USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Norwell > Town of Norwell annual report 1920-1929 > Part 9
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Each school in the Town is now equipped with an anti- freeze extinguisher and the School Committee has installed a system of fire drill. We, therefore, believe that every- thing possible has been done to insure safety in schools as they now exist.
In connection with the State campaign for fire prevention every school class has been addressed on the subject and we feel that as a result many needless fires are avoided.
We urge all citizens to co-operate with us this year to reduce the number of fires to a minimum. Know who the nearest Deputy Warden is to you and notify him or the Fire Warden of any fire that you cannot extinguish your- self.
Those having extinguishers are requested to see to i'
101
TOWN OF NORWELL
that they are in proper shape at all times. Refilling equip ment may be obtained from any Deputy.
This year the State Fire Marshall proposes to co-operate more closely than ever with the towns in fire prevention work, and with the assistance of all, it is hoped that a low record may be set for loss from fires and expenditures per- taining to same.
ARTHUR COOMBS
Forest Fire Warden
FIRE DEPARTMENT
N. E. Fire Appliance Co., extinguishers and supplies $90.40
N. E. Fire Appliance Co.,
repairing, etc 2.63
American LaFranc Fire Engine Co.,
supplies 7.28
E. & F. King Co., supplies 14.29
Wadsworth, Howland & Co., supplies 12.13
Coombs & McBeath, supplies 18.90
H. S. Turner, supplies 15.25
W. H. Spencer, postage .59
Chas. A. Bruce, labor 9.50
J. H. Sparrell, auto service 19.19
Loring Fire 14.50
Richardson Fire
2.00
Church Hill Fire
13.75
Martin Fire 5.00
Valley Swamp Fire 34.50
Sylvester Fire 6.50
Dorety Fire 7 25
102
SEVENTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT
Assissippi Pond Fire 22.54
$296.20
Appropriation
300.00
Balance
$3.80
FOREST WARDEN AND DEPUTIES
Arthur Coombs, Forest Warden, Main St. .. Tel. 34-6 John F. Wilder, deputy, Central St. Tel. 24-3 John Whalen, deputy, Central St. Tel. 27-3 Henry D. Smith, deputy, River St. Tel. 13-2 Francis E. Henderson, Tiffany Rd. .. Hanover Tel II-6 Melvin S. Little, deputy, River St. .. Hanover Tel. 27-2 Benjamin Loring, deputy, Prospect St. Tel. 12-22 Carlton I. Litchfield, deputy, Mt. Blue St. .. Tel. 17-5 H. W. Gardner, deputy, Wash. St. Rockland Tel. 652-M Jesse Reed, deputy, Central St. Tel. 11-24
Harry B. Merritt, deputy, River St. Tel. 8-3
James WV. Stinson, deputy, Main St. Tel.
47 Alvan G. Spencer, deputy, Main St. Tel. 8023
John H. Sparrell, deputy, Main St. Tel. 106-2
LOCATION OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Central Street
E. H. Sparrell, Tel. 2-3 John Whalen, Tel. 27-3 W. H. Spencer, Tel. 103-4 J. H. Hatch, Tel. 24-2
E. E. Litchfield J. E. Leslie L. A. Jenkins, Tel. 11-7
103
TOWN OF NORWELL
Winter Street
A. H. Tilden
J. T. Osborn
Stetson Road Harding Sproul
Grove Street
H. A. Sprague, Tel. 12-2 M. Gotreau
High Street
A. W. Thomas
G. E. Farrar
A. W. Robinson, Rockland 521-Y - T. Sheehan
Jacobs Avenue A. F. Jacobs
Lincoln Street
G. W. Richardson L. W. Lincoln, Tel. 31 -- 3
I. A. Lincoln, Tel. 8029 Mt. Blue Street
M. F. Williamson, Tel. 4-3 B. I. Richardson Tel. 49-4 C. O. Litchfield, Tel. 17-5
Main Street
C. S. West & Son (store) Tel. 6-12 Town Hall Joseph Briggs, Tel. 12-14 IV. D. Turner Tel. 15-22 G. S. Corthell. Tel. 100 H. S. Turner (store) 19-3 J. F. Osborne, Tel. 12-3I Town Farm, Tel. 19 -- 2 N. Molla, Tel. 42-4 C. A. Berry, Tel. 41-3
104
SEVENTY-SECOND ANNAUL REPORT
F. Thomas H. C. Ford M. D. Maxwell Tel. 9-3
Norwell P. O., Tel 8023 J. W. Stinson, Tel. 4-7
Arthur Coombs, Tel. 34-6
Pleasant Street J. C. Otis, Tel. 35
Prospect Street
E. A. Damon Benjamin Loring, Tel. 12-22
Summer Street
Albert Litchfield, Tel. 11-2 Percy Litchfield G. B. Ellis, Scituate, Tel. 5-13
River Street
M. Little, Hanover, Tel. 27-2 A. Brainard J. Tolman, Hanover, Tel. 86-2 .. G. E. Torrey, Tel. 7-4 H. D. Smith, Tel. 13-2
Tiffany Road
F. E. Henderson, Tel. Hanover 11-6 W. S. Simonds
Washington Street
C. WV. Thomas H. S. Simmons
E. W. Gardner, Tel. Rockland 522 -J W. J. Leonard H. W. Gardner, Tel. Rockland 652-7
Pine Street George M. Currier, Hanover, Tel. 33
School Houses Dist. No. 1, 2, 5, 7. High School. For use on premises only.
