The Westford Wardsman, April, 1909
Saturday, April 3, 1909
About Town. Mrs. Sarah Richardson of Brookside on the Lowell road, who has seen the sun rise over 32,850 times [90 years], is ill at her home, largely the result incidental to the age that can witness so many revolutions of the earth, lighted by sunlight and moonlight. Miss Reigs, her companion and nurse, is also ill with the grippe. Dr. Wells is in attendance, and disease looks as though it would be shamed out of attacking such aged people.
Marshall’s hall on the town line at Westford corner has been leased to an Italian from Milford, N.H. for a term of years. He will open a store on the lower floor; the skyward floor will be fitted up with sleeping bunks, a sort of steerage passage affair.
Alvin G. Polly, who has been ill, is improved and was able to say “Present” at the rollcall of “time” at the eightieth call last Saturday. At the gathering of his children on that occasion, he was presented with an easy chair and other attractions to help induce many more rollcalls and make their coming easy.
James H. O’Brien is obliged to approach recovery slowly and cautiously, with occasional days when what has been recovered, has to be recovered again. Mary, the oldest girl, who has competed with her father in illness, is likely to win out and is nearly back to normal.
Several from town will avail themselves of the opportunity for the excursion rates from Boston to Washington, Friday April 9. Among those who are going are selectman Oscar R. Spaulding and wife, Charlotte Prescott, William R. Taylor and Mr. Spaulding’s nephew from Chelmsford.
At a meeting of the selectmen Saturday evening, to open sealed bids for superintendent of roads, lo and behold, Frank E. Miller, the blacksmith, was low man in figures, and he got the appointment. Well, why not? He is a good blacksmith and desirable citizen, and there is no evidence either straight or cross-eyed that he will not make an efficient road superintendent. The bidders were John A. Healy, Fred A. Shorey, Angus McDonald and Frank E. Miller.
The next meeting of the Fortnightly club will be held at the Lyon schoolhouse Friday evening, April 9, when the following question is expected to be discussed: Resolved, that a twelve per cent standard for [total solids in] milk is for the best interest of the producer and consumer. Affirmative, S. L. Taylor; negative, DeLacey Corkum of Billerica. This is a live question that the consumers are a unit on, and the producers are many units, hence the inability of the legislative committee on agriculture to fix a standard that is satisfactory to warring factions. Everybody interested can appoint themselves as a debater on this question, and call it a sort of sub-legislature hearing.
Charles Whitney recently lost a valuable bull from over-feeding more than he had been trained for, at the farm he was purchased from.
Death. Dr. Charles W. Harwood, who died in Worcester at the home of his mother, Thursday, March 25, was a native of Westford and was born in the Brookside precinct, in the house now occupied by Charles Watt, near the residence of Theodore H. Hamblett. When about five years old his father sold his real estate in Westford and moved to Worcester. There a large part of his youthful life was spent.
He was the youngest son of Ephraim A. and Elizabeth (Tuttle) Harwood. His father will long be remembered as a prominent factor in the town, and in the life of the Congregational church, where he gracefully and efficiently served as superintendent of the Sunday school, chorister in the choir and deacon of the church. He was an exceptionally affable man in all the reactions of life.
Dr. Harwood, leaving town so young, was deprived of identifying his life with the life of the town and church but measured by the law of “Like produces like,” his identification and association with all that makes for righteousness must have been certain and efficient. He was own cousin to Mrs. Hobart, the widow of former vice-president Hobart of the United States, who was present at the funeral, which was held from the home in Worcester last Saturday. Mrs. Hobart has been a sympathetic relative and friend for many years, contributing a large display of flowers at the funeral. The body was brought on the noon train in Fairview cemetery, where rest the remains of grandparents, father, step-mother, brother and half brother. The remains were accompanied from Worcester by Mrs. Call, a cousin, and Wm. O. Patten, a life-long friend of the family and former resident of the town. The bearers were George E. Gould, Charles H. Eastman, Francis W. Banister and Samuel L. Taylor. Dr. Harwood leaves an aged and infirm mother, eighty-six years old, and a half-brother, Dr. George Harwood, a successful dentist, who from reasons of ill health was unable to be present at the burial. The deceased was fifty-two years old and had been in ill health for two years from a complication of troubles, the immediate cause of death being assigned as pleurisy.
Entertainment. Just as was anticipated the Enterprise club of the Unitarian church furnished an evening of varied and quickly succeeding scenes and experiences to a large audience at the town hall last week Friday evening in “Scenes in union depot.” The following is a cast of the play:
Ticket agent, William L. Woods; depot master, Frank E. Miller; boy at lunch and candy stand, Albert Woods; boot-black and newsboy, Alfred Sutherland; Mrs. Snyder, Agnes Balch; Miranda, her daughter, Mabel Miller; Mrs. Larkin, Clara Fisher; Miss Sophia Piper, May Balch; Mr. Jones, Louis Jenkins; woman with baby, Mrs. H. N. Hildreth; uncle John, Aaron Tuttle; Josiah Potter and wife Nancy, S. L. Taylor and Mrs. A. H. Sutherland; Mr. Armstrong and small children, J. Willard Fletcher, Leon Hildreth, Walter Steele, Lillian Sutherland, Marjory Seavey; three school girls Dot, Bess and Trix, Beatrice Sutherland, Gladys Fletcher, Gertrude Hamlin; dude, Everett Hamlin; Mrs. Amelia Hummer, Edward Fisher; Italian musicians, Evelyn Hamlin, Everett Miller; Mr. and Mrs. Martindale, Frank Johnson, Miss Ruth Miller; bride and groom, Alister McDougall, Grace Bennett; Rosy and Molly, Mabel Miller, Etta McDougall; Rob and Dick, Everett Miller, John Feeney, Jr.; Casey, Hazel Hartford; Jupiter, Walter Steele; their mother, Mrs. Frank Miller; Lily, Grace Bennett; Eliza, Gladys Fletcher; George, Albert Heywood; Mr. White, Frank A. Wright; Harold and Flossy, Etta McDougall, John Feeney, Jr.; Mr. and Mrs. Linton, Everett Hamlin, Mrs. Frank Miller; Mrs. Brown and Johnny, Mrs. Frank Miller and Charlie Miller; Pat Maloney and wife, Aaron Tuttle, May Balch; mother and irrepressible son, Mrs. H. V. Hildreth, Leon Hildreth; solo dancer, Miss Gertrude Hamlin; bald-headed man, Louis Jenkins; policeman, Alfred Hartford.
