USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1947-1951 > Part 8
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8
EASTFORD ROAD SCHOOL
Film Strips
44
Slides (Sets)
12
Pictures (Sets)
15
COLE TRADE HIGH SCHOOL
18
Motion Pictures
22
TOTALS:
Motion Pictures
26
Film Strips
321
Metronoscope Rolls
5
Exhibits
22
Slides (Sets)
46
Pictures (Sets)
43
Along with this activity during the school year, Mr. Raoul Lataille, Director of Playgrounds, presented weekly motion picture shows to the children of the town during the summer vacation as part of that activity. The facilities of this department were used to present these shows. Approximately 800 children a week attended these performances.
In closing, I am willing and ready at all times to offer the facilities of this department to all activities of civic importance.
Respectfully submitted
WILLIAM V. DELANEY, Director
REPORT OF CONTINUATION SCHOOL
To the Superintendent of Schools:
For the school year closing June 20, 1947, there was in the Continuation School a total enrollment of thirteen girls whose time in this school varied from three weeks to the full forty weeks. All but three of these girls became sixteen years of age before the re-opening of school in the fall.
Classes met on Wednesdays from one o'clock to five in the afternoon. The first two hours were devoted to academic subjects, and the second two hours were given to Household Arts
Miss Louise Corbin had charge of classes in foods and clothing. Girls were taught simple sewing and the making of plain garments as well as remaking and freshening of worn clothing. In foods classes, they were taught elementary cooking, and the preparation and serving of breakfast and luncheon dishes.
Indeed the Household Arts Courses seem to hold the greatest interest for the girls. They can see the immediate and practical use of work in this field of learning.
The work in academic subjects covers a broad range-from grade six to grade nine-in English, arithmetic, civics or history, and health. In English, our aim has been to help the girl improve in oral and written self-expression in letter writing, while drills and exercises help her to remedy faulty language. The building of a large vocabulary is very important.
Arithmetic is planned for efficiency in simple calculation to meet everyday needs.
Guidance in the selection of magazines and books for leisure reading may
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1
Film Strips
1
3
prove of lasting value for both information and pleasure to be derived. Surely it is an inexpensive and worthwhile pastime.
These girls have so little time in which to gather up the last bits of school- ing to which they will be exposed that we must make our teaching "to the point" and of immediate use to them.
Respectfully submitted LAURA B. DESMARAIS, Director
REPORT OF SUMMER PLAYGROUNDS
To the Superintendent of Schools:
In accordance with your request, the following complete report on the activities of the 1947 summer playgrounds is hereby submitted:
The Southbridge summer playground season opened on July 7 at Charlton Street, Eastford Road, River Street, and West Street schools. The season extended until August 15, a period of six weeks. These four playgrounds were open to all the community children from the parochial schools as well as the public schools. Every day, during that six-week period, from 9 to 11.30 A. M. and from 1 to 3.30 p. m. the playgrounds were in operation. The playground sites were the same as in the past years because of their convenient location, making them easily accessible to all children from all sections of town. PERSONNEL:
General
Director: Raoul O. Lataille
Supervisor, in charge of physical education: Lewis Kyrios
Payroll: Miss Elsie A. Hofstra, Secretary to Superintendent of Schools. Charlton Street Playground
Supervisor: Mrs. Charlotte Henderson
Senior Assistant: Miss Kathleen Frantz
Junior Assistants: Miss Helen Boucher, George Perikli Eastford Road Playground
Supervisor: William Nickerson
Senior Assistant: Mrs. Cathryn Maxwell
Junior Assistants: Miss Beverly Kezar, Miss Nancy Deignan River Street Playground
Supervisor: Mrs. Clara Reed
Senior Assistant: Miss Dorothy Cargill
Junior Assistants: Miss Sophie Thomas. Jean Paul Casaubon West Street Playground Supervisor: Mrs. Celestine Sweet
Junior Assistants: Miss Betty Lou Hart, Miss Claire LaForce,
Philias Caron, Jr.
ENROLLMENT AND ATTENDANCE:
This year's total enrollment of 1399 again surpassed last year's record en- rollment of 1,327 by 72 children. We attribute the increase in enrollment to the fact that we continue to add, each year, some apparatus, equipment, or craft material that is very appealing to the youngsters. The daily attendance did not fluctuate as much as in the past. It remained more constant.
Total playground enrollment 1,399
Average daily attendance 582
Average percentage of attendance 41.6
Largest daily attendance 769
PUBLIC INTEREST:
The parents of our playground children showed an increasing interest over the previous year. Over 200 parents visited the playgrounds on a very suc- cessful Open House Parents' Night. In addition, many parents visited the play- grounds during the regular season.
