The Westford Wardsman, December, 1911
Saturday, December 2, 1911
Center. William Howard, of Lunenburg, has been a recent visitor at the home of his brother, Calvin Howard. The latter has had a long, tedious time of many weeks of pain and inconvenience, the result of his accident, the injured knee still requiring medical as well as surgical attention.
Visitors at the Congregational parsonage last Sunday, coming up from Cambridge by automobile, were Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Bonney, Mrs. Young and daughter, Miss Caroline Young, and Paul Danners, a student at Harvard. The entire party attended the morning church service. Mr. Bonney is a well-known Boston merchant, and Mrs. Bonney will be pleasantly remembered as one of the speakers at the Tadmuck club last season, when she gave “Greetings from the Cantabrigia club of Cambridge,” of which she was president.
Miss Amelia W. Lambert, who recently went to Greensburg, Pa., to accept a position as dietician in Westmoreland hospital, writes to the home friends of being pleasantly located and liking her new surroundings.
Miss Carrie E. and Florence H. Read, of Barre, who have recently bought a pleasant home for themselves there, were “at home” to their friends on Thanksgiving evening. The event proved a very pleasant one and their many Westford friends wish they might have been among those present to extend good wishes and greetings.
Oscar R. Spalding and John M. Fletcher are among the recent ones to equip their buildings with electric lighting.
Mrs. John B. Fletcher is quite seriously ill at her home with heart trouble. Dr. Wells has a trained nurse in attendance, and Miss Chandler is at home with her aunt.
Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Watson went this week to Newbern, N.C., to spend the winter. Mrs. Edmund Day will spend the winter with Westford and Groton relatives.
School closed Wednesday afternoon for the Thanksgiving recess, lasting until Monday morning.
At the Congregational church last Sunday morning, Rev. David Wallace preached most ably, drawing lessons from the closing events in the life of Joseph, his subject being, “Growing old gracefully,” portraying the ideal old age of great memories and glorious visions. In the evening he gave echoes from the Ford hall meetings in Boston, and Rev. R. J. Campbell’s address of London, to which he recently listened.
A Thanksgiving week wedding of much interest is that of Will E. Wright and Miss Ruby Carter [on Dec. 1, 1911]. Further particulars next week.
Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Goode, who after closing camp at Forge pond spent the later autumn weeks in Lowell, left there recently for their annual sojourn in New York.
Thanksgiving week visitors at the parsonage have been Miss Gertrude Hazen, of Hartford, Vt., and Mrs. Alice Martin, of Lebanon, N.H.
Wright & Fletcher have been painting the ceiling in their store, giving it a very light and clean appearance, especially at night, when the electric lights are turned on.
A large group of the members of the Tadmuck club, about twenty in all, enjoyed the hospitality of the neighborhood meeting of the Littleton Woman’s club, at Littleton, on Monday afternoon. The good weather, the pleasant welcome and good entertainment made it a very enjoyable occasion. Miss Sarah W. Loker, president of the home club, represented her members most capably in the afternoon’s program, with a review of one of E. S. Benson’s, the well-known English author’s books, “The silent isle,” to supply the pulpit for six months. He has been a preacher in the Methodist church for twenty years and is able, eloquent and logical. The society is fortunate in securing his leadership, he having declined several flattering calls elsewhere.
Charles Whitney has been ill at his home on the Lowell road, but is now able to be out in his usual door-yard review of farm work.
James H. O’Brien, on Pigeon hill, has sold his apples to Stiles, of Littleton. As soon as the apples are delivered and the cellar is clear, he will commence at once installing steam heat for his dwelling-house under the direction of Augustus Whidden.
Miss Ella Wright, of Cleveland, Ohio, has completed the construction of another new fancy built wall nearly opposite her summer home on the Lowell road, at Brookside.
The Fortnightly club is on its feet and doing business at the old stand at the Wright schoolhouse on the Groton road. When the old West Chelmsford Debating society gets harnessed into its old-time record for discussion, these two literary organizations may tilt it a little along reciprocity lines.
The W.C.T.U. sent a Thanksgiving box to the W.C.T.U. home in Boston, to be distributed among the poor. Mrs. McMaster had charge of collecting and sending.
Mrs. Sidney Whitney, who has been ill for a long time, is gradually failing, it being an incurable case.
Seth Bannister is home from Amherst Agricultural college for the Thanksgiving holidays. Allister MacDougall is also home from his junior year at Amherst, and will remain while Thanksgiving turkey keeps up its temptations.
Forge Village. Cameron school closed on Wednesday afternoon for the Thanksgiving holidays, reopening on Monday, December 4.
Rev. A. L. Bumpus will officiate at the services at St. Andrew’s mission on Sunday evening.
