The Westford Wardsman, April, 1915
Saturday, April 3, 1915
Center. Oscar R. Spalding has purchased a new Reo automobile.
Walter Cutter has received a service medal from the United States government for service performed in the Philippines during the insurrection. It bears on one side the words, “United States Army. For service,” and on the reverse, a palm bearing fruit, the lamp of knowledge and the scales of justice, with the inscription, “Philippines Insurrection, 1899.”
A good number of Westford people were attracted to the auction on the Hosford estate in Dunstable on Tuesday of this week.
Hon. Frank P. Bennett, jr., of Saugus will deliver the address Memorial day at the town hall. Mr. Bennett has been in Westford before and is a keen, bright speaker.
S. B. Watson is having a garage built for his new automobile.
Mrs. Helen K. Frost has been having a thorough renovation at her home [12 Main St.], painting and papering throughout and an attractive light coat of paint outside.
James L. Kimball is having the Luce homestead [25 Main St.] nicely renovated with painting and papering, steam heat, improved plumbing, etc., which when completed will make a desirable house to rent.
Misses Gertrude D. and Julia H. Fletcher returned this week from a very pleasant two weeks’ trip to Washington and Atlantic City. While in Washington sightseeing they met the Misses Atwood also sightseeing, being on the way home from Florida, where they have been spending the winter.
Miss Edith Forster of the Frost school is teaching at Forge Village, substituting for Miss L. V. Ward, who is ill.
Mrs. B. C. V. Wetmore has returned home from the Battle Creek sanitarium, of Mr. and Mrs. Fennimore Morton and Mr. and Mrs. John Morton of Lowell were baptized on Sunday by Rev. A. E. Kernahan, pastor of the Graniteville M.E. church.
Death. Thomas Coley, a highly respected and well-known resident, died suddenly at his home on Central street, Sunday night. Mr. and Mrs. Coley had resided for the past twenty years in Worcester, but owing to ill health of Mr. Foley they removed to this village a year ago, where they had spent their vacations for many years, as they thought the country air might be of benefit. He leaves besides his wife one son Harry and a grandson, Richard Coley, of Worcester; four brothers, Joseph, William and Harry of Worcester, and Edward of Philadelphia, Pa.; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Carpenter, of Coventry, Eng., and Mrs. Eliza Wollams, of Kidderminster, Eng. Mr. Coley was past president of the Sons of St. George of Worcester.
A short prayer was said at the house by Rev. W. M. Ford of St. Andrew’s church at eleven o’clock on Wednesday morning, after which the body was placed on the noon train for Worcester, where funeral services were held at St. Matthew’s church. Burial took place in Worcester.
Groton
Thomas Fraser. The funeral services of Thomas Fraser were held here on Tuesday, March 30, at the residence of his brother, James Fraser on Main street. Rev. William Breckenridge was the officiating clergyman. He was a member of Groton lodge, I.O.O.F., four of the lodge acting as bearers. The interment was in Fairview cemetery, Westford, where the Foresters had charge of the committal services.
Thomas Fraser was born in Falmouth, Hunts [Hants] County, N.S., in 1868 [1865?]. About thirty years ago he came to the United States and worked for different people in Groton and vicinity until eight years ago, when he went to Keene Valley, N.Y., and entered the employ of Orlando Beebe, a man interested in the lumbering and hotel business of that place, which is in the Adirondacks. He became the man of work about the premises and house and greatly endeared himself to his employers by his faithfulness. He was ill for about three months with acute rheumatic trouble and endured much suffering.
There were floral tributes from the family, the I.O.O.F. and others. He is survived by two brothers James Fraser of Groton, and William R. Fraser of Wolfville, N.S. He was not married.
Ayer
District Court. The civil suit of Frank C. Drew of Westford against Joseph H. Boardman of Somerville was heard in the civil session Thursday morning before associate justice Charles F. Worcester. The action was one of contract in which the plaintiff Drew seeks to recover the sum of $122.96 with interest from the defendant Boardman, the plaintiff claiming that the defendant failed to remit the above amount for milk, which amount he claimed was due him and which milk was sold to the defendant at a price mutually agreed upon.
Mr. Drew, the plaintiff, is a well-known citizen of Westford, whose occupation is farming. He stated to the court that he made an agreement with the defendant, who is a milk contractor, to furnish him milk at thirty-eight cents a can delivered at the Westford station. From this amount a collector of the milk being paid 2 ½ cents a can for taking it to the railroad station. Boardman refused to pay him for the month of September, 1914, and from January 1 to February 26, 1915, as he had agreed to do and that the plaintiff had always fulfilled his part of the contract.
