USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Westford > Town of Westford annual report 1947-1951 > Part 32
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
121
Mr. Gordon C. Getchell, Principal of the Sargent School for six years resigned in April to accept the Superintendent's position in Hat- field, Mass. Mr. Getchell was always an efficient and capable admin- istrator. Mr. Raymond S. Dower, Jr. was elected to fill the vacancy.
Mrs. Patricia Ahearn resigned in January and Mrs. Doucette was appointed to finish the year. In September, Miss Martha Yoshida was transferred from Sargent School to Cameron School and Miss Martha G. Morris was elected to the vacancy at Sargent School. Miss Eleanor M. Duggan was elected as Fifth Grade teacher at Cameron School to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Horne. Miss Eleanor Rodgers resigned from her position at the Academy because of illness and Mr. Warren N. Lapworth was elected to that position.
Mr. John T. Conrad, whose enthusiasm was contagious and his leadership outstanding, resigned as Principal at the Academy in October to accept a similar position in Chelmsford and Mr. Charles E. Carroll, Jr. was elected to the vacancy.
Mrs. Alice Whitcomb, who has been secretary to the superintend- ent for eight years, has resigned her position to accept a post at the Abbot Worsted Company. Her fine spirit of co-operation, helpfulness, and understanding will be greatly missed. She leaves the employ of the School Department with well wishes from the student body, faculty, superintendent and School Board.
We are sorry to lose these men and women from our school system but we wish them all happiness and success in their new endeavors.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
As was planned last year we have concentrated on our social studies books. New history books were purchased for the Academy to replace the old worn-out set.
In Grades Four through Six we have new geography books which were badly needed, and Grades Seven and Eight received new history books. This year we plan to furnish history books in Grades Three through Six.
BUILDINGS
In keeping with our long range planning for the maintenance of our buildings, Sargent School received one coat of outside paint this summer and the interior of Cameron School was also done.
Next year we plan to paint the interior of Frost School. The Nab- nassett School trim and basements should also be painted.
122
IN-SERVICE TRAINING FOR TEACHERS
Again our teachers were privileged to attend a teachers' institute at the Lowell Teachers College where they had the opportunity of visiting the training schools and discussing the methods and materials being used. We also spent an afternoon at Salem Teachers College, where we heard a very fine lecture on the teaching of arithmetic.
Our teachers spent much time and thought in the studying of social studies books, and from this study, geography books were pur- chased for Grades Four to Six.
Realizing that many of our experienced teachers can help a be- ginning teacher, we have had inter-visitation within our own system. An innovation this year, it has been of inestimable value and has strengthened the spirit of co-operation and friendliness among our teachers.
DRIVER EDUCATION
This year we offered a course in Driver Education which was opened to Juniors and Seniors and as many others as could be accom- modated. The teacher selected to give this course must have a certificate indicating that he has satisfactorily completed a course of instruction in Driver Education sponsored or approved by the Registry of Motor Vehicles and the Commissioner of Education.
"Behind the Wheel Instruction" depends upon two things: the ability of an organization in Town to obtain a car from a local dealer through the Massachusetts State Automobile Dealers Association, Inc., and the rule that every student bring a written consent from his parents. As yet we have been unable to get a car but hope to obtain one by April 1, 1951.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Again this year the Westford Teachers Association Scholarship Fund came forward with a $100 scholarship for a senior girl in the Class of 1950 who is presently at Lowell State Teachers College. The Teachers Association is already planning a program to raise more money for this fund.
123
GIFTS
The Trustees of Westford Academy have again financed a testing program for the students and have also contributed generously in the form of prizes at graduation time. We are indeed grateful to them for their continued active support.
The Abbot Worsted Company and the C. G. Sargent Sons Corpora- tion gladdened the hearts of all the school children at Christmas time by their generous gifts.
The Westford P.T.A. is continuing its policy of providing play- ground equipment at the Frost School, while the Forge Village P.T.A. has painted and furnished a Domestic Science room at Cameron School. Both of these projects are to be highly commended.
Mr. Harold Wright continued to provide free bus transportation to some of our football games and we gladly welcome this cooperation.
The Nabnasset P.T.A., the Boosters, and the American Legion are actively interested in the school program to the extent of providing library books and Christmas parties for the children.
We are indeed fortunate to have such organizations as these to actively back up our school program.
