USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Oakham > Town annual reports of the officials of the town of Oakham, Massachusetts 1927 > Part 2
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102 80
Frances Robinson
75 74
Ella J. Olmstead
50 00
Southwest Cemetery
J. H. D. Lovell
169 77
Frank L. Nickerson
117 98
Jennie Trowbridge
50 28
Mary E. Brown
61 39
Ed. P. Maynard
11 34
Green Hollow Cemetery
H. S. Clifford
50 75
H. A. Crawford
139 00
William A. Fobes
131 31
Barr, Moore & Keep
102 96
Received in 1927
Martha Malcolm Heirs, Galen Crawford, Lot 6,
Pine Grove Cemetery $100 00
42
TOWN OF OAKHAM
Francena Spooner, E. C. Spooner, Lot 20, South- west Cemetery 50 00
Edward H. Dwelly, Edward H. Dwelly, Lot 30, Pine Grove Cemetery 100 00
Edward H. Dwelly, William P. and Joseph Dwelly Lot, South Cemetery 100 00
Frank S. Conant Heirs, George Conant, Lot 57,
Pine Grove Cemetery 100 00
Total $450 00 The town owes $15,000 for money borrowed to build Electric Light Line.
Respectfully submitted,
EFFIE T. SWINDELL,
Treasurer.
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
RECEIPTS
Town-Support of Schools $3,500 00
State Return-School Fund
2,780 12
State Return-High School Tuition
1,711 88
State Return-High School Transportation
2,057 60
State Return-School Superintendent
193 33;
State Return-Income Tax for General School Pur- poses 1,040 00}
Tuition of Children
44 29
Tuition of Rutland Children, 1925-1926
108 00
Tuition of Rutland Children, 1926-1927
72 00
$11,507 22
EXPENSES
Paid Rev. Ira E. Pinney, services
$10 00
Paid Earle C. Parker, services
10 00
Paid Minnie M. Day, services
25 00
$45 00
SUPERINTENDENT'S SALARY AND EXPENSE OF OFFICE
Paid James R. Childs, salary $330 00
Paid James R. Childs, travel expenses 49 89
Paid James R. Childs, postage, telephone and express 6 75
Paid James R. Childs, telephone per rate for
1926 3 45
Paid James R. Childs, clerical work 3 46
44
TOWN OF OAKHAM
Paid Marjorie P. Newell, clerical work 27 01
Paid Margaret C. Barr, clerical work 2 08
Paid John P. Day, taking school census 5 00
$427 64
TEACHERS
Paid Miss Florence E. Bothwell
$1,100 16
Paid Miss Ethel M. Braman
1,100 16
Paid Miss Ruth E. Butterfield
1,100 16
Paid Miss Annie P. Stevenson, music su-
pervisor 175 00
Paid Miss Helen E. Mills, drawing supervisor 100 00
Paid Miss Helen E. Mills, drawing supervisor 57 00
$3,632 48
SUPPLIES
Paid Edward E. Babb and Co.
$33 66
Paid Irving White
4 10
Paid J. L. Hammett Co.
19 16
Paid Donald W. Holton
2 00
Paid Ryan and Parker, Inc.
8 38
Paid Geo. S. Butler
3 00
Paid Dowling School Supply
8 50
$78 80
BOOKS
Paid Edward E. Babb and Co.
$16 88
Paid Silver Burdette
4 25
Paid World Book Co.
36 31
Paid Webster Publishing Co.
4 66
Paid J. B. Lippincott
1 14
Paid John C. Winston and Co.
24 10
Paid World Book Co.
