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ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS
OF
Middleboro, Mass.
For the Year Ending, December 31st
D2
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MIDDLEBOROUGH
“HEAD-O’-THE-CAPE”
Elevation—100 feet above sea level Settled—1660 Incorporated as a town—1669 Population 1925 census—9136 Valuation—$9,405,490.00 Municipally owned—water, gas, electric light plants. Tax rate—$32.90 per thousand Area—68.1 square miles Miles of streets—146 Motorized Fire Department
Well equipped Hospital Schools in Class A
Principal Industries :
Fire Apparatus Varnishes Shoes Worsteds Boxes Jewelry
Brass Goods Drug Sundries
and thirty other products
The center of the cranberry industry Located:
35 miles from Boston 22 miles from New Bedford 30 miles from Providence, R. I.
Railroad Center
Direct rail connections with
Fall River Provincetown New Bedford Brockton Taunton Boston
Providence New York
TOWN OFFICERS 1927.
Selectmen
ERNEST L. MAXIM, Chairman Term expires 1928
GRANVILLE E. TILLSON Term expires 1929 ALBERT F. SOULE Term expires 1929 WILLIAM EGGER Term expires 1930 LEWIS F. HARDING Term expires 1930
Town Manager
HARRY J. GOODALE
Town Clerk and Accountant
WALDO S. THOMAS
Treasurer and Collector WILLIAM W. BRACKETT
Planning Board
HOWARD C. HOLDEN GEORGE E. DOANE
JOHN V. SULLIVAN
MRS. WENDALL HOLLOWAY MRS. WILLIAM G. BOYNTON
School Committee
KENDRICK H. WASHBURN MRS. ADELIA C. RICHARDS, re- signed June 1, 1927
Term expires 1928
Term expires 1928
Term expires 1928 Term expires 1928 Term expires 1928 Term expires 1928 Term expires 1928
Term expires 1928
Term expires 1928
MRS. PRISCILLA S. ALGER, appointed to
fill unexpired term of Mrs. Richards ALLAN R. THATCHER FOREST E. THOMAS LORENZO WOOD, Chairman FRED B. ALGER
Term expires 1928 Term expires 1929 Term expires 1929 Term expires 1930 Term expires 1930
6
Superintendent of Schools
J. STEARNS CUSHING, assumed office August 1, 1927. CHARLES H. BATES, retired from office August 1, 1927.
Assessors WILLIAM G. BOYNTON Term expires 1928 HARRISON F. SHURTLEFF Term expires 1929
BENJAMIN C. SHAW, Chairman Term expires 1930
Overseers of the Poor
WILFRED J. CROMWELL Term expires 1928
ADELAIDE K. THATCHER Term expires 1929
WILLIAM G. BOYNTON, Chairman ‘Term expires 1930 Health Officer
JOHN H. WHEELER
Superintendent of Streets HERBERT B. RAMSDELL
Registrars of Voters
WILLIAM J. COUGHLIN, Chairman Term expires 1928
SYLVANUS L. BRETT Term expires 1929 MICHAEL J. CRONAN Term expires 1930 Trustees of the Public Library ALLAN R. THATCHER Term expires 1928 THEODORE N. WOOD Term expires 1928 MARION K. PRATT Term expires 1928 WALTER L. BEALS Term expires 1929 LEONARD O. TILLSON Term expires 1929 NATHAN WASHBURN Term expires 1929 HENRY W. SEARS, President Term expires 1930 THOMAS H. KELLY Term expires 1930
H. JANE BENNETT Term expires 1930
7
Constables E. KIMBALL HARRISON ALDEN C. SISSON HARRY S. ALLEN Tree Warden
HARRY J. GOODALE
Forest Warden HARRY J. GOODALE
Moth Superintendent JESSE CARPENTER, JR.
Sealer of Weights and Measures LOUIS C. LITTLEJOHN
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN
The report of the Town Manager which is printed on the following pages will thoroughly acquaint you with the activities of this board for the past year, and we urge every voter to read it carefully.
