The Westford Wardsman, May, 1915
Saturday, May 1, 1915
Center. Mrs. Perley E. Wright has recently made several trips to Hudson, N.H., called there by the serious illness of her mother.
Frank Shea and family have moved from the house on Graniteville road owned by Mrs. Graves to the so-called Blood place on the Flagg road.
Mrs. Amy Johnson, who has been suffering with a badly disabled right arm, is much better.
The walks and shrubbery at Whitney playground have been put in good condition for the season. The cheerful yellow forsythia, one of the earliest of the blooming shrubs, is especially luxuriant this season.
Mr. and Mrs. D. Y. Gunter, who have been spending a very pleasant winter at the home of their daughter, Mrs. Arthur E. Day, returned this week to their home in Coe Hill, Ontario.
While there have been some practice games of baseball at Whitney playground, the first real game of the season took place on Wednesday afternoon between Westford academy and Littleton high school, the latter winning by the score of 6 to 4. It was an eleven-inning game, closely contested and plenty of interested spectators for both sides.
Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Sutherland are building an addition to their home, giving more room upstairs and down.
Friday of last week was Mr. and Mrs. John Feeney’s silver wedding anniversary which they quietly observed until evening, when a group of friends gave them a very pleasant surprise party. Refreshments and a merry social time were enjoyed and some choice gifts of silver, etc., were presented. The party dispersed at a seasonable hour, wishing their host and hostess many happy returns of the day. Mr. and Mrs. D. L. Greig and Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Fletcher were instrumental in arranging this pleasant affair.
At the next meeting of the Grange, May 6, Mrs. E. O. Marshall, of New Salem, will give an address on “Birds.” Mrs. Marshall is an authority on birds, especially our New England birds, and is a most attractive and instructive speaker, and should have a good-sized audience.
At the Congregational church Sunday morning, Rev. J. E. Dinsmore, assistant pastor of the First Baptist church, Lowell, will preach, and in the evening one of the leading C.E. workers of Lowell will be present and given an address.
Tadmuck Club. The Tadmuck club luncheon and annual meeting, held at the vestry of the Congregational church on Tuesday, proved a most successful and enjoyable affair, reflecting the greatest credit upon those having the luncheon, the program and decorations in charge. The decorations consisted of a profusion of greenery effectively used, and bunches of yellow jonquils at each table. Indian baskets were appropriately brought into use and a big Indian’s picture overlooked the company, whether representing some Tadmuck brave of a by-gone day we could not say.
The menu cards were also decorated with a picturesque Indian. Luncheon was served at 1:30 and covers were laid for eighty. The progressive feature promoted much pleasant sociability and simplified the matter of service. The following delicious menu was served: Fruit cocktail, olives, nuts, chicken a la king, persillade potatoes, green string beans, carrots, rolls, Tadmuck salad, wafers, ice cream, cake, cream mints, coffee.
At the conclusion of the luncheon Mrs. Goldsmith H. Conant, toastmistress for the day, called to order and presided with gracious tact and spirit.
Mrs. Herbert D. Foss, of Cambridge, and Mrs. A. M. Sanderson, of Nashua, furnished the musical numbers. Mrs. Foss is always welcome to a Westford audience and her singing on Tuesday was delightful, her first group of songs, “Laddie,” “My garden in June” and “The bumblebee’s wooing,” being especially good. Mrs. Sanderson interspersed the speakers with brilliant piano solos.
In lieu of too many stories Mrs. Conant gave an original poem, a very bright little skit picturing the really helpful club members. Mrs. William Roudenbush responded to the toast “What the Tadmuck club may mean to a new-comer to Westford” with much originality. Miss Sarah W. Loker responded with a message of a past president to the present president which was winsome and attractive. The closing toast was by the president, Mrs. H. V. Hildreth, on “The ideal club woman,” in which the central thought that the ideal club woman and the ideal home-maker should and could be synonymous was intelligently elucidated.
Reports from the various departments were given as follows: Civics, Mrs. Walker; civil service, Miss Wilson; conservation, Mrs. Hildreth reported for Mrs. Hammett Wright, who was unable to be present on account of sickness; literature and literary extension, Mrs. H. W. Hildreth; education, Mrs. C. A. Blaney; household economics, Mrs. Knight; industrial and social conditions, Mrs. Hartford; legislative, Mrs. C. L. Hildreth; music, Miss Gertrude Fletcher; public health, Mrs. Edward Fisher; food sanitation, Mrs. Greig.
At the business meeting practically the same officers were elected for the ensuing year, with the exception of Miss Edith A. Wright as treasurer. Miss Wright has been the efficient treasurer for two years. In her place Miss Hazel B. Hartford was elected. The treasurer’s report showed all bills paid and a good balance in the treasury. The secretary reported 101 members, seventeen being added during the season. The club mourns the death during the year of Mrs. Adelaide M. Seavey and Mrs. Elizabeth Warren Kimball.
Mrs. Samuel L. Taylor was the hostess of the day for Tuesday’s affair, assisted by Mrs. Martha Taylor Howard, Mrs. William R. Taylor, Mrs. Frederick A. Snow, Mrs. Herbert E. Fletcher and Miss Rita Bickford. The decorating committee were Mrs. O. R. Spalding, Mrs. W. R. Carver, Miss Eva E. Fletcher and Miss May G. Balch.
About Town. Amos Polley, on the Prairie farm, is setting the pace by planting forty bushels of potatoes. The Old Oaken Bucket farm, adjoining it, is pacing for twenty bushels. Both are making the dust vacate as the room is wanted for potatoes.
Herbert Mills has moved into the O’Brien cottage on the Providence road.
Dr. J. N. Murray, of Littleton, was called Sunday to an indisposed horse belonging to Oliver Desjardins on Pigeon hill, Stony Brook road. The trip was by auto. After the horse had received medical treatment the auto refused to leave the premises without treatment. The doctor, not being prepared to treat, was obliged to retreat to the nearest telephone and get assistance.
