USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Eastham > Town of Eastham Annual Report 1913-1922 > Part 19
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
As an offset for this increase under the law the town is given financial assistance. Eastham has already received on account of the operation of the law Nov. 15, 1919, $220.
65
She will receive Nov. 15, 1920, $520. These two amounts will go far in meeting the increased appropriations asked for this year.
Hereafter by law all income from outside sources which have been considered school funds are now town funds and revert to the town treasury. The school budget should be presented in toto to the town and so voted, showing at the same time the probable amounts of outside income.
TEACHERS
In spite of the unsettled conditions everywhere we have been very fortunate in retaining in our schools excellent teachers-people loyal and faithful to their trust.
An indirect effect of the new law which will be felt al- most immediately will be the seizure of opportunity for self improvement. Correspondence Courses from Normal schools, University Extension courses, an occasional summer in Normal or College, professional reading; these afford means of self improvement which teachers will avail them- selves of.
By this frequent renewal of professional spirit and in- spiration the educational standard will be borne higher aloft and with much greater pride. The promise of teach- ing is greater than ever before. Salaries promise soon to be adequate to satisfy the needs of the physical body, but to have been able to serve mankind and to have had a part in shaping and moulding aright the generation just ahead. is not this after all the real reward and the real satisfaction of living.
THE WORK OF THE YEAR
The work of the year has been in the schools much as in other years. We have tried to maintain a high standard
E-5
66
and I feel that we have been fairly successful.
Repairs have been made and general attention to build- ings and grounds has been given.
New two-year contracts have been awarded for the trans portation of pupils. Auto trucks are practically new, com- modious and comfortable, making and giving good service.
An exceedingly large percentage of pupils continue to attend the High school, and those pupils, generally, are making splendid records and reflect honor upon parents, town, and schools.
Children in the academic subjects are well and thoroughly taught. The boys of the seventh and eighth grades con- tinue in the wood-working, and the girls of the same grades have as formerly cooking and sewing.
The lunch department is, I believe, a necessary institu- tion in a school like ours, not only for the training re- ceived by some in cooking and serving, but in the physical needs of practically all.
Of the manual training work Mr. Nickerson writes as follows :
REPORT OF MANUAL TRAINING
Last spring was spent in finishing the bird houses started during the winter, in making a draining board for the D. S. Room, in building chicken houses and an outside food box, in putting new posts under the out-building screens in caring for the young trees around the yard, besides doing a great deal of repairing both in and on the different buildings.
This fall dry mash hoppers were made, and new chalk trays were constructed and the old ones widened in the Primary school. The last month has been given over to
67
the making of cutting or bread boards. These boards were well finished and an original Christmas design was drawn and painted upon most of them.
Miss Keith gives below the work of the Household Arts department. From reading her report it will be seen that she has struck a key-note-the thing that won the war and the only thing that could win it-Cooperation.
Parents of Eastham this is your school, this is your work being done, they are your children being made and de- veloped to take a man's part and a woman's part as a citi- zen of our great Country. These things are not being done for the teacher nor for her advantage and liking-they are for you and yours, and it is our aim to bestow upon you the best that is in us to bestow. A great big optimism and an abiding faith in your school-with cooperation will smooth away all difficulties.
REPORT OF HOUSEHOLD ARTS
Since the last year's report was sent in, the school work has progressed along the same lines as in the former year, and in many cases with very satisfactory results.
In cooking I feel that many of the girls are gaining con- fidence in their own capability to prepare and serve simple meals. The matter of planning the lunches and buying the materials in order to make returns cover the expense in these times is a task that taxes the resourcefulness of the most experience of housekeepers and it is not to be ex- pected that the class can cope successfully with this sit- uation.
In the matter of sewing I feel that the parents can give very substantial aid by encouraging the girls to attempt
68
the work assigned them. I ask that every parent cooperate with me in this line of work. When I require the making of garments at school do not discourage the child by telling her at home that she is utterly incompetent to do the work that is required. No task is laid before the class that each child cannot do, but if the mother expresses lack of faith in her daughter, then a situation arises that is unpleasant and unnecessary. Co-operate with me and the results will be wholly satisfactory. The work will be done anyway like any other school work: you can help make it pleasant and profitable.
