USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Agawam > Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1926-1930 > Part 3
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$6,629.32
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
Highway and Bridges
General Administration
Expense
$41.75
$+1.75
Salaries and wages
Pay Rolls
5,956.49
5,956.49
Teams and Automobile hire
2,501.18
Gravel, stone, tar, etc .....
1,689.67
Equipment
Tractor
4,500.00
Snow Plow
1,050.00
Ford Truck
552.50
Tools
73.17
Hose
2.91
All Other Expense
State Highway Tax ....
2,226.30
Repair to Equipment .... Lumber for Wooden
628.59
Railings
47.65
Metal Road Guard ..
110.12
Repair to Waiting Station
5.80
Culverts
370.24
Gas and oil
630.08
14,388.21
Bridges
328.26
328.26
Snow and Ice removal
Labor, pay rolls
1,451.32
1,451.32
Teams and auto hire ..
1,715.11
All Other Expense ....
8.32
1,723.43
Street Lighting
9,002.68
9,002.68
Other Expense
62.49
62.49
Numbering Streets
100.00
100.00
Total Highways
$33,054.63
45
CHARITIES AND SOLDIERS' BENEFITS
POOR
General Administration
Salaries, Overseers
$225.00
Other Expense
93.00
$318.00
Outside Relief by Town
Groceries and Provisions
482.13
Fuel
308.30
Board and care
653.72
Medicine and medical
attendance
900.12
Cash Aid
1,122.00
Rent, clothing, transpor-
tation and undertaking
413.26
3,879.53
Outside Relief by other
Cities
1,800.19
$5,997.72
Soldiers' Benefits
State Aid
96.00 96.00
Total Charities and Soldiers' Benefits.
$6,093.72
SCHOOLS
General Administration
Salary of Superintendent
$4,099.98
Salary of Clerk
1,370.00
Salary of Truant Officer ++0.00
Salary of Supervisors
3,140.00
Printing, stationery and postage
144.38
Telephone
52.70
Traveling expenses
230.51
All Other General expense
13.86
$9,491.43
Teachers' salaries
High School
15,209.00
Elementary
59,482.50
74,691.50
Principals' Salaries
High School
1,290.00
Elementary
1,290.00
2,580.00
46
Text Books and Supplies
High
Text and Reference books
555.41
All Other
916.23
Elementary
Text and reference books
1,554.72
All Other
2,508.12
5,534.48
Tuition
Elementary
811.60
Vocational
1,347.00
2,158.60
Transportation
Elementary
4,402.59
4,402.59
Support of Truants
104.87
104.87
Janitors' Services
High
1,539.95
Elementary
6,643.50
8,183.45
Fuel and light
High
1,188.38
Elementary
7,088.27
8,276.65
Maintenance of Buildings and Grounds
High
Repairs
348.81
Janitor's supplies
63.68
All Other
131.28
Elementary
Repairs
1,382.09
Janitor's supplies
508.79
Insurance
+78.90
All Other
267.99
3,181.54
Sanitary at Feeding Hills School
7,506.83
Furniture and Furnishings
High
372.87
Elementary
517.02
889.89
47
Other Expenses
Diplomas and Graduation exercises .... 187.50
Addition to High School Library. ..
11.46 198.96
Total schools
$127,200.79
LIBRARIES
Salaries and Wages
Librarians
$300.00
Assistants
11.88
311.88
Books and Periodicals
Books
1,028.54
1,028.54
Binding
20.15
20.15
Fuel and light
19.52
19.52
Buildings and Grounds
Repairs
157.00
Janitor's supplies
1.00
158.00
Other expenses
Stationery and postage
..
22.43
Printing
8.40
30.83
Total Libraries $1,568.92
UNCLASSIFIED
Damage to Persons and Per- sonal Property $15.00
For taking land for State Highway construction.
1,300.00
Memorial Day
150.00
Printing Town Reports
343.65
Workingmen's Compensation Insurance
669.46
Aid to Agriculture
+00.00
Aid to Fire Department
30.00
Total Unclassified ..
