USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Wilbraham > Wilbraham annual report 1946-1950 > Part 12
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Respectfully submitted,
RALPH E. TUPPER SR. Fire Chief
Gypsy Moth Report
Total Egg Clusters destroyed 1,373
Largest colony (Pelligrini's Oak) 53
There is a very noticeable decrease in the number of egg clusters found this fall. We think this is due to the fact that the department did more spraying last spring than in previous years.
Respectfully submitted,
E. RAY PEASE
Moth Superintendent
Trustees of Free Public Library
Number of volumes in Library Jan. 1, 1947
8,059
Number of volumes added by purchase
200
Number of volumes donated
71
Number of volumes discarded and lost
174
Number of volumes in Library Jan. 1, 1948
8,15
Circulation Borrowers
North Wilbraham
8,972
447
Stony Hill
257
21
School Deposits
1,000
Total
10,229
468
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The most important improvement in the Library during the past year has been the long-delayed installation of fluores- cent lights. This has proved a most welcome change in light- ing the stacks as well as relieving eye-strain which was severe under the old-type lighting. The wiring in the basement has been found inadequate and dangerous so a complete re-wiring job is being done there and a new switch-board installed. The payment for the re-wiring work will be made in 1948.
It has been a fortunate year as far as emergency repairs to the building were concerned so most of the money allocated for that purpose did not have to be used. During the ensuing year some new ceilings and re-decorating will have to be done on the second floor.
The Trustees gratefully acknowledge several gifts of books received by the Library during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, H. W. CUTLER, Chairman
HOWE S. NEWELL ALICE PLIMPTON Trustees
Milk Inspector
Licenses given to sell milk 51
Licenses given to sell margarine License fees turned over to Treasurer $28.00
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Dairies were inspected as necessary.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES M. PICKENS
Milk Inspector
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Planning Board
During the year the Planning Board held ten regular meetings and five special meetings.
Three streets were submitted to this board for review in 1947 and reports were filed with the Selectmen.
During the year three sub-division plans were approved, and two are still pending.
Two plans for the erection of frequency modulation broad- casting facilities were presented to the board for approval. The Wilbraham zoning by-laws as approved May 23, 1946 permitted such facilities to be erected in an A-1 zoning, and the board has approved one application for the erection of a tower estimated to cost $50,000. Completion of this tower will be accomplished in 1948.
A petition for a change of zone was submitted to the board by the Powers Estate for a change from residence A-2 to business for the purpose of erection of a park-in-theatre. After a public hearing according to law the change of zone was approved at a special town meeting held June 3, 1947.
Much preliminary work has been done in preparation of the master plan as approved at the last annual town meeting. However, this being a three year program the value of the plan will not be apparent until most of the work has been completed. Throughout the year engineers have been gathering basis data which will be used in various stages in the preparation of this master plan. The Planning Board feels that the continuance of this work is of vital importance.
Under date of May 5, 1947, the State Legislature passed an act to clarify and amend the laws providing an improved method of municipal planning. This amendment requires all plots of land, whether plans were on record at the Registry of Deeds, or not recorded, to be submitted to the planning board for its approval, before any building permit, water connection or other public service can be given.
This Act further requires that no public way and no public water supply or sewer or other municipal utility or improve- ment in any public or private way shall be constructed within a subdivision in any city or town without the approval of the planning board.
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No public way shall be laid out, altered, relocated or dis- continued unless the matter has been referred to the planning board of the town and such board has reported thereon.
Respectfully submitted,
DUDLEY BLISS OREN K. GILBERT, Chairman RUSSELL HARRINGTON WILLIAM F. ROACH RALPH S. STEDMAN
Planning Board
Playground Commissioners
The Board has enjoyed, since its inception, the whole- hearted cooperation of the townspeople in respect to time and effort contributed to its program. This past year there has been added substantial financial contributions by various civic- minded groups. The North Wilbraham Athletic Association, the Lions Club, and the Collins Athletic Association in par- ticular have been most generous with their funds in helping to get the proper facilities established to carry out a complete recreational program.
