USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1918 > Part 3
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5
The most important event the selectmen was called upon to consider and perform to the satisfaction of the citizens, in
71
the year 1918 was the reception and entertaining of the Japanese ambassador to the United States, Viscount Ishii, who notified the Selectmen through Mr. Charles S. Hamblin, that Dr. Nakahama, son of Manjiro Nakahama, a native of Japan, wished to present to the town a beautiful Samurai sword, in commemoration of the rescue of his father when a boy from an island in the Japan seas by Captain William H. Whitfield of our town. To assist and make a success of the matter the Selectmen appointed a committee of forty citizens, who were assigned to take care of the several parts, and the Selectmen feel justified in making the assertion that the whole undertaking was carried out in the best manner possible. The board would recommend the expense of same be paid from incidental account.
At the Special Town Meeting held April 28, 1913, the citizens unanimously voted that the town accept the trust created by the following provisions of the will of the late Henry H. Rogers :---
I give and bequeath to the Town of Fairhaven in the State of Massachusetts, the sum of One Hundred Thousand (100,000) Dollars, in trust, however, as a permanent en- dowment fund, and I direct that the income thereof be ap- plied between the maintenance of the Primary and Grammar Schools of the said Town of Fairhaven.
In accordance with provisions of the said will as to the management of said Trust Fund, the Board of Selectmen submit the following statement :
Received from the Executors of the will of the late Henry H. Rogers, Aug. 12, 1913, $100,000. Deposited same in Fairhaven National Bank at 2 per cent interest.
Invested Oct. 24, 1913, $25,000.00 in New York Tele- phone Co., first general mortgage 41/2% gold bonds at cost of $24,468.75.
Invested Oct. 25, 1913, $25,000.000 in American Tele- phone and Telegraph Co., Collateral Trust 4% bonds at a cost of $21,937.50.
Deposited Dec. 30, 1913, in Fairhaven Institution for Savings $10,000.00.
-
72
Deposited Dec. 30, 1913, in New Bedford Institution for Savings $10,000.00.
Deposited Dec. 30, 1913, in New Bedford Five Cent Sav- ing Bank, $10,000.00.
Invested March 13, 1914, $10,000.00 in New England Telephone and Telegraph Co., 5% Gold Bonds at a cost of $10,108.75.
Deposited May 12, 1914, in Citizens' Savings Bank of Fall River, $5,000.00.
Deposited May 12, 1914, in Union Savings Bank of Fall River, $5,000.00.
Invested Nov. 18, 1914, $3,000.00 in Automatic Tele- phone Co. of New Bedford first mortgage 5% bonds at a cost of $2,850.00.
Deposited Dec. 21, 1914, $635.00, balance of Trust Fund in Fairhaven Institution for Savings.
,
Income received from Rogers Trust Fund to Dec. 20, 1918, $4545.80.
At the Special Town Meeting held April 28, 1913, the citizens voted to approve the action of the Selectmen in ac- cepting from the Executors of the will of Sarah C. Anthony, ten thousand (10,000.00) dollars, bequeathed by her to the Town of Fairhaven in trust, to be held as a permanent fund, in memory of her late husband, Edmund Anthony, Jr., the income thereof to be devoted to educational purposes, in such manner as the school committee may from time to time determine.
Income received from Anthony Fund to Dec. 20, 1918, $429.50.
73
One of the most important matters and benefits the town has received the past year, was the allowance to the town from the heirs and children of Mr. Henry H. Rogers, the town's greatest benefactor, who gave the town our High School, the sum of four hundred and seventy-nine thousand (479,000) dollars. The interest from which will aggregate twenty-five thousand (25,000) dollars annually for the support of the Town's High School.
The said interest is forwarded to the Town Treasurer, by the Farmers Loan and Trust Co. of New York, who have charge of the Trust Fund, the accounts to be kept separate from all other Town Accounts by the Town Treas- urer, and all accounts before payment approved by School Committee and the Board of Selectmen.
The Board would recommend that the town at its An- nual Town Meeting, vote to send to each one of the donors of said Fund, a vote of thanks, by this manner showing to same the citizens' appreciation the town has received from this great help and benefit to our town.
If any of the citizens wishes to see at any time the indenture of Trust Fund copies of same will be on file with Selectmen and School Committee.
The Selectmen call the attention of the citizens and tax payers of the town to the financial condition of the town. Our town debt is increasing and about up to the debt limit. All departments of the town are increasing their expenses accounts, owing to the much larger cost of all necessary sup- plies, and the State Legislature making laws that compel the town to furnish support for an increasing number, which formally were self-supporting. The Board most earnestly request the citizens to investigate and act upon the same in a conservative and as a business matter.
