USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Wilbraham > Wilbraham annual report 1956-1960 > Part 22
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Grade 1
1944
John Polaczak
Custodian
1949
George Morrison
Custodian
1953
Everett Pickens
Custodian
1957
Supervisors:
Helen B. Tower
Art
1921
Massachusetts Normal School of Art
Dwight D. Killam
Music
1955
B.Mus., M.Mus., Syracuse, Boston Univ.
Ruth G. Backus
Elementary Supervisor
1953
Framingham State Teachers College
Millicent G. Green
Handwriting
1938
North Adams State Teachers
Special Subject Teachers:
Marguerite Brady
Librarian
1942
Perry Normal
Esther Johnson
Music
1949
Westfield State Teachers College
Marion H. McKinstry
Art
1956
Massachusetts School of Art
Health :
Janet M. Horacek
Nurse
1954
R.N., Springfield Hospital
Arthur H. Goodwin
Doctor
1947
M.D., Tufts
Irving P. Dinneen
Dentist
1929
D.M.D., Tufts
Hot Lunch Program:
May Jenkins
Manager
1950
Memorial :
Emma F. Chamberlin
Cook
1956
Muriel E. Jones
Cook
1957
B.S., Westfield State Teachers College Springfield Teachers Farmington State
Marjorie Befford
Fitchburg State Teachers College A.B., Skidmore College
PERSONS EMPLOYED IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS (Continued)
Name
Position
Year Appointed Education and Professional Training
Mary E. Marco
Cook
1957
Eva Cloutier
Cook
1958
Stony Hill :
Mildred Cotter
Cook
1950
Ella Lindsay
Cook
1957
Isabelle Rollins
Cook
1953
Eva Sideleau
Cook
1956
Pines:
Julia Dougal
Cook
1952
Honorata Opalinski
Cook
1953
Transportation :
Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Samble
1930
Mr. George W. Motyka
1932
Changes in school personnel not shown in the preceding chart arc:
Mrs. Annamac B. Martin, teacher, (leave of absence, May 3, 1958 · September, 1959)
Mrs. Therese Bailey, teacher, (leave of absence, as of September 1, 1958)
Mrs. Janet S. Wagner, teacher, (leave of absence, as of September 1, 1958) Mrs. Janc McMahon, teacher, resigned, June 30, 1958. Mrs. Winifred Bennett, cook, deccased, September 23, 1958. Mrs. Marilyn Stone Hufstader, teacher, resigned, June 30, 1958
Mrs. Eugenia F. Fowler, teacher, resigned June 30, 1958. Mrs. Dorcas E. Weiner, teacher, (lcave of absence, March, 1957) resigned June 30, 1958. Mrs. Elizabeth A. Phillips, teacher, (lcave of absence, March, 1957) resigned September 1, 1958. Mr. Donald H. Long, teacher, resigned June 30, 1958.
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SCHOOL CALENDAR 1958-1959
First Term: Wednesday, September 3 through Tuesday, Decem- ber 23.
Second Term: Monday, January 5 through Friday, February 20. Third Term: Monday, March 2 through Friday, April 24. Fourth Term: Monday, May 4 through Friday, June 19.
School will close on all legal holidays; Friday, October 24, Hampden County Teachers' Convention; and Friday, March 27, Good Friday. Schools will close at noon on November 26 for Thanksgiving.
The Wilbraham School Committee schedules regular meetings on the first Wednesday of each month. However, the School Committee will be pleased to meet with anyone by appointment.
SCHOOL STATISTICS Enrollment
The enrollment of pupils by grade as of October 1, 1958 is shown below.
Grade
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Spec. Total
Pines
20
31
22
25
24
26
149
Stony Hill
100
85
78
80
82
78
503
Memorial
26
19
22
22
27
49
113
104
92
19 493
Census Report and Comparison
Year Born
Year to Enter School
Census 1958
Census 1957
Census 1956
Census 1955 Census 1954
1952
1958
146*
151
133
114
104
1953
1959
168
152
150
134
137
1954
1960
171
155
149
139
91+
1955
1961
144
128
104
63-
1956
1962
156
134
92+
1957
1963
137
90+
1958
1964
89%
¿ 9/12 of year recorded.
