USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1937-1938 > Part 6
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
Truly yours,
J. TURNER HOOD, JR.,
High School Principal.
110
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Stephen G. Bean, Supt. of Schools, Wilmington, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
I have the honor to submit my annual report as school nurse.
Much of the work done this year cannot be put into a report, be- cause of its personal nature. However, a report of the various clinics held will give some idea of what has been accomplished.
DENTAL CLINIC
Number of Children Attended 101
Number of Cleanings 99
Number of Fillings 257
Number of Extractions 164
TUBERCULOSIS FOLLOW-UP CLINIC
Number of Contact Cases Examined at N. R. S . S. 46 Number of Non-Contact Cases Examined at N. R. S. S. 2
Number Sent to Summer Health Camp
1
STATE TUBERCULOSIS CLINIC
Number of Pupils given Von Pirquet Test at School 136
Number of Pupils Having Positive Reaction 28
Number of Pupils X-Rayed 29
Number Needing Further Follow-Up 1
There are to my knowledge approximately twenty-five families with tuberculosis sending from one to eight children per family to our schools. In some cases, the person suffering from tuberculosis has died. In some, the patient is at present in a sanatorium, and in others, the patient is still in the home.
111
Tuberculosis is a contagious disease, that is often well advanced before it is discovered. It can be diagnosed in its early stages, by means of X-Ray and the skin test.
We can protect our children against this insidious disease by the hospitalization of all sputum-positive cases, by periodic X-Ray exam- inations of those who have been exposed, and by health education as a means of building physical resistance.
To this end, these clinics have been held.
DIPHTHERIA CLINIC
Number of School Children Immunized. 130
Number of Pre-School Children Immunized. 19
Total 149
The pupils of the first eight grades, and those of the high school, desiring to play football, were examined by E. C. MacDougall, M. D., School Physician, and notices of defects sent to the parents.
Health Conferences were held at the Silver Lake, West, Maple Meadow, and Whitefield Schools. The parents were invited to come and talk over their health problems. While only 19 mothers came, I felt that much was accomplished, and I hope to do more along this line during the coming year.
I wish to thank you, Mr. Bean, the Teachers, and Supervisors, for their splendid co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
ESTHER H. NICHOLS, R. N.
School Nurse.
112
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF ART
Mr. Stephen G. Bean, Superintendent of Schools, Wilmington, Mass.
Dear Sir:
I have the honor to submit my ninth annual report as Supervisor of Art.
I believe that art is a practical means of encouraging and develop- ing the most powerful of your child's instincts-his creative imagina- tion. This force is sincerely the foundation of every true success and is instinctive in every child. Students in our public schools today must have some means of expression, not only with their minds, but with their hands. The public school art course is constructed with this thought in mind and offers boys and girls such a means of expression.
Every two weeks, in the grades, I visit each room for a forty-five minute period. The regular teachers then continue the work by teach- ing two lessons a week.
In the grades, a great deal has been accomplished in paper-cut- ting, lettering, nature work, figure drawing, color and design. The most interesting things that have been done are the very large draw- ings made of one particular subject. One second grade made an "Aqua- rium" including all kinds of fish, sea-horses, and plants made in design. All the third and fourth grades drew five very large posters on "Safety First" subjects, one fifth grade drew boys and girls in all types of "Colonial Costumes", and the other two fifth grades made "A Story of Houses", including every type of house from the "Cave" up to the "Sky- Scraper". In the sixth grades, they made a "Japanese Scene" which covered the different kinds of costumes, houses, and country of Japan.
In the past year the seventh grades have made winter sport fig- ures, lettering, tree shapes, an original picture using one kind of tree, Indian border designs, candle designs, castles of France, Spain, Hungary, and England done in pencil technique, and cut paper floral designs. The eighth grades have accomplished a great deal too, such as: commercial advertising posters, figure pose drawing, free-brush
113
work, designs in color, water color sketches, Hallowe'en designs, large Indian heads, stained glass window designs, and objects drawn in per- spective.
The High School freehand and mechanical drawing classes meet after school the same as they have for the past three years. It is sur- prising the regular attendance I have from most of the pupils, and the extra time some of them are willing to give for drawing. The students in the freehand drawing class have made travel posters, posed figure drawings, free brush work designs, lettering, original November pic- tures, Madonnas painted against an original stained glass window de- sign, and several lessons in pencil technique.
The mechanical drawing class of boys is the largest it has been for years, and several problems have already been completed. I teach a course in this at the special class at the North School and the boys there show much more enthusiasm about it than they did in freehand drawing.