74
As part of the requirements of the Town for the coming year we report the following for debt and interest :-
Howland Road Sewer Note, $500.00
Motor Chemical Wagon Note, 560.00
Bridge Maintenance and Repair Note, 400.00
Oxford Sewer Note, 300.00
Howland Road Sewer Note, 300.00
New Bedford and Fairhaven Bridge Note, 1,100.00
Refunding Loan Note,
400.00
Oxford School House Note,
1,400.00
Coggeshall Street Bridge Note,
1,370.00
Refunding Loan Note,
650.00
Fort Street Extension Note,
300.00
Green and Watson Street Sewer Note,
500.00
Refunding Loan Note, 400.00
Refunding Loan Note, 450.00
Adams Street Construction and Awards Note,
500.00
Bridge Street School House Note,
1,900.00
Green Street Sewer Note,
400.00
Farmfield Street Construction and Awards Note,
500.00
Garrison Street Sewer Note,
310.00
Refunding Loan Note,
500.00
Sconticut Neck Road Note,
1,000.00
$13,740.00
New Bedford and Fairhaven Bridge Bond,
1,000.00
$14,740.00
Interest on Bridge Bonds,
$1,200.00
Interest on Notes,
4,900.00
Interest on Temporary Loans,
800.00
$6,900.00
$21,640.00
75
The Board most respectfully submit the following esti- mates for appropriations as asked for to maintain the various departments for the ensuing year :
Debt and Interest,
$21,640.00
Sewer Department,
7,700.00
Poor Department,
4,000.00
Fire Department,
4,000.00
Fire Alarm,
150.00
Highway Department,
8,000.00
Hydrants,
2,800.00
Police Department,
1,400.00
Town Hall,
3,500.00
Salaries,
4,500.00
Street Lights,
3,600.00
Park Department,
2,100.00
Incidental Account,
2,500.00
Tree Department,
2,000.00
Board of Health,
2,500.00
Shellfish Commission.
500.00
Mothers' Aid,
2,800.00
Industrial School,
1,000.00
Gypsy and Brown Tail Moth,
300.00
$74,990.00
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES P. MAXFIELD,
JOHN I. BRYANT, THOMAS W. WHITFIELD.
76
REPORT OF HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT.
The Board of Seleetment had charge of the Street De- partment work the past year and selected to have charge of the work as foreman, Henry C. Pierce, who superintended the macadamizing and resurfacing the streets and William H. Bryant had charge of the general repairs on same.
The Street Department has given its usual attention to keeping the streets and gutters clean and tidy, and as it makes quite an item in the street dapartment expense ac- count, the Board requests the citizens to refrain as much as possible from using the streets and gutters as a dumping place, it would not only give the streets a better appearance but we should all do what we can to keep up the general character of our town for cleanliness.
As voted at Special Town Meeting held May 6, 1918, that they approved of the action of the Selectmen in order to continue the macadamizing of the so-called Sconticut Neck Road, under the following conditions, that the County and State allow the Town three thousand ($3,000.00) dollars each, the Town to appropriate the same amount, the Board would report, the same has been received and for the pay- ment of the Town's appropriations for same the amount was raised by notes. The Board feels confident that the said highway is good for years with a top dressing applied when needed.
The main work done by the general highway depart- ment the past year has been resurfacing the streets, build- ing a great many streets and raising same with cinders. This we find makes a very good road and sidewalk and are an improvement over any common one after they are cov- ered with screenings; all the streets have been resurfaced by the use of tar as binder.
The attention of the citizens is called to the law which prohibits placing any rubbish or material in the highways of
77
the Town. As many of our citizens, janitors of our public buildings and churches have been in the habit of cleaning their yards and lawns of grass, leaves, etc., then raking or sweeping the same into the streets, this law applies. Trust- ing this notice will be sufficient, and that we all use barrels in which to place our refuse in the future, by so doing it will be received by the ash cart.
We would also recommend that the citizens of the Town do all they can to separate the waste paper from the ashes. Perhaps if they would burn the paper, or have a separate barrel or box to place the paper in, it would help the matter ; but we are fully satisfied something must be done to abate the nuisance which now exists.
REPORT
OF THE
TREE WARDEN
80
To the Citizens of Fairhaven, Mass. :
The Tree Warden hereby submits his annual report.
