The Westford Wardsman, February, 1913
Saturday, February 1, 1913
Center. Those living on the R.F.D. routes are kindly reminded that under the order of the fourth postmaster general, January 25, 1910, they are not to drop loose coins in the mail boxes. The carriers have a supply of stamps, etc., on hand, which can be purchased and they should use all the thoughtful consideration they can toward the carriers. The carriers have to report the time spent covering the routes, and where the routes are as long as the Westford ones, which cover nearly fifty miles with about two hundred boxes, a delay of a minute or two at many of the boxes makes a difference, especially in severe weather. Those receiving the benefits of this service should do all they can to make it easy for Uncle Sam’s representatives.
Samuel G. Humiston has been on the sick list, but is now improved. His son Eliot has been at home assisting his father.
The senior class at the academy are to present a dramatic entertainment at the town hall on next Monday evening. The play chosen is a three-act comedy, “The elopement of Ellen.” The cast of characters is well chosen and the young people have rehearsed faithfully and should have a good patronage. There will be dancing after the entertainment.
Mr. and Mrs. David Desmond have welcomed a baby son [Raymond J. Desmond born Jan. 24, 1913] into their home at the south part of the town.
Miss Mary Morin, our village nurse, is making preparations for a trip to California, where she plans to visit her brother and his family. She will be gone several months, and expects to leave here the middle of February. The many families in this and the surrounding towns where she has been the faithful and competent friend in need that is the friend indeed wish her much enjoyment in this well-earned rest.
The ladies of the Unitarian church are making preparations for a salad supper, followed by an entertainment to be given on next Tuesday evening.
The history class held its regular weekly reading with Miss Ruth Fisher on Wednesday afternoon.
George Whitney, on the Lowell road, who has been seriously sick with rheumatism, is reported as more comfortable recently.
The academy basketball team was defeated by the Ayer high school five at Ayer on last Saturday by a score of 36 to 12.
A petition is reported in circulation to come before the consideration of the school committee for a shorter session at the academy and the Frost school, eliminating the noon recess and thereby shortening the session.
Mrs. Joseph R. Draper was the guest while in town this week of Mrs. H. V. Hildreth.
Arthur Walker has been at the parental home for a week, suffering with blood poisoning in his hand, caused by the bite of a cat. He is now improved and returned to his work in Fitchburg.
Miss Hilda Isles was an invited guest at the high school ball given by its officers at Associate hall, Lowell, on Wednesday evening.
Mrs. George E. Jenkins, of Marblehead, has been visiting former friends in town.
Hugh F. Leith’s Westford friends will be sorry to know that he is ill at his home in Concord.
The W.C.T.U. will meet with Mrs. Walker on next Wednesday afternoon.
Readers of this column this week will miss the pungent, kindly paragraphs of the correspondent under “About Town.” Mr. [Samuel Law] Taylor has been detained at home and under the doctor’s care with a severe case of the grippe for over a week. He is gaining and hopes to resume his trips to the state house the first of the week.
William Sutherland is on the sick list with the grippe and under the doctor’s care.
In comparison with last season’s severe weather, when frozen water pipes were plenty, this season with February already here, we doubt if there has been any household with this trouble thus far. Householders are warned not to be caught napping if a change of weather sets in.
J. Henry Colburn is working in Tyngsboro, going back and forth on the cars each day. He is at work on an eight-room bungalow Fred L. Snow, formerly of North Westford, is building.
John L. Corkery, the Cambridge milk contractor, notified his Westford producers last week that he should discontinue taking their supply on February 1, and they would have to find another market. The daily output amounted to about one hundred cans, and caused considerable consternation. Probably the fact that the Boston market is over-supplied just at present had to do with Mr. Corkery’s action. Since then the matter has been adjusted by his retaining two or three of the larger dairies, and the other producers have found a market for their milk to be taken by Mr. Graustein, of the Boston Dairy Co. Fred Shorey will continue teaming the milk to Westford station.
Miss Miranda Luce’s many friends are sorry to hear she is not as well as she has been for some weeks.
Mrs. Hattie M. Laws, who has been acting as housekeeper at Frank C. Hildreth’s for some time, met with a sudden bereavement last week in the death of her son, Clarence W. Laws, at Townsend, aged twenty-five years. He had been a motorman in Lowell for the past two years, and went to his home in Townsend for a visit on Saturday night, and was stricken the following day with what proved to be diphtheria. He died the following Tuesday, and owing to the nature of the disease a private funeral was held as soon as arrangements could be made. His mother speaks of him as a particularly robust fellow of good physique, and his untimely death seems especially sad.
At the grange on next Thursday evening, “valentine night” is on the program, and the committee in charge are Mrs. David L. Greig, Mrs. J. Willard Fletcher and Mrs. Perley E. Wright. This is a wide-awake committee, and a good time is promised. The flowing day, the North Middlesex Pomona grange meets at Odd Fellows’ hall, Bridge street, Lowell, and the lecturer-elect has an attractive program arranged.
Mrs. James Hildreth, who with her daughter, Miss Martha Hildreth, makes her home with Mrs. Fletcher Peckins, recently passed her ninety-fifth birthday. Mrs. Hildreth is the oldest person in town in years, but in other ways can certainly hold her own with many a person twenty years younger. Mrs. Hildreth enjoys comfortable health, retaining good sight and hearing and a cheerful outlook toward life, and is certainly “good company” to meet and talk with, and her prospect of attaining the century mark seems good. This kindly, bright old lady occupies her time with assisting in the household duties, needlework at which she is very skillful, and in reading, and thinks nothing of walking out to visit neighbors.
