The Westford Wardsman, March, 1911
Saturday, March 4, 1911
Centre. An alarm of fire came from the house of John O’Brien on the Providence road on Wednesday evening during the supper hour. J. Herbert Fletcher and a number of his men of the Abbot hose company responded with the chemicals and other apparatus. It turned out to be a chimney fire and subdued before any damage was done, which was a relief. Mrs. O’Brien is suffering with a broken arm and nobody wanted to see more misfortune come to this little family.
All the members of the Tadmuck club will bear in mind the specially attractive program for the next meeting. Miss Ellen H. Kimball of Worcester will address the club on “The power of good reading.” The meeting will be in the Unitarian vestry on Tuesday afternoon at three o’clock, and each member is privileged to bring a guest on payment of the customary small fee. Club tea will be served.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Whitney of Concord Junction have been guests this week at Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Whitney’s.
Miss Grace Lumbert, who is caring for her brother’s family at Oxford, has been spending a few days in town.
Rev. David Wallace and H. G. Osgood attended the meeting for the remonstrants at the State house on Wednesday against any alteration in the Bar and Bottle bill.
Miss Frances Wright, who has been so ill with pneumonia, is now reported as convalescing nicely. Mr. and Mrs. Wright and family expect soon to be back among their Westford friends.
Harvey W. Tarbell has a large gang of men at work on the Abbot orchard, east of the postoffice, renovating these veteran trees according to modern orcharding as exemplified in the Munson-Drew methods. Years ago these trees were “trimmed up,” literally so that a thirty-foot ladder was pretty necessary at harvesting time.
The newly-formed Board of Trade met last Saturday night to consider the possibility of electric lighting for the four villages of the town. The report of the committee on lighting was such that after voting in a number of new members, adjournment was taken to Tuesday evening when the committee reported further conference with officials of the Lowell Electric Light Company. A proposition was offered which was not fully satisfactory. Articles were prepared for insertion in the warrant for the approaching town meeting, so that if a satisfactory proposition can be brought before the voters they may have a chance to act on it
Farmers’ Institute. Fully a dozen from Westford attended the Farmers’ Institute at Tyngsboro on Wednesday, and it proved one of the best of the winter series in charge of Chairman Howard W. Foster.
The address of welcome was by the pastor of the Evangelical church, Mr. Brown, where the session was held, and responded to by Rev. Sarah A. Dixon, a former pastor. Professor William P. Brooks of the Agricultural collage at Amherst, who gave a good address on the scope and work of the experiment station, was the speaker of the morning. Adjournment was made to the town hall for dinner in charge of the Ladies’ Aid of the church where the sessions were held. It was excellent in variety and good service, and the accompanying exercises were most attractive. A good orchestra furnished music. S. Thompson Blood of Concord Junction, that prince of after-dinner entertainers, was fully up to his usual standard. Dr. Yarnell spoke for the Y.M.C.A., Rev. E. Victor Bigelow for the Boy Scouts, Principal Charles Eames for the Textile school.
The afternoon address was by David Snedden, advocating agricultural education in the high schools.
Well Managed Sales. A cake and dainty sale at the William E. Frost school on Tuesday afternoon of this week, and also another at the Unitarian church on Wednesday afternoon, were particularly social, pleasant and well managed affairs.
At the Frost school the pupils in the four rooms, under the supervision of their teachers, sold cake, candy, ice cream, popcorn balls and beautiful plants of lily-of-the-valley grown by themselves. They did a good business and sold out their wares and added a substantial sum to their piano fund.
At the Unitarian church the good store of home cooked food, temptingly arranged, found ready customers, as did also the candy table.
Afternoon tea was served by the ladies, and Rev. B. H. Bailey entertained in his own charming fashion with readings.
Mrs. H. V. Hildreth and Mrs. John Feeney, assisted by other willing helpers, had charge of this sale.
About Town. Harold Fletcher on Oak hill, while stepping from a ladder to the ground last week, stepped on a rusty nail. Dr. Wells was called and removed the nail. The after ill effects that is liable to follow from stepping on a rusty nail has been averted.
There is considerable activity at Brookside mills preparatory to starting up after a shut down of several months. A new engine has been installed.
At a meeting of the republican town committee held last Monday evening to organize for the year, Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher was elected chairman, Alfred Hartford, secretary, and Julian A. Cameron, treasurer.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert (Walken) Bell added another member [Ina K. Bell born Feb. 17, 1911], the fourth, to their family.
John A. Taylor writes from North Dakota of his recent trip to Winnipeg, Canada, to take part in a debate with Canadian talent in that city. Although the weather was biting cold, he bit the Canadians in argument more sharply than their weather bit him, and won the debate.
Gilman A. [F.] Wright returned last week Friday, from Connecticut, having been called thither to attend the funeral of Mrs. B. Daniel Thibetts, Mr. Thibets being a brother of Mrs. Wright.
Sunday services at the Long-sought-for chapel next Sunday. Mr. Sheperd of Lowell of the “Sheperd” mission will conduct the services, assisted by Mr. Trite, who has been leader for several Sundays.
The Board of Trade at its last meeting last Saturday evening elected John P. Wright a member of the committee on entertainments. John C. Abbot and Julian A. Cameron to serve on the committee on street lighting.
At the annual town meeting an article will appear in the warrant in regard to buying a power spray pump, to pump contaminated water to the homes of the moths. If the town decides to make the purchase, a saving can be effected by buying of the well-known firm of Massachusetts, Westford & Co., the senior partner of this firm agreeing to throw off one-half the price. Let us have this sprayer and begin to administer early on the estates of these moths.
The next meeting of the board of registrars will be held in Healey’s hall, Graniteville, Monday evening, March 6, from 7:30 to nine p.m., and at Forge Village on next Friday evening at Abbot’s hall. The date at Forge Village has been changed from Wednesday evening to Friday. The last meeting prior to the town meeting will be held at the town hall, Westford, Saturday, March 11, from noon to ten p.m.
The democrats will hold a caucus to nominate town officers at the town hall on Tuesday evening, March7.
To all who are charmed with silver-tongued oratory, an opportunity is given to hear next Thursday evening, William Jennings Bryan, who will give an address in Lowell at the First Universalist church on Hurd street.
A grandmothers’ club has been organized in West Chelmsford. Mrs. S. L. Taylor has been elected a member. The first meeting was held with Mrs. John Foye.