$2,908.11
PUBLIC SERVICE ENTERPRISES
Water Department Salaries and wages Superintendent $1,715.50
Clerical
500.00 2,215.50
48
Printing, stationery and
postage
122.57
122.57
General
Labor
379.96
Truck
941.45
Meters and equipment ....
763.00
Water purchased
3,481.62
All Other general
expense
109.46
5,675.49
Service Pipe
Labor pay rolls
948.00
Pipe and fittings
3,039.39
All Other expense
74.37
4,061.76
Total Water Department $12,075.32
CEMETERY
Care of North Cemetery. ....... $50.00 $50.00
INTEREST AND MATURING DEBT
Interest
Temporary Loans in Anticipation of Revenue
$5,230.00
General Loans-Schools 4,118.75
High School Loan
9,900.00
Bridge Loan
2,480.00
Highway Loan
1,637.50
Water Loans
3,976.25
Sewer Loan
720.00
Total Interest $28,062.50
Municipal Indebtedness
Temporary Loans in Anticipation of Revenue
$195,000.00
School Loans
8,000.00
High School Loans
13,000.00
Memorial Bridge Loan
4,000.00
Sewer Loan
1,000.00
Highway Loans
15,500.00
Water Loans
5,500.00
Total Municipal Indebtedness ...... $242,000.00
49
AGENCY, TRUST AND INVESTMENT
Agency
State Tax
$13,320.00
County Tax 10,666.66
State Audit 1,786.25
State and Non-resident Bank tax.
46.35
Soldiers' Exemption
37.02
Income Davis Library Fund.
718.59
Old Cemetery Fund
32.56
Total Agency $26,607.43
Trust
Perpetual Care Funds
Maple Grove Cemetery Fund.
500.00
500.00
REFUNDS
On Taxes
327.01
All Other
120.50
Total Refunds
447.51
Total Payments $503,939.10
Cash on hand Dec. 31, 1926.
7,763.51
Total cash and payments
$511,702.61
RECAPITULATION
Payments for year 1926
General Government $9,215.10
Protection to Persons and Property. 7,525.75
Health and Sanitation 6,629.32
Highway Department
33,054.63
Charities and Soldiers' Benefits
6,093.72
Schools
127,200.79
Libraries
1,568.92
Unclassified
2,908.11
Public Service Enterprises
12,075.32
Cemetery
50.00
Interest and Maturing Debt
Interest
28,062.50
Municipal Indebtedness
2+2,000.00
50
Agency Trust and Investment. 26,607.43
Trust
500.00
Refunds 447.51
Cash on hand December 31, 1926 ....
7,763.51
Total payments and cash
$511,702.61
TRIAL BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 1926 AFTER CLOSING BOOKS
Cash
$7,763.51
Taxes 1922
305.53
Taxes 1923
2,357.78
Taxes 1924
8,117.47
Taxes 1925
45,383.62
Taxes 1926
106,178.07
A/C Receivable
Co Aid to Highway
15,000.00
Water Rates
5,624.33
Water Entrances
690.08
Tax Titles
147.51
Loans Authorized
16,000.00
Revenue Loans
$80,000.00
Surplus War Bonus
2,701.14
Overlay 1924
4,640.70
Overlay 1925
1,184.61
Overlay 1926
1,842.09
Water Revenue
6,831.42
Tax Title Revenue
147.51
Excess and Deficiency
55,209.42
Maple and Bridge Street Pavement.
29,965.13
Springfield Street School
2,000.00
North Agawam School
5,711.06
Water Maintenance
12,334.82
Water Main Construction
5,000.00
$207,567.90 $207,567.90
L. N. MAYNARD,
Accounting Officer.
