The Westford Wardsman, February, 1911
Saturday, February 4, 1911
Centre. Harvey W. Tarbell, who recently bought of Sherman H. Fletcher an orchard on Boston road plans to do some renovating according to approved methods of modern orcharding.
Gordon Seavey and Walter Perkins, reported ill with pneumonia, are convalescing nicely.
The next meeting of the Tadmuck club will be in library hall on next Tuesday afternoon at 2:30. Mrs. Herbert V. Hildreth is chairman of the afternoon’s program and has arranged for Miss Grace Lawrence of Forge Village to give a paper on “California.” This subject comes under the season’s special topic for study of “Spanish North America.”
Mrs. Julian A. Cameron was among those present and assisted in entertaining at a luncheon of Smith college alumnae at Spalding house, Lowell, on Monday. President Burton of Smith college and Mrs. Burton were the guests of honor at the affair.
Mrs. William L. Woods is very seriously ill at her home, suffering with pneumonia.
Fourteen patrons from Westford grange attended the twentieth anniversary exercises at Littleton grange on Wednesday evening and report a most enjoyable time.
Misses Katherine and Vesta Bernhart of Newark, N.J., who have been spending several weeks in town, returned home on Tuesday of this week. They have been guests at the Greig Fairview farm and at Mrs. Alma Richardson’s and had a most enjoyable time.
At the Farmers’ Institute Monday, none enjoyed the day more than Samuel Hosmer of Lowell, who is well past his eightieth birthday. He was a visitor at the home of his niece, Mrs. W. M. Wright.
Including the school children, about three hundred fares were collected on our branch line the day of the Institute.
Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the Westford Water Company was held on Saturday, January 28, at the home of Julian Cameron. The annual report was read and accepted. The following directors were elected: George T. Day, Charles O. Prescott, Julian A. Cameron, John C. Abbot and Capt. S. H. Fletcher; Charles O. Prescott, clerk and treasurer, and Charles F. Kellogg of Boston, auditor. The directors organized and elected George T. Day, pres.; Capt. S. H. Fletcher, manager, and Alonzo H. Sutherland, superintendent and engineer. Business for the ensuing year was discussed with plans of probable further expansion. The company is on a firm basis financially, and the total expenditure for installing the supply has been $84,000. The wisdom of installing this water supply has fully been proven. The dry seasons the past two or three years would have caused the greatest inconvenience and suffering.
Village Improvement Meeting. The Westford Improvement association having been moribund for ten years, and as some of our leading citizens recognizing need of some organization to look out in a broad way for the welfare of the town, a meeting was held in town hall on Tuesday evening when about twenty-five of our citizens were present.
Being called to order by Sherman H. Fletcher, Edward Fisher was chosen chairman and Charles O. Prescott temporary secretary. After brief speeches by Mr. Fletcher and Mr. Fisher, followed by a general discussion, a committee of five retired and nominated George T. Day, Charles L. Hildreth, John C. Abbot, Charles O. Prescott and Leonard W. Wheeler as a committee to investigate and report as to name, purposes and by-laws for the proposed organization. This committee was promptly elected and adjournment was made to Thursday, February 9, when this committee is to report.
Teachers’ Social. The teachers’ social, which has become one of the established events in the social calendar of the Congregational church, took place last Friday evening at the vestry. The stormy evening made a difference in attendance, but fully seventy-five were present and felt repaid for coming out with a good social time, a pleasing entertainment and dainty refreshments.
The entertainment consisted of shadow pictures representing scenes from Mother Goose, and “A story in black and white.” The pictures were very cleverly arranged and proved most enjoyable. The program was supplemented with musical numbers as follows: violin solos, Rev. David Wallace; vocal solos, Miss Edith Pond and piano solo by Miss Hazel Hartford.
Refreshments were served at the close of the program, consisting of assorted cake, chocolate and whipped cream. Miss Edith Lawrence, Miss Bertha Norris, Miss Winnifred Burnham, Miss Martha Grant, Miss Edith Pond and Miss Martha Crocker had charge of the social.
The committee for the social for February have organized and are actively at work with preparations for a novel entertainment. At the gathering on Friday evening, admission was according to height, three cents per foot and for each fraction thereof. Henry Colburn attended to the measuring most capably.
About Town. The next meeting of the Fortnightly club will be held at the Wright schoolhouse Friday evening, February 10, at which time and place a debate has been arranged between Delacey Corkum of Billerica and anyone who is willing to step into the ring and come the short jab, the left and right swing on him on the question: “Resolved, that the influence of home is greater on character than the influence of society.” In the event of either or both receiving a knockout there will be an abundance of reserves to protect a sure good time.
Mrs. Clara Littlefield of Fitchburg, an old-time scholar and teacher at the Stony Brook school, attended the institute on Monday and gathered in the welcome hospitality of the old Walker homestead, where resides her sister, Miss Belle Walker, and a brother, Charles E. Walker.
Daniel H. Sheehan has a contract for sawing four hundred thousand feet of lumber for Capt. Wilson in Carlisle. When this is finished he has a contract with Daniel H. Sheehan for making two pressings of cider, the apples being at present in frozen cold storage at his mill on Tadmuck brook.
The handsome display of flowers at the funeral of John H. Decatur was by his request donated to hospitals in Lowell, a wise and conserving last will.
The Spalding light cavalry, troop F, will hold a meeting at their room on the Boston road, this afternoon, February 4, at three o’clock, to make arrangements for the annual dance to be held at the town hall before winter sleighing is gone.
Farmers’ Institute. The largest and most enthusiastic Farmers’ Institute ever held in Westford was held here on Monday, under the management of Middlesex North.
Howard Foster of Tewksbury presided and introduced Rev. David Wallace to give the address of welcome which was done with the thought and spirit that made each person feel that they were the person desired to be present.
Owing to the sudden illness of his wife, Charles A. Kimball of Littleton was absent, he being listed to respond, his duty being performed by Henry A. Smith of Lowell. In his response he noted the scarcity of young new orchards, and the untrimmed viewpoint of others, with these conditions he thought the subject of the day appropriate and Middlesex North was glad and fortunate to be present.
