The Westford Wardsman, February, 1910
Saturday, February 5, 1910
About Town. The annual meeting of the republican town committee was held at the selectmen’s room last week Friday evening, to organize. Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher was chosen chairman. Alfred W. Hartford, secretary, Julian A. Cameron, treasurer. A later meeting will be held in February to determine the date of the caucus, to nominate candidates for the general town offices to be voted for at the coming March meeting. The important offices to be filled for a term of three years, and the individuals whose term expires, are selectman, Edward M. Abbot; assessor, Charles D. Colburn; overseer of the poor, Charles L. Hildreth; school committee, Albert R. Choate, Henry B. Read.
Wallace Johnson commenced building his icehouse Monday at Burgess pond. P. Henry Harrington, Graniteville, the substantial push magnate in wood combinations, has the contract for this building. There is need of it; ere it can be said, “The harvest is past and the winter is ended, and where is the ice for the house I intended.”
Alberta Reid, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Reid, died last Saturday. Mrs. Reid is also seriously ill at her home in Harmon’s Corner.
The Greigs, the concentrated and always-get-there farmers, have recently purchased the Brow land, west and south of Fairview cemetery.
Mrs. James H. O’Brien is ill at her home on Pigeon hill, Stony Brook road.
Selectman Dunn of West Chelmsford is coming the neighbors’ act for the farmers in Stony Brook valley, with his gasoline engine, sawing wood. This is a great relief from that old-fashioned back-ache tired feeling caused by the old-fashioned hand-sawed wood pile.
The selectmen have appointed Harwood L. Wright, Fred R. Blodgett, William O. McDonald as appraisers of property at the town farm, which will take place today, Saturday, with the usual ceremonial elaborations of dinner for those town officials who “earn their bread by the sweat of their brow.”
Entertainment. Westford, without its Oak hill, as it grandly skyward points, and earthward is guyed to the granite, would be Westford by so much less without its Fletcher family there, who lose no opportunity at close call for doing good. One of these opportunities was carefully cared for at the village church at West Chelmsford last week Thursday evening, when Mrs. Herbert Fletcher and her Sunday school class gave a supper sociable and entertainment. During the year teacher and class have raised $150 toward fitting up and furnishing a class room, and the entertainment Thursday evening was simple addition and multiplication to a previous well-directed motive. The entertainment was very select. Sweet songs by Mrs. Nettie Roberts of Lowell, always a favorite in the latitude and longitude of Oak hill, Westford Corner, West Chelmsford and the suburban city of Brookside.
Farmers’ Institutes. Middlesex North will hold one of its winter farm institutes in Littleton in some of the bright happy days to come. Date and speaker are subject to ratification of Littleton farm interests. However, so much of the program has been arranged as relates to a drawing contest between Littleton and Westford schools. This will be the noon-hour program.
It is expected that the next regular farm institute will be held at Chelmsford Center, with date and speaker to be announced. Part of the day will be devoted to the discussion of the resolution, “That the milk standard should be abolished for the good of all.” Lightning and thunderbolts on a cloudless sky would be mild in comparison with what the affirmative are loading with to batter down the milk standard with. Be calm, gentlemen, and apply a little cool scriptural calculation, this “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” So long as the consumers are a unit against abolishment and the producers are hopelessly divided, no amount of sky-rocket oratory can take the part, and the negative can win with profound silence.
Basket Ball. Saturday afternoon Westford academy basket ball team defeated the Chelmsford high school team by the score of 11 to 5. The following is the lineup:
WESTFORD | CHELMSFORD |
Feeney, rf | lb, Douglass |
Banister, lf | rb, Shean |
S. Tallant, c | c, Paasche |
Walken, rb | lf, Dutton |
A. Tallant, lb | rf, Kittredge |
It is evident that the Westford team was too talented for the visitors, or else the Chelmsford high would have been high in something other than in name. Following this came the Westford academy second team and Chelmsford high second team, and for lack of talent the Westford team was defeated by a score of 6 to 1. The following was the lineup:
CHELMSFORD | WESTFORD |
Shean, rf | lb, Hansen |
Carl, lf | rv, Gilson |
Baldwin, c | c, Prescott |
Harrington, rb | lf, Whitney |
Russell, lb | rf, Labuke |
Fortnightly Club. The Fortnightly club held its regular meeting, last week Friday evening. Disappointment expressed was the salutation individually and as a club, because of the inability of Mr. Corkum of Billerica to be present as planned. The breakdown of an electric car was responsible for the partial breakdown in the animation of the meeting, but the question, Resolved “That we are influenced in our conduct by what is inherent, more than by the enactments of law,” went right along by impromptu speakers, who had much more inherent ability than the coercions of law could have supplied them with. Among those who led ahead were Fred R. Blodgett, Mark Morrison, J. Everett Woods, Mrs. Walter Wyman, Henry O. Keyes, Mrs. Edwin Gould, Alice Lambert and others who care not for the fame of their printed name.
The next meeting will be held next Friday evening, and if Mr. Corkum is not too busy drawing a picture of milk paradise, he writes that he may become a “silent” partner in the exercises. Better come and hear the new version of “Silent.”