* The balance has been accounted for in private schools or moved from town.
Children in School Census and Their Distribution October 1, 1958
5-7 Years
7-16 Years
Total
Boys
176
680
856
Girls
121
562
683
297
1242
1539
Distribution
In public schools
158
1046
1204
In vocational schools
20
20
In private schools
16
172
188
Not enrolled in any school
123
4
127
297
1242
1539
Total on October 1, 1957
290
1157
1447
23
Number of Pupils in Elementary Schools by Grades Five Year Period 1953-1958
As of October of Each Year
Grade
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9 38
779
1954
134
131
130
101
87
97
83
70
69
902
1955
131
135
145
116
103
93
100
86
78
987
1956
122
131
129
148
116
102
94
90
80
17 1029
1957
132
122
126
148
112
105
91
100
13 1079
1958
148
136
126
130 126
133
147
122
104
92
19
1153
Number of Pupils in the Several High Schools and Trade Schools
Five Year Period 1953-1958
Year
Classical High School
High School of Commerce
Technical High School
Ludlow High School
Palmer High School
West Spring- field
Trade High School
Total
1953
12
15
42
1
8
2
21
101
1954
17
21
41
10
2
20
111
1955
21
22
58
19
24
144
1956
31
33
79
13
26
182
1957
50
34
94
6
32
216
1958
73
43
100
1
1
30
248
SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM
The school lunch program operates with two preparation kitchens, one at Memorial School and the other at Stony Hill School. In addition, meals are served at The Pines School by transporting the food in thermos containers from Stony Hill School.
Class A, Hot Lunches
1956
1957
1958
full meal, milk, dessert
98,575*
113,431
108,337
Additional servings of milk
124,650
129,579
134,708
Claims received, U.S.D.A.
$12,823.21*
$15,972.57
$13,091.99
Cash received for lunches
23,813.72
28,512.43
30,509.59
Salaries to Lunchroom Personnel
9,525.00
12,266.00
13,257.20
Payments for Food and Supplies
29,075.52
29,833.89
32,475.03
* No lunches were served at the Stony Hill and The Pines Schools during September and October, 1956 because of the double session program.
HEALTH
The following is a summary of the report submitted by the school nurse:
December 1, 1957 to December 1, 1958
Physical Examinations
301
Parents Present
12
Notices Sent for Physical Defects Noted
13
Physicals for Athletes
37
Physicals for Work Papers
13
Spec. Total
1953
136
128
95
87
88
78
66
63
24
Dental Examinations
1230
Dental Notices Sent
420
Dental Repair
35
Height and Weight
964
Vaccination Scars Checked
156
Pre-School Vaccinations
18
Hearing Tests
1449
Hearing Notices Sent
29
Massachusetts Vision Tests
756
Notices Sent for Visual Defects
56
Examined by an Eye Specialist
44
Fitted with Glasses
41
Head Examinations
1708
Notices Sent
5
Children Sent to Camp Frederick Edwards
4
Home Calls and Children Taken Home
153
Contagious Diseases
74
Film strips were shown as requested by principals.
In Memoriam
MRS. WINIFRED BENNETT
Mrs. Winifred Bennett was first appointed a member of the School Lunch staff in 1953. In 1956, with the growth of the program and the opening of the Stony Hill cafeteria, Mrs. Bennett was promoted to Head Cook at the Memorial School. Her cheerful, calm efficiency assured a pleasant noon recess for the pupils and teachers. Throughout the period Mrs. Bennett worked at the Memorial School, her careful attention to the details of the kitchen, and her continuous loyal support and coopera- tion with the school administration was greatly appreciated. She is greatly missed by the staff and pupils.
Report of the School Committee for the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District
To the Citizens of Hampden and Wilbraham:
Your Regional District School Committee is pleased to report continued progress in the construction of the high school and the development of a sound educational program for the youth of our communities.