The defendant stated in answer to the charge that the reason why he had not paid for the milk was that it was below the legal standard, inasmuch as it contained an injurious substance, which resulted from diseased conditions in the cow. This condition came to the knowledge of the defendant, through the action of an agent of the Boston board of health who took samples from the defendant’s wagons in Boston, where the milk was being sold. A further delay in the payment of the amount claimed by the plaintiff was due to the time spent by the defendant in tracing the milk to the producer. During this time the defendant said that he could not sell the milk because it was below the legal standard and that being the case he could see no reason why he should pay for it.
Dr. Herbert E. Bowman of the state board of health was the remaining witness. The doctor testified to analyzing the samples said to have been taken from the plaintiff’s cans and found that they contained foreign substances, which arise from a diseased organism in the cow. He would not say whether or not the substance mentioned was injurious to health. So far as he knew the samples that he analyzed were up to the legal standard so far as the amount of the liquids and solids were concerned. The plaintiff did not know of any such condition in his cows.
The case attracted a good deal of attention in Westford and a good-sized delegation from that town was present at the trial.
Former Senator Edward Fisher of Westford appeared as counsel for the plaintiff and George O’Hara of Boston for the defendant.
The court reserved its decision.
Saturday, April 10, 1915
Center. Miss Ruth Fisher’s many friends were glad to welcome her back in town recently, having spent several days with Miss Eva E. Fletcher.
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur T. Blodgett are moving to Malden and the tenement vacated by them will be occupied by Mrs. Nellie E. Carken and son Warren.
Miss Hickey and Miss Smith, who taught at the academy last year, were in town Monday visiting friends. Miss Hickey is now teaching in Chelsea and Miss Smith in Concord.
Severe colds and grippe are pretty prevalent, keeping the doctors busy. Among those confined to their homes this last week have been Miss Emily F. Fletcher and Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher.
Next Tuesday afternoon the program for the Tadmuck club will be in charge of the music committee of the club. Miss Mary Riley, chairman of the music section of the Middlesex Woman’s club, Lowell, will be present and give a lecture on Edward MacDowell, illustrated with both vocal and piano selections from the works of this composer. The music teachers of Westford, Graniteville, Forge Village and West Chelmsford and their pupils will be especially invited guests for the afternoon. Other guests will be welcome by the payment of the customary fee [$1].
Announcements have been received this week by the Westford friends of the marriage of Miss Jeanette Evelyn Sutherland to William Herbert Christie at the Episcopal church, Malden, Monday. Mr. and Mrs. Christie will be at home to their friends after June first at 115 Lexington street, Waverley [either Belmont or Watertown].
Mrs. Edmund Baker has been among the shut-ins all winter with illness.
Mrs. Ida Cummings Allen’s Westford friends enjoyed her millinery opening at the home of Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher, Monday. Mrs. Allen certainly understands all the clever devices of the milliners’ art and her different models were attractively individual and conservatively tasteful.
Word was received by the relatives here last Saturday of the death of Percy Rockwell, the seventeen[16]-year-old son of Guy L. Rockwell of Lowell. The young man died after a brief illness of pneumonia. The funeral was held from his late home in Lowell, after which the body was brought to this town for interment in the family lot in Fairview cemetery.
Owing to the unusually stormy weather for Easter the special musical services arranged for last Sunday at the Congregational church were postponed until this coming Sunday, when the special musical program previously outlined in this column for both morning and afternoon service will be given. At the evening service Miss Young will give appropriate readings.
The car men on the branch line will have occasion to remember this year’s Easter Sunday not too pleasantly. While making the Saturday evening trip the car got off the tracks about a mile from the center on the home trip and the passengers were obliged to walk to their homes. Regular trips were not resumed until the following afternoon.
Social. The social at the Unitarian church vestry Tuesday evening proved a most enjoyable and original affair. Notwithstanding the damp, cloudy weather a large attendance were present to enjoy the attractions of “Gayland park.” This pleasant, old vestry lent itself admirably to this transformation, being copiously decorated with pine and hemlock, flowers and many informing signs. There was every attraction of a well-appointed park with candy and lemonade booths, restaurant, theatre, a fine menagerie, souvenir booth, fortune teller, etc. The menagerie claimed well-merited attention early in the evening for it was then that the animals were especially on exhibition. Alfred Tuttle was the keeper of the zoo and Edward Fisher was a pretty impressive looking park officer and policeman in his uniform. The little people who impersonated the menagerie in their unique costumes were as follows:
Frogs, Marion Fletcher and Ruth Johnson; rooster John Fletcher; white hen, Mildred Fletcher; chicken, Wallace Johnson; tortoise, Gordon Seavey; seal, Morton Seavey; bunnies, Elizabeth Wells, Elizabeth Carver and Alice Heywood; monkey, Everett Beneault; tiger, Clifford Johnson; bear, Fred Robinson; buffalo, Alice and Freda Johnson.