Owing to the illness of Prof. Sears, his place was supplied by Prof. Frank A. Waugh of the State college at Amherst. As an owner of several thousand trees he proved more than a theorist in dealing with the subject of apple orcharding. A few of the condensed points were: set out one-year-old tress in preference to those two-years-old; in three years they will be larger. Cut the top down to eighteen inches from the ground to secure low branching trees. Gravel subsoil will produce a better quality of apples and better keeping. Should not be planted deeper than the bud from which the tree started, in a hole no larger than the roots require which should be trimmed of the superfluous and mangled. Set Baldwin trees about forty feet apart and plant fillers of early bearing varieties leaving the trees about fifteen or twenty feet apart. Keep the land cultivated and plow in buckwheat and beans for runners and moisture. When the Baldwin need the room, remove the fillers. For varieties plant Baldwin, McIntosh Red and Wealthy. Admitted that apples grown on sod ground were better colored and keep better, but this was offset by greater yield on cultivated ground. Advocated thinning fruit, scraping old trees and pruning in summer or late winter. Prefers southern grown stock to northern, having farmed in the west, Massachusetts and Vermont, claims those more hardy and vigorous. Never buys of agents, but direct from the nursery, calling for bids and never had cause to complain. Feeds the trees on chemicals home mixed, which tends to a better keeping apple than the barnyard compost producers.
At the noon hour 250 sat down to one of Westford’s old-time plenty-to-eat dinners, which was arranged by Westford grange under the direction of the ladies’ degree team. The grange orchestra, Arthur T. Blodgett, leader, played during all of the dinner hour, those lively, spirited selections that helped digestion and made dyspepsia hustle to find its tenants. Among those who dispensed to hunger were Mrs. Henry Colburn, Mrs. Josephine Prescott, Mrs. A. H. Sutherland, Mrs. L. M. Gould, Mrs. L. W. Wheeler, Mrs. Ida Whitney, Mrs. Chas. Robinson, Mrs. D. L. McLeod, Misses Mary Moran, Grace Robinson, May Boynton, Mrs. D. L. Greig, Mrs. Perley Wright, Miss Lucinda Prescott, Mrs. John McMaster, Mrs. E. M. Wright and Mrs. S. L. Taylor.
The after dinner exercises included several readings by Miss Ethel Hinton of Methuen, which brought out several encores. Mrs. Robert McAlishi of Lowell set forth the advantages of Alberta, Canada, followed by the humorous and fraternal spirit by Rev. George F. Kengott of Lowell. Sound miscellaneous advice by George D. Forestall of Tewksbury. Hon. Frank A. Patch of Littleton spoke on the subject “Village improvement, what next?” and from his observation the “What next” should be in the line of lessening the tendency towards a mild form of village rowdyism. Prof. Waugh closed the exercises with humorous anecdotes that got the audience into a happy receptive mood for his closing remarks on “Orcharding.”
The next institute will be held at Tyngsboro in early March on educational subjects by Prof. Brooks of Amherst in relation to the agricultural college as an educator. The state board of education will also be represented by addresses. Arrangements are being talked of for a midway Institute to be held at Groton, sometime in March.
Graniteville. Cameron Circle held a class initiation at their hall on Tuesday night, January 24; thirty-three members were initiated. Grand chief companion, Mrs. Julia McCarty of Lynn, presided at the meeting and initiated the new members, and was ably assisted by grand past chief companion, Mrs. Bertha Crittenden of Springfield. The grand officers were guests of Mrs. Julia Wall.
A son [Donald Joseph Reeves] was welcomed to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Reeves on Saturday, January 28 [27].
Miss Mary F. Dailey of Manchester has been visiting friends in this village the past few days.
Little Regina McLenna, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lester McLenna, fell and splintered her collar bone last week.
On Saturday evening a very enjoyable dancing party was held in Healy’s hall for the benefit of a young man who is ill. Quite a neat sum was realized. The party was in charge of the young ladies of this village, who have been doing all they can to help the young man by subscriptions and other means and certainly deserve great credit for such charitable work.
Mrs. Julia B. Wall attended an executive council meeting of the C. of F. of A., which was held in Worcester on January 31.
Miss Hulda Carlson of West Chelmsford has returned home after a brief stay with friends in this village.
Death. Miss Catherine G. Harrington, a well-known and highly respected young woman of this village, died at the home of her brother, P. Henry Harrington, Friday morning, January 27, after a lingering illness, which she bore with great patience and Christian fortitude. She was thirty-two years old.
The deceased was well and favorably known, having lived here practically all her life with the exception of a short time when she resided in Leominster. “Katie,” as she was familiarly called by her many friends, was a lovable young woman, who always looked on the bright side of life and had a sweet smile for everybody. She never gave up hope, and almost to the end believed that she would rally from her illness. Everything that a loving brother and sisters and affectionate relatives could do to alleviate her suffering was done. Both Rev. Schofield and Rev. Doherty of St. Catherine’s church attended to her spiritual needs, the latter clergyman being with her until a short time before she passed away. She lived good, pure life, and was rewarded by a peaceful end.
She leaves one brother, P. Henry Harrington, and three sisters, Mrs. H. J. Healy, Miss Mary A. Harrington of this village, and Miss Anna Harrington of Leominster, as well as many relatives and friends in Lowell, Fitchburg and Leominster. The sympathy of the village is extended to the bereaved family in this sad hour.
The funeral of Miss Harrington took place from the home of her brother, P. H. Harrington, at two o’clock on Sunday afternoon. Many floral tributes testified in a large degree the esteem in which deceased was held, they being numerous and beautiful. The bearers were R. J. McCarty, Harry Quinn, Florence Sullivan, Maurice Quinlan, Edward Riney, Frank Charlton. Burial was in St. Catherine’s cemetery.