On December 20, 1957, the committee voted to exercise the option for the purchase of the Herman C. Heiden property. At the same meeting, the committee voted to award the contract for construction of the building to E. J. Pinney Company, low bidder. At the January 14, 1958 meeting, the committee voted to accept the most favorable bid for the sale of $2,000,000 in bonds at the price of 100.1199 and accrued interest for 3.10
25
per cent bonds. In March, the committee employed Harry F. King as clerk of works for construction of the school. This appointment was made following interviews with eleven candi- dates.
At the March 20th organizational meeting, Mrs. Eloise Wal- lace replaced Mr. Theodore Holmes as Hampden's School Com- mittee appointed member of the Regional School Committee. Mr. Holmes served on the Regional Committee while both pre- liminary and final plans for the school building were prepared. His wide experience and professional training were of great service to the committee. Mrs. Ethel Musselman was reappointed by the Wilbraham School Committee to serve on the Regional Committee.
The District Committee organized for the year with Mr. Marshall E. Roper, Chairman; Mrs. Grace L. Kibbe, Treasurer; and Mr. Irving H. Agard, Secretary.
At the March 29th meeting, following four months of con- centrated interviews and a study of 51 candidates for the posi- tion, the committee unanimously elected Mr. Arthur W. Reyn- olds as Principal of the Regional High School. Mr. Reynolds came to the committee highly recommended and possesses a splendid background of training and experience in secondary school work. He was employed August 1, 1958 to provide sufficient time to interview staff members, develop the educa- tional program, and insure a well organized school in September, 1959. At the May meeting, the committee elected Mr. Charles B. Thompson as Guidance Director for the high school. Mr. Thompson is highly trained and experienced in this specialized work and, with Mr. Reynolds, is interviewing all pupils and developing a program designed to meet the pupils' individual requirements.
At the July meeting, following four months of careful study, the committee unanimously voted to name the new building the Minnechaug Regional High School. This name was one of 651 entries submitted by pupils from the schools of both towns. The winning name was submitted by Donn R. Bryans, Barbara G. Burger, Douglas Webb, and Judith A. Cmero of Hampden, Pamela Trombley and Jean L. Soderberg of Wilbraham. Jean L. Soderberg submitted the winning essay.
In August, through the cooperation of the Wilbraham School Committee, temporary office facilities were provided in the
26
Stony Hill School for the High School Principal and Guidance Director. With the promotion of Miss Margaret Woods from clerk typist in the Regional Committee office to Principal's Secre- tary, Mrs. Anna Tupper was appointed clerk typist.
At the September meeting, the committee adopted a salary schedule designed to attract and retain well qualified, experienced teachers. This schedule has proved to be successful and has resulted in a satisfactory number of excellent candidates. After careful interviewing, eleven teaching appointments were made at the December meeting.
On October 18th, formal cornerstone exercises were held at the Minnechaug Regional High School. Representatives of both communities were introduced. Following the reading of the winning essay, all six winners in the naming contest were pre- sented. Mr. Arthur W. Reynolds gave the major address and explained the importance of good educational facilities for a community. An inspection of the partially completed building followed.
In November, following the resignation of Mrs. Margaret Woods Gaines, Miss Virginia White was appointed as Princi- pal's Secretary.
Since early in September, the Financial Subcommittee and the full committee have worked continuously on the 1959 Budget Estimate. Our budget, printed at the beginning of this report, is, in the carefully considered opinion of the committee, a practi- cal and honest estimate of the funds necessary to successfully staff, equip, and operate this new high school. Certain expenses are unavoidable in establishing any new program and the com- mittee has planned carefully to provide instructional opportuni- ties equal to those now offered on a tuition basis. This year, the largest single payment of principal and interest must be met while the 12th grade pupils of both communities continue on a tuition basis. Next year, the more efficient use of teaching personnel, a four-year program, and a full school year of opera- tion, will be reflected in the per pupil costs.
Throughout the spring and summer, construction of the school building has progressed at a reasonable rate. The soil conditions at the site permitted excavation without difficulty and no extra costs were required. The erecting of steel, exterior masonry work, and roofing of the structure were completed on schedule. Due to problems arising from poor weather conditions, the seed-
27
ing of the athletic fields was not completed this year. The com- mittee had hoped to establish a vigorous sod before the school opened. Due partly to a nation wide glass strike, the building has not been permanently closed in. Temporary measures are being used to heat and protect the building so the work can continue. Both the architect and the contractor have assured the committee that the building will be completed by the date specified.
