USA > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia County > Philadelphia > Extracts from the minutes of the yearly meeting of Friends held in Philadelphia, 1922 > Part 5
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In collecting funds for the cause we occasionally hear the criticism that our work could as well be done in the public schools. In a scholastic sense this is partly true, although we believe even in this respect the Friends school will excel most of these. However, we want to emphasize the fact that while we desire to give the children a thorough academic training while under our care, our chief concern is that by example and environment as well as by precept we may bring them nearer Christ and a better way of life.
These considerations therefore encourage us to ask the Yearly Meeting to increase our appropriation to $5,000 and to urge our already generous friends to rally to the support of this mission of the Yearly Meeting that it may be made a greater credit to Him who in His great love called us to this work.
- Signed on behalf of the Committee.
WM. C. COWPERTHWAITE,
Clerk.
PHILADELPHIA, Third Month 14, 1922.
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FINANCIAL STATEMENT
RECEIPTS
Balance on Hand Third Month 14th, 1921. $1,612.57
Appropriation of Yearly Meeting. 4,000.00
Income from Investments and Trust Funds. 1,269.37 Income from T. Wistar Brown Teachers' Fund .. 675.00 From the Emlen Institution 750.00
From the Representative Meeting, the Cash
Balance in the Doukhobor Fund.
865.52
Donations
4,539.00
Legacy from Estate of Jacob Doyle, Deceased. .
215.00
Farm and Dairy, Including Farm Products Used in the Family
5,274.84
Temporary Loans
2,350.00
Investment Paid Off
2,100.00
From Sale of Rugs
32.60
From Basket Sale at Media
103.00
Incidentals
106.18
Interest on Deposit Account.
15.16
$23,908.24
PAYMENTS
Salaries
$4,632.35
Farm and Dairy
4,907.55
Books, School Supplies, Stationery, etc.
154.90
Family Expenses, Including Farm Products Used in the Family .
4,255.04
Heat, Light and Water
1,095.73
Insurance
58.19
Repairs and Improvements
1,658.33
Traveling Expenses
73.67
New Ford Automobile
291.32
Loans Paid Off
5,250.00
Taxes
213.65
.
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Interest on Loans
274.67
Investment
400.00
Incidentals
245.67
Balance on Hand Third Month 13th, 1922:
In hands of Treasurer. $82.49
In hands of Superintendent 314.68
397.17
$23,908.24
NOTE :- The amount of temporary loans owing by the Committee is $1,600. The Principal of an investment in one of the special funds recently paid off in the amount of $2,100 has been temporarily applied to the reduction of . the debt. When this money is reinvested the debt will be increased by $2,100.
In addition to the cash in the Doukhobor Fund received from the Representative Meeting, securities of the par value of $3,000 were also received, making the total of this Fund $3,865.52.
At a stated meeting of the Indian Committee held Third Month 14th, 1922.
The Indian Committee is now under appointment for three years, and has no authority to accept the resignation of any of its members. As some members from time to time find it impossible, from various causes, to serve, we recom- mend that the Yearly Meeting empower the Indian Com- mittee to accept the resignation of such members as find themselves unable to continue in the service of the Committee.
A final draft of the report to the Yearly Meeting was now produced and read. With slight changes, the Clerk was directed to sign and forward it to the Yearly Meeting.
From the Minutes.
WM. C. COWPERTHWAITE, Clerk.
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ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE WESTTOWN COMMITTEE.
To the Yearly Meeting:
The Committee is pleased to record its judgment that the · past year has been marked by progress toward the ideals for which we desire that Westtown shall stand.
I. SELF-GOVERNMENT.
One of the outstanding features has been the development of systems of self-government and self-help. Numerous attempts have been made in the past, to secure the manifest advantages to both teachers and pupils which should result from such systems. These have persisted for a time with some apparent success, only to fall into disuse when the novelty wore away, or under the stress of adverse condi- tions. In both the boys' and girls' schools, there has been for some years, a measure of self-government, operating through Student Councils. These are elected by the pupils, with preponderance of representation from the upper class. After full consideration by pupils and faculty, it was decided to increase the disciplinary powers and responsibilities of these councils, beginning in a partial way, and expanding as confidence and experience were gained. Provision was made for the guidance and co-operation of the faculty, to an extent to be determined largely by experience.