As heretofore, the Selectmen ask for your sincere co- operation, and invite suggestions and criticism, with the assurance that it will be gratefully received.
ERNEST L. MAXIM, Chairman. GRANVILLE E. TILLSON. ALBERT F. SOULE. LEWIS F. HARDING. WILLIAM EGGER.
Selectmen.
REPORT OF THE TOWN MANAGER
Board of Selectmen, Middleboro, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The year 1927 has witnessed the completion of two of our major problems which were started in 1926, the high tension line connecting our central station with the central station of the Brockton Edison Company at East Bridgewat- er, and the Memorial High School.
The new high tension line was completed and put in operation December 1st, so that now we are being served by two high tension lines, the one just completed and the ori- ginal one connecting with the Plymouth Electric Light Company. As the Plymouth Company is being served by two high tension lines from New Bedford and one from the Brockton Edison Company by the way of Kingston, it would seem that it must be a very unusual storm which would so interrupt the service as to leave us without electricity.
The Memorial High School was occupied at the begin- ning of the school year in September. The original appro- priation was one hundred seventy-five thousand dollars, and a contract was let to complete the building as recom- mended by the Special Committee. As the building pro- gressed it seemed unwise to finish it without a balcony in the auditorium. The committee to whom was referred the matter of recommending a suitable Memorial for the Veter- ans of the World War recommended that the war bonus money returned to the town by the State be used to install the baleony, thus adding about five thousand dollars to the original appropriation. As the building progressed, still further equipment and other things which were left out, seemed so essential that the building committee asked for
10
an appropriation of four thousand dollars additional, which was granted. In the report of the Special Committee, an allowance for the grading was omitted. The building com- mittee asked for an appropriation of thirty-five hundred dollars to do this work, but only fifteen hundred dollars was voted ;therefore that part of the work has not been completed. An article has been inserted in the 1928 town warrant, ask- ing for two thousand dollars to complete this work. Other than the grading the building is completed and furnished within the total appropriation of about one hundred eighty- five thousand five hundred dollars. In addition to the number of rooms originally planned, three rooms were finish- ed in the attic. This was fortunate as the drawing teacher has been occupying one this year, and next year the two re- maining rooms will have to be furnished to take care of the increased enrollment.
GAS AND ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT
ELECTRIC. The men in the electric light depart- ment have been busy mainly in constructing the new high tension line, as that was done with our own forces, and is pronounced by those who know, as being the last word in line construction, in every detail. One long addition to our distribution system has been built into the Thomastown district. This was completed in time to give the customers along the line the use of electricity during the Christmas season. ‘There is one section of our distribution system which badly needs attention, and that is the line on Ware- ham and Center Streets from Clifford St. to Everett Square. This line carries nearly all the main feeders from the central station to all the territory west of North and South Main Streets, and extending to North Middleboro, and should be entirely rebuilt with new poles and wires. The present poles are in a dangerous condition and the wires are too small to give the service expected by them. The cost of rebuilding
11
this line is about ten thousand dollars. If this sum could be used toward putting these wires underground, it would materially reduce the annual maintenance cost, improve the appearance of our main street and eliminate the serious fire hazzard caused by such a heavy overhead electric line so close to the buildings in our main business center.
GAS. Gas extensions have been made on the follow- ing streets:—North St. from near Nemasket St. to Everett St., Bartlett Ave. to re-enforce the supply to George E. Keith Company’s factory, and Court End Avenue from Elm St. to the Railroad Station. In South Main St. the old pipe which has been in use since the original installation of gas, was replaced by a six inch pipe from Webster St. to Court- land St., thus completing a six inch line from Wareham St. to the Lakeville Line. This year’s work completes all the gas extensions to sections of the town which can be served with low pressure gas, except the Barden Hill section. A line should be extended in 1928 on Wareham St. to Cherry St.
WATER DEPARTMENT
This department still continues to keep its expenses within its income, and turns back each year its surplus into the Town Treasury.
This year we have lost the services of Mr. A. R. Gurney, who felt it necessary to resign because of ill health.
