USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1926 > Part 4
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Abatement not previously reported
15 55
Outstanding December 31, 1926 21,230 54
$131,459 88 $21,230 54
Outstanding January 1, 1927
Outstanding January 22, 1927, per list $19,751 68
Cash on hand January 22, 1927 (paid Treasurer February 3, 1927) 1,478 86
$21,230 54
MOTH ASSESSMENTS-1923
Outstanding January 1, 1926
$6 23
Payments to Treasurer
$4 20
Outstanding December 31, 1926 2 03
$6 23
Outstanding January 1, 1927
$2 03
Outstanding January 22, 1927, per list
$2 03
MOTH ASSESSMENTS-1924
Outstanding January 1, 1926
$19 93
Payments to Treasurer $12 89
Outstanding December 31, 1926
7 04
$19 93
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HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
Outstanding January 1, 1927 $7 04
Outstanding January 22, 1927, per list $5 64
Cash on hand January 22, 1927 (paid Treasurer February 3, 1927) 1 40
$7 04
MOTH ASSESSMENTS-1925
Outstanding January 1, 1926
$237 22
Payments to Treasurer
$153 38
Moth 1925 reported as Taxes 1925
1 40
Outstanding December 31, 1926 82 44
$237 22
Outstanding January 1, 1927
$82 44
Outstanding January 22, 1927, per list
$80 33
Cash on hand January 22, 1927 (paid Treasurer February 3, 1927) 2 11
$82 44
MOTH ASSESSMENTS-1926
Commitment per warrant $1,217 70
Overpayment to Treasurer (to be adjusted) 51
$1,218 21
Payments to Treasurer $958 94
Warrant in excess of commitment list
1 00
Outstanding December 31, 1926
258 27
$1,218 21
Outstanding January 1, 1927 $258 27
«Outstanding January 22, 1927, per list $258 27
99
DIVISION OF ACCOUNTS
INTEREST ON TAXES
Cash on hand January 1, 1926 $15 68
Collections :
Levy of 1922
$1 80
Levy of 1923 12 56
Levy of 1924
186 69
Levy of 1925
371 41
Levy of 1926
64 81
637 27
$652 95
Payments to Treasurer 1926 $644 47
Cash on hand December 31, 1926 (paid
Treasurer February 3, 1927) 8 48
$652 95
HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSES
Hunting and fishing licenses issued
$195 50
Payments to State
$173 50
Fees retained by Town Clerk
22 00
$195 50
DOG LICENSES
Cash on hand January 1, 1926
$102 00
Licenses issued :