The next meeting of Middlesex-North Pomona Grange will be held at Odd Fellows’ hall, Bridge street, Lowell, Friday, May 7. The forenoon will discuss “Our game laws—were they written for the farmer or for the sportsmen?” At the open meeting in the afternoon Mrs. A. T. George will present the side of anti-suffrage. This will be followed by Rev. Robert Walker, who will speak on “The modern treatment of criminals.” Westford Grange will furnish the dinner.
At the last meeting of the Grange Deputy Charles H. Brown, of Peabody, was the official visitor. After the officers had passed inspection examination in regard to the duties of their offices, he applied wholesome treatment and advice to Grange life generally. At the lecturer’s hour Mrs. A. H. Sutherland entertained with select readings; vocal quartet music, Mrs. David Wallace, Mrs. W. R. Taylor, Frank T. Johnson, Edward Robey. The next meeting will be held on May 6, and will be known as “Bird night,” the meeting to be open to the public at the conclusion of the business session.
Day Brothers, Otis and Albert, have 700 chickens picking at grasshoppers and other symptoms of warm weather. Besides chickens they have cucumbers that are creeping around with four leaves. These early happenings are at the farm located at the corner of Cold Spring and Graniteville roads.
J. L. Shea has bought the Henry O. Keyes house and land on the Cold Spring road. After improvements the family will occupy it for a home.
Miss Harriet B. Rogers, the new pastor of the M.E. church here, preached to large congregations at the different services on last Sunday and made a good impression. He is a young man [26 years old] and a good preacher. Mr. and Mrs. McVicker will take up their residence in the parsonage in the near future which is now being prepared for their occupancy.
Mrs. Fred Farrow and her mother, Mrs. Lake, who have been seriously ill with pneumonia, have passed the dangerous stage and hopes are now being entertained for their recovery.
The family of Mr. and Mrs. P. Henry Harrington are now out of quarantine, Harold and Edward, the two boys, having full recovered from the effects of scarlet fever.
The Graniteville bowlers were entertained at supper that was provided by the losing Westford aggregation at the Harrisonia hotel in Lowell [17-21 Central St.] on last week Wednesday night. This proved to be a very interesting affair.
Miss Ellen Conture [Couture] and David Tousignant, two well-known people of this village, were married at the parochial residence of St. John’s church in North Chelmsford on Monday, April 26. The pastor, Rev. Edmund T. Schofield, performed the marriage ceremony. The sponsors were William Tousignant, brother of the groom, and Charles Conture, father of the bride.
The members of Cameron Circle C.F. of A. held a well attended and interesting meeting in their rooms on last Tuesday night with Miss Marion Lord, presiding. Much business of importance was transacted and at the conclusion of the meeting a social hour was enjoyed.
Saturday, May 8, 1915
Center. Miss Hazel B. Hartford has been spending this week with relatives in Melrose.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Elliott have been beautifying the grounds around their sightly summer home, [on Hildreth St.] opposite Prospect hill with trees, shrubs, etc.
Sunday at the Congregational church Rev. J. E. Dinsmore of the First Baptist church, Lowell, occupied the pulpit in the morning and preached an earnest sermon. Miss May Atwood was at the organ and has resumed supervision of the girls’ vested choir. At the evening service L. E. Sweatt of Lowell was present and addressed the meeting, speaking on the work and aims of the Lowell C.E. union. H. G. Osgood conducted the praise service.
Mr. and Mrs. John P. Wright attended the funeral of a relative in Malden Saturday of last week.
Edmund Baker has been grading the grounds about the house [on Depot St. near Main St.] occupied by him most attractively.
The Ladies’ Aid society of the Congregational church will meet next Thursday at the vestry. A full attendance is desired.
George H. Burke at the north part of the town is reported as the latest purchaser of an automobile, a Ford.
Next Tuesday afternoon at the Congregational church the closing meeting of the season will be held and will be a reception to the retiring officers of the club. The Ladies’ Titania orchestra will play and there will also be a soloist. Club tea will be served and the arrangements for the afternoon are in charge of the reception committee of the club—Miss Edith Forster, Mrs. V. C. B. Wetmore, Miss Ella F. Hildreth, Mrs. Julian Cameron and Mrs. William R. Carver.
A telephone has been installed at J. Henry Colburn’s this week, 16-3.
Conductor Clement had a sudden and severe attack of indigestion Wednesday morning and Clarence Spalding substituted for him on the car.
The Westford Veterans, Sons and Daughters of Veterans are requested to meet a the Cavalry association building [20 Boston Road] this Saturday afternoon at two o’clock to plan for the Memorial day dinner. Dinner will be served the same as last year to the Veterans and their wives and sons and daughters of veterans and their wives, members of the band, the speakers and entertainers of the day. A good response to the call for this meeting is earnestly desired.
The regular monthly meeting of Edward M. Abbot Hose Co. was held Tuesday evening. A try out at 6:30 was held, opening hydrants near the residences of Willis Hildreth [7 Main St.], Edward Fisher [Depot St. near Main St.] and Miss Ella F. Hildreth [10 Hildreth St.]. The engineers tried out their plan of attaching the hose wagon to the motor truck of Wm. E. Wright [7 Depot St.] with good result. Later at the company’s headquarters the annual business meeting and election was held and the same list of officers were reelected.
A purse of gold has been presented to Miss Hazel B. Hartford as a token of appreciation for the efficient work she has done with the church organ at the Congregational church this winter.
The C.E. society will present the play they are preparing, “Up to Freddie,” the evening of May 15.
The Board of Trade will hold a public meeting at the town hall Monday evening, May 10, to discuss the fare on the branch line from Brookside to the Center. It is apparent that the seven cent fare now charged by the company does not bring in sufficient revenue to pay running expenses and necessary repairs to the road bed, etc., notwithstanding additional private subscriptions from the townspeople. As the running of the cars concerns the ladies of the town, the members of the board cordially invite them to be present on Monday evening, when all matters concerning the branch line will be brought up for consideration.
