Turner's Public Spirit, February 18, 1922
A look back in time to a century ago
By Bob Oliphant
“Center. Charles L. Hildreth has recovered from a recent attack of tonsillitis and is able to
attend to his business in Lowell.
“Rev. Frank B. Crandall delivered a most able sermon on Lincoln at the Unitarian church on
last Sunday afternoon.
“Tadmuck Club. A very pleasant and profitable meeting of the Tadmuck club was held on
Tuesday afternoon in Library hall. The education committee, assisted by Miss Edith Wright, a
local teacher of the William E. Frost school, illustrated her manner of teaching by having in
attendance six pupils from the first grade of the William E. Frost school….
“Miss Ruth P. Tuttle, of the William E. Frost school, in her very able manner, gave an outline
of their work in arithmetic and reading; also, recitation of tables and papers were exhibited on
arithmetic and writing that seemed to interest the parents….
“Town Meeting. One of the most important events in the history of the town occurred on
Monday when the annual town meeting took place…. The women voters were well in evidence
but showed little inclination to approach the rostrum. The annual election of officers took place
in the early part of the day…. Out of a registered list of 908 voters 756 ballots were cast.
“The principal contests were for the offices of selectman and tree warden, John Gray defeating
Robert Prescott in the former and Harry L. Nesmith was re-elected as tree warden. … Shall
licenses be granted for the sale of certain non-intoxicating beverages? No 351, Yes 173….
“The articles were acted upon as follows: …
“Art. 22. It was voted to raise $200 for rent of headquarters of the Westford post, A.L., [at 20
Boston Road], and also voted to authorize the selectmen to execute a lease for a period of five
years….
“Art. 25. For trimming and otherwise caring for shade trees damaged by the ice storm
$1500….
“Art. 32. Otis Day was elected as director for demonstration work in agriculture and home
economics, and a sum of $250 was raised, it being understood that $100 be expended for local
supervision of boys’ and girls’ club work….
“A rising vote of thanks was extended to Capt. Sherman H. Fletcher, who retires after serving
a period of twenty-five years of most valuable and faithful service as selectman for our town….
“All indications point toward a $35 tax rate for the coming year.
“About Town. Our annual town meeting was a powerful one in the number of votes
cast—768. We believe it was the largest vote cast at any previous town meeting. We were a
large, happy, handsome gathering with past difference enough in viewpoint to prevent a dead
level calm….
“Austin Fletcher has been ill with the prevalent don’t feel well, but is now on the somewhat
better list.
“An auto became stalled last week on the Lowell road, near residences of the Morning Glory
and Old Oaken Bucket farms. A passing two-horse team helped remove the auto.
“J. Everett Woods, who broke and dislocated his hip several weeks ago, is not much better and
the future outlook now is that he will always be lame. As [a] veteran of the civil war he has much
material to be pensioned for.
“Henry A. Fletcher, our well-known crack shot, had the pleasure of shooting a fox last
Tuesday and a large and handsome fox it was. It was a providential shooting we should say,
because Henry shot it on Providence hill on the Bunce farm. Congratulations to Henry and his
hunting dogs on their success….
“The last article in the town warrant, relating to establishing a town forest, was dismissed with
so feeble a yea and nay vote, both in sound of voice and number voting, that it appeared that all
hands were in the last stages of tuberculosis. This article may come up at the next special
election for a fuller vote. The principle involved in the article was by request of the state forester.
At no expense to the town it would appear that we might have a committee of not less than two
from each voting precinct to do a little free missionary forest investigation and report to the town.
“Graniteville. There was great excitement here on Monday, being the annual Westford town
meeting day. Interest centered in the election of a selectman. The candidates were John B. Gray
and Robert Prescott. After a very spirited contest Mr. Gray was declared the winner by
something like thirty odd votes…. Mr. Gray is now receiving the congratulations of numerous
friends on his well-earned victory.”
Capt. Sherman Heywood Fletcher (1846-1928) in 1896 at the beginning of his 25 years of
service as a Westford selectman. Courtesy Photograph / Westford Historical Society.
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