Also, early in the evening, “Ouida,” the fortune teller, who somewhat resembled Mrs. Frank Miller, was kept busy plying her art. Some spirited Victrola music was furnished by Mrs. Tuttle. The vaudeville entertainment in the theatre began at eight o’clock and each number was well carried out.
First came a piano overture by Freda Johnson, followed by a pretty one-act comedy entitled, “Rubber boots,” acted by Gertrude Hamlin, Marjory Seavey, Grace Robinson and Frank E. Miller. These three young ladies carried out their girlish parts most attractively and Mr. Miller, as the intruding tramp, was excellent. Next came “Merrigy and Merrigy” who in natural life were Miss Mary G. Balch and Miss Mary G. Currier. They presented two very enjoyable skits original with Miss Balch, called “Photographs,” and “At the ball game.” Miss Balch’s clever and original work as an entertainer is too well known to need enlarging upon, but she was especially versatile in her portrayal of a dear old lady who helped take the tangles out of the pretty little schoolmarm’s romance and as the devoted and enthusiastic baseball fan at the game with his best girl, and in both of which Miss Currier charmingly supplemented Miss Balch. Many were heard to express the wish that these two sketches might be repeated at some future time. The closing number was a medley of songs and bright hits by “Jondru and Karooso,” otherwise Edward Blodgett and Frank Johnson. Miss Gertrude Hamlin accompanist.
Those in charge of the entertainment were Miss Mary G. Balch and Miss Gertrude Hamlin; in charge of the zoo, Miss Mabel Drew and Miss Grace Burbeck. Others who assisted with decorations, refreshments, etc., were Miss Hamlin, Mrs. Wells, Miss Mary Burbeck, Miss Agnes Balch, Miss Grace Bennett, Mrs. Ruth Benault, Mrs. H. V. Hildreth, Mrs. Edward Fisher and other willing helpers who cooperated in every way to make the affair the success it was. Fully thirty-five dollars were realized for the church treasury.
Death. The death of Arthur J Tatro, conductor on the Nashua and Acton railroad, was reported at Pine Ridge last Saturday. This death seems especially sad as it is the third conductor that has died within about a year on this line the first one being Charles MacDuffie in January, 1914, and the second one, Frank Norris, in November 1914.
Mr. Tatro had been baggage master on this road for twelve years, and after being appointed conductor, was only able to serve in that capacity for two months when he was taken sick. He was sick for several months suffering greatly with abscesses of the lungs and having submitted to four operations for relief but at the last succumbed to acute Bright’s disease. His home was in Nashua, where he leaves a wife and four children. He was fifty-four years of age.
About Town. Those spread rails seem to be doing business enough to keep some of the unemployed busy in these days of unreliable ties. Such befell the three o’clock car on Wednesday from Westford to Brookside on the Lowell road, a few rods west of the residence of Frank C. Drew. After getting the car back to railing the conductor and motorman were driving new spikes to hold the rails. The ties were nonresistant.
The assessors are making a new valuation of the town and are after those liable to taxation with an automobile.
Arthur M. Winslow and sons, of Ayer, are doing the plastering on the new residence [28 Stony Brook Rd.] of W. R. Taylor.
Otis and Albert Day, Cold Spring and Graniteville roads, have a healthy display of incubator chicks. The brooders are modern heat and of the movable pattern. The chicks are White Rocks and Rhode Island Reds.
The Middlesex-Northwest Temperance Union will hold its quarterly meeting in the Congregational church on Thursday, April 15.
The hurricane snowstorm of Saturday sent in a terrific swing at the silo of William Pollock on the Cold Spring road which sent it down for the count. The silo was in an uncompleted state of construction with the staging still around it. No damage was done except the expense of rebuilding.
The Fletcher Cold Spring farm are in a plowing hustle beginning Wednesday near the Cold Spring road.
The F. W. Banisters have a hot bed on the hustle with tomatoes that threaten to startle the Stony Brook farmers with surprises in early tomatoes.
Charles W. Whitney is carrying milk to William J. Burbeck, Lowell, from the following farms: David L. Greig, Frank C. Drew, William Pollock, F. W. Banister, Joseph Cote, Guy R. Decatur, Amos Polley, Mrs. Charles W. Whitney and Samuel L. Taylor.
The W.C.T.U. held its April meeting at the home of Mrs. Quincy Day on Wednesday afternoon. The principal work of the afternoon was the tying of a quilt which is to be sent to Llewsac lodge in Bedford. The quilt was contributed by Mrs. Emory Whitney, and Mrs. Emma Day got it ready for the quilting. The union plans to make a trip to Bedford this summer and see the lodge which is doing such a good work. Mrs. Kernahan and another member from the newly formed union in Graniteville were present for the meeting. It was with regret that the union heard that Mr. and Mrs. Kernahan would be assigned to another place. [Rev. Arthur Earl Kernahan (1888-1944) had been pastor of the Methodist Church in Graniteville the past two years.]
