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 1935-1939 > Part 27
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 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47
Rehoboth
1-2-3-4
Brockton
1-2-3-4
Eastern States
1-2-3-4
Sturbridge
1-2-4-5
Edwin Gibson won a purebred Guernsey bull at Reho- both for exhibiting the best Guernsey calf. At Sturbridge his calf was selected as one of ten animals to represent Massachusetts at Eastern States.
145
Wm. Gibson, Jr., won a special prize of $25.00 for win- ning the 4-H Showmanship contest at Eastern States. Ed- win was second and won $15.00.
The total value of prizes won by these brothers is $320.00.
The Extension Service program offers many valuable aids to homemakers, to those interested in agriculture and to boys and girls. This service is yours for the asking. I hope more will take advantage of the opportunity.
CORELLI C. ALGER
146
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
There have been inspected during the past year 84 sta- bles and 866 cattle. Besides these cattle there were 96 hogs, 5 sheep and 3 goats.
Under the head of slaughtering the number of animals slaughtered were:
Calves
143
Hogs
189
Cows
3
Total
335
Animals condemned :
Calves
2
DAVID DAILEY,
Inspector of Animals
147
REPORT OF TOWN TREASURER
The financial transactions of the Town for the year 1937 may be briefly summarized as follows :
Cash on hand Jan. 1, 1937
$26,453.83
Receipts during 1937 188,053.79
$214,507.62
Expenses 1937
$173,138.78
Cash on hand Dec. 31, 1937
41,368.84
$214,507.62
The receipts were divided as follows :
Received from Collector $130,079.88
Received from other sources 57,973.91
Total receipts for year
$188,053.79
A more detailed account of both receipts and payments will be found in the Town Accountant's report.
The Town borrowed no money during the year. The only indebtedness of the Town is its water bonds. Such of these as came due were paid with any accrued in- terest. These payments were bonds $4,030.00, interest $716.70. Total $4,746.70. Outstanding bonds, $15,330.00.
The Tax Title problem is a very perplexing one. While it is hoped that the number of Tax Titles taken over by the Town will not increase, it is a fact the number of Tax Titles held by the Town is twelve more than a year ago, and the Tax Title Account is $1,018.85 larger than a year ago. This condition is probably caused by the depression, and also it should be borne in mind that this increase is partly due to the fact that all taxes which can legally be added to these accounts have been, including those of 1937.
148
The Statement of this account for 1937 is as follows:
Tax Title Account Jan. 1, 1937 $10,311.56 Added by Collector during year 6,265.74
$16,577.30
Collected during year :
Tax Title Redemption
$5,238.02
Water Lien
35.00
Added Interest
398.33
Twenty-five Releases
75.00
$5,746.35
Number of Tax Titles now held by Town, 94.
An itemized statement of the Cemetery and Library Funds may be found in the Town Accountant's report. One new fund has been added to the Library Trust Fund, the Eliza Porter Dalton and Millard O. Dalton Fund of $250.00.
ORVIS F. KINNEY, Treasurer
149
UNEMPLOYMENT FUND
This appropriation was made by reducing the sum es- timated to be needed in the Welfare apropriation, and set up in an account as the Unemployment Fund. At the time of budgeting the estimated funds necessary to carry on, there was no evidence, that great reductions would be made by the Federal Government in the ranks of W. P. A. workers or that non-citizens would be denied a place within the working force. These factors, together with other unemployed for various reasons throughout the year, were given short time employment in the Park, cleaning around the thousands of pine trees set out in 1935 on land east of the ball field, making the cement fence posts used by the Highway Department, bagging up the various commodities that come in bulk for distribution, some painting, some carpentering, and many other proj- ects that required attention from time to time.
As might be expected there has been some criticism regarding the type of persons so employed, but the facts are that we must deal with the family needs as we find them, which oftentimes are quite different than the public think them to be. In any case it has meant Work or Wel- fare. Which would you choose ?