Crafts on display were examined with keen interest, and many parents
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asked questions, advice, and instructions on some crafts to their liking.
The local and county newspapers contributed immensely to our banner year by featuring articles and by taking pictures of various interesting play- ground scenes. Our local newspaper gave us a column each day "On the Playgrounds" which described all playground events and also gave an account of coming events. The interest in this column reached a new high with the children who always looked forward to seeing their names in the papers and to knowing the important coming events.
MEETINGS:
Every Monday morning at 8 o'clock, the five supervisors met with the director of the playgrounds to discuss problems, to visualize plans for the re- mainder of the season, to outline various contemplated activities, and to secure materials for the proper completion of arts and crafts.
Following this meeting, each supervisor met with his or her staff to relay the important details of the supervisors' meeting and to discuss their own personal problems.
A final annual picnic and staff meeting was held at Howe Pond in Spencer. ACCIDENTS:
I am indeed happy to report again this year the absence of any accident at any one of the four playing areas. The credit for this fine record, considering the large number of children attending the playground, is a tribute to the staff for its incessant efforts in maintaning order and supervision.
DAILY PROGRAM:
Except for the regularly scheduled intra- and inter-playground games, the daily program was always planned according to the group present.
The taking of attendance was always the first step of every morning and afternoon session.
The inspection of apparatus and grounds, the posting and making of ann- ouncements were always done at the beginning of each session.
Various activity games, group games, quite games, story telling and arts crafts formed the largest part of the day's program.
RAINY DAY PROGRAM:
Rain or shine, the playgrounds were always open, two sessions each day, for the five-day period. The gymnasium at each school was available for play on stormy days.
The rainy day programs at each playground were somewhat varied but included the following activities:
Feature movies Quite indoor games
Arts and crafts More active indoor games
Group singing Story telling
Folk dancing Special playground programs
PLAYGROUND ACTIVITIES:
Intra playground sports enjoyed last summer both by boys and girls in- cluded: basketball, touch football, zelball, paddle tennis, handball, table ten- nis, croquet, badminton, horseshoes, and many others.
Inter-playground competition took place in the following sports: Boys: baseball, softball, table tennis, horseshoes, and quoits. GIRLS badmin· ton, croquet, volleyball, and dodge ball.
An addition to our competitive program was a, schedule of inter-play- ground midget boys' contest in softball and also a weekly game with the YM- CA Day Camp team.
Other daily activities consisting of use of apparatus included: baby swings, slides, high swings, jungle gyms, and parallel bars. The high swings purchas- ed two years ago were received and installed at each playground. This addi- tion of apparatus was received with enthusiasm by the children, so much so that these swings were in constant use. New slides at Charlton Street play- grounds were also purchased and were also in constant use. Replacement slide chutes for West Street and Eastford Road playgrounds were still not avai- lable. This project is anticipated for this coming year.
The addition of a new "zelball" game proved to be a heavy favorite with the youngsters who sweated and paddled all day long on the tiny tennis ball.
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All playgrounds had sand-boxes and various crafts for the younger child- ren including block games, jig-saw puzzles, colored crayons with already out- linec pictures to color, Activity groups, dancing and singing games were al- ways very popular with the young ones. PLAYGROUND CHAMPIONS
The Charlton Street boys took the playground championship banner away from the West Street playground but only after a real struggle.
The playground champion was again determined by a point system and the largest number of points garnered by each playground during the season served to decide the winner of the "Southbridge Playground Cham- pions" banner. Points 5-3-1 for first, second, and third places, respectively, for baseball, sofbtall, etc. and each event of the Field Day which took place du- ring the final week of playgrounds added to the points won at the swim- ming meet served to determine the winner of the banner.
The total number of points garnered by each playground during the summer follows: West Street 23 Eastford Road 30
River Street 131 Charlton Street 24
ARTS AND CRAFTS:
The Arts and Crafts program at Summer playgrounds showed better re- sults than ever in the past. A large number of articles and a large number of different articles made by a correspondingly larger number of children were made.
A very extensive craft program including bead, leather and felt craft, sew- ing, embroidery, basketry, crafts with yarn and silk, and numerous other crafts was planned.
All the crafts made at the playgrounds this summer were exhibited Aug- ust 13 and 14 in a downtown store, and were returned to their rightful owners on the last playground day at 9 A. M.
Emphasis is placed on crafts for many reasons: First it teaches child- ren to make things with their own hands; second, it teaches them to make useful things; third, it gives them the assurance that they can do something useful; fourth, it keeps them out of mischief, because they are busy; fifth, it teaches them the proper ways and methods of handwork; sixth, it teaches them proper and adequate hand-control and steadiness.