112 males @ $2 00 $224 00
38 females $5 00 190 00
2 breeders @ $50 00 100 00
1 breeder @ $25 00 25 00
539 00
$641 00
Paid to County Treasurer
$606 00
Fees retained by Town Clerk 35 00
$641 00
100
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
DR. JUSTIN ALLEN LIBRARY FUND
Savings
Cash
Deposits
Total
On hand at beginning of year $56 46
$500 00
$556 46
On hand at end of year 1$58 69
$500 00 $558 60
1926
RECEIPTS
PAYMENTS
Income $24 29 Transferred to town $22 06
Cash on hand January
Cash on hand Decem-
1, 1926 56 46 ber 31, 1926 58 69
Total $80 75
Total $80 75
1 In general treasury.
H. A. DODGE LIBRARY FUND
Savings
Cash
Deposits
Total
On hand at beginning of year $146 74
$1,000 00
$1.146 74
On hand at end of year 1$194 79
$1,000 00 $1,194 79
1926
RECEIPTS
PAYMENTS
Income $48 05 Cash on hand Decem-
Cash on hand January
ber 31, 1926
$194 79
1, 1926 146 74
Total $194 79
Total $194 79
1 In general treasury.
CEMETERY PERPETUAL CARE FUNDS
Savings Deposits
Total
On hand at beginning of year
$8.260 18 $8,260 18
On hand at end of year
$9.055 59
$9,055 59
101
DIVISION OF ACCOUNTS
1926
RECEIPTS
PAYMENTS
Income $367 66 Deposited in savings
Bequests
700 00 banks
$795 41
Total $1,067 66 Care of lots 272 25
Total $1,067 66
CEMETERY SPECIAL FUND
Savings Deposits
Total
On hand at beginning of year
$1,136 53 $1,136 53
On hand at end of year $1,196 53 $1,196 53
1926
RECEIPTS
PAYMENTS
Sale of lots $60 00 Deposited in savings
Total
$60 00 banks
$60 00
Total $60 00
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HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
TOWN OF HAMILTON
BALANCE SHEET-DECEMBER 31, 1926 GENERAL ACCOUNTS
Assets
Cash :
In bank
$21,206 36:
Accounts Receivable :
Taxes :
Levy of 1923
$119 48
Levy of 1924
1,876 80
Levy of 1925
7,978 68
Levy of 1926
21,230 54
31,205 50
Special Assessments :
Moth 1923
$2 03
Moth 1924
7 04
Moth 1925
82 44
Moth 1926
257 76
349 27
Departmental :
State Aid
$264 00
Board of Health
235 30
Charity Department
166 66
665 96
Overdrawn Accounts : Snow Removal (to be provided for in revenue 1927) 3,792 90
$57,219 99
103
DIVISION OF ACCOUNTS
Liabilities
Temporary Loans :
In anticipation of revenue Tailings
$20,000 00
61 16
Dodge Library Fund Income
194 79
Allen Library Fund Income
58 69
Surplus War Bonus Fund
965 37
Unexpended Balances :
Essex Street Construction account Overlays (reserved for abatements) :
5,044 95
Levy of 1923
$119 48
Levy of 1924
196 95
Levy of 1925
1,313 76
Levy of 1926
1,290 64
2,920 83
Reserve Fund (Overlay Surplus)
6,287 98
Special Assessment Revenue
349 27
Departmental Revenue
665 96
Surplus Revenue
20,670 99
$57,219 99
DEBT ACCOUNT
Assets
Net Funded or Fixed Debt
$34,500 00
$34,500 00
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HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
Liabilities
Essex County Tuberculosis Hospital Loan
$17,000 00
Permanent Highway Loan 1926
8,500 00
East Schoolhouse Loan
9,000 00
$34,500 00
TRUST FUND ACCOUNTS
Assets
Cash and Securities :
Trust Funds
$10,555 59
Investment Fund
1,196 53
$11,752 12
Liabilities
Dr. Justin Allen Library Fund $500 00
H. A. Dodge Library Fund 1,000 00
Cemetery Perpetual Care Funds
9,055 59
$10,555 59
Cemetery Special Funds
1,196 53
$11,752 12
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY
To the Citizens of Hamilton:
Your Library Trustees report that for the past year the con- duct of the Public Library has progressed in a most satisfactory manner. The circulation at both the main library and the branch has shown a healthy increase, approximating over nineteen thou- sand volumes.
There has been a constant demand for the Community Room at the Town Hall, and it has been enjoyed by nearly one thousand people. During the year we were able to purchase a handsome upright Ivers & Pond piano, which has been a great help to small parties including music in their entertainments.
For a statistical statement of the circulation, the issue of books, purchases, gifts and receipts from fines, we refer you to the detailed report of the Librarian.
We have tried to meet every requirement for all classes but, nevertheless, have endeavorad to retrench the expenditures as much as possible. Last year we recommended a ten percent cut in the appropriation of the preceding year, and this year we are follow- ing the same policy and have requested an appropriation of Two "Thousand Dollars.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT B. WALSH, Chairman, ARTHUR W. CHANDLER, EDWARD A. UNDERHILL, Secretary.
105
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT
To the Trustees of the Public Library:
Gentlemen: I hereby submit my report of the library for the twelve months ending December 31, 1926.