A sad fatality occurred at the H. E. Fletcher quarry about eleven o’clock on Wednesday morning, when Edward Chapman, a young man aged twenty-eight years, was instantly killed by coming in contact with a live wire. He was at the top of a pole putting a derrick guy over the pole when in some way he came in contact with the wire which was of high voltage, causing instant death. No one seems to know just how the accident occurred. Medical Examiner Bulkeley, of Ayer, was summoned, and the body was removed to the home of George Billson in West Chelmsford, an uncle of Mr. Chapman, and with whom he made his home. He is highly spoken of, and his untimely death seems very sad.
The leaking water main at Tower’s Corner, Lowell, on Wednesday, caused the water to get into the telephone conduits, and Westford people found themselves out of communication with lines in Lowell direction for some time.
An agricultural extension school is to be held daily at Littleton town hall from February 10 to February 14.
Tadmuck Club. That Mrs. Joseph R. Draper was very welcome as the special guest and speaker at the Tadmuck club last Tuesday afternoon was very evident when nearly the entire membership, with the exception of the shut-ins and those absent from town, were present. Mrs. Draper, with keen insight, presented an able address on “The relation of club women to missionary enterprise,” holding the close and appreciative attention of her audience. She outlined very clearly the many organizations and clubs with which women were identified with their results of broadening fellowship and good in many lines accomplished, especially work and results in the Woman’s Municipal league, of Boston, and rounding out the address with a splendid plea for the same interest and effort in the larger sisterhood at home and abroad, as represented along accepted missionary lines.
Mrs. Draper is a charming and logical speaker, and whatever subject she would present before an audience of her Westford friends would be sure to be of interest, as was the case on Tuesday afternoon.
Mrs. Homer M. Seavey and Mrs. Cyril A. Blaney contributed a pleasing vocal duet, accompanied by Miss Hazel Hartford, after which a club tea was served and a pleasant social hour enjoyed. The hostesses of the afternoon were Mrs. H. V. Hildreth, Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher and Mrs. W. J. Merritt.
At the next meeting, February 11, Rev. Lyman B. Weeks will be the speaker of the afternoon, his subject being the Passion Play. The names of Mrs. Hammett D. Wright and Mrs. Helen E. Fitton, both of Graniteville, were presented for membership.
Annual Meeting. The Westford Water Company held its annual meeting on last Saturday and the following officers were elected: George T. Day, Sherman H. Fletcher, Julian A. Cameron, John C. Abbot and Charles O. Prescott, board of directors; Charles O. Prescott, clerk and treas.; Charles F. Kellogg, of Boston, auditor. At the directors’ meeting, George T. Day was chosen president; Sherman H. Fletcher; manager, and Alonzo H. Sutherland, supt. and engineer.
According to the printed annual report, the amount of water pumped last year to supply the town was 25,941,371 gallons, and the cost of pumping, which is done by electricity, was $818.25 for the year. The report of the manager shows that in the last year 606 feet of four-inch pipe have been laid at Graniteville, the extension being made to correct the main that was laid across the arch bridge over the Stony Brook railroad. The main on the bridge was only three-inch pipe and had been of considerable expense to the company each winter on account of freezing. As the extension required a four-inch pipe, it was thought best to remove the two-inch main and replace with a four-inch main. This leaves 266 feet of two-inch main between the bridge and the hydrant on Broadway, and it is recommended that a four-inch main be substituted, which will make the extension complete with a four-inch main to terminus, where a hydrant should be installed to protect the new dwelling houses recently erected.
A watering station has been erected at the Graniteville station to supply the engines of the Boston and Maine railroad with water. The water company furnished connections to the sidewalk line and the railroad company furnished connections to the pipe and erected the water tower. A rate was agreed upon which will add to the income of the water company.
Since the establishment of the pumping station, considerable trouble has been experienced with pumping water with air in the water, causing it to look milky, and also causing pounding in the mains and pipes. This has been relieved by attaching another air chamber to the pump at the station.
On account of the excessive cold last winter, a great deal of trouble was caused by the freezing of mains in the villages, especially Graniteville. The frost reached a depth of five or six feet in places. The mains were thawed out by electricity, the Lowell Electric Corporation furnishing the power and giving excellent service.
The property is all in first-class condition. The amount of money invested in the Westford Water Company’s works is $86,167.28. The analysis of the water made by the state board of health gives excellent results, showing it to be one of the best supplies in the state.
Forge Village. On last week Friday, no session at Cameron school was held, it being visiting day for the teachers. The different schools which were visited furnished work of special interest to the teaching staff here, and many notes were taken on the different work being done. Miss Letitia V. Ward, principal, visited the schools of Ayer and Shirley. Miss Mary A. Garvey, third and fourth grade teacher, spent the day at North Chelmsford schools; also, Lowell. Miss Abbie M. Blaisdell, in charge of the second and third grades, spent her time in Woburn. Miss Eva F. Pyne visited the lower primary grades in the John L. Motley school in Dorchester, and the Shurtleff school in Chelsea. Great advantages were derived from the day’s visits, and as a result much improvement in the work here is hoped to be made by the teachers.
Communion services will be held at St. Andrew’s mission on Sunday morning at 9:30 o’clock. The pastor, Rev. A. L. Bumpus, will officiate. No evening prayer will be held. During the holy season of lent, services will be held on every Wednesday evening, the first being on next Wednesday evening. On Good Friday evening, Rev. Endicott Peabody, of Groton, will preach the sermon.
Mrs. Andrews, of Groton, visited the young ladies of the parish on Thursday evening, and a most pleasant time was enjoyed by all.
The Ladies’ Sewing Circle met at the home of Mrs. Harriet E. Randall on Thursday afternoon.
The holy sacrament of confirmation will be administered by Rt. Rev. William Lawrence, bishop of Massachusetts, at St. Andrew’s church, Ayer, on Friday evening, March 14, at 7:30 o’clock. The confirmation class will meet on Wednesday evening at seven o’clock, in order to make preparations for the event.
