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 1940-1944 > Part 10
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Respectfully yours,
LOIS J. SNOW, Supervisor of Music.
202
REPORT OF MANUAL TRAINING INSTRUCTOR
To the Superintendent:
As the two eighth grade classes have only one hour for Manual Training each two weeks, the selection of a pro- ject has been limited to a choice of one of four simple types.
These were chosen because of the tools necessary in their construction and the average time necessary to complete same.
It might be well to point out that the pupil must be satisfied with his first endeavor, when completed, in order for him to gain confidence in his ability to do more difficult work. Many of these boys also have a tendency to overestimate their personal ability, and therefore might become discouraged if the project proved too difficult.
If possible I would like to interview each of these eighth grade boys when it comes time for them to select their high school course of study. Although I believe each of the high school boys is benefiting by his shop experience there are a few who might be better suited to a purely academic course, giving those not as aca- demically inclined more shop time.
New equipment including a powered scroll saw, two bench vises, four bar clamps, three Josgensen clamps, two bit braces and several other items have been or- dered for future expansion.
As to the proposed addition to the shop, Mr. Beaudry of the State Fire Inspector's Office has made it clear what may be done in the way of alterations.
If any partitions are to be erected they must be of lath and plaster construction. He further recommends
203
that the existing sheathed wall should be removed and, if replaced, should also be of lath and plaster construc- tion. The stairway from the basement to the first floor at the south end of the building may be removed entire- ly, as it is not used for any purpose.
A test has been made to note the amount of noise which would pass into the existing hot air ducts, which lead to the two first floor halls, should the rest of that side of the basement be available. The amount of noise passing into these pipes was found to be neglible except when actual contact was made with them.
A study of changing trends in junior and senior high school programs reveals the increasing emphasis being placed on the manual side of modern education, and emphasis that reflects the purpose of educators to make education a fitting for the rapidly expanding industrial life of the nation. We are trying to keep step with this growth.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT MORTON
204
REPORT OF HOUSEHOLD ARTS SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools, Ernest W. Robinson
Since its opening three and one half years ago, the Home Economics Department has steadily advanced. Last year, the introduction of a workbook and recitation period was a definite stride ahead for it was and aid in helping the girls better understand what they were doing in the labratory periods. This year a course in third year clothing has been added to the other courses and so far it is quite a success. The girls are allowed to make anything they may desire or need at the time. Some of the girls have constructed garments out of old or too small garments with some very fine results. Others have made children's garments, house coats, dresses, slips, etc. Since the number of periods devoted to this course is greater, the girls are able to accomplish a great deal more.
The other courses given are just about the same as they have been in the past, with a few improvements. The foods prepared and the garments constructed in the laboratory are really only foundations upon which the girls must build. Since our time is so limited only the main essentials can be covered in class and it is up to each girl to improve her cooking and sewing. This can be done only if she is allowed to do these things at home. It is particularly gratifying to me when girls bring notes from home signed by a parent or guardian indicating that certain foods have been prepared successfully. As we all know practice makes perfect. If the girls are not allowed to cook or sew at home it is quite impossible to really accomplish the aims of the course in Home Economics. I feel certain that if each girl studies earn-
205
estly and endeavors to get all she can from the courses she will derive that feeling of satisfaction that comes with accomplishing something worthwhile, for no matter what she may do in the future her work in this department will be of great value to her in many ways.
Respectfully submitted,
RUTH ERNST.
206
COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
HOWARD HIGH SCHOOL Class of 1940
Howard Hall, June nineteen at eight o'clock Motto-"Pick Your Peak and Climb"
CLASS OFFICERS
President Chester Rossi
Vice President Eunice O'Donnell
Secretary
Mildred Howe
Treasurer
Marian Bennett
Class Colors
Maroon and White
Class Flower
Carnation
PROGRAM
1. March-Festival March Mendelssohn Howard High School Orchestra
2. Prayer Reverend Raymond Spears
3. Music-Star of Love-Tango in D Albinez-Oliver Girls' Chorus
4. Address-Old American Ideals for New American Problems Dr. David D. Vaughan
5. Presentation of Class Gift Chester Rossi President of Class of 1940
6. Acceptance for School
Clyfton Bourne President of Class of 1941
207
7. Presentation of Awards
Washington and Franklin Medal Good Citizenship Class of 1939 Scholarship Principal Nils G. Lindell
8. Music-Der Freischutz Von Weber Howard High School Orchestra
9. Presentation of Diplomas Mr. Lloyd Tyrer Chairman of School Board
10. Class Ode Ardreth Height
Class of 1940
11. Benediction
Reverend Raymond Spears
12. Recessional
CLASS ODE
Tune : O Christmas Pine (O Tannenbaum) by Frank Foster
Oh Howard High,
Oh Howard High,
We never shall forget you.