Centre. Mrs. Carlos D. Cushing of Fayville visited her daughter here several days last week, and was present at the teachers’ social Tuesday evening.
Joseph E. Knight is absent from town, having gone on a trip to Scarborough, Me., where he goes to attend a family reunion of five generations. The youngest in this group is six months old, and the oldest is Mr. Knight’s mother, eighty-seven years old. Mr. Knight himself has seen seventy-two winters.
Last Saturday’s ice storm made a beautiful spectacle, Sunday morning, but the ice weighted the branches of trees to their injury in many places. Several good-sized branches were broken from the fine shade trees on Main street.
The little daughter [Alberta Reid, aged 19 days] recently born to Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Reid died last Saturday. Owing to the serious illness of Mrs. Reid the baby had been removed by kind neighbors, to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kuhn. The kindest of care was not able to save the little life. A funeral service was held and the body was placed in the receiving tomb at Littleton. Undertaker Wm. A. Davis was in charge. At this writing Mrs. Reid is very seriously ill. A skilled nurse is in attendance.
The selectmen, at their meeting Tuesday evening appointed Wm. McDonald, Fred Blodgett and Richard Wright for the annual appraisal of property at the town farm this coming Saturday.
Rev. C. P. Marshall preached for the last time as pastor to good-sized congregations morning and evening at the Congregational church last Sunday. They were not “farewell sermons,” but earnest discourses to the people he has served as faithfully for nearly five years. Mrs. Marshall and Marion left Monday, going to Medford Hillside to spend a little time with relatives. The household goods left Tuesday for Quincy, going over the road in teams in charge of G. E. Gould. Mr. Marshall also left on that day.
Rev. David Wallace, formerly of Presque Isle, Me., who was expected to occupy the pulpit at the Congregational church, both morning and evening, this next Sunday, is not available for that date, but will probably be here the next Sunday. At this writing arrangements have not been completed for Sunday’s supply.
Miss E. Marion Sweatt was a guest at the Tadmuck club, Tuesday.
Rev. Mr. Wilson of the Chelmsford Street Baptist church conducted services at the chapel at North Westford also Sunday afternoon. There will be services again next Sunday.
The Edward M. Abbot Hose Co. held their regular monthly meeting at their headquarters on Boston road, Tuesday evening. An oyster supper was served in charge of Alec Fisher, Peter Clement and Warren Carkin. An invitation was received and accepted from the Graniteville company to meet with them next Monday evening.
The financial report of the recent successful fireman’s dance at the town hall was thirty-five dollars. A rising vote of thanks was given the efficient committee who managed it.
Tadmuck Club. A good-sized audience was present at the Tadmuck club, Tuesday afternoon at Library hall, to hear Rev. Wilson Water’s unique and interesting talk on “Ancient timepieces.”
From having free access to a friendly watchmaker’s shop in boyhood days Mr. Waters grew to be interested in this subject, in which he is thoroughly well versed. He illustrated his talk with some interesting specimens of the early watchmaker’s art, which from the collector’s viewpoint were of great value. With the fidelity of a thorough student of his subject, he traced the devices for measuring that rather indefinable quality—time—from the early days, in fact, from the sun dial to the highly developed products in watches and clocks of the present day.
A hearty, rising vote of thanks was tendered to Mr. Waters by the club at the close of the lecture.
At the next meeting, February 15, the subject for the season’s study of Alaska will be resumed, the special subject being “The resources of Alaska,” in charge of Charles O. Prescott.
Miss Mabel Norris of the Academy teaching force has been admitted into membership in the club.
New Books. The following books were added to the J. V. Fletcher library:
Bailey, L. H. Training of farmers. 630.7-B.
Bangs, J. K. The real thing. 812-B.
Barnes, P. T. House plants. 716-B1.
Bates, F. A. Camping and camp cooking. 799-B2.
Gladden, W. Recollections. B-G 542.
Gordon, G. A. Religion and miracle. 231-G1.
Pittenger, W. Toasts. 808.5-P2.
Sherman, W. T. Home letters. B-S 553.1.
Stanley, H. M. Autobiography. B-S 7885.1.
FICTION.
Crawford, F. M. Stradelia. C 899.39.
De Morgan, W. It never can happen again. D 386.5.
Gale, Z. Friendship village love stories. G 153.4.
Hall, E. C. Land of long ago. H 175.3.
Little, F. Little sister Snow. L 778.3.
Montgomery, L. M. Anne J. Avonlea. M 788.2.
Page, T. N. John Marvel, assistant. P 133.9.
Parker, G. Northern lights. P 239.10.
Stuart, R. M. Aunt Amity’s silver wedding. S 935.6.
Graniteville. Monday, being visiting day for the teachers in the Sargent school here, no sessions were held on that day, the teachers spending the time in visiting schools in the neighboring towns.
Miss Emily Prinn of this village left here on Tuesday for Pinehurst, S.C., where she has become engaged in hotel work at the Berkeley house.
John V. Downing, who has recently been engaged in construction work in California, arrived here Sunday, and is now visiting at the home of Mr. and Mrs. David Moran of this village.
