The Westford Wardsman, February, 1909
Saturday, February 6, 1909
Center. Rev. and Mrs. C. P. Marshall and little daughter Marion have been spending a few days this week in Boston, Mr. Marshall attending the Chapman revival meetings. Miss Tenney sketched his life with charming fidelity, making his personality most attractive, notwithstanding some of the eccentricities that are oftimes the privilege of genius. She interspersed her narrative with selections on the piano from the great composer, giving gems from his composition in pleasing variety, depicting many epochs in his brilliant life. Mrs. Webber, who has sung so acceptably in Westford before, sustained her part of the program most capably. She was in excellent voice and gave varied selections with great sweetness and expression. At the close of the program many lingered for greetings with the Littleton ladies and to express their appreciation of the afternoon’s program.
The next meeting of the club, Feb. 16, is anticipated with much interest and will be an account of “A motor trip through Great Britain,” by Miss Martha J. Taylor.
Graniteville. The members of A. R. Choate hose company held their regular monthly meeting in Healy’s hall Monday night.
As last week Friday was visiting day for the teachers, there were no sessions in the Sargent school here.
Death. Mrs. Melvina Hall, an old and highly-respected resident of this village, died suddenly at her home in West Graniteville early Monday night, aged seventy-two years. Mrs. Hall attended to her usual household duties during the day and prepared the supper. While partaking of the evening meal she was suddenly taken with a violent fit of coughing that brought on a hemorrhage, and she died in a few minutes. She leaves a husband, John Hall, as well as many friends in this village to mourn her loss.
The funeral took place on Wednesday morning from St. Catherine’s church, when a funeral mass was celebrated by Rev. Edmund T. Schofield. Miss Mary F. Hanley presided at the organ. The Bearers were James J. O’Brien, C. H. McCullough, John Healy and F. J. Sullivan. Burial was in St. Catherine’s cemetery.
The members of St. Catherine’s temperance society held a very enjoyable box party and social dance in Healy’s hall on Friday evening, Jan. 29, that was a great social and financial success. This box party was something in the way of an experiment and some of the wise ones predicted its failure. Nevertheless, the committee in charge stuck faithfully to its task and being aided by the hearty cooperation of the other members of the society, the result was entirely satisfactory to all parties concerned. Dancing was commenced promptly at eight o’clock and continued until ten o’clock, when an intermission was declared, during which R. J. Hemen as auctioneer disposed of the numerous boxes. All found ready purchasers and much merriment was derived as the oddly-associated couples wended their way to supper. After refreshments had been served dancing was resumed and kept up until twelve o’clock. The Westford grange orchestra furnished excellent dance music. The affair was largely attended, many being present from out of town. The temperance boys feel very much pleased with their first social venture and no doubt will run another similar attraction in the near future. The following committee is responsible for the success of this affair:
General manager, James B. Healy; asst., M. B. Ledwith; floor director, Wm. Lediwth; asst., Thomas Rafferty; aids, members of the society.
Forge. The pupils of Cameron school will observe Lincoln’s birthday with exercises fitting for the occasion.
The services at St. Andrew’s mission will be held Sunday morning, Feb. 7. Sunday school will be at the usual hour. There will be a service at Seven o’clock Sunday evening. The usual afternoon service will be omitted. The children of the Sunday school are rehearsing for a musical program for Easter Sunday.
Samuel Blodgett, who was operated on for appendicitis last week, is reported to be gaining, but very slowly.
Mrs. Mary Drake of this village is seriously ill, but her friends are hoping for a favorable turn of the disease very soon.
Willis Wadleigh is at his home with a severe attack of asthma.
Many of our village people are nursing very heavy colds, but as yet not dangerous.
It is rumored that the harvesting of the ice on Forge pond will be completed this week. The ice is of excellent quality and the weather has been all that could be desired.
A number of our village people who are interested in music attended the concert given by the Choral society of Lowell last Sunday, going by way of the electrics.
The ladies’ sewing circle met with Mrs. Wadleigh last week Thursday, and plans were discussed for a supper on Feb. 10, which will be spoken of later.
About Town. Geo. Spaulding bought two cows of Alec Fisher last Saturday and attempted to drive them to his farm on Francis hill in Chelmsford. Like some folks all the time, and all folks some of the time, the cows immediately developed a stubborn opposition promenade against being driven. They took to the fields, regardless of ownership, boundary lines or fences. Neither a coax nor a threat had any effect to persuade them to line toward home. They took to the woods and remained all night, and the mid-winter chill cured them of their freight. Sunday they gladly observed as a day of rest, and followed the narrow way home at their owner’s request.
