Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1931-1935, Part 9

Author: Acton (Mass.)
Publication date: 1931
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 766


USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1931-1935 > Part 9


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In the Cooking Classes the two periods are devoted entirely to cook- ing, with instructions in procedure given the first 15 minutes. All of the food prepared by the pupils is used at the Cafeteria Lunch, which gives them confidence in their work. Each pupil has certain duties to perform toward the preparation of this lunch.


The Eighth Grades lessons are more advanced, thus providing a wider variety in the week's menu.


The Cafeteria is self-supporting and has the following report to make:


Cash on hand January 1, 1931


$28 47


Total sales for fiscal year,


1,580 49


Cost of supplies,


$1,512 44


Lost through theft,


79 76


Cash on hand December 31, 1931,


16 76


$1,608 96 $1,608 96


Respectfully submitted,


EDITH M. AMES.


20


Report of the Supervisor of Music


Mr. John Hough,


Superintendent of Schools, Acton, Massachusetts.


DEAR SIR:


The real problem in the elementary schools is not so much the train- ing of the children as to train the teachers to do their music work in an efficient manner. We have a limited amount of time and wherever the work is successful it is because the pupils have learned to study and have had enough practice in mastering the problems involved.


Some of the happiest moments of our lives have been those of our discovery of our own ability. This is abundantly true in relation to music. The exercise of this power is cumulative in its effect.


There is no trouble or disorder in the classroom when the class as a whole can read music well; interest and the "glad look" take care of this.


Experience shows that at least three-quarters of the difficulty of sing- ing songs with words lies in getting the names of the notes, mastering staff relationships, and the only solution of the matter is doctoring for what is the matter. If children are to get the benefit of music experience and to have a respect for the job it is necessary to get down to their problems and have it early understood that it is up to them.


They enjoy the responsibility and take a lively interest seeing them- selves grow.


Conditions are taking shape for profitable assembly work in the grades, though the spread from grade three to six is rather wide. The time is about ripe for the addition of piano accompaniment.


Although the time allowance for music is but half of the normal allot- ment. good progress is being made in grades seven and eight. The last singing test in grade seven produces twenty-four perfect recitations.


The senior high school work is a joy and everybody is doing some- thing in real four-part music. Two years ago the alto was weak, only a few being able to manage it for a part of the time; the bass was lacking most of the time, and when present it was mostly wrong. Today we have reliable alto, and bass parts and tenor, which is almost always hard to get, is emerging. There is no disorder.


This condition and type of reaction reflect great credit on Mr. Hough, the teachers. and the organization of the high school. It indicates an ex- cellent school spirit.


The girls' glee club is making good progress and the boys seem in- terested in this kind of work.


All of which is respectfully submitted,


ELMER E. PIERCE.


Supervisor of Music.


January 30, 1932.


21


School Physician


Mr. John Hough,


Superintendent of Schools,


Acton, Massachusetts.


DEAR SIR:


I herewith submit my annual report as school physician.


Physical examinations were completed in November.


Schick test was given in May as usual and toxin antitoxin given in June.


The fruits of physical education are apparent, and much credit is due Mr. Dolan for his work as coach.


We are continuing the pre-school clinics and the parents are co-oper- ating.


We are pleased to report that our schools have been free from con- tagious diseases.


Details will be found in the nurse's report.


I wish to again thank the Superintendent, teachers and nurse for their valuable assistance.


Respectfully submitted,


E. A. MAYELL, M. D.


Report of School Nurse


Mr. John Hough,


Superintendent of Schools,


Acton, Massachusetts.


DEAR SIR:


The Physical Examinations for the year were completed by the school physician during October, with the following result:


Total number of examinations by doctor, 550


Defects found:


Tonsils and Adenoids, 38


Glands, 175


22


Poor Posture,


125 200


Teeth, Heart,


22


Report of school examinations during the school year by the school nurse:


Special examinations,


1734


Simple dressings,


251


Sanitary inspections of all buildings,


164


Home visits,


200


Individual instructions,


94


Pupils excluded because of communicable disease,


12


Pupils taken home ill,


39


There were fifteen pre-school children examined at the pre-school conference. That is two more than last year. These early examinations of children to enter school in September have shown a marked improve- ment of our physically fit first-graders.


There were eighteen children given the Schick test. Out of this num- ber thirteen were immune. The remaining five were given further treat- ment. Thirty-five more were given Toxin anti-Toxin treatment for the first time, making a total of forty receiving treatment.


The physical condition of our Junior High and High School pupils has shown marked improvement since the time given to physical education has been increased.


The grade schools show some improvement in dental work and con- dition of the teeth.


Respectfully submitted,


LILLIAN E. FROST. R. N.


23


Report of Drawing Supervisor


I am happy to submit my first report as Supervisor of Art. Since it covers but five months, it is largely an exposition of aim, rather than report of achievement.


The aim, first of all, is that the children may be interested in their art classes. This, accomplished, will arouse in them, the desire for self- expression through the mediums of pencil, crayon and paint. If one can help develop the appreciative eye and the ability to see correctly within the child, drawing will become his language. This language is rendered intelligible to others by means of technique. It is for this reason that an effort has been made to teach the children the proper way of mastering the simple mediums of drawing.


We realize that a small number of the children in our art classes will, in later life, carry on and develop themselves in this work. It is to the majority of those others that we want to give an appreciation and desire for things of artistic merit. This appreciation (for we can hardly expect an understanding) may be of the masters' works, or it may be an ap- preciation of a well-designed, well-colored greeting card, in contrast to a poorly designed, cheaply colored card. In short, we want our children today to grow into "Artistic Consumers" who will recognize and demand the things of practical everyday usage to be of good design and careful workmanship. If this end is accomplished, we will be rid of many ugly, carelessly constructed articles which masquerade under the name of "art goods" and are purchased by the untaught.


I feel that a beginning has been made to accomplish these aims, and much of the credit is due to the co-operation of the teachers in this work.


Respectfully submitted,


PHYLLIS LEATHA DARCH.


21


Index


Accountant -


-


-


97


Auditor -


-


-


122


Appointments by Selectmen


-


-


-


4


Assessors


-


-


69


Board of Health


-


-


60


Cemetery Commissioners


.


-


.


84


Elizabeth White Fund


-


-


-


56


Finance Committee


-


-


-


65


Fire Alarm System


-


-


-


10


Fire Department -


-


-


63


Forest Warden


-


-


62


Goodnow Fund -


-


-


-


-


56 44


Inspector of Animals


-


.


70


Inspector of Slaughtering -


-


-


-


58


Jury List -


-


-


-


6


Memorial Library -


-


-


71


Public Welfare -


-


-


29


Police Department -


-


-


61


Selectmen's Report .


-


-


-


27


State Audit


-


-


-


11


Superintendent of Streets


-


-


59


Tax Collector


.


-


.


57


Town Clerk


-


.


-


37


Births -


-


-


-


38


Deaths


-


-


-


42


Dog Licenses - -


-


-


45


Marriages


-


-


-


40


Non-Resident Burials


-


-


43


Town Meetings -


-


-


-


30


Annual Meeting -


-


-


-


30


Special Town Meeting -


-


-


-


36


Town Officers


-


-


-


3


Town Warrant


.


-


-


-


7


-


-


.


-


Health Nurse .


Treasurer


Cemetery Funds - Elizabeth White Fund - -


Firemen's Relief Fund - Luke Blanchard Cemetery Fund


Nineteenth of April Fund Susan Noyes Hosmer Cemetery Fund Wilde Library Fund


-


-


54


Zoning Committee -


-


67


SCHOOL REPORT


Commencement Program -


19


Comparison of Cost


-


-


-


5


Domestic Science - -


20


Estimates for 1932


-


-


-


5


Legal Holidays


-


-


-


2


Organization -


-


-


-


-


2


School Calendar -


-


-


2 4


School Nurse - -


-


-


22


School Physician -


-


-


22


Summary of Expenses


-


-


-


6


Superintendent -


-


-


-


14


Supervisor of Drawing


-


-


24


Supervisor of Music


-


-


21


Teachers


-


-


3


What the Graduates are Doing


-


-


-


18


-


48


50 52 55 54 55


.


52


-


-


-


School Committee


-


-


-


-


ANNUAL REPORT


OF THE


SEVERAL OFFICIAL BOARDS


OF THE


TOWN OF ACTON


MASSACHUSETTS


For the Year Ending December 31, 1932


TED


DONI


-1735.


ACTON ..


1933 The Kennison Print Ayer, Mass.


ANNUAL REPORT


OF THE


SEVERAL OFFICIAL BOARDS


OF THE


TOWN OF ACTON


MASSACHUSETTS


For the Year Ending December 31, 1932


RATE


DONI


1735.


ACTON.


1933 The Kennison Print Ayer, Mass.


Town Officers, 1932


Moderator Allen Brooks Parker


Selectmen


Waldo E. Whitcomb


Term expires 1933


Wendell F. Davis


Term expires 1934


Howard J. Billings


Term expires 1935


Town Clerk Horace F. Tuttle


Town Treasurer Frank W. Hoit*


Assessors


Henry L. Haynes


Term expires 1933


Warren H. Jones


Term expires 1934


Albert P. Durkee


Term expires 1935


Collector of Taxes Charles A. Durkee


Tree Warden Richard J. O'Neil


Constables


Michael Foley, Alan B. Frost, John T. McNiff, Charles A. Durkee


Cemetery Commissioners


Wendell F. Davis Term expires 1933


Horace F. Tuttle


Term expires 1934


Fred W. Green


Term expires 1935


School Committee


Alberta M. Mead


Term expires 1933


Randall N. Woodworth


Term expires 1933


Louisa N. Wood


Term expires 1934


Arthur M. Whitcomb


Term expires 1934


Forrest E. Bean


Term expires 1935


Louise M. Price


Term expires 1935


*Deceased, Feb. 6, 1933.


3


Trustees of Memorial Library


Herbert A. Thayer (deceased)


Term expires 1933


Horace F. Tuttle Term expires 1934


J. Sidney White Term expires 1935


Board of Health


Frank E. Tasker Term expires 1933


George H. Tuttle Term expires 1934


Raymond F. Durkee Term expires 1935


Trustees of the Elizabeth White Fund


Waldo E. Whitcomb Term expires 1933


Charlotte Conant Term expires 1934


Warren H. Jones Term expires 1935


Trustees of the West Acton Fireman's Relief Fund


H. Stuart MacGregor Term expires 1933


A. N. Hederstedt Term expires 1934


C. D. Cram Term expires 1935


Trustees of Goodnow Fund


Charlotte Conant


Term expires 1933


Horace F. Tuttle Term expires 1934


Charles E. Smith Term expires 1935


APPOINTMENTS BY THE SELECTMEN


Murray Brown


Finance Committee Alfred W. Davis George A. Richardson


Frank W. Hoit William Rawitser Webster S. Blanchard


Superintendent of Streets A. H. Perkins


Town Accountant Howard L. Jones


Registrars of Voters


Clarence D. Chickering Term expires 1935


Daniel W. Sheehan, Jr. Term expires 1933 Edwin A. Phalen Term expires 1934


Horace F. Tuttle, Ex-Officio


Election Officers Precinct I


Warden-James W. Coughlin Deputy Warden-George A. Murphy Clerk-Arthur W. Wayne Deputy Clerk-Spencer H. Taylor


4


Inspector-Arthur F. Davis Deputy Inspector-Willis N. Holden Inspector-Leo F. McCarthy Deputy Inspector-Harold Coughlin


Precinct 1I


Warden-Theron F. Newton Deputy Warden-Theron A. Lowden Clerk-John J. Manning Deputy Clerk-Thomas Murray Inspector-Lewis C. Hastings


Deputy Inspector-Frank A. Merriam


Inspector-Timothy Hennessey


Deputy Inspector-James Brown


Precinct III


Warden-Bertram D. Hall


Deputy Warden-Fred S. Whitcomb


Clerk-David R. Kinsley


Deputy Clerk-Frank McDonald Inspector-A. R. Beach


Deputy Inspector-Harry Holt


Inspector-James Kinsley


Deputy Inspector-Guy P. Littlefield


Fire Engineers George K. Hayward, Chief John Pederson, Capt. Precinct I David Clayton, Capt. Precinct 11 H. Stuart McGregor, Capt. Precinct 111


Cattle Inspector Fred S. Whitcomb


Forest Warden Alan B. Frost


Sealer of Weights and Measures Ralph Littlefield


Superintendent of Town Forests Charles A. Durkee


Burial Agent Frank W. Hoit


Surveyors of Wood and Lumber Frank W. Hoit Charles E. Smith


Bertram D. Hall George H. Reed


Michael Foley


Field Drivers Alan B. Frost John T. McNiff


5


Superintendent of Moth Work Richard J. O'Neil


John T. McNiff


Police Officers Michael Foley, Chief Alan B. Frost C. A. Durkee


Jury List


Revised 1932


Precinct I


Spencer H. Taylor E. Faulkner Conant James W. Coughlin George S. Tucker


Murray Brown


Precinct II


James Brown Herbert Pratt Lewellyn T .Fullonton John C. Starbuck


Precinct III


James E. Kinsley James A. Grimes John T. McNiff Benjamin Coolidge


Clarence D. Chickering


6


Edward S. Fobes Fred Billings Frank E. Parsons Simon Taylor


Charles Miles Fred Sims Carl Flint Ralph T. Jones


David R. Kinsley Bertram D. Hall Howard C. Tracy


Eugene L. Hall


Town Warrant


COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Middlesex, ss.


RATED


-1735.


NI


^ACTON.


To either of the Constables of the Town of Acton, in said County,


Greetings:


In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby directed 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-Universalist Church, South Acton


Precinct 3-Fire House, West Acton


at 12 o'clock noon, on Monday, the sixth day of March, 1933, 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 sixth day of March.


To bring in their votes on one ballot for the following town offi- cers: One moderator for one year, one town clerk for one year, one selectman for three years, one assessor for three years, three for de- partment of public welfare 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.


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,


7


the 13th day of March, at seven o'clock in the evening, then and there to act on the following articles:


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 re- ports 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 sum of money the town will appropriate to defray the necessary and usual expenses of the several depart- ments of the town and determine how the same shall be raised.


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 any- thing 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 brown-tail and gypsy moth.


Article 10. To see if the town will appropriate a sum of money to insure the employees of the town or act anything thereon.


Article 11. To see what amount of money the town will appro- priate for the payment of premiums on the treasurer's and collector's bonds, or act anything thereon.


Article 12. To see if the town will authorize the treasurer, with approval of the selectmen, to borrow money from time to time, in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1933, 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 13. To see if the town will vote to employ a public health nurse, and appropriate a sum of money for the maintenance of same.


Article 14. To see if the town will vote to appropriate by bor- rowing or otherwise a sum of money for the purchase of new fire apparatus or act anything thereon.


Article 15. To see if the town will vote to appropriate a sum of money for the installation of a fire whistle in West Acton or act anything thereon.


Article 16. To see if the town will vote to accept a set of by-laws for the Fire Dept. and make them a part of the Town by-laws.


8


Article 17. To see if the town will vote to appropriate the sum of $2,500.00 for the reconstruction of Pope Road from State Highway, East Acton to the Carlisle line provided at least a like sum is allotted to the town by the State Department of Public Works and at least a similar sum by the County of Middlesex or act anything thereon.


Article 18. To see if the town will appropriate a sum of money to re-wire High School building or act anything thereon.


Article 19. To see if the town will vote to appropriate a sum sufficient to pay the County of Middlesex as required by law, the town's share of the net cost of care, maintenance, and repair of the Middlesex County Tuberculosis Hospital and for care and treatment of tubercular patients up to June 30, 1932 under Acts of 1928, Chapter 385 as amended by Acts of 1931, Chapter 60 including interest and discount on temporary notes issued therefor as assessed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 111 of General Laws and Acts in amendment thereof and in addition thereto or take any action in relation thereto.


Article 20. To see if the town will vote to allow the Town Hall to be used for Basketball if the necessary precautions are taken to protect the building, or act anything thereon.


Article 21. To see if the town will vote to accept for the use of the Welfare Department, a contribution from all the salaried em- ployees of the town.


And you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting attested copies thereof seven days at least before the time of said meeting as directed by vote of the town.


Hereof fail not and make due return of this warrant with your doings thereon to the town clerk at or before the time of the meeting as aforesaid.


Given under our hands at Acton this 6th day of February, 1933.


WALDO E. WHITCOMB, WENDELL F. DAVIS, HOWARD J. BILLINGS, Selectmen of Acton.


A true copy. Attest:


MICHAEL FOLEY, Constable of Acton.


9


Finance Committee's Report


We are again under a handicap of severe financial depression. We all recognize the importance of providing work for our unem- ployed, yet we must keep in mind in making our annual appropria- tions the property owner who is struggling to pay his taxes and meet his other obligations.


The voters will note that the appropriation for general maintenance for roads is increased by $2,000.00 which is necessary in order to avail ourselves of the maximum amount from the State.


Article 18 has been completed as required by the State; this makes unnecessary the approval of this article.


An additional item of $1,400.00 will be found for brush cutting and maintenance for veterans eligible to soldiers' relief.


Under the item Board of Public Welfare, the reduction is made in anticipation of a voluntary contribution from all salaried em- ployees of the town (note Article 21).


You will see by reading the amounts advised by the Committee on Finance that we have reduced suggested appropriations by about $5,000.00 in the several different departments but it is unfortunately offset by Articles 18 and 19, general maintenance of roads, State requirements, etc.


We make the following recommendations relating to appropria- tions:


Roads, general maintenance


$12,000 00


Schools


43,000 00


Street Lighting


4,000 00


Memorial Library, current expenses


800 00


Memorial Library, books


200 00


Hydrant Service


3,054 00


General Government


5,000 00


Buildings and Grounds


800 00


Cemeteries


700 00


Military Aid


200 00


State Aid


600 00


Soldiers' Relief


600 00


Police Department


2,300 00


Board of Health


750 00


Board of Public Welfare


2,500 00


Old Age Assistance


4,000 00


Snow Removal


2,500 00


10


Care of Shade Trees


300 00


Unclassified


400 00


Bonds (High School)


4,000 00


Interest on Bonds


1,800 00


Interest on Revenue Loans


2,000 00


Art. 5-Memorial Day


250 00


Art. 7-Fire Department, maintenance Fire Department, new hose


300 00


Art. 8-Forest Fires


500 00


Art. 9-Gypsy Moth Work


500 00


Art. 10-Liability Insurance


600 00


Art. 11-Treasurer's and Collector's Bonds 250 00


Art. 13-Public Health Nurse 2,200 00


Arts. 14 and 15-Not recommended this year


Art. 17-Pope Road 2,500 00


Art. 18-Wiring High School


587 48


Art. 19-County Hospital Assessment County Hospital Note 2,500 00


Art. 21-We recommend this article be accepted


Brush Cutting and General Main-


tenance Work for Veterans eli-


gible for Soldiers' Relief 1,400 00


$105,591 48


Finance Committee


Precinct 1-Murray Brown, George A. Richardson


Precinct 2-William Rawitser, William T. Merriam


Precinct 3-Webster Blanchard, Alfred W. Davis


11


2,500 00


Selectmen's Report


We submit, herewith, a report of the various departments of the Town for the year ending December 31, 1932.


Acting under the vote on Article 23 of the last annual town meet- ing the fire whistle has been installed at the Acton Centre Fire House.


At a special town meeting held April 20, 1932, it was voted to continue the reconstruction of the Newtown Road and High Street, Both these projects have been completed and have been accepted by the State Department of Public Works.


It was also voted last year to employ a permanent police officer and the selectmen put this into effect, April 1, 1932 Chief of Police, Michael Foley, was placed on a full time schedule and his salary, including the cost of operating his car, was fixed at the rate of $2,000.00 per year.


We believe that the employment of one full time officer is essen- tial to the proper handling of the police work in this town and urgently recommend its continuance.


Last year our appropriation for highway maintenance work was $10,000.00 and on account of a change in our valuation we were not able to take advantage of all the state and county money to which this town is entitled. We therefore recommend that $12,- 000.00 be appropriated this year for general maintenance of high- ways, which should make it possible for us to obtain $1400.00 more from the state and county than was received last year.


We recommend this increase in the highway appropriation only because we feel that all of the money spent on highways with state and county aid effects a direct saving to the town in the Welfare Department.


The increased demands for Soldiers' Relief, Public Welfare and Old Age Assistance make it necessary to confine appropriations this year to essential items only, in order to prevent if possible any in- crease in taxes.


We are sure that every department of the town will understand conditions and co-operate with the Finance Committee in carrying out whatever recommendations that committee finds it necessary to make, regarding appropriations for 1933.


Respectfully submitted, WALDO E. WHITCOMB, WENDELL F. DAVIS, HOWARD J. BILLINGS, Selectmen of Acton.


12


Department of Public Welfare


During the past year the condition of unemployment has made necessary a larger expenditure of welfare money than usual. Seventy- five persons having received aid from this department.


WENDELL F. DAVIS, HOWARD J. BILLINGS, WALDO E. WHITCOMB, Board of Public Welfare.


Bureau of Old Age Assistance


At the beginning of the year 1932 there were seven persons re- ceiving this form of assistance in this town. During the year nine more persons applied for assistance and are being aided.


During the past year six assisted in this way have died.


One name had to be taken off the list, as it was not approved at the State House. At the present time there are nine receiving Old Age Assistance in Acton.


WENDELL F. DAVIS, HOWARD J. BILLINGS, WALDO E. WHITCOMB, Board of Selectmen.


13


Town Meetings


Abstract of the Proceedings of the Annual Meeting, March 14, 1932


Article 1. To choose all necessary town officers and committees and fix salaries of all town officers.


Chose Warren H. Jones, trustee of the Elizabeth White Fund for three years.


Chose C. D. Cram, trustee of the West Acton Fireman's Relief Fund for three years.


Chose Charles E. Smith, trustee of the Goodnow Fund for three years.


Voted: To fix the salary of the tax collector at three-quarters of one per cent of the amount collected and to allow an additional charge for expense of postage incurred in the collection of taxes.


Voted: That the salary of the chairman of the selectmen be two hundred dollars per annum and the other members, one hundred dollars each per annum.


Voted: That the salary of the moderator be fifteen dollars for the annual meeting and ten dollars for other meetings.


Voted: That the salary of the chairman of the board of public welfare be seventy-five dollars per annum and the other members forty dollars each per annum.




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