Westford was well represented at the Masonic lecture in Lowell on Tuesday evening at the First Baptist church. The lecture was an outline of Masonry for eight hundred years.
George Albert Drew was in town last week visiting his mother on the Boston road. He has a whole township of friendship here, that would have been glad to have chatted along the lines of orcharding.
Club Meeting. At the meeting of the Fortnightly club last week Friday evening, at the Wright schoolhouse on the Groton road, the following program was observed and the meeting was called to order by Arthur T. Blodgett:
Duet, violins, Arthur T. Blodgett and Walter Steele; song, Rachel Wall; reading, Lillian Wright; song, Mrs. Arthur Blodgett; reading, Mrs. Elizabeth Wyman; recitation, Horace Gould; oration, Joseph Wall; reading, Edwin H. Gould; duet, violins, Blodgett and Steele; recitation, Mrs. Edwin H. Gould; advice, Samuel L. Taylor; reel dancing, followed by music by the Blodgett-Steele orchestra, with Joseph Wall, prompter, and F. A. Blodgett, floor director.
Mrs. Archie T. Blodgett and Mrs. Elizabeth Wyman passed around home made candy and cake. Mrs. Lillian Wright and Edwin H. Gould were appointed on the executive committee in place of the expired terms of Mrs. Arthur Blodgett and Mrs. Elizabeth Wyman.
The next meeting will be held on Friday evening, March 10, at which time the annual “town meeting” will get a preliminary settlement prior to the real battling article on March 20.
Hon. Frank P. Bennett, jr., senator from this district, has promised to give an address before this club later in the season.
“Annals of a Neighborhood.” The very interesting historical contributions of E. A. Richardson of Ayer still hold their interest and the only regretful word in the last article and the last word, “to be continued,” better substitute the word “continued.” The two correspondents in Westford vary a little in regard to the chapel near the Nutting cemetery—one says “foundation for a cellar,” and the other speaks of “the chapel in which Ernest Dane is now living.” Both descriptions are true.
After the present chapel was built, a desire was expressed for a larger building; hence the foundation for the cellar as it now exists, a few rods north of the original chapel. Under the larger attempt everything was to be on the Community basis. All things “common.”
They had proceeded but a little way in the new venture before there was disagreement in the interpretation of the meaning of the words: “all things common.” Asa Nutting and a Mr. Craig, who had abundance of conservative sense, also about all the cents to promote the building, led one faction, and the other side were all leaders of a heterogeneous make up, and in the words of Mr. Nutting: “If this is the interpretation of Community, we will stop right here,” and not another stone has been laid since. The writer well remembers the Mr. Craig referred to, tall, straight and a long flowing beard. He was an interesting and unique personality, and was one of “leaven” of Millerism. Two grandsons are brakemen on the Stony Brook freight, so authority says.
Forge Village. The Girls’ Friendly society, at the conclusion of their meeting on last Wednesday evening, held a very pleasant musical hour in charge of the intermediate committee. Songs were rendered by Annie Orr, Mary Cherry, Edith Spinner and Hugh Comey. Miss Mabel Phelps and Miss Hazel Comey favored the society with selected recitations. Miss Edith Spinner played a solo on the piano.
A party of fishermen, who had been enjoying the “sport” up in the “Narrows,” last week neglected to put out a fire which they had made, with the result that after they had left for home the embers having been fanned by the breeze, spread to a large pine tree on the banks, which caused quite a blaze for awhile. Some village people, seeing the flames, thought it was a camp on fire, but when the firemen reached there, they were quickly undeceived and soon had the fire under control.
Daniel Sullivan of Boston, formerly of this village, was the week-end guest at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Sullivan of Pond street.
Charles Flanagan is about again after his week’s illness.
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Hyde of Ayer spent Sunday at the home of Mrs. Hyde’s [Eva Josephine’s] parents, Mr. and Mrs. Felix Leclerc.
Mr. and Mrs. Leclerc’s daughter [Albertine], Mrs. Henry Byron, and children of Marlboro are visiting them this week.
Miss Abbie Splain is spending the week at the home of her sister [Margaret Ellen], Mrs. Frank Rose of Belmont.
Miss Theresa Lowther and her niece, Miss Rachel Cherry, spent the weekend at Worcester.
Mr. and Mrs. Lackie of Groton visited at the home of Mrs. Lowther on Sunday. Mrs. Lackie was before her marriage Miss Maude Marshall of this village.
A surprise party was given to Miss Nellie Oldham at her home on Pond street on Saturday evening, by her many friends. Before departing, Miss Oldham was presented a solid gold chain.
Henry Catchpole is confined to his home by illness.
Robert Granger was the guest of Francis Lowther on Tuesday.
Wednesday evening at St. Andrew’s mission the first Lenten service was held by Rev. Mr. Birckhead.
Holy communion service will be held at St. Andrew’s on Sunday morning at 8:45 o’clock. Rev. A. L. Bumpus will preach.
In Abbot hall on last Sunday morning, Rev. Edmund T. Schofield held service in place of Rev. M. E. Doherty, who, on account of serious illness, was unable to be present. Fr. Doherty is very ill at the parish house, North Chelmsford, and the sympathy of his many friends here is extended to him, who sincerely hope that he may have a speedy recovery.
On next Wednesday evening, Lenten services will be held in the hall at 7:30 o’clock.
The Racing. The horse racing on Forge pond on Saturday brought out as large a crowd, if not larger, than the race of last week.
The racing, which was run under the same conditions as last week, was open to Westford, Littleton and Groton, but only Westford and Littleton participated.
The track was in the same poor slushy condition of last week, owing to the warm spell which made it heavy going, and again this was to the advantage of Henry Healy’s chestnut “Joe,” of Graniteville, who captured the first prize. Austin Healy’s “Dolly” took second, but “had to go some,” as both Yapp’s bay and Dr. Blaney’s “Knox Gelatine Boy,” were close at her heels. W. Yapp’s bay captured third prize, which made the score the same as the previous race.
Edward Redding of Lowell officiated as starter, assisted by Lou Sutherland of Westford and Elmer Nutting of this village. The judges who gave the decision were: Charles Brooks of Graniteville, Al Gilmore of West Acton, and Alfred Drolette of this village.
The prizes were offered by the lovers of sport of this village and consisted of a fine horse blanket, first; pair of quarter boots, second; whip, third.
The success of the meet was due to Fred Sweatt, Elmer Nutting and Alfred Drolette, who have exerted untiring efforts in the cause.
