room was cur-
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tained off from the corridors of the upper and lower floors. While these rooms are perfectly sanitary and comfortable from the stand-point of health they are open to the objection of distracting noises and other disturb- ances arising from the burden of traffic through the halls. Another disturbing element, far more subtle in its influence, is the fact that the pupils occupying these cor- ridor rooms are frequently looked upon as a lower order of beings and both children and parents become over- sensitive to the situation. In fact many of the parents object to their children occupying these rooms. But this is simply an attitude of mind, and has no basis in fact. These classes are smaller and the pupils get more indi- vidual attention.
All these unusual housing conditions must be looked upon as makeshift propositions undertaken solely to meet emergencies occasioned by overcrowding. And while we cannot sanction such a course of procedure, it was the only thing to be done under the circumstances and should be changed as soon as possible for a more humane and intelligent disposition.
This is the first time since the law went into effect in 1919, that the State Department has requested a list of school children three or more years retarded. The law makes it compulsory that such examination shall be given, and a list has been sent to the Department as re- quested. This examination consists of ten separate phases or parts, most of which are conducted by trained special- ists and their decisions are final. Should they determine from their findings that a special class be formed, then we shall be obliged to furnish a special teacher and an- other room. The only space available is to be found in the basement of the Shatswell School.
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Here is another matter for your consideration. Two years ago a T. B. clinic was provided by the State De- partment for the benefit of all suspected cases. Twelve or more children were found at that time who needed special treatment and care. A year later a follow up clinic was held and greatly to the joy of some anxious parents, six of these children gave evidence of decided improvement. The other six cases showed no gain what- ever. What is to become of them? Have we no moral obligation or responsibility in the matter? We know that this most insidious disease claims its victims from all classes and all ages; that "early discovery means early recovery" in a majority of cases; that nutrition and rest are most successful agents in combating the disease ; and that recovery is probable in a majority of cases.
Again, what shall we do about it? Shall we allow these cases to linger along until they became the par- ents of a large family of tuberculous children ? For eco- nomic reasons alone every assistance in their fight for life should be given them and would be given them were they the children of some parents. An enlightened sel- fishness, it would seem, should determine the proper course with these unfortunate ones.
In conversation recently with Doctor Ceconi, Direc- tor of the Department of School Hygiene of the Boston Public Schools, he gave me a most gratifying account of the progress made by some of the school children under his jurisdiction. Some of these children have gained 17 pounds in weight during the year, their record of at- tendance was greatly improved, and their rank in schol- arship showed a corresponding degree of progress. The doctor employs the most up-to-date and rational meth- ods of treatment and is achieving a remarkable success, a success which is also an outstanding service for which
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hundreds, in time to come, will rise up and call him blessed. But this work requires room. Were this avail- able, the rest of the equipment would be readily pro- vided by some of our townspeople who have always re- sponded to every humane appeal.
High school enrollment throughout the nation has increased remarkably within the last ten years. And there will be still larger increases in the years to come. This will arise not by reason of our general prosperity alone, but because so many doors are closed at the pres- ent time against all but high school graduates. This list is constantly growing, and unless the parent insists that his child has that requisite, he fails in his duty towards his own child.
We therefore need more room for our high school. We need to enlarge our course of study. More emphasis should be given the social and biological sciences. A good course in biology or botany, even though they were not counted towards a college entrance credit, might prove a source of real joy in after life, and settle, in part, some of the sex problems that confront us at the present time. A better knowledge of the laws controlling our development and growth, both physical and spiritual, cannot but make for greater happiness. We need more classrooms and we need more men teachers.
But why extend this enumeration of particulars ! What we need and what the people of this town should demand as soon as conditions shall warrant the expendi- ture, is a new, up-to-date High School. A High School of ample capacity, with such modern appointments as shall be best calculated to provide and promote each and every best interest in the community.
And here let me say first of all that I consider an Assembly Hall of greatest importance in any school
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building. It would be hard to realize or estimate the loss to our school children which the necessary closing of Manning Hall as a place of assembly inflicted upon them. Here is where the pupils could make the proper contact with the outside world, and gain a practical in- sight into its various activities and methods that would be invaluable to them. It would blend their theory with practice and to their knowledge add wisdom, I can con- ceive of no place from which a more salutary and lasting influence for uplift and community betterment could possibly come. And the irritating part of the situation is the fact that we have an abundance of material, men well equipped intellectually and professionally, who would willingly and gladly give of their time and ability to this work. How much longer must mere physical con- ditions compel us to decline such important and valuable service ? Never build a school house without an assem- bly hall, even if it hasn't but one room.
Next to your assembly hall should come a well-ap- pointed Gymnasium; for, like the former, it possesses wonderful opportunities for doing good work with a con- stantly growing class in our community. A rational type of athletics and physical training are now considered fundamental to a strong body and a vigorous mind, for they develop both. If the three hundred or more boys that we have in this community whose home training is deficient in certain obvious respects, could be brought together under the discipline of some experienced and efficient physical training teacher or leader, the improve- ment would soon become very noticeable. The boys themselves and the community as well would gain in orderliness and self-respect, and the money cost would be trifling in comparison with this gain in character and civic pride.
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The Boy Scouts and the Camp Fire Girls are both without suitable quarters for carrying on their work. These organizations are rendering a remarkable service for young people the world over, and they should have some encouragement here. It is true that many attempts have previously been made to organize such associations in our community that have resulted in failure. The leaders may have had sufficient interest in such welfare work, but they lacked the practical experience and knowledge necessary to handle successfully such groups of young people. We are happy to say that we have passed the experimental stage and that we now have an organization that is rapidly growing in membership and efficiency under the guidance of our own people. To Miss Hayes and Miss Dawson our thanks are especially due for their untiring and successful efforts in moulding the character of so many of our young girls.
It is a work that calls for idealism, patience and a genuine spirit of self-sacrifice, but it is a noble service and, in due time, will bring its own abundant reward.
These two rooms, the assembly hall and the gym- nasium, would be used conjointly by the membership of the schools and by such local organizations whose pur- pose is to promote worth while community interests. In this way the school would become a real community cen- ter, serving the whole people without distinction of age, creed or color in the largest possible way, and greatly to the advantage of all.
But important as these rooms might become from the community viewpoint there is another room which should be included in your new high school, which for real power in broadening the intellect, and value in es- tablishing right methods and habits of work, stands out pre-eminently, and that is your school library. This
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should not be a book-room only. It should be of ample size, with book-shelves against the walls, with tables and chairs of sufficient size and number to accommodate a whole class during a period or more, and it should be under the control of an experienced and skilled librari- an. Working in conjunction with the class-room teacher, she would see that each pupil was supplied with the ma- terial needed to give him a broader view and a stronger mental grasp of the subject under consideration. Such procedure may well be considered as the culmination of individual instruction, as the end and aim in the develop- ment of self-help, and as a practical training in methods of work that in after years will be invaluable. Certain details of any subject may and will be forgotten. In fact, much of the subject matter learned in school will fade from memory; but if we remember that the library can always furnish the desired information, the case can never be hopeless.
The last reason for the new high school which is to be, that I shall urge, may be found in the larger advan- tages accruing to our young people themselves. Compe- tition was never so keen in educational lines as at the present time. Colleges and normal schools are refusing admission to only those of the best trained mental ability, and they are becoming more and more exacting every year. The normal graduate of today will not be able to meet the requirements of five years hence, and all the professions, law, medicine, and engineering are pursuing the same rigorous course.
With our meager equipment, the heavy pupil load our teachers are carrying, and the shorter hours of study, it becomes a serious question whether we shall be able much longer to maintain the high standing with profes- sional schools that we have enjoyed in the past. More
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than this, we, as a community, are under a moral obliga- tion to train our school children as carefully and as thor- oughly as children in other places are trained, and i e should also realize that every such improvement in our educational equipment and product is fully and perma- nently reflected in the community and becomes the town's most valuable asset. Quantity production and mass teaching for New England should go into the dis- card. Henceforth, let us strive for quality along all lines. of endeavor.
Industrially and educationally we now stand at the "parting of the ways," and we realize as perhaps never before the necessity for strong, far-seeing leadership with a vigorous, broadminded following. Yes, the Mill is closed, and from that fact a single lesson may well be drawn, namely: That whenever and wherever any indi- vidual, corporation, or community fails to adapt itself to changing conditions, its doom is sealed. The most immutable law in the world is the "changeless law of change" and woe betide the individual or the community that does not fully comply with all its requirements.
What, then, is to be the future policy of our schools, in fact, of our town, for each is supplementary. Are we to provide for a rational expansion, or are we to shrink and lose our identity as so many New England towns have already done ? Considering our history of the past, the enviable position in reference to education wê oncé occupied, our favorable location, our splendid endowment of rare natural beauties of sea and shore, our unusual opportunities for industrial, residential, and educational development,-considering all these, I say, I can find but one sane and logical answer to this ques- tion. Expansion of the conservative sort seems to be the order of the day in all lines and it is bringing success to
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multitudes. More than that, never before has Education and industry shown such a willing disposition to com- bine their interest, and greatly to their mutual advan- tage. The town of Southbridge, Massachusetts, and of Springfield, Vermont, are notable examples of such part time combinations. Here the pupils of the high school go into the shops for two weeks and then return to school for the remaining two weeks of each month. All the while they are under the control of the high school faculty and each overseer is obliged to give such pupils the benefit of a technical training along his special line. At the end of five years the combined credits from the school and from the industry, if up to standard require- ments, entitle the pupil to a diploma. The school grants the regular high school diploma and the industry con- tributes a bonus of one hundred dollars. In this way the industry replenishes its supply of skilled labor from the local supply and labor troubles are wholly overcome or do not exist. But many of our most progressive schools are bringing an increasing number of the arts and crafts into their own borders. And here is where expansion of the old-time school curriculum is seen to its best advan- tage. We are no longer confining our instruction to those who are fitting for the ministry, or the law, or medicine. Those seeking mercantile pursuits have been benefited by the school's instruction and have become highly useful and respected citizens. Why should not those mechanically inclined expect from our schools the same rational consideration and assistance? Our me- chanics have nothing to regret in reference to the rela- tive size of their weekly wage as compared with that of the clerk. And even some of our so-called professional men might be found willing to exchange pay envelopes. From the standpoint of a money consideration then the
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mechanic occupies a favorable position. Why should not the schools reach out far enough to include these within the scope of its functions ? Is the wall of tradi- tion so high and so wide that we must not attempt to go over it or through it? Progress, neither social, econom- ic, or political ever came that way. If necessity rather than reason and sound judgment is to open the way, then be assured that something along this line will be attempted and done, for necessity knows no law. Eighty- one per cent of our criminals have no trades. What shall we do about it? Every new invention and labor- saving device displaces from one to one hundred men and idleness, which is the school of crime, becomes more and more prevalent. Let the schools then open their doors and supply every boy and girl with what the world is waiting for-a wise head and a well-trained, skillful hand. Much has already been accomplished along this line, but much more remains to be done, and must be done unless our boastful professions are to become a hol- low mockery. The part time school is fast emerging from its obscurity, and is already giving a good account of it- self as a stabilizing factor in many of our industries. Here is a common ground where school and industry may unite to mutual advantage and destroy at a single blow many of the false distinctions of the past. No phase of modern educational progress is more fraught with the promise of mutual understanding, good-will, and lasting peace. The work is just begun, and happy, indeed, will be that community whose energy and foresight compel it to pursue to the end this most practical, progressive and beneficent phase of modern education.
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