Report of Board of Health
Diseases dangerous to the public health reported :
Diphtheria
I
Pulmonary Tuberculosis
2
Measles
6
Mumps
I
I
Chicken Pox
Lobar Pneumonia
3
14
Inspections of Slaughtering,
Amos H. Tilden, Inspector.
Beef Cattle
I
Calves 2
Sheep
I2
Hogs
266
287
Alpheus Damon, Inspector.
Calves
4
Sheep
6
Hogs
170
180
Dairies Inspected
70
106
SEVENTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT
BOARD OF HEALTH ACCOUNT
Plymouth Co. Hospital, 1920 $18.20
Mass. Homeapathic Hospital, 1920 25.00 Plymouth County Tubercul sis Ho. p'tal 15.60
Wm. P. Grovestein, M. D., 30.00
Chas. Hammond, M. D., 3.00
T. B. Alexander, M. D. 50.00
Carrie M. Ford, printing 1.25
J. H. Sparrell, auto 2.50
J. H. Sparrel, auto, 1920 16.50
John F. Wilder, services 67.88
Joseph F. Merritt, services 88.00
$317.93
Appropriation
500.00
Unexpended $182.07
:
INSPECTION OF SLAUGHTERING ACCOUNT
Paid Alpheus Damon, Inspector $90.00
Paid Amos H. Tilden, Inspector 143.50
Paid Amos H. Tilden, Inspector
Balance 1920 account 148.50
$382.00
Appropriation 150.00
Exceeded $232.00
JOHN F. WILDER MINOT F. WILLIAMSON JOSEPH F. MERRITT
Board of Health
Report of Sealer Weights and Measures
Sealed
Platform Scales, over 500 lbs.
I
Platform Scales, under 500 lbs.
5
Counter Scales
13
Spring Balance
4
Weights
28
Liquid Measures
33
Oil Pumps
8
Yard Measures
3
Salary of Sealer
$25.00
Test Measures
15.00
$40.00
Fees received
9.75
Cost to Town
$30.25
J. WARREN FOSTER Sealer of Weights and Measurers
Report of Trustees of Ridge Hill Public Library
Received
Balance on Hand
$18 65
Appropriation from Town
50 00
$68 65
Paid
De Wolfe, Fiske & Co., books
$33 74
Goodspeed's Book Shop
2 50
Heat and Light
5 00
Insurance
4 25
Supplies
3 30
Freight
I 15
$49 94
Balance
$18 71
The total circulation for the year was 2090, fiction 1804, non-fiction 286, an average of 48 per day.
The largest daily circulation was 91.
About 100 new volumes have been added during the year by purchase and gift.
Of the latter a large proportion was donated by the State Library Commission for which we are very grateful.
We are also indebted to the Women's Educational Union for the loan of a large, well chosen collection which adds greatly to the usefulness of our Library as do the weekly
109
TOWN OF NORWELL
loans from the James Library which are much appreciated by our patrons.
We are already taxing the capacity of our small building and are confronted with the necessity of enlarging it to meet the needs of our growing collection. Any contribu- tions from the friends of the Library will be gladly received and will aid in the promotion of an institution which is of real service to our community.