The Abbot Worsted Company closed their mill on Thanksgiving day. Operations were begun again on Friday morning.
Mr. and Mrs. John E. Burnett spent the holiday as guests of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Hennessey, of Lowell.
A theatre party is being formed in the village to witness the performance of “Chanticleer” dean at Harvard divinity school, and Mrs. Fenn, were recent visitors at the home of John McMaster. The McMaster home was a favorable resort of Mr. Fenn in his younger days, and where his aged aunt, Mrs. Clough, now resides.
Charles E. Walker, the pioneer proprietor at present of the old Walker homestead, spent Thanksgiving with his sister, Mrs. Clara Littlefield, at Fitchburg.
The weather continues spring like and planting like. The wild geese are getting uneasy to do something spring like and were seen last week Wednesday flying northward.
Some of those attending the state grange at Worcester this week are W. R. Taylor, master elect, Mrs. Fred L. Snow, Mrs. May Gould, Mrs. Eben Prescott, Miss Lucinda Prescott, lecturer, Mrs. David L. Greig, Mrs. J. Willard Fletcher, Mrs. Sidney Wright. Frank C. Wright, postmaster, and Mrs. Wright ewer unable to attend on account of installing steam heat in their house.
Mrs. Fanny Sherburne, who died in Littleton on Tuesday, was the widow of James Sherburne, who was a native of Westford, and a well-known citizen. Later he removed to Groton.
The first farmers’ institute of the season was held at Dracut on Wednesday. The attendance was not very large owing to the spring like weather.
Graniteville. The member of the A. R. Choate hose company held a very successful banquet and stag party at Camp Comfort, near Flushing pond, last Saturday evening. The full roster of the company was present and after an elaborate spread, a musical and literary entertainment was given, but owing to the becoming modesty of several of the participants, the full program is withheld for the time being. Suffice to say that a very good time was enjoyed by all and the different stunts were liberally applauded. The next social function that the firemen will give will take the form of a Ladies’ night, and this event is scheduled to take place the latter part of January.
The Ladies’ Aid society of the M.E. church met with Mrs. L. A. Blood on Thursday afternoon.
Mrs. John V. Downing with her little daughter Zelia left here Monday for Shelburne Falls, where she will join her husband, Mr. Downing, who has a lucrative position as superintendent of a construction company in that place, and has a furnished house all in readiness for his family. Mrs. Downing was accompanied by her sister, Miss Lillian Moran, who will spend a few days in the new home.
Death. Abbie Burke, wife of Dennis Burke, and an old and highly respected resident, died at her home in North Westford on Saturday morning, December 9, after a brief illness, aged sixty-seven years. The deceased was well and favorably known, and besides her husband she leaves five daughters—Mrs. George Morris of North Chelmsford, Mrs. Mary McDermott and Miss Julia Burke, Mrs. Daniel Coughlin of Lowell, Mrs. Catherine Burke of Westford, and one son, George H. Burke of Westford.
Mrs. Burke, with her husband, who survives her, came to Westford when but a young bride and settled at once upon a farm, and both being young and robust, the place was made to pay and since then they have prospered and reared a family that has been a credit to them, the Burke family being well-known in this vicinity.
Though of a quiet disposition, Mrs. Burke made many friends, and she possessed that pleasing faculty of holding them. She always had a good word and a pleasant smile for everyone, for hers was a beautiful character and one felt better for having known her. When in conversation with friends some person’s name would be brought, she would never pass an opinion, but would simply say: “We all have our faults and everything will come out right in the end.” Her loving presence in that family circle will be sadly missed and those that are near and dear to her will wait in vain for that kind advice, and that motherly smile that will be seen no more. The sympathy of the Graniteville people is extended to the bereaved family in their sad affliction.
Mrs. Burke was a devout member of St. Catherine’s church, where the funeral took place Monday morning at ten o’clock, when a high mass of requiem was celebrated by Rev. Michael E. Doherty. The regular choir was in attendance and sang the Gregorian chant, under the direction of Miss Mary F. Hanley. At the offertory Miss Handley sang the “Pie Jesu” and as the body was being borne from the church the choir sang the “De produndis.”
