USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Mendon > Town annual reports of the officers of Mendon, Massachusetts 1948-1952 > Part 19
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Earl F. Thomas was elected by members of Mendon High School to represent Mendon during the activities of Good Government Day at the State House. Wayne F. Wagner and Iris B. Rogers were chosen as representatives at Boys' State and Girls' State respectively, held in June under the auspices of the American Legion and Legion Auxiliary.
Prize Speaking was held at Mendon Town Hall April 18, 1952. The following pupils took advantage of the opportunities afforded by this exercise: Marilyn R. Chick, Janet M. Parkin- son, George W. Phipps, Iris B. Rogers, Justine A. Southwick, Sandra G. Southwick, Bruce A. Thomas, Wayne F. Wagner. First Prize was awarded to Wayne F. Wagner, Second Prize to Iris B. Rogers, and Third Prize to Justine A. Southwick. Several pupils later participated in a regional speach contest.
The annual senior play was presented at the Mendon Town Hall on December 5, 1952. A large well trained cast under the direction of Mrs. Doris O'Neill presented the three act comedy, "Tattletale", with great success. On March 7, 1952 a school minstrel show was ably presented at the Town Hall under the direction of Miss Christine Wilson, Supervisor of Music.
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The addition of Miss E. Jane Coleman, Supervisor of Art, to the teaching staff has made possible the development of art and drawing classes throughout the grades. A class in mechani- cal drawing has been started on an elective basis in High school.
In connection with the observance of American Education Week, an open house evening was held November 12 ,1952 at the Center School. Samples of class papers and a variety of written exercises were on display at the desks of pupils. Teachers were available in their rooms for conferences with parents.
The Class of 1952 made the customary trip to Washington during the week of spring vacation in April. Except for a few years during the war, this trip has been a feature of the senior year's program over a long period of time. Under present regu- lations, each pupil now contributes approximately two thirds the cost of the trip. The balance is raised through entertain- ments, sales campaigns, and card parties. For the support which the community gives, each senior class has a really sig- nificant debt of gratitude.
The school lunchroom and cafeteria began its sixth year of operation in September. It continues to supply a plentiful and well balanced meal at very reasonable prices to school pupils. Mrs. Edna Brown, Manager of the lunchroom since its beginning, submitted her resignation in October. Mrs. Louise Dautrich, Assistant Manager, has accepted the position of Manager, and Mrs. Theresa Wright has been named Assistant. The generous contribution of time and effort on the part of a number of co- operative mothers and friends of the School continues to be a most important factor in the successful operation of the project.
99
Parents are urged to visit school and to confer with teachers and principal whenever questions and problems arise. It is the wish of the school staff to cooperate as fully as possible with the home.
In conclusion, 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 Association, and the townspeople of Mendon.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY P. CLOUGH, Principal
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
January 5, 1953
Percy L. Rowe, Superintendent of Schools
Mendon School Department
Mendon, Mass.
Dear Mr. Rowe:
The toxoid clinic was held at the Mendon High School starting March 18th and closed May 13, 1952.
16 children received the three protective doses of triple antigen.
10 children received the three protective doses of double antigen.
59 children received the booster dose.
The annual physical examinations of the pupils of Grades 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 were done in the fall and the following defects were found :
The number examined - 154
Enlarged tonsils 11
Wax in ears 4
Ear infection 1
Heart murmur 1
On the whole the physical condition of the group was ex- tremely good.
Yours truly, DONALD ALLAIN, M.D.
School Physician
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SCHOOL NURSE'S ANNUAL REPORT
1952
Mr. Percy L. Rowe, Superintendent of Schools:
May we submit to you the Annual School Nursing Report for the year ending December 1952.
Mendon School was visited Tuesday of each week when school was in session.
Registration was held at Mendon School on May 23rd, with the nurse assisting.
The State Department has now recommended that vision and hearing tests be done every other year; also, that pupils of Grades 1-4-7-10 have a complete physical each year by the school physician.
In the early part of the year we had a mild chicken-pox epidemic; and in the spring a measles epidemic. Many children were absent during these periods. Colds, sore throats, and grippe were also prevalent at intervals throughout the year.
All children were weighed and measured twice during the year. Dr. Allain, school physician, assisted by the nurse, has completed the physical examinations of all pupils present in Grades 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9.
