:
ANNUAL EEPOETS OF THE
Town Officers of Hamilton, Mass.
WITH REPORTS OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE AND TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
For the Year Ending December 81, 1917.
TOGETHER WITH THE
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE FINANCE AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE
SALEM, MASS. BARRY PRINTING COMPANY, 1918.
ANNUAL REPORTS OF THE
Town Officers of Hamilton, Mass.
WITH REPORTS OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE AND
• TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
For the Year Ending December 31, 1917.
TOGETHER WITH THE
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE FINANCE AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE
SALEM, MASS. : HARRY PRINTING COMPANY, 1918. Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2014
https://archive.org/details/townofhamiltonan1917unse LIST OF OFFICERS
MODERATOR AUGUSTUS P. GARDNER (Deceased)
TOWN CLERK SAMUEL A. F. WHIPPLE (Deceased)
TREASURER JOHN L. WOODBURY
SELECTMEN GEORGE H. GIBNEY, Chairman CHESTER A. FOSTER ARTHUR C. CUMMINGS
OVERSEERS OF POOR
ARTHUR C. CUMMINGS, Chairman GEORGE H. GIBNEY CHESTER A. FOSTER
BOARD OF HEALTH CHESTER A. FOSTER, Chairman GEORGE H. GIBNEY A. C. CUMMINGS
ASSESSORS
GEORGE H. GIBNEY, Chairman Term expires 1920 DANIEL D. STONE Term expires 1919 SAMUEL G. GOODHUE Term expires 1918
(3) 4 TOWN REPORT.
TREE WARDEN ERLE G. BREWER
TRUSTEES PUBLIC LIBRARY
REGINALD C. ROBBIXS, Chairman and Treasurer (Resigned) Term expires 1918 FRANCIS C. NORTON Term expires 1920 ARTHUR W. CHANDLER Term expires 1919
FENCE VIEWERS
GEORGE H. GTBNEY ARTHUR C. CUMMINGS CHESTER A. FOSTER
SCHOOL -COMMITTEE
MERE-ILL S. LOVERING, Chairman Term expires 1918 MRS. ADELAIDE D. WALSH Term expires 1920 MISS FLORENCE M. LULL Term expires 1919
CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS GEORGE K. KNOWLTON, Chairman Term expires 1920 FRANCIS C. NORTON Term expires 1919 GEORGE H. GIBNEY Term expires 1918
PARK COMMISSIONERS GEORGE K. KNOWLTON, Chairman Term expires 1919 FRANCIS C. NORTON Term expires 1918 CLARENCE S. KNOWLTON Term expires 1920
TAX COLLECTOR CHARLES W. APPLETON TOWN REPORT. 5
CONSTABLES ALFRED T. POOLE, Chief of Police CHARLES H. SMITH LEROY S. DODGE
SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS CHARLES E. WHIPPLE
MOTH SUPERINTENDENT ERLE G. BREWER
REGISTRARS OF VOTERS ADDISON B. TOWLE, Chairman Term expires 1918
SAMUEL A. F. WHIPPLE . (Deceased) LESTER M. WHIPPLE Term expires 1919 JONATHAN LAMSON Term expired 1917
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES RANDALL E. ADAMS
TOWN ACCOUNTANT ANDREW HARADEN (Deceased)
FIRE ENGINEERS ERLE GL BREWER, Chief GEORGE F. PEN DEXTER, Clerk LESTER M. WHIPPLE RODNEY H. ADAMS FRANK DANE
INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS AND PROVISIONS GEORGE R. DODGE
4 6 TOWN REPORT.
KEEPER OF LOCKUP SAMUEL A. F. WHIPPLE
FIELD DRIVERS
FRED BERRY MERRILL S. LOVE RING FRED P. KILHAM ERNEST M. BARKER JONATHAN LAMSON
POUND KEEPER GEORGE H. HARADEN
FOREST FIRE WARDEN FRED BERRY
MEASURERS OF WOOD, BARK AND LUMBER
JESSE S. MANN JONATHAN LAMSON RALPH BERRY TIMOTHY MOYNIHAN ANNUAL REPORTS. RECEIPTS.
TAXES.
Current year. Property, $5694 00 Poll, 756 00 Previous years. Property, 7510 97 Poll, 150 00 From State. Corporation, 5141 58 National Bank, 1104 31 Income, 41,163 41
$61,520 27
LICENSES AND PERMITS. Licenses. Liquor, $1351 50 Peddler, 6 00 Auctioneer, 2 00 $1359 50
FINES AND FORFEITS. Fines. Court, $15.00 $15 00
CO TOWN REPORT.
GRANTS AND GIFTS. From County. Dog licenses, 1274 45 From Individuals. Norman Fund, 200 00 8474 45
SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS. Moth, 81154 25 Sidewalk, 172 70 81326 95
GENERAL GOVERNMENT. Town Clerk. Use of telephone, 81 00 Town Hall, Rent, 42 00 843 00
PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY. Inspection. Sealer's fees, 825 20 Forestry. Gypsy Moth reimburse- ment from State, 43 13 868 33
HIGHWAYS AND BRIDGES.
Use of Road roller, 8205 00 8205 00
CHARITIES.
Reimbursement for Re- lief from State, 8747 41 Reimbursement for Mothers' Aid from State, 8185 00 8932 41 TOWN REPORT. 9
SOLDIERS BENEFITS. State Aid, $492 00 $492 00
SCHOOLS. Tuition, $184 00 Sales of garden products, 47 08 $231 08
LIBRARIES. Fines, $4 00 $4 00
PARKS.
Sale of grass, $3 00 $3 00
ENTERPRISES.
Public Scales. Fees, $9 35 $9 35
CEMETERIES.
Sale of lots, $35 00 Care of endowed lots, 76 50 $111 50
INTEREST.
On deposits, $423 05 On deferred taxes, 279 84 On Allen fund, 20 41 On Dodge fund, 48 96 $772 26
MUNICIPAL INDEBTEDNESS. Revenue Loans, $40,000 00 $40,000 00
AGENCY AND TRUST. Agency. State Tax, $13,750 00 10 TOWN REPORT.
County Tax, $9,770 22 Soldiers Exemption Tax, 87 38 Liquor licenses col- lected for State, 450 50 24,058 10 Trust. Perpetual care funds, 200 00 200 00 #24,258 10
REFUNDS. Bank Tax, $77 30 Departmental, 7 41 $84 71
BALANCES. General, $19,517 20 Allen fund, 41 Dodge fund, 53 47 $19,571 08
$151,481 99 PAYMENTS
GENERAL GOVERNMENT.
LEGISLATIVE.
Expenses (Legislative Committee) $40 00 140 00
SELECTMEN.
Salaries, $675 00 Other expenses, 96 44 771 44
ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT.
Salaries, $660 22 State audit, 72 09 Other expenses, 42 22 774 53
TREASURER.
Salary, $400 00 Other expenses, 121 41 521 41
COLLECTOR.
Salary, $400 00 Other expenses, 281 74 681 74
(H) 12 TOWN REPORT.
ASSESSORS.
Salaries, $650 00 Other expenses, 298 60 $948 60
OTHER FINANCE ACCOUNTS.
Certification of Notes, 86 00 6 00
LAW.
Salary, ' $100 00 100 00
CLERK.
Salary, "$200 00 Other expenses, 48 12 248 12
ELECTION AND REGISTRATION. Salaries and wages, $205 00 Other expenses, 397 58 602 58
TOWN HALL. Salary, $480 47 Other expenses, 907 25 1387 72 $6082 14 PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY.
POLICE.
Salaries and wages, $1452 95 % Equipment, 104 30 Other expenses, 114 86 1672 11
FIRE.
Salaries and wages, $467 20 Equipment and re- pairs, 219 50 TOWN REPORT. 13
Fuel and light, $114 06 Maintenance of build- ings and grounds, 73 70 Other expenses, 109 69 $984 15
SEALER.
Salary, 150 00 Other expenses, 54 45 104 45
FORESTRY.
Insect pest extermination. Salaries.
Superintendent, ' $ 851 68 Labor, 2715 40 Other expenses. Teams, 311 05
Equipment, - 230 87 All other, 795 58 New automobile truck, 493 26 Tree Warden. Labor, 252 15 Equipment, 45 30 All other, 1 00 5696 29 18457 00
- HEALTH AND SANITATION.
General administration, $100 00 Contagious Diseases, 67 53 Tuberculosis, 135 43 Vital Statistics, 6 50 Other expenses. Fumigation, 5 10 All other, 27 48 14 TOWN REPORT.
Inspection. Animals, $29 00 Meat, 5 50 Milk, 60 00 School children, 29 50 Sanitation. Care of dump, 30 79 Refuse removal, 36 00 $532 83 $532 83
HIGHWAYS AND BRIDGES.
General highway expenditures. Labor, $2828 67 Teams, 2377 50 Gravel and stone, 312 00
Equipment and re- pairs, 334 72
Road roller, 1036 35 State assessment, 1330 00 Norman Fund, 93 78 All other, 107 52 8420 54 onstruction. Macadam, 1533 93 Rust street, 697 00 Arlington street, 349 00 Maple street, 198 20 Willow street, 101 40 2879 53 idewalk Maintenance. Labor, 354 00 Teams, 391 00
Gravel, etc. 94 65 Surveying, 11 00 850 65 TOWN REPORT. 15
Snow Removal. Labor, $597 33 Teams, 488 25 All other, 149 48 $1235 06 Sprinkling. Oil, 2887 35 2887 35 Street Lighting, 4765 41 4765 41 Street signs, 4 50 4 50 Guard Rail, 152 57 152 57 $21,195 61
CHARITIES.
General administration. Salaries, $100 00 Other expenses, 12 26 112 26 Outside relief by town. Groceries and provis- ions, 1083 53 Coal and wood, 192 15 Board and care, 614 62 Medical expense, 351 25 Cash aid, 518 00 Rent, 332 45 All other, 165 66 3257 66 Relief given by other cities and towns, 446 06 446 06 Mothers' Aid, 360 00 360 00 $4175 98
SOLDIERS' BENEFITS.
State Aid, $414 00 414 00 Soldiers' Relief. Cash, 292 00 16 TOWN REPORT.