The services were largely attended and aside from the many in the immediate vicinity, many were present from Lowell, Lawrence, Ayer, Haverhill, Chelmsford, Westford and Littleton. There [were] many floral offerings which testified in a marked degree to the high esteem in which the deceased was held. Among the many were the following: Large pillow of roses, chrysanthemums and galax leaves with the words, “wife and mother,” from the family; cross of roses, carnations and ferns with the word, “grandma,” Mr. and Mrs. George Morris and sons, Vernon and Russell; wreath of roses, carnations and galax leaves, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Coughlin; wreath of roses, carnations and ferns, Mrs. J. C. Donovan and Miss Ella M. Burke; spray of red and white carnations, Mrs. Myrtle C. Clark and Mr. and Mrs. F. L. Snow; large spray of American Beauty roses, John T. Kelley; spray of white chrysanthemums, Mr. and Mrs. E. DeRoehn, Miss Cora and A. R. DeRoehn; spray of red and white carnations, Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Healy and Miss Mary Harrington; bouquet, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Blodgett; large wreath of roses, carnations and chrysanthemums, tied with lavender chiffon ribbon, from the employees of the Creamery lunch, Lowell; spray, Mrs. Curtis Gifford; spray, Mrs. Richard Courtney; spray of white carnations, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Riney and Misses Etta Man and Alice C. Sheehan; spray of Jack roses, from employees of Page’s Spa; large spray of pink carnations, Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Gilson.
The bearers were Timothy D. Riney, James H. O’Brien, Charles Couture, James Connors. Burial was in St. Catherine’s cemetery, Lowell [Westford?].
Forge Village. Services at St. Andrew’s mission will be held on Sunday evening at 7:30 o’clock.
Advent services were held at St. Andrew’s mission on Wednesday evening. Rev. A. L. Bumpus will preach at these services on next Wednesday evening at 7:30 o’clock.
Mr. and Mrs. John Carmichael were the guests on Saturday and Sunday of Mr. and Mrs. Alvah Bicknell, of Somerville.
The Ladies’ Sewing Circle met in Recreation hall on Wednesday afternoon.
Mrs. Elmer E. Nutting has returned from a very pleasant visit with her sister, Mrs. Frank Rose, of Belmont.
Mr. and Mrs. John E. Burnett spent Saturday and Sunday as guests of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Hennessey, of Lowell.
John W. Catchpole and Larry McLaughlin spent Sunday in Lawrence.
Randolph Reed, of Leominster, and Mr. Reed, of Fitchburg, visited Lucretia Reed recently.
The many friends of Fred Reed, of Graniteville, will be interested to hear of his marriage in Worcester to Miss Edith Normington, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wilfred Normington, formerly of this village, at their home in Worcester on Thursday, December 14. Only the families of the happy couple attended the ceremony. After their wedding journey, Mr. and Mrs. Reed will reside in the Highlands, Lowell, where Mr. Reed has purchased a home.
Francis Lowther and George Sanborn were present at the lecture of Dr. Wilfred T. Grenfell in Colonial hall, Lowell, on Tuesday evening.
Through the courtesy of Rev. Endicott Peabody, the choir of St. Andrew’s mission attended the concert held in Page hall, Ayer, by the Hayden concert company on Tuesday evening, given under the auspices of the Middlesex Country club.
On Tuesday evening December 15 the annual Christmas tree exercises will be held in Recreation hall by St. Andrew’s mission. Santa Claus will make his usual visit and expects to be laden with a large assortment of presents for all the faithful members of the Sunday school. The children are preparing an excellent program to welcome him this year.
Word was received on Monday by Mrs. Charles Blodgett of Groton of the death of her friend Mrs. James Cummings of New Bedford which occurred last week Friday at her home. Mrs. Cummings was very well known in this village being formerly Miss Nellie Stubbs coming from England a few years ago. Her many friends here will be extremely sorry to hear of her death, as her genial disposition certainly won for her numerous friendships during her stay in the village. Mrs. Cummings leaves to mourn her loss her husband, a little daughter three years old, her parents, two sisters and two brothers.
Concert. Abbot hall was the scene on Friday evening of last week of one of the most successful concerts and dances given within its doors for a long time. The concert was given under the auspices of Loyal Self Help Lodge, I.O.O.F., M.U., and was greatly enjoyed by all present. The numbers were very well rendered and deserve much applause. Some of Graniteville’s well-known talent and the “Uneek” Mandolin club assisted the local talent in making the entertainment a success. The closing number, “Donovan and the Dago,” won much applause. Charles Flanagan impersonated Donovan, and William DeRoehn certainly made a fine Dago with his bananas to sell.
The program which will prove of much interest follows:
Opening number… “The masterstroke”
–1st mandolins, Mrs. John E. Burnett, Arthur Charlton;
–2nd mandolins, Mrs. Lester McLenna, Miss Agnes Charlton;
–Mrs. Charles McLenna, piano accompanist.
Song, “Sing me to sleep,” Alfred Prinn
Reading, selected, Mrs. A. A. Nelson
Song, “When I walk, I walk with Billy,” R. J. McCarthy
Cornet solo, “The lost chord,” Arthur Blodgett
Song, “A dream of Arcady,” Miss Rachael Cherry
Quartet, “Down where the watermelon grows,”
Graniteville quartet—O. A. Nelson, R. J. McCarthy, Frank Charlton and Arthur Charlton.