Large Attendance. Recreation hall was the scene on Tuesday evening of one of the largest gatherings ever assembled, who came to partake of the supper and take in the entertainment and dancing. A most delicious supper was served under the direction of the Ladies’ Sewing circle. It is a long time since these ladies were kept so busy waiting upon their guests, who always find their suppers well worth patronizing.
The ladies in charge and who are responsible for the success of this supper were the following: Mrs. Richard D. Prescott, Mrs. Henry Catchpole, Mrs. George Sanborn, Mrs. Hugh Ferguson, Mrs. Fernald, Mrs. B. Comey, Mrs. Nelson Prescott, Mrs. David Lord and Mrs. John Carmichael.
Immediately following the supper a most enjoyable entertainment was given under the direction of the Girls’ Friendly society. George Wilson opened the program with a piano solo. Then followed a song and flag drill by some of the little girls who were dressed in white with soldier caps and flags and red, white and blue sashes, “Songs of Uncle Sam.” Miss Marion Blodgett accompanied them on the piano. Miss Emily Collins and Miss Blodgett have both the credit of the success of this number. Miss Edith Spinner, piano and William Davis, violin, was the next number.
Then came the principal event of the evening, the one-act comedy-drama entitled, “Ma Sweet and her family of seven talented daughters,” which made a great hit and brought down the house with applause. The program opened with a greeting song by the Sweet family.
Miss Sarah Precious in her impersonation of “Ma Sweet” certainly took her part in a very able manner, and the way she introduced each daughter to the audience won for her much applause. In her recitation, “The city choir,” Miss Precious showed her ability as a reader and on the whole, she certainly made a real up-to-date leading lady.
Miss Helen Lord, the eldest daughter, who took the part of Arminty Ann, was the prima donna, and the way in which she rendered her songs in a cracked voice, would be hard to imitate, won for her much applause.
Betsey Belindy, a leader of suffragettes, made an excellent address on “Woman’s rights,” which was well applauded and her costume caused much laughter. Caroline Cordelia and Dorothy Deliah were twins and “only for their faces and hair no one could tell them apart.” Caroline Cordelia, in her lispy composition, “Susann’s sweetheart,” was excellent, and Dorothy Deliah, who was educated at the “Boston Observatory,” gave a selection on the organ which was a rare treat.
The dramatic recitationist of the evening, Elizabeth Eliza, then followed with the recitation “Marco Bozarris,” and did nobly. Frances Fedory, the lovesick maiden of the family, who lost her opportunity of marriage by saying “No,” from force of habit, when she should have said “Yes,” was well applauded. She gave a reading “An advice for all young ladies to say ‘Yes,’” when the opportunity called for it.
Glorianna Gaddabout, the comedian of the evening, certainly deserves praise. She kept the audience in screams of laughter from the time she appeared until the close of the drama by her imitations of the others and her ever willingness to bow whenever she had a chance. The play would have been lost without her.
The specialties were well applauded and were acted in a creditable manner. The song, “Goodnight,” by the family, closed the performance amid the applause of the audience.
The floor was then cleared for dancing to the music of the “Sweet family” orchestra, and was enjoyed till a late hour.
The proceeds of the affair, which netted about twenty dollars, will be used for the benefit of St. Andrew’s mission. The cast was as follows:
Ma Sweet, a lone widow | Sarah Precious |
Arminty Ann, prima donna | Helen Lord |
Betsey Belinda, suffragette | May Lord |
Caroline Cordelia, writer | Mrs. W. C. Precious |
Dorothy Deliah, musician | Edith Precious |
Elizabeth Eliza, recitationist | Della Drake |
Francis Fedory, lovesick maiden | Rachel Cherry |
Glorianna Gaddabout, who giggles | Marion Lord |
Miss Emily Collins had general charge of the entertainment.
Graniteville. The members of St. Catherine’s Temperance society held a very successful dancing party in Healy’s hall last Saturday evening, which was largely attended. The Colonial orchestra from Lowell furnished excellent music for dancing which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Many people were present from Ayer, North Chelmsford, Forge Village and other surrounding towns. The affair was in charge of the following committee: Thomas Hughes, general manager; William Wall, floor director; aids, members of the club.
Mr. and Mrs. Hyacinth LeDuc of this village have returned home after spending several weeks with Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Riney of Camden, N.J. Mrs. T. A. Riney will be remembered as Miss Louisa LeDuc of this village.
Last Wednesday evening the Social Six club assembled at the home of Mrs. Lucy Blood of this village [60 Broadway St.] through the kind invitation of Miss B. S. Galbraith, a member of the club. The evening was pleasantly spent in playing games, cards and a short musical program which concluded the evening’s entertainment. During the evening a dainty luncheon was served by the young ladies, which was greatly enjoyed by the guests of the evening. After all had joined in singing “Auld Lang Syne,” their pleasant affair came to a close.
At the nine o’clock mass, celebrated in Healy’s hall on Sunday morning, the pastor, Rev. Edmund T. Schofield, sadly announced that the curate, Rev. Michael E. Doherty, is now seriously ill at the parochial residence at St. John’s church, North Chelmsford. This came as a great surprise to the parishioners of St. Catherine’s church here, as they did not know that Fr. Doherty was sick. He has made many friends here since he became assistant to Fr. Schofield, and it is the sincere wish of all that he may have a speedy recovery from his present illness.
Mr. and Mrs. Colson of Clinton have been recent guests of Mr. and Mrs. G. P. LeDuc in this village, and will soon take up their residence in North Chelmsford, where Mr. Colson is engaged in business.
The horse race in Forge Village last Saturday attracted the usual large crowd from here. There was no change in the results from the week before, both first and second prizes being won by Henry and Austin Healy, respectively, of this village. Graniteville is right there when it comes to speed.
The first of the Lenten devotions was held in Healy’s hall on Ash Wednesday evening at 7:30. A large attendance turned out.
The members of St. Catherine’s Temperance society held their regular meeting in the rooms of the society on Monday night. Business of importance was transacted, and the report of the last social dance. Three candidates were initiated into membership, and two applications received. The society is now getting along well, and the rooms are open every evening in the week for the comfort and pleasure of its members.