Although little has been done other than spraying, owing to the high cost of labor and material, practically no money was left for the removal of dead trees and dead branches, which are many and ought to be attended to. If they are not attended to the Town becomes liable for damages from falling . dead wood. The Tree Warden's attention has been called in many cases to dead limbs, etc., but nothing was done except where absolutely necessary for the welfare of the pedestrians.
Few trees have been planted this year, the Improvement Association not having the funds. Six young Linden trees were planted around the new school on the corner of Green and Bridge Streets.
The Tree Warden feels that the Town could afford to plant fifty (50) trees each year, that the beauty of the Town can be preserved and perpetuated.
The Tree Warden recommends the appropriation of Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00).
Respectfully submitted,
PETER MURRAY,
Tree Warden.
January 23, 1919.
REPORT
OF THE
FIRE ENGINEERS
82
January 15, 1918.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :-
Gentlemen :-
The Board of Fire Engineers herewith present their annual report for the year ending December 31, 1918.
During the past year the department has answered 41 still alarms and 8 bell alarms.
Recommended that the Town appropriate this year $4,500.00 for the maintenance of the Fire Department and $1,000 for the purchase of new fire hose.
Board of Fire Engineers, CHARLES E. WESTGATE,
Chief. JESSE S. GIFFORD, First Assistant.
ALEXANDER PRICE, JR., Second Assistant and Clerk.
REPORT
OF THE
Inspector of Animals
.
84
Selectmen of Fairhaven, Mass. :
Dear Sirs :
I herewith submit my report as Inspector of Animals for the Town of Fairhaven.
During the past year I have inspected 937 animals, of which 571 were dairy cows, 171 young cattle, 180 swine, 14 bulls and 1 goat.
Also have inspected three interstate cattle and found them free from tuberculosis, also one horse which was found free from glanders. No cases of tuberculosis were found dur- ing the past year, and in all cases where improvements or cleaning up was recommended my suggestions have been car- ried out as far as possible.
Respectfully submitted,
W. H. SCHROEDER.
REPORT
OF THE
Sewer Commissioners
86
REPORT OF SEWER COMMISSIONERS, FAIRHAVEN, MASS.,
For Year Ending December, 31, 1918.
ORGANIZATION-G. Winston Valentine, Chairman ; William J. Fitzsimmons, Superintendent of Power House : Norman M. Paull, Clerk.
SEWER CONSTRUCTION-875 feet of eight-inch sewer in Garrison Street, completing contract with H. W. Barney. made in 1917.
Sixty-eight feet of eight-inch privately owned sewer ili North Green Street, paid for by Peter Nerbonne.
CONNECTIONS-There were twelve repairs made and thirty-one buildings connected, making a total of 733 con- nections to date.
POWER HOUSE-Owing to increased costs of labor and supplies during the year 1918, the cost of operating the sta- tion was $4,700.00.
Figuring on the present cost of labor and supplies, it will cost at least $5,400.00 for the year 1919.
REMARKS-Material and supplies have nearly doubled in price. Fuel has increased about 22 per cent. Machine shop charges and skilled labor have increased about 57 per cent. Laborers' pay has inereased about 80 per cent., an:l it is hard to find help at any price. The engineers' pay also has been increased 37 per cent.
It is fitting that something be said about the Sewer Pumping Station. This important end of the system has in no way been neglected. Very true, many of our towns people expected to see a new pumping outfit installed, but after careful investigation of the whole system the Board
87
decided to keep the machinery in the station in good repair, as money spent for new machinery would amount to prac- tically nothing so far as the outside working of the system is concerned. The ejectors are inadequate in times of heavy rain. No matter what power there is in the station, unless the ejectors and piping are of ample size to carry off the water, flooded cellars must be expected. At certain times it is impossible under the best working conditions to take off the enormous amount of water, in addition to the sewerage which finds its way into the main sewer through leaky joints and cellar drains.
The system, therefore, must eventually be built up to take care of the constantly increasing demands placed upon it. The Shone system has practically reached its capacity, and it would seem to the Board unwise to restrict the public much longer in this matter so closely related to the health and sanitation of the community.
The Board would be pleased to co-operate with any board or individuals the Town might appoint to find a prac- tical way to overcome the present difficulties.
With an overdraft of $700.00 from the year 1918, we are obliged to ask for an appropriation of $8,000.00 for the vear 1919.
Respectfully submitted, G. WINSTON VALENTINE, WILLIAM J. FITZSIMMONS, NORMAN M. PAULL.
SCHOOL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN OF FAIRHAVEN MASSACHUSETTS
FOR THE Year 1918
MERCURY PUBLISHING COMPANY, NEW BEDFORD, MASS. 1919
2
In School Committee, Jan. 14, 1919.
