USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1923 > Part 4
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Rodney H. Adams, Highland Street, farmer.
Frank Dane, Moulton Street, foreman.
Charles A. Smerage, Rust Street, R. R. Conductor.
John E. Cox, Main Street, foreman. Roscoe Caverly, Gardner Street, merchant.
Fred A. Saunders, Railroad Avenue, collector.
Oscar A. Wood, Bridge Street, carpenter.
Daniel P. McGinley, Park Street, machinist.
Otho L. Charles, Plum Street, chauffeur.
Frank J. Butron, Linden Street, carpenter.
Thomas W. Green, Washington Avenue, laborer.
George F. Cross, Walnut Street, carpenter.
Robert H. Chittick, Jr., Asbury Street, machinist.
Victor W. Daley, Main Street, telephone inspector. Samuel G. Goodhue, Asbury Street, real estate. Bayard Tuckerman, Asbury Street, insurance.
Edward A. DeWitt, Essex Street, chauffeur.
Foster E. Tappan, Goodhue Street, farmer.
Walter E. Cheever, Knowlton Street, farmer.
96
TOWN OF HAMILTON
REPORT
OF THE
Finance and Advisory Committee ON THE Appropriations and Articles
FOR THE
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
MARCH 11, 1924
MASS
EX.
HAMILTON
A
HA
TS
INCORP.
93.
21
SALEM, MASS. : NEWCOMB & GAUSS, PRINTERS 1924
REPORT OF THE FINANCE AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
Your committee have examined the financial needs for the maintenance of the various departments of the Town, and to pro- vide for the payment of principal and interest due on bonds and notes for the fiscal year; and have also investigated all requests calling for the appropriation of money in the various articles of the Town Warrant; and after careful consideration, we make the recommendations given below in this report.
During the past year your committee have transferred from the Reserve Fund $1,086.47 to the various departments, which you may find itemized in the Town Accountant's report.
We wish at this time to congratulate all departments for the manner in which they have conducted the business of the Town; in all cases, transfers were asked for before the appropriation was exhausted ; and reasons for so doing were clearly stated and trans- fer was for extraordinary or unforeseen expenditures.
REGULAR APPROPRIATIONS UNDER ARTICLE 4
The various departmental recommendations we believe are fair and reasonable. Therefore, we have approved each item as called for.
SCHOOLS
The School Board has respectfully asked for a raise of $2400 over the appropriation of 1923. This we have considered very carefully. The reasons given for asking for this amount are to
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HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
carry out the idea of remodelling the Center School, as was re- quested in 1923, the appropriation for same being inadequate to complete the alterations; also, there are some needed repairs on the various school buildings and grounds which, if constructed, will require the additional amount asked for.
ARTICLE 4.
Under Article 4, salaries and fees for each department, as well as expenses, are included in the appropriation for said department. A complete list of salaries and fees recommended is given on the page following the list of these department appropriations.
To raise and appropriate money for :
Appropriated Called for Recommend-
1923
1924
ed 1924
Street lighting
$6,500 00
$6,600 00
$6,600 00.