And now may I thank the School Committee for their understand- ing and excellent cooperation in all our problems as they arise.
May I also express my appreciation to the entire school faculty and to the secretary, for the spirit of unity which prevails through- out the system - a unity built through the years of many ingredients -- loyalty, friendliness, helpfulness, and responsibility.
For all this I give thanks.
Respectfully submitted,
PETER F. PERRY Superintendent
124
WESTFORD ACADEMY PROGRAM OF STUDIES - 1950-1951
Electives for Courses
Core for All Students
Academic
Commercial
General
Freshmen
English I Civics :
Algebra I* French I . Gen. Science
French I
Prac. Math.
Prac. Math .* Jr. Bus. Tr. Gen. Science French I
Sophomores
English II World History
Plane Geom. Biology French I or II
Typewriting I Bookkeeping I
Biology French I or II
Biology Jr. Bus. Tr. Gen. Science French I or II
Typewriting I
Juniors
English III U. S. History
Algebra II French I or II Physics Trigonometry Solid Geom.
Bookkeeping I or II Stenography I Typewriting II
Business Law
Psy. and Eco. Geo.
French I or II
Psy. and Eco. Geo.
Consumer Science
French I or II
Typewriting II
Physics
Stenography II
Seniors
English IV Problems of Democracy
French II Trig. &
Bookkeeping II French II
Econ. & Con. Ed. French II Consumer Science
Solid Geom.
Econ. & Con. Ed.
Econ. & Con. Ed.
Business Law
*Required in this course.
1. All subjects listed above provide one unit of credit with the exception of Typewriting which counts one-half unit.
2. All pupils must take Music, Health and Physical Education.
3. A student enrollment of at least 10 may be required for a class section in any subject.
4. Students must have a C or better average in Algebra I if they plan to take Plane Geometry. Students must have a C or better average in French I if they plan to take French II.
Jr. Bus. Tr .* Gen. Science
EXPENDITURES OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT-YEAR 1950
SCHOOLS
Teachers' Salaries
Academy
$ 24,462.49
Elementary
61,740.35
$ 86,202.84
Textbooks
Academy
465.91
Elementary
1,794.37
2,260.28
Supplies
Academy
1,227.13
Elementary
2,369.54
3,596.67
Other Expense of Instruction
Academy
480.41
Elementary
201.96
682.37
Janitors' Salaries
Academy
2,629.92
Elementary
7,482.89
10,112.81
Fuel
Academy
1,122.50
Elementary
2,914.48
4,036.98
Miscellaneous Operation
Academy
Water
144.26
Lights
441.60
Janitors' Supplies
219.11
Telephone
63.38
Elementary
Water
194.43
Lights
616.98
Janitors' Supplies
451.60
Telephone
215.33
2,346.69
Repairs
Academy
665.61
Elementary
1,941.00
2,606.61
126
Furniture and Fixtures
Academy
615.44
Elementary
101.00
716.44
Health
Academy
166.95
Elementary
165.00
331.95
Transportation
Academy
6,347.50
Elementary
6,148.75
12,496.25
Tuition
Academy
173.01
Elementary
346.71
519.72
Other Expense
Academy
157.76
Elementary
93.01
250.77
General Control
Superintendent's salary
4,300.00
Superintendent's expenses
146.90
Clerk's salary
1,500.00
School census
100.00
Office expenses and telephone
221.78
6,268.68
Outlay
Academy
Elementary
356.25
356.25
Total
$132,785.31
Receipts :
Reimbursement for State Wards $ 1,308.65
Reimbursement for Out-of-Town Tuition 712.44
Reimbursement for Transportation 7,499.50
Rembursement School Aid and State Income
33,007.71
Total $ 42,528.30
42,528.30 .
Net Cost to Town
$ 90,257.01
127
CORPS OF TEACHERS 1950-1951
School
Teachers
Subject or Grade
Date of Appointment
Westford Academy
Charles E. Carroll, Jr., A.B., M.A., M.Ed.,
Principal
Social Studies, English
Nov. 1950 (Tufts College)
Eliz Dohanian, B.S. French, Algebra, Jr. Business Training Sept. 1947
(Tufts College)
Mary A. Finn, B.S.E., M.Ed. Commercial Sept. 1946
(Salem Teachers College, Boston Univ.)
