USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Mendon > Town annual reports of the officers of Mendon, Massachusetts 1928-1932 > Part 15
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In the interest of the welfare of the children, the writer again urges the town to provide these essential conveniences.
Some say that this is not the time to make improvements, yet there are reasons why this is an opportune time. The cost would be much less than in years past, and perhaps in years to come. Also people are in need of work which im- provements will give. If we knew that prosperity is to return in one year, the proposition might well be put off, but in view of business conditions it is a pity to put off for years this im- portant matter.
It is certain that our country's present economic condi- tion is rather serious. Continued retrenchment is a most detrimental procedure for progress. Cutting business and wages is the best method of increasing the depression. If great industries and municipalities-towns and cities-con- tinue to cut, can we expect to recover from this depression? Dismissing laborers and cutting wages lessens purchasing power, which causes stagnation of business, and should be avoided if possible. No town should spend recklessly or waste- fully in any department, but it is wisdom that town officials keep the departments running as fully and efficiently as pos- sible.
98
There is no depression in schools; they are larger than ever and their needs were never greater. The teacher's work is increased rather than diminished.
One big problem before the schools to-day is the great increase in the number of young people sent back to school because there are no jobs for them. If this condition keeps up our schools may well be called "Detention Institutions." Without doubt schools are the best place we have for the jobless young folks, but from the standpoint of education this condition is demoralizing and brings a problem in the opera- tion of schools.
It is not wholly beneficial to youth over fifteen years of age who have no interest in and but little adaptability to school work, to have to remain in school. High school and college graduates are advised to go back to school again. If it were possible it would be much better for such youth to get out into life's work and come in contact with the active world. One can scarcely make a success if he can not start his life's work until after he is thirty years of age.
These conditions increase the cost of schools, which must be met with appropriations.
Intensive work in singing in the schools is being done under the direction of the supervisor, Mrs. Burns.
The health work by the school physician and nurses be- comes more effective. We are longing for the time when our people become as health-minded as they are dress-minded.
We gratefully acknowledge the gift of the flag charts presented by the D. A. R. through Mrs. Ralph Coffin.
Our High School is doing well. The public hears from it at the times of the plays, prize speaking, graduation, and the Washington trip. The training in public speaking is valu- able. We plead for a larger attendance at the prize speak- ing contest. If you will attend this entertainment we are sure you will enjoy the evening, and your presence will be an in- spiration to the pupils.
99
Though the town hall is now large enough for the gradua- tion, because of the kindness of the Unitarian Church people and with appreciation of the beauty and attractiveness of the Church, the graduations are still held there.
The reader's attention is called to the special reports of the departments. The financial report, the school calendar, directory, etc., are worthy of careful reading.
The faithful willing service rendered by the School Com- mittee and the loyal support given by the townspeople are highly commendable.
The responsibilities of the schools are greater in a time of depression than in times of prosperity and the test of a people's courage and loyalty is great at this time. In confi- dence we expect Mendon to firmly meet this test by a con- tinued liberal support of its schools. The complexity of life to-day offers opportunity only to those of education and good training which is the best heritage that can be given the ris- ing generation of citizens.
Respectfully submitted,
CARROLL H. DROWN.
100
When the East Mendon school building was moved the following was found pasted back of the blackboard. It may be of interest to the readers of this report.
COPY :-
"This schoolhouse was built in the months of October and November and finished in the month of December, 1900 by Whitney & Son, Milford. The mason work was done by Albee & Greaton, Milford. The building committee consisted of Julius George, Erwin Snow, and Albert Albee, Frank Woods, and Leonard Taft.
Julius George, Chairman of Building Committee.
Elmer E. Sherman, School Superintendent.
The School Committee consisted of Erwin Snow, Frank Woods, and Leonard Taft.
Miss Lillian Porter, from Haverhill, school teacher.
Mrs. Georgiana Cook, janitor.
SCHOLARS-1900.
