USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Medfield > Town annual reports of Medfield 1920-1929 > Part 25
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The Planning Board is given authority by State Law to regu- late this growth, to advise on town improvements, and by a so called zoning system to prevent an unsightly building being erected beside a church or residence, designate the distance a
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business block must be set back from the street and generally to regulate the growth of the town, so that future generations will have a town well laid out, with proper buildings in their proper places, and public parks well developed.
We are all interested in adding to the beauty of our town, and feel that the election of a Planning Board will help a great deal.
We recommend that at the next annual election the present Board of Park Commissioners of three be increased to five, and that this Committee of five replace the Park Commissioners and be called the Planning Board.
Respectfully submitted,
MRS. FRANK E. DAY, ALBERT L. CLARK, LEWIS K. CONANT.
Voted, that the report of the committee be accepted.
Also Voted, Sec. 1. A board of five members (including the present Park Commissioners) is hereby created and established to be known as the Planning Board. And at the next Town Election held in the month of March, 1925, there shall be elected one member to serve for five years, one member to serve for four years, and one member to serve for three years, and there- after one member to be elected each year for five years.
Sec. 2. Vacancies occurring in the Board shall be filled until the annual meeting by appointment by the Board of Selectmen, and at the annual meeting the vacancy shall be filled by election for the unexpired term.
Sec. 3. The duties of such Board shall be such as are stated in Chapter 41, Section 70-72 of the General Laws of the Com- monwealth, and further to consider and advise upon town improvements, either at the request of other officials of the town or upon its own initiative.
Sec. 4. Such Board shall make a report to the town annually, which shall be sent to the Selectmen not later than such time in January of each year as the Selectmen may prescribe, and a copy thereof shall be filed with the Mass. Dept. of Public Welfare.
112
Article 2. To see if the Town will accept the sum of one hundred dollars ($100.00) as perpetual trust fund for the care of the George F. Chick lot in Vine Lake Cemetery, the interest thereof, or so much as may be necessary to be used for said care. Voted, to accept in usual form.
Article 3. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate and grant a sum of money sufficient for the construction of 160 feet of sewer in Mitchell Street or do or act any thing relating thereto.
Voted, that the sum of three hundred and twenty-five dollars ($325.00) be granted and appropriated for the construction of sewer in Mitchell Street.
Article 4. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate and grant the sum of three hundred and twenty-five dollars ($325.00) for the storage of the Fire Apparatus or do or act anything re- lating thereto.
Voted, that the sum of three hundred and twenty-five dollars ($325.00) be granted and appropriated for the storage of the Fire Apparatus.
Article 5. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the re- moval of the light pole of Edison Electric Illuminating Com- pany of Boston situated at the junction of North and Main Streets.
Voted, that it be left in the hands of the Selectmen.
Article 6. To see if the Town will rescind the action taken at the Annual Town Meeting held on March 12, 1924, at which time it was voted to appropriate and grant a sum not to exceed two hundred ($200.00) for the purpose of purchasing or acquir- ing by eminent domain proceedings one and six-tenths (1.6) acres of land belonging to Mrs. Jay S. Hummer for use of the Water Department, and will now vote to appropriate the sum of three hundred dollars ($300.00) for the purchase or other- wise acquire said land.
Voted, to rescind the vote taken under Article 15 at meeting held March 12, 1924, and appropriate the sum of three hundred dollars ($300.00) for the purchase of the land.
113
Article 7. To see if the Town will appropriate an additional three thousand dollars ($3000.00) for Highway Construction and general repairs.
Voted, that the sum of three thousand dollars be granted and appropriated for highways.
All the articles having been acted upon, the meeting was dissolved.
Attest :
WILLIAM H. EVERETT,
Town Clerk.
114
SPECIAL MEETING
September 29, 1924
Pursuant to a Warrant issued by the Selectmen the inhabi- tants of the town of Medfield, duly warned and notified in the manner prescribed by law, met at the Unitarian Meeting House in said Medfield on the 29th day of September, 1924, at 8 p. m., and the following action was taken on Articles contained in the Warrant:
Article 1. To hear and act upon the report of any and all committees, or do or act anything relating thereto.
