USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Mendon > Town annual reports of the officers of Mendon, Massachusetts 1953-1957 > Part 3
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Chapter 90 Construction
New construction continued on Providence Street. It was necessary to build a new bridge near the residence of Dr. Ashkins.
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The old bridge was built of flag stones and the heavy trucks passing over it, together with the winter frosts, had caused the stones to break, thereby leaving a large hole in the road. The contract was finished and $974.57 was unexpended. This money will be carried over and used for 1954 construction. Brush was cut on all Chapter 90 Roads.
Drainage
The drainage projects on Blackstone Street, Main Street and Washington Street were all completed and are working very satisfactorily.
I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen, the Townspeople and State and County Engineers for their cooperation and assistance during the past year.
Respectively submitted, -
WILLIAM R. BOWEN
Highway Surveyor
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REPORT OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
To the Selectmen of Mendon ;
Gentlemen :
The Fire Department answered 23 alarms in 1953, at an estimated damage of $45,300.
1 Dwelling Fire
6 Chimney Fires
2 Smoke Scares
2 Barn Fires
1 Oil burner Fire
6 Auto Fires
3 Other Building Fires
2 False Alarms
1 call for Gas Masks to remove leaking refrigerator. 1 call to get Cat out of tree, 2 calls to wet road for Highway Dept. 1 call to wet road after accident, 8 calls to pump out cellars.
The Firemen held the night before the fourth parade and entertainment which was enjoyed by all. This was made possible through the proceeds of the Auction held in June.
The Firemen decorated the Fire Station at Christmas and with the Mendon Grange lit the tree on Founders Park.
Respectfully submitted, HAROLD F. LOWELL,
Fire Chief.
The Forest Fire Department answered 27 alarms in 1953, burning over 6 acres of grassland and 5 acres of brushland.
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Fifteen of these fires started from burning grass and rubbish, 4 started by the roadside, 2 were started by Pipe line workers, 1 by Smokers, 1 by children and 4 started from Town Dumps.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD F. LOWELL
Forest Warden.
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Scales under 100 lbs., 9 at 50c $4 50
Scales over 100 lbs., 1 at $1.00 1 00
Gasoline Pumps, 10 at $1.00
10 00
Grease Pumps, 4 at 1.00
4 00
Kerosene Pumps 1 at 25c
25
$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.
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REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
1953
Automobile accidents investigated 47
Persons injured .. 36
Persons admitted to Hospital
14
Complaints received and answered
214
Messages delivered
24
Doors found unlocked
22
Arrests made
16
Summons issued
21
Summons served
9
Warrants issued
14
Warrants served 5
Summons served for out of Town Police
25
Warrants served for out of Town Police 6
Hours patroling 1248
Miles covered patroling 3120
Breaking and entering cases investigated 20
Court cases 22
Stolen cars recovered 5
Motor vehicle transfer forms issued 71
Class III Motor vehicle forms issued 50
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Persons committed to Youth Service Center 2
Persons committed to State Hospital 6
Persons committed to House of Correction 1
Dogs injured which had to be destroyed 4
Gun permits issued 26
Permit to buy guns issued 4
Picked up as A. W. O. L. and returned to Military Authorities 3
The complaints received by this Department continue to increase with each year. There was also a slight increase of Automobile accidents, there being 47, the same as in 1951, an increase of 13 over 1952.
This year this Department received for the Town of Mendon, a Certificate of Honorable Mention, in recognition of its achievement in Highway Traffic Safety (in the 1000 to 4999 population class) based on its accident rate per 10,000 vehicle miles during the year 1952. This certificate was issued by Edgar C. Copell, President of the Massachusetts Safety Council.
We also received for the Town of Mendon a special award from the Governor's Highway Safety Conference. This award was presented to the Town of Mendon, in recognition of out- standing highway safety achievement in completing the year 1952 without a fatal motor vehicle traffic accident. This award was signed by Rudolph F. King, Registrar of Motor Vehicles, General Chairman, and Christian A. Herter, Governor of the Common- wealth, Honorary Chairman, and presented to the Town by Special Investigator W. Wallace O'Brien and Hearings Officer John Adams from the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
There were 192 motor vehicle violations reported to me during the year. There were 28 licenses suspended and 6 re-
76
voked as recommended by me to the Registry of Motor Vehicles. There were also 26 warning letters issued.