In addition to the above, Miss Julia H. Fletcher rendered effectively a select recitation and Harry Hopkins, the well known tenor singer of Lowell, delightfully entertained with solos. Everything was so much and so good that to call names and specialize might lead to the necessity of another extra policeman at “Union depot.” The play was under the direction of Miss Harriette Harris, of Weymouth, who has done efficient work in this line in town before. Expenses were heavy, but about thirty-seven dollars were cleared for the benefit of the Enterprise club.
The Sunday evening meeting will be in charge of Miss Grace Bennett, the subject for consideration, “Order.” Let everyone order a few thoughts.
Spring Movements. S. L. Taylor while hunting for moths Tuesday, came across two snakes which were hunting for warm weather, spring and victuals. This would seem to indicate that spring was just coming around the corner of winter, where it had been hidden several months. There are those who can’t get a move on until they see stars, but for a real spring “get a move on you,” seeing snakes is more effective than seeing stars, for it results at once, March 30, in dropping all side issues like hunting moths, and hunting up the horse and plow, and planting peas and potatoes. This is one day earlier than last year, but twelve days later than the regular “St. Patrick’s day in the morning” [i.e., March 17] of the years gone by. Come now, brother farmers of the Stony Brook valley, the procession has started late this year; try and get one of those spring movements onto you, and catch onto the rear of the procession. Now that it has started, there is no halting for any one. Come on with your horse, plow and green goods for the season’s race.
Center. Miss Eva Young of London, Eng., who was Mrs. Helen Frost’s guest last summer; is again a most welcome member of the Frost household.
Miss May Day is at home from the spring vacation at Mt. Holyoke college.
It has been a real pleasure to their many friends in this village to have Mr. and Mrs. William A. Perkins with Elizabeth, Marion and Theodore, as guests in our midst this week. They have been entertained in different homes, principally at the parsonage at Mrs. Augusta Prescott’s.
Miss Biscoe, who lives in the same house with the Perkinses in Grafton, and is the town librarian, was here one day during their stay and much enjoyed visiting our library.
Schools opened Monday for spring term, with one change among the teachers. Miss Platt of East Milton was in Miss Tuttle’s place at the Wm. E. Frost school. Miss Tuttle who recently resigned is teaching in Winthrop.
The library reopened Tuesday after its usual annual closing, during which it has been thoroughly cleaned. The plan is to be tried for the convenience of the patrons, of loaning magazines the same as books, all except the current numbers.
Miss Blanche Waller is at home from Bates college for the spring vacation.
Rev. B. C. Henry preached in exchange with Rev. C. P. Marshall at the Congregational church Sunday morning, giving his hearers a thoughtful and earnest sermon. There was a good attendance at the special service in the evening. Mr. Marshall preached and Mr. Osgood lead the praise service. There were solos by Mrs. C. D. Colburn and Miss Edna Ferguson.
Rev. and Mrs. F. M. Baker and little son have been guests during this week at Mr. and Mrs. John P. Wright’s.
Word was received about eleven o’clock Tuesday forenoon by L. W. Wheeler, captain of the Edward M. Abbot Hose Co., that the house on the William Kittredge farm, occupied by Wm. L. Woods, was on fire. Without losing a second’s time, Mr. Wheeler was putting into effect the most efficacious means of gathering his men when a second message came over the telephone that it was under control, and outside help was not needed. It seemed that a kettle of boiling fat had taken fire and for a few moments things looked ominous, but Mrs. Woods with help from nearby neighbors succeeded in putting the fire out with but comparatively little damage done.
Tadmuck Club. There was a good attendance of members and guests present at the regular meeting of the Tadmuck club in Library hall Tuesday afternoon for the program, which promised to be one of interest, was in no way disappointing. The members were pleased to have the president Miss Loker, who has been detained at home with an attack of grippe, in her accustomed place.
At the business session, the matter of increasing the annual membership fee was put to vote by written ballot and defeated. It was voted to reconsider the plan of gentleman’s night, to guest’s night. All members who had husbands and wished to invite them, to do so, and others privileged to invite one guest, either lady or gentleman. A small assessment will be placed upon each member to meet the expense of this.
The subject of the afternoon was, “Women of the north and south during the Civil war.” Mrs. Charles L. Hildreth read the first paper, a thoroughly well written and well delivered portrayal of the part of our northern women in that great struggle; of their loyalty and devotion, privation and suffering, an account of those who worked at home and those who went as nurses. Mrs. H. V. Hildreth’s paper on the women of the south during those eventful days, fully merited the close and appreciating attention it received to the last work. It was a vivid and eloquent account of those women, many of whom had known only luxury and ease, but in those days of hardship were constantly enduring and sacrificing to the army who wore the gray.
The subject so ably treated from both sides was ever the same heart-stirring narrative, equally to those who remember those days of the great Civil war, and to those who have been born since.
Miss Miranda G. Luce interspersed the two papers with one entitled, “Personal recollections of a young girl during the war,” telling in her own keen, entertaining style many happenings in our own town during those four years.
At the next meeting, Charles O. Prescott has charge of the program with “India” as his subject. There will also be select readings. An aid to the study of the afternoon will be a set of pictures on India, loaned by the Library Art association.
Graniteville. Lenten devotions were held in St. Catherine’s church on last Wednesday evening at the usual hour.
In the list of names of the committee in charge of the coming minstrel show to be given by the members of St. Catherine’s Temperance society, as printed a few days ago, the name of James B. Healy, the popular president of the society, was inadvertently omitted. The other members of the committee are Henry E. LeDuc, A. R. Wall, R. J. Hemen. The performance will be given the latter part of April.
Miss Mary Crowley of Lynn has been the guest of Miss Catherine Conley in this village for the past few days.
All the schools in this village opened last Monday morning at the usual hour for the beginning of the spring term. The regular corps of teachers is in attendance.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank McLenna, who have resided in Hinsdale, N.H., for the past few months are now visiting relatives in this village for a few days, but will leave for Springfield the latter part of the week where Mr. McLenna has a lucrative position as engineer with a large construction firm. On the completion of the Springfield job, he will take up similar work in California.
Many of the young men of this village who are to take part in the local minstrel show attended the Cohan & Harris performance at the Lowell Opera House on last Saturday and picked many pointers for the coming entertainment. No suitable person has been selected as yet to portray the part of the “Bathing girl” as given by Julian Eltinge on last Saturday.