(Insertion of the foregoing article requested by the Town House Building Committee.)
Voted, that the report of the Building Committee be ac- cepted. .
Voted, that the Town accept the building as presented by the Building Committee.
Also Voted, that a vote of thanks be extended to the Building Committee.
Article 2. To see if the Town will accept the following- named sums as perpetual trust funds for care of lots in Vine Lake Cemetery, the interest thereof, or so much as may be necessary, to be used for said care of the
Selwyn S. Clark lot .... $100.00
Cora B. Simpson lot
100.00
Elbridge G. Perry lot 100.00
Walter S. Wiswell lot
100.00
Voted, that all of the trusts be accepted in the usual way.
All the Articles having been acted upon, the meeting was dissolved.
Attest:
WILLIAM H. EVERETT,
Town Clerk.
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NOVEMBER ELECTION, 1924
At the State Election held in Medfield, November 4, 1924, for the purpose of choosing Presidential Electors, State and County Officers, and to vote on questions presented on the ballot.
Total vote cast was 785 divided among the several candidates as follows:
For President
Coolidge and Dawes (R) 618
Davis and Bryan (D)
94
Foster and Gitlow (W)
2
Johns and Reynolds (S. L.)
29
La Follette and Wheeler (I. P.)
Blanks 42
785
For Governor
John J. Ballam of Boston
1
James M. Curley of Boston
159
Alvan T. Fuller of Malden 584
1
Walter S. Hutchins of Greenfield
2
Blanks 38
785
For Lieutenant Governor
Frank G. Allen of Norwood 596
John J. Cummings of Boston 104
Arthur A. Cunning of Boston
3
Thomas Nicholson of Lawrence
1
Edward Rand Stevens of Boston
Blanks 81
785
James Hayes of Plymouth
116
For Secretary
Frederic W. Cook of Somerville .. 533
Winfield A. Dwyer of Boston 6
Samuel Leger of Boston 2
H. Oscar Rocheleau of Worcester
96
Edith Williams of Brookline
2
Blanks 146
785
For Treasurer
Michael L. Eisner of Pittsfield 106
Patrick H. Loftus of Abington
4
Louis Marcus of Boston
2
Albert Oddie of Brockton
2
William S. Youngman of Boston
529
Blanks 142
785
For Auditor
Strabo V. Claggett of Newton
209
Alonzo B. Cook of Boston
405
Isidore Harris of Boston
3
James J. Lacey of Boston
4
Dennis F. Reagan of Brockton
1
Blanks 163
785
For Attorney General
Jay R. Benton of Belmont . 528
Harry J. Canter of Boston
1
Frederick Oelcher of Peabody
2
John Weaver Sherman of Boston
2
John E. Swift of Milford
118
Blanks 134
785
117
For Senator in Congress
Frederick H. Gillett of Springfield 496
Antoinette F. Konikow of Boston
1
David I. Walsh of Fitchburg.
214
Blanks
74
For Congressman 13th District
785
Robert Luce of Waltham
523
Edwin F. Tuttle of Bellingham
95
Blanks 167
785
For Councillor 2d District
Washington Cook of Sharon 181
75
William W. Ollendorff of Medway 380
Blanks 149
785
For Senator Norfolk District
Samuel H. Wragg of Needham .
471
Blanks 314
785
For Representative 9th Norfolk District
George B. Ager of Wellesley 457
135
Blanks 193
-
785
For County Commissioner Norfolk County
Daniel A. Donnelly of Norfolk 101
James E. Foley of Randolph 80
Edward W. Hunt of Weymouth 374
Evan F. Richardson of Millis 472
Blanks 543
1,570
Otho L. Schofield of Wellesley
Edward R. Goodwin of Wellesley
.
