USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > West Bridgewater > Town annual reports of the selectmen, overseers of the poor, town clerk, and school committee of West Bridgewater for the year ending 1925-1929 > Part 13
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38
Attended Court
52
Accidents reported 35
Recovered property valued at
$1,400
Accident where persons were injured
20
Stolen Autos recovered for other Departments
6
Business places found unlocked
2
Liquor seached 10
Summoned for other departments
15
Auto Exchange papers made out
87
The motorcycle traffic has travelled 2,461 miles in the performance of its duties.
WELFARE WORK
Every effort is made by this Department to remedy an undesirable condition or correct a delinquent without hav-
142
ing to arrest. It is one of the Department aims to prevent the arrest of young people for petty offences. We have en- deavored to correct such by co-operation with the parents, teachers and spiritual advisors of the subject. Each year the volume of this work increases.
The construction of Main Street and the detours that it necessitated, required a considerable added expense for traffic duty.
The Johnston disaster on account of its serious na- ture, drew hundreds of sightseers. For the protection of property, it was necessary to give them police protection for some time.
In closing, I wish to thank the Selectmen and all others who have in any way helped the department. To the offi- cers, I extend my hearty thanks for their co-operation.
WARREN P. LAUGHTON,
Chief.
Expenditures for year ending Dec. 31, 1926 $301.39 was spent before taking office
Appropriation
$1,500.00
Received from Court fines
354.21
Expended
1,718.55
H. O. Davenport
$56.63
W. P. Laughton, Chief
320.90
N. J. Wilbur
294.42
Gerald L. Wilbur
55.62
E. W. Lothrope
220.39
G. W. Thompson
59.39
Thomas Guinnia
3.75
W. N. Shipman
14.37
N. E. Telephone Co.
51.81
Matron
20.00
Truck hire for raids
10.00
143
Lockup fees
4.00
Analysis of liquor
14.00
Brockton Indian Co.
267.00
Uniforms and badges
72.62
Tank for traffic signals
18.35
Traffic signs
8.90
Lenses for traffic signal
2.60
Printing reward cards for Johnston disaster
7.50
A. Willis, printing
3.50
Ambulance
9.00
Express
.44
Cement base for Traffic signal, Elm Square
9.75
Repairs on Traffic signal
3.50
No Trespassing signs
5.00
Report of Extension Service Work.
Everybody recognizes the need of information and ed- ucation in rural districts, and that is where the Plymouth County Extension Service is most helpful.
The County Agent has given assistance to poultrymen in disease control and sanitation, building and feeding ; sickness in one woman's flock was diagnosed, treated and saved from destruction. One of a series of poultry meet- ings was held at West Bridgewater, at which Prof. W. C. Monahan discussed disease control and other poultry sub- jects.
Many visits were made to assist West Bridgewater far- mers.
West Bridgewater has one of the finest and most pro- ductive orchards in Plymouth County. Demonstrations in thinning and fertilizing were held in this orchard and it was visited on a Plymouth County fruit tour.
In Home Making a group of women held a series of meetings on food selection and meal planning.
Assistance was given in food preservation.
Another group began the study of garment finishes.
Most important of all is the work done by the Junior Clubs, for club teachings result in better methods on the farm, and in the home. The clubs develop thrift, leadership and citizenship.
One of the most successful 4-H food clubs in Plymouth County was the lunch box club in West Bridgewater led by Miss Rose MacDonald. A fine exhibit of the appetizing,
·
145
neatly packed lunch boxes was held at the Center .School. These were scored, and appropriate exercises followed, demonstrating the knowledge of food values necessary for a well balanced lunch.
Groups in the Center and in Matfield also formed poul- try clubs, the members of which made a profit of $598.00 through their club work.
4-H garden clubs were organized in these same dis- tricts of the town. One of the boys became the garden club champion of Plymouth County.
In a clothing group girls were taught the use of the machine, making of underwear, aprons, rompers and sim- ple gowns, and given some ideas of color. A most attrac- tive exhibit called out the neighbors. Practical work like this cannot be too highly commended
A lunch box club is now in progress.
