The Westford Wardsman, August, 1908
Saturday, August 1, 1908
About Town. The petition for the county commissioners to make certain improvements on Main st. has resulted in the decree of the commissioners to the town for an expenditure of $5000, with two years to complete these improvements, requiring an outlay of $2500 the first year. Just what the bill of specifications is is not publicly known at present. Inquire of the selectmen. That this outlay will add to the heat of the already expected hot time of the annual March meeting is quite certain, but as the taxpayers of the center of the town pay nearly three-fourths of the taxes, this ought not to add summer heat to any gathering.
The cellar for Frank C. Drew’s new house is nearly completed. Charles Gariepy of Forge Village has the contract for doing the work.
The auction sale of schoolhouses Tuesday was a financial success to the town. Geo. H. Burke bought the Long-sought-for pond schoolhouse for $405; Alec Fisher the Center building for $750, and Thomas H. Elliott of Lowell the Nashoba school for $280. As this property now becomes taxable and adds to the valuation of the town, just like as not down comes the tax rate again.
There will be a grand gala day at the picnic of Middlesex North and Essex Pomona granges at Canobie lake, Thursday, Aug. 6. Ex-governor and national master, Nathum H. Bacheller of New Hampshire, Past Master Ladd of Massachusetts, State Lecturer Gardner of Westfield and others noted for their words and activities, including DeLacy Corkhum of Billerica, the noted off-hand entertainer, will keep the audience up to the listening point.
Rev. B. H. Bailey, who has a relapse from a relapse, is now much improved and his friends are looking for his entertaining presence on street and in gatherings.
Good authority says that Hiram Dane has leased his farm for six years to Peter Cummings, a new comer.
Hon. H. E. Fletcher is adding room and improvements to his house at Oak Hill, and at the same time furnishing aid in keeping the tax rate down.
Michael L. McGlinchey, whose buildings were burned last April, has a new barn nearly completed on the site of the old one.
The Dughill lot between Graniteville and Westford station, recently purchased by Lowell parties, is being cut off, and David Sherman is hauling the lumber to Geo. C. Moore’s sawmill at Westford station.
The ballgame between the Westford team and the Boulders of Fitchburg did not come to blows last Saturday. The weather served as umpire and decided against both. This Saturday the Wachusetts of Leominster will tangle up with the Westford team at Hillside park, Graniteville. This is likely to be the last game of the season on home grounds.
Two petitions will soon be presented to the school committee, one from citizens of Minot’s corner, the other from citizens of the Stony Brook district, asking for a hearing on the proposition of the school committee to close both these schools and transport the scholars to the new school building at the Center. The petition from the Stony Brook school assigns three reasons why the school should not be closed: First, “We have a right to assume that transportation will be by electric cars; this we regard as unsafe and unreliable.” Second, “Property will depreciate in value.” Third, “It is morally wrong.”
The second reason has been knocked out and scattered into fragments by the experience of transportation everywhere, and the third, being a twin of the second, goes down and out with it. The first reason has a winter foundation only. It cannot be denied that the snows of winter will create an element of unreliability and upset timetable calculations, but this is equally true in principle of the “one hoss open shay” method of transportation.
There are weather conditions when even “the little red schoolhouse” cannot be reached; is it any more of an upsetting of calculations if the Center school cannot be reached occasionally? Besides, we already have several years’ experience in transportation from the cold, bleak, blizzard, drifting north part of the town, but with this experience there was no protest against the recent sale of their schoolhouse. Is humanity more tender, and the snowdrifts deeper, and the distance longer in Stony Brook and Minot’s corner than in that section of the town nearest the north pole?
It is hinted that there will be a hot time in the old town next March meeting if these schools are closed; well, let it come. It would be a good idea to put an article in the warrant reducing the pay of the school committee. They are now paid in cusses and kicks; no doubt they would be willing to have it reduced.
Taxes. Now that the tax bills have been quietly distributed to every individual, some of them seem to have been charged with dynamite, and the $80,000 increase in valuation has caused an upheaval, and lower rate and higher taxes in a violation of the law of harmonics. As a result some nice friendships appear to have gone into the smash heap. Whether they will recover, don’t know. Of this rise in valuation, over $20,000 was the result of new property in the water district; nearly $10,000 was increased values in the Brookside precinct, and several thousand dollars in various parts of the town. The balance of the rise was in real estate in the water district. While it is true that the town has not been taxed to introduce this water supply, that it is the creation of the private individual, so are houses and barns, etc., private expense, but they add wealth and are taxable. If waterworks at private expense and fire protection at public expense adds no valuation to village property and convenience to the individual, then what a misuse of funds in causing these things to come to pass.
Nor is this all the story. When an independent tribunal from the assessors brings in a verdict of $400 an acre as a fair value for a pasture for the town to invest in, joining as it does better land that is assessed eighty dollars an acre, it is an important hint that changed conditions make a readjustment of values a matter of justice. When land sells for ten times its assessed valuation, and continues to, equity appears to demand that henceforth it be followed with a larger tax bill. That the new values are individually just right in comparison with others, and couldn’t be improved, no one for a moment claims such infallibility, but when it is remembered that there is nothing to measure values with, that it is largely a matter of individual taste and judgment and varies with each individual, it is clear that it is not an easy task to arrive at just values. The assessors have attempted no game of bluff or deception in the fallen rate and risen taxes in these villages, but simple justice as they saw it. If their eyesight was poor, so is everyone’s who attempts the uncertain.
Center. Many patrons of our busy yellow [electric] cars making their hourly trips between here and North Chelmsford have been heard to express their approval of the new signs recently placed on the cars. When leaving the village it reads North Chelmsford in good plain lettering, and at North Chelmsford it reads Westford. The lack of signs has been noticed by many and this will certainly prove an aid to travelers not quite familiar with the line, and it gives our residents a feeling of being on the map.
Mrs. Alvin Fisher is visiting in Lowell.
Dr. W. J. Sleeper is at the Massachusetts general hospital for special treatment. His many Westford friends are glad to hear that at this writing he is quite comfortable.
Mrs. Edward Fisher, assisted by Miss Ruth Fisher, were the hostesses at a delightful whist party at the home of the former on Wednesday afternoon. It was [a] cozy party of three tables. Mrs. Henry M. Wright was awarded the first prize, a pretty framed picture. Refreshments of ice cream and cake were served.
Miss Helen Hildreth of New York is making her usual summer sojourn with her uncle, Chas. L. Hildreth, [at] beautiful Prospect hill farm.
Miss Sarah C. Atwood has been enjoying the week sojourning with an old school friend near Portland, Me.
Rev. and Mrs. C. P. Marshall have been spending a few days with the John P. Wrights at their summer home at Wessaquessett Beach, North Weymouth.
Miss Helen Emerson of Haverhill is the guest of her cousin, Mrs. C. H. Fletcher.
Representatives of the Underwriters’ association of Lowell were in town Tuesday testing the water pressure in the hydrants in the three villages.
Birthday Party. One of the prettiest of birthday parties was given for Miss Hilda Isles by her mother, Wednesday afternoon, at her home on Main st., from two to five. The occasion marked the twelfth summer of this sunny little maiden and fifteen of her young girl friends came to help make the event a joyous one; each brought a pretty gift to her hostess. Games of various kinds were enjoyed, as well as music on the graphophone. A dainty lunch was served by Mrs. Isles, consisting of ice cream, cake, fruit and candy. The table was prettily decorated for the repast, the chief ornament being a splendid birthday cake, ornamented with the customary candles. These were lighted and while burning each guest read a suitable quotation, ranging from grave to gay and embodying birthday wishes for Miss Hilda. The event was made especially memorable to her by a present from her mother of a beautiful upright piano. This is but the carrying out of a cherished wish of her father’s, who had planned to do this for his only daughter two years ago, when his untimely death interrupted earthly plans. This gift is further supplemented with the promise of two years of music lessons by Hilda’s devoted “Aunt Mary.” Those present at the party were:
Edna Day, Marion Perkins, Ardith Carter, Myrtle Gramier, Thelma Gramier, Mildred Kendrick, Marjory Seavy, Ethel Mills, Marie Deziel, Hazel Hartford, Amy Perkins, Beatrice and Lillian Sutherland, Eunice Smith.
Reception. Last week Friday evening a farewell reception was given at the pleasant Congregational parsonage for Mr. and Mrs. Wm. A. Perkins and family, who leave this week for their new home in Grafton, where Mr. Perkins takes the position of principal of the high school. During their three years’ resident in our midst, beginning when Mr. Perkins assumed charge at the academy immediately succeeding the late lamented Mr. Frost, he with his family have made many and sincere friends, and it was a manifestation of this good will that prompted Friday evening’s gathering. It was delightfully informal and friendly. Mr. and Mrs. Perkins, Elizabeth, Marion and Theodore, were bidden to supper with the Marshalls, and later in the evening friends began to arrive with the happy intention of extending their greetings and good will. Light refreshments were served during the evening. A souvenir of the gathering was an autograph collection, accompanied with many friendly good wishes; also, some photographs of Westford scenes. The idea of this pleasant gathering originated with the church choir, where Mr. Perkins has been so helpful with his fine voice.
