The Westford Wardsman, November, 1911
Saturday, November 4, 1911
Center. The Petersen Concert Company gave a most enjoyable concert n the vestry of the Congregational church last week Thursday evening. This company consists of Mr. and Mrs. Petersen and two daughters, Miss Alvina and Miss Gladys. They proved themselves versatile entertainers with violin, mandolin, cornet and piano. Miss Gladys recited several times with much spirit and expression. A supper for the members of the C. E. society, under the direction of Mrs. Wallace, was served earlier in the evening, at which the Petersen Concert Company were the special guests. At the concert later there was a large audience present.
Miss Evelyn [Gertrude?] Hamlin was at home for the weekend. This is her first visit at home since entering Wellesley college. Miss Hamlin expresses herself as well pleased with college life and its environments.
The Henry M. Wrights of Quincy were over Sunday guests at H. L. Wright’s.
Mrs. Charles H. Fletcher entertained as guests in her home last week, her cousin, Miss Augusta Leighton, of Newton; also, Mrs. Luke Fletcher of Arlington.
Mrs. Edward Fisher, Mrs. W. E. Carver, Mrs. A. W. Hartford and Mrs. John Feeney were among those present at the “At home” given to a large numbers of guests by Mrs. Gertrude Carver Skidmore at her home in the Winter Hill district of Somerville on Friday of last week. These ladies report a very enjoyable time.
Mr. and Mrs. Horace Hendrick of Marlborough, N.H., were visitors for a few days last week and the first part of this week at the Congregational parsonage.
Superintendent of schools, Frank H. Hill, will be present and give an address at the regular Sunday evening service tomorrow evening at 7:30. Mr. Hill will speak to the young people and it is hoped a good audience will greet him.
The pretty dwelling house which Mrs. Tyler of Arlington is having built for her occupancy on a part of the grounds of her nephew, W. J. Merritt [62 Main St.], is nearing completion. The carpenters are about finishing and the painters and paper hangers will soon have the house ready to move into.
The electric light workmen, who have been so busy for some weeks equipping the town for electric lights, are about through and the lights are expected to be turned on the last of this week. This is a much appreciated improvement for our town.
The annual banquet under the auspices of the Congregational society will take place on Thursday evening of next week. The program committee and the committee for the banquet are planning to make the affair a real success. Dinner will be served at seven o’clock.
Mrs. Luke Fletcher of Arlington has been a recent guest for a week of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Heywood.
Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Watson are making preparations to go south for this winter, going to Newbern, S.C.
Hallowe’en Party. Miss Edith Forster entertained a group of friends at her home on Tuesday evening, at which the genial hospitality of Nashoba farm dominated the whole affair. A dinner was served at 6:30, at which the decorations were especially appropriate. The other rooms were also decorated with bats, black cats, etc. All the guests received favors suited to the occasion. The grounds were decorated with Jack-o’-lanterns, red fire, etc. All the mystic rites of Hallowe’en were participated in and it was an evening of thorough enjoyment to all concerned. Guests were present from Dorchester, Beverly, Boston, Littleton and Westford.
Field Day. The Boy Scouts, under the direction of Principal Coggeshall of the academy, had a most successful field day at Whitney park last Saturday afternoon. This event has been postponed from the previous week on account of unfavorable weather. There was a good attendance of interested spectators. Rev. David Wallace acted as referee for the list of sports which was as follows:
Relay race won by Joseph Sullivan, Fred Burnham, Eugene Malony and Leon Hildreth; potato race, Leon Hildreth 1st, Bertram Sutherland 2d; standing broad jump, Leon Hildreth 1st, Fred Burnham 2d, Eugene Malony 3d; sack race, Edward Read, Daniel Malony 1st, Fred Burnham, Bertram Sutherland and Eugene Malony 2d; hop, step and jump, Edward Blodgett; tilting first, Alfred Sutherland; 100-yd. dash, Leon Hildreth 1st; Fred Burnham 2d, Daniel Malony 3d; 100-yd. dash for young boys, Eugene Malony 1st, Joseph Sullivan 2d, third place tie, George Sullivan and Clifford Woods; running broad jump, Bertram Sutherland 1st, Joseph Sullivan 2d.
About Town. Blodgett Bros., Fred and Charlie, as they are familiarly called, are doing the reconstruction and enlarging act to their dwelling-house which is situated on Milestone hill, so near the edge of Westford, that “the old oaken bucket, the iron-bound bucket the moss-covered bucket that hangs in the well” while on his automobile tour through the country villages. A crowd of two hundred people assembled and greeted him, nearly all factory workers.