The conditions at the Pumping Station are still good, the pumps and boilers are in good condition and the sand in the filter beds has been renewed.
A thorough inspection has been made of the hydrants and main gates, and any found in need of attention have been immediately repaired.
The standpipe constructed in 1915, is, like many another built of similar material, showing a decided seepage, which is causing a spalling off of small sections of the outside coat- ing, and slowly disintegrating the whole structure. The
12
remedy for this is to reline the inside with some suitable waterproofing material. A sufficient amount of information has not yet been obtained to warrant a recommendation.
HIGHWAYS
With the exception of the work done on Rice St. between Peirce St. and Sproat St., and on Sproat St. from Rice St. to Oak St., all the graveling that has been done this year has been on the outside roads. The roads which have had extensive improvements are—Sachem St., River St., Thomp- son St., Fuller St., Wood St., Bridge St., Cross St., and Cedar St. A total of $4900.00 in labor alone has been spent on these roads. This sum does not include the operating and repair costs of the truck nor the cost of the gravel, as these expenses are charged to the appropriations made for that purpose.
Marion Road, Perry and Miller Streets are now com- pleted to the Railroad Station at Rock. An article has been inserted in the warrant for an appropriation to finish Smith St. which completes the project.
The roadside brush is a source of constant complaint. This year it has been cut on Marion Road, Tispaquin St.. Plymouth St., Thomas St., Chestnut St., Purchase St., Rocky Meadow St., River St., Sachem St., and Cross St., and this is but a small part of the work which should be done. The only way that any worthwhile results can be obtained is to make an appropriation of ten thousand dollars and make one job of cleaning it up; otherwise with this piece- meal work we are not getting anywhere and never will, as it grows faster than we can cut it.
“STREET LIGHTING
The question of improved street lighting in our business center is still a live topic. Something should be done this year, but this too should be combined with the general scheme
13
of placing all wires underground. If this was done and the trolley cars together with its poles and wires were removed from Center St., we would then have a condition to be proud of.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
This department is comfortably situated in its new quarters and they have fulfilled all that was expected of them.
The new fire alarm signal system is working well, but to be complete a repeater should be added in order that the fire alarm system can be cut up into smaller circuits. Then if there is any trouble on the lines, the repeater immediate- ly detects which one is out and the trouble much more quick- ly remedied. As it is now, when trouble occurs, half of the town is out and all the boxes in that section are useless.
The fire apparatus is in poor condition, the oldest piece being fifteen years old, and the newest and the one which does the most work traveling the most miles each year, is eight years old. In order to safeguard the valuable property in the center of the town, a new 750 gal. triple combination pumping engine should be purchased this year.
MOTH DEPARTMENT
The gypsy moth situation in this town has not improved any the past year. There are several sections in the town, particularly adjacent to the surrounding towns where but little attention has been paid to them the past few years, that are badly infested. There were several thousand acres of wood land stripped this year so that it is still necessary to make every effort to at least keep them confined in the areas that are now infested.
This department is still doing exceptionally good work in fighting forest fires, and in repairing and maintaining the school buildings.
14
POLICE DEPARTMENT
This department is still performing its work with effi- ciency and courtesy. A comparison of the statistical re- ports for the past few years shows that the work of this department is constantly increasing. The two main causes are the illicit manufacturing and sale of intoxicating liquors, and the increase in automobile travel. Although no fatal atuomobile accidents have occurred this year, the number of accidents have increased thirty-five, and the people injured, twelve.
The motorcycle patrol is doing very effective work in controlling the heavy automobile traffic. While there have been more automobile violations reported to Police Head- quarters, there are fewer arrests.
The ‘‘stop and go”’ signal tried out at the four corners, did not prove satisfactory, and a raised platform and spot- light were substituted, this proving much more satisfactory in handling the traffic.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The combining of the offices of the Health Officer and the Attendance Officer in the work of one person, and the work of the Health Nurse and School Nurse in one person, is still continuing to show remarkable results. The total number of contagious diseases reported to this department in 1923 was 815, whereas in 1927 there were only 178; a reduc- tion of 618 cases. These fine results can only be contribu- ted to two causes, the faithfulness with which this depart- ment attends to its duties, and to the fact that all absentees from the schools are reported to this department and im- mediately an investigation is made.
