The Westford Wardsman, December, 1909

Saturday, December 4, 1909

Center. Mrs. J. W. Pyne has the sincere sympathy of her many friends in the death of her sister, Mrs. Matilda Moses, who died at her home in Manchester, N.H., last week, the result of a paralytic shock. It is within the year that Mrs. Pyne’s daughter Olive died, and these two deaths in the family circle coming so conspicuously near together are indeed cause for sadness.

H. L. Wright spent Sunday with Henry M. Wright’s at Quincy this last week.

The Donald M. Camerons have gone for their annual winter sojourn in Lowell.

The Ladies’ Missionary society of the Congregational church held a well-attended meeting at the parsonage, Tuesday afternoon. Miss Loker, the president, gave an interesting report of the recent annual meeting of the Woman’s board in Boston, after which the first subject in the new book which is to be the study for the winter was taken up. This book is “The gospel in Latin lands,” by Francis [E.] Clark and Mrs. [Harriet A.] Clark. [1]

Mrs. Andrew S. Wright has gone to Waverley to spend the winter with her niece, Miss Amy Newcomb.

The southern immigration fever has taken quite a hold of our residents. The genial Fred A. Smith is the latest one to catch the germ and has his large milk route for sale and closing up affairs to go to Florida for the winter.

Cards have been received by the Westford relatives for the wedding of Miss Florence Edith Cass to George Alexander Cameron, December 15, at the home of her sister, Mrs. Charles Clark of Somerville. Their future home is also in Somerville. Miss Cass has been a frequent visitor in our village.

Miss Elizabeth Adams of Cambridge was an over-Sunday guest at her cousin’s, Mrs. Mary Fletcher. Mrs. Fletcher entertained a group of relatives for the initial Thanksgiving in her new home.

William F. Seifer, having wearied of keeping bachelor’s hall at the old homestead, went to Lowell, last Wednesday evening, with Miss Jennie McDonald and called on Rev. George B. Dean at the parsonage, 14 Bellevue street, who united them in the bonds of matrimony. After a wedding trip they will occupy the Seifer homestead [on Old Lowell Rd.] in South Westford.

Miss Ruth Fisher has been spending the week at Plymouth completing her convalescence from her attack of diphtheria. Miss Gardner of Lowell has been acting as Miss Fisher’s substitute at the William E. Frost school. Quarantine has been removed from all the cases of diphtheria and as no new cases have developed it is hoped that the scare is over.

At the Calvin Howard homestead for Thanksgiving were Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Howard and little son, John Adams, of Concord, N.H., Miss Alice from Cotuit, and John and George, making the family circle complete.

The Tadmuck club will hold its meeting, Tuesday afternoon, in charge of Miss Edith M. Forster. Miss Forster will read a paper on the conservation of our natural resources. She has arranged a musical program, assisted by Mrs. Olive Wellington Priest of Portsmouth, N.H.; Miss Marian Stanley Carlton of Lynn; and Miss Edith Marion Sweatt of Forge Village. The meeting will be called promptly at 2:30, at the Orthodox vestry, and will be open to all.

Quiet Day. Thanksgiving, the homiest day in the entire year’s calendar of holidays, has come and gone. It was a quiet day in town to all outward appearances, but within the homes were many happy reunions, while many went to gather round festive boards in other places.

There were no public assemblies of any kind scheduled and if there had been the weather would have proved rather prohibitive to their successful carrying out. To enumerate in detail the various comings and goings would be to chronicle the doings of about every household. All the young people away at school and those teaching in other places had a vacation from Wednesday to Monday, which was enjoyed at their several homes.

Our out-of-town teachers returned to their homes—Miss Babbitt to Fitchburg, Miss Grant to Gloucester, Miss Lawrence to Campbello, and Miss Burnham to Essex.

Library. There is an excellent collection of pictures at the library depicting scenes on the southern coast of England. Patrons of the library are also enjoying two other additions which are much of an improvement. The first is a new magazine rack at the right of the entrance to the reading room made from oak to harmonize with the other fittings of the room. A tier of shelves hold the files of magazines which can be taken from the library the same as books. The rack at the top of the shelves holds the latest numbers of magazines in a upright position, so that one can select at a glance the desired one, and for a library of its size the range of choice is a wide one of monthlies and weeklies. This new feature does away with the crowded condition of the reading table.

Accident. The treachery of the automobile was forcibly brought home to one of our townsmen last Saturday afternoon. John M. Abbot accepted an invitation to ride from Boston to Westford from Walter Carl in his new Pope-Hartford machine. When making a sharp turn in the road between Arlington and Concord the brakes failed to work properly and the machine skidded and turned on its side. Both occupants went out without ceremony. Mr. Carl’s injuries were slight. Mr. Abbot fractured a collar bone, cut the back of his head, and was bruised in several other places. The car was considerably damaged, so that another had to be secured for the remainder of the journey, which was finished late in the afternoon. Mr. Abbot is as comfortable at his home as can be expected after such an experience.

About Town. The winter meetings of the State Board of Agriculture will be held at Grange hall, Dracut, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, December 7, 8 and 9. These meetings are free to the public. Well-known speakers from various parts of the country will be present. The exercises will be open for questions and discussions.

The fortnightly club held a stirring meeting at the Wright schoolhouse, last week Friday evening. It certainly was stirring, considering that it followed so closely on Thanksgiving turkeys and associations. The next meeting will be held next Friday evening, December 10, and the committee are preparing a literary sparing match on a live question not yet worded out.

Thanksgiving got a lively, jolly send-off at Marshall’s hall, in the evening, when West Chelmsford, Westford Center, Brookside and the suburbs of Oak hill danced Thanksgiving thankfulness under the direction of Mrs. Thomas Brown and Mrs. Olsen Johnson.

Our old-time neighbor in the Stony Brook valley, Alvin G. Polley, is ill with the wear of old age and other less attractive features of a rheumatic nature. The doctor has asked it to unclench and it has partly agreed, but still maintains its memory. Mr. Polley’s age [80] comes close to the gold-headed cane for oldest citizen.

The W.C.T.U. met Wednesday with Mrs. McMaster, with twelve members and two visitors present. After the business program the president, Mrs. Frank C. Hildreth, read a letter from Mrs. Stevenson, the state president. Mrs. Homer Seavey and Mrs. Jannett Wright sang “Life’s dream is over” and “The star of the east.” Mrs. Belle Walker read three humorous selections, followed by Mrs. Lambert in the same line of entertainment. A general social time for everyone was the final before singing “Blest be the tie that binds.” A Thanksgiving barrel of fruit and vegetables and a small sum of money was sent to the Frances Willard settlement in Boston, and a small sum of money to the flower mission.

Among the omitted items connected with the tenth anniversary of the ministry of Rev. Thomas Jay Horner at Melrose was the presentation of $100 in gold to Mr. and Mrs. Horner.

Mrs. Winship, the mother of Miss Lizzie Winship, for many years the teacher at the Nabnassett school, and of Marcus Winship, for many years the village storekeeper at West Chelmsford, died at her home in West Chelmsford, Wednesday morning, as the result of a fractured skull caused by tripping and falling down stairs. She was far advanced in the eighties.

