USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1951 > Part 17
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Local History
Under a recent state law, school pupils are required to
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study local history. Plymouth pupils are unusually for- tunate to live in a community with a background of history so rich and inspiring. A committee of teachers has been formed and plans are being made for the children of certain grades to visit our most historic scenes under competent leadership. It is believed that this plan of visits will deepen their interest as well as extend their knowledge.
Annual Achievement Tests
The school's contribution to the pupil's growth embraces much more than assisting him in developing the knowl- edges and skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic. However, such training is recognized as a very definite responsibility of the elementary schools. It seems desir- able, therefore, at least once a year to give a standardized test in the fundamental subjects to pupils in the elemen- tary grades to determine how well this objective is being accomplished. Such a test, namely the Metropolitan Achievement Test, was given to our Plymouth pupils in early May. We are gratified that in terms of national norms for these tests our first-grade averages were up to standard in number work and were equivalent to the first month of the second year in reading. Our second-grade pupils on the average were doing early third grade work in reading, arithmetic, and spelling. The Plymouth third and fourth grade pupils were on the average up to grade in arithmetic and above grade in reading and spelling. The fifth grade was doing early sixth grade work in all subjects. The sixth grade results were equivalent to the eighth month of the seventh grade in arithmetic and the ninth month of the seventh grade in reading. In English their average achievement was early eighth grade on the national standard. Since these sixth grade pupils repre- sent the last year in the elementary schools, the results of these tests seem to justify the conclusion that very faithful and able work is being accomplished by our elementary teachers and pupils in laying a foundation for further work in the Junior and Senior High Schools.
COMPARATIVE DATA ON SCHOOL EXPENDITURES - PLYMOUTH AND 24 MASS. TOWNS (12 Next Larger and 12 Next Smaller Having Elementary, Junior, and Senior High Schools) 1950
1950 Pop.
Assessed Valuation
Per Pupil
1950 (Fiscal Year) School Tax (1)
1950 (Fiscal Year) % School Tax of Total Tax
1950-51 (School Year) Expenditure for School Support Per Punil
Belmont
27379
Webster
$20798
Northbridge
$22.98
Northbridge
51%
Belmont
$271
Milton
22395
Barnstable
19172
Winthrop
19.95
Amherst
48%
Norwood
260
Wellesley
20847
Wellesley
17589
Amherst
19.75
Winthrop
48%
w. Springfield
251
w. Springfield
20398
W. Springfield
16611
Shrewsbury
19.53
Belmont
45%
Wellesley
242
Natick
19663
Belmont
15725
Adams
$17.69
Agawam
*44%
Swampscott
233
Winthrop
19494
Swampscott
14408
Agawam
*17.13
Shrewsbury
43%
Webster
228
Greenfield
17237
Milton
14149
Natick
16.52
Andover
40%
Marblehead
220
Lexington
17098
Norwood
13096
Lexington
16.06
Greenfield
40%
Barnstable
216
Norwood
16693
PLYMOUTH
12717
Norwood
15.96
Norwood
40%
Milton
*211
Needham
16262
Marblehead
12192
Belmont
15.89
W. Springfield
40%
Andover
209
Reading
13879
Andover
12159
Stoneham
15.84
Needham
39%
Lexington
208
Marblehead
13711
Needham
12096
Marblehead
15.81
Adams
*38%
Reading
207
PLYMOUTH
13652
Greenfield
12052
Reading
15.35
Marblehead
38%
PLYMOUTH
206
Webster
13215
Lexington
11164
Stoughton
14.77
Lexington
37%
Winthrop
206
Stoneham
13208
Reading
10201
Swampscott
14.72
Milton
*37%
Needham
204
Andover
12261
Stoneham
9689
Needham
14.71
Billerica
36%
Amherst
201
Adams
12027
Amherst
9473
Andover
14.49
Natick
36%
Greenfield
196
Swampscott
11537
Winthrop
8700
Greenfield
14.46
Reading
36%
Stoneham
194
Stoughton
11139
Agawam
7826
Milton
*14.12
Swampscott
36%
Shrewsbury
191
Billerica
11001
Natick
7655
PLYMOUTH
13.80
Wellesley
35%
Northbridge
185
Amherst
10850
Adams
7318
W. Springfield
12.60
PLYMOUTH
34%
Agawam
*170
Barnstable
10397
Shrewsbury
7298
Wellesley
12.51
Barnstable
32%
Natick
170
Shrewsbury
10392
Stoughton
7168
Billerica
12.25
Stoneham
32%
Adams
*167
Northbridge
10328
Billerica
6465
Barnstable
9.73
Stoughton
29%
Stoughton
165
Agawam
10189
Northbridge
5707
Webster
6.56
Webster
21%
Billerica
140
Median
13652
12052
15.35
38%
206
Average
15010
11657
15.33
38%
206
*Figure for preceding year.