ALFRED H. PROUTY WILLIAM O. PROUTY WILLIAM J. LEONARD
Trustees
Budget for 1922
This budget carries a rate of $34.00 a substantial and desirable reduction of the rate of last year, the fifth highest in the State. Every addition of $1,000.00 to this budget will increase the rate by 70 cents.
Appropriated Recommended
1921
1922
Support of Poor
$ 1,800 00
$ 2,300 00
Almshouse
2,500 00
2,500 00
Support of Schools
12,500 00
12,500 00
Highways general
4,500 00
4,500 00
Highways special for tarvia work
9,000 00
4.500 00
Highways, special, Mt. Blue,
Lincoln and Summer Sts.
2,100 00
Notes, River St., Union Bdge.
6,000 00
6,000 00
Notes, Central St.
1,000 00
Removing Snow
1,500 00
700 00
Memorial Day
250 00
150 00
State Aid
1,500 00
1,500 00
Soldiers' Relief
400 00
400 00
Town Officers
2,400 00
2,400 00
Washington Street Cemetery .
75 00
75 00
Tree Warden
50 00
50 00
Mowing Bushes
300 00
300 00
Board of Health
500 00
500 00
Inspection of Slaughtering
150 00
School Physician
.
100 00*
100 00
111
TOWN OF NORWELL
Squares and Triangles
200 00
200 00
Town Hall, including wiring .
245 00
75 00
Electric Lights
500 00
500 00
James Library
300 00
200 00
Ridge Hill Library
50 00
50 00
Fire Department
300 00
300 00
Gypsy Moth
536 57
572 25
Superintendent of Schools
500 00
500 00
Interest
1,950 00
3,100 00
State and County Taxes
6,000 00
6,500 00
Gaffield Park
25 00
25 00
Incidentals
2,000 00
2,000 00
No. 2 School House
200 00
Spraying Elms
200 00
Visiting Nurse
1,200 00
1,200 00
Plymouth Co. Hospital, main-
tenance and construction .
907 46
1,097 90
Plymouth Co. Farm Bureau . .
100 00
100 00
Plymouth Tercentenary Com .. Flag
89 00
75 00
$60,914 03
$55,984 15
Financial Statement
December 31, 1921
LIABILITIES
Anticipation of Tax Loan $20,000 00
River Street Loan 15,000 00
Central Street Loan
5,000 00
l'lymouth County Hospital Loan .
3,500 00
- $43,500 00
ASSETS
Due from State Aid
$ 1,349 00
Uncollected Taxes 22,675 44 Cash on Hand with Treasurer
1,351 20
$25,375 64
Balance against Town $18,124 36
HERBERT E. ROBBINS Treasurer
AUDITOR'S REPORT
I have examined the accounts of the Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor, Highway Surveyor, Moth Supt., School Com mittee, Tax Collector and Treasurer, and find same correct with vouchers for all amounts paid.
ELLIOTT W. CROWELL
Auditor for 1921
List of Jurors
Andrews, Emory N.
Carpenter
Washington St. Summer St. ..
Ellms, George B.
Carpenter
Farrar, George R.
Shoeworker
High .
Gardner, Edward W.
Blacksmith
Washington 66
Gooch, Adelbert A.
Shoeworker
66
Hatch, Joseph W.
Farmer
Central
Jacobs, Edwin Everett
Farmer
Main . .
Maxwell, Mortimer D.
..
.:
Merritt, Harry S. Carpenter
Central
Morton, George S. Farmer
Stetson Rd
Osborn, George .1. Carpenter
Grove St.
Rogers, George Otis
Shoeworker
High "
Simmons, William S. Retired
Tiffany Rd.
Simmons, Herbert G. Farmer Washington St.
Smith, Henry D. Auto Repairer
River 66
Spencer, William H.
Farmer
Central
Sprague, Arthur H.
Shoeworker
High
Stoddard, Arthur T. Farmer
Studley, Frank E.
Shoeworker
Washington
Tilden, Amos H. Farmer
Cross 66
Torrey, George E.
Retired
River
66
Ware, William C. Farmer
Washington 66
West, Calvin S. Merchant
Central
66
Wilder, Harrison Retired
Main
66
66
Apts, Herbert W. . Laborer
Transcript of Articles in Warrant
Article I. To choose a moderator.
Art. 2. To hear the reports of the several boards of officers and committees of the town and act thereon.
