USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Westhampton > Town of Westhampton annual report 1949 > Part 2
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).
I hereby present this, my fifth, annual report of the Public Schools of Westhampton. This is the fifty-ninth in the series.
The 1949-1950 (October 1, 1949) enrollment is, as follows :
Pre-primary and Grade 1 14 pupils
Grade 2 8 pupils
Grade 3 8 pupils
Grade 4 5 pupils
Grade 5 4 pupils
Grade 6
12 pupils
Grade 7 8 pupils
Grade 8
7 pupils
TOTAL
66 pupils
Eighteen pupils are attending Northampton High School, six pupils are enrolled at Smith's Vocational School, and one is at Holyoke Trade School. In parochial schools 7 pupils are enrolled. Our present total enrollment in elementary and secondary schools is 98 pupils.
Westhampton pupils in attendance at Northampton High School are doing creditable work. Reports of marks for the first fall term showed only one failure in one subject. Ro- ports from Smith's School show one pupil of the six doing work of doubtful quality.
Center School opened in the fall of 1949 with a new prin- cipal. Frederick Fedor. Mr. Gordon Rowe, who had been teacher-principal, resigned at the end of the 1948-1949 school year, to accept a position in the Dedham schools. Mr. Fedor, who succeeded Mr. Rowe, is a graduate of American Inter- national College, with a B. A. degree. He is doing an excellent
33
job in administering the school and teaching Grades 6, 7, and 8. His philosophy of education has permeated throughout the school, and many improvements, both educationally and physically, have been made. The reading of his report is recommended.
Only the necessary textbooks, needed for replacements, were purchased during the past year. We did buy, for use in science classes, a Science Kit. This kit enables the teacher and pupils to actually do experiments in science classes, thus making the work more interesting and meaningful.
During the summer the entire outside of the building was painted, and various other minor repairs were done at the same time. We now feel that our school is in good shape and looks presentable on the outside as well as on the inside. Much praise should be given to Mr. Fedor and his boys for their efforts in improving the playground and ball field. The girls, too, should be given credit for assisting in the project to beautify the grounds. The work that the students do on the school grounds and for the school develops within them a pride in their school. They have many plans to be put into action in the spring.
Recommendations by the Superintendent for the coming year are, as follows:
New shades in all rooms Hot water in toilet rooms
Increased hand-washing facilities in toilet rooms, not in corridor-that lavatory be moved to toilet room Broken urinals and flush closets be replaced
A complete set of maps for intermediate classroom One new encyclopedia for upper grades
Additions in all rooms to class libraries
A committee to study the addition to the existing building of a classroom and all-purpose room
As your Superintendent I wish to report a satisfactory year. The children progress from grade to grade with the nec- essary groundwork in fundamentals, as evidenced by stand-
34
ardized achievement test results, and have time for educational films, current-events discussions, and other projects to enrich the regular school program.
The graduation program in June was one of dignity and purpose, as was the program at Christmas. The entire faculty should be commended for their effort in doing the little things for the children beyond their duties as teachers.
At this time I wish to thank the members of the School Committee for their support and assistance during the past year. The faculty, janitors, and all who have contributed to the school program, I also wish to thank.
We appreciate the assistance of all groups and individuals who have contributed their time and ideas toward making the Westhampton Center School a better school.
respectfully submitted
WILLIAM A. DEXTER Superintendent of Schools
Attendance figures for the school year ending June, 1949:
Whole Num- ber Enrolled
Average Membership
Average Attendance
Gordon P. Rowe, 6, 7, 8
27
25.89
23.92
Eleanor Putnam, 3, 4, 5
22
21.11
19.41
Rachel Bridgman, 1, 2
18
18.47
16.61
-
Total
67
65.47
59.94
REPORT OF THE School Principal
To Mr. William A. Dexter, Superintendent of Schools, and to the Citizens of Westhampton:
It is with pleasure that I hereby submit my first report for the past year. First of all, I would like to express my sin- cere appreciation to all of you who have shown an interest in our school. Through the spirit of keen cooperation that exists between the various organizations and townspeople we are well on the road to a higher degree of perfection in our academic and social needs.
