USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Mendon > Town annual reports of the officers of Mendon, Massachusetts 1948-1952 > Part 18
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Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD C. BARROWS,
Chief of Police
71
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Scales under 100 lbs., 10 at 50c $5 00
Scales over 100 lbs., 2 at $1.00 2 00
Gasolene Pumps, 10 at $1.00
10 00
Grease Pumps, 5 at $1.00
5 00
Kerosene Pumps, 1 at 25c 25
$22 25
Fees and adjusting charges authorized by Section 56 G.L. Ch. 98 as amended by Ch. 34, Acts of 1949.
I have collected $22.25 for sealing fees and have turned this amount over to the Town Treasurer.
Respectfully submitted,
RAYMOND A. MILLER,
Sealer
72
REPORT OF DOG OFFICER
I hereby submit a list of the deceased Dogs and Cats dis- posed of by me during 1952:
Feb. 10, Millville Street, 1 Dog $2 00
Feb. 18, Hartford Ave., East 1 Dog 2 00
March 30, Uxbridge Road, 1 Cat 2 00
April 6, Washington Street, 1 Cat 2 00
April 18, Providence Street, 1 Cat 2 00
June 12, Milford Street, 1 Dog 2 00
Aug. 24 George Street, 1 Cat 2 00
Oct. 21, Blackstone Street, 1 Cat 2 00
Oct. 27, Hartford Ave., West, 1 Cat 2 00
Oct. 28, Hartford Ave., West, 1 Cat 2 00
Nov. 3, Hartford Ave., West, 4 Cats 2 00
$22 00
Respectfully submitted,
RAYMOND A. MILLER,
Dog Officer
73
REPORT OF WIRING INSPECTOR
Number of certificates issued 40
Value of Certificates issued $82 00
I have collected and turned over to the Town Treasurer $82.00 for electrical inspections.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER J. CHANNING,
Inspector of Wires
REPORT OF THE HIGHWAY SURVEYOR
To the Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
I submit the following report of work done on the Town roads during 1952.
Chapter 81
There were 22,850 gallons of tar and asphalt applied to roads under this Chapter and 941 yards of gravel applied to the dirt roads.
74
Part of North Avenue, from the High School to the Blood property, was honed and improved very much. Main Street was also honed and improved from the Monument to George Street.
The bad corner on Pleasant Street near Asylum Street was cut back, making it more passable for the school bus and also better for the removal of snow. Considerable ledge was removed from Thornton Street; some ledge was also removed on Powers Road.
Brush was cut on all Chapter 81 roads.
Chapter 90 Maintenance
13,861 gallons of oil and tar were applied on these roads. About 300 feet of new drainage was installed on North Avenue, and some large trees which were too near the road were re- moved. This work has eliminated a very icy spot at this point. 4,000 feet of road was also honed on North Avenue.
Brush was cut on all Chapter 90 Roads.
Chapter 90 Construction
New construction was on Providence Street. The bad cor- ner near the residence of Walter Yanski was cut back consider- ably. We used 4,911 yards of gravel and fill in this cut. There was also 96 feet of new drainage installed.
Bellingham Street Bridge
This project was completed except for the top cover of asphalt. It is necessary for the road to settle until Spring be- cause of the deep gravel fill. We used about 35 yards of concrete in the construction of this bridge, which was built to specifica- tions called for by the State Highway Engineers.
75
The new construction for 1953 will start at the residence of Dr. Ashkins and continue to the Clough residence, connecting with the North end of the work done during 1952.
I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen, the Townspeople and the State and County Engineers for their cooperation and assistance during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM R. BOWEN, Highway Surveyor
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 48 takers receiving service and 11 hydrants available. There will be additional services installed as of 1953.
These additional services will make a substantial increase in water revenue for the Town as well as revenue from property taxes.
Respectfully submitted,
EVERETT G. WATSON FRANKLIN E. GOODNOW DONATO F. LEONE
Water Commissioners
76
SEVENTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT 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, 1952.
The death of Miss Nina Burr, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, occurred June 8, 1952. Miss Burr had been a member of the Board of Trustees for several years and had served as chairman since 1950. She was very much interested in the work of the Library and had been of great assistance, especially in the selection of books. Her place and contribution to library business will be greatly missed.
Mrs. Vestella M. Daniels has been appointed by the Board of Selectmen to serve as a member of the Trustees.
