The Westford Wardsman, March, 1909
Saturday, March 6, 1909
Obituary. Our community has had its full share of sudden deaths in recent years, but when word was passed about Friday afternoon, Feb. 26, of the death of our venerable and respected townsman, Charles L. Hildreth, it was a shock and surprise, for recently he has been in comparatively comfortable health. In the fall and early winter he was seriously sick with heart trouble and his physicians gave but little hope of his recovery, but the strong constitution and the strong will rallied and of late he had resumed many of his former cares and the daily outdoor exercises in which he firmly believed. Friday afternoon he started out to walk to the neighboring home of W. M. Wright, who has been in his employ for many years. This house was originally the home of his ancestor, Richard Hildreth, and the late Mr. Hildreth was of the seventh generation to occupy these ancestral acres.
When he arrived at his house he complained of feeling ill and died before aid could be brought to him.
Charles Lewis Hildreth was born in Concord, N.H., Oct. 9, 1823, educated at the academy in New Ipswich, N.H., and removed from New Ipswich to Lowell when twenty-two years of age and began work in the Lowell machine shop as an apprentice, serving three years. He then became a contractor in the machine shop, which place he held for about ten years. During the great depression in the iron trade in 1858, he became foreman for a Philadelphia firm, remaining two years, when he returned to Lowell, and became foreman in the machine shop in 1865, holding the position fourteen years. In 1879 he was elected to the important office of superintendent of the “big shop.” These works are the largest of the kind in America and Mr. Hildreth was conversant with the minutest details. During this period he resided part of the year in Lowell and the remainder of the time in Westford, going daily in the summer to look after the immense business in Lowell, and at the same time taking a deep interest in the farm at Westford where he made many substantial improvements.
About five years ago he retired to his Westford farm, building the beautiful and substantial home where his last days were spent. A few years ago he built the picturesque log cabin at the summit of sightly Prospect hill. These and the several other houses owned by him, the care of his large farming interests, and the extensive building of substantial stone walls occupied his time.
While living in Lowell he was closely identified with the Kirk st. church and in Westford with the Union Congregational church. He was its friend and benefactor and its members will ever hold his name in loving memory. It was Mr. Hildreth some years ago, when this church was remodeled, who came forward with his sagacious and practical business ability and generosity and made possible many things that otherwise could not have been accomplished. Embodied in the report of the building committee on the church records is the following entry:
“A report from this building committee would not be complete without mention of a self-elected member thereof, who has proved the most efficient member of the committee. When the contract work was well under way Mr. Hildreth found what was being done and ordered the construction of an organ loft. From that time on in building and furnishing, in adding finishing touches within and without and about the building his kindly hand has constantly been visible. With excellent taste and with the end in view of the completion of the whole in a manner harmonious throughout and thoroughly adapted to the purpose of the building, he has steadily labored. The carpet, the pews, the decorations, the stained glass windows, except the memorial window, with numerous small items thoughtfully provided are from his generous hand. Last but not by any means least the organ is from him and his daughter.”
This is but a part of the record, but it shows how at that time and many times since he has come forward with kindly and discriminating generosity.
Mr. Hildreth was married in July, 1846, to Miss Mary M. Lovejoy of Nashua, N.H. She died in Lowell Dec. 1, 1889. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hildreth,–Emily Frances, born July 11, 1847, and Ella Francella, born Dec. 12, 1849. The latter survives him. Since the death of her mother she has been her father’s devoted friend, helper and home-maker. Mr. Hildreth had traveled extensively in this country and in Europe.
The funeral was held from his late home Monday morning at eleven o’clock and was largely attended. A large delegation of friends from Lowell was present. Rev. Charles P. Marshall was the officiating clergyman and he spoke wise and tender words of loving sympathy and paid fitting and just tribute to him who had lived his long life with manly strength and faithfulness. He also read from a beautiful poem entitled “He gives his Angels charge o’er all our ways,” which was a favorite with Mr. Hildreth. The quartet from the Kirk st. church, Lowell, rendered beautiful selections, the first an adaptation from [John Greenleaf] Whittier’s beautiful “Our Master” and “O, Love that will not let me go,” and lastly “Abide with me.”
The bearers were F. A. Flather, E. W. Burke, Channing Whittaker and C. L. Hedrick. The arrangements were in charge of A. G. Cumnock, and undertaker Rufus O. Adams was in attendance. Interment was in the family lot in the Edson cemetery, Lowell. Mr. Marshall accompanied the funeral party to Lowell and conducted the committal service at the grave. The flowers that Mr. Hildreth so loved in life were rarely beautiful for this last service and completely banked the casket. They were as follows:
Wreath of box leaves and violets, Ella F. Hildreth; wreath of galax leaves, violets and orchids, old friends among the mill agents; set piece of roses and pinks, Lowell machine shop; Jacqueminot roses and palms, James T. Smith; spray of pinks and ferns, Union Congregational church; wreath of roses and ferns, Mr. and Mrs. Edward N. Burke; narcissus and pinks, Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Wright; wreath of Easter lilies and galax, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Hildreth and Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Hildreth; white roses and ferns, Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Southworth; cut roses, Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Elliot; white roses, violets and palms, Franklin Pevey and daughters; violets and galax leaves, Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Hedrick; wreath of violets, galax leaves and pinks, Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Palmer; spray of pinks and palms, Mr. and Mrs. John P. Wright; Easter lilies and ferns, Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Flather; tea roses and ferns, Mr. and Mrs. F. G. Sargent; spray white roses, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Hildreth; white azalea plant, Mr. and Mrs. Henry W. Hildreth; wreath of galax leaves and violets, Channing Whittaker; spray pink roses, Dr. John L. Hildreth; pinks Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Barrett.
Banquet. The ladies of the Thimble club held their annual cooperative banquet complimentary to their husbands last Saturday evening. It was at the home of Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Hartford, who made the very best kind of host and hostess, and it was also a sort of house warming for their pretty new home in which they have but recently become established. The long table extended the length of two rooms and was beautifully decorated with carnations and ferns. The place cards were of dainty white with a pink carnation fastened through with pink ribbon. The menu was one of the best that this group of housewives knew how to plan and after it had been thoroughly and happily discussed the evening was rounded out with games, music and congenial sociability.
The group of gentlemen who enjoyed this party with their wives were Edward Fisher, William D. Woods, A. W. Hartford, H. V. Hildreth, O. R. Spaulding, D. [L.?] W. Wheeler and J. H. Fletcher, and invited guests were Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Fisher of Lowell, and H. L. Wright and W. R. Taylor. Last but not least was the daughter of the household, Miss Hazel Hartford. Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Hildreth, 2d, were much missed, but were detained at home on account of Mr. Hildreth’s uncle’s death.
Tadmuck club. The regular meeting of the Tadmuck club took place in Library hall, Tuesday afternoon. The programme [sic] was changed by the committee in charge from the reading of a Shakespearian play to an afternoon with the poet, Edgar Allan Poe, whose centenary comes this year. It was interesting and profitable from the fact that perhaps many real lovers of poetry are not as familiar with this poet as many others.