Piano solo, “Lucia De Lammermoor,” Miss Marion Blodgett
“Story teller waltzes,” “Uneek” Mandolin club
Song, “Oh you beautiful doll,” Frank Charlton
Duet, “In the starlight,”
Miss Rachael Wall and R. J. McCarthy
Comic sketch, “Donovan and the Dago,”
Donovan—Charles Flanagan
Dago—William DeRoehn.
After the concert, William Burnett, treasurer of the lodge, made a few remarks and thanked each and all most sincerely for helping make the concert the success it was. Dancing was then enjoyed until a late hour to the music of Arthur Blodgett, violin, and Miss Marion Blodgett, piano.
Fred Davis was chairman of the entertainment committee and was ably assisted by other members. The proceeds of the affair will be turned into the treasury for the benefit of the lodge.
Groton
Death. Mrs. Fannie E. (Derby), widow of James Sherburne, and an old resident of the town, passed away at her home on the Lowell road on Tuesday, December 12. The house is the last one in Groton on that road. Mrs. Sherburne had been ill of heart trouble for the past two months, but the end at last came to her suddenly while sitting in her chair. Her age was seventy-five years. She lived a good life and her name is spoken with affection and respect. She was the youngest of eleven children in an old Groton family, a sister of the late E. D. Derby, of the Boston road.
Interment was in Groton cemetery on Thursday. After the committal service the relatives assembled at the home of Mrs. E. O. Collier, who is a niece of the deceased. Mrs. Solon Dodge and Mrs. Arthur Green, also of this town, are nieces by marriage. Other near surviving relatives are a son, Frank Davis, of Littleton, and Mrs. Grace Shattuck, of Leominster, and one brother George O. Derby, of Wellsboro, Pa., formerly of Groton. He is eighty years old and did not feel able to come to his sister’s funeral.
Saturday, December 23, 1911
News Items. At the recent meeting of the W.C.T.U. held at Mrs. A. S. Wright’s, a committee, consisting of Mrs. David Wallace, Mrs. Homer M. Seavey and Mrs. Alice Lambert, were chosen to draw up resolutions of sympathy to be extended to the family of their late sister member, Mrs. Sarah J. Hildreth. Mrs. Hildreth was much interested in the W.C.T.U., having served as the local union’s president for a number of terms, and her tragic death is keenly felt by the members of this union. Further routine business was transacted at this meeting after which luncheon was served by the hostess and a social hour enjoyed.
Miss Gertrude Hamlin is at home from Wellesley college enjoying the three weeks’ holiday vacation.
Miss Winnifred Burnham of the Frost school entertained over the week-end her niece, Miss Evelyn Proctor of Essex.
Howard Ferguson, who left home in September to try his fortunes in the Northwest, writes interesting letters to the home people each week of his experiences. At present he is located in Fort Francis, Ontario.
Harwood L. Wright acted as best man at the wedding December 16 of his cousin, Herbert W. Wright, of Worcester to Miss Edith A. Barber of Townsend. The wedding was a very pretty but quiet home affair. This is the sixth occasion that our genial Dick has acted in this gracious capacity for his friends.
Miss Grace Lumbert, who has made such a satisfactory recovery from her recent illness, assumed her new duties last Monday as helper and companion to Mrs. Etta Tyler in the latter’s cosy new home.
The mid-week prayer service was held this week with Mrs. A. S. Wright with good attendance.
The Christmas exercises for the children of the Congregational church will take place Saturday evening. There will be a supper at six with Christmas tree and exercises following. All who have articles for the tree will please bring them earlier in the afternoon.
Miss Blanche Waller is enjoying the Christmas vacation at home and was a guest at the Tadmuck club Tuesday afternoon.
Pleasant word comes from Los Angeles to the Westford friends from the Misses Atwood, where they are spending the winter. They are very pleasantly located and find much to see and enjoy. Meeting our other sojourners in the Golden Gage state, the H. B. Halls, has been mutually pleasant.
Word also comes this week from our around the world travelers, Mr. and Mrs. Walter P. Wright and Mrs. Elizabeth Whitney, of their visit to Batavia on the island of Java and Singapore in southeastern Asia.
The Boy Scouts, under the direction of scout master, Dexter Coggeshall, had a most enjoyable supper with speeches and games at the town hall Friday evening of last week. The supper was managed by a group of young ladies as follows: Misses Sutherland and Sullivan, Marjory Seavey, Hazel Hartford and Pauline Wallace. The speakers of the evening were Mr. Williams, physical director of the Lowell Y.M.C.A., who spoke most effectively; also, John P. Wright and Rev. David Wallace, who were at their brightest and best. Altogether all who had to do with the affair felt that it had proved a thorough success.