By means of funds received from a transfer from the emer- gency account, very necessary repairs have been made in the tower of the library building. The tower roof has been shingled and a metal covering has been installed in the open platform section of the tower, together with repairs to the railing and flashing.
By vote of the Town at a special town meeting held De- cember 29, 1952 a motion was carried to accept a gift of five hundred dollars from Mrs. Emma Kinsley in memory of her
77
husband, Mr. Frederic M. Kinsley, and to use the funds for the improvement of the Library. The Trustees plan to install a new system of lighting throughout the building.
Your attention is called to the report of the Librarian, Mrs. Vestella M. Daniels. The Trustees and the patrons of the Li- brary appreciate the sincere and earnest service of Mrs. Daniels and her assistants.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY P. CLOUGH, Secretary
Trustees Taft Public Library
1952 LIBRARY REPORT
To the Trustees of Taft Public Library:
The circulation for the year (100 days) was 4,400: the largest number given out in one day, 94; the average, 44. Circu- lation by classes was as follows :- Fiction, 2,029; Juvenile, 1,281; Magazines, 520; Biography, 195; Travel, 64; History, 72; Litera- turc, 38; Fine Arts, 50; Science and all others, 151.
New books added to the Library by the Town, 60 and by the Fletcher Fund, 35; making a total of 95. Also, 43 books were given to the Library, for which grateful appreciation goes to Mrs. Mabel Griffin, Mrs. Viola Barnes, Mrs. E. C. Nelson, Mrs. George Smith, Miss Jane Avery, Mrs. Stella Robinson and Mrs.
78
Edna Brown. Books withdrawn for the Library because worn out or obsolete number 200; leaving approximately 10,615 vol- umes in the Library.
The following magazines are available at the Library; American, American Home, Atlantic Monthly, Better Homes and Gardens, Boys Life, Colliers, Good Housekeeping, Ladies Home Journal, Life, McCalls, National Geographic, Popular Mechanics, Readers Digest, Red Book, Saturday Evening Post, Time and Womans Home Companion. Fines collected during the year amounted to $23.36, which was turned over to the Town Treasurer.
Miss Jane Avery and Miss Barbara Rogers have been high school assistants this year. Miss Avery conducted the Story Hour in August. National Art Week was observed with an Exhibition of Drawings from the elementary grades arranged by Miss Jane Coleman, Art Supervisor.
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, 1952
SCHOOL DIRECTORY 1952-1953 SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Gordon R. Good, Chairman Term Expires 1954
Richard F. Harding Term Expires 1955
Herbert F. Bowen, Secretary Term Expires 1953
Regular meetings are held at the Center School building on the fourth Thursday 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 building or by appointment.
Office-Center School, Bellingham Center
Telephone, Milford 787-M4
Office Hours-4:00 P. M. to 5:00 P. M. on School days.
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Donald Allain, M.D.
Telephone, Milford 1851-W
SCHOOL NURSE
Grace Moran
Milford District Nursing Association
SCHOOL CUSTODIAN
Raymond Barrows Mendon, Mass.
TRANSPORTATION AGENTS
Harold C. Barrows Mendon, Mass. Jesse F. White Mendon, Mass.
ATTENDANCE OFFICER
Harold C. Barrows
Mendon, Mass.
TEACHERS
Name Henry P. Clough, Principal
Subject or Grade Algebra, French Geometry, Geography Mathematics, Science Commercial Ed. Home Economics Social Science
Preparation Dartmouth College and New Hampshire University Rhode Island State Regis College
Degree or Years
Years in Town
B.S.
Twenty-fifth
Ed.M.
B.S.
Seventh
B.S.
Eighth
Framingham State Tea.
B.S.E.
First
Doris O'Neill
English, Latin
Worcester State Tea.
B.S.E.
Fifth
Virginia Mayo
Grade 6
Bridgewater State Tea.
B.S.E.
Ninth
Rita Bishop
Grade 5
Framingham State Tea.
Two
Second
Dorothy L. Stanas
Grade 4
Worcester State Tea.
B.S.E.
Third
Helen Jacques
Grade 3
Lyndon State Tea.
B.S.
First
Grace Hutchinson
Grade 2
Framingham State Tea.
Two
Fourteenth
Bertha Hammann
Grade 1
Rhode Island College
Two and
Seventh
Louise Benotti (Resigned)
Home Economics
Simmons College
B.S.
Fifth
Barbara Seaver (Resigned)
Grade 3 Framingham State Tea.