The greater part of the town appropriation for this work, as well as the donated funds, have necessarily had to be spent in what may well be called capital expenditures. A concrete block retaining wall, additional grading, loaming, and seeding was necessary to complete the playground started the previous year at the west end of the town. The largest task of the year was the transforming of the old Grassy Hollow area into an especially fine playground. The job called for extensive bull- dozer, shovel, and grading work which gives ample space for a baseball field, adequate room for various other sports, as v ell as space to set up equipment for the younger children. The ground was seeded this Fall, and the whole area should be ready for use this coming year. Improvements were made at the town beach, and the parking facilities were enlarged, graded, and partially landscaped. A large skating rink has been pro- vided on the new town property, as well as smaller rinks lo- cated at Grassy Hollow and the west end playground.
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The year's activities included basketball, conducted at the Academy gym and Kosciusko Hall; baseball, swimming, and the annual Fourth of July celebration at Mohawk Field. The town beach was covered by life guard Bernard Tupper from twelve noon to eight in the evening for the entire season, and this proved to be one of the most popular parts of the recrea- tional project for both young and old.
As in the past, the hard work and cooperation of the three committees representing each precinct was outstanding. What has been accomplished is the result of their interest, time, and effort in furnishing something worthwhile for the young people of Wilbraham. The Board extends to them its thanks. In conclusion, it is the aim of this Board to eventually use the funds appropriated for procurring trained supervision during the summer months for the town's three playgrounds. It is hoped that a start in this direction can be made this coming year now that the initial steps have been taken in building the playgrounds themselves.
Respectfully submitted, RALPH STEDMAN, Chairman JOSEPH NALEPA LOUIS KEYES
Poison Ivy Committee
In Wilbraham the growth of Poison Ivy became such a menace to the comfort and health of its citizens that in 1945 the Garden Group of the Wilbraham Women's Club decided to start in some way to effect its eradication.
The Selectmen were friendly to the idea but considered it too expensive with power sprayers and town labor. Therefore, in the spring of 1946 the Garden Group bought one barrel of Ammate. This was offered at the wholesale price to anyone in Wilbraham who would use it on Poison Ivy on his property. Mrs. Ralph Stedman was chairman of the Committee in charge. In June, The Hampden County Improvement League co- operated by sending Mr. Putnam to give a talk and demon- stration at the home of Mrs. Stedman. This was a successful and approved start.
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In readiness for the 1947 Town Meeting a rough survey was made of the Ivy on our many roads. The Selectmen recommended a two or three year program as needed. $200 was voted: this sum to be used under the direction of the Board of Health and supervised by the tree warden. A sprayer and two barrels of Ammate were purchased.
Mrs. Edwin C. Harrington, Jr., was chosen chairman and with her Garden Group committee outlined the work to be done. Roadsides sprayed were Monson road from the Ridge road to Main St., Mountain Road south, and Main Street from North Wilbraham to the Hampden town line.
Where growth was especially heavy some of this must be covered again in 1948. The season for this work is from the time of the maturity of the leaves in June until the latter part of July. It should be emphasized that dead Ivy is still Poison Ivy. It should be burned and the smoke avoided.
Respectfully submitted,
MRS. BERTHA A. PIPER
Leader of the Garden Group.
Sealer of Weights and Measures
Scales and Weights tested and sealed
96
Liquid measures 16
Kerosene pumps
2
Gasoline pumps 39
Packaged commodities reweighed and checked 130
Found short and ordered to be sold by actual weight 12
Fees collected and turned over to Treasurer $56.02
Respectfully submitted,
ADELBERT J. BROOKS
Sealer of Weights and Measures
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REPORT OF THE Superintendent of Schools
To the School Committee of the Town of Wilbraham:
My second annual report as superintendent of schools in the town of Wilbraham is submitted herewith.
Superintendency Union No. 17
Superintendency Union No. 17 is composed of three towns, East Longmeadow, Wilbraham, and Hampden. The duties of the union as a whole are to select the superintendent of schools and the union secretary. The supervisor of art, the supervisor of music, and the school nurse are engaged separately by the individual towns. The cost of supervision in art, music, and health is met by the towns in proportion to the amount of time each one of the respective supervisors is able to give to each town; whereas expense of the superintendency, which includes the superintendent's salary, the secretary's salary, and the maintenance of the superintendent's office, is paid by these towns as follows: East Longmeadow, 45%; Wilbraham, 35%; Hampden 20%.
