USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Harwich > Town annual reports of the selectmen and overseers of the poor of the town of Harwich 1910 > Part 4
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Article 22. To see if the town will vote to appropriate the sum of fifty dollars to put up a new iron pipe railing across the voting space in Exchange Hall, and make a new voting booth, and act fully thereon.
Article 23. To see if the town will vote, under the provisions of Chapter 422, Acts 1908, not to receive the Public Document Series.
Article 24. To see if the town will appropriate the sum of one hundred dollars to repair the road leading from Bank street, at Captain Megathlin's, to the top of the grade at cottage now of John Larkin.
Article 25. And transact any other business that may legally come before said meeting.
And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting attested copies thereof, one in each post office in said town, seven days, at least, before the time of holding said meeting. The polls will be opened at 9: 30 o'clock A. M., Monday, February 6th, and may be closed at two o'clock P. M. 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.
Given under our hands this twenty-first day of January, 1911.
(Signed) JOHN H. DRUM, W. SEARS NICKERSON, EPHRAIM H. DOANE, Selectmen of Harwich.
ANNUAL REPORT OF
The School Committee and
Superintendent of Schools
OF THE
Town of Harwich
OW
TH
RATED SEPT. 14. 16
SEAL
INCORP
ADOPTED
4,1897.
SEPT.
For the Year
1910
ORGANIZATION
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF
HARWICH, MASS.
1910
JOHN P. NICKERSON, Chairman. Term expires 1911.
JOSEPH B. ATKINS, Secretary.
Term expires 1912.
THOMAS H. NICKERSON, Treasurer. Term expires 1913.
Superintendent of Schools-LORING G. WILLIAMS. Residence, Parallel Street.
Truant Officer-WILLIAM H. BASSETT. Residence, Oak Street.
School Committee's Report
The School Committee organized for the year 1910 by the choice of John P. Nickerson, Chairman; Joseph B. Atkins, Secretary, and Thomas H. Nickerson, Treasurer.
The schools of the town have been in session as follows : Primary, Grammar and Intermediate schools thirty-four weeks, and the High School forty weeks.
SCHOOL CENSUS.
Number of boys between ages of five and fifteen, 163
Number of girls between ages of five and fifteen, 170
333
Number of boys between ages of seven and fourteen, 113
Number of girls between ages of seven and fourteen, 135
248
TEACHERS' SALARIES.
High School.
Howard W. Howes, Principal, $276.25
James L. Jordan, Principal. 500.00
M. Lois Stone, Assistant, 250.00
Marion L. Russell, Assistant, 150.00
Mildred H. Murphy, Stenography,
111.00
5
Harwich Centre.
Hattie F. Weeks, Grammar,
437.50
Grace M. Ward, Intermediate,
30.00
Florence Blakeman, Intermediate,
200.00
Dorothy E. Perry, Intermediate,
120.00
Florence B. Corey. Primary,
200.00
Edith Olmsted. Primary,
120.00
Harwichport.
Alvin W. Bearse, Grammar,
253.00
Lizzie A. Nickerson, Grammar,
132.00
Caroline M. Holbrook, Primary,
320.00
West Harwich.
Lizzie A. Nickerson, Grammar,
240.00
Georgia B. Collins, Grammar.
110.00
Addie G. Lathrop, Primary,
87.50
Helen R. Ellis, Primary,
96.25
Katharine Norton, Primary,
120.00
East Harwich.
M. Gertrude Lane, Grammar, 350.00
Myra C. Chase, Primary, 295.00
Pleasant Lake.
. Angelica Gamboa, Primary, 230.00
North Harwich.
Irene Baker, Primary, 350.00
Alberta Howes, Grammar, 230.00
Florence Larkin, Grammar,
50.00
Elizabeth K. Nelson, Grammar,
70.00
$5.328.50
6
JANITORS.
Spencer P. Ellis, Center,
$184.50
Benj. D. Smith, Port,
81.50
Gertrude I. Ellis, Pleasant Lake,
40.00
Holland Rogers, North,
72.50
Harry W. Nickerson, East,
72.50
Joseph Ashley, West,
74.38
$525.38
Drawing and Music.