Art. 3. To make necessary appropriations to defray the expenses of the town, and for other purposes and to raise such sums of money as the town shall deem expedient for the following purposes :
Support of Poor, Almshouse, Support of Schools, High- ways, general, Highways special for tarvia work, Notes, River St., Union Bdge. Notes, Central St., Removing Snow, Memorial Day, State Aid, Soldiers' Relief, Town Officers, Washington Street Cemetery, Tree Warden, Mowing Bushes, Board of Health, School Physician, Squares and Triangles, Town Hall, Electric Lights, James Library, Ridge Hill Library, Fire Department, Gypsy Moth, Superin- tendent of Schools, Interest, State and County Taxes, Gaffield Park, Incidentals, Visiting Nurse, Plymouth Co. Hospital, Maintenance and construction, Plymouth Co. Farm Bureau, Plymouth Tercentenary Com.
Art. 4. Will the town appropriate a sum of money above the regular school budget to repair the school build- ings now in use, or take any action to secure adequate hous- ing of its school children ?
Art. 5. Will the town appropriate $750.00 to erect a
115
TOWN OF NORWELL
tablet or suitable memorial with the names of the men of Norwell who served in the World War?
Art. 6. To make allowances to town creditors.
Art. 7. Will the town authorize its Selectmen to negotiate with the Parish Committee of the First Parish relative to the school house lot of the Fifth District so- called and further authorize them to execute and also to receive in behalf of the town necessary releases to determine the boundries of said lot ?
Art. 8. Will the town cause a statement of its financial affairs to be printed in February next ?
Art. 9. Will the town authorize its Selectmen to ap- point an Advisory Committee of nine non-office holding tax- payers, who shall serve without pay, whose duty it shall be to investigate and consider all financial propositions or articles to be brought before the town and to report or advise thereon in open Town Meeting before action by the town?
Art. 10. Will the town authorize its Selectmen to prepare and submit to the town by-laws providing for a Permanent Advisory Board and such other by-laws as may be deemed necessary ?
Art. II. Will the town appropriate the sum of $1500 for the repairing and resurfacing of Lincoln and Mt. Blue Streets from the Hingham line to Cushing Corner ?
Art. 12. Will the town give any instructions to town officers ?
116
SEVENTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT
Art. 13. Will the town vote to choose a town director for the Plymouth County Aid to Agriculture as provided in Chapter 273 of the Acts of 1918?
Art. 14. Will the town take any action in regard to the care of parks, squares and triangles ?
Art. 15. Will the town vote to have a Surveyors' plan of Norwell made and make an appropriation to defray the expense of same ?
Art. 16. Will the town act with the Town of Hanover to have electric lights at the junction of River street, Nor- well, and Broadway, Hanover, and at Assinippi ?
Art. 17. To see if the town will authorize the Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money on and after January 1, 1922, in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1923, and to issue 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, 1922.
Art. 18. Will the town rescind the vote taken at the special town meeting, April 23, 1919, whereby it was voted to accept the provisions of Chapter 284 of the Acts of 1915 as amended by Chapter 59, Acts of 1916, or give any further instructions to the Selectmen in regard o the time of call- ing the annual town meeting, or take any action relative to the same ?
Art. 19. Will the town appropriate a sum not to exceed $5,000.00 to be expended with like appropriations from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the County of Plym- outh, as provided by Chapter 155, Acts of 1918, and other
117
TOWN OF NORWELL
acts in amendment thereto and connection therewith, for highway construction on Central street; and further authorize its Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow a sum not to exceed five thousand ($5,000.00) dollars and issue bonds or notes of the town, bearing interest payable semi-annually and principal payable in five equal annual payments, to provide for said construction, provided said sum shall provide for the completion of construction of Central St. to the Scituate line ?
Art. 20. What salary and compensation will the Town vote to pay all its elected officers. To conform with Sect. 95 of the Revised Laws as amended by Sect. 8 of Chapter 591 of 1920?
Art. 21. Will the town maintain an electric light at the junction of Central and Mt. Blue Streets or take any action in regard to the same?
Art. 22. To bring in their votes for a Town Clerk for one year; one Selectman; one Assessor; and one Overseer of the Poor for three years; a Treasurer; a Collector of Taxes, an Auditor; a Surveyor of Highways; Five Constables and a Tree Warden for one year; one member of the School Committee for three years; one member of the Board of Health for three years, one Trustee for the Ridge Hill Library, for three years, and to vote yes or no in answer to the question "Shall license be granted for the sale of certain non-intoxicating beverages in this town," all on one ballot. Polls open from 6 A. M. to II A. M.