B.S.E.
Seventh
SUPERVISORS
Christine Wilson
Music N. E. Conservatory
Diploma
Fifth
of Music
3 Years
Handwriting University of Pittsburgh
M.A.
Fifth
Art, Mechanical Drawing Mass. School of Art
B.S.E.
First
Raymond F. Biedrzycki Mary C. McCormack
Mildred White
William L. Rinehart E. Jane Coleman
Social Science
one-half
82
SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR PERIOD
JANUARY, 1953 TO JUNE, 1954
HIGH SCHOOL
Open January 5, 1953, Close February 20, 1953 Open March 2, 1953, Close April 17, 1953 Open April 27, 1953, Close June 19, 1953
SUMMER VACATION
Open September 9, 1953, Close December 23, 1953 Open January 4, 1954, Close February 19, 1954 Open March 1, 1954, Close April 16, 1954 Open April 26, 1954, Close June 25, 1954
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Same as High School except: Close June 12, 1953 Close June 18, 1954
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Columbus Day Observance, October 12, 1953 Armistice Day Observance, November 11, 1953 Thanksgiving Recess, November 26-27, 1953
83
AGE OF ADMISSION TO SCHOOL
Any child who becomes six years of age on or before Janu- ary 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 open- ing 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 satisfied they will further discuss the matter with the fol- lowing persons, 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- tion. This is in line with what many other cities and towns are doing. The reasons for so doing are that much confusion has
84
resulted from the use of the "no school" signal, and the realiza- tion 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 reguested, and urged, to use their own judgment in sending their children to school.
85
SCHOOL FINANCIAL REPORT
RECEIPTS
General Appropriation
$58,352 30
Dog Tax, 1952
487 70
Total Receipts
$58,840 00
Total Expenditures
$58,830 90
Unexpended Balance
9 10
REIMBURSEMENTS
State Aid $14,083 46
Superintendent: Salary-Transportation ..
7,266 90
All School Transportation 1,499 49
Boston City Wards 511 85
Sale of Old Chairs
25 00
Vocational Education
191 45
Total Reimbursements $23,578 15
TAXATION COST OF SCHOOLS
Total Expenditures
$58,830 90
Reimbursements
23,578 15
Net Cost by Taxation $35,252 75
EXPENDITURES
School Committee Expense $ 40 50
Superintendent's Salary 2,479 92
Superintendent's Expense 301 20
Supervisors' Salaries 1,233 20
Teachers' Salaries 31,554 79
86
Textbooks 1,126 41
School Supplies
1,379 92
Wages of Janitor
2,599 92
Fuel 1,731 44
Janitor's Supplies 760 66
Telephones
184 20
Electricity
414 18
Labor
150 25
Advertising
28 13
Police Protection
7 50
Commissioner of Public Safety
5 00
Replacements
661 90
Trash Removal
60 25
Repairs
3,041 07
Library
29 55
Health
496 37
Transportation
9,471 76
New Equipment
1,011 77
School Lunch Program
61 01
Total Expenditures
$58,830 90
87
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
A large part of our tax dollar is spent in educating our children. The majority of the townspeople, we are sure, feel that this is as it should be. They believe that money spent in this way is an excellent investment.
You will find improvements to the school building and equipment outlined in the report of the superintendent of schools. In addition to this, arrangements have been made for erection of posts with basketball goal-net combinations on the site of the tennis courts to supplement our playground equipment.
An art teacher has been added to our teaching staff. In- struction in art appreciation and art as a means of self expres- sion has been lacking during previous years in our otherwise well-rounded elementary school program. Mechanical drawing as an elective is now provided for our high school program.
After 21 years of faithful service, Mr. Raymond Barrows has found it necessary to retire from his position as school custodian.
We appreciate the excellent and faithful work of our super- intendent of schools, principal, and teaching staff in maintaining a high standard of instruction.
