USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1927 > Part 4
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
1 46
$202 33
DR. JUSTIN ALLEN LIBRARY FUND
Cash Savings In General Deposits
Total
On hand at beginning of year,
Treasury $58 69 $500 00 $558 69
1927,
On hand at end of year 1927,
82 98 500 00 582 98
100
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
Receipts
Payments
Income,
$24 29
Cash on hand, Dec. 31, 1927, $82 98
Cash on hand, Jan. 1, 1927, 58 69
Total, $82 98
Total,
$82 98
H. A. DODGE LIBRARY FUND
Cash Savings In General Deposits Total
On hand at beginning of
Treasury
year 1927,
$194 79 $1,000 00 $1,194 79
On hand at end of year 1927, Receipts
236 84 1,000 00 1,236 84
Payments
Income, $50 63
Library expense,
$8 58
Cash on hand,
Cash on hand,
January 1, 1927, 194 79
December 1, 1927, 236 84
Total, $245 42
Total, $245 42
CEMETERY PERPETUAL CARE FUNDS
Total Deposits Total $9,055 59 $9,055 59
On hand at beginning of year 1927,
On hand at end of year 1927, 9,561 14 9,561 14
Receipts
Payments
Income,
Bequests,
$448 95 Added to savings 350 00 deposits, $505 55
Care of lots, 293 40
Total,
. $798 95
Total, $798 95
101
DIVISION OF ACCOUNTS
CEMETERY SPECIAL FUND
Total Deposits Total $1,196 53 $1,196 53
On hand at beginning of year 1927,
On hand at end of year 1927, 1,420 74 1,420 74
Receipts
Payments
Income,
$114 21
Sale of lots,
110 00
Added to savings deposits,
$224 21
Total,
$224 21
Total,
$224 21
102
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
TOWN OF HAMILTON BALANCE SHEET-DECEMBER 31, 1927 GENERAL ACCOUNTS ASSETS
Cash :
In Banks and Office,
$17,614 36
Accounts Receivable :
Taxes :
Levy of 1924,
$11 35
Levy of 1925,
63 93
Levy of 1926,
8,121 63
Levy of 1927,
22,678 36
30,875 27
Special Assessments :
Moth 1926,
$79 05
Moth 1927.
710 71
789 76
Departmental :
State Aid,
$264 00
Board of Health,
190 72
Charities,
800 47
1,255 19
Overdrawn Accounts :
Snow, 1,380 91
$51,915 49
103
DIVISION OF ACCOUNTS
LIABILITIES
Temporary Loans :
$20,000 00
In Anticipation of Revenue, Tailings,
61 16
Dr. Justin Allen Library Fund Income,
82 98
H. A. Dodge Library Fund Income,
236 84
Surplus War Bonus Fund,
965 37
Overlays (reserved for abatement of taxes) :
Levy of 1924,
$11 35
Levy of 1925,
63 93
Levy of 1926,
1,255 49
Levy of 1927,
1,352 15
2,682 92
Reserve Fund -- Overlay Surplus,
3,853 99
Special Assessment Revenue,
789 76
Departmental Revenue,
1,255 19
Surplus Revenue,
21,987 28
$51,915 49
DEBT ACCOUNTS
ASSETS
Net Funded or Fixed Debt, $29,500 00
$29,500 00
104
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
LIABILITIES
Essex County Tuberculosis Hospital Loan.
$16,000 00
Permanent Highway Loan. 5,500 00
East Schoolhouse Loan. S.000 00
$29,500 00
$29.500 00
TRUST AND INVESTMENT ACCOUNTS
ASSETS
('ash and Securities :
Trust Funds.
$11.061 14
Investment Fund. 1.420 74
$12.481 8S
$12,481 88
LIABILITIES
Dr. Justin Allen Library Fund, $500 00
H. A. Dodge Library Fund, 1,000 00
Cemetery Perpetual Care Funds, 9.561 14
Cemetery Special Funds,
$11,061 14
1,420 74
$12.481 SS
TOWN OF HAMILTON REPORT
OF THE
Finance and Advisory Committee ON THE
Appropriations and Articles FOR THE
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
MARCH 13, 1928
A
HAN
SE
ALE
MILTON
. HA
s.