Highway
15,000 00
15,000 00
15,000 00
Poor Department
4,000 00
4,000 00
4,000 00
State Aid
300 0.0
300 00
300 00
Soldiers' relief and military aid 400 00
300 00
300 00
Town Hall
1,700 00
1,700 00
1,700 00
Town Hall insurance
1,100 00
1,100 00
Fire Department
1,500 00
1,500 00
1,500 00
Cemetery
750 00
800 00
800 00
Park Commission
100 00
100 00
100 00
Tree Warden
800 00
800 00
800 00
Selectmen
1,100 00
1,100 00
1,100 00
Assessors
1,400 00
2,000 00
2,000 00
Treasurer
900 00
900 00
900 00
Collector
800 00
800 00
800 00
Accounting
1,100 00
1,100 00
1,100 00
Town Clerk
550 00
500 00
550 00
Police
1,500 00
2,200 00
2,200 00
101
FINANCE AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Appropriated Called for Recommend-
1923
1924
ed 1924
Snow removal
18,000 00
Finance Committee
25 00
25 00
25 00
Board of Health
1,000 00
Reserve
492 60
1,600 00
1,600 00
Printing Town Reports
350 00
350 00
350 00
Brown-tail and gypsy moth work
4,700 00
4,700 00
4,700 00
Memorial Day
200 00
Reserve fund
14 50
200 00
200 00
214 50
Schoolhouse loan
1,000 00
1,000 00
1,000 00
Interest
2,500 00
2,700 00
2,700 00
Boiler insurance
70 00
50 00
50 00
Schools
45,480 00
Dog tax
331 94
45,811 94
47,880 00
47.880 00
Industrial School
700 00
500 00
500 00
Schoolhouse insurance
1,830 00
450 00
450 00
Sealer of Weights and Measures 150 00
Reserve
20 96
170 96
300 00
300 00
102
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
Appropriated Called for Recommend-
1923
1924
ed 1924
Election and registration
675 00
Reserve
75 00
$750 00
$1,000 00
$1,000 00
Moderator
50 00
50 00
50 00
Legal expenses
200 00
200 00
200 00
Certifying Town notes
20 00
20 00
20 00
Cattle inspector
75 00
75 00
75 00
Town clock
50 00
Reserve
120 00
170 00
50 00
50 00
Public Library
2,500 00
2,500 00
2,500 00
Forest Fire Warden
65 00
Reserve
85 26
150 26
65 00
65 00
Reserve fund :
Carried over
459 79
Appropriation
3,000 00
3,459 79
500 00
500 00
103
FINANCE AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEMORANDUM OF SALARIES AND FEES INCLUDED IN FOREGOING APPROPRIATIONS UNDER ARTICLE 4
Selectmen, Chairman $350 00
Second member
250 00
Third member
250 00
Treasurer
750 00
Collector
500 00
Town Clerk
400 00
Sealer 75 00
Forest Fire Warden 10 00
Allowance for fees
of Cattle Inspector 75 00
Town Counsel 200 00
Assessors, per day
5 00
Surveyor of Highways, $6.00 per day for every day that he per- forms his duty.
ARTICLE 5.
Petition of Harry R. McGregor and others. No action necessary.
ARTICLE 6.
Petition of Edward L. McGarry and others.
No action necessary.
ARTICLE 7.
Petition of Haven L. Berry and others. No action necessary.
ARTICLE 8.
Petition of James J. Hughes and others. No action necessary.
ARTICLE 9.
Petition of Mary M. Jeddrie and others. No action necessary.
Board of Health,
Chairman 50 00
Second member 25 00
Third member 25 00
Moderator, $10 per meeting 50 00
Allowance and ex-
penses and fees 150 00
Town Accountant 1,000 00
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HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
We recommend that Articles 6, 7, 8 and 9 be considered under one head. That a sum of money be appropriated and the work carried out by the Surveyor of Highways under the supervision of the Selectmen.
ARTICLE 10.
Petition of Raymond L. Whitman and others.
No action necessary.
ARTICLE 11.
Petition of Raymond L. Whitman and others.
ARTICLE 12.
Petition of Ellsworth S. Adams and others.
ARTICLE 13.
Additional street lights to be placed on Highland Street.
We recommend that Articles 11, 12 and 13 be considered as one article and that the appropriation for these articles be taken from the street lighting appropriation.
ARTICLE 14.
Amendment of the By-laws of the Town, petitioned for by George H. Gibney.
No action necessary.
ARTICLE 15.
Amendment of the By-laws of the Town, as petitioned for by Edward A. DeWitt and others.
No action necessary.
ARTICLE 16.
No action necessary.
ARTICLE 17.
Petition of Robert B. Walsh.
