USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1921-1925 > Part 20
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In the room opened at West Acton a year ago new slate boards have been installed.
Fire alarms which operate mechanically have been installed in each building, and fire drills are practiced regularly.
The work of the nurse deserves special mention. Miss Breiden- bach's report shows that she has made many visits to the homes in
12
addition to her regular visitations to the schools. A strong feature and one which deserves special commendation is the serving of milk. to the children in the different schools during school hours. Increase in weight of those who were below standard, and increase in achieve- ment in studies is very noticeable where the milk has been taken regularly. In other words there is a noticeable relationship between milk drinking and scholarship.
Perhaps the most radical procedure during the year has been the changing of transportation by horse-drawn barges to motor busses. When school opened in September the children from the eastern and northern parts of the town were transported in busses operated by the Concord, Maynard and Hudson Motor Bus Company. Much time and thought has been given to this problem, and while some pupils are required to start earlier than they did previously, more children are transported than before, and are carried with greater comfort to themselves.
There are still special problems. School attendance is one of them. A few parents seem to think that they can exercise their own volition when it comes to the sending of their children to school. In my opinion the most progressive step we could take to solve this problem would be to join with some other town or towns as Maynard, Stow or Littleton in the hiring of a full time attendance officer. The knowledge that an outsider, whose business would be the enforce- ment of the school attendance laws, was available would act as a healthy stimulus toward better school attendance. This person could be a man or a woman.
I wish to call to your attention the reports of the school physi- cian, the nurse, and the drawing and music supervisors.
There have been few changes in the teaching force during the year, and whatever of success has been attained is due to the faithful service of the workers, pupils, teachers and janitors, and I should be unfair should I omit the helpful attitude of the committee whose friendly counsel and sound advice I fully appreciate. I also acknow- ledge in this my fourth annual report, and the thirty-second report of superintendents, the co-operation of various organized bodies :- the Parent-Teachers' Association at South Acton, the Neighborhood Club at West Acton, and the Acton branch of the American Red Cross for their help in carrying out the work of the Dental Clinic. The assistance of the Neighborhood Club and of the public in general for its response in making possible the purchase of playground equip- ment is appreciated.
The work of local leaders who have done much toward the suc- cessful termination of boys' and girls' activities in their club work deserves commendation.
Respectfully submitted,
HERMAN C. KNIGHT.
13
REPORT OF DRAWING SUPERVISOR
Mr. Herman C. Knight,
Superintendent of Schools.
Dear Sir-Complete artistic understanding comes after years of training and living with objects of beauty. Pure artistic achieve- ment-the result of an intellectual mental activity, can hardly be de- manded from a child. Therefore models in art work for children must appeal not only from the artistic point of view, but they must arouse the emotions and the imagination.
It was my aim in all classes to arouse not alone the joy of beauty, but the love of creating; the joy in imagination and the love of order and unity. Special emphasis was laid on all holidays.
The very little people have done chiefly tracing and crayoning but free hand drawing has been encouraged. The third and fourth grades have had much training in cut out work. These two grades have this year started in water color painting. From there up paints have been used throughout. The technique and water color painting is difficult. It is difficult at six, at sixteen and at sixty. Therefore the earlier the child handles the tools, the easier it will be to over- come difficulties.
In the fifth and sixth grades we have tried to master the study of objects as they appear-that is the study of perspective.
In the seventh and eighth grades we study the human head-ana- tomy. Throughout all grades we have an element of design in all 'work-but in the seventh and eighth grades we go into the govern- ing laws of design.
Almost always I bring the children models which I have made, but in about the sixth grade I encourage actual divergence from my model. Always I urge individual creative work.
My ultimate aim in teaching drawing and painting is to arouse the slumbering soul of the girl and boy. My aim is not to make artists but to make men and women. Apart from giving them the practical knowledge in handling materials and using drawing and painting freely like a language apart from the obvious practical help -I want to take the blinders off from their eyes. I want to give to Tom, Dick and Harry an inner resourcefulness and a breadth of vision, so that "Each in his separate star-shall paint the thing as he sees it, for the master of things as they are.''
Respectfully submitted,
ELLA MUNSTERBERG.
REPORT OF MUSIC SUPERVISOR
Mr. Herman C. Knight,
Superintendent of Schools.
Dear Sir-My report as supervisor of music is as follows:
The regular program of work has been carried on in the schools the past year. On account of the severe winter, the schedule was upset for a short time, and had to be rearranged, but what little time we lost was made up.
In many of the rooms, the Hollis-Dann system had been used.