Mrs. Herbert E. Fletcher’s mother from Vermont is visiting at the sunny and modern home of her daughter on Oak hill.

Miss Belle Walker has recently bought a new upright piano to add to the already musical tendencies at the Walker homestead.

Extensive lawn improvements are still being laid out at the old Levi T. Fletcher homestead [120 Lowell Rd.], on the Lowell road at Brookside. Augustus F. Whidden has the management of the layout.

The cosy [sic] antique bungalow [111 Lowell Rd.] of Nelse Nelson at the corner of Lowell and Chamberlin road at Brookside, is an attractive feature of the village thrift to delight the traveling public.

George W. Bussey has another of those old standby ill turns at his home at Brookside. They never disappear for good, but are always unpleasantly near.

Eugene Ward, who has had an autumn residence at the Brown cottage on Providence road, has wheeled his goods and rights to a winter residence in Lowell. While in town he labored largely at the Fletcher Cold Spring farm.

The Middlesex Woman’s club of Lowell has been enabled to establish a department of visiting nursing through the generosity of the proprietors of the Locks and Canals, who contribute $1400 and an additional sum of $225 from the Nesmith and Carney fund. Miss Blanche Craven, a native of Westford and resident of Graniteville for many years, has been appointed one of the nurses. Thus far there has been 2031 visitations in one year. Mrs. Herbert E. Fletcher is a member of the club.

The Kappa chapter of Sigma Phi Upsilon, one of the leading high school fraternities of Lowell, held its annual party last week Friday evening at Colonial hall. Over two hundred of the younger set were attracted to the high-minded good time. The now noted Oak hill district of Westford was represented in the management of the affair by that always active agitator of dormant conditions, Mrs. Herbert E. Fletcher, as chairman of matrons, and Harold E. Fletcher, closest near relative that the laws of life can contain, was one of the prominent committee of arrangements.

The same evening of the burning of Mrs. Reed’s barn at Graniteville, there was an explosion in the coal strove at Westford station that made things lively for all kinds of life, excepting human life, which was of a retiring disposition at that hour of the night.

Graniteville. The fire engineers have decided that hereafter an alarm of fire will be sounded by the ringing of the bell at the M.E. church and William Gilson has been detailed to attend to this end of the work. In the case of a big fire, such as the last two we have had, and when there is grave danger to surrounding property, the bells on the Abbot Worsted Co.’s mills and C. G. Sargent’s machine shop will also be rung. The matter of calling for assistance from the other companies outside the village rests with the assistant engineer and captain of the local fire department.

Wedding. Miss Exilda Ponier [Poirier] and Mr. Joseph Couture of this village were married at the parochial residence of St. John’s church, North Chelmsford, on Thursday afternoon, November 25, Rev. J. J. McNamara being the officiating clergyman. The bride was becomingly attired in a pearl gray silk, cut empire style, and carried a shower bouquet of white roses. The witnesses were Charles Couture, father of the bridegroom and Edmund Standish, father of the bride. Immediately after the ceremony the bridal party returned to this village, where a wedding dinner was served at the home of the bridegroom, and which was attended by the immediate family. Among the guests were Miss Amy Ryan and Mr. Gorman of Lowell, and Mr. Edmund Standish of Fall River. After a brief honeymoon trip Mr. and Mrs. Couture will reside in this village.

Of Incendiary Origin. Much confusion was experienced here at the fire recently in the many patrons of the telephone line all trying to talk to Chief Sherman H. Fletcher in Westford at the same time. It would seem entirely proper at this time to inform the public that the local fire department has an understanding with Chief Fletcher to the effect whenever there is a fire in Graniteville that a telephone message will be sent to him at once in Westford from the residence of Capt. J. A. Healy in this village. If the kind people with good intentions will only bear this fact in mind a great deal of trouble can be avoided in the future. In relation to the Reed fire on the night of November 22, when two barns were burned, the fire engineers are making a rigid investigation, as it seems to be the prevailing opinion that the fire was of incendiary origin.

Charles F. Rice, chief fire inspector of the Massachusetts State police, was here on last Friday and with the assistant engineer, A. R. Choate, of the Westford fire department, went over the ground very thoroughly. Several persons were questioned as to their whereabouts on the night of the fire, and every possible clue is being followed up very closely. The chief inspector Rice is giving the matter his close attention and says he expects some results in a very few days. The local authorities are also on the lookout, as this case will be pushed to the very limit. It means a whole lot of trouble if the guilty party is only caught, for setting fires is a dangerous business.

Death. Word has been received here recently that Mrs. William Miller died in a Lowell hospital on Wednesday, November 24, after a few weeks’ illness, leaving a husband and five children. Mrs. Miller was formerly Miss Malvina Defoe of this village. She leaves two brothers, Edward of the Abbot Worsted Co., and Fred M. Defoe, station agent at East Littleton. “Minnie” Defoe, as she was familiarly called by her young friends, was at one time a member of the old Graniteville dramatic club and will be pleasantly remembered for the prominent part she took in the “Octoroon,” when it was presented in Westford town hall several years ago, in aid of St. Catherine’s church. She was only thirty-three years of age at the time of her death and the sympathy of the people here is extended to the bereaved family in their sad affliction.

Forge. A very pleasant surprise party took place Saturday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Spinner, when thirty-seven friends of their son, Edward G. Spinner, presented him with a well-filled purse of money. The presentation speech was made by William DeRoehn. Although Mr. Spinner was greatly surprised, he thanked his friends in a few well-chosen words. Music and games helped to pass a very pleasant evening. A delicious supper was served to all present. Many guests were present form Ayer, Westford and Lowell. “Dick” Spinner, as he is familiarly called, was a catcher for the Lions last season in the Stony Brook league, and is very popular both here and in the surrounding towns where he is well known.

The infant child [Americo C. Coletti] of Mr. and Mrs. John [Giarani] Colotic [Coletti] died Thursday morning at the home of its parents, 22 Bradford street. Burial took place Friday morning, November 26, in St. Catherine’s cemetery.

Mrs. Ernest Longbottom and son, William A., of Arlington Heights, has returned home after a pleasant visit spent with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Burnett.

Mrs. Felix Leclerc is recovering from a severe attack of the grippe.

The Ladies’ sewing circle met at the home of Mrs. Harriet E. Randall, Thursday afternoon. After the usual work was disposed of a dainty luncheon was served.

Friends here have received word from Mr. and Mrs. John Pulsifer, who left here for Southern California, two years ago. Mr. Pulsifer has just finished building a large beautiful house in Portersville, which he intends to occupy himself.

Advent services were held in St. Andrew’s mission, Wednesday evening, and were attended by a large number. E. Hillard of Groton school conducted the services. His brief but impressive remarks were very interesting.

Albert Jones of Worcester is spending a few weeks with relatives here.

The members of the John Edwards hose company held their regular monthly meeting at their rooms, Wednesday evening. After the regular business was disposed of, it was voted to hold a supper and entertainment in the near future.

It has been arranged that in case of fire here, the whistle of Abbot & Co.’s mills will be blown. This whistle was used for no-school signal on stormy days, but was removed when the building of the new mill commenced. It will be put in position again shortly.

Miss Grace Lawrence and Miss Elizabeth Plummer will leave shortly for Southern California, where they expect to spend the winter.