Picnic. An event of importance in the good old summer time to the children, and incidentally to older ones as well, is the annual Sunday school picnic of the Congregational church. The same as last year, this took place at Willowdale. A special car going straight through to the picnic grounds left Westford at 8:30, last week Thursday morning, with a large and merry party, and returned in the early evening. Free transportation was furnished by the Sunday school to its younger members, as well as a huge bunch of bananas for lunch. Among the diversions during the day were boat rides on the lake, the picnic dinner and a ballgame in the afternoon. To the faithful superintendent and Mrs. Osgood goes the credit of the success of this outing.
Graniteville. At a meeting of the parishioners of St. Catherine’s church, last Sunday morning after the 8:45 o’clock mass, it was decided to hold a picnic or gala day on Saturday, Aug. 8, at schoolhouse grove in Forge Village. Among the special features for the sports will be the ballgame between two rival teams composed of young ladies of Graniteville. These two teams are called the “Villas” and the “Granites,” and will put in considerable time in practice work from now until the great game comes off. The general committee appointed for the picnic was, Joe Wall, general manager; J. A. Healy, treasurer; Miss Catherine Conley, secretary. Another meeting will be held for the purpose of appointing sub-committees.
F. J. LeDuc left last Sunday for Sherbrooke, P.Q., where he will join his wife and daughter, who were already there, and all will return to this village about Oct. 1.
Frederic G. Sargent of this village has recently purchased a Pierce Great Arrow touring car, and it certainly is “a thing of beauty.”
Owing to the difficulty experienced by the different stone dealers here in collecting money on stock delivered, the quarries of L. P. Palmer and Thomas Rafferty are practically at a standstill at present. Business is apparently all right as far as getting the orders is concerned, but getting returns from goods sold and at the same time keeping a large gang of high-priced workmen employed and satisfied with the prevailing conditions is altogether a different matter, and for that reason it is thought that not much work will be done by either of these two firms for at least two weeks.
Miss Mary Horan of Charlestown and Miss Mary Flynn of Brookline have been recent visitors in this village.
This village is now thoroughly aroused over the appearance here of a mysterious stranger, or “peeping Tom.” At first many people looked upon the matter as a joke or a hot weather story. They have been given reason to change their minds since, however, for last week Friday night James R. Healy and John Rafferty while walking up Broadway about 9:30 noticed a man crouched down in the gutter near the corner of Fourth st. The young men, thinking that someone was playing a joke on them, approached the man and asked what he was doing. The stranger did not answer, but made a lunge toward the young men, and they, still thinking that it was only a little pleasantness on the part of some of their friends, grappled with him. They soon found they had a powerful person to deal with, for he threw both of them aside and ran toward the railroad tracks. The young men raised an alarm and were soon joined by a crowd of twenty-five or thirty others, but the fellow made his escape. Officer Frank Healy headed the crowd and inspected the various streets, but failed to locate the man. Many of the men stayed on guard for several hours after, thinking the fellow would crawl from his concealment, but he failed to put in an appearance. As matters stand now the young women of the village are not venturing on the public thoroughfares during the evening, while the young men are going about fully prepared to meet any kind of trouble. The unknown man has not done any harm as yet, but his actions are peculiar. He is described as a man between thirty-five and forty years of age, over six feet in height, of heavy build and has a heavy dark mustache. He wore dark clothing, with a stiff derby hat pressed well down on the back of his head, and wore a heavy pair of icemen’s boots with calked soles. The shoes are well remembered, for one of the young men in the tussle received a kick from the unknown man and can testify that he did not wear slippers.
Forge. Edward Hunt is improving slowly from a severe attack of blood poisoning in his hand, caused by the scratching of his finger while taking a hornpout from a hook.
Work on the new hose house has commenced and work on the new schoolhouse is being pushed rapidly.
Mrs. Joseph Bennett and little daughter Ruth have gone to Stafford Springs to visit her parents.
Mr. and Mrs. John Burnett of Kennebunkport, Me., are visiting at Wm. Burnett’s.
Thelma Jackson of Waverley is at her uncle’s, George Jackson.
Archie Whigham has accepted a position in South Barre and left here last week.
Miss Kathryn Brown, a member of the girls’ swimming club, swam across Forge pond one day last week. She is the first girl to do so and much credit is due her for her perseverance.
Birthday Party. Ethel Collins, the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Miles Collins, celebrated her sixth birthday anniversary last Saturday afternoon, entertaining her little friends and schoolmates. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, thirty-two were present. Owing to the rain they could not play upon the lawn, so they repaired to Recreation hall. Miss Ethel had many pretty presents, and James Sullivan in behalf of the little people presented her with a gold ring. Music and games were enjoyed as only children can enjoy them, after which they formed in line and marched to the tables, which were tastefully decorated for the occasion. After all the good things were disposed of Mildred Precious presented the little hostess with a large doll beautifully dressed. All departed for their homes after wishing her many happy returns of the day. Among the out-of-town guests were Masters Harry and Arthur Cornell, Lester and Lillian Bailey of Lowell.
Saturday, August 8, 1908
Center. Mrs. Florence Isles underwent a successful operation for appendicitis at her home Monday, performed by Dr. Metcalf of Boston, assisted by Drs. Wells and Sherman of this town. Mrs. Isles’ many friends will be glad to know that at this writing she is doing as well as can be expected.
Dr. and Mrs. Edward Atwood of Daytona, Fla., are making their usual summer visit in town.
At the Congregational church Sunday evening John A. Taylor conducted the service, subject, “How to help the church,” bringing out many practical ideas on the subject. Sunday, Aug. 9, will be the last Sunday of regular service before the pastor’s vacation of three weeks.
W. A. Perkins had his goods removed over the road by teams to his new home in Grafton Thursday.
There is a fine collection of copies of Sargent’s portraits at the J. V. Fletcher library.
Miss Grace Lumbert has two little children of Dr. and Mrs. Allen of Lowell at her home here. The children’s mother is absent at a sanitorium [sic] for a few weeks.
Mrs. John Wilson of Chelmsford was a visitor in town the first of the week.
Mrs. George E. Gould expects to be absent from town for the next few weeks visiting friends.
The copious rains of this week will be a decided benefit to that part of the blackberry crop not already harvested. One day’s shipment at A. H. Foss’s the first of this week amounted to forty crates.
About Town. The ballgame last Saturday between the Wachusetts of Leominster and the Westford team was in some respects the most surprising of the season. The Leominster team was a strong makeup and had not been defeated this season, and yet they went down and out in defeat by a score of 10 to 0. As has often been affirmed, the Westford team are a troublesome lot of young athletes for any whereabouts team to get into clinching orders with. This Saturday they go to Townsend and give that strong team an opportunity to know the exact point of their strength. Both teams are well matched and from the experience of former engagements it is evident that it will be no 10 to 0 affair.
Wm. N. Wyman, who lives at the corner of Groton and Forest roads, has been appointed by the selectmen a member of the police force. This is an essential appointment, as the licensed wet goods institution at Forge Village has made several troublesome arrests necessary.
Henry J. Beckhard on the Tyngsboro road has bought of Dr. Heald of Lowell the Adam Taylor place on Forest road, near Nabnassett pond.
Mrs. Lydia (Kelley) Walkden, wife of James A. Walkden, died at her home on Main st., Chamberlain’s corner, Wednesday, Aug. 5, after a lingering illness of over a year’s duration. Besides her husband she leaves four children—Albert, Mrs. Jessie Bell, Ida and Herbert; also, two brothers, George and Andrew Kelley. Her son Albert, who has been in Colorado over a year, arrived home a few hours before her death. When health permitted she was active in social life, an attendant at the Congregational church, a member of the W.C.T.U. and Westford grange.
James F. O’Brien of Lowell has moved his family to his summer cottage on Providence road. Luanna Decatur is spending several weeks nearer the rising sun at Ocean Park, Me.
Miss Bessie Beatrice Tallant, a graduate of Westford academy and Lowell’s Normal school, was recently married to John Miller, formerly of Lawrence. They will spend the summer at Old Orchard. She is the daughter of Andrew K. Tallant of Pelham, N.H., and a niece of Eben W. Tallant on the Stony Brook road, where she boarded when a student at Westford academy.
Daniel H. Sheehan is making preparations to commence haying. The weather is making preparations to prevent him.
Harry O’Brien, who will be well remembered as a pupil in the public schools and active in the then flourishing football team, is now a member of the police force of Seattle, Wash. In distance toward the stars he measures 6 feet 2 ½ inches. He is a son of John O’Brien on Tadmuck road.
