USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Mendon > Town annual reports of the officers of Mendon, Massachusetts 1948-1952 > Part 14
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Respectfully submitted, HAROLD F. LOWELL,
Fire Chief
The forest fire department answered 17 alarms in 1951 burning over 18 acres of grass and 61/2 acres of brush land.
Five of these fires were caused by careless use of incinerators, five started from burning without a permit and five were started by the roadside, one by hunters and one by boys.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD F. LOWELL, Forest Warden
63
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
1951
Complaints answered 57
Accidents investigated 47
Persons injured 21
Persons admitted to Hospital
15
Court cases
6
Committed to State Hospital
1
Cars repossessed
2
Stolen cars recovered
2
Stolen bicycles recovered
2
Suicide case
1
Attempted suicide
1
Fatal accident investigated
1
Arrests made
8
Breaking and entering
8
Hours patroling
937
Miles covered patroling 2154
Warrants served
2
Summons served
6
Summons served for out of
town Police 9
During the year 162 Motor Vehicle violations were turned in to me. The Registry of Motor Vehicles suspended 73 licenses and issued 25 Warning Notices.
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I recommend that there be more road patroling during the coming year.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD C. BARROWS,
Chief of Police
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
To the Board of Health:
Gentlemen :
I wish to report one meat inspection for the year 1951.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLARD N. SEIBERT,
Inspector of Slaughtering
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REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Scales under 100 lbs.
9 @ 50c
$ 4 50
Scales over 100 lbs
1 @ 1 00
1 00
Gasoline Pumps
8 @ 1 00
8 00
Grease Pumps
6 @ 1 00
6 00
Kerosene Pumps
1 @ 25c
25
Total
$19 75
Fees and adjusting charges authorized by Section 56, G. L. Ch. 98 as amended by Ch. 34, Acts of 1949.
I have collected $19.75 for sealing fees and have turned this amount over to the Town Treasurer.
Respectfully submitted,
RAYMOND A. MILLER, Sealer
REPORT OF DOG OFFICER
I hereby submit a list of the deceased Dogs and Cats dis- posed of by me during 1951 :
March 4 Pleasant Street 1 Dog
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March 20
Park Street 1 Dog
April 2
Milford Street 1 Dog
April 20
North Avenue 1 Cat
September 12
Uxbridge Road
1 Dog
September 30
Millville Street
1 Dog
October 22
Uxbridge Road
1 Dog
November 7
Hartford Avenue, W.
1 Dog
November 26
Bates Street
2 Cats
Respectfully submitted,
RAYMOND A. MILLER,
Dog Officer
REPORT OF WIRING INSPECTOR
Electric inspections 20 @ $1.00 each $20.00
I have collected and turned over to the Town Treasurer $20.00 for electrical inspections.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER J. CHANNING,
Inspector of Wires
67
REPORT OF THE HIGHWAY SURVEYOR
To the Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
I submit the following report of work done on the Town roads for the year 1951.
CHAPTER 81
A drop inlet and 240 feet additional drainage with pipe was installed on Taft Avenue. This has taken care of the overflow of water in this section.
Harrington Street was excavated and widened to 16 feet, and made a hard surface road.
North Avenue was improved in front of the Pickard resi- dence and a drop inlet and pipe has been installed, thus doing away with a bad ditch.
On Washington Street 1,580 feet of roadway was honed and improved. A new culvert was also installed.
Hopedale Street, which was in very poor condition, has been honed from North Avenue to Trask Road .
Park Street was honed and improved from Uxbridge Road to the Wright residence.
Trask Road was improved and a hard top surface applied.
2,370 feet of roadway was honed and improved on Hartford Avenue East and the same distance was honed and improved on Bellingham Street.
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2,125 yards of gravel was used on Town roads and ten new street signs were erected in various places. Seal coats of tar and asphalt and sand were applied, and brush was cut on all Chapter 81 roads.
CHAPTER 90 MAINTENANCE
North Avenue, Northbridge Road, Hartford Avenue West and Millville Streets were treated with asphalt and tar where the surface required it. Brush was cut on all of these roads and drainage work done.
CHAPTER 90 CONSTRUCTION
On Providence Street from the Thomas residence to the Ashkins' residence, the road was excavated part way and some of it was broken up and the corners cut. 240 feet of drainage was installed opposite the Parmenter farm and the ledge was cut back about 25 feet. This was to staighten the road somewhat as well as to allow more room for snow removal.