We are also grateful to you, the townspeople, for your support and co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
GORDON R. GOOD RICHARD HARDING HERBERT BOWEN Mendon School Committee
AGE AND GRADE CHART
October 1, 1952
GRADE
AGE 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Total Boys
Total
Total Girls
24
G
2 13
15
39
II
B
2
10
3
2
17
G
1 15
2
18
35
III
B
1 12
2
1
16
G
11
1
12
28
IV
B
3
12
3
1
19
G
7
15
1
23
42
V
B
3
17
2
22
G
5
10
2
17
39
VI
B
3
8
1
1
13
G
4 12
1
17
30
I
B
5 17
2
VII
B
3
8
1
2
14
4
3
7
21
1
5
3
4
13
G
3
5
1
9
22
IN
B
3
4
3
2
12
G
4
10
1
1
16
28
B
2
4
1
7
G
6
1
7
14
B
1
2
3
G
4
10
2
16
19
XII
B
8
1
9
G
4
4
8
17
Totals
7 33 28 38 40 39
165
334
Boys
5 19 13
18
19 24
13
9 11 12 12 5 8
1
169
Girls
2 14 15
20 21
15 14
7 12
11 11 17 6 0
23
22 14
1 169
27 16 23
23
165
G
VIII
B
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REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee of Mendon :
Gentlemen :
It is with pleasure that I submit for your consideration my tenth Annual report as Superintendent of Schools.
During the year there were two changes in the teaching staff. Resignations from Mrs. Louise Benotti and Miss Barbara Seaver were received. Both of these capable teachers have been with us for several years. The School Committee appointed Mrs. Mildred White, of Franklin, to replace Mrs. Benotti in the Home Economics Department, and Mrs. Helen Jacques, of Blackstone, to succeed Miss Seaver in grade three. These new teachers are doing excellent work and are a splendid addition to our faculty. One additional part-time teacher, Miss E. Jane Coleman, was also engaged to teach art and drawing.
The school enrollment figures are steadily but not too rapidly increasing. On October 1, 1952 there were 256 pupils in the elementary school grades, one to eight, and 78 in the high school, a total of 334. This is the largest number ever to attend. In 1951, the total enrollment was 327, but this included some 12-15 pupils whose fathers were temporarily employed in in- stalling gas pipe lines. These pupils are no longer with us. The following table shows the total enrollment, as of October 1, over a ten year period :
Year
Enrollment
Increase
1943
284
1944
262
91
1945
249
1946
247
1947
249
2
1948
249
0
1949
259
10
1950
297
38
1951
327
30
1952
334
7
The enrollment by grades can be determined by consulting the Age-Grade-Enrollment Chart which is included in the School Department Report. For the years 1945-1948, inclusive, the school population remained about the same. It will be noted that from 1949 on, there has been an increase each year, with a total of 85 more pupils than there were in 1948. In 1950, and again in 1951, there were substantial increases. The birth rate over a six-year period is as follows:
Year
Number of Births
1947
28
1948
37
1949
28
1950
41
1951
41
1952
45
Total attendance next September will probably be about 350. With the increased number of new homes and an expanding birth rate the school enrollment will have a tendency to increase each year. This condition must be carefully observed in order that we have classroom space enough for all children.
Excellent progress has been made in the regular school pro- gram. Our teaching staff is doing a fine job in all subjects in the curriculum. Many new textbooks have been purchased and an ample supply of all the materials and supplies necessary for good instruction have been obtained and used. There has been
92
a further revision in our reading system in order that this im- portant subject be made more interesting and adaptable to children in the primary grades. English, reading and allied subjects are particularly stressed at all times. Several of our teachers have taken courses in the field of education. Our work in handwriting, under the direction of Mr. William L. Rinehart and his staff, has been maintained on a high level. The progress in music, under the able direction of Miss Wilson, Music Super- visor, has been excellent indeed. An art program, under the direction of Miss E. J. Coleman, was inaugurated in September. Special projects and activities are used to make all school subjects more interesting.
The School Department has been considering engaging an art supervisor for some time. This year we were very fortunate in obtaining Miss E. J. Coleman, of Mendon, a graduate of the Massachusetts School of Art, for this position. Miss Coleman works on a part-time basis, one day a week, the same as our Music supervisor. She had several years teaching experience before joining our faculty. She teaches Mechanical drawing in the high school and art and drawing in the elementary grades. This is a real step forward in our educational program, and fulfills a long-felt need.
A regional all day conference of all elementary teachers in this area was held in Franklin in April. Teachers attended from Mendon, Bellingham, Hopedale, Blackstone, Millville, Franklin, Medway, and Wrentham. The conference was under the direction and supervision of Miss O'Rouke, Supervisor of Elementary Education in the State Department of Education, and the superintendents of schools in the towns which partici- pated. Both general and sectional meetings were held in which all teachers could take part. The new curriculum guide for elementary schools was discussed at length, as well as other problems and questions relating to elementary school education. This conference proved very helpful to all teachers.