Rev. Charles [William] Anderson, of Virginia, formerly pastor of the Graniteville Methodist church, is at the home of his father-in-law, Charles Wright. He came up on business and will attend the Methodist conference which meets in Boston soon. After that he will return to Virginia. Later he and Mrs. Anderson and son will come to Westford for the summer and live on the Blood farm which they bought a short time ago.
E. P. Myers, of Lawrence, has moved onto the Loren A. Griffin farm on the Flagg road.
An afternoon fire started last week Friday on woodland of Oscar R. Spalding, a little west of a former evening fire in that vicinity recently. Harry L. Nesmith forest fire warden, was on the Lowell road about a mile off and was first to discover the fire. At the same time the Robins’ hill fire observatory [in Chelmsford] sent in an alarm. The Stony Brook fire company left their cornfield plantings and headed their feet toward the fire. After threatening to burn over all Sandy Plain flats it was beat into retreat to a few acres easterly of Stony Brook road.
Hon. Grafton D. Cushing will address the Young Republican club at the town hall on Friday evening, April 23.
The next social meeting of the West Chelmsford benevolent society will be held in the vestry of the village church on Wednesday evening, April 14. Mrs. Charles Byard, of Whidden’s Corner, will have charge.
An East Chelmsford farmer planted three bushels of peas about three weeks ago. Last year he raised $800 worth of peas, the first picking being on June 9. The writer had peas three feet under a snow drift Monday. This don’t look much like June 9.
William Clement, of Brookside, has been engaged by the cemetery commissioners to help preserve the aesthetic side of Fairview cemetery.
A. G. Lundberg, who has made a local reputation for himself through his skill in making monuments, has leased part of the Dunn place at Brookside, where he can carry on this line of work.
The funeral service of Percy L. Rockwell, who died in Lowell last Saturday, was held from the home of his father, Guy L. Rockwell, in that city at one o’clock on Monday. Rev. Charles H. Davis, of the Highland Methodist church, conducted the service. The family will be remembered as former residents of Westford and Forge Village. The mother, who was an adopted daughter of Ai Bicknell, died about a year ago [Dec. 18, 1913, in Lowell,] and this death of the oldest [youngest] child at sixteen years of age is a double affliction. The bearers at the funeral were Fred and Arthur Goodall, Roger Haywood and Dwight Barnard. There were many beautiful flowers from friends and relatives, from classmates and teachers in the Lowell high school and from the overseers in the U.S. Cartridge Co. The burial was in the family lot at Fairview beside the mother. Aside from the father the young man left two younger brothers, M. Webster and M. Clifton Rockwell.
There was an unexpected change in the plans for Sunday service at the Unitarian church, a change made necessary by the sudden summoning to Wilson, N.C., of Rev. Julian R. Pennington on account of the death of his mother. Mr. Pennington had just returned from a visit with his mother and the sad message was unlooked for. The sympathy of the townspeople goes out to him. In his absence Rev. William W. Locke conducted the Easter services. He gave an eloquent sermon on the subject “There shall be no more sea.” Mrs. Harry Saxon, of Whidden’s Corner, was the new soloist. Others who added effectiveness to the choir were Maude Robinson, Marjorie Seavey, Edward Blodgett, Frank T. Johnson and of course it was refreshing to see Henry Smith back as tenor after several Sundays of absence on account of illness. Mrs. Bryant, of Lowell, was organist after a lapse of several years’ absence, taking the place vacated by George R. Smith.
The next meeting of the Grange will be held on Thursday evening, April 15. This will be inspection night, Deputy Brown conducting the inspection.
The snowstorm last Saturday upset all fire calculations and also upset the running time of the electric car from Westford to Brookside. The late Saturday night car got stalled at one o’clock on the Lowell road near the John H. Decatur place and remained there until the dawn of the Sabbath. It started up, ran a rod and got derailed by ice. After several hours’ time in a backward and forward onto the track movement they started for Westford, run to the sharp curve at Banister’s Corner when the car became derailed again by an obstruction wedged in the groove of the rail. It required several hours of the same movement of the previous experience to induce it to the rails. At three o’clock in the afternoon was the first regular car since the Saturday night installment plan.
Mrs. Mary Moore, wife of the late Edward Moore, was buried in Fairview cemetery on Sunday afternoon. After a long illness at the home of her sister, Mrs. Tyler, Haverhill, she passed on to “the great beyond” Thursday, April 1. Mr. and Mrs. Moore lived for many years in Brookside, Mr. Moore having charge of the mill of his brother, George C. Moore. Mrs. Moore was a woman of great refinement and gentility and a most loyal worker at the Methodist church in West Chelmsford. She is survived by a son, Clifford C., who live in Lynn; two sisters and three brothers, James, Lincoln and William Reddick. The funeral was held in Haverhill on Easter Sunday. Friends and relatives came from there in automobiles, the body coming in an automobile hearse for the committal service in Fairview cemetery. The burial was in the family lot beside her husband.
