USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Norwell > Town of Norwell annual report 1910-1919 > Part 26
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Town appropriation for schools $7,000 00 Town appropriation for superintendent $250 00 From state on account of superintend- ent and teachers' salaries 416 66
99
Tuition and transportation of State
Wards
404 00
Massachusetts State fund
1,178 82
Dog Tax
241 71
$9,491 19
Paid for,
Transportation
$2,456 00
Superintendent
566 67
Janitors
491 00
Fuel and fitting
239 13
Teachers' salaries
4,987 00
Books and school supplies
239 44
Incidentals
504 12
$9,483 36
Unexpended Balance $7 83
Total cost of maintaining schools $9,882 53
CARRIE M. FORD,
Secretary.
1
Superintendent's Report
To the School Committee of Norwell :
I herewith submit my eighth annual report.
More has been done in the past year than for many years although we have had many changes in our teaching force. No fewer than seven changes have been made dur- ing 1915. New teachers were elected in No. I Primary and No. I Grammar, No. 2 Primary, two new assistants in the High School, and the return of Miss Tolman to No. 7 Primary.
All our teachers are following general directions regard- ing subject matter and methods of instruction-minor de- tails as applied to certain school or schools are taken up and what seems best for that school decided upon and put into effect.
Our teachers show preparation and enthusiasm and while not always successful in producing perfect recitations, are working along lines that are for the best good of the great- est number. They feel as Gilbert Parker has said,"A job is not what we get for it, but what we put into it." "Let the worldly wise tell us that to idealize a humble task makes us look foolish. It is they who look foolish in the end. For it is this acceptance of responsibility in small things which dignifies any task, no matter how obscure, into a
101
share in that great stewardship which is the honor of all service."
Numbers 2, 5 and 6 Primary are small in number, while Numbers I and 7 Primary and 5 Grammar have large numbers.
EYE AND EAR TESTS.
The result of the eye and ear tests show the following :-
Number of pupils enrolled 266
Number of pupils deficient in eyesight 16
Number of pupils deficient in hearing 2
Number of parents or guardians notified 18
There were 6 per cent. who failed to pass the test given under fair conditions; under perfect conditions, I believe the percentage would be slightly less.
I have written with pride each year of the absence of epi- demics in town. This year measles broke out in many homes and closed most of our schools. Proper precautions were not taken when the first few cases made their appear- ance; not by the teachers, but failure to report them to the Board of Health. That we cannot be too careful was clearly shown and I ask a closer co-operation on the part of the medical men and the teachers that there may be no repetition of that or any other disease.
"The examination of the teeth of the school children has everywhere brought out the fact that a large percentage of them need dental care. The individual mouth in a healthy condition is the unit of measurement in determining how much we are doing in reducing dental cares and diseased conditions of school children's mouths." (Dr. W. P. Cooke)
102
READING.
We have entered upon our third year with the same sys- . tem. The reading in our Primary grades is good. Im- provement is shown each year as the teacher adds to her previous experience with the system. The majority of the beginners made rapid progress and delight their parents with their ability to read so early in school life.
PENMANSHIP.
Work with the new system is becoming less of a grind and improvement is shown in the schools. A few teachers who have not been partial to this system show less improve- ment. We must make better writers of a greater number each year. When the pupil writes as well in everyday exer. cises as he does in his drill exercises we will know of his improvement.
HOME AND SCHOOL GARDENS.
Little work has been done in connection with this subject but in many places it is "gaining ground." Some of our pupils have had intimate acquaintance with gardens all their lives and know many practical ways in which the garden is made to contribute to their comfort and pocket money. A more general knowledge for all our pupils would bring many benefits which we do not now realize.
SANITATION.
"Health is one of the foremost aims of the school." The formation of health habits as taught in hygiene lessons should be practical and applied. Co-operation on the part of parents with the teachers will help the practice at home as well as at school.
103
HIGH SCHOOL.
The year brought two changes in the teaching force, botn assistants being elected to better financial positions. The new assistants have taken up their work in the right spirit and we are making progress.
