USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Mendon > Town annual reports of the officers of Mendon, Massachusetts 1948-1952 > Part 15
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A new accoustical ceiling was installed in the home eco- nomics room during the Christmas vacation. Fluorescent lighting was put in at the same time. By special arrangement with the Suburban Propane Gas Corporation a modern new gas range and a modern new gas refrigerator have also been installed in this room.
88
Much interior painting was done, largely in corridors, toilet rooms, and basements. A new vacuum pump has been put in the boiler return system. Two new storage compartments have been built in what was the old coal bin, one for school use and one for cafeteria use. Occasional plumbing and electrical repairs have been necessary. Some work had to be done on floors in the old part of the building due to summer time dampness in the build- ing, which caused expansion and warping of hardwood flooring.
The new heating plant has been in use a little over a year and has proven very satisfactory. It is now possible to heat the building at even temperatures at all times. In spite of constantly increasing costs of fuel, the consumption of fuel oil, No. 5, is proving to be less expensive than coal.
Fuel costs for the last few years are as follows :
1948
$1779.97 coal
1949
$1584.23 coal
1950
$2083.34
coal to Oct. 19, then oil
1951
$1186.96 all oil (Number 5)
The 1950 cost was larger than usual due in part to the fact that more expensive Number 2 fuel oil was used the first few weeks the burner was in use.
It is a pleasure to report that the entire school plant is in excellent repair and is constantly being improved.
In addition to regular routine repairs for 1952, the following should be considered :
New shades in several classrooms
Continuation of interior painting
89
Sanding and refinishing desks Windows tightened and repaired in old part of building Storm windows painted Leaks in roof in one or two places Playground improvement, especially the baseball diamond
In conclusion I wish to express to you my sincere thanks for your efforts in making the school year a most successful one. The assistance and cooperation of the Principal, Mr. Clough, the teachers, school physician, school nurse, townspeople, parents, and pupils is also deeply appreciated.
Respectfully submitted,
PERCY L. ROWE,
Superintendent of Schools
AGE AND GRADE CHART
October 1, 1951
Total 16 17 18 Boys
Total Girls
Totals
GRADE
AGE 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12
I
B
1
11
1
14
27
G
..
12
2
..
II
B
....
1
11
5
1
13
31
G
..
..
1
11
1
. .
4
12
1
1
III
B
..
9
15
1
..
6
18
2
1
IV
B
..
4
12
2
....
....
1
1
1
. .
..
..
....
18
29
G
....
4
13
....
....
2
8
3
2
1
16
....
....
VI
B
..
..
8
24
VII
B
..
G
..
. .
..
....
....
....
3
7
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
10
27
..
y
90
....
....
25
43
G
..
27
....
....
18
45
G
V
B
....
11
..
....
3
6
5
2
1
....
....
....
..
..
....
....
1
8
5
2
1
....
17
....
....
.. ..
....
..
..
....
....
....
18
....
....
....
....
....
18
..
....
....
..
....
..
..
....
G
....
....
....
....
13 14 15
13
91
....
....
XII
B
..
G
Totals
1 25
38
43
40
25
18
28
27
25
26
17 12
2 159
168
327
Boys
1 12
16
23
23
10
10
15
14
13
13 19 7 7 1
....
Girls
0 13 22 20
17 15
8 13
....
..
..
....
1
3
2
1
7
....
....
Y
B
16
23
4
10
2
....
....
....
G
XI
B
....
....
..
..
..
4
4
....
....
....
8
16
G
3
1
4
....
1
7
1
....
....
4
5
1
....
....
....
....
....
VIII
B
...
..
....
....
....
4 12
1
2
4
1
1
..
..
....
....
B
9
17
7
2
....
..
..
....
20
32
G
....
....
....
8
G
..
..
..
7
1
8
9
13
12 7 10 5 1 159
. .
....
168
..
2
12
3
..
€
92
REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
To Mr. Percy L. Rowe,
Superintendent of Schools :
I herewith submit the annual report of Mendon High and Center School.
Registration figures are high. During the early weeks of the 1951-52 school year, registrations were the highest in the history of the school. The considerable number of automobile trailer families living in Mendon during the fall months of 1951 ac- counts for the larger enrollment figures shown in the Grade-Age Distribution Table of October 1, 1951.
The construction of a new grade room in the building during the summer months has very satisfactorily relieved a condition of crowding in the grades which would have been a serious prob- lem this year without the use of the additional room. Also, the addition of another teacher to the grade staff has made possible for the first time the assignment of single grades to all grade teachers.
