USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1931 > Part 30
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I recommend that another piece of fire fighting equipment be purchased to take the place of the Dodge combination, and save the wear and tear on the heavy and expensive apparatus.
The following fire departments have been called upon a num- ber of times for assistance and have rendered very valuable assistance in extinguishing a number of bad and threatening fires. The Lynn, Melrose, and Wakefield departments, also in covering in the station while the Saugus department was en- gaged in extinguishing some very serious fires, that required their absence from the station for a long period of time.
441
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT.
1931]
On one occasion Engine Company 50, from Boston came to the theatre fire on Essex street, March 2, through an error of a telephone operator at a Boston office, when it was intended for the Revere Fire Department.
At this time I wish to extend my personal thanks to the vari- ous Fire Departments for their fine cooperation and assistance when in need.
One death occurred during the year. Captain Edward J. McTague, died March 2, 1931.
The Fire Department has done excellent work in keeping the fire loss down to the small loss that it has, with such a large territory, 112 square miles, that it has to cover, with the small number of men to man the apparatus and to handle the fires.
In closing I make the following recommendations for the year 1932.
· That a new and larger modern up-to-date Central Fire Station be built in the near future, to replace the old wooden building that is now occupied by the Fire Department, as the so called Central Fire Station, at the present time which is a serious fire hazard on account of being used to house motor vehicles, and does not comply with the state garage laws, and rules and regulations.
It is also a serious health menace, as after heavy rains, there is a considerable amount of water coming into the cellar, and leaves the building in a damp and musty condition for several days at a time.
I do not hesitate to say that there is not another building in the Town of Saugus, that constitutes as bad a fire hazard as the so-called Central Fire Station.
That the fire alarm system be given a thorough examination by a competent expert electrical engineer of fire alarm systems, and have him report any and all defects and recommendations.
That a compressed air fire alarm whistle be installed at some place in the town, thereby eliminate and discontinue the use of
442
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
bells that are now in use for fire alarm purpose, as they are very unreliable in calling the men to fires.
That 500 feet of 23-inch, and 1,000 feet of 1}-inch hose be purchased this year. '
That the citizens of the town visit the fire station, and see for themselves under what condition the men who protect their lives and property have to live.
That fire prevention is the best means of reducing the great loss of life and property, caused by fire. Familiarize yourself with the location and working of the nearest fire alarm box to your home and office. In case of fire go to the nearest box, open the outside door, and pull down the hook on the inside door, and if possible wait to direct the men and apparatus.
SUGGESTIONS
Keep premises clean and free from rubbish.
Keep halls, stairways and exits for fire escapes free from obstructions.
Put ashes, oily or inflammable material in metal receptacles with metal covers.
Be careful in use of lighted matches, candles, cigar and cigarette stubs. Use hot water only to thaw water pipes, any- thing aflame is liable to start a fire.
Respectfully submitted,
MELLEN R. JOY, Chief of Fire Department.
January 1, 1932.
443
FOREST FIRE WARDEN REPORT.
1931]
Report of Forest Fire Warden
SAUGUS, MASS., January 1, 1932.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
GENTLEMEN,-I hereby submit the annual report of the Forest Fire Warden for the year ending December 31, 1931.
The year has been a very busy one. There has been 147 brush and wood fires and 83 grass fires, some of them have been very threatening at the start, and came near to buildings. I have had to call upon the State Forest Fire truck only once for service at fires during the year.
During the year the following amount of hose was laid and used at wood and grass fires : 13,000 feet of & inch, 1,500 feet of I inch, 9,450 feet of 1} inch, and 6,150 feet of 2} inch hose. Total, 30, 100 feet.
During the year I had to employ extra help at a number of these fires, and at some of these fires I had to leave men on watch duty, to keep the fires from breaking out again, and to guard against any spread.
I recommend that the town purchase a piece of apparatus and necessary equipment and appliances for handling all such fires, in place of using the heavy and expensive fire apparatus. I think that the town would be saving money by doing so. This piece of apparatus could be used at other fires as well, and take care of all fires in the Golden Hills Section.
Respectfully submitted,
MELLEN R. JOY,
Forest Fire Warden.
444
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of Public Library Trustees
The Trustees of the Saugus Public Library submit their annual report :
The Town Meeting of 1931 voted an appropriation for an addition to the Library and its furnishings, and the Trustees were appointed a Building Committee. The plans were drawn and the addition completed within the appropriation with a bal- ance left of about five hundred dollars ($500).
