USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1932 > Part 10
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The various departmental projects described in previous reports have been continued this year :- work with the High School Library and the High School students, book deposits in school rooms at the other schools sent every three months, exhibits in the Main Library and Greenwood Branch, talks on books to various groups by different members of the staff.
The publication of the check-book lists of new books each month was dis- continued in the interests of economy; in December the following special lists of recent books were published:
FOR YOUR LESISURE-"Profitable hours," listing various "different" occupations.
IN THE ECONOMIC WORLD-including books of "As we are," "The gold standard," "Plans for the future."
ROADS TO LIVING-"Life's adventure" and tales of "How others have lived."
EDUCATION-both mental and physical as well as about child welfare. FOR THE SPORTSMAN-outdoor sports and indoor games.
WANDERLUST-travel books around the world.
The colorful posters in the library as well as the posted book covers and fiction lists on the bulletin boards near the book stacks in the adult department, and the use of attractive lists in the Children's Room brought attention during the year to material on a large variety of subjects. At the Greenwood Branch the projects and exhibits featured many kinds of special material.
Valuable publicity has been given to the library by the Wakefield Daily Item as in previous years,-a feature which obviously the public uses as guides to reading.
In this year of stringent economy the building has not been allowed to get out of repair. It was necessary to have the outside steps recemented. The Lecture Hall, the only part of the building untouched since it was built, was repainted and celotex panels provided for picture exhibits. The building is now in excellent condition.
147
REPORT OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
Members of the library staff attended the meeting of the Massachusetts Library Club in Boston last January. Various meetings of the Cataloguing and Children's Librarian's Sections have been attended by the members es- pecially interested.
I mention my sincere sorrow at the passing of Mr. Winfield S. Ripley, a member of the Library Board for many years. Those years of experience, to- gether with his literary interests and the brilliance and humor obvious despite his modesty and reserve, made my professional relations with him especially happy.
In this period of "deflation of moral and spiritual values"-as a Cincinnati newspaper has termed this time of serious mental depression-the people of Wakefield have used the library more and more to serve their needs.
I know that you are glad of the growth of the library and its response to these needs. I wish to emphasize and bring to your attention the loyalty and industry of the members of the library staff whose interest and efforts have been unstintingly given in providing for the needs of the library patrons. It is prob- able that the library service next year may be of greater volume. I, therefore, recommend to you, in determining your policy toward the staff, that due con- sideration be given to these factors.
Respectfully submitted,
HELEN FRANCES CARLETON,
Librarian.
148
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
DONORS
It is with appreciative thanks that we acknowledge gifts from:
American Legion
American Relief Administration
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Bean Mrs. Wallace Boardman
Carnegie Hero Fund Commission
Christian Science Church, Reading
Consulate General of Colombia
Cunard Steamship Line
D. A. R. Faneuil Hall Chapter W. J. Dennett
Harris M. Dolbeare
Mr. and Mrs. William Eaton
Eastman Kodak Company
Mrs. F. L. Edson
E. Emerson J. D. Fraser
General Electric Company
Miss Lillian Goldsmith Horace O. Greene
C. Francis Jenkins
F. B. Jordan Knights of Columbus
Mrs. Herbert Leete
Daniel L. Marsh, D. D.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Massachusetts Audubon Society
Massachusetts Universalist Church
Massachusetts Society of Mental Hygiene
Mrs. H. C. Merriam
Mrs. Minnie E. Moore
New England Dairy and Food Council
North German Lloyd Steamship Line Polish Information Service
Pratt Institute Free Library
Provincial Tourist Bureau of Quebec
Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Ripley
Mrs. W. C. Robbins
Mrs. Sylenda B. Stearns
Frank Tredinnick Frank Wakefield
Wakefield Daily Item
Wakefield Mothers' Club
Arthur K. Walton
Walter K. Watkins Sidney S. Wheeler Mrs. Selim White J. Theodore Whitney Richard Whitney Wisconsin College of Agriculture
149
REPORT OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
LIBRARY EXHIBITS-1932 From Library Collection, unless otherwise marked
MAIN LIBRARY
Shoes around the world (P. B. Evans)
Book exhibit at the Garden Club
Washington coins (Clinton Stearns)
Washington Pictures and New York Ledger (Walter Watkins)
Pictures of the Washington Memorial Chapel at Valley Forge
Alice in Wonderland (project) Alice in Wonderland (pictures)
Graphic printing processes (Louis Holman)
Protective coloring (Children's Museum, Jamaica Plain)
Plant life in woods of New England (Ralph Bean)
Photographs taken during a vacation trip in Bermuda (Gardner Campbell) Dairy dolls (New England Dairy Council)
African curios (John Anderson)
Drawings of African life Sports of yesterday (pictures)
History of transportation (pictures)
Rocks and minerals of New England (Children's Museum, Jamaica Plain.)
