Town of Lynnfield, Essex County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, annual report 1949-1960, Part 12

Author: Lynnfield (Mass.)
Publication date: 1949-1960
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 846


USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynnfield > Town of Lynnfield, Essex County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, annual report 1949-1960 > Part 12


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 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96


Rectory Grove Street.


Sunday Masses at 7:30, 8:30, 9:20, 10:15 and 11:15.


Sunday School following 8:30 Mass.


Bus service from Lynnfield Center for 8:30 Mass.


ST. PAUL'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH Summer Street


Mr. George R. Dawson and Mr. Roger Tiffany, ministers-in- charge.


9:30 A.M. Sunday Morning Prayer and Sermon.


10:45 A. M. Sunday School.


Holy Communion and Sermon Second Sunday of Each Month.


25


Report of SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES


YEAR OF 1950


TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN:


The following articles were sealed: Platform Scales. 5


Beam Scales 4


Spring Scales 10


Computing Scales 6


Slot-weighing Scales 1 Liquid measures 15


Gas Pumps .


31


Greece Pumps 9


Weights . 36


Fees collected $59.10


Respectfully submitted, GEORGE A. WESTOVER


Sealer of Weights and Measures


Report of MOTH DEPARTMENT


TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN Gentlemen:


The past year's work was carried along the same lines as in previous years. Woodlands were looked over for Gypsy Moth infestations and creosoted. The infestations are very light this year. No Brown Tail Moth webs were found. The Tent Caterpillars were quite heavy in both parts of the town. The Fall Web Worms were very slight in both parts of town. The Elm Leaf Beetle was extremely heavy on private property in the center part of town. The Dutch Elm Disease was found in both parts of the town (8 trees), but was mostly on private property except for 1 street tree. All street trees were sprayed, the Elms


were sprayed 2 times. I hope more work can be done on the Elm trees this coming year. This work is carried on under the supervision of the State De- partment of Conservation. The State contributed $300.00 in supplies to the town during the year. I hope the appropriation for Dutch Elm Disease will go through as recommended by State. In closing, I wish to thank all town departments who have assisted me during the year.


Respectfully submitted, LYMAN H. TWISS Moth Supt.


Report of SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS


SCHOOL COMMITTEE 1950


Orodon Hobbs


Term Expires 1951


John Caldwell


Term Expires 1952


Charles W. Kessler


Term Expires 1953


Meetings of the School Committee are held at the Center School Building at eight o'clock on the first and third Monday of the month.


SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS


Residence


Telephone Hamilton 174-W


Office


Telephone Topsfield 171


IN MEMORIAM


Mrs. Esther D. Getchell


Born December 6, 1893 - Died July 22, 1950


Served the Lynnfield School Department as teacher September 1, 1947 - April 4, 1950


A devoted Mother, A Christian Woman,


An understanding Teacher.


26


Report of SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS


To the School Committee:


Dear Sirs:


My twenty-eighth annual report is submitted for your consideration.


School Enrollment as of December 22, 1950


Grades


Center School


South School


Total


1


56


19


75


2


59


34


93


3


67


36


103


4


35


24


59


5


51


25


76


6


36


27


63


7


54


54


8


55


55


304


274


578


At Lynn Sight Saving Class At Wakefield


2


At Parochial out of town


22


Grades 9-12


At Wakefield High


160


At Melrose


1


At Beverly Trade School


1


At Essex Co. Agricultural School


2


At Essex Co. Homemaking School


1


At Parochial High School


5


The above shows a growth of fifty-eight in the en- rollment of the first eight grades. In grades 9-12 inclusive there has been a decrease of five in total enrollment. This is largely due to the entering class (September 1950) of only thirty-six. Our present en- rollment in the grades indicates that classes entering grade nine of Wakefield High School will in the future range in size from fifty-four to one hundred three. This range in numbers does not take into considera- tion the increase to be brought about by new residents who have children of high school age.


FACULTY


Three additional teachers assumed their duties with the opening of schools in September. This has made it possible for the first six grades at both schools to have a teacher for each grade or division of a grade.


Sixteen teachers including a teaching principal are employed in these grades. In the junior high school five teachers including a teaching principal are em- ployed.


With the opening of schools next September one additional teacher at the South and two at the Center will be required.


NEW SOUTH SCHOOL BUILDING


On September 6th, the keys to the New South School Building were presented to the Board of Selectmen who in turn passed the same to Mr. Orodon Hobbs, Chairman of the Lynnfield School Committee and thereupon the School Committee took possession of the building.


Following brief remarks by the architects, build- ers, the Chairman of the Building Committee, Board of Selectmen, School Committee, Superintendent of Schools and Principal of the school, the building was inspected by citizens and guests.


The plaque, in the outer vestibule, very briefly sums up the purpose for the erection of the building.


ERECTED BY THE PEOPLE OF LYNNFIELD FOR THE EDUCATION OF THEIR CHILDREN DEDICATED A. D. 1950


For further information regarding this building I refer you to the "Report of the New School Building Committee. "


USE OF THE NEW SOUTH SCHOOL BUILDING


Office for Principal


Clinic for Health Services


Teachers' Rest Room


Kitchen for preparation of lunches


Ten Classrooms


Six for first six grades


Four for grades seven and eight


Multi-Purpose Room


For lunchroom, physical training, assemblies, moving pictures, dramatics, basketball, scouts, and other gatherings of young people and adults of the town.


During the months of Sept. - Dec. inclusive this room was in use thirty-three evenings.


Upon application to the principal this room can be secured for use of local organizations by a repre- sentative signing the application form which contains regulations pertaining to the use of the building.


LEGISLATION


The Massachusetts Legislature of 1950 passed the following laws that particularly affect schools and teachers.


Chapter 490 provides that state aid for school building projects shall include movable equipment and furnishings as well as the building itself and built-in equipment and furnishings.


Chapter 528 amends the law relative to school building assistance from state funds in various minor respects.


Chapter 732 provides that school personnel who come in contact with pupils (superintendents, princi- pals, teachers, food handlers, janitors, bus drivers, nurses and doctors) shall submit medical evidence of freedom from tuberculosis in a communicable form, including a chest X-ray. The X-ray service will be provided free by state, county or municipal sanitoria. July 1, 1951 is set as the deadline by which time all persons included shall file with the school authorities


27


1


Report of SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS


a medical report and X-ray as required by the law. The law, moreover, requires that such medical re- ports and X-rays are to be required at least every three years.


Chapter 620 provides that when the state treasurer sends money to the cities and towns as school aid under Chapter 70, he shall designate in writing the amount of money granted as school aid so that there will be no dispute about the matter among local offi- cials.


Chapter 508 extended for two years more the law relative to state aid for school building construction, thus making the law effective until June 30, 1953. Cities and towns which have school building projects ahead should keep this deadline in mind.


Chapter 459 requires a uniform color for school buses, -- a yellowish orange color commonly known as national school bus chrome, except that fenders and trim may be black.


Chapter 622 provides for transportation to voca- tional and other schools.


Chapter 208 provides that the joint committee of a superintendency union may employ clerical and sec- retarial help, special teachers, and supervisors just as at present they employ a superintendent.


Chapter 658 authorizes expenditure of funds for athletic coaches and transportation of athletic teams.


Chapter 417 is an act relative to the expenditure of funds for the school lunch program.


SUMMER PLAYGROUND


Our Summer Playgrounds may well be considered an important part of our educational program. We are able to use our school and park facilities for those who desire to receive instruction in games, sports, handicrafts, etc. in an atmosphere of freedom but at the same time under adult supervision.


The per cent of children of school age who par- ticipate in the playground activities in Lynnfield is considerably higher than in several other summer playgrounds I have checked.


TEACHER PREPARATION, EXPERIENCE AND SALARY


A study of the record sheet on principals and teachers reveals these facts:


Twenty-one are now employed.


Nineteen had at least two years formal training beyond a secondary school.


Four hold the degree of Bachelor of Science.


One holds the degree of Bachelor of Art.


One holds the degree of Master of Education.


One holds the degrees of Bachelor in Education and Master of Education.


All had teaching experience of one year or more before assuming duties in Lynnfield.


The average teaching experience of all teachers before assuming duties in Lynnfield was eight years.


The average teaching experience in Lynnfield is four and nine tenths years.


The average years teaching experience elsewhere and in Lynnfield is twelve years.


A total of seventy-two courses have been pursued by the teachers during their employment in Lynnfield.


The average yearly salary is $2547.


DR. RALPH BROWN


After sixteen years service as school physician Dr. Ralph N. Brown's physical condition necessitated his relinquishing his duties. The small remuneration paid the school physician does not in any way com- pensate him for his services. Dr. Brown, like many school physicians, considered it a duty to contribute his services to the town of his adoption regardless of the compensation received. His recompense was in the service rendered to build strong boys and girls rather than in his annual fee.


At the beginning of the present school year, Dr. Jacob Potash was elected to assume the duties of School Physician. Without doubt Dr. Potash will likewise endeavor to render a public service in build- ing strong boys and girls.


NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM


During several years that the School Lunch Pro- gram has been maintained, it has been necessary from time to time because of the method of financing the program, to request an appropriation in March and later at special meetings to secure transfers from funds in the town treasury to finance the program. This has been a most unsatisfactory method to all concerned.


The State Legislature has enacted a law, Chapter 417, Acts of 1950 wherein each school participating in the National School Lunch Program shall conform to certain procedures as regards receipts, expenditures, etc. Under this Act the Town Accountant maintains a Special School Lunch Account in which all deposits are to be credited and from which all payments are to be made.


Unless unforeseen conditions arise it should not be necessary hereafter to request appropriations or transfers for the support of the School Lunch Program.


The Lunch Programs at the two schools are main- tained independently. Each program has one super- visor and two assistants. Pupils purchase a weekly ticket for $1.00. This assures them of a hot dish, sandwich, 1/2 pt. of milk, dessert and at times fruit or fruit juice. Second helpings are free while the prepared foods last. Free lunches are given pupils unable to purchase the same after the case is con- sidered by the principal and school nurse. Strict secrecy is maintained regarding recipients of free lunches.


Parents are urged to visit our lunch rooms to observe the operation of the program during the lunch period.


CHANGES IN THE SCHOOL ORGANIZATION


Beginning with the opening of schools in September grades seven and eight were transferred from the


28


22


Center to the New South School to relieve the crowded conditions at the Center.


To decrease the enrollment in grades four and six at the Center School pupils of those grades living on Crest Road and on other streets toward the South School were willing their children should be trans- ferred to the New South School, and likewise a few other children (by an error of taking the wrong bus on the first day) have attended the New South School. That there may be sufficient room to care for all pupils at the Center and not resort to using a base- ment room, it is quite possible that a division of a grade or a whole grade will have to be transferred from the Center to the South next September. If this change is necessary parents will be interviewed and I anticipate the same cooperation as was given by parents of the Crest Road area last spring.


All junior high teachers were transferred to the New South School. Mr. Richardson remained at the Center as principal and full time teacher of grade six.


Mrs. Morrill was appointed principal of the New South School with part time teaching duties.


It is now planned to relieve both principals of their teaching duties beginning in September that they may devote their full time to supervisory work.


HIGH SCHOOL PUPILS


As ranks are issued to pupils of Lynnfield whose tuition is paid by the town, copies of said ranks are forwarded to me for examination.


In reply to an inquiry as to how our students ranked with those students residing in Wakefield and as to their pursuing study elsewhere the following report was received.


December 6, 1950


REPORT OF 1950 GRADUATES FROM WAKE- FIELD HIGH SCHOOL SUPPLEMENTARY RE- PORT OF THOSE FROM LYNNFIELD.


This report is based on those pupils of Wakefield High School whose address during the Junior Year of High School was given as Lynnfield. There may have been some who have moved into Lynnfield recently from other towns, came directly to high school without having had any preparation from the Lynnfield Schools. There may be others who re- ceived their preparation from Lynnfield, came to Wakefield for two years of high school, and then moved somewhere else. But for the most part the group from Lynnfield coming to Wakefield High School for four years has not remained intact but close enough to be essentially the same in the end results.


On this basis, there were thirty two Lynnfield pupils. Of this group we have returns from thirty one, or 97%. These pupils have entered work as follows :-


I. Armed Services


4


II. Office Work-Various 5


III. Trades and Service Work 6


IV. Vocational Schools (Day) 2


V. Business Schools (Day) 2


VI. Nursing


0


VII. Preparatory Schools


VIII. Junior College (2 years) 4


IX. Senior College (four years) 6


SUMMARY TABLE OF 1950 GRADUATES FROM LYNNFIELD % of whole class of


Div. Names No. %ile Nite Later


1950


I Armed Serv. 4 12.8


7.2


II Office, etc.


5 16.1


2


22.3


III Trades, etc.


6 19.4


1


1


29.4


IV Vocat. Sch.


2


6.5


4.7


V Comm. Sch. 2


6.5


5.2


VI Nursing 0


0


3.8


VII Prep. School 2 6.5


3.3


VIII Jr. College 4 12.8


4.3


IX Sr. College 6


19.4


17.1


X Misc.


0


0


2.8


31


An examination of the periodic rank cards of the individual pupils and of the above report is convincing proof that generally speaking our pupils are prepared for high school, receive their share of scholastic honors while at school, and follow an educational pro- gram to prepare themselves for life's work after completing secondary school training.