Craft activities were so planned and craft materials were so elected that each age group from three years of age to seventeen years of age was kept busy with some little article to do.
The following tabulation gives an account of the craftwork done by the playground children this summer: There were 63 different craft projects for a total of 2,109 articles made during the first five weeks of the season compa- red to 38 different craft projects for a total of 1,929 articles made during the same period last year. The articles made were divided in the following way: Pricked sewing cards 698 Pin cushions
Potholders
220 Crocheted hats
7
Colored pictures
219 Leather wallets 7
Wooden bead necklaces
131 Felt girl's belt 7
Leather belts
128 Stuffed animals
7
Large button cards
72 Plastic place mats
6
Waffle mats
62 Stenciled pictures 6
Wooden bead bracelets
56 Leather suspenders 5
5
Felt drawstring pouch bags
33 Yarn pouches
5
Dish towels (embroidered)
33 Plant pot mats
5
Doll hats
31 Crocheted hair bands 4
Baskets
28 Corde hats 3
Indian bead necklaces
27 Leather head bands
3
Stenciled articles
22 Knitted belts
3
Clay models
18 Curtain pulls
2
Coasters
18 Bean bags
Shoe button bead bracelets
17 Felt hair bands
Plastic bracelets
17 Crocheted belts
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7
Shoe button bead necklaces
33 Corde bags
Etched articles
15 Chairback set (embroidered)
2
Dutch felt hats
14 Yarn dolls 2
Painted glasses
14 Leather bracelet
1
Beanie hats
13 Knitted -
Indian bead bracelets
13 Luncheon set (embroidered)
1
Shoe lace cards
11 Knitted mittens
1
Mexican wooden belts
10 Kerchiefs
1
Mackle bags
10 Metal bracelet
1
Scarfs (embroidered)
9 Felt pocketbook
1
Felt baby mittens
8 Tea pot holder
1
Scottie hats
8 Felt needle book
1
Vanity sets (embroidered
11 Felt moccasins Total articles
8 2,10g
WATER DAY:
Over 400 children took part in the fourth annual water day held at the municipal pool on July 29, A large group of children competed in the twenty-three different events listed for the four diffierent age groups for boys and girls. Swimming events started at 10 A. M. and three lifeguards were on duty to insure the safety of the children.
The results of the meet were as follows:
West Street 122 Charlton Street 27
River Street 52 Eastford Road 6
After a picnic, competitive inter-playground games were held for boys and girls in horseshoes, badminton, croquet, volleyball and dodge-ball before the children were allowed to go back to the water.
TRACK MEET:
The playground children enjoyed a beautiful warm day for the fifth an- nual Field Day held at Wellsworth Field on August 12, The track meet start- ed at 9:30 A. M. and ended at 3 P. M. About 400 children took part and vied for honors in the series of forty track events and feature contest listed for boys, and girls.
The director, supervisors, and assistants at the playgrounds acted as judges, measurers, and starters at each event. The blue, red, and yellow rib- bons awarded each year for first, second, and third placers in each event were given to the children the following morning at each playground. The results of the meet were as follows:
Through the graciousness of the Southbridge Rotary Club, a gift of $50 was awarded to the playgrounds for additional prizes. This amount was to be divided equally (12.50) amoung the four different age groups. The awarda were to be given to the three contestants in each group garnering the largest number of points for themselves on the basis of 5-3-1 points for, second; and third places respectively. The winners were not allowed to receive the. cash money but had the privilege of purchasing whatever they wanted at a store of their choice. Foresight on their part prompted them to purchase clothes and school supplies because of the approaching opening of school.
This gift of $50 was given in future anticipation of a Junior Olympica Day planned by the Rotary Club in cooperation with the summer playground program.
Many thanks again to the members of the Rotary Club.
MUSIC PROGRAM:
Instead of a music supervisor traveling from playground to playground, one of the assistants at each playground was in charge of the music program. The older boys and girls were taught old-fashioned country dances and songs to go with dances. All children enjoyed group singing of cowboy songs and other outdoor and patriotic songs.
An Amateur Show, the culminating point of our parents' "Open House" night, was held at each playground. The parents present acted as judges and selected the three best acts. Prizes were awarded these winners. The "Town- wide Amateur Show" comprising the three winners from each playground was held at Eastford Road playground, August 11. at 2 P. M. and the three grand-prize winners were selected and awarded prizes.
