The Westford Wardsman, December, 1905
December 2, 1905
News Items.[1] Selectman O. R. Spalding has moved his portable sawmill from the Groton road to the Lowell road and is nearly ready to commence sawing a large amount of lumber. Wallace W. Johnson of Westford depot is teaming the logs. As Mr. Spalding has large areas of woodland and is a good citizen besides, he can be spared the restriction of the old adage, “Woodman, spare that tree.”[2]
All discount on unpaid taxes is off after Friday, Dec. 1, so volunteer into line. It is cheaper thus to do it than to have the legal admonition of the tax collector, Samuel L. Taylor[3].
The Boston and Maine railroad are appropriating to themselves the old adage “A stitch in time saves nine,” by erecting on the line of the Stony Brook road a high board fence, about one fourth mile east of Westford station, it being the locality where their lesson was taught them last winter by the drifting snow, with a freight and passenger train from Lowell and a helping engine from Ayer all stalled in the drift for several hours.
Middlesex-Worcester Pomona grange held its meeting at oddfellows’ hall, Lowell, Friday, Dec. 1. Morning, election of officers; afternoon, address by state lecturer C. H. Rice of Leominster. Westford grange furnished dinner. Next meeting of Westford grange, Thursday evening, Dec. 7. Everyone is expected to do something or pay something—the former will win.
Regular monthly meeting of the selectmen, Saturday evening, Dec. 2.
The Westford baseball team played the Littletons, Thanksgiving day, on the academy grounds [now Whitney Playground], resulting in a score of 16 to 0 in favor of Westford.
Selectman Spaulding has sold twelve acres of sprout land, formerly owned by the heirs of Trueworthy Keyes, to a Frenchman by the name of Dureault, who has erected a cabin and intends to develop poultry farming. This lot is located on the corner of Plain and Stony Brook road, where at present there are no neighbors to complain of damage to gardens by trespassing hens.
[1] This section has the ring of Samuel L. Taylor’s writing. He likely started writing the “Westford” section of Turner’s Public Spirit in 1905 before authoring the “About Town” section, which he did for many years.
[2] “Woodman, Spare that Tree!” is the name of a poem, and the first line of the poem, written by the American poet Brig.-Gen. George Pope Morris (1802-1864) written in 1830. In 1837 it was set to music by Henry Russell (1812-1900), and it became a popular American ballad.
[3] Leonard Wheeler was the Westford Tax Collector in 1905, not Samuel Taylor. See the correction by Mr. Taylor in the “About Town” section in the following issue, Dec. 9, 1905.
Mrs. S. Augusta Butterfield [nee Susan Augusta Fletcher[4] (1828-1908) widow of Reuben J. Butterfield (1819-1891)], who makes her home with ex-senator Burns of Ayer, has nearly completed extensive additions and alterations on her old house on the Lowell road, the last house on the road in Westford, with the modern ell, shrubbery, grading, gravel walks, ornamental trees and much else that makes it look like a “castle of rose,” as compared with its former large but painful plainness. Mrs. Butterfield is to be congratulated on adding so much that is cherry to this part of the town, also she is to be congratulated on having done more to add to the thrift of Brookside by way of selling land for building purposes than any other person. About twenty houses have been erected on land of her holding. Recently she has sold several acres on the corner of Lowell and Chamberlin road to a Swede.
[4] Mrs. Butterfield was the daughter of Levi Thomas Fletcher (1798-1890) and Amy Richardson (1805-1890) and the granddaughter of Samuel Richardson (c. 1756-1837). Both Samuel and Levi lived in the “Samuel Richardson House” at 120 Lowell, as did Susan Augusta.
Graniteville. Death. Mrs. Mary J. Murphy, an old and highly respected woman of this village, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. F. L. Furbush, last Saturday morning, aged 80 yrs. 10 mos. The deceased has been an invalid for several years and during the past few weeks a constant sufferer, which she bore with great patience and christian fortitude. She leaves to mourn her loss four daughters—Mrs. Ellen Flynn, Mrs. Thomas Quinn, Mrs. David Moran and Mrs. F. L. Furbush, all of this village, and several grandchildren. In the death of Mrs. Murphy this village looses one of its oldest residents and one who was always ready to perform those neighborly acts of kindness whenever sickness or death visited at the homes of the village people.
Her sweet face and amiable disposition made her welcome everywhere, and in her death that came peacefully and quietly the village people in general feel their loss a personal one. Mrs. Murphy was born in Ireland and came to this country when quite young. At an early age she was married to Michael Murphy and shortly after that took up their residence in Graniteville, where they raised a large family.
Her husband died several years ago [Nov. 15, 1870 in Westford] and Mrs. Murphy has lived here in all twenty-five years, twenty of which she has resided with Mr. and Mrs. F. L. Furbush, where she died.
The funeral service took place from St. Katherine’s [sic] church, this village, on Monday morning, Nov. 27, when a high mass of requiem was celebrated by Rev. J. J. McNamara. The regular choir was in attendance and, under the direction of Miss Mary F. Hanley, sang the Gregorian chant, and at the offertory Miss Hanley sang “Pie Jesu” very feelingly. As the casket was being taken from the church the choir sang “Nearer, my God, to thee,” with fine expression. Mrs. W. R. Healey’s sweet alto voice was heard in the solo parts of the last selection, and the blending with the mixed voices in the chorus work made a deep impression.
There were many beautiful floral tributes which testified in a marked degree to the high esteem in which Mrs. Murphy was held by her many friends. Among the many may be mentioned:
Large pillow, roses, violets, “grandma,” blue immortelles, grandchildren; sheaf wheat, Mr. and Mrs. F. L. Furbush; wreath ivy leaves, chrysanthemums, Mr. and Mrs. F. G. Sargent; spray pinks, Mr. and Mrs. David Moran; spray chrysanthemums, Miss Katherine Walsh; spray carnations, Mrs. E. Defoe and son Gerald; spray white carnations, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Riney; spray chrysanthemums, Mrs. Randall and Miss Emma Ward; spray pinks and roses, Mrs. Splain and Mrs. Coburn.
The bearers were six grandchildren of deceased, Gilbert Quinn, Harry Quinn, Wm. Murphy, Roscoe Moran, John Flynn, Frank Quinn. Interment was in St. Patrick’s cemetery, Lowell.
News Items. Many people from this village attended the vesper service in the Unitarian church, Westford, last Sunday evening and were highly pleased with the musical program offered. To listen to the excellent playing on the organ by Mrs. W. H. Bennett of Fitchburg, assisted by Miss Eleanor Schworer of Bradford, violinist, was a rare treat while the solo by Miss Margaret Carmichael of Graniteville and the fine work of the mixed quartet was particularly good.
Albert J. Sargent of Lewis, N.Y., is now spending a few days with his daughters, Mrs. W. C. Wright and Mrs. H. N. Fletcher.
The Main street in this village presents a rather rough appearance at the present time, as work was begun early Monday morning ploughing up that part of the road bed where the rails for the new electric road are to be laid. The section from the railroad station to Greig’s corner has been well broken up and work of laying the iron will commence at once. The poles are now set and the work of wiring will soon follow. This part of the work is not done by the construction company.
The date for the old folks concert, which the members of the M.E. church have been busy rehearsing for the past few weeks, has been set for Dec. 14, subject to change. Any date to the contrary will be announced later. This concert is going to be a good one and Harry Smith, who is the musical director, is authority for the statement that this particular entertainment will be worth going miles to see. There are a few little surprises to be sprung on the audience during the entertainment, which are bound to be very pleasing. The Albion orchestra of this village will be in attendance and discourse sweet music at frequent intervals.
