USA > Massachusetts > Franklin County > Leyden > Town annual reports of officers and committees of the town of Leyden, Massachusetts for the year ending 1954 > Part 6
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Leyden residents; schools, tavern and church locations
h. The Bernardston Centennial, and Leyden's part therein
i. Leyden in the Civil War
10. Leyden-1869 to 1918
a. Beers' map of Leyden, 1871 (reproduced)
b. The Greenfield Aqueduct Company in Leyden
c. Leyden's 'factory'
d. Interesting citizens of this period: Miss Ellen Brown; Chester Wells Severance, etc.
e. President Emerson of Amherst, on Leyden's geological forma- tions
f. C. W. Severance and the Centennial Celebration in Leyden
g. "Tall" Leyden tales.
h. The Robertson Library and church activities of the early 20th century
i. The First World War and Leyden's part therein
11. Leyden-1919 to the Present
a. Modern improvements in Leyden: Early telephones, electric power, etc.
b. Leyden in the Second World War: Veterans, their records, etc.
c. Arts and Crafts in Leyden
d. The Church and Central School
e. The Farm picture, old and new
1. Leyden weather in relation to the farmer
2. Leyden at the Franklin County Fair f. Population trend of Leyden since 1790
g. Complete list of Leyden citizens today with interesting accom- plishments
h. The Birds, Wild Flowers, Trees and Ferns of Leyden
12. Conclusion: The future of Leyden
ILLUSTRATIONS
1. Map of Leyden showing Historic Points of Interest with all present-day Homesteads located
2. Birthplace of Henry Kirke Brown
3. The 1830 Newcomb map of Leyden
4. The old Leyden Tavern
5. The Newcomb homestead in Leyden
6. Complete 1871 map of Leyden
7. Others?
William T. Arms Leyden October 15th, 1956
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Leyden History: Proposed Distribution
It is proposed that 300 copies of the History of Leyden be made up and bound; that the town shall receive 150 copies of this history to distribute free to each taxpayer, holding the balance in reserve for future residents of Leyden. W. T. Arms, who is writing the history, may sell the balance of 150 copies to any interested persons outside Leyden. at his own price. The re- ceipts from such sales will be Mr. and Mrs. Arms' only remuneration for the work of writing and research on the Leyden History.
Estimates Of Cost
Estimates for printing the Leyden History have been received from three accredited publishers. The two lowest bids, at current prices, run close to $1100.00 for 300 copies of a finely bound book of some 145 pages with ten engravings. John Haigis, Jr., has been consulted in regard to the choice of printers, but final decision will be made at a later date when his advice and the advice of other experts in this field, is presented to the His- tory Advisory Committee.
Mr. Haigis definitely asserts that it is accepted practice for a town to appropriate funds for the publication of its history. This statement is borne out by recent town appropriations in Sunderland and Greenfield. The Ber- nardston History also was sponsored by the town.
Proposed History Advisory Committee
Harold V. Campbell Thomas E. List Ray Robertson Arthur J. Dobias Mrs. Edith Howes Judson Ewer
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Town Warrant
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
FRANKLIN, SS:
To Spencer C. Howes, Constable of the Town of Leyden
GREETING:
In the name of the Commonwealth you are hereby directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of said Town who are qualified to vote in elections and in town affairs to meet in the Town Hall, Monday, the fourth 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 en- suing:
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 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.
ARTICLE 2. To see if the town will vote to authorize the treasurer with the approval of the selectmen to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1957 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 ac- cordance with Section 17, Chapter 44, General Laws.
ARTICLE 3. To see if the town will vote to accept the report of the Town Officers for the year 1956, or pass any vote or votes in relation thereto.
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ARTICLE 4. To act on the list of jurors as posted by the Selectmen ..
ARTICLE 5. To see if the town will vote to appropriate the accumu- lated and current income of the Davenport Fund in the sum of $132.00 in equal shares toward defraying the expenses of the poor and schools.