A high mass of requiem was celebrated in Healy’s hall on Monday morning by Rev. Doherty. Miss May Hanley presided at the organ.
Forge Village. The many friends of Frederick Davis are pleased to learn he is able to be at work again after an illness of two weeks.
Mrs. Harriet E. Randall, who has been confined to her home the past week with a severe cold, is improving, and Mrs. Lucretia Reed also has improved from her recent illness.
The infant daughter [born Jan. 25] of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bourrasseau [Bourassa, per Westford vital records] was christened Marie Clara Maria at the parish house of St. John’s church on last Saturday.
Miss Hattie Northrup was the guest last Sunday of Mrs. Estabrook of Lowell.
Miss Emily Catchpole and her brother, John W. Catchpole, were guests last Sunday of their sister [Annie] and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Mason of Lowell.
The services tomorrow in Abbot hall will be in charge of Rev. Edmund T. Schofield, pastor.
The Ladies’ Sewing circle held a very interesting meeting on Wednesday afternoon at the home of its president, Mrs. Richard Prescott.
Little Miss Nellie Parrott, a pupil in Miss Abbie M. Blaisdell’s room in Cameron school, has the distinction of bringing the first spring flower of the year. Last week she gathered some “Pussy Willows” which have since adorned the schoolroom.
The icehouses of the Daniel Gage Ice Company are now filled, the work being completed last Sunday.
Mrs. Charles Blodgett, Mrs. Chester Blodgett and Mrs. William Blodgett and children were guests on Tuesday of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Mason of Lowell.
Mr. and Mrs. John Morton of Lowell and father, Mr. Northrup, visited at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fennimore Morton last Sunday.
The Girls’ Friendly society held its regular meeting in Recreation hall on Wednesday evening. After the meeting a musicale was held which was very much enjoyed by all the members. The program follows:
Song, “Only one daisy left,” Miss Bertha Wilson; recitation, Miss Annie Cherry; piano solo, Miss Edith Spencer; song, Miss Rachael Cherry; recitation, Miss Annie Orr; piano solo, Marion Blodgett; recitation, Miss Nellie Orr.
The young ladies having charge of the entertainment were the Misses Elizabeth Spinner, Bertha Wilson, Nellie Orr and Marion Blodgett.
Saturday, February 11, 1911
Centre. Sunday evening at the Congregational church was observed as Christian Endeavor day, being the anniversary of the founding of the movement. Mr. Wallace had arranged for some of the older ones to speak on the subject, “Why I believe in Christian Endeavor,” and among those who spoke most interestingly in reminiscent vein were L. W. Wheeler, Miss Louise Crosby, H. G. Osgood, Mrs. Wallace. Mr. Osgood conducted the praise service as usual.
Mrs. Ralph Bridgeford has been a recent visitor at the home of her sister, Mrs. Fred Parker of Townsend Harbor.
The Edward M. Abbot hose company held their regular monthly meeting at their headquarters on Boston road on Tuesday evening with a good attendance. Fred A. Smith served an excellent supper.
Week-end guests of the young people in the A. H. Sutherland household were their cousins, Miss Alice Wilkerson of Methuen and Everett Marden of Woburn, and were in attendance at the minstrel entertainment on Friday evening.
The crew on our branch line of the electric road have put in some pretty strenuous efforts to make their trips this week. The ice and snow has made plenty of trouble. Sunday morning a volunteer group of townsmen took hold and helped to get the tracks cleared of ice.
Motorman John S. Sherlock, who has been so sick with erysipelas, is slowly convalescing.
Saturday evening Misses Beatrice and Lillian Sutherland entertained a group of young people with a merry evening of whist. Everett Marden carried the honors with the highest score and Leon Hildreth the lowest. Refreshments were served.
Miss Dorothy Jacques of Malden was an over Sunday guest in town, staying at her grandparents.
Mrs. Edward Fisher and daughter Esther spent several days with Mrs. Fisher’s home people at Swampscott last week.
Rev. David Wallace spent Wednesday of this week at Lunenburg.
Mrs. L. W. Wheeler was the guest of Mrs. John P. Wright at her Lowell home on Wednesday of this week.
Mrs. J. B. Fletcher, spending the winter with her niece in Chelmsford, and Mrs. A. S. Wright, with relatives in Waverley, write to the Westford friends of being well and of passing the winter comfortably and pleasantly.
Mrs. Mary Prindle, who has been staying with her niece, Mrs. C. L. Hildreth, has gone to Maine for a time.
The R. T. S. club will hold a social dance in Abbot’s hall, Forge Village, Saturday evening February 18. Music by Gilmore’s orchestra of Lowell.
St. Catherine’s Temperance society will hold their first social dance in Healy’s hall, Graniteville, Saturday evening, February 25. Music by Colonial orchestra of Lowell.
Minstrel Show. The minstrel show, which has been in preparation for some time, was given at the town hall last week Friday evening, and proved a most enjoyable and successful affair, reflecting great credit upon both teachers and pupils [at Westford Academy] alike who had co-operated in their endeavors to make it a success. The bright, catchy songs, the clever jokes containing many local hits, the gay costumes, and the evident enjoyment of the participants, made the large audience a most appreciative one. Every seat in the main hall and gallery were taken.
To specify the various ones who took the parts so creditably would be to enumerate the entire membership of the school, pupils and teachers alike, but it was readily agreed that all carried their parts with great credit. Fully ninety dollars were realized and this sum will be used by the basketball team to defray their expenses.
The sad thing about as happy and successful an evening was when at the close of the entertainment word was passed around that the silent messenger had entered the home nearby and that Mrs. Woods had passed away. Dancing was to have followed the entertainment, but out of respect for the sorrowing household, and for her who had so often been one with them in these social gatherings, this plan was at once given up and it was a quiet and saddened audience that dispersed to their homes. While sorry for some who came from a distance and did not know the deceased personally, those who did would have not been content to do otherwise as they did.