The case of Frank C. Drew, of Westford and other Stony Brook farmers against Joseph H. Boardman, of Somerville, milk contractor, was tried in the district court at Ayer last week Thursday before Judge Worcester. The court found for the plaintiffs, Edward Fisher represented the plaintiffs.
Pomona Meeting. At the last meeting of Middlesex-North Pomona Grange last week a resolution was introduced instructing the representatives and senators in this Pomona to vote for the bill appropriating $200,000 annually for five years for improvements at the Agricultural college. This brought up all the orators of this Pomona for voice culture which led to arguments warmer than the weather. After the opponents were pushed to the ropes for the count the Grange voted, 20 to 14, to instruct $200,000 worth of improvements. It was also voted to have an excursion on August 6 and a field day some other time. Committees for both days were chosen. The question for discussion, “Should popular songs be censored,” brought out much that was strictly individual in opinion.
The afternoon was given over in part to singing of the Glee club boys of Carlisle under the direction of Frank Wilkins; readings, Miss Spalding of Billerica; violin solo, Miss Peterson of Carlisle, and an address by Hon. Charles E. Ward, of Buckland, a member of the Board of Charity and Insanity. Mr. Ward served several year in the house and senate and is a bright and active man, and his address was very much like himself. It sparkled with gold dust ideas.
Forge Village. The sympathy of the village is extended to Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Prinn and family in the loss of their little daughter Mary, who died last week [April 2, aged 5 years, 3 months and 25 days].
St. Andrew’s mission held a large congregation on Easter Sunday morning, although the heavy snowstorm prevented many from attending service. There was special music by the vested choir and a most interesting sermon was delivered by the pastor, Rev. W. M. Ford. There were also floral decorations.
The condition of George Cougle, who was stricken with a shock while at work over a week ago, remains unchanged. His two sisters, Miss Clarissa Cougle of Boston, and Mrs. Wilfred Morton of Bridgeport, Conn., are at present assisting Mrs. Cougle in the care of her husband.
The children’s Easter carol service is to be held on Sunday afternoon at four o’clock at St. Andrew’s mission. The children will arrive at the usual time and potted plants will be distributed after the service. The usual church services will be held at 4:30 o’clock.
The many friends of Chester Blodgett, of the Ridges, who severely injured his leg last January, will be pleased to learn that he has improved to such an extent that he is now able to go about with the aid of one crutch, instead of two, as he has used formerly.
The sympathy of the community is extended to the stricken family of Mrs. Louis Boudreau, of Graniteville, who with her baby daughter, died at her home on last week Friday morning.
Mrs. Fred A. Sweatt has recovered from her recent illness.
Rev. Endicott Peabody, D.D., head master of Groton School, conducted the Lenten services at the mission chapel on Holy Thursday evening, assisted by Rev. W. M. Ford. Holy communion was administered.
Much praise is due Stephen Healy, teamster for Abbot & Co., for his thoughtfulness in driving the snow plow early Sunday morning. This act of kindness enabled many people to attend church service who otherwise would have been unable to attend. In many places the snow was very deep and sleighing was good in the morning.
Mrs. Margaret Wilson is recovering from her recent illness.
Graniteville. The glorious festival of Easter was fittingly observed in St. Catherine’s church last Sunday morning, when two masses were celebrated by Rev Edward C. Mitchell. A low mass was celebrated at 8:45 and at 10:30 a high mass was celebrated during which the choir, under the direction of Miss Mary F. Hanley, rendered a very interesting musical program which was given in the usual capable manner so characteristic of St. Catherine’s church choir. The soloists were Miss Rebecca LeDuc, Miss Christine Louther, Mrs. Mary G. Charlton, Mrs. Sadie Smith Kelley, James Byrnes, Henry LeDuc.
The blizzard of last Saturday was one of the worst storms of the year and there was sufficient snow on the ground to insure fair sleighing during the early morning hours on Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Monahan have been on the sick list during the past two weeks and owing to their illness the house party that they had planned to take place this week has been postponed for the time being.
The members of A. R. Choate hose company held their regular meeting in the fire house on last Monday night. Business of a routine order was transacted, after which a social hour was enjoyed.
There is considerable sickness in the village at the present time. James M. Sargent is now quite ill with a trained nurse in attendance, and Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Sargent are also on the sick list. F. G. Sargent has been under the doctor’s care for some time with a trained nurse in attendance. Aside from the above there are several cases of scarlet fever among the children, while Mary, the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. J. LeDuc, is ill with diphtheria, but is getting better.
The Ladies’ Aid society of the M.E. church met with Mrs. William Welsh on last week Thursday afternoon, and at that time the annual election of officers took place.