Forge Village. News Items. Sunday night the post office was broken into and an unsuccessful attempt to blow up the safe was made, but aside from wrecking the safe and breaking the windows the burglars got little for the work they attempted.
Miss Stella Carkin is spending her vacation with her brother [Allan W. Carkin] in Gardner.
The sons and daughters of Wm. Whigham assembled at his house to enjoy the festivities of Thanksgiving
- H. Prescott and wife had the annual home coming of sons and daughters at Thanksgiving. Their oldest daughter and her husband were unable to be with them, on account of sickness of their little ones. From year to year their number has steadily gained from seven to gather around the table to twenty, and a right merry time they have.
Miss Maude Carkin spent the day with her parents, Mr. & Mrs. A. W. Carkin.
Work is progressing on the electric road. The workmen are busy and do not stop for holidays.
Charles Nicbois and friend of Everett were in town this week for hunting, and Guy Rockwell of Lowell spent Thanksgiving here for the same enjoyment.
[1] This section has the ring of Samuel L. Taylor’s writing. He likely started writing the “Westford” section of Turner’s Public Spirit in 1905 before authoring the “About Town” section, which he did for many years.
[1] “Woodman, Spare that Tree!” is the name of a poem, and the first line of the poem, written by the American poet Brig.-Gen. George Pope Morris (1802-1864) written in 1830. In 1837 it was set to music by Henry Russell (1812-1900), and it became a popular American ballad.
[1] Leonard Wheeler was the Westford Tax Collector in 1905, not Samuel Taylor. See the correction by Mr. Taylor in the “About Town” section in the following issue, Dec. 9, 1905.
December 9, 1905
Centre. Thanksgiving was a very quiet day in our village. In many homes there were happy family reunions, whence turkey and good cheer reigned supreme; also, quite a few houses were closed while their owners went to gather round festive boards in other places.
The football game on the ground back of the academy, between the Littletons and Westfords, was lively and called out many spectators to see the Westford boys gain a victory of 16 to 0. It was a remarkably clean game, and though each side was thoroughly in earnest, there was no unnecessary roughness. The last time these two teams met at Ayer, two years ago, Westford won, 12 to 0.
The Y.P.R.U. [Young People’s Religious Union] of the Unitarian society have arranged the following most interesting program:
Dec. 13, at seven o’clock, “The psalms,” Miss Marion Hall; Dec. 17, at seven o’clock, “The Christmas spirit,” Mrs. Benjamin Bailey; Dec. 23, Saturday afternoon, Christmas service at three o’clock.
The tree warden, James Spinner, will start in Monday morning with a force of five men trying to exterminate the brown-tail moths, going over the orchards in town. Last winter he and his men gathered over 30,000 nests.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hildreth, with Mrs. Allen and Katherine, came up from Everett and opened their summer home for Thanksgiving.
The dance at town hall last Saturday evening, under the auspices of the Westford baseball club, was well attended. Ice cream and cake was served and a neat sum was realized for the treasury.
The Pomona grange at Lowell on Friday, Dec. 1, was well attended by members from Westford grange. It was the annual election of officers in the morning and in the afternoon various interesting topics were discussed. Westford members had charge of the dinner, Mrs. Frank Wright acting as chairman, with a good corps of assistants.
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Cameron have closed their house and gone to Lowell for the winter months. Mrs. Frank Calvert and Mrs. Josephine Barnard accompanied them. Mr. and Mrs. Abiel J. Abbott [sic] and family will also spend the winter in Lowell.
Mr. and Mrs. Eliot Humiston have gone to West Chelmsford for the present to be nearer Mr. Humiston’s work.
Austin H. Foss, who has the largest acreage of small fruits under cultivation of anyone in town, and whose time is so taken up thereby, sold by auction his live stock last Friday afternoon.
Sunday, a good attendance was present at the Congregational church in the morning. In the evening no service was held. The oyster supper and social at this church last week netted about forty dollars.
The many friends of Miss Martha Taylor will be glad to learn that she is convalescent. Miss Taylor was obliged to come home on account of ill health, from the western college [originally Western College for Women in Oxford, Ohio, it was absorbed by Miami Univ. in 1974] where she has been professor of psychology for some years.
It is also pleasant to know that Mrs. Charles H. Fletcher, who has been so ill, is much better and able to be about the house, although far from well.
Mrs. John B. Fletcher goes next week to stay with her niece, Mrs. John Wilson in Chelmsford, for the winter, and we shall miss her genial presence in our midst.
Mrs. Helen K. Frost sends pleasant accounts of her life in London. Both sons, Francis and Thomas, are now with her.
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Wright spent Thanksgiving in Worcester with Dr. and Mrs. McCloskey.
Robert Prescott is at home suffering with a dislocated shoulder.
A sad accident occurred at what is known as the town farm crossing, Tuesday morning. A brakeman on the gravel train, which runs from Lowell to North Littleton, was run over and instantly killed. The young man’s name was Charles A. Rice, aged twenty-one years, and his home was in Somerville, where he had a father and mother, brother and sisters. It is supposed that in some way he lost his balance and fell between the cars. The body was literally cut to pieces.
The Discussion club met in the Congregational vestry Monday evening and was well attended. The subject for discussion was “Resolved, that there are abuses in football as played at present.” Affirmative, A. W. Wheeler and Arthur Hildreth; negative, Bert Hildreth and W. E. Wright.
The meeting of the Tadmuck club on Tuesday afternoon in Library hall was very well attended and a good program was presented. The president [Miss Sarah Loker] presided with her usual ability. The rollcall was responded to by quotations from miscellaneous authors. As Scotland is the topic for the present, Miss Emily F. Fletcher read a paper on Margaret of Scotland; Miss Hewitt, a paper on Sir William Wallace, and Miss Grace Thompson read a sketch on Melrose abbey. Current events were supplied by Mrs. Geo. T. Day.
Mr. and Mrs. John Wilson are receiving congratulations on the advent of two more little grandchildren to their family circle, a little daughter in the home of Mr. and Mrs. George A. Kimball, and a son in the home of Mr. and Mrs. James Wilson, both arriving the same night.
Miss Kate S. Hamlin started Friday on her return journey to California, after spending several weeks in her native town. Miss Hamlin is a woman of much culture of mind and heart and it has been a pleasure for her friends to see her again, after an absence of nearly six years. During her stay she gave a most interesting talk before the Tadmuck club on the Yellowstone park, and afterward by special request she repeated this talk before the North Westford Fortnightly club, and before the Unitarian guild a very fine paper on “The Holy Grail,” as represented by Edwin Abbey’s pictures in the Boston public library. Also, at the social in the Congregational vestry another manifestation of her helpful spirit was a fine reading of [Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s] “The courtship of Miles Standish,” illustrated by tableaux. Miss Hamlin returns to her teaching in the school [Miss Hamlin’s School for Girls; see hamlin.org] conducted by her sister, Miss Sara Hamlin.
The fair held by the Unitarian ladies in their vestry on Wednesday afternoon and evening was a great success in every way. The vestry presented a very beautiful appearance, the prevailing color being red, with evergreen and showed the full possibilities of crepe and tissue paper under skillful hands. The fancy table was beautiful, with a latticework of red and white intertwined with roses. The candy table had gorgeous red chrysanthemums and evergreen; the icecream table was garlanded with poppies, and the practical apron table was made beautiful with bright red poinsettias. An excellent entertainment was given as follows:
Piano solo, Miss Millie Smith; mandolin solo, Miss Gertrude Fletcher; reading, Mr. Rogers; contralto solo, Miss Margaret Carmichael; piano solo, Miss Smith; mandolin solo, Miss Fletcher; reading, Mr. Rogers; and another solo by Miss Carmichael. Miss Julia Fletcher accompanist.