JAMES A. HEMENWAY HENRY O. DAVENPORT JOSEPH B. PORTER
Selectmen
150
REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
To the Superintendent of Schools and the School Com- mittee :
Early in the year the customary physical examinations were performed in the schools throughout the town with the willing assistance of Mrs. Hewitt. In general, I might say that the health and physical appearance of the chil- dren is noticeably improved over that of the previous year. The percentage of defects discovered is definitely decreased especially in the case of the children whose parents can afford the small expense which is necessarily incurred. However, the situation as regards various teeth, diseased tonsils, and malnutrition still remains serious in the children of those parents who are "just getting by," and in the case of welfare children. The solution to this problem is primarily of a financial nature and could be handled with sufficient ease by the many charitable or- ganizations and agencies in town.
There were many defects and diseases noted during the examinations. Nine children have hearts which should be watched-one a serious rheumatic heart. This child has received instructions as to how to conduct himself for the continuance of his present state of health. Six children have enlargement of the thyroid gland in the neck. These are all functional changes and require no treatment. Five children have asthma and are being cared for by family physicians. Two children have had convulsions and have been under medical guidance with marked improvement in one. Eighteen children have glands in the neck which originated from infected teeth or diseased tonsils. These glands will remain large until the cause is removed.
Through the driving force and boundless energy of the school nurse a gradual improvement must take place in the school health. Almost 1000 operations were performed
151
on teeth by Dr. Paul Tuttle. About ninety children were skin-tested for Tuberculosis and one-third of these had chest X-rays. Some thirty children have had tonsils and adenoids removed. Those mentally retarded and with bad habits have been taken in hand and are showing prog- ress. Classes have been provided for five needy cases.
There is a tremendous field in the school for the eradica- tion of defects early in life. This can result only from the combined interests of the school, the children, and the parents.
I appreciate the guidance and the collaboration of Mr. Robinson, the school committee, and of the school nurse.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH BERKOWITZ, M.D. School Physician
152
REPORT OF CHIEF OF POLICE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit my annual report of the Police De- partment for the year 1937.
Appropriation
$1,830.00
Unexpended Balance
$13.92
Fines returned to Town 50.00
63.92
Department cost for year $1,766.08
During the year the following cases were disposed of according to the necessity of the case:
Automobile violations
95
Driving to endanger
16
Driving under influence of liquor
7
Drunks
10
Automobile accidents
32
Automobile accidents where persons taken to doctor 12
Automobile accidents where persons taken
to hospital 10
Stolen property recovered
$780.00
Complaints investigated 295
Register on police car shows mileage of 8214 Miles.
My thanks are extended to the School Authorities and children who have cooperated in many valuable ways to prevent accidents.
In closing I wish to extend thanks to the officers and to the Board of Selectmen for their valuable assistance throughout the year.
ERVIN W. LOTHROP,
Chief of Police
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
AND
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
OF THE TOWN OF
WEST BRIDGEWATER
FOR THE YEAR 1937
2
MEMBERS AND ORGANIZATION OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Harvey A. Scranton, Chairman
Term expires 1939
Lloyd P. Tyrer, Secretary
Term expires 1938
Mrs. Edith Alger
Term expires 1938
Faelton Perkins
Term expires 1939
Clare E. Parker
Term expires 1940
Henry Woodward
Term expires 1940
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Ernest W. Robinson Office, Howard High School Telephone Brockton 5094
Residence, 19 Ash St., West Bridgewater Telephone Brockton 6811-W
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN Joseph Berkowitz, M.D.
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE OFFICER Ervin W. Lothrop
3
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of West Bridgewater:
The past year has been noteworthy for the introduction into our schools of the courses in Practical Arts author- ized at the last town meeting. With the assistance of the Howard Trustees we have been able to install a modern Domestic Arts department in the high school. We have also a Manual Training room in the rear building at the Center school. These courses have been enthusiastically received by the pupils and fill a long-felt want in our edu- cational system. Now that the initial expense of equipment has been overcome we are in a position to give additional instruction on the same appropriation.
Our last report stated improvements were needed in the sanitary arrangements at the rear Center School. Since then we have spent much time and $150 from our repair appropriation to remedy existing conditions, but without success. We now believe it necessary to put in modern equipment such as we have at the front Center building, and will ask the town to appropriate the necessary funds for this work.