51
APPROPRIATIONS AND EXPENDITURES
Appro- priations
Expen- ditures
Assessors
$2,200.00
$2,210.17
Town Buildings
2,000.00
1,453.12
Town Clerk and Treasurer
2,500.00
2,500.00
Town Office
5,000.00
4,771.08
Surety Bonds
300.00
322.50
Forestry
900.00
891.74
Fire Department
3,000.00
3,044.47
Police Department
3,500.00
3,007.27
Health
2,200.00
2,375.49
Highway and Bridges
20,000.00
21,690.78
Maple and Bridge Street Paving.
15,000.00
34.87
Land Damage
1,300.00
1,300.00
Street Numbering
100.00
100.00
Street Lights
8,700.00
9,002.68
State Aid
100.00
96.00
Poor
5,000.00
5,997.72
Schools
121,000.00 120,999.56
Sanitary at Feeding Hills School
8,500.00
7,506.83
Library
1,483.90
1,443.42
Contingent
600.00
156.01
Memorial Day
150.00
150.00
Aid to Agriculture
+00.00
400.00
Liability Insurance
400.00
669.46
North Cemetery
50.00
50.00
Interest
27,000.00
24,881.57
Town Debt
47,000.00
41,500.00
$278,383.90 $256,554.74
52
Treasurer's Report
Year ending December 31, 1926
Cash on Hand January 1, 1926. $ 8,481.44
Receipts 1926 503,221.17
Total
$511,702.61
Payments 1926 503,939.10
Cash on hand December 31, 1926
$ 7,763.51
TRUST FUNDS
Whiting Street Fund
On Hand January 1, 1926
Cash
$ 912.34
Securities
5,500.00 $ 6,412.34
Received
Sale of securities
2,000.00
Accrued interest
24.75
Income from fund
344.42
Premium on securities ....
10.00
2,379.17 $ 8,791.51
Savings Banks deposits. ......
2,000.00
Expended for worthy poor
257.40
2,257.40
Cash on hand December
31, 1926
1,034.11
Securities
5,500.00
6,534.11
8,791.51
Desire A. Pyne Fund
On hand January 1, 1926
Cash
Securities
221.13 2,000.00 2,221.13
Income from fund
91.38
91.38
2,312.51
53
Expenditure for worthy
poor
180.70
180.70
Securities
2,000.00
Cash on hand December 31, 1926
131.81
2,131.81
2,312.51
Phelan School Fund
On Hand January 1, 1926
Cash
+26.97
Securities
4,150.00
4,576.97
Income from fund
238.88
238.88
4,815.85
By orders of school
committee
+1.00
+1.00
On hand December 31, 1926
Cash
624.85
Securities
4,150.00
4,774.85
4,815.85
Maple Grove Cemetery Fund May 28, 1926, Bequest under the will of Lydia Roberts
500.00
Deposited in Springfield Institution for Savings
500.00
Davis Library Fund
Income received from Springfield Safe Deposit & Trust Co.
$ 718.59
Paid to F. A. Worthing, treasurer of Agawam Library Association
718.59
Phelon Library Fund
Amount of Fund
$ 500.00
Income from fund
22.75
522.75
By paying town treasury
22.75
Amount of fund
500.00
522.75
Old Cemetery Fund
Amount of Fund
700.00
Income from fund
32.56
732.56
By paying treasurer of Cemetery.
32.56
Amount of fund
700.00
732.56
HENRY E. BODURTHA,
Treasurer.