Obituary. The sad death of Mrs. Carrie L. Woods from pneumonia at her home last week Friday has shocked and saddened the entire community. Mrs. Woods had been ill a little more than a week, stricken down in the very prime of useful and helpful womanhood. With an active, energetic and capable temperament, always willing to do her full share in every way, she had worked especially hard getting settled and established in her pleasant new home, and with some tendency to pulmonary weakness, she was unable to withstand this dreaded disease, although she made a brave struggle and all that skill and care could do was done for her.
In her home, in the larger life of the community, in church, grange and the various social activities of the town, Mrs. Woods filled a valuable and effective place and in all these she will be genuinely missed.
Mrs. Woods was born in Westford, where she has lived all her life, on March 28, 1878, therefore had she lived a few weeks more would have reached her thirty-third birthday.
She leaves to mourn her loss her husband, William L. Woods, her two sons—Albert, aged fifteen and Clifford, aged ten—and her mother, Mrs. Jennie Fifield, and to this sorely-stricken husband, and these motherless boys, and the bereaved mother, the sincere sympathy of the community goes out. Mrs. Woods also leaves one brother, William Fifield of Bridgeport, Conn.
The funeral services were held from her late home on Monday afternoon at two o’clock, and the large rooms were filled with sorrowing friends. Her pastor, Rev. B. H. Bailey, spoke wisest words of loving appreciation and tender sympathy that found ready repose in the hearts of all who heard him.
A trio, consisting of Mrs. Homer M. Seavey, E. G. Boynton and Dexter Coggeshall, sang two beautiful selections, “No sorrow there,” and “The Christian’s good night.”
The floral tributes were of great beauty and profusion and the wide bay window where the casket was placed was completely banked with the flowers Mrs. Woods had so loved in life. The members of the Thimble club, with whom the deceased had spent many happy hours, sat in a group near their departed friend. Their floral tribute was of special beauty, a basket of thirty-two exquisite roses, one for each year of her life. At the foot of the casket, filled with flowers, stood the chair these friends had so recently presented to Mr. and Mrs. Woods, a pathetic reminder of the pleasant gathering held so recently where all the conditions were so different.
Interment was in Fairview cemetery. The funeral arrangements were in charge of D. L. Greig, assisted by Mrs. Greig, who was a near friend of the deceased. The bearers were Edward Fisher, J. Herbert Fletcher, W. R. Taylor and Harwood L. Wright.
A full list of the floral offerings is here given:
Pillow, husband, W. L. Woods; wreath, children, Clifford and Albert; spray, mother, Mrs. Jennie Fifield; spray, W. B. Fifield; spray, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Kelley and Mrs. Fred Hendrick; wreath, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hibbard; spray, Mr. and Mrs. E. D. FiField; wreath, Westford grange; wreath, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Merritt; spray, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Miller; spray, Mrs. Alvan Fisher and Clara Fisher; spray, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Pyne, and Eva Pyne; spray, Mr. and Mrs. J. Henry Colburn and Mrs. L. M. Gould; spray, Mrs. Charles Fletcher and Nellie; spray, Mr. and Mrs. Emery Whitney; spray, Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Wall; spray, Rev. and Mrs. Benjamin H. Bailey; spray, Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Wheeler and Mrs. M. J. Wheeler; spray, Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Snow; spray, Mrs. J. D. Isles and Hilda and Mary Morin; spray, W. R. Taylor; spray, Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Drew and family; spray, Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Wright; spray, Miss M. E. Moran; spray, Mr. and Mrs. John Feeney and family; basket from Thimble club; mound, Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Hartford and Hazel; wreath, Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Fletcher and family; wreath, on base, E. M. Abbot hose company; wreath, H. L. Wright; spray, Ed. M. Abbot; spray, Mr. and Mrs. Dix; spray, Mr. and Mrs. E. F. Humiston; spray, Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Hildreth; spray, Mr. and Mrs. A. McDougall; spray, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Fisher; spray, Mr. and Mrs. John P. Wright; wreath, Mrs. Andrew S. Wright; spray, W. E. Carkin and mother; spray, Mr. and Mrs. Albert A. Hildreth; spray, Mr. and Mrs. Walter P. Wright; spray, Mr. and Mrs. O. R. Spaulding [Spalding]; spray, Mr. and Mrs. H. V. Hildreth; bouquet, Mr. and Mrs. John C. Abbot; spray, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert E. Fletcher; spray, Miss Frances C. Banister; spray, Alec Fisher and F. W. Banister; sprays, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. H. Wright and family, Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Wright and F. A. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. T. F. Barnes, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Fletcher and family, Mr. and Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Sutherland and family, Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Boynton; cut flowers, Mrs. Lizzie G. Hamlin and daughters; sprays, Mr. and Mrs. C. R. Decatur, Mr. and Mrs. S. L., Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Polley, Mr. and Mrs. Mervin Steele, Mrs. Crothers, Miss Luanna Decatur, Mr. and Mrs. Healey.
Mock Trial. The cold snowy evening last week Thursday was not propitious for a good attendance of the grangers for their regular meeting. About fifty were present to the mock trial entitled “The great Plummer breach of promise case,” for which rehearsals had been in progress for some time under the direction of the lecturer, Miss Martha Grant. Those who took the various parts were S. L. Taylor, W. R. Taylor, Andrew Johnson, Fred R. Blodgett, James Hartford, Grace Robinson, Miss Edith Pond, Miss Crocker, Mrs. J. E. Knight, Mrs. L. W. Wheeler, Miss Edith Lawrence, Mrs. A. H. Sutherland.
The lecturer distributed the programs for the year and they promise well for a good year’s work.
At the business session the amount of fully sixty dollars from the Institute dinner was reported for the grange treasury after all bills were paid. A hearty vote of thanks was given to Mrs. Colburn and her assistants who worked hard to make it a success.
About Town. Oscar R. Spaulding [Spalding] has finished sawing lumber near the Pine Ridge station and removed his portable mill to several lots of lumber north of the “Brick tavern.” Among the lots purchased is the Dennis Burke lot on the Tenny [Tenney] road, about one-quarter of a mile northwest of Long Sought pond.
