USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Norwell > Town of Norwell annual report 1940-1949 > Part 24
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The committee where possible arranged for plowing, and seed and fertilizer procurement, for those who needed these services.
The committee wishes to report that by the experience of the past year, the need for such a committee in this town seems doubtful. There are many capable professional farmers and amateur gardeners willing to give sound and proven information to their neighbors, and the County
54
NINETY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT
Extension Service stands ready and willing to supply helpful information to anyone.
The Norwell Committee of Public Safety was as follows:
Ralph H. Coleman, Chairman.
James A. Liddell, Deputy Chairman.
Mrs. Humphrey Turner, Chairman Women's Division.
Donald Porter, Chairman Protection Division, and Chief Alr Raid Warden.
A. Lester Scott, Chairman Service and Supplies Division. Colonel John D. R. Woodworth, Chairman Medical Division.
Rev. Alfred J. Wilson, Chairman Social Services Division and Red Cross.
Edwin S. Parker, Chairman of Publicity.
Mr. John D. Murphy, representing the American Legion.
Alan C. Virtue, Deputy Chairman Protection Division and Chief of Auxiliary Police.
REPORT OF BOARD OF APPEALS
December 31, 1943
Board of Selectmen,
Norwell, Massachusetts.
Dear Sirs:
The Board of Appeals for Zoning Laws of the Town of Norwell reports that there were no petitions submitted during the year 1943.
Respectfully submitted,
HUMPHREY W. TURNER, Chairman, HENRY J. TOLMAN, (deceased) CLEMENT T. THOMAS.
DOG OFFICERS' REPORT
To the Board of Selectmen:
We wish to submit the following report.
After receiving a warrant issued to us by the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen we checked with the Town Clerk's List and contacted those whose licenses were unpaid. Because of the cooperation of the Town Clerk in sending out notices to those who were still unpaid, a further check-up was unnecessary.
In the coming year we hope to have a Dog Pound, where according to Section 151-A, within ten days after June first, all unlicensed dogs will be collared and held for six days. If license is still unpaid after said six days, dog will be killed.
We sincerely hope licenses will be paid by June first.
Respectfully submitted,
LLOYD B. HENDERSON, F. HOWARD HALL.
55
TOWN OF NORWELL
REPORT OF THE MOTH DEPARTMENT
To the Selectmen of the Town of Norwell:
The roadside elms were all sprayed once and most of them twice.
The allotment for gypsy moth and private spraying is used for paint- ing moth nests and also spraying same. Private spraying is on fruit trees and the cost is charged back on taxes.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN T. OSBORN,
TREE WARDEN REPORT
To the Selectmen of the Town of Norwell:
I wish to report that the Tree Warden account for 1943 was used mainly for the removal of dead elms.
Mowing Brush account was spent on corners.
Tent caterpillars on roadsides were sprayed twice.
It would help some if owners would remove wild cherry trees around their walls.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN T. OSBORN
REPORT OF HIGHWAY SURVEYOR
To the Selectmen of the Town of Norwell:
Dear Sirs :
The schedule for Chapter 81 was followed under the supervision of the State engineer.
This year your Chapter 81 money was reduced over $2,000. There- fore much work which should have been done was not accomplished. The allotment for Chapter 81 for 1944 will be the same as 1943 so if you wish the maintenance of your roads kept up it will be necessary to raise other money than Chapter 81 allotment.
Respectfully,
PERRY H. OSBORN, Highway Surveyor.
REPORT ON CHAPTER 81 WORK
Road
Scraping
Gutters and
Shoulders
Ledge
Drainage
Brush
Patching-Gravel
Patching-Bitum.
Surf. Treatment
Grading
Guard Rail
Signs
Totals
Summer
$12.80
$ 6.00
$7.80 $1,149.27
$1,175.87
Grove
82.62
57.40
44.10
950.15
High
21.20
22.80
44.00
Prospect
$103.73
72.48
174.80
103.83
$372.30
827.14
Bowker
56.09
25.60
$37.42
119.11
Cedar
105.82
68.02
3.00
176.83
Central
51.56
88.10
20.07
555.61
725.34
Church
6.20
7.31
13.51
Circuit
136.57
126.40
33.00
295.97
Common
14.30
12.30
26.60
Common Ave.
4.70
5.00
9.70
Cross
153.63
105.86
50.25
145.66
$73.07
528.47
Dover
13.85
40.41
54.26
Forest Ave.
3.00
3.00
Forest St.