The teachers and pupils of the Frost school will present the operetta “Cinderilla [sic] in Flowerland” next Friday evening, May 14, at the town hall. A late car has been arranged for that evening, leaving Brookside at seven o’clock and leaving the Westford town hall in time to connect with the nine o’clock car at Brookside.
Mrs. Carrie Toombs, who has made such an excellent housekeeper for Mr. Seavey and children since the death of Mrs. Seavey, left this last week for her native town in Prince Edwards Island, where she is soon to be married again.
Mrs. Porter Wright has been in town several days this week visiting former friends.
About Town. The next meeting of West Chelmsford Grange will be held on Thursday evening, May 13, at Historic hall. The third and fourth degrees will be conferred and the following left-over subject will be discussed: “What more can the Grange do for the farmer, the family and the community?”
The W.C.T.U. held its monthly meeting with Mrs. Robert Walker. The usual number were present and some visitors. On Saturday, May 29, they have accepted an invitation to visit the New Bedford endowment home.
At the Unitarian church last Sunday Rev. J. R. Pennington gave an illuminating address on “The religion of Arabia,” and continued it over into the adult class in the Sunday school, and to Sunday, May 9.
For real, alive earliness, just cast your eyesight over the wall on the Lowell road at the Banister farm and know what management means at facing such ahead of everybody lettuce and cabbages. [sic]
There will be a special meeting of the Westford Board of Trade at the town hall on Monday evening, May 10. The public are invited to this meeting, which will be a wisdom meeting on “ways and means” as it relates to the branch line of the Lowell and Fitchburg electric road from Westford to Brookside.
The next meeting of the Branch Alliance of the Unitarian church, Thursday, May 13, is on the calendar as neighborhood meeting.
Mrs. George Taylor Howard and George Taylor Howard are at the Howards in South Bound Brook, N.J., and the Old Oaken Bucket farm folks are lonesome, missing some youthful climbing and tumbling aspirations.
Miss Roberts, of New Brunswick, is visiting her sister, Mrs. C. R. P. Decatur, and attended the Unitarian church on Sunday.
The apple blossom does not promise as large a crop as last year, but prices should promise larger than last year. If so, the financial balance will encourage the settling of more trees of which there has been a large acreage this year in town, Rev. Louis H. Buckshorn being chief acreage man.
Raspberries have uncovered badly and look as though they haven’t any interest in prolonging life.
Preparations are being advanced for some popcorn acreage in the Stony Brook valley. It will stand more weather variations than other corn and delights at hear.
Cameron park was the scene last Saturday of the first ball game of the season, when a large crowd gathered to witness the game between the English Lions and the French Tigers. The Lions were victorious. Philip Lord acted as umpire.
The following members of Westford Grange attended the hospitality of Littleton Grange on Wednesday evening: Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Sutherland, Miss Sutherland, Mr. and Mrs. Harry L. Nesmith, Henry O. McDonald, Mrs. Sidney B. Wright, Willey M. Wright, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel L. Taylor and others. This banquet feast of intellect and eatables was by the generosity of those lovable individualities, Past Master and Mrs. Richard J. Barrow, of Littleton Grange.
Mary O’Brien is ill at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James H. O’Brien, on the Stony Brook road, Pigeon hill.
Charles W. Whitney has purchased another new horse of value and speed, which makes the fifth horse that turns the furrows of spring and makes the farm look as though somebody was renewing the face of the earth.
Graniteville. Owing to the cool weather of last Saturday the baseball game scheduled between the Machinists and the Ledgemen failed to materialize, but the “rubber” game will surely be played off in the near future.
The new minister, Rev. Mr. [Roy H.] McVicker, with his wife [Florence], are now living in the M.E. church parsonage here. The various services held at the church on last Sunday were all largely attended.
William Welsh has recently disposed of his poultry business here and will devote his spare time to the raising of garden truck this summer.
Miss Bessie Larkin, of North Chelmsford, has been a recent visitor here.
Miss Mary Dow and Miss Georgia Dion, of Laconia, N.H., have been recent guests of Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Charlton.
The cold weather is retarding spring planting to a great extent here.
The members of the A. R. Choate hose company held their regular meeting in the firehouse on last Monday evening. Business of a routine order was transacted and at the close of the session a social hour was enjoyed.
Mrs. Charlotte Day has been visiting friends in Lawrence for the past few days.
Forge Village. Mr. and Mrs. George Goode of Chelsea have opened their camp Oka on the shores of the pond.
Adolphus Blowey, the eight-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Blowey, who fell and broke his arm two weeks ago, is getting along as well as can be expected.
William DeRoehn has gone to Worcester, where he will assist Rev. A. E. Kernahan, formerly pastor of the Graniteville M.E. church, and now affiliated with Grace Methodist church of Worcester. Mr. DeRoehn expects to study for the ministry and his many friends here extend best wishes for a successful career.
A number of men under the direction of Alec McDonald, superintendent of streets, are engaged in cleaning up the roads.
Miss Sarah Precious, who sprained her wrist while at work in the mill of Abbot & Co., is not able to be at her work yet.
A wedding of unusual interest to the village people occurred recently in Worcester when Miss Roxie Bennett, former resident here, was united in marriage to Andrew J. Kavanaugh, also of Worcester. The wedding took place at the church of Our Lady of the Rosary, where a nuptial mass was celebrated by the pastor. Miss Bennett is a niece of Alvin S. Bennett, our oldest resident, and made her home here a few years ago, during which time she made many friends.
Mr. and Mrs. Kavanaugh will reside in Worcester, where they have furnished a beautiful home. The well wishes of all friends go with them in their new life.
Miss Delia Connell, who was taken ill at Westford academy last week, is reported as much better.
Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Centerbar have removed to Framingham, where they expect to reside in [the] future.
Mrs. John Sullivan is reported to be much better, after her fall of a week ago.