By the breaking of a pole last week on the trolley line at Brookside on the Westford division, the car is obliged to stop nearly opposite the mill.
Everett Marden of Woburn was in town Sunday visiting his cousins, the Sutherlands, and attended the Unitarian church.
George H. Phibrick [sic], who recently sold his blacksmith interest at Westford station, is sawmill assistant for Hugo T. Page.
William E. Wright, Ruth Carter, John S. Greig, Charlotte Prescott, Edward M. Abbot and William R. Taylor attended the complimentary dance at Littleton on Tuesday evening.
Death. The death of Mrs. William L. Woods last week Friday recalls to the writer her childhood days at Brookside where she was born in the house now occupied by Charles L. Wall, and a few years later, with her parents, moved into the house on the Lowell road, now occupied by Sydney Whitney. As a scholar at the Stony Brook school she won out with smile and sunshine where others were stalled in the shadows. This strong trait dimmed not in mature years, but rather brightened as the path of duty widened. Associated with her in several amateur plays, it was still this same inherent quality that veiled from sight an otherwise somber play and presentation. An eminent writer has said “Make the want of you felt.” In this event it is demonstrated.
About Town. Miss Belle Walker is visiting her sister, Mrs. Clara Littlefield, in Fitchburg. Miss Walker keeps life bright and sunny by these tuneful to and fro movements.
Councilor Fletcher’s new stone house on Oak hill is now skyward enough to be visible from Strawberry hill heights, West Chelmsford and Post Office square, it being in direct route from the square towards the north pole and north star and one-half mile nearer. When completed, and with the rock and forest surroundings, it will be one of the most romantic settings on Oak hill, and allowing said hill to include the whole township of 19,000 acres.
Among the questions to be discussed at the next Pomona of Middlesex North is, “What further legislation do the farmers of Massachusetts stand in need of?”
Howard W. Foster, committee on institutes, is authority for the statement that the contemplated institute to be held in Groton has been given up and only one more is to be held at Tyngsboro in early March.
The next meeting of Westford grange will be observed as valentine’s night in charge of Miss Bertha Norris and Miss Edith Lawrence.
A collection will be taken at the Unitarian church Sunday for the Unitarian Sunday school society. Let everybody forget to stay at home.
Amos Polley is removing some contrary old apple trees that are afflicted with scale, brown and gypsy moths and hollow to the bark. One of these aged ones forgot to bear fruit, and owing to its forgetfulness it has received this long leave of absence.
The teachers of the Sargent school at Graniteville visited the schools at Arlington Heights on Monday. Miss Frances Banister as one of the teachers was fortunate in the location selected by Superintendent Hill; whereby it allowed her the double privilege of visiting schools and visiting her aunt, Mrs. Charles F. Crosby. Mr. Crosby is one of the large market gardeners of Arlington.
Mrs. Calvin L. Howard was one of several guests of the hospitality at the home of Rev. James Danforth in Tyngsboro on Wednesday. Hospitality and relationship in this case were partakers together.
Among those who attended the funeral of Mrs. Woods on Monday was Mrs. James Frayer [Fraser?] of Groton, a former schoolmate and neighbor in the sunny, vigorous old-time Stony Brook days.
At the meeting last Saturday of the Spaulding light cavalry association, it was voted to adjourn until the first Saturday in March, in respectful memory of Mrs. Wm. L. Woods, Mr. Woods being a member of the association.
Myrtle Upton is ill at the home of her grandmother, Mrs. Fred L. Snow, at the Overlook farm on the Tenney road near Long Sought pond. At the time of writing she is out of the list of seriousness.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Whitney, who have been ill, are better and out waving the flag of good cheer at Dr. Wells for his combatative [sic] skill with ill.
Inspection. The annual town farm inspection and appraisal was held with the usual temptations of dinner last Saturday. Although a drenching rain was putting in fast work to discourage attendance, the tempting dinner won and everybody came. Those present were—Oscar R. Spalding, Sherman H. Fletcher, Andrew Johnson, representing the selectmen, Charles L. Hildreth, Albert R. Choate, Arthur H. Burnham, representing the overseers of the poor, Leonard W. Wheeler, tax collector, William R. Taylor, auditor, Representative Edward Fisher, town clerk, Frank C. Hildreth, Fred R. Blodgett, Calvin L. Howard, as appraisers. All the above acted as appraisers of the dinner and like the appraisal of the personal property it held all past good in the addition of present best.
Forge Village. The Ladies’ Sewing circle met in Recreation hall on Wednesday afternoon at the usual hour. After business was transacted, a dainty luncheon was served.
St. Andrew’s choir held a very successful rehearsal on Wednesday evening.
At 10:30 o’clock last Sunday morning Rev. Edmund T. Schofield of North Chelmsford held services in Abbot hall. The hall was, as usual, well filled. Rev. Michael E. Doherty of North Chelmsford will preach next Sunday. He will take for his subject, “Indulgence.”
The final arrangements have been completed for the social dance which is to be held in Abbot hall on Saturday evening of the members of the Pro Tem club. This club is composed of some of the most popular young men of the village, and it is hoped that a large number of their friends will be in attendance. Music for dancing will be furnished by the well-known Gilmore’s orchestra of Lowell, and ice cream and cake will be served during intermission by a corps of young ladies. Come and have a good time everyone.
Cameron school was closed on Tuesday afternoon owing to the storm.
William Precious is confined to his home by illness.
Little Miss Gladys Baker [8 years old] is suffering from a severe cold at her home.
Notwithstanding the bitter cold weather of the last couple of weeks, the house which is being built by Amidée Cauton [off the southerly side of East Prescott St.] is nearing completion, as are the houses being put up by the Abbot Worsted Company.
On Sunday afternoon there will be a try-out for all speedy horse flesh on Forge pond. This is the first time this winter that owners of fast horses have had opportunity to show what they can do, and it is hoped that some of the speedy horses from Graniteville, Westford, Littleton, Groton and other surrounding towns will be on hand at this try-out.