ARTICLE 6. To see if the town will vote to appropriate the accumu- lated income of the Barstow Fund in the sum of $160.53 toward defraying the expenses of the welfare account.
ARTICLE 7. To see if the town will vote to raise money for the necessary expenses of the town and appropriate same, or pass any vote or votes in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 8. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate, or appropriate from the Quintus Allen money, a sum of money for the main- tenance of schools during the current year.
ARTICLE 9. To see if the town will vote to fix the salary and com- pensation of all elective officers of the town as provided by Section 108, Chapter 41 of the General Laws as amended:
Moderator
Town Clerk and Treasurer
$ 5 00 for each meeting 400 00 and fees
Selectmen
Chairman
150 00
Second member
125 00
Third member
125 00
School Committee
Chairman
60 00
Clerk
60 00
Third member
50 00
Assessors
Each member
90 00
Constable
25 00
Auditor
50 00
Collector of Taxes
200 00
Tree Warden
Library Trustees
Hourly wage of Department Supt. 0 00
and raise and appropriate a sum of money therefor
ARTICLE 10. To see if the town will vote to appropriate from the Machinery Fund the sum of $1500.00 and raise and appropriate the sum of $2600.00 for notes and interest, or pass any vote or votes in relation thereto.
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ARTICLE 11. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate any sum of money for the payment of compensation under provisions of Chapter 152 of the General Laws.
ARTICLE 12. To see if the town will vote to appropriate from the overlay surplus the sum of $450.00 for a reserve fund as provided in Section 6, Chapter 40 of the General Laws.
ARTICLE 13. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from State money received under Chapter 718, Acts of 1956 the sum of $3000.00 to be used with State and County Chapter 90 Construction funds for Chapter 90 Construction work on the Brattleboro Road, balance to be expended on West Leyden Road, or pass any vote or votes in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 14. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $250.00 for administration of the Northern Franklin Welfare District.
ARTICLE 15. To see if the town will vote to transfer from unappro- priated funds in the treasury the sum of $6000.00 for Chapter 81, 90C and 90M Highways. This money to be returned to available funds upon reim- bursement by the State and County.
ARTICLE 16. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $50.00 for the care of the East Hill Cemetery.
ARTICLE 17. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $100.00 for the care of the Beaver Meadow Cemetery.
ARTICLE 18. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $50.00 to pay a member of the Board of Welfare for attending meetings of the Northern Franklin Welfare District.
ARTICLE 19. To see if the town will vote to appropriate the sum of $1700.00 from the Machinery Fund and raise and appropriate the sum of $3000.00 for the Machinery Account, or pass any vote or votes in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 20. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $500.00 as part of a fund to cover the cost of printing and binding the History of Leyden, with the understanding that a similar sum shall be raised next year, and the remainder (which should not exceed $250.00) to be raised in 1959-the proposed year for the publication of the History. All sums thus raised to be held in reserve by the town treasurer until the year of publication.
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ARTICLE 21. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $25.00 to furnish W. T. Arms with incidental expense money covering all sums spent for the History, such as postage, stationery, maps, or any extra outlay of money for the History project.
ARTICLE 22. To see if the town will vote to appoint a History Ad- vory Committee to assist Mr. Arms in publishing the History of Leyden.
ARTICLE 23. To see if the town will vote to raise a sum of money to buy material to build a 28 ft. by 32 ft. two-stall fire station to be built by volunteer labor, or pass any vote or votes in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 24. To see if the town will vote to instruct the selectmen to have all repairs on town machinery, trucks, tractors and equipment done by the garages in town, if equipped to do it, and to purchase all parts, tires, batteries, etc., through them. To also divide these repairs and purchases equally so that at the end of each year there shall not be a difference of more than $300.00 on what the town has paid these two places of business, or pass any vote or votes in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 25. To see if the town will vote to instruct the selectmen to have all town employees sign each purchase slip for gas and oil and to get a copy to be turned in weekly so that the town can get the tax back from the government, or pass any vote or votes in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 26. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for the extra clerical work involved in carrying out the two previous articles if they are so voted, or pass any vote or votes in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 27. To see if the town will vote to establish a town dump, raise money for same, or pass any vote or votes in relation thereto.
