USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Harwich > Town annual reports of the selectmen and overseers of the poor of the town of Harwich 1906 > Part 4
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Assuming that the number of school years below the high school is eight, the average pupil in Massachusetts gets thirty-two weeks more schooling than the Harwich pupils before they reach the high school. .... equivalent to about one of our school years. As a matter of fact many systems have nine years in their com- mon school courses, and consequently their pupils get more than two years more schooling below the high than our pupils.
Thoughtful people can easily estimate the probable results.
. THE SCHOOLS IN GENERAL.
The quantity of the work done will remain practically the same from year to year, varying only according to the respective ability of different classes, until through further consolidation there shall be fewer grades per teacher. Other things being equal, the difference between a room of two grades and one of four, measures correctly the difference in the amount of work that can be accomplished in the two rooms. If consolidation should cost 25 per cent more than the present arrangement it would only mean paying for 25 per cent more work that would be done under consolidation. And in the quality of the work the difference would be infinitely greater.
PARENTS SHOULD VISIT THE SCHOOLS.
Every parent ought to look in upon his child's school life at least twice each year-near the beginning and near the close.
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The teacher cannot well go to the home of each parent, and it is in the school room that they should meet, the parents of the child and its teacher, the influences at work in the home and the in- fluence at work in the school, for a helpful talk and to lay the foundation of future helpful and systematic co-operation in a plan for the child's welfare. Especially should this be done when the parent observes, from the monthly report, that the child is not keeping up to his standard.
CONCLUSION.
We have an exceptionally good corps of teachers this year and they are working earnestly and successfully in their several schools. I take this opportunity to express my appreciation of their work. And in conclusion I wish to acknowledge my obliga- tions to the members of the committee for the encouragement they have given and the assistance they have rendered on many occasions during the year.
Respectfully submitted, FRANK H. HILL, Superintendent of Schools.
Harwich, January 19, 1907.
93
HIGH SCHOOL REPORT.
Harwich, Mass., January 10, 1907.
SUPT. F. H. HILL.
MY DEAR SIR :- It is my opinion that business methods should be employed in the conduct of school affairs as well as elsewhere. To that end we are endeavoring to impress upon the pupils that punctuality is the A. B. C. of all business. If they can be made to learn that, more good will result to them than from all their lessons in Latin and Algebra. It is a difficult proposition, though, when parents will allow their strong, healthy children to sleep in the morning until nine o'clock and after, and then sign their excuses for absence, "didn't get up in time."
To correct a false impression given to parents by those pupils who have not yet learned the rudiments of school dis- cipline, I will say, no pupil is turned away from school to the street if he fails to arrive in time ; on the contrary, he is requested to enter the ante-room and prepare his lessons for the coming session. Anything for an excuse to get a half holiday or to pass a few hours in a neighboring barber shop or pool room.
Another question that comes to us teachers is, does it pay to keep pupils after school? We know that parents wish their children at home as soon as possible after school hours, that pupils are anxious to go at the close of school, and that the teachers need the rest or time for other purposes.
Under pleasant conditions, each teacher has nine or ten studies with eight periods, being obliged to combine some classes and alternate others, thus leaving absolutely no time to help those who have failed from any cause to keep up with the class as a whole. We are extremely anxious that all shall do well and be promoted at the end of the year, so there seems to be but one of two things to do, keep them for individual work after school, or let them go and risk their chances of promotion. I think the greatest good to the greatest number would result from reducing the number of studies per pupil from four to three, which is all
94
that pupils of the age of those at present in our high school can possibly take and do good work. Then, too, a little time might be secured within school hours to help on those who most need individual attention.
I take it that I am asked for a report upon conditions as I find them, and not for a smooth-sounding, flattering piece of non- sense, covering up or omitting those things I consider positively injurious to the welfare of the school. I do not wish to find fault with everything, neither can I pass over without a vigorous protest, the crowding of nineteen pupils into a room whose dimensions are but eleven by ten feet, compelling them to re-breathe the foul and poisonous air, always present in poorly ventilated school rooms. I invite parents and friends to visit us and see for themselves, and then consider if something cannot be done to give us better accommodations.