Death. Mrs. Bridget Conwell, widow of the late John Conwell, formerly of East Groton, died at the home of her son, John Conwell, in Westford, near the Littleton line, on Friday, February 24, aged eighty years. She leaves two sons—John of Westford, and Charles of Tyngsboro—also two married daughters in Boston, as well as many near relatives in Westford and Tyngsboro. The funeral took place from her home on Monday morning, February 27, at nine o’clock, a high mass of requiem being celebrated in Healy’s hall, Graniteville, by Rev. Edmund T. Schofield, pastor of St. Catherine’s church. Miss Mary Hanley presided at the organ and a mixed quartet, composed of Miss Rebecca LeDuc, Miss Catherine Hanley, Mrs. Helen McLena and J. B. Riney, sang the Gregorian chant. At the offertory, Miss Mary Hanley sang “Pie Jesu.” The bearers were Frank Conwell, Charles Conwell, Daniel Dilbert and William Leahy. Burial was in St. Mary’s cemetery, Ayer.
Wedding. The marriage of Miss Minnie Alforth of Lawrence and Mark Palmer of this village took place at the home of the bride on Wednesday afternoon, March 1. After the ceremony a lunch was served at the bride’s home, after which the happy couple departed for New York and Washington. On their return they will make their home at the home of the groom in this village. Miss Minnie Alforth was well and favorably known here, having lived here for the past three years, being employed as head bookkeeper for G. C. Sargent & Sons. Mr. Palmer is the son of Louis Palmer, the well-known stone contractor. The happy couple have the best wishes of their friends who wish them peace and happiness in their wedded life.
Saturday, March 11, 1911
Centre. Friday evening the pupils and teachers of the academy gave a dancing party at the town hall. The attendance was not such as to over crowd the hall and this made the dancing most enjoyable and those in charge cleared expenses and felt that every one had a good time. Thayer’s orchestra of Pepperell furnished excellent music and ice cream and cake was served at intermission in charge of George E. Gould. Among our young people teaching in other towns who were present were Miss Edna Ferguson, Miss Edith Bicknell and Archie Hartford. The matrons were Mrs. A. W. Hartford, Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher and Mrs. F. W. Bannister and the young ladies who had charge of arrangements were Misses Ruth Flagg, Rachel Wall and Lena Clement.
The ladies of the Unitarian society have recently installed a fine new range in their church kitchen. This with the town water that was added a short time ago are much appreciated improvements.
Our readers of the column this week will miss the items of the genial contributor who writes under “About town.” Mr. Taylor has had a serious attack of bronchitis with threatened pneumonia, but at this writing is gaining and beginning to sit up. His many friends wish him a speedy return to normal health.
A real estate transaction reported this week is that Fred Shorey at the south part of the town has sold his place to Conant & Co. of Littleton and the expectation is that the Goldsmith Conant family will live on the place.
Miss M. Eudora Jones of Lunenburg was a guest for several days at the Congregational parsonage last week.
Henry O. Keyes of North Westford had two horses stolen from his barn Tuesday of this week. He thinks he traced the animals as far as the so-called Ed. Richardson place on the road to Lowell, but lost track of them there. He notified Constable Boynton who has been trying to help locate them. The state police have been notified and every effort is being made to locate the animals.
[Stolen from the Barn in
the Night Time!
Stolen from the barn of Henry O. Keyes, of Westford, Mass., on night of
March 6, 1911, dark bay mare, rangey build, cut on tip of right ear, partly blind,
film growing over left eye, weight 1400 lbs., 7 years old; one old democrat wagon,
tracks width of square wagon, end springs, top spring leaf wired up, two long stays
on each side of wagon hanging low; one breast-plate harness, round D, nickel
trimmed. Send information to
J. H. WHITNEY | |
Chief Mass. District Police | |
State House, Boston, Mass. | |
Or FRED F. FLYNN, | |
District Police Officer | |
Lawrence, Mass.] |
Mrs. Caroline Atwood fell Sunday at her home and is suffering with a broken hip. Mrs. Atwood is over ninety-one years old and at her advanced age this is a serious accident. She fell as she was walking across the room and the accident happened. Dr. Wells and a trained nurse and her three devoted daughters are doing all they can to make their aged patient as comfortable as possible. Aside from deafness and for one of her years Mrs. Atwood has enjoyed quite comfortable health until this accident.
Mrs. Fred L. Snow of North Westford, who is convalescing from a serious surgical operation, has gone to visit her married daughter at Saranac lake in the Adirondacks.
The last meeting of the board of registrars will be held at the town hall this Saturday from twelve noon until ten p.m.
Rev. David Wallace, Charles O. Prescott, Otis Day and the teachers at the academy and a number of the students went to Lowell Thursday evening to hear Wm. Jennings Bryan give his lecture on “Universal peace.”
Caucuses. The republicans of Westford held a very peaceful caucus Monday evening. It was called to order by Alfred W. Hartford, secretary of the town committee. Sherman H. Fletcher was chosen chairman and A. W. Hartford clerk. No opposition to renomination of present incumbents of the various offices developed till tree warden was reached where it became necessary to open a marking list and use the check list. D. J. McLeod received 19 marks against Harry L. Nesmith’s 28. Candidates for constable appeared to rival hen’s teeth in number. The nominee who was present objected to serving, but was persuaded to allow the use of his name. The absent nominee afterward refused to serve.
Following is the list of nominees: S. H. Fletcher, selectman, 3 yrs.; J. W. Fletcher, assessor, 3 yrs.; A. R. Choate, overseer of the poor, 3 yrs.; H. L. Wright, treasurer; L. W. Wheeler, collector of taxes; W. R. Taylor, auditor; E. G. Boynton, constable; J. A. Healey, constable; John Spinner, school committee, 3 yrs.; F. E. Reed, school committee, 3 yrs.; E. H. Bailey, trustee of public library, 3 yrs.; H. L. Nesmith, tree warden.
The democrats held their caucus Tuesday evening with net results the same as the republican caucus with the following exceptions: D. J. McLeod was nominated for tree warden and John Sullivan for constable in place of John A. Healey.
Critically Ill. Samuel Alfred Taylor, who makes his home with Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Wright, when in town, was taken sick last week Friday and continued to suffer greatly. Early Tuesday morning Dr. Martin of Lowell consulted with Dr. Blaney, who was attending the young man and later in the day he was removed to the Lowell general hospital and Wednesday morning an operation for appendicitis was performed. The case proved a very grave one and at this writing he is very seriously sick and the physicians give but little hope of his recovery. His brother Albert from Boston was summoned when it was found he was seriously sick and has done all possible to help his brother.
