The Westford Wardsman, April, 1908
Saturday, April 4, 1908
Center. The officers and members of the new Edward M. Abbot hose company, No. 1, are as follows:
Capt., L. W. Wheeler; 1st lieut., J. Herbert Fletcher; 2d lieut., Edward M. Abbot; steward, Aaron Tuttle; clerk, Howard H. Ferguson; treas., Aaron Tuttle; standing com., Wm. L. Woods, Alec Fisher, J. Herbert Fletcher; regular men, W. L. Woods, E. M. Abbot, J. H. Fletcher, Alec Fisher, John Good, L. W. Wheeler, H. H. Ferguson, W. E. Carkin, Peter Clement, Fred Clement, Aaron Tuttle, Albert Heywood; call men, Alec McDonald, Timothy Sullivan, Frank E. Miller, John Feeney, O. R. Spaulding, H. L. Wright, S. B. Watson, Geo. M. Balch.
Aaron Tuttle, who has long acted as janitor at the Center primary, has graduated to a like position in the pretty new four-room schoolhouse on Main st.
Mrs. Clara Wright Anderson in Virginia writes to the home people of the recent moving to a new parish where Mr. Anderson has been appointed. Mrs. Anderson meets the new experiences with characteristic capable energy and cheerfulness, which makes the home letters most entertaining.
The ladies’ degree staff of the grange are rehearsing, preparatory to conferring the third degree on the eighteen candidates on April 16.
Miss Grace Lambert is at home again after spending several weeks with relatives in Oxford.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Wright gave a reception for their son Warren and his bride, Saturday evening at their home. The pleasant event was to give young Mrs. Wright opportunity to become more acquainted with the relatives and friends here. There were about forty present and a merry, social evening was enjoyed. Mrs. C. A. Reid, one of the guests, furnished some excellent music at the piano. Refreshments of ice cream and cake were served.
Miss Eva M. Pyne had the misfortune to spend a good part of her vacation with a siege of tonsillitis, but was able to resume her school duties Monday. Miss Pyne has forty-six little ones in her class and thoroughly enjoys her work.
There has been a general change of motormen and conductors on our branch line of electrics. In the morning Motorman Robbins and Conductor Hartford make the customary trips in place of Blodgett and Goddard, and in the afternoon Motorman Fitzgerald runs the car and Conductor Sargent takes the place of Conductor Smith.
Club. At the Tadmuck club Tuesday afternoon, March 24, in library hall, it was, owing to a combination of circumstances, another afternoon of substitutes. However, it was a program of great excellence, and it was unfortunate that the attendance was not quite up to the average. It was the third and last in the biographical series. Miss Martha J. Taylor, the chairman of the afternoon, was unable to be present, having been called out of town, but she had prepared an able paper on the life and work of Samuel Gridley Howe, which was the subject for the afternoon’s study, outlining the life work of this truly great man in alleviating conditions in the limited lives of the deaf, dumb and blind. This paper was read by Mrs. Chas. L. Hildreth. Miss Eva Fletcher read Mrs. Laura Richards’ [1850-1943, daughter of S. G. Howe] account of her father’s life; also, extracts from the [1901] centenary anniversary of Dr. Howe’s birth, giving part of [Mass.] Senator [George Frisbie] Hoar’s [1826-1904] speech and a letter form Helen Keller. Miss Loker read J. G. Whittier’s and O. W. Holmes’ poetical tributes to Dr. Howe. Current events in response to the roll call were answered with general quotations.
The next meeting will be in charge of the philanthropy committee and the subject will be “Prisons.” Miss Ella Hildreth, chairman.
The delegation of four members from this club who attended the meeting of the club in Littleton on the preceding day thoroughly enjoyed the visit with its cordial welcome and its program of rare excellence.
The funeral, of Hiram Whitney, whose sudden death last week Thursday in Lowell came as such a shock to the townspeople, took place from the family residence Sunday afternoon at three o’clock and was largely attended by relatives, neighbors and friends. The floral offerings were of great beauty. Rev. B. H. Bailey was the officiating clergyman and brought a message of wise and tender sympathy. A quartet rendered some beautiful selections—“Lead, kindly light,” and “Abide with me.” The bearers were Sherman H. Fletcher, Edward Fisher, Oscar R. Spaulding and C. Willis Hildreth. Interment was in Fairview cemetery in the family [plot]. Mrs. Whitney’s many friends are very glad that her daughter, Mrs. [Mabel E.] Wright, is staying with her.
Tourists. Westford will feel a sort of connecting link with old world travel this summer from the number of her people who are planning to spend the coming summer, enjoying a trip abroad. This month Mr. and Mrs. Abiel J. Abbot, their son John and daughter Alice C. sail for Genoa. Mrs. George W. Goode was in town Tuesday, saying goodbye to friends. Mrs. Goode had come on from New York to make a little farewell visit with her mother and sister in North Chelmsford and expects to sail in about ten days on the Lusitania from New York, going with a lady friend who has previously enjoyed foreign travel. Their itinerary includes England, France and Germany. Mr. Goode remains in New York, but later in the season may join his wife and accompany her home. The third group includes Mr. and Mrs. Donald Cameron, Mrs. Josephine L. Fisher, the two children, Donald and Mary Cameron, and maid. They plan to sail from Boston April 22, and spend the summer touring Scotland and England. Both Mr. Cameron and Mr. Abbot ship their own touring cars across the water.
About Town.—At the republican caucus Tuesday evening, Hon. H. E. Fletcher, chairman of the town committee, read the call. For personal reasons he waived the common courtesy of serving as chairman of the meeting, and on motion of Capt. S. H. Fletcher, S. L. Taylor was elected chairman, who called for the nomination of secretary. Wm. R. Taylor was elected, on motion of Senator Fletcher. The polls were opened at 7:55, and from that time on for the next half hour the polls were ready to receive proposals for delegates to the state and congressional conventions. At the close of the polls the following were found to be elected: state, Geo. T. Day, Sherman H. Fletcher; congressional, Geo. H. Hartford, Samuel L. Taylor. They were unanimously elected, and are unanimously unpledged.
Edward Gray, who has been employed in the foundry at North Chelmsford, has gone to work for Henry B. Read on the farm, and moved his furniture last week to the Read farm.
George Regis has moved from Lowell to the J. Murray Chamberlain cottage on Main st. He is a milk contractor and has a retail route in Lowell. He has bought the dairies of Cold Spring farm near Westford depot and John Haley on the Stony Brook road.
The firm of Fletcher & Leahy, who have been large contractors in the stone quarry business at the quarry of Hon. H. E. Fletcher, has been dissolved by mutual consent, and in its place rises up the Fletcher-Leahy Co., with Thomas Leahy, president, and Herbert E. Fletcher, treasurer.
Seth Walker, as he was familiarly known in his younger days when he was one of the boys at the old Stony Brook school, is now visiting from California at Walker homestead, with his wife and two children. He appears now as Rev. Seth Walker. All the old Stony Brook associations will rejoice to think that one minister was evolved from that harmless, lawless, heterogeneous gathering.