Miss Ruth Fisher read an excellent paper, bringing out the real genius that he made evident in his comparatively brief and checkered life of thirty-nine years. The paper was interspersed with readings from his poems. Miss Eva Fletcher read “Annabel Lee,” and Miss Edith Foster “The raven,” while Rev. B. H. Bailey gave a group of three—“The haunted palace,” “My dream” and one other.
Now that the afternoons have lengthened sufficiently, the beginning of the meetings will be at three instead of 2:30. The club voted to send a letter of sympathy to Miss Ella Hildreth.
It has been thought best in the club to have a gentlemen’s or guests’ night, and the hospitality committee and that for the annual social at the end of the season will probably combine their efforts into the one event.
A Trio of Movings. It is early in the season of spring movings, but the change of ownership of the Fletcher farm has been the cause of considerable activity in this line during the past week. Mrs. Mary E. Fletcher [nee Mary Eliza Leighton, widow of Charles Henry Fletcher (1843-1904)] moved on Saturday from the house [at 62 Main St.] that has been her home for thirty-eight years, into the house [1 Leland Road?] owned by O. R. Spaulding, recently vacated by Mrs. Isles and Miss Morin [Moran]. On Tuesday Mr. and Mrs. [Walter J.] Merritt moved into their recently purchased home, made vacant by Mrs. Fletcher. The last in this trio of movings are Mr. and Mrs. William Sutherland, who have occupied the west end of Mrs. Fletcher’s house. They expect to move into Mr. Drew’s house [either 72 or 164 Main St.] made vacant by the Merrits the last of this week, depending upon the weather. Very probably established in their new home by the time this column reaches our readers. Geo. E. Gould was the capable manager of the Fletcher and Merritt transferrings of household goods.
Centre. Harold W. Hildreth is in Washington, where he went with Company K, M.V.M., from Lowell, of which he is a member, to be present at the inauguration.
The members of the Edward M. Abbot Hose Co. No. 1 held their regular monthly meeting and supper at the hose house, Monday night. The company are planning to give a supper to the Chelmsford company as a graceful return courtesy for the good time tendered them earlier in the season. This is to take place next month at the town hall. The supper Monday night was one of the best and it is almost superfluous to add that it was much enjoyed by the twenty members of whom every single one were present, also two guests. The committee in charge were Albert Heywood, Howard Ferguson and S. B. Watson.
Stewart A. Whigham of Barre and Miss Eldna May Hunt of Forge Village were united in marriage at the Union Congregational church in this village, Tuesday morning at nine o’clock. The ceremony was performed by the pastor of the church, Rev. C. P. Marshall. They will make their home at Barre Plains.
The name of the little daughter recently born [Feb. 4, 1909] to Mr. and Mrs. Edward Fisher is Esther Gardner Fisher.
Mrs. William A. Prescott, who died last week [Feb. 28, 1909] at her home in Carlisle of pneumonia, formerly lived in Westford. Her maiden name was [Mary] Charlotte Adams and with her family lived in the house now occupied by Deacon Wright. She received her education at Westford Academy and her contemporaries of that time remember her most pleasantly.
Benj. F. Day observed the seventy-seventh anniversary of his birth Saturday of last week at his home in this village. He enjoys very comfortable health.
Mrs. James Brow, who is spending the winter with Miss Luce, when going to the postoffice one evening last week, slipped and fell on some ice, cutting her face and spraining one wrist. Dr. Wells attended her, and while she is thankful her injuries are no worse, they have caused her much discomfort.
Mrs. Helen K. Frost, who has been suffering with an attack of erysipelas, is considerably improved.
Miss Edith A. Wright, who is to have several weeks’ vacation from her teaching in Ayer, left Tuesday for a trip to Washington, and afterward for a visit with her sister, Mrs. Wm. E. Anderson, at her home in Virginia.
Gilmer Stone, who has been sick for several weeks, is down stairs again and feeling quite well.
Miss Olive Pyne has been sick this week with seriously threatened symptoms of appendicitis.
Mrs. J. S. Gill of Ludlow, Vt., is the guest this week of her sister, Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher.
Forge Village. Tuesday, March 2, Archie Whigham and Miss Mary Hunt were united in marriage by Rev. C. P. Marshall of Westford. They left on the 5:30 train for their new home, Barre, with the best wishes of all their village friends, and they are many, for the young couple were favorably known.
Edmund Orr is on the sick list; Edmund Hunt is suffering from a severe attack of the grippe; Mrs. H. E. Randall is quite ill with a cold; Little Daisy Precious is at home sick with scarlet fever; Harold Connell and Nellie Morton with measles, and many of the school children are at home sick, most of them under the doctors’ care.
Miss Effie M. Bennett is substituting for Miss Eva Pynne for a few days, as Miss Pynne’s sister is very sick and she wishes to be with her.
Miss Stella Carkin attended a very pleasant recital at the Y.W.C.A. rooms Monday evening.
Mrs. Downey and children, Edward, William and Mary from Marlboro, are visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. D. Prescott.
Mrs. William Burnett returned from her daughter’s, Mrs. Longbottom of Arlington, Sunday. She has been with her daughter some weeks, going there when she left the hospital. Her many friends and acquaintances are glad to see her back again, and pleased that the operation was so successful.
Fensmere farm has been purchased by Mr. Holbrook of Waltham and he and his family will move into the house very soon.
Drowning Accident. An exciting drowning accident on the millpond of the Stony Brook near Westford corner occurred last week Friday about nine o’clock, when Vince [Vincenzo] Devento [Devenuto], who works for the H. E. Fletcher Co., and his twelve-year-old daughter Mary attempted to cross the ice from a point near the mill of Donald Cameron to their home in Westford corner. The ice suddenly gave way and the father sank into the water. The girl could have escaped, but went to the rescue of her father and in a moment both were struggling in the water. Their cries for help brought Fred C. and William Edwards to their aid. With much difficulty and heroic effort they succeeded in rescuing the father, but the girl was swept under the ice by the swift current. After the rescue Devento was taken to the engine-house close by, and although suffering from the shock of the water and the death of his child, he rallied in a short time. The body of the girl was recovered during the forenoon about ten feet from where it sank. The funeral took place from the home last Saturday afternoon, an Italian minister from Lowell conducting the services. Burial in the cemetery at West Chelmsford.
Obituary. Samuel Crossland died suddenly of heart trouble on Tuesday evening about eight o’clock. He had been in good spirits during the day. After supper he lay down on the couch, as was his custom. A sudden groan brought his wife to his side, who raised him up and he expired in a few moments. He was sixty-three years old and a native of England. He was a veteran of the civil war, having enlisted in Company G, 192d New York regiment. He was a member of Benjamin Butler post of Lowell and the Veterans’ association of Westford. For several years he has been carrying on a small farm in Parkerville on the Carlisle road. Aside from this he worked a few years on the highway in the quota of help in the road department. He is survived by a wife and two children—Christopher Crossland and Mrs. Johnson, both of Lowell. He was a quiet, unassuming, faithful citizen and laborer.