While the contagious diseases have shown a remarkable decrease, tuberculosis is increasing, due to the ten year pro- gram which the State has inaugurated. The object of this program is to discover this disease in its early state among the school children and correct it before it is too late.
15
While many of the cities and towns in the state had an epidemic of infantile paralysis, we were fortunate in having only three, one of which was fatal, the other two having regained their normal health.
Respectfully submitted, HARRY J. GOODALE,
Town Manager.
16
REPORT OF THE ASSESSORS
Again we wish to call the attention of the Tax Payers to the necessity of having an accurate set of plans of the most valuable section of the town, for the use of this department, as well as for the use of all the other departments. While we have a set of plans which are useful, they are not suffi- ciently accurate or complete to allow us to distribute the burden of taxation fairly.
As about two-thirds of the taxes of the town are paid on the property within the old fire district, it would seem wise to prepare accurate plans of this section first, after which the preparation of plans for the remaining section of the town could be taken up.
The Assessors wish to impress upon the Tax-payers the necessity of filing a statement of personal property before May 15th. The state law adds a penalty of 50% for late filing. Until such statement is filed no abatement can be made.
BENJAMIN C. SHAW. WILLIAM G. BOYNTON. HARRISON F. SHURTLEFF.
ay.
7 vA
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J. Stearns Cushing Superiniendent of Schools
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
School Committee
OF
Middleboro, Mass.
For the Year Ending December 31st
1927
18
SCHOOL COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION, 1927
ALLAN R. THATCHER, Chairman, January-May. LORENZO WOOD, Chairman, May-December
MEMBERS
Term Expires Lorenzo Wood, Plymouth Street 1930 Fred B. Alger, 5 Court End Avenue 1930 Allan R. Thatcher, 1 Webster Street 1929 Forest E. Thomas, 59 Everett Street 1929 Kendrick H. Washburn, 70 So. Main Street 1928 *Adelia C. Richards, 86 Pearl Street 1928 **Priscilla S. Alger, 7 Courtland Street 1928
*Resigned June 20. **K lected to fill vacancy October 6.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
*J. Stearns Cushing, 25 Bourne Street Telephone 173-Y
Office Room 7, Town Hall, Telephone 81 Office Hours, School Days, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 4 to 5 P. M.; Tuesday and Thursday, 8 to 9 A. M. **Charles H. Bates, Taylorsville, N. C. *Klected May 2. **Retired August 1.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Regular meetings of the School Committee are held in Room 7, Town Hall, on the first Thursday of each month, excepting July and August, at 7:30 P. M.
Lg SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Dr. James H. Burkhead, 11 Peirce Street Tel. Residence 536-R; Office 536-W
SCHOOL NURSE Miss Helen B. Pastor, 182 North Main Street, Tel. 278
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE OFFICER John H. Wheeler, 60 Everett Street; Tel. 407-W
CENSUS ENUMERATOR Mrs. Carrie L. Jones, West Street
SCHOOL CALENDAR
First Term, Jan. 3—Feb. 24, 8 weeks.
Second Term, Mar. 5—Apr. 27, 8 weeks.
Third Term, May 7—June 15, 6 weeks; High School June 22, 7 weeks.
Fourth Term, Sept. 5—Dec. 21, 16 weeks.
Hirst Lerm. Jan.o, 1929:
The graduating exercises of the Junior High School Grades will be held Thursday afternoon, June 14 at 2 o’clock in the Town Hall. |
The graduating exercises of the Senior High School will be held Wednesday evening, June 20 at 8 o’clock in the Town Hall.
HOLIDAYS February 22, April 19, May 30, October 12, November
29-30. Plymouth County Teachers’ Association Convention.