Mrs. S. [Susan] Augusta Butterfield died in Ayer Tuesday evening, where she had made her home for several years with Hon. Geo. J. Burns. Mrs. Butterfield was born in Westford in August, 1828, and was in her eightieth year. She was the daughter of Levi T. and Amy (Richardson) Fletcher, of old-fashioned, hardy New England stock. Her father’s farm was near Brookside and in her youthful days was one of the largest in town. She was the last of several children. She leaves an aged aunt at the old homestead, Miss Sarah Richardson, who is eighty-nine years old. Mrs. Butterfield was cousin to Charles E. and Augustus F. Whidden of this town.
Rev. B. H. Bailey, who has had a vacation of illness for four weeks, has recovered to normal conditions and now proposes to recover his flock, who have been variously occupied in other than—well, perhaps church-going. Next Sunday will offer an open door at the Unitarian church, a new opportunity to recover back any decadence toward the open door.
The selectmen have appointed Harry L. Nesmith to have charge of suppressing the moths, browntail and all other colors. Having contested all the rights of the moths on all the highways, Mr. Nesmith and his men are now sampling private land. At present they have a busy undertaking on the acorn orchard of Chas. L. Hildreth on Prospect hill, known as the Proctor lot.
A petition is being circulated and signed, to be presented to the county commissioners, with a view to some adequate system of caring for the surface water on the main streets.
Word was received Monday from Edwin C. Perham, cattle inspector of Chelmsford, to be on the watch for a dog that escaped from the barn of Amos B. Adams, where it was confined, awaiting the result of the recent mad dog scare in the town. The dog is described as a large yellow dog and quite lame. The manner of escape seems to indicate that it was suffering from rabies.
Graniteville. The new fire company that has recently been organized here extends its sincere thanks to Albert R. Choate for his generous donation in the form of a substantial check, which will enable the company that has been named in his honor to start with very bright prospects in its new line of work.
W. O. Hawkes, the popular station agent at the southern division depot of the Boston and Maine, has just completed twenty-five years of faithful service at this station, and his village friends are congratulating him on the length of service and hope that he may continue and have good health for twenty-five years more.
John Donahue has accepted a position with the Boston and Northern street railway company and left here to resume his new duties last week.
The Lenten devotions that were held at St. Catherine’s church on Wednesday evening were largely attended and the sermon preached by the pastor, Rev. Edmund T. Schofield, proved very interesting.
Appointments. The Westford board of education met at the town hall Saturday and organized for the ensuing year. Albert R. Choate was elected chairman and Walter C. Wright secretary. The following members of the board will serve on the different committees:
Supply agent, W. C. Wright; transportation, Henry B. Read, John Spinner, Albert R. Choate; text books, Chas. O. Prescott, H. B. Read; music and drawing, John Spinner, H. M. Seavey; assignments of schools: C. O. Prescott, high and Center grammar; H. B. Read, high and Stony Brook; H. M. Seavey, Minot’s corner and Parker Village; John Spinner, Forge Village; Walter C. Wright, Graniteville and Nabnassett; A. R. Choate, Graniteville grammar; Dr. Cyril A. Blaney, medical inspector; J. A. Healy and E. G. Boynton, truant officers; C. O. Prescott and H. B. Read, high school graduation.
New School. The entire school committee recently inspected the new school building at Westford Center [William E. Frost School], that is now practically finished, and are very much pleased with the work done by the contractor, P. Henry Harrington, who has had full charge of the entire work. The building is a fine one and up-to-date in every particular. It is a credit to the town and second to none of similar graded schools in Middlesex county. The building committee, which is composed of H. V. Hildreth, O. R. Spaulding and H. B. Read, are to be commended for the deep interest they have shown in their work and the practical knowledge that has been manifested in the details of construction. The town certainly owes them a vote of thanks for their excellent work. For the interest of the public the school committee is authority for the statement that the new school will be opened for the regular sessions of school work not later than May 11, and the parents and relatives of the school children are cordially invited to visit the rooms of this new building at their earliest convenience after this date, not only for the purpose of looking at the interior finish of the building, but to study the methods as laid out by the school committee in regard to the transportation of pupils. This is an important work and the committee is desirous of getting the opinions before beginning the school year.
Forge. Hose company No. 3, W.F.D., held a meeting this week at the home of John Edwards. It was suggested that hereafter it be known as the John Edwards hose company. Walter Precious and John W. Catchpole were added to the list of regular fire and call men.
Frank Collins of Lowell spent Sunday with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. M. Collins.
Mr. and Mrs. Lyons and son Harold of Melrose spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Parsons.
A. R. Paine of Boston has purchased Fensmere farm, Groton, of Miss Piper and has come there to live.
Stephen Haley and family have moved to Graniteville.
A little son [George W. Orr] came to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Orr on Tuesday morning; also, Mr. and Mrs. [Frank] Merrick welcomed a boy [Mathew F. Merrick] to their home [on Monday, March 30].
Schools reopened Monday morning with the same teachers.
The DeLaurie family and the Vincents have gone to Canada to live.
Mrs. A. W. Carkin spent Wednesday with her daughter, Mrs. Caisse of Leominster.
Miss Della Blodgett was a weekend guest of her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. George Blodgett.
John Burnett and wife are visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Burnett.
Saturday, April 11, 1908
About Town. Of the 150 or more horses stolen in Massachusetts within a year, only six have been recovered, according to police statistics, so this industry being safe and profitable, it is spreading in proportion to its safety and profit. With this as a basis the barn of Fred H. Shorey on the Concord road, Parkerville, was entered Tuesday evening and a valuable horse stolen. This is the second horse stolen recently in this locality. Constable Boynton was notified and traced the horse as far as Billerica, but lost the trail at that place. As horse thieving is active in the towns toward Boston, it might be well to secure the barn before the thief secures the horse.
A petition is passing around for signatures to be presented to county commissioners, asking them to relocate, widen, reconstruct and tear up the ground generally at Westford corner, commencing at the Chelmsford line and continuing to Brookside. If plans are carried out as contemplated it will necessitate relocating tracks of the electric road in some places; also, the element of widen on the other fellow’s land is likely to be solved in the shaking up of plans and boundaries. This is the third petition the citizens of Westford have sent to the county commissioners asking for improvements on the roads at Graniteville, Westford Center and Westford corner.
Petitions seem to be contagious, and one is being circulated, to be presented to the school committee, in remonstrance against closing Stony Brook school and transporting the scholars to the Center.
The fourth congressional district will hold its convention at town hall, Ayer, on Saturday, April 18, for the purpose of nominating two delegates to the Chicago convention.
Mrs. John Wilson celebrated her seventieth birthday last week Thursday. From her abundance of friendships she was loyally remembered in this line.
Miss Ella Wright of Cleveland, Ohio, who was present at [the] funeral of her cousin, Mrs. Augusta Butterfield of Ayer, is visiting her aunt, Sarah Richardson, at Brookside.