The school is now fully organized upon a four year basis. A definite number of credits to pass from one grade to the next higher with a total number to receive a diploma.
The efficiency and standard of the school have been in- creased. The program made out at the beginning of school in September was approved by Mr. Kingsley, agent of the Board of Education, and has since been in operation.
It is the ambition of all country high schools to have what is known as certificate privilege allowing graduates to enter Normal schools or college without examination if they have held a certain rank during their course. I am hopeful we may be upon such basis soon that applcation for it will be successful.
Our pupils are regular in attendance, but the percentage dropped during December due to a large number gathering and selling greenery just before the close of the term. There is a question as to whether this was a necessity.
A better school spirit with the knowledge that teachers are helpers should find its way into the minds of some of our pupils which should be helpful.
Our graduates in the other schools and colleges are show- ing that Norwell High can prepare for college if the pupil will give his time and talents to the proper instruction.
Not for Circulation
104
ATHLETICS.
Once more the base ball team led the league and won the cup offered. A number of exciting games were played and rivalry not too friendly was shown. Better keep to a clean, square game and have that honor.
I wish to thank you for your continued confidence in me ; the teachers for honesty of purpose and townspeople for courtesies.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES S. HAYES, Superintendent of Schools.
Dec. 31, 1915.
NORWELL PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1639 00054 9418
Sixty-Seventh Annual Report
Of The
Town Officers
Of The
Town of Norwell
For The
Year Ending December 31, 1916
OF
NORI
VMOJ
IN
49
8
RPO
R
AT
ED
Rockland : The Rockland Standard Pub. Co .. Print
For use only in library
352 lo 1916
SERVE
NORWELL PUBLIC LIBRARY Donated by
David Browne
Sixty-Seventh Annual Report
Of The
Town Officers
Of The
Town of Norwell
For The
Year Ending December 31, 1916
OF NOR
-
TOWN
E
77
49
1849.
INCORPORATED
Rockland : The Rockland Standard Pub. Co., Print
Nørwell Public Library
INDEX
Appropriations Recommended
82
Articles in Warrant
88
Assessors' Report
75
Auditor's Report
81 80
Financial Statement
Fire Extinguishers, Location of
70
Forest Warden Report
69
Highway Account
47
Incidental Account
59
Jury List
83
Miscellaneous
62
Moth Report
67
Overseers of Poor Report
42
Recapitulation
77
School Report
93
Sealer of Weights and Measures
73
Snow Account .
52
Tax Collector's Report
40
Town Clerk's Report
5
Town Officers' Account
57
Town Officers, 1916
3
Treasurer's Report
33
Trustees' Report
84
.
.
.
Town Officers
Selectmen, Assessors and Overseers of Poor FRANK W. JONES EDWARD M. SEXTON LOTHROP E. FESSENDEN
Town Clerk Treasurer JOSEPH F. MERRITT HERBERT E. ROBBINS
Tax Collector WILLIAM H. SPENCER
Surveyor of Highways L. F. HAMMOND
School Committee BENJAMIN LORING MRS. AMY W. SYLVESTER CARRIE M. FORD
Auditor HARRY T. FOGG
Board of Health JOHN F. WILDER MINOT WILLIAMSON J. LYMAN WADSWORTH
Constables
WALTER T. OSBORNE L. F. HAMMOND
J. WARREN FOSTER JOHN F. WILDER JESSE M. WINSLOW
Cemetery Committee FRANK W. JONES ARTHUR T. STODDARD W. WALLACE FARRAR
Tree Warden JOHN H. SPARREL.L.