The enrollment figures as of December 21, 1951 are as fol- lows: Grade I-29, Grade II-31, Grade III 43, Grade IV-45, Grade V-28, Grade VI-23, Grade VII-25, Grade VIII-32, Grade IX-14, Grade X-22, Grade XI-16, Grade XII-13.
Nine students graduated from High School at graduation exercises held Wednesday, June 20, 1951 at the Mendon Uni- tarian Church. Members of the Class of 1951 are Ruth M. Bosma, Donald E. Coburn, Barbara M. Grant, Dianne E. Ham-
93
mond, Beverly L. Keefe, Helen Jean MacDonald, Bette Lou Mantoni, Fred R. Phipps, Jr., Lawrence M. Rogers.
Barbara M. Grant attained highest scholastic honors and Ruth M. Bosma second highest honors for the four high school years. Barbara M. Grant was the winner of the Mendon High School Alumni Medal and the Good Citizenship Medal and Cer- tificate. The Alumni Medal is presented by the Mendon High School Alumni Association to the Senior who has contributed most to the welfare of the school during his school attendance. The high school staff selects the winner. The Good Citizenship Medal and Certificate is presented yearly by the Daughters of the American Revolution to the girl in the graduating class who has best demonstrated qualities of good citizenship and leadership. The winner of this honor is selected by vote of the members of the Senior Class and members of the teaching staff.
The twenty-fourth annual prize speaking contest was held April 5, 1951 at the Mendon Town Hall. Twelve students pre- sented selections. First prize was awarded to Shirley M. Steere, Second prize to Bruce A. Thomas, and third prize to Joanne Goodnow. The annual senior play was presented at the Town Hall on December 7, 1951. A cast of sixteen under the direction of Mrs. Doris O'Neill presented a three act comedy, The Board- ing House Reach, to a large and appreciative audience. On March 9, 1951 a school minstrel show was presented at the Town Hall under the direction of Miss Christine Wilson, Supervisor of Music. The net proceeds of these entertainments are used almost exclusively to finance the Washington trip for the Seniors.
As a part of the observance of American Education Week, an open house evening was held November 14, 1951 at the school building. Teachers were in their rooms for conferences with par- ents from seven to nine P. M. Samples of all types of pupils' class papers were on display.
The school lunch program is in its fifth year of operation in Mendon. From the beginning of 1947, it has been a popular
94
feature of the school program and has been well patronized by a majority of the children who remain at the school building during the lunch period. Because of gradual increases in food costs along with the general rise in price level, it has been necessary to in- crease lunch prices this year. The charge for the full lunch con- sisting of a hot plate, milk, and dessert has been increased from twenty to twenty-three cents per day when purchased for the full week by the pupils. The price of the same lunch without the des- sert has been raised from fifteen to eighteen cents per day for school pupils. These increases were unavoidable because of a deficit last year in the operation of the lunch program of slightly more than five hundred dollars. It is the aim of the program to provide the best possible lunch at the lowest possible cost. How- ever, a sound financial standing must be maintained to pay the necessary bills. There are two paid workers who operate the lunch room with the help of parents and friends who donate their services one or more days a week. Without the help of the volun- teer workers, who have been most generous and cooperative, the problem of balancing the budget of the school lunch program would be much more serious than it is now. Furthermore, in con- trast to wage levels in other types of work which have been raised greatly during the past five years, the school lunch workers are receiving the same weekly wage as in 1947. It is a general policy in towns and cities, where school lunches operate, to subsidize the programs to some extent through an appropriation from the school budget. Although such an appropriation has not been nec- essary in previous years, it is apparent that there is need for one now.
Parents are urged to confer with the teachers and principal whenever they have questions about school matters. In conclu- sion, I wish to express sincere appreciation for the assistance and cooperation of the Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Percy L. Rowe, the School Committee, the Mendon Parent-Teacher As- sociation, and the townspeople of Mendon.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY P. CLOUGH, Principal
95
SCHOOL NURSE'S ANNUAL REPORT 1951
Mr. Percy L. Rowe, Superintendent of Schools:
May we submit to you the Annual School Nursing Report for the year ending December 1951.
Mendon School was visited Tuesday of each week, when school was in session.
Registration was held at Mendon School on May 25th, with the nurse assisting.
A request was presented to the school committee by Mr. Rowe in January of 1951 in regard to the Patch Testing of all pupils in the school. The committee was pleased and enthusiastic about this health project. Nearly 300 in all were done by Dr. F. L. Berry, with the nurse assisting. All children who showed positive reactions were later X-rayed at the Mobile Unit Clinic at Milford on March 20th. At this time all Mendon School per- sonnel and High School Seniors were included. Worcester County Sanatorium provided this service.
