USA > Massachusetts > Franklin County > Leyden > Town annual reports of officers and committees of the town of Leyden, Massachusetts for the year ending 1946 > Part 7
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April
3
Annie Myra Grover Thayer, 75 years
May
6
Seth Perry Ewer, 85 years
May
11
Infant Squires
Oct.
28
Michael J. Shea, 71 years .
REPORT OF DOGS LICENSED
39 males at $2.00 5 females at $5.00 25 00
$78 00
20
16 spayed females at $2.00 3 kennels at $10.00
32 00
30 00
$165 00
Paid Town Treasurer
$152 40
Clerk's fees, 63 at 20c
12 60
$165 00
REPORT OF HUNTING, FISHING AND TRAPPING LICENSES
23 Resident Citizen Fishing at $2.00 $46 00
22 Resident Citizen Hunting at $2.00 44 00
21 Resident Citizen Sporting at $3.25 68 25
18 Resident Citizen Minor and Female Fishing at $1.25 22 50
1 Special Non-Resident Fishing at $1.50
1 50
1 Non-Resident Citizen Hunting at $10.25
10 25
7 Resident Citizen Sporting
Free
1 Resident Citizen Fishing
Free
$192 50
Paid Division of Fisheries and Game
$171 00
Fees retained, 86 at 25c
21 50
$192 50
HAROLD V. CAMPBELL,
Town Clerk
Audited February 1, 1950 CHARLOTTE L. STAIGER, Auditor
21
Tax Collector's Report
JANUARY 1, 1949 TO DECEMBER 31, 1949
Tax
Collected
Uncollected
Interest
Demand
Abatement
Refund
1946
$
12 03
1947
291 21
$ 142 61
$22 37
$1 40
$ 38 25
1947 Poll
2 00
2 00
12
35
1947 Excise
3 62
24
35
1948
3205 07
1049 91
64 29
3 85
28 80
1948 Poll
22 00
16 00
26
1 05
1948 Excise
46 29
47 12
1 33
1 40
4 83
1949
13825 93
4522 41
2 07
27 00
1949 Poll
130 00
46 00
12 00
1949 Excise
929 61
220 52
71
43 20
$28 75
Total
$18467 76
$6046 57
$91 39
$8 40
$154 08
$28 75
GEORGE E. HOWES,
Tax Collector
22
Warrant for Town Meeting
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
FRANKLIN, SS:
To John H. Newcomb, Constable of the Town of Leyden GREETING:
In the name of the Commonwealth you are hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of said Town who are quali- fied to vote in elections and in town affairs to meet in the Town Hall, Monday, the sixth day of March next at eleven o'clock in the forenoon, then and there to act on the following articles:
ARTICLE 1. To choose all necessary town officers for the year ensuing:
One Moderator for one year
One Town Clerk for one year
One Town Treasurer for one year
One Selectman for three years
One Assessor for three years
One Assessor for two years
One School Committee for three years
One Constable for one year
One Auditor for one year
One Tree Warden for one year
One Collector of Taxes for one year
One Trustee Robertson Memorial Library for three years and fill any vacancies that may occur.
ART. 2. To see if the town will vote to authorize the treasurer with the approval of the selectmen to borrow money
23
from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1950 and to issue a note or notes therefor payable within one year and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year in accordance with Section 17, Chapter 44, General Laws.
ART. 3. To see if the town will vote to appropriate the accumulated and current income of the Davenport Fund in the sum of $66.00 in equal shares toward defraying the expenses of the poor and schools. P.
ART. 4. To see if the town will vote to appropriate the accumulated income of the Barstow Fund in the sum of $164.90 toward defraying the expenses of the welfare account.
ART. 5. To see if the town will vote to accept the report of the Town Officers for the year 1949, or pass any vote or votes in relation thereto. P.
ART. 6. To act on the llst of jurors as posted by the select- men. P.
ART. 7. To see if the town will vote to accept the Honor Roll and discharge the committee, or pass any vote or votes in relation thereto.
ART. 8. To see if the town will raise money for the neces- sary expenses of the town and appropriate same, or pass any vote or votes in relation thereto.
ART. 9. To see it the town will vote to raise and appro- priate any sum of money for the maintenance of schools during the current year.
ART. 10. To see if the town will vote to fix the salary and compensation of all elective officers of the town as provided by Section 108 of Chapter 41, General Laws, as amended:
24
Moderator
$ 5 00 for each meeting
Town Clerk and Treasurer
300 00
Selectmen
Chairman of Board
125 00
Second member
100 00
Third member
100 00
School Committee
Chairman of Board
60 00
Clerk
60 00
Third member
50 00
Assessors
Each member
90 00
Constable
25 00
Auditor
20 00
Tree Warden
Hourly wage of departmental supt.
