Turner's Public Spirit, November 5, 1921
A look back in time to a century ago
By Bob Oliphant
“Center. The Edward M. Abbot hose company held its regular meeting and first supper on
Wednesday evening at the firehouse. A roast pork supper, with all the fixings, was served with
Alec Fisher and Arthur Walker as hosts.
“The sixth, seventh and eighth grade pupils of the Frost school held a merry Halloween party
in the lower town hall on last week Friday evening under the supervision of their teachers.
Games, including the time-honored Halloween stunts, music and refreshments made up the
evening’s fun with adjournment at a very seasonable hour.
“‘More books in the home’ is the slogan for children’s book week which is to be observed
November 13 to 19 by the librarians and booksellers of the country. Plans are being made by the
librarian to have at the library during that week lists and samples of books to assist the parents in
choosing attractive and interesting books for Christmas presents for their children.
“The youngsters were out Halloween eve with their Jack-o’-lanterns, making visitations at
about every house in the village.
“Westford residents have certainly met their obligations to state, county and town in paying
their taxes thereto. To November first, which is before interest is charged, of a total levy of
$81,824.24 there has been paid $73, 926.47, leaving a balance to collect of $7,897.77.
“About Town. Frank Fitzsimmons was hit by the five o’clock passenger train on Thursday
evening, October 24, near the Donald Cameron mill at West Chelmsford. He was removed to St.
John’s hospital, Lowell. We learn that he has a fair chance of recovering….
“On last week Thursday afternoon the roof of Norman Whitten’s house on the Lowell road
was discovered to be on fire. The fire alarm was sounded and the fire department with their new
chemical engine responded with their usual promptness. The chemical and company were soon
too much for the fire and it went out under the smothering chemicals without having done the
damage of its opportunity. The cause of the fire is unknown.
“Abbot hall at Brookside was filled to its legal seating capacity last week Thursday evening
when West Chelmsford Grange conferred the third and fourth degrees on eighteen candidates….
“A Halloween party and dance was held on Tuesday evening in Marshall’s hall, Westford
corner, the hall being filled with merry-makers.
“It was a large and happy gathering that weathered the dark and rainy evening to say good
evening to the Middlesex County Farm Bureau on Tuesday evening as they appeared in the role
of entertainers and educators in movie pictures….
“True in its allegiance to the Massachusetts Republican league, the local branch held its
annual meeting in the town hall last week Thursday evening. Alfred W. Hartford, local leader of
the league for the past two years, presided. At the business meeting the following officers were
elected: Warren K. Hanscom, leader; George D. Wilson and William R. Wall, vice chairmen;
Fred R. Myers, sec.; William R. Taylor, treas.; Mrs. Perley E. Wright, membership com.; Perley
E. Wright, Capt. Charles W. Robinson, entertainment; Mrs. Lillian Myers, music. Community
singing was led by Ralph P. Hawkes, of Boston, assisted by the Honey Boy quartet of Lowell.
Hurbert [sic] Burbank, the field man of the league, gave a talk on the field work of the district.
Monthly meetings are planned for the coming year.
“The new garage of William R. Taylor being finished, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor had a delightful
garage warming on Halloween. The garage was very appropriately decorated for the occasion
and some of their friends were invited to make merry and enjoy the delicious refreshments
provided by the host and hostess.
“Special Town Meeting. Come brothers and you sisters and get the town meeting habit if
you haven’t already got it as a fixed habit, for we are to be served up with another special town
meeting on Monday evening, November 7 at eight o’clock….
“Graniteville. About fifty members of the Brotherhood and their lady friends tendered a
surprise party to Rev. William E. Anderson at his home in Westford on Thursday night of last
week. Mrs. Anderson was taken in on the secret and had everything in readiness when the party
arrived. The time was passed very pleasantly in playing games and other amusement…. A
pleasing incident in connection with the affair was the presentation of a purse of gold to Mr.
Anderson, C. M. Sawyer doing the honors in a neat speech. During the evening refreshments
were served and the party was voted a great success.
“The new sewing club met in Abbot’s hall on last week Wednesday evening with a large
number in attendance….”
Alec Fisher (1865-1936) was an active member of the Edward M. Abbot hose company of
Westford Center. Courtesy Photo / Westford Historical Society.