USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Harwich > Town annual reports of the selectmen and overseers of the poor of the town of Harwich 1941 > Part 5
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Article 9. To see what action the town will take in regards to transferring to the School Department such sunt of money as was received by the Town of Harwich from the Aetna Bonding Company. This sum being paid to the Town of Harwich by the above bonding company in settle- ment of claim of defective workmanship and materials in the new High School. This money to be used under the supervision of the School Committee for repairs to the new High School Building.
Article 10. To see if the town will vote to erect and maintain one street light on Ocean Avenue, opposite the residence of Francis Downey, and act fully thereon.
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Article 11. To seen if the town will vote to install three street lights on Division Street, West Harwich, in a southerly direction from Willow street, one light to be placed on the third pole, one light on the sixth pole, and one light on the ninth pole.
Article 12. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate a sufficient sum of money to erect and main- tain one street light at the corner of Lower County Road and Pleasant Road, West Harwich, and act fully thereon.
Article 13. To see if the town will vote to use for Town Offices, that part of the Exchange Building now oc- cupied by a hardware store, and to raise and appropriate a sufficient sum of money therefor and act fully thereon.
Article 14. To see if the town will vote to pay to Lawrence C. Homer, the sum of One Hundred ($100.) Dol- lars, said sum to be in payment for work done at the en- trance to Allens Harbor, during 1941.
Article 15. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Four Hundred ($400.) Dollars for keeping, as far as possible the beaches clean at West Har- wich, Harwichport, and South Harwich; also care of raft at foot of Bank Street, Harwichport, and act fully thereon.
Article 16. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Two Hundred ($200.) Dollars for the purpose of improving the Town Parking Lot at the foot of Bank Street, and act fully thereon.
Article 17. To see if the town will vote to have the moderator appoint a committee to consist of five voters of the Town of Harwich, to study the question of zoning and to submit a reasonable set of zoning laws to be voted upon at the next annual town meeting and to make recommenda- tions and preparations for the establishment of a legal zon- ing system for the town and to see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Three Hundred ($300.)
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Dollars for the expenses of said committee.
Article 18. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Hundred ($500.) Dollars for the use of Harwich Post No. 292 American Legion in the proper observance of Memorial Day and Armistice Day and other proper patriotic purposes. By request.
Article 19. To see if the town will vote to expend the refunded dog tax for 1941 for the support of Brooks Library.
Article 20. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Four Hundred and Fifty ($450.) Dollars for the Benefit of Chase Library, West Harwich.
Article 21. To see if the town will vote to appropriate the sum of Six Hundred ($600.) Dollars to be used for the support of the Harwichport Library Association.
Article 22. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate a sufficient sum of money to extend the Town Water Mains to the Chatham town line; there to connect with a main to be laid by the Chatham Water Company for emergency use by either system.
Article 23. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Two Thousand ($2,000.) Dollars to be used for extensions to the Town Water System when re- quested. All such extensions to return at least 6% income on the investment.
Article 24. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Four Hundred ($400.) Dollars to be used by the Water Department in such manner as may be necessary within the scope of the National Defense Program.
Article 25. To see if the town will vote to authorize the Board of Water Commissioners to construct a fence around the elevated water tank on Kildee Hill, as recom-
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mended by the local Committee on Public Safety, and transfer a sufficient sum of money from the tank painting account to cover the cost of such work.
Article 26. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate a sufficient sum of money to purchase a new truck for the Water Department and to authorize the. Water Commissioners to sell or trade the present truck, the money received to be credited toward the purchase of the new truck.
Article 27. To see if the town will vote to authorize the Board of Water Commissioners to rustproof the inside of the water tank on Kildee Hill by the Cathodic Protection method, instead of paint as specified in Article No. 20 ac- cepted by the town at the February 4th, 1941, Town Meet- ing; and to use the funds available in this account to cover the cost of the installation.
Article 28. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money not to exceed Sixteen Hundred ($1,600.) Dollars, under the provisions of Sub-Section 21 of Section 1 of Chapter 371 of Acts of 1921, and any and all amendments thereof and additions thereto for the em- . ployment of a nurse through the Harwich Visiting Nurse Association, Inc.