We recommend that action as called for be taken and that the sum of $500.00 be appropriated for this purpose.
1
105
FINANCE AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE
ARTICLE 18. No action necessary.
ARTICLE 19.
No action necessary.
ARTICLE 20.
Purchase of new motor pumping apparatus. No action necessary.
ARTICLE 21.
Petition of the A. P. Gardner Post of the American Legion.
Called for by Article, $250.00. Recommended, $250.00.
ARTICLE 22. No action necessary.
ARTICLE 23.
No action necessary.
ARTICLE 24.
Borrowing after January 1, 1925, in anticipation of taxes.
We recommend authorizing the Treasurer to borrow, as set forth in this article of the Warrant.
ARTICLE 25. Collection of taxes. Recommended.
Total of appropriations recommended $104,215 00
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK E. WITHEE, Chairman, LESTER E. McGARRY, Clerk, PERCIVAL W. BURTON, GEORGE VONL. MEYER, Finance and Advisory Committee, Town of Hamilton.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF HAMILTON
FOR THE YEAR 1923
A
HA
A
LTON
. HAI
TS.
· INC
179
JUNE
SALEM, MASS., NEWCOMB & GAUSS, PRINTERS, 1924
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee of Hamilton:
Madam and Gentlemen: I have the honor to present herewith my first annual report of the schools of Hamilton.
The world and national conditions at the present time consti- tute a challenge to all institutions and especially to the educational institutions of which the public schools are a large part. So much prejudice, snap judgment and unreasoning mob activity menace all institutions that it behooves the schools to develop a high stand- ard of intelligence as a foundation for judgment and action. To quote from Dr. Bagley, one of the foremost educators in our coun- try: "The development of democracy has been unquestionably to- wards the elevation of the common man to a position of supreme collective control. It is now as it has never been before, a race between education and annihilation. If education is to save civ- ilization, it must lift the common man to new levels and not so much to new levels of industrial efficiency as to new levels of thinking and feeling."
Every school system worthy of public support should accept this challenge. Neither taxpayer nor teacher should regret the opportunity of working for and with the boys and girls to train them to think straight, to glorify work and attain a type of leader- ship in which all people may find satisfaction, peace and confidence.
The ideals and objectives of education seem to be well estab- lished in the minds of those who are associated together for the training of the youth of our country.
May I quote the purpose of education in a democracy from the National Educational Association, "So to organize society that
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HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
each member may develop his personality primarily through activi- ties designed for the well-being of his fellow-members and of society as a whole. Education in a democracy, both within and without the school, should develop in each individual the knowl- edge, interests, ideals, habits and powers whereby he will find his place and use that place to shape both himself and society toward ever nobler ends."
A recent report by a committee to outline the Aims in Eudca- tion states that they should be as follows :
I Health
II Command of Fundamental Processes
III Worthy Home Membership
IV Vocation.
Citizenship
VI Worthy Use of Leisure Time
VII Ethical Character
HEALTH
It is worth while noting that health is placed at the head of the list and undoubtedly will receive much attention during the next few years.
No school system can hope to attain a high standard of effi- cacy which neglects the health of its school children. All handi- caps to health should first be overcome that we may then expect a reasonably high grade of work on the part of the pupils.
The School Committee of this Town has for some time been employing a school physician to conduct the physical examination of pupils. The results of this year's examination will be found elsewhere in this report.
For some time past this Town has co-operated with the Com- munity Nurse Association in providing some funds for the Asso- ciation for which the Town has had part-time service of the Com- munity Nurse. At the beginning of this school year it seemed
.
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SCHOOL REPORT
advisable to the Committee to inaugurate a bigger piece of health work than was possible to carry out in the time at the disposal of the Community Nurse for school work.