The interior of the Unitarian church is receiving the attention of the cultivated eye and taste. New paper, new frescoing, new carpets, new cushions. My! Everything so new and enticing everyone will want to go to church.
Nabnassett pond is fast gaining in popularity, lying as it does about midway between the electric from Lowell to Ayer and Fitchburg, and the line of Westford Center, being easily and quickly accessible by either line. At the present time several hundred campers are simplifying life on its shores. In this company is the Y.W.C.A. of Lowell, on land of Charles Edwards.
Horse Struck. Tuesday evening as the 9:30 car from Lowell was nearing the town house it struck a horse that had wandered too close to the track. The car was quickly stopped and examination showed that a shaft had been broken. The horse had been hit in the head and was bleeding at the mouth. The animal was not knocked down by the blow, neither did it offer to move from where it was standing. J. Willard Fletcher, S. L. Taylor and John A. Taylor, who were near the town house at the time of the accident, were asked by Conductor Sargent if they recognized the team. This they were unable to do, but volunteered to take charge of it, and after endeavoring to find an owner concluded to put it in the stable of Warren E. Carkin. In the morning Constable Boynton was notified, who soon solved the ownership of the horse, as two ladies called on him the same night inquiring for a stray horse. It proved to belong to Charles Crevier of Lowell, who owns a cottage at Long-sought-for pond. The team had been driven by his daughters to Graniteville and left without tying, and either wandered or was driven by boys to Westford Center, where it gravitated to the town watering trough, which is dangerously close to the electric tracks. After drinking this unlicensed fluid it wandered as far as the white post and slightly onto the track, where it was struck. According to the rules of the road, Conductor Sargent took the names of those who were passengers on the car at the time of the accident.
Reunion. The Spaulding light cavalry association, which is an incorporated organization, and as such looks more formidable in some aspects that in its uniform and weapons of bygone days, will hold its first reunion under these new marching orders, Thursday, Aug. 13, at Nabnassett pond. All members of the association and ex-members of Troop F cavalry are invited. The Nashua military band will have somewhat of a leading part toward entertaining. Dinner will be served; this is an old-time entertainer of about the age of time itself. After the eating feature of the entertainment there will be some wise, witty words put together by some wise, witty folks, who will prove entertainingly that “man shall not live by bread along.” Plenty of boats and plenty of water, all the sports and games of the day, reminiscences of the old camping days, and all sorts of odds and ends—like an auction, too numerous to mention, will be there waiting for you to try them on. Let all associates of Spaulding light cavalry hear and obey the old command, “Forward march.”
Graniteville. The parishioners of St. Catherine’s church are now making active preparations for the coming picnic to be held at Lakeside park, Forge Village, on Saturday afternoon, Aug. 8, to be followed by a social dance in Abbot’s hall in the evening. During the afternoon there will be sports of all kinds, including a ball game between the Brimstones of Graniteville and the Lions of Forge Village, boat races, running races and a good time in general. The electric cars run within two minutes walk of the picnic grounds, and weather permitting there is sure to be a record crowd in attendance.
W. H. Wall of Lynn is visiting relatives in this village.
Mrs. Fred Saunders and daughter Doris of Nashua have been recent guests of Mrs. Janet Agnew.
Mrs. Charles A. Eaton of West Bolton, P.Q., has been a recent visitor at the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Welsh.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank P. Hawkes and son Wesley of Melrose are visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. O. Hawkes.
Miss Katherine Holland of Lowell has been a recent guest of Mr. and Mrs. Lester McLenna.
Miss Laura Hindle of Chelmsford has been a recent visitor here.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Nicklin of Worcester are rejoicing in the birth of a son. [This should be “Mr. and Mrs. George K. Nicklin.” George was the son of Rev. Charles Nicklin (1853-1909), pastor of the M.E. Church at Graniteville 1901-03. George Nicklin and Jennie Dugdale, daughter of Richard & Jane (Moss) Dugdale, were married in Westford on April 30, 1906.] Mrs. Nicklin was formerly Miss Jennie Dugdale of this village.
Miss Mary Record and sister Louisa of Bridgeport, Conn., are visiting friends in this village.
Baseball. The Westford A.A. defeated the Wachusett baseball club of Leominster on the grounds here last Saturday afternoon by the score of 10-0. The Westford team was in great form and clearly outclassed their opponents at every stage of the game. A large crowd were in attendance, but were very quiet, owing to the one-sided contest.
It appears to be a wise move on the part of the Westford management in having its home games played in this village, but the grounds here will have to be put in proper shape in order to play fast baseball. Another thing that ads to the unsightliness of the field is the practice some of the people have of using these grounds for a public dump. There is a special dump about 300 yards down in the woods beyond the ball grounds.
The Brimstones defeated the Has-beens last Tuesday afternoon by the uninteresting score of 8 to 0. The Has-beens made many costly errors, while the Brimstones played an errorless game and deserve the victory. Batteries, Tom McCarthy and Ledwith for the Brimstones, Bob McCarthy and Hemer for the Has-beens. J. A. Healy was the umpire.
Forge. People passing the home of Nelson Prescott are attracted by the beautiful display of flowers in the garden about the house. Much credit is due B. [Burton] D. Griffith, who has given so much time to their cultivation. In the early spring he cut his foot quite badly while at work in the woods, and after he was able to get about he devoted much time to his flower garden, of which he is very fond.
Marshall Brown of Littleton, a market gardener, who supplies a number of the people of this village from his garden, informed the writer that he planted two and one-half acres of ground with potatoes, but the lack of rain has ruined the crop, so that the yield will be about twenty-five bushels, when ordinarily there should be about five hundred bushels.
A wreck occurred on the Boston and Maine railroad Monday morning. The 1:20 freight from Ayer to Salem was wrecked at North Littleton. The wrecking train was soon sent for and removed the wreck, although travel was delayed for some hours.
The Lions played an Ayer team, trainmen, at Ayer last Saturday and were defeated by a score of 15 to 9.
Joseph Bennett was awakened one night this week by a noise as if someone was trying to get in at a window. He hastily went down-stairs and discovered a man partly in through the window. Mr. Bennett caught the first thing within reach, which happened to be the stove-hook, and with a blow settled the man, for he dropped from the window and disappeared. Mr. Bennett and a neighbor made a search for the man, but were unsuccessful.
It is reported that Mr. Bisby of Lowell has purchased J. C. Abbot’s cottage, and with his wife is spending the summer there.
Mrs. Small of Everett, who is at her cottage, Pine camp, was taken suddenly ill last Saturday. Dr. Blaney was called. She is now feeling better.
Miss Theresa Lowther met with a painful accident this week. She struck her head on a sharp piece of iron, cutting quite a gash, so that a number of stitches had to be taken.
Miss Mary Hanley is taking a much-needed rest for a few weeks, when she will visit friends.
Visitors in town and at the cottages: W. B. Marshall of Everett at the Woodlands for the month of August; Frank Hildreth and family at Idlewood for a week; Mr. and Mrs. Lapointe and Mr. and Mrs. Antayer and daughter of Leominster at Parrott’s cottage; Mr. and Mrs. Pheasey of Lowell, week-end guests of Mr. and Mrs. David Lord; Mrs. Susan Morton of Bridgeport, Conn., Mrs. Louise Snyder of Hartford, Mr. and Mrs. George Cougle and two children of Yonkers, N.Y., at Geo. Cougle’s; Mr. and Mrs. Hultz and daughter at Mr. Edwards’s; Mr. and Mrs. John Parquette of Nashua at her father’s, Mr. LeClare; Mrs. F. A. Sullivan, wife of Dr. Sullivan, and Mrs. Michael Sullivan of Haverhill, also Miss Nora Sullivan of Marlboro, at James Sullivan’s.
Saturday, August 15, 1908
Center. Rev. and Mrs. C. C. P. Hiller of Springfield have been spending the week in town, guests of Mrs. Daniel Atwood and daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Hiller have many friends in town and some of the time has been shared in various homes of former parishioners, among them the Bunces, Taylors and Wheelers.
Miss Julia Cutter of Littleton was the guest of her aunt, Mrs. Fletcher, Sunday, attending service at the Congregational church.
Miss Frances Leighton of Hollis, N.H., has been visiting her Westford aunts this week—Mrs. Stone, Mrs. Fletcher and Miss Leighton. Her mother, Mrs. Helen Leighton, is expected home soon from her trip to Kansas.
Our popular town clerk, Edward Fisher, plans to go the first of the week for a two weeks’ vacation at Steuben, Me.
Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Osgood are enjoying a week’s vacation with Mr. and Mrs. Lyman E. Wilkins in Cambridge, making short trips to the beaches and other places of interest.
Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher sends pleasant accounts of a restful and pleasant sojourn at her girlhood home in Ludlow, Vt.
Rev. and Mrs. C. P. Marshall and their daughter Marion started Monday on their vacation trip. They will go first to Mr. Marshall’s home in Dover, N.H., and later to Gorham, N.H., Mrs. Marshall’s girlhood home. While there Mr. Marshall hopes to enjoy a tramping trip in the mountains.
Mrs. Hiram Whitney is spending a few weeks with her daughter, Mrs. Mabel W. Wright, on the Maine coast.
Miss Alice M. Howard, who has been taking the librarian’s course at Simmons college, has substituted most acceptably on several occasions recently in the absence of Miss Bunce, the regular librarian.
Congregational. The last Sunday before the pastor’s vacation was of special interest at the Congregational church. Mr. Marshall had prepared an excellent sermon from the text John 12:21, “We would see Jesus.” Rev. C. C. P. Hiller occupied the pulpit with Mr. Marshall and assisted in the services by reading the scripture lesson and offering prayer, also joining the choir with his fine voice. The church was prettily decorated with golden glow and asters. The evening service was a profit and delight. Mr. Hiller’s former parishioners did not feel like asking him to preach for them in the morning, whatever inclination may have prompted, knowing from their own experience when he was their faithful pastor how thoroughly he had earned his rest-time, but in the informal and social atmosphere of the evening service he spoke to his former people with characteristic wisdom and enthusiasm. He also conducted the praise service. Mrs. Hiller also spoke fittingly on the subject, which was “Why and how to be healthy.” Mr. and Mrs. Hiller will be here one more Sunday and have promised to speak and assist with the singing at the evening service, which will be the only service of the day. Everybody cordially invited to come.
Obituary. Word was received Wednesday afternoon of the death of Walter J. Sleeper, M.D. at the Massachusetts general hospital in Boston, where he had gone some three weeks ago for special treatment for what was known to be a serious disease. Dr. Sleeper had made a long, intelligent and heroic struggle against this disease, and it was only his wise physician’s insight that enabled him to prolong his life and usefulness so long.
He was born in Manchester, N.H., on June 15, 1860, and educated in the public schools of his native city, Dartmouth college, (medical department), New York post-graduate medical college, Harvard university (post-graduate medical department). After completing his education he came to Westford, succeeding Dr. Edward Atwood, where he established a large and successful practice. He was indeed the beloved friend and physician in a great many homes in Westford and surrounding villages. His was a high standard of integrity and uprightness, always interested in and identifying himself with the best interest of the community. He was a loving and devoted husband and father and to the three orphaned children the sincerest sympathy of the community goes out.
Dr. Sleeper [was to be] medical [examiner] for this district [replacing the late] [The page is damaged here, and this is the editor’s best guess at the meaning of missing words.] Dr. Harwell of Ayer, with whom he had been associated as assistant medical examiner. He was a member of the North Middlesex Medical society, William North Masonic lodge of Lowell, Westford grange, P. of H., and an attendant at the Unitarian church. Some years ago Dr. Sleeper made an extended trip to the Azores in the pursuit of health. A few seasons ago he built for himself and family a beautiful camp, “The treetops,” on the shores of Forge pond, and he much enjoyed this quiet retreat when he could get away for a little while. It was here a little more than one short year ago that his beloved wife, the late Emma Chadwick Sleeper, died. The community has not yet recovered from the shock of the untimely death of this beloved woman, who was such a real helpmeet to her husband.
Dr. Sleeper is survived by his three children—Dorothy M., Natalie and Walter J. Sleeper, jr.; also, one brother, Frank C. Sleeper of Duluth, Minn. The funeral will be held from his late home Saturday morning at eleven o’clock. Burial at Manchester.
About Town. During the thunder shower last week Thursday afternoon the lightning struck the house of Gilman F. Wright on the Groton road, and several of his children had narrow escapes. The lightning invited itself into the house by way of the chimney, dislocated several bricks, gave some of the plastering an experience in quick transit by way of the law of gravitation, attempted some carpenter work with the clapboards and left its goodbye manners on a screen door in the kitchen, shattering off a sliver on the outer edge of the door, where Lillian was standing with her hand on the door. The lightning felled her unconscious to the floor, where she remained for some little time. The rest of the children were severely shocked and rendered unconscious. Mr. Wright was in the barn at the time.
Joseph Danforth of Tyngsboro, who had accepted the position of teacher at Westford academy, has cancelled his engagement and will return to his recent school at Hardwick, Vt. This was made necessary, owing to some misunderstanding with the authorities of the latter school.
Owing to a sudden change in arrangements and plans, the Westford baseball team played the team at Shirley last Saturday, instead of the Townsend team. This game was one of three for a purse of one hundred dollars, and was won by the Westford team by a score of 9 to 6. This Saturday Westford will play the team at Milford, N.H., the same team that played the Westford team two games July 4, and were defeated in the first game and tied in the second.
David C. Polley of Lynn is visiting the old homestead on the Lowell road.
Several from here availed themselves of the pleasant day and their personal invitations, and attended the dedication of the Sarah R. S. Roby library and town hall at Dunstable, Wednesday. Among those who attended were Mrs. Thomas Symmes and children, Mrs. J. B. Fletcher, Mrs. J. M. Fletcher, Miss Delia Wheeler, John Adams Taylor and Samuel L. Taylor. The president of the day was Prof. A. D. Butterfield, a native of the town and graduate of Westford academy, who at present holds an important position at Worcester P.I. He is a son of Dexter Butterfield, one of the substantial citizens of Dunstable, and favorably and familiarly known in this vicinity.
The funeral of Lydia A. Walkden, took place from her home on Main st., Friday afternoon, Aug. 7, Rev. C. P. Marshall officiating. Relatives, friends, neighbors and floral designs, all were present testimonials of appreciable love and sympathy. H. G. Osgood, E. G. Boynton and Edna Ferguson rendered efficiently the sympathy of song. The bearers were H. G. Osgood, Henry B. Read and H. A. Fletcher. Burial was in Fairview cemetery.
Hearing.—The school committee gave a hearing last week Friday evening to the remonstrants against closing the Minot, Stony Brook and Nabnassett schools. The petitioners for the hearing included a large majority of the residents of these sections, and the hearing brought out a large gathering, even if it did not develop any unanswerable arguments against the closing. The school committee was represented by A. R. Choate, chairman, who presided and defended the attitude of the school committee and conducted the rebuttal of the petitioners. Other members of the committee present were H. B. Read, Chas. O. Prescott, John Spinner.
James H. O’Brien opened the case for the petitioners. He was followed by W. O. Hawkes, Albert Decatur, Geo. H. McGregor, Wm. C. Edwards, Joseph Taplin, M. L. McGlinchey, Wm. R. Taylor, John A. Taylor. Four reasons were given why the schools should not be closed. First, “We do not want to send our children so far to school;” second, “Farm property will decrease in value;” third, “It will be a physical hardship and injury to the younger scholars;” fourth, “The small district school develops the intellectual and moral nature of the scholar better than the large, heterogeneous, transportation crowd.” This last reason appears to be the only valid reason evolved against closing these schools. But the feelings of the people interested is a factor that the committee should wisely reckon in their decision.
Forge. As Thomas Rafferty of Graniteville was returning home from this village Monday night he fell from the car and cut an ugly gash in his head. A physician being in the village at the time immediately dressed the wound and he was taken on the car to his home. It was thought that the glare of the electric light caused him to make a misstep.
Mrs. George Blodgett was very sick last week, but is now improving slowly.
Capt. Eaton burned his eye badly last Saturday while mixing lime. The pain was so severe he had to call a physician.
Albert and Walter Wood of Liverpool, England, were guests for the weekend of Miss Rachel Cherry. They are stewards on the steamer Ivernia and could only have a few days’ leave of absence.
Mrs. F. J. Holden of California, who is spending the summer in Yonkers, N.Y., and Mrs. John Howe of South Lancaster were guest of Mrs. Mary Drake this week. Mrs. Holden came from Yonkers in her automobile.
Mrs. A. Flint of Chelsea is the guest of Miss Henderson at Lincoln cottage. Mrs. Flint was one of the many who lost their homes and everything in the Chelsea fire.
The picnic of St. Catherine’s parish on the shores of the pond last Saturday was a success in every particular. The day was perfect, the sports well patronized, and altogether it was a red letter day for old and young. There was a dance in the evening.
Graniteville. Miss Mary Atherton of Lowell, with her niece, Miss Mildred Lorman of this village, left town Monday morning for St. Johnsbury, Vt., where they will visit relatives for the next few weeks.
The ladies’ aid society of the Methodist church met with Mrs. L. A. Blood Thursday afternoon.
A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Henry J. Healy on Monday, Aug. 10.