The snowstorm of last week for a small one displayed the tactics of blockade that belong to a more formidable affair, and attempted to dispute the right of way of the electrics from Brookside to Westford. On Saturday one car was knocked out in the first round and was obliged to put back into port Brookside; thence on for a time schedule time was snowed under with the track, and go as you please reigned with the snow. Somewhere toward the midnight hour the snowplow did the first plowing of the season, and Sunday morning the blockade was declared off and the cars ran on rails and time until toward the noon hour, when the wind and snow formed a merger and drifted the tracks, and then came a setback. Traveling for the next twenty-four hours was mostly go as you please.
Our old-timer townsman, nimble of step and rugged of health, Theodore H. Hamblett, has been obliged to call out the reserve forces of a temperate life to help control the stubborn resistance of a bad cold. The reserve forces won without any run. He is now out on the street, a ninety-year-old example of how to live to keep on your feet.
It is reported on good authority that Geo. W. Kenric, the superintendent of the J. F. Fletcher Cold Spring farm, has resigned his position, to take effect in early March, he having bought a farm. Everything about the farm and buildings is impressive of successful farming. As an inducement to continue in his position he was offered an increase in salary, but the attractions of his newly-acquired ten-acre farm near Brockton had the irresistible home allurements that always carry the decision for all lovers of home of your own.
The high school and academy will give a dance in the town hall Friday evening, Feb. 12, the proceeds to go towards a new piano. The evening will be in charge of two of our well-known teachers, Misses Babbitt and Bartlett.
The Enterprise club held a well-attended meeting in the Unitarian vestry Sunday evening, subject, “Heroes and heroism.” The president of the club, Miss Grace Bennett, opened the subject with a carefully prepared paper. This was followed by the impromptu “as the spirit moved,” by several others. This was the first meeting of this new organization, composed of the young and energetic, with an occasional eighty-year-old youth, and proposes to hold weekly Sunday evening meetings and mid-week meetings, looking toward a better conservation of the natural resources of individual lives
Westford sent several sleigh-loads of compliments to the annual dance at Littleton last week Friday evening.
There are some things everybody wants to forget and some things everybody wants to remember and can’t forget, such as the town farm dinner today by the town farm fathers, assisted by the elsewhere town fathers. This last class will assist chiefly by way of furnishing appetites
On Wednesday, Feb. 3, was the triple birthday of Mr. and Mrs. [Francis W.] Banister and their eldest daughter, Frances. While this event comes round as often as the earth goes around the sun, yet very few are the families that this peculiar birthday merger ever gets around to.
The selectmen will hold their regular monthly meeting this evening, in their room at the town hall. This will be a sort of farewell, goodbye meeting for the introduction of new business that carries with it the thought of cash on delivery, as well as a sort of farewell, warning meeting for all old business that wants cash at sight. Not but that the town is going to pay its debts, old or new, and lively on demand, but this is the approaching time of year when the town must shut down in time for the necessary repairs for the annual town meeting.
L. W. Wheeler, with his unequalled aptitude for collecting the assessed resources of the town, is lining up the delinquent taxpayers with a sort of final warning of the hurry-up order. Better get onto the collector’s band wagon before he plays that final tune, the music of which will be written in the annual town report.
Frank D. McGlinchey was seriously and possibly fatally injured Tuesday forenoon at the H. E. Fletcher Co.’s stone quarry, by being struck on the head by some portion of the machinery connected with the derrick. He was removed to the Lowell hospital, where he lies in an unconscious condition. The full details of the accident were not publicly known at time of writing.
Rev. B. H. Bailey and wife attended the funeral of Mrs. Bailey’s sister last Saturday at Dedham, where she died after a long and wasting illness. On his return by electric cars Mr. Bailey was left at Brookside, where he was obliged to procure conveyance home.
John A. Taylor attended the annual meeting of the alumni of Amherst college at Boston Monday evening. About 450 were present. Among those who addressed the meeting were President [George] Harris [1844-1922, president of Amherst 1899-1912], Rev. Dr. Lyman Abbott [1835-1922] and President Treadwell of the Massachusetts senate.
At a recent meeting of the class at the Emerson school of oratory in Boston, John A. Taylor was chosen to deliver the class oration at the commencement exercises in May.
Rev. Geo. S. Shaw, who died suddenly in Ashby on Tuesday after forty years’ ministration as pastor of the Unitarian church, was a familiar figure at the Unitarian conferences of Middlesex north and well known to the First parish of Westford, where he occasionally set forth those humanitarian principles embodied in common sense righteousness. His life was daily eloquence in practicing his profession. As said of old, so now, “Servant of the most high, well done.”