Your memory, will linger on
'Tho many years have come and gone.
Oh Howard High,
Oh Howard High,
We never shall forget you
Your ivy walls,
Your grassy lawns
We always shall remember.
Your teachers, too, forever true.
We now all give our thanks to you.
Oh Howard High!
Oh Howard High!
We never shall forget you!
-Ardreth Height
208
GRADUATES
Virginia E. Ames
Virginia Louise Barclay Muriel Pauline Barrett Marian Dorothy Bennett
Mildred Rosamond Howe Astrid Virginia Johnson Karolyn Luella Keeler
Lolita J. Blood
Alice M. Burroughs
Donald E. Clark
George Francis MacHardy Iva Nola McFarlan William Albert Melendy William Winslow Noyes, Jr.
Mileham Raymond Cook Eunice May O'Donnell Doris Marian Cunningham Arlene Lillie Peterson William H. Curtis Hilda R. Rezendes Cecile R. Eno
Ernest George Rizel
Walter Arnold Fischer
Anna Ellen Rockwell
Anna Edith Freitas
Joseph Chester Rossi
Grace Anna Gummow
Sarah Salvador
Theresa May Gummow
Harold Hjalmar Sigren
Ardreth Joyce Height
Phyllis S. Wells
Ruth I. Wells
TEACHING FORCE 1940 - 1941
School
Grade Principal
High
High
High
High
High
Clarice J. Weeden
History
Naomi E. White
Commercial
Principal
Center
VIII
Center
VII
Center
VI
Center
V
Alice M. Guinea
Center
III-IV
Miriam T. Hall
Center
I-II
Gertrude A. Pillsbury
Sunset Ave.
VII-VIII
Theresa M. Miller
Principal
Sunset Ave.
V-VI
Thelma Johnson
Sunset Ave.
III-IV
Marian E. Cushman
Sunset Ave.
I-II
Myrtle A. Davidson
Matfield
I-III
Gertrude J. Ward
Principal
Cochesett
IV-VI
Wilmar C. Harlow
Principal
Cochesett
I-III
Marian B. Turski
Jerusalem
I-V
Mary Nelson
Music Supervison
Lois J. Snow
Practical Arts Supervisor
Ruth E. Ernst
Manual Arts Supervison Superintendent
Robert C. Morton
Ernest W. Robinson
Where Educated
Tufts College Boston University Mass. Agr. College Yale University Salem Teachers' College
High
Teacher Nils G. Lindell Janice M. Rylander Arthur L. Frellick J. Roy Newton Myrtle A. Otto
Subject Mathematics Languages Science English Commercial
High
Benjamin D. Thomas
Ellen F. Kett Elinor F. Spencer
Wellesley College Boston University Castine Normal {Hyannis Normal Bridgewater Teachers'
Bridgewater Teachers' Fitchburg Teachers' Warren High Brockton Business University Castine Normal Bridgewater Teachers' Castine Normal
Perry Kindergarten Birdgewater Teachers' Castine Normal Bridgewater Teachers' Hyannis Normal Framingham Teachers' New Bedford Vocational Harvard College
209
210
SCHOOL CALENDAR
1940-1941
First term-16 weeks, opens September 4, closes Decem- ber 20, 1940
Second term-7 weeks, opens December 30, closes Feb- ruary 14, 1941
Third term-8 weeks, opens February 24, closes April 18, 1941
Fourth term-8 weeks, opens April 28, closes June 20, 1940
1940-1941 Vacations
Closed Friday, October 25 for Teachers' Convention Thanksgiving vacation, close at noon November 27 and open December 2
Christmas vacation, close at night December 20 and open December 30
Winter vacation, close at night February 14 and open February 24.
Spring vacation, close April 18 and open April 28
Memorial Day recess, close at night May 30 and open June 2
All schools close on June 20
1941-1942
First term-16 weeks, opens September 3, closes De- cember 19, 1941
Second term-7 weeks, opens December 29, closes Feb- ruary 13, 1942 Third term-8 weeks, opens February 23, closes April 17,1942 Fourth term-8 weeks, opens April 27, closes June 19, 1942
1941-1942 Holidays
Armistice Day, November 11, 1941 New Year's Day, January 1, 1942 Washington's Birthday, February 22, 1942 Memorial Day, May 30, 1942
MEMBERSHIP BY AGE AND GRADE, OCTOBER 1, 1940
Age
5 6
7 8 9 10 11
12
13 14
15
16
17
18 19
Totals
Grades 1
15
33
7
....