Sealer of Heights and Measures ALVAN G. SPENCER
Field Drivers THE CONSTABLES
OFFICERS APPOINTED BY SELECTMEN
Registrars of Voters JOSEPH F. MERRITT ARTHUR T. STODDARD
HENRY J. TOLMAN WILLIAM E. SEXTON
Warden of Almshouse JOHN F. WILDER
Forest Fire Warden Gypsy Moth Agent JOHN H. SPARRELL JOHN H. SPARRELL
Inspector of Animals J. WARREN FOSTER
Inspectors of Slaughtered Animals AMOS H. TILDEN J. ALDEN DAMON ALPHEUS DAMON
Surveyors of Lumber, Wood and Bark
BERT RICHARDSON JOHN WHALEN
W. D. TURNER ARTHUR T. STODDARD
BENJAMIN LORING F. E. HENDERSON
JOHN E. LESLIE
J. FRANK TURNER
Town Weigher Special Weigher WILLIAM E. BURDETTE
JOHN F. WILDER
Keeper of Lockup JOHN F. WILDER
Report of the Town Clerk
ANNUAL MEETING AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS, MONDAY, MARCH 6, 1916.
Pursuant to a warrant, duly executed, the inhabitants of the Town of Norwell, qualified to vote in town affairs, met at the Town Hall, Monday, March 6, 1916, and took the following action on the articles contained therein :
Article I. To choose a moderator.
John Whalen was chosen moderator by ballot. He was sworn by the Town Clerk.
Article 2. To bring in their votes for a Town Clerk for one year, one Selectman, one Assessor and Overseer of the Poor for three years, a Treasurer, a Collector of Taxes, an Auditor, a Surveyor of Highways, five Consta- bles and a Tree Warden for one year, one member of the Board of Health and one member of the School Commit- tee for three years and to vote Yes or No in answer to the question, "Shall licenses be granted for the sale of intox- icating liquors in this town?" All on one ballot. Polls open from 7 A. M. to II A. M.
6
192 names of male and 3 females were checked on the voting lists and a total of 195 ballots were cast.
The ballots were canvassed and counted in open meeting and the result declared by the moderator as follows :
Town Clerk. ( for one year)
Joseph F. Merritt
173
Blanks
19
Selectman, ( for three years)
Lothrop E. Fessenden
117
Ezra E. Stetson 72
Blanks
3
Assessor. (for three years)
Lothrop E. Fessenden
114
Ezra E. Stetson
68
Blanks 10
Overseers of Poor, (for three years)
Lothrop E. Fessenden I16
Ezra E. Stetson
67
Blanks 9
Town Treasurer ( for one year)
Herbert E. Robbin-
I73
Blanks
Collector of Taxes, (for one year)
William H. Spencer 159
Blanks 33
7
-Auditor, (for one year )
Harry T. Fogg 165
Blanks 27
School Committee, (for three years)
Edward L. Houghton
74
Benjamin Loring
107
Blanks 14
Board of Health, ( for three years)
J. Lyman Wadsworth 150
Blanks
42
Highway Surveyor, (for one year)
L. Frank Hammond 98
Arthur J. Mitchell - 68
Harry G. Pinson 18
Blanks 8
Constables. ( for one year)
J. Warren Foster I51
L. Frank Hammond 150
Walter T. Osborn I54
John F. Wilder I36
Jesse M. Winslow I5I
Blanks 210
Tree Warden. (for one year)
John H. Sparrell I39
Blanks 53
8
Shall license be granted for the sale of intoxicating liquor in this town?
Yes 75
No 97
Blanks 20
OFFICERS ELECTED
Town Clerk, Joseph F. Merritt.
Selectman, Assessor and Overseer of Poor, Lothrop E. Fessenden.
Treasurer, Herbert E. Robbins.
Collector of Taxes, William H. Spencer.
Auditor, Harry T. Fogg.
School Committee, Benjamin Loring.
Board of Health, J. Lyman Wadsworth.
Highway Surveyor, L. Frank Hammond.
Constables, J. Warren Foster, L. Frank Hammond, Wal- ter T. Osborn, John F. Wilder, Jesse M. Winslowv. Tree Warden, John H. Sparrell.
Article 3. To hear the reports of the several boards of officers and committees of the town and act thereon.
Voted, to accept the reports of town officers as printed.
Article 4. To make the necessary appropriation to de- fray the expenses of the town and for other purposes and to raise such sums of money as the town shall deem ex- pedient.