Frank Healy and Edward Riney are serving on the jury of the superior court in Lowell.
Deaths. Little Mary Prinn, the five-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Prinn, died at the home of her parents here [Graniteville] after a brief illness of bronchial trouble on Friday, April 2. Her death was unusually sad as she was a bright little child and beloved by all. Besides her parents she leaves two sisters, Carrie and Elizabeth, and one brother, William Prinn.
The funeral took place from the home of her parents at one o’clock last Sunday afternoon and was largely attended, many being present from out-of-town. A prayer service was held at the home and was conducted by Rev. Edward C. Mitchell, curate of St. Catherine’s church. The services were very impressive and Mr. Mitchell spoke words of deep consolation to the bereaved family. Seldom has a death of so young a person caused such wide regret as the passing away of little Mary Prinn, and people in large numbers called at frequent intervals to offer their condolence to the bereaved family. There was a profusion of beautiful floral tributes which testified to a marked degree to the love that was borne little Mary, and the sympathy expressed to the bereaved family.
The bearers were Fred Healy, Arthur Healy, Thomas Gower and Gerald Defoe. Burial was in St. Catherine’s cemetery.
Mrs. Mary Boudreau [nee Mary Doiron], wife of Louis Boudreau, died under very sad circumstances early last week Friday morning after giving birth to a baby girl, mother and child dying within a few minutes of each other. Mrs. Boudreau was forty-three years of age, and besides her husband leaves eight children, the oldest being nineteen years of age. It was really a very sad case and the sympathy of the village people is deeply expressed in the bereaved family.
The funeral took place at eleven o’clock last Sunday morning and was attended by sorrowing relatives and friends. The body was taken to St. Catherine’s church, where after the second mass the committal prayers were recited by Rev. Edward C. Mitchell. The bearers were Conrad Ricard, Joseph Carpentier, Rudolph Richard, Gideon P. LeDuc, Amedee Cote, Fred Bureau. Burial was in St. Catherine’s cemetery.
Saturday, April 17, 1915
Center. A real estate transfer this last week is the sale of the G. W. Heywood place by Mrs. Heywood to Charles H. Bicknell. Mr. Bicknell buys for occupancy.
Misses Sarah, Lillian and Mary Atwood are at home [4 Granitville Road] after spending a pleasant winter in Florida.
Miss Emily F. Fletcher is reported among the sick ones.
Mrs. Harold W. Hildreth and baby son Richard are expected home the first of this week.
At the Congregational church last Sunday the musical service was especially attractive and interesting; that at the morning service being in charge of Mrs. W. R. Taylor, choir director, and Miss Hazel B. Hartford, organist. The ladies of the choir were dressed in white. The selections were as follows: Anthem, “Christ is risen”; bass solo, Leonard Burland; soprano solo, Mrs. Colburn; solo, Miss Adrith Carter and chorus, offertory solo, Mrs. Blaney. The subject of Mr. Wallace’s sermon was “Hope.” At the evening service Mrs. Charles H. Wright had charge of the music and Miss Edith A. Wright was at the organ. Following is the program: Solo, Leonard Burland; reading, “The Easter Story,” Miss Marguerite Young; quartet, Messrs. Ericson, Colburn, Blodgett and Burland; solo, Miss Moreland; reading, “One flower for Nellie,” Miss Young; quartet, Mr. Ericson, Mrs. Blaney, Miss Moreland, Mr. Burland.
The senior class honors of Westford academy are announced and Miss Helen M. McCoy is valedictorian with an average rank of 91.5% for the four years. Miss Persis Wright is salutatorian with an average of 88.8% and Miss Gertrude Comey and Miss Jennie Kimball each hold a rank of over 85%. Eight of the class rank over 82% for four years and two above 80% for three years. In point of numbers the class is one of the largest the academy has graduated for some years. There are fourteen members, twelve girls and two boys.
Tadmuck Club. The meeting of the Tadmuck club was held Tuesday afternoon in the vestry of the Congregational church. This change of meeting place was for the use of the piano at the vestry as the afternoon’s program was a musical one of much artistic merit. Miss Mary E. Reilly, chairman of the music section of the Middlesex Woman’s club, Lowell, was the speaker of the afternoon and gave a charming and sympathetic lecture recital of the life and works of the brilliant Edward MacDowell,
Miss Sarah W. Loker has been visiting friends in Keene, N.H., during the week.
Mr. and Mrs. Quimby have been guests of their kinspeople this week at the Congregational parsonage, being enroute from the south, where they have been spending the winter, to their home in West Hartford, Vt.