Eileen K. Fletcher, A.B. (Girl's Coach) .Social Studies (Tufts College)
Sept. 1948
Marea R. Kelly, A.B. ( Boston University)
English, French Sept. 1948
Warren N. Lapworth, A.B. (Coach) English, Psychology
(Columbia University) Economic Geography Sept. 1950
John A. Rennie, A.B.
Biology, Economics,
(Wesleyan University) General Science, Consumer Science Sept. 1946
Kenneth H. Robes, B.S.
Mathematics, Business Law, Physics Jan. 1947
(Dartmouth College)
Cameron School
Harold Hershfield, B.S., B.S.E., M.Ed., Principal
(Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston University, Harvard)
8
Jan. 1948
Alice M. Murphy
(Lowell Teachers College)
1
Sept. 1949
Alyce C. Gilligan, A.B.
(Emmanuel College)
2
Sept. 1949
Marjorie D. Nixon, B.S.E.
(Lowell Teachers College)
3
Sept. 1947
Katherine M. Harper, B.S.E.
(Lowell Teachers College)
4
Feb. 1950
Eleanor M. Duggan, B.S.E.
(Lowell Teachers College)
5 Sept. 1950
Martha M. Yoshida, B.S.E.
(Lowell Teachers College)
6 Sept. 1946
Maureen K. Markham, B.S.
(Simmons College)
7
Sept. 1949
Wm. E. Frost School .. William B. Gove, B.S.E.
Principal
(Amherst, Boston University)
8
Oct. 1950
Florence B. Morris
(Lowell Normal School)
1
Sept. 1948
Shirley C. Oliver, B.S.E.
(Lowell Teachers College)
2
Sept. 1940
Ruth P. Tuttle
(Lowell Normal School)
3 Sept. 1903
Rita H. Miller, B.S.E.
(Lowell Teachers College)
4 Sept. 1939
Gertrude H. Madden
(Lowell Normal School)
6, 7
Sept. 1947
Sargent School .Raymond S. Dower, Jr., B.A., M.Ed., Principal
(U. of New Hampshire, Boston U.) 8
April 1950
Margery S. Flint
(Fitchburg Normal School) 1
Jan. 1948
Jean E. Bell
(Fitchburg Normal School) 2
April 1930
Martha G. Morris, B.S.
(Lesley College) 3
Sept. 1950
Lottie D. Blodgett
(Framingham Normal School) 4 Sept. 1916
Helen A. Gibbons
(Framingham Normal School) 5 Sept. 1948
Gertrude D. Houghton, A.B.
( Regis College) 6
Sept. 1947
Lillian G. Wright
(Lowell Normal School)
7
Sept. 1914
Nabnassett School
Ruth L. Wright, Principal
(Plymouth Normal School)
1, 2
Sept. 1946
Mary D. Murphy
(Lowell Normal School)
3, 4
Sept. 1948
Supervisor of Music and Art Barbara L. Bennett, B.S.E.
( Lowell Teachers College)
Sept. 1949
School Nurse
Dorothy A. Healy, R.N.
(Framingham, Union Hospital)
Sept. 1941
Superintendent
Peter F. Perry, B.S.E., M.Ed.
(Hyannis, Boston University) Sept. 1948
ENROLLMENT-WESTFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS November 30, 1950
Grades
Academy
Cameron Frost Nabnassett
Sargent Totals
1
21
32
8
32
93
2
23
19
16
28
86
3
26
27
11
29
93
4
17
26
7
21
71
5
33
28
61 .
6
27
12
34
73
7
30.