11 98
45
ANNUAL REPORT
Paid Longmans, Green and Co. 4 39
$103 71
CARE AND CLEANING
Paid William Nye $234 23
For Coldbrook School
55 00
$289 23
FUEL
Paid Chas. B. Daniels, 6 cds. wood at $11.00 $66 00
Paid Frank Boyd, 7 cds. wood at $8.50 59 50
Paid Henry Butler, 7 cds. wood at $8.50 59 50
Paid John P. Day, sawing wood 12 50
$197 50
REPAIRS
Paid Community Stores Co., paint, oils etc. $85 26
Paid Charles B. Daniels, painting Coldbrook schoolhouse, inside and outside 145 80
Paid Bert Reed, labor 20 63
Paid Earle Parker, repairs on flag pole
3 50
Paid Geo. S. Butler, shingles
7 25
Paid Howard S. Byram, wiring Coldbrook school room 45 00
Paid Edgar Swindell, shingling at Center 5 15
Paid Community Stores, rope for flag pole 78
$313 37
PROMOTION OF HEALTH
Paid Mrs. Naomi Cunningham, school nurse $184 48
GRADE TRANSPORTATION
Paid Fred Parkman $700 00
46
TOWN OF OAKHAM
Paid John O'Donnell
633 00
Paid Robert Dwelly
504 00
Paid David LaBonte
480 00
Paid Mrs. Celia Yablouski
37 00
$2,354 00
HIGH SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION
Paid Frank Lupa
$ 73 20
Paid Robert Dwelly
145 60
Paid Evander Green
76 40
Paid Morton Lincoln
150 40
1
Paid J. C. Rutherford
190 40
Paid Oliver Wilkins
197 20
Paid Bert Reed
76 00
Paid Clifford Knight
70 80
Paid William Parkman
73 60
Paid John Day
147 20
Paid Forest Sanderson
34 00
Paid Edwin Bullard
70 40
Paid Henry Crawford
75 20
Paid Alfred Virr
150 40
Paid Joseph Potter
125 60
Paid Mrs. Katherine Mullen
170 80
Paid Mrs. Nettie Stoner
73 60
Paid Edward Crawford
21 60
Paid Albert Hapgood
74 80
Paid Donald Agar
22 00
Paid Eldridge La Count
43 20
Paid Mrs. Philip Waring
22 00
Paid John Briggs
19 60
$2,104 00
HIGH SCHOOL TUITION
Paid Town of Rutland $232 50
Paid Town of North Brookfield 108 00
47
ANNUAL REPORT
Paid Town of Northbridge
220 00
Paid Town of Warren
100 00
Paid Town of Hardwick
1,360 00
Paid Town of Spencer
90 00
Paid Town of Barre
100 00
Paid Town of North Brookfield, 1927-1928
91 38
Paid Town of Spencer, 1927-1928
36 00
$2,337 88
Total Expenditures $12,168 09
Respectfully submitted,
REV. IRA E. PINNEY, EARLE C. PARKER, MINNIE M. DAY,
School Committee.
REPORT
OF THE
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Holden, Mass., Jan. 1, 1928.
To the School Committee of Oakham:
The tenth report of the present superintendent and the twenty- eighth in the series since the formation of this union, is presented herewith for your consideration. The usual statistics that follow afford a basis for comparison with other years. Our average membership has varied but little during the past ten years, the lowest being seventy-eight in 1923 and the highest eighty-seven in 1924. It is eighty-four this year. The census shows ninety- one children in town in 1923 between the ages of five and sixteen, and 114 in 1927. The per cent of attendance was lowest in 1918 with 87.5 per cent and highest this year with 94.7 per cent. The average was 90.4 per cent. We have a longer school day than most towns in the state. The average is five hours, but we have only thirty-six weeks in the school year compared with thirty- eight in many places. Our teachers' salaries are below the aver- age for the state but we have been most fortunate in keeping teachers who have rendered splendid service and who have always had the best interests of the town and the children at heart.
The subject of school costs is always of interest. A compari- son shows that while the town increased its expenditures from local taxation from $2,080 in 1918 to $3,600 in 1927, we re- ceived from the state and from tuitions about $3,300 in 1918 and about $8,000 in 1927. One chief cause of this increase is due to the larger number of pupils in high school, and the state reim- bursed the town for high school tuition and transportation $1,848 in 1918 and nearly $5,000 in 1926. The cost per pupil in average membership in 1926-1927 for teachers' salaries was $43.47 com-
49
ANNUAL REPORT
pared with a state average of $65.27; for books and supplies it was $1.13 compared with a state average of $4.52. This. average will be higher in the coming year, but we need to increase our appropriation for books in particular.