The entertainment committee appointed to provide for the social hour after the regular meeting of Court Graniteville, F. of A. on Thursday night, April 8, have selected a fine program and this affair is bound to be interesting.
Baseball. The members of the baseball club that are to represent C. G. Sargent’s machine shop here during the coming summer have now formed a permanent organization, and are putting in light practice work daily in preparation for the coming game with the Abbot Worsted Co. team, that is scheduled to take place on April 19. The shop team is fully equipped with gloves, mask, protector, bats, etc., this fact being made possible by the voluntary contributions of the employees in this shop. William Gordon, the well known athlete, is manager and pitcher for this club, while the back-stop work will be done by that veteran catcher, “Jack” Quessey, who is well known in sporting circles in this and surrounding towns. The shop boys are sure of victory, but the members of the A. W. C. are not saying a word for they know with such a battery as Tom McCarthy and “Bill” Ledwith, and with such seasoned players as Bob McCarthy, Eddie DeFoe, and others equally as good to draw from , that they will make the shop fellows wish that they had never selected April 19 for the day to meet their Waterloo. The village people are very much interested in this contest, and numerous wagers are already being made as to the final outcome.
Birthday Anniversary. A very pleasant family reunion was held at the home of Mrs. Maria McCarthy in this village last Sunday, the occasion being made notable as the fifty-sixth birthday anniversary of Mrs. McCarthy. During the day all the children of Mrs. McCarthy were present, including a few intimate friends of the family. An excellent dinner was served and as the merry party, both young and old, gathered about the festive board, joy was unbounded and the happy occasion will long be remembered by all those present. Mrs. McCarthy was the recipient of many suitable gifts in cut glass, and other pretty souvenirs in keeping with the pleasant event. The whole affair was very enjoyable and among those present, aside from the immediate family, were Miss Rebecca Tripp, of Concord Junction, Miss Angelina Briston of Tyngsboro, and Miss Bertha McLenna and Miss Valaria Gagnon of this village. The McCarthy family have resided here for over sixteen years and are well and favorably known.
Forge Village. The ladies’ sewing circle met with Miss Edith Foster, at her home, formerly the Whittier farm, Thursday afternoon. Miss Foster sent a barge for the ladies and also conveyed them to their home. There were eleven present beside the hostess. After the usual business and a social hour, a very dainty luncheon was served. Miss Marion Sweatt assisted Miss Foster in serving. Miss Evelyn Fernald, from Vassar college, was present. There were a number of the circle unable to be present owing to illness.
Mrs. Winnie Larkin is very sick with no hopes of recovery. Miss Margaret O’Hara, assistant district nurse, in Concord, N.H., is caring for her.
Saturday, April 10, 1909
About Town. Mrs. Herbert Coffin and her two daughters Elsie and Minnie have been visiting their uncles, Rev. Seth Walker of Chelmsford and Charles E. Walker of Westford.
The annual grass fire occurred on the land of J. Willard Fletcher last week Friday, having been set by the work train. This is the land used by the Westford Athletic association in the season of baseball, made famous by so many victories.
The logs that are being cut near the headwaters of Cold Spring are being rafted down the Stony Brook to the sawmill at Westford station. The rafting is a go as you please affair, each log being an independent raft.
Among those not previously mentioned for the excursion trip to Washington is Miss Frances Banister, teacher in the Sargent school at Graniteville. During her absence her place will be supplied by her sister, Miss Marguerite Banister.
At a meeting of the selectmen last Saturday evening, Capt. Sherman H. Fletcher, Albert R. Choate and John Edwards were appointed fire engineers for Westford, Graniteville and Forge Village.
Eugene Ward, at present collecting milk for A. G. Boynton, will move next Monday from Lowell into the Brow house on the Providence road, having been disappointed in securing a house at Chamberlain’s Corner.
James H. O’Brien is improving slowly but securely and at the present pace will be able to resume the activities of the human race ere April showers and May flowers respond to each other . The recent sudden whirl is not conducive to response.
The old Abbot homestead, west of the Unitarian church, is being painted up and shingled up. It has recently been purchased by John C. Abbot.
Miss Blanche Waller is home for school vacation. She will graduate from Bates college in June. Miss May Day has been home from Mt. Holyoke college and returned this week.
Mrs. S. L. Taylor, May and Lillian Atwood and L. W. Wheeler attended the Methodist conference in Lowell last week.
Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Wheeler attended the High st. church in Lowell last Sunday, where Rev. C. C. P. Hiller was preacher of the day. He was a former minister of the Congregational church in town. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hiller called on friends in Westford Tuesday.
Mrs. John Wilson observed her seventy-first birthday last week Thursday. Although ill, quite recently, she was able to receive the congratulations of her numerous friends and relatives.
One of the expensive snow rollers built for the town two years ago is being sheltered from the wear, tear and warping of the weather by the sky that is stretched over Westford corner. This roof certainly didn’t leak much last summer, but it is hoped for the sake of farm crops, it will commence to leak more this season. It is reported that Chelmsford wants to buy a roller. Why not push this roller over the line, and tell Chelmsford folks to help themselves? It will save our repairing the roof where it is housed.
At a meeting of the Westford A.A., at the town hall Wednesday evening to elect officers for the season, Edward Fisher was chosen president; H. L. Wright, vice-president; Wm. L. Woods, treasurer; Wm. R. Taylor, secretary; Oscar R. Spalding, C. A. Blaney, Chas. M. Trull, J. Herbert Fletcher and Edward Hamlin, directors.
At the next meeting of the grange Thursday evening, April 15, there will be initiation in the third and fourth degrees, and inspection by Deputy Noyes.
Without a Hall. Since the leasing of Marshall’s hall at Westford corner for tenement and store purposes, Brookside, Westford Corner and West Chelmsford are deprived of any hall for entertainments. Well, what is going to be done about it. Some say begin a series of entertainments, the proceeds to go towards building a hall. Fine, nothing better, makes everybody a contributor but the hall that is so desirous and so indispensable a necessity, must exist prior to holding the entertainments to build the hall with, else, where will you hold your entertainments. Don’t you see, another plan. Art. 1, to choose a moderator; art. 2, to see if the town of Chelmsford will appropriate a sufficient sum of money to build a half hall or half build a hall on Chelmsford and Westford line; and Westford town meeting “ditto” which being interpreted down to business, meaneth that the two towns would sort of continue to collapse together in the bonds of love and half build a hall. There is certainly no harm in serving a half hall article into the town meeting arrangements. It will furnish talk, that being cheap, it will affect the tax rate.