Medical attention, 1283 09 * Fuel, 28 50 All other. 2 75 $606 34 #1020 34 SCHOOLS. "General expenses. Superintendent, 1630 00 Secretary, 25 00 Truant Officer, 75 55
Printing, etc., 74 18 Telephone, 51 04 Purchasing Agent, 75 00 930 77 Teachers' Salaries. High, 4127 63 Elementary, 6072 80 Music, 256 25 Drawing, 195 00 School Gardens, 232 00 Agricultural instructor, 30 00 Retirement Fund, 274 50 11,188 18 Text-books and supplies. High, 473 68 Elementary, 819 85 1293 53 Tuition, Evening In- dustrial School, 20 11 20 11 Transportation, 643 28 643 28 Janitors' services. High, 317 50 Elementary, 826 75 1144 25 Fuel and Light. High, ,628 06 Elementary, 639 75 1267 81 TOWN REPORT. IT
Maintenance of build- ings and grounds, 11697 76 11697 76 Furniture and furnish- ings, 270 77 270 77 All other, 102 93 102 93 $18,559 39
LIBRARIES. Salaries and wages, $215 00 Books and periodicals, 240 59 Buildings, Rent, 175 00 Furniture, 14 70 All other, 28 77 674 06 $674 06 RECREATION. Park. Labor, $19 39 All other, 3 00 22 39 $22 39
UNCLASSIFIED. Memorial Day, $21 51 Care of Town clock, 41 37 Printing Town Reports, 178 64 Boiler Insurance, 45 21 286 73 $286 73 CEMETERIES. Salaries, $45 00 Labor, 261 53 All other, 28 76 335 29 $335 29 INTEREST.
On loans in anticipation of revenue, $881 08 18 TOWN REPORT.
On loans for general purposes, 8196 40 81077 48 $1077 48
MUNICIPAL INDEBTEDNESS.
Loans in anticipation of revenue, 820,000 00 Town Hall bond. 1000 00 School bond, 980 00 21,980 00 821,980 00
AGENCY AND TRUST. State Tax, 813.750 00 County Tax, 9.770 22 Soldiers' Exemption Tax. 87 38 Liquor licenses collected for State, 450 50 24.058 10 Trust. Perpetual Care Funds, 200 00 824,258 10
REFUNDS. Taxes, 177 30 Departmental, 7 41 84 71 884 71
BALANCES. General, 842,668 89 Allen Fund, 20 82 Dodge Fund, 50 23 42,739 94 842,739 94
Total Payments, 8151,481 99 '
CO Ol ol
© OS o £ 5 rt o B 6 tJ PQ -a C >-< rt B b c$ B CO 5 O > w .2 fcu nr) U ^ ^ tj _^ c « SK 'tJ s « JJ 3 PS •2 * . tj ^ OS OS OS £ 3 § o w .S *» — 12 S S b o »— <-> k Ut) Os Oo 2» «u Eb > — a . S3 & o 00 (N 00 00 lO CD t— 52 T3 o .2 OS OS OS u «^ eS 0) > CO lO CD t- (M iH a •J rt r- rH TH rt ^3 th a O B3 O OS OS OS OS OS OS rt H H H H rt B o o .s w -t{ ^ <£> H % s B g CL, C3 sis B g o ° S y I 2 j? S u < Uo O CO o co co o t— CO lO r a Statement of Trust Funds. PERPETUAL CARE FUNDS. Savings bank deposits beginning of year, #4852 63 Savings bank deposits end of year, 5173 57 RECEIPTS. PAYMENTS. Deposits for Care, #200 00 Care of lots, #76 50 Interest, 197 44 Deposited in bank, 320 94 #397 44 #397 44 NAME OF FUND. JAN. I, IQI7- RECEIPTS. PAYMENTS. DEC. 31, 191; Albert R. Allen $104 30 $4 20 $2 00 $106 50 I). S. Allen 434 19 17 52 7 00 444 71 Dr. Justin Allen 105 28 4 24 2 00 107 52 Horace E. Andrews 104 04 4 OS 3 00 105 12 M. K. Abbott 226 60 9 14 5 00 230 74 Ayers Fund 162 16 6 54 2 00 166 70 Ellen A. Bean 107 60 4 32 3 00 108 92 Elizabeth A. Brown 109 14 4 40 2 00 111 54 Amos Burnbam 113 72 4 E6 2 00 116 28 Ohoate Burn ham 188 74 7 60 5 00 191 34 N. B. Butter 100 00 7 18 107 18 Frances Dane 1205 62 48 68 7 00 1247 30 Luther Dane 111 30 4 48 3 00 112 78 J. K. Davenport 103 16 4 16 2 00 105 32 J. E. Dodge 100 00 4 04 104 04 Joseph I. Dodge 106 70 4 28 2 00 108 98 H. Augusta Dodge 248 80 10 02 4 00 254 82 Howard K. Fillebrown 51 50 2 02 1 50 52 02 William H. Gleason 103 16 4 16 2 00 105 32 Geo. T. Haynes 1>4 44 4 60 3 00 116 04 Thomas Home 100 00 100 00 Jacob Kinsman 107 80 4 32 2 00 110 12 Arthur Mason 100 00 3 02 103 02 Laura Patch 100 00 4 04 104 04 Charles A. Peterson 104 04 4 08 3 00 105 12 Daniel Roberts 104 58 4 20 3 00 105 78 Daniel E. Safford 115 24 4 64 3 00 116 88 W. E. Town send 104 28 4 20 3 00 105 48 Albert M. Whipple 100 00 100 00 Hannah M. Whipple 102 08 4 12 3 00 103 20 L. D. Whipple 114 16 4 60 2 00 116 76 $4852 63 $397 44 $76 50 $5173 57 (21) 00 TOWN REPORT. DR. JUSTIN ALLEN LIBRARY FUND (EXHIBIT) Savings banks deposits at beginning of year, . . $500 00 Savings banks deposits at end of year, .... 500 00 RECEIPTS. PAYMENTS. ' Interest, . . . . $20 41 Cash at end, ... 20 82 Cash to begin, . . 41 120 82 $20 82 H. A. DODGE LIBRARY FUND (EXHIBIT) United Fruit Co. Bond (par value), .... $1000 00 Deposit in Merchants National Bank, .... 36 87 Total cash and securities belonging to the principal of the fund at the beginning and end of the year, $1036 87 RECEIPTS. PAYMENTS. Interest, .... $48 96 Books, .... $52 20 Cash to begin, . . 53 47 Cash at end, . . 50 23 $102 43 $102 43 Report of Treasurer's Cash. Total receipts for the year end- ing December 31, 1917, 1151,481 99 Total payments for year end- ing December 31, 1917, 108,742 05 Cash on hand Dec. 31, 1917, *42,739 94 Bank balances, Merchants National Bank. General account, 142,668 89 General account Dodge Library fund, 46 27 General account Allen Library fund, 41 Library account, Dodge Library fund, 3 96 Library account, Allen Library fund, 10 41 Savings Bank, Allen Library fund, 10 00 $42,739 94 John L. Woodbury, Town Treasurer. (23) Assessors' Report. a pRTT A Si Si TP Si Si AX TP KT T \ aiue oi Dunuings, 'pi,»J^o,zy i Value of land, 1,156,568 Value of real estate, $3,079,865 00 Value tangible personal, 595,470 00 lotal Valuation, $3,675,335 00 Tax on real estate, $29,258 88 Tax on tangible personal, 5,657 83 Tax on polls, 1,074 00 Total tax, $35,990 71 Gypsy moth assessment. 1,407 17 Kate per Number of horses, 315 Number of cows, 234 X umber of neat eattle other than cows, 54 Number of sheep, 62 Number of swine, 101 Number of dwellings. 850 Number of acres of land, 8547^ Number of residents assessed on property, 387 All others, 51 Number of non-residents assessed on property 231 All others, 55 Number of polls assessed, 537 (24) TOWN REPORT. 2.5 Number of polls only, 280 Number of persons assessed, 1004 DECEMBER ASSESSMENT. Value of land, I 100 00 Value of personal, 3400 00 Total valuation, #3,500 00 Tax on real estate, $ 95 Tax on personal, 32 40 Total tax, $33 35 Appropriated for General Town expenses, $60,760 00 State tax, 13,750 00 State highway tax, 1,330 00 State audit tax, 72 09 County Tax, 9,770 22 Overlay, 2,355 87 $>88,038lL8 Less estimated revenue, #51,975 62 Less polls, 1,074 00 $53,049 62 Amount to be raised by tax levy, $35,988 56 George H. Gibney, Samuel G. Goodhue, Daniel D. Stone, Assessors, : 26 TOWN REPORT. Police Department. To the Honorable Board of Selectmen : Gentlemen : — I wish to submit my annual report for the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1917. Whole number of arrests during the year, 6 ; divided as follows Males, 6 Native born, 4 Foreign born, 2 Adults, 6 Residents, 2 R ECAPITULATION. Crimes against the person, • 0 Crimes against property, 0 Crimes against public order, 6 OFFENCES. Drunkenness, 5 Vagrant, 1 DISPOSITION. Salem Jail, 2 Fined, 1 Released 3 MISCELLANEOUS. Automobiles reported stolen, 1 Automobiles found and recovered, 1 TOWN REPORT. 27 Bicycles reported lost or stolen, 7 Bicycles found and recovered, 5 Buildings found open, 1 Complaints received, 110 Complaints investigated, 103 Street obstructions removed, 2 Dogs killed, 3 Broken wires, 2 Persons assisted, 6 Persons held for investigation, 1 Disturbances, 3 Fires extinguished, 1 Itinerant persons ordered to leave town, 6 Lights furnished for dangerous places, 4 Letters, postal cards and circulars received, 110 Letters, postal cards and notices sent out, 120 Officers attendance at court, 6 Property reported lost or stolen not recovered, value, $300 Police assistance from out of town officers, 5 Police assisting out of town officers, 15 Reports to Highway Commission, 3 Report to Prison Commission, 1 Committed to State Hospital, Danvers, 1 Patients escaped and returned to State Hospital, Danvers, 2 Summonses served for out of town officers, 12 • Accidents resulting in death, 1 OFFICERS ATTENDANCE AT COURT. Poole, 6 ARRESTS MADE BY OFFICERS Poole, 6 2s TOWN HE PORT. COMPLAINTS RECEIVED AND INVESTIGATED BY OFFICERS. Poole, 82 Dodge, 3 Smith, 12 Hoy, 1 Wood, 5 OFFICERS HOURS OF DUTY PERFORMED. Smith, 449 Deneen, 13 Dodge, 208 Dever, 30 Hoy, 16 Haraden, 69 Wood, 50 Saunders, 10 I wish to thank all who have in any way assisted me or any member of this department. Respectfully submitted, Alfred T. Poole, Chief of Police. Report of Park Commissioners. The Park Commission has to report only the general care of the park during the present year, and for which a little more than one-half of the appropriation of fifty dollars was expended. As there will probably be no need of any extra work the coming year, we ask for an appropriation of twenty-five dollars. George K. Knowlton. Francis C. Norton, Clarence S. Knowlton, Pa rk Co mm issioners. (29) Report of Cemetery Commissioners. In presenting our report this year we would say that while we have not accomplished all that we would like to have done, we have expended a large part of the appropria- tion in the general care of the grounds. But in order to do that which should be done the com- ing year, we need a larger appropriation than we have had in several years. We have not asked for an increased appropriation before on account of the possible call for a large expenditure of money either for the introduction of water into the town, or for the erection of a High School building, one or both. But as a decision on these matters seems to be quite uncertain for the present, we now ask for an appropriation sufficient for the extension of several avenues in the new part of the cemetery ; for the rebuilding of a boundary line wall or fence on Greenwood avenue; for straightening Main avenue on the side of the old tombs, and other matters of importance for the improvement and care of the cemetery. To complete the work the Commissioners would like to do, we ask for an appropriation of five hundred dollars. George K. Knowlton, Francis C. Norton, George H. Gibney, Cemetery Comm iss ioners. (30) Town Clerk's Report. There was one hearing the past year, Petition of New England Telephone and Telegraph Company to lay under- ground conduits with manholes, with wires and cables. Granted. REGISTRATION. There were ten meetings of the Board of Registrars the past year at which twenty-eight (28) males were added to the voting list and eight (8) females were added to the list of female voters. Whole number of male voters, 377. Female voters, 87. DOG LICENSES. There were four kennel and one breeder's licenses issued. Of the eighty-seven individual licenses taken, sixty- four were for males and twenty-three were females. MARRIAGES RECORDED. Charles L. Andrews, Jr., Lynn, Helen Chipman, Asbury Grove. Edmund K. Brown, Flushing, N. Y., Elizabeth P. Gentlee, Hamilton. Albert C. Hill, South Hamilton, Sarah J. Fox, Wenham. Arthur F. Haynes, Hamilton, Minnie C. List, Hamilton. (81) 32 TOWN REPORT. Winslow B. Dodge, South Hamilton, Maud E. Mugridge, Dan vers. Arthur W. Day, South Hamilton, Clara D. Haraden, Hamilton. Earle E. Johnson, Beverly, Florence W. Goodridge, South Hamilton. Arthur F. Richardson, South Hamilton, Marion B. Osborn, Middleton. Howard B. Lougee, South Hamilton, Mary E. Pierce, Cambridge. Russell C. Tirrell, Beverly, Martha M. Berry, Hamilton. Neil W. Rice, Boston, Emma H. Mandell, Hamilton. Nelson S. Mitchell, South Hamilton, Mary W. Freaty South Hamilton. Frank Channel, Hamilton, Wilhemina MacKeen, Newton. Arthur T. Trask, South Hamilton, Anna E. Johnson, Hamilton. Charles F. Cuddy, Somerville, Marion E. Dennis, Somerville. George M. Bailey, North Beverly, Rebecca M. Jeddrie, South Hamilton. Willard S. Simpkins, Hamilton, Augusta P. Prescott, Boston. Gruseppe Brambilla, Washington, D. C, Julia A. Meyer, Hamilton. Walter J. Cole, South Hamilton, May F. Sanborn, Salem. Reginald Toner, Hamilton, TOWN REPORT. 