54
LIABILITIES, DEC. 31, 1926
Sixteen bonds of $1,000, payable an-
nually, Oct. 1, 1927-42, to Old Colony Trust Co., at 4%, water loan. $ 16,000.00
Bond of 1913 water loan, payable $3,500 annually, July 1, 1927-34, to Old Colony Trust Co., at 41/2% 54,500.00
1916 schoolhouse loan, $1,000, payable an- nually July 1, 1927-34, to Old Colony Trust Co., at +% 8,000.00
Schoolhouse bonds of 1917, payable $1,000 annually, Sept. 1, 1927-32, to Old Col- ony Trust Co., at 41/2%. 6,000.00
Sewer Bonds of 1916, payable $1,000 an- nually, Dec. 1, 1927-43, to Old Colony Trust Co., at 4% 17,000.00
Water bonds of 1917, payable $1,000 an- nually, Oct. 1, 1927-42, to Old Colony Trust Co., at +1/2% 16,000.00
High School bonds, payable to Old Colony Trust Co., $13,000 annually, Sept. 1, 1927-31; $12,000 Sept. 1, 1932-41, at 5% 185,000.00
Schoolhouse loan of 1924, payable $3,000 annually, June 1, 1927-30; $2,000 June 1, 1931-44, to Old Colony Trust Co., at 414% 40,000.00
Memorial Bridge loan, payable $4,000 annually, Oct. 1, 1927-30; $3,000 an- nually, Oct. 1, 1931-44, to Old Colony Trust Co., at 4% 58,000.00
55
Highway loan payable $2,000 annually, Oct. 1, 1927-33, to Old Colony Trust Co., at 4% 14,000.00
Schoolhouse loan of 1925 payable $3,000 annually, June 1, 1927-40, to Old Col- ony Trust Co., at +%. 41,000.00
Highway loan of 1925 payable $4,000 an- nually, June 1, 1927-29, to Old Colony Trust Co., at 4% 12,000.00
Temporary loans 80,000.00 $547,500.00
56
REPORT OF
Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor and Board of Health
During the year the State Auditors made a thorough audit of the Town accounts and introduced an entirely new and up-to- date system of bookkeeping; this system requires the Town Audi- tor or Accountant to go over each week the bills and expenditures, and the books are brought right up to date, so that any one can tell at a glance where each department stands.
By watching accounts carefully we were able by transferring a little money from one account to another to keep well within our appropriations.
BOARD OF HEALTH
Again we are glad to report that there has been no serious epidemic of contagious diseases in our midst.
Under the new state system of accounts, the cost of slaughter house and cattle inspection comes under this department, neces- sitating a larger appropriation.
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR
As the population of a suburban town increases, the percent- age per thousand people requiring aid from this department in- creases.
This is not encouraging, but we must take it into considera- tion and face the fact.
We have tried to make our appropriation go as far as possi- ble, but owing to the industrial depression many demands have been made upon the department, we have spent the appropriation and could have used more.
57
POLICE
Chief Melvin H. Ransom, with the co-operation of the State Police, and the aid of the constables and the special police appoint- ed have kept the expense of this department very low, considering the size of the Town and the great volume of automobile travel that passes through the Town during a year's time.
TOWN OFFICE
At the conclusion of the State Audit it was found that it would be necessary to have an experienced accountant take charge of the books, so an agreement was entered into with the Town Auditor, Leafie N. Maynard, and she now spends two half days a week at the office, and we are well satisfied that all accounts are well and correctly kept.
TOWN BUILDINGS
We strongly recommend an appropriation in this department for 1927 that will enable us to repair the Agawam and the Feed- ing Hills halls, these are both in very bad condition. All other Town buildings are in very good condition, and will require no repairs as far as we know.
HIGHWAYS
The contract for Maple and Bridge Streets has been let to Daniel O'Connell's Sons of Holyoke, and work will be started as soon as weather permits this spring.
We bought a five ton tractor and snowplow, which has more than justified itself for snow work, enabling us to keep all roads open all the time. This is one big step in the right direction, and we strongly recommend that more highway equipment be added each year, until we have our equipment thoroughly modern and up to date, which, after all, is the only way to maintain roads for the demands that are now made upon them.
For the past four years we have received aid from the State and County for permanent work and we feel that this plan can be carried on much to our benefit, if our own town can only agree where to build, instead of one section pulling against the other.
GILES W. HALLADAY, Chairman, CHARLES W. HULL, Chairman, Overseers of Poor, H. PRESTON WORDEN, Clerk.