Hallowe’en was observed in this village this year in many ways. The youngsters with their noise and Jack-o’-lanterns and the elders with parties and social events.
Supper and Entertainment. The first supper of the winter was held in Recreation hall by the Ladies’ Sewing Circle on Saturday evening, and proved to be quite a success. Supper was served from 5:30 to 7:30, after which tables were cleared away and a most enjoyable entertainment was given by the children of the Sunday school. The entertainment was in the form of a sketch entitled “A dream of Mother Goose,” and was altogether one of the prettiest affairs ever given by the children. A grand march of all the characters closed the performance. Miss Marion Blodgett was the accompanist. Following the entertainment dancing was enjoyed until a late hour to the music of the Precious orchestra.
The committee in charge of the supper were Mrs. R. D. Prescott, Mrs. Hugh Ferguson, Mrs. Bert Cooney, Mrs. David Lord, Mrs. William H. Fernald, Mrs. Nelson Prescott, Miss Marion Lord and Miss Bertha Collins. Sarah Precious had the children in charge and deserves much credit for their work.
The proceeds of the affair will be used for the benefit of St. Andrew’s mission.
Graniteville. The funeral of Alfred Eaton, the baby boy of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Eaton, took place from the home of his parents on Broadway on Friday afternoon of last week at two o’clock, and was well attended. A brief service was held at the house and was conducted by Rev. L. F. Havermale, pastor of the M.E. church. Among the floral offerings were noticed many beautiful sprays from the family and numerous friends. Burial was in Fairview cemetery, Westford.
There were no sessions of the schools last week Friday as the teachers were attending the convention held in Boston on that day.
J. B. Riney has recently accepted a position with the Gulf Refining Company located in Lowell, and left here to assume his new duties last week.
Rev. Edmund T. Schofield, pastor of St. Catherine’s church, celebrated both masses in the church on Sunday morning.
The members of the Holy Name society of St. Catherine’s Church held a very interesting meeting in the church on Sunday evening. Rev. Michael E. Doherty, spiritual director of the society, was present and gave an interesting address on one of the most important questions of the day. Ten new names were added to the roll-call and it is expected that twenty-five more will be in readiness at the next regular meeting. After the meeting was closed benediction of the blessed sacrament was given, the services being conducted by Rev. Doherty, assisted by the regular choir. This entire service was arranged especially for the men, and the next one promises to be even more largely attended.
The children who will make their first communion will receive in a body at the second mass in St. Catherine’s church tomorrow.
The members of St. Catherine’s church choir have accepted an invitation to participate in a sacred concert to be given in North Chelmsford under the direction of Rev. Michael E. Doherty in the near future.
Several of the boys serenaded Mr. and Mrs. William Ledwith at their home on First street on Tuesday evening, and presented them with a handsome clock.
Political Advertisement
Edward Fisher of Westford.
Candidate for Re-election to the House
of Representatives for the Eleventh
Middlesex District
To the Voters of the Eleventh Middlesex District:
A vote for Edward Fisher of Westford, candidate for reelection to the House of Representatives means a vote for one who has an enviable record for Efficiency, Independence, and Progressiveness, and his opponents upon the public platform have paid him the unusual compliment of admitting his record in the Legislature to be of the best.
Rep. Fisher has at all times taken an active interest in matters of concern to his constituents, and especially those affecting the farming and agricultural interest. He voted to support Gov. Foss in his veto of the Ellis Milk Bill, so-called, a bill opposed by the Massachusetts State Board of Agriculture, which Board at a meeting held July 24, 1911, passed the following votes:
“Voted, that the Massachusetts State Board of Agriculture, dully assembled in a regularly called meeting, endorse the action of His Excellency Eugene N. Foss, in vetoing the so-called Ellis Milk Bill, and urgently requests that the members of the Legislature shall vote to sustain the said veto.
“Voted, that the Secretary be instructed to send a copy of the above vote to each member of the Legislature.”
This extraordinary action upon the part of the Board of Agriculture (a Board entrusted with the duties of fostering and protecting the agricultural interests of this Commonwealth), should prove conclusively to all that this bill was not in the interests of the people of this Commonwealth. This bill was also opposed by the Massachusetts State Grange and by leading members of the House of both parties.
If reelected, Rep. Fisher’s only pledge is a renewal of that of last year, to wit: “To represent the District regardless of Politics.”
The following is a quotation from one of the leading weekly publications of the Commonwealth:
Rep. Edward Fisher of Westford surprised the talent last November by capturing the 11th Middlesex district, hitherto regarded as impregnably republican. In the house he made a reputation for himself that should easily ensure his reelection. Not in the memory of the present generation has his district sent a man to the house who has so indelibly stamped his impress on legislation.
Notwithstanding his vote against the democratic caucus nominee for speaker he consistently voted with his party on all measures based on the principles of his party, such as direct legislation, direct election of United States senators, the eight-hour bill, the 54-hour bill for women and children, and all measures designed to bring the government closer to the people and to ameliorate the condition of those who toil for a living. On many of the leading matters of the session he played a prominent part in debate. His reputation for courage, sanity and sagacity added to the weight of his words.
He was a strong advocate of the new Lowell charter bill and took a hand in the warm fight on the vinegar bill.
As a member of the leading committee of the house—the committee on judiciary, he was entrusted with many reports and handled them all with ability and success.
Rep. Fisher was born in the town where he now lives on August 22, 1874. He was educated in Westford academy and the Boston University law school. He practices law in offices in Westford and Lowell and has won a high reputation at the bar. Rep. Fisher has been town clerk of Westford since 1902, and formerly was secretary of the town and city clerks’ association of Middlesex County.
William J. Donlon,
Pleasant Street, Ayer, Mass.
Saturday, November 11, 1911
Center. Communications from the New York offices of the Hamburg-American line’s cruise around the world state that they have received cable messages from the S.S. Cleveland from Madeira, Gibralta and Villefranche telling of the arrival and departure from those places as per schedule. All well on board and the trip proving delightful. This will interest the many Westford friends of Mrs. M. Elizabeth Whitney and Mr. and Mrs. Walter Wright, who are passengers on this cruise.
Mrs. Will R. Carver and baby daughter, who have been spending the summer and fall in Westford, returned to their home in Somerville the first of November.
Miss Miranda Luce’s long time friend, Mrs. Stockdale of Mansfield, has been spending several days with her this week.
Mrs. A. S. Wright’s niece and companion, Mrs. Etta Lewis, is absent at the home of her son, Harry Lewis, where she has welcomed another little grandchild.
Mrs. W. M. Wright has been entertaining her father, Cyrus Hosmer of Wakefield, this week.
Miss Sarah W. Loker, after presiding at the Tadmuck club Tuesday afternoon, went the next morning for the remainder of the week to visit a friend in Keene, N.H.
Mrs. H. V. Hildreth’s many friends are glad she is making a good convalescence from the operation on her throat that she underwent recently at the Lowell General hospital.
The electricians completed their work and the new electric lights were turned on for the first time Wednesday evening for lighting the streets. Those who had their houses wired have had them lighted for some time. The bright moonlight competed for honors somewhat Wednesday evening, but come dark nights with our tree-lined main streets this latest improvement will be thoroughly appreciated.
Workmen have been busy this past week getting Whitney park in order for the winter. Shrubs have been set to replace those that did not withstand the severe drouth earlier in the season and the remainder of the substantial cement and wooden seats have been permanently placed.
Friends of the Misses Atwood have received postals, etc., from them en route to the Pacific coast, telling of a pleasant trip thus far.
Owing to the fact that thirty-three Westford patrons attended neighbor’s night by special invitation the previous evening and twelve others went to Littleton the same evening, the attendance was somewhat small at the grange last Thursday evening, but those present had a pleasant time. Mrs. Josie A. Prescott had charge of the lecturer’s hour and had special singing arranged and a Thanksgiving quotation contest, which was well carried out.
About a dozen members of Westford grange attended the meeting of North Middlesex Pomona grange at Dracut last week Friday.
The communion service was observed at the Congregational church Sunday morning at the close of the regular preaching service with a large percentage of the members present. Miss Grace Lumbert has been presiding at the organ most acceptably in the absence of Miss May Atwood, the regular organist.
The Edward M. Abbot hose company held their regular monthly meeting at their headquarters on Boston road Wednesday evening. The first supper of the season was served. J. Herbert Fletcher, Wm. E. Wright and Robert E. Prescott were appointed a committee of three to arrange for the annual fireman’s ball. Wm. L. Woods, Wm. E. Wright and Robert Prescott were appointed as a committee to confer with the selectmen and board of fire engineers and to act with full power in relation to electric lighting of the hose house.
The genial junior partner at Wright & Fletcher’s store has been enjoying a vacation from store duties and been absent from town the greater part of this week.
Club Meeting. The fine weather Tuesday was an incentive to an excellent attendance at the Tadmuck club at Library hall. Charles O. Prescott had charge of the program and gave the first paper in the season’s special topic for study of South America. The special subject for this meeting was the dramatic story of the “Conquest of Peru.” The paper was carefully prepared and full of interest and instruction and promises well for the success of the perusal of the season’s study. Mr. Prescott illustrated his talk with a large map of the country. Roll call was responded to with quotations, etc., suitable to autumn and was well sustained. The club’s recent action to enlarge the membership from seventy-five to one hundred has admitted the following new members: Mrs. David L. Greig, Mrs. W. M. Wright, Mrs. W. J. Merritt, Mrs. Dexter Coggshall, Mrs. Ella Langley, Mrs. Arthur Wilson and Mrs. Edward Prescott.
An Interesting Address. At the Congregational church Sunday evening Supt. of schools Frank H. Hill of Littleton was the special guest and speaker of the evening. Mr. Hill gave a most excellent address, particularly to the young people, but of interest to all who heard him. There was a large number present to hear Mr. Hill. Some points particularly well elucidated were the relation of scholars to their parents, that the spiritual side of a child’s nature should not be neglected, and that the best mental development could not be attained without attention to the physical, moral and ethical training. Also, the mutual relations of the school and home. The dominant impression conveyed by Mr. Hill in all that he said was a very genuine, intelligent and sympathetic interest in school children individually and collectively. Many took the opportunity to express their appreciation to Mr. Hill at the close of the meeting for his gracious service.
Mr. Osgood conducted the song service and there was special singing by Miss Althea Symmes.
About Town. A small brook that is tossed about among the rocks on the northerly slopes of Francis hill, near the Fletcher farm at Brookside, has been cleared of the gathered debris of years, enabling transportation by the way of water to Stony Brook and thence to the sea to be more modernly rapid. Part of the way this water way is the dividing line between the Fletcher farm and the home place of John O. Sundberg. A new farmer’s wire fence is being erected on the line, leaving the brook on the Fletcher farm. Augustus Fletcher Whidden is in charge of improvements. In addition a new telephone line will soon connect at Brookside.
The John Perkins family have got cosily settled in the John H. Decatur house on the Lowell road, having moved from the Bean cottage at Westford Center.
A carload of stone at the H.E. Fletcher stone quarry on Oak hill got started on down grade last week, running at a high rate of speed to Brookside, where the car jumped the track, making it necessary to unload the stone as the car did not jump right enough to unload.
The electric lighting apparatus at Brookside is all ready for unveiling.
Thomas Bartlett, one of the substantials of Brookside, has moved his personality to Vermont. All other valuables, including a wife and seven children, still keep guard over the industrial life of Brookside.
C. R. P. Decatur is ill at his home on the Lowell road [Pelatiah Fletcher House, 54 Lowell Rd.], being confined to the house. Heart trouble, and rheumatism of long standing are the chief contestants for control, and Dr. Wells is the referee.
J. Willard Fletcher is lowering his well on the Plain road near Westford station. J. H. Crockett of North Chelmsford is the detective who is in search of the missing water with steam drill accompaniment.
To the Editor: And “We are theirs.” So saith the election returns, and the defeated candidate is not sitting among the mourners and several causes were contributory. A strong man and a good record on non-partisan lines. Carlisle sulked. Acton fell into a vinegar vat, and Westford whipped in on the Ellis milk bill and other bygone grievances and where the defeated candidate was not involved, a clear case of “If we can’t get at the right party for redress, we will get at their pet candidate.” Much obliged gentlemen, you have had the opportunity of “gnashing your teeth,” without the compensation of having dealt any punishment whatever to the defeated candidate. Next time don’t load up with “blank” ammunition for the real “kind to kill” has not made even a scar.
In contrast to the correct picture of the above towns was the increase of loyalty from last year, and unexpected in its fullness, in the towns of Ayer, Chelmsford and Littleton, who clung to the rigging and encouragingly shouted “Go it old boy and see if you can’t land it.” You have voted me into the thankful and appreciative realm and I ought to say a word more appreciative than bare “thanks,” but until I can dig up some more expressive word it will have to stand at that.
The campaign at all times was on the ground floor and it had neither attic, cellar, kitchen or private entrance and all visitors were carefully asked to brush their feet lest they track “mud.”
The defeat carries with it the best good will towards all who voted for him and to those who voted against him, and has no vials of wrath stored up for future use, but is one of the happy men in the eleventh district, both in the result in the district, and in that larger happiness in the thought that still remaineth, the inheritance of congenial home and rural life with its far reaching influence and rewards.
The vote in the district as reported in the papers is:
Fisher | Taylor | |
Acton | 139 | 231 |
Ayer | 232 | 196 |
Carlisle | 59 | 35 |
Chelmsford | 340 | 357 |
Littleton | 88 | 87 |
Westford | 220 | 159 |
1078 | 1065 |
The following is the vote in the district last year:
Fisher | Wilkins | |
Acton | 105 | 228 |
Ayer | 249 | 165 |
Chelmsford | 345 | 258 |
Littleton | 103 | 71 |
Carlisle | 34 | 81 |
Westford | 240 | 129 |
1076 | 932 |
–S. L. Taylor
Forge Village. Miss Rachael Cherry entertained about twenty-three young guests at her home on Hallowe’en. A most enjoyable evening was spent with the usual appropriate games. Many of the young people were dressed as ghosts. The merry party broke up at midnight, each receiving a souvenir of the occasion.
The electric lights which have recently been place in position in the different streets were turned on for the first time on Wednesday evening and will certainly be appreciated, not only by the village people, but also by non-residents as well, who may have occasion to traverse the village.
Mr. Northern and William Holt of Lowell spent Wednesday fishing in Forge pond.
George H. Weaver, who has recently accepted the position of manager of Mr. Priest’s large poultry farm at North Littleton, intends to move his family there shortly.
Miss Sadie Smith has recently joined the choral society of Lowell.
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bennett are rejoicing over the arrival of a little daughter [Alice Bennett born Nov. 2, 1911] at their home last week Thursday.
The Ladies’ Sewing circle met at Recreation hall on Wednesday afternoon at the usual hour. A dainty collation was served after the meeting.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Naylor are occupying the cottage on Pine hill, formerly occupied by Mrs. Miller.
Mrs. John Jones of Worcester was the guest of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Burnett, on Saturday and Sunday.
The Misses Mary and Agnes Moran of Lowell visited at the home of Miss Nellie Brynes [sic] over Sunday.
Edmund J. Hunt and family recently moved into one of the new houses on Orchard street.
Loyal Self Help lodge, I.O.O.F., M.U., held their regular meeting in Abbot hall on Monday evening. A large attendance was present.
John Brown, who has recently been working Ayer, has accepted a position in Manchester, N.H.
Gerald Daly has returned to Fitchburg, after his illness of the past couple of weeks.
Saturday, November 18, 1911
Center. Miss Grace Lumbert underwent an operation for gall stones at the Lowell General hospital on Thursday of this week.
Dr. O. V. Wells is having his home wired for electric lights.
Mr. and Mrs. William A. Woodward have been recent guests of Mr. and Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher.
Reports from the Hamburg-American Line’s cruise around the world of the S.S. Cleveland tell of the party, of which Mr. and Mrs. Walter Wright and Mrs. M. Elizabeth Whitney are members, being at Port Said and making trips to Cairo and the pyramids.
The trustees of the Union Congregational church have under consideration the installing of electric lights to the church.
At the Tadmuck club next Tuesday afternoon, at Library hall, the subject will be a continuation of the season’s special topic for study of South America. Miss Ella F. Hildreth, vice president of the club, will have charge of the afternoon’s program, and will present “A few cities of South America.” Members are reminded of the change of time for the meetings. Beginning with this meeting the time of commencing will be 2:30, instead of at three p.m.
Banquet. The annual banquet under the auspices of the Congregational church took place on Thursday evening. Owing to the fact that the event came early this year and that weather conditions were quite ideal; also, that the new electric lights had just been pressed into service, the attendance was the largest ever. The seating room was taxed to its capacity and tables had to be reset. The tables, decorated with narrow central runners of crepe paper in autumnal shades of green and maize color, with vases of chrysanthemums at regular intervals, and last but not least, an attractive menu of good viands, presented a most attractive appearance. The pastor, Rev. David Wallace, said grace, and after the dinner had been thoroughly discussed the postprandial services took place.
Rev. Charles P. Marshall, of Quincy, a former favorite pastor, and Rev. Frank Hargraves of West Chelmsford were the speakers of the evening, interspersed with a musical program by those of the home church, assisted by the Graniteville male quartet. John P., Wright acted as toastmaster, as in former years, and introduced all with his usual wit and originality.
Mr. Marshall spoke on “Men and the church,” and Mr. Hargraves’ topic was “The boys and girls and the church,” and both speakers were followed with close attention.
The musical numbers were as follows:
Piano duet, Miss Hazel Hartford and Miss Julia H. Fletcher; song, E. G. Boynton, with Miss Boynton at the piano; song Miss Winnifred Burnham; song, Mrs. Norah Stearns Colburn, accompanied by Miss Grace Lumbert; song, John S. Greig, accompanied by Miss Hazel Hartford; selections by the Graniteville male quartet, Henry Smith first tenor, Frank Caunter second tenor, Fred Reed First bass, E. G. Boynton, second bass.
When the people were assembling the first of the evening, Miss Grace Lumbert played organ selections with excellent effect. After the entertainment, Mr. Wallace, in behalf of the committees in charge, thanked all who had contributed to the success of the affair. Following are the committees:
Program—Rev. David Wallace, John P. Wright and L. W. Wheeler
Dinner—Mrs. L. W. Wheeler, Mrs. S. L. Taylor, Mrs. John P. Wright, Mrs. Arthur Wilson, Miss Florence Wilson, Mrs. A. W. Hartford, Mrs. Ida M. Gould, Mrs. Ella Langley and Mrs. David L. Greig.
Birthday Surprise. On Wednesday of this week, our townsman, David L. Greig, passed the forty-seventh milestone of life’s journey. Of this fact the sturdy David had full cognizance, thinking it ended there. However, a group of congenial friends thought otherwise, and in the early evening on Wednesday proceeded to disturb the pastoral quiet of Fairview farm [124 Main St.] with a visitation.
Mr. and Mrs. Greig, sr., Mr. and Mrs. Greig, jr., and son John were taken completely by surprise, but quickly adjusted themselves to circumstances and extended a hearty Scotch welcome. The horses were snugly stabled in the barn and the guests given the liberty of the pleasant home.
A collation of ice cream and cake; also, home-made candies had been provided and was much enjoyed, as well as some merry hands of whist. The party broke up at a late hour, after many sincere wishes to their hosts for many happy returns.
About Town. Hugo T. Page, who has been seriously ill with pneumonia, is apparently past the danger point, but is taking lots of time to recover.
Mrs. Mary Naylor of West Chelmsford observed her ninety-second birthday on Wednesday. She is living with her daughter, Miss Agnes Naylor, who for many years was the village school teacher, giving up teaching to care for her mother.
J. Willard Fletcher has twenty-six feet of water in his newly drilled deepened well.
An electric car got temporarily stalled near the residence of Andrew G. Anderson on the Lowell road, by the cable breaking loose from the iron arm on Tuesday. After some wire toggling the trip to Westford was resumed. Near Proctor’s lumber yard, North Chelmsford, an electric car jumped the track on Wednesday and danced about, whither it would.
The many friends of Dr. Varney of North Chelmsford will be sorry to learn that he broke his right arm between the elbow and wrist while cranking his auto recently.
Has Arrived Home. Our old townsman, Hiram Dane, who came from California in September to attend to the closing out sale of farm and personal property, writes from Glendora, Cal., of his return trip, leaving Westford on October 24. After reaching Springfield, a delay of an hour was caused by a freight wreck, which made it necessary to change the route, going by way of the Hoosac tunnel, reaching Cleveland, Ohio, on Wednesday morning at 8:15, and dinner at Toledo at eleven a.m., reaching Chicago at three o’clock in the afternoon, being three hours late and in consequence had to wait until 10:30 for another train without change for California, crossing the Missouri river on Thursday and reaching Topeka, Kan., on Friday, and dinner at nine a.m., at Trinidad, Col., and Las Vegas, New Mexico. The weather was cold and snowing. Later he arrived at Arizona, where he had much merriment seeing the Indians ride the donkeys and make faces at each other. Many of the passengers gave five cents to see the little papoose carried in a basket on the side of the squaw.
He writes: “I have been entertained by a party from Inverness, Scotland, going to Los Angeles, Cal., and [it] is a pleasure to travel with such people. It seems my good fortune to always find such friends. I am now, Sunday morning, in San Bernardino, at breakfast—strawberries, blackberries and all the nice things raised in this tropical land. One hour later the conductor shouts Glendora, when I bid good-bye to my new friends, who follow me to the vestibule of the car to say good-bye.”
Later Mr. Dane will give a short account of his new home.
Forge Village. Mr. and Mrs. John Shackelton sailed for Keighley, England, on the Franconia on Tuesday, where they are to settle with Mr. Shackelton’s father, who had taken a house and awaited their coming. On last week Friday, word was received that Mr. Shackelton, sr., had died suddenly the past week, which caused a gloom to fall on their ocean trip. Mr. and Mrs. Shackelton will now return here in the spring.
Mr. and Mrs. Goodchild and Master Randolph Goodchild, and Mrs. Susan Reed of Lowell, visited the past week at the home of Mrs. Lucretia Reed.
Miss [Alice] Luella Prescott of Andover was the guest of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. [Levi] Nelson Prescott, over Sunday.
A very pleasant home party was held at the home of Mrs. E. Oldham on Pond street, Saturday evening.
The mills of the Abbot Worsted Company started on Monday morning running on full time again.
Daniel Sullivan of Boston is visiting at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Sullivan.
Mrs. Richard Blank and sons, Leland and Merrill, of St. Catherine, Canada, are the guests of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Wilson, of Pleasant street. Mr. Blank is expected on Thanksgiving day.
Arthur Parrott is building another cottage on the shore of Forge pond for a relative in North Adams.
Miss Hattie Northrup is visiting at the home of her sister, Mrs. Fennimore Morton.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Catchpole and Miss Emily Catchpole were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Gilson of Graniteville on Friday evening of last week at a party held in honor of Mr. Gilson’s brother, William Gilson, of New York. They reported a most enjoyable time.
Miss Cecelia Wilkinson held a pretty birthday party at her home on Pine hill on Friday evening of last week. Miss Wilkinson was the recipient of many pretty presents.
Many from this village went to Graniteville last week to hear the Gospel Team at the M.E. church, who proved to be very effective speakers.
Mr. and Mrs. William Burnett spent last Sunday as guests of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Ferguson at their home in Westford.
Graniteville. Rev. Fr. Schofield, pastor of St. Catherine’s church, celebrated both masses in the church on Sunday morning, during which he told that it was his pleasure and honor to be present among those who wished Cardinal O’Connell bon voyage from the deck of the steamer Canopic that sailed from Boston on last Saturday bound for Naples.
Miss Inez McLenna, who sprained her ankle a few days ago, is now rapidly improving.
F. J. LeDuc, better known to his friends as “Chick,” is now at the Lowell general hospital where he recently underwent an operation.
The gospel team from Boston university have recently brought to a close a very successful series of meetings that were held in the M.E. church here on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.
The many friends of Miss Margaret Driscoll, who left here Sunday for Lynn, where she will reside with her parents in the future, wish her every success in her new home.
Miss Mary C. Healy has recently left here to accept a position as waitress in Brookline.
Miss Mary Rafferty is now located at the Ocean house, New Smyrna, Fla., doing table work for the winter months.
The regular meeting of the A. R. Choate hose company was held in Healy’s hall on Monday evening. After the routine business had been transacted, a social hour was enjoyed.
The regular meeting of Court Graniteville, F. of A., was held in their rooms Thursday evening. Quite a number of applications were read.
Saturday, November 25, 1911
Center. From the Hamburg-American steamship headquarters in New York come this week word of cable dispatches from the S.S. Cleveland, making an around the world cruise, of the safe arrival and departure from Suez and a voyage of three thousand miles through the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea to Bombay with its million inhabitants. The dispatches state all well on board and the trip proving delightful. This is of interest because it includes Mrs. M. Elizabeth Whitney, and Mr. and Mrs. Walter Wright of Westford and Brookline.
Miss Harriet Hodgman, of Cambridge, has been renewing her many Westford associations, the guest of Miss Emily F. Fletcher, this week. Miss Hodgman was a guest of the Tadmuck club on Tuesday afternoon at Library hall.
George W. Heywood, with a long time experience with attacks of illness, has not been well this week.
Mrs. Abiel J. Abbot is in quarantine at her home with an attack of diphtheria. At this writing reports are favorable and the attack under good control.
J. Henry Colburn has broken ground this past week for the erection of a house for a home for himself and family on the lot purchased by him, between E. J. Whitney’s and the townhouse. Needham & Fletcher, of Littleton, will frame in the house and Mr. Colburn will keep busy with the inside work during the winter. A pleasant home with all modern improvements is planned.
Miss Edith A. Wright is acting as the church organist at the Congregational church during Miss Lumbert’s illness.
Very favorable reports come from Miss Grace Lumbert at the Lowell General hospital, where she underwent a serious operation on Thursday of last week.