The All Star team defeated the in a very interesting game of ball Tuesday afternoon, by the score of 4 to 3. Batteries—Loftus and Hemen for the All Stars, McCarthy and Ledwith for Brimstones. Umpire Ed Riney.
Picnic. After many days of wet and dismal weather last Saturday dawned bright and fair, and the annual picnic of St. Catherine’s church came off on schedule time at Lakeside park, Forge Village, under conditions that were in every way ideal. This affair had been liberally advertised, and as a result there was a very large crowd in attendance. The midway that had been erected on the grounds near the water front proved to be a banner attraction, and the various diversions did a flourishing business. There were also many refreshment booths scattered along the line, presided over by the young ladies, who prevailed on one to partake of a soothing drink or an ice cream, whether one really felt inclined or not. Jim Daley attracted no little attention in his uncle Sam makeup and dispensed tonic and cigars with an original “Sunny Jim” smile. The “only” John Sullivan was a good assistant.
In the program of sports the first and most interesting event of the day was the ballgame between the Lions of Forge Village and the Brimstones of Graniteville, and the latter lived up to the traditions of the name by dealing out some hot baseball to their opponents, the final score being Brimstones 18, Lions 6. Tom McCarthy, the slab artist for the Brimstones, was in great form, and early in the contest had the Lions 14 to 0. He let up a trifle after this, but the game was never in danger. Jack Spinner started to pitch for the Lions, but the Graniteville boys took kindly to his curves and he was replaced by Harrington. In spite of the one-sided score, the game held the crowd till the last man was out. Batteries—McCarthy and Ledwith for the Brimstones, Jack Spinner, Harrington and Dick Spinner for the Lions. Umpires, Elmer Nutting and J. A. Healy.
The next event was the 100-yd. Dash, won by Scallon of North Chelmsford; Jim Healy of Graniteville second. The girls’ race was won by Emma Woods, May Bradley second; boys’ shoe race won by Fred Gagnon, Elmer DeRoehn second; ladies’ boat race won by Mrs. Annie M. Precious and Stella Carkin, Edith Precious and Helen Lord second prize; putting the shot was won by Rynn of North Chelmsford, Gordon of Graniteville second. In the pitching quoits contest the following teams competed: Gordon, Gardell, Robinson and Proffita for Graniteville, and a picked team composed of McNally, Bennett, Weaver and Flanagan. Gordon’s team won and took the prize for the best two out of three games played.
The sports being over, the bell was sounded for supper, and on the lawn in the rear of James Sullivan’s house long tables had been arranged and a fine old-fashioned supper was served up in good style, the delicious coffee concocted by Mrs. Elmer Nutting and Mrs. James Sullivan leaving a lasting impression. It seemed as though everyone was hungry, something that did not hold after they had partaken of the food from the well-filled tables.
The affair was a great success, and to crown it a dancing party was held in Abbot’s hall, commencing at 7:30 and continuing until eleven o’clock. The Ideal orchestra of Ayer furnished excellent music and during the evening refreshments were served. Every village and town for miles around was represented at the gathering, and St. Catherine’s church picnic and reunion of 1908 will go on record as a huge social and financial success.
During the afternoon Rev. J. J. McNamara was present and expressed his pleasure with the surroundings, remarking on the felling of good will and pleasure that was prevalent at all times. He said it felt like coming home to be in such a happy gathering, and that his boat-ride on Forge pond will long be remembered. Owing to a slight attack of illness, Rev. Edmund T. Schofield, the pastor, was unavoidably absent, but as Re. Fr. McNamara expressed it, he was there in spirit and would be pleased to hear the report that would be brought home to him.
In the watch contest, guessing what time the gold watch would stop, Bert Wall was the lucky winner, he having guessed 7:15; the watch stopped at 7:16.
The committee in charge of the whole affair was as follows:
Chairman and general manager, Joe Wall; sec., Catherine Conley; treas., J. A. Healy; committee of arrangements, James Sullivan, Edward Riney, Fred Defoe, John Sullivan, Henry Leduc, D. W. Harrington, A. R. Wall, William Ledwith, R. J. Hemen, James Daley, T. A. Riney, George Gowan, Frank Loftus, J. Austin Healy, John Splain, Thos. Hughes, John Flynn, Wm. Wall, Chas. Conture, John Daley, John Kavanaugh, John Rafferty, Connie Daley, David Desmond, Charles McCullough, Alex McDonald, Roscoe Moran, H. Healy, Henry Provost, Timothy Driscoll, Thomas Rafferty; refreshments, Mary Rafferty, Hattie O’Brien, Mary Donahue, Gussie Spillane, Mary E. Healy, Emma Ward, Mary Hanley, Margaret Driscoll, Catherine Ward, Minnie Ledwith, Christine Lowther, Mrs. Wm. Gower, Mrs. J. A. Healy, Mrs. Elinor Nutting, Dora Leduc, Abbie Splaine, Rebecca Leduc, Mrs. Rose Hemen, Mrs. James Sullivan, Catherine Hanley, Mrs. Mary LeClair, Bernardette Dupont; sports, D. W. Harrington, Edward Hanley, Bert Wall, J. O’Brien, Dola Dumont, Joseph Ganepy; dancing, Elmer Nutting, Fred Defoe, Edward Riney, Henry LeDuc, Edward Hanley, Connie Daley.
Saturday, August 22, 1908
Center. The ladies’ missionary society of the Congregational church met on Wednesday afternoon with its president, Miss Sarah W. Loker at her home at beautiful Providence farm. This summer meeting has come to be an annual event and Wednesday’s gathering proved just as pleasant as its predecessor to the large number present. Work is in progress for a barrel to be sent in the autumn to the same industrial school in Alabama that one was sent to last year. After an hour or two of work, refreshments of tea and cakes were served by the hostesses, Miss Loker and Miss Bunce. The beverage was real “missionary tea,” in other words it was some choice tea sent to Miss Loker by a missionary friend in China. One did not need to be a special connoisseur to tell that it was a delicious blend. It was served in beautiful old china teacups that were part of the bridal outfitting of the maternal grandmother of the home.
Miss Lillian Deaves of New York city is spending her vacation with Mr. and Mrs. J. Henry Colburn.
At the Congregational church, Sunday evening service, which was the only one of the day, was largely attended. Miss Edna Ferguson was the leader of the meeting from the subject, “Lesson from the sea.” Many were the lessons she drew from this great and useful force in nature. Mr. and Mrs. Hiller were present and spoke most interestingly. A delegation of former parishioners from West Chelmsford were present and also from Graniteville. They came to greet their former pastor and hear him speak and sing. The same as the previous Sunday evening he conducted the praise service and sang with all the old-time melody and enthusiasm.
Mr. and Mrs. O. R. Spaulding are spending a vacation at Steuben, Me. With them are Mr. and Mrs. Edward Fisher and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Fisher.
Miss Jennie Chandler with friends from Boston enjoyed a trip to Provincetown last week.
It is a pleasure to her many friends to know that Mrs. Florence Isles, who has been so seriously sick with appendicitis, and for which she underwent an operation two weeks ago Monday, is now convalescing and enjoying a respite from the days of severe suffering that have been her recent portion. She is enjoying brief visits from her friends.
Master John Draper, who has been spending several weeks with his old friend and schoolmate, Leon Hildreth, left Saturday. He goes to Crows Island, Essex, to spend a week with another of the Westford playmates, Alexander Cameron, after which he joins his mother and sister at their summer home at Cottage City.
Albert Taylor, of this town, recently an instructor in Cornell university, has gone to Toronto, Canada, where he has undertaken the supervision of some extensive landscape gardening on a large private estate. His brother Alfred has joined him as an assistant.
The State chemist of New Hampshire, Charles D. Howard, of Concord, N.H., with his wife, was a guest of Mrs. Jennie Howard, the latter part of last week.
Funeral. The funeral of the late Walter Julian Sleeper, M.D., was held from his late home Saturday morning at eleven o’clock. Many were they who turned aside from their various activities to pay this last tribute of respect to him who had been called to lay down his life in the prime of his manhood. Relatives, neighbors, townspeople, representatives from various organizations and men who had been identified with Dr. Sleeper in the medical world went to make up the large gathering that filled the spacious rooms. Rev. B. H. Bailey was the officiating clergyman, assisted by Rev. C. P. Marshall. Mr. Bailey, with the sympathetic and tender wisdom so characteristic of him, paid a loving tribute to the memory of the deceased in all the walks of life as a physician, a friend, a citizen, and in the home circle. He spoke of the blessed heritage he left in the hearts of the children of the memory of a loving and devoted father.
William North lodge of Freemasons, to which deceased belonged, was represented by a delegation as was the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows. A male quartet from Lowell beautifully rendered the following selections: “Abide with me,” “Good night,” and “The homeland.” The bearers were George Chadwick, A. K. Hobbs, Frank Cheney and John Kendall. Undertaker David L. Greig was in charge.