Soap Sculpture (Small Soap Sculptures)
Chinese project (Children's Museum, Cambridge)
Pictures of designs, and arts and crafts suggestions
Book Week exhibit of chidren's books
Madonnas Della Robbia Bambinos
Stained glass windows (Wilbur H. Burnham)
GREENWOOD BRANCH LIBRARY
Special Projects :
Winter scene
Eskimo scene
Village smithy Hansel & Gretchel Pilgrim Home Christmas displays
Special Loans:
Rip Van Winkle-7th Grade
Treasure Island-7th Grade
Washington at Valley Forge-8th Grade
China-Children's Museum How seeds travel-4th Grade Costume dolls-8th Grade
Costume dolls-4th Grade
Log cabins-8th Grade
Bust of Lincoln (George Lucas) Silk flag and Washington plaque (Mrs. F. L. Edson) Large mirror (Mrs. F. L. Edson) Jeweler's anvil (George Lucas)
150
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
From the Library Picture Collection:
Character grams Fancy costumes Gardens
Ferns Drawings by 8th Grade Children
Sports of yesterday History of transportation Juvenile book jackets
Norman Rockwell illustrations
151
REPORT OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
TABLE I Financial Statistics 1932
Receipts
Town Appropriation Dog Tax
$20,750.00 1,603.84
Income from Library Funds:
Junius Beebe Fund
$1,243.74
Marcus Beebe Fund
439.72
Decius Beebe Fund
503.38
Katherine Beebe Fund
256.61
Eleanor H. Beebe Fund
255.84
Frederick Beebe Fund
342.96
Charles S. Beebe Fund
51.86
John H. Beebe Fund
128.10
Alice B. Carpenter Fund
182.40
George O. Carpenter Fund
51.62
Sylenda B. Stearns Fund
102.74
J. G. Aborn Library Fund
76.84
Cyrus Gilbert Beebe Fund
90.99
Frederic Beebe Library Fund
45.50
Rev. Thomas A. Emerson Fund
22.75
Flint Memorial Library Fund
45.50
M. W. Gove Library Fund
20.20
Dr. F. P. Hurd Library Fund
113.74
Franklin Poole Library Fund
22.75
Mary H. Pratt Library Fund
9.09
Cyrus Wakefield Library Fund
22.75
$4,029.08
Total
$26,382.92
152
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Library Expenditures for 1932
Books Periodicals
Binding
$5,922.96 785.84 1,509.45
Salaries:
Library service
Janitor service
$10,370.82 2,029.20
$12,400.02
Other Expenses:
Printing
213.75
Light
684.94
Heat
1,008.29
Furnishings
250.00
Supplies
973.67
Maintenance:
Repairs
1,025.09 575.78
Miscellaneous
$25,349.79 1,033.13
RETURNED TO TOWN
$26,382.92
LIBRARY RECEIPTS RETURNED TO THE TOWN, 1932; FROM FINES, PAYMENT OF LOST BOOKS ET CETERA
$758.80
153
REPORT OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
TABLE II Classified Table of Volumes Issued in 1932
MAIN Adult Juvenile
GREENWOOD Adult Juvenile
Reference works and bound periodicals
93
192
33
147
Philosophy
1,448
22
203
5
Religion
673
284
174
190
Sociology
2,357
2,455
431
1,015
Philology (Language)
184
31
3
7
Natural Science
1,180
781
231
503
Useful Arts
3,963
1,132
381
485
Fine Arts
3,244
870
520
304
Literature
5,218
2,156
878
675
History
2,180
1,869
367
982
Travel
3,862
3,478
980
1,260
Biography
3,626
1,192
1,141
723
Fiction
100,354
22,060
24,199
5,313
*10,389
*10,231
Pamphlets
174
1
1
Foreign Books which were on loan number
423
Current Periodicals
5,237
1,039
2,333
783
133,216
47,951
31,875
22,624
Total
234,666
School books issued
8,147
243,813
Pictures
4,952
Borrowers Registered
Adult
Juvenile
Main Library Greenwood Branch
3,644
2,404
6,048
1,316
Total borrowers registered
7,364
(School borrowers not registered)
*Little folks' readers.