Miss Anna V. Keefe, of Townsend, was the guest of relatives here on Saturday.
Miss Theresa V. Lowther and Miss Rachael H. Cherry, together with a party of friends, spent Saturday and Sunday visiting in Boston. On Saturday, they attended the play “The garden of Allah,” and on Sunday, through the courtesy of the crew, they were shown over the U.S. battleship New Jersey, The young people had put good, faithful work into their preparation, and their interpretation of the parts assigned them was excellent. The play chosen was wisely within the scope of the young people. The comedy bits were well done and the characters balanced each other well. The stage settings reflected credit upon those who had that part in charge. Following is the cast of characters:
Richard Ford | ……. | Edward Read ‘14 |
Molly, his wife | ……. | Sadie McMaster ‘13 |
Robert Shepard, Molly’s brother | ……. | Edward Blodgett ‘14 |
Max Ten Eyck, Robert’s chum | ……. | Paul Locklin ‘14 |
Dorothy, March, engaged to Max | ……. | Delia Connell ‘15 |
June Haverhill, Wellesley ’06 | ……. | Marjorie Seavey ‘14 |
John Hume, rector of St. Agnes | ……. | Paul Gladu ‘14 |
An orchestra of four pieces from the Y.M.C.A., Lowell, furnished music between the acts and for dancing after the play. Ice cream and cake was served.
Town Farm Appraisal. That annual event, the annual appraisal of property at the town farm, followed by the dinner to the town officers, took place on last Saturday. The appraisers this year were William E. Wright, David L. Greig and Alec MacDonald. They found everything well kept and in excellent order under the charge of the master and matron, Mr. and Mrs. Barnes. The three inmates at the farm are Sarah Ingalls [aged 50], Mary Cowdrey [54] and Hiram Leland [65]. Mrs. Barnes served a dinner at noon to fourteen, fully up to the high standard of preceding events of this kind, and full justice was done to the same.
Those present, beside the appraisers already mentioned, were the three assessors, J. Willard Fletcher, William L. Woods and Charles D. Colburn; O. R. Spalding, representing the selectmen; three members of the board of overseers, Charles L. Hildreth, Arthur H. Burnham and Albert R. Choate; William R. Taylor, Edward Fisher, town clerk, and C. A. Blaney, M.D., town physician. S. H. Fletcher, H. L. Wright and Andrew Johnson were unable to be present.
Social. The supper and entertainment in charge of the men of the Congregational church on last week Thursday evening proved very much of a success. The mild, pleasant winter evening made it possible for a large number of people to be present. A larger dining-room and better cloak-room facilities never would have been more appreciated, but these deficiencies will probably be remedied in time, and it was a very good-natured crowd in attendance, and everybody seemed to have a good time. Fully 225 people were served with a good old-fashioned supper. The men in charge either had an intuitive knowledge of an extra crowd, or had solicited very thoroughly, for they proved equal to the occasion.
The special guests and entertainers of the evening were about forty members of the choir of the St. Paul M.E. church, of Lowell, under the direction of Peter Picken. The chorus was assisted by Mrs. Godfrey Horne, George Drew and Peter Picken as soloists, and by Mrs. Perley E. Wright of Westford, reader, who all did excellent work.
The following is the program: Chorus, “Damascus triumphant march”; reading, Mrs. Perley E. Wright; solos, Mrs. Godfrey Horne and George Drew; chorus, bridal chorus from “The rose maiden”; solo, Peter Pikcen; reading, Mrs. Perley E. Wright; chorus, “The gilsies”; solo, George Drew; final chorus.
After the program was concluded, at the suggestion of Mr. Wallace, the audience gave a special demonstration of appreciation and Mr. Picken responded with a well-chosen speech. The Lowell party, of which there were forty-eight, were transferred each way from Brookside by a special trip of the branch line electric. Notwithstanding the large expense incurred in securing the chorus, a good sum was netted for the treasury.
About Town. The W.C.T.U. held its monthly meeting with Mrs. George Walker, fourteen members and one visitor being present. It was voted to have a food sale at Mrs. Homer M. Seavey’s on next week Thursday afternoon. This food sale will be the real home grown natural product of rural life. They offer wholesome and encouraging inducements for the public to remember home industry and attractions by personal purchase, or by eleven pounds of parcel post. The meeting voted to equip the public schools with temperance text books as soon as arrangements with Supt. Hill can be agreed upon. The county convention will meet in Lowell on Washington’s birthday, February 22, and the May county convention will meet in Westford and plans are in progress for all that is coming to us.
Angus MacDonald died at his home on the Concord road, aged sixty-six years. He had been a resident of the town for many years, and a successful farmer, making dairying a specialty. For a few years he was superintendent of roads, and did much efficient work to build the roads up to standard ideas. He leaves a wife Margaret; three sons—Alexander, William O., and Henry A., and three daughters, the Misses Alice and M. Madeline, of Westford, and Mrs. Maurice [Mabel Jane] Quinlan, of Everett.
Mrs. Mark R. Morrison has sold her farm, corner of Groton and Milestone hill, to Fred R. and Charles A. Blodgett, the successful sweepstakes farmers on the closeby Milestone hill.
The Fortnightly club will hold its next meeting at the Wright schoolhouse on Friday evening, February 14. A program of much length, breadth and depth is being measured to an everybody fit. Come and have a fit.
The West Chelmsford Debating society held one of their right and left jabs and upper cuts at Historical hall on Tuesday evening on the question: Resolved, “That happiness is more often the result of mental attitude than of physical conditions.” Fred A. Snow and Clarence Burne were convincingly happy in their mental attitude towards the affirmative side of the question, and James Dwyer and David Olson looked equally happy in their physical attitude towards the negative of the question, and the audience was inclined to leave such happiness undisturbed by moving the previous question.