20
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Middleboro, Massachusetts, January 3, 1928. To the Members of the School Board :—
I present here the annual report of the schools of the town of Middleboro and my first as Superintendent of these schools, having assumed that office upon the retirement of Charles H. Bates on August first of this school year. The organization of buildings, arrangement of classes, and filling of teacher vacancies was most admirably done by my pre- decessor whose untiring efforts and labors were enjoyed by the town during his twenty-seven years of faithful service.
The opening of the new Memorial High School was the outstanding event of the year since it not only housed the Senior High School grades in a modern and well equipped building but also allowed a segregation of pupils of the seven- th and eighth grades in the former High School building, now the Bates School, in a semi-Junior High School organi- zation, thus relieving the West Side School congestion and eliminating the use of the undesirable Town House rooms and the portable building at School Street.
The enrollment of the new High School building at the opening of school in September was 450, the largest enroll- ment in the history of the town. The advent of a new high school building has always tended to keep pupils in school for a longer period of time and this building was no exception to that tendancy. Not only did our own pupils continue their education in greater percentage but a greater number of tuition pupils were brought to us from our neighboring towns of Lakeville, Carver, and Plympton. Our new teach- er was added to the faculty to help care for this record num- ber.
In June of this year a Senior Class of 60 pupils will be eraduated from this school while at the same time the Grad- uating Class of the Elementary grades will number 178. Under normal conditions and with the normal loss between the two institutions of learning there should be 158 pupils
21
enter the Freshman Class from our own system in September 1928. In addition to these there are 35 tuition pupils from Lakeville, Carver, and Plympton who have signified their intention of entering. Thus with this entering class number- ing approximately 193 there will be an increase in the total enrollment of 133 pupils.
What does this mean to the town? It means, using the present teacher-pupil load of 28 which is 6 above the average for the state, an increase of four teachers in the faculty of that school. By increasing that load it will be possible to get along with an increase of three teachers at a probable cost of $5,000.00. It means, that these 133 pupils must have text books and supplies. In the High School a pupil aver- ages five text books costing about one dollar each making the added cost for texts alone approximately $650.00 with supplies for these pupils estimated at $550.00. It means that since there are only 502 desks and chairs in the new building at present it will be necessary to purchase and install 70 more in order that these pupils may be seated. A school desk and chair costs $11.49 making the expense of providing seating capacity $804.30. It means that at least one of the two unoccupied rooms on the upper floor must be equipped with blackboard surface for class room use.
Does this mean that the peak will have been reached? NO. In September 1929 a present Junior Class of 83 will be graduated and a present Seventh Grade class of 190 en- tered with two small rooms at present unseated to care for the increase of approximately 100 pupils. In this year we should reach the capacity of the building.
The Bates School contains the Seventh and Eighth grades of the town with the exception of a few pupils of those grades in three of the suburban schools. Here the work of the Eighth grade is departmentalized and that of the Seventh taught by the Home Room teachers. It is planned to departmentalize the entire school for next year and organize the school as a unit.
22
The School Street School now contains Grades three, four, five, and six. In this school the grades are very large, the smallest number in any room being 45 and the largest number 50. It is realized these classes are too large to be properly and advantageously taught however there seems to be no relief possible for the condition at present.
The West Side School now has only the first six grades comfortably housed with reasonable and practicable classes.
The Union and Forest Street Schools contain the pupils of the first two years with smaller classes than heretofore giving these teachers of the smaller pupils the much needed opportunity for individual work and group class instruction.
All of the Suburban Schools are now units that can be operated well. Should one or two of these grow smaller it might be advisable to temporarily close them and combine with another or transport the pupils to the central schools.
As required by Chap. 71 Sec. 40 of the laws of the Commonwealth children three or more years retarded in mental development are now being tested by the State De- partment and should there be ten or more found that should be in a Special Class for their instruction according to their mental attainments it will be necessary to form such a class under a specialized teacher, probably in the small vacant room in the Union Street School. The results of the survey will not be known until after this report goes to print.