The polls will be opened at eleven o'clock in the forenoon and will be closed at half past five 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 before the time of said meet- ing 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 fourth day of February in the year of Our Lord one thousand nine hundred and fifty-seven.
THOMAS E. LIST ARTHUR J. DOBIAS RAY ROBERTSON
Selectmen of Leyden
34
Annual Report of the
SCHOOL
DEPARTMENT
ORGANIZATION
School Committee
William Barker, Chairman
Harold Johnson
Marion Zimmerman, Secretary
Term expires 1958 Term expires 1959
Term expires 1957
Superintendent of Schools
F. Sumner Turner
Dartmouth A. B., Harvard M. Ed.
Boston University - University of Massachusetts Office, Center School, Tel. 757
Office Hours School Days 8:30 a. m. to 4 p. m. School Vacations, 9 a. m. to 4 p. m.
School Physician
Paul B. Koehler, M. D. Greenfield, Mass.
School Nurse Bernice F. Berry, R. N.
Tel. Greenfield PR. 3-3411
37
SCHOOL CALENDAR
1957-1958
Schools Open January 2, 1957 Schools Open February 25, 1957
Schools Open April 22, 1957 Schools Open September 4, 1957
Schools Open January 2, 1958
Close February 15, 1957 Close April 12, 1957 Close June 13, 1957
Close December 20, 1957 Close February 21, 1958
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS To the School Committee and Citizens of Leyden:
I am pleased to present herewith my ninth annual report as your Super- intendent of Schools. This report covers the 185th year of public education in the Town of Leyden.
Teachers
For the fourth year, the schools of Leyden are most fortunate in retain- ing its teaching personnel. The current teacher shortage makes it most dif- ficult to fill a teaching position with an adequate teacher, to say nothing about trying to fill a four-grade room. Also, with many grades in a room, it is of greater advantage that the teacher know well her pupils, the parents, the home, and the community. This is gained only through continued ser- vice. In other words, from the census figures, we find that the teacher short- age will continue to grow worse for the next five years. Therefore, it be- hooves Leyden as well as all the small towns to make teaching as attractive in their town as possible.
Once again, it is pleasing to report the outstanding cooperation by all members of the school family, the administration, teachers, parents and com- munity. This fine atmosphere for accomplishment aids greatly academically and in extra-curricular activities. The May Day Festival, picnic, gradua- tion, Christmas program, and Christmas creche, once again, were outstanding and deserve special mention.
School Enrollment On December 21, 1956, the enrollment was as follows:
Mrs. Helen Smith
Miss Pearl Rhodes
Grade 1
8 Grade 5
8
Grade 2
5 Grade 6
4
Grade 3
5 Grade 7 5
Grade 4
7 Grade 8 5
-
Total
25
Total
22
38
-
School Cafeteria
During the year, 7770 pupils' lunches and 360 adults' lunches for a total of 8130 were served. Day in and day out, outstanding lunches are served in the Leyden School Cafeteria. Comparing the menus, and the amounts served, it is easily found that no better lunches are served anywhere in the country. Miss Leta Wood deserves much credit for the careful planning and skillful serving of these lunches. Because of the size of the school and the number served, this operation is small and takes much more ingenuity than the larger school programs. In spite of the rise in the price of most commod- ities, the meals are still being served at 20c per day. I wish to thank the Leyden P. T. A. for its interest and its gift of $97.53 earned by sponsoring the supper at the Town Hall.