Mathew Downs, the proprietor of the old, famed brick tavern on the Groton road, met with an accident last week while returning from Lowell. In attempting to turn out of the car tracks the sleigh caught in the rail. The horse being eighty years younger than the driver, gave a sudden spring and threw Mr. Downs out. He was picked up and taken to the blacksmith shop of Warren Gould at Middlesex village, it being proposed to take him to the Lowell hospital. Mr. Downs being a man of strong home attachments, at once came down heavily with a veto, and those in charge acquiesced in his home attachments, where he was removed, and Dr. Varney of North Chelmsford was called, who found a fracture of three ribs and a general assortment of bumps and bruises. There is good prospect of a resumption to normal conditions, even if eighty-four years have made the path back more difficult.
Saturday, February 13, 1909
Center. This is the second season that Miss Ethel Fowle of Woburn, dancing teacher, has conducted classes in dancing at the town hall. Friday evening last week Miss Fowle gave a ball for her class, which was one of the pleasant events in the season’s social calendar. Many interested parents and friends were present and the pupils showed the good results of the instruction of their youthful teacher, going through their dances with much grace and precision. The grange orchestra furnished music for the occasion and refreshments were served in the lower hall.
Miss Grace Lumbert has been spending the week in Oxford, visiting her brother and his family.
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Fisher are the happy parents of a little daughter [Esther G. Fisher], born Thursday, Feb. 4.
There was a large congregation present at the Congregational church on Sunday morning. The pastor gave a well-prepared and interesting discourse on Abraham Lincoln. In the evening at the C.E. services John P. Wright, the president, led the meeting. It was the anniversary of the formation of the first society in Portland, Me., nearly three decades ago. It was rollcall evening and in response to their names many of the older ones gave interesting reminiscences of those earlier days of the movement, both in this local society and as a whole, those early days of a great and popular organization, with its enthusiasm and zeal and influence for good on the lives of those associated with it.
Rev. T. C. H. Bouton of Chelmsford will preach at the Congregational church Sunday in exchange with Mr. Marshall.
Chas. O. Prescott was the guest the first of the week of our former teacher at the academy, Wm. A. Perkins, at his home in Grafton. At a meeting of the library club in that place Mr. Prescott read his paper on New Zealand, which was so much enjoyed by the members of the Tadmuck club a season ago.
Master Albert Woods has been at home sick this week with a hard cold and digestive trouble.
The annual dance given by E. M. Abbot Hose Co., No. 1, will take place in town hall, Westford, Monday evening, Feb. 22. Music, Kittredge’s orchestra.
Grange. Various other attractions the same evening affected the attendance at the regular grange meeting somewhat, last week Thursday evening. However, an attendance of about sixty enjoyed a good session. At the business session Mrs. F. C. Wright, chairman of the dinner committee for the farmers’ institute the preceding week, gave a report showing the net proceeds for the grange treasury to be $45.05. A rising vote of thanks was given the ladies’ degree staff, who worked so hard to make this dinner a success.
The lecturer had given the evening’s program in charge of some of the younger members, and the following numbers were given with encores:
Piano solo, Mrs. C. A. Reid; song, Mrs. John McIntosh; song, John Greig; cornet solo, Arthur Blodgett.
The next meeting, Feb. 18, the lecturer has arranged as Washington evening, and some good papers are promised, with patriotic music.
Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Howard are rejoicing over the advent of their first grandchild. A son was born Jan. 29, to Mr. and Mrs. Charles D. Howard at their home in Concord, N.H. He has been named John Adams Howard.
Food Sale. The food sale under the auspices of the W.C.T.U., at the pleasant home of Mrs. E. J. Whitney, on Tuesday afternoon, proved very much of a success in every way. Those who had the affair in charge felt amply repaid for the work put into it. The sale commenced at the noon hour to accommodate the academy students, and they availed themselves of the chance to purchase. Cookies, doughnuts, cornballs, pickles, etc., found ready sale. The sale continued later in the afternoon and was well patronized and the good, home-cooked viands found ready sale. A social good time was enjoyed by those congregated together. The host, Mr. Whitney, contributed graphophone selections. Between thirteen and fourteen dollars were realized. The committee in charge was Mrs. Frank C. Hildreth, Mrs. John McMaster, Mrs. Ida M. Gould and Mrs. Isles.
Boys’ Supper. In line with anniversaries and suppers, that enterprising club, “The knights of King Arthur,” are right in with the procession. Under the friendly direction of their capable leader, Rev. C. P. Marshall, they had a supper, initiation and entertainment Wednesday evening at the Congregational vestry. The boys managed all the details of the supper, getting the food together, setting tables, making cocoa, etc., and if there were any culinary defects (we only say if) they were easily overlooked with the zest of keen, boyish appetites and the atmosphere of prevailing good cheer. This event marks the anniversary of the formation of the first society of this name. Previous to the supper one new member went through the ceremony of initiation, and after it an informal entertainment was enjoyed. The only invited guests were several older boys who had previously belonged, making about twenty-five in all. The committee for this event was Seth Banister, Allister MacDougal, John Feeney and Albert Day.