The funeral took place from the residence Thursday at 12:30, Rev. C. P. Marshall conducting the services. Singing was by Mrs. D. L. Greig, John Greig and Lillian Atwood. The bearers were veterans of the civil war—Geo. W. Nesmith, John Wilson, Phineas Collins and Chas. L. Adams. Burial was in the Edson cemetery, Lowell, where the committal service was conducted by Mr. Marshall.
About Town. At the Unitarian church last Sunday a collection was taken for the Unitarian association. An interesting letter was read from a private school in the mountains of Alabama, from which it appears that there are 100,000 white children in the state who cannot read or write. Among those being educated at this school are three great-grandchildren of the first President Harrison. Time, which is no respecter of persons, levels both up and down.
Wallace Johnson is making preparation to stack ice near Burgess pond. It would be well to remember that ice is not always nice at this time of year, and that rotten ice and drowning accidents go together.
At a meeting of the board of registrars at precinct three, Brookside, last week Friday evening, two names were added to the voting list. At the meeting in Graniteville Monday evening five names were added. The last meeting prior to the annual town meeting will be held at town hall this Saturday afternoon and evening, from noon until ten p.m.
Geo. W. Kenric left last Monday for his newly-purchased home near Brockton, and on Tuesday the household goods of William Graves, the successor of Mr. Kenric at the Cold Spring farm, arrived at Westford station.
Don’t fail to see the Reo exhibit at the Boston auto show, March 6 to 13. H. McDonald, the local agent, will be in attendance during the week.
The Town Warrant. The warrant for the annual town meeting, to be held Monday, March 15, has been posted in the town hall and in the eight railway stations. The warrant contains forty-four articles. The only article upon which there is no opportunity for minority opinions is the first, “To choose a moderator.” It looks now as though we were not far enough developed in the law of self-discipline and control to dispense with the check-rein. In this long list of itemized wants and bill of particulars the report of the finance committee should be a sort of “Cloud by day and pillar of fire by night” [Exodus 13:21], to guide the town to the nearest desired haven of a low tax rate. A few “new thought” articles are in the warrant, the rest can be marked “as usual.” Article 41, to see if the town will appropriate $250 to equip the town with fire extinguishers, ought to pass. Article 42, to see if the town will move the fire building in the rear of the town hall to Parkerville and buy land for the same, ought to pass, unless discussion proves that building would be cheaper than moving; also, the article relative to grading around the Cameron school, as a new building with uncouth surroundings is like an expensive silk hat with patched overalls to match. Some of the others that can easily be marked important will be reviewed in the next round.
Graniteville. At a special meeting of Holy Name society of St. Catherine’s church, held on Sunday last, two new candidates were initiated with all due ceremony into membership of the society.
P. Henry Harrington, the well-known contractor, has been drawn to serve on the jury at the superior court in Lowell, commencing Monday, March 1.
Many people from this village attended the debate in No. 9 schoolhouse in North Westford, last week Friday evening, the principal speakers being S. L. Taylor of Westford and DeLacey Corkum of Billerica. The next meeting will be held in two weeks.
The democratic and republican caucuses were held in town hall, Westford, Thursday and Friday nights, respectively. At that time the different candidates were nominated, to be voted on at the annual town meeting, which will be held on Monday, March 15.
Saturday, March 13, 1909
Graniteville. At the 9:45 o’clock mass in St. Catherine’s church, on last Sunday morning, Rev. Edmund T. Schofield preached an eloquent sermon on temperance, which was timely and pointed a good moral lesson for the parishioners to follow. He left no doubt as to his position on the license question, and his remarks will long be remembered. At this time Fr. Schofield made public a letter from Miss Bunce, librarian of the J. V. Fletcher library in Westford, stating that the library officials would be pleased to furnish reading matter, to be left at the rooms of St. Catherine’s Temperance society, in this village. The kindness is greatly appreciated, not only by the pastor and parishioners of St. Catherine’s church, but by the members of the temperance society as well.
Rev. Mr. Taylor of West Chelmsford officiated at the services in the M.E. church on Sunday and, with Mrs. Taylor, were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Wright of this village during the day.
The ladies’ aid society of the M.E. church met with Mrs. W. O. Hawkes on Thursday afternoon.
Timothy Driscoll, one of the old residents of the village, is ill at his home on Main st.
There will be an entertainment given in Abbot’s hall, Forge Village, on March 17, for the benefit of St. Catherine’s church.
The members of the temperance society have changed their original plans somewhat and are now preparing for a minstrel show to be given after Lent.
P. Henry Harrington and Andrew Johnson, both of this village, are the opposing candidates for the office of selectman, to be voted for at the annual town meeting, March 15.
The officers of Court Westford, M.C.O.F., are now busy rehearsing the degree work that will be put into effect at the class initiation, to be held here in the near future.
W. W. Johnson, who supplies the different villages in this vicinity with ice during the summer months, has been harvesting his annual crop at Burgess pond during the past few days, and hopes to have sufficient for all needs.
Mrs. John [Mabelle Anna Julia “Annie”] Downing is quite ill at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. David Moran on Broadway, this village.
The sympathy of the village people is extended to Mr. and Mrs. William Pyne in the loss of their youngest daughter, [16-years-old] Miss Olive Pyne, who died at her parents’ home, at Pine Ridge station, on Tuesday morning, March 9, after a few days’ illness.
Auditor’s Report. The forthcoming auditor’s report will show that the town is carrying a debt of only $25,000. Considering that the town has built two new schoolhouses, completed the Carlisle road and equipped three new fire companies, all as extra expenses the past year, the showing is soothing enough not to allow the attitude of annual town meeting to be governed too sternly by financial alarmists. The valuation of the town in round numbers is rising $1,752,000, which does not justify a dead level, don-nothing, having nothing sort [sic, short?] of retrograde, jog-along policy. The desirable towns to live in have no rust on the wheels of their policy. It is as true now as of old, “To him that hath shall be given and to him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath” [Matthew 13:12 and 25:29; Mark 4:25; Luke 8:18 and 19:26.], and it is as true of towns as of individuals. So let us beware about drifting into the “can’t afford” state of mind lest it become a permanent policy and deter those reasonable improvements that add to the tax wealth of the town by making it appeal by its thrifty policy as a desirable rural abiding-place. In this connection it is appropriate to mention in the roll of honor as a contributing factor in the town’s fortunes the efficient work of the tax collector, L. W. Wheeler. The tax levy for 1907 has all been made to find its gravitation from the tax-payer to the collector, except a few hundred dollars; of the 1908 tax less that $1200 remains uncollected of a tax levy of over $27,000. Fortunate is the town that having voted this money finds a collector who can locate the money, some of it amidst an ambush of excuses and some where comfort is like unto a surgical operation without either.