In closing may I call attention to the Report of Agri- cultural teaching where you have always been represented and to the Reports of the Supervisor of Music and Drawing. Interesting tables and data also follow.
Respectfully, LORING G. WILLIAMS,
Superintendent of Schools
Eastham, January 12, 1920.
69
REPORT OF AGRICULTURAL INSTRUCTOR
Superintendent L. G. Williams, Harwich, Mass. :
Dear Sir: It gives me great pleasure to submit to you the ninth annual report of the Agricultural Department of Harwich High School.
We have not had a large enrollment during the past year, but the boys who have attended have shown a great deal of interest in their work. They have been carrying on very good projects, and all who exhibited at the Barnstable Fair received prizes.
The entering class was larger this fall than formerly so that we now have a school of ten interested students who are taking Agriculture with the intention of using it.
The object of this department is not only to give instruc- tion to the students who attend, but also to give practical demonstrations along agricultural lines to the community at large. We have spent a great deal of time in community service this year. We devoted an evening'each week for a time last winter to a school for adults. We discussed at length the subjects of Poultry, Orcharding, and Fertilizers, and their importance to the Cape. The attendance was very good.
About five tons of the government supply of Nitrate of Soda were obtained for the townspeople.
We procured a number of experts from the college at Amherst who gave us some practical talks on Poultry and Orcharding. Professor Sears and Mr. Munson gave us some very helpful suggestions and demonstrations in the orchards. Professor Sears spoke very encouragingly of the prospects
70
for orcharding here on the Cape. Mr. Monahon gave us some timely suggestions on the feeding and housing of poul- try.
We received several requests from local granges to speak upon agricultural subjects and we gladly complied with these requests.
Considerable time has been spent, during the past sum- mer, in the Boys' and Girls' Club work. This work has been most encouraging this year for the enrollment was large and a great deal of interest was manifested by the members.
The instructor and his pupils pruned about two hundred fruit trees for about twenty-five different people of the town. The time required to do this work was gladly given and the results have proven very satisfactory.
I have been greatly interested in orcharding for the Cape and have spent considerable time in visiting the larger growers on the Cape, and in making a survey of conditions here compared with other sections of New England. I find that we are favorably located both as to sites for orchards and as to markets.
We are especially recommending the Agricultural Course at this time because the demand for both professional men and those who have had practical training and experience is so great.
The Massachusetts Agricultural College has added a new course this year to train men for Vocational Agricultural teaching. This course was added because the demand in this state and from other states has been so great that there have been no teachers to fill the vacancies.
Respectfully submitted,
J. CARROLL HAWKES
71 REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Mr. Loring G. Williams, Superintendent of the schools of the towns of Eastham, Orleans, 'Chatham, and Harwich :
As Supervisor of Music I submit the following report :
At the close of the fall term'of 1919, I review the year's work and find that the Primary grades are much in advance of last year's class; that the Intermediate grades show much progress not so much in the amount of work covered as in: the children's ability to do the work required at this period ; that the Grammar grades, which are difficult and require the best efforts of the teacher to keep up the interest, show no great improvement.
The High school has done splendid work in chorus singing and has seemed to enjoy the little work done in music appre- ciation.
In conclusion, I might mention the operetta given in the spring by children from each town in the union. This gives the pupil invaluable experience since it offers an object in their work and develops self-confidence.
Respectfully,
HARRIET HOWARD.
1
72
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING
Mr. Loring G. Williams, Superintendent of Schools of the Towns of Eastham, Orleans, Chatham, and Harwich :
As Supervisor of Drawing I submit the following report : The drawing in the Primary grades has been very satis- factory. One interesting feature has been the work on Japan. Backgrounds were drawn on the blackboards by the teachers on which was mounted the work done by the chil- dren.
The work in the upper grades has not been very exten. sive but we hope that greater progress will be made this next year.
The course in House Planning and Furnishing, though simple, has proved very interesting and good results were received from many High school pupils.