[1] This book, published in 1909 by The McMillan Co., New York, N.Y., is available at https://books.google.com.

Saturday, December 11, 1909

Center. The members of the Union Congregational church are busily preparing for their annual banquet, Tuesday evening, December 14, at seven o’clock. The committee in charge of the banquet are working hard to have it as enjoyable as in former seasons, and the post prandial exercises are expected to prove bright and entertaining. Genial John Wright comes up from Lowell to serve as toastmaster. Other speakers from Lowell are Rev. A. C. Ferrin of the High street church, and the president of the Lowell board of trade. There will be good music and some excellent home talent represented among the speakers.

Sunday at the Congregational church Rev. C. P. Marshall exchanged pulpits with Rev. A. R. Atwood of Quincy, who gave his hearers an excellent discourse, a ringing charge to his hearers to serve the church of their allegiance according to their several abilities. Mr. Atwood was a capable and engaging speaker, and is just leaving his Quincy pastorate for a much larger one in Patterson, N.J. Arthur E. Day sang as a solo, “One sweetly solemn thought.” At the evening service Rev. Howard M. Langdale of Tewksbury had charge of the meeting, which was interesting and well attended.

The Edward M. Abbot Hose Co. held their regular monthly meeting at their headquarters on Boston road, Tuesday evening, with full attendance. A supper was served in charge of O. R. Spalding, S. B. Watson and John Feeney, Jr. The members did full justice to the appetizing viands. The new red shirts were worn for the first time. It was voted to give a dance the latter part of January. Committee of arrangements were John Feeney, Jr., Robert Prescott and Fred Clement.

Mrs. John C. Abbot began on Monday to furnish hot soup or cocoa for the children who are transported daily to the William E. Frost school. The same as last year, either soup or cocoa is served to the children with their lunches during the noon recess. This gracious and generous manifestation of interest in the children by Mrs. Abbot is much appreciated.

Miss Grace E. Bower has returned to her home in Auburn, Me., after a week’s vacation at the Congregational parsonage.

Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Goode left town this week for their customary winter sojourn to New York.

Fred A. Smith has sold his large milk route to Ralph Bridgeford, who takes possession this week. Mr. Smith goes as soon as he can make arrangements to leave to South Lake Weir, the same town where Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Foss and Mr. and Mrs. Pearl Harmon are spending the winter, making quite a group of Westford people in that place.

Mrs. Alma M. Richardson entertained very pleasantly a group of friends at her home Saturday evening. Mrs. Richardson well understands the happy art of combining the genial hostess and capable housewife, which so insures the enjoyment of guests. A turkey dinner was served at seven o’clock, at which covers were laid for ten. Among the guests were Frank E. Wilkins of Milford, N.H., who has recently returned from an extensive western trip, which included the Seattle exposition, California, Yellowstone Park, Colorado, etc. He had brought back some particularly fine views of various places visited, and during the evening entertained the guests with these pictures and descriptions of some of the beauty spots of our own country.

Some timely literature has been received from the society for the protection of native plants with its appeal at the approaching Christmas season against thoughtless and extravagant gathering of evergreens, especially the laurel, which is a slow growing plant, and the immoderate gathering of which in some places threatens its extinction.

Grange. Several Westford patrons attended the meeting of the Middlesex North Pomona Grange at Oddfellows’ hall, Lowell, Friday, December 3. This session meant more than usual in one way to Westford patrons, as they, under the direction of Mrs. Josie Prescott, had the dinner in their care.

The morning session was occupied by the annual election of officers. Paul O. Dutton of Chelmsford was elected master; S. J. Anthony of Carlisle, overseer; Mrs. Sherburne of Tyngsborough, lecturer, and most of the others were re-elected.

In the afternoon session state lecturer Gardner gave a short talk in his usual helpful vein. Rev. N. S. Hoagland of Tyngsborough gave an address on “The greatest wealth,” emphasizing health as invaluable, as with that one had the most essential part of an equipment for the battle of life. The program was finished out with music and readings.

The election of officers to serve the organization for next year was the program for last Thursday evening at the grange. The attendance was good and much interest shown in choosing these officers: Frank C. Wright was elected master. He brings to the chair the experience of former service in this capacity and a genuine interest in the grange’s welfare. Miss Martha Grant accepted the office of lecturer on which so much of the success of the meetings depend. Mrs. Frank Wright, who has been the faithful secretary for a number of years, was re-elected. The remaining officers were as follows:

Willy M. Wright, o.; Louis Jenkins, stew.; John Feeney, Jr., asst. stew.; Fred C. Clement, g. k.; Mrs. L. W. Wheeler, chap.; Mrs. D. L. Greig, l. a. stew.; L. W. Wheeler, treas.; Miss Elizabeth Cushing, Flora; Mrs. J. H. Colburn, Pomona; Miss Grace Bennett, Ceres; executive committee for three years, A. H. Sutherland, C. A. Blaney, M.D.

The members voted to send the retiring master, A. H. Sutherland, and Mrs. Sutherland to the coming sessions of the State grange at Springfield; also, to send Miss Grant lecturer elect to the lecturer’s conference held the second day of the State grange meeting.

Tadmuck Club. Members of the Tadmuck club are much indebted to Miss Edith M. Foster for the delightful program arranged by her for the club’s regular meeting, Tuesday afternoon, which took place in the vestry of the Congregational church. This change of meeting place was for the availability of piano.

The subject for the afternoon was “The conservation of our national resources,” a subject by no means dry and technical as the speaker presented it, and was followed with thoughtful interest by a good-sized audience. In clear and logical fashion Miss Foster depicted the great wealth of our natural resources as found by the early settlers in soil, forests, rivers, mines, animals, fisheries, etc., and gave many facts concerning our thoughtless depletion which without strenuous measures of prevention will prove a serious menace to the country’s future prosperity. This paper showed careful research and was ably written and well delivered. Miss Foster balanced her program with some musical numbers that were much enjoyed. The soloists were Mrs. Oliver Wellington Priest of Portsmouth, N.H., and Miss Miriam Stanley Carleton of Lynn. Miss Marion Sweatt, whose skillful playing is well known to Westford audiences, was the capable accompanist.

The solos were rendered with much feeling and expression, and the encores by Miss Priest and Miss Carleton were graceful little gems of melody.

At the next meeting, December 21, Mrs. Grace Lawrence of Littleton Woman’s club will be the speaker of the afternoon with “Merrie England” for a subject. Mrs. Lawrence is by no means a stranger to many of our members who will be glad to greet her and listen to her presentation of what sounds like so charming a subject.

A club tea will be served and the meeting will be held in the parlors of the Unitarian church.

List of New Books. The following new books have been added to the library:

Colby, F. M. ed. New international year book. Ref.
Fallows, A. K. Mental hygiene. 131-F.
Fallows, A. K. Point of view. 179-F 1.
Fallows, A. K. Talk on relaxation. 613-F 1.
Foster, R. F. Complete Hoyle. 793-F 1.
Higginson, E. Alaska. 917.98-H
Hyde, W. D. Self measurement. 170-H 4.
King, H. C. Laws of friendship. 171-K.
Knox, C. E. Electric light wiring. 621.3-K
Melitz, L. Opera goer’s guide. 782-M
O’Brien, S. R. English for foreigners. 425-O.
Parsons, F. Choosing a vocation. 174-P
Schofield, A. T. Nervousness. 616-S.
The Speaker. Vols. 6 and 9. 808.5-S 1.
Tower, W. S. Story of oil. 553-T.
Williams, A. How it is made. 604-W.