During the year electric lights have been installed in both school buildings and the Coldbrook building painted inside and out. These have been very much needed improvements and the entire school plant is now in the best condition it has ever been. One side of the roof at Coldbrook will soon need shingling. I hope we may have some playground equipment such as has been mentioned before. It would not cost much to build a few swings and see-saws with perhaps a sand pile and apparatus.
The work in Music and Drawing during the year has been very satisfactory. Miss Annie P. Stevenson has been in charge of the Music and Miss Odessa M. Long was elected to succeed Miss Mills in Drawing. Their reports are worth careful consid- eration. If our boys and girls acquire music and art apprecia- tion they will have gained much that will be a source of enjoy- ment to them all through life, and some may find in one of these cultural possessions an ever broadening field of service.
We are fortunate in having Dr. Kimberly and Mrs. Cunning- ham to carry on the health work. We have been able through the generosity and co-operation of parents and friends to set up a dental clinic and have the children's teeth examined and treated. A more detailed report on this work will be given by the School Nurse. In connection with the "Ten Year Program" of Dr. Chadwick of Westfield, we also had the Clinic for detection of Hilum tuberculosis to examine the children and talk with parents. It is believed that this examination for the early detection of tuberculosis will greatly reduce the number who later develop this dread disease if prompt action is taken in all cases are even suspected.
A Teachers' Institute was held in Barre in September and our teachers attended. These Institutes are held by the Department of Education and are very helpful to us. Through the University Extension the teacher is also given an opportunity for study and
50
TOWN OF OAKHAM
professional growth as well as for broadening of interests. Won- derful advances have been made in the whole science of teach- ing and only by reading and study may we hope to keep pace with our rapidly changing conceptions of education. Respect for au- thority, obedience to law and the significance of citizenship should be taught in the light of the present day need.
I want to thank all those who have helped in the health work with our boys and girls and express my appreciation of the loyalty and support that have been given to the teachers and myself.
Respectfully submitted, JAMES R. CHILDS, Superintendent of Schools.
REPORT OF THE MUSIC SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I respectfully submit my second report as Supervisor of Music in the town of Oakham.
The program of The Progressive Music Series has been fol- lowed as closely as possible, using the outline for graded schools. This has been made possible by having two or three divisions in one room, depending on the number and ability of the pupils. Grades III and IV need Book II for additional work necessary to their growth and mastery of musical problems.
Under the present arrangement of classes the children in Grades V and VI are deprived of the beautiful song material and techni- cal work of Book II, when made a part of the upper division using Book III. Two and three part music is here presented and additional material is needed to supplement the work of that book.
At Coldbrook it seemed best to arrange for two classes only, the first three grades in one group and the other grades in another. Here, too, new song material is very much needed, for children
51
ANNUAL REPORT
in the rural schools who have been hearing the same songs for several years need new ones for interest, enjoyment and study.
Christmas Carols and Patriotic songs have been learned in all grades and the victrola used for lessons in appreciation, following the Revised Lesson Outlines.
· All the children have shown marked enthusiasm for their work and the year has been a very interesting one. The teachers have been loyal and faithful and I thank all for their fine co-operation.
ANNIE P. STEVENSON, Supervisor of Music.
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING
To the Superintendent of Schools:
The following is my first report of the work in Drawing which is being conducted in the schools of Oakham.
During the fall our study has been on the principles under- lying good design, leading to a better appreciation of fine art. Practice in the choice of color harmonies, paper work and simple construction, lettering and poster work have also been studied.
Beginning with the winter term we plan to develop the language of drawing. The desire to represent objects, animals and people in order to tell a story well furnish the motive for learning to draw them well. Picture study lessons will be introduced with the idea of correlating art appreciation of English composition.
I wish to express my appreciation of the interest shown in the work and of the splendid co-operation and enthusiasm of the teachers.
ODESSA LONG, Supervisor of Drawing.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent of Schools:
This report covers the period from Jan. 1927, to Jan., 1928.