This completes the first'full year that the Police Department have had their own rooms. The Officers continue to donate their time evenings between the hours of seven and nine and many are taking advantage of these hours to obtain forms and information.
This past year from July first until September tenth the roads were patroled from seven in the evening until one in the morning. This patroling seemed to stop some of the speeding that usually occurred between the hours from eleven and mid- night and also eliminated some of breaking and entering cases that have occured in the past. The Officer on duty covers the entire Town and checks all doors on the business establishments.
This coming year I would recommend that the patroling start around Memorial Day and continue until at least the end of September.
At this time I would like to thank the Board of Selectmen, the Finance Committee, all other Town Officials and all the townspeople for their cooperation this past year.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD C. BARROWS,
Chief of Police.
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REPORT OF DOG OFFICER
I hereby submit a list of the deceased Dogs and Cats dis- posed of by me during 1953.
Feb. 14, Providence Street, 1 Cat $2 00
Feb. 28, Uxbridge Road, 1 Dog 2 00
Mar. 17, North Ave., 1 Cat 2 00
April 1, Maple Street, 1 Cat 2 00
April 3, Providence Street, 1 Cat 2 00
May 4, Providence Street, 4 Puppies 2 00
May 29, Bellingham Street, 1 Dog 2 00
May 30, Hartford Ave., West, 1 Cat 2 00
June 8, Northbridge Road, 1 Dog 2 00
July 23, Milford Street, 1 Dog 2 00
July 27, North Ave., 1 Cat 2 00
Aug. 22, North Ave., 4 Kittens 2 00
Oct. 8, Milford Street, 1 Cat 2 00
Oct. 15, Hartford Ave., East, 1 Dog 2 00
Oct. 20, Maple Street, 1 Cat
2 00
$30 00
I have also caught, confined and disposed of 22 stray dogs during 1953.
Respectfully submitted,
RAYMOND A. MILLER,
Dog Officer.
78
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS
The East Mendon Water System has been in use in that section of the Town since the latter part of 1947. At that time there were 28 takers. As of December 1953 a total of 52 takers are receiving service and there are 11 hydrants available. Ad- ditional services will be installed in 1954. This will make a substantial increase in water revenue as well as increased revenue from property taxes in this water section.
The assessed valuation of property owned by the takers of the East Mendon water system has been increased 10%. The present valuation amounts to $16,039. On the basis of the 1953 tax rate of $44.00 this would mean that approximately $705.00 in taxes was received in 1953 from these water takers over and above their normal taxes.
In 1953 the Town received from;
Takers for use of water $1,367 53
Increased taxes 705 00
Total income $2,072 53
Town appropriations;
Average Maintenance costs
and services $600 00
Payment on Water loan
1,000 00
Approximate interest on note
300 00
Total expense
$1,900 00
Approximate annual profit from
water
$172 53
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This annual profit goes into surplus revenue for the Town.
We believe that the above figures prove that the East Mendon Water system is self-supporting.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANKLIN W. GODONOW EVERETT G. WATSON DANIEL LEONE
Water Commissioners
SEVENTY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TAFT PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Trustees of the Taft Public Library submit the Report of the Librarian, the Financial Report, and Trustees Report for the year ending December 31, 1953.
Several very important improvements have been made in the library building during the year.
In accordance with plans made last year, a new lighting system has been installed in the library room and reading alcove. The funds for the lighting system were nearly all provided through the generosity of Mrs. Emma Kinsley, of Marblehead, Massachusetts, who gave the money in memory of her husband, Mr. Frederic M. Kinsley, a former resident of Mendon. The improved lighting in the building is one of the most significant changes in the Library in recent years.
80
An oil burner has been installed in the heater with a heating duct built in the downstairs room.
On the evening of November 11, 1953 an open house was held at the Library. During the course of the evening, friends and neighbors of Miss Nina Burr presented to the Library a painting in memory of Miss Burr who served on the Board of Trustees for several years and was very much interested in the work of the Library and its contribution to the life of the com- munity. The painting was the work of Mrs. Nathaniel Cox of Mendon. Mrs. Richard Harding made the presentation to the Library and Mrs. Vestella Daniels, Librarian, accepted it for the Trustees.
During the year the book stacks have been rearranged in the library room.
Your attention is called to the Report of the Librarian, Mrs. Vestella M. Daniels.