The annual exhibition of art was held last June, the eighth, in the High School Gymnasium, following the physical training demonstra- tion on the common, with a very large number of parents attending. As every one was so enthusiastic about it, there probably will be an- other one near the end of this school year.
What better reason could I give for teaching art than to say that a person who thinks with his pencil is better able to visualize, to invent, and to create, no matter what field he may enter. From a practical point of view, to be able to read architects' plans at a glance, to image what a remodeled house will look like, to explain things when words are inadequate and drawings or diagrams are necessary to make mean- ings clear, to design one's own clothes, to furnish one's home in good taste, to sense values more accurately, to face life more clearly,- these are some advantages of learning to draw and acquire an appre- ciation of art.
In conclusion, I wish to express my sincere thanks to Mr. Bean, teachers, pupils and school officials for their loyalty, co-operation, and activity in making my work successful.
Respectfully submitted,
SHIRLEY H. GULLIVER,
Supervisor of Art.
114
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Mr. Stephen G. Bean, Superintendent of Schools, Wilmington, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir:
I have the honor to submit my first report as Supervisor of Physi- cal Education.
Physical Education is conducted in the schools with the definite aim of laying a sound foundation for citizenship-"a sound mind in a sound body".
The importance of Posture work in the schools is being recognized more and more each year. Posture examinations were held at the be- ginning of the school year and physical defects were noted. Individual, as well as class instructions, are stressed in this worthy phase of Physical Education. The children are checked on their posture by the grade teacher during the school day, and various means are devised to stimulate an interest in correct posture.
This year the "Captain" system was introduced in the schools. Each week a different child in each class is selected to lead the group in Physical training, under the supervision of the teacher. In this way every child has an opportunity to develop initiative, self confidence, and a sense of responsibility.
Grades 1-6
These classes are visited once every two weeks for a period of thirty-five minutes. However, the fifth and sixth grades of the Center School are visited once every week for the same amount of time. The teacher carries on the Physical training in the meantime. The children have received instructions In folk dancing, rhythms, games, numetics, corrective work, calesthenics, stunts, and marching. Occasionally, the gymnasium is available, and the children from the Center School have enjoyed their work there.
115
Grades 7-8
The work in these grades has been decidedly limited due to a lack of school time. These children are visited once every two weeks for a thirty-five minute period. The teacher conducts the Physical Educa- tion on alternate weeks for a thirty-five minute period. The program for this group has included corrective work, folk dancing, calesthenics, and marching. The girls received some lessons in Field Hockey.
High School
Physical Education classes are held in the High School gym- nasium every Tuesday and Thursday. Each period consists of forty minutes. Every girl is required to take Physical Training unless she has been excused by a physician.
After school coaching in competitive games is given every day for a period of an hour. Attendance is voluntary.
Girls' Field Hockey was revived after an absence of a year, and it was the principal sport of the Fall season. The Town Common was at our disposal and was greatly appreciated.
We had a Varsity and Second team in addition to four class teams. In this way, a large number of girls were able to participate in the sport.
Our playing schedule was brief, due to our inability to arrange games in the Fall season.
Our Varsity teams played Stoneham and Reading at their respec- tive fields and defeated both teams. Reading played the return games in Wilmington and were again defeated by a good margin. The game was played on the Town Common and attended by a large, enthusiastic crowd. After the games, the Wilmington girls of the entire Field Hockey squad entertained the Reading teams in the gymnasium. Danc- ing and refreshments were enjoyed.
Our Freshmen team played Reading Freshmen at Reading and emerged victorious. Our Sophomore team played Stoneham at Stone- ham and tied the score.
In the Inter-class tournaments the Juniors defeated the Seniors, and the Sophomores won over the Freshmen. In the final game, the Juniors ran up the highest number of points and thereby won the school championship in Field Hockey.
116
Basketball practice was started in December. Great enthusiasm was shown for this sport. The regular Basketball schedule with the Lowell Suburban League was arranged. Plans were made for class teams as well as varsity teams.
It is unfortunate, in the face of such interest, that the students should be so handicapped with regard to adequate playing facilities. The floor of the gymnasium is not regulation size, the baskets are not regulation height, and the ceiling is too low for the sport. All of these obstacles make it difficult for the students to develop as skilled a team as they are capable of developing.
Not only are the playing conditions inadequate, but the hygienic conditions are very unsatisfactory. The dressing rooms for the stu- dents are deplorable and should receive immediate attention.
A visit to the gymnasium and the locker rooms would awaken one to the necessity of improvement.
I wish to extend my sincere thanks to you, Mr. Bean, to the school principals, to the teachers and students for their cooperation in making this work pleasant and successful.