Your committee does not recommend the building of an additional room at Matfield to replace the portable building. It feels that the thirty-odd pupils involved are receiving better instruction by being transported to the Center school; that they are safely transported in the new buses; that the expenditure of $5000 to $6000 for this number of pupils is not justified by any possible benefits; that generally speaking the place to spend money for new | buildings is at the Center.
To maintain our school system at a high level we must have the constant support and interest of all citizens. An active Parent-Teachers group at the Center should be of great assistance. Your committee is open at all times to suggestions for the improvement of the school.
4
Expenditures for 1937 and estimates for 1938 follow:
1937
1938
Expenditures
Estimates
Administration
$3845.82
- $3930.00
Salaries
28776.03
- 30236.00
Books & Supplies
2345.25
- 2400.00
Janitors
2378.90
- 2460.00
Fuel & Light
2402.46
1600.00
Repairs
1234.79
~1300.00
Transportation
4063.38
4200.00
Tuition
852.50
1000.00
Health
1154.00
1200.00
Misc.
137.12
100.00
Practical Arts
1708.69
$48898.94
$48426.00
1
Respectfully submitted
HARVEY SCRANTON,
Chairman
5
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee :
I herewith submit my ninth annual report of the school system of West Bridgewater. It is the custom in the prep- aration of annual reports for any department of munici- pal activity to attempt an evaluation of losses or gains in the conduct of that particular department, and these losses and gains for the most part are of a material or financial nature that can be estimated quantitatively.
Only a part, however, of educational progress for a given period can be measured in dollars and cents, mate- rial, supplies, or new equipment. The greater The Measure part of educational growth in any commun- ity lies in increase of intellectual power,
of
Progress character development, civic intelligence, and preparation for service, of the pupils in its school system.
And, in turn, such growth is conditioned by the quality of instruction and the character of instructors throughout the system. Educational progress for a given period is not measured by any quantitative scale, as the amount of text covered in a given subject, the number of tests or examinations passed, the books read, or projects com- pleted. All of these activities can be charted, tabulated and analyzed to the nth degree of exactness, and a symbol or mark obtained for record in every subject studied. There is still one factor that comprehends and vitalizes the whole process of education-the human equation.
This force in the educational process is the dominant one. It measures alike the progress of the pupil and the
6
power of the teacher. It takes into account The Human Equation the constant and inconstant element of child growth and understanding; the immaturity of mind and body, the sensitiveness to praise and blame, the difficulties of sustained effort, the responsiveness to intellectual challenges, and the tem- peramental variations of the average child. In a word, it deals with the so-called imponderables of human life and growth.
The work of the teacher, therefore, goes far beyond text and subject, line and precept, page and paragraph. It takes into consideration all these shifting values and attempts to shape them into an effective working force, that will eventually develop into a sustained energy that will enable boys and girls to become men and women of poise and power, ready in a measure to face the confus- ing problems of a confused world, with dynamic energy and purpose.
School training, however, is but a small part of a life- time. Despite the undoubted assistance obtained by well devised tests and measurements, there are always some elusive factors of child personality in every class room. Other conditions than those of the class room operate for gain or loss. Home and community bring their significant pressure to bear. The teacher is only one of the artificers in the making of the changing child personality. Where can teachers find the measures for the daily judgment of their teaching?
It would be stimulating if they could see the final prod- uct of their work, much as a sculptor beholds his statue.
But it is not possible for the daily lesson to
No reveal the ultimate man or woman. The full Final power of teachers is exerted in one genera- Estimate tion, that of their pupils in another. For those who teach there is no final measure of the day's work, the year's gain, or the total development of power and character of a school life. Such measure lies beyond their vision in time and place. Only the next
7
generation may attempt a full estimate of what they have so earnestly striven for in their tireless efforts to build power and character for another generation of citizens.