The books for reference have been placed in the new room, together with three tables and twelve chairs, making a unit that seems to be very satisfactory for a reference and study room. A rearrangement of the books in the main room has also been effected which was made possible by the added shelving room.
The card catalogue is being revised and made fuller to aid the patrons in their quest for information. A new system of bor- rowers' cards for adults has been put in use at the Main Library and at the Ciiftondale branch which will be extended to the other branches as soon as it can be arranged, thus making a uniform system throughout the town.
The increase in circulation has been very gratifying, being approximately twenty-one thousand (21,000) greater than that of last year.
CIRCULATION
Saugus Center, 47,436 ; Cliftondale, 39,015; East Saugus, S, 102 ; North Saugus, 2, 109; Lynnhurst, 2,785. Total, 99,447. Increase over 1930, 21,844.
JOHN B. LANG, Chairman, JOHN HUSLER, KALER A. PERKINS, WALTER O. BLOSSOM, AUGUSTUS B. TRIPP, WILLIAM MEAD, Secretary.
445
WATER AND DOCK REPORT.
1931]
Report of the Saugus Water and Dock Commission
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Saugus :
In submitting the report of the Water and Dock Commission, it is their desire that the citizens be advised of the importance of the purpose of this commission.
The commission has given two years of extensive study of the possible development of the Saugus River and marshes. Several conferences have been held with many industrial concerns and individuals, and all attest to the need and possibilities of the development of an Atlantic coast shipping port and the appro- priate location on the Saugus River.
The waters between Nahant and Winthrop afford an excellent harbor, well sheltered from winds and rough seas.
The easy access to the Atlantic Ocean thus avoids long wind- ing channels as is the case in Boston and other ports along the Atlantic coast.
The saving of twenty-four hours' time between the United States and Europe, and the vast land area available (at low cost) for storage and warehouses and industrial buildings testify to the advantage of shipping to and from Saugus.
The commission has introduced in the Massachusetts Legisla- ture a bill asking for an appropriation of $375,000 for the dredging of the Saugus River, 100 feet wide and a depth of 22 feet at mean low tide.
The commission is in the process of mailing 5,000 letters to industrial concerns, hoping to interest them in this project. The replies received from 1,200 already mailed are most gratifying, so much so that we feel we are justified in bending all efforts to the establishment of a shipping port in Saugus.
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
The commission is assured of the passage bill, by the legisla- tion, for the construction of a new bridge across the Saugus river between the Point of Pines, in Revere, and West Lynn, the bridge to contain a draw 110 feet.
The commission is assured that the passing of this bill is an assurance of the ultimate intention of the legislature to dredge the river.
In order to provide means for financing the expense of pre- paring preliminary plans for the promotion of this project, the commission recommends the appropriation of $5,000, the same to be expended under the direction of the Water and Dock Commission, the said appropriation to be raised by assessment on land bordering on the Saugus and Pines river known as the Saugus marshes. It is the belief of the commission that this land should be assessed by the foot.
If this recommendation is adopted it would result in a much increased revenue to the town.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY A. B. PECKHAM, Chairman,
SAMUEL A. PHINNEY, Secretary, HERBERT B. NEWHALL, ERNEST A. HODGDON, JOHN J. MULLEN, GEORGE I. HULL, CHESTER CROSS.
447
INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS REPORT.
1931]
Report of Inspector of Buildings
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
I herewith submit my annual report for the year ending December 31, 1931.
PERMITS GRANTED
Kind
Number
Valuation
Dwellings
65
$198,800 00
Garages .
75
16,000 00
Additions
33
31,700 00
Minor Outbuildings,
27
4,300 00
Remodel .
IO
10,600 00
Greenhouses
2
3,000 00
Store and Dwelling ·
I
3,900 00
Club House
I
2,500 00
Dine and Dance Hall
I
3,000 00
Gas Governor House
I
1,500 00
Locker Building
I
1,500 00
Golf Caddy House
I
400 00
Foundation
I
400 00
Chimney
I
60 00
Move Dwelling
I
Respectfully submitted,
DANIEL B. WILLIS,
Building Inspector.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
AND
Superintendent of Schools
OF THE
Town of Saugus, Mass.
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1931
AU
WN
G
T
162
1815.