Unitarian Sociable. Good, better, best, seems to be the verdict of the patronizing public as a proper grading of the monthly sociables at the Unitarian vestry, the last one being held last week Friday evening. Delighted, why that is a mild way to express the satisfaction that was photographed in the attitude of those who attended the social. There is lots of music and other values locked up in the congregation of the old First Parish church. Let us turn the key and unlock for the public entertainment some of the treasures of this last sociable. Violin and piano duets were given by Mabel Miller and Everett Miller. Farce in two acts, “Not a man in the house.” This was originally laughable, so much so that had the never-you-laugh style of living been present it would have been out of style, and been compelled to acquiesce in the new and liberating principle of laughter. The characters were entertainingly sustained by May Balch, Gertrude Bartlett, Ruth Miller, Mrs. W. L. Woods, Mrs. A. H. Sutherland. They all did fine, finest and funniest. The next turn of the key for hidden treasures brought out a dialogue between Miss May and Agnes Balch on the subject, “How she made him propose.” This proved to be fun uncaged, running loose in everybody’s pathway, a real liberator from headache cares. May Balch in the character of a gentleman trying to pop the question under hindering difficulties was a sort of star wonder and entertainer of the evening. Those in charge of the social were Mrs. Spaulding, Mrs. Woods, Miss May Balch; candy table, Mary Morin, Eva Fletcher. Dancing and other variations were administered in proper adjustment to individual needs. Twenty-two dollars, without any of the about, more or less limitations attached to it, just the straight, even dollars.
Encircled the Globe. The people of Graniteville are taking an unusual interest in the return of the United States fleet that has just encircled the globe, owing to the fact that a Graniteville boy, W. Carroll Furbush, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank L. Furbush, is numbered among the bluejackets, he being a machinist on the Nebraska. Young Furbush enlisted in the navy at Boston, June 24, 1907. Shortly after he was sent to Norfolk, Va., and from there was sent to Bremerton, Wash., where he joined the crew of the Nebraska. After stopping a while on the pacific slope the Nebraska joined the fleet at San Francisco and made a tour of the world as a member of the “sweet sixteen.” Carroll has written frequently to his parents here and appears to be greatly pleased with his position. He says the navy is the only thing for a young man to get into, for, as he puts it, “it will make a man of you.” His pay has been advanced since his enlistment, and he is getting along finely. He is associated with some fine young men whom he probably would never have had the good fortune to come in contact with if he had remained on land, and his birth [berth] is very congenial. He has sent home many pretty souvenirs of different places en route, and says that he would not have missed the trip for any amount of money. The ships are now at Hampton Roads, [Va.,] and as soon as he has the opportunity he will visit his relatives and friends here. Young Furbush is but twenty years of age, has served over one year, and will be but twenty-three years old when his four years’ term has expired. He is very fond of the water and it is possible he may enlist again.
Grange. There was a good attendance present at the grange Thursday evening, for there was a live topic down on the program for discussion, and of vital interest to many residents of the town. This question was: “Is the closing of the district schoolhouse a blow to the rural community?” Samuel L. Taylor sustained the negative of the question, and Mrs. Joseph E. Knight followed with a paper which was an emphatic decision in the affirmative. The recent closing of the Minot’s Corner school and transporting the scholars to the [new Frost School in the] Centre was a matter of much concern to Mrs. Knight and others in that vicinity, and necessarily the discussion was decidedly local in tone.
Both sides of the question were well sustained and much of interest brought out. While we all recognize that the schoolhouse in the outlying district is a centre of life and interest, and its elimination takes away just that much of life and interest, and for which we cannot but feel sorry for those directly concerned, yet there is much to be said in favor of a central school, and Mr. Taylor endeavored to show, in his remarks, the value of the system, after some of the conservatism that is always encountered toward any radically new movement had been overcome.
The depreciation in the value of farm property and the harmful effect it might have on the health of the children were two of the strong factors dwelt upon in disfavor of the new system. Many took part in the discussion that followed, and what was left of the lecturer’s hour was taken up with discussing some of the articles in the town warrant. Two applications for membership were received to be initiated into membership next month.
At the meeting of the Middlesex North Pomona grange in Lowell the following day, this grange had a delegation of fully twenty members. Westford grange had charge of the dinner. The official staff of this Pomona is represented by two members from Westford grange.
Centre. In the floral offerings at the funeral of Charles A. [L.] Hildreth in the list given in last week’s issue was a spray of pinks and ferns from the members of the Congregational church. This was a mistake, for the offering from the members was a beautiful spray of four dozen exquisite pink roses, in delicate shade, with ferns. They were arranged the entire length of the front of the casket. Further addition to the list given was a spray of pinks, narcissus and ferns from Mrs. Mary Colburn and Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Colburn.
Members of the Tadmuck club will remember that the hour of meeting Tuesday, March 16, is changed from 2:30 to three at library hall.
The second of the special mid-week Lenten prayer services took place at the Congregational vestry last Wednesday evening with a good attendance. Mr. Osgood led the singing and Rev. Mr. Hudson of North Chelmsford gave a helpful and inspiring address. There was a good congregation Sunday morning. Mr. Marshall’s theme was “True success,” and was well elucidated. It was followed by the communion service and Mrs. Florence Isles was received into membership. At the evening service Mr. Marshall conducted a preaching service and Mr. Osgood a praise service from the Alexander song book.
Dr. O. V. Wells has purchased the property of the late Dr. Sleeper [29 Main St.].
About Town. Frank D. McGlinchey, who met with a serious accident several weeks ago while clearing away the ruins of the burned mill at North Chelmsford, has recovered sufficiently to leave the Lowell hospital for his home at Westford corner.
Miss Olive Pyne died at her home, Pine Ridge station, Tuesday morning, as the result of a surgical operation, unexpected complications developing. She was of a bright, cheerful disposition and intelligently interesting, a graduate of Westford academy. She leaves besides her parents [James W. & Ella F. (Moses) Pyne] one sister [Eva Frances Pyne], who is a teacher in the Cameron school at Forge Village.
The J. Murray Chamberlain place at Chamberlain’s corner has been leased to Everett Ward of Lowell. Mr. Ward is at present in the employ of Arthur G. Boynton and collects milk in Westford for the Lowell market.
Five thousand acres of waste land in the township of Westford, and hay by the carload coming to town from Michigan, and potatoes by the carload from Aroostook, don’t seem to be much evidence of advance over our “old-fashioned fathers’ old-fashioned farming.”
The heavy rain of a week ago caused a small landslide on the Stony Brook railroad at the corner near Westford station. Both rails were covered with the debris. Fortunate that the obstruction was soft, as a fast running freight ploughed through it, the sharp curve preventing any opportunity to stop before colliding.
At the next meeting of the grange, Thursday evening, March 18, the lecturer’s hour will be devoted in part to a consideration of town history.
Twelve new names were added to the voting list for the coming town meeting. Of those four were added last Saturday afternoon and evening.
Caucuses. The democratic caucus for the nomination of candidates for town officers was held at the town hall last week Thursday evening. Edward Fisher, chairman of the town committee, called to order, and Timothy Riney was elected chairman. The following candidates were nominated:
Town clerk, Edward Fisher; selectman, P. Henry Harrington; treasurer, Nahum H. Wright; overseer of the poor, Geo. L. Sanborn; school committee, Chas. O. Prescott, T. A. E. Wilson; trustees of library, Rev. B. H. Bailey, and Julian Cameron; cemetery commissioner, William H. H. Burbeck; tax collector, L. W. Wheeler, nominated after a close contest, over John Spinner; assessor, Wm. L. Woods, nominated over F. A. Reed; constables, E. G. Boynton, Frank Healy, after a three-cornered fight, with John Sullivan the third candidate; tree warden, Albert W. Heywood, over Robert Hemen and William Green.