Following are a list of the committees:
Fancy table, Mrs. Oscar E. Spalding, Mrs. W. J. Sleeper, Mrs. Josephine Barnard, Miss Agnes Balch; apron table, Mrs. Fanny Prescott, Mrs. Henry Chamberlain; food table, Miss Mary Moran, Mrs. Lizzie Hamlin, Miss Grace Burbeck; candy table, Miss Ruth Fletcher, Miss Eva Fletcher, Miss Gertrude Fletcher, Miss Julia Fletcher; refreshments, Mrs. Sutherland, Mrs. Geo. Drew, Mrs. Miller; entertainment, Miss Hewitt, Mrs. Jennie Hartford, Mrs. Carrie Woods, Mrs. H. V. Hildreth; decorating, Mrs. Sleeper, Mrs. Spalding.
About Town. Owing to a misunderstanding in regard to a proper distribution of punctuation marks, it seemed to indicate in last week’s Public Spirit that S. L. Taylor was tax collector of Westford. No, he is not that creature. Enough, that the town auditor and one assessor dwelleth at Sunnyside, corner of Stony Brook and Lowell road, without adding collector of taxes. The present collector, Leonard W. Wheeler, was ordained in the mature and constitution of affairs as a collector of taxes, where there seems to be special dispensation in fitting an individual for special work, like the present tax collector. How fortunate is the town that has one such.
The first farmers’ institute of the series of several will be held at Chelmsford Center, Wednesday, Dec. 13, town hall at 10:30, addressed by John H. Robinson of Boston, editor of Poultry World. Thus, it is easy to infer that his subject will be “Poultry.” The afternoon session will be devoted to contesting declamations by the school children of several towns, for which cash prizes have been offered. Senator Fletcher has contributed toward this fund. Dinner at noon by Chelmsford grange. The next institute will be held at Westford in January; particulars later.
Ervis Staples has leased the saw and gristmill at Westford station of George C. Moore. He is making extensive changes. When completed he will be modernly equipped to grind the farmer’s corn and saw the lumberman’s logs.
The next lyceum lecture will be given on Thursday evening, Dec. 14, by Edward Waldo Emerson[5] of Concord. Subject, “The life and influence of Thoreau, with personal reminiscences of him.”
Charles H. Whitney on Lowell road has the batters up for a new barn, forty by fifty [feet]. Hugh Cameron is the contractor. Mr. Whitney also has partly completed an engine building with a view to irrigation, the reservoir being already completed.
One hundred and fifty dollars was netted at the Unitarian fair Wednesday evening.
Assessors and overseers of the poor will meet at the town farm Monday afternoon to confer and appraise the land taken from the town farm by the electric railway.
The town teams are improving the weather and roads by hauling gravel on Lowell road beyond S. L. Taylor’s.
An extra freight train on the Stony Brook road encountered a rail across the track, Thursday afternoon, about midway between Westford station and the arch bridge. Although running at a high rate of speed, it being up grade, the engineer by reversing the engine and applying the brakes, came to a halt before colliding. Three men were seen nearby and the town constables were notified by telephone and quickly responded, but at this time had not got on the trail. Several other places were also notified.
Accidents. Charles L. Hildreth, former superintendent of the Lowell machine shop, owner and manager of the celebrated Prospect Hill farm [10 Hildreth St.] at Westford Centre, adding as it does so much substantial thrift and attractiveness to the village life, owning the highest assessed residence in the town, was unfortunate in the early part of the week to become the possessor of a broken collar bone, owing to some miscalculating step on the stairway. This will necessitate his temporary absence from his new duties as manager of the new Shaw machine shop company at Lowell. Mr. Hildreth is a remarkably vigorous, active, healthy individual in the eighties [he was 82 years old], being a unique and interesting example of what “Temperance in all things”[6] will do in preserving the individual in its entirety. Mr. Hildreth’s life as an argument for temperance, is more unanswerable than temperance orations. For him prohibitory laws have no meaning in any direction. For him how apt the words of old, “Greater is he that ruleth his own spirit than he that taketh a city.”[7]
Robert Prescott, while friendly frolicking with schoolmates, also broke his collar bone last Friday evening, and this at the centre of the town also, which naturally leadeth to the inquiry are broken collar bones contagious?
Graniteville.—The box party that was held in No. 9 schoolhouse in north district Friday evening of last week, under the management of the Fortnightly club, proved to be a successful affair. Horace E. Gould made a capable auctioneer, and the boxes brought good prices, some of the young men being willing to pay any price, rather than have the “other fellow” eat supper with his best girl. A pleasing entertainment was given before the sale of the boxes.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Brooks have welcomed a baby girl [Edith Eveleyn Brooks ] at their home on main st. The child was born on Monday [Dec. 4] and weighed 9 ½ pounds.
Mr. and Mrs. W. K. Putney of Osterville made a short visit on friends in this village last week.
The date of the Old Folks’ concert, which was announced to take place on Thursday evening, Dec. 14, has been changed, and will come off on Friday evening, Dec. 15, instead.
Miss Catherine Rafferty has recently returned from a very pleasant visit spent with friends in Wilton, N.H.
Thomas E. Freeman, principal of the grammar school here, has recently returned from a brief visit with relatives in Bridgewater. His sister, Miss Edith Freeman, accompanied him back and will spend a few days here as the guest of Misses Christina and Etta Wall.
Many of the young people of this village attended the social dance in the town hall, Westford given by the baseball club last Saturday evening and had a very enjoyable time.
Timothy Sullivan, with his daughter, Miss Nora Sullivan of Marlboro, visited friends in this village last week.
Miss Rachel Wall has returned from a short visit spent with Mr. and Mrs. Frank Riney in Lowell.
Mrs. Joe Wall and Miss Hannah Riney visited friends in East Littleton this week.
Great preparations are now being made for the children’s entertainment and Christmas tree which will be held in St. Catherine’s church in a few weeks. This is the first time that anything of this kind has been attempted in St. Catherine’s, and both parents and children are highly delighted with the idea. The pastor, Rev. Edmund T. Schofield, suggested this a short time ago, and the Sunday school teachers who will have charge of this affair are untiring in their effort to make it a success. The date will be announced later.
Charles A. Rice, a brakeman employed by the Boston and Maine railroad, met an untimely death by falling from a gravel team near the poor farm railroad crossing at West Graniteville at about 8:15 o’clock, Tuesday morning, Dec. 5. The unfortunate young man was a resident of Somerville where he lived with his parents. He leaves to mourn his loss two sisters and one brother, all of Somerville. The remains were taken in charge of Geo. E. Gould, undertaker, and later sent to his home in Somerville under the charge of Chas. H. Molloy of Lowell.
The New Electric. Judging from the present indications the people of Graniteville will soon enjoy the convenience of a trolley ride over the new electric road. As has been previously stated, the work of laying the tracks has begun and the iron is now laid from a point near Charles Cumming’s residence and following the right hand side of Main st., down as far as Greig’s corner. It is the object of the construction company to get all the track on the highway in before it is held up by frost and snow, and in this it has been successful, and all that remains now is to finish the part left undone on the private land owned by the company. The work here has been rushed in great shape during the past two weeks, under the general supervision of Mr. Downing, while Michael O’Loughlin, an expert track layer from Philadelphia, gives his personal attention to all the work. Timothy Galvin makes an efficient foreman and, assisted by Mr. Carey, also of the L. N. Farnum Co., things have been kept moving at all times.