Tadmuck Club. The meeting of the Tadmuck club held in the Unitarian vestry Tuesday afternoon was most successful and enjoyable. There was a large number present of members and guests. Miss Ellen H. Kimball of Worcester was the speaker of the afternoon and lectured on “The power of good reading.” Miss Kimball fully merited the close and appreciative attention given her for she is a capable and pleasing speaker and her treatment of her subject was rich in suggestions as to the how, the what and the way in the gentle art of good reading, of reading well. Many of the members expressed the hope that they might have Miss Kimball again address the club.
At the close of the address a club tea was served in charge of Miss Ella F. Hildreth, Mrs. J. E. Knight and Mrs. John Feeney.
The next meeting, March 21, will be a continuation of the season’s special study of Spanish North America and will be “The Panama canal,” in charge of Mrs. B. H. Bailey.
It was pleasant to have among the guests Tuesday afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Waldo E. Conant and Mrs. Grace E. Lawrence of Littleton.
Wedding. Miss Bertha Amelia Prescott and William Henry Benjamin, jr., were married in Westford Tuesday by Rev. Benj. H. Bailey. The newly-married couple went the same day to their new home in West Somerville, which they had completely fitted up ready for occupancy. The bride wore a most becoming traveling suit and was attended by members of her immediate family. She has always lived in Westford until within a few years, during which she has been engaged in trained nursing and takes with her from her many friends here many sincere good wishes for happiness and prosperity.
Grange. There was a good attendance at the last meeting of the grange and much to occupy the attention of the patrons. Applications from twenty-one candidates for membership have been received for the spring initiations and the regular officers and the ladies’ third degree staff are preparing for the conferring of these four degrees. Westford grange sent a contribution of five dollars to Wilmington grange toward their building fund for a new hall.
The entertainment for the evening was in charge of the three graces—Pomona, Ceres and Flora, personated by Mrs. Daisy Colburn, Mrs. Ruth Beneault and Miss Addie Day. J. Henry Colburn gave phonograph selections. E. G. Boynton sang most acceptably and Mrs. Perley E. Wright gave several recitations that were much enjoyed, after which an old-fashioned spelling bee was arranged. This went very well until the word “daguerreotype” sent many to their seats. To L. W. Wheeler went the credit of out-spelling the rest.
A good time is promised for the next meeting March 16. Mrs. E. G. Boynton and Mrs. L. W. Wheeler are preparing a “Peddlers’ parade,” in which about twenty-five will take part and the grange orchestra will assist with the musical part of the program. It is hoped all the grangers will come and enjoy a good laugh and bring their pennies and small change and patronize these enterprising peddlers who will sell their wares for very nominal charges.
A number of members from this grange attended the sessions of the North Middlesex Pomona at Lowell the following day at which there was a very large attendance and fine program. Among topics discussed was “What legislation should farmers make special effort to support.” Howard W. Foster, chairman of the committee on institutes, DeLacy Corkum and George P. Greenwood were the speakers, also “Does higher education make better housewives?” was ably discussed and in addition an excellent miscellaneous program. The Chelmsford grange provided the dinner.
Graniteville. At nine o’clock on Sunday morning mass was celebrated in Healy’s hall by Rev. Patrick Phelan, O.M.I., of Tewksbury. He preached an eloquent sermon taken from the words “What profit a man if he gains the whole [world] and loses his immortal soul” [Matthew 16:26 and Mark 8:36.]. Fr. Phelan’s words were followed with deep interest and his remarks made a great impression on the large congregation present.
Court Westford, M.C.O.F., held an open meeting in Abbot’s hall, Forge Village, on Sunday afternoon, that was largely attended. The meeting was called to order by A. R. Wall, who presented as the first speaker Cornelius F. Bulkley, H.I.S., and a member of St. Augustine’s court of Boston. He was followed by Daniel H. McGuire, H.S.I., of Haverhill. During the afternoon a short musical program was given.
Joe Wall, who has been confined to his home by illness for the past few days, is now feeling much improved.
The Ladies’ Aid society of the M.E. church met at the home of Mrs. George D. Gilson on Thursday afternoon March 9.
The members of the A. R. Choate hose company held their regular meeting in Healey’s hall on Monday night. Three new candidates were admitted into membership
The Westford board of registrars met in Healey’s hall on Monday evening and several new names were added to the voting list.
Well Attended. The union temperance service that was held in the M.E. church on Sunday evening was well attended many being present from Westford and Forge Village, and immediate vicinity. Prayer was given by the pastor, Rev. L. F. Havermale, and the sermon preached by Rev. Mr. Wallace of the Congregational church, Westford. Mr. Wallace held the close attention of the large audience and handled the temperance question in a manner that left nothing to be desired. A pleasing feature in connection with the service was the singing by the male quartet, composed of Henry Smith, E. G. Boynton, Rev. L. F. Havermale and O. A. Nelson, who sang two selections in an effective manner. The whole service was given for the cause of temperance and it is thought that much good will result from it.
Forge Village. The many friends of Mrs. James Wilson will be pained to hear of her illness at her home in Pleasant street.
The Ladies’ Sewing circle met in Recreation hall on Wednesday afternoon. A dainty collation was served after the meeting.
James Burns is visiting with friends in New York.
Among the guests at the birthday celebration of Mrs. Arthur Blodgett of Westford there were present from this village Mrs. William Weaver and grandson, Elmer DeRohen [DeRoehn], Mrs. Polly DeRohen and Wm. DeRohen, Miss Marion Blodgett and Mr. and Mrs. William Baker and family.
St. Catherine’s church choir held a very successful rehearsal at the home of its director, Miss Mary F. Hanley on Wednesday evening.
Miss Priscilla Bennett has returned from a visit to her sister, Mrs. August Meyers of Boston.
Saturday, March 18, 1911
Center. At the Congregational church last Sunday morning Mr. Wallace preached an excellent sermon on “The good fight of faith” and in the evening the church stereopticon was used to good effect, illustrating the lecture by the pastor on “The American Highlanders” and was a vivid depiction of this great number of humble people, known as the mountain whites and their surroundings. At the morning service it was pleasant to have the John Wright family in their old place after an absence from town of about a year and a half. Miss Edith Wright presided at the organ in Miss Atwood’s absence.
The Donald McLeod family at the south part of the town are having a siege with whooping cough.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred A. Snow’s many Westford friends are glad that their little son, Perry Taylor [born Sept. 6, 1906 in Chelmsford], who has been seriously sick, is improving and gaining.