Collector of Taxes
150 00
Library Trustees
0 00
and raise and appropriate a sum of money therefor.
ART. 11. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate any sum of money for the payment of compensation under provisions of Chapter 152 of the General Laws.
ART. 12. To see if the town will vote to appropriate from the machinery fund the sum of $1225.00 for notes and interest or pass any vote or votes in relation thereto.
ART. 13. To see if the town will vote to appropriate from the overlay surplus the sum of $450.00 for a reserve fund as pro- vided in Section 6, Chapter 40 of the General Laws.
ART. 14. To see if the town will vote to purchase the Oliver tractor equipped with gravel loader rented in 1949, appro- priate money for same, or pass any vote or votes in relation there- to.
ART. 15. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $50.00 as Leyden's share in the incidental ex-
25
penses of the Regional School District Planning Board, or pass any vote or votes in relation thereto.
ART. 16. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $50.00 for the care of the East Hill Cemetery, or pass any vote or votes in relation thereto.
ART. 17. To see if the town will vote to authorize the selectmen to appoint an inspector of wires as provided in Chapter 529 of the Acts of 1949 and to raise and appropriate a sum of money to cover the cost of such inspection, or pass any vote or votes in relation thereto.
ART. 18. To see if the town will vote to transfer from un- appropriated funds in the treasury the sum of $6000.00 for Chapter 81, Chapter 90 Construction, and Chapter 90 Mainten- ance highways. This money to be returned to available funds upon reimbursement by the State and County.
ART. 19. To see if the town will vote to form a Public Welfare District together with the towns of Bernardston, Gill and Warwick or any one or more of them, or to take any action relative thereto.
ART. 20. To see if the town will vote to buy or take an option on a parcel of land on which to build a school, or pass any vote or votes in relation thereto.
ART. 21. To hear the report of the school survey commit- tee and to see if the town will vote to appropriate a sum of money for another set of plans, or pass any vote or votes in relation thereto.
ART. 22. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $100.00 for expenses of school survey commit- tee.
ART. 23. To see if the town will vote to buy from the
26
Leyden Methodist Church a parcel of land between the machin- ery shed and land of John H. Newcomb, or pass any vote or votes in relation thereto.
ART. 24. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate a sum of money for land damages to Seth Judson Ewer in connection with the widening of the West Leyden Road.
ART. 25. To see if the town will vote to authorize the as- sessors to use from the treasury any sum of money to reduce the 1950 tax rate.
The polls will be opened at eleven o'clock in the forenoon and will be closed at five o'clock in the afternoon.
And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting an attested copy thereof on the Town House seven days at least be- fore 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 the time and place of said meeting.
Given under our hands this first day of February in the year of Our Lord one thousand nine hundred and fifty.
CASPER P. ZIMMERMAN EDRIC W. COOK RAY ROBERTSON
Selectmen of Leyden
27
Annual Report
-of the-
School
Department
L
1
Organization
School Committee
Elihu Osgood, Chairman Jessie Glabach, Secretary Sara Robertson
Term expires 1952 Term expires 1951 Term expires 1950
Superintendent of Schools
F. Sumner Turner, A. B .- M. Ed. Office, Center School, Northfield, Mass., Tel. 757
School Physician
F. Wilton Dean, M. D. Northfield, Mass.
School Nurse
Bernice F. Berry, R. N. Tel. Greenfield 3411
Attendance Officer
John H. Newcomb
SCHOOL CALENDAR 1950-1951
Schools Open January 3, 1950 Schools Open February 27, 1950 Schools Open April 24, 1950 Schools Open September 6, 1950 Schools Open January 2, 1951
Close February 16, 1950 Close April 14, 1950 Close June 21, 1950
Close December 22, 1950 Close February 16, 1951
29
Report of Superintendent of Schools
To the School Committee and Citizens of Leyden:
I am pleased to present herewith my second annual report as your Superintendent of Schools. The record covers the 178th year of public education in the Town of Leyden.
TEACHERS
For the third year the schools of Leyden have retained the same corps of teachers. This has been of tremendous import- ance to our pupils. Due to the demands of citizens at the time of re-election of teachers a plan of rotation of teachers was evolv- ed. This led to further demands which left the teachers in their former positions. This has worked out nicely. With the pres- ent educational set-up and physical condition of our school buildings the attraction of teachers to Leyden is a difficult task.