Respectfully submitted, HENRY P. CLOUGH, Secretary Trustees of Taft Public Library
1953 LIBRARY REPORT
To the Trustees of the Taft Public Library:
The circulation for the year (99 days) was 3741; the largest number given out in one day, 75; the smallest, 13; and the average, 38. Circulation by classes was as follows: Fiction, 1712;
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Juvenile, 1001; magazines, 613; biography, 154; travel, 40; history, 49; literature and fine arts, 50; useful arts. and science, 83; and all others, 39.
New books added to the library by the Fletcher Fund, 73; by gift, 108 ;. total, 181. We wish to express our thanks and ap- preciation for the gift of nearly 50 books from the library of the late Nina M. Burr; and a similar number from Mrs. Bernice Calcagni, including 26 volumes of the Collected Works of Ber- nard Shaw. Thanks are also due Ian Denton, Mrs. Hill and Mabel Griffin.
Miss Shirley Smith has been the high school assistant; and Mrs. Hazel Harding has ably assisted on Thursday afternoons. National Art Week was observed by an exhibition of drawings from the elementary grades arranged by Miss Jane Coleman, art supervisor.
Both stacks have been moved and books rearranged to make them more accessible. Some of the very early books have been placed on a stack in the basement and some worn out books have been discarded. There are approximately 10,700 books in the library.
The floor has been cleaned and refinished; and we are proud of our new fluorescent lighting. In order to show our improve- ments to the public, we held Open House on November 11th. About forty people attended. At this time an oil painting of flowers by Doris Daniels Cox was presented to the library in memory of Nina M. Burr, former trustee, by her neighbors. This beautiful painting is a great addition to the interior of the library.
It is our hope that more townspeople will visit the library and make use of the wide selection of books and magazines avail- able.
82
Magazines subscribed to are: American Home, Atlantic Monthly, Better Homes and Gardens, Boys Life, Colliers, Good Housekeeping, Ladies Home Journal, McCalls, National Geogra- phic, Popular Mechanics, Readers Digest, Saturday Evening Post, Time and Womans Home Companion.
Fines collected and turned over to the town treasurer, $11.24.
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, 1953
SCHOOL DIRECTORY 1952-1953 SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Herbert F. Bowen, Chairman Term Expires 1955 Harry C. York Term Expires 1956
Gordon R. Good, Secretary Term Expires 1954
Regular meetings are held at the High School building on the fourth Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS-PERCY L. ROWE, Boston University, B.S.E., Ed. M.
The Superintendent may be met every Tuesday and Wednesday at the Mendon High School build- ing 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
Ronald Lukert, M.D. Telephone, Milford 3045-W
SCHOOL NURSE
Eileen Brown, R.N. Milford District Nursing Association
SCHOOL CUSTODIAN
Walter Wright
Mendon, Mass.
TRANSPORTATION AGENTS
Harold C. Barrows Mendon, Mass.
Jesse F. White
Mendon, Mass.
Harold C. Barrows
ATTENDANCE OFFICER
Mendon, Mass.
.
TEACHERS
Name Henry P. Clough, Principal
Raymond F. Biedrzycki Mary C. Armour Mildred White
Subject or Grade Algebra, French History, Geography, Geometry Math., Science Commercial Ed. Home Economics, Social Science English, Latin
Degree or
Years Ser. on Town 26th
Dartmouth College and B.S. Ed.M.
New Hampshire University Rhode Island State Regis College Framingham State Teacher
B.S.
Eighth
B.S.
Ninth
B.S.E.
Second
Doris O'Neill
Worcester State Teacher
B.S.E.
Sixth
Virginia Mayo
Grade 6
Bridgewater State Teacher
B.S.E.
Tenth
Margaret Hubert
Grade 5
Framingham State Teacher
Two
First
Dorothy L. Stanas
Grade 4
Worcester State Teacher
B.S.E.
Fourth
Helen Jaques
Grade 3
Lyndon State Teacher
B.S.
Second
Grace Hutchinson
Grade 2
Framingham State Teacher
Two
Fifteenth
Patricia Goguen
Grade 1 Boston University
B.M.
First
Rita Bishop (Resigned)
Grade 5 Framingham State Teacher
Two
Second
Bertha Hammann (Resigned)
Grade 1 Rhode Island College
Two and
Seventh
one-half
SUPERVISORS
Christine Wilson
Music N. E. Conservatory of
3 yrs.
Sixth
Music
dip.
William L. Rinehart E. Jane Coleman
Handwriting
University of Pittsburg
M.A.