After considering several candidates for the position Miss Helen E. Purdy, R. N., was secured for the work of School Nurse in the towns of Essex, Hamilton, Lynnfield and Wenham. She devotes two days weekly to the Town of Hamilton and one day weekly to each other town. Miss Purdy is well fitted for this im- portant position and is doing commendable work. I commend her report for your consideration and bespeak for her the co-operation of all parents and others interested in the welfare of the children. It would seem that in this, as in no other branch of school work, those having the work in charge need the fullest co-operation to bring the work up to its highest degree of efficiency.
In addition to the work of the School Physician and School Nurse the following is being done to bring the health of our chil- dren up to standard.
Milk is provided for lunch or a warm dish is furnished at noon.
Directed physical exercise in the open air or in class rooms.
Competitive work on playground.
Examinations by specialists for those physically or mentally retarded.
Examination of all children by the School Dentist.
Dental Clinic work is being carried on through co-operation with the Hamilton-Wenham Red Cross.
FUNDAMENTAL SUBJECTS
From the early establishment of schools much stress has been given to the three R's. From results of daily work and examina- tion reaching the superintendent there yet seems to be a necessity of stressing these subjects.
Several standardized tests in the more important subjects of
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HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
the curriculum have been given and will be followed by others after teachers have had sufficient opportunity to profit in their work fol- lowing the first tests. Thus it will be noted that we are using the tests to learn where we stand in our work, to improve upon the poor work, to bring our schools up to as high a standard of effi- ciency as possible.
WORTHY HOME MEMBERSHIP
Worthy Home Membership calls for the development of those qualities that make the individual a worthy member of the family that he may benefit and be benefited thereby. It has a bearing upon their present-day living as well as upon their future. It is said that "Character is determined by our habits and ideals." That our boys and girls may have the right character, it befalls upon every teacher and parent to train them in right habits and ideals. The work is of such a nature that no one agency can do it all and none should shirk its duty.
It is a mistaken idea that "You can earn your living without work if you get an education." We should instill in our pupils' minds the need of an education to make them more profitable members of society. We should not hesitate to require a certain amount of manual work from every school child about the home, for to do so has a tendency to discourage work on his part and thereby leads him to believe that he should substitute education now and hereafter for work.
VOCATION
All school systems are more and more endeavoring to give attention to pupil guidance whether of an educational or vocational nature. One of the severe criticisms made upon our present-day system of education is that pupils go through the schools without
113
SCHOOL REPORT
having decided for what they wish to fit themselves. It is the purpose of our system in so far as possible through regular classes, assemblies and teacher-contact with pupils to guide the pupils in their study to fit them for their particular vocation.
CITIZENSHIP
In our history and civics classes we seek to develop ideals of good citizenship. It is not sufficient that the pupil simply study such a subject as civics and thereby expect that he will mature into a full-grown citizen at the conclusion of such a course. It is nec- essary that the pupil assume certain responsibilities which may be for his own personal advantage, for the advantage of his class, school or town. The pupil should be led to feel that he is not always to receive compensation for such services rendered, but that he per- forms certain services for the group of which he is a member. Whenever the opportunity presents itself for such pupil partici- pation in the school organization we endeavor to give him the op- portunity to participate.
WORTHY USE OF LEISURE TIME
Authorities having made a study of youth and gang instinct have very plainly pointed out the fact that every boy and girl needs wholesome play to counteract the spirit of lawlessness. Our boys and girls are no exception. It is not the child's fault that he finds enjoyment in unwholesome surroundings if he has not been taught otherwise. It is the duty of the school system to so direct the leisure time of the child that he will look for and enjoy wholesome activities within his immediate surroundings.
The teachers are giving their very best efforts to interest the pupils in play activities in and out of school, to interest them in reading of the best literature and to find enjoyment in doing of worth-while things. In this work there is an opportunity for
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HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
parental participation in providing suitable stimuli for their boys and girls when not in school. Such stimuli may be either a well- equipped playground or gymnasium ; a reading room well supplied with the latest books of reference and current magazines; a well organized and directed social program.