Article 29. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Four Thousand ($4,000.) Dollars for the improvement of the Harwich-Orleans Road; said sum, or any portion thereof, to be used in conjunction with any money which may be allotted by the State or County, or both, for this purpose.
Article 30. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Forty-Five Hundred ($4,500.) Dol- lars to be used in connection with any money the State and County may contribute, for the purpose of building a. Breakwater for the protection of the town beach at West Harwich, and act fully thereon.
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Article 31. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Twenty-five Hundred ($2,500.) Dol- lars for the purpose of dredging a channel at the mouth of Herring River, providing the State will contribute a like amount, and to act fully thereon.
Article 32. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Twenty-five Hundred ($2,500.) Dol- lars for the purpose of dredging a channel at the mouth of Allens Harbor and to repair the jetty, providing the State will contribute a like amount, or more, and to act fully thereon.
Article 33. To see if the town will vote to transfer from surplus revenue or available funds for the purpose of reducing the 1942 tax rate, the sum of Fifteen Thousand ($15,000.) Dollars, and act fully thereon.
F'Article 34. To see what action the town will take in regard to the Herring Fisheries for the year 1942.
Article 35. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Hundred ($500.) Dollars to begin a survey of the town for the purpose of having a map of the town made to help the Assessors in assessing property for taxation, and act fully thereon.
Article 36. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Three Thousand ($3,000.) Dollars for the purpose of improving and resurfacing with tar the road in Harwich Center, called South Street, beginning from Main Street and continuing as far as the money will allow.
Article 37. To see if the town will appropriate the sum of Three Thousand ($3,000.) Dollars to widen and harden with hot mix, Route number 137, beginning at the late Ephriam Eldredge estate, thence southerly to the East Harwich Cemetery, and act fully thereon.
Article 38. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate a sufficient sum of money to continue the con-
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struction of the asphalt sidewalk on one side of Lower County Road, from Wyndemere Bluffs Road to Wah-Wah- Taysee Road.
Article 39. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Two Thousand ($2,000.) Dollars for improving, widening and resurface with tar or other suit- able material, the street called, Depot, at North Harwich, beginning from the Brewster line and continuing as far as the money will allow.
Article 40. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of One Thousand ($1,000.) Dollars for the purpose of completing the widening and surfacing with oil the unfinished portion of Forrest Street, from its junc- tion with South Street in Harwichport, to its junction with Main Street in Harwich Center, and in addition seal-coating the entire length of said road. By request.
Article 41. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of One Thousand ($1,000.) Dollars to resurface Sea Street, and act fully thereon. By request.
Article 42. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Thirteen Hundred ($1,300.) Dollars for the purpose of purchasing the so-called Arthur May's Dairy Barn (including ten acres of land), suitable for hold- ing and storing all road equipment, and to act fully there- on.
Article 43. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of One Thousand ($1,000.) Dollars for the purpose of purchasing a new truck for the Road De- partment and to authorize the Surveyor of Highways to sell or trade the truck now owned by the town and the sun. received from same to be used towards the purchase of a new truck, and to act fully thereon.
Article 44. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money not to exceed Nineteen Hun- dred and Fifty ($1,950.) Dollars for the purpose of rip-
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rapping and filling the property of Charles E. LeBuff on Herring River, said sum or any portion thereof to be used in conjunction with any money which may be allotted by the State, or County, or both, for this purpose, and act fully thereon. By request.
Article 45. To see if the town will vote to raise and. appropriate the sum of Two Hundred Fifty ($250.) Dollars for the purpose of providing five Band Concerts, to be given by the Junior Community Band and other Cape musical organizations during July and August, at Brooks Park.
Article 46. To see if the town will vote to create a Department of Public Safety for Civilian Defense to be under the direction of a council of Public Safety for civil- jan defense, which shall consist of the Board of Selectmen and the Chairman of the Committee on Public Safety, ap- pointed by the Governor of the Commonwealth for the Town of Harwich. Said Council of Public Safety for Civil- ian Defense shall have charge of the expenditures of all sunis of money appropriated under Chapter 487 of the Acts of 1941 and shall carry out the purpose of said act.