LYNN, MASS. FRANK S. WHITTEN, PRINTER
1932
[Dec. 31
TOWN DOCUMENTS
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
MORTIMER H. MELLEN, Chairman, Term Expires, 1932 26 Mt. Vernon Street Tel. 385
MRS. MABEL CARTER Term Expires, 1933
I 2S Essex Street Tel. 762-W
FREDERICK B. WILLIS Term Expires, 1933 5 Willis Street Tel. 365
WALDO B. RUSSELL Term Expires, 1934
6 Anawan Avenue Tel. 582
*ERNEST H. ROGERS 3 Webb Place
Term Expires, 1932 Tel. 647-M
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
JESSE W. LAMBERT
Residence, 279 Central Street Tel. 267
Office, High School Building Tel. 775
Office Hours-8.30 to 9.00 A. M. 4.00 to 5.00 P. M. on every school day except Friday
CLERK :- MISS ANNA JACOBS
5 Evans Street
ATTENDANCE OFFICER
GEORGE A. TWEEDY
217 Lincoln Avenue Tel. 411
MEETING OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Regular meetings of the School Committee are held the first and third Mondays of each month (excepting July and August) at 8 o'clock P. M.
*Mr. Rogers was appointed by the Selectmen and the School Committee, in joint ses- sion, as provided by the statutes. Mr. Mccullough, the former member resigned, in August, to accept a position as teacher of English in the High School.
3
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
1931]
SCHOOL PHYSICIANS
NAME AND ADDRESS
TELEPHONES
Dr. Myron H. Davis 24 Main Street 235
Dr. Leroy C. Furbush 272 Lincoln Avenue I 20
Dr. Mary Penny 26 Jackson Street IIO
SCHOOL NURSE
Mrs. Mary Donovan
Broadway, Lynnfield
Breakers 75090
SCHOOL CALENDAR
Fall Term, 1931
Opened September 8, 1931 Closed December 18, 1931
Winter Term (first half)
Opened January 4, 1932 Closes February 19, 1932
Second Half
Opens February 29, 1932 Closes April 22, 1932
Spring Term
Opens May 2, 1932
Closes June 24, 1932
Fall Term
September 7, 1932
NO SCHOOL SIGNALS
2-2-2-2 on fire alarm and street lights turned on five minutes.
At 8 A.M. means no morning session for grades or opportunity class.
At 12.45 means no afternoon session for grades.
At 6.45 means no session for High School.
At 11.45 means no session for second platoon.
SCHOOL TELEPHONES
Armitage
1090
Mansfield
1096
Ballard
1091
No. Saugus
1098
Cliftondale
1092
Roby
1099
Emerson
1093
Oaklandvale
731
Felton
1094
Sweetser Jr. High 1097
Lynnhurst
1095
High School
260
4
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
At a meeting of the School Committee held January 11, 1932, it was "voted to accept the Annual Report of the Superintendent as the report of the School Committee required by Statutes."
MORTIMER H. MELLEN, Chairman.
MINORITY REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Although we feel that the Annual Report of the Superintendent of Schools should be accepted, we, nevertheless, would like to call to the attention of the citizens of Saugus that the minority of the School Committee feel that, owing to the present financial depression, additional curtailments should be made in our system.
First, that the sub-master of the Senior High School, whose salary is $2,600 should be eliminated, the duties of the sub- master having been greatly diminished when the Junior and Senior High Schools were separated.
In the Junior High School, we feel that the elimination of Manual Training and Sewing will not only save the town the salaries of two instructors, who are receiving $2,200 and $1,400 respectively, but will provide more time for the teaching of what we consider more important subjects.
We also feel that this is not a year for any raises and as such we think that the automatic raises which amount to $3,200 should be suspended for one year.
Signed : FREDERICK B. WILLIS, ERNEST A. ROGERS.
5
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
1931]
.
Report of Superintendent of Schools
To the School Committee and other Citizens of Saugus:
With pleasure your Superintendent herewith submits his fourteenth annual report of the condition, progress and needs of the public schools of Saugus, the same being the thirty-ninth annual report of the School Department.
Resignation of School Committee Member
In August Mr. Welcome W. Mccullough, of the School Com- mittee, resigned to accept a position as teacher of English in the Saugus High School.
He had served the town as a member of the School Committee for a period of nearly seven years including three years as chairman.
Mr. Mccullough rendered a large and valuable service to the department, which was much appreciated by his colleagues on the committee and also by the Superintendent of Schools.
His resignation was accepted with sincere regret.
Our Teaching Force
Fortunately, we were able to retain a very large proportion of our teaching force, and as a result our school work has pro- ceeded with but very little interruption. We have a few new teachers and they have rendered good service. On the whole, therefore, we can say without hesitation that the work done dur- ing the past year has been fully up to standard and the spirit of good will and cooperation was never better. It is through such cooperation that our schools have been built up and the outlook, as far as our teachers are concerned, is such as to inspire confi- dence and courage.