There is an article in the Town Warrant for $4,000. for a new bridge on Bellingham Street to replace the one over Muddy Brook which has been condemned by the State Department of Public Works as unsafe. The large stringers are in bad condition the planks are loose and spikes will not stay driven in. The neces- sary repairs would cost considerable, and then last for only a few years. The requested appropriation would provide for a steel arch bridge which would last many years.
CONCLUSION
I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen, the Townspeople, and the State and County Engineers for their cooperation and assistance during the past yeear.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM R. BOWEN,
Highway Surveyor
69
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS
The East Mendon Water System which has been in use in that section of the Town since the latter part of 1947, has a total of 40 takers receiving service and 11 hydrants available. There will be additional services installed as of 1952.
These additional services will make a substantial increase in water revenue for the Town as well as revenue from property taxes.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANKLIN E. GOODNOW EVERETT G. WATSON DONATO F. LEONE
Water Commissioners
70
SEVENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE TAFT PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Trustees of the Taft Public Library submit the report of the Librarian, Financial Report, and Trustees Report for the year ending December 31, 1951.
During the year some significant improvements have been made in the library building and grounds. A planting of ever- greens has been set along the front of the building and a tree planted in the front lawn. Additional book shelves have been in- stalled in the basement room to store books of limited utility in order that the space in the upstairs stacks may be used for the books which are more generally used.
It is the hope of the Trustees that arrangeements can be made to improve the grounds between the Library and Town Hall that the area may become an attractive and well kept lawn.
At the meeting of the Trustees on August 30, 1951, it was voted to accept a bequest of $226 from the estate of the late Samuel B. Taft of Uxbridge. The financial report shows that money from this bequest was used to pay for the landscaping and planting on the library grounds.
In order that the services of the Library may be maintained on a satisfactory level, it will be necessary to ask for a somewhat larger appropriation at the annual town meeting.
71
The Trustees wish to express their appreciation for the sin- cere and faithful work of Mrs. Vestella M. Daniels, Librarian.
Respectfully submitted,
NINA M. BURR HAROLD METCALF RICHARD F. HARDING HENRY P. CLOUGH
Library Trustees
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT
To the Trustees of the Taft Public Library :
The circulation for the year (99 days) was 3938; the largest number given out in one day, 93; and the average, 41. Circula- tion by classes was: Fiction, 1784; juvenile, 995; magazines, 649; biography, 114; travel, 63; history, 94; literature, 77; fine arts, 59 ; science and all others, 143.
New books added to the Library by the Town, 60; by Fletcher Fund, 56; making a total of 116. We have also received by gift 67 books, for which thanks are due Mrs. Viola Barnes, Mr. Eugene Weeks, Mrs. Turner, Mrs. E. C. Nelson, Miss Mary English, Mrs. Mabel Griffin and Miss Nina Burr. There are now 10,677 volumes in the Library.
The Library subscribes to the following magazines: Ameri- can. American Home, Atlantic Monthly. Better Homes &
72
Gardens, Boys' Life, Life, Colliers, Good Housekeeping, Ladies Home Journal, McCall's, National Geographic, Popular Me-, chanics, Reader's Digest, Red Book, Saturday Evening Post, Time and Woman's Home Companion. Fines collected during the year amounted to $15.60, which has been turned over to the town treasurer.
Miss Iris Rogers and Miss Shirley Steere have been high school assistants this year; and Miss Steere conducted the Story Hour for five weeks in the summer. Vital Records of Massa- chusetts towns and other reference books of historical interest have been placed on new shelves in the basement.
Respectfully submitted,
VESTELLA M. DANIELS,
Librarian
ANNUAL REPORT
of the
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
and
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
of the
TOWN OF MENDON
MASSACHUSETTS
for the
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1951
SCHOOL DIRECTORY 1951-1952 SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Richard F. Harding, Chairman Term Expires 1952
Term Expires 1953 Herbert F. Bowen ..
Gordon R. Good, Secretary Term Expires 1954
Regular meetings are held at the Center School building on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 P. M.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS-PERCY L. ROWE, B. S. E., Ed. M.
The Superintendent may be met every Tuesday and Wednesday at the Mendon High School or by appointment.
Office-Center School, Bellingham Center
Telephone, Milford 152-M4 74
Office Hours-4:00 P. M. to 5:00 P. M. on School days.
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Donald Allain, M.D.
SCHOOL NURSE
Milford District Nursing Association Grace Moran
JANITOR
Raymond Barrows
TRANSPORTATION AGENTS Harold C. Barrows, Mendon, Mass. Jesse F. White, Mendon, Mass.