Miss Amelia W. Lambert, who has been employed as a dietician at the state hospital in Tewksbury for the past two years, has left that institution and gone this week to Fountain Springs, Penn., to fill a like position in a school, enjoying a week’s interval of vacation at her home between changes.
A real estate transfer of interest this week is the sale by Wm. L. Woods to J. Henry Colburn of the lot of land between Emory J. Whitney’s house and the town hall. Mr. Colburn expects in due time to build a home for himself and family.
The engagement is announced this week of Miss Florence Edith Pond and Cyril Arthur Blaney, M.D.
The Henry M. Wrights of Quincy were Saturday and Sunday guests at H. L. Wright’s.
Mr. and Mrs. Frederick A. Fisher of Lowell have recently welcomed a little daughter [Elizabeth Fisher, born March 10, 1911] into their home.
Mr. and Mrs. Pearl Harmon have rented Miss Mary Moran’s house opposite the town house and have moved in this week. Miss Moran was at home for a brief period between cases Saturday.
Henry O. Keyes has bought the lumber in the large windmill on the Brigham farm and has been moving it in sections onto his property on [2] Boston road to use in his building enterprises.
Fred A. Smith has the sympathy of his friends in being afflicted with carbuncles.
Joseph Moran of the Westford depot neighborhood is seriously ill at this writing with pneumonia.
Obituaries. Mrs. Caroline Carleton Atwood passed into the higher life Friday of last week at the advanced age of ninety years. Five days previous to her death she fell and sustained a broken hip and death was a setting free from pain and weakness.
Mrs. Atwood was born in Orange, N.H., January 12, 1821, and was the only daughter of Edward and Sarah Carleton. She was married to Daniel Atwood January 22, 1846. Twelve years later Mr. and Mrs. Atwood came to Westford from Pelham, N.H., having purchased the large farm now known as the Nashoba farm [on Hildreth St. near the intersection with Concord Rd.] where they lived with their large family of sons and daughters for many years.
In 1879 Deacon Atwood retired from active farming and moved to the village, having built the present pleasant family residence [at 4 Graniteville Rd.]. Deacon Atwood died December 13, 1902.
Mrs. Atwood leaves to mourn her loss three sons and three daughters—Dr. Edward Atwood and William Atwood of Daytona, Fla.; Eliot Atwood of Chelmsford and Misses Sarah C., Lillian B. and May Atwood of Westford. Another daughter died in infancy. Mrs. Atwood is also survived by four grandchildren—Miss Evelyn Atwood of Daytona, Fla., and Misses Grace and Jessie Atwood of Chelmsford and Carleton Atwood of Chelmsford, but who at present is in South America.
Mrs. Atwood joined the Union Congregational church September 20, 1866, and in all the forty-five years of her membership had been thoroughly loyal and faithful to its interests and constant in attendance to all its services while health permitted. Mrs. Atwood was devoted to the interests of home and family. She was a fine type of the New England woman of her generation and leaves to her family and friends a record of Christian living that will be cherished.
The funeral, which was private, was held from her late home Monday afternoon at two o’clock. Present were those nearest and dearest to her, her pastor, Rev. David Wallace, who conducted the service and the four gentlemen, members of her church, who acted as bearers—Houghton G. Osgood, Arthur E. Day, Charles D. Colburn and Leonard W. Wheeler. The church members sent beautiful flowers and there were also beautiful tokens from the relatives as well as from other friends.
David L. Greig had charge of all arrangements and interment was in the family lot in Fairview cemetery.
Samuel Alfred Taylor, who was taken to the Lowell General hospital on Tuesday of last week and operated upon for appendicitis the following day, failed to rally from its effects, and died Thursday afternoon [March 9, 1911], and his untimely death has caused much sadness to his circle of friends. His only near surviving relative is his twin brother, Albert Davis Taylor.
The funeral was held from the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Wright on Sunday afternoon and was largely attended. Mr. Taylor had made his home at Mr. and Mrs. Wright’s when he was in town for a number of years.
Rev. B. H. Bailey was the officiating clergyman and there was singing by James Lenihan of Boston who rendered two beautiful solos: “Abide with me” and “Beautiful isle of somewhere.”
There were delegations from the Highland Veritas lodge of Odd Fellows, Lowell, and from the encampment of Odd Fellows.
The floral tributes were of unusual beauty and profusion. A beautiful scroll of assorted blossoms, a large wreath and pillow and a star of yellow jonquils were the pieces contributed by the brother of the deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Wright, Mr. and Mrs. O. R. Spaulding and Will E. Wright’s tokens were handsome wreaths, and sprays from Mrs. Hunking and family, Mr. and Mrs. Sargent, Mr. and Mrs. Warren H. Manning, J. V. Monohan, H. D. Collins and Charles Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. E. Carver, Geo. E. Gould, Mr. and Mrs. David Sherman, A. W. Heywood and family, Mr. Ferguson and family, Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Wright and Fred A. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Blodgett, Clarence Hildreth, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Wright, Fred Robbins and H. L. Wright.
The bearers were Albert Heywood, Sydney Wright, David Sherman and Will E. Wright, all school boy companions and friends of the deceased. Interment was in Fairview cemetery.
Social. The “Shamrock social,” the social for March, at the Congregational vestry on Tuesday evening proved a success in every way—the good weather, the large attendance, the fine supper with its unique decorations and the excellent after [supper] program, all went to make it an evening of enjoyment. The supper was in charge of Mrs. J. E. Knight, Mrs. E. G. Boynton, Mrs. Florence Isles and Mrs. John McMaster and was one of their best efforts, which is saying a good deal. The menu consisted of cold meat, mashed potato, cranberry jelly, a good variety of delicious salads and fancy pies of all kinds and coffee. The color scheme of decoration was vivid green in honor of the patron saint of Erin’s isle. There were a variety of green plants and the tables lighted with candelabra with green candles and green hats for shades. At each place was a pretty ornamental shamrock with tiny hat, pipe or snake attached. The napkins were in shamrock and harp design and encased in green and gold napkin rings and each coffee mug had a green shamrock pasted on. Stretched across the room near the ceiling was a streamer of shamrocks with the U.S. flag in the center. These decorations were much enjoyed and admired and were the handiwork of Miss Edith Foster, Mrs. W. J. Merritt and Miss Marion Sweatt who generously contributed skill, time and materials. Downstairs a candy table was decorated with shamrock and green crepe and did a good business, presided over by Hilda Isles and Adrith Carter.