Tadmuck Club. The regular meeting of the Tadmuck club took place in Library hall Tuesday afternoon. The program was the third in the season’s special topic for study and was “Northern countries of South America.” This was in charge of Miss Clara A. Smith, whose subject was Venezuela, Columbia and [French] Guiana. Thoughtful study, good delivery and good sense always characterize Miss Smith’s papers and this was especially true Tuesday afternoon and proved most interesting and instructive.
Miss Edith Forster supplemented the program with an article on South American emeralds, which are mined in these countries, also a sketch of the Tonka bean tree. Miss E. Marion Sweatt read a dramatic traveler’s sketch of a journey to the wonderful Kayeta Falls.
To add to the variety of the afternoon F. W. Brackett, supervisor of drawing in the schools, gave a talk on a few principals of art and exemplified the same with charcoal drawings.
The next meeting, January 2, will be a continuation of the season’s study and will be “Chili [sic]—the land of progress,” in charge of Miss Edith Forster. It is hoped that the members will make a good new year’s beginning with a large attendance.
About Town. The sign on the Kittredge farm has been changed to the Old Homestead, 1846. The change is appropriate and sentimental.
Hugo Page is back to business after his illness and is prepared to saw lumber and grind cob corn.
Vincent Brickford has left the employ of the H. E. Fletcher Granite Company, and accepted a position of firemen at the Brookside mills, which is now running on full time.
Plans are being made to remodel the brown cottage at West Chelmsford owned by Donald Cameron, near the railroad station. It will be remodeled into a modern bungalow. P. Henry Harrington is the contractor, which is some evidence that the work will be modern. When completed, it will be occupied by Elliot Humiston of Westford, clerk for the Cameron Press Bagging Company.
The Unitarian Sunday school will observe Christmas with a Christmas tree and appropriate exercises in the vestry of the church this evening at 6:30 o’clock.
Rev. Lyman B. Weeks was in town Wednesday and made a busy day visiting his new parishioners. He has an apt faculty of entertainment along these lines.
By special request the next meeting of the West Chelmsford Debating society will be confined to members, as the new debaters are young and inexperienced, and wish to gain practice before giving the public the influence of their early oratory.
Debating Society Organized. The West Chelmsford Debating society held a meeting at Historical hall last week Tuesday evening. Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher was elected chairman; James Dwyer, vice chairman; Fred A. Snow, sec.; Capt. John J. Monahan, treas.; William E. Edwards, L. J. Ellingwood,, Harold Fletcher, trus.; Frank Ingalls, J. George Rudkins, Charles Peterson, subject com. Meetings will be held the first and fourth Tuesday evenings of each month, to which the public are invited. The next meeting for the debate will be held on Tuesday evening, December 26, when the following question will be discussed: Resolved, “That the farmer is of more benefit to the community than the manufacturer.” The society is making preparation to run social times of various kinds during the winter.
Forge Village. Cameron school held its Christmas tree exercises on Friday afternoon and [they] were well attended. Children in all the different grades did exceptionally well and much praise is due the teachers who have so patiently and earnestly worked with the children to make the Christmas-tide this year the success it was. The primary grades, under the supervision of Miss Blaisdell and Miss Pyne, commenced the program, while the grammar grades, under Miss Ward and Miss Garvey, concluded the exercises.
The sympathy of the village is extended to Mr. and Mrs. George H. Weaver in the loss of their infant son [James W. Weaver], born last Wednesday [Dec. 13, 1911], at their home in North Littleton. The little one only lived twenty-four hours [died Dec. 14, 1911].
Mr. and Mrs. George Cougle have returned from an extended visit with relatives in Bridgeport, Conn.
Mrs. Louise Caisse and children, of Leominster, have returned home after spending a few weeks with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Augustine W. Carkin.
Archie S. Bennett, of Boston, was the guest of his grandfather, Alvin S. Bennett, last week Thursday.
Cameron school closed on Friday for their annual Christmas vacation of two weeks.
At St. Andrew’s mission, services will be held at 4:30 p.m., instead of at 7:30 p.m. Sunday school will begin at 3:30, as usual. On Christmas morning, holy communion will be administered at nine o’clock. Rev. A. L. Bumpus will preach. Special music will be sung by the vested choir, and the church will be especially decorated.
Miss Della Drake left on Saturday for an extended visit at the home of her mother, Mrs. Lena Drake, of Ellsworth, Me.
At a meeting of Loyal Self Help lodge, I.O.O.F., M.U., on Monday evening, the following officers for the coming year [were] elected: Fred Davis, g.m.; Charles Flanagan, n.g.; William Harrington, v.g.; William Baker, sec.; Harry elec. sec.; William DeRoehn, w.; Robert Orr, chap.
Mrs. Chester Blodgett, of Groton, spent Wednesday at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Burnett.