At the conclusion of the services the body was taken to the 1:09 train and taken to Manchester [N.H.]. Upon arriving in Manchester the funeral party was met by a delegation of Manchester Masons from the Washington and Lafayette lodges and escorted to Ursula chapel in Pine Grove cemetery, where Rev. C. P. Marshall conducted a service and the Masonic burial ceremony was performed.
The floral offerings were of great beauty and profusion and were as follows:
Wreath, Dorothy, Natalie and Walter Sleeper; double spray purple and White asters, F. S. Sleeper; spray Japanese Lilies, Mrs. Martha and G. H. Chadwick; spray purple asters, Mr. and Mrs. A. K. Hobbs; plume white stalks, Philip and Baby Hobbs; spray pink roses, Dr. O. V. Wells and Miss Morrill; spray white roses, Miss M. G. Luce and J. L. Kimball; wreath roses and carnations, Sherman H. Fletcher and family; pillow, Westford grange; wreath white roses, Middlesex North District Medical society; star of roses and asters, Mt. Horeb Royal Arch Chapter; pillow, white and purple asters, I.O.O.F., Self-Help lodge; wreath, asters and roses, Wm. North lodge, A.L.A.M.; sprays, Dr. Jaynes and family, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Cameron, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Fletcher, Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Sargent, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Carmichael, N. H. and H. L. Wright, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Wright; wreath pinks and pink roses, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Edwards; wreath roses, carnations and sweet peas, Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Wheeler and Mrs. M. J. Wheeler; sprays, Mabelle C. York, Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Hall, S. L. Taylor and family, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Wright, Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Hildreth, Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Hildreth, 2d, Mrs. Chas. H. Fletcher and Miss Fletcher; wreath of purple asters, C. L. Hildreth and Miss Hildreth; wreath roses, asters and carnations, Mr. and Mrs. H. V. Hildreth; spray purple and white asters, A. A. Wyman and family; spray purple and white asters, F. A. Smith and mother, Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Wright; wreath white roses, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Abbot; spray pink roses, J. M. Hartwell and family; plume of white and purple asters, Rev. and Mrs. B. H. Bailey; spray purple asters, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Blodgett, Mr. and Mrs. John Edwards and Mr. and Mrs. Fred A. Swett.
Graniteville. The Brimstones defeated the All Stars in the second game of the series on Thursday afternoon of last week by the score of 11 to 8. The last few innings were played in darkness, which left matters in an unsettled condition. The rubber game will be played some Saturday afternoon in the near future.
Miss Grace Ledwith and Mrs. Lizzie Defoe have recently returned from a brief vacation spent at Revere beach.
Miss Minnie Ledwith is now spending her vacation with relatives near Burlington, Vt.
James B. Healy has recently returned from a very pleasant vacation spent at Wellsville, N.Y.
J. B. Riney, clerk at the Glenwood inn in Westport, N.Y., is now spending a few days with relatives [in] this village.
Mrs. Patrick Shea of Wilton, N.H., and Mrs. John O’Conor of North Chelmsford, have been recent guests of the Riney family in this village.
Wedding. John McCarthy, the popular engineer with the H. E. Fletcher Co., and Miss Margaret Clark, both well known young people of this village, were married at the parochial residence of St. John’s church, North Chelmsford, at three o’clock Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 12, Rev. J. J. McNamara being the officiating clergyman.
Mr. George McCarthy, brother of the bridegroom, was bestman [sic] and Miss Mary J. Sullivan, cousin of the bride, was bridesmaid. The bride was becomingly attired in a dress of white silk chiffon, trimmed with chantilly lace over accordion plaited taffeta, and wore a hat of white silk chiffon with large ostrich plumes of the same prevailing shade. The bride carried a large shower bouquet of bridal roses tied with white ribbon. Her traveling costume was blue chiffon Panama.
The bridesmaid’s costume was a pretty blue tulle trimmed with oriental lace insertion, a hat of white chip trimmed with blue silk ribbon, and she carried a shower bouquet of white roses, tied with blue ribbon.
After the ceremony a carriage was taken by the bridal party for Lowell where Mr. and Mrs. McCarthy caught an early evening train for Portland, Me., where they spent a brief honeymoon.
They will reside in First st., this village, where they will be at home to their many friends after Sept. 30.
The happy couple were the recipients of many beautiful presents, both useful and ornamental, and start in on their new life with the best wishes of a wide circle of friends.
Schools. The Westford board of education held a very interesting meeting in the Graniteville school building on Friday night of last week, that was attended by the full committee. The meeting was called to order at 7:30, by A. R. Choate, chairman, who introduced Mr. James W. Green, the new president of the Lowell and Fitchburg street railway, who expressed his views on the feasibility of transporting scholars on the branch line. His remarks were listened to with deep interest. No definite action was taken on the transportation question, this matter being left to the committee previously appointed for this particular work.
The committee approved of the appointments of William A. Woodward of Milford, N.H., the new principal of Westford academy, and Miss Gertrude A. Bartlett of Kingston, N.H., as second assistant.
It was voted to open all the schools on Tuesday, Sept. 8, the day after labor day. This includes the academy.
Owing to the fact that the remodeling of the school building in Forge Village will not be completed at the opening of the fall term, the committee voted to open temporary quarters in Abbot’s hall, and will accommodate all the scholars in this district until the new building is ready.
Other business of a routine order was transacted and the meeting was adjourned at 9:30. The next meeting will be held in Westford in two weeks, at the usual hour.
Forge. Work is progressing very fast on our new schoolhouse, but it will be necessary to hold the session at Abbot’s hall for a short time at the commencement of the term.
The work on the house for the Westford fire department is going on briskly.
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Blodgett have welcomed a baby boy to their home [William Edward Blodgett was born Aug. 11, 1908, in Groton]. Mother and boy are doing well.
Geo. Cougle has been very ill but is now convalescing. His nephew, Geo. Cougle of Yonkers, N.Y., and family are spending their vacation with his uncle, and last Sunday one of the children was taken quite sick with measles.
Miss Gertrude E. Comey won the set of spoons in the bean guessing contest of a medicine company, guessing within one of the right number. Her sister, Blanche, a little Miss of seven summers, guessed within two. Miss Hazel Comey won the gold watch, as being the most popular young lady.
Dr. Bennett and wife of Washington, D.C., are visiting relatives here.
Miss Etta Harmon of Worcester and Miss Olive Palm of Lowell are guests of Miss Alice Prescott.
J. A. Griffith of Campton, N.H., is visiting his uncle, B. D. Griffith.
Miss Stella Carkin has been visiting her friend Miss White of Lowell for a few days.
Mrs. Lucretia Reed has the banner sunflower stalk. There are ten blossoms on it, the largest one being ten to fifteen inches in diameter. Her flower and vegetable gardens do her much credit, for she has taken all the care of them. For a woman of eighty years and not strong it seems very remarkable.
Mr. Saunders and family of Everett have taken Idealwood for two weeks.
Mrs. A. W. Carkin spent a few days of the week with her daughter, Mrs. Caisse of Leominster.
Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Cockroft and Miss Sarah Hunt of Ware are visiting friends here before taking in the various beaches around Boston.
Miss Alice Weaver Tyler and Mr. Barnes of Worcester have been visiting at her father’s, Wm. Weaver’s.
Wm. Weaver is on the sick list. Mrs. Flannigan is quite ill. Mrs. Larabee at Tadmuck cottage was very ill for a short time, but is now better. It was thought the heat prostrated her.
Five desperate characters, who were more or less intoxicated, passed through the village last Saturday afternoon and asked for food at nearly every house. Officer Precious ordered them to leave as soon as possible, which they did, taking the road to Ayer. The people of this village see the ill effects of the town voting for license at the annual town meeting, “Never again.”
A large number of people were present Saturday afternoon to witness a return game between the Lions and the Red Tags of Ayer, but the latter failed to put in an appearance.
A shooting affray. Forge Village residents were considerably excited Sunday afternoon over a shooting affray in which an Italian resident of Ayer and some Polish residents of Forge Village took part. No one was injured, although three shots were fired.
The Italian from Ayer is said to be known as “Pete the Italian.” His visit to Forge Village was at the house of Libuc Dupiper. While he was there some dispute arose over money matters and when he was leaving the house attempts were made to assault him by some men, when he fired two shots from his revolver, but the crowd scattered and no one was hurt.
In answer to a telephone message sent to Ayer, Deputy Sheriff Fillebrown came to Forge Village and with two selectmen and a constable tried to find the Italian in the woodland. They were not successful and the search was renewed the next day.