Ingrid E. Ekman, supervisor, 1
$229.68
FUEL. Harwich Centre.
S. B. Moody, coal,
$101.75
F. D. Underwood, wood,
15.00
J. N. Atkins, wood;
12.00
$128.75
Harwichport.
S. B. Moody, coal, $52.80
C. S. Burgess & Co., coal and wood,
19.57
72.37
Pleasant Lake.
J. N. Atkins, wood,
$15.50
S. B. Moody, coal,
3.75
J. F. Clark, wood,
2.00
21.25
7
North Harwich.
Edwin B. Rogers, wood,
$3.50
1
Barnabas Sears, coal,
23.25
S. B. Moody, coal,
32.40
J. C. Baker, wood,
3.50
62.65
East Harwich.
Kendrick & Bearse, coal,
$8.00
S. B. Moody, coal,
27.00
Jabez Crowell, wood,
10.50
45.50
West Harwich.
S. B. Moody, coal,
$36.00
Barnabas Sears, coal,
54.88
Edwin B. Rogers, wood,
3.50
D. C. Phillips, wood,
7:00
101.38
$431.90
REPAIRS AND INCIDENTALS. .
Harwich Center.
S. B. Moody, supplies,
$ .75 1
Herbert E. Cook, supplies,
.78
Balance for piano in High School,
15.77
Spencer P. Ellis, labor,
22.00
Alpheus Howes, supplies,
17.30
J. M. & S. B. Moody, supplies,
20.25
B. D. Eldridge, supplies,
1.79
Jasper S. Small, labor,
1.00
8
B. H. Bassett, labor,
10.50
John F. Bassett, labor,
8.93
J. F. Tobey & Son, supplies, 18.97
Vincent C. Bassett, labor,
5.00
Charles W. Chase, labor,
5.25
Washburn & Cahoon, supplies,
1.50
Penn Metal Ceiling and Roofing Co., supplies, 51.94
John Handren, labor,
2.55
Gustavus C. Robbins, labor,
18.20
Silmon S. Smith, labor,
20.29
J. W. Crowell, labor,
17.72
John Winn, labor,
17.72
J. F. Clark, labor,
7.08
Pleasant Lake.
Silmon S. Smith, labor,
$1.58
Gertrude I. Ellis, labor,
9.50
Alpheus Howes, supplies,
.50
E. C. Nickerson, labor,
3.25
14.83
Harwichport.
A. N. Smalley, supplies, $2.25
B. D. Smith, labor and supplies,
14.98
Henry B. Ellis, labor and supplies,
5.25
John F. Bassett, labor and supplies,
3.75
Lizzie A. Nickerson, supplies,
.63
!
West Harwich.
James Cummings, labor and supplies, $15.95
Lizzie A. Nickerson, supplies, 1.82
$265.29
26.86
9
Joseph Ashley, labor,
2.50
F. A. Small, labor and supplies,
17.33
John E. Ellis, labor,
3.19
Alpheus Howes, supplies,
1.30
R. D. Ellis, labor,
10.64
Wm. A. Eldredge, labor,
3.00
E. M. Robbins, supplies,
1.00
56.73
East Harwich.
Harry W. Nickerson, labor and supplies, $15.97
Walter I. Paine, labor, 2.50
18.47
North Harwich.
Holland G. Rogers, labor,
$12.35
Joseph Peters, labor,
5.50
J. C. Baker, supplies,
.80
Edwin B. Rogers, supplies,
2.65
Alpheus Howes, supplies,
.55
21.85
$404.03
TRANSPORTATION.
Thomas E. Small, South to Port,
$113.00
Walter Emery, East to Center, 75.00
Everett L. Ellis, East to Center, 46.80
Freeman E. Ellis, Pleasant Lake to Center, 265.00
$499.80
10
SUPERINTENDENT'S SALARY.
Superintendent's salary for the year, $720.06
To be refunded by the State, $560.36
Actual cost of Superintendent, 159.70
MISCELLANEOUS.