118
SEVENTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT
15. 17.40 16.50 18.50 18.00 19.20 19.80 22.60 22.40 23.20 3280 38.00 Rate Tax
1910 1211 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921
65000
$60000
55 00,0
50000
45000
40 000
35000
30000
25000
This diagram shows the trend of Town expenditures since 1910
HOW YOUR DOLLAR IS APPORTIONED IN THE TOWN'S EXPENDITURES
371/2 cts. Highways
$23,100.
92% State cts. 85 County 6000 Taxes
Schools
13000
Acts. Almshouse 2500 2000
1800 OUSI
1950
1950
Town
Poor
State Aid
3/3 cts
4 ds
2'439
Ply. Co. Mosp. 835.
All other 2500
Health
Interest
Officers
DESYLOW
3' yes
Acts ..
3'% '3
Lights 500."
... Soldiers Relief 400.
All other includes. Libraries, Fire Dept., Mowing Bushes, Mem. Day, Town Hall, Form Bureau, Wash. St. Cemetery, Tree Warden and Gofield Park.
Supt.
2400
21cts.
3'scz Incidentals
Report of School Committee
To the Citizens of the Town of Norwell :
At the first regular meeting of the Committee the fol- lowing officers were elected by ballot.
Benjamin Loring, chairman; Nellie L. Sparrell, secretary- treasurer.
It was voted to print and distribuate proposals for wood and transportation, the bids to be opened publicly at the Town Office, Norwell Centre, Friday, March 25th, at 2.30 P. M. The printed proposals were posted in all stores and other public places in the town and were mailed to interested individuals.
Friday, March 25th at 2.30 at the Town Office the bids were opened. They were as follows :
Bids for Wood :
John F. Osborne, 18 cords, hardwood, 4 cords pine trash, sawed as specified $245.00 Walter T. Osborn, 18 cords hard wood, 4 cords pine trash $200.00 No. 5, 6 cords hard wood, I cord pine trash,
No. 7, 4 cords hard wood, I cord pine pine. . . . $110.00
Benjamin Loring, No. 1, 6 cords hard wood, $66 I cord pine trash, $7 $83.00 High, 2 cords hard wood, $22; I cord pine trash, $7 $29.00 Total $112.00
120
SEVENTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT
Contracts were awarded as follows :
Walter T. Osborn, Dist. No. 5 and 7 .... .$110.00 Benjamin Loring, Dist. No. I and High School .$112.00
Bids for Transportation :
J. H. Sparrel, Route No. I $26.50 per week
J. H. Sparrel, Route No. 2 26.50 per week
C. O. Litchfield, Route No. 3 27. 50 per week
M. F. Williamson, Route No. 4 27. 50 per week
Contracts were awarded as follows :
J. H. Sparrel, Route No. I . $26.50 per week
J. H. Sparrell, Route No. 2 26.50 per week
C. O. Litchfield, Route No. 3 . 27. 50 per week
M. F. Williamson, Route No. 4 27.50 per week
In reviewing the year's work just completed, one thing stands out prominently in our efforts to better conditions in our schools. Realizing fully that a sound mind must have a sound body, we have endeavored to guard the health of the pupil while in school andl instruct him in healthful habitis of every day life. A rather intensive campaign has been conducted with this end in mind. In addition to the regular medical inspection by the school physician each term, the school nurse has made several visits weekly watch- ing conditions and giving instructions, She has been aided in her work of teaching cleanliness and prevention of disease by the addition of wash-stands and pitchers, basins, liquid soap. paper towels, paper drinking cups germicides and disinfectants to the equipment of each school. Tooth brush drills have been conducted and health plays enacted.
We have now had a full year of the Dental Clinic and its berefits are fully appreciated by all. Two schools have gained recognition as having every pupil's teeth in perfect
121
TOWN OF NORWELL
condition and the remaining schools lack very little of this goal.
In some families it seemed impossible to find money for all the children needing dental work done, therefore the Norwell District Nurse Association took upon itself the financial responsiblity of caring for all cases of school children who are not able to pay for the services of the dentist.