The funeral of Willard Bicknell was held from his late home in the south part of the town, Wednesday afternoon. Only twenty-three years old he met an untimely death from an accident. He was in the employ of Herman Decatur, a milk dealer, and while on his route at two o’clock in the morning he missed his footing as he started to jump on his moving wagon and before he could arise the wheels had gone over him. He got into his wagon evidently intending to keep on with his work, but later he fell with groans on the street. A young man in a lunch wagon, hearing him, came to his assistance. He was taken to St. John’s hospital and everything done for him, but he had received such injuries that he grew worse and died on Sunday evening.
Mr. Bicknell was an estimable young man, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Bicknell, who live on the Carlisle road. His funeral, in charge of David Greig, was largely attended by neighbors and friends and a delegation was present from the Centralville lodge to which the young man belonged. Rev. Mr. Wells was the officiating clergyman and the bearers were: George Byam, Edward Blaisdell, H. Blaisdell, Henry Flavell, Henry Kable and Arthur Wilson. Several songs were sung by Mrs. David Greig, Miss Edna Ferguson and John Greig. There were many beautiful flowers from the following:
Pillow, from his employer, Herman Decatur; pillow, father and mother; pillow, oddfellows; sprays, Mrs. Searles, Joseph Searles, Arthur Bartlett, Mr. and Mrs. Porter, Henry Kable, Arthur Wilson, Mrs. Z. Mitchell, Mrs. Taplin, Mr. and Mrs. W. Green, his sisters and brother, H. B. and N. R. Whitney, Mr. and Mrs. Norman Phelps, Mr. and Mrs. Gray, Mr. and Mrs. Ai Bicknell and Edith Bicknell, Mrs. Green and Mrs. Barnard, Mrs. Lorman and Mrs. Rayner, Donald Stetson, Mrs. Bessie Searles, Leonard Spaulding and family; bouquets, Mrs. Pyne, Mrs. Searles and son; wreath, Mr. and Mrs. Stevens.
Hen thieves are cheap and abundant and grain scarce and dear. The latest exemplification of supply and demand in poultry farming was last week Friday evening when William H. Decatur on the Littleton road furnished a supply of sixty fouls, and someone whose name is hereinafter to be learned, furnished the demand. This exemplification of course was a midnight darkness affair, and Mr. Decatur was not present to witness the working of the law of supply and demand, neither were either of his two dogs. Had they been, it is probable that the demand for poultry would have been very much interfered with. In this line it is encouraging to note that a gang of hen thieves have been rounded up by the Lowell police and are at present enjoying free rent and board at the Lowell police station. There is evidence to believe they are the gang that have been operating in Westford, Chelmsford, Carlisle, and other points of view. Some Westford losers have been able to prove their property.
About Town. Earl Martin, the four-year old son of Mr. and Mrs. John [H.] Martin, who died Tuesday from Bright’s disease, was buried Thursday afternoon [in Fairview Cemetery, Westford]. The clergyman in charge was Rev. Paul G. Favor, the Congregational minister at Littleton. He spoke very beautifully and sang several comforting songs.
The ball game last Saturday between the Westford team and the Milford team resulted in a tie, 14 to 14. Owing to disagreements it is doubtful if they ever meet to untie. Well, who cares! The Westford team know how to play ball and they played the New Hampshire lads all they were able to run after. The next game will be this afternoon at Hillside park, Graniteville, and will be the second in the series between Westford and Shirley.
Constables John Feeny, Edson G. Boynton and Walker A. Whidden raided the brick tavern [266 Groton Road] last Sunday afternoon, and found a quantity of fluid extracts on the premises, which should only be kept at the licensed fluid extract institution at Forge Village. The proprietor of this familiar brick tavern on the Groton road was in Court at Ayer, Wednesday, where he pleaded guilty before Judge Atwood, who authorized the said proprietor to deposit $75 with the court, go home and reflect on “With all thy getting, get wisdom.”
Wm. R. Taylor starts today on his annual vacations, which will be spent at Beachwood, Maine, the same being close by a large pond of water, known as the Atlantic ocean.
Miss Eva Pyne, the popular teacher of the lower primary school at Forge Village, is spending the remainder of her vacation at Dorchester. She will return in time to reopen her school the eighth of September, when her little ones will be very glad to see her. She is a faithful teacher, much interested in her work, beloved by her children, and loved and respected by their parents.
Saturday, August 29, 1908
About Town. Rev. Wm. A. Cram, who will be remembered by our older citizens as pastor of the Unitarian church, nearly thirty-five years ago, died at his home in Hampton Falls, N.H., Friday, Aug. 14. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Sarah Blake Cram, two sons, Ralph Adams an architect of Boston, Wm. E. A., naturalist, and one daughter, Mrs. Edward J. Brown of Hampton Falls. He was a cousin of Jacob [A.] Cram, at one time principal of Westford academy [1859-1860].
And so it is the Westford team again is it that won against the Shirley team last Saturday, in the baseball game for a purse of $100, by the score of 8 to 2. Well now, don’t this beat all. No, I don’t think it does because nothing ordinary can win against the Westford boys, don’t you know. This ends the series of three games, the Westford team having won the first two, have one [sic] the purse. They will go to Milford Saturday, Aug. 29, and endeavor to untie the tied game of two weeks ago.
Mrs. Daisy Shaw Merritt was in town last week renewing old familiar associations, which made her such an entertaining factor when a resident in town. She was hospitably entertained at the Banister homestead.
Charles Cross, the popular conductor on the Stony Brook road, scooted up the Lowell road last week in his auto. He was out on a foraging expedition for “green goods” of the type evolved in the farmer’s garden. His order sheet was satisfactorily adjusted at the Barrister farm.
A large number of citizens attended the firemen’s muster in Lowell last week Thursday. Among those was George H. Hartford, who for many years was a member of the famous Torrent company of that city and took part in the contest when the Torrent company established a world’s record at Lynn, Aug. 25, 1876, by running and laying one-half mile of hose, the official time being 2 min. 19 ¼ sec. On Sept. 25, 1875, this same [hose company] won in a contest with sixteen other companies, the official time being 2 min. 37 ½ sec. Among others who attended was Leonard W. Abbot hose company at Westford center.
Fred L. Snow, who owns a summer farm on the Kenny road near Long-Sought-For pond, is camping in the park regions of the Adirondacks, where his daughter, Mrs. Upton, is also stopping for lung trouble.
At the dance of the Littleton Village Improvement association, last week Wednesday evening, fifteen attended from Westford, including Fred A. Smith who entered [sic – catered?] for the evening.
John A. Taylor has entered the tennis tournament at Chelmsford Center this week. This tournament includes a large and flourishing club at Chelmsford. Fun and close games have thus far been announced.
On the next page will be found a full report of the reunion of the Spaulding Light Cavalry association.
At the Christian Endeavor meeting next Sunday evening, Miss Loker will lead the meeting, taking for her subject, “Cyrus Hamlin and his missionary work in Turkey.” The family afterward removed to Concord, N.H.
Friday evening, Sept. 4, there will be a supper and entertainment in the vestry of the Congregational church. The supper will be a corn and pie affair. Corn in many appetizing forms and pies of various kinds will be served.
Houghton G. Osgood, in the absence of duties as Sunday school superintendent during the church vacation, had an interesting C.E. meeting Sunday evening, Subject, “Vacation religion.” He also made the praise service a genuine one with his good tenor voice conducting it.
Miss Lila C. Fisher is at home after a delightful western trip of several weeks.
Peter Lord, an aged inmate of the town farm, died Thursday. He was brought to the farm from Worcester last March, suffering with a broken hip. This, with complications incident to his advanced age, were the cause of death. A funeral service was held Friday afternoon at two o’clock in charge of undertaker, D. L. Greig. A Methodist minister from Lowell was the officiating clergyman. Interment was in Fairview cemetery, where his wife and a daughter are buried. He is survived by two sons and a daughter.
Forge Village. Prescott Adams of Claremont, N.H., visited his cousin, Mrs. Sarah Lawrence. Mr. Adams is her only relative living of a once large family. Mrs. Lawrence celebrated her ninety-fifth birthday very quietly last Sunday. Although very lame she has retained her faculties in a remarkable degree. She is fond of reading and is well posted on the current events of the day. She takes a great deal of interest in the affairs of our country, noting the progress that has been made since her childhood. She has one daughter who tenderly cares for her and helps make her declining years of comfort and happiness.
Mrs. Joseph Bennett and little daughter Ruth have returned home after a vacation spent with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Vicar at Stafford Springs.
Rev. Paul G. Favor of Congregational church, Littleton, assisted by a male quartet, of which he was one, held services on the shore of Forge pond last Sunday afternoon. There was a large attendance from the cottages and from the village. There will be services tomorrow if pleasant.
Edward Adams of Malden, who has been a guest at Pine camp, went to Noroton [sic], Conn., with his uncle, Mr. Finch.
W. Finch, a guest of Mr. and Mrs. V. A. Small at Pine camp, recently caught a pickerel weighing four pounds from Forge pond, the largest catch of the season.