Article 47. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Thousand ($5,000.) Dollars to carry out the work of civilian defense as provided by Chapter 487 of the Acts of 1941, or what action it will take thereon. By request.
Article 48. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of One Hundred ($100.) Dollars to stock ponds and streams with fish and for the feeding and propagation of game within the town limits, and that a committee of three be appointed by the chair to have charge of the work.
Article 49. To see if the town will raise and appropri- ate a sum not exceeding Five Hundred ($500.) Dollars for
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the establishment and maintenance of a free bed in the Cape Cod Hospital for the care and treatment of persons certified by the Selectmen to be residents of the town and unable to pay for such care and treatment, under the pro- visions of General Laws Ter. Ed. Chapter 111, Section 74.
Article 50. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Eleven Hundred and Fifty ($1,150.) Dollars to be expended in connection with W. P. A. work. said money to be expended under the supervision of the Selectmen.
Given under our hands the 21st day of January, 1942.
CHARLES D. HOLMES, CHARLES T. CHASE, HOWARD C. CAHOON, Selectmen of Harwich,
A true copy.
ATTEST :
Constable.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE AND THE
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
TOWN OF HARWICH MASSACHUSETTS
For the Year 1941
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ORGANIZATION FOR THE YEAR 1941
School Committee
Wilbur H. Crowell, Chairman
Term Expires 1942
Mary C. Eldredge
Term Expires 1943
Norman E. Holmes, Secretary
· Term Expires 1944
Superintendent of Schools Charles H. Pratt, A.M.
School Physicians H. F. Rowley, M. D. John P. Nickerson, M. D.
School Nurse Adelyn J. Peabody, R. N.
Supervisor of Attendance Victor S. Ryder
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The School Committee has approved the following and presents it as their report.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
General Control:
School Committee
Salaries and Expenses $ 450.00
Superintendent of Schools
Enforcement of Law
Salaries
2,346.00
Office Expenses
233.49
$ 3,029.49 $ 2,970.00
Instruction :
Supervisors
$ 1,716.00
Principals & Teachers
28,404.60
Textbooks
679.26
Supplies
1,368.33
32,168.19
32,606.00
Operation:
Janitors
4,069.11
Fuel
2,853.78
Electricity, Water, Gas
and Janitor's Supplies
1,985.57
8,908.46
8,575.00
Maintenance:
Repairs, Replacement and Upkeep
2,958.00
2,958.00
2,000.00
Auxiliary Agencies:
Libraries
106.58
Health
659.05
Transportation
4,800.00
Graduation, Athletics,
Lunch Supplies, Cook's
Salary, Senior Class
Service, H. S. Phone,
Films etc.
3,490.15
9,055.78
9,865.00
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Outlay : New Grounds and Buildings New Equipment
23.80
23.80
1.00.00
Total
$56,143.72 $56,116.00
Appropriated for 1941
$56,411.00
Expended in 1941
56,143.72
Balance
$ 267.28
NET COST OF SCHOOLS
Expenditures during 1941
$56,143.72
Receipts and Reimbursements
Due on Account of
Expenditures in 1941:
Mass. General School Fund Part I
$3,970.00
Tuition and Transportation
of State Children
88.92
City of Boston, Tuition
and Transportation
1,522.32
Town of Dennis, Tuition
and Transportation
71.24
Receipts from School Lunch
3,150.24
Town of Chatham, Telephone
17.80
Town of Eastham, Telephone
5.59
Town of Orleans, Telephone
48.85
Receipts from Rental of Auditorium
90.10
Receipts to cover repairs for
1.50
damage to High School
8,966.56
Net Cost
$47,177.16
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REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee of Harwich :
Herewith I submit the annual school report for the year 1941 :
On October first 1941, we find a membership of forty- five less than one the same date one year ago. Thirty-three of the loss is in grades seven to twelve. The remaining twelve have gone from the first six grades. A few have moved away, some have gone to work and some have now returned to school after the autumn employment on cran- berries has terminated. Those who, on account of age are not within the range of the school compulsory attendance law and who return to school late are under a great handi- cap. Employment opportunities which have opened up on account of the war effort have had some effect on member- ship. Doubtless more of this may be felt later.