SCHOOL BUILDING
Upon the expiration of the building permits on December 6, 1949, the State Building Inspector refused to extend them. This with the evidence of intentions by the people of Leyden permits were granted to May 1, 1950. The Building Committee has been most diligent in pursuing its task as outlined by the Town Meeting. The report of this committee when presented to the Town Meeting in March will give to the voters a basis for a wise decision. The children of Leyden have every right to expect to face the problems of adulthood with just as adequate a prepara- tion as the children in every other community. Also, that de- cision must take in full consideration the future problems as well as the problem of the moment. An economical solution of today may prove most costly when measured over five or ten years.
30
ART SUPERVISOR
In conjunction with the other four towns in Union No. 22, Mr. Edson Crafts was appointed as Art Supervisor. He visits each class every two weeks and leaves work to be done by the class during the alternate week. The results thus far have been most amazing. Naturally, much time has been spent in attempt- ing to build a foundation upon which to base more advanced art instruction. Also, much effort has been needed to develop a unified course of art instruction. As I have visited classes and followed the art instruction I have noted a greater appreciation of art, constant improvement in manual dexterity and tremen- dous increase in imagination and initiative. Furthermore, we are now finding a continuity to the art program which, before, was most haphazard, being left to the interest and ability of the individual teacher.
READING
Much concern was evidenced in our reading system-Alice and Jerry Series. Considerable study has been made of this sys- tem and other available systems. Reading experts were consult- ed and, in the final analysis, it was decided that there would be no gain in changing systems. The reading consultant for the Alice and Jerry Series came to Leyden and reviewed our prob- lems, gave demonstration classes and held teacher conferences. A method of recording the progress made by each pupil was de- vised. Much improvement has been noted and as time pio- gresses these gains will become more evident.
REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
At this same town meeting the moderator was instructed to appoint three citizens to meet with the citizens, appointed in like fashion in the several towns of Union 22, to study the feasi- bility of a Regional Junior and Senior High School for the towns of Bernardston, Gill, Leyden, Warwick and Northfield. Mr. Eli- hu C. Osgood, Mr. James Avery and Mr. Arthur Howes were ap- pointed to represent Leyden. Since that time all towns of the
31
Union have taken like action. On January 6, 1950, this commit- tee assembled at the Center School together with Mr. John Mar- shall, Administrator of the Massachusetts School Building As- sistance Commission to commence this study. There is a tre- mendous amount of work to be done by this committee before the report will be ready for the consideration of the townspeople. The regional school plan holds forth many inducements toward the solution of our building situation, our limited high school offer- ings, and our inadequate physical facilities. With all the towns. in Union 22 facing similar problems, the permissive legislation of Chapter 638 may aid us to find better and less expensive educa- tion for our boys and girls.
FINANCES
The finances of the School Committee occupy a great share of the administrator's time. At all times and in all ways every attempt is made to keep expenses at the lowest level. This year, by close economy, the School Committee was able to return $596.09 to the Town Treasury. This year the state reimburse- ment amounted to $8,635.10, a decrease of $585.62. This was caused by two factors. The reimbursement for Vocational Tui- tion is based upon the amount of vocational tuition paid during the school year 1947-48. At that time Leyden was sending one vocational boy to Greenfield and one girl to Arms Academy. Secondly, the transportation for Vocational pupils did not re- ceive reimbursement. This is to be rectified at this session of legislature.
This coming year the state reimbursement will approximate the following figures. Superintendent's Salary and Travel will be increased to approximately $336.97, an increase of $139.73. Chapter 70 will amount to $5,139.70. Vocational Tuition will amount approximately to $520.00 and reimbursement for trans- portation, approximately $5,000.00. This will give a total of ap- proximately $10,996.67.
If S87, now before legislature, becomes law, State Aid to Education to the Town of Leyden would be increased $1,200.
32
This year the School Committee faces an increase in items beyond their control. There are now twelve pupils attending Greenfield High with a tuition rate of $277.74 per year per pupil. Three will graduate in June, but there are four more to enter in September. Greenfield has already indicated that in the fall the tuition rate may be slightly higher. There are five boys in Vo- cational School at a rate of $260.00 per year. This tuition item calls for an increase of $1,212.68. With this increased high school population and increased transportation charges, this item calls for an increase of $911.29. These two items increase the budget by $2,133.97. This year the committee feels that it must present a budget of $19,136.00 or an increase of $2,136.00 over the figure appropriated last year.