A poultry club at the Center has organized, and a new poultry club at the High School has been started.
The possibilities of more boys and girls taking advant- age of Junior Club membership can be offered only as lead- ers can be procured. Those able and willing to give their services are urged to communicate with Stanley L. Free- · man, County Club Agent.
CORELLI C. ALGER,
Town Director.
Forty-seventh Annual Report of the Trustees of Public Library.
TRUSTEES
Mima S. Reid
Rev. L. B. Codding
Martha B. Mason
Louis P. Hayden
Edith F. Howard
Term expires 1929
Daniel J. Lothrop
Term expires 1929
ORGANIZATION
Chairman
Daniel J. Lothrop
Secretary
Edith F. Howard
Treasurer
Martha B. Mason
BOOK COMMITTEE
Edith F. Howard Martha B. Mason Daniel J. Lothrop
EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Daniel J. Lothrop
.ANNUAL REPORT
"In this year of strict budget limitation, of changing personnel, of difficult problems, we have succeeded not only in weathering the stresses but also in carrying on the regu- lar work of the library."
Resigned
Term expires 1927
Term expires 1928
Term expires 1928
I47
SIZE AND GROWTH
The total number of books added was 285, including 268 by purchase, 13 by binding periodicals and 4 by gift. Three hundred were withdrawn by the Field Secretary of the Division of Public Libraries of Massachusetts, making the number of volumes now in the library approximately 10,000-books of a high standard of excellence.
CIRCULATION
The circulation of books for the year was 14,802, prac- tically the same as in 1925, a year that established a record. There is, however, considerable variation in the classes of books taken out. Figures show an increase in both adult fiction and juvenile non-fiction but a decrease in the use of both monthly and bound magazines. This loss is due in part to the greater number of private subscriptions to cur- rent periodicals,-in many cases to assist college students. The gain is due in large measure to the continued increase in the calls in connection with school work. A growing or even normal use of the library in this respect is certain to require a duplication of the most used books.
A further increase in circulation could, no doubt, be secured by having deposits of books in the schools, these to be changed several times during ths year.
The relationship between library and school is one of interdependence, each being under the supervision of the State Board of Education. Since their work is co-operative they should be equally supported by the community.
IMPROVEMENTS
Our most urgent need of last year has been met as ade- quately as possible under the present housing conditions. Additional shelf room has been provided for boys' books and for those on the State Certificate Reading lists, which, with a small but attractive room for the girls, relieves the
148
former congestion. New linoleum treads add much to the neat appearance of the floor.
An excellent portrait of the late Elizabeth Kingman, for many years Secretary of the Board of Trustees, has been hung on the east wall. Near it a framed Town Report of 1833, the gift of the late Geo. S. Drake, has been placed. Both of these are greatly appreciated.
NEEDS
In the scholarly survey of the libraries of the United States published the past year by the American Library Association we note that among libraries having 10,000 volumes or less, this library ranks fourth in the percentage of total income spent for books-45% of our total income being used for this purpose, and 25% for salaries,-a re- versal of the proportion recommended.
This Association recommends a minimum standard for public libraries as one dollar per capita support and five per capita circulation.
Assuming that there are 2,000 adults in this town, that would mean that we are more than fulfilling the circulation quota but are not receiving the support quota of $1 per per- son.
In conclusion we would thank all-our patrons, our staff and our Trustees-who have so loyally aided us in making the work of the library a success.