Respectfully
HARRIET HOWARD
73
CENSUS FOR APRIL 1st, 1919
Boys
Girls
Total
Persons between 5 and 7 years
6
8
14
Persons between 7 and 14 years
27
32
59
Persons between 14 and 16 years
10
7
1'7
Illiterate Minors 16 to 21 years
None reported
Totals
43
47 90
ENROLLMENT DATA, YEAR ENDING JUNE, 1919
Total number Boys enrolled, Elementary Schools
Total number Girls enrolled, Elementary Schools
Total number High School pupils enrolled 27
Total 111
Number Non-resident pupils, Elementary
11
Aggregate attendance, Elementary 10,219
Average membership, Elementary 72
Average daily attendance, Elementary 60
Number of days schools were in session, Elementary 155
Percentage of attendance 92
CORPS OF TEACHERS, JANUARY, 1920
Name
School
Preparation
Date of Appointment
Annual Salary
Home Address
Otto E. Nickerson
Principal and
Hyannis Normal
August, 1918
$1,000
South Orleans
Grammar
Lucille Blanchard
Intermediate
Fitchburg Normal
August, 1918
$750
Barre, Mass.
Florence W. Keith
Primary and
Bridgewater Normal
August, 1906
$850
Bridgewater, Mass.
Household Arts
Harriet Howard
Music & Drawing
Farmington, Maine, Normal
September, 1918
$1,050
Winslow, Me.
75
CLASSIFICATION OF PUPILS BY GRADES
December, 1919
School
Grade
Boys
Girls
T't' !;
Grammar
VIII
5
9
14
VII
6
1
7
Intermediate
VI
4
5
9
V
3
6
9
I.V
3
4
7
Primary
III
5
2
7
II
4
5
9
I
2
7
9
Totals
32
39
71
ROLL OF HONOR
Pupils Neither Absent nor Tardy
For One-Half Year
Grammar School-Carl Gross, Wilton Hopkins, Alvah Knowles, Howard Walker.
Intermediate School-Althea Bangs.
Primary School-Frances Dougherty.
76
GRADUATION EXERCISES OF THE EASTHAM GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Town Hall, Eastham, Massachusetts Friday Evening, June 13, 1919, 8 P. M.
Program
Invocation
Rev. L. E. Taylor
Music, Welcome the Rose School
Salutatory and Poem
Myra Horton
Class History
Samuel Brackett
Solo, Rose Dreams
Myra Horton
Settling the World
George Thompson
Class Poem
Carl Gross
Music, Heralds of Spring
School
77
China and the Chinese
Edith Baldwin
Class Will
Gertrude Ryder
Piano Solo
Myra Horton
War Terms and Expressions Walter Morrison
Class Prophecy
Malcolm Steele
Music, Summer Comes Again School
Grant vs. Lee Carroll Gross
Valedictory and Poem
Della Knowles
Class Song
Class of '19
Address
Mr. Burr F. Jones
Presentation of Diplomas
Supt. L. G. Williams
Benediction
Rev. R. J. Mooney
78
Class of 1919
President-Della Linwood Knowles Vice President-Carl Burnham Gross Secretary-Charles Malcolm Steele Treasurer-Myra Noble Horton
Edith Ruth Baldwin Samuel Harding Brackett
Carroll Osman Gross
Walter Howard Morrison, Jr.
Gertrude Louise Ryder
George Conn Thompson, Jr.
Class Motto Over the Top
Class Colors
Blue and Silver
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT 1920
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Barnstable, ss.
To Charles F. Atwood, Constable of the Town of Eastham, in said County, Greeting :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of said Town, qualified to vote in elections and town affairs, to meet at the Town Hall in said Eastham, on Monday, Feb- ruary 2, 1920, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, then and there to act upon the following articles, viz. :
Art. 1. To choose a Moderator to preside in said meet- ing.
Art. 2. To hear the report of the Selectmen and all re- ports and committees and act thereon.
Art. 3. To fix the rate for the collection of taxes as- sessed for the year 1920.
Art. 4. To choose all necessary Town officers for thé en- suing year.