51.64
$11.40
27.32
35.80
20.00
146.16
Green
29.42
11.70
3.00
109.90
154.02
Jacobs
25.00
21.20
10.65
863.81
920.66
Lincoln
64.45
39.86
9.00
60.00
27.68
229.61
430.60
Main
85.46
7.60
238.20
151.35
105.36
27.30
615.27
Mt. Blue
70.01
65.47
7.60
33.80
139.23
425.02
741.13
Norwell Ave.
22.00
20.00
42.00
Tar
1,134.27
Barstow
$10.00
Oak Parker
27.44
6.80 24.75 16.40
6.80 68.59
Pleasant Ave.
28.18
36.00
74.40
95.06
224.59
542.96
Pine
46.30
7.60
45.40
17.74
117.04
Pond
31.60
35.50
139.70
118.53
158.77
29.23
14.62
$7.31
468.16
School
15.20
6.00
17.67
38.87
South
35.14
6.00
52.60
350.99
444.73
Stetson
14.61
34.60
38.16
7.30
94.67
Tiffany
31.40
14.61
46.01
Bridge
12.45
12.45
West
6.92
47.34
Winter
73.05
38.83
120.20
53.60
326.13
611.81
Mt. Hope
18.80
18.80
Mill Lane
16.80
8.80
25.60
Nelgate
7.76
7.76
Totals
$929.82 $771.81 $88.23 $571.42 $1,359.00 $416.34 $1,350.30 $4,778.28 $372.30 $118.89 $14.61
$10,771.00
Pleasant St. 84.73
3.90
River
40.42
58
NINETY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
The following number of communicable diseases have been recorded with the Board of Health :
Chicken Pox 43
Measles
7
Mumps 16
Scarlet Fever 3
Whooping Cough 52
Lobar Pneumonia
4
German Measles 15
Parents are urged to cooperate more fully in the matter of recording such diseases. During the past year, less than half these cases which oc- curred were reported either by physicians or parent. The Clerk obtained from the School Nurse the names of all those unrecorded children who are in school, but there must still remain some children who are under school age in these families. This means that should these children become ex- posed, even to the disease they may have had, they must be excluded from school for the incubation period of that disease. It is only in this way that epidemics are averted.
In March, Mrs. Sparrell, Town Clerk, was appointed Clerk for the Board and any matter pertaining to Health may be taken up with either the individual members of the Board or Mrs. Sparrell who has an office in the Town Hall, telephone Norwell 76.
All requests for licenses of over night cabins, lodging houses, sale and pasteurization of milk and slaughtering were carefully investigated, prem- ises inspected and licenses granted.
Upon request of the owners, the water of seven wells was analyzed by the State Board of Health and a report with the recommendation of the State Board returned to the owner.
Five cases of Dog Bite were reported and dogs were quarantined for the required period of time.
Licenses were granted to Ernest H. Sparrell and J. Lyman Wadsworth as Funeral Directors for 1943-1944.
Two clinics were held, two months. apart for Diphtheria prevention when twenty-eight children were innoculated. This year anti Tetanus serum was added to the Diphtheria vaccine. Three clinics for prevention of Whooping Cough were held, two weeks apart, when thirty-two children were innoculated. It is gratifying to note the number who take advan- Cage of these clinics.
The Board joined with the School Department in conducting the Dental Clinic and Pre-School Clinic. It may be well to repeat the regulation re- garding the Dental Clinic. "In order to have the benefit of the Dental Clinic, a child must have resided in Norwell at least one year, except in emergency cases or where a denial would cause extreme hardship."
The public is urged to consult this Board at any time for any branch of Health work.
HORACE D. GAUDETTE, Chairman MINOT F. WILLIAMSON WILLIAM O. HENDERSON
59
TOWN OF NORWELL
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
Board of Selectmen, Town of Norwell:
I herewith submit my report as Inspector of Animals for the Town of Norwell for the year 1943.
Quarantine of dogs having bitten persons: Number of dogs quarantined 4
Number of calls 8
Investigation of Interstate Shipment Permits: Total number 5
A report to the Bureau of Animal Industry concerning dairy cows in Norwell.
Respectfully submitted,
R. E. CUGNASCA, D. V. M., Inspector of Animals.
REPORT OF THE JAMES LIBRARY FOR THE YEAR 1943
Board of Selectmen, Town of Norwell :
The James Library holds a somewhat unusual position in the town. It is an endowed institution, belonging to the parish, but because it receives support from the town treasury, it is open to all citizens for the use of books. The endowment is sufficient to pay for the upkeep of the building, heat, light, salaries, etc., which always form the major part of the expenses of a library, and under the endowment there is a mandate that the library shall supply its public with worth while books. Thus the policy of the committee has been directed towards a high standard of reading matter.