Following is the circulation for the year:
Adult Fiction
7,220
Adult Non-Fiction
1,170
Juvenile Fiction
3,486
Juvenile Non-Fiction
1,021
Bound Magazines
88
Monthly Magazines
1,817
Total 14,802
149
Books Added During 1926. ADULT FICTION
Mr. Fortune's Trials
The Blue Window
Bailey Bailey Bassett
The Green Dolphin
The Chinese Parrot
Biggers
Fifty Candles
Biggers
Broken Trail
Bindloss Bindloss
Black Thunder
Bower
Van Patten
Bower
Dancing Floor
Buchan
Hangman's House
Her Son's Wife
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
They Had to See Paris
The Black Hnnter
Old Youth
Byrne Canfield-Fisher Christie Croy Curwood Dawson Deland
A Man Under Authority
Dell
After Noon
Ertz
High Adventure
Farnol
Show Boat
Ferber
Great Brighton Mystery
Fletcher
Sea Fog
Fletcher
O Genteel Lady
Ways of Escape
D'Arblay Mystery
Silver Spoon
West Wind
Romantic Comedians
Limping Man
Honk
Downey of The Mounted
Old Home Town
Forbes Forest Freeman Galsworthy Garstin Glasgow Grierson Holman
Hendryx Hughes
Prairie Gold
The Kays
150
Great Valley High Forfeit Viaduct Murder Understanding Heart Hill-Billy Mantrap
Big Mogul Perella
Sporting Spinster
Blencarrow
The Allbrights
Odtaa
Kindling and Ashes
Bonanza
Moby Dick
Blue Castle
Where the Blue Begins
Bar-20
Pig Iron
Black Flemings
Little Ships
Shepherds
Oemler
Jack Sutherland
The Golden Beast
Wild Geese
Tomorrow's Tangle
The Bat
Oertal Oppenheim Ostenso Pedlar
Bellarion
Sun Woman
Keller's Anna Ruth
Bright Face of Danger
Women
Hounds of Spring
Black Cat
Gleave Mystery
Long Patrol
Jorgensen
Johnston King Knox Kyne Lane Lewis Lincoln Locke MacGrath Mackay Marshall Masefield Mccutcheon McLeod Melville Montgomery Morley Mulford Norris Norris Norris
Rinehart & Hopwood Sabatini Schultz Singmaster Sublette Tarkington Thompson Tracy Tracy Treynor Tupper
151
The King by Night Harmer John Precious Bone Secret Harbour Silver Forest
Wallace Walpole Webb White Williams
ADULT NON-FICTION
Acting and Play Production
Andrews and Werrick
Arcturus Adventure
Beebe Bok
Dollars Only
Selective Immigration
Davis
Why We Behave Like Human Beings
Dorsey
Pirates Own Book
Ellins
From Red Sea to Blue Nile
Forbes
Birds of Massachusetts
Progress and Poverty
W. Murray Crane
In His Service
Steeples Among the Hills
An American Battery in France
La Branche Mackay
Recollections of T. R. Marshall
Abraham Lincoln in Verse
"Ariel" the life of Shelley
Nomed's Load
Feeding the Family
Sea Gypsy
Intimate Papers of Col. House
Rising Tide of Color
Complete Works of Theodore Roosevelt REFERENCE BOOKS
Famouns Paintings, 2 vols.
Index to Poetry and Recitations
Outline of Literature, 3 vols. Practical Standard Dictionary Who's Who, 1926
Marshall Matthews Maurois Rinehart Rose Salisbury and Cooper Seymour, ed. . Stoddard
Forbush George Griffin Jenks Hewitt
America Triumphant
152
JUVENILE FICTION
Martha, the Seventh Wisp, a Girl of Dublin
Why The Chimes Rang Story of a Bad Boy Brenda Stays at Home
Master Skylark
What Rosalie Dare Won
Jerry Muskrat at Home
Scott Burton's Claim
Little Maid of Nantucket
Blithe McBride
Merrylips
Donald and Dorothy
Land of the Long Night
Four Wild Cherries
Nancy Brandon Enthusiast
Nancy Brandon, Enthusiast
Nancy Brandon, Idealist
High School Freshman
High School Pitcher
High School Left End
High School Captain
High Benton
Fifty Four Forty or Fight
A Little Boy Lost
Ramona Smoky
Aztec Treasure House