The problem presented by claims of certain rights of way across the school property is being handled by Mr. Frank Auch- ter, Attorney for the Regional School District.
The committee wishes to thank the citizens of the communities and the several boards and committees for their continued sup- port and cooperation. The assistance and understanding so necessary for the completion of this building has enabled the committee to maintain the time schedule established in the orig- inal planning stages. The personal sacrifice and creative plan- ning, the expenditure of time and effort, and the financial invest- ment so unanimously voted, will result in a school program that will educate our youth and reflect credit upon the communities.
MARSHALL E. ROPER, Chairman
ETHEL F. MUSSELMAN
ERNEST W. FURNANS, JR.
FRANCIS E. REESE
HOWARD H. MACMULLEN
ELOISE M. WALLACE
MARGARET F. WIGGENHAUSER
FINANCIAL STATEMENT, 1958
Planning and Construction Budget
Receipts, Bond Issue, and Reimbursement of Planning Costs
$2,104,306.01
Expenditures
869,708.40
Balance
$1,234,597.61
Administrative Budget
Receipts
Carryover, 1957
$10,138.69
Special Charges
2,035.44
Appropriations
21,044.00
Interest, Premium
19,145.23
$52,363.36
Expenditures
23,841.15
Balance
$28,522.21
28
Debt Service Budget Receipts, Construction Grant Expenditures
$67,271.91 40,900.00
Balance
$26,371.91
Cash on Hand, December 31, 1958
$1,289,491.73
BUDGET ESTIMATE, 1959
No. Account
Amount Total
1. General Control
$11,320.00
2. Expense of Instruction
106,036.00
3. Operation of Plant
20,848.00
4. Maintenance of Plant
1,100.00
5. Auxiliary Agencies
19,406.00
6.
Outlay
0.00
7. Debt Service
170,116.00
8. Special Charges
10,992.00
Total
$339,818.00
*
Operating Budget
$169,702.00
Less 1958 Carryover
40,000.00
Balance to assess towns
$129,702.00
Debt Service Budget
$170,116.00
Less 1959 Constr. Grant
67,000.00
Balance to assess towns $103,116.00
COST TO HAMPDEN AND WILBRAHAM
Operating Budget Debt Budget
Hampden 23.42 $30,376.20 22.5 $23,201.10
Wilbraham 76.58 $99,325.80 77.5 $79,914.90
Assessments payable in 4 equal installments not later than the first day of April, June, September, and December.
Hampden $13,394.32 (approx.)
Wilbraham $44,810.17 (approx.)
Total Assessment - Hampden $ 53,577.30
Wilbraham $179,240.70
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Stony Hill School Building Committee
The Stony Hill School Building Committee is pleased to make its final report.
Cost of Building
$321,650.00
Architect's Fees
21,083.80
Equipment
25,500.03
Site Development
5,490.20
Insurance
668.20
Advertising
141.04
Telephone
22.83
Total
$374,556.10
Original Appropriation
455,000.00
Unexpended Balance
$80,443.90
In these days of rising costs, it is seldom possible to return to the Town such a large part of the original estimate without having sacrificed something in the quality of the construction.
On May 12, 1958, the contractor, Mr. F. W. Madigan, was given a certificate of substantial completion of the school. On May 18, the final financial auditing was made by the Town Treasurer, and on December 3, 1958, the Stony Hill School Addition was formally accepted by the School Committee. With the original building this has given us a large general purpose room and twenty more classrooms, nineteen of which are now being used.
In the building of this new school, Town officials have been very helpful, but our chief indebtedness, and it is very great, is to our Superintendent of Schools and his staff. We hope that our fellow townsmen will take notice of this expression of our gratitude to Mr. Agard.