Stalled. Last Saturday a two-horse load of furniture got stalled near C. R. P. Decatur’s [54 Lowell Road] for lack of knowledge as to who wanted said furniture. They left Lowell with orders to leave it at red-painted farm buildings not far from the aforesaid Decatur. Inquiries by telephone and otherwise failed to find the place. Finally after several hours’ delay and telephoning to Lowell where reside one hundred thousand people, at last one of said number was found who was willing to aver that the red farm buildings reported were at Minot’s corner. But they wanted to be let alone, more than they wanted furniture, but Charles Bicknell, not far off, spoke up and said he could use it if they had tired looking, and this place is three miles from Decatur’s. How much some fellows don’t know about distances.
Visit of Tax Commissioner. The recent visit of the deputy tax commissioner resulted in laying down some new lines of action to govern the work of the assessors. In determining the rate of taxation, a formal vote must be taken as to what the rate shall be and the vote recorded. At least two of the assessors must attend all meetings of registration of voters. The signature of only one assessor will henceforth now and forever more onward, be considered lacking in the essentials of authority. All writing and figures on the valuation books must be in ink, and all lead pencil records will be considered unsafe. A part of said records must be written in red ink. Well now, if the tax rate goes as high as predicted the taxpayers will all get red in the face when they behold their tax bills with this and the red ink, my, won’t the old town look red.
New Fire Extinguishers. The selectmen have appointed John A. Healy forest fire warden and he has been busy distributing the new fire extinguishers that the town, at its annual meeting, voted to purchase. The Stony Brook district has two, one at the residence of Eben Prescott on Main st., the other at the residence of S. L. Taylor, corner of Lowell and Stony Brook roads. It is planned as per order of the school committee, to place one in the Stony Brook school as soon as arrangements can be made. With the new extinguishers and the new law relating to setting fires, forest fires ought to diminish and forest investment become safer and more profitable. It is well to remember that we are now in that season of the year, when no one can set a fire in the open field without permission of the fire warden. It is true this may work some inconvenience, but uncontrollable fires work a great deal of inconvenience as well as financial loss.
Center. Mr. and Mrs. Austin H. Foss have returned to their Westford home after spending a pleasant winter in Florida.
The Henry M. Wright’s have been guests this past week at W. H. Wright’s.
John R. Draper has been spending his vacation with his former schoolmate, Leon F. Hildreth.
Rev. and Mrs. C. C. P. Hiller at the close of the session of the Methodist conference in Lowell came up to Westford and spent a couple of days, where they were guests of Mrs. Caroline Atwood’s. It was a pleasure to many former parishioners and friends to meet them and greet them. They return to Springfield for their fifth year of work, where Mr. Hiller is pastor of the Wesley Methodist church.
Rev. A. F. Dunnells of the Highland Congregational church in Lowell was the special speaker at the mid-week Lenten service last Thursday evening. A good number came out to hear his thoughtful and helpless address. H. G. Osgood conducted the praise service.
The W.C.T.U. met with Mrs. Emery J. Whitney, Wednesday afternoon, with a good attendance of the members. At the business session, plans were outlined, the results of which will materialize later on. Afterward a pleasant social hour with music and light refreshments were enjoyed.
Mr. and Mrs. O. R. Spalding, Miss Charlotte Prescott, Robert Russell of Chelmsford, Frances C. Bannister and W. R. Taylor left Friday for a ten days’ trip to Washington.
Fireman’s Banquet. The members of the Edward M. Abbot Hose Co., gave a banquet and social evening to the members of the Chelmsford fire company, Monday evening, at the town hall. Nearly all the members of this company responded to the cordial hospitality of the Westford men with their presence and responsive good cheer. It was a pleasant return compliment for the good time given by the Chelmsford company to our men earlier in the season. Supper was served immediately upon the arrival of the barge. The tables presented a most attractive appearance with their wealth of good things and handsome bouquets of flowers.
The menu consisted of chicken pie, mashed potato, squash, celery, cranberry jelly, coffee, rolls, fancy pies, icecream, cake and fruit. After full justice had been done to this part of the program, a social hour with games was enjoyed. When the guests took their departure, they expressed much cordial appreciation, ending with three cheers for the Westford company.
The whole affair certainly reflected much credit upon the committee of arrangements, who were as follows: John Feeney, chairman, H. L. Wright, Robert Prescott, John Good, Henry Colburn and Warren Carkin. Every member of the home company was present.
Grange. At the grange last Thursday evening there was a good attendance. A small class of candidates were balloted for. The subject for discussion at the lecturer’s hour was “What are the most profitable crops to raise, and how shall we procure the best seed,” which was fairly well sustained. E. G. Boynton contributed a good solo. Mrs. Frank C. Wright gave a bright and interesting sketch of a section of country road and its changes in thirty years. This was the road between her girlhood home and the old Stony Brook schoolhouse, where she went to school as a girl. It was an entertaining bit of local history.
A special meeting was held this week Thursday evening for the conferring of the first and second degrees on the class of candidates. The third and fourth degrees will be conferred at the next meeting, April 15, the third degree by the ladies’ degree staff and the usual fourth degree supper.
Graniteville. All the ledges in this village commenced operations here on last Monday morning.
Rev. M. Barney, a former pastor of the M.E. church here, with Mrs. Barney, have been recent visitors in this village. [Rev. Godfrey Waldo Barney II (1880-1965) was pastor of the M.E. church at Graniteville from April 1907 until the spring of 1908.]
The ladies’ aid society of the M.E. church met with Mrs. L. A. Blood on last Thursday afternoon.
Mrs. H. J. Healy visited friends in Leominster this week.
Miss Dora Hawkes of Melrose has been spending a few days here as the guest of her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. W. O. Hawkes.
Mr. Hefferman, who formerly resided in the Province of Quebec, is now making his home with his daughter, Mrs. C. W. Robinson, in this village.
The usual large number attended the Lenten devotions that were held in St. Catherine’s church on Good Friday night.
Palm Sunday was fittingly observed in St. Catherine’s church here last Sunday, the ceremony of the blessing of the palms being conducted by the pastor, Rev. Edmund T. Schofield, previous to the 9:45 o’clock mass. Fr. Schofield was also the celebrant of the mass that was attended by the usual large congregation.