23
35
88
8
30
18
24
72
9
52
52
10
45
45
11
42
42
12
30
30
PG
1
1
-
Totals
170
207
157
42
231
807
Elementary
637
Academy
170
807
REGISTRATION OF MINORS October 1, 1950
Minors by Age Groups
5-7
7-16
Totals
Boys
79
341
420
Girls
74
308
382
Totals
153
649
802
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GRADUATES CAMERON SCHOOL
Robert Joseph Bouchard
Dwight Francis Young
Norbert Joseph Brule
Maryanne Bouchard
Arthur Richard Coupal
Ossie Mary Cook
Terrence Patrick Crickett
Vivian Rae Cornwall
Augustine Robert Elliott
Patricia Ann Coupal
Stephen Haley
Lorraine Helen Drolet
Stephen Haran
Leo Joseph Langevin
Raymond Francis Lessard
John Francis McDonnell
Jacqueline Lucille Lyons
Gerald Paul Milot
Margaret Mary Mosscrop
Walter Edward Mountain
Ann Marie Mulligan
Melvin Theodore Pearson
Arlene Yvonne Dupuis Alice Veronica Lahme Flora Delia Lamy
131
WM. E. FROST SCHOOL
Richard Baker Budge Bradford Madison Chisholm
Herbert Alan Holmes
Roseanne Theresa Johnston
Shirley Margaret Mountain
Richard Paul Smith Stanley Gordon Whitney
James Weldon Burne
Robert William Harris Justin Paul Jenkins
Ronald Koning
Roy Carleton Reynolds
Helen Catherine Sullivan Walter Frank Wright
SARGENT SCHOOL
Maureen June Bettencourt
Peter Bettencourt
Carl N. Brady
Robert Harold Brady
Dorothy Holmes Brown
Robert J. Milot
Rachel Ann Oliver
Susan Rose Paduano
John Thomas Payne
Joseph Robert Dubey, Jr.
Peter E. Dubey Arthur Gagne
Warren J. Hayes
Richard T. Holmes
George Chester Ingalls
Joan Ann Lavigne
Madeline Milot
Thomas Connell Arline Cote Frances Elaine Coulter
Doris Mae Roberts
Richard Avery Van Norden
Ruth Georgianna Van Norden Harvey Edward Wyman
WESTFORD ACADEMY GRADUATES
Andrew Gustave Anderson John Walter Bohenko Marcel Joseph Brule Maurice Joseph Brule Doris Helen Chandonait Walter Halko Joan Margaret Kelly Stanley M. Kimball Dorothy S. King Ruth Ann Lassonde Cecile Jean Milot Celine Florence Milot Marlene Marie Milot John Michael Mulligan
Bette Ann Ouellette Theresa Mary Panneton Claude Pierre Provost Norma Joan Randall Harold Fletcher Rogers R. Melvin Shea John William Spinner, Jr. Geraldine Marie Sullivan James Francis Thompson Robert Joseph Walker Jerome White Wetmore Joan Ellen Wilson Jane Marie Yarnall
132
PROGRAM
PROCESSIONAL - Triumphal March from "Aida" Marea Roberta Kelly, Pianist
Verdi
INVOCATION Rev. Cletus E. Hirschy
SALUTATORY ADDRESS- At The Crossroads Dorothy S. King
ESSAY - Peace Through Education
Joan M. Kelly
SONG - "Land of Hope and Glory" Elgar
ESSAY - Design For Living Walter Halko
ESSAY - Challenge To Mankind John W. Spinner
PRESENTATION OF CLASS GIFT Harold F. Rogers President of the Class of 1950
ACCEPTANCE OF CLASS GIFT Gloria A. Connell President of the Class of 1951
SONG - "You'll Never Walk Alone" Hammerstein and Rogers
ESSAY - Peace of Mind
Theresa M. Panneton
VALEDICTORY- "We Accept The Challenge"
Cecile J. Milot
REMARKS
Peter F. Perry Superintendent of Schools
133
PRESENTATION OF PRIZES
Mr. Edward J. Hunt Trustee of Westford Academy John T. Conrad Principal of Westford Academy
AWARDING OF DIPLOMAS
Frederick W. Gatenby Chairman of School Board
CLASS SONG
Jane M. Yarnall, Bette A. Ouellette
BENEDICTION
Rev. Cletus E. Hirschy
RECESSIONAL - Triumphal March from "Aida" Marea Roberta Kelly, Pianist
CLASS MOTTO "We Accept The Challenge" Blue and White
CLASS COLORS
CLASS MARSHAL CLASS FLOWER White Carnation
Robert Joseph Walker
WINNERS OF PRIZES (Given by Trustees of Westford Academy)
For excellence in English Dorothy S. King
For excellence in Mathematics and Science John W. Spinner, Jr.
For excellence in Secretarial Science Theresa M. Panneton
THE MOST WORTHY REPRESENTATIVES OF WESTFORD ACADEMY
Class of 1950 - Cecile J. Milot
Class of 1951 - Arthur W. Gatenby
Class of 1952 - Kenneth B. St. Onge Class of 1953 - Mona A. Harrington
OTHER AWARDS
Bausch and Lomb Science Award Walter Halko
Balfour Award
Joan M. Kelly
Reader's Digest Award
Cecile J. Milot
D. A. R. Good Citizenship Award
Jane M. Yarnall
Westford - Teachers' Association Scholarship John W. Spinner, Jr.
Westford Citizens Scholarship John W. Spinner, Jr.
134
REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Mr. Peter F. Perry Superintendent of Schools
Westford, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Perry:
My report as School Physician for the year ending December 31, 1950 is submitted.
I have made the usual physical examinations on all children attend- ing the Westford Schools. Separate physical examinations were made on all cases deemed advisable to recheck for major defects. This has always been done in order that parents could be notified as to what procedure to follow to get their children the proper medical or surgical care, when such defects were found.
Special examinations were made on the Academy students who par- ticipate in football and baseball, and also on the elementary school boys who were interested in football. This was done in accordance with the Liability Insurance and to make certain that these children were in the proper physical condition to enter these sports.
A large number of pupils were treated at the Abbot Worsted Com- pany Hospital for minor surgical and medical conditions. These were referred to me as emergency cases by the Principals of the various schools.
I wish to thank the Board of Health Nurse, teachers, and parents for their continued cooperation.
Respectfully,
DWIGHT W. COWLES, M.D.
135
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Peter Perry Superintendent of Schools Westford, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
Following is the report of the school nurse from January 1, to December 31, 1950:
Nurse-Teacher Conferences 728
Nurse-Pupil Conferences 267
Children recommended for exclusion because of contagious disease, skin infection or pediculosis 5
Tested vision of all school children with Massachusetts Vi-
sion Equipment. Number of children referred to physician 48
Tested hearing of all school children with a pure tone audio- meter. Number of children referred to physician 33
Assisted school physician with physical examination of all school children.
Sodium Fluoride treatments to decrease dental decay were offered for the first time, to all second grade children in the Westford schools. This program was sponsored by the Westford Board of Health, the Nashoba Associated Boards of Health, and the State Health Depart- ment and was approved by the School Committee. Miss Barbara Des- mond, Dental Hygienist, gave these treatments to eighty children. Fifty- eight of these children were found to be in need of dental care.
Respectfully submitted,
DOROTHY A. HEALY, R. N.
136
REPORT OF PENMANSHIP SUPERVISOR
Mr. Peter Perry Superintendent of Schools Westford, Massachusetts
My dear Mr. Perry:
I am pleased to submit the following report on the operation of the handwriting program in your schools for the school year of 1949-50.
In the initial handwriting tests administered to your pupils in September 1940, 20% received a grade of "A" (Excellent); 8% received a grade of "B" (Good); and 72% were scored less than "B". In the tests administered in June 1950, 80% received a grade of "A"; 12.1% re- ceived a grade of "B"; and 7.9% scored less than "B". Handwriting certificates were awarded to 87% of your graduates.
During the school year we graded approximately 5700 formal and 17,000 informal handwriting samples for your pupils. A formal test was administered monthly and a report was furnished each teacher giving a careful diagnosis of the handwriting of each pupil in her room.
We furnished the following instructional materials; monthly teach- ers' outlines, pupil folder outlines, room motivation certificates, handedness tests, individual handwriting certificates for pupils who qualified, monthly and term envelopes, seals, etc.
My supervisors join with me in expressing our appreciation for the splendid cooperation we have received from you and your teachers at all times. We are very pleased with the results obtained in your schools.
Sincerely yours,
W. L. RINEHART
Director
137
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC AND ART
Mr. Peter Perry Superintendent of Schools Westford, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Perry:
I herewith submit to you . my annual report of the Music and Art programs in Westford.
The primary aims of these two activities should be, in my opinion, enjoyment, appreciation and the acquisition of basic skills, in that order. The foundation of this system is the association of these activities with each pupil's daily experience. It is only through the constant co- operation of your fine teachers that this system operates successfully.
In the area of Music, it is possible for the achievements of the lessons to culminate in programs and performances. While developing poise and confidence, this allies with dramatics, diction and dancing, and provides a motivating stimulus for learning.