(1) Local tax per $1,000 for school support (not including outlay).
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PLYMOUTH SCHOOL COSTS-NOT EXCESSIVE RELATIVELY
The annual comparison of school costs in Plymouth with those of 24 other Massachusetts towns, the 12 next larger and 12 next smaller than Plymouth and having our type of school organization, shows that Plymouth's costs were about average for the group during the school year 1950-51, the per-pupil expenditure being $206. It is interesting to observe from the accompanying table that within this group of towns Plymouth stands a little higher than the mid-position in the amount of assessed valuation per pupil. Our school tax per pupil for the fiscal year 1950 was $13.80 per thousand as compared with the median tax of $15.35 in Reading. The proportion that the school tax is of the total tax for the same year in Plymouth was 34% as compared with the median figure of 38% in Marblehead. These data indicate rather clearly that Plymouth school costs are not excessive when compared with those of other communities in this classification.
It is with much satisfaction that we have been able to report definite progress during 1951 in important aspects of our educational program. Progress, however, must be continuous and we bespeak the co-operation of Plymouth citizens in the continuous effort to make our school oppor- tunities worthy of our children.
Respectfully submitted,
E. Harold Donovan, Chairman Signe L. J. Borghesani, Secretary William H. Armstrong David A. Cappannari
William E. Curtin Ralph C. Weaver PLYMOUTH SCHOOL COMMITTEE Burr F. Jones SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Donald T. Welch ASSISTANT SUPT. OF SCHOOLS
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SCHOOL HEALTH DEPARTMENT
School Physicians: FRANK J. ABATE, JR., M.D.
MEDORA V. EASTWOOD, M.D.
School Nurse: HILDA SWETT
During the past year the schools have been relatively free from contagious diseases.
In connection with the hearing tests, we are glad to report the acquisition of a valuable piece of new equip- ment, namely the Maico Audiometer. This instrument has several advantages over the older type of audiometer which has been in use for many years. The Maico is adaptable to testing individual pupils as well as to the testing of groups. Also, it uses a vibrating note instead of spoken numerals. This enables us to give the screening test to children in the lower grades which we were not able to do satisfactorily with the older instrument. This feature is superior to the old machine in the detection of early signs of hearing deterioration in pupils of any age.
In the giving of the physical examinations, one defect found in many of our pupils seems to be that of poor posture. This is due mainly to lack of proper home train- ing. Improperly fitted school desks may also contribute.
During the past two years, we have experimented with the plan set forth in a newly adopted state law relating to health examinations of children. This amendment permits the examination of children on alternate years with the expectation that parents will be present during the examination. Much can be said in favor of this new plan. For our community, however, we feel that so few of the parents have accompanied their children during the past two years when we have been experimenting with this method that the older plan of an examination every year is more advantageous. We intend to continue the annual examination until such time as the parents in
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larger numbers indicate their intention to be present when the physical examinations are given their children.
One member of the Health staff has again taken the course given to School Physicians at the Harvard School of Public Health last spring and found this course not only inspirational but also very instructive.
May we again mention as in previous reports the need of a Health Council in our schools in order to correlate the three phases of school health, namely: 1. Health Serv- ices, 2. Physical Education, and 3. Health Teaching.