Christmas Tree. The annual Christmas tree at St. Andrew’s mission was held in Recreation hall on Tuesday evening, and proved to be most successful. The largest attendance in years was present, every seat being filled in the hall. The tree was very handsome in its gala dress and presented a fine appearance. During the time previous to Santa’s arrival, a most pleasing musical program was carried out by the Sunday school, which well deserved the applause it received from the audience. Santa at last appeared “all smeared with soot,” at the bottom of the chimney laden with presents and goodies, and was well received by all. He then distributed his presents and candies, remembering pupils and teachers of the Sunday school as well.
With his cherry smile, Santa Claus wished all a Merry Christmas and departed on his journey. The affair was given through the generosity of the Groton School. Mr. Griswold was assisted by Mr. Lowe, who impersonated Santa Claus. The tree decorations were in charge of Miss Theresa Lowther, Miss Bertha Collins and Albert Collins.
Graniteville. The members of St. Catherine’s Temperance society held a very interesting meeting on last Monday night. Considerable business of importance was transacted and several applications for membership were received. It was voted to hold a social dancing party sometime in January. The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 26, and as the election of officers will take place at this meeting a large number is expected to attend.
Christmas tree exercises were held in St. Catherine’s church on Friday evening, and in the Sargent school on Friday afternoon.
Charles McLenna, who has been employed with the H. V. Hildreth Granite Company as engineer, has recently accepted a position as engineer of a large power plant in Peabody, where his brother Frank is foreman. Mr. McLenna left here a few days ago, and his wife will join him shortly after Christmas.
The members of the M.E. church choir are to follow the old English custom this year and in the early hours of Christmas morning will sing carols and other appropriate music at some of the houses in this village, so don’t be surprised if they give you a call.
The Sargent school closed here on Friday, after the Christmas tree exercises, to remain closed for two weeks, the usual Christmas vacation.
Business in the quarries has been practically suspended for the season, although good weather has prevailed at times, and some of the work continues. The different firms are about ready to stop at any time.
The trolley cars have been crowded during this week, many people from this village going to Lowell and Ayer for their Christmas shopping.
Christmas Services. Special Christmas services will be held in the M.E. church here on Sunday [December 24], both morning and evening. Following is the program for the day:
Sunday morning: The choir, under the direction of Henry Smith, will render two anthems, “Christmas awake!” and “The nativity.” The pastor’s theme will be “The christian’s holy days.”
Sunday evening: Christmas vesper service, anthem, “Blessed is the people,” choir; invocation, pastor; “It came upon the midnight clear,” ladies’ quartet; reading, “The angels’ message”; anthem, “In the fields with their flocks abiding,” choir; duet, “The holy birth”; the pastor’s talk, “The song of the people”; “As with gladness men of old,” male quartet; anthem, “How beautiful upon the mountain,” choir; benediction. The morning service will begin at 10:45, and the vesper service at 7:30 in the evening.
The Christmas tree exercises at the M.E. church will begin at 7:30 o’clock on this Saturday evening.
Groton
Funeral. The funeral services of Mrs. Betsey (Tufts), widow of George Dalrymple, were held from the Baptist church on Wednesday afternoon, Rev. H. A. Cornell officiating. Besides the usual scripture reading and prayer, Mr. Cornell read from “The eternal goodness” under the disguise of buying farm produce and possibly looking the lay of the barn over.
Most of the horses stolen a year ago were traced in the direction of Billerica.
Fortnightly Club Meeting. The Fortnightly club has all the qualities that belong to the best and observed Christmas with all the enthusiasm of larger gatherings with tree, presents and literary exercises Friday evening, December 22. The following program was entertainingly carried out: Reading, Ralph Farnham; recitation, Anna and Clarence Wyman; reading, Mrs. Walter Wyman; recitation, Anna Wyman; song, Mrs. Arthur Blodgett; readings, Mrs. Edwin Gould, Charles Blodgett, Horace Gould, Miss Lillian Wright; song, Mrs. Arthur Blodgett; reading, Edwin Gould. As a disguised Santa Claus, Charles Blodgett brought forth all the mirth in old and young, as he chatted with them distributing the presents.
The Fortnightly club has done much for the literary and social life of North Westford. It has developed a willingness on the part of the individual to contribute to the extent of its talents towards the entertainment of the club.
Christmas Tree Exercises. Christmas tree exercises were held in the vestry of the Unitarian church on Saturday evening. An interesting program and an interested audience made the evening one of cheer. The program was mostly tableau and music. An exceptionally good number was “The snow man.” Rev. Lyman B. Weeks read “The night before Christmas”; piano duet, Miss Julia Fletcher and Miss Hazel Hartford; tableau, “Pyramid of roses”; song, “Holy city,” Morton Seavey; recitation, Gordon Seavey; song, Anna Sears; tableau, “Choir singers”; recitation, “Snow man,” Oscar Sears. Harold Hildreth impersonated Santa Claus with the usual good will remembrances. The evening was up to the character of the Old First Parish church.