- J. Daley, formerly foreman with the Farnum Co., has got general charge of the wiring and overhead work with the Smithers & Allen firm, which is doing this part of the work. The above named firm will also do the bounding and fencing. No promises are being made as to having the new road in operation by Jan. 1, but if the good weather remains with us for the next three weeks, as it has during the past three, the firm will make a great bid for it.
Forge. The ladies of the Episcopal mission will meet at Mrs. Wm. Barnett’s Thursday afternoon for their weekly sewing circle; also, to make further plans for the coming fair which was to have been held Saturday, Dec. 9, but it is now postponed until a later date, probably Dec. 16.
Mrs. Baker visited her mother Wednesday afternoon and reported her children improving. Owing to their sickness she was unable to be present at the thanksgiving reunion at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Prescott.
Mrs. May Prescott of Lowell spent thanksgiving with her mother, Mrs. Rinter.
Mrs. Holt of Andover spent a few days at thanksgiving with her daughter, Mrs. R. D. Prescott.
Tuesday morning one of the train hands fell from the gravel train and was instantly killed near the crossing at the town farm. He was bout twenty years old and had only been on the road a short time.
During December a series of Advent-tide lectures will be given in Forge mission house, Wednesday evenings at 7:30.
December 16, 1905
Grange. The regular meeting of the Westford grange last week Thursday evening called out a good attendance. After the business session there was a rollcall, each member to respond or pay a fine of five cents. As the majority responded, it brought out a miscellaneous and entertaining program. Perhaps the coon orchestra with its plantation melodies was the hit of the evening. Mrs. Sydney Wright and Fred Smith also sang an amusing illustrated duet, and our dignified tax collector [Leonard Wheeler] told an original and highly fictitious yarn which brought in the larger part of the names of the grangers, quite to the amusement of the owners of the names.
Great preparations are being made for the Christmas frolic on Dec. 21, in charge of the chaplain, Mrs. Wheeler. A Christmas tree, with Mrs. Hannah Santa Claus in attendance, and gifts for all, with an entertainment of special Christmas music and recitations.
Centre. Quite a number from our village attended the farmers’ institute at Chelmsford on Wednesday. A good address in the morning on poultry raising, and the prize speaking contest for the school children in the afternoon, made an interesting session. The ladies of Chelmsford grange served a bountiful dinner at noon.
The ladies’ alliance of the Unitarian society met at Mrs. Geo. T. Day’s Saturday afternoon. Mrs. Josephine Barnard read an interesting paper written by Miss Mabel Stewart of Kalamazoo, Mich., entitled “The Jews in fiction.”
The storm Saturday night and Sunday morning rather interfered with the church attendance. There was no preaching service at the Congregational church, but the Unitarian church whose members are more in the village conducted services.
The New England telephone company who have been installing the new automatic central, so that the subscribers are able to have continuous service, have about completed their work. The result is a great advantage over the old arrangement. The estimate of the telephone company when work was commenced was $3500, but owing to unexpected difficulties the cost has reached $5000, but the result is one of the best systems in the state.
John A. Taylor is at home for the Christmas vacation.
Charles L. Hildreth, who accidentally fell on the stairs at his home, is still confined to his room. We are sorry to report a more serious shaking up than was at first thought for.
Miss Gertrude Hamlin was one of the participants in the prize speaking contest at Chelmsford, Wednesday.
Miss Blanche Waller is at home from Bates College for the holiday.
About Town. The farmers’ institute at Chelmsford, Wednesday, was addressed in the forenoon by John H. Robinson of Reading, on poultry farming. Some of the condensed points were: Corn is the best grain ration; barley is as good as wheat and much cheaper; potatoes should not constitute more than one-sixth of their ration; poultry will lay better and fatten better in a cold house than in a warm house; corn is not liable to fatten beyond advantageous laying than is wheat, same weight; dry feeding and wet feeding should both be practiced, according to the sanitary conditions of the flock; no advantage in a small flock and small house as compared with a large flock in a large house.
John Adams Taylor is home for the Christmas vacation from Houlton, Me. He reports skating and sleighing to the music of ten below zero in November.
Stony Brook school will celebrate Christmas, Friday afternoon, Dec. 22, with tree and literacy exercises. The public invited.
William R. Taylor celebrated twenty-eight years of single life last Wednesday.
James Henry has moved from Brookside to the Putney place on Chamberlin road.
The lecture on Thursday evening by Dr. Emerson of Concord on “Thoreau” was a scholarly review of this hermit genius, who gathered from the serenity and simplicity of nature, where the careless trample and waste.
- J. Eliason, corner of Lowell and Chamberlin road, has combined use and beauty in painting his barn, which seems to say “Go thou and do likewise” [Luke 10:37b]. If thou canst not afford paint, a barrel of lime will cost only one dollar, and when it is spread on thy barn it will increase in an invaluable ratio the thrift and beauty of farm life.
At Senator Fletcher’s quarry delay has been caused by breaking the main shaft to the air compressor.
A handsome young live fox can be seen at the old Capt. Pelatiah Fletcher place on the Lowell road. It was captured and caged by Edward E. Decater [sic]. This place being near Stony Brook school, it affords a convenient opportunity for nature study by the scholars.
The Fletcher Cold Spring farm has purchased twelve acres of sprout land of C. H. Whitney on Cold Spring road, known as the Kneeland lot.
Mrs. S. Augustus Butterfield has added more attractions to the old homestead on the Lowell road at the Brookside precinct, a large, handsome windmill, so that when the wind doth blow the water will flow.
Graniteville. What came near being a serious runaway accident was cleverly averted by the quick work of Cleveland Sullivan, early Monday afternoon. Dr. C. A. Blaney of Westford, while driving a spirited horse through Main st., had the animal start suddenly by having his heels come in contact with the running gear of the sleigh. The move was so quick that one rein was suddenly snatched from the doctor’s hand and the horse broke into a dead run. Sullivan, who was walking along the street at the time, heard the commotion behind him and turned to see the horse coming at a two-minute [per mile, i.e. “fast”] clip. He stepped out into the middle of the street, made a quick, sure dive for the horse’s head, and although he was dragged for several yards, he pluckily held on and final brought the horse to a standstill. Dr. Blaney commended the young man for his brave act, and “Sully” smiled, as if such action were an everyday occurrence with him. Neither the horse nor sleigh were damaged in any way and after the doctor and Mr. Sullivan had adjusted a few straps, everything was all right once more.
Charles Caswell of Ayer made a short business trip to this village this week.
Louis Burnham, formerly employed here as division superintendent with L. N. Farnum Co., left here last week to accept a more lucrative position with the New York, New Haven and Hartford railroad company.
The children’s entertainment and Christmas tree will be held at St. Catherine’s church on Saturday evening, Dec. 23. As previously stated this is the first time that any such form of entertainment has been provided for the children of St. Catherine’s, and the committee in charge is sparing no efforts to make it a success.
Henry W. Lang of Sterling Junction visited friends in this village this week.
Richard Dugdale, who is now employed as telegraph operator in Clinton, made a brief visit at his home on Broadway this week.
James Leadwith and Ellsworth York have recently returned from a trip to the west and are now at their different homes in this village.