The Misses Anna and Helen Holt came from Andover to visit their aunt, Mrs. R. D. Prescott, during a part of their vacation. Miss Anna was taken ill, her mother sent for and she is not able to be taken to her home. They hope she may be better soon.
Mrs. Wilson, while shopping in Lowell last Friday, was taken suddenly ill in one of the stores and was removed to the Lowell general hospital. She is unable to be brought home.
Mrs. Walker, Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Geo. and Miss Dora Deloria were guests of Tom Burnett and family.
Dr. Lucy Appleton of Boston is at Lincoln cottage for a much-needed rest after a serious illness.
Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Stewart and daughter Dorothy of Everett, are at their cottage, Tyn-e-coed, for the rest of the season.
Reunion. The Spaulding Light Cavalry association, which is now an incorporated social organization, held its first social reunion at Nabnassett pond on Thursday, August 13. If ever the old saying was true “that all roads lead to Rome,” even thus was it true in this modern day and special occasion. That all roads led to Nabnassett pond, whether one came by electric, steam or horse, and why not, the day was inviting, the occasion rare, locality inspiring, and the Nashua Military band was a cheerful annex.
The forenoon was largely preliminary, handshaking with old associates, and the annual business session. Dinner was served at 1:30 followed by the usual fraternal greetings. Capt. Sherman H. Fletcher, as president of the association, gave the opening address of welcome, congratulations and reminiscences, speaking as follows:
As president of the Spaulding Light Cavalry association, it is with great pleasure that I welcome the members and their friends here today and congratulate you on the successful reunion we are having.
Perhaps it may not be out of place for me to explain the object of our association. Under the by-laws of the troop the trustees were authorized to take possession of all money and property in case of disbandment and to organize a veteran association. This has been done and the association has been incorporated by the State under the name of Spaulding Light Cavalry association. The charter granted reads that it is for the purpose of extending the bonds of friendship among us and to create and foster a spirit of good citizenship.
We are doing the first part today. Now, the words, good citizenship, mean a good deal to this association for its success in the future, and we must set our standard high so as to get the good-will and moral support of the public, or otherwise it will be a failure. With all the pleasure of this reunion there is a touch of sadness to me, and I know all the older members feel as I do in looking back for over forty years and in not seeing the faces of many of those whom we have been associated with. I was seventeen years old when I joined the troop. How well I remember good old Capt. Roby, the first commander and how kind and fatherly he was to us boys. Not a strict disciplinarian, but just the kind of a man our fathers and mothers felt safe in letting their boys enlist under him.
There was Parkhurst of Chelmsford, who was first lieutenant, but died soon after leaving the company. There was Frank Calvert of Westford, who was orderly sergeant. At the outbreak of the civil war he was in Alabama and made his way north, reaching Washington and enlisting in the Old Sixth regiment in the defense of the national capital. Dr. Levi Howard of Chelmsford, assistant surgeon, one of the best old-time physicians around here. He visited hundreds of families in their days of happiness and in their days of sorrow and distress, dealing out comfort and kindness as well as medical aid. Butterfield, the commissary, a most conscientious worker.
Cameron of Westford, one of the most whole-souled and generous of men, loved by everybody, a native of Scotland, but a loyal son of his adopted country. Kittredge, first lieutenant, whom everybody liked. Shaw, captain, who held many important state offices. Leighton, a most excellent drillmaster, who came to an unfortunate death. Beard, the adjutant, a very methodical and correct man and clerk for many years. Laflam, a veteran of civil war, a most genial fellow. Richardson, who was mayor of Lowell, and a most delightful companion. And so, I could go through the rank and file mentioning many who occupied prominent and influential positions in the community.
We must confess, we feel a little proud that we knew and loved them. There was the Dunstable band, how proud we were riding behind that mounted band, one of the best in the State, made up of sturdy men of Dunstable, the Spauldings, Woodwards, French, Tolles, Fletcher, Parkhurst, Swallow’s and others all of whom I knew.
We deemed it advisable not to make the association a close corporation and confine it only to ex-members, because it would expire by limitation, but have opened the doors for anyone in good standing to join by paying a small annual assessment, and by so doing we believe the association will have many years of prosperity.
After Capt. Fletcher’s appropriate and comprehensive address, which brought the associations and personal reminiscences of Spaulding Light Cavalry in a sort of a dress parade before the gathering, he introduced Judge Fred A. Fisher of Lowell, as one of the old time boys who knew fun when he saw it, and a pioneer in camp in originating it. Judge Fisher, in his charge to the assembled gathering, attended to the practical and humorous experiences from his own personal recollections, both in camp and getting there, and closed by assuring his associates that he was thankful that he enlisted as a private and was fortunate enough to leave as a private.
Capt. Fletcher then introduced a double veteran, one who saw fighting in the civil war, and fun dress parade and peaceful military tactics for years in Spaulding Light Cavalry, Col. Royal S. Ripley of North Chelmsford, who gave an interesting review of his military experiences, where there is real danger and where there is make believe danger. He closed with a sentimental, poetial [sic] tribute to the sphere of woman who neither fights nor votes.
Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher was also introduced to speak for those who had honorable records, acquired without the aid of the militia. As one who has acquired distinction in the world of affairs, in private business, and as wise counselor in public office, it was wisely appropriate that he should represent the honorary members for the benefit of all.
Samuel Thompson Blood, the humorist and impersonator of the Spaulding Light Cavalry, was introduced, who in turn introduced himself in several of the many humorous aspects in life. It was the real article cleverly served to the point of exhilaration and the individual who couldn’t catch on and fix up his face for a laugh had better go home and meditate on the problem of what is out of gear in his life.
This closed the literary exercise which were good and the listening good. Other features were a ballgame between a picked nine from Westford and Chelmsford, won by Westford 10 to 2. High jump, won by Edward M. Abbot of the board of selectmen; broad jump, won by Walter Gaudette; 100-yard dash, won by Harry Hartford.
At the annual meeting, Capt. [Sherman] H. Fletcher was elected president; Lieut. Edward Fisher, sec.; Charles E. Bartlett of Chelmsford, treas.; Capt. Horace W. Wilson of Carlisle, vice-pres.; Lieut. Edward Fisher, Westford, Lieut. W. Quigley, North Chelmsford, Lieut. Everett C. Williams, Groton, Caleb L. Smith, Lowell, standing committee.
Graniteville. W. R. Taylor, of the office staff of the Abbot Worsted Co., is now enjoying a well-earned vacation at Beechwood, Maine.
C. S. Sargent’s Sons’ machine shop is showing unusual activity at the present time. Last week the shop was kept running until nine o’clock on Friday night, and all hands worked on Saturday afternoon. This overtime will at least be kept up for two or three weeks or perhaps longer.
Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Prime [Prinn] have recently returned from a very pleasant outing spent at Revere beach.
Mrs. Caroline Prime [Prinn], with little Miss Carrie, are now visiting relatives in Lynn.
Mrs. W. H. Sherman, wife of Dr. Sherman, has recently returned from a pleasant visit spent at her parent’s home in Damariscotta, Maine.
Richard Joint of Lynn has been a recent visitor at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Willis in this village.
W. O. Hawkes, with his granddaughter, Miss Hazel Hartford of Westford, has been spending a few days visiting relative in South Deerfield and Ashland.
Cameron Circle, C. of F. of A., will hold a gala with a list of sports at Hillside park, this village, on next Saturday afternoon, followed by a social dance in the evening at Healy hall.
All the camps about Long-Sought-For pond are kept in fine shape this summer, but the prettiest spot along the entire shore is probably the house and grounds of Frank H. Hildreth on the north shore. Mr. Hildreth makes his home here the year around, and the natural beauty of the surroundings cannot be surpassed in this vicinity
Accident. Thomas Ledwith, while working about a derrick at the quarry of L. P. Palmer, Monday morning, got his right hand accidentally crushed between two large pieces of granite, cutting the index finger off at the first joint, and smashing his hand very badly. Dr. W. H. Sherman attended the injured man and dressed his wounds. Mr. Ledwith is resting comfortably at present, though suffering severe pain. What makes this accident doubly unfortunate is the fact that Mr. Ledwith has but recently recovered from a crushed foot, sustained while in the performance of his duties at the quarry only a few weeks ago.
The Brimstones visited West Chelmsford on last Saturday afternoon and met with defeat at the hands of the regular West Chelmsford team, by the interesting score of 6 to 4. The local boys were greatly handicapped, owing to the absence of Ledwith, the regular catcher and Joe Perkins their star left fielder. The West Chelmsford will play a return game here Saturday, Sept. 5. On next Saturday afternoon the Brimstones and All Stars will play the rubber game of the series for the championship of the village. This will certainly be the greatest game locally of the season and is bound to attract the usual crowd.