The Pony club, composed of young ladies of this village, held a social dancing party in Healy’s hall, last Saturday evening, that was largely attended, many being present from Ayer, Forge Village, North Chelmsford and surrounding towns. The whole affair was a grand success.
Death. Mrs. Jemima Carmichael, widow of the late David Carmichael, and for over forty years a highly respected resident of this village, died at the home of her son, John B. Carmichael, in this village, on Thursday, January 27, aged seventy-four years. She leaves one son, John B. Carmichael, and two brothers, Thomas L. Grieg of Danvers, and John Greig of Westford, as well as a wide circle of friends. The deceased was a member of the M.E. church and formerly took an active part in the working of the Ladies’ Aid society and all things pertaining to church work. Her illness dates back for several months, and at times she suffered severe pain, which she endured with great patience and christian fortitude. During the past week her condition grew rapidly worse, but the end was very peaceful and beautiful, and she died like a child going to sleep.
In the death of Mrs. Carmichael this village loses one of its oldest residents and the church a strong co-worker and a good firm member, while the neighbors and friends consider the loss a personal one.
The funeral took place at the home of her son, John B. Carmichael, Sunday afternoon, and was largely attended, many being present from out of town.
The services that were held at the house were conducted by Rev. Alfred Woods of Newburyport, a former pastor of the M.E. church here, and an old friend of the Carmichael family. Mr. Woods spoke very feelingly of the departed, and his words of consolation to the bereaved family was a source of great comfort to them.
During the service the Verdi male quartet of Lowell, composed of Thos. Wardell, first tenor; Arthur T. Munn, second tenor; George Burns, bass; Harry Needham, bass, sang very sweetly, “Beautiful isle of somewhere,” “Still, still with thee,” “Rest for the weary,” and at the grave “Abide with me.”
The floral tributes were varied and beautiful, which testified in a marked degree to the high esteem in which the deceased was held.
The bearers were Wesley O. Hawkes, Levi S. Gilson, Andrew Johnson and Wilfred G. Blodgett. Burial was in Fairview cemetery, Westford, where the committal prayers were read by Rev. Alfred Woods. At the cemetery the grave was entirely hidden by hemlock boughs and evergreen, the work of Mrs. Clara Greig. Undertaker David L. Greig had general charge of the funeral arrangements.
Looks Like a Race. Judging from present indications it looks very much like having another trial of speed between the different horses here in a very few days. The ice on Forge pond is in fine shape and all that is needed is a couple of nights of good freezing and everything will be in readiness. There are some very fast steppers in this village, and it appears that a prominent man in Westford hill has a horse that he thinks can “go some.” The people here are not of the same opinion, however, and are in hopes that the weather will be favorable so as to enable this “speeder” to show what he can do. It is understood that several of the horse owners throughout the town are taking quiet little trips nightly to the neighboring ponds for the purpose of “trying the ice,” but as the most of them carry stop-watches and the horses are well booted, it looks as though they were trying to steal a march on the “other fellow.” In the meantime the sports are wishing for a cold snap, and that the great day will be fair with little wind, that is, across the pond.
Entertainment. The Ladies’ Aid society of the M.E. church held an entertainment and food sale in the church vestry on Tuesday evening and in spite of the inclement weather there was a large number in attendance. The committees in charge of the entertainment, Mrs. C. G. Sargent and Mrs. Harry N. Fletcher, departed from the usual custom that prevails at such affairs and secured as a social attraction at this time S. Thompson Blood of Concord, who furnished the entire entertainment and scored a great hit. It was his first appearance here, but it is the sincere wish of all that attended Tuesday evening’s performance that it will not be his last, for there was not a dull moment from beginning to end, and the whole affair was very enjoyable.
The committee on the entertainment is to be commended for its foresight in selecting such a popular attraction, and when it serves in a similar capacity again, it goes without saying that the church will be filled to the doors, as it is plainly evident that they displayed good judgment and gave the people just what they have been waiting for. Before and after the entertainment a sale of home-made candies and ice cream and cake was held, and the good things were so very good that the entire lot was soon disposed of. This was one of the most pleasing affairs that the Ladies’ Aid has held for a long time.
Forge Village. John L. Flynn has been visiting relatives the past week in Ansonia, Conn. He will spend some time with friends in Bridgeport, Conn., and New York city.
The well-known R.T.S. society, composed of young men of this village, have set aside Saturday night as ladies’ night, and from all accounts have proved themselves royal entertainers. The evenings are pleasantly spent in whist and music. The special feature of the last affair was the singing of Philip D. Lord, which proved him a singer of much promise. The next entertainment is in charge of Dolor Dumont. Mr. Dumont is known as an able impersonator and is a valued member of the club.
The members of the John Edwards hose company of the Westford fire department held their regular meeting in their club rooms, Wednesday, February 2, and made arrangements to hold a supper Saturday evening, February 5.
After the services in St. Andrew’s mission, Wednesday evening, a guild meeting was held. Committees were appointed to serve the ensuing year.