52
TOWN OF OAKHAM
Medical Inspection : The yeardly medical examination required by law was conducted by Dr. Kimberly in the autumn. Due to his reports sent home the previous year, many defects were found to have been remedied.
Weighing and Measuring: The children were weighed and measured three times this year. A steady gain in weight is'a good indication that a child is growing normally, but when a child loses or does not gain at all during a six or eight month period he should be examined to see what is hindering growth.
Clinics : On October 14 a free examination was held by the Clinic set up by the State department of Public Health under the direction of Dr. Chadwick. This included a general health examination and special attention to any possible cases of Hilum tuberculosis in connection with the state "Ten Year Program." A report of the examination follows :
Number of children examined 51
Number given the Tuberculin Test
51
Number who reacted to the Test
6
Percentage of reactors
12%
Number of children X-Rayed
7
Cases of Hilum Tuberculosis
1
Cases classified as Suspects
2
Cases classified as Negative
4
Cases of enlarged or diseased tonsils
12
Children in need of dentistry
33
Cases with indication of heart disease
1
Cases of malnutrition
11
In November a Dental Clinic was carried on at the Center and at Coldbrook. We are deeply indebted to all those who helped in the conduct of this Clinic, both by assisting the Dentist and by financial support. Through the Worcester County Extension Service we were able to secure Dr. E. J. Moulin and his equip- ment for this most valuable service to our boys and girls.
Center School 56
Number of children to receive service
53
ANNUAL REPORT
Cleanings
46
Fillings
133
Extractions
105
Coldbrook School
Number of children to receive service
11
Cleanings 8
Fillings 28
Extractions
29
I wish to thank the parents the teachers and the pupils for the splendid co-operation I have received in my work.
NAOMI A. CUNNINGHAM, R. N.,
School Nurse.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I submit the following report. We were very fortunate early in the season to have the "State Clinic" with us in this district. Over fifty per cent of our children responded to the opportunity of examination by this group. What is this clinic? From the medical standpoint it is a highly specialized diagnostic group or- ganized particularly to discover child tuberculosis at its earliest stage. It also operates to discover outstanding physical defects and offers treatment only to the extent of advice as to nutrition, as to need of removing diseased teeth, tonsils and adenoids and gives general directions as to the care of these early tubercular chest conditions. A detailed summary of the work of this clinic is found under Mrs. Cunningham's report.
Following the clinic the usual yearly examination of the re- mainder of the children was carried out. I thought that this year it might be worth while to review some facts concerning the medi- cal supervision of school children. Each season we find a larger and larger percentage of parents responding to our notices of diseased teeth, tonsils and adenoids. As a result of eradication
54
TOWN OF OAKHAM
of these infected tissues we sense our children as being on a little higher plane physically. Intangible conclusions truly but because they are intangible none the less real. One very definite result is the lowered absenteeism among the children, a matter very im- portant indeed in school management. Another result of the. health work among the children is the consciousness that improved health conditions in our children can be definitely sought for and obtained. As time goes on I am convinced our parents are be- coming less and less tolerant of repeated infections and more and more insistent on a higher grade of health in their children.
The activities of the various sections of this district in obtain- ing a dental clinic are heartily commended.
The hygienic conditions of some of our buildings, toilet facili- ties etc., are subject to the necessary limitations of rural schools. Entirely satisfactory conditions, however, are obtainable by the use of a scrubbing brush, soap, hot water and chlorate of lime. Unsatisfactory conditions have been reported by: Mrs. Cunning- ham in one or two schools and should be corrected.
With but very few exceptions our children are all vaccinated against smallpox. By the end of the year, every child in the dis- trict will have had an opportunity to receive the three innocula- tions that give permanent immunity to diphtheria. We are in hopes of being able to wipe out the occurrence of diphtheria in school children entirely. Through the descriptive literature sent from school we hope to induce many parents to have their pre- school children immunized by their family physicians against diphtheria.
Milk meeting recognized standards (tuberculin tested always and produced to meet at least "Grade A" requirements or pas- teurized) should be available in every school room, particularly in the lower grades.
ARTHUR M. KIMBERLY, M. D.,
School Physician.