Some changes in the faculty have occurred during the past year. Mr. Carlton Ryder has taken the work formerly carried by Miss Elna Ruska who resigned to be married. Miss Bertha Keniston succeeds Miss Nancy Caldwell who accepted a position in New Jersey. Mr. Thomas. Hooper was called to Army service and was consequently granted a leave of absence. His work is conducted by Mr. Andrew McBreen.
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MRS. MARY A. STANFORD
Mrs. Mary A. Stanford, Principal of North Harwich School, died November 10, 1941. Her services in that school were continuous since 1920.
Mrs. Stanford completed the school year end- ing last June in her usual efficient manner despite the burden of failing health. At that time we hoped for her speedy recovery. In late summer it was realized that she would not be able to re- turn in September and so Miss Emma Eldredge was chosen as her substitute.
In the passing of Mrs. Stanford many a child feels the loss of a sincere friend. Her strength was always available to those in trouble. Her courage and cheer has helped many a heavy heart. She will not be soon forgotten.
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MAINTENANCE
During the summer of 1940, the elementary school buildings were all given a coat of paint on the outside. This work included North Harwich, the Center Elementary and the Old High School Buildings. Another coat of paint was given these buildings in the summer of 1941. The roofs of the old High School, Center Elementary and North Harwich buildings were patched as needed to maintain them for another year. It appears, however, that some shingling must be done next summer. At least one side of North Harwich, one section of the old High School and possibly one slant of the Elementary building should be done. The budget for this year is submitted with the hope that we may shingle about one-third of the roof area of these buildings next summer. Other work on the roof should be done the following year.
The 1941 budget carried an item of $3,000 for repairs. When this budget was adopted, expenditures were planned for the following purposes :
$650.00 estimated cost for outside painting.
$1,350.00 to shingle one side of the old High School and repairs at New High School.
$1,000.00 to purchase oil heating equipment at North Harwich.
In the summer of 1941, a serious oil shortage was threatened and so it was considered unwise at that time to install oil equipment when people were considering the wisdom of providing coal-burning plants as a substitute for oil already in use.
Settlement of a suit to cover damage for defective workmanship on the new High School was effected with the Bonding Company. There no longer remained a pos- sibility that the contractor would correct the defect. Delay meant further damage to the building. Damage due to previous delay was considerable. Cause of leaks through the walls as well as cost and methods of stopping them
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were matters about which much concern and great uncer- tainty was being expressed. After careful study of the situation and after securing information about successful procedure in other places where similar problems had been treated, the Committee decided that it would be wise to stop leaks on the east side of the building, if possible. This was the area where driving rains had caused greatest leakage.
A contract was made with Chester Newman Company whereby that company furnished labor and material to cut out all mortar joints, both vertical and horizontal, approx- imately 34 inches deep, wth pneumatic chisels on the east side from the top of the parapet wall to the grade level, repointing the same with a non-shrinkable, waterproof mor- tar. Also to caulk all outside windows in this area. They were to remove copings where necessary in order to flash, caulk or repoint all joints in such manner as permanently to prevent leaks or discolorations either on the inside or outside of the building. They contracted also to remove the brick headers above all windows in this area and to . install copper flashing in same. When completed the Ches- ter Newman Company guarantees the east side to be free from leaks due to any cause whatever and to remain so for a period of five years from date of completion of the work. Should any leaks develop during the period of five years, tlie Company agrees to return and repair the same at no cost to the town. For completion of the work as above this Company was paid $1,596.00.
Experience to date indicates that the work is success- ful. All companies who proposed this method of treat. ment agreed that if a wall does not show leak in a period of five years, the job can be called permanent.
Thus we hope to have solved the problem as to what caused the leaks, what will effect a cure and what the cost is likely to be. The question as to whether other wall areas must be so treated remains for the future to determine.
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Interior of the wall thus treated should be repaired and redecorated as soon as expedient.