Through the grades, from pre-primary to junior high, we foster a spirit of purposeful learning of the rudiments that make for success in and out of school. In a wholesome atmosphere of insight, helpfulness, direction, and guidance we are kindling the "spark" of creativeness that is latent in every child. All teachers, administrators, and supervisors are working in one direction, this being the attainment of the maximum amount of scholastic development of your children.
The students of the school edit and publish a school news- paper which has been named the "WESTHAMPTON JUN- IOR REVIEW." Students who previously lacked interest and facility in the language arts have found new meaning and significance in this work. Some of their writing is purposeful and inventive, and to these new students avenues to writing success becomes known.
During the Christmas season the student body under the supervision of the music supervisor, Mrs. Esther Clapp, staged a Christmas musical program at the newly renovated Town Hall. In the months to come, we are planning a three-act play and a minstrel program.
The 4-H program in the upper grades has gained impetus and direction in that the students by virtue of active partici-
36
pation are working for their club, community, and country with outstanding results. Their vocational attainments in this scope are of high merit.
Various physical improvements have been made in the recreational arca, and students utilize the equipment during their recesses. Purchases of new equipment have made pos- sible an expanded program and greater interest on the part of the children.
The curriculum in the upper grades includes the teaching of geometry and algebra for the preparation of the students for high school work. Because we live in a scientific age we have also added the study of science to the curriculum this year. A Science Kit, for use especialy in the elementary grades, has been purchased. The equipment, of the best qual- ity available, correlates with the grade science textbooks. It must be realized that all progressive cities, villages, and cen- tralized school districts are teaching science in the grades. It must be admitted, also, that the elementary school graduate without introductory training in algebra, geometry, and science is at a distinct disadvantage when he goes to high school and is put in competition with students who have had this prep- aration.
This past year has also witnessed the growth of the Center School Parent-Teacher Association, the sole purpose of which is to unite parents, teachers, and other interested citizens of our community in an organization that has as its only purpose the welfare of society's greatest asset-its children. It offers to the educational system such constructive cooperation as will promote the interest of the child in all his relationships. With these salient points in mind we are going forward to develop between educators and the general public such united efforts as will secure for every child the highest advantages in physical, mental, social, and spiritual education.
Because learning is a process of growth and development we are endeavoring to guide your child to a higher degree of scholastic perfection and social betterment. Through industry and daily application of the tools of learning our students will
37
be more enthused, interested and benefited by their endeavors in and out of school.
In conclusion may I say that students are learning more in a shorter period of time with interest and effort. The following realizations permeate our entire educational program:
1) That each individual, no matter how poor or how gifted, merits respect and recognition for whatever he con- tributes to the classroom atmosphere.
2) That all children, even the very slow, will develop more rapidly in scholarship and cultivation of real life values in an atmosphere of friendliness, freedom, understanding, and activity.
3) That through the full cooperation of townspeople, parents, administrators, teachers, and students excellent re- sults can be had and maintained, for in a model community and in an atmosphere of full-hearted cordial cooperation the children of WESTHAMPTON CENTER SCHOOL will realize the benefits of the finest education and preparation for advanced work that we can possibly give them.
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERICK K. FEDOR
Principal
REPORT OF THE Supervisor of Physical Education
To Mr. William A. Dexter, Superintendent of Schools:
The following is submitted as my report of the Physical Education program of the Westhampton Center School.
Sometimes there is the feeling in rural districts that the children get enough exercise in the walk to school and their chores at home. Even though this may be partly true, the fact remains that exercise is only one of the objectives of physical education.
In my teaching cach month, I have tried to give the children opportunities to develop their ability to play in groups and to protect themselves from the play hazards. Also, I have continually stressed the value of correct posture and good sportsmanship. The latter, so that in games can win or face defeat with equally good grace, and also that he may be able to follow as well as lead in both play and work. Thus you see that the physical education program is more than a series of bending or walking exercises.
I commend Mr. Fedor and the citizens who helped him in the leveling off of the playground and the mowing of the play field; also, Mr. Fedor and the boys for their work in setting up the volley-ball and basket-ball posts and clearing a place for a base-ball diamond.
I recommend that the playground next to the building be further developed for the younger children, and the play field across the road for the older ones. It would be very ad- vantageous if the field could be kept mowed the entire season. If the volley-ball and basket-ball courts could be adequately marked, it would add to the enjoyment and value of these games.
Although my work with the graduation program was rather minor, I recommend that this type of program be con-
39
tinued. It was both interesting and dignified, and the results certainly reflected the good work of both the teachers and the children.
I take this opportunity to thank the teachers and other members of the School Department who have helped make this program successful.
Respectfully submitted, EDNA H. GRAHAM Supervisor of Physical Education
REPORT OF THE School Nurse
To Mr. William A. Dexter, Superintendent of Schools:
May I ·present to you my report of the health program at the Westhampton Center School for the year ended De- cember 31, 1949.
In January the audiometer test for hearing was given, the machine having been loaned to us by the Northampton Chapter of the American Red Cross. There were no defects noted. The children were weighed and measured. There were several reported cases of chicken-pox and mumps.
Dr. Ross re-examined in the spring for dental defects and the work was done at his office. The students were transported by volunteers of the Mothers' Club.
In April, Dr. Felsen started the Diphtheria Clinic and a series of three injections were given to four pre-school children.
There were no representatives to Camp Hodgkins from Westhampton this past summer. There were seven families contacted but none seemed interested in the opportunity. The camp accommodates girls for one month and boys for one month and is free to children of Hampshire County.
The dental examination was done at the school by Dr. Ross in October. Due to poor lighting facilities at the school there have been additional cavities found upon office visits which were not discovered at the examination. There did seem to be less cavities at the time of examination particularly in those children having had fluorine treatments.
The Massachusetts Vision Test was given in October and parents of all children with defects were notified.
Dr. Felsen did the physical examinations in November. Parents were notified of any defects. The children were weighed and measured at this time.
41
It is becoming more difficult to make suitable arrange- ments for all the examinations being conducted at school. Under present conditions the eye examination must be done in a corridor which is not recommended. The Puretone audi- ometer which we shall use now is an individual hearing test requiring quietness. Heretofore this test was given in groups and meant taking over one classroom. By screening off the back room there was some degree of privacy for the physical examinations although the location of this room is not ideal for reasons of heat, light and ventilation.
In closing I wish to thank the teachers and parents for their cooperation this past year.
Respectfully submitted, RUTH S. HOVER School Nurse
REPORT OF THE Supervisor of Music
During 1949 the music program of the Westhampton Center school has progressed satisfactorily. We have prepared a Christmas, Memorial Day and Graduation program besides doing regular classroom work.
However, new needs have arisen which should be met in 1950.
1. Song material for both grades 3-5, and grades 6-8. We have no adequate basic text book for music in the school.
2. Recordings for music appreciation should be acquired for the use of the whole school.
3. Some instrumental instruction should be provided in the Junior High, either in stringed or wind instruments for those interested and capable.
As always I have received the greatest cooperation from the teachers in our work. The newly organized Parent Teachers Association has already proven to be an added help to the School and its program.
Respectfully submitted,
ESTER STRONG CLAPP
REPORT OF. THE Well Child Conference
The Well Child Conference was held in Westhampton, Wednesday, June 22, 1949 at the Church Parlors. It was con- ducted by Dr. Herman Felsen, examining physician, Miss Florence Gates, nutritionist, courtesy of the Hampshire County Extension Service, Mrs. Barbara Judd, registrar, and Mrs. Ruth Hover, nurse. The volunteer staff from the West- hampton Mothers Club were: Mrs. Eleanor Putnam, Mrs. Iris Blakesley, Mrs. Dorothy Loud, and Mrs. Margaret Wood.
There were 34 children examined as compared to 38 in 1948. New cases-12, Vaccinated-3, Physical defects found : Posture-2, Ear, Nose and Glands-11, Tonsils-9, Geni- tals-3, Feet-1, Malformations-2, Muscular develop- ment-1, Skin-2. Nutritional defects found: More vege- table-4, More fruit-1, Eating habits-3.
I wish to thank the Westhampton Mothers club who volunteer to provide the luncheon for the staff and transporta- tion when necessary and help make this conference each year a success.
Respectfully submitted,
RUTH S. HOVER, R.N.
1 4
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Appropriation Expended in 1949
$18,225.00
18,199.85
S
25.15
Expenditures
Administration
William A. Dexter, Salary
$321.50
Car Maintenance and Expenses
98.00
Mrs. Hickey, Census
15.00
Postage and Miscellaneous
9.25
443.75
Teachers' Salaries
Gordon P. Rowe
1,316.75
Frederick K. Fedor
960.00
Eleanor Putnam
1,940.00
Rachel Bridgman
1,940.00
Esther Clapp, Music
155.00
Edna Graham, Physical Education
160.00
W. L. Rinehart, Penmanship
135.00
Marion Mascho, Substitute
180.00
Alta Clapp, Substitute
6.00
6,792.75
Books
280.27
Supplies
340.93
Janitors' Salaries
Frank Blakesley
235.00
George Burt
205.00
440.00
Fuel
313.76
Operating Expenses
288.97
Repairs and Replacements
435.46
45
Health
Dr. Herman Felsen
100.00
Dr. Abel Ross
5.00
Ruth S. Hover, Nurse
137.50
Medical Supplies
2.18
244.68
Transportation
Elementary :
Richard Warren
1,662.50
Walter Witherell
879.50
High and Vocational: Walter Witherell
2,232.00
4,774.00
Tuition
High School:
City of Northampton
2,757.21
Town of Easthampton
90.00
Vocational :
Smiths School
813.93
Holyoke Trade
8.98
3,670.12
Outlay
152.10
Miscellaneous
23.06
Total Expense for Schools for Year 1949
$18,199.85
Receipts
Funds received in 1949 toward school expenses:
Mass. School Fund, Chapter 70 5,508.81
Mass. School Fund, Chapter 71, Trans. 3,694.26
Superintendent's Salary and Travel 173.20
City of Northampton, Tuition 200.00
Mass. Vocational Ed. Refund 111.40
$9,687.67
Net Cost of Maintaining Schools for 1949
$8,512.18
Net Cost per Pupil
86.86
ESTIMATE OF THE BUDGET FOR 1950
Administration
$443,75
$500.00
Instruction
Teachers' Salaries
6,792.75
7,900.00
Books
280.27
250.00
Supplies
340.93
250.00
Maintenance
Janitors' Salaries
440.00
400.00
Fuel
313.76
300.00
Operating Expenses
288.97
150.00
Repairs and Replacements
435.46
500.00
General
Health
244.68
300.00
Trans: High and Voc.
2,232.00
2,300.00
Elementary
2,542.00
2,800.00
Tuition : High
2,847.21
4,000.00
Vocational
822.91
2,000.00
Miscellaneous
23.06
50.00
Outlay
152.10
50.00
$18,199.85
Total Budget for 1950
$21.750.00
Estimated amount to be received from State Aid
9,000.00
Net Amount to be raised by Westhampton
$12,750.00
REPORT OF THE Town Hall Committee
This project was undertaken with the hope of making our community building large enough, safe enough, and nice enough for the activities of the town, both now, and for years to come. With the cooperation of the contractors and archi- tect, a lot of patience and assistance from the townspeople, and some effort on the part of the committee, we feel we have accomplished this.
Work on the building was started in the Spring of 1949 and was completed by the end of the year. The auditorium was lengthened twenty-five feet, increasing the floor area about 80%. A balcony was built at the rear of the hall be- tween the coat rooms mainly to provide a place for the movie projector in compliance with regulations of the Dept. of Public Safety. The new stage was built using the original arch and curtain but with more space behind the scenery. The ell was moved to form part of the wing and, with eight feet added to it, now gives us a club room with fireplace, selectmen's room, dressing room, kitchenette, and toilets as well as another exit from the main hall. A new heater room was made under the addition, also a stairway and space for a shower room.
The $20,000 appropriated was spent as follows:
General contract (Martinbeault & Lococo) $16,535.63
Heating (Ward Miller)
1,442.00
Electrical work (Greybar Elect. Co. & Chas. Winslow-electrician) 511.30
Painting (Ernest Brissette, labor and materials)
910.68
Architect (Frank Stuart) 350.00
Contractors Bond 187.00
Bulldozer work (Freeman Scott)
20.00
Grading (Oliver Bishop)
10.30
Miscellaneous supplies
27.00
$19,994.11
For the above amount we obtained what we originally planned plus several added improvements. A new oil burning furnace with forced hot air was installed to heat the entire building instead of using the old wood furnace, with auxillary heat for the wing. Instead of adding to the old electrical wiring, the entire building was rewired with twelve circuits instead of the original four. Much credit for this goes to the men of the town who contributed many hours of labor.
Since we were able to provide constant heat in the wing, more and better plumbing than originally planned was in- stalled. Modern flush toilets instead of the frostproof type, lavatories, kitchenette sink, and a drain for possible future showers in the basement were provided. A considerable amount of tile drain was laid around the new foundations. Insulating board was installed under the metal of the ceiling and side walls in the main hall addition.
Much credit for the success of this project goes to Mr. Frank Stuart. He not only was the architect, but served as a member of the committee, and donated many hours of his time supervising the contractors, conferring with state build- ing inspectors, and solving difficulties to make it possible to obtain the extras and still keep within the money appropriated.
We wish to thank Mrs. Henry Ives and Mr. and Mrs. Ellery Clapp whose land adjoins the town hall lot. Their cooperation and patience were greatly appreciated.
We feel that, in this our improved town hall, we have added one more to the many things of which Westhampton can be proud. Let's not lose any of them no matter how hard we have to work or fight to keep them. It also adds one more to our many responsibilities. Let's not shirk them.
We hope you like it, we hope you use it, and we hope you take care of it.
Respectfully submitted,
THE TOWN HALL COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE Fire Department
In compliance with Chapter 48, section 42 of the Massach- usetts General Laws I hereby submit the first annual report of the condition and operation of the Fire Department.
The pumper purchased by the town arrived in September, 1949.
A course of instruction in the operation of the pumper and fire fighting was given by the Chief of the Easthampton Fire Department, Robert Ulm. The following volunteers com- pleted the course and received a certificate from the State Board of Education, Department of Vocational Training: Chief, James Hickey; Deputy chief, Richard Warren; Deputy chief, Stanley Bartlett; Oliver Bishop; Howard Blakesley; Grant Bridgman; Charles Burt; Murray Clapp; Earl Gett; William Hunt; Webster Judd; Francis Loud; Donald Lyman; Frank Montague; Frank Munson; Philip Norris; Mahlon Parsons; Richard Tracy; Howard Williams; George Burt.
The men were divided into four groups, each group being responsible every fourth week for the maintenance and opera- tion of the apparatus. The entire department responded to three drills. There were also twelve group drills. Total man hours spent on drills was 177, feet of hose laid was 5,800.
There were three alarms for fire during the year. The de- partment answered a call October 22, 1949 at 2:40 P. M. to extinguish a blaze in the woodland south of Ralph Bridgman's place. On November 10 at 9:20 P. M. we were called to the two family farm house belonging to Heugh Bridgman for a chimney fire. The third call was December 4 at 6:50 A. M., a chimney fire at the home of Donald Lyman. Total man hours at fires was thirty-eight. Two service calls were made. On December 11 the chimney at the home of Mrs. Carrie Blakesley was cleaned. On the same day the pumper was used to fill the
50
reservoir at the home of Heugh Bridgman as his water supply line was frozen.
Deputy Chief Warren is responsible for the mechanical maintenance of the apparatus. His total time in servicing was 22 hours. Thirty-seven gallons of gasoline and five quarts of oil were used.
There are many things that would greatly benefit the de- partment. Your attention is called to the following :
1. That the town vote to accept Sections 42 through 44 of Chapter 48.
2. That the town appropriate annually the sum of five hundred dollars until such time as there are sufficient funds for a Fire Department building.