Charles Whitney has bought the milk route of John J. Dunn at West Chelmsford and Brookside.
Westford A.A. held its annual meeting at town hall Monday evening. The meeting was called to order by Edward Fisher, president of the association. The treasurer’s report showed all bills paid and $35.40 in the treasury. Three new members were added—Fred A. Smith, Harry Hartford, M. L. McGlinchey. Election of officers resulted as follows:
Pres., Edward Fisher; vice pres., Samuel H. Balch; sec., W. R. Taylor; treas., Wm. L. Woods; directors, H. L. Wright, Oscar R. Spaulding, E. A. Hamlin, H. B. Read, C. M. Trull.
The old ball grounds at Westford depot will be used the coming season.
At a meeting of the assessors Monday evening at the selectmen’s room, for the purpose of organizing and other preliminary work, S. L. Taylor was elected chairman and J. Willard Fletcher secretary.
Two applications for license to sell intoxicating drinks have been received by the selectmen. These licenses, if granted, will not allow the sale of drink on Sunday on the basis of a sandwich. The selectmen have wisely determined to prohibit the sale of liquor on Sunday. With the closeby towns voting no, there would seem to be business enough in the fluid line without coaxing it along with Sunday sandwiches.
On Wednesday evening, April 15, at eight o’clock in the Congregational church there will be a song and reading recital. Miss Jessie Cone of Boston will appear in song. Those who have heard her before are glad to hear her some more. Robert Howard Barnham of Boston will make his first appearance here as a reader and entertainer. He has a standing and reputation elsewhere in being able to neutralize any tendencies to drowsiness in the audience.
The warrant is posted for the annual parish meeting of the Unitarian church, to be held at the vestry Saturday evening, April 11. The warrant contains the usual routine business and is directed to Abiel J. Abbot, clerk of the parish, and signed by W. H. H. Burbeck and H. V. Hildreth, assessors of First parish.
Death. The oldest woman in town, Mrs. Persis Weston Smith, died at her old homestead on the Concord road on the evening of April 1, at the advanced age of ninety-five years. She was a native of Duxbury. Her parents were Daniel Weston and Persis Phillips Cushman. She was a direct descendant of Robert Cushman of Pilgrim fame. In 1836 she married Capt. Jacob Smith, who was her father’s first mate on a merchant vessel. Four years later Capt. Smith gave up following the sea and settled on a farm in Westford, where he died eight years ago. Mrs. Smith is survived by two daughters—Miss Clara Smith at the old homestead, and Mrs. O. B. Young of Hopedale; also, one granddaughter, Mrs. Gertrude Aery, and three great grandchildren. An only son, Henry G. Smith, was killed on a freight train several years ago, where he was employed as brakeman.
The funeral took place from the old homestead of hallowed associations last Saturday and was largely attended by neighbors and friends, some of whom vividly recall the blending association of her useful life in church and town during these nearly three score years and ten, and its orbit always in the realm of the higher affinities in the life of the town. Rev. B. H. Bailey of the Unitarian church officiated and brought those choice thoughts gathered from the ripe fruitage of an old age guided by temperate habits, and loyalty to the inspiration of truth, regardless of what horizon it was discovered in. Following this fitting eulogy Mr. Bailey read with rare taste a poem entitled “The good old grandmother.” [1] Two selections were sung by Mrs. D. L. Greig, Edna Ferguson and John Greig, jr. The bearers were Geo. T. Day, Capt. S. H. Fletcher, Samuel G. Humiston, W. H. H. Burbeck. Burial was in Fairview cemetery.
Thus the passing away of this life from the town recalls the active life of Capt. Smith and his family in the services of the Unitarian church in its palmy days, when his sweet tenor voice was a more loyal emblem of the return of Sabbath day than even the clock that faces the public in the spire of the church. Theirs is the fragrant memory of loyalty.
Center. The library is again open after its annual two weeks’ closing. It has received its usual thorough cleaning and some attractive new books have been added. Among these are eight volumes from the library of home economics, which will especially commend themselves to housekeepers and home-makers. Another fascinating book is “Our trees,” compiled by Arthur Emerson [2] of Chelmsford. It is finely illustrated and full of practical and pleasing information.
Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin F. Day have returned to their village home, after spending the winter months with their son in Bedford.
Miss Blanche Waller is at home from Bates college for the spring vacation.
Miss Julia Hall is enjoying the spring vacation at home from her teaching in Boston, as is also Miss Mabel Drew, at home from New Bedford.
Accident. Mrs. Homer M. Seavey met with an unfortunate accident at her home last week Thursday evening. With several others gathered around the piano she was rehearsing some music for a funeral, when in some way her little son Morton, who was playing about, succeeded in overturning a large [kerosene] lamp right against his mother. The globe and chimney were shattered to atoms, but with quick presence of mind Mrs. Seavey succeeded in extinguishing the blazing wick, which prevented further catastropy [sic]. She then realized that she was hurt. The lamp struck her head with much force, causing painful bruises, and the broken globe cut a gash in her face just over the lower lip. Dr. Blaney came and took several stitches in the injury. Unavoidably this wound will leave a scar. Morton, affectionately known in the neighborhood as “Major,” is a sturdy, self-reliant little fellow, not given to causing much trouble, and has been much concerned over his mother’s bandaged head and face.
Grange. In recent years big meetings in Westford grange are not so much of an event as they would have been in its earlier history. Last week Thursday evening fer the first and second degrees on the spring class of candidates, numbering eighteen. The first degree was conferred by the regular officers of Westford grange, and the second degree by the men’s degree team of Chelmsford grange. This was the attraction of the evening that all were interested in, and their fine work was thoroughly appreciated and heartily commended for its accuracy, precision and spirit. A graceful feature was the presenting to the master of Westford grange by the master of the Chelmsford staff a splendid bunch of roses as a token of the fraternal good will that has always existed between the two granges. Worthy master, John B. Wright, although taken by surprise, but always equal to the occasion, responded with gracious felicity.
After the work the evening’s adjournment was made to the lower hall, where refreshments of sandwiches, cake and coffee were served, under the direction of Mrs. Millicent Daniels.
At the next meeting, April 16, this class will receive the third and fourth degrees, the third degree being conferred by the ladies’ degree staff. Preparations are going on for the usual fourth degree supper.
Congregational. At the Congregational church Tuesday evening Prof. A. H. Pearson [3] of Oberlin, Ohio, gave a stereopticon lecture entitled, “Yankee and Turk, or Americans abroad,” to a good audience, including many of the school children.
Last Sunday Mr. Marshall preached at Concord Junction, morning and evening, and his home pulpit was occupied by Rev. Mr. Roebel of Andover seminary.
The new stereopticon recently purchased by this church will be used Sunday evening, when Mr. Marshall will give a stereopticon sermon in the auditorium, subject, “The good shepherd.” The subject for the morning will be “The glorious life.”
The late Mrs. Augusta Butterfield’s membership in this church was of long standing, covering a period of nearly sixty years, and through all the changes of her long life she cherished a loyal love and interest for the welfare of the church she joined in young womanhood.