Court Graniteville, F. of A., held a largely attended meeting in its rooms on last Thursday night. Much business of a routine order was transacted and for the good of the order the following pleasing program was given: Song, Thomas Hughes, Henry LeDuc, R. J. McCarthy; harmonica solo, Henry J. Healy; comic selections, John Boyd; cornet solo, W. G. Blodgett; readings, A. R. Wall. All the numbers were well received, but the hit of the evening was made by John Boyd, whose rendition of “Finnigan’s [Finnegan’s] Wake” took down the house. The following committee has been appointed to furnish the entertainment on the next regular meeting night: H. J. Healy, John L. McCarthy and John Boyd.
William Gower, who has been on the sick list for the past few days, is now attending to his usual duties once more.
Miss Lizzie Turner has recently recovered from a severe attack of the measles.
Saturday, April 17, 1909
About Town. Miss Harriet F. Butterfield celebrated her nineteenth birthday at the home of her aunt Mrs. E. L. Mann, on the Acton road last week Thursday evening. Westford, Acton, Carlisle and Concord were represented. Miss Butterfield received many notifications of appreciation, including a birthday cake of 19-candlepower from her aunt. Entertainment with icecream, games, singing, phonograph selections and reading by Frank Wilkins of Carlisle. Quite a mixture; everybody ought to be able to select a fit that would introduce a hit.
There will be a special meeting of the Spaulding light cavalry association at the association building on the Boston road, Westford Center, Saturday afternoon, April 17 at three by the time table on the belfry of the Unitarian church, which has furnished figures for over a century. At this association meeting a lunch will be served. There now, why does anyone stay at home. Well they won’t, don’t you see.
The Westford Athletic association since organizing have been actively amassing their own old-time courage and ability looking towards ball games for the coming season. It must not be forgotten that they defeated last season such well-trained material as found at Townsend, Pepperell, Lancaster, Shirley and Milford, N.H., and about all the best amateur teams of Lowell. In order to get back into the old victorious swing of arm and limb, the association will hold a dance at the town hall Monday evening April 19.
The North Middlesex federation of young peoples’ societies will hold its spring meeting with the Chelmsford society at the Unitarian church Saturday, April 17, at two p.m. Delegates are expected from Ashby, Ayer, Groton, Stow, Littleton, Tyngsboro and Westford. A light lunch will be served by the Chelmsford society at one o’clock. At two p.m., an address will be given by Rev. F. R. Sturtevant of Dorchester, followed by discussion; at 2:40 address by Rev. Wm., H. Parker of Reading, followed by discussion. A collection will be taken for the benefit of the national Y.P.R.U.
The next Sunday evening meeting of the Enterprise club will be led by Miss Gladys Fletcher, subject, “Reverence,” as illustrated by the life and writings of the poet Longfellow.
The next meeting of the Fortnightly club will be held Friday evening, April 23. It will be young folks’ evening, with some old folks thrown in for balance. Mrs. H. C. Dege will be teamster of the evening.
S. L. Taylor has peas up, not washed up by the rain or scratched up by hen-scratching apparatus, but real spring, springing up. And why not? He is under verbal contract to furnish one of his tardy neighbors with peas for planting from this year’s raising. It is time something was getting up.
Death. Mrs. Julia Hutchins, wife of Melbourne F. Hutchins, died at her home on the Concord road last week Thursday afternoon, aged seventy years. She had been in her usual good health until suddenly stricken with a paralytic shock. Deceased was esteemed for the varied uses that a quiet life can devote itself to, and impressively demonstrated the truthfulness of the old proverb, “Greater is he that ruleth his own spirit, than he that taketh a city” [Proverbs 16:32]. She is survived by a husband and two brothers. Her son Charles W. Hutchins died at Colorado Springs at the age of twenty-one years.
The funeral took place last Saturday afternoon and was largely attended by relatives and friends. Rev. Benjamin H. Bailey was the officiating clergyman. Several selections were sung by Edson G. Boynton, Lillian Atwood, Mrs. Charles D. Colburn. The bearers were Frank, George, Elmer and Everett Kimball. The funeral arrangements were in charge of Capt. S. H. Fletcher, and undertaker, David L. Greig had charge of the burial, which was at Westlawn cemetery. The floral tributes were as liberal as her life was peaceful.
Marshall’s Hall. That expected and planned-for lease of Marshall’s hall has after all fallen through; the injured have not yet been heard from, and to what extent. The terms of the lease had been agreed upon, written and signed by Mr. Marshall, the owner of the hall, and the Italian from Milford who was to open store and bunks, when all as sudden as an Italian earthquake, the Italy part of the agreement broke from the agreement and ran. Well it is probably a case that isn’t worth the chase. Now that this hall has been before the public in the light of this expected lease the inquiry is pertinently asked, Why should the hall be exempt from state inspection and remain the dangerous fire trap that it is? At the last entertainment, with a crowded audience, some thoughtful persons supplied the situation with fire extinguishers. This is wise, but fire escapes are needed and another egress. Is loss of life less a loss in a private hall than in a public one?
The Fury of the Wind. Last week Thursday the wind determined to have everything its own way and clear out of its way, what the earth by law of attraction couldn’t coax to cling to gravitation. In this mix up of law, the wellhouse of Amos Polley got a move on it. First it obeyed the law of the wind, and went into the air, then later it obeyed the law of gravitation which influenced it to try a horizontal position. In this attitude it managed to humble itself against the wind and cling to earth. The same day a grass fire started on land of George C. Moore and S. L. Taylor, caused by the careless smoking on the part of the Boston and Maine railroad. Fortunately the fire had more courage than judgment and faced the wind, instead of allowing the wind to drive it. Nothing like being obstinate on some occasions; also fortunate that a man with a hoe, who had never read the story of the “The man with a hoe” The solos were the charming features, by Miss Gertrude Fletcher and Mrs. H. M. Seavey. After the anthem Mrs. Seavey expressively sang the solo, “O rest in the Lord”. Mrs. F. R. Bryant of Lowell as organist kept everything moving in time and harmony.
Center. Miss Annie L. Coolidge was a visitor in town Sunday and attended the Congregational church of which she is a member.
Miss Alice Howard has been enjoying her Easter vacation from Simmons college at her pleasant home in the west part of the town.