33 Marguerite Menini, Hamilton. Cornelius J. Mullin, South Hamilton, Mary F. Byrnes, Wenham. Harry R. MacGregor, Hamilton, Madeline Scahill, Ipswich. George V. Carleman, Salem, Lottie S. Hammond, Beverly. Alonzo E. Flower, Hamilton, Anna F. Cummings, Hamilton. BIRTHS RECORDED. Jan. 1. Edna Angie, daughter of George and Ethel M. Sprague. Jan. 10. Leslie Samuel, son of Samuel and Mary E. Clews. Jan. 24. Dorothy Gertrucle, daughter of Carl and Bertha F. Miller. Jan. 25. Reginald Joseph, son of Peter and Grace Fraser. Feb. 3. Ronald Converse, son of Gustave and Lona A. Miller. Feb. 4. Rocco, son of Rafael and Olympia De Lucca. Feb. 19. Kenneth, son of Charles and Blanche McRae. Mar. 25. Wayne Earl, son of Wallace H. and Bessie M. Day. 1 Mai . 28. , son of William and Mary M. Luscomb. Mar, 30. Mary Louise, daughter of John A. and Lillian A. O'Leary. Apr. 1. Catherine Madeline, daughter of Peter and Mary E. Duran. Apr. 29. Marcy Louise, daughter of John and Louise Mauchielii. 34 TOWN REPORT. May 12. , son of Walter and Gladdis Lielinski. May 14. Susan Frances, daughter of William F. and Mar garet M. Green. May 18. Edward, son of Frank and Petronella Laski. May 22. Martha Elizabeth, May 23. John Prescott, son of Rodney H. and Elois A. Adams. May 25. Dorothy June, daughter of Lester M. and Gladdis M. Whipple. July 1. Edwin Frederick, son of James and Mary Sanders. July 7. Cora Elizabeth, daughter of William and Cora Tuttle. July 11. Stillborn. July 17. Chester Hawthorne, son of Frank P. and Nellie M. Landers. July 25. Marjorie, daughter of Winslow B. and Maud Dodge. July 28. Alida Borland, daughter of Frederick S. H. and Julia B. Goodwin. July 29. Arthur Merrill, son of Archie and Sarah Moore. July 30. Stillborn. . Aug. 1. Freda Grace, daughter of William F. and Lulu G. Tuttle. Aug. 15. Norman James, Jr., son of Norman J. and Carrie B. Conrad. Aug. 18. John Joseph, son of Michael and Kate Darcy. Sept. 12. William Anthony, son of Joseph and Katherine McDonald. Sept. 20. Mary Hannah, daughter of William W. and Bessie Bancroft. TOWN REPORT. 35 Oct. 12. David Edward, son of David H. and Mary E. Sands. Oct. 21. Marshall, son of Robert R. and Freolene Wal- lach. Nov. 3. Raymond Lester, son of Edward L. and Mary F. Barker. Nov. 4. , son of George and Mathilde Pitts. Nov. 11. William Galbrathe, son of William G. and Bea- trice Mitchell. Nov. 15. Earle Callahan, son of Ernest and Anne Faulk- ner. Nov. 18. Alice Shaukle, Nov. 19. Miller C, son of Eddie and Minnie Parker. Nov. 24. Eliza, daughter of January and Corina Wabuco. Nov. 27. Nellie Appleton, daughter of Walter J. and Martha Emeney. Dec. 13. Charles Hamilton, son of William E. and Gladys E. Choate. Dec. 17. , daughter of Acjoinder and Josephine Chorzenski. DEATHS RECORDED. Yrs. Mos. Days Jan. 6. Mary E. Dodge, 90 9 Jan. 10. Mary Letart, 63 Jan. 28. Isaac F. Knowlton, 77 11 15 Feb. 24. Joseph B. Maguire, 67 10 26 Mar. 3. Ebenezer S. Tinkham, 85 May 9. Mary A. Pace, 66 2 13 June 1. George E. Rodd, 46 2 27 June 17. Bertha Hobbs, 74 8 26 36 TOWN REPORT. Yrs. Mos. Days June 26. Olinda M. Dane, 73 10 28 July 2. Still born. July 11. Still born. July 30. Still born. Sept. 23. Caroline S. Dane, 76 6 Oct. 19. JosephT 1 K.T"> Eraser,T7* « Oct. 24. Helen C. Andrews, 23 1 6 Oct. 31. William Gould, 73 5 23 Nov. 19. Percy H. Roberts, 50 6 1 Nov. 19. Albert F. Lougee, 67 1 2 Dec. 1. Lorenzo Marshall, 38 10 5 Dec. 6. Nathaniel Appleton, 73 1 12 Dec. 12. Edward R. Home. 47 8 2 Dec. 1-i. Rocco De Lucca, 1 10 10 Dec. 21. Samuel A. F. Whipple, 79 4 12 BROUGHT INTO TOWN. Yrs. Mos. Days Feb. 21. Helen Brook, 30 May 10. Catherine I. Will aid, 49 6 5 May 19. Ellen Davies, 47 11 21 July 18. William W. Trow, 68 10 19 Oct. 2. Charles Patch, 73 2 26 Report of the Trustees of the Public Library, 1917. We are very sorry to report the resignation of Mr. Reg- inald C. Robbins from the Board of Trustees as he has been a very efficient Chairman and Treasurer. Mr. Robbins is not only a writer himself but has a wide knowledge of books. He is now in France. The work of the Library during the year 1917 has given perfect satisfaction to the Trustees and to the public. Respectfully, Francis C. Norton, Arthur W. Chandler. Librarian's Report. 1o the Trustees of the Public Library. Gentlemen : —My second annual report is herewith sub- mitted. The record of 1917 shows a decided increase in the cir- culation of books, as sixty new names have been added to those already enjoying the privileges of the Library. (37) TOWN REPORT. We have bought two hundred new books, most of them issued in 1917 and also have received gifts of books from Mrs. John G. Walker, Mrs. Walter F. Seavey, Mrs. George Von L. Meyer, Mrs. C. F. Aver and Miss Annie Lyons. We wish to thank these friends for their kindness and assure them that their gifts are fully appreciated. These books are now being catalogued. The Gail Hamilton reading table is thoroughly enjoyed by the young people and we have added two new magazines this year, Popular Mechanics, which the boys especially like, and The Country Gentleman. We hope to add still more during the coming year. This table is no expense to the Town but all the magazines are paid for from the Dodge En- dowment Fund. Last year there seemed to be some misunderstanding in regard to the South Hamilton Branch, so I would like to give a few words of explanation. Each year we send down at least eight hundred books. Sometime during the vear every one of the two hundred new books placed in the Library is sent to the Branch, so that the people at South Hamilton may have the privilege of reading exactly the same 1 ks which the people at the centre of the town enjoy. If any very popular book is published, two copies are bought, one for each part of the town. With the assistance of Mr. O. J. Kimball, I was able to send to Washington one hundred and fifteen dollars toward TOWN REPORT. 39 the Camp Library Fund. This was twenty-five dollars more than our share. The Library is open on Wednesday and Saturday after- noons from 3 to 5 and on Saturday evening from 7 to 9. Annie S. Preston, Librarian. The following is a list of books added to the Library from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 1917. Abbott, Eleanor H. The Stingy Receiver F3160 Andrews, Mary R. S. Old Glory 929. 9A Apple ton, Victor Tom Swift in the Caves of Ice F3204 Tom Swift and His Great Search Light F3205 Tom Swift in the City of Gold F3241 Tom Swift among the Diamond Makers F3242 Tom Swift and His Photo Telephone F3243 Tom Swift and His Big Tunnel F3244 Tom Swift and His Aerial Warship F3245 Tom Swift in the Land of Wonders F3246 Tom Swift and His Air Glider F3247 Tom Swift and His Submarine Boat F3248 Tom Swift and His Wizard Camera F3249 Tom Swift in Captivity F3250 Tom Swift and His Airship F3251 Tom Swift and His Motorcycle F3252 B 40 TOWN REPORT. Bailey, Arthur Scott The Tale of Billy Woodchuck F3282 Bailey, Marion E. Boys and Girls Ask at Home Questions 372.3 Bailey, Temple Mistress Anne F3151 Baily, Waldron The Homeward Trail F3154 Baird, Jean K. The Coming of Hester F3210 Hester's Counterpart F3259 Hester's Wage Earning F3211 Bancroft, Edith Jane Allen of the Sub-Team F3264 Bangs, John Kendricks From Pillar to Post 929. 9A Barclay, Florence E. The White Ladies of Worcester F325 Bartlett, Frederick Orin The Triflers F315 Benedict, Emma Lee The Gregory Guards F3111 Bilbro, Mathilde The Middle Pasture F3136 Bindloss, Harold Brandon of the Engineers F3286 Carmen's Messenger F331 Bottome, Phyllis The Dark Tower F3163 Bower, B. M. The Lookout Man F3198 The Heritage of the Sioux F3321 TOWN REPORT. 41 Brown, Alice Bromley Neighborhood F3199 Brown, Geo. Rothwell My Country F3157 Brainerd, Eleanor H. How could you Jean ! F3290 Bryant, Sara Cone Stories to tell the Littlest Ones F3105 Buck, Charles N. The Tyranny of Weakness F3194 Burke, Kathleen The White Road to Verdun 4000 Bl Burritt, Edwin C. The Boy Scout Crusoes F3143 Buswell, Leslie Ambulance No. 10 4000B Butler, Samuel The Way of All Flesh F3134 Cabot, Ella Lyman Every Day Ethics 171. 7C Can field, Dorothy Understood Betsey F3197 Chapman, Allen Ralph in the Switch Tower F3108 Ralph on the Engine F3109 Ralph on the Overland Express F3218 Ralph the Train Dispatcher F3219 Working Hard to Win F3310 Cholmondeley, Alice Christine 4000C 42 TOWN REPORT. Churchill, Winston The Dwelling Place of Light F3240 Connolly, James B. Head Winds F3144 Running Free F3237 Connor, Ralph The Major F3288 Cooke, Marjorie B. Cinderella Jane F3165 Cooper, James A. Cap'n Abe Storekeeper F3161 Conrad, Joseph Victory F3315 Curtin, Thomas D. The Land of Deepening Shadow 4000C1 Darling, Mary G. We Four Girls F3277 Davis, Richard Harding The Boy Scout and other stories for Boys F3320 D eland, Margaret The Awakening of Helena Ritchie F3289 Dell, Ethel The Hundredth Chance F3159 Dodge, Henry Irving Skinner's Dress Suit F3121 Skinner's Baby F3298 Dowling, Sherwood Harry Dale, City Salesman F3110 Doyle, A. Conan His Last Bow F3291 TOWN REPORT. 