118
For Register of Probate and Insolvency Norfolk County
Thomas V. Nash of Weymouth 446
Blanks 339
785
For Treasurer Norfolk County
Frederic C. Cobb of Dedham
Blanks 342
785
For County Commissioner (To fill vacancy)
Frederick A. Leavitt of Brookline
491
Francis Moore of Franklin
93
Blanks
201
785
Referendum No. 1. Eliminating Word "Male"
Yes
303
No
79
Blanks.
403
785
Referendum No. 2. Enable Women to Hold Office
Yes
315
Nc
100
Blanks
370
785
Referendum No. 3. Liquor Law Enforcement
Yes 335
No
189
Blanks
261
...... 443
785
119
Referendum No. 4. Gasoline Tax
Yes 247
No
245
Blanks
293
785
Referendum No. 5. Regulation of Bankers
Yes
274
No
62
Blanks
449
785
Referendum No. 6. Daylight Saving
Yes
275
No
307
Blanks
203
785
Referendum No. 7. Child Labor
Yes
126
No
462
Blanks
197
785
A true copy.
Attest:
WILLIAM H. EVERETT,
Town Clerk.
120
SPECIAL MEETING
December 8, 1924
Pursuant to a Warrant issued by the Selectmen the inhabi- tants of the Town of Medfield, duly warned and notified in the manner prescribed by law, met at the Town Hall in said Med- field on the 8th day of December, 1924, at 8.00 p. m., and the following action was taken on the Articles in the Warrant.
Article 1. To see if the Town will appropriate and grant the sum of two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) for maintenance, alterations and repairs upon the Ralph Wheelock School, in- cluding an outside fire escape and several partitions in the hallways of the building, or do or act anything relating thereto.
Voted, that the sum of two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) be appropriated and granted for this purpose, and that the Treas- urer, subject to the advice and assent of the Selectmen, be and hereby is authorized to draw against the surplus for said amount or, if necessary, to borrow the whole or any part thereof.
Article 2. To see if the Town will appropriate and grant the sum of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) to defray expenses of the Police Department, or do or act anything relating thereto.
Voted, that the article be dismissed.
Article 3. To hear and act upon the report of any com- mittees or departments and if any further appropriation be necessary to defray the expenses of such committees or depart- ments to grant and make such appropriation, or do or act any- thing relating thereto.
Voted, that the sum of one hundred dollars ($100.00) be appropriated and granted to the Park Commission and that the Treasurer be authorized to draw upon the surplus for said amount, or to borrow the whole or any part thereof if necessary.
Attest:
WILLIAM H. EVERETT,
Town Clerk.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
AND THE
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
TOWN OF MEDFIELD
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1924
123
ANNUAL REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE AND SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Town of Medfield for the Year Ending December 31, 1924
Members and Organization
FRANCIS H. KINGSBURY, Chairman. Term expires 1926
SUSAN M. CLARK, Secretary Term expires 1925
ORION WIGHT Term expires 1927
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
I. Superintendent of Schools
Mr. Theodore W. King of Taunton, Mass., has been engaged by the Norfolk, Westwood, Millis and Medfield Union to act as superintendent of schools for the unexpired term of Mr. Albert S. Ames, who resigned to accept appointment as super- intendent of schools for Canton, Mass. Mr. King's report is appended to the committee's report.
II. School Health
Dr. Frank H. Clough has been retained in the capacity of school physician and has been ably assisted in his work by Mrs. George Mitchell, the school nurse, who in addition to rendering such assistance has exercised original methods for instructing the children in the fundamentals of personal conduct and habit, and we have no doubt that these teachings will result in a benefit to the health of the whole community, since parents often learn and keep abreast of the times through the children.
III. Teaching Staff
During the summer vacation the resignations of five teachers were received and their places filled, but since September there have been no changes in the teaching staff. The term just
124
passed has been marked by an absence of friction and the staff are to be congratulated upon the ability to work together har- moniously for the common good.
IV. Playground Equipment, etc.
The school department has been fortunate in receiving through the interest of Mr. Harrison Child a gift of a playground equipment of considerable value. This has been set up in the school ground for the use of the pupils, the townspeople having generously contributed to the expense of installation. There was also included in the gift a considerable amount of apparatus for use in the chemical laboratory of the high school.