Mr. and Mrs. George Messey [Nussey, per marriage record] of Lowell, formerly of this village, celebrated their twentieth anniversary at their home on last Wednesday evening. Mrs. Messey was, previous to her marriage, Miss Hannah Berry of this village, and was married to Geo. Messey in 1895, the wedding taking place here. Mr. and Mrs. Messey received many gifts, including a silver tea service, set of china, chocolate set and fruit dishes.
Entertainment. A most enjoyable entertainment and Balopticon lecture was given in Recreation hall last week Friday evening under the auspice of the Young People’s Social club. The affair provide to be very successful, both from a social as well as a business standpoint. During the early part of the evening Rev. Williston M. Ford delivered a most interesting lecture on London, England, illustrating his discourse by the Balopticon. A most delightful musical program followed which was very much enjoyed. All of the numbers were executed in a very able manner, especially the mandolin duet, which was heartily encored. The program was as follows: Piano duet, Misses Lillian Baker and Mildred Parrot; mandolin duets, Mrs. J. E. Burnett and Miss Gladys Baker; song, “Across the Dee,” Miss Annie Cherry; piano duet, Misses Marion Lord and Ethel Collins; song, “The hills of Kye,” Miss Marion Lord; piano solo, Miss Marion Blodgett. The accompanists of the evening were the Misses Lillian Baker, Ethel Collins and May Cherry.
To the Editor:
I have seen several articles in your paper about Eastern Washington and I take the liberty to send you a few lines upon the southwestern part. I would like to tell you of the city of Vancouver, as it is now and was seventy-five years ago; then England’s greatest stronghold was at Fort Vancouver, the chief trading post of the Hudson Bay Company, in this region…
[Long letter from Mrs. W. E. Parsons (nee Hannah Prescott), a Westford native, not transcribed here.]
Ayer
District Court. Joseph Chuski [possibly Joseph Kisly age about 31] and Peter Bisko [probably Peter Britko, age 20], both of Westford, were found guilty last Saturday morning of assault and battery, and were fined fifteen dollars each. A Polish wedding [of John Kisly and Feodora Kowalchuck on May 1, per the 1915 Westford vital records] was indirectly the cause of the assault, the victim being an unbidden guest. Under ordinary conditions this fact might be overlooked, but after consuming a quantity of the ardent [spirits,] things looked different. Trouble was at once started and judging by the condition of the man who was assaulted and the stories of the witnesses for the government there was a hot fight. The assaulted man bore mute testimony of the assault in the form of a badly battered forehead and a badly discolored eye; called by the witnesses a “blue eye.” The court had little difficulty in finding the defendants guilty. Two interpreters were necessary to extract the evidence from the witnesses. John M. Maloney appeared for the government.
Saturday, May 15, 1915
Center. The Boy Scouts gave an entertainment at the town hall on last week Friday evening which was much enjoyed by an appreciative audience. The first play was entitled “Mischievous Bob,” with the following in the cast: Howard Judd, George Perkins, Fred Amesbury, Bertram Sutherland, Artemas Griffin, Alfred Sutherland; the second sketch, “The haunted house,” was given by Artemas Griffin and George Perkins, with ghosts. The plays were interspersed with readings by Miss Young, and music by Miss Moreland. Home-made candy was on sale during intermission and the young people arranged the stage settings most attractively.
Mr. and Mrs. Abiel J. Abbot are at home again after several months of enjoyable southern travel.
The Donald M. Camerons, of Lowell, who are planning to spend the summer at the Westford homestead [39 Main St.], are adding a spacious piazza to the said homestead.
Mrs. William R. Carver entertained a very pleasant bridge whist party of four tables at her home last Saturday afternoon.
Perley E. Wright is a recent purchaser of a Reo automobile.
William H. H. Burbeck, who has been in poor health for some time, was taken to the Coram hospital in Lowell recently for special care and treatment.
Mrs. H. V. Hildreth, Mrs. O. R. Spalding, Miss Julia Fletcher and Mrs. H. E. Fletcher enjoyed Havrah Hubbard’s presentation of the opera “Siegfried,” with his accompanist, Floyd Baxter, given in Colonial hall, Lowell, under the auspices of the Middlesex Woman’s club on Monday afternoon.
If anybody in town has a finer appearing home garden than Emory J. Whitney we surely do not know of them. His garden is small, but quality certainly supersedes quantity and shows what skillful and intensive management will do. Prospects are good for Mr. Whitney to score first on first pickings of peas among the gardeners and his lettuce, asparagus and many other vegetables present a very attractive appearance.
Mrs. A. M. Felch [nee Ann Maria Kendall] arrived in town on Tuesday of this week at the home of her daughter, Mrs. [Ralph] Bridgeford [nee Lizzie M. Felch], after having spent a very pleasant winter with another daughter, Mrs. Charles Hinton [nee Nellie Etta Felch], of Philadelphia.
It was victory for the Graniteville Boy Scouts over the Westford Scouts in their game at Whitney playground last Saturday afternoon.
The ladies of the Unitarian church extended their good housewifery on Wednesday to their church home and held a systematic and thorough cleaning bee.
The memorial services and sermon will be held at the Unitarian church on Sunday, May 23, and practice is going on for special music by the united choirs for that day.
Mrs. Edith Bicknell Wilcox and little son are visiting at Mr. and Mrs. Ai Bicknell’s.
Tadmuck Club. The closing meeting of the season for the Tadmuck club, which was a reception to the retiring officers, took place at the Congregational church on Tuesday afternoon. The Ladies’ Titania orchestra furnished delightful music, supplemented with groups of songs by Mrs. N. M. Leahey, of Lowell. Mrs. Leahey is a favorite with the Tadmuck club and her singing on Tuesday was especially enjoyable.
The officers in the receiving line were Mrs. H. V. Hildreth, pres.; Miss Clara A. Smith, v. p.; Mrs. L. W. Wheeler, rec. sec.; Mrs. William R. Taylor, cor. sec. and Miss Edith A. Wright, treas. Mrs. Oscar R. Spalding, Mrs. Edward Fisher and Mrs. Harry B. Prescott were the ushers. A dainty luncheon was served in charge of the reception committee, Miss Edith Forster, Mrs. V. C. B. Wetmore, Miss Ella Hildreth, Mrs. Julian Cameron and Mrs. William R. Carver. Mrs. Wetmore was the special hostess of the afternoon and her liberal and delightful hospitality was much appreciated by every member present.