It has been brought to my attention unofficially that the highest honor given a student thus far this year came to a Lynnfield resident.


CLASSROOM NEEDS


Ten classrooms are nowusedfor one through six grades at the Center School. Another classroom which is not available will be needed next September.


Ten classrooms are now occupied by grades one through eight at the South School. At least two and possibly three extra rooms will be necessary next September. These are not available.


In my last report your attention was directed to the need of more classrooms. It was recommended that a committee be appointed to secure plans for re- modelling and enlarging the present Center School building.


It is now too late for the recommendation to be adopted to provide the extra classrooms next Septem- ber. Our growth in school enrollment is principally at the Center, therefore this is where additional class- room facilities should be provided now or later. These extra rooms are a necessity. There is only one avenue open to providing these rooms for September occu- pancy. Remodel the old South School Building and thereby provide four classrooms and a basement room for the shop.


At my request, Mr. P. F. Healey, State Building Inspector visited the Old South School Building last December. He made his recommendations in a letter dated Dec. 27, 1950 stating what must be done to make the building acceptable for use as a school.


To carry out the twenty-four specific recom- mendations by Mr. Healey a contractor considers it would cost from fifteen to twenty thousand dollars.


The above expenditure to secure the use of five rooms would be approximately the cost of adding one classroom to the New South School.


In 1949 a basement room in the East Wing Annex at the Center was made available for use as a class- room at a cost of approximately $1000. This room was so used for one year only.


2


If the Old South Building is remodelled at a cost of $20,000 and used for five years it will represent an expenditure of about $800 to provide a classroom as


29


Report of SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS


against an outlay of $1000 expended on a classroom at the Center. If the building is used ten years the cost of remodelling will represent an expenditure of $400 per classroom.


An application to the State Building Commission should assure the town of aid to the extent of 25% or better for repairs and furnishings for this project.


CONTRIBUTIONS


Contributions of money, pianos, transportation, food for special occasions, playground equipment, etc. have been generously contributed to promote the activities of the schools and the summer playgrounds. Mr. Janus Ridley and Miss Janice Ridley contributed a much needed lathe to the Industrial Arts Shop in memory of their mother, Mrs. Ona K. Ridley, who had served twenty-eight years as principal and teacher in the Lynnfield schools. Teachers and pupils have been most appreciative of these gifts.


CONCLUSION


Superior education for children is accomplished by providing modern buildings and equipment, a spirit of cooperation between the home and school, devoted well trained and experienced teachers and super- visors, and intelligent supervision and guidance.


Respectfully submitted,


January 20, 1951


John D. Whittier Supt. of Schools


GRADUATES


Arthur Louis Lisi, President Philip M. Rideout, Vice-President Anne Shelley Iwanowicz, Secretary Janet Mae Parker, Treasurer


Edna Mae Beherrell


Birtley Quentin Locke Sheldon Frank Maga


Phillips Leo Burrill


William T. Donovan


John Andrew Maturo


Samuel English


Elizabeth Hume McGary


Magda C. Messerschmidt


Gayle U. Falle Edward Todd Fite Nancy Ruth Gordon James E. Haling Gail Plaisted


Patricia Lee Hamlin


Peter J. Schwarz


Albert John Hanson


Nancy Claire Simoneau


Ruth Evelyn Hanson


Robert F. Smith


Ann Gertrude Harriss


Donald C. Tannenbaum


Walter Francis Jacunski, Jr. Sarah Elizabeth Wiley Richard Bruce Johnson Ruth Adrienne Wilkes Gay Louise Laura


Emmett E. Williams, Jr.


NO SCHOOL SIGNAL


In case of no school for the day in grades or high school, announcement will be made by Stations WBZ, WNAC, and WESX between seven and eight o'clock.


AGE OF ADMISSION


No child will be admitted to the first grade at the opening of school in September, who was not five years of age on or before the first day of April preceding his entrance.


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.


VACCINATION


Children who have not yet been vaccinated will not be admitted to school in September unless they present a certificate from a regular practicing physician stat- ing that they are not fit subjects for vaccination. Parents are requested to attend to this matter during the summer vacation as exemption must be presented at the opening of school to entitle the children to ad- mission.