Finances
This year, the total expenditures of the School Committee amounted to $22,447.92, allowing a return to the town treasury of $552.08. The reim- bursement from the state sources was $15,347.55, or 68 4/10 per cent of the total cost. The net cost of schools to the local taxpayers was $7,100.37 or $217.89 less than in 1955. The net cost per pupil for the past eight years is as follows:
1949
$100.05 per pupil
1950
99.19 per pupil
1951
108.85 per pupil
1952
108.40 per pupil
1953
127.82 per pupil
1954
101.70 per pupil
1955
112.45 per pupil
1956
110.94 per pupil
From figures released by the Department of Education we have analyz- ed the amounts of money spent by the schools in the towns of Franklin County. There are 26 towns in Franklin County. We find that Leyden spent from all sources $389.12 per pupil. Eighteen towns spent less money and seven towns spent more money. From local taxation, Leyden spent $113.16 per pupil. In Franklin County, two towns spent less while 23 spent more. These comparisons point out that Leyden receives a higher per cent of state aid than do most towns in Franklin County, and the amount of money that is spent for schools in Leyden is much in line with what is spent elsewhere.
The following table is a comparison of the spending of the school dollar. The per cent by item is compared with the spending in Group 4 (towns of
39
less than 5000 not maintaining high schools) and by the per cent of spending by schools in the state as a whole. Most items vary less than 1 per cent from what is spent in towns the same size and description as Leyden. Two items, Teachers' Salaries, and Transportation, vary greatly. The geographic set-up of Leyden explains why almost 1/3 of the school dollar is spent in transport- ing its pupils to and from school. Teachers' Salaries are unquestionably too low. With the shortage of good teachers becoming more acute, it is unwise to tempt fate too much longer.
COMPARISON OF THE SPENDING OF THE SCHOOL DOLLAR School Year 1955-56
Item
Amount Spent by Leyden
Per cent by Leyden
Per cent Per cent by Group IV by State
General Control
$ 1175 38
5.2
4.2
3.1
Salaries
6952 68
31.0
44.2
67.7
Textbooks
149 60
0.7
1.3
1.4
Supplies
271 74
1.2
3.3
2.2
Janitor, Fuel, etc.
1699 46
7.6
11.9
9.1
Repairs
534 04
2.4
4.3
2.5
Libraries
0.2
0.1
Health
138 00
0.6
1.5
1.1
Transportation
7255 55
32.3
3.4
14.3
Tuition
4104 20
18.3
1.1
19.09
Physical Education
0.8
0.1
School Lunch
0.3
0.4
Miscellaneous
167 26
0.7
1.1
0.5
$22447 92
100.0
100.0
100.0
One other analysis is most interesting. Last year $11,055.55 was paid directly by the School Department to citizens of Leyden. This is 49 per cent of the total budget, and is $3,637.29 more than the cost in local taxes.
The reimbursements from the state for 1957 under present laws should approximate the following:
Chapter 70
$ 6424 63
Superintendent's Salary
437 93
Vocational Tuition
737 17
Vocational Transportation
388 81
Transportation
5800 00
State Wards
200 00
Special Class
296 47
Total
$13285 01
40
The budget next year calls for $23,500. This is an increase of $500.00 from the request of one year ago. This $500 increase is, for the most part, - a few dollars here and a few dollars there on the items of the budget. This reflects, in general, the rise in cost of prices and salaries.
I repeat my annual invitation to all townspeople, especially parents of our pupils to visit our schools while in session, and to see firsthand the work, problems, and the achievements of our pupils. We are always pleased to see parents on American Education Week, and other special occasions, but in spite of all efforts, these occasions tend to become a bit stereotyped. I know it would be gratifying to you, as well as most enlightening, to have you take time from your busy schedule to come to see us in the normal activities of an average school day.
The accomplishments of our schools are the results of the cooperative efforts of all people, from the School Committee, Principal, Teachers, Secre- tarial Staff, other Workers of the School, Parents and Townspeople. I wish to express my sincere appreciation for their continued cooperation and assistance.