Isabel Rowe
Bertha Phillips Eunice Barrows
Annie Phillips
Chester Rowe Marion Lewis
Lester Bowen Ethel Albee
Willie Bowen
Alice Bowen John Bowen May Barrows
Warren Bates
Charlie Phillips Earl Hervey
Eugene Barrows
Edmond Rowe Frank Phillips
Clara Barrows
Grace Thayer
Alice White"
101
REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL.
TO MR. CARROLL H. DROWN,
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS :-
I herewith submit my fourth annual report of the Men- don High School for the year ending December 31, 1931.
The year's program of work has been consistently fol- lowed and no extensive changes have been introduced in the school routine.
Registration is approximately that of last year. There are thirteen Freshmen, ten Sophomores, four Juniors, and seven Seniors. There are twelve pupils in the eighth grade.
The regular school activities have been carried on in a creditable manner and a summary of school events of public interest follows :
Graduation was held June 18, 1931 in the Unitarian Church. Five pupils received diplomas: Eleanor Davenport, Marion Flooks, Marjorie Pickard, Norman I. Rogers, Jesse F. White. Nine pupils took part in the annual prize speaking contest on June 3. First prize was awarded to Norman I. Rogers, second prize to Marjorie R. Brown, and third prize to Beatrice L. Davenport. The Senior Class presented a three-act play, "A Bunch of Fun" on December 12, to a large audience.
Memorial Day was fittingly observed by a program in which the entire school participated. Earlier in the year the grades observed Health Day by presenting a pleasing enter- tainment which was well attended by the townspeople. The Christmas programs held in the grade rooms of the school
102
building deserve special mention, not only for their merit but for the interest shown by parents and friends.
Additional pupils from the Albeeville district and a large entering class in grade one have filled the building to capac- ity, and although the rooms are not overcrowded, there is little available space for more desks and seats if needed in the future.
Unfortunately the water supply again proved to be in- adequate to meet the needs of the building during the fall term, and a deeper well may soon be necessary.
The present Senior class is busily engaged in raising funds for the trip to Washington. Inasmuch as the trip is of unquestionable educational value it is certainly worthy of being continued. There are, however, some features con- nected with the yearly task of accumulating necessary funds which should be taken into consideration. The constant pressure on the community for financial support is doubtless somewhat objectionable. Although the townspeople of Men- don have always responded willingly and most generously to the needs of the school, there is some danger of carrying this pressure to excess, particularly if the classes happen to be larger than usual. There is also a necessary limitation of school activities because most school entertainments must be planned primarily for the purpose of making money.
As a possible solution to the problem, it is recommended that the policy be established whereby each pupil should set aside, either for himself or in a school fund supervised by the principal or class advisor, a definite amount of money each week while in high school. By saving systematically over a period of nearly four years, each class could accumulate more than one-half the expense of the trip without great hardship on individual members. The remainder could be raised by our present method without being a burden on the public. A plan of this type would greatly relieve the town from the perennial campaign for funds and weaken the mo- nopoly which the Washington trip holds over other school af- fairs.
103
It is the aim of the teaching staff of Mendon High School to impress upon the lives of the pupils, habits of punctuality, scholarly accuracy, a love of work, and a desire to render service. I gratefully express appreciation for the efforts of many persons who have contributed toward a realization of these ideals.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY P. CLOUGH,
Principal.
104
REPORT OF MUSIC SUPERVISOR.
TO MR. CARROLL H. DROWN,
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS :-
I hereby submit my first report as Supervisor of Music in the Mendon Public Schools.
It is our special aim musically to train the children to appreciate and love the best in music and later to be able to apply it to the great art of living, for music is no longer considered a luxury but a necessity.
Special work with monotones, that is, children having difficulty in matching tones or carrying a melody, is being done in the lower grades. After four months we are slowly overcoming this difficulty, and most of the little folks are now enjoying singing with the rest of the classes.