The Tadmuck club met under the usual pleasant conditions at library hall Tuesday afternoon. It was the third and last in the series under the direction of the philanthropy committee. The subject of the afternoon was “Prisons,” Miss Ella Hildreth chairman. Miss Hildreth gave an interesting and well-prepared paper on the subject, emphasizing the changes from the prisons of earlier times, where the ideas were of punishment only, to the modern institutions, where the aim is to correct the lives of the imprisoned. Mrs. G. T. Day gave a group of current events in her usual interesting way. The president, Miss Loker, appointed a nominating committee to choose officers for the coming year as follows: Mrs. G. T. Day, Miss C. S. Atwood, Mrs. H. B. Hall, Mrs. C. L. Hildreth, Mrs. C. H. Fletcher. Miss Loker referred with loving sympathy to those members of the club, Mrs. Whitney and Miss Smith, who had met bereavement in their homes since the last meeting.
The next meeting, April 21, will be in charge of the nature study committee and the subject will be “Flowers,” in charge of Mrs. Herbert E. Fletcher.
Graniteville. Chas. Gagnon, while helping his brother, Jerry, and his nephew, Henry Gagnon, in getting out lumber near the Sullivan place in West Graniteville, last Tuesday morning, fell from a tree, a distance of thirty feet, breaking his right leg in two places. Dr. W. H. Sherman was called and had him conveyed to St. John’s hospital in Lowell. He is now resting as comfortably as can be expected.
The ladies’ aid society of the Methodist church met with Mrs. L. A. Blood Thursday afternoon.
The local baseball club will have to get together pretty soon, or the Forge Village boys will outstrip them. Already the team from Forge has been organized, and John Spinner, who is acting in the capacity of secretary and treasurer, has opened bids for securing a complete outfit for the entire club for the coming summer. Perhaps Graniteville will be heard from later.
At a meeting of court Graniteville, F. of A., held last week Thursday evening, P. Henry Harrington was elected delegate to the grand court convention, to be held in Springfield next month. M. Edward Riney was elected alternate.
Lenten devotions were held at the usual hour on Thursday evening and were largely attended.
Test. Capt. J. A. Healy and the members of A. R. Choate hose company were out last Saturday afternoon testing the new line of hose that has recently been received here, and at the same time to get an idea of the amount of pressure they would get from the Westford Water Co. Three different hydrants were tested, with two lines of hose on each hydrant. The average pressure was twenty-seven pounds and on a test made near the C. G. Sargent machine shop with fifty feet of hose, threw a stream 110 feet, partly against the wind. Several of the boys got a little wetting down, as a result of playing against the wind, but on the whole the first test was very successful. Several members of hose company No. 1, of Westford Center, including L. W. Wheeler, Aaron Tuttle and Howard Ferguson, were present and were much pleased with the showing made by the Graniteville boys. This company will hold a social dance in Westford town hall on Friday evening, April 24, and it is thought there will be a large number in attendance.
Forge. Miss Henderson of Malden has purchased of A. L. Towle the Lincoln cottage, situated on the shore of Forge pond, and was at the cottage last week Friday with her friends, Mrs. Field and Mrs. Baldwin, getting it in order for the 19th of April.
Miss Emma Connell, who has spent the winter in Pinehurst, N.C., will start for home, April 18.
Miss Dorothy Groves of Lynn is the guest of Miss Lowther during vacation.
Mrs. Henry Tyler of Worcester is visiting her mother, Mrs. William Weaver.
Mrs. Ada Nute of Whitman is at her friend’s, Mrs. Randall.
Geo. Stewart of Everett has been in town this week getting his cottage and boats ready for early occupancy; also, Thomas Fisher, teacher of manual training at the Lowell high school, was inspecting the cottage of his sisters and found it was all right after the long winter.
Mrs. Morris and daughter were at Mrs. Sheck’s this week.
A little son [Igidor Narnozca] came to Mrs. Calif [Teafila] Narrassa last Saturday. Her husband [Filip Nawosza] died very suddenly about a month ago [March 11]. [Names and date are from the town report.]
Misses Annie Haslam and Kittie Donnelly have left the village for a position in Southbridge. Their many friends wish them success.
Forge Village Lions will play the Westford A.A., April 18.
Quite a number of the village people went to Ayer Tuesday evening to hear Rev. Charles L. Slattery [4], who preached at the Episcopal church.
There was quite a fire Sunday near Gilson’s crossing, but fortunately the rain came before much damage was done.
Mrs. G. L. Sanborn had quite an ill turn Tuesday evening, but at time of writing is somewhat better. Miss Bertha Wilson is also improving.
The ladies’ circle met at the mission house last week Thursday afternoon with a good attendance.
William Burnett, James Whigham and George Cottrell have been doing some fine work upon the grounds around the mission house. The most noticeable is the taking away of the old trees, which is a decided improvement.
Edward Hanley, of the firm of Hanley & Co., has taken advantage of the excursion to Washington, D.C., and is spending the week in New York, Philadelphia, Washington and Atlantic City.
[1]
The reference is probably to the following anonymous poem of that title found in an old book of funeral services:
O, Softly waves the silver hair
From off that aged brow!
That crown of glory, worn so long,
A fitting crown is now.
Fold reverently the weary hands
That toiled so long and well;
And, while your tears of sorrow fall,
Let sweet thanksgivings swell.
That life-work, stretching o’er long years,
A varied web has been;
With silver strands by sorrow wrought,
And sunny gleams between.
These silver hairs stole slowly on,
Like flakes of falling snow,
That wrap the green earth lovingly
When autumn breezes blow.
Each silver hair, each wrinkle there,
Records some good deed done;
Some flower she cast along the way,
Some spark from love’s bright sun.
How bright she always made her home!
It seemed as if the floor
Was always flecked with spots of sun,
And barred with brightness o’er.
The very falling of her step
Made music as she went;
A loving song was on her lip,
The song of full content.
And now, in later years, her word
Has been a blessed thing
In many a home, where glad she saw
Her children’s children spring.
Her widowed life has happy been
With brightness born of heaven;
So pearl and gold in drapery fold
The sunset couch at even.
O, gently fold the weary hands
That toiled so long and well;
The spirit rose to angel bands,
When off earth’s mantle fell.
She’s safe within her Father’s house,
Where many mansions be;
O, pray that thus such rest may come,
Dear heart, to thee and me!
[2] This was the book Our trees, how to know them. Photographs from nature by Arthur I. [Irving] Emerson [1860-], with a guide to their recognition at any season of the year and notes on their characteristics, distribution, and culture, by Clarence M. Weed [1864-1947]. First published in 1908, this popular book went through a number of revised editions and reprintings. A species of hawthorn tree, discovered by Mr. Emerson and found in Massachusetts, Crataegus Irvingii, is named in his honor.