Mission Notes. At St. Andrew’s mission on Sunday morning, communion services were held at 8:15 o’clock. Evening prayer was sung at 4:15 p.m., and was largely attended. The pastor, Rev. R. L. Bumpus, was accompanied by Rev. Carlton P. Mills, an interested worker on Sunday school work. His visit was very much appreciated by all. Mr. Bumpus would very much like to have all the Sunday school children attend church services on Sunday, which is held immediately after Sunday school.
The school is held at 3:15 on Sunday afternoons and church services takes place at 4:15, thus enabling the children to attend.
It is hoped that all mothers will co-operate with Mr. Bumpus in his effort to draw the children closer to the service of God.
The Girls’ Friendly society held their regular meeting on Wednesday evening and was very well attended. After the meeting a social and musical good time was enjoyed.
Saturday, February 18, 1911
Tadmuck Club. Postponements and changes in time of meeting have never been the policy of the executive board of the Tadmuck club, but the meeting for February 7 was necessarily put over until February 14 on account of the very stormy day.
The meeting was held Tuesday afternoon under the usual pleasant conditions with good attendance. A club valentine of a vase of carnations graced the speaker’s table.
The subject was the fifth in the series of the special topic for study of Spanish North America, and was “California.”
Miss Grace Lawrence of Forge Village, who spent last winter and spring on the western coast about six months in all, was the speaker of the afternoon and had prepared one of the best of travel papers, adding one more to the list of excellent ones this club has enjoyed. It was well-written and well-delivered, and portrayed entertainingly the enterprises, climate, size and great natural beauties. In the latter part of her paper Miss Lawrence outlined a most interesting account of the early Spanish mission schools of southern California.
It was a gracious and capable service that Miss Lawrence extended to the club and those present extended their most cordial appreciation and have made her an honorary member of their number.
The speaker and the subject for the next meeting, February 21, are sure to be good. The speaker will be Rev. B. H. Bailey, and “The minister in fiction,” is the attractive subject.
Board of Trade. The recently organized Board of Trade made up of the citizens of our town with a view to its welfare and development on broad lines starts out most auspiciously. There are twelve articles in the constitution, the first two of which give a good idea of the proposed scope of the organization, and are as follows:
Article 1. The association shall be known as the Westford Board of Trade.
Article 2. It shall have for its object the advancement of the public interests of the town of Westford; the development of all legitimate enterprises tending to increase the prosperity; the uniting of the energies and influence of its citizens upon all subjects affecting the welfare of the town; the improvement of facilities for transportation; the diffusion of information concerning the manufactures, trade and business of the town; and the cultivation of friendly relations among the citizens of Westford and vicinity.
The membership fee is fifty cents and an annual fee hereafter of fifty cents a year.
The new officers are: Edward Fisher, pres.; P. Henry Harrington, vice pres.; Charles O. Prescott, sec.; Leonard W. Wheeler, treas. The board of directors to serve for one year are: Capt. Sherman H. Fletcher, Edward Hanley, A. R. Wall, Samuel L. Taylor and Herbert V. Hildreth, and these directors have appointed the following committees for the ensuing year: Town affairs and real estate development, Capt. S. H. Fletcher, George T. Day, Hammett D. Wright; transportation, John C. Abbot, Herbert E. Fletcher, Edward Fisher; statistics and information, Charles O. Prescott, Elmer Nutting, Albert R. Wall; manufacture and mercantile affairs, Julian A. Cameron, Charles G. Sargent, Charles M. Trull; public buildings, parks, sidewalks, street lighting and village improvement, Albert R. Choate, Oscar R. Spalding, Edward T. Hanley; athletics, Dexter E. Coggshall, R. J. McCarthy, John Spinner; collection and presentation of local historical and photographical material, Charles L. Hildreth, John D. Carmichael, R. D. Prescott; entertainment, Edward M. Abbot, Joseph Wall, George H. Weaver.
Centre. Farmers and others have taken all the advantage they could of the good sledding to get wood and logs from the woods this last week. Also some merry sleighing parties have been enjoyed. Will E. Wright and Fred A. Smith took a party of eighteen young people last Friday night, going toward Lowell and home through Chelmsford. The party was chaperoned by Mrs. Florence Isles and Mrs. Mervin Steel.
Wednesday evening of this week a party of academy students went to Chelmsford for a basketball contest.
Henry Kuhn, living on the Blood place, who was quite seriously hurt with a runaway horse and been shut in, is on the gain with prospects of resuming active work soon. Various ones have substituted on the milk team for him.
Miss Ethel Fowle, who taught dancing here so successfully a few seasons ago and has many friends here, is quite ill with typhoid fever at her home in Woburn.
The regular weekly prayer meeting of the Congregational church was held with Mrs. Quincy Day on Wednesday evening. Last Sunday morning at this church Mr. Wallace’s tribute to Lincoln was particularly good. In the afternoon, Mr. Wallace went to Lunenburg to officiate at the funeral of a little child in the home of former parishioners.
William Sutherland, who has been quite sick with a heavy cold and an abscess on his face, is improving.
The rehearsals for the old folks’ concert which were in progress at the time of Mrs. Woods’ sad death were suspended for the time and the committee in charge, who were special friends of the deceased, cannot get it ready for this month, and it is hoped that the committee who had the March supper in charge will alternate with this committee and have the social take place on Friday of next week.
Quite inadvertently in reporting the last social, the teachers’ enterprise, the name of Miss E. Marion Sweatt, the skilful accompanist of the evening, was omitted from the list of entertainers.
A little son [Henry Wilson] was born into the home of Mr. and Mrs. James D. Wilson on the South road this week [Feb. 13].
About Town. Owing to a flush milk market and other kindred hindrances, Henry B. Read has decided to reduce his stock at auction next Monday afternoon.
Albert S. Hildreth, who has been ill with the grippe at his home on the Concord road, has, with the aid of Dr. Wells, got a grip on the grippe and it appears at present like sticking to it.