Progress is being made in the study of note reading, tone and rhythm drills, ear training, rote songs, sight sing- ing of simple melodies with words. Individual singing is stressed as well as class singing. Excellent work is being done in the upper grades in two and three part singing.
For the Christmas season each grade gave a splendid rendition of the Christmas story in song, illustrated with many beautiful and inspiring carols.
In our High School we are stressing the Art of Music Appreciation and Interpretation through the study of the work of various composers. There is also a notable improve- ment in the quality of tone production in the singing of the boys and girls.
I wish to express my deep appreciation for the splendid co-operation shown by my co-workers as well as the many courtesies extended me by the Superintendent, Principal of the High School, and the School Committee.
Respectfully submitted,
AMY YOUNG BURNS,
Supervisor of Music.
105
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSING.
To MR. CARROLL H. DROWN,
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS :-
May I present to you the Annual report of the nursing work done in the Mendon Schools for the year ending December 31, 1931.
One day a week spent in doing school nursing, usually on a Tuesday, when school was in session. Center school and Albeeville visited in the morning and East Mendon in the afternoon from January until June. From September through December, with the Albeeville school closed, the nurse spent all morning at Center school and the afternoon in East Mendon, doing home visiting and teaching Home Nursing Classes.
Quite a bit has been accomplished in the schools this past year, along the health lines, the most outstanding is the Dental Clinic work and the special attention given to the 10% underweight children.
The nurse made a special effort to have physical de- fects corrected on three children who were 10% underweight, instructing the parents to give the children extra milk, etc. These little people have shown a decided gain and we hope will be better able to meet life's responsibilities in the future years.
The District Nursing Association financed a seven day Dental Clinic for the Mendon children, in October, using the teacher's room at Center School. A portable chair and equip- ment were installed and the children treated, one at a time, returning to their class room afterward. The East Mendon
106
children were transported to and from the Clinic. 109 children were treated as follows:
96 Cleanings.
2 Fillings.
93 Temporary teeth extracted.
21 Permanent teeth extracted.
Child Health Day, a day in May, was most fittingly cele- brated by all the schools. Albeeville and East Mendon had outdoor programs, crowning the Health Queen, a short health playlet, songs and readings on health, etc. The Center school used the town hall for their program.
Classes in Home Nursing have been organized for older girls.
Pupils were weighed three times during the year and weight cards sent to the parents.
Fifteen trips were made with children to dentists, one child taken to a Doctor's office for examination and diagnosis, two trips to a Boston hospital with a child, one child taken to an occulist, five children examined at a T. B. Clinic arranged by the nurse, and one child to the Milford hospital for a tonsillectomy.
Two families of children are receiving a quart of milk a day, paid for by the District Nursing Association, ar- ranged by the school nurse.
The homes of children, coming into school for the first time in September were visited in June and July advising early vaccination and a physical examination by their family physician. By so doing each year we hope to have physical defects corrected before the children enter school.
The summary of defects found by Dr. Campbell are as follows :
Number of children examined 196
Enlarged tonsils 33
Symtoms of adenoids 1
107
Defective teeth
41
Nervousness 2
Anaemia 6
Heart condition 1
Enlarged glands of neck
2
Eye condition
1
Wax in ears 15
Notices of defects found sent to parents or guardians. A number of defects have been corrected.
The following is a summary of the work done by the nurses in the schools :
Health talks
63
Advice to pupils
162
Treated 56
Excluded as suspicious 8
Home visits
160
Cleanliness inspections
344
Pediculosis inspections
129
Inspection for disease
434
Teeth inspections 164
The schools were quite free of contagious diseases this past year, chicken-pox was the only one reported. We did have a siege of scabies and impetigo, two skin diseases, which cleaned up in a short time, by home treatment.
May I call your attention and the attention of all, who are interested in the welfare and comfort of the school child- ren, to the water condition and also the need for indoor toilets. These are decidedly poor sanitary conditions, in this modern age and should be given some serious thought.
I wish to thank Mr. Drown, the teachers, the parents and the School Committee for their confidence and support this past year.