[3] Rev. Arthur Hayden Pearson (1850-1932), professor at Oberlin College in 1908, graduated from Hartford Theological Seminary in 1880 and then taught for 20 years at Carleton College in Northfield, Minn. He was a member of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions and probably served as a missionary in Turkey. He was born in Haverhill, Mass., and may have been visiting family there in 1908. His talk was sponsored by the American Board of Missions and was also given in Fitchburg on April 10 (Fitchburg Dailey Sentinel, April 9, 1908, p. 4). He later returned to Northfield where he died.
[4] Charles Lewis Slattery (1867-1930) graduated from Harvard in 1891 and the Episcopal Theological School in Cambridge, Mass., and in 1894 and became a priest in 1895; his father was also an Episcopal priest. At the instigation of Rev. Endicott Peabody, Rev. Slattery came to Groton School in 1894 and also became pastor of St. Andrew’s Church, Ayer (1894-1896). In 1906 he published The Master of the World—A Study of Christ, the first of his 25 books, which reconciled the traditional theology of the 19th century with modern scientific scholarship. The book was so highly regarded that Harvard awarded him an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree in 1907, the first honorary degree granted by the Harvard Divinity School. In December 1907 he was appointed rector of Christ Church in Springfield, Mass., where he was serving at the time of this visit to Ayer. He was elected Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of Massachusetts in 1922, serving with his aging mentor Bishop William Lawrence. He became Bishop in 1927.
Saturday, April 18, 1908
About Town. At the annual meeting of the First Parish church, (Unitarian) held in the vestry of the church last Saturday evening, the treasurer reported all bills paid and a small balance in the treasury. H. V. Hildreth was chosen moderator and the following officers and committees were elected:
A. J. Abbot, clerk; A. J. Abbot, Miss Clara Fisher, Chas. O. Prescott, prudential committee; Miss Ruth Fisher, Miss Eva Fletcher, Miss Julia H. Fletcher, music committee; W. H. H. Burbeck, Edward Fisher, H. V. Hildreth, assessors; H. V. Hildreth, auditor; Chas. O. Prescott, treas.
The selectmen have offered a reward of $100 for the capture of the recent horse thieves who have been perambulating in the southerly part of the town. Mr. Shorey was particularly unfortunate, having lost one horse by death and one by thief, the thief horse being valued at $300. At present Mr. Shorey is restricted in liberty by a surgical operation. The selectmen have made personal efforts to capture the thieves, but thus far the thieves show no more respect for selectmen than for any private citizen.
Rev. Seth Hurd Walker, who was briefly alluded to last week as one of the Stony Brook boys, and who has been sharpening the edge of memory along these lines at the old Walker homestead for the past two weeks, has been appointed minister of the Second Advent church, in Highland hall, Branch st., Lowell. It is understood that this branch of the Second Advent church observes Saturday for Sunday. Here is a nearby opportunity for old schoolmates and friends to give a little encouraging enthusiasm, and to witness the evolution from the associations of youthful school days to the dignity of the ministry. Mr. Walker will live in Dracut for the present, and thither his goods were being moved Wednesday.
Last week Friday, when the wind was blowing all the breath it had in it, the chimney at the Putney place on Francis hill used violent demonstrations and threatened to burn the house up. This alarmed the neighbors and the church bell alarmed others. It was hastily decided not to allow the chimney to burn the house up. After about two hours’ threatening attitude the contact of the chimney with cold water made it dry up.
The usual annual fire on Oak hill occurred last Tuesday. A telephone call from selectman Otis L. Wright of Tyngsboro to selectman O. R. Spaulding, asking for help, was liberally responded to. As Oak hill burns over regularly once a year, and sometimes without regard to regularity, the damage is lessened in proportion to the frequency of the fires.
The annual of the Westford A.A. in dancing for profits occurred last week on Friday evening. Owing to the crowds who were not there, it was a narrow escape from dancing without profits. Hibbard’s orchestra of Lowell, of course.
At a meeting of the selectmen Tuesday evening the call for bids for constructing the balance of the road from Parkerville to the Carlisle line were opened and read. The following were received: Mr. Hall of Littleton, $2455; H. W. Tarbell of Lowell, $2259; Mr. McGafney of Newton, $2213.25; John A. Healy of Graniteville, $1974.90. Mr. Healy was awarded the contract, his being $238.35 below the next highest bid.
Lewis W. Palmer and Albert Reeves have applied for license to sell everything that “yes” allows. Six days in the week and a portion of the darkness belonging to said six days can be devoted to selling to “yes” customers. Mr. Palmer lives on Main st., Graniteville, being the owner of a large stone quarry. Mr. Reeves lives on the corner of Main and River sts., Graniteville, being the proprietor of a fruit store. The selectmen have, according to law, viewed the premises, and their judgment on granting these applications has been reserved.
The 19th of April coming on Sunday this year, the patriotism of the day will find display on Monday, the 20th, when the mills of Graniteville and Forge Village will close.
Special music at the Unitarian church Sunday, appropriate to Easter.
The Albert R. Choate hose company will give their first dance at town hall on Friday evening, April 24. Late electric cars will accommodate.
Center. Miss Morrill, assistant to Drs. Sleeper and Wells, has returned from New London, N.H., after several days spent there in the family of Dr. Griffin. Miss Morrill has been employed by him in numerous cases, but in this instance it was the doctor himself in need of her ministrations during an operation for appendicitis.
Gilmer Stone has been on the sick list with threatening symptoms of pneumonia.
Mrs. Edward Prescott has been enjoying a week’s rest with relatives in Boston and Cambridge.
Owing to some derangement in waterworks the try-out for the Edward M. Abbot hose company, to have taken place on Wednesday, has been postponed until further notice.
That a serious fire was in progress to the southeast was very evident to residents of our hilltop village last Sunday afternoon. All the afternoon the cloud of black smoke was very evident, and as darkness came on it was still more evident that a devastating fire was taking place. In the evening report reached town that it was in Chelsea and East Boston [1].
Fred A. Hildreth was a weekend guest at his son’s, H. V. Hildreth.
Fred Laduc has moved from A. J. Abbot’s house, next the postoffice, to the Frank Fletcher house on Boston road, and is to work for the season for A. H. Foss.
Miss Ida M. Manuel, our academy teacher, has the sympathy of her many friends in the recent sickness and death of her mother at Franklin Falls, N.H.
Congregational. There was a good attendance at the Congregational church Sunday morning. Mr. Marshall gave his hearers a good sermon, a thoughtful pre-Easter meditation. In the evening the new stereopticon was used, and the twenty-third psalm was the subject of the evening’s discourse, the beautiful colored slides being clearly elucidated by the pastor as they were thrown upon the scene. The illustrated songs were sung by the audience, under the leadership of the choir leader, Miss C. S. Atwood.
Special preparations are being made to commemorate the beautiful Easter season on Sunday. Sermon, music and decorations in the morning will be in significant harmony with the meaning of the day. There will be a service in the auditorium in the evening, with a sermon and a fine chorus of men’s voices.
Rev. C. P. Marshall, Miss L. B. Atwood and Miss C. S. Atwood were delegates chosen and who attended the spring meeting of the Middlesex union conference of churches, which met with the church in Boxborough Wednesday.