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May I personally state my appreciation to everyone who has assisted me directly or indirectly in making the the 1947 playground season a banner season from every angle. In playground work, as well as in any other line, the head person gets all the credit for the work done by the subordinates, I would like to say, before I complete this report, that without the help of the super- visors and assistants at each playground, none of the plans formulated would ever be possible.
Respectfully submitted RAOUL O. LATAILLE, DIRECTOR
REPORT OF ADULT EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools:
This year, the Adult Education Division of the School Department has been able to broaden greatly its scope of activities and courses through and with the cooperation of the Massachusetts Department of Education.
Naturally, a need must be expressed before any course can be organized and interest must also be shown by continued attendance. This, I believe all real needs have been met and satisfied.
To those wishing to continue or perfect themselves in any phase of high school work, courses were offered and, in every instance, local teachers took charge of the group except when more teachers of a subject were needed than were available locally.
It was interesting to note the great interest evinced in the cooking classes by a great number of new brides or about-to-be brides; also in the sewing classes where present day economic conditions brought mothers of several children to school nights to conquer the "High Cost of Living."
A course for veterans only was opened to give a general review of mathe- matics to those wishing to continue or further their college education.
Over at the Trade School where one may improve or develop hand skills or crafts, one found a real workshop. Here, all trades colud be learned or improved by attendance in the Evening School. The teachers were found ade- quate, and local industry cooperated in one instance with a skilled tradesman when the course, not being offered days, had no teacher avaliable. Everything from estimating the cost of a home to building it, and refinishing the furniture was offered. In this way, I believe the Southbridge School Department has carried out the wishes of the State Department of Education in offering courses which answered the needs and interests of the local residents.
One must also remember the community's obligation to all non-citizens. For its own good, the town must help them overcome their language difficulty in as short a time as possible. This helps them become of value to an employer and the sooner this is done, the sooner they become self-supporting and, thereby, become an asset rather than a liability.
At the beginning of this year, classes were held Saturday mornings in the American Optical plant for men who worked nights. Finding the students very eager and anxious to learn at a more rapid rate, late afternoon classes were begun at the High School.
Men and women in attendance at the evening English classes include a great number of Repatriates who are American citizens but who had returned to their parenst' native country at an early age. These people were able to return immediately after the war because of their citizenship by birth, yet knowing nothing of the language. They are very anxious to be American citizens in the full sense of the word.
The class in American Citizenship is attended by those desiring to become citizens because of long residence here, or because they have married local citizns. This class deals mainly with American History and Government.
Still trying to answer community needs, a Civil Service class for men desiring to take the examinations for the local police force was organized, for, with ade- quate preparation, half the battle is won.
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.
We hope and really feel that the interests of Southbridge have been met, and to continue to do so is our honest endeavor .
Respectfully submitted CONSTANCE M. L'ECUYER, Director
REPORT OF UNIVERSITY EXTENSION AND EVENING VOCATIONAL CLASSES - MARRY E. WELLS HIGH SCHOOL
To the Superintendent of Schools:
This school year marked the re-establishment of University Extension and Evening Vocational classes after a lapse of two years. The following classes were started with full enrollments in September:
1. Elementary Typewriting
2. Advanced Typewriting
3. Elementary Stenography
4. Painting and sketching
5. Business English
6. Mathematics-for veterans only
7. Five classes of Sewing and Dressmaking
8. Cooking
These classes were conducted under the supervision of the State Department of Education and were instructed by accredited teachers.
The demand was particularly heavy in dressmaking when five classes were formed necessitating instruction each school night of the week.
Other classes will be started when the demand for them is sufficient to form such classes.