93
American Education was observed during the week of November 11-17. Special topics were discussed each school day. An "open house" was held on Wednesday evening of that week. All faculty members were present and in their classrooms. Many parents visited various rooms and had an opportunity to talk with the teachers about their children's educational progress. There were exhibits of the classroom work of each pupil. This activity was very successful as it gave many parents, who might not otherwise have had the chance to do so, an opportunity to discuss with the teachers problems pertaining to their children. Parents are cordially invited to visit the school and classes at any time.
The school lunch program has continued functioning in a fine manner. Mrs. Edna Brown, the very capable manager of the cafeteria for several years, resigned in October. The School Committee appointed Mrs. Louise Dautrich to succeed Mrs. Brown, and Mrs. Dautrich has taken over this very important position with excellent results. The hot school lunch program is one of the necessary activities of a well-rounded school pro- gram. The work of various members of the Parent-Teacher Association in giving their time in assisting and preparing the daily hot lunches is deeply appreciated by all.
Late in May a visiting and registration day was held for children who planned to enter school in September for the first time. A large number of parents of entering first grade children came to school, registered their children, and then visited the first grade. This project was quite successful. Next May a simi- lar registration and visiting day will be planned. It is very important that all entering first grade children in September of 1953 be registered at that time. It gives the School Depart- ment a much better idea of how to plan for this most important class. It also saves a great deal of time on the opening day of School in September. Entering first grade pupils must be 6 years of age on or before January 1, 1954 in order to be admitted to Grade One.
94
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
7 years or over and under 16
Boys
32
147
Girls
19
133
Totals
51
280
In public school membership ....
36
264
In private school membership ..
2
15
Not enrolled in any school
13
1
Totals
51
280
For the past few years the school building has been kept in excellent condition, making any major repairs unnecessary. We hope this policy will continue. In addition to regular routine repairs, such as plumbing, heating, and electrical work, the following has been accomplished :
Some interior painting
Floor repairs
New cork bulletin boards-first and second floor corridors
New sewing machine of most modern type
New typewriters
New Rex-O-Graph (duplicating machine)
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New chairs-commercial room New outside incinerator New outside drinking fountain New classroom shades Repairs to water pump Desks sanded and refinished New studio couch
Among the more important repair items for next year the following should be considered: repair floor first grade room, painting, and changes in heating system in order that two class- rooms on cold side of building may be more quickly and easily kept up to proper classroom temperature.
In closing I wish to express to you my sincere thanks for your efforts in making the year a most successful one. The assistance and cooperation of the Principal, Mr. Clough, the teachers, supervisors, school physician, school nurse, towns- people, parents, and pupils are also deeply appreciated.
Respectfully submitted, PERCY L. ROWE,
Superintendent of Schools
96
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 for the year ending December 31, 1952.
The enrollment figures based on school membership on December 15, 1952 show a total enrollment almost exactly equal to that of last year. Although registration figures are no larger at the present time than those of last year, they show that there has been a substantial increase in the number of permanent pupils in school. One year ago there were numerous tempor- arily enrolled pupils belonging to families of pipeline employees. This year there are none.
School membership December 15, 1952: Grade One-37; Grade Two-32; Grade Three-27; Grade Four-42; Grade Five- 40; Grade Six-29; Grade Seven-21; Grade Eight-20; Grade Nine-27; Grade Ten-14; Grade Eleven-19; Grade Twelve-17.
The graduation exercises of the Class of 1952 were held June 18, 1952 at the Unitarian Church. The list of graduates is as follows: Lucille J. Auclair, Richard Bethel, Barbara A. Clos- son, Jeanne C. Lamothe, Maurice H. Lamothe, Frederick Op- pewal, Beverly J. Rocks, Cecile M. Rondeau, Shirley M. Steere, Barbara A. Tadakowsky, Earl F. Thomas, Loraine P. Wills, Frances A. York.
97
Shirley M. Steere attained the highest scholastic record for the four years of high school work, and Lucille J. Auclair second highest honors. The winner of the Alumni Medal presented by the Mendon High School Alumni Association was Shirley M. Steere. The Good Citizenship Medal and Certificate were awarded to Lucille J. Auclair. Maurice H. Lamothe was the winner of the American Legion Medal presented by the Roger L. Wood Post of the American Legion for outstanding qualities of character, leadership, and good citizenship.
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