180,167
54,499
Total
154
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
TABLE III
Resources
Volumes belonging to Library, January 1, 1932
49,180
Additions in 1932
MAIN LIBRARY, by purchase:
New Titles
Adult
1,529
Juvenile
305
1,834
Replacements and Duplicates
Adult
335
Juvenile
282
617
GREENWOOD, by purchase:
New Titles
Adult
298
Juvenile
18
316
Replacements and Duplicates :
Adult
174
Juvenile
21
195
Gifts
41
School
42
Bound Magazines
63
Unclassified
389
Total additions
3,497
Volumes withdrawn, 1932
*841
Volumes belonging to Library, December 31, 1932
51,836
*72 of these were burned because of scarlet fever in the families where the books had been borrowed.
155
REPORT OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
TABLE IV
American Library Association Form for Uniform Statistics
Population of Wakefield (1931)
16,318
Terms of use of Library: FREE
Agencies: Main Library, one branch, nine schools
303
Days open during the year-Branch Library
218
Hours open each week for lending-Main Library
66
Hours open each week for lending-Branch
161/2
Hours open each week for reading-Main Library
69
Hours open each week for reading-Branch
1612
Number of volumes at beginning of year
49,180
Number of volumes added by purchase
3,456
Number of volumes added by gift
41
Number of volumes withdrawn during year
841
Number of volumes at end of year
51,836
Pictures
62,860
Pamphlets
4,085
Number of registered borrowers
7,364
Number of volumes lent for home use
243,813
Number of pictures lent for home use
4,952
Registration period
2 years
Number newspapers (one gift) received currently
9
Number periodical titles currently received Main Library 121
Branch Library
35
Library receipts:
Town appropriation
$20,750.00
Income from dog tax
1,603.84
Income from trust funds
4,029.08
$26,382.92
Library expenditures:
Books
$5,922.96
Periodicals
785.84
Binding
1,509.45
Salaries, library service
10,370.82
Salaries, janitor service
2,029.20
Light
1,008.29
Supplies
973.67
Other maintenance
2,749.56
Total
$25,349.76
Returned to Town
$1,033.13
$758.80 received from fines, payment of lost books, etc., and returned to the town.
Days open during the year-Main Library
156
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of School Committee
ORGANIZATION OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
School Committee for 1932
Dr. J. William O'Connell, Chairman, Fairmount Avenue Mrs. Eva Gowing Ripley, Secretary, Emerson Street Mrs. Mabel W. Sweetser, Treasurer, Main Street Harry B. Allman, Greenwood Street
Thomas F. Kenney, Main Street
Gardner E. Campbell, Wave Avenue
Term Expires 1934 Term Expires 1934
Term Expires 1933
Term Expires 1933
Term Expires 1935 Term Expires 1935
SUB-COMMITTEES
Mr. Kenney
Public Property Mr. Allman
Mr. Campbell
Mr. Allman
Finance and Accounts Dr. O'Connell Mr. Campbell
Mrs. Ripley
Teachers and Salaries Mrs. Sweetser Mr. Kenney
Mr. Campbell
Courses of Study Mrs. Ripley Mrs. Sweetser
Mrs. Sweetser
Text Books and Supplies Mrs. Ripley Mr. Kenney
Superintendent of Schools Willard B. Atwell, 94 West Chestnut Street
Secretary to the Superintendent Pauline E. Meads, 240 Lowell Street
157
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Report of the School Committee
To the Citizens of the Town of Wakefield:
The Annual Report of the School Committee for the year ending December 31, 1932 is herewith respectfully submitted.
We fully realize that the present is a time for retrenchment and have acted accordingly. During the past year we have so conducted the business of the School Department as to take advantage of every proper opportunity to econo- mize, when such economy would not materially impair the efficiency of the sys- tem. This is evidenced by the fact that at the end of the year we returned to the town an unexpended balance of $8,131.07. The amount could easily have been expended for various improvements and accessories which might quite rightly be considered essential, but the Committee has conscientiously refrained from making any expenditures which were not absolutely necessary.
The policy of retrenchment has resulted in a series of small economies, which together with the teachers' salaries reduction amounts to a very respectable sum. A partial list of these economies embraces the abolition of the positions of two principal's assistants, primary supervisor, intelligence tests, military drill, sewing in the grades, unnecessary telephones, principals' convention expenses, book purchases for High School library, as well as others of even lesser magnitude.
The per pupil cost for all the schools in 1931 was $92.63, while in 1932 it was only $89.45, a saving of $3.18. During the same period the average per pupil cost for all cities and towns in the state was $100.07 in 1931 and $99.19 in 1932. This brief allusion to comparative costs, which are, as a matter of fact, only partially satisfactory at best, does show that the cost of maintaining the schools of Wakefield, figured on a per pupil basis, is about ten percent less than the average per pupil cost for all cities and towns in the Commonwealth.