Respectfully submitted JAMES M. ROBERTSON, Principal
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THIRTY-SECOND REPORT
of the
TOWN ACCOUNTANT of the
TOWN OF SOUTHBRIDGE
For the year ending December 31, 1947
RECEIPTS 1947
GENERAL REVENUE
Taxes:
Current Year:
Poll
8,240.00
Personal
121,037.83
Real Estate
594,316.67
Motor Vehicle Excise
29,696.27
Previous Years:
Poll
8.00
Personal
1,239.51
Real Estate
23,463.44
Motor Vehicle Excise Motor Vehicle Excise
853.80
From State:
Income Tax
69,222.92
Business-Corporation Tax
68,533.65
137,756.57
Licenses and Permits:
Licenses:
Liquor
14,219.00
Peddlers, Hawkers and Junk
143.50
Sunday Store
144.00
Common Victualers and Innholders
171.00
Pool, Billiard and Bowling
95.00
Common Victualers and Innholders
171.00
Pasteurizing, Milk and Oleomargarine
136.00
Auto Dealers
60.00
Auctioneers
14.00
Taxis and Drivers
226.00
Firearms
70.50
All Others
129.50
15,408.50
Permits:
Garage
58.00
Gas and Motor Oil
16.50
Kerosene and Fuel Oil
All Others (Circus Permit)
74.50
Fines and Forfeits:
Court Fines
962.00
Grants and Gifts-State
Vocational and American Education and
English Speaking Classes
27,484.32
George Barden School Fund
432.00
George Deen School Fund
399.00
Smith Hughes School Fund
4,843.04
Highway Distribution Fund
13,142.38
Old Age Assistance Meal Tax
3,519.46
State Boxing Commission
90.63
County-Dog Licenses
49,910.83 1,791.23
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753,290.77
855.80
25,564.75
Highway Aid: State and County-Chapter 90: Contract No. 9717-1946
1,798.78
Contract No. 10120-1946 Contract No. 10121-1946
8,295.45
5.337.13
Federal-Grants and Gifts Aid to Dependent Children Old Age Assistance
5,523.85
58,362.38
Federal Housing Projects in lieu of Taxes All Other General Revenue:
Tax Demands
103.95
Redemption of Deed
6.00
Tax Title Redeemed
658.74
Tax Title Sales
10.00
Sale of Lands - Low Value
99.94
878.63
Total General Revenue COMMERCIAL REVENUE
1,075,568.49
Departmental:
General Government:
Selectmen
3.00
Engineer
20.00
Town Hall Rental
1,016.75
1,039.75
Total General Government Protection of Persons and Property
Police:
Station Rental
1,250.00
Sale of Automobile
780.00
Telephone Toll Calls
8.65
Fire:
Sale of Old Materials
132.25
No. 2 Station Hall Rental
60.00
All Others
32.75
225.00
Sealer of Weights & Measures: Sealing Fees of 1946
100.80
Ambulance Fees
1,499.30
Total Protection of Persons and Property 3,863.75
Health & Sanitation:
Contagious Diseases
Tuberculosis All Others
965.72
Sewer Department
Total Health & Sanitation Highways: 965.72
Rental of Equipment
2390.93
Re-surfacing of Streets
143.21
Snow Removal & Driveway Oiling 26.23
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15,431.36
63,886.23 10,613.12
1,039.75
2,038.65
Sale of Materials
96.36
2,656.73
2,656.73
Total Highways Public Welfare & Veterans Benefits: Benefits:
Temporary Aid-Reimbursements:
From Cities and Towns
183.65
From State From Individuals
345.00
Aid to Dependent Children: Reimbursements
From State
6,513.81
Old Age Assistance:
Reimbursements From State
46,028.46
From Cities and Towns
-
Infirmary:
Reimbursements
10.00
Child Welfare Service:
10.00
Reimbursements From State
1,860.00
From Towns
780.00
Veterans Benefits:
State Aid
530.00
Military Aid
495.00
2nd World War Allowance
701.75
1,726.75
Total Public Welfare and Veterans Benefits Schools and Libraries:
64.636.56
Schools:
Tuition-Cole Trade, High, Elementary Schools and Veterans Vocation 22.070.90
Tuition and Transportation of State Wards
1,535.65
Sale of Books and Supplies
362.07
All Other
77.50
Libraries:
Fines and Sales
1,340.94
Total Schools and Libraries Unclassified:
25,387.06
Airport Rental
400.00
Tailings
159.48
Town Hall Windstorm Damage Insurance 1,024.03 Total Unclassified
1,583.51
1,583.51 100,133.08
Total Departmental Revenue SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS
Sewers:
Sewers Added to Taxes
386.58
Unapportioned Sewers
3,762.98
Paid in Advance
4,149.56
RECEIPTS -119-
7,188.89
7,717.54
2,640.00
24,046.12
Sidewalks: Sidewalks added to Taxes Unapportioned Sidewalks Paid in advance
1,121.92
1,121.92
Total Assessments Revenue CEMETERIES
Sale of Lots and Graves
870.00
Graves Opened Foundations Installed
25.75
Total Cemetery Revenue INTEREST
1,442.75
General:
On Deferred Taxes
666.60
Tax Titles Redeemed
41.21
707.81
Special Assessments:
Sidewalks
1.24
Sewers
45.63
46.87
On Motor Vehicle Excise On Trust and Investment Funds: Ella M. Cole (Needy School Children)
57.50
Mary Mynott (Library)
20.00
Cemetery Funds (General Care)
1,791.64
1,869.14
Total Interest Revenue MUNICIPAL INDEBTEDNESS
2,624.58
Temporary Loans: Anticipation of Revenue
300,000.00
General Loans:
Worcester St. Sewer
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