The Westford Wardsman, August, 1909
Saturday, August 7, 1909
Center. Marden Seavey has returned from a most enjoyable ten days trip to the White mountains. In company with an uncle, they lived in the open air and tramped and climbed, carrying their knapsacks on their backs. During the trip they climbed to the summits of Mts. Washington, Jefferson, Madison and Tyler. Some pretty cold weather with snow flurries were part of their experience.
Mr. and Mrs. Warren Wright have been spending a week of vacation at Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Wright’s and go to spend next week at Fremont, N.H., where Mrs. Wright has relatives.
The Edward M. Abbot hose company held its monthly tryout and drill Tuesday evening with a good attendance, doing some excellent practice work with the extension ladders.
The “wilt disease” of the gypsy moth, which has been referred to so much in the papers, has been observed in town by Mr. Nesmith and his men.
Mr. and Mrs. Will E. Carver have been recent guests in town.
Mr. and Mrs. Walter J. Merritt have been spending a few days this past week at Nantucket.
The John P. Wrights are at home again after spending the month of July at Pinehurst farm, Pembroke.
Birthday Party. Mrs. Florence G. [Alphonse E.] Isles gave one of the pleasantest of birthday parties for her daughter Hilda Thursday evening of last week. This little lady has seen thirteen summers and this event was a surprise affair. Her schoolmates and friends who were invited gathered at the home of Marjory Seavey nearby and marched two by two to their friend’s home making a pleasant picture in their pretty summer frocks. Not until they appeared did Hilda know of the event, but she at once entered into the spirit of the occasion with happy adaptability. The guests brought many pretty gifts to their young hostess and she was also the recipient of many other tokens from relatives and other friends. Supper was served, the chief ornament of the long flower-trimmed table being the big birthday cake with its lighted candles. The time-honored customs of the ring and thimble, and each guest blowing out a candle with a wish, were duly observed. Ice cream, cakes, candies and many other good things were served. After supper games, music and dancing were enjoyed and the evening’s pleasure came to an end all too soon when the young people took their departure, sincerely wishing their young hostess many happy returns of the day and naively hoping they might be bidden to other as pleasant parties.
Bitten. Rev. C. P. Marshall met with an unfortunate accident last Friday evening. With his next door neighbor, Mr. Prescott, he has been in the chicken business and they were much interested in their enterprise, even if it was not on an extensive scale. They had been losing some of their best young chickens at a rapid rate and resorted to setting traps. One of Mrs. George Day’s cats got caught in the trap, but got away, dragging the trap after it. After a good deal of trouble Mr. Marshall caught the cat and in an attempt to release it from the trap the animal, crazed with fright and pain, bit Mr. Marshall’s hand quite badly. He went at once to Dr. Wells and had the wounds properly treated, and while they were painful for a time are much improved, and it is hoped no bad results will follow.
Family Outing. Mr. and Mrs. Albert A. Hildreth were host and hostess for a delightful gathering at their home on the Concord road, Thursday of last week. It was a real family party, numbering about fourteen, consisting of Mrs. Hildreth’s relatives and friends, coming from her home town of Andover and form Billerica and Tewksbury. Her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Bailey from Andover, her sister, Mrs. Trull and little son and cousins, aunts and friends, made up the group. They came on one of the morning cars and were met by the genial Bert with his big market wagon fitted with many seats. This and other conveyances transferred them the two miles to his home. The party was so large that dinner was in picnic style and was thoroughly enjoyed as well as the merry sociability, the pleasant surroundings and the good weather which is always a contributing factor for an outing of this kind. At sundown the merry party were conveyed back to the car and to their respective homes.
Wedding. At the Union Congregational church Wednesday evening, at the close of a beautiful summer’s day, occurred the marriage of Miss Edith Anna Seifer and Elmer Dennis Cole of Washington, D.C. Miss Seifer formerly lived in Westford, the family homestead being in the southerly part of the town, where she made her home until the death of her parents. She was a former member of the church that was the scene of Wednesday evening’s nuptials, and for years sung in its choir, and was always interested in its activities and best welfare.
Willing hands made the interior of the church very pretty with decorations. The color scheme of these was the ever-pretty one of green and white. The pulpit was completely banked with greenery, relieved along the entire front with ferns and the delicate Queen Anne’s lace. Wide white satin ribbons made an aisle for the bridal party.
At the appointed hour, with Miss May Atwood, the church organist, presiding at the organ, the bridal party proceeded to the altar, the four ushers, who were as follows, at the head: Harwood L. Wright, William R. Taylor, John A. Taylor and J. Henry Colburn, after whom came the ring-bearers, little Misses Marion and Eva Cole, daughters of the bridegroom by a previous marriage. Next came the little flower girls strewing flowers in the pathway. Those who filled this charming office were Miss Marjory Seavey and Miss Madeline Parsons. Then came the bridesmaid, who was Miss Eva B. Armstrong of Lowell, and lastly the stately bride leaning on the arm of her uncle, William Kelly of Stoneham, who gave her in marriage. They were met at the altar by the bridegroom and his best man, John H. Seifer, brother of the bride. The beautiful double-ring ceremony was impressively performed by Rev. Charles P. Marshall, pastor of the church.
The bride’s gown was of beautiful white silk net embroidery over white silk. She carried a shower bouquet of lilies of the valley and her long veil was fastened with the same. Her only ornament was a diamond and pearl brooch, the gift of the bridegroom. The gift of the bride to the bridegroom was diamond cuff links. The bridesmaid’s dress was of white embroidered mulle over the blue silk. She wore a large picture hat of white and carried pink roses. The bridegroom’s gift to his best man was a diamond stickpin and to his ushers pearl stickpins, to the ring-bearers bracelets, and to the flower girls silver spoons.
Immediately following the ceremony the bridal party took their places in the church parlor, where a reception was held and received the felicitations of the assembled company. The receiving party stood before an arch of greenery draped with white ribbon and white bells. Ice cream and cake and fruit punch was served in charge of caterer Fred A. Smith. Each guest received a dainty box of wedding cake. Mr. and Mrs. Cole were the recipients of numerous gifts consisting of silver, china, cut glass, linen and sums of money.
Among those who assisted in the arrangements were Miss Ada Armstrong, Mrs. Samuel Burt, Mrs. Judson Parsons of Lowell, and Miss May Atwood, Mrs. Mae I. Gould and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Colburn. Among out-of-town guests were William Kelly, Mrs. Ella Cole, Mr. and Mrs. Morton W. Peabody, Mr. and Mrs. John B. Emerson, Mrs. Henry H. Emerson, Miss Bertha Parsons, Mrs. Judson Parsons, Miss Madeline Glazier Parsons and Miss Armstrong.
After a wedding trip Mr. and Mrs. Cole will return to their home in Washington, where Mr. Cole is in the jewelry business. They take with them the many good wishes of friends here for a life of happiness and prosperity.
About Town. Edward Grey, who has been employed on the farm of H. B. Read for the past two years, has resigned his position and accepted his former position at the Chelmsford foundry at North Chelmsford. He has secured a house and will move as soon as convenience will permit. Business at the foundry is brisk and he received several urgent requests to resume his trade. Mr. Read was fortunate in so competent a man and Mr. Grey is so reasonable an employer.
Milton Richards and family of New York were visiting relatives and friends in town last week. He will be remembered as musician in town and the Unitarian choir forty years ago.
Andrew Johnson, Wesley O. Hawkes and son have gone to Salt Lake City to the G.A.R. scenery.
A goodly number of believers in village improvements attended an improved improvement at Littleton Saturday and were witnesses of what Westford might and will be when the sunlight of personal effort is fully turned on.
The ballgame last Saturday between Westford and Nashua was won by Nashua 5 to 3. Game to day at Ayer between Westford and Shirley.
The tree warden and assistants spent a day last week removing a large overhanging, threatening elm limb that gave evidence of obstructing the electric cars, the sidewalk and the highway. It hung out its sign at old Capt. Peletiah Fletcher’s place, now owned by C. R. P. Decatur.
The factor in society of get there and do something will be weakened and quick lit-up humor dimmed when John P. Wright moves to Lowell in September. Can’t he leave a pair of shoes behind? There may be those who could pretend to try them on; pretence is better than inertia.
About a dozen went from town Wednesday to the Pomona excursion at Canobie lake. Among those was the youthful, nimble, ninety-year-old Horace Hamblett of Brookside.
Rev. and Mrs. Seth W. Walker and baby of Chelmsford, and Mrs. Walker’s father of California, Mr. Rugg are visiting at Charles E. Walker’s.
Reunion. The second annual reunion of the Spaulding Light Cavalry association will be held at Nabnassett lake Thursday, August 12. All sorts of business and pleasure compatible with the basis of the association will be evolved, as well as eating, which will be involved. Music to fan on the exercises to the point of hilarity will be gingled around and about by the Chelmsford brass band. When they are not having their say and way, the following sports will be evolved: Annual election of officers at 11:30 a.m.; annual eating contest at 1:15 p.m., followed by annual speeches, long, short, wise, witty and beautiful, listening all the time; contests on the water, the earth and the air, to see who has the skill to be first, second and third to get there. A general personal social handshaking “how do you don’t,” “so glad to see you,,” even if you don’t mean it, can be passed around all the time. Better come and brush off a little of the surplus hayseed accumulations of the year.
Sunday School Excursion. The excursion last week Wednesday to Canobie lake by the Oakhill-Westford Corner-West Chelmsford-Brookside Sunday school association was just what always happens when this part of the inhabited earth undertakes to do anything. The weather was dressed in sunshine, the water was calm and the dust was quiet, sports for the wealth of your health were tossed around with pleasure, and in this was the day’s most keenly applied treasure. Just eighty-two persons, young, old, tall, small, short, great and straight, boarded the electrics and took in the lake, and unboarded the electrics with none of the dissipations that frequently cloud the lake. There are no syndicate riches linked to this crowd, but they smilingly get after life in a way to be proud.
Obituary. The funeral of Mrs. Elizabeth Collins, wife of Frank Collins, superintendent of George C. Moore’s mills at Brookside, was held from her residence last Saturday. There was a large attendance of relatives and friends. Rev. C. P. Marshall, of the Congregational church, Westford Center, was the officiating clergyman, and singing by Miss Edna Ferguson and Mrs. David L. Greig. The bearers were friends of [the] deceased. The body was sent to Lawrence that day, where services were held Sunday. Burial was at Belleview cemetery, beside her father, mother and children. The floral offerings were liberal messengers of relief, appropriately donated by relatives, neighbors and friends.
Pillow, from husband; anchor, from sister, Charlotte Senior; cross on base, Mr. and Mrs. James Hoale; wreath, Mr. and Mrs. Miles Collins, Mr. and Mrs. James E. Dugdale; spray, Mr. and Mrs. J. Collins; wreath violets, Emily, Bertha, Frank and Albert Collins and Albert Dugdale; wreath, Jane E. and George H. Hoale; mound with white dove, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Dugdale; large pillow, “At rest,” employees of Brookside mills; spray, Charles M. Trull; spray, Mr. and Mrs. G. C. Moore, Jr.; spray white and pink asters, Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Chase; plume white asters, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Watt; spray white pinks, Mr. and Mrs. C. Whitehead; spray palms and cut flowers, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. McManimon; bouquet, Luanna Decatur; bouquet, Mr. and Mrs. H. Hamblett.
Mrs. Collins died suddenly of acute indigestion and hemorrhage of the stomach. She was hardly past the prime of life, being only fifty-six years old.
Graniteville. Miss Rachel Wall of this village is now visiting relatives in Nashua for a few days.
Mr. and Mrs. W. K. Putney, with their son Alfred of Needham are now visiting at the home of Fred and Miss Jessie Parker in this village.
Mr. and Mrs. O. W. Sherman of Damariscotta, Me., have been recent visitors of Dr. and Mrs. W. H. Sherman in this village.
Mrs. Theresa Marchione and Mrs. Defoe have recently returned from a brief vacation spent at Revere beach.
Rev. J. J. McNamara of St. Catherine’s church came over the road from North Chelmsford on last Sunday with Dr. Haban in his new Buick runabout.
Grand Gala Day. The members of Court Westford, M.C.O.F., are making elaborate preparations for a grand gala day with [a] list of sports to be held at Hillside park, this village, on Saturday afternoon, August 7, followed by a social dance in Healy’s hall in the evening. The principal attraction in the afternoon will be the baseball game between the Graniteville Blues and the Forge Village Lions. The Forge boys are the present leaders in the Stony Brook league, closely followed by Graniteville, and as these two clubs have not met before this season, a red-hot game is expected. Aside from the ballgames there will be other sports consisting of 100-yard dash, open; boys’ race; girls’ race; hop, step and jump; tug-of-war and other interesting events, including the side attractions that are bound to please everybody. Refreshments of all kinds will be served during the afternoon, and one of the best features on the program will be the old-fashioned supper that will be served under the pines at five o’clock. So it will not be necessary for anyone to leave the grounds to procure food. As before stated, a social dance in Healy’s hall will top off the festivities of the day, and weather permitting, the whole affair promises to be very enjoyable.
Baseball. The Middlesex baseball club visited here on last Saturday afternoon and met with a trouncing defeat at the hands of the Graniteville Blues by the score of 13 to 2. The Blues batted Lane, the Middlesex pitcher, in great shape, pounding out sixteen hits with a total of twenty-five bases, every man on the team getting a hit, while several hit for double bases. Thomas McCarthy [age 23] was on the firing line for the locals and the Middlesex boys got but four hits off him, and those were scattered. William Ledwith [age 18] caught him in good shape and nailed all that attempted to steal second, besides finding the ball for a nice single and a home run. In fact, the local club played the best game of the season only one error being made, and that was excusable. The outfield had some difficult work to do but pulled everything in that came their way. Hughes at shortstop was a tower of strength, scooping up the hot ones like a veteran and lining them to first like a bullet. The Middlesex team appeared to be in a daze at times and were constantly shifting their men about, in the hopes of stopping the slaughter. The Middlesex battery worked hard to win, but Holmes, the hard-hitting catcher only got one hit off McCarthy.
Graniteville will play the Forge Village Lions here Saturday, August 7, when it is expected the whole town will turn out to see the game.
Forge. Work has commenced this week on the foundation for the new two-story woolroom for Abbot & Co. They will also erect a new two-story brick mill, to be used for spinning and twisting. Mr. Edwards will have charge of the work.
The Forge Village Lions added another game to their long list, when they defeated the Brookside team last Saturday afternoon at Nabnassett grove.
Rev. Mr. Roberts conducted the services at St. Andrew’s mission last Sunday evening and there was a good-sized audience.
Mr. and Mrs. George Jackson are still enjoying their vacation in Maine.
Mrs. James Libbey and niece, Miss Verna Shaw, of Easton, Me., are the guests of Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Parsons.
There is as much enthusiasm as ever at the summer cottages of Forge lake. Every cottage is occupied and more would come if there were only cottages enough.
Littleton.
The Fête. The fête of July 31 has passed into history as one of the greatest triumphs achieved by any of our town organizations. This was made possible by the faith, courage and perseverance of the leaders in Littleton Improvement society, by the support of their fellow townspeople, by the interest and material aid of friends in neighboring towns and cities, by favorable weather, and above all else by the generous patronage of over 2000 people.
At precisely the time scheduled the entertainment for the day began and every detail of the program was carried out as advertised, with one unavoidable exception, and for that Richard Hartwell substituted a pleasing performance with Indian clubs.
During the band concert from nine to ten a.m., the parade was getting in readiness. This was marshaled by E. A. Cox, chief; Judge G. A. Saunderson, Dr. J. N. Murray, J. M. Hartwell and Richard Hartwell, associates, all finely mounted on noble steeds. The following is a list of automobiles included:
… H. E. Fletcher, Westford;… J. M. Sargent, Graniteville;…
Equal ingenuity and enterprise were displayed in the production of floats, which were as follows:…
The prizes for horses and carriages were awarded to… Others in the coaching parade were … G. E. Gould, Westford;…
The reception in the First Congregational (Unitarian) church brought together a large company of past and present residents of the town, who enjoyed many pleasant reminiscences…
The results of the athletics were as follows:… 440-yard dash, 1st Joseph A. Harwood, 2nd Allister McDougal;…
The dance in the evening was attended by three hundred or more, and was characterized by the same well-conducted company of people whose sole purpose was to enjoy and share enjoyment.
The approximate sum cleared at the fete is $900… and 41º on the mountain trails. The party left Centre Harbor, Monday, climbed White Face and Pasaconway, where they slept in open camp. Wednesday through Wannalancit and up Chicorua, sleeping that night on hay in barn. To Jackson on Thursday, where Mr. Perkins left the party for his home in Grafton. Friday in Carver Lake’s camp, climbed Mt. Wildcat; Saturday in Tuckerman’s ravine; Sunday morning coming to head wall of ravine, the Wall of a Thousand Streams. Mr. Prescott returned to Westford Monday and Mr. Marshall joined his family at Gorham, and Mr. Wright met Mrs. Wright there and returned to South Royalton, where they are now staying for remainder of their vacation.
Graniteville. The Men’s club of the M.E. church held a lawn party on the church grounds on Friday evening of last week, and in spite of the cool weather there was a good number in attendance. During the evening a very successful sale of ice cream and cake, candy and tonic was held, the men being assisted by the young ladies of the parish. The whole affair was very enjoyable, and quite a neat sum was realized by the efforts of all parties concerned.
Henry Harrington, Dan Harrington, Robert Hemen and Fred Brown, the latter considered to be the best chef in this vicinity, enjoyed a week-end outing at Knopps pond [in Groton] recently that proved to be a great success in every way. Furbush’s camp, which is supplied with all the modern conveniences, was the stopping place, and “Brown’s famous fish chowder” was served at dinner Sunday and proved to be the principal attraction.
Many people from the village attended Court Wannalancit gala day, that was held in North Chelmsford last Saturday. In the afternoon a baseball club that represents Court Westford of this village played a nine from Court Wannalancit, and the Graniteville club won by a score of 7 to 4. In the Graniteville lineup were such well-known players as Bob McCarthy, Jack Healy, Alfred Prinn, Jack Quessey, James Healy and Joe Howarth, a combination that was capable of winning any game years ago. Nevertheless, the game proved to be very interesting, and the boys had a very enjoyable time.
Misses Ruth and Helen Furbush are now visiting for a few days with Mr. and Mrs. John Quinn of Lawrence, after which they will spend a brief vacation at Salisbury beach and other nearby resorts.
Miss Mildred Lorman of this village and Miss May Atherton of Lowell are now spending their vacation at Hampton beach and other resorts.
Mr. and Mrs. George W. Wyman and daughter Mabel of Camden, N.J., are now visiting friends both here and in Forge Village.
Fred Parker, janitor of the Sargent school here, has now attended to all the minor repairs about the school building, giving it a thorough cleaning, and is rapidly getting things in readiness for the opening of the fall term, September 7.
Mr. and Mrs. John Quinn of Lawrence have been recent visitors at the house of Mr. and Mrs. Frank L. Furbush in this village.
Baseball. The Pawtucket Blues of Lowell visited here on Saturday afternoon and in a well-played game that was replete with heavy hitting on both sides, met with defeat at the hands of the Graniteville Blues by the score of 13 to 10. The Lowell team is considered one of the heaviest batting clubs in the Stony Brook league, but was forced to admit that they met their match in the Graniteville Blues, who pounded their first pitcher out of the box and scored seven runs in the first inning. As both teams are tied for first place in the league race, each club made every effort to win a victory, and although the visitors looked dangerous at times, the locals by good fast playing held them in check and landed the game. A large number were in attendance, and cheered the good plays at every opportunity. On Saturday afternoon, August 21, the Blues will play the Brookside club at Hillside park, this village, and as this game will be played in conjunction with the St. Catherine’s church picnic, no doubt a large crowd will be in attendance.
Forge. Alvin S. Bennett and sister, Mrs. Mary I. Drake, have returned from their western trip, having spent the last three months at his old home, Weyauwega, Wis. They made several trips to various points. Among the places visited was the Chain O’Lakes, Waupaca, Wis., and the flour mills, Minneapolis. When returning to Massachusetts they stopped at Niagara Falls. Although both Mr. Bennett and sister have passed the three score and ten milestones, they enjoyed their trip with as much enthusiasm as much younger people.
Mrs. James Libby and granddaughter, Miss Verna Shaw, returned to Mansfield, Wednesday, having visited Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Parsons.
Mrs. Henry Catchpole was taken suddenly ill Thursday of last week at her home. Although more comfortable, she is not out of danger.
The old spinning room of Abbot & Co. is being torn down to make room for a new three-story brick mill. Forge Village thus loses one of its oldest landmarks. The mill was formerly the old forge and later the [horseshoe] nail shop.
Invitations have been issued for the wedding of Miss Jessie Catharine Wilson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Wilson, to George Henry Weaver, only son of Mr. and Mrs. William Weaver. The marriage is to take place at her home, Wednesday, August 25th.
Rev. T. L. Fisher entertained the choir of St. Andrew’s mission at his summer home, Legate Hill, Pratt’s Junction, last Saturday afternoon. A five o’clock tea was enjoyed in real camp fashion. They arrived home a tired but happy party.
Misses Rachael, Annie and Mary Cherry, Edith Carolyn and Mildred Precious, Theresa Lowther and Mrs. John Carmichael enjoyed a trolley trip to Lexington park, last Sunday.
Miss Violet Collins, a trained nurse in the Channing hospital, Providence, is spending her vacation with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Miles Collins of this village.
Saturday, August 28, 1909
About Town. Ho, ye farmers, bear in mind that the Middlesex North agricultural society is still on earth and doing business with the earth; that horse-racing, chasing, steeple-climbing performance are no longer in it; that the next fair will be held at Chelmsford Center, September 15 and 16. So get a move on your memory and save up some of the soil of your toil, and help out the display of the day. Remember Middlesex North has won out, paid its debts and has a surplus with which to make a sort of tour of the world. It is liable to tour Westford right away.
George W. Hill, on the Cold Spring road, fell from a ladder last week while searching for apples and broke a rib. He acted as surgeon in setting the bone, with a combination of Minard’s liniment, 0) { referrer_url = document.referrer; } const params = location.search.slice(1).split('&').reduce((acc, s) => { const [k, v] = s.split('=') return Object.assign(acc, {[k]: v}) }, {}) const url = "https://museum.westford.org/wp-json/iawp/search" const body = { referrer_url, utm_source: params.utm_source, utm_medium: params.utm_medium, utm_campaign: params.utm_campaign, utm_term: params.utm_term, utm_content: params.utm_content, gclid: params.gclid, ...{"payload":{"resource":"singular","singular_id":1777,"page":1},"signature":"9bcb24ac4845fee0e3d672cf6e8f6614"} } const xhr = new XMLHttpRequest() xhr.open("POST", url, true) xhr.setRequestHeader("Content-Type", "application/json;charset=UTF-8") xhr.send(JSON.stringify(body)) }) })();