43 Emerson, Alice B. Ruth Fielding on Cliff Island F3279 Ruth Fielding in Moving Pictures F3280 Ruth Fielding Down in Dixie F3281 Empey, Arthur Guy Over the Xop •iOUUlliinnnF Fairbanks, Douglas Laugh and Live 17 1 A l? Farnol, Jeffery ± ne uenniie uoject rolol Ferber, Edna b anny Hersell 179 Ofi/1 rosdick, Harry The Challenge of the Present Crisis -lUUUrJ Fox, John Jr. In Happy Valley F39QQ Franklin, Edgar In and Out r olOO Fredericks, Arnold Thp-L lie FilmA 1 1 III Ulnf VRparKjdtL F21 27 Frey, Hildegarde The Camp Fire Girls on Ellen's Isle F3223 Frost, Waiter Archer The Man Between F3314 Gates, Eleanor The Biography of a Prairie Girl F3164 Apron Strings F3297 Gates, Josephine S. The Story of the Mince Pie F3145 Gardner, Mary Sewall Public Health Nursing 610. 73G 44 TOWN REPORT. Gerard, James W. My Four Years in Germany 4000G Gibbs, George The Secret Witness F3215 Ginther, Pemberton Miss Pat and Her Sisters F3224 Miss Pat at School F3225 Miss Pat in the Old World F3226 Miss Pat's Holidays at Greycroft F3227 Miss Pat and Company Limited F3228 Glasgow, Ellen Life and Gabriella F3168 Gordon, Grace Patsy Carroll at Wilderness Lodge F3263 Green, Anna Katherine The Golden Slipper F3300 Grey, Jane Wildfire F3104 The Lone Star Ranger F3106 The Spirit of the Border F3258 The Last of the Plainsmen F3131 Hamilton, Robert W. Belinda of the Red Cross F3127 Hare, T. Truxton Making the Freshman Team F3123 A Sophomore Half-Back F3124 A Junior in the Line F3149 A Senior Quarter-Back F3125 A Graduate Coach F3126 Harraden, Beatrice A New Book of the Fairies F3278 TOWN REPORT. 45 Hall, Herbert and Buck, Mertice M. C. Handicrafts for the Handicapped 688 H&B Hay, Ian The First Hundred Thousand 4000H1 Getting Together 4000H2 Hill, Grace Brooks The Corner House Girls at School F3114 The Corner House Girls Under Canvas F3115 The Corner House Girls in a Play F3116 The Corner House Girls Odd Find F3117 The Corner House Girls on a Tour F3214 Hopkins, William J. The Clammer and the Submarine F3238 Huard, Frances W. My Home in the Field of Honor 4000H Hueston, Ethel Sunny Slopes F3180 Hughes, Rupert In a little Town F3200 Jacobs, W. W. The Castaways F3147 Jepson, Edgar Alice Devine F3188 Polly ooly F3191 Johnson, Owen The Spirit of France 4000J Kellock, Harold Mr. Hobby F3128 Kerr, Sophie The Blue Envelope F3139 46 TOWN REPORT. King, Basil The Lifted Veil F3138 The High Heart F3234 Kyne, Peter F3233 Webster-Man s's Man Lane, Rose Wilder Henry Ford's Own Story 920L Lester, Pauline Marjorie Dean, High School Freshman F3220 Marjorie Dean, High School Sophomore F3221 Marjorie Dean, High School Junior F3222 Marjorie Dean, High School Senior F3256 Lincoln, Joseph C. Extricating Obadiah F3239 Lincoln, Natalie S. The Nameless Man F3231 Locke, William J. The Wonderful Year F3171 The Red Planet F3182 Lutz, Grace L. H. The Witness F3255 Lucas, E. V. The Vermilion Box 4000L Lynde, Francis Stranded in Arcady F3175 MacGrath, Harold The Million Dollar Mystery F3193 MacHarg, William and Balmer, Edwin The Indian Drum F3293 Maniates, Belle K. Amarilly in Love F3187 TOWN REPORT. 47 Marshall, Archibald Water-Meads F3170 Mason, Mai Rightor The Girl who loved the Land F3318 McCutcheon, George Ban- Mr. Bingle F3166 The Prince of Graustark F3192 Montgomery, L. M. Anne's House of Dreams F3309 Nichols, W. F. The Safety First Club F3142 Norris, Kathleen Martie, the Unconquered F3183 Undertow F3195 Oppenheim, E. Phillips The Hillman F3150 The Cinema Murder F3185 Orczy, Baroness A Sheaf of Bluebells F3253 Packard, Frank L. The Adventures of Jimmie Dale F3167 Palmer, Frederick The Old Blood F3140 Payson, Lieut. Howard Boy Scouts Campaign for Preparedness F3305 Pier, Arthur Stanwood The Plattsburgers 4000P Poole, Ernest His Family F3176 Porter, Eleanor The Road to Understanding F3107 4^ TOWN REPORT. Raine. William McLeod The Yukon Trail F3178 Rhoades. Nina Polly's Predicament F3303 Rice, Alice Hegan Calvary Alley F3235 Richards, Laura Heldegarde's Holiday F3265 Richmond, Grace S. The Whistling Mother 4U0OR Red Pepper's Patients F3216 Rinehart, Mary R. Bab, the Sub Deb F3158 The Amazing Adventures of Letitia Carberry F31T3 The Case of Jennie Brice F3186 The Street of Seven Stars F3190 Long Live the King # F3229 Roche, Arthur Somers The Sport of Kings F3184 Rohmer, Sax The Hand of Fu Manchu F3162 Roy, Lillian Elizabeth The Blue Bird's Winter Nest F3213 Ruck, Berta Miss Million's Maid F3295 Sabin, Edwin L. With Sam Houston in Texas F3141 Saunders, Marshall The Wandering Dog F3146 Sawyer, Ruth Herself, Himself, Myself F3232 TOWN REPORT. 49 Scott, Le Roy No. 13 Washington Square F3119 Schaick, George Van A Top Floor Idyl F3217 Seaver, Charles H. American Boy's Book of Electricity 537S Sharp, Annabel Peggy Parsons at Prep School F3112 Peggy Parsons, Hampton Freshman F3113 Shute, Henry A. The Youth Phipy F3312 Sidguick, Mrs. Alfred The Salt of the Earth F3236 Smith, F. H. and F. B. Enoch Crane F3172 Snell, Roy J. The Little White Fox and his Arctic Friends F3148 Snow, Edith Nancy, the Joyous F3120 Speed, Nell At Boarding School with the Tucker Twins F3208 Vacation with the Tucker Twins F3209 Sperry, Raymond, Jr. The White Ribbon Boys of Chester F3257 Sterne, Elaine The Road of Ambition F3301 Stewart, Charles W. The Stars and Stripes 929.9S Tomlinson, Everett T. Scouting with General Funston 973. 6T Tracy, Louis Cynthia's Chauffeur F3313 , 50 TOWN REPORT. Van Hutten, Bettina Mag Pye F3134 Van Vorst, Marie TT • T O His Love Story F3196 Ward, Mrs. Humphrey Missing r 3296 V infield, Arthur M. Ihe Kover Boys in the Air F3201 Ihe Kover Boys on the Ucean F3202 I he Kover Boys Out VV est Jb oz03 1 lie Kover Boys on ireasure Isle b dlol Ihe Kover Boys in the Mountains F3262 Ihe Kover Boys on the Great Lakes F3316 Ihe Kover Boys on the Jb arm F3317 Ihe Kover Boys in business i 3283 Ihe Kover Boys m Alaska F3284 The Rover Boys at Colby Hall F3285 W eaver, Louise Bennett and LeCron, Helen C. 4 TM I VTT j T~* 1 TT 1 1 A lhousand \\ ays to Please a Husband 641 W&L W ebster, Henry K. TTQ 1 QO The Thoroughbred r o 1 6 1 Wells, Carolyn Dorrance Doings F3118 The Dorrance Domain F3212 The Maxwell Mystery F3156 Faulkner's Folly F3287 Wells, H. G. God, the Invisible King 231.1W Wesselhoeft, Lily Jerry the Blunderer F3266 Weston, George Oh, Mary Be Careful ! F3153 TOWN REPORT. 51 White, Grace Miller The Secret of the Storm Country F3177 Widdemer, Margaret The Wishing Ring Man F3308 Wiggin, Kate D. and Smith, Nora A. Tales of Laughter F3122 Willsie, Honore Lydia of the Pines F3133 Woodrow, Mrs. Wilson The Hornet's Nest F3179 Young, Clarence The Motor Boys at Boxwood Hall F3206 The Motor Boys on a Ranch F3207 Report of Board of Fire Engineers. To the Honorable Board of Selectmen : Gentlemen : —We wish to submit the third annual report of the Board of Engineers of the Fire Department for the year ending Dec. 31, 1917. Early in the year it was thought advisable to take up the matter of Rules and Regulations of the Fire Department, and a new set was adopted by the Board of Engineers. The Town was never asked to approve the set of Rules and Reg- ulations under which the Department worked for two years, as the Board of Engineers realized that experience would probably show the necessity of correction. The following set of rules and regulations are offered the Town for its approval. Rules and Regulations. Article 1. The Officers of the Department shall consist of a Chief Engineer and four Assistant Chief Engineers, one of whom shall be elected Clerk, who shall be chosen by ballot at the animal meeting of the Board, which officers shall be styled the Board of Engineers. Article 2. A meeting of the Board of Engineers shall be held on the first Tuesday evening of each month at 8 o'clock. Spec- ial meetings may be called by the Chief Engineer or any two members of the Board. (52) TOWN REPORT. 53 Article 3. The Chief Engineer shall preside at all meetings of the Board, and in his absence one of the assistants shall preside. The Chief Engineer shall have command of the Department at fires and in his absence one of the assistants shall take command. It shall be the duty of the Clerk to notify the Board of Engineers of all monthly meetings and of special meetings, and to keep a record of all meetings and fires, and of all bills approved by said Board of Engineers. Article 4. At the annual meeting of the Board of Engineers in May, the Board shall appoint a sufficient number of firemen to each of the several companies, for the term of one year beginning June first. All persons serving as firemen shall be severally approved by the Board of Engineers and such as are approved shall be notified by the clerk of the Board, and a signed acceptance shall be required. All persons ac- cepting the appointment shall be furnished with a certificate assigning them to their companies, which certificate shall be signed by the Chief Engineer and countersigned by the clerk. All resignations from the Department and requests for transfer from one Company to another shall be made in writ- ing to the Board of Engineers. When a vacancy appears by reason of disability, resignation or removal from town, the Clerk of the Board shall notify the Company in which it occurs. The Company may then vote in a member. When any person is voted into a Company to fill a vacancy, it shall be the duty of the Clerk of that Company to immediately notify the Engineers of the same for their approval. 54 TOWN REPORT. Article 5. Each Company at its annual meeting in June shall elect a Captain, 1st Lieutenant, 2d Lieutenant, Clerk, and any other officers that may be necessary. Each Company shall draw up a code of by-laws for the government of the Com- pany and a copy of the same shall be sent before the Board of Engineers for approval. Article 6. The Captain of each Company, or person having the Company in charge will remain by his Company, or at the apparatus of which he has charge and preserve order and direct their operation. The utmost order, silence and de- corum will be preserved in going to, working at and return- ing from a lire. On arriving at the fire, the Captain or per- son having the Company in command will report at once to one of the Engineers or in their absence shall direct the oper- a1 inns of the Department until their arrival. All members of the Department during a fire will re- main with the apparatus to which they are attached and no member will be allowed to leave the same during the fire. All members must return with the apparatus to the house unless excused by an officer of the Department. Article 7. On return to the house the Clerk of the Company or in his absence the person having the Company in command, si i ii 1 1 call the roll. All members excused from returning to the house shall be answered for only by the officer who excused them. TOWN REPORT. 