9
Voted, to appropriate the following amounts :
Support of Poor
$1,500 00
Almshouse
1,400 00
Support of Schools
7,000 00
Highways
3,000 00
Removing Snow (the excise tax)
Memorial Day
150 00
State Aid
2,000 00
Soldiers' Relief
400 00
Town Officers
1800 00
Washington Street Cemetery
75 00
Tree Warden
-
50 00
Mowing Bushes
100 00
Board of Health
500 00
School Physician
25 00
Squares and Triangles
100 00
Town Hall
50 00
Electric Lights
350 00
James Library
100 00
Fire Department 425 00
Abatement of Taxes
200 00
Gypsy Moth
522 32
Superintendent of Schools
250 00
Interest
1,200 00
State and County Taxes
4,700 00
Gaffield Park
25 00
Incidentals
850 00
Spraying Elms
200 00
Other amounts appropriated under different articles :
Town Office $100 00
River Street (conditional)
5,000 00
10
Town Landing ( conditional) 25 00
Painting Schoolhouses Nos. 1 and 7 250 00
Voted, to raise by taxation a sum not exceeding $30,000 to be assessed on the polls and estates of residents and on the estates of non-residents.
Article 5. To see if the town will vote to authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the selectmen, to borrow money in anticipation of the revenue of the current finan- cial year.
Voted, that the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the selectmen, be and hereby is authorized to borrow money from time to time, in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year, beginning January 1, 1916, and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year, any debts incurred under this vote to be paid from the revenue of said financial year.
Article 6. To see if the town will authorize the Treas- urer, with the approval of the selectmen, to borrow money on and after January 1, 1917, in anticipation of the rev- ente of the financial year, beginning January 1, 1917, and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year, any debt or debts incurred under this vote to be paid from the revenue of the financial year, beginning January I, 1917.
Voted, that the Treasurer, with the approval of the se- lectmen, be and hereby is authorized to borrow money on and after January 1. 1917. in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year, beginning January 1, 1917, and to
11
issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year, any debt or debts incurred under this vote to be paid from the revenue of the financial year, beginning January 1, 1917.
Article 7. What compensation will the town make for removing snow and appropriate money for the same.
Voted, to pay thirty cents per hour for removing snow.
Article 8, In what manner and time shall the taxes be collected for the ensuing year.
Voted, that the collector shall issue summons after Jan- uary 1, 1917.
Article 9. To make allowance to town creditors.
Voted, that bill of Harry T. Fogg, agent, for $24.75 additional premium on collector's bond be paid.
Voted, that bill of $71.00 for applying oil on Washing- ton Street, be paid.
Voted, that bill of Dr. Lyon be referred to Overseers of Poor and that they be authorized to pay the same pro- vided the Overseers of the Poor of Hanover first agree to reimburse the town.
Article 10. What sum of money will the town appro- priate for the use of Post 112, G. A. R., on Memorial Day.
Appropriation made under Article 4.
Article II. Will the town cause a statement of its financial affairs to be printed in February next.
12
Voted, that a report of the financial affairs of the town including reports of the town officers, be printed in February 1917.
Article 12. Will the town appropriate a sum of money to be expended in the cemetery on Washington Street.
An appropriation of $75.00 was made under Article 4.
Article 13. What price will the town pay for labor on the highways for the ensuing year.
Voted, to pay 25 cents per hour for men, $5.00 per day for man and two horses and $3.50 per day for man and one horse.
Article 14. What action will the town take in regard to keeping the sidewalks in repair.
Voted, that the sidewalks be referred to the Highway Surveyor.
Article 15. Will the town give any instruction to town officers.
Voted, that the selectmen be instructed to make the necessary petition to the Massachusetts Highway Commis- sion and authorized to enter into the necessary contract to carry out the provisions of Article 26.
Voted, that the Town Clerk send a copy of the vote taken under Article 31, to the selectmen and school com- mittee.
Voted, that the Selectmen cause three sets of the an- nual reports of the town to be bound, one for their office, one for the Town Clerk and one for the Treasurer.
13
Voted, that the Selectmen be authorized to arrange for additional room at the town office and that $100.00 be appropriated for this purpose.
Article 16. What priee will the town pay for work at fires for the ensuing year.