Respectfully submitted,
ANNE F. MULLANE,
Supervisor of Physical Education.
117
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Wilmington, Mass.
Mr. Stephen G. Bean, Superintendent of Schools, Wilmington, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir:
I have the honor to submit my third annual report as Supervisor of Music.
It has been gratifying to review in retrospect the past two and a half years. Each year there has been a continuous growth in the interest taken by the students in Music in the High School. The en- rollment of each musical organization has more than doubled its mem- bership. The orchestra has not augmented its membership because of insufficient instrumental study in the elementary grades. It is my hope that more parents will start their children studying an instrument in the lower grades. An instrumental class has been organized to teach children who have had no previous lessons. In time each of these children will be qualified to play in the High School orchestra.
On May 18, 1937 the Daniel T. Buzzell School and the Wilmington High School gave their second annual concert in the Wilmington Theatre. The program was as follows:
Fly, Singing Bird Elgar Wake Thee, Now Dearest Czecho-Slovak Folksong
Junior-Senior Girls' Glee Club
Friends of Yesterday Simpson Away to Rio Bartholomew
Boys' Glee Club
Dance Song from "William Tell" Rossini The Big Brown Bear Mana-Zucca Three Little Girls from School Gilbert & Sullivan Vada Ainsworth, Marjorie Meadows, Doris Bertwell
Daniel T. Buzzell Chorus Miss Doris L. Groesbeck, accompanist
118
Mon P'tit Brave Soldat
Richards Bohm
Still As The Night.
There She Lies in Slumber Deep
Sibelius
Freshman-Sophomore Girls' Glee Club
School Cadets Raymond
Toselli's Serenade Toselli
Sea Bubbles
Herfurth
Junior-Senior Orchestra
Ciribiribin
Pestolozza
Clouds
Charles
Junior-Senior Girls' Glee Club
Eight Bells Bartholomew
Old Man Noah
Bartholomew
Boys' Glee Club
Pop! Goes the Weasel Treharne
Land of Our Hearts Chadwick
Boys' and Girls' Glee Club
Accompanists : Miss Mary Furlan, Miss Phyllis Robinson, Miss Virginia Hill
On June 4, 1937 the Elementary Schools of Wilmington gave a Song Festival in the Grange Hall. Each grade gave a demonstration.
Two instruments have been bought from the proceeds of these concerts, one a clarinet, the other a violin. These instruments have been loaned to students especially interested in the study of these instruments.
Two pianos have been given to the Wilmington Schools. One piano is in the Daniel T. Buzzell School, the other is in the High School Gymnasium.
The third annual high school concert will be given in the Spring. The second annual elementary concert will be given in June.
I wish to thank you Mr. Bean, the principals, teachers, and pupils for the genuine interest and co-operation that has been given me in my work.
Respectfully submitted,
ANGELICA CARABELLO,
Music Supervisor.
119
SARAH D. J. CARTER LECTURE COMMITTEE
TREASURER'S REPORT
RECEIPTS
Jan. 1, 1937 Balance on hand
$ 113.75
Mar. 23, F. L. Eames Income
41.47
$ 155.22
EXPENDITURES
Feb. 18, 1937 Esther Snow Carter Management
$50.00
Mar. 5, 1937 Esther Snow Carter Management
50.00
Mar. 30, 1937 Wilmington Grange, rent.
30.00
$130.00
$130.00
Jan. 1, 1938 Balance on hand
$25.22
Respectfully submitted,
A. F. BLAKE, Treasurer. SARAH D. J. CARTER LECTURE COMMITTEE
120
REPORT OF THE SARAH D. J. CARTER LECTURE COMMITTEE
The work of the Carter Lecture Committee has suffered from the reduction in income derived from the fund given by the late Mrs. Sarah D. J. Carter for public entertainment purposes. However, the commit- tee has prepared a brief program for the season of 1937-1938 as follows:
Tuesday evening, February 1, 1938 CHRYSTINE COLEMAN, Dramatic Reader will present "DRAMA HIGHLIGHTS OF TODAY"
Scenes from "Victoria Regina", "The Barretts of Wimpole Street" and "The First Lady".
Group singing by the Olympian Male Quartette.
Tuesday evening, March 1, 1938
CAPTAIN STANLEY OSBORNE
Native of Australia and World Traveler will present an Illustrated Lecture "AUSTRALIA AND NEW GUINEA"
Respectfully submitted,
MILDRED E. NEILSON, Chairman, ARTHUR F. BLAKE, MURIEL A. GEBHARD, LOUIS T. DOUCETTE, JOHN W. HATHAWAY,
Sarah D. J. Carter Lecture Committee
121
THE REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSION
In accordance with the vote at the annual town meeting of March, 1937, an extension of the water main was made on Woburn Street ex- tending from Federal Street.