The general activities of the library have gone on much as usual. We receive hearty co-operation from the teachers in the Public Schools. The amount of reference work has increased over that of last year, and the reading courses have interested the children to make a better acquaintance with the best books. We have selected all our juvenile books from the State and Youngs- town lists.
These reading courses have proved of unquestionable value. They not only provide for systematic reading from books of high standard, but the necessity of telling the story of each book read, and filling out a report blank, prevents careless work and increases the cultivation of habits of lasting value.
In selecting books for addition to a library collection, it is nec- essary to be governed somewhat by the demand of the people. It is important that our library have on its shelves the latest books. on scientific and technical information, reliable volumes of his- tory and literature, as well as the ever-popular novel. In our town, the popular novels are most sought, but it is gratifying to see that the circulation of non-fiction is gradually increasing.
A questionnaire was sent to every library in the United States in 1925. Our library was put in class D-less than 20,000 vol- umes. Out of 370 libraries, of the highest 10, we headed the list as to circulation of fiction with 98%, leaving us only 2% as our circulation for non-fiction. It is earnestly hoped, that when the next questionnaire goes out, we will have a much larger percentage in the use of non-fiction.
106
107
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT
In the percentage of total expenditures for books and peri- odicals, of the highest 10, among 489 libraries, we stand fourth in the list, the highest percentage being 59.1, the next two 54.9 and 54.8, and our percentage 54.5.
Gifts of books are herewith acknowledged. A few are men- tioned-15 volumes of natural history, 2 volumes Life of Abra- ham Lincoln, also 7 volumes on the causes of the World War. Each volume of the World War set is bound in leather, with a coat of arms on the outside cover, a facsimile of the original art binding on the official copy signed by each of the seven nations- of the Versailles Peace Treaty, England, France, Belgium, Italy, Poland, Uruguay, and Germany.
Interest in magazines still holds good. Our circulation re- mains about the same as last year.
Our circulation of books has increased at the Branch Library about 1300, at the Main Library about 300.
The Librarian attended a conference of neighboring libraries at Beverly. A most instructive talk was given by one of the State- cataloguers. A round table was held during which various phases of library work were discussed. New ideas were brought up which will prove very helpful in the course of our work.
During the course of the year, the librarian is called upon to answer many questions. The library was visited by a gentleman from Iowa, who was looking up his ancestors in this town, who came from Scotland as prisoners of Oliver Cromwell. The gentle- man was introduced to a summer resident of this town, well-versed in matters of this sort and went away feeling well repaid by his visit to Hamilton.
The library is open Wednesday and Saturday and the Branch is open Tuesday and Friday, 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 P. M.
The Community Room at the Town Hall is under the charge. of the Library Trustees, a report of which is herewith appended.
108
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
The room has been used for 6 whist parties, 9 rug classes, 25 society meetings and 7 socials, with an attendance of 834.
STATISTICS
Circulation :
Main
3.464
Branch
15,707
19,171
Books sent to Branch
489
Returned to Main Library
Books added
600
Purchased
502
Gifts 98
Collected for Fines :
Main Library
$8 66
Branch Library
39 04
$47 70
Total number of books in library Dec. 31, 1926, about
10,360
Respectfully submitted,
LYDIA L. HARADEN,
Librarian.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF HAMILTON
FOR THE YEAR
1926
MASS
ALEX. HAMILTON
. HAM
TTS.
IN
793.
SALEM, MASS. NEWCOMB & GAUSS, PRINTERS 1927
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The School Committee presents herewith its annual report for the year ending December 31, 1926, and with it the reports of the Superintendent of Schools and the various special teachers.
You are particularly urged to read these reports, as in them will be found not only definite facts about the schools by those who are in them daily, but also suggestions which, if only slightly heeded, would do more to advance the standards of our schools than reams of reports and hours of discussion.