Mr. and Mrs. Albert Bailey and daughter Lillian of Lowell were guests Sunday of Mr. and Mrs. Myles Collins.
The Johnson-Ketchel fight pictures with the following cast:
“Miss Susan Slant, the Heiress,” Mrs. L. W. Wheeler; “Mrs. Wiggs,” “Mrs. Batters” and “Mrs. Green,” fair weather friends, Mesdames Greig, Knight and Lumbnert; “Miss Charlotte Long,” Miss Martha Grant; “Maria,” Miss Susan’s niece, Miss Beth Cushing.
There was also a vocal trio, Miss Laura Lumbert, Miss Cushing and Mrs. Lillian Lumbert; duet, Miss Cushing and Miss Lumbert; piano solo, Miss Mabel Miller; reading, Mrs. J. E. Knight. The next meeting, February 1, will be Patriotic night with special music, and much effort will be made to make it a good program.
This grange was well represented at the North Middlesex Pomona grange, Lowell, the following day.
About Town. Rev. Seth W. Walker of the old Walker homestead, and well and favorably known as an Advent preacher of eloquence and more recently known as the California evangelist, is holding a series of meetings in Salem. Among the subjects discoursed upon is the “Eastern” or “Turkish question” and “Our paradise home.”
George W. Bussey of Brookside is having another of his old-time struggles with an old-time lung trouble. This and the recent frigid zone weather has increased this close attraction for forming at the warm and cosy fireside.
Alvin Polley makes no permanent gain towards recovery. A period of advance is invariably followed by reaction while the period of gain is of longer duration than the period of relapse, yet the latter like all destructive forces tears down speedily what long patience and skill have constructed.
There was no service at the Unitarian church last Sunday, owing to the illness of Rev. Bailey, who was suffering from a severe chill with pneumonia tendencies. His attending physician, Dr. Wells, succeeded in making the pneumonia tendencies have tenderly leave to withdraw. With this out of the way the chill got a severely warm shaking up, and the preacher of righteousness is expected soon to proclaim as of old, “So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” [Psalm 90:12]
H. E. Fletcher & Co., the Oak hill stone contractors, have the United States government contract for building the new postoffice at New Orleans.
Along with the sunny social business life of Oak hill, there is an occasional reverse situation. This cloud on the fair sky of clear sailing occurred last week when Harold Fletcher, eldest child of Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher, was taken suddenly ill at the Lowell high school. He was removed to the Lowell General hospital, where a consultation of physicians decided it was a case of appendicitis, and a surgical operation was decided upon, which was performed by Dr. Leahey, son of Thomas H. Leahey of the firm of Fletcher and Leahey, assisted by Dr. J. B. Field of Lowell. He is making a steady gain towards early recovery. At present it seems reasonably certain that he is beyond the ordinary danger point.
The Flynns are improving the appearance of their already neatly-trimmed farm buildings by shingling the sides of their barn at the old homestead on Pigeon hill, Stony Brook road.
Miss Jennie S. Hamlin, who died in Lowell last Saturday, was an aunt of Lyman Wilkins, one of Westford’s former citizens. The funeral took place, Tuesday afternoon, from her home in Lowell. Rev. R. A. Green officiated. Singing by Mrs. Nettie Roberts. The bearers were Messrs. Wilkins, Fish, Worthen and Sharkey. Burial was in Fairview cemetery, Westford, under the direction of C. M. Young of Lowell. To the older residents of Westford Miss Hamlin will be remembered as a resident here many years ago. She was 75 years and 8 months old.
Mrs. Horace Hamblett is seriously ill again at her home at Brookside. Considering age, well to be sure, she has rally reserve.
The W.C.T.U. held their monthly meeting with Mrs. Homer Seavey, last week Wednesday, fourteen members being present. A letter was read from the state president and work laid out for the future.
The Academy scholars gave one of their hopping good times, last week Friday evening, at the town hall. The Columbian orchestra of Milford, N.H., and new to the town, were lively and made hopping easy. About thirty-five dollars was laid up for future baseball necessities. Many were present from Forge Village, Graniteville, West Chelmsford and the surrounding towns. It was a most enjoyable affair, and it is hoped that there will be in the near future. [sic]
A large elm limb was twisted from its bearings at the homestead yard of Frank C. Drew, Wednesday evening, dislocating the telephone service. The electric wires being dislocated by choice of management, the limb was unable to further delay travel.
Farmers’ Institute. The next Farmers’ Institute will be held at Chelmsford town hall, next Wednesday, February 16, at 10:30. It is expected that Professor Sears will speak on fruit culture. The afternoon program has met with a sudden change of front, and the long expected discussion of the milk standard has been abandoned for the present, and the old fighting question of Resolved, “That capital punishment should be abolished,” has been substituted, and the same college graduates as come the circus act on this subject three years ago at Westford are expected to perform at Chelmsford. As the writer had not part in laying these plans, he would much prefer to be a silent side issue. If anyone in Middlesex North desires this place with salary and glory attachments, apply as soon as loaded for the contest. Following this Institute, Middlesex North will hold an Institute at Littleton, Thursday, February 24. The afternoon will be devoted largely to a drawing contest between Littleton and Westford schools.