SCHOOL UNDERSTANDING
The growing interest in school affairs by the citizens of our town is very heartening. The discussion of school and child problems is now found in increasing numbers, in all our various media for the dissemination of knowledge, (i. e.) books, maga- zines, newspaper, radio, discussion groups, and others. The edu- cation of a child is not a simple task. It is the most complex job that faces our generation. The more understanding that is en- joyed by more people the better we will equip the coming genera- tion to face their tasks. I know that the people of Leyden will avail themselves of every opportunity to understand, as fully as possible their school problems. Together, we cannot fail.
I wish to express my appreciation to the School Committee, School Personnel and the people of Leyden for their help and understanding in my school duties.
F. SUMNER TURNER,
Superintendent of Schools
33
SCHOOL ORGANIZATION
Date of
Name School
Where Educated App't
Pearl E. Rhodes
Center
Genevra L. Ferre
South
Amer'c'n Interna'l
College, A. B.
1946
Randolph, Vt.
High School
1947
Evelyn A. Tenney Beavermeadow
Fitchburg Normal
1945
Clara Cook
Music Supervisor
Northampt'n Music
School
1943
1942
W. L. Rinehart
Penm'ns'p Sup'r
Edson Crafts Art Supervisor
Rhode Island School of Design
Brown University, Art Inst. of Chicago B. of F. A. Univ. of Chicago
1949
CENSUS REPORT
The annual census of children in Leyden between the ages of 7 and 16 was taken as of October 1, 1949 as required by law.
Between the ages of 7-16
Boys
Girls
Total
36
25
61
ENROLLMENT, OCTOBER 1, 1949
Beavermeadow
Grades
1
2
3
4 5
6
7 8 TH
Boys
3
2
0 2
2
0
3
2
14
Girls
0
2 0 0
1
1
2 0
6
Totals
3 4 0 2 3
1 5
2 20
34
.
Center
Boys Girls
2
3
0
3
2
1
3
0
14
1
0
0
1
1
2
1
2
8
Totals
3 3 0
4
3
3
4
2 22
South
Boys
1
0
2
0
1
030 7
Girls
2
1
1
2
30 1 0
10
Totals
3
1
3
2
4 0 4 0
17
Town
Boys
6
5
2
5
5
1
9
2 35
Girls
3
3
1
3
5
3
4
2
24
Totals
9 8
3 8 10
4
13
4 59
High School Pupils
Boys
Girls
Total
Greenfield Junior High School
5
4
9
Greenfield Senior High School
2
2
4
Greenfield Vocational School
5
0
5
Total
12
6
18
Total Registration 1949
77
Total Registration 1948 Increase
69
8
35
Net Cost of Schools for 1949
Expended by the School Department 1949 Regular Appropriation $16403 91
State of Massachusetts Reimbursements:
Chapter 70 as amended 1948 C-643
$5139 70
Vocational Tuition
164 81
Transportation
3133 35
Supt.'s Salary and Travel
197 24
Total
$8635 10
Net Cost of Public Education, 1949:
Net Cost of Public Education 1946
$5282 22
Net Cost of Public Education 1947
4913 05
Net Cost of Public Education 1948
5255 92
Net Cost of Public Education 1949
7768 81
Budget Summary
1949 Expenditures and Estimates for 1950
Item
Expenditures 1949
Recommended 1950
Teachers' Salaries
$ 5775 50
$ 6050 00
Writing Supervisor
180 00
180 00
Art
40 00
108 00
Music Supervisor
300 00
300 00
Superintendent:
Salary
382 44
500 00
Travel
112 50
150 00
Out-of-State Travel
7 93
10 00
36
Union Clerk
123 32
133 00
Cleaning Schools
33 75
40 00
Fuel and Lights
175 61
200 00
Repairs
35 54
115 00
New Equipment
100 00
100 00
Medical Service
150 00
150 00
Transportation:
Local
2095 90
2650 00
High School
2673 83
3030 00
Tuition :
High School
2138 88
3000 00
Vocational School
1149 44
1500 00
Janitors' Salaries
180 00
180 00
Janitors' Supplies
79 79
40 00
Textbooks
327 36
300 00
Student Supplies
190 87
200 00
Sundry Educational Expense
151 25
200 00
$16403 91
$19136 00
Unexpended Balance
$596 09
ELIHU C. OSGOOD JESSIE W. GLABACH, Sec. SARA H. ROBERTSON
Audited February 1, 1950 CHARLOTTE L. STAIGER, Auditor
37
Report of the Art Supervisor
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I am happy to submit this, my first annual report, to School Union 22 of Northfield, Bernardston, Leyden, Gill, and War- wick. Even though, in my case, this is a semi-annual report, since the art program has been functioning only since September, 1949, there are still very definite things to be pointed out at this time.