Sixth
Art, Mechanical Drawing Mass. School of Art
B.S.E.
Second
Preparation or Yrs.
86
SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR PERIOD JANUARY, 1954 TO JUNE, 1955
HIGH SCHOOL
Open January 4, 1954-Close February 19, 1954 Open March 1, 1954-Close April 25, 1954 Open April 26, 1954- Close June 25, 1954
SUMMER VACATION
Open September 8, 1954-Close December 23, 1954 Open January 3, 1955-Close February 18, 1955 Open February 28, 1955-Close April 15, 1955 Open April 25, 1955-Close June 24, 1955
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Same as High School except: Close June 18, 1954 Close June 17, 1955
SCHOOL NOT IN SESSION
Memorial Day Observance, May 31, 1954 Columbus Day Observance, October 12, 1954 Teachers' Convention, November 5, 1954 Armistice Day Observance, November 11, 1954 Thanksgiving Recess, November 25-26, 1954
87
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 ad- mission of a child under six shall be dependent upon the 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 superintend- ent 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 following persons, if necessary, and in the following order: first, the prin- cipal 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 reason for so doing are that much confusion has re-
88
sulted from the use of the "no school" signal, and the realization that the loss of even one school day is very serious.
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 $60,449 16
Dog Tax, 1953
495 84
Total Receipts
$60,945 00
Total Expenditures
60,929 63
Unexpended Balance
15 37
REIMBURSEMENTS
State-aid $13,303 46
Superintendent: Salary
Transportation
1,493 30
All School Transportation
8,600 00
Boston City Wards
1,036 69
Vocational Education
120 50
Total Reimbursements
$24,553 95
TAXATION COST OF SCHOOLS
Total Expenditures
$60,929 63
Reimbursements 24,553 95
Net Cost by Taxation $36,375 68
EXPENDITURES
School Committee Expense $ 65 00
Superintendent's Salary 2,559 86
Superintendent's Expense 296 00
Supervisors' Salaries
1,758 16
Teachers' Salaries
32,759 05
90
Textbooks 1,079 86
School Supplies
1,311 43
Wages of Janitor
2,983 33
Fuel 1,783 06
Janitor's Supplies
576 69
Telephones
134 50
Electricity
396 56
Labor
90 50
Advertising
16 88
Police Protection
37 50
Commissioner of Public Safety
10 00
Replacements
320 00
Trash Removal
23 75
Repairs
2,670 56
Library
10 50
Health
486 32
Transportation
10,363 52
New Equipment
1,069 06
School Lunch Program
127 54
Total Expenditures
$60,929 63
91
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Mendon :
Once again it is our pleasant duty to make our annual report to you, as your representatives in our public school system.
Two new teachers were added to our staff this year, due to the resignation of Mrs. Rita Bishop and Mrs. Bertha Hammann. Mrs. Bishop was replaced by Mrs. Margaret Hubert of Milford and Mrs. Hammann by Miss Patricia Goguen of Blackstone.
This is the second year that art has been taught in the school under the able supervision of Miss E. Jane Coleman. It is very gratifying to observe the results of this instruction, through the pupils' expression of their imagination and talent.
A new floor was laid in the first grade room, and the drive- way at the rear of the school was enlarged and extended to the south door during the past summer vacation.
The school lunch program, which is a necessary function in our school, is doing a wonderful job in providing hot lunches for our children at noon. Mrs. Dautrich, ably assisted by Mrs. Wright, is to be congratulated for her part in making this pro- gram such a success. A new deep freeze was added to the cafe- teria equipment this year and is proving to be a very efficient addition.
The committee is ever mindful that a large part of the tax dollar goes towards educating our children; however, since we feel that the children are entitled to a pleasant and cheerful place in which to study and work, it is our aim to keep the school building in as good repair as is possible. With this in mind, we
92
would like to list the repairs we believe necessary :
Paint outside of building one coat.
Start the program of painting the inside over again.
Paint and repair fence.
Install automatic valves to equalize the heating of the building. Patch tennis court which is now being used as a basketball court.
Enlarge the driveway at rear of school and hard top it.
Put in new floor in the 4th grade room.
Put new top on chimney which is cracked.