A vaudeville show was to have been given by Lowell talent in Healey’s hall, last Friday evening, but as the house failed to fill up, the “stars” refused to shine, and after returning the $1.25 admission money, an early start was made for Lowell, via the new electric road—on foot. Yes, we have conveyances here, but it was such a pleasant evening the Thespians preferred to walk.
That long delayed snowstorm that came during Saturday night Sunday will no doubt cause a delay in the work of the new electric road, although the construction company was fortunate in having all the track on the highway laid and surfaced before the “beautiful” came down and the work from now on will be over their own private land. The different crews finished here last Saturday and began work at a point where they had previously left off, between the Dunstable and Tyngsboro roads, so-called, near the “big cut.”
Loring N. Farnum, contractor for the new electric road, who has been ill for several weeks, left Boston last Saturday for an extended trip to Cuba for the benefit of his health. George S. Hewins, general superintendent of the company, will attend to affairs during his absence.
Miss Edith Freeman who has been visiting friends in this village, returned to her home in Bridgewater last week.
The old folks’ concert that was held in the M.E. church on Friday evening, Dec. 15, under the auspices of the ladies’ aid society, proved to be a grand success and all acquitted themselves with credit. A full account of this interesting event will be given later.
John Lawman and family have moved into the house now occupied by his brother Robert and family, where they will reside during the winter.
William White and wife recently moved into the house vacated by John Lawman, which, by the way, is Mr. White’s property situated on Fourth st.
Forge. The fair for the benefit of St. Andrew’s mission in this village will be held Saturday, Dec. 16, afternoon and evening. There will be a baked bean supper and entertainment in the evening. It is to be hoped it will be well patronized for it is for a good cause.
Mrs. Ellen Sullivan’s son [Patrick H. Sullivan?] is at St. John’s hospital, Lowell. He had pneumonia and it left him with a serious affection of one lung and he went to the hospital for treatment.
Miss Lesseur met with quite an accident in the mill. A piece of wood fell on her head causing quite a cut, but is healing nicely so she will be able to go to her work soon.
Mrs. Courtney has been very sick, but is slowly improving.
Messrs. Pierce of Everett and Stone of Malden were in town Friday for a tramp through the woods and around the pond, as a late outing before the snow came.
Littleton
News Items. How glad we are to see at last a column giving us Westford chronicles. It has been a long-expressed wish that this might come about. What a pity the town is not united with us by an electric road. There would be considerable exchange of patronage at the time of fairs and many other entertainments.
December 23, 1905
Centre. The Lowell and Fitchburg street railway company have a large force of linemen at work hanging the wires for the new road. The company’s intention was to have the cars running January first, but from the present outlook this does not seem possible. One thing seems certain and that is that the spur between Westford and Graniteville will not be in operation this winter. No work has been done on the roadbed and so far as anyone can learn the company does not intend to build the spur. The citizens of the three villages, Westford, Graniteville and Forge Village, are watching developments with a good deal of interest, and will take the matter to the courts if the company does not live up to its agreement, as called for by the franchise.
Following are a list of officers and committees for the year of the C.E.S., of the Congregational church.
Rev. C. P. Marshall,[8] pres; Wm C. Perkins v.p., Mrs. L. W. Wheeler, sec. and treas.; prayer meeting com., Miss Mary P. Bunce, chairman, Miss Lillian Atwood, Mrs. W. C. Perkins, Miss May Day, Miss Eva Pyne; social com., John Wright, chairman, Arthur Day, Chas. Colburn, Henry Colburn; missionary com., Miss Loker, chairman, Mrs. C. P. Marshall, Miss Annie Coolidge; and W. R. Taylor.
This society has been ably recognized under the direction of Mr. Marshall and good work is expected for the coming year.
The Tadmuck club met in library hall, Tuesday afternoon, with a good attendance and a program of high order. Sir Walter Scott was the subject for the afternoon and was in charge of Mrs. Benjamin H. Bailey, who read a sketch of the life and works of this gifted author. The rollcall was answered by questions from his various works. Mrs. George T. Day again supplied current events. Mrs. Day is a diligent reader and thinker and makes this feature of the meeting most interesting and entertaining. Miss Hawitt read extracts from “The heart of Midlothian;” Mrs. H. V. Hildreth, from “The Lady of the lake,” and Rev. B. H. Bailey[9], from “Ivanhoe.”
Much interest is manifested in the coming social being managed by the young men of the Congregational church, to be given Friday, Dec. 29. There will be a chicken pie supper, followed by toasts, music, etc. Wm. R. Taylor has charge of the arrangements.
The Christmas tree and entertainment for the children of the Unitarian church will be held this Saturday afternoon from three to seven. The one at the Congregational church on Monday evening, Dec. 25, at 6:30.
The many Westford friends of Mrs. Nelly P. Draper will be glad to know that she is convalescent and has returned from the hospital to her Roxbury home. During her great bereavement in the death of her husband our beloved physician, the late Dr. [Joseph R.] Draper [d. Oct. 30, 1904], she exercised the greatest courage, and for the sake of the young son and daughter never allowed herself to give way to grief if it was possible to prevent it, but the reaction came in a severe physical collapse some weeks ago.
Mrs. Miranda G. Luce is slowly regaining her health after a tedious illness.
Miss Dorothy Sleeper is at home from Simmons college for the holidays, also Miss Nathalie Sleeper from Northfield seminary.
Mrs. W. J. Sleeper was called to Manchester this week by the illness of her mother.
Graniteville. Another runaway accident occurred here early last Monday morning. Master Fred Shugrue was driving his sisters, Misses Belle and Lona to work and while driving down Dillion’s hill the horse stumbled, broke through the harness and started to run at a lively gait. All three were thrown out before the horse freed itself from the sleigh, but aside from a slight shaking up and a thorough scare, no one was injured. The horse did not get any further than the Abbot worsted mills when it was stopped by James Harrington. A hasty inspection showed that the harness was pretty well broken up and the sleigh will need the blacksmith’s attention before it is used again.
The festival of Christmas will be fittingly observed in St. Catherine’s church Saturday evening, Dec. 23, when a children’s entertainment and Christmas tree will be held, commencing at seven p.m.
There will also be a Christmas tree and entertainment in the M.E. church on Saturday evening at 6:45, and a similar celebration at the Baptist church in North Westford on the same night. It is expected that all of these entertainments will be largely attended.
Mr. and Mrs. W. K. Putney of Osterville are now spending part of their Christmas vacation at the home of Fred Parker on Main st.
In spite of the cold weather that prevailed last week, good progress is being made on the new electric road. Forty new men were added to the payroll and the work is being finished rapidly considering the circumstances. It is thought that the rails will be laid the entire distance between North Chelmsford and Ayer by next Saturday night.
Miss Gertrude Craven of Lowell has been visiting here as the guest of Miss Harriet C. Sargent of Main st.
Mrs. Ransom George with her two daughters, Miss Florence Brown and Miss Inez George, the talented young vocalist of Lowell, has been visiting friends in this village.
Skating on the millpond was enjoyed by many this week, but during the past few days the fine weather has so softened the ice that the younger element will have wait now till we have another cold snap.
At a meeting of Court Westford, M.C.O.F., held in their rooms of last Thursday evening three candidates were initiated and four applications were received. The court is now in a flourishing condition and is taking a deep interest in the coming entertainment which will be in the form of a comedy-drama, assisted by out-of-town vocalists.
The old folks’ concert, which has been looked forward to with such interest for the past few weeks, took place at the M.E. church on last Friday evening and was very largely attended. The affair was a great success, mainly through the untiring efforts of Miss Harriett C. Sargent, who had general charge of this event. The concert work, particularly of the chorus, was very good and reflects great credit on Henry Smith, the director, who by his careful training and knowledge of music developed the different voices in such a manner that every number was sung harmoniously. The work of the male quartette, composed of Messrs. Henry Smith, Alfred Prinn, Thos. E. Freeman and E. G. Boynton, who sang “Kentucky babe,” was well done. In the solo parts Miss Inez George of Lowell, a former resident of this village, received great praise and sang “I’ll take you back again, Kathleen,” with great feeling and expression. Miss Margaret Carmichael, always a favorite, sang that old but ever new ballad, “Annie Laurie,” in a very pleasing manner.
Alfred Prinn won patriotic applause by his rendition of the “Battle of Stonington,” and shared the honors with E. G. Boynton, who sang “Cousin Jedidiah,” as only he can sing it. Mr. Freeman, who was made up to represent, “Uncle Sam” sang “Yankee Doodle,” and was liberally applauded. The solo, “Old folks at home,” as sung by Mrs. Arthur Blodgett was well received. “My grandma’s advice,” [1857 song] always a feature of a concert of this line, was sung by Mrs. Sydney Wright in a manner that left nothing to be desired.
All those that participated in the affair, including the Albion orchestra, composed of W. G. Blodgett, Arthur Blodgett, Miss Della Blodgett and O. A. Nelson, were dressed in ancient costume, which kept the audience guessing at all times as to their identity. Mrs. E. G. Boynton was the accompanist during the evening and deserves special praise for the able manner in which she followed the different numbers.
Take it on the whole, the singers acquitted themselves with credit and the large audience present were highly appreciative of their efforts, as well as the picture they presented in old-time raiment. The Albion orchestra assisted in a musical way in the success of the affair.
Forge. The fair for the [St. Andrew’s] mission house was a decided success, although there was no crowd, yet the people were coming and going all the time and the receipts from the many sales showed good patronage from all. The supper was excellent and the entertainment in the evening was very enjoyable.
Mr. Miller, one of the Sabbath school teachers, was at church again last Sunday and was gladly welcomed.
Mrs. E. A. Penny of Lowell is visiting at Mr. Parsons’.
Mrs. Ellen Sullivan hears favorable reports of her son at St. John’s hospital, whose sickness was reported last week.
Mrs. Martin Daily [Daley] of Portsmouth, N.H., and her two children are spending the Christmas holidays with her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Hanley.
James Benway and sister received word Wednesday of the death of their sister, Lena, in Canada; also of the sickness of their mother and brother.
Mr. Brulle and family have moved to North Chelmsford.
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Bennett welcomed a young son [Gordon Alvin Bennett] to their home last week Friday [Dec. 15].
The young men of Forge will give a social dance in Abbot’s hall, Friday evening, Dec. 29. Dancing from eight to twelve o’clock.
About Town. Daniel H. Sheehan has the foundation laid for a new sawmill and hothouse on Stony Brook road, near the railroad track. Those hothouse plants will have ample opportunity to ask the familiar question “Do you live in a sawmill?”
Selectman Spalding has bought the maple wood lot of Charles E. Walker, south of Main st., on the northerly side of Tadmuck swamp. Mr. Spalding is also busy teaming barrels from his lot on Plain road to Lowell.
John H. Decater, who has had a long, tedious sickness, had a serious relapse last Tuesday.
Senator Fletcher has been confined to the house a few days with disinclination of the stomach to perform the duties assigned to it.
The next entertainment in the lyceum discussion will be given Thursday evening at town hall by Hon. Arthur R. Peck of Boston, on “Personal experience and observation of the great canyon of Arizona, the Snake Indians and snake dance.” Illustrated.
That live illustration of Nature study, a fox, at the Peletiah Fletcher farm, has been sold to Lowell parties for five hundred cents.
December 30, 1905
Christmas Frolic. The old saying that grown-up people are only “children of a larger growth” was well exemplified Thursday evening, when a large number of grangers gathered at the town hall to celebrate their “Christmas frolic.” The affair proved such a success that it was unanimously decided to make it an annual affair. At the business session Mrs. Frank C. Wright gave an excellent report of the recent meeting of the state grange at Springfield, after which the following program was given: Reading, “The night before Christmas,” Mrs. Prescott; solo, E. G. Boynton; duet, “O little town of Bethlehem,” Mrs. Clara Staples and Mrs. Carrie Woods; song, John Grey and E. G. Boynton. Then came the Christmas tree exercises. A fine tree had been given by J. R. Knight and had been beautifully decorated by the committee in charge. Mrs. Frank Bannister acted well the part of the wife of good St. Nicholas. She made a unique appearance in a big red cloak, white furs and ancient bonnet and enormous carpet bag laden with “Polar snowballs,” which were nothing less than crisp popcorn wrapped in white tissue and donated by our good brother, Fred Smith. Mrs. Santa stated that her worthy husband had never had this grange to visit before and was so busy he couldn’t manage it and induced her to come. At first she looked a little bewildered, for she expected to find children, but after spying Samuel Taylor and a few others she said she guessed it was all right. It was understood that gifts of any elaborateness were not in order, but many tokens of good will were exchanged, not to mention the many jokes that were good-naturedly sent and received. Each “child” received a box of candy and an orange. Mrs. Santa Claus was assisted by some little girls in pinafores, short dresses and curls. These children usually answer to the names of Mrs. Fred Hartford, Mrs. Carrie Woods, Miss Ruth Tuttle, Mrs. Henry Colburn and Miss Lucy Raddin.
A Happy Christmas Party was held for the children at the Unitarian vestry, Saturday afternoon from three till seven. All kinds of games were enjoyed by the children until five o’clock, when a supper was served to all. A miniature sleigh, with reindeer and Santa Claus, ornamented the centre of the table, while at each end were small Christmas trees beautifully trimmed. Following the supper came an excellent entertainment given by the children, ending with a beautiful carol, “The wonderful tree.” Then came the Christmas tree, with Santa Claus in attendance, aided by his sprites.
The pretty custom of lighting the beautiful vestry of the Unitarian church on Christmas eve with lanterns was observed as usual. Shining out in the beautiful clear starlight on Sunday evening, they seemed to carry a veritable message of peace and good will.[10]
A large congregation gathered in the pretty auditorium of the Congregational church, which had been tastefully decorated with greens, for the Christmas service. Rev. Mr. Marshall had an excellent discourse entitled “Christmas thoughts,” and the choir had prepared special and beautiful music. It was a pleasure to have Miss Edna Ferguson with us and to listen to the offertory solo sung in her clear, rich voice. In the evening Wm. C. Perkins conducted the services and gave a fine discourse on the subject, “The brotherhood of man.” Miss Ferguson and Mrs. Charles Colburn sang a duet.
Monday evening the entertainment and tree for the children was held at this church. A really excellent program was given by the children, each individual child doing well the part assigned him. Following is the program: Recitation, Freddie Burnham; song, Christmas carol; recitation, Marion Perkins; recitation by Frances Wright; song, Christmas manger hymn; recitation, “The Christmas stocking,” Howard Sweetser; recitation, “December,” Ida Trask; song, Jennie and Rachel Kimball; recitation, “Santa Claus’ secret,” Everett Sweetser; song, “Christmas wishes;” song, Marion Perkins; recitation, “The telephone message,” Jennie Kimball; recitation, “Three cheers for old Santa Claus,” Waldo Sweetser; song, “Dolly’s rock-a-bye.” This last was five tiny maidens with their rocking chairs and dolls, making a very attractive picture. Then came Santa Claus, otherwise John Taylor, and the distribution of the presents from the well-laden trees. The committee in charge was our ever-faithful superintendent, Houghton G. Osgood, Mrs. Carrie Atwood, Miss Eva Burnham and Miss Sara E. Loker. Mr. and Mrs. Marshall were presented with a beautiful picture, subject, “The grand canal at Venice.”