1
80
Art. 5. To see what sum of money the Town will raise for the Public Library and make appropriation for the same.
Art. 6. To raise such sums of money as may be necessary to defray Town charges for the ensuing year and make ap- propriations for the same.
Art. 7. To see in what manner the Town will dispose of its refunded dog tax and act thereon.
Art. 8. To see in what manner the Town will support its poor the ensuing year.
Art. 9. To see in what manner the Town will repair its roads and bridges the ensuing year and grant money for the same.
Art. 10. To see if the Town will give the Collector of Taxes the same power which the Treasurer has when Col- lector of Taxes.
Art. 11. To see if the Town will authorize the Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money in an- ticipation of revenue of the municipal year beginning Jan- uary 1, 1920, to an amount not to exceed $5,000.
Art. 12. To see what action the Town will take for sup- pressing the gypsy and brown tail moths and make an ap- propriation for the same.
Art. 13. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money to build an oil road commencing at the oil road in front of C. N. Campbell's, thence as the road runs to' W. B. Steele's, thence east to the State Highway or do or act anything thereon. (By request)
1
81
Art. 14. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate a sufficient sum of money to build an oil road from Eldad Higgins' corner, so called, to the railroad crossing on what is commonly known as Bridge Road, or do or act any- thing thereon. (By request)
Art. 15. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate a sum of money for and to elect a Director for the Cape Cod Farm Bureau, as authorized by sections 1 and 5, Chapter 273, Acts of the Massachusetts Legislature of 1918. (By request)
Art. 16. To see if the Town will vote to grade and surface with oil the road beginning at the Eastham boundary near George H. Walker's and (known as the Bridge road) then as the road runs to the north for a distance of one-half mile to be surfaced with oil to a width of 15 ft., or do or act any- thing thereon. (By request )
Art. 17. To see if the Town will vote to extend the oil road at the west shore (Camp Ground Landing, so called) a distance of two hundred yards towards the Beach, or do or act anything thereon. (By request)
Art. 18. To see what action the Town will take in re- gard to rising the wages for laborers and teams on the Town work, or do or act anything thereon. (By request)
Art. 19. To see if the Town will vote to build a cesspool at the Town Hall for the purpose of catching the sink water, or do or act anything thereon. (By request)
Art. 20. To see if the Town will accept the provisions made in article 33 of the will of Timothy Smith, late of E-6
F
82
Boston, Mass., deceased, and agree to hold and dispose of the income received by it under the provisions of said article 33 for the purposes and in the manner stated therein.
Art. 21. To see if the Town will, after acceptance of the Timothy Smith legacy, (Article 33), elect trustees to re- ceive income, and manage the same, and do or act anything thereon.
Art. 22. To see if the Town will rescind the vote where- by the salaries of the Selectmen were increased to four dol- lars per day.
Art. 23. To see if the Town will vote to increase the salaries of the Selectmen, and fix the additional compensa- tion, if any, for Assessors under Chap. 135, Acts 1919.
Art. 24. To see if the Town will vote to make an appro- priation for the observance of Memorial Day.
Art. 25. To see if the Town will provide a letter copying press, stand, cards for assessing, approved by the State, and grant money for the same.
Art. 26. To see what action the Town will take in re- gard to its Herring Brook, and do or act anything thereon.
Art. 27. To see if the Town will vote to letter and paint its guide boards, provide danger signs at dangerous corners and crossings, and do or act anything thereon.
Art. 28. To see if the Town will vote to apply unex- pended balances, where the original appropriations have been completed, either to immediate repair and main-
83
tenance of the Town Hall, or to the Town Hall Trust fund under the provisions of the Trust deed, and do or act any- thing thereon.
Art. 29. To see if the Town will vote to rent the Town Hall for lodge purposes, and fix the rent for the same, and do or act anything thereon.
And you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting up attested copies thereof, one at each of the Post Offices in said Eastham, and one at the harness shop of George H. Walker in said Eastham, seven days at least before the time for holding said meeting.
Polls will be open at 10 o'clock A. M.
Hereof fail not and make due returns of this Warrant with your doings thereon to the Town Clerk at the time and place of the meeting as aforesaid.