Mrs. Helen K. Frost has presented the William E. Frost school with a fine portrait of her late husband. It stands in a central position in the main lower hall. It is a fine likeness and a fitting ornament to the building named in his honor, and an appropriate reminder of him who for more than thirty years led our Westford youth in the path of learning.
The Eliot F. Humistons are moving back to their own home from the Fred A. Hildreth house in the village, which they have occupied during the winter months.
Mr. and Mrs. Abiel J. Abbot and their daughter Miss Carnzu are at home again after two months of delightful travel to California and points intervening.
Mrs. James Marshall has been the guest this past week of her son at the Congregational parsonage. Easter Sunday Hugh Marshall and his friend Howard Gale, were also guests.
Mrs. Hiram Whitney sails this Saturday on the Roumania [sic] for a European trip. She goes with her children, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Wright. These last expect to be gone about two months, but whether Mrs. Whitney will remain longer will be determined later. It is a Mediterranean trip and they will first land at Naples. The good wishes of their many Westford friends will follow them in their journeying.
The old fire house which has stood behind the town house for so many years was removed last Saturday to Parkerville, as per vote of the town. The ladders, buckets, hand pumps, shovels, etc., formerly stored there are now cared for in the new hose house.
In spite of the good, welcome, wet rain Wednesday afternoon a successful food sale was held by the ladies of the Congregational church at the pleasant home of Mrs. John P. Wright. The good cooking, attractively arranged on the long dining room table, was wholly sold out. Ice cream was also on sale during the afternoon, adding to the sociability. This was all sold and altogether a good sum netted for the treasury. This enterprise is to defray the expense of the new lamps recently purchased for the vestry.
Saturday, April 10, a small grass fire developed from a rubbish fire kindled by H. F. Leith under a permit from forest warden Healey. This was small only because of quick response and active work by members of hose company No. 1. Tuesday was an unlucky thirteenth for woodland owners, with three fires. One caught during the noon hour from sparks from a portable sawmill of O. R. Spalding’s in the south part of the town. Quick work by the sawmill gang aided by the road department force, who were there for dinner, prevented serious loss, as much sawed lumber was near as well as the mill.
Easter. Easter Sunday, one of the gladdest and best in the church calendar, was bright and beautiful and at the Congregational church was largely attended. The decorations were not planned on an ambitious or elaborate scale; however, the pretty auditorium never looked more attractive with its judicious arrangement of ferns, palms and blossoming plants and groups of Easter lilies in the center. A full chorus rendered beautiful Easter music. In the principal anthems E. G. Boynton and A. E. Day sustained solo parts. A pretty feature was the singing as an offertory of a beautiful carol by members of the primary department of the Sunday school. Mr. Marshall gave good sermons, both morning and evening. At this latter service Mr. Osgood conducted the praise service and a quartet consisting of Mrs. C. D. Colburn, Miss Elizabeth Cushing, Arthur E. Day and H. G. Osgood, gave an appropriate selection.
Owing to the success of these Sunday evening services during Lent, and to the expressed wish from many, it has been thought best to continue them for the present. Mr. Osgood has consented to continue his good work with the music and Mr. Marshall will preach a short sermon. The C.E. service will be held in conjunction with the midweek service Wednesday evenings.
Tadmuck Club. At the Tadmuck club at library hall, Tuesday afternoon, Charles O. Prescott sustained the afternoon’s program most acceptably. This is not the first time that Mr. Prescott has won the gratitude and appreciation of the members with a travel talk. Tuesday’s was the last of a series of three which have been given at intervals during the season. The subject was “India,” which is a little out of the beaten track of tourists and the more interesting and instructive on that account. It was reminiscent of a trip Mr. Prescott took some years ago. This great country of the far east, with its many class distinctions, complicated religious, moral and educational conditions were portrayed with eloquent simplicity, also its climate, vegetation and wonderful architectural beauty. Mr. Prescott completed his talk with an account of the wonderfully beautiful temple of the Taj Mahals, which may easily be classed as the eighth wonder of the world. He was aided in his descriptions with a particularly fine set of views loaned by the Library Art club.
Rev. B. H. Bailey supplemented the program with selections from Matthew Arnold’s masterpiece “The light of Asia.” and the usual surroundings that go with it, after which the line of march led to an introduction to Congressman Butler Ames, who acknowledged that he had oft heard of Mr. Spaulding in the party, our good-natured chairman of the selectmen. A short stop at Atlantic city was made on the way home.
Dost thou know that this is Arbor day? Hast thou read the governor’s proclamation? Dost thou heed its advice for every one to set out a tree? Dost thou know that Westford would set out 2600 trees if it heeded this advice? Do not let the commercial spirit of the times so blindly hold thee to its hard task, that thou will set out bean poles, and call it forestry.
Taylor brothers of the S. L. type commenced the lawn tennis season today at the “Old open bucket” farm, corner of Stony Brook and Lowell roads.
The next meeting of Middlesex North Pomona grange will be held at Odd Fellows’ hall, Bridge st., Lowell, Friday, May 7, with an afternoon and evening session. The evening session was substituted for the forenoon for the benefit of those farmers who are coming a fast movement on the sod. Not quite so fast, brother farmer, but that you can slow down in season to attend this evening session. The next session of the Middlesex Worcester Pomona grange will be held at Acton Wednesday, April 28. Listed on the literary program will be a paper on “Thomas Lawson as an educator.”
Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Sabine, recently of Danvers hospital, (but not crazy) are visiting at her father’s, J. Willard Fletcher, at Westford depot.
The town was surprised to learn Thursday morning that Charles E. Whidden, for so many years the station agent at Westford depot, was found dead in the early morning hours, as he had retired for the evening. He was a veteran of the Civil war. Particulars later.
Patriots’ Day. A stirring event on Patriots’ day on Monday our good old April 19, was the dance at town hall, given by the Westford Athletic association. There was much stirring of feet to the music of the grange orchestra. For the season of the year, the affair was well supported. The next stirring affair was the ballgame between Forge Village and Westford academy on the ball grounds near Westford. A large crowd was present. After the seventh inning with Forge Village in the lead, another stirring event was introduced, with an “all promenade” movement to it, in which everybody took part whether they had previous experience in promenade dancing or not. Music was furnished by thunder and the lightning and rain set everybody into a quick step. Westford academy is very thankful that it showered, ere Forge Village had them devoured. The other stirring events of the day were mostly a stirring of the soil by the same classification of industry as “Fired the shot heard round the world.”