55 Article 8. There shall be attached to the several lire companies such Engineers as may be selected to assist in getting to the fire and to superintend the several duties attached to the same. No apparatus shall be removed from a fire without per- mission from one of the Engineers, or person having com- mand. Article 9. The Board of Engineers may from time to time divide the Companies into platoons or squads and assign duties to each. They may issue Running Orders to the Companies, Platoons or Squads, which shall apply only to the unit to Avhich they are issued. Article 10. The Board of Engineers shall have entire charge of the whole Department, which includes all apparatus used to ex- tinguish fires, with the several houses, fixtures and append- ages. Article 11. The Chief Engineer shall cause prosecution to be insti- tuted against all persons against whom complaints may be lodged, for disobedience of orders of any Engineer in time of fire or in going to or returning from fires, and the certificate of any member of a Company may be revoked for dis- obedience of the Rules and Regulations or the order of any Engineer. Article 12. Gambling and all spirituous liquors are strictly prohib- ited from all houses of the Department and any person found 56 TOWN REPORT. guilty of violating this Article shall be immediately expelled from the Department. Article 13. The several fire Companies shall hold a meeting each month of the year. Article 14. The Chief Engineer shall have entire charge of the oper- ation of the Fire Alarm System, but shall see that at least one other person in the Department is familiar with its oper- ation, whom he may appoint Supt. of Fire Alarm or Assist- ant Supt. of Fire Alarm. The past year has been a big year for the Fire Depart- ment, there having been 29 calls this year as against 9 calls for 1916, and 7 calls for 1915. While the majority of these fires were small, it must be remembered that all large fires start from a spark and that a defective chimney is not an uncommon thing. The greatest handicap of the Department is the inability to carry ladders of sufficient length and a large amount of loose equipment that we have at the engine house. A sup- ply truck we believe would greatly improve the efficiency of the Department and overcome this handicap. We wish to give credit to the members of Company No. 1 for the manner and promptness in which they respond to alarms and their unceasing interest in the welfare of the I )epartment. TOWN REPORT. 57 Thanking everyone who has helped in the interest of the Department and hoping to make the Fire Department a credit to the town, we remain, Respectfully, Erle G. Brewer, George F. Pendexter, Lester M. Whipple, Rodney H. Adams, Frank Dame, Board of Engineers. FIRES. DATE OWNER STREET DI ST. NO. CAUSE Jan. 17. George Adams I lighland 32 Chimney fire Jan. 23, Gustave Miller Hamilton Ave. 21 Furnace Feb. 8. Hamilton Block Asso. Railroad Ave. 21 Matches Feb. 21. Daniel O'Brien Linden 21 Chimney fire Mar. 23. Lester Libby Moulton 23 Grass fire Mar. 25. Samuel Malone Willow 21 Chimney fire Mar. 29. H. A. Thomas Off Walnut Rd. 21 Asphalt paint Mar. 29. Pingree estate Union 21 Grass fire April 1. Palmer Idlewood Lake 31 Unknown April 4. Jerry Norris Essex 13 Unknown May 15. Hamilton & Wenham Grange Railroad Ave. 21 Combustion (Dump) May 20. B. & M. R. R. land End of Cottage 21 Unknown May 30. JohnT. Woodbury est. Bridge 12 Chimney fire June 6. A. P. Gardner Main 24 Chimney fire July 30. C. E. Whipple Essex 13 Electric wire Aug. 2. Charles Dixon Cottage 21 Chimney fire Aug. 4. Robert Home Mill 21 Unknown Aug. 28. H. C. Fnck Woodbury 16 Spontaneous combus'n 58 TOWN REPORT. DATE OWNER STREET DIST. NO. CAUSE Sept. 3. Out of Town Wenham Sept. 8. Out of Town Wenham Nov. 7. Willis Knovvlton Bridge 12 Chimney fire Nov. 10. B. & M. R. R. Near Bridge 12 Essex Branch enj Nov. 15. Fred Ayers Bridge 14 Grass fire Nov. 15. William Norwood Highland 34 Grass fire Nov. 16. B. & M. R. R. Near Walnut 21 Grass fire Nov. 21. Mrs. M. Tucker Sagamore 14 Chimney fire Nov. 26. Risteen Express Co. On Main street 23 Back fire of auto Dec. 16. J. B. Moulton Off Main street 23 Chimney Dec. 28. Charles Hills Park 21 Chimney fire Fires confined to chimney ...... 9 fires Grass ...... 5 Unknown ...... 4 Combustion ...... 2 Electric wires ...... 1 Out of Town . . . ' 2 All others .6 Total 29 Number of total losses ...... 4 TOWN REPORT. 59 Report of Committee on High School Site. The selection of a site for a High School building in this town depends upon ease of access for the greatest num- ber, space for athletic activities, healthfulness, and avail- ability. After giving these points careful consideration your committee recommends as the best location, a site on the westerly side of Main street, near Asbury street. This property, in common with other sites considered, will probably require proceedings under the right of Eminent Domain to secure it for the town. Merrill S. Lovering, Timothy A. Moynihan. MAJOR AUGUSTUS P. GARDNER. Born in Beverly Nov. 6, 1865. Son of Joseph P. and Harriet S. (Amory) Gardner. He prepared for college at St. Paul's School, Concord, N. H. and entered Harvard with the Class of '86. After graduating from Harvard with the degree of A. B. he traveled abroad. During the Spanish-American War he served on the staff of Gen. James H. Wilson as assistant Adjutant Gen- eral. Served in the State Senate in 1900 and 1901. In 1902 was elected to Congress to fill vacancy caused by the with- drawal of William M. Moody. of Haverhill. Since then he has been elected every term as Congressman from the Sixth Massachusetts Congressional District. On M.ay 15th he resigned from Congress to enter the military service of the present war. He was given the rank of Colonel. At his own request he was demoted to the rank of Major so that he might earlier go to France. Major Gardner served as secretary on the building com- mittees that built the Town Hall and the South School build- ings, served as Trustee of the Public Library for a number of years. At our last town meeting he presided as Moderator. He always took a keen interest in the welfare of the town. Died at base hospital, Camp Wheeling, Macon, Georgia, Monday, January 14, 1918, of pneumonia. (60) : CITIZENS' MEMORIAL SERVICE Town Hall. Hamilton, Massachusetts In honor of our late fellow townsman, MAJOR AUGUSTUS PEABODY GARDNER, the following resolution was unanimously adopted Be it hereby resolved, That we, the citizens of the Town of Hamilton and the community neighboring, assembled in memorial service for our distinguished fellow townsman, Major Gardner, desire to give collective expression of our sentiment upon this occasion. In his death, not only has the country at large suffered a great loss, but also this, his home tow n, was deprived of one of its finest citizens. Major Gardner was a man of many public duties, but it w as characteristic of him that even in the stress of great affairs, he did not forget to consider and be faithful to the interests of the town in which he made his home. We are proud of the honors which have been so justly bestowed upon him by the country at large, yet desire to add our own tribute to him as a public spirited citizen, a genial neighbor and a generous friend. The sojourn of such a man in our midst has been a source of profound satisfaction and will for all time abide as a cherished memory. Be it further resolved, that a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to the members of Major Gardner's family as an expression of sympathy from this community and that these resolutions be spread upon the records of the town and be published in the Town Report. George H. Gibney, January 27, 1918. Chairman. (61) SAMUEL' A. F. WHIPPLE. Samuel A. F. Whipple, son of John and Charlotte Whipple, was born in SomerviUe, August 9, 1838. When a young man he came to Hamilton with his father, who ran the famous Chebaeco Hotel. He was a G. A. R. man, as he served his country in the Civil War: also a F. A. M., hav- ing held the highest office in various lodges. After engaging in business in Boston he returned to Hamilton. Upon the death of the Town Clerk, he took the office, which he held for eight years. He died December 21, 1917. (62) ANDREW HARADEN. Andrew Haraden, son of Andrew and Augusta (Ober) Haraden, was born in Salem, Mass., March 2, 1848, and was educated in the public and private schools of that city, after which he spent seven years in China and Japan, the guest of his brother-in-law, Leonard Hammond, who was employed by the United States government in the seaport cities and towns. He was a book-keeper for the New York & New Eng- land Railroad in Boston, also for the Boston & Maine at the freight house and car shops in Salem and the North Station, Boston. For several years he was employed in the ap- praisers office at the Custom House in Boston. He served the Town of Hamilton as a member of the School Committee for three years and assisted auditing the books of the town for many years. In March, 1910, he was appointed auditor, which office he filled to the time of his death. He died January 31, 1918. (63) Hamilton Koll oi Honor. Anderson, Carl C. Hughes, James Anderson, Samuel Joyce, Patrick Brumby, William Leo Koloski, Peter Burrage, Albert C. Landers, William M. Collins, William J. Low, Gardner R. Cook, Horace S. MacDonald, Finley D. Cox, John Edward MacGregor, Harry Codman, Julian Mandell, Samuel P. Daley, Harold A. McGinn, Arthur Daley, Victor W. Meyer, George von L. Jr. Daley. Walter F. Merry, Harold Davis, Charles H. Mullins, Robert Davis, K. Stoiighton Parsons, Everett Day, Norma n L. Peatfield, Irvin Donaldson, George C. Pitman, Ephraim Duran, Peter J. Pool, James E. Durkee, Lester S. Ramsdell, Frank H. Elder, William F. Robbins, Reginald C. Feener, Lester C. Small, Geoi'ge Richie Folsom, Hiram