All collections for study have now been under the care of the pupils for some time, with encouraging results. It is intended that any one having knowledge of infractions of the rules of the School, shall report them to the Student Council. This body, frequently in consultation with one of the faculty, investigates the case and decides upon the action to be taken.
The fundamental thought is to secure good order, not through fear of punishment, but by appeal to a spirit of loyalty and a desire to do right because it is right.
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By the term "self-help" is meant the performance by the pupils of certain work previously done by paid employees. Although as yet but partially applied, it is believed that this should form a part of the self-government system, and should develop in the pupils an appreciation of the impor- tance and dignity of labor of any kind when performed in the right spirit.
II. ENROLLMENT AND EXPENSES.
At the close of last school year, a class of 47 was grad- uated. At the commencement exercises, the essays were quite original, the material being largely derived from the writers' own experience.
The enrollment for this year is 205-108 boys and 97 girls. The ruling of the Yearly Meeting at its last session, . permitting the enrollment of a certain number who have only one parent a member, has been interpreted conserva- tively. Four pupils have been admitted under this ruling. It is believed that the number of applicants of this class will increase as the situation becomes more widely and fully understood. It will be noted that the total enrollment is somewhat smaller than last year. The increase in the charges for board and tuition is thought to be partly responsible for this. Probably the general financial strin- gency has had a larger influence. In a number of cases the high cost of traveling has been a controlling consideration.
The decline in receipts resulting from decreased enroll- ment, has made it difficult, if not impossible to keep the expenditures within our income. It is believed, however, that this condition is a temporary one. It is hoped that further advancement of the charge for board and tuition may be avoided. It is desirable that Westtown shall merit the reputation of being a school where differences in finan- cial status are of no consequence. The provision of scholar- ships only partially meets the situation.
III. SCHOLARSHIP AND CURRICULUM.
As judged by the ratio of successes to failures in taking the examinations required for entrance to colleges of high
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standing, the scholastic standards of the school have been well maintained. "Twenty-four students took the exam- inations of the College Board last summer, with 86% of success; this is the best record our pupils have yet made in these examinations, and compares with a combined aver- age in other schools of about 60%. All the girls who took the comprehensive examinations for college were successful in admission." "Westtown has recently been made a center for the College Board Examinations." "It is a satisfaction that so many of our pupils have a desire to go on with advanced education. Our lists show that one hundred and sixty-three former students, including 28 of last year's grad- uates, are this year in attendance at various colleges and universities. According to our records this is the largest number in College attendance at any one time, and is double the number of four years ago."
Since so many of our graduates expect to continue their studies in college, it seems that Westtown must provide a preparatory course which shall compare favorably as to completeness and the time required, with similar courses of other schools. This has its unquestioned disadvantages. In such a course there seems to be little time for natural sciences such as geology and astronomy. General reading is almost crowded out. Elocution and public speaking can have no large place, and must be relegated chiefly to Literary Societies, outside of school hours.
To meet the needs of our pupils who do not intend to go to college, Westtown should provide another type of course. It does not seem desirable to make it a vocational school. In the courses in Home Economics and Agriculture, however, the vocational element enters largely. With the help of the Helen R. Bacon Fund the work in Agriculture is becoming more and more effective. An increase is noted in the number of pupils taking the course and in their interest in the subject. Both of these vocational courses would be strengthened by providing improved laboratory facilities.
The whole matter of the curriculum has engaged the care- ful study of the faculty and the committee, in the hope that
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a plan may be evolved which shall satisfactorily meet the needs of all classes of our patrons. There probably would be no difficulty in the matter if funds were available for the employment of additional teachers and the installation of improved equipment.
IV. OPERATION OF PLANT.
The sub-committee having the care of the Farm and Dairy report that during the past year they have made many repairs to the Farm Buildings including the painting of the large horse barn. We feel that these buildings now present a creditable appearance. With an appropriation of $5,000.00 from the Helen Bacon Fund, we erected a chicken house to hold 500 hens, also a piggery with fourteen sub-divisions. These two departments, poultry and pigs, we :
expect can now be conducted at a profit and will be an object lesson to the students in the Agricultural Course.
We had two well known farmers appraise the farm and farm buildings, not including farm house, who have valued them at $45,000.00, or $180.00 an acre. With our large acreage of meadow, we think this a fair valuation.