We have in the past few years had much better co-oper- ation on the part of the parents in the correction of physical defects found in their children. Parents have been more ready to permit the school nurse to take dif- ficult cases to the various clinics in order that the defects may be studied and remedial measures applied. For all co-operation we have received, your Health Staff is truly grateful.
STATISTICS - 1951
Physical Examinations 1282
Pupils inspected by school physicians 241
Pupils excluded by school physicians 19
Pupils re-admitted by school physicians
205
Pupils re-admitted by family physicians
237
Inspections by school nurse in school 819
Pupils re-admitted after having a contagious disease 104
Pupils excluded by nurse 138
Home visits by nurse
179
Pupils taken to hospitals, clinics, and local doctors' offices 94
Pupils X-rayed at Plymouth County Hospital
61
Pupils weighed and measured 1431
Pupils given first-aid treatment in schools
272
Pupils tested with Pure Tone Audiometer 768
Number of pupils found to have some hearing loss 25
Pupils given the Massachusetts Vision Test 1200
Number of pupils found to have defective vision 134
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Oral Hygiene and Dental Clinic
School Dentists: DR. W. O. DYER DR. JAMES McDADE
School Dental Hygienist: JANE B. BRADFORD
Pupils examined in grades 1 - 12 2,143
Pupils found to have all needed corrections made 790
Pupils found to have certificate from family dentist 112
Pupils examined at Pre-school Conferences 72
Children having attention of family dentist 42
Oral hygiene talks by Hygienist in grades 1 - 4 334
Obviously in any school system there are some children who because of financial conditions cannot have the neces- sary reparative work done at customary costs. A substan- tial number of such cases are found as late as grades 7, 8, and 9. It is the aim of the dental clinic to follow up these cases until appropriate remedial measures can be found.
The Fluoridation of the water supply as a general means of deterring dental decay among school children is under study and seems to hold interesting possibilities.
Work Accomplished at Dental Clinic
Pupils having all corrections made 112
Extractions:
6-year molars in grades 1 and 2 4
Baby teeth
121
Fillings (6-year molars)
199
Treatments (including X-ray)
175
Pupils having teeth cleaned
975
Amounts received for clinical services rendered:
For cleaning of teeth $93.20
For filling and extractions 26.35
For toothbrushes sold
68.43
$187.98
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REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF ATTENDANCE
RALPH F. MATINZI, Supervisor
Sickness
Truancy
Others
Total
Elementary Schools
25
15
8
48
Junior High School
32
32
28
92
Senior High School
1
0
0
1
Employment certificates investigated for validity
236
Employment certificates found invalid and returned
to Superintendent's Office
180
Minors found working without employment cer- tificates
7
Truants found on the streets and brought back to school
16
Cases investigated for Superintendent's Office
42
Court cases
4
Total cases investigated
210
Visits to schools
96
Visits to homes
110
EMPLOYMENT OF MINORS
1948
1949
1950
1951
Certificates to minors 14-16 years
42
27
23
54
Certificates to minors 16-21 years
201
170
316
264
243
197
339
318
SCHOOL CENSUS, OCT. 1, 1951
Males
Females 225
Totals
Persons 5 to 7 years
241
466
Persons 7 to 16 years
939
836
1775
Totals
1180
1061
2241
SCHOOL ENROLLMENT - DECEMBER, 1951
SCHOOL
ELEMENTARY GRADES
JUNIOR HIGH
SENIOR HIGH
-
1
2 -
3
4
5
- 6
|P. A.|| J.P.A. | 7
8
9
10
11
12
Total
Senior High
193
137 | 148
478
Junior High
32
183
173
188
576
Hedge
20
30
31
30
28
27
28
30
31
32
27
29
343
Cornish
30 31
32
22
191
Burton
32
(8
18)
36
15
109
Mount Pleasant
25
35
36
34
31
30
191
Cold Spring
(10
11)
27
33
31
27
33
15
211
Oak Street
(12
12)
(14
12)
50
Manomet
(26
6)
(19
15)
(21
12)
114
TOTALS
206
206
214
190
188
175
30
32
| 183
173
188
193
137 | 148
2,263
-
Grade groups enclosed in parentheses are taught by one teacher.