Supervising the art education of the students in the Union is a distinct pleasure, not only because of the wholehearted co- operation extended by everyone, but also because of the high level of work produced by the students. Their interest and en- thusiasm have, at all times, been outstanding.
I would like to state here that it would not have been possi- ble to have made such rapid progress in this time had it not been for the support and help of the teachers in the various schools. Since the art supervisor visits each school just one day every two weeks, the individual teachers give a prescribed lesson dur- ing the week the supervisor is not there. In every case they have been most willing and competent.
The art curriculum is a new one incorporated into the schools. The broad purposes of it are to lay a solid foundation for the appreciation of art, to increase manual dexterity, and to stimulate initiative. But, while the art program is new, results already are apparent. The art curriculum is finding its place in the various schools, and many teachers have found it helpful in working out problems in subjects where visual interpretation was to be used.
This first year of the art program has been one of construct- ing groundwork for what is hoped will be a progressively increas- ed and expanded course. At all times we shall attempt to make the experience of each student as broad and encompassing as possible.
Respectfully submitted,
EDSON S. CRAFTS
38
Report of the School Physician
The chief duty of the school physician is to conduct the an- nual physical examination of all school children. This was done in October at each school with the assistance of Mrs. Berry, the school nurse. Although there were seven more pupils examined this year, I am happy to report that there are seventeen less de- fects found. This is a remarkable improvement and reflects the better care the parents are giving their children. Defective teeth still is the chief defect found in spite of an impressive array of new fillings in the children's mouths.
I wish to thank Mrs. Berry and the teachers for their co- operation.
Respectfully submitted,
F. WILTON DEAN, M. D.,
School Physician
39
Report of the School Nurse
To the School Committee of Leyden:
The routine work of assisting Dr. Dean with health examin- ations, audiometer hearing test, Massachusetts Vision Test, has been done. All defects have been reported to parents. The Well Child Clinic was held in July with Dr. Wallace examining and giving advice to the mothers. Mrs. Horst, State Nutritionist, gave help and advice to the mothers. Regular visits to the school have been made.
BERNICE G. BERRY,
School Nurse
40
----
Report of the State Audit
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Department of Corporations and Taxation
Division of Accounts State House, Boston 33
October 18, 1949
To the Board of Selectmen Mr. Casper P. Zimmerman, Chairman Leyden, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith my report of an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Leyden for the period from March 16, 1947 to July 30, 1949, made in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44, General Laws. This is in the form of a report made to me by Mr. Herman B. Dine, Assistant Director of Accounts.
Very truly yours,
FRANCIS X. LANG,
FXL:ELD
Director of Accounts
41
Mr. Francis X. Lang Director of Accounts Department of Corporations and Taxation State House, Boston
Sir:
In accordance with your instructions, I have made an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Leyden for the period from March 16, 1947, the date of the previous examination, to July 30, 1949, and submit the following report thereon:
The records of financial transactions of the several depart- ments receiving or disbursing town funds, or sending out bills for collection, were examined and checked in detail.
The surety bonds of the treasurer, town clerk, and tax col- lector for the faithful performance of their duties were examined and found to be in proper form.
The books and accounts of the tax collector were examined and checked in detail. The tax accounts outstanding according to the previous examination and all subsequent commitments of poll, personal property, and real estate taxes, as well as motor vehicle and trailer excise, were audited and proved with the assessors' warrants. The recorded collections were compared with the payments to the treasurer, the abatements, as recorded, were checked to the assessors' abatement records, the outstand- ing accounts were listed and proved, and the cash on hand on July 30, 1949 was verified by actual count.
Verification of the outstanding accounts was made by send- ing notices to a number of persons whose names appeared on the books as owing money to the town, and from the replies received it appears that the outstanding accounts, as listed, are correct.
It was noted that the detailed list of poll, personal property, and real estate taxes committed by the assessors to the tax col- lector had been written in a book designed for the commitment of real estate taxes and that, in one instance, the commitment list of taxes was compiled by the tax collector from the assessors' valuation books. It is urged that the commitment list to the collector be prepared by the assessors and written into books
42
i
which are designed for each class of taxes and which are approved as to form by the Commissioner of Corporations and Taxation.
The books and accounts of the town treasurer were examin- ed and checked in detail. The receipts, as recorded, were com- pared with the departmental records of payments to the treasur- er and with the other sources from which money was paid into the town treasury. The payments were checked with the war- rants approved by the selectmen, and the cash balance on July 30, 1949 was proved by reconciliation of the bank balance with a statement furnished by the bank of deposit and by actual count of the cash on hand.
The savings bank books representing the investments of trust funds in custody of the treasurer were examined and listed. The income was verified and the withdrawals were checked.
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