Change in Teaching Staff
It was necessary to add two new teachers to the Wilbra- ham teaching faculty when school opened in September, 1947. Mrs. Margaret V. Lawson resigned her position as fifth grade teacher at North Wilbraham effective last June. Mrs. Liane Fontaine, who was teaching at The Pines, Grades 3 and 4, was assigned to Grade 5 at North Wilbraham school, replacing Mrs. Lawson. Mrs. Elizabeth Sharry, who received her degree of Bachelor of Science in Education from Worcester State Teachers College in 1942, was chosen to fill the vacancy at The Pines. Mrs. Sharry has had previous teaching experience in the towns of Hardwick, Grafton, and Brookfield. She comes to us highly recommended.
Previous to September, 1947, there were pupils attending all eight grades at The Pines school. Because of this it was necessary to have what is known as combination grades at the school. This means that pupils in Grades 1 and 2 were taught in one room by Miss Marion Holland; pupils in Grades 3 and 4 were taught in one room by Mrs. Liane Fontaine; pupils in Grades 5 and 6 were taught in one room by Mrs. Stasia Lavoie. Departmental work was being done in Grades 7 and 8 by Miss Marion Kelley, principal, Mrs. Pearl Chouffet, and Miss Helen Kochanek. Miss Kochanek is now on leave of absence, working toward her Bachelor's degree at Columbia University.
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When school opened in September, 1947, the enrolment in Grade 1 in the town of Wilbraham was sixty pupils. This created a seating problem as well as a teaching problem in this grade. The overcrowded condition was such that it re- quired immediate action to relieve the situation in order that the pupils might receive proper supervision by their teacher in their school work. As there were only six rooms at The Pines school, the departmental work previously mentioned in Grades 7 and 8 was curtailed, giving one free room which could be used, thus permitting us to divide the combination grade room under Miss Marion Holland. This allowed ample room for the pupils who were enrolled in Grade 1. Miss Holland was assigned as teacher of Grade 2 and Mrs. Stella Mondoux, who graduated from Westfield State Teachers College in 1944 and had taught in the West Hartford, Connecticut, schools, was employed to teach Grade 1. This arrangement has worked out very satisfactorily.
Miss Phyllis Smith, supervisor of music during the school year 1946-1947, resigned in August because of her coming marriage. Mrs. Jamie R. Witzel, graduate of Mary Washing- ton College of the University of Virginia, was employed to fill this vacancy. Mrs. Witzel has done previous teaching at Fredericksburg, Virginia, and Mobile, Alabama.
Enrolment
At present there is a total enrolment in our three schools of 305 pupils, an increase over last year's enrolment. One will note from a study of the following tables that the pupil enrol- ment in the town of Wilbraham over the last few years has shown a steady increase. This creates the problem of housing these children in order that they may receive adequate instruc- tion. The need for more room is evident. The children in Grades 7 and 8 were receiving instruction under a much more favorable condition when it was possible for the school to have departmental teaching.
In passing, may we say that the increased enrolment will not only create a housing problem, but will also create a trans- portation problem. This is realized by the members of your school committee and superintendent of schools, and will be handled to the best of their ability.
Honor Pupils in High and Trade Schools
Wilbraham may rightly be proud of the high rating ob- tained by so many of its secondary school pupils. This year shows a gain in the number of pupils listed on the honor rolls of the high and trade schools they attend.
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Total Pupils
Honor Pupils
Per Cent
1942
152
66
43
1943
127
60
55
1944
129
59
46
1945
135
48
36
1946
126
57
45
1947
126
60
48
Following the custom established several years ago, eight pupils were awarded special commendation certificates at the local graduation exercises for having been on the honor rolls for three successive years. The names of these graduates may be found listed on the high and trade school honor roll.
Repairs and Improvements
During 1947 repairs and improvements were made in all three buildings.
The furnaces in both the North Wilbraham and Spring- field Street schools were in critical condition which required new inner linings which were installed during the summer vacation. This complete installing of these new furnaces along with other minor repairs necessary to put the heating systems in excellent condition was done by Mr. Norman Ellis under a contract bid of $2,500. These furnaces have been working very satisfactorily during the present school year.