Since the caucus Geo. L. Sanborn has appeared before the town clerk and filed a written declination to serve as a candidate for overseer of the poor.
At the republican caucus last week Friday evening, Hon. H. E. Fletcher called to order and read the call. Edward M. Abbot was chosen chairman and Alfred Hartford secretary. The following persons were nominated as candidates for the several town offices:
Town clerk, Edward Fisher; selectman, Andrew Johnson; overseer of poor, Arthur H. Burnham; treasurer, Nahum H. Wright; school committee, Chas. O. Prescott, T. A. Wilson; trustees of library, Rev. Benjamin H. Bailey, Julian Cameron; cemetery commissioner, Wm. H. H. Burbeck; collector, L. W. Wheeler; constables, E. G. Boynton, Frank Healy; auditor, W. R. Taylor.
A close contest for assessor was unexpectedly developed, and to settle it a marking-list was opened and the following persons were listed to be marked for: Geo. H. Hartford, Wm. L. Woods, Fred A. Reed. The result showed that Hartford and Woods had 40 votes each and Reed 14. The second marking resulted in 49 for Hartford, 45 for Woods, and Geo. H. Hartford was declared the nominee. The office of tree warden was also contested and two names were listed to be marked for—Harry L. Nesmith and Albert W. Heywood, which resulted in 63 votes for Nesmith and 28 for Heywood, and Harry L. Nesmith, the present incumbent, was nominated. Hon. H. E. Fletcher was nominated for moderator.
Accident. Monday morning while John J. Dunn was sawing wood with a gasoline engine for C. R. P. Decatur, his coat sleeve came in contact with the saw, drawing his arm against the saw, shaving the flesh nearly to the bone. Fortunate that the arm had a sidewise contact with the saw instead of crosswise, which would certainly have resulted in amputation. The accident was caused by Mr. Dunn reaching down and sidewise of the saw to clear a collection of sawdust that obstructed the wood from coming in contact with the saw. Mr. Dunn was quickly removed to his home in West Chelmsford, and Drs. Varney and Gage summoned. No ill effects other than painful endurance are anticipated..
Farmers’ Institute. The next farmers’ institutes will be held at Billerica Thursday, March 18. There will be two addresses in the forenoon. The first will be given by Prof. L. A. Clinton of Storrs agricultural college, Connecticut, on “The possibilities of our country for the young man.” This is the same speaker who so interested the institute at Westford. The second address will be given by Miss Mabel Hill of the Normal school, Lowell, subject, “Proper training of children.”
The afternoon will be given over to singing and speaking contests by school children and in addition there will be an exhibition open to all scholars in drawing, limited to free hand drawing. Ninety dollars in cash prizes have been offered in these various contests.
Thieving. A brief summary of the avocation of thieving carried on within a few weeks in town might serve as a public guideboard in a small way, not only as a look out for your turn next, but as a possible trail to locate the headquarters of the industry. Not to go so far back as the horse-stealing epidemic, but more recently burglarizing the house of Mrs. George Drew on the Boston road; thence southerly towards Parkerville, stealing a double-barreled shot gun and about ten dollars’ worth of furs; thence countermarching northerly to the J. V. Fletcher library and taking up a collection amounting to about eight dollars from the money drawer for the benefit of midnight operatives; thence easterly to the academy, where the principal currency was in Greek and Latin. Not being able or willing to interpret it into a “hurry up” cash basis, the trail is now northeast to the farm buildings of Charles W. Whitney on the Lowell road, where a nearly new harness was removed from the barn; thence southeast to the farm of Eben Prescott on Main street, opposite Chamberlin’s shop, where this midnight visitor of the skunk variety of humanity resolved to go into the poultry business, with Mr. Prescott and his poultry as silent partners. This trail, although covering several weeks and widely apart localities and varied desires, bears some evidence of one dictation. It is evidently not the work of a literary genius so thirsting for knowledge that the library and the academy must be worked like an industrial overtime bill. The foundations of literary institutions do not tally with the trapping of hunters, but the cash drawer does.
Unitarian. Both hopeful and helpful are the recent additions to the choir of the Unitarian church, and the lonesomeness of the situation for man has been agreeably relieved by the presence of John Feeny, Jr., Ray Hamblin, Everett Miller, Frank J. Johnson. While not so noticeable because not so lonesome the situation, yet equally as valuable and appreciative have been the more gradual additions to the softer and higher altitudes of the choir, either in solo, duet or chorus, in the tuneful chiming of the voices of Miss Anna Drew, Miss Grace Bennett, Miss Gladys Fletcher, the Misses Mabel and Ruth Miller and Mrs. Virgil C. Mitchell. A collection will be taken next Sunday for the Unitarian Sunday school society, represented by Rev. E. A. Horton as president, so popularly known in town.
The young and active of the Unitarian parish are preparing an entertainment to be given Friday evening, March 26, at the town hall. One item in the entertainment will be a play entitled “Union depot.” About fifty characters are represented. The first rehearsal was held Thursday evening. The play will be rehearsed and given under the direction of Miss Harris, well and favorably known in previous efforts in town and elsewhere.
Town Affairs. The sharp contest for some town officers and the license question make it certain that every voter knows that the annual town meeting will come off according to schedule time next Monday, March 15. The polls will be open for your opinions at eight a.m., and may be closed against opinions at one p.m. This space of time relates exclusively to the election of town officers and cannot be infringed on by other town business. The business following election of officers can be transacted more easily and intelligently if the voters are prepared. As a means to this end, read and ponder the report of the finance committee mailed to every voter. It is a short business-like statement of existing conditions, upon which is based a wise, conservative recommendation for the future. Curtailment is the vital word to keep the rate of taxation down. This is correct, but just where, taxpayers may differ. This committee recommends to dismiss Article twenty-two of the warrant, which relates to draining and improving land “adjacent” to the William E. Frost school. Now much depends upon what is meant by “adjacent.” A play ground is as essential as text books for development, and the best educators recognize it, nor is this all; the recommendation of the finance committee is not endorsed by the superintendent of schools in his report to the town. It is not proper balancing of conditions to build a $14,000 school building, and not be able to gain entrance without such an excessive environment of mud that there is not enough left elsewhere to throw at each other at town meeting. It is also advised to dismiss Article twenty-six, “To see if the town will vote to purchase a power sprayer for the destruction of moths.” No doubt this committee have investigated the cost of such purchase, but be it known that the town expended last year almost $4000 for giving a warm reception to the moths, and most of them were not invited to this warm welcome on account of expenses. Of course it is true the state reimburses the town in part, but where does the state get its funds. Look in your town report and read that Westford contributed $3355 towards a fund for the state to do business with. Now, if anything is to be saved to town or state by a sprayer, let us pray for a sprayer for there never was a stream yet without a fountain. Westford as stream helps to make the state fountain, for which we are taxed to draw out less than we put in. However, the finance committee are men who are able to explain, but it is well to know that we do not dodge moth taxes by the temporary relief that comes from sending the bill to the state. It comes back wrapped up in the state tax.