Due to decreased cost of insurance and a desire on the part of the Committee to keep down the costs consistent with the highest possible efficiency, we recommend that the sum of $45,000. (plus the dog tax) be appropriated for school purposes for the ensuing year. This amount is $1,000. less than was appropriated last year.
Respectfully submitted,
CLARISSA E. READY, ALEXANDER H. SPROUL, ROBERT ROBERTSON, JR .. School Committee.
IN MEMORIAM
Upon the death of Mrs. Adelaide D. Walsh on October 2,. 1926. the School Committee lost one of its most ardent workers ..
Mrs. Walsh had been a member of this committee for three. successive terms, and had worked earnestly and diligently for the. improvement of the - school and for advancement in educational standards.
She was influential in establishing the present Industrial De- partment with its branches of Manual Training and Domestic Science. She took a keen interest in the public contests held for the pupils of the schools, and the helpful influence of her presence could always be counted upon by the contestants. In fact, Mrs. Walsh was a loyal supporter of all school activities, both educa- tional and social, and she most generously gave time from her busy life to show her interest by her attendance at such affairs.
When the need of a new school was felt in East Hamilton, Mrs. Walsh was one of the leading advocates for a modern, up-to- date building. and used her influence in every possible way to secure the fine new building which has been erected.
Her many years' experience as a teacher had made her excep- tionally well fitted for her duties on the School Committee. It is impossible to enumerate the many things which were brought about by her influence, for she looked after the thousand little details, often unnoticed, yet supremely valuable in a well-organized system. It is because she was a woman with a broad, sympathetic understanding of the needs of children that she filled her position so successfully.
She was always a friend of both pupils and teachers and she was beloved by them. Their love was very prominently shown, by the spontaneous response of the pupils in the desire to express their appreciation of her services and friendship, in their volun- tary contributions for floral expressions of their sympathy.
The pupils, teachers. and members of the School Committee greatly regret the loss of their faithful friend and co-worker.
CLARISSA E. READY, ROBERT ROBERTSON. JR. ALEXANDER H. SPROUL,
School Committee.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Members of the School Committee,
DEAR MADAM AND SIRS : I herewith submit my fourth annual report as Superintendent of your schools.
The specific points upon which I report to you are as follows:
ENROLLMENT
During the school year closing June 30, 1926, there were enrolled 418 pupils in the elementary grades and Junior-Senior High. At the close of schools in December there were 397 pupils enrolled.
ATTENDANCE
A special report on "Percentage of Attendance," issued by the State Department of Education, for the school year ending June 30, 1925, showed that the State average was 93.3 per cent, while that for Hamilton was 92.3. Reports from teachers for the year ending June 30, 1926, showed that the average per cent of attendance for Hamilton was approximately 95 per cent.
PROMOTIONS-GRADES I-IX
At the close of schools in June, 258 pupils received full pro- motion to the next higher grade, 26 were conditioned in one or more subjects, and 20 were not promoted. Those conditioned were allowed to continue in the next higher grade, subject to being demoted as rank might necessitate. Many of those conditioned
5
6
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
have proven that they are able to do the work of their grade this year, while others continue to be doing the same low grade of work. due largely to their lack of interest in school work. The twenty pupils not promoted were largely misfits in their grade. They had had. throughout the year, much individual attention, but were unable to do sufficient work to warrant even a conditional promotion. A plan is now under way whereby I hope to have pupils failing brought together in groups for special work and thereby diminish the number of pupils conditioned or not pro- moted.
TEACHERS
At the close of school in June, Principal Howard W. Watson resigned to accept the principalship of Stoneham High School. Mr. Watson had served as Principal of our high school three years. during which time he had been a most enthusiastic worker to broaden the courses offered and raise the standard of work done by teachers and pupils. The entire school system was benefitted by his services as teacher and Principal.
Mrs. Edna F. Hurlburt also passed in her resignation in June, after serving as teacher in our school for the period of eleven years, to accept a position in the Beverly Public Library. Mrs. Hurlburt possessed rare qualities as a leader and teacher and has been missed both in classroom and out by pupils and teachers with whom she was associated.