. ETHICAL CULTURE
Our last objection to be considered is the development of a strong ethical character. Our emphasis in this should be of a moral nature which should tend to develop a better class of em- ployers, employees, professional men, artisans and merchants. In teaching the ethics of business life and good citizenship emphasis needs to be laid upon common honesty. Our boys and girls of this generation are no different from those of generations previous, but their surroundings are much different and therefore the de- mand for a change in methods in shaping the minds of them.
The strong personalities and moral characters of leaders in our community life will train up a generation which will go far in changing the many social problems which are perplexing us in this present generation.
TEACHERS
At the close of schools in June the following teachers and supervisors resigned :
Principal Elwood S. Fraser (resigned March 1)
Principal Leon M. Orcutt
Mr. Leon J. Weymouth.
Miss Clara M. Waldie
Miss Alice M. Genthner
Miss Catherine D. Larrabee
Miss Clara P. Mann
Miss Mary M. Tierney
Miss Elizabeth H. Foster
115
SCHOOL REPORT
At the close of the schools in June Mrs. Beatrice W. Holmes was transferred from the East School to the Junior High School. Although we have been able to fill all the vacancies caused by the above resignations and transfers, there has been a loss to our system such as necessarily happens in such changes in the teach- ing personnel. We should use every means possible to retain the services of competent teachers inasmuch as the standing of our schools is largely determined by the teachers employed.
PROFESSIONAL IMPROVEMENT OF TEACHERS
Teaching is a profession which is continually changing its standards and without doubt changes as much if not more than any other in the same period of time.
That our teaching force may be kept up to as high a degree of efficiency as possible it is desirable that we encourage and when necessary require that our teachers take the necessary steps to im- prove themselves professionally.
Improvement may be obtained as follows: Extended travel, summer school courses, Saturday courses, extension courses, cor- respondence courses and by extensive reading on definite topics as related to the school work.
It is of interest to note that our teachers have endeavored to improve themselves professionally as follows :
Two teachers took a summer course.
Six teachers took Saturday courses.
Thirteen teachers took extension courses.
Four teachers took correspondence courses.
One teacher has been doing regular college work (part time) during the present year.
The spirit of the teachers in taking this work is very com- mendable and should be given consideration by the Committee when reappointments are in order.
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HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
SCHOOL SAVINGS
The system of school savings which has been carried on in the schools for several years in co-operation with the Salem Sav- ings Bank was changed at the opening of schools in September. The system previously in use entailed considerable bookkeeping work on the part of the pupils and teachers, which seemed unnec- essary. The South School is now equipped with an Automatic Re- ceiving Teller in which pupils deposit their money and obtain stamps of the several denominations to stick in their folders. All school children in town have the opportunity of depositing their money in the bank through this system. The school deposits since January 1, 1923, have amounted to $553.94.
EDUCATION WEEK
The following is quoted from the Report of the Commissioner of the Education of the United States: "Education in the United States is controlled by the people and not by the government. Every citizen has a voice in determining what kind of schools we shall have. The people determine in the ultimate analysis how much shall be spent upon the schools, whence the money shall come, what kind of teachers we shall have, etc. Naturally, ex- perts and educators know a great deal more about schools than do the average citizens ; but, eventually, we cannot make much sound and permanent progress in the improvement of schools without an intelligent approval and support of public sentiment."
With the above in mind the National Bureau of Education, the National Education Association and the American Legion co- operated in carrying out the following Education Week program : Sunday, December 3, "For God and Country"; Monday, Ameri- can Citizenship Day ; Tuesday, Patriotism Day ; Wednesday, School and Teacher Day; Thursday, Illiteracy Day; Friday, Equality of Opportunity Day; Saturday, Physical Education Day. Through
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SCHOOL REPORT
carrying out this program in the schools an attempt was made to focus the minds of the teachers, pupils and school patrons on the needs and objectives of the schools. It is hoped that by the observ- ance of Education Week annually we may secure "a larger and more united effort in behalf of our schools."