58
Report of Chief of Police
FROM JANUARY 1, 1926, TO DECEMBER 31, 1926
Number of Liquor cases Investigated
12
Number of Arrests
7
Number of Convictions
7
Number of all other cases Investigated.
987
Number of Arrests
54
Number of Convictions
54
Number of stolen Automobiles recovered
10
Number of Dogs killed
21
Number of Summons served for other Police Depts.
127
Value of stolen property recovered
$
176.84
Amount of Fines, drunk and liquor cases.
415.00
Amount of Fines, Automobile cases
1,075.00
Number of Juvenile cases Investigated
47
Number of disturbances suppressed
15
Investigated breaks in houses and stores
3
Arrested for breaks in houses and stores.
3
Automobile accidents investigated
48
Deaths from Automobile accidents
7
Arrests for carrying dangerous weapon, assault, etc.
3
M. H. RANSOM, Chief.
59
Report of Tree and Forest Warden
SHADE TREES
Owing to severe storms and winds the past season we have had several costly jobs in removing trees and debris, but fortu- nately no very heavy damage occurred. We have removed all the really dangerous trees, also many large and dangerous dead limbs, but there are several more old and decaying shade trees which should be removed in the near future. The coming season our elm shade trees should be sprayed for the elm leaf beetle, as the past season the beetles were very numerous, especially through Agawam Main Street. In making up the annual Town budget this should be taken into consideration as the cost of this spraying would be about three hundred ($300.00) dollars.
MOTH WORK
Although we found nearly 100 more Gypsy Moth Egg- Masses in 1926 than in 1925, it does not mean that the Gypsy Moth is increasing materially in this Town, as we found the most of this increase in one old apple tree which previously we could not get at without cutting, but fortunately was broken down by the wind, giving us a chance to make a clean-up. However, we did find a few more in woodland than usual. The season of 1926 will be noted for the worst infestation of Tent Caterpillars ever known in this section of New England. From this, some idea may be had of what would happen to our trees (not only fruit trees, but all trees) if the Gypsy Moth becomes strongly estab- lished, as so far there are no natural enemies to keep the Gypsy Moth in check as with most other kinds of Caterpillars.
EXPENSE, MOTH WORK
Pump and Supplies $ 54.66
Spraying 30.00
Scouting 283.00
$367.66
For moth work for 1927 would recommend an appropriation of three hundred ($300.00) dollars.
Respectfully submitted, EDWIN M. HITCHCOCK, Tree and Forest Warden.
60
Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures
Agawam, Mass., Jan. 1, 1927. To the Selectmen of Agawam,
Gentlemen :
My report for the year 1926 is hereby submitted.
Total articles sealed
441
Condemned
127
Commodities weighed
159
Correct
89
Under
18
Over
52
Coal weighed in transit
6
Correct
3
Under
2
Over
1
Coal certificates inspected
27
Respectfully,
EDWIN U. LEONARD,
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
61
1
Report of Board of Fire Engineers
In submitting our report for 1926 we feel as tho we were telling an old story, but nevertheless, it must be told.
With the growth of the Town come more calls and greater demands upon this department, and with this comes the greater necessity of keeping the equipment up to date so that greater fire loss may not result.
We wish to impress on the minds of our citizens that under ro circumstances should they start a brush or grass fire without first obtaining a Fire Permit from the Fire Warden, and then using good judgment as to whether it is advisable to start a fire or not.
A large number of fires occur at a time when our men are away from town at their various places of employment, and the task of putting out these fires falls upon the few men who are employed in Town. This is a hardship on these men, so we again ask you to be cautious.
During the past year we have purchased only that equipment for the department that was needed for the time being. In doing this we avoided exceeding our appropriation, which would have been an easy matter to do.
As it was, a few bills were held up awaiting the 1927 appro- priation. The purchase of 300 feet of 11/2 inch fire hose which was placed at the Feeding Hills Station, is, we believe, a step in the right direction. The use of smaller hose makes it possible for one man to handle a nozzle to an advantage, when only a few men are able to answer an alarm.