The group of pictures of old houses, buildings and historic places in Westford, gathered by the committee appointed for that purpose last season, were arranged for inspection and received much interested attention. This collection promises to be of much value, especially in years to come, and the work of the committee deserves much gratitude. The club voted a sum of money to assist in continuance.
The club closes a most successful season and the president, Mrs. Hildreth in a few, well chosen words at Tuesday’s gathering, thanked everyone for their cordial and helpful support and sympathy.
About Town. William L. Woods has bought out the Joshua C. Decatur Company, produce and fruit dealers, of Boston. Mr. Woods was for several years a resident of Westford and manager of the well-known Kittredge farm [21 Depot St.].
Brookside mills are running again on a low ebb, slack-time basis, and besides a superintendent, fireman, watchman and engineer there are not many on the payroll list.
The next meeting of the Grange will be held on Thursday evening, May 20. This meeting will be in charge of O. A. Nelson, of Graniteville, who is preparing an evening of song, instrumental music and local hitting up of the town generally. The Graniteville program is always up to the desired order of the day. Supt. Henry Smith, of Graniteville, will be one of the chief accessories in collusion with what is to be befallen.
The Board of Trade met at the town hall on Monday evening, being well represented and ably represented as to the suffragettes. Capt. Sherman H. Fletcher, president of the Board of Trade, presided, and Charles L. Hildreth, secretary, acted as shorthand reporter of speeches. Hon. Edward Fisher opened the case and cleared up the case so effectively in his financial statement relating to the electric line from Westford to Brookside that money was raised at the terminal of his statement in sufficient amount to guarantee needed repairs on the road bed. Other speeches of a suggestive nature were made by Herbert V. Hildreth, Edward M. Abbot, William R. Taylor, Capt. Sherman H. Fletcher, H. M. Seavey, Charles L. Hildreth, [and] Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher. The sentiment of the meeting favored a ten-cent fare to Brookside, subject to the approval of the public service commission.
The Woman’s Alliance of the Unitarian church will hold a meeting on Saturday afternoon, May 22, at 2:30 o’clock at the church. Mrs. Clara Bancroft Beatley of Boston, will give an address on “Morals through reverence.” Mrs. Beatley will be remembered as the daughter of the late E. Dana Bancroft, of Ayer, and a bright, entertaining speaker. The subject is non-sectarian and should receive a liberal attendance.
John Burbeck, one of the substantial and successful farmers, is seriously ill as the result of a cut on the leg with an axe while trimming apple tree limbs. He is confined to the house and blood poison is feared. He is passed his eighty-third year of industrious and temperate habits, which favor recovery.
The old John F. Banister farm, [northeast] corner of Dunstable and Tyngsboro [now Tenney] roads, and owned by Fred L. Snow, of Tyngsboro, was sold at auction on last Saturday to J. M. Book, of Outlet Fruit Company, Lowell, for $1350. He is the owner of the Hildreth farm at the head waters of Long-Sought-for pond and adjoining his recent purchase.
The West Chelmsford Benevolent society gave a social in the vestry of the village church on Wednesday evening in charge of Mrs. Herbert E. Fletcher. A supper, temptingly displayed, was served, after which Mrs. Roberts, of Lowell, entertained in song; Alvah Sturgis, of Lowell, in recitations. Both delighted the audience to call for more, and the laughable pantomime, “Wanted—a house-keeper,” hit fun to the limit.
W. R. Taylor is building a new lawn tennis court at his “Stony Brook.” This with the one at the Old Oaken Bucket farm will perhaps conform to the administration efforts at competition. Even pleasure must not be in restraint of pleasure in hours of leisure.
Union memorial services will be held at the Unitarian church on Sunday, May 23.
Automobiles at a reckless law-breaking speed still perform daily. On Wednesday evening, while the electric car stopped at Banister’s Corner [junction of Lowell and Providence Roads], an auto speeded by on a mile-a-minute basis. Passengers dodged, but “Patsy,” the Banister watchman dog, while acting as speed referee and general police lookout, was caught by the whirlwind suction of the law-violating auto and was whirled about and over and under and yonder several times, but aside from disarranging his coat and temporary digestion, and dizziness of where and who he was at, he was not bruised or broken in bone or spirit.
On last week Friday evening a fire, by legal permit, was started on the Banister pasture. Several colonies of ancient bugs were caught asleep and never awoke to find who put them in such a sleep. Several acres were burned over and the fire caused alarm to those who were not aware of its humane intentions.
The Pitkin family are to vacate as laborers at the Read farm. The John H. Decatur place is viewed as a possible location to move into.
The apple blossoms promise to out-do last year and for several years in some sections of the town.
Graniteville. The machine shop team [the Machinists] and the Ledgemen met in the third game of the baseball series here on last Saturday afternoon and the stonemen, being without the services of their coach and manager, “Jack” Rafferty, met with defeat at the hands of the shop boys to the tune of 10 to 5. The game brought out many particular features, among them being the fine pitching of F. Gower who fanned many of his heavy hitting opponents. The day was just right for baseball and as this was the “rubber” game, a large number were on hand to witness the sport.
Rev. Mr. McVickers [McVicker], the new pastor of the M.E. church, with Mrs. [Florence] McVickers were tendered a reception in the church parlors on last Saturday evening, the affair being largely attended. After the formal reception refreshments were served, after which a very pleasing entertainment was given. The whole affair proved to be very enjoyable and those in attendance were greatly pleased with the efforts of the committee for arranging such an opportune time to meet their new pastor.
Albert Reeves has recently fitted up what was formerly his pool room here into a fine up-to-date ice cream parlor.