The annual town reports have been distributed, and much useful information can be gathered from it as a basis of action for town meeting and as a confirmation of the report of the finance committee. It is growing in size every year as well as importance and contains twenty-six pages. The most important recommendation is that of the superintendent of schools, in urging the consolidation of the Stony Brook and Nabnassett schools in a new two-room building at some central point. The population for the Nabnassett school is at one side of the district and the schoolhouse at the other. Like many other locations the center of territory was equilibrium and not population. Ought to have a school to teach common sense in, and then locations would not be so changeable.
Forge Village. Miss Olive Josephine Pyne passed away at her home, Pine Ridge, Tuesday morning, after a brief illness. She had an operation for appendicitis Friday of last week and was doing as well as could be expected. Monday afternoon she began to fail, meningitis setting in. Then it was a question of a few hours. Everything was done for her that a physician and friends could do, but it was of no avail. Her early death has cast a gloom over her friends and classmates, and heartfelt sympathy goes out from everyone to the sorrowing parents and only sister. “Sometime, but not today, they will see and clearly understand that God knew the best.” Notice of the funeral will appear in next week’s issue.
Mr. and Mrs. John Burnett are mourning the death of their baby. Mrs. Burnett is seriously ill at the home of her sister-in-law, Mrs. John Jones of Worcester. They have the sympathy of all the village friends, and all sincerely hope for her speedy recovery.
Mrs. M. A. Lowther is confined to her room with a severe cold.
Mrs. Parsons is just getting over an attack of the grippe.
Owing to the illness of Rev. T. L. Fisher, Lenten services at the Mission house have been omitted.
There are a number of cases of measles among the children, and there are many vacant seats in the schoolrooms.
Miss Blaisdell has returned to her school duties after a severe attack of the measles.
Hugh Daily, a former resident here, was in town Sunday, visiting old friends.
Schools close Friday for the annual vacation of two weeks and will open again March 29.
We are sorry to lose Mr. and Mrs. Pulsifer from our village, but he has sold his farm and the parties wish to take possession immediately. So it is rumored.
Allan Carkin of Gardner made a short visit with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Carkin, Sunday last.
Mrs. [Dennis P.] Downey [nee Elizabeth A. Hanley] of Marlborough and her three children were the guest of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. D. [Daniel] Hanley, for a few days last week.
Mrs. Nute of Whitman is visiting her friend, Mrs. Randall.
The ladies’ sewing circle met with Mrs. R. D. Prescott, Thursday afternoon. Although the weather was not favorable quite a number were present and a good deal of work accomplished.
Obituary. The death of Olive Josephine Pyne is one of those occurrences which bring up the question, “Why?” which perhaps it is not given to man to answer in general and certainly not in individual cases like this. The loss of a bright, attractive, energetic girl of sixteen, much as it may mean to the community, is irreparable to the bereaved parents and sister. Another year would have finished her course in the academy, where her scholarship was pleasing to her teachers and her personality had endeared her to her fellow students.
Her activity in the Union Congregational church, of which she had been a member for four years, will be greatly missed. The powerlessness of the best human skill and efforts was sadly illustrated in her case. A week ago Sunday the physician was summoned for a cold and tonsillitis. Shortly symptoms of appendicitis were noted and the surgeon’s skill was invoked Friday afternoon. A successful operation was of no avail for meningitis appeared, bringing fatal termination at 10:30 Tuesday morning.
After prayers at her late home at one p.m. Thursday, the funereal was held at the Union Congregational church at two p.m., Rev. Charles P. Marshall officiating. Interment was at Fairview; D. L. Greig, undertaker.
Centre. Patrons of the library will remember that the annual closing is March 16. All books not returned before that day will incur a fine of twenty-five cents.
The next social in the winter series at the Union Congregational vestry will be Tuesday evening, March 16. There will be a salad supper from 6:30 to eight, to be followed by an entertainment.
Wednesday evening Rev. Paul G. Favor of Littleton preached in the special Lenten services at the Union Congregational church. He gave an earnest, logical and clear presentation of two facts—that God has brought to men through his appearance in human form in Jesus the Christ, a sure knowledge of himself, and that this sure knowledge brings certainty that through the Christ there is remission of sins by repentance. Next Wednesday evening it is expected that Rev. A. A. Bronsdon of Shirley will preach in this course of services.
The many friends of Mr. and Mrs. A. [Albert] A. Hildreth will be pained to learn that at this writing the little daughter [Sarah E. Hildreth], born to them last Monday morning [March 8], is seriously ill. It is the same malady with which the first child was stricken.
A baby girl [Mildred O’Connor] was welcomed in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick O’Connor Saturday [March 6].
Saturday, March 20, 1909
About Town. Remember this and forget some other less humorous representations of scenes right from up-to-date pictures of life as run into every day in scenes in the union depot. The Enterprise club of the Unitarian church will reel off some of these scenes by fifty performers at the town hall Friday evening, March 26. A late car after the entertainment has been arranged. Now, then, come for two hours of fun.
Town Meeting. The farmers and all others interested in the state of the estate of the town of Westford, who were of the old enough and know enough type to vote and who were not otherwise disqualified by bruises and defects, were legally warned by warrants and horse power to attend a game of inning and outing to be played at the annual town meeting, to be held at the town hall, Monday, March 15. The above play took place at the schedule time of the warrant, as whispered in everybody’s ear, and last Monday was exhibition day for the recitation of lessons and the speaking of pieces that have been rehearsing for a year. The weather bureau smiled on the day, as the voters developed the play, which resulted in bringing a frown, as many a bright hope went down. Never you mind, our faces awry, the good and best never hears a first goodbye.
The meeting was called to order by Town Clerk Edward Fisher, who read the warrant, and called for the election of a moderator. Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher was elected without contest. Joseph Wall and Albert A. Hildreth were appointed ballot clerks. John M. Fletcher, Fred A. Reed, Albert A. Hildreth and Joseph Wall were appointed tellers. The second article in the warrant called for the election of town officers, and owing to the sharp contest a remarkably heavy vote was polled. Of the 458 registered voters 381 voted, leaving only seventy-seven who did not vote. The voting had no idea of going out of business until 1:30 p.m.