About Town. Frank D. McGlinchey, who was seriously injured last week and removed to St. John’s hospital, Lowell, is apparently out of danger. Owing to misinformation, the place where the accident occurred was incorrectly reported. While working clearing away the debris of the recently burned mill of Geo. C. Moore at North Chelmsford, he was struck on the back of the head with an iron beam, which caused unconsciousness to assert itself. It looked like the final controlling element for a while, but a rugged constitution and modern hospital treatment have caused consciousness to resume the normal relations of live.
J. Henry Decatur, who was injured last week at the icehouses at Forge pond by the breaking of a chain, which struck him with full force and persuasion in the back, so that he with the assistance of two friends was removed to Lowell, is reported as doing finely, although of course it is inconvenient to do finely in this round-about way.
The proceeds from the food sale at Mrs. E. J. Whitney’s on Tuesday, under the auspices of the W.C.T.U., will be devoted to buying flowers for the sick and other expenses of the association. At the same place this Saturday evening the same organization will hold a sociable. All members and honorary members and others of honor without honorary are invited to join in the chorus of a three-minute round of remarking their whereabouts on the let drink alone. This will be not tower of Babel recitation, but one at a time.
The never-to-be-discouraged and ever-good-natured Joe Wall is preparing to come one of his annual humorous amateur plays that always keeps society busy with laughing while he is photographing his characters on the stage.
Mrs. Celia Des Jardin [nee Horan] of Lowell was visiting her sister, Mrs. Oliver Des Jardin, on Stony Brook road the early part of the week. She will be remembered as a student at Stony Brook school when her name was shortened of some of its present lettering.
The next farmers’ institute by the Middlesex North will be held at grange hall, Dracut center, Wednesday, Feb. 17, at 10:30. The forenoon address will be given by Judge Robert W. Wyman of Northampton, on “Town and town meeting law.” Dinner at 12:15. Afternoon session at two, subject, “Uncle Sam’s farm, or a trip through Yellowstone park.” Judge Lyman will be remembered as the individual who gave the interesting address at the institute in Westford last year.
On Wednesday, Feb. 17, Middlesex Worcester Pomona grange will hold a meeting at Groton, with an especially interesting program for discussion, including an address in the afternoon by John H. Bonner of Leicester, England, subject, “Are there perils in vaccination?” As he is to speak against vaccination, nothing but the farmers’ institute on the same date prevents some troublesome questions to answer being asked, in a sort of cross-examination of his anti-vaccination opinions.
The Enterprise club held another of its wholesome rallies at the Unitarian church on Sunday evening in memory of Lincoln. Miss Effie Bennett led the meeting and read a grand and beautiful story of his life. Miss Gertrude Hamlin read his favorite poem, can be improved on and was improved on by the town officers at the annual town farm dinner last Saturday. Here it could be unanimously said that all’s well that begins well, for there was a splendid beginning and a tremendous ending, with universal regrets at physical inability to continue their appetites another crumb. Such were the temptations of the good things spread out that when the physical was unable to proceed further it was aided by a resort to overcoat pockets. With a little rest and change of scenery how handy these overcoats become. The dinner was one of Boynton’s old-timers, and so were the town officers old-timers at this business, and they saw at a glance what they were up against and went for it, but it was too much for them, hence how thoughtful to have large overcoats with large pockets. Among those present were Edward Fisher; O. R. Spaulding, E. M. Abbot, selectmen; J. Willard Fletcher, Chas. D. Colburn, S. L. Taylor, assessors; Chas. L. Hildreth, A. H. Burnham, A. R. Choate, overseers of the poor. The appraisers of property not including the dinner were H. L. Hildreth, Geo. A. Kimball, John A. Healy. The collector of taxes, L. W. Wheeler, was also present to see that so much was not eaten as to raise the tax rate and thus make the burden of eating coincide with the burden of tax collecting. Last came the auditor, Wm. R. Taylor, to make everyone face an account of their doings. Everybody appealed. The appeal will be heard at the same place next year. Of the company who sat down to dinner only one used tobacco, so that town clerk Fisher, who has been notifying the public that it was a girl, escaped passing around those cigars for lack of patronage; but congratulations as ever.
Wm. D. Thurston, who died at the Burbank hospital in Fitchburg last week Friday of heart disease, was for many years a resident of Westford, where he was well and favorably known, and long will the people of the town who have been actively identified with his social and literary life cherish the memory of both Mr. and Mrs. Thurston, who while here were an active and indispensable asset in tabulating its reliable resources. Both exceptionally musical, they will especially be remembered by the First Parish Unitarian church, where as members of the choir their ever-harmonious voices were always on the key of inspiration.