Miss Isabelle Blanche Chandler, of East Billerica, has been spending the last few days here as the guest of Mrs. Clara Gray.
Mr. and Mrs. Cantfield, of Upton, have been recent guests of Mr. and Mrs. F. L. Furbush.
Mr. and Mrs. W. O. Hawkes are receiving many pleasing comments on the beautiful display of tulips and hyacinths that adorn a large flower garden in their front yard. Mr. Hawke’s home and grounds now present a fine appearance and he has surely followed out to the letter the slogan of “Clean up and paint up.”
The Ladies’ Aid society of the M.E. church met with Mrs. H. N. Fletcher on last week Thursday afternoon.
Mrs. Julia B. Wall, Mrs. Lena Ledwith of this village, and Miss Moison Lord of Forge Village, attended the grand circle convention of the Companions of the Forest [Foresters] of America that was held in the Hotel Brunswick, Boston, this week. Mrs. Ledwith and Miss Lord went as delegates from Cameron Circle here, while Mrs. Wall attended as a member of the executive committee in her official capacity as chairman of the board of trustees.
Ayer
District Court. Carl Lydia, of Westford, for committing a nuisance, was fined ten dollars on Monday morning.
Frank Walson of Westford was found not guilty of two complaints of assault and battery Thursday and was discharged.
John Lumbert of the same town, charged with two like offenses, was also discharged.
Peter Elastic was found guilty of assault and battery on Frank Walson and was fined $15. For assault and battery on John Matuk, Peter Elastic was found not guilty and discharged.
These cases were the aftermath of a Polish row in Forge Village in which several are alleged to have taken part.
One of the party called “Joe” failed to appear. Walson got the worst of the fight, having received several cuts on the head alleged to have been made by a knife. The top of his head was covered with bandages. Dr. Sherman of Westford, who attended him, said that barring complications there was no danger from the wounds. John M. Maloney appeared as counsel for Elastic and Lumbert and attorney Goldman of Lowell for the others.
Saturday, May 22, 1915
Center. Mrs. M. Elizabeth Whitney and Mr. and Mrs. Walter P. Wright have opened the Whitney summer home for the season, coming up from Brookline this week.
The Henry M. Wrights were visitors at H. L. Wright’s Sunday, motoring up from Quincy.
Mrs. Charles H. Pickering has been enjoying a two-weeks’ visit with her daughter, Mrs. Marie Pickering Smith, at the latter’s home in Portland, Me.
Ai Bicknell, who has had a serious siege with bronchitis, is reported as more comfortable. Mrs. Bicknell is also sick with a bad cold.
Mrs. Carleton [Carlos?] D. Cushing, who has been spending the winter in Miami, Fla., is visiting her daughter, Mrs. William R. Taylor.
The school committee have called for bids for the painting of the William E. Frost school, said bids to be in the hands of the school committee by June first.
The monthly meeting of the Ladies’ Missionary society of the Congregational church met with the Misses Atwood on Thursday afternoon. This closes the season’s study of “Redman’s land,” which the members have found enjoyable and profitable.
Harwood L. Wright is having electric lights installed in his home [6 Depot St.]. Electric lights have recently been added to the home of Alfred W. Hartford [Depot St.] and to the cottage house owned by John Feeney [10 Depot St.].
Miss Gertrude Hamlin completes her course at Boston university this next week and Misses Marjory Seavey and Pauline Wallace conclude their freshman year.
At the Sunday evening services at the Congregational church a series of studies of the lives and works of famous religious leaders is being held. Last Sunday evening Mr. Wallace conducted an interesting study of “John Wycliffe and the English bible.” This coming Sunday evening Mr. Rafter will give a talk on “John Wesley and Methodism.” These meetings begin at seven o’clock and everybody is cordially invited. The officers of the Sunday school are busy preparing for children’s Sunday—the second Sunday in June.
The apple blossoms that have so nearly gone show promise of a good apple crop through the town.
Wright & Fletcher have installed a modern gasoline tank at their store.
The baseball team of the Westford academy felt that they were a little more than defeated by the Ayer high school team that came down to play them at Whitney playground on Wednesday afternoon. The score was 22 to 4 in favor of Ayer.
A son [Howard Richard Mills] was born [May 16, 1915,] to Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Mills on Sunday.
The C.E. play, “Up to Freddie,” given at the vestry last week, proved so successful that the requests for its repetition may be realized in the near future. Much credit is due Miss Young, who coached the young people so successfully.
Entertainment. The operetta, “Cinderella in Flowerland,” which has been in preparation by the pupils of the Frost school for some time, and which took place at the town hall on Friday evening of last week, proved very much of a success and delighted the capacity audience of interested parents and friends. The pretty costumes of the children, with their fresh, young voices, made the fanciful interpretation of the play most attractive. Miss Hazel Pond impersonated Cinderella and Frederick Lhussier young Prince Charming. Both these young people have unusually good voices and carried their parts finely and were well supported by the other children representing fairies and flowers. The evening’s entertainment reflected the greatest credit upon Miss Mary B. Raynes, instructor in music, who drilled the young people, and also the efficient teaching force at the Frost school, Misses Smith, Grant, Crocker and Wright. Miss Precious, of Forge Village, was the skillful accompanist. The proceeds go for the purchase of records for the new Victrola recently purchased by the school.
About Town. Frost was very much in evidence in the [Stony Brook] valley farms on Thursday, Friday and Saturday last week. Asparagus fell down flat before it, and not being able to rise for the count, was counted out for recuperation. Potatoes got a hit and a skip here and there. Beans obeyed the danger signals and were not injured. Peas on the Prairie farm got badly scorched, so much so that the woodchucks have discontinued them as a daily diet; those on the Old Oaken Bucket farm are ready to bloom.
Charles H Bicknell has sold his farm on the Carlisle road to Mr. Baubser, of Boston, and has bought the George W. Heywood place on [#7] Main street, Westford, and is occupying it.