Respectfully submitted,
F. SUMNER TURNER,
Superintendent of Schools
SCHOOL LUNCH-1956
Net Worth January, 1956
$ 75 42
Sale of Lunches
$1463 64
U. S. D. A. Reimbursement
890 81
Other
100 04
$2454 49
Expenses:
Food
$1476 45
Salaries
1032 00
Other
90 20
$2598 65
41
Assets:
U. S. D. A. Reimbursement Nov.
$85 14
Dec.
69 48
Inventory
4 54
Other
14 80
$173 96
Net Worth December 31, 1956 $ -142 60
SCHOOL ORGANIZATION
Name
School Where Educated
Date
Pearl E. Rhodes
Leyden Elementary American Internat'l College, A. B. 1946
Helen Smith
Leyden Elementary Westfield State Teachers
College 1953
Esther Galbraith
Music Supervisor
Spfld Conservatory of Music 1953
W. L. Rinehart
Penmanship Super'r
1942
Jeanette L. Rich
Art Supervisor
Mass. School of Art, B. S. in Ed., Boothbay Sum- mer School
1953
ENROLLMENT OCTOBER 1, 1956
Leyden Elementary
Grades
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 Total
Boys
5
2
4
2
6
4
2
4 29
Girls
3
3
2
5
4
0
3
1 21
Totals
8
5
6
7 10
4
5
5 50
High School Pupils
Girls
Boys
Total
Greenfield Junior High School
3
2
5
Greenfield High School (Senior)
3
2
5
Greenfield Vocational School
0
2
2
Shelburne Falls Vocational School
0
3
3
Greenfield Parochial
1
1
2
Greenfield Special Class
0
1
1
Total
7
11
18
Total Registration 1955
75
Total Registration 1956
86
42
LEYDEN CENSUS REPORT
Boys
Girls
Total
Between ages birth to 5 years
13
13
26
Between ages 5 to 7
8
7
15
Between ages 7 and 16
28
21
49
Totals
49
41
90
STATE AID AND NET COST OF EDUCATION
1946-1956
1946
$10107 00 $ 4782 22
47.4
$5282 22
1947
13905 88
8992 83
64.7
4913 05
1948
15601 64
10345 72
66.3
5255 92
1949
16403 91
8635 10
52.00
7743 05
1950
18071 81
10528 76
58.2
7543 05
1951
18999 91
11922 16
62.7
7077 75
1952
21696 82
14000 61
64.1
7696 21
1953
22745 30
13669 97
60-9
9075 33
1954
23259 30
15733 47
67.6
7525 83
1955
1
23688 11
16369 85
68.2
7318 26
1956
22447 92
15347 55
68.4
7100 37
NET COST OF SCHOOLS FOR 1956
Expended by the School Department 1956
$22447 92
Regular Appropriation
State of Massachusetts Reimbursement:
Chapter 70 as amended 1948 C-643
6424 63
Vocational Tuition
1200 00
Vocational Transportation
687 26
Transportation
5804 12
Superintendent's Salary and Travel
437 93
State Wards
497 14
Special Class
296 47
Total
$15347 55
Net Cost of Public Education 1956
$ 7100 37
43
45,63
25-074.5 7 - 2598 62 dom, 170.00 9. 9 2 super 730,02 700.02
BUDGET SUMMARY
1956
Approp't'n
Spent . Estim't'd
Superintendent's Salary
$ 717 00 $
730 02 $
700 00
C
Out-of-State Travel
15 00
9 66
15-00
Administrative Expense
237 00
225 00
225 00
Salaries, Teachers
6260 00
6170 00
6500 00
Textbooks
150 00
149 60
150 00
Students' Supplies
250 00
-271-74-
275 00
Janitors' Supplies
150 00
-55 63
150 00
Janitors' Salaries
600 00
600-00
600 00
Fuel
550 00
777-57
800 00
Water and Current
250 00
266 26
250 00
Clerk
274 00
210-70
210 00
Repairs
260 00
398-34
300 00
New Equipment
100 00
*135 70-
150 00
Physician
50 00
50 00
60 00
Nurse·
110 00
88 00
110 00
Tuition, High School
3000 00
2516-45
3050 00
Tuition, Vocational
1600 00
1587 78
1746 00
Transportation
7405 00
7255 53
7150 00
Sundry Education
200 00
167-26
217 00
Supervisor, Art
192 00
184-00
180 00
Supervisor, Penmanship
180 00
-180 00
200 00
Supervisor, Music
450 00
.418 68
462 00
Totals
$23000 00 $22447 92 $23500 00
Returned to Town Treasury
$552 08
149,60
271.74
To the Superintendent of Schools and the Leyden School Committee:
I hereby submit my report for the school year 1956:
The lower grades have expressed themselves graphically through in- dividual illustrations of subject matter in the school curriculum or of current interests in the world about. There have also been group projects in the form of murals, both in the lower and intermediate grades. In the upper grades, I am pleased to report adventures into expression through the me-
44
25078,57 138' 2,5216.57 170,
251645 158798 4/04.23
REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISOR
167,00
0886
135
721
B
85
-
tilid
14960 17174 167,26 588,60 0
79-10
88
77757 26626
104383
80
724.30
diums of clay work, papier-mache, chalk, and third dimensional paper sculpture. There have been fine examples of dioramas and model villages.
Posters were made in observance of special holidays, Education Week, Safety Week and Kindness to Animals Week. The last, I am pleased to re- port, made a fine showing through the prizes won by pupils in the upper grades.
The Christmas window displays were planned and executed by all the grades.
Special mention should be made of the fine mural work done both by the lower and upper grades. Much credit is due both Mrs. Smith and Miss Rhodes. Leyden can be justly proud of the exceptionally fine Christmas creche display on the roof of the school. It was inaugurated this last year, and added to by the pupils of the upper grades. This is a fine example of applied art, which is especially beneficial to the pupils of this age level.
The art work in the past year, I feel, shows progress in the development of originality and creative ability throughout the Union.
I should like to express my appreciation of the fine spirit of cooperation on the part of the teachers throughout the Union.
$120,00 184 180 418.68 195240
Respectfully submitted,
JEANETTE L. RICH,
Art Supervisor
REPORT OF THE MUSIC SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools:
Dear Sir:
The past year has been another happy and successful musical exper- ience. With the splendid cooperation of the teachers, Leyden School pre- sented three programs this year. In the spring, the children enjoyed their second May Day Festival, including folk and square dances, rhythm songs and the traditional May Queen and her Court.
At graduation, the music prepared by the upper grades was highly and justly praised.
45
All the children at Center School participated in presenting the Nativ- ity in song and pageantry at the annual Christmas party in the Town Hall. It was beautifully portrayed under the direction of the teachers and the Music Supervisor, with costuming assistance of several parents.
Very truly yours, ESTHER S. GALBRAITH,
Music Supervisor
REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS LEYDEN SCHOOL November 14 and 28, 1956
Forty-six children were given physical examinations. Ten notices were sent home to parents regarding dental care. No other gross or serious ab- normalities were found.
PAUL B. KOEHLER, M. D.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent of Schools and the School Committee:
All children have been weighed and height taken.
On February 29, 1956, third Salk vaccine was given to second and third graders. On June 12, 1956, the Well Child Clinic was held, and 22 pre- school children were examined by Dr. Koehler. On May 24, 1956, Patch tests were given to the fifth and eighth grades. On October 10, 1956, Salk vaccine was given to the 15-17 age group. All ears and eyes were examined. Dr. Koehler examined all school children. All defects were reported to the parents.
BERNICE F. BERRY,
School Nurse
46
-
Annual Report of the
Town Officers
for the Town of
Leyden, Mass.
1957 53.00 on a 1000 220. 9
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