About Town. The high school annual shake of the foot was held in the town hall, last week Friday evening. Music was trippingly administered by the popular Grange orchestra. The affair was a wholesome tonic to social life and an ingathering of financial strength, although $14 net may not seem like a very striking or strengthening affair.

The Unitarian parish was well represented at the missionary meeting at Lowell, last week Wednesday afternoon and evening, with especial reference to the always calm, tolerant, liberal and dignified ex-Gov. John D. Long, a familiar favorite with all Westford.

The recent death of Col. Thomas L. Motley at Groton brought up freshly memories of bygone days, when prominent citizens of Westford were associated with him in the old representative district, of which Westford and Groton formed a part. With pleasure they recall his genial personality and wreath his memory in unfading flowers.

A Christmas collection will be taken up next Sunday at the Unitarian church, with especial reference to providing fruit and flowers for the sick and aged of the parish, as well as the usual gingle, gingle for the youthful element of the Sunday school.

A Forest Hill farm in Dunstable so delightfully visible from Westford Center, and owned by Henry Tolles, also so familiar to Westford, was one of the twenty-five dollar prize winners for best apples at the recent fruit exhibit in Boston. The man, the hill and the apples are noted for their substantial qualities.

The grange will hold its next regular meeting next Thursday evening, December 16. The evening will be observed as planned by the lecturer as “Surprise” night.

Extensive repairs are being made on the buildings on the farm recently purchased by Perley A. Wright on Tadmuck road.

Leonard W. Wheeler was a punctual representative of the farmers of Westford Center at the meetings of the State board of agriculture at Dracut, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and Henry B. Read manned the situation for the Stony Brook farmers.

Alvin G. Polley still continues crippled with old age infirmities and other complications not so elderly.

Our popular and alert townsman, Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher, has given five hundred dollars towards the proposed new Y.M.C.A. building in Lowell. Among those appointed to solicit subscriptions, who are residents or natives of Westford, was Donald Cameron, Clarence E. Whidden, C. Frank Dupee and Judge F. A. Fisher.

Boston parties have been in town recently offering $2.35 per barrel for apples. The same parties offered $2.50 for the same apples at picking time. It is affirmed that the mild weather has had much to do with lowering prices of apples.

Forge Village. The Ladies’ Sewing circle met with Mrs. Harriet E. Randell, Thursday afternoon of this week. Sewing, refreshments and music helped to pass a very pleasant afternoon.

The many friends of Mrs. W. H. Fernald will be pleased to learn that she is improving, after her recent operation at Dr. Kilbourn’s hospital in Groton. Mrs. Fernald is a valued member of the Ladies Sewing circle. Her speedy recovery is sincerely hoped for.

Mrs. William Morton and little daughter Hazel M., of Bridgeport, Conn., are spending a few weeks with her mother, Mrs. Mary Murray.

Rev. Thomas L. Fisher will exchange pulpits Sunday, December 12, with Rev. David Sprague of the church of the Good Shepherd, Clinton.

Adino Northrup, who has been suffering from a poisoned finger, the result of a sliver, is somewhat better and out of danger.

The wool sorters have taken possession of the new two-story brick mill, built by Abbot & Co. The cement foundation is completed for the new three-story brick spinning mill which is being erected by the same firm.

Miss Elizabeth Plummer and Miss Grace Lawrence left here Thursday for Los Angeles and Pasadena, Cal., where they will spend the winter.

The Ladies’ Sewing Circle of St. Andrew’s mission will hold an oyster supper in Recreation hall, Saturday evening, December 11.

Accident. Henry Storey met with a painful accident Sunday, while cleaning out his well. Joseph McDonald was assisting in the work. Mr. Storey was at the bottom of the well, which is 22 feet deep, when the iron nozzle of the pump became loose and fell, striking him on the head, causing a deep scalp wound. Only the fact that Mr. Storey wore a heavy cap saved him from receiving a fractured skull. Dr. O. V. Wells was hastily summoned and closed the cut with several stitches.

Mr. Storey recently purchased the old Comey homestead and is doing extensive repairing.

Graniteville. J. B. Carmichael is now suffering with a sore hand which keeps him from following his usual employment. Dr. W. H. Sherman is in attendance.

On Tuesday morning, at 7:30 o’clock, a month’s mind mass was celebrated in St. Catherine’s church for the repose of the soul of the late Daniel W. Harrington.

The children of the M.E. church Sunday school will commence rehearsals for the Christmas tree exercises in a few days, and the committee in charge are planning on a very elaborate program this year.

On Wednesday, being the feast of the Immaculate Conception, mass was celebrated in the morning at 7:30 o’clock. In the evening services were also held at the above-named church. Both services were well attended. On Sunday, December 12, and until further notice, mass will be celebrated at 9:45 o’clock instead of 8:45, which has been the custom during the summer months. The children of St. Catherine’s Sunday school have already begun rehearsals for the Christmas tree exercises that will be held on Christmas eve in the church as formerly.

The members of St. Catherine’s Temperance society held a social dance in Healy’s hall on last Saturday evening that was well attended. An oyster supper was served in lower hall. Many were present from out of town. The dance was in charge of the following Committee: William Ledwith, general manager; James B. Healy, floor director; Alfred Hughes, Thomas Healy, Omer Le Duc and Henry Charlton, aids.

Electric Lighting. There is some talk here of an electric power company of Lowell making arrangements for installing electric lights in the different houses in the village. This will certainly be a very good thing and a great convenience, but what is an absolute necessity is street lights and plenty of them. It was generally understood that when the new electric road was put through here that the lights would soon follow, but so far they have failed to materialize, and there is not a single public street light along the whole course of the electric road in this village, which means a distance of over half a mile. Three crossings are along the route with an open space at the mill pond, and either man or beast is going to get into trouble at these points sooner or later.

Firemen’s Meeting. The members of the A. R. Choate hose company held their regular meeting on last Monday night with Capt. J. A. Healy presiding. Much business of importance was transacted. To fill the office made vacant by the death and resignation, the following members were elected: Edward Defoe, sec. lieut.; H. J. Healy, treas. The application of Carl Hanson for callman was favorably acted upon. William Tousignant was promoted from callman to regular fireman. Two applications for callmen were accepted. Edward Riney was appointed hydrant man for team No. 1, and James H. Payne for team No. 2. Gideon P. LeDuc was appointed hoseman on No. 1 team, and William Gordon and William Tousignant appoint on No. 2 team. Henry J. Healy was appointed hydrant man.

Saturday, December 18, 1909

Center. Mrs. Helen Leighton’s Westford friends much regretted to hear last week that she was detained from her teaching in Hollis with an attack of diphtheria. At Thanksgiving time, when a number of cases prevailed in our own town, Mrs. Leighton refrained from joining the relatives here, not wishing to take any risks on her daughter Frances’ account, and now to have taken it herself seems most unfortunate.

Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Sutherland and Mrs. S. B. Wright have been attending the sessions of the state grange at Springfield this week.

The library’s legacy of $1000, by the will of the late John M. Osgood, has been received by the town. The sum is slightly reduced by the inheritance tax. Earlier in the year $150 was received in a similar way from the estate of Mrs. Jennie Reed Wilkins. The loyalty of these former residents and the substantial help to the library will be sincerely appreciated by the town.

A very attractive collection of photographs of Yellowstone park is to be at the library until December 23.

Social and Sale. The Loyalty club of the Congregational church held a social and sale in the vestry last Thursday evening. This club is formed of girls in the Sunday school and was organized by Mrs. H. G. Osgood and Mrs. Marshall. Ill health has compelled Mrs. Osgood to give up her work with the class for the present, and Mrs. Lillian Lumbert has most capably taken her place, and under hers and Mrs. Marshall’s direction their first social was a most creditable success. There were sales tables for fancy and useful articles, food and candy.

Refreshments of cake and cocoa were served during the evening. An entertainment of song and duets were given by Adrith Carter, Elizabeth Kimbell, Ethel Richardson and Mabel Woodbury after which Henry Van Dyke’s [1852-1933] beautiful [1896] story of “The other wise man,” was read by Miss Martha Taylor and illustrated with the stereopticon owned by the church. Arthur E. Day manipulated the slides. About twenty-three dollars were realized as a fund for the treasury of the club. The presentation to the vestry of a piano chair, a much needed article, is one of the uses planned for a part of this sum.

Banquet. For seven consecutive seasons the social event in the Congregational church calendar for December has been the annual church banquet. This season’s affair took place Tuesday evening of this week at the church and was carried out on the same general plan as its predecessor, although in no wise lacking in originality and interest for time rings many changes and the groups of people gathered at the long tables are never twice alike. Tuesday evening’s gathering proved a real success with its good weather, large attendance, fine supper and list of good speakers.

People began to gather by half past six in the audience room, and at seven promptly formed in line and marched to the vestry, where an appetizing menu of chicken pie, mashed potato, squash, celery, rolls coffee, pies, sherbet and fruit was spread. During the gathering of the guests Mrs. C. P. Marshall presided at the organ in her own skilful way. The decorations were in the Christmas colors of red and green. There were long runners of red through the center of the tables, with twigs of hemlock, and at regular intervals vases of brilliant poinsettias with greenery wreaths, stars, and hemlock branches were also used to advantage about the rooms.

After the supper had been faithfully attended to with its accompaniment of merry sociability the toastmaster, John P. Wright, called to order and with his inherent keen wit and gift of quick repartee that have enlivened previous gatherings introduced old friends with fresh messages as well as a number of new speakers. The program was not too long, each speaker keeping within the allotted time and the audience had not time to get tired, and many a hearty laugh should have proved an antidote for any indigestion.

The good pastor of the church came first with one of his inimitable Scotch readings, entitled “On the craft.”

The next speaker introduced was Rev. Allan C. Ferrin of the High Street church, Lowell. With his pleasing personality, this speaker brought felicitous greetings balanced with a few earnest thoughts on the constructive and destructive side of the building of human character.

The next speaker was also new to the audience, Miss Edith Lawrence of the academy teaching force, who gave a graceful and charming sketch on toasts and toastmasters from the ancient times to the present. This enjoyable number closed with a most original and pleasing acrostic on the name of the toastmaster of the evening, contributed by Miss Elizabeth Cushing. Mrs. Ada L. Webber of Littleton, always a welcome guest at our gatherings, next gave a solo rendered with her full musical voice and expressiveness.

Henry Smith, president of the Lowell board of trade was then introduced, and in the time allotted gave a thoughtful presentation of some of our modern economic conditions.

Miss Martha J. Taylor followed, the subject of her toast being “The farmer.” This was given in Miss Taylor’s happiest vein, and was a discriminating treatment of many phases of the lives of the dwellers in our rural communities.

L. W. Wheeler then responded to the toast, “Opportunity, a home.” Logic and good sense characterized the treatment of the opportunities for livelihood and development of character the speaker saw right in our midst.

Music next interspersed the speakers, when John S. Greig gave a solo, and Principal Woodward of the academy closed the program with some thoughts on “School life,” given with the insight of the experienced teacher.

At the beginning of the banquet Rev. B. H. Bailey invoked the divine blessing in his own impressive way and at its close the audience rose to their feet and sang with much heartiness a verse of “Auld Lang Syne,” after which came social greetings and the gradual dispersing of the gathering.

The committee in charge of the program was Mr. Marshall and Charles O. Prescott. Those in charge of the supper were Mmes. Taylor, Knight, Wheeler, Whitney, Hartford and Misses Atwood, Leighton and Burnham. Decorations, Mmes. Greig, Hartford, Merritt and Woodward, and Misses Taylor, Grant, Burnham, Cushing and Lawrence.

About Town. As the guest of W. W. Manning of Ayer, W. R. Taylor attended the banquet of the Wachusett tennis league, held Thursday evening at the Sterling inn, Sterling.

The Fortnightly club is still a useful factor in the realm of the town nearest the north pole. If its contributions to society prove only the “Widow’s mite,” [Mark 12:42 and Luke 21:2] even this is much better as a lighting influence than a lighted candle “under a bushel.” [Matthew 5:15, Mark 4:21, and Luke 11:33] The next meeting will be held at the Wright schoolhouse, Friday evening, December 24. The exercises will be largely of a Christmas nature. Study the mood for a good time and bring it with you. This is safer than trusting the others to bring it about.

Mill pond skating at Brookside was the sport the rear day of last week, and open water close by. The next thing liable on the program may be mill pond drowning. History for warning is a failure. Grassy pond has ten acres of skating water two feet deep. You can’t drown here unless you go in head first and are anxious to stay there.

Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher and family are spending purely pleasurable days in New York city. They will return in season to brighten Christmas days with home and village life. While absent Mr. and Mrs. Hill from Vermont, Mrs. Fletcher’s father and mother, have been visiting at the Fletcher home on Oak hill. Mr. Hill fell down stairs into the cellar, breaking his arm in two places.

John Adams Taylor is home from Miami university for the voices of Christmas time.

Mrs. Leonard Walker of Groton is spending these bright sunny days with the bright sunny people at the Walker homestead on Main street.

Mrs. F. W. Banister is ill with incompatibility of throat difficulty.

Plans are being matured for the Farmers’ Institute to be held in Westford in January. Our own native townsman and academy graduate, George Albert Drew, has consented to give the morning address on “Orcharding.” At present he has charge of a large estate in Greenwich, Conn. Rev. Benjamin H. Bailey has been engaged as toastmaster, which is evidence that there will be something stirring in wit, wisdom and anecdote. In Mr. Trull the committee on institutes has engaged a reader of well-known ability, to produce amusement. For afternoon it is expected that Professor Ford of Amherst agricultural will give an address on “Corn,” although the afternoon program is still uncertain in nature. While the date has not been fixed, it is hoped to have it as early as the second Wednesday, January 12.