.Mendon, Mass. ATTENDANCE OFFICER Harold C. Barrows Mendon, Mass.
1
Telephone, Milford 1851-W
TEACHERS
Name
Subject or Grade
Preparation
Degree or
Years in Town
Years
B.S. Twenty-fourth
Ed.M.
B.S.
Sixth
Regis College
B.S.
Seventh
Simmons College
B.S.
Fifth
Doris O'Neill
English Latin
Worcester State Tea.
B.S.E.
Fourth
Virginia Mayo
Grade 6
Bridgewater State Tea.
B.S.E.
Eighth
Rita Bishop
Grade 5 Framingham State Tea.
Two
First
Dorothy L. Stanas
Grade 4 Worcester State Tea.
B.S.E.
Second
Barbara Seaver
Grade 3 Framingham State Tea.
B.S.E.
Seventh
Grace Gaskell
Grade 2 Framingham State Tea.
Two
Thirteenth
Bertha Hammann
Grade 1 Rhode Island College
Two and one-half Sixth
SUPERVISORS
Name
Subject Preparation
Degree or
Years in
Years
Town
Christine Wilson
Music N. E. Conservatory of Music
Diploma
Fourth
3 Years
William L. Rinehart
Handwriting University of Pittsburgh M.A. Fifth
75
Henry P. Clough, Principal Algebra, French Geometry, Geography Raymond F. Biedrzycki Math., Biology Science, Physics Mary C. McCormack Louise Benotti Commercial Ed. Home Economics Social Science
Dartmouth College and New Hampshire University Rhode Island State
76
SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR PERIOD
JANUARY, 1952 TO JUNE, 1953 .
HIGH SCHOOL
Open January 2, 1952, Close February 15, 1952 Open February 25, 1952, Close April 18, 1952 Open April 28, 1952, Close June 20, 1952
SUMMER VACATION
Open September 3, 1952, Close December 23, 1952 Open January 5, 1953, Close February 20, 1953 Open March 2, 1953, Close April 17, 1953 Open April 27, 1953, Close June 19, 1953
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Same as High School Except :
Close June 13, 1952 Close June 12, 1953
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Memorial Day, May 30, 1952 Columbus Day Observance, October 13, 1952 Armistice Day, November 11, 1952 Thanksgiving Recess, November 27-28, 1952
77
AGE OF ADMISSION TO SCHOOL
Any child who becomes six years of age on or before January first of the year following the term when he wishes to enter school may be admitted into the first grade, but in every case the admission of a child under six shall be dependent upon the fitness of the child to profit by the work of the school, such fitness to be determined by the superintendent. Pupils under seven years of age who have not previously attended school shall not be permitted to enter later than thirty days after the opening of school in September of any school year.
SCHOOL REGULATIONS
Any complaint or representation which any person desires to make shall be presented or referred in writing to the superin- tendent of schools, who, in his discretion may bring it before the school committee. In cases of discipline or other school matters relating to their children, parents shall first discuss the matter with the teacher concerned. If for some reason they are not satis- fied they will further discuss the matter with the following per- sons, if necessary, and in the following order: first, the principal of the building and then the superintendent of schools. If, finally, the superintendent has been unable to satisfy the parents, he shall report the case to the school committee for consideration and action.
THE NO SCHOOL SIGNAL
It is the policy of the school officials to practically abandon the use of the "no school" signal on account of weather condi- tions. This is in line with what many other cities and towns are doing. The reasons for so doing are that much confusion has re-
78
sulted from the use of the "no school" signal, and the realization that the loss of even one school day is a very serious one.
However, there may be days when it is advisable to close schools on account of severe weather conditions or any other emergency.
Arrangements have been made with Radio Stations WNAC, WBZ and WWON to broadcast the fact whenever it is necessary to close the schools. The "no school" signals are usually given before, during or immediately after the news program. The siren will also blow three blasts twice at 7:30 A. M.
If schools do not close on any particularly bad day (rain, snow, or cold) parents are requested, and urged, to use their own judgment in sending their children to school.
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SCHOOL FINANCIAL REPORT
RECEIPTS
General Appropriation $57,964 79
Dog Tax, 1951
430 21
Total Receipts
$58,395 00
Total Expenditures
$58,389 19
Unexpended Balance 5 81
REIMBURSEMENTS
State Aid
$12,068 46
Superintendent: Salary-Transportation
..