H. Smith. Joseph H. Jr. Gardner, Augustus P. Sortwell. Alvin F. Gerry, Joseph Taylor, William W. H. Gibney, Clarence Taylor, William Goodhue, William Tompson, John Grant, Silas Warren Toner, Reginald Green, Walter Tucker, Joseph I [arraden, Edward H. Tuckerman, Bayard, Jr. Harraden, Rudolph H. Vaughn, Gordon C. Harraden, Samuel T. Wallace, William Mickey, John M. Whipple, Percival D. (04) : Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting. Essex, ss. To either of the Constables of the Town of Hamilton, GREETING: In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachu- setts you are hereby directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Hamilton qualified to vote in elections and Town affairs, to meet in the Town Hall in said Town, on Tuesday, the twelfth (12th) day of March, nineteen hundred and eighteen, at six (6) o'clock in the forenoon, then and there to act on the following articles, viz. Article 1. To bring your ballots for Moderator, for one year. Town Clerk, for one year. Three Selectmen, for one year. Overseers of the Poor, Board of Health, and Fence Viewers, three for one year. Treasurer, for one year. Tax Collector, for one year. Tree Warden, for one year. Three Constables, for one year. One Assessor for three years. One Library Trustee, for three years. One Cemetery Commissioner, for three years. One Park Commissioner, for three years. One member of School Committee for three years. (65) 66 TOWN REPORT. And to vote on the following: Shall licenses be granted for the sale of intoxicat- ing liquors for the coming year? Yes or Xo. All on one ballot. The Polls will open at six (6) o'clock and close at ten (l(') o'clock in the forenoon. Art. 2. To choose and appoint all other Town Officers in such manner as the Town shall determine. Art. 3. To hear the reports of the Town Officers and of the Finance and Advisory Committee and other committees and take any action thereon. Art. 4. To raise and appropriate money for the repairs of Highways, Town Ways and Bridges and all Town expenses and determine* the manner of ex- pending the same. Art. 5. To see if the Town will purchase a piece of motor apparatus for the Fire Department, and ap- propriate a sum of money for the same. Art. 6. To see if the Town will approve the Rules and Regulations of the Fire Department, as adopted by the Board of Engineers. Art. 7. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money to drain the surface water from Ham- ilton avenue, corner of Willow street, through an 8-inch pipe to the drain already existing on Asbury 6treet, as petitioned for by John Mullins and others. Art. 8. To see if the Town will accept that part TOWN REPORT. 67 of Mill street (so called) as lays between Union street and Cottage street as laid out by the Select- men and appropriate a sum of money to grade and gravel the same, as petitioned for by Chester A. Foster and others. Art. 9. To see if the Town will accept Wash- ington avenue (so called) as laid out by the Select- men, and appropriate a sum of money to grade and gravel the same, as petitioned for by Thomas W. Green and others. Art. 10. To see if the Town will accept Grant avenue (so called) as laid out by the Selectmen and and appropriate a sum of money to grade and gravel the same, as petitioned for by George Bunee and others. Art. 11. To. see if the Town will install two electric lights on Rust street, one at the end of the woods and one between Union street and* the woods, as petitioned for by Albert O. Smith and others. Art. 12. To see if the Town will install an additional light on Park street, as petitioned for by Mary M. Jeddrie and others. Art. 13. To see if the Town will install one electric light on Pleasant street, as petitioned for by Joseph W. Roberts and others. Art. 14. To see if the Town will accept the streets as laid out by the Selectmen and known as Baker Road, Hemingway Road, Harris Road, Hart- 68 TOWN REPORT. ford Road, Adams Road and Gifford Road, as show- ing on plan entitled " Layout of Streets, Hamilton Park, Hamilton, Massachusetts, Harry A. Conant, Surveyor, Salem, August 1917," and make an appro- priation to light the same during the summer months. Art. 15. To see what action the Town will take towards building a two-room school building on the present school building lot on School street, and ap- propriate a sum of money for the same, or to take any action thereon, as petitioned for by Adelaide D. Walsh and others. Art. 16. To see if the Town will instruct and authorize the Selectmen to purchase or take land in Hamilton for the location of an engine house and appurtenances thereto, and appropriate a sum of money for the same. Art. 17. To see if the Town will appropriate money froln the Excess and Deficiency Fund to meet overdrafts in the following accounts: Assessors, $ 48.60 Election and Registration, 17.58 Gypsy Moth, 4.58 Road Roller, 36.35 Poor Department, 180.98 Soldier's Relief, 3.59 Total $291.68 TOWN REPORT. .69 Art. 18. To see if the Town will authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money on and after Jan. 1, 1919, from time to time, in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning Jan. 1, 1919, to an amount not exceeding forty thousand dollars ($40,000) in the aggregate, and to issue a note or notes therefor. Art. 19. To see what action the Town will take relative to the establishment and maintenance of Evening Schools and appropriate a sum of money for the same, as petitioned for by Adelaide D. Walsh and others. Art. 20. To see if the Town will appropriate fifty dollars ($50.00) to clean out brook that runs from the end of Town Hall drain pipe to Miles river. Art. 21. To see if the Town will locate and con- struct a catch basin at the corner of Willow and Pleasant streets and appropriate a sum of money for the same. Art. 22. To see if the Town will appropriate one hundred dollars ($100.00) to construct a catch basin on Maple street. Art. 23. To see what action the Town will take relative to building and graveling a sidewalk on the southerly side of Asbury street, between Willow street and Union street. * 70 TOWN REPORT. Art. 24. To see if the Town will appropriate fifty dollars ($50.00) for the purpose of observing Decoration Day. * Art. 25. To see if the Town will authorize the Collector to use all means of collecting taxes which a Town Treasurer, when appointed Collector, may use, agreeable to Chap. 25, Section 75, of the Re- vised Laws. Art. 26. To act on any other matter which may legally come before said meeting. And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting attested copies thereof, one at the South Hamilton Post Office, one at the Meeting House, one at the Town Hall, in said Town, seven (7) days at least before the time of holding said meeting. Hereof fail not and make due return of this war- rant with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk, at the time and place of holding said meeting. Given under our hands this twenty-third day of February, A. D. 1918. George H. Gibnky, Arthur C. Cummings, Chester A. Fostek, Selectmen of Hamilton. TOWN OF HAMILTON REPORT OF THE Finance and Advisory Committee ON THE Appropriations and Articles FOR THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING March 12, 1918 SALEM, MASS. BARRY PRINTING COMPANY 1918 : To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton: — Your Committee have examined the financial needs for the maintenance of the various departments of the Town, and to provide for the payments of principal and interest due on bonds and notes for the fiscal year; and have also inves- tigated all requests calling for appropriations of money in the various Articles of the Town Warrant and, after care- ; ful consideration, we make the recommendations given below in this report. Article 4. Under Article 4, salaries and fees for each department, as well as expenses, are included in the appropriation for said department. A complete list of salaries and fees recom- mended is given on the page following the list of these de- partment appropriations. All salary rates are the same as in 1917 with the exception of the salary for Town Accountant. To raise and appropriate money for Appropriated Called for Recommended at two Town by by Finance Meetings Selectmen Committee 1917 1918 1918 Repairs of Highways, etc. -$5500 $6000 $6000 Street Watering or Oiling 3000 2500 2000 Street Lighting 4800 5000 5000 $13,300 $13,500 $13,000 (73) 74 TOW>- REPORT. Appropriated Called for Reeom mended at two Town by by Finance Meetings Selectmen Committee 1917 1915 1918 • 1 9 9 i"i "i ii g Ann Brought forward ? 1 0 . 0 'J 'J L o.D'JU Road Roller 1000 1000 1000 Guard Rail 200 200 200 Sidewalks 1000 1000 1000 Poor Departmer.: 4000 4250 4"00 State Aid 550 500 500 Soldiers' Relief and Mil- itary Aid 600 600 600 Town Hall 1700 2300 2300* Fire Department 1000 1000 1000 Cemetery 250 400 400 Park Commission 50 25 25 Tree Warden 300 300 300 S-rlc :::n-r:". 800 1000 800 Assessors 900 900 900 Treasurer 500 550 550** — n n — £ Accounting 715 900 900 Town Clerk 300 300 300 Police 1700 1500 1700 Snow Removal 2000 2000 2000 Board of Health 500 550 500 Finance Committee 25 25 25 Printing Town Reports 200 20 0 200 Brown-Tail and Gypsy Moth Work 4900 4900 4900 $36,990 38.950 37.S00 * Town Hall, $1000 is for insurance. ** For the bond. * Accounting. 5100 of the extra for salarv. TOWN REPORT. 75 Appropriated Called for Recommended at two Town by by Finance Meetings Selectmen Committee 1917 1918 1918 Brought forward $36,990 $38,950 $37,800 School House Loans 980 980 980*** Interest on Bonds 240 150 150*** Interest on Tax Loans 1200 1200 1200 Insurance on School-house 850 850 Boiler Insurance 46 35 35 Schools 18,300 24,139 24,139 Sealer of Weights and Measures 150 150 150 Election and Registration 585 600 600 Moderator 10 10 10 Legal expenses 100 100 100 Cattle Inspector 60 60 60 Town clock 50 50 50 Public Library 650 650 650 Forest Fire Warden 25 25 25 State War Fund 300 500 500 Total $59,386 $67,949 $66,799 *** From Excess and Deficiency Fund. 0 TOWN REPORT. MEMO R AX D U M OF SALARIES AND FEE: INCLUDED IN FOREGOING APPROPRIA- TIONS UNDER ARTICLE 4. Selectmen, Chairman -275 Overseer of Poor 2nd member 20m Chairman 8 50 3rd member 200 2nd member 25 Assessors, Chairman 350 3rd member 25 2nd member 150 Registrars. 