During the year, $263.33 was spent for books, and $33.35 for maga- zines, and the number of books purchased was one hundred and sixty-seven. This enabled the library to offer its readers all the current best sellers, many important fiction issues, and a substantial amount of current fiction. Two thousand six hundred and twenty-six books were drawn, which on the basis of new books acquired, would average sixteen readers to each book.
The library building has been the headquarters for the Norwell Can- teen, and the Red Cross keeps supplies there on hand for use there in any emergency.
The Library Chairman, Mr. Jos. F. Merritt, resigned due to failing health, and Mr. Rodman Booth was elected to the committee. The com- mittee is as follows:
REV. ALFRED J. WILSON, Chairman. MRS. A. L. POWER, Treasurer. MISS MARIAN MERRITT, Librarian. MR. EDWIN S. PARKER. MR. RODMAN BOOTH.
60
NINETY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT
WILLIAM J. LEONARD MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Board of Selectmen, Town of Norwell:
The library has felt the effects of the war this year in two ways. Lack of gas has compelled many readers to give up taking out books for the present, or at best to take them less frequently, and closing the Ridge Hill school has prevented the children who live beyond walking distance from getting to the library at all. As they used to take books not only for them- selves but also for the other members of the family, that has meant a serious deprivation, especially for residents of the Assinippi section, and it is unfortunate that it has not been possible to arrange for the school bus to make one extra stop Wednesday afternoons at the corner of Oak and High Streets. This would enable the children to visit the library as usual, and the opportunity to get good books to read is a precious privelege which should not be curtailed unless it is absolutely necessary.
The circulation in 1943 was 1,988. 135 volumes were added, 115 by purchase and 20 by gifts. The library is open throughout the year on Wednesdays 2:30 to 4 and from 7 to 8 p. m. It is free to all residents of the town.
ALFRED H. PROUTY, WILLIAM O. PROUTY, PAULINE W. LEONARD, Trustees.
61
TOWN OF NORWELL
NORWELL SCHOOL DIRECTORY
School Committee
JAMES P. HALL, Chairman
MRS. NELLIE L. SPARRELL, Secretary
HORACE D. GAUDETTE
Tel. Hanover 136 Tel. Norwell 76 Tel. Rockland 443-J
Superintendent of Schools CLIFTON E. BRADLEY
Office, Salmond School, Hanover, Mass., Tel. 172 Residence, Center Street, Center Hanover, Tel. 246-12
Supervisors ESTHER SEAVERNS MEYERS, Music H. RODMAN BOOTH, Art RINEHART SYSTEM OF WRITING
School Physician RAYMOND G. VINAL, M. D. (on leave) J. D. R. WOODWORTH, M. D. (acting) School Nurse CATHERINE A. ROE, R. N.
School Dentist WILLIS B. PARSONS, D. M. D.
Janitors
LOUIS WHITING BENJAMIN LAWRENCE
FRANK LIND
Ridge Hill School Center Primary School High School
SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULATIONS
Children who become five years of age on March first may enter school the following September.
No child under seven years of age will be admitted to school for the first time after October first of any year.
A child entering school for the first time is required to present to the teacher a birth certificate and vaccination or exemption from vaccination certificate. Exemption must be renewed every six months.
SIGNALS FOR NO SESSIONS OF SCHOOL Signal is 2-2-2
The "No School" announcement will be breadcast over WNAC and WEEI between 7 a. m. and 8 a. m.
SCHOOL CALENDER
January 3, 1944 February 19-February 27, 1944
School opens Vacation
April 15-April 23, 1944 Vacation ยท Memorial Day Grades Close High Closes
May 30, 1944 June 9, 1944 June 16, 1944
62
NINETY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT
If the Schools are closed on account of weather, the closing dates are extended.
SUMMER VACATION
September 6, 1944
October 12, 1944
School opens Holiday
October 20, 1944
Teachers' Convention
November 11, 1944 Holiday
November 30-Dec. 1, 1944
Thanksgiving Holidays
December 23,-January 1, 1945 Vacation
January 2, 1945
School opens
February 17-February 25, 1945 Vacation
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Taxpayers of Norwell :
The year just finished has been a difficult one for the' schools. The unrest and tension of a world at war has been reflected in the lives of the pupils, many of whom have experienced changes in their immediate family and social circle. The task of teaching under these conditions has been an arduous one and our teachers are to be commended upon the results they have achieved.