1,498 24
All School Transportation 7,035 11
Boston City Wards
381 99
Sale of Motor 30 00
Vocational Educations
72 14
Telephone Refund
3 59
Total Reimbursements
$21,089 53
TAXATION COST OF SCHOOLS
Total Expenditures
$58,389 19
Reimbursements 21,089 53
Net Cost by Taxation $37,299 66
EXPENDITURES
School Committee Expense $ 35 00
Superintendent's Salary 2,359 95
Superintendent's Expense 295 04
Supervisor's Salary (Music)
650 24
80
Supervisor's Salary (Penmanship)
350 00
Teachers' Salaries
29,327 63
Textbooks
924 07
School Supplies
937 79
Wages of Janitor
2,606 99
Fuel
1,186 96
Janitor's Supplies
839 04
Telephones
135 64
Electricity
493 64
Advertising
21 00
Police Protection
16 88
Commissioner of Public Safety
5 00
Maintenance
27 00
Insurance
46 00
Repairs
7,295 02
Library
13 34
Health
533 15
Transportation
8,844 54
New Equipment
1,445 27
Total Expenditures
$58,389 19
81
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Mendon :
We congratulate the townspeople on their fine school system, under the guidance of a personnel of remarkable ability and in- tegrity. In trying times like the present, which we are going through, it behooves us to look back at the faith and courage of our predecessors-and look up to God for renewal of our trust to our community, state, and nation.
It is the desire of the school committee to extend our efforts in service to the community by keeping within the limits of the budget voted by you, and retaining the highest possible degree of scholarship.
In looking over the progress of the past year, we have ac- complished with the able assistance of our local contractor, Carlton Goss, the completion of a new class room in the base- ment, a new tool house, a new draining system, and a cover for the boiler room entrance.
Considerable redecorating has been accomplished in the various classrooms. The purchase of new equipment has greatly simplified the cleaning and resurfacing of the floors.
The chairs in the domestic science room are being refinished ; a new gas stove and a gas refrigerator are being installed.
The installation of the new heating system, voted by you, is giving good performance, and represents money wisely spent.
Parent night was observed November 14. No classes were held. Parents were given an opportunity to observe the work
82
of the pupils and to confer with the teachers. It is hoped this change will work out with satisfaction to all concerned.
The transportation of the pupils is efficiently handled by Messrs. Jesse F. White and Harold C. Barrows.
For the new year we have in our budget recommendations for new shades for some classrooms, equipment for a play center, grading about the grounds, new equipment for the commercial department, and repairs to the roofs in sections where needed.
The school committee has in mind and shall endeavor to do something about instruction in art and mechanical drawing. We also need an adequate medical center in our school system.
The rising costs of materials and labor limit us in procuring all of the above, but some progress is anticipated. Increases in wages for teachers and personnel have been effected.
We extend our thanks and appreciation to the faithful work of our school superintendent, principal and teaching staff, the P. T. A., and the labors of Mr. Biedrzycki, Mrs. Edna Brown, Raymond Barrows, and fellow townspeople.
In conclusion we appeal to the parents and pupils to take civic pride in helping to keep our property presentable at all times.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD F. HARDING, Chairman GORDON R. GOOD, Secretary HERBERT F. BOWEN
Mendon School Committee
83
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee of Mendon :
Gentlemen :
It is with pleasure that I submit for your consideration my ninth annual report as Superintendent of School.
No changes occurred in the regular teaching staff during the past year. However, due to the construction of a new classroom an additional teacher was necessary. Mrs. Rita Bishop of Milford, and a graduate of Framingham Normal School, was engaged to fill this position. Mrs. Bishop, an experienced teacher, is fitting into our school system in a splendid manner. We are very fortu- nate in being able to retain our experienced teachers.
Our school enrollment figures are steadily increasing each year. The total enrollment, as of October 1, 1951, was 327 which is the greatest number of pupils ever to be enrolled in our school. However, included in this figure are some 12 to 15 pupils who will probably be leaving during the year. They are children whose fathers are engaged in gas pipeline construction work and may be classed only as temporary residents of the town. The following table shows the total enrollment, as of October 1, grades one through twelve, over a ten-year period.