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1
-
15
27 27
22
24
APPOINTMENTS TO TEACHING STAFF
New Appointees Name
School
Subjects
Training
Years of Experience
Andrews, Robert
Elementary
Art
Mass. School of Art
1
*Barlow, David E.
Junior High
Science
R. I. State College
4
Bruce, Constance A.
Cornish-Burton
Grade 3
Eastern Nazarene College
1
Collins, Jean M.
Hedge
Grade 2
Bridgewater T. C.
0
Delany, Joanne M.
Hedge
Grade 1
Georgian Court Col. and Boston Univ.
0
Finck, Emmett B.
Hedge
Principal
Worcester Teachers College
5
Knight, Marjorie L.
Elementary
Physical Education
Bridgewater T. C.
2
Menides, Harriet
Hedge
Grade 3
Boston University
0
Radcliffe, Marjorie A.
Cornish-Burton
Grade 5
Boston University
1
Rice, Virginia A.
Cornish-Burton
Grade 5
University of Massachusetts
1
Rooney, Jane P.
Hedge
Grade 5
Boston T. C. and Bridgewater T. C. 0
Stepanian, Siroon A.
Cornish-Burton
Grade 2
American International College
0
*Returned from Military Service.
RESIGNATIONS IN TEACHING STAFF
Resigned
School
Taught
Years Served In Plymouth
Apone, Helen Whiting
Elementary
Physical Education
1
Lonergan, Audrey F.
Cornish-Burton
Grades 2 and 3
1
Marciole, Rose
Hedge
Grade 3
3
Morton, Lewis
Junior High
Science
2
Smith, Richard F.
Hedge
Principal
3
Walker, John H.
Junior-Senior High
Physical Education-Boys
8
Stearns, Mildred K.
Cornish-Burton
Grade 5
2
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SCHOOL DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES December, 1951
OFFICE
Burr F. Jones
Superintendent of Schools
Donald T. Welch
Temporary Asst. Supt. of Schools
Elinor B. Sanderson
Secretary
Theresa A. Gallerani
Clerk
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Edgar J. Mongan
Principal
Iris E. Albertini
French I, English II
Helen M. Bagnall, Mrs.
Economic Geography, Type. I
Ellen M. Downey
World History, U. S. History
Lydia J. Gardner, Mrs.
Stenography I, II, Office Prac.
Carlo T. Guidoboni
Mechanics, Basic Mech., Biology
Roland W. Holmes
English II, III
Jeannette C. Jacques
French I, II, III
Helen C. Johnson
Typing I, II, Bookkeeping II
Elizabeth C. Kelly
Bkkp. I, Economic Problems
Virginia H. Kingman, Mrs.
Household Arts
Nellie R. Locklin
Math. III, IV, Geometry
Joffrey T. Nunez
Social Studies, English II
John W. Packard
Physics, Radio, Chem., Psych.
Arthur G. Pyle
United States History
Miriam A. Raymond, Mrs.
English IV, Dean of Girls
Mario J. Romano
Basic Mathematics I, II
Richard Smiley
Driver Training
Alice F. Urann, Mrs.
English III, IV
Margie E. Wilber
Latin II, III, IV
Claiborne H. Young
Biology
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Mary M. Dolan
Principal
Beatrice M. Arthur
Bus. Trg. 9, Math. 8
David E. Barlow
Science 7, 8, 9
Hazel Bates
Art 7, 8, 9
Lawrence M. Bongiovanni
Civics 9, Counsellor for Boys
Phyllis R. Boucher
Civics 9, Social Studies, 7, 8
Clothing, 7, 8, 9
Cynthia E. Bradley Louis L. Cappannari
Math. 8, 9, Drafting 9
Esther M. Chandler
Math. 8, Algebra 9
Deane E. Eldridge
Shop 7, 8,9
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Viola M. Figueiredo, Mrs.
William Gault, Jr.
Alice Graeme-Harrison, Mrs.
Junior Practical Arts
Phyllis M. Johnson
Social Studies 7, 8, Civics
Loring R. C. Mugford
Junior Practical Arts
Hector E. Patenaude
Shop 7, 8,9 English 9, Social Studies 7
Jean Patenaude, Mrs.