The budget for 1933 has been scanned very carefully and cut whenever it seemed to be feasible without lowering the efficiency of the schools. The edu- cation of the children must be taken care of properly now for it can never be made up to them. The children of today are the citizens of tomorrow, and must receive training to equip them to take their places in society, and to enable them to do their share in operating the municipalities, the State, and the Nation.
In June the Town voted to recommend a 10% decrease in salaries up to December 31, 1932. The committee has voted to continue this decrease for the year 1933.
From the Report of the Principal of the High School: The enrollment in the High School at the beginning of the school year was as follows:
Boys
Girls Total
Post Graduates
10
18
28
Seniors
99
105
201
Juniors
112
106
218
Sophomores
138
135
273
Freshmen
182
184
366
Eighth Grade
119
106
225
660
654
1314
158
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
The enrollment for the four year high school was 1,089. In the morning session there were 723 pupils and in the afternoon session 591. The building was built to accommodate comfortably 750 pupils. We have nearly that num- ber now in the three upper classes.
You may wonder whether the pupils are doing as well under the double session plan as previously. That is hard to tell yet. It will take several years to get any reliable data. Under the old plan each pupil was in school seven periods daily and now most of them are in school only five. It is difficult for the teachers to assist pupils as much now as formerly as the classes are larger and the pupils do not have so many study periods as under the old system.
Of last year's graduating class 31 went to higher institutions of learning, which I consider a large number. In fact for the last four years 166 pupils en- tered colleges, or normal schools, or higher institutions of learning directly from high school, which is a remarkable record. This refutes the statement we often hear; namely, that we cannot prepare pupils for college.
We had no military drill this year on account of the crowded conditions and so far as possible each boy was given gymnasium work. To do this the gym- nasium was in use practically ten periods each day and some classes were too large to do much real work. I recommend that the gymnasium work be made compulsory for the first two years for boys and girls and elective the last two years, especially while we operate on the morning and afternoon plan.
This year, in addition to its use as a reference room, the Charles H. Howe Memorial Library has been used as a study room in the afternoon with half of its seats occupied by study pupils during practically every period. During Book Week of this year the library conducted a campaign of soliciting books from the faculty, pupils and friends of the school. Four hundred and six books were received and about one half of them can be used on the shelves and the remainder can be sold or put to some benefit. It is impossible to estimate the actual money value of the books received, but it may safely be stated that it at least reached $150.00.
Below is a list of subjects taught and the number of pupils taking them:
Number of Classes
Number of Classes
English
1089
39
Solid Geometry
20
1
Latin
332
12
Chemistry
118
5
French
315
12
Trigonometry
20
1
First Year Algebra
326
10
Physics
17
1
Review Algebra
93
3 Elementary Science
230
7
Senior Algebra
58
2
Biology
85
3
Plane Geometry
149
6
Horticulture
21
1
General Mathematics
57
2 Physiographic Science
32
1
Shop Mathematics
17
1 Community Civics
163
7
Mechanical Drawing
139
7 Ancient History
116
4
Freehand Drawing
104
6 Medieval History
60
2
Commercial Arithmetic
115
4
World History
110
4
Penmanship
120
4 Modern History
92
3
159
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Stenography
140
5
American History
206
7
Typewriting
239
8 Printing
64
7
Bookkeeping
120
4 Woodwork
151
7
Commercial Law
63
2
Cooking
83
5
Commerce and Industry
92
3 Sewing and Millinery 47
4
From a report on the afternoon session at the High School:
The curriculum is the same for the eighth grades as that of last year except that sewing for the girls is eliminated and one period a week of Written English Composition has been added. The written work has been much poorer than the oral and I felt that a definite period might strengthen the written work.
Nine classes of freshmen come to school at 12.10 o'clock and three other divisions of Freshmen beside seven divisions of eighth graders come at 1.00 o'clock. This difference of hours for entering is necessary on account of the time schedule. This makes it difficult for those who live any distance to come to morning sessions for help and return home for lunch and then return again to school. Adjustments have been made as far as possible to eliminate this con- dition for those who live a long distance.
There are many difficulties attendant to the afternoon session. The num- ber of activities carried on during the afternoon bring many pupils to the school besides those attending classes. Among whom are those attending Orchestra rehearsal, Band rehearsal, Football and Basketball practice, afternoon session for the morning division, play rehearsals, and club meetings.