V. School Lunch
The school lunch has been continued in satisfactory use under the direction of the local Parent-Teachers' Association and is being well patronized.
VI. Fire Protection, Overcrowding, New School
For several years the crowded condition of our schools has been brought to the attention of the town and no action has been taken, perhaps for the reason that no definite remedy has ever been presented. This year the inspector of the Massachu- setts Department of Public Safety has required that several smoke screen partitions be built in the hallways of the building and that an outside fire escape be provided for the westerly, or Miller Street, end of the building. The School Committee requested and received an appropriation for the purpose and the work is nearly completed. These alterations will allow us by law to seat a greater number of pupils in the building than was formerly the case and puts us within the law as to exit facilities.
The proper instruction of high school pupils makes necessary the use of a greater number of rooms than seating capacity alone would require, since, although there are but four years of high school, there are many times that number of subjects taught which must be conducted in separate rooms. This fact in a large measure is responsible for the crowding, taking space which might otherwise be used to relieve the congestion in the lower grades.
125
The committee realizes that more room is necessary, which means another building, and has considered several possible solutions of the problem. The use of the North School has been found impracticable, since it would be necessary to entirely renovate the building inside, provide a heating plant and run- ning water supply with suitable toilet facilities, and equip the school with new desks and books. It would be necessary to transport two whole grades from the centre to the school and provide for another janitor, which expense would be totally out of proportion to the educational facilities provided, and the committee again advises that the North School be sold, for we can see no economical use to which it can ever be put for school purposes.
There is also the possibility of abolishing the high school and sending the pupils to other towns, but Medfield has had its own high school for many years, and civic pride alone would un- doubtedly militate against this.
It might be suggested that the town hire some building for school purposes, but there seems to be no building suitable for the purpose or which would be likely to receive the approval of the state authorities.
A new building is necessary, and whether or not it will be a temporary structure such as a portable school, or a high school building capable of being enlarged later to include all grades, depends upon the desire of the townspeople which the committee does not feel that it can interpret at present. A temporary building for two rooms will cost in the neighborhood of $6000, while a new high school will cost from $60,000 to $80,000; yet the former is at best temporary and does not definitely settle the problem, while the more costly building would answer for many years in the future. This question, especially that of financing, deserves considerable study and the School Com- mittee recommends that a committee of seven, to include the School Committee, be appointed to study the question of a new school, its probable location, and the ways and means of financ- ing. The School Committee could take the easiest course and perhaps erect a portable school, but it feels that this matter of a new school has stirred the interest of the town and that a
126
larger committee could better ascertain the desire of the voters and bring before the town a report which would be more repre- sentative of all sections of the town. It may be, if a definite, well-thought-out scheme is proposed, that it will be possible for the town to afford a new high school without bringing a serious burden on the tax payers, especially if private contributions develop to defray a portion of the first cost.
VII. Transportation
It is believed that the town should know and have oppor- tunity to approve or disapprove of the committee's attitude in regard to transportation. The committee is required by law to transport all pupils who live two miles from the school. There are other routes which do not extend to the two-mile limit and these are the direct result of the closing of the North and South schools when the town virtually agreed to transport the pupils to the Centre School in order that it might save money by so doing. Moreover, little children walking on the highway are more and more in danger from the automobile traffic. In all fairness, the outlying districts have a right to expect adequate school transportation, partially to repay them for water works, sewerage, parks, and other public benefits accorded by taxation those who live in the centre. If, however, the town feels that too much money is spent on transportation, the committee is anxious to carry out its will.
VIII. School Calendar, 1925
Winter term, 8 weeks, opens Jan. 5, closes Feb. 27
Spring term, 8 weeks, opens Mar. 9, closes May 1
Summer term, 7 weeks, opens May 11, closes June 25
Fall term, 16 weeks, opens Sept. 8, closes Dec. 24
At the beginning of school in September the teachers will be at the schoolhouse on September 8th, and any parents who wish to consult them may do so on that day. The pupils will be enrolled and start their school year on September 9th.