Annual Reunion. At a special meeting last Saturday of the Spalding light cavalry association, Capt. S. H. Fletcher presided and Edward Fisher was secretary. The business was relative to the matter of holding the annual reunion. It was unanimously decided to hold a reunion at Nabnassett pond next August and the following committee were elected to make arrangements: Capt. Sherman H. Fletcher, Lieut. Edward Fisher, Westford; Col. Royal S. Ripley and Lieut. W. J. Quigley of North Chelmsford; Capt. John J. Monahan, West Chelmsford; Capt. H. W. Wilson, Carlisle; Lieut. E. C. Williams, Groton; Sergt. Charles E. Bartlett, Chelmsford; Sergt. Elmer E. Shattuck, Concord Junction; Sergt. George V. Herring, Pepperell; David Weston of Pepperell. The meeting adjourned to the third Saturday in May, when the original committee will appoint sub-committees to assist in making arrangements. After the meeting, luncheon was served by Quartermaster John Feeney. In all probability the entertainment will be livened up with a band of music, sports, games and high thinking by speeches from those who are forewarned and forearmed. Nabnassett pond is picturesque in its settings, with its forest preserves and its several hundred acres of park land, owned and controlled by the aesthetic sentiment of George C. Moore of Brookside mills. The reunion last year was a clear case of old-time social and fraternal success, a sort of love at sight, with plenty of hold-over vitality for this year. Plan to be there and have a high wrestling match in the rustle of this tempting feast of beauty by nature, with an abundance of crumbs of man.
Centre. Henry N. Hoyt, D.D., secretary and treasurer of the Massachusetts home missionary society was the speaker at the Congregational vestry Sunday evening. A large number came out to hear him and were repaid with a forceful and original presentation of some of the problems of the churches of the old Bay State, and the changes taking place therein, of the country and city church and the great foreign element problem. There was special music.
Miss Lillian Atwood, Mrs. H. G. Osgood and Mrs. L. W. Wheeler were chosen delegates to the Middlesex union conference of churches, held at Dunstable Wednesday. Beside these also attended Mr. and Mrs. Marshall, Miss C. S. Atwood, Mrs. Emma Day, Mrs. Thomas Symmes and Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Whitney.
At the Tadmuck club next Tuesday afternoon the subject will be, “Boston; its historical points of interest and its present attractions.” The chairman of the afternoon is Mrs. B. H. Bailey. It is sure to be a program full of interest and a full attendance of the members is desired for their last working session of the season.
Mr. and Mrs. John P. Wright, Frances and Alice, spent Sunday and Monday at their cottage at North Weymouth.
The three engineers of the Westford fire department met at the town hall last Friday evening and organized. Capt. Sherman H. Fletcher was elected chief engineer and John Edwards, clerk. It was voted to equip the three fire wagons of the three villages with fire gongs.
Miss Florence Cass of Somerville was a week-end guest of her sister, Mrs. A. H. Sutherland.
Grange. The second meeting in April of Westford grange was one of unusual interest, with its varied attractions, consisting of degree work, particularly the work of the ladies’ staff in the third degree, the annual inspection by special deputy from the state grange, and last but probably not least the harvest feast of the fourth degree.
The work of the third degree by the ladies’ staff, under the direction of pastmaster W. M. Wright was unanimously pronounced the best yet. The ritualistic work was accurate and impressive and some pretty new features of floor work met with heartiest applause. The fourth degree was conferred by the regular officers in an efficient manner.
The inspecting deputy, Elbridge Noyes of Newbury, discharged his duties with efficient tact, complimenting the grange upon its prosperity as shows by its well-kept secretary’s and treasurer’s books, upon the good order maintained and various other features. He closed with test questions to the various officers and a plea for maintaining of high standard of the educational features of the order.
Covers were laid for two hundred in the hall below and fully that number partook of the bountiful supper. This was under the capable management of Mrs. J. E. Wright and Mrs. S. L. Taylor and a corps of assistants. Owing to the lateness of the hour at its conclusion speech-making was omitted.
There were forty-four visitors present from Littleton and others form Concord and Chelmsford.
The ladies staff is composed of the following members:
Master, Mrs. F. C. Wright; overseer, Mrs. H. B. Read; lecturer, Mrs. Eben Prescott; chaplain, Mrs. L. W. Wheeler; steward, Mrs. John McMaster; lady assistant stewards, Mrs. A. H. Sutherland and Mrs. Henry Colburn; secretary, Mrs. F. A. Daniels; treasurer, Mary E. Moran; Flora, Mrs. Lillian Lumbert; Pomona, Mrs. Frank Banister; Ceres, Mrs. F. L. Snow; pianist, Mrs. E. G. Boynton; gleaners, Mrs. Frank Miller, Misses Bennett, Burke, Lumbert and Symmes.
A Serious Charge. In the arrest of Ward Eaton Tuesday the police and detectives working on the case feel that they have the man who last week sent a blackmailing letter to Julian A. Cameron, one of the most prominent men of this village. Last Friday Mr. Cameron received a letter demanding that he leave $5000 with a Mrs. Sullivan of Forge Village. Failing to comply with this demand his house would be blown up with dynamite or one of his children would be stolen. This letter was unsigned and mailed on the Lowell and Ayer train. A dummy package was put in Mrs. Sullivan’s hands and on Monday night Eaton called for it, presenting as his credentials a letter which asked him to take it across Forge pond to the summer cottage of a Mrs. Lyons. Eaton took the package, but returned with it about an hour later , with the seals still unbroken, and told Mrs. Sullivan that Mrs. Lyons was not at home. Soon afterward followed his arrest by Constable E. G. Boynton who took his man to Ayer Wednesday morning. The evidence secured failed to convict him, and failing to secure bail he was taken to Lowell jail. His case will be deferred for two days for the securing of additional evidence.
Eaton is married and lives at Forge Village and was formerly employed by Mr. Cameron, but of late has worked only intermittently. He has a police record. Mrs. Sullivan is considered an innocent figure in the case. The Mrs. Lyons mentioned is only a summer sojourner at the camp and it is believed her name was used only as a decoy. This deplorable manifestation of the depravity of some human nature has thoroughly stirred our community and much sympathetic indignation is felt for Mr. and Mrs. Cameron in their trying experience.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hildreth, Mrs. Allen and Miss Katherine, were guests of the H. V. Hildreths over Patriots’ day.