At the next meeting of the grange, Thursday evening, February 20, the lecturer has arranged a debate on the question: Resolved, “That our ancestors a century ago enjoyed more genuine comfort of home life than we do at present.” Mrs. F. C. Wright, Mrs. J. E. Knight, affirm.; Mrs. David Wallace, Mrs. L. W. Wheeler, neg.
The next meeting of the West Chelmsford Debating society, Tuesday evening, February 18, will debate the following; Resolved, “That parcel post is unsatisfactory to the public.” The speakers will be lined up by name and side in time for public review.
The railroad committee on the petition of E. Moody Boynton, for a loan of $5,000,000 from the state to build a single rail steam road from Boston to Hartford, reported leave to withdraw, but the house by an overwhelming voice vote, voted to substitute the bill for the report of the committee. This is certainly a progressive age to loan money on the enthusiasm of a wave of hot air that private capital will not risk a ride on.
The George W. Bussey farm at Brookside has been sold to a Polander, whose name in English will be spelled and printed as soon as time and space can be found to deal with the problem.
Forge Village. Lenten services were held on Ash Wednesday evening at St. Andrew’s mission at 7:30 o’clock. The confirmation class met at seven o’clock. Rev. A. L. Bumpus had charge and preached an excellent sermon.
The sympathy of the village is extended to the bereaved family of the late Angus MacDonald, who died at his home in South Westford on Tuesday. His genial disposition won for him many friends here and he will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
The members of the Ladies’ Sewing Circle met on last week Thursday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Harriet E. Randall. A most dainty collation was served by Misses Grace Lawrence and Elizabeth Plummer at the conclusion of the meeting. A cordial invitation is extended to everyone interested in St. Andrew’s mission to attend these meetings.
Evening services at St. Andrew’s mission will be resumed at 7:30 o’clock next Sunday, instead of 4:30 in the afternoon.
Loyal Self-Help lodge, I.O.O.F., M.U., held their regular meeting in Abbot hall on Monday evening. Four new members were initiated and other important business transacted.
The Misses Sarah Precious, Emily and Bertha Collins spent Saturday and Sunday visiting in Boston. While there, they enjoyed attending the play, “In the garden of Allah,” The children will be assisted by the young ladies of the parish, who are now rehearsing part songs under the direction of Mrs. Andrews, of Groton. The affair will be for the benefit of the mission.
Graniteville. The committee recently appointed by the Westford Board of Trade to look into the matter of having an evening school here are making much progress with their work and will soon be in a position to give a clean, concise report concerning the prevailing conditions of affairs in this direction here.
A few days sleighing has been enjoyed here this week, but it is just a question as to how long the snow will last.
The members of Court Graniteville, F. of A., had a well-attended meeting in their rooms on Thursday evening. Business of importance was transacted, several applications for membership were received and four candidates initiated into membership of the order.
The Ladies’ Aid society of the M.E. church met with Mrs. L. A. Blood on Thursday afternoon, during which much business of importance was transacted.
The school teachers of the Sargent school here spent Friday of last week, which was visiting day, in a very profitable manner by visiting various schools in the different parts of the state. Much information was gained in this manner, and will be used to good advantage by them as time goes on.
Mr. and Mrs. John McCarthy, who have made their home in this village for several years, have recently taken up their residence in North Chelmsford.
The members of the A. R. Choate hose company held their regular meeting in their rooms on last Monday night. Much business of a routine order was transacted, after which a social hour was enjoyed. The members of the local company now have their outfits, consisting of rubber coats and oil skins, and are now better prepared to attend to their duties as firemen than ever before.
Interesting Sermons. At St. Catherine’s church on last Sunday morning, both masses were celebrated by Rev. Edward C. Mitchell. He gave highly interesting sermons at both masses, and also read the rules and regulations for Lent. Though Sunday was Candlemas day, the event was not celebrated until the following day. The blessings of the candles will take place in St. Catherine’’s church on Sunday. Mr. Mitchell also took occasion at this time to extend his sincere thanks to all those from St. Catherine’s parish who helped in any way toward the success of the entertainment recently held in North Chelmsford, giving an extra word of praise to the good people who aided him in disposing of the tickets. On last Wednesday evening, Ash Wednesday, devotions were held in the church that consisted of a sermon, followed by benediction of the blessed sacrament, after which the distribution of the ashes took place. The services were largely attended.
Saturday, February 15, 1913
Center. A special Lincoln service was observed on Sunday evening at the Congregational church. It being the fiftieth anniversary of the emancipation proclamation, a specially arranged service by the American Missionary association was carried out with special hymns and scripture readings. Otis Day impersonated Lincoln signing the famous document, and George Perkins the liberated slave. There was additional singing by Miss Pauline Wallace and Miss Elizabeth Kimball. After this exercise Mr. Roudenbush gave an interesting talk of the life of the great martyr president.
Those who have been apprehensive about the ice crop will perhaps begin to think that ice will not be too scarce a commodity next summer after all. With the thermometer at ten below zero on Thursday morning, after a good spell of cold weather, ice of good thickness was formed. W. W. Johnson, who supplies Westford with ice, begins to cut at Burgess [sic] pond this week. Mr. Johnson states that in the twenty-three years he has been in the ice business, he has always secured a crop and expects this season to be no exception.
Mrs. Margaret McDonald and family, of Westford, wish to extend their sincere thanks to their many kind relatives and friends for the sympathy and beautiful floral tributes offered them in their late bereavement.
There will be a Farmers’ Institute at Westford town hall on Wednesday, February 26. This will be held under the auspices of the grange and every effort will be made to make it as successful as those held here in past seasons. S. H. Read, of West Brookfield, will be the speaker morning and afternoon.
On last week Friday there were no sessions at the Center schools, it being visiting day for the teachers. Miss Clara Smith and Miss Edith Foster visited sessions at the Varnum school in Lowell, and Miss Edith Wright went to the Bartlett school, also of Lowell. Miss Ruth Smith and Miss Hickey, of the academy, went to Lynn to inspect school work.
Miss Gertrude Hamlin was at home from Wellesley college over the weekend.
Miss Edith Foster and Miss Grace Lumbert were among the lovers of good music present at the Lowell Opera house last week Friday evening to hear Madame Shuman-Heink, the famous contralto, sing. The hat pin as an ornamental necessity is a very poor substitute for the bright young Scotchman who recently lost his life by being pierced by the long protruding hat pin. Others have had narrow escapes.
Mrs. George W. Bussey, having sold her farm, has moved into the house of Miss Dunn of Brookside.
Philip Huse, a one-time scholar of the old Stony Brook school, was in town on Monday from attending the funeral of his cousin by marriage, Michael Connors [Michael J. Connor (sic), d. Feb. 6, 1913, in Lowell], of Lowell. Mr. Connors recently buried his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth (Horan) Connors [died Aug. 17, 1911, in Lowell], one of the old-time scholars of the Stony Brook school, and a former teacher in the town.
Death. Alfred G. Parkhurst died at his late residence in Lowell on last week Friday evening, aged seventy-four years. He leaves besides his wife, Mrs. Hannah E. Parkhurst, two daughters, Mrs. W. R. Magoon and Miss Alberta V. Parkhurst. Mr. Parkhurst was for many years a prominent member of the village church. He was an active member of the G. A. R., and was well and favorably known to the older residents of Westford, being an active member and officer of the Spalding Light Cavalry. The funeral took place on Monday afternoon from his home in Lowell. The services were conducted by Rev. William H. McLean, of the Highland M. E. church. A delegation from Ladd and Whitney post 185, G. A. R., conducted their burial service at the house, as did Ladd and Whitney Circle No. 8, Ladies of the G. A. R. A delegation was also present from the Spalding Light Cavalry association. The following members of Admiral Farragut Camp 78, Sons of Veterans, acted as bearers: George F. Keefe, Walter S. Shaw, Walter E. Atwood and George A. Foster. Burial was in the West cemetery at West Chelmsford.
Supper and Entertainment. The usual monthly sociable of the Unitarian church was held in the vestry on last week Friday evening. When the persons having charge of the entertainment are mentioned by name there is no need of any argument or statement to prove that it was at high tide for cheer up and in appeal to the social element. The committee in charge were Mrs. Arthur Blodgett, Miss Mabel Drew, Miss May Balch and George E. Gould. The fortunate sleighing at this time, in a winter where it has been so rare, brought a company of “jingle, jingle bells” from Forge Village and Graniteville.
At the conclusion of the supper, which was a solid salad affair, cold meats, creamed potatoes, rolls, puddings, pies and fruit, an attractive program was wisely carried out for the attraction of the higher man and incidentally aiding digestion. Miss Adeline Noyes, of Lowell, gave readings that gave merriment; piano duet, Miss Marion Blodgett and Miss Lillian Baker, of Forge Village; song, Rachel Wall, of Graniteville; violin solo, Walter Steele, Miss Blodgett, accompanist; song, William DeRohen, of Forge Village; duet, Merton Seavey and Miss Hazel Bond; piano solo, Miss Marion Blodgett. Thirty-one dollars was the financial income of the entertainment.
Forge Village. Mr. and Mrs. James May welcomed a little son into their home on Tuesday [James May, Jr., born Feb. 11, 1913].
John W. Catchpole injured his thumb while engaged at work in the mill of the Abbot Worsted Company on Monday.
Jules Cameron, of the Abbot Worsted Company, has returned after a most enjoyable trip around the world.
Word has been received here by Mrs. Mathilda Harmon of the death of her husband, Thomas Harmon, of Boston, who died at the Boston Relief hospital. Mr. Harmon was engaged in work in Boston and has been ill for quite a while.
A meeting of the young ladies of St. Andrew’s mission will be held in Recreation hall on Thursday evening.
Excellent skating is being enjoyed on the pond here, and the ice cutting is to begin next week. The Daniel Gage Ice Company, of Lowell, are to have a force of men start operation on Monday morning.
Lenten services at St. Andrew’s mission were held on Wednesday evening, Rev. A. L. Bumpus preaching a most touching sermon. On next Wednesday evening service will be held at 7:30 o’clock.
Miss Sarah Precious was the guest of relatives in Townsend on Saturday and Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Fennemore Morton entertained Miss Lulu Drew, of Lowell, at their home over the week-end.
The Ladies’ Sewing Circle held their regular meeting at the home of Mrs. Bert Comey on Thursday afternoon.
Miss Roxie Bennett and Andrew Kavanaugh, of Worcester, spent Saturday and Sunday as guests of Mrs. Harriet E. Randall.
Edward M. Abbot and party of friends enjoyed a sail on his iceboat on Sunday afternoon.
Conrad Richards is entertaining his brother from Montreal, Canada, for a few weeks.
Rev. Thomas L. Fisher, rector of St. Mark’s church, Leominster, will preach at St. Andrew’s church, Ayer, on Monday evening, February 17. A large number expect to attend the services from this village. Mr. Fisher was formerly vicar of St. Andrew’s parish and was a most conscientious and painstaking worker while here. His return visit will be enjoyed by his many loyal friends.
Herbert Flavell, the well-known milkman, who narrowly escaped death on last Sunday morning by being run into by a freight train, has the most sincere sympathy of the village people. This is the second accident which has happened to him and it is hoped that it will be the last. Two years ago he had a similar narrow escape when an electric car struck his wagon and totally wrecked it. He has suffered considerable from both shocks.
William Precious is still confined to his home by illness.
Mrs. Chester Blodgett and Charles Blodgett, of the Groton Ridges, spent Wednesday in Lowell.
Lincoln’s birthday was observed very quietly here this year. Old Glory was displayed in various homes and the children of Cameron school held special exercises in his honor.
Graniteville. The Ladies’ Aid society of the M.E. church held a very successful valentine supper and entertainment in the church vestry on last week Thursday evening that was largely attended. Supper was served from 6:30 to eight o’clock. A fine entertainment was then given that consisted of selections by a male quartet, vocal solos by Mrs. Fitton and readings by Miss A. E. Noyes, of Lowell. The whole affair proved to be very enjoyable and it is needless to say that the supper was up to the high standard maintained by the Ladies’ Aid society. The committee in charge feel very grateful to all those who helped in any way toward the success of the affair.
Excellent skating has been enjoyed on the mill pond here during the first few days of the week.
W. W. Johnson, the local ice dealer who supplies the different villages in Westford with ice during the summer months, reports that the ice at Burgess pond, North Westford, where he harvested his crop, is now between nine and ten inches thick, and the work of cutting will be commenced in the near future.
The many people from this village who attended the supper and entertainment in Westford on Friday night of last week had a very enjoyable time. The sleighride in itself was one of the pleasing features. The merry party was conveyed in one of Mr. Barnes’ large sleds, and to say that the ride was a success would be putting it mildly. Other sleighrides are being planned for the future, and all that is necessary now is that we have more snow.
Final preparations are now being perfected for the big class initiation to be held here by Court Westford, M.C.O.F., on the last Thursday of the month. The degree work will be performed by the officers of the local court. Between twenty and thirty candidates will be initiated at this time.
The grand inaugural ball that is being looked forward to with such deep interest by the people in this and the surrounding towns, will be held under the auspices of the democrats of Westford in the town hall on Thursday, March 27. Poole’s celebrated orchestra, of Boston, will furnish the music, and the committee in charge promises that this will be the greatest social event held in the town for many years. Now try and make an effort to be at Westford town hall on March 27, for the democrat ball.
The members of Cameron Circle, C.F. of A., held a well attended meeting in their rooms on Tuesday evening with Mrs. Maria J. Wall, chief companion, in the chair. Considerable business of importance was transacted, after which a social hour was enjoyed.
Saturday, February 22, 1913
Center. Advantage was taken of the sleighing on last week Thursday evening by a group of people at the Center to attend the supper and entertainment at the M.E. church at Graniteville. David L. Greig took over a merry load and others went in single teams, and all report a pleasant evening. Those who went were Mr. and Mrs. D. L. Greig, Mr. and Mrs. H. V. Hildreth, Mrs. Edward Fisher, Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Wheeler, Mrs. John Feeney, Mrs. A. W. Hartford, Miss Hazel Hartford, Mrs. O. V. Wells, Mrs. Alma Richardson and Leon F. Hildreth.
Principal H. S. Cowell of Cushing academy gave his lecture, “If I were a boy again,” on last week Friday evening at the town hall before an appreciative audience. This was the last in the academy course under the direction of Principal Roudenbush, and has proved very much of a success. At the lecture on Friday evening, Principal Cowell’s lecture was full of wise and experienced counsel for life’s best conduct in its many phases, and should be an incentive to the boys and girls present to make the most of themselves. The older ones, as well, enjoyed the speaker’s combined wit and wisdom.
Nine representatives of the Westford society were present at the First Presbyterian church in Lowell on last Saturday evening to hear Karl Leahman, international secretary of the Y.P.S.C.E. speak. At the Sunday evening service reports were given of this address under the sub-topics of consecration, enthusiasm and service. There was special music by Miss Althea Symmes.
Alfred Sutherland, who has been so seriously ill with typhoid pneumonia, is now gaining.
Miss Winnifred Burnham, formerly a popular teacher at the Frost school, was a week-end guest this last week of Miss Edith Wright. Miss Burnham was in attendance at the Congregational church on Sunday morning and greeted many old friends.
John Sherlock, who has been our branch line motorman for the last three years, has been transferred to the main line electrics. Mr. Sherlock has been a most careful and capable man and enjoyed the confidence of all the patrons of the road. Mr. and Mrs. Sherlock do not expect to remove from town until spring. Their departure is doubly regretted for Mrs. Sherlock has made a place in her home for a number of boarders in this village, where boarding places are not plentiful. Mr. Cutter takes Mr. Sherlock’s place as motorman, and Edward Clement, who has been a substitute conductor, is the regular conductor.
Miss Harriet Hodgman is staying with old friends in town.
The J. C. Abbots, who are spending the winter in Newton, were in town on Wednesday. The open winter has made possible frequent auto trips to the homestead here.
Miss Clara Smith is staying with Mrs. Mary E. Calvert, although continuing her teaching at the Frost school.
John Burbeck observed his eightieth birthday at his pleasant home, Vine Brook farm [now site of the Westford Regency Inn], at the south part of the town on Friday of this week. Lifelong habits of capable industry and temperate living have played their part toward hale and prosperous older years. Mr. Burbeck carries on his own farm, caring for his stock himself, going to market every week, and doing whatever else is necessary in conducting his affairs.
Mrs. Edward Fisher has been at Swampscott this week, called there by the death of a brother-in-law, Archie Blanchard.
Mrs. James Hildreth, who recently passed her ninety-fifth birthday, is seriously ill.
Mrs. Abbie Hamlin is among the sick ones and in the care of her physician.
Henry Colburn is working for Pearl Harmon on a new bungalow in Chelmsford.
Mrs. Ida M. Gould is in Pittsfield, where she has been demonstrating the Stephen Whitman instantaneous chocolate and confections. Mrs. Gould has appointments for several other large cities demonstrating the same goods.
Miss Mary Morin left on Monday morning for her long anticipated trip to the Pacific coast. Miss Morin was the recipient of numerous parting gifts as evidence of the good will and good wishes of her many friends.
George T. Day had the misfortune to fall and dislocate his shoulder at his home the first of this week. Dr. Blaney, assisted by Dr. Sherman, was summoned and attended to Mr. Day’s injuries. He is now able to be about, and his many friends hope for the outcome of a good recovery.
Social. The regular monthly social and entertainment for February took place at the Congregational church on Wednesday evening. There was the usual good attendance for which the pleasant winter’s evening was partly responsible. Furthermore, the committee in charge were a guarantee of capable management and a good entertainment. A salad supper was served in the dining room from 6:30 to eight o’clock, which was so well patronized that resetting of tables was necessary. Appropriate decorations were runners of green crepe paper on the tables.
Later, in the vestry, the following entertainment was given: Piano solo, Miss Geraghty; vocal solo, Mrs. Chas. D. Colburn; reading, Miss Lillian Green; piano and violin duet, Mr. Kabele and Miss Daisy Kabele; vocal solo, Linwood Knapp; reading, Miss Lillian Greene; vocal solo, Mrs. C. A. Blaney; piano and violin duet, Mr. Kabele and Miss Daisy Kabele; solo, Linwood Knapp; reading, Miss Lillian Green; piano solo, Miss Geraghty.
The entertainers from Lowell were much enjoyed and were nicely balanced by our home talent. Miss Hazel Hartford, Mrs. Blaney and Miss Geraghty were the accompanists for the evening.
Mrs. Joseph E. Knight, Mrs. Phonsie Isles, Mrs. John McMaster and Mrs. S. L. Taylor were the committee in charge, assisted by other willing helpers.
Obituary. Mrs. Arvilla M. Gould, one of Westford’s oldest residents, died early on Monday morning at the home [7 Depot St.] of her son, George E. Gould, with whom she has made her home since the death of her husband, the late Edwin Gould. Mrs. Gould was born in Tyngsboro, being the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Woodward. Her long married life was spent at the family homestead in North Westford, now occupied by her son, Horace Gould, and family.
Mrs. Gould possessed many sterling qualities, a woman of strong character, of fine physique, loyal to life’s duties as they came to her. Death was due to the infirmities of advanced age. She is survived by the two sons already mentioned.
The funeral services were held from her son’s home on Wednesday afternoon at two o’clock. Rev. Lyman B. Weeks was the officiating clergyman and he paid tender and sympathetic tribute to Mrs. Gould’s memory. Mrs. Homer M. Seavey and Mrs. Cyril A. Blaney sang two beautiful selections, “Only a step,” and “Face to face.” The floral offerings were numerous and beautiful. The bearers were Fred and Charles Blodgett, W. M. Wright and S. B. Wright. Interment was in the family lot at Hillside cemetery, North Westford.
About Town. Westford people will be much interested in an item from the Boston Post of February 16. Rev. and Mrs. Thomas Jay Horner announce the engagement of their daughter Agnes to Mr. Frederick W. Allen, assistant instructor at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Mr. and Mrs. Horner are most pleasantly remembered from the days when he was pastor of the Unitarian church and brought his bride here, the daughter of the late Halsey Boardman of Boston. At present they are living in Attleboro, where he has charge of the Unitarian church.
Mrs. George Howard, of Bound Brook, New Jersey, is at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. S. L. Taylor, for a short time.
The grange has made arrangements with the committee on institutes of the Middlesex North Agricultural society to hold an institute here on Wednesday, February 26, at the town hall. A good program has been prepared. Dinner will be served at noon. The morning session will open at 10:30. Sumner H. Reed, a successful farmer from West Brookfield, will speak on “The up-to-date farmer.” At the afternoon session questions can be asked by the audience for he will have an open forum on “Farmers’ clubs” and “The value of the silo.”
Representative Frank B. Murphy of Lowell, clerk of the committee on public health, is connected with Westford, for he is a summer visitor here, his father owning a large farm and summer residence on the shores of Flushing pond.
The W.C.T.U. had a food sale at the home of Mrs. J. Henry Colburn on Friday afternoon, February 14. The sale was well patronized. More food might have been sold if it had been contributed. Over thirteen dollars was made.
The Middlesex Co. W.C.T.U. are making great preparations for a jubilee meeting in Lowell on February 22 to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the formation of the County W.C.T.U. The president, Mrs. Janet Wright, and the secretary, Mrs. John Warren Day, and two delegates, Mrs. Homer Seavey and Mrs. Emery Whitney, were chosen to represent the Westford society at this meeting.
Mrs. Annie S. Stairs from New Brunswick gave her sister, Mrs. Quincy Day, a surprise visit on Tuesday. Mrs. Stairs will be remembered by her friends as Miss Annie Sharp.
After all the scare about the ice crop on account of the mildness of January, the time has really come when ice can be cut. Our local ice supply at Burgess pond is ten inches thick and good sound ice. W. W. Johnson will have his icehouses full this week. The Daniel Gage Ice Company had over one hundred men working last week at North Littleton [probably at Spectacle Pond], under the direction of William Leahy.
Charles H. Merritt, who formerly lived on the Roswell Reed place and carried the school children from North Westford to Westford, has moved to the Overlook Farm [on Tenney Road at Dunstable Road], owned by Fred A. Snow.
An Enjoyable Trip. Much interest centers in the Panama canal now and people who are fond of travel are going there before the water is turned in so they will be better able to see the Calebra [sic] cut and all the wonderful engineering work. Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Abbot and Miss Caruzu [Alice Carnzu] Abbot left recently for a trip to Panama. Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Fletcher returned a short time ago, bringing fine accounts of the hospitable reception they received. Col. Benton, the grand master of Masons in Massachusetts and Mr. Fletcher, the deputy grand master, established lodges in the Canal zone.