The inside as well as the outside of these two buildings, North Wilbraham and Springfield Street, have needed painting for some time. As it was evident to the school committee that these buildings will probably be used for several years and until such time as there will be room in a new school building for the pupils attending these two schools, the committee voted to have the interior walls and ceilings painted during the Christmas vacation.
Considerable grading has been done at The Pines school which has helped to beautify the grounds, and a road of ap- proximately one hundred feet has been constructed which allow's children to go to the lower playground without passing through wet and muddy soil.
Increased State Aid
Near the end of the last session of the General Court a bill was passed granting more state aid toward the cost of transporting children on school buses. Up to this time the town of Wilbraham has not received any state aid toward the
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cost of school transportation except for those pupils who have attended Springfield Trade school. This new bill will give to all towns state aid toward the cost of transportation of pupils beyond one and one-half miles from school, providing said pupils are being transported at town expense. The town of Wilbraham has received for the calendar year 1947 $8,479.96 from the state to help defray its school transportation costs. The entire cost for transportation of pupils in the town of Wilbraham for the calendar year 1947 was $12,246.20. One can readily see that the new state aid bill has helped Wilbraham materially.
May we take this opportunity to express our appreciation to our building custodians for the splendid work they have done during the past year.
We wish to thank Dr. Walter Rohr for being so kind as to accept the responsibilities as school physician during the interim that the town of Wilbraham was without a doctor. Dr. Arthur Goodwin is succeeding Dr. MacLean who did excellent work while serving as school physician for the Wilbraham children.
The teachers are giving their best for your children. The schools are yours. This means that with the cooperation of the parents and teachers much can be accomplished. May we suggest that you visit your schools, offer suggestions to your teachers, feel free to comment constructively on procedures and not hesitate to give words of encouragement. Your teach- ers, as well as your superintendent of schools, stand ready to do whatever they can for you and your children. Your interest and help which have been characteristic throughout the past year have been of great value.
"The teacher is a prophet. She lays the foundations of tomorrow. The teacher is an artist. She works with the precious grace of unfolding personality. The teacher is a soul. Her head responds to the faith and devotion of her students. The teacher is a citizen. She is selected and licensed for the improvement of society. The teacher is an interpreter. Out of her maturer and higher life she seeks to guide the young. The teacher is a builder. She works with the higher and finer values of civilization. The teacher is a culture bearer. She leads the way to worthier deeds, saner attitudes, more gracious manners, higher intelligence. The teacher is a planner. She sees the young lives before her as a part of a great system which shall grow stronger in the light of truth. The teacher is a pioneer. She is always attempting the impossible and winning out. The teacher is a reformer. she seeks to remove the handi-
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caps that weaken and destroy life. The teacher is a believer. She has abiding faith in the improvability of the race."
-Joy Elmer Morgan Editor of the Journal of the National Education Association
May we take this opportunity to express our appreciation to the members of the Wilbraham school committee, members of the faculty, parents, pupils and interested citizens for their cooperation and help given us during this past year.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD A. TRUELL
Superintendent of Schools.
Report of the PRINCIPAL OF THE PINES SCHOOL
To Mr. Harold A. Truell, Superintendent of Schools:
I am pleased to submit my fourth annual report as prin- cipal of The Pines school.
Since school opened last September our enrolment has averaged about 150 pupils, an increase of approximately 20 over that of last year, and about 35 more pupils than were enrolled two years ago. A part of this increase is due to the transfer of some first grade pupils who would attend Spring- field Street school if it were not for the overcrowded conditions which exist there. Because of the increase in enrolment in the lower grades, two rooms are used for the first and second grades instead of one. This condition has necessitated a re-organiza- tion of the departmental work in grades 7 and 8. Two teachers are in charge of these grades now instead of three. Miss Helen Kochanek, who has taught social studies, physical education, and hygiene in grades 7 and 8 since the departmental work was introduced, is having a leave of absence for a year to enable her to study at Columbia University. Her subjects are now being taught by the other teachers of grades 7 and 8 in addition to those which they previously taught. We are anticipating the time when there will be three departments again. Four departments may be necessary in a few years.