We recommend the purchase of at least 600 feet of this size hose, so that each company may have it as part of their equip- ment.
Fire protection is of more value than fire fighting. Look well to your chimneys and keep them clean. Use no wooden ash bar- rels. Don't let your home be a fire menace.
BE CAREFUL, BE CAUTIOUS, BE SAFE. IT PAYS.
62
We wish to thank the members of the Fire Department for their fine work, and hope that the year 1927 will be easier for them.
Total loss by fire for 1926 was $46,055 and the value of property saved was $28,000.
CALLS MADE DURING 1926
Dwellings 40
Chimneys 14
Barns 3
Grass and Brush
22
Automobiles
6
Garages
4
Of these 32 were in North Agawam, 27 were in Feeding Hills, and 40 were in Agawam Center.
EDWARD J. GOSSELIN, Chairman,
RILEY S. FARNSWORTH, Purchasing Agent
FRANK T. GOSS, Secretary.
63
Assessor's Report
TOWN OF AGAWAM, MASS.
We regret to report the death of our most esteemed Brother Assessor, R. Mather Taylor. Mr. Taylor had served as Chair- man of the Board of Assessors for over twenty years and had always been a very able and efficient servant of the Town, and his death was keenly felt by all who knew him.
At a joint meeting of the two remaining members of the Board of Assessors and the Selectmen, Clarence H. Granger was appointed as Assessor to complete Mr. Taylor's unexpired term.
REPORT
Horses
499
Cows
610
Neat Cattle
130
Swine
181
Sheep
17
Fowls
8,300
Value of Fowls
$8,300
Houses
1,363
Acres of Land
14,348
VALUATION
. Buildings
$4,572,753.00
- Land 2,820,977.00
Total Real Estate
7,393,730.00
Personal Estate
1,216,089.00
Total Valuation
8,609,819.00
Upon which taxes have been assessed as follows:
County tax
$ 10,666.66
State tax
13,320.00
State highway tax 2,226.30
State auditing tax 1,786.25
64
Schools
121,000.00
Care of poor
5,000.00
Highways and bridges
20,000.00
Town offices
5,000.00
Town Clerk, Treasurer and Collector
2,500.00
Police
3,500.00
Memorial Day observance
150.00
Board of health
2,200.00
Assessors' department
2,200.00
Fire department
3,000.00
Forestry department (gypsy moth exter- mination )
900.00
Street lights
8,700.00
Libraries
300.00
Town buildings
2,000.00
Contingencies
600.00
Surety bonds
300.00
Liability Insurance
400.00
County aid to agriculture
400.00
Street numbering
100.00
Care of North Cemetery
50.00
Deficit overlays
2,636.24
State aid
100.00
Taking of land for High School
2,000.00
Maple and Bridge Sts.
5,000.00
Committee on sanitaries
200.00
Taking of land
300.00
Interest
27,000.00
Indebtedness
47,000.00
Overlay
2,000.33
$292,535.78
Less estimated receipts :
Income tax
$ 18,813.00
Bank tax
85.00
Licenses
1,100.00
Fines
800.00
Highways
1,100.00
Rentals
500.00
Schools
1,800.00
Soldiers' exemptions
15.00
Interest on deposits
350.00
Interest on taxes
7,000.00
65
Corporation tax 4,500.00 Water rental 5,000.00 $ 41,063.00
Amount to raise $251,472.78 Tax on 1755 poll at $2. $ 3,510.00 Tax on personal and real estate at $28.80 247,962.78
$251,472.78
To H. Preston Worden, Tax Collector, was com-
mitted for collection the sum of. $251,472.78
Omitted assessments 879.68
Total
$252,352.46
Abatements allowed 243.79
$252,108.67
E. HAROLD HAMBLEN, ADOLPHUS PROVOST, CLARENCE H. GRANGER,
Assessors
66
Report of Tax Collector
1926
Tax Committed
$251,472.78
Omitted assessments 879.68
$252,352.46
Cash paid treasurer 145,136.47
Abatements 158.24
Uncollected taxes Dec. 31, 1926
107,057.75
$252,352.46
Previous Years
Balance due Jan. 1, 1926.