IX. Summary of Cost
The net cost of operating the schools of the town for the year 1924, after crediting the various rebates from the state,
127
interest from the Town School Fund, and certain receipts from miscellaneous sources, is $20,957.69.
The committee requests an appropriation of $29,500.00 for the year 1925 and will be glad to explain its budget at the annual town meeting.
FINANCIAL REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Town Appropriation $26,200.00
From Town Treasurer, Interest on School Fund 157.62
$26,357.62
Expense of General Control
School Committee
Wm. F. Bearse.
$ 5.83
Francis H. Kingsbury
35.00
Orion Wight
29.17
Susan M. Clark
35.00
Susan M. Clark, Clerk
50.00
Wright and Potter, printing
2.08
Albert S. Ames, Supt. of Schools
375.00
Albert S. Ames, travelling expenses
78.70
The Rogers Press, for Supt
32.00
Theodore W. King, Supt. of Schools
250.00
Theodore W. King, travelling expenses
38.60
Lawrence Dewar, Att. Off.
100.00
Newell's Stable, car to Millis for meet- ings of Union Committee 11.50
A. A. Hartford, expense to meeting of High School Principals 1.25
$ 1,044.13
128
Expense of Instruction Salaries of Teachers High
Alton H. Hartford.
$2,380.00
Theresa E. MacMurray.
1,400.00
Margaret E. Dolan
1,400.00
Louise M. Gove
840.00
Adeline E. Cox
780.00
Madeline Appleby
520.00
Ida M. Johnson.
520.00
$ 7,840.00
Elementary
Gladys M. Rawding
$ 840.00
Janet W. Macdonald
1,180.00
Christine M. McLeod
385.00
Elizabeth S. Buck
1,200.00
E. A. Maude Craig
1,140.00
Dorothy Jones
1,140.00
Amy Hathaway
600.00
Janice Hoxie.
600.00
Mildred A. Kingsbury
400.00
Helen Macdonald
.
400.00
Mary Griffin
62.50
$ 7,947.50
Special
Nettie F. Hamant.
$ 320.00
Alfreda M. Dean
320.00
$ 640.00
Text Books
High'
Elementary $ 148.63
Edward E. Babb & Co.
$ 68.11
Lyons & Carnahan
.99
1.35
The Century Co
17.19
Allyn and Bacon
8.40
Gregg Publishing Co.
5.99
1
-
129
The MacMillan Co.
$ 20.76
Hinds, Hayden & Eldredge
20,60
Silver, Burdett & Co.
$ 69.94
Ginn and Co.
1.08
$142.04
$ 221.02
$ 363.06
Supplies
Elementary
Edward E. Babb & Co.
High $136.66
$ 140.84
Ginn and Co.
3.09
16.01
Milton Bradley Co.
11.03
22.07
C. C. Birchard & Co.
9.58
Underwood Typewriter Co.
4.20
Medfield Pharmacy
2.45
Oliver Ditson Co.
14.54
Beckley Cardy Co.
2.01
Robert D. Buckley
8.00
The Rogers Press
2.65
W. C. Blodgett
16.00
Iroquois Pub. Co.
5.62
Perry Pictures Co.
5.96
Silver, Burdett & Co.
9.32
E. H. Abell
2.28
$215.83
$ 196.48 $ 412.31
Expense of Operation
John Dyer, Janitor.
$ 1,361.00
Janitor Supplies
Edward E. Babb & Co.
$ 41.75
Walter A. Gilbert
10.40
Fuller Brush Co.
2.80
Boston Branch
2.50
Somerville Brush Co.
11.98
$ 69.43
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Fuel
Blood Bros.
$ 1,033.00
Water
Town of Medfield Water Dept. for 1924 $ 80.00
Expense of Maintenance
Allan A. Kingsbury
$ 177.67
Edgar Kingsbury.