This year the student-driver training program, as prescribed by the Registry of Motor Vehicles, is to be included in the school activities. This is a very outstanding program as it not only teaches the students the proper method of operating a motor vehicle, but also teaches them a sound and comprehensive knowl- edge of the rules and regulations for operating that motor ve- hicle on the highways of the Commonwealth. We are indebted to Mr. Herman Ryan of the Ryan Motor Sales, Milford, who is providing the school with an automobile for the cost of $1.00 per year. We are indeed fortunate to have such a man as Mr. Ryan, who is interested and willing to help the students become better and safer drivers.
Due to the increase in school membership, there is a growing need for either a new school or an addition on the existing school building. From 1947 to 1953 there was an increase of 98 in the number of pupils attending school. The figures taken from the birth rate of the town plus a small percentage to allow for new families moving into town show that there will be an in- crease of 123 pupils by 1960. At present our school is carrying a capacity load of 345 pupils and there is no room for any ex- pansion in the present building. The committee feels that this situation should be brought to the attention of the Townspeople
93
at this time because of the definite need for some action. One tentative solution to this problem would be to appoint a com- mittee to investigate the possibility of a regional high school. The function of this committee would be to contact the committees in some of the adjacent towns who are confronted with the same problem and to ascertain the feasibility of said towns joining together and erecting a regional high school for the common purpose of educating our children. Another possible solution would be to appoint a building committee to study the possibil- ity of building a new school.
We wish to take this opportunity to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to Mr. Rowe, Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Clough, Principal, and to the staff for their co-operation in maintaining a high standard of instruction.
We also wish to thank the P. T. A. and the townspeople for their support and co-operation and Mr. Jesse White and Mr. Harold Barrows, Transportation agents, for their co-operation in transporting the pupils to and from school safely.
Respectfully submitted,
HERBERT F. BOWEN, Chairman HARRY C. YORK GORDON R. GOOD, Secretary Mendon School Committee
AGE AND GRADE CHART
October 1, 1953
GRADE
AGE 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Total
Total Girls
Total
Boys
I
B
5
16
21
14
35
G
4
10
II
B
6
13
1
20
18
38
G
3
14
1
III
B
10
5
1
16
19
35
G
1 16
2
£
IV
B
2
12
1
15
11
26
G
10
1
V
B
3
14
2
19
25
44
G
7
18
VI
B
4
13
2
19
20
39
G
4
15 1
VII
B
3
7
1 2 1
14
19
33
G
6 12
1
VIII
B
3
6
2
3
14
7
21
G
5
2
IX
B
1
6
2
1
10
11
21
G
3
8
X
B
2
4
3
1
10
13
23
G
2
9
2
XI
B
4
2
6
6
12
G
6
2
1
3
15
18
4
9
2
Totals
9
35
28 30
39
43 39
25 16 24
19
22
13
2 167
178
345
Boys
5 22
13
13
20
20
18
12
8 12 10 10
4
167
Girls
4
13
15 17
19 23 21
13
8 12 9 13 9
2
178
XII
B
G
96
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee of Mendon :
Gentlemen :
It is with pleasure that I submit for your consideration my eleventh annual report as Superintendent of Schools.
There were two changes in the school faculty during 1953. Mrs. Bertha Hammann, who had been with us for several years, resigned at the close of school in June. Mrs. Rita Bishop, who had been with us for two years, resigned in the summer to take a position in Milford. We miss these two capable teachers. Miss Patricia Gogen, of Blackstone, a graduate of Boston University, was engaged to replace Mrs. Hammann in Grade One. Mrs. Margaret Hubert of Milford, a graduate of Framingham Teachers College, was selected to replace Mrs. Bishop in Grade Five.
The most serious problem facing the School Department at the present time is that of increased enrollment. On October 1, 1953, there were 345 pupils registered. Of these, 217 were in Grades One to Six, 54 in Grades Seven and Eight, and 74 in Grades Nine to Twelve. This is the largest enrollment we have ever had. The lowest attendance was 247 pupils in 1946. Since then there has been a gain of 96. Leading educators affirm that the size of a class in the elementary grades should not ex- ceed twenty-five. There certainly should not be more than thirty in one grade. All of the grades in our school except one are far over this number. The Age-Grade-Enrollment chart will show sizes of all classes. One class, Grade Five, has 44 pupils, which is actually about a class and a half. It is far too large for best teaching and instruction. Birth rates are increasing each
97
year. Taking a five-year average it has been found that there are actually 12% more children entering Grade One than were born six years previously. In about two years time there could well be two sections of Grade One, making two classrooms necessary for this grade.
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