55
ANNUAL REPORT
ENROLLMENT FALL TERM 1927
Grade
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
Total
Boys
5
6
6
9
7
5
5
1
44
Girls
7
7
8
9
3
4
8
5
51
Totals
12
13
14
18
10
9
13
6
95
PROMOTION BY GRADES, JUNE, 1927
Grade
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
Total
Full promotion
9
12
13
9
6
10
4
8
71
On trial
1
2
1
2
2
8
Repeat
1
1
2
Special
2
1
1
1
5
Totals
11
14
15
10
9
14
5
8
86
REGISTRATION OF MINORS October 1, 1927
Children in Oakham
Boys
Girls
Total
Between
5 and 7 years of age
8
9
17
Between 7 and 14 years of age
39
38
77
Between 14 and 16 years of age
7
13
20
-
Totals
54
60
114
AGE AND GRADING CHART
October 1, 1927
Age
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15 Total
Grade
I
3
7
1
11
II
3
7
3
13
III
2
9
3
1
15
IV
1
6
2
1
10
V
5
4
1
10
VI
1
6
4
1
12
VII
2
1
1
1
1
6
VIII
2
3
3
8
Totals
3
10
10
13
9
8
12
9
5
5
1
85
-
--
56
SCHOOL ORGANIZATION-1026-1927 STATISTICS FOR 1926-1927
School
Teacher
Training
Began Total here
Mem.
Ave. Mem.
Ave. Att.
% of Att.
Center Grammar +
Florence E. Bothwell No. Brookfield H. S.
1897
31
27
26
94
Center Primary
Ethel M. Braman
Northfield
1907
37
31
28
91
Coldbrook
Ruth E. Butterfield
Worcester N. S.
1904
26
26
25
99
Music
Annie P. Stevenson
Am. Inst. Nor. Meth.
1926
Drawing
-
Helen E. Mills
Mass. Sch. Art
1925
Totals
94
84
79
94.7
TOWN OF OAKHAM
57
ANNUAL REPORT
HONOR ROLL
Perfect Attendance for FOUR YEARS Vincent Mullen Perfect Attendance for THREE YEARS Marion Wilkins
Perfect Attendance for TWO YEARS
Rose Bruno (1T)
Louis Kitchen (1T)
Frank Potter (1/2) Madeline Wilkins
Perfect Attendance for ONE YEAR
Emma Bruno
Helvie Maki
Charles Dean (1)
Charles Potter
Lillian Hall (1)
Marion Potter
SCHOOL CALENDAR
Fall Term-Sept. 6, 1927, to Dec. 23 1927. 16 weeks
Winter Term-Jan. 9, 1928, to Mar. 16, 1928 10 weeks
Spring Term-Apr. 2, 1928, to June 8, 1928. 10 weeks
Fall Term-Sept. 4, 1928, to Dec. 21, 1928 16 weeks
Winter Term-Jan. 7, 1929, to Mar. 15, 1929 10 weeks
Spring Term-Apr. 1, 1929, to June 7, 1929. 10 weeks
HOLIDAYS
January 1, February 22, April 19, May 30, Labor Day, October 12, Thanksgiving Day and the day following.
1
REPORT
OF THE
FIRE WARDEN
During 1927 we have been fortunate in not having any very serious fires in town, the three most severe ones being the forest fire at Martin Winsky's, the poles of the Municipal Electric Light Department, and the Boston and Maine R. R. fires.
Have answered numerous calls for chimney and brush fires, but they were extinguished before any serious damage was done.
CHARLES H. TROWBRIDGE.
Fire Warden.
REPORT
OF THE TOWN AUDITOR
This is to certify that I have examined and approved all bills of the Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor, School Committee, Fire Warden, Library Trustees and accounts of Moth Superintendent and Light Superintendent and found them to be correct. I have also examined the accounts of the Treasurer and Tax Collector and found them to be correct.
ORTON O. BUTLER, Auditor.
TOWN WARRANT
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
WORCESTER, SS.
To either of the constables of the town of Oakham, in the county of Worcester.