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The following defects were found amongst the children examined by Dr. Allain :
Enlarged tonsils 11
Wax in ears 4
Ear infection 1
Heart murmur 1
Triple and double antigen clinics were held in Mendon School March 18th, April 15th and May 13th. The details of the clinic will be given in Dr. Allain's report.
The following is a summary of the work done by the nurse in her visits to the school:
1. Inspection of pupils 776
2. Pupils inspected for disease 60
3. Pupils recommended for exclusion 17
4. Pupils and nurse conferences 222
5. Pupils treated for minor injuries 64
6. Nurse and teacher conferences 245
7. Home visits 36
In closing, may we thank Dr. Allain, Mr. Rowe, the school committee, and the principal and teachers of the Mendon School for their courtesy and cooperation.
GRACE MORAN,
Supervisor of Nurses
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MUSIC SUPERVISOR'S REPORT
To the Superintendent of Schools:
My dear Mr. Rowe,
Music is only one of the many media for teaching. Although we, as music educators, are not expected to make musicians out of all the children in school, we are expected to add to their pleasure and to their mental growth as they go through the pro- cess known as formal education. Actually, the aim of education through music, is to teach for appreciation of music. Television and radio are having a vital effect on influencing the musical tastes of students and it is no easy matter gearing the school music programs to cultivate tastes for intelligent and critical out-of-school listening and "viewing." There are exasperations disillusionments galore such as-being told that "hill-billy" music, accompanied by the guitar, "beats opera anyday;" or teaching scale progressions when Junior High boys can think of other things more interesting, or trying to be diplomatic when some members of the chorus repeatedly forget that the vowel and not the consonant makes the tone for singing, and that singing the phrase is one of the most important things in performance. Speaking of performance, it seems that youngsters rarely do their best at functions for the public. I think this is due, primarily, to self-consciousness, which has many forms, fear of a high note; fear of forgetting either the words or music; fear of what the audience will think of him; or "thousands" of other fears, any of which will work havoc on the performer. However, teaching
104
music has its recompenses, too. It is pretty gratifying to have a youngster, who boastfully dislikes music, request that a certain song be sung by the class; or to have the chorus pour a wealth of feeling into the interpretation of a choral piece such as "The Lord's Prayer"; or to have some apathetic child who seemingly neither likes nor dislikes anything, get a perfect mark in a music quiz.
In order to stimulate interest in part-singing in the inter- mediate grades, it is necessary to employ several teaching tech- niques. Usually the class warms immediately to a familiar round such as "Row Row Row Your Boat." Sometimes we introduce harmony to a familiar melody by having the teacher sing alto while the class sings melody, or if a piano is accessible, use a harmonic background in accompaniment. Eventually through singing and listening, the children decide that singing in har- mony offers more satisfaction than unison singing. I like un- accompanied singing because in a cappella chorus, the voice alone must carry the burden of expression, making the child con- scious of tone, harmonics, and dynamics.
I am most grateful, here in Mendon, for the cooperation of teachers who feel that music is not a waste of valuable school time and who give it equal consideration with other subjects in the curriculum. To them, and to you, Mr. Rowe, and to all connected with the school system, I extend my sincere thanks.
Respectfully submitted, CHRISTINE M. WILSON,
Supervisor of Music Education
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REPORT OF ART SUPERVISOR
To Mr. Percy L. Rowe
Superintendent of Schools
Dear Mr. Rowe,
It has been most interesting to note the development of the creative ability of the boys and girls in the Mendon school. Since September, they have had the opportunity of illustrating events of their everyday lives as well as illustrating stories which they have read. There has also been an opportunity for them to use cut paper in Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas projects. Water-colors have been introduced in the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth grades.
Outstanding work is displayed weekly on the new bulletin boards which have been erected in the first floor corridor. During National Art Week in November, an exhibit of pupils' work was held at the Taft Public Library.
In the high school, the basic rules of Mechanical Drawing procedure have been introduced and students have become familiar with making working drawings, geometrical construc- tion and isometric drawing.
It's the aim to have children use as many media as possible in their art experiences but present school facilities are inade- quate for attempting some projects. It is hoped that through their art experiences, the pupils will have gained an ability to recognize and appreciate beauty in the world around them.