Deaths. Jonathan Collins died suddenly last Saturday evening, at the home of his son, Frank Collins, at Brookside. He had been to North Chelmsford, where he was taken ill and returned on the electric cars, being assisted to his home by the conductor and motorman, and died about two hours later.
The funeral was from the home of his son at Brookside, Tuesday afternoon. Rev. Thomas L. Fisher, of the Episcopal mission at Forge Village, conducted the services. Mrs. John Carmichael, Jr., and Miss Theresa Lowther sang several favorite selections. The bearers were Myles Collins, James, Albert and John Dugdale. He was 76 years and 4 months old, and leaves a widow and two sons, Myles Collins, superintendent of the Abbot worsted mills at Forge Village, and Frank Collins, superintendent of the George C. Moore mills at Brookside, and one daughter, Mrs. James Dugdale of Haverhill, and seven grandchildren. The floral tributes were the beauty and fragrance gathered and arranged as charms from his life by relatives and friends who knew the wise stewardship of his life. Burial was at Fairview under the direction of Undertaker David L. Greig.
Elizabeth McBride, who died last week Friday, February 4, at Cleveland, Ohio, will be remembered by Westford as the daughter of Walter and Lydia (Richardson) Wright and was a niece of Miss Sarah Richardson on the Lowell road at Brookside and of John Wright, for several years the teacher at Westford academy. The chief factor resulting in death was la grippe. Besides her husband, Harris McBride, she leaves four children and seven grandchildren, one brother, Charles Wright, and a sister, Miss Ella Wright, who has purchased the Richardson-Fletcher homestead at Brookside as a summer residence.
Mrs. McBride was sixty-three years old the Sunday previous to her death, and Mr. McBride sixty-seven, same day. The funeral took place from the residence in Cleveland on Monday.
While at the breakfast table last week Friday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Warren P. Sweetser, James Harrop fell to the floor and died in about ten minutes of heart disease. The funeral was from the home of his daughter on the Acton road, Parkerville, Monday afternoon. Rev. Dane of South Chelmsford officiated. The bearers were Warren P. Sweetser, Almon S. Vose, William L. Butterworth, William F. Seifor. He was a native of England and leaves a widow and three daughters. He was a stone cutter by trade and belonged to the union. The floral tributes by relatives and friends was liberally appropriate. Burial was in Fairview by Undertaker David L. Greig.
Graniteville. The members of St. Catherine’s Temperance society held a largely attended meeting in their rooms on Wednesday night. Considerable business of importance was transacted, two members were initiated and three applications for membership received. The society is now planning on holding an entertainment in its rooms in the near future for the members and a few invited friends.
The Committee in charge of the Ladies’ Aid society entertainment that was held recently has settled all bills incurred and report a balance of thirty-one dollars, that is now in the hands of the treasurer. The Ladies’ Aid is very grateful to all those who helped in any way toward the success of the affair, special mention being made of Fred R. Blodgett, who disposed of a large number of tickets and helped in various ways for the good of the cause. Andrew Johnson and Willie Gilson also deserve a word of praise for their good work.
The large willow trees that have stood for years near the corner of Broadway and Main street have been cut down, and this makes a much-needed improvement, as the walking was unusually very bad under these trees, particularly after a heavy rainfall. Besides it gives a good, clear view of both streets from the mill pond bridge, and makes it much safer for teams and automobiles coming around the corner.
At the 9:45 o’clock mass celebrated in St. Catherine’s church on Sunday morning, the celebrant, Rev. J. J. McNamara, read the rules for the coming holy season of lent, and also gave a very instructive talk, principally on temperance. His sermon, though short, was very timely and covered the ground thoroughly. His sound logic made a deep impression on his hearers, and those who attended this mass should feel that they were fortunate in being present.
The service for the distribution of ashes was held in St. Catherine’s church on Wednesday evening at 7:30 o’clock.
The Ladies’ Aid society of the M.E. church met with Mrs. W. O. Hawkes on Thursday afternoon, February 10, at three o’clock.
A daughter [Mildred E. Brooks] was born to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Brooks of this village on Sunday, February 6.
Rev. Lewis T. [F.] Havermale of Boston preached his first sermon in the M.E. church here on Sunday morning, and made a good impression. [Lewis Frederick Havermale (1886-1965) was pastor of the M.E. church at Graniteville from 1910 to 1912.] The evening service was also largely attended, and the congregation had the pleasure of listening to an eloquent sermon delivered in a very able manner.