Many are taking educational courses at their own expense and are showing a marked interest in educational growth. This, too, augurs well for the future.
The Teachers' Association is doing splendid work. It is through the efforts of its officers that a course in Character Edu- cation has just been completed in Saugus. For several years, through the successful labors of this Association a fund has been
6
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
made available for assisting one worthy college student each year. Surely such service deserves recognition and commendation.
Specific Changes
A very sad loss was experienced through the death of Miss Helen Cunningham, who, through her ability as a teacher and devotion as a friend, had endeared herself to all with whom she was associated. Miss Cunningham taught French and English in the High School.
In June Miss Dorothy Eyre was given one year's leave of ab- sence to enable her to take a European trip.
Early in the summer we were informed by Miss Alta Patten that her health would not permit her to return during the school year 1931-32. She was therefore granted a leave of absence for one year.
The following transfers were made :
From the Ballard grade four to the Sweetser grade six, Miss Segrid Carlson.
From North Saugus grades one and two to Ballard grade three, Miss Evelyn Fenna.
From the Roby grade three to the principalship of the Oak- landvale School, Mrs. Elsie Foster to succeed Mrs. Mabelle Edmands who resigned.
From the Ballard Grade three to the Roby grade three, Miss Dorothy Meeker.
From the Roby grades five and six to the Sweetser grade seven, Miss Gladys Fox.
From the old Center school to the Roby school, Miss Catherine Casey.
From Roby grade five to grade five and six, Miss Ethel Dorr.
From Roby grade one and two to grade three, Miss Mae Butler.
From the Sweetser grade five to grade six, Miss Mae Priest.
From the Sweetser grade eight to the Central grade eight, Mrs. Eleanora Rice, Miss Pearl Peterson, and Miss Vera Wentworth.
From the Central grade seven to the Sweetser grade seven, Miss Mildred Willard.
The following vacancies were filled :
North Saugus grades one and two, Miss Vivian Smith.
Grade four at the Ballard School, Miss Phyllis Specht.
Manfield grade three, Miss Bernice Seigle succeeded Miss Katherine Campbell, who accepted another position.
7
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
1931]
Miss Doris Grant was married and was succeeded at the Felton School, grade one, by Miss Evelyn Ward.
Central Junior High, Miss Anderson was married, succeeded by Miss Sita Allen.
Additional teachers :
Two additional rooms were opened in the Sweetser School for grades five and six. Miss Carlson has one of these by transfer while Miss Ella Bailey was elected to the second position.
Central Junior High, Miss Kathryn Staples and Miss Shirley Russell.
Senior High School, Miss Ruth Motherwell, head of the Eng- lish Department ; Welcome Mccullough, teacher of English ; Harry Potts, teacher of Biology, and John Taylor, teacher of Commercial Arithmetic.
A reduction in the number of music teachers resulted in the loss, to the department, of Miss Dorothy Eccles.
One room at the Oaklandvale School was closed because of a reduction in the number of pupils. Miss Mary Cassidy was teacher in this room.
The Financial Situation Efficiency and Economy
No one admires the confirmed pessimist nor does the man pre- dicting disaster excite enthusiasm among his fellow men.
And yet there is an element of danger arising from an exagger- ated optimism that leads a person or a government to rest in fancied security to such an extent as to cause a total disregard of mounting expense and future obligation.
At this time of depression unemployment and uncertainty you will doubtless agree that every item of expense should be care- fully scrutinized and considered as to its necessity or its worth as an investment. We realize that this is not a period for experi- menting nor a time for uncertain projects.
Our appropriations for educational purposes are increasing every year and these increases of necessity will continue as long as the school population shall continue to grow, if we are to maintain a reasonable educational standard.
We must meet our obligations to the children first. Failure to do so is to convert a part of our financial depression into an edu- cational depression, for which our children must suffer because of inadequate educational equipment.
It is natural for every head to regard the work of his depart- ment as of major importance and it is perfectly proper that he should do so, but all thinking people, will agree that our chil-
S
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
dren are without exception our most precious assets both actual and potential. For their own good and for that of the commun- ity their education must have our first and most careful consideration.
We may not be able to make any outstanding or unusual edu- cational advancement during the coming year, but a well recog- nized obligation and a proper sense of self respect should restrain us from planning a retreat.