Concert. As has been the custom for several seasons those in charge of monthly socials at the Congregational church varied their gatherings with one concert in the auditorium. The social for April took this form Wednesday evening and fully sustained the high standard of those of previous years. Miss Alice Cone of Boston, soprano soloist, came as an old friend with her clear, sweet voice and charming personality. Of the number of times she has appeared before Westford audiences, she was never in better voice than on Wednesday evening. Mrs. Marshall ably accompanied Miss Cone at the piano in her varied selections.
Robert Howes Burnham of the Emerson school, Boston, completely won the audience with his happy, genuine gift of impersonating a wide range of human emotions, from grave to gay. Both he and Miss Cone graciously responded to a number of encores. The following well-balanced program was given:
“Faith in spring,” “Love song,” “I love thee,” Miss Cone; “Through fire and water,” Mr. Burnham; “May morning,” Miss Cone; comedy, “A bit of instruction,” Mr. Burnham; “Sing on” Miss Cone; “Pro and con,” a monologue, “The young man waited,” “In the days of youth,” Mr. Burnham.
Graniteville. The baseball season will open up here on Monday, April 20, when the “Sons of rest” will play the strong A.W.C. team. Tom McCarthy and Hemen will do the battery work for the S. of R., while “Bob” McCarthy and Healy will perform a like service for the A.W.C. The game will be played on the regular ball grounds here at three p.m., and as both clubs have numerous followers a red-hot game is expected.
Mr. Sherman of Damariscotta, Me., the father of Dr. W. H. Sherman of this village, made a brief visit with Dr. and Mrs. Sherman last week, previous to starting on his annual trip to Washington, D.C.
Palm Sunday was fittingly observed in St. Catherine’s church last Sunday, when mass was celebrated at 7:45 o’clock. The blessing of the palms took place before mass, the ceremony being performed by Fr. McNamara, the celebrant of the mass. The palms were then distributed to the members of the congregation. The reading of the passion of our divine Lord was done by Thomas Rafferty, jr. the head altar boy, in an able manner. The choir sang special music appropriate for the day.
The last of the Lenten devotions for this season took place in St. Catherine’s church on Good Friday night and were largely attended. After the services were ended the “adoration of the cross” took place, during which the entire congregation went forward to the altar rail.
The measles are prevalent throughout the village and up to date over thirty cases have been reported. Many of the older people have been afflicted with the disease, as well as the children, but fortunately their condition is not considered serious.
The members of A. R. Choate hose company are busy perfecting arrangements for their social dancing party to be held in Westford town hall the Friday after Easter.
O. A. Nelson made a short business trip to Clinton last week.
The literary club of the M.E. church is busy rehearsing for an entertainment to be given in Westford town hall early in May. As this is the first social effort made by this newly-formed society, and many of the members are well known as entertainers, it is conceded that this coming event will be a success.
Club. The members of the Fortnightly club of North Westford held an interesting meeting in No. 9 schoolhouse last week Friday evening, and after the routine business of the meeting was over the following pleasing program was given:
Prayer, Mr. Keyes; opening song by the audience; recitation, Grace Robinson; vocal duet, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Gould; reading, Fred Blodgett; phonograph selections, Lucy Lambert; reading, H. E. Gould; song, Maud Robinson; reading, Lillian Wright; song, Mrs. Emily Blodgett; reading, Alice Gould; phonograph selections, Miss Lambert; violin selections, Arthur Blodgett; recitation, Frank Chandler.
All who took part acquitted themselves with credit, special mention being made of Miss Alice Gould of Chelmsford Center, whose excellent reading was done in faultless style and was a treat to all those present. The next meeting of the club will be held in two weeks.
Forge. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Blodgett entertained about fifty of their friends Saturday evening at their home, “The ridges.” William Burnett entertained the party with pleasing selections on his phonograph, and there were games and other music. At 10:30 a dainty lunch of cake, coffee and lemonade was served. Misses Edith Precious, Ada and Janie Cottrell assisted the hostess in serving. Miss Annie Lyndall gave selections on the cornet which were much enjoyed. The party broke up at a late hour, everyone expressing themselves as enjoying this evening very much, and after wishing the host and hostess many good wishes the friends departed.
Miss Derby and Mrs. Nute were guests of Mrs. Randall the past week.
John Edwards has purchased the King boarding house of Mrs. Margaret King of Green Bay, Wis.
The ladies circle met at the mission house on Thursday and quite a lot of work was done.
Hudson Darling of East Dedham was in town Sunday, his first attempt at getting about since his injury during ice cutting at Island pond last winter.
The first call for village fire department was for a chimney fire at the home of John Baker Wednesday morning. No damage was done.
Harry Brown has accepted the position of assistant lineman on the Lowell and Fitchburg street railway.
[1] This was the Great Chelsea Fire of 1908 which started around 11 a.m. on April 12 in western Chelsea near the Everett border. A strong west wind drove the fire eastward, and it fanned out to the north and south. The fire burned throughout the day and well into the night destroying 350 acres. Most public buildings were destroyed, including city hall, the public library, the armory, 13 churches (only 4 churches remained), 9 schools, 3 banks, and 2 hospitals. In all 2822 buildings were lost along with 708 shade trees. A week after the fire, 19 people were known dead and 75 were missing. About 16,000 people were left homeless, and the total damage was valued at $17 million. East Boston was threatened and several oil storage tanks were lost there, but no buildings. See the Boston Daily Globe, April 13 & 18, 1908, for several articles about the fire.
Saturday, April 25, 1908
About Town. Caroline A. Perham, an inmate of the town farm for fourteen years, died Monday. She was the widow of Allen R. Perham, and until his death lived at the stone house on the farm on the Tyngsboro road, a short distance beyond Flushing pond. She has no known relatives living, an only son having died several years ago.
Owing to friction in essentials, the last car from Westford to North Chelmsford came to a standstill last Sunday evening in front of the residence of F. W. Bannister, where it remained all night. There being no passengers, the conductor and motorman walked to Brookside and took the car for their homes in Ayer.
Frank Drew, as thrifty farmer, is painting the picture of thrift on his barn at his Stony Brook farm on Lowell road.
James H. O’Brien has been busy teaming sawmill and fixtures to Sudbury for Daniel H. Sheehan, who is the owner of several cotton-cider-sawmill combinations.
A gang of men are busy tamping the track of the electric road after the frosts of spring.
At the fourth congressional republican convention held in Ayer last Saturday afternoon, Westford was represented by G. T. Day, Capt. S. H. Fletcher, Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher, Geo. H. Hartford and S. L. Taylor. The last two were the legal delegates; the others represented a wide acquaintance and influence in the republican party.
The petition for relocating the road from the house of Charles Edwards to Chelmsford line at Westford corner has been presented to the county commissioners and is signed by Joseph Marshall, Charles M. Trull, George H. McGregor, Herbert E. Fletcher, Peter McGlinchey, M. L. McGlinchey, Geo. W. Bussey.