In closing, I wish to thank you, Mr. Rowe, the School Committee, and the principal and teachers of the Mendon school for their sincere interest and fine co-operation.
Respectfuly submitted, E. JANE COLEMAN,
Supervisor of Art
106
PRIZE SPEAKING CONTEST
MENDON TOWN HALL-APRIL 18, 1952
A Gentleman Farmer Carlson Justine A. Southwick
Exit the Big Bad Wolf McMahon
Bruce A. Thomas
Sixteen
Daly
Janet M. Parkinson
The Dance Mexican Folk Tune
Grade Six Chorus
Sorry, Wrong Number
Ullman
Maureen A. Smith
An Underhand Pass
Wayne F. Wagner
Penny
Black
Sandra G. Southwick
Three Jovial Welshmen English Folk Tune
Grade Six Chorus
Danny's Little Tin Soldier Black
Iris B. Rogers
Fires At Valley Forge Clark
George W. Phipps
Laugh, Clown, Laugh Antwerp
Marilyn R. Chick
Island of My Desire
Filipino Folk Tune
Grade Six Chorus
Decision of Judges
Black
107
GRADUATION EXERCISES OF MENDON HIGH SCHOOL WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 1952 UNITARIAN CHURCH
Processional-Pomp and Circumstance Elgar Mrs. Bertha B. Rogers
Invocation
Rev. Truman L. Hayes
Salutatory and Essay-What About Communism?
Lucille J. Auclair
Song- This Is My Country Jacobs
High School Chorus
Essay-The American Red Cross
Beverly J. Rocks
Essay-The Rehabilitation of Harold Russell
Maurice Lamothe
Essay-A Tribute
Earl F. Thomas
Song-Vilia Lehar
High School Chorus
Essay-Our Peace Organization Frances A. York
Essay-Massachusetts Richard Bethel
108
Essay and Valedictory-Mass. State Government Shirley M. Steere
Song-The Lord's Prayer .. ..... Malotte
High School Chorus
Diploma and Award Presentation Mr. Gordon R. Good Chairman of School Committee
Star Spangled Banner
Benediction Rev. Truman L. Hayes
Recessional-Grand Triumphal March Guilmant
Reception-Mendon Town Hall
GRADUATES OF MENDON HIGH SCHOOL
CLASS OF 1952
Lucille J. Auclair
Richard Bethel
Barbara A. Closson
Jeanne C. Lamothe
Maurice H. Lamothe
Frederick Oppewal
Beverly J. Rocks
Cecile M. Rondeau
Shirley M. Steere
Barbara A. Tadakowsky
Earl F. Thomas
Loraine P. Wills
Frances A. York 1
109
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 quali- fied to vote in elections and in town affairs to meet at the TOWN HALL
in said Mendon on MONDAY the SECOND day of MARCH A.D. 1953 punctually at 9:00 o'clock A.M., to act on
Article 1.
Article 2 and all following Articles on this Warrant will be acted upon Friday the sixth day of March at 7:00 P.M.
Article 1. 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 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;
110
One Trustee of the Taft Public Library for one year;
One Member of the School Committee for three years ;
One Park Commissioner for three years;
One Highway surveyor for one year;
One Water Commissioner for three years;
all on one ballot, designating the office intended for each person.
Article 2. To hear the reports of the several Town Officers and Committees and act thereon.
Article 3. To chose all necessary Town Officers for the ensuing year.
Article 4. To appropriate such sums of money as may be necessary to defray town expenses for the financial year begin- ning January 1, 1953.
Article 5. 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, 1953 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 6. To see if the Town will appropriate any sum of money for the improvement and repairs of highways, to be ex- pended 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 thereto.
Article 7. To see if the Town will appropriate any sum of money for the operation and repairs of Town machinery, a part
111
or whole to be taken from the Road Machinery Fund, or take any action in relation to the same.
Article 8. 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 allotted by the State and County for this purpose, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 9. 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 10. To see what action the Town will take regard- ing any legal proceedings that may be brought against or by the Town.
Article 11. 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 4, 1954 or take any action in rela- tion thereto.
Article 12. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the dog license refund from the Worcester County in 1953 to be used for general school expenses in 1953, or take any action in relation to the same.
Article 13. To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $5,000. from available funds to the Stabilization Fund, as defined in Chapter 124, Acts of 1945 of the General Laws of Massachusetts, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 14. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate the sum of $250.00 for Civilian Defense or take any action in relation thereto.