3.
·INCOR
SALEM, MASS .: NEWCOMB & GAUSS, PRINTERS 1928
REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Hamilton:
When you consider that a dozen years ago our tax rate was $10 and compare it with recent taxes, you will appreciate why this committee desires to again stress the point that high taxes are detrimental to a town and we solicit your vote in the town meeting to support and endorse our recommendations.
Careful study has been made of facts and conditions and our recommendations are based on a policy of conservatism and economy which in no way impairs the efficiency of the depart- ments.
A surprising number of articles appear in the warrant this year in connection with highway work. The open winter, changeable weather. etc., has been extraordinarily hard on roads which ordinarily only appear at their worst in the spring thaw.
This Committee has for three years consistently advocated a definite road policy and the town has supported and endorsed this policy, namely, to appropriate not over a certain sum for all highway work and that this work be divided into three parts :
(1) New permanent road construction.
(2) General maintenance.
(3) Special and urgent needs.
For these purposes some $35,000 has been appropriated, and this amount is all we feel the town should spend on high- way work.
Furthermore, the allocation of these funds should be at the discretion of the surveyor and the selectmen for the best interests of the town as a whole and where most needed.
We therefore recommend that the total highway work ap- propriation be as follows and to include all or any work on Articles S to 19 inclusive :
10%
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
Highway Department: Maintenance Salary of Surveyor 1,500 00
$15,000 00
Special Needs 5,000 00
$21,500 00
New Roads, to be done under contract
at discretion of Selectmen :
Essex Street
$5,000 00
Railroad Avenue or other 9,200.00
14,200.00
$35,700 00
We hope that this custom of writing articles in the Town Warrant for this and that bit of highway work will be dis- continued, and that instead the petitioners will confer with the surveyor and the selectmen when occasion arises, appreciating that they are anxious to give the best service and results pos- sible with the funds available and will welcome constructive suggestions for actual needs and improvements.
RECOMMENDATIONS ON ARTICLES.
Article 4. General Appropriations : Appro- From priated 1927
Spent Balance Requested mended
1927
1927
1928
1928
Selectmen
$1,250.00
$1,196.01
$53.99
$1,250.00
$1.250.00
Accounting
1,300.00
1.267.52
32.48
1,300.00
1,300.00
Treasury
925.00
896.17
28.83
950.00
950.00
Tax Collector
900.00
870.97
29.03
1,000.00
975.00
Assessors
1,500.00
1.499.30
.70
1,900.00
1,500.00
Special
100.00
Certifying Notes
20.00
10.00
10.00
20.00
20.00
Law
200.00
200.00
200.00
200.00
Town Clerk
650.00
627.47
22.53
650.00
650.00
Election and Registrn.
500.00
472.07
27.93
1,000.00
1,000.00
Town Hall
2,200.00
2,103.32
96.68
2,200.00
2,200.00
Police
1,800.00
151.99*
2,151.99
. .
1.800.00
1,800.00
Fire Department
2,500.00
630.26
3,130.20
....
3,075.00
3,075.00
. .
Recom-
Reserve Fund
109
REPORT OF FINANCE AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Recom-
Appro- priated 1927
From Reserve Fund
Spent Balance Requested mended
1927
1928
1928
Fire Cistern
3,000.00
·
. .
....
299.97
.03
300.00
300.00
Moth (Town Work)
2,200.00
....
2,199.53
.47
3,000.00
2,200.00
Truck
500.00
Hose
300.00
Moth (Private Prop.)
1,500.00
....
1,499.22
.78
1,500.00
1,500.00
Tree Warden
500.00
499.60
.40
500.00
500.00
Forest Warden
85.00
77.10
162.10
150.00
150.00
Health
1,800.00
....
1,798.82
1.18
1,800.00
1,800.00
Inspector of Animals
75.00
47.25
27.75
75.00
75.00
Highway
21,000.00
536.52
21,536.52
. .