At the last meeting of West Chelmsford Grange several candidates received the third and fourth degrees. The lecturer’s hour was less than sixty minutes and was devoted to music, both song and instrumental, by Mrs. Harry Saxon and Mrs. Frank Edwards. The next meeting will be held on next week Thursday evening. The long overdue question, “What more can the Grange do for the farmer, the family and the community,” will be discussed by any and every one who feels like contributing some helpful provocation.
The W.C.T.U. will bunch up and trolley this week Saturday to Bedford, the mecca for cold water stimulants.
The Branch Alliance of the Unitarian church will hold a public meeting in the vestry of the church this week Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock. The address will be given by Mrs. Clara Bancroft Beatley, of Boston, on “Morals through reverence.”
A large woodland fire last week in Nashobah hill district called out the fire department and considerable that was not department. This kept fire folks busy, the same day as fires in East Groton and Northwest Westford. This is what can properly be called “between fires.”
John A. Taylor writes from North Dakota of snowstorms lapping over into the lap of spring. Some farmers in this region think something besides spring is in the lap of spring and wish it would get out.
Graniteville. William Buckingham, the well-known ball player, was in the lineup for the L.M.C. [probably Lowell Manufacturing Company, possibly Lowell Monument Co.] team in their game with the Kimball-System [The Kimball System, Inc, sign painters] club on the Aiken street grounds in Lowell on last Saturday afternoon.
It is expected that the local ball club, under the management of William Ledwith, will start the season here on Saturday with some strong club from Lowell.
The Ladies’ Aid society of the M.E. church held a strawberry festival and entertainment in the church on last week Thursday evening and the affair was largely attended. The program was strengthened to a great extent by the presence of Mrs. Florence Saxon, who was heard in several pleasing songs.
Miss Anna Denahy, of Groton, has been a recent guest of Mr. and Mrs. James B. Healy.
Mrs. F. L. Furbush has been visiting with her daughter, Mrs. U. M. Layton, in Livermore Falls, Me., for the past few days.
The members of St. Catherine’s church choir gave a very interesting entertainment in Forge Village hall on last week Friday evening that was largely attended.
P. Henry Harrington and Joseph Wall, delegates from Court Graniteville, F. of A., are now attending the convention of the grand court of Foresters of America that is being held in Springfield this week.
The members of the A. R. Choate hose company had a practice tryout on Tuesday evening, during which many of the hydrants throughout the village were flushed out.
The members of the Young People’s Social club of the M.E. church presented the play, “Liberty Corners,” to a crowded house in Dracut on last Monday night.
Alvin Nelson had charge of the entertainment given at the Westford Grange on Thursday night and presented a very pleasing program.
Forge Village. Mrs. M. A. Lowther is ill at her home on Bradford street.
Mrs. M. Keefe, of Townsend Harbor, was the guest of her sister, Mrs. J. Carmichael, Saturday and Sunday.
Mrs. Uney Murphy and Mrs. M. Lewis, of Lowell, were guests Sunday of Mrs. M. A. Lowther.
John Burnett attended the convention of the Manchester Unity Odd Fellows held in Beverly on last week Wednesday. Mr. Burnett was chosen delegate from Loyal Self-Help lodge, of this village.
Little Ruth Bennett, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bennett, is suffering with a broken arm as a result of a fall. Dr. O. V. Wells, of Westford, is attending her.
Miss Mary Madden, of New York city, was a recent guest of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Daly.
Miss Rose Howland, who has been visiting friends here, and who was returning to her home in Keighley, England, on the Lusitania, cabled her relatives here that she is one of the survivors. She also tells a very interesting story of how she was thrown into the water and found a little girl, whom she saved. The little girl proved to be Edith Williams, of Philadelphia, who was the only survivor of a family of seven. Mrs. Nellie Cooper, a former resident of this village, with her baby, was also a passenger on the fatal ship, about whom her friends here have worried. Mrs. Cooper and child are reported among those saved.
Private Patrick O’Hara, mentioned in the casualty list at Ottawa, Ont., is the husband of Mrs. Catherine O’Hara, Pond street, a highly esteemed resident of the village for some years. Private O’Hara enlisted seven months ago in Canada, being a reserve. He also fought in the Boer war. Two months ago he was sent to the front and is now wounded. His son, James O’Hara, is a clerk in the provision store of Joseph Leclerc.
Miss Marion Lord spent the weekend with her sister, Miss Eva M. Lord, of Westboro.
On Sunday the services at St. Andrew’s mission will be held at 9:30 o’clock in the morning, instead of in the afternoon. Sunday school will be held at the usual hour.
The Ladies’ Sewing Circle held their regular meeting in Recreation hall on Thursday afternoon.
Mrs. William Burnett spent Thursday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Chester Blodgett, of the Groton Ridges.
Miss Emily Hartley, of Pleasant street, gave a very interesting address at the Epworth league meeting held in the M.E. church, Graniteville, on Sunday evening.
The Young People’s Social club, recently formed by the young folks of St. Andrew’s mission, has elected the following officers for the year: Miss Edith M. Foster, pres.; Mrs. Edmond Pendleberry [Pendlebury], v.p.; Miss Lottie Parrott, sec.; Albert Collins, treas. The president is preparing a very interesting and instructive course which will greatly benefit the members. Mrs. Warren Sturgis, of Groton, was to meet the club members on Tuesday evening, but owing to the serious illness of her mother she was unable to do so. Miss Rose Peabody, of Groton, was her substitute.
Charles Flanagan and John Sullivan are busy cleaning the chimney of all houses belonging to Abbot & Co.
Ayer
District Court. W. T. Read, of Westford, was found not guilty of non-support of his wife and was discharged from custody on Thursday morning.
Thomas Gibbons was arraigned on a charge of larceny at Westford to which he pleaded guilty. Gibbons is a parole man from the Concord reformatory. The court ordered Officer Gardell, of Westford, who made the arrest, to take charge of the defendant and to see that his charge was delivered to the proper authorities for his return to the reformatory for violation of the terms of his parole.