14
Most of these rooms are now using the New Educational Music Book, a course which seems to fit the present needs of the pupil. With the use of these books the pupil gains more accuracy both in sight read- ing and sight singing.
In the lower grades at Acton Center we have a Toy Symphony, introduced for rhythm. The intruments used are bells, triangles, cymbals, drums, castanets, tambourines, etc. The victrola is used. and a child from one of the first three grades is chosen as leader of the orchestra. This work is beneficial and at the same time is a great delight to the children.
In all schools the teachers have worked very faithfully to raise the standard of singing; that is, in teaching the child to read and sing for himself, rather than learn things by rote.
In closing I would like to thank the teachers and the superinten- dent for their cooperation and support.
Respectfully submitted,
A. PAMELIA PRECIOUS.
REPORT OF MEDICAL INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS, 1923
Mr. Herman C. Knight,
Superintendent of Schools.
Dear Sir-Following is my annual report as medical inspector of the schools of Acton.
Number of visits to schools 54
Number of pupils examined 260
Number of pupils poor vision 19
Number of pupils poor teeth 206
Number of pupils with throat affections, includ- ing tonsils 92
Number of pupils poor posture 12
Number of pupils with pediculosis 10
Number of pupils with scabies 5
Number of pupils advised to be sent home with mumps 14
I wish to thank the Superintendent, Teachers and Nurse for their cooperation.
E. A. MAYELL, M. D.
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Herman C. Knight,
Superintendent of Schools.
Dear Sir-I herewith submit my second annual report as school nurse for the Town of Acton.
The work which was begun last year has been continued along the same lines in the schools with the assistance and cooperation of parents, teachers and others interested in the schools.
Lunches of crackers and milk are provided for the pupils who wish for the same during each morning session of school; and much benefit is derived from these lunches, as the increase in weight from
15
month to month of those taking milk is in most cases quite marked. Some of the children bring milk from their homes, and we are glad to have them do this.
The children are weighed every month, and records are kept of the increase or loss from month to month, and in cases of under- weight suggestions have been given in regard to diet.
Underweight clinics were held in June in charge of Dr. Emerson, Superintendent of the State Sanatorium at Rutland, assisted by Dr. Hubbard and Dr. C. E. Simpson of the State Board. Twenty-two children and eight mothers were interviewed at this clinic. Of this number five children were advised to take treatment at Sanatoriums. Forty-two homes were visited and two trips made to Rutland in con- nection with these clinics.
Children were also taken to Lowell for removal of tonsils, and several were taken to Boston to have their eyes tested and to be fitted with glasses.
Since September a dental clinic has been held in each of the three villages, when nearly half of the children had their teeth -treated by registered dentists under the management of the Middle- sex County Farm Bureau. As a whole these clinics proved to be satisfactory.
Every child is physically examined during the year by the school physician, assisted by the nurse, and records of such examinations are kept on file for future reference. This work has been finished at South and West Acton, and is now being done at Acton Center. Thus far 260 children have been examined physically. During school year 16 were sent home suspicious communicable, 25 were taken home ill, 132 home calls were made, and 58 First Aid treatments were given in the schools.
The nurse has aimed to visit each of the three buildings in town some time during every school day, to consult with teachers and pupils in regard to any question which may arise. Five minutes health talks have been given from time to time.
The work of the school nurse is at present in its infancy, and much remains to be done which can only be accomplished with the co-operation of parents and all other persons interested in the wel- fare of the children.
I would suggest that if possible, new shades be furnished for the school rooms, and also new drinking bubblers.
We are especially thankful to the Neighborhood Club at West Acton, the Parent-Teacher Association at South Acton, and the Red Cross at Acton Center for their assistance and financial aid during the year.
In closing this report I wish to thank the superintendent, teachers, school physician and parents for their interest and co- operation.
Respectfully submitted,
IDA BREIDENBACH, R. N.
School Nurse.
.