21,500.00
Salary
1,500.00
Maintenance
15,000.00
Special Needs
15,000.00
Snow
8,000.00
9,380.91
1,380.91}
.
Street Lighting
7,875.00
7,812.20
62.80
7,900.00
7,900.00
Public Welfare
4,000.00
3,606.06
393.94
4,000.00
4,000.00
State Aid
300.00
264.00
36.00
300.00
300.00
Soldiers' Relief
500.00
50.23
550.33
....
700.00
700.00
Schools
44,500.00
Dog tax and refund
448.10
44,948.10
44,944.31
3.79
46,665.00
46.665.00
Schools (New Fence)
Public Library
2,000.00
From Trust Funds
8.58
Parks
350.00
349.70
.30
350.00
350.00
Winthrop Park Fence
250.00
....
250.00
250.00
250.00
Memorial Day
250.00
250.00
300.00
300.00
Town Reports
400.00
386.87
13.13
400.00
400.00
Town Clock
50.00
25.00
25.00
50.00
50.00
American Legion
250.00
250.00
250.00
250.00
Boiler Insurance
50.00
....
41.39
8.61
110.00
110.00
Game Warden
15.00
10.00
5.00
15.00
15.00
Reserve Fund
3,000.00
2,897.64
102.36
3,000.00
3,000.00
Cemetery
900.00
884.75
15.25
1,500.00
1,500.00
Interest
3,600.00
183.94
3,783.94
....
3,600,00
3,600.00
Maturing Debt
5,000.00
....
5,000.00
. ...
5,000.00
$5,000.00
....
. ...
. .
* Includes Refund $3.60.
I To take care of Articles 8, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19.
+ Overdraft.
# Appropriation recommended from Excess and Deficiency.
..
2,008.58
1,900.00
1,900.00
. ...
....
·
....
... .
... .
....
.
......
. ...
400.00
400.00
...
1927 2,975.00
25.00
1,500.00
1,500.00
Sealer
300.00
..
. .
. . .
...
2,008.58
110
TIAMILTON TOWN REPORT
Article 5.
To appropriate $1,380.91.
6. No action : included in general appropriation.
66
7. Not to accept.
S. To accept and refer to surveyor.
6: 9. To build under New Roads Appropriation.
10. $3,000 recommended from Excess and De- ficiency.
11. To refer to Highway Department.
6. 12. To refer to Highway Department.
66 13. To refer to Highway Department.
14. To refer to New Roads Appropriation.
66 15. To refer to Highway Department.
66 16. To refer to Highway Department.
17. To refer to Highway Department.
1S. To refer to Highway Department.
66 19. To refer to Highway Department. 66 20. Approve.
21. Approve (included in general appropriation).
22. Approve (included in general appropriation).
66 23. Withdrawn (included in school approp'tion).
24. Withdrawn (included in school approp'tion).
25. Approved.
66 26. Withdrawn (included in general approp'tion).
27. Approved.
G. y. L. MEYER, Chairman, J. C. R. PEABODY, Vice-Chairman, L. A. HASKELL, Secretary, WM. W. BANCROFT, FINLAY D. MacDONALD.
The Finance Committee.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF HAMILTON
FOR THE YEAR
1927
MASS
HAMI
ALI
LTON
, HA
ETTS.
· INCO
1. 1793·
P.
SALEM, MASS. NEWCOMB & GAUSS, PRINTERS 1928
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The School Committee presents herewith its annual report together with those of the Superintendent, Principal, Music and Drawing Supervisors, School Nurse, and Instructors in Manual Arts and Domestic Arts, for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1927.
We wish particularly to call attention to the need of imme- diate permanent repair to the asbestos slate portion of the South School roof. We are constantly having trouble from rain leaking in and soaking the plastering. Each time the above has occurred we have had a carpenter attempt to stop the leak, but have been told that we will always have trouble until the slate has been entirely removed, new heavy water- proof paper laid, and the slate relaid.
The School Committee makes the following recommen- dations :
1. That the sum of $46,665 (plus the dog tax) be appro- priated for the support of the schools for the ensuing year.
2. That the sum of $2,500 be appropriated for repairing the asbestos slate roof on South School.
3. That the sum of $500 be appropriated for erecting a wire fence on the East boundary of the South School lot, similar to the one on the West side.