840 each 160 3rd member 150 Election Officers and Treasurer 400 Tellers, 85 each 185 CoLector 400 Moderator 1 Town Clerk, salary 200 Sealer 50 Allowance for expenses and fees 100 Forest Fire Warden 1 0 Town Accountant 800 Board of Health, Chairman 50 Allowance for fees of 2nd member 25 Cattle Inspector 60 3rd member Called for by- Selectmen Recommended Article 5. Motor Apparatus for Fire Department -1 850 0 I Article 6. To be adopted. TOWN REPORT. 77 Article 7. Draining Willow Street $500 00 1500 00 Article 8. Mill Street 500 00 500 00 Article 9. Washington Avenue Not recommended Article 10. Grant Avenue Not recommended Article 11. 18 50 18 50 Electric Light Article 12. Electric Light 18 50 18 50 Article 13. Electric Lights 18 50 18 50 Article 14. Accept streets, Hamilton Park No action taken Article 15. New school building No action taken Article 16. Land for Engine house 2000 00 2000 00 Article 17. Transfer from Excess and De- ficiency Fund to meet over- drafts in certain accounts, 1917 78 TOWN REPORT. Assessors $ 48 60 Election and Registration 17 58 Gypsy Moth 4 58 Road Roller 36 35 Poor Department 180 98 Soldier's Relief 3 59 $291 68 82-91 68 Article 18. Borrowing after January 1, 1919, in anticipation of taxes. We recommend authorizing the treasurer to borrow as set forth in this Article of the Warrant. Article 19. Evening Schools 800 00 800 00 Article 20. Cleaning out brook 50 00 50 00 Article 21. Catch Basin 100 00 100 00 Article 22. Catch Basin 100 00 100 00 Article 23. Sidewalk, Asbury Street. Recommended this work be done and taken from the reg- ular Sidewalk appropriation TOWN REPORT. Article 24. Decoration Day observance 50 00 50 00 Grand total appropriations recom- mended for 1918 From surplus $3271 68 From taxes 70,324 50 From all sources $73,596 18 Respectfully yours, Frank P. Trussell, Chairman, Raymond C. Gould, Leverett A. Haskell, John F. Smith, Finance and Advisory Committee, Town of Hamilton, ANNUAL KEPOKT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN OF HAMILTON FOR THE YEAR 1917 SALEM, MASS, BARRY PRINTING CO. 1918 School Committee's Report. Annual report of the School Committee of the Town of Hamilton for the year 1917. ORGANIZATION. Merrill S. Lovering, Chairman, Term expires 1918 Florence M. Lull, Secretary, " " 1919 Adelaide D. Walsh, " " 1920 Adelaide D. Walsh, Purchasing Agent Edward P. Fitts, . . . Superintendent Jan. 1 to July 1 Harvey R. Williams, . . Superintendent July 1 to Jan. 1, 1918 John G. Corcoran, M. D., School Physician The report of the School Committee, for the year 1917, is submitted to the citizens of the Town, with the knowledge that a marked advance has been made in our schools during the year. The executive organization has undergone a complete change. (3) 4 SCHOOL REPORT. By arrangement with the State Board of Education, we have been able to secure the services of Mt. H. R. Williams as Superintendent. During the summer Mr. Williams was successful in ob- taining Mr. H. H. Archibald for principal of the High school, and to supervise the entire South school, thereby abol- ishing the position of supervising principal in the grades, and bringing the two schools under one head. Under the new administration the discipline has been greatly improved, and already shows results in the spirit and scholarship of the pupils. The district schools also show signs of progress, and the year 1918 should show much improvement. Details of progress, changes in the teaching staff", arrangement of classes, etc., may be noted by reference to the Superintendent's report, and the appended tallies. After careful consideration, it lias been found that, if the good work of our schools is to continue uninterrupted, an appropriation of $24,139.00 is needed for the year 1918. Much of this increase, over last year, is due to the greater cost of supplies, and a moderate increase of salaries, so that we may retain the services of our teachers, without being obliged to make frequent changes, as would be the case with too small remuneration. Merrill S. Lovering, Miss Florence M. Lull, Mrs. Adelaide I). Walsh. Superintendent's Report. To the School Committee of Hamilton. Ladies and Gentleman : I have the honor to submit for your consideration my first report of the Hamilton schools for the part of the year that I have been connected with them. During this brief period of less than four months of actual school work, many changes have taken place in the schools, which give promise of greater interest and efficiency in the work, especially in the grades from the seventh through the High school. At the opening of the fall term important changes in the administration of the South school went into effect. The principal of the High school was made the principal of the entire school, a long step in the right direction. When there are separate heads for schools closely con- nected in the same building there is always chance for differ- ences of opinion, which must inevitably lead to more or less serious handicap in the general discipline of the schools. Under one principal responsible for the entire system all matters of discipline and management are easily adjusted for the good of the whole school. In saying this no reflection whatever is intended to apply to previous principals, any one of whom would certainly agree to these statements. 6 SCHOOL REPORT. A second interesting and important change made by your Committee was the adoption of the Junior High school idea for the seventh and eighth grades, later to include the ninth. Up to the present time the only departure from the old plan has been in the line of departmental work. This has been carried on most successfully by Mrs. Ramer and Mrs. Hurlburt. From this time on, howeyer. there will be a household arts teacher for the morning session every day and an additional teacher in the academic work for the afternoon sessions. The household arts teacher is Miss Gertrude Cot- ton who takes the same work in Wenham afternoons while Miss Helen Pierce takes classes in the academic subjects in Wenham in the morning and in Hamilton in the afternoon. Both these teachers are specially trained for the work assigned to them in these schools. Through this re-organization, special efforts are being made to help those pupils who are oyer-age for their grades, so that, if possible, they may be adyanced to classes of their own age. Nothing is more disheartening and discouraging to a fifteen year old boy than haying to be in classes with children ten or eleven years of age. Wliat he needs is new work that he can do in contact with boys of his size and age. He may miss some book work but he will gain what will be worth vastly more to him, that is courage, interest and inspiration. >. - We hope to be able, in the near future, to give to the boys of these grades the advantages of manual training, so that both boys and girls may have the help that comes from work in the u Practical Arts." Books mean a great deal more to b »ys and girls when they realize that what is in them has some use in practical life. SCHOOL REPORT. AS TO TEACHERS. The choice of a principal for the South school, High and grades, for the present year was a problem that con- fronted your Committee upon receiving the resignation of Mr. Mitchell and deciding to unite under one principal both parts of the school. Mr. H. H. Archibald, then teaching in r \\ ilton, X. II., was visited in his school, which was found to be the kind of school wanted in Hamilton. Mr. Archibald was elected to and accepted this position early in the sum- mer. No one needs now be told that no mistake was made in this move. Pupils, parents and citizens, all bear testimony to the good work lie has done thus far in the school. On account of the untimely death of her sister, Mi^s Edith Fletcher desired to remain at home for this year, at least, and w as granted leave of absence. Miss L. Gertrude Perkins, for several years a teacher in Rockpprt, is substi- tuting for the year in Miss Fletcher's room. At Thanksgiv- ing time Ave received the resignation of Miss Moulton who found it necessary to be at home indefinitely. It was with regret that Miss Moulton's resignation was accepted. At present Miss Sadie Otis, a teacher of both training and ex- perience is substituting in the fourth and fifth grade room. Early in the fall term conditions in Miss Cutting's room, having nearly fifty pupils in two grades, made it necessary to secure an assistant. Miss Helen Weston, of Essex, a gradu- ate of Salem Normal, was appointed to this position. Miss W eston is also the substitute teacher in case of the absence of any other teacher in the grades. All other teachers in the town returned to* their respect- ive positions at the opening of the fall term and all have most heartily cooperated with the Committee and the new 8 SCHOOL REPORT. Superintendent in the many changes that have been under- taken in the interest of better conditions throughout the entire school system. On account of changes in the c ourses of the Commercial department of the Salem Normal school, the plan of employ- ing a teacher in training as assistant in the commercial de- partment had to be discontinued. As there is more work in this department than one teacher can carry, it was decided to employ a regular assistant in this department and Miss Anna G. Haskins of Pittsrield, Mass., a graduate of" Salem Normal was elected to this position. Miss Haskins also gives some time a^ clerk in the Superintendent's office. ATTENDANCE. On the whole the attendance in all schools has been good during the fall term. In only a few cases have the children been absent or tardy without reasonable excuses. The habits of regularity and punctuality should be acquired early in the lives of all children on account of the influence these habits have upon their character and also on account of their value in the various walks of life. "At school regu- larly and on time" should be the motto for all pupils, when their physical condition and the weather are favorable for attendance at the schools. It is not for the good showing made by the records that this thing is desirable but for the value to the children, themselves, and the effect that it has upon all the work of the schools. DISTRICT SCHOOLS. ( 'onditions in the East school call for serious consideration at this time. There are evidences of a growing population SCHOOL REPORT. 