Mr. Thurston was born in Fitchburg, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus Thurston. For several years he worked at his trade as a tool-maker with the Roby Manufacturing Co. of West Chelmsford and at about that time his father taught the village singing school. Both were members of the choir of the Unitarian church of Fitchburg, and heredity has evidently asserted itself. In 1852 Mr. Thurston married Miss Elizabeth J. Billings. Several years ago they moved to Canton, where Mr. Thurston was employed as station agent for the Boston and Providence railroad, and also superintendent later of Memorial hall. He was seventy-nine years old. His wife died four years ago. Both of them so lived as to grandly fulfill the words of Emerson, “Make the want of you felt.”
Whales are much larger and heavier than elephants. While a large elephant weighs six tons, the largest of whales will weight 150 tons. A whale of this size would furnish four carloads of flesh and blubber.
Graniteville. Bert DeRoehn, the well-known baseball player, is now in Pinehurst, N.C., and the Pinehurst Outlook, published in that place, has the following to say about him:
Bert DeRoehn, one of the best players of last year’s nine, will captain the Carolina team, alternating in catching and the field with Harry Norris. During the summer DeRoehn caught on the Hamilton (Ontario) national league team, and Norris put in his second season with the New England league in the same capacity, playing with Fall River.
It appears from the above that Bert is in fast company, for other well-known ballplayers, including Mike Lynch of the Philadelphia Americans, who will play infield, Harry Snell and others are associated with him.
The ladies’ aid society of the Methodist church met with Mrs. L. A. Blood Thursday afternoon.
A daughter [Viola M. Brooks] was born to Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Brooks of River st., on Friday, Feb. 5, and a son [Robert V. Pigeon] to Mr. and Victor Pigeon on Sunday, Feb. 7.
Rev. S. H. Armand of the Methodist church visited in Fitchburg last Sunday, and during his absence the morning and evening services at the church were conducted by Mrs. Armand.
The Supper and entertainment given by the men’s club of the Methodist church, and which has been looked forward to with such deep interest by the village people, came off on schedule time, last week Friday evening, and was very largely attended. There were many present from Lowell, West Chelmsford, Westford and Forge, not forgetting William White of Texas, who is visiting relatives here. The supper as predicted was under entire charge of the men, who were neatly dressed in white coats, dark trousers, and each wearing a pink carnation. They didn’t need any flowers, however, for “bouquets” were continually heaped upon them for the fine supper that had been provided and the excellent service given by the men in charge of the tables. Frank Counter [Caunter] as head waiter kept things running as smoothly as well-oiled machinery, and from start to finish there was not a hitch. Right here let it be said that there was one man, although he was not seen much, whose good work was very much in evidence, and to John B. Carmichael much credit is due for his knowledge and foresight in planning for the welfare of all and for the hard work he has put into this affair from the very start.
As for the supper, it was all that could possibly be desired. Fred Smith was the cook and he prepared an excellent menu, consisting of oysters cooked in all ways, coffee, rolls, pies and cakes of all kinds, as well as side-dishes that were very tempting. Not all of the cooking was done by him, however, for there were certain delicacies that had a familiar flavor, and it must be confessed that several women had a finger in the pie. So in spite of the great success that the men made of the supper, they will have to admit that they couldn’t get along very well without the ladies. During the supper, when the tables had to be set three times to accommodate the large number in attendance, excellent phonograph music was given by Lester McLenna, after which a pleasing entertainment was given as follows:
Piano solo, Chas. Woods; song, “When dreams come true,” John Greig; piano solo, Geo. Wilson; vocal duet, Grace and Maude Robinson; harmonica solo, Charles Eaton; song, Carrie Prinn; readings, J. A. Taylor.
All the numbers were well received and encores demanded in every instance. The committee in charge of the entertainment is to be commended in securing John A. Taylor reader, as special attraction. Mr. Taylor is an elocutionist of rare charm, and being endowed with a pleasing personality and a fine stage presence, he made a decided hit. His readings on Friday evening consisted of selections from Burdette, Riley, Eugene Field and Sam Walter Foss, and although all were given with just the right dramatic force, Riley’s ever popular “Old sweetheart of mine,” and Field’s “In the twilight,” proved the most pleasing. After the entertainment a food sale was held and everything was cleaned up in short order. The whole affair was in charge of [the] following committees:
General com., Wm. H. Beebe, chairman; Thomas Danio, sec.; Rev. S. H. Armand, treas.; entertainment com., Joe Wall, C. W. Robinson, J. E. Woods; waiters, Frank Caunter, J. B. Carmichael, W. C. Wright, C. H. Wright, P. B. Blood, W. O. Hawkes, G. Q. Gilson, O. A. Nelson, C. G. Sargent, H. N. Fletcher, Alfred Prinn, Chas. A. Blodgett, Fred R. Blodgett, Thomas Danio, Horace Buckingham, Leon Holland; clothes com., Wm. Sargent, Wm. Gilson; doorkeeper, Andrew Johnson.