Mumps, chicken pox and grippe were prevalent this year. One case of meningitis of unknown origin was reported.
The State Department again loaned us the Massachusetts Vision Testing equipment and audiometer. All pupils present were examined. The nurse assisted Dr. Allain, who was appointed school physician to replace Dr. Berry. The pupils in Grades 1-3-5 have been examined. The remaining grades will be done the first of the year.
96
Triple and double antigen clinics were held in Mendon School, March 27th, April 24th and May 22nd. Drs. Berry and Allain, assisted by the nurses, conducted the clinics.
The following is a summary of the work done by the nurse in her visits to the school:
1. Inspection of pupils 768
2. Pupils inspected for disease 84
3. Pupils recommended for exclusion 13
4. Pupils and nurse conferences 244
5. Pupils treated for minor injuries 41
6. Nurse and teacher conferences 237
7. Home visits 39
All pupils were measured and weighed twice during the year. The following defects were found amongst the children ex- amined by Dr. Allain :
Referred for dental evaluations 4
Post nasal drip
2
Enlarged tonsils
9
Swollen glands 2
Eczema 1
Posture 1
Wax in ears 7
Otitis media 1
Heart murmur 1
In closing, may we thank Dr. Allain, Mr. Rowe, the school committee, the principal and teachers of Mendon School for their courtesy and co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
GRACE MORAN,
Supervisor of Nurses
97
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Report of Mendon Schools for 1951
The annual physical examinations done this fall showed the following defects:
Referred for dental evaluation 4
Post-nasal drip
2
Enlarged tonsils
9
Swollen glands 2
Posture
1
Eczema
1
Wax in the ear 7
1
Otitis media
Heart murmur 1
Grades I, III, and V were examined at this time, and these examinations were concluded December 11, 1951.
Grades VII, and IX are to be examined at a later date.
Respectfully submitted,
DONALD ALLAIN, M.D.
School Physician
98
MUSIC SUPERVISOR'S REPORT
To the Superintendent of Schools:
My dear Mr. Rowe,
The children in the primary grades have been made con- scious of tone as high and low, rising and falling, long and short, quick and slow, loud and soft. Their ears have been trained to recognize these elements and eventually the eye will observe the way they are expressed in music notation. In this way skill in music reading is acquired.
The basic power in music reading depends primarily upon recognition and performance of rhythmic patterns, rather than of tonal patterns. For this reason it is essential that a definite rhyth- mic flow be maintained, even if a note or two-or three is in- correctly sung as to pitch. I like to tell the youngsters that when "trying out" for a position with a symphony orchestra, the test demands accuracy in rhythm, but will permit a tonal mistake. I find that scansion of the poetic text, according to note value, and the use of strokes with the forearm, a practice which was popular in the Elizabethan days of universal madrigal singing, are practical and successful devices for mastering the "bug-a-boo" of time keeping. It is an unbelieveably difficult task to make children realize that rests and holds are just as important as notes, and must be sensed as part of the rhythmic flow. Clapping and stepping the various rhythms appeal to the young people, and are a great help in developing the swing and rhythmic details of the music.
I think it is important at all times that the pupils should be made conscious of beautiful tone quality and interpretation. We
99
can't repeat too often that the jaw must be loose and the throat open, in order to prevent a pinched or squeezed tone. The young- sters know that the vocal tone should be colored by the spirit of the song-its contrasting moods, stories or ideas.
With the little children the conservation of the voice is of first importance, rather than its development. Usually it is not until the fifth grade that dynamics, flexibility and other technical matters are brought out. This is the time when youngsters are ready to think about the way they use their voices. Having them sing a sustained note (by means of diaphragmatic costal-lateral breathing) with a root vowel in the core region of the voice, pro- duces excellent tone quality. The hard part, of course, is getting them to carry that purity of tone into their song singing. How- ever, I feel that on the whole, they're singing very well.
