USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Medfield > Town annual reports of Medfield 1900-1909 > Part 43
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The Committee, however, after consulting the wishes of the parents and finding them favorable to the idea, and being convinced that the change would be educationally and economically advan- tageous to the town, decided to introduce the full four years' course, and to make what changes they could in the building with the money already at their disposal.
A temporary partition was put into the large recitation-room in the front of the building on the second floor, which gave us two recitation-rooms of adequate size for present purposes.
With the introduction of the four years' course some changes were made in the curriculum, by which, we believe, better results will
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be obtained. The increase in the number of fourth-year students to eight this year as against three last year, and the total in the high school to forty-three as against thirty-three last year, is very gratifying to the Committee.
With the much larger appropriation from the State on account of the change in our high school and with the introduction of thoroughly business principles into our supplies department we have been en- abled to make the necessary changes and still keep within our appro- priation, so that the much feared bugbear of increased taxation has not materialized.
We have taken account of all supplies, are arranging for the dis- posal of all unnecessary material, and have placed the supplies department under the supervision of the Commercial Department of the high school.
In addition to the account kept by the Commercial Department each teacher is furnished with a book in which an account is to be kept of all books, supplies, etc., used in her room and for which she is responsible to the Committee, she, in turn, holding the pupils responsible for all that goes into their hands.
By thus keeping an account of the entire stock, we find that every- thing is at once available for use in whatever room it may be needed. And, what is of more importance, a spirit of true economy in deal- ing with public property has been introduced into our public schools.
We believe that public affairs should be managed as economically and conscientiously as private affairs, and in the public school is the place to begin.
Soon after the opening of the school year, having received the offer of the principalship of the Hopedale High School, Mr. Thomas Kenworthy left us to accept that position. Without loss of time, however, the Committee was fortunate enough to secure the services of Mr. W. J. Chisholm, who without break or loss of interest took up and is carrying forward the work outlined at the beginning of the year. We have introduced a Commercial Department into our high school, which is being very successfully taught by Miss A. L. Pulsifer.
All the teachers in the high school, including those mentioned above and Miss Eloise Crocker, are working together very har- moniously and effectively.
We have continued the teaching of music and drawing, and the teachers of those departments, with the teachers of the various
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grades and grammar school, are all doing good work and are worthy of commendation. There seems to be more interest and greater enthusiasm on the part of the pupils than we have ever seen manifested in our schools before.
If the present policy is continued, with the same appropriation as we are now receiving, it will be possible to add something each year to the equipment of the laboratory, and the Medfield High School may advance to a position, educationally, that will be second to none.
We would recommend that the appropriation for the support of schools and for repairs on school buildings be the same as last year, six thousand three hundred dollars, and that it be appropriated in one sum instead of two, so that it may be divided, at the discretion of the Committee, according to the needs arising.
The present attendance, and that which is likely to obtain for some time to come, coupled with the wishes of the parents of the pupils, would seem to warrant the continuance of the Lowell Mason School indefinitely, which, if this idea is carried out, will necessi- tate more or less extensive repairs on the school building; and at least five hundred dollars will be needed for this purpose. We would therefore recommend that the necessary appropriation be made.
A State law requires that a school physician be appointed, and that a special appropriation be made to meet the expense incurred. We would recommend that the sum of fifty dollars be appropriated for this purpose.
Respectfully submitted,
C. H. WILLIAMS, For the Committee.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
TO THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE:
I have the honor to submit herewith my third annual report of the schools of Medfield.
Law and custom require that public servants shall at stated and opportune times make known to the municipalities which they serve how time, money, and labor have been expended, what success has attended tentative and permanent policies, and what in the future is likely to be worthy of investigation and trial.
Account is taken of past, present, and future. Comparisons, favorable or unfavorable, are instituted between conditions at home as they are now and as they were, also between conditions at home and conditions in other towns.
It is encouraging and helpful to take optimistic views. We like to feel that commendable progress is being made on one or both of the preceding bases of comparison. After nearly three years' acquaintance with your schools and some study of town and State reports my early impressions are confirmed; namely, that there has been a gradual improvement in material equipment and a grow- ing recognition of the need of trained teachers and skilled super- vision and the importance of uninterrupted attendance.
The question arises in this connection whether the time has not come to accelerate our movement in certain important particulars. The evidence multiplies that the schools are not in sufficiently close touch with the occupations and interests of the workaday world. The moral output of the schools is criticised by the church and business world. These considerations suggest the wisdom and practicability of discussing public education with a view to adjust- ment to individual, social, and moral requirements.
EDUCATION AS ADJUSTMENT.
The chief concern of any community is the education of its youth. The definition of education should be broad enough to include physi- cal, intellectual, and moral development. Training of these three
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aspects of our nature is a prerequisite to industrial skill and advance- ment. Industrial education is therefore a joint product and not a thing apart. Handicraft in its turn reacts on the physical, mental, and moral life. Its relation to ethics is one of the strongest claims that can be advanced in behalf of a larger place for hand-work of all kinds in the schools.
The specialization of industry, the abolition of the apprenticeship system, the many changes in agricultural methods,-in short, the entrance upon a civilization becoming daily more complex and ar- tificial,-have operated disparagingly on the all-round education for- merly obtainable outside of school hours, but coincident with the literary and academic instruction of the schools.
In some way we must restore the balance that primitive life sup- plied. Wise men or men with reputed wisdom turn to the public schools, and say, "Modify your curriculum, enrich your courses, cease running the schools as monastic institutions, get into touch with life, with the busy, bustling world, adjust yourselves to the vari- ous activities of modern society." Acting on this and similar advice, the legislature has created a commission on industrial education. It is the business of this commission to foster the industrial spirit; to enlighten the public mind regarding progress in their field, whether at home or abroad; to aid towns and cities in the establishment of independent industrial schools, such schools to be supported in part by the State, in part by the towns and cities.
It would be idle to think of establishing an independent industrial school in Medfield. The expense would be prohibitive. Something, however, can be done if a bill now before the legislature becomes a law. Under the provisions of this bill industrial departments are to be created in existing high schools. It is proposed to place these industrial departments under the control of the local authorities. State aid will be furnished if the school has received the approval of the State Board of Education. The industrial commission will have no official or authoritative connection with the schools affected by this legislation. Their particular charge will be the independent trade schools.
The bill under consideration is entitled an act to promote in- dustrial education in public high schools, and reads as follows :-
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COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
In the Year One Thousand Nine Hundred and Eight.
AN ACT TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL EDUCATION IN PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows :-
SECTION I. Any city or town maintaining a public high school established under the provisions of section two of chapter forty-two of the Revised Laws as amended by chapter four hundred and thirty-three of the acts of nineteen hundred and two and chapter two hundred of the acts of nineteen hundred and six, which maintains in such school courses in agriculture, mechanic arts or domestic science approved as to equipment, instruction and expenditure by the state board of education, shall be aided by the commonwealth in the support of such courses under the following conditions: cities or towns raising by taxation and expending for the support of public schools, including the support of industrial courses, more than five dollars for each thousand dollars of their valuation, to be reimbursed by the commonwealth to the amount of one-half the cost of these courses; those expending four dollars and less than five dollars for each thousand dollars of valuation to be reimbursed to the amount of one-third the cost; and those expending less than four dollars for each thousand dollars of valuation to be reimbursed to the amount of one- fifth the cost. The cost of these courses may include new equipment, but not cost of buildings nor rent of rooms. The aid rendered by the commonwealth under this law shall be in addition to the state aid furnished under the pro- visions of section three of chapter forty-two of the Revised Laws as amended by chapter four hundred and thirty-three of the acts of nineteen hundred and two and chapter two hundred of the acts of nineteen hundred and six.
SECT. 2. The sum of $30,000.00 is hereby appropriated for the purposes of this act, but not more than $2,500.00 shall be paid in any one year in aid of any one school.
SECT. 3. This act shall take effect on September first, nineteen hundred and eight.
To illustrate the working of this bill, I subjoin a table compiled from the last report of the State Board of Education. You will note that the towns chosen are in this vicinity.
Town.
Taxation Cost per Pupil.
Expenditure for Education on each $1,000 of Valuation.
Norwood
$26.18
$6.72
Natick
25.37
6.56
Foxboro
25.07
6.24
Walpole
30.30
5.99
Needham
28.06
4.93
Norfolk
23.14
4.54
Sudbury
30.67
4.40
Dover
41.36
4.37
Medfield
25.86
3.91
Westwood
35.50
2.72
Average taxation cost per pupil for the State, $28.79.
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Norwood, Natick, Foxboro, and Walpole expend more than five dollars on each thousand of the valuation, and would therefore be entitled to State aid to the amount of one-half of the cost of main- taining courses in agriculture, mechanic arts, or domestic science.
Needham, Norfolk, Sudbury, and Dover spend more than four and less than five dollars, and would receive from the State one-third of the cost. Medfield and Westwood's expenditure per thousand is less than four dollars. Their share of State aid for industrial courses would be one-fifth of the cost, the remaining four-fifths falling on local support.
This table shows that with a little larger outlay for schools Med- field can take her place with the first four towns in this list. An increase in the annual appropriation for schools of $1,600 to $1,800 would insure the maximum of State aid and necessitate but a slight increase in the tax rate. If this additional appropriation were made, the town would still be under less obligation per pupil and per thou- sand of valuation than many towns in the Commonwealth.
It is true that the town is not growing in population: it does not follow from this that education should stand still. The youth of Medfield will soon be out on the highway of life in other towns and cities. Shall they be sent forth handicapped or equipped for the struggle? The work done in school will be a large factor in success or failure. It behooves us, then, to make ready, to give a training in the schools that shall strengthen body, mind, and soul. What sacrifices ought we not to incur if thereby the finest product of the home, church, and school, our young men and women, can be made still more worthy and responsive to human need and ideal living!
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERIC W. KINGMAN, Superintendent of Schools.
SCHOOL STATISTICS.
Population of Medfield, census 1905 1,689
Number of all ages attending during school year 1906-
1907 . 276
Number under five years of age .
II
Number between five and fifteen years of age 240
Number over fifteen years of age
33
Number between seven and fourteen years of age 172
Average membership . 246.7
Average attendance
233
Percentage of attendance
94.4
Number of children in town Sept. 1, 1907, between five and fifteen years of age :- 239
Boys, 129; girls, IIo; total
Number of children Sept. 1, 1907, between seven and fourteen years of age :-
Boys, 95; girls, 81; total I76
Number of schools 7
Number of regular teachers 9
Number of special teachers 2
* Exclusive of patients in Medfield Insane Asylum.
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SYNOPSIS OF TEACHERS' REPORTS FOR SCHOOL YEAR 1906-07 AND FALL TERM, 1907.
YEAR ENDING IN JUNE, 1907.
Total Enrolment.
Average Membership.
Average Attendance.
Per Cent. of Attendance.
Ralph Wheelock School:
Grade I.
40
32
29.5
91.8
Grades II .- III.
39
36.I
34.6
95-5
Grades IV .- V.
5I
48.2
45.I
93.5
Grades VI .- VII.
50
46.I
43.3
93.9
Grades VIII .- IX.
29
26.3
25.7
93.8
High school, 32 years
3I
28.5
27.3
95.6
Lowell Mason School:
Grades I .- V.
36
29.5
27.5
93.4
Totals
276
246.7
233
94.4
FALL TERM, 1907.
Ralph Wheelock School:
Grade I.
3I
29.2
27.2
93.I
Grades II .- III.
50
45.9
43.2
94.I
Grades IV .- V.
46
44.7
42.2
94.4
Grades VI .- VII.
55
44.9
41.8
93
Grades VIII .- IX.
38
35.4
32.9
93.2
High school, 4 years
42
40.2
38.8
96.5
Lowell Mason School:
Grades I .- V.
3I
26
24.6
94.6
Totals
293
266.3
250.7
94.I
TEACHERS' DIRECTORY, JAN. 1, 1908.
Wm. J. Chisholm, Principal High School. Eloise H. Crocker, Assistant High School. Angie L. Pulsifer, Assistant High School. Bethia R. Paine, Grades VIII .- IX. Margaret E. Doyle, Grades VI .- VII. Agnes L. Kirby, Grades IV .- V.
Louise Hoeckel, Grades II .- III.
Mrs. Susan M. Chase, Grade I. Edna M. Kimball, Lowell Mason School.
Emma A. Perkins, Supervisor of Music.
Frances L. Swett, Supervisor of Drawing.
RESIGNATIONS. Thos. H. Kenworthy. Helen A. Hammond. Mabelle F. Gilman. M. Louise Spencer.
NEW POSITION.
Principal Hopedale High. Brockton. Not teaching. Belmont.
REPORT OF MOTH SUPERINTENDENT.
TO THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN:
Early in the year of 1907 the State scouts found nests of the brown- tail moth and eggs of the gypsy moth in Medfield. They found the gypsy moth eggs in seven different places, all at the south part of the town.
In an old apple orchard there were over thirty egg clusters. There was one colony in the woods with a large number of egg clusters. The other colonies were small ones.
These places all received good care during the spring and summer either by me or by the owners under my supervision, and this fall the State inspector or my scouts were unable to find any signs of moths at these places or near them.
In March, acting under instructions from the State Superintendent, we examined the fruit and shade trees and the woods along the highways for the nests of the brown-tail moth, finding about sixty nests. Each nest contains about two hundred and fifty caterpillars.
In October and November, under instructions from the Superin- tendent, we examined the fruit and shade trees and the woods adjoin- ing the highways for the eggs of the gypsy moth. We found thirty- eight egg clusters in thirty-four different places, scattered about the town, although mostly in the north part of the town. An egg cluster contains on the average about five hundred eggs.
Persons finding these eggs should not disturb them, as they are easily scattered, but should treat them with creosote. The old adage of a stitch in time applies well to the work of suppressing the gypsy moth. The towns around Medfield are more infected than we are, and we should try to keep them out of Medfield as long as possible.
Persons finding the eggs or other signs of the moths should report that fact to the person in charge of the work at once, so that steps may be taken to prevent their spread.
7I
Expenses.
Paid for labor :-
Lewis Cutler
$18.40
Herbert Cook 21.34
Daniel Keene
5.20
Otto Warner .
II.20
Harold Ward
3.20
George L. L. Allen
66.50
$125.84
Paid S. J. Spear, postage . $5.00
S. J. Spear, printing
4.75
George L. L. Allen, express
1.50
George L. L. Allen, postage
.50
George L. L. Allen, creosote
.50
Charles Spaulding, filing saws
.40
W. A. Fitts, supplies
5.95
Stoddard Company, burlap
13.57
Stoddard Company, twine .
.70
32.87
$158.71
Examined and found correct.
T. E. SCHOOLS, Auditor.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE L. L. ALLEN, Superintendent of Moth Work.
REPORT OF CEMETERY COMMITTEE.
Expended.
Paid A. B. Parker, teams $105.50
F. L. Osborn, labor I10.20
C. W. Wight, labor 163.90
C. A. Bryant, labor 24.80
Arthur Sims, labor 66.20
J. H. Luther, labor 23.40
William Meaney, labor
13.40
Joseph Lee, labor
IO.20
Joseph Challey, labor
19.28
Ernest Cook, labor
14.80
Denis Callahan, labor
49.60
Volney Bailey
27.60
Reginald Weiker
20.10
W. E. Newell
25.80
G. B. Sims
29.70
Daniel Keane
63.70
W. S. Blake
8.00
James Christian
14.40
Harold Maker
.60
John Mitchell
.20
G. H. Murray, man and team 24.75
C. G. Bridge, man and team 7.00
William Cox, man and team 3.00
J. H. Pember, supplies and repairs IO.75
Blood Brothers, supplies and repairs 3.90
W. A. Fitts, supplies and repairs 1.25
W. B. Roberts, flowers for trust lots
1.50
$843.53
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Received.
Received, cash in hands of Committee $2.62
Appropriation
600.00
Interest on Trust Funds
78.94
Care of lots I14.00
Exceeded appropriation
47.97
$843.53
Received for sale of lots
$113.00
Paid Treasurer
II3.00
Examined and found correct.
T. E. SCHOOLS, Auditor.
At the last annual meeting we recommended an appropriation of $600, thinking that, with what we received for the care of lots, it would be sufficient to defray expenses and pave the gutters from the State tomb to the top of the hill on Sewall Avenue, which was all we contemplated doing; but we found it necessary to pave from the tomb in the opposite direction to Wilson Avenue and on one side of Wilson Avenue to the lake.
The whole length of gutters paved this year exceeds 1,100 feet. Through the generosity of Mr. George H. Ellis & Brothers, we had the stone for the drawing. Had we been obliged to buy stone, we should have exceeded our appropriation more than we did, or left the water to take care of itself. The Messrs. Ellis have more stone which they would be pleased to donate, should we need them.
We respectfully recommend that the sum of eight hundred dollars ($800) be appropriated to be used in the Cemetery this year.
There are a number of hills on which the gutters should be paved, and some of the avenues need gravelling with better material than we have in the Cemetery.
EDWIN V. MITCHELL, - Cemetery Committee.
ALONZO B. PARKER,
ISAAC B. CODDING,
STATEMENT OF THE MEDFIELD WATER COMPANY.
Nov. 1, 1906, to Nov. 1, 1907.
TO THE SELECTMEN OF THE TOWN OF MEDFIELD:
Capital .
$50,000.00
CASH RECEIPTS.
Water rates and service pipe
$1,798.48
DISBURSEMENTS.
Maintenance, construction, taxes
$890.72
ASSETS.
Construction of plant $30,637.00
Unpaid water bills . 1,665.16
Cash on hand .
1,831.52
LIABILITIES.
Capital stock issued $24,000.00
Due E. V. Mitchell & Co. to May 29, 1903 8,473.55
Due E. V. Mitchell & Co. from June 1, 1903, to Nov. I, 1907 3,450,00
Due officials of company 475.00
S. E. LAVERTY,
Treasurer.
TOWN WARRANT.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
NORFOLK, ss.
To either of the Constables of the Town of Medfield, in said County, greeting:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of the town of Medfield, qualified to vote in elections and in town affairs, to meet in the Town Hall, in said Medfield, on Monday, the second day of March next, at fifteen minutes past six o'clock in the forenoon, then and there to act on the following articles :-
ARTICLE I. To choose a Moderator to preside at said meeting.
ART. 2. To choose the following-named town officers, under the pro- visions of Chapter 2 of the Revised Statutes of 1902, namely: one Town Clerk, one Moderator, one Treasurer, one Collector of Taxes, three Se- lectmen, three Overseers of the Poor, five Constables, one Tree Warden, one Sexton, one Auditor, all for one year; one School Committee, for three years; two Trustees of the Public Library, for three years; one Cemetery Commissioner, for three years; one member of a Board of Health, for three years. Also, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 579, Acts of 1907, one Assessor for three years, one Assessor for two years, one Assessor for one year. Also to vote on the following question: "Shall license be granted to sell intoxicating liquors in the town for the ensuing year?" the vote to be "Yes" or "No." All the above to be voted for on one ballot. The polls to be opened at half-past six o'clock in the forenoon, and may be closed at two o'clock in the afternoon.
ART. 3. To choose Fence Viewers, Field Drivers, and Pound Keeper.
ART. 4. To see if the town will accept the reports of the several town officers for the past year.
ART. 5. To grant and appropriate such sums of money as may be necessary to defray the expenses of the town for the ensuing year.
ART. 6. To see what action the town will take in relation to hiring money for any purpose.
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ART. 7. To determine in what manner the taxes shall be collected for the ensuing year, also determine what percentage shall be allowed the Collector for the ensuing year.
ART. 8. To see if the town will authorize the Collector to use all such means in the collection of taxes as the Treasurer might if elected to that office.
ART. 9. To see if the town will accept the list of jurors as prepared by the Selectmen, and posted according to law.
ART. IO. To see what compensation the town will allow the members of the Fire Department for the ensuing year.
ART. II. To see how much per hour the town will allow for work on the highways for the ensuing year, or do or act anything relating thereto.
ART. 12. To see if the town will employ a night watchman for the en- suing year, grant and appropriate money for the same, or do or act any- thing relating thereto.
ART. 13. To see if the town will provide additional electric lights on High Street, appropriate money therefor, or do or act anything relating thereto.
ART. 14. To see if the town will provide electric lights on Wight Street, appropriate money therefor, or do or act anything relating thereto.
ART. 15. To see if the town will appropriate money for the maintenance of existing street lights for the ensuing year.
ART. 16. To see if the town will build a reservoir for fire protection at the junction of South and Pound Streets, appropriate money therefor, or do or act anything relating thereto.
ART. 17. To see if the town will make repairs on the North School building as recommended by the School Committee, grant and appropriate money therefor, or do or act anything relating thereto.
ART. 18. To see what action the town will take in regard to repairs on the Town Building in accordance with plans and specifications fur- nished by the Selectmen. Also to grant and appropriate any sum of money for the same, or do or act anything relating thereto.
ART. 19. To see if the town will accept from Moses Ellis Independent Woman's Relief Corps, Auxiliary to Post 117 G. A. R., the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars ($150), the interest to be used for the perpetual care of the soldiers' lot situated on Little Round Top, Vine Lake Cemetery, cleaning of monument, trimming shrubs, and such other work as seems necessary.
ART. 20. To see if the town will increase the compensation of the Treasurer, or do or act anything relating thereto.
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