The men’s club as a whole feel very grateful to all who cooperated with them for the success of this affair, and to the visitors from out of town will say that they will be heard from again and that the next event will be better if possible.
Installation. At a special meeting of court Westford, M.C.O.F., in Healy’s hall last Saturday evening, it was fully decided that all the newly-elected officers of the court will be duly installed at a public installation to be held in the town hall, North Chelmsford, on Sunday, Feb. 14, at two o’clock p.m. The degree staff from court Merrimac of Haverhill will perform the degree work. As this staff is composed of over thirty young women whose floor work is considered the best in this section of the state, it would be utterly impossible for them to perform the different evolutions at the regular meeting-place of the court here, and for that reason the place for this important event was changed to the town hall at North Chelmsford. This public installation is held for the sole purpose of the members of court Westford and their friends, and all the people of Graniteville, Forge and Westford who are at all interested in the order are cordially invited to attend. They will be well repaid for the trip, for the work of Merrimac degree staff is worth going many miles to see. There will be a banquet in the lower hall after the installation ceremony, and as the tickets to this banquet are limited it would be wise for those who wish to attend this part of the program to consult the following committee—Miss Margaret Driscoll and Mrs. W. H. Healy of Graniteville, or Owen F. McNulty of North Chelmsford.
Forge. The ladies’ sewing circle gave their annual supper to the vestrymen on Wednesday evening. There were quite a goodly number present, notwithstanding the stormy weather. Rev. T. L. Fisher was unable to be present, owing to sickness, but with his usual thoughtfulness sent flowers to make the tables look attractive. The supper was a success both socially and financially.
A piano for the Cameron school has been purchased with the funds obtained by the pupils.
Saturday, February 20, 1909
Center. Miss Harriet Miller, formerly one of the successful teachers at the old Center primary school, was a week-end guest in town visiting with her former associate teacher, Miss Cushing. Miss Miller is now teaching in Attleboro.
Miss Nellie Fletcher is convalescent from a siege with grippe.
Rev. T. C. H. Bouton was a guest last Sunday at the home of his cousin, Mrs. M. J. Wheeler.
Mrs. H. V. Hildreth has been enjoying several days this week as the guest of the Henry M. Wrights at their pleasant home in Quincy.
Mrs. John M. Fletcher has been confined to the house the last two weeks with one of the prevailing colds.
Patrick O’Connor, employed by A. J. Abbot, underwent on operation for appendicitis at his home on Saturday, performed by Drs. Metcalf, Wells and Sherman.
Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Wheeler entertained a group of about a dozen friends at their home, last week Friday evening. Coming so near Feb. 14, the entertainment, decorations and refreshments were all in harmony with the happy spirit of St. Valentine.
There is an especially fine set of views on exhibition at the library of Shakespearian subjects including people and scenes from his writings.
An auction sale was held at the home of Mrs. Mary E. Fletcher on Tuesday afternoon. It was to dispose of to the highest bidder a miscellaneous lot of articles, a clearing up of things in barns and sheds, also some household furniture. A good number were present and auctioneer S. P. Emerson found purchasers for all that was for sale.
Those in charge of the firemen’s ball on the evening of Feb. 22, at the town hall, are making every effort to have their first affair of this kind a success.
Cards are out announcing the marriage of Miss Mary Alice Morrill and Dr. Orion Vassar Wells at Amesbury, Feb. 17.
Accident. The many Westford people who remember Miss Ida M. Manuel, the former teacher at the academy, so pleasantly, were distressed to hear of the very serious accident that she met with at her home in Franklin, N.H., last week, caused by a runaway horse. Miss Manuel was teaching in her home town and as was her custom started to drive to the center, about a mile from her home. The horse, which was a nervous animal, took fright at something and ran, finally colliding with the corner of a papermill with such force as to throw Miss Manuel out and through a large window, striking shoulder first against some machinery. She was picked up in what at first seemed a more dead than alive condition. Upon examination it was found that her shoulder was broken, three ribs broken and internal injuries inflicted. It was the horse’s last runaway, for he was killed in the collision. The last report was that Miss Manuel was resting as comfortably as could be expected under the circumstances, but it will be many weeks before she can get back to the normal good health and capable activity characteristic of her. She made many friends here, who feel the sincerest sympathy for her in her serious accident.
Celebration. The schools at Center joined in observing the Lincoln centenary at the town hall, last week Friday morning, with a program of commendable excellence. This was listened to by many interested parents and friends. Revs. B. H. Bailey and C. P. Marshall contributed words of wisdom. Mr. Bailey, who was in Washington at the time of Lincoln’s assassination, was listened to by the pupils with great interest, as well as by the older ones present. The numbers on the program were not too lengthy, but well-selected gems for this occasion, as follows:
Prayer, Mr. Marshall; violin and piano selection, Walter Steele and Gertrude Hamlin; extract from Lincoln’s Gettysburg speech, by Albert Day; song, “Hail, fairest land,” grades one and two; selection, Freda Johnson; song, “Our country’s heroes,” grades three and four; selection, “Lincoln,” Evelyn Reid; selection, “Was Lincoln a king,” Florence Wilson; reading from Carl Schurz’s essay, Sadie McMaster; selection, “My captain,” Mabel Prescott; remarks, Mr. Bailey and Mr. Marshall; song, “America.”
Club. It was a regrettable fact that the storm of snow and sleet only made it possible for those who can go out in all weathers to be present at the Tadmuck club Tuesday afternoon in library hall, for it was one of many programs that proved genuinely worth while.
Near the speaker’s table was a flag-draped picture of Abraham Lincoln. Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher read Leo Tolstoi’s tribute to the great martyr president, and Miss Clara Smith read Julia Ward Howe’s poem on Lincoln, which was read by this remarkable woman of ninety years, at Symphony hall, Boston, last week at the Lincoln celebration.
Lecture. The grange lecture and entertainment course came to a close last week Thursday evening, with a lecture of unusual merit. Frederick M. Brooks of Boston was the lecturer, with “Alaska of today,” for his subject. It was illustrated profusely with beautiful colored slides, manipulated with especial smoothness.
Mr. Brooks was an interesting speaker and gave much information about this country that has grown so much in importance within a comparatively short time. He told of its wealth in gold and the fishing industry, of its wonderful scenery, and about its people and animals. But withal, to the average person it would seem that it would be the lure of gold and of adventure that would draw men there. There was a large audience present to hear the lecture and it proved a good finish for a good course.
This is the third season that the grange has conducted a course of this kind, its object being not for profit, but to give the community as good a course as possible for the price paid. A little anxiety was felt by the committee as to the financial outcome of this course and the liability of having to draw on the grange treasury, but accounts have been balanced showing a profit of exactly three cents. Those who have enjoyed the course certainly feel grateful to the efficient committee for making it so thorough a success in every way.
Birthday. It was Mrs. Elizabeth Perkins’s [Elizabeth Porter (Tobie) Peckens, widow of Fletcher Peckens (1818-1905)] eighty-third birthday anniversary on Tuesday, Feb. 16, and her good neighbor, Mrs. D. L. Greig, carried out the happy thought of making the day a special occasion for Mrs. Perkins. Word was passed about among neighbors and friends, who responded by coming and bringing good cheer and wishes for happy returns of the day. They also brought many little gifts. Mrs. Greig made a fine birthday cake, suitably inscribed for the recipient. Peaches and whipped cream, cocoa and cake were served and a good time enjoyed by all, particularly Mrs. Perkins, whose unfailing good cheer has won her many friends. For one of her years she enjoys quite comfortable health and until quite recently was able to attend church regularly.
Congregational. Rev. T. C. H. Bouton of Chelmsford, who exchanged pulpits with Mr. Marshall last Sunday, gave his hearers an able sermon. Miss May Atwood, the faithful organist, who has been confined to the house for a week with cold and sore throat, was unable to be present, and Mrs. Marshall presided at the organ with her usual skill.
In the evening Miss Grace Lumbert led a good meeting from the subject, “Lessons from the life of Job.” Next Sunday evening H. G. Osgood will conduct the service, bringing echoes from the Chapman-Alexander of this village held a social dancing party in Forge Village on Friday evening, Feb. 19.
The members of St. Catherine’s temperance society will take the pledge in a body on Sunday, Feb. 21.
Saturday, February 27, 1909
Wedding. Westford people will be interested in a little more extended account of the marriage of Dr. and Mrs. Wells than the brief announcement that appeared in these columns last week. It took place at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Albert C. Hill, Pond Hills, Amesbury, Wednesday, Feb. 17. It was one of the prettiest of home weddings, simple and dignified, as befitted the tastes of the bride and groom. The bride is a daughter of the Friends of the same company of the beloved Quaker poet, [John Greenleaf] Whittier.
The rooms were beautifully trimmed for the occasion with evergreens, carnations and roses. One corner of the large room, where the ceremony took place, was banked with harelook[?], evergreen and the beautiful Roxbury waxwork [i.e., bittersweet], so plentiful in that locality. The decorating was the work of the bride’s sisters, Mrs. Frank Bailey and Miss Hannah Morrill.
The bridal pair were unattended. The ceremony took place at high noon and was performed by Rev. B. H. Bailey with characteristic dignity and impressiveness.
The bride’s gown was of white chiffon taffeta with handsome garniture of lace. Later a dinner was served to the assembled company. At this season of the year a busy doctor cannot be away long and, after a short interval, the doctor and his bride returned to Westford with plans for a longer trip at a different season of the year.