9 in the East part of the town and among these evidences is tin- increased registration in the school. There are now thirty pupils in grades one to four inclusive. Even with the fifth and sixth grades transferred to the South building there is need of an additional room for the accommodation of the classes of two teachers, for two teachers are certainly needed if the children are to have proper attention through these important grades. The solution of this problem is manifestly a new modern primary two-room building to provide ample accommodation for the first six grades. Any building of the old-fashioned type, crowded with children, without proper ventilation and heated by a stove is most unhealthful for both teachers and children, and when the prospects are that there will continue to be a larger number of children than this building will accommodate in a safe and proper way the only solution of the problem is a new building. The other district buildings, while in good repair, are similar to the one in the East district, but on account of the small number of children in each, the conditions are much more favorable. AGE AND GRADE DISTRIBUTION OF PUPILS IN SOUTH SCHOOL. Soon after entering upon my work in the Hamilton Schools, I discovered a large number of children who ap- peared to be much too old for the grades in which they were working. This led to a study of the ages of the pupils in the several grades in the South school and the chart with the above designation found in the appendix of this report contains some figures that demand serious consideration. 10 SCHOOL REPORT. A slight analysis of these figures reveals some vital need in the school system. Taking six years as the normal age of first grade chil- dren in December, we find 95 children, or over one-third of the membership of the school, from one to four years too old for the grades in which they are found. As a matter of fact, however, the age of the first grade children entering at five years in September is below six years in December, and this means that many more belong in the over-age class. Disregarding the fact a few of these children might have entered a year or two older than the normal age selected, 95 pupils from one to four years over-age represent 145 years of lost or repeated work. To explain, in the sixth grade, for instance, the normal age is eleven years. 8 pupils are 1 year behind, making 8 years lost or repeated work. 1 pupil is 2 years behind, making 2 years lost or repeated work. 2 pupils are 3 years behind, making 6 years lost or repeated work. 2 pupils are 4 years behind, making 8 years lost or repeated work. Total lost or repeated work 24 years. On the other hand there are 76 pupils under the normal age, ten of whom are two years under. This would not be the case if the actual normal age were used. In the sixth grade the pupils range from 9 to 15 years of age. In the eighth grade the ages range from 11 to 1»'» years and in the Sophomore class in the High school the extremes are 13 and 19. There are other important facts that might be deduced from this table, but those considered are sufficient to show that there is a problem to be solved. SCHOOL KEPOKT. 11 The adoption of the Junior High School idea and an increase in the teaching staff to provide a wider range of activities for pupils in the middle grades are two steps already taken toward the solution of this problem. Other plans for reorganizing the work of these grades are already under consideration, which will go far toward eliminating these conditions in the not very far distant future. The combined causes of these conditions are not hard to find, but it is our purpose only to point out the conditions and to attempt to remedy them as soon as possible. THE HIGH SCHOOL. In his report last year Superintendent Fitts said, " The High school needs, on the part of the pupils, a more serious and appreciative attitude toward the opportunities which are offered, and on the part of the teachers and parents a hearty co-operation." Concerning the latter 1 shall have something to say in general of the schools as a whole. As to the pupils of the High school and their attitude, it is only justice to say that the boys and girls with few exceptions have made an excellent beginning toward that " more serious and appre- ciative attitude" which it is absolutely necessary to have in the school if it is to be of real value to the pupils, or if it is to be a school to which the townspeople may point with any degree of pride. For further information as to the present plans and pur- poses of the High school I commend to you for consideration the excellent report of the Principal which is submitted as ;i part of this report. IN CONCLUSION. In closing this brief report, I wish to record my hearti- est appreciation of the loyal and helpful attitude of all the 12 SCHOOL REPORT. teachers in their endeavor to co-operate with the superin- tendent in a new held of work. Without exception, they have responded promptly and cheerfully to all suggestions and plans and have made my work in the schools most enjoy- able. I am also indebted to the School Committee for their cordial and helpful advice and encouragement. On their part nothing has been left undone to help in the administra- tion of the schools. And last, but not least, has been the very pleasant and appreciative attitude of the parents and children. Co-operation has been our object and the response has indeed, been most gratifying. Respectfully submitted, Harvey A. Williams, Superintendent of Schools. Hamilton, Mass., January 47, 1918. High School Principal's Report. To the Superintendent of Schools: I take real pleasure in presenting this, my first report of the work being done in the Hamilton High School. Inasmuch as a report of this nature should cover the ground gone over during a year's time, dating from the last report, and in consideration of the fact that I am acquainted with last year's work only by word of month, I beg to be permitted to start my report with the beginning of the school year, September 5, 1917. The school at that time soon became aware of the fact that it faced an enormous task, that of rebuilding, reorganizing standards, and setting itself once again on a firm footing. Students and teachers by the aid of untiring efforts on the part of our Superintendent and School Committee, one and all faced the year's arduous task with a grim determination to have, before the year closed, a school characterized by real progress and accomplishments worth while, a year, at the end of which, we shall perceive a marked growth in the develop- ment of school and scholars alike. We are, then, at the time of this writing, but in the midst of our endeavor to bring about a realization of these ambitions, and in view of the fact that results have but reached the embryonic stages, only a few words may be said regarding the details of our work. Realizing the unquestionable extreme value of a good wholesome "school spirit " in successfully carrying out our (13) 14 SCHOOL REPORT. ta securely in mind that we are all working toward the same goal seems at this time to be making itself manifest in every phase of our work. The boys and girls of our Hio4i school, in their endeavor to co-operate with the teachers to build up our school, go about the routine of their daily work in a business-like way, have a true and proper conception of what it means to attend t<> business, and. at the same time, are taking ample and active measures to make their work pleasurable. Our aims include an earnest desire to make our High school not only " our place of business." but also, like our homes, a place to which we may go in pursuit of all that goes toward genuine growth and development. In brief, we are, out of our " school spirit " constantly approaching a true school community, ever mindful of the highest ideals that are in operation in our larger communi- ties, and are striving for more efficient, more complete growth. I take this occasion to extend my thanks to all who have so willingly given their assistance and cooperation, and who have shared with me that earnest desire to place our Hamilton High School in such a position that one and all may say, " We are proud of her." Respectfully submitted, Herbert H. Archibald, Principal, - APPENDIX Calendar 1918-1919. 1918. Second term, January 2 to February 21, eight weeks. February 21, Washington's Birthday observed. February 21 to March 4, vacation, nine days. March 4, Third term opens. Third term, March 4 to April 26, eight weeks. April 26 to May 6, vacation nine days. May 6, Last term begins. Last term, May 6 to June 28, eight weeks. May 29, Memorial Exercises. May 30, Memorial Day. May 31, No school. June 27, High School graduation. June 28, All schools close. SUMMER VACATION. September 4, Schools open for first term. September 4 to December 20, First term, sixteen weeks. November 27 at noon, to December 2, Thanksgi vino- Recess. December 20 at noon, Schools close for Christmas vacation. December 20 to December 30, Christmas Recess. December 30, Second term opens. Second term, December 30, 1917, to February 21, 1918, eight weeks. 18 SCHOOL REPORT. 1919. January 1, Public Holiday. February 21, Washington's Birthday observed. February 21, to March 3, vacation, nine days. March 3, Third term begins. HOLIDAYS DURING TERM TIME. February 22, 1918, Washington's Birthday. April 19, 1918, Patriots' Day. May 30, 1918 Memorial Day and the day following. Thanksgiving Day and the day following. January 1, 1919, New Year's Day. AGE OF ADMISSION. No child will be admitted to the first grade at the open- ing of schools in September who was not rive years of age by the first day of September. Pupils are admitted to this grade only during the first two weeks of school in September unless they have attended school" in some other town. VACCINATION. Attention is called to the requirements of the law in relation to vaccination of school children. Chapter 44, U Section 6, says A child who has not been vaccinated shall not be admitted to a public school except upon presentation of a certificate granted for cause stated therein, signed by a regular practicing physician, that he is not a fit subject for vaccination." 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