Voted, to pay 50 cents per hour for work at fires.
Articie 17. Will the town take any action in regard to the care of parks, squares and triangles and make any appropriation for the same.
Voted, that the Tree Warden have charge of the appro- priation for this purpose.
Article 18. Will the town make an appropriation for the James Library in return for the free privilege of tak- ing books which the townspeople now have.
Appropriation made under Article 4.
Article 19. Will the town act in conjunction with the town of Hanover, to have an electric light at the terminus of River Street, Norwell, and Broadway, Hanover, at the Third Herring Brook and at Assinippi.
Voted, that the town act with the town of Hanover in maintaining lights at the above location.
Article 20. Will the town appropriate the sum of $522.32 for the suppression of Gypsy anl Browntail Moths.
This amount was appropriated under Article 4.
14
Article 21. What sum of money will the town appro- priate to pay the Superintendent of Schools.
Appropriation made under Article 4.
Article 22. Will the town raise and appropriate the sum of three hundred dollars for the purpose of fighting fires.
Appropriation made under Article 4.
Article 23. What sum of money will the town appro- priate for the spraying of the elm trees along the highways.
Appropriation made under Article 4.
Article 24. What sum of money will the town appro- priate for electric lights.
Appropriation made under Article 4.
Article 25. Will the town vote to make the moth tax general.
Voted to pass over this article.
Article 26. Will the town appropriate a sum not ex- ceeding $10,000 to be expended upon new construction of highway, provided that at least $2.500 be contributed by the Massachusetts Highway Commission, and provided that the construction of said highways be done by contract and under such supervision as may be determined at this meeting and further authorize its Treasurer with the ap- proval of the selectmen, to borrow said sum of $10,000 and
15
issue therefor the notes or bonds of the town, bearing in- terest at a rate not exceeding 44 per cent., payable semi- annually, and principal payable in five equal annual pay- ments of $2,000 each, for the purpose above set forth.
It was voted to appropriate the sum of ($5,000.00) five thousand dollars, to be expended upon the construc- tion of highway on River Street, beginning at the Han- over town line and running north, providing that a con- tribution be made by the Massachusetts Highway Com- mission and that the construction of said highway be done by contract and under the supervision of the Massachu- setts Highway Conmission.
And it was further voted, by a majority vote, 71 in fa- vor, 16 against, that the Treasurer be authorized with the approval of the selectmen, to borrow the sum of ($5,000.00) five thousand dollars and issue therefor notes or bonds of the town bearing interest at a rate not ex- ceeding 4 per cent., payable semi-annually and principal payable in five equal annual payments of ($1.000) one thousand dollars each for the purpose above set forth.
Article 27. Will the town appropriate a sum of money to repair the road and railing on Pond Street.
Voted, to leave this matter in the hands of the highway Surveyor.
Article 28. Will the town raise and appropriate the sum of $125 to be expended in conjunction with the towns of Hingham, Cohasset, Scituate and Marshfield towards erection of a watch tower on Prospect Hill.
Voted, that the Selectmen may use $125 from the ap- propriation for fires if it is required.
16
Article 29. Will the town raise and appropriate the sum of $250 for painting schoolhouses Nos. I and 7.
Voted, to appropriate the above mentioned amount for this purpose.
Article 30. Will the town instruct the electric light committee to place an electric light on Washington Street, between Charles Brewsters' and the Accord Post Office.
Voted, to refer to the selectmen.
Article 31. Will the town instruct all town officers and committees when proposals are advertised, to be pub- licly opened and all bids be published in the town report and the names of the successful bidders.
Voted, that all town officers and committees be in- structed that when proposals are advertised, that they shall be opened publicly, and that all bids and the names of the bidders be published in the town report.
Article 32. Will the town raise and appropriate the sum of one hundred dollars for the purpose of leveling the stones and grading with gravel the town landing on Bridge Street.
Voted, to authorize the selectmen to spend $25 on the town landing if it seems necessary.
Article 33. Will the town appropriate a sum of money to repair the railing on River Street near the residence of Mr. Walter Barnard and on Tiffany Road.