The selectmen have refused to grant a liquor license to Albert Reves, at the corner of Main and River sts., on the ground of inadequate accommodations, and the application of Lewis P. Palmer for license is still under consideration by the selectmen.
A special town meeting will be held Saturday afternoon, May 2, when the following articles will be considered:
Art. 1. To choose a moderator.
Art. 2. To hear the report of the committee chosen at the March meeting in regard to enlarging Forge Village schoolhouse.
Art. 3. To see if the town will appropriate $150 to hire a band of music and other features to properly celebrate the Fourth of July, the selectmen to appoint a committee of three to make arrangements for the celebration.
Art. 4. To see if the town will appropriate $1000 from [the] amount received from the Lowell and Fitchburg electric railway to widen and improve the road on the line of said railway from Westford Center to Chelmsford line.
Art. 5. To see if the town will authorize the financial committee to consider the matter of fixing the salaries of town officers.
Grange. The last meeting of grange was a largely attended and brilliant affair. Its brilliancy was in a large way the efforts of the ladies’ degree team, eighteen members being initiated in the third and fourth degrees. They made a fascinating impression in their white uniforms and their nearly perfect military step and drill. The march was led by Mrs. L. W. Wheeler and Mrs. Fred Daniels, who were equal to all ordinary military tactics, and many that were not in the class of military tactics, and during the march a very nearly perfect sickle was formed, followed by forming the letters “P. of H.” The following ladies of the degree team filled the important offices:
Master, Mrs. F. C. Wright; overseer, Mrs. Julia Read; chap., Mrs. L. W. Wheeler; steward, Mrs. John McMaster; assts., Mrs. Sutherland and Mrs. Greig; lecturer, Mrs. Josie A. Prescott.
Willey M. Wright, past master, has rendered efficient service in drilling the team, and was the silent director on the evening of initiation, and to add to the decorative features of the occasion, he presented each member of the team with a highly-colored rose. Deputy F. N. Boutwell of Leominster was present and inspected the initiation. In his remarks he complimented the work of the degree team, which was many times applauded by the grange during marching orders. Groton, Littleton and Chelmsford were liberally represented at the meeting. After initiation the tempting attractions of the lower hall were visited. It was a liberal crowd that gathered itself to supper, but the supper was more liberal than the company.
Center. Easter Sunday was appropriately observed at the Congregational church. There was a good Easter sermon, and decorations were simple but pretty. A girls’ chorus added to the musical part of the program. In the evening there was a second preaching service in the auditorium, a chorus of men’s voices assisting. Sunday morning Dr. F. E. Enrich [1] [Emrich], secretary of the Massachusetts home missionary society, will preach. He is a pleasing and forceful speaker and knows the church in this state from the cape to the Berkshires. In the evening Mr. Marshall will speak on “The beauties of Japan,” using the new stereopticon and some sixty beautiful colored slides.
There are fine Japanese color prints on exhibition at the library, loaned by the library art club. The flower and bird studies are particularly graceful and interesting.
Miss Delia Wheeler has gone to stay with Mrs. John B. Fletcher, and Miss Mattie Symmes is assisting at Dea. Wright’s.
Mrs. Calvert and Mrs. Barnard have returned from their winter stay in city environment, and are at their pleasant home on Graniteville road.
Miss Miranda G. Luce’s many friends are sorry to hear of her recent illness.
Mrs. A. R. Leighton and daughter Frances are making a short visit at Mrs. C. H. Fletcher’s.
Patriots’ day was quietly observed on Monday. Flags were in evidence, with appropriate significance. The day was cold and raw, not ideal for out-door diversions. Among the out-of-town guests were noted Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Hildreth, Mrs. Allen and Katherine, at H. V. Hildreth’s; Mrs. M. A. Cass and Mrs. Bertram Cass of Winter Hill, at A. H. Sutherland’s; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hildreth of Cambridge at Willis Hildreth’s.
Former tree warden, James Spinner is out again, after having been confined to the house for some time with sickness.
Aaron Tuttle has been a recent victim of grippe.
Miss Morin, our village nurse, is at Littleton for Dr. Godfrey on a surgical case.
A fourth child, a daughter [Violet M. Green], has recently been born [April 11] to Mr. and Mrs. William E. Green.
Carl Bridgeford of South Chelmsford has been visiting his cousins, Edward Blodgett and Clifford Bridgeford.
Edward Fisher is confined to his home with illness.
Mr. and Mrs. D. L. Felch of Townsend have been spending a few days with his mother, Mrs. J. P. Felch.
Mrs. John B. Fletcher has returned to her village home, after her usual sojourn during the winter months with her niece in Chelmsford.
Mrs. Annie Barnard is in town renewing old acquaintances, the guest of Mrs. Willis Hildreth. It was pleasant to have her present at the Tadmuck club Tuesday.
Miss Kate S. Hamlin has sent from San Francisco to our library reading room a copy of the Sunset magazine. The principal contents are articles entitled, “San Francisco two years after the earthquake.” They are profusely illustrated and give a vivid idea of the splendid rebuilding of the stricken city. Miss Hamlin’s loyal interest in her home town and the library, of which she was formerly a trustee, are always appreciated.
Club. The last meeting of the season for the Tadmuck club, for which there was a regular working program, was particularly interesting and worth while, on Tuesday afternoon. Owing to the length of the program, all preliminary exercises in the way of current events of quotations were dispensed with. The meeting was the last in the series of three in charge of the nature study committee. The first two subjects were birds and trees and this last was flowers, and it was enjoyable to consider so pleasant a subject while the chilly spring winds seemed loath to subside. Mrs. Herbert E. Fletcher was chairman of the afternoon, and the first speaker was Miss Elsie Locke of Andover, who gave a happily considered paper on “Seeds,” with beautifully mounted specimens to illustrate her talk. Although handicapped with many years of invalidism, Miss Locke made very evident the comfort and diversion to be derived from the study of this phase of nature’s secrets.
Miss Emily F. Fletcher, our naturalist, followed with a unique subject, “Flowers that come to us from wool waste,” describing in her keen and interesting way how the tiny seeds from the washing of fleeces of wool get into our brooks and ponds and perpetuate themselves.
Mrs. Fletcher closed the program with a paper on ‘Our native ferns.” This is Mrs. Fletcher’s specialty in nature study, and she gave an illuminating and charming talk on these native beauties of our fields and woods, illustrated with her fine collection of mounted specimens.
It was the business meeting of the year and the nominating committee appointed at the last meeting brought in their report. They did not excel in originality, and the same officers were unanimously chosen for the ensuing year—pres., Miss S. W. Loker; vice pres., Mrs. B. H. Bailey; sec. and treas., Mrs. L. W. Wheeler.
The next and last meeting will be the social and guest day. Each member has been presented with a ticket, with the privilege of inviting one guest. It will be a happy combination of good music, reading, refreshments and sociability, to be held in the Congregational vestry.
Graniteville. Patriots’ day was observed very quietly by the village people here. The day was cold and chilly and not conducive to out-door sport. The regular ball game that was scheduled to take place was called off on account of the disagreeable weather and poor condition of the grounds, but a “scrub” game was indulged in by many of the ardent fans.