We try to vary the Music program, and a toy orchestra in each of the first grades affords a lot of fun while teaching the fundamentals of rhythm. In the lower grades the children also enjoy rhythmic, and creative games and activities. In grades three, four, and five listening to recordings and folk dancing provide variety. This gives us an op- portunity to work outdoors in the Spring. The Junior High group works with an excellent selection of songs which correlate, in part, their Music and History-Geography study. An explanation of the functions of the Orchestra is included here. In Senior High School the weekly chorus classes sing a variety of folk, minstrel, college, show, old and new songs. The Boys' and Girls' Glee Club meet weekly and give a brief performance at Christmas time, and a Spring concert.
Throughout the first eight grades the Music books are complete and of excellent current selection. There is, however, a need for new Music material in the High School.
In the area of Art activity there is excellent work being done in the classes under the guidance of the teachers. The media used are crayon, chalk, paper cut-out, and paint. The aim of all Art work is to develop in each person a confidence in his and her creative ability. Never losing sight of the prime importance of self-expression, we introduce the basic principles of color, design, size, proportion, action and illustration as
138
they affect a current project. Anyone who has seen the wonderfully imaginative and original Art work which is produced by pupils from the youngest first graders to the oldest eighth graders will appplaud the use of tempera paint. It is a vital means to many children by which they can express their own ideas.
May I extend my apreciation to you, to the principals, and to the teachers whose cooperation and assistance have been unfailing; to the parents and school committee whose support sponors these activities; and to the students whose active participation contributes to my en- joyment of this work.
Respectfully submitted,
BARBARA L. BENNETT
139
SCHOOL CALENDAR 1950-1951
Teachers' Meeting
September 5
Fall Term September 6 - December 22 74 days
Winter Term
January 2 - February 21 37 days
Spring Term February 26 - April 17 36 days
Summer Term
April 23 - June 14
38 days
Total: 185 days
Days omitted:
Columbus Day October 12
Teachers' Convention November 3
Thanksgiving Recess November 23, 24
Good Friday March 23
Memorial Day
May 30
NO-SCHOOL SIGNAL
The No-School Signal will be two blows of the fire alarm whistle repeated three times.
The above signal will be given at 7:10 A.M. unless icing condi- tions begin about that time, in which case the No-School Signal may be blown as late as 7:45 A.M.
The No-School announcement will be broadcast over stations WBZ, WLLH, and WLAW whenever possible.
It is the policy of the School Department to keep schools in ses- sions on all days during which it is safe for buses to be operated. The widely varying conditions in the several parts of Westford make it dif- ficult to reach decisions equally fair to all. ON DAYS WHEN THE WEATHER CONDITION IS QUESTIONABLE, PARENTS ARE URGED TO EXERCISE THEIR OWN JUDGMENT AS TO THE WIS- DOM OF SENDING THEIR CHILDREN TO SCHOOL.
140
Annual Report
OF THE J. V. Fletcher Library OF THE TOWN OF WESTFORD
CHER
3
RARY.
0
1895
For the Year Ending December 31, 1950
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE J. V. FLETCHER LIBRARY
January 1, 1951
The trustees of the J. V. Fletcher Library respectfully submit their annual report for 1950, including the report of the librarian and the list of books added in 1950.
With the, passing of Julian A. Cameron in 1949 the library lost a friend of many years standing, a member of the building committee in 1896 and a trustee for thirty-one years, whose interest and advice was always valued and appreciated.
Once again we record the death of a former trustee-that of Mr. Hugh F. Leith of Concord, who was connected with the Abbot Worsted Company and lived, when in Westford, in the house next to the Academy. In December 1904 Mr. Leith and Mr. Charles O. Prescott were appointed to fill vacancies caused by the deaths of William E. Frost and Dr. Joseph R. Draper, leaving Mrs. Catherine Kebler the sole member of the Board. He served until January 1906 when he resigned but was re- elected and served again from 1908 to 1909. In memory of Mr. Leith an arrangement of opening horse chestnut buds was placed in the Library. Pictures of J. V. Fletcher, Mr. Frost and Dr. Draper hang on the walls in the conversation room as well as a beautiful picture of the Bancroft- Wright house which stood on this site.
It seemed wise this year to acquire a new Reo Trim-a-lawn power mower for the use of the library exclusively. This has proved very acceptable to Mr. McAvinew.
Our library is becoming crowded. Many of the older books have been shelved in the attic so that they will be available to anyone studying old time literature. New wooden shelves will have to be placed on the wall of the stackroom another year. The children's room, originally planned for a reference room, became so crowded that it was necessary to install new shelving, making two little bays, which will help some for the time being.
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.