L. G. Williams, expenses securing teach-
ers, express, cartage, etc.,
$30.47
T. H. Nickerson, telephones, .51
Wm. H. Bassett, truant officer, 24.00
Sarah D. Rogers, rent of office, 9.00
E. E. Babb & Co., furniture, etc., 10.67
Wm. N. Stetson, recharging fire extin- guishers, 3.50
Alton P. Goss, printing,
2.80
C. H. Cahoon, legal advice,
1.00
Graduation expenses,
25.00
James M. Nickerson, teaming,
1.25
Henry M. Small, stationery,
2.50
S. A. Hayward, taking census,
11.50
J. B. Atkins, postage, etc.,
1.40
$123.60
SUPPLY AGENT'S ACCOUNT.
Stock on hand, Jan. 1, 1910,
$185.25
Supplies and books purchased, 1910, 714.94
$900.19
Supplies furnished schools, 1910,
687.07
Supplies and new books on hand, Jan,
1, 1911, . ".
213.12
$900.19
11
SUPPLY AGENT'S FINANCIAL ACCOUNT. Available Funds.
Appropriation,
$425.00
City of Boston, tuition,
86.00
State Board of Charities, tuition,
206.50
$717.50
Amount Expended.
Books and supplies,
$714.94
Balance unexpended,
$2.56
ITEMIZED EXPENDITURES OF SUPPLY AGENT. Books and Supplies.
Milton Bradley Co.,
$168.54
L. E. Knott Co.,
35.11
E. E. Babb & Co.,
277.03
Kenney Bros. & Wolkins;
41.50
Freight and Express,
10.19
Charities Publication Committee.
1.25
J. L. Hammett Co.,'
17.02
S. B. Moody,
5.00
Carter, Rice Company,
1.84
Oliver Ditson,
2.20
Jordan, Marsh Co.,
15.00
Ginn & Company,
47.19
Allyn & Bacon,
21.00
Henry Holt Company,
2.26
American Book Company,
15.48
D. C. Heath & Co.,
36.58
H. M. Weigel & Co.,
5.50
12
Rand, McNally & Co.,
11.00
Chas. Scribner's Sons,
.50
Remington Typewriter Co.,
.75
$714.94
RECAPITULATION. Available Funds.
Town appropriation for schools,
$7,100.00
Dog fund, (estimated),
235.00
State school fund,
883.35
City of Boston, for tuition,
86.00
State Board of Charity, for tuition,
206.50
To be refunded by State for Superintendent's salary,
560.36
$9,071.21
Expenditures.
Teachers,
$5,328.50
Janitors,
525.38
Drawing and Music,
229.68
Fuel,
431.90
Repairs and incidentals,
404.03
Transportation,
499.80
Superintendent's salary,
720.06
Miscellaneous,
123.60
Books and supplies,
714.94
$8,977.89
Balance unexpended,
93.32
13
AUDITORS' REPORT.
We, the undersigned, Auditors of Harwich, have this day examined the bills and vouchers of the School Com- mittee for the year 1910, to the amount of $8,977.89, and find the same correct.
LOUIS B. PHILLIPS, LEVI SNOW,
Auditors of Harwich.
Harwich, Mass., January 3, 1911.
To the Citizens of Harwich:
Harwich, according to the school returns published in seventy-second annual report of the State Board of Educa- tion, stands 258th in a list of 354 cities and towns in Massa- chusetts in the amount of money appropriated toward the support of public schools for cach thousand dollars valua- tion; in other words, there are 257 cities and towns that raise more money per thousand dollars' of valuation for schools than the Town of Harwich. Among the 15 towns in Barnstable County, Harwich stands 11th. With the exception of salaries paid to teachers and the cost of trans- portation the other items of expense have varied only slightly in the last ten or fifteen years. It is impossible to secure the services of good teachers where a low wage prevails. In the greatest measure the teacher determines the character of the school and to have a decidedly poor teacher is in effect throwing away the town's money. If the inducements offered to our best teachers by the schools of other cities and towns are not offset by increased salaries,
14
their positions must be filled by others. The scarcity of good teachers makes this substitution not only difficult, but from every viewpoint inadvisable. During the past few years the committee have been often greatly embarrassed by this question and have very reluctantly seen some of our best teachers leave when a slight increase would have held them with us for a longer period.
In the case of the High School, considering the advan- tages offered, it is doubtful if there is another high school in the state more economically managed. In the Superin- tendent's report is a detailed statement of the number of pupils in each of eight schools outside of the Center. As will be seen, the average number is below twenty, and is growing gradually smaller. It is of course very expensive to run these schools, as the cost for repairs, fuel and teachers is very much the same whether there are twenty or fifty in a room. It has been suggested as a temporary expedient that we consolidate the Harwichport and West Harwich schools. In this case it would perhaps be best to hold the schools for a year first in one village then in the other, transporting those pupils living an unreasonable distance.
As a matter of economy and for the best interests of the pupils it has been thought advisable to close the Pleasant Lake School and transport the children to Harwich Center.
JOHN P. NICKERSON, . : THOMAS H. NICKERSON, JOSEPH B. ATKINS, '
School Committee.
:
Superintendent's Report
To the School Committee of Harwich :-
Gentlemen :- I have the honor to submit my third annual report-the twentieth in the series of such reports to the School Committee.
School Buildings.
Forty years ago the town built five schoolhouses-East, Port, West, North and Pleasant Lake-at a total expense of about fourteen thousand dollars. These buildings have served the town well and have been an honor, but now there is need of some changes in order that our school buildings may be modern and in keeping with the advance- ment of the town and its people in other lines. To modern- ize these buildings inside and out with heat and ventilation would cost several thousand dollars. If the citizens of Harwich believe that these buildings should be used, instead of centralizing the schools, they should at once take steps to gradually repair these houses. Some form of consolida- tion must come soon and I believe it to be poor policy to continue as now for long.
In the case of the High School building it is different. This building is an old landmark, excellent in architecture, cherished in the hearts and minds of every loyal citizen, placed in the seal of the town, a monument to that univer- sally loved man, Sidney Brooks, and must be preserved.
In my report of last year I said :- "In the main room of the High School the floor is almost completely worn out, something must be done to the walls and ceilings, the Inter- mediate stairs should be removed and placed upon the out-
16
side, thus affording more room by removing one partition, and also making room for a commodious coat and hat room for the Intermediate School. New single seating should also be furnished. I consider this imperative, that this room may be in keeping with the recitation rooms. I recommend therefore that a special appropriation be made sufficient to cover these permanent repairs."
The above is repeated only to put emphasis upon it- the conditions are practically the same this year as last, except that we, as School Committee and Superintendent, are able to report that steel sheathing has been put upon the walls and ceiling of the High School room. This is a step toward a much desired end. A continuation of this work should be made at the earliest opportunity.
I recommend therefore, again, that a special appropria- tion be made for this purpose.
Our Grammar School building at the Centre is very much out of repair and not at all suitable for school pur- poses in its present condition. It must mean an appropria- tion year after year for several years for the repairs of our school buildings.
The appearance of the school grounds is a matter for consideration. The time has passed when the appearance of buildings and grounds is nothing. The most attractive places in town should be the schools and their surroundings. Without much expense our grounds may be graded, fertil- ized, laid out, planted to trees and perennial plants and shrubs, seeded to grass and kept by the janitor in first class condition.
It gives me pleasure to report that one teacher at least has this plan in mind for her grounds and has already made a beginning by setting trees, etc.
17
Consolidation.
This subject again repeated. Our standing in the edu- cational system of the State depends in my opinion in a large degree upon this matter of centralization of schools, and as school officials and parents of Harwich, we must come to the front with our cause with burning conviction and proclaim it to every father, mother and citizen of our beloved town.
From what I said in regard to repairs on buildings my purpose is to show that several thousand dollars are needed for the repairs of our buildings. I repeat that I believe it to be poor policy to spend so much money in this way, but that immediate steps toward centralization of our schools be taken.
There are many advantages to be derived from con- solidation,-when our children grow up together from every quarter of the town, the community feeling will be done away and Harwich will be a unit-one in purpose-for the good of Harwich.