Voted, to pass over this article.
17
Article 34. Will the town instruct its selectmen to change the name of River Street to Stetson Road or Cor- net Stetson Road.
It was voted that a committee of five be appointed by the chair to confer with the representatives of the Stetson Kindred in regard to naming some street in Norwell after Cornet Robert Stetson and that they report at some future meeting :- Committee, Horace T. Fogg, Lothrop E. Fes- senden, Joseph F. Merritt, Herbert E. Robbins, and George C. Turner.
Article 35. Will the town raise and appropriate a sum of money to gravel and tar Summer Street from the resi- dence of Lincoln Ellms to the Scituate town line.
Voted, to pass over this article.
Article 36. Will the town cause the railing placed last year on Meeting House Hill to be painted two coats.
Voted, that the selectmen be authorized to paint railing and charge to incidental account.
Article 37. Will the town bond its officers.
Voted, that town officers be bonded by the town.
Article 38. Will the town raise and appropriate a sum not exceeding five hundred dollars for the maintenance of a free bed in the South Shore Hospital.
Voted. to pass over.
Article 39. Or act or do anything relative to the same. Voted, that salary of officers be as follows :
Treasurer, $225.
Tax Collector, $225.
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Auditor, $50. Secretary of School Committee, $50.
Other members of Committee, $25 each.
Moderator, for services this day, $10.
:
Voted, that Selectmen act as Fence Viewers.
Voted, that Constables serve as Field Drivers.
Voted, that W. W. Farrar, Frank W. Jones and Arthur T. Stoddard serve as cemetery committee.
The Fish Rights on being put up at auction were sold to Edwin Everett Jacobs and James H. Leavitt for 25c and 50c respectively, they being the highest bidders.
Voted, that this meeting be dissolved.
Attest : JOSEPH F. MERRITT,
Town Clerk.
STATE ELECTION, TUESDAY, NOV. 7, 1916
Pursuant to a warrant duly executed, the inhabitants of the Town of Norwell, qualified to vote in elections, met at the Town Hall, Tuesday, Nov. 7, 1916, at 6 A. M. Frank W. Jones, chairman of the board of selectmen, acted as presiding election officer. The election officers on duty were Edward M. Sexton, Lothrop E. Fessenden, Carlton O. Litchfield, Amos H. Tilden and Charles Scully.
19
The polls were opened at 6 A. M. and were closed at 12.16 P. M. 312 ballots were cast. The ballots were canvassed and counted in open meeting and the result de- clared as follows :
ELECTORS OF PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT
Benson and Kirkpatrick, Socialist I
Hanley and Landridth, Prohibition I
Hughes and Fairbanks, Republican 179
Reimer and Harrison, Socialist Labor 0
Wilson and Marshall, Democratic 107
Blanks 24
GOVERNOR
James Hayes, Socialist Labor 4
Chester R. Lawrence, Prohibition 5
Samuel W. McCall, Republican · 203
Frederick W. Mansfield, Democratic 74
Dan A. White, Socialist 0
Blanks 26
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Calvin Coolidge. Republican 209
Alfred H. Evans, Prohibition 3
Sylvester J. McBride, Socilaist O
Thomas J. Maher, Socialist Labor 0
Thomas P. Riley, Democratic
53
Blanks 47
1
20
SECRETARY
Thomas F. Brennan, Socialist Labor I
Leon R. Eyges, Democratic 51
Louise Adams Grout, Socialist
0
Albert P. Langtry, Republican 206
Blanks 54
TREASURER
Charles L Burrill, Republican 208
Frederick E. Oelcher, Socialist Labor
0
Elam K. Sheldon, Socialist 0
Henry N Teague, Democratic 52
Blanks 52
AUDITOR
Joseph Bearak, Socialist 1
Frank Bohmbach, Socialist Labor
0
Alonzo B Cook, Republican
205
John B. N. Souilliere, Democratic
51
Blanks 55
ATTORNEY-GENERAL
Henry C Attwill, Republican
Joseph Joyce Donahue, Democratic 50
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