SCHOOL CENSUS AS OF OCTOBER, 1950


Boys Girls


Number between 5 and 14 years of age 328 300


Number between 14 and 16 years of age 46 31


Number over 16 years of age 91 69


Totals


465 400


HONORS


At the close of schools in June, special awards to pupils were made as follows:


Perfect attendance certificates


16


Penmanship certificates 131


Reading certificates 203


SCHOOL CALENDAR LYNNFIELD 1950


September 6


Schools Open


October 12


Holiday


October 13


No School


November 3


No School


November 22


Schools Close at Noon


November 27


Schools Open Schools Close


1951


January 3


Schools Open


February 16


Schools Close


February 26


Schools Open


April


13


Schools Close


April


23


Schools Open


May


30


Holiday


June


14


Schools Close at Noon


June


15


Graduation


SUMMER VACATION


September


5


Schools Open


30


-- ----


John Kenneth Miller


Nancy Ann Nelson


December 22


LYNNFIELD TEACHERS' DIRECTORY, JAN. 1, 1950


NAME


SCHOOL


SUBJECT OR GRADE


SALARY


APPOINT- MENT


EDUCATION


Mrs. Katherine Morrill


South


Principal


$3150


1942


Boston University


Mrs. Edith Stephenson


South


6


2400


1950


Wellesley


Mrs. Janet Thorup


South


5


2100


1950


Framingham State Teachers' College


Mrs. Retta Lovejoy


South


4


2650


1942


Farmington State Normal School


Mrs. Mildred Hunt


South


3


2200


1950


Salem Normal School


Mrs. Gladys Goodwin


South


2


2650


1946


Hyannis Normal School


Mrs. Bernice Munroe


South


1


2650


1924


North Adams Normal School


Robert Osterman


South


Jr. High


2700


1949


Boston University


Mrs. Lena Waite


South


Jr. High


2650


1945


Farmington State Normal School


Mrs. Martha Libby


South


Jr. High


2400


1948


Simmons College


Mrs. Mildred Fitts


South


Jr. High


2650


1945


Keene Normal School


Clarence Richardson


Center


Prin. - 6


3350


1949


Boston University


Mrs. Faustina Barrows


Center


5


2650


1948


Mrs. Jeanette Sleeper


Center


5


2200


1950


Mrs. Leora Donovan


Center


4


2650


1947


Farmington State Normal School


Mrs. Mildreth Rourke


Center


3


2650


1947


Aroostook State Normal School


Mrs. Pauline Chadwell


Center


3


2650


1948


Salem Normal School


Mrs. Katherine Higgins


Center


2


2650


1946


Lesley Normal School


Mrs. Frances Shumway


Center


2


2200


1949


Boston University


Mrs. Edythe Baxter


Center


1


2650


1947


Hyannis Normal School


Mrs. Marjorie Coon


Center


1


2650


1947


Boston University


Maude Thomas


All


Music


1190


1923


Boston University


Rupert Lillie


All


Art


1104


1948


Harvard University School of Art


Florence Stobbart


All


Nursing


615


1927


Beverly Hospital


Report of SELECTMEN


To the Citizens of Lynnfield:


Although the Selectmen also serve as the Board of Health and the Board of Public Welfare, the ac- tivities of those departments will be covered else- where by the respective Agents, who are appointees of this Board.


This year's Board was serving its second year as a unit, as all members were re-elected. Few changes were deemed necessary and most of our appointments were hold-overs from the previous year.


The fact that the Selectmen and most other office holders were unopposed at the annual elections might well be a sincere compliment but it might also indicate a lack of desire on the part of qualified citizens to seek public office. We feel it is our duty to warn the townspeople that they must not be complacent about their government and in view of the present unsettled conditions the services of many and the interest of all if required if Lynnfield's progressive trend is to continue.


During a full and busy year we were required by town meeting votes to appoint several committees and we also had occasion to appoint other advisory committees. In view of the lack of aspirants for election to Town Offices, perhaps the outstanding feature of 1950 was the fact that, almost without ex- ception, our choices for the various committees ac- cepted the responsibilities in a most cooperative manner and to all of them we are deeply grateful.


A town like ours is fortunate in having so many residents with the necessary qualifications of the required ability who are always ready to assist in every way. This condition enables us to build schools, compile town reports, and conduct surveys at sub- stantial savings to our pocketbooks. Too often the efforts of these people are not recognized and it is our intention that this report may help serve to publicize their efforts and acknowledge their ac- complishments.


In noting these various committees, it should also be remembered that there are the regular appoint- ments required by the Town's by-laws, such as the Finance Committee, Board of Appeals, etc. The Selectmen feel that all those appointed to these jobs have served well, have given freely of their time and energy, and deserve the heartfelt thanks of all.


The Board wishes at this point to call attention to the fact that, during the year, Theodore Ferren and Robert F. Hewitt found it necessary to resign from the Finance Committee. Both of these men have been most valuable members of a Committee which has earned the respect of everyone and we were sorry to see them go.




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.