Voted :- That the Report of the Superintendent of Schools be accepted and printed as the Report of the School Committee.
Voted :- That the Committee ask for an appropriation of $34,000 for the ensuing year for general school expenses and $3,000 for repairs at the Rogers school.
ALTON B. PAULL, LYMAN C. BAULDRY. DANIEL W. KENDRICK, DANIEL W. DEANE, LEWIS E. BENTLEY. H. HOWARD STILLMAN.
3
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
LYMAN C. BAULDRY,
Term expires 1919
ALTON B. PAULL,
Term expires 1919
DANIEL W. KENDRICK,
Term expires 1920
DANIEL W. DEANE, LEWIS E. BENTLEY,
Term expires 1920
Term expires 1921
H. HOWARD STILLMAN, Term expires 1921
Chairman, ALTON B. PAULL.
Secretary and Superintendent, OLIVER H. TOOTHAKER.
Superintendent's Office Hours :
Town Hall :- 8.15-9.00 A. M .- Monday, Wednesday, Friday. 4.00-5.00 P. M .- Every school day unless absent on special business. 7.00-8.00 P. M .- Wednesday.
High School :-
9.30-10.00 A. M .- Monday.
Regularly out of town :-
In Mattapoisett a part of Tuesday.
In Acushnet a part of Thursday.
The Superintendent's Office is open with a clerk in charge daily from 9-12 and 1.30-5 except Saturdays when it is open only in the forenoon.
Telephone call at Town Hall, Fairhaven, 3891.
Telephone call at residence, 2 North Street, 4237-5.
4
SCHOOL CALENDAR.
1918 Monday, Dec. 30.
1919 Friday, Feb. 21,
Monday, March 3,
Friday, April 25,
Monday, May 5, Friday, May 30,
Friday, June 27,
Wednesday, Sept. 3,
Wednesday, Nov. 26,
Monday, Dec. 1,
Friday, Dec. 19, Monday, Dec. 29,
Schools re-open
Schools close Schools re-open Schools close
Schools re-open Memorial Day Schools close Schools re-open Schools close Schools re-open Schools close
Schools re-open
5
No School Signal, 22
For the benefit of those who have difficulty in remem- bering the significance of the no-school signal, the follow- ing is submitted for reference :---
The signal at 8.00 a. m. indicates no forenoon session for the three lowest grades.
The signal at 8.15 a. m. indicates no forenoon session for any of the eight grades of the elementary schools.
The signal at 12.30 noon, indicates no afternoon session for the first three grades.
The signal at 12.45 noon, indicates no afternoon session for any of the eight grades of the elementary schools.
The no school signals do not apply to the High school.
Schools are often in session when weather conditions make it unsuitable for some of the children to attend, in which case parents must make their own decisions.
6
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
To the School Committee of Fairhaven.
Gentlemen :- Herewith is submitted my annual report, the twenty-second in the series of superintendent's reports since the formation of the union with Acushnet and Matta- poisett.
This report, without preliminary generalities, will deal directly with the conditions that have obtained in the schools of your town during the past year, with the work that has been undertaken in an effort for advancement and with the problems that appear to present the most urgent demand upon your attention.
Finances.
Below appears a summary of the receipts and expendi- tures of the school department for the years 1917 and 1918 together with an estimate for the year 1919. It will be noted in connection with this estimate that the principal increases in this budget are in connection with teachers salaries, janitors' salaries, fuel and text books.
Expenditures and Budget.
Expended 1917
Expended 1918
Estimate 1919
General Control
$2,171.05
$1,986.19
Teachers' Salaries
16,637.81
19,431.75
$2,100.00 25,000.00
Text Books
483.93
569.98
1,000.00
Supplies
835.96
1,092.86
1,000.00
Janitors ' Salaries
1,930.00
2,301.97
2,700.00
Fuel
1,712.99
1,816.82
3,000.00
Miscellaneous
839.56
1,426.51
1,500.00
Transportation
1,828.75
1,710.25
2,000.00
Repairs
677.70
863.96
800.00
New Equipment
214.98
30.00
200.00
Totals
$27,332.73
$31,230.29
$39,300.00
From Other Sources
6,691.96
6,434.75
7,300.00
From Taxation
21,000.00
26,000.00
32,000.00
Balance
$359.23
$1,204.46
7
For the year 1917, the total expenditures for elementary schools were $27,332.73. It therefore appears that the ex- penditures for 1918 are $3,897.56 more than for the previous year. This increase is accounted for almost entirely in the two items of teachers' and janitors' salaries, the former showing an increase of aprroximately $3,000 and the latter an increase of nearly $400. The increase under "miscel- laneous" is largely a matter of bookeeping, as various items charged to this account in 1918 were distributed through various departments in the 1917 account.