The past year has been one of trials to the farmer. Labor, seeds, fertilizer and other supplies were very high but prod- ucts sold at pre-war prices, so we can show a profit of only $2,245.49.
In the orchards the year has been a quiet one. Severe weather last spring destroyed most of the young fruit throughout the Eastern States. A few late-blooming varie- ties of apples partially escaped and yielded about one-half of last year's crop. This proved sufficient for the needs of the School and Farm House and permitted the sale of 1,100 baskets at advantageous prices. The young trees on Walnut Hill produced 130 baskets of apples. Some income was received from the sale of vegetables and field corn, but this was not sufficient to prevent a deficit for the year.
In the forestry work, a total of 15,000 feet of lumber was sawed, to help meet the varied needs of the institution. Forty-two cords of wood have been cut by the boys. No large planting operations have been undertaken.
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The sub-committee on Trees and Grounds has planted a Spirea hedge along the road near the Stone House, a row of red oaks near the Farm House, and a group of orna- mental evergreens on the west side of Industrial Hall. The cost of these improvements has been borne largely by specially interested Friends.
The botany classes have made a study of the trees to be found near the school building. Steps are being taken to identify and mark them accurately. Under supervision of two of the teachers, the arboretum, located north of the Lane, and close to a part of the North Woods, is being cleared of undergrowth and undesirable native trees. The work is being done chiefly by the boys.
After careful study of conditions in the Laundry, a new filter and heating tank were installed. These have made it possible to turn out better work than formerly.
The method of seating in the Meeting Room has been slightly changed so that it is no longer necessary for visitors who arrive after the meeting has settled, to go to the rear of the room. It is hoped that this change may also result in a greater sense of solidarity in the meeting.
As adjuncts to the regular course of study, the Literary Societies are performing a service, the usefulness and pos- sibilities of which may not be fully appreciated by those who take part in the exercises. An interesting and instruc- tive course of lectures, largely by outside talent, has been given.
One of the activities of the Young Friends Committee of the school was the holding in the First Month of a week-end Vocational Conference. The advantages and opportunities of nine different vocations were presented; practically every speaker emphasized the importance of a definite call as a pre-requisite to the choice of a career, and urged that our young people be guided by the opportunity of Christian service in business rather than by the thought of mere financial gain.
The health of the pupils has been good. We have been spared the visitations of contagious diseases, which have at
.
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times seriously interrupted the work of the school. The physical well-being of the pupils is carefully watched, and fostered by judicious use of the gymnasium, the lake, the swimming-pool and athletic grounds. Care is taken that participation in athletics shall not impair scholastic standing.
V. SOCIAL STATUS.
The social tone of the School is good. Kindly feeling one for another seems to prevail on both sides of the house, with an increase in sympathetic understanding between teachers and pupils. There is a strong desire to extend a cordial and helpful feeling beyond the immediate school family, to include the employees, and, to a limited extent, the surrounding neighbors.
"To meet the needs of sociability and entertainment, a Community Club has been formed." The officers include a young man from the boiler-room, a helper from the Farm House and a member of the faculty. "Most of the meetings have been of a social type, characterized by a spirit of friendliness and enjoyment." One meeting upon the subject of Disarmament, addressed by a speaker from outside, was so successful that it is planned to alternate educational meet- ings with those of more distinctly social type.
"A First-day School for children is regularly held, and is attended by the children of the faculty and a few from the rest of the community."
VI. RELIGIOUS LIFE.
It has been a source of concern that there is no meeting for worship which the majority of the Westtown community, exclusive of the immediate school family, could easily attend. To meet this need, meetings have been arranged from time to time, in response to individual concerns. A series of such is now held on First-day evenings, on the initiative of a committee of Westtown Monthly Meeting. It is proposed that these shall have no rigid form, but shall adapt themselves to the wishes and requirements of those who attend. There is felt to be real need of a suitable room where such meetings might be held.
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In the spiritual life of the school, the establishment of Westtown Monthly Meeting is felt to have been helpful. Its sessions are often attended by numbers of the pupils, who thus have a chance to learn the Friendly method of conducting business and have a share in the concerns for the best welfare of the whole community.