SCHOOL NEEDS
A special appropriation of $1500.00 made at your last annual meeting for remodelling the Center School proved inadequate to do the work as required by State regulations. To do the work satisfactorily will require an additional appropriation of $1500.00.
The East School, taught by two teachers, has an enrolment of about fifteen pupils to each teacher. It would seem advisable, with the present great expenses of maintaining the East School, that · the North School might well be discontinued and the pupils be transported to the East School. The expense of transportation would not be as great as now for maintaining the school and the pupils would be materially profited as they would be under the instruction of a teacher having but three grades instead of six, as is now the case. The North School building is by no means suit- able for use as a school in its present condition.
The High School matter, as relating to the Town of Hamil- ton, having been referred to a special committee by a resolution at your last Annual Meeting, should receive due consideration fol- lowing the special report. The voters should decide whether or not the pupils are receiving the type of secondary education they should receive. If they decide they are not they should take steps to provide a suitable secondary school in Town or make arrange- ments to school the secondary pupils in some adjoining town.
STATISTICS
In the School Report of 1922 statistics were given to show the standing of Hamilton for school expenditures as compared with
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HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
school expenditures of other towns of its population class (Group III) maintaining a high school. It seems advisable to continue giving the statistics annually for comparative purposes.
Expenditures for schools in Massachusetts including repairs, but not new buildings, alterations and permanent repairs.
TABLE I
Increase over previous year
State
Hamilton
State
Hamilton
1920-21
$43,638,115.83
$39,889.66
.16
.23
1921-22
47,876,587.00
40,579.78
.12
.01
1922-23
51,960,445.67
41,666.17
.08
.02
TABLE II
Valuation per pupil in net average membership
Year ending June 30 Hamilton
Rank in
Group III
1921
$12,082
14
1922
11,728
17
1923
11,758
16
TABLE III
Expenditure for school sup-
port from local taxation
year ending December 31,
Rank in
Rate of total tax per $1,000 valuation
Rank in Group III
1920
$7.89
64
$16.00
107
1921
8.28
81
20.00
9
1922
8.34
84
17.00
111
per $1,000 valuation
Group III
119
SCHOOL REPORT
TABLE IV
Expenditures for Support Exclusive of General Control
Amount
Per pupil in average membership
Amount
Per pupil in average. membership
1920-21
$22,000.92
$78.57
$16,726.96
$211.73
1921-22
24,818.91
81.91
19,376.82
239.22
1922-23
23,378.93
77.16
16,516.09
198.99
120
COMPARATIVE COSTS
Expenditure per pupil in average membership, exclusive of General Control, for pupils in this supervision district, is :
Grades 1-8
Grades 9-12
Essex
Hamilton
Lynnfield
Topsfield
Wenham
Essex $89.99
Hamilton
Lynnfield
Topsfield
Wenham
1920-21
$59.16
$78.57
$94.32
$79.25
$92.41
$211.73
$52.41
$255.52
$97.76
1921-22
47.20
81.91
80.26
71.37
85.64
122.50
239.22
120.11
206.48
88.17
1922-23
49.31
77.16
87.83
83.41
107.05
169.56
198.99
105.29
159.74
85.08
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
121
SCHOOL REPORT
In Group III (Towns of 3,000 population or less and maintain- ing high schools), according to the Annual Report of the Depart- ment of Education, it is noted that the Town of Hamilton has been dropping from sixty-fourth place in 1921 in "Expenditures for school support from local taxation per $1,000 valuation" to eighty- fourth place in 1923. There has been a drop in "Rate of total tax per $1,000 valuation from the 107th place to the 111th place. In "Expenditures for support exclusive of general control" there has been a drop of $1.41 per pupil in average membership in grades 1-8 and a drop of $12.74 per pupil in average membership in grades 9-12 extending over a three-year period.
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