ALBERT H. HOWES, Chairman
WESLEY H. HOLDRIDGE
HARRY R. JEFFREY
LEO E. KUEHN
DORRANCE T. GREEN
Water Commissioners' Report
1958 was again a year of growth and increased activity in the operation of your Water Department.
During 1958 a total of 53 new service installations and four service renewals were completed. At the end of 1958 a total of 1303 services were in use. A total of 95,632,000 gallons of
30
water was used in 1958 and represented an increase in consump- tion over 1957 of 2,571,000 gallons.
The installation of the new 12" meter in the Meter Pit in Ludlow has produced a steadier pressure throughout the Town. The Metropolitan District Commission paid one-half the cost of this meter.
The following pipe installations were completed during the year:
1,020 feet - 6" pipe - installed by the Town 420 feet - 6" pipe - installed by developers
260 feet - 8" pipe - installed by the Town
3,197 feet - 8" pipe - installed by developers
720 feet - 12" pipe - installed by the Town
11,700 feet - 16" pipe - installed by the Town
Proof of the dramatic growth in service facilities is illustrated in the fact that the net worth of your Water Department on an installed price basis is now in excess of $1,150,000.
The 16" main installation on Boston Road should eliminate for the future the restriction in water use during drought periods.
The Water Commissioners wish to thank those Town Offi- cials who, through their cooperation and aid, have made possible the growth and development of your Water Department.
WALTER L. WOODS JOHN F. BALDWIN ROBERT W. MAYNARD
Wilbraham Public Library
Last year the trustees of the Wilbraham Public Library, in their report to the town, pointed out the urgent need of ex- panded facilities if the library was to continue to adequately serve the community in its function as a cultural center. Today that need is becoming ever more apparent, and will become increasingly acute in the year ahead when the new regional high school opens. Although the high school will have a library of its own, students will often need to use a public library for further reference material. Previously, our high school pupils going to the Springfield schools have used the Springfield City Library as well as our own. Now that they will be in school in Wilbraham, they should be able to meet their needs in Wilbra- ham.
However, until such time as the most pressing needs of the town, occasioned by its rapid physical expansion, are met, and the town is able to erect an adequate building, the trustees and the library staff will continue to exert every effort to make the
31
present facilities as efficient, attractive, and serviceable as pos- sible.
National Library Week was observed in March by conduct- ing a Book Fair. It was promoted under the able leadership of Mrs. Charles I. Bowman. The Trustees wish to thank her for her very successful effort.
On November 6, the first meeting of the newly formed "Friends of the Library" organization was held under the joint chairmanship of Mr. and Mrs. David S. Plumb. This organiza- tion, sponsored by the library, seeks to support and advance the welfare of the library as it endeavors to broaden its service to the town.
We wish to thank Mr. and Mrs. Raymond J. Barber of Stony Hill Road for their generous gift to the library.
Mrs. A. J. Brooks retired from the library staff in Decem- ber. We shall miss her gracious manner and efficient service.
Again we commend Miss Abbott, Mrs. Rudge, and their staff for their patience and cooperation as they try to serve a greatly increased number of library users under difficult circumstances as reflected by the greatly increased circulation shown by the Librarian's Report. One user of the library says, "The consist- ently kind and helpful attention of the staff continues to be very much appreciated by our whole family."
MARGUERITE G. BRADY BARBARA B. DICKEY STANLEY O. SMITH
WILBRAHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY STATISTICS
Number of volumes in library, January 1, 1958
12,500
Number of volumes added by purchase
1,000
Number of volumes added by gift
42
Number of volumes discarded and lost
677
Number of volumes in library January 1, 1959
12,865
Number of borrowers (in 646 families) Circulation
1,659
From library
26,616
Adult
11,377
Juvenile
12,232
Periodicals
3,007
Borrowed on inter library loan
5
From Pines School
1,757
From Stony Hill School
1,151
From Springfield Street School
95
32
Total circulation Gain in circulation over 1957
29,624 8,703
RUTH T. ABBOTT, Librarian
Planning Board
The Wilbraham Planning Board held twelve regular monthly meetings and four special meetings during the year 1958.