GREETINGS :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are required to notify and warn the inhabitants of the town of Oak- ham qualified to vote in elections and in town affairs, to meet at the Town Hall, known as "Memorial Hall," on Monday, the sixth day of February next, at nine o'clock in the forenoon, then and there to act on the following articles :
Art. 1. To choose a Moderator to preside at all town meet- ings except for the election of State Officers, during the coming year.
Art. 2. To hear the annual report of the several town officers, and act thereon.
Art. 3. To choose one Selectman, one Assessor, one Overseer of Poor, one School Committee, one Library Trustee, one Ceme- tery Committee for three years, one Selectman for two years, one Assessor for one year, one Cemetery Committee for one year, one School Committee for one year, Collector of Taxes, Treasurer, Auditor, Tree Warden, six Constables; shall licenses be granted for the sale of non-intoxicating beverages in this town, all on one ballot. The polls will be opened at ten o'clock in the forenoon. and may be closed at two o'clock in the afternoon.
Art. 4. To choose all necessary town officers and committees for the ensuing year, not required to be elected by ballot.
61
ANNUAL REPORT
Art. 5. To see what compensation the town will allow the Selectmen, Treasurer, Collector, Auditor and Constables for the ensuing year.
Art. 6. To see what compensation the town will allow for men and teams in repairing highways and opening roads for the ensuing year.
Art. 7. To see if the town will raise and appropriate a sum of money to bond their Treasurer and Collector and Town Clerk.
Art. 8. To raise such sums of money as may be necessary to defray town charges for the ensuing year, and make appropria- tions for the same.
Art. 9. To see what sum of money the town will raise and appropriate for the relief of poor and needy soldiers, as required under Chapter 79, Section 18, of the Revised Laws.
Art. 10. To see if the town will authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow during the current finan- cial year, in anticipation of the revenue of said year, such sums of money as may be necessary for the current expenses of the town, giving the note or notes of the town therefor, these notes to be paid from the revenue of said financial year.
Art. 11. To see if the town will appoint some person as agent, to prosecute and defend all suits that may be brought for or against the town in the ensuing year.
Art. 12. To see if the town will employ some person or per- sons to care for the Town Hall, Town Clock, and Library Build- ing for the ensuing year.
Art. 13. To see what sum the town will raise and appropriate for the suppression of the browntail moth.
Art. 14. To see if the town will vote to insure its employees and make an appropriation for the same, or pass any vote rela- tive thereto.
62
TOWN OF OAKHAM
Art. 15. To see if the town will raise and appropriate a cer- tain sum of money as a reserve fund, to be used as an emergency or overdraft.
Art. 16. To see if the town will raise and appropriate a cer- tain sum of money to have its valuation and taxes printed.
Art. 17. To see if the town will raise a certain sum of money under Chapter 90 to finish the Rutland Road and appropriate the balance to the North Brookfield Road, providing the State and County appropriate a like sum.
Art. 18. To see if the town will raise and appropriate a certain sum of money for new bridges or pass any vote relative thereto.
Art. 19. To see if the town will vote to accept a deed of the Henry Wright Memorial Park or pass any vote relative thereto.
Art. 20. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate $952.23 to pay the George H. Wahn Co. for electric line supplies.
Art. 21. To see if the town will raise and apropriate a certain sum of money to extend its electric light lines, or pass ány vote relative thereto.
Art. 22. To see if the town will raise and appropriate $100.00 for snow fences.
Art. 23. To see if the town will raise and appropriate a certain sum of money to buy material and lay a new floor in Memorial Hall or pass any vote relative thereto.
Art. 24. To see if the town will raise and appropriate a certain sum of money toward a dental clinic or pass any vote relative thereto.
Art. 25. To see if the town will vote to buy an adding ma- chine and make appropriation for same.
And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting up three attested copies in public places in said town seven days at least before time of holding said meeting.
63
ANNUAL REPORT
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this warrant, with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk, at the time and place of meeting as aforesaid.
Given under our hand this seventeenth day of January, in the year one thousand nine hundred and twenty-eight.
JOHN P. DAY, EARL C. PARKER, C. B. DANIELS,
Selectmen of Oakham.
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