At District No. I Ridge Hill three Kaustine system toilets were installed, and the vaults used since the erec- tion of the school entirely removed. At present these toilets are giving perfect satisfaction and we feel sure the health of that immediate neighborhood must be better in con- sequence. Lack of funds prevented the purchases of this style toilet for the building at District No. 5, Norwell Centre.
The platform at Ridge Hill being beyond repair, it was replaced by one of cement. The large rocks in the yard were blasted and a little very necessary grading of the grounds done, in an attempt to lessen the chances for ac- cidents bound to occur when several grades play on rough stony grounds. These constitute our efforts to make No. I livable. The teachers and pupils, however, have gone farther and purchased playground apparatus and pictures from money earned by the sale of candy and the giving of school entertainments.
That the health department of the schools may better serve the community, we have arranged to have the School Physician, School Dentist and Scchool Nurse constitute a health centre in each school district. The school nurse will make two regular visits a week to each school at which time she may be consulted by anyone desiring her services. Any matter requiring the advice of the physician or dentist, she will gladly take up with them. Our only hope is that the community will take advantage of this opportunity. A
122
SEVENTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT
printed schedule of her visits may be found in the report of the Norwell District Nurse Association.
Our teaching force suffered three changes during the summer vacation. Miss Kelliher of Ridge Hill Primary resigned but we were most fortunate in obtaining the ser. vices of Mrs. Lois Turner, a Bridgewater Normal graduate in her stead. Two highly successful teachers of the High School Miss Tolman and Miss Cochran left us and their places were taken by Miss Carr and Miss Tyler, both Whea- ton College graduates. We were fortunate in retaining the services of Mr. Nichols, who reports the continued gocd work at our High School.
In common with all adjacent towns, we experienced a large increase in our enrollment in Se, tember. Ridge Hill increased to that point where it became impossible to even seat the added number. It was thought advisable after careful consideration to transfer the 3rd and 4th grades to the vacant building at District No. 2 under the care of Mrs. Turner, leaving grades 1 and 2 at Ridge Hill with Miss Gardner.
Concerning the work accomplished, the experiment has proven itself successful. Much more ground has been covered with less wear and tear on pupils and teachers.
We know the building and grounds are not what the parents have a right to expect but only such repairs were made as were absolutely necessary, hoping the use of this building would be temporary.
District No. 7 doubled in number this year. District No. 5 received its share of the increase and the High School climbed to the enrollment of 60 the largest in its history.
We are confronted with still larger numbers for next year with the added problem of providing in the High School for a possible entrance class of thirty odd, the presert number in our eighth grades while the graduating class num- bers but ten. With three recitations conducted at the same
123
TOWN OF NORWELL
time in the main room, the cloak room and at times even the entry utilized as a recitation room truly the problem at the High School alone seems impossible to solve.
There seems but one way to provide for the increase at this chool, if the present building is to be retained and that simply a makeshift. A portable building could be erected in the yard but it could hardly prove satisfactory. The question of proper heating would arise and the confusion and loss of time experienced in passing to and from the building would detract from the present atmosphere of the school.
District No. 2 must have extensive repairs if used another year, more plastering, the interior painted, new outside doors, new windows and new toilets built. District No. I and District No. 5 must be painted outside.
A gentlemen of educational attainment who has had the interest of our schools at heart for many years, recently spent an entire day visiting our schools and noting condi- tions. He reported finding throughout a splendid corps of teachers, an excellent spirit of earnestness in both teachers and pupils but in most cases a truly shocking condition of housing.
How much longer will that spirit of earnestness remain unbroken under present conditions ?
We have tried to improve the present buildings in years past and have been successful in this to a certain degree but the time has now come when Norwell faces a crisis in her school life. To even accomodate the numbers in the present buildings extensive and expensive repairs must be made. It seems as though we had reached the point where it becomes expedient to seriously balance the cost and advisability of this step with that of erecting a central build- ing to house the High and Grammar schools at least.
Norwell has not erected a school building nor made any attempt to thoroughly remodel one since the erection of
124
SEVENTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT
District No. 2 some fifty years ago. The individual is not satisfied to get along with the facilities of fifty years ago, home life in Norwell has become enriched with countless changes during that period yet her school life remains shut in by the same narrow walls as then.
We realize the tax rate of this Town is excesses but is there not a way to reduce this and give the benefit of the reduction to our educational system.
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