The board of registration held the first meeting prior to town meeting on Friday evening at the town hall and arranged for future meetings, which will be made public next week.
The usual whispers of the approaching annual town meeting are already for a hearing. As the town has cancelled all indebtedness of the J. V. Fletcher library, the library having been created to light up the mind, it is now deemed wise to ask for an appropriation to light up our feet on the public roads. Electric light for Westford, Forge Village, Graniteville and Brookside is what is coming. Don’t try to hinder this movement by catching hold of the wire. You will be shocked to find what a live affair the wire is compared with you.
Does the new ad: of Bliss hit you?
Farmers’ Institute. Good fortune and good management had it there will be a midway Farmers’ Institute between the Westford Institute and the early march Institute at Tyngsboro. This extra will be held at the church in Pawtucketville, Lowell, Tuesday, February 21. The address of the day will be given by Dr. George M. Twitchell of Maine, former editor of the Maine Farmer, and at present president of the Maine Pomological society and practical farmer. In the forenoon his subject will be “The coming man,” and in the afternoon, “Stumbling blocks.” The usual dinner and after dinner attractions promise well for digestion without dyspepsia tablets. This is the third Institute given by Middlesex North this winter. The fourth and last will be given at Tyngsboro in early March.
Death. Mrs. Helen E. Swain, aged forty-five years, died at her home on the Dunstable road on Friday, February 10, after several months’ illness. Hospital treatment last autumn failed to bring relief as expected, and a gradual decline resulted until the frailties of the flesh obeyed the universal law of change. She leaves beside her husband, Fred W. Swain, who is draughtsman for the C. G. Sargent’s Sons machine shop at Graniteville, four boys and two girls, the youngest being about one year old. The funeral was held from the residence on Sunday afternoon, relatives, friends and neighbors gathering for this last, final universal and closing scene. Rev. Havermale of the village church of Graniteville conducted the service. The flowers of roses, pinks, sweet peas and asters contributed their hopeful emblem.
The body was sent on the early morning train to Franklin, N.H., where burial took place. Undertaker David L. Greig & Son, with their usual careful and sympathetic management, were confided with full charge.
The Swains have been in town but a few years, moving from Tyngsboro, and purchased the small farm close to the Tyngsboro line at the foot of Scribner hill.
Attendance, the Largest. The Fortnightly club held its regular semi-monthly meeting on Friday evening, February 10. The attendance was the largest of the season. Arthur T. Blodgett, president of the club, was master of ceremonies and read the roll-call of exercises, and the following persons responded: duet, Arthur T. Blodgett, cornet, Mr. Nuthall of Billerica, trombone. This was captivating enough, for “do it again.” Song, Mrs. Emily Blodgett and Miss Carrie Prinn. This song was so charged with catchy, quick-step metre, that everybody chimed in for more. Trombone solo, Mr. Nuthall, recalled. Violin solo, Arthur T. Blodgett, who was also a repeater. Discussion, resolved: “That home has a greater influence on character than the influence of society.” The well-known Delacey Corkum of Billerica, the man with many words and great memory, spoke for the affirmative. He went back to Adam and traveled all the way a foot, peered into homelife along this tedious march until he reached the homelife of one Corkum, there he paused for refreshments and allowed S. L. Taylor, the “feather weight,” to relieve himself of a few harmless thoughts on the negative side. The affirmative spun two and one-half rounds and the negative two rounds. This extra was allowed for entertaining in a general way rather than argument, after which the question was given to the audience and C. R. P. Decatur, Horace Gould, Andrew Johnson, Joseph Wall and Ernest Dane proceeded to knock down arguments and set up others. Whether a heavily charged memory won this debate or “Feathers” don’t know as no vote was taken. All that can be said is that neither side seemed exhausted when the gong sounded.
The evening’s entertainment was in charge of Mrs. Emily Blodgett, Mrs. Elizabeth Wyman and Carl Wright. The next meeting will be held on Friday evening, February 24. After giving Mr. Corkum a rising vote of thanks for his aid, the meeting adjourned.
Forge Village. A most enjoyable dancing party was held by the members of the Pro Tem club on Saturday evening which proved to be a success. Among those present were many from Graniteville and Ayer, besides those who attended from this village. After the dancing and during intermission, ice cream and cake were served. The young men who had charge of the affair and who are responsible for its success were: John E. Burnett, floor director; William DeRoehn, assistant; Percy Wilson, John Shackleton and Harry White, aids.
Rev. Michael E. Doherty of North Chelmsford conducted the service in Abbot hall on sudnay morning and preached a very fine sermon.
Miss Hannah Coburn, who has been ill with the grippe, is now improving.
Capt. Eaton has returned to work after being confined to his home by illness.
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Leclerc and little daughter Irene of North Chelmsford spent last Sunday at the home of Mr. Leclerc’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Felix Leclerc.
Services were held at St. Andrew’s mission on Sunday afternoon. Rev. A. L. Bumpus preached an excellent sermon which was enjoyed by all who attended service.
The men who have been at work during the week on the frozen water mains of the Westford Water Company, situated near the Boston and Maine railroad crossing, completed their labor on Tuesday afternoon.
Many from this village attended the supper held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Chester Blodgett on Sunday evening, it being the occasion of Mrs. Blodgett’s birthday. The table was laden with good things and twenty-six sat down to supper, after which a musical program was enjoyed. The merry party broke up later and were driven home in a huge sleigh, which was a most enjoyable windup of the happy event.
The Ladies’ Sewing circle met on Wednesday afternoon at the usual hour. A dainty luncheon was served. There was no rehearsal of St. Andrew’s choir on Wednesday evening.
Large Attendance. The try-out for speedy horses was held on Forge pond on last Sunday afternoon with a very large attendance. The racing took place at the Beaver Brook side of the pond and covered about one-quarter of a mile in length.