Given under our hands at Eastham this 19th day of Jan- uary, 1920.
NATHAN P. CLARK, JOHN H. SMART, ARTHUR W. PARNELL,
Selectmen of Eastham
REPORTS
-
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS
OF THE
TOWN OF EASTHAM
FOR THE YEAR 1920
OF EAS
TOWN
I
M
VSET 1620
651.
HYANNIS, MASS. F. B. & F. P. GOSS, PUBLISHERS and PRINTERS The "Patriot" I'ress 1921
REPORTS
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS
OF THE
TOWN OF EASTHAM
FOR THE YEAR 1920
OF EAS
TOWN
INC
WAUSET 1620
651
HYANNIS, MASS. F. B. & F. P. GOSS, PUBLISHERS and PRINTERS The "Patriot" Press 1921
F. B. & F. P. Goss, Publishers and Printers. "The Patriot Press," Hyannis, Mass.
TOWN OFFICERS
FOR THE YEAR 1920
Selectmen, Assessors, Overseers of Poor, and Board of Health
John H. Smart
Resigned June 4, 1920
Arthur W. Parnell
William B. Higgins
*Chas. F. Atwood
Term expires 1922 Term expires 192: Term expires 1921 *Elected to fill the unexpired term of John H. Smart.
Town Clerk, Treasurer and Collector of Taxes
Leslie E. Chase
Road Surveyor W. H. Forrest
Registrars of Voters
Arthur W. Parnell William B. Higgins Chas. F. Atwood Leslie E. Chase
4
Trustees Public Library
Arthur W. Parnell
Term expires 1921.
Abbott S. Knowles
Term expires 1922
*Mabel W. Chase
Term expires 1921
Mrs. Sarah B. Clark Elected and resigned
*Mabel W. Chase appointed trustee of library by Select men and Library Trustees on February 14, 1920, to serve one year.
Auditor George E. Gill
Constable
Harvey T. Moore
Sealer of Weights and Measures
Leslie E. Chase to December 1, 1920 Charles F. Atwood
November 27, 1920, Leslie E. Chase resigned from the position of Sealer of Weights and Measures, the same t) take effect December 1, 1920. Mr. Atwood was appointed to that position by Board of Selectmen on November 27, 1920) to take effect December 1, 1920.
Inspectors of Cattle and Slaughtering
Obed A. Fulcher A. E. Cole
Surveyors of Wood, Lumber and Bark
Harvey T. Moore William B. Higgins
5
Weigher of Coal Herbert C. Clark Fence Viewers
Joseph A. Cobb
James P. Knowl ;
Pound Keeper Daniel W. Sparrow
Field Drivers
John E. Ryder Adin L. Gill
Obed A. Fulcher
Forest Fire Warden
Adin L. Gill
Elsias H. Chase 1
Fish Wardens
E. L. Knowles
A. H. Nickerson
Tree Warden Chas. E. Rogers
List of Jurors
Nellie M. Dill
Eva W. Collins
Harry W. Collins
Nathan E. Clark
James P. Brewer Arthur T. Benner
George T. Dill
TOWN OFFICERS' REPORT
The officers of the town herewith respectfully submit their annual report for the year ending December 31, 1920 :
ASSESSORS' REPORT
VALUATION OF THE TOWN APRIL 1, 1920
Real estate, land buildings Personal estate
$169,479 00
328,355 00 93,465 00
$591,299 00
Increase over 1919, $56,532.00. Taxes assessed April 1, 1920 : Levied on real estate Personal estate
$8,316 66
1,562 06
Polls
630 00
Total tax for 1920
$10,508 72
7
Rate of taxation $16.70 on $1,000.
Registered voters January 20, 1921
195
Number of polls assessed
126
Dwellings assessed
230
Horses assessed
63
Cows assessed
Neat cattle other than cows assessed
42
Swine assessed
14
Acres land assessed
5,21416
Fowl assessed
5,06 %
Residents assessed on property
179
Non-residents assessed on property
248
All others
36
For poll tax only
6
For Town purposes
$6,922 57
State tax
1,260 00
County
1,545 75
State Highway tax
323 00
Special State tax, chap. 346, G. A. 1919
59 40
Civilian War Poll tax
378 00
ARTHUR W. PARNELL,
WILLIAM B. HIGGINS, CHAS. F. ATWOOD,
Assessors of Eastham
8
REPORT OF OVERSEERS OF POOR
Dr.