F. of A. Court Graniteville 179, F. of A., held a very largely attended meeting in its rooms on Thursday night, with Chief Ranger T. G. Sullivan in the chair. Business of importance was transacted, and three propositions received. After the meeting was over a very enjoyable smoke-talk was held, in charge of the following committee: Fred M. Defoe, John Boyd and Edward M. Riney. A very substantial luncheon was served, after which the cigars were lighted and the following program was given: Opening remarks by the toastmaster, John Boyd; harmonica solo, Charles Eaton; song, Thomas Hughes; recitation, A. R. Wall; songs by the Imperial quartet composed of R. J. McCarthy, Henry LeDuc, J. B. Riney and George McCarthy; recitation, “The cremation of Sandy [Sam?] McGee,” orchestra; song, “Posseni numi,” Kenneth Hadden; Genee waltz, orchestra; song, selected, with piano and violin accompaniment, Norman Sturgis; La Trasquita, orchestra; violin solo, Cantilene, Charles Russell; song, “Drink to me only with thine eyes,” Kenneth Hadden; selections from “The dollar princess,” orchestra; hammock love song, quartet and orchestra; Sweetheart waltz, orchestra. After the concert refreshments were served to those who took part. The affair was for the benefit of St. Andrew’s mission.
Birthday Party. A very pleasant birthday party was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Blodgett at “The ridges,” Saturday evening, February 5, the occasion being the twenty-first birthday anniversary of their daughter, Miss Annie Blodgett. Miss Blodgett received many valuable presents, among them being a gold watch and pin presented by Miss Sarah Precious on behalf of those present. Miss Blodgett thanked her many friends for their kindness. The party then walked to the hall, a short distance away, where a very merry time was enjoyed by all. Refreshments of ice cream, cake and choice fruit and confectionery were served. About one hundred guests were present from Worcester, Pepperell, Groton, Littleton, Westford, Graniteville and this village.
An Hour More of Daylight. It is an interesting idea that is proposed: To change the clock from May first to October first of each year, so that time will be advanced one hour. In other words, on May first we would all move the hands of our clocks at five o’clock in the morning, say, to six o’clock and go about our day’s work. We would stop work at the usual hour, say, at six o’clock in the afternoon. But instead of getting dark at seven or eight o’clock, it would not become dark until nine o’clock. We would have, in other words, an additional hour of daylight and yet we would have the same hours for business and sleep as now. But where we would gain is in an earlier hour in the cool of the morning for work and an additional hour of daylight in the evening. The only point at which there would be a loss is during the night of the last day of April, when we would lose an hour’s sleep. One can easily figure out what this would mean to the business man coming home, especially if he lives in the suburbs. It would make outdoor exercise possible, too, after the evening meal. It would certainly be an untold benefit to school children in May, June and September. The idea, at its first glance, seems foolish and impossible, but one cannot study it long before the tremendous advantages gained by the change become apparent. Of course, it is like cheating at solitaire; you cheat only yourself. But inasmuch as we must live by the clock, as we judge every action by it, it is certainly a pertinent question that asks: Why not change the clock, particularly as we do not actually change time?
It looks as if the British and Canadian parliaments would pass the bills for one more hour of daylight, and it is an interesting question: Why shouldn’t we do likewise in America? will be taken from the list of “try and have it ready next meeting,” and be put on the list of “here you have it at last.”
James H. O’Brien, who has been ill with pneumonia, has got round it, with cautious planning of avoiding the outdoor paths that dampened the way that led to his illness.
Among others who will accompany the Goode family to California and Oregon are Mrs. John M. O’Brien, Frank D., Nellie and Agnes O’Brien. They will leave about March 15.
Obituary. Rev. John Calvin Kimball, who died last week Thursday at the home of his daughter in Greenfield, has the clear and friendly remembrance of all who knew him when he was minister of our old First Parish Unitarian church several years ago [1892-1895]. By the townspeople he will ever be remembered for his example of plain vigorous New England living, both from temperament and from free choice. His was the courageous living of all that was best in that solid type of life that the world has long known and admired as New England. By the First Parish church he will be remembered as an eloquent and forcible exponent of righteousness, and for his clear and fearless expression of opinion in regard to this life and the life elsewhere. None who ever knew him could help but admire his sincerity for truth in matters of religion and his independence in matters political, as he loyally defended the principles of minorities as did his father, but not simply because they did, but because he thought it right. He had a vigorous personality and a very reverential spirit. As his name suggests, he was named for the great apostle and founder of Calvinism. He was the author of several virile pamphlets on the Unitarian faith, published by the Unitarian association. During the civil war he served as chaplain in a Massachusetts regiment, which saw active service in many frontier fights. While in Westford the Veteran’s association invited him to give the address on Memorial day. The citizens will recall that address as the life of eloquence cannonading for human rights that could not be stopped this side of realization.
Mr. Kimball was a graduate of Amherst college [in 1854], and later was a classmate at Harvard [1859] with our own pastor, Rev. Benjamin H. Bailey [1860]. At the Sunday service here Mr. Bailey fittingly reviewed the courageous lifework and independent loyalty of his old classmate.
The funeral services were held last Sunday afternoon and burial was in his native town of Ipswich, beside the companion of his life, near to the resting places of his ancestors and close by the homestead farm of his boyhood days. Mr. Bailey was invited to attend but health considerations made it necessary for him to decline this last service to his classmate.