Centre. The New England Telephone company has notified its Westford subscribers that the rate to Lowell has been reduced from fifteen cents to ten cents, much to the satisfaction of said customers.
Among the young people at home for the holidays are Miss Inez Burnham, who has been teaching in Connecticut; Miss Edna and Miss Jennie Ferguson, Nathalie Sleeper and Mattie Symmes from Northfield; Fred Johnson and Archie Hartford from Amherst Agricultural college; Walter Johnson and Clarence Weston from Boston; Dorothy Sleeper from Simmons college; John Taylor and Stella Hartford from teaching; Miss May Balch from South Hadley, where she is supervisor of drawing in the public schools.
Skating was much enjoyed by the young people on Christmas day. Wm. Wright conveyed a merry party in his big market wagon to Burgess [sic, Burge’s] pond, both morning and afternoon.
We are glad to know that A. H. Foss is better, after being confined to the home nearly three weeks.
The next meeting of the Tadmuck club, on Tuesday, Jan. 2. The three noted Scotch authors, MacDonald, Barrie and Maclaren[11] will be the subject for the afternoon. Quotations for the rollcall will be from miscellaneous authors.
Graniteville. Mrs. Elizabeth Mears, age seventy-eight years and for years a resident of this village, died at her home on River st. Christmas morning. She suffered a shock [i.e., stroke] some few weeks ago, from which she never recovered, until death released her from all earthly pain. She leaves one daughter, Miss Louisa Mears, and several relatives to mourn her loss.
Christmas coming on Monday this year gave two days of rest in succession and was much appreciated by everyone and among the many that spent the holidays were noticed:
Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Wall, J. Fred Wall, Miss Mary J. Driscoll, Michael and Dennis Driscoll of Lynn; Gilbert and Harry Quinn of Boston; John and Frank Quinn of Andover; James, Misses Anna and Catherine Harrington and Miss Maude Carkin of Leominster, J. B. Riney of Westport, N.Y., Mr. and Mrs. S. F. Caunter of Lowell; Miss Laura Healy of Leominster; Miss Jennie Palmer of Boston; Fred Reed of Weston.
Mr. and Mrs. O. A. Nelson of this village took an active part in the Christmas tree exercises that were held in No. 9 schoolhouse in North Westford on last Saturday evening.
Mr. and Mrs. John Hollows and Mr. and Mrs. Edward Pitts of Fitchburg were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Smith of Broadway over Christmas.
Michael Rafferty spent Christmas as the guest of John Collins in Andover.
William, the six months old baby boy of Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Leduc, died Saturday night, Dec. 23, after a brief illness. The funeral took place on Christmas afternoon. Burial was in St. Catherine’s cemetery.
Two masses were celebrated in St. Catherine’s church on Christmas day. The first was at eight o’clock in which the children took part in the singing, and a high mass at ten o’clock, with the regular choir in attendance. Rev. J. J. McNamara was the celebrant at both masses.
The Christmas tree exercises that were held at the M.E. church last Saturday evening were very largely attended and a very interesting program was successfully carried out. E. G. Boynton made an efficient Santa Claus and kept the children smiling at all times. The tree was well laden with presents and a very good time was enjoyed by young and old. A happy incident of this pleasant occasion was the presentation of a neat, well-filled purse to the pastor, Rev. W. E. Anderson.
Among the unique gifts presented here during the holiday season was one that took place on last Sunday evening when Mrs. Kimberowich, wife of Michael Kimberowich, presented her husband with twins[12], a bouncing boy and girl. The boy weighed 10 lbs., and the girl 9 ½ lbs. Mother and babies are getting along finely and Dr. S. L. Joslin, the attending physician, says they are as pretty as a picture and will be named in honor of President Roosevelt’s family. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kimberowich are Polish people, but are rapidly becoming Americanized by following the doctrine laid down by our esteemed President as regards race suicide.[13]
The Christmas tree exercises that were held in St. Catherine’s church last Saturday evening were very largely attended and the children certainly had a great time. A short but interesting program was given by the children, after which the pastor, Rev. Edmund T. Schofield, addressed a few remarks to the children, dwelling principally on the pleasure it gave him to be with them on this occasion and the keen interest that he took in his first Christmas tree. His remarks were brief, for Santa Claus was heard prowling around outside, and shortly after the pastor had taken his seat old Santa appeared in all his glory, resplendent in red suit and white whiskers. He made a short speech, and that is what gave him away, for the children were heard to whisper to each other, “That sounds like Joe Wall,” and in this they were correct. Santa had his hands full distributing presents and had to call for aid before he was long at his task. And what a task this was. The large tree was literally hung down with presents of every description, and before the work of divesting began presented a beautiful appearance. The tree did not begin to hold all of the good things, and several tables were brought into use. Nearly everyone old and young, received some kind remembrance, and although several of the articles received by some of the popular members of the parish caused a ripple of merriment, the gifts were accepted in the spirit in which they were given, and everything passed off pleasantly.
The success of the affair rests in a great measure with the untiring patience and zeal of Miss Catherine Conley, chairman of the committee of Sunday school teachers, who had the entertainment in charge. Miss Harriett O’Brien, Miss Abbie Splain, Miss Fannie McCarthy were able assistants and aided by the other teachers and James Sullivan, James O’Brien and John Kavanaugh, the work was well done. All the children did finely, both in the singing and recitations, and were liberally applauded for their cleverness. At the close of the exercise Fr. Schofield thanked all those that helped in any way to the success of this affair. Following is the program:
“Christmas bells,” children; “First Christmas,” Mary Provost; “Christmas,” Corrine Leclair; “Bethlehem star,” Norah McDonald; “Silent night,” choir; “A Christmas time” Rachel Wall; “A Christmas carol,” Carrie Prinn; “The little babe,” children; “Christmas,” Alfred Gagnon; “Christmas song,” Florence Bowker; “Christmas bells,” Helen Burbank; “Glory to God,” choir; “Why Santa laughed,” Henry Healey; recitation, Katherine Connell; “Merry Christmas,” children; recitation, Laura McCarthy; remarks by the pastor, Rev. Edmund T. Schofield.
About Town. Carl Eliason, whose parents reside at Brookside, corner of Lowell and Chamberlain road, died at Milford last week. The funeral was from the Methodist church, West Chelmsford, last Tuesday afternoon. Rev. Mr. Merrill, pastor of the church, assisted by a Swedish clergyman from Lowell, officiated at the funeral. Burial was at the village cemetery in West Chelmsford under the direction of Undertaker Gould of Westford. Deceased was a fine young man, about twenty-three years old, a stone cutter by trade. He leaves besides his parents a sister and two brothers.
At the Levi T. Fletcher farm, now owned by the daughter, Mrs. S. Augusta Butterfield, that old landmark corn barn with its rugged oak frame, is being removed, as it was constructed, board and timber, piece by piece. The acres that grew the corn to fill this barn comprised a large area of Stony Brook valley, which has long since been added to other farms.
Dear delinquent, six percent interest on taxes, January 1, 1906.
Thomas H. Elliott, the real estate agent, who owns a summer residence in town, has sold the Amos Leighton farm on the Littleton road to Mr. Simpson of Dracut, who has not yet begun to occupy the place.