Westford Academy. The meeting of the trustees of the Westford academy was held at Boston last Saturday. The members present included Hon. John D. Long, Hingham, Rev. Edward A. Horton of Boston, Henry M. Wright of Quincy, J. Henry Fletcher of Belmont, J. Adams Bartlett of Chelmsford, Abiel J. Abbot, Geo. T. Day, Captain Sherman H. Fletcher, Walter C. Wright and Charles O. Prescott of Westford. The treasurer’s report was read and accepted, showing the funds of the corporation wisely administered. The following officers were elected:

George T. Day, pres.; Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher, vice-pres.; Capt. Sherman H. Fletcher, sec.; Abiel J. Abbot, treas.; George T. Day, auditor; John C. Abbot, Capt. Sherman H. Fletcher, George T. Day, standing committee; Rev. E. A. Horton, Abiel J. Abbot and Julian A. Cameron, committee on teachers; Abiel J. Abbot, J. Adams Bartlett, J. Henry Fletcher and Hon. Charles S. Hamlin, committee on loans and finance.

The standing committee, having engaged Mrs. George T. Day to prepare a catalogue of former teachers and students up to the time of the Centennial, reported that 2500 names had been catalogued and ready for printing. This will prove exceptionally interesting reading for all lovers of history and especially for all who knew Westford academy in its infancy, and in its honorable and useful life, in its preserved usefulness of our own day of added opportunities. Thanking the compiler in advance would be safe manners, as a perusal of this history is likely to prove interesting and absorbing.

Forge Village. Mrs. Courtney, mother of Mrs. Geo. E. Mountain, while going for milk, Friday morning, slipped on some ice on the railroad crossing and fell, breaking her wrist. Charles Flanagan, flagman for the Boston and Maine crossing, witnessed the accident and assisted her to her home close by, where Dr. W. H. Sherman set the broken bone. The accident is doubly painful to Mrs. Courtney on account of her age, which is eighty-four years.

Christmas exercises were held in Cameron school on Friday afternoon, December 17. The rooms were tastefully decorated in keeping with the season. The school will remain closed until December 27.

The annual Christmas tree [exercises] will be held in Recreation hall, Monday evening, December 19, for the Sunday school children of St. Andrew’s mission. A varied program has been arranged, and Santa Claus has already sent word that he will arrive promptly at 7:30. A cordial reception awaits him.

Miss Annie P. Keefe and Willis Keefe of Townsend Harbor were weekend guests of Mr. and Mrs. John Carmichael.

Rev. Thomas L. Fisher will celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of his ordination in St. Luke’s church, Malden, Sunday, December 19. Rev. Mr. Fisher began his ministry there, and also built the church. Rev. Thomas J. Crosby will conduct the evening service at St. Andrew’s mission by exchange.

William Burnett has been confined to his home the past two weeks by illness. Dr. Cyril A. Blaney is attending him.

Death. Henry Catchpole, with his son, John W., and daughter, Miss Emily, attended the funeral, Monday, at Worcester, of Westell C. Kirk, the fireman who was killed Friday by being caught under a wall.

Westell C. Kirk was the youngest of eight children of Mr. and Mrs. William Kirk, former residents, who were one of the earliest English families to settle here. Besides his aged parents, he leaves a wife and five small children, the youngest seven weeks old, four brothers, one of whom is driver for the fire wagon in Worcester, one a special police officer of Leominster, and three sisters. Deceased was thirty-four years old and appointed a permanent fireman a short time ago. Mrs. William Kirk, mother of deceased, is a sister of Henry Catchpole, and this is the first death [except for Henry’s wife, Fanny B., who died 11 Mar 1908 in Westford] to occur in that large family.

Graniteville. The members of the Holy Name society of St. Catherine’s church held a very interesting meeting on last Sunday, after the 9:45 o’clock mass, and elected the following officers for the year 1910:

John F. Kavanaugh, pres.; J. A. Healy, treas.; James O’Brien, fin. sec.; A. R. Wall, cor. sec.

The above officers will be duly installed at the next regular meeting.

Excellent skating has been enjoyed here during the early part of the week, and on Saturday and on Sunday large crowds assembled on the mill pond to indulge in this popular sport. The rain and snow spoiled the fun, however, and at the present writing the ice is in poor condition.

A daughter [Mary A.] was born to Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Prinn of this village on Thursday, December 9.

Owing to the present rush of business, the C. G. Sargent’s Sons Corporation is now using the large building on Bridge street, formerly used as a blacksmith and wheelwright’s shop, to erect a part of their machinery.

Walter M. Phelps of Fort Warren has been visiting at the home of Mr. and Mrs. William J. Robinson in this village, for the past few days. Mr. Phelps has served three years in the U.S. infantry, having been stationed at Plattsburg, N.Y., and Des Moines, Iowa. He was discharged in 1906 with the rank of corporal. He re-enlisted this time with the U.S. cavalry for three years, and was stationed at Fort Ethan Allen, Vermont. He was honorably discharged in October, 1909, with the rank of sergeant. He is at present awaiting orders for a commission in the coast artillery corps at Fort Warren, this state. Mr. Phelps, who is a cousin of Mrs. Robinson, is very much interested in army life, and thinks the life of a soldier is the only thing for a young man.

The Sunday school children both in the M.E. church and St. Catherine’s of this village are now busy, rehearsing for the Christmas tree exercises. Judging from the present plans, it is thought that the exercises in both churches will be held on different nights, and this will enable all those that wish to attend both events.

The members of St. Catherine’s Temperance society held a largely attended meeting in their rooms on Wednesday night. Considerable business of importance was transacted, and the following officers elected for the ensuing six months:

Thomas Hughes, pres.; A. R. Wall, vice-pres.; R. J. Hemen, fin. sec.; W. A. Wall, rec. sec.; Edward Riney, Henry LeDuc, Omer LeDuc, trustees; Raymond Charlton, doorkeeper.

The society is now getting along finely and are planning on some pleasing entertainment to be given after the Christmas holidays.

The children of the first and second primary grades of the Sargent school held their Christmas tree exercises on Friday afternoon. This affair was in charge of the two teachers, Miss Mary A. Dunn and Miss Frances Bannister. The program will be given later. Beginning next week all the schools in this village will close for the annual two weeks’ Christmas vacation. The schools will open again at the usual hour on Monday, January 3.

Those who anticipated a week of good skating were somewhat disappointed at the snow and rain of the early part of the week which left the ice in rather poor condition.

Saturday, December 25, 1909

Center. Interesting Christmas exercises were held at Frost school last Friday afternoon before the school closed for the holiday vacation. These exercises were planned and carried out by the capable corps of teachers, Misses Fisher, Grant, Cushing and Burnham, and were not only enjoyed by the pupils but many interested parents and friends. There were two trees, one in Miss Fisher’s room and one in Miss Grant’s room. Boxes of candy were given to each pupil by the teachers, and there was an interchange of many other presents. Albert Dege personated Santa Clause. A mammoth snow ball made of cotton and filled with many smaller snow balls, each containing gifts, were dispensed by Harry Sears, dressed as the frost king. Suitable music and appropriate decorations were also features of this pleasant occasion.

Mrs. Martha F. Cooper has been spending several days in town, the guest of Miss Emily F. Fletcher. Mrs. Cooper was present at the meeting of the Tadmuck club, Tuesday afternoon, of which organization she was a charter member.