Every member of the Tadmuck club is reminded of the meeting for next Tuesday at the Congregational church. This is a real reunion of the club family and every member that possibly can should plan to be present. Luncheon will be served at 1:30. Mrs. Samuel L. Taylor is the hostess for the day, and Mrs. Goldsmith H Conant will act as toastmistress and there will be speeches, toasts, reports, good music, etc. The club is fortunate in having Mrs. Herbert D. Foss, of Cambridge, as one of the soloists.
Rev. Mr. Patterson, of Cambridge, occupied the pulpit last Sunday morning and evening at the Congregational church, speaking most acceptably to good sized audiences at both services.
J. Herbert Fletcher is having a large gasoline supply tank installed opposite the east end of the common. The tank has a capacity of 350 gallons and is sunk underground, which we understand is required by law for so large a receptacle.
Rev. and Mrs. David Wallace, Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Osgood and Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Wheeler were in attendance at the spring association meeting of congregational churches at Lunenburg Wednesday.
Funeral services for Mrs. Waldo F. Prescott [nee Grace Ellen Thompson], whose untimely death took place at her home in Tacoma, Wash., from pneumonia, were held last week Thursday afternoon from the home of Mr. and Mrs. Oscar R. Spalding. Rev. Louis H. Buckshorn was the officiating clergyman and the bearers were William R. Taylor, Harwood L. Wright, Albert A. Hildreth and Edward Frisbee. There were many beautiful floral offerings and interment was in Fairview cemetery.
The April meeting of the Ladies’ Missionary society of the Congregational church met with Mrs. Wm. C. Roudenbush Friday afternoon of last week. The subject for the afternoon was from the winter’s study, “Red Man’s Land” and was “The red man as teacher and learner.” Much work was accomplished on the towel enterprise and at the close of the meeting tea was served and a very pleasant social hour enjoyed.
Lieut.-Gov. Grafton D. Cushing, candidate for governor of this state next fall, and Adelbert Messer, candidate for sheriff of this county, were guests of the Young Men’s Republican club at the town hall last week Friday evening. There was a good attendance present and Mr. Cushing, who is a bright, keen speaker, gave his hearers a most interesting talk on many points of interest to the voter and the tax payer also answering many questions put to him by his listeners. His talk was ably supplemented by Mr. Messer. Edward M. Abbot presided at the meeting.
The residents at the Center very much regret to hear of the serious illness of James M. Sargent of Graniteville of pneumonia.
The young people are busy with preparations for dramatic productions. The C.E. society are to give a play next Wednesday evening and the Boy Scouts are preparing one for a little later.
Mrs. Harry Brennan is reported seriously sick this week with acute indigestion.
Mrs. A. H. Sutherland was in attendance at neighbor’s night at Tewksbury Grange Wednesday evening of this week.
Miss Hazel B. Hartford, who has played the organ at the Congregational church so capably this winter, has now relinquished this duty to the regular organist, Miss May Atwood.
Geo. E. Gould, formerly of Westford, was at Concord, Patriot’s day with his enterprising refreshment booth.
Mrs. Isles’ many friends are glad that she is getting back to normal from her siege with laryngitis. The telephone subscribers very much appreciate the hard skillful work Miss Hilda Isles has done at the central exchange during her mother’s illness.
Brush Fires. The excessive dryness of the season is proving a great aid to the careless in burning up woodland. Numerous fires in various parts of the town have kept fire fighters busy. A lively breeze made Tuesday, perhaps, the worst day. About eleven a.m. prompt work saved the situation near the Caunter place [87 Graniteville Rd.] in Graniteville. About 2:30 p.m. the village force was called to a fierce fire on Rail Tree hill, near Nashoba depot [175 Carlisle Rd.], which evidently was caused by sparks from a passing locomotive. About the time it was under control with help of Carlisle people, whose territory was invaded by the fire, a special train from Lowell brought about a hundred men to help subdue it.
Later in the afternoon a fire just west of Scribner hill in Tyngsboro not far north of Westford boundary line proved quite extensive and destroyed the buildings belonging to Miss Ella Burke, a Lowell milliner. About 10:30 p.m. this fire was called subdued. Although eight watchers were left, about three a.m. fire was so briskly burning near Frank Chandler’s buildings that, as the Tyngsboro people could not be aroused by their telephones, Westford men were called upon. Apparently Westford telephone bells must ring louder for the Westford operator surprisingly quickly aroused enough men to fill three touring cars, which went to the scene. A short time was used in effacing the fire.
About Town. The summer camp cottage of Postmaster Charles F. Scribner, of North Chelmsford, was destroyed by fire, including a valuable piano and much else equally not as valuable. This camp is located on the shore of Nabnassett pond and the dampness environments at the time of the fire leaves but little room for doubt that it was of incendiary origin. Truly spontaneous originality is doing something these unemployed times.
An illustrated lecture on “How to domesticate birds and beast” will be given in the town hall, Tyngsboro, on Monday evening by a professor of national reputation. Everybody who does not believe in shooting everything in sight should attend this lecture.