Year
Number Pupils
1942
307
1943
284
1944
262
1945
249
1946
247
84
1947
249
1948
249
1949
259
1950
297
1951
327
It is interesting to observe that the largest enrollment, prior to 1951, was in 1942, about 9 years ago, when the figure was 307. The total school enrollment will continue to increase each year because the birth rate is increasing. In 1950 there were 43 births recorded in town. Quite a number of new homes have been built. Children from these families will further increase the total num- ber of children in school attendance. The construction of a new basement classroom has alleviated a condition where we would have had dangerously overcrowded grade classrooms. For an- other year or two it would seem that we could get along without more classroom space. Anticipated registrations for the next few years are as follows:
September 1952 340
September 1953 335
September 1954 365
Since it takes time to provide for an expansion of the school plant, the matter of future enrollment must be carefully studied and increased attendance planned for.
Classroom instruction has continued on a high level with all teachers endeavoring to maintain high standards. The retention of good teachers for two or more years enables them to under- stand the children and better learn their abilities, skills and atti- tudes. Particular emphasis is being placed on English, literature, spelling, and handwriting. State courses of study are being used in all grades up to and including grade six. The reading program in grade one was completely revised before the opening of school in September. We have all the various materials necessary for this most important subject. Grade two revisions will be off the press in time for the teachers to use them next September. All teachers
85
are trying to make school work interesting to pupils. Special activities and projects are used to further motivate the school program.
This year for the first time it has been possible to organize the elementary grades on the basis of a single grade to a room and a single grade to a teacher. Each of the first four grades occupies a room on the first floor. Grade five occupies the new classroom in the basement, and grade six, a room on the second floor. This organization is far superior to that of past years when some classrooms were obliged to take care of two grades, or sec- tions of two grades at the same time. With our present organi- zation-only one grade to a room-more efficient instruction is possible, more time can be given to the class, and the children are more homogeneously grouped. This change marks a splendid step forward in the education of our children.
American Education Week was observed as usual in Novem- ber. This year an open house night was held, whereby parents could- visit classrooms, observe the work of the pupils, and talk with teachers in regard to the progress of their children. This was a very successful arrangement, and many parents took advantage of this opportunity to visit the school and discuss problems with teachers. It might be well to add here that parents are cordially invited to visit the school and classes at any time. The School Department is always pleased and willing to do everything in its power at any time to further the progress of each and every pupil.
The school lunch room has continued functioning in an ex- ceptionally fine manner. The work of different members of the Parent-Teachers-Association in helping prepare meals is deeply appreciated. Rising prices and increasing costs of operation have made it necessary to increase the cost of lunches. A good cafeteria is a very important part of a well-founded school program.
Last May a registration and visiting day was held for chil- dren who expected to enter grade one for the first time and for their parents. This is a very important school activity as it gives
86
the School Department an idea as to the possible size of the en- tering class and how best to prepare and provide for it. It also saves considerable time which would have to be spent in re- gistering first grade children on the opening day of school in September. It also gives parents an opportunity to get children vaccinated, required by law, and have birth certificates in order. Another such day will be held next May. It is sincerely hoped that every first grade child who will enter school for the first time next September will be registered. Notices will be sent to all par- ents in advance.
The annual registration of all minors in town, between the ages of 5 and 16, was taken in October. The results are shown in the following table:
DISTRIBUTION OF MINORS
5 years or over and under 7 and under 16
Boys
22
142
Girls
20
150
Totals
42
292
In public school membership
25
271
In private school membership
2
20
Not enrolled in any school
15
1
Total
42
292
7 years or over
The figures in this listing will not be the same as in the Age-Grade-Enrollment chart. The figures in the Registration of Minors table include all pupils in town regardless of whether or not they attend school, or where they attend school. The Age-Grade-Enrollment chart figures show the number of pupils attending public school.
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The most repair item this year was the construction of a new classroom in the basement of the building opposite the home economics classroom. This room is modern in every way and is one of the best classrooms in the school building. It has an ac- coustical tile ceiling, fluorescent lighting, automatic heating, and ventilation, mastic tile floor, modern green chalkboards, modern cork bulletin board, new movable desks and chairs, and many other features. Without this new classroom our elementary grades would have been so badly overcrowded that efficient classroom instruction would have been almost impossible. Furthermore, the addition of this classroom should take care of expanding enroll- ment for the next year or two.
Another major improvement has been the elimination of water seepage into the basement of the new part of the building on the northwest corner. This condition has existed for years in spite of efforts each year to check it. In spite of all the heavy fall rains no water has entered the basement. We sincerely hope this situation has finally been cleared up.
A new covered entrance was constructed over the boiler room entrance which probably assisted in stopping the water seepage.
A small building has also been erected in the back yard to be used for storage purposes.
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