2
2
17
41
11
39
3
13
20
4
2
..
..
....
....
..
..
54
4
..
..
..
..
22
27
9
3
3
...
....
..
:
:
64
6
:
...
13
33
10
4
....
....
....
:
..
:
:
.
. .
:
:
....
....
2
18
22
8
3
1
....
2
...
..
. .
..
..
..
10
11
....
. .
..
....
....
....
....
..
....
11
27
8
2
...
1
39
12
Totals
15
50
61
47
55
50
58
75
53
59
61
47
33
5
1
670
..
. .
..
5
60
13
41
9
2
1
66
8
..
..
..
. .
..
2
11
36
4
3
..
....
48
13
22
3
..
....
..
..
..
69
..
....
16
27
8
1
2
....
1 13
38
10
....
7
54
64
9
56
. .
57
211
SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP BY GRADES, JANUARY 1, 1941
Grades
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Totals
Howard High
63
57
48
40
208
Center VIII
..
....
....
..
....
...
..
..
....
..
. .
....
17
24
41
Sunset Ave. V-VI
17
15
32
Sunset Ave. III-IV
17
14
....
. .
. .
....
31
Sunset Ave. I-II
13
21
34
Cochesett IV-VI
14
13
15
42
Cochesett I-III
15
11
10
....
....
....
. .
36
Jerusalem I-V
3
4
0
3
4
....
. . ..
....
. .
. . ..
..
14
Matfield I-III
7
11
6
....
Totals
55
65
47
53
48
63
55
55
63
57
48
40
649
....
31
31
Center VII
38
38
Center VI
33
33
Center V
34
Center III-IV
14
25
39
Center I-II
17
18
....
....
..
35
Sunset Ave. VII-VIII
..
....
..
..
.. ..
....
..
...
....
. .
. .
34
....
..
24
212
213
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
The balance sheet of December 31, 1940 shows the town to be in the same favorable condition as we were at the end of the previous year. This we believe reflects good management by the department heads and reason- able appropriations by the voters.
We believe that we must be conservative in our ex- penditures of monies in the coming year, to maintain this position. The appropriations by the town are in the control of the voters, but the constantly increasing load put upon us all by the County, State and Federal Governments are largely beyond our control. We all know that we have not as yet begun to feel the burden of the defense program that will be put upon us for years to come.
We have carefully gone over with each department their budgets for the year. In several instances the de- partment heads have shown their desire to co-operate by revising their original estimates, and we feel that the amounts we have recommended are reasonable for maintaining the efficiency of the departments.
There are a few departments whose budgets are higher than last year, but we feel these increases are justified by their needs. One of the largest of these is Old Age Assistance, which is constantly increasing year by year, but this expense is largely beyond the control of local supervision. We believe the expenses of our Welfare Department have been well handled during the past year.
The recommendations of the Committee on the De- partmental budgets and the special articles in the War- rant total approximately $6,400.00 more than last year. After consulting with the Assessors and checking esti-
214
mated receipts, it appears to us that we may expect an increase of approximately $2.00 per thousand in the tax rate, if the amounts recommended are appropriated by the voters.
Article 7 in the Warrant calls for the appropriation of à sum of money by the town to be used with money allotted by the State and County, and as we under- stand that under Chapter 90 construction work will be financed by the State to the amount of $6,000.00 and by the County to the amount of $3,000.00, we are recom- mending the appropriation of $3,000.00 by the town. State funds were not available for this work last year.
Article 19 in the Warrant calls for an appropriation for the installation of an adequate heating plant in the Sunset Avenue school. We are recommending this installation but feel that $3,000.00 should amply cover the cost.
Article 18 in the Warrant calls for an appropriation for Federal Projects expenses. We have recommended the sum of $7,076.00 to cover the projects as outlined for the year. This is slightly more than $2,000.00 above the amount appropriated last year, but there was a sizeable amount available for this work left over from the pre- vious year for last year's projects.
Article 16 in the Warrant calls for an appropriation for the installation of toilets in the Public Library. We have not recommended this appropriation as we feel that the proposition is impractical under the existing conditions.
We urge the Water Commissioners to give careful consideration during this year to the placing of our Water Department on a basis where the income covers the costs of maintenance and the payment of bonds and interest approved by the voters of the town.
215
We thank the various officers of the Town who have aided us in our work during the past year. This Com- mittee meets monthly and is always glad to talk over town affairs and finances with any citizens interested.
A Table of Estimates by Departments, amounts rec- ommended by this Committee, and report of recom- mendations on articles in the Town Warrant appear on the following pages.