16
EYE AND EAR REPORT
Number of pupils examined
273
Number found defective in hearing 7
23
Number found defective in eyesight Number of parents notified
24
Registration of Minors, Ages as of April 1, 1923
Boys Girls Total
Persons 5 years of age or over and under 7
45
26
71
Persons 7 years of age or over and under 14
131
144
275
Persons 14 years of age or over and under 16
41
43
84
Total
217
213
430
Membership in the Public Schools by Grades as of April 1, 1923
Grade 1
44
Grade 2
50
Grade 3
41
Grade 4
46
Grade 5
37
Grade 6
43
Grade 7
40
Grade 8
30
Total
331
INDEX
Agriculture and Home Economics
73
Appointments by Selectmen
3
Assessors' Report
72
Audit of Accounts
35 70
Cemetery Commissioners
84
Collector's Report
73-74
Fire Department
70
Inspector of Cattle
71
Inspector of Slaughtering
71
Jury List
9
Library Report
Overseers of Poor
Selectmen's Report
10 68
Superintendent of Streets
Town Accountant
Town Clerk
Births
Deaths
Dog Licenses
Marriages
Non-Resident Burials
Town Meeting
Town Nurse
Town Officers
Town Warrant
30
Cemetery Funds
32 33
Firemen's Relief Fund
34 34
Wilde Library Fund
33
Trustees Goodnow Fund
54
Trustees Elizabeth White Fund
83
SECOND SECTION
School Report :
Financial Statement
5
Legal Holidays
3
Medical Inspector
14
Organization
2
School Calendar
2
School Committee
5
School Nurse
14
Standing Rules
3
Statistics
16
Superintendent's Report
10
Supervisor of Drawing
13
Supervisor of Music
13
Teachers 4
75 70 9
State Police Patrol
11 54 61 64 66
Treasurer's Report
Elizabeth White Fund
Town Farm Fund
62 65 54 72 2 5
Board of Health
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SEVERAL OFFICIAL BOARDS
OF THE
TOWN OF ACTON
MASSACHUSETTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,
1924
OONI
1735.
ACTON.
THE NEWS-ENTERPRISE HUDSON, MASS. 192.5
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SEVERAL OFFICIAL BOARDS
OF THE
TOWN OF ACTON
MASSACHUSETTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,
1924
AF
ONI
1735.
ACTON ..
THE NEWS-ENTERPRISE HUDSON, MASS. 1925
TOWN OFFICERS, 1924
MODERATOR Allen Brooks Parker SELECTMEN
Murray Brown Harry B. Morse Albert R. Jenks
Term expires 1925 Term expires 1926 Term expires 1927
TOWN CLERK Horace F. Tuttle TOWN TREASURER Frank W. Hoit ASSESSORS
Warren H. Jones
Albert P. Durkee
Henry L. Haynes
Term expires 1925 Term expires 1926 Term expires 1927
Harry B. Morse
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR Albert R. Jenks Murray Brown
COLLECTOR OF TAXES Charles A. Durkee TREE WARDEN James O'Neil
CONSTABLES
John T. McNiff Oliver D. Wood Alan B. Frost Michael Foley
CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
Horace F. Tuttle Term expires 1925
Fred W. Green
Term expires 1926
Lyman Tuttle
Term expires 1927
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Mary L. Richardson . Term expires 1925
*Waldo E. Whitcomb
Term expires 1925
Spencer H. Taylor
Term expires 1926
Lulu L. Clark
Term expires 1926
Alice M. Carlisle
Term expires 1927
Frank Toohey
Term expires 1927
*Bertram E. Hall resigned.
TRUSTEES OF MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Horace F. Tuttle Term expires 1925
J. Sidney White Term expires 1926
Lucius A. Hesselton Term expires 1927
BOARD OF HEALTH
George H. Tuttle
. Term expires 1925
Raymond F. Durkee Term expires 1926
Frank E. Tasker Term expires 1927
James B. Tuttle
FINANCE COMMITTEE Frank W. Hoit Edgar H. Hall
William Rawitser Horace F. Tuttle
3
Appointed by the Selectmen
SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS Alfred W. Davis TOWN ACCOUNTANT Everett N. Montague (Term expires 1926) REGISTRARS OF VOTERS
Edwin A. Phalen
Term expires 1925
Charles J. Holton
Term expires 1926
Daniel W. Sheehan, Jr.
Term expires 1927
Horace F. Tuttle, ex-officio ELECTION OFFICERS Precinct 1
Warden
James W. Coughlin
Deputy Warden
. Willis L. Holden
Clerk Arthur W. Wayne.
Deputy Clerk Arthur W. Emerson
Inspector Arthur F. Davis:
Deputy Inspector Leo F. McCarthy
Inspector . James O'Neil
Deputy Inspector
George Murphy
Precinct 2
Warden
.Lucius A. Hesselton
Deputy Warden
Theron F. Newton
Clerk John J. Manning
Deputy Clerk
. Thomas Murray
Inspector . Lewis C. Hastings
Deputy Inspector Frank A. Merriam
Inspector
Patrick J. Foley
Deputy Inspector
Charles Ford
Precinct 3
Warden
C. H. Mead
Deputy Warden David R. Kinsley
Clerk Fred S. Whitcomb.