Other resignations of teachers accepted during the year were as follows: Miss Maude Gooch of grade two. Mr. Thomas Carr and Mr. Shirley Bohaker of the Manual Training Department.
After interviewing numerous applicants for the position of Principal. Mr. William E. Cottle, who had served as Principal at Northboro and Ware, was secured. Mr. Cottle has endeavored to carry on the work, so well started by Mr. Watson, making
SCHOOL REPORT
changes and additions only as it seems for the best interests of the schools.
Miss Gladys Mann was secured to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mrs. Hurlburt and has already made a place for herself in the system.
Mrs. Marion Smith Batchelder returned in September to the position which she had previously held as teacher of the sec- ond grade.
Mr. Afton Bezanson was placed in charge of the Manual Train- ing and Printing Departments, following the resignation of Mr. Shirley Bohaker on November 24th.
PROFESSIONAL IMPROVEMENT
No profession is making greater demands of its leaders than that of the teaching profession. It is, therefore, highly important that our teachers should avail themselves of the splendid oppor- tunities offered to pursue professional courses to broaden their own viewpoint and aid them in their daily work in the classroom.
The following list proves that a large number of our teachers are pursuing professional study :
School
Course
Gladys L. Mann, Boston University European History
Mrs. Hazel Ramer. Mass. Univ. Extension Music Appreciation American Government
Carolyn Wyman, Boston University
William E. Cottle, Harvard University
Social Theory of Education Principles of Secondary Education
The Teaching of Mathematics in the Junior-Senior High School Hannah Fanning, Boston University Types of Great Literature Margaret K. Batchelder, Mass. Univ. Extension
Tests and Measurements
Nelly G. Cutting. Boston University Primary Methods
S
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
Mrs. Marion S. Batchelder, Boston University Primary Methods Design
Abbie U. Cragg. Boston University
Sara C. Leighton. Mass. Univ. Extension
Home Management
In addition to taking the above courses at least one representa- tive of the system has attended the following conferences :
The Superintendents' Conference of the National Education Association.
Conference for Secondary School Principals.
Conference for Art Instructors.
Conference for Elementary and Junior High Teachers.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE
We are indebted to the State Department of Education for its cooperation in providing a most excellent one day's program with speakers. for our Annual Teachers' Institute. held at South Hamilton September 20th. Without exception, teachers and others in attendance have stated that this was the most inspiring and helpful Institute they have attended. The program follows :
Chairman: BURR F. JONES. Supervisor of Elementary Education State Department of Education
ASSEMBLY
OPENING EXERCISES
Music by Hamilton Glee Club Chorus
"Calm as the Night" Bohm "Forget Me Not" Giesse
ADDRESS : "The Technique of Teaching"
PROF. GUY M. WILSON. Boston University DEPARTMENTAL MEETINGS
Grades I-III
"Geography in the Primary Grades-What and How Much?"
MISS LOUIE G. RAMSDELL
State Normal School. Framingham
9
SCHOOL REPORT
"Reading and Its Relation to Other Subjects"
MISS MARY E. JAMES, State Normal School, Salem Grades IV-VI
"The Library and the Public Schools"
MISS E. KATHLEEN JONES, Division of Public Libraries State Department of Education
"Geography-Content and Method" MISS LOUIE G. RAMSDELL Senior and Junior High School
"Some Suggestions for Classroom Procedure"
FRANK P. MORSE, Supervisor of Secondary Education State Department of Education "Physical Education in High Schools" CARL L. SCHRADER, Supervisor of Physical Education State Department of Education
AFTERNOON SESSION
ASSEMBLY
ADDRESS : "Art Instruction in the Public Schools"
ROYAL B. FARNUM, Director of Art Education VOCAL SOLOS :
"Moonlight, Starlight" "The Gift"
Gilberte Brown MISS MAUDE L. THOMAS, Supervisor of Music Essex-Hamilton-Lynnfield ADDRESS : "The Creative Element in Education"
FRANK W. WRIGHT, Director
Division of Elementary and Secondary Education and Normal Schools, State Department
VISITORS' DAY
A large number of parents and interested citizens visited the schools on November 11th to observe the work of teachers and pupils.