Forge Village. Christmas day this year was certainly a prize weather day. It seemed as if spring had awakened to help rejoice and had come on wings to bring a better feeling of “Peace on earth, good will to men” [Luke 2:14] to mankind. One of the residents of the town stated that for eighteen or twenty years such a warm, spring-like day had not been known on December 25. Some of the visitors formed a ball team and played a most interesting game of baseball on the diamond in Cameron park and [it] was thoroughly enjoyed by all, players and witnesses alike. Many of the players were seen in shirt sleeves and hatless, the heat from the sun was so great.
The mills of the Abbot Worsted Company resumed operation on Tuesday morning after the holiday.
Cameron school is closed for the two-weeks’ vacation.
Mrs. George [Jessie Catherine] Weaver, of North Littleton, is visiting at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Wilson.
The feast of Christmas was very appropriately observed at St. Andrew’s mission this year. At 9:30 o’clock on Monday morning communion services were held, after which the Christmas service was sung. The pastor, Rev. A. L. Bumpus, officiated and preached a very appropriate sermon on the day. The church interior was decorated with laurel, evergreen and holly, and many fragrant flowers helped to make it very attractive. The singing was by the vested choir. On Sunday services will be held at 4:30 p.m. Sunday school at 3:30 p.m.
Many from this village attended the Christmas services held at St. Catherine’s church, West Graniteville, on Christmas night.
Christmas. Family reunions were held in many of the homes, while others left the village to enjoy the holiday afar. As is the usual custom, Christmas was ushered in by the singing of carols at midnight. Mr. and Mrs. William Burnett, following their custom of many years, held a reunion at their home on pleasant street. The following children and grandchildren were present: Mrs. George [Annie Margaret] Wyman and daughter Mabel, of Camden, N.J.; Mr. and Mrs. [Laura] John Jones and daughter Ethel, of Worcester; Mr. and Mrs. Albert Jones of Worcester; Mr. and Mrs. [Polly] Ernest Longbottom and son William, of Arlington Heights; Mr. and Mrs. John E. Burnett, of this village; Mr. and Mrs. Chester Blodgett, of Groton.
Robert McArdell, of Manchester, N.H., was the guest of his daughter, Mrs. John E. [Ellen] Burnett, over the holiday; Mr. and Mrs. William Blodgett, of Groton, spent the day with Mr. and Mrs. James Whigham, of Orchard street; Edwin Cherry, of New York, was the guest on Monday of his sisters, Rachael, May and Annie Cherry, and grandmother, Mrs. M. A. Lowther, of Bradford street; Miss Alice L. Prescott, of Andover, is at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Prescott, for the holidays; Mr. and Mrs. John Paquette [nee Evaline M. Leclerec] and family, of Nashua, N.H., visited at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Felix Leclerc [her parents]; Misses Agnes and Mary Moran, of Lowell, spent the day as guests of Miss Sadie Smith.
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Hanley entertained Mr. and Mrs. John Hanley and family, of Marlboro, and Mr. and Mrs. D. Downey [nee Elizabeth A. Hanley] and family, of Marlboro; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Tyler [nee Alice E. Weaver] and children, of Worcester, visited with her mother, Mrs. William Weaver, Mrs. Weaver being confined to her home by illness; Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Parrot had Mr. and Mrs. Fred Proseucher and Elwyn Twiss, of North Adams, at dinner; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Rose and family, of Belmont, spent the day with Mrs. Elizabeth Splain; Mr. and Mrs. Edw. Hyde [nee Eva Josephine Leclerc] and baby [Evelyn], of Ayer, spent the day with [her parents] Mr. and Mrs. Felix Leclerc.
Graniteville. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Saunders and daughter Doris, of Nashua, N.H., were Christmas guests of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Wall.
Mrs. Catherine Sullivan, with her son and daughter, spent Christmas with relatives in Saxonville.
Christmas Exercises. The regular program of Christmas tree exercises was held in the Sargent school here as announced, but on last week Friday afternoon the different teachers gave their scholars a little treat, and in return the children presented some little gifts to their teacher. The whole affair, through very informal, proved to be very enjoyable to all, and judging from the smiling faces of the teachers and the laughter of the children, it was difficult to distinguish who was really getting the most enjoyment out of it. Suffice to say, that all had a merry time.