During Education Week, 525 parents of pupils in the schools, at the invitation of your committee, visited the various schools of the system. It is the earnest appeal of your Superintendent, Supervisors, and Teachers that parents visit not only during special periods or on special days but that they visit the classes at any time, become familiar with conditions under which the pupil is learning and thus cause better cooperation between teacher, pupil, and the home.
Parent-Teacher Associations have been of distinct value to the different schools where they now exist and their co- operation is greatly appreciated.
The Junior Red Cross work has drawn the attention of
23
the National body and is recognized as one of their finest chapters. Reviews of their work have been placed before the convention gatherings in Washington and Providence by representatives from the local chapter and in both placse were most highly praised for the amount and nature of the work accomplished.
The work of the School Nurse has been exceedingly valuable to the entire school system. Health education, health habits, home visits, underweights, milk distribution, are some of the numerous points of contact that tend to keep our schools in their proper relation to health. I believe there is a grand opportunity for some club or society to do some real social work should they take the responsibility of finan- cing the milk distribution and through the agency of the School Nurse come in contact with the more unfortunate children of the town.
Physical Education work in the Senior High School is now being conducted by student trainers and subject teach- ers. A graduate of a physical training school should be plac- ed in charge of this very important phase of our education program. Such an instructor could teach part time in the academic work.
Teacher changes, withdrawals, transferals, Salary sched- ules etc. are appended to this report.
It is gratifying to find such spirit of cooperation among the teaching force of the schools both among themselves in their Association and with the Superintendent and Super- visors. Such a spirit is reflected in the school-room and in the pupils themselves. It certainly is appreciated by myself as Superintendent and I wish to take this opportunity to publically thank your committee and the corps of teachers for the generous way in which they have helped and cooper- ated during these few months of readjustments due to the regrading and the opening of the new building.
Respectfully submitted, J. STEARNS CUSHING, Superintendent.
24
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Receipts Tuition State Wards $457 .14 Other Tuition 8,095 .25 Sale of Books & Supplies 47.01 Commonwealth of Mass.
Vocational School 660 .20 Income Tax 12,550.00 All Other 14.14
Total Receipts $21,823 .74 Disbursements General Salaries & Wages
Supt. 3,708 .41
Supervisor Music
& Drawing 3,280 . 00 Other Expenses
Truant Officer 30.00
Printing Stationery
& Postage Poot Bars
Telephone 155: 6%
Travelling Expenses a Pe yA)
School Census 100 .00
Vocational School 78 .00
All Other 142 44 Teachers Salaries
High 26,3038 .00
Elementary 47,618 .84
Text Books & Supplies
High Books 1,107 .46
Elementary Books 2,555.85
High Supplies 1,067 .04
Elementary Supplies 2,261.20 Tuition
High 52230
Elementary 199 45
Evening 52 .40
20
Transportation High 2,230 .02 Elementary 11,678.19 Janitors Services High 1,370 .04 Elementary 4,537 .08 Fuel & Light High Lissonte Elementary Dae Ly Maintenance of Buildings & Grounds High— Repairs 851.51 High—Janitors supplies 93 Repair—All Other 209 .76 Elementary Repairs 5,038 .66 Elementary—Janitors supplies 341.51 Elementary—All Other A405 .95 Furniture & Furnishings High 4D BROT Elementary AZ 145 Rent 250 .00 Other Expenses High—New Piano 605 .00 High— Dedication aay) Diplomas, Gradua- tion Exercises 128 .56 Printing 28 .46 Water 293519 Insurance 1,073 .81 All Other 123 .39 Total Disbursements Receipts Net Cost—Schools
103,829 .25
125,652 .99 21,823 .74
26 REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Mr. J. Stearns Cushing, Superintendent of Schools.
Dear Sir:
I submit my report under the following headings: 1. COLLEGE CERTIFICATE.
The High School continues on the approved list of the New England College Certificate Board. It is also approved by Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Dartmouth College, and is in Class ‘“‘A’”’ for Normal Schools. This certificate privilege is secured for the school by the good work of its graduates.