In closing, I wish to thank you, Mr. Rowe, and all connected with the Mendon school system, for their interest and fine co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
CHRISTINE WILSON,
Supervisor of Music Education
100
MENDON HIGH SCHOOL PRIZE SPEAKING CONTEST MENDON TOWN HALL APRIL 4, 1951
Tommy Stearns Scrubs Up Seeman Bruce A. Thomas
Number Please Hutchings
Jeanne C. Lamothe
Wednesday
Kerr
Barbara A. Tadakowsky
Amateur Hour
McMahon
Betty Ann Desmarais
For Jim
Black
Joanne Goodnow
Address Honoring Lincoln Hoover
Wayne F. Wagner
The Vision of Columbus
Folk Tune
Fifth and Sixth Grade Chorus
Dotty Takes A Hand
Dickerson
Beverly J. Rocks
Cigarette's Ride
Rame
Iris B. Rogers
The Black Cat Poe
Frances B. York
A Model Letter To A Friend
Tarkington
Claire M. Lamothe
Daddy Doc Kimball
Shirley M. Steere
My First Date Lain
Cecile M. Rondeau
Shine, Glorious Sun Grille
Fifth and Sixth Grade Chorus
Decision of Judges
101
GRADUATION EXERCISES OF
MENDON HIGH SCHOOL
UNITARIAN CHURCH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 1951
PROGRAM
Processional-Pomp and Circumstance Elgar Mrs. Bertha B. Rogers
Invocation
Rev. Truman L. Hayes
Salutatory and Essay-England Ruth M. Bosma
Essay-Germany H. Jean MacDonald
Essay-China
Fred R. Phipps, Jr.
Essay-India
Lawrence M. Rogers
Song-A Tribute to Romberg Romberg
High School Chorus
Essay-France
Dianne E. Hammond
Essay-Italy
Bette Lou Mantoni
Essay-Russia
Beverly L. Keefe
Essay-Canada Donald E. Coburn
102
Song-May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You Willson-Stickles High School Chorus
Essay and Valedictory-Korea
Barbara M. Grant
Diploma and Award Presentation-
Mr. Richard D. Harding Chairman of School Committee
Star Spangled Banner
Benediction
Rev. Truman L. Hayes
Recessional-Coronation March Meyerbeer Mrs. Bertha B. Rogers
GRADUATES OF MENDON HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1951
Helen Jean MacDonald
Ruth M. Bosma
Donald E. Coburn
Barbara M. Grant
Dianne E. Hammond
Beverly L. Keefe
Bette Lou Mantoni
Fred R. Phipps, Jr.
Lawrence M. Rogers
103
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 third day of March A.D., 1952, punctually at 9 o'clock A. M., to act on the following articles, 1 and 2. Article 3 and all following Articles on this War- rant will be acted upon Friday, the seventh day of March at 7 P. M.
Article 1. To choose a moderator to preside over said meeting.
Article 2. To bring in their ballots for the following Town Officers :
One Moderator for one year;
One Town Clerk for one year;
One Selectman for three years;
One Assessor for three years;
One Assessor for one year;
One Town Treasurer 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 Tax Collector for three years;
One Park Commissioner for three years;
One Highway Surveyor for one year;
104
One Water 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.
Article 5. To appropriate such sums of money as may be necessary to defray town expenses for the financial year beginning January 1, 1952.
Article 6. To determine the compensation of the Tax Col- lector for the ensuing year.
Article 7. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town 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, 1952, not to exceed $20,000 and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year and to renew any note or notes as may be given for the period of less than one year, in accordance with Section 17, Chapter 44 of the General Laws.
Article 8. To see if the Town will appropriate any sum of money for the improvement and repairs of highways, to be expended under the direction of the Massachusetts Department of Public Works as provided under Chapter 81 of the General Laws as amended, or take any action in relation to the same.
Article 9. To see if the Town will appropriate any sum of money for the operation and repairs of Town machinery, a part or whole to be taken from the Road Machinery fund, or take any action in relation to the same.
Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate any sum of money for the maintenance of Chapter 90 Roads, said money to be used in conjunction with any money which may be
105
allotted by the State and County for this purpose, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 11. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate any sum of money for Chapter 90 New Construction provided the State and County will contribute for such work under the pro- visions of Chapter 90 of the General Laws.
Article 12. To see what action the Town will take regard- ing any legal proceedings that may be brought against or by the Town.
Article 13. To see if the Town will authorize the Select- men to sell any or all real estate owned by the Town by reason of the foreclosure of Tax Title thereon and to execute, acknowl- edge and deliver a proper deed or deeds therefor, authority therefor to terminate March 2, 1953 or take any action in rela- tion thereto.
Article 14. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the dog license refund from the Worcester County in 1951 to be used for general school expenses in 1952, or take any action in relation to the same.
Article 15. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Assessors to use such an amount of the free cash in the treasury as in their judgment should be used to reduce the tax levy of 1952, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 16. To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $5,000 from available funds to the Stabilization Fund; as de- fined in Chapter 124, Acts of 1945 of the General Laws of Mas- sachusetts, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 17. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate the sum of $4,000 for the erection of a new bridge over Muddy Brook on Bellingham Street, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 18. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate the sum of $2,500 for school playground improvements, or take any action in relation thereto.