Barbara E. Pioppi, Mrs.
Social Studies 8, Library
Doris Schneider
English 7, 8, Poetry 7
Sara B. Sharkey, Mrs.
English 9, Counsellor for Girls
Doris Smith Rogers, Mrs.
English 7, Reading 7, 8
Antone J. Spath
Social Studies 7, Math. 7, 8
John Tavernelli
Latin 8, 9, French 8, English 8
William A. Tedeschi
Catherine D. Welsh
Science 9, Music 7, 8, 9 Mathematics 7
CORNISH-BURTON, COLD SPRING, OAK STREET SCHOOLS Donald T. Welch Principal
CORNISH-BURTON SCHOOL
Mora Norton
Grade I
Gertrude W. Zahn
Grade I
*Siroon Stepanian
Grade II
Dorothy Judkins
Grades II, III
*Constance Bruce
Grade III
Helen F. Holmes
Grade IV
*Marjorie Radcliffe
Grade V
*Virginia Rice
Grade V
Ruth H. Tolman
Grade VI
Eleanor L. White, Mrs.
Grade VI
Carolyn L. Avanzini, Mrs.
Practical Arts
Mary G. Perkins, Mrs.
Remedial Reading
COLD SPRING SCHOOL
Kathryn H. McCarthy
Grade I
Margaret L. Christie
Grades I, II
Louise E. Tosi
Grade II
M. Louise Peterson
Grade III
Sarah S. Bent
Grade IV
Esther A. Maloni, Mrs.
Grade V
Susan M. Beauregard, Mrs.
Grade VI
Berthine P. Cavi, Mrs.
Practical Arts
OAK STREET SCHOOL
Rose B. Watkins, Mrs. Julia Kazantis
Grades I, II Grades III, IV
Foods 7, 8, 9 English 8, 9
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HEDGE SCHOOL
*Emmett B. Finck
Principal
*Joanne M. Delany
Grade I
Olga D. Anderson, Mrs.
Grade I
Grade II
*Jean Collins Amedea D. Parkhurst, Mrs.
Grade II
*Harriet Menides
Grade III
M. Elinor Lenon
Grade III
Rose Lamborghini, Mrs.
Grade IV
Mary E. Henry, Mrs.
Grade IV
*Jane P. Rooney
Grade V
Claire Goodwin, Mrs.
Grade V
Sara F. Doten, Mrs.
Grade VI
Mary B. Guidoboni, Mrs.
Grade VI
MOUNT PLEASANT SCHOOL
Helen S. Manchester, Mrs.
Principal, Grade IV
Gladys L. Simmons, Mrs.
Grade I
Marjorie J. Cassidy
Grade II
Evelyn M. Gellatly, Mrs.
Grade III
Mabel R. Mitchell, Mrs.
Grade IV
Esther M. Ward
Grade V
Helen H. Linnell
Grade IV (Part-time)
MANOMET SCHOOL
Elouise E. Cashin, Mrs.
Principal, Grades V, VI
Gladys M. Higgins, Mrs.
Grade I
Flora H. Kite, Mrs.
Grades I, II
Violet A. Mieg, Mrs.
Grades III, IV
SPECIAL TEACHERS
*Robert J. Andrews
Art, Elementary
Margaret E. Brown, Mrs.
Art, Jr .- Sr. High
Marietta Canan
Supv. of Vocal Music
Ardys C. Farnsworth
Phys. Ed., Jr .- Sr. High Girls
*Marjorie L. Knight
Phys. Ed., Elementary
John Pacheco
Supv. of Instrumental Music
Harold E. Rogers
Phys. Ed., Jr .- Sr. High Boys
STATE-AIDED VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
Katherine L. Alden Pottery School
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Frank J. Abate, Jr., M.D.
Medora V. Eastwood, M.D.