Seven public hearings were held, five relative to subdivisions. All proposed subdivisions were approved with the exception of one which did not meet established requirements. A public hearing was held on a petition to increase the depth of the busi- ness property from 100 feet to a minimum of not less than 200 feet on the southerly side of Boston Road from Stony Hill Road easterly to the Boston & Albany Railroad overpass. A public hearing was held on a petition to change the zoning of property on the corner of Maple and Main Streets.
Members of the Board with the Board of Selectmen viewed several streets as required prior to their being considered for acceptance by the town. Members of the Planning Board have met on several occasions with other town boards to consider ways and means to overcome obstacles confronting prospective business interests coming into Wilbraham.
Experience has indicated that a change should be made in the prescribed construction of roads and there is at the present time a study being made of proposed changes.
The Planning Board would like to take this opportunity to express appreciation to George Herter who has retired as Build- ing Inspector for the conscientious and untiring effort which he gave in the discharge of his duties.
ROBERT A. EDWARDS, Chairman
WILLIAM SHORTELL
LEO E. KUEHN BION T. WHEELER, JR.
RICHARD MORGAN
Fire Department
Telephone number LY 6-3111, our emergency phone for in- coming calls, is to be used only for reporting fires and emergen- cies. For all other business pertaining to Fire Department, please dial LY 6-3014 or LY 6-3122. This is very important.
Fire Loss:
Buildings (26)
$3,508.00
Contents 850.00
Assessed Valuations 72,215.00
33
Department responded to 184 alarms: 26 buildings, 3 chim- neys, 19 dumps, 7 automobiles, 57 grass and brush, 69 emergen- cies and 3 mutual aid out of town.
It is gratifying to report our schools and also Wilbraham Academy were found in good condition on our inspections.
For their cooperation and assistance, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Fire Dispatchers, the Call Men, the Auxiliary, to the members of the Board of Selectmen, Fire Commissioners, our Emergency Doctor, John P. Sigsbee, the State Police, our Town Police and others who may have helped during the past year. RALPH E. TUPPER, SR., Fire Chief
Forest Warden
3998 permits were issued for open air fires. Under State Law a permit is required for all open air fires. At numerous times of the year no burning in the open is allowed. For said permit dial LY 6-3014 or LY 6-3122. Our emergency phone, LY 6-3111, is not to be used. The only incinerator that can be used in the open without a permit must be one that releases no sparks or flame. Wire basket type is not allowed in Wilbraham. If in doubt when purchasing an incinerator, call the Fire Chief for information.
Deputy Forest Wardens: Harold Brown, Robert Dietz, Gard- ner Files, John Chrzanowski, Charles Dorey, Raymond Beach, Jr., Norman Farnsworth, Harland Rogers, William Pollitt, Ber- nard Tupper, John Sigsbee and Cyril Woods.
RALPH E. TUPPER, SR., Forest Warden
Playground Commissioners' Report
Two playgrounds, located at the Memorial and Pines Schools respectively, were operated simultaneously from July 7th to August 15th. Mr. Alan Rubin, Miss Helen Walinski and Mr. Richard Spencer conducted activities at Memorial while Mr. Philip Grandchamp and Miss Bonnie Agard supervised at Pines,
An average of 100 youngsters a day at Memorial and 75 at
See pictures on opposite page:
New Fire Engine purchased to replace the old "Reo" currently garaged in Wilbraham Center.
Town Fire Equipment currently garaged at North Wilbraham.
The "Famed" Tanker built by our local volunteers.
Photos by Bogue
34
WILBRAHAM FIRE DEPAKIMENT
---------
NELBRANAN
FIRE DEPT
50000
WILBRAHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT
J
BRAHAM
ILBRAHA
FIRE DEPT
*********
-
---
----
----
-
Pines participated in a varied program of activities which in- cluded competitive sports such as softball, volleyball, kickball, tetherball, wiffleball, and badminton; recreational games such as bean bag tossing, croquet, scoopball, box hockey, horseshoe pitch- ing, and archery; quiet games such as checkers, jackstones, "Sorry," etc .; and a variety of handicrafts such as plastic braid- ing, clay molding, and plaster craft.
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