The finishing of the water extension on Chestnut Street was ac- complished in the early Spring with the necessary grading to complete the project.
Thirty-one new services were added during the year making the total services to date seven hundred and eleven.
The consumption of water increased over 1936 by eleven million gallons. This includes the consumption by North Reading, and also a considerable increase in consumption by Wilmington consumers. While water has been plentiful, there are a great many people who think nothing of wasting water, allowing sprinklers to operate all night and even allowing them to operate while it is raining.
While commissioners have been quite lenient in regard to the use of water, the supply is not inexhaustible and in the future if commis- sioners find abuse of the privilege they will install meters in such cases and charge for the water consumed.
The receipts and expenditures are tabulated in the report of the Town Auditor. The following tabulation shows the statistics of the department including the accounts receivable and the total investment to date.
Respectfully submitted,
CALEB S. HARRIMAN, Chairman LOUIS T. McMAHON, ALDEN N. EAMES,
Water Commissioners.
122
WATER DEPARTMENT STATISTICS
Water Consumption
Year
Gal. Pumped
Av. per day
1929
20,012,700
54,829
1930
26,556,200
72,456
1931
26,384,300
72,285
1932
38,494,200
105,175
1933
39,438,000
108,049
1934
61,122,900
167,460
1935
57,274,300
156,916
1936
75,166,800
205,934
1937
86,575,500
237,193
Fuel Oil Consumption
Year
Gal. Used
Cost
Gal. per Mil.
Cost per Mil.
1929
1606.6
$ 90.77
80.2
$4.54
1930
2137
120.73
80.4
4.54
1931
2028.8
109.52
77.7
4.16
1932
3056.3
139.61
79.3
3.62
1933
3129.1
138.99
79.3
3.52
1934
5000.8
266.47
81.8
4.35
1935
4835.1
264.23
84.4
4.61
1936
6751.2
313.90
89.8
4.17
1937
7837.6
408.26
90.5
4.71
Lubricating Oil Consumption
Year
Gal. Used
Cost
Gal. per Mil.
Cost per Mil.
1929
83.25
$54.11
4.1
$2.70
1930
90.00
61.55
3.4
2.32
1931
62.25
46.69
2.36
1.77
1932
88.25
66.19
2.29
1.72
1933
69.00
51.75
1.71
1.31
1934
112.00
84.00
1.83
1.37
1935
88.00
66.00
1.53
1.15
1936
108.00
64.80
1.43
.86
1937
99.00
59.40
1.14
.68
123
Oil Used in Heater
Gals.
Cost
1929
3809.0
$215.23
1930
4204.0
237.54
1931
5081.9
279.20
1932
4950.7
249.29
1933
3646.9
165.88
1934
6442.1
341.99
1935
7095.0
388.03
1936
8031.0
373.78
1937
8512.0
450.18
Accounts Receivable
Service Accounts:
Balance due 1934
$ 108.40
Abated
108.40
Balance due 1935
$ 60.91
Abated
60.91
Balance due 1936
$ 160.36
Received
32.04
$
128.32
Balance due 1937
$ 756.22
Received
661.98
$ 194.24
Street Mains 1937
$ 165.50
Received
165.50
Water Rate Account
$ 1,204.97
Total Accounts Receivable
$ 1,527.53
Total Investment
Cost of Water System December 31, 1936
$419,878.07
Chestnut Street Extension
6,853.53
W. P. A. Payroll
7,941.00
W. P. A. Pipe
4,180.00
Woburn Street (North)
1,292.98
Total Services (31)
1,294.95
Total Investment in Water System December 31, 1937 .... $441,440.53
124
THE REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
With the assistance of the W. P. A. it has been possible during the past year to continue the modernization of more sections of the ceme- tery. While some of this work is not yet completed, it will be in the Spring. When rolled and seeded it will add greatly to the appearance of the cemetery.
If further projects are accepted we will shortly have the entire cemetery modernized and we believe it will be in keeping with modern cemeteries throughout the State.
We again suggest that lot owners give consideration to placing their lots in perpetual care if they have not already made such provi- sions. Arrangements may be made so that such perpetual care may be spread over a few years and it would assure you that in the future your lots would receive proper attention.
Receipts and expenditures for the year are tabulated in the report of the Town Accountant.