Graniteville. All the places of business remained closed here during Patriots’ day. There was no special observance of any kind, the principal attractions being the ballgame at Westford depot in the afternoon and the Westford A. A. dance in the evening.
All the schools were closed as usual during the holiday on April 19.
Among the visitors noticed here during the holiday were Mr. and Mrs. Frank Riney, Misses Etta M., and Alice C. Sheehan, Miss Sarah Teague and Miss Cora Barrows of Lowell, and Miss Anna Harrington of Leominster, Miss Nellie and Abbie Burns of Lowell spent the holiday as guests of Miss Fanny McCarthy in this village.
Baseball. The baseball season opened here on last Saturday afternoon, when the much-talked of game between the C. G. Sargent shop and the Abbot Worsted Co. teams came off on scheduled time before a large crowd of rooters. The A. W. C. won the toss and took the field. The shop fellows made a good start, and before the side was retired had scored four runs. The A. W. C. scored three in their half, and then held their opponents in great shape, preventing them from scoring another run during the entire game. The mill fellows played a steady game throughout, and although there were a few errors made it did not have any material effect on the score, the final result being 11 to 4 in favor of the A. W. C. The battery work of McCarthy and Ledwith was all to the good, for after the first inning Tom kept them guessing at all stages of the game. Hansen and Prinn excelled in batting, while the fielding of Defoe and Buckingham was up to their usual high standard. For the shop boys Gardell, Charlton and Howarth led with the stick, while the fielding of Hughes, Brown and the second base playing of Peter Roake helped the team out of many tight places. Pope caught well and Gordon worked hard to win, but his fielders did not give him the proper support at times. Harry Hartford of Westford officiated as umpire and did good work, not a semblance of a kick being heard on either side.
These two clubs will meet again in the second game of the series in about three weeks.
Forge. The B.B.C. held its second annual dance Friday evening, McNally’s orchestra furnishing music. There were many present from out of town.
The services of St. Andrew’s mission Sunday were conducted by Rev. Dr. Sherman of Jamaica Plain.
Rev. T. L. Fisher is taking a few weeks’ rest, hoping to gain strength since his very serious illness.
At a meeting of the board of selectmen held April 8, Wilbert E. Parsons was appointed inspector of meat for the coming year.
The ladies’ sewing circle met with Mrs. David Lord Thursday afternoon.
Sale and Social. The ladies’ sewing circle, assisted by the members of St. Andrew’s guild, held their annual Easter sale and social in Recreation hall, Saturday afternoon and evening, April 17. Promptly at three o’clock the doors were thrown open, and the sale began. The booths were handsomely decorated. The Misses Helen Lord and Bertha Collins occupied the center booth and did a rushing business on candy; their decorative colors were pale blue and white, with the word “Candies” in letter of blue across the center. Then came the pond, in charge of Misses Edith Foster and E. Marion Sweatt. Much credit is due the young ladies for their original idea of a fishpond, which was in the form of an old oaken bucket artistically covered with creeping vines and roses. The numerous bundles were attached to colored butterflies. It is needless to say they were quickly sold out.
Next came the grocery table, in charge of Mrs. Herbert Wadleigh and daughter Miss Florence; their color scheme was yellow, with lattice-work looped up with roses and green leaves forming a striking contrast to the ladies sewing table, which was decorated with red and white. Each of these tables did an unusually thriving business. Mrs. R. D. Prescott and Mrs. Wm. Burnett had charge of this table. The next in line was the flower table. The pure white and Nile green trimmings formed a contrast to the beautiful blossoms of roses, pinks and narcissus. The table was in charge of Miss Marion Lord and Miss Annie Cherry, and very early in the evening many blossoms had gone to swell the fund of the fair.
Misses Sarah Precious and Emily Collins were kept busy dispensing orangeade to the thirsty crowd. The huge punchbowl was tastefully arranged behind a curtain of pink and white. The Misses Rose Northrup and May Lord had charge of the icecream and quickly sold a goodly lot.
A very appetizing supper was served from six o’clock until eight, consisting of salad, cold meats and cake and coffee. The ladies were kept busy in serving. The following ladies had charge of the supper: Mrs. R. D. Prescott, assisted by Mrs. Wm. Burnett, Mrs. Nelson Prescott, Mrs. Fred Sweatt, Mrs. Hugh Ferguson, Mrs. Geo. Sanborn, Mrs. A. H. Comey, Mrs. David Lord, Mrs. Wm. Fernald, Miss Edith Foster, Mrs. Herbert Wadleigh.
During the evening there was dancing, Miss Sarah Precious and Harry Brown furnishing music. Miss Florence Wadleigh was untiring in her soliciting, which went a good way in making the affair a success; also Miss Sweatt was ready to do all that could be done to make the affair a success, as indeed all the ladies did. It was really the most successful of any for a long time, and about seventy-five dollars were realized, which will lessen the debt of the sheds very much. Frank Hindle and daughter, Mrs. Wm. Charlton, were among those from out of town, of whom there was a large number.
Weddings. James Whigham, son of the late Wm. Whigham, and Miss Ada Cottrell, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Cottrell of Oldham, Eng., were united in marriage Tuesday morning by Rev. Sherrard Billings of Groton School, at St. Andrew’s church, Ayer. The bride wore a pretty traveling suit of London smoke shade, with a white hat. Miss Jennie Cottrell, sister of the bride and Albert E. Jones of Worcester attended them. The bridesmaid wore a dark blue suit. Both young people are well-known and highly esteemed and they begin their new life with the very best wishes of their many friends. They received many presents. They will visit in Boston, Ware and South Barre and will be at home upon their return at 43 Pleasant st.
Also one of the prettiest weddings of the year took place Tuesday morning at St. Catherine’s church, when Abbiner DeLaurier, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Onegime DeLaurier, and Ephraim Milot, son of Mr. and Mrs. Napoleon Milot, were united in marriage by Rev. Fr. Edmund Schofield, at 7:30 o’clock. The bride was handsomely gowned in white silk, with lace over-dress, and carried lilies of the valley. The bride was attended by three bridesmaids, M. Annie DeLaurier, sister of the bride, Alma and Rachel Milot, sisters of the bridegroom. They were attired in lavender empire gowns and carried white roses. Mederique Toussynant, Mederique Lessieurs, Napoleon LeClaire were ushers. After the service, a wedding breakfast was served at the home of the bride. A reception was held at the home of the groom.