It will be, on account of its modern school buildings and up-to-date system, a more desirable place for people to come to and live in and to rear their children in, whether it be the East or West, North or South sections of the town.
The tendency would be to increase the value of real estate everywhere rather than to diminish it. A town has no greater asset, no greater influence for bringing in people to dwell here than a well ordered system of schools.
The greatest advantage would be to your children. Here is our great consideration. Efficiency would be greatly increased. We would get more for the money, and your money now is economically used considering the disadvan- tages your Committee is under. What business man would carry on his business for a day, where his accommodations
18
were a hindrance to him-so great a hindrance that his help must be increased in number by 33%?
We have four Grammar Schools outside of the Centre, with the total number of pupils 67-four grades in each school-average of about 17 pupils to the school-one of these has 13, another 14 pupils.
We have three Primary Schools outside of the Centre (omitting North Harwich) with a total number of 45 pupils -13, 14, 18 pupils respectively. These, too, are four grade schools. A one or two grade school with from 30 to 35 pupils is considered to be about ideal in grading and num- bers-fewer pupils has a tendency to lessen interest and so a waste resulting-more pupils overtax the ability of the teacher and a loss results also.
Someone may venture to say why not put these Gram- mar and Primary Schools above mentioned together under one teacher. My answer is :- It can't be done; it is im- possible. No teacher can teach eight grades with the present demands upon the teacher.
I wish to quote from the "Remarks" of the School Committee of Harwich in their report of. 1871-72; this is immediately after the building of our present houses :-
"Parents are more interested, and the large increase of taxation required to build these houses has given every parent a personal individual interest in the matter. This parental interest is being instilled into the minds of the pupils, and we find a better attendance and more interest shown by pupils than has been seen for years."
Harwich is financially able to enter upon some plan of consolidation without burdening the taxpayer. We need to renew that interest of forty years ago and carry forward some plan which shall most effectively serve those who shall take our places in the coming years and bear on the banner
19
of Old Harwich without spot or blemish as it has been in the past.
Parents and citizens, where do you stand in this matter ?
Is there any more vital subject, any greater demand upon the town in its progress than this which directly affects the well being of your child and indirectly the greatest good of the whole town ?
For the purpose of considering consolidation and rec- ommending to the town the best plan for the same, I recom- mend that a committee, consisting of the School Committee and Superintendent and four or five other citizens, be ap- pointed by the town meeting of 1911. This committee to report one year later, 1912.
Teachers.
Resignations and appointments are given below for the past year.
RESIGNATIONS. SCHOOL.
Lizzie A. Nickerson
West Grammar
Helen R. Ellis
West Primary
Alvin W. Bearse
Port Grammar
Lizzie A. Nickerson
Alberta Howes
North Grammar
Florence Larkin
Florence Larkin Howard W. Howes
High School Prin.
M. Lois Stone
Asst. in High
Elizabeth Nelson James L. Jordan Marion L. Russell Edith Olmsted
Florence Corey
Center Primary
Grace M. Ward
Florence Blakeman
Center Intermediate Center Intermediate
Florence Blakeman Dorothy Perry
Our schools have been reduced to twelve and the number of teachers correspondingly reduced. Thirteen regular and two special teachers are employed this year.
Howard W. Howes, Principal of the High School, re- signed at Easter to accept a larger salary at Yarmouth High School. Mr. Howes had been with us for nearly two years and the school continued to improve in spirit and in the amount of work done. Mr. Howes was very popular
North Grammar
APPOINTMENTS. Georgie B. Collins Katharine Norton
20
among the pupils and the town's people, and he and his young wife took an active part in the social side of the community. We have been fortunate, indeed, in choosing a successor to Mr. Howes. James L. Jordan, Bates, 1908, with nearly two years of successful experience in the Sabattus, Maine, High School, was elected to the Principal- ship. Mr. Jordan is strong in discipline and instruction, quiet and tactful, and businesslike in every act and word. Miss Russell succeeded Miss Stone as assistant and is carry- ing on the work with considerable energy and life.