ARTHUR E. RYDER, Chairman ALFRED T. WELLS, Secretary WALTER D. CROWLEY, JOHN C. ELDRIDGE, JOHN E. HOWARD, WILLIAM W. NOYES,
JOHN M. RICHARDS,
Finance Committee. :
216
REPORT OF FINANCE COMMITTEE ON ARTICLES IN TOWN WARRANT
Article 1. To elect the following Town Officers by Official Ballot: One Town Clerk for one year, one Moderator for one year, one Assessor for three years, one Selectman for three years, one member of the Board of Public Welfare for three years, one Treasurer for one year, one Water Commissioner for three years, two School Committee for three years, one for two years to fill vacancy, two Trustees of Public Library for three years, one Tree Warden for one year, two Constables for one year.
The polls will be open at 9 o'clock in the forenoon of March 3, 1941, and close at 8 o'clock p. m.
Article 2. To choose Town Officers for the ensuing year not elected on the Official Ballot.
Article 3. To hear the reports of all Town Officers and Committees and act thereon.
Article 4. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1941, and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year in accord- ance with Section 17, Chapter 44, General Laws.
The Finance Committee recommends such authorization.
Article 5. To raise such sums of money as may be necessary to defray the Town charges for the ensuing year, and make appropriations for the same.
The recommendations of the Finance Committee for each Department appear in the Tables included in their report.
217
Article 6. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money to be used in connection with Chapter 90, Highway maintenance. Said appro- priation to be used together with any sum that may be allotted thereto by State and County.
The Finance Committee recommends the appropriation of $1,000.00 to be used with any sum allotted thereto by State and County.
Article 7. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for the improvement of Streets; said money to be used in conjunction with any money which may be allotted by the State or County, or both, for this purpose; or take any other action in relation thereto.
The Finance Committee recommends the appropriation of one quarter of the total amount to be contributed by State, County and Town; our share of the contribution not to exceed $3,000.00.
Article 8. To see if the Town will vote to appropri- ate a sum of $50.00 for a clinic by the School physician to immunize school children and pre-school children against diphtheria.
The Finance Committee recommends this appropriation.
Article 9. To see if the Town will install one Street Light on So. Elm Street at a point near MacDonald Brook, and raise and appropriate a sum of money for the same.
The Finance Committee does not recommend this installation.
Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for the installation of at least two Street Lights on Wall Street, or take any other action relative thereto. (By request, and petition.)
The Finance Committee recommends the installation of one light and the appropriation of the sum of $18.00 to cover the cost of the same for the present year.
-
218
Article 11. To see if the Town will vote to install three (3) street lights in Cochesett at the following places: Crescent Street opposite High Street, High Street opposite Friend, and the corner of High and Church Streets.
The Finance Committee recommends the installation of two lights-one at the corner of High and Crescent Streets; the other at the corner of High and Friend Streets - and the appropria- tion of the sum of $36.00 to cover the cost of same for the present year.
Article 12. To see if the Town will vote to install four (4) street lights on Prospect Street, raise and ap- propriate money for same.
The Finance Committee recommends the installation of three lights and the appropriation of the sum of $54.00 to cover the cost of same for the present year.
Article 13. To see what amount the Town will vote to raise and appropriate for the use of Plymouth County Trustees for County Aid to Agriculture (Plymouth County Extension Service) and choose a Town Director as provided in Section 41 and 42 of Revised Chapter 128 of the General Laws and act thereon.
The Finance Committee recommends the appropriation of $100.00 for this purpose.
Article 14. To see if the Town will raise and appro- priate a sum of money for maintenance of Plymouth County Hospital, under provisions of Chapter 111, Sec- tion 85, of the General Laws.
The Finance Committee recommends the appropriation of $1,949.33 for this maintenance.
Article 15. To see if the Town will raise and appro- priate the sum of $300.00 for maintenance of Visiting Nurse Service in West Bridgewater.
The Finance Committee recommends this appropriation.
219
Article 16. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money to install septic tank, two flush bowls and one lavatory in the Public Library.
The Finance Committee does not recommend this appropri- ation.
Article 17. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $50.00 for the purpose of pre- serving the Town Records.
The Finance Committee recommends this appropriation.
Article 18. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for Federal Project Ex- penses.
The Finance Committee recommends the sum of $7,076.00 for this purpose.
Article 19. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum not exceeding $3,500.00 to install a modern, adequate heating plant in the Sunset Avenue School.
The Finance Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,000.00 for this installation.
Article 20. To see what action the Town will take upon the petition of the Matfield Women's Club in re- gard to sale of Town land upon which the building now owned by them is located. Building formerly known as the portable school building.