Saturday, May 29, 1915
Center. Miss Marion Hall was a visitor in town over last Sunday, renewing former associations at the Unitarian church.
A little son was born to Mr. and Mrs. John S. Greig last Sunday [May 23] and has been named Donald Fletcher Greig.
Mrs. Effie Bennett Cann and two children are visitors at the parental [George L. & Mary L. (Nickerson) Bennett] home on Main street.
Mrs. William C. Roudenbush entertained very pleasantly five tables of bridge whist at her home [12 Main St.] on last Saturday evening.
Mr. and Mrs. William L. Woods were in attendance at the memorial service at the Unitarian church last Sunday, coming up from Somerville in their new and larger automobile.
A good representation from the local C.E. society were in attendance at the meeting of the Lowell Union at the South Chelmsford Baptist church Monday evening and report a pleasant and profitable good time.
Next week Thursday evening will be children’s night at the grange. Mrs. A. H. Sutherland has the meeting in charge and is preparing a varied entertainment by the children. If there are children who would like to have part in the program, with music or recitation, they will please confer with Mrs. Sutherland.
The streets at the center of the town, the common and other public grounds have all been put in the most attractive condition for Memorial day so that our pretty village may look at its best.
Mrs. A. H. [Martha Luella “Mattie”] Sutherland goes this weekend for a family reunion at her sister’s, Mrs. Lewis J. [Lillian] Marden, in Campton N.H. Accompanying her are her two other sisters, Mrs. Etta W. Clark [sic] and Mrs. Florence E. Cameron, of Somerville; also, her brother, Bertram Cass. The party take the trip in Mr. Clarke’s new automobile, with Mr. Clarke as driver.
Memorial Day Program. Preparations are completed for an interesting program for the time-honored Memorial day, Monday. The Westford Veteran association will form a line of march at the Cavalry association building on [20] Boston road at ten o’clock and escorted by the Nashua Military band and the Sons and Daughters of Veterans will march to the soldiers’ monument where the exercises of decoration will take place, after which they will march to the town hall where the exercises for the day will be held. Hon. Frank P. Bennett, jr., of Saugus will give the address. There will be music by the band and the splendid quartet from the First Universalist church, Lowell, consisting of Mrs. Roberts and Mrs. Simonds, Mr. Needham and Mr. Osborn. Dinner will be served in the lower town hall after the exercises to the veterans and their wives, the Sons and Daughters of Veterans, the wives and husbands and to the entertainers of the day.
In the morning at Whitney playground there will be a ball game between the Westford academy and Forge Village school teams and in the afternoon the much anticipated game between the married men and single men. There will be the usual band concert.
About Town. It was open night at Westford station on Tuesday. The telephone was smashed up into something other than the original design, more resembling determination than communication. The door to enter the station was forced open regardless of scratching the paint. After all this pry open and pry into, only sixty cents worth of cash values was obtained. This is a many time broken into station.
The Grange will hold its next meeting on Thursday evening of next week and will be observed as children’s night, in charge of Mrs. Alonzo H. Sutherland. The public is invited and may look for something worth the search.
George Smith was accidentally killed Wednesday noon near Long-Sought pond, near the brick tavern [266 Groton Rd.], by being thrown from a sulky plough. Smith was in charge of the farm owned by J. M. Book, of Lowell, and had been ploughing a piece of land, and was on the return on the road to dinner when he was thrown or fell under the plough which passed over him, fracturing the skull and breaking the right leg in two places. Medical Examiner Bulkeley of Ayer viewed the body and stated that death was due to accident and was probably instantaneous. The deceased was about fifty-five years of age and is survived by a wife.
Heavy frost was reported in some corners of the Stony Brook valley on Wednesday night, but the air breezes prevented severe freezing.
The fifty-mile-an-hour motor car on the Stony Brook railroad had a narrow escape from collision last Saturday forenoon, just east of Westford station, with the double engine freight from Ayer to Lowell.
Harry L. Nesmith tree warden, forest fire warden and moth warden, was called with his men last Saturday while working on Stony Brook road, to a forest fire at Beaver Brook, near Forge Village.
Hazel D. Smith died at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Smith, at Brookside, Sunday morning after a long illness of tuberculosis, aged 17 years, 5 months. The deceased was born in Lowell, but most of her life had been spent at Brookside. She leaves her father and mother; two sisters, Mrs. Grace Whitney and Mrs. Fanny Regmir; two brothers, Paul and Alexander, all of this village. The funeral took place at the home of her parents Tuesday afternoon, Rev. Franklin S Reeves, of North Chelmsford, conducting the services. The bearers were John Westberg, Walter Ryan, Paul Abrahamson, Vincent Papolizio. Burial was in Fairview cemetery, Westford.
The Old Oaken Bucket farm blossomed peas last Saturday. Come on all ye singers of “It was all of a Sunday morning” for these peas are on the bill of fare for dinner Saturday, June 5. Friendly notice having thus been served as to time and place, all ye song singing competitors and other songless competitors will be wise if they stand from under.
Fire last Saturday afternoon covered about six acres on Oak hill owned by Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher. The cause of the fire is not clear. Those very close to knowing have mentioned a T. D. pipe. 0) { referrer_url = document.referrer; } const params = location.search.slice(1).split('&').reduce((acc, s) => { const [k, v] = s.split('=') return Object.assign(acc, {[k]: v}) }, {}) const url = "https://museum.westford.org/wp-json/iawp/search" const body = { referrer_url, utm_source: params.utm_source, utm_medium: params.utm_medium, utm_campaign: params.utm_campaign, utm_term: params.utm_term, utm_content: params.utm_content, gclid: params.gclid, ...{"payload":{"resource":"singular","singular_id":1623,"page":1},"signature":"dba353c89f306d49ff02e823d014a524"} } const xhr = new XMLHttpRequest() xhr.open("POST", url, true) xhr.setRequestHeader("Content-Type", "application/json;charset=UTF-8") xhr.send(JSON.stringify(body)) }) })();