Deputy Clerk Bertram D. Hall
Inspector .John T. McNiff
Deputy Inspector
D. Frank McDonald
Inspector . James Kinsley
Deputy Inspector Arnold Leavitt
CATTLE INSPECTOR
Fred S. Whitcomb FIRE ENGINEERS C. D. Cram, Chief Precinct 1
Alan B. Frost, 1st Asst. Fred W. Billings, 2nd Asst. Spencer H. Taylor, 3rd Asst.
4
Precinct 2
George E. Clapp, 1st Asst. F. W. Hoit, 2nd Asst. Frank Holland, 3rd Asst. Precinct 3
A. R. Beach, 1st Asst. A. W. Davis, 2nd Asst. B. A. King, 3rd Asst. FOREST WARDEN Alan B. Frost DEPUTY FOREST WARDENS All the above named Assistant Fire Engineers SURVEYORS OF LUMBER AND MEASURERS OF WOOD AND BARK
W. H. Kingsley F. W. Hoit Bertram D. Hall Charles E. Smith George H. Reed
M. E. Taylor
PUBLIC WEIGHERS George H. Reed E. F. Conant
George A. Smith
William T. Hayes
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Theron F. Newton SUPERINTENDENT OF MOTH WORK James O'Neil POLICE OFFICERS Chief, Murray Brown O. D. Wood John T. MeNiff
Alan B. Frost
Michael Foley
Harry B. Morse
INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTER HOUSE Charles A. Durkee
Jury List Revised August, 1924 Precinct 1
Elwin Hollowell Albert P. Durkee
Frank E. Parsons
James B. Tuttle
Spencer H. Taylor
Daniel J. Hennessey Hugh H. Hodgen Edward F. Nealey
Theron A. Lowden
Samuel B. Ineson
Everett R. Sanborn George T. Weaver Allen B. Parker David R. Kinsley Albert R. Beach
James W. Coughlin Alan B. Frost George S. Tucker, Jr. Frank E. Fiske
Precinct 2
L. Edward Laird William T. Merriam Patrick J. Foley Carl Flint
Precinct 3
James A. Grimes G. Howard Reed John T. McNiff Waldo E. Whitcomb Fred S. Whitcomb
5
TOWN WARRANT
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Middlesex, ss.
RATE
OONI
-1735.
ACTON.
To either of the Constables of the Town of Acton, in said County, GREETING :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are hereby required to notify the legal voters of said town of Acton, qualified to vote at town meetings for the transaction of town affairs, to meet in their respective precincts, to wit :
Precinct 1: Town hall, in said Acton. Precinct 2: Universa- list church, South Acton. Precinct 3: Fire House, West Acton, at 12 o'clock noon, on Monday, the second day of March, 1925, by posting a copy of this warrant by you attested, at each of the places as directed by vote of the town, seven days at least before the said second day of March. To bring in their votes on one ballot for the following town officers : One moderator for one year, one town clerk for one year, one selectman for three years, one assessor for three years, one assessor for one year (to fill vacancy), three overseers of the poor for one year, one treasurer for one year, one collector of taxes for one year, four constables for one year, two for school committee for three years, one for board of health for three years, one cemetery commissioner for three years, one trustee Memorial library for three years, one tree warden for one year, five for finance committee for one year. Also on the same ballot with the above named town officers to vote upon the following question; "Shall licenses be granted for the sale of certain non-intoxicating beverages as defined in Section 1, of Chapter 138?"
The polls will be open at 12 o'clock noon, and close at 7 o'clock p. m. You are further requested in the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to notify the legal voters of said town of Acton as aforesaid, to meet at the town hall, in said Acton, on Monday, March 9th, at 9 o'clock in the forenoon. Then and there to act upon the following articles :
6
Article 1. To choose all necessary town officers and committees and fix salaries of all town officers.
Article 2. To see if the town will vote to accept the several reports of the town officers.
Article 3. To hear and act upon the reports of any committees chosen at any previous meeting that have not already reported.
Article 4. To see what sums of money the town will raise by taxation and appropriate to defray the necessary and usual expenses of the several departments of the town.
Article 5. To see what sum of money the town will raise for the observance of Memorial day.
Article 6. To see what action the town will take in regard to the collection of taxes.
Article 7. To see what sum of money the town will raise and appropriate for the maintenance of the fire department, or vote anything thereon.
Article 8. To see if the town will pay for fighting brush fires and fix price thereon.
Article 9. To see what action the town will take toward the suppression of the elm tree beetle and brown tail and gypsy moth.