These differences are due largely to an increase in the per capita salaries, but to a partial extent to the opening of the Tripp School and the consequent employment of three additional teachers and one additional janitor.
In spite of this advance of nearly $4,000 it is perfectly obvious to anyone conversant with the situation that the increase in 1919 must necessarily be even more than it was in 1918.
There have been very general salary increases and al- though Fairhaven has made considerable advance in this direction, it is still below the average of towns of its own size and paying ability.
On your present salary schedule the total cost for teach- ers in the elementary schools for the year 1919 will be slightly over $23,000. This makes no provision for either physical or manual training in the elementary schools and both of these lines of instruction should be in the curricu- lum. Neither does it provide for any special lines of work with atypical children, allow much of any margin for the employment of substitute teachers nor provide for possible salary increases. In order to provide for the most urgent of these needs a total of $25,000 is needed for teachers' salaries.
The increase in the estimate for janitors is mainly for the care of the Tripp School.
It will require from 260 to 275 tons of coal to run the four buildings of the elementary system during the year. and with our bins practically empty on January 1st, and
8
but little prospect of any considerable decrease in the price of fuel, it is evident that $3.000 is a fair estimate of the fuel cost.
An approximate increase of $500 for text books is recommended. Your schools are very poorly equipped with text books. It is impossible to produce satisfactory results in the school rooms under such conditions.
Teachers.
The problem of securing competent teachers has been, during the past year, more serious than at any time within the memory of the present generation. Of course this is perfectly natural and is but a part of the general economic situation. There is no necessity for going extensively into a discussion of the problem. Suffice it to say that at the present time there is but little if any prospect of immediate improvement in the situation. This means that the economic law of supply and demand will make it possible for competent teachers to secure substantial salaries. The town that wishes to maintain its schools at a proper standard of efficiency and not allow a continuous process of change must pay a rate that will allow it to compete for a desirable class of teachers and then offer them prospects of financial advancement within the system.
Your superintendent has been connected with the local school system for a period of eight months and fifty-seven percent of the present teaching corps have been here a shorter time than he has. In other words, fifty-seven per cent of your elementary school teachers have actually taught in the schools of Fairhaven less than twenty-two weeks. There are but four teachers in the whole elementary system who have been here as much as a year and a half and of those four, three are residents of the town.
This condition is not peculiar to the past school year as, for some time, there have been numerous and frequent changes in the teaching staff. In spite of this fact and also in spite of the fact, as suggested elsewhere, that the schools
9
are very poorly equipped with books a fairly good standard of work has been accomplished along established lines. The teachers in your present system are faithful and efficient. They are, I think, without exception, doing their best to produce the most satisfactory results. Their attitude to- wards the school officials has been cordial and no teacher in the elementary system has left your employ without con- forming fully to the requirements of her contract.
Attendance. Membership Table for School Year, September to June
Year.
Total Membership. Average Membership.
1912-13
1005
870
1913-14
1081
947
1914-15
1167
1014
1915-16
1282
1083
1916-17
1356
1160
1917-18
1407
1220
Increase in 6 years,
402
350
The average membership in all the public schools of the town for September 1917 was 1,184. For September of this year, in spite of the industrial conditions that brought about the withdrawal of a considerable number of pupils over fourteen years of age, the average membership increased to 1,219. In December of last year the average membership had dropped off to 1,164 while this year it dropped to 1,179. It will be noted that the falling off in membership is larger this year than last. Most of this, however, can be traced to health conditions which, as is noted elsewhere, have been very serious.
The school department is now confronted with the problem of dealing with the boys and girls over fourteen years of age and under sixteen who have left school during the past year to obtain work. The law provides that chil-
10
dren between fourteen and sixteen who have completed the fourth grade may obtain certificates of employment, but it also requires that these children, unless employed, must be in school. This office is undertaking, with the assistance of the attendance officers, to trace up as carefully as pos- sible those children who are out of work and should return to the school room. It is not expected that every such case will be found but a definite effort will be made to put into effect the spirit of the law.
Job C. Tripp School.
The new school building at the corner of Green and Bridge streets was completed in the spring and three rooms were occupied during the last five weeks of the school year. In two of these rooms were placed first and second grade pupils from the Washington Street School that had been on part time owing to congestion in that building. The third room was occupied by pupils of the seventh and eighth grades who were transferred from the Old High School.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.