There was a hearing before the railroad commissioners last Thursday on the petition of the Fitchburg Electric Railway Co, for permission to run cars on the main line from Ayer to North Chelmsford, before the expiration of their franchise, Jan. 1, 1906, and before any effort has been made on their part to comply with the franchise relating to spur tracks. The place for their petition is in the wastepaper basket and the place for the company is under heavy bonds to fulfil the franchise or vacate to others who will. If a franchise does not hold the company, why should it hold the town?
John H. Decater [sic, Decatur] has recovered from his recent relapse, but is still an indoor invalid. His oldest son, Charles W. Decater, is on a visit from Rockland, Cal., after an absence of twelve years.
The next meeting of the Middlesex North Pomona will be held at Oddfellows’ hall, Lowell, Friday, Jan. 5. There will be installation of officers in the afternoon.
Farwell & Dixon of Harvard have recently bought in Westford 1500 barrels of apples at three dollars a barrel to export to Europe. N. B. Conant of Littleton has also bought 100 barrels of H. E. Osgood for export trade.
Pussy willows are in blossom along the Brookside road. These usual harbingers of spring have arrived early.
The Christmas tree at Stony Brook schoolhouse gathered parents, friends and pupils beyond the seating capacity of the building. Solos, duets, dialogues and a closing number entitled “The toys’ rebellion” were entertainingly rendered as a humorous prelude to introducing Santa Claus, who agreed to remember all of his age and size. It proved to include the entire school, the occasion having rendered them all of the same youthful age. Remarks, pertaining to the associations that cluster around schooldays, were made by John McMaster and Samuel L. Taylor, two old settee chums of former schooldays, who referred to their time unoccupied with books and their frequent reception of instruction from the rod of correction, a teacher now obsolete, which shows the prevalence of a more humanitarian spirit these days.
Forge. Nelson Prescott, having this precinct, is improving this fine weather with a crew of helpers exterminating the browntail moths.
Little Frances Bennett, aged twenty-two months, was buried today. She was the third child of Walter and Hattie Bennett.
Christmas services were held in the mission house Wednesday evening, Dec. 27, and at the close a very pretty tree laden with gifts for the children.
Ayer
News Items. The Lowell and Fitchburg st. railway company filed Dec. 22 a petition with the railroad commissioners for authority to issue its original capital stock at par to the amount of $240,000. The road extends for a distance of thirteen miles through the towns of Ayer, Groton and Westford. …
Mayor Casey approved the resolution passed by [the] board of aldermen granting pole locations in Marginal and Foster streets in Lowell. The fact that extra poles are to be located on these two streets does not appear to be very much on the face of it, but the poles are for the purpose of holding feed wires for the new Fitchburg and Lowell street railway, the new railroad having no power house at the present time. It is understood that the cars on that portion of the line between Westford and North Chelmsford will be in operation by the first of the year. …
- Frank Mullin, selectman, attended the hearing of the railroad commissioners in Boston, Thursday, with regard to the building of the spur track from the main track of the Fitchburg and Lowell street railway to the center of Westford. The commissioners were very fair with the electric officials present, and the result will be that the spur track will be laid next summer. A meeting of the selectmen of Westford and the electric officials will be held to satisfactorily settle the affair, and ten days have been allowed the electric officials by the commissioners for a satisfactory settlement to both parties concerned. Four miles of electric wires are on the poles from the Chelmsford end and cars will be running on that part of the road in time to hold the franchise.
Men are busy still drilling the ledge on the electric road through Nonsicoicus park and another week will finish it.
The road over the culvert is leveled off with gravel taken from the hill of Mr. Flanagan, near his house. It will leave quite a cleared space and suitable for building lots. Several hundred loads of gravel have been taken by the electric road company being very handy to them.
Mr. Flanagan is in his eighty-first year and is a well preserved man for one so advanced in life. One day this week he was busy sawing up an apple tree that was cut down on his place by the taking of the gravel. He has been a resident here since 1849.
[1] This section has the ring of Samuel L. Taylor’s writing. He likely started writing the “Westford” section of Turner’s Public Spirit in 1905 before authoring the “About Town” section, which he did for many years.
[2] “Woodman, Spare that Tree!” is the name of a poem, and the first line of the poem, written by the American poet Brig.-Gen. George Pope Morris (1802-1864) written in 1830. In 1837 it was set to music by Henry Russell (1812-1900), and it became a popular American ballad.
[3] Leonard Wheeler was the Westford Tax Collector in 1905, not Samuel Taylor. See the correction by Mr. Taylor in the “About Town” section in the following issue, Dec. 9, 1905.
[4] Mrs. Butterfield was the daughter of Levi Thomas Fletcher (1798-1890) and Amy Richardson (1805-1890) and the granddaughter of Samuel Richardson (c. 1756-1837). Both Samuel and Levi lived in the “Samuel Richardson House” at 120 Lowell, as did Susan Augusta.
[5] Edward Waldo Emerson (1844-1930), son of the famed Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882), was an American physician, writer and lecturer. A graduate of Harvard (1866) and Harvard Medical School (1874), he retired from the practice of medicine in 1882 when he received a large inheritance upon his father’s death. From 1885 to 1906 he was an instructor of art anatomy at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, now the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts Univ.
[6] 1 Corinthians 9:25a, “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.” KJV
[7] This quote is a corruption of Proverbs 25:28, “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” KJV
[8] Rev. Charles P. Marshall was pastor of the Union Congregational Church from 1905 to 1910.
[9] Rev. Benjamin H. Bailey was pastor of the 1st Parish Unitarian Church from 1903 to 1911.
[10] The location of the lights was corrected in the “About Town” section of the following week’s Westford Wardsman of Jan. 6, 1906: “These [lights] were displayed in the belfry of the church and were visible over a large area of Middlesex county.”
[11] Rev. George MacDonald (1824-1905), the Scottish author, poet and Congregational minister, pioneered fantasy literature. He was a mentor of fellow author Lewis Carroll. Sir James Matthew Barrie (1860-1937), the Scottish novelist and playwright, is best known as the author of Peter Pan. Ian Maclaren was the pen name of Rev. John Watson (1850-1907), a minister of the Free Church of Scotland, was known for his fictional stories of rural Scottish life. See Wikipedia.com for biographies of each author.
[12] According to the Mass. vital records, the twins were born Dec. 24 in Lowell and were named Bronislaw (boy) and Bronislawa (girl) Kimborowicz. The parents were Michael Kimborowicz and Josephine Piklel, both born in Austria, i.e., the Austria-Hungarian Empire which would include part of Poland.
[13] “Race suicide was an alarmist term used in eugenics” that “suggested a differential birth rate between native-born Protestant and immigrant Catholic women, or more generally between the ‘fit’ or ‘best’ (white, wealthy, educated Protestants), and the ‘unfit’ or ‘undesirable’ (poor, uneducated, criminals, diseased, mental and physical ‘defectives,’ and ethnic, racial, and religious minorities), such that the ‘fit’ group would ultimately dwindle to the point of extinction….
“In 1902, US President Theodore Roosevelt called race suicide ‘fundamentally infinitely more important than any other question in this country’ and argued that ‘the man or woman who deliberately avoids marriage, and has a heart so cold as to know no passion and a brain so shallow and selfish as to dislike having children, is in effect a criminal against the race, and should be an object of contemptuous abhorrence by all healthy people.’ Likewise, in 1905, he argued that a man or woman who is childless by choice ‘merits contempt.’” See wikipedia.org/wiki/Race_suicide.