$146,770.86 146,770.86
Paid treasurer
88,666.34
Abatements
1,921.27
Tax Titles
18.85
Uncollected Dec. 31, 1926
56,164.40
$146,770.86
67
Auditor's Report
February 17, 1927
I hereby certify that I have examined the accounts of the Town Clerk, Treasurer and Collector for the year of 1926 as set forth in his annual report, and to the best of my knowledge and belief they are correctly and accurately recorded.
LEAFIE N. MAYNARD, Auditor.
68
REPORT OF Board of Water Commissioners
RECEIPTS
From water rents
$17,215.80
From water connections
2,140.63
$19,356.43
EXPENDITURES
Superintendent
$1,715.50
Printing and postage
122.57
Other administration
533.02
Labor
1,294.94
Teams
941.45
Meters
763.00
Water
3,481.62
Pipe and fittings
3,039.39
All other
183.83
WALTER S. KERR, D. M. CROWLEY, JOHN L. BURKE, Water Commissioners.
69
REPORT OF THE
TRUSTEES FOR COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE COOPERATING WITH THE HAMPDEN COUNTY IMPROVEMENT LEAGUE 1926
The town of Agawam, lying as it does near the geographical center of the county and almost at the doorstep of the headquarters of the Hampden County Improvement League, is one of the towns where the various programs of League work are carried out to their fullest extent. From the standpoint of the Extension Service, Agawam is nearly an ideal town. It lends itself readily to the type of work done by the League, and because of its adaptability the work is carried on with rather more than ordinary success.
Last year there were 188 Agawam boys and girls enrolled in the various club projects carried on by the Hampden County League. There were 44 women enrolled in millinery, clothing, nutrition and other Home Economics courses conducted by the League Home Department. Dairymen, fruit growers, poultry- men, market gardeners and other farmers were given service through organized groups and directly by personal visitation by the county agricultural agent.
In club work Agawam produced three of the county's twelve club champions for 1926. Albert Jenks of Feeding Hills won the championship in corn growing. Robert Allen was adjudged the best pig raiser and Chester Bailey was sheep club champion for the year. In addition to these, there are three or four other boys and girls who did outstanding club work. This work has been under the general local leadership of Mrs. Preston H. Wor- den, who has been assisted by Marion Allen, Mrs. Lee Jenks, Mrs. William O'Connor and Mrs. Harry Briggs.
In Agawam Center the Home Department carried on a
70
course in Food Preparation under the leadership of Mrs. George Touissant, who was assisted by Mrs. Dwight Hawley, foremost among the commercial home canners in the county.
In Feeding Hills a group studied the question of Food Selection under the local leadership of Mrs. Etta Stebbins and Mrs. Harry Brown. The committee in charge of the work at Feeding Hills was Mrs. Charles Sunden, chairman; Mrs Arthur Fournier, vice-chairman; and Miss Ethel Snow, secretary.
A group in West Agawam studied the use of sewing machine attachments and advanced clothing under the leadership of Mrs. George Bryce, Mrs. Alfred Prevost and Mrs. Fred Petithory. In North Agawam Miss Jenkins, League nutrition specialist, took part in a tuberculosis clinic as part of her nutrition program.
The League has closed a very successful year throughout the county. Possibly its outstanding achievement has been the part it has played in reestablishing confidence in tuberculin testing of cattle. The League has reached more people this year than ever before and has carried to them a wider variety of service.
Agawam, together with every other town in the county, makes an annual appropriation to the work of the League. In Agawam this amounts to $400.00 and the Trustees for County Aid to Agriculture, who carry on their work through the League, respect- fully request the renewal of this appropriation for the coming year.
Respectfully submitted,
TRUSTEES FOR COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE,
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