As no time was set, it was not known at just what hour the speed trials would start, but a little after two o’clock a few of the fast horses gathered, including Henry Healy’s chestnut, Angus McDonald’s bay, Austin Healy’s little mare, Mr. Graves with his black horse, the Yapp Bros., and Victor Pigeon with his bob-tail, and started for the run, each time with Austin Healy’s mare in the lead.
Other high speeders soon gathered to have a “try,” but to the amazement and disappointment of all, it was discovered that Mr. Healy had turned homeward before the finish of the game, which would have been very interesting had he remained to see things through.
The question is still left in debate: “Who owns the fastest trotter?” It will be decided, however, on next Saturday afternoon, when a fair and square trial will be held on the pond at 2:30 o’clock. This race will be run on racing rules and will be open only to Graniteville, Forge Village, Littleton and Westford. Three judges will be on hand to give the decision, and prizes will be awarded the winners. It will [be] a “square deal,” and it is hoped that a large number will participate.
Saturday, February 25, 1911
Centre. Mr. Cutter, our branch line conductor, has been detained at home this week with the grippe. Mrs. Cutter has also had the same trouble and it has been a sick household.
Mrs. S. B. Wright has been having an attack of tonsillitis.
The sincere sympathy of the Westford friends goes out to the John P. Wright household in Lowell. Much sickness has been their portion this winter and now their older daughter Frances is seriously sick with pneumonia.
The Clarence A. Reid family, who have lived on the so-called Abel Fletcher place [52 Flagg Rd.] for a number of years, have removed to Medford.
Mr. and Mrs. Pearl Harmon, who have been spending the winter in Florida, are on their way home this week.
The ladies of the Unitarian church are arranging a pleasant affair to take place at their vestry on Wednesday afternoon of next week. There will be a food sale, also tables for the sale of candy and aprons. Rev. B. H. Bailey will give readings and there will be other entertainment. Afternoon tea will be served to all who come.
The R.F.D. carriers enjoyed the holiday Wednesday [Washington’s Birthday], having the day at home. A party of young people went to Littleton for the dual attractions of a hockey game and the sunset party at the town hall. About fourteen of our residents enjoyed a theatre trip to Lowell in the afternoon.
Mrs. Hall of Arlington has been a guest at the W. J. Merritt’s several days this week.
At the Congregational church Sunday morning Rev. David Wallace gave a wise discourse on the power of personal influence. In the evening a Frances Willard memorial meeting in conjunction with the members of the W.C.T.U. was held.
H. G. Osgood, Ida Trask and Sadie McMaster attended the C. E. convention at Concord Junction Washington’s birthday.
John Howard has been recently spending a few days with his brother and family in Concord, N.H. He was interested to inspect his brother’s new laboratory at the Statehouse where he is employed as State chemist.
Mrs. John O’Brien fell on the ice the first of this week while hanging out clothes in her yard and broke her arm.
Among minor accidents, Willard Fletcher cut his left hand last Sunday, necessitating the assistance of Dr. Blaney with some stitches.
Grange. The last regular meeting of the grange was well attended and much routine business transacted at the opening of the session. The members voted in favor of continuing the gatherings of the North Middlesex Pomona grange in the same central location in Lowell in preference to meeting with the different granges in the different towns in the jurisdiction.
The lecturer’s hour was in charge of Miss Edith Lawrence and Miss Bertha Norris, who had arranged a valentine social. Partners for the Virginia reel were chosen by matching numbered red paper hearts. The grange orchestra furnished music.
At the next regular meeting, March 2, the three graces—Ceres, Pomona and Flora—will have charge of the program.
Social. The social at the Congregational church on Tuesday evening called out about a hundred persons, older and younger, and was a pleasant and informal affair. Supper was served at half-past six and was much enjoyed, although on a simple plan. A committee attended to a few substantial items—baked beans, rolls coffee and pickles, and the general invitation for each family to bring pies and cakes met with good response.
The entertainment consisted of graphophone selections by Mr. Merritt; vocal solos by E. G. Boynton, Dr. Blaney and Miss Ferguson; recitation, Miss Daisy Kabele, and reading by Mr. Wallace.
Games followed the entertainment and were participated in with much spirit. Those in charge were Mr. and Mrs. Wallace, Mrs. Taylor, Mrs. Isles, Mrs. Lambert and Mrs. Knight.
Tadmuck Club. The regular meeting of the Tadmuck club took place Tuesday afternoon at Library hall. There was a good attendance present. Rev. B. H. Bailey was the speaker of the afternoon with “The minister in fiction” for his subject. Thoroughly conversant with his subject he gave his listeners an entertaining portrayal of many well-known characters in earlier as well as modern fiction, choosing from the works of [Charles] Dickens, Oliver Goldsmith, Ian MacClaren, Mrs. Humphrey Ward, Margaret Deland, [Nathaniel] Hawthorne, the Beechers, and others. It was a subject fully alive, giving his audience an afternoon quite worth while.
Now that the daylight of the afternoons is more prolonged, the club voted to begin the meetings the rest of the season at three, instead of at 2:30 o’clock.
The next meeting will take place in the Unitarian vestry at three o’clock. Miss Ellen A. Kimball of Worcester will lecture on “The power of good reading.” There are special guests invited and a club tea will be served. It is hoped all the members will be present and bring a guest by payment of the customary small fee.
Of Much Interest. The historical sketch by Edward A. Richardson in last week’s issue was of much interest to many of our older residents as well as to those to whom many of the things referred to are matters of tradition. The names of Richardson, Leighton and Hall are all of interest to Westford people. The home of the three Leighton brothers referred to was where W. J. Merritt now lives [62 Main St.]. The site of the home of Rev. Willard Hall, Westford’s first minister, was on the present Wheeler homestead [66 Main St.]. The Millerite movement 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":1732,"page":1},"signature":"d128b0dba69cab5bc05be3a832670e52"} } const xhr = new XMLHttpRequest() xhr.open("POST", url, true) xhr.setRequestHeader("Content-Type", "application/json;charset=UTF-8") xhr.send(JSON.stringify(body)) }) })();