The result of the balloting revealed some surprises to some, if nothing more than majorities. Town clerk, Edward Fisher, 321, elected without opposition. Selectman, Andrew Johnson 231, P. Henry Harrington 132, Johnson elected. Assessor William L. Woods 216, George H. Hartford 144, Woods elected. Overseer of the poor, Arthur F. Burnham, 258. Treasurer, Nahum H. Wright, 301. Collector, Leonard W. Wheeler, 272. Constables, two to be elected, Edson G. Boynton 285, Frank L. Haley 297. School Committee, two to be elected, Charles O. Prescott 264, T. Arthur E. Wilson 256, Trustee of library, Benjamin H. Bailey 270, Julian A. Cameron 270, both elected. Cemetery commissioner, William H. H. Burbeck 282. Tree warden, Harry L. Nesmith 195, Albert W. Heywood 163, Nesmith elected. The vote on the question of licensing the sale of intoxicating liquors resulted in 153 Yes, 203 No, a majority of 50 for no license. The contest for selectman resulted about as expected. Both candidates were exceptionally good men. As there was nothing to choose between the men as to fitness, the contest resolved itself down to party lines. As the Republicans have a large majority in town, they easily elected their candidate, Mr. Johnson. The contest for assessor was a dissatisfaction to many. Mr. Hartford, the nominee of the Republican caucus, who has held the office nearly twenty years and the most competent man in town for the place, was defeated by 72 votes. A variety of causes contributed, chief of which was his long term of service which no person could hold and be true to the oath of office without developing a feeling of “had it long enough.” There was also a sort of left-over soreness over the acts of some other town officers and this was the only open and convenient place to balance accounts. This defeat can not be construed as a personal rebuke for it is evident from the vote that there were others who had seen a long term of service on the board of assessors who would have met a similar reception had they not allowed their feet to take charge of their judgment and get them a safe distance from danger.
Article 3, “To see if the town will accept Chapter 209 of the Acts of 1908, an act to provide better protection from forest fires.” The town voted 7 to 1 in favor of adoption. All articles relating to hearing reports of town officers were dealt with in the usual “I move to accept as printed.”
Article 12, “To hear the report of the committee chosen to investigate in regard to improvements on the Graniteville road.” The committee report in substance that a beginning be made this year, a small sum be expended to be taken from the amount raised for town debts and charges. On accepting and adopting this report, several remarkable remarks were brought out, and several remarkable close votes ranging all the way from a tie to now you accept to now you reject. Hiram Doane thought if this road needed repairing, what do you think of the road leading to the Brick tavern, which led to the inquiry, “What is there about the Brick tavern that requires special mention and a wide road?” The report of the committee was finally rejected by a small vote after Capt. Fletcher in vain tried to open the eyes of the blind so that they could behold the inconsistency of refusing even a few dollars’ worth of investigation and initiatory work on a road traveled by parties who pay over half the tax of the town. Small potatoes, of course, but perhaps the drought last season affected the judgment. Let us hope this turn down was not of the permanent constitution.
Article 20, “To see if the town will raise and appropriate money for specific repairs on the roads at Westford Center as ordered by the county commissioners.” This article brought out a lively tilt. S. L. Taylor moved $2000 as recommended by the finance committee. This moved almost every section of the town to just let the people at the Center know that they hadn’t much of anything for roads except bushes, rocks and mud. The mover of the motion offered evidence in rebuttal to show that of the $4000 annually raised for roads, three-fourths was expended off of Westford Center; that $10,000 had been expended within 10 years in specific repairs in the southerly part of the town; that three-fourths of this tax was paid by the tax payers at Westford Center; that of the $2000 asked for, $1500 would be paid by tax payers at the Center, but no use. Just as the mover of the motion thought he had his opponents just ready for a “pinfall,” Town Clerk Edward Fisher came to the rescue and made a plea of poverty for the town, and claimed the improvements were a luxury.
Although the opposition ranks proved poverty or the graveling roads were a luxury, yet an amendment to the original motion to raise $1000, made by Mr. Fisher, was carried stormily through, regardless of collar and elbow arguments.
Article 22, “To see if the town will raise money to improve the land adjacent to the William E. Frost school.” This brought out more sample copies of poverty arguments. Having bought five acres of land and built a $14,000 schoolhouse, the town suddenly collapsed in a fit of poverty before it had time to finish graveling ankle deep mud in the avenues to the building. The town, however, faintly revived enough to hear Oscar R. Spalding move $100 worth of improvements. This was amended by a motion for $200. The amendment was tried, found guilty and sentenced to imprisonment for a year. The original motion for $100 was tried and sentenced to be spread all over a five acre lot, all in the name of a lower tax rate. Not true. Go to the foot of the class. The extra $100 would not have raised the tax rate one-sixteenth of a mill, but would have come out of the overlayings. A clear case of pinching for the sake of saying you have, besides a loss in economy in labor expending so small amount.
Article 23, relating to appropriating money to prevent the browntail and gypsy moths from spending so much of their time in idleness and eating. It was unanimously voted to give them $800 worth of advice, warmed up with fire.
Article 25, To see if the town will raise $250 to purchase fire extinguishers and other apparatus to be placed in the hands of the forest wardens. The finance committee recommended $100. John A. Healy and William H. Decatur took the stand in favor of the larger amount, claiming that the villages had fire protection at town expense, and that the farming community should be provided for. That one extinguisher was worth many men, pails and all the other hammer and tongs that go with it. In the interest of harmony and equity the finance committee allowed the larger sum to become law without opposition.
Article 26, To see if the town will purchase a power sprayer to be used in the destruction of the browntail and other colored moths. To the inquiry as to price, Selectman Abbot reported the expense to the town will be about $800, the state to pay all over. The working of the sprayer being little known, the town wisely referred the matter to the selectmen to investigate and report at a future meeting. During the stay of proceedings they will take the testimony of the moths as to the working of it.
Article 32, To determine the manner of collecting taxes. Capt. Fletcher of the finance committee gave some statistics, showing the working of the five percent discount. That we vote to raise a certain sum of money which we need very urgently. When this money reaches the treasurer it is found that five percent of the sum needed is in the pockets of the taxpayers, and as a result there must be a rise in the rate next year. To tax ourselves to get this five percent out of ourselves to pay the deficiency caused by flattering ourselves that we were really settling town debts for less than ten cents on the dollar. The finance committee estimated a saving of $1500 a year by eliminating this discount, and the town for the first time saw truth as truth not as flattery, and unanimously voted to cancel the long standing vote of the town allowing five percent discount on taxes paid before a certain date. Otherwise the collecting of taxes will remain as last year, six percent interest after Nov. 1.
Article 35, Relating to moving the firehouse in the rear of the town hall to Parkerville. It was voted without dissent to move said buildings and locate it on the schoolhouse land.
Article 36, Relating to leasing of land of the Abbot Worsted Co. for a term of years, upon which firehouse stands. Julian A. Cameron, for the company, reported that the company would not lease the land, but would give the town the free use of the land as long as the building remained in its present condition, with a writing allowing the town to remove said building at any time. This plan being cheaper than cash renting, the town accepted it without cross-examination.
Article 37, To see what action the town will take in regard to renovating the interior of town hall. It was agreed without dissent that the work was needed, but in the absence of estimated expense, it was voted to refer the matter to the selectmen to report at a future meeting.
Article 38, To hear the report of the finance committee in regard to the salaries of town officers, the committee reported as follows: Town clerk, $25; selectmen, $150, $90, $70, graded according to term of service; overseers of poor, $20 for chairman and $10 each for the other two; treasurer, $175. The question of extra compensation for extra labor being raised, Capt. S. H. Fletcher replied that the selectmen, who approve all bills, must be judge of what constitutes extra labor. The report of the committee was accepted.