112
Article 15. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate the sum of $200.00 to complete the renovation of the Police Station or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 16. To see if the Town will vote to change the location of Bates Street, now to begin at the residence of Minnie F. Thayer continuing to the Bellingham town line near the resi- dence of William R. Bowen; and to rename that portion of Route 140 from the Hopedale town line to the Bellingham Town line, "Cape Road," or take any action in relation to same.
Article 17. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate the sum of $650.00 for re-roofing one side of the Town Hall, replace rain gutter, and make any necessary repairs, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 18. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate from Available Funds in the treasury, the sum of $10,000. to liquidate the outstanding Fire Station loan on notes due 1953 to 1957 inclusive.
Article 19. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of $4,000. for the purchase of a tractor and special equipment, the whole to be taken from the Road Machinery Fund, or take any action in relation to the same.
Article 20. To see if the Town will vote to have four street lights installed on North Avenue from the intersection of Founders Park and Route 16 to the proposed St. Michael's Church, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 21. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate the sum of $500. for fire hose, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 22. To see if the Town will vote to accept Chapter 624, Acts of 1952, relative to increasing the amounts of pensions,
113
retirement allowances and annuities payable to certain former public employees, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 23. To see if the Town will vote to abandon a sec- tion of Providence Street near the residence of Walter Yanski, approximately between Stations 32 and 42, or take any action in relation to same.
Article 24. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate the sum of $2,000. for the enlargement of the present well at the Town Hall, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 25. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate the sum of $400. for alterations of the drainage system on Main Street near the residence of Smith Steere to alleviate the situation now existing near the home of Shelley Vincent, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 26. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate the sum of $2,500. for alteration of the drainage system on Blackstone and Emerson Streets, or take any action in rela- tion thereto.
Article 27. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- priate the sum of $500. for a catch basin and drainage system near the residence of Willard Kinnecombe on Washington Street, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 28. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate the sum of five thousand dollars ($5,000.) to supple- ment the twenty-five hundred dollars appropriated in 1952 for the improvement of the athletic field at the Center School, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 29. To see if the Town will vote to abandon a section of road between Hartford Avenue West, near the resi-
114
dence of Donald Kearsley and Route 16, formerly known as Uxbridge Road, or take any action in relation to same.
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 Ninth day of Feb- ruary A.D. 1953.
JOHN L. LUNDVALL ERNEST P. WOOD HAROLD METCALF Selectmen of Mendon
A true copy, attest :
HAROLD C. BARROWS,
Constable of Mendon
REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
Article 4.
1952 Appro- priations
1952 1953
Expendi- Recommen-
Transfers
tures
dation
Moderator's Salary
$25 00
$25 00
$25 00
Selectmen's Salaries
550 00
550 00
700 00
Selectmen's Expense
150 00
147 63
150 00
Treasurer's Salary
700 00
700 00
700 00
Treasurer's Expense
150 00
$67 70
217 70
200 00
Town Accountant's Salary
400 00
400 00
400 00
Town Accountant's Expense
50 00
28 65
78 65
75 00
Town Clerk's Salary
200 00
200 00
200 00
Town Clerk's Expense