Article 10. To see if the town will authorize the treasurer, with the approval of the selectmen, to borrow money from time to time, in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1st, 1925, and to issue a note or notes, therefor, payable within one year, any debt or debts incurred under this vote to be paid from the revenue of said financial year.
Article 11. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money to insure the employees of the town, or act anything thereon.
Article 12. To see what amount of money the town will raise and appropriate for the payment of premiums on treasurer's and collector's bonds, or act anything thereon.
Article 13. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $350.00, or some other amount, and elect a director, the money to be expended by and the director to serve in cooperation with the Middlesex county trustees for county aid to agriculture in the work of the Middlesex County Extension Service, under the provisions of Sections 40 to 45, Chapter 128, General Laws of Massachusetts.
Article 14. To see if the town will vote to authorize the select- men to sell the fire shed at North Acton and the unused fire apparatus of the town.
Article 15. To see if the town will vote to borrow the sum of $10,000.00, or any other amount, by the issue of notes, to continue the construction of Main street from a point opposite the residence of Frank E. Parsons to the State road leading to Littleton, provided a like sum is allotted the town by the state department of public works and a similar sum by the coanty of Middlesex, or act anything thereon.
Article 16. To see what action, if any, the town will take with
7
regard to repairing that portion of School street extending from Mer- riam's corner to the Concord line, or Harvard State road.
Article 17. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,000.00 to lay new plank on the railroad bridge in South Acton and erecting 2,000 feet of fencing within the town.
Article 18. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money to take care of the drainage on Massachusetts avenue, at Edwards square in West Acton, or act anything thereon.
Article 19. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money to repair Pearl street in West Acton, or take any action thereon.
Article 20. To see if the town will construct a drain along Woodbury road, by the residences of Edward C. Wood and H. M. Robbins to take care of the overflow from the fountain on the town common, or act anything thereon.
Article 21. . To see if the town will lay out, build and accept as a public highway a section of land about forty feet wide, leading from Massachusetts avenue, West Acton, and following the old loca- tion of the electric car line to a point where it enters the South Acton road near house of Sidney L. Richardson, or act anything thereon.
Article 22. To see if the town will appropriate and raise by taxation, or issuing of notes or bonds, a sum of money for the pur- pose of building the road as described in Article No. 21, or act anything thereon.
6
Article 23. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money sufficient to gravel and oil Willow street in West Acton from the residence of E. L. Hall to the Stow line.
Article 24. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $3,000.00, or any other amount, to be expended in re- surfacing, oiling and draining of Arlington street in West Acton from Central street to Elm street.
Article 25. To see if the town will raise and appropriate a sum of money to re-surface Arlington street in West Acton from Central street to Summer street, or act anything thereon.
Article 26. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money sufficient to repair Red Acre Farm road in South Acton, from the house of Benjamin Ineson to a point near the resi- dence of Philip Newell, or act anything thereon.
Article 27. To see if the town will raise and appropriate the sum of $600.00 to gravel and oil Pope road from the state highway in East Acton to the brow of the hill, or act anything thereon.
Article 28. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $5,000.00 to macadamize Maple street in South Acton, or act anything thereon.
Article 29. To see if the town will vote to erect a high school building in the vicinity of Kelly's corner, and to raise and appro- priate a sum, not to exceed $100,000.00 to defray the cost of site and building, and to act anything thereon.
Article 30. To see if the town will raise and appropriate the
8
sum of $500.00 for the purpose of erecting street signs, or guide- posts, within the town.
Article 31. To see if the town will instruct the selectmen to install a hydrant opposite the residence of Henry W. Bursaw, or act anything thereon.
Article 32. To see if the town will authorize the selectmen to renew the water hydrant contract.
Article 33. To see what action, if any, the town will take in regard to the licensing of roadside stands within the town.
-00. Article 34. To see if the town will vote to employ a town nurse and appropriate a sum of money for the salary and expense of the same. Yes. Ms. Guque L' Hall : mas. panzer, charlotte
Article 35. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $3,250.00 to purchase a site and erect a fire house in Acton Center and appoint a committee to carry out the provisions of this article, or act anything thereon.
Article 36. To see if the town will raise and appropriate a sum not over $500.00 for repairs on the South Acton fire house, or act anything thereon.
Article 37. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of. $500.00 to purchase a moving picture machine and install a booth in the town hall, or act anything thereon.
Article 38. To see if the town will vote to instruct the select- men to insure the fire apparatus of the town against property and liability damage and appropriate a sum of money therefor.
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