2. ‘TEACHING CHANGES.
_ Two changes and two additional teachers were neces- sary at the beginning of this year. Edith M. Bernston, English and Spanish, was replaced by Lena E. Bliss. Harold C. Sears , who has been with us for seven years, left in Octo- ber, taking a similar position in Natick. His place was taken by Irving R. Hobby. The new teachers were Doris P. Chase, English and Citizenship, and Mary A. Wood, English and Algebra.
Our High School is becoming larger than the average citizen realizes. In September there were 450 pupils. This makes 28 pupils per teacher. In a study made of twenty towns smaller and twenty towns larger in population than Middleboro in Massachusetts, the average number of pupils per teacher was 22. Next year we are expecting a still great- er enrollment and there is no question but that three addition- al teachers are absolutely necessary.
3. EXTRA CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES.
An organization known as the Memorial High School Student Body has come into existence this year. It takes care of all the extra classroom activities of the school. At this writing, 425 of the nearly 450 pupils are members, mem- bership being confined to those paying five cents a week.
PA |
The experience of getting up in Student Body meetings, etc., cannot but help in the growth and experience of students. New uniforms were purchased for both football and basket- ball, and uniforms for girls’ basketball have also been pro- cured. It is gratifying that bills are discounted by cash payments, so that good business methods are followed.
Both boys’ and girls’ classes in physical drill have been formed. The help of a trainer from Bridgewater Normal School has enabled us to do more than possible otherwise with this valuable work. At present, three boys’ classes are being held one period a week, and six girls’ classes, each one period a week. The work is elective for the boys, but required for the girls. We would like to have one period a week required of every pupil in school, but have not the teachers available.
Socials have been held monthly in the Auditorium, Glee Clubs, Orchestra, Band, Boys’ Quartette continue, as does also the school magazine, The Sachem.
4. THE NEW BUILDING.
Naturally everyone is anxious to know how the new building is working out. In one word, the answer is,— splendidly. The best thing it has accomplished is the plac- ing of study pupils by themselves, so that a recitation is held by itself with only those pupils belonging in that class. The opportunity to have assemblies in the Walter Sampson Auditorium, the use of the gymnasium, the general “‘roomi- ness” of the building, and other advantages, represent the attractiveness.
At the opening in September, a Memorial High School Hand Book with floor plans, valuable information, etc., was presented to each pupil to help him in his new environment. At the Dedication, many visited the building, the number probably being nearly 2000.
Several organizations and several classes have made presentations. School men visiting from outside the town have always stated the obvious fact,—that the town got a wonderful building for the money. It certainly reflects
28
great credit to the building committee. It perhaps is not out of order in this report to suggest that a tablet be placed in the lobby with the names of the building committee upon it.
There are two matters in connection with the mainten- ance of the building that should be presented in forceful terms, one concerning the inside of the building, the other the outside. Mr. Goodwin works long and hard and faith- fully. He knows his job. The building is too big for one man to handle the janitorial work connected with it. The grading outside of the building will undoubtedly be improved soon. As it is, it detracts from the general finished appear- ance of the building. Tracked in by many feet, this gravel is harmful to the building. In wet weather, the condition is augmented. We realize the demand for economy in town expenses, and appreciate the fact that the new building is no longer a myth, but the foregoing warrants immediate action.
5. CONCLUSION.
In conclusion, there is every reason for satisfaction at Memorial High School. Teachers and pupils are working together in a most happy manner. A spirit, most conducive for best results prevails. This spirit is due to the co-opera- tion and general good-fellowship existing among the Student Body, the Faculty, the Superintendent, and the School Com- mittee.
Respectfully submitted, ALFRED R. MACK,
Principal.