Respectfully submitted,
L. T. McMAHON, Chairman,
G. E. NICHOLS, W. E. BARROWS,
Cemetery Commissioners.
125
REPORT OF THE MOTH SUPERINTENDENT AND TREE WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen.
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report as Moth Superintendent and Tree Warden.
Moth Department
When I took over Moth Superintendent on March 26, 1937, I had $17.13 to work with. I painted the frame work and doors and also re- paired the roof of the Moth House which had to be done. The runway was repaired with gravel and the electric light was paid out of this amount.
Tree Department
In the Tree Warden Department, forty-eight trees were removed, some of these trees were removed on account of street widening, and others were diseased. All the wood in these trees was given to the Welfare Department of the Town, also trimming and removing old dead limbs that endangered lives and property was done as long as finances permitted.
Details of expenditures will be found in the report of the Town Accountant.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN W. BABINE,
Moth Superintendent and Tree Warden.
126
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
January 24, 1938
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Wilmington, Mass. Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report for the year 1937 as Inspector of Animals.
Number of dog bites reported 25
Number of dogs showing physical signs of rabies 2
Number of dogs submitted to laboratory examination 3
Laboratory Report
Positive
1
Negative
2
Suspicious 0
All animals known to have been "contacts" with dogs showing physical signs of rabies were quarantined for the period of time pre- scribed by law.
Number of animals quarantined 48
Inspection of Domestic Animals and Premises Where Animals Are Kept
Number of premises keeping cattle. 50
Number of cattle 274
Number of cattle released from Interstate Shipment. 56
Number of barns where disinfection was supervised
after cattle reacting to the tuberculin test were
removed 1
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH B. ODIORNE, Inspector of Animals.
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
January 24, 1938
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Wilmington, Mass. Gentlemen:
No slaughtering inspected during the year 1937.
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH B. ODIORNE, Inspector of Slaughtering.
127
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE For the Year 1937
January 31, 1938.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
The year 1937 has been a very arduous one for this board. We have witnessed an increase in Old Age Assistance, Aid to Dependent Children, and straight relief. The first part of the year was quite heavy, easing off a little during the summer months, and increasing sharply during the latter part of the year. The same as in 1936, our W. P. A. quota was not high enough to absorb all the employables on relief. During the summer months, many found private employment, which had a tendency to cut our welfare costs. The latter part of the year, we suffered an increase due to the sharp business recession, which in our opinion was as serious as any time through this long depression.
Welfare costs have risen in all cities and towns, in spite of earnest efforts to keep them down. In comparison to other towns, we have managed to show a smaller increase. Welfare costs have become a very serious problem, and must be treated as such. This board is not reluctant to aid any person or family who is needy, but too often per- sons apply who cannot be classed as needy, and therefore are refused aid. Cases such as these bring wrath upon this board, and immediate- ly we become the object of much criticism. Every case is different, and has to be treated as so. Too often persons will talk and criticize a cer- tain case. On the surface a case looks a whole lot different, than it does after it has been investigated, and therefore no one is justified in jumping at conclusions, until all the facts of the case have been prop- erly looked into. Few realize what welfare boards are up against, and the time that has to be devoted to eliminate those persons who are seeking to live on the public, when they have other means of support. This board feels that although we are carrying a load that is not normal, that every case has been weighed, and those that are receiv- ing aid are justified. Conditions as these are bound to alarm the citi- zens, and therefore we would welcome any suggestion that would make it possible for a committee to be appointed to look into welfare affairs, and to see for themselves, and to report to others just what the prob- lem is.
128
The certifying of all W. P. A. workers is still under our jurisdic- tion. We have made many certifications, but are disappointed in the fact that more men have not been placed. After certifications have been made, our power ceases, as assignments are made from Boston. Many have misunderstood this arrangement, and have held this board responsible for their failure to receive work. We are only too willing to put all needy persons to work.
This board as in other years certified commodity cards, and many thousand dollars' worth of food and clothing were distributed to the needy. This distribution being handled very efficiently by Mrs. Giroux.
Herewith, we are showing the amount of commodities received from the State Department of W. P. A., which have been distributed through this board for the year.
Quantity
Value
Food
67,179 lbs.
$3,876.06
Clothing
12,160 pcs.
12,565.44
TOTAL
$16,441.50
Welfare Cases
During the year 1937, this board rendered aid to 109 families, con- sisting of 421 persons. Fifty-three families had a Wilmington settle- ment, thirty-two families had no settlement, (State Cases), twenty-one families had settlements in other cities or towns, and three were classified as wife settlements, that is, the husband had no settlement, but the wife had one.
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.