The Northfield group continue to afford an outlet for the expression of religious life among the girls. The general tone of the student body, the serious deportment of the boys and girls in meetings for worship, and their occasional vocal offerings, give ground for the belief that the currents of spiritual life are flowing, strong and deep, in many heart3.
The deeper sensibilities and sympathies of the school family were stirred by the death on Twelfth Month 17th, of Marian Masters Spicer, who some time previously had been a member of the faculty. We would record our sense of loss in the removal of a useful member of the community and our sympathy for her family and friends in their bereavement.
We would also acknowledge our appreciation of the devoted services of those in authority at the school, upon whom rests the burden of carrying out the concern of the Yearly Meeting.
The ideal of a sound mind in a sound body is a worthy one. But Westtown will fail to fulfill its mission if a stop is made there. Rather should it strive to be instrumental in adding the crown of an excellent spirit, in sympathy with our fellowmen and in harmony with the Divine Will.
Signed by direction and on behalf of the Westtown Com- mittee.
J. HENRY BARTLETT, ELLEN C. CARTER,
Chairman. Secretary.
FINANCIAL REPORT.
We submit the usual classified statement of the receipts and disbursements in the Operating Account, for the fiscal year which ended nine months ago, viz .: Sixth Month 30th, 1921. This statement will be found at the end of this
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Report. It shows an operating deficit for the year of $9,281.00. The charge for board and tuition, during this period was $300.00 per pupil, while the cost of operation per pupil was about $700.00, computed, as heretofore, with- out adding the estimated rental value of dwelling houses and rooms, furnished to officers, teachers and employees.
For the present year the charge for board and tuition, as indicated in the last Report of the Committee, was fixed at $400.00. If, notwithstanding this increase in the charge, and in the face of the present unfavorable business condi- tions, we could have maintained a full attendance at the School, our financial prospects would have been greatly improved. As noted elsewhere in this Report, however, the enrollment has been somewhat reduced this year, and as a consequence it is improbable that we shall be able to prevent the running expenses from exceeding the income. Never- theless, the higher charge this year, for board and tuition, promises to increase this item of our income by some $11,000.00, or about 18% over last year, and we hope for still better results in the year to follow.
Since Sixth Month 30th, 1918, there has accumulated a total deficit of about $30,000.00, as a result of operating the School at a loss. This deficit, or debt, must sooner or later be liquidated or disposed of in some way. Some of our members favor the appropriation of a portion of the capital of certain Funds for this purpose, but for the present the consensus of opinion is not in favor of encroaching on the principal of any legacies or endowments, even though we have an undoubted right to do so. The so-called debt, therefore, is being carried as such, with the hope that new light may be shed upon the problem of its cancellation.
Watching the Budget has been one of the subjects that have received special attention during recent months. For a number of years past we have been endeavoring to profit by the use of a Budget framed before the opening of each fiscal year. It is needless to say that the formal adoption of a Budget is one thing while living within it is quite another. Unlooked-for expenses, changes in the cost of supplies, and disappointments in expected revenue, appear
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to be inevitable, and unless an institution has some margin of income over the estimated outgo, Budgets, while very useful, cannot be expected always to accord with actual results. Our present efforts are directed towards keeping in constant touch, through the year, with costs of operation, as compared with budget allowances.
The Report of this Committee made one year ago, having dealt rather fully with financial questions, it is probably not desirable to discuss them at length this year. It is to be hoped that the development of student self-help and self- government may in time reduce our cash outlay.
The Committee asks that an appropriation of $5,000 be again made by the Yearly Meeting for the use of the School.
Since making report last year the following additions to the Endowment Funds have been received, viz :-
From an anonymous donor, a gift of $1,500 for the benefit of the Library, to be known as the "Mary Ran- dolph Memorial Fund;"
From the executors of the late William C. Lowry, a legacy of $5,000, the income from which is to be used for the payment of teachers' salaries.
From the executors of the late Ephraim Smith an addition of about $300 to the bequest given by his will.
Further payments have also been made on account of subscriptions to the Westtown $250,000 Fund.