In common with all other small towns, Norwell lost too large a number of teachers in June. Be it said to the credit of our teaching staff, none left for the attractive pay offered by Defense work. Mr. Ryder, Miss Olson, and Miss Sanderson were given leave of absence to join the Armed Services. Miss Harris, our Mathematics teacher accepted a similar position elsewhere at a substantial increase in salary. Miss Duncan and Mrs. Wills entered other fields of endeavor and Mrs. Kingman our Domestic Science teacher moved to Plymouth where Mr. Kingman is an instructor in the High School. We were fortunate to fill all of the vacancies, and to have re- tained those hired as many towns have lost teachers during the school year.
Mr. Rush, our Superintendent left us in February to enter Govern- ment employ and Mr. Clifton E. Bradley, formerly Superintendent of the Jamestown, Rhode Island schools took his place.
The Health department of the schools was the only one which re- mained uninterrupted, with Col. John D. R. Woodworth, Dr. Parsons and Miss Roe carrying on their usual good work. The committee wishes the taxpayers to know that Dr. Woodworth, a retired Army officer kindly do- nated his services as school physician while substituting for Doctor Vinal who is serving in the Army.
A more accurate eye test was given this year, with recommendations sent the parents, which we hope will be followed. The Pre-School and Dental Clinics justified the expenditure necessary for their conduct. Grad- ually the health of Norwell pupils has been raised to the point where it may be mentioned with pride.
It was necessary to replace the floor of the upstairs classroom in the Centre Primary School. Bids for the work were received as follows:
Howard A. Delano:
Select Oak $246.00
B+ better N. C. Pine 230.50
No. 2 Maple 21/4" face 217.50
63
TOWN OF NORWELL
Andrew Maxwell:
Maple
$270.00
Pine
240.00
Oak
250.00
Arthur Merritt:
Select Oak
$303.80
Common Oak
295.80
Fir
235.00
Maple
303.80
The contract was awarded to Howard A. Delano for No. 2 Maple at $217.50.
Well deserved increases in salary were given a few of our experienced teachers this year and more must be given next year if we are to maintain anything like a competent staff. It is not economy for us to continually serve as a training ground for other towns.
We sometimes hear criticism of our Youth and the amount of money necessary to maintain schools in their behalf. We must not lose sight of the fact that the schools train for Life and that we shall reap in the future that which we are now sowing. We feel that those who have attended our High School have justified the expense of their education, particularly during the present war. Norwell High School has ninety-three young men and women in the Service one of whom entered less than a week after grad- uation. They stand ready to sacrifice Life itself if necessary in order to preserve the principles for which this country was founded. Two gradu- ates, Technical Sergeant Rodney E. Demars and Staff Sergeant T. Curtis Power have been decorated for meritorius service. Demars has been a prisoner of war in Germany since February, 1943.
We, their elders, who complain at necessary War time restrictions, should remain in humble appreciation of their splendid example. Let us work together to maintain and improve our schools to train other youths to assist these boys and girls when they return to carry on Peace Time activities.
JAMES P. HALL, Chairman HORACE D. GAUDETTE NELLIE L. SPARRELL, Secretary
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT FINANCES-1943
Total Appropriation Dog Tax
$41,900.00
444.25
Total Available
$42,344.25
Unexpended
Expenditures
REIMBURSEMENTS
Part I Mass. School Fund
$2,917.50
Part II Mass. School Fund
4,423.71
Superintendency Union
642.41
Child Guardianship, Mass.
375.62
Child Guardianship, Boston
362.53
Dog Tax
444.25
Total Reimbursements
$ 9,166.02
Net Cost to Town
$33,178.23
64
NINETY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
To the School Committee:
Town of Norwell.
It gives me pleasure to submit my first annual report to the School Committee and Citizens of Norwell. Such a report, in my opinion, should summarize some of the situations peculiar to the year, evaluate the con- ditions and progress of the schools, and lay the foundations for future planning.
During the past year three of your teachers have left to enter the U. S. Services, and four have left for other reasons, making a total of seven changes. Despite the fact that there are fewer teachers available than ever before, we were able to start in September with a full complement of teachers, who are well equipped to teach and guide our children.
In addition to the shortage of teachers, a State law raised the mini- mum wage of teachers, in towns having over $2,500,000. valuation, to $1,200.00. This means not only increased starting salaries for new in- experienced teachers, but tends to raise the amounts necessary to pay teachers in proportion to their experience and service.
This year has seen a decrease in enrollment in the high schools of our town and our country. Boys and girls have had many attractive oppor- tunities for making money, and for taking the places of adults. This has been beneficial to industry, but there seems a possible danger in the situa- tion, in that these same workers, now frequently making more than their elders, will later find it difficult to adjust their living to the normal wages, which will come after the war. At that time they will be in competition with those who have gone further in their education. Educational lead- ers of the nation are urging children to remain in school and to complete their education.