The Washington Bicentennial was celebrated in all the schools of the town. This celebration took various forms and engaged pupils, teachers, and lecturers. The pupils gave recitations. wrote themes, longer and shorter, and made scrap books, many of which were profusely illustrated and showed great originality of plan and design. The teachers gave specially prepared talks, which emphasized the human side of Washington. Other talks were given by lecturers who had made a special study of Washington's life and times; and in April in a series of presentations the pupils viewed a moving picture which showed the great events of Washington's career. This general program had its climax on the graduating exercises of the Senior class of the High School which concerned Washington's opinions and ideals.
From the Report of the Physical Director: "Today education aims to pro- vide not only information and learning, but to help each individual to realize his highest physical, mental, spiritual and social possibilities. To reach his highest development, each person should have abundant vitality, and a healthy mind and body. In order to develop personalities one must understand the value of health. This means freedom from illness; it means that the individual must have a strong active body full of energy. Young people of school age would be expected to be well and vigorous but unfortunately ill health is common among the pupils, especially of the high school age because of their ignorance and the lack of practice in good health habits. It is therefore the aim of the teachers of physical and health education to stimulate the children to form and practice these proper habits which build a strong, healthy body and a bright keen mind. Thus, through exercise by means of play and games, we increase the efficiency of the various systems, such as the circulatory, digestive and respiratory."
160
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
From the report of the School Physician: "Attention is called to the fact that for the second consecutive year no case of diphtheria has been reported among the pupils attending school anywhere in town. How far it is due to im- munization it is impossible to tell, but it never happened previous to immuniza- tion.
In 1931 we immunized 175 pupils. We have this year given them the schick test. Of this number only ten were susceptible and these were re-immu- nized. We have immunized 275 this year which is a larger number than usual. These will be schicked in the near future.
The first grade, fifth grade, and the first year high school pupils have been given a complete physical examination, and as a result 555 notices have been sent home. Of these 219 were for defective teeth, 238 for diseased tonsils and adenoids, 44 for underweight, 11 for organic disease of the heart, and the balance for various minor defects. There was a much smaller number of underweight children than usual, this decrease was most noticeable among the freshmen girls.
All other pupils were examined early in 1932 for defective teeth and nose and throat defects, and 540 notices sent home, of which 380 were for defective teeth, 145 for diseased tonsils and adenoids, and the remainder for minor de- fects of the skin and scalp.
In December another examination of these were made and 625 notices were sent home. The distribution was about the same. In all, over 1,700 notices were sent home calling attention to defects. It is not expected to make two examinations every year, but this came about through a re-distribution of the year's work, bringing a general examination in January and another in December.
The number of notices was large this year. Not quite so good attention has been given the teeth, and many pupils with badly diseased tonsils have not had treatment for financial reasons. However there was a much larger number of pupils having perfect teeth, none missing, no decay, no fillings, which is most encouraging.
There is no known active case of tuberculosis in the schools. Much effort has been given to detect probable infection through the "State follow up clinic," and examination of contacts and suspicious cases at the state sanatorium at North Reading. This part of the work has been done by the School Nurse and the Board of Health Nurse.
I have examined the candidates for all athletic teams, also the girls who enter competitive sports. I have examined many boys and girls referred for some special condition. I have attended the football games played in Wake- field and treated minor injuries. I have examined at my office many boys sent by the coach for injuries received in practice and given first aid treatment when needed."
From report of the Attendance Officer: "I have investigated and taken care of the following cases:
Sickness 113
75
Truancy
24
Tardy
Kept out by parent or guardian 17
161
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Lack of shoes, clothes and food
131
Found on street and taken to school
2
Found on street and taken to home
1
Found in homes and taken to school
6
Misdemeanors on school grounds.
14
Holding warrant for good behavior
1
Suspensions
5
Home Employment Certificates
1
Factories and Stores Visited
11
Pupils left school
16
Left school to go to work
11
General disobedience
14
Investigated and found them moved
16
Girls taken home because of illness
5
Boys taken home because of illness
1
Schools visited frequently
I have made several calls at the homes of pupils in the evenings and Sundays and have talked with the parents regarding their children with good results."
APPROPRIATION AND RECEIPTS
The Committee has submitted a budget which calls for an appropriation of $268,000.00 for the year of 1933. Properly deductible from this amount is about $46,000.00, the estimated receipts through the department. Although these receipts are paid into the Town Treasury, they favorably affect the tax rate and leave about $222,000.00 to be raised by local taxation.
The estimated receipts are from the following sources:
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on account of teachers $23,991.00
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Tuition, State Wards 2,600.00
Town of Lynnfield, Tuition 14,688.96
City of Boston, Tuition, City Wards
2,100.00
Town of Saugus, Tuition
1,170.24
Town of Stoneham, Tuition
219.42
Individuals, High School Tuition
232.48
Individuals, Elementary School Tuition
438.84
Receipts from Lumber
400.00
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