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Before the last war, Springfield College students came to The Pines school two days each week to teach physical education, but during the war no students were available for this work. We are hoping that soon we can have the work of these young men again. Dr. Raymond Drewry of Springfield College thinks that the time is not far distant.
At The Pines the annual graduation exercises are con- sidered one of the highlights of the year. The theme of the program, which was given on Tuesday, June 17, was "The Two Americas." The thought which was emphasized was "Brotherhood." Appropriate essays and poems were given by several members of the graduating class, and these were followed by a cantata entitled "The Two Americas." This was beautifully rendered. Mrs. Chouffet and Miss Phyllis Smith, our former music supervisor, had charge of the music, and Mrs. Fontaine accompanied on the piano. The certificates were awarded to the twenty-four graduates by Mr. H. W. Cutler, the chairman of the school committee. In his inter- esting talk to the class, he emphasized the value of an educa- tion. Eight high school graduates received honor certificates. These were presented by Mr. Truell. Again the hall at The Pines was filled to its capacity for the exercises, and many who wished to attend could not be accommodated.
October thirtieth was a day which will be remembered by our pupils of Grades 7 and 8. Both classes accompanied by Mrs. Chouffet and Mrs. Lavoie visited The Freedom Train in Springfield that day. It was surprising how many historical documents the pupils saw, even though they were not allowed to stop to examine the exhibit carefully while they were in the train. One pupil, upon her return said to me, "I saw John Hancock's signature on the Declaration of Independence."
American Education Week was observed at The Pines again this year. Parents and friends were invited to visit at any time during the week, and many parents availed them- selves of the opportunity. The regular schedule of work was carried on.
A Standard Duplicating machine has recently been pur- chased for our school. We feel very grateful for it, since it will save much time for our teachers.
The Pines school is fortunate in having an unusually large playground. The part nearest the building is used by grades one, two, three, and four, while the lower playground is for the four upper grades. One of our great needs is more play- ground equipment.
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During the past school year the reading of state certificate books by the pupils has been one of our projects. Any pupil who read forty or more books from the state list was awarded a book. The pupils who read were required to make either oral or written book reports to their home room teachers.
Mrs. Fontaine, who taught grades three and four, reported that Thomas Laurino read forty books. Mrs. Lavoie, teacher of grades five and six, had five pupils who received an award. Marie Babineau read sixty books. Others in the room who read more than forty were Anne Frutuoza, Fanny Groll, Lawrence Ricci, and Dorothy Collins. Mrs. Chouffet, who teaches English in Grades 7 and 8, reported that Beverly Dorey of Grade 8 received a book award.
On Thursday afternoon, December 18, the pupils pre- sented their Christmas entertainment. The first grade, under the direction of its teacher, Mrs. Mondoux, gave songs and exercises. Miss Holland's second grade followed with their program. Then came Mrs. Sharry's third and fourth grades. The four upper grades presented a pageant of the nativity entitled "O Come Ye to Bethlehem.". Four scenes were de- picted by the pupils: Shepherd Scene, Angel Scene, Manger Scene, and the Shepherds at the Manger. A chorus, made up of the pupils, sang appropriate Christmas carols while the scenes were portrayed. Mrs. Chouffet and Mrs. Witzel, our music supervisor, had the music in charge. Mrs. Chouffet accompanied on the piano. Mrs. Lavoie supervised the cos- tumes and scenery. More than one hundred parents and friends of the pupils made up the audience. All the teachers appre- ciated the interest shown on the part of the parents.
I wish to extend my thanks to Mr. Truell, the school committee, supervisors, parents, teachers, and the Parent- Teacher Association for their help and cooperation.
Respectfully submitted, MARION E. KELLEY
Principal, The Pines School
Report of the PRINCIPAL OF THE SPRINGFIELD STREET SCHOOL
To Mr. Harold A. Truell, Superintendent of Schools:
May I, in submitting my fourth annual report as principal of the Springfield Street school, pay tribute to Miss Katherine
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A. Hart, whose passing last June took from us a former teacher much beloved by all. She taught for nearly twenty years in our Wilbraham schools and all who knew her agree that her life was a blessing to those with whom she came in contact. Truly "her light still shineth."
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