The Army and Navy has recognized this need for youth to finish high school, and many boys have been deferred until after graduation. This past year saw several reporting for duty immediately following the com- pletion of their senior year of high school.
With so many job opportunities there have been frequent demands that the schools release boys to work. These emergency calls have been answered when possible, and every opportunity given to those who wished to work after school, to do so.
The shortage of gasoline has reacted on the schools in a number of ways. P. T. A. Meetings have been difficult to hold, busses have not been available for athletic contests, social occasions in the evening have been eliminated, and few children who depend upon transportation have re- mained after school for special help.
Twice in 1943 the teachers have responded to the call of rationing officials to carry out the issuing of rationing books, and this they have done with great credit to themselves. The teachers have again demonstrat- ed their public spirited desire to be of service.
The schools have continued their sales of war stamps and bonds, with some surprising amounts being purchased.
Our health program made two forward moves this year. Massachu- setts law now decrees that children's feet be examined during the medical examination, and that any correctible faults be reported to the parents.
65
TOWN OF NORWELL
This should prove beneficial and lead to early detection and correction of foot disorders.
Under direction of the State a new eye testing plan has been in- augurated. A vision testing apparatus has been purchased and a more complete eye test made. For years school and medical men have real- ized the inadequacy of the 20 feet vision test. Some children, who passed this distance test, could not keep clear vision on a printed page for an ex- tended period of time, and became known as poor readers or non-readers. The present apparatus hopes to sift out more of these children. The school will in no sense seek to diagnose; it will simply report the child as passing or not passing the test. Those not passing will be recommended to a spe- cialist in the eye field. Those who have watched the results in other systems report remarkable transformations in the disposition and work of children who need glasses, after they have had corrections made.
Our Norwell High School is rated as a Class A school by the Depart- ment of Education, and therefore is eligible to certify students to many of the colleges. Class A standing is maintained through the professional qualifications of the faculty, by the offering of suitable courses, low teach- er-pupil ratio, and by offering suitable extra curricular opportunities to the students. This rating is renewed each year on the basis of the organiza- tion for that year. It is something to be proud of and to keep.
The excellent record of Norwell High School is further attested to by the receipt of letters during the year commending three of our former graduates, whose names have appeared on the "Dean's List" of their respec- tive colleges, as being outstanding students. These were James T. Ross of Cornell University, Bethany Gleason of Rhode Island School of Design, and William Turner of Norwich University. Reports of other graduates from time to time indicate successful careers, reflecting the standing of our school.
Our Norwell High School service flag, presented by the Class of 1943 to the school, carries stars representing 93 who formerly were high school students, and who are now in the services. Numerous letters have been received by these boys and girls. A Christmas magazine was prepared and sent to those in this country. Almost without exception those who are home on furlough make it a point to visit the school. We are proud of them.
The closing of the Ridge Hill School early in 1943 has made it possi- ble for each teacher to have only pupils of one grade in her room, and has saved the salary of one teacher. However, it has caused some crowd- ing in the high school building, which can continue only so long as the high school enrollment stays low. Ultimately the citizens of Norwell should consider the closing of both the smaller buildings, and the building of an elementary school wing to the present high school building.
In such an addition, modern school facilities, in keeping with the rest of the building, could be provided. The elementary grades would be segre- gated and on their own time schedule, yet could make use of the present auditorium, cafeteria, and playfield, and benefit from the janitorial services. One principal could supervise the program. Since most of the children already come by bus, no new bus problems would arise. The high school rooms would then be available for a more adequate program, including the manual training that has been recommended for years.
Early in 1943 the O. D. T. froze the school buses and set up restric- tions on their use. Reports of the present schedule together with route maps were approved, and gasoline certificates issued that would cover the
56
NINETY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT
minimum requirements. Some bus stops have been eliminated to comply with the regulations, but on the whole few changes were necessary.
A year ago our schools made use of the Federal Surplus Commodity Program. This year, with the passing of surplus commodities, the Federal government, through their War Food Administration, is giving a direct sub- sidy, where needed, based on furnishing complete nourishing meals of a certain standard to all children at a price within their reach. Through this set-up a reduction in price has been possible, and more food provided in each serving.
The school attendance records, which were bound into volumes this year, have proven very valuable in establishing citizenship records for many who have applied in war plants, and who were unable to secure their birth certificates. Except for a few years between 1920-1928 these records are available from 1900 to the present.
The adoption of modern textbooks continues and the new books in our reading system have been extended through grade four this year.
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