Wood outside trim on the building, window sash and exposed metal surfaces, other than copper, should be paint- ed this year if possible.
One report which covered all the interesting kinds of work accomplished during the year would be quite out of question here. In a statement relative to the High School, Mr. Morris has this to say :
"Judged from many angles of present and past per- formance and achievement of the school as an institution, we feel that the citizens of the town may be well content with the accomplishments of the high school. Its work is approved, both by the State Department of Education, and the New England College Entrance Boards. Its graduates and non-graduates are acquitting themselves well as citi- zens of our state. The school is running smoothly, doing its tasks quietly and efficiently day by day. There is a splendid spirit of mutual aid and cooperation among the pupils and the teachers.
"It is pleasing to note the steady growth of the pro- grams of the General Course, with its general shop work for boys, and household art work for girls. I think that it is in this department of our school that more emphasis should be placed. There is a need in the world for the practical skills. Somehow, our school should try to adjust itself to the present day needs, even at the expense of some of the traditional procedures. My contention is that when the school best serves the greatest needs of the majority of its members, then and only then, is it operating most effectively as an efficient educational unit."
ART
Mr. Brayton makes the following points relative to the year's work in Art :
The first six grades are slowly but surely building a good foundation in creative illustration and design. We
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are trying to get the children to do the thinking rather than the copying. This takes time but we are making progress.
The seventh and eighth grades are learning color in practice and theory. The basis of all art is color and no matter what these young people may do in later life, the knowledge of color, and color harmony will be of great value to them.
In the High School Art there is an opportunity for the following subjects : advertising, poster work, nature study, magazine and book illustration, cartooning, fashion draw- ing, modelling, design, lettering, interior decorating, thea- tre arts, and soap carving.
The High School people have shown great progress in their art work, and we are proud of them.
Our annual exhibition which was held in June in con- junction with the manual training exhibit was a great suc- cess. A large gathering of people turned out and seemed very much interested in what we have done."
The work of Mr. Nassi held its usual interest. He and Mrs. Nassi have made every effort. to stimulate growth by their united effort in the instrumental music. Mr. Nass! reports :
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
"This is the first time we have introduced the sym- phonet in the fourth grade. This little instrument has a pleasing note, is easy to play and is capable of playing any tune desired. The pupils learn through it the fundamentals in rhythm and intonation. Only those who do good work on the symphonet are urged to take up a legitimate instru- ment the following year. This instrument is the best test to show the parents whether they should continue to give their children an additional musical education. Miss Flink- man is carrying on the work through the week very ably.
Mrs. Nassi is giving private instruction to all begin- ners in the instruments and to those advanced pupils who
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wish to improve their playing.
The Orchestra has 21 members and the Band 20 mem- bers. The elementary orchestra has 11 members. Principal Morris has arranged a half-hour activity period when the Orchestra rehearses without interference by other subjects. This arrangement has helped the orchestra a great deal this year."
VOCAL MUSIC
Vocal Music under the direction of Miss Kelman is thus summarized :
"''We learn through doing'-this applies to music as well as anything else. We begin the child's experience in music by teaching the first grade as many as 100 rote songs in a school year. It is most interesting and satisfying to watch the first grade progress during their first year of musical experience. Usually several children are unable to carry a tune at the beginning of the year. By the end of the year there are only a few who cannot sing. Empha- sis was placed on the choir composed of the best singers and used as a goal for all to attain. Also, much activity in rhythm was experienced. The second grade progressed particularly well in note-reading. This year the third grade has new books of the same Music Hour Series. They are greatly enjoyed and appreciated. The fourth grade has enjoyed learning rounds as an introduction to part music, and has also progressed in note reading. Two-part music was introduced in Grade Five which prepared the way for three-part in Grade Six. Last year's Sixth Grade is to be highly commended for two things: first, for their fine per- formance of Christmas Carols given both in the High School Auditorium and in the Church Chapel. Beautiful red robes and lighted candles helped create the Christ- mas atmosphere. Second: for their excellent singing and acting in the operetta "Tom Boy Jo", also given twice. Proceeds were given to the Health Fund.
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