Stalky & Co. Dr. Doolittle's Caravan
Brown Wolf
Jim Davis Martin Hyde, the Duke's Messenger Master Simon's Garden Pool of Stars
Abbott Adams Alden Aldrich Ashineen Bennett Brooks Burgess Cheyney Curtis Dix Dix
Dodge Du Chaillu Garis Garis Garis Garis
Hancock Hancock
Hancock
Hancock Heyliger
Hough Hudson Jackson James Janvier Kipling Lofting London Masefield Masefield
Meigs Meigs
153
American Twins of Revolution
Swiss Twins
David Ives
Perkins Perkins Pier Price
Blue Magic
Emmeline
Price
Secret of Tate's Beach
Singmaster Seaman
The Wild Heart
Troop One of the Labrador
Squier Wallace
Ungava Bob
JUVENILE NON-FICTION
North America
Allen
South America
Allen
United States
Allen
Europe
Allen
Asia
Allen
Africa
Allen
Journey to Health Land
Andress
Book of Inventions
Baker
Midshipman Farragut
Barnes
Modern Aladdins and Their Magic
Bush and Winslow Collins
Real Stories from Our History
Faris
Adrift on An Ice Pan
Grenfell
Americanism of Theodore Roosevelt
Hagedorn
Boy's Life of Theodore Roosevelt
Hagedorn
Adventures of a Grain of Dust
Hawksworth Henderson
On the Trail of Grant and Lee
Hill
The Great Captain-Raleigh
Hinkson
God's Troubadour
Jewett Johnson
Red True Story Book
Lang
Louisa M. Alcott
Moses
Robert Louis Stevenson
Overton
David Goes to Greenland
Putnam
Radio Amateur Handbook
Jungle Roads
Famous Scouts
154
David Goes Voyaging Two Noble Lives Kindred of the Wild A Virginia Cavalier George Washington Buccaneers and Pirates of Our Coast A Book of Discovery Rainbow Gold Voyage of Captain Scott
Putnam Richards Roberts
Seawell
Scudder Stockton Synge Teasdale Turley Wilmat
Story of the Crusades Boy Scouts' Hand Book
Thirty-six "Just Right" books for young readers
CHARLOTTE L. WILLIAMS, Acting Librarian.
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
AND
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
OF THE TOWN OF
WEST BRIDGEWATER
FOR THE YEAR 1926
A.H.WILLIS PRINTER HPIDGŁWATER MASS
MEMBERS AND ORGANIZATION OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Mr. Edwin H. Thayer, Chairman
Term expires 1927
Mrs. Corelli C. Alger, Secretary
Term expires 1928
Harold S. Lyon Term expires 1929
Mrs. Edith M. Alger
Term expires 1929
Dr. W. C. Whiting Term expires 1928 Frank G. Chadwick Term expires 1927
Regular meetings of the School Committee are held in Room 4, Town Offices, on the second Monday of each month, July and August excepted, at 7.45 P. M.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
William J. B. MacDougall
Office, Howard High School Telephone, Brockton 5094 Office Hours : 3.30-4.30 every school day, unless absent on special business.
SCHOOL PHYSICIANS
Dr. Ellis S. LeLacheur Dr. Walter C. Whiting
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE OFFICER J. C. Howard
SCHOOL CALENDAR
HOWARD HIGH SCHOOL 1927
First Term, 8 weeks, Dec. 27 to Feb. 18. Second Term, 7 weeks, Feb. 28 to April 15. Third Term, 9 weeks, April 25 to June 24. Fourth Term, 16 weeks, Sept. 6 to Dec. 23. 1928 First Term, 7 weeks, Jan. 3 to Feb. 17. Second Term, 7 weeks, Feb. 27 to April 13.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS 1927
First Term, 7 weeks, Jan. 3 to Feb. 18. Second Term, 7 weeks, Feb. 28 to April 13. Third Term, 9 weeks, April 25 to June 24. Fourth Term, 15 weeks, Sept. 6 to Dec. 16. 1928 First Term, 7 weeks, Jan. 3 to Feb. 17. Second Term, 7 weeks, Feb. 27 to April 13.
Report of School Committee.