In general the schools are being very well taught. Teachers on the whole are well trained and with experience. Not within my knowledge have we had a teaching force better trained and fitted for the work than now. Some are better than others, but the great majority have the teaching spirit and are putting their best into the work.
There is a great demand for an increase in salaries all along the line.
The State Board is making a study of teachers' salaries in the Elementary Schools of the State as pressure is being brought to bear upon them by educators throughout the State. It is thought the result will be the enactment of a minimum salary statute. This minimum it is thought will be not less than $450.00 per year.
High School.
The courses and conditions in the High School remain about as last year. Stenography and typewriting are con- tinued under the instruction of Miss Murphy. This course is offered to seniors only and is no longer considered an extra. The credit system for promotion and graduation has been adopted. Eighteen credits per year and seventy-two credits for the course are required from every pupil before
F
21
awarding him a diploma. An especially good student and a hard worker may be able to earn his 72 credits in a shorter time than four years and some no doubt will require more than four years.
In the High School is felt a demand for what is con- sidered more practical courses. In my report of last year I suggested that a complete Business Course be introduced. This would be of real industrial value to a great many of our pupils. Instead of being compelled to take the subjects placed in the curriculum by our forefathers the time has come that new and practical and industrial instruction be given.
In an interview with J. W. MacDonald, Agent of the State Board of Education, recently, he argued strongly that agricultural instruction should be introduced into the High Schools of Cape Cod.
Mr. Warren, Agent of the State Board, says in the last State Report,-"It (agriculture) is the most important phase of industrial education. * * * The chief courses should relate to agriculture and domestic arts, and should directly serve to build up the industrial, social and civic interests of the country. * The State has a right to expect zeal in the promotion of agricultural, industrial and household edu- cation, and efficiency in every direction."
To many this may appear absurd at first thought, but upon consideration, I am sure we shall admit that Cape Cod has not a barren soil after all; that various branches of agriculture might be put upon a paying basis; that thou- sands of acres of Cape Cod soil is well adapted to crop production ; that there is no better soil or climate anywhere for poultry and egg production. I might mention also the raising of pork, apples, peaches, small fruits and berries, dairying, etc. I will leave this to the consideration of Cape
1
22
Cod people, especially to those who are coming to our schools and soon are to decide upon a profitable life occu- pation. Scientific farming put into practice here and our soil will yield abundantly. Our boys may find profitable labor at home. This is the solution of the problem of our decreasing population. Let us encourage our boys to think of this matter and let us be ready to accept from the State any assistance it may be able to give in agricultural in- struction in our schools.
A practically new Wood piano has been installed into the High School room.
By the efforts of Mr. Howes and the pupils in a prize speaking contest, and by the generosity of many, interested always in the welfare of any good cause, we have been able to present this excellent piano to the school.
The following is a financial statement of the piano fund :-
Cost of piano,
$135.00
Carfares and expenses to Boston for two, 6.40
$141.40
Receipts.
Amount of "Superintendent's Bank
Book,"
$46.68
Mr. Howes, (Prize Speaking, etc.),
32.45
Subscriptions,
46.50
School appropriations,
15.77
$141.40
Pleasant Lake.
Pleasant Lake Primary has been closed and the children are being transported to the Centre. Those of the fourth and fifth grades attending the Intermediate School and those of the first three grades attending the Centre Primary.
23
This arrangement is not ideal especially for the Primary School, where there are three grades and about 45 pupils, and in addition the pupils in the grades are very unequal in ability and attainment. Only a teacher of iron consti- tution and an expert in Primary work can hope to do any- thing like standard work.
Medical Inspection.
Only in a comparatively few country communities of the State is Medical Inspection what it might be and what it is intended for it to be. With us much more should be , done than is done and this is not the fault of the medical inspector as he is now doing the work without charge to the town. An appropriation should be made for this purpose.
The intention of the law imposes large and varied duties upon the medical inspector. The purpose of the State in educating its children to the best advantage to both, requires that the physical condition be normal and healthy, in order that the greatest economy of time and money may be to the pupil and the State. The State requires at least a thorough examination of every school child once a year.
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