106
Article 19. To see if the Town will vote to instruct the Moderator to appoint a committee of five to investigate and study the provisions of Chapter 662, Acts of 1949, relative to the organization of a Union Health Department, and to determine the advantages to be derived from Mendon joining with neigh- boring towns for a Union Health Department. This committee to report its findings and recommendations at the next annual Town Meeting, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 20. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $600.00 for the purpose of repairing a portion of the lower Town Hall for use by the Police Department, or take any action in relation thereto.
Polls will close at 6:00 P. M.
And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting up an attested copy thereof at the Post Office in said Mendon and causing a copy to be published once in the Milford Daily News, a newspaper published in Milford, Mass., both said posting and publication to be at least seven days before the time of the meet- ing hereby ordered to be held.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this warrant with your doings thereon to the Town Clerk of said town before the time of meeting aforesaid.
Given under our hands at Mendon, this 21st day of Febru- ary, A.D., 1952.
HAROLD METCALF, JOHN L. LUNDVALL, ERNEST P. WOOD,
Selectmen of Mendon
A true copy, attest :
HAROLD C. BARROWS,
Constable of Mendon
REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
Article 5.
1951 Appro- priation
1951 1952 Expendi- Recommen-
Transfers
tures
dation
Moderator's Salary
$ 25 00
$ 25 00
$ 25 00
Selectmen's Salaries
550 00
550 00
550 00
Selectmen's Expense
150 00
135 50
150 00
Treasurer's Salary
550 00
550 00
700 00
Treasurer's Expense
170 00
158 95
150 00
Town Accountant Salary
400 00
400 00
400 00
Town Accountant Expense
50 00
30 94
50 00
Town Clerk's Salary
200 00
200 00
200 00
Town Clerk's Expense
500 00
251 90
500 00
Tax Collector's Expense
200 00
198 27
225 00
Assessor's Salaries
650 00
650 00
700 00
Assessor's Expense
300 00
284 69
300 00
Elections and Registrations
550 00
45 51
595 51
900 00
Town Counsel Salary
100 00
100 00
100 00
Town Counsel Expense
75 00
170 75
245 75
75 00
Clerical Hire for Town Officers
300 00
294 30
300 00
Town Officer's Bonds
190 00
177 25
201 00
Town Hall Maintenance
800 00
791 46
800 00
107
1951 Appro- priation
1951
1952 Expendi- Recommen-
Transfers
tures
dation
Record Room Maintenance
350 00
34 60
384 60
380 00
Heat and Lights-Town Buildings
2,000 00
1,971 24
2,000 00
Constable's Salary
25 00
25 00
25 00
Police Department
1,500 00
392 38
1,892 38
2,000 00
Fire Department
1,650 00
1,643 59
1,685 00
Forest Fire Department
500 00
500 00
500 00
Hydrant Rental
500 00
500 00
550 00
Dog Officer
75 00
36 00
111 00
75 00
Sealer of Weights and Measures
50 00
49 86
45 00
Board of Health
2,500 00
1,686 95
1,700 00
Tree Warden
500 00
500 00
500 00
Elm Beetle Suppression
500 00
500 00
500 00
Moth Suppression
200 00
200 00
200 00
Inspector of Animals
150 00
150 00
150 00
Inspector of Slaughtering
25 00
25 00
25 00
Worcester County Hospital
3,483 58
3,483 58
3,843 88
General Repairs
1,500 00
1,488 44
1,700 00
Snow Removal
6,000 00
884 77
6,884 77
6,000 00
Street Lighting
700 00
684 00
684 00
Public Welfare Salaries
45 00
45 00
45 00
108
..
Public Welfare, Temporary Aid
6,000 00
5,996 86
6,000 00
Wire Inspector Salary
50 00
50 00
50 00
Aid to Dependent Children
3,000 00
2,197 07
2,000 00
Old Age Assistance
20,000 00
16,211 07 16,000 00
Old Age Assistance Administration
500 00
500 00
750 00
Veterans' Benefits
500 00
231 45
500 00
School Department
57,964 79
430 21 58,389 19
58,352 30
Taft Public Library
625 00
625 00
700 00
Vocational Education
1,500 00
579 83
1,000 00
Administration of Veteran's Benefits
100 00
100 00
100 00
Water Department Maintenance
500 00
125 76
625 76
600 00
Soldiers' and Sailors' Graves
30 00
30 00
30 00
Park Department
200 00
179 30
200 00
Memorial Day Celebration
175 00
51 61
226 61
200 00
Insurance on Town Buildings
1,815 00
1,804 20
1,800 00
Town Reports
510 00
450 00
660 00
Reserve Fund
2,000 00
1,741 38
2,000 00
Maturing Debt
4,000 00
4,000 00
4,000 00
Interest on Maturing Debt
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