Largely Attended. The members of Court Graniteville, F. of A., held a largely attended and interesting meeting in their rooms last week Thursday night. Much business of importance was transacted and under the head of new business the following officers were duly elected for the ensuing year:
F. G. Sullivan, c.r.; M. Edward Riney, s.c.r.; P. Henry Harrington, treas.; John Spinner, fin. sec.; Albert R. Wall, rec. sec.; Charles E. Dudevoir, s.w.; Edward Defoe, j.w.; Edward Spinner, s.b.; William Buckingham, j.b.; Thomas E. Denio, trus.; John Boyd, lec.; Dr. W. H. Sherman, of Graniteville, phy.
The next meeting of the court, that will be held in two weeks, promises to be a very busy affair. The meeting will open one-half an hour earlier than usual, owing to the fact that there is to be the installation of officers, followed by a class initiation, in which the degree team of the local court will have charge, and at the close of the meeting a smoke talk and entertainment will be given. About twenty-five candidates will be initiated on the next meeting night, and the degree team is now busy rehearsing for the event.
Christmas Tree Exercises. The usual Christmas tree exercises were held in St. Catherine’s church last week Friday evening, and in spite of the inclement weather, a large number were present. This affair was given under the direction of the Sunday school teachers, and great praise is due to them for their untiring efforts in carrying everything out so successfully. The committee were aided in a great measure by the generosity of the Abbot Worsted Company, who sent a substantial check to buy gifts for the children. This kindly act was greatly appreciated by all. Miss Catherine Conley had general charge of the affair, assisted by Miss Fannie McCarthy, Miss Hattie O’Brien, Miss Rebecca LeDuc and the other Sunday school teachers. Joe Wall made an ideal Santa Claus, and on his appearance received a warm greeting from the children.
It certainly was a great night for the children, and they enjoyed themselves immensely. Owing to illness, the pastor, Rev. E. T. Schofield, was represented by his curate, Rev. M. E. Doherty, who extended the season’s greetings, thanking all in Rev. Schofield’s name for the fine entertainment provided, and the Sunday school teachers in particular for their patience and zeal in preparing the children for the happy event. Rev. Mr. Doherty also gave a very instructive talk on “The birth of the Savior,” and gave a clear, concise explanation of the true meaning of Christmas.
Death. Mrs. Bridget Healy, widow of the late James Healy, died early Christmas morning on the eighty-second anniversary of her birth. Mrs. Healy had been ill for several years, all of which she bore with great patience and Christian fortitude until the end came, peacefully and quietly at the home of her son, H. J. Healy. Her death had been expected and all her children were at her bedside when the dread summons came. She leaves to mourn her loss five sons and two daughters—John A., Peter, William J., Anthony and H. J. Healy, of this village, Mrs. Lena Carroll, of Lowell, and Miss Mary A. Healy, of this village, as well as several grandchildren.
Mrs. Healy was one of the oldest residents of this village, and her death removes one more of that old familiar group, who were prominent in the affairs of the village a quarter of a century ago.
Fittingly Observed. Christmas day was fittingly observed in St. Catherine’s church here, where two masses were celebrated by Rev. M. E. Doherty, both of which were largely attended. At 10:30 a high mass was sung by Rev. M. E. Doherty, the choir under the direction of Miss Mary F. Hanley singing for the first time Blasel’s mass, the solos being sustained by Miss Mary Gardner and Miss Rebecca LeDuc. The mass was preceded by the processional, “Angels we have heard,” with solo by Miss Sadie Smith, and chorus by the choir. At the offertory, “Adeste fideles” was given with solos by R. J. McCarthy and Miss Smith. At the recessional, “Glory to God” was given with solo by Miss Rebecca LeDuc, chorus by the choir. The singing was unusually good, both in the solos and the chorus work.
Rev. M. E. Doherty delivered an eloquent sermon appropriate to the day. The altar was beautifully arranged with flowers and presented a very pleasing sight. The crib representing “The nativity,” was also tastefully arranged. In the evening benediction was given.
A Fine Program. The usual Christmas tree exercises for the children of the M.E. church was held in the church vestry on last Saturday evening, commencing at 7:30 o’clock. An unusually fine program had been prepared and all did finely in their respective parts. Alvin Nelson had general charge of the program and also represented Santa Claus in a very able manner. The interior of the church was beautifully decorated for the occasion, and the large Christmas tree tastefully arranged with presents of all kinds, added greatly to the beauty of the scene. The whole affair was very enjoyable and the following committees contributed toward the success of the affair:
Procuring tree and evergreens—Albert Day, Albert Blanchard, Harold Hanning. Staging—Vernon Fletcher, Willie Gilson, Willie Caunter, Will DeRoehn, George Wilson. Decorations—Lillie Mattson, Engla Mattson, Lizzie Turner, Alice May Gilson, Mildred Lorman, Mattie Blanchard, Bertha Wilson, Adeline Holland, Martha Lorman, Nettie Hanning.