10
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
The Junior-Senior High School session opened with an assem- bly at the Community House, at which time members of the A. P. Gardner Post of American Legion attended the exercises and pre- sented a beautiful silk flag to the school. This ceremony partici- pated in by members of the Legion and School was most impres- sive. The flag presented was much needed by the school and, coming from the local post of the Legion, should inspire our boys and girls, who gaze upon it in future years, to uphold those ideals for which the givers fought.
Following the exercises at the Community House, the regular school work was conducted in the classrooms until 8.30 P. M.
HEALTH
The School Nurse has a very complete report on health work done throughout the schools. The value of this work impresses me as more valuable each year, as I observe what is being accom- plished for the benefit of the children. They are made to feel that their bodies must be kept in fit condition to do their school work, as well as to be developed into men and women physically fit to assume later responsibilities.
The Dental Hygiene work inaugurated this year is the begin- ning of a very important health project. It was undertaken for the express purpose of benefiting all the children and most espec- ially those whose parents are negligent about the care of the children's teeth, either through lack of interest or because of the expense of having dental work done.
The Hygienist has had special training for the work through the Forsythe Dental Clinic of Boston. She is trained to examine and clean teeth, but does no treating. filling or extracting. She has examined the teeth of all the pupils and sent notices to the homes, advising what treatment seemed necessary to be performed by the family dentist.
11
SCHOOL REPORT
Following the examination, permission was secured from the parents to clean the teeth of pupils from grades one through eight.
When working on the pupils she endeavors to teach them the necessity of the daily care of the teeth and of the need to go to the family dentist.
A complete report from the Hygienist shows that the dental work done in previous years has been most beneficial, as the per- centage of dental defects is far less in the high school and upper grades than in the lower grades.
The cost for examining the teeth of 389 children and clean- ing the teeth of 181 was $96.00. It is hoped to do this work twice annually. To supplement the work carried on in the schools, par- ents are urged to assume the responsibility of having the neces- sary additional dental work done by the family dentist.
PHYSICAL TRAINING
As a result of employing a Physical Instructor to organize the work, to instruct the teachers and pupils and give the neces- sary impetus to the work throughout the year it was possible to hold a Physical Training Exhibition during May. This exhibi- tion proved that it is possible to so train every boy and girl that they will participate freely in this type of work and show the results of training and leadership.
TESTING
Sufficient testing of pupils by the Standard Achievement, Di- agnostic and Intelligence Tests is resorted to to keep teachers informed as to abilities and needs of the children. Following all these tests, reports are issued from my office by which compari- sons of standings may be made among the several schools under my supervision, as well as with standings of other school systems.
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HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
Emphasis in the teaching of the several subjects is varied from time to time, according to the results of the tests.
CLUBS
During the past year clubs have been organized in several of the grades, in which pupils participate in electing officers, making programs and in conducting the club meetings. It is the purpose of these clubs to teach the children to become acquainted with certain parliamentary laws and to assume the responsibility which might be necessary if an officer or member of any club.
The officers of the clubs arrange weekly programs of about fifteen minutes' duration. The topics about which the programs have been built are: Holiday Programs, Good Health, School Pa- per and Organized Games for the Playground.
The teacher participates in the preparation of the program and club meetings only to act as adviser and critic in order that each meeting may be better than the preceding meeting. It is fully expected to increase the number of clubs until every grade or room has one.
AWARDS
It is not possible for all pupils to excel in any one particular school activity. Realizing this, it is for the best interests of the pupils that special awards be made for excellence in a variety of school activities.
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