The Finance Comittee does not recommend the sale of this land.
Article 21. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer, in his discretion, but with the written approval of the Board of Selectmen, or a major- ity thereof, to sell any land acquired by the Town through foreclosure of a tax title and to execute and deliver in the name and behalf of the Town all deeds necessary to effectuate any such sale.
The Finance Committee recommends this authorization.
220
Article 22. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $775.00 to be paid to the County. The County having paid the total amount, $1500.00, direct, one half the amount is being debited against the Town.
The Finance Committee recommends an appropriation of $775.00 as our share of this expense.
Article 23. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $345.48 for land damage on Crescent Street. To be paid direct to the property owners.
The Finance Committee recommends this appropriation.
Article 24. To see if the Town will accept the Ceme- tery Trust Fund of $100.00 for the perpetual care of Lot No. 12 in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, known as the Shipman half of such lot.
The Finance Committee recommends favorable action.
Article 25. That the Town authorize the School Com- mittee to establish and maintain State-aided vocational education in accordance with the provisions of Chap- ter 74, General Laws and Acts amendatory thereto, or dependent thereon, and further raise and appropriate the amount of $650.00 therefor.
Refer to the voters.
Article 26. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $125.00 for Christmas decora- tions by illumination at the Monument, and appoint a committee of three for the same.
The Finance Committee does not recommend this appropri- ation.
Article 27. To see if the Town will vote to appropri- ate from available funds in the Treasury a sum of money to be used by the Assessors to reduce the tax rate for the current year.
221
The Finance Committee recommends the appropriation of not over $10,000.00 from the Surplus Revenue to be used by the Assessors to reduce the Tax Rate for the current year.
Article 28. To see if the Town will vote to appoint a Committee of five citizens to consider the advisability of the construction of a Fire and Police Station and report their findings at a Special Town Meeting to be called on or before July 1st, 1941.
Refer to the voters.
Article 29. To see if the Town will vote to transfer into Water Surplus Revenue Account the balance of $76.86 remaining in the 1940 appropriation for 6 in. pipe.
The Finance Committee recommends this transfer.
Article 30. To see if the Town will vote to transfer the surpluses remaining in the following departments on December 31, 1940 into Surplus Revenue Account : Fire Department $50.00; North Elm Street $43.92; Side- walk on Matfield Street $116.93; River Street $44.58; Sewing project $41.00; Highway beautification $36.05; Municipal Unemploymnet $2.40; Baseball Equipment $7.37; New Town Offices $1,103.62. Total $1,445.87.
The Finance Committee recommends these transfers.
Article 31. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $17.03 to cover abatements as follows : 1933-$5.44. 1934-$5.44. 1935-$5.22. 1936-$0.93.
The Finance Committee recommends this appropriation.
Article 32. To transact any other business that may legally come before the meeting.
TABLE OF COMPARISON
ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS AND EXPENDITURES FOR 1939 AND 1940, TOGETHER WITH AMOUNTS ESTIMATED BY DEPARTMENT HEADS AND RECOMMENDED BY COMMITTEE FOR 1941
Appropriated Expended
Appropriated Expended Estimated Recommended
1939
1939
1940
1940
1941
1941
Moderator
$25.00
$25.00
$25.00
$25.00
$25.00
$25.00
Selectmen's Department
800.00
765.53
800.00
722.60
800.00
800.00
Accountant's Department
700.00
678.78
700.00
676.94
675.00
675.00
Treasurer's Department
1,300.00
1,209.64
1,300.00
1,214.35
1,300.00
1,300.00
Collector's Department
1,938.00
1,938.00
1,947.00
2,077.56
2,015.00
2,015.00
Assessors' Department
1,600.00
1,479.95
1,825.00
1,604.00
1,800.00
1,800.00
Other Finance Officers
25.00
25.00
25.00
25.00
Town Clerk's Department
600.00
558.17
620.00
620.00
620.00
620.00
Election and Registration
200.00
524.61+
900.00
954.99
350.00
350.00
Law
25.00
5.00
25.00
25.00
25.00
Town Hall and Offices
2,800.00
2,594.70
2,800.00
2,825.00
3,250.00
3,250.00
Police Department
2,400.00
2,249.02
1,800.00
1,799.72
2,265.00
2,265.00
Dog Officer
35.00
21.00
35.00
12.50
35.00
35.00
Fire Department
2,450.00
2,448.77
2,500.00
2,494.54
2,450.00
2,450.00
Hydrants
1,240.00
1,240.00
1,240.00
1,240.00
1,240.00
1,240.00
Sealer of Weights and Measures
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