Respectfully submitted, HELEN C. GRADY, Supervisor, MILDRED SALMOND, Assistant.
108
REPORT OF 4-H CLUB WORK.
The Mend-On 4-H sewing club has again formed, with two members taking the fourth year work, five doing second year work, and eight taking the work for the first year. Each member has been required to make a simple gift, and the first year pupils have been required to make aprons entirely by hand. The second year pupils are making simple cotton dresses with appropriate slips. The work of the fourth year division is to make outfits including three garments. They have decided to make school outfits.
ORRILLA F. PARK,
Leader.
109
MENDON HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXERCISES Unitarian Church, Eight O'Clock Thursday, June 18, 1931
--
PROGRAMME.
-
Processional Mrs. Viola Mann
Invocation
Rev. Roy B. Wintersteen
Song-Come, Spring Pitcher
High School
Salutatory and Essay-Changing New England Eleanor Davenport Essay-America in the Machine Age Jesse F. White
Song-A Little Close Harmony O'Hara
High School
Class History and Prophecy Marion Flooks
Essay-Conservation of Forests Norman I. Rogers
Essay and Valedictory-American Architecture of Today Marjorie Pickard
Song-O'er the Waters Gliding
Offenbach
High School Girls
110
Address
Mr. H. P. Clough
Presentation of Diplomas
Mr. Lester P. Mann, Chairman of School Committee Benediction
Rev. Roy B. Wintersteen
Recessional
Mrs. Viola Mann
GRADUATES.
Eleanor Davenport
Jesse F. White
Marion Flooks
Norman I. Rogers Marjorie Pickard
EIGHTH GRADE GRADUATES.
Veto A. Anesta
Jennie Winnifred Beal
Mildred Beatrice Beal
Jeannette Bertha Bessette
Dona Joseph Bouchard Wilfred N. Bouchard
Louise Alice Davenport
Henry Raymond Grant Ruth Elizabeth Hogarth Peter P. Karpowicz Joseph Stephen Leoncini
Clifford E. Mathewson Marjorie Elizabeth Mayo Daniel Taft Ada Frances Thomas
111
MENDON HIGH SCHOOL PRIZE SPEAKING Town Hall, Eight O'Clock Wednesday Evening, June 3, 1931.
PROGRAMME
-
Song-Cadets On Parade Lowe
High School
The Masterful Man of the Ages Robsion
Dorcas M. Barrows
An Incident of the Rebellion
Anonymous
William L. Holbrook
A Tragedy in Millinery Wiggin
Ardella M. Anesta
Patterns Lowell
Beatrice L. Davenport
Song-"Water Boy"-A Negro road work song Pitcher
High School
Perpetual International Peace Crisp
Norman I. Rogers
The White Hands of Telham Davenport
Marjorie R. Brown
112
The Hero of the Furnace Room Anonymous Henry R. Grant
The Boat Race Anonymous
E. Fredericka Mayo
Song-Mister Moon High School
Wilson
Awarding of Prizes
First Prize-Norman I. Rogers Second Prize-Marjorie R. Brown Third Prize-Beatrice L. Davenport
113
MENDON HIGH SCHOOL
PRESENTS "A BUNCH OF FUN." Mendon Town Hall Saturday Evening, December 12, 1931
THE CAST.
Rev. Stephen Grandon, D. D., Rector of St. Paul's
Mary, his wife-flustrated on occasions Martha, his sister-"a trifle warped" Christina, a maid-"a movie fan" Raymond Hunting-a "live wire" Vera Matherson-a base-ball fan Nina Lee-a stage aspirant
Cecily Moorland-"the violin girl" Sylvia Stewart-"the dancing girl"
William Holbrook Dorcas Barrows Mildred Barnes Marjorie Brown Arthur Brewster
Esther Coffin
Beatrice Davenport Eleanore Mayo Louise Davenport
Lynn Lockwood-the man who takes off his face
Alice Hunting-the entertaining girl Murray Kent-a college playwright "Tacks" Mulford-a foot-ball star Mrs. Salina Blair-a pest in the parish
Raymond Dudley Rose Leoncini Vernon Barrows
George Davenport Florence Thomas
The entire action takes place at Dr. Grandon's rectory in Heatherdale, New York. Act I-"The Bunch" arrives. Act II-"The Bunch" in action. Act III-"The Bunch" choose partners.