Word has been received here that Gilbert Quinn, a former Graniteville boy, is confined in a hospital in Boston with an attack of typhoid fever. His many friends here hope for his speedy recovery.
The St. John’s minstrels, North Chelmsford, will give a grand minstrel show in town hall, Westford, Thursday evening, April 30, for the benefit of St. Catherine’s church. The show will consist of all the latest songs, recitations, buck and wing dancing, stump speeches, etc., with elegant costumes and stage settings. Joe Wall, manager.
Death. Miss Ella Gilson, the beloved daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Q. Gilson of this village, died very suddenly of heart trouble at the home of her parents on Friday, April 17, aged 16 yrs. 9 mos. 18 days. She was the eldest of three children, and leaves to mourn her loss a father and mother, a brother, William, and a sister, Alice May Gilson. Little Ella, as she was familiarly called, was possessed of a lovable disposition and was a great favorite with her associates both in the public school and in the Methodist Sunday school. Although she had not enjoyed good health for several months, she was always about with some of her schoolgirl friends, and her death coming so suddenly was a severe shock to the entire community. The sympathy of the village people is extended to Mr. and Mrs. Gilson and family in their sad bereavement.
The funeral took place from the Methodist church on Sunday afternoon at two o’clock, and was very largely attended, the church being entirely filled with relatives and friends. The services were conducted by Rev. D. Harold Hickey of Boston, who spoke feelingly of the life of the departed. The singing was by a quartet—Mrs. Janet Wright, Mrs. Harriet Sargent Hildreth, Edson G. Boynton and Alfred Prinn, whose rendering of the hymns “How gentle God’s commands,” “Moment by moment,” and “No sorrow there,” made a deep impression on the large audience present. Miss Emily Prinn presided at the organ. At the conclusion of the services, when all present were invited to come forward and view for the last time the features of their beloved one, the scene was a very sad one, for all felt their loss as a personal one, and during that last solemn march the feelings of all were unrestrained and there was not a dry eye in the church. The many floral tributes, which testified in a marked degree to the high esteem in which the deceased was held, were varied and beautiful, and were tastefully arranged about the beautiful white casket at the altar rail. As before stated, the funeral was very largely attended and the procession of carriages was one of the longest that has been seen in this village for many years. The bearers were William Sargent, Clarence H. McLenna, John Mattson and Thomas Danio. Burial was in Fairview cemetery, Westford.
Easter. The glorious festival of Easter was fittingly observed in St. Catherine’s church last Sunday, when a high mass was celebrated by Rev. J. J. McNamara at 9:45 o’clock. The choir, under the direction of Miss Mary F. Hanley, and augmented for the occasion, sang a new mass by Emerson, the solos being sustained by Miss Christina Lowther, Miss Rebecca LeDuc, R. J. McCarthy and G. P. Leduc. The choir is to be commended for the artistic rendition of this difficult mass, the result of faithful practice under the able supervision of Miss Hanley. The altar was tastefully arranged with ferns, palms, and cut flowers, and presented a beautiful appearance, which added greatly to the impressive ceremony of Easter.
Forge. The Lions of this village defeated the Blue Socks of Westford on the Westford grounds last Saturday, 7 to 6. The features of the game were a fast double play made by Dumont to Wilson and Perkins, and the fast fielding of Vincent and Curley; also, the battery work of the Spinner brothers and Wilson. The Forge team put up a good game and outplayed their opponents. The Westfords played in Forge Monday and were again defeated.
Mr. Burroughs, a foreman in laying the water pipes for the Westford Water Co., left last week Thursday for a similar position in Canuet, Rockland county, N.Y.
Word has been received of the birth of a son to Mr. and Mrs. Small of Everett, so they will not open their cottage, “The pines,” as early as usual this year.
Gladys May and Gertrude Mildred, the two children of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Baker, were christened at Forge mission Easter Sunday. Mrs. Polly DeRoehn, Mrs. Elizabeth Davis and George Weaver were the sponsors.
One of the little twin babies [Leanne B., aged 3 months] of Mr. and Mrs. Boucher died Monday and was buried Wednesday. The other child [Leda B.] is very sick.
The mills of the Abbot Worsted Co. were closed Monday, but run Friday to make up for the four days.
The ladies’ circle continues to meet at the mission house every Thursday, and the ladies seem to enjoy the change.
The Easter services were largely attended at the mission house Sunday. Mr. Richards of Groton School assisted Rev. T. L. Fisher in the services. The singing was particularly fine. Miss Edith Precious sang very feelingly, “He is risen,” and Miss Theresa Lowther sang, “They have taken him away,” very impressively.
The police of the town made several raids Saturday night and secured quantities of liquor and beer at all the places visited. As a result, three citizens of the village will be called to court at Ayer to answer to the charges; they are, Charles Shugrue of North Westford, John Sullivan and James Benoit of Forge. The raids were made by John Feeney, L. W. Wheeler, Walter Precious, E. G. Boynton, Walter Whidden, H. L. Nesmith, E. H. Davie, Frank Healy.
Mrs. Hermine Boucher of North Chelmsford was in the village Wednesday to attend the funeral of the little Boucher baby.
[Mrs.] David P. Lawrence, whose extreme age we have mentioned before, has been quite ill, but was more comfortable at time of writing. Miss Priscilla Bennett has had an attack of tonsillitis, making it advisable to have her tonsils removed. Joe Bannister is on the sick list. Miss E. C. Comey is keeping house for him. Mrs. S. N. Eaton is recovering from attack of grippe. Mrs. Charles Shaw has a severe attack of jaundice.
Visitors in town over the holiday were Miss Henderson of Malden at Lincoln cottage, who entertained Mr. and Mrs. Field and Mr. and Mrs. Appleton; Thomas Fisher and Mr. Roberts at “The birches;” Mr. and Mrs. Averill Nichols of Everett at their cottage; Mr. Shafter, with a party of friends, at his cottage; J. Campling and daughter of Methuen at Wm. Whigham’s; Dr. Howard Tuttle, one of the resident medical staff at the state hospital, Tewksbury, at Mr. and Mrs. Fred Sweatt’s; Mr. and Mrs. Dailey and two children at her father’s, D. Hanley; Violet Collins of the Channing hospital, Providence, R.I., at her father’s, Miles Collins; Fred Morris of Cambridge at Wm. Burnett’s; Mr. and Mrs. Alvah Bicknell of Somerville at her brothers, John Carmichael; Albert Jones of Worcester at Wm. Burnett’s.
[1] Rev. Dr. Frederick E. Emrich was born in New York City about 1848, graduated from Bates College in 1876 and Bangor Theological Seminary in 1872, ordained a congregational minister in 1875, and served as pastor in Wilton, Augusta and Mechanics Falls Me., Chicago, Ill., and Framingham, Mass. He was secretary of the Massachusetts Home Missionary Society from 1903 to 1923 and became secretary emeritus when this organization merged with the Congregational Conference in 1927. It is now the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ.