The Westford Wardsman, December, 1915
Saturday, December 4, 1915
Center. J. Herbert Fletcher had a narrow escape from what might have been serious injury while on his regular grocery route last week Friday. His horse took fright while on Cummings hill, when something went wrong with the harness, and ran, throwing him out giving him a bad shaking-up. He also was cut about the forehead, requiring the care of a physician.
Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Whitney entertained an after Thanksgiving group of kinspeople Sunday at their home, that being the day that all of the group could be together. Those who enjoyed their pleasant hospitality were Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Jennison, Mr. and Mrs. Persis Varnum and Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Jennison, all of Lowell.
Bert Walker’s many friends have been genuinely sorry to hear of his set back at the Lowell General hospital this week. Early in the week he suffered much pain and inflammation and gathering of pus necessitated another operation on Tuesday, this operation being differently located from the first. He is reported resting as comfortably as can be expected and his anxious family, especially his wife and his mother, have the sincere sympathy of the entire community.
The Misses Flanders on Boston road are having their pleasant cottage house repainted.
At the Sunday evening service Principal Roudenbush was the speaker of the evening and gave a most interesting account of the life and work of Booker T. Washington.
Lowell’s “Dollar day,” under the auspices of the Lowell Board of Trade, attracted a good number of Westford people and incidentally was a help to our local electric car.
At the Unitarian food sale on Monday afternoon the financial result was fifty-six dollars.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. Wright entertained a family group of seventeen at their home in Lowell on Sunday. Mr. Wright’s work on the electric cars made him busy Thanksgiving day and Frank C. Wright, while he did not cover his R.F.D. route in Westford that day, he attended to his usual mail sorting, so Sunday was planned for the reunion. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Wright, Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Miller, Everett and Charles Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Willard T. Millis and two children, Mr. and Mrs. Sydney W. Wright and child, which with the host and hostess and their family made seventeen.
The sale and entertainment under the auspices of the Tadmuck club takes place next week Friday afternoon and evening in the town hall. There will be sales tables for fancy articles, aprons, candy and also a Japanese booth. Mrs. Nettie E. Roberts will sing. In the evening a lively three-act comedy, which includes some of the club’s best dramatic talent, will be given. The play which is entitled “The farmerette,” includes Miss May Balch, Miss Grant, Miss Osborn, Mrs. Perley Wright, Mrs. Adrith Feeney and Mrs. Harold Hildreth in its cast. Admission in the afternoon free; in the evening twenty-five cents. [“The Farmerette, A Play in Three Acts” was written by Evelyn Gray Whiting and published in Boston in 1914 by Walter H. Baker & Co.]
While L. W. Wheeler was doing some grading this week at the west of his house [66 Main St.] he found a copper coin of the time of George II of England [who reigned from 1727 to 1760]. The coin is fully 150 years old.
Tadmuck Club. The regular meeting of the Tadmuck club took place Tuesday afternoon at the Congregational vestry. The president, Mrs. H. V. Hildreth, gave an interesting report of the fall meeting of the State Federation of Woman’s clubs which she attended at Beverly earlier in the month. Loving memory was paid to the memory of Mrs. Lizzie A. Hamlin, passed on since the last meeting. The club welcomes three new members Mrs. A. E. Loveless, Mrs. Marcia L. Park and Mrs. Laura P. Jordan. The afternoon’s program was in charge of Mrs. J. E. Knight, who provided a most entertaining one. Mrs. Mary Baillie Bartlett gave an afternoon of author recitals, having largely composed her own selections, which lent much individuality. Her impersonations of childhood and “Nearly a customer” were especially enjoyed. Mrs. Charles D. Colburn sang a delightful solo and Mrs. Wright and Miss Julia Fletcher rounded out the program with skillful piano duets. Club tea was served and a social hour enjoyed.
About Town. The Prairie Farm, Amos Polley, manager, finished haying first crop on Friday, November 26.
The Read farm, Drew ownership and manager, has just finished setting out a large acreage of trees on the rocky land on the westerly slope of Francis hill, and easterly side of Stony Brook road, between the residence of Miss Haley and the Read farm [164 Main St.].
Capt. Wilson, of Carlisle, was in town last Saturday, visiting Daniel H. Sheehan in the interest of sawing lumber, and as a result Daniel will be there.
For various reasons the farmers’ institute has been postponed until the third week in December. Howard W. Foster telephoned your correspondent that he was unable to secure speakers before then, print and hoist posters. By the present understanding it will be December 14 and 15. The ladies of the Congregational church will deliver the dinner and the Middlesex Training school band will deliver the entertainment.
The postponed farmers’ institute is only a distant relative of the Agricultural Extension school which meets in Westford January 17-21, and over which can never be written “postponed.” It is a rare, new occasion, so new that it has never been here during the nearly 200 years of town history. Get into the procession that is headed Center-ward; get better acquainted; it is an event you should attend.
Quincy W. Day, engineer at the state hospital in Tewksbury, who was taken ill on election day in Westford, recovered sufficiently to resume his duties as engineer, but word comes of a serious relapse. The nature of the trouble is not quite clear, or has not reached the open.
Dr. and Mrs. Charles Dutton, of Wakefield, formerly of Tyngsboro, while on their way home from Acton, his native town, made a very pleasant friendly call on the Greig farm folks, who have been close friends for many years. For several terms the doctor taught the old Stony Brook school when your correspondent was a scholar there.
The monthly meeting of the W.C.T.U. gathered at the home of Mrs. J. Henry Colburn on Wednesday afternoon. The president, Mrs. Janet Wright, presided. Mrs. David Wallace conducted the devotional exercises with special sympathy for Albert Walker at the hospital, whose wife and mother are member of the W.C.T.U. It was voted to send a box of Christmas presents to the Frances Willard home. Plans were discussed for a speaking contest after Christmas and new year have passed.
Fred G. McGregor, of Lowell, a well-known figure in Westford and other towns, died in Worcester on November 27, aged sixty-four years. He leaves a widow and five children.
Charles E. Walker spent Thanksgiving at the home of his sister, Mrs. Clara Littlefield, in Fitchburg, just in time to read his own letter to avoid walking in lameness a distance of three miles, said letter having by the new rural mail layout several days to travel in. Oh where is the old-time stage coach? Won’t you come back and serve us?
Forge Village. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Eckells, of Lowell, are the happy parents of a little son, born to them last week Wednesday morning at the home of Mrs. Eckells’ sister, Mrs. Fred Naylor.
The many friends of Miss Helen Lord, of the nursing staff of the South Framingham hospital, [will be saddened to learn that she] is very ill at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Lord.
A son [Edward Matuck] was recently born [Nov. 21, 1915] to Mr. and Mrs. Michael Matuk [of Russia].
The little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Seduk [Sudak?] received an injury to her arm on last Saturday, necessitating a physician’s care.
Mr. and Mrs. Archie Whigham, of Barre, were guests over the holiday of Mr. and Mrs. William Hunt.
Thanksgiving day was very quietly observed here. In many homes family gatherings were held. A number attended the theatre performances in Lowell in the afternoon.
The mills of Abbot & Company reopened on Monday morning after being shut down for four days.
Mr. and Mrs. George Cougle have moved into the boarding house on Bradford street and will continue the management of same. Mr. Cougle is still confined to his bed by illness.
Mr. and Mrs. Fennimore Morton, together with their daughters, Nellie and Mary; also, Lawrence Taylor, of Westford, attended the funeral of their relative [brother-in-law], William French, held in Nashua, N.H., on Thanksgiving day.
Weddings. The home of Mrs. Margaret Wilson, of Pleasant street [Forge Village], was the scene of a very pretty wedding on last week Wednesday evening, when her youngest daughter, Bertha Leland, was joined in the holy bonds of matrimony to Nathaniel R. Whitney, son of Mr. and Mrs. Julian Whitney, of Westford. The house was very prettily decorated for the occasion. In the parlor where the ceremony was performed, evergreens and white chrysanthemums formed the decorations. The hall was tastefully trimmed with evergreen and pinks.
At 7:30 o’clock, to the strains of Lohengrin’s wedding march, played by A. R. Carr and George Wilson, the bridal party entered the parlor and stood beneath an arch of evergreen and chrysanthemums. Rev. C. C. Hiller, of the M.E. church of Boston, performed the ceremony, assisted by Rev. Lorenzo [Alonzo] Fite, pastor of the Graniteville M.E. church, of which the bride is a member.
The bride wore a gown of white satin with lace trimmings and carried bride roses. She also wore a veil caught with lilies-of-the-valley. The bridesmaid was Miss Kathleen M. Wilson, sister of the bride. She was dressed in lemon chiffon and carried yellow chrysanthemums. The bridegroom’s brother, Arthur Whitney, acted as best man. The bride was given away by her mother, Mrs. Margaret Wilson, who wore black silk.
Immediately following the ceremony a reception was held at which a large number of relatives and friends of the happy couple attended. At the conclusion of the reception an informal buffet luncheon was served. The young ladies who assisted in serving were Misses Stella Shattuck, Madeline Holland, Rita Smith, Alice M. Gilson, Mattie Blanchard, Henrietta Lake and Elizabeth Turner.
During the evening a most pleasing program was carried out, which was very much enjoyed, including duets by Misses Alice M. Gilson, Madeline Holland, Mattie and Albert Blanchard; song, Stephen Gardell; violin solo, A. G. Carr; mandolin solo, Mrs. John E. Burnett; piano, George Wilson. At nine o’clock the happy couple left in an auto amid showers of confetti and rice for a brief honeymoon, after which they will be at home to their many friends in their newly-furnished home in Westford after December first.
The bride’s traveling suit was of blue chiffon broadcloth, with blue hat trimmed with white plume.
The gifts from the bridegroom to the best man was gold cuff links, while the bridesmaid and ushers received pearl and rose beads. William Wall and the Misses Abbie M. Blaisdell and Stella Whitney acted as ushers.
Mr. and Mrs. Whitney received a large number of valuable presents.
Guests were present from Lowell, Boston, Chicago, Wamesit, Nashua, Graniteville, Westford and Littleton.
Miss Emily Hartley, a well-known and popular young lady of this village, was very quietly married on last week Wednesday afternoon to Eugene Connell, of Westford. The ceremony was performed at the rectory of St. John’s church, North Chelmsford, the pastor, Rev. Edmund T. Schofield, officiating. The bride wore a blue travelling suit with hat to match, and was attended by Miss Catherine Connell, a sister of the groom. Clarence Brown was best man. After the ceremony a wedding luncheon was held at the home of the bride’s aunt, Mrs. Jane Dare, of this village at which only the immediate families were present. At six o’clock a wedding supper was held at the home of the bridegroom’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Connell, Beaver Brook road.
Mr. and Mrs. Connell left for a short honeymoon to be spent in Andover, and upon their return will live for a short time at the home of Mrs. Jane Dare. The young people are well and favorably known and start in their new life with the best wishes of a wide circle of friends.
John Cavanaugh and Miss Ellen Cavanaugh, both well-known and highly esteemed young people of this village, were married on Wednesday morning at nine o’clock at St. Catherine’s church, Graniteville, at a nuptial mass at which Rev. Edmund T. Schofield officiated. The bride wore a becoming suit of brown with picture hat to match. She was attended by the bridegroom’s sister, Miss Margaret Cavanaugh, who also wore brown with black picture hat. Joseph Thompson was best man. The choir under the direction of Miss Mary F. Hanley, sang appropriate selections during the service. Immediately after the ceremony a wedding breakfast was served at the home of the bride’s relatives, Mr. and Mrs. John Davis. At four o’clock a reception was held at the bridegroom’s father’s, William Cavanaugh, Pond street, at which a large number of the friends of the young couple attended. The happy couple received many valuable and useful presents.
After a brief wedding journey Mr. and Mrs. Cavanaugh will be at home to their many friends in their newly-furnished home on Central street.
Graniteville. Edgar Nutting has recently returned from an extensive visit with friends in New Hampshire and Rhode Island.
Miss Fay Anthony, of Marblehead, has been a recent guest of Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Dudevoir.
Sunday was an ideal day and judging from the many people who were out enjoying the fine weather one would imagine it was September, instead of the last of November.
Mrs. Theresa Marchione, of Passaic, N.J., is spending a few days visiting relatives here.
The mills of the Abbot Worsted Company started up at the usual time on Monday morning after a shutdown of four days.
The sessions in the Sargent school were resumed on Monday morning after the brief Thanksgiving vacation.
F. G. Sullivan, who has been clerk at H. J. Healy’s store for the past six years, severed his connection with the above-named firm on last Saturday.
Work on the new baseball field is progressing, and aside from the other jobs being done the diamond is all laid out in regulation form, and a new road is being made for the entrance to the park. The baseball ground proper is being made along the lines followed by the owners of Braves’s field and other big up-to-date parks throughout the country. It is plenty large enough for all purposes and no ground rules will be necessary, for the batter can “hit it a mile” if he is able, and the fielders will have every opportunity to play for his man on a clear, unobstructed field. Of course, there is a great deal more work to do on the grounds before they are finished, but the men will keep steadily at it as long as the weather is good, and the work will be continued on the first opportunity in the spring. Yes, Graniteville will certainly have some ball park here later on.
Saturday, December 11, 1915
Center. While George Kimball was bringing the school children to school Wednesday morning the horses became confused and frightened by the electric car and an auto of the Lowell Telephone Company approaching at the same time near the academy. The horses backed down across the crossing and snapped the pole to the wagon putting it out of commission for the time being. Fortunately no one was injured in any way. The telephone men were busy cutting away one of the maple shade trees that was in poor condition.
At the meeting of the Tadmuck club next Tuesday afternoon at Library hall, “Book reviews” will be the program for the afternoon which promises much in the capable hands of Miss Sarah W. Loker and Mrs. Helen K. Frost. There will be a social tea in charge of Mrs. A. H. Sutherland.
The new arrangement for the music at the Congregational church has got a good start these last two Sundays with Miss Hazel Hartford at the organ and Mrs. Charles H. Wright leading the choir. The choir rehearsals are held on Saturday evenings at 7:30 o’clock. At the morning service last Sunday Mr. Wallace gave an excellent address on “The supreme book.” At the close of the service the communion service was held and three new members were added to the church, one by letter and two on confession of faith. In the evening a lecture was given by the pastor on “Everyday life in Japan,” with seventy beautiful colored views illustrated with the church stereopticon. Some of the pictures were very beautiful, especially those portraying the natural beauties of Japan. There was a large attendance present.
The Congregational vestry, supplied with parlor games of various kinds, is open every Friday evening from 7:30 to 9:30, under the supervision of the pastor.
Ai Bicknell, who with Mrs. Bicknell, is spending the winter with their married daughter in South Royalston, was in town last week.
Mrs. Ivan L. Kenney and Miss Laura Lumbert have been visitors this week at Mrs. Lillian Lumbert’s.
H. Bert Walker’s many friends are glad to hear that he is resting as comfortably at the Lowell General hospital as can be expected, considering what a very sick man he has been. If no new complications set in his convalescence is expected to make good progress.
Edson G. Boynton, of Medfield, was present at the meeting of the North Middlesex Pomona Grange last week Friday, for a short time greeting Westford friends.
George Whitney, who was so seriously injured recently in Lowell by falling into a sidewalk bulkhead, which had been carelessly left open and unguarded, is reported as doing as well as can be expected.
The music committee of the Tadmuck club wish to call attention of its members to the coming of Leo Ornstein, the young Russian pianist and composer, to Lowell Sunday afternoon, when at Colonial hall at 3:15 he will give a piano recital. While his program will include a few examples of the extreme modernists, it will consist largely of piano classics that have met the test of time and approval.
We note in a recent book review, one called “Heart of Europe,” by Ralph Adams Cram, the well-known architect and of interest to Westford people as being the son of a former minister of the Unitarian church. The review speaks of the book as follows: “This book is glowing lava. It is the product of an artist, a poet, an enthusiast, whose heart is broken by the vandalism of war. No one can read the book without a thrill of delight in its fine descriptions, its vivid enthusiasm, his enlightening explanations.”
We read in a recent Lowell daily of a description of the food in the terrible Andersonville prison in the great war of the rebellion which we quote in these days when war is so much in mind. The description is as follows: “This bread, of which there were not more than four mouthfuls, was a day’s rations for a prisoner in Andersonville during the civil war. It was brought home by Samuel Hutchins of the 39th Massachusetts Volunteers. The bread was made of corn cobs which even cows or horses will not eat, was speedily devoured by the starving men of the Andersonville stockade.” This is of interest because the Mr. Hutchins mentioned was the late Samuel Madison Hutchins [1842-1908] of Westford.
About Town. The Middlesex North Agricultural society will hold the first farmers’ institute of the season at the town hall on Wednesday, December 15. The address of the day will be given by Dr. George M. Twitchell, editor of the Maine Farmer, and one of the extensive and intensive farmers of the state. The morning subject will be “The man and the soil.” Dinner at noon by the ladies of the Congregational church. Music by the Middlesex Training School band of North Chelmsford. The following will be after-dinner speakers: Rev. David Wallace, Rev. Louis H. Buckshorn, Hon. Edward Fisher, Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher and others not yet listed. In the afternoon Dr. Twitchell will speak on “Wanted—a vision” Let the town wake up, farmers and all else and others and give the doctor a vision of the largest attendance to greet him—it will aid wonderfully in the impressiveness of the “vision.”
The T.I.A.R.F.O.M. club which interpreted reads “There is always room for one more,” will give a social reception in the vestry of the Unitarian church on Saturday evening, December 11, at eight o’clock. This, club of youthful hopes invites everybody to this opportune opportunity.
At the last meeting of the Grange the lecturer’s hour was in charge of Mrs. Clara Greig and Mrs. Jennie Hartford. They planned high aims, but owing to forgetfulness with some and break-down spectacles with others, everything did not reach the point planned for, but what did reach that point justified the push of the committee. At the next meeting, December 16, the lecturer’s program reads, “How far have we the right to make civic improvements and bind future generations to pay for the same?” Mrs. David Wallace, Arthur E. Day, W. J. Rafter, J. Herbert Fletcher. Christmas entertainment in charge of Mrs. Frank W. Bannister, for which the Grange voted five dollars’ worth of cash.
The old John Morrison place on the headwaters of Keyes’ pond, and recently owned by Horace E. Gould has been sold to James Pickings of Slab City, said city being a part of Chelmsford and Tyngsboro suburbs.
Forge Village. Miss Helen Lord, who is quarantined at her home with scarlet fever, is somewhat improved. Miss Lord recently graduated from the Framingham hospital as a trained nurse and had come home for her Thanksgiving vacation. She was taken ill during her visit here. Her many friends are hoping for a speedy recovery.
On Sunday services will be held at the mission chapel at 4:30 in the afternoon. A very interesting service is promised. A pleasing feature will be the singing of well-known hymns by the congregation, assisted by the vested choir. Holy communion will be administered.
The choir of St. Andrew’s church is receiving instruction in Christmas music under the direction of Miss Mary B. Raynes.
The Young People’s Social club held their regular meeting in Recreation hall on last Thursday evening. Miss Edith M. Foster had charge of the basketry work done.
John Gray, the well-known telegrapher, has been transferred to the Graniteville station.
The pupils from this village who are attending Westford academy are now being conveyed to and from school in the electric cars of the Lowell and Fitchburg Street Railway Company, through the courtesy of the school committee.
Mr. and Mrs. John Carmichael were guests Saturday and Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Alvah Bicknell of Somerville.
William Hosmer is now at the Boston General hospital, suffering from injuries received by being run into by an automobile while visiting in Boston last Saturday.
Graniteville. Miss Harriet Moran of Nashua, N.H., has been a recent visitor here.
At the regular meeting of Court Graniteville, F. of A., held on Thursday evening of last week, F. G. Sullivan, chief ranger, presided, and the meeting proved to be highly interesting. The question of appointing a nominating committee for the purpose of bringing in a list of candidates to be voted for at the next meeting was suggested at this time. The next meeting will be held December 23 for the election of officers.
The children of St. Catherine’s Sunday school have already begun rehearsals for the Christmas tree exercises that will be held in the church as usual this year. This work is being done under the supervision of Miss Catherine Conley and Miss Mary F. Hanley, assisted by the other members of the Sunday school teaching staff.
Miss Annie Herley, a graduate nurse of Concord, N.H., has been a recent visitor here.
The Ladies’ Aid society of the M.E. church met with Mrs. Turner on Thursday afternoon, when plans were formulated at this time for the coming sale and entertainment that will be held the third week in January.
The members of A. R. Choate hose company held its regular meeting in the fire house on last Monday night. Business of a routine order was transacted and at the close of the session a social hour was enjoyed. The members of the local fire company are greatly pleased with their cozy quarters in Fifth street and many of the men are present each evening for social intercourse.
During the cold weather of the past few days the mill pond has become covered with a heavy coating of ice, but it would be well to inform the small boy that the pond is not safe for skating yet and that he wants to be patient for awhile longer.
Miss Madeline McDonald of South Westford has been a recent guest of Miss Helen Furbush.
Ayer
District Court. Makan Talenejety and John Haldo, of Westford, were found not guilty of assault and battery last Saturday morning and they were discharged. The complaint against Steve Kowalk, of Westford, for the same offence was dismissed. The court proceedings were the aftermath of a row among the three above-named who are Poles and others of that nationality were indirectly concerned in the scrap. It required about all the forenoon session to get at the bottom of the trouble as the evidence in the case was decidedly conflicting. Judge Atwood was assisted in settling the controversy among the belligerents by Counsel John M. Maloney and George L. Wilson, both of Ayer, and by two interpreters.
Saturday, December 18, 1915
Center. The Julian A. Camerons have recently returned from an extended trip to Panama.
Mrs. George Jenkins has been a recent guest of Mrs. Alma M. Richardson.
H. Bert Walker’s many friends are glad to hear that he may be able to return home the last of this week after his five-weeks’ stay at the Lowell General hospital.
Word has been received by the Westford friends from the Misses Atwood, spending the winter months in Florida. They went first to Jacksonville and then to Tampa, where they are very pleasantly located.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Wright, Mrs. S. B. Wright and A. H. Sutherland are those reported in attendance at the annual sessions of the State Grange in Springfield during this week.
Harry Ericson, who has worked for Charles H. Wright for the past two years, goes to his home for Christmas and after that does not expect to return to Westford, but goes to Amherst to take one of the winter ten-weeks’ courses at the agricultural college.
The homes of Miss Nellie Fletcher [at 62] Main street and the Misses [Alma E. and Anstrice G.] Flanders on Boston road are the most recent in the village to have electric lights installed.
The first hard storm of the season came Monday night and Tuesday morning and made its usual quota of discomforts and inconvenience. The heavy rain, turning to snow, made bad work on the electric car rails and not until Road Master McDonald and his four-horse scraper had been over the route was any schedule time made. The telephone poles along the Stony Brook railroad were down in several places and the early morning train from Ayer did not get through until afternoon. The early train from Lowell went as far as Forge Village and returned at 8:30. This made the mails all late, there being no Boston mail until afternoon. After the storm had cleared the result was good sleighing and as the wet snow clung to trees, fences and buildings, and then froze, it presented some unusually beautiful winter landscapes.
The town hall presents a most inviting appearance under the capable management of Mr. Pickering. He has especially been instrumental in securing some changes and improvements in the kitchen, placing metal under and at the back and side of the range. Another fine precaution against fire is a metal chute going to the cellar for paper and other rubbish. A large and more efficient sink and drainboards are to be installed.
The regular meeting of the Tadmuck club took place on Tuesday afternoon at the Unitarian church parlors. “Book reviews” was the subject of the afternoon. Miss Sarah W. Loker gave a delightful half-hour with “North of Boston,” a book of poems by Robert Frost, whose works have recently come into prominence. [“North of Boston” was published in 1914. Its two best known poems are “Mending Wall” and “The Death of the Hired Man.”]
Successful Affair. The Christmas bazaar and entertainment under the auspices of the Tadmuck club, which took place at the town hall last week Friday afternoon and evening, proved very much of a success, all of the tables doing a good business. The play in the evening, “The farmerette,” a sprightly three-act comedy, was presented by the best dramatic talent of the club. The play was free from many of the artificialities of many dramas chosen for amateurs and was acted to the life by the participants. Costumes, stage, setting and acting needed to be seen to be appreciated. Those who took the parts were Miss Mabel Osborne, Miss E. Marguerite Young, Mrs. John Feeney, Jr., Mrs. Perley E. Wright, Mrs. Harold W. Hildreth, Miss Martha L. Grant and Miss Mary G. Balch.
The following were the committees in charge: Mrs. W. J. Merritt, Mrs. Clarence Hildreth, Mrs. William R. Taylor, candy; Mrs. William C. Roudenbush, Mrs. S. B. Watson, Japanese art table; Mrs. D. L. Greig, Mrs. S. L. Taylor, Miss Eva Fletcher, food; Mrs. A. W. Hartford, Mrs. William E. Wright, Mrs. Henry Fletcher, aprons; Mrs. H. V. Hildreth, Mrs. William R. Carver, Mrs. L. W. Wheeler, Mrs. J. A. Prescott, Mrs. Crocker, Mrs. Anthony Anderson, fancy table; Mrs. O. R. Spalding, Mrs. L. H. Buckshorn, children’s table. To the untiring efforts of the club’s efficient president belongs much of the credit of the affair. A good sum was realized for the club treasury.
Mrs. Frost gave a powerful resume of “The priest,” read in clear style by Miss Clara Smith. At the close of the program social tea was served with Mrs. A. H. Sutherland as hostess. The next meeting, December 28, will be in charge of the ushers[?].
For some alleviation of the Christmas rush at the postoffice next week patrons are asked to mail their packages early, to address them plainly and to put the sender’s name thereon. It’s bound to be a hard week for the postoffice people and a little thoughtful cooperation may go a long way.
Farmers’ Institute. The first institute of the season of the Middlesex North Agricultural society was held at the town hall on Wednesday. The address of the morning by Dr. George M. Twitchell, of Maine, on “Farm problems,” while of a somewhat general nature, was exceedingly worth while and full of valuable suggestions for the farmer. Some of his point were as follows:
He called attention to the large amounts expended by New England farmers for products that might be raised here, mentioning especially horses and pork. He praised the optimism of farmers, saying he heard no complaining in spite of particularly adverse weather conditions the last two years. Chemicals alone are not sufficient for fertilizer; green manures of animal refuse to supply humus are essential. He claimed that some kind of live stock is necessary to keep up interest of the farmer. Increase yield per acre, rather than cultivate more acres. Find the crop and the variety of that crop adapted to your land. He told of a man who raised good crops of Irish Cobbler potatoes and a near neighbor could not get a third as many per acre. Annual change of seed he claimed showed failure of the man rather than of the plant, and gave instances where successful work is in progress on farms where no change of seed has occurred with crops mentioned for many years, even for more than a hundred years in one instance.
He told of the limitless opportunity before the farmer in the many unsolved problems in crop production. The farmer must be a thinker; he must be more of a man than in former times. Mentioning the shortage of potash he said he wouldn’t care if we couldn’t get potash for ten years, as then farmers would be driven back to animal industry, the basis of farming, and a feature necessary for enduring interest in agriculture.
At noon-time a most excellent dinner was served by the ladies of the Union Congregational church. Music was furnished during the dinner and afterwards by the band of the Middlesex Training school at North Chelmsford. After dinner Miss Helen Osborne, of Lowell, entertained with readings. Howard Foster, of Tewksbury, chairman of institutes, introduced as after-dinner speakers, Rev. L. H. Buckshorn, Frank Hill, superintendent of schools, S. L. Taylor and Rev. David Wallace.
The afternoon address by the speaker of the morning was “Wanted—a vision,” and was a strong appeal on a high plane for an ideal in each man to fill him with a purpose in life.
About Town. At the last meeting of the Middlesex North Agricultural society a committee was chosen to investigate and report on new features for the society. The committee reported that the society hold a fair of two days in every town in Middlesex North in 1916, that premiums be offered for the best town exhibits. This will bring the fair nigh too and in addition to the present premium list the committee report for the best acre of field corn, best half-acre of popcorn and sweet corn, best acre of grass, best acre of apple trees under five years of age, best lawn, farm and buildings. The committee chosen were Edward F. Dickinson of Billerica, Arthur W. Colburn of Dracut, Samuel L. Taylor of Westford.
Mrs. Martha Church Conger, of Governor, N.Y., was a recent visitor at the Old Oaken Bucket farm.
Midst the snow, the rain and the blow on Monday night the large, old-fashioned chimney at the Capt. Peletiah Fletcher house, now occupied by the C. R. P. Decatur family, started up a burning out scene scare. The Westford fire company was summoned and the Stony Brook water artillery. After a liberal use of antidotes and some cool head calculations with heat the mental “all out” signal was sounded. This house will soon reach two centuries and forty years as a dwelling.
The Unitarian Sunday school will give a Christmas entertainment at the church on Friday evening, December 24.
Now that the recent farmer’s institute has set the thought waves to flapping sail, let us see to it that they keep up flapping and sailing right into the Agricultural Extension school that opens for brain business in its relation to farm life at the Westford town hall, January 17-21. Here is a chance to have the Massachusetts Agricultural college wheeled to your door. It will do everyone good to open the door and listen to a new voice as it points out some new phases of farming and farm life higher up than our brains ever yet roosted. Some new roots will be to our advantage.
Forge Village. Mrs. Joseph Leclerc and two children left Friday evening for Canada, where they will spend the Christmas holidays with relatives. They were accompanied by Mrs. Peter Martin, who will spend Christmas and new year as the guest of her parents in Three Rivers.
The Young People’s Social club held their regular meeting in Recreation hall on Thursday evening. Lesson on cookery by Miss Sleeper, of Lowell, was the evening’s work.
On Saturday evening the annual Christmas tree exercises will be held at St. Andrew’s mission. Santa Claus will arrive at 7:45 and will present gifts to the children who have been faithful all the year. Rev. Williston M. Ford will show some fine views on the Balopticon, preceding the arrival of Santa Claus. Sunday evening prayer will be held at 4:30. The sermon will be on the parable of the unjust steward [Luke 16:1-13].
On next Wednesday evening the Young People’s Social club will hold their regular meeting. Mrs. Sturgis, of Groton, will have charge.
Cameron school closed on Friday for the annual Christmas vacation, and will reopen on January 3.
The students of Westford academy will have their vacation from December 27 to January 3.
Six inches of snow fell as a result of the storm, of Monday night, one of the most severe that has visited this section for several years. The trains were all late, many telephone wires on the Stony Brook branch of the Boston and Maine railroad were reported to have been down. The electric car traffic suffered also. The Boston mail was not received here until two in the afternoon.
On next Friday evening, it being Christmas eve, carols will be sung in the village streets by the children of St. Andrew’s mission, beginning at 8:30 o’clock.
There will be two services at St. Andrew’s mission on Christmas day. Holy communion will be administered at the morning service at 8:30. At 4:30 in the afternoon the children’s carol service will be held.
The most successful dancing party held here in many months took place in Abbot hall on last week Friday evening under the direction of the local soccer football club. A large number of young folks were present and enjoyed dancing to the music of the Crescent orchestra of North Chelmsford. Refreshments were served during intermission and were in charge of the Misses Elizabeth and Mary Kelley, Sarah May and Mrs. Eugene Connell. The following young men were responsible for the success of the affair: James Kelley, Francis Sullivan, James and John McNiff, James and William Mulligan. Twenty-six dollars were turned into the treasury.
Graniteville. The boys and girls have been skating on the Blacksmith pond for the past few days, and though small in area, it suits the purpose very well.
Thomas J. Healy, of Concord, visited here with his new Ford touring car last Sunday.
Many from here attended the social dance in Forge Village on last week Friday night and report a very enjoyable time.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Charlton have recently moved into their new house on River street.
Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Gilson and family are settled in the Carmichael house on Main street.
The Men’s bible class of the M.E. church held a baked-bean supper and entertainment in the church on Wednesday evening. A large number were present and a very good time was enjoyed by all.
One of the large pipes of the Westford Water Company burst on Broadway recently, but Supt. Sutherland, with his men, were soon on the scene and had the necessary repairs made in short order.
The members of Cameron Circle, C.F. of A., held a well-attended and interesting meeting in their rooms on Tuesday night. Business of importance was transacted and at the close of the session a very pleasant social hour was enjoyed.
The children of the Sargent school had a very pleasing form of Christmas tree exercises in the schoolroom on Friday afternoon, this being the last day before the Christmas vacation. The school will be closed for two weeks.
The snowstorm of last Monday was a good reminder that the winter is now with us.
Following the usual custom as in former years there will be Christmas trees in the different churches for the children, the exact date for these interesting events will be on Thursday and Friday nights of next week.
Saturday, December 25, 1915
About Town. Harry Saxon, whose home is at Whidden’s Corner, while trying to board a moving freight train in Gardner last week Wednesday evening, missed his foot and hand calculations, slipped his hold and the cars ran over both legs. Companions who were with him all succeeded in boarding the freight except one, who sounded the alarm and Saxon was rushed to the Burbank hospital in Fitchburg, where it was found necessary to amputate both legs below the knee. The prospects for recovery are encouraging. Mr. Saxon moved to Westford from Billerica about two years ago.
In the account printed last week of the address of Dr. Twitchell at the farmers’ institute, one item was overlooked in the splendidly written account which the doctor laid much emphasis upon: “The farmers should raise more corn for husking. I am raising 100 bushels of shelled corn per acre on chemicals alone, while the average in New England is only 40 bushels per acre.” There seemed to be an impression abroad that while the doctor owned a farm in Maine he did most of his farming at the Parker House, Boston. Emphatic nonsense. He is down into the grim soil with soiled hands which bore the trade marks of the farmer. Here is a man driven to the soil for health, got into it with both hands and some of his feet, specialized in corn as part of his farming and succeeded in raising 100 bushels of shelled corn per acre.
The Massachusetts Agricultural Extension school is coming January 17 and [will] stay with us four days. This extension school course has some great surprises in store for those who attend. Let us all get out into the open which this extension school invites us to do and make it a clearing house of opinions.
Miss Luanna B. Decatur is home for the holidays from her school in New Rochelle, N.Y. Pleasant memories greet her at the old Capt. Peletiah Fletcher ancient homestead on the Lowell road.
Grange. The Christmas entertainment at the last meeting of the Grange was in charge of Mrs. Banister. There was Christmas songs by Grace Robinson, Mrs. Wallace, John P. Wright and Charles Robie. It was a good and true name and chime. There was Christmas fiddling on the violin by Rev. David Wallace, which had the ring of ability to it, and called out an encore, but the encore did not arrive. A solo by Mrs. Ella May Wright was greatly appreciated. Everybody passed themselves around to some candy and the whole affair was sweet with the taste of good things.
The lecturer’s hour was in charge of Mrs. Josie Prescott, lecturer, and in harmony with her year of efficient work she arranged a discussion on the following question: “How far have we the right to make civic improvements and bind future generations to pay for the same?” Mrs. David Wallace and J. W. Rafter reasoned out the fundamentals of this question with two thoroughly prepared papers from which there was no attempt to reserve exceptions by those who followed, who were Rev. David Wallace and S. L. Taylor, each with a few thoughts. Mrs. Arvilla Wright gave an itemized account of the recent State Grange as seen from the balcony of unprejudiced opinion.
The first meeting in January will be devoted to the installation of officers, followed by lunch.
Graniteville. The members of Court Graniteville, F. of A., held a well-attended and interesting meeting in their rooms on Thursday night of last week with F. G. Sullivan, chief ranger, in the chair. Much business of importance was transacted and during the session the following officers were duly elected for the ensuing term: Edward Riney, c.r.; Charles A. Eaton, s.c.r.; P. Henry Harrington, treas.; John Spinner, fin. sec.; Albert R. Wall, rec. sec.; Anthony Piviralto, s.w.; Edward DeLorenzo, j.w.; Joseph Wall, trustee 3 yrs.; Dr. W. H. Sherman, physician. All of the above officers will be duly installed at the first meeting night in January.
The children of the Sargent school gave a fine program of Christmas exercises in the schoolrooms on Friday of last week, which marked the last day of school before the two-weeks’ Christmas vacation. The children were well drilled by the teachers and all did finely in their respective parts.
Excellent coasting and skating has been enjoyed here this week and both young and old have been taking advantage of the fine moonlight nights.
Miss Anna Denahy, of Groton, has been a recent guest of Mr. and Mrs. James B. Healy.
The usual Christmas tree exercises were held in the different churches this week. The exercises in St. Catherine’s were held on Wednesday evening, and those in the Methodist church were held on Friday evening. Following the usual custom the Abbot Worsted Company donated generous checks to both churches.
Death. Mrs. Maria McCarthy, widow of the late Thomas McCarthy, died after a long illness at the home of her son, Robert J. McCarthy, on Friday, December 17, aged 62 years, [8] months [25 days]. She leaves to mourn her loss three sons, Robert J. and Thomas of Graniteville, and John E. McCarthy of North Chelmsford; also four daughters, Mrs. Nellie Tripp of Concord Junction, Mrs. Edward [Anne] Defoe, Mrs. George [Elizabeth] Gower, Miss Catherine McCarthy of this village, and three brothers, Robert Jesson of Boston, Henry Jesson of England, and Thomas Jesson of Graniteville.
The funeral took place from the home of her son here on last Monday morning at nine o’clock, a funeral mass being celebrated in St. Catherine’s church by Rev. Henry L. Scott that was attended by many relatives and friends. The regular choir was in attendance and under the direction of Miss Mary F. Hanley sang the Gregorian chant. There were many beautiful floral tributes that testified in a marked degree to the high esteem in which the deceased was held. The bearers were Joseph Wall, Thomas Ledwith, William J. Healy, Thomas Hughes. Burial was in St. Catherine’s cemetery.
Forge Village. The Ladies’ Sewing circle held no meeting this week owing to the Christmas holidays.
Percy Kilminster of Providence, R.I., is spending his vacation at the home of his sister, Mrs. Fred Naylor.
Miss Eva F. Pyne is visiting with relatives in Boston this week.
The Young Peoples’ Social club held their meeting on Wednesday evening. Mrs. S. W. Sturgis, of Groton, entertained the club during the evening.
Holy communion services will be held at St. Andrew’s mission Christmas morning at 8:30. On Sunday, children’s day, services will be held at 3:30 o’clock in the afternoon. The evening prayer at 4:30 will be omitted.
Mr. and Mrs. John Shakleton, who have been recently married, are settled in their new home on Bradford street. Mrs. Shakleton was formerly Miss Nora Holt, of this village.
William Baker, overseer of the reeling room in the mill of Abbot & Co., splintered the bone of one of his fingers while at work on Wednesday morning. A physician was summoned who gave medical attendance.
James Daly is still seriously ill at the home of his son John Daly, Pond street.
Robert Wetmore, who is a student at the Hackley school Tarrytown, N.Y., is home for the holidays.
Miss Helen Lord is very ill at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. David Lord, suffering from heart trouble. Miss Lord recently recovered from scarlet fever. A trained nurse is in attendance.
Excellent skating and coasting is being enjoyed. Last Saturday’s rain left the roads in a very icy condition.
Many from here attended the annual Christmas tree exercises at St. Catherine’s church in West Graniteville on Wednesday evening.
The Sunday school children of St. Andrew’s mission were invited by Santa Claus on last Saturday evening to Recreation hall. With his heavy ladened [sic] bag and cheery manner he was heartily welcomed by all. Each child received a beautiful gift and also a box of candy. William Burnett, the faithful janitor, was remembered with a check from the parishioners, as was also the organist, Miss Sarah Precious, who received a check from the vestry of St. Andrew’s. The gifts and tree were as usual given through the kindness of Groton School.
The annual Christmas exercises were held at Cameron school on last week Friday afternoon, which were attended by an unusually large number. A very attractive program was given in the lower primary in charge of Miss Eva F. Pyne. The second and third grades also gave a very interesting program under the direction of Miss Abbie M. Blaisdell. Both these rooms were ornamented by a large Christmas tree. In Miss Garvey’s room the fourth and fifth grade pupils gave a program of recitations. In the principal’s room three-part songs and readings were given which proved to be very interesting, Miss Edith M. Foster being in charge. Every child in the school received a beautiful gift, candy and nuts, through the courtesy of Abbot & Co.
Center. A merry Christmas and happy new year to the readers of this column.
Recent real estate transfers of interest are the James Spinner property on Boston road to Harry M. Gumb, of Lowell; also, the so-called Heywood & Fletcher woodlot in the Burgess pond vicinity to Rev. Louis H. Buckshorn.
Mrs. Etta Tyler, who is among the shut-ins from extreme deafness and advanced years, suffered quite a serious ill turn this last week, but is now much improved.
There was a wedding ceremony performed by Rev. David Wallace at the Congregational parsonage last Saturday evening, the contracting parties being John Shackleton and Miss Flora Holt, both of Forge Village. Two close friends of the bride and groom accompanied them.
Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Hildreth go to Rutherford, N.J., to spend the Christmas holidays with Mrs. Hildreth’s home people.
Recent guests at Joseph E. Knight’s were his brother, George W. Knight, who is postmaster in West Scarboro, Me., accompanied by his fiancée, Miss Saunders, of Portland.
The Sea Wud club, composed of a group of congenial citizens, enjoyed a supper at the firehouse Thursday evening of last week. A fine roast goose supper, with all the fixings, was served by Mrs. J. E. Knight. Fourteen partook of the supper.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred H. Meyers of the Griffin farm, go to New York for the holidays.
Rev. and Mrs. David Wallace, Misses Pauline and Rachael Wallace spend Christmas day in Lunenburg with the Misses Jones.
The Frost school closed last week Friday for two-weeks’ vacation. There were interesting closing exercises in the various rooms to which parents and friends were invited. The academy closed this week Friday for one-week’s vacation.
Interesting Christmas services are being planned for Sunday at the Congregational church. Mrs. Charles H. Wright and Miss Hazel Hartford are making special efforts with the music, there will be some pretty Christmas decorations and Mr. Wallace’s message will be in the form of an original Christmas story, entitled “Eleazar the first night of the cross.”
Among those entertaining large family groups for Christmas day are the H. V. Hildreths, O. R. Spaldings and A. W. Hartfords.
At the business meeting of the C.E. society last week Wednesday evening the following officers were elected: Leonard Burland, pres.; Miss Mabel Prescott, v.p.; Miss Helen McCoy, sec.; chairmen of committees, Fred Meyers, social; Mabel Prescott, prayer; William C. Roudenbush, temperance; Mrs. Wallace, lookout; Mrs. Clarence Hildreth, music.
Miss Marjory Seavey and Miss Pauline Wallace, students at Boston university, are at home for the Christmas vacation.
Owing to the somewhat small attendance at the farmers’ institute held in the town hall last week the ladies of the Congregational church, who had the dinner in charge, cleared but about twenty-eight dollars.
Ayer
News Items. The following is taken from the state census of April 1, just compiled by the Statistics Bureau. The first three columns of figures denote the 1915 population of the several towns in this vicinity and the last column of figures who the standing in the 1910:
Males | Females | Total | 1910 | [% Gain] | |
Ashby | 480 | 442 | 922 | 885 | [4.18] |
Ayer | 1359 | 1420 | 2779 | 2797 | [-0.64] |
Groton | 1096 | 1237 | 2333 | 2155 | [8.26] |
Littleton | 608 | 620 | 1228 | 1229 | [-0.08] |
Pepperell | 1409 | 1430 | 2839 | 2953 | [-3.86] |
Shirley | 1227 | 1024 | 2251 | 2139 | [5.24] |
Townsend | 904 | 908 | 1812 | 1761 | [2.90] |
Westford | 1392 | 1451 | 2843 | 2851 | [-0.28] |
Harvard | 538 | 566 | 1104 | 1034 | [6.77] |
Boxboro | 173 | 153 | 326 | 317 | [2.84] |
Lunenburg | 788 | 822 | 1610 | 1393 | [15.58] |