114
MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM.
Flag Salute
All Schools
Song-Star Spangled Banner
All Schools
Prayer
Rev. Clarence E. Chamberlain
Gettysburg Address
Norman Rogers
Recitation-This Is the Flag for Me Ernest Miller
Recitation-Our Flag Mary Spadoni
Exercise-What Our Flag Means Twelve Primary Pupils
Song-Wondering Four Pupils of Grades 4 and 5
Recitation-Ode to Memorial Day Mildred Auty
Recitation-Why They March
Robert Mellen
Song-My Flag
Group of Primary Children
115
Recitation-The Flag's Message Dorothy June
Song-Red, White and Blue
Group of Primary Children
Recitation-The Graves of the Patriots Jennie Beal
Exercise-Little Hands and Little Hearts Group of Primary Children
Recitation-The Stars and Stripes Irene Bessette
Song-Patriot's Song Ten Pupils of Grades 4 and 5
Recitation-Decoration Day Joseph Zylinski
Play-Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory Pupils of Grades 6 and 7
Recitation-Blue and Gray Makes Khaki Robert Brownley
El Capitan March Rhythm Band
Vocal Solo-His Buttons Are Marked U. S. Kendall Mann
Recitation-Our Flag Janet Barrows
Song-The Torchbearers' Song Girls of Grades 6 and 7
116
Recitation-The Unknown
Wilfred Bouchard
Address
Mr. Alfred Howarth
Song-America
All
Benediction
Rev. Clarence E. Chamberlain
REPORT OF SIGHT AND HEARING TESTS DECEMBER, 1931.
Number of pupils examined 214
Number found defective in eyesight
14
Number found defective in hearing 2
Number of parents notified 16
117
ENROLLMENT BY GRADES JANUARY 1, 1932 AND BY AGES OCTOBER 1, 1931.
BOYS
Ages
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12 13
14|15| 16| 17| 18
19
Total
Grade I
8
4 8
5 6
2| 7
3
1 7
1
15
Grade V
1
7 1
4
3
2 2
2
1
14
Grade VII
4 3
4 3
1
7
Totals of Elemen- tary Grades
8|12| 12 |11 |11| 12|
71
5
7
7
3
3
98
-
High School IX
4
12
3 1
1
5
XI
0
XII
0
Total High School
4
3
2
4|
1
14
Total Boys
8| 12| 12
11
11
12
7
5 7|11
6
5
4|
1
112
GIRLS
Ages
5
61
7| 8| 9| 10|11| 12 13 | 14 15| 16| 17| 18 19| Total
11
Grade II
12
Grade III
5
2 4
6
Grade V
1
10
13
1 1 4 6
132
122
1 2
1
13
Grade VIII
6
Totals of Elemen- tary Grades
4| 8| 12 6 7|11|
4
12|
6
51
3 1
79
High School
IX
1
3
5
X
1
5
XI
1
3
XII
3
2
1
7
Total High School
1
4
4
5
3
2
1
20
Total Girls
4
8
12
6
7
11
4
12
7
9
7
6
3
2
1
99
Grand Totals
12 20
24
17
18
23
11
17
14
20
13
11
7
3
1
211
1
18
Grade II
16
Grade III
1
12
Grade IV
9
Grade VI
2
7
9
X
Grade I
4
6
2 10 1
8
Grade IV
1
14
Grade VI
1
9
Grade VII
12
2 2 1
3 1
Grade VIII
Heavy type figures represent those of normal age for the grade.