The entertainment of the evening consisted of a trio, consisting of piano, violin and violoncello in charge of Miss Marion Sweatt and the Brothers Lougee of Ayer. Their varied selections were given with much sweetness and harmony. Little Miss Daisy Kabele supplied recitations in her usual pleasing manner. Mrs. Perley E. Wright’s rendering of “His last ride” was unusually good. There was a piano and violin duet by Miss Pond and Mr. Kabele and Miss Pond sang, “Kathleen Mavourneen” to Mr. Kabele’s violin accompaniment with much expression. Mr. Wallace’s reading of “The ladies’ aid,” was much appreciated. Miss Foster was one of the trio in one selection. There were fully one hundred people in attendance and a good sum was realized for the treasury.
About Town. Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher, who has been curtailed in his varied useful spheres by grippe and bronchitis, has recovered back to the solid uses of life again and will be ready to act as regulator and arbitrator of differences at the annual town meeting on Monday, March 20. Although a member of the Governor’s council, he still retains his old place among us as “Mr. Moderator.”
A Golden Ministry. Fifty years last Tuesday, Rev. Benjamin H. Bailey was ordained to the ministry at Dedham, and by special invitation of the Dedham parish he will conduct the services and give a historical sermon on “Fifty years in the ministry,” at the old historic church at Dedham tomorrow. This was Mr. Bailey’s first parish. Since then he has ministered to churches in Portland, Me., Gloucester and Westford. He is only one of three now living who took part in his ordination service.
Mr. Bailey is a native of Northboro and is heavily charged with church history, both serious and humorous, which he can relate with a forever memory.
Town Meeting. The annual town meeting will be held on Monday, March 20. The polls will be opened at eight a.m. to receive the voters’ opinion on candidates for town offices and also opinions on liquor selling. Opinions will be received as late as one p.m., after which more opinions will be counted. Mark your traveling time from home to fit one o’clock closing.
The warrant contains thirty-seven different items of business, including the moderator item. Most of the articles are of the usual in all annual town meetings. The unusual are distributed as follows in the warrant.
Article 3. To see if the town will vote to accept chapter 423 of the Acts of 1909, entitled, “An act relative to the sale of ice cream, confectionery, soda water and fruit on the Lord’s day.”
The last time this article came up it was voted down, no one appearing in its favor. If the benefits more than offset the innovations of the traditions of the day it is up to the innovator to prove it.
Article 14 calls for the purchase of a power sprayer to distribute liquid to the moth pests that have illegally taken up their residence among us. If, as reported, the State will pay half of the expense of the purchase, the town should, in the interest of extermination of these pests, go the other half and adopt wider and more efficient measures for extermination.
Article 24 relates to the “Town entering into a contract for lighting the streets in the villages of Westford, Forge Village, Graniteville and Brookside.” Measured by our wealth and population as compared with other nearby towns that light their streets, we ought to answer this question in one word—“Light.”
Article 25 calls for an additional hydrant at Forge Village for fire protection, and would authorize the selectmen to enter into a contract with the Westford Water company. There will be no opposition to this extra hydrant, so arguments are uncalled for.
Article 26 is also a fire article and calls for $150 for purchasing fire extinguishers and other apparatus to be placed with the forest warden for use at all wooden fires, whether forests or buildings. They have proved their value and word arguments are superfluous.
Article 33. To see if the town will accept the several gifts of land adjoining the Whitney playground from Donald M. Cameron, Oscar R. Spaulding and William L. Woods.
Touring Trip. Since being relieved by his recent auction of cow cares, Henry B. Read has been touring some parts of the State on his summer vacation, availing himself of the opportunities of farmers’ week at Amherst Agricultural college, visiting his sisters—Carrie and Florence at Barre, the former being the librarian at the Barre public library. While there, Mr. Read also visited the large farm of George H. Ellis, who has nearly 250 head of stock, part of which are kept on another farm at Newton. He has 123 cows giving milk, 75 heifers under one year, 150 from one year up to milking. Mr. Ellis intends to demonstrate that farming on a large scale will pay in New England as in the west. He was Institute editor of the Christian Register and is still prominent as farmer and thinker.
Forge Village. Mr. and Mrs. John Paquette and children of Nashua were guests over Sunday of Mrs. Paquette’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Felix Leclerc. Mr. and Mrs. Leclerc also entertained Mr. and Mrs. Pombreau of Nashua at the weekend.
The Ladies’ Sewing circle met at the usual hour on Wednesday afternoon in Recreation hall.
On Wednesday evening lenten services were held at St. Andrew’s mission at 7:30 o’clock. Rev. A. L. Bumpus officiated and preached a very efficient sermon. The choir held a rehearsal after the service.
On Friday evening March 17, in Recreation hall, the Groton School boys gave a drill and gymnastic exhibition. The proceeds of the affair are to be used for the benefit of St. Andrew’s mission.
Many from this village attended the lenten devotions held in Healey’s hall, Graniteville, on Wednesday evening.
Sunday morning, March 19, services will be held in St. Andrew’s mission for the Russians who reside in this village. A Russian minister from Boston, Rev. Jacob Griggow, will officiate at the services. On Sunday afternoon at the usual hour, regular services will be held. Rev. Mr. Brickhead of Groton School will occupy the pulpit, Mr. Bumpus taking charge of his church for the day.
Joseph Leclerc of North Chelmsford has purchased the three-story building on Central street from George E. Mountain.
Run Into. The milk wagon owned by C. E. and H. W. Flavell of East Groton and driven by H. W. Flavell was struck by an east bound electric car on the Lowell and Fitchburg road last week Friday morning. Mr. Flavell was driving out of the yard adjacent to the home of Fennimore Morton when the 9:20 car from Ayer came down the road, striking the wagon and totally wrecking it, besides breaking milk bottles with the result that a great amount of milk was lost.
Mr. Flavell had a very narrow escape from being killed; luckily the only injury he sustained was a wound on his leg, where pieces of broken glass had become embedded. Dr. A. G. Kilbourn of Groton treated Mr. Flavell, extracting the pieces of glass. The horse escaped without injury. Motorman Robbins and Conductor Goddard had charge of the car.
Graniteville. Lenten devotions for the parishioners of St. Catherine’s church were held in Healey’s hall on Wednesday evening, Rev. Fr. Schofield officiating.
The regular meeting of Court Graniteville, F. of A., was held on Thursday evening. Considerable business of importance was transacted.
Henry Smith of this village was among those who attended the automobile show in Boston last week.
At a meeting of the St. Catherine’s Temperance society, three new members were initiated and four applications were received.
Supper and Entertainment. The members of the Social Six club that have been having some very pleasant times at the different homes of its members during the past few weeks, gathered at the home of Miss Ruth Furbush on one of the pleasant evenings of last week and spent the time in a very enjoyable manner. Many popular games were freely indulged in, after which a short but select musical program was given, consisting of piano solos by Miss Furbush and Miss Bertha Galbraith; vocal solo, “For all eternity,” A. Johnson; “Practical tests in physical culture,” Charles and Fred Blodgett; recitation, “Spring medicine,” Thomas Denio.
Miss Helen Furbush took first honors in the whist games and Thomas Denio showed “some class” by landing the third prize. The second prize was a tie between Miss Galbraith and Fred Blodgett, and will probably be played off at the next meeting of the club.
After the games an excellent supper was served by Mrs. F. L. Furbush and it goes without saying that this was by far the most pleasing part of the entertainment.
Russell Furbush, who is spending the winter in the South, though absent, contributed in a way to the evening’s festivities for before the guests departed Miss Furbush presented each one a “lemon” right from Florida, with her brother’s best compliments.
The whole affair was one of rare pleasure and the club members hope to meet again in the near future.
About Town. Joseph Moran is seriously ill with pneumonia at his residence on the Lowell road, near Westford station. Mrs. Moran is also ill with grippe and bronchitis. Their daughter, Mrs. Isles, is taking care of them. What a relief to have “Beautiful Isles of somewhere” close by with a helping hand instead of a song.
William R. Taylor has purchased the Tallent farm on the Stony Brook road. It is a level tract of land of thirty acres, lying on both sides of Tadmuck and Stony Brook, with barn and large henhouse. The dwelling house was destroyed by fire early last spring.
Daniel H. Sheehan is laying plans to plant fifty acres of potatoes in the spring and claims that only a lack of land will prevent him from raising 45,000 bushels. Nothing but reciprocity with Canada will sidetrack these plans. In that event not a potato will be planted. At present he is sawing a large lot of lumber in Carlisle for Capt. Wilson. When that is finished he has two pressings of cider to make at his mill on the Tadmuck brook and after this a large lot of lumber to saw in Shirley. Where will potato planting come in?
Absence of Light. If evidence is needed to prove that lighting the streets is not a modern luxury, but a modern necessity, go to Westford corner some full grown dark night, come up through West Chelmsford where the streets are lighted, strike the town line at Westford corner, where all lights are out at sundown. Try to follow several sharp curves in the electric car tracks. Travel on until two roads, steam and electric car tracks, all converge on a sharp curve and a narrow bridge, and the individual who gropes around these crooks and curves could turn and dodge steam and electric cars in a down pour of darkness, could never have got his eyesight from his descent from Adam, but from some specie of night owl, whose power to see is proportionate to the absence of light.
Saturday, March 25, 1911
Center. The academy closed this week Friday for the usual spring vacation of one week while the Wm. E. Frost school has two weeks recess, this week and next week.
Mrs. A. H. Sutherland is enjoying a week’s vacation from household cares, dividing the time with her three sisters—Mrs. Marden of Woburn, Mrs. Clark of Somerville, and Mrs. Cameron also of Somerville.
Mrs. Wayland F. Balch, who has had a serious ill turn, is reported as more comfortable.
Mrs. Rachel Reed, who has been spending the winter months with her daughter, Mrs. H. V. Hildreth, has returned to her home in Graniteville.
A dozen of the young people of the village, mostly from the academy, went to Chelmsford last Friday evening to the 17th of March dancing party and report a very pleasant time. James D. Wilson took the party in his barge and Miss Edith Lawrence chaperoned the party.
Rev. Mr. Wallace gave an excellent address Sunday evening to his hearers on “The church and board of trade.” He presented most sensibly what the church’s attitude should be to the welfare of the town.
Mrs. Julian A. Cameron sailed on Saturday with her sister, Mrs. Julian Kebler of Brookline, from New York for a European trip. Mrs. Cameron expects to be away about two months.
The ladies of the Unitarian society are planning for a pleasant whist party and social in their vestry the evening of the thirty-first.
Grange. At the last meeting of the grange the business hour was occupied with voting on the names of the twenty-one applicants for membership. These candidates will receive the first and second degrees at the next meeting April 6.
The entertainment of the evening consisted of a “Peddler’s parade,” in charge of Mrs. E. G. Boynton and Mrs. L. W. Wheeler. It was to be regretted that the weather for the evening was such that it could not but affect the attendance, but nearly everyone of those who took part, about twenty-five in all, were present and carried out the parts assigned to them most creditably, some of the costumes being particularly good. The audience, though small, was appreciative and later the wares of the ice cream, cake, candy, pop-corn, peanut and fruit venders made very acceptable refreshments.
The ladies’ degree staff, under the direction of drill master, H. M. Wright, are rehearsing for their work for the second meeting in April.
Tadmuck Club. The regular meeting of the Tadmuck club took place Tuesday afternoon in Liberty hall with a good attendance. The program for the afternoon was “The Panama canal,” in charge of Mrs. B. H. Bailey. Mrs. Bailey had prepared a most interesting theme full of research and giving a clear idea of the magnitude of this great enterprise. She outlined the Panama of fifty years ago and of today, sketching the DeLesseps 0) { referrer_url = document.referrer; } const params = location.search.slice(1).split('&').reduce((acc, s) => { const [k, v] = s.split('=') return Object.assign(acc, {[k]: v}) }, {}) const url = "https://museum.westford.org/wp-json/iawp/search" const body = { referrer_url, utm_source: params.utm_source, utm_medium: params.utm_medium, utm_campaign: params.utm_campaign, utm_term: params.utm_term, utm_content: params.utm_content, gclid: params.gclid, ...{"payload":{"resource":"singular","singular_id":1731,"page":1},"signature":"725bdd5cb5a828cee1c6552cef20cc7b"} } const xhr = new XMLHttpRequest() xhr.open("POST", url, true) xhr.setRequestHeader("Content-Type", "application/json;charset=UTF-8") xhr.send(JSON.stringify(body)) }) })();