Dr. and Mrs. O. V. Wells welcomed a baby daughter [Elizabeth Wells] into their home, Sunday [Dec. 19] of this week.

William Fifield has been visiting at the home of his sister, Mrs. William L. [Carrie Elizabeth] Woods.

Mrs. M. J. Wheeler and Mrs. L. W. Wheeler were invited guests at the Middlesex Woman’s club, Lowell, Monday, and enjoyed a lecture by Miss Mary Morris, daughter of William Morris, the craftsman, on “Pageantry and the masque.”

Edmund Baker is seriously ill at this writing with congestion of the lungs.

Rev. A. R. Atwood of Quincy, who made such a pleasing impression here two weeks ago, again occupied the pulpit at the Congregational church, Sunday, and conducted the evening service in the vestry. Mr. Marshall occupied Mr. Atwood’s pulpit at Quincy. Mr. Atwood is just accepting a call to a large and desirable church in Patterson, [sic] N.Y. [N.J.].

Mr. and Mrs. Julian A. Cameron returned this week from a delightful trip to Bermuda.

Miss Edith Babbitt, teacher at the academy, finished her term of service here when school closed for the Christmas vacation. Miss Babbitt resigns to presently preside over a home of her own. This is the second year she has been in our midst, and she takes with her the good wishes of many friends.

Robert S. Young, who spent the summer at W. J. Merritt’s, is seriously ill at Arlington.

Mrs. W. M. Wright is convalescent from her severe and serious attack of heart trouble.

Grange. At the last meeting of the grange for the old year there was a good attendance, and a varied and interesting program. At the business session details of the coming farmers’ institute were arranged for. The retiring master, A. H. Sutherland, gave a carefully prepared report of the sessions of the state grange which he with Mrs. Sutherland had just attended at Springfield. The lecturer’s hour opened with music by the grange orchestra, after which a peanut hunt was indulged in, creating considerable fun. Miss Elizabeth Cushing found the largest number and received a prize. After this came a good old-fashioned game of drop-the-handkerchief. The evening closed with selections by the orchestra. At the first meeting in January the newly-chosen officers will be installed by Walter A. Morris of Billerica, assisted by Mrs. L. M. Hutchins, also of Billerica. This will be followed by the annual installation supper.

Circular to Postmasters. The fourth assistant postmaster general, who has charge of the rural delivery division, has addressed a circular to all postmasters from whose offices is a rural delivery route, calling attention to the custom of rural patrons depositing coins in rural boxes for payment for postage on mail, instead of purchasing stamps of the carriers and affixing them to this mail. From a recent count made by rural carriers in one of the counties in the state of New York, it was found that each carrier in the county was collecting each week an average of 115 one-cent coins which had been deposited in the boxes of patrons for the purchase of stamp supplies. This average applied to all the routes in operation throughout the country would give the enormous total of 300,000,000 one-cent coins. As most of the coins are deposited loose in the boxes the carrier is obliged to make careful search in the boxes to find the required amount. This results in needless hardship and suffering to the carriers in winter weather and delays the delivery and collection of the mails and frequently results in actual loss to the carriers, for if in collecting coins from boxes they drop them in snow on the ground without recovery, they are required to replace them from their own funds. The patrons of rural routes have no reasonable excuse for doing so, as the carriers are well provided with stamp supplies which can be purchased of them in advance of their needs. In case the coins have to be used the patrons should equip their boxes with suitable coin-holding receptacles. With two rural routes from the office in Westford, one of twenty and one of twenty-five miles, Postmaster Fletcher asks the patrons to do all they can to help make the duties of the carriers as easy as possible. A little thoughtfulness on the part of the patrons will be much appreciated by the rural carriers.

Tadmuck Club. In view of the fact that it was the busy Christmas week there was a good attendance of the members present at the meeting of the Tadmuck club, Tuesday afternoon, which was held in the parlors of the Unitarian church.

It was one of a number of a pleasant interchange of courtesies between this club and our neighboring club in Littleton, for the speaker of the afternoon was Mrs. Grace Lawrence, who is a member of that club and she gave a talk on “Merrie England,” which was much appreciated. Mrs. Lawrence spent three months in England this last summer, and her presentation of her impressions of that country were given with much keen discrimination.

In an informal and charming way Mrs. Lawrence told of many things about England and English people. She called it “Merrie England,” because while many of us have the belief that English people are deficient in a sense of humor, they are withal a cheerful people with a love of holidays and sports, giving as an illustration some account of the famous boating regatta at Henley.

England’s class distinctions, climate, temperance conditions, wages, the home life, roads and shops were among some of the sub-topics interestingly presented. The speaker also described some motor cycle trips to some of England’s famous historical spots, among them being a description of Stratford-on-Avon with views.

Mrs. Lawrence’s contribution to the club’s program will be remembered and appreciated as one of the good things on the season’s calendar.

An enjoyable club tea was served at the close of the program in charge of Miss Eva E. Fletcher, Mrs. John Feeney and Miss Mary Moran.

The next meeting, January 4, will be the first of a number of meetings given to the study of Alaska. The subject of this meeting will be “Alaska: Topographical features.” Chairman, Miss Emily F. Fletcher.

New Library Books. The following new books for children have been added to the library:

Bailey, C. S. Firelight stories. j823-B16.
Bryce, C. T. Child-lore reader. j808.8-B4.
Burnett, F. H. Racketty-packetty house. j823-B15.
Canfield, F. A. C. Kidnapped campers. 1036.
Day, H. F. Eagle badge. 1005a.
Gilman, M. L. Little folk tales. j372.4-G.
Greene, H. Lincoln conscript. 1035.
Johnson, A. F. Little Colonel stories. 398k.
Montgomery, L. M. Anne of green gables. 1034.
Page, T. N. Tommy Trot’s visit to Santa Claus. 521a.
Pierson, C. D. Millers at Pencroft. 982a.
Potter, B. Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher. j832-P7.
Potter, B. Tale of Mrs. Tiggy Winkle. j823-P8.
Rankin, C. W. Adopting of Rosa Marie. 951b.

About Town. Mrs. Mary E. Reed died at the Lowell hospital, last Sunday afternoon. The remains were brought to Forge Village on the noon train, Wednesday. Burial was in the West cemetery, under the direction of Undertaker Gray. Mrs. Reed will be remembered as an old-time resident of Graniteville, being the widow of George Reed, who for many years was associated in the granite business with his brothers, William and David. Mrs. Reed leaves one son, Frederick B. Reed and two sisters, Mrs. D. Ellen Flanders of Lowell and Mrs. Rachel W. Reed of Graniteville. She had arrived at the age of four score and two.

Services appropriate for Christmas and the closing year will be held in the vestry of the Unitarian church, Sunday evening, at the hour of seven. The children of the Sunday school and the aged and infirm of the parish will receive at this time the usual Christmas greetings and remembrances. Rev. Benjamin H. Bailey will lead as inspirational guide.

That old-time and reliable apple buyer, Nelson Conant of Littleton, was in town the early part of the week, buying apples for the southern market. The prices offered were $2.25 per barrel, but the farmers, being offered more in harvest time, were not rushing selling orders on a shrinkage price and shrinkage quantity, but for all this a carload will soon be loaded at East Littleton.