Basket Ball. Westford academy basket ball team was defeated by the Stow high school team last Saturday at Stow by the score of 38 to 14. The Stow team has been under training for some time by a college coach. This advantage was the real telling factor that led to the defeat of the Westford team, who have the usual and more than ordinary physical weight and muscle belonging to farm life, but they lacked training in its use. It must also be remembered that this is the first for several seasons the school has been represented in this branch of winter sport. Principal Woodward has them in hand for training, and in their training and build they have some reserve defeats for even college-coached teams. The academy team was manned by Feeney, Bannister, A. Tallant, S. Tallant and Walken. Plenty of talent and a good banister to hold and balance by.
The Academy team defeated the Academy alumni team on Washington’s holiday at the basket ball game at the academy gymnasium by the score of 26 to 14. It was a clear case of practice and out of practice.
ACADEMY | ALUMNI |
Feeney, rb | rb, Hartford |
Banister, lf | lf, Hildreth |
S. Tallant, c | c, Wright |
Walkdon, rf | rf, Johnson |
A. Tallant, lb | lb, Hamlin |
A social lunch was served at the close.
Referee, O’Connor. Timekeeper, Mr. Woodward.
Give Us Light. Representatives of the Connecticut River Power Co. were in town Washington’s day with a view of lighting up our darkness in street, hall, school, mill and private dwellings, and perhaps trolley us to Brookside. We need light on the streets of our villages for the safety of our name as a town in comparison with less wealth and population that surrounds us. We also need light to read the statistics of passenger traffic from Westford to Brookside at a time when the fare was fifteen cents for two and one-half miles, and five cents for five miles elsewhere by the same charge of electricity. Yes, give us light to prove figures fair and right. Yes, give us light that we can see ourselves as others don’t see us.
Center. Miss Ida M. Gould is convalescing from a two weeks’ siege with grippe.
Mrs. J. W. Pyne and family attended the funeral of her brother-in-law, Geo. Woodbury, in Manchester, N.H., Thursday. Death was due to heart failure, he being found dead in his room at Troy, N.Y., where he was stopping.
Mrs. John P. Wright was in town Monday of this week calling on old friends and neighbors.
Members of the Tadmuck club are reminded of the change of meeting, beginning next week, from 2:30 to three.
Schools were closed Washington’s birthday and also the J. V. Fletcher library. The R.F.D. carriers also enjoyed the holiday. As the weather and traveling were bad, the holiday must have been doubly welcome to these last mentioned.
Miss Eva E. Fletcher, having reached a quiescent stage from her recent severe attack of appendicitis, was taken to the Lowell General hospital this week, and underwent an operation Wednesday. The operation was performed by Dr. C. R. Metcalf of the Massachusetts General hospital, and Dr. O. V. Wells, and is apparently successful. Her many friends sincerely sympathize with her in her suffering, and earnestly wish her a speedy recovery.
Accident. Leslie Devereaux, who was a weekend guest of Alexander Cameron, met with an unfortunate accident last Saturday afternoon. While coasting down a steep hill below the house [7 Graniteville Rd.] with a double-runner, they collided with a tree, and the Devereaux boy’s leg was broken below the knee. The boys were classmates together at the Middlesex school for boys at Concord. Dr. Wells and the school physician from Concord, Dr. Chamberlain, attended to the boy’s injuries. His home is in Utica, N.Y.
Grange. Weather and traveling were such that the attendance at the grange last Thursday evening was not as good as usual, although every officer of the staff, including executive committee, were present. After the business session the lecturer presented a good program of patriotic nature. There were papers and poems on the lives of Lincoln and Washington, and music by Arthur Blodgett with the cornet and Miss Mabel Miller at the piano, all the selections being of the stirring patriotic order.
At the next meeting, March 3, some of the brothers, under the direction of Joe Wall, will present their play “The third degree.” Let everybody who can come and enjoy a good laugh.
Has Accepted the Call. Rev. David Wallace preached again most acceptably to a large congregation last Sunday morning. At the close of the service there was a business meeting of the church members and there seemed to be a unanimous wish to extend to Mr. Wallace a call to become the pastor of the church. Of twenty-nine written ballots cast twenty-eight were affirmative.
Mr. Wallace has accepted the call extended to begin work at once. He comes to his church with a record of successful pastorates and the committee feel that they have secured a man suited to the needs of the parish. Following is his letter of acceptance:
Lunenburg, Mass., Feb. 21, 1910.
Mr. L. W. Wheeler, Chairman Supply Committee, Congregational Church, Westford, Mass.
Dear Mr. Wheeler: Your letter at hand, notifying me of the Union Congregational church, Westford, in calling me to the pastorate. I accept the call, and, in accordance with my understanding with you as to the wishes of the people, I propose to begin my pastoral work with you next Sunday morning, February 27.
Believing that the great head of the church has brought us together and trusting and praying that his richest blessing may attend us in all the work and through all the days that we may be privileged to enjoy together, and wishing you all grace, mercy and peace,
I am, sincerely yours,
David Wallace.
Mr. Wallace has a special message for his congregation next Sunday morning and especially and earnestly desires all to be present who can possibly do so. At this writing the freshly renovated parsonage is ready for occupancy, and the new pastor’s household goods are expected to arrive Thursday or Friday. The renovations have been most capably and attractively done with additional assistance of willing parishioners.