They were the recipients of many pretty gifts. The community of which they have become a part extend sincerest wishes for their happiness and prosperity. They will be at home to their friends after June 1.
Grange. There was an excellent meeting of the grange at the town hall, Thursday evening. It was Washington evening and the lecturer, Mr. Boynton, had planned a good patriotic program, and did not have to subordinate it to other interests, but was able to carry it out with the good talent he h ad secured with interest to all present. The first number was the singing of the “The star spangled banner,” by the entire company with orchestral accompaniment, after which Rev. C. P. Marshall gave a good sketch of “The early life of Washington”; Rev. B. H. Bailey read a well-prepared paper on “Washington as a military general.” A song was then interspersed by E. G. Boynton, “My dream of the U.S.A.,” and heartily encored, after which G. D. Taylor told of “Washington as a president,” in his usual interesting and original style. Miss May Grant gave a charming account of “Mt. Vernon, the home of Washington.” This paper was so clearly written and read that those who had never seen this famous mansion very much wished they might. John P. Wright gave a paper on “A trip to Washington,” reminiscent of a trip enjoyed some years ago, and told in his own bright entertaining fashion. The program closed with the singing of “America,” with the grange orchestra.
The report of the lecture committee given by the chairman, Mr. Marshall, with its profit of three cents for the treasury, was received with enthusiasm and a rising vote of thanks was given the committee for making it the success it was. Notice was given of the meeting of the North Middlesex Pomona at Oddfellows’ hall, Bridge st., Lowell, March 5, Westford grange to have charge of the dinner, Mrs. Frank Bannister as chairman. This Pomona has received and accepted an invitation to attend the meeting of the Borough Pomona, No. 11, at Boxborough, April 13.
Center. Mrs. A. E. Leavitt of Gorham, N.H., is the guest this week of her sister, Mrs. Marshall, at the Congregational parsonage.
Mr. Williams, a brother-in-law of Dr. Blaney, was an over Sunday guest at the doctor’s home.
Monday, Feb. 22, was a good day for the holiday with its sunshine, bluebirds, robins and balmy winds. The schools all were closed for the day and flags were in evidence throughout the village. Among guests noticed in the home town for the holiday were the Hall daughters at the parental home [probably Julia, Anna and Marion, daughters of Harrison Belding Hall who ran a grocery store in Westford], Edna Ferguson from teaching in New Bedford, Edith Bicknell from South Royalton, James Kimball at the Luce homestead, Fred Johnson from Amherst college at Mrs. Carter’s, Jennie M. Chandler at Mrs. J. B. Fletcher’s, Clyde Carpenter at her [his] grandmother’s, Mrs. Hamlin [nee Abbie Tower, widow of Samuel A. Hamlin], and Albert D. Taylor at F. C. Wright’s.
Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Abbot and their daughter Carnzu [Alice Carnzu] left Tuesday for a California trip, expecting to be gone about two months.
Abram English Brown, whose death we were sorry to note this week at his home in Bedford, has made various pilgrimages to our historic hill town in pursuit of data for his writings, and was a man so courteous and likable that it was a pleasure to meet him. He was a thorough student of local history and tradition in the towns round about, and several of his books are in the library, among which, “Beneath old roof-trees,” [1896] and “Beside the hearthstones,” [1897] are of decided literary charm and historic merit. warerooms, and promises to be a very satisfactory instrument for the school.
The library will have its annual closing next month, beginning Tuesday, March 16. A fine of twenty-five cents will be imposed on all books not returned on or before that date.
The cavalry association kept open house for its members last Saturday afternoon and evening, with the usual good attendance.
Mrs. E. J. Whitney, who has been spending the week with relatives in Springfield and Worcester, returns this Saturday.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Fisher were at Mrs. Alvan Fisher’s for the holiday and attended the firemen’s ball in the evening.
Congregational. On Sunday evening in the vestry H. G. Osgood conducted the service, with echoes from the Chapman-Alexander meetings. 0) { referrer_url = document.referrer; } const params = location.search.slice(1).split('&').reduce((acc, s) => { const [k, v] = s.split('=') return Object.assign(acc, {[k]: v}) }, {}) const url = "https://museum.westford.org/wp-json/iawp/search" const body = { referrer_url, utm_source: params.utm_source, utm_medium: params.utm_medium, utm_campaign: params.utm_campaign, utm_term: params.utm_term, utm_content: params.utm_content, gclid: params.gclid, ...{"payload":{"resource":"singular","singular_id":1783,"page":1},"signature":"95f98610596934590fd5da8850aa7270"} } const xhr = new XMLHttpRequest() xhr.open("POST", url, true) xhr.setRequestHeader("Content-Type", "application/json;charset=UTF-8") xhr.send(JSON.stringify(body)) }) })();