ATTENDANCE STATISTICS FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 1930-1931
Total Enrollment
Schools
Total
Boys
Girls
Non-Resident
Aggregate Attendance
Daily Attendance Average
Membership
Total
Boys
Girls
Total
Boys
Girls
5 to 7 Years of Age
7 to 14 Years of Age No. of Pupils
14 to 16 Years of Age No. of Pupils
Over 16 Years of Age No. of Pupils
No. of Pupils
Having Perfect Attendance
Per Cent of Attendance
High School Center School
38
15
23
0
6444.
33.74
35.68
38
15
23
38
15
23
0
2
17
19
2
94.59
Grades 6, 7, 8
61
30
31
6
8731.5
50.76
52.92
52
25
27
53
26
27
0
35
18
0
6
95.91
Grades 3, 4, 5
57
32
25
2
7773. 5577.
45.45
47.61
50
27
23
48
26
22
0
48
0
0
3
95.46
Grades 1, 2
36
23
13
1
32.61
34.92
35
23
12
36
23
13
24
12
0
0
3
93.38
Albeeville Grades 1-7
11
6
5
0
1823.5
10.61
11.
11
6
5
11
6
5
1
10
0
0
1
96.45
East Mendon Grades 1-6
29
14
15
0
4363.
25.36
27.29
28
13
15
28
14
14
7
21
0
0
2
92.93
Totals
232
120
112
9
34712.
198.53
209.42 214
109
105
214
110
104
32
128
35
19
17
94.79
118
Enrollment October 1, 1930
Total No. of Pupils Not Enrolled in Any Other Town in State
No. of Pupils
Average
119
TOWN WARRANT.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Worcester, ss.
To the Constable of the Town of Mendon in the County of Worcester, Greeting :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are directed to notify the inhabitants of the Town of Mendon qualified to vote in elections and in town affairs to meet at the Town Hall in said Mendon on Monday the seventh day of March A. D. 1932, punctually at nine o'clock A. M., to act on the following articles, viz:
Article 1. To choose a moderator to preside at said meeting.
Article 2. To bring in their ballots for the following Town Officers :- a Town Clerk for one year, one Selectman for three years, one Assessor for three years, a Town Treas- urer for one year, a Collector of Taxes for one year, an Auditor for one year, one Constable for one year, one Tree Warden for one year, one Trustee of the Taft Public Library for two years, one member of the School Committee for three years, one Park Commissioner for three years, all on one ballot designating the office intended for each person voted for.
Article 3. To hear the reports of the several Town Officers and Committees and act thereon.
Article 4. To choose all necessary Town Officers for the ensuing year.
120
Article 5. To appropriate such sums of money as may be necessary to defray town expenses for the financial year beginning January 1, 1932.
Article 6. To determine when all property taxes shall become due and payable, the last date on which property taxes can be paid without interest being charged, and the compensation of the Tax Collector for the ensuing year.
Article 7. To see what measures the Town will take to secure the speedy collection of taxes.
Article 8. To see if the Town will authorize its Treas- urer to hire money, and to what amount, to pay current expenses for the financial year commencing January 1, 1932, in anticipation of revenue.
Article 9. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate any sum of money for Memorial Day services, and appoint a committee to expend the same.
Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate any sum of money for the care and improvement of the Old Cemetery, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 11. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate any sum of money for the improvement and repair of high- ways, to be expended under the direction of the Massachu- setts Department of Public Works as provided by Chapter 81 of the General Laws as amended, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 12. To see if the Town will appropriate any sum of money to be expended for specific repairs on high- ways, provided the state and county will contribute for such work, under the provisions of Chapter 90 of the General Laws.
Article 13. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $250 to pay for the services of a school nurse, or take any action in relation thereto.
121
Article 14. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $50 to pay for the services of the school physician, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 15. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $20 for the care of soldiers' and sailors' graves.
Article 16. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $500 to be expended for the maintenance of Chap- ter 90 roads in connection with State and County allotments of $1000 each for the same purpose, or take any action in relation thereto.
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