A pretty dancing party was held on last week Friday evening at the town hall in charge of the academy students. It was largely attended and the Colonial orchestra of Lowell furnished the music for dancing from eight until twelve o’clock. During intermission refreshments were served under the direction of Mrs. Arthur Blodgett. The matrons were Mrs. Lizzie G. Hamlin, Mrs. Homer M. Seavey and Mrs. Frank Furbush and the young ladies in charge, Misses Lena Clement, Catherine Connell and Alice Gilson.
The Boy Scouts, under the direction of Dexter Coggshall, of the academy, met last Saturday afternoon at the academy gymnasium for basketball.
Grange. At the regular meeting of the grange on Thursday evening of last week it fell to old standbys to furnish the entertainment at the lecturer’s hour, namely singing by E. G. Boynton, reading by S. L. Taylor, and a paper on “Every-day English,” by Mrs. L. W. Wheeler. Applications for membership were read by the secretary.
A coming event is a play in preparation under the direction of the overseer, Mrs. Clara Greig, with plenty of fun and some good talent. The next meeting, December 8, will be the election of officers for the year, and every member is urged to be present.
Dr. O. V. Wells was to have given his paper on “Epochs on medical history,” recently so well received at the Tadmuck club, at this meeting, but was detained from doing so at the last minute, but may present it at some future meeting.
Tadmuck. At the meeting of the Tadmuck club on Tuesday afternoon, Miss Ella F. Hildreth, vice president, had charge of the afternoon’s program. The subject was the second in the season’s special topic for study and was “South American cities.” Miss Hildreth had chosen Montevideo in Uruguay, and gave an interesting sketch of this progressive South American city; also, one of La Plaza in Bolivia, and a brief one of Tripoli. Miss Hildreth illustrated her talk with some good views.
Under the charge of the committee on preliminary exercises, Mrs. Charles L. Hildreth read a thanksgiving article by John D. Long, on which Mr. Long gave one of his masterly word pictures of the old Thanksgiving and the new. This was followed with the closest attention.
A pleasant letter from the Littleton Woman’s club was read by the secretary, inviting the members as a club to their neighborhood meeting on Monday, November 27. This cordial hospitality was accepted and the secretary instructed to convey their acceptance and appreciation of the Littleton club.
The names of Mrs. J. Willard Fletcher, Miss Gladys Fletcher and Mrs. Perley E. Wright were accepted into membership at this meeting.
The next meeting, December 5, will be one of the club’s pleasant divergences from the regular topic, and will be “Sam Walter Foss—poet, philosopher and preacher,” in charge of Rev. David Wallace.
About Town. Miss Belle Walker entertained Mrs. Seth Walker and two children several days last week. Rev. Seth Walker moved his family recently to Stoneham from Chelmsford.
About twenty-five neighbors and friends surprised themselves last Saturday evening by husking about forty bushels of corn and surprising the Sargents at their farm, the Edwin Heywood place. Red ears were everywhere quite active, and Houghton Osgood was one of the many recipients of what red ears promise [i.e., a kiss]. Refreshments and games kept the gathering in an unfaltering attitude.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Taylor have been visiting at the old homestead on Lowell road, corner of Stony Brook. He has been working for the Boston and Maine railroad for about thirty years, and resides at Woodsville, N.H.
The next meeting of the Middlesex North Pomona grange will be held at Chelmsford Center on Friday, December 1, at which meeting the annual election of officers will occur.
The old West Chelmsford debating society, so long dormant, is likely to feel the stir of young blood through the efforts of Harold Fletcher, the eldest son of Councilor Fletcher, and the society will thus be charged with the enthusiasm and courage of youth to get back to the position of affirmative and negative again.
C. R. P. Decatur, who has been ill, is again more like “Vill.”
Forge Village. Miss Emily Collins celebrated her birthday anniversary at her home on Saturday evening. A most delicious supper was served, after which music and games were enjoyed.
On Sunday evening, at St. Andrew’s mission, Rev. A. L. Bumpus will conduct services at 7:30 o’clock.
The many friends of Mrs. George Cougle will be pained to hear of her serious illness at the home of relatives in Bridgeport, Conn., where she and her husband had gone for a vacation.
Daniel Bennett, of Worcester, recently visited his brother, Joseph Bennett, of Pleasant street.
Mrs. David Lord attended the tenth wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Cope, of Lowell.
Mr. and Mrs. John E. Burnett spent Thursday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lester McLenna, of Graniteville.
Tickets are out for the concert and dance to be held in Abbot hall on Friday evening, December 8, under the auspices of Loyal Self Help lodge, I.O.O.F., M.U. A fine program has been arranged and a good orchestra has been obtained for dancing.