During the past year a distinct addition to the educa- tional efficiency of our school system was made by the introduction of a practical arts course, do- Practical Arts mestic arts for the girls and manual arts for the boys. In spite of space limitations a finely equipped laboratory for the girls was installed at the Howard High with the generous aid of the Trustees of the Howard Funds. At the Center School, where again space limitations existed, an effective manual training course was begun in September under the guid- ance of Mr. Robert Morton, a graduate of the New Bedford Vocational School. Mr. Morton and Miss Ruth Ernst, a graduate of the Framingham Teachers College, and teacher of home economics, both bring enthusiasm and a fine spirit of service to their respective departments, an excellent augury for immediate and continued success.
Some changes in the teaching staff ocurred during the past year. Miss Elizabeth Worthing, a teacher of several years experience in the primary grades at Teacher Sunset Ave., was succeeded by Miss Myrtle Changes Davidson, a graduate of Castine Normal. Miss Thelma Johnson, also a teacher of sev- eral years experience, succeeded Miss Grace Dashoff in the fifth and sixth grades, and Mrs. Elizabeth Eastman was succeeded by Miss Alice Guinea, an experienced teacher. The new teachers are all doing good work in their respec- tive grades. In the High School, Miss Evelyn Anthol took up the Latin and French courses formerly taught by Miss Edna Currier. She is doing excellent work in these courses.
The problem of hygienic sanitary conditions in the rear building at the Center School is still with us and will never be solved satisfactorily until a completely different set-up is accomplished. Owing to the location of the toilets
8
Sanitary Conditions
in the building, it is impossible to prevent the seepage of disagreeable odors into the halls and classrooms. Nor is it possible to main- tain the privacy desirable because of faulty location and limited room. All the other schools in town are properly equipped with sanitary conveniences. The health and working efficiency of the teachers and pupils involved are definitely impaired and hampered by the faulty conditions existing. Again I recommend to your consideration an immediate attack on this problem.
The following table reveals the membership of the vari- ous schools for the past four years :
COMPARATIVE MEMBERSHIP TABLE
School
1935
1936
1937
1938
Howard High
132
134
146
164
Center
209
219
250
243
Sunset Ave.
172
163
164
153
Matfield
62
62
32
34
Cochesett
57
57
53
41
Jerusalem
23
27
26
24
655
662
671
659
In four schools, Center, Sunset Avenue, Jerusalem and Cochesett there was a slight falling off, while a slight in- crease was observed at Matfield and a perceptibly larger one at the High School. One effect in many school systems of offering a course in practical arts in the high school has been to attract and hold more pupils in school than would have been entered and remained under a purely academic arrangement of courses. This, of course, is a highly desirable objective, as there is little doubt of the need every boy and girl has to obtain all the formal edu- cation posible that they may have a decent chance of mak- ing a fair start in the competitive industrial, mercantile, or professional world of today and tomorrow.
9
There is one phase of a balanced education that we can not afford to lose sight of, and that is education for char- acter. Books without end have been written
Education on "education for efficiency, for service, for for knowledge, for power, for culture, for scien- Character tific advancement, and for esthetic enjoy- ment." But an educational system that ig- nores education for character misses one of the greatest objectives in this field of public service.
In an excellent brochure on this topic, issued by the State Department of Education, Bulletin No. 7, 1937, a quotation is taken from Heaton's "Character Emphasis in Education," as printed in the University of Chicago Press in 1933. This citation points out the modern trend of edu- cational effort with such force and clarity that it is here- with reproduced as an excellent delineation of our aims and objectives.
"1. The center of interest is changing from 'subject matter' to 'life' so that the curriculum is taking on greater meaning for the pupil in relationship to his daily experi- ences and problems of adjustment.
2. Teachers are learning to utilize significant life-inter- ests and marginal problems not directly related to the curriculum but which are brought into consciousness in the routine of teaching.
3. The methods of teaching are changing so that parti- cipation in classroom activities is becoming a significant social experience.
4. Teachers are learning to consider the conflicts and problems of conduct which arise in the classroom as teach- ing opportunities to be used rather than to be avoided.
5. Effort is made to call out the best in every pupil, to give each the opportunity of practicing best things, to help when he fails, and when he succeeds stimulate him with approval, so that he will be happy when successful. In failure, he learns to recognize his weaknesses and to do something about them himself, under direction, without
10
a feeling of shame for his shortcomings, but rather a de- termination to conquer them."