The new family circle consists of the pastor, his wife and two daughters, Pauline and Rachael.
Forge Village. The Misses Ellen and Annie Holden held a reception at their home on Pond street, Saturday evening, and a large number of their friends were present. The evening was pleasantly spent in vocal and instrumental music. Those who contributed towards the evening’s entertainment were: James Burns, Miss Sarah Smith, Miss Mary Gardner, Miss Rachael Cherry, Frank Lowther, vocal selections; duet, the Misses Christina and Theresa Lowther; piano solos, Miss Mary T. Hanley and Frederick Naylor, who was also [was] the accompanist of the evening. Light refreshments were served.
Frank Murphy, Peter Hanley, W. Connors and brother of Lowell were guests Sunday of Francis Lowther. These well-known Lowell young men spent the past two summers camping at Forge pond and made many friends here. They were so fascinated with camp life that they made arrangements to obtain a cottage on the shore of the pond for the entire season of 1910. They are now anxiously awaiting the arrival of the “good old summer time.”
Mrs. M. A. Lowther, who has been very ill the past week, is somewhat better and is resting comfortably.
Philip D. Lord is confined to his home with a severe attack of the grippe.
Mr. and Mrs. John Bennett of Worcester were guests last Sunday of Mrs. H. E. Randall. Mrs. Randall also entertained the last of the week Miss Ada Nute of Haverhill and Mrs. Augusta Whidden.
Mrs. Mary Leclerc has been suffering from an attack of mumps the past few days.
A large number from here attended the play, “The dictator,” which was given by the boys of Groton School in the town hall, Groton, Wednesday evening. J. A. Healy of Graniteville conveyed some of the members in his large three-seated sleigh. R. D. Prescott was the driver.
Mr. and Mrs. John Hanley of Marlborough and little daughter Mary have returned home after a pleasant visit spent with Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Hanley.
Miss Mary Cherry is recovering from an attack of the grippe.
The Ladies’ Sewing circle met with Mrs. George H. Sanborn, Thursday afternoon. After the usual work refreshments were served.
Eugene Coté, who underwent an operation at the Lowell General hospital several weeks ago, is in a critical condition as a result of blood poisoning.
Loyal Self-Help lodge, I.O.O.F., M.U., held a very interesting meeting in Abbot hall on Monday evening. A large number was in attendance. After the lodge business was completed a short entertainment was given: Piano solo, John Shackelton; harmonica duet, Charles Eaton, John Baker; recitation, Charles Thompson; song and dance, John Baker; songs, William DeRoehn, Harry White, John Shackelton, Charles Flanagan. Another entertainment has been arranged for the next meeting night.
Graniteville. The regular meeting of St. Catherine’s temperance society was held in its rooms on Wednesday. Business of importance was transacted and reports of committees acted upon. A whist party is one of the features promised for the future.
Ernest Longbottom, a former resident, but now located in Arlington Heights, has been a recent visitor of this village.
Court Graniteville, F. of A., held a very interesting meeting in its rooms on Thursday night. Chief Ranger L. G. Sullivan presided. Business of importance was transacted and three applications were received. It was voted to hold an entertainment after the next regular meeting.
The entertainment committee of Court Westford, M.C.O.F., has decided to run a dramatic entertainment after the Lenten season. The selection of the play has practically been decided upon, and rehearsals will commence in the very near future. The cast will include three of the original numbers of the Graniteville Dramatic club.
Birthday Anniversary. A very pleasant family event took place at the home of Mr. and Mrs. William White in this village on Sunday, the occasion being the seventy-fifth birthday anniversary of William White. An excellent dinner was served by Mrs. White, and seated about the festive board were members of the immediate family, including Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Wright and Miss Edith Wright of Westford; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Edwards of West Chelmsford; Henry White and little son, Master Norman White, of Beverly. Mr. White received many happy returns of the day, and was presented with an elegant Morris chair of the latest pattern by the members of the family. Mr. White is a well-preserved man for his years, enjoys good health and works every day. The presentation of the chair was a happy thought of his children, for, as he remarked, “it was just what I wanted,” and he can now enjoy his evening paper and books while comfortably seated before the glowing fire.
Church Services. At the Methodist church last Sunday, the pastor preached from the topic, “The mission of the church.” For the evening the theme was “Where the soul lives.” A chorus of twelve or more has been organized and will render special music at the evening hour. The pastor met all the men of the church in the vestry on Saturday evening, and an informal hour was spent. Refreshments were served.
Many attended the Lenten service in St. Catherine’s church on Wednesday evening, which included the stations of the cross, followed by the benediction of the blessed sacrament, [that] were conducted by Rev. J. J. McNamara. Fr. McNamara also gave a brief sermon appropriate to the Lenten season.
Lenten devotions were to be held on Tuesday evening, but owing to the severity of the storm, they were held on Wednesday evening instead.
After the 9:45 o’clock mass that was celebrated in St. Catherine’s church on Sunday morning by Rev. J. J. McNamara, a short meeting was held by the parishioners for the purpose of forming plans for the coming entertainment to begin in aid of the church.