Forge Village. Miss Edith M. Forster has presented St. Andrew’s mission a beautiful cover for the lectern. The gift is embroidered in gold and is very much appreciated by the church people.
Peter Campbell of Rockwood, Me., and Philip MacDonald of Lowell were recent guests of Misses Minnie and Florence White at the home of their aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Fennimore Morton.
Cameron school was closed on Patriot’s day, as was also the mills of Abbot & Co.
Mr. and Mrs. George Centerbar, who have been residing at the Ward farm on the Groton road, remove this week to Framingham.
Mrs. Mary A. [nee Weaver] DeRoehn [widow of Andrew J. DeRoehn] has removed to Medford, where she will make her home with her sister, Mrs. Arthur Blodgett [nee Emily J. Weaver], formerly of Westford.
Misses Edith and Maud Hunt entertained their cousin, Miss Annie Campbell of Lawrence over the holiday.
Next Sunday morning services at St. Andrew’s mission will be held at 9:30 o’clock. There will be no evening service. Sunday school will be held at 3:30 p.m.
Mr. and Mrs. Fennimore Morton spent Sunday as guests of relatives in Boston.
Harry White, of Boston, was the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Fennimore Morton on the holiday.
A social club of young folks is being formed by the young people of St. Andrew’s mission. On Saturday evening a meeting will be held at 7:30 o’clock in Recreation hall. In the event of enough young people being present officers will be chosen and the club will meet weekly.
Mr. and Mrs. William Blodgett of the Ridges gave a delightful party at their home on the holiday, in honor of the fifth birthday anniversary of their second son, George. Refreshments were served to twenty-seven, the important feature being a decorated birthday cake. The young host was the recipient of many pretty presents, among which was a goodly collection of silver coins.
Patriots’ day brought many visitors to the village. Many of the cottages and camps are already taken, and if the applications for camps continue to arrive all cottages will soon be hired for the summer.
Mr. and Mrs. O. A. Titcomb, of Boston, opened their camp and spent the weekend on the shores of the pond.
Messrs. Sargent, Evans and Shafter, of Boston, spent the holiday at their cottage.
Sunrise cottage, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Tizzer, was the scene of a gathering over the weekend, Mr. and Mrs. Tizzer entertaining several friends.
At the Rose bungalow a merry gathering of young folks were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer E. Nutting over the holiday. Among the out-of-town young people were noted the Misses Lillian, Marjorie and Carmel E. Rose, Grace and Carrol H. Tibbetts and Edith M. McPherson, all of Belmont.
Little Miss Doris A. Whigham was given a birthday party by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Whigham, at their home on Orchard street on Wednesday. The afternoon was spent in games by the young people, after which refreshments were served. Little Doris received many presents and will long remember her fifth birthday anniversary.
A brush fire on the premises of Mr. Smith, formerly the Bradley place, brought the fire department from Groton on Monday afternoon. The flames were under control before they reached the house.
Graniteville. The baseball season was opened here on last Saturday afternoon when a very interesting game was played between the machinists and the ledge men that resulted in a victory for the stone men by the close score of 3 to 2. Considering that it was the first game of the season some brilliant plays were pulled off that kept the crowd on its feet from start to finish. The machine shop boys are not quite satisfied with the turn of events and it is thought that another game will be played in the near future.
Mr. and Mrs. Lester McLenna, with their son Arthur, have recently returned from a brief visit spent with Mr. and Mrs. Charles McLenna in Norton.
Miss Nettie Hanning spent the holiday with friends in West Acton.
There was no services held in the M.E. church here on last Sunday. It is expected that the new pastor will be present on Sunday.
Misses Etta May and Alice C. Sheahan, of Lowell, have been recent visitors here.
There were several small woodland fires in the vicinity of Pine Ridge, Cold Spring and the town farm districts on last Sunday, but no great damage was done. On last Tuesday a forest fire burned over considerable woodland back of Benjamin Counter’s [Caunter’s] house, and it was found necessary to call out the members of the fire company, who worked hard and fast before the fire was gotten under control.
Mrs. James B. Healy, with her daughter Mary, spent the holiday with relatives in Groton.
Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Prinn spent Sunday with friends in Groton.
Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Roche, of Haverhill, with Timothy Sullivan and his two daughters, Misses Lillian and Nora Sullivan of Marlboro, have been recent guests of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Healy.
Miss Belle Carpentier, with her brother Joseph, visited friends in Concord recently.
Miss Catherine McCarthy spent the holiday with friends in Concord.
Miss Lilly Mae Moran has recently returned from a delightful visit spent with friends in Montague City.
Mrs. J. V. Downing, with her daughter Zella, are stopping with Mrs. Downing’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. David Moran.
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Ingalls, with Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ingalls, of North Chelmsford, enjoyed an automobile trip to Beverly last Sunday.