35.00
Henry H. Clark
21.15
Medfield Plumbing & Heating
62.20
W. J. Hayward
11.40
N. E. Tel. & Tel. Co., R. W. School
48.95
Edison Light, R. W. School. 57.82
C. A. Engley
14.00
Lawrence Dewar
6.50
Dewar's Garage
28.00
W. G. Cook
3.50
Walter A. Gilbert
3.15
C. F. Read
1.60
Weiker's Express
1.70
$ 472.64
( New Equipment) Alterations
Allan A. Kingsbury
$ 755.01
Henry H. Clark
72.10
Frank J. Bell
20.00
Puritan Iron Co.
600.00
$ 1,447.11
Expense of Auxiliary Agencies Promotion of Health
Dr. Frank H. Clough $ 100.00
Emma E. Beebe, nurse 315.00
Mrs. Jessica Mitchell, nurse
210.00
Supplies for School Nurse .95
$ 625.95
131
Transportation
Mrs. Amie Newell
$1,621.25
Geo. W. Currier
452.00
Harry Dewar
296.00
Geo. J. Ehnes
346.50
Medway and Dedham Rwy.
85.00
$ 2,800.75
Summary
Expense of General Control
$ 1,044.13
Instruction
16,427.50
Text books
363.06
Supplies
412.31
Janitor, salary
1,361.00
Janitor, supplies
69.43
Fuel
1,033.00
Water
80.00
Expense of Maintenance
472.64
Alterations
1,447.11
Health
625.95
Transportation
2,800.75
$26,136.88
Unexpended balance.
220.74
$26,357.62
Respectfully submitted,
SUSAN M. CLARK, Clerk of Committee.
SCHOOL RECEIPTS
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
For Superintendent. $ 478.97
For High School Grant.
1,250.00
For General School Fund
2,180.00
For School Fund.
971.76
132
For Tuition, State
$ 55.80
For Tuition, Walpole
62.40
Parent-Teachers Refund
16.89
Perry Pictures Refund
2.40
Telephone calls
3.35
Interest on Town School Funds
157.62
Net cost of operating schools
$ 5,179.19 $20,957.69
FRANCIS H. KINGSBURY, SUSAN M. CLARK, ORION WIGHT,
Committee.
Correct:
W. E. GARDNER, Accountant.
1
133
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee of Medfield:
In accordance with the customary procedure I hereby have the honor to submit my first annual report.
Teachers
The importance of having the teaching effective makes it the first consideration. A high standard of instruction is best attained by having teachers of ability with education and training for their respective positions.
The arrangements made to retain the services of those teach- ers who were making advance in attainment in the teaching established a degree of permanency which results favorably toward classes having as high a standard of instruction this year.
There have been no changes in the present school year which is most desirable in carrying on the work of the school. The teachers are interested in their work and in the advances in school attainment.
Reading
The importance of reading as one of the divisions of the curriculum and its relation to the other studies in determining the advancement of the pupils is so great that it demands sufficient attention to have the instruction effective and the best method used.
The method should be adapted to the needs and develop- ment of the pupils. The Progressive Road to Reading is being used in teaching the mechanics of reading. It gives promi- nence to the phonetic work which thus develops more self- reliance and definite accomplishment.
This method of teaching reading consists in the presentation of the story, the recognition of the words used and the drill on phonics as a means of assured progress and the greatest com- prehension in a specified time.
134
Equipment
The using of different rooms on different years for certain of the grades on account of the number of pupils in the grade and the size of the room had occasioned changes from the original plan of seating.
It necessitated the reseating of three rooms in order to have pupils in seats that were the right size or could be adjusted to the pupils.
At the same time the third and fourth grades were grouped in the same room, permitting the second grade to be in a room by itself. This is a much better arrangement. It has been worth all it cost even for this length of time. An expenditure could not have been made for anything else which would have had as much effect on the working conditions. It got the seats away from the windows and radiators.
The Use of the School Building
A person would ordinarily get the impression that there is plenty of room in the school building for the number of pupils that are enrolled in the school. The number of pupils now enrolled permits of the organization of one teacher for each grade, which is the best that it is possible to have.
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