Cr.
Appropriation $600 00 By payments Unexpended 349 01
$250 99
$600 00
$600 00
Orders have been drawn on the Town Treasurer for the following amounts :
Susan Turner, railroad fares to Boston and expenses $11 02
C. S. Wilcox, auto service 6 0)
Fred'k H. Knight, board and supplies
30 97
Heman A. Harding, services
125 09
Raymond V. Brackett, auto services
9 50
Carrie H. Knowles, witness fees
2 00
Fred F. Dill, board and lodgings
6 00
George E. Gill, board and lodgings 6 00
W. B. Higgins, railroad fares and expenses
54 60
$250 99
ARTHUR W. PARNELL, WILLIAM B. HIGGINS, CHAS. F. ATWOOD,
Overseers of Poor
9
REPORT OF SELECTMEN
MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES
Cr.
Dr. Appropriation $1,000 00 Payments
$664 13
Unexpended 335 87
$1,000 00
$1,000 00
A. W. Brownell, stationery Stationery
$1 50
3 50
Joseph A. Cobb, Fence Viewer
3 50
Ralph A. Chase, Teller, Town Meeting
2 00
George T. Collins, printing disease cards
3 02
Davol Printing House, Assessors' supplies
9 65
Emerson & Co., rubber stamps
1 30
T. C. Fife, repairing town pump Repairing town pump
6 00
F. B. & F. P. Goss, stationery
4 36
Town reports
135 25
Printing Quahaug permits
8 07
Stationery
4 88
Billheads
2 06
Stationery
4 35
Printing and postage
16 19
Town order book
10 36
P. H. Hurd, Teller, Town Meeting
2 00
Hobbs and Warren, Collector's bond
20
Stationery
80
Stationery
20
Stationery
35
Stationery
3 86
1 00
10
John A. Holway, copy of deed
67
Writing up abstract book 12 0)
Heman A. Harding, professional advice 15 00
C. A. G. Hopkins, cemetery work 10 50
W. B. Higgins, use of auto, two trips to Hyannis
6 00
John A. Knowles, Ballot Clerk, Primary
1 50
Abbott S. Knowles, Clerk, Primary 2 00
Fred F. Dill, tax exemption, Spanish War veteran 3 00
Moderator, Annual Town Meeting 5 00
Moderator, Special Town Meeting 3 00
Moderator, Special Town Meeting 3 03
16 00
Constable services
13 00
Protecting shellfish
11 00
Constable services
4 25
Constable services
1 50
C. F. Atwood, writing warrants
2 25
G. E. Gill, auditing Town books, 1919
2 0)
Adin S. Gill, Teller, Special Town Meeting 1 50 Meeting of Forest Fire Wardens 4 00
P. H. Hurd, Teller, Special Town Meeting
2 00
W. H. Forrest, Teller, Special Town Meeting
1 50
A. S. Knowles, Election Officer
2 00
Election Officer, State Election
3 00
John A. Knowles, Ballot Clerk
2 00
A. W. Parnell, service and use of auto as Overseer of Poor 5 00
John H. Smart, stamps, telephone, expressage 8 64
Posting measle notices 1 0)
W. G. Smith, supplies
Supplies, Town Treasurer 2 10
.
C. F. Atwood, Constable services
11
C. S. Wilcox, auto service 2 50
Auto service 3 00
Auto service 2 00
Auto service
3 50
Wright & Potter, tax blanks
2 06
W. B. Steele, use of power boat, protecting shell- fish 12 00
W. H. Snow & Son, one journal
50
A. W. Parnell, motor boat, perambulating town lines 3 00
Oaths, telephone and stationery
6 05
Dr. R. J. Marvel, fumigation after scarlet fever Reporting seven Paturition cases
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.