It is now open season for fishing at Forge pond, and like “making hay when the sun shines,” [i.e., taking advantage of the opportunity] every available fish line is being baited in hopes that it will be weighted. Such a dash in this line for pickerel fine, as they are switched through the icy holes, without the usual summer teetering poles. It is a question which there is the most of left as a trade mark, ice or holes.

Horace E. Gould is making preparations to cut a large lot of lumber bordering on Keyes pond. This lot includes the old Morrison farm and part of the Gould homestead. Daniel H. Sheehan, cider and cloth manufacturer, has the contract for sawing. This will necessitate the removal of his portable mill from Maynard, where it has been having a rusting vacation.

John A. Healy is busy hauling logs to the sawmill at Westford. This lumber will be used in the construction of his new barn.

Alvin Polley still continues in an unimproved condition, and nature does not seem to encourage the expectation of length of years, now at this season of usual lengthening of days.

The new house of Augustus Whidden, on the Groton road near Senator Fletcher’s quarry, is nearly ready for inhabitants. It adds grandeur to the whole Oak hill region. There are now ten houses on the Groton road in Westford and Chelmsford in the Oak hill region. This is a case of “the wilderness blossoming as a rose.” [1] Senator Fletcher’s stone quarry industry and the passing of the Lowell and Fitchburg electric railroad have been twin factors in this added wealth.

Senator Fletcher’s family have returned from the New York pleasure trip. The village life of Westford corner and the sunny slopes of Oak hill are more cheery and entertaining on this Christmas season.

Congratulations to Dr. Wells and family. Sorry it is not a voter kind [i.e., a male]. Extend the right is the proper remedy.

Forge Village. E. Hilliard, master at Groton school and superintendent of the Sunday school here, and his assistant, Mr. Gardner, who so cleverly impersonated Santa Claus, came from Groton in the afternoon to decorate the Christmas tree, and were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. John Carmichael at tea.

Excellent skating is to be found on Forge pond, which is frozen to a depth of several inches of black ice.

Several fishing parties from out-of-town have returned home well repaid for their trouble. The Boyle brothers of Lowell caught a fine string of pickerel Wednesday. This is the first year fishing through the ice has been allowed since the pond was stocked five years ago.

Rev. Thomas J. Crosby of St. Luke’s church, Malden, occupied the pulpit at St. Andrew’s mission, Sunday, December 19. He preached a forcible and interesting sermon, taking for his subject, “And a little child shall lead them.” [2]

The Ladies’ sewing circle will postpone their weekly meetings until after the Christmas holidays.

The mills here will be closed from Friday evening until Monday, December 27.

Christmas Exercises. The annual Christmas tree exercises of the Sunday school children of St. Andrew’s mission was held in Recreation hall, Monday evening, and was attended by a large number, for the Christmas tree has an attraction for young and old. The tree, which was handsomely decorated and laden with gifts of every description, occupied a prominent part in the hall. A very pleasing program was given by the children, which consisted of readings, piano solos, duets and were well applauded. At the conclusion Santa Claus suddenly made his appearance and was greeted with shouts of laughter, and the greatest excitement prevailed for a short time, as Santa, dressed in his fur coat and cap and long white whiskers, insisted upon shaking hands will all the children, as he briefly told them of the long journey he had made in order to reach all the children before Christmas was over. This large bag was opened and the presents were quickly distributed. There were sleds, skates, games of every description for the small boys, dolls, work baskets and many dainty articles so dear to hearts of the little girls, while the larger ones and Sunday school teachers received beautifully bound books by well-known authors. No one was forgotten. But all things must come to a close, so Santa after wishing everyone a very happy Christmas, said he must hurry away and left for parts unknown, leaving nothing but joy and happiness. Every child also received a large box of candy.

Graniteville. The skating has been fine on the mill pond during the past few days, and the young people have enjoyed it to the limit. On last Saturday afternoon a spirited game of hockey was played between the mill and shop team, and both clubs were very evenly matched. During the past few moonlight nights great crowds have assembled every evening and enjoyed excellent skating under ideal weather conditions.

The children of the M.E. church Sunday school held their Christmas tree exercises in the church on Friday evening. The program will be given later.

On Christmas morning mass will be celebrated in St. Catherine’s church at 9:45 o’clock.

The children in the first and second primary grades of the Sargent school held a very pleasing entertainment and Christmas tree on Friday afternoon, December 17, the last day of school before the Christmas vacation. The tree was set up in Miss Dunn’s room, and a very nice time was enjoyed by all. Each child present received some pretty gift with the usual box of candy. The whole affair was in charge of the primary teachers, Miss Mary A. Dunn and Miss Frances Baumister, who deserved a word of praise for their untiring efforts in making the little ones happy.

Dr. S. Lees Joslin, formerly of this village, who has been absent in the west for several months, made a brief visit here this week while on his way home to spend Christmas with his parents in Lyndeboro, N.H. The doctor is greatly improved in health, and appears to be highly pleased with the western country.

Dr. W. H. Sherman has recently returned from a brief visit spent at his former home in Damariscotta, Me.

Christmas Concert. The Christmas exercises for the Sunday school children of St. Catherine’s church were held in the church on Wednesday evening, and were very largely attended. The children all did finely in their respective parts, which reflects great credit on Miss Catherine Conley, who had general charge of arrangements, assisted by Miss Fanny McCarthy and Miss Hattie O’Brien. Joe Wall made an ideal “Santa Claus,” and pleased the children very much. The success of the whole affair rests in a great measure to the kindness of the Abbot Worsted Co., who sent a substantial check, that enabled the committee to provide some suitable gift for every child present. The thoughtful and generous act is deeply appreciated by the members of St. Catherine’s parish. Following is the program:

“Let the bells of Christmas ring,” by the children; “Christmas,” Rosie McCullough; “Long ago on Christmas,” Bella Eli; “Getting ready,” Ed. Soha [Socha?]; “Jesus, the morning star,” Isidore Boucher; “Music of Christmas,” Perfano Piratto; song, “The little babe,” by the children; “Christmas offering,” Hattie Boyd; “Christmas dolls,” Laura and Ruby McCarthy, Margaret Healy, Claire Payne, Josephine Socha, Alice Heroux, Dorothy Shugrue, Alice Gower; “There came a little child,” Emily Dion; “Christmas night,” Harold Connell; “Christmas stockings,” Leo Provost, Raymond Wall, Gerald Defoe; vocal solo “The song the angels sang,” R. J. McCarthy; “The Christmas we like,” Drina Gagnon, Dora Lamie; “Christmas wish,” Bernadette Gladu; “Joy of Christmas,” Eugene Maloney; “My help in him,” Delia Parmenton; “Why bells for Christmas ring,” Thomas Elliott; “Christmas story,” John Provost, Chas. Douglass, Freddie Healy, John Payne; “Christmas bells,” Albert Reeves; “Christmas day,” Claire Payne; “Christmas star,” Delores Jasamin; “Santa,” Laura Couture; song, “Ring the jay [sic] bells,” by the children.

[1] Isaiah 35:1 “The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.”  KJV

[2] Isaiah 11:6 “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.”