The question naturaally arises as to how expenses can be reduced.
We have planned to meet a reasonable demand by eliminating supervisory work in penmanship, reducing the expense of draw- ing by approximately 40 per cent that of Sewing and Manual Training by nearly 20 per cent and music by more than 40 per cent. We shall also try to function with one less teacher in the Junior High and possibly a less number, in the Senior High. These plans will become operative in September, 1932 and will effect a saving of $2,200 during the fall term.
Other savings will be effected wherever such savings can be made without placing a serious handicap on educational progress.
A program of economy seems absolutely necessary but, to be of real value, it must not include a lowering of educational standards.
Our slogan should continue to be, Efficiency and Economy.
Cost of School Support
APPROPRIATION GENERAL FUND
March, 1931
$215,078 00
Received from State (income tax) . $35,133 33
Received from State (state wards) 497 42
35,630 75
From local taxation .
$179,447 25
Enrollment October 1931
3,384
Enrollment October 1930 .
3,315
Enrollment October 1929 .
3,164
Enrollment October 1928 .
3,094
Enrollment October 1927 .
2,988
Per pupil cost (net) 1931 based on
October enrollment $53 02
Per pupil cost (net) 1930 based on October enrollment
51 45
9
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.,
1931]
Per pupil cost (net) 1929 based on
October enrollment · 51 89
Per pupil cost (net) 1928 based on
October enrollment · 50 33
Per pupil cost (net) 1927 based on
October enrollment 51 81
Per pupil cost based on membership January 1, 1931, is $54.25 making an average for the year about $53.63.
Comparative Costs
Whether or not the cost of education is too high in Saugus as compared with that of other towns can be determined only by a comparison of the per-pupil costs.
With this in mind your Superintendent is submitting, in tabu- lated form, such a comparison of figures taken from the Annual Report of the State Department of Education for the year ending November 30, 1930.
The tabulation is for the year ending June 30, 1930 and the figures are based upon the ratio of the membership to the expen- ditures (exclusive of general control) in the group of towns of which Saugus is one.
High Schools Number of Towns Reporting, 34.
Reporting a per-pupil cost of over $200
I
Reporting a per-pupil cost of between $100 and $200 30
Reporting a per-pupil cost of between 90 and 100 1-Saugus
Reporting a per-pupil cost of between 80 and 90 2 Reporting a per-pupil cost Saugus $95.20.
In other words Saugus stands number 32 in the list of thirty- four towns, with but two towns lower. There are no cities in the State with a lower High School per-pupil cost than that of Saugus.
Junior High Schools Number of Towns Reporting, 33
Reporting a per-pupil cost of over $100 12
Reporting a per-pupil cost of 90 to $100 7
Reporting a per-pupil cost of So to 90 6
Reporting a per-pupil cost of 70 to 80 2
Reporting a per-pupil cost of 60 to 70 6
Saugus is among the last six with a per-pupil cost of $69.35 and stands number 2S in the entire list of thirty-three towns.
10
TOWN . DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Among the cities of the State there is only one with a lower per-pupil cost than that of Saugus.
Grades I to VI (Inclusive) Number of Towns Reporting, 33
Reporting a per-pupil cost of over $100 J
Reporting a per-pupil cost of between 90 and $100 0
Reporting a per-pupil cost of between So and 90 7 Reporting a per-pupil cost of between 70 and 80
9 Reporting a per-pupil cost of between 60 and 70 14
Reporting a per-pupil cost of between 50 and 60 2
One of the last two has a per-pupil cost of $58.35.
The other is Saugus with a per-pupil cost of $52.82. This places Saugus last of the entire list of 33 towns.
Among the cities of the State there is only one with a lower per-pupil cost than that of Saugus.
The Student Body
We feel safe in saying that few if any school systems have less friction due to unruly pupils than does that of Saugus. There are disciplinary problems to be sure, but these are confined to a very few pupils and shrink almost to insignificance when we con- sider the hundreds of noble boys and girls whose work and cheerful cooperation is a distinct source of continuous inspiration.
Parent-Teachers' Associations
These organizations, when properly managed, as they are in Saugus, are a distinct asset to any school system. A proper understanding of a pupil is essential to successful work of any kind and especially so regarding that of the school room. A cheerful, friendly relation between parent and teacher should give rise to an impartial and agreeable discussion of the child. Your superintendent believes that in most cases the P. T. A. is the best means of promoting such cheerful and friendly relations. There is no line of endeavor where the following quotation better applies "United we stand, divided we fall."
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