On account of the nature of their mission they were received with great honor and accorded courtesies such as have been given only to the visiting president of the United States. At one place they were taken on the motor railroad along the canal in the moonlight. Reception committees met them at every stopping place and their route of travel was a continual round of hospitalities.
Col. and Mrs. Benton continued on to South America. In his absence Mr. Fletcher as deputy grand master of Masons in Massachusetts becomes now the highest Mason in authority in the state.
A Phenomenal Success. A Boston paper of recent date has a long account and pictures of Lemuel C. Woodbury and his silver fox farm at Whitefield, N.H. For six years Mr. Woodbury has been carrying on his fox farm with phenomenal success. On account of the scarcity of silver foxes the pelts of these animals are extremely valuable. They are sold mostly in London and one pelt of the silver fox with its “soft, black, lustrous tipped fur” has sold as high as $5,000, for the fur is as fashionable as it is rare.
A pair of live silver foxes have been known to sell as high as $40,000. Mr. Woodbury, during his short experience, has sold over fifty animals to silver fox breeders. He now has twenty-seven silver foxes and upon some of these he places a value of $50,000 each.
Mr. Woodbury is known to Westford people, having bought out the McCourthy & Decatur Company a short time ago. He married Miss Susie Mansfield, daughter of George Mansfield of Chelmsford. Last fall Mr. Woodbury made a trip to Alaska for the purpose of securing some foxes of the Alaska strain which is the largest and strongest. At present he and his wife and little boy are on a business trip to Vancouver.
Graniteville. Mrs. W. H. Healy, who has been on the sick list, is now convalescent.
George Gironard, a former telegrapher at the Boston and Maine station here, but now located in Bondsville [a section of Palmer], in the western part of the state, has been a recent visitor here.
The Knights of King Arthur will hold an Easter concert of Irish music and also a one-act farce in the M.E. church vestry on Monday evening, March 24. The original date scheduled for this affair was March 17, but has been postponed to the date stated above. William DeRoehn is the general manager and has a good corps of assistants. The entertainment will be in charge of George Wilson.
The regular meeting of Court Graniteville, F. of A., was held in their rooms on Thursday evening with Charles E. Dudevoir, chief ranger, in the chair. Business of importance was transacted, four applications for membership received and three candidates initiated into membership of the order. Visiting Foresters were present from Fitchburg.
There are now two cases of diphtheria in the village, the little boy and girl of Mr. and Mrs. Stanislaus Reminsky being the victims. No reason is given as to the cause of the disease, as the children have always been very close to the house, and played inside the most of the time. The family are now quarantined and every precaution is being taken to prevent the spreading of the disease.
Mrs. H. Josephine Choate, wife of A. R. Choate, died at her home here early Monday morning, February 17, after a long illness, aged 67 yrs. 11 mos. 22 days. The deceased was well and favorably known, and before she was stricken with illness, always took a deep interest in the affairs of the village. Besides her husband, she leaves to mourn her loss one son by a former marriage, W. O. Gilman; three sisters, Mrs. Noah P. Shipley, Mrs. Eliza Hall, and Miss Mary C. Worden, all of Tyngsboro; and one brother, George Worden of Lowell.
The funeral took place on Wednesday afternoon at one o’clock, and was largely attended, many being present from out-of-town. The services that were held at the house were conducted by Rev. U. H. Layton, pastor of the M.E. church, and a male quartet composed of Henry Smith, Alfred Prinn, Albert Blanchard and George Wilson, sang the following hymns that were favorites of the deceased: “Lead kindly light,” “Abide with me,” and “Nearer my God to thee.”
There was a large and varied display of floral tributes. The bearers were Joseph Wall, Henry Harrington, Frank L. Furbush, George Gilson.
Burial was in the Riverside cemetery, North Chelmsford, where the committal service was read by Rev. U. H. Layton.
Forge Village. While working in the mill of the Abbot Worsted Company, Napoleon Leclerc received an injury to his hand. After having his hand dressed by Dr. Wells, Leclerc decided to give the open air cure a trial.
A large number from here attended the Lenten services at St. Andrew’s Episcopal church in Ayer on Monday evening. Rev. Thomas L. Fisher, of St. Mark’s church, Leominster, formerly of Ayer, conducted the services. At the conclusion, Mr. and Mrs. Fisher were warmly greeted by their former parishioners. It is hoped that Mr. Fisher will occupy the pulpit at St. Andrew’s mission in the near future.
To A. R. Choate, of Graniteville, is extended the sincere sympathy of the people here who were grieved to learn of the death of his wife on Monday morning. Mr. Choate was for many years a member of the school board, and his efforts on behalf of the children here, to obtain all that was best, both in knowledge and pleasant surroundings, is kindly remembered by the people here.
Mrs. Ernest Myers, of Lowell, was the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Catchpole recently.
Miss M. E. Plummer visited relatives in Salem on Tuesday.
Miss May Lord, of the South Framingham hospital, spent the last of the week with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. David Lord.
Mr. and Mrs. John Burnett are rejoicing over the birth of a fine baby boy [John L. Burnett], born on Wednesday morning [Feb. 19, 1913].
Death. William Precious, an old and respected resident of this village, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John Carmichael, after an illness of several months, at the age of 66 years and 4 months. He is survived by two sons and four daughters, Mrs. Michael Keefe, of Townsend Harbor; Mrs. John Carmichael, the Misses Sarah J. and Edith Precious, William Corny and Walter Precious of this village; also, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Funeral services were held at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John Carmichael, on Monday afternoon at 1:30, and were attended by a large number of relatives and friends. Rev. Arthur L. Bumpus read the committal prayers at the grave in the family lot in Fairview cemetery. The bearers were Stephen, Richard and Cornelius Keefe, of Townsend Harbor, and Willis Keefe, of Attleboro, all his grandsons.
The floral tributes from his many friends and relatives were both numerous and beautiful.