In conclusion may I say that the highest objectives in educational work are being worked for by all the teach- ers of our system, with intelligence, courage and breadth of vision. Without this comprehensive spirit of service at all times to help me in my own work would be ineffectual. My thanks are due also to the School Board, whose mem- bers have always evinced a very cooperative spirit in their counsel and advice, for which I herewith express my ap- preciation.
Respectfully submitted.
ERNEST W. ROBINSON, Superintendent of Schools
As steady application to work is the healthiest training for every individual, so is it the best discipline of a state. Hon- orable industry always travels the same road with enjoyment and duty, and prog- ress is altogether impossible without it. -S. Smiles
-----
HOMEMAKING -- FOOD
. ..
-
HOMEMAKING-CLOTHING
--
LEARNING BY DOING
11
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE HIGH SCHOOL
Mr. Ernest W. Robinson Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Mass.
Dear Sir:
I have the honor to submit my annual report as prin- cipal of the Howard High School.
The most important problem of education now inviting the cooperative efforts of all educational agencies is cur- riculum revision. The vast expansion and increasing com- plexity of our social and industrial life which have af- fected civilization in ways not thought possible a decade ago have placed upon the schools new responsibilities; the results of scientific investigation both in the psychol- ogy of learning and subject matter; the shift of emphasis from subject content to the individual; the growing be- lief that the schools must serve more pupils for a longer period and serve them better; the changes in the func- tions, aims, and philosophy of secondary education; and the increasing conviction that the development of appro- priate attitudes and ideals constitutes a fundamental edu- cational objective-all these make necessary a continual revision and revaluation of the curriculum.
Throughout the history of our high school, courses have been revaluated, revised, and dropped when they no longer proved effective. New courses have been added to meet new demands upon the school, and new departments organized to make teaching more efficient. All these changes have been made to meet better the needs of the student and the community.
The most recent outstanding alteration has come about by the addition of a department of practical arts which at the present time includes two courses, household arts and manual training. In training for effective citizenship the
12
high school should not only provide a general educaion of the knowledges, ideals, and habits necessary to meet new problems, but it also should attempt to teach its stu- dents to do better the things they will do anyway. Every girl, and every boy for that matter, is now a member of a social order-the home, upon which rests the foundation of our American democracy, and what is of more vital concern to the school, each student is a prospective home maker. A course of study contributing solely to this gen- erally recognized aim of secondary education, is undeni- ably an essential part of any worthy program of modern education. In such a course as now operated in the high school, the girls learn to plan, cook, and serve practical meals in the study of foods; to select materials, and make practical garments; and to mend, patch, and repair clothes in the study of clothing. All these are learned through the experience of doing. The entire course is organized on a practical basis and in so far as possible all operations have direct application in the home.
To make possible the teaching of foods and clothing the old lunch room in the basement of the school has been thoroughly renovated. Through the generous cooperation of the Trustees of the Howard Funds a new floor was laid, the building and room wired for a new lighting system and for use of the electrical equipment; through the finan- cial support of the Class of 1937 the woodwork, walls, and ceiling were painted in harmonizing sunshine colors and a large electric refrigerator installed; by the invaluable and understanding support of the school committee new and modern equipment was installed including two elec- tric ranges, one gas range, a modern sink, electric hot water system, a large work table, built-in cabinets and cupboards, one electric sewing machine, tables and chairs for sewing, cooking utensils and dishes. In addition, the loan of two sewing machines from Mr. Herbert Bryant, the donation of a large dining room table by Mr. Arthur Cunningham, and the construction of a corner china cab- inet by Mr. Robert Morton, the manual training instructor, complete a well equipped household arts room for a class of 15 pupils.
13
This household arts room is so arranged that it is read- ily available for the serving of lunches to the members of the school. The entire operation and control of this ac- tivity is under the direction of the household arts teacher who supervises a group of four or five students each week in their management of the lunch room as a regular ac- tivity of the course. As an excellent example of what can be accomplished when the educational goal is distinctly worth-while this whole household arts project reflects the splendid spirit of helpfulness and cooperation of the com- munity.
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.