Various other small sums were raised, brining the total amount up to the sum of $28,374. This will mean with no discount on taxes, a rate not far from $16 on a thousand.
Roads, $3500; town debts and charges, $10,000; public schools, $8000; support of poor, $1200; high school, $2600; for textbooks and supplies, $600; roads at the Center, $1000; Memorial day, $150.
The following additional men folks were authorized by hand vote to look after some of the scattering interests of the town:
Finance committee, Geo. T. Day, Capt. S. H. Fletcher, W. O. Hawkes, J. A. Cameron, Elbert H. Flagg; fence viewers, A. S. Vose, E. H. Gould, J. H. Howard; surveyors of wooden wood, including bark, logs, lumber, wood, W. H. Beebe, C. A. Blodgett, Horace E. Gould.
A Popular Teacher. The residents of Westford will be greatly interested in the continued improvement of Miss Ida M. Manuel, a former teacher in the academy, who was severely injured in a runaway accident at her home in Franklin, N.H. Present indications seem to encourage the prospect of her resuming her duties as assistant teacher in the high school at Franklin at the beginning of next term. Prize contests for the most popular teachers in the state have been offered by a New Hampshire paper, the winner to receive an excursion trip to Europe. The friends of Miss Manuel believe she is one of the brightest and most capable teachers in the state, and voting is lively and often. She has just been awarded the first prize in letter writing by C. B. McClure of Munsonville who will tender his votes in swelling her total in the contest. Miss Manuel is a Franklin girl, born on the farm, a graduate of the high school class of 1898, also a graduate of Bates college, class of 1903. For two years she was teacher of English and modern languages at Westford academy. She is well remembered in town for her originality, bright, intellectual individualism, which is rare to find and so refreshing when found, like an oasis in a desert.
Centre. Miss Ruth P. Tuttle has resigned her position in the teaching force of the William E. Frost school and accepted a most desirable school in Winthrop.
On Sunday, March twenty-first, the big milk team owned and driven by Fred A. Smith, will leave Westford at 6:30 and not at 9:30 as has been the practice during the winter. At present the amount carried is 165 cans.
Mrs. Ida Cummings Allen of Ayer has been a recent guest with her little son at Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher’s.
The academy closed Friday for one week’s vacation and the grammar and primary grades at the William E. Frost school have two weeks, this last week and next.
One of the guests at the social Tuesday evening with Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Wright was Mrs. Wright’s uncle, Samuel Hosmer, past eighty years old, but looking much younger. Mr. Hosmer’s home is in Nantucket and he also has a winter home in St. Petersburg, Fla., where he has spent the last twenty winters.
Westford friends never cease to take an interest in Mrs. Draper and her family. In a recent letter she says they are to move from Roxbury early in April, to live with her mother and sister, who have sold their house in Boston and taken one at 30 Vista avenue, Auburndale.
Tadmuck Club. The members of the Tadmuck club held their regular meeting in library hall Tuesday afternoon, under some difficulties, but it was a good meeting withal. During the three years that Miss Loker has been president of the club, Tuesday was the first time that she has been detained at home on account of her own health. She was detained at home with a very severe cold and was much missed by the members in her accustomed place. Mrs. B. H. Bailey, the vice president, was also absent, being out of town. Owing to these circumstances some matters of business were deferred until the next meeting.
It was one of those meetings when some of the gentlemen interested in the club sustained the program. Rev. C. P. Marshall gave a very excellent character sketch of Theodore Roosevelt, a fine delineation of this man of action with his forceful personality, and was a skilful resume of some of the salient features of his administration.
L. W. Wheeler followed with a talk on current events. With characteristic keen insight and studious habit of mind, Mr. Wheeler treated a list of subjects of general interest, touching briefly at first on one or two points of the town meeting the previous day. Other topics were some astronomical information, Prof. Lowell’s discoveries concerning the planet Mars, Halley’s comet and the Dark Star, the recent Italian earthquake,129 recent progress in the conquest of the air in flying machines and the great value of wireless telegraphy as demonstrated in connection with the sinking of the steamer Republic. a few facts concerning recent national legislation, postal savings, secret service, and the president’s interference with legislature and congress’ usurpation of executive.
The next meeting promises to be of much interest. The subject is “Women of the north and south during the civil war.” Papers on the respective sides by Mrs. H. V. Hildreth and Mrs. Charles L. Hildreth.
Social. The March social in the regular monthly series for the winter took place at the Congregational vestry Tuesday evening and was a success socially and financially, reflecting much credit upon the capable committee in charge, who so faithfully looked after all details. This committee consisted of Mrs. E. G. Boynton, Mrs. J. E. Knight and Mrs. C. D. Colburn, assisted in the dining room by Mrs. S. L. Taylor and Miss Ida E. Leighton. To this list should be added the name of our energetic pastor, who is always so helpful to any committee. A fine salad supper was served from 6:30 to eight. Long runners of vivid green crepe paper through the length of the tables and pretty shamrock napkins were equally suitable for a salad supper or to the eve of the seventeenth of March [St. Patrick’s Day].
The entertainment that followed was largely sustained by the children and as is pretty sure to be the case under these circumstances, was attractive and enjoyable. The older ones who took part were Mrs. Marshall, who gave a reading on “Making salad dressing,” and Mrs. C. D. Colburn’s “Spring song” was given with her usual correctness and expression.
There were violin solos by Walter Steele and songs by little Florence Wilson, followed by a series of tableaux by the children. The various pictures were depicted by Frances Wright, Daisy Kabele and Florence Wilson.
The large new hanging lamps recently purchased to take the place of the old chandelier were used for the first time and were very satisfactory.
Funeral. The last sad services for the late Olive J. Pyne took place Thursday afternoon. Prayers were held at the home at Pine Ridge station, followed by the service at the church, which was completely filled with sorrowing relatives, friends and schoolmates. That the passing of this sweet young life with its attendant circumstances of pain and suffering had touched a tender chord of universal sympathy in the community was very manifest. The academy where Olive had been such an interested student closed at noon and shortly before the hour of the services the teachers and students formed in line and marched to the church where special seats had been reserved for them. The beautiful white velvet casket, in which rested the white-robed form, was placed in front of the altar, surrounded with a profusion of beautiful and fragrant flowers arranged with special taste and skill and bearing their mute messages of loving sympathy. The large and beautiful pillow given by her schoolmates, suitably inscribed, held a place of pathetic prominence.
Rev. C. P. Marshall, the family pastor, was the officiating clergyman, assisted by Rev. B. H. Bailey. Both brought a message of sincere and tender sympathy. Mr. Bailey quoted from a beautiful poem entitled “Passing out of the shadow.” 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":1785,"page":1},"signature":"1e85f6f30bfdbff49693828ae5c96ad2"} } const xhr = new XMLHttpRequest() xhr.open("POST", url, true) xhr.setRequestHeader("Content-Type", "application/json;charset=UTF-8") xhr.send(JSON.stringify(body)) }) })();