500 00
266 24
500 00
Tax Collector's Salary
925 00
925 00
925 00
Tax Collector's Expense
225 00
223 01
225 00
Assessors' Salaries
700 00
700 00
700 00
Assessors' Expense
300 00
207 11
300 00
Elections & Registrations
900 00
46 07
946 07
600 00
Town Counsel's Salary
100 00
100 00
100 00
Town Counsel's Expense
75 00
75 00
75 00
Clerical Hire for Town. Officers
300 00
300 00
300 00
Town Officers' Bonds
201 00
201 00
265 00
115
1952 Appropri- priations
1952
1953
Expendi- Recommen-
Transfers
tures
dation
Town Hall Maintenance
800 00
86 30
886 30
900 00
Record Room Maintenance
380 00
363 69
350 00
Heat & Lights-Town Buildings
2,000 00
450 00
2,449 59
3,000 00
Constable's Salary
25 00
25 00
25 00
Police Department
$2,000 00
$600 00
$2,585 96
$3,000 00
Fire Department
1,685 00
1,681 55
2,000 00
Forest Fire Department
500 00
497 50
500 00
Hydrant Rental
550 00
550 00
550 00
Dog Officer
75 00
16 50
91 50
100 00
Sealer of Weights and Measures
45 00
3 75
48 75
50 00
Board of Health
1,700 00
1,297 22
1,700 00
Tree Warden
500 00
75 00
575 00
750 00
Elm Bettle 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
Wiring Inspector Salary
50 00
50 00
80 00
General Repairs
1,700 00
1,699 93
2,000 00
Snow Removal
6,000 00
6,000 00
6,000 00
116
Street Lighting
684 00
684 00
744 00
Public Welfare Salaries
45 00
45 00
45 00
Public Welfare, Temporary Aid
6,000 00
1,500 00
7,498 26
6,000 00
Aid to Dependent Children
2,000 00
907 20
2,000 00
Old Age Assistance
16,000 00
10,545 97
16,000 00
Old Age Assistance Administration
750 00
750 00
750 00
Veterans' Benefits
500 00
302 84
500 00
School Department
58,352 30
487 70 58,830 90
60,449 16
Taft Public Library
700 00
350 00
1,049 67
810 00
Vocational Education
1,000 00
564 83
1,000 00
Adm. of Veterans' Benefits
100 00
100 00
100 00
Water Dept. Maint.
600 00
920 15
1,520 15
750 00
Soldier's and Sailor's Graves
30 00
30 00
30 00
Park Department
200 00
168 20
200 00
Memorial Day Celebration
200 00
198 25
200 00
Insurance on Town Blgs.
1,800 00
1,659 59
1,400 00
Town Reports
696 00
696 00
600 00
Reserve Fund
2,000 00
1,987 53
2,000 00
Maturing Debt
4,000 00
4,000 00
4,000 00
Interest on Maturing Debt
825 75
3 00
828 75
733 75
Interest on Temporary Loans
200 00
112 50
200 00
Tax Title Foreclosure
50 00
8 25
50 00
Worcester County Ret. Expense Fund
731 45
731 45
839 00
117
118
1953 RECOMMENDATIONS
Article 6. $3,700 00
7. $3,000 00
8. $1,500 00
9. $2,000 00
12.
Approved
13
Approved
14.
$ 250 00
15.
$ 200 00
17.
$ 650 00
18. $8,000 00
19.
Approved
„
20.
Approved
21.
Approved
"
24. Approved
25.
$ 400 00
26. $2,500 00
28. Not Approved
LEE P. McFARLAND FRANKLIN E. GOODNOW ROY A. BARROWS
119
INDEX
Assessors Annual Report 56
Balance Sheet
42
Collector's Annual Report
51
Dog Officer's Report
72
Finance Committee Report
115
Financial Reports :
Aid to Dependent Children
26
Assessors
9
Board of Health
16
Board of Public Welfare
25
Board of Selectmen
6
Civil Defense
15
Debt and Interest
35
Dog Officer
15
Elections and Registrations
10
Fire Department
14
Heat and Lights-Town Buildings
12
Highway Department
18
Memorial Day
33
Old Age Assistance
27
Park Department
32
Police Department
13
Public Library
31
Record Room Maintenance
11
Reserve Fund
34
School Department
29
Sealer of Weights and Measures
15
Tax Collector
9
Town Accountant
8
Town Clerk
8
Town Counsel
10
Town Hall Maintenance
11
Treasurer
7
120
INDEX - Continued
Tree Warden 17
Veterans' Benefits
29
Vocational Education
29
Water Department 32
Fire Chief's Report
66
Graduation Exercises
107
Highway Surveyor's Report
73
Jurors
45
Librarian's Report
77
Library Trustees' Report
76
Police Chief's Report
68
Prize Speaking Contest
106
School Art Supervisor's Report
105
School Committee Report
87
School Music Supervisor's Report
103
School Nurse's Report
101
School Physician's Report
100
School Principal's Report
96
School Superintendent's Report
90
Sealer of Weights and Measures
71
Town Accountant's Report
36
Town Clerk's Report
59
Births
61
Marriages
62
Deaths
63
Town Officers and Committees
3
Town Warrant
109
Treasurer's Report
46
Trust Funds
47
Water Commissioners' Report
75
Wiring Inspector's Report
73
Acc# 34645
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