The late Thomas Elkinton bequeathed two legacies in trust for the benefit of Westtown School, each of them being of the approximate value of $25,000. One of these bequests was for physical culture purposes, the other for general purposes. The latter was coupled with a restriction to the effect that should the Committee, at any time, "extend the privileges of the School to other than members of the Society of Friends," the bequest should thereupon pass to Friends School at Barnesville, Ohio, and to Philadelphia Monthly Meeting of Friends, in equal shares. As a result of the action of the Yearly Meeting last year, in. authoriz- ing the admission to Westtown School of a limited number of children, who although not themselves members, have,
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or have had, one parent a member of this Yearly Meeting, Westttown will no longer receive the income from the bequest referred to, although it may be that Thomas Elkin- ton, when making the stipulation mentioned, had in mind a wider extension of the rules governing admission to the School than has actually taken place.
The Friends Fiduciary Corporation has been appointed Trustee, to hold the legal title to the real estate and regis- tered securities belonging to Westtown School, in place of J. Henry Bartlett, Walter L. Moore and William B. Evans, the surviving individual trustees heretofore appointed.
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APPENDIX TO REPORT OF WESTTOWN SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OPERATING ACCOUNT for Year ended Sixth Month 30th, 1921
INCOME
Amount received for Board and Tuition, includ-
ing income from the Scholarship Funds Charge, $300.00 per pupil) . $61,318.00
Income of the General Purpose Funds 11,023.17
Income from the Estlack Bequest (this amount is not a guide for future years) 7,000.00
Income from Funds, Appropriated for Salaries 26,144.87
Income from Funds, Appropriated for Other Purposes
9,691.01
Appropriations from the Alumni Association, (including certain appropriations from the Centennial Memorial Fund)
2,325.00
Yearly Meeting Appropriation.
5,000.00
Old Scholars Five-Year Fund ..
5,000.00
Voluntary Contributions from Parents and Guardians, in Excess of Amount Paid for Board and Tuition. 3,161.89
Other Contributions; used for special purposes 552.39
Dividend from the Farm and Dairy. 3,500.00
Dividend from the Orchard and Forestry Dept. 3,428.49
Miscellaneous Receipts 899.32 Actual Income. $139,044.14
Add the estimated value of board and living quarters furnished to officers, teachers and employees 21,003.82
Total
$160,047.96
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OPERATING ACCOUNT, 1920-21
EXPENDITURES
(Each item including the estimated value of board and living quarters, if any, furnished to officers, teachers or employees, as part of their compensation.)
Officers, Teachers and Secretaries
$ 64,055.92
Office Supplies and Expenses
2,211.61
Real Estate Maintenance
15,196.64
Taxes
2,171.51
Fire Insurance
2,200.00
Heat, Light and Water
15,225.92
Laundry Operation, less receipts
2,913.14
Kitchen and Dining Room Supplies and Service
39,482.80
Housekeeping Supplies and Service.
7,171.97
Physicians, Nurses and Medical Supplies
3,329.05.
School Supplies
1,710.10
Campus, Gardens and Greenhouse, less credits.
6,332.25
Operating Stage, net.
1,962.25
Teachers Retirement Fund. 320.32
Interest on Money Borrowed.
1,632,21
Miscellaneous Disbursements of Special Funds. . 894.61
Liability Insurance and Sundry Expenses. · 1,948.05
Total operating cost, including the esti- mated value of board and living quarters furnished to officers, teachers and em- ployees (viz: $21,003.82) . 169,329.49
Deduct total income as above stated. 160,047.96
Deficit for the Year. $ 9,281.53
Library, Magazines and Newspapers
571.14
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ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE SOCIAL ORDER COMMITTEE TO THE YEARLY MEETING
To Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of Friends :-
The Social Order Committee conceives its main task to be the education in the field of social Christianity. We are trying to learn for ourselves, and to help others to learn, what the teaching and example of Christ call for in society today; what conditions of life and what human relation- ships they bid us to seek in the modern factory and business- house, in modern farm and rural life, in the modern home, and in the modern school. For though Christianity has not changed, life has changed greatly, and calls for new appli- cations of age-old truths.
Several groups which have been formed to study these problems are: The Business Problems Group (105 mem- bers), The Women's Problems Group (263 members), The Farmers' Group (64 members), The Educators' Group (64 members), The Social Workers' Group (23 members) , and the Property Group (13 members). Of these, The Business Problems Group and The Women's Problems Group have been the most active during the year. The Property Group has disbanded, and in its place a Research Group is planned.
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