- I am heartily in favor of some radical changes in the program for graduations, to make them more in keeping with the character of the school. I would advocate that the expenses of graduation be reduced to the minimum ; that the so-called "Re- ception of the Alumni to the Graduating Class" be either abolished or gotten up and paid for by the Alumni instead of by the Class. A brief statement of last year's expenses for a class of two may be interesting in this connection.
To amount on hand
By am't paid orchestra, $66.00
from 1905,
$20.00
Ice Cream and
received from sale of tickets, 42.00
Dishes, 21.50
Janitor, 5.00
received from earn-
Printing, 28.60
ings and private means,
61.85
Incidentals,
2.75
$123.85
$123.85
It does not seem right to force classes in school to spend the time from their studies necessary to earn the money to pay for
-
95
this. I ask the co-operation of all interested, in our endeavor to elevate the tone and at the same time bring the graduation ex- penses to such a point that no one, however poor, may be deterred from completing the high school course for fear of not being able to pay his or her share of the bills.
One hundred and twenty-four dollars applies yearly towards permanent improvements on our school building, it seems to me, would be more to the point.
Now, Mr. Superintendent, please accept my appreciation of your support and words of encouragement during the past year. With those pupils who are thoughtful and earnest, whose sentiment is in favor of law and order, it is possible to do good work ; we hope that the number will grow until the time will come when we can do away with "Policeman duty" as a part of our work, and make our school as it should be, a high school in reality as well as in name.
Very respectfully submitted, CHAS. A. GUILD, Principal.
DEPARTMENT OF DRAWING.
TO THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS,
MR. F. H. HILL.
In making this my first report, I find it would be somewhat difficult, without making it a lengthy one, to consider the present status of this subject as found in the different towns (separately) therefore, I will cover them under the head of my district.
The teaching of drawing being a part of my chosen life work, should be to all a sufficient proof, that I am deeply interested in the art, and consider it a most important adjunct of the Public School.
Ist. The value of drawing taught in Public Schools, should develop the ability to serve and ability to express.
96
2nd. Teach what is necessary, what is true, what is useful, what is right, what is beautiful.
3rd. To give our pupils the highest possible ideas, but with the impulses the ability to follow them, and with the ideas the power to realize them.
4th. In art teaching with elementary pupils, it is my aim to arouse in the pupils an enthusiasm born of love, for all that is good, beautiful, and refined in nature.
The child should be trained to see-first of all, develop and direct by example, and precept is power.
5th. Power to create and execute the beautiful, encourage, the most intimate acquaintance, with, and inspire him to create it mentally, allowing him as far as he is able to give expression to the grace, or beauty he has in thought created.
DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC.
The teaching of music in the Public Schools, has to-day become so universal, that its continuance would seem to be of no future doubt.
Without this training in the schools, doubtless many would be deprived of any musical instruction ; while we aim to give the fundamental principles of music, we aim to have the lesson a period of enjoyment as well.
In both drawing and music, during my service here,-I have found to my satisfaction, and pleasure, that the teachers have worked in harmony with me, and given every assistance possible for which I am deeply grateful, and which I trust, I may continue to receive.
Respectfully submitted,
FLORA BELLE MORAN.
97
ROLL OF HONOR.
THREE TERMS.
East Primary-Muriel Eldredge.
Port Primary-Clarkson P. Bearse, Jr., Albert N. Walker, Mi- rella R. Walker.
Port Grammar-Annie Baker, Teddy Kelley, Walter Loveland, Emma Nickerson, Alfred Skinner, Henry Walker.
West Primary-Josephine F. Ashley, Stephen A. Andward, Mal- colm Howland, Joseph S. Berry.
West Grammar-Ernest Andward, Lulie Ashley, Ada Berry.
Center Intermediate-Ruth C. Ellis, Homer G. Robbins.
High School-Russell E. Skinner, Valmer H. Bassett, Robert H. Cahoon, Wilbur H. Crowell.
TWO TERMS.
North Mixed-Joseph Barstow, Ray Chase, Roy Chase. Pleasant Lake-James Bento, Toni Bento.
Port Primary-Barnabas L. Taylor, Joshua E. Buck. Port Grammar-Rachel Phillips, Ida Taylor. West Primary-Victor R. Peterson Irving H. Berry.
West Grammar-William Andward, Harold Nickerson, Theron Nickerson, William Kelley.
Center Primary-Eugene Eldredge, Norwell Phillips.
Center Grammar-Harold Robbins.
High School-Beula L. Mecarta, Edith W. Baker, Allan Cahoon, Maurice Chase, Flossie C. Hulse, Gordon Bassett.
ONE TERM.
Pleasant Lake-Fred Ellis, Roy Ellis, Laura Saunders, John Sparrow, Celestine Sparrow, Horace Atkins, Charles Lopes, Louise Walker, Alice Walker.
East Primary-Beatrice Eldredge, Kenneth Eldredge, Theodore Nickerson.
98
East Grammar-Olivia Jerauld, May Moore, Willmot Kenney.
Port Primary-Harriett D. Dunning, C. Francis Nickerson, Christine Nickerson, Norman A. Sisson, Gladys M. Taylor, Lawrence S. Buck.
Port Grammar-Avis Allen, Lydia Bassett, Avery Small, Wil- liam Skinner, Annie Nickerson, Willis Newcomb, Sadie Newcomb.
West Primary-Alonzo Smith, Leon Smith, Charlotte Chase, Catherine Kelley, Abbie C. Nickerson.
West Grammar-Gladys Chase, Hazel Berry, Wilfred Ellis, Cora Hall, Adeline Parmenter, Amos Wixon.
Center Primary-Marion Hall, Evelyn Nickerson, Frances Rogers, Linwood Small.
Center Intermediate-Irene C. Baker, Antoinette Lopes, Lillian - M. Long, Charlie C. Smith, Lena Sparrow, Leon F. Taylor. Eleanor Underwood.
Center Grammar-Elmer Bassett, Parker Cahoon, Gershom Hall, Lida Long, Abbie Ryder, Amasa Rogers, Mattie Baker, Ashwood Ryder, Laura Cahoon.
High School-Maude F. Baker, Ray K. Bassett, Eleanor Hill, Louise Walker, Clyde Chase.
BROOKS MEDAL.
EXTRACT FROM WILL OF HENRY C. BROOKS.
"One thousand dollars to be placed at interest under the di- rection of the Selecmen of the Town of Harwich, Mass., the income of which to be annually expended for a suitable medal for every school in town, to be donated once each year to the pupil in each school who is most proficient in composition and letter writing, and most excellent of behavior, to be determined by the teacher or teachers of each school."
99
BROOKS MEDAL WINNERS, 1905-1906.
Leon S. Kelley, High School, 4th Year Class. Mattie A. Baker, Center Grammar, Grade Eight. Ruth C. Ellis, Center Intermediate, Grade Five. Ruth L. Mecarta, Center Primary, Grade Three. William Andward, West Grammar, Grade Eight. Josephine F. Ashley, West Primary, Grade Four. Annie E. Baker. Port Grammar, Grade Eight. Max R. Jenkins, Port Primary, Grade Four. Olivia Jerauld, East Grammar, Grade Six. Antoinette Nunes, East Primary, Grade Four. Ray H. Chase, North Mixed, Grade Seven. Gladys C. M. Clark, Pleasant Lake, Grade Four.
7
STATISTICS-SCHOOL YEAR, 1905-06.
TEACHER
WHERE EDUCATED
NAME OF SCHOOL
Enrollment
Average
Membership
Average Attendance
Percentage of
Attendance
Half-Day
Absences
Tardy Marks
Dismissals
Visits by
Visits by
Others
Mary A. Bassett
Harwich High
North Mixed
42
33.76
28 06
83.20 89.10
2151
123
9
33
57
Sara J. Collagan
Quincy High
( Pleasant Lake { Primary
33
26 30
23.40
989
22
43
27
II7
Mary C. Thompson
Gorham, Me., Normal
East Primary
35
27.00
21.90
87.00
1024
396
37
29
39
Sarah L. Doane
Harwich High
Ella W. Page
Castine, Me., Normal East Grammar Smith College
16
15.30
13.56
89.60
512
82
33
35
39
Gertrude Marsan
Harwich High and
Port Primary
26
22.99
21.51
94.08
509
20
16
3I
88
Mabel J. Hunter
Johnson Normal
Port Grammar
23
21.09
20.31
96.58
234
60
31
28
90
Helen R. Ellis
Harwich Schools
West Primary
36
29.33
27.60
93.60
I574
142
6
29
96
Louise Hopkins
( Ann Arbor Coll. and
West Grammar
28
24.50
23.50
95.60
397
80
80
29
90
Laura B. Rand
Edna L. Taylor
and Hyannis Normal Centre Primary Hyannis Normal
35
23.77
21.58
87.58
1066
II5
I
16
44
Mary L. Morrison
Jasper Normal
Intermediate
41
37.78
33.70
86.10
I295
16
72
21
36
Etta B. Cameron
-
Everett High
Centre |
42
38.94
35.63
90.38
I199
268
I55
48
47
C. A. Guild, Prin.
Amherst College
J. L. Long, Ass't
Mass. Normal Art.
60
53.98
49.II
91.01
2107
249
40
53
G. Butterworth
Boston University
Totals
*417 354.74 319.86
90.32
13057 1721|
594
366 -
796
.
Sarah L. Doane
Harwich High
Abbie S. Baker
2 Quincy Training
{ Hyannis Normal Columbia College
§ Centre
Ella W. Page
Castine, Me., Normal
Grammar
High
School Officials
*Less II, enrolled in two schools during the year, making 406 different pupils enrolled.
4
SCHOOL CALENDAR, 1906-07.
Term
High School
.No. Weeks
Centre Primary 66 Port West East
No. Weeks
All Others
No. Weeks
Fall, 1906
Sept. 17-Dec. 2 1
14
Sept. 17-Dec. 21
I4
Oct. I-Dec. 21
I3
IOI
Winter, 1906-7
Dec. 31-Mar. 29
I3
Jan. 2 1-Mar. 29
IO
Jan. 7-Mar. 29
I 2
Spring, 1907
Apr. 8-July 5
I3
Apr. 8-June 14
IO
April 8-June 14
IO
Total
40
34
34
Town Meeting Warrant, 1906.
BARNSTABLE, SS.
To either of the Constables of the Town of Harwich, in said County,
GREETING.
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are hereby directed to notify the inhabitants of the Town of Harwich, qualified to vote in elections and town affairs, to meet at Exchange Hall, Harwich, in said Town, on Monday, February 4, 1907, at nine o'clock in the forenoon, then and there to act on the follow- ing articles :
Article I. To choose a Moderator.
Art. 2. To determine the rate per cent. to be paid the tax collectors for the ensuing year, and act fully thereon.
Article 3. To choose on one ballot the following Town Of- ficers and Committees for the term of one year : Town Clerk and Treasurer, three Selectmen, Assessors, Overseers of the Poor and Board of Health, three Herring Committee, two Auditors, three Constables, two Tax Collectors ; also two School Committee-one for the term of two years, one for the term of three years-and one Road Commissioner for the term of three years. Shall Licenses be granted for the sale of Intoxicating Liquors? Vote Yes or No.
Article 4. To see if the Town will vote to appoint the Town Treasurer Collector of Taxes, and act fully thereon.
Article 5. To choose all other necessary Town Officers, and act fully thereon.
Article 6. To hear the report of all Town Officers and Com- mittees for the year 1906, and act fully thereon.
Article 7. To see if the Town will accept the list of Jurors as prepared by the Selectmen.
104
Artiele 8. To see if the Town will vote the sum of Fifty Dollars for the suppression of crime, and act fully thereon.
Article 9. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate such sums of money as may be necessary to defray Town expenses for the ensuing year.
Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money in anticipation of taxes for the ensuing year, and act fully thereon ..
Article II. To see what action the Town will take in rela- tion to insuring the Exchange Building for the ensuing year.
Article 12. To see what action the Town will take in rela- tion to repairing or purchasing a new boiler for heating the Ex- change Building, and appropriate a sum of money for the same.
Article 13. To see what action the Town will take in relation to the gift by Charles M. Robbins, of Attleboro, of a Stone Tablet taken from the Town of Harwich, England, and presented to the Town of Harwich by said Robbins.
Article 14. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of One Hundred and Fifty Dollars for the benefit of the Broadbrooks Free Library, and act fully thereon.
Article 15. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- · propriate the sum of One Hundred Dollars and donate the same to the Cape Cod Pilgrim Memorial Association of Provincetown, Mass., to aid in erecting on High Hill, in said Town, a Monu- ment to commemorate the first landing place of the Pilgrims in . 1620. (By request).
Article 16. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sumn of Fifty Dollars for the observance of Memorial Day, under the direction of Frank D. Hammond Post, No. 141, G. A. R.
Article 17. To see if the Town will vote to charge six per cent. interest on all taxes due after January Ist of each year.
Article 18. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of One Thousand Dollars for repairs on High School Build- ing, and act fully thereon.
Article 19. To see if the Town will vote to macadamize one
IO5
mile of the road commencing at the Exchange Building and ex- tending North on the Harwich and Brewster Road, and make an appropriation for the same, and determine in what manner the money shall be raised and the payment shall be met.
Article 20. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of One Hundred Dollars for the purpose of widening, straightening and hardening the Town Road leading from the County Road near the store of S. J. Miles', Harwich Port, westerly to the resi- dence of the late Josiah Newcomb. The working of said road to be sold at auction to the lowest bidder.
Article 21. To see if the Town will vote to turnpike and harden the road leading from the Macadam Road near the resi- dence of the late Erastus Chase to the Hotel Belmont, and ap- propriate a sum of money sufficiant for that purpose.
Article 22. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of Thirty-five Dollars for the purpose of hardening with clay the two Hills, one on each side of the Lower Bridge at Herring River.
Article 23. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate a sufficient sum of money to macadamize that portion of Depot Road leading from the Baptist Church, West Harwich, to the Dennis line, and determine in what manner the money needed for such repairs shall be raised, and the payment thereof shall be made.
Article 24. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate a sufficient sum of money to macadamize the Road starting at Sisson's and leading up to the Centre Road opposite the Chapel, and determine in what manner the money needed for such repairs shall be raised, and the payment thereof shall be made.
Article 25. To see if the Town will vote to accept and al- low a certain Town way as laid out by the Selectmen and Road Commissioners, beginning at a point between Hotel Belmont and the State Macadam Road in West Harwich and leading to Herring River, and make an appropriation therefor.
Article 26. To see if the Town will vote to rescind the vote
106
passed at the annual Town Meeting held on February 6th and 7th,. 1899, whereby it voted to elect Road Commissioners, and thus. abolish the same.
Article 27. To see if the Town will vote to appoint seven Road Suveyors.
Article 28. To see if the Town will vote to discontinue the transportation of pupils from Pleasant Lake to Harwich Centre .. (By request).
Article 29. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the. sum of Five Hundred Dollars to be used in connection with a sum of probably like amount from individual subscriptions for the purpose of establishing a permanent stone abutment at mouth of Allen's Harbor, so-called, in Harwich Port, in the interest of the public health.
Article 30. To see what action the Town will take in rela- tion to the lawsuit brought against the said Town by Augustus Walker, minor, plaintiff, by Nathan B. Walker, his next friend.
Article 31. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate the sum of Forty Dollars for the purpose of taking care of the Town Clock at West Harwich and Harwich Port, said sum to be equally divided between them or between the two men whom the Trustees of the respective churches shall select.
Article 32. To see if the Town will vote to appoint a Janitor for Exchange Building.
Article 33. To see if the Town will vote to repair or rebuild the Allen's Bridge, so-called, in Harwich Port, and make appro- priations for same.
Article 34. To see what action the Town will take in rela- tion to the care and support of its poor now boarding with Albert Hall at Almshouse, and act fully thereon.
And you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting up at- tested copies thereof, one at each Post Office in said Town, seven days at least before the time for holding said meeting.
The polls will be opened at 9 o'clock a. m., and may close at 2 o'clock p. m.
IO7
Hereof fail not, and make due returns of this Warrant with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk at the time and place of meeting aforesaid.
Give under our hands this nineteenth day of January, 1907.
JOHN H. DRUM, CLENRIC H. CAHOON, AMBROSE N. DOANE,
Selectmen of Harwich.
A true copy. Attest :
INDEX.
Town Officers, 1905 . .
.2
ASSESSORS REPORT :
Valuation of Town.
.3
State and County Tax
.4
Tax Abatements
4
Abatements 1903 .
4
I 904 .
6
66
1905 .
· 9
Abatements 1906
14
Tax Settlement East Section
I7
West
18
OVERSEERS OF POOR REPORT:
Almshouse
20
Almshouse Register
2I
Poor Boarded in Almshouse .... 22
Poor Aided in Their Homes .
... 23
Poor having settlement in
other towns and cities
26
State Paupers.
. 27
Summary in Poor Dep't .
. 27
SELECTMEN'S REPORT :
Appropriations
. 29
Jury List
.30
Miscellaneous Expenses
.32
Exchange Account
35
Town Officers
35
Election Officers
37
Board of Health
37
Inspector of Animals
38
Schools.
38
Law Suits
.39
Gipsy and Brown Tail Moth
.39
Old Home Week
.40
Tree Warden
40
Fire Warden
.41
Repairs on Public Buildings . . . . 42
66
State Highways . .
. 43
Brooks School Medal Fund .
43
State Aid
44
Interest Account.
44
Insurance Account.
44
Broadbrooks Library
44
Dog Tax
45
State and County Tax
45
45
Macadam Loan, 1902
66
I903.
45
Bank Street Loan.
46
Street Road Loan .
46
National Bank Tax
46
Loans in Anticipation of Taxes .. 47
Financial Condition
47
ROAD COMMISSIONER'S REPORT:
General Repairs on Roads.
. 50
Bridges
55
Fences and Railings
57
Shell Road Repairs
58
Snow ..
59
Guideboards
60
Treasurer's Report
62
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT:
Report of Births
65
Births, Portugese
66
Marriages
.67
Deaths
69
Dog License Account.
70
SCHOOL COMMITTEES REPORT:
Teachers' Salaries
75
Janitors'
77
Drawing and
Music
.77
Fuel
77
IIO
Repairs and Incidentals 78
Transportation
80
Miscellaneous
81
Sup't Salary
SI
Supply Agents Account.
8I
Supply Agt. Financial Report ..
.81
Itemized Expenditures of Supply
Agent
.82
Recapitulation
83
Expenditures
83
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT:
86
High School Report
93
Dept. of Drawing
95
Dept. of Music
96
Roll of Honor
97
Brooks Medal
98
Statistics
100
School Calendar
IOI
Town Warrant
103
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