It is believed that some explanation should be made as to the present situation with respect to the Superintendency. For purposes of employment of a Superintendent of Schools, the Towns of West Bridgewater and Raynham constitute a Union. The law provides for the election of a Superinten- dent for a period of three years. This election is by a Joint Committee composed of three members from the West Bridgewater School Committee and three members of the Raynham School Committee. Each town therefore has equal representation upon the Joint Committee. At a meet- of the West Bridgewater School Committee in April, 1926, three delegates to serve on the Joint Committee were chosen. As the present Superintendent had served for three years, the West Bridgewater Committee discussed the matter of his re-election. In order that those chosen to serve on the Joint Committee might have an expression of the sentiment of the entire West Bridgewater Committee, a vote was taken. This was unanimously to the effect that it was the sense of the Committee, all being present and voting, that the Superintendent should not be re-elected. Accordingly at the first meeting of the Joint Committee held thereafter, the three members representing West Bridgewater voted not to re-elect the Superintendent. The three members from Raynham voted for re-election. It being apparent that the Superintendent could not be re-elected, it was agreed that the Secretary should notify the Superintendent in order that he might be given an opportunity to tender his
160
resignation or state that he did not desire to be considered as a candidate for re-election. A letter giving him such an opportunity was transmitted to him. He replied re- fusing to withdraw and contending that because of the action of the members constituting the Joint Committee in the Spring of 1924, his term did not expire until 1927. He was originally elected in the Spring of 1923 for a three year term. The records of the Joint Committee indicate that the following year it re-elected the Superintendent for "another year" giving him a small increase in salary. Whether the Joint Committee at that time (1924) was un- mindful of the requirement of the law that the election shall be for a three year term and assumed that it was necessary to elect a Superintendent each year, is not known to the present members of the West Bridgewater Committee. The vote was submitted to the State Department of Educa- tion and the advice was received that the vote had no legal effect either to lengthen or shorten the original term of three years. It is not understood that thereafter either the Raynham Committee or the Superintendent has made any contention contrary to the advice of the State Department. It appeared, however, that in the event of failure of the Joint Committee to elect a new Superintendent, the incum- bent then in office would hold over pending such election. It was urged upon the Raynham Committee that, especially in view of the fact that West Bridgewater pays twice as much as Raynham towards the salary of the Superintendent and in every way has a greater school interest, the members of the Raynham Committee should at least make an effort to agree upon a Superintendent who would be acceptable to the Committees of both Towns. This the Raynham Committee made no effort to do, but made manifest an in- tention to retain in office the Superintendent, whose term expired in June, 1926, by means of continuing the dead-lock resulting from the tie vote. A bill was introduced in the Legislature by Representative Keith of Bridgewater pro-
161
viding that in such cases a Superintendent who has failed of re-election shall not continue in office. This bill was opposed by the Commissioner of Education on the ground that it might leave the Union without any Superintendent. The Commissioner, however, invited the Joint Committee to his office in order to bring about, if possible, some solu- tion of what he considered an unfortunate situation for the Union. He expressed his disapproval of the attitude of the Superintendent in seeking to retain his office through the medium of a dead-locked Committee and when it was plainly evident that the School Committee representing the Town of West Bridgewater desired his resignation. He urged the Raynham members in the interest of harmony in the Union and with a view to the welfare of the school situation there, to address themselves to the problem of clearing up the existing unsatisfactory situation. Word has just been re- ceived, at the time of writing this report, from the chair- man of the Joint Committee, Mr. White of Raynham, pro- posing another meeting. It is hoped that at this meeting it may be possible to carry out the suggestions of the Com- missioner of Education.
It has been intimated that the action of the West Bridgewater Committee was based upon rumor. This is not the fact. The attitude of the Committee is founded in the belief that it is for the best interests of the schools of West Bridgewater that there be elected a different Superinten- dent.
DONATIONS
The Ladies' Auxiliary of the Sons of Veterans have generously erected and donated four (4) flag poles and flags to the Town of West Bridgewater. * The same were ac- cepted by the School Committee with appropriate exercises by the Auxiliary and school children.
*One to each of the following schools: Sunset Avenue, Cochesett, Matfield and Jerusalem.
162
REPAIRS
We are again grateful to the Trustees of the Howard Funds for the numerous repairs and improvements made at the High School, a list of which will be found in the re- ports of the Superintendent and Principal.
At the Sunset Avenue School, we have painted the ceil- ings and walls of the rooms in the original part of the build- ing, and have erected booths at all the entrances.
The larger building at Matfield has been painted on the outside, and the hall and ceiling on the inside. The roof of the smaller building has been painted also.
Electric lights have been installed at the Cochesett School, and numerous minor repairs made, as at all of the schools.
The following appropriations are recommended :
PROPOSED BUDGET, 1927
General Control
$3,600.00
Teachers' Salaries
30,200.00
Text Books and Supplies
2,200.00
Janitors' Services
2,450.00
Janitors' Supplies
150.00
Repairs
1,400.00
Fuel and Light
3,000.00
Transportation
3,000.00
Nurse
900.00
Medical Inspection
200.00
Tuition
100.00
Miscellaneous
550.00
$47,750.00
Report of Superintendent of Schools.
To the Members of the West Bridgewater School Com- mittee :
I herewith submit my fourth annual report.
RESIGNATIONS AND ELECTIONS
During the summer vacation the following teachers resigned :
Miss Carr, to teach in Whitman.
Miss Brown, to teach in Lexington.
Miss Leavitt, to teach in Needham.
Miss Annis, to be married.
Miss Leopold, to teach in Arlington.
Miss Collins, to teach in Arlington.
Miss O'Brien, to teach in Brockton.
Miss Ellen Thompson, not teaching.
Miss Amy Cassaboom to teach in Winchendon.
To fill these vacancies the following teachers were elected :
Miss Evelyn McNally, a graduate of the University of Manitoba, 1926, to teach English in the High School.
Miss Margaret Hayes, a graduate of Salem Normal, to teach Commercial subjects in High School.
Miss Miriam Nichols, a graduate of Radcliffe, class of 1926, to teach History in the High School.
Miss Ruth Owen, who had been teaching in South Carolina, to teach Latin and French in the High School.
Miss Ora Howe, a teacher of several years' experience,
164
to teach grades seven and eight and act as principal of the Sunset Avenue School.
Miss Mary Noel, a graduate of Bridgewater Normal, class of 1926, to teach the upper grades at Matfield.
Miss Marian Shaw, a graduate of Bridgewater Normal, class of 1926, to teach grades three and four at the Centre School.
Miss Beattie was transferred from the Jerusalem School to Cochesett and Miss Kathryn McEvoy, a graduate of Bridgewater Normal, class of 1925, was put in her place.
Miss Riley was transferred from Matfield to the sixth grade at the Centre.
Miss Mary Kett, a graduate of Hyannis, 1926, was chosen to teach the fifth and sixth grades at Sunset Avenue.
OBJECTIVES
Our objectives are the same as those generally accepted throughout the country and stated in many recently pub- lished courses of study.
1. Character development. We are trying to create an environment in which right habits of conduct are fixed in the lives of children. The teaching is by example. The old way of teaching courtesy, kindness, and other virtues from text books has long been abandoned.
2. Command of the fundamental processes. Command of the three R's is recognized as one of the principal duties of our schools. About one half of the time of elementary school children is given to mastering these subjects.
3. Health and physical efficiency. The training of the child in habits of healthful living is one of the most important duties of our schools.
4. Good citizenship. Our schools are being organized more and more in a manner designed to give children prac- tice as good citizens. Years ago the pupil learned from books how to be a good citizen. Often he did not put this
165
into practice. Now we recognize that being a good citizen is the all important thing. This training begins with the first grade and continues throughout the High School.
5. Worthy use of leisure time. The school aims to equip each child with smiple and wholesome tastes so that the increasing leisure time may be an asset rather than a liability. The ability to read, for example, is not enough. The habit of reading should be one of the results of the school course.
6. General mental efficiency. The ability to study effectively, to concentrate attention and to do independent thinking is one of the principal objectives of our course.
7. Vocational efficiency. Basic training and practical skill necessary to vocational efficiency together with an appreciation of the other fellow's job are set up as an im- portant objective.
The complete realization of these objectives would solve most of our social and economic ills. Our schools are facing the responsibility of achieving these great purposes. Throughout the country every means is being used to make attainable these fundamental objectives. The public school is the only great institution whose sole reason for existence is the attainment of these fundamentals.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.