4. That the sum of $100 be appropriated for purchasing and erecting a suitable memorial designating "The Adelaide D. Walsh School."
Respectfully submitted,
CLARISSA E. READY, ALEXANDER H. SPROUL, ROBERT ROBERTSON, JR., School Committee.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee:
Dear Madam and Sirs: I herewith submit my fifth annual report as superintendent of your schools.
ENROLLMENT
During the school year closing June 30, 1927, there were four hundred and ten pupils enrolled in the elementary grades and junior-senior high. This shows a decrease of eight pupils during the year. At the close of schools in December the enrollment was three hundred and ninety-seven, the same as of December. 1926.
ATTENDANCE
By giving very close attention to the matter of attendance it has been possible to maintain the high percentage of attend- ance of 94. It is very evident that the parents are co-operat- ing with the school authorities, realizing that absence from reg- ular school duties means an educational loss to the pupil. The growing appreciation of the value of education by the general public is manifested by the regular attendance of pupils.
PROMOTIONS I-IX
Our promotion lists in June showed that 267 pupils were promoted without conditions, while 28 pupils were retained in the grade. It is very noticeable that about fifty per cent of the
5
SCHOOL REPORT
failures occur in grades six, seven and eight. The reason for this may be attributed to the fact that less memory work and more thought work is done in these grades than in the lower grades. This inability to think for themselves is the reason for many failures of students in high school and of their fail- ures later in life. In so far as it is possible, it is the most important work of the schools to teach pupils to think, making use of the facts taught them. There have always been fail- ures because pupils have failed to think. There always will be some failures, but it is our sacred duty to use every means available to keep the number small.
TEACHERS
Following the elections of teachers in March, resignations were received from Misses Bean and Duperry of the Adelaide Dodge Walsh School, Miss Fanning of grade six, Miss Mann of the junior high, and Miss Leighton of the Domestic Science Department. Vacancies were filled by the elections of Misses Gove and Duffy to the Adelaide Dodge Walsh School, Miss Woodsum to grade six, Miss Bean to the junior high, and Miss Whitney to the Domestic Science Department. These teachers have all had from two to five years' teaching experience. Due to the fact that they had all been successful in positions pre- viously held it has been possible for them to adjust themselves to the work required here with practically no loss to our system because of the changes.
Miss Whitney of the Domestic Science Department de- votes her full time to our schools, where previously Miss Leigh- ton gave but three days' service weekly. The extra two days' service of this teacher is devoted to instruction work with retarded groups from the junior high school and to the super- vision of the noon lunch period. By relieving the regular
6
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
teachers of work with the retarded pupils, it allows them to do considerable more work with the class as a whole, and most certainly justifies the extra expenditure.
PROFESSIONAL IMPROVEMENT
As in previous years, it is with satisfaction I am able to report that several of the teachers have availed themselves of opportunities offered to pursue courses in higher institutions of learning. During the past three years twenty-eight teachers have taken twenty-eight different courses relating to the work they are doing in school. Only three teachers have not taken courses during time of employment.
The courses pursued by teachers at Harvard, Boston Uni- versity, and in Extension Courses conducted by the State De- partment of Education and in Normal Schools are as follows: U. S. History, Music, American Government, Social Aspects of Education, Principles of Secondary Education, Mathematics in Junior-Senior High Schools, Types of Good Literature, Tests and Measurements, Primary Methods, Design, Household Man- agement, Gregg Shorthand, General Science, Principles of Edu- cation, American Literature, Reading Methods in Elementary Grades, English in the Grades, Reading, Story Telling, and Health. One teacher has spent a summer in travel abroad, which is equivalent, in value received, of having pursued sev- eral courses.
Doubtless few school systems the size of ours can make as good or better report for a similar period on the professional improvement of teachers. As the teachers profit profession- ally in pursuing these courses the standard of school work will be raised and our pupils will be benefitted thereby.
7
SCHOOL REPORT
TEACHERS AND COURSES PURSUED IN 1927
Teacher
School Course
William E. Cottle Harvard-Measurements Mrs. Hazel Ramer. . . Mass. Univ. Exten .- Music Appreciation Miss Sybil Bean
Boston University-Problems of Junior High School Miss Carolyn Wyman. .Bates College-American Literature Miss Laura Duperry . Boston Univ .- Elementary English Miss Lucinda Bean . Boston Univ .- Elementary English Miss Marion Whitney Boston University-English Miss Mabel Gove
Mass. Univ. Exten .- Reading and Story Telling Miss Ellen Duffy
Mass. Univ. Exten .- Reading and Story Telling
TESTING PROGRAM
In order that the quality of teaching and grade of work done by the pupils may be measured, standard tests are given throughout the year. Instruction work with groups and indi- viduals is varied from time to time as is proven necessary by results obtained in the tests.
Standards for each grade are given by the authors of the tests. Individual pupils and the class as a whole are expected to attain the standards set. Comparisons of work done by the several grades in the towns under my supervision are made for the purpose of raising the standard of work done by all the schools. After the complete records of work by pupils have been filed the tests are given the pupils to take home, that parents may become acquainted with the school requirements and know the standing of their child.
8
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
During 1926 the Stanford Achievement Test, Form A. for grades four to eight, was given. This was followed in 1927 by Form B of the same test.
The points on which pupils were tested in the above were :
1. Reading,-Paragraph, Sentence and Word Meaning.
2. Arithmetic,-Computation and Reasoning.
3. Nature Study and Science.
4. History and Literature.
5. Language Usage.
6. Dictation Exercise.
The lowest percent of failures were recorded against Arith- metic, Spelling, Reading, subjects in which pupils have been measured and in which teachers have been given most help during the past four years. Emphasis at the present time is being devoted to Language Usage, as the tests proved very plainly that we were not attaining the desired standard in said subject.
Although our standards attained in Arithmetic are fairly high and need not disturb us greatly, we shall continue to remain in the New England Contest for the purpose of attain- ing to greater perfection in the subject and for the improvement of methods in instruction. The Wilson Inventory and Diag- nostic Tests in Arithmetic are given in this subject throughout the year.
HOME READING WITH SCHOOL CREDIT
When this work was inaugurated in our schools in 1924, little did we realize the number of pupils who would be eventu- ally interested in reading the type of books recommended on the several lists. We have developed in our pupils a desire for the best of literature and so long as they are able to obtain
9
SCHOOL, REPORT
this they will not be likely to have a desire to read books infe- rior in quality. The list of pupils receiving certificates, as recorded in this report, is an indication of the interest taken in this work.
To encourage pupils in their reading the best available books the Mothers' Club and School Committee jointly secured the services of Mrs. Marion T. Rudkin of Beverly to give read- ings from several of the books on the lists. The hour devoted to this work was both inspirational and educational and should result in a greater variety of reading by the pupils.
PENMANSHIP SUPERVISION
Results from our penmanship teaching not having been entirely satisfactory in the grades, the supervision of this work has been given to one of the high school Commercial teachers. She goes to the grades at least once weekly to teach penman- ship. Emphasis is placed upon position, free arm movement, letter formation and speed. It is fully expected that in fol- lowing this plan over a period of years we shall be able to raise our standard in penmanship.
CITIZENSHIP THROUGH CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
If we were asked to define Citizenship, it is probable that it would be defined in terms of political rights, duties and obli- gations. Only a fraction of our citizenship duties are of a political nature. Broadly speaking, citizenship means so living and working together that the best interest of the whole group are always furthered by thought, word, and act.
10
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
It is with this thought in mind that we are now using the Course in Citizenship through Character Development in grades one to eight. The Course which is recognized by authorities as one of the best, was prepared by a committee of Boston Masters assisted by groups of teachers. The Course is built around the following Code of Morals by Hutchins:
T. The Law of Health.
The Good American Tries to Gain and to Keep Perfect Health.
TT. The Law of Self-Control. The Good American Controls Himself.
ITT. The Law of Self-Reliance. A Good American is Self-Reliant.
TV. The Law of Reliability. The Good American is Reliable.
V. The Law of Clean Play. The Good American Plays Fair.
VI. The Law of Duty. The Good American Does His Duty.
VIT. The Law of Good Workmanship. The Good American Tries to do the Right Thing in the Right Way.
VII. The Law of Team Work. The Good American Works in Friendly Co-operation with His Fellow Workers.
IX. The Law of Kindness. The Good American is Kind.
X. The Law of Obedience to Constituted Authority. The Good American Obeys the Laws.
XI. The Law of Loyalty. The Good American is Loyal.
11
SCHOOL. REPORT
This Course is not an added subject to our already over- crowded curriculum. It is used for guidance and inspiration in our everyday teaching of all subjects, for the purpose of awakening in our pupils a sense of responsibility to every branch of society-home, school, church, club, town, state and nation.
If the work undertaken in the schools can be supplemented by individuals and organizations wherever they come in con- tact with the young people, lasting benefits will be accomplished and no longer will the schools be accused of training the mind at the expense of the soul.
STATE PROGRAM OF PUBLIC HEALTH
The State Department of Public Health is now working on a ten-year program "to determine the causes of underweights with special reference to the early detection of hilum tuber- culosis in the children in the grade schools."
The State Department is conducting clinics throughout the State wherever Boards of Health and School Committees re- quest that the same be held. The request having been made the clinic will be held in Hamilton during the year. All grade pupils whose parents consent will be a given a very thorough physical examination without cost to the parents or town, by a group of physicians and nurses from the State Department of Public Health.
Annually thereafter, for a period of ten years, pupils found having an unsatisfactory health record will be examined that hygienic and medical advice may be given parents in regard to these children.
Every parent should see to it that his children receive the benefits of this clinic when given.
12
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
RECOMMENDATIONS
The six recommendations contained in my report of 1926 have been fulfilled without exception.
I have but one recommendation to make in this report. It is hoped that I may not be misunderstood in making this recom- mendation.
The need of a new high school building in the town is most urgent. The matter has been brought to your attention by- my predecessors. which proves that this is not an entirely new idea.
Allow me to quote herewith a letter from Mr. Charles W. Hobbs. The contents of this letter are worthy of the citizens" consideration.
September 19. 1927.
"School Committee, Hamilton, Mass.
Ladies and Gentlemen: I want to write you a word of appreciation of the good work my son was able to do in Hamil- ton High School. He was admitted to Harvard in June with- out difficulty.
In the course of a year I see many high schools, and know something of the work in many more; as a constant observer of instruction. I can say that excellent work is done by the teaching and supervisory staff in Hamilton High School. In fact. both my children have been consistently well taught from the first grade to the last. The discipline has been firm but humane and high-minded.
If I may speak unofficially, it is all the more to the credit of the school that good results have been attained in a school
13
SCHOOL REPORT
plant which on account of its age, arrangement, and material equipment falls far short of modern standards. The school is worthy of better housing.
Yours truly, (Signed) CHARLES W. HOBBS, Supervisor of Instruction, State Department of Education."
That the matter may be properly presented to the voters, I most urgently recommend that a Committee be appointed to consider the needs of a more satisfactory high school, and that said committee report to the Voters of the Town at a Special Town Meeting to be called to hear said report.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, I wish to express to the voters of Hamilton and the school committee my appreciation of their co-opera- tion in making the past school year one of pleasure and benefit to the teaching force and pupils.
Respectfully submitted,
J. D. WHITTIER,
Superintendent of Schools.
14
ILAMILTON TOWN REPORT
SCHOOL SAVINGS
SALEM SAVINGS BANK
Balance, January 1, 1927
$372 85
Deposits during 1927 408 11 Total $780 96
Withdrawals and Transfers, 1927
386 12
Balance, January 1, 1928
$394 84
Number of Depositors, January 1, 1928 213
AGE OF ADMISSION
No child will be admitted to the first grade at the opening of school in September who will not be five years of age by the first day of October.
Pupils are admitted to this grade only during the first two weeks of school in September, unless they have attended school in some other town.
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.