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GRADUATES OF 1927
Higher Schools Boys Girls Total Attend Colleges 9 2 11 Normal Schools 6 6 Commercial Schools 2 2 Other Schools | 2 3 5 Total continuing their education 11 12 23 Total in Class no 31 56
ENROLLMENT DEC. 28, 1927
Boys Girls Total P#G, 3 3 6 XII AAS 36 61 XI al 48 19 xX 54 61 LIS IX 73 107 180 Totals 186 225 441 Carver st Lakeville 41 Plympton 30 Total tuition pupils 86
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Middleboro, Massachusetts, January 1, 1928. Mr. J. Stearns Cushing, Superintendent of Schools. Dear Sir: I herewith submit a report of the work of the music department for the year ending December 31, 1927.
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The instrumental section is functioning in the usual manner. Drum corps in Bates School and the West Side, and we hope for one at School Street soon. We have an orchestra of thirty-eight members in the High School and one of fifteen members in the Bates School. Both of these or- ganizations have played at several public functions during the past year. The High School Band are fortunate in being able to retain the services of Mr. Belmont as instructor this season, and while they have lost a few members by graduation others have come up to take the places made vacant.
Our latest development is the violin classes. Between forty and fifty boys and girls from the fifth to the eighth grade inclusive in groups from eight to ten are receiving instructions from Mrs. Belmont, it has been thoroughly demonstrated that class lessons are successful, and by taking them in this form reduced terms can be made. We have arranged with a large music supply house in Boston to fur- nish each pupil with a full equipment at a very low figure and on the partial payment plan if desired, these classes are held in the Bates and School Street buildings at times which do not conflict with their regular school work, we hope to be able to have classes on other instruments soon such as clarinets, saxaphones, slide trombones, ete. In this way we are able to have players for our band and orchestra coming along at all times and better still to give a greater number of boys and girls the opportunity to express themselves musically.
Choruses in the High School and in the Bates School are preparing works for their annual Spring events. The Glee Clubs in the High School are flourishing, the Boys’ club numbering thirty members and the Girls’ club about sixty members, they in connection with the orchestra, band, the boy’s quartet and several readers are planning for the annual Mid-Year event to be held January 30 and 31, 1928. The Glee Clubs at the Bates School are directed by Sub-Master Henry Burkland and are preparing several selections for their Spring Concert.
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In my survey of the music situation I have suggested a few changes from time to time and would make a further one at this time in introducing some new devices for pre- senting principles in the first six grades which I have seen demonstrated at the last music Supervisors Convention in Worcester and from study of the situation in several large communities. All of the pedagogical work is done in the first six grades and any presentation that will drive the subject matter home are worthy of a thorough trial and with your approval will use them in these grades. One other suggestion and that is, the introduction of music appreciation into the grades, to do this phonographs are necessary in every building with a good sized list of records to be used as a sort of circulating library. This stimulates the pupils interest in better music and is an incentive toward carrying on in the Junior and Senior High Schools.
The music in the grades is standardized by using the same system of books throughout. The Junior High School is fully equipped with new material and the suburban schools will be equally well cared for by the new books which were suggested and which we hope to see installed soon.
As these new plans are carried out we foresee an improve- ment in the already splendid condition of music in the Mid- dleboro Public Schools.
Very truly,
WW.” Bs | PHILGEPRS; Supervisor of Music.
32 REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF ART
Middleboro, Massachusetts December 30, 1927 Mr. J. Stearns Cushing Superintendent of Schools. Middleboro, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir:
I herewith respectfully submit to you a report of the work of the Art Department for the year ending December 30, 1927.
The Art Department aims to shape the tastes and develop the powers of observation and appreciation, to meet the needs of the nation, not only for creative artists, but for finer tastes in citizens, to set up standards which will act as guides in choice, involving color design and appropriateness, to give to the young people a creative interest in order, and to make them dissatisfied with chaos and discord. ‘It is to be desired that all movements toward making Art intelli- gible to the people shall be offered every encouragement as contributing to the development, not only of knowledge, but adding to the intelligent interest and joy of life.”
Most everyone today knows its unlimitable value in our every day life. The beginnings of the careers for the designers, craftsmans, architects, illustrators, painters, artists of the coming generation, are started in the Art class room of today. Nocity isa city without its architecture, no home a home without its furniture and decoration— no