3. That the town install a fire-phone system.
JAMES HICKEY
Fire Chief
REPORT OF THE Inspector of Buildings
BUILDING PERMITS ISSUED IN 1949
No. 1 Harold Hooker
No. 2 Walter Lacombe
New
Storage Shed
No. 3 Ira Jourdan
No. 4 Nellie & Howard
Harvey
New
Cottage
No. 5 Ernest Delisle
New
Addition to Shop
No. 6 Earl Gett
New
Poultry House
No. 7 Ira Jourdan
New
Garage
No. 8 Joseph Rigali
New
Cottage
No. 9 Charles Burt
New
Coal Storage
No. 10 Cliften Ewing
New
Garage
No. 11 Cliften Ewing
New
Poultry and
Dairy
No. 13 Harold Lacombe No. 14 Morris & Estelle Frary
New
House
Remodeling old Cottage building
No. 15 Arthur Cotnoir
New
Garage
No. 16 Harry B. Hess
Removal
Garage
No. 17 William Hunt
New
Garage
No. 18 Mrs. A. R. Hodder New
House
No. 19 Enoch Perkins
New
Brooder House
No. 20 Enoch Perkins
New
Sugar House
No. 21 Roger Clapp
New
Garage & Shed
New & Repairs House
New
House
DONALD B. LYMAN
TOWN OF WESTHAMPTON Balance Sheet-September 20, 1949
GENERAL ACCOUNTS
Assets
Liabilities and Reserves
Cash
$28,399.01
Payroll Deductions : Federal Taxes $63.30
County Retirement System 12.32
Accounts Receivable :
Taxes: $75.62
Levy of 1948
232,60
Levy of 1949 :
Unpaid Order-Teachers Retirement 17.16
Polls $26.00
Personal Property 6,667.40
State Parks and Reservation: Tax 30.24
Real Estate 8,479.80
15,173.20
County Tax 1,658.70
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise : Levy of 1949
516.78
Dog Licenses-Due County 24.60
Departmental :
Old Age Assistance
264.24
Trust Fund Income: Totman Cemetery Gen. Care $20.00 Cemetery Perpetual Care .50
20.50
Aid to Highways: State $8,344.09
County
1,000.00
9,344.09
Estimated Receipts, to be collected
4,250.33
Accrued Interest on Town Hall Addition Loan 14.16
Road Machinery Earnings 825.50
Federal Grants:
Aid to Dependent Children : Aid 47.20
Administration 2.10
Old Age Assistance:
Assistance 1,155.19
Administration 108.46
1,312.95
Unexpended Appropriation Balances :
General $35,408.30
World War II Photos
50.00
Public Dump 500.00
Fire Equipment
2,534.65
38,492.95
Articles in the Town Warrant
TOWN MEETING
MONDAY, MARCH 6, 1950 Ten A. M. - Prompt
Article 1. To choose a moderator to preside at said meeting.
Article 2. To choose a Town Clerk.
Article 3. To hear and act on all reports presented at said meeting.
Article 4. To choose all necessary officers to serve the en- suing year.
Article 5. To see if the Town will vote to leave the care of the highways in charge of the Selectmen.
Article 6. To vote in compliance with Section 108, Chap- ter 41, General Laws, which requires that salaries of elected officers be fixed by vote of the Town.
Article 7. To raise and appropriate such sums of money as may be necessary to defray Town charges the ensuing year.
Article 8. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate a sum of money for the observance of Memorial Day.
Article 9. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1950, and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period less than one year in accordance with Section 17, Chapter 44, General Laws.
57
Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate or transfer from unappropriated available funds in the treasury, a sum of money for Chapter 81 highways, Chap- ter 90 highways, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 11. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate a sum of money to purchase a sanding machine.
Article 12. To request that the moderator appoint or the voters elect a five-man committee to be known as the School Building Committee, this article recommended by the School Committee.
(Other articles may appear in the posted warrant.)
INDEX
Town Clerk. 3
Treasurer . 5
Selectmen 10
Budget Recommendations 24
Jury List . 25
Assessors 26
Library 29
School Committee. 31
Superintendent of Schools.
32
School Principal. 35
Supervisor of Physical Education .
38
School Nurse.
40
Supervisor of Music. 42
School Financial . 44
Well Child Clinic. 43
Warrant. 56
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.