Jane B. Bradford
Dental Hygiene Teacher
Marilyn L. Maguire
Hilda R. Swett
School Physician, Boys School Physician, Girls
Assistant to Nurse School Nurse
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SCHOOL CLERKS
*Marion Whiting, Mrs. Frances C. Carletti, Mrs. Gloria A. Longhi *Betsy Tedeschi
Senior High School Junior High School Hedge and Cornish Schools Cold Spring School
SUPERVISOR OF ATTENDANCE Ralph F. Matinzi
SUPERVISOR OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS *John J. McCarthy
JANITORS
Horace J. Ardizzoni
Mt. Pleasant School
Joseph Borella
Oak Street, Cornish
David Briggs
Manomet School
Peter A. Dries
Cornish-Burton School
Atteo J. Ferazzi
Cold Spring School
Aroldo Guidoboni
Hedge School
*John Robischeau
Jr .- Sr. High School
Senior High School
*Carmino Rossetti Adelard Savard Louis J. Taddia
Jr .- Sr. High School
Junior High School
Elizabeth Tetreault
Ass't at Hedge School
SCHOOL LUNCHES
Helen Doherty
Jr .- Sr. High Cafeteria
Mary Scagliarini, Mrs.
Jr .- Sr. High Cafeteria
Euphemia Davis, Mrs.
Jr .- Sr. High Cafeteria
Sylvia Smiley, Mrs.
Cold Spring School
Marie Rose, Mrs.
Cold Spring School
Barbara B. Bartlett, Mrs.
Cold Spring School
Hilda Lewis, Mrs.
Cornish School
Annie L. Vaz, Mrs.
Hedge School
Adelaide Morse, Mrs.
Manomet School
NOON SUPERVISORS
Barbara Ruffini, Mrs.
Cornish School
Lillian D. Hunson, Mrs.
Cornish School
Inez F. Barrett, Mrs.
Hedge School
Doris Pedrini, Mrs.
Hedge School
*Ruth Bates, Mrs.
Cold Spring School
*Thelma Beauregard, Mrs.
Cold Spring School
*New Employees, 1951
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INDEX
Adjourned Town Meeting, March 27, 1951 21
Advisory and Finance Committee Reports
Annual Town Meeting, March 24, 1951 35
Special Town Meeting, September 27, 1951 86
Aid to Dependent Children 149
Annual Town Meeting, March 24, 1951
8
Assessors, Board of
128
Cemetery Commissioners 140
Community Nurse 173
Engineer, Town
133
Fisheries, Inland 132
Forest, Town
138
Harbor Master 125
Housing Authority 142
Insect Pest Control 137
Jurors, List of 159
Library 165
Officers, 1951 Town 3
Old Age Assistance 149
Park Commissioners 134
Planning Board 156
Public Safety, Commission of 120
Dog Officer 123
Fire Division 122
Forest Fire 124
Health Division 124
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INDEX - Continued
Public Safety, Commission of-Continued
Inspector of Buildings 123
Police Division
122
Sealer of Weights and Measures 124
Public Welfare 145
Retirement, Board of
151
School Report
Administration 317
Appreciation
316
Attendance, Supervisor of 337
Calendar
318
Census
337
Changes in School Staff
339
Committee
317
Employees
340
Employment of Minors
337
Enrollment
338
Financial 319
Health Department 334
Hygiene and Dental Clinic 336
School Committee Report 320
Superintendent's Report
320
Selectmen, Board of 157
Special Town Meeting, September 27, 1951
78
Streets and Sewers, Superintendent of
116
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INDEX - Continued
Town Accountant's Report
Report of Town Accountant 187
Schedule A (Cash Receipts and Payments) 189
Schedule B (Appropriations) 216
Schedule C (Estimated Receipts) 276
Schedule D (Revenue Account) 277
Schedule E (Excess and Deficiency) 278
Schedule F (Balance Sheet) 279
Schedule G (Funded Indebtedness) 283
Schedule H (Funded Indebtedness) 284
Schedule I (Trust Funds) 285
Schedule J (Calculation of Credit) 314
Town Clerk's Report
Births 91
Deaths 102
Marriages 108
Tree Warden 